Courtesy of On the BlueThe fifth annual edition of Yes' Cruise to the Edge gets underway on February 3, and the seagoing prog-rock festival will also serve as the launch of the band's 50th anniversary celebration.

"We're really looking forward to it," keyboardist Geoff Downes says of the five-day cruise. "And we've got a particularly great lineup, I think, this time...with Steve Hackett, Marillion and a whole host of other people."

Among those "other people" is founding Yes keyboardist Tony Kaye, who will be rejoining the band not only for the cruise but for a 50th anniversary world tour that will follow.

"He's gonna be part of the whole celebrations," Downes notes. "And I think...it's a great addition, because he was a fundamental member. He was a great influence on me as well. And also, he was a big part of the '80s Yes, so having him on board is gonna be a really exciting experience for everybody."

As for how Yes will approach performing with two keyboardists, Downes says, "Obviously, I think Tony's gonna be more focused on the periods that he was involved with the band and, of course, I've got my own area that I played for the band and also right across the board. So, it's gonna be an interesting way of presenting it."

The 2018 Cruise to the Edge sets sail from Tampa, Florida, and will visit Belize and Costa Maya, Mexico, before returning to port on February 8. Other performers include Carl Palmer's ELP Legacy, Jethro Tull guitarist Martin Barre, Saga, Gong, Focus and the new prog-rock supergroup Sons of Apollo.

Meanwhile, Downes tells ABC Radio that Yes likely will mount a North American leg of the 50th anniversary tour in June, July and August.

Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
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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 []
An ambitious initiative by local MP Patrick Wainaina will see Primary School pupils in Thika Town served with boiled eggs.

The programme, dubbed EggMonday, will see each pupil enjoy a boiled egg every Monday morning beginning next week. According to the Thika Town MP, the programme is aimed at improving the general health of pupils and class attendance in schools.

The first time legislator added that the programme would be used as a source of income by parents as they would be encouraged to keep poultry in order to supply eggs to schools.

The MP said parents would benefit two-fold by getting an opportunity to sell eggs to schools and getting employed to cook for the pupils.

It is my appeal to parents to start rearing chickens and become suppliers of eggs, said Wainaina.

Wainaina said a programme to help improve the falling education standards in Thika constituency would be launched soon.

The MP, who is popularly known as Wainaina wa Jungle, surprised many when he defeated Alice Nganga of Jubilee in last years General Election.

Wainaina resigned from Jubilee on April 25 after the party nominations that declared Ms Nganga the winner. He disputed the outcome, terming it biased and unfair.

He went on to beat all odds to win the seat as an independent candidate in the Jubilee zone.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka ought to be grateful to President Uhuru Kenyatta, Turkana South Member of Parliament James Lomenen has opined.

The legislator hit out at the former Vice President for failure to acknowledge the support offered to his son by Jubilee MPs during East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA) elections.

MP Lomenen was responding after Kalonzo announced NASAs swearing-in ceremony upon his arrival from Germany.

Jubilee MPs supported both Kennedy Kalonzo and Oburu Odinga to secure their positions at EALA, and I am shocked when Kalonzo returned to the country and instead of holding a press conference to thank President Uhuru Kenyatta, he went ahead announcing swearing-in plans, lamented Lomenen.

He further advised the NASA coprincipal to withdraw from the swearing-in plot on account of the goodwill shown by the ruling party.

A day after he returned from Germany with his ailing wife, Kalonzo declared that he would be sworn in alongside Raila Odinga if President Kenyatta does not engage the Opposition in talks.

I am telling my brother Uhuru Kenyatta if he abdicates the responsibility of uniting this nation, he should not blame Raila and Kalonzo when we say there will be a swearing-in ceremony, Kalonzo stated.

Mr Lomenen also took a swipe at Nasa leader Raila Odinga accusing the former Prime Minister of manipulating Kenyans with lies.

Kenya is not on lease. It is Kalonzo and Raila who are on lease seeking for power by force. Kenyans are ready to move now that politics is over,the MP argued.

The Opposition coalition has since announced plans to set up a parallel government beginning with the naming of a cabinet by Odinga.

Within the first week of the New Year, we will unveil a program for civil disobedience, peaceful protests, non-cooperation with and resistance to an illegitimate regime in addition to Peoples Assemblies, Odinga stated in his New Years message to Kenyans.
If there is someone who enjoyed his holiday and continues to, it has to be media personality Jeff Koinange. The celebrated television talk show host has been having a dream holiday with his family down at the Coast.

The Citizen TV presenter, his lovely wife Sheila Koinange, and their handsome son Jamal Mbiyu Koinange ushered in the new year in Malindi.

Perhaps to make the trip down south more memorable, the Hot96 radio presenter drove over 500 kilometers in his swanky Mercedes Benz G-Wagon.

Jeff also got to take his beast on a drive at the serene Che Shale beach located on the North Kenya coast. Sharing memorable pictures of the trip, Jeff wrote: No GREATER feeling than spending QUALITY time with FAMILY!!.. Taking on the beach in the BEAST!!

Yesterday, as more Kenyans returned to their workstations, Jeff and his family were in Watamu enjoying a private dhow ride.

An ecstatic Jeff wrote on Instagram: What a Day!! PRIVATE Dhow ride around WATAMU courtesy of Rock&AndSea Resort My Goodness!! From the WONDERFUL staff to the AMAZING Views to the INCREDIBLE Experience!!! Somebody say Oh MY! Better yet..#TembeaKenya #MagicalKenya.

Scroll through the snaps below.
Jesus Christian Centre (JCC) pastor Reverend Kathy Kiuna has prophesied a year of open heaven as Kenyans continue to express optimism for the new year.

The Reverend and her husband, Bishop Allan Kiuna, ushered the New Year in a CrossOver Service at JCC Parklands on New Years Eve.

Kathy Kiuna delivered a powerful sermon to her loyal congregants about 2018 being the year of open heavens. In her sermon, Kiuna, who received backlash a few weeks ago for promising cars- that congregants never got- before the end of December, prophesied blessings for her congregants before the end of March.

She added that the remaining nine months would be months of thanksgiving.

This is our year of OPEN HEAVEN. May you be a partaker of every promise of God in Jesus Name. May you recover all that the enemy has stolen from you. With God on your side, you will not fail, said Kathy.

May everything heaven has for you be released in Jesus Name.



Kathy also spared some words of encouragement for her Instagram followers wishing them an amazing 2018.

 I want to encourage you to really work on yourself from inside out. The worst place to get your validation from is outside of you. The same people that lift you today are the very people that can crucify you tomorrow.

You need to know who you are so much so that whoever says whatever they want does not affect what you already know. If you get your validation from God, nothing will move you, wrote Kathy.

You dont do things coz they are being done, you dont go to places coz people are going. You do you, and you will be the happiest person alive.
Mary Ann Barrington (Branson) passed away on November 11th, 2017 in her second hometown of Napa, California at the age of 83.

Mary Ann was born in her first hometown of Fort Jones, California on December 4th, 1933 to Frank and Margaret Branson. She spent her childhood riding horses and exploring the outdoors of ranch country in Scott Valley. As a young adult she received her Bachelors degree in fine arts from San Jose State University and returned to Fort Jones as a schoolteacher.

On her return to Fort Jones, Mary Ann met and married John Curtis Barrington and had three children Noreen Ann, Jana Kay, and Steven John. Through the course of life Mary Ann was first and foremost a mother to her three kids, insuring that the adventures provided by the wide open spaces in which she lived were many, broad and fulfilling. She found her professional calling in retail, managing retail stores in Concord and Napa, and culminating in the establishment of her own womans apparel retail store in Napas downtown shopping district.

Mary Ann had many passions in life but a top on that list was music. As a member of the Sweet Adelines she traveled the country competing with the four-part harmony chorus out of Petaluma California. She was an accomplished pianist and could rip out a lively tune on the ukulele. Mary Ann was also an accomplished artist and seamstress, and a long-standing member of AAUW. She spent time serving her community as part of Community Projects in Napa and as a 4-H leader in Siskiyou County, teaching sewing.

Mary Ann is survived by her children; Noreen Barrington of Pleasant Hill CA, Jana Collins of Pittsburg CA and Steve Barrington of San Diego CA: her four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Barrington.

There will be a celebration of life for Mary Ann on January 6th, 2018 at the La Siesta Village clubhouse on Hacienda Drive in Napa California. Mary Ann will be buried, alongside her husband, in a private ceremony in Fort Jones, California.

Mary Ann is deeply loved by her family and friends and we all appreciate the time we got to spend with her.
CALISTOGA  In a split vote Tuesday night, the Calistoga City Council moved to close the public hearing on potential water and sewer rate increases, while vowing further meetings before making a decision.

The Community Center was packed, with residents standing along the side and back walls and spilling out into the darkness outside.

The proposed utility rate increases were proposed through a water and wastewater rate study prepared by Bartle Wells Associations, an independent consultant. Customers were notified in November of the proposed rates, which would occur over a five-year period.

Proposed water rates would increase in fiscal years 2018 through 2022 starting with 15 percent in the first year, then 14 percent, and 10 percent in each of the remaining years of the plan. Proposed wastewater increases follow the same time period starting with a 15 percent increase, followed by 13 percent, 10 percent in fiscal years 2020 and 2021, and end with a 3 percent increase in the last year.

Some speakers said they understood the reason and logic for the rate increases, thanking the council and city staff for tackling the touchy matter of rate hikes. Others pointed fingers and told the council to find the money from somewhere else, and a couple of outbursts highlighted the delicacy of touching another persons wallet.

Some at the meeting said the proposed rate increases were the sins of previous councils who kicked the can down the road and did little to nothing to upgrade or maintain underground matters, such as the aging infrastructure that todays council is forced to tackle.

Noting that the citys utility funds have reached a precarious financial situation, City Manager Dylan Feik said the city is working on more ways to help low-income individuals and families make their payments. One program already in place follows PG&Es California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program of giving qualified customers a 20 percent discount. He said the council will be considering other methods, such as rebates, to help people make their payments.

Vice Mayor Michael Dunsford blamed earlier councils for the citys current situation. The issue of previous councils going back 20 or 30 years was the fact they did not pass rate increases at the time. Its not because we built a swimming pool that we are having this problem. The problem is that previous councils were pressured by the community to not increase rates and that is what created the lack of income to make the necessary infrastructure upgrades over time. So, we are paying that price now, he said.

Increases over the years have squeezed at least 20 percent of our seniors who live only on Social Security to the point where they have no extra money to give, said Larry Kromann, president of Calistoga Affordable Housing and a mobile home park resident himself.

The rate increases will help the city seek lower-cost refinancing of its debt service, Feik said, which in turn will save the community money and help with improving infrastructure. The city has long relied on the General Fund to subsidize the Enterprise Fund, which is not a sound practice to follow, he said.

Calistoga could have been blocked from bumping the rates if a majority  50 percent plus one vote  of parcel or property owners with a qualified meter submitted a formal written protest against the rate hikes. There are about 1,600 utility accounts, which amount to votes, and the city would have needed to receive about 800 formal protest letters to prevent the increases.

City Clerk Kathy Flamson collected 508 protest letters, some during Tuesdays council meeting. Before the meeting started at 6 p.m. she said she had been able to vet about 250 as being valid.

The city will hold a community forum on the subject on Wednesday, Jan. 10, in the Community Center starting at 6 p.m., and the rates will be discussed at the councils next meeting on Jan. 16, also at 6 p.m. and in the Community Center.
The Capitol awakens from its autumnal hibernation this week with a much-changed institutional ambience.

An ever-expanding sexual harassment scandal has already claimed the careers of two legislators, and others are at risk.

The scandal-caused resignations of Assemblymen Raul Bocanegra and Matt Dababneh, plus the health-related departure of Sebastian Ridley-Thomas, mean the Assemblys Democrats will return to Sacramento without a two-thirds supermajority.

Were Sens. Tony Mendoza and/or Bob Hertzberg, who also face harassment allegations, to be forced out as well, the Democratic supermajority in the Senate also would vanish.

All vacant seats could be filled before the 2017-18 biennial session ends eight months hence, and all are safely Democratic. However, the special elections to fill them will be new opportunities for dueling between the partys uber-liberal and moderate wings, and the outcomes will affect the Capitols ideological tenor and thus whether renewed supermajorities can be wielded for anything significant.

Moreover, we dont know who else might be affected as women press legislative leaders for independent investigations of accusations and more transparency in their outcomes.

If nothing else, the scandal and the initial lack of supermajorities will dampen what many Democrats had hoped to be a year of major legislation, including, perhaps, big changes in the state tax system to counter the new federal tax overhaul.

Moreover, it is an election year, which colors everything that happens, or doesnt happen, in the Capitol.

The harassment scandal itself is most likely to affect one big contest: a drive by outgoing president pro tem of the state Senate, Kevin de Leon, to unseat veteran U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein.

De Leon, it could be fairly said, reacted slowly to the scandal after it erupted in October with a letter signed by dozens of womenlobbyists and legislative staffers, mostlydemanding an end to a pervasive culture of boorish, sexist behavior.

The fact that Mendoza had been de Leons weekday roommate added another element to the fallout, and Feinsteins camp is ready to exploit it.

The other big race on the 2018 agenda is for the governorship, since Jerry Brown must give it up after a record four terms. And the most important factor in choosing his successor may be state Treasurer John Chiang, who is running a weak third in the polls to Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

If Chiang continues to falter, the states top-two primary system will likely give us a two-Democrat contest in November between Newsom and Villaraigosa. Were he to climb into contention, however, it would fragment the Democratic vote and could allow one of the two Republican candidates, businessman John Cox and Assemblyman Travis Allen, to back into the runoff.

The other major election-year question is whether Democrats can parlay the states antipathy toward President Donald Trump and a Republican Congress into capturing GOP-held congressional seats.

Voters in seven of Californias 14 Republican-held congressional districts rejected Trump in 2016 and Democratic leaders such as House minority leader Nancy Pelosi have targeted several, needing some wins in California to have a chance of recapturing control of the House.

Finally, as noted above, this will be Browns last year as governor and, therefore, his last opportunity to exorcise the Governor Moonbeam label pinned on him during his first governorship four decades ago and secure a place in history at least semi-comparable to that of his father, Pat Brown.

Will Brown just coast out, believing hes done enough, or will he risk political capital on a high-concept goal, such as reforming the states volatile tax system or its unsustainable pension structure?

We may get a hint in a few weeks when he delivers his final State of the State address.
BERKELEY -- A 26-year-old man was arrested following a stabbing reported late on New Year's Day in Berkeley's People's Park, according to University of California at Berkeley police.

The stabbing was reported at 11:03 p.m. Monday at the university-owned park at 2556 Haste St.

The victim and suspect, who are both unaffiliated with UC Berkeley, had gotten into an altercation at the park and began punching each other, campus police said.

The suspect then pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim in the head at least twice. The victim was taken to a hospital with injuries that are considered not life-threatening, police said.

A man matching the description of the suspect was later detained by Berkeley city police near Parker Street and Telegraph Avenue and arrested.

He has been identified as Sterling Steinmetz, according to police.

Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to call UC police at (510) 642-0472 during business hours or (510) 642-6760 after-hours.
"You need to stop going to those websites." That was a friend's response when I offered a comment about the very strong likelihood that special counsel Robert Mueller and his team will find there was coordination between Donald Trump's presidential campaign and Russian oligarchs with close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

This exchange brought home the realization that many Americans still regard the "Russian connection" as the stuff of left-wing conspiracy theorists, not the obvious conclusion from a thorough reading of months of documented revelations carried in mainstream media, and even in some business and conservative sources.

The cast of characters with whom Trump surrounded himself in recent years, who then migrated into various roles in his campaign, can be most generously described as "colorful." They also share another characteristic: close ties to Russians, involving huge amounts of money.

The recently-indicted Paul Manafort chaired the Trump campaign from May to August 2016, but he hasn't confined his campaign management to American elections. For example, he engineered the successful multi-year makeover of a previously defeated Ukrainian politician named Viktor Yanukovych. Under Manafort's tutelage, Yanukovych won election as Ukraine's president in 2010. Then, in 2014, as he tried to move Ukraine away from closer ties with Europe and increase its dependence on Russia, the people took to the streets of Kiev and Yanukovych fled _ to Russia and the protection of Putin.

Manafort resigned from the Trump campaign on Aug. 19 after The New York Times carried a story about a secret ledger found in Yanukovych's former office in Kiev showing Manafort had received $12.7 million in cash. Manafort claimed he had not received the money, but still resigned.

While running the Trump campaign, Manafort, who refused a salary, offered private campaign updates to Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska, who is known to have close ties to Putin. One of the things the FBI and Mueller are probably checking is whether Manafort was being paid outside the campaign. Text messages from one of his daughters to a friend indicate he continued to run the campaign even after he formally resigned.

Carter Page, a Trump campaign foreign policy adviser, worked for a time in Moscow for Merrill Lynch. On a trip there during the summer of 2016, while working for Trump, he allegedly met with Igor Sechin, head of Russia's giant oil company, Rosneft and a close ally of Putin. There is general agreement in most news stories that Page, who comes across in interviews as somewhat goofy, was targeted for recruitment by Russian intelligence. He figures prominently in the "Trump dossier" compiled by former MI6 spy Christopher Steele.

Then, of course, there is Michael Flynn, who was Trump's national security adviser for 24 days. He recently pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI regarding his conversations with the Russian ambassador. The most famous picture of Flynn shows him seated next to Putin at a dinner for RT, a Russia-financed channel that carried many stories questioning Hillary Clinton's health during the campaign.

Former national security adviser Michael Flynn pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements to the FBI at a D.C. federal courthouse on Friday morning. It's the first guilty plea by any of the four former Trump advisers charged in an investigation led by special counsel Robert Mueller.

None of the "colorful characters" around Trump surpasses Felix Sater, a convicted felon who served a year in prison. He was born in Russia, but grew up in Brooklyn with Michael Cohen, Trump's personal attorney. Several years ago, Sater appeared to be on his way to a much longer prison sentence for major securities fraud in a "pump and dump" scheme. However, he avoided prison by providing valuable information about organized crime.

Although Trump seems to have trouble remembering who Sater is nowadays, Sater escorted Trump kids Ivanka and Donald Jr. to Moscow in 2006, even demonstrating considerable pull by arranging a picture of Ivanka at the Kremlin sitting in Putin's desk chair. As a part of Bayrock Group, he worked for the Trump organization with an office two floors below Trump's own office in Trump Tower. One of his useful skills was coaxing rich Russians, some with clear Russian organized crime connections, to buy trophy condos in various Trump properties in New York, Florida and in other countries.

On Nov. 3, 2015, Sater wrote an email to Cohen: "Buddy our boy can become President of the USA and we can engineer it. I will get all of Putin's team to buy in on this." The "buy in" was possibly in reference to a new Trump Tower in Moscow, which was never built.

It is perhaps appropriate to conclude with Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr. In 2008, speaking at a real estate conference, Trump Jr. said, "Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of our assets. We see a lot of money flowing in from Russia." According to USA Today, one broker, Dolly Lenz, claimed to have sold 65 properties in Manhattan's Trump Tower to Russians.

Even without knowing what evidence was behind the conclusions stated by each of our three top intelligence agencies _ the CIA, FBI and NSA _ that Russia, at the direction of the highest level of its government, tried to interfere in our presidential election in favor of Trump, Americans still have plenty of information at their fingertips to know that something unusual, and quite possibly sinister, took place.

We can all hope there are innocent explanations for all of these seemingly suspicious activities, although that now seems improbable. It would be tragic if Mueller's investigation were cut short for partisan political reasons. Our country needs well-documented answers in order to either regain faith in our election system or to repair its vulnerability to foreign manipulation.
Iranians are taking to the streets on a scale that hasn't been seen in nearly a decade. Over the past six days, demonstrations have taken place in more than two dozen towns and cities, from the Shiite seminary town of Mashhad (Iran's second-largest) to remote provincial centers and the working-class neighborhoods of Tehran. So far at least 20 people have been killed.

We have no way of knowing how this is going to end. The new generation of protesters - some of whom have torn down posters of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and staged attacks on police stations - appears to be fiercely determined. But the Iranian state is equipped with a gigantic apparatus of repression that is primed to crush even the slightest signs of dissent.

Whatever its ultimate consequences, the current surge of unrest is already a significant watershed in the history of modern Iran. Previous generations of demonstrators still harbored the hope that the theocratic system could be changed from within. They believed that by voting for reformist candidates, they could gradually coax it into something more open and democratic. The current protesters have given up that hope.

Why? One reason has to do with the so-called Green Movement of 2009. Back then, hundreds of thousands of Iranians took to the streets in what began as a protest against election fraud. Many of the demonstrators had cast their votes for reformist candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi. But the victory went instead to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, whose supporters in the conservative clergy allegedly fixed the results on his behalf.

Members of the pro-Mousavi opposition - many of them young and middle-class - had fervently hoped that putting him into office would open up a new era of liberalization. When Ahmadinejad was declared the winner, it showed that the regime's hard-line elements were not going to allow that. Protesters became radicalized, harshly criticizing the regime, and the crackdown that followed was predictably vicious. Some protesters were killed; we'll probably never know how many for sure. Thousands were arrested or dispersed into exile.

The second blow to the dream of an Iranian perestroika has been delivered by the current president, Hassan Rouhani, who was elected to his first term in 2013 and reelected last year. Posing as the new "reformist" candidate, Rouhani won votes by pandering to Iranians with vague promises of change.

He has signally failed to deliver. Iran's nuclear deal with the West, which gave Tehran sanctions relief in turn for postponing its weapons program, was supposed to usher in a new wave of prosperity. It hasn't happened. And Rouhani himself has shown that this failure was primarily Iran's fault.

Late last year, he tried to make good on promises of transparency by publishing details of the national budget, but the move backfired. Many Iranians were incensed to learn that billions of dollars were going to obscure religious foundations run by regime notables - in addition to the vast government spending on Iran's military adventures in Syria, Iraq and Lebanon. All this is taking place in the context of an economy where real youth unemployment is estimated at around 40 percent. It's striking that the current cohort of protesters appears to embrace many young people of lower- or working-class origins.

Given all this, it's easy to understand why the government's announcement of a series of price rises for basic staples at the end of December triggered widespread anger. As we've seen in other autocracies in the past, economically motivated protests often morph into political ones over time.

In this case, though, the demonstrators' concerns went almost immediately from the price of eggs to demands for regime change. Just three days in, the BBC was already relaying reports of an attack on the local headquarters of the pro-government Basij militia in the central Iranian town of Arak. In Mashhad, where the unrest began on Dec. 28, protesters actually tried to set a seminary on fire. In Tehran, others torched police motorcycles.

And the protesters certainly aren't talking about illusory promises of reform. Their slogans are striking: "Death to the dictator" and "Clerics should get lost.""Leave Syria, think about us!""We don't want an Islamic Republic." "The Islamic revolution was our mistake." It's worth noting, by the way, that publicly disparaging Khamenei - as many protesters have so far done - is a crime in Iran that is subject to harsh punishment, including imprisonment and flogging.

Predictably enough, the Iranian authorities have tried to dismiss the unrest as the fruit of foreign machinations. But don't expect the public to be fooled - it's not the Saudis or the Americans, after all, who are responsible for the endemic corruption, the mismanagement or the Revolutionary Guard's monopolistic stranglehold over the economy. All these things show precisely why the current system - like the old Soviet Union - can't allow reform without condemning itself to collapse.

The fact that many Iranians now seem to realize this does not bode well for the country's future. By making true reform impossible, the current regime now seems determined to show that the only realistic option for change is one of violent confrontation - leading some citizens to express fear that their country could be heading down the road to "another Syria." Let's hope that they can find a way out.
I am pleased to tell you that discussions between St. Helena Mayor Alan Galbraith and the committee leading the effort to recall him have resulted in agreement.

The Mayor has agreed to participate in a series of public forums concerning issues important to the city, and the committee has agreed that those meetings will fully address the public-information concerns that were at the foundation of its efforts. Thus the committee has ceased collecting signatures and there will be no recall election.

To be more specific, the parties have agreed that there will be a series of public forums, of a "town hall style", presenting topic-specific questions followed by answers, rebuttals, comments and discussion by all parties in attendance. There will be at least two, and as many as four forum meetings, each covering two to four related topics and each not exceeding four hours (including breaks).

The location(s) and dates have yet to be decided upon, however the parties contemplate the forums being held during January and February, not more than 10 days apart, and at times and places as convenient to the public as possible.

I have agreed to serve as moderator. As such I will, as necessary, assist with communications regarding logistics, resolve the topics for discussion and, obviously, lead the discussions at the forums.

A number of details have yet to be worked out. The Mayor has stressed that he has not communicated with the City Council or staff about any of this and is in no position to commit municipal resources to its support. Thus, City staff will have to be apprised so that, should they participate, they can prepare and provide information at the sessions.

The City Council should have the opportunity to decide whether it wishes to make the forums "Brown Act compliant" or not. A plan for publicizing the meetings will need to be decided upon and carried out. And obviously, dates, times, locations and topics will need to be finalized.

You should know that the discussions that culminated in this agreement stand as a real credit to our city. Every person involved came dedicated to principles and policies they believe in, but also dedicated to seeking a solution that would be in the interest of the entire community. I feel privileged to have been involved.

Judge W. Scott Snowden (Ret.)

St. Helena
St. Helena is gaining a judge and losing a school board president, with Cynthia Smith resigning as a school trustee following her recently announced nomination to the Napa Superior Court bench.

Smiths resignation was announced Thursday and will take effect Jan. 17, cutting short a four-year term that would have expired in November. Governor Jerry Brown nominated her to a seat on the Napa Superior Court on Dec. 22.

It has been a true pleasure serving on the board for the last seven years  working with my fellow board members to support student achievement for all of our students, Smith stated in her letter of resignation. I have been incredibly fortunate to work with the districts dedicated professional staff and administrative team. I know our students are in excellent hands as they move through the St. Helena Unified School District.

Board Vice President Jeff Conwell, who like Smith was elected to the board in 2010, will take over as board president.

Cynthia Smith has been a passionate advocate for St. Helena schools and for California education, Conwell said in a statement. The traits that made her an effective Board President  calm, prepared, diplomatic and caring  will make her an outstanding justice. Our community will miss her contribution, but our region and our state will gain from her service on the Superior Court bench.

Conwell will lead a discussion of how to fill the vacant seat at the boards next meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18, at Vintage Hall. The board can appoint someone to serve the remainder of Smiths term or call a special election.

When Alex Shantzs resignation left the board with a vacancy in November 2016, trustees appointed Lisa Pelosi to serve out the nearly two years remaining on his term.

Smith is a partner in the law firm Coombs & Dunlap with a Juris Doctor degree from UC-Davis School of Law and a bachelors degree from Stanford University.

(This article has been corrected to reflect the circumstances under which Smith was elected to the school board. She was elected in 2010, but not during the recall.)
Last week, I wrote about how Madeira excites the palate, but that many of the tourists that visit Madeira do not even know that Madeira wine is one of the main products produced on the island.

Madeira wine has been produced on the island since the 15th century, and today there are approximately 2000 grape growers but only eight producers on the island. On my recent first trip to Madeira, I visited four of the producers and wanted to share a bit about my visits. When a product is named after the island itself, I think everyone should know about it.

Blandys Madeira Wine Company

John Blandy founded Blandys Madeira Wine in 1811, and in 1840, his son, Charles Ridpath Blandy, purchased The Blandy Wine Lodges in Funchal, the main city in Madeira. Today, the company is run by Michael and Chris Blandy, members of the sixth and seventh generations. Through recent purchases, the Blandys own three properties on the island, for a total of seven hectares, producing white grapes only. In addition, they work with 400 growers on the island for a total of 450 hectares.

Memorable wine of the tasting:

Blandys 1999 Malmsey (bottled in 2015)  A dark brown color, the acidity in the wine tempers the sweetness. The finish on this wine tastes like brown sugar when it has melted on the tongue and it was all the better paired with molasses cake.

Justinos Madeira

Established in 1870, Justinos Madeira is one of the oldest companies on the island, as well as the largest producer of Madeira. Founded by Justino Henrique Freitas in 1870, the family-owned company was sold in 1981 to former army Colonel Siegfredo da Costa Campos, who fell in love with the property and upgraded it. In 2008, the colonel died, and in 2009 French company La Martiniquaise purchased Justinos Madeira.

The winemaker at Justinos is Dina Luis. Originally from the Tejo on the mainland of Portugal, Luis studied food engineering with an emphasis in winemaking. She spent 18 years making wine in Tejo before coming to Madeira four years ago. I spent an afternoon with Luis, touring the newly built wine facility that is open by appointment only. She has spent her four years learning about each and every tank and most of the barrels (there are 4,000 barrels). She imagines the blends in her mind and then works with her team to taste and make sure they achieve the aspired style of wine.

Memorable wines of the tasting:

Justinos 1997 Verdelho  With aromas of apples, oranges and honey, there is a dry sensation at first on the palate. But after that first sip, the flavor rushes back onto the palate and it is impossible not to salivate.

Justinos 50-year-old Terrantez  This blend was one of Dina Luis first blends. The wine has aromas of cedarwood and mahogany but really fresh, intense acidity. The wine starts off light and elegant and builds up to a big and intense wine.

Justinos 1988 Malvasia  My mouth watered as I smelled this wine with aromas of coffee, banana, toasted nuts and old wood, yet it was so fresh with high acidity on the palate.

Justinos Verdelho 1934  It was a very special treat to taste this wine that is more than 80 years old. Despite its age, it was so fresh with notes of green nuts, mineral and tangerine skin.

Barbeito Madeira

Barbeito Madeira was started in 1946 by Mario Barbeito, an accountant. His daughter Manuela joined the family business in 1972 and took over as the export director after her father passed away in 1985. Her son, Ricardo Freitas, joined the business after studying and teaching history. He had spent his summers working at the winery but said it was a good accident that his mother needed his help in 1992.

Ricardo Freitas, who was named Portugals Best Fortified Winemaker in 2010, introduced the idea of single casks in 2003. In addition, he recovered the almost-extinct grape bastardo. And he created the Historic Series Madeira with the idea of creating a vintage character to each wine. The Historic Series includes Baltimore Rainwater, Charleston Sercial, Savannah Verhelho, Boston Bual, New York Malmsey, as well as Thomas Jefferson Special Reserve produced every two years and New Orleans Tricentennial Reserve, made for the third time in 20 years.

Memorable wines of the tasting:

Barbeito Malvasia 30 Year Vo Vera  Paying homage to Freitas grandmother, whose image is knitting on the label, the wine is linear, clean and elegant with great acidity.

Barbeito Bastardo 50 Year Avo Mario  Paying homage to Freitas grandfather who is reading on the label, the wine is medium sweet with a little spice and when I tried it, all I said was Wow!

Bual 1863  Freitas has a collection of old wines from his grandfather who had purchased substantial stocks of old vintages many years ago. Lucky me, Frietas poured me a taste of the 1863 Bual. There are no other words to describe it than magnificent.

Henriques & Henriques

Henriques & Henriques was founded by Joao Goncalves Henriques in 1850, followed by a partnership between his sons Francisco and Joao Joaquim in 1912. With no heirs, the company was passed on to friends and partners in 1968, including Peter Cossart who made 53 vintages with the company.

Humberto Jardim joined H&H as a financial expert and became the general director in 1994. The winery is in the town of Camara de Lobos, which means Sea Wolf, and is open to the public for tastings. They also own a 10-hectare vineyard at Quinta Grande.

Memorable wines of the tasting:

Henriques & Henriques Tinta Negra 50 Year  This is a truly gorgeous wine with elegant acidity and notes of brown sugar.

Henriques & Henriques Terrantez 1954  Now at 128 grams of sugar but with intense, elegant acidity, this wine has aromas of dried fruits and nuts and has a long, full finish on the palate.

H&H Founders Solera Madeira 1894 Malvasia  A bright amber color with greenish hues on the rim, the wine is very aromatic with notes of raisins, honey, nuts and old wood.
With all the wines on the shelves vying for your attention when you walk into a wine store or a supermarket, how do you choose which one to take home for dinner? A catchy name or pretty label stands out. A heavy bottle looks and feels important. But you wouldnt be wrong to wonder whether the money you shell out for that wine might be paying for that designer label or studly bottle, rather than the juice inside.

In 2017, I recommended more than 250 wines in this column. Of those, I labeled slightly more than 100 as Great Values. The Great Value designation is subjectiveafter all, I recommend only wines I believe are worth what they cost. A Great Value offers extra excitement, performing at a level above its price. Value doesnt necessarily mean cheap. The Ayala Brut Majeur Champagne I recently recommended impressed me so much, I gave it three stars (exceptional) and a Great Value tag because it far outperforms other $40 champagnes. But only a handful of my Great Values were more than $20, and most of those were sparkling wines.

My list would suggest that wines best values come in the $12 to $20 range. In all, I put the tag on 27 wines that I also gave my highest rating of 3 stars. These ranged in price from $13 to $40. I gave 2 1/2 stars (excellent to exceptional) and the Great Value label to 36 wines ranging from $10 to $24, and 2 stars (excellent) and Great Value to 38 wines ranging from $9 to $20. Eight wines, from $8 to $12, scored 1 1/2 stars (very good to excellent) and great value.

France led the way with 41 Great Values, followed by the United States with 15 (10 from California, four from Oregon and one from New York), Italy (13), Spain (nine) and Portugal (six). Other countries included Chile, Germany, Bulgaria, Turkey, Armenia and South Africa. As 2017 was the year of rose, 26 pink wines made the listnearly a quarter of the total. That reflects the growing number of roses in the market as well as my enthusiasm for them. Fifteen Great Values were sparkling.

So here is a case of wine for you: my 12 favorite Great Values from 2017, with the most expensive at $16 a bottle and the cheapest at $8. These are not just top scorers. Those I list here were memorable in a certain way, either their sheer quality for the price, or their uniqueness, or some other factor. Ive ranked them in descending order, after applying a simple equation that takes into account my star ratingmy enthusiasm for the wineand the price. The better the wine and the lower the price, the higher the ranking. Consider these my Greatest Values of the year.

Note that some of these wines have moved on to the next vintage; dont let that stop you from trying them. Others may be sold out. Its always best to call and check, or to ask a favorite retailer to order for you. Wines this good, at this price, are worth the waitor the hunt.

12. Chateau Montaud Cotes de Provence Rose 2016

2 stars

Provence, France, $13

I like this rose every year, but in 2017 it came in a three-liter box for $26, or about $6.50 a bottle, making it cheaper and more fun. Bottles are still available, though the boxes have sold out. I suspect they will reappear with the 2017 vintage for next summers picnics and patio parties. Alcohol by volume: 12 percent.

11. Evolucio Blaufrankisch 2014

2 stars

Weinland, Austria, $12

When I first tasted this spicy, delicious red, I made a note and put it aside. When I found it two weeks later and tried it again, I was even more impressed with its vibrancy and flavors of black cherry, raspberry, caraway and fenugreek. I used no vacuum pump or inert gas to preserve it, just replaced the screw cap and kept it at room temperature. Well-made wine can keep that way. (The distributor has moved on to the 2015, a great vintage in Austria.) ABV: 13.5 percent.

10. Chateau de Passavant 2015

2.5 stars

Anjou, Loire Valley, France, $15

Chenin blanc deserves more respect for its ability to delight, both dry and sweet. You could enjoy this dry version by itself, but it really wants to dance with poultry or seafood. Demeter-certified as biodynamic, made from organic grapes. ABV: 12.5 percent.

9. Loosen Bros. Dr. L Sparkling Riesling

2.5 stars

Germany, $15

Sparkling Riesling may be Germanys best-kept secret. This delightful example shows rieslings bubbly personality at its best. ABV: 12.5 percent.

8. Cavalchina Bardolino Chiaretto 2016

3 stars

Veneto, Italy, $16

This zesty, juicy rose made from the grapes that typically go into Valpolicella (corvina, rondinella and molinara) is super, year after year. Its great by itself, but it excels with salty or garlicky foods such as olives or hummus. This is a rose to drink year round and not worry about having the freshest vintage. ABV: 12.5 percent.

7. Domaine de Chevalier La Petite Lune 2015

3 stars

Bordeaux, France, $16

The only thing getting the Bordelais more excited than their 2015 vintage is the 2016. When I saw this wine was from Domaine de Chevalier, one of my favorite producers, I immediately had high expectations. The wine didnt disappoint, and is phenomenal for the price. This blend of 70 percent merlot and 30 percent cabernet franc is rich and ripe with cherry, plum and blackberry fruit and a lush texture to carry all that fruit. Classy. ABV: 13.5 percent.

6. Marietta Cellars Old Vine Red Lot Number 66

3 stars

California, $16

What a treat it was to reunite with this old friend and find it as good as ever. Based on zinfandel, this savory, stylish blend is so good it may distract you from your meal. ABV: 13.5 percent.

5. Hugl Weine Zweigelt Rose 2016

2.5 stars

Austria, $13

Austria is most famous for its outstanding white wines from gruner veltliner and Riesling. This delightful rose from Zweigelt, Austrias main red grape, is vibrant and peppery, with loads of cherry and raspberry flavors. The distributor is now sold out. ABV: 12 percent.

4. Chateau de Marjolet Cotes-du-Rhone 2015

3 stars

Rhone Valley, France, $15

Rhone wines have crept up in price, but this beauty manages to overdeliver for the category. Deep and savory, with a sense of mountain air, sea breeze and wild herbs. ABV: 14 percent.

3. Confidencial Reserva 2013

2.5 stars

Lisboa, Portugal, $12

This wine reminded me why Portugal is one of my favorite regions to hunt for value. Its a stylish, juicy red with Bing cherry and sour plum flavors, a texture like the rough side of velvet and elegant tannins. Its a red-meat wine. ABV: 13.5 percent.

2. Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Chardonnay 2016

2 stars

California, $8

This wine shined when I rated 29 of Americas favorite cheap wines. It stood out from the crowd of mediocre plonk because it had clean, bright fruit flavors and a good balance of acid and sweetness. Best of all, its available everywhere, from convenience stores to wine megamarts. ABV: 13.5 percent.

1. Goru Verde 2015

2.5 stars

Jumilla, Spain, $10

When I started compiling this list, this was the first wine I thought of. Back in June, I said it may be the best $10 red Ive tasted in a long time. It still is. Made from organic monastrell (mourvedre) grapes, it features dark cherry and dried fig flavors with hints of black olive, tea and tobacco. Alcohol by volume: 14 percent.
23:17

Filmmaker Karan Johar said he would be happy to have Kangana Ranaut as a celebrity guest on his upcoming show "Indias Next Superstars".

Karan and Rohit Shetty will be seen as judges on "India's Next Superstars" to be aired on Star Plus from January 13 while Priyanka Chopra will be the first guest on the show.





When asked if Kangana Ranaut would be invited on the show, Karan said, "I am sure when Star Plus invites her we will be happy to have her. Our heart is big, our house is open to all. We will happily, lovingly and respectfully welcome her on the show."

Karan and Kangana were engaged in a war of words over a remark on "nepotism" that made headlines last year.

The tagline of the show is "Na Khaandaan Na Sifaarish" and when asked whether he was looking for an opportunity to answer about nepotism, Karan said, "I don't think this tagline was an answer from my side to anything. Lot of people want to be part of the entertainment industry but it is difficult to find a platform. We are providing this platform to all those who are talented."

Talking about the definition of superstardom, Karan said, "It is difficult to define superstar, if we knew the meaning then there would be millions of superstars. It's a feeling that an actor and audience has. It is organic."

He added, "You don't know why you love Shah Rukh Khan or Amitabh Bachchan or Sridevi or Madhuri Dixit. It is something that they all bring on celluloid and the way they connect with the audience. They have an instant family connect with the audience."

He said that the current generation had a lot of superstars like Varun Dhawan, Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Sushant Singh Rajput, Rajkummar Rao and Ayushmann Khurrana.

"Today there are lots of opportunities so we can't categorise who is at the top or in the top three. I hope we as filmmakers get an opportunity to work with all of them," Karan said.

The "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" director added that the audience were the biggest superstars.

Karan said he was thankful to the makers of this show to get him and director Rohit on board adding that he respects Rohit and shared a deep personal and professional bond with him. -- PTI
Explore SIU classes through Community Listeners Program

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill.  If youve ever wanted to expand your knowledge but werent necessarily up for the challenge of taking a college class for credit, Southern Illinois University Carbondales Community Listeners Program may be just the thing for you.

The program allows people the chance to participate in a classroom learning experience at a nominal cost without course credit or grades. The universitys Conference and Scheduling Services offers the program to anyone not currently enrolled in a university-level course at SIU.

Lifelong learning for a tiny fee

The registration fee is $50. Participants can sit in on classes without having to worry about grades or credit as part of SIUs commitment to lifelong learning and community service. The program also offers prospective students the opportunity to check out various classes and majors and decide if they wish to pursue a particular area of study.

In order to join a class, community listeners must obtain permission from the faculty member teaching a class. There are a few limitations. For example, if a class is already full, community listeners cant join.

Register now

The program runs Jan. 16 through May 15, 2018, and registration is now open. To participate in the program, bring the completed Community Listeners approval form and $50 fee in person to the Conference and Scheduling Services office, located on the south end of the second floor of the Student Center. The deadline is Jan. 20, 2018.

Online and telephone registration are not available for this program. For more information, contact Conference and Scheduling Services at 618/536-7751.
The world is indeed becoming a strange place, and different from the world I used to know ... These words echo my own thoughts, and Im sure there are many middle-age and older people who feel the same, but they come from a novel written more than 80 years ago and from a character who live
Click the photo to write a caption and have a chance to win a free subscription to the Norfolk Daily News.


US Africa Command has warned against a terrorist plot being prepared by ISIS militants against Libyas Oil Crescent, which is located 500 km east of the capital Tripoli, and includes the countrys largest oil reserves and export terminals.

In a statement to Asharq Al-Awsat, AFRICOM spokeswoman Robyn Mack said: at the moment, we believe that the organization (ISIS-Libya) is likely to give priority to the restructuring of security forces and infrastructure, and to launch strikes, which may include targets in the Libyan oil crescent.

Since last year, the Oil Crescent has been under the control of the Libyan National Army, which is affiliated with the eastern government but working with the National Oil Corporation to protect the area from militant groups.

According to Robyn Mack, ISIS-Libya would maintain its current strategy, which focuses on rebuilding its operational capabilities and exploiting areas under Libyan control, to destabilize the country and disrupt the political process.

The United States stands by its Libyan counterparts and supports their efforts to combat terrorist threats and defeat ISIS there, stressed the AFRICOM official, renewing Washingtons commitment to continue to exert pressure on the terrorist network and prevent it from establishing a safe haven.

On December 26, a group of gunmen blasted a pipeline pumping crude oil to Al-Sidra port, cutting Libyas oil production by up to 100,000 barrels per day (bpd), igniting world crude oil prices.

According to some experts, Libyan instability offers extremist groups an opportunity to operate in a country where thousands of migrants and refugees are trapped suffering abuse and mistreatment.

And although ISIS no longer holds territory, cells of fighters remain active across the country. These cells, together with several Al-Qaeda-linked groups with ties to wider networks throughout North Africa and the Sahel, pose a threat to Libya, neighboring countries and Europe.

The oil-rich countrys economy has collapsed, and Libyans are struggling with persistent energy, food and water shortages. Meanwhile, corruption is rife and cross-border organized crime and smuggling networks dealing in anything from migrants, to weapons, drugs, fuel and other goods are flourishing.

In their efforts to fight Islamic extremists and prevent human trafficking across the Mediterranean, European governments have provided support to local security forces, which are often militias with tenuous links to political authorities.

Amnesty International accused European governments of complicity in the horrific abuse of refugees and migrants, claiming that many of the same militias Europe partners with were directly involved in torture in detention camps across the country.
Emboldened by Algerias military and diplomatic cover, the Polisario inaugurated 2018 with a resumption of provocations in the Guerguarat area, the southernmost tip of Moroccos southern provinces, the Sahara.

Three armed Polisario men have barred the road for an hour and a half to participants in the Desert Sahara Challenge rally competition departing from Dakhla and bound for Mauritania. With such an aggression, the Polisario has acted on the threats to violate anew the 1991 cease fire agreement by stationing troops on the Guerguarat border crossing with Mauritania, east of the Morocco-built security wall.

The incident required the intervention of the UN mission to the Sahara, MINURSO, who interceded with the Polisario militiamen to let the Rally participants cross peacefully.

The Moroccan diplomacy has not yet reacted to the new aggression.

The Polisario provocation comes a week after the Algeria-funded separatist group staged military games in yet another violation of the ceasefire agreement in the demilitarized area east of the berm in Agouinit.

Battered by diplomatic setbacks at the continental and international levels, the Polisario has waved the threat of war to draw attention to its impending demise. In a letter sent to the newly appointed MINURSO chief Colin Stewart, Polisairo leader Ibrahim Ghali warned of a new escalation against Morocco by redeploying separatist militiamen to the east of the security wall.

These provocations are reflective of a decaying Polisario leadership resorting to beating the drums of war to quell dissent in the camps that it administers in Algeria, where thousands are detained and used to feed a separatist agenda sponsored by the Algerian military junta.

The Polisario, which occupied the Guerguarat crossing after Moroccan security forces left the area in compliance with a request of the UN Security General, were humiliated in April when they had to retreat to avoid an outspoken condemnation by the UN Security Council.

The Polisario withdrawal came after months of simmering tension in the border crossing and provocation attempts against the Royal Armed Forces on the other side of the security wall as well as attempts at hindering the flow of commercial traffic between Morocco and West Africa. The Polisario armed men were forced to abide by international law without Morocco firing a single bullet.

Moroccos restraint and its conditioning of the relaunch of the peace process with the retreat of the Polisario militia from the demilitarized border crossing earned the north African Kingdom a diplomatic victory as the Polisario, now more than ever, is seen by the international community as a source of instability in the region.

Securing the Guerguarat crossing is of extreme importance to Morocco, which braces for stronger ties with the rest of Africa, notably after submitting a request to join the West African Economic Community (ECOWAS).
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

The Justice Department on Thursday rescinded Obama-era policies allowing states to set their own ground rules when it comes to legal marijuana. Instead of deferring to local laws, Attorney General Jeff Sessions will allow federal prosecutors discretion in deciding how to deal with weed.

Sessionss long-dreamed-of crackdown has been expected by critics since he was confirmed last year. In November, he told reporters that marijuana is not harmless and suggested that people should avoid it. He has also linked marijuana to spikes in violence and called it only slightly less awful than heroin.

Still, some were surprised by the move, which introduces extreme uncertainty into a flourishing market of growers, sellers, and buyers of marijuana.

Jeff Sessions told me this wouldnt be a priority. Jeff Sessions told me the policy would not be reversed, and today Jeff Sessions went back on his word, Republican senator Cory Gardner of Colorado told Yahoo News.

Colorado is one of eight states, along with the District of Columbia, that have legalized recreational marijuana, which produces revenues that help fight homelessness and fund schools, among others things.

Its unclear now how the Justice Departments move will impact recreational and medical marijuana markets around the country. A one-page memo released Thursday doesnt replace the prior guidelines, it just calls them unnecessary. Under those prior guidelines, known as the Cole memo, the federal government promised to leave states alone when it comes to marijuana as long as they dont get in the way of several federal priorities, including keeping weed out of the hands of children and away from criminal gangs.

But Justice Deparrment officials were not able to explain the impact of ending the policy in conversations with reporters Thursday. I cant sit here and say whether or not it will or wont lead to more marijuana prosecutions, one anonymous official said.

There is one likely consequence of the move, though, that critics and proponents agree on. Investment in the marijuana industry will probably dip. This is a victory. Its going to dry up a lot of the institutional investment that has gone toward marijuana in the last five years, anti-legalization advocate Kevin Sabet told the AP.

Meanwhile, WeedMaps lobbyist Brian Darling told the Hill that the move has thrown a curveball at the industry, which will move with more caution given the newfound uncertainty.

Youre talking about a huge economic impact, he said.
Nice try. Photo: Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Of all the legal stars working for Robert Mueller, the special counsel prosecuting crimes related to Russian interference in the presidential election, perhaps none shines brighter than Michael Dreeben. The attorney, a longtime deputy in the Department of Justices Office of the Solicitor General, has argued more than 100 cases before the Supreme Court and is said to know the federal criminal code inside and out. Ive seen him argue before the justices and hes a beast  as unflappable an advocate as he is a legal thinker on his feet. If a defendant thinks the government may have gone too far with a federal prosecution, Dreeben is the lawyer you would call. More often than not, hell win.

Paul Manafort, Donald Trumps former campaign chairman, has decided that he wants to fight Mueller in court  and by extension Dreeben. Not through the regular channel, which is before the judge who is handling his federal prosecution for money laundering, conspiracy, and failure to register as a foreign agent of Ukraine. That case has been ongoing since October and has already resulted in a series of pretrial disputes that, more or less, have found Manafort on the losing end; he remains in home confinement, has been ordered to forfeit $10 million in assets, and was embarrassed by the disclosure that he helped edit a pro-Ukraine op-ed while under house arrest. None of this went over well with Mueller, whose team has insisted that the political operative remains a flight risk and must continue wearing an ankle monitor.

So if youre Manafort, what do you do to challenge all this abusive overreach? Rather than seek a dismissal of your indictment, which is a common pretrial tactic for deep-pocketed defendants, Manafort decided to sue Mueller. And Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who appointed him. And why not, the Department of Justice itself, which promulgated the regulations that empowered Rosenstein to appoint Mueller.

The short of it: Rosensteins appointing order is overbroad and thus illegal because it gives Mueller the power to go on a fishing expedition against anything and anybody he wants. Indeed, the Appointment Order in effect purports to grant Mr. Mueller carte blanche to investigate and pursue criminal charges in connection with anything he stumbles across while investigating, no matter how remote from the specific matter identified as the subject of the Appointment Order, reads Manaforts lawsuit. It seeks to invalidate as ultra vires both the appointment order and all actions Mueller has taken against Trumps former campaign chairman.

Its an odd strategy that, for my money, is likely to result in more embarrassment for Manafort. For one, he filed this new case in the same Washington court hes being prosecuted in, the federal court in the District of Columbia, where the case has been randomly assigned to a judge. But Manafort is already before a judge, Judge Amy Berman Jackson, who could very well decide that the new case is related to the current prosecution and thus handle both matters concurrently. If she does that, she may invariably ask Manaforts lawyers why theyre following this separate track behind her back, expending more court resources and causing inconvenience for her and the federal government. Thats only the procedural side.

Theres also the legal side, and heres where Muellers best-kept secret, Dreeben, has likely already done all his homework and is ready to offer up whatever research he has done to combat spurious challenges to his bosss authority. The thrust of Manaforts argument is that Mueller has no business sticking his nose in any of the pre-Trump campaign work he did with Ukraine, which has nothing to do with the special counsels mandate to investigate criminal activity stemming from Russias role in the election. The Special Counsel has paid particular attention to the involvement of Mr. Manaforts company in a lobbying campaign that ended in 2014, Mr. Manaforts bank accounts and tax filings through 2014, and the personal expenditures Mr. Manafort allegedly made using funds earned from his political consulting work, reads the complaint, dramatic emphasis in the original.

Tough luck, Manafort. For better or for worse, one of the features of criminal prosecutions is that anything investigators uncover during the course of their work is fair game for further investigation. And Manafort must be kidding himself if he thinks that his pro-Ukraine lobbying work, and later work for the Trump campaign for free, is untethered from Russias larger geopolitical aspirations. Theres a lot we dont know about the case Mueller is building against Manafort, but even assuming that what the special counsel has so far is beyond his authority, theres nothing stopping him from handing off the case to another federal prosecutor who may then pick up where he left off.

The lawsuit is frivolous but the defendant is entitled to file what he wants, a DOJ spokesperson told NPRs Carrie Johnson, and with good reason. As for Rosenstein, who has been a prosecutor long enough to know how these things are supposed to work, he already telegraphed that hes fully behind Muellers work so far, including the Manafort case. During a hearing before Congress last month, he testified that he saw no good cause to fire Mueller  a reference to the regulation that governs the circumstances under which a special counsel could get in trouble.

Weeks before Manafort and his associate Rick Gates were indicted, his lawyers quietly and unsuccessfully fought Mueller, who won a secret order allowing him to compel grand-jury testimony from one of their lawyers. That hefty, wonky court victory for the special counsel  which allowed him to pierce sacred attorney-client confidences  proved that Mueller, Dreeben, and the rest of their legal team is not to be messed with. And that Manaforts latest play, in the end, is no more than needless political theater.
Republican David Yancey; Democrat Shelly Simonds. Photo: David Yancey for Delegate; Shelly Simonds for Delegate

Republican delegate David Yancey will remain the state representative for Virginias 94th district.

Nearly two months after voters cast their ballots, the winner of the race was decided Thursday morning by a random drawing, the latest dramatic moment in the most suspenseful election of 2017. Yanceys victory ensures that Republicans will retain a slim majority in Richmond, with a 5149 advantage.

The drawing, which was conducted with two film canisters and an ornate ceramic bowl, brings the back-and-forth race to an end, pending legal challenge. The drama began after Election Day, when Yancey appeared to have won by 12 votes. Simonds demanded an immediate recount. That was completed on December 19 and Simonds, a Newport News school board member, was declared the winner by a single vote. But the Yancey campaign challenged a ballot that had gone uncounted and a three-judge panel awarded it to him, drawing the candidates even at 11,608 votes.

Simonds asked the judges to reconsider the ballot that was awarded to Yancey, which had bubbles next to both candidates filled in and a strike through Simondss bubble. Her lawyers said the judges didnt follow protocol and accused Yanceys team of going on a fishing expedition to seek out election officials who can be persuaded to challenge a sufficient number of ballots to change the results.

My opponent didnt like the outcome so he made an end-run around the rules, she told reporters.

Despite indicating earlier in the week that she would accept the result of the drawing, Simonds said Thursday that shes not conceding the race and will keep her options open.
Trump and Kobach arent giving up. Photo: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post/Getty Images

President Trump insists that there was widespread voter fraud during the 2016 election, but now we may never know if Hillary Clintons 2.9 million vote lead mainly came from non-citizens and dead people (unless you listen to the countless experts and state officials who say there is no evidence of this).

On Wednesday, Trump suddenly disbanded the controversial commission he charged with investigating alleged voter fraud in May, saying legal challenges and resistance from the states prevented it from completing its task.

Despite substantial evidence of voter fraud, many states have refused to provide the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity with basic information relevant to its inquiry, Trump said in a statement.

Rather than engage in endless legal battles at taxpayer expense, today I signed an executive order to dissolve the commission, and have asked the Department of Homeland Security to review these issues and determine next courses of action, he added.

The news was announced on Wednesday evening, when it was sure to be overshadowed by the fallout from Steve Bannon trashing various Trump staffers and family members in Michael Wolffs forthcoming book. Politico reports that White House officials also tried to blame Bannon for the commission, with one saying, This was his idea, and it was not a good one.

Whatever Bannons role might have been in advocating for the commission, its work continued after he left the White House, and its mission appeared to be lending credence to the presidents dubious claims about the size of his election victory.

The commission was plagued with problems from the start. While Vice-President Mike Pence served as chairman, he never seemed enthusiastic about the role. The driving force was Kansas secretary of State Kris Kobach, who served as vice-chairman and was one of the few state officials to support Trumps voter-fraud claims. When Kobach asked every state to provide information on voters  including political affiliations, criminal convictions, and the last four digits of their Social Security numbers  many state officials refused and a number of lawsuits were filed. The 11-person commission was even sued by one of its members; Democratic Maine secretary of State Matt Dunlap said he was being denied full access to the panels records, and last month a federal judge agreed.

Democrats hailed the dissolution of the commission, which they called illegitimate from the start.

The commissions entire purpose was to legitimize voter suppression, said Vanita Gupta, the former head of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division. The abrupt abandonment of the commission makes clear that it had become a thoroughly discredited body that could not find evidence of mass voter fraud.

However, Kobach suggested they were wrong to celebrate. Anyone on the left needs to realize that by throwing the food in the air, they just lost a seat at the table, he said. Kobach insisted he is not disappointed by the presidents decision, as Homeland Security will continue the work.

Dunlap, who said members received no heads-up that the commission was dissolving, said he finds the idea of the agency continuing the project utterly alarming.

Homeland Security operates very much in the dark, he said. Any chance of having this investigation done in a public forum is now lost, and I think people should be, frankly, frightened by that.
Trump. Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images

When the president tweeted out a boast claiming credit for the lack of commercial airplane fatalities in 2017, it seemed like a very typically Trumpian gesture. There were the familiar elements: boasting about a trend that long predated his administration (airplane crashes have been exceedingly rare for two decades), the random capitalization (I have been very strict on Commercial Aviation there were Zero deaths in 2017), and the letat-cest-moi assumption of total responsibility.

But this claim also sounded a distinctly un-Trump-y theme. It was boring. Indeed, the absence of a plane crash is the prototypical example of a news story that never gets reported. This alleged historic achievement contained nothing Big or Beautiful or certain to make us all so Rich. It centered on the management of risk, a rare consideration for a president normally consumed with instant gratification.

Indeed, another tweet, later in the same day, reflected the more familiar Trump approach to risk management. In it, he topped Kim Jong-uns boast of nuclear capability with his own boast of bigger and more powerful nuclear capability. So here, on the same day Trump was assuring the public that their chances of dying in a commercial plane crash remain exceedingly remote, he was elevating the risk that they will die in a massive nuclear holocaust. On the plus side, he got a fleeting sense of satisfaction from flaming an adversary on social media. The North Korea tweet is Trumps usual idea of a shrewd long-term cost-benefit tradeoff.

During Trumps year in office, a great many terrifying things have happened. But the most terrifying are the things that have not happened, yet. Most of them probably never will. But one nuclear war can ruin your whole day, and the same holds true of a wide array of low-probability disasters that have all grown less improbable under Trump.

Throughout Trumps presidency, Michael Wolff observes, he has been singularly focused on his own needs for instant gratification, be that a hamburger, a segment on Fox & Friends or an Oval Office photo opp. This is not only a matter of cognitive ability. A monomaniacal obsession with the short term has characterized Trumps entire career. He does not think strategically. He lives for the moment. Trump wrote in The Art of the Deal that he prefers to keep his workday unstructured, because you cant be imaginative or entrepreneurial if youve got too much structure. I prefer to work each day and just see what develops. He makes decisions impulsively, has leveraged his assets precariously  Im the king of debt, he bragged  and went into bankruptcy six times. He specialized in unethical maneuvers that enabled him to take short-term profits while burning his partners  like tunneling money out of his failing casinos, defrauding customers, or refusing to pay contractors the agreed-upon price.

Why, besides ethics, havent more business owners tried Trumps patented method of ripping people off? Because over the long run it poisons your ability to find willing partners. Indeed, mainstream banks eventually refused to deal with Trump, which is what led to his unusual dependence on Russia and other shady foreign sources for capital. In many ways, his presidency has followed the arc of his business career  short-term leverage plays that benefit Trump and his inner circle before his counter-parties wise up.

The Republican Partys hostility to government has made it a willing partner for much of this agenda. Many, if not most, functions of government are designed to mitigate risk. Social insurance protects individuals from the risk of outliving their savings, or of facing unaffordable medical costs. Economic regulation protects society from dangers like financial risk, environmental danger, or crime and other social disorder. Laissez-faire ideology often amounts to an acceptance of greater risk. (This is a basic description of the trade-off, which holds regardless of whether you think Republicans are generally eliminating regulations that are important or unnecessarily burdensome.) By scaling back access to health insurance, they would expose more people to the risk of high medical bills, for the benefit of enjoying lower taxes and premiums right away. Much of their deregulatory agenda would allow business to operate more cheaply by taking fewer precautions to protect workers, consumers, and the environment.

Trump has embraced this aspect of Republican dogma to a degree that goes well beyond even the staunch pro-business style of government seen under Reagan and other modern Republican presidents. The Trump administrations mania for reducing federal power runs so deep that it can be difficult to tell where deregulatory fervor ends and incompetence begins. Large portions of the federal bureaucracy simply lie vacant, leaving its remaining workforce puzzled whether they are the victims of deliberate neglect or a president unable to staff the Executive branch.

Coverage of Trumps erratic behavior and spectacular crack-ups has obscured a spate of news stories chronicling a pattern across the breadth of the federal government. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has gutted his workforce and driven out hundreds of experienced career diplomats, leaving the department a shell. The Department of Energy  which, among other things, safeguards the nuclear arsenal from espionage, theft, and accident  has been disastrously mismanaged, as Michael Lewis described in horrifying detail. Trump has appointed nobody to run the Office of Science and Technology Policy. His administration has denigrated, and proposed a 25 percent budget cut for, the Office of Financial Research, a brain center created after the 2008 economic meltdown to help policy makers assess systemic risk in the financial system. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which protects against threats like pandemics and bioterrorism, has hundreds of positions vacant. The Department of Justice has begun 2018 without Senate-confirmed leaders in at least six of its most important divisions, reports NPR.

The same story has played out across the federal government, where the workforce has shrunk across the board  not through any planned reforms, but through neglect and decay that drives away the most talented employees (who can most easily obtain better jobs elsewhere) leaving behind leaderless and demoralized bureaucrats teetering on dysfunctionality. Any modern state, and especially one that has assumed a leadership role in the liberal international order, requires competent administrators to protect its citizens from a wide array of disasters. They serve as a form of insurance. You can cancel your insurance policy and have some more money in your pocket right away. But when you are insuring yourself against as many risks as the federal government does  financial crises, wars, natural disasters, disease outbreak, terrorism, and on and on  the cumulative risk grows that something, or several things, will go terribly wrong.

One precursor for this pattern is the Bush administration, whose disdain for technocratic expertise led directly to its catastrophically underplanned invasion of Iraq. None of the correct lessons from Bushs failure have taken hold within the party. Instead, Trump is intensifying the same errors. Where Bush  and, especially, Dick Cheney  regarded his diplomats in the State Department and experts at the Central Intelligence Agency with suspicion, Trump looks at them with almost blinding hatred. The Russia investigation has caused Trump to regard the entire security and law enforcement apparatus of the federal government as a hostile deep state.

Trump would therefore be predisposed to ignore briefings and intelligence even if he were a shrewd, high-functioning populist demagogue. He is obviously not. Washington has grown consumed with concern about the presidents mental functioning. A psychiatrist recently briefed some senators on Trumps mental fitness. His public actions and speech patterns suggest the possibility of serious cognitive impairment.

What is most evident is the lack of strategy or planning. Because Trump lurches from day to day, his advisers are forced to do the same. They have held him off from blowing up the Iran nuclear agreement with a series of delaying tactics. Almost every day brings a new leak from an adviser terrified the president will blunder into war with North Korea. You just dont know whats going to send him over the edge, one tells Axios. This can be seen merely by following Trumps Twitter feed, where he has conducted public diplomacy with Kim Jong-un almost precisely the same way he carried out his social media feud with Rosie ODonnell.

A war with North Korea that could kill millions is merely one of the skyrocketing risks that Trump has created. Our brains have difficulty measuring low-probability, high-impact events like this. The chipper stock market seems to have paid them no heed whatsoever.

But the notion that Trump would represent a massive gamble was present in the minds of his supporters all along. Michael Anton, now the White House director of strategic communications at the National Security Council, wrote a famous essay before the election casting a Trump presidency as a desperate and probably doomed gamble akin to passengers on hijacked Flight 93 rushing the cockpit. Trump ally Peter Thiel has told friends, There is a 50 percent chance this whole thing ends in disaster. Trump, his inner circle, and political allies are all currently cashing in on the short-term upside of a massive leveraged gamble with Americas future. The cost can only be dimly imagined in our nightmares.
A state of disorder. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Until recently, the debate over our presidents mental health has focused on questions of psychological pathology: Do Donald Trumps flamboyant narcissism, hedonism, and self-delusions add up to a malignant personality  or a malignant personality disorder?

Scores of psychiatric professionals say the latter. Some of their peers  and a large number of laymen  have insisted that the matter can only be settled by a psychiatrist who has personally, privately evaluated the president. That argument has always struck me as nuts.

There is no diagnostic blood test or brain scan for narcissistic personality disorder; theres just a list of observable traits. A mental-health professional simply studies a patients modes of reasoning and patterns of behavior, and assesses whether they fit the checklist of symptoms for NPD. Its absurd to believe that a psychiatrist who has spent a couple of hours talking to a patient in an office is qualified to make this diagnosis  but one with access to hundreds of hours of a patients interviews and improvisatory remarks, along with a small librarys worth of biographical information and testimonials from his closest confidants  is not. To insist otherwise is to mystify psychiatric practice; its to pretend that there is some shamanistic knowledge that mental-health professionals can only access once you provide them with a co-pay.

Further, whether we choose to label any given psychological profile a disorder is always, on some level, a value judgement about what it means to function healthily in our society. If an inability to concentrate on tests can qualify one for psychological dysfunction, then its hard to see why Trumps manifest incapacity to subordinate his hunger for affirmation and attention to basic social norms would not. If a middle-school boy displayed Donald Trumps level of impulse control in the classroom, there is little question that he would be considered psychologically unhealthy.

Regardless, in recent weeks, concerns about the commander-in-chiefs cognition have turned to the more mundane, and objectively determinable, question of neurological decline. The presidents slurred speech when announcing his decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israels capital; the exceptional incoherence of his most recent interview with the New York Times; and increasingly erratic (and Freudian) tweets all brought our presidents frontal lobe to the forefront of public discourse.

And then Michael Wolff started telling us what hed learned while hanging around the West Wing last year. Having won the administrations trust (possibly with the aid of these horrendous, anti-anti-Trump think pieces) the reporter was given extraordinary access to the presidents closest advisers. On Thursday in the Hollywood Reporter, he added a few new details to the emerging portrait of our presidents mental state:

Everybody [in the White House] was painfully aware of the increasing pace of his repetitions. It used to be inside of 30 minutes hed repeat, word-for-word and expression-for-expression, the same three stories  now it was within 10 minutes. Indeed, many of his tweets were the product of his repetitions  he just couldnt stop saying something.

 Hoping for the best, with their personal futures as well as the countrys future depending on it, my indelible impression of talking to them and observing them through much of the first year of his presidency, is that they all  100 percent  came to believe he was incapable of functioning in his job.

At Mar-a-Lago, just before the new year, a heavily made-up Trump failed to recognize a succession of old friends.

The unanimous assessment of those in Trumps immediate vicinity is shared by clinicians viewing him from afar. On Wednesday, in response to Trumps tweet about the size and potency of his nuclear button, 100 mental-health professionals signed their names to a statement reading, We believe that he is now further unraveling in ways that contribute to his belligerent nuclear threats  We urge that those around him, and our elected representatives in general, take urgent steps to restrain his behavior and head off the potential nuclear catastrophe that endangers not only Korea and the United States but all of humankind.

On Wednesday, Politico revealed that one of the statements signatories recently briefed more than a dozen members of Congress last December (all Democrats, save one unnamed Republican senator), on the (grim) state of Trumps mental health. Around that same time, Ford Vox, a physician who specializes in brain-injury medicine, provided the following diagnosis of Trumps condition, in a Stat news column calling for the president to undergo neurological testing:

Language is closely tied with cognition, and the presidents speech patterns are increasingly repetitive, fragmented, devoid of content, and restricted in vocabulary. Trumps overuse of superlatives like tremendous, fantastic, and incredible are not merely elements of personal style. These filler words reflect reduced verbal fluency  You call places like Malaysia, Indonesia, and you say, you know, how many people do you have? And its pretty amazing how many people they have.

The president made that remark in response to a question about the ideal corporate tax rate, demonstrating the degree to which his thinking drifts  If I were to make a differential diagnosis based on what I have observed, it would include mild cognitive impairment, also known as mild neurocognitive disorder or predementia  The key distinguishing characteristic between mild cognitive impairment and dementia is whether the decline is starting to interfere with essential daily functioning. In a billionaire typically surrounded by assistants, who is now the president surrounded by more assistants, whether Trump can perform his necessary daily tasks on his own may be difficult to assess.

Wolffs reporting establishes that Trumps decline is very much interfering with his daily functioning  and thus, that his cognitive impairment is likely progressing toward dementia. Meanwhile, Voxs claim that the presidents disjointed, superlative-suffused rhetorical style is no deliberate affectation  but rather, a product of cognitive decline  is readily apparent to anyone who watches decades-old interviews of Trump, in which he displays an equanimity, coherence, and (relative) eloquence wholly alien to his current persona.

For most of his presidency, the conversation about Trumps mental well-being, and consequent capacity to perform the duties of his office, has been characterized by a willed naivety. The presidents signs of senility arent subtle. His narcissistic self-regard is not mildly delusional; his impulse control is more than a little bit lacking. In October, a Republican senator likened the White House to an adult day-care center; said that he knew for a fact that every single day at the White House, its a situation of trying to contain him; and insisted that, in private, most of his GOP colleagues shared this assessment. Wolffs reporting suggests that virtually everyone in Trumps inner circle has witnessed signs of his mental decline, and believes him to be unfit for office.

As a practical matter, liberals have devoted inordinate attention to the 25th Amendment, a provision of the Constitution that allows for the president to be removed from office for being physically or mentally unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, (as opposed to being found guilty of impeachable offenses). While superficially attractive, the 25th Amendment solution doesnt actually get us past the hurdle thats blocking impeachment: Congressional Republicans do not want to remove Trump from office. A committed Congress would have no trouble finding a credible pretense for impeaching this president; they just dont want to. And the 25th Amendment would require two-thirds of Congress to vote to remove Trump on grounds of fitness  after a majority of his handpicked Cabinet members publicly express their desire to do the same. Considering the current political climate, its delusional to believe that this is a plausible scenario.

And yet, progressives fixation on the 25th Amendment is far less deluded than the rationalizations that keep Republicans from invoking it. By all accounts, most GOP Congress members recognize that Donald Trump is a pathological narcissist with early stage dementia and only peripheral contact with reality  and they have, nonetheless, decided to let him retain unilateral command of the largest nuclear arsenal on planet Earth because it would be politically and personally inconvenient to remove his finger from the button.

You dont need a degree in psychiatry to call that crazy.
Bannon, facing alt-right. Photo: Mark Wilson; Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images

Steve Bannon has been banished from Trumpland.

The Breitbart executives taste for the spotlight  and penchant for telling reporters inconvenient truths  got him evicted from the White House months ago. But he had remained one of the presidents long-distance advisers  and self-styled enforcers. In retaliation for congressional Republicans failure to both repeal Obamacare and kneecap the Mueller investigation, Bannon set out to recruit a band of GOP primary challengers who were willing to show Trump all due sycophancy. When Mitch McConnell forced the president to denounce this cause-less rebellion, Trump felt compelled to stipulate that Steve is very committed, hes a friend of mine and hes committed to getting things passed  adding, I know how he feels.

Since then, Bannons ephebophilic insurgent in Alabama cost the GOP one of the nations safest Senate seats; McConnell pushed through Trumps tax cut bill; and Bannon allowed a reporter to quote him saying that the Trump campaigns relationship with Russia was probably criminal  and that Mueller likely has Jared Kushner and Don Jr. dead to rights.

The three senior guys in the campaign thought it was a good idea to meet with a foreign government inside Trump Tower in the conference room on the 25th floor  with no lawyers, Bannon tells Michael Wolff, in his new book Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, referring to the infamous meeting between Jared Kushner, Paul Manafort, Donald Trump Jr., and supposed agents of the Russian government in the summer of 2016. Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad shit, and I happen to think its all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately.

Bannon went on to say that the chance that Don Jr. did not walk these jumos up to his fathers office on the twenty-sixth floor is zero, and this is all about money laundering. Mueller chose [senior prosecutor Andrew] Weissmann first and he is a money-laundering guy. Their path to fucking Trump goes right through Paul Manafort, Don Jr. and Jared Kushner  Its as plain as a hair on your face, and it goes through Deutsche Bank and all the Kushner shit. The Kushner shit is greasy. And: Theyre going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV.

In sum: Bannon said, on the record, that the Russia investigation is not fake news; that Trump has been lying to the public about his campaigns interest in collusion; and that much of the presidents family is guilty of major financial crimes.

The White House is (understandably) apoplectic.

Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency, Trump said in a statement. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind  Steve pretends to be at war with the media, which he calls the opposition party, yet he spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was. It is the only thing he does well.

Needless to say, this all undermines Bannons ability to lead an anti-Establishment crusade premised on its superior loyalty to Donald Trump. Bannon had endorsed West Virginia attorney general Patrick Morrisey over Representative Evan Jenkins in that states Republican Senate primary. On Wednesday, Jenkins called on Morissey to renounce Bannons support, in light of the former White House strategists vicious attacks on President Trump and his family.

Given a choice between allegiance to the Republican president or the chairman of Breitbart, few GOP candidates are going to pick the latter. On Wednesday, Breitbarts arch-nemesis, Mitch McConnell, celebrated the ostensible death of Bannonism over his campaigns official Twitter account.

Given the choice between their boss and their readers hero, Breitbarts initial impulse was to strike an anti-anti-Bannon line  spotlighting the glee that Trump and Bannons mutual enemies in the NeverTrump movement were taking in the two mens rift.

NeverTrump Celebrates Donald Trump Attack on Steve Bannon https://t.co/Lkjt4KNmEX pic.twitter.com/mudJ3RA6zq  Oligarch Kabuki  (@HouseCracka) January 3, 2018

But Breitbart cant keep its audience united in opposition to John Podhoretzs Twitter feed forever. Nor can Trump and Bannons mutual friends on the far-right flank of Republican politics indefinitely avoid picking sides.

Bannons power, such as it was, had four interrelated sources: his personal influence with the president; his relationship with the conservative megadonors of the Mercer family; his website; and (to a much lesser extent) his ability to articulate a halfway-coherent alternative to the Establishment GOPs deeply discredited brand of conservatism.

The first is, ostensibly, kaput. The third probably hinges on the second: If the Mercers would rather maintain good relations at the White House than bankroll their own pseudo-white-nationalist political movement, its going to be hard for Breitbart to comport itself as the presidents disloyal opposition. And all signs suggest the Mercers have no deep loyalty to Bannon. Late last year  in the wake of a BuzzFeed expose that highlighted Breitbarts alliances with white supremacists  Robert Mercer sold his stake in the media company to his daughters, and said in a statement, I make my own decisions with respect to whom I support politically. Those decisions do not always align with Mr. Bannons. Meanwhile, Bannon reportedly alienated Roberts daughter, Rebekah Mercer, by telling other conservative donors that her family was prepared to support his hypothetical future presidential campaign. According to one Mercer confidante who spoke with the Washington Post, Rebekah now does not plan to financially support Bannons future projects.

Nevertheless, if Bannon were to earn his billionaires forgiveness and keep his media platform, then he could conceivably make constructive use of a break with Trump. Until now, Bannon and Breitbart have worked to appeal to both devotees of the presidents cult of personality and alt-right nationalist ideologues in hopes of converting the former into the latter (and/or maximizing web traffic). But the necessity of maintaining loyalty to the president robbed Bannons movement (such as it was) of ideological coherence.

In media interviews, Bannon has derided the Establishment GOPs fealty to the rich, insatiable appetite for foreign intervention, and refusal to preserve Americas civic society through restrictive immigration policies. Meanwhile, he has championed giant public-works projects, higher taxes on the rich, and aggressive regulation of Silicon Valley monopolies. That agenda would (almost certainly) enjoy broader appeal than the one Trump has governed on. Tax cuts for the rich and health-care cuts for the poor is not a popular platform, even among GOP voters. Trumps base is not motivated by a deeply felt desire to be scammed by their financial advisers. A well-funded alternative conservative movement that was 10 percent more racist  and 90 percent less economically libertarian  than Paul Ryans GOP could be a potent force in American politics, especially if Republicans suffer major losses in 2018 and 2020.

And yet, Bannons desire to appeal to Trump tribalists (ostensibly) has led him to endorse candidates whose views on fiscal issues are even more toxically regressive than Mitch McConnells. If Roy Moore werent an alleged sex criminal, bigot, and authoritarian theocrat, the best argument against his candidacy might have been his support for a flat tax.

So its possible to imagine that abandoning Trumpism for a coherent right-wing populism could have some long-term benefit for Bannon. That said, such a development seems highly unlikely. For one thing, its not clear that Bannons ideological incoherence was fully attributable to his loyalty to the president, rather than to the absence of conservative activists with an interest in pushing the GOP to the left on economic issues  and/or to Bannon being a loudmouth with more thirst for attention than ideological conviction. For another, even if the Mercers were to forgive Bannons recent indiscretions, theyre every bit as committed to upward redistribution as the next family of Republican billionaires  they just appear to dislike Muslims and immigration more than the Koch Brothers do.

Its plausible, then, that Trumps split with Bannon will have few significant consequences for Republican politics. The president and mainstream media both have the memory of a goldfish; Breitbart will just wait for the news cycle to spin this beef into obscurity. And although its conceivable that Bannons isolation from the White House could weaken the far right in the upcoming DACA fight, Jeff Sessions, Stephen Miller, and Trump himself are probably more than enough to keep this White House xenophobic.

All of which is to say: Were about to find out whether Bannonism is actually a thing  and odds are, the answer is no.
Is a border wall a wall, or a fence, or just some sort of barrier? No one seems to know for sure. Photo: Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images

On the day he announced his presidential candidacy in June 2015, Donald Trump first mentioned his pledge to build a great, great wall on our southern border. He also said I will make Mexico pay for that wall, which became a separate pledge that faded over time.

Demanding a wall, though, became central to Trumps campaign; announcing this promise to rapturous cheers became a staple of every event. Yes, there were questions all along about exactly how literally Trump defined wall, and whether substitutes for rigid barriers were permissable. But he somehow got to the White House without definitively answering those questions.

Now, more than a year after the campaign ended, Congress and the White House are engaged in tense negotiations over a spending deal necessary to avoid a government shutdown later this month. Thanks to Trumps decision in September to suspend DACA protections for Dreamers with a six-month delay to allow for negotiations over immigration policy, Democrats have linked DACA restoration to the spending bill. Everyone understands two things about a DACA deal: Republicans will be able to secure some border control concessions in exchange for protections for Dreamers, but Democrats wont accept anything like the Great-Wall-of-China replica Trump often seemed to have in mind on the campaign trail.

As recently as last week, Trump told the New York Times that I wouldnt do a DACA plan without a wall. But congressional negotiators are still in the dark as to how the great-wall builder defines wall, as the Hill reports:

Thats something were waiting on the White House to give us clarity on, said Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.), one of the negotiators. When you talk to [the Department of Homeland Security] and the other individuals, they talk about technology, they talk about personnel, they talk about physical barriers.

The president has just said, I call it wall. Everything is wall. But I dont think he really means 30-foot high wall for 2,000 miles, Lankford added.

So Republicans are going to the White House to inquire about that, in hopes that Trump will give them a coherent answer. But Democrats are skeptical:

It has been almost three months since we asked the administration to provide us with a specific border security proposal. Still, I havent seen it, [Sen. Dick] Durbin said.

What do you think the wall means? Nobody knows. When theyre forced to put it on paper they have a problem. Its too expensive and its controversial and there are parts of it that Republicans dont like so theyre afraid to write it down. But theyre holding us up.

What most negotiators hope is that they can come up with border security measures that Trump can call a wall even as Democrats deny its a wall at all. But then there would be some risk that the nativist wing of the GOP might cry foul. Iowa congressman Steve King recently complained that what Trump had described as the Rolls-Royce of a big, beautiful wall could wind up being an overhauled jalopy. So Trump has some reason to fear a the emperor has no wall moment. And presidential advisers like Stephen Miller may urge him to stand firm on a physical wall because they dont favor a DACA deal in any event, and would even invite a government shutdown triggered by partisan differences over immigration policy.

This is all the more reason that congressional Republicans would prefer to keep immigration negotiations separate from the spending talks aimed at keeping the lights on for the federal government.

[Sen. John] Thune said a prospective deal on Dreamers and border security probably wont be done in time to add to the spending bill.

I dont think theyre anywhere close. Thats not ripe yet, he said of a possible immigration deal.

But Democrats are pushing back hard on the notion that the omnibus spending package will move without a deal on immigration.

So the question just cant be avoided: Whats a wall, and when is a wall not a wall?
Photo: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images

Having finally decided, You know, we should maybe do something about these leaks, White House Chief of Staff John Kelly has imposed a ban on personal devices.

According to Bloomberg, the ban stems from supposed security concerns. The security and integrity of the technology systems at the White House is a top priority for the Trump administration and therefore starting next week the use of all personal devices for both guests and staff will no longer be allowed in the West Wing, Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement.

Performing government business on personal devices is not a good look for this administration, to say the least. But the ban has an added bonus of making leaks from the West Wing more difficult. At one point, passing information to reporters was so pervasive that thenpress secretary Sean Spicer made staffers unlock their phones and prove that they didnt have encrypted messaging apps like Signal and Confide installed.

A source in the White House told Bloomberg that part of the issue also had to do with the White House wireless network being overloaded by personal devices. Jared, please stop torrenting so much hentai!
Mark Zuckerberg. Photo: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images

As the saying goes, New year, new me. For Mark Zuckerberg, that means a new yearly project. Last year, he starred in a production of Where in the U.S. Is Mark Zuckerberg?; this year, he will spend his time learning about his own company and the technology industry. Thats a pretty good goal for the CEO of a tech company that counts more than 2 billion people among its users and spent the last two years embroiled in controversy about how the service exacerbates societal division and distorts reality!

He writes:

The world feels anxious and divided, and Facebook has a lot of work to do  whether its protecting our community from abuse and hate, defending against interference by nation states, or making sure that time spent on Facebook is time well spent.

My personal challenge for 2018 is to focus on fixing these important issues. We wont prevent all mistakes or abuse, but we currently make too many errors enforcing our policies and preventing misuse of our tools. If were successful this year then well end 2018 on a much better trajectory.

Better late than never, I guess? One of the primary factors in considering Facebooks power is in understanding the current anxiety over centralization on the internet  the collection of internet activity in the hands of a few online destinations and services rather than many disparate ones. Facebook is a key part of this, dominating social network in the same way that Google dominates search and Amazon dominates shopping.

Again, the Zuck:

[O]ne of the most interesting questions in technology right now is about centralization vs decentralization. A lot of us got into technology because we believe it can be a decentralizing force that puts more power in peoples hands. (The first four words of Facebooks mission have always been give people the power.) Back in the 1990s and 2000s, most people believed technology would be a decentralizing force.

But today, many people have lost faith in that promise. With the rise of a small number of big tech companies  and governments using technology to watch their citizens  many people now believe technology only centralizes power rather than decentralizes it.

There are many reasons for centralization. Social networks like Facebook, for example, derive much of their appeal from so-called network effects. The appeal of Facebook is that all of your friends are on Facebook! Thats a natural effect that results in centralization. And there are plenty of benefits and conveniences to letting Facebook or Google or Amazon handle almost all of the functions you need the internet for. The looming question is whether that convenience is worth it (in my opinion: nope).

Network effects are only one cause of centralization, though. There are many deliberate choices that Facebook has made over the years to keep users boxed into its platform (and to keep its platform central to the commercial and social life of the internet in general). It spent billions on popular apps like WhatsApp and Instagram, bringing them under the Facebook umbrella. It has duplicated the functionality of competing apps like Snapchat, prioritized its own video-hosting service over YouTube, and started offering crowdfunding services that have become increasingly popular over the last few years. It has created a News Feed that is now designed to keep users within the Facebook app and on the Facebook site. Its designers have crafted an API system that makes it very easy to feed data into Facebook and very difficult to extract from that same system. It has put roadblocks in place to discourage users from exporting their data and leaving the service, and it refuses to reveal how its systems work and what types of data powers them.

In America, this centralization is mostly just inconvenient. In other countries, its arguably devastating. Facebook has been cited as a reason for the spread of misinformation fomenting ethnic cleansing in Myanmar. A test in smaller countries that moved publishers out of the central News Feed and into a different part of the site caused their traffic to drop off of a cliff. It has struck deals with mobile data providers to zero-rate Facebook services, making them preferable to other services that might count against a customers data-usage cap. Facebook is testing drones that can stay in the air for days at a time, providing internet access. In many places, Facebook is, in practice, the entire internet, and soon it might be the company actually providing internet access. Zuckerberg and his staff have not proved themselves up to the task of handling these responsibilities.

Decentralized technologies, such as a standard like the SMTP email protocol or the blockchain ledger system, come with the risk of being harder to control, Zuckerberg says. Im interested to go deeper and study the positive and negative aspects of these technologies, and how best to use them in our services.

A great first step in fixing Facebook, and reckoning with its centralized power, would be to open up the service to academic researchers (ones that, I guess I should add, dont work for and arent funded by Facebook). Less partial people should be able to study how the system works and how that in turn affects the world outside of Facebook. The company tried to address this a little in a recent piece on how social media affects mood, but it can do a lot better on this front.

The implicit problem with Zuckerbergs interest in decentralization, even as a concept, is that it requires major tech players like Facebook  powered by proprietary innovations kept under lock and key  to surrender some advantage. For Zuckerberg to even slightly embrace decentralization would be to endorse internet users going somewhere online besides Facebook. Shareholders arent going to like that.
Paris-based Ugandan fashion designer, Stella Atal, has dominated the industry for at least 10 years.

A professional artist, painter and self-taught fashion designer, she describes her trade as wearable art. Professionally I am a painter. I decided to make my art wearable and that is how the fashion designer in me was born, she says.

While the fashion industry may be making big strides now, things were different 10 years ago when she started. She reveals that even teaching/learning of fashion was not fully encouraged.

People thought no one could make it successfully as a designer. Everyone wanted their child to be a lawyer, doctor or perhaps run a family business. Now there are many designers coming out of universities, establishing their brands and going on to do successful business.

Back then, she says, there were only two names, Santa Anzo and Sylvia Owori. There was nothing much to show of or say about fashion. Things have since changed.

Atal comes from an artistic family that was very supportive. Her mother had sewing machines at home and the children got involved in art early in life.

Her identity is printing on fabric. In addition to designing clothes, she is also a painter, an interior designer and now fashion teacher holding master classes in different fashion schools in Paris with a focus on African fashion and heritage.



Inspiration

Atal is inspired by fabric and situations around her. The more she looks at fabric and different patterns, the more ideas spring into her head.

I create the outfit but what completes it is the painting which demonstrates the situation or my feelings.

She puts her personal touch to any fabric, be it Western or African. Her proudest moments come from seeing Ugandans value her work so much, they will go to all lengths to acquire an Atal piece.

In 2016, an opportunity presented itself to move to France and she grabbed it with both hands. She looked at it not only as a chance for herself but also as a gateway for local fashion designers.

All I am doing is making my country known. Many people are getting to know Uganda. Whatever I can borrow to help grow the industry here, I will.

She describes the industry in the worlds fashion capital as organized and respected.



A fantastic 2017

The last year has been a major turning point for Atal. She got her license and recognition that allows manufacturing and selling of her branded clothes and copyrighted art pieces in France and Europe at large. She did two showcases including Africa Unesco week in Paris before heading to the UK for Kitenge festival.

Her American tour took her to San Diego and Las Vegas before holding more shows in Paris, Prague and Amsterdam. She also works with refugees in camps, art therapy for children with mental problems and at rehabilitation centres.



Whats next?

Her next step is to find ways of helping budding Ugandan fashion designers make it to international platforms.

I will do whatever I can so Uganda gets more recognition on the world fashion map. Whatever I can get from Europe to impact here, I will. For now South Africa and Nigeria are the most known fashion countries on the continent, she says.

She advises designers to take time to figure out what makes them unique, and make their impact on Uganda, first.

It is only identity that takes a designer to the next level.

barangasam@gmail.com
Makerere University is to award veteran South African anti-apartheid campaigner, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, an Honorary Doctor of Laws during the 68th graduation ceremony later this month.



The 81-year-old veteran politician and ex-wife to former President Nelson Mandela is being recognised for her contribution towards the fight and eventual elimination of apartheid in South Africa. Both the University Council and Senate, the top-most academic and administrative organs of the university, have approved the award.



Makerere will hold its 68th graduation ceremony from January 16 to 19, the university authorities have confirmed.



A total of 15,172 students are expected to graduate this year. Of these, 36 will graduate with PhDs, 436 with Masters and 11,300 with bachelor's degrees and diplomas. At least 3,400 are from Makerere University Business School (MUBS).

Makerere University had wanted to recognise Winnie in August last year during the Nelson Mandela Commemorative Lecture, but the office of the vice chancellor received information from the South African High Commission in Kampala that she was not able to travel due to ill-health. Instead, it is her granddaughter Zoleka Mandela who attended the event.



Winnie was among the activists who kept the anti-apartheid struggle alive from the time her husband and other political activists were jailed in 1964 and remained incarcerated for nearly three decades. Mandela was among the last to be released in 1990, going on to win the first multi-racial elections in 1994. He and Winnie had, however, separated in 1992 and they officially divorced in 1996.



Mandela retired from the presidency in 1999 but remained active in public life for another decade until around 2010 when he admitted he needed to rest because of old age. He died in December 2013 aged 95.



Honorary awards at Makerere



Makerere University has a fully-fledged Honorary Awards Committee established by Makerere University Statute No. 13 on Honorary Awards Guidelines. The Committee is established jointly by the senate and the Council and is chaired by the Vice Chancellor.



In accordance with Section 47 of the University and Other Tertiary Institutions Act 2001, the university may consider conferring an honorary degree upon any person who has excelled in any sector of life as it may deem fit on the recommendation of an Honorary Degrees Committee established jointly by the Senate and the University Council.



The honorary degree awards are in three categories: Doctor of Science (DSc.) for academic contribution in the field of science; Doctor of Letters (D. Litt) for contribution in the humanities; and Doctor of Laws (LL.D) for public service by eminent statesmen, administrators and lawyers.



Over the years, Makerere University has awarded several individuals honorary degrees for their contributions in various areas.



The long list has President Yoweri Museveni honoured in 2010 for his steadfast commitment to promotion of science, expansion of education, governance and security, including contribution to the East African integration, and gender mainstreaming in education and politics.



Others are former presidents Julius Nyerere and Benjamin Mkapa of Tanzania, Mwai Kibaki of Kenya - all alumni of Makerere - and former Tanzanian vice president Rashid Kawawa.



In 1977, in what many saw as a controversial decision, Makerere University conferred an honorary Doctor of Laws to then President Idi Amin Dada.



Why Winnie Mandela?



It's hard to talk about apartheid, and anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa, without mentioning Winnie Nomzano Madikizela-Mandela. Born in Bizana in the Transkei in 1936, Winnie qualified as a nurse shortly before she met a lawyer named Nelson Mandela in 1957. They got married a year later.



However, they were destined to have little time together as Mandela's political activities kept him away for long periods of time. In Winnie's own words, while she was married to Nelson, he was also married to the anti-apartheid struggle. He was jailed for life in 1964 and only released in 1990.



While he was in prison, she took on an increasingly political role, becoming an international symbol of resistance to apartheid and a rallying point for poor, black Soweto township residents who demanded their freedom. She was in and out of jail herself as part of constant harassment by the South African state.



In 1991, after Mandela's release, Winnie was charged with the assault and kidnapping. She denied the allegations but was found guilty and sentenced to six years imprisonment. This was reduced to a fine by an appeal court.



Her split with Mandela in 1996 did little to harm her political standing among poor, black South Africans who saw her as their voice at a time when the ANC had adopted pro-business policies.



She is still a force within the ruling ANC party ranks. She recently backed Cyril Ramaphosa in the race for the ANC party leadership.
Infosys' independent board member Kiran Mazumdar Shaw on Wednesday said that company's newly-appointed CEO and MD Salil Parekh would receive a package of Rs 16 crore. "Infosys CEO Salil Parekh will be paid a fixed salary of Rs 6.5 crores. He would be eligible for variable pay of Rs 9.75 crores at the end of the fiscal year," Shaw told PTI. According to her, Parekh would also receive Rs 3.25 crores in restricted stock units and Rs 13 crores in annual performance equity grants.

Infosys appointed Parekh last year in December. He replaced Vishal Sikka, a high-profile techie who put down his papers following the differences between the Infosys Board and the founders. One of the reasons Sikka left Infosys was constant attack from the company founder NR Narayana Murthy over top executives' hefty pay.

Parekh's annual package is one-third of what his predecessor Vishak Sikka got during his tenure at Infosys. Sikka drew an annual package during 2015-16 of a whopping Rs 49 crore which was much higher than his counterparts in other Indian IT companies. During the same fiscal, the then TCS chief N Chandrasekaran was paid a package of Rs 25.6 crore and Wipro CEO Abidali Neemuchwala's annual pay was Rs 12 crore.

Sikka's salary was revised from $7.08 million to $11 million with effect from April 2016, a move that did not go down well with NR Narayana Murthy and Mohandas Pai. Infosys founder Murthy wrote to the board expressing his concerns about Sikka's pay rise. He has been at the forefront in criticising the board over unusual rise in top executives' salaries.

In a letter to the Infosys board, Murthy said that giving nearly 60 per cent to 70 per cent increase in compensation for a top-level person when the compensation for most of the employees in the company was increased by just 6 per cent to 8 per cent was not proper.

"This is grossly unfair to the majority of the Infosys employees including project managers, delivery managers, analysts, programmers, salespeople in the field, entry level engineers, clerks and office boys who are toiling hard to make the company better. The impact of such a decision will likely erode the trust and faith of the employees in the management and the board," he had said. This letter came against the backdrop of proposed 35 per cent hike in COO Pravin Rao's annual pay.

Murthy wasn't alone in raising salary hike issue. Earlier, former board member V Balakrishnan had also asked the board that why pay obnoxious salaries to top management. In an interview to Economic Times, Balakrishnan said that it wasn't appropriate for the top executives to ask their subordinates to compromise and take 40-50 per cent salary hike for themselves.
Civilian govt would never have sold itself to US in the post-9/11: Nawaz Sharif 04 January, 2018



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Woke Bingo ISLAMABAD|: Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday took the opportunity to claim that a civilian government would never have "sold itself" to the US in the post-9/11 scenario.



The former premier also threatened to lift the curtain on "what has been happening in Islamabad for the past four years" if "they" do not stop their "propaganda".



Addressing a press conference in Islamabad upon his return from a much-speculated visit to Saudi Arabia  during which he met top officials, including powerful crown prince Muhammad bin Salman  Nawaz claimed that: "If in 2001 a democratic government had been in place in Pakistan instead of a dictatorship, it [the state] would never have sold its expertise to the US. It would neither have sold our expertise, nor our self-respect."



The remarks were taken by at least one opposition politician, the PPP's Qamar Zaman Kaira, as criticism of the country's powerful 'establishment'. Kaira, while speaking on reporters also asked if Nawaz's trip to the Kingdom had emboldened him to make such outspoken claims.



The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf's Naeemul Haque, on the other hand, wondered where the ousted prime minister's loyalties lay while accusing him of adopting the "same perspective" as Trump and India's Narendra Modi.



The ex-PM, whose party is attempting to shore up support in the lead-up to the general election this year, began his press conference by asserting that his government does not care for US threats to cut funding to Islamabad.



The remark referenced Islamabad and Washington trading barbs after Trump lashed out at Pakistan on the first day of 2018, and the US suspension of $255 million in military aid to Pakistan. The US president's tweets are a matter of concern for Pakistanis, who view his words as offensive and disrespectful.



Describing Trump's tweet as "non-serious" and "sad", Sharif said: "A head of state should remember the rules of engagement while addressing a fellow state."



"We should not be taunted [about US aid]," he said, adding that he would "advise Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to formulate a plan that ensures we don't need any US aid so that such attacks are not made on our self respect."



"A coalition fund should not be called 'aid'. We do not even need such a fund and our support should not be demanded in return," he said.



"The US president should know that as soon as we, the PML-N, came into power in 2013, we took effective steps to end terrorism in Pakistan," he said, adding that Operation Zarb-i-Azb had "broken the backs of terrorists".



"This is not 2001. A dictator is not ruling the country, and one telephone call will not scare us," he stressed. However, he then changed tack.



"I have been the prime minister of this country thrice. A lot of facts are in front of me. As a respectable citizen of Pakistan, I would like for us, as a nation, to assess our own situation," he urged.



"I have always said that we should look at ourselves often and ask ourselves why the world does not take us seriously. But every time I have said this, the comment has not been taken seriously. Sometimes it has been termed as 'Dawn leaks' and at other times as conspiracy theories."



"We should ask ourselves why the world never listens to us in spite of the countless sacrifices that our police, security forces, civilians and even children have given over the past 17 years. Why is our narrative not being accepted?" he questioned.



"We need to search for the answers to these questions."



"If these questions are sidelined and the answers for them are not sought, then it would count as self-deception. It is because of these self deceptions that Pakistan has been polarised in the first place."



"We should step away from this self deception now, and the country's leadership  all its institutions  should join hands to find the answers to these questions and provide solutions to them."



He did not address one of the opposition parties' most frequent criticisms of his own foreign policy while in power: his deliberate decision to not appoint a foreign minister. That decision  according to former US ambassador Sherry Rehman and others  prevented Pakistan's diplomatic corps from thwarting the current deterioration in the two countries' ties.



Sharif also described how elections in Pakistan have historically not been taken seriously, preventing successive prime ministers from completing their term.



"The Quaid said that the nation's decision is never wrong, but here, over the past 70 years, either the public's decision is twisted or their choice of leader is turned into a mockery for all to see."



"Because 2018 is a year for elections," he said, "this worn-out rule of the past is being applied again today."



Sharif, without specifying who 'they' are, said: "They are trying to shift the public's views... Block the way for a certain political party, and pave the way for their 'darling'." 'Darling' seems to have been an oblique reference to PTI chief Imran Khan, who has been referred to with that term by other PML-N leaders before.



"The most recent assessment of the numbers says that the PML-N is still ahead of any other political party and its vote bank is still larger than the vote bank of all other political parties combined. The ones afraid of this truth are trying hard to change the reality and turn it into something else," Sharif continued.



"I want to say in crystal clear words today that this country's fate is linked to free and fair elections. Every political party should have equal opportunity to take part in these elections."



"Secret telephone calls and deals should not be used to tie our hands, and to give the darling a new deal and new dheel (freedom)."



"Democracy should be given a chance to grow in the country," he added.



"Those people who have done nothing for the nation's development, and whom the country has rejected repeatedly, should not be patted on the back and imposed on the people. Pakistan's people are aware and capable of making their own decisions, and their opinions and the sanctity of their vote should not be destroyed."



"I would also like to say that if this propaganda does not stop, I will spill the beans on them, right here in Islamabad, with all the evidence. I will tell the tale of the past four years and tell the nation what has been going on here in all that time," he threatened.



"I will tell the nation what is happening now, and how the electoral process is being sidelined by imposition of personal opinions," he warned.



Sharif had been disqualified from holding the prime minister's job last year in July by the Supreme Court, which had found that he had not disclosed a salary accruing to him in an asset declaration Nawaz was required to submit for election to the National Assembly.



Following the ruling, the PML-N head, his family members and party members, have, on multiple occasions, hinted at 'conspiracies' being hatched against Sharif and the party.
Pakistan needs to earn money it gets from Washington: State Dept

WASHINGTON: The US State Department has said that Pakistan needs to earn the money it gets from Washington while the White House warned that President Donald Trump can follow through his pledge to stop US assistance to Pakistan if it does not change its Afghan policy.



The two statements were part of the regular news briefings at the White House and the State Department on Tuesday where reporters appeared perturbed about the timing of the tweet Mr Trump sent out at 4am on Monday, threatening Pakistan with dire consequences of its alleged support to the militants.



At the State Department, Spokesperson Heather Nauert seemed aware of the unpopularity of the do more phrase and avoided it, at least once. I dont want to say that Pakistan can do more, but Pakistan knows what it needs to do, she said.



But Ms Nauert minced no words when asked why President Trump was threatening to stop US economic and military assistance to Pakistan.



They need to better earn, essentially, the money that we have provided in the past in foreign military assistance, they need to show that they are sincere in their efforts to crack down on terrorists, she said.



At the White House, Press Secretary Sarah Sanders reminded Pakistan that President Trump does what he says and he will follow through the commitment he made.



Both statements emphasised the point that theres no immediate reason behind the tweet that seems to have stirred a wave of anti-American sentiments across Pakistan. Mr Trump was only re-emphasising his frustration with Pakistans Afghan policy.



The president is simply following through on a commitment that he made, because this is a president that does what he says hes going to do, said Sanders when asked what precipitated President Trumps tweet about threatening to withhold future US aid to Pakistan.



We know that Pakistan can do more to fight terrorism, and we want them to step up and do that, she added, negating the State Departments effort to avoid using an unpopular phrase.



Despite her denial, reporters at the White House briefing continued to ask Ms Sanders what caused Mr Trump to send out a tweet at 4am.



Some reminded that the US-Pakistan disagreement on the Haqqani network was a long-running dispute between the two governments, so there has to be a reason for sending such a harsh message to Islamabad.



Ms Sanders traced it back to the new Afghan strategy President Trump outlined in August reminding Pakistan that it was not fulfilling its obligations. Another journalist looking for a cause for the tweet referred to Mr Trumps UN envoy Nikki Haleys statement, saying that the aid cut for Pakistan was not tied to the United Nations vote on Jerusalem.



First, in terms of Pakistan, as I said, our goal is that we know that they can do more to stop terrorism, and we want them to do that. That seems pretty simple, Ms Sanders said.



Responding to the second part of the question  when would the US announce sanctions on the nations that voted against it in the UN on the Jerusalem issue last month  the White House official said: I think youll see some more details come out on that in the next 24 to 48 hours.



At the State Department, Ms Heather too had to face the same question  why did the administration choose this week to announce it is withholding aid from Pakistan?



Actually, no, we didnt. That was an announcement that came out back in August, and for some reason, people got interested in it again. But that is not a new announcement that we would hold back on that money, she responded.



Pakistan is an important partner. We have a lot of issues in that region. Pakistan knows that, we all know that, and we try to work carefully together on some of those issues, said Ms Heather.


"challenging fun"

- Entertainment Weekly

Dear Paul, I just dreamed of airships flying between raindrops. I just returned from 2042 CE, where I sold my hardcover copy offor seventy million Neo-Euros, because it had your response to this e-mail from way back in 2007 scotch-taped onto the inside of the cover. A Paul Levinson collector paid top Neo-Euro, because of the authentic archaic e-mail printout from you. It turns out that not many of your e-mails from before your tenure as CEO of HBO/Cinemax and terms as United Nations Secretary General will survive that far into the future. So, please respond to this e-mail, to help found my great-grandchildren's fortune. My Will will stipulate that they must share with your great grandchildren. Thanks! Tom












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LOS REVOLUCIONARIOS NO TOMAN CACA-COLA No se trata solamente de un capricho, sino de una sana actitud en todos los sentidos. Desde la solidaridad con el pueblo colombiano donde la empresa Caca-Cola ha cometido los mas grandes abusos contra sus trabajadores incluyendo el presunto secuestro y asesinato de los dirigentes del sindicato, hasta la proteccion de la salud de nuestros hijos, enviciados por ese jarabe de cola y azucar, que les produce obesidad prematura. Pensemos tambien los revolucionarios, que ese dinero que gastamos en los refrescos es utilizado por esas empresas para financiar el terrorismo en nuestro pais. Es cierto, no se trata solo de la Caca-Cola, sino tambien de la cerveza, de los cigarrillos y todos esos articulos innecesarios y mas que eso, daninos para nuestra salud. Podriamos incluso pensar en un dia de parada para cada uno de ellos. Es cuestion de irnos organizando. Pero para empezar, que tal si dejamos de comprar Caca-Cola y sus similares?



























Cuando lo extraordinario se vuelve cotidiano...



Discurso del Acto de Grado en Barinas en 12 de Febrero del 2005 Queridos Graduandos:



Mas que un discurso, quiero dirigirles algunas palabras que escribi anoche, despues de visitar en las clinicas, a los estudiantes heridos, a consecuencia de los enfrentamientos con la policia de hace apenas dos dias.



Me ha tocado por razones del destino, ser la persona que les otorgue el titulo que bien merecieron con sus estudios. Y me siento sumamente orgulloso de serlo. Me consta que la Universidad de Los Llanos Occidentales Ezequiel Zamora, a pesar de lo dicho por los enemigos de esta universidad, es una universidad de primera.



No tendremos la mejor planta fisica, en los salones hace calor. En el comedor hace calor. Pero no es en lo material que las cosas deben valorarse. El mayor capital es el ser humano. Y en eso, nuestra UNELLEZ, lo digo con conocimiento de causa, esta sobrada. Los llaneros venezolanos son nobles, valientes, de coraje.



En la UNELLEZ hacen vida, en este momento, aproximadamente 67000 personas. El 97% de ellas son estudiantes. Jovenes que, como Ustedes hasta el dia de hoy, buscan ese titulo, que constata los anos de dedicacion y de estudio.



Los jovenes son el rio de la vida, ustedes graduados deben ser los capitanes de esos barcos que naveguen por el rio de la vida.



Nuestra Patria atraviesa momentos muy dificiles porque decidio dejar de ser esa matrona de edad vetusta y complaciente, para ser joven, rebelde y altanera. Nuestra imagen ya no es la de una acaudalada ricachona mayamera. En nuestro rostro brilla ahora la sonrisa del Che Guevara, con su diente delantero torcido, su pelo largo y su boina con la estrella.



Entender esto, a mi me ha tomado practicamente toda la vida. Tengo 53 anos, y ya perdi mi oportunidad de derramar sangre joven a causa de un ideal.



Ustedes son jovenes, estan en la flor de la vida. No cometan por favor el error de renunciar a su instinto de rebelion. El Che Guevara fue Ministro de a Economia en Cuba. Los billetes y las monedas se adornaban con su rostro. Nada de eso le importo. Primero fue a Angola donde paso un penoso ano de combate. Despues se fue a Bolivia, donde encontro la muerte. El Che era el ultimo que comia, el que cargaba la mochila mas pesada. Siempre se sacrificaba por los demas en un estoicismo que mas parecia fervor religioso que ideologia marxista.



Si quieren un modelo de vida. Ahi lo tienen.



Dije hace unos momentos que el 97% de la poblacion de la UNELLEZ es estudiante. Se imaginan Ustedes la Universidad que podriamos tener si todos los estudiantes tuvieran la abnegacion, la combatividad del Che?



Los momentos que se avecinan van a requerir de una gran unidad del pueblo venezolano. La alternativa de continuar siendo libres o regresar a la pobreza se nos planteara en los proximos dias de forma enmascarada, o quizas peor, desenmascarada, vestida con uniforme de soldado del Imperio.



Por nuestra parte podemos esperar lo mejor. La macroeconomia no podria ir mejor, la justicia social ha mejorado notablemente. Las misiones ocupan un papel muy importante en el pago de dicha justicia social. Aqui en Barinas ya hemos cumplido con dos de las misiones, la mision Robinson y la mision Sucre. No hay analfabetismo y no hay exclusion en la educacion superior, en estas tierras de Zamora.



Pero ay malhaya! Son precisamente estos exitos los que nos hacen mas antipaticos al Imperio. Para ellos, somos inclusive un mal ejemplo que se esta contagiando al resto del continente y cuidado sino al resto del mundo.



Nunca venceremos al Imperio. Estara siempre ahi, acechando. Por lo menos hasta que el mismo no se autodestruya. Porque, sepanlo senores, el neoliberalismo es canibal. Cuando le ataque el hambre, se devorara a si mismo.



Ustedes, queridos graduandos, a partir de hoy pasan a conformar la elite profesional que debe sostener este pais en los proximos cuarenta o cincuenta anos. Anos decisivos para el logro de nuestra libertad y del rescate de nuestra Soberania.



No se dejen comprar. No se dejen corromper. No se dejen gritar. No se dejen pisar. Que nadie les diga que comer, o que vestirse, o que leer. Sean siempre autenticos, rebeldes, contestatarios. Pero eso si, profundamente patriotas, dignos de ser hijos de Bolivar.



Muchas gracias y que Dios los bendiga.





Alguna duda?



Medio siglo de Holocausto Palestino



Oscar Zanartu Nacio en Caracas en 1960. Ha realizado exposiciones individuales en las galerias Minotauro, Clave y San Francisco, y en salas de Coro, estado Falcon, y Puerto Ordaz, estado Bolivar. En Paris su obra ha sido exhibida en el Centro Cultural Tanagra, en la Exposicion Cite Internationale des Arts, en las galerias De Mars y Arver Space, al igual que en la Galeria Municipal Levallois, en Levallois Perret (Francia). En muestras colectivas, su obra se ha expuesto en Belgica, Francia, Estados Unidos y Venezuela; en Caracas intervino en la exposicion "Del genesis a la memoria", 1995, organizada por la Fundacion La Previsora. En 1982 obtuvo el Premio Nacional Critven y en 1990 la Mencion de Honor Jose Antonio Paez, en la Embajada de Venezuela en Paris. En 1991 se le concedio el primer premio de Pintura Itinerante, en Levallois Perret, Francia.



OZ1



OZ2



OZ3



OZ4



Homenaje a Jason Galarraga



La Victoria de Samotracia



Odalisca



Mas fotos de la nevada del pasado agosto 2008



























La Sierra Nevada de Merida



Nuestro precioso Churum Meru



Homenaje a Picasso



Autoretrato



Sabes lo que bebes en una Coca-Cola?

La formula de la Pepsi tiene una diferencia basica con la de la Coca-Cola y es intencional, para evitar el proceso judicial. La diferencia es a proposito, pero suficientemente parecida como para atraer a los consumidores de Coca-Cola que prefieren un gusto diferente con menos sal y azucar.

Mi profesion?

Tuve que aprender quimica, entender todo sobre componentes de gaseosas, conservantes, sales, acidos, cafeina, enlatado, produccion, permisos, aprobaciones y muchas otras cosas. Monte mi propio mini-laboratorio de analisis de productos.

Sal en la Coca Cola?

A patadas. El Cloruro de Sodio no solo refresca sino da mas sed, como para pedir otra gaseosa. Y no resulta desagradable porque la sal mata literalmente la sensibilidad al dulce... del que por cierto tambien tiene mucho: 39 gramos de azucar.

De los 350 gramos de producto liquido, mas del 10% es azucar, o sea que en una lata de Coca-Cola mas de un centimetro y medio es puro azucar en polvo. Aproximadamente tres cucharadas soperas llenas de azucar por lata!!La formula de la Coca Cola es muy sencilla:

Concentrado de azucar quemado caramelo- para dar color oscuro y gusto

Acido fosforito (para darle el sabor acido)

azucar (HFCS-jarabe de maiz de alta fructosa)

Extracto de hojas de la planta de Coca (Africa e India) y otros pocos aromatizantes naturales de otras plantas

Mucha Cafeina

Conservante que puede ser Benzoato de Sodio o Potasio

Dioxido de Carbono en cantidad para sentir freir la lengua cuando se bebe

Sal para dar la sensacion de refrigeracion

El uso del acido fosforito y no del acido citrico como en todas las demas gaseosas, es para dar la sensacion de dientes y boca limpia al beber. El acido fosforito literalmente frie todo y dana el esmalte de los dientes, cosa que el acido citrico lo hace en menor grado.Trate de comprar acido fosforito para ver las mil recomendaciones de seguridad que te dan para su manipulacion (quema el cristalino del ojo, quema la piel, etc...). Esta prohibido usar el acido fosforito en cualquier otra gaseosa; solo la Coca Cola tiene permiso. Porque claro, sin el acido fosforico, la Coca Cola sabria a jabon.El extracto de coca y otras hojas casi no cambia en nada el sabor. Es mas bien un efecto cosmetico. El extracto forma parte de la Coca-Cola porque legalmente tiene que ser asi. Pero sin el, no se nota ninguna diferencia en el gusto, que esta dado basicamente por las cantidades diferentes de azucar, azucar quemada, sales, acidos y conservantes.Sabor a que...? ja, ja, ja.

Aqui en Bartow, sur de Orlando, hay una empresa quimica que produce aromatizantes y esencias para zumos. Envian diariamente camionadas de sales concentradas y esencias para las fabricas de helados, gaseosas, jugos, enlatados y comida colorida y aromatizada.Cuando visite por primera vez la fabrica, pedi ver el deposito de concentrados de frutas, que deberia ser inmenso, especialmente los de naranja, pina, fresa y tantos otros. El encargado me miro, se rio y me llevo a visitar los depositos inmensos... pero de colorantes y componentes quimicos.

Las gaseosa de naranja no contiene naranja.

En los zumos dizque de fresa, hasta los puntitos que quedan en suspension estan hechos de goma (una liga quimica que envuelve un semi-polimero).

Pina, es un popurri de acidos y goma.

La esencia para helado de aguacate usa peroxido de hidrogeno (agua oxigenada) para dar la sensacion espumosa tipica del aguacate.

Bebidas Light?

Quieres saber la cantidad de basura que tiene un refresco 'light'? Yo ni siquiera los uso para destapar mi lavaplatos pues temo que danen los tubos de PVC. Los productos endulzantes 'ligth' tienen una vida media muy corta. Por ejemplo el

Despues de toda mi experiencia con la produccion de bebidas embasadas, puedo afirmar sin dudar un segundo: la mejor bebida es el agua, como tambien los jugos exprimidos de naranja o limon. Nada mas, cero azucar y cero sal.



Publicado por loretahur



En realidad, la formula secreta de la Coca-Cola se puede detallar en 18 segundos en cualquier espectrometro optico, y basicamente la conocen hasta los perros. Lo que ocurre es que no se puede fabricar igual, a no ser que uno disponga de unos cuantos millones de dolares para ganarle la demanda que te metera la Coca-Cola ante la justicia (ellos no perderian).La formula de la Pepsi tiene una diferencia basica con la de la Coca-Cola y es intencional, para evitar el proceso judicial. La diferencia es a proposito, pero suficientemente parecida como para atraer a los consumidores de Coca-Cola que prefieren un gusto diferente con menos sal y azucar.Tuve que aprender quimica, entender todo sobre componentes de gaseosas, conservantes, sales, acidos, cafeina, enlatado, produccion, permisos, aprobaciones y muchas otras cosas. Monte mi propio mini-laboratorio de analisis de productos.A patadas. El Cloruro de Sodio no solo refresca sino da mas sed, como para pedir otra gaseosa. Y no resulta desagradable porque la sal mata literalmente la sensibilidad al dulce... del que por cierto tambien tiene mucho: 39 gramos de azucar.De los 350 gramos de producto liquido, mas del 10% es azucar, o sea que en una lata de Coca-Cola mas de un centimetro y medio es puro azucar en polvo. Aproximadamente tres cucharadas soperas llenas de azucar por lata!!La formula de la Coca Cola es muy sencilla:Concentrado de azucar quemado caramelo- para dar color oscuro y gustoAcido fosforito (para darle el sabor acido)azucar (HFCS-jarabe de maiz de alta fructosa)Extracto de hojas de la planta de Coca (Africa e India) y otros pocos aromatizantes naturales de otras plantasMucha CafeinaConservante que puede ser Benzoato de Sodio o PotasioDioxido de Carbono en cantidad para sentir freir la lengua cuando se bebeSal para dar la sensacion de refrigeracionEl uso del acido fosforito y no del acido citrico como en todas las demas gaseosas, es para dar la sensacion de dientes y boca limpia al beber. El acido fosforito literalmente frie todo y dana el esmalte de los dientes, cosa que el acido citrico lo hace en menor grado.Trate de comprar acido fosforito para ver las mil recomendaciones de seguridad que te dan para su manipulacion (quema el cristalino del ojo, quema la piel, etc...). Esta prohibido usar el acido fosforito en cualquier otra gaseosa; solo la Coca Cola tiene permiso. Porque claro, sin el acido fosforico, la Coca Cola sabria a jabon.El extracto de coca y otras hojas casi no cambia en nada el sabor. Es mas bien un efecto cosmetico. El extracto forma parte de la Coca-Cola porque legalmente tiene que ser asi. Pero sin el, no se nota ninguna diferencia en el gusto, que esta dado basicamente por las cantidades diferentes de azucar, azucar quemada, sales, acidos y conservantes.Sabor a que...? ja, ja, ja.Aqui en Bartow, sur de Orlando, hay una empresa quimica que produce aromatizantes y esencias para zumos. Envian diariamente camionadas de sales concentradas y esencias para las fabricas de helados, gaseosas, jugos, enlatados y comida colorida y aromatizada.Cuando visite por primera vez la fabrica, pedi ver el deposito de concentrados de frutas, que deberia ser inmenso, especialmente los de naranja, pina, fresa y tantos otros. El encargado me miro, se rio y me llevo a visitar los depositos inmensos... pero de colorantes y componentes quimicos.Las gaseosa de naranja no contiene naranja.En los zumos dizque de fresa, hasta los puntitos que quedan en suspension estan hechos de goma (una liga quimica que envuelve un semi-polimero).Pina, es un popurri de acidos y goma.La esencia para helado de aguacate usa peroxido de hidrogeno (agua oxigenada) para dar la sensacion espumosa tipica del aguacate.Quieres saber la cantidad de basura que tiene un refresco 'light'? Yo ni siquiera los uso para destapar mi lavaplatos pues temo que danen los tubos de PVC. Los productos endulzantes 'ligth' tienen una vida media muy corta. Por ejemplo el aspartamo , despues de tres semanas mojado, pasa a tener gusto de trapo viejo sucio.Para evitar eso, se agregan una infinidad de otros productos quimicos, uno para alargar la vida del aspartamo, otro para neutralizar el color, otro para mantener el tercer quimico en suspension porque sino el fondo de la gaseosa quedaria oscuro, otro para evitar la cristalizacion del aspartamo, otro para realzar el sabor, dar mas intensidad al acido citrico o fosforito que perderia su sabor por el efecto de los cuatro productos quimicos iniciales... y asi sucesivamente.Un consejo final !!Despues de toda mi experiencia con la produccion de bebidas embasadas, puedo afirmar sin dudar un segundo: la mejor bebida es el agua, como tambien los jugos exprimidos de naranja o limon. Nada mas, cero azucar y cero sal.Publicado por loretahur

MARGARINA o MANTEQUILLA La margarina fue producida originalmente para engordar a los pavos; cuandolo que hizo en realidad fue matarlos.Las personas que habian puesto el dinero para la investigacion quisieronrecobrarlo asi que empezaron a pensar en una forma de hacerlo.Tenian una sustancia blanca, que no tenia ningun atractivo como comestible,asi que le anadieron el color amarillo, para venderselo a lagente en lugar de la mantequilla.Que tal esa?... Ahora han sacado algunos nuevos sabores para vender mas alos incautos como usted y yo.CONOCE USTED la diferencia entre la margarina y la mantequilla?Siga leyendo hasta el final... porque se pone bastante interesante!Comparacion entre mantequilla y margarina:

1.- Ambas tienen la misma cantidad de calorias.

2.- La mantequilla es ligeramente mas alta en grasas saturadas: 8 gramos,comparada con los 5 gramos que tiene la margarina.

3.- Comer margarina en vez de mantequilla puede aumentar en 53% el riesgo deenfermedades coronarias en las mujeres, de acuerdo con un estudiomedico reciente de la Universidad de Harvard.

4.- Comer mantequilla aumenta la absorcion de gran cantidad de nutrientesque se encuentran en otros alimentos.

5.- La mantequilla provee beneficios nutricionales propios mientras lamargarina tiene solo los que le hayan sido anadidos al fabricarla.

6.- La mantequilla sabe mucho mejor que la margarina y mejora el sabor deotros alimentos.7.- La mantequilla ha existido durante siglos mientras que la margarinatiene menos de 100 anos.

Ahora... sobre la margarina:

1.- Es muy alta en acidos grasos trans. (Si, esos que recien ahora loscientificos descubrieron que son malisimos y los gobiernoscomenzaron a prohibirlos) .

2.- Triple riesgo de enfermedades coronarias.

3.- Aumenta el colesterol total y el LDL (el colesterol malo) y disminuye elHDL (el colesterol bueno).

4.- Aumenta en cinco veces el riesgo de cancer.

5.- Disminuye la calidad de la leche materna.

6.- Disminuye la reaccion inmunologica del organismo.

7.- Disminuye la reaccion a la insulina.

Y he aqui el factor mas inquietante (AQUI ESTA LA PARTE MAS INTERESANTE! ):A la margarina le falta UNA MOLECULA para ser PLASTICO...!!Solo este hecho es suficiente para evitar el uso de la margarina de porvida, y de cualquier otra cosa que sea hidrogenada (esto significaque se le anade hidrogeno, lo cual cambia la estructura molecular de lassubstancias).Usted puede ensayar lo siguiente:Compre un poco de margarina y dejela en el garaje o en un sitio sombreado.Dentro de unos dias notara dos cosas:

* No habra moscas; ni siquiera esos molestos bichos se le acercaran (esto yale debe decir a usted algo).

* No se pudre ni huele mal o diferente porque no tiene valor nutritivo; nadacrece en ella. Ni siquiera los diminutos microorganismos puedencrecer en ella.Por que? Porque es casi plastico!!



No a la guerra, Si a la Paz



Misterios de la ciencia...



Los costos de la guerra



medicos y capitalismo...



Capitalismo...



medicos (2)



Quien educa a nuestros hijos?



Los Medios...



Sin Palabras...



Chistes feministas

- Cual es el problema, Eva?

- Se que me has creado, que me has dado este hermoso jardin, todos estos maravillosos animales y esa serpiente con la que me muero de risa... pero no soy del todo feliz...

- Como es eso, Eva? - replico Dios desde las alturas.

- Me encuentro sola, y ademas estoy harta de comer manzanas...

- Bueno Eva, en tal caso, tengo una solucion... creare un hombre para ti.

- Que es un hombre?

- Un hombre sera una criatura imperfecta, con muchas artimanas. Mentira, hara trampas, sera engreido... vamos, que te va a dar problemas... Pero, va a ser mas fuerte y rapido que tu y le gustara cazar y matar cosas... Tendra un aspecto simple, pero como te estas quejando, le creare de tal forma que satisfaga tus... eh... necesidades fisicas... Y tampoco sera muy listo, y destacara en cosas infantiles como pegarse o dar patadas a un balon... Necesitara tu consejo siempre para actuar cuerdamente.

- Suena bien - dijo Eva, mientras levantaba la ceja ironicamente.

- Cual es el truco?.

- Pues... que lo tendras con una condicion.

- Cual?

- Como te decia, sera chulo, arrogante y muy narcisista... asi que le tendras que hacer creer que le hice a el primero... recuerda... es nuestro secreto... de mujer a mujer.





Por que a los hombres no les puede dar la enfermedad de las vacas locas?  Porque todos son unos cerdos

Un dia, en el Paraiso, Eva llamo a Dios: Tengo un problema.- Cual es el problema, Eva?- Se que me has creado, que me has dado este hermoso jardin, todos estos maravillosos animales y esa serpiente con la que me muero de risa... pero no soy del todo feliz... - Como es eso, Eva? - replico Dios desde las alturas.- Me encuentro sola, y ademas estoy harta de comer manzanas...- Bueno Eva, en tal caso, tengo una solucion... creare un hombre para ti.- Que es un hombre?- Un hombre sera una criatura imperfecta, con muchas artimanas. Mentira, hara trampas, sera engreido... vamos, que te va a dar problemas... Pero, va a ser mas fuerte y rapido que tu y le gustara cazar y matar cosas... Tendra un aspecto simple, pero como te estas quejando, le creare de tal forma que satisfaga tus... eh... necesidades fisicas... Y tampoco sera muy listo, y destacara en cosas infantiles como pegarse o dar patadas a un balon... Necesitara tu consejo siempre para actuar cuerdamente.- Suena bien - dijo Eva, mientras levantaba la ceja ironicamente.- Cual es el truco?.- Pues... que lo tendras con una condicion.- Cual?- Como te decia, sera chulo, arrogante y muy narcisista... asi que le tendras que hacer creer que le hice a el primero... recuerda... es nuestro secreto... de mujer a mujer.Por que a los hombres no les puede dar la enfermedad de las vacas locas?  Porque todos son unos cerdos

Ellas...



Ellas (2)...



Tres venganzas femeninas VENGANZA NUMERO 1

Hoy mi hija cumple 21 anos y estoy muy contento porque es el ultimo pago de pension alimenticia que le doy, asi que llame a mi hijita para que viniera a mi casa y cuando llego le dije:

-Hijita, quiero que lleves este cheque a casa de tu mama y que le digas que: Este es el ultimo maldito cheque que va recibir de mi en todo lo que le queda de su puta vida!!! Quiero que me digas la expresion que pone en su rostro.

Asi que mi hija fue a entregar el cheque. Yo estaba ansioso por saber lo que la bruja tenia que decir y que cara pondria.

Cuando mi hijita entro, le pregunte inmediatamente: -Que fue lo que te dijo tu madre?

-Me dijo que justamente estaba esperando este dia para decirte que no eres mi papa!



VENGANZA NUMERO 2

Un hombre que siempre molestaba a su mujer, paso un dia por la casa de unos amigos para que lo acompanaran al aeropuerto a dejar a su esposa que viajaba a Paris.

A la salida de inmigracion, frente a todo el mundo, el le desea buen viaje y en tono burlon le grita:

- Amor, no te olvides de traerme una hermosa francesita Ja ja ja!!

Ella bajo la cabeza y se embarco muy molesta.

La mujer paso quince dias en Francia.

El marido otra vez pidio a sus amigos que lo acompanasen al aeropuerto a recibirla.

Al verla llegar, lo primero que le grita a toda voz es:

- Y amor me trajiste mi francesita??

- Hice todo lo posible, - contesta ella - ahora solo tenemos que rezar para que nazca nina.



VENGANZA NUMERO 3

El marido, en su lecho de muerte, llama a su mujer. Con voz ronca y ya debil, le dice: - Muy bien, llego mi hora, pero antes quiero hacerte una confesion.

- No, no, tranquilo, tu no debes hacer ningun esfuerzo.

- Pero, mujer, es preciso - insiste el marido - Es preciso morir en paz.

Te quiero confesar algo.

- Esta bien, esta bien. Habla!

- He tenido relaciones con tu hermana, tu mama y tu mejor amiga.

- Lo se, lo se Por eso te envenene, hijo de puta!!!



machismo y cibernetica



Chiste machista La NASA ha enviado al espacio una mision experimental tripulada por dos monos y una mujer.Apenas abandona la atmosfera, se establece comunicacion con Houston.

-Atencion, simio 1, verifique sistemas hidraulicos, controle adecuada presion de los propulsores de arranque. A 60.000 pies disminuya un 25% la velocidad.

El simio hace la sena de OK.

-Atencion, simio 2, nivele al cruzar la estratosfera y active sistemas anticongelantes. No olvide monitorear sistemas de comunicacion e indicadores de presion. Comprendido?.

El simio hace la sena de OK.

-Atencion, Houston llamando a mujer: no se olvide.

-Mujer: Si, si, ya se! -interrumpe enojada- que no me olvide darles de comer a estos monos de mierda y que no se me vaya a ocurrir tocar nada!.



.Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti.

Un abogado mantiene un romance con su secretaria.Al poco tiempo, esta queda embarazada y el abogado, que no quiere que su esposa se entere, le da a la secretaria una buena suma de dinero y le pide que se vaya a parir a Italia.Esta pregunta: Y como voy a hacerte saber cuando nazca el bebe ? El abogado responde: Para que mi mujer no se entere, tan solo enviame una postal y escribe por detras: Spaghetti. Y no te preocupes mas, que yo me encargare de todos los gastos.

Pasan los meses y una manana la esposa del abogado lo llama al bufete, algo exaltada: Querido, acabo de recibir el correo y hay una postal muy extrana viene desde Italia. La verdad, no entiendo que significa.El abogado, tratando de ocultar sus nervios, contesta:Espera a que llegue a casa, a ver si yo entiendoCuando el hombre llega a casa y lee la postal, cae al suelo fulminado por un infarto.Llega una ambulancia y se lo lleva. Ya en el hospital, el jefe de cardiologia se queda consolando a la esposa y le pregunta cual ha sido el evento que precipito tan masivo ataque cardiaco.

Entonces la esposa saca la postal y se la muestra diciendole: No me explico, doctor; el solamente leyo esta postal. Vea usted mismo lo que trae escrito.Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti."Tres con salchicha y albondigas y dos con almejas



Gol !!!!



Chistes de Borrachos Entra un borracho a su casa todo manchado con lapiz labial por todos lados hecho un desastre, y la mujer le pregunta:-Hombre que te paso?Y el borracho le responde:-No me vas a creer, me pelee con un payaso!



Este es un borracho que entra en un bar y le dice al camarero:-Me da cinco copas de whisky?Al rato:-Me da cuatro?Al rato:-Me da tres copas?Despues:-Me da dos copas?Luego le dice:-Me da una copa?Y le dice al camarero:-Ves? Cuanto menos bebo, mas borracho estoy!


Our supplier cant supply enough production per month. We are looking for 24t/month supplier. Contact US price with and without delivery with description of your briquettes. We are looking for RUF briquettes. Our adress is in Kaunas, Lithuania
It is true that since 2015 there has been a rise in violent crime that the authors attribute to the arrival of refugees, said Verena Herb, a spokeswoman for the Families Ministry that commissioned the study. But they also make very clear that refugees arent generally more criminal than for example Germans.

The study, led by prominent criminologist Christian Pfeiffer and published by the Zurich University of Applied Sciences, says most of the refugees came to Germany from Muslim countries that are characterized by male dominance and an acceptance of a macho culture that can justify violence.

First: years of denial that immigrants are responsible for the wave of violent crime. Then, when that obvious lie can't be sustained anymore, here's the first fallback position: they are responsible...but not because they're more violent, you see! It's...something...else...

For the love of God, can't we just be honest about this stuff?]

So...for several years we've been hearing that this is absolutelytrue, and that if you suggest that ittrue you're a racist.[Oops! Almost forgot this bit!:But:Uh...riiiight... See, they're not more violent...but here's the explanation of why they're more violent...
WHITE CREEK  A White Creek man was hurt and charged with driving while intoxicated after he drove a minivan into a tree on Bates Road late Wednesday, according to police.

Cody S. Estell, 26, was taken to Saratoga Hospital for treatment of a laceration to his head after the 10:26 p.m. collision, the Washington County Sheriff's Office said in a news release.

Police said Estell was driving a Dodge Caravan west when he went off the road and hit a tree. Based on evidence at the crash scene and admissions he made, Estell was charged with misdemeanor DWI and ticketed for misdemeanor aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, failure to keep right and speed not reasonable and prudent, police said.

He was issued appearance tickets for White Creek Town Court, and a blood sample was taken to be tested for alcohol and/or drug content, police said.

Sheriff's deputies Scott McFarren and Matthew Ashton handled the case, assisted at the scene by Cambridge Rescue Squad and White Creek Fire Department.
HEBRON  A woman from Hebron was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated after she crashed into a tree Friday afternoon, police said.

Stephanie A. Wall, 42, of Benn Road, was arrested after the 2:29 p.m. collision on Middle Road, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

Police said Wall was not hurt in the crash, but had a blood alcohol content nearly triple the 0.08 percent threshold for intoxication.

Wall was released, pending prosecution in Hebron Town Court. Sheriff's Deputy Matt Ashton handled the case.
GRANVILLE  Police were still searching Thursday for the driver of a pickup truck who hit an elderly man and left him critically injured on a village street Tuesday night.

Granville Police have looked at several trucks that match the description of the one involved, but as of Thursday afternoon none had been linked to the collision that left 78-year-old Hebron resident Frank Grunert in grave condition at Albany Medical Center with a serious head injury. A hospital spokeswoman said he remained in critical condition late Thursday afternoon.

Police said Grunert was hit as he walked along Church Street around 6:45 p.m. He was near the United Methodist Church, headed to a meeting there, and street lighting is limited in that area.

The truck was southbound, and a northbound vehicles occupants saw the crash and initially described it as a dark-colored, four-door Ford or Dodge. Part of a sideview mirror was sheared off by the collision.

Granville Police were able to find surveillance video of a truck shot around the time of the collision by a nearby camera that shows a dark-colored pickup, but Granville Police Sgt. Ryan Pedone said the truck in the video appears to be one of two other short-bed makes and models other than a Ford or Dodge.

We agree that it looks like it is either a Honda Ridgeline or a Chevrolet Avalanche, Pedone said.

Police have not said the truck was involved, but that they would like to question the driver based on the circumstances.

Pedone said owners of pickup trucks that resemble the one in the photo have contacted the Police Department to have their vehicles, which resemble the one in the video, ruled out.

Weve had some people come forward with vehicles like that to have them checked out, he said.

Anyone with information in the case is asked to call Granville Police at 518-642-1414.
We find it odd that Gov. Andrew Cuomo now believes that New Yorks property tax system is a cancer on the state.

Its even more unusual for him to single out local governments to reduce costs because property taxes are such a burden on local residents, especially since it has been our observation that the 2 percent tax cap has kept local taxes under control and forced schools and municipalities to be more frugal than at any point in recent memory.

Gov. Cuomo obviously does not have his finger on the pulse of our small communities.

What we heard last week in the governors annual State of the State address was partly a declaration of war against Donald Trump and the Republicans new tax plan, and partly a declaration of his intention to be the next president of the United States.

Were concerned the latter will come at the expense of New Yorkers, who would be better served if Gov. Cuomo first tried to be a better governor.

While most of us dont have to worry about losing any significant portion of the property tax deduction (to be capped at $10,000 in the future), we were surprised to learn that a full third of taxpayers in California, New York and New Jersey deduct at least $17,000 a year.

Thats why Gov. Cuomo sees the new tax plan as not only a crisis for taxpayers, but an attack on a significant segment of New Yorkers. He promised in his State of the State to restructure our state tax system to combat the losses many will see at the federal level.

The governor wants to enact a massive restructuring of the state tax code from an income tax system to a payroll tax system. We expect to hear more details when he announces his budget plan in a couple weeks.

Apparently, the new federal tax plan was done so quickly that there are a multitude of loopholes that allow taxpayers to get around the essentials of the plan. In this case, employers would pay more under payroll taxes  they are deductible under the new plan  while individuals would not have to pay any state income tax. That would make it a win-win for the employer and employee.

The plan calls for individuals to take a cut in pay, but since there would be no state income tax, their take-home pay would remain the same.

Anyone else worried?

We cant think of anyone who is going to be dancing a jig over taking a pay cut, no matter how much their taxes are reduced, especially when there are exceptions so some workers will not have to take a pay cut, such as union workers or those already earning minimum wage.

And those are just the complications we understand. Some believe the new plan could be a lot of extra work for businesses, and perhaps the final straw to send a company out of state.

Especially when you consider some of the other challenges the state is facing, such as a $4 billion budget shortfall and another $2 billion in federal funding cuts to its health care programs.

We share this reaction from the nonprofit and fiscally conservative Empire Center:

The idea of replacing all or part of the state peronsal income tax (PIT) with a payroll tax, partially subsidized by the federal government via business tax deductions, might sound plausible or even appealing on the surface to politicians worried about the impact on their revenue cash cows.

But on closer inspection, even taken on its own terms, the payroll tax idea is not nearly as simple as it sounds. In fact, any attempt to broadly displace the PIT with a payroll tax would be fraught with mind-bending complications and virtually impossible to implement.

Do any of us want to hear terms like mind-bending complications and impossible to implement when it comes to our taxes?

We wondered if Gov. Cuomo might be better served taking a hard look at state government spending and mandates before reading the riot act to smaller communities that are already struggling to stay under a tax cap.

Just recently, we called the governor out about his bloated staff and how he hides the payroll by paying them through various agencies outside the executive branch.

Were pretty sure Gov. Cuomo could enact a 10 percent across-the-board cut in state personnel and few of us would notice the difference. He could start with well-paid spokespeople who serve absolutely no purpose.

We perused the governors 22 proposals for the coming year and there are many worthwhile ideas that should be explored, including a new look at the tax code.

But New York should not make the same mistake the federal government did. It should take its time and work through its options carefully.

That is not what the governor is doing here.
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COAL VALLEY  Village leaders are hoping the rezoning of a mobile home park might bring about further investment in the village.

On Wednesday night, trustees voted 4-0 to rezone Candlelight Mobile Home Park from a I-1, light industrial zone, to an R-4 Mobile Home Park. Trustee Adam Baine abstained, and Trustee Stan Engstrom was absent.

The mobile home park, owned by A&J Real Estate Investment Corp., is located at 1503 W. 1st Ave. The property also is included in a Tax Increment Financing district, which the board recently expanded. However, the mobile home park itself was not part of the expanded district.

Owner Walter Blackard told the village board he is looking to sell the mobile home park to an investor based in Colorado. He said he needed the ordinance change in place before the potential new owner would sign off on the deal.

Mr. Blackard said the company interested in purchasing the park updates and improves parks. He said he signed a non-disclosure agreement and could not identify the potential new owner, but that he would know for sure if the deal would go through by next Wednesday.

"They've took properties that make my place look like a five-star community in comparison and they go in and cut trees down, put new roads in, they put new homes in, and get rid of things that don't look right," Mr. Blackard said. "I'm just too old and I'm having a few health issues so I want to slow down."

He thanked the village for working with him over the years to help improve the image of the mobile park.

In other business:

Mayor Mike Bartels told trustees that an intergovernmental agreement with the Rock Island County Forest Preserve was not ready in time for the board to vote on. He said he expects the agreement could be on the agenda next month. The agreement is needed to move forward with discussions on the expansion of village water to Niabi Zoo.

Fundraising for new road signs in the old downtown area has brought in $350 of the targeted $1,200 needed to complete the project, Mayor Bartels told the board.

Police Chief Jack Chick has been asked to draft an ordinance for inclusion of all-terrain vehicles and side-by-side utility vehicles, which can seat two to four people, within village limits. The ordinance, which also would apply to golf carts, will charge an initial fee of $100 for a safety inspection and a $10 fee annually for sticker renewals. In order for the stickers to be renewed, residents would have to provide proof of insurance. Chief Chick said he would not have the ordinance ready by the next meeting but should have it for a meeting in February.
Black Hawk College's interim president said Wednesday that his main purpose is to be replaced.

Bettie Truitt, Black Hawk's former president, announced her retirement in June. Ms. Truitt had served as the colleges president since late 2014. The hiring of her temporary replacement, John Erwin, was announced in early December, and he began work Tuesday. Most recently, he served as interim president at Marion Technical College in Marion, Ohio. He was also president of Illinois Central College, East Peoria, from 2001 to 2015.

"In my capacity as interim president, I have but one laser focus," he said.

That focus is helping Black Hawk successfully find the person who will permanently replace Ms. Truitt, Mr. Erwin said.

The goal will be finding a candidate with the qualifications to mesh well with the college's strengths and challenges, he said.

Black Hawk's vocational programs and its role as a springboard to four-year programs are its big strengths, Mr. Erwin said. Its biggest challenge is the competition for students it faces from other schools.

The school's strengths, he said, will help it draw students in the face of that competition as will its longevity, which has allowed it to develop a body of alumni who will market the college by word of mouth.

A good candidate would also be a person concerned with the financial health of the college, and Black Hawk's survival of Illinois' recently ended budget problems relatively unscathed would be a good draw for a quality candidate, Mr. Erwin said.

Mr. Erwin said his role at Marion Technical College was similar to the one he will be playing in the Quad-Cities  helping the school transition from the former president to a permanent replacement, which gives him experience in the circumstance in which Black Hawk now finds itself.

Black Hawk is working with Pauly Group Inc. to find candidates as part of a national search, he said.

The contract with Pauly is for up to $60,000 for its services.

Mr. Erwin said it is a partnership, with both the search company and college playing a role. Pauly will handle functions such as advertising the position and developing the initial pool of candidates, based on criteria being established by the Black Hawk College Board of Trustees.

The college will handle other elements in house, including arranging visits and interviews, he said.

Though national in scope, the search is open to anyone, Mr. Erwin said.

That includes himself, he acknowledged. His contract as interim does not have language restricting him from applying, but he said he had no such plans as of Wednesday.

The hope is to have a final replacement take the helm on July 1, the beginning of the fiscal year, Mr. Erwin said.

Mr. Erwin said he already has some familiarity with Black Hawk. He has interacted with staff and leaders there both as an educator and as an administrator. He was a colleague of Keith Miller when he was Black Hawk's president in the early 2000s, and met Ms. Truitt several years ago. He was one of the college administrators who went to Cuba with her in 2015.

His experience in higher education spans more than 30 years and includes time as an instructor and an administrator, according to Black Hawk.

That career includes working as assistant instructor in history and American studies at Indiana University from 1982 to 1985; the social sciences chair at Illinois Valley Community College from 1990 to 1994; academic affairs vice president for the Iowa Valley Community College District, and the academic vice president of Cincinnati State Technical and Community College from 1998 to 2001.

He has a doctorate focused on U.S. history and American studies and a master of arts in U.S. history, both from Indiana University, according to his resume. He also has a master of divinity from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio. Mr. Erwins bachelor of arts is from the University of Indianapolis. Its focus was English and religion.

Mr. Erwin's contract includes an annual salary of $165,000, a $1,000 monthly housing allowance, and a $40 monthly stipend for cellphone use. His period of employment is listed as Jan. 2 to June 30.

He said Wednesday that he can continue as president if the search takes longer than the remainder of the fiscal year.
As Illinois 2018 Bicentennial year begins, I have some thoughts and concerns I would like to share as a Henry County Board member and chaplain of the board.

I have served in these two positions for seven years with a perfect attendance which is my responsibility to you the voter.

As chaplain, I offer a prayer at every board meeting. Personally, I pray regularly for each county board member, elected officials at all levels of government, state of Illinois, Washington, D.C. and the citizens of the state. Living in a complex and dangerous world, we need guidance from God.

Illinois operates with 7,000 units of government and approximately 155 taxing bodies in Henry County all coming with a hefty price tag. There are layers of RED TAPE and countless UNFUNDED MANDATES making governing by the county board extremely difficult.

As chaplain and board member, this excessive waste concerns me on how we will continue to function. Recently discussions, while meant to include all taxing bodies of the county, mainly focused on township government.

Approximately 20 people spoke in support of no consolidation of township government. One individual spoke in favor of continuing the conversation on how to improve efficiencies and services.

The board listened intently then voted to table this issue indefinitely. However, what the board did was kick the can down the road and live up to the expectations of what government officials in Illinois and Washington D.C. do, NOTHING.

I disagree with the Nov. 30, 2017 Dispatch-Argus editorial stating the board members voting to table this conversation and take the issue out of the hands of the voters, know whats best for the approximately 50,000 county residents.

I do NOT know what is best. What I do know is we heard loud and clear voices state they want 24 townships with duplication of services in each of these townships and no consolidation. Where are the rest of the voices of Henry County?

This government is government for all residents of Henry County and we cannot continue to blame others for the problems of the county and state and not be engaged ourselves.

The answers are difficult and painful. To make wise decisions, all taxing bodies need to be at the table of discussion providing good input to examine the processes and determine if there is a need and benefit to change the current system of 155 taxing bodies.

Illinois Bicentennial year includes celebrations of our history, heritage and those who have forged the way. How will we, county board members and county taxpayers, forge the next 200 years and at what cost? I pray it is to restore fair and just government for everyone but that involves all of us.

Henry County citizens I encourage and invite you to share with the county board your voices, concerns, and wisdom which are IMPORTANT and NEEDED.

I have been and will continue to be available to listen and discuss the issues with the constituents I serve. I can be reached at kathyohs66@gmail.com.

Where are the rest of the voices of Henry County?
With so many new houses in various stages of construction, parts of Rock Island Arsenal resemble parts of north Bettendorf.

The Arsenal is better than halfway through a major housing addition that will deliver 71 new homes and about 300 full-time residents to the island.

The houses are being built in two places: On and behind the Iowa-facing riverfront between Quarters One and the Col. Davenport House and the site of the mostly demolished 1970s housing off the Arsenal's main drag, Rodman Avenue.

A housing study from 2012 showed the need for housing for the island's "green-suit population," meaning enlisted soldiers and officers and their families, the Garrison commander, Col. Kenneth Tauke, said Wednesday.

"We probably could've built more," he said, adding that a funding request has been submitted, seeking to add "bachelor housing" to the island.

Here's the breakdown on the 71 units  many of which are expected to be move-in ready by April: 41 are at the Davenport site, which gets its name from the close proximity of some units to the Col. Davenport House. The other 30 homes, including duplexes, are being built at the Rodman site, which contained 32 apartment units prior to demolition.

Two of the old homes at Rodman were left standing and are serving as construction offices. When the houses are done, Tauke hopes, the old Rodman homes could be retrofitted into bachelor/bachelorette quarters. If the funding isn't available, the homes will be demolished, the colonel said.

For an military installation that has seen only two residential buildings go up in about 50 years, the plentiful new housing is generating considerable excitement on the island.

"They're all for military, and they're intended for the enlisted, warrant officer ranks  up to colonel," said Calvin Schmid, project engineer out of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Louisville District. "They (occupants) have to have a dependent; have children.

"They all have a storm shelter for up to an F-5 tornado."

But the construction cost for the 71 homes might blow you away. Not counting the cost of the Corps' management team, early design work and engineering, the price tag is $47.6 million.

For some who will move into the homes, Tauke said, the convenience is priceless.

"It's a little less challenging," he said of island residents who generally serve only two or three years on the post before moving to their next assignment. "The cable company is the only one you have to call, but everything else is turned on and ready to go. It's a softer landing if you're only here for two or three years."

On-post housing also can make moving on easier.

"It'll be nice to have the community on the island," Tauke said. "We're very fortunate to be part of the Quad-Cities  part of the Quad-City family. Even though we're bringing families onto the island ... we think this is a great place to come, work and raise your family  not just on the island.

"We couldn't imagine a better location," he said.

And what is the colonel's role in the island's biggest residential construction project in decades?

"The contractors build them, the Corps of Engineers oversees them, and I'm the customer," he said.

Does this mean he was asked to pick out countertops and light fixtures?

"I was appraised of countertops," he said. "I think they did a nice job on the interiors. They're nice homes."

Spoiler alert: They're not all green.
A group of advanced students from the journalism and publications class enjoyed warm vibes, recently, from members of the Pleasant Valley School Board.

Board members and district leaders lauded the honors-level students from Pleasant Valley High School who, among other things, edit and produce the online and print versions of the Spartan Shield, and the yearbook, called the Valenian.

In the Iowa High School Press Association contests, the Spartan Shield staff won several honors and awards. According to Maureen Dyer, teacher, the program has excellent writers in the honors-level class, which was added last year to the curriculum.

The contest results: Finalist, Iowa News Team of the Year; second place, Yearbook of the Year; first, Yearbook Cover of the Year. In additional awards, the Spartans won first and third places in the "On-the-Spot" news writing contest.

In this, the students wrote about the guest speaker, Scott Winter, at the association's fall conference in November. Vivek Joshi finished first in this event while Anna Banerjee was third.

The Spartan Shield and Valenian yearbook give the students real world experiences, Dyer told the school board. The teens essentially run a business, keep a budget, and write many articles.

Dyer challenges the students to take on controversial topics, including the debate about gun ownership in the United States, and recently, the #metoo campaign about sexual harassment in the workplace.

Keshav Wagle is co-editor of the online monthly newspaper with Jenna Ruccolo. Both Wagle and Ruccolo told the school board they enjoy the class, even as it presents extra challenges to the teens. "It will definitely benefit me later in life," Ruccolo said.

Emma Horsfield is in her second year as co-editor of the publication. She appreciates the class, she said, especially as it comes at the end of the school day. "Things get done quickly," she said, noting the content that challenges readers.

Horsfield said they are not afraid to tackle tough topics in today's news world.

Horsfield is supported by co-editor Nadini Jayaram, who agrees with the news decisions.

Business manager, Rebecca Abdullah, is taking the class for the first time, and said she is busy handing the advertising end of the print news business. It involved lots of e-mail communications, she said, and "hands-on experiences with advertisers."

Dyer, the teacher, said Abdullah does a great job at the paper.

Lily Feldman is editor-in-chief of the Valenian, and said this is a new leadership position for her. However, Feldman said the yearbook is important to students, and she seeks diversity in who's included. The aim is to get each student's name in the yearbook at least three times, she said.

"The First Amendment is alive and well at Pleasant Valley High School," Board President Chris Cournoyer said. Cournoyer has a daughter in the class.

Board member Nikhil Wagle, who's son co-edits the online Shield, had several questions, including on how the two formats differ.

Horsfield said the print version on a topic, like sexual assault, has several stories from different angles. The online version includes videos.

In addition, the two have different stories. The print version goes to press once each month, but the online version is live, so can be easily updated, she said.

Dyer, the instructor, said the decision to make the Spartan Shied a monthly, magazine-type publication is more expensive than in the past.

Pleasant Valley's superintendent, Jim Spelhaug, supports the journalism program. "There are few things more important to democracy than a free and independent press.

"It's a challenging world today," he said. "We are proud of your work."
As scores of bald eagles continue to gather near open water in the Quad-Cities, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will host a series of free bird watching events this winter on Arsenal Island.

Park rangers will welcome viewers every weekend beginning Jan. 13 and continuing through the first half of February. The 90-minute outings begin at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. on the following days: Jan. 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28; Feb. 3, 4, 10, 11.

Guests will meet at the Mississippi River Visitor Center, 328 Rodman Ave., Rock Island, on the western end of Arsenal Island near Lock and Dam 15 before touring the nearby historic Clock Tower.

The corps will set up telescopes on the fifth floor of the 150-year-old tower, where participants may view birds to the west, park ranger Mike McKean said. His office counted 122 eagles Wednesday at Lock and Dam 15.

The clock tower is the signature structure of the Rock Island Arsenal and the only one remaining from the Civil War era. It is made of limestone quarried about 14 miles upriver. The main building is three stories high, with a 117-foot high tower in the middle that contains clock faces.

Those interested in attending one of the tours on Arsenal Island must first stop at the Visitor Control Center at the Moline gate, where they will be asked for a driver's license or other approved identification. They also will undergo a screening process. For reservations, call 309-794-5338. Visit www.missriver.org for more information.
A Buffalo woman pleaded guilty Thursday in connection with a gang-related shooting in August.

Zoe Ogden, 19, faces up to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to receiving and possessing a firearm made from shotgun and rifle in U.S. District Court, Davenport.

She will be sentenced May 21. A hearing on prosecutors motion to place Ogden into detention until sentencing is slated for Jan. 18, according to court records.

According to the plea agreement filed Thursday:

Around 4:30 p.m. Aug. 21, Davenport police responded to a report of shots fired in the 1500 block of North Main Street.

Police located a maroon Pontiac Grand Am driven by Willie J. Hicks Jr., and attempted to stop the vehicle.

Hicks led police on a pursuit through residential neighborhoods and reached speeds of up to 52 mph. Officers were able to block the vehicle in and Hicks, Ogden and two others were arrested.

A rifle with a defaced serial number and a shotgun were found on the front passenger floorboard.

Police also found four 12-guage shotgun shells, a shaving back containing 24 additional 12-guage rounds, 18 .22 caliber long rounds of ammunition, one spend .22 caliber long casing, four cell phones, 2.9 grams of methamphetamine, 2.25 grams of marijuana and a digital scale.

Ogden told police she was driving the vehicle when one of the passengers shot at a rival gang member with the rifle. She said she knew there were firearms  both of which had been modified  in the vehicle and that she purchased the shotgun and knew that the barrel was shortened some time later.

She also admitted she bought 100 rounds of 12-guage ammunition for the shotgun and she had the shotgun in a bag when she and Hicks transported it in and out of the residence they shared.

Both firearms qualify as National Firearms Act firearms because the length of their barrels and overall length.

Under federal law, a rifle having a barrel length of less than 16 inches and/or an overall length of less than 26 inches qualifies as an NFA firearm. A shotgun having a barrel length of less than 18 inches and/or an overall length of less than 26 inches also qualifies as an NFA firearm.

Police requested an NFA check on Hicks and Ogden; no NFA firearms were registered to either one, according to the complaint, according to the plea agreement.

Hicks, 20, of Buffalo, also is charged in federal court with receiving and possessing firearm made from shotgun and rifle. On Thursday, his attorney filed a motion to continue his Jan. 29 trial.

Police also arrested two juveniles, Kevon Montez Jackson, 17, and Jarrett Anthony Bonnell, 17, both of Davenport, in connection with the incident.

According to court records, Jackson pleaded guilty Oct. 31 in Scott County juvenile court to intimidation with a dangerous weapon and unauthorized possession of offensive weapons and was placed into the Iowa State Training School in Eldora.

Bonnell pleaded guilty to the same charges in Scott County District Court in late November. He will be sentenced Jan. 10.

Police have said in affidavits that the suspects are members or associates of the West Side Mafia, which officers described as a criminal street gang.
A retrial for Davenport murder defendant Stanley C. Liggins will begin Aug. 28, a judge ruled Wednesday during a short hearing in Scott County District Court.

Chief district Judge Marlita Greve also scheduled a two-day hearing on pretrial motions to begin May 22.

The trial, which will be moved to Black Hawk County because of extensive pretrial coverage, is slated to last three weeks.

Greve said she anticipates asking court staff to call quite a few prospective jurors during jury selection.

Scott County Attorney Mike Walton told the judge Wednesday that he is working on quite an extensive pretrial motion regarding a defense expert report that he said is lengthy and quite far reaching.

He said he also plans to revisit the issue of witnesses that prosecutors have not been able to locate in the last three years.

Waterloo public defenders Aaron Hawbaker and Nichole Watt will represent Liggins in his third trial.

Liggins, 56, is charged with first-degree murder, willful injury causing serious injury, first-degree sexual abuse, first-degree kidnapping and first-degree arson.

Prosecutors say Liggins strangled Jennifer Ann Lewis, 9, of Rock Island, and burned her remains near a Davenport elementary school in September 1990.

He was twice convicted in the girl's death and sentenced to life in prison in 1993 and 1995. The Iowa Supreme Court overturned the first conviction, and on Nov. 6, 2013, the Iowa Court of Appeals reversed the second conviction.

The date of his third trial has been pushed back several times.

Greve in May granted a defense request to transfer Liggins to the Black Hawk County Jail in early October to give him time to prepare with his attorneys for Wednesdays hearing and for his eventual trial in Waterloo.

Hawbaker filed a motion on Oct. 30 to have Liggins transferred back to Scott County. He wrote in his motion that because of differences in jail police, communication and access with Liggins, it is easier with him in the Scott County Jail.

Greve granted the motion the same day. Liggins was back in the Scott County Jail on Nov. 1, Scott County Sheriff's Maj. Bryce Schmidt said.
Fusion GPS, the company at the center of the controversial Trump dossier, is calling for a release of transcripts of their testimony before three congressional committees, including the Senate Judiciary Committee that's chaired by Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa.

The request ignited a back and forth between the company and Grassley on Wednesday.

In a New York Times op-ed piece, which was published Tuesday, company founders Glenn Simpson and Peter Fritsch, also accused lawmakers of ignoring information about President Trump and Russian involvement in last year's election, and instead are seeking to focus on them.

Grassley spokesman Taylor Foy said Wednesday the senator is committed to transparency but that certain information must be protected in the midst of an ongoing inquiry. He also said that it was Fusion GPS that wanted to keep the testimony confidential.

Fusion GPS is the company hired to look into Trump's background, which resulted in a dossier compiled by a former British spy that detailed a number of allegations about the president's ties to Russia. The company was first hired by a conservative web site and, later, by Hillary Clinton's campaign.

In the op-ed, Simpson and Fritsch say they've testified before three congressional committees, and that Republicans "have refused to release full transcripts of our firms testimony, even as they selectively leak details to media outlets on the far right." The two suggest their firm is being used to distract from allegations about reports of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia.

Trump has denied the allegations and called the investigations a witch hunt.

Foy said Wednesday that Grassley "has always been and remains for transparency. There are, however, investigative factors that he must consider to temporarily protect certain information in the midst of an ongoing inquiry such as this one, like tainting the memory of other witnesses."

Foy added the committee's previous offer for Simpson to testify publicly "remains on the table."

Joshua Levy, a lawyer for Fusion GPS, challenged the account offered by Grassley's office. He said the company "has consistently supported release of the transcript" and only wanted to review it for accuracy, which he said now has been done, and to ensure the identities of its bank and employees would be protected because of threats.

He went on to say "the Committee has long known that Fusion GPS is neither the story nor the reason why the U.S. government is investigating the presidents campaign. We suggest Chairman Grassley acknowledge that fact and be transparent with the American people."

Foy said that Fusion has not not been cooperative with the committee, still hasn't responded to follow up questions and is instead spending its time issuing press statements.

"Chairman Grassley remains committed to transparency, and will endeavor to make as much material public as possible at the appropriate time," he said.
Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller is asking state lawmakers to eliminate fees that credit rating agencies can charge customers for a security freeze.

The request comes four months after the Equifax data breach that exposed 143 million people nationwide. Miller says 1.1 million Iowans were affected.

"I just don't think these fees are fair to Iowa consumers, and the Equifax case is exhibit A," Miller said Thursday. "If a company you have no control over exposes your personal information through negligence as a result of someone else's criminal act, you shouldn't get left holding the bag simply because you want to protect yourself from identity thieves through credit freezes."

The proposal would limit fees on placing, removing, temporarily suspending or reinstating a security freeze. In addition, the proposal requires that credit rating agencies move faster to enact and suspend freezes and expands the way to request them. It also allows for freezes to be applied to other credit rating agencies.

Experian and TransUnion are the other nationwide credit rating agencies.

Equifax announced the breach in September and took a number of steps in the aftermath to deal with the issue, including waiving fees to freeze or unfreeze accounts. That waiver is scheduled to end Jan. 31.

Miller says that Iowa law allows agencies to charge customers $10 to freeze an account, $10 to lift the freeze and $12 to temporarily lift the freeze. The latter, Miller said, is the highest fee for a temporary lift in the country.

He notes those costs would be tripled to cover all three nationwide reporting agencies.

Officials at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion could not be immediately reached Thursday afternoon to comment on Miller's proposal.

Individual states have their own laws dealing with credit freezes. Iowa and other states don't allow fees if a consumer is the victim of identity theft, according to a chart provided by the attorney general's office. But some states have banned fees even when security freezes are requested by people who haven't been victimized.

The Illinois House passed a bill in October that would prohibit fees for freezing and unfreezing a credit report, but it has not been acted upon by the Senate.

This past year, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, introduced a bill in Congress to prohibit fees.
When it comes to water quality, the Iowa Legislature will start the 2018 session right where it left off in April.

After all-night negotiations in the final hours of the 2017 legislative session failed to produce an agreement between the GOP majorities in the Senate and House, leaders are predicting quick action when the Legislature convenes Monday in Des Moines.

Calling it a generational challenge for Iowans, House Majority Leader Chris Hagenow, R-Windsor Heights, is adamant that water quality is going to be something that we will get done this year.

We have every intention of passing a meaningful bill on water quality this year, he said.

Senate Majority Leader Bill Dix, R-Shell Rock, is lobbying for the House to approve a Senate-passed water quality bill, which is a bill the House approved two years ago.

At the moment, I believe that is the clearest path to a new water quality initiative, Dix said.

The 2017 session ended with the House and Senate holding fast to their own versions of water quality legislation.

In short, the Senate version would have appropriated $744 million split among several pots or silos for water quality, nutrient reduction and water and wastewater treatment.

The House plan called for $513 million but included a bonding feature that floor manager Rep. Chip Baltimore, R-Boone, said explodes the funding possibilities. Rather than silo the funds, it would give preference for collaborative, watershed-wide projects involving cities, industries and rural landowners.

Democrats think the House plan is less bad than the Senate bill, according to Sen. Rob Hogg, D-Cedar Rapids, but he thinks his party could improve it.

He predicted the House will accept the Senates facade of a plan early in the session to give Gov. Kim Reynolds a win on water quality  without giving water quality advocates time to lobby for something better.

House Minority Leader Mark Smith, D-Marshalltown, also prefers the House version of water quality legislation to the Senates. He was among the Democrats who voted for it last year.

However, he would prefer the Legislature focus more on healthy soil issues rather than solely on water quality because I think we get more buy-in from Iowa farmers on those issues.

Senate Minority Leader Janet Petersen, D-Des Moines, would prefer that Republicans reach out to Democrats, who are very interested in making sure Iowans have access to safe drinking water.

You know, rivers are not Republican and Democrat, she said. I would really prefer to see a solution that bring ideas from all communities and both parties instead of trying to rush a bill to the governors desk.

Regardless of what version of water quality legislation is passed, Hagenow predicted it wont be the end of the discussion.

I dont see this particular bill as the beginning or the end of that issue, he said. You have changes in technology that happen all of the time, new ways to collaborate, new ways to make sure the right dollars are going to the right projects.

Hagenow said his goal in 2018 is to put some meaningful resources in place, a sustainable, ongoing source of money.

Democrats  and some Republicans  think that should include approval of a hike in the state sales tax that would direct three-eighths of a cent to fund conservation, recreation and water-quality improvements. That would raise an estimated $200 million to be deposited in the voter-approved and constitutionally protected Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund.

In addition to the three-eighths-cent sales tax revenue, Rep. Art Staed, D-Cedar Rapids, is calling for an increase in the fertilizer tax to encourage better use of fertilizer, which is seen as a contributor to water quality problems.

The state levies a 17-cent-per-ton tax on fertilizer and soil conditioners. In recent years, the tax has raised $720,000 and $987,000, all deposited in the general fund.

In addition, a groundwater protection fee on nitrogen-based fertilizer has generated more than $1 million each year for Department of Natural Resources water quality efforts.

We need to get serious about it, and this is the year to do it, Staed said.
A Pennington County commissioner convicted of violating a county zoning ordinance has been granted a new trial in May following his appeal.

George Ferebee, 77, a commissioner from rural Hill City, was found guilty in September of maintaining at his property a septic system that lacked an operating permit. The zoning ordinance states that on-site wastewater treatment systems need to be pumped, inspected and issued permits regularly.

Retired 4th Circuit Judge Warren Johnson, who tried the case, ordered Ferebee to pay a $200 fine at the end of a daylong trial on Sept. 25. The court earlier decided not to impose a jail sentence.

The following month, Ferebee paid the fine. He also appealed the 7th Magistrate Court conviction in circuit court.

His lawyer, Shawn Tornow, cited errors of law that were committed prior to and/or at his trial in this matter, according to Ferebees notice of appeal on Oct. 20.

Ferebee has since been scheduled a circuit court trial on May 16 and 17 at the Pennington County Courthouse, according to court records.

In cases involving the alleged violation of a county ordinance, South Dakota law gives defendants the right to appeal a magistrate court verdict in circuit court, as well as the right to a new trial in circuit court.

It's not yet been settled if it will be a jury trial or another bench trial, said Assistant Attorney General Robert Haivala, who is prosecuting the case.

John Bastian, a retired judge of the 4th Circuit Court, was assigned to handle the appeal. Jerome Eckrich, a retired judge from the same circuit, was initially appointed but Ferebees lawyer requested a change of judge, saying he believes Ferebee cannot have a fair and impartial hearing under Eckrich. No reason was provided in Tornows Nov. 14 sworn statement.

Ferebee was charged in October 2015. He has asserted that he is exempt from the septic system ordinance because his land holdings total 250 acres  more than the 40 acres that qualifies for exemption. Ferebee says he has never subdivided the property since purchasing it 30 years ago.

The state argues that Ferebee's property is legally made up of four lots and that the septic system is on a 12.22-acre lot.

During his sentencing, Ferebee said he believes the zoning ordinance is unconstitutional and that it retroactively changes the legal consequences of actions that were committed before the law was enacted.

Ferebee is due back in court for a hearing on Feb. 27.

His term as county commissioner for District 1 ends Dec. 31, and he hasn't publicly announced whether he's going to run again. Ron Rossknecht, a real-estate appraiser and resort executive, declared in November that he is running for the District 1 commissioner seat in this year's election.
The sixth annual Veterans Holiday Relief Drive, through Jan. 31, will help provide a comfortable new year to our veterans, military members, and their families that may be homeless or in need. Buddy Baskets and Buddy Bags filled with essential household or personal care items may be left at: American Legion Post 71, 1045 Jennings Ave., Hot Springs; Cornerstone Rescue Mission, 30 Main St., Rapid City (earmark donation, VHRD - Vets Wing); Spearfish Area Chamber of Commerce, 106 W. Kansas St., or Black Hills Pioneer, 315 Seaton Circle, Spearfish. Monetary donations or shopping gift cards may be mailed to: Dept. of S.D. American Legion Auxiliary, Attn: VHRD, 129 N. Main Ave., Hartford, S.D., 57033.
The president has made a commitment to U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem that her bill requiring online sellers to collect sales taxes will be passed into law this year, Noem said Wednesday in Rapid City.

Meanwhile, one of Noems opponents in this years gubernatorial race, fellow Republican and Attorney General Marty Jackley, is seeking a U.S. Supreme Court decision that would achieve the same goal.

Whichever candidate succeeds first could receive credit for helping to capture millions of dollars in lost revenue for the state and for city governments. But if either or both fail, they could suffer blame for failing to deliver.

Noem, R-S.D., said she received a commitment from President Donald Trump during a recent meeting at the White House. She said the meeting also included Vice President Mike Pence, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House staffers Rick Dearborn and Marc Short.

They all committed to me that we were going to get my bill passed in 18 here, Noem said. I told them that I would remind them of that daily.

Noems comments came during a meeting with about a dozen community leaders at Black Hills Bagels, one of two gatherings she organized in Rapid City to talk about the tax-reform legislation that she recently helped pass into law.

The focus during the Black Hills Bagels meeting turned to sales taxes when newly appointed state Rep. Michael Diedrich, R-Rapid City, asked Noem what she is doing at the federal level to help collect sales taxes from online retailers.

South Dakota depends on sales taxes to fund much of its budget for state government. But as sales have migrated from local stores to the internet, some online sellers who are based outside of the state have refused to collect sales taxes. The exact amount of the revenue lost annually by the state and cities is unknown, but Gov. Dennis Daugaard mentioned one estimate of $50 million last month during his budget address to legislators.

Legislators passed and Daugaard signed a law in 2016 that would require online sellers to collect sales tax, and litigation ensued with online retailers Wayfair Inc., Overstock.com and Newegg Inc. The state of South Dakota has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to consider the case.

Noem said Wednesday that she hopes to pass her bill, H.R. 2193, the Remote Transactions Parity Act, before the Supreme Court decides whether to intervene.

If that gets taken up by the Supreme Court, we could be in a situation where people will say, Well, we shouldnt act on this while the Supreme Courts deciding, and that does put us months into delay, Noem said.

Jackley is representing the state in the court case. Like Noem, he was in Rapid City on Wednesday, where he met with local law enforcement officials and the media at the Public Safety Building to talk about his package of bills for the 2018 legislative session.

In a Journal interview, Jackley said Congress could have resolved the sales-tax issue with legislation anytime since at least 1992, when a U.S. Supreme Court decision stymied North Dakotas attempt to collect sales tax from an out-of-state retailer. Jackley said he welcomes Noems effort to solve the problem legislatively, even as he attempts to solve it in the courts.

I am supportive of that, Jackley said of the legislation, but again, I recognize that theyve been talking about this since 1992, and we would need something to actually pass.

Jackley also noted that Noem signed a legal brief, along with one other U.S. representative and four U.S. senators, that was submitted in November in support of the states petition to the Supreme Court.

Gov. Dennis Daugaard, who is term-limited after this year, is supportive of any solution that would require out-of-state online sellers to collect sales taxes. Thats according to Tony Venhuizen, the governors chief of staff, who spoke to the Journal by phone Wednesday.

The governor just wants to see this fixed, Venhuizen said. If Congress is able to fix this, that would be great, and if the Supreme Court takes action to fix this, that would be great.

Jackley said he could know as soon as next week whether the Supreme Court will take up the sales-tax court case. If the court accepts the case, Jackley said, he would hope to argue the case in April and receive a decision before the courts summer break.

Noem said her bill has been blocked so far by Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., who has not allowed the bill to pass out of the House Judiciary Committee that he chairs. Noem said she is considering nuclear options, such as a maneuver known as a discharge petition, to force the bill onto the House floor.

I think with the presidents help and the vice presidents help, we wont have to utilize that, but thats always on the table, Noem said, and Ive informed all of my leadership and the White House that those are all options Im looking at.
One of Rapid Citys oldest national retail stores is closing later this spring.

Sears Holdings, Chicago-based parent company of Sears and Kmart stores, announced Thursday it had informed employees at 39 Sears locations, including the Rapid City store located at 2200 North Maple Ave., in the Rushmore Mall, that it would be closing in late March or early April.

The company also announced Thursday the closing of 64 Kmart stores, but the Rapid City Kmart in the Northgate Shopping Center was not on the list.

A voicemail message seeking comment left at the Rapid City Sears store was not immediately returned.

However, the company released the following statement on its website in announcing the latest in a series of store closures over the past several months.

Sears Holdings continues its strategic assessment of the productivity of our Kmart and Sears store base and will continue to right size our store footprint in number and size, the company said in a statement.

In the process, as previously announced we will continue to close some unprofitable stores as we transform our business model so that our physical store footprint and our digital capabilities match the needs and preferences of our members."

Sears Holdings spokesman Larry Costello couldn't say how many employees worked at the Rapid City store.

The majority of these jobs are part-time positions, he said in an email.

Sears said eligible employees impacted by the closures will receive severance and have the chance to apply for open positions at other Sears or Kmart locations.

Liquidation sales will begin at the affected Sears and Kmart stores as early as Jan. 12, the company said.

Sears, Roebuck & Co. operated a store at 512 Main St. in downtown Rapid City in what is now the Shops at Main Street Square. The Sears name can still be seen in the concrete threshold in front of the entrance of the former store, built in 1947, according to county records.

Sears was one of several downtown stores, including J.C. Penney, that eventually moved to the then-new Rushmore Mall.

Sears has anchored the east wing of the Mall since the late 1970s, but the company has closed hundreds of stores in recent months in the face of changing consumer buying habits, which have seen exponential growth in online shopping at the expense of traditional brick-and-mortar retailers.

Rushmore Mall manager Brandon Boyster said in an email Thursday that the mall is seeking a replacement tenant for Sears.

As for the announced closing of Sears, retail brands come and go and that has always been the case in the retail industry, Boyster said. We plan to re-tenant the space and our leasing team is currently in discussions with potential new tenants.
LIBBY  Proposals to create a new trophy mule deer buck area near Libby and reduce the number of mountain goat permits in and around the Bob Marshall Wilderness will get an airing at four Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks public meetings in northwest Montana.

Beginning this Saturday in Kalispell, the meetings are an opportunity for state officials to share information and gather input on tentative hunting season dates and rules for the next two years.

The proposal drawing the most interest in northwest Montana was generated by sportsmen mostly from the Libby area.

The citizen initiative asks the Fish and Wildlife Commission to set aside a portion of Hunting District 103 in the Fisher River area near Libby for permit-only hunting of mule deer bucks.

FWPs Region 1 currently doesnt have a full-season, limited permit area for mule deer bucks. In other places in the state, those areas have been popular for hunters hoping to harvest a trophy mule deer.

George Mercer is the spokesman for the citizen group spearheading the proposal.

In December 2016, Mercer said a group of about 35 sportsmen sat down to discuss the idea of creating a mule deer buck permit-only area in the Libby area.

That group decided to move forward and hosted a public meeting last summer that drew 80 sportsmen. Those sportsmen agreed on the area that would be recommended to the commission. A petition was signed by 454 people, including the Lincoln County commission, sheriff and state representatives.

We knew that to get the commission to allow for public comment, we needed to be able to show that we had support for this proposal, Mercer said. Its a little bit out of the ordinary for a citizen group to push for this kind of a proposal.

The proposal includes setting aside about 132,000 acres of HD 103, which is about 24 percent of the hunting district, for permit-only mule deer buck hunting. Initially, the sportsmen are asking the state to offer only five permits in the area. As mature mule deer buck numbers begin to increase, the permit numbers could climb to as high as 15.

Sportsmen would like to see the change in place by next hunting season. The commission will vote on the proposal at its season-setting meeting on Thursday, Feb. 15.

Montana FWP doesnt support the proposal.

While state biologists agree the proposal would limit opportunity for people to harvest deer in the area, they dont think it would make much difference in overall mule deer population growth.

We dont think there is a biological reason for it, FWPs Region 1 Wildlife Manager Neil Anderson said. Its more of a social decision.  All across the state there are certain groups of sportsmen who want to have the opportunity to harvest larger mule deer bucks. They would like to see this kind of management.

At the same time, Anderson said there are hunters who just want meat in their freezers.

This area is a pretty popular area to hunt, Anderson said. There is a lot of road access there.

"One of the things that we do see is when you set aside an area for permit-only hunting, it shifts hunting pressure to other areas. That's one of the things you have to think about.

Across the state, mule deer populations are up and down. Anderson expects that this years harvest of mule deer will be down from the year before.

This winter, FWP biologists are beginning a study to look at three mule deer populations in hopes of gleaning some information on whats happening with populations in the Fisher River, Whitefish Range and on the Rocky Mountain Front.

A total of 30 mule deer will be trapped and collared in each of the different areas. Blood samples will be taken to determine pregnancy rates. The deer will be tracked and any mortality documented.

Mercer said the citizens group of sportsmen isnt bothered by the departments lack of support for the proposal.

At the end of the day, the department works for the hunters and sportsmen in Montana, he said. I believe we have shown them that there is support for this proposal. Sportsmen for this area and from other places would like to see more special permit areas in place.

Beyond the mule deer proposal, Anderson said the department is recommending eliminating mountain goat hunting in five districts located in the Bob Marshall Wilderness complex. Two other districts would be limited to one permit apiece.

Like other areas in Montana, mountain goat populations have been in decline in the Bob Marshall. Those populations havent responded to earlier cuts to permit numbers.

The statewide proposals are available for review and comment at fwp.mt.gov/hunting under Opportunity for Public Comment.

The public meetings are set for:

 Kalispell  Saturday, Jan. 6, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., FVCC, Arts & Technology Building

 Trout Creek  Tuesday, Jan. 9, 7-9 p.m., Lakeside Motel & Resort

 Libby  Tuesday, Jan. 16, 7-9 p.m., Libby Memorial Center

 Eureka  Thursday, Jan. 18, 7-9 p.m., Lincoln Electric Co-Op

Comments may be submitted at the meetings, online or by mail to: FWP Wildlife Division, Attn: hunting season proposals, PO Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620.

The deadline to submit comments is 5 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 24. The Fish and Wildlife Commission will review comments and recommendations and adopt final regulations at its Feb. 15 meeting in Helena.
The Three Mile Irrigation Measure owns the five-line, high-pressure supply system installed in the mid-1980s and is responsible for future operation and maintenance costs, according to a recent ruling by Judge James Haynes in a lawsuit brought against the Bitter Root Irrigation District.

In his 26-page ruling, Haynes calls arguments raised by the non-profit Citizens for Fair Water borderline non-sensical, misstated and a red herring. A footnote describes the latter as A cured and salted herring used to mislead hounds following a trail.

He also writes that Citizens took words out of context, and left out others when it tried to claim the Bitter Root Irrigation District, or BRID, owned the Three Mile system.

It was pretty colorful, John Crowley, the BRID manager, said of Haynes opinion. I thought it was a well-written document. He kind of laid it out and now we will have to work it out.

Haynes ordered the 400-plus landowners using the Three Mile irrigation system to form a Three Mile Irrigation Subdistrict, to whom BRID will convey the system. He wrote that the Three Mile subdistrict must create an organizational structure, and regularly participate in meetings with the BRID Board based in part on the complexities involved in operating the high-pressure gravity pipes.

The BRID was formed in 1920, and owns and operates Lake Como reservoir, the diversion dam below the lake, a feeder canal from Lost Horse Creek, and the 70-mile long main canal known as The Big Ditch.

Historically, once BRID water is turned out to users at various points along the canal, it becomes the individual users responsibility to convey the water to their private property and maintain their own system.

Haynes noted that in 1984, the BRID board of commissioners entered into a contract to issue a bond to borrow $1.18 million to finance the construction of the Three Mile System. The system includes five separate gravity pipelines: the North Ridge Line, completed in March 1983; the Three Mile Line, completed in July 1984; the Ridge Road and East Ridge lines, both completed in June 1986; and the Ambrose Line, completed in May 1987. Combined, they make up the Three Mile Irrigation District.

The lines replaced surface supply canals and ditches with a buried pressure pipeline, which enhanced water delivery and reduced water loss from seepage. The Three Mile Irrigation system is located northeast of Stevensville, off of the Eastside Highway.

As part of the 1984 agreement between BRID and the Three Mile System users to finance the project, the USDAs Soil Conservation Service required BRID to maintain and operate the five lines for the evaluated life of all the installed projects  and later confirmed the evaluated life was 30 years. Thats the same amount of time it would take for the Three Mile System users to pay off the bond.

The bond was paid off in February 2016, Crowley said.

In October 2015, Citizens for Fair Water filed a lawsuit in Ravalli County District Court, asking that Haynes declare that BRID is the sole owner of the Three Mile System, with the sole obligation to maintain and operate the system as part of the overall BRID regime.

In the ensuing years, the Citizens group laid out a variety of reasons for BRIDs ownership, but Haynes didnt agree with their arguments.

A recent attempt to raise an alleged new and important fact  that BRID petitioned the entire district, not just the Three Mile area, when the new ditches were created  was a red herring, Haynes wrote. Thats because the $1.18 million bond benefited only the Three Mile Irrigation District, yet incurred an obligation upon all the BRID members, which is why they all were involved in the petition.

Haynes also was dissuaded by the Citizens premise that the Three Mile System primarily benefited the entire BRID water delivery system.

The Three Mile Irrigation District alone directly benefited, Haynes wrote.

He also wrote that the Citizens had a mistaken belief that the Three Mile System was a public system, owned by BRID, by noting that the legislation authorizing the project was to provide assistance to private, local and state entities.

Nothing in (House Bill) 85 suggests BRID owns the Three Mile System, Haynes wrote. BRID, as a quasi-governmental entity, simply met the Montana Legislatures criteria to sponsor and secure the $1.18M loan.

Jack Tuholske, who represented Citizens, said theyre still digesting Haynes response and arent sure how theyll proceed.

I would say that we are disappointed with having the judge rule against us, Tuholske said. We respect his analysis, but at the same time are looking at a range of options, from working with BRID to appealing to the Montana Supreme Court.

Crowley said his board also is looking closely at the judges order, and are now going to have to hammer all this stuff out.

Its a lot of information to process, Crowley said, adding that they want to work closely with the Three Mile Subdistrict.

The crew here has had a lot of time on the gravity system, and it isnt something you can just hand off to someone, Crowley said. Theres a lot of moving parts, but thats what we are here for. We can assist them, but thats something that will need to be worked out.

Its too bad that there was a lot of money spent that we felt shouldnt have been spent.
Joshua and Michelle Buchanan welcomed their fifth child into the world at 6:15 p.m. on Jan. 2 at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital in Hamilton, and the unnamed babe is the 2018 Happy New Year Baby.

They havent yet agreed upon a name for their fourth son, who weighed seven pounds, seven ounces, and measured 20 1/2 inches.

Its great, said Joshua Buchanan. It went really fast. The labor was quick and intense at the end, requiring just one push and he came out. We are calm as experienced parents; I feel lucky to have had five healthy babies. All were done naturally with no pain killers.

The older children age 8, 6, 4, and 3 all have names that are part of nature: Rivers, Reef, Kai, and Koral, so the Buchanan parents have names under discussion.

We want something along that line of nature but havent agreed, Michelle Buchanan said.

We want something unique and relatable, but not something cheesy, Joshua Buchanan said. Weve given all our children kind of regular middle names in case when they get older and they hate the name we gave them, they can always go by their middle name.

The Buchanan family moved from Santa Cruz, California, nearly three years ago joining Michelles parents who retired to the Bitterroot Valley 12 years ago.

We fell in love with it out here, Joshua Buchanan said. Santa Cruz has so many people and so many social problems. Montana is a great place to raise a family. When youre young and you dont have a lot of responsibilities California is a great place. But when you get older your values change  at least mine did.

Michelle Buchanan said she does miss the ocean and her large extended family.

The couple had their previous children in large city hospitals and said they appreciate the small hospital with closer parking, no security hassles to get in, and more personalized attention.

The hospitals we are used to have seven or eight delivery rooms. This is nicer, with fewer people running around and less chaos, Joshua Buchanan said. Here we received great care and it was easy to bring in grandparents and our other children to visit.

The New Year Baby received a new stroller, filled with diapers, hand knit and crocheted blankets, and a Dr. Seuss onesie that says One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, which fit right into the family name theme.

It is so welcome because we hadnt planned on having more children and gave away all our baby clothes and furniture, Michelle Buchanan said.

Doctor Ann Kimmel delivered the Happy New Year Baby.

We love that hes the New Year Baby, especially since it was spontaneous and not cheating by induced delivery, forceps, or delayed Cesarean, Kimmel said.

Delivering for the New Year Baby was a fierce competition at hospitals in Phoenix where she previously lived. Kimmel joined Marcus Daly Memorial hospital in April of 2016 and has delivered many babies.

I love it here and because there isnt that hectic crush of millions of people. You can give personalized care and attention to each patient and family, she said. Here everybody is special and for me, that's great job satisfaction to give that care to patients. It is a special time in their life and something I love doing.

Kimmel said following labor dreams by soon-to-be-moms is a top priority. Wishes include birthing plans, labor Jacuzzi tubs, letting moms walk around or find the most comfortable position, medications to ease labor pains, or no medication.

She also likes the extra space for family members to attend births.

Obviously the mom is the center of attention, but it is really special when the dad, or significant other, are intimately involved. And it really touches my heart when you see a new father cry, or get choked up. It is just such a wonderful thing to be part of, she said. I like having fathers involved and offering them to cut the cord.

A new recommendation is to wait on umbilical cutting the cord until it stops pulsing.

We place the baby on the mothers chest or abdomen right away, Kimmel said. Getting the baby to the mom quickly helps their bonding experience. Babies breastfeed better if we get them going with mom quicker and we do encourage breastfeeding.

Kimmel was a labor and delivery nurse, who decided to become a delivery doctor after having her own children.

When I was in labor the first time I felt so vulnerable and I really looked to the nurses for support, she said. They gave it and I decided to do it for a living  it gives me more empathy.
The University of Montana will have just one woman as a permanent dean leading its 14 academic units.

Last month, Roberta Evans stepped down as dean of the Phyllis J. Washington College of Education and Health Sciences in order to do more research and teaching. And Shannon O'Brien took a buyout as dean of Missoula College.

Their departures leave Dean of Libraries Shali Zhang as the only woman serving as a permanent dean, although Bitterroot College lists a female director on its website.

"Gender balance is an issue that can't be ignored," said Dean Christopher Comer, head of the College of Humanities and Sciences.

The president's cabinet currently counts more women than men, at nine out of 16. But a couple of other coming changes will further skew the gender balance in leadership at UM. Outgoing President Sheila Stearns is passing the torch to President Seth Bodnar this month, and interim Provost Beverly Edmond is serving likely her last semester as UM hires a permanent chief academic officer.

But leaders at UM, including those involved in filling positions, said the campus is committed to diversity in its hires and appreciates the leadership approach women bring to the table.

UM also is working to groom faculty within its own ranks to take on leadership roles.

"It is somewhat ironic that you would have an interim president and interim provost both (be) females," Edmond said. "The onus is really on the university to be very cognizant of how all permanent positions are filled."

***

Comer said he believes UM will redouble its efforts to conduct thorough searchers in the future given the need for gender balance, and he personally appreciates the collaborative style that women often bring to leadership positions.

"I think they bring a stronger intuitive sense of collaboration, and we need that. And I do sense in our new president (Bodnar) that he's really interested in high degrees of collaboration," Comer said.

Comer is heading the search for a permanent provost. He and Bodnar earlier announced the members of the search committee, which includes 10 women among its 19 members. The committee includes students, faculty, staff, and an official from the Montana Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education, Deputy Commissioner John Cech.

Already, Comer said search committee members have talked about ensuring a diverse applicant pool. The search is a priority for Bodnar, and the committee has asked people to turn in applications before the end of January "for full consideration."

"I think there's a keen sense in running that search in a superb form that will be really friendly to people with different backgrounds," Comer said.

In the earlier search for provost, Comer said the group initially considered applications based only on qualifications, and not identities, in order to be as objective as possible. The goal is to find a person who is the right fit for the job and the campus.

"Find the best talent and somebody who fits all of UM's needs, and certainly, gender balance is an issue that can't be ignored in any large institution," Comer said.

***

Provost Edmond said she anticipates a diverse pool of applicants for the provost job at UM along with the open dean positions.

"The landscape in higher education has changed considerably, so I think that even for the current provost search, they're very likely to get a very good diverse set of candidates," said Edmond, herself an African American woman serving as second-in-command at UM in an interim capacity.

Currently, UM also has an interim vice president of finance, but Edmond said men still tend to dominate that field and may be the majority of those applicants, although the temporary official is a woman.

Edmond appointed Adrea Lawrence, associate professor and chair of the Department of Teaching & Learning, as interim dean of the College of Education. At Missoula College, associate dean Clint Reading will serve as acting dean. Edmond said once she is back in Missoula, she will consider applications for interim candidates.

All institutions need to be proactive in addressing diversity, and Edmond said at UM, the office of faculty development has done important work. She advocates for more faculty development in order to grow future leaders from within the institution.

"The university has done a pretty good job in providing some level of professional development to faculty members who often are the source of future provosts, deanships and even sometimes presidents," Edmond said.

In making hiring decisions, Edmond said it's always a challenge to balance issues such as gender, race, ethnicity, and other characteristics when a campus is doing a search that is based on merit. She said merit is front and center, but UM is attuned to the need for diversity as well.

"I think there is great sensitivity there," Edmond said. She said the evidence is that three executive leaders at UM, including the top two, have been women, so the flagship has already established gender balance as important.

"How to then sustain it does become the challenge," Edmond said.
GREAT FALLS  A Montana judge has dismissed a deliberate homicide charge against a man who spent 15 years in prison for a killing he said he didn't commit.

The charge against Richard Burkhart, 38, was dismissed last week after Cascade County prosecutors said they did not have enough evidence to convict Burkhart of killing William Ledeau with a hammer in November 2001, the Great Falls Tribune reported .

"I have been waiting for this moment for many, many years," Burkhart said in a statement released Wednesday by the Montana Innocence Project. "I am looking forward to spending the rest of my life as a free man."

Larry Mansch, legal director of the innocence project, said Burkhart will soon have a parole hearing on a separate criminal mischief conviction stemming from the time he has been in prison.

While investigating the killing case in 2015, the Montana Innocence Project found evidence that someone in juvenile detention reported  shortly after Burkhart's 2002 trial  that his cellmate had confessed to his role in killing Ledeau.

Project lawyers also talked with a witness who acknowledged lying when he testified that he saw Burkhart kill Ledeau.

District Judge John Kutzman vacated Burkhart's conviction in November 2016 and ordered a new trial.

Prosecutors re-filed the charge but while they continued to investigate they ran into some obstacles, Cascade County Attorney Josh Racki wrote in his Dec. 28 motion to dismiss.

Witnesses' memories were not as clear as they once were, evidence was not logged and kept as it should have been, and modern forensic testing of evidence "was unable to yield additional relevant or probative data," he said.

Prosecutors did not believe they could prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.

The investigation will continue and there are no other suspects, said Racki, adding that he did not believe the reported jailhouse confession. The dismissal does not preclude charges from being re-filed against Burkhart, Kutzman said.

It was the third successful case for the Montana Innocence Project in the past two years.

Richard Raugust's conviction for the 1997 killing of his best friend in Trout Creek was overturned in December 2015, while Cody Marble's conviction for a 2002 rape in a juvenile detention center was overturned in January 2017.
Guwahati : Two FIRs have been lodged against an Assam BJP legislator following his controversial statements on the ongoing National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state.

According to the reports, two local organizations namely All Assam Goria Moria Youth Students Union and Krishak Sramik Kalyan Parishad had filed two FIRs against BJP MLA Shiladitya Dev at Latasil police station in Guwahati following controversial statement on NRC made by the BJP legislator.

Shiladitya Dev, BJP MLA of middle Assams Hojai assembly constituency, whose name was excluded from the first part draft NRC published on December 31 midnight alleged that, several illegal Bangladeshi people names have been included in the first part draft.

The BJP MLA also said that, it is a very concerning issue.

Following the controversial statement, the two organizations on Wednesday had filed FIR against the BJP MLA.

Krishak Sramik Kalyan Parishad leader Pradip Kalita said that, the BJP MLA has trying to create untoward situation in the state by making this type of controversial statement.

We are demanding to the state government and Assam police to take stern action against the BJP MLA, Kalita said.

Assam government had published the first draft NRC on December 31 midnight by including 1.90 crore people out of 3.29 crore applicants.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Wednesday turned as a teacher by visiting a primary school in his constituency Majuli.

The Assam CM visited the primary school as taking part in the third phase of Gunotsav started from Wednesday in 13 districts of the state.

Sonowal had visited the No 2 Sadar LP School in Majuli district also took stock of the internal evaluation done by the teachers and inspected the infrastructure as well as cleanliness of the school.

The Assam CM interacted with the teachers and students of the school and underlined the positive environment generated in the educational institutions by the last two phases of Gunotsav.

The third phase of Gunotsav will be continued till Januray 6 and it has covered a total of 12,37,922 students of 17,883 schools in Baksa, Biswanath, Darrang, Dhemaji, Dhubri, Goalpara, Golaghat, Hojai, Karimganj, Majuli, Nalbari, Sonitpur and South Salmara Mankachar district.

A total of 7,744 external evaluators and liaison officers are engaged in this phase of Gunotsav.

The previous two phases of the Gunotsav have immensely contributed in improving the academic environment in the state. It has given a major push in the change of mindset among the teachers, Sonowal said.

Stating that children are the future of the nation, Sonowal emphasised the role of teachers and parents in building their character and personality.

He urged the teachers to generate awareness amongst students about the importance of environment and maintaining cleanliness for a healthy life.

He also appreciated the cooperation extended by the people in the last two phases of the Gunotsav.

Coinciding the occasion, Chief Minister Sonowal also planted a sapling in the school campus. Deputy Commissioner of Majuli Pallav Gopal Jha and officials of Education Department were present during the visit of the Chief Minister.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
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 US Sentencing Commission announces public meeting to vote on proposed guideline amendments | Main | DOJ casting new marijuana enforcement memo in terms of "rule of law" and "local control" 

January 4, 2018

"I was Raped. And I Believe The Brock Turner Sentence Is a Success Story."

The title of this post is the headline of this notable new commentary authored by Meaghan Ybos, who is the founder and executive director of People for the Enforcement of Rape Laws. I recommend the piece is full, and here is a snippet:

[T]hose critical of the scrutiny of Judge Persky have not defended Turners sentence. I will do so here. I am a rape victim engaged in a lawsuit against the Memphis Police Department for systematically failing to investigate rape cases and I believe that Judge Perskys sentence was just. The outrage over the supposedly lenient sentence misunderstands the consequences of Turners conviction, which includes lifetime registration as a sex offender, and vilifies individualized sentencing. I also believe that the energy and vitriol directed at Judge Persky should have been used instead to hold police departments accountable for properly investigating rape, which too many fail to do.... We should not demonize judges for handing out individualized sentences, even to Brock Turner. Instead, we should demand that judges use discretion more broadly and in favor of people from all backgrounds. And we must recall that the very worst criminal justice policy springs from outrage over individual high profile cases from Willie Horton to, more recently, Jose Ines Garcia Zarate, a homeless Mexican immigrant in San Francisco who was just acquitted in a high profile murder that Donald Trump seized upon in his 2016 campaign to support his anti-immigration platform. Furthermore, advocates ... have falsely characterized Turners sentence as a slap on the wrist, but his punishment also involves much more than the number of hours he was caged. Turner owes court fees and is required to pay the victim restitution. He must attend a year-long rehabilitation program for sex offenders, which includes mandatory polygraph exams for which he must waive his privilege against self-incrimination. If he violates the terms of his three-year felony probation, he faces a 14-year prison sentence. He now has a strike that can be used against him under Californias three-strikes law if he is accused of any future criminal activity. As a convicted felon, he will not be allowed to own a gun.... The most severe part of Turners sentence, which anti-rape advocates largely have glossed over, is the requirement that he register as a sexual offender for the rest of his life. This means that an online sex offender registry will show his picture, his address, his convictions, and details of his probation. These lists, which contain people convicted of an ever-growing number of offenses, are so broad and oppressive that a Colorado federal court deemed them cruel and unusual punishment. They are modern-day witch pyres that often lead to homelessness, instability, and more time in prison. As with Jose Ines Garcia Zarate and Willie Horton before him, political leaders seized on outrage over Turners sentence to justify punitiveness. The Turner case spurred a new mandatory minimum law in California removing the option of probation for people convicted of sexually assaulting a person who is intoxicated or unconscious. By imposing a three-year mandatory sentence, the law removes judicial discretion. The bill is about more than sentencing, said Democratic Assembly member Bill Dodd in a written statement following the bills passage. Its about supporting victims and changing the culture on our college campuses to help prevent future crimes. But its at the front end of the criminal justice system where most rape complaints falter. Police have often acted as hostile gatekeepers preventing complaints from ever reaching a courtroom. History shows police gatekeeping in cities like Philadelphia, St. Louis, Baltimore, Cleveland, Detroit, New Orleans, and New York City. In recent years, police have regularly closed cases before doing any investigation, discarded rape kits (the San Jose Police Department currently has over 1,800 untested rape kits and refuses to count the rape kits collected before 2012), and have even arrested victims for false reporting. Its not surprising that police departments solve abysmally few rapes, with some cities clearance rates in the single digits. The Turner case was investigated and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. For a sexual assault case, it is a rare success. More punishment isnt always the best or most just response. Nor does it necessarily provide justice for victims. And as long as police gatekeeping prevents rape victims from having consistent access to the criminal justice system, recalling judges and increasing sentences will yield no progress in reducing sexual assault.

January 4, 2018 at 03:34 PM | Permalink

Comments

I am sure it's not even close to legal or constutional to require someone to waive their RIGHTS against self incriminate themselves

Posted by: Rodsmith3510 | Jan 4, 2018 8:28:11 PM

That was not a rape. Hanging out, getting drunk together for several hours, going places together, all imply consent.

Feminism, a hatred of men ideology, is now ubiquitous among lawyers. It is to 2017 exactly what the KKK was to 1917. To the feminist, the family is a competitor in moral authority to a big left wing government, and must be crushed. All sex is rape to them, until there is equality of political power between the sexes.

Posted by: David Behar | Jan 4, 2018 8:48:58 PM

Agreed with David. It takes a lot of work, but when you drill down into the details of this "crime" it appears to be nothing more than a drunk boy and a drunk girl. Did he even know she was passed out? Was she even passed out (in other words, was she making moves with her eyes closed or was she immobile)? It appears that two guys (?) came upon the scene and made a judgement right there, and that judgement stuck all the way to conviction, despite the evidence that poured in about the party, the girl's behavior there, her and her friend deciding to go to the party, etc., etc. She got real drunk, but didn't want to go with her friend she came with. He got real drunk and they left together. It's ridiculous. If they had managed to get to one of their apartments they might have had sex or not. After the incident blew up, the girl was coached to write a huge screed about her shame and humiliation and upset and how she will never ever be able to get over this. It is literally insane. The writer referred to in this post is right: his life is ruined by the sex offender designation. And she obviously thinks that's just great. She should be ashamed of herself. But she won't be. She should be censured not lauded. This is just more of the utterly criminal unjust state of sex offense laws in the country.

Posted by: restless94110 | Jan 5, 2018 12:53:31 AM

Should the government subsidize any institution that teaches or promotes KKK style white supremacy? Should it subsidize any that promotes feminism?

Posted by: David Behar | Jan 5, 2018 10:49:08 AM

Post a comment
SIOUX CITY | It seems Toyota Highlanders get good gas mileage when they're in park.

On the evening of Jan. 1, a Siouxland man left his blue 2012 Highlander idling at 200 block of Court Street while he went into his business. When he came back, the car was gone.

The stolen SUV made it to the 1400 block of Tri View Avenue, where it was put in park and left running.

By Wednesday morning, employees of the nearby Telco Triad Community Credit Union thought it was odd the car had been idling for more than a day. So they called the police.

Bill Nice, detective with the Sioux City Police Department, said car thefts in general aren't uncommon in cold weather, when everyone wants to leave their vehicles running.

"It was taken in the typical fashion that we see this time of year," Nice said. "It was taken in a matter of a few seconds."

The SCPD believes they have apprehended the car thief, who they declined to identify. The suspect was arrested on Tuesday night in Sioux City in a vehicle that had been stolen in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, a week prior.

"Based on evidence we found last night, we're assuming he was involved with both vehicles," Nice said.

The Highlander has been returned to its owner, and the police department is continuing its investigation.

Unfortunately for the owner, after idling for a day and a half, the car was a little low on fuel.

"The gas light was on when we found it," Nice said. He added that the case was a little puzzling to investigators -- the car was on an odd cycle of running for several minutes and then shutting itself off, before restarting itself for unclear reasons.

Assuming the vehicle was running that way the whole time, this may account for its idling such a long time without running out of gasoline.

The case also illustrates a problem with remote key-fob start vehicles like the Highlander -- they don't all work the same way. Some models won't let the car move if the key fob isn't inside, others will only let the car move a certain distance -- but some can be driven "until it runs out of gas" even without the fob, Nice said.

Nice warned drivers of key-fob start vehicles to not assume their car is secure idling without the fob.

"It just depends on the make and model of the car," he said. "Don't think that your car's just going to shut off if the key fob's not in it."
It's only a matter of time before DRGAlejandro unveils his latest project, and this time the rapper is confident he's found his voice.

Inspired by artists like Layne Staley, Johnny Cash and Kurt Cobain, Alejandro Martinez adopted a grittier style of rapping whilst writing the eight tracks for his upcoming album "David Daniels," expected to release sometime the second or third week of January.

Cobain in particular is of great importance to Martinez. The past rock star's inspiration becomes all the more obvious when Martinez describes his music as "grunge rap," even going so far as to tag the phrase to his songs on SoundCloud.

"I feel like right now in hip-hop there are so many different genres," said Martinez. "Hip-hop in general is changing a lot."

As is Martinez's music. "David Daniels" takes a departure from his darker and more personal 2016 album "Little Town (EP) Pt. 1" in favor of a more energized work. "It'll get a crowd going," Martinez insisted. The grunge rap reveals itself in the vocals and some of the more guitar-laced beats in songs like "Rolling $tone" and "Lo$t."

"It's to-the-point," he said. "Real sh**. Real grimey. Dark. Guitars in the background. You can hear that rock inspiration behind it."

That's bound to happen, especially since Martinez has an entire wall inside his in-home studio dedicated to the late Nirvana frontman. Posters and other memorabilia of the blond-haired rocker are displayed proudly above Martinez's work station.

"I just loved how he was so original and really got to the point of his lyrics," said Martinez. "He really meant what he really f***in' talked about. That's what I respect Kurt Cobain for. He's very original as a musician.

"If you've listened to his music, it's straight to the f***in' point. That's what I'm trying to portray in my music. I'm not trying to be something I'm not."

Work on "David Daniels" began more than eight months ago. Every two weeks, Martinez would write a track before sending it off to his engineer in Chicago for mixing. He felt a great deal of creative freedom when constructing this latest undertaking.

The songs released thus far -- "FINE NOW," "Rolling $tone" and "Lo$t" -- have a stylistic consistency Martinez has been striving for. He's comfortable with his voice now that he's made a shift in his music.

"I wanted to mix it up and bring something different to the table," he said. "I've been finding my sound. [...] This project is my best project I've wrote so far, and I really mean that. I think this is the start of something good."
Oh, deer

SIOUX CITY | Towels must have been on Bambi's Christmas list this year.

The patrons of Sioux City's Bed Bath & Beyond included one unlikely customer on Christmas Eve when a deer entered through the front door, surprising those inside.

The deer was spotted between noon and 1 p.m. at the store, 5751 Sunnybrook Drive, according to store manager Jeff Albert.

"Everybody was just doing their work and all of a sudden one of the cashiers said, 'Holy cow, theres a deer coming in the front door.'" Albert said. "I was up near the front and I peeked around the corner and there it was, a little deer running in the door."

Albert said the deer couldnt have been more than 3 feet tall and didn't cause any damage or directly interact with any people.

He said he and the store employees opened up all of the emergency doors as onlookers snapped photos and videos so that the deer could see itself out, which it did unharmed.

It appears the deer was either "just looking" or didn't bring enough bucks to make any purchases.

10 left with 'winter blues' after drug bust

STORM LAKE, Iowa | The title could have been an accurate description of the people in uniform or the feelings of those they arrested.

Storm Lake Police nabbed 10 people on drug charges on Dec. 22 as part of a yearlong effort known as "Operation Winter Blues."

A police department release said the arrests were made in recent weeks in the endeavor to find illegal and prescription drug sales in Storm Lake.

The arrests came after many hours of surveillance and seizures of drugs. The police department was aided in some of the arrests by the Buena Vista and Cherokee county sheriff departments.

The 10 people, whose home residences were in either Storm Lake or Alta, were arrested on charges related to distributing methamphetamine, marijuana or prescription drugs.
Top churches would rather pray the gay away.

A study by Church Clarity looked at the 100 largest churches in the United States to analyze how LGBT issues are handled. The study found that zero of the 100 churches have explicit LGBT affirming policies.

Meanwhile 35 of these churches explicitly reject LGBT people. Over half (54) of the top churches have an unclear stance on LGBT issues, with 11 keeping their LGBT policies undisclosed.

The denomination most likely to reject LGBT people is the Southern Baptist Church at 62 percent. Independent Christian Churches come second, with 47 percent of them rejecting LGBT people.

Part of the reason we chose to release this now is because the New Year is a time when people decide to re-engage with religion by attending church, said Church Clarity Co-Founder Tim Schraeder. As people of faith commit to new resolutions, we wanted to set them up for success by helping them make the most informed decision.

The vast majority of these megachurches are led by white men  93 percent led by a white pastor, and 99 are men.

We hope that increased clarity will inspire necessary questions and waves of change within the church, said George Mekhail. As we close out 2017, well continue to verify church submissions to our database and score churches actively enforced policies that impact LGBTQ individuals.

Despite none of the 100 churches affirming LGBT people, they are out there. Church Clarity published info on 537 churches and determined 90 were LGBT-affirming.
Le Collectif Cheikh Yassine a organise un certain nombre dactivites et de festivites pour les enfants de Gaza sous le theme  La joie des enfants de Gaza pour lAid . Ces activites ont commence le premier jour de lAid et continue jusquau 4eme jour de lAid dans la bande de Gaza.



Plusieurs activites, ont ete organisees parmi lesquelles : des competitions recompensees par des prix, des jeux, des animations et des chants presentes par un groupe ainsi que des distributions de cadeaux et daides financieres.




NASA Space Station On-Orbit Status 29 December 2017. NASA

Today  Synthetic Bone BioCell Operations: The crew completed microscopy operations for Synthetic Bone and then took a sample from each well on the Synthetic Bone Multiwell BioCell and exchanged the fluids with media in each well.

The samples were placed in a Minus Eighty Degree Celsius Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI). This experiment uses facilities aboard the ISS to grow bone cells in the presence of a commercially available bone adhesive, and a new product called Tetranite. Determining how well Tetranite integrates with bone cell cultures can inform general strategies for addressing bone loss in space. Sets of bone cell cultures are grown with different adhesives for 20 days and are then fixed, frozen, and returned to Earth for analysis.

Biological Research In Canisters Light Emitting Diode (BRIC-LED): The crew performed actuation on the BRIC-LED-001 canisters today. The BRIC-LED-001 investigation demonstrates the use of light emitting diodes as a lighting source in BRIC hardware and evaluates its use in growing plants in a closed system. Arabidopsis thaliana plants are grown for 10 days onboard the ISS at ambient temperature, with light provided by this new lighting source.

Microbial Tracking-2 (MT-2): A crewmember completed body and saliva sample collections in support of the MT-2 investigation today. The MT-2 series continues the monitoring of the types of microbes that are present on the ISS. It seeks to catalog and characterize potential disease-causing microorganisms onboard the ISS. Crew pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight samples and environmental samples from ISS surface and air locations are collected to identify any associations between the microbial content of the samples, as well as potential health effects.

Marrow: Upon waking this morning a crewmember collected breath and ambient air samples. The Marrow investigation looks at the effect of microgravity on bone marrow. It is believed that microgravity, like long-duration bed rest on Earth, has a negative effect on the bone marrow and the blood cells that are produced in the marrow.

Earth Imagery from ISS Target (EIISS): Using the RED camera, the crew took images of the India-Himalayas-Tibetan Plateau, Europe/Italy in winter conditions and the Nile delta. EIISS is used to support creation of a series of videos showcasing Earth views taken from space. The videos are taken with cameras on the ISS in 6K hi-resolution and are integrated into videos for screensavers for public enjoyment, exploration, and engagement.

Space Headaches: Two crewmembers completed daily questionnaires today to support a week-long ESA Space Headaches session which started in the Soyuz vehicle prior to docking to the ISS. The Space Headaches investigation requests crewmembers to respond to a questionnaire that may help in the development of methods to alleviate associated symptoms and improvement in the well-being and performance of crewmembers in space. Headaches during space flight can negatively affect mental and physical capacities of crewmembers that can influence performance during a space mission.

Dragon External Cargo Operations: Overnight, Robotic Ground Controllers powered up the Mobile Servicing System (MSS) and reconfigured the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) Orbital Replaceable Unit (ORU) Tool Changeout Mechanism 1 (OTCM1) to grasp and rotate the SPDM Enhanced ORU Temporary Platform (EOTP). They then maneuvered the SPDM and Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) to use SPDM OTCM1 to grasp and extract the Total & Spectral solar Irradiance Sensor (TSIS) payload from the SpaceX-13 Dragon Trunk and to stow it on the SPDM EOTP. Finally, the SPDM and SSRMS were configured to a park position. Operations were nominal.

Ammonia Measurement Kits (AMK) Chip Changeout: The Ammonia measurement system chips installed in the AMKs were set to expire at the end of the year. The crew replaced these in both kits with new chips that arrived on Orbital ATK 8 (OA-8).

SpaceX 13 (SpX-13) Dragon Cargo Ops: The crew continued packing items for return on SpX-13. As of Thursday, approximately 31 hours of cargo ops have been completed. SpX-13 is scheduled to unberth and return to earth on January 13, 2018.

53 Soyuz (53S) Unpack: Today the crew completed unpacking and stowage of all United States On-orbit Segment (USOS) hardware that arrived on 53S.

Todays Planned Activities

All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.

IMS Update

Life On The Station Photo and Video

Preparation of Reports for Roscosmos Web Site and Social Media

ECON-M. Observation and photography

Marrow Breath And Ambient Air Sample Collection  Subject

Microbial Tracking-2 Body Sample Collection

ARED Photo/TV Reminder

Microbial Tracking-2 Sample MELFI Retrieval Insert

Reminder 2A HRF Generic Frozen Blood Collection

HRF Generic Frozen Blood Collection Double Spin Collection  Subject

HRF Generic Frozen Blood Collection Double Spin Collection  Operator

HRF Generic Refrigerated Centrifuge Double Spin Configuration 1

Daily Planning Conference

HRF Generic Refrigerated Centrifuge Double Spin Configuration 2

HRF Generic Sample MELFI Insertion

ISS Crew and ???? (RSA Flight Control Team) weekly conference

Cargo Transfer to Dragon

ALGOMETRIYA. Pressure and Thermal Algometry preparation for and measurement session. Tagup with specialists as necessary

HRF Generic Refrigerated Centrifuge Spin Conclude

Inventory Management System (IMS) conference

PAO Preparation

Equipment Setup and Activation for MPEG2 TV coverage via Ku-band from SM. Tagup with specialists

53 Soyuz USOS Unpack

Glacier Media Kit Remove

TV Conference with Roscosmos State Corporation, RSC Energia, IBMP, GCTC Management. New Year Greetings

Photography of ??228 mockup temperature sensors on the external surface of MRM2

HRF Generic Frozen Blood Collection Conclude And Stow

??0501 Gas Analyzer ?2 Channel Adjustment . Uout=2.81V. Tagup with specialists

Crew time for ISS adaptation and orientation

Synthetic Bone Microscope Operations

Photo T/V (P/TV) Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) Exercise Video Setup

RED Camera Setup.

ECLSS Ammonia Chip Replace

Deactivation of ???? Equipment and closing applications on CP SSC after TV conference

MRM1 ????1, ????2 Dust Collector Filter Cartridge Changeout

Earth Imagery from ISS RED Target Operations

Biological Research In Canisters Light Emitting Diode Canister Actuation

Synthetic Bone Biocells Media Ops

RED Camera Deactivation.

ISS Crew Orientation

Health Maintenance System (HMS) ISS Food Intake Tracker (ISS FIT)

APEX-05 MELFI Sample Insertion #1

MELFI Sample Bag Insertion

TangoLab-2 Card Cube Remove

TangoLab-2 MELFI Sample Insertion

ALGOMETRIYA. Strain Measurements Mode

Replacement of ?? filter unit in ??2106 gas analyzer

Countermeasures System (CMS) Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) Quarterly Inspection

TIMER. Specialized Experiment Session Ops. Tagup with specialists

Replacement of CO sensor in ??2106 gas analyzer

NanoRacks Platform-2 Removal

Moving ??2106 switch to a ??????? [Warmup] position Report to MCC Tagup with specialists as necessary

Flushing Gas-Liquid Mixture (???)

Gas Analyzer ??2106 turning on to ?????? [Operation] position. Report to MCC Tagup with specialists as necessary

??? Maintenance

Dragon Cargo Operations Conference

Photo/TV Camcorder Setup Verification

In Flight Maintenance Duct Removal

Review Cell Science Validation MSG OBT

Cell Science Validation Bioreactor and Sample Bag Removal OPS Review

Combustion Integrated Rack Upper Rack Doors Open

Combustion Integrated Rack Manifold #2 Bottle Replacement

Changeout of Dust Filter 1-4 Cartridges in SM

Combustion Integrated Rack Upper Rack Doors Close

Biological Research in Canisters MELFI Sample Insertion.

Space Headaches  Weekly Questionnaire

Handover of Increment 54 Crew

Completed Task List Activities

SSC-13 Ethernet Cable Swap

IPV Tablet Review

ISS Crew Handover

Ground Activities

All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.

Cell Science Validation support

NORS N2 Repress

Standard commanding

Three-Day Look Ahead:

Saturday, 12/30: Weekly Housekeeping, Crew Off Duty, Cell Science Validation, Amyloid Experiment, HRF Collections

Sunday, 12/31: Crew Off Duty, HRF Collections, APEX-5

Monday, 01/01: Crew Off Duty, Happy New Year!

QUICK ISS Status  Environmental Control Group:

Component  Status

Elektron  On

Vozdukh  Manual

[???] 1  SM Air Conditioner System (SKV1)  On

[???] 2  SM Air Conditioner System (SKV2)  Off

Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Lab  Operate

Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Node 3  Standby

Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Lab  Idle

Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3  Operate

Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA)  Process

Urine Processing Assembly (UPA)  Standby

Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab  Warmup

Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3  Off
From the @Space_Station, wishing everyone across the world a happy and safe 2018. Credit: @AstroAcaba/NASA. NASA

The Expedition 54 crew is starting the New Year studying how humans adapt to living in space for months and years at a time. NASA and its international partners are also learning how to support crews on longer missions with less help from the ground.

The astronauts and cosmonauts on the International Space Station orbit Earth 16 times a day affecting their circadian rhythms, or biological clocks. Japanese astronaut Norishige Kanai is helping doctors understand how being away from the normal 24-hour sunrise-sunset cycle impacts the human body. He strapped on sensors today that will measure his body composition and temperature for 36 hours.

NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei is helping engineers design closed-loop systems keeping crews self-sufficient on longer missions beyond low-Earth orbit. He swapped experimental containers in the Biolab Incubator containing bacteria cultures that could be used for carbon dioxide removal and oxygen production.

Crews also need to be prepared for bone injuries or dental work that may be necessary during a space mission. The Synthetic Bone experiment, that Flight Engineer Joe Acaba worked on today with Kanai, is testing how a synthetic material integrates with bone cells to address bone fractures and bone loss in space and on Earth.

On-Orbit Status Report

Circadian Rhythms: Today a 53S crewmember instrumented himself with Thermolab Double Sensors and mount the Thermolab Unit to their belt, and began 36 hours of monitoring for the Circadian Rhythm investigation. Circadian Rhythms investigates the role of synchronized circadian rhythms, or the biological clock, and how it changes during long-duration spaceflight. Researchers hypothesize that a non-24-hour cycle of light and dark affects crew members circadian clocks. The investigation also addresses the effects of reduced physical activity, microgravity and an artificially controlled environment. Changes in body composition and body temperature, which also occur in microgravity, can affect crew members circadian rhythms as well. Understanding how these phenomena affect the biological clock will improve performance and health for future crew members.

Arthrospira-B (Batch Culture) Assembly: The crew removed four Arthrospira-B experiment containers from the Biolab Incubator to exchange the reservoirs inside the Biolab. Following the exchange of the reservoirs, the ECs were reinstalled back onto Biolab Incubator. The Arthrospira-B experiment is an important step in making improvements in the area of closed regenerative life support systems in space which will help in making future human exploration missions beyond low Earth orbit become a reality. The cyanobacterium Arthrospira sp. strain PCC8005 is a candidate for use in spacecraft biological life support systems, for CO2 and nitrate removal, and oxygen and biomass production. However, to ensure the reliability of such a biological life support system it is necessary to characterize the response of Arthrospira sp. PCC8005 to in situ spaceflight conditions.

Synthetic Bone BioCell Operations: Today, the crew performed microscopy operations for Synthetic Bone and then took a sample from each well on the Synthetic Bone Multiwell BioCell and exchanged the fluids with media in each well. The samples were placed in a Minus Eighty Degree Celsius Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI). Synthetic Bone uses BioCells from three habitats to test the functionality and effectiveness of new material that can assist in recovery from bone injuries or dental work during long-term space travel. Determining how well Tetranite integrates with bone cell cultures can also inform general strategies for addressing bone loss in space. Synthetic Bone examines the cellular response to a new type of bone adhesive in the microgravity environment of space. This experiment uses facilities aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to grow bone cells in the presence of a commercially available bone adhesive, and a new product called Tetranite. Sets of bone cell cultures grow with the different adhesives for 20 days and are then fixed, frozen, and returned to Earth for detailed analysis in a fully equipped biological laboratory.

MagVector: Today the crew began the 7-day MagVector #16 experiment run. The European Space Agency (ESA) MagVector investigation studies how Earths magnetic field interacts with an electrical conductor. Using extremely sensitive magnetic sensors placed around and above a conductor, researchers can gain insight into ways that the magnetic field influences how conductors work. This research not only helps improve future International Space Station experiments and electrical experiments, but it could offer insights into how magnetic fields influence electrical conductors in general, the backbone of our technology.

Radiation Dosimetry Inside ISS-Neutron (RaDI-N) Retrieval: A USOS crewmember retrieved all 8 of the Space Bubble Detectors that were deployed last week for the RaDI-N experiment, and handed them to a Russian crewmember to be processed in the Bubble Reader. This Canadian Space Agency (CSA) RaDI-N investigation measures neutron radiation levels while onboard the ISS. Bubble detectors are used as neutron monitors designed to only detect neutrons and ignore all other radiation.

Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) Inter-Module Ventilation (IMV) Cleaning & Inspection: The crew removed the closeout panels at Node 3 to inspect a plastic sleeve coupling the IMV valve to the Node 3 ducting. Results from the inspection are being analyzed, and will be used to determine if any degradation of the coupling has occurred. BEAM is an experimental expandable module attached to the ISS. Expandable modules weigh less and take up less room on a rocket than a traditional module, while providing additional space on-orbit for living and working. Crews traveling to the moon, Mars, asteroids, or other destinations may be able to use them as habitable structures.

Common Berthing Mechanism (CBM) Controller Panel Assembly (CPA) Rotation and Closeout: Today the crew modified the CPAs on Node2 Nadir, the port where the Dragon capsule is currently berthed. The CPA mod kits were launched on OA-8, but the kits can only be installed on ports where a vehicle is currently attached. Node1 Nadir was completed during the OA-8 mission, and Node2 Nadir was being completed today. This modification will allow the CPAs to be rotated into the vestibule rather than requiring that the crew remove them completely after a vehicle arrives. This will save both crew time and stowage space during a berthed mission. The CPAs must be installed for proper CBM operation during berthing activities, but they obstruct the pathway into the vehicle once the hatch is opened, so they need to be moved out of the corridor prior to cargo operations.

Robotic Operations: Last night, robotics ground controllers completed the SpaceX-13 missions final external robotic payload operations by installing RapidScat and its nadir adapter in the trunk. The RapidScat payload had been removed from its mounting location outside of the Columbus module on Monday. After the SpaceX-13 Dragon capsule departs the ISS, its trunk, with RapidScat in it, will separate from the return capsule and continue toward its destructive re-entry to the atmosphere.

Todays Planned Activities

All activities were completed unless otherwise noted.

Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Drain

Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Drain Part 2

Synthetic Bone Microscope Operations

FS1 Maintenance (cleanup and reboot)

MATRYOSHKA-R. BUBBLE Dosimeter Collection and Reading

Transparent Alloys Hardware Locate

Monthly BRI cleaning

BEAM Intermodule Ventilation Cleaning & Inspection

Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (RGN) Wastewater Storage Tank Assembly (WSTA) Fill

Transparent Alloys Payload Procedure Review1

Health Maintenance System (HMS) Periodic Health Status (PHS) Evaluation Setup

Radi-N Detector Retrieval/Readout

Health Maintenance System (HMS) Periodic Health Status (PHS) Evaluation  Subject

Radiation Dosimetry Inside ISS-Neutrons Hardware Handover

Synthetic Bone Biocells Fixation

MATRYOSHKA-R. Receiving BUBBLE dosimeters from USOS

Health Maintenance System (HMS) Periodic Health Status (PHS) Evaluation  Crew Medical Officer (CMO)

Periodic Health Status Data Entry and Stow

Preparing For Upcoming MagVector Science Run

ISS Crew Orientation

??-95 setup area photography for troubleshooting

Arthrospira EC Reservoir Exchange

EDV (KOV) or EDV-SV fill (separation) for ELEKTRON

Photo TV Standard Definition Node 2 Video Setup

Common Berthing Mechanism (CBM) Controller Panel Assembly (CPA) Installation/Rotate Up

Nikon still camera time sync with on-board time

??? maintenance

MELFI Sample Return Bag Insertion

Handover of Increment 54 Crew

??-1 sensor settings check

Space Automated Bioproduct Lab, CO2 Meter Location Swap

NAPOR-mini ???. ???-? vent cleaning

Biolab Incubator Cold Spot Sponge/Seal Exchange

IMS Ops

Metal Oxide (METOX) Regeneration Termination

Battery Stowage Assembly (BSA) Operation Termination

Battery Stowage Assembly (BSA) Operation Initiation

ISS HAM Service Module Pass

Node 2 Nadir Controller Panel Assembly (CPA) Removal/Rotation

Crew Medical Officer (CMO) On Board Training (OBT)

SM ventilation systems maintenance. Group ?

Prep for ????-1? blocks swap

Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Fill Part 3

In Flight Maintenance (IFM) Waste and Hygiene Compartment (WHC) Air Filter and Wring Collector Remove and Replace

SSC3 (S?) laptop replacement with ZBook

Microscope Hardware Teardown

VZAIMODEYSTVIYE-2. Experiment ops

MELFI BioCell Habitat Insertion

MELFI Fixative Return Bag Insertion

Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Long Life Battery (LLB) Initiate

Space Automated Bioproduct Lab, CO2 Meter Teardown and Stow

Space Automated Bioproduct Lab, Hard Drive Swap

Replacement of SSC18 (FGB) with Zbook

Public Affairs Office (PAO) Event in High Definition (HD)  Lab

Circadian Rhythms Instrumentation w. Armband

Completed Task List Activities

CMS Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) Upper Cable Stop R&R

US EVA Tether Inspection

SODF book and cue card deploys

Ground Activities

All activities were completed unless otherwise noted.

ZBook transitions.

Nominal commanding.

Three-Day Look Ahead:

Thursday, 01/04: Cell Science Validation, Transparent Alloys, Dragon Cargo Operations, At Home in Space Questionnaire

Friday, 01/05: ACME, Microbial Tracking, Dragon Cargo Operations, JEM Camera Setup for Amyloid

Saturday, 01/06: HRF fluid collections, Petri Plate, Crew off duty

QUICK ISS Status  Environmental Control Group:

Component  Status

Elektron  On

Vozdukh  Manual

[???] 1  SM Air Conditioner System (SKV1)  Off

[???] 2  SM Air Conditioner System (SKV2)  On

Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Lab  Operate

Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Node 3  Operate

Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Lab  Idle

Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3  Operate

Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA)  Process

Urine Processing Assembly (UPA)  Standby

Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab  Full Up

Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3  Off
A Human In Space NASA

Before we can run or jump, we walk. Before sending humans to Mars, NASA must understand how the human body is affected by living and working in space.

Typical missions to the International Space Station last six months. A round-trip mission to Mars could last three years. Do the effects of being in space change over time? NASA is asking the scientific community to propose research that will help bridge the gap in our knowledge regarding long-term experiences in space.

NASAs Human Research Program is now soliciting proposals for research that, when combined with ongoing NASA studies, could enable safer and more effective travel to destinations beyond low-Earth orbit. NASA is seeking research proposals in seven topic areas. Such research will help NASA establish a baseline for proposed deep space missions up to 400 days in length as well as understand, prevent, diagnose, treat, mitigate, and cure the potential health effects of prolonged spaceflight. Interested scientists and researchers will find a detailed description of the research emphases, as well as the proposal process and awards, on the NSPIRES website.

To draw any conclusions about the cumulative effects of exposure to space, we need to observe more astronauts spending larger amounts of time in the space environment, said John Charles, Ph.D., associate director for Exploration Research Planning of the Human Research Program at NASAs Johnson Space Center. Scientists can use the information to predict physical and behavioral health trends.

Research from the selected proposals is expected to build upon data collected during the first one-year mission when Scott Kelly and Mikhail Kornienko spent nearly a year in space. Additional space station studies, supplemented with research conducted at analogs on Earth, will allow NASA to accumulate a more comprehensive biomedical, behavioral, and performance health dataset. NASA plans to use the findings to support long-term missions that will reach new milestones in human achievement as astronauts forge a path to Mars. The findings may also support innovative diagnostic and behavioral approaches on Earth; for example, research in team problem-solving skills has the potential to be applied to all personnel involved in any long-duration mission (operational and mission control team members as well as spaceflight crew members) and to any team involved in critical decision-making processes.

Proposals are due January 4, 2018, and NASA expects in late summer 2018 to select 15 to 18 proposals for grants with a maximum duration of seven years.

Connecting the Dots via Multiple Studies in Multiple Missions

Soliciting research for future one-year missions lays the groundwork for exploration missions and will enable NASA to begin planning and preparation for a proposed program of multiple concurrent missions. Researchers and scientists submitting proposals should consider a robust program that could include as many as 30 astronauts: 10 to conduct shorter missions of up to two months, 10 as part of standard six-month missions, and 10 one-year missions in space. An additional 18 research subjects are proposed for Earth-based analog studies (at planned lengths of four months, eight months, and one year).

With information gained from the selected studies, NASA aims to address five hazards of human space travel: space radiation, isolation and confinement, distance from Earth, gravity fields (or lack thereof), and hostile/closed environments that pose great risks to the human mind and body in space. Analyzing the experiences of multiple astronauts at varying durations could potentially close critical gaps in current scientific understanding. As NASA moves into a proving ground of missions near the Moon, the agency would continue to test capabilities. NASA could then extrapolate trends from six months out to two or three years, the expected duration of a typical mission to Mars. Ultimately, such studies could enable NASA to develop and test technologies and countermeasures to protect the health and safety of crew members making history on interplanetary expeditions.

When the day comes for humans to launch on a journey to Mars, humanity will take another giant leap. The knowledge gained from this research could give NASA a running start.
It has been reported that plans are in the works which call for Truro Raceway to be separated from the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition Commission.

Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River MLA Lenore Zann has told the Truro Daily News that, Basically whats going to happen is, they are going to split the raceway from the provincial exhibition.

According to the article, a private meeting held last month discussed the topic and featured figures from the province, exhibition, Colchester County, Truro, Bible Hill Commission and the Farm Loan Board.

Zann told the Truro Daily News that she has not been included in any formal discussions regarding the matter, but that a plan is supposed to be unveiled in the future that offers a course of action to make both entities successful.

Although he has stated that he cannot get into the specifics of the plan until it is officially unveiled, Truro Mayor Bill Mills told the Truro Daily News that there is a reason for optimism.

"All the bases have been covered as to the provinces position, Mills has been quoted as saying. Those things are to be determined, but the status quo (at the NSPEC) is not an option any more.

(With files from the Truro Daily News)
Flamboro Downs has become the fourth North American Standardbred racetrack to announce that it has cancelled its scheduled program of live racing for Thursday (January 4) due to winter conditions.

"After consultation with our Track Veterinarian and Representatives, the Association has cancelled tonights card of racing due to the extreme cold in the forecast during scheduled race times," Flamboro's John Stolte has told Trot Insider. "The health and welfare of our horses is of utmost importance. We are sorry for the cancellation."

Officials with Dover Downs, Freehold Raceway and Monticello Raceway all announced earlier in the day that their tracks respective Thursday cards had been cancelled.

The cancellations mean that only one North American Standardbred track offered a program of live pari-mutuel racing on Thursday (the Meadows in Pennsylvania).

Officials with the Meadowlands Racetrack and Winners Bayonne OTW have announced that both of the locations will be closed for simulcasting on Thursday. Both locations are scheduled to re-open for simulcasting on Friday (January 5) at 11:00 a.m.

In addition to the Thursday cancellations, pre-emptive cancellations for Friday (January 5) racing activities have already started to be announced. For full details, click here.
Knights of Columbus Applauds FEMA Reversal on Aiding Religious Institutions

Once blocked, houses of worship, like other nonprofits, can now seek help to rebuild



Contact: Joe Cullen, Knights of Columbus, 203-415-9314, joseph.cullen@kofc.org



NEW HAVEN, Conn., Jan. 3, 2018 /Standard Newswire/ -- The Knights of Columbus applauds the government decision that churches and other houses of worship are now eligible to receive disaster relief funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).



The decision, which overturned a longstanding rule barring such religious institutions from receiving FEMA aid, allows houses of worship damaged since Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas to now receive money to help rebuild.



"Having stepped into the breach to help meet the great needs of the affected communities, we welcome the significance of FEMA's decision," said Knights CEO Carl Anderson. "The destruction due to the flooding and hurricanes is of such a magnitude that the government must help in the response."



The Knights of Columbus has given $1.4 million to repair or help rebuild churches that were destroyed or badly damaged in the late summer hurricanes that assaulted Texas, Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands.



Knights of Columbus Charities raised $3.8 million for disaster relief in the months following the disasters. More than $720,000 was used to pay for food, water and other critical supplies in the immediate aftermath of the hurricanes. On a local level, many Knights took the initiative to rescue those stranded by rising waters and help neighbors in a variety of ways.



The Knights have also earmarked a significant amount of money for upcoming church repair efforts in Puerto Rico. The Knights earlier donated $100,000 to the Archdiocese of San Juan and provided generators, food, water and other necessities to aid relief efforts.



Church repair has been a key component of Knights' relief efforts in the past. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, which struck the New Orleans area in 2005, the K of C contributed $6.7 million to various dioceses to help rebuild the Catholic infrastructure in the area, aiding in the repair of schools, churches and other buildings.



"Help from both the government and the non-profit sector in the restoring of churches and other spaces dedicated to religious activities will send an important signal that these communities are coming back, that the spirit of the people is alive and well," said Anderson. "That spirit is also nourished by the many charitable and social services that these houses of worship provide."



The K of C was founded in 1882 by Venerable Father Michael McGivney, a parish priest, in New Haven, Connecticut. The organization was formed to provide charitable outreach and care for the financial well-being of Catholic families, focusing on the protection of widows and orphans. It has grown to include 1.9 million members worldwide.



The Knights set a new all-time record for charitable donations in 2016, with more than $177.5 million in donations and more than 75 million hours of service valued at $1.8 billion.


Recent news reports point to a so-called secret plan to destroy and destabilize Iran, the first step of which is a color revolution.

The fact of the matter is that these not so secret plans to wage war on Iran have been on the drawing board of the Pentagon since the mid-nineties as outlined in Michel Chossudovskys 2010 article published below (scroll down):

The medium term strategic objective is to target Iran and neutralize Irans allies, through gunboat diplomacy. The longer term military objective is to directly target China and Russia.

While Iran is the immediate target, military deployment is by no means limited to the Middle East and Central Asia. A global military agenda has been formulated.

The deployment of coalition troops and advanced weapons systems by the US, NATO and its partners is occurring simultaneously in all major regions of the World.

The recent actions of the US military off the coast of North Korea [2010] including the conduct of war games are part of a global design. (Michel Chossudovsky, August 1, 2010)

***

Global Warfare. Preparing for World War III, Targeting Iran

By Michel Chossudovsky

Global Research

August 1, 2010

Humanity is at a dangerous crossroads. War preparations to attack Iran are in an advanced state of readiness. Hi tech weapons systems including nuclear warheads are fully deployed.

This military adventure has been on the Pentagons drawing board since the mid-1990s. First Iraq, then Iran according to a declassified 1995 US Central Command document.

Escalation is part of the military agenda. While Iran in 2010], is the next target together with Syria and Lebanon, this strategic military deployment also threatens North Korea, China and Russia.

Since 2005, the US and its allies, including Americas NATO partners and Israel, have been involved in the extensive deployment and stockpiling of advanced weapons systems. The air defense systems of the US, NATO member countries and Israel are fully integrated.

The roles of Egypt, the Gulf states and Saudi Arabia (within the extended military alliance) is of particular relevance. Egypt controls the transit of war ships and oil tankers through the Suez Canal. Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States occupy the South Western coastlines of the Persian Gulf, the Straits of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman. In early June [2010], Egypt reportedly allowed one Israeli and eleven U.S. ships to pass through the Suez Canal in .an apparent signal to Iran.  On June 12, regional press outlets reported that the Saudis had granted Israel the right to fly over its airspace (Muriel Mirak Weissbach, Israels Insane War on Iran Must Be Prevented. , Global Research, July 31, 2010)

In post 9/11 military doctrine, this massive deployment of military hardware has been defined as part of the so-called Global War on Terrorism, targeting non-State terrorist organizations including al Qaeda and so-called State sponsors of terrorism,. including Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Sudan.

The setting up of new US military bases, the stockpiling of advanced weapons systems including tactical nuclear weapons, etc. were implemented as part of the pre-emptive defensive military doctrine under the umbrella of the Global War on Terrorism.

War and the Economic Crisis

The broader implications of a US-NATO Israel attack on Iran are far-reaching. The war and the economic crisis are intimately related. The war economy is financed by Wall Street, which stands as the creditor of the US administration. The US weapons producers are the recipients of the US Department of Defense multibillion dollar procurement contracts for advanced weapons systems. In turn, the battle for oil in the Middle East and Central Asia directly serves the interests of the Anglo-American oil giants.

The US and its allies are beating the drums of war at the height of a Worldwide economic depression, not to mention the most serious environmental catastrophe in World history. In a bitter twist, one of the major players (BP) on the Middle East Central Asia geopolitical chessboard, formerly known as the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, is the instigator of the ecological disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.

Media Disinformation

Public opinion, swayed by media hype is tacitly supportive, indifferent or ignorant as to the likely impacts of what is upheld as an ad hoc punitive operation directed against Irans nuclear facilities rather than an all out war. War preparations include the deployment of US and Israeli produced nuclear weapons. In this context, the devastating consequences of a nuclear war are either trivialised or simply not mentioned.

The real crisis threatening humanity, according to the media and the governments, is not war but global warming. The media will fabricate a crisis where there is no crisis: a global scare  the H1N1 global pandemic but nobody seems to fear a US sponsored nuclear war.

The war on Iran is presented to public opinion as an issue among others. It is not viewed as a threat to Mother Earth as in the case of global warming. It is not front-page news. The fact that an attack on Iran could lead to escalation and potentially unleash a global war is not a matter of concern.

The Cult of Killing and Destruction

The global killing machine is also sustained by an imbedded cult of killing and destruction which pervades Hollywood movies, not to mention the prime time war and crime TV series on network television. This cult of killing is endorsed by the CIA and the Pentagon which also support (finance) Hollywood productions as an instrument of war propaganda:

Ex-CIA agent Bob Baer told us, Theres a symbiosis between the CIA and Hollywood and revealed that former CIA director George Tenet is currently, out in Hollywood, talking to studios. (Matthew Alford and Robbie Graham, Lights, Camera Covert Action: The Deep Politics of Hollywood , Global Research, January 31, 2009).

The killing machine is deployed at a global level, within the framework of the unified combat command structure. It is routinely upheld by the institutions of government, the corporate media and the mandarins and intellectuals of the New World Order in Washingtons think tanks and strategic studies research institutes, as an unquestioned instrument of peace and global prosperity.

A culture of killing and violence has become imbedded in human consciousness.

War is broadly accepted as part of a societal process: The Homeland needs to be defended and protected.

Legitimized violence and extrajudicial killings directed against terrorists are upheld in western democracies, as necessary instruments of national security.

A humanitarian war is upheld by the so-called international community. It is not condemned as a criminal act. Its main architects are rewarded for their contributions to world peace.

With regard to Iran, what is unfolding is the outright legitimization of war in the name of an illusive notion of global security.

A Pre-emptive Aerial attack directed against Iran would lead to Escalation

At present [2010] there are three separate Middle East Central Asia war theaters: Iraq, Af-Pak, and Palestine.

Were Iran to be the object of a pre-emptive aerial attack by allied forces, the entire region, from the Eastern Mediterranean to Chinas Western frontier with Afghanistan and Pakistan, would flare up, leading us potentially into a World War III scenario.

The war would also extend into Lebanon and Syria.

It is highly unlikely that the bombings, if they were to be implemented, would be circumscribed to Irans nuclear facilities as claimed by US-NATO official statements. What is more probable is an all out air attack on both military and civilian infrastructure, transport systems, factories, public buildings.

Iran, with an an estimated ten percent of global oil and gas reserves, ranks third after Saudi Arabia (25 %) and Iraq (11 %) in the size of its reserves. In comparison, the US possesses less than 2.8 % of global oil reserves. The oil reserves of the U.S. are estimated at less than 20 billion barrels. The broader region of the Middle East and Central Asia have oil reserves which are more than thirty times those of the U.S, representing more than 60% of the Worlds total reserves. (See Eric Waddell, The Battle for Oil, Global Research, December 2004).

Of significance is the recent discovery in Iran of the second largest known reserves of natural gas at Soumar and Halgan estimated at 12.4 trillion cubic feet.

Targeting Iran consists not only in reclaiming Anglo-American control over Irans oil and gas economy, including pipeline routes, it also challenges the presence and influence of China and Russia in the region.

The planned attack on Iran is part of a coordinated global military road map. It is part of the Pentagons long war, a profit driven war without borders, a project of World domination, a sequence of military operations.

US-NATO military planners have envisaged various scenarios of military escalation. They are also acutely aware of the geopolitical implications, namely that the war could extend beyond the Middle East Central Asia region. The economic impacts on the oil markets, etc. have also been analyzed.

While Iran, Syria and Lebanon are the immediate targets, China, Russia, North Korea, not to mention Venezuela and Cuba are also the object of US threats.

At stake is the structure of military alliances. US-NATO-Israel military deployments including military exercises and drills conducted on Russia and Chinas immediate borders bear a direct relationship to the proposed war on Iran. These veiled threats, including their timing, constitute an obvious hint to the former powers of the Cold War era not to intervene in any way which could encroach upon a US-led attack on Iran.

Global Warfare

The medium term strategic objective is to target Iran and neutralize Irans allies, through gunboat diplomacy. The longer term military objective is to directly target China and Russia.

While Iran is the immediate target, military deployment is by no means limited to the Middle East and Central Asia. A global military agenda has been formulated.

The deployment of coalition troops and advanced weapons systems by the US, NATO and its partners is occurring simultaneously in all major regions of the World.

The recent actions of the US military off the coast of North Korea including the conduct of war games are part of a global design.

Directed primarily against Russia and China, US, NATO and allied military exercises, war drills, weapons deployments, etc. are being conducted simultaneously in major geopolitical hotspots.

-The Korean Peninsula, the Sea of Japan, the Taiwan Straits, the South China Sea threatening China. -The deployment of Patriot missiles in Poland, the early warning center in the Czech republic threatening Russia. -Naval deployments in Bulgaria, Romania on the Black Sea, threatening Russia.  US and NATO troops deployments in Georgia.  A formidable naval deployment in the Persian Gulf including Israeli submarines directed against Iran.

Concurrently the Eastern Mediterranean, the Black Sea, the Caribbean, Central America and the Andean region of South America are areas of ongoing militarization. In Latin America and the Caribbean, the threats are directed against Venezuela and Cuba.

US Military Aid

In turn, large scale weapons transfers have been undertaken under the banner of US military aid to selected countries, including a 5 billion dollar arms deal with India which is intended to build Indias capabilities directed against China. ( Huge U.S.-India Arms Deal To Contain China , Global Times, July 13, 2010).

[The] arms sales will improve ties between Washington and New Delhi, and, intentionally or not, will have the effect of containing Chinas influence in the region. quoted in Rick Rozoff, Confronting both China and Russia: U.S. Risks Military Clash With China In Yellow Sea , Global Research, July 16, 2010)

The US has military cooperation agreements with a number of South East Asian countries including Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia, involving military aid as well as the participation in U.S.-led war games in the Pacific Rim (July -August 2010). These agreements are supportive of weapons deployments directed against The Peoples Republic of China. (See Rick Rozoff, Confronting both China and Russia: U.S. Risks Military Clash With China In Yellow Sea , Global Research, July 16, 2010).

Similarly and more directly related to the planned attack on Iran, the US is arming the Gulf States (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates) with land-based interceptor missiles, Patriot Advanced Capability-3 and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) as well as sea-based Standard Missile-3 interceptors installed on Aegis class warships in the Persian Gulf. (See Rick Rozoff, NATOs Role In The Military Encirclement Of Iran , Global Research, February 10, 2010).

The Timetable of Military Stockpiling and Deployment

What is crucial in regards to US weapons transfers to partner countries and allies is the actual timing of delivery and deployment. The launch of a US sponsored military operation would normally occur once these weapons systems are in place, effectively deployed with the implementation of personnel training. (e.g India).

What we are dealing with is a carefully coordinated global military design controlled by the Pentagon, involving the combined armed forces of more than forty countries. This global multinational military deployment is by far the largest display of advanced weapons systems in World history.

In turn, the US and its allies have established new military bases in different parts of the world. The Surface of the Earth is Structured as a Wide Battlefield. (See Jules Dufour, The Worldwide Network of US Military Bases , Global Research, July 1, 2007).

The Unified Command structure divided up into geographic Combatant Commands is predicated on a strategy of militarization at the global level. The US Military has bases in 63 countries. Brand new military bases have been built since September 11, 2001 in seven countries. In total, there are 255,065 US military personnel deployed Worldwide. (See Jules Dufour, The Worldwide Network of US Military Bases , Global Research, July 1, 2007

World War III Scenario

The World Commanders Areas of Responsibility (See Map above) defines the Pentagons global military design, which is one of World conquest. This military deployment is occurring in several regions simultaneously under the coordination of the regional US Commands, involving the stockpiling of US made weapons systems by US forces and partner countries, some of which are former enemies, including Vietnam and Japan.

The present context is characterised by a global military build-up controlled by one World superpower, which is using its numerous allies to trigger regional wars.

In contrast, the Second World War was a conjunction of separate regional war theaters. Given the communications technologies and weapons systems of the 1940s, there was no strategic real time coordination in military actions between broad geographic regions

Global warfare is based on the coordinated deployment of a single dominant military power, which oversees the actions of its allies and partners.

With the exception of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Second World War was characterized by the use of conventional weapons. The planning of a global war relies on the militarization of outer space. Were a war directed against iran to be launched, it would not only use nuclear weapons, the entire gamut of new advanced weapons systems, including electrometric weapons and environmental modification techniques (ENMOD) would be used.

The United Nations Security Council

The UN Security Council adopted in early June a fourth round of sweeping sanctions against The Islamic Republic of Iran, which included an expanded arms embargo as well tougher financial controls. In a bitter irony, this resolution was passed within days of the United Nations Secrity Councils outright refusal to adopt a motion condemning Israel for its attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla in international waters.

Both China and Russia, pressured by the US, have endorsed the UNSC sanctions regime, to their own detriment. Their decision within the UNSC contributes to weakening their own military alliance, the Shanghai Cooperation organization (SCO), in which Iran has observer status. The Security Council resolution freezes China and Russias respective bilateral military cooperation and trade agreements with Iran. It has serious repercussions on Irans air defense system which in part depends on Russian technology and expertise.

The Security Council resolution grants a de facto green light to wage a pre-emptive war against Iran.

The American Inquisition: Building a Political Consensus for War

In chorus, the Western media has branded Iran as a threat to global security in view of its alleged (non-existent) nuclear weapons program. Echoing official statements, the media is now demanding the implementation of punitive bombings directed against Iran so as to safeguard Israels security.

The Western media is beating the drums of war. The purpose is to tacitly instil, through repeated media reports, ad nauseam, within peoples inner consciousness, the notion that the Iranian threat is real and that the Islamic Republic should be taken out.

A consensus building process to wage war is similar to the Spanish inquisition. It requires and demands submission to the notion that war is a humanitarian endeavor.

Known and documented, the real threat to global security emanates from the US-NATO-Israel alliance, yet realities in an inquisitorial environment are turned upside down: the warmongers are committed to peace, the victims of war are presented as the protagonists of war. Whereas in 2006, almost two thirds of Americans were opposed to military action against Iran, a recent Reuter-Zogby February 2010 poll suggests that 56 % of Americans favor a US-NATO military action against Iran.

Building a political consensus which is based on an outright lie cannot, however, rely solely on the official position of those who are the source of the lie.

The antiwar movement in the US, which has in part been infiltrated and co-opted, has taken on a weak stance with regard to Iran. The antiwar movement is divided. The emphasis has been on wars which have already occurred (Afghanistan, Iraq) rather than forcefully opposing wars which are being prepared and which are currently on the Pentagons drawing board. Since the inauguration of the Obama administration, the antiwar movement has lost some of its impetus.

Moreover, those who actively oppose the wars on Afghanistan and Iraq, do not necessarily oppose the conduct of punitive bombings directed Iran, nor do they categorize these bombings as an act of war, which could potentially be a prelude to World War III.

The scale of antiwar protest in relation to Iran has been minimal in comparison to the mass demonstrations which preceded the 2003 bombing and invasion of Iraq.

The real threat to global security emanates from the US-NATO-Israel alliance.

The Iran operation is not being opposed in the diplomatic arena by China and Russia; it has the support of the governments of the frontline Arab states which are integrated into the NATO sponsored Mediterranean dialogue. It also has the tacit support of Western public opinion.

We call upon people across the land, in America, Western Europe, Israel, Turkey and around the world to rise up against this military project, against their governments which are supportive of military action against Iran, against the media which serves to camouflage the devastating implications of a war against Iran.

The military agenda support a profit driven destructive global economic system which impoverishes large sectors of the world population.

This war is sheer madness.

World War III is terminal. Albert Einstein understood the perils of nuclear war and the extinction of life on earth, which has already started with the radioactive contamination resulting from depleted uranium. I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.

The media, the intellectuals, the scientists and the politicians, in chorus, obfuscate the untold truth, namely that war using nuclear warheads destroys humanity, and that this complex process of gradual destruction has already commenced.

When the lie becomes the truth there is no turning backwards.

When war is upheld as a humanitarian endeavor, Justice and the entire international legal system are turned upside down: pacifism and the antiwar movement are criminalized. Opposing the war becomes a criminal act.

The Lie must be exposed for what it is and what it does.

It sanctions the indiscriminate killing of men, women and children.

It destroys families and people. It destroys the commitment of people towards their fellow human beings.

It prevents people from expressing their solidarity for those who suffer. It upholds war and the police state as the sole avenue.

It destroys both nationalism and internationalism.

Breaking the lie means breaking a criminal project of global destruction, in which the quest for profit is the overriding force.

This profit driven military agenda destroys human values and transforms people into unconscious zombies.

Let us reverse the tide.

Challenge the war criminals in high office and the powerful corporate lobby groups which support them.

Break the American inquisition.

Undermine the US-NATO-Israel military crusade.

Close down the weapons factories and the military bases.

Bring home the troops.

Members of the armed forces should disobey orders and refuse to participate in a criminal war.

Michel Chossudovsky is an award-winning author, Professor of Economics (Emeritus) at the University of Ottawa and Director of the Centre for Research on Globalization (CRG), Montreal. He is the author of The Globalization of Poverty and The New World Order (2003) and Americas War on Terrorism (2005). He is also a contributor to the Encyclopaedia Britannica. His writings have been published in more than twenty languages. he can be reached at is an award-winning author, Professor of Economics (Emeritus) at the University of Ottawa and Director of the Centre for Research on Globalization (CRG), Montreal. He is the author of The Globalization of Poverty and The New World Order (2003) and Americas War on Terrorism (2005). He is also a contributor to the Encyclopaedia Britannica. His writings have been published in more than twenty languages. he can be reached at the globalresearch.ca website

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A Winlock 18-year-old was charged Tuesday in Lewis County Superior Court with one count of first-degree child rape and five counts of second-degree child rape.

The teen, a Winlock high school student, was arrested by Toledo police and booked into the Lewis County Jail on suspicion of the six counts of rape. His bail is currently listed at $150,000.

Lewis County Prosecuting Attorney Jonathan Meyer said there were two victims, an 11-year-old girl allegedly raped in late November, and a 12-year-old girl who had sexual contact with the older teen five times between February and April 2016.

The suspect was 17 at the time of the second through sixth charges, but Meyer said he will be tried as an adult.

According to Meyer, Winlock Middle School contacted Toledo officers after they received reports the suspect sent a sexually explicit Snapchat message to the then-11-year-old girl and a third student, who was 13. (The third student is not a victim in the case yet, Meyer said). After further investigation, police discovered the suspect reportedly had sexual relations with the then 12-year-old victim as well.

Meyer said the suspect admitted to having sex with the 12-year-old once, but felt the situation wasnt a problem. According to Meyer, prosecutors believe there is enough evidence to move forward with the case.

The Winlock teen will next appear in court on Jan. 11 for arraignment and setting of a trial date.
Mystic poet Hason Raja

Tasiqul Islam :

Hason Raja (1854-1922) was a zamindar, mystic devotee and composer of songs. His full name is Dewan Hason Raja Chowdhury. Hason Raja was born on 24 January 1854 in a zamindar family of village Lakshmansree in Sunamganj subdivision of Sylhet district. His father Dewan Ali Reza Chowdhury was a zamindar of Lakshmansree and Rampasha.

His mother was Hurmat Jahan Bibi. His forefathers came from Audh in Uttar Pradesh and first settled in Jessore and then in Sylhet. His grandfather Birendra Chandra Simha alias Babu Khan was a Kshatriya Hindu who accepted Islam with the faujdar of Sylhet. Hason Raja's father Dewan Ali Reza Chowdhury inherited vast landed property from his paternal and maternal forefathers, and established his zamindari estate in Sylhet. Hason Raja succeeded his father to the zamindari estate at the age of fifteen. He did not take any formal education. Like most of his aristocratic contemporaries, Hason also got education from family environment and tradition. Hason successfully administered his zamindari estate for long fifty two years by dint of his intelligence and self-enlightenment.

He was not above sensuality and luxury, caprice and whim. At the same time, he was kind, generous and devoted to the service of the needy. At the mature age, Hason Raja had a great change in his outlook to life. Under the influence of a Sufi, he got inclined to spiritualism and began composing mystic songs. These songs are the outcome of his creative genius manifesting the reflection of his philosophical and spiritual thoughts. The lucid style of expression of the spiritual knowledge in easy language made them popular to common people. His mystic songs earned him immense social reputation during his lifetime and after. The lyrist Hason Raja is now a household name in Bangladesh.'

An anthology of the songs of Hason Raja titled Hason Udas was published in 1914. A total of 206 songs are compiled in this book. The main theme of the songs is the concept of God, devotion to Him and the spiritual relation between the Creator and the created beings. Besides, the frailty of human life, transience of worldly life, and his lamentation for non-capability in worship and meditation, his helplessness, self-dedication and submission to God have also been expressed in these songs. His concept of body-based metaphysics on the knowledge about God and the soul is the result of a synthesis of the concept of Sufism, traditional Bhabobad and mysticism of his own experience. His songs composed in regional dialect of Sylhet used to be transmitted verbally from one person to another. Now a day, the songs of Hason Raja are practiced in educated society and are transmitted through all sorts of Medias. Rabindranath Tagore, frequently cited Hason Raja when he explained philosophy, religion and folk culture. Thus he projected Hason Raja to the world community. Rabindranath quoted from his songs Momo akhi hoite poida asman jomin and Rup dekhilam re noyone, apnar rup dekhilam re and commented: This Poet sings of the Eternal person within him coming out and appearing before his eyes just as the Vedic Rishi speaks of the person who in him, dwelling also in the heart of the Sun. All the emotion, attraction, worries and anxieties of Hason Raja are expressed centering round this Eternal person. He denoted this eternal person as Allah, Hari, Krishna etc and expressed his divine love and devotion, affection and pleasure. At one stage, he did not perceive any difference between his 'own self' (soul) and 'godhead' (divinity):

I do not understand who you are and who am I,

I do not see anything other than identical.

I have expressed my identity and abandoned my self.

You are the sole reality.

I have no existence save and except you;

I have realised that I am nothing beyond yourself.

Hason Raja has been immersed in the depth of love,

Hason Raja does not see anything beyond and except you. ...

I am you, you are myself, and I am frightened,

Hason Raja is now in frenzied dance.

The concept of 'Anal-Haq' is reflected in all these songs.

In his speech, Rabindranath Tagore introduced Hason Raja as 'a rural poet of East Bengal'. It is a fact that Hason Raja composed his songs in the form and style of folk-songs, but his personal passion and emotion, experience and thoughts are so predominant in his theme of songs that these very deeply transcended other common folk-songs.

Nisha lagilo re banka dui noyone nisha lagilo re,

Hason Raja piyarir preme mojila re.

Lagilo re piriter nisha, Hasan Raja hoila bedisha

Chharia diba Lakshmansree ar Rampasha.

Hason Raja gaichhe gan hat-tali dia

Sakshate daraiya shune Hason Rajar priya.

[Addiction has overcome me, addiction on my inclined eyes, Hason Raja is infatuated in love of his darling.

Addiction of love has overcome Hason Raja

making him bewildered

And he will leave Lakshmansree and Rampasha.

Hason Raja is singing with clapping of hands,

His darling listens standing nearby.]

In these lines of the songs Hason Raja saturated his name and abode in such a way that the theme of the song and the person concerned appear to be inseparable. Even though he used local dialect and folk tune in his songs, his style of singing is unique and exclusively of his own. He is a solitary poet to compose song in this inimitable tune. Zamindar Hason Raja is an 'ascetic poet', not an ordinary 'folk-poet' or 'rural poet'. His songs should reasonably and exclusively be denominated as 'Hason Rajar Gan'.The second published book of Hason Raja is a prose work titled Soukhin Bahar. The theme of the book is an analysis of the physical appearance, nature and characteristics of a bird like korha (a haor bird), animals like horse and elephant, and of the women-folk. Rearing of korha, horse and elephant was his hobby.

He will ever be remembered for his book Hason Udas.

He died in November 1922 at the age of sixty eight.


S. Korea`s ex-president Park `took money from spy agency`

AFP, Seoul :

Ousted South Korean president Park Geun-Hye is to be charged with accepting millions of dollars worth of bribes from the state spy agency, news reports said Thursday.

Park allegedly received between 50 and 200 million won (now $47,000 to $188,000) from the National Intelligence Service (NIS) every month from soon after her swearing-in in early 2013 until mid-2016, prosecutors told South Korean media.

The cash-said to total 3.8 billion won-was reportedly delivered by NIS agents to Park's aides in uncrowded parking lots or in back alleys near the presidential Blue House. The money came from the spy agency's "blind budget"-millions of dollars of special funds that can be spent without receipts for anti-espionage activities-Yonhap news agency said.

It remains unclear how Park spent the funds but news reports said she used them for personal purposes or to bankroll supporter groups. Park is already on trial on 18 charges including bribery, coercion and abuse of power for offering governmental favours to tycoons, and prosecutors will add a 19th count to the indictment regarding the payments, reports said.

South Korea's first female president was impeached by parliament after months of mass protests over a sprawling graft scandal, and the constitutional court upheld the decision in March last year, dismissing her from office.
EU foreign policy chief says `blockade` of Cuba not solution

The European Union\'s foreign policy head, Federica Mogherini, shakes hands with Cuban Foreign Trade and Investment Minister Rodrigo Malmierca during a meeting in Havana, on Wednesday as part of her official visit to Cuba.

AFP, Havana :

Blockading Cuba is not the solution, the European Union's foreign policy chief said Wednesday on a trip aimed at strengthening ties with Havana, after Washington tightened restrictions on the island.

Much of the half-century-old US economic embargo against Cuba remains entrenched in law, but under former president Barack Obama federal authorities began to loosen some rules-something his successor Donald Trump vowed to reverse.

"The blockade (of Cuba) is not the solution. The Europeans have told our American friends many times; we have affirmed it in the United Nations," Federica Mogherini said during a presentation to students and teachers in Havana.

"We know well that the sole effect of the blockade is to worsen the quality of life of women, men and children," she said.

"The blockade is obsolete, it is illegal," Mogherini said.

Mogherini's remarks came on the first of a two-day visit to Cuba that will include meetings with officials with the aim of a "swift joint implementation of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA) between the EU and Cuba," according to an EU statement.

The agreement covers dialogue and cooperation on issues such as human rights, migration and drugs and governance, and commercial exchanges.

US-Cuba ties began to warm when Obama was in office, with the countries exchanging ambassadors in 2015 for the first time since 1961, but Trump has taken a different approach.

In June Trump appeared in Miami before a cheering crowd of Cuban-Americans, including veterans of the failed CIA-backed Bay of Pigs invasion, to vow to reverse Obama's measures.

In November, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin laid out a series of revived rules.

Under the directives, Americans will be forbidden from doing business with entities on a State Department list headed by the Cuban defense and interior ministries.

Also on the list are five major holding companies with ties to Raul Castro's government or military, and which between them control much of the organized tourism sector. The list goes on to list dozens of major hotels in Havana and several resorts, along with five Caribbean marinas, ten stores in touristy Old Havana and industries serving the military.
No alternatives to reading books for acquiring knowledge

Chairman of Chittagong Shikkhak Kalyan Foundation Principal Dr.Abdul Karim distributing free text books to the students of different classes of Parents Care School and College at its Chowkbazar Campus recently.

Chittagong Bureau :

On first day of the new calendar year, government supplied free text books were distributed among the students of different classes of Parents Care School and College at Chowkbazar , Chittagong on Monday.

The students came over the school campus from morning with enthusiastic and jubilant mood. In the books distribution programme, Chairman of Chittagong Sikkha Kaylan Foundation Principal Dr.Abdul Karim, General secretary Prof Dr Abul Kalam Azad, Director Dr Khalid Bin Kabir Bhuyia, Principal of Parents Care school & College Md Nurul Islam, and Admin officer MA Fazal were present in it.

Guardians of the students and employees of the school irrespective of status were also present in the distribution program.

The speakers in the books distribution program said there is no alternative of regular reading books to build strong and developed nation and role of reading is unlimited.

They said the great initiatives of the government aimed at free distribution of books is really a praiseworthy chapter of the history.

The speakers emphasized the need for regular reading of books in establishing the careers themselves and unimaginable success remains inside the books.


3-day int'l literary conference in city from Feb 22

City Desk :

Three-day 'International Literary Conference 2018' will begin on the premises of Bangla Academy in the city on February 22.

The conference will begin at the main stage of Ekushey Book Fair on February 22 and will end on February 24, Bangla Academy Director and Ekushey Book Fair Udjapon committee member Dr Jalal Ahmed told media.

He said different programmes of the conference will be held at Bangla Academy's Abdul Karim Shahitthya Bisharad and Kabi Shamsur Rahman Seminar rooms and other auditoriums.

A number of poets, writers and intellectuals from 11 countries including Bangladesh will join the literary conference this year, Ahmed said.

A total of 25 guest writers from 10 countries will also join the conference, he said, adding eminent poets and writers of Bangladesh will attend the event.
Beef import economically detrimental to country

Bangladesh will start exporting beef within two years as the nation is likely to become self-sufficient in meat production by that time. Newly appointed Fisheries and Livestock Minister Narayan Chandra Chanda is reported to have stated this in a report. He rejected a proposal given by some businessmen to import beef from India. Local farmers would be seriously affected if beef is imported from India. The acceptance of the businessmen's proposal would be a suicidal decision were his comments as per the report.

The meat price has dropped by about Tk. 100 per kg. Beef is now selling for Tk. 400-450 per kg in the kitchen markets. The department concerned was trying to improve the quality of beef with a view to export it, Chanda noted.

Earlier, Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) president Md Shafiul Islam (Mohiuddin) had suggested that the government should import beef from India to meet the country's protein demand, which, he said, remained unfulfilled because of the high price of red meat in local markets.

Every year over 5 million cows are sacrificed across the country during Eid-ul-Azha. Four in every five of these are supplied by local farmers, with the rest of the demand met by cattle from Myanmar and India, according to the Department of Livestock Services (DLS). DLS data shows that, of the 54.6 million animals reared on 525,000 farms across the country, 11.6 million of them are reared for Eid-ul-Azha. In 2016, a total of 10.5 million animals were sacrificed and this year, the DLS estimates the number will rise to 11.5 million.

So it stands to reason that there exists only a marginal need to import cows from Indiaand none at all to import beef. If whole cows are brought, the per kg cost of beef would be much cheaper as most of the additional value added services like processing the meat would stay in Bangladesh and contribute to the economy.

However bringing beef will be economically detrimental to Bangladesh as most of the cost of buying the beef will go out of the country - thus hurting our forex reserves. The current informal trade in cows is not conducted in dollars but in rupees and takas, hence our dollar reserves stay mostly intact as the trade is informal. If we shift it to formal channels, we would have no choice but to pay in dollars.

There are more reasons for not buying beef from other sources. We need to establish our own agricultural sector first. Making our primary sector self sufficient should be our first priority - so it follows that we should make our beef production more cost effective and sustainable instead of doing things which would inject revenues into other nation's coffers. Ultimately reduced cow and beef imports from India will increase beef prices and it will encourage our own farmers to grow cows - thus negating the need for bringing in more cows or beef from India.
Iran alleges foreign hand in anti-govt protests

US denies it, but history points to interference in Iranian politics

Large rallies in support of the leadership are now being held in cities around Iran.

AP :

This week, anti-government protests rocked Iran. As of Tuesday, over 450 people had been arrested, while armed protesters even tried to overrun military bases and police stations. According to State media, security forces repelled the protesters, but the demonstrations are already the largest to strike Iran since the 2009 presidential elections.

Despite President Hassan Rouhani's repeated pleas for calm and assurances that the country would deal with the rioters, protests have continued unabated.

Protesters ran through the streets of Tehran, while even in provincial towns and cities, there was civil unrest and heavy police presence. The demonstrations have seen five days of unrest across the country and a death toll of at least 13, including one police officer who was killed on Monday.

Slogans such as "Death to the dictator" and "Death to Khamenei" could be heard throughout the protests, The Guardian reported. It also said that such chants and acts of resistance are unprecedented in a country where

the Supreme Leader holds ultimate authority and criticising him is taboo.

The protests are fuelled by disappointment that the lifting of sanctions on Iran in January 2016 failed to deliver an economic boom.

Foreign countries have reacted strongly to the unrest and to Iran's clampdown on the protesters. US president Donald Trump said it was "time for a change", and Iran's people were "hungry for freedom". He also said the US was watching developments in Iran very carefully.

This prompted Rouhani to hit back at Washington and say Trump has no right to support Iran's people, who had once called "terrorists".

British foreign secretary Boris Johnson also said the UK is "watching closely" the events and developments taking place in Iran.

"We believe that there should be meaningful debate about the legitimate and important issues the protesters are raising and we look to the Iranian authorities to permit this," Johnson said in a statement on Facebook.

Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the protesters "brave", while denying as "laughable" Tehran's accusations that Israel was behind the demonstrations, according to Reuters. "Brave Iranians are pouring into the streets. They seek freedom. They seek justice. They seek the basic liberties that have been denied them for decades. Iran's cruel regime wastes tens of billions of dollars spreading hate," he said.

If, as Rouhani claimed, foreign powers were indeed involved with meddling in Iran's civil unrest and formenting trouble in the West Asian country, it won't be the first time that it has happened.

The US actively interfered with the overthrow of the democratically elected Iranian prime minister Mohammed Mossadegh in 1953, and installing the brutal regime of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

Former president Barack Obama even referenced the CIA-backed coup, acknowledging that in the "middle of the Cold War, the United States played a role in the overthrow of a democratically elected Iranian government", something that the CIA later admitted as well.

Foreign Policy Journal wrote how the Ronald Reagan administration illegally sold arms to the Iranian regime and also supported Saddam Hussein. "And while neoconservatives in Washington had their eye on Iran as a target for regime change throughout the Bill Clinton years, it wasn't until George W Bush came to be president that a strategy for bringing this about began in earnest.

Whether the policy of regime change implemented under Bush has been quashed or continued remains to be seen, but what is incontrovertible is that the US has a long and sordid history of interference in Iranian affairs," the article wrote.

Iran has also pointed to the fact that a number of social media hashtags being used in relation to the Iran civil unrest originated from Saudi Arabia, Britain and the US. Ali Shamkhani, secretary of the Islamic Republic's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), described the protests as Saudi Arabia's "cyberspace proxy war" against the Islamic Republic, Shamkhani insisted,

"The hashtags and social media campaigns cornering the situation in Iran are all, in fact, being guided by Saudi Arabia, UK, Israel and US."

Two top-ranking US government officials, Secretary of Defence James Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, have openly talked about the need a "peaceful transition" of the Iranian government. Washington is also pondering sanctions against Iranian individuals who are allegedly responsible for "cracking down on Iranian protestors".

In an interview with Voice of America on Monday, deputy assistant secretary of state for Iraq and Iran, Andrew Peek, said the US is planning to build an international coalition to support Iranian citizens' "legitimate rights to express discontent", according to a report in Iranian daily
Lawyers issue cease-and-desist order

BBC Online :

US President Donald Trump's lawyers have written to his former strategist Steve Bannon, saying he has violated a non-disclosure agreement.

The cease-and-desist notice accuses Mr Bannon of defaming the president in speaking to author Michael Wolff.

Mr Wolff's forthcoming tell-all book describes the president as being unprepared for the job.

Mr Trump responded by saying Mr Bannon had "lost his mind" after losing his White House position.

His lawyers said Mr Bannon had broken his employment agreement by speaking to Wolff about Mr Trump and his family, "disclosing confidential information" and "making disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements to Mr Wolff about Mr Trump, his family members, and the Company", the letter said. It also alleges that former UK Prime Minister

Tony Blair told Mr Trump during a meeting last February that the British intelligence services may have been spying on him and his campaign, according to a report in The Times newspaper. The Times says Mr Blair was hoping to get a job advising Mr Trump on the Middle East. A spokeswoman for Mr Blair told The Times that the allegations were a "total fabrication" and said Mr Blair had not suggested himself as Mr Trump's Middle East envoy. In March 2017, then-White House press secretary Sean Spicer told journalists UK intelligence services could have been involved in an alleged spying operation on Trump Tower in New York. GCHQ said the allegation was "nonsense".

The 64-year-old writer is a former columnist for New York magazine and Vanity Fair. He also wrote a biography of media mogul Rupert Murdoch. His book is reportedly based on more than 200 interviews.

According to New York magazine, which first published the extracts, Wolff was able to take advantage of the Trump administration's political inexperience to gain an unusual amount of insight.

"There were no ground rules placed on his access, and he was required to make no promises about how he would report on what he witnessed," it says. Wolff said he was able to take up "something like a semi-permanent seat on a couch in the West Wing" following the president's inauguration. "Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency," Mr Trump said in a statement on Wednesday. "When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind." "Steve was a staffer who worked for me after I had already won the nomination by defeating seventeen candidates, often described as the most talented field ever assembled in the Republican party," he continued. Press secretary Sarah Sanders described the book as "filled with false and misleading accounts from individuals who have no access or influence with the White House". "Participating in a book that can only be described as a trashy tabloid fiction exposes their sad desperate attempts at relevancy". Donald Trump swept to the presidency in part on the back of Steve Bannon and his Breitbart conservative media empire. Now we will see how he fares when he is at war with them.

The president's blistering reply to Mr Bannon's comments appears to indicate that the bridge between the politician and his ideological spirit guide has been reduced to cinders. But how will Mr Trump's legion of supporters react? It is never wise to underestimate their dedication to the man himself, above all else.

No matter the outcome of this coming battle, this has to be viewed as a devastating failure for Mr Bannon personally. After spending years advocating for an anti-establishment conservative populism, he finally had a seat in the halls of power. He said in early 2017 that his goal was nothing short of the "deconstruction of the administrative state". Now he is on the outside again, besieged by long-time antagonists and former allies. His president recently signed a tax bill embraced by corporate interests. His first post-2016 foray into elective politics, the Alabama Senate race, ended in humiliating defeat.

Perhaps, given all this, the Bannon-Trump feud was as inevitable as it is certain to be vicious. Mr Bannon, the president's former chief strategist, was considered a key player in the Trump White House and helped shape Mr Trump's "America First" campaign message before he left his post in August. In April, Mr Trump had declined to affirm that Mr Bannon still had his support, removing him from his elevated role on the crucial National Security Council.

He then appeared to downplay Mr Bannon's role, declaring in a New York Post interview: "I'm my own strategist". After leaving the White House, Mr Bannon returned to his role as the head of the right-wing Breitbart News website, where he said he planned to help Mr Trump's administration as a "wingman outside". Mr Trump reportedly spoke to Mr Bannon as recently as 13 December, the day of the special US Senate election in Alabama that saw the defeat of Republican Roy Moore, whom Mr Bannon supported.


Menon warns new civil aviation minister of Biman troubles

bdnews24.com :

Departing Civil Aviation Minister Rashed Khan Menon has warned his replacement AKM Shajahan Kamal that the problems of state-run Bangladesh Biman could eclipse any potential achievements.

In an address during his handover of the post on Thursday, Menon said: "One of your comments is receiving a lot of attention on the television. It is true that Biman is in crisis. Most of the insults directed at you will be on this topic. I will say this in front of Biman's MD - whatever we achieve is eaten up by Biman's shadow."

Menon was relieved of his duty at the civil aviation and tourism ministry during the cabinet reshuffle on Wednesday and transferred

to the ministry of social welfare. The Workers Party chairman had been at the post for four years. Menon also addressed the various critics he had faced during his tenure at civil aviation.

"The day before yesterday we were discussing various civil aviation matters and the subject of Biman was raised. Both sides had much to say and I listened." Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed was the most critical, prompting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to say 'why don't you take over?', to which Tofail apologised and said he would not, according to Menon. Security at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airpoirt was called into question several times during Menon's tenure. The UK banned cargo flights from Dhaka on March, 2016, citing security concerns. The ban is yet to be lifted. The ban played a role in Biman's falling profits this year.

"You will face difficulties due to Biman, such as three-hour luggage delays," Menon told the new minister. "But I will say this - since this board was assembled the first piece of luggage was put on the conveyer belt 20 minutes after landing and the last was put on the belt within 85 minutes."

"In some countries they have to walk through immigration for half an hour. But here they can go through immigration immediately after disembarking from the plane and go to collect their luggage. They forget it takes half an hour to walk through immigration in other countries. They just say 'my luggage has been delayed'."
India sees BD commitment in steps against attacks on minorities

UNB, Dhaka :

Indian Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar has said Bangladesh government is committed to take stern action against those who attacked on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.

"The government of Bangladesh has made it clear that it takes these attacks very seriously and is committed to take stern action against perpetrators," he said while responding to a question over attacks on minorities.

In November last year, there were attacks committed on the Hindu villagers of Horkoli Thakurpara, Rangpur.

The attackers burned down at least 30 Hindu houses following a Hindu youth had allegedly posted objectionable content relating to Islam

on Facebook. MJ Akbar, in the lower house of India's bicameral Parliament on Wednesday, said it is the responsibility of the government of Bangladesh and the government of Pakistan to discharge their obligations towards their respective citizens, including protection of their places of worship. "Government of India takes up the matter at a bilateral level, both with the government of Bangladesh and with the government of Pakistan," he said. The questioner wanted to know whether there has been substantial increase in the incidents of attacks on minority Hindus living in neighbouring countries and whether the Indian government has formulated any action plan to express its resentment in this regard, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

MJ Akbar said reports of attacks on members of minority communities in Bangladesh and Pakistan, including some incidents of forced conversion in Pakistan have come to the attention of the government. Information has been received from Bangladesh that some houses and a few temples of the Hindu community were also vandalized, he said.
DCC asked to make foot-over-bridges attractive

Reza Mahmud :

Most of the foot-over-bridges in the capital city are unusable as vendors, strollers and beggars dominated those. Besides these, some of them are use those over bridges as toilets.

In such circumstances, people, in most cases use to cross busy streets with high risks of accident ignoring to use foot-over-bridges.

After publishing such reports in The New Nation and other newspapers Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sent directions to the both Dhaka South And North City Corporations to take more effective initiatives to make foot-over-bridges in the city attractive to the pedestrians to use.

"We received a direction from Prime Minister's office recently to make the foot-over-bridges more usable. As per directives we Appointed waste management employees to make all of our foot-over-bridges clean," Khandakar Millatul Islam, Additional Waste

Management Officer of Dhaka South City Corporation told The New Nation.

He said the employees of Waste Management section are now busy to wash and wipe all the foot-over-bridges on our jurisdiction.

Official sources said after getting the Prime Minister's directives, the concern officials from Dhaka South City Corporation and Dhaka North City Corporation sat in a combined meeting on Monday to exchange their experiences on this regards.

The officials have taken decision to make barriers installing more iron grills on pavements in the close areas of foot-over-bridges.

They also have taken decisions to start propaganda through using loud speaker announcement, distributing leaflets among the people.

Officials said, some people had been injured seriously while crossing busy streets after being victims of motor accidents mostly near foot-over-bridges.

In such circumstances, the administrations had taken some initiatives like conducting mobile court campaigns.

Much mobile court had sat near those over bridges and collect huge amount of money as fine from the persons who try to cross the streets ignoring foot-over-bridges.

But the situations were not improved as most of the over bridges were remain unusable due to misuse by a dishonest section of people.

The latest initiatives have been come in these circumstances.


Date for report submission now on Feb 4

Court Correspondent :

The Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court of Dhaka on Thursday deferred the date for submitting the investigation report in a case filed for plotting to kill Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's son and her Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy after abducting him in the USA.

Metropolitan Magistrate Sarafuzzaman Ansari fixed February 4 for the submission of the report as the

investigation officer of the case failed to submit the report yesterday.

Earlier, on August 4 in 2015, Inspector Fazlur Rahman of Detective Branch filed the case with Paltan Model Police Station accusing several people, including journalist Shafik Rehman and Amar Desh Editor Mahmudur Rahman.
Schools doing business!

M M Jasim :

Both the Bangla and the English medium schools in the capital are doing brisk business by charging exorbitant admission and tuition fees in the absence of proper monitoring by the concern departments under Education Ministry.

The students and the guardians are also being forced by the school administrations to pay extra fees.

According to the policy of the English Medium Schools, the A category schools inside metropolitan areas can charge highest Tk 30,000 as admission and session fee and Tk 3,000 as monthly tuition fee while the amount will be not more than Tk 15,000 and Tk 1,500 respectively for each student outside the metro areas.

The admission and session fees of the B category institutions inside metropolitan areas cannot be more than Tk 18,000 and Tk 7,000 for outside. The monthly tuition fee of the schools in and outside the metropolitan area will be maximum Tk 2,000 and Tk 1,000 respectively.

The maximum amount of admission and session fees of C category schools in the metro areas will be Tk 8,000 and the monthly fee must not exceed Tk 1,500. For the schools outside the metropolitan areas, highest Tk 4,000 can be charged as the admission fees and Tk 800 for the monthly tuition fee.

But real situation is different as the English medium schools in the city's posh areas are taking at least Tk 50,000 as admission fees violating the Education Ministry's policy.

Rashidul Hasan, a guardian, told The New Nation that he paid Tk 70,000 to admit his son in Class-4. But he is reluctant to mention the school's name.

"It is an A-category school. But the management cannot charge extra fee from the students. It is too much" he said.

Many guardians also alleged that the schools increase the admission, readmission and monthly tuition fees almost every year.

Some schools have renamed the readmission fee while some others have hiked tuition fees by 50 to 80 per cent while many schools are simply ignoring the directive, they said.

Meanwhile, the Bangla medium schools in the city are also increasing the admission fees and monthly tuition fees abnormally.

The schools are charging excessive fees, which is too much for those of us who do not earn that much," said a private service holder, Abdul Mannan, father of a Class 7 student.

Imdadul Haque, a social worker, said underprivileged guardians got worried as institutions were ignoring the official instructions and charging much more than the amount fixed by the education board.

Secretary (Secondary and Higher Education Division) of the Education Ministry told this correspondent that the ministry would take action against those schools who have been taking extra admission fees.

"We have fixed the admission fees for both the Bangla and English Medium Schools. We hope that no school will violate the ministry's direction. If any allegation is found stern action will be taken against that institution," the secretary said.


Digital money laundering

3000 bKash agents under surveillance : 8 held

Kazi Zahidul Hasan :

Nearly 3000 local agents of mobile financial service (MFS) providers are under intelligence agencies scanners after disclosure that they are involved in money laundering through their accounts.

The agencies came up under surveillance as per request of the central bank, which earlier unearthed many cases of illegal money transfers by the mobile financial service providers, specially through the bKash.

Bangladesh Bank (BB) in September last year, ordered bKash to suspend activities of its 2,887 agents as their accounts were found involved in making unusual money transfer violating the Money-Laundering and Terrorism Financing Act.

Details of the agents and their bkash accounts were sent to the intelligence agencies for further probe and legal actions.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Wednesday night arrested eight bKash agents for illegal transactions through mobile financial service.

"The eight were arrested from various places around the country," Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police Sharmin Jahan told media. The Police officer said nine cases were filed against them but did not provide details on the detainees.

"The MFS has become a favorite tool of money laundering through tourists, human and drug traffickers and such other people. "They have developed unholy nexus with a section of bKash agent to send and get money from within and outside the country," another CID official told. The New Nation yesterday asking not to be named.

Launched in 2011 bKash, a BRAC Bank subsidiary, accounts for nearly 70 per cent share of mobile financial transactions in the country followed by DBBL that holds remaining 30 per cent share.

The CID official said, "We have already launched investigation against the bkash agents who were reportedly involved in money laundering breaching laws of MFS. We have found substantive evidence of illegal transfer by many of the bkash agents during the inquiry."

"bKash agents who were arrested on Wednesday were also involved in illegal money transaction generated from criminal activities, including ransom and hundi," he added.

Shamsuddin Haider Dalim, Head of Corporate Communications at bKash, could not be reached for comments.

"The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) is closely monitoring the financial transfer of mobile financial service providers as part of its routine job to prevent illegal financial flow from the country," a senior BB official told The New Nation yesterday.

When asked, he said, Bangladesh Bank has already sent a list of rouge bKash agent to intelligence agencies seeking action against them. We're checking them at field level, he said.




Govt trying to push politics towards confrontation: BNP

UNB, Dhaka :

BNP on Thursday alleged that the government is trying to push politics towards confrontation by buying time in giving permission to their party to hold its scheduled rally in the city on Friday.

"Awami League leaders' remarks have given an impression that they're trying to create a chaotic situation in a planned way by spreading propaganda against our peaceful rally. They're trying to take politics towards confrontation," said BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

Speaking at a press conference at the party's Nayapaltan central office, he also alleged that law enforcers have started harassing and arresting BNP leaders and activities across the country, including the capital, at the behest of the government.

The BNP leader said their party is determined to hold the rally in front of their central office on Friday. "Our Dhaka south and north units and different associate bodies have already taken

adequate preparations to hold the rally." He urged the authorities concerned to give permission immediately to hold the rally. Rizvi called upon the leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies to make the rally in the capital and the countrywide black flag processions a success.

On Monday, BNP announced to hold a rally at Suhrawardy Udyan in the city and bring out black flag processions across the country on January 5 to observe the day as 'Democracy Killing Day' to register its protest against 10th parliamentary polls held on that day in 2014.

However, the party sought a fresh permission from the police and South City Corporation authorities on Wednesday for holding the programme at Nayapaltan as an Islamic party was allowed to hold a rally at Suhrawardy Udyan the same day.

Rizvi said, the government has made a mockery with democracy and people by allowing a less known organisation to hold a programme at Suhrawardy Udyan denying permission to BNP.


BCL activist hacked to death in Pabna

banglanews24.com :

An activist of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) was hacked and shot to death by some unknown miscreants in Pabna on Thursday evening (Jan 4).

The deceased was identified as Ariful Islam, 24, son of one (late) Abdul Hamid of Karcharipara area in Pabna municipality. Pabna Sadar police station officer-in-charge (OC) Abdul Razzak confirmed the matter to Banglanews.
Next argument hearing Jan 10, 11

Court Correspondent :

BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia's lawyer claimed yesterday that the documents of Zia Orphanage Trust graft case against his client were prepared with fabricated information.

BNP Chairperson's lawyer AJ Mohammad Ali said this on Thursday while placing arguments in the makeshift court at Bakshibazar in the city

After yesterday's argument hearing, Judge Dr Md Akhtaruzzaman of the Speedy Trial Tribunal-1 fixed January 10 and 11 for the next hearing of the case.

The BNP Chairperson's lawyer further said, the investigation could not prove where the money of the fund was distributed. Even no witness could show that Begum Khaleda Zia had signed any paper, the lawyer added.

On July 3, 2008, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case with Ramna Model Police Station accusing Khaleda Zia, her son Tarique Rahman, and four others for misappropriating over Tk 21 million that came as grants from a foreign bank for orphans.

On August 8, 2011, the ACC filed the Zia Charitable Trust graft case with Tejgaon Model Police Station accusing four persons, including Khaleda Zia, of abusing power in raising funds for the trust from unknown sources.
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The small French colony of Prairie du Rocher is still celebrating old customs.

This year's Twelfth Night Ball will be held Saturday, Jan. 6.

The Twelfth Night Ball custom began in the village centuries ago with the eldest woman in the village inviting all "eligible" men and women to a ball at her home. She arranged for a fiddler and baked a cake with four beans inside. The first man to find a bean in his piece of cake was crowned king of the ball, and he then chose his queen. The remaining beans determined the rest of the court.

The American Legion hosts the ball, from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday. Doors open at 6 p.m. and dancing begins at 8. Cake is served at 9. The ball is held at the American Legion Hall, at 509 Henry St. Admission is $10, or $5 for children 14 and younger. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Music will be provided by Cousin Curtis and the Cash Rebates, an old-time string band. A caller will give brief instructions before each dance. There will be a full-service cash bar and several wines especially selected for the ball.

Guests are encouraged to dress in 18th century finest.

 The Southern
HARRISBURG  After his business was hit with a nearly 7 percent corporate tax increase, Wes Sherrod figured he needed to do something  not only for his business, but also for the state.

The way he figures it, if the state continues leveraging taxes on businesses and not finding ways to offer them reductions, they will leave.

Sherrod is bringing his 23 years of business experience  running a vehicle repair shop in Harrisburg, where he gains experience mediating between the insurance company, his client and his own profit margin  to his quest for the state's 118th District seat.

That seat was most recently held by Brandon Phelps, who resigned in October; that vacancy was filled by Natalie Phelps Finnie, a Democrat and Phelps' cousin, who was tapped to serve for the remainder of Phelps' term.

Sherrod is running against two other Republican challengers in the March 20 primary  Massac County State's Attorney Patrick Windhorst and Samuel K. Stratemeyer of Metropolis. The winner of that race will face Finnie in the general election.

This is not a survivable environment for a small business owner, so how many of us will stay if we dont get some control over this  if we dont reduce some taxes, Sherrod said. I dont see a lot of us staying.

Sherrod moved with his family from Pontiac, Michigan, to Southern Illinois as a teenager. He is married and the father of two children: one studying to be a nurse, the other to be a game warden.

He said he doesn't know all the political buzzwords, but said he does know, from a businessman's perspective, what can work for Southern Illinois.

A business owner sees it differently than a politician," he said. "They dont look at the business aspect of it, (such as saying) 'heres is how you do it'  and thats the difference between me and the politician. I know how to bring money in, cause its what I did my whole life.

When he campaigns in or visits an area, he said he promotes not only the event to which he's invited, but also the area he's visiting.

To bring attention to Karnak, for instance, he's planning to pedal his Heritage bicycle along the Tunnel Hill State bike trail on Saturday, Feb. 17, setting a record that he he will challenge others to beat. He said that's a way of letting people know about the nearly 55-mile-long bike trail and the other wonders of Karnak.

To stimulate the economy in Golconda, he suggested a business be started taking the Asian Carp from the Cache River, grinding them up, pressing it and freeze-drying it to use as a fertilizer.

"Thats the same things that the Indians did," Sherrod said.

He'd also like to see businesses like Harrah's Metropolis Casino have a smokers' club, a place set aside, inside the facility, where those who smoke can do so without having to leave the premises. That, he said, can help them grow businesses, particularly among those who smoke.

Maybe in a place like Brookport, someone could rent a business storage trailer and sell coffees or other items that people like to drink or eat. The idea, he said, is to start on a small scale.

"I think Southern Illinois can really promote itself from what it has, from what were not doing now," Sherrod said. "I think we can do it ourselves. If I can do it, can we all do it? Then if we all do it, then the amount of advertising is huge."

He'd also like to see concealed carry expanded to allow people leaving government and other buildings, at night, when there is no security to walk them to their vehicles, to be able to carry their weapons into the facility with them.

To help with overwhelming pension payments, he suggested that the state consider legalizing marijuana, then applying the taxes to reducing the pension debt, in part.
The Night's Shield's new program, The Children's Crisis Shelter, is now open in West Frankfort, according to a news release from The Night's Shield.

The Childrens Crisis Shelter program serves families from the entire state, especially Southern Illinois. According to the news release, the program is a temporary emergency child care shelter that provides short-term care for children from birth to age 18, and for families who are experiencing a severe disruptive crisis.

Also, with cold temperatures, homes that are unexpectedly without heat or flooded because of broken pipes, are also crisis situations. The Night's Shield can provide a warm, dry, safe, and cozy place temporarily for their children.

The release states children receive 24-hour quality crisis care for 24 to 72 hours, depending on the needs and goals of the family.

For more information, call 618-932-6400.

 The Southern
Numerous water main breaks in the metro-east area near St. Louis have resulted in a boil order for most of St. Clair County and parts of Monroe County in Illinois.

Illinois American Water issued the boil order on Wednesday for most of its metro-east service area, which includes Belleville, East St. Louis, Alorton and Washington Park, among other towns. The boil order also affects utilities and communities that buy water wholesale from Illinois American.

Illinois American official Karen Cotton says boil orders usually last 36 to 48 hours, and customers will be notified when it's lifted.

Users should bring their water to a rolling boil for 5 minutes before drinking or cooking. The water is OK for bathing, washing.

The utility also wants customers to conserve water and to restrict all non-essential water use until further notice.

 Associated Press
The student loan debt plan is on hold, again, and no one knows when (or if) it's coming. What could this mean for you?

Host Teri Barr is talking with Cecilia Clark, a Student Loans Expert with Nerd Wallet, to learn why this newest hold on the program, could take awhile, the 3 things you need to know about and prepare for right now, including making your loan payments again in the New Year.

The latest from Cecilia at NerdWallet:

More episodes on debt:

Support the show: https://omny.fm/shows/pennywise

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
EUTAWVILLE -- Kenneth Johnson said he usually doesnt return home immediately after taking his fiancee to work, but something told him to return to their Waikiki Road residence Tuesday morning.

When I opened the door, there was a fire, Johnson said.

As Johnson was returning home, his 18-year-old was waking up. The teen smelled smoke.

My son woke up screaming, Johnson said.

He said, It all happened so fast.

We couldnt get nothing out of the house. All we had to do was just run and just drop what we had and just run.

Johnson has lived at the mobile home with a brick addition for the past 20 years. He said his two children and fiancee moved there about a year ago.

Eutawville Assistant Fire Chief Wes Griffin said firefighters responded to the scene at 10:23 a.m. The fire was fully involved. Fire crews left the scene by 1:30 p.m.

The Vance, Santee and Holly Hill fire departments also responded.

Griffin said the fire remains under investigation, but it is not considered suspicious.

The Eutawville Fire Department has responded to four structure fires since Jan. 1.

The American Red Cross is assisting the family with food, clothing, lodging and other essentials and comfort kits containing personal hygiene items.
Area motorists had to contend with icy roads Thursday morning and will most likely continue to have to do so at least into Friday morning in the wake of this week's winter storm.

The most significant take away from the storm was the number of vehicle accidents throughout The T&D Region both during the storm, overnight and into Thursday morning.

At one point, the South Carolina Highway Patrol reported over 40 collisions during the height of the storm just in Orangeburg County,.

There were no reports of any fatal accidents, according to the SCHP.

South Carolina Department of Transportation will continue to treat roads, especially bridges and overpasses with a salt and sand solution.

SCDOT District 7 Maintenance Engineer Michelle Lambright used one word to describe the past two days: busy.

"We are trying to keep the roads treated with salt and calcium chloride," she said. "We are working on interstates, primary routes and S.C. routes. That is our focus right now."

Currently, the department is running five sand and salt trucks and could be seeing assistance from other counties that were less impacted by the snowfall.

Lambright said SCDOT will continue to remain on top of the situation.

"We will continue to work and make sure the roadways are safe," she said, noting the department has plenty of deicing materials.

Any snow that melted Thursday will most likely refreeze Thursday night into Friday morning as temperatures are forecast to fall to the upper teens.

If you must travel in areas that received snowfall, do it with a full tank of gas. Drive slow and allow extra time to reach your destination.

Also, keep a flashlight along with some food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.

The icy roads have also led to school closures.

Claflin University was closed Thursday, and Denmark Technical College announced it would open at 1 p.m. today.

Due to inclement weather, all Family Health Centers site locations including Orangeburg, Denmark, Holly Hill, Neeses, St. George, St. Matthews, and Vance are also closed today.

Any additional updates will be communicated via the Family Health Centers Inc. website at www.myfhc.org, text message, and social media.

The SCHP offers a number of safety tips for those traveling on icy roads.

* Speed -- Slow down. You will be more likely to maintain control of your vehicle at lower speeds.

* Following distance - Leave plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.

* Abrupt Maneuvers - Avoid excessive actions while steering, braking or accelerating to lessen the chances of losing control of the vehicle.

* Braking - Braking gently will help you avoid skidding.

* Road conditions - Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roadways, which tend to freeze first.

* Cruise Control - Avoid using cruise control in winter driving conditions.

About 23 Orangeburg County state and U.S. roads including U.S. 15, U.S. 21, U.S. 78, U.S. 178 and U.S. 176 were all experiencing icy conditions Thursday morning.

In Calhoun County, the SCDOT was reporting roads with slush and ice including U.S. 601, S.C. 6 and S.C. 33.

In Bamberg County, icy roads included U.S. 21, U.S. 78, U.S. 301, U.S. 321 and U.S. 601.

Secondary roads throughout the entire T&D region were all contending with snow and ice Thursday morning.

Motorists can expect possibly icy conditions on these roads and especially on secondary roads at least through Friday morning and perhaps into the weekend.

Some snowfall totals in the T&D included:

* Cameron 5.8 inches

* Bowman 3 inches

* Orangeburg -- 2 inches. There were no weather stations reporting snow totals in eastern Orangeburg County

* Cope -- 2 inches

* Woodford -- half an inch

* Bamberg -- half an inch

* St. Matthews -- trace or dusting

Calhoun County Emergency Services Director Bill Minikiewicz said the biggest take away from the storm was the number of accidents.

He said five vehicles were involved in an accident on U.S. 601 near Wienges Court and a head-on collision involving two pick up trucks on U.S. 601 on the bridge heading into Richland County. One of the drivers was transported to a Columbia hospital with serious injuries.

There also was another accident in Sandy Run with one lady having to be taken to a Lexington hospital.

Minikiewicz said there were no reports of property damage or significant power outages.

Frigid temperatures will continue to dominate the T&D forecast through Sunday morning. Highs will be in the upper 30s with lows in the upper teens.

Wind-chill values will be 5 to 15 degrees at times during the night.

Early forecasts are calling for a 50 percent chance of rain and snow around the Monday morning commute before changing to all rain later in the morning.

A warmup with highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s is forecast for next week.
A Eutawville family built its first snowman on Wednesday afternoon after Mother Nature deposited a steady flow of the powdery goodness.

Reagan Maharrey, 7, and mother Constance Connor Maharrey packed three rounded lumps of snow to form Frostys body.

He was a welcoming presence in the familys front yard.

It was fun! Reagan said.

Constance Maharrey said this was not only the first snowman for the children, but for the entire family.

Snow fell throughout The T&D Region Wednesday afternoon, creating a winter wonderland. But it also created slick road conditions, leading to vehicle accidents.

The S.C. Highway Patrol reported about 25 collisions between 2:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. in Orangeburg and Calhoun counties.

The large majority of the collisions did not have any injuries, according to the S.C. Highway Patrol.

Officials say the roads for the Thursday morning commute will remain snow and ice covered until at least after noon on Thursday when high temperatures reach above freezing.

"We urge motorists to use caution," S.C. Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Judd Jones said.

Orangeburg County emergency officials said there were few other incidents.

The first snowflakes in the Orangeburg area began to fall shortly after 1 p.m. and picked up in intensity around 1:30 p.m.

Snow continued to fall through the afternoon, becoming heavy at times and quickly covering the pavement and grassy surfaces.

Preliminary snow reports through 5 p.m. indicated about five inches of snow fell at the Interstate 26 and U.S. 301 interchange in Orangeburg County. About three inches fell in Bowman.

About half an inch was reported at the Bamberg County emergency management headquarters.

St. Matthews reported a dusting, according to the NWS.

NWS meteorological technician Doug Anderson said the storm was winding down shortly before 4 p.m. for the Orangeburg area.

Calhoun County Emergency Services Director Bill Minikiewicz said snow had begun to stick around the Sandy Run area shortly after 3 p.m. County offices closed around 3 p.m. due to the weather.

Bamberg County Emergency Services Director Brittany Barnwell said there were no issues, just a little bit of snow.

"I would advise everyone to stay off the roads," Barnwell said. "The bridges are accumulating ice."

Utilities were spared problems from the storm on Wednesday afternoon.

Orangeburg Department of Public Utilities Spokesman Randy Etters said the utility did not anticipate any significant problems.

"We operate very well in a snow environment," Etters said. "It does not cause us much problems."

The Orangeburg Department of Public Utilities reported nine outages on Berry Street. South Carolina Electric and Gas reported about 14 customers without power in Bamberg County, but none in Calhoun or Orangeburg counties shortly before 4 p.m.

Edisto Electric Cooperative reported one outage in Bamberg and three in Orangeburg.

In anticipation of continued cold temperatures, the Orangeburg City gym at 410 Broughton Street was opened to serve as a shelter.

The shelter opened in coordination with the American Red Cross at 5:30 p.m. The shelter offered cots, blankets, food, water and comfort for anyone needing it.

The Red Cross is dedicated to providing a warm, dry place for residents, Regional CEO Louise Welch Williams said. We hope everyone continues to pay attention to local weather forecasts, and if theyre staying at home, we urge people to heat their homes safely.

The winter storm was caused by a cold Canadian air mass over the area, combined with a deepening low pressure system off the coast.

In addition to the chance of winter precipitation, the other news maker is the extreme cold temperatures. The T&D Region is expected to experience highs in the upper 30s and lows in the upper teens through Saturday.

The cold temperatures have been persistent for the past week. A warming trend will begin Sunday and into next week.

The snow also led to the closure of many schools.

The following closings and late openings have been reported to The T&D:

 Orangeburg County school districts 3, 4 and 5 will be closed Thursday.

 Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College will be closed Thursday.

 Felton Laboratory School will be closed Thursday.

 Holly Hill Academy and Education Learning Center will be closed Thursday.

 Bamberg school districts 1 and 2 will be closed Thursday.

 Denmark Technical College is scheduled to open at 10 a.m. Thursday.

 Calhoun Academy will be closed Thursday and plans to make a decision midday about what it will do for Friday.

 Calhoun County School District is closed Thursday.

 Holly Hill Academy plans to stay closed Thursday.

 Orangeburg Preparatory School will be closed Thursday.

 Voorhees will have a delayed opening Thursday. It will open at 10:30 a.m.

 St. Pauls UMC Daycare and Preschool is closed on Thursday.

Claflin University will open at 10 a.m. Thursday.
President Donald Trump rejected decades of U.S. policy regarding the future of Jerusalem. In the process, he gave U.N. Ambassador and Bamberg County native another major moment in the international spotlight.

As the U.N. General Assembly was voting 128-9 with 35 abstentions to declare Trump's declaration of Jerusalem as Israel's capital "null and void," Haley was taking a hard line.

She threatened the 193 U.N. member states and the United Nations with funding cuts if the resolution was approved.

"No vote in the United Nations will make any difference" on the U.S. decision to move its embassy to Jerusalem, which will go ahead because "it is the right thing to do, Haley said at the United Nations.

She said "the United States will remember this day in which it was singled out for attack in the General Assembly for the very right of exercising our right as a sovereign nation."

"We will remember it when we are called upon once again to make the world's largest contribution to the United Nations," she said. "And we will remember when so many countries come calling on us, as they so often do, to pay even more and to use our influence for their benefit."

Already, speculation had it that the first female president of the United States may be the former Republican governor of South Carolina and not any Democrat poised to challenge Trump in 2020.

After the U.N. address, Lauren DeBellis Appell, former deputy press secretary for then-Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa., and assistant communications director for the Senate Republican Policy Committee from 2001-03, wrote for Fox News:

 Its becoming more plausible that when our country does elect its first female president, that woman may very well be Republican Nikki Haley.

As U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Haleys handling of recent events set her apart as a rising star. Her performance has shown that she has what it takes on the international stage to represent America abroad. Like the president, she refuses to let the U.S. to be bullied by other countries.

And the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette newspaper said editorially:

Not since Daniel Patrick Moynihan stood before the U.N.'s mock parliament, the General Assembly, and denounced a resolution that would have made the United States an accomplice to the world's anti-Semitism has this country had so impassioned a defender of its rights.

Her name is Nikki Haley, her title American ambassador to the United Nations.

Appell was writing with a presidential bid in mind when she further stated, Haley has already set herself apart as one of the most effective leaders in this administration. Shes fearlessly stepped up, stood out and proven she's not afraid to make the tough calls.

And those attributes make a mission other than a presidential bid more likely for Haley, at least in the foreseeable future. Changes are coming in the Trump administration in this new year and one may be at the State Department.

Rex Tillerson is widely believed to be on the way out as secretary of state. And should the former Exxon chairman exit the post, Haley is likely to be a leading candidate.

Any criticism of her lack of experience on the international stage is likely to be secondary to her willingness to be a strong voice backing the president in his international positions  as she did at the United Nations related to the Jerusalem issue.

The opportunity would put Haley in a position vital to the nation and give her a high profile that could well establish whether she is a legitimate future contender for the presidency.
COLUMBIA  A proposed deal announced Wednesday could mean $1.3 billion in refunds for customers of a troubled South Carolina utility who have been funding a failed nuclear reactor project.

In a news release, Richmond, Virginia-based Dominion Energy announced it would make immediate $1,000 cash payments to SCANA Corp. (SKAH-nah) customers within 90 days of closing its purchase of the company. If approved by regulators, the deal would also cut rates for customers of SCANA subsidiary South Carolina Electric & Gas Co. by about 5 percent, an amount officials said would mean more than $7 in monthly givebacks for customers.

SCANA has been reeling since announcing last summer SCE&G was abandoning construction of two new nuclear reactors at the V.C. Summer Nuclear Station. Thousands were left jobless in the wake of the $9 billion failure, which SCE&G and project co-owner Santee Cooper blamed on the bankruptcy by lead contractor Westinghouse.

The debacle has spawned multiple lawsuits, with customers accusing SCANA executives of misleading them about the project's viability. State lawmakers have opened inquiries, and both state and federal authorities are investigating.

The $14.6 billion deal with Dominion would still leave SCE&G customers holding the bag on funding the scuttled construction but would reduce the timetable on those payments, from up to 60 years down to about 20 years, officials said. Via a series of rate hikes, SCE&G customers have paid about $2 billion toward the company's debt on the project.

South Carolina regulators are considering whether SCE&G customers should continue shouldering that debt, paying $37 million a month for work that won't provide a kilowatt of power. Next week, state lawmakers will begin considering legislation that would cut off project payments that account for 18 percent of customers' electric bills, or $27 a month.

SCANA shareholders will receive 0.6690 shares of Dominion common stock for each share of SCANA, under the stock deal Dominion values at about $7.9 billion, with an additional $6.7 billion in assumed debt.

If the deal is approved, SCANA would become a wholly owned subsidiary of Dominion, which already has some holdings in South Carolina. It also includes completion of the $180 million purchase of a 540-megawatt, natural gas-fired power plant, a proposal announced by SCE&G President Keller Kissam in November.

Dominion, one of the nation's largest utility companies, already operates a pair of solar farms in South Carolina, as well as a network of gas pipelines purchased from SCANA two years ago. SCANA has about 1.6 million electric and natural gas residential and business accounts in the Carolinas. The combined company would operate in 18 states, providing energy to about 6.5 million regulated customer accounts.

SCE&G has formally asked the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for permission to withdraw its operating license for the reactors, a move the company made as it seeks to show it's entirely given up on the project and is eligible for a $2 billion tax write-off.

SCANA's stock, which has tumbled about 40 percent since July, was up in early trading Wednesday, while Dominion stock was down slightly. Both companies ended the day roughly flat.

On a morning investor call, Dominion Chief Executive Tom Farrell said he was "very pleased" about reaction to the deal from South Carolina leaders including Gov. Henry McMaster and House Speaker Jay Lucas. In a statement, McMaster said the deal would give money back to SCE&G ratepayers but reiterated his stance that state-owned utility Santee Cooper needed to be sold to account for its share of $4 billion debt in the project.

Lucas said Wednesday the acquisition is "an interesting starting point" but more fixes are needed. Senate President Pro Temp Hugh Leatherman said he looked forward to a briefing from company officials.

In a news release, Friends of the Earth said the deal "falls far short of protecting ratepayers" from absorbing costs of the failed project. Friends of the Earth and the Sierra Club have a complaint pending before South Carolina regulators seeking repayment to customers and a future commitment to pursue cleaner, cheaper, alternative energy.

Dominion's proposed purchase didn't immediately alter its plans for a potential new nuclear plant in Virginia, which one regulator has estimated would cost more than $25 billion. The company has spent more than $600 million on the project, known as North Anna 3, but has not committed to building it. A 2014 state law allowed Dominion to write off about $300 million in planning costs related to the project, a move that helped the company avoid having to give bigger refunds to its customers.

Spokesman Ryan Frazier said Wednesday the company has still not made a decision whether to build North Anna 3.
Marseilia Group, a top diversified investment company has signed an agreement with UAE-based Amlak Finance, a leading specialised real estate financier, to develop an urban project in Nasr City District, Cairo.



The memorandum of understanding (MoU) is under the sponsorship of National Bank of Egypt (Dubai International Financial Centre) (NBE  DIFC).



The MoU was signed by Yasser Ragab, chairman of Marseilia Group, Arif Alharmi, managing director and CEO of Amlak Finance, and Hisham Okasha, chairman, National bank of Egypt at the headquarter of the National Bank of Egypt in Cairo.



The memorandum is for the development of a comprehensive urban project on a land plot owned by Amlak Finance at Nasr city in Cairo.



The agreement is between Amlak Finances Amlak Nasr City for Real Estate Investment, a wholly owned Egyptian Company, and a subsidiary of Amlak, and Marseilia Egyptian Gulf for Real Estate Investment Company, one of Marseilia Group companies.



Dr Sherif El Saftawy, Marseilia Group chairman assistant said that the Nasr city project was one of the most important projects that was under study during 2017.



The project is located on Al Nasr Street and in front of Al Ahly club and will extend over 42,676 sq m. The project will be a comprehensive urban development and will include residential and, administration building, a shopping mall designed in accordance with international standards, a fully serviced and equipped hotel in addition to the areas dedicated to the clubs and social activities.



The project is also aimed at supporting the development of the community by creating 10, 000 job opportunities to the Egyptian youth throughout the next five years.



We are happy with our partnership with of Amlak Finance as it reflects Marseilias strategic vision of developing foreign investments. This affirms the companys goals that are in line with the general vision of the Egyptian government for going ahead with a full economic reform and the development of the real estate sector, said Ragab.



The memorandum is preamble to the partnership contract, which calls for Marseilia Group to take charge of the development of the whole project in accordance with international standards. Mr. Yasser praised the interest taken by the National Bank of Egypt (Dubai International Financial Centre) for sponsoring this partnership and providing it with all the necessary facilities, thus making it one of the largest partnerships in the real estate sector, he added.



Alharmi, said: The Egyptian real estate market is one of the promising markets in the region. The current economic reform plan promises further progress towards creating an adequate investment environment, suitable for launching mega projects.



We are confident of the efforts of Marseilia in implementing and managing the project to the highest specifications. On our part, we look to deliver a project which is competitive with international standards. Through this project, we look forward to contributing towards the development of Nasr City, in addition to enhancing the value of our real estate investments, benefitting Amlak, its shareholders, financiers and partners, he added.



Okasha said: We are happy that this partnership is under the facilitation of National Bank of Egypt (Dubai International Financial Centre) which is a fully owned Asset Management and Investment Advisory subsidiary of the National Bank of Egypt, based in the Dubai International Financial Centre and regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority.



The operation specialises in managing regional and fixed income portfolios and advising on real estate and direct investment transactions. NBE (DIFC) Limited was mandated as advisor on behalf of ANC throughout the project.



We are delighted to announce the successful execution of this MOU between our client, Amlak Nasr City for Real Estate Investment (ANC), with Marseilia Egyptian Gulf for Real Estate Investment, an Egyptian developer, also duly listed on the Nilex, Okasha added.



We are keen to implement this agreement after extensive studies which showed that this project is beneficial to the Egyptian economy. This project will encourage and attract more foreign investments. We will be a permanent supporter of this kind of Egyptian foreign partnerships and offer more investment projects to Egypt."  TradeArabia News Service
InnoTech, a top fabrication company based in Seeb, Oman recently held two workshops on 3D printing for businessmen and engineers in Muscat, a report said.



Sponsored by BP Oman as part of its social investment programme, the event saw more than 100 participants, reported Times of Oman.



These courses were held at the Nizwa Cultural Centre and the Ibri College of Technology, where participants spent four days of practical training in 3D design, 3D printing and digital fabrication skills as part of a technique known as additive manufacturing.



On the first day, participants learned how to design 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) software, which is used to increase designer productivity, improve design quality, and create a manufacturing database. The following day highlighted the use of more complicated design tools and later a competition was held where participants vied to build the highest tower using some of the tools to simulate how 3D printers work. The final day concluded with teams assembling parts of the 3D printer and building their final project.



Nowadays, this technology can be seen in every major industry worldwide from automotive, aerospace, defence and consumer products to medical supplies, Othman Al Mandhari, the co-founder and CEO of InnoTech was quoted as saying in the report.



Additive Manufacturing is important in the rapid prototyping and manufacturing industry for many reasons, mainly for its ability to create simple product designs and significantly reduce weight of parts.



This technology is further supporting innovation and creativity through allowing users to try different iterations without bearing additional cost, unlike conventional manufacturing. Supporting our ambition to instil a culture of additive manufacturing, 3D printers will be permanently installed in the Nizwa Cultural Center and Ibri College of Technology. Students and staff will be able to use them for free at any time, he added.



Four trainees will be chosen for a two-month internship in InnoTech and a possible job opportunity after the internship, the report said.
Tally Solutions, a leading accounting and compliance software provider has partnered with electronics retail giant Sharaf DG in the UAE to make its Value Added Tax (VAT) software Tally.ERP 9 easily available to the business community.



As part of the agreement, Sharaf DG will have Tally.ERP 9 Silver and Gold (single and multi-user editions) available across its 24 stores in the UAE. Tally Solutions has trained over a hundred of Sharaf DGs employees on its VAT ready software, Tally.ERP 9. This will ensure that people walking in to the stores are served appropriately and have a good experience in terms of seeking required information on VAT and the software.



Customers can also buy Tally.ERP 9 packs on Sharaf DGs website www.sharafdg.com from the comfort of their home or office.



We are pleased to collaborate with Sharaf DG for Tally.ERP 9 Release 6.3, which will give businesses easy access to VAT ready software. Businesses can then quickly move to the VAT era, and record and print accurate VAT bills in Arabic and English with ease and speed. UAE is a diverse and dynamic market and when it comes to large format retail, Sharaf DG is clearly the leader. We believe our association will facilitate businesses to get VAT ready and VAT compliant easily, said Vikas Panchal, business head at Tally Solution in the Middle East.



Tally Solutions stated that its VAT ready software comes with multiple layers of security including user-level rights ensuring secure access to data. This assures business owners that their data is safe and accurate at all times and leaves them worry free. Additionally, the software allows generation of VAT returns and audit reports at the click of a button, enabling tax professionals to file VAT returns for their clients easily and quickly.  TradeArabia News Service
Qatar Petroleum has announced the official start of operations of the new Qatargas following the successful completion of the integration with RasGas, which was announced in December 2016.



Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, president & CEO of Qatar Petroleum made the announcement at a press conference held at QP headquarters in the presence of representatives of ExxonMobil, Total, ConocoPhillips, and Shell - the main international shareholders in both companies.



Al-Kaabi said: Our aim was to integrate the two companies resources and capabilities to create a truly unique global energy operator in terms of size, service and reliability. We also aimed to create higher value for our stakeholders, and enhance the competitive position of the Qatari gas industry.



It is important to highlight that this integration will ultimately save us around QR2 billion ($545 million) in operating cost annually.



As of the first of January 2018, all the ventures that were operated by Qatargas and RasGas are now operated by the new Qatargas, which is the result of the integration of two great energy centres of excellence.



Today, I am pleased to announce that we have accomplished our objective with great success, and on time. Qatargas will be the single entity exporting Qatari LNG to the world, under a ONE shared vision, ONE management system, and ONE work culture. It also gives me great pleasure to announce the appointment of the current Qatargas CEO Sheikh Khalid Bin Khalifa Al Thani as the CEO for the new Qatargas, he added.



The integration process will continue to focus on providing enhanced service, reliability, efficiency and effectiveness, as well as strengthening operations groups, which remained unimpacted by the integration, as the highest priority was given to ensuring a safe, seamless and risk-free business continuity.  TradeArabia News Service
Qatar Petroleum (QP) has been designated as the exclusive entity to market and sell all crude oil exported from Qatar.

This follows a ministerial directive designating that all crude oil produced in the State of Qatar for export to international markets as a regulated product effective January 1, 2018.

Previously, QP and the various international oil companies active in the production of crude oil in Qatar were independently marketing crude oil based on their production entitlements. Going forward, QP becomes the single interface with the international markets for all marketing and sales related activities.

Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, QP President and CEO, described the announcement as a further step towards realising its vision to become one of the best national oil companies in the world, with roots in Qatar and a strong international presence.

Al-Kaabi said: The regulation of crude oil exports is expected to deliver significant synergies in marketing and logistics, as well as cost efficiencies to the benefit of the State of Qatar and the crude oil producing entities. It will also further strengthen Qatar Petroleum's international marketing ability and expand its global footprint.

He said: This is an important milestone in support of the continued and sustained growth and development of our national economy.

QPSPP, formerly known as Qatar International Petroleum Marketing Company Limited (Tasweeq), was established pursuant to Decree Law No. (15) of 2007 concerning the Organization of Marketing and Selling of Regulated Products Outside the State of Qatar, and is wholly-owned by the State of Qatar.

Qatar Petroleum was appointed by the State of Qatar, pursuant to Law No. (9) of 2016, as QPSPP's marketing agent in order to leverage the combined set of technical, commercial and financial capabilities and to achieve cost efficiency through the harvesting of synergies.
Jordan's Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) welcomed a total of 536,185 passengers during the month of November, marking an impressive 9.8 per cent increase in comparison to the same month last year.



According to the November 2017 statistics announced by Airport International Group, 5,132 aircraft movements (ACM) and 9,671 tons of cargo were registered throughout November, representing a minor 2.8 per cent decrease and a substantial 19 per cent increase, respectively.



As for year-to-date passenger traffic figures, QAIA recorded 7,338,238 passengers passing through its facilities since the beginning of the year until the end of November, indicating a notable 6.8 per cent rise from last years numbers. Meanwhile, year-to-date ACM settled at 68,577 movements with 1.1 per cent increase from the same period last year, and cargo came in at 100,104 tons with a significant 8.5 per cent increase.



We are delighted with the success as presented by Novembers statistics. These promising figures can be attributed to the increase of passenger traffic to and from Cairo, Doha, Istanbul, Dubai, Baghdad, Jeddah, Frankfurt, Kuwait, Alexandria and Muscat. We look forward to the contributions Decembers holiday season will have to the overall results of the year 2017 and to reviewing the end-of-year results of what is looking to be one of our most fruitful years yet, said Airport International Group CEO, Kjeld Binger. - TradeArabia News Service


Scandic Hotels, the largest hotel company in the Nordic countries, has signed a long-term lease agreement with developer B&L Group regarding the operation of a new hotel in Frankfurt.



The conference and event hotel will be part of the new "Hafenpark Quarter", a mixed-use development on the banks of the Main river, close to the city center and next to the new headquarters of the European Central Bank (ECB). It is expected to open in 2021.



The new hotel will encompass 22,000-sq-m and have 506 rooms and 2,000-sq-m of state of the art conference and event space. It will also offer an attractive restaurant and bar, excellent modern fitness facilities as well as one of the largest ballrooms in Frankfurt at 600-sq-m.



"This is an amazing opportunity for Scandic Hotels. Frankfurt is a major financial center and global commercial hub. We expect the new hotel to perform well on the market due to its many revenue streams and great location next to the ECB," said Michel Schutzbach, country manager Germany at Scandic Hotels Europe.



The hotel in Hafenpark is in line with Scandics strategy to expand in the largest cities in Germany. The addition of this second hotel in Frankfurt will not only raise awareness of Scandic, but also consolidate our presence in the German market, creating synergies with the Scandic Frankfurt Museumsufer that will open in February. The two hotels complement each other well and they will also boost our operating performance and market share, said Even Frydenberg, president and CEO, Scandic Hotels Group.



"We believe that we in Scandic have found a perfect partner for this project. Scandic has a successful track record of operating large conference hotels and were very happy to have entered this agreement and looking forward to future projects together," said Thorsten Testorp, managing partner at B&L Group. - TradeArabia News Service
Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with Sarah Jordan Associates, presents Terraforming - a Photographic Exhibition by British photographer Duncan Chard.

Chard, a UAE-based photographer, has spent over a decade preparing an exhibition to be held at Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi, which will allow people to see the UAE from a totally new perspective.



A UAE resident for the past 12 years, Chard has been photographing the project 'Terraforming', his keen eye drawn to the day-to-day moments that constantly pass us by, and which yet are actually symbolic moments that resonate with importance when captured in the instant of a camera. A man sitting alone in his car on a stark deserted desert landscape; a line of Catalan villas dominating the desert; an Emirati child on a bucking bronco machine. These are the people, places, and cultures that pass us by; striking black and white compositions which speak about everyday life.



The images in Terraforming are rarely intimate, and are rather often quite voyeuristic. Chard explains that this is no coincidence I want the viewer to feel they are on the outside looking in, because this is how I feel on a very personal level about my own role in society. I'm an expat, and this isn't my country. Yet, while I dont belong here, I still love the UAE. We all live in a world which is seemingly becoming more turbulent as it seeks to reject globalisation, yet the UAE, seeks to embrace it. I see all around me popular culture from all over the world, and that makes feel that this is the place where the future begins'.



We are proud to host this unique exhibition with Duncan. It is a photographer's vision that allows people to picture what they may not have thought of putting into words. Terraforming will give our visitors a glimpse of the book that Duncan will publish which is a collection that spans street photography, genres of landscape, portraiture, as well as documentary photography said Ashraf El Siessy, general manager at Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi.



Terraforming will be on display at Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi from January 9 until 29 for everyone to visit daily from 9am to 10pm. - TradeArabia News Service
Casper and Natrona County officials clashed for more than a month about how to disperse $1.8 million of county-wide consensus funds, but City Manager Carter Napier proposed a potential new plan this week that he hopes will appease both parties.

Casper City Council initially asked for $600,000 for new seats and metal detectors at the Casper Events Center and $185,646 to replace the Casper Ice Arena ice plant, but the new plan nixes the request for the latter, Napier told council members Tuesday night. Funding for new park equipment in Mills would also be eliminated, while $200,000 would be added for Natrona County to renovate stalls and stables at the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds.

The seats had been a point of contention between the city and the county because the Natrona County Commissioners initially thought the money should only be used for critical infrastructure emergencies.

Council members expressed some concerns with the new plan, but overall concluded that the compromise was acceptable. Natrona County Commission Chairman John Lawson said Wednesday that the county also approves.

We believe that, barring any other surprises, we should all be able to go forward and get this thing processed and resolved, he said.

Mills Mayor Seth Coleman said Wednesday that he was unaware of the potential change and declined to comment at this time.

Like Caspers initial proposal, the updated plan would grant $500,000 to Evansville to work on metro road connections and roughly $300,000 to Midwest and Edgerton to fix a leaking waterline, according to Napier. About $200,000 would also still be allotted to repair a public safety radio tower that serves multiple municipalities.

Consensus money comes from the state and is intended to help communities with various infrastructure issues. The State Loan and Investment Board approved the use of Countywide Consensus Grants for multiple projects submitted by Natrona County for the 2015-2016 fiscal years, but one of those plans  the Amoco Reuse Convention Center  never panned out. As a result, about $2.2 million of the allotted money was leftover for municipalities in Natrona County.

About $1.8 million remains after all involved parties agreed to use roughly $400,000 early last year to repair emergency vehicles and a generator and roof at Natrona Countys Hall of Justice and Detention Center, Napier explained Wednesday. But since the county and city have disagreed about how to divvy up the remaining funds, no other projects have been able to move forward.

Explaining that its unlikely the county will receive more consensus funding anytime soon, Lawson previously told the Star-Tribune that he thought the city and county agreed the money should be used for urgent projects, such as the public safety tower or leaking waterline, and otherwise saved for future emergencies. But after learning that other municipalities did not want to save the funds, the chairman said the commission needed more time to consider the countys needs.

But Casper City Councilman Charlie Powell said last month that the Council believes the commission is overstepping its bounds.

Its our stance that the county and commissioners are essentially trying to control decisions that are properly made by the Casper City Council, he said.

Council members continued to express frustrations with the county Tuesday night, but ultimately concluded that a compromise is in everyones best interest.

Newly appointed Mayor Ray Pacheco said he was furious by the countys out-of-the-blue request for funding to fix the fairgrounds, but wanted to move forward.

A compromise is probably where were going to have to come because otherwise its going to be a stalemate, he said.

Councilman Chris Walsh pointed out that improving the fairgrounds would likely bring more people to the area, which would also benefit Casper.

Although he considered the new plan acceptable, newly appointed Vice Mayor Charlie Powell said it was apparent the county never really wanted to save money for future emergencies.

They had plans for it, he said. It wasnt for an emergency we were going to have.

Councilwoman Kenyne Humphrey concurred and called the countys actions dirty and underhanded.

Lawson said Wednesday the county did not discuss the issues at the fairgrounds until recent negations with Napier because the commissioners believed it would be best to save the funding.

We were willing to find another way to fix it and hold on to the other money for the county in case a real emergency came up but that was not what was agreed to, he explained.

The fairgrounds stables and stalls have drainage issues that may deter people from participating in rodeos, fairs and races, said Lawson.

That would be bad for the entire community, he remarked.

City staff is now drafting the formal new proposal, which will require official approval from council, Napier said Wednesday. The city manager said hes hoping the matter will be resolved by early February.
Jurors at a former Casper doctors sexual assault trial will not hear allegations that he raped a child decades ago, District Court Judge Thomas Sullins ruled in early December. The doctor was never charged in relation to those accusations.

Paul Harnetty, a former Casper gynecologist, is facing eight counts of second-degree sexual assault and two counts of third-degree sexual assault in the case. He is also facing one count of attempted possession of a controlled substance in a separate case.

Six female patients have told investigators that Harnetty, touched them during physical examinations in ways that were unusual and made them feel uncomfortable. The women, who did not know each other previously, said that Harnettys exams were different from those they had experienced by other doctors. Some women said he touched their genitals without gloves while others said he rubbed them in ways that didnt seem to be part of a medical exam, according to court documents.

In a decision letter dated Dec. 8, District Court Judge Thomas Sullins disallowed evidence alleging a range of misconduct, including the child rape allegations. The evidence was presented in October in open court and included allegations of sexually harassing a nurse at a Georgia hospital, having to do medical residencies in multiple places due to improprieties relating to members of the opposite sex and the details of a 22-month Georgia Medical Board investigation of Harnetty.

In the decision, Sullins wrote that the disallowed evidence was proposed for introduction with the aim of showing motive, intent and lack of mistake or accident, which is required under law for such evidence to be presented to jurors. However, the evidence would prejudice a jury to a degree disallowed by law, the judge determined.

Sullins did determine that some uncharged evidence should be allowed in the trial, including uncharged allegations that he sexually propositioned a patient, had sex with a patient and her husband and smelled of alcohol while examining an alleged victim in the case.

Harnetty is set to go to trial Jan. 22.
WILSON  The Teton Raptor Centers proposed redevelopment of its Hardeman Barns site has drawn support from many community organizations but also criticism from some Wilson neighbors.

Planning staff is recommending approval of the Raptor Centers plan, which would reconfigure the nonprofits allowed floor area to accommodate its growth and make its operations more efficient, according to Director Amy McCarthy. The Raptor Centers mission includes bird rehabilitation, research and public outreach and education.

Its a nice mixture of historic preservation and restoration, McCarthy said. Adaptive reuse of the most iconic structures being repurposed for community access, and the creation of new structures that are going to be highly efficient and supportive of our programming.

In November the county approved the Raptor Centers requested rezone, changing the Wilson site from an outdated legacy zone to a rural designation and allowing the renovation plans to move forward. Over the past few months, upwards of 50 comments in support of the proposed renovation have poured into county commissioners inboxes, including from the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance and the Jackson Hole Land Trust.

But neighbors critical of the expansion are starting to mobilize against the proposal, worried that the size of the project would bring too much activity to the rural Wilson neighborhood, hurt views, and remove or relocate some of the propertys historic structures.

The 27-acre site is home to the Hardeman barns, the earliest of which was built in 1943. When a developer proposed a 70-unit subdivision on the parcel in 1989 the Jackson Hole Land Trust launched a $1.7 million fundraising effort to purchase and conserve the property. Teton County contributed $500,000.

The Teton Raptor Center is the latest in a string of nonprofit tenants that have occupied the space. In April the Land Trust sold the property to the Raptor Center for about $1 million, with the expectation the bird sanctuary would preserve the largest and most visible structure, the north barn.

The ultimate vision was to utilize the iconic space as a hub for nonprofit organizations that give back to the local community through education and research, Land Trust President Laurie Andrews said in a press release. The Teton Raptor Center fulfills that vision completely, and is beloved by the Jackson community.

The Land Trust was not available for comment at press time.

The proposal seeks to remove or relocate 9,984 square feet of buildings, including the off-site relocation of the south section of the main barn, and removal of other outbuildings like the bull barn and bunkhouse. Some of these buildings are in poor shape, Raptor Center board member Rich Bloom said.

The plan would allow the Raptor Center to add about 12,240 square feet of new construction that includes a flight chamber, two buildings for bird care (allowing for four more educational raptors), and a new administrative building that can accommodate 12 employees working on-site instead of three.

The Raptor Center also wants to add deed-restricted housing units for four employees and renovate the main north barn for educational programs for the public. A former horse barn and small pumphouse are to be preserved and used in the nonprofits operations.

The proposal nets 2,837 square feet of additional development, increasing the total development in the sites 2.5-acre building envelope from the existing 16,687 square feet to 19,524 square feet.

Some neighbors worry the proposal would mean substantially increased activity at the property. The planning report acknowledges that increasing the number of employees working and living on-site as well as more programming is likely to increase activity.

Bloom said most of the new space is for birds, not people, and the firm cap of 100 people on the site at any time will prevent overuse.

Were not going to be exceeding our 38 parking spots or the 100-people maximum, Bloom said. Maybe well be getting closer to that number on more days, but were certainly not increasing our peak use.

Robbin Levy is a land-use attorney and a neighbor to the property. She wrote to the county outlining what she sees as insurmountable legal issues with the application.

Levy argued that because the Raptor Center plans to remove or relocate historic buildings, it should forfeit approvals she said were predicated on the preservation of the whole barn complex. The nonprofit obtained variances in 2008 allowing increased square footage and an institutional use on a property of less than 35 acres.

The critical findings were predicated on the preservation of the historic structures, Levy wrote.

She said the Raptor Centers proposal doesnt meet the comp plans value of predictability, and emphasized that the Raptor Center applications cant be approved based on sympathy for the organizations cause.

The neighbors dont know what to expect. Anything could happen on a property next to you if a beloved nonprofit decides to take up residence, Levy said. The rules apply to us equally. Who we are when we come before the county commissioners should not matter.

The Teton County Planning Departments report indicated it was comfortable with continuing the 2008 variances with the new proposal, but noted the board could decide to require the Raptor Center to reapply.

The Teton County Planning Commission is scheduled to review the application at 6 p.m. Jan. 8, when it will make a recommendation to commissioners.

The Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to see the proposal Feb. 6. Commissioners must find that the application is compatible with the character of the neighborhood, minimizes any harm visually and environmentally, handles any nuisances to neighbors and complies with the land regs and comp plan.
WASHINGTON  President Trumps former campaign chairman sued special counsel Robert Mueller and the Justice Department on Wednesday, saying prosecutors had overstepped their bounds by charging him for conduct that he says is unrelated to Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

The lawsuit by Paul Manafort, filed in federal court in Washington, is the most direct challenge to date to Muellers legal authority and the scope of his mandate as special counsel. It comes amid Republican allegations of partisan bias among members of Muellers team, which for months has been investigating whether the Trump campaign coordinated with Russia to influence the outcome of the U.S. election.

The lawsuit also takes aim at Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who is overseeing Muellers investigation and recently said he was satisfied that the former FBI director was staying within the scope of his authority.

Manafort was indicted in October on charges, including money-laundering conspiracy, related to his lobbying work on behalf of a Russia-friendly Ukrainian political party. He has pleaded not guilty. He is one of four Trump associates  including former national security adviser Michael Flynn  to be charged so far in Muellers investigation.

In his complaint , Manafort alleges that the investigation into decade-old business dealings is completely unmoored from the mandate Mueller was given when he was named in May to probe possible ties between the Kremlin and the Trump campaign. He argues that a paragraph in Rosensteins order appointing Mueller, which allows him to pursue new matters he comes across during his investigation, is too broad to be permitted under the regulation that governs special counsels.

The Special Counsels investigation and indictment resulted from a violation of numerous DOJ policies and procedures and otherwise far exceeds any lawful authority to investigate links between individuals associated with the Trump campaign and the Russian government, the lawsuit claims.

The lawsuit asks a judge to set aside all actions brought against Manafort by the special counsels office and to issue an order narrowing the scope of Muellers investigation to only matters explicitly laid out in the appointment order. The complaint also alleges that Rosensteins order was overly broad and arbitrary, and urges a judge to strike it down as an abuse of discretion.

Manaforts lawyer, Kevin Downing, did not immediately return a call seeking comment on the lawsuit.

A Justice Department spokesman said, The lawsuit is frivolous, but the defendant is entitled to file whatever he wants. A spokesman for Muellers office, Peter Carr, declined to comment.
Arizona Public Media will begin airing Tucson Symphony Orchestra concerts from 2014 to the current season on Thursday, Jan. 11, the first time the concerts have been broadcast since the 2013-14 season.

KUAT-FM Classical 90.5s James Reel will host the 13-week series at 3 p.m. Sundays and 9 p.m. Thursdays through the end of the orchestras 2017-18 season in early April.

Anyone who attends a TSO performance has experienced moments of every kind: joy, wonder, surprise, empathy and exuberance, TSO President and CEO Tom McKinney said in a written statement. Now you have a chance to re-live those moments  or, hear what you missed.

McKinney said the concerts were and are being recorded in the highest resolution with some of the best equipment available.

The sound is as true as it can be without actually being in the Tucson Music Hall, he said.

In a written release, Jack Gibson, KUAT parent Arizona Public Media director and general manager, said collaborating with community organizations helps Arizona Public Media serve our audience, enrich our community, and support great performing arts organizations such as the TSO.

The series opens with TSO Music Director Jose Luis Gomezs debut last September performing Tchaikovskys Violin Concerto. Other highlights include Van Cliburn silver medalist Joyce Yang performing Ravels Piano Concerto, the Romero Guitar Quartet performing Italian and Spanish works and award-winning young artist Zhang Zuo, who opened this season in September with Beethovens Piano Concerto No. 2.

Other highlights include TSO Concertmaster Lauren Roth performing violin concertos by Bruch, Corelli and Mozart; Holsts The Planets; Gershwins An American in Paris; Ravels Bolero; Stravinskys Firebird; and Richard Strauss An Alpine Symphony that featured the TSO Chorus under the direction of Bruce Chamberlain.
PONTATOC RIDGE TRAIL

The city lies at your feet. The mountain guards your back. Your route switchbacks toward the sky.

Thats the scenic setting on the Pontatoc Ridge Trail in the Catalina Mountains north of Tucson.

A vigorous jaunt up the 2.6-mile trail delivers a yin-yang mix of wilderness and urban vistas  not to mention a chance to work off some of the blubber many of us pack on during the calorie-dense holiday season.

Another plus: You wont burn up lots of precious gasoline to reach the trailhead; the route begins at the easy-to-reach northern dead-end of Alvernon Way.

Youll want to watch for two important trail junctions to make your way onto the Pontatoc Ridge Trail.

The first comes just a minute or two into the hike at the crest of a small ridge. The Finger Rock Canyon Trail goes to the left. You want to take the right fork  which begins as a shared route for the Pontatoc Canyon and Pontatoc Ridge trails.

Less than a quarter-mile up the trail, youll pass some easily accessible rock outcrops providing a good vantage point to marvel at  or bemoan  the cluster of large, high-end homes that have sprung up near the trailhead.

The hiking route, which traverses a rich botanical mix of saguaros and other Sonoran Desert vegetation, passes through a drainage and switchbacks up a rise to a second junction. Here, the Pontatoc Canyon Trail is the left fork. Take the right fork to ascend Pontatoc Ridge.

A few hundred yards after the junction, the trail leads around a ridge to expose views of the sprawling Tucson Valley. It then ascends  sometimes steeply, sometimes not  up Pontatoc Ridge. Along the way hikers pass through zones of enormous saguaros and dense stands of cholla.

High on the ridge, a bit more than two miles into the hike, youll reach an overlook point that perfectly exemplifies the dual personality of the trail. Looking south, youll be peering down at Swan Road and a vast expanse of Tucson. Turn around, look north, and youll see Finger Rock and the rugged wilderness surrounding it.

At the end of the trail, having ascended about 1,300 vertical feet, youll come to a sign marking the end of the hiking route. Its a good idea to heed the sign and turn around. Steep terrain and old mine diggings beyond the sign make it potentially dangerous to continue uphill.

If you go

Drive: Follow East Skyline Drive to North Alvernon Way. Turn north on Alvernon and follow it to a parking lot for hikers at its northern dead end.

When: Daylight hours. Early-morning and late-afternoon light can enhance views from the ridge.

Cost: Free.

Et cetera: Some segments of the Pontatoc Ridge Trail pass over slabs of bare rock. Cairns, or little piles of stones, will help you find the way over some of the bare-rock sections. Carry plenty of water, even in winter, because there is no permanent water source along the route. Shade is scarce, so bring sun protection.

BIRDING TRAIL

Birds, as far as we know, cant read.

But take a trek on the Birding Trail in Catalina State Park and you might begin to wonder.

So many birds fly, perch and nest along the route that its almost as if theyve taken note of signs identifying the trail  and felt obliged to make it their home.

The trail is just a beautiful area for birds, all kinds of birds. You never know what you might see, said Sara Pike, an avid bird-watcher.

A mile-long loop route in the park north of Tucson, the Birding Trail attracts a rich mix of species, thanks to its varied terrain.

Along a riparian, or stream-side, segment of the trail with lush growths of cottonwood and velvet ash trees, you might see verdins, towhees or a Coopers hawk nesting site.

The trail climbs a gradual slope to a desert hilltop in a zone of vegetation known as desert scrub. Here, along with grand views of rugged Pusch Ridge, you might see a Gila woodpecker, cactus wren or black-throated sparrow.

Nearby, in a mesquite thicket known as a bosque, the winged residents include thrashers, phainopeplas and pyrrhuloxias.

The trail is especially nice because of these different types of terrain and different elevations, Pike said. Keep an eye out along the way for birds nests as well as birds  but take care not to disturb the nests.

If you go

Drive: To reach the Birding Trail from Tucson, go north on Oracle Road, which becomes Arizona 77. Watch for the signed entrance to Catalina State Park at Milepost 81.

Cost: Enter the park, where youll pay a $7-per-vehicle admission fee, and drive to a parking area at the end of the main park road. The trailhead is across the road from the parking area.
We've collected a few front pages from newspapers.com to give you a look at some Jan. 4 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.
Marana police officers arrested a suspect in a fraud investigation after citizens provided the department with further information.

Matthew Farruggio, 40, was located at a residence near Tanque Verde Road and Houghton Road and taken into custody on Wednesday morning.

"Thanks to several tips, Marana police officers and detectives located Matthew Farruggio this morning on the east side of Tucson," said Sgt. Chriswell Scott, the department's public information officer on Twitter.

Multiple citizens called the department after they viewed Farruggio's photo, which was posted on social media by the department.

Farruggio is being held at the Pima County Jail on multiple felony fraud charges, the department said on its Facebook page.
Help India!

New Delhi, Jan 3 (IANS): Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on Wednesday accused the Narendra Modi government of misleading Muslim women on the triple talaq bill, saying that about 18 opposition parties in Rajya Sabha want to send the bill to select committee to rectify its faults.

Azad, who is Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, also accused the BJP of seeking to use the legislation for political gains and said the ruling party was virtually isolated on the bill in the upper house.

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He said the BJP had not accepted the demand in the Lok Sabha of referring the bill to standing committee and was not now accepting the demand to send it to Select Committee in the Rajya Sabha.

He said the opposition has a clear numerical majority in the upper house, where the bill could not be taken up for discussion on Wednesday despite the governments efforts.

We have the numbers whether in terms of parties or the count of members. We are around 148 and they are around 75. About 18 opposition parties are united on this issue, he said, adding that if the government does not agree to the demand of sending the bill to Select Committee, then it shows that BJP does not have faith in parliamentary democracy.

He said the bill has several lacunae including the criminality aspect in which the husband will face a jail term, noting that the husband also has to pay subsistence allowance to the woman.

When he is in jail, who will pay the house expenses. We proposed that the government should pay but they do not agree. Is it not injustice with the women? he asked.

Azad said a vast number of Muslims are poor and daily wage-earners and if a man faces a jail term, he will not be able to support his family and parents.

This government is misleading people and Muslim women. This (the present bill) probably suits the BJP politically but it does injustice to Muslim women. You try to take votes in the name of Muslim women but make no arrangements for her food if the husband is in jail, he said.

BJP is trying to be messiah of Muslims but is fooling them. What are they giving. Triple talaq had been declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court The bill has nothing for Muslim women, he said.
Help India!

New Delhi, Jan 3 (IANS): Student leaders from various groups from different parts of the country on Wednesday here agreed upon the need to overhaul the Lyngdoh Committee guidelines on student union elections.

They called for reservation of seats for women and a revision of expenses allowed to each candidate for contesting election.

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A total of 30 student groups from at least 15 states had gathered at the call of Congresss National Students Union of India (NSUI) to deliberate on a number of changes suggested by the NSUI in the election guidelines  proposed by a committee headed by James Michael Lyngdoh, a former Chief Election Commissioner in 2006.

A final draft of all recommendations will be prepared two days later and given to political leaders to be proposed as an amendment bill in Parliament.

An independent election commission, compulsory and direct election through ballot paper, online voting and cyber laws to regulate the malicious social media campaign were the other reforms proposed and agreed to by all the groups.

Proposal recommending reduction in age limit for contesting assembly and general election was, however, not agreed to by many groups, who cited their reservations against the likelihood of the measure getting misused by political leaders for launching their scions and thus bolstering dynasty politics.

Groups affiliated with left parties like All India Students Federation, Students Federation of India and All India Students Association, along with many others including Students Islamic Organisation, Swaraj Abhiyan, Joint Action Committee  BHU, Jamia Students Forum, Telangana Students Union, YSR Students Union, Jammu and Kashmir Pahari Revolutionary Moment and Panjab Students Union were among those present at the meeting.

Although the Lyngdoh guidelines are mandatory for all colleges and universities and its first clause says that elections must be held in the institutes, many universities like the Banaras Hindu University and Osmania University do not have a student body and elections have not been held there since long.

Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad, the RSS student wing and an arch-adversary of the NSUI, was not invited to the meet.
In most European countries, each time you go to a super or a mini market, if you want to buy products but you don't have your own bag, you should take a plastic bag from the supermarket which of course you have to pay for as an extra in your expenses. For many years in many supermarkets of Greece, the plastic bag was Free Of Charge for the consumers, something that changed with the New Year`s coming, because the consumers are obliged to pay 0,04 cents for each plastic bag they want. Let's see what will happen from this year and after, with Greece and some things about the history of plastic bags around the world.

What changed from the first day of January 2018 in Greece?

Till the last days of the previous year, in each super or mini market of Greece, the plastic bag in each shopping mode (either clothes either foods etc) was free for the customers. he only market which had as a primary rule, the no free plastic bags, was the famous German origin supermarket chain LIDL in Europe. But even in Africa, most places charge for plastic bags

How much money to pay for a plastic bag?

However, the situation changed with the coming of the New Year, 2018. According to the new law about the charge of plastic bags, from 01-01-2018 the consumers should pay 0,04 cents for each bag and from 01-01-2019 they should pay 0,09 cents.

Essentially, it means that the annual cost for a consumer will range from 10 to 14 euro for 2018 and from 24 to 31 euro for 2019.

Where can the consumers take a free plastic bag?

Plastic bags with a thickness up 50 mm will be charged at 0,04 for each one. Bags with a thickness of between 50 to 70 mm will be free for the consumers.

In addition, the bags with a thickness of less than 15 mm, will be charged only if they are used for reasons of hygiene. Free of charge will be considered for bags thar are available from the flea market.

What do other countries charge for plastic bags?

In some countries, the plastic bags were never free of charge. Especially, in Italy from 2011 the plastic bags were banned and they charge for a plastic bag at 0,10 cents.

Together with Greece but with a different cost, Poland has no more free plastic bags, as the consumers have to pay 0,30 cents for each plastic bag, if they desire them of course. Finally, Spain and Bulgaria have approximately the same cost of a plastic bag with Greece, which ranges to around 0,05 cents.

To sum up, Greek people are invited to harmonize with the European framework and to get adapted to new consumer habits. Lets see if they will manage to get used to it or not.
After Blasting News reported on the extent to which the EU has used education and the media to persuade European citizens of the 'benefits' of Europe since 1993, it is apparent Generation Y (people born in between 1981-1999) have been educated about the 'positives' of this political project all their lives. That explains why over 70 per cent of them voted to remain in the EU on June 23rd 2016. Having been brought up in a post-Second World War and post-Cold War era, none of them remember life outside the Common Market. That is why the authors of the document designed to brainwash people into supporting the EU were clever to play on their ignorance.

"This proves how successful Brussels' attempt since 1993 to brainwash youths about the EU has been with many people"

Many millennials have condemned their parents, and particularly their grandparents, for voting to leave the EU. One grandmother shared on social media how ashamed she was that her granddaughter wanted to deprive her of her right to vote just because she opted to leave this trading bloc. This proves how successful Brussels' attempt since 1993 to brainwash youths about the EU has been with many people.

This is why Brexit is an opportunity to address the problems with our education system and provide future generations with a chance to learn about the true horrors of the EU, and the reasons why we left.

The majority of Generation Y may hate the older generations right now, but future children will be thanking them for choosing to leave this political project.

They should be taught how the European Union started off as an economic union designed to prevent European countries from fighting each other and to encourage them to trade with one another instead.

They should learn about the reasons Britain voted to remain a member of the Common Market in 1975 because it was purely about trade then.

"The curriculum must also educate students about the reasons why the UK voted to leave in 2016"

But the curriculum must also educate students about the reasons why the UK voted to leave in 2016.

These lessons should cover the Common Commercial Policy, which prohibits nations' sovereignty to forge trade deals. They should be made aware of the numerous times successive prime ministers tried to reform the EU, particularly Margaret Thatcher, who tried to enhance European trade through the Single Market, and how it was then used as a backdoor to further integration. They should know about the numerous treaties signed to enhance European integration. There must also be a reference to Martin Schulz's designs for a united Europe, which the Remain campaign said would never happen. There should also be a special mention as to how future generations' parents were brainwashed into supporting the EU at school.

One thing is for sure; by the time Britain has left the EU, the brainwashing at British schools must stop. This nation's future is with the rest of the globe now, and it is future generations who will benefit from it the most.
Alleged members of the far right group known as National Action have been arrested in the West Midlands. Five men and one woman were arrested under the Terrorism Act 2000. They have been arrested for being members of a banned organisation.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd banned the group in 2016 which was founded by Raymond Benjamin in 2013. The group does not allow its members to speak openly about its operations. One statement they did put out, however, was that National Action was like the BNP but more radical.

The arrests took place in the West Midlands and the ages of the apprehended are between 21 and 37.

A police statement about the arrests said "being concerned in the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism". Those detained come from Cambridgeshire, Banbury, Wolverhampton, Leicester and Stockport.

Who is National Action?

National Action was founded by Raymond Benjamin in 2013 and have taken part in marches similar to the EDL, BNP and Britain First. Unlike National Action, the BNP, EDL and Britain First have not been banned. It appears Amber Rudd has seen information National Action was prepared to do more than just demonstrate hence the banning of this group. With the arrests, it seems Rudd got this right.

With the banning of National Action, it has obviously forced members underground where they can operate to quote a line from Bond "in the shadows".

Banning something can sometimes have the reverse effect whereby instead of it withering on the vine it grows more popular instead.

What has become of Raymond Benjamin the founder of the group cannot be known as this time. However, with the banning of the group and their operations now being illegal Raymond must now know anything he does in support of his group risks arrest.

Far right terror

Many of the acts of terrorism in this country in the past have been carried out by Irish Republicans; the infamous Birmingham pub bombing, the Grand Hotel bombing in Brighton and other acts of barbarism. When the so-called 'War on Terror' began circa 2001 the UK since has been hit by Islamic terror groups like Al Qaeda and Islamic State.

Last year there was a spike in Islamic State-inspired attacks whether it was the Manchester Arena bombing or other heinous acts. Some of these individuals were lone wolves inspired by IS propaganda or working directly with the group to plan and carry out Acts Of Terror.

Far-right groups like National Action perhaps in response to Islamic terrorism have now joined the fray in preparing acts of terror. So far thank God it seems National Action has been thwarted, however, one wonders if they will one day get away with doing an act of terror on our streets.

As with Islamic State, the security forces are doing a great job in protecting us but they cannot be everywhere. With Islamic extremism alive and well it seems in the UK and the other threat of far-right terrorism the security forces really need to be on top of their game.
After Blasting News revealed the extent to which the EU controls people's lives in a previous article, I can speak from my personal experience at school and university that they do deploy education as a weapon to increase support for the European project.

"I was aware of my country's past and proud of it"

I have been interested in politics since 9/11. I was 11 then. I became passionate about history and politics at an early age as a result of that event. After September 11th, I was hooked to the news and history books. I was, and still am, interested in British history, particularly the Second World War.

By the time I was 12, I knew more about the formation of the UK than the majority of my classmates. I read This Sceptred Isle by Christopher Lee at 13, which provides readers with an overview of British history. I was aware of my country's past and proud of it. And that is why, despite the amount of brainwashing the educational institutions I attended attempted to inflict on me, I quickly saw through what the European Union was doing.

My one school was plastered with the same EU poster, which had a caterpillar holding the flags of different European countries that were members of the trading bloc back in 2003. I was taught in geography that the UK had to join the EU because Britain's trade with the rest of the world was declining.

Years later, I learnt that we used to import cheap Commonwealth food and our economic growth rate stood at 7 per cent before we joined the Common Market in 1973. What I was taught in geography was a lie. I was informed that the European Union was a positive project designed to keep Europe at peace. I was lambasted with a 'European Week' and a 'European Languages Day', which gave my schools excuses to plaster their buildings with EU flags.

If this kind of brainwashing happened in all schools during the 1990s and 2000s, like it did at mine, it is no wonder over 70 per cent of Generation Y voted to remain in the trading bloc on June 23rd 2016.

"One tutor marked me down in an essay for arguing the EU has a democratic deficit"

By the time I arrived at university in 2009, I was already a Conservative Party member and a Eurosceptic.

I was mocked by a fellow student on Facebook for suggesting Britain should leave the EU if the Lisbon Treaty materialised into something more than a political project, being called 'Dick Griffin' on one Facebook photo (in reference to the then BNP leader). I was made to feel ashamed for being Eurosceptic. On top of that, my one tutor marked me down in an essay for arguing the EU has a democratic deficit.

These experiences only made me more determined to argue that the EU is flawed. During my A-Levels, I was taught Britain would struggle to strike trade deals if it left the trading bloc, or lose influence over deteriorating situations at the time, like in Iran. When David Cameron was Conservative leader at the time I joined the party in 2007, I believed this was the man who could truly reform the UK's place in the EU.

I was mistaken. What I learnt during my A-Levels was false. The EU is the biggest barrier to this country striking trade deals and becoming wealthier, but I did not know this because schools do not educate students about the Common Commercial Policy, which robbed nations of their sovereignty in negotiating trade agreements. And no British prime minister can ever reform the EU, as the Greek financial crisis taught us.

I am proud of my journey from a young Eurosceptic to a Brexiteer. The more I learn about the EU, the more grateful I am I voted and campaigned for Brexit. My biggest regret is not realising I was being brainwashed at school sooner.
How about some top pick Travel Destinations for 2018 to really cure your itchy feet and wanderlust.

2018 is another year and the world is your oyster. With more budget airlines and cheap flights than ever and all the Travel possibilities you can think of, here are some top pick travel destinations for 2018 travel inspiration.

Truly fulfil your wanderlust

With January Holiday sales well underway and discounts by the day, you probably already have your dream holiday and travel destination for 2018 in mind. If not, here's the ideal list of top travel picks for 2018 to get you really in the mood for some serious travel dreaming.

Malta

From early 2018 winter sun to late travel deals in summer. Malta is the ultimate city break meets beach holiday destination and features as a number one choice for a 2018 travel pick. Simple forgotten by the masses Malta aims to please all. Fly into Valletta and spend your days wandering the ancient architecture and enjoy the rich culture and history of the main Maltese Isle.

Travel around the archipelago and head over to Gozo or Comino for an open top bus tour or a swim in the famed crystal waters of the Blue Lagoon. Enjoy a traditional Maltese dish of rabbit stew on your way to the impressive and tourist favourite UNESCO city of Mdina. Don't forget your camera for this 2018 travel top pick, the picturesque setting of Malta is one you'll want to remember for years to come.

Ibiza, Spain

No 2018 top travel pick hit list would be complete without a mention of The White Isle.

The ever-popular Balearic Isle has a famous magnetic pull that keeps tourists coming back year upon year upon year. Whether you want to party in 2018, travel and explore the island or simply enjoy the beauty of the Spanish coast Ibiza can truly accommodate all.

The good vibes, sunsets and laid back Spanish summers of Ibiza make this 2018 travel pick the only item you need on your 2018 travel bucket list. Get a little wanderlust in your life and book one of Ibiza's many popular resorts or destinations. Cafe Mambo, Pacha, Bora Bora and more will fill your holiday days with good energy, positive vibes and nothing but a good time.

Take a risk and jump all aboard the Ibiza lifestyle in 2018 and party like its 1998.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik is the new kid on the block when it comes to travel picks for top 2018 holiday destinations. The increasing accessibility and popularity of Croatia over the last few years have been phenomenal.

With more and more tourists picking Dubrovnik as their holiday choice Croatia becomes an easy contender for a 2018 top pick travel destination. Oceanside properties with private beaches can become your reality by making Dubrovnik your number one travel destination for this year. You can find sun, style and luxury in this small town and all for an affordable price as Croatia is not in the euro and still uses its own currency the Croatian Kuna.

Enjoy a late night cocktail in Dubrovnik old town and pass through the walled city to enjoy an early evening stroll. The changing of the guard and live music outside the cathedral are all things that should not be missed during a luxurious trip to Dubrovnik in 2018.

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

It's time to get long-haul travelling in 2018. Push your boundaries and head to the Latin world for some colour and some culture. Guatemala is the perfect gateway for a trip to Central America in 2018. Spend some time at the many villages of Lake Atitlan and learn the traditions and histories of the ancient populations of Guatemala. Take some Spanish lessons or learn to weave like the locals, but whatever you do, do not let this little wanderlust gem pass you by in 2018.

The main villages and tourist hot spots around Lake Atitlan include Panajachel, San Pedro and San Marcos. The laid-back hippy feel of San Marcos with live music, coffee shops and all the yoga in the world could make your 2018 travel experience a spiritual journey. Consider spending some time in other areas of Guatemala. Antigua and Semuc Champey which are other tourist faves and travel top picks.

Havana, Cuba

By far the most mysterious destination on this 2018 travel top picks list. Hit up Havana, Cuba the island that most had limited access to for a very long time. Fly into the city of Havana and stay at a local home - also known as a casa particulares for the real Cuban travel experience. Try a traditional mojito and purchase some Cuban cigars and Havana Club Rum to enjoy during your stay.

Why not take a drink and cigar to the lively Malecon and watch the sunset as the waves beat the concrete structure where the locals sit and fish. The Plaza de Armas is always a tourist must see along with the replica El Capitol a tourist favourite and replica of a very famous building from the USA. Sample some of the local and highly debated Cuban cuisines during your Havana holiday, a ham and cheese sandwich is usually always on the menu. Don't let the food put you off a holiday to Havana, explore the island and prepare for sun in the tropics with Caribbean heats of above thirty degrees Celsius. Cuba is a tropical travel destination for 2018 and it's waiting for you.

Not everyone enjoys travel and many people suffer from stress and depression before taking a trip. Read more about travelling with stress and depression here.
Sikh Activist Jagtar Singh Johal, 30, from Dumbarton was arrested by plain-clothed Punjab Police after having a sack thrown over his head on the 4th of November. He was in the Northern Indian state ahead of wedding celebrations whilst he was reportedly out shopping with his wife of a month and his cousin in the Jalandhar area. There are no official charges as of yet.

Why has he been imprisoned?

Indian police have since released a statement, saying they were holding Johal on grounds of financing the purchase of weapons for a terror group called the Khalistan Liberation Force, named after the name the state of Punjab would have received had it became independent.

These were then used in the killing of prominent Hindu leaders in Punjab, including some right-wing leaders like Brigadier Jagdish Gagneja in 2016. Sultan Masih, a pastor, was killed in July this year and Ravinder Gosain in October this year.

However, Jagtar Singh Johals brother said that the first information report (FIR) - the Indiequivalentent to an arrest warrant - had been issued for his brother in 2016, but Jagtar had not been in India then and simply did not match the times when he had been in India. The family had holidayed in India in April but had not been in the country the year before, he said.

"He spent seven weeks in India in 2017 and ... he exited India at that point and there were no issues," said Gurpreet Singh Johal.

Jagtar Singh Johal has denied all allegations.

Punjab Police officials disagree and say that Johal is neck-deep in the targeted killings of minority leaders, and has been arrested on allegations of fanning communal disturbance in the state.

They said: People from Punjab have settled down in different parts of the world and people in our state have deep links with them.

We welcome them when they visit our state and we never harass innocent people. However, we have a strong body of evidence linking Johal to the targeted killings and the truth will be out as the cases against him progress, a senior Punjab Police officer told ET Magazine in Chandigarh.

Johal returned to court on 10 November but the British High Commission representative, his lawyers, and his family were all denied access to him and Punjab police were then granted another four days remand.

The period on remand was then extended to 17 November.

However, the Sikh Federation fears that Johal, who runs a website entitled Never Forget 1984, is being targeted over his work on the Sikh genocide of 1984 which saw the death of over 11,000 Sikhs across India and was arrested over claims that he was influencing the youth through social media.

In 1984, Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards, angry at the storming of the Golden Temple, Sikhism's holiest site, by Indian troops fighting Sikh separatists with guns.

What followed was a campaign of mob killings and massacres targeting Sikhs by Gandhi's supporters, which left thousands dead and is often referred to as a "genocide" by activists, particularly among the Sikhs in the West.

What is being done to help him in the UK?

Meanwhile, Martin Docherty-Hughes, MP for Johals West Dunbartonshire constituency has written to Number 10 asking for a meeting to discuss the case. Charandeep Singh, General Secretary of The Glasgow Gurdwara has also reiterated the need for government intervention through his own letter addressed to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. The Gurdwara he represents which is the biggest in the country has also asked Amnesty International to investigate according to The National.

Both the Scottish and British government seem to be aware of this case with External Affairs Secretary, Fiona Hyslop, telling The Herald: "We are deeply concerned to learn about the detention of Jagtar Singh JohalThe First Minister has asked to be kept informed of any further developments.

Theresa May initially told the BBC that she is aware of the concerns about Jaguar Singh Johal and that the UK government will take action if necessary.

However, the official responses have been criticised by many, and there has been there has been an outpour of support from the British Sikh community with the #FreeJaggiNow trending across social media as well as the creation of the campaigns own account, particularly after concerns that he is being tortured by Punjab Police.

MP Preet Kaur Gill, who is the first female Sikh elected to the House of Commons and also Chairs the all-party Parliamentary Group for British Sikhs, told The National that Johal has been classed as vulnerable as a result.

The victims brother, Gurpreet Singh Johal, also told The National that he was outraged by his brothers treatment, adding: He has been tortured by being beaten and having electric shocks to his genitalsThis has happened because the UK Government has not prioritised the case.

They have given it no attention. They have made no leeway.

Bhai Amrik Singh, chair of the Sikh Federation UK also pointed out that: Many are asking why Jagtar was not allowed the business cards for his two lawyers or for the British High Commission representative or allowed to accept clothes from his family. The Indian authorities clearly have much to hide and the British and Scottish governments must do much more to secure his release.

Meanwhile, Labours Tan Dhesi, the UKs first turban-wearing Sikh MP, told The National that the failure of UK representatives to attend is distressing and members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for British Sikhs have petitioned Johnson to investigate the case with the utmost urgency.

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Foreign Office in Whitehall last week demanding the release of Johal, many of whom wore hoodies with the hashtag emblazoned across their chest and held placards with his face set against the background of the Saltire.

Furthermore, there was a lobby of parliament this week which also included watching Boris Johnson being challenged in the Commons and hearing from the family, MPs, and campaigners from across the world. Challenge came from Glasgows very own Gurdwaras , all the way to Canada where high-profile Canadian politician Jagmeet Singh, leader of the federal New Democratic Party (NDP), publicly lent his support. Canadian members of parliament, Raj Grewal, and Randeep Sarai have communicated their concern over human rights issues to the Indian high commissioner in Canada, Vikas Swarup.

The Sikh Federation has since briefed Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn about the case as he was on his way to a rally in Birmingham. In response, Corbyn promised to discuss the matter with Preet Kaur Gill and try to meet with the Johals family and other campaigners early next week.

The issue was then raised in parliament a day after British Prime Minister Theresa May was confronted by the BBCs Asian Network radio station to comment on Johals arrest in India: I am aware of the concern that has been expressed about Jagtar Singh Johal. Representatives from the foreign office have met with him and are pursuing the case, watching what is happening with concern and will take necessary action, she said.

Jasveer Singh of The Sikh Press Association says: "All the difference has literally been made by the community. The protests, the emails, the social media campaigns; these are why media have covered the issue and why the FCO and other UK authorities have spoken out about the issue."

Campaigners involved with the case also said that he was initially denied access to consular staff and a lawyer and was told that it as not appropriate for them to have access as it was a public holiday in Punjab but both were eventually granted ten days after his arrest.

Foreign Office Minister Rory Stewart said that both Britain and India took allegations of torture very seriously: It is completely unconstitutional, it is offensive to the British government and we will work very closely to investigate and we will, of course, take extreme action if a British citizen is being tortured, he told the House of Commons.

Foreign Minister, Mark Field has met the incarcerateds brother as well as his MP and other representatives.

A spokeswoman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: "Our consular staff in New Delhi have visited a British man who has been detained in Punjab. We have met his family to update them, and have confirmed that he now has access to his lawyer.

The incarcerateds brother, Gurpreet Singh Johal said he is deeply unhappy with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and said: We need the Foreign Office and High Commission to pull their finger out because, at the moment, nothing seems to have been done.

What do the Indian authorities say about this?

Throughout the case, Punjab police have maintained its position saying a due process of law was followed at every stage and they have sufficient evidence linking him to the killings.

Yet campaigners involved with the case first said that he was denied access to consular staff and a lawyer as well as a medical examination and was told that it as not appropriate for them to have access as it was a public holiday in Punjab.

India's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) have also raised their own doubts over Punjab Polices claims about Johals involvement in targeted killings. They have asked the state government to provide evidence to prove his complicity.

Punjab Chief Minister, Amarinder Singh, said it was unfortunate that the opposition parties were siding with those allegedly conspiring to malign the Punjab police and the state government.

The whole issue was being sought to be politicised by certain pro-Khalistani elements and it was unfortunate that Punjabs own leaders were adding their voice to these elements, he said.

Radical elements based in Britain and some other countries had launched a false and slanderous orchestrated media campaign against the Punjab government/Punjab Police.

He said his government was more concerned about maintaining Punjabs peace, rather than worrying about perceived embarrassment at the hands of foreign forces, which had no stake in Indias security or development.

Singh said India never interfered in other countries policing and legal matters, even if an Indian citizen were involved, and expected the same respect and diplomatic propriety to be followed by other nations.

What has been going on more recently?

Johal has since had a hearing where his lawyer also accused police of torturing his client and Johal himself pleaded his innocence and said that he had nothing to do with the crimes which he has been linked to. A medical examination was demanded and he was then moved to judicial custody which many hoped would be the end to the physical torture he has received. But he was then reportedly taken to an area in another district policed by a separate force, a move which his legal team said will be used to attempt to "falsely link him" to unsolved cases in the district.

He has most recently been named in relation to the killing of leader of a Hindu outfit, Shiv Sena, Durga Parsad, in Khanna town in Punjab and police believe he is involved in a conspiracy to carry out targeted killings of leaders of different faiths throughout the state.

Medical reports do not show any evidence of torture

He has now been taken into custody by India's National Investigation Agency (NIA), the government agency which investigates cases posing a threat to national security and is being questioned by them.

The BBC reported that NIS initially sought permission to have custody of Johal for 12 days, but are now expected to only question him for three days.

A petition calling for Johal's release has now picked up close to its 50,000-signature target.
Development of new drugs, especially for ailments like Alzheimer's, can be a very tedious and vexing process for researchers. Many times, the newly formed drug doesn't do well real life, can fall short of expectations, or can even lead to a dead end. But sometimes, researchers hit a jackpot and the developed drug not only works as intended but also does wonders for treating other ailments.

Diabetes drug to ward off Alzheimer's

Same is the case with scientists at Lancaster University, where they created a drug that not only works on three diabetes-related targets but also reverses the memory deficit in mice.

This experimental drug targets key hormones which control the bodys sugar level (GLP-1, GLP-2, and glucagon). Besides targeting these hormones, this drug, specifically developed for diabetes type 2, also benefits mice with Alzheimers. A report by Science Alert provided a lot of information for this report.

As the drug works on three hormones, it is being called triple agonist. This drug was given to mice which were genetically engineered to develop genes for Alzheimers. As the genes started to express themselves and the mice exhibited many of the symptoms associated with this ailment, including-but not limited to- reduced memory and compromised cognition, the drug started to do wonders and the mice showed dramatic enhancement in their brain functions.

Professor Christian Holscher, the lead researcher of the study, explained that this drug is the key for the treatment of chronic neurodegenerative disorders, specifically Alzheimers. The research was published in the Brain Research journal. Amyloid plaques are linked with the progression of Alzheimer Disease and as these plaques develop, the nerve cells start to regress.

It will be worth mentioning here, that unlike any other cells in the body, nerve cells dont effectively regenerate or heal. This drug works to protect the nerve cells, reduce the number of amyloid plaques, and fight off inflammation, all of which contribute toward stopping of nerve cell degeneration. After injecting this drug, the mice showed marked improvement in brain functions like learning and memory building.

Magic drug holds promise to cure Alzheimer's

The discovery of a potential treatment for a previously untreatable disease such as Alzheimers is great news, but the truth that this drug was initially introduced to manage type 2 diabetes is more than a coincidence. Type 2 diabetes has been correlated with Alzheimers a number of times in the past as the two diseases coexist in older people. Researchers have shed light upon the insulin desensitization occurring in Alzheimers disease. This desensitization is thought to play a significant role in causing neurodegenerative diseases, particularly because insulin is a growth factor possessing neuroprotective properties.

The treatment for Alzheimers patients is yet to be approved as the earliest trials have been performed on animal models only. Scientists are still looking to learn more about the exact link between diabetes and Alzheimers. If we are lucky, this might be the Alzheimers breakthrough, but further research is necessary.
In its never-ending quest to reverse any and all Obama policies, the Trump administration has rescinded an enforcement policy which had been paving the way for legalized marijuana across the country. Only three days after California enacted their new legalization law, Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded the policy. Now, federal prosecutors will be able to make their own decisions regarding how hard they want to enforce existing marijuana legislation. This includes enforcement in areas where it is now legal. A report by the Associated Press provided most of the information for this article.

Trampled on the will of voters

Republican Senator Cory Gardner of Colorado, where marijuana is now legal, immediately made his objection to the new plan known. A tweet from Gardner says that the Justice Department has trampled on the will of voters. He has vowed to take whatever steps are necessary to stop the new plan, including holding up confirmation of new justice department nominees.

I am prepared to take all steps necessary, including holding DOJ nominees, until the Attorney General lives up to the commitment he made to me prior to his confirmation.  Cory Gardner (@SenCoryGardner) January 4, 2018

The original policy, put into place by Obama's Justice Department, prevented law enforcement from obstructing legal marijuana sales.

Confusion is expected to reign as the new policy doesn't clarify how enforcement will be conducted in states where marijuana is now legal.

This change to policy came into effect after many new shops opened in California. California's market for legalized recreational marijuana is now one of the largest in the world. Given that a large majority of Americans support legalized marijuana, this is a surprising step.

Sessions compares marijuana to heroin

Sessions' views on legalizing marijuana are well known. He compares marijuana to heroin and feels it is the cause of an increase in violence. He is expected to increase enforcement against marijuana. Legalization supporters, on the other hand, have long argued that making marijuana legal makes the need for illegal sales unnecessary and will reduce crime and violence surrounding the drug.

The recent legalization of marijuana has grown to become a multi-million dollar industry, funding many government programs. Marijuana has been legalized for recreational use in eight states and in DC. It is expected that the California sales alone will bring in over $1 billion.

The new policy created by Sessions will allow individual US attorneys across the country to choose how to devote their resources, and what priority prosecuting marijuana will be in their areas.

To further muddy the waters, the policy does not indicate what effect this may have on states where marijuana is legal for medical purposes. It is unknown whether or not the policy would affect medical marijuana-related prosecutions.
It was reported on Wednesday that Donald Trump dissolved his commission that was set up to investigate allegations of voter fraud due to too many states not complying with the administration's request from information. In response, the president lashed out on social media.

Trump on voter fraud

The issue of voter fraud has been a topic often used by Republicans during each election cycle despite the overwhelming amount of evidence showing that it isn't a widespread issue. Republicans have long accused Democrats of allowing dead people and illegal immigrants to vote, which has turned into a right-wing talking point and internet meme in recent years.

Doubling down on the issue has been Donald Trump, who claimed illegal voting was the reason he lost the popular vote against Hillary Clinton in November 2016. In response to the news that states were not working with his commission in handing over data that could potentially prove voter fraud, the president went off in a pair of tweets on January 4.

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

Taking to Twitter on Thursday afternoon, Donald Trump blamed Democrats for illegal voting in the country, while defending his push for increased voter identification.

"Many mostly Democrat States refused to hand over data from the 2016 Election to the Commission On Voter Fraud," Trump tweeted out.

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

"They fought hard that the Commission not see their records or methods because they know that many people are voting illegally," Donald Trump went on to tweet, accusing elections in the United States of being "rigged." "As Americans, you need identification, sometimes in a very strong and accurate form, for almost everything you do," Trump wrote in a follow-up tweet, before adding, "Push hard for Voter Identification!"

Trump dissolves controversial voter-fraud commission, blames states for not providing information https://t.co/4I0rHhRpTj  Washington Post (@washingtonpost) January 4, 2018

Voter fraud myth

Despite Donald Trump and other Republicans claiming that voter fraud is major problem in the country, the Brennan Center for Justice studied the issue and found that it is rare in American elections.

According to a recent study, the Brennan Center found that just 0.0003 percent to 0.0025 percent of votes could be considered fraudulent. In addition, a detailed study published by the Washington Post back in 2014 found that just 31 out of 1 billion ballots investigated between 2000 and 2014 could be considered illegal. The information from both studies has been made public and are well-documented, but the White House has yet to offer a comment in their response to its findings.
On Wednesday afternoon, excerpts of a new book about Donald Trump's first year in office were released and it didn't paint a positive look behind the scenes at the White House. Much of the highlighted content came from an interview with former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon, which didn't go over well with the president.

Trump's lawsuit

Since the offical start of Donald Trump's political career back in June 2015, he's always had the support from the far right, especially when it came to conservative media. While the majority of the press pushed back at Trump's antics, the former host of "The Apprentice" was able to find a safe space over on Fox News.

In addition to Fox, Trump's biggest supporters in the media have come from Breitbart, which culminated when former head of the company, Steve Bannon, was hired as "campaign CEO" during the election, and eventually brought into the White House as chief strategist. While Bannon was viewed as the president's right hand man, he quickly clashed with Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, as well as others in the administration leading to his eventual exit over the summer. While Bannon has shown support for the president since he left the White House, that all came to an end after giving an interview for the new book titled "Fire And Fury: Inside the Trump White House" written by Michael Wolff. As reported by ABC News on January 3, Trump is now taking legal action.

JUST IN: Trump's attorney sends cease and desist letter to Bannon demanding he refrain from making "disparaging statements" about the president and his family. https://t.co/JX5XEY3GA8 pic.twitter.com/DyVAtNIoyN  ABC News (@ABC) January 4, 2018

In a letter obtained by ABC News on Wednesday night, Donald Trump's lawyers have sent a letter to Steve Bannon accusing him of being in breach of contract and violating a non-disclosure agreement in regards to the aforementioned comments in the "Fire and Fury" book.

"You have breached the Agreement by, among other things, communicating with author Michael Wolff about Mr. Trump, his family members, and the Company," the letter reads, before going on to note, "remedies for your breach of the agreement include but are not limited to monetary damages."

Trump on Bannon

Donald Trump's legal threat come just hours after he released a personal statement against Steve Bannon.

"Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my Presidency," Trump wrote, while adding, "When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind." The commander in chief went on to continue to downplay Bannon's influence in the White House by labeling him a "staffer" before blaming the head of Breitbart for Republican candidate Roy Moore's defeated last month in the Alabama special election.

Trump says Steve Bannon has "lost his mind" in wake of his ex-chief strategist's critical comments on the Russia investigation https://t.co/LynKQLPaCA pic.twitter.com/aqJAwQh7EC  CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) January 3, 2018

Bannon on Trump

Once the excerpts of "Fire and Fury" were released to the public, it was made clear that Steve Bannon was no longer on board the Trump train.

Bannon ripped into the president and his team, taking shots at Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, including calling the president's daughter "dumb as a brick." Bannon also went on to say that Donald Trump Jr.'s meeting with Russians at Trump Tower was "treasonous."
77-year-old and former Beatles drummer, Ringo Starr, will be knighted in a ceremony to be held in Buckingham Palace. Starr, also known by his birth name Richard Starkey will be awarded a knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II together with three other personalities.

Sir Richard Starkey?

USA Today reported that Ringo Starr will be knighted in the Buckingham Palace together with three other recipients. They are Barry Gibb, the surviving member of the Bee Gees, the author Michael Morpurgo, and the ballet dancer Darcey Burcell. Burcell will be named a dame in the ceremony.

Sir Paul McCartney wrote a Twitter post, saying, Sir Richard Starkey has a nice ring to it.

Ringo Starr has released his brief official statement about the honor: "It's great! It's an honor and a pleasure to be considered and acknowledged for my music and my charity work, both of which I love. Peace and love. Ringo."

Lennon and Harrison wont be knighted?

While the two living former Beatle are enjoying their knight status, John Lennon and George Harrison will not become Knights. The existing rules about knighthood allow only living recipients to become a knight. John Lennon died in 1980 while George Harrison died in 2001. Lennon was shot by in the head by Mark David Chapman.

Twice a year, Britains Cabinet Office publishes a shortlist of people receiving honors of merit for their bravery or service.

The first is before New Years Eve and the other one is in June when the Queens birthday is publicly observed. Ringo Star is included on the list, two decades after Sir Paul McCartney received his knighthood. Even though they won't become knights like McCartney and Starr, they have been given MBE or Member of the Order of the British Empire status.

Both Harrison and Lennon were more than qualified to receive the knighthood together with their bandmates during their lifetimes, but it wasn't only until 1995 that the crown started knighting pop stars. Among those stars who were knighted years after John Lennon's death were Cliff Richards and Bob Geldof. Geldof was given an honorary knighthood, and it was in recognition of his charity work, not his musical achievements.

However, recent research about George Harrison was discovered that he rejected an OBE or Officer of the Order of the British Empire honor because he considers it lower than McCartney's knighthood. But even after his death, celebrities and other personalities are urging the crown to change the rules so that George Harrison can receive a posthumous knighthood.
In recent months, sexual assault and harassment allegations have dominated the headlines following the revelation that film producer Harvey Weinstein allegedly spent decades abusing women. While many have spoken out on the issue, Melania Trump and Ivanka Trump have been relatively quiet, much to the chagrin of legendary actress Meryl Streep.

Streep on Me Too

It all started last October when the New York Times released a bombshell report exposing allegations of sexual misconduct against film producer Harvey Weinstein dating back over 30 years. Dozens of women were cited by the paper, with many others coming forward in the weeks that followed.

Weinstein was eventually forced out of his own production company, "The Weinstein Company" and Miramax, as the story opened the door for other women to come out and make similar allegations against men in power. From Hollywood stars to politicians in Washington, dozens of men were hit with allegations ranging from sexual harassment to assault, with each claim containing a wide variety of evidence to back up the stories. In response, the "Me Too" movement was born using a social media hashtag as several of the men accused were fired or suspended from their jobs. Despite the story becoming the hottest headline in the country, the Trump administration remained mostly silent, with actress Meryl Streep targeting Melania and Ivana Trump during a January 3 interview with the New York Times.

Meryl Streep calls out Melania, Ivanka Trump for silence about sexual misconduct https://t.co/SxasZvx2Tb pic.twitter.com/hy3haLQ1Qi  Variety (@Variety) January 3, 2018

While speaking to the New York Times on Wednesday, Meryl Streep called out the first lady and first daughter for not doing enough to bring attention to the "Me Too" movement.

"I want to hear about the silence of Melania Trump," Streep said, before adding, "I want to hear from her. She has so much thats valuable to say."

Not stopping there, the award-winning actress called on Ivanka Trump to get more involved with raising awareness on the issue of sexual assault and harassment as she continues to remain a prominent figure in the White House.

"So does Ivanka. I want her to speak now, Streep stated.

Streep's talk

This isn't the first time that Meryl Streep has been vocal when it comes to political issues, as she made headlines last January when she accepted the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes before going on a near six minute speech in opposition to the election of Donald Trump. As of press time, neither Melania Trump nor Ivanka Trump have responded to Streep's remarks in the New York Times.
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HCM CITY  The Gioi Di ong (Mobile World) JSC on January 3 officially completed the acquisition of Tran Anh Digital World JSC, giving it ownership of an over-90-per cent stake at Tran Anh.

The combined market share of the two major electronics retailers in Viet Nam was more than 30 per cent at the time of the merger.

A representative of The Gioi Di ong said the merger will help strengthen both companies. ien May Xanh, a retail chain of The Gioi Di ong, has been gaining success nationwide but still needs to increase its presence in the northern region, especially in inner Ha Noi and neighbouring cities.

Meanwhile, ien May Tran Anh is a big retail brand widely known in the north. As 34 supermarkets of Tran Anh have large scale and ideal locations, the tie-up can diversify their products for sale.

In the first nine months of 2017, Tran Anh Digital earned over VN2.4 trillion (US$105.3 million) in revenue. It has targeted more than VN4 trillion in revenue in 2018.  VNS
HCM City  The Netherlands-based ride-hailing firm Uber International Services Holding B.V has filed a lawsuit against the HCM City tax department after it decided to forcibly collect tax, Nguoi Lao ong (Labourer) newspaper reported.

Earlier the department had sent a notice to Uber that it had to pay VN66.68 billion (US$2.94 million) in tax arrears by December 23, but the company only paid VN13.3 billion ($586,000).

Uber B.V. filed a complaint with the General Department of Taxation and the Ministry of Finance (MoF) on the grounds that it had fulfilled its tax obligations under the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement signed between Viet Nam and the Netherlands.

But the MoF said Uber B.V. is not entitled to tax exemption under the agreement since it generates its income in Viet Nam through a network of local partner drivers.

The tax department then asked five banks - Vietcombank, Eximbank, Sacombank, ACB, and VietinBank - to appropriate fares paid to Uber through bank accounts and send to it instead of to Uber International Holding B.V. The seizure is to be done between January 1 and 10.

Uber then decided to take the department to court.

On December 29 the HCM City Peoples Court, after considering Ubers petition, ordered the tax department to suspend the enforcement measures until its final verdict.

Responding to the court order, Tran Ngoc Tam, director of the department, told Nguoi Lao ong (Labourer) newspaper that the department is fully compliant with regulations but has to furnish appropriate evidence to the court.

Earlier, after inspecting Ubers tax records since it began operations in Viet Nam in 2014, the department had ordered the company to pay the tax arrears in addition to a fine of VN10.3 billion ($453,000) for false declaration of tax.

Uber said it has followed all Vietnamese laws in signing electronic contracts with transportation units and individuals. It said it would continue to complain about the tax.

Ubers total revenue from its Viet Nam operations between 2014 and mid-2017 amounted to VN2.7 trillion ($119 million), but the company paid a mere VN76.8 billion ($3.4 million) in taxes, according to the General Department of Taxation.

Traditional taxi companies have used the tax issues to accuse Uber and Grab of unfair competition.

In recent years the number of Uber and Grab taxis has exceeded the figure projected by HCM City planners. Their fleet now number 21,000, while the citys taxi demand is estimated at only 11,000-12,000.

Meanwhile, traditional taxis need a badge and logo and a metre besides having to follow stringent regulations with respect to parking, licensing, roof signage, listed fares and drivers uniform.

Between 2014 and mid-2017, when Uber paid a mere VN76.8 billion ($3.4 million) in taxes and Grab paid VN9.5 billion ($420,000), traditional taxi operator Vinasun paid VN1.2 trillion ($53 million) despite having a fleet only one sixth of that of Grab and Uber. -- VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nams textile and garment industry targets a year-on-year increase of 10 per cent in export value, to US$34 billion, in 2018.

Le Tien Truong, general director of the Viet Nam National Garment and Textile Group (Vinatex), said this target was set despite difficulties in markets at home and abroad. He was speaking at a meeting on reporting Vinatexs results of production and business in Ha Noi on Tuesday.

In 2018, Viet Nams textile and garment industry will face more competition, while other textile exporting countries in the world plan to maintain their market shares in the world garment market, as well as expand their market shares further, Truong said.

The local textile and garment industry must be careful with the anti-dumping story, he said.

To achieve the target of more than 10 per cent growth in 2018, Vinatexs general director said that the textile and garment industry must make great efforts to focus further on solutions to increase labour productivity.

He said that Viet Nams textile and garment industry stands at a good position in the world garment market. The major buyers of the world consider Viet Nam as the supply centre and give priority to Viet Nam in supplying garment products to them.

Vietnamplus quoted Truong as saying that "Viet Nam is the worlds largest producer of mens and womens suits.

Moreover, Viet Nam has had experience in converting from a production method of processing to an FOB (free on board) and ODM (original design manufacturer). Now, the processing has reached only 30-35 per cent of production, while FOB has accounted for 55-60 per cent and ODM producing textile and garment products, from designing to finished-products, has occupied 10 per cent," he said.

In addition, the industry should continue to invest in technology development to create stability, sustainability and efficiency in development of the textile and garment industry, he said.

Exports in 2017

Last year, the textile and garment industry gained a year-on-year increase of 10.23 per cent in the export value of textile and garments to $31 billion, higher than its target set at the beginning of the year at $30 billion.

Major markets of the United States, the European Union, Japan and South Korea maintained good growth, while there were breakthroughs in exports to other markets such as China, Russia and Cambodia, according to Truong.

The South Korean market jumped to the fourth position, close to the Japanese market, reaching an export value of $2.7 billion in 2017. Viet Nams textile and garment exports to China in 2017 reached $3.2 billion, the same as the export value to Japan.

Meanwhile, Truong said the domestic textile and garment market also gained a year-on-year growth rate of 10 per cent in 2017.

The balance in development of the domestic market and the export market has been an important point for the local textile and garment industry to ensure jobs for the employees and to maintain development of the enterprises, he said.

Vinatexs total revenue increases

During the meeting, Vinatex reported its total revenue in 2017 was estimated to have increased year-on-year at 10.7 per cent to VN45.55 trillion ($2.02 billion). Of this, domestic sales reached VN10.39 trillion, accounting for 22.8 per cent of the total revenue, 10.6 per cent higher than the revenue in 2016.

The pre-tax profit in 2017 reached VN1.43 trillion, according to the group.

Vinatex set a revenue target of VN48.5 trillion, a year-on-year surge of 6.5 per cent and a pre-tax profit of VN1.45 trillion in 2018.

This year, the group will also implement the divestment, according to the decision of the Prime Minister. The Ministry of Industry and Trade will withdraw its investment at 53.5 per cent of Vinatexs shares from the group this year. - VNS
THAI BINH  The Peoples Committee of Thai Binh Province on January 3 announced the Prime Ministers decision on the establishment of the Thai Binh Economic Zone.

The Thai Binh Economic Zone covers an area of 31,000ha in 30 communes and one town in the districts of Thai Thuy and Tien Hai.

It is one of 17 economic zones in Viet Nam, which functions as both an industrial cluster and coastal service-trade-urban area. Investors in the zone will receive incentives in line with the Governments policy.

Speaking at the decision announcement ceremony, chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee Nguyen Hong Dien said this was a very important event, marking the first step in the formation and development of the Thai Binh Economic Zone.

Once operational, the zone will capitalise on the potential of the local workforce, land and natural gas resources, and convenient transport networks, he noted.

The zone is expected to contribute significantly to the provinces socio-economic development in the future.

A steering committee for the construction of the Thai Binh Economic Zone will be set up and led by chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee Nguyen Hong Dien.

Also, at the ceremony, the establishment of a management board for economic zones and industrial parks of Thai Binh Province was declared, with vice chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee Pham Van Ca being appointed as its head.  VNS
HCM CITY  The HCM City Peoples Court has dismissed a suit by the Dutch-based ride-hailing company Uber International Services Holding B.V against the city tax department seeking remedy against a claim for back taxes.

VNExpress electronic newspaper reported the court said Uber Viet Nam, a subsidiary of Uber International, does not have the required legal status for such a case.

In September, the department ordered Uber to pay VN66.68 billion (US$2.94 million) in tax arrears and penalties for tax evasion by December 23.

But the company only paid up VN13.3 billion ($586,000).

The department then asked five local banks to appropriate more than VN53.38 billion ($2.35 million) from Ubers accounts by January 10.

Uber then filed the lawsuit against the department.

On December 29, the department received a notice from the court to put on hold its appropriation from Uber.

Now that the case has been dismissed, the tax authorities will proceed to collect the amount.

Minister of Transport Nguyen Van The said Viet Nam should learn from the European Union (EU) to manage the operation of companies such as Uber and Grab to ensure fair competition for traditional taxi firms.

At a conference of the General Directorate for Road of Viet Nam on Tuesday, The said the management of Uber and Grab remained controversial worldwide.

However, in December, the EUs top court ruled that Uber should be classified as a transport service and regulated like other taxi operators despite Ubers argument that it was simply a digital app acting as an intermediary between drivers and passengers.

We should learn from the EU to manage this service, The said, urging relevant management authorities to raise proposals to manage Uber and Grab following the established regulations and ensure a healthy competition environment.

HCM City Taxi Association recently proposed that the transport ministry regulate Uber and Grab as taxi operators.

The association also suggested that Uber and Grab be banned from using foreign capital sources to offer promotions aimed in getting a share of the taxi industry, and then reporting losses to avoid paying taxes.

In a related move, taxi firm Anh Duong Viet Nam Company (Vinasun) sent a document to the Ministry of Transport proposing that Grab and Uber should also be regulated as taxi operators.

Reuters reported that Uber has transformed the taxi industry since its launch in 2011 and currently operates in more than 600 cities globally.

The boom in Uber and Grab cars in major cities, including Ha Noi and HCM City, during the past three years has pushed many taxi firms into difficulties.  VNS
HA NOI  Scientists have gathered 20,000 objects dated back to the first century BC at an excavation in the southern province of An Giang. The results were announced at a workshop held on January 3.

Scientists focused on objects found at Linh Son Pagoda, a relic from the Oc Eo civilisation. It is sited at Trung Son Village in Oc Eo Town in Thoai Son District in An Giang Province.

Researcher Pham Van Trieu from the Viet Nam Social Sciences Academy, said since August, after a long time excavating the site, scientists erected 15 columns to mark the site. They have dug two pits, each covering 300sq.m, where they have defined five continuous historical periods ranging from the second to the 12th century AD.

In the pits, researchers found about 20,000 tiles, bricks and other architectural objects, ceramic ware (saucepans, bowls, dishes) and broken pieces of statues.

According to academy researcher Le inh Phung, the Oc Eo civilisation formed about 2,000 years ago in the south-western area of the country.

The findings help us have a fresh look at a once flourishing civilisation  the Phu Nam [Funan, ancient Khmer] Civilisation in Southeat Asia, he said, From that, we may preserve and further research the cultures values in a uniformed and scientific way.

Researcher Nguyen Quang Thuan, chairman of the academy, said the excavation results at the pagoda confirmed that Oc Eo was associated with Phu Nam Kingdom, a great trading nation with contacts throughout South-east Asia and as far as India.

From the excavations, scientists can confirm that Oc Eo-Ba The used to be a large centre of economic-culture for Oc Eo-Phu Nam culture.

Nen Chua at that time was an important port, where goods were imported and exported for Oc Eo urban area and towns throughout Long Xuyen Quadrangle Area in particular and Southwestern region in general.

Oc Eo, in Thoai Son District, An Giang Province, was first discovered by Luis Malleret of the French School of Far East in 1944. After 1975, scientists continued to further excavate neighbouring the areas and found various other valuable sites. The sites that have been dug later in the area are also considered belong to Oc Eo Culture because Oc Eo was the first place unearthed and possessed the most typical relic sites of Phu Nam (Funan) Kingdom (68AD - 550AD).  VNS
HA NOI  The Ministry of Public Security announced on Thursday the arrest of Phan Van Anh Vu, a businessman hailing from the central city of a Nang.

In December, the ministry launched a criminal probe into Vu, a 43-year-old real estate developer, accusing him of deliberately revealing State secrets, which is punishable by up to 15 years in jail in Viet Nam.

The Police Investigation Agency under the Ministry of Public Security issued an arrest warrant for him on December 21, as he had earlier left his home.

According to the ministrys announcement, the accused was deported from Singapore on Thursday for breaking its immigration laws and arrived at Noi Bai airport in the afternoon.

The ministry said it had received Vu and would continue the investigation according to Vietnamese law.  VNS
HCM CITY  Farmers in Ben Tre Provinces Thanh Phu District have earned high profits from rotating rice and shrimp cultivation in the same rice field.

Farmers in the coastal district grow rice in the rainy season when fresh water is available and breed clean shrimp or other aquatic species in the dry season when saline water intrusion occurs.

In An Nhon Commune, which has more than 7,000ha of rice, most farmers are now growing clean rice or organic rice.

Farmers use chemical fertilisers for clean rice and organic fertilisers for organic rice, while no pesticides are used for clean rice or organic rice.

When rice fields are infected with brown planthoppers, farmers allow water to enter the fields and submerge rice plants to their tops to kill the pests.

Le Van Mien, who owns a 1.3ha rice field in An Nhons An Hoa Hamlet, said he has grown organic rice for three years and that all of his rice is guaranteed an outlet by a company.

In 2017, he received VN8,500 a kg for his rice, VN1,000 higher than the market price.

Farmers face difficulties when growing organic rice for some crops as the output of organic rice fields is lower than that of clean rice fields, he said.

However, the output of organic rice fields will increase steadily after each crop, he said.

Farmer Le Van Phuc in the same hamlet said the average profit for organic rice is VN3 million (US$130) per 1,000 sq.m.

Rice fields also have a lot of algae after organic rice is harvested, providing food for shrimp, fish and crabs, he said.

The cost of fertilisers used for organic rice fields is 40 per cent less than the price for clean rice fields, he said.

With the success of the rice-shrimp cultivation model in recent years, many farmers in the district who moved to other provinces to work have returned home to grow rice and shrimp.

Ho Van Cuong, deputy chairman of the An Nhon Commune Farmers Association, said the rate of poor households in An Nhon had fallen to 6 per cent now compared to 30 per cent three years ago. The lives of farmers have improved, he said.

In 2016, the National Office of Intellectual Property of Viet Nam granted the collective brand name of Thanh Phu Clean Rice in the district.

Truong Thanh Hai, head of Thanh Phu District Agriculture and Rural Development Bureauthe Agriculture and Rural Development Bureau, said that after the collective brand name was granted, farmers awareness about clean rice improved.

The district has regularly organised training courses on farming techniques for clean rice, he said.

Farmers in the district have set up shrimp-rice cultivation co-operative teams to exchange information about farming techniques, diseases and prices.

The district has 25 co-operative teams as well as the Thanh Phu Clean Rice Co-operative.

District farmers have planted 6,500ha of rice with an average yield of 4.5 tonnes per ha under the shrimp-rice cultivation model last year, according to the bureau.

The average yield of organic rice field is 300 kilo per ha more than clean rice fields, said the bureau.

Hai said besides explaining the benefits of growing organic rice to farmers, the district is trying to develop an organic shrimp cultivation model in rice fields.  VNS
HA NOI  In 2017, some 22 people died and 46 were injured each day due to traffic accidents nationwide.

The figures were announced at a meeting held yesterday in Ha Noi to review the countrys traffic safety over the past year.

A report from the National Committee for Traffic Safety said that in 2017 more than 20,000 accidents happened across the country, killing 8,729 people and injuring 17,040.

Khuat Viet Hung, vice head of the committee, said traffic accidents had decreased in terms of the number of cases, fatalities and injured victims compared to 2016.

Progress has been made in traffic order and safety over the last year. The traffic situation in major urban areas and on national highways has remained stable, he said.

ang Xuan Phong, chairman of the Peoples Committee of Lao Cai Province, said the province had been aggressive in implementing measures to ensure traffic safety, including supervision at traffic hotspots and establishing teams to catch drunk drivers.

We often run campaigns to ensure traffic safety because we found that every time such a campaign was organised, the number of traffic accident dropped, Phong said.

Meanwhile, Peoples Committee Chairman Lu Van Hung of Hau Giang Province  the locality where the number of deaths and injuries caused by traffic accidents increased  said peoples lack of awareness on traffic safety should be attributed to the provinces increase in deaths and injuries.

Tran Son Ha, head of the Traffic Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security, said state management in this matter should be assigned clearly to each locality or unit in order for the traffic safety task to be effective.

Nguyen Van Son, deputy minister of the public security ministry, said traffic accidents were still a problem for society.

Each family, and society as a whole, is concerned about the risk of traffic accidents and the consequences they may face, Son said.

He added that the ministry called for stricter driving training and stricter procedures for the issuance of driving licenses.

Also, traffic accidents caused by drunk driving are still a problem. I think only when Viet Nam is no longer an attractive market for alcohol, will traffic accidents reduce, he said.

Traffic congestion, however, worsened, especially in Ha Noi and HCM City.

Some 87 serious cases of traffic congestion occurred nationwide in 2017. The main causes for the situation were traffic accidents, large volumes of transport vehicles, heavy rains and landslides.

Tasks for the new year

On the same day, Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh launched the Year of Traffic Safety 2018, with the theme Traffic safety for our children.

Speaking at the event, Binh asked the National Traffic Safety Committee, ministries, agencies, mass organisations and authorities of centrally-run cities and provinces to abide by the Secretariat of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committees Decree on strengthening Party leadership on ensuring safety and order of road, railway and inland waterway traffic, the Governments resolution on adopting key measures to ensure traffic safety and order and instructions from Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

The Deputy PM requested that key tasks are fulfilled this year, including refining mechanisms on traffic safety, modernising equipment for traffic police and inspectors, restructuring and improving public transport services and using modern technology in transport management, among others.

Concluding the event was a parade by transport public security forces.

A similar event took place in HCM City on the same day.--VNS


In the 2017 enrollment season, only 13,000 applied for 66 vocational schools in HCM City, approximately half of the number the schools could accommodate.  Photo toplist.vn HCM CITY  Although hundreds of thousands of university graduates fail to secure jobs, students and their families still hope to attend university at any costleaving vocational schools struggling to attract enough students to operate.

In the southern hub HCM City , where demand for skilled workers never seems to cease, the problem is particularly acute: In the 2017 enrollment season, only 13,000 applied for 66 vocational schools in HCM City , approximately half of the number the schools could accommodate, according to the city Department of Education and Training.

One school could only admit two dozen students for every major it offered.

The low number of students means a shortage of funding for operational costs and teachers salaries, putting these schools in a financial crisis.

It hurts when we have to consider closing down. We have greatly invested money, time and efforts and poured our hearts into education, but without sufficient students, we are doomed, Phuong Nam post-secondary vocational school deputy rector ao Thi Ngoc told Thanh nien (Young People) newspaper.

Short-term for long-term

Some schools refused to idly wait for the end to come.

Tay Sai Gon school has opened an English-Computer Centre to teach both its vocational students and outside learners in an effort to generate more income for the school.

The school also opened short courses on electricity engineering or tailoring, of which the tuition fees could cover about 60 per cent of the schools operational costs, Tay Sai Gon school rector Nguyen Khac Thuong said.

Nguyen Huu Canh Economic and Technical vocational school also resorted to opening evening courses at the school and contracted firms to teach tailoring-fashion design, computer engineering or motorbike repair, said deputy rector Vo Thanh Liem.

He added that the school earned an extra VN500 million (US$22,000) from those short-term courses, supporting the school through difficult times to maintain its vocational training in the long-term.

HCM City authorities, in the meantime, were encouraging educational institutions, from kindergartens to vocational schools, to make interest-free loans under the support of the city budget to improve their educational quality.

Such loan is an opportunity for the struggling vocational schools to renovate themselves in order to attract more students.

Phuong Nam school deputy rector ao Thi Ngoc said that the school planned to borrow some money to buy equipment for the nursery course and to build new facilities.

HCM City Science and Technology vocational school rector ang Van Sang also considered borrowing the money to expand the school and better equip the schools nursery and cooking courses.

When the students can access good educational conditions and learn skills which are in high demand, they will be able to find jobs very quickly after graduation. It will help the school attract more students, Sang said.

In order to survive, we must change.  VNS
HA NOI  You want to change VND100,000 into smaller denominations, so you pay VND150,000, a 150 per cent commission or service charge.

This strange phenomenon becomes almost normal at this time of the year, as the demand for lucky money increases.

The demand for small denomination notes to be given as lucky money soars as Tet (Lunar New Year) approaches, and with it, the likelihood of excessive commissions for getting them.

The money exchange service offered in the capital city, on typical streets like Nguyen Xi and Ha Trung, has already begun to bustle.

The service providers maintain this informal market meets real demand among people for new small denomination notes.

They also say that the smaller the denomination, the higher the service charge. The smaller denominations range from VN500 to VN20,000.

The word on the street is that the charges are higher than last year.

"The lowest fee is between four and five per cent for VND50,000 notes, but it may reach 70-80 per cent with VN500, a currency shop owner on Ha Trung Street told an online newspaper.

In order to exchange VN1 million ($44) for VN10,000 notes, customers would have to pay between VN100,000 and 120,000; or VN160,000-200,000 for VN2 million ($88) of VN20,000 notes, she said. She claimed that it might cost nearly VN800,000 (US$35) to get VN1 million of VN500 notes.

Many online websites are now offering the same service with service charges ranging from 5 to 12 per cent depending on the denomination.

Due to high demand, the charge for VN500 denomination is up to VN150 per cent in some cases, it is reported

The money exchange service is provided by shops offering items of worship near big pagodas all year round.

The popular practice of giving lucky money to children during the Lunar New Year holiday and of making offerings at pagodas has made the service quite popular.

Nguyen Thi Truc, a resident of Ha Nois ong a District, said her family often went to the pagodas on the first days of the New Year, so she has started buying new banknotes weeks before Tet.

Over the past few years, there has been a short supply of new, small notes as the central bank has not printed notes of denominations under VN5,000; but they are always available at shops near pagodas, she said.

She herself makes her purchases at a currency shop on Ha Trung Street, Truch said.

The note exchange service has also begun bustling in HCM City, with little more than a one month to go before Tet.

Many people have started visiting currency exchange shops on Su Van Hanh Street in District 10 or Nguyen Oanh in Go Vap District to buy new notes.

Here too, the lowest fee is 4-5 per cent for VN50,000 notes and 70-80 per cent for VN500 notes. These charges will get even higher as the festival draws closer and prices then fluctuate within a day, the owner of a currency shop in District 10 said.

The store charges 10 per cent in the morning for its service, but it can be 12 per cent in the afternoon if there is a supply shortage, she said.

Notes in high demand are those of small denominations, like VN5,000, VN10,000 and VN20,000, she added.

This year, demand has also increased greatly for $2 notes printed with an image of a dog  the zodiac animal for the coming Lunar New Year.

A service provider on District 10 said the $2 notes with the image of a dog were selling for VN349,000 ($15).

Besides, an Australian coin with the image of Queen Elizabeth II and the image of a dog are also in high demand. The price is VN200,000 ($9) for a gold coin and VN150,000 ($6.6) for a silver coin.

Pham Bao Lam, general director of the Issue and Vault Department under the State Bank of Viet Nam, said that as of November 2017, the department has supplied its branch in HCM City with notes of denominations over and under VN10,000 worth VN33,500 billion (US$1.47 billion) to stabilise the cash flow in the market.

In a bid to secure the supply of cash for Tet, the central bank has already reviewed demand in every district to ensure that commercial banks have enough in stock, said Nguyen Hoang Minh, deputy director of SBVs branch in HCM City.

Prime Ministers Instruction No 48/CT-TTg issued last week asks the State Bank of Viet Nam to co-ordinate with ministries, agencies and localities in regulating and ensuring sufficient cash supply in the economy, especially during Tet season.

The SBV should direct credit institutions to ensure stable, safe and smooth operation of ATMs, electronic payment systems and payment for production, business, import and export activities, the instruction says.

The central bank is also asked to work with competent agencies to strengthen inspection and timely handling of violations in the purchase and sale of foreign currency, gold and note exchange services.  VNS
BAC GIANG  Authorities in the northern province of Bac Giang have announced that nearly 2,000 enterprises violated regulations on food safety and hygiene last year.

This was confirmed at a conference held by the provincial Peoples Committee yesterday.

Provincial authorities set up more than 800 inspection teams to inspect food safety at more than 10,500 enterprises.

Nearly 2,000 of them were found to violate safety regulations.

The inspectors fined more than 500 and began legal proceedings against one enterprise for making fake seasoning.

They seized more than 2,300 litres of alcohol and culled 14,000 poultry and 540kg of pigs of unknown origins. The total fines amounted to more than VN900 million (US$40,000).

Violations included a lack of trade registers and food safety certificates, substandard equipment and infrastructure, and a lack of hygiene and safety while transporting food.

Representatives at the conference noted that ensuring food safety was difficult because punishments were not stringent and equipment used for inspection was scarce. Apart from this, investment in food safety was low.

Le Anh Duong, deputy chairman of the Bac Giang Peoples Committee, suggested that this year, authorities at communal level should keep records and classify food enterprises in the area.

He also said the provincial department of health should help raise awareness on food safety for residents and enterprises, and add more equipment for inspection, especially at the district and commune levels.

More education on food safety should be given to people at high risk of food poisoning, including workers and students, Duong said.

The province proposed the Government to complete a national inspection system on food safety from central to grassroots level and provide more investment and manpower.

It also suggested that more inspections should be conducted at the district and commune levels and that inspectors be given proper training.

Another proposal was to have technological norms for different kinds of food as a working basis for food inspection.  VNS
HA NOI  The English Champion 2018, an English competition for students this year, was officially launched on Wednesday in Ha Noi.

The competition is conducted by the IvyPrep Education, the iSMART Education and the Viet Nam Institute of Educational Sciences.

Organisers said the competition was expected to attract some 30,000 candidates who were students from grades four to eight, with prizes worth VN50 billion (US$2.2 million).

With theme Liberate your talents", the competition will cover different fields such as humanity, social sciences, natural sciences and arts. Students must use English to gain new knowledge of different subjects.

Candidates will take part in four rounds. The first round will be on February 3 and 4. Competitors will answer questions online within 45-60 minutes.

A total of 400 candidates will be chosen to participate in the second round, which will take place online on March 3 and 4. In this round, the candidates will answer English questions on Science and Math.

As many as 50 candidates will be chosen to the third round, which will be organised on March 18 to find the 10 best ones who will compete on speaking and giving talks in English. The five best will be chosen for the final round which will take place on April 1 to search for the most outstanding candidate.

Nguyen Thi An Quyen, director of the IvyPrep, said: We hope to provide a useful competition to the students, create opportunities for them to practise English and also have more experiences.  VNS
HAVANA  The European Union will "survive" Britains Brexit departure and will remain strong, the blocs foreign policy chief has said.

"Many believed that the referendum in the United Kingdom (on leaving the EU) was going to be the beginning of the end of the European Union," Federica Mogherini said during a two-day visit to Cuba on Wednesday.

"Im very positive on the fact that the Union is not only going to survive, but its going to go deeper," Mogherini said.

"The world needs the European Union to stay strong, and so, this is what are we are going to do," she said.

Britons voted 52 to 48 per cent in June 2016 in favour of quitting the EU, putting their country on track to become the first to leave the bloc.

Britain began what is expected to be two years of difficult divorce negotiations with a formal notification by letter to the EU president in March 2017.

The talks between London and Brussels are set to move on to transition arrangements, trade and security as Britain prepares to leave the EU in March 2019.

EU foreign policy chief: blockade of Cuba not solution

Blockading Cuba is not the solution, the EUs foreign policy chief said on Wednesday on the trip aimed at strengthening ties with Havana.

Much of the half-century-old US economic embargo against Cuba remains entrenched in law, but under former president Barack Obama federal authorities began to loosen some rules -- something his successor Donald Trump vowed to reverse.

"The blockade (of Cuba) is not the solution. The Europeans have told our American friends many times; we have affirmed it in the United Nations," Federica Mogherini said during a presentation to students and teachers in Havana.

"We know well that the sole effect of the blockade is to worsen the quality of life of women, men and children," she said.

"The blockade is obsolete, it is illegal," Mogherini said.

Mogherinis remarks came on the first of a two-day visit to Cuba that will include meetings with officials with the aim of a "swift joint implementation of the Political Dialogue and Co-operation Agreement (PDCA) between the EU and Cuba," according to an EU statement.

US-Cuba ties began to warm when Obama was in office, with the countries exchanging ambassadors in 2015 for the first time since 1961, but Trump has taken a different approach.

In June, Trump appeared in Miami before a cheering crowd of Cuban-Americans, including veterans of the failed CIA-backed Bay of Pigs invasion, to vow to reverse Obamas measures.  AFP
SYDNEY  Australia agreed to allow exports of medicinal cannabis on Thursday in a boost to budding domestic manufacturers, as it eyes becoming a leading world supplier.

The countrys first medical marijuana farm received its growers licence in March last year and others have followed, with the government seeing a big future for the industry.

"This is actually a very important step for our domestic patients and our domestic supply," Health Minister Greg Hunt told broadcaster ABC.

"By knowing they have an Australian market and an international market, that improves the likelihood of growing and production in Australia."

He added that Australia was keen to become "the worlds number one medicinal cannabis supplier", but that a condition of any export licence was that local patients were taken care of first.

"We want a robust Australian medicinal cannabis industry so that doctors have safe, quality domestic products that they can confidently prescribe to their patients," said Hunt.

While recreational use of cannabis remains illegal in Australia, federal laws were changed in 2016 to allow its use for medical purposes, in a broadly supported move.

Research, including findings published in 2015 in the Journal of the American Medical Association, showed marijuana has some effectiveness in helping treat chronic pain.

But there are concerns about side effects and the issue of whether or not it works remains a matter of debate globally.

Several other countries have legalised medicinal marijuana, including Canada, Israel, and more than half the US states.

US-based Grand View Research estimated last year that the global market would reach US$55.8 billion by 2025.  AFP
Deputy Chief Minister Receives Australian Politician

The Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia this morning received The Hon Walt Secord MLC, a Member of the Legislative Council of New South Wales, Australia.

Mr Secord is undertaking an overseas study tour and a visit to Gibraltar was included in his itinerary. He had previously met with the Hon Samantha Sacramento MP during a meeting of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association that took place last year in Bangladesh.

Mr Secord is Shadow Minister for Health and for the Arts.

He was briefed on parliamentary practice and procedure by the Speaker Hon Adolfo Canepa and later on the political and constitutional development of Gibraltar by the Deputy Chief Minister. Dr Garcia also went over the impact of Brexit and outlined the importance that the Government attached to developing further existing relationships with the Commonwealth.

This follows the visit last month of Hon Alexander Downer, the High Commissioner of Australia to the United Kingdom.
WATERLOO  Cheryl Scholl, 69, of Waterloo, died at home Saturday, Dec. 30.

She was born July 19, 1948, in Waterloo to Victor H. and Myrtle Kraft Scholl.

She graduated from Waterloo East High School, attended the University of Northern Iowa and later received her masters from Upper Iowa University. Cheryl began working at the Waterloo Public Library in August 1964 and continued to work there until her death. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and was involved in several boards and committees including the perpetual trust fund and financial management committee. She served almost 20 years as the CWA Local Chapter vice president for the librarians union.

Survived by: several cousins; nieces and nephews; and many close friends.

Preceded in death by: her parents.

Services: 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 5, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Cedar Falls, with inurnment at a later date in Waterloo Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4, at Locke Funeral Home in Waterloo.

Memorials: may be directed to the Waterloo Public Library or Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Condolences may be left at www.LockeFuneralHome.com.
CEDAR FALLS -- Luann Alemao, food and nutrition educator and host of Get Fit TV, will teach a fresh and healthy cooking course with a Blue Zone inspired menu from 5:45 to 8 p.m. Monday in the teaching kitchen at UnityPoint Health, 5100 Prairie Parkway.

Guest Ashton De Moss, wellness coordinator from PDCM insurance, will present  Power up for 2018: Goal setting for a New You

Cindy Clemen of CC Greens will offer micro greens for people to sample, order and purchase.

Register by Sunday at www.laanda.com or by calling 266-8021.

Embroiderers

to meet Monday

WATERLOO -- The Prairie Rose Chapter of the Embroiderers Guild of America will meet at 7 p.m. Monday at Zion Center for Faith, 1712 W. Fourth St.

The program will be on the outreach programs the guild participates in, along with a show and tell of projects done by members. All levels of stitching experience are welcome.

Please note: When the weather is inclement, if the Waterloo Schools are closed, we will cancel.

More information is available at prairieroseega.wordpress.com.

'Backyard Birds'

slated Tuesday

CEDAR FALLS -- The Prairie Rapids Audubon Society will have the first meeting of the year at 7 p.m. Jan. 9 at First Presbyterian Church, Ninth and Main streets.

The program will be Backyard Birds, presented by Ken Heiar and other PRAS members. This program offers an opportunity to see photographs of what has been observed in area backyards and to learn what works to attract specific birds.

All are welcome.

Kiwanis Club

meeting set

CEDAR FALLS -- The Cedar Falls Kiwanis Rough Risers will meet at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Clarion Inn.

Chris Corkery will discuss the Place to Play project. Several Cedar Falls parents are working to build a playground which will be accessible to all children with disabilities so they can play with their nondisabled peers.

For more information, go to http://kiwanisroughrisers.org.

Holiday party

planned Jan. 13

CLERMONT -- Classic Tractors of Northeast Iowa will host the annual Christmas Party on Jan. 13 at Clermont's Brick City Bar & Grill.

Social hour begins at 5 p.m., with dinner at 6 p.m.

People can meet others interested in "old iron," antique tractor restoration, going on rides and learning about the club. Paid 2018 members receive a discount on the meal of shrimp, chicken, ham and the fixings.

For reservations, call Denny Wilkins at (563) 379-0817 or Jan Bear at (563) 380-7600 by Wednesday. Snow date is Jan. 20.

Blood drive is

set for Jan. 15

EVANSDALE -- An Evansdale community blood drive is planned for 1 to 6 p.m. Jan. 15 at the Evansdale AMVETS Hall.

For an appointment, go to rcblood.org/appt or call (800) 733-2767.
CEDAR FALLS  It started with a project in an engineering class this fall.

Justin Witt, a senior at Cedar Falls High School, would devise a fix for a broken window blind. It was one of the fall projects offered to students enrolled in the Center for Advanced Professional Studies. A Cedar Falls Community Schools employee who was having trouble with the blinds at his home suggested the project.

Today, several months after creating the part, Witt is traveling to Middleton, Wis., with a group of school district staff and presenting his idea to Springs Window Fashions, the company that makes the customized Bali blinds that had malfunctioned.

Its exciting because it has to do with engineering, he said of the trip to the Madison suburb. I want to get into engineering (as a career). Really, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me.

Students in growing Cedar Falls career program learn to manage projects CEDAR FALLS  The workplace becomes a classroom in a growing Cedar Falls High School career 

All Cedar Falls CAPS students work with people in the professional world to complete their projects. Classes meet outside of the high school. A number of Cedar Valley companies have signed on as partners in the effort along with the city of Cedar Falls and the University of Northern Iowas education department.

Usually, though, the partners are involved from the beginning. Kenton Swartley, the districts community partnerships and STEM facilitator, brought his problem with a set of window blinds to the attention of CAPS staff.

Witt is one of about 30 students enrolled this semester in the CAPS programs three strands. He is part of the technology and engineering strand, which meets daily at Viking Pump from 1:15 to 2:55 p.m. The program, which started a year ago, will enroll as many as 45 students when second semester starts later this month.

I chose to do this project because it involved 3-D printing, said Witt. He was introduced to the process of three-dimensional printing as a ninth-grader at Holmes Junior High School and now has two 3-D printers at home.

I had two ideas, he explained, when approaching the problem with the blinds. The first was to redesign the original component, a square plastic piece that is part of the mechanism to raise and lower the blinds.

He decided to go another direction: Design a sort of end cap that slips over the defunct part, holding it together. Kind of like gluing it, said Witt.

Within two weeks, he had produced the part, which is about 3/4-inch in diameter and a 1/4-inch high with a square opening in the top to attach a rod that is part of the mechanism. He thought it would be the easier of the two solutions.

I think the most difficult thing was getting in contact with the company, noted Witt. That was always the end goal to contact them.

He tried to get in touch with customer support online and by phone. He got an email after the phone call, but received little response. He even tried connecting with the company through Twitter and Facebook. But it was another social media platform and the help of his teacher that finally got the companys attention.

Linked In was the only way we could do it, said Maria Perez, the programs technology and engineering teacher. She was able to make contact with a company official in early November. That resulted in todays meeting with the companys executive director of engineering and product development manager.

Perez is one of the other people on the trip, but she wont take part in the pitch. Thats all up to Witt, who admitted he is nervous.

Oh, yeah, he said. It will be a first experience like this. He said the presentation will last three to five minutes followed by some time for questions.

After initially designing the fix for the blinds, Witt went on to another project with the Cedar Falls company Kryton Engineered Metals. As a result, he has some presentation experience under his belt. Still, he spent some time practicing the presentation over the holiday break.

If all goes well, the company could like his idea and want to use it. According to a student agreement Witt has to sign, if the company uses the idea he could get paid up to $500.

Perez hoped an internship could be a possibility for him. The company has an intern program, but it is usually aimed at college students.
DAVENPORT -- Fusion GPS, the company at the center of the controversial Trump dossier, called Wednesday for a release of transcripts of their testimony before three congressional committees, including the Senate Judiciary Committee thats chaired by Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa.

In a New York Times op-ed piece, published Wednesday, company founders Glenn Simpson and Peter Fritsch, also accused lawmakers of ignoring information about President Trump and Russian involvement in last years election, and instead seek to focus on them.

The op-ed set off a back and forth between Grassley and Fusion GPS on Wednesday.

Grassley spokesman Taylor Foy said the senator is committed to transparency but that certain information must be protected in the midst of an ongoing inquiry. He also said that it was Fusion GPS that wanted to keep the testimony confidential.

Fusion GPS is the company hired to look into Trumps background, which resulted in a dossier compiled by a former British spy that detailed a number of allegations about the presidents ties to Russia. The company was first hired by a conservative web site and, later, by Hillary Clintons campaign.

In the op-ed, Simpson and Fritsch say theyve testified before three congressional committees, and that Republicans have refused to release full transcripts of our firms testimony, even as they selectively leak details to media outlets on the far right. The two suggest their firm is being used to distract from allegations about reports of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia.

Trump has denied the allegations and called the investigations a witch hunt.

Foy said Wednesday that Grassley has always been and remains for transparency. There are, however, investigative factors that he must consider to temporarily protect certain information in the midst of an ongoing inquiry such as this one, like tainting the memory of other witnesses.

Foy added the committees previous offer for Simpson to testify publicly remains on the table.

Joshua Levy, a lawyer for Fusion GPS, challenged the account offered by Grassleys office. He said the company has consistently supported release of the transcript and only wanted to review it for accuracy, which he said now has been done, and to ensure the identities of its bank and employees would be protected because of threats.

He went on to say the Committee has long known that Fusion GPS is neither the story nor the reason why the U.S. government is investigating the presidents campaign. We suggest Chairman Grassley acknowledge that fact and be transparent with the American people.

Foy said Fusion has not not been cooperative with the committee, still hasnt responded to follow up questions and is instead spending its time issuing press statements.

Chairman Grassley remains committed to transparency, and will endeavor to make as much material public as possible at the appropriate time, he said.
WATERLOO  The city will provide land and demolition services to help develop a new teen center along East Fourth Street.

Waterloo City Council members voted unanimously Tuesday to sell a dilapidated building at 809-811 E. Fourth St. for $1 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Cedar Valley.

The agreement also calls for the city to pay for demolition of the building, which had been acquired through a court order, and an adjacent structure being donated to the nonprofit agency for the project.

We think this is a great end result, a great partnership  to eliminate some blight and make a great new project, said Community Planning and Development Director Noel Anderson.

The city will use general obligation bonds earmarked for demolition to cover the unknown cost of taking down the buildings.

As dilapidated buildings in this area, we probably would have taken on that cost anyway to eliminate the blight, Anderson said.

Boys and Girls Club expansion raises the bar WATERLOO  Foundations and philanthropists have opened their wallets for a major Boys and Gi

There were no objections during a public hearing on the development agreement, which was somewhat unique due to the Boys and Girls Clubs tax-exempt status. The city traditional only donates land to projects which guarantee future property tax collections.

But Anderson noted the project was part of an overall redevelopment of the Walnut Neighborhood, which has seen recent partnerships with JSA Development for housing renovations and with Rodney Anderson for a new Harolds Chicken restaurant and All-In Grocers supermarket.

The new 12,000-square-foot Otto Schoitz Family Teen and Educational Center, expected to break ground in March, is part of a $5.5 million project that also involves renovating the Boys and Girls Clubs nearby Lime Street Clubhouse and creating an endowment.

The club has already raised $4.3 million.

Boys and Girls Clubs director Chuck Rowe said he was overwhelmed by the community support received for the project, which will enable the agency to serve more kids with more programs.

The fact that so many kids consider this place their home away from home is something that were really proud of, Rowe said.
WATERLOO  Mayor Quentin Hart is hoping to scrap the longstanding practice of City Council subcommittees.

Hart broached the idea Tuesday during the annual organizational meeting where council members are traditionally assigned to serve on the various standing committees.

The committees, which have been in place for at least three decades, generally meet before regular council meetings and usually make recommendations to the full council on specific agenda items.

New council debates clerk appointment WATERLOO  A debate over changing the appointment process for the city clerk turned a normal

Council members approved Harts recommended appointments to the three-member finance and public safety committees.

But Hart proposed no appointments for the public works, building and grounds, boards and commissions, human resources or ordinance committees, which he wants to eliminate.

Ive been on here 10 years, but I can count on my hands now many times those individual committees actually brought something forth that was conducive to getting stuff done, he said.

Hart said many of the items on those committee agendas can be moved to the full council for consideration. Council members could then use the extra time by being assigned to task forces dealing with specific initiatives, such as setting up employee performance reviews, reorganization, public safety cameras and a policy for selling vacant lots.

The idea would be to have focused task forces instead of redundant committees that dont do anything, he said. If we do it this way, all seven council members will have the ability to have more discussion.

Neighboring Cedar Falls eliminated its subcommittee system years ago and meets as a committee of the whole to discuss key issues before they go to the regular agenda.

Changing the committee system in Waterloo likely requires an ordinance change approved by City Council members in the future.

Councilman Steve Schmitt said he liked the idea of having task forces but worried the elimination of the committees would hurt public transparency and may lead to some items hitting the full agenda before theyre properly vetted.

The public are not going to see (the conversations) the way they do with the subcommittees, Schmitt said.

But he conceded some of the (committee) meetings are five minute meetings and hardly warrant getting together.

Newly elected Councilwoman Sharon Juon, who was appointed to serve as mayor pro tem in Harts absence, was appointed to chair the finance committee, which also includes Bruce Jacobs and Pat Morrissey.

Councilman Jerome Amos Jr. will chair the public safety committee, which also includes Chris Shimp and Schmitt.
CEDAR FALLS  Bob Dorr isnt afraid to admit hes a crier.

And why shouldnt he be a little blue  and shed a few tears  as the 36-year run of one of the regions most beloved bands comes to a rollicking close this month.

Dorr and the Blue Band will perform their Last Goodbye Show in their hometown area Saturday at the Waterloo Center for the Arts.

I know there will be a few songs that necessarily Ill cry. Im a crier. John Boehner (the emotional former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives) has nothing on me, Dorr says, laughing.

Doors open at 6 p.m. The Blue Band will perform from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Cost is $5 per person at the door. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

In many ways, it has been like a rolling reunion. Since early 2017, the band has been playing gigs in as many of its old haunts as possible. Blue Band alums have joined in performances, and Dorr and longtime guitarist-songwriter Jeff Petersen have reconnected with their fans, the blue people.

Thats what we call them. The tour has been everything I hoped and planned for, and the crowds have been better than they have been in the past few years. I think people understand its the last connection with us. Some people whove seen us maybe once a year have come out three or four times, Dorr said.

On occasion the 10-piece band has swelled to 14. Theres nothing like standing up there with a four-piece horn section and two drummers. Its fantastic. Wow! What sound, he said.

The band leader, who celebrates his 66th birthday Jan. 12, started Bobbys Blue Band when he was 29. His vocals and harmonica have anchored the band, and Dorr also has managed the business and production sides of the bands gigs and recordings.

I need to get back to the reason I was mesmerized by the magic of music. I no longer want to be the band leader of a 10-piece entourage, Dorr said. Im so looking forward to having a little more distance from the business part and recapturing my passion for the music part. I like being able to step away  all of those things have nothing to do with playing harmonica and singing the songs. 

The LAST Last Goodbye shows are Jan. 12 and 13 at the Riverside Casino and Resort Show Lounge in Riverside. On Jan. 12, Dorrs small bands will play along with sets by the Blue Band from 7:30 to midnight. Duke Tumatoe opens the show at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 13, and the Blue Band says goodbye from 9 p.m. to midnight.

An encore goodbye performance is part of the IPTV fundraiser at 6 p.m. Jan. 20 in Johnston. For ticket information, visit the IPTV website.

The original Blue Band was assembled in 1981 to fulfill contract obligations for Little Red Rooster following that bands split. Former bandmate Molly Nova (bass/violin/vocalist) joined along with Petersen, and the band eventually evolved into Bob Dorr and the Blue Band, playing new songs and old hits.

Over the years, the band has opened for B.B. King, Koko Taylor, Buddy Guy, Tower of Power and others. Theyve been an Iowa State Fair staple for more than three decades and performed at the Kansas City Jazz & Blues Festival and Bluestock Celebration in Memphis, Tenn.

Dorr launched Hot Fudge Records in his garage to record more than 25 Blue Band albums. In 2006, a two-DVD set was released by Iowa Public Television celebrating the bands 25th anniversary. Dorr was inducted into the Iowa Rock and Roll Music Association Hall of Fame in 2000 as a radio DJ at KUNI Public Radio for many years, and in 2007 he was inducted as leader of the Blue Band. He was into the Iowa Blues Hall of Fame in 2006.

Dorr keeps in touch with his disc jockeying roots as host for Iowa Public Radios Backtracks, Blue Avenue and Beatles Medley  all of which he records in his garage studio. He also helps host IPTVs fundraisers.

Dorr confesses the Blue Band has been his baby. Frankly, Im a little scared that Im not going to have my kid around, but I like the empty nester idea. The mindset and memory I want to carry and remember is what we were all about.

The flip side is I dont want to even entertain any idea of keeping going with the band because I think it can only go backward and tarnish the memories that this whole goodbye tour has been about making.

Dorr and longtime-friend Petersen are not retiring from music. Theyll perform as the Blue 2 and the Blue Trio with Blue Band bass player Doug Norton. Theres also Bob Dorr and the Iowa State All-Stars (aka The Limestoners), Blue Mississippi featuring Dorr, Petersen and members of Dubuques The Mississippi Band, and the Parlor City Jam Band, house band for the Parlor City Pub in Cedar Rapids.
Seventeenth in a series of stories on this years 20 Under 40 winners.

CEDAR FALLS  For Tara Estep, a career as an educator was a given.

I always wanted to be a teacher, from a child I always played school, said the 38-year-old principal of Hansen Elementary School. I didnt always know I wanted to be an administrator.

She received encouragement to pursue the role very early in her career, though. During an interview for her first job, Estep was told by a Cedar Falls Community Schools administrator that she would be great in such a leadership position.

At that point, Estep was applying for a classroom teaching job. She was hired by the district and taught at Orchard Hill Elementary School for seven years.

Estep grew up on a farm near West Union and, after graduating from North Fayette High School, she enrolled in the University of Northern Iowa. She earned a bachelors degree in elementary education and, later, a masters degree in educational leadership. She and her husband, Mark, have a 4-year-old son, Jace.

In her teaching position, Estep started getting leadership roles and began seriously thinking about pursuing administrative positions. It was just a natural fit, she said.

Estep left Orchard Hill to become an administrator at Wapsie Valley Community Schools for a year. She then returned to Cedar Falls and is now in her eighth year as Hansens principal. Her hope as a principal is to make a greater impact on students education than she would in a single classroom.

I think my heart is for people  thats kids, thats adults, she said.

Esteps community involvement reflects that attitude, as well. She serves on the Cedar Falls bicycle and pedestrian advisory committee, Cedar Valleys Promise board and UNIs Lutheran student center board. She also teaches Sunday school and serves on church committees.

Tara has created a family at Hansen Elementary; she cares about each and everyone one of staff and 600-plus students, said Janelle Darst, coordinator of communications and community relations for Cedar Falls Schools. Darst nominated her for the 20 Under 40 honor. She is devoted, passionate and every decision she makes is always about whats best for the kids.

Darst added that Estep sets high expectations, which is clear in the level of achievement at the school. Hansen was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2016, one of 329 across the country, for being an exemplary high-performing school. It received the 2017 Breaking Barriers to Teaching and Learning Award from the Iowa Department of Education for reducing the achievement gap of students with an individualized education program on the Iowa Assessments.

A central part of Esteps job is making those decisions daily on whats best for kids as one member of a hard-working team at the school, she noted. I would say thats my sole driving factor in the work that I do.

She cited fantastic colleagues in Cedar Falls Schools, including Superintendent Andy Pattee and Director of Elementary Education Pam Zeigler, for helping to mentor her.

Kind of that life role model is definitely my mom, added Estep.

Her mom, Deb Chensvold, started as a nursing aid as a teenager and then became a nurse at West Unions hospital. She advanced from licensed practical nurse to registered nurse to director of home health and hospice. Eventually, she rose through the ranks to become the hospitals chief executive officer.

Both her mom and her dad, Allen Chensvold, are now retired.

Her mom has that unwavering devotion to putting faith first and then family, a true heart for people, she said. Thats just been wonderful over these past years.

Estep added, I hope to be half the person that she is.

Friday: Gina Weekley
Its tempting to look at current events in Iran through partisan eyes with the hope of scoring points against either the previous administration or the current one. As for former president Barack Obama, Michael Singh writes, Obamas administration, unsure how to help the protesters and reluctant to scuttle its nascent engagement with Tehran, responded to the demonstrations with diffidence, prompting criticism from left and right alike. However, Democrats argue that Iranians hopes for democracy werent crushed by the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), as opponents of the Iran deal claimed. The influx of cash didnt do anything to stabilize the regime or discredit opponents. Besides, they argue, President Donald Trumps present inclination to speak out against the Iranian regime rings hollow given his Muslim travel ban (which includes Iran) and general contempt for human rights.

Nonsense, say pro-Trump apologists. Obama failed to turn Iran into a peaceful, more pliant regime. Trumps approach of continual pressure on the regime creates uncertainty for business, thereby creating pressure for more liberalization, both economic and political, they argue.

In truth, opponents and proponents of the JCPOA should get on the same page, while exercising a degree of humilityand without overestimating the degree to which U.S. actions influence the domestic situation in Iran. Longtime Middle East negotiator Aaron David Miller tells me, We need to recognize a certain reality. We have limited leverage over the regime and the protesters. Less is more, he cautions. When Trumps tweets suggest regime change (TIME FOR CHANGE! he blasted on Monday), we risk looking weak and feckless when we are helpless to respond if the regime engages in a brutal crackdown. (Obama did just this when he continually called for Syrias Bashar al-Assad to leave power but did little to nothing to bring that about.)

That doesnt mean the United States should be silent, and both Democrats and Republicans should acknowledge that Trumps tweets in support of protesters generally hit the right note. At present, it is altogether unhelpful and unwise for JCPOA opponents and proponents to bicker back and forth about the past when an opportunity presents itself for domestic unity and international cooperation. Indeed, if anything, the current domestic unrest in Irannot to mention Irans international aggression and missile testingunderscores the argument weve made that the JCPOA is a small part of our larger concern with Iran and shouldnt distract from pressing issues, including the regimes suppression of internal dissent, its support for terrorist groups and its international aggression in Syria and elsewhere.

Mark Dubowitz, a fierce critic of the JCPOA, and Daniel Shapiro, the Obama administrations former ambassador to Israel, implore partisans to unite in support for Iranian human rights:

One clear takeaway from these protests is that, as outsiders, we dont know enough. The causes of the protests are not monolithic, their scale is significant but not necessarily determinative, the trajectory is uncertain, the leadership unclear and the regimes response is likely to be repressive. We must approach these protests with humility in understanding their ultimate meaning and impact. They are big, bold, widespread and heartfelt-but we have no idea if these protests will mushroom into a genuine threat to the regime.

Nuclear deal supporters and opponents should resist the urge to make this a gotcha moment for people with whom they have tussled on Iran policy. This undermines the cause of ensuring broad, bipartisan support for peaceful protests, and hopefully real political change. Lets focus on the Iranian people and what the United States and our European allies can do to advance their aspirations, not our own political squabbles. We can all agree that hundreds of thousands of people protesting massive regime corruption and repression should worry autocrats all over the world, from Irans Khamenei to Russias Vladimir Putin to Turkeys Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Dubowitz and Shapiro argue for rhetorical support for the protesters, including use of the airwaves on Persian-language television and radio to express their support for the Iranian peoples human rights and aspirations. Lets provide details on the stolen assets held by regime and IRGC officials, and the vast sums spent on Irans destabilizing regional interventions. They also urge Congress to support the protesters with one voice, use of the Magnitsky Act to target those using violence against protesters and sanctions against global entities that supply the Iranian regime with tools of repression and censorship.

Ross praises the administrations public support for the protesters. It should begin to put out what the Iranians have actually been spending on Syria, Hezbollah, the Houthis and the other Shia militias, he says. There are economic grievances tied to corruption, cuts in subsidies, and increases in spending for the IRGCand anger that the regime is wasting billions in Syria (and elsewhere) that should be spent on its citizens. So shine a spotlight on what the Iranians are spending not for Irans security but to de-stabilize the region. He argues, Reinforcing our sanctions on non-nuclear issueson the entities tied to the Qods forces and the IRGC or the Basij are appropriate. But a walk-away from the JCPOA makes it easier for the Iranian regime to make us the issuethat is what they are trying to do.

We agree that a campaign promise to rip up the deal has to give way to the current reality in which we find ourselves. While focusing on the rights of Iranians to peacefully protest, we should resist the urge to make this moment about the United States and the JCPOA. Former Middle East negotiator Dennis Ross tells me that in considering our options, The one thing we should not do is walk away from the JCPOA now. We want the Europeans to emphasize that peaceful protest is legitimate and an Iranian violent crackdown is not. We do not want to shift the focus onto the U.S.Irans behavior internally and externally must remain the focus of attention.

Former ambassador to Turkey Eric Edelman, much in the vein of Dubowitz and Shapiro, advises via email that the administration should 1) make clear that the whole world is watching and will judge the regime by how it responds to peaceful protesters and 2) harness via overt and perhaps covert means print, radio, TV, and social media to highlight the costs of Irans cronyism, corruption, economic misrule and foreign adventurismall the subject of protest slogans raised by the demonstrators, and 3) as part of this effort targeted sanctions against regime figures, particularly IRGC who profit at the peoples expense. As to the last item, he explains, The U.S. was very good at this kind of political warfare in the Cold War but we have shown much less ability to wage this kind of struggle since it ended. If ever there were a time to repair that deficiencythis is it.

A few other items deserve consideration.

First, Congress and the administration should do everything in their power to nix Boeings $20 billion aircraft deal with Iran. The potential for military use of civilian airplanes should be sufficient to block the deal, without the full-scale reimposition of sanctions.

Second, the administration should nix its idiotic travel ban (which would ban Iranian protesters, students and others from coming to the United States), cease hugging dictators such as Russias Vladimir Putin and drop the noxious America First rhetoric, which signals contempt for the welfare of other peoples and the fate of our allies. Consistency on human rights is hard, but in the case of Trump, the egregious hypocrisyfawning over the Saudis, Russia and other repressive regimeshobbles our credibility.

And finally, its time to stop sticking our fingers in the eye of European allies for the sake of juicing up the presidents base. Provoking our allies is easyand entirely counterproductive. Operating in concert with allies is not capitulation or weakness; its the foundation of a sane foreign policy. Lets hope we find one in the new year, beginning with development of an actual Iran policy and a rethink of our attitude toward human rights.
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By West Kentucky Star Staff

Jan. 03, 2018 | FRANKFORT, KY

By West Kentucky Star Staff Jan. 03, 2018 | 12:14 PM | FRANKFORT, KY

Jackson Purchase Energy Corporation has been fined $20,000 for safety violations that officials say contributed to the January 2017 electrocution of lineman Joshua Franklin.



The Kentucky Public Service Commission said in a ruling issued Wednesday that it found eight different safety violations, and penalized the utility $2,500 for each violation.



Franklin was killed on Jan. 6, 2017 when he came into contact with a 7,200-volt line that he and another lineman had been sent to repair.



The PSC says the violations are related mostly to the failure of the Jackson Purchase employees to take safety precautions that are required when working on potentially live electric lines.



In a press release, the PSC says their investigation showed Franklin assumed the line was not conducting electricity, but was actually live. Investigators also said Franklin's supervisor told him a safety device on the line indicated there was no power flowing through the line, but an inspection of the device found that it was falsely indicating that the power was off. Investigators also found Franklin did not properly test the line to make sure that it was not energized, and did not use protective equipment.



The PSC ordered JPEC to pay the $20,000 penalty within 30 days.
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UK regulator clarifies role for Nuclear Safeguards Bill

03 January 2018

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The UK's Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has clarified two points in the impact assessment of the Nuclear Safeguards Bill published last month by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). The clarifications are "part of our ongoing constructive engagement" with BEIS to develop a domestic safeguards regime as part of the UK's exit from the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom), the ONR said.

The British government announced it intends to leave Euratom when, in January, it published a bill authorising Brexit. The peaceful use of nuclear energy within the EU is governed by the 1957 Euratom Treaty. The Euratom Community is a separate legal entity from the EU, but it is governed by the bloc's institutions.

The first clarification is that ONR regulates the nuclear industry; it does not provide services to it. Secondly, the government's policy has developed since the assessment was undertaken and the intention is to put in place a regulatory framework which is robust and as comprehensive as Euratom, the ONR said. This means that it is not in a position to identify potential efficiencies in its regulatory approach at this stage, it added.

"As we support BEIS in its development of secondary legislation, we will provide advice to the government to inform the anticipated impact assessment for nuclear safeguards regulation," it said.

Impact assessment

The impact assessment, signed on 11 December by Richard Harrington, BEIS undersecretary of state, states that the civil nuclear sector is subject to robust international non-proliferation measures, which include nuclear safeguards. Nuclear safeguards arrangements are essential, it says, to enable the UK to engage in civil nuclear trade, allowing nuclear generation to play an important role in energy security and decarbonisation objectives, and to fulfil international standards as a responsible nuclear state, which are an important part of the international non-proliferation regime to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.

The UK's current nuclear safeguards obligations are fulfilled through its membership of Euratom and a new safeguards regime is needed to continue meeting international standards following withdrawal from the Euratom Treaty, it says. Leaving Euratom is "as a result of the decision to leave the EU as they are uniquely legally joined", it says. "There are no precedents for a non-EU Member State being a Member State of Euratom, so when we formally notified our intention to leave the EU we also commenced the process for leaving Euratom," it says.

The policy objective is to ensure arrangements are in place to fulfil international nuclear safeguard standards.

"These arrangements form an essential part of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, to which the UK is committed. Our future arrangements will need to be robust and as comprehensive as the current Euratom regime to enable public confidence in the continued high standards and give international partners confidence in engaging in civil nuclear trade with the UK, many of whom require this to agree nuclear cooperation agreements; to support the UK's ongoing commitment to the global non-proliferation regime; show that the UK is a responsible nuclear state, and; to avoid weakening the UK's international reputation as a non-proliferation leader," the document says.

"The primary legislation this impact assessment supports will not impose any obligations on holders of nuclear material or on the nuclear industry, thus the impacts of primary legislation are zero. This Bill enables the UK to set up a domestic safeguards regime. This Bill also ensures the ONR will be in a position to take on the role and responsibilities required to help ensure the UK's domestic civil nuclear safeguards regime meets international safeguards standards. The secondary legislation will implement the specific requirements on industry. This impact assessment provides indicative impacts of safeguards: however, our assessment will be subject to further refinements for secondary legislation," it says.

For the UK to fulfil international standards on nuclear safeguards and non-proliferation once it leaves the EU, the existing legislative framework must be amended, with a new regime set out in new secondary legislation, it says. In the absence of amending frameworks and work to implement new safeguards measures, the UK would be without an effective nuclear safeguards regime, it adds.

"This scenario is the relevant counterfactual for policy appraisal given the decision to leave Euratom has already been taken and domestic safeguards appraised here are not dependant on the future relationship with the EU. However, we have also included a counterfactual of current Euratom regime to compare impacts relative to the current regime under Euratom. The UK's withdrawal from Euratom has already been triggered so this is only included as baseline for consistency with other EU exit related measures where legislation may be dependent on the negotiated outcomes on future relationship with the EU," it says.

Two options

Two core options have been considered.

The first is to adopt domestic standards of nuclear safeguards of broad equivalence to those adopted by Euratom, which BEIS says would ensure that sites to which safeguards apply remain subject to detailed oversight and that the UK continues to maintain the highest standards of nuclear safeguards.

"This is the preferred option as it best retains industry, public and international confidence in a robust safeguard regime," it says. The Nuclear Safeguards Bill, and the regime that we propose to implement through it, will work to deliver this option."

On the second option, which fulfils nuclear safeguards standards, without replicating Euratom's standards, BEIS says that all civil nuclear facilities to which safeguards apply would remain subject to a robust safeguards regime.

"This option would however entail a reduction in the frequency and intensity of inspection at UK nuclear facilities, while still maintaining compatibility with IAEA [International Atomic Energy Agency] standards," it says.

David Wagstaff, deputy director of the Euratom exit at BEIS, told a conference last month that the "parliamentary balance" on the Bill's passage through Parliament is "quite a delicate one at the moment". If all goes to plan, however, the Bill will receive Royal Assent early this year, he added.

The ONR and BEIS are working "hand-in-hand" and this project is "going at pace", with recruitment and IT procurement in process.

Researched and written

by World Nuclear News

Related topics
Jan 4, 2018 | By Tess

Local Motors, the Arizona-based company known for its 3D printed vehicles, has announced significant financing for its autonomous shuttle bus, Olli. Through partnerships with Florida-based Elite Transportation Services (ETS) and Texas-based Xcelerate, the company says it has secured over $1 billion in financing for its Olli customers.

The 3D printed Olli shuttle has been in the works for some time now, and it has already been taken to the streets in places such as Washington DC, Knoxville, TN, and Germany. The autonomous vehicle was brought into existence through an innovative combination of 3D printing, automotive engineering, and IBM Watsons AI software.

Now, through collaborations with Elite Parking Services subsidiary ETS and auto financing solutions firm Xcelerate, Local Motors has made its already appealing Olli shuttle even more enticing to clients.

That is, the company has secured over $1 billion for third party operational support as well as vehicle financing for its clients.

ETS, for its part, has signed an agreement with Local Motors to offer clients an all-inclusive Olli operational solution, which features routine maintenance, insurance, warranty service, monitoring, management, operations, and more for the 3D printed shuttle. ETS has also agreed to provide up to $1 billion in financing to Local Motors clients who employ its services.

For clients who already have established partnerships with other transit companies, Local Motors says it will offer the possibility of financing just the autonomous shuttle for up to 84 months so that the client can maintain its relationship with its transit partners.

The financing for the Olli vehicles in this case, will come from a $20 million investment from Xcelerate, which provides financial support for companies and organizations developing sustainable and autonomous transportation solutions.

Local Motors has already established micro-factories in five cities (Phoenix, Arizona; Knoxville, Tennessee; Las Vegas, Nevada; National Harbor, Maryland; and Berlin, Germany) from which it is aiming to manufacture its Olli shuttles in a local, on-demand way.

As many of our readers will already know, 3D printing technologies are a crucial part of enabling this flexible and more sustainable manufacturing ethos. In fact, according to Local Motors, 3D printing has allowed it to reduce tooling costs for the Olli shuttle by 50 per cent and to cut back on overall production times by up to 90 per cent.

Moreover, because the autonomous vehicles are made-to-order, Olli customers can have their autonomous vehicles adapted and customized (to a degree) to fit their specific needs. Now, with the additional financing options for the autonomous shuttle, Local Motors is sure to draw in more prospective clients.

Posted in 3D Printer Company

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Jan 4, 2018 | By Julia

January is hitting hard for Thingiverse, thanks to a recent attack by a group of malicious cryptocurrency miners that for now, remains anonymous. Earlier today the massive 3D printing file repository and community made headlines as parent company MakerBot issued a statement detailing the attack.

The cryptocurrency craze is in full effect and malicious actors online are looking for vulnerable pages to insert their crypto-mining scripts into, wrote MakerBot reps. It may sound more like the stuff of science fiction, but the breaking scandal is a strong indicator that our mounting anxiety around cryptocurrency may indeed have some basis in reality.

But first, for those who are still scratching their head at the mention of bitcoins, lets get you up to speed: officially classified as a virtual or digital currency, a cryptocurrency is a decentralized digital asset that functions as a medium of exchange, and relies on cryptography (techniques of secure communication) to protect transactions, control the production of additional units, and verify transfers. Once labelled a passing trend, cryptocurrency has exploded in popularity over the past several years, bringing with it a surge in cryptocurrency mining.

Mining is the process of introducing new coins into the existing circulation, while securing the network on which the coins operate. The users who undertake this process are known as miners, but unlike their 20th century predecessors, these miners do much more than dig for gold, so to speak. In place of a bank or other central regulating authority, cryptocurrency miners play an integral role in the control, security, and maintenance of their coins network. Thats where crypto mining scripts come in: as the primary means for miners to extract value. As MakerBot reps detail in their statement, these scripts quietly load and operate in the background, sapping a computers processing resources in order to mine cryptocurrency for a 3rd party. Essentially a discrete function placed on a website, mining scripts make use of a website visitors CPU. In turn, they validate collections of transactions or blocks, and are rewarded with additional cryptocurrency once a block is validated.

In Thingiverses case, the cryptocurrency miners targeted the sites comments section, which was evidently identified as a vulnerability in the massive online community, and therefore prime real estate for covert mining scripts. As reported earlier today, MakerBot discovered this vulnerability in late December, and subsequently uncovered that malicious crypto-mining code had been inserted into the comments of about 100 Things.

In their statement, Makerbot reps were quick to minimize the threat, noting that the scripts never had access to users private data. Theyre not wrong. Because the mining process begins as soon as a user accesses a website where a crypto mining script is embedded, theres no need to infect a users computer; all thats required for mining is that the browser have JavaScript activated. That was most certainly the case in the Thingiverse comments section, which is typically used for embedding constructive content, but in this case provided a platform for bad actors to insert mining scripts.

All that being said, Thingiverse developers acted swiftly to neutralize the attack. They banned or warned offenders, Makerbot said, and recently deployed a fix that prevents malicious iframe embeds for things like crypto-mining, but still allows for friendly embeds of videos and documents in the comments section.

The bottom line? Thingiverse will continue to run as before with no noticeable changes to the user interface, although site developers have issued a recommendation that users look into apps and browser add-ons that actively block crypto-mining scripts from loading. One things for sure though: as victims of arguably the first major cyber attack of 2018, Thingiverse and Makerbot are shook. Nevertheless, site reps assure users that they will continue to protect and educate users, and are proud to manage such an important resource for the entire 3D printing community.

Posted in 3D Design

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Tom McBaum wrote at 1/15/2018 1:57:21 AM:But the devs at Thingiverse still haven't fixed the super-annoying scrolling bug that has affected both continuous scroll and paged mode scrolling in Thingiverse's "Explore" mode on all browsers, on both Mac and PC, for about a year. It *used to* work properly!




We're longing for a stylish train trip.



Not BART. Nor CalTrain. But the kind of luxurious locomotive that serves the Queen tea as she escapes to Sandringham in The Crown, or the lavish kind you'd get stuck on when you're trying to solve the Murder on the Orient Express.

We are sad to report that we have been unable to find any trains heading to Hogwarts. Instead, we present four trains that will transport you back to the romantic days of railroading through the gorgeous natural expanse of Northern California.

Skunk Train, Mendocino County (Courtesy of Prayitno via Flickr (CCO) This iconic NorCal train has been chugging through Mendocino County for the past 132 years. With a route that spans more than 40 miles through tall California redwoods and crosses a whopping 30 different bridges over mountain streams, the cheekily named Skunk Train is an experience not to be missed. Knowing what we all know of Mendo, it would be easy to assume that this (non-smelly) train takes its name from the aromatic green plant that scents the air in these parts. But in fact, the Skunk Train got its name from the self-propelled motorcars that burned crude oil back in the 1920s to keep passengers warm. Those fumes, you know. For a short scenic ride, board the Pudding Creek Express departing from Fort Braggyou'll see a variety of wildlife during seven-mile roundtrip. Or go all in for a 40-mile trek aboard the Northspur Flyer, departing from Willits, to enjoy a gorgeous four hours through the redwood-thick Noyo River Canyon. You can even opt in for a barbecue dinner. // $25-$84 ($10 for dogs), skunktrain.com

Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, Jamestown See on Instagram If you think this railroad looks familiar, it's because you've probably seen it before. The Sierra Railway, the third oldest railroad in North America, is aptly known as the Movie Railroad: It has been featured in more than 300 movies, including Back to the Future. Today, you can visit the national park, walk around the historic railroad town of Jamestown, and take a 45-minute train ride into Gold Country to relive the experience. If you're an especially avid trainspotter looking for deeper knowledge of the railroading industry, be sure to ask about joining the engine crew for the day. // $15 for adults, $10 for youth, free for children (5 and under) and members , railtown1897.org

Railroad Park Resort, Dunsmuir See on Instagram Back in the 1960s, Bill and Delberta Murphy, who are said to be local descendants of pioneering railroaders, began collecting old cabooses, flat cars and box cars with the idea of refurbishing them as cozy overnight stays. Today, the resort is under new ownership, but you can still step right into the old rail era, and then take a nap. Whether you spend the night in a beautifully renovated old car or pitch your tent at the campgrounds alongside Little Castle Creek, you'll be able to immerse yourself in an authentic rain fan's experience. After a swim in the pool, whistle for your dinner at the restored 1893 Wells Fargo car or Pullman Club Car, and make sure to explore the historic town of Dunsmuir, where many a locomotive once began the steady push up Mount Shasta just two miles away. // $135-$165, rrpark.com
Plus, petites, meet your new favorite place to shop.

Le Point Wants to Help With Those (Gym) Resolutions

Because a little bit of activewear shopping may be just the motivation you need to sustain your 2018 workouts, Le Point is hosting a month-long pop-up starring a few of its favorite workout brands. All of them tres chic of course, including Alo, LNDR, Stretch Wash, Vimmia, Year of Ours and, unsurprisingly, Bkr water bottles. The boutique kicks off the event with a fashionable fete Thursday night (6 to 9pm) hosted by one of SF's most popular style bloggers, Carlina Harris of Allergic to Vanilla. Even more motivation? Activewear purchases come with a goodie bag filled with class passes from local studios. // 301 Valencia St. (Mission), shoplepoint.com









(Courtesy of Carta)

Spritz Alert: SF Renaissance Woman Launches Carta

Meet our first official girl crush of the year: Heather D'Angelo. She's a musician (Au Revoir Simone), an ecologist and now a perfumer thanks to Carta. The line debuts with a limited-edition fragrance, Moena 12 | 69. Like all of its future paraben- and cruelty-free scent siblings, Moena features a signature essential oil personally sourced by D'Angelo, who traveled to the Peruvian Amazon to partner with nonprofit Camino Verde for access to Moena Alcanfor, a rare essential oil that's steam-distilled from the leaves and branches of the Moena tree. So what does it smell like? "Herbaceous, soft, and earthy, with hints of fresh-brewed tea," says D'Angelo. To this, notes of wild ginger, soaked moss and tobacco leaves are added for an overall scent she describes as reminiscent of the rainforest. Three-hundred gorgeous bottles (50 ml) were produced and sell for $295. A portion of proceeds are donated to Camino Verde. Shop online, or exclusively at Tigerlily in the Mission (973 Valencia St.). // cartafragrances.com





(Courtesy of Missguided/Petite Ave)

Petite Ave Makes for Fashionable Strolling

The tagline for SF's e-comm fashion startup Petite Ave leaves no doubt about its raison d'etre: "Clothing for women five-foot-four and undertop brands on one site with one easy checkout." Founded by one-woman-show Vanessa Youshaei because, yes, she's short and got tired of struggling to find fashionable clothing that fit. "I quit my full-time job to make my dream a reality. By aggregating petite clothing from a bunch of different retailers, my goal is to help petites discover new brands, find pieces that work for their body shape and make the overall shopping experience more convenient." A few of the brands currently available (new labels and retailers are added regularly) include Express, White House Black Market, Lane Bryant (through size 28P), 7 for All Mankind, Adrianna Papell, Ann Taylor, Bloomingdale's, LOFT, Marks & Spencer, Missguided and Paige. Shoes of Prey (starting at size 2) is coming soon. // petiteave.com
Immersed in the lush green hills of Sausalito with floor to ceiling windows looking out to the sea, you'll think you're in a jungle getaway.



Located in the Banana Belt, this stunner exudes eminently exotic vibes. Rebuilt from the ground up in 2014, the residence spans three glorious levels, each with a breathtaking panorama of the water, Bay Bridge and San Francisco. Multiple decks and patios grace the abode, creating an airy indoor/ outdoor ambiance; while beautiful, natural design elements permeate the spacea spiral staircase, warm alabaster and wood palette, and neutral marbles.

Though there are dedicated rooms, each space blends seamlessly into the next. A common area with 20+ foot ceilings opens up to the deck; on the other side a chef's kitchen with windows showing an abundance of careening foliage and formal dining room sit side-by-side. On a private level upstairs, there's a luxe master suite with marble soaking tub.

Oh, and there's a full guest quarter, two-car garage, and hot tub on the deckwith gorgeous vistas, naturally. Though just a few minutes from town, this abode feels, undoubtedly, like a serene hideaway.

Location: 41 San Carlos Ave. (Sausalito)

Size: 4,380 sq. ft.



Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 3.5



Asking price: $6,985,000

// For more information, visit pacificunion.com.




Pay less for brand-name flooring at The Floor Trader in Colorado Springs, CO. This local flooring outlet is known for its quality discount flooring, displayed without the frills in a flooring outlet. The Floor Trader buys truckloads of flooring to keep prices low for contractors and homeowners.

On top of the discount pricing, this flooring outlet entices customers with big savings on sale-priced flooring. Check out the following hot deals offered for a limited time only:

Carpeting  Pay only 69 cents per square foot for a variety of brands of soft and warm fabric flooring.

Hardwood  Install handsome hardwood in every room at this price$2.69 per square foot.

Laminate  Wood-look laminate is available for just $1.19 per square foot.

Vinyl Tile  Waterproof LVT imitates high-end flooring at the sale price of $2.19 per square foot.

Even though The Floor Trader sells flooring at wholesale prices, the customer gets full service. Their flooring specialists are there to answer questions, make recommendations, and show customers their best options. Customers share their flooring preferences and these professionals help in making that perfect match.

The well-organized and well-stocked flooring outlet makes it easy for customers to find the flooring they need for a home remodel. The Floor Trader makes a huge variety of options available to customers who can pick and choose their favorite and then take that flooring away with them for installation.

Those who need help with installation can ask to see the flooring outlets list of preferred installers. These are trusted trade professionals with an established reputation. Customers call and meet with several of these installers to choose the technicians they like the best.

CTA: Call (719) 301-5138 to learn more about sales on discount flooring. For more information, visit the store website. The Floor Trader proudly serves residential and commercial customers in Colorado Springs, as well as Monument, Palmer Lake, Security, and Widefield, Colorado.

Media Contact

Company Name: The Floor Trader of Colorado Springs

Contact Person: John Hughes

Email: jhughes@obriensc1.com

Phone: (719) 301-5138

Address:232 E Fillmore

City: Colorado Springs

State: CO

Country: United States

Website: http://www.floortradercoloradosprings.com/
Leonardo is pleased to announce that the State Border Guard of Latvia has signed a contract for two AW119Kx single engine helicopters plus option for an additional unit, customised configuration and aircrew/maintenance technician training services.

The aircraft will be delivered from the Companys facility in Philadelphia in 2019 and will perform a wide range of missions including search and rescue (SAR), transport, firefighting and disaster relief; replacing two ageing AB206B JetRangers.



This order marks a further expansion of the State Border Guards fleet of Leonardo helicopters, adding to two AW109 Power light twins which have been successfully in service for the last ten years. The AW119Kx was chosen following a thorough assessment of competing types within the framework of the Ministry of the Interiors helicopter fleet modernisation programme. The combination of AW109 Power and AW119Kx helicopters will boost the State Border Guards mission capabilities and versatility for round-the-clock day/night operations.



The AW119Kx is a best in class single engine helicopter featuring a state-of-the-art avionics system for enhanced situational awareness, mission effectiveness and safety. The AW119Kx has a large cabin able to accommodate up to six passengers and redundancy of all critical systems that are typically available on twin engine aircraft, ensuring outstanding safety.



Nearly 300 AW119 helicopters have been ordered to date in almost 40 countries by over 120 customers.
After two successful outings with Salman Khan in Sultan and Tiger Zinda Hai, director Ali Abbas Zafar is looking forward to their third collaboration in Bharat.

Zafar said the offer to direct the movie, which is a remake of the 2014 South Korean film Ode To My Father, came to him from Salman himself.

That film came to me from Salman himself. He gave me the film, said he really likes it, and asked me to watch it. I saw it and really liked it.

(But) You cant make the film exactly how it is in the original. The socio-political scenario affects your story and the character. But I liked the basic crux of the film. Salman said after Tiger, you do this, Zafar told PTI.

Ode to My Father was directed by Yoon Je-kyoon and revolves around a young boys promise made during the chaos of the Korean War.

The films remake rights have been bought by Salmans brother-in-law Atul Agnihotri.

The Hindi film will reportedly be set during India- Pakistan partition. Ali is, however, tight-lipped about the basic plot.

When asked if anyone apart from Salman has been cast yet, Ali said currently the film is at an early stage.

We will begin March onwards. I want to sleep for a month. We are at the elementary stage, Zafar said.

The film will go on floors this year.
Opposition parties have demanded stern action against pro-Hindutva leaders, Sambhaji Bhide of Shiv Pratishthan Hindustan and Milind Ekbote of Samast Hindu Aghadi responsible for instigating violence during the 200th anniversary celebrations of the Battle of Bhima Koregaon in Pune. Even though an FIR was filed against both these leaders at Pimpri police station but they are yet to be arrested. Thus questions are being raised whether BJP government is going soft against Bhide and Ekbote as they are associated with Hindutva outfits? After the BJP government came to power at the centre, Hindutva groups have strengthened across the country. There was also debate about rising intolerance in the nation. Complaint was filed against Gujarat MLA Jignesh Mevani and student leader from JNU, Umar Khalid to divert attention from the Bhide and Ekbotes involvement in Bhima Koregaon violence incident. Since Bhide is close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, there is a possibility that he may roam scot free despite committing the crime. Thus, BJP is indulging in divisive politics and attempting to consolidate Hindu vote bank ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

When AV spoke to JD(U) MLA Kapil Patil, he said that the government is trying to shield Bhide and Ekbote. He also stated, Instead of arresting Sambhaji Bhide and Milind Ekbote, the government is praising them. On the other hand, the government is trying to suppress youths voice by denying permission to Jignesh Mevanis summit. Both Bhide and Ekbote are creating a rift in the society by instigating violence and steps must be taken to curb it. People have realised that right wing outfits have become bold after Modi government has come to power. If the government fails to act against Bhide and Ekbote, then we will give a befitting reply to them.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited Sangli to meet Bhide in the run-up to the 2014 General Election. Modi had then said that he had come to meet Guruji not on his request but on his order.

Amar Sable, BJP MP said, The government and police are performing their duties amicably. FIR has already being filed against Bhide and Ekbote and action will be taken against them. It is unjustified to drag PM Modis name in this issue and he is not close to Bhide.

Praniti Shinde, Congress MLA said, First of all, I would like to condemn the Bhima Koregaon violence incident and steps must be taken to prevent it. BJP is responsible for fuelling communal tensions in the country. I also endorse statements made by Rahul Gandhi and Ashok Chavan pertaining to Bhima Koregaon violence incident. Twelve cases of rioting, trespassing, criminal intimidations and attempts to spread hatred between two communities have been registered against Ekbote.

Vidya Chavan, NCP MLA said, Jignesh Mevani had not made any provocative statement, despite this, the government had denied permission for his summit. Both Bhide and Ekbote had played a vital role in inciting violence at Bhima Koregaon. No action will be taken against them as they belong to pro Hindutva outfits. We will hold demonstrations if the government fails to arrest them.
It is a pity that under the cloak of democracy, precious Parliamentary time is wasted by the opposition. Instead of fruitful and healthy discussions on how to benefit the common men, they indulge in petty politics, wasting tax payers money in the process. The parliamentarians should not be paid for the days they have not transacted any business and some strict disciplinary action must be called for whosoever obstructs official law making business. It is shameful to call India as thriving democracy. Democracy does not mean free for all. When will semblance of decency come into those governing the country. No body seems interested in the nation and all are looking after their own selfish petty party politics.

Parliament is a place of worship as the elected people of the Government function there to bring in changes and make moves to things to happen in an independent India. A strong opposition party is a must against the ruling party and issues of paramount importance could be discussed at length removing the anomalies and lacunae if any, and thereby arrive at a consensus for the bills to be passed. This healthy practice should be followed by the involvement of all concerned. This system worked wonderfully well from the grass root level and people enjoyed the measures taken in a big way for more than six decades.

All of a sudden we face and hear a term intolerance and that in turn spoil the political atmosphere and political democracy. Freedom of speech is questioned and we come across a situation in which we see that it has become more or less a fish market and the main aim is to disrupt throughout a session in the functioning of parliament. Opposition will not allow the parliament to function because if the government governs well and the people are happy with them they will again come to power.

Paralysing the parliament in motion will only delay the things and we all know what it costs to the exchequer and to the tax paying public. The agenda for discussion in Parliament should be communicated well in advance to all concerned, so that they can go prepared to make their respective useful contributions by way of healthy and fruitful discussions. Past dignitaries of importance could always be extended an invite without fail so as to get their inputs in matters of significance.

People of essence are the ones who take our country through the right path and they may perish, but will leave long-lasting memories for others to cherish and follow the constitutional rights in the best way possible without paralysing the parliament. The ruling party and the opposition party should act together and discuss all issues of National interest and consider a path of progress and putting our country in the forefront in a positive way and arrive at a conclusion and find amicable solution to all the problems of concern. The spirit of WE together can achieve a lot should be followed, rather than the I alone definition.

Allegations and counter allegations by the two main parties proved the disruptive minds of their leaders. In the past it was walk out from the Parliament assumed greater importance and in the present scenario causing ruckus inside the Parliament is the new way of functioning. Parliamentary paralysis is making the country to lose valuable time and tax payers money going to the drain. Country is more important than individual leaders. There should be a proper atmosphere in the Parliament to have meaningful discussion on issues, bills and other business transactions.

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
An FIR has been registered against Gujarat Independent MLA Jignesh Mevani and JNU student leader Umar Khalid under section 153(A), 505 and 117 at Punes Vishrambaug Police Station.

The Mumbai Police have also denied permission to an event, which was to be attended by Mewani and Khalid, after the shutdown called by Dalit groups across Maharashtra on Wednesday.

Sagar Bhalerao, the vice president of Chhatra Bharati and the organiser of the event told ANI that the event was fixed earlier, but at that time the police did not raised any objection to it.

We had booked Bhaidas Hall for All India National Students Summit on Thursday, but now we are being denied entry. The police is citing the news doing the rounds about Umar Khalid and Jignesh Mewani for the past few days as a reason behind cancelling the event, said Bhalerao.

They have been sent notice under section 149 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

Meanwhile, the police has detained all the students gathered for Chhatra Bharati event outside Bhaidas Hall.

Earlier, right-wing groups accused Mevani and Khalid of inciting caste tension in the state. The Police even received a complaint against them for their provocative speeches.

Mevani and Khalid allegedly made provocative speeches while attended the Elgar Parishad, event organised to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the battle of Bhima-Koregaon.

A day after this incident, clash broke out between Dalits group following the death of a youth in clashes on January 1, during an event, to mark 200 years of Bhima Koregaon battle near Pune.

In the aftermath, a day-long Maharashtra bandh was called by various Dalit and other organisations.

The bandh was, however, called off later in the day.

The Battle of Koregaon was fought on January 1, 1818, between the British East India Company and the Peshwa faction of the Maratha Confederacy, at Koregaon Bhima.

The Marathas ultimately withdrew, fearing the arrival of a larger British force.

The Company troops of Indian origin included predominantly Mahar Dalit soldiers belonging to the Bombay Native Infantry. The Dalit activists regard the battle as a heroic episode in their history.
After a day-long agitation, cases have been filed in Pune against Gujarat Dalit leader and legislator Jignesh Mevani and Umar Khalid of Delhis Jawaharlal Nehru University, who have been accused of making provocative speeches triggering the caste tension between Dalits and upper caste Marathas. Two people have died during clashes and protests. Mevani and Khalid were supposed to speak in Mumbai on Thursday but police took them into custody. Apart from these provocative speeches, there are many such events that fuelled the sentiments of Dalits. Last year in 2016, the Marathas led huge rallies against the Prevention of Atrocities Act for Scheduled Castes and Tribes, saying this is a regressive law, which is misused with fake charges by Dalits against upper castes. Several Dalit organisations then organised counter-protests. As always, an affirmation by Dalits for equality led to anger among upper caste Brahmins who we call Neo Peshwas. This revenge was well planned; the 200th anniversary that was celebrated by Dalits to mark the defeat of the Peshwas was an ego problem for upper castes. Dalits, on other hand, are using social media for a digital revolution aimed at promoting the history and fight against casteism by those at the bottom of the social pyramid.

Whatever happened is a clear sign that a casteist mindset is still a reality in Indian society and the pride of Dalits hurts others to such an extent that it results in violence. Many media houses reported this incident as caste clashes and subvert the fact that on January 1, hundreds of people attacked peaceful visitors to Bhima Koregaon. The tension as said earlier began climbing last year; it needed an outlet. Because it was the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Koregaon, a large celebration by Dalits was planned and this was guaranteed to offend fundamentalist Maratha groups like Shiv Pratishthan, Hindu Ekta Manch. Locals alleged that right-wing groups were making speeches against the event three or four days prior to the incident. The gram panchayat of Bhima Koregaon wrote to the local police administration seeking protection, as there was a possibility of nuisance by some fringe elements.

Right-wing groups have accused Mevani, who won the Vadgam seat in the recent Gujarat assembly elections, and Umar Khalid, of inciting caste tension. Umar Khalid is a student of Delhis prestigious JNU who was named in a sedition case along with another student Kanhaiya Kumar in 2016. They had organised an event on Afzal Guru, who was hanged for conspiracy in the Parliament attack case, on the JNU campus, where anti-national slogans were raised.

A Pune resident Akshay Bikkad who has alleged said that the two urged people to take forward the battle of Bhima Koregaon. The complaint states, Mevani provoked the people to come out on the streets and retaliate. Due to this statement, people took to the streets and tension gripped the city. Dalits celebrate The Bhima-Koregaon battle on January 1 as a victory day. East India Company troops, made up of Dalit soldiers, had defeated the upper caste Peshwas of Maharashtra. Local right-wing groups had objected, asking why a British victory was being celebrated.

Our country is again on divide and rule state. All political parties are planning for 2019 election and wanted to retain power or regain power. There is lot to be done for the improvement of the infrastructure in this country but these hooligans are breaking the vehicles damaging public properties just because the politicians provoked them. The leader instigating these types of agitations should be brought to book.

Besides politicians, its the media in India that are creating communal hatred among people belonging to different castes and religions of the country. The nation is watching, what is being done for the general public in every part of our country. It looks like all funds are used and developed for Gujarat alone; the entire machinery is put in use for each elections and everyone of the ruling party member is busy visiting TV studios and mud-slinging matches. Now, again Umar Khalid has emerged after so many days when he was forgotten. Many wonder if Khalid is a mole of the ruling party just being used and re used, otherwise why should a political party be so concerned about a young lad shouting any slogan? Is he that powerful to bring down the government or the state or the country as imagined? Journalists never question the guys who keep saying the words presumable uttered by Umar Khalid, it is again disputed that tapes were doctored. Now if this young lad has done any wrong, who is stopping the ruling party who is quite powerful in charging sedation or other charges as fit for them and put him behind? But it will not happen.

The time has come we need a panchsheel doctrine among castes; Hinduism is nothing but an alliance of castes and like all coalitions, cold war among castes is unavoidable. While it is a criminal offence to abuse Dalits, there is no such injunction for Dalits. Earlier Dalits used to abuse Brahmins and now they have started abusing other OBC like Arya Vaishya in Andhra Pradesh or Lingayats in Karnataka, Mukkulathor in Tamil Nadu. Hence, we need a doctrine of panchsheel, where all castes including Dalits respect each other, maintain non-interference in each others affairs, abjuring all violence in their dealings and show respect for law and order. The incidents in Maharashtra state are an indication of the growing assertion of Dalits. They are no more underdogs willing to suffer. Reservation, which is a sacrifice of the society towards the downtrodden, has unfortunately, perpetuated the continuance of caste.

It is a stark reality. But after exploiting to the hilt, the benefits of reservation, some sections of the community instigate unrest in communion with anti-national forces. The law should treat all the transgressors equal irrespective of their castes. As per the Supreme Court order, the cost of the damage to the properties destroyed should be recovered from those, who destroyed them. Leaders have to take up the responsibility to maintain peace. Otherwise, violence will be hailed as the mark of success in all future agitations. We Indians dont need these types of violent caste politics disturbing peace and harmony. We, the people, deserve better!

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@afternoonvoice.com)
Note: Autism not a defense in Long Branch family murder case, expert says



We're going to watch this case as it unfolds. Scott Kologi is charged with murdering 4 family members on New Year's Eve with an assault style rifle. Media reports quote family and others as saying Kologi has autism. The report below is troubling on many levels. It seems callous in that it discounts his autism as a factor. We know that autism can be a severe disability even if a person seems "high functioning." Autism is a spectrum disorder. And despite the push to normalize it, make it look like a gift or shiny new blades on a Swiss Army Knife for life, autism is a serious diagnosis that deserves respect. As do those with the diagnosis. Scott Kologi could be one of our own - if he faces adult prosecution, he's looking at either a long prison sentence or, if found mentally ill, psychiatric imprisonment. We are not condoning the crime by any means, but we hope the autism community - yours, ours, theirs, including the Neurodiversity community - will keep an eye on this boy's case. Autism does not mean violence. Our kids should not be cast as criminals or criminally insane. With his parents dead, who will advocate for Scott? One article said his Mom took it upon herself to reach him to read when fellow students made fun of him. How's that for a warrior Mom? School may have just passed him through the grades. He did not attend his public high school. Not sure how much we will learn, since he is a minor. Stay tuned, and feel free to share any info you might have to add, especially if you're local. Thanks.



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Kologi has been described as a special-needs student, and being on the autism spectrum, according to media interviews with neighbors, family friends and his grandparents. Bianchi said that even if the boy does fall on the autism spectrum that does not mean he will escape a murder conviction.

We dont know what this term autism means, he said. Everybodys throwing that out there as if hes autisitic, therefore its a defense. Thats not accurate. Whatever his issues are, they have to be to a point where he does not appreciate the difference between right or wrong.

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Autism not a defense in Long Branch family murder case, expert says

By Adam Hochron January 2, 2018 10:32 PM

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LONG BRANCH  One of the few things known about the 16-year-old boy accused of gunning down his parents, sister and family friend on New Years Eve is that he has a developmental disability. But attorneys representing the accused murderer will not be able to rely on that factor alone to defend him in court.

Scott Kologi is charged with killing his father, Steven Kologi, 44; his mother, Linda, 43; his 18-year-old sister, Brittany; and family friend Mary Schultz, 70.

Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni said he intends to try the boy as an adult, which will happen only when a judge agrees to waive the case up to criminal court.

Former Morris County Prosecutor Robert Bianchi said moving the case to an adult courtroom as opposed to keeping it in the juvenile justice system would greatly increase the punishment the boy could face if convicted. An adult convicted of murder would face a minimum sentence of 30 years in prison, while a conviction in juvenile court would result in just a couple of years behind bars.

Essentially, the difference is that where an adult court is about punishment and deterrence, the juvenile justice system is about rehabilitation of the offender, Bianchi said. The idea there is theyre going to try and rehabilitate him as a juvenile offender, as opposed to the adult system  where its merely punishment. Read more here.

Read More: Autism not a defense in Long Branch murder case, expert says | http://nj1015.com/autism-not-a-defense-in-long-branch-family-murder-case-expert-says/?trackback=tsmclip






Note: Terrific article from World Mercury Project on Bill Gates and his rainbows, sunshine and unicorns vision of vaccines. "Magic?" Can you imagine anyone other than "Dr. Bombay" using the word "magic" for a medical procedure of any sort - and being taken seriously? We can't. The hubris of Gates' opining is frustrating and dangerous. The "magic" many of us have seen is black magic, dark and dangerouns. Thank you, WMP.



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Bill Gates is fond of using his bully pulpit to talk about miracles and magic. Gates has featured one or both words in nearly all of his annual wrap-up letters for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2017), most often in reference to the Gates Foundations outsized financial and ideological support for global vaccine programs. As Gates says, In the same way that during my Microsoft career I talked about the magic of software, I now spend my time talking about the magic of vaccines.

Gatess words give us an immediate clue that he is engaging in his own brand of magical thinkingwhich social scientists define as illogical causal reasoning. How else to explain his simplistic endorsement of vaccines as a miraculous intervention with unmitigated benefits and no down side? The Gates Foundations global spreadsheet appears to have no room to tally the massive flood of vaccine injuries afflicting children worldwide, despite abundant evidence that this damage is standing the vaccine risk-benefit calculus on its head and turning childhood into an extended round of Russian roulette.

Lets report history accurately

In a widely cited 2014 blog post on the miracle of vaccines, Gates expressed enthusiasm about the inspiring data on vaccines and the fantastic and phenomenal progress being made to expand vaccine coverage. There is one major problem with Gates professed reliance on data, which is that the philanthropist ignores fundamental historical facts governing infectious disease and vaccine timelines. Read more here.
Longtime Birmingham TV newsman Bill Bolen, whose broadcasting career spanned more than six decades, has died.

Birmingham station WBRC-TV/Fox 6 posted the news of Mr. Bolen's death on its Facebook page early this afternoon.

Mr. Bolen was 89.

"We have some very sad news to share with you," the post said. "Our beloved Bill Bolen has passed away. Please pray for comfort & peace for his family and friends during this difficult time."

Mr. Bolen worked at WBRC as an evening and morning news anchor for 40 years until he retired in January 2010 at the age of 81.

"It breaks my heart to let you all know that Mr. Bolen has passed away," Fox 6's Janice Rogers, who worked alongside Mr. Bolen on the "Good Day Alabama" morning show for many years, wrote on Facebook. "He's now with his beloved (wife) Vivian, (whom) he so affectionately called Mama. I can hardly think right now -- but his family wanted me to share the news with you because he loved you so much. Please pray for his family -- this is an enormous loss to so many."

At the time of his retirement on Jan. 28, 2010, Mr. Bolen was the elder statesman of Birmingham TV newscasters. He came to WBRC in August 1969 and co-anchored the 5:30 evening news and anchored the 10 o'clock nightly news before moving to mornings in 1973.

"He has been a staple, and viewers have loved him for that," Ms. Rogers said at the time of his retirement. "Because he's such a gentleman and news is so bad in many cases, he was always a comfort, always a constant.

"When you got up and turned the TV on, no matter how hectic your morning was, you heard Bill Bolen's voice and all was right with the world."

A Selma native, Mr. Bolen got his start in broadcasting at hometown radio station WHBB-AM in 1947. After graduating from the University of Alabama and serving in the Air Force, he came to Birmingham in 1954 to work at radio station WSGN-AM, where he was a sales person, news director and disc jockey, hosting a Saturday night rock 'n' roll show he called "Rollin' with Bolen."

After 11 years at WSGN, he broke into television at CBS affiliate WBMG-TV/Channel 42 in 1965, where, as a street reporter and anchor, he gathered the news with the help of a Polaroid camera and a tape recorder that his wife, Vivian, had given him for Christmas.

"We finally got a Bolex camera to get out there and shoot stuff," Mr. Bolen said in 2010. "But when we first went over to (Channel) 42, it was primitive."

When Mr. Bolen switched to WBRC/Channel 6 in 1969, it would be his last career move. Other newscasters changed stations and moved to other markets, but the reliable Mr. Bolen remained as much a fixture at the station as the neon WBRC sign on top of Red Mountain.

"He, to me, represents everything that this station means," Ms. Rogers said in 2010. "He's just been the pillar."

After surviving a cancer scare, Mr. Bolen was presented a Life Inspiration Award by the American Cancer Society in 1997. In 2005, he received the Gold Circle Award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

Memorial services for Mr. Bolen will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, at Brookwood Baptist Church, 3449 Overton Road in Mountain Brook. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Graveside services will be held privately for the family.

UPDATED at 3:55 p.m. CST on Friday, Jan. 5, 2018, to add information about Mr. Bolen's memorial services.
An Alabama church that welcomed dogs into a worship service last summer will begin having a regular dog-friendly service.

Springville Presbyterian Church invited worshippers to bring their dogs to a service on July 8. It was such a success that the congregation wanted to try it as a monthly special service, said church pianist Angelia Wier.

"We had calls to the church office from people who said they missed it," Wier said. "One guy said he didn't have pets but he just wanted to experience it."

So the church is bringing back the dog service, with one important change.

"We took the carpets out," Wier said. "We're back to the original floors, which are gorgeous, thick pine wood."

The dog-friendly service will be this Sunday, Jan. 7, at 11 a.m. at the historic church on U.S. 11 in downtown Springville. It will be held on the first Sunday of the month for the first six months this year, and then re-evaluated to see if it should continue.

Springville Presbyterian Church, founded in 1872, has been down to about 15 to 18 regular churchgoers in the past year.

"It did bring some new people," Wier said.

The idea for bringing dogs to worship came from church member Debbie McDonald, whose husband died Sept. 1, 2016. Last January, she adopted a black Pomeranian puppy for company and named it JT. One Sunday in February, she brought JT to church. She didn't want to leave JT alone. The church welcomed JT in. "They all had a fit about JT," Debbie said.

Wier said she first heard of the idea of dogs in church when she took her dog to a church service at the Little Brown Church in Signal Mountain, Tennessee.

The church had been looking for creative ways to attract new people to church. In 2015, Wier helped organize a one-woman play at Springville Presbyterian performed by Sister Nancy Murray, a nun who is the biological sister of comedian Bill Murray. It packed the sanctuary.

The dog service last summer drew more than 35 people and more than a dozen dogs.

"The dogs sure seemed to be enjoying it," McDonald said.
Two men are under arrest following an armed robbery at a Hoover apartment complex.

Authorities on Wednesday announced the felony charges against Dewayne Fitzgerald Bias, 23, of Hoover, and Tyrone Dewayne Hendrix Jr., 20, of Pinson. Hendrix is no stranger to lawmen.

"Most of the officers in our department are familiar with Tyrone Hendrix. He is someone we have dealt with numerous times and it was certainly no surprise to find out that he was responsible for a robbery in our city,'' said Capt. Gregg Rector. "If he's hanging out in Hoover again then it's safe to say that he'll get our full attention."

The holdup happened about 4:25 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 29, said Lt. Keith Czeskleba. Officers were dispatched to the Park at Galleria apartments after the victim reported he was robbed by two males at gunpoint.

The victim told police he was approached by the suspects as he entered the breezeway of the 200 building. Both robbers, he said, pulled handguns and demanded money from.

After taking an undisclosed amount of cash from the man, the suspects fled on foot. The victim was able to identify the two gunmen, Czeskleba said.

Police found Bias in the 2900 block of Rime Village less than an hour later - at 5:10 p.m. - and took him into custody.

Hendrix was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force at 7:25 a.m. Tuesday in the 4000 block of Hickory Drive in Pinson.

Warrants were obtained charging Hendrix and Bias with first-degree robbery. They have since been released from the Jefferson County Jail after posting $10,000 bond.
A Birmingham woman has been awarded a $10 million default judgement by a Jefferson County judge after she claimed she was sexually assaulted by a former police officer when she was just a teen.

Circuit Judge Michael G. Graffeo awarded the damages to Daria Collins, who was just 17 when the attack is said to have happened in 2007. She filed the lawsuit against the former officer - Harry E. Miller Jr. - in 2011. Police and city officials had previously been removed from any liability in the case.

According to court records, as well as a press release from her attorneys, Collins was staying at America's Best Inn on Messer Airport Highway in September 2007 while her home was being renovated. On the day she checked in to the hotel, she was pulled over by Miller, who was on duty at the time.

During the traffic stop, Collins gave the officer her name and then returned to her hotel. Miller reportedly then followed her back to the room, forced his way through the front door and then sexually assaulted her.

Collins' attorneys are Matt Garmon and Todd Wheeles of Morris, Haynes, Wheeles, Knowles and Nelson. She also was represented by Anthony J. Piazza.

No criminal charges were ever filed against Miller in the incident, court records show. It wasn't immediately clear to what extent, if at all, criminal charges were pursued.

Miller was fired on Nov. 15, 2007 by former police Chief Annetta Nunn, just two months after he assaulted Collins. "This is a stand-alone case," Birmingham police spokesman Lt. Sean Edwards, noting all police and city authorities had been removed from he suit. "All officers are expected to serve with ethics, effort and excellence."

The victim's attorneys say Miller had been previously suspended multiple times and that three other women had previously complained to the department that Miller had attempted to use his position to coerce and intimidate them into granting sexual favors.

A hearing in the lawsuit was held before Graffeo on Dec. 28, at which point the judge noted in his final order that Miller had failed to respond to numerous requests to be deposed in the case and failed to attempt to defend himself in the case. The December default judgement was the second in the case against Miller.

Miller, the judge noted, "has failed to plead or otherwise defend this action."

Graffeo awarded Collins $10 million. Of that amount, $3.5 million was for compensatory damages for the trauma Collins endured as a result of the sexual assault, and $6.5 million in punitive damages.

"Collins has suffered severe and traumatic injuries as a direct and proximate result of Miller's wrongful, wanton, intentional conduct,''Graffeo wrote in the Dec. 29 order. "Moreover, her injuries are not solely personal injuries, but rather, she has suffered and continues to suffer, significant mental anguish and emotional distress."

"In addition to medical care for her brutal injuries, she has also sought and received professional treatment for her anguish and distress,'' according to the order. "She continues, even though the event took place several years ago, to have vivid nightmares about her ordeal. Periodically, as she drives her car, when she sees a City of Birmingham Police Department cruiser, she become fearful she will be stopped and subjected to the same type of conduct Miller inflicted upon her."
Over the past seven years, the fighting that once spanned the entirety of Syria has now been relegated to a few areas.

After nearly seven years of conflict, the war in Syria has all but subsided.

The fighting and bloodshed that once spanned the entirety of the Arab nation have been relegated to a few areas, raising the question of whether the country will see at least some semblance of stability in 2018.

With the help of Russia and Iran, forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad transformed the fight against armed opposition groups aiming to overthrow the government into a war against terrorism.





A relentless Russian bombing campaign, and the deployment of tens of thousands of Iranian-backed troops to aid Assads men, slowly dealt the armed opposition one blow after another.

The rise of al-Qaeda linked groups and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) allowed the Syrian government to turn the narrative of a revolution against the government into a battle against extremist groups.

But while violence has significantly decreased and is expected to continue to do so in 2018, political analysts say the country is unlikely to see a meaningful, political solution to the conflict any time soon.

The lack of a political solution, they say, will mean that violence will continue.

The Syrian government seems to be winning, in a slow, painful, imperfect sort of way. Large areas of the country will remain beyond the control of Damascus for a long time still, and violence could ebb and flow for years, Aron Lund, a fellow with The Century Foundation think-tank, told Al Jazeera.

The various peace processes may succeed in tuning down the violence in various ways, but a genuine political transition seems off the table. It probably always was, he said.

Where is fighting taking place and why?

In May 2017, Russia, Iran, and Turkey  which supports the armed opposition  agreed to implement a plan for de-escalation zones. The plan was aimed at halting fighting and offering safety to civilians in those areas.

The areas consist of Idlib province, East Ghouta, northern Homs province and the countrys south.

But the Syrian government and its allies have not abided by the agreement and continue to target all areas included in the deal apart from the south.

The most severe fighting is now focused in three main areas:

 Eastern Ghouta  a rebel-held enclave near the government-controlled capital Damascus

 The Idlib-Hama region in northwest Syria

 The countrys far eastern region along the Euphrates where remnants of ISIL (also known as ISIS) continue to operate

For the Syrian government, the proximity of Eastern Ghouta to the capital Damascus makes it a key target.

The area is under the control of groups loyal to the Free Syrian Army (FSA), a loose conglomeration of armed brigades made up of Syrian army defectors and ordinary civilians, which receive financial and logistical support from the United States, Turkey, and several Gulf countries.

Since 2013, the government has maintained a suffocating siege on the area in an effort to weaken the rebel groups and continues to shell it despite the so-called de-escalation agreement.

In Idlib province, however, a former al-Qaeda affiliated group, known as Hayet Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), dominates.

While HTS is centred mainly in the city, some 40 armed groups affiliated with the FSA also have control in other areas of the province, according to Omar Kouch, a Syrian political analyst based in Turkey.

Kouch estimates that HTS men number around 10,000, while FSA-linked fighters amount to some 30,000.

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The pretext that the Syrian government is using to attack Idlib is that there is HTS. But Idlib is very important to the regime and to Russia because Turkey also wants to deploy its forces there based on the de-escalation agreement, Kouch told Al Jazeera from Istanbul.

Thus, the agreement is not being respected  shelling on Idlib did not stop for a single day.

The Idlib-Hama region is strategically important for the government and Russia as it is near to the coastal region where the Russian-operated Syrian Khmeimim airbase sits.

The third area witnessing bouts of violence is Syrias far-eastern region along the Euphrates  between al-Mayadin and al-Bukamal  where ISIL remains potent and continues to launch attacks, challenging Assads forces and US-backed Kurdish forces, which have control over much of Syrias north and east.

Is a political solution imminent?

On the international level, there are two main tracks of diplomacy centred around finding a peaceful political solution to the conflict.

The first is the UN-sponsored talks in Geneva, Switzerland, which began in 2012 and are ongoing. The main aim of the track has been to achieve a political transition in Syria, but it has consistently failed to achieve that goal.

The main obstacle has been the fate of Assad: while the Syrian government has consistently refused to entertain any prospect of Assad stepping down, the armed opposition has made clear its position that Assads removal is the only option for peace.

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Russias military intervention in 2015 changed the balance of power on the ground and placed Assads forces firmly in control.

It then largely took over the diplomatic process after its air force helped the Syrian government and allied Iran-backed fighters retake eastern Aleppo from the armed opposition in December 2016.

In 2017, the Kremlin decided to launch another diplomatic track  in Astana, Kazakhstan  with the sponsorship of Turkey and Iran.

The Astana track brought fighters from armed groups to the negotiating table for the first time and said it aimed to achieve a military ceasefire, address the issue of detainees in government prisons, and facilitate humanitarian aid to civilians.

But the main development to come out of the Astana talks has been agreement on the so-called de-escalation zones that have largely been unsuccessful.

Most recently, Russia opened a new track for talks at the Black Sea resort of Sochi, which it called the Syrian national dialogue congress, set to take place in late January.

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The Russians want to frame the conflict in Syria as a civil war. Thats why they gave (the Sochi talks) that name. Theyre trying to enforce the idea that the talks will reconcile between sects that are at war in Syria and that all that is needed are a few changes in the constitution and elections, which Assad will be able to run for, said Kouch.

The conflict in Syria is a conflict over political transition, but the Russians are trying to change the narrative. Thats why Geneva was sidelined and Sochi will now be the new political track, he added.

Kouch believes the meeting in Sochi will be as though Syrians have moved past the phase of war and must now enter the phase of peace and reconstruction.

Future scenarios

While Russia and the Syrian governments may succeed in enforcing a military solution and significantly decrease levels of violence, the opposition says that any plan that excludes a political transition will inevitably fail and will hinder Assads ability to regain full control over the country.

Mohammad Sabra, the former chief negotiator for the largest Syrian opposition bloc, the High Negotiations Committee (HNC), says that while he expects there will be less bloodshed in 2018, the revolution will manifest itself in different forms if Assad is not removed from his position.

The rise of the armed opposition came one and a half years after the revolution began. Its not about the armed groups  its about the demands of the Syrian people, he told Al Jazeera from the United Arab Emirates.

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The armed opposition continues to receive logistical support and funding from the United States, Turkey and several Gulf countries, albeit at lower levels.

James Gelvin, a professor of the Middle East at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), believes that aid for opposition groups will continue to decline, but will not end, meaning the rebels will be able to continue fighting for some time to come.

Most of the territorial gains the government has made during the past two years have been accomplished by the Lebanese group Hezbollah, Iranian units, Iranian-trained and controlled militias, and private militias, not by government forces per se, Gelvin told Al Jazeera, explaining that the Syrian government forces are worn out.

The former Arab League and United Nations envoy, Lakhdar Brahimi, was correct several years ago when he predicted the Syrian civil war would end with the Somalization of Syria.

Like Somalia, Syria will have an internationally recognised government and permanent representation at the United Nations, Gelvin explained.

However, like the government of Somalia, the government of Syria will reign but not rule over the entirety of its internationally recognised borders.
Mitteleuropa, an area stretching from the North and Baltic seas to some of the Adriatic, represented a European multi-ethnic dream in the 19th and early 20th century. It comprised multicultural cities such as Trieste, Bratislava and Prague, and was home to a dynamic intellectual milieu that regularly produced pioneers such as Sigmund Freud and Italo Svevo. Vienna was the natural capital of this dynamic, cultural landscape.

Yet it all collapsed under the ashes of the First World War, and the subsequent disasters that followed the rise of authoritarian and fascist regimes in the region. The process of borderless European integration that started at the end of the Cold War had briefly revitalised this geographical area, but recent political developments show Central Europe is once again projecting a less reassuring and narrowly nationalistic face.

Resurgence of right-wing xenophobia

On December 15, two months after the parliamentary elections, Austrias far-right Freedom Party (FPO) reached a five-year deal with the larger, conservative Peoples Party (OVP) and officially became part of the countrys new coalition government.

Following the formation of the government, Austrias new conservative chancellor Sebastian Kurz swiftly made it clear that he has no plans of backing away from the right-wing, anti-immigrant agenda that brought him electoral victory. Late last month, the Austrian chancellor urged the EU to consider establishing safe areas in refugees countries of origin to halt immigration to Europe, and said Brussels should not only organise this venture but also back it militarily. Kurz is expected to implement several other strict measures in the coming days to limit the rights of refugees and possibly Muslims living in Austria.

On January 3, during a meeting with his Polish counterpart, Mateusz Morawiecki, Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orban said democracy has been restored in Austria because the Austrians who reject immigration elected a government that also does not want immigration.

But whats happening in Austria is not an isolated example.

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In a sense, the whole of Mitteleuropa is going back to a pre-1945 climate of nationalism and xenophobia. Anti-establishment parties, demagogic mainstream nationalists and anti-immigrant far-right wingers already monopolise politics in Central European countries such as the Czech Republic and Poland. North of the Austrian border, an electoral breakthrough of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) shows that not even the strongest eurozone economy is immune to the substantial resurgence of right-leaning xenophobia in Central Europe. This is coupled with a number of xenophobic and anti-Semitic gatherings across the region  such as the white-only demonstration that took place in Warsaw featuring 60,000 nationalists, which was described by Polands foreign minister as a great patriotic celebration.

End of multiculturalism?

The formation of a right-wing coalition government in Austria was especially revealing of the current state of politics and public opinion in the Western world. Years ago, when the FPO entered into a coalition government in Austria for the first time, it created turmoil among the European and Israeli elites. Today, the very same public and media spheres are instead somewhat accepting of FPOs right-wing extremism.

This comes alongside a tacit approval of anti-Muslim and anti-immigration sentiments. This approval is rooted in the irrational idea that immigration and globalisation represent a challenge to national/European traditions as well as to the identity of European citizens.

Today, the main worry in many EU spheres is not Austrias vocal rejection of refugee quotas or its defence of the Christian connotations of the old continent. Instead, they are worried about whether the new Austrian prime minister and his cabinet will maintain a pro-EU stance.

About 30 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, and in an era characterised by fears of migrations, all this touches, in fact, the inner soul of Western democracies: Are the years of multiculturalism gone? And, above all, are fascism and authoritarianism returning? In a fast-moving world, shaped by the changing faces of politics, the impact of fake news, and rising inequalities, these are reasonable, but, at times, not well-posed questions.

Nationalism in action

It does not make a lot of sense to talk about a return to the 1930s, nor suggest that the FPO or AfD will one day establish a fascist dictatorship. But this new, hardline, right-wing Austria may strengthen the existing Central European opposition to some EU policies. This will erode the European Commissions attempts to stop the anti-liberal turn of Hungary and Poland even further.

Indeed, the Austrian government has already started showing what nationalism in action looks like. They are proposing to grant Austrian citizenship to the German-speaking Italians residing in the bordering regions of South Tyrol. This proposal, a clear example of ethnicity-based politics masked behind moderate faces and expressions, is generating tension between Italy and Austria.

Kurz suggested that they are simply respecting the will of the people from South Tyrol. He claimed that everything will be done in conjunction with the Italian government, and paradoxically argued that their proposal is made to forge cooperation among the European states.

The unfortunate truth is that this was simply one of the electoral promises of the FPO, a party aiming to protect German minorities in all territories once belonging to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In the 21st century, this is a bizarre and outdated attempt to return to ethno-imperial nationalism. If the EU, lobbying groups and European liberals aim to defend a supranational union and preserve the richness of multicultural societies, they should make member states accountable for not respecting some of the EUs core values. Legal provisions are already available, and EU treaties are prohibiting discrimination and supporting a society in which pluralism  tolerance  solidarity and equality  prevail. Before any cultural revolution and long-term investments in education or wealth redistribution, this would be a first, practical starting point for a democratic struggle.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
Several resident doctors injured after police violently disperse protest sit-in at hospital in the capital Algiers.

Human rights groups have condemned the Algerian police for violently dispersing a sit-in organised by resident doctors in Algiers, who have been protesting for weeks over poor working conditions.

Images posted on social media show Algerian medical residents, who are still in training but serve as general practitioners in hospitals, with bloodied faces being helped away from the protest at CHU Mustapha Bacha, a university hospital in the capital, on Wednesday.

We denounce the repression of the protest, said Amnesty Internationals Algeria branch, in a brief statement.

The right to free expression and peaceful protest is guaranteed by the Algerian constitution.

Local media said several residents were injured in the violence, while videos shared on Facebook showed police, dressed in riot gear and shields, striking the protesters with batons.

The Casbah Tribune reported that one injured resident remains in hospital with a subdural hematoma, bleeding in the brain often caused by severe head injuries.

Eight residents were also arrested, but they have all been released, the news website said.

Organised by the Autonomous Medical Residents Collective (CAMRA, according to its French acronym), the sit-in drew dozens of medical staff from across Algeria, who chanted slogans outside the hospital.

The residents are angered by the states requirement they fulfill civil service for a period of two years, which often means they are separated from their families.

The residents also want an increase in salaries and for general work conditions to improve.

They say the situation is especially difficult when they are deployed to work in more remote areas of Algeria, where they say they lack adequate housing, transportation and supplies with which to perform their medical duties.

CAMRA decried the illegal and unacceptable excesses of the police in its response to the sit-in.

In a statement, the group said the residents would suspend the minimum services they had guaranteed to provide despite their strike action, including emergency medical care, until all the detained residents were released.

The sit-in traumatised the people that were present, especially since it took place inside a sacred space like a hospital, CAMRA said.

A committee for resident doctors in Oran, a city in northwestern Algeria, said it would organise another sit-in next week.

The national union of medical instructors and researchers at university hospitals and the national union of public health practioners also condemned the police violence and said they supported the residents.
Bank of America Merrill Lynch banned clients from investing in one of bitcoin mogul Barry Silberts top funds last month, according to a memo, Reuters news agency reported.

As of December 8, the Wall Street brokerage stopped approving new orders for the Bitcoin Investment Trust due to concerns about the suitability and eligibility standards of this product, according to the memo sent to roughly 17,000 brokers at Merrill Lynch and Merrill Edge, a unit for clients who manage their own trades.

Bitcoin Investment Trust is run by Grayscale Investments, which is led by Silbert. A former Wall Street investment banker and prominent supporter of cryptocurrencies.

We look forward to speaking with Merrill Lynch and addressing any questions or concerns they have about the Bitcoin Investment Trust, Silbert told Reuters. We are unaware of any similar policies at other brokerage firms.

Warnings of a bubble

Wall Street has taken a cautious approach to digital currencies, which are unregulated and have very volatile trading patterns. Last month, Chicago-based derivatives exchanges Cboe Global Markets and the CME Group launched bitcoin futures, but some banks and brokerages remain reluctant to trade them.

Millions of investors have piled into bitcoin and other digital currencies prompting warnings of a bubble from the likes of JPMorgan Chase Chief Executive Jamie Dimon, who has likened bitcoin to a fraud that will eventually blow up.

Shares in Bitcoin Investment Trust jumped over 1,550 percent last year, more than the 1,300 percent plus gain of bitcoin. The fund was created for investors seeking exposure to bitcoin and trades over the counter in less formal exchanges than those used for typical stocks.

Before last months ban, clients of Merrill Lynchs brokerage and Merrill Edge were able to buy stakes in Bitcoin Investment Trust, which trade at a fraction of a bitcoin. The digital currency is currently valued at around $15,000.

Merrill Lynch brokerage clients with historical positions in the Bitcoin Investment Trust fund can maintain them, but clients with fee-based advisory accounts have to sell their holdings, according to the memo.
Syrian government and Russian warplanes suspected to have been behind deadly attacks targeting Damascus neighbourhood.

At least 23 civilians have been killed in aerial bombardment carried out by Syrian government forces in rebel-held parts of the Eastern Ghouta district, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).

Both the monitor and the Syrian Civil Defence, a group of volunteer first responders, said at least 18 people died in a double-tap air raid in the besieged town of Misraba on Wednesday night, while three others were killed in the Bett Sawa area, including women and children.

Attacks on Eastern Ghouta, which lies on the outskirts of Damascus, the capital, have been frequent in recent days and are believed to be part of the Syrian governments assault on rebel-held positions in the area.

Russian planes, providing air support to Syrian President Bashar al-Assads forces, have intensified shelling of the neighbourhood and its surrounding districts, including Arbin city in southern Syria.

On Wednesday, at least two people were killed in attacks carried out by Russian warplanes, SOHR said.

According to the group, the death toll is expected to rise as many injured are currently in critical condition.

The SOHR said 70 people have been killed in Eastern Ghouta since December 31. Al Jazeera cannot independently confirm the veracity of the casualty figures.





Eastern Ghouta has been targeted despite being among a handful of so-called de-escalation zones in Syria, where military activity is prohibited under a ceasefire agreement endorsed by Turkey, Russia, and Iran earlier this year.

The area is one of the last rebel strongholds in the country and is home to some 400,000 people.

Rebels in Eastern Ghouta have managed to keep Syrian military forces at bay during years of war, but a four-year government siege of the district has led to a humanitarian crisis with severe shortages of food and medicine.

Last week, aid agencies including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Syrian Red Crescent and the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) began evacuating critically ill Syrians from Eastern Ghouta.

The Assad government has allowed in some aid, but the UN says its current level of assistance covers just about 10 percent of the besieged population.

Last month, the UN said civilians who remain trapped there are facing a complete catastrophe because the government has blocked aid deliveries.

More than 600 people are in need of urgent medical care, according to SAMS.

Medicine is being rationed, and people are dying of complications due to the limited availability of simple procedures like dialysis.

Syrias conflict, which started with peaceful anti-government demonstrations in March 2011, escalated into a full-blown war that has claimed more than 300,000 lives and driven about half of the countrys prewar population of 22 million from their homes.

Forces loyal to Assad and those opposed to his rule continue to battle each other, as well as fighters from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group.
Attack in Kabul kills at least 11 people and wounds 25 others as ISIL claims responsibility.

At least 11 people have been killed in a suicide bombing targeting security forces in the Afghan capital Kabul.

Waheed Majrooh, a spokesman for Afghanistans Ministry of Public Health, told Al Jazeera at least 25 others were wounded in Thursdays attack, which happened in the Banaee area of Kabuls PD9 district.

Najib Danish, deputy spokesman for the Afghan interior ministry, told Anadolu Agency that police officers and civilians were among the victims.

Ambulances rushed to the scene to transfer the wounded to hospitals from the area close to the US embassy and other foreign missions.

The blast happened as police reportedly were carrying out an operation searching for people who were suspected of selling alcohol illegally.

The local Tolo News said 15 people were killed and another 20 people wounded in the bombing, which President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani called an inhuman terrorist attack.

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The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group issued a statement via its Amaq propaganda site saying it was responsible for the blast.

A suicide bomber wearing an explosive vest targeted police officers and intelligence agents, killing or wounding about 80 of them, it said.

The attack is the latest in a wave of violence that killed hundreds of civilians in Afghanistan in 2017.

Both ISIL and the Taliban have carried out attacks in Afghanistan.

Thursdays bombing happened days after a suicide attacker killed at least 41 people and wounded more than 80 others at a Shia cultural centre in Kabul, underlining the precarious security situation in the Afghan capital.

It too was claimed by ISIL.

Another attack during funeral prayers in Jalalabad city killed 15 people.
African nation says mercenaries from neighbouring states tried to overthrow President Teodoro Mbasogo last month.

The central African nation of Equatorial Guinea says it thwarted an attempted coup in late December against the government of Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, Africas longest-serving leader.

The government accused at least 30 armed mercenaries from Chad, Sudan and the Central African Republic of attempting to overthrow Mbasogo with the support of Guinean opposition forces just before Christmas, a government minister said this week.

The mercenaries  were recruited by Equatorial Guinean militants from certain radical opposition parties with the support of certain powers, AFP news agency quoted Nicolas Obama Nchama, the countrys security minister, as saying.

Nchama did not explicitly name what opposition groups or foreign powers the government believes were involved in the alleged coup.

On Wednesday, AFP reported, citing state television station TVGE, that Guinean security forces clashed with mercenaries, reportedly killing one, near the border.

The attempted putsch took place in the night between December 27 and 28, news website Jeune Afrique reported.

Military general arrested

Police in Cameroon arrested a military general from Chad among 30 heavily armed men at the Kye-Ossi border between that country and Equatorial Guinea in late December, according to Cameroon media outlet Cameroon-Info.net.

Mbasogo ordered the border be shut after the arrests, the website reported.

The opposition Convergence for Innovation party published a list of 146 activists it said were detained since the alleged coup attempt, Anadolu reported.

On December 29, however, Equatorial Guineas ambassador to France appeared to play down the events.

We have nothing to hide, Miguel Oyono Ndong Mifumu told Radio France International. We cannot talk about an attempted coup. Everything is calm in Malabo.

He was later quoted by AFP as saying that an invasion and destabilisation attempt had been committed against the country.

Mbasogo has been in power since 1979 in the oil-rich central African nation.

Corruption, poverty, and repression continue to plague Equatorial Guinea under his rule, according to Human Rights Watch, and mismanagement of public funds and credible allegations of high-level corruption persist, as do other serious abuses, including torture, arbitrary detention, and unfair trials.

In October, a French court found Mbasogos son, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, who is also the countrys vice president, guilty in absentia of embezzling tens of millions of euros from the country and laundering the money in France.

The court seized $120m worth of assets and handed down a three-year suspended prison sentence and a $35m fine.
Gazas weary residents expected to pay a collective fee of $2.8m a month to restore the power supply.

The Palestinian Authority (PA) has requested that Gazas residents begin regularly paying their electricity company for the first time to resume the power supply to the Strip.

Gazas residents would be required to pay a collective monthly fee of 10 million shekels ($2.8m) to restore the amount of electricity the PA asked Israel to cut off from the Strip in June, a source from the PA, who asked to remain anonymous, told Al Jazeera.

This is the first time that the PA has made such a request, but the government believes that the [Gaza-based] electricity company must pay the amount that it consumes from the electricity sector, he said.

The PA wants to support power supply in the Strip but within reason.

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Since 2006, the Palestinian Authority, which administers the occupied West Bank, has paid Israel to supply electricity to Gaza.

In June 2017, the PA requested that Israel reduce Gazas electricity supply by 40 percent. The move was seen as an attempt by President Mahmoud Abbas to weaken the rival Hamas government in Gaza.

When the PA asked Israel to cut back electricity, residents of Gaza started receiving only up to four hours of electricity a day as opposed to an average of six to eight hours.

In response, the United Nations warned that longer power cuts threaten a total collapse of basic services in Gaza.

On Wednesday, the PA said it would allow Israel to resume supplying the 50 megawatts of electric power it had asked Israel to cut six months ago.

Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah described the development as being within the context of a reconciliation agreement between the PA and Hamas signed in the Egyptian capital Cairo in October 2017.

The request, said Hamdallah, was to alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza and to improve living conditions.

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But the PA source Al Jazeera spoke to said that one of Gazas two operating power plant turbines would have to be shut down, as the cost would only cover the operation of one.

In reality, the increase will be 25 megawatts, not 50, he explained. They have to close down the turbine in order to cover the 10 million shekels.

Because of high demand in winter, he said, the effect of restoring electricity will not make much of a difference to the lives of Gazas residents. The power may increase by an hour at most.

They cannot afford to live

Gazas two million residents have suffered from ongoing power cuts for the past decade, owing to Israels crippling land, air and sea blockade on the Strip, and because of the PAs sanctions.

The Gaza Strips sole power plant cannot operate at its maximum capacity as a result of the shortage of spare parts and industrial diesel because of Israels airtight blockade, in place since 2007.

The electricity crisis has only made matters worse for Gazas residents, who have been subjected to three major Israeli military assaults over the past 10 years that have damaged much of the territorys infrastructure.

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About 42 percent of Palestinians in Gaza suffer from poverty, youth unemployment stands at 58 percent, and some 80 percent rely on international aid, mainly food, according to the World Bank.

Mohammad Abu Jayyab, head of an economic newspaper in Gaza, said he believes it is unrealistic to ask Gazas residents to start paying for their electricity.

The return of supply is not about reconciliation or lifting the sanctions on Gazas government. It is about a demand from the PA to the electricity company to cover the cost of supply, he told Al Jazeera.

I think what is happening to Gaza is unrealistic. The PA is dealing with Gaza as though it must cover its own financial responsibilities, but a large portion of the people in Gaza cannot afford to live  let alone pay for electricity, said Abu Jayyab.

A spokesperson for Gazas Electricity Distribution Company, Mohammad Thabet, told Al Jazeera the company once contributed to the cost of power supply, but with the worsening economic situation it has recently been unable to do so.

Thabet described the PAs request for payment from Gazas residents as a natural demand.

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Of course we have to pay for this electricity because it is a commodity. Those who use the electricity must pay for it, he said.

This money that the electricity company will collect will be exported to the Israeli side through the Palestinian ministry of finance.

But Abu Jayyab said the PAs plan is unsustainable given Gazas dire economic condition.

The PA will fall into the trap of the diminished economic situation in Gaza whereby the resident cannot pay, said Abu Jayyab.

The company will hit a wall and Gazas political leaders will not accept this. I predict that the electricity issue will rise again within two months.
CIA and Mossad agents planned the unrest in Iran with financial support from Saudi Arabia, chief prosecutor says.

A CIA agent was the main projector of deadly demonstrations in Iran with assistance from Israel and Saudi Arabia, the countrys chief prosecutor alleged on Thursday.

Planning for the plot  dubbed Consequential Convergence Doctrine  was initiated four years ago by an operative from the Central Intelligence Agency, Irans prosecutor Mohammad Jafar Montazeri was quoted by the state-run IRNA news agency as saying.

The CIA operative and an agent affiliated with Israels Mossad intelligence agency were in charge of masterminding the unrest, while Saudi Arabia paid for all the expenses, he said.

The US government has denied having any hand in the protests and the CIA declined to comment on the allegations.

At least 22 people have been killed and more than 450 arrested since anti-government demonstrations erupted across Iran on December 28.

The protests, which have focused on economic and political grievances, have been the largest display of public dissent since pro-reform rallies swept the country in 2009.





Irans interior minister said about 42,000 people took part in the week of demonstrations. Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli said in a statement Thursday the figure was based on precise statistics we have.

The relevant authorities have reported that there have been at most 42,000 people, and that is not a very high number, Fazli said.

The US Department of State said on Thursday it had the authority to hold the Iranian government responsible for the protester deaths.

We condemn in the strongest possible terms the deaths to date and the arrests of at least 1,000 Iranians, Department of State spokeswoman Heather Nauert told reporters.

We have ample authorities to hold accountable those who commit violence against protesters, contribute to censorship, or steal from the people of Iran. To the regimes victims, we say: You will not be forgotten, she said.

Iranian army chief General Abdolrahim Mousavi offered to assist police against anti-government demonstrators, though the protests have died down in recent days.

In the event it is necessary, the army would take part in the fight against those led by the devil, Mousavi said on Thursday, according to the Asriran news portal.

Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other hardliners in the countrys theocratic leadership have insisted for days the protests were fomented by foreign powers.

But moderate President Hassan Rouhani said the demonstrations were about jobs and human rights.
US accused of stepping up its acts of intervention in a grotesque way as deadly anti-government protests sweep Iran.

Iran has accused the US of inciting anti-government protests that have gripped the country, and said the Trump administration had flouted international law and the principles of the UN charter by supporting the unrest in a series of absurd tweets.

In a letter sent to Antonio Guterres, UN secretary-general, on Wednesday, Gholamali Khoshroo, the Iranian ambassador to the UN, said the US had crossed every limit by inciting Iranians to engage in disruptive acts.

[The US] has stepped up its acts of intervention in a grotesque way in Irans internal affairs under the pretext of providing support for sporadic protests, which in several instances were hijacked by infiltrators, Press TV quoted Khoshroo as saying.

He criticised US President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence directly for their numerous absurd tweets, that called on Iranians to change their government.

The US Department of State went so far as admitting that the US government wants to encourage protesters in Iran to change their government, admitting that the US is engaged in interfering with the internal affairs of Iran through Facebook and Twitter, Khoshroo said.





The Trump administration is yet to respond to the letter.

At least 22 people have died and more than 450 arrested since anti-government demonstrations erupted across Iran on December 28.

The protests, which have focused on economic and political grievances, have been the largest display of public dissent since pro-reform rallies swept the country in 2009.

Trump, who has banned Iranians from travelling to the US, praised the demonstrators for finally acting against the brutal and corrupt Iranian regime in a tweet earlier this week, and warned that the world is watching.

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

Pence has also offered his support for the demonstrators, saying their rising up  should hearten every freedom-loving American in a tweet on Wednesday.

Iran is the leading state sponsor of terrorism in the world. To see the people of Iran rising up to demand change in their country should hearten every freedom-loving American and people who cherish freedom around the world. #IranProtests  Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) January 3, 2018

Nikki Haley, US ambassador to the UN, said on Tuesday that the US would seek an emergency session of the Security Council and the Human Rights Council to discuss the situation in Iran.

The people of Iran are crying out for freedom, she said. All freedom-loving people must stand with their cause.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans supreme leader, has blamed external enemies for heightening unrest in the country.

Money, weapons, politics and intelligence services have been used by these enemies to undermine stability, he said on Tuesday.

Pro-government rallies

Tens of thousands of Iranians took part in nationwide pro-government demonstrations on Wednesday.

The rallies took place in at least 10 cities, including the Iranian capital of Tehran.

TV pictures showed people carrying banners in support of the government and shouting slogans against the US, Israel and Saudi Arabia.

The footage, carried by state media, was in broad contrast to the coverage of the past weeks demonstrations against Irans leadership.

Al Jazeeras Zein Basravi, reporting from Tehran, said, a few small and short-lived anti-government rallies have taken place overnight Wednesday in a few cities around the country.

[But] what really is at play today are the pro-government, pro-establishment demonstrations and marches being held in major cities across Iran. This really is an effort by the government to bookend this whole episode.

It illustrates to a domestic audience, but also to anyone watching from outside, that the government does enjoy support and that there are tens of thousands of people willing to rally on behalf of the government.

Following the demonstrations, General Mohammad Ali Jafari, head of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), declared unrest in the country as over.

Today, we can announce the end of the sedition, Jafari said, quoted on the Guards website.

A large number of the troublemakers at the centre of the sedition, who received training from counter-revolutionaries  have been arrested and there will be firm action against them, he added.

The UNs human rights chief, Zeid Raad Al Hussein, has urged Iran to handle the situation with great care in order to prevent further violence and unrest.

It is incumbent on the authorities that their actions do not provoke a downward spiral of violence, as occurred in 2009, he said on Wednesday in a statement.

The authorities must take all steps to ensure that this does not happen again.
The UKs pioneering health service is facing a raft of challenges as it enters its seventh decade.

When planning the opening ceremony for the 2012 Olympic Games, director Danny Boyle was tasked with choosing themes that would best sum up the UK.

Some were obvious: the Queen, the Beatles, James Bond, but others less so, at least from outside.

A chain of nurses encircling the main stage, bustling around children who jumped up and down on their hospital beds symbolised the countrys National Health Service (NHS).

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While the Olympics might have seemed a strange place to celebrate a government body, a national poll conducted at the 2012 games ranked the NHS as the institution that made people most proud to be British.

In the 70 years since its founding, the NHS, with its core value of free healthcare for all at the point of delivery, has become not only an intrinsic part of British life, but also an inspiration around the world.

But, as it struggles to cope with funding cuts and an ageing population, the future of the service, and its international reputation is uncertain.

Winters of discontent

On Wednesday, NHS England took the unprecedented step of suspending all non-urgent procedures until the end of January.

The move is designed to free up staff and beds to deal with emergency patients and is expected to affect around 55,000 operations such as cataracts and hip replacements.

British Prime Minister Theresa May apologised to patients whose operations had been postponed while visiting a hospital on Thursday.

I know it is difficult, I know it is frustrating, I know its disappointing for people and I apologise, she said.

Healthcare staff are always under pressure in January as cold weather, flu and higher levels of respiratory illnesses put hospitals under strain.

The NHS is currently experiencing serious challenges due to peaks in demand that occur during the winter period, said Andrew Seaton, a historian of the NHS at New York University.

This has become somewhat of an annual event, though this year looks particularly serious as 21 NHS Trusts have declared a black alert, meaning they can no longer guarantee patient safety, nor run a full range of services, he told Al Jazeera.

This winter has seen reports of individuals waiting 12 hours to see a doctor and patients being treated in corridors.

New data released by NHS England on Thursday showed a 95 percent rise in the number of patients stuck in ambulances for at least an hour during the week of December 25-31  with 4,700 cases up from 2,400 the week before.

Department of Health guidelines say ambulance crews should be able to hand patients over to hospital staff within 15 minutes of arrival.

Underfunded and under stress

Insufficient funding by successive governments, creeping privatisation and an ageing population have combined to create a difficult situation for the British healthcare system and those who work in it.

The population we care for has changed, said Dr Rashed Akhtar, a general practitioner who works between the NHS and private care.

We cannot find GPs to fill vacant spots. by Dr Aisha Awan

We have an ageing population living longer with more complex diseases. Something like dementia, which you can survive a long time with, is still an illness that is very demanding to care for and something I dont think as a society weve got to grips with, he told Al Jazeera.

The resources for the NHS have not matched the needs of the population.





Staffing shortages are exacerbating the situation, placing additional strain on healthcare providers.

We cannot find GPs to fill vacant spots, Dr Aisha Awan, a Manchester-based GP told Al Jazeera.

NHS staff really do go above and beyond: they dont charge by the hour, they stay late and, as a result, theyre tired and spending less time with their families.

The NHS is in part surviving because of the enormous goodwill of staff, but general practice and most specialities are underfunded and almost all clinical staff are feeling stressed and pressured, she said.

The NHS remains a key political issue in the UK and was central to campaigns during both 2017s Brexit vote and the general election.

As the UK moves ahead with preparations to leave the European Union, the services staffing problems look set to worsen.

By limiting migration, the medical profession is likely to suffer and people are likely to suffer. by Andrew Seaton, New York University

Staff recruitment and retention is a huge problem, said Akhtar. Doctors, even at very early stages in their careers, are going to work in places like Australia, New Zealand and Canada where the work-life balance is better, they have less paperwork, and can spend more of their time with patients.

On the cusp of Brexit, one wonders how the gap from that is going to be filled. By limiting migration, the medical profession is likely to suffer and people are likely to suffer, he said.

Seaton agreed, noting some of the NHSs EU and overseas workers, more than 17 percent of the services total workforce, are leaving because of Brexit uncertainty.

The NHS has always relied on overseas workers, right back to the very beginning when it quickly began recruiting doctors and nurses from Commonwealth nations. It would not have lasted without them, he said.





A national religion

The NHS was founded in 1948 by health minister Aneurin Bevan under the Labour government of Clement Attlee in a wave of post-war social reforms.

Today, the service employs more than one million people and remains an important part of British life.

[The by Professor

is there at our most vulnerable times: its there when were born, its there when we die, when our children are born and when our loved ones are sick.]

The NHS enjoys an unparalleled degree of public affection for a welfare institution, said Seaton.

It has not only survived but increased its emotional pull on the public, he told Al Jazeera.

Nigel Lawson, former Conservative MP and member of Margaret Thatchers cabinet, famously described the NHS as the closest thing the English have to a religion.

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I think thats still largely true, said Ian Greener, a professor of social policy at the University of Strathclyde.

Theres a sense that its something important in our society and culture, he told Al Jazeera.

Its there at our most vulnerable times: its there when were born, its there when we die, when our children are born and when our loved ones are sick.

The services value, both financial and emotional, is passionately defended by NHS workers.

We do compare ourselves to other healthcare systems but pound for pound we are better value than any other healthcare system in the world, said Awan.

I think its a fundamental right that every single person has access to healthcare. We dont want a system like America, we dont want a system where the most vulnerable are systematically deprived of good care because of their position in life. People shouldnt have to make life and death decisions.
Saeed Laylaz, former adviser to reformist leader Khatami, discusses the causes and possible effect of ongoing protests.

Nationwide anti-government protests have left nearly two dozen people dead and hundreds of others arrested across Iran.

Erupting amid growing public discontent over widespread unemployment and economic inequality, the protests have taken on an anti-government message and new calls for mass rallies were heard this week.

For its part, the Iranian state mobilised thousands of supporters to march against rampage and disrespect.

The Iranian authorities have accused groups inside the country foreign adversaries of fomenting anger against the government of Hassan Rouhani, Irans president, who was re-elected in May.

Rouhanis landslide victory came after a bitter campaign against hardline candidates Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Tehrans powerful mayor at the time, and Ebrahim Raeesi, head of the massive state-conglomerate Astan Qods Razavi, which is headquartered in Mashhad.

The protests first erupted in Mashhad, Irans second-largest city, which is also where Raeesis father-in-law, Ayatollah Ahmad Alamolhoda, leads the Friday prayers.

The ongoing protests are the most recent challenge to Rouhani, whose ministerial picks turned many of his reformist supporters into critics.

Last month, the government submitted a budget bill for the next fiscal year. Part of its plan to carry out partial economic reforms, including increasing fuel prices and reducing subsidies, the budget generated discontent among low-income Iranians.

The bill revealed the huge costs incurred by religious bodies, whose budgets had been largely unknown prior to that point, sparking further anger and criticism.

These incidents are not unrelated, says senior Iranian economist Saeed Laylaz, a professor at Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran.

Laylaz, who is considered sympathetic to Rouhani, was an adviser to Irans former reformist President Mohammad Khatami and an outspoken critic of his successor, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Al Jazeera spoke to him about the reasons behind the widespread protests and their potential impact.

Al Jazeera: It looks like there is a consensus that Iranian hardliners ignited the protests. What do you think?

Saeed Laylaz: Alamolhoda, Raeesi and Qalibaf started it and Ahmadinejad is extending it. It is, I think, a fight among the factions inside the establishment.

Part of it is to take revenge after the election and part of it is about the succession [to the supreme leader].

Were not facing a protest by the people alone. Were dealing with specific groups. In small cities, they attack to capture police stations. Does a [low-income] teacher, for instance, do that?

Al Jazeera: Is this related to Rouhanis budget bill as well?

Laylaz: It is.

So far, they (the hardliners) have fulfilled their goal. The structure of the budget is back to where it was and it is no longer possible to carry out reforms.

As a result of the protests, the reforms Rouhani had decided to push through  as simplistic and inefficient as they were  will be stopped.

The budget has two characteristics. First, it is the most transparent budget drafted after the Islamic Revolution.

Second, it clearly reflects the political and economic crises in the country.

The same groups that were upset because their budgets were revealed might be playing a role in the unrest.

Al Jazeera: Why did Rouhani increase the budgets of organisations he thinks should not spend as much as they do, and then make it public?

Laylaz: Not only has the budget for some of those bodies increased, but they want more. They say the increase is not enough. If Rouhani does not increase their budget, they wont stand it.

In places whose budgets are rising, he has been under pressure. If you look closely, the budget for the parliament has been reduced. The budget for the Guardian Council (a constitutionally mandated 12-member body that wields considerable power and influence) has also been reduced in the budget bill.

But, so far, the Guardian Council has not accepted the reduction to its budget and it has rejected the bill.

Al Jazeera: Are the protests related to anger among Rouhanis supporters? Many of them were disappointed after an apparent shift where the president became more closely aligned with conservatives, the opposite of promises he made before the election.

Laylaz: People are disappointed in Rouhani, but those who are disappointed are not on the streets. If they were, the streets would have been jam-packed. And those people do not attack police stations.

In my opinion, this is a fight among [factions inside the corridors of] power. This is happening behind the curtain, regardless of what they show and how they act publicly.

Al Jazeera: What impact will these protests have?

Laylaz: This situation will be under control over the next couple of weeks. There will be calm. The government will backtrack from its reform plans and everything will be back to normal, temporarily, until the next crisis.

This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
Qataris allege they were prevented from performing the Umrah pilgrimage by Saudi authorities.

Saudi Arabia has been accused of preventing Qatari pilgrims from performing the Umrah pilgrimage, according to a social media account and a Qatari newspaper report.

In its editorial on Thursday, the Al-Raya newspaper said Saudi Arabia has been taking arbitrary measures against Qatari pilgrims visiting Mecca.

Amid Qatars ongoing diplomatic dispute with Saudi Arabia and its allies, which began in June 2017, Qatari nationals have reported trouble trying to perform pilgrimages in Saudi Arabia.





Last summer, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE, and Egypt cut off diplomatic ties with Doha and imposed a land, sea, and air blockade on the Gulf state.

The quartet accuses Qatar of funding extremist groups and being too close to its regional rival, Iran, accusations the Qataris vehemently deny.

According to Al-Raya, Saudi authorities deported a group of 20 Qatari nationals from Jeddah airport to Kuwait last week, after two days in detention at the facility, while they were on their way to perform the Umrah.

The Umrah is an optional pilgrimage Muslims can perform any time of the year, as opposed to the Hajj, which takes place at a specific time.

Saudi authorities prevented me

On Twitter, at least one Qatari national appeared to confirm the Al-Raya report.

I intended to perform Umrah but Saudi authorities prevented me, said Mohamed Ben Hamid Al Mohanadi, in a tweet dated December 25.

The newspaper said the alleged behaviour was not acceptable religiously or morally and should not be tolerated, adding the incident represented Saudi Arabias continued politicising of religious rites.

Al-Rayas account is one of several reports of Qataris being stopped from performing pilgrimages in Saudi Arabias holy cities, but Riyadh denies the accusations.

There is no truth to the reports on social media platforms that Qataris have been turned away and denied the opportunity to perform Umrah, the Saudi General Presidency of the Grand Mosque told the Okaz newspaper, after similar reports last summer.

Saudi authorities say many Qatari pilgrims have performed the Umrah and other religious rites during the diplomatic crisis.
Analysts say withdrawing US money to Palestinian Authority may deprive US of influence on its leaders.

US President Donald Trumps threat to withdraw aid to the Palestinian Authority (PA) would deprive Washington of its influence on the body, and could cause the Oslo accords to unravel, analysts say.

In a series of tweets on Tuesday, the US president threatened to cut off payments to the PA and accused its leaders of not showing enough appreciation or respect towards the US.

Trump wrote: With the Palestinians no longer willing to talk peace, why should we make any of these massive future payments to them?





Though no move to cut off money to the PA has been confirmed, the comments come amid deteriorating ties between the Trump administration and Palestinian leaders.

Last month, the US sparked outrage among Palestinians and others over its recognition of Jerusalem as Israels capital.

Since then, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has vowed not to partake in any peace plan put forward by the US leader.

According to Ramallah-based development consultant, Sam Bahour, Trumps threat is not without precedent.

This is not the first time cutting or threatening to cut funds were used for political coercion, Bahour told Al Jazeera.

The most glaring example of this was when the US supported elections in 2006 and could not swallow the [idea of] Hamas winning, and the result was cutting funds to the Palestinian Authority.

Nature of aid

The US is one of the largest foreign contributors to the PAs Ministry of Finance, providing it with $477m in the period between January 2012 and May 2016, according to a study by Aid Watch Palestine.

US aid comes in the form of money to help run PA security forces, as well as to help the social welfare of Palestinians through organisations such as the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine (UNRWA).

If the US withdrew its funding, then the PA could face a transformational financial crisis, depending on what form those cuts take, said Jeremy Wildeman, a University of Bath academic and one of the authors of the Aid Watch report.

But due to the irregular timing of payments by the US, the PA was sustained by other international donors and not fully reliant on Washington, Wildeman told Al Jazeera.





The PA could potentially weather US cuts if those are just to direct budgetary support for the PA.

Where things would get difficult for the Palestinians, he argued, would be if the US also stopped funding social welfare projects in the occupied territories.

The US is a very significant donor to Palestinian social welfare through multilateral funds, in particular, UNRWA, where it is far-and-away the biggest donor, accounting for nearly a quarter of UNRWAs budget with about $370m in 2016, Wildeman said.

UNRWA plays a significant role in supporting Palestinian refugees with access to education, healthcare, social services, and employment.

If the US withdrew its funding from UNRWA, that would put enormous strain on the PA to cover those services for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians  that it currently doesnt have to provision, and it would not be able to afford.

Wildeman, like others whom Al Jazeera contacted, argued that as long as welfare services, such as those provided by UNRWA, were left untouched, US cuts could be self-defeating and may even bring about benefit to the lives of ordinary Palestinians.

The US devotes significant, though undisclosed, sums of money to the PA security apparatus that many see as benefiting the Israeli occupation instead of the Palestinian people.

A cut [to security forces] would likely be good, since that is not a priority for the Palestinians when their primary needs are liberation, equality and social welfare, he said, adding there is an enormous debate as to whom they serve and for what purpose.

Inherently problematic

Wildeman stressed that US aid to the PA was not born of altruistic feeling and that the funds bought Washington a level of regional stability and a client sympathetic to US interests among the Palestinian population. Cutting aid, he explained, could cost the US both.

Without funding, that client is unlikely to follow US dictates and the idea that the US is the arbiter of the Peace Process.

Further, without those funds, the PA loses the ability to fund that security apparatus and buy the loyalty of its own population.

Alaa Tartir, programme director of Al Shabaka: The Palestinian Policy Network, told Al Jazeera that US money is fundamentally and inherently problematic for Palestinians and that aid had served as the complementary arm of the Israeli colonial occupation.

US aid has been always used as a political tool, and the conditionality attached to it has always been harmful and damaging for the Palestinians, he said.

The [] cut will have some negative consequences on the lives of the Palestinians, yet the long-term prospect is more positive.

Trump's threat to cut aid offers the ordinary Palestinians a new opportunity to place the principles of self-determination and dignity in the core of the aid framework and industry. by Alaa Tartir, Al Shabaka: The Palestinian Policy Network

According to Tartir, who co-authored the Aid Watch Palestine report with Wildeman, resolving the political roots of Palestinian grievances trumps any benefits received from monetary aid.

He further explained that Trumps potential withdrawal of aid could force the PA to shift from maintaining the current status quo, which he holds responsible for the suffering of Palestinians.

This action by the US administration must push the PA to abandon the framework of the Oslo Accords aid model.

Trumps threat to cut aid offers the ordinary Palestinians a new opportunity to place the principles of self-determination and dignity in the core of the aid framework and industry.

That is a sentiment shared by Wildeman.

By withdrawing its funding, the US could unravel the entire Oslo political process that the US and Western donors have basically driven since 1993, he said, adding many Palestinians do not see that as a negative development.

You will hear quite a number of voices argue that this may not be a bad thing  that Oslo needs to be abandoned since it represents the interests of those governments, and a new type of struggle for social and political rights (needs) to be taken up.
The US president has threatened to cut off millions in aid to Palestine and Pakistan.

Palestinian leaders say they will not be blackmailed after United States President Donald Trump threatened to cut aid worth around three-quarters of a billion dollars a year.

He made the statement on Twitter, blaming Palestinians for refusing to engage in Middle East peace talks.

The Palestinian Authority responded saying the US should not blame Palestinians for its own failures.

Relations with the US have plummeted since Trump recognised Jerusalem as Israels capital last month.

The aid cut threatens money allocated to the Palestinian Authority.

But most US funding goes to development and building projects  and not directly to the Authority itself.

The US is also withholding millions in financial assistance to the Pakistani government, saying Islamabad has given Washington nothing but lies and deceit over the years  accusing the country of being a safe haven for terrorists.

So, whats behind Trumps threats and what will it mean for U.S. policy in the region?

Presenter: Hashem Ahelbarra

Guests:

Steven Rogers  member of the Donald J Trump for President Advisory Board

David Sedney  senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Previously served as deputy US assistant secretary of defense for Afghanistan and Pakistan
Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia has become one of the main destinations for immigration in the world.

According to figures from the United Nations 2015-2016 international migration report, the country is tied with Germany for the second spot in terms of the number of migrants living within its borders, with the United States at the top of the list. Unlike Germany, however, the vast majority of people going to Russia arent political refugees and asylum seekers fleeing war and persecution, but economic migrants looking for employment opportunities.

Most of these migrants come from the former Soviet space, with Central Asia at the forefront of this massive human flow. Every year, tens of thousands leave the republics of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan  the poorest countries in Central Asia  to find seasonal employment in Russias main cities. Some stay for years; others never return home, but their remittances form an important share of their countrys economy.

The World Bank estimates that, in 2014, money sent back home by migrants was comparable to 36.6 percent of Tajikistans GDP, and 30 percent of Kyrgyzstans. But what sort of reception do they get in Russia?

As this film reveals, many manage to make a good home amid a flourishing migrant community but most also routinely endure a corrupt bureaucracy, police harassment, racism and xenophobia.
This last month premiered the latest chapter in one of the most successful movie franchises in history: Star Wars. The movie titled Star Wars: The Last Jedi continues George Lucas's space fantasy, which has captivated millions with diverse themes like good versus evil, the Force, justice, and freedom and characters such as Han Solo, Darth Vader, and Yoda. The newest installment of the saga focuses on the character of Luke Skywalker as the Last Jedi and the biggest threat to the evil First Order. Yet Luke's portrayal in the movie is a representation of the world we will live in if atheism  or its current version, New Atheism  triumphs over faith.

The Last Jedi continues the storyline established for the newest Star Wars trilogy in The Force Awakens as the Resistance looks for, finds, and hopes to recruit Jedi master Luke Skywalker to the cause. Rey, the new trilogy's main protagonist, does indeed find Luke in the end of episode VII and in the new movie tries to recruit Luke to fight for the Resistance. However, the hero of the rebellion is a broken image of his former self. The Skywalker we see in this movie is not the one from the Return of the Jedi, who held hope for the future, the Force, and redemption and who also had a purpose. He's a Skywalker deprived of hope in the Force and the Jedi, rejecting redemption in the case of Kylo Ren, and is without purpose, simply waiting to die. This Skywalker has the same characteristics our society faces in light of the continued assault on religion and faith by New Atheism.

St. Augustine argued that in ourselves we have longing for fulfillment, true and lasting happiness  in other words, the characteristic that wouldn't exist in an atheist society. This characteristic is called hope. We may have hope in achieving our favorite professions, love with partners, or successes that will shape our entire lives, yet after all of this is fulfilled, we will not be satisfied. In Luke we see great hope in Jedi teachings, the redemption of Darth Vader, and the creation of a new Jedi temple, thus he has achieved great things.

Nevertheless, suffering comes in with the failure of Ben Solo and the destruction of his fledgling new Jedi order. But unlike Job, who experiences suffering but as a righteous man never loses faith, Luke loses hope and faith in the divinity that is the Force. Consequently, we have a broken, disappointed master Jedi devoid of hope and purpose, waiting for death. But as the movie progresses, we see Luke regain purpose and faith in the Force, ultimately becoming one with the Force, thus achieving the fulfillment of his life and work.

In The Last Jedi, we see Luke's atheism on full display as he rejects the Force. The result is a deep sense of sadness, a loss of hope and purpose, and a profound feeling of emptiness. This is what we would expect in the purely secular society being offered by the New Atheist. These are inevitable consequences if we remove faith in the transcendent and the divine from our society.

A good example is how the Galactic Empire moved to erase the history of the Jedi Order and the Force by depriving the galaxy of hope, thus crushing any threat to its rule. Nonetheless, in the rebel alliance, the continued use of the phrase "may the Force be with you" is a rallying call of hope that in all this darkness, light will surface and prevail.

If Luke's hope was devoid of the divine force, he wouldn't have achieved his fulfillment, much less helped the Resistance at the end of the movie. In trusting the force, he regains hope and sees that the future of the Jedi was not going to the grave with him; rather, it was going to inspire a new generation of Force-users who would resist and ultimately defeat the First Order.

Some may say atheism does indeed give hope, but it's a hope constrained within scientism and empiricism  better explained, a hope placed solely in what humanity can control. As Pope Benedict XVI in his encyclical Saved by Hope argued, despite failure, a sense of purposiveness, and suffering, the power of hope in God sustains us. Luke Skywalker's initial hopelessness and the subsequent revival of the power of hope give us the strongest indication that atheism's triumph is society's downfall. As in the document from the Second Vatican Council, Joy and Hope, "[t]he future of humanity [the galaxy] lies in the hands of those who are strong enough to provide coming generations with reasons for living and hoping."

Ojel L. Rodriguez Burgos, AKC is a freelance writer and graduate from Kings College, London.
"You cannot reason with a tiger when your head is in its mouth," Winston Churchill famously stated. The Islamist tiger in the United States is ready to pounce, and until Americans understand this enemy, we cannot even begin to fight back. Dispelling myths about jihadist radicalization is only the beginning.

Myth #1: Poor, uneducated, downtrodden youths are more likely to become jihadists.

Many school administrators, local politicians, and community members believe that young adults have a greater chance of becoming jihadists if they hail from an underprivileged, deprived neighborhood. Their solution is to fundraise for after-school programs and free lunches, believing that this will keep the youth "out of trouble." This 1960s thinking will not solve the jihadist problem because it is not about money or more programs. It is about an extreme ideology and belief system.

According to a 2016 World Bank study, most jihadists grew up in a middle-class family and earned at least a college degree. "There is no link between poverty or educational levels and radicalization."

According to the Gatestone Institute, "Britain's MI5 revealed that 'two-thirds of the British suspects have a middle-class profile and those who want to be suicide bombers are often the most educated."

Jihadi leaders who used their fortunes and education for jihad include:

Osama bin Laden: estimated net worth $300 million, studied at King Abdulaziz University and summer at Oxford.

Ayman al-Zawahiri: head of al-Qaeda, was a medical doctor.

Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab: the "underwear bomber," had a degree from University College in London.

Omar Saeed Sheik: terrorist who was convicted of murdering American journalist Daniel Pearl, attended the London School of Economics.

Fourteen-, fifteen-, and sixteen-year-old girls, all honor students from middle-class families, left London to join ISIS in Syria, where one of them, Kadiza Sultana, was killed in an airstrike.

Myth #2: Radicalized jihadists are deranged, psychopathic criminals.

It seems far-fetched for an American adolescent to willingly leave home to fight for jihad. Yet three honor-roll high school girls from an upper-class Colorado neighborhood joined ISIS online and planned to board an airliner headed east when they were intercepted (rescued) by the FBI. In addition, a straight-A, all-American couple (one of whom was a popular cheerleader) planned to celebrate their honeymoon in Syria with ISIS before they were convicted of terrorism. A single American mother of two planned to join the caliphate, leaving her children as orphans, until undercover FBI agents arrested her.

A RAND Corporation study found that "terrorists are not particularly impoverished, uneducated[,] or afflicted by mental disease. Demographically, their most important characteristic is normalcy. Terrorist leaders tend to come from relatively privileged backgrounds."

Psychiatrist and George Washington University professor Dr. Jerrold Post stated, "[N]ormal people, not psychopaths or criminals, generally become radicalized. Unexceptional people are moved to exceptional violence." Crazy people are more likely to be victims of jihadists than members of a terrorist organization. Yearning for emotional security, purpose, and a routine, many teens are manipulated into believing in fundamentalist Islam and make some very bad decisions.

Myth #3: People are driven to terrorism by religious inequality and lack of social justice.

Jihadi recruiters create strategies to manipulate vulnerable youths by using religious, political, or psychological lures. College students are particularly vulnerable and may become enamored with a charismatic professor, a political or religious club member, or chat room recruiters.

Social media are the most common avenue for jihadi recruiting. Quantum Researchers found many reasons for joining jihad, none of which involves social injustice, discrimination, or inequality. Lonely, isolated teens unsure of their identity, searching for redemption or vindication from sin; thrill-seekers searching for adventure; and justice-seekers hoping to right a wrong are ripe for indoctrination.

Myth #4: Lone wolves are individuals who radicalize themselves online in their basements.

The term "lone wolf" means that the perpetrator of the terrorist attack did so without any affiliation or influence from a larger group, completely on his own. Terror does not occur in a vacuum. With opportunities online, in mosques, in schools, at open lectures, and at social events, people don't become radicalized on their own.

The FBI created the term "known wolves" because suspects were being watched or were on the radar, but police were not aware of behavior warranting arrest.

Extremists do not suddenly become terrorists by reading an article online or meeting someone at an event. Radicalization is a process that requires an internal and external element together.

First, internally, there may be an emptiness, loneliness, or incompleteness that provides the recruiter the opportunity to exploit the youth who is looking for some relief. Second, the external element is a radical recruiter, imam, or mosque member who approaches the prospective jihadi. When the internal and external elements meet, the opportunity to radicalize occurs. A so-called "lone wolf" may be internally exposed, usually online in a chat room, but must meet a handler to bring him through the radicalization process.

Myth #5: All people have the same values and want the same things.

Which bumper sticker works better for you: "death is art" or "coexist"?

It depends on your values. Most Western leaders ignore, rationalize, or deny sharia law and the Quran, as if they will change or become negotiable. But it is undeniable that radical Muslims will never compromise on their endgame as written: complete and total Islamist supremacy. "Allahu akbar!" means "Our god is greater" (than yours), therefore jihadists seek to convince all non-Muslims, or infidels, to follow sharia law.

All people do not want the same things in life or in death. Islamists believe they are doing the "right thing" by cleansing the world of the infidel. When the martyr (shaheed) dies, it is believed that 70 members of his family will receive a "get into heaven free card." The so-called martyr himself will receive hero status and 72 virgins. These extreme jihadist Muslims look forward to death when they can look beyond life on Earth. Seeking the highest rewards after death, as specifically prescribed in the Quran, is one of the highest Muslim honors. All of life's decisions are prescribed by the Quran.

By dispelling myths and understanding ourselves, our adversaries, and the dangers before us, we can better face the security challenges ahead. Remember the wisdom of Winston Churchill: "[o]ne ought never to turn one's back on a threatened danger and try to run away from it. If you do that, you will double the danger. But if you meet it promptly and without flinching, you will reduce the danger by half." Good advice.

Valerie Greenfeld is the author of Backyard Caliphate: Preventing Radicalization in Our Neighborhoods. To pre-order the book, go to www.backyardcaliphate.com.
Most Americans are not familiar with the name of Kristian Saucier, but they should be. He is the U.S. Navy sailor sentenced to prison for taking pictures inside the nuclear submarine he served in. He was not a spy for a foreign power. He had no intent, to coin a phrase, to do anything with these photos except keep them as personal memories of his proud and honorable service.

A [U.S.] Navy sailor was sentenced on Friday to a year in prison for taking photos of classified areas inside a nuclear attack submarine while it was in port in Connecticut. Kristian Saucier, of Arlington, Vermont, appeared in federal court in Bridgeport, where a judge also ordered him to serve six months of home confinement with electronic monitoring during a three-year period of supervised release after the prison time. He pleaded guilty in May to unauthorized detention of defense information and had faced five to six years in prison under federal sentencing guidelines. Saucier admitted to taking six photos of classified areas inside the USS Alexandria in 2009 when it was in Groton and he was a 22-year-old machinist mate on the submarine. The photos showed the nuclear reactor compartment, the auxiliary steam propulsion panel[,] and the maneuvering compartment, prosecutors said. Saucier took the photos knowing they were classified, but did so only to be able to show his family and future children what he did while he was in the Navy, his lawyers said. He denied sharing the photos with any unauthorized recipient.

No doubt Saucier watched with bitterly ironic interest as the email scandals involving former secretary of state Hillary Clinton and aide Huma Abedin unfolded with tales of private servers, mishandled classified emails, smashed devices, and scrubbed hard drives. After all that, despite laying out a case for Hillary's indictment and incarceration, FBI director James Comey, who was writing her exoneration memo before even conducting a sham of an investigation, said no prosecutor worth his salt would bring a case because Hillary lacked "intent" even though the law regarding mishandling of classified information does not require intent.

Yet prosecutors did not require "intent" to prosecute Kristian Saucier, did they, Mr. Comey? He was neither "grossly negligent" or "extremely careless," but rather taking a few pictures to show his grandchildren. His life turned upside-down, he watches Hillary and Huma get a free pass up to this point, poster children for the Clinton adage that laws are for the little people.

Saucier took six photos for his memory book, whereas Huma Abedin was forwarding classified material that she and her boss, Hillary Clinton, were mishandling to a laptop Abedin's sexual predator husband, Anthony Weiner, had access to and emails containing State Department passwords to a Yahoo email account foreign actors had hacked:

Huma Abedin forwarded sensitive State Department emails, including passwords to government systems, to her personal Yahoo email account before every single Yahoo account was hacked, a Daily Caller News Foundation analysis of emails released as part of a lawsuit brought by Judicial Watch shows. Abedin, the top aide to former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, used her insecure personal email provider to conduct sensitive work. This guarantees that an account with high-level correspondence in Clinton's State Department was impacted by one or more of a series of breaches  at least one of which was perpetrated by a "state-sponsored actor." The U.S. later charged Russian intelligence agent Igor Sushchin with hacking 500 million Yahoo email accounts. The initial hack occurred in 2014 and allowed his associates to access accounts into 2015 and 2016 by using forged cookies. Sushchin also worked for the Russian investment bank Renaissance Capital, which paid former [p]resident Bill Clinton $500,000 for a June 2010 speech in Moscow.

Which put America's national security at risk: Saucier's photos or Hillary's and Huma's handling of classified emails? Saucier is understandably bitter at the double standard applied in his low-level case, which ruined his life, while Huma Abedin and Hillary Clinton remain free:

A former U.S. Navy sailor has fallen on hard times after serving a year in jail for taking photos of classified areas inside a nuclear submarine, and says a tweet by President Trump on Tuesday morning has restored his hope for a pardon. Kristian Saucier, of Arlington, Vt., told Fox News in an interview Tuesday he is on the verge of losing his home, which is in foreclosure, and is unable to pay all his bills, despite working at least 70 hours a week as a trash collector[.] ... Trump  who raised the possibility of pardoning Saucier a year ago but had not since mentioned the case publicly, tweeted on Tuesday morning: "Crooked Hillary Clinton's top aide, Huma Abedin, has been accused of disregarding basic security protocols. She put Classified Passwords into the hands of foreign agents. Remember sailors pictures on the submarine? Jail! Deep State Justice Dept must finally act? Also on Comey & others." Saucier told Fox News the tweet fills him with renewed hope the president may come through with a pardon. The felony conviction, paired with a dishonorable discharge and stripping of veteran disability benefits, ha[s] made it difficult for Saucier to earn enough money to support his family. "We're hopeful with that tweet today," said Saucier, referring to himself and his wife, Sadie. "He mentioned me quite a few times when he was campaigning, and said it was a double standard how Hillary Clinton and Huma Abedin were handled. I mishandled low-level class information and they went after me with the full weight of the government. Hillary Clinton and Huma Abedin flagrantly mishandled high-level information, making it available to a pedophile, and they get away with it."

Hopefully, they will not continue to get away with it. Huma Abedin is a felon, as is her boss, Hillary Clinton. They have benefited from a criminal conspiracy to cover up their crimes and bring down duly elected President Trump, a conspiracy involving James Comey; deputy FBI director Andrew McCabe; FBI agent Peter Strzok, who interviewed both Hillary and Huma; FBI counsel James Baker; DOJ official Bruce Ohr; and even Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and Special Counsel Robert Mueller. The question is not whether we need another special counsel, but how many more, if you throw in Uranium One and the fake dossier Hillary and the DNC paid for. Infrastructure? How about adding a Clinton wing at Leavenworth?

And one more thing: Kristian Saucier should be pardoned in a public White House ceremony. The parents of traitor Bowe Bergdahl were welcomed by President Obama. Unlike Bergdahl, who walks free while counting his back pay, Kristian Saucier, as Susan Rice might say, genuinely served his country with honor and distinction.

Saucier made a mistake. Hillary and Huma committed crimes. The only pictures in their future should be frontal and profile shots with their inmate numbers underneath.

Daniel John Sobieski is a freelance writer whose pieces have appeared in Investors Business Daily, Human Events, Reason Magazine, and the Chicago Sun-Times among other publications.
Unprecedented social and political conflict was laid bare in 2017, the likes of which have seldom been seen before. Our American social fabric is in tatters. We are looking less enlightened and more divided than at any time since the Civil War. Progressives on both seaboards are in a battle for political supremacy over old-school thinkers. Boundaries are analogous to a resurrection of the Mason-Dixon line, except it's now the East and West Coasts versus the rest of America. Comparing more recent history, we look even less unified than we did in the 1960s  which says something painful about our current political climate. What's it all about?

It's about cognitive dissonance and the hatred of one prominent man: our courageous president, Donald Trump. Because of a startling election victory and the president's penchant for keeping promises, hideous lies, innuendo, and insults fly from liberal and conservative mouths alike. Mainly powered by vitriolic progressive henchmen, this election was largely misunderstood by the over-privileged and their cronies. Zero tolerance for opposing opinions has been widespread. Meanwhile, the world laughs at the comedic chasing down of an imaginary Russian menace.

As parents, we have sacrificed to put our young people through college and graduate school only to have them emerge with damaged attitudes and socialist beliefs. Some poorly advised students unwisely shouldered huge college loans. When they failed to make good on their promissory notes in a fashion commensurate with their earning power, they believed that society should rescue them from their irresponsible choices. Bernie lost the primary, their socialist ideals crumbled, and they turned to his opponent for consolation.

In the previous century, American citizens would have graciously accepted the election results and moved on with their lives. Instead of raucous protest, they went back to raising their children and quietly making positive changes within their communities. Generally, only a few kooks dove off the deep end to lead marches against the establishment. In bygone days, none acted out like the maniacal banshees currently screaming at the heavens over their lost election. This achieves nothing, but it demonstrates how foolishly self-involved they are in their attempts to derail this president.

Our new president's modus operandi continues to prick the softer psyches of the social justice warriors who insist on brutal intervention against those who do not agree with them. They believe that Trump is taking us backward, but they do not realize how the previous administration was leading us into financial ruin, perpetual social unrest, and quite possibly a world war. Their belief that the "popular vote" was more important than the Electoral College is a damning commentary on their ignorance. The Founders understood the need for balance and fairness while extending inclusivity to a vast and diverse national population. Now it is more critical than ever.

The media are largely to blame. Their ideological hyperbole is like a plague that never quite disappears. Frankly, I'm amazed that so many journalists have such little regard for truth-telling and for following the old journalistic code of honoring objectivity. In many ways, it is akin to a physician's code of "do no harm." But these media are doing harm by siding with any party. Originally, they were intended to be watchdogs for our Republic  not opinion-generators or facilitators of rage. Unfortunately, the left's "in your face" political pedanticism rages on, fueled by dishonesty and revenge.

Academics are the most seriously afflicted. Many have morphed into disruptive archetypal leaders. Simpering young progressives, coddled by their egotistical superiors, are propagating radical social engineering while provoking hatred against those who disagree. Their ill conceived prejudices and selfish forms of social justice are twisted, relentless, and unforgiving. Delighted with their egocentric superiority, they see themselves as overlords of the "peasant class." Why? It's because they possess an expensive education. Such feudalistic attitudes have been rejected time and again over the millennia. This is why Trump was elected. By traditional definition, he is not a politician. However, he is playing by the cutthroat rules invented by the left. Ironically, leftists don't like the turnabout, stating that his attitudes are "unpresidential."

At the beginning of President Trump's administration, several friends informed me that if I supported the Republican Party or any of its ideals, our relationship would end. I do not support, nor have I ever supported anyone based on religious, racial, or political affiliation. Neither will I be intimidated. My proposal is this: let's elect diverse leaders with common sense, who will put their countrymen first, demonstrating sympathy to others but only when Americans of all stripes regain an equal footing in their own nation. Progressivism erodes the sand from beneath our feet.

As we have become painfully aware, social media are spectacularly effective at getting one's opinion published but have escalated the war. Those who hurl their negative opinions across the internet are often unprincipled instigators of unrest. Contributing nothing constructive, they trade in ignorant name-calling, taunts, and obscenities  no facts. In the adult world, this is unacceptable. Civil discussion is preferable to street fights. This is a bloodless war, but nonetheless damaging to our national cohesion.

Faceless internet attacks are one thing, but personal attacks are quite another. The incendiary rhetoric I've personally experienced is amusing but sad. My main progressive demons are two people whom I formerly admired and loved. One is an academic, now steeped in anti-American policy, while the other was my best friend of thirty-five years. Both are blind to anything short of the deification of our previous commander-in-chief, plus both have an unfounded adoration for his female acolyte, who miserably lost the election due to her dishonest intentions. The academic has unmitigated anger issues and teaches impressionable college students with Alinskyite precision. Hiding behind the internet for over a year, these two have regularly lobbed hateful emotional bombs from various venues. Do they honestly believe that these cowardly devices will succeed in changing the course of our nation or my mind?

To paraphrase Nelson Mandela as he expressed his state of mind when he left captivity: "[a]s I walked out of the prison gates toward freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be imprisoned." Mandela was dedicated to forgiveness, which was his ultimate key to a lifetime of success and admiration. My progressive friends' personal prisons are lamentable. Perhaps they and their wayward army will eventually learn that guerrilla tactics are futile against staunchly rooted American exceptionalism. It's all about choices, forgiveness, and working together toward positive outcomes. We must pray that the new year of 2018 will provide balance, prosperity, and global peace.
The bubbling tensions between President Donald Trump and his former senior adviser Steve Bannon escalated into an all-out street brawl on social media Wednesday, as excerpts from Bannon in the forthcoming book Fire and Fury circulated. Of course, the president fired back. Trump always fires back, and it's absolutely one reason he was nominated, then elected. But a sober analysis of his tweeting and responses reaches the inescapable conclusion that he responds at times when he should not.

That I, a reluctant Trump-supporter, would say this draws only derision from the universe of supporters who demand 100% fealty. But hey, even Milo, one of Trump's early adopters and biggest supporters over the past two years, understands this dynamic. In explaining his shocking "daddy" reference to the president, Milo stated that it has to do with the fact that while Trump's "got your back," he can also sometimes "make you cringe and embarrass you in front of your friends."

I agree on all points. So is Trump right to punch back at Bannon? Well, yes and no. I submit that I'm in a perfect position to comment, since I was an associate of Bannon in our fight against the Republican establishment, and it's relevant that our professional relationship was strained when my support for Trump did not measure up to Steve's demands. And it's instructive that where Steve and I disagree, I tend to be in agreement with Trump  and where I disagree with Trump, it's often where I do agree with Bannon.

For example, Trump was totally wrong, at least in context, when he replied that "Steve was a staffer who worked for me after I had already won the nomination by defeating seventeen candidates" and rubbed salt into the wound by adding that "Steve had very little to do with our historic victory."

That's utter nonsense in context. Yes, technically, Bannon did not join the team until the primary season was over. But in proper context, Bannon had a major impact on Trump's primary campaign success as the executive chairman at Breitbart prior. It's why he got the Trump job, for crying out loud. For Trump to dismiss Steve's contribution now is to make Steve's shocking hire in the summer of 2016 look ridiculous.

Consider that for years, Breitbart, not to mention Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, The Drudge Report, and other conservative outlets had been pretty much 100% philosophical matches for Ted Cruz, not to mention big supporters of how Scott Walker turned Wisconsin upside-down.

When all of those outlets went all in for Trump, and not Walker or Cruz, in the primary season, it had a major impact on the race. They were worth some 2 billion dollars' worth of free positive coverage to Trump in the primary season alone. A study I conducted of Limbaugh's transcripts showed about 500 million dollars' worth of coverage on just his show.

This P.R. was a massive factor, and for those who want to make the "chicken and egg" argument  which is reasonable  I will remind you that all of those outlets, including Breitbart, were all in for Trump before Trump gained his irresistible momentum, and they are perhaps why and how he ever gained it in the first place.

This is what I had predicted in March of 2015, here and in Breitbart: that the Republican who won the "Limbaugh Breitbart talk radio internet primary" would win the nomination, period. End of discussion. Trump was not in the race at the time, but he clearly ended up winning that universe overall by a wide margin. Cruz was the second fave among those platforms by a wide margin.

Not coincidentally, Trump and Cruz were 1-2 in actual voting as well. And again, the salient point to this is that Bannon had a helluva lot to do with Trump's win before he officially joined the campaign. In fact, at the time, the joke was that Bannon had changed employers but had retained the same job: as "Trump's campaign manager."

Then there's the general election campaign itself. There is no way to minimize the contributions that both Bannon and Kellyanne Conway made to the efforts. We'll never know for sure what might have happened, but we do know that Trump's polls improved mightily after those two took charge and that in the end, the national pollsters were almost spot-on accurate with the popular vote, even if they missed the Electoral College outcome.

Something improved on Team Trump after Bannon took over, and I refuse to believe that it was coincidence. Steve Bannon is one of the five people on the planet most responsible for Trump's win. Trump is numero uno, of course, but Steve is on that list, along with Drudge; Hannity; and the bumbling, boring Hillary Clinton. Without the efforts of all five, the outcome would be different. It was that close, and these people were all that important.

So where was Trump right? Bannon and Alabama. Forget the specifics of Roy Moore and the accusers for a second, and keep in mind that in general, Steve Bannon loathes the Republican establishment even more than he loathes the Democratic left. And he guides the content at Breitbart consistently with that emphasis.

The fact is, the despicable Mitch McConnell should've never stuck his nose, and his super-PAC money, into that primary in the first place on behalf of Luther Strange. Trump should not have endorsed him, and Moore should have never entered. Mo Brooks was a perfectly suitable candidate who would almost always vote for Trump's agenda, who could've beaten Strange  and any Democrat.

Remember: there are ten Democrat senators in Trump states facing election in 2018, and those are easier primaries to win without an establishment incumbent to deal with. Moreover, the risk of handing the gavel to Chuck Schumer is lessened, not increased, by focusing on these.

But Bannon wants to "burn it all down," meaning primarily the Republican establishment. I prefer overwhelming the establishment with numbers by winning the easier primaries.

As for Bannon's accusations regarding some of Trump's family and other Trump supporters vis-a-vis Russia and some other issues, time will tell whether he is right or not. I have no particular insight into those issues, only predicting that the entire Russia collusion story will end up as nothing.

In the meantime, a Trump versus Bannon fight is not helpful to anyone who wants to keep the socialist Democrat statists in check. When the fighting is intramural, we get the disaster of Alabama. When we keep our eye on the ball, we get the tax reform win. I want more wins, fewer Alabamas in the coming year.

Edmund Wright is a longtime contributor to American Thinker, Breitbart, and Newsmax TV and the author of WTF? How Karl Rove and the Establishment Lost...Again.
French president Emmanuel Macron is proposing a law that would place restrictions on social media sites on the content they allow online during elections.

France does not have a First Amendment or anything resembling legal free speech protections.

The restrictions are draconian and appear designed to protect the reputations of politicians more than the dissemination of "truth" on the internet.

BBC:

Speaking at a new year reception for the media, Mr[.] Macron said it was possible now at a cost of just a few thousand euros to propagate untruths over social media. "Thousands of propaganda accounts on social networks are spreading all over the world, in all languages, lies invented to tarnish political officials, personalities, public figures, journalists," he said. In response, he proposed imposing tougher rules on social media about revealing the sources of apparent news content. He also said limits would be put on how much could be spent on sponsored news material. "We will develop our legal system to protect democracy from this fake news," he said, quoted by AFP.

Who is to decide whether information about a politician is "fake" or not?

France's audiovisual regulator would be given extra powers to "fight any destabili[z]ation attempt by television channels controlled or influenced by foreign states[,]" he added. Mr[.] Macron denounced Russia media outlets RT and Sputnik at a joint news conference with Russian [p]resident Vladimir Putin last May, accusing them of spreading "deceitful propaganda[.]" Since then RT has launched a French-language TV channel.

The bottom line is that the "audiovisual regulator" will have enormous power to decide what should be banned and what should be allowed. It's a remarkable development in a supposedly free country. What is to stop the regulator from banning speech simply because he disagrees with it? Will information about global warming that doesn't comport with "accepted" science be squashed? The nightmare prospect of legitimate political speech being banned because the regulator disagrees with it will become real in France.

Macron wants to treat voters like five-year-old children, unable to resist the siren call of "fake news." We have a similar problem with some politicians in America, who are trying to make a case that Donald Trump was elected because millions of voters were swayed by fake news from Russia. True, some low-information voters believed that Hillary Clinton and other Democrats were involved in a child sex ring, and there were other outrageously false claims about her (and Trump). But those predisposed to believe this nonsense were not going to vote for the opposition candidate anyway, so it's an open question whether "fake news" had any effect at all on the election.

Will the French law crack down on major media outlets who spread lies about the National Front, the nationalist party in France? Somehow, it's likely that those incidents will get buried in the bureaucracy.
There is no doubt that China wants to subjugate Asia, echoing Japan's role during World War II. For those who think China's economy might overtake the United States economy, and thus make China a more formidable adversary, this article aims to provide detail on China's main constraint in that ambition: that its domestic coal production is near its peak and will then go into long-term decline.

Even if China can keep its energy supply constant with an accelerated expansion of its nuclear power sector, the cost of producing coal from deeper mines will mean that the costs of industrial production will rise due to higher feedstock costs. One of the reasons that China produces the world's cheapest solar panels, for example, is because it has some of the world's cheapest coal-fired power. German solar panel-producers are hobbled by that country's energiewende, which, translated from the German, means the miracle required to replace coal and nuclear power with sunbeams and breezes and still have a functioning economy.



Figure 1: The United States and China: Primary Energy Consumption by fuel in 2016.

To put China's situation in perspective, Figure 1 shows the contributions to total energy supply in China and the United States in 2016 expressed in millions of tonnes of oil equivalent (data from the 2017 BP Statistical Review of World Energy). [Editor's note: One tonne, or metric ton, is equal to about 1.102 U.S. tons.] Coal absolutely dominates China's energy supply. This would be good for China if its coal were going to last a long time. But China is depleting is coal endowment rapidly.



Figure 2: World Coal Production, 1830-2014.

One of the reasons why the U.K. dominated the Industrial Revolution is because it was the major coal-producer on the planet at the time. China now dominates world coal production with half the total.



Figure 3: UK Coal and Oil Production, 1853-2016.

What goes up in fossil fuel production must eventually come down. A classic case of that is the U.K., which provides two fossil fuel production peaks. That country's coal production peaked in 1913 and, over the subsequent century, fell to a little over one hundredth of the peak production rate.



Figure 4: China's domestic coal supply, 1950-2100.

Figure 4 is taken from a review written by five Chinese academics of physical supply and energy return on investment of fossil fuels in China. The solid blue area is their best estimate of China's future coal production, with the peak year just two years away in 2020. Then, after 2030, production is expected to fall about half as fast as it rose from 2000 to 2012.

The implications of this are profound. According to the theory of resource extraction, the coal that is easiest to mine is mined first, and then, after half of the total resource is mined and consumed, operating costs per tonne start rising as supply falls. The era of the cheap energy that fueled China's economic expansion in the 21st century is almost over. Note the little spike in production on the graph in 1960, which was due to the Great Leap Forward.



Figure 5: China Fuel Consumption, 1965-2030.

China is now the largest oil-importer at eight million barrels per day. Up to one million barrels per day of this has been going into building the country's strategic petroleum reserve. China wants to avoid some of Japan's mistakes in World War II, and thus its strategic petroleum reserve is thought to be close to one billion barrels. This includes a cargo of crude sold from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve at Bryan Mound that was unloaded at the port of Qingdao in China. Selling down one's strategic reserves ahead of an event that will call upon strategic reserves is unwise. China's domestic oil production peaked in 2015 at four million barrels per day and is now in long-term decline, falling at about 250,000 barrels per day per annum. The forecast has oil consumption flat in line with an economy that is growing at Japanese-type rates. Any increase in demand will increase China's import dependency, though it does have a coal-to-liquids industry that could produce up to a million barrels per day.

China's coal production increased at 8.3% per annum from 2000 to 2012, with economic growth at about the same rate over that period. The production peak is expected to be in 2020, with a moderate initial rate of decline that accelerates to 60 million tonnes per annum from 2028. For electric power production, part of that decline will be made good by China's nuclear power plant build. As the cost of coal rises in China, the economics of nuclear power will improve. But if China wants to have any economic growth from here, it will have to either start importing a lot of coal or accelerate its nuclear plant build.

Either way, the salad days of China's economic growth are over. In fact, the Chinese will have to paddle harder, year after year, to stop economic contraction.

David Archibald is the author of American Gripen: The Solution to the F-35 Nightmare.
As promised, U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley held a reception not only for those nations who stood with the U.S. on a U.N. vote condemning the U.S. on its decision to announce the reality that Jerusalem is Israel's capital, but also including those who abstained or were absent. As the CNN reporters noted:

[U.N.] receptions generally include invitations for most, if not all, nations. However, depending on the issue, smaller receptions and dinner parties certainly can be held. But receptions held by a powerful [U.N.] member[-]country that publicly highlight the absence of dozens of other countries are extremely rare. Ambassadors walking into the reception were diplomatic about the "Friends of the [U.S.]" title for the evening to which many members were not invited.

As Haley explained in a tweet:

It's easy for friends to be with you in the good times, but it's the friends who are with you during the challenging times that will never be forgotten. Thank you to the 64.

The U.S.'s non-friends are also being remembered. President Donald J. Trump (R) announced:

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! 6:12 AM - Jan 1, 2018

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 don't even want to negotiate a long overdue...

...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? 4:37 PM - Jan 2, 2018

But...but...if we don't bribe...um, graciously donate extortion money...um, again...gifts, our non-friends will get angry. Really angry.

"The real risk on that Trump-Pakistan debate is [that] it exacerbates the situation because you know they are going ballistic about this," said Scott Lucas, a professor of American studies at the U.K.'s University of Birmingham. U.S. criticism of Pakistan is nothing new, but Lucas said there did not appear to be a clear, underlying strategy behind Trump's messages. "It's going to complicate our relationship with them for a while," he said. Mushahid H. Syed, the chairman of Pakistan's Senate Defense Committee, said Trump was trying to "bully, blame[,] and browbeat" his country.

Oh, dear.

Party on, friends. More goodies to come!

America is back. MAGA!
In his stemwinder piece on the early chaotic days of the Trump administration, Michael Wolff would have us believe that Donald Trump really didn't want to be president.

It's a desperate, pathetic new narrative, because up until now, the left has been adamant that Trump colluded with the Russians to do it.

Writing in the reliably anti-Trump New York magazine, the same one that published the gag-inducing photo spread of Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski as some kind of celebrity media love couple, Wolff now tries to discredit the Trump presidency and its many accomplishments by claiming that Trump was just somehow thrown in there and by some twist of fate ended up president.

As the campaign came to an end, Trump himself was sanguine. His ultimate goal, after all, had never been to win. "I can be the most famous man in the world," he had told his aide Sam Nunberg at the outset of the race. His longtime friend Roger Ailes, the former head of Fox News, liked to say that if you want a career in television, first run for president. Now Trump, encouraged by Ailes, was floating rumors about a Trump network. It was a great future. He would come out of this campaign, Trump assured Ailes, with a far more powerful brand and untold opportunities. "This is bigger than I ever dreamed of," he told Ailes a week before the election. "I don't think about losing, because it isn't losing. We've totally won."

Even if it were true, such talk is nothing more than the reassurances one gives oneself when one undertakes a tremendously risky venture. Any smart person does this.

Trump didn't run like some guy who didn't want to win. He ran roughshod over seventeen Republican candidates during the primaries; often said things he shouldn't have said; fought for Wisconsin and Michigan and Pennsylvania with superhuman energy in repeatedly huge rallies; and never gave up anywhere in the campaign, even with the most tremendous setbacks that would have shaken any weaker candidate out. How on Earth does anyone survive that decades-old Billy Bush tape just days before the general election? How does anyone deal with the constant negativity of the press and the push-polls that kept saying he was losing, day after day? Trump showed the strength and the guts to soldier on  and he won.

Yet up until now, Trump was somehow busy colluding with the Russians to steal the election from its rightful heir, Hillary Clinton, who couldn't quite stand up straight for the 9/11 memorial  or, more to the point, give a straight answer about her obvious health problems, let alone state a plan for fixing Obamacare. Nor could she bother to campaign in Wisconsin or Ohio, among their deplorables.

Based on the reality of what went on during that Trump campaign, Trump wouldn't have had time to collude with the Russians even if he wanted to sell off more of America's uranium supply in exchange for emoluments.

And to claim he didn't want to be president is simply absurd.

Ironically, the same claim was made about Obama, who reportedly considered his first presidential run a dry run with no serious hopes of winning. Like Trump, he campaigned hard and was blessed with a weak opponent. Reportedly, he was surprised when he won. Everyone is surprised when he wins; why do you think Miss Universe crownings are so tear-filled? When a new pope is named, he's promptly whisked off to something called the crying room so he can cry it out before he goes out onto the balcony to wave. It's always an emotional moment when someone wins something big.

There were people who were surprised at Trump's win, too, but I was not one of them. Gas prices had hit $3 a gallon, the U.S. was at a historic 75-year inflection point, Brexit and Colombia's referendum signaled change from afar, the IBD-TIPP poll pointed to a Trump victory, and the small money in the betting parlors overwhelmingly favored Trump. So much for surprises if you watch a lot of presidential elections and know what to watch for.

The Wolff piece is an engrossing read, but it's missing a lot of context and has only biased sources looking out for themselves to go on. File it under fiction, right next to the Russian collusion narrative.
Before progressives start celebrating the dissolution of the Election Integrity Commission, they had better figure out what lies ahead. President Trump announced late yesterday that the Election Integrity Commission, headed by Kansas secretary of state Kris Kobach, will be dissolved.

"Rather than engage in endless legal battles at taxpayer expense, today President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order to dissolve the Commission, and he has asked the Department of Homeland Security to review its initial findings and determine next courses of action," White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement. The commission, led by Vice President Mike Pence and Kansas [s]ecretary of [s]tate Kris Kobach, had asked all 50 states and the District of Columbia to hand over reams of personal voter data, including voters' names, voting histories[,] and party affiliations.

If the left thinks it's home free, and that this announcement is a victory, it had better remember whom it is dealing with: a man who is accustomed to encountering obstacles and overcoming them  one way or another. Kris Kobach and Donald Trump are in sync.

Kobach characterized the decision to dissolve the bipartisan group as a "tactical change" and argued DHS can pursue an investigation of election fraud more quickly and efficiently.

Kobach expanded on this with Breitbart:

"What's happening is a tactical shift where the mission of the commission is being handed off to Homeland Security without the stonewalling by Democrats," Kobach told Breitbart News. "I'll be working closely with the White House and DHS to ensure [that] the investigations continue," Kobach continued.

I think the left has outsmarted itself by making alleged "Russian hacking" of the election a national security issue. This opens the door for DHS  armed with far more investigatory power than any commission might exercise  to go full bore at election fraud. President Trump tried it the nice way, only to encounter obstruction. Now it is time for Plan B, and I am pretty sure that Democrats will not like it at all.

And it is not as though there are no problems:

Kobach, who served as vice chairman of the voter fraud commission, blasted organizations like the ACLU and NAACP, along with Democrats in Congress and on the commission who attempted to halt the panel in its tracks. "They have absolutely no interest in stopping voter fraud," Kobach said. "It's truly extraordinary that one party in our system has made clear that they don't care." "Some people on the [l]eft were getting uncomfortable about how much we were finding out," Kobach continued. Thus far, the voter fraud commission has revealed: 938 convictions for voter fraud since the year 2000

Fewer than 1 in 100 cases ends in a conviction

In Kansas, alone, there are 127 known cases of non-citizen aliens registering to vote

In 21 states, there were 8,471 cases of double[-]voting discovered The commission will now more soundly operate without hold-ups in courts, lawsuits, and political battles, a move that Kobach says Democrats brought onto themselves. "The investigations will continue now, but they won't be able to stall [it] through litigation," Kobach told Breitbart News.

Those running the progressive left understand the stakes in vote fraud: their power. That is why this move toward energetic investigation under the mantle of national security may be far more fateful than it appears on the surface. Before trying to obstruct President Trump, be careful what you wish for.
He said that the agreement was a joint creation of the PNG government and the ABG and the two governments must work together to implement it.

Dr Momis said Bougainville has progressed despite the Papua New Guinea national governments failure to fulfil the Bougainville Peace Agreement.

BUKA  President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government, Dr John Momis, has called on the people of the region to unite in spite of their differences as the future political status of Bougainville is at stake in next years referendum.

He said despite this Bougainville continued to move forward with policies and laws that will enable the ABG to operate in the future.

With the Bougainville mining law and the approval of exploration licences for three local joint venture companies, the government has started getting revenue to support its operations.

Dr Momis praised PNG prime minister Peter ONeill and his cabinet for agreeing to speed up development in 2018. This includes sealing the Buka ring road, the Kokopau-Arawa road and the Arawa-Buin road.

He announced that the national government will finally fund the long neglected Siara-Koripovi road on the west coast.

Dr Momis also said a committee will be established to recommend a location for the Bougainville headquarters.

He said he would like development to be distributed across all districts so government services are available to all the people of Bougainville.

If the headquarter was in one location, other major economic activities could be done in other areas.
My own experience of being recruited as a junior kiap by the then Australian Department of External Territories was that the process was slanted towards selecting suitable young men as assessed by senior public servants who hadnt successfully undertaken the role.

And the people of PNG knew this. Phil Fitzpatrick recently referred to the highlander who told him kiaps were narapela kain man, that is, misfits.

I was once a kiap and from my experience, kiaps mostly were those types who, if they lasted longer than the first couple of years in the service of the Territory of Papua and New Guinea, did march to a different drum.

GOLD COAST - Henry Thoreau (181762) wrote: If a man does not keep pace with his companions it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.

My later experience with Defence Force Recruiting told me that the final say should have been given to experienced people who had been there and done the job.

What we ended up with after the External Territories kiap selection process was a collection of possibles who our ASOPA training and two years field experience would either vindicate or weed out.

When we met in Moresby at our Magistrates Course after three years in the Territory, we found that half our number had disappeared. Would selection and retention have improved if there had been a final interview with some crusty old District Officer or District Commissioner? Husat isave?

I do remember at ASOPA, the former District Commissioner Fred Kaad introducing us to then Speaker of the PNG House of Assembly John Guise, who told us PNG didnt want us.

Guise had his own experiences and I later learnt how he had been treated and why he probably felt the way he did.

But certainly at the time it was a slap in the face for those of us who thought we could offer something positive to help the people of PNG.

Sure, we made mistakes. However I believe its fair to say we also learnt from the mistakes of past colonial administrations elsewhere in the world and, given the short time we had and the lack of resources, we didnt do a bad job.

It depends on what yardstick one uses to measure achievements but I suggest Australia wasn't a terrible colonial power. Compare our countrys role to the Indonesian takeover of West Papua or the excesses of the Belgians in the Congo and other less benevolent colonists in Africa and Asia.

Even the British, as arguably a more enlightened colonial force compared with Belgian, Portuguese, German and Dutch colonisers, had many credible detractors.

A couple of Papua New Guineans who, due to the initial establishment of a remote base camp and the primary school that followed, obtained education qualifications and are now professional people, told me:

You planted the seed and now the tree has grown tall and strong.

Another person from the same area said:

You lit the fire and weve kept it burning.

Thatll do me. Stepping to the music.
Warning: May contain traces of soy, wheat, lecithin and tree nuts. That you are here

strongly suggests that you are either omnivorous, or a glutton.

And that you might like cheese-doodles.

Please form a caseophilic line to the right. Thank you.
TEL AVIV - The Israeli Air Force has hit an "important terrorist installation" in the Gaza Strip, following the launch on Wednesday of three rockets from Gaza on Israeli villages in the Negev desert region.



"Our armed forces will continue to use all methods at their disposal above and below ground to thwart attacks against the citizens of Israel," an Israeli military spokesman said.



As in recent days, the spokesman also issued a new warning to Hamas, which Israel holds largely responsible for the increasingly frequent attacks coming from the Gaza Strip.



Tension was also felt in the West Bank, following the killing on Wednesday of a Palestinian teen in military fire during clashes in a village near Ramallah.



On Thursday, new clashes were reported in the Deheishe refugee camp near Bethlehem.



According to Ma'an News Agency, 10 demonstrators were injured there, one of whom is in serious condition after being hit in the spinal column.
Israel hits 'terrorist target' following Gaza rockets Clashes in Bethlehem leave 10 injured

(ANSAmed) - TEL AVIV, JANUARY 4 - The Israeli Air Force has hit an "important terrorist installation" in the Gaza Strip, following the launch on Wednesday of three rockets from Gaza on Israeli villages in the Negev desert region.



"Our armed forces will continue to use all methods at their disposal above and below ground to thwart attacks against the citizens of Israel," an Israeli military spokesman said.



As in recent days, the spokesman also issued a new warning to Hamas, which Israel holds largely responsible for the increasingly frequent attacks coming from the Gaza Strip.



Tension was also felt in the West Bank, following the killing on Wednesday of a Palestinian teen in military fire during clashes in a village near Ramallah.



On Thursday, new clashes were reported in the Deheishe refugee camp near Bethlehem.



According to Ma'an News Agency, 10 demonstrators were injured there, one of whom is in serious condition after being hit in the spinal column.(ANSAmed).




BEIRUT - About 50 people, among whom were 12 civilians, have been killed in the past 24 hours in a series of Saudi-led Arab coalition airstrikes against Iran-allied Shia Houthi rebel positions, according to various media sources in the region.



The bombings took place in the Hodeida province, on the Red Sea.



According to the UN, other airstrikes that took place on December 26 caused 68 deaths including civilians, of whom 14 were members of the same family in the Hodeida province and 54 in a market in the Taiz province.



The Saudi-led Arab coalition has been bombing the Houthis in Yemen since March 2015, but thus far has not managed to overcome the rebels, who continue to control the country's capital city Sanaa.



The internationally recognized government of Yemeni President Abd Rabbo Mansur Hadi, allied with Saudi Arabia, has its seat in the southern city of Aden.


Two Russian soldiers killed at Hmeymim base in Syria In December 31 attack, Defence Ministry says

(ANSA) - MOSCOW, JANUARY 4 - Two Russian soldiers stationed at the Syrian base in Hmeymim were killed following an attack on December 31, the Russian Defence Ministry said, cited by TASS news agency.



"At nightfall the Hmeymim airfield was hit by a sudden mortar attack by a group of militants; two soldiers were killed in the bombing," the defense minister said.



He said, however, that Russian daily Kommersant's article reporting that seven Russian planes were destroyed in the attack was "fake news".(ANSAmed).




After listening to Gov. Andrew Cuomo for 90 minutes Wednesday, members of Cayuga County's state legislative delegation questioned the governor's agenda for the 2018 session.

State Sen. John DeFrancisco, a Republican who may challenge Cuomo for governor this year, blasted the State of the State presentation as a "political speech." While Cuomo outlined several proposals for the 2018 session, he also railed against the federal tax plan and the impact it will have on the state's economy.

DeFrancisco, R-Syracuse, found Cuomo's remarks to be hypocritical.

"When the governor stated that this terrible federal tax reform is going to cause people to leave the state of New York someone ought to give him the hint that they are already leaving the state of New York," DeFrancisco said in a phone interview. He was referring to Census Bureau estimates that show more than 1 million people have left New York for other states since 2010.

A concern for lawmakers this year is the multi-billion dollar budget deficit. The gap is an estimated $4.4 billion and there are differing views on how the deficit should be addressed. Boosting revenue is one approach, but Republicans believe spending cuts are necessary.

With Cuomo proposing so many initiatives that will require significant state investments, some lawmakers wonder how it will be paid for while erasing the budget deficit.

Assemblyman Bob Oaks predicted a difficult budget season for the state.

"We want a budget that, I think, needs to be put together cautiously," he said.

One idea floated by Oaks, R-Macedon, is greater transparency for economic development initiatives. Cuomo has launched several economic development programs since taking office in 2011, including the regional economic development councils and the Downtown Revitalization Initiative.

In his State of the State address, Cuomo proposed an eighth round of the regional council awards, a $750 million investment, and a third round of the $100 million downtown revitalization grant program.

Before the speech, Assemblyman Gary Finch panned the governor's agenda for failing to address "what's really wrong with New York state  corporate giveaways and rigged development programs work very well for wealthy donors but always fail the middle class."

State Sen. Jim Seward had a similar view on economic development  he believes the programs should be reviewed  but shied away from harsh criticism of the governor.

Some of Seward's priorities for the 2018 session align with Cuomo's agenda. The governor wants to combat sexual harassment and strengthen the state's response to the opioid epidemic. Seward agrees that those proposals are needed.

But he also stressed the need to ensure New York is a good place for businesses and families.

"The governor has laid out an ambitious and expensive plan but we cannot lose sight of the bottom line," Seward, R-Milford, said. "A permanent property tax cap and cuts to energy taxes need to come first before we start doling out money for new, untested pursuits. And I repeat, new taxes are not the answer."

The State of the State marks the kickoff of the state legislative session. But the real work will begin in a couple weeks when Cuomo delivers his 2018-19 budget address. Once he unveils his executive budget, the state Legislature will begin to develop its own proposals.

Cuomo and lawmakers hope to finalize the new state budget before April 1, which is the beginning of the next fiscal year.
(PARIS - France wants the French jihadists who were arrested by Kurds in Syria to be tried in Syria, "if their rights will be respected", said French government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux in an interview with French broadcaster BFMTV.



Griveaux said local judicial authorities in Syria must, however, be "capable of ensuring a fair trial" with "respect for the rights of defence".



On Wednesday, the two jihadists with French passports who were arrested, including a woman from Brittany, Emilie Konig, asked to be repatriated so they could be tried in France.



According to French radio RMC, "about a dozen French women with children" have been arrested in recent weeks by Kurdish forces.



In November, French President Emmanuel Macron said he wanted to review their dossiers "case by case, based on the situations".


remaining of

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The state agency tasked with helping New York veterans could get a new name.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo proposed changing the name from the state Division of Veterans' Affairs to the state Division of Veterans' Services. The proposal was included in Cuomo's 373-page State of the State book released after his 90-minute address Wednesday.

The state Division of Veterans' Affairs advises former military personnel on benefits and helps them file claims. The agency provides other services for New York veterans, including annuity programs for blind veterans and parents of military service members killed in combat.

But as Cuomo's book acknowledges, the state Division of Veterans' Affairs is often mistaken for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, a federal government agency that provides health care and other services for military services. It doesn't help that both agencies share the same acronym.

"This confusion frequently leads to misdirected complaints to the division about claims processing delays at the federal level and management of federal medical centers, and to an overall sense of confusion about the division's designated role and value for veterans and their families in New York," the book explains.

Another challenge for the division is many veterans believe the agency is the same as the federal Department of Veterans Affairs so they don't visit the state's field offices.

Cuomo believes changing the name to Division of Veterans' Services will address that problem.

"This new name accurately defines the constant mission of this agency serving veterans and their families the rest of the way  and clearly distinguishes the division from the federal VA, avoiding unnecessary mistakes and confusion moving forward," the book reads.

The proposal is one of four in Cuomo's State of the State agenda that focuses on veterans' issues.

He wants to crack down on the financial exploitation of military veterans and their families by adopting a new law that would prohibit businesses who charge a fee for assisting veterans file claims to collect federal benefits. The legislation would include disclosure requirements for businesses and allow for the prosecution of companies that break the rules.

Cuomo also suggested expanding veterans residential therapeutic programs at medium-security state prisons. Under the governor's plan, the programs would be enhanced and offered at maximum security prisons to help veterans reintegrate into their communities after leaving prison.

The last point of Cuomo's veterans agenda is continuing a grant program to help law schools provide legal aid to veterans and their families. The program, Justice for Heroes, awarded five law schools $50,000 grants to assist veterans with consumer protection cases, foreclosure prevention and other legal needs.

Cuomo wants to allow the schools to renew their grants for at least two more years, according to the State of the State booklet.

The proposals outlined in the State of the State are not final. Nearly all of the initiatives mentioned by Cuomo are subject to approval by the state Legislature.
The internal appointments are all based at Abu Dhabi Airport and will involve critical transitional duties as EAS Ground moves across to the Midfield Terminal which is due to be opened in 2019.

The six UAE Nationals have all worked for a number of years at EAS Ground, receiving specially-tailored training and career planning progammes, which have equipped them for their new management roles.

In addition, many of them have undertaken overseas airport postings, as well as placements across the Etihad Airways Group, providing crucial development experience.

The appointments are: Jubran Al Breiki, Head of EAS Ground; Mohamed Al Naqbi, Senior Manager, Ramp Operations; Nasser Al Marzooqi, Senior Manager, Projects (Cargo); Mohammed Al Banna, Senior Manager, Operations Delivery; Marwan Al Shehhi, Senior Manager, Baggage; and Basma Habib, Senior Manager, Quality & Operations Control.

Khaled Al Mehairbi, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Etihad Airport Services Ground, said: These appointments illustrate EAS Grounds commitment to Emiratisation and reinforce the strong structure we have for the future.

These six aviation professionals each have a key role to play in the division and, alongside their colleagues, will ensure that the next two years as we transition to the Midfield Terminal, will be successful.

The restructure follows the appointment of Arwa Bin Haider as Senior Manager Hub Operations, Etihad Airways in October 2017. Arwas role works alongside the Etihad Airport Services team at Abu Dhabi International Airport, ensuring the highest level of operational delivery for Etihad Airways.

From left to right: Mohammed Al Banna, Senior Manager, Operations Delivery , Jubran Al Breiki, Head of EAS Ground; Basma Soumar, Senior Manager, Quality & Operations Control, Nasser Al Marzooqi, Senior Manager, Projects (Cargo); and Marwan Al Shehhi, Senior Manager, Baggage.
The meeting was chaired by Dr. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, and centred around discussions on the current and future plans for the Centre.



Board members also reviewed last years achievements and milestones, recent developments in the Centres initiatives and projects, as well as proposed future plans. They also discussed how best to enhance ongoing scientific research through projects and initiatives that also emphasize and benefit the UAEs national space sector.



Dr. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, said: The Space Research Centre will focus on supporting the scientific community and encouraging them to propose research projects. These projects will be designed to support the UAEs efforts to explore space and contribute valuable knowledge to the international space science community.



The Centre is equipped with excellent facilities and capabilities, and it has access to the world-class infrastructure available at UAEU. The Centre also benefits from UAEUs strong base of talented and motivated individuals, including its students, researchers, and scientists, added H.E. Dr. Al Ahbabi.



UAEU Chancellor, Dr. Mohamed Albaili, said: We are keen to support innovation and ambitious space sector projects. UAEU cooperates with leading entities in order to foster its research capacities and to develop future generations that can lead the UAEs rapidly growing space sector.



Omar Mohammed Al Mahmoud, ICT Fund CEO added: The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) strives to build national scientific capabilities via our ICT Fund. We do this by funding scientific research centres and developing national human capital. These efforts fall within the framework of the UAE Vision 2021, as well as the objectives of the Fund when it comes to promoting the advancement of science and research.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo delivered his eighth State of the State address Wednesday and outlined several proposals he wants to advance in this legislative session, including his response to the new federal tax plan approved by Congress and signed by President Donald Trump last month.

Here is a roundup of the reactions to Cuomo's State of the State presentation:

Assemblyman Gary Finch

I am so grateful that the governor said he would detail a new $65 million investment to protect the water quality of the Finger Lakes during his State of the State Address this afternoon. Engaged citizens and local officials have been extremely vocal about the dangers harmful algal blooms pose to our local economies, tourism sector and, most important of all, our drinking water. Its about protecting treasured resources and promoting public health. Cayuga, Owasco and Skaneateles Lakes have all been tapped for new grant funding. Ill be working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure this investment makes its way into our final state budget agreement.

I look forward to learning more about the governors other proposals this afternoon. Some of them seem very good- new investments in infrastructure, a new emphasis on cybersecurity and a new policy to combat sexual harassment in state government. Some of them seem confusing. Personally, I wouldve proposed investing in solar energy for the colleges and providing food pantries for low income people, but thats just me. As a whole, it doesnt seem to address whats really wrong with New York State- corporate giveaways and rigged development programs work very well for wealthy donors but always fail the middle class.

Ultimately, today is the start of a long conversation. This session, Ill be doing everything I can to focus the dialogue on three things: protecting the Finger Lakes, continuing our fight against the heroin epidemic and providing real tax and regulatory relief to small businesses, seniors and middle class families. We can only afford to invest in what really counts.

Common Cause Executive Director Susan Lerner

"Common Cause NY strongly supports measures designed to ensure the security and accuracy of our elections. But in his State of the state address, the Governor proposed a high tech blanket to protect an antiquated election system that cries out for common-sense low-tech improvement.

It's not enough to simply pitch the idea of early voting  a crucial change that will bring New York in line with 37 other states- as well as same day voter registration, and no penalty absentee voting. The Governor must put money behind it. Initiatives like automatic voter registration, electronic poll books, flexibility to change parties, and parolee voting rights are pivotal upgrades to our current system of elections administration that can not be ignored.

New Yorkers deserve an up-to-date system protected by state of the art cybersecurity measures. That's why we're calling on the Governor to make sure there's funding for early voting and other basic improvements in his 2018 budget."

America Rising PAC spokesman Scott Sloofman

Governor Cuomo can talk all he wants, but nothing will change the fact that his eight years have been a disaster for the average New Yorker. From his failed record on jobs to the Summer of Hell, the Governor has not delivered on his promises. Now, as the Percoco trial gets set to start, his administrations abysmal ethics record will be showcased for the whole state to see. Its time for a change in the Empire State.

NFIB/NY State Director Mike Durant

As Governor Cuomo described the financial challenges our state faces in 2018, the lack of solutions for the obstacles New Yorks small businesses face is discouraging. While the Governor talked about economic resurgence, small employers all across New York are faced with new labor mandates and rising costs across the board. With the current examination of predictive scheduling and the tipped wage, small business could be faced with yet more hurdles imposed by this administration.

The significant deficit New York faces in 2018 is an opportunity for New Yorks tax and spend culture to be reformed, not for finger pointing at Washington D.C. Many small businesses in New York will finally see a reduction in taxes that Albany has failed to provide them. Overhauling our tax code should include a thorough examination of our existing unsustainable spending, not imposing a potentially complicated payroll tax on employers.

We look forward to learning specific details on these proposals in the upcoming state budget address and working with lawmakers to ensure the viability of small business in New York.

Julie Hart, director of New York government relations for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network

In 2017 Governor Cuomo, and the state legislature enacted numerous important public health measures such as including e-cigarettes in New Yorks Clean Indoor Air Law, protecting cancer patients while expanding access to emerging biologic cancer therapies, and allowing public employees time off for cancer screenings. While these laws are crucial in protecting New Yorkers, there is still a great deal of work to do to make New York a leader in the fight against cancer.

Now is the time for New York to take the next step. We look forward to working with Governor Cuomo and our legislative leaders in 2018 and call upon them to increase funding to ensure all residents have access to lifesaving cancer screenings, increase the age for the sale of tobacco products to 21 and protect our kids from dangerous indoor tanning devices. Its time to make cancer history.

New York State County Executives Association Executive Director Stephen Acquario

As a way to reduce the property tax burden on homeowners across the state, Governor Cuomo proposed making the county-wide shared services panels that were mandated by the state last year a permanent fixture of local governments.

Established in the Governor's 2017 budget, the panels led by counties had two years to complete their plans. The state has committed to matching the recurring property tax savings implemented by the local governments in year one. In the first year alone, 34 counties submitted nearly 400 projects with more than $200 million in savings.

Today, Governor Cuomo proposed making state funding for local government conditional on the continuation of shared services panels.

Earlier today, New York's County Executives voiced their collective concerns over local government home rule authority that exists in the state constitution, and that this authority should be respected during the legislative process. Making state matching funds permanent and providing seed funding to assist counties in developing shared services plans would go a long way in achieving our mutual goals of lowering costs for taxpayers.

Additionally, the local leaders said that if the goal is to stabilize or reduce property taxes, then the largest property taxing jurisdiction should be part of the panel. School taxes represent an average of two thirds (2/3's) of a homeowner's property tax bill, therefore school districts should be required to participate on the county-wide shared services panels.

SUNY Student Assembly President Marc Cohen

The Governor's State of the State addressed critical issues facing the students of the State University of New York ranging from food insecurity and environmental sustainability to affordability and sexual assault prevention.

This past month the Governor announced a new initiative to tackle food insecurity on college campuses. We appreciate the Governor using his platform to draw attention to this important yet under-discussed issue. The Student Assembly strongly supports requiring New York's public colleges and universities to house food pantries on their campuses. The Student Assembly will voice its support for this proposal in the Student Life Committee of the SUNY Board and other venues where it will be discussed. Students must have the basic resources necessary to ensure they can focus their time on earning a world-class degree.

The Governor also announced his intention to divest the States Common Retirement Fund from the fossil fuel industry. This is an important step in New Yorks path to establishing a carbon-neutral footprint. The Student Assembly looks forward to working with the Governor and the Comptroller on this vital initiative in the coming months.

Building off the Excelsior Scholarship program launched last year, the Governor has proposed appointing a student loan ombudsman in the Department of Financial Services. This person will represent student borrowers and protect some of New Yorks most vulnerable students. Providing accessibility to an affordable higher education is critical and we thank Governor Cuomo for his continued support.

Finally, the Student Assembly once again echoes the Governor's call for the Legislature to pass the DREAM Act. Countless students across New York State are counting on our elected leaders to make a college education accessible for every New Yorker, regardless of their immigration status.

Assembly Majority Leader Joe Morelle

Today, Governor Cuomo detailed the significant progress we are making as a state and outlined the many challenges that will be confronting us as we begin our work in 2018. Over the coming days, I look forward to reviewing all the details of the Governors plans and working with my colleagues in government and throughout the community to ensure that New Yorks legacy remains one of strong educational opportunity, of social equality, and of vibrant economic promise. A great deal of work lies ahead, however, through partnership and collaboration we will continue to demonstrate that government can serve and uplift all people who call our great state home.

Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi, Democratic candidate for 22nd Congressional District seat

The Governor outlined an ambitious agenda today in broad strokes, admitting that the state faces a very difficult year ahead with a looming $4 billion budget deficit, and $2 billion in federal budget cuts. I look forward to learning more about the Governors proposals to fix the states broken education funding system, lower the middle class tax rate, and go after the prescription drug distributors that turned a blind eye to the opioid crisis, among other things. This will be a difficult budget year given the federal assault on New York State; however, I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to tackle these challenges head-on and pass an on-time budget.

New York State United Teachers President Andy Pallotta

The onslaught against New York  and working New Yorkers  from Washington is very real. We are in a fight. We share the governor's message of protecting the middle class, unions and local taxpayers from harm. In areas like expanding voting opportunities, combatting sexual harassment and enacting protections for college students to ensure they are treated fairly by lenders, the governor will have NYSUTs support. As we look ahead, the federal budget and other threats from Washington present an array of challenges to all New Yorkers. As we begin the legislative session, we are confident that the governor and Legislature understand that investing in New Yorks public schools and colleges, and its public health care institutions, must be a priority.

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

In his speech today, Governor Cuomo outlined a clear progressive vision for protecting our most vulnerable citizens, continued economic development and job creation, a fairer criminal justice system, a more equitable educational system, greater infrastructure investment and a plan for addressing sexual harassment in New York State.

In the face of a hostile Washington, it is up to state and local governments to develop plans to keep our city and state moving in a positive direction. Today, Governor Cuomo did just that.

I have been proud to partner with Governor Cuomo on a variety of projects and issues during my tenure as borough president, and I look forward to continuing to work with him to make our city and state work for everyone."

U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney

Since Governor Cuomo took office, New York has lost one million people, corruption in Albany has run rampant, the states already bloated budget has grown to a crushing $163 billion, and landmark economic development programs have brought abysmal results and nine federal corruption indictments. Cuomos dangerous spending habits have driven New Yorks debt to the second-highest in the nation, and his mismanagement is clear as our state continues to lose jobs and people in record numbers.

The Governors agenda continues to cater to wealthy, liberal New York City interests, not Upstate New York. Our once vibrant region has fallen behind under Governor Cuomos lack of leadership and failed liberal policies. As the taxes in Upstate New York skyrocket, Cuomo continues to waste our hard-earned tax dollarsto the tune of $8 billion per year on self-promotional gimmicks and schemes to lure in businesses that never come.

In Congress, instead of playing partisan political games like the Governor, Ive stood up for New Yorkers by helping to pass landmark legislation to soften the blow of Albanys harmful agenda. On the issues that matter the most, Cuomo puts his personal aspirations above the needs of our state. Meanwhile, Congress been hard at work to deliver real solutions to address the growing opioid epidemic plaguing our communities, provide desperately needed resources to our servicemen and women and create a culture of accountability at the Department of Veterans affairs so all of our veterans have access to the care they need. Our sweeping tax reform legislation will finally provide relief to hardworking taxpayers who have been crushed under the Governors oppressive tax burden.

In Washington, Ive been a voice for the taxpayers, hardworking families, veterans, small businesses and family farmers who have been disrespected by Albany for too long. Ill continue to fight on the federal level to create a better quality of life for all in our state, to ensure that our businesses can compete on a level playing field and that all New Yorkers have the opportunity to succeed.

Unshackle Upstate Executive Director Greg Biryla

Governor Cuomo covered a lot of issues during todays State of the State address but none were more critical than property taxes. New Yorks massive property tax burden drives hardworking men and women out of the state and factors in to our harsh business climate.

Unfortunately for overburdened taxpayers, there was no mention of advancing meaningful mandate relief during todays remarks. Until our leaders in Albany find the political strength to ease mandates on local governments, sky-high property taxes will continue to plague struggling families.

The bottom line is that taxpayers need real relief. Unless Governor Cuomo and legislative leaders take bold steps to help taxpayers, support employers and improve our business climate, Upstates economic crisis will worsen. That is simply unacceptable. Albany should look to its more than $160 billion state budget and target areas to responsibly reduce state spending and save taxpayer dollars before engaging in any talk of new or increased taxes.

We understand the challenges ahead and look forward to working with Albanys leaders to get the Upstate economy moving in the right direction.

Alliance for Quality Education Legislative Director Jasmine Gripper

Governor Cuomos State of the State opened with a commitment to fight racial inequity, but his education policies are part of the problem when it comes to systemic racism in education. He has consistently neglected and underfunded schools in Black, Brown and poor communities. We heard nothing today that addresses educational racism; we cannot have racial justice without education justice.

It's been over a decade since the highest court in New York ruled that New York State was underfunding its schools, but it has been far longer that schools serving Black, Brown and low income students have been underfunded. We need Governor Cuomo to stand up for what is right, and actively work to dismantle racial inequities in public education.

Governor Cuomo said we must address education funding inequities and dedicate more of our state school aid to poor districts, but for seven years he has done everything possible to resist fair funding for schools in poorer communities. In fact, last year he tried to repeal the fairest funding formula that New York has, the Foundation Aid formula. The way to show he supports educational equity with more than fine words in a long speech is to fund Foundation Aid. In his two hour speech he made education and New York's 2.6 million public school children a minor footnote.

In this time of crisis, we need more than the talk of being progressive; we need bold leadership and action. Its time to stop balancing the state budget on the backs of Black, Brown and poor children. Its time to fund the $4.2 billion New York owes our public schools.

NYS AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento

As the most unionized state in this country, it is fitting that Governor Cuomo wants New York to lead the way in protecting the rights of workers. We applaud the governor for his commitment to ensure working people continue to have a voice in the workplace, and for recognizing a strong labor movement is the key to raising the standard of living and quality of life for all working people.

Fighting for Children PAC Founder Gary Greenberg

For the 8th year in a row we heard no mention of the Child Victims Act in the state of state from Gov.Cuomo. Cuomo his voice silent for too long has turned his back on the #metoo movement. Shame on the Cuomo administration for allowing 150 NY kids to be sexually abused in New York and governing the worst state in the country for reforming Child Sexual abuse laws. God help the kids. (Note: Cuomo's State of the State book included the proposed Child Victims Act. He didn't mention it during his address, but it is part of his legislative agenda in 2018.)

State Sen. Jim Seward

A new legislative session is underway, but my top priority has not changed from my very first year in office - do everything possible at the state level to ensure there are opportunities for growth in the 51st Senate District and across New York.

Our state is faced with some tough fiscal challenges, and in my estimation the best way to clear those hurdles is through economic growth. The governor failed to detail any concrete plans to lead us in that direction. I am hopeful that his state budget will include workable ideas to strengthen our upstate economy.

Controlling state spending, derailing new taxes, ending costly and unnecessary state regulations, and partnering with our business leaders to boost our economy are just a few of the initiatives I will be advancing in 2018. I also want to strengthen our infrastructure and accelerate our broadband expansion to rural areas. It is also time to review our current economic development programs  we should not be wasting state resources on programs that arent generating jobs.

We need to ensure New York is affordable for families and for businesses. The governor has laid out an ambitious and expensive plan but we cannot lose sight of the bottom line. A permanent property tax cap and cuts to energy taxes need to come first before we start doling out money for new, untested pursuits. And I repeat, new taxes are not the answer.

The senate has taken steps previously to rein in sexual harassment in the workplace, but it is clear new measures are necessary and I support an even tougher stance on this vile crime. We also need to continue our efforts to combat the heroin epidemic.

I stand ready to work with the governor on the portions of his agenda that will help improve lives for New Yorkers, just as I have done in the past. A challenging year lies ahead, but we have a strong foundation to build on and I look forward to a productive legislative session that will lead to a more vital New York.

Iroquois Healthcare Association President and CEO Gary Fitzgerald

The Iroquois Healthcare Association (IHA) is grateful that Governor Cuomo recognized the unique challenges facing rural health care providers in the 2018 State of the State. Proposing additional resources for rural hospitals and health systems, focusing on increased telehealth services, and emphasizing the importance of local Emergency Service organizations will greatly enhance the delivery of health care throughout Upstate New York. Upstate hospitals are the economic cornerstones and safety-net providers of their communities, serving as the largest employers and providers of care to all New Yorkers, regardless of ability to pay.

Reclaim New York Initiative Executive Director Brandon Muir

"The Governor just doesnt get it. People cannot afford New York. Nothing he said today will change that, in fact his agenda would make it worse.

"After overseeing seven years of Albanys culture of corruption and unaffordable policies, its sad the Governor can only talk about inspiring citizens with a feeling of management competence.

"Governor Cuomo doubled down on his fantasy political agenda, while refusing to take responsibility for the real damage his policies have done to New Yorkers. Now he wants taxpayers to pay more to cover up failures across the state, from photonics labs, to the subway system. Its a responsibility dodge for the ages. New Yorkers shouldnt fall for it.

"It is Albany that has caused people to leave New York for years, not Washington.

"It is Albany that is forgetting Upstate with propaganda statements that ignore the harsh economic reality in the region.

"It is Albany that could help New Yorkers crushed by high property taxes with mandate reform. Instead, the Governor is pushing a publicity stunt to dodge responsibility.

"Its time for the Governor and Albany to stop hurting, and start helping with policy that empowers New Yorkers, not government."

The Business Council of New York State President and CEO Heather Briccetti

For the states business community, Governor Cuomos State of the State message addressed several critical needs, including continued investment in workforce development and public infrastructure. However, the Governor said too little about making the state more economically competitive, especially for upstate where job growth continues to lag. We appreciate the potential impacts that federal tax reform may have on some state taxpayers, and look forward to working with the Governor and the Legislature on how to adjust our tax code to work better under the new federal reality. But, we have major concerns with a new payroll tax, and with increasing business taxes to offset reductions in federal taxes  especially since New Yorks 2014 corporate tax reform legislation, pushed by The Business Council and championed by Governor Cuomo, has finally made our business tax climate more competitive among the states. We believe that the prudent path is a comprehensive response to address our budget deficit and federal tax changes. New York must examine all major categories of state spending, including the largest - Medicaid and education - and address other long-recognized cost drivers including Scaffold Law. As the Governor and the Legislature begin to tackle what will surely be a difficult budget season, we ask that they remember these simply words, first, do no harm.

Environment New York Director Heather Leibowitz

The environmental initiatives the Governor outlined today will help conserve our natural heritage and lead the way in the fight against climate change. The message in today's state of the state was clear: By reducing pollution and shifting to clean energy we can grow our economy while leaving a healthier, safer planet for our children.

Today the Governor took his climate leadership even further by directing the Department of Environmental Conservation to adopt regulations to close all coal plants. The governors action will accelerate New Yorks transition away from polluting fuels and towards efficient use of clean power from the wind and the sun. This means cleaner air for families, less global warming pollution, more stable electricity bills, and a stronger economy.

The Governor acknowledged the important role of wind energy in accomplishing these goals. The start of an offshore wind procurement schedule is a big step toward making the Empire State a leader in the effort to reduce air and water pollution and eliminate climate-altering carbon pollution from our use of coal, oil and gas. By tapping into the abundant energy provided by this pollution-free resource, were well on our way to the ultimate goal of meeting our energy needs entirely with clean, renewable energy. We look forward to working with state officials and others to improve our health, our quality of life and the future of the planet, with a swift and steady shift to clean, renewable energy. We applaud the Governor's continued commitment to expand deployment of this unlimited and pollution free energy source for the benefit of our environment and economy.

Governor Cuomo makes it much more likely that New York can ramp up solar and onshore and offshore wind, to meet the Empire States commitment to reducing carbon emissions. While New York is not a country, it is the third-largest economy in the United States, and our leadership matters. In the state of the state, the Governor reiterated that he is embracing this leadership.

New Yorks forward-thinking policies like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), have made a clean energy transition a realistic scenario. RGGI is a multi-state collaboration which proves that we can work together across party lines to cut pollution, clean our air and protect our climate. Especially in an era where politicians in Washington, D.C. seem to be unable to work together on almost anything, this decision is a triumph for bipartisanship and for common sense. Our region has a long history of working to reduce air pollution, setting a strong example for the rest of the country. This announcement continues that tradition.

Todays announcement will make this innovative and successful program work even better. It will cut pollution by at least another 30 percent across the nine-state region from 2020 to 2030. If cutting pollution turns out to be easier and cheaper than anticipated, the limit on pollution will automatically grow tighter, reinforcing progress. The new rules exceed what would have been required under the Obama Administrations Clean Power Plan by about a third.

"Future impacts of global warming depend on the choices we make today. By accelerating our transition to pollution-free energy sources, we can prevent the worst impacts. Today, the Governor's shows the many right choices are being made to help prevent damage to our climate and protect our children's future.

CenterState CEO President Rob Simpson

Today, Gov. Cuomo outlined a series of proposals with the potential to move our state economy forward and positively impact our regions businesses and residents.

We often hear from business owners that finding and keeping highly skilled talent is a challenge. Therefore, we are encouraged by the states proposal to establish a new, $175 million Consolidated Funding Application through the Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) to strategically target local workforce needs in emerging industries. Improving regional talent pipelines, expanding apprenticeships and addressing both the short-term and long-term needs of businesses in expanding industries are some of the most important things the state can do to position New York to compete globally. We are excited to work with them to advance these opportunities. Furthermore, this aligns with work already underway by the Central New York Regional Economic Development Council to examine talent needs of the regions emerging industries. 

We have been a strong advocate of shared services as we know their potential to positively impact municipal operations and community progress, and are encouraged to see that conversation continue.

As changes in the federal tax code take effect in 2018, the state is right to broadly examine its own taxation policies; especially given that New York bears the highest tax burden of any state in the nation.

However, any review of state tax policy should ensure relief for residents and businesses alike. This is an important conversation, and I look forward to tracking that proposal and working with the governor and the legislature to develop a plan that will enhance our region and the states economic competitiveness.

Our region has received more investments through the REDC program than any other region in the state. Therefore, I am encouraged to hear the state propose additional funding for the REDC program. Its continuation will enable our region, and others across the state, to shape the projects that drive economic opportunities. I look forward to supporting the Central New York regions co-chairs, Randy Wolken and Dr. Laraque-Arena; their leadership, vision and commitment will enable us to continue to successfully pursue state investments for key projects.

I look forward to reviewing these proposals and the budget in greater detail. It is our hope that the legislature and governor will work together to implement programs and advance projects to drive economic opportunity across our region and state.

Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb, 2018 Republican candidate for governor

Todays State of the State address was predictably more bluster than substance. The governors White House dreams seem more ambitious than the agenda being set for New York.

The exaggerated fear mongering regarding every federal action in Washington D.C. may help build a national campaign profile, but it fails to acknowledge that the issues really hurting New Yorkers are self-inflicted wounds. Residents and businesses are leaving in droves because Albany hasnt adequately addressed longstanding issues. Heading into the 2018 Legislative Session, we still face many of the same problems that have plagued our state for years, such as:

the nations highest tax burden;

a massive budget deficit;

upstate job growth that lags far behind the rest of the country;

alarming outmigration where more than 1 million New Yorkers have left the state since 2010;

an oppressive and punishing business climate;

an infrastructure crisis thats damaging the quality of life for millions; and

five corruption trials that will highlight the worst of what Albany has become.

The governor rightly pointed out the need to address student loan debt, the opioid crisis, improving public safety and eliminating sexual harassment. The Assembly Minority Conference looks forward to building on our common ground and devising solutions to these issues.

However, we need decisive action that will reduce the cost of living for families, provide overdue assistance for job creators, reduce the burden of crushing unfunded mandates which drive up property taxes and earn back the trust of New Yorkers. Those are among the priorities the Assembly Minority Conference will fight for this year on behalf of the people we represent.

PowHer New York President Beverly Neufeld

"Gender equality was front and center in Governor Cuomo's 2018 State of the State address. While many leaders in the country are  still talking about the Me Too Movement and wage inequality, PowHer New York is proud that our governor has set a course of action to dismantle structural obstacles to women's physical and economic security. In a multi-pronged response, his proposals could end secrecy and increase scrutiny around sexual harassment, expand resources for women entrepreneurs , protect reproductive health, improve early education, protect the most vulnerable, and encourage diverse leadership.  This is  full plate  is a welcome challenge at this historic moment in the fight for women's rights."
Has the unprecedented sale of Leonardos Salvator Mundi brought more paintings by the Renaissance master out of the closet? Over the courses of this fall and winter, some people were speculating that that would happen, and also thatof coursenone of them would be right.

Now the Worcester Art Museum is entering the fray, but with a reasoned casefounded on research and connoisseurship over many yearsfor a painting it has owned since 1940: A Miracle of Saint Donatus of Arezzo (c. 1479-85), below. The painting is a predella panel of an altarpiece in the Duomo of Pistoia in Tuscany; a second panel, Annunciation, is in the collection of the Louvre. A third seems to be missing.

Saint Donatus, donated to the Worcester museum as a Leonardo but soon downgraded, has been attributed to Lorenzo di Credi since thenbut that attribution has bothered Laurence Kanter, Chief Curator at the Yale University Art Gallery, for about 20 years. More recently, it also bothered Rita Alberrson, chief conservator at the Worcester museum, who has studied the painting for about 9-10 years, using 21st century technology. The two of them have been working away on the attribution, and in conjunction with Bruno Mottin, the senior curator of the Centre de Recherche et de Restauration des Musees de France, who has studied Annunciation, below. are prepared to argue that both works are largely by Leonardo.

I wrote all this up for an article for the January issue of The Art Newspaper, making their case more clear with examples. My piece is not online yetjust in the print and digital versions so far. (I have posted it on my website.)

Worcester on March 10 will open an exhibition, The Mystery of Worcesters Leonardo, of those two works plus one by Lorenzo di Crediits there to show his style, which is incongruous with the two other works. While Kanter is convinced that most, if not all, of Annunciation is by Leonardo, and perhaps 85% of Saint Donatus is by him, the two museums are hedging a bit with their new labels, which will read Attributed to Leonardo da Vinci and Lorenzo di Credi.

Go and youll be able to see for yourselves.

Photo credits: Courtesy of the Worcester Art Museum and the Louvre
Gov. Andrew Cuomo is considering an overhaul of the state tax code, including the possibility of adopting a statewide payroll tax system, in response to the federal tax plan passed by congressional Republicans and signed by President Donald Trump in December.

Cuomo briefly addressed the idea of restructuring the state's tax code and implementing a payroll tax system during his State of the State address Wednesday. He spent a large portion of his 92-minute speech railing against the federal government and policies that affect New York, including the new tax plan.

One of Cuomo's main concerns with the new tax law is how it altered state and local tax deductions. Before passage of the tax plan, filers could deduct state and local income, property and sales taxes. The deduction alleviated some of the burden for those living in New York and other high-tax states.

Under the new law, there will be a $10,000 cap on state and local income, property and sales taxes. For those living in areas where property tax bills are considerably higher, it will limit how much they are able to deduct on their annual tax bills.

With the new federal tax plan in place, Cuomo is exploring adjustments to the state's tax policies. And one of those changes could involve a new payroll tax.

"We are developing a plan to restructure our tax code to reduce reliance on our current income tax system and adopt a statewide payroll tax system," he said. "Now, payroll taxes are legal. The federal government currently has a payroll tax system."

The federal government uses payroll taxes to fund social insurance programs, such as Medicare and Social Security. A payroll tax would represent a shift in the state's tax policy.

New York's income tax structure is viewed as progressive because high-income earners pay a higher rate than those with lower salaries. But payroll taxes would be the opposite.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a Washington-based think tank, referred to payroll taxes as "regressive" in a 2016 report. This is because lower income earners would pay a higher percentage of their incomes in payroll taxes than wealthy Americans.

E.J. McMahon, research director for the Empire Center for Public Policy, wrote Wednesday that there are other challenges with a payroll tax. He explained that replacing the personal income tax with a payroll tax "would be fraught with mind-bending complications and virtually impossible to implement."

He also noted that the payroll tax would be additional burden for businesses, which are already feeling the strain of the state's economic climate.

Heather Briccetti, president and CEO of The Business Council of New York State, expressed her willingness to work with Cuomo and state legislators to adjust the tax code. But, she added, the organization has concerns with a new payroll tax.

"We believe that the prudent path is a comprehensive response to address our budget deficit and federal tax changes," Briccetti said. "New York must examine all major categories of state spending, including the largest  Medicaid and education  and address other long-recognized cost drivers including Scaffold Law."

Other business groups agree with Briccetti's position.

Michael Durant, director of the National Federation of Independent Business in New York, said the state's $4.4 billion deficit should lead to budgetary and tax reforms. He highlighted the tax cut several small businesses in New York will receive as a result of the federal tax plan.

"Overhauling our (state) tax code should include a thorough examination our existing unsustainable spending, not imposing a potentially complicated payroll tax on employers," Durant said.

Further information about Cuomo's proposed tax plan wasn't immediately available. The 376-page State of the State book released after his address Wednesday didn't include much detail about what, if any, changes will be made to the state's tax code.

The state budget address later this month should provide more details about the plan. Cuomo will deliver his executive budget presentation, which will outline his spending proposals for the 2018-19 fiscal year. It also serves as the beginning of the annual state budget process.

Cuomo and state legislative leaders hope to have a state budget finalized by April 1, which is the beginning of the new fiscal year.
Release of next instalment of funds earmarked for bank recapitalisation proved to be a shot in arm for PSBs.

Parliament's approval has been sought for meeting additional expenditure towards recapitalisation of Public Sector Banks. (Representational Image)

New Delhi: Shares of state-run banks surged up to 8.5 per cent on Thursday after the finance ministry sought Parliament's nod for extra expenditure of Rs 80,000 crore towards their recapitalisation through bonds.

The scrip of UCO Bank soared 8.50 per cent, IDBI Bank surged 8.33 per cent, Punjab National Bank gained 5.97 per cent, Bank of India went up 3.83 per cent and Bank of Baroda jumped 3.77 per cent on BSE.

Among others, shares of Oriental Bank of Commerce rose 3.71 per cent, Canara Bank advanced 2.69 per cent, Bank of Maharashtra (2.39 per cent), Indian Bank (1.89 per cent) and State Bank of India (1.72 per cent).

"Release of the next instalment of funds earmarked for bank recapitalisation proved to be a shot in the arm for PSBs, especially as some of the weak banks had been hauled up by RBI for prompt and corrective action," said Anand James, Chief Market Strategist, Geojit Financial Services Ltd.

Parliament's approval has been sought for "meeting additional expenditure towards recapitalisation of Public Sector Banks through issue of government securities", said the finance ministry document.

The additional expenditure of Rs 80,000 crore towards bank recapitalisation through issue of government securities will be matched by additional receipts on issues of securities to the banks and "will not entail any cash outgo", it added.
The Joint Committee of Parliament has been asked to submit their report to the Parliament by the last day of the Budget Session, 2018.

New Delhi: Economic affairs secretary Subhash Chandra Garg on Wednesday said that there is no likelihood of bail-in for over 98 per cent of bank depositors which has been proposed in the Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill (FRDI), 2017.

He pointed out that 70 per cent of the deposits are in public sector banks. Mr Garg said that most of the remaining deposits are also in well capitalised and sound private banks.

Attempts to create scare regarding bail-in were totally unfounded. 70 per cent deposits are in PSBs. Most remaining deposits are in well capitalised and sound private banks. No likelihood of bail-in for over 98 per cent of depositors. Remaining also subject to bail in if the depositors consent, tweeted Mr Garg.

There had been apprehensions in some sections that bail-in provision in the FRDI bill may result in people losing their hard earned savings to bail-in banks in case they go down.

At present, deposits with banks are insured upto `1 lakh. Finance ministry has said that similar protection would continue under the FRDI Bill and the Resolution Corporation is empowered to raise the deposit insurance amount.

FRDI Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 10, 2017, is presently under the consideration of the Joint Committee of the Parliament, which is consulting all the stakeholders on the provisions of the FRDI Bill.

The Joint Committee of Parliament has been asked to submit their report to the Parliament by the last day of the Budget Session, 2018.
Return of double digit earnings growth in 2018-19 would be the major driver for the market in 2018.

New Delhi: The wide-based Nifty is expected to touch 11,500 by December this year while benchmark sensitive index Sensex will be at around 37,000, driven by strong earnings growth, says a report.

"We are setting our year-end December 2018 Nifty target at 11,500 (implied Sensex target of 37,000)," Deutsche Bank said in a research note adding expectation of double-digit earnings growth forms the keystone of its positive view on the market in 2018.

In 2017, together with most major stock markets globally, Indian equity markets saw strong gains coupled with record-low volatility.

However, in 2018, the record-low volatility of 2017 is unlikely to be replicated, the Deutsche Bank Research Report on India Equity Strategy said, adding that investors must be cognizant of the risks that lie ahead.

The report further noted that rising prices of oil beyond the already elevated levels currently could be a key risk factor for India.

"Rising oil prices could imperil macro economic stability that India has achieved over the past few years. In case oil prices rise beyond USD 70 per barrel, the government may be compelled to stretch the fiscal deficit as political exigencies in a pre-election year may constrain the government from cutting public spending or raising domestic fuel prices," the report said.

Some of the key drivers of the expected recovery will be the waning of the lingering impact of demonetisation and GST; rural purchasing power, and a likely shift in government policy bias towards growth in a pre-election year.

"Our economists expect GDP growth to recover from 6.6 per cent in the current fiscal year to 7.5 per cent and 7.8 per cent over FY19 and FY20, respectively," the report said adding that "we expect Nifty earnings to increase 22 per cent in FY19 and 17 per cent in FY20".

According to the report, the return of double digit earnings growth in 2018-19 would be the major driver for the market in 2018.

"We are seeing a convergence of factors global and domestic that underpins our conviction on both economic as well as corporate earnings growth recovery," the Deutsche Bank report added.
The Korean film's remake rights have been bought by Salman Khan's brother-in-law Atul Agnihotri.

Mumbai: After two successful outings with Salman Khan in 'Sultan' and 'Tiger Zinda Hai', director Ali Abbas Zafar is looking forward to their third collaboration in 'Bharat'.

Zafar said the offer to direct the movie, which is a remake of the 2014 South Korean film 'Ode To My Father', came to him from Salman himself.

"That film came to me from Salman himself. He gave me the film and said he really likes it and asked me to watch it. I saw it and really liked it.

"(But) You can't make the film exactly how it is in the original. The socio-political scenario affects your story and the character. But I liked the basic crux of the film. Salman said after 'Tiger...', you do this," Zafar told PTI.

"Ode to My Father" was directed by Yoon Je-kyoon and revolves around a young boy's promise made during the chaos of

the Korean War.

The film's remake rights have been bought by Salman's brother-in-law Atul Agnihotri.

The Hindi film will reportedly be set during India- Pakistan partition. Ali is, however, tight-lipped about the basic plot.

When asked if anyone apart from Salman has been cast yet, Ali said currently the film is at an early stage.

"We will begin March onwards. I want to sleep for a month. We are at the elementary stage," Zafar said.

The film will go on floors this year.
Zareen Khan ventured into dark films after being launched in Veer opposite Salman Khan.

Mumbai: With films like Hate Story 3, Aksar 2, Zareen Khan ventured into dark films after being launched in a period drama Veer opposite Salman Khan in 2010. Later she tried her hands in comedy with 'Housefull 2' but saw a lull phase post that. Zareen is back with Vikram Bhatts horror flick 1921. In a candid chat with Asian Age, Zareen talks about her film, working with Karan Kundra, horror genre dying in Bollywood and much more. Excerpts:

Tell us something about '1921'.

We have already seen the entire movie and it looks great. It was amazing to shoot this film. We shot for two months in UK at a stretch. In spite of shooting a horror, the atmosphere on the sets was so good that two months passed in a blink of an eye. I am very thankful to meet Vikram sir in this life since he has taught me so many things during the making of the film which is going to help me in my acting career. I met Karan Kundra during our film. He is a fun person. Just after we used to hear cut, everyone used to crack jokes the next moment. I am playing a ghost whisperer who can see spirits. It is primarily an intense love story between me and Karan Kundra.

Do you feel horror genre is dying in Bollywood?

I wouldnt say it is dying but I feel that not many people in Bollywood make horror films. I believe a lot of people like to see horror films in our country. In fact, there is a huge audience for horror shows on television. I am happy that I am part of a horror film like '1921'. I took this film as a challenge since I get scare when I see horror films. I have been a fan of Vikram Bhatt sir since school days. I am so happy that I got an opportunity to be a part of his film.

Also do you feel that Hindi films lack sensibilities of making a horror film?

A person who is making a horror film should have some understanding about the genre. One cannot make something. Vikram sir is someone who himself had read about it so much. He understand spirits quite well since he had studied psychic sciences. This is the reason that when he makes a horror movie it has logic behind every scene. This is when you manage to get audiences to the theatres. I feel Vikram sir is one of the best directors we have in country today.

Are you disappointed with the failure of 'Aksar 2'?

No, its fine. Success and failure are part and parcel of life. Good or bad movies happen. I would just take it as a learning experience but now I am looking forward to '1921' which looks great.

Is it your conscious effort to do dark and intense films lately?

I dont want to be in darkness, I am too scared! It has never been my conscious effort. These films came my way since they were different hence I took it up. I felt these films will help me in exploring my acting abilities. I am waiting to do a light-hearted character. I would definitely try my hand in comedy. People around always tell me that I am very funny. I am doing another film with Vikram sir which is a romantic film.

Here's the trailer of '1921':
Few new pictures from the wedding are out now, with Shah Rukh sitting beside his daughter and smoking in one of them.

Mumbai: While Shah Rukh Khan's popularity is among the biggest worldwide, his wife Gauri and kids are pretty famous as well.

Pictures of his daughter Suhana Khan in traditional attire from a wedding in Delhi few days ago had gone viral immediately.

While Gauri was also snapped along with her, we didnt know that Shah Rukh was also present at the wedding.

Few new pictures from the wedding are out now, with Shah Rukh sitting beside his daughter and smoking in one of them.

The actors son Aryan was also reportedly a part of the wedding, though not clicked.

Picture of Suhana smilingly showing off the Mehendi on her hand has also made its way to the fan clubs.

Suhanas outfit was designed by Seema Khan, actor-filmmaker Sohail Khans wife, who also described her attire on Instagram.

With special designers for her outfits for a wedding, or her pictures going viral immediately on social media, Suhana looks destined for instant popularity if she becomes an actress.
When fans cross the line of adulation, celebrities often end up becoming victims of bizarre and jaw-dropping claims.

The year 2018 seems poised to be an interesting one already. And we are not talking about Shah Rukh Khans teaser for upcoming film Zero or Kareena Kapoors sizzling photoshoot for a magazine cover.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

The years first day saw a man named Sangeeth Kumar from Hyderabad making crazy claims of being Aishwarya Rai Bachchans first born! And if that is not funny enough, he claims he was born through IVF in London, when Aishwarya was all of 14. Sangeeth claims he was kept away from his mother against his wishes by his relatives and has finally decided to make contact with her.

Hes not the only one to have made bizarre claims about a celebrity though. Here are more that will leave you speechless!

Shahid Kapoors Wife

In 2012, Shahid Kapoor decided he had enough after he was stalked endlessly by failed actress Vastavikta Pandit, who also happens to be legendary actor Raj Kumaars daughter. The lady had stalked Shahid for over nine months, even going to the media making claims that she was his wife. Shahid had to finally file an FIR to restrict Vastavikta from being anywhere around him. Right after, she went missing and has managed to stay away from public eye ever since.We are sure Mira Rajput would be glad.

Shah Rukh Khans Mother

Way back in the 90s, just around the time when Shah Rukh Khan was establishing his credentials as the next superstar, cropped up news of a woman claiming to be his biological mother. The lady, Malanbai, initiated proceedings in a judicial magistrate court in Latur, Maharashtra seeking maintenance. Following this, the Ahmedpur court even served summons to SRK who responded with a petition in the Aurangabad court. The case is said to have gone on till last year when the court finally halted all proceedings.

Kangana Ranauts Boyfriend

Rewind to 2010, when actress Kangana Ranaut was stumped, as someone called Akash Bhardwaj went beyond stalking her and actually started believing that they were in a relationship. He sent a series of passionate letters to the actress, all couriered to her address. He was promptly arrested.

Abhishek Bachchans Wife

As grand celebrations of Abhi-Ashs wedding were at their peak, a little known struggling actress, Jhanvi Kapoor, claimed she was Abhisheks first wife! She claimed to have known him since the time she worked as a background dancer in Dus, which is when they secretly got married. Things got dangerous when she slashed her wrists on camera. Bachchan however ignored her. Last heard, Jhanvi has taken to spirituality and turned away from showbiz.

Dhanushs Parents

Actor Dhanush, who is also Rajinikanths son-in-law, had some nervous moments when a couple from Melur in Tamil Nadu claimed that he was their long-lost son. Like in the case of SRK, this pair too went to court seeking maintenance.

In return, Dhanush not only refuted claims, but he also chose to go for a DNA test to clear the air. The Madurai court finally dismissed the case.
Rajkkumar is an actor Hansal is tremendously proud of.

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta has moved on from Simran, the controversial film with a super-controversial leading lady. Kangana Ranaut and Hansal are still in touch though. She is busy with her work; I am busy with mine. But we do connect. In fact, I just recommended a beautiful short story to her to read. But having said that, weve both moved on from Simran. I dont think there has been a strong female protagonist in our cinema like the one that Kangana played. It wasnt the disaster that its being made out to be, he says.

Hansal is equally proud of Bose : Dead/Alive, We worked on it like a feature film. We didnt compromise on our budget. It was a challenge to bring Netajis journey to life. Rajkummar Rao gained oodles of weight in the middle of his other assignments to look convincing in this role, he adds.

Rajkkumar is an actor Hansal is tremendously proud of. He is not scared of taking on any role and going to any lengths for it. I am very proud of him. Every award he wins is a reward for me, Hansal asserts.

Hansal is all set to begin work on another biopic, this time on former prime minister Manmohan Singh. However, in this case, Hansal is associated only as a creative consultant. He says, My involvement with bringing alive the politicians story is complete. We did a photo session with Anupam Kher who plays Manmohan Singh. The resemblance was uncanny. I think were on to something special here  we go on the floors in February 2018.

Meanwhile, Hansal prepares for a battle with Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) for the clearance of his film Omerta on the life of the alleged 26/11 mastermind Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh. Weve had screenings of the film the world over. We showed it at the Toronto Film Festival to packed houses. And Ive recently returned from a screening of Omerta at the Florence Film Festival where the audience was almost fully Italian. They understood the context of the point I was making about State-sanctioned terrorism. I hope our CBFC will get the point too. If they dont I am ready for battle. I wont take any cuts, concludes Hansal.
Amitabh Bachchan was the one who announced the news of the acclaimed director's visit on his blog and social media.

Mumbai: Megastar Amitabh Bachchan on Wednesday said that acclaimed director Christopher Nolan will be visiting India by March this year.

The 75-year-old actor said the 'Dunkirk' director, who has stayed true to the art of filmmaking by creating masterpieces such as 'Inception' and 'The Dark Knight' trilogy, on film, will be coming to the country to lend his support to Kodak's new facility here.

"It is all about to change yet again... Kodak that largest name for film is coming back... Many in the world of direction and production are finding values in the product done on film to be the more liked subject...

"So like 'Dunkirk' the film by that renowned Christopher Nolan uses only film for his pictures... 'Dunkirk' was not digital it was film... And in a month or so the man himself, Mr Nolan, is coming to India to inaugurate or at least lend support to a few matters," Bachchan wrote on his blog.

The actor also took to Twitter to announce, "Kodak is to open its facility again fresh and productive in Mumbai soon... by March 2018... Hollywood is apparently switching back to film... hai hai apni digital film ka kya hoga (Now what will happen to our digital films)."

T 2580 - NEWS !! don't know if it deserves the Tag BREAKING !! but Celluloid film is back .. KODAK is to open its facility again fresh and productive in Mumbai soon ... by March 2018 .. !! Hollywood is apparently switching back to film .. hai hai apni digitel film ka kya hoga pic.twitter.com/oNXO781DbE  Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) January 2, 2018

This would be Nolan's first India visit.

In 2014, it was rumoured that the director will be coming to the country for an event organised by IIT Bombay, a claim his rep denied after the story went viral on social media.
Dismissing the case as 'misreporting,' UIDAI assured there has not been any data breach and the data is fully safe and secure.

The alleged racket could have been started by over 300,000 Village Level Operators (VLEs) who were earlier in-charge of making Aadhaar cards pan-India and were rendered jobless when post offices and banks replaced them. (Photo: PTI)

Mumbai: Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) denied media report saying that Aadhaar cards can be bought on WhatsApp for nominal charges.

Denying media reports UIDAI said: Rs 500, 10 minutes, and you have access to billion Aadhaar details is a case of misreporting.

UIDAI assures that there has not been any Aadhaar data breach and that the data is fully safe and secure.

An investigation report in The Tribune revealed Thursday that anonymous sellers on Whatsapp are offering Aadhaar details of more than a billion Indians in exchange of a meagre sum of Rs 500.

The paper reported the existence of a software, available in the market for only Rs 300, which can print the Aadhaar card of any individual by entering their Aadhaar number.

The report suggested the racket could have been started by over 300,000 Village Level Operators (VLEs) who were earlier in-charge of making Aadhaar cards pan-India and were rendered jobless when post offices and banks replaced them.

Over 100,000 VLEs may have spotted this as an opportunity to make easy money, gaining illegal access to UIDAI data and provided common people with Aadhar cards for a charge, including printing the cards.

Since UIDAI has linked Aadhar to biometric details of individuals, this might mean a massive breach of national security if proven true and more so, since the Union Government's unrestricted access to citizens' details has already been in much debate.

In August 2017, a Supreme Court judgement had declared that 'privacy' is a fundamental right, while addressing petitions that questioned the legality of Aadhaar, on grounds of fundamental right to life and liberty.

Later in November 2017, a Right to Information response by the UIDAI revealed that Aadhaar details of many citizens were already public on as many as 200 central and state government websites.

These websites displayed "the list of beneficiaries along with their name, address, other details and Aadhaar numbers for information of general public," and were later removed, after the situation was brought into notice.

The government has made Aadhaar mandatory for accessing subsidies earlier and continues to insist that it is crucial for ending malpractices in public distribution systems, money laundering and terror funding.

If reports of the breach are true, however, questions will be raised on whether the easy access to random citizens' personal data for meagre amounts makes terror funding easier.

The Aadhaar card has to be linked with bank accounts, permanent account numbers (PAN), financial services like public provident fund (PPF), national savings certificates (NSC), Kisan Vikas Patra, mobile phone numbers (SIMs) and insurance policies, among other things. The deadline for linking Aadhaar card with all these services is March 31, 2018.
The villagers say Indian soldiers confronted their Chinese counterparts and seized their road construction machines including 2 excavators.

Sources say on Dec 28, Indian border patrolling personnel observed few Chinese civilians undertaking track alignment activity 1 km inside the Indian territory in Tuting area. (Photo: File)

Itanagar/ New Delhi: Chinese road-building teams entered around 1 kilometre inside Indian territory in Tuting area of Arunachal Pradesh last week but returned after being confronted by Indian troops, government sources said on Wednesday.

The sources said the civilian teams came for track alignment activities and returned when confronted by the Indian troops, leaving behind various road building equipment including excavators. According to local villagers in Arunachal Pradesh, the Chinese team members included civilians as well as uniformed personnel.

The incident took place on December 28, nearly four months after the end of the 73-day long Doklam standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in the Sikkim sector.

The sources said on December 28, Indian border patrolling personnel observed few Chinese civilians undertaking track alignment activity 1 kilometre inside the Indian territory in Tuting area.

They maintained there was "no face off" between the two sides and that the issue is being resolved through an established mechanism.

The government sources said the road building equipment are lying on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

According to local villagers in Arunachal Pradesh, Chinese soldiers were involved in road construction work in the area and that Indian security personnel intercepted them near Bising village under Tuting subdivision.

The villagers said Indian soldiers confronted their Chinese counterparts and seized their road construction machines including two excavators.

Nyomin Tekseng of Zido village near the frontier and Pema Nyisir of Gelling village said that two excavators have been confiscated.

"The road cutting is also clearly visible from the right bank of Siang river at Gelling which is about 7-8 km by aerial distance from the site. Indian and Chinese troops had pitched tents at the freshly cut road and had erected a boulder wall," Nyisir said.

The villagers informed a local policeman, who in turn alerted the ITBP deployed in Medog, near Bishing.

The ITBP personnel reached the spot and asked the Chinese personnel to return.

There was reportedly an exchange of words but the Chinese refused to yield.

The Indian Army also sent a patrol to the faceoff site, where it continues to stay.

Though the site is part of the ITBP's area of responsibility, there is a heavy deployment of the army in the region.

When contacted, Upper Siang DC Duli Kamduk said, "Our officials in Tuting subdivision have not reported any Chinese incursion."

State's chief secretary in-charge Marnya Ete said he had no such information.
Speaking on Indo-Pak tensions, the Foreign Minister said that US is making Islamabad a scapegoat for its failure in Pakistan.

US President Donald Trump had accused Pakistan of giving nothing to the US but lies and deceit in return for USD 33 billion aid. (Photo: AP)

New Delhi/Islamabad: Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif on Thursday alleged that US President Donald Trump's recent remarks against his country showed that he was talking in the language of India.

Briefing the Parliamentary Committee on National Security about tension between Pakistan and the US following Trump's remarks, Asif said the US is making Islamabad a scapegoat for its failure in Afghanistan.

Trump had accused Pakistan of giving nothing to the US but lies and deceit in return for USD 33 billion aid.

Sources privy to the discussion in the meeting said Asif told lawmakers, Trump was speaking in the language of India.

The statements from the US leaders are contrary to the facts, Asif said.

National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, who heads the body, told the media after the meeting that there should be balanced response to the statements from the US.

The country's dignity should be maintained, while engaging with the US," he said.

He said the committee has decided to reconvene next week for a briefing by security agencies.

The closed-door meeting came at the heels of a high-level National Security Committee meet and the cabinet meeting earlier this week.

Defence Minister Khurram Dastagir was also present in the meeting.

Dastagir said when US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defence Secretary James Mattis visited Pakistan, they presented their stance in accordance with diplomatic norms and the talks were not threatening and insulting, Geo TV reported.

(But) this was present in Trump's tweet and before that when US Vice President Mike Pence made the 'put Pakistan on notice' statement from Afghanistan, the defence minister said, referring to the threatening tone of the US leaders.

"We need to have a holistic review of the entire situation. We are conducting a complete analysis and coolly formulating our response," he said, adding that there should not be any doubts when it comes to the defence of Pakistan.

"The question is will America create a situation which will harm Pakistan...We are ready for this but still want to engage the US," he shared.

Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and NSA Lt Gen (retd) Nasser Janjua also briefed the participants.
The bill, which has divided the political class and drawn criticism from several Muslim bodies, was passed in the Lok Sabha on December 28.

The Congress suggested that the face-off could be resolved if the government agreed to make provisions for providing financial aid to Muslim women divorced through instant triple talaq, and their families, after their husbands were sent to jail. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: The fate of the contentious triple talaq bill continued to hang in a balance on the penultimate day of the Winter Session of Parliament on Thursday, with the Rajya Sabha witnessing a rancorous debate between the government and the opposition over whether to refer it to a Select Committee.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley contended the resolutions moved by the opposition to send the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill to a Select Committee were not according to the rules.

The Congress suggested that the face-off could be resolved if the government agreed to make provisions for providing financial aid to Muslim women divorced through instant triple talaq, and their families, after their husbands were sent to jail.

The bill, which has divided the political class and drawn criticism from several Muslim bodies, was passed in the Lok Sabha on December 28.

Congress member Anand Sharma and TMC's Sukhendu Sekhar Roy wanted their resolutions for referring the bill to a Select Committee, which they had moved on Wednesday, to be taken up before any other listed business.

Speaking in unison, almost the entire opposition, particularly the Congress, TMC and the Samajwadi Party insisted on the bill and the related resolutions for referring it to a Select Committee to be taken up first.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), an ally of the ruling NDA, had also backed the opposition demand. The TMC's Derek O' Brien wanted a vote on the resolutions. "...Where we stopped, we should continue.... Yesterday, we were all set to go for a division. Any further legislative business cannot be taken up unless that (the nill) is disposed of," he said. Deputy chairman P J Kurien said he cannot take up the bill which was not listed in the business for Thursday.

Kurien, however, ruled that their resolutions/amendments stood accepted. Jaitley, the Leader of the House, however, contested it, saying the two amendments were invalid as 24-hour notice was not given by the two MPs.

He also said the composition of the Select Committee proposed by the opposition did not reflect the "character" of the House.

"Both the resolutions moved do not reflect the character of the House. Any (proposed) committee which is giving one sided view is not a valid resolution. A select committee is to work on the resolution and return it to the House," he said, adding the panel should have representation of various parties proportionate to their strength in the House.

Kurien said though there was a rule for giving a notice 24 hours before moving a resolution, the chair can waive it. As the rival sides put forth their arguments during the cacophony, with members on their feet and many in ailes, Jaitley, said,"If you want to sabotage the bill, you will automatically disqualify to be the member of the Select Committee."

Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad suggested that the government should include a provision in the bill that it would take care of the financial needs of divorced Muslim women and their children.

"We are in favour of the bill but we are opposed to the provision of imprisonment of the husbands. Who will take care of the family? "Who is going to take care of the expenses of children... Government is not worried about that. Let the government say it will take care. We will accept if the government bears the expenses of the family till the husbands are imprisoned," he said and urged the government to accept the suggestion.

With rival sides ceding no ground to each other, and the uproar continuing unabated, Kurien adjourned the House for the day. Friday is the last day of the winter session.

Talking to media after the session, Trinamool Congress MP Derek O Brien said: "Today BJP has been exposed, they don't have the guts to empower women."

Meanwhile, Senior Congress leader and MP Kapil Sibil stressed upon sending triple talaq bill to the select committee. "The government is isolated, the Opposition is one. The bill should be sent to the select committee," Sibal said.

Targeting the Opposition uproar in the Upper House, Union minister and BJP MP Smriti Irani said, "Opposition stands exposed in Rajya Sabha, for the past two days repeatedly it has been said that if there are any issues need to be spoken on triple talaq bill, those issues need to be put out on the floor of the House. Why is congress-led Opposition running away from discussion."

Smriti Irani further added: "Double standards of congress led opposition are exposed today and I think it is a shame on them that they are trying to obstruct this path of justice for Indian muslim women."
The officials identified the slain jawan as head constable R.P. Hazra.

SRINAGAR: A Border Security Force (BSF) jawan was killed in a sniper fire from across the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmirs Samba district on Wednesday. Security sources claimed that Wednesday was also his birthday.

The officials identified the slain jawan as head constable R.P. Hazra. They said that he was targeted from across the border in Chak Dolma area in the IBs Samba sector at 4.30 pm and blamed the incident on the Pakistan Rangers deployed at a facing post.

The sudden and unprovoked act triggered heavy exchanges between the border guards of the two countries and as reports last came in, firing by small and medium automatic weapons was underway in Samba and Hiranagar area of the 198-km long IB.

Both the IB and the LoC now routinely witness clashes between the facing forces even after Indian has fenced them using barbed wire to check infiltration and other unlawful cross-border activity.

On December 31, an Indian Army jawan was killed when, as per a defence spokesperson in Jammu, the Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked firing along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmirs Rajouri district.
Lalu Yadav was the chief minister of Bihar during the period.

RJD chief and former chief minister of Bihar Lalu Prasad Yadav is produced at the special CBI court in Ranchi on Wednesday to receive his quantum of sentence in a fodder scam case. (Photo: PTI)

Patna: The court on Wednesday issued a contempt notice against RJD leaders for speaking against the conviction of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav in a fodder scam case.

Lawyers said that the RJD chiefs son, Tejashwi Yadav, party vice-president Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, Shivanand Tiwary and senior Congress leader Manish Tewary have been directed by the court to file their reply on January 23.

Reacting to the contempt notice issued against leaders of his party, Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, who was also present in the court premises, said, I havent seen the notice yet, but if the court wants my reply for giving statements in the fodder scam case, I will file the same in a legal manner.

Statements were issued because we are planning to challenge the verdict in the high court, he added.

The special CBI court is likely to pronounce the quantum of punishment for Lalu Yadav and 15 others in the fodder scam case on Thursday. The sentencing, which was scheduled for Wednesday, was deferred due to a condolence meeting held in the premises of the court to mourn the death of a lawyer.

The CBI court, on December 23, had found Lalu Yadav and others guilty of furnishing fake bills and vouchers for withdrawal of Rs 89.27 lakh from Deoghar treasury for fodder procurement between 1991 and 1994. Lalu Yadav was the chief minister of Bihar during the period.

The court had completed the hearing in the case on December 13. Six others, including former chief minister Jagannath Mishra, were acquitted in the case.

According to lawyer Prabhat Kumar, Lalu Yadav was present in the court, but he was sent back to Birsa Munda jail after the hearing was deferred for Thursday. He will be brought back to the court again on January 4. He added that the court has decided to hear the case in alphabetical order.
The Auburn Police Department has teamed up with fire officials to investigate a fire this week at a Cayuga Centers residence.

On Wednesday, Auburn Police Captain James Moore confirmed that APD is assisting the fire department in its investigation at 202 Franklin St. The fire, which occurred Monday night, was contained to a closet in the first-floor bathroom and displaced four staff members and five youth residents, who were temporarily relocated to the organization's main campus on Hamilton Avenue.

At this time, Moore said the fire seems "suspicious," but noted that the investigation is in its early stages. He could not say whether any charges were pending.

This was the second fire at the Franklin Street home in less than a month  the first was reported Dec. 5 and damaged an upstairs office. However, Assistant Fire Chief Bill DiFabio said investigators do not believe the fires are connected, as the first fire has been ruled electrical.

A service provider for families and children, Cayuga Centers was established as an orphanage in Auburn in the mid-1800s. It currently specializes in residential service, foster care and evidence-based programs to help people with disabilities.

Edward Hayes, the president and CEO of Cayuga Centers, said the organization is cooperating with the investigation. While the property on Franklin Street was repaired and deemed habitable by the fire department, Hayes said he is not moving residents in just yet.

"We're cleaning things up a bit," he said Wednesday. "There's no rush."

As for the residents' safety, Hayes commended the staff for handling the situation like they did and said he did not have any concerns.

"We run a safe program and I think that my staff performed very, very well evacuating everyone," he said. "We had good plans in place to get the residents to safety ... and I think we're seeing a lot of good staff performance these days."
Speaking about economic reforms Mr Jaitley said the government took structural reforms despite global weakness and back to back droughts.

New Delhi: The Congress on Thursday hit out at the government over the prevailing economic situation in the country. In a short discussion in the Rajya Sabha, Congress MP Anand Sharma challenged the government over the GDP figures.

I have one request to make, or a demand. Let the finance minister today agree that the GDP numbers as per the old series and news series be released tomorrow. Let the country know the truth. This year we have grown after five quarters of consecutive fall, he said.

Reacting sharply, Union finance minister Arun Jaitley said, India under the UPA had started losing credibility with large fiscal slippages, while the Modi government has brought down the 4.6 per cent fiscal deficit inherited from the UPA government. Today, we are talking only about marginal fiscal slippage.

Speaking about economic reforms Mr Jaitley said the government took structural reforms despite global weakness and back to back droughts. Structural reforms like Aadhaar, Direct Benefit Transfer and GST are the structural reforms that the Opposition started, but the Modi government took them to a logical conclusion. He added, Market has rewarded the fiscal prudence of the NDA government. The finance minister further went on to assert that the ratings of the international rating agency Moody are a clear indication of the way the economy is going. Moody had upgraded Indias ratings.

Attacking demonetisation and hasty implementation of GST, the Congress members said that this has led to major unemployment and closure of factory units.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to visit the UAE later this month.

New Delhi: Congress President Rahul Gandhi is all set to tour Bahrain on January 7 and return on January 9. The two-day visit of Mr. Gandhi will see him addressing Non Resident Indians, he is also expected to meet senior political leadership of the country. He is going on the invitation of the NRIs in Bahrain, he will be a state guest on his visit. Mr. Gandhi was also expected to visit other West Asian countries, but that programme presently has been postponed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to visit the UAE later this month.

Last year in September Mr. Gandhi had gone on a 15-day-trip to the United States of America. He had interacted with students, politicians, businessmen and other leaders of the country. He had also addressed University of California Berkeley. There was a lot of criticism from the BJP back home. Interestingly since his visit to United States of America Mr Gandhi has made a complete turnaround of his social media and has started taking on PM Narendra Modi.

Congress strategists feel that the party was not being able to get its viewpoint across to the Indian diaspora. The visits of Congress President abroad to places where Indian community has a sizeable presence will ensure that the partys viewpoint goes out to the NRIs. Feedback from Mr Gandhis trip to the US has been positive for the party. Insiders claim that NRIs have relatives back home and act as influencers.
It is clear that the BJP has planned to communalise the situation in the state, once hailed as its Gateway to the South.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi along with senior leader Ghulam Nabi Aazad and Mallikarjun Kharge and other MPs during a protest against Union minister Anant Kumar Hegdes remarks on the Constitution, near the Gandhi statue during the on-going Winter Session of Parliament in New Delhi recently. (Photo: PTI)

The political clock is ticking. With the ringing in of the New Year, just 16 months are left for the next Lok Sabha elections. Every second and every minute counts. More so for the Congress and Rahul Gandhi. One simply cant rest on the laurels of Gujarat. It was a battle well fought. A general earns his spurs on the battlefield.

The battle to retain power in Karnataka just a few months away will be equally exciting for the Congress as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah can ill afford to give the initiative to a surcharged Grand Old Party.

If the BJP has to be humbled, then the Congress and its leadership should learn the tactics of Bajirao Peshwa, a general who was always on the go and known for taking his enemies by surprise with his speed and tactics. In his short life of 40 years, Bajirao fought 42 major battles and won each one of them.

Bajirao, whose name is etched on the heart of every Maharashtrian with bravery of the rare kind in war and in love, never lost a battle as he was always on the move and always thought of what the enemy might be thinking.

Like all great generals, he had rare rapport with his soldiers and was their darling. Bajirao is known as Bajirao I in Maratha history as his namesake some 100 years later brought doom on the empire.

Like Bajirao I, what is needed for Rahul Gandhi is to observe and understand what his political rivals must be plotting and how they could be checkmated. Gujarat has shown that Narendra Modi is not invincible if the right strategy and approach is adopted. Its now time for the Congress to come up with a racy narrative to expose the BJPs acts of omission and commission in the states ruled by the party, and they are many.

Unlike in the past, Rahul Gandhi had not gone on his usual yearend holiday  which is indicative that the Congress leadership is in a state of serious contemplation on the challenges ahead.

In politics, there are no enemies, only rivals. Rahul Gandhi showed it through his campaign in Gujarat. Its great if the Prime Minister would have done the same by not lowering the standard of debate by making wild allegations against former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

In the states going to the polls in 2018, the Congress needs to prepare a detailed balance sheet of the work done in the states ruled by it, and the reasons for the failure to fulfil any assurances. This would help in states like Karnataka to help plan out a sober and effective campaign where chief minister Siddaramaiah has much to show for his years in office.

It is clear that the BJP has planned to communalise the situation in the state, once hailed as its Gateway to the South. Much has changed since then, and declaring B.S. Yeddyurappa as the BJPs chief ministerial candidate despite the corruption cases pending against him is a good stick to beat the BJP with.

In other states, particularly in BJP-ruled Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, the emphasis while preparing the balance sheet should be to dwell deep on the promise and performance.

Farmers distress in Madhya Pradesh has been evident from the police firing on agitating farmers in Mandsaur district. The story of neglect of farmers is similar in several orther states as the Narendra Modi government has not provided the desired attention to the countryside in this regard.

The Congress needs to be aggressive in the BJP-ruled states by raising penetrating questions over the issue of governance, or the lack of it. The campaign in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan could be very much like Gujarat, where the Congress exposed the futility of the Gujarat model from the word go. The fact is that the people are seeking a change  but that depends on whether they feel that the Congress is up to the task.

There is also the question of the party leadership in these states. In Rajasthan, the Congress has former CM Ashok Gehlot and PCC chief Sachin Pilot as a good combine of experience and youth that has the power to effectively checkmate incumbent Vasundhara Raje.

The Prime Minister saved the situation for the BJP in Gujarat, it being his home state, but he would find it difficult to stem the tide in other party-ruled states where its governments have been affected by anti-incumbency.

However, the biggest bottleneck for puncturing the BJP is the state of the Congress organisation. There are no shortcuts to success and no shortcuts to get the party organisation shipshape by removing factionalism and inertia. But how to do it is a million-dollar question  given the fact that in the last few decades, the culture of nomination has sapped the initiative of sincere workers. An instant but ad hoc and temporary solution could be one of holding closed-door chintan shivirs of leaders in election-going states, giving a full opportunity to state leaders to come up with innovative ideas and fresh thinking on how to put the house in order. It goes without saying that the major recommendations and suggestions need to be acted upon immediately.

Gujarat showed that the chink in the Congress armour is the organisation, or the lack of it. PCC chief Bharatsinh Solanki was not up to the task, and there were several suggestions from the AICC secretariat over a year back for the appointment of a working president in the state as Mr Solanki was not keeping well at that time. It was not acted upon.

Besides, a number of state Congress stalwarts, including Shaktisinh Gohil, Arjun Modhwadia and Siddhartha Patel, lost in the Assembly polls. This does not speak highly of the depth of the state leadership. Mr Solanki did not contest the polls.

The year 2018 is crucial for Rahul Gandhi to bring the Congress into the reckoning ahead of the mother of all battles  the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. With his spirited fight in Gujarat, he has put the fear of God into the BJP. But this could see a desperate ruling party unabashedly playing the communal divide card, as was seen towards the end of the Gujarat campaign.

In Chinese, the words challenge and opportunity are seen as synonyms. A great opportunity awaits the Congress to bring to the fore a new narrative  inclusive, humane, aspirational and forward-looking to slay the ghosts of the past. The time starts now.

The writer is associated with the Indian National Congress and is a former chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Electronics Development Corporation
The Union minister said he had 'nothing to say about regional parties' as they might have opposed the bill due to 'regional pressures'.

The BJP leader said that he was ready to listen to differing views of the opposition on the matter. (Photo: PTI | File)

New Delhi: Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Wednesday accused the Congress of "political hypocrisy", saying the party supported the triple talaq bill in Lok Sabha, but "cobbled up" with other parties to stall the legislation in Rajya Sabha.

The remark came after the Upper House was adjourned for the day amid heated exchanges between BJP and the opposition over sending the triple talaq bill to select committee.

"We are certainly deeply distressed by the political hypocrisy of the Congress party. They supported (the bill) in the Lok Sabha...In Rajya Sabha, they ganged up with other political parties, and opposed it," Prasad told a TV channel.

The Union minister said he had "nothing to say about regional parties" as they might have opposed the bill due to "regional pressures".

"Congress is a national party, headed by a woman. It is today denying the right of Muslim women who face humiliation and barbarism in the name of triple talaq," he charged.

The law minister also lamented recent reports of triple talaq in Moradabad and Rampur areas in Uttar Pradesh.

"Such reports may not have surfaced. What does the Congress party want? Should we allow Muslim women be victimised like this? Does the Congress have some concerns about the daughters and sisters of Muslim community?" he asked.

The BJP leader added that he was ready to listen to differing views of the opposition on the matter.

When asked whether he was hopeful about passage of the contentious bill in the current session of parliament, he said, "We will try our best. Our commitment to gender justice is total. This government has got the political courage and commitment to stand by this cause".

"We will try to persuade (the opposition parties to support the bill). I know vote bank politics is taking over the Congress party, but such politics has limitations," he added.
Official sources said the agencys zonal office in Hyderabad issued a provisional order for attachment of these properties.

New Delhi: The ED on Wednesday said it has attached assets worth Rs 117.74 crore in connection with its money laundering probe in a case against YSR Congress chief Jagan Mohan Reddy and others.

Official sources said the agencys zonal office in Hyderabad issued a provisional order for attachment of these properties under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED said it has attached movable and immovable assets worth Rs 117.74 crore under the PMLA of companies of I. Syam Prasad Reddy, Indu Projects, Embassy Property Developments and Vasantha Projects in the the Indu-APHB (Andhra Pradesh Housing Board) case related to Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.

In a statement, it said this case pertains to a quid pro quo investment where I. Syam Prasad Reddy made huge investments in the companies floated by Y.S. Jagan Moh-an Reddy for the favours received from former Andhra government by way of allotment of 8,844 acre of land for Lepakshi Knowledge Hub Private Ltd, 250 acres of land at Shamshabad for Indu Techzone Private Ltd and various housing projects to Indu Group.
In the Lok Sabha, finance minister Arun Jaitley had said on Tuesday that the electoral bonds will be valid for 15 days.

New Delhi: The Congress on Wednesday hit out at the government over the electoral bonds scheme saying that while the ruling BJPs scheme will not bring in transparency to the process of electoral funding, it has kept a backdoor open to misuse this in its favour.

The government had on Tuesday outlined the contours of an electoral bond scheme which purportedly seeks to ensure the flow of clean money to political parties, without revealing the donors names. Under the scheme, donors can buy bonds from the State bank of India (SBI) and political parties receiving these bonds can encash them only through a designated bank account.

Reacting sharply to this scheme to reform election funding, the Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said that while hiding the names of donors of electoral bonds was a regressive step, the fact is that, through banks, the government can easily trace the name of purchasers and the political parties receiving these bonds.

He tweeted, Hiding donor names of Electoral Bonds is a regressive step that paints process of electoral funding to Modi governments favourite colour: BLACK! And added, Is it meant to stifle transparency and give unlimited access to ruling party to misuse info and state machinery to coerce donors!

In the Lok Sabha, finance minister Arun Jaitley had said on Tuesday that the electoral bonds will be valid for 15 days, will not carry the donors name even though the purchaser would have to fulfil KYC norms at the bank.

The Congress alleges that since banks will know the name of the purchaser, the ruling party can easily access this information and trace the electoral bond to the political party receiving it. The Congress is also critical of removal of the clause that if a public company donates money to a political party it has to inform all its shareholders.

The government has said that the electoral bonds will be available at specified branches of SBI for 10 days each in the months of January, April, July and October.
The seat had fallen vacant following Manohar Parrikars resignation. The term of this seat ends in Nov. 2020.

Lucknow: Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri filed his nomination as a BJP candidate for the byelection to a Rajya Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday.

The seat had fallen vacant following the resignation of Manohar Parrikar, who quit the Union ministry to take charge as Goa chief minister.

Mr Puri, a former bureaucrat, was sworn in as minister in the Modi government in September last year but is not yet a member of the Parliament. The term of this seat ends in November, 2020.

Mr Puri was accompanied by chief minister Yogi Adityanath and BJP state president Mahendra Nath Pandey when he filed his nomination.

He said that he had come to know about his candidature during the chief ministers recent Noida visit and added that he would be happy to represent UP in the Rajya Sabha. I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah for making me minister and now giving me a chance to represent the state in the RS as a BJP member, Mr Puri said.

Meanwhile, chief minister Yogi Adityanath told reporters that Mr Puri was an able person and had a long administrative experience.

Though there is no doubt about Mr Puris election since the BJP enjoys an overwhelming majority, polling, if needed, will take place on January 16.
Yadav was talking in the backdrop of last weeks Pulwama attack.

NEW DELHI: Terming Indian security personnel and soldiers as the best in the world, veteran Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav on Wednesday called for giving them a free hand to hit out at cross border terrorism.

Taking the floor on Wednesday, Yadav said in the Lok Sabha during Zero Hour: Our jawans (soldiers) are the best in the world. But now Pakistan is killing them. It is an insult to our armed forces. It is not a small issue. Why this dilemma? (Yeh duvidha kyun?) I have information that the armed forces have not been given free hand.

Lambasting the government over the killing of soldiers in the fight against counter insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir, the former Union defence minister stated that repeated targeting of the armed forces by terrorists has dented their image globally and wondered whether the government was in a dilemma to deal with the problem of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir.

Yadav was talking in the backdrop of last weeks Pulwama attack.

On the last day of 2017, heavily-armed terrorists owing allegiance to the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed, stormed the CRPF camp at Lethpora in Pulwama district in a pre-dawn strike killing five CRPF men and injuring three others.

Our soldiers are being killed almost regularly. The government must tell us why this is happening. The armed forces must be given full freedom to retaliate to Pakistan sponsored terrorism, said Mr Yadav.

On Tuesday, the Congress had also slammed the government on the Pulwama CRPF camp attack asserting that it has failed to protect military installations from cross-border terror strikes.
According to Brian Engberg, owner of the Cafe 33 bar, where the theft happened, the bottle had been loaned from a Russian businessman.

In the CCTV footage, a man wearing a cap and a balaclava on his face can be seen entering the bar and taking the bottle. (Photo: Pixabay)

The reportedly world's most expensive vodka bottle has been stolen from a bar in Danish capital of Copenhagen, according to a media report.

The Russo-Baltique bottle with a price tag of $1.3 million (Rs 8.2 crore) was made of gold and silver, 3 kg each, and had a diamond-tudded cap.

According to Brian Engberg, owner of the Cafe 33 bar, where the theft happened, the bottle had been loaned from a Russian businessman.

In the CCTV footage, a man wearing a cap and a balaclava on his face can be seen entering the bar and taking the bottle.

According to initial investigation, only the Russo-Baltique bottle has been stolen and some 1,200 vodka bottles have been left untouched in the bar.

Police said they were yet to confirm whether the thief broke into the bar.
The paramilitary force also recovered five arms and 222 ammunition last year.

At present, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel have been deployed at 59 airports across the country.

NEW DELHI: The CISF seized gold worth Rs 335 crore, silver Rs 2.07 crore at various airports in the year gone by. They also recovered unattended property worth Rs 44.66 crore.

The paramilitary force also recovered five arms and 222 ammunition last year. While a total of 126 touts were apprehended, among them three were given to the airport operator, while the rest were handed over to the local police.

While the CISF seized over Rs 15 crore in cash, a total of 96 cases of fake tickets were reported in the airports and seven cases of contraband items were detected:

The paramilitary force also recovered 4,758 items such as laptops, cameras, mobiles, wrist watches, unattended items, wallets, currency, jewellery, passports, PAN cards, other ID, jackets bags worth over Rs 4 crores and returned them to their respective owners after verification.

At present, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel have been deployed at 59 airports across the country. Apart from protecting Delhi Metro and Metro premises, the perfonnel have taken many proactive steps for safe and secure travel.

The paramilitary force personnel took the conducted trials for doing away with stamping of hand baggage tags in two phases at 13 major airports between December 6 last and January.

On the success of the trial run, need to stamp hand baggage tags in the 27 airports, including Indira Gandhi International Airport, has been removed.

For prompt grievance redressal of passengers, in case of any complaint regarding loss of property, articles, either through e-mail or hard copy, efforts are made by the CISF to provide necessary information to passengers.

The grievances are scanned thoroughly with the help of the recordingsa of the closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras, statement of personnel/staff and the outcome of the same is informed to the complainant.
St. James Episcopal Church, located at 96 E Genesee St., Skaneateles, is one of 17 locations to receive a Sacred Sites Grant from The New York Landmarks Conservancy, a private non-profit organization.

The grants, awarded to historic religious properties in New York state, totaled $279,000. The $5,000 Conservancy Grant awarded to St. James will help fund stained glass restoration. The Gothic-revival quarry-faced limestone church, designed by Horatio Nelson White and built in 1874, sits at the northern tip of Skaneateles Lake. A small rose window rests above the entranceway, visible from the town's main street.

The church also recently repaired its multi-colored, pattered slate shingle sanctuary roof in 2015 with the help of a $40,000 New York Landmarks Conservancy Sacred Sites Challenge Grant.

Religious institutions combine architecture, history, personal and communal memories that help define our localities, said Peg Breen, president of the Conservancy, in a press release. They are important to preserve for all these reasons, as well as for the cultural and social service programs so many religious buildings house.

St. James hosts multiple community activities in addition to their worship services. Activities include Alcoholics Anoyomous groups, community yoga, local chorale and ensemble concerts and recitals, and community hosted fundraising dinners. The Fingerlakes Discernment Center, Skaneateles Ecumenical Clergy, and Sustainable Skaneateles also host their meetings at the church. Combined, these activities serve an estimated 1,200 people each year.

For over 40 years, the New York Landmarks Conservancy has loaned and granted over $50 million to preserve and protect New York Citys architectural legacy. Through their work, The Conservancy has saved more than 1,000 buildings across New York City and state.
Squarely blaming the BJP over the bill she even predicted that the bill would only increase woes for the Muslim women.

CM Mamata Banerjee interacts with a beneficiary at the inauguration of various projects and helping aids at Ahamadpur in Birbhum. (Photo: PTI)

Kolkata: Breaking her silence over the triple talaq bill which was recently tabled in the Rajya Sabha, chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday described it as erroneous and defective.

Squarely blaming the BJP over the bill she even predicted that the bill would only increase woes for the Muslim women.

According to Ms Baner-jee, she never opposed the bill keeping the protection of the women in mind. We did not oppose the triple talaq bill... strongly because we are in support of the women. I know many in the Muslim community who follow religious disciplines and rules. They are against doing anything by force. Still the BJP has brought a bill full of errors at Parliament, the chief minister said at a rally at Amodpur in Birbhum.

Lashing out at the ruling party at the Centre she alleged, It is a defective bill which they have introduced. The women will land in trouble more instead of getting any protection. The BJP is indulging in politics over the bill. We always want the protection of the women of the minority community like we do in case of the Hindus.

The Trinamul Congress supremo also sent a warning to the BJP.

She declared, But if anyone tries to make the law defective by bringing a defective bill then the Trinamul will not spare him. Her clarifications on her partys stand and attack on the BJP came close on the heels of Ishrat Jahan, one of the Muslim women who fought against triple talaq at the Supreme Court, alleged of getting no help from her.

Ms Banerjee also slammed the BJP government over social welfare. The BJP government does not have any contribution towards the society, the poor people, the Dalit community, the Santhals, the majhis, the backward class, the youth and the women. They have nothing to do. They only take credit. They work less, talk more. They can not do a single work, she claimed.

Voicing her displeasure over uncertainty on the customers money in banks the chief minister said, The money of the poor is saved as deposits in banks. But the BJP government is threatening to take it away whenever it wishes to do. This means the banks will take control of your fixed deposits anytime. Please keep the FRDI scam in mind.
Over 200 buses of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation were damaged in attacks by protesters across the state during the bandh.

According to official, in Kolhapur, the protesters on Wednesday attacked 13 buses of the civic corporation and police have suspended Internet services till Thursday midnight as a precautionary measure. (Photo: Rajesh Jadhav)

Mumbai: The Mumbai Police registered 16 FIRs and detained over 300 people in connection with protests by Dalit groups during the day-long bandh on Wednesday against the Bhima Koregaon caste clashes, while Internet services were suspended in Kolhapur following tension in the district.

Over 200 buses of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation were damaged in attacks by protesters across the state during the bandh, MSRTC officials said.

In Mumbai, 16 FIRs were registered at various police stations and more than 300 people detained, police said.

In Kolhapur, the home district of social reformist late Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, the protesters on Wednesday attacked 13 buses of the civic corporation, an official said.

The Kolhapur district police have suspended Internet services till Thursday midnight as a precautionary measure, an official said.

Protests by Dalit groups were held in the district on Wednesday followed by counter-rallies led by Shiv Sena MLA Rajesh Kshirsagar.

In Parbhani district of Marathwada region, an office of the RSS was attacked on Wednesday, police said.

The agitators raised anti-RSS slogans, the Parbhani police said, adding no major damage to property was reported.

In Nilanga, the home town of state labour minister Sambhaji Patil Nilangekar in Latur district, around 40 two-wheelers and 10 to 12 four-wheelers were damaged by a mob, police said.

The bandh was called on Wednesday following violence in Pune district on January 1 when Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in which the forces of the British East India Company defeated the Peshwa's Army.

Dalit leaders commemorate the British victory, as it is believed that soldiers from the Mahar community were part of the East India Company's forces. The Peshwas were Brahmins, and the victory is seen as a symbol of assertiveness by Dalits.

The battle has come to be seen as a symbol of Dalit pride because a large number of soldiers in the Company force were Mahar Dalits. Since the Peshwas, who were Brahmins, were seen as oppressors of Dalits, the victory of the Mahar soldiers over Peshwa force is seen as Dalit assertion.
Meanwhile, political observers are of the view that this newly-minted solidarity between the two communities could change state politics.

Mumbai: The newly-forged unity between dalit and Maratha community groups - as seen in Wednesdays state-wide protest over violence related to the 200th anniversary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle  could alter the political equation in the state.

The rift between the two communities following the July 2016 Kopardi rape case and subsequent Maratha marches, seems to have been bridged during Wednesdays protest over the violence in Pune on Monday during the 200th anniversary of the battle.

Sambhaji Brigade - the strongest Maratha body in Maharashtra and part of the umbrella organisation Sanvidhan Bachao Parishad  supported the Maharashtra bandh. Sambhaji Brigade's Shivanand Bhanuse issued a statement on Tuesday, demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into Mondays violence. Also, Manoj Akhare, state president of Sambhaji Brigade, supported the bandh. Even Maratha Kranti Morcha leaders expressed solidarity with dalit organisations on the issue.

Rajendra Kondhare of Maratha Kranti Morcha on Wednesday said, The government should have taken precautions before the anniversary celebrations. It should have avoided both sides coming face to face. But there is reason to believe that the government machinery purposely avoided doing so.

Just a year ago around the time of the Maratha marches and the Kopardi rape case, relations between the two communities took a turn for the worse. However, in the last two months, Prakash Ambedkar took the initiative of constituting an umbrella body Elgar Parishad comprising over 250 small state organisations, Sambhaji Brigade included. The body has now decided to hold rallies across the state on the Save Constitution issue.

Mr Ambedkar said, We are fighting to save the constitution. All communities who feel threatened by the BJPs politics are joining us. The Marathas and dalits have been friendly communities. We are just trying to create a united platform to raise our issues.

Meanwhile, political observers are of the view that this newly-minted solidarity between the two communities could change state politics. Both these communities are politically important in the state. If they come together on social issues, it will definitely impact politics. However, one needs to see how much time the relations will remain friendly, said senior journalist, Prakash Bal.
The Maharshtra bandh called by Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh leader Prakash Ambedkar on Wednesday, crippled the road and rail traffic in Mumbai.

Mumbai: The Maharshtra bandh called by Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh leader Prakash Ambedkar on Wednesday, crippled the road and rail traffic in Mumbai.

The band, which was in protest against the caste clashes in Pune last week on the 200th anniversary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle, was withdrawn around 4.30 pm.

During the day, the suburban railway network saw 29 instances of rail-roko protests by Dalit activists. Protesters blocked all highways and arterial roads of the city and vandalised 48 BEST buses. Metro services were partially shut from Ghatkopar station and Airport road between 11.45 am to 5.00 pm.

Many people rescheduled their flights and long-distance trains too were delayed for hours.

More than 40 cars and auto rickshaws were attacked in Vikhroli and Govandi area.

Some auto drivers were dragged out of their vehicles and thrashed by the mob. There were also reports of shops being attacked in some localities in Chunabhatti and Chembur. BEST, Metro and Railways had to stop their services because of the violence. Many Mumbaikars complained that the Google Maps app, which shows traffic updates, was temporarily unavailable due to which commuters had difficulty in choosing their commute routes.

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said that CCTV footage of the violence would be scrutinised and action will be taken against perpetrators. He also added that the state government would approach the Bombay high court seeking name of a sitting judge to probe the Bhima Koregaon violence. "Footage of the violence and sequence of the events is being scrutinised. Action will be taken against those who are guilty. We will take the case to its logical end," the CM said.

He appealed for harmony and said all sections of the society especially media must exercise restrain and ensure that there is no caste conflict.

Central Railway (CR) said they had 110 cancellations on Wednesday but sources revealed that the number touched a shocking 400 services. According to a CR official, "We saw 400 cancellations and even more delays. So we do not even know how to put it on record as we have never seen such a high number of rail rokos in a day."

The first rail-roko was seen at Thane station around 7.45 am and was resolved at 8.30 am. The second rail-roko was seen on the Harbour Line at Juinagar station from 11.20 am to 11.40 am. Fifteen CR stations saw protests but the biggest rail-roko on this line was between Thane and CSMT and lasted for more than three hours as many stations in between like Kanjurmarg, Ghatkopar made it impossible to continue services.

Western Railway (WR), on the other hand, saw the longest rail-roko of the day, clocking almost four hours at Goregaon and Malad stations from 8.53 am to 1.38 pm. WR saw 15 rail-rokos throughout the day.

The most violent train rail roko was seen at Kanjur Marg, where commuters pelted stones and finally unhinged the steel benches placed on platforms and threw them on to the track. Around 15 long-distance trains were delayed by two to three hours on CR while two long distances were hit on WR.

Arterial roads like Jogeshwari-Vikhroli-Link-Road (JVLR), Sion-Panvel Highway, S. V. Road, Eastern Expressway, Western Expressway and spots like Kala Nagar-Bandra, Dahisar, Worli Naka and MMRDA junction were blocked by the protestors.

However, by 4.30 pm, roads from south Mumbai via Bandra-Worli sea link to Santacruz Airport and the Western Expressway from Dahisar were cleared for traffic.
A police official said the number of students and activists detained outside the Bhaidas Hall in suburban Vile Parle were not yet available.

The action came after police denied permission for the 'All India Students Summit 2018', which was scheduled to be held on Thursday, in which Mevani and Khalid were invited. (Photo: PTI)

Mumbai: Police on Thursday denied permission to a summit scheduled to be addressed by Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani and JNU student leader Umar Khalid and detained students gathered outside a hall in Mumbai for the event.

A police official said the number of students and activists detained outside the Bhaidas Hall in suburban Vile Parle were not yet available.

#Mumbai: Students gathered for Chhatra Bharati event outside Bhaidas Hall, being forcibly removed pic.twitter.com/eGT36BvQov  ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018

The action came after police denied permission for the 'All India Students Summit 2018', which was scheduled to be held on Thursday, in which Mevani and Khalid were invited.

The police denied permission in the wake of protests and bandh in the state on Wednesday following violence on the anniversary of a battle fought 200 years ago at Bhima Koregaon in Pune, a senior police official said.

The police has not given permission for the programme, Datta Daghe, the president of Chhatra Bharati, the organiser of the event, told PTI.

"Despite this we plan to go ahead with the programme. Mevani, Khalid and other invitees are coming after 11 am," he said.

Daghe said there was a huge police presence at the hall and the students were not being allowed to go inside.

Pune Police had earlier said that they had received a complaint against Gujarat MLA and Dalit leader Mevani and Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University's (JNU) student leader Khalid for their "provocative" speeches at an event in Pune on December 31.

Mevani and Khalid had attended the "Elgar Parishad", an event organised to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the battle of Bhima-Koregaon, at Shaniwar Wada in Pune.

Violence erupted in Pune district when Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in which the forces of the British East India Company defeated the Peshwa's Army.
The Bhima-Koregaon violence and subsequent state-wide protests have put CM Devendra Fadnavis in a dilemma.

Mumbai: The Bhima-Koregaon violence and subsequent state-wide protests have put CM Devendra Fadnavis in a dilemma. Neither can he ask the police to take action against Sambhaji Bhide Guruji and Milind Ekbote, as demanded by dalit groups, for fear that this might invite the wrath of Maratha and Hindutva hardliners. Nor can he afford to be seen as not taking any action for that would bring dalit backlash.

Wednesday saw uproar in parliament over caste-clashes in the state, with pressure on the CM mounting, more so because senior ministers are not with him in this crisis even as government faces growing attacks from the opposition and other organisations, said sources in government. The other challenge before the government is to recover damages from organisers of the bandh. While there is a legal provision for the same, the CM is hesitant about taking action as it may trigger further dalit unrest.

The agitations at the time of Maratha reservations were non-violent but this time around, the protests have turned violent, making it a sensitive communal issue. Republican Party of India (RPI) leader Prakash Ambedkar demanded action against Bhide Guruji and Hindutvawadi leader Ekbote and their followers, who pelted stones and burned vehicles at the recent Bhima-Koregaon gathering in Pune. The police has registered a FIR, but the CM cannot direct the police to arrest the concerned persons as this may spark reaction from Maratha and Hindutvawadi organisations. Instead, the CM has declared a judicial probe for the situation to cool down so that he does not have to take any such action. Still, dalit organisations are continuing to demand action against Bhide Guruji and Ekbote.

Bhide Guruji is very powerful in western Maharashtra and his photograph with PM Narendra Modi and CM Fadnavis has gone viral since two to three days. With dalits being a major vote bank, the BJP does not want to upset them ahead of the 2019 elections. It is a very difficult situation for the CM who is trying to find a way to cool down dalit groups - that too, without much help from senior ministers and party leaders, said sources.
This is especially so, considering he has the support of RPI leader Prakash Ambedkar in the state.

Mumbai: Jignesh Mewani  the young dalit leader who was recently elected MLA from Gujarat  is trying to gain a foothold in Maharashtra politics. So much so that his attempts could pose a challenge to the prospects of states home-grown dalit leaders. This is especially so, considering he has the support of RPI leader Prakash Ambedkar in the state.

Amid the buzz created by Elgar Parishad; the violence during the 200th anniversary celebrations at Bhima-Koregaon, Pune; and the subsequent caste clashes across the state; Mewani is being seen as the future leader of dalits in Maharashtra. There is speculation that he could surpass Ambedkar, union minister Ramdas Athavale, and other dalit leaders in terms of popularity, especially among the youth.

During the Monday meeting in Mumbai however, Mr Mewani stated that more than becoming the leader of the community, he is interested in tackling issues such as unemployment, lack of education and social hurdles faced by the Dalit community.

Meanwhile, political observers are of the view that Mr Mewanis fame is not enough when it comes to the politics of a state such as Maharashtra. Anant Dikshit, a senior political expert, said, Mewanis current fame is understandable as he has won an election in Prime Minister Narendra Modis state. But, to be a leader, he needs to sustain this momentum. He needs to go beyond boundaries inside the dalit community. And most importantly, he has to work on organisation building which is important in politics.
Ambedkar had said that a judicial commission has no powers to punish and prosecute, hence it needed criminal proceeding powers.

Mumbai: A day after the Maharashtra bandh, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis agreed to the demand of vesting powers of criminal proceedings to a justice commission, which will be formed to probe the Bhima Koregaon attack. The CMs assurance came after Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh leader Prakash Ambedkar met him on Thursday. Mr Ambedkar had said that a judicial commission has no powers to punish and prosecute, hence it needed criminal proceeding powers.

We met the chief minister and he has agreed to give criminal proceedings power to the sitting judge who will prove the matter. The chief justice would suggest a panel of sitting judges to the government, of which one will be entrusted with the responsibility of the probe. The inquiry commission will order quantum of punishment to the culprits, Mr Ambedkar told the reporters.

The Bharip Bahujan has also asked the CM to stop the combing operations by the police as many youth have been detained from various parts of the state before and after the bandh. The CM has assured us that assailants of Bhima Koregaon incident will be arrested soon. But I do not know if Sabhaji Bhide would be arrested. Police are conducting combing operations but the youth are not Naxalites or terrorists, he added. Mr Ambedkar had alleged that Bhide and Milind Ekbote were masterminds of the Bhima Koregaon attack that killed one and injured many.

On the police ban on Gujarats independent MLA Jignesh Mewani and JNU student Umar Khalids programme, Mr Ambedkar said that the organisers were told about it a day before. Commenting on a programme being organised in the city which will see Mr Bhide attending, he said, We believe in democracy and freedom of speech. The police will take a call if they want to ban the programme.

Reacting to the RSS demand calling for take strict action against culprits of the Bhima Koregaon attack, Mr Ambedkar said the organisation is trying to stay away from hardliners. The RSS is trying to disown the hardliners as they do not want to show any connection with them, he stated.
Indeed, the Sharif family owed much to the Saudis for getting them out from Gen Musharrafs prison and hosting them during their exile.

The sudden dash by the Sharif brothers to Saudi Arabia and their reported audience with the crown prince gives a new twist to the ongoing political soap opera. Whatever transpired at the meeting is likely to have an extremely significant impact on the Sharif familys future political course.

It will be particularly interesting to see whether Nawaz Sharif continues with his politics of confrontation or takes a moderate path following this visit. The possibility of some kind of deal being negotiated cannot be ruled out. There is strong speculation regarding Saudi pressure on Nawaz Sharif to step aside and hand over the party leadership to his younger brother to ensure the unity of the ruling party.

One is, however, not sure about the disgraced former PM accepting any enforced abdication of his leadership role while facing trial on corruption charges. It will certainly not be easy for him to back down after throwing down the gauntlet and promising to take the fight to the end.

The very fact that the two leaders were summoned gives credence to reports about Saudi concerns over growing political instability in Pakistan, one of the kingdoms most critical allies in the region. While the Saudi involvement in Pakistans internal politics is not new, there is no precedence for political leaders being summoned to the kingdom for negotiations on a purely internal political matter in this way. Interestingly, the Saudi government sent a special plane to fly Shahbaz Sharif to Riyadh where he reportedly held a series of meetings with senior Saudi officials before the arrival of his elder brother. Strangely, Nawaz Sharif was not given the same protocol, and, reportedly, had to wait for an audience with the crown prince. It appears that the Saudi rulers have put their weight behind Shahbaz Sharif. But one is not sure that the Saudi involvement even at the highest level could tilt the balance in Pakistani politics. Of course, such a proposition may have the support of some senior PML(N) leaders a

s well as the security establishment. Despite his disqualification and being charged on various counts of financial misdeeds, Nawaz Sharif remains perhaps the most formidable political force in the country. Any deal to keep him completely out of the political scene may not be that easy.

Indeed, the Sharif family owed much to the Saudis for getting them out from Gen Musharrafs prison and hosting them during their exile. But that close relationship came under strain after the Sharif government declined the Saudi request to send Pakistani troops to Yemen. The change of leadership in Saudi Arabia after the death of King Abdullah had also affected that close relationship. That cooling of relations was reflected in the reported refusal of the Saudi government to come to the rescue of the Sharif family during the JIT probe into the money trail leading to the Sharifs London properties. It is also evident that the monarchy has traditionally maintained a much closer relationship with Pakistans military establishment. All the military rulers had very close ties with the kingdom.

Despite the strained relationship between the two countries in the past year, the Saudi governments ties with the Pakistani military have not weakened. The appointment of retired Gen Raheel Sharif as head of the so-called Islamic alliance force is an example of the close bond. Some reports suggest that the main purpose of summoning the Sharif brothers was to persuade them to adopt a policy of reconciliation rather than confrontation. It is obvious that the PML(N) under Shahbaz Sharif is still the best bet for Riyadh.

It is not just Saudi Arabia but other foreign nations too that have been using their clout over different political parties to influence politics in Pakistan. Such foreign involvement adversely affects the democratic process. Any political deal brokered by the Saudis must be rejected. Instead of looking towards Saudi Arabia, the Sharifs should decide about their political future themselves.

By arrangement with Dawn
The standing committee will be well advised to shoot down this bizarre conversion proposal.

Doctors called off their 12-hour nationwide strike after the government agreed to send the controversial National Medical Commission Bill to a standing committee. The medical fraternity was wholly justified in voicing fears over the bill that seeks to replace the old Medical Council with a commission. Its not in the nomenclature that the problem lies, but in the bid to sanction virtual quackery by allowing homeopaths and those trained in alternative remedies to practice conventional medicine, known as allopathy. A so-called bridging course is all that an alternative medicine practitioner will need to join allopathic doctors in treating patients. A more quixotic proposal hasnt been heard of than allowing all and sundry to become doctors on the excuse that theres a shortage in India, particularly in rural areas, where young allopathy doctors are reluctant to work.

The standing committee will be well advised to shoot down this bizarre conversion proposal, the zeal for which flows from the same thought processes that equates ancient Indian knowledge with powers greater than the sum of all evolving human experience. Alternative remedies are fine for those who may not believe in allopathy, or have lost faith in chemical processes that produce its drugs, provided they have evaluated the probabilities and consequences and are convinced traditional medicines work for them. But to manufacture a whole bunch of half-baked doctors to augment those who go through rigorous courses to acquaint themselves with the human anatomy and the diseases and conditions it is susceptible to is to invite disaster. Millions cant be put at risk through such measures to allow quacks to undertake surgeries, and so on.
The Southern Cayuga Central School District has welcomed an interim Emily Howland Elementary School principal while the search for a permanent principal ramps up.

Candidates for the spot at the Poplar Ridge school will meet with three different committees on Wednesday, according to the district's website. Each contender will meet separately with committees made up of faculty and staff, community members and parents, and district administrators and board of education members, one after the other. Final interviews will commence that following week. Ultimately, district Superintendent Patrick Jensen will recommend a candidate for school board approval, with an aim for the newcomer to start in March.

In the meantime, Ron Springer began serving as the interim principal in time for students' return from holiday break Jan. 2. Springer had previously served twice at Weedsport Elementary School, most recently as interim principal before Melinda Ervay started in January 2016. He is currently on the Weedsport school district's board of education.

Previous Emily Howland principal Chris Clapper left in December to become the Alexandria Central School District superintendent. Clapper served as principal for five years and had been with the district for 15. A notice for a new principal was put on the school's website Nov. 15.
The Home Mini and Echo Dot apparently dont match the sound quality of the HomePod, but consumers may want a cheaper contemporary option.

The Amazon Echo Dot and Google Home Mini were available to the customers for around $29 from $50. (Photo: Amazon AI speakers)

The much awaited Apples Siri voice assistance based AI speaker HomePod is all set to launch soon. In order to ensure takers, existing smart speakers were being sold at heavy discounts on Amazon.

Google and Amazon heavily discounted their smart speakers during the Christmas break. The Amazon Echo Dot and Google Home Mini were available to the customers for around $29 from $50. And even though this move might have costed them a few dollars per unit, this may point out towards a whole new strategy.

According to a report by Reuters, the analysts believe that this heavy discount from Apple Inc as it prepares to start selling its HomePod speakers.

The company was supposed to start selling the HomePod speakers last year and was unable to do so. But now, Apple seems to be bracing itself for putting out its HomePod speakers for $349 dollars for the customers.

Amazon reportedly went ahead to announce that it sold millions of its Echo Dot speakers during the holiday season, which made it the best-selling product over the period on its online store. Nicol Addison, Google Home spokeswoman also went ahead to say that the company was very happy with holiday performance.
Upcoming LG TVs to have both digital assistants for a smoother user-experience.

At CES 2018, LGs gearing up to announce their new OLED TVs line up with Googles Assistant and Amazons Alexa built in alongside LGs own digital assistant.

LG is committed to Artificial Intelligence (AI) for all their electronics, including televisions, refrigerators, and other home appliances. LG is said to be branding them under the name ThinQ for 2018, which is iteration to its DeepThinQ deep learning technology announced back at the CES 2017. The company already has few of its appliances under SmartThinQ branding, which are powered by Googles AI Assistant.

The 2018s LG TVs will incorporate a new line of processors, ranging from M16+ processors to LGs new Alpha 9 processors, which will boost the performance up to 35 per cent. This results in a smoother motion handling, object-based contrast and a technology called True Color Accuracy Pro (replacement to LGs previous True Color Accuracy technology).

LG is trying to integrate both Googles Assistant and Amazons Alexa voice control for their WebOS, which already has a built-in digital assistant. With this integration, LG aims to help the consumers have a smoother experience by using their voice on the smart remote provided by the company.
BlackBerry shares rose per cent in Toronto to C$16.95, their highest one-day gain since April.

BlackBerry has also developed a software to run computer chips for automobiles that manage multiple safety-critical systems. (Representational Image: Google Waymo)

Chinese internet search firm and Baidu and BlackBerry reportedly signed a deal to make a self-driving vehicle technology jointly. The deal was signed on Wednesday and as a result of the same, BlackBerrys shares went up by 13 percent.

The deal concentrates on developing autonomous-driving technology with BlackBerrys QNX software and it is expected to start gain profits by the next year.

Todd Coupland, CIBC Capital Markets analyst allegedly said, The opportunity is global, its for a very large market and I think its a very solid win for BlackBerry.

Analysts and investors allegedly expect QNX to become a key technology in the burgeoning self-driving vehicle industry. QNX will be the operating system for Apollo, a platform for self-driving vehicles that Baidu announced in April last year. And since then, Apollo has signed deals with many major automakers like Ford Motors, Hyundai Motor Group and several Chinese carmakers.

Recently, BlackBerry has also developed a software to run computer chips for automobiles that manage multiple safety-critical systems.

The two companies have reportedly gone on to say that they will also integrate its conversational AI system, CarLife, its and high definition maps with BlackBerrys infotainment platform.
Trump has at times appeared to dismiss the prospect of a diplomatic solution and both sides have threatened to destroy each other.

Trump and Kim have exchanged repeated insults in recent months in a crisis over North Korea's program to develop nuclear-tipped missiles capable of reaching the United States, raising alarm worldwide. (Photo: File)

Washington/Seoul: The White House on Wednesday defended Donald Trump's tweet about the size of his nuclear button, saying Americans should be concerned about the North Korean leader's mental fitness, not their president's.

On Tuesday, Trump responded to a New Year's Day speech in which North Korean leader Kim Jong Un warned he had a nuclear button on his desk by saying that his nuclear button "is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!"

The tweet provoked strong criticism, especially from Trump's Democratic opponents, and former Vice President Joe Biden called it dangerously cavalier.

Asked whether Americans should be concerned about the president's mental fitness after he appeared to be speaking so lightly about nuclear threats, White House spokeswoman Sara Sanders told a regular news briefing:

"The president and the people of this country should be concerned about the mental fitness of the leader of North Korea.

"He's made repeated threats, he's tested missiles time and time again for years, and this is a president who's not going to cower down and who's not going to be weak and is going to make sure that he does what he's promised to do and that is stand up and protect the American people."

Trump and Kim have exchanged repeated insults in recent months in a crisis over North Korea's program to develop nuclear-tipped missiles capable of reaching the United States, raising alarm worldwide.

Trump has at times appeared to dismiss the prospect of a diplomatic solution and both sides have threatened to destroy each other.

Former Vice President Joe Biden said Trump had shown "really poor judgment."

"The only war that is worse than one that's intended, is one that is not intended," Biden was quoted as saying by CNN. "This is not a game. This is not about, you know, can I puff my chest out."

"The United States has a role in the world that the world has come to expect. I think the president is much, much too cavalier. And it's dangerous."

Senator Edward Markey, the top Democrat on the Senate's East Asia Subcommittee, said Trump's tweet "bordered on presidential malpractice, needlessly deepening a crisis and squandering a fresh opportunity to attempt diplomacy."

In his New Year speech, Kim warned that the entire United States was in range of North Korea nuclear missiles and added: "A nuclear button is always on my desk. This is reality, not a threat."

Kim said his country would focus in the coming year on mass producing nuclear warheads and ballistic missiles for operational deployment, but added that these would be used only if North Korea's security was threatened.

US Vice President Mike Pence told the Voice of America Trump was making clear that "America will not be bullied, America will not be threatened."

He said that while all options remained on the table, there was the opportunity for a peaceable solution to the crisis if "North Korea will abandon their nuclear and ballistic missile ambitions, if they will dismantle those programs."

Hotline Reopened

In his address, Kim also said he was open to speaking with US ally South Korea and would consider sending a delegation to the Winter Olympics to be held in South Korea in February.

US officials have responded coolly to this overture and the State Department said North Korea "might be trying to drive a wedge" between Washington and Seoul.

On Tuesday, Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the United Nations, said Washington would not take any talks between North and South Korea seriously if they did not contribute to denuclearizing North Korea.

Haley also said Washington was hearing reports that Pyongyang might be preparing to fire another missile and warned of even tougher steps in response if it did so.

On Tuesday, Seoul responded to Kim by proposing high-level discussions at the heavily armed Korean border next week, and on Wednesday North Korea reopened a border hotline that had been closed since February 2016.

South Korean officials at the border received a call from the North at 0630 GMT and officials on both sides conducted a conversation for about 20 minutes, South Korea's unification ministry said. It did not disclose the content of the discussion.

There was no immediate US comment on the reopening of the hotline, although a State Department spokeswoman, Katina Adams, said Washington remained in close contact with Seoul "about a unified response to North Korea."

She said that as South Korea President Moon Jae-in had stated, "'the improvement of relations between North and South Korea cannot advance separately from resolving North Korea's nuclear program.

The reopening of the hotline came hours after the tweet from Trump, who has repeatedly mocked Kim as "Little Rocket Man".

Kim's New Year's Day speech followed a steep increase in missile launches by North Korea in 2017, as well as its sixth and most powerful nuclear test.

North Korea's KCNA news agency quoted Ri Son Gwon, chairman of North Korea's Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland, as saying talks with South Korea would aim to establish formal dialogue about sending a North Korean delegation to the Olympics.

"We will try to keep close communications with the south Korean side from sincere stand (sic) and honest attitude, true to the intention of our supreme leadership, and deal with the practical matters related to the dispatch of our delegation," he said.
Wolff claims that from the moment of victory, the Trump administration became a looking-glass presidency.

Suddenly, Donald Trump became a man who believed that he deserved to be, and was wholly capable of being, the president of the United States, according to the book. (Photo: File)

Washington: Donald Trump did not want to be the president of the US and the First Lady Melania was in tears - not of joy - on knowing about the surprising electoral victory in 2017, according to a new book by an American journalist.

The book "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House" written by Michael Wolff, claims that the ultimate goal of Trump was never to win.

"His ultimate goal, after all, had never been to win. I can be the most famous man in the world," he had told his aide Sam Nunberg at the outset of the race.

"His longtime friend Roger Ailes, the former head of Fox News, liked to say that if you want a career in television, first run for president," according to the excerpts of the book.

"Shortly after Trump's inauguration, Wolff said, he was able to take up "something like a semi-permanent seat on a couch in the West Wing" - an idea encouraged by the president himself. Because no one was in a position to either officially approve or formally deny such access, Wolff became "more a constant interloper than an invited guest."

"There were no ground rules placed on his access, and he was required to make no promises about how he would report on what he witnessed," the book said.

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders has however denied this after excerpts from the book were published by New York Magazine with the title "Donald Trump Did Not Want to be President."

"There was one brief conversation that had nothing to do, originally, with the book. It was, I think, around five to seven minutes in total since the President has taken office. And that's the only interaction that he's had," she said.

According to Wolff, after entering the White House, Trump, while proposing the most radical departure from governing and policy norms in several generations, had few specific ideas about how to turn his themes and vitriol into policy.

"And making suggestions to him was deeply complicated. Here, arguably, was the central issue of the Trump presidency, informing every aspect of Trumpian policy and leadership: He didn't process information in any conventional sense. He didn't read. He didn't really even skim. Some believed that for all practical purposes he was no more than semi-literate. He trusted his own expertise - no matter how paltry or irrelevant - more than anyone else's," the author claimed.

"Shortly after 8 PM on election night, when the unexpected trend - Trump might actually win - seemed confirmed, Don Jr told a friend that his father, or DJT, as he calls him, looked as if he had seen a ghost. Melania was in tears - and not of joy," the book said.

"There was, in the space of little more than an hour, in Steve Bannon's not unamused observation, a befuddled Trump morphing into a disbelieving Trump and then into a horrified Trump. But still to come was the final transformation: Suddenly, Donald Trump became a man who believed that he deserved to be, and was wholly capable of being, the president of the United States," according to the book.

Wolff claims that from the moment of victory, the Trump administration became a looking-glass presidency: Every inverse assumption about how to assemble and run a White House was enacted and compounded, many times over.

"The decisions that Trump and his top advisers made in those first few months - from the slapdash transition to the disarray in the West Wing - set the stage for the chaos and dysfunction that have persisted throughout his first year in office," Wolff said in his book.

"This was a real-life version of Mel Brooks's The Producers, where the mistaken outcome trusted by everyone in Trump's inner circle -- that they would lose the election -- wound up exposing them for who they really were," Wolff said.

According to New York Magazine, Wolff, who chronicles the administration from Election Day to this past October, conducted conversations and interviews over a period of 18 months with the president, most members of his senior staff, and many people to whom they in turn spoke.

"Nothing contributed to the chaos and dysfunction of the White House as much as Trump's own behaviour. The big deal of being president was just not apparent to him," Wolff said.

"Most victorious candidates, arriving in the White House from ordinary political life, could not help but be reminded of their transformed circumstances by their sudden elevation to a mansion with palace like servants and security, a plane at constant readiness, and downstairs a retinue of courtiers and advisers. But this wasn't that different from Trump's former life in Trump Tower, which was actually more commodious and to his taste than the White House," said the author.

The White House has ridiculed the contents of the book, which will hit the stores next week, and described it as a fiction.

"This book is filled with false and misleading accounts from individuals who have no access or influence with the White House," Sanders said.

"Participating in a book that can only be described as trashy tabloid fiction exposes their sad desperate attempts at relevancy," she said.

The White House has described the book as "trashy tabloid fiction."

"The author did not get any access from the White for this book. He never actually sat down with the President, just to be very clear," Sanders told reporters at her daily news conference.

"I know that the book has a lot of things, so far of what we've seen, that are completely untrue. You have many people that have quotes that are sourced to them that are now coming out publicly and saying that those things are not true," she said in response to a question.

The book also says that US President Donald Trump was sympathetic to the issues of Silicon Valley including H-1B visa issue.

This appears to be contrary to the tough stand he has taken on H-1B visa now. After a meeting with a delegation of Silicon Valley leaders at the Trump Towers on December 14, 2016.

Trump then as president-elect is quoted as saying that the tech industry needs help as there are too much of a regulation.

"Take this H-1B visa issue. They really need these H-1B visas," Trump is quoted as telling Rupert Murdoch over phone after the meeting, according to the book.

"The president-elect enjoyed being courted. On December 14, a high-level delegation from Silicon Valley came to Trump Tower to meet him. Later that afternoon, according to a source privy to details of the conversation, Trump called Rupert Murdoch, who asked him how the meeting had gone," Wolff writes in the book.

"Oh, great, just great," said Trump. "These guys really need my help. Obama was not very favourable to them, too much regulation. This is really an opportunity for me to help them," the book said.

"Donald," said Murdoch, "for eight years these guys had Obama in their pocket. They practically ran the administration. They don't need your help. Take this H-1B visa issue. They really need these H-1B visas."

"Murdoch suggested that taking a liberal approach to H-1B visas, which open America's doors to select immigrants, might be hard to square with his promises to build a wall and close the borders. But Trump seemed unconcerned, assuring Murdoch, "We'll figure it out," Wolff writes.

"What a fucking idiot," said Murdoch, shrugging, as he got off the phone, the author claims.

The sympathetic view of Trump towards H-1B visa appears contrary to his public views on this popular work visa. Even during his election days, he had called for his strict review and described it as eating away with American jobs.

After becoming the president, Trump has ordered for review of H-1B visas. His administration has come out with strict policies on issuing H-1B visas, the book said.
Arun Aggarwal, 40, was sentenced on Thursday after pleading guilty to four counts of gross sexual imposition.

Aggarwal, formerly a doctor at Dayton Children's Hospital in Ohio, inappropriately touched two teens during medical examination between 2013 and 2015, the government attorney said. (Photo: File/Representational)

Washington: An Indian doctor has been sentenced to 10 months behind bars in the US for groping two teenage female patients and faces deportation to India after the completion of his jail term.

Arun Aggarwal, 40, was sentenced on Thursday after pleading guilty to four counts of gross sexual imposition.

Aggarwal, formerly a doctor at Dayton Children's Hospital in Ohio, inappropriately touched two teens during medical examination between 2013 and 2015, the government attorney said.

Designated as a Tier I sex offender, Aggarwal was arrested when he was allegedly trying to flee the country.

In a statement, the Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Leon Daidone alleged that the local hospital did not report the incident to the police.

Aggarwal now faces deportation to India.
The book -- the 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House,' by journalist Michael Wolff -- is to be published next week.

Bannon, who left the White House in August, is also quoted as saying that the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller into Russian interference in the 2016 election will focus on money laundering. (Photo: AP)

Washington: US President Donald Trump unleashed a spectacular denunciation of one of his closest political allies Wednesday, describing his former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon as insane and irrelevant.

The statement from the president came after the release of explosive excerpts from a new book about the Trump White House, in which Bannon describes a meeting between Trump's son Don Jr and a Russian lawyer during the 2016 presidential election campaign as "treasonous" and "unpatriotic."

"Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind," Trump said in a statement that was notably abrasive, even for America's combative 45th president.

Trump said Bannon -- who engineered the New York real estate mogul's link to the nationalist far right and helped create a pro-Trump media ecosystem -- was "only in it for himself."

The book -- the "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House," by journalist Michael Wolff -- is to be published next week.

But both The Guardian and New York magazine released excerpts that also touch on the presidential ambitions of Trump's daughter Ivanka -- and which say that Trump himself did not believe he would defeat Clinton.

Bannon, who left the White House in August, is also quoted as saying that the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller into Russian interference in the 2016 election will focus on money laundering.

The investigation by Mueller, a former FBI director, is looking into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia to get him elected -- a charge the president has repeatedly and vehemently denied.

'You should have called the FBI'

Don Jr took the June 9, 2016 meeting with Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya after an intermediary promised material that would incriminate Trump's Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.

Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and then campaign chairman Paul Manafort also attended the meeting at Trump Tower in New York.

"The three senior guys in the campaign thought it was a good idea to meet with a foreign government inside Trump Tower in the conference room on the 25th floor -- with no lawyers," Bannon was quoted as saying in the book. "They didn't have any lawyers.

"Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad shit, and I happen to think it's all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately," he said.

'Little to do' with election win

Trump responded quickly and cuttingly to the reported comments by Bannon, a former investment banker and the executive chairman of influential ultraconservative outlet Breitbart News.

"Now that he is on his own, Steve is learning that winning isn't as easy as I make it look. Steve had very little to do with our historic victory, which was delivered by the forgotten men and women of this country," Trump said.

"Steve pretends to be at war with the media, which he calls the opposition party, yet he spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was," he added.

"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."

Wolff's book -- which he says is based on interviews with Trump, his senior aides and others -- also mentions that Trump did not initially know who former House speaker John Boehner was, and that he eats food from McDonald's because he believes it to be safe.

"This book is filled with false and misleading accounts from individuals who have no access or influence with the White House," said Trump's press secretary Sarah Sanders.
Abe said Japan would take new steps to strengthen its defence posture but he did not go to specifics.

It is not an exaggeration to say that the security environment surrounding Japan is at its severest since World War Two. I will protect the people's lives and peaceful living in any situation, Shinzo Abe told a New Year news conference. (Photo: File)

Tokyo: The security situation facing Japan is the most perilous since World War Two because of North Korea's "unacceptable" provocations, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Thursday and he vowed to bolster defences to protect the Japanese people.

Tension in the region has been rising, particularly since North Korea conducted its sixth and largest nuclear test in September, and then in November, said it had successfully tested a new intercontinental ballistic missile that could reach all of the US mainland.

"It is not an exaggeration to say that the security environment surrounding Japan is at its severest since World War Two. I will protect the people's lives and peaceful living in any situation," Abe told a New Year news conference.

Abe said Japan would take new steps to strengthen its defence posture but he did not go to specifics.

The government approved a record military budget in December, with defence outlays due to rise for a sixth year, increasing by 1.3 per cent to 5.19 trillion yen (USD 46 billion), with the biggest item 137 billion yen in reinforcing defences against North Korean ballistic missiles.

The US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, said this week the United States was hearing reports that North Korea might be preparing to fire another missile, and she warned it not to.

"It is absolutely unacceptable that North Korea is trampling the strong desire of Japan and the rest of the international community for peaceful resolutions and continuing with its provocative behaviour," Abe said.

Abe has said he wants to amend Japan's pacifist constitution with the aim of loosening constraints on the military, although the public is divided over changes to the charter imposed after Japan's World War Two defeat.

War-renouncing Article 9 of the constitution, if read literally, bans the existence of standing armed forces, but has long been interpreted to allow a military for exclusively defensive purposes.

Abe said he wanted more debate on the issue.

"I would like this to be a year in which public debate over a constitutional revision will be deepened further," he said.
The gesture came just hours after Trump ridiculed the North Korean leader on Twitter.

Seoul: North Korea reopened a long-closed hotline with South Korea on Wednesday, hours after US President Donald Trump said that he has a bigger and more powerful nuclear button than Kim Jong Un.

The Norths decision to open the border phone line came a day after South Korea proposed high-level discussions amid a tense standoff over North Koreas missile and nuclear programs.

That followed Kims New Year address in which he said he would consider sending a delegation to the Winter Olympics to be held just across the border in Pyeongchang in February. The Koreas, divided by a Demilitarised Zone since the end of the 1950-53 War, last held high-level talks in 2015. US officials said Washington would not take any talks between North and South Korea seriously if they did not contribute to denuclearising North Korea. Kim ordered the reopening of the hotline at the truce village of Panmunjom at 0630 GMT on Wednesday. Officials on both sides were checking the line and conducting a conversation for about 20 minutes, the contents of which were not disclosed.

The gesture came just hours after Trump ridiculed the North Korean leader on Twitter. 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! Trump tweeted.
The UN had placed both the JuD and the FIF on its watch-list in Dec 2008 and March 2012, respectively.

Islamabad: Pakistan has launched a countrywide action against the Jamaat-ud Dawah (JuD) days after deciding to take over its assets.

Pakistan had placed the JuD on the watch-list in 2008. The UN had placed both the JuD and the FIF on its watch-list in Dec 2008 and March 2012, respectively.

Fund-raising and other activities by proscribed as well as subsidiary organisations of the banned outfits have been banned under Section 144 in the federal capital.

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), through a notification on Monday, had also stopped all companies from donating cash to proscribed organisations and individuals mentioned in the sanctions regime maintained by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Earlier, Defence Minister Khurram Dastagir Khan said that the governments crackdown on JuD other banned outfits was linked to the ongoing Operation Raddul Fasaad and was not taken due to mounting pressure from the US.

Action against JuD is being taken with due diligence so that the future of Pakistan can be secured and terrorists cannot open fire on school children anymore, he said.

Those affiliated with the JuD deny its involvement in any illegal activity, calling the FIF an organised philanthropist group of the country, he added.

Police removed banners of JuD and its subsidiary Falah-e-Insaniat (welfare of humanity) Foundation in Islamabad. A criminal case was lodged in Islamabad against unidentified persons, responsible for putting up the banner for fund-raising.
The 59-year-old man, named as Karl-Heinz N, was convicted in 1996 by a court in Thailand for sexual offences against minors.

Karl-Heinz N is accused of raping six children between five and 11 years old in 2015-2016 while working in India. (Photo: Representational | File)

Berlin: A convicted paedophile appeared before a court in Berlin on Wednesday charged with raping six children - the youngest just five years-old - while working in India, local media reported.

The 59-year-old man, named as Karl-Heinz N, was convicted in 1996 by a court in Thailand for sexual offences against minors, the reports said.

According to the regional RBB television channel, investigators in Germany discovered more than 250,000 images and videos of child pornography on a hard drive at the man's Berlin flat.

He is accused of raping six children between five and 11 years old in 2015-2016 while working in India, the DPA news agency said.

The man "had a large number of boys and young teenagers, some of which lived nearby, who worked for him on whom he performed sexual acts and filmed them," prosecutors were quoted as saying by DPA.

RBB said the man had spent four years in a Thai jail before being freed under an amnesty.
Gal-Mobile is an independent, integrated water purification vehicle, designed to produce high-quality drinking water.

Israeli PM Netanyahu and PM Modi waded into the Mediterranean Sea and rode the 'buggy' jeep on the coast during the latter's visit to Israel in July 2017. (Photo: @narendramodi)

Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will present a special gift - the Gal-Mobile water desalinisation and purification jeep - to his friend Narendra Modi during his visit to India starting January 14, according to sources in Jerusalem.

Israeli PM Netanyahu and PM Modi waded into the Mediterranean Sea and rode the "buggy" jeep on the coast during the latter's visit to Israel in July 2017.

Now Israeli PM Netanyahu is going to gift the same jeep to PM Modi, informed sources said.

As Israeli PM Netanyahu prepares for his four day visit to India, sources confirmed that the jeep has "indeed" left for India and "would be arriving on time" to be presented by the Israeli Prime Minister to PM Modi.

The jeep is said to cost around 390,000 shekels (approximately USD 111,000).

PM Modi and Israeli PM Netanyahu had witnessed the demonstration of sea water purification technology pioneered by Israel at a water desalination unit on the Olga Beach during the Indian Prime Minister's visit to Israel.

"I am thankful to Bibi (Netanyahu) because the vehicle which I saw today, particularly during a natural calamity when people are suffering (shortage of) drinking water...Can provide drinking water," PM Modi had said after the demonstration.

Gal-Mobile is an independent, integrated water purification vehicle, designed to produce high-quality drinking water. It can be useful in natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, military use in difficult terrain and rural areas to provide drinkable water.

It can purify up to 20,000 litres per day of sea water and 80,000 litres per day of brackish/muddy or contaminated river water and bring it to WHO standards.

The camaraderie between the two leaders was on full display as they spent some time on the beach and had a long chat standing ankle deep in the waters with waves hitting their feet.

"There's nothing like going to the beach with friends!," the Israeli leader had later tweeted.

The two leaders later drove together in the mobile water desalination unit, which looked like a dune buggy, and sipped desalinated water from wine glasses, raising a toast with others present there.
Netanyahu is preparing for his 4 day visit to India and the jeep has left for India and 'would be arriving on time' to be presented.

Netanyahu and Modi waded into the Mediterranean Sea and rode the 'buggy' jeep on the coast during the latter's visit to Israel in July 2017. (Photo: Twitter/@PIB_India)

Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will present a special gift --- the Gal-Mobile water desalinisation and purification jeep --- to his friend Narendra Modi during his visit to India starting January 14, according to sources in Jerusalem.

Netanyahu and Modi waded into the Mediterranean Sea and rode the "buggy" jeep on the coast during the latter's visit to Israel in July last year.

Now Netanyahu is going to gift the same jeep to Modi, informed sources said.

As Netanyahu prepares for his four day visit to India, sources confirmed that the jeep has "indeed" left for India and "would be arriving on time" to be presented by the Israeli Prime Minister to Modi.

The jeep is said to cost around 390,000 shekels (approximately USD 111,000).

Modi and Netanyahu had witnessed the demonstration of sea water purification technology pioneered by Israel at a water desalination unit on the Olga Beach during the Indian Prime Minister's visit to Israel.

"I am thankful to Bibi (Netanyahu) because the vehicle which I saw today, particularly during a natural calamity when people are suffering (shortage of) drinking water...Can provide drinking water," Modi had said after the demonstration.

Gal-Mobile is an independent, integrated water purification vehicle, designed to produce high-quality drinking water.

It can be useful in natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, military use in difficult terrain and rural areas to provide drinkable water.

It can purify up to 20,000 litres per day of sea water and 80,000 litres per day of brackish/muddy or contaminated river water and bring it to WHO standards.

The camaraderie between the two leaders was on full display as they spent some time on the beach and had a long chat standing ankle deep in the waters with waves hitting their feet.

"There's nothing like going to the beach with friends!," the Israeli leader had later tweeted.

     !



There's nothing like going to the beach with friends!@narendramodi pic.twitter.com/bmVNbQNdgt  Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) July 6, 2017

The two leaders later drove together in the mobile water desalination unit, which looked like a dune buggy, and sipped desalinated water from wine glasses, raising a toast with others present there.
Japan is home to about 250,000 Filipinos and 74,000 Nepalis, many of whom hope to settle down and build a life in the land of the Rising Sun. More and more Filipinos work as caregivers, but restrictive labour laws force youth raised in Japan to leave school and fall into delinquency and poverty.

Tokyo (AsiaNews/JT)  Although seemingly hostile to immigration, Japan is home to many migrant workers  housekeepers, caregivers, cooks  well as spouses of Japanese nationals, who have built a life for themselves over the years in the land of the Rising Sun. Two of the most important are Filipinos and Nepalis.

According to the Japan Times, government data show that Filipino residents in Japan numbered 251,934 as of June 2017, making them the third-largest foreign group after the Chinese and the South Koreans. For purpose of comparison, Japans population now stands at 127 million.

Half of Japans Filipino residents have permanent resident visas  much higher than the 29.9 per cent mark for foreign nationals as a whole. And a majority of them are women: 71.9 per cent vs 28.1 per cent for men.

According to Marian Jocelyn Tirol-Ignacio, minister and consul general of the Embassy of the Philippines in Tokyo, Filipino women in their 30s to 50s are mostly permanent residents.

Some of whom entered the country on entertainer visas in the 1980s and settled here after marrying Japanese men. Many face issues related to their marriages, their visas and citizenship for their children.

Overall, data shows that Filipinos have built lives in Japans 47 prefectures, often near a church. Work for them is wide-ranging. Men are mostly engineers, information technology professionals and construction workers, whilst women work in food-related factories or as housekeepers, assistant language teachers and caregivers.

With the aging population and declining birthrate, Japan is left with no other choice but to embrace foreign (nationals). But it is a give-and-take relationship with Filipinos, said Maria Carmelita Kasuya, a University of Tokyo research associate professor and head of the Gathering for Filipino Groups and Communities, which conducts activities such as charity concerts with a choir of Japan-based Filipinos.

For their part, Japans Nepalis are fewer than Filipinos, 74,300, but a number that rose impressively since 2012 when it was 24,071, an exponential growth driven by an influx of students as well as chefs opening restaurants and their dependents.

The surge in Nepali migrants to Japan is a fairly recent phenomenon, so they tend not to be recognised as long-term residents, said Masako Tanaka, a professor at Sophia University who is an expert on Japans Nepali community.

Nevertheless, Quite a few families migrate here with the intention of settling, even contemplating the possibility that their children will receive an education in Japan, she explained.

Under the existing system, students on a dependents visa are essentially banned from working full-time immediately after graduating from high school  a problem that experts say risks throwing them into poverty and marginalising them from mainstream society.

Holders of a dependents visa are not permitted to work for more than 28 hours a week, a condition that forces a sizable number of foreign high school students  especially those from Nepal, the Philippines and China  to abandon their aspirations of starting a career upon graduation.

They can switch to more stable work visas if they advance to universities and complete higher education, but even then, their status as dependents means they are ineligible for state-sponsored student loans.

This has led to a rise in their dropout rate, a condition that can lead to poverty and delinquency.
In Israel there are 40,000 Eritrean and Sudanese refugees. So far, only 10 refugee status have been recognized. They go to Rwanda and Uganda, even there without recognition. The journey continues and many die or are tortured in an attempt to reach Europe. "It's a really difficult life here. Israel is doing everything to make them feel unwanted ".

Jerusalem (AsiaNews) - "It is a scandal that with 65 million refugees in the world, the biggest crisis since World War II, Israel is asking other countries to take refugees" says Dror Sadot, spokesperson for the Israeli branch of the Hotline for Refugees and Migrants. She is commenting on the recent announcement by the Israeli migration authority: "infiltrators" from Eritrea and Sudan must leave within three months or be imprisoned indefinitely.

There are about 35 thousand Eritrean and Sudanese citizens in Israel and with them 5 thousand children born in the country. Most have temporary visas that need to be renewed every three months, and the next renewal could be the last: they will be asked to leave Israel before the deadline. In addition to the risk of prison for those who do not leave, any employers will incur a fine.

Israel will give $ 3,500 to all asylum seekers who accept "voluntary" departure; a figure that will gradually decline starting in April. During the first stage, women, children, those aged 60 or more, parents of minors living with them, those suffering from medical or mental problems and those who were enslaved or were victims of human trafficking will be excluded. The 6,000 Eritreans and Sudanese who submitted requests to be recognized as refugees but got no response are also safe, at least until they get an answer. In its announcement Monday, the authority made it clear that anyone who hadnt yet formally requested asylum but does so now is not protected from deportation. Requests for political asylum submitted after January 1, 2018 will not delay the demand for an infiltrator to leave to a third country, the statement said.

Last week, the Hotline sent a petition to the Supreme Court not to deport those who tried unsuccessful asylum, a procedure which in the last period has become very difficult due to long queues and the acceptance of very few petitions.

Even if they had also succeeded in applying for asylum, there is little hope that this will be accepted. So far, reports Sadot, the demands of "ten people, eight Eritreans and two Sudanese" have been accepted. Only ten, like the number of fingers ". "Israel does not recognize them with any status, but they cannot be sent back to their countries of origin. The majority come from Eritrea and from Darfur, in Sudan. This is why they are a protected group ", comments Sadot. "Israel does not want them here, and is making a great effort to drive them away without deporting them to their country of origin."

"In the last two years, asylum seekers could ask to leave, signing a voluntary departure. Israel gave him $ 3,500. From the testimony we collected we saw that although there are agreements - even if confidential - with those countries we see they're not granted any status there. They're going to Rwanda, but they're not given any visa or work permits. They're just keeping moving on to Uganda, to South Sudan and Libya and Europe. And we actually collect testimony not here, and collected the testimony in Europe. Many of them dies between Libya and Europe, many are tortured in Libya. Israel doesn't do any follow up with the people they send to those country. Everything we know is from the people we contact in Europe. It's very problematic as we see. It's a really hard life here. Israel is doing the best to make them feel them unwelcome," the spokesperson continues. "Right now there is a lot of panic in the community. There are lines outside our office because people don't really understand what's going on, if they're going to be deported, if there is any risk, we're trying to calm things down and do our best in our legal work to try to prevent this deportations, but it's a though time".

There are "many differences" in the reactions within Israeli society to the situation of asylum seekers. On the one hand there is a lot of tension because people are concentrated in the same neighborhood. They're refugees, and we were once refugees, so Israel should know better. I think most of the hatred comes because the government, and they're getting a lot of political powers from infighting residents against each other," concludes Sadot.
Bangladeshi authorities pledge that return for the first 100,000 refugees will be voluntary. The operation is set to start on 22 January. But the Myanmar government has not received any completed form yet.

Dhaka (AsiaNews/Agencies)  Bangladesh will start collecting data next week to begin the process of repatriating hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslim refugees to Myanmar, the nations refugee relief commissioner said on Wednesday.

We have already formed a nine-member technical committee to collect the data about the potential returnees. The committee includes members from the Home Ministry, Disaster Management Ministry, Bureau of Statistics and other relevant departments of the government, said Commissioner Mohammad Abul Kalam.

According to the deal, refugees will start to go back on 22 January. During the first phase, Bangladesh officials expect to hand over about 100,000 Rohingya.

The agreement between Bangladesh and Myanmar was signed on 23 November. It provides for the safe and voluntary return of refugees from camps set up in Bangladesh along the border, in particular in the Cox's Bazar strip.

Some 655,000 people were displaced by violence last August, as were another 70,000 in October.

However, despite good intentions, the procedures appear slow and complex for now.

We maintain a database of the Myanmar nationals entering Bangladesh. We will match the data collected with the database before handing the filled forms over to the Myanmar, Kallam said.

Actual repatriation will only start after the Myanmar government verifies the data, including name, age, gender, parents, children and home village.

We have sent the forms for the refugees to fill out, but we havent received any of the [completed] ones from Bangladesh yet, said Myint Kyaing, permanent secretary of the Myanmar Ministry of Labour, Immigration, and Population.

Meanwhile, the 30-member joint working group, headed by the two countries foreign secretaries, to oversee the process, has not yet convened. Some sources indicate a first meeting was set for 9 January; others suggested 15 January.

Pope Francis spoke on several occasions about the fate of Muslim refugees before, during and after his pastoral visit to Myanmar and Bangladesh. In Dhaka he met with a group of them.

"I was very touched by the meeting with the Rohingya refugees, the pontiff said. I asked them to forgive us for our failings and for our silence, asking the international community to help them and to help all the oppressed and persecuted groups present in the world."
About 900 members of the the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad are gathered in front of St Mary's Post Graduate College in Vidisha. Indias Home Affairs minister deployed 400 police agents to re-establish order. The bishop hopes for a 2018 "of peace and harmony".

New Delhi (AsiaNews)  Those who want to impose the worship of Hindu deities in Indias Catholic schools "are not nationalists, but ultranationalists, terrorists," said Mgr Theodore Mascarenhas, bishop of Ranchi.

The prelate, who is also the general secretary of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), spoke to AsiaNews about an ongoing situation in Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, where members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) have gathered in front of St Mary's Post Graduate College demanding that they be allowed to hold an 'aarti', a Hindu ritual, inside the facility to honour Bharat Mata, 'Mother India'.

"Their action is anti-constitutional, anti-democratic and violates our personal freedom," the bishop said. Despite the intimidating attitude of the terrorists, he thanked Home Affairs Minister Rajnath Singh, who intervened directly and sent about 400 police agents to re-establish order and protect us. Something very bad could have happened."

Standing in front of the college, Some 900 terrorists have been threatening to enter in order to perform their worship, Mgr Theodore Mascarenhas explained.

The extremists belong to the youth branch of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Indias ruling party. Last week they arrived at the Catholic school and began intimidating people, shouting "You will have problems if you do not let us in. since then, the situation has raised fears among locals.

What is happening in Madhya Pradesh, a State that has recently been the scene of other anti-Christian acts of intimidation, "is a very sad thing, [something] very dangerous for India  above all because when the activists arrived they did not ask [for an aarti] but ordered it.

Our school caters to a minority, explained the bishop, and we have every right to run our own institutions. No one can force others to worship [deities]. We do not force [others] and we do not want to be forced. Now the situation is under control thanks to the firm action of Minister Singh. But we do not know what the future has in store."

With respect to Indias future, Mgr Mascarenhas signed a press release on behalf of the CBCI, in which he expresses hope "that 2018 may be a year of peace and harmony, of love and fraternity, of inclusive and integral development for all peoples.

The note cites a recent attack against Dalits, formerly known as untouchables, in Pune (Maharashtra) that left one Dalit dead, followed yesterday by a rally of hundreds of thousand of Dalits protesting in the streets of Mumbai.

The CBCI statement slams another Union Minister [who] had the audacity to claim that his party would soon change the Constitution (of India), which mentions the word secular."

In light of all this, of the latest incident in Vidisha and of the attacks on Christmas carollers in Satna, the CBCI states that "This type of terrorism is unacceptable. This false nationalism must stop. That mobs of these type are being emboldened as was earlier seen in Satna is worrying and disturbing."

Finally, the note says that It is time for all of us to come together to preserve the traditional brotherhood, peace and harmony in our beloved country.

We appeal to leaders across the political spectrum to recognise that groups and individuals spreading poison and sowing hatred are increasing and are being emboldened.

History will not forgive this present generation if we lose that legacy earned through the sacrifices and blood of our freedom fighters.
by Nguyen Hung

Scores of people actively participate in Family love extends Gods love, a meeting that brought more than a hundred young families together in Giang Xa parish. The Youth Ministry Commission in Phu Ly district met in An Phu.

Hanoi (AsiaNews) - The parishes of the Archdiocese of Hanoi have organised meetings, workshops, group discussions and pastoral activities for Catholic youth and families in response to a call issued by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Vietnam to "accompany" them in 2018.

More than a hundred Catholic youth and families actively lived and expressed their Christian faith at a meeting titled Family love extends Gods love held on 31 December in the parish of Giang Xa to discuss the topic of The whole family love each other.

The local parish priest, Fr Peter Ta Van Tuan, and the participants addressed several topics, such as the difficulties of newlywed couples, the difficulties in raising children, the differences between young Catholics and non-Catholics in marriage, and the real situation of abortion and prevention activities.

In his homily during the Mass celebrated for the occasion, Fr Peter Ta Van Tuan emphasised "four aspects of the family mission", namely teaching love, serving life, contributing to social development and to the Church.

The clergyman called on the faithful to reserve a place at for God at the centre of their family and to follow the example of Saint Joseph. The latters was "a family of peace in poverty, prayer in work, love in humility, and holiness in simplicity".

On the same day, the parish of An Phu organised the quarterly meeting of the Youth Pastoral Commission of the District of Phu Ly.

Fr Joseph Bui Quang Tao, president of the districts young Catholics, and his deputy, Fr Paul Nguyen Huu Hiep, joined 40 young people representing the areas 27 parishes.

The young people also met to assess the pastoral activities in 2017 and prepare for the Youth Congress to welcome the lunar New Year 2018.

The event is scheduled for 25 February, the tenth day of Mau Tuat, the Year of the Dog.
Minister for Affairs of the Displaced, Moein Merhebi, reports that the number has dropped to about 980 thousand units. At the same time, funding from international nations and NGOs has also decreased. The distribution of aid remains essential. Meanwhile, Damascus is preparing for the return of refugees.

Beirut (AsiaNews) - The number of Syrian refugees in Lebanon has declined considerably in the last two years and, for the first time in a while, has fallen below one million. This was affirmed by the Minister for Affairs of the Displaced, Moein Merhebi, who adds that regular and constant data recording will also facilitate their return home in the near future. The improvement of the situation is confirmed by his Syrian colleague for reconciliation Ali Haidar, who stressed that Damascus is preparing for the "return of refugees from Lebanon".

Interviewed by the pan-Arab daily al-Hayat, Lebanese minister Moein Merhebi stressed that the latest census of Syrian refugees shows that the number "has fallen from 1.21 million to around 980 thousand." At the same time, he also adds that assistance provided to refugees has also diminished due to the collapse of funding by donor countries, NGOs and benefactors.

The minister recalls that the work of assistance to the exiles fleeing the war in neighboring Syria, a crisis that threatened to collapse even the economic and social system of the Land of Cedars, must be the prerogative of "the United Nations and other active organizations on the field". They must be entrusted with the task of managing the "distribution of aid". He also adds that the immense work of registration of refugees welcomed in the country will facilitate their return home. A huge job, he explains, is "in all the interest of Lebanon and the Lebanese". In the past, AsiaNews had denounced the tragedy of those who fled the war in Syria, who were not recognized and therefore could not even register their deceased or their newborn children.

The refugee emergency (almost two million at the height of the crisis, compared to a population of 4.4) had threatened to collapse the social and economic system of Lebanon, unsustainably burdening the infrastructure. Analysts and experts also talked about the risk of an increase in radicalization among those who were housed in shelters in conditions of absolute precariousness. World Bank sources say that the Syrian crisis would have pushed at least 200 thousand Lebanese beyond the poverty line, adding to the already existing million.

Meanwhile, statements of optimism also come from the Syrian government, which through the Minister for Reconciliation Ali Haidar confirms that preparations are continuing for the return of refugees from Lebanon. "A large number of citizens - he emphasized during the meeting with the Lebanese ambassador in Syria, Saad Zakhia - will soon return to their homes in Deir el-Zor and in the south-eastern outskirts of Aleppo, as well as in Damascus".

The Minister underscored the importance of collaboration between the two countries, to face the challenges and pursue the common objectives. In recent weeks the Syrian government has repeatedly issued appeals to those who have fled, inviting them to return to their homes in the provinces of Aleppo and Hama, which can now be considered largely stabilized.
He was released from police custody yesterday. From Xining, where he was, he will go to Beijing for treatment and then return to his diocese. His liberation - it is assumed - is the result of international pressure and the campaign of prayers and fasts launched by his community. He has not signed any membership of the Patriotic Association.

Wenzhou (AsiaNews) - Msgr. Peter Shao Zhumin, bishop of Wenzhou (Zhejiang), recognized by the Holy See, but not by the government, has been released. On May 18, 2017, he was taken by police and officials from the Religious Affairs Bureau and distanced from his diocese. Since yesterday he is free to move and is no longer under police custody. AsiaNews sources in Wenzhou say that he is not yet in his city, but he is in Xining (Qinghai), 2500 km from Wenzhou, where he was brought by police.

The reason for his release is still unclear. According to some faithful, it is the result of the campaign of prayers and fasts launched by the diocese last December 18 (see photo), which immediately spread throughout the world. In releasing him, the police hope to prevent his case gaining even more global exposure. In the last few months, the German ambassador in Beijing, Michael Clauss, called for his release. Even the Holy See had expressed concern over his fate.

The last time he was seen was on September 11th at the Tongren Hospital in Beijing where he underwent ear surgery. On that occasion he posted a message on his Wechat account asking his faithful to pray for him, but not to visit him. After the operation, still under police custody, he was taken to Xining for his convalescence.

AsiaNews sources say that, before returning to Wenzhou, he will have to go through Beijing: to the hospital where he was treated for the fitting of a hearing aid.

In all these months, the police applied psychological pressure on him to make him join the Patriotic Association, the party body designed to establish a Church independent of the Holy See. Faced with his refusal, in early December, representatives of religious affairs asked him to undersign the four conditions for receiving government recognition of his episcopal status. They include his support for the principle of an independent Church; support for self-nomination and self-ordination [of bishops]; concelebration with an illicit bishop, not recognized by the Vatican; the submission to the new religious regulations that will be launched next February. Bu again Msgr. Shao refused.

For decades the Catholic community of Wenzhou - about 130,000 faithful - has been divided between official and non-official communities: more than 80 thousand belong to the unofficial community. There are 70 priests, divided equally between the two communities. Msgr Shao, 54, despite being a member of the underground Church, is also appreciated by the official community.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Chery Automobile released an announcement on Jan. 2, saying that it will transfer its subsidiary, Cowin Auto's 51% stake, which is worth RMB 2.494 billion, to Yibin Auto Industry Development Investment Co., Ltd. and Sichuang Yibin PUSH Group Co., Ltd., which will respectively hold 50.5% and 0.5% of Cowin's stake.



Sichuang Yibin PUSH Group Co., Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wuliangye Group, has invested in a range of auto-related companies, such as NEV technology, auto parts and automotive moulds, etc. With the NEVs growing more popular, Wuliangye Group eyes the auto industry once again since it abandoned the industry seven years ago.

In fact, Wuliangye Group showed its ambition of marching into auto industry since the beginning of 2017. On Apr. 6, 2017, Qoros, a high-end auto brand of Chery, announced that it signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Yibin Municipal Government, Chery Auto and Kenon Holdings, planning to set up an auto project with a total investment of RMB 5.5 billion. The project is expected to have an annual production capacity of 500,000 units, including 200,000 NEVs. According to the person briefed on the matter, Li Shuguang, Chairman of Wuliangye Group, also attended the signing ceremony. It is said that it was Sichuang Yibin PUSH Group Co., Ltd. who signed the agreement with Qoros.

Early in 2003, Wuliangye Group forecasted that vehicle manufacturing will be profitable in China in the future. Unfortunately, though paying a lot of efforts, Wuliangye Group still failed to enter into the industry.

Cowin Auto, Chery's subsidiary brand targeting SUV segment for young generations, performed bad since its entrance into the market. In 2015, it sold 24,000 units, which just met its annual sale target. In 2016, it delivered 43,000 units, while its annual sales target was 62,000 units. What's worse, sales of the past ten months in 2017 reached less than 20,000 units, far below its annual sales target.

Henceforth, Wuliangye Group's acquisition of Cowin Auto will be a win-win situation for both parties. On one hand, with the support of Wuliangye Group's strong capital flow and the help from Yibin Municipal Governement, Cowin Auto is expected to be revived. On the other hand, thanks to the market basis and technology accumulation of Cowin Auto, Wuliangye Group finally fulfilled its dream to manufacture vehicles.
Trade with China is second only to trade with ASEAN countries. Myanmar is strategically important for China, especially in the context of its Belt and Road Initiative. Beijing has invested heavily in the country, building roads, railways, ports and oil pipelines.

Naypyitaw (AsiaNews) - The value of Myanmars trade with its main trade partner China, as of October of this fiscal year, reached US.3 billion, consisting of US.83 billion in exports and .5 billion in imports, this according to figures released by the Commerce Ministry.

Myanmars regional trade with the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was the highest, closely followed by bilateral trade with its most populous neighbour, China

The value of bilateral trade with China was some US.8 billion in 2016-2017, US.9 billion in 2015-16, US.7 billion in 2014-2015, US billion in 2013-2014, US.95 billion in 2012-2013 and US billion in 2011-2012.

Border trade with China performed better than trade delivered by sea. Between 1 April and 22 December in this financial year, the value of border trade through China-Myanmar checkpoints  Muse, Lwejel, Chinshwehaw, Kanpiketee and Keng Tung  reached US.5 billion.

Rice, peas, sesame seeds, corn, vegetables and fruits, dried tea leaves, fishery products, rubber, minerals and animal products are exported to China, whereas machinery, plastic raw materials, consumer products and electronic tools flow into Myanmar.

Myanmar is strategically important for China, especially in light of its Belt and Road Initiative, President Xi Jinpings plan to connect China with Europe through a new Silk Road.

As part of this, Beijing has invested heavily in Myanmar, committing itself to the construction of roads, railways, ports and oil pipelines.

China, which has provided steadfast support to Myanmars former military junta for over two decades, has also invested extensively in the countrys nascent democracy in an attempt to compete for influence with the United States and other Western powers.

Beijing is also Naypyitaws largest arms supplier.
hi everbody,



My wife received the long awaited email from immigration after 11 months and 20 odd days waiting



"has been evaluated by a Medical Officer of the Commonwealth (MOC) and has been assessed as not meeting the health requirement for the grant of Partner (Provisional) (class UF) Partner (Provisional) (subclass 309) visa"



"I consider that a hypothetical person with this disease or condition, at the same severity as the applicant, would be likely to require health care or community services during the period specified above.

These services would be likely to include:

Mental Health services

Pharmaceuticals"



My wife has Hep B, has no problem with the condition. she doesn't drink alcohol. She is in Viet Nam so eats organic veg all the time.



"we ask you for detailed information, particularly regarding any compassionate and compelling circumstances surrounding your case and whether there are circumstances which potentially mitigate the cost or prejudice of access involved"



We have a beautiful little girl together, she is 16 months now and only knows her father as a person on the ipad (skype).

We have done this by ourselves without help, we have passed all the other criteria asked for.



Sorry for my first post being long, feeling very desperate and sad. We have 28 days as of yesterday to reply to Imigration and change their minds on compassionate grounds.



Our daughter is the first reason, money and running 2 households, my wife's social status (being a single mother in VN is frowned on). there has to be a mental health issue seeing me on the ipad and her mother saying thats your daddy.



thanks for any help or advice this forum can give.



Dean and Van



wishwash
Photo of autonomous Chevrolet Volt courtesy of Cruise Automation.

Automakers should be able to increase global sales of fully autonomous vehicles to 33 million by 2040 from 51,000 in 2021  the first year of significant volume, according to a forecast from IHS Markit.

There should be 7.4 million autonomous vehicles operating in the U.S. in 2040, the forecast found.

This dynamic growth is expected to be enabled by ride hailing and other mobility services, according to the forecast. The U.S. will lead the world in early adoption and initial deployment of the vehicles, which could arrive as early as 2019. Europe and China are expected to add considerable volume starting in 2021.

"The first autonomous vehicle volumes  beyond retrofit test vehicles  will arrive in 2019 through driverless mobility services," said Egil Juliussen, director of automotive technology research at IHS Markit. "Volumes will surpass 51,000 units in 2021 when personally owned autonomous cars reach individual buyers for the first time, and IHS Markit forecasts estimate nearly 1 million units will be sold in 2025 across shared fleets and individually owned cars."

The units will be fully autonomous Level 4 or Level 5 vehicles based on the standard set by the Society of Automotive Engineers.

In the coming years, transportation will be driven by on-demand services rather than the individual ownership model and the industry will provide vehicles based on usage per distance or time rather than unit sales, according to the firm.

General Motors, Waymo, and Uber are expected to contribute significantly to mobility fleet volumes as early as 2019.

Originally posted on Automotive Fleet




Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Founded in 2002, Beijing Hyundai Motor, a Sino-Korea JV co-founded by Beijing Motor Investment Company and Korea Hyundai Motor Company, witnessed its cumulative output and sales reaching 9 million units in 2017. Besides, it delivered approximately 820,000 units during 2017.

During 2017, Beijing Hyundai released the all-new Elantra (Chinese name is Yuedong), the Verna and the all-new ix35, further completing its product lineup. From July, 2017, Beijing Hyundai saw sales growth for several consecutive months. Particularly, it boasted good market performance with sales reaching 110,000 units in December, soaring 35% month on month.

Specifically speaking, during 2017, the all-new Hyundai Tucson sold 137,799 units in 2017. The Hyundai Elantra (Chinese name is Lingdong) posted sales of 122,725 units. Sales of the Mistra reached 132,536 units. A small-size model, the all-new Verna sold 92,071 units. The newly-released new ix35 also boasted sales of over 10,000 units in the first month after its launching. In addition, Beijing Hyundai will also release a variety of significant models, including a new SUV, the Encino in 2018.

With 15 years' development in China, the Sino-Korea joint venture announced in August, 2017 that its localization strategy will step into 2.0 stage, aiming to enhance core competitiveness in products, services and brands as well as win and consolidate recognition in local market. On Sept. 19, Beijing Hyundai's 9,000,000th model rolled off the production line. In 2018, Beijing Hyundai will target to achieve cumulative output and sales of 10 million vehicles.
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DVIDS - News - Oklahoma Cavalry unit inherits Active Duty mission in Afghanistan

?KABUL, Afghanistan - Oklahoma Army National Guard members of 1st Squadron, 180th Cavalry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, held a transfer of authority ceremony in Kabul, Afghanistan, Dec. 31, 2017, alongside members of 3rd Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, representing the transfer of mission from one organization to another.

"Nearly 500 members of the 180th are currently deployed to Afghanistan in support of the NATO-led train, advise and assist mission, Operation Resolute Support. In this case, the 180th replaces the 3-73rd for the Kabul Security Forces mission; a mission focused primarily on adviser force protection....

"While deployed, the 180th will work alongside other coalition forces, including the British Army, Royal Danish Army and Mongolian Armed Forces, all of which play a key role in the Resolute Support Mission, from base defense operations, site force protection, adviser force protection, to incident response."


PHOENIX  Every time Catherine Baimonte visited her mother at an assisted living facility in Colorado, her mothers health worsened.

Baimonte, a retired Avondale teacher, remembers one of those visits. Her mother forgot how to shower.

Do you need help? Baimonte asked. She stepped in and out of the shower to help.

Finally, we got out, dried off and I let her dress herself, Baimonte said.

Her mother, Kathleen Baimonte, made it halfway through, then stopped. She sat there.

Whats wrong, mother?

I dont know what Im doing, she answered.

Baimonte helped her finish dressing.

Another sister who dropped by later asked if their mother had showered. She said no.

Three months after Kathleen turned 99, after struggling with her memory that last few years, she died.

When you get that old, I dont care who you are, you have a mess of problems, Baimonte said.

Health issues are taking the backseat now with various medical advances such as stem cell research, medicines and vaccines and bionic limbs prolonging life, according to a 2013 CNN article.

In a 2013 survey by Pew Research Center, those surveyed had mixed opinions on whether an extended life equated to a life of quality.

About half of respondents who think medical advances are good say life extension would be good for society, but about 25 percent of respondents felt advances were bad because they interfere with the natural cycle of life.

By 2050, people could live to 120 years old, Pew said. An intensive-care nurse said prolonging life often is a matter of advanced technology.

Hannah Lobato, a registered nurse at Abrazo Hospital West Campus, said she saw at least one new older person among her ICU patients each week.

If we have to put a patient on life support, it most usually equates to a poor quality of life, Lobato said. The families are the ones who tend to make the decision to keep them on the machines, and its only because they dont want to be the ones who killed grandma.

Hospital inpatient charges, on average, can exceed $6,200 per day, and costs to maintain someone in an ICU can reach up to $10,000 per day. Skilled nursing facilities are reimbursed at a rate of approximately $622 per day through Medicaid plans, according to Americas Debt Help Organization.

Medical technology often acts as a mask, Lobato said. Bedside monitors show a patients heart beat, blood pressure and other measures of a health condition in the moment. Doctors and nurses are striving to keep a patient alive.

All those pretty numbers on the board, were making, Lobato said. If we take away that life support or medication then those numbers show their true health.

Lobato said her grandmother, Marilyn Childs, suffers from dementia.

Five years before moving in with Lobatos mother, Michele Kruser, Childs was not taking her prescribed medication. Her health deteriorated.

But Childs health improved after she moved in with her daughter.

When she first came to live with me five years ago, she could barely take a few steps with a walker, Kruser said. We fixed that with daily activity. Within a year she was able to finally walk without the walker.

Kruser said the transition was an adjustment, but the family worked toward the mothers health every day.

Childs, who has passed all of her recent medical exams, is ready for whatever happens.

I dont take a lot of things real seriously, said the 84-year-old Childs. I make sure to keep a positive outlook on life, but what comes, comes.

Kruser is researching adult day care facilities that will offer games, arts and crafts, conversation and skills, such as cooking, to stimulate her mothers brain and keep her active.

Research has shown physical, social and mental activities help with the longevity of life.

Retirement and assisted living centers like La Loma Village in Litchfield Park are going beyond stereotypical activities like bingo and Parcheesi to offer classes on elder law, history and the fine arts.

We try to make sure everyone can maintain the skills they came with, learn new skills and find real meaning and purpose, said Kari Curry, life enrichment director at La Loma. A life without purpose is not a life well lived. Purpose contributes to our longevity.

In a recent class, Marilyn Pyle, an 83-year-old La Loma resident, painted a scenery from a photo she took which included trees and mountains.

Art is a great outlet. We have time to come and paint what inspires us, spend time with our friends, Pyle said. Its also a great brain stimulant and at our age, thats important.

Catherine Baimonte said her mother lived for nearly a century because of family.

Baimonte wrote to her mother every week and called every Sunday. Her sister, Betty, came by daily to take their mother out.

You have to become the stimulator. Start a conversation. Tell stories. Initiate outings, she said.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in locating a stolen truck that could be tied to a murder investigation.

Homicide reported on 7400 block of Berkley Road

Victim found inside house, survivor taken to hospital

Have information? Contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS

The agency reported around 1:45 p.m. Wednesday deputies responded to a call about a homicide in the 7400 block of Berkley Road in Polk City.

A man had approached three people on the street, telling them he was badly injured and pointing them to another house nearby. He told them he had been robbed and someone else was dead inside the house.

So far, the victim's name has not been released and authorities have not said how he was killed.

The survivor was taken to the hospital for surgery.

Sheriff Grady Judd said they are looking for a blue, 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 2-door with a Florida handicap license plate Z2SKD.

Anyone with information about this crime is being asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS. A $3,000 reward is being offered.
The Museum of the Gulf Coast is hosting its annual art contest, with a few changes for the new year.

This year, the contest is open to all ages, letting those over 18 get in on the fun.
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Note: Reporter Liz Teitz is in New Orleans today to cover the hearing at 1:30 p.m. Check back with BeaumontEnterprise.com for updates.

Previous Article: Nearly two decades after he was convicted in the 1998 grisly killing of James Byrd Jr., John William King will ask an appellate court in January to hear his claims of innocence and insufficient legal counsel.

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which in August said it would review King's appeal, on Wednesday scheduled oral arguments in the case for Jan. 4 in New Orleans.

Now Playing: Texas News & Crime Video: Houston Chronicle

King, 42, is on death row at the Polunsky Unit in Livingston.

> > RELATED: The dragging death of James Byrd Jr.

In a brief filed earlier this month, King's California-based lawyer, Allen Richard Ellis, argued that the appeal "will involve a close examination of the relevant trial record, facts and case law."

Ellis wrote that King's trial lawyers, Sonny Cribbs and Brack Jones Jr., "failed to challenge the state's evidence against" their client and "to point out obvious inconsistencies" in the state's 1999 case.

Those challenges, according to Ellis, include showing that sandals with Byrd's blood found on them were King's roommate's, not King's, and that other people had access to King's lighter, which was found at the crime scene.

> > Scenes from Lawrence Russell Brewer's execution

The appeal also argues that King's defense did not challenge the state's claim that the murder was racially motivated.

King joined a KKK splinter group known as the Confederate Knights of America while in prison on a burglary charge in the 1990s. The Jasper man covered himself in racist tattoos.

> > PHOTOS: Famous Last Meals

"The undoubted racial beliefs of King do not translate into racial violence, yet there was no attempt by the defense to refute this weak point in the State's case," Ellis wrote in his client's appeal. "Had

King's racist views been explained, even though they would have been distasteful, they would at least have been seen not to encompass random acts of brutal, unprovoked violence and torture on innocent victims simply because of their race."

> > Texas death row inmates won't receive last meals after Jasper killer's final request

King was the first of three white men from Jasper convicted of capital murder for the hate crime, in which 49-year-old Byrd was chained by his ankles to the bumper of a truck in June 1998 and fatally dragged on an old logging road on the outskirts of town.

Co-defendant Lawrence Russell Brewer was sentenced to death in the case and was executed in 2011 at the age of 44. Another co-defendant, Shawn Allen Berry, 42, is serving a life sentence.

Cribbs died in June. Jones declined to comment Wednesday.

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the respondent in King's appeal, has until Nov. 9 to file a brief in response before the January hearing.

LTeitz@BeaumontEnterprise.com

Twitter.com/LizTeitz
The Flagstaff City Council decided not to discuss a resolution calling for the impeachment of President Donald Trump at its meeting Tuesday night.

It is obvious that a demagogue is not suitable to serve as president, but it is not necessary for the council to re-state the obvious, Councilman Jim McCarthy said after announcing he would not support moving the resolution forward.

The item was brought to the city council through a citizens petition, not through the request of any councilmember. City law requires the council to consider placing an item brought to them through a petition on an upcoming agenda within 30 days if the petition contains 25 verified signatures of Flagstaff residents. The petition asking the council to consider supporting impeachment had 39.

Flagstaff Mayor Coral Evans said while she appreciated the petition and said Trumps election created a very divisive situation, she did not think supporting the resolution was in the best interest of the city.

The city is already asking for federal funding for the veterans home and the Rio de Flag Flood Control Project, and Evans said she worried if the council were to pass a resolution supporting the impeachment of the president, those local requests may be less likely to get funding.

Evans said councilmembers as individuals could decide to advocate for other activism to support or not support Trump, but said the resolution could have serious ramifications for our city.

Councilwoman Eva Putzova, the only member who voiced support of moving the resolution forward to a discussion phase, said this was the only time residents of the city felt the situation was so dire that they approached the city council asking for them to support articles of impeachment.

Several other cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco and Cambridge, Mass., have already passed resolutions calling for Trumps impeachment.

Putzova said cities like Los Angeles receive more federal funding than Flagstaff, but have still advanced the idea.

Councilman Charlie Odegaard said he found the idea of the resolution very partisan and said the council is a nonpartisan body.

We try to achieve a higher standard, he said.

Three people addressed the council during the public comment period on the item, two in favor of creating a resolution supporting impeachment and one speaking against it.

Jeffrey Nickell, who created and submitted the petition to the council, said the movement to impeach Trump has been growing throughout the country, and he wanted to see if Flagstaff would entertain the idea of joining.

John Victora also spoke in support of impeaching Trump, citing previous comments he made about women and minorities.

Merle Henderson, the president of the Flagstaff Tea Party, said Trumps enormous success in business and with his family qualifies Trump to be president, even though he inherited a stronger than anticipated level of corruption among other politicians in Washington.

Fortunately, we went to the polls to elect a proven leader with the least baggage, Henderson said.
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In an attempt to get his client a new trial, an attorney for a man convicted in the grisly 1998 dragging death of a Jasper man argued in federal court Thursday that the killing was a "backwoods drug deal gone bad," not a racially-motivated killing.

John William King, 43, was the first of three white men convicted of capital murder for killing James Byrd Jr. almost two decades ago. Byrd, 49, was chained by his ankles to the bumper of a truck and fatally dragged on an old logging road on the outskirts of town.

At a hearing at the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans Thursday, King's attorney, A. Richard Ellis, argued that his client's trial lawyers were deficient and failed to present evidence that would have proven King's innocence.

Now Playing: Texas News & Crime Video: Houston Chronicle

> > RELATED: The dragging death of James Byrd Jr.

King, who is on death row at the Polunsky Unit in Livingston, was not present at the hearing. He was defended at trial by Sonny Cribbs, who died in June, and Brack Jones, who has previously declined to comment on the appeal.

During the trial, King's tattoos, including one of a black man hanging from a tree, were used as evidence that the killing was racially motivated. Ellis argued Thursday that more than one of the tattoo artists who drew King's tattoos should have been called as a witness to prove that the tattoos were not racist.

Ellis described the tattoo as "just a person hanging from a tree" who was drawn in black ink, a claim the state's attorney refuted by quoting testimony from King's trial that he had previously described the tattoo by using racial slurs.

> > Scenes from Lawrence Russell Brewer's execution

Ellis also argued, as he has previously in court filings, that Cribbs and Jones did not thoroughly investigate and challenge claims of who owned the sandals found in King's apartment with Byrd's blood on them, or the DNA on a cigarette butt used as evidence to tie King to the crime.

Jason LaFond, assistant solicitor general for the Texas Attorney General's Office, called King's claims "meritless" and said the appeal is nitpicking the work of his attorneys without actually presenting any new evidence.

He said evidence that Ellis argued should have been presented at trial didn't prove anything new and could be contradicted by other evidence presented at trial, including King's own words and statements.

LaFond also argued that the claims of ineffective assistance of counsel have already been exhausted in previous appeal proceedings, and cannot be appealed again, while Ellis said the issues of evidence and failure to prove innocence are separate from previous rulings.

Three federal court judges will rule on the case, after considering the oral arguments and filed motions.

Both attorneys declined to comment further after the hearing.

> > Texas death row inmates won't receive last meals after Jasper killer's final request

LTeitz@BeaumontEnterprise.com

Twitter.com/LizTeitz
An engineer who inspected the construction site at Beaumont's Exxon Mobil refinery after a contract worker died last month criticized the methods used to rig pipes at the facility, according to documents filed as part of a lawsuit in a Jefferson County court.

Yesenia Espinoza, 31, was killed Dec. 1 while working at the site. Her husband filed a suit last week against Bechtel and Echo Maintenance, who employed contract workers at the construction site, alleging that their negligence caused Espinoza's death.

Zachary Lee Leatherwood, who filed the suit on behalf of himself and their two daughters, and Espinoza's parents, who filed a suit against the companies last month, both alleged that she was killed when she was a hit with a pipe 2 feet in diameter.

Gregg Perkin, president of Houston consulting firm Engineering Partners International, who was hired to inspect the construction site on Dec. 12, wrote in an affidavit that the "incident pipe" that hit Espinoza was more than 25 feet long and "may have" weighed more than 4,400 pounds.

He said that the strap and hoist connected to the pipe during the inspection indicated it could cause the pipe to swing or rotate.

Perkin wrote that Bechtel and Echo Maintenance used a Rigging and Lift Plan that created unsafe and hazardous conditions at the refinery, likely to cause death or physical injury to workers.

"Bechtel and/or Echo failed to use the ordinary care which a reasonable, prudent and competent engineer would have used in safely performing and carrying out their duties," he said. "In my opinion, these failures were below the Energy Industry's standard of care and/or were otherwise erroneous."

During the Dec. 12 inspection, Perkin removed 35 items from the refinery as evidence, according to the affidavit, including shackles, levels, a pipe sling with bloodstains and a small biohazard bag containing human remains.

Bechtel and Echo have not yet responded to Leatherwood's suit, filed on Dec. 29.

Leatherwood asked the court to order the companies to award him and his daughters more than $1 million in damages.

In response to Espinoza's parents' lawsuit, Exxon Mobil wrote in a filing last week that the company denies all allegations of negligence and wrongful death.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration opened inspections of Bechtel, Echo Maintenance and the Beaumont Exxon Mobil facility on Dec. 4. All three cases are still open.

Espinoza was one of at least four people killed in industrial accidents in Southeast Texas in 2017.

Jesus Cuevas, 42, died on Oct. 20 while removing pellets from a German Pellets Texas silo at the Port of Port Arthur.

His family filed suit later that month alleging the company's negligence caused Cuevas' death.

On July 13, Charles Bagley, 59, was killed when a crane fell on him while working on a right-of-way between Motiva's refinery and terminal in Port Arthur. He was a contract worker for Newtron Beaumont.

Bagley's daughter, Jessica Nash, applied for and was granted a temporary restraining order against Motiva and Newtron in August to preserve evidence related to his death.

William Elton Williams, 58, died on Jan. 31 when he fell from an oil well site in Saratoga. The Sour Lake man worked for Slatex Well Services.

LTeitz@BeaumontEnterprise.comTwitter.com/LizTeitz
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Think of it as anti-camouflage.

The large, dull green traffic control boxes that dot downtown Beaumont are being transformed into permanent art exhibits as local creatives, taking a cue from big-city artists, transfer their vision to the blank steel slates.

It's common for large municipalities to upgrade benches, statutes and blank concrete walls. After a trip to Toronto, a friend of Beaumont City Council member Virginia Jordan suggested the idea to add some color to downtown.

"Everyone says these pops of color just add charm and beauty," Jordan said. "There's no reason why we can't have that here."

The city funds the traffic box beautification project, Jordan said. Artists who sign up receive a $100 stipend to offset the cost of supplies.

Plans call for 19 painted boxes along Calder Avenue and Main Street, chosen for their centralized location as a "vein into downtown," Jordan said. So far, three of the 19 boxes have been painted. If all goes well, the project might expand down Lucas Drive.

Sketches are approved beforehand and cannot be sexual or

political in nature, Jordan said. Other than that, the artists have free range to express themselves without a guideline or theme.

"They've all passed with flying colors, and the boxes are just dynamite," Jordan said.

There is no timeline for completion of the boxes, especially given the unexpected snow and severe cold of recent weeks, Jordan said.

Artist Ines Alvidres has worked on two along Main Street, even in the chilly winter weather.

She completed her first box in about a week and a half with the help of two high school students, Alvidres said. She's still working on her second box, titled "I Love Beaumont," at the corner of Main Street and Liberty Avenue. Ten elementary school students are helping her.

When the first box, outside the Beaumont Police Station was finished, the social media response was positive, Jordan said.

"There was such a complete beautiful blowout and most people are tickled to death about it," Jordan said. "I got a response that made me cry ... someone said they had taken a wrong turn on the way to the courthouse on that first day when Ines was painting. They said they sat and watched her for about 20 minutes. That sort of thing is all over Austin and they were happy it was coming to Beaumont, their hometown."

However, residents of larger cities are not always bursting with pride over the conversion from gray to grand.

A popular post from the Houston-based art website Glasstire titled "Please Stop Painting The Electrical Boxes (A Public Art Proposal)" said the global trend is a way for local governments to moderate public displays of expression.

"I think this bizarre trend has less to do with beautification than it does with cities wanting to take control of street art, to make it sanctioned, palatable, institutional and toothless," author Rainey Knudson wrote in July.

Alvidres said the project not only puts a spotlight on local artists but provokes people to take a second look at and appreciate ordinary things in their lives.

The box outside the police station sees a beautiful sunrise and sunset every day but often goes unnoticed, Alvidres said.

"It's up to us to pay attention," Alvidres said. "I knew from the beginning I was going to be inspired by it. The sunrise is beautiful there and it comes every day. I went to see it twice before I started painting ... now if someone is walking down the street, they'll see something beautiful."

MGstalter@BeaumontEnterprise.comTwitter.com/morgGstalt
Members of India's Dalit community shout slogans as they block a road during a protest in Mumbai, Jan. 3, 2018.

Indian police have detained over 300 people in connection with violent protests that broke out across Maharashtra state earlier this week following the killing of a low-caste youth during a clash between the marginalized Dalit community and Hindu nationalists, an official said Thursday.

The Dalits, who form the lowest rung of Hinduisms rigid caste hierarchy, brought state capital Mumbai to a grinding halt on Wednesday as tens of thousands poured into the streets of Indias financial hub to demand action against Hindu fundamentalists, who allegedly attacked their community members on Jan. 1 because of ideological differences over a 200-year-old war.

One Dalit youth was killed in Mondays violence in the states second city of Pune, as Dalits celebrated the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle, in which their ancestors helped the British East India Company defeat the ruling-class Peshwas in 1818.

We have detained more than 300 people and are questioning them about their role in the violence, a senior police official told BenarNews while requesting anonymity, adding that as of Thursday evening the police had made about 40 arrests.

About 35 policemen sustained injuries when protesters began hurling stones and torching vehicles during Wednesdays protest, which garnered widespread media attention. Police nevertheless kept a lid on the chaos, Maharashtras Director General of Police Satish Mathur told reporters.

We had made elaborate arrangements throughout the state, with special focus on sensitive areas where intelligence inputs suggested that a major flare-up was possible. In hindsight, the statewide protests went off largely peacefully, he said.

High-level probe

On Thursday, Dalit leader Prakash Ambedkar met the states Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to demand action against those responsible for Mondays violence near Pune, some 150 km (93 miles) from Mumbai.

Fadnavis has agreed to initiate a high-level probe into the violence, Ambedkar, who heads the political party Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh (BBM), told reporters after his meeting with the chief minister.

A discussion has been held with the Chief Justice of Bombay High Court to recommend a panel of judges. One of the judges will head the inquiry commission, he said.

Indias nearly 180 million-strong Dalit community has been at the receiving end of frequently violent caste-related discrimination for centuries. Violence against the marginalized community has increased since the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swept to power in 2014, according to activists.

Rakshit Sonawane, a columnist who has covered caste-related issues in Maharashtra for decades, suggested the violence against the Dalit gathering was planned.

The stage was deliberately set up for a flare-up as miscreants and people who planned it knew that every year on Jan. 1 the Dalits gather in the Bhima-Khoregaon village to celebrate the victory of their ancestors over Brahmin-dominated Peshwa rulers, he told BenarNews.

The Dalit anger also stems from the vitiated air in the country wherein Dalits are being hounded and beaten and humiliated rather routinely while the government just turns a blind eye. Dalits faced violence before the BJP rose to power as well. But then, even if it was a tokenism, the government in power would take cognizance, he said.

Vivek P.S., a sociology professor at Mumbai University, differed.

The recent flare-up is an inter-play of political forces rather than a caste-clash, he told BenarNews. BJP has virtually overshadowed most rival political parties in todays India. Such flare-ups help opposition parties to stay in the news by attacking the BJP. It would be extremely simplistic to dub it as a caste-clash, he added.

The Indian National Congress, Indias principal opposition party, squarely blamed Prime Minister Narendra Modis rightwing government and its ideological mentor, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), for being anti-Dalit.

A central pillar of the RSS/BJP fascist vision for India is that Dalits should remain at the bottom of Indian society, Congress party chief Rahul Gandhi said in a Tweet.

However, Maharashtra Chief Minister Fadnavis denied this charge, saying none of those who indulged in violence against Dalits would be spared.

Inquiries will be conducted in the incidents of violence that took place across Maharashtra, he tweeted.
Khaleda Zia (center), former prime minister and leader of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), leaves court in Dhaka, Jan. 4, 2018.

With Bangladeshs next general election due in one year, the ruling Awami League has marginalized the main opposition party whose leaders are mired in court battles, critics and observers said.

Politicians with the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) accuse Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas government of stifling an atmosphere for free and fair elections in 2019, such as by increasing legal heat on the BNPs top two leaders. They have been charged in scores of criminal cases ranging from corruption to arson, terrorism, and defamation.

The cases against our party chief, Khaleda Zia, have been used to intimidate the BNP. Most of our leaders are facing false cases. The opposition in Bangladesh is at bay, Mahbubur Rahman, a member of the BNPs standing committee, the partys highest policy-making body, told BenarNews.

They do not want us to take part in the next polls. But our leader has made it clear that we will take part in the polls whatever may be the case, he said.

The BNP also criticized the government for allegedly withholding a permit for the opposition party to stage rallies on Friday marking the fourth anniversary of the last general election, which the BNP boycotted.

We have sought permission to hold rallies marking the controversial Jan. 5 polls. But the police are yet to give us permission. We are denied the chance to hold public meetings, Rahman said.

Awami League officials and parliamentarian vehemently deny such criticism, saying the party welcomes the BNP and its chairwoman, Zia, to contest next years general election. Polls must be held within 90 days of Jan. 28, 2019, according to Bangladeshs Election Commission.

This is totally untrue that we do not want them to take part in the next elections. We want them to. But we will not take any initiative to bring them to the polls. It is their decision whether they will vie for the polls or not, Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, an organizing secretary of the Awami League, told BenarNews.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reviews an honor guard during a ceremony welcoming her at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Dec. 4, 2017. [AP]

Political atmosphere

The BNP boycotted the 2014 general election in protest of the Awami Leagues refusal to allow a neutral caretaker government to run Bangladesh during the voting season as stipulated in a constitutional clause, but which the ruling party abolished ahead of the those polls.

The BNP has since tweaked its position on the issue of the caretaker government. It is demanding that a government not headed by Hasina take over the duties of running the country during the electoral season and that parliament be dissolved before the next general election.

Ataur Rahman, a political science professor at Dhaka University, said the Awami League had consolidated its power by marginalizing the opposition.

My simple observation is there is no atmosphere for the opposition to expect a free, fair and unbiased parliamentary election, he told BenarNews.

Despite all the odds, the BNP wants to take part in the next general election. If they take part in the polls, even under Sheikh Hasina, the Awami League would be in a difficult situation, Rahman added.

Criminal cases

More than 100 combined criminal cases against Zia and her son, Tarique Rahman, the BNPs No. 2 official and her presumed successor, could impede her path to election in 2019.

Rahman, who lives in exile in London, has been charged in 76 cases. He fled to the Britain in 2008, following his conviction and sentencing to seven years in prison in a money-laundering case.

On New Years Day, Bangladeshi prosecutors said they would seek the death penalty against him in two ongoing cases relating to a grenade attack that targeted Prime Minister Hasina in August 2004.

On Jan. 2, authorities in Comilla district issued a warrant for the arrest of Zia and 48 other opposition leaders over an arson charge stemming from a deadly fire-bombing of a bus during anti-government protests in early 2015.

On Jan. 5, 2015, her party led protests and strikes to mark the first anniversary of the 2014 election, but nearly 200 people were killed in violence that ensued over the following weeks.

We must contest the next general election. None can stop us from taking part in the election, Zia, who is facing assorted charges in 34 cases, told a gathering in Dhaka on Tuesday.

On Thursday, she appeared at a Dhaka court for a hearing in one of the cases brought against her, in which she has been charged with corruption.

The Awami League has been using the cases against Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman to put the BNP under pressure. They do not want us to take part in the polls as they know that they must not come to power if a free and fair election takes place, Asaduzzaman Ripon, an adviser to Zia, told BenarNews.

Iqbalur Rahim, a parliamentary whip of the ruling party, denied Ripons allegations.

The corruption cases against Khaleda Zia were filed by the caretaker government in 2007. The cases against Tarique Rahman are also filed by the caretaker government. The Awami League has not done anything, he told Benar.

Political calculations

Zia and her bitter rival, Hasina, both served as prime minister three times.

This week, Hasina reshuffled her cabinet in its first major realignment since the last general election in 2014.

Her government did not explain the reason for the Jan. 2 reshuffle, which saw cabinet members change portfolios and three members added.

One analyst said Hasina overhauled her cabinet to consolidate her standing with the 2019 elections in mind.

National elections are upcoming. There are political calculations in this cabinet reshuffling. If new ministers can show good performance before the elections, then it may create a positive impact on voters, M. Hafizuddin, an adviser to a former caretaker government, told BenarNews.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his opening speech during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-U.S. Summit in Manila, Nov. 13, 2017.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte fired another official for taking too many foreign trips, marking the second time in as many months that he dropped a high-ranking member of his government, his spokesman said Thursday.

Maritime Industry Authority Administrator Marcial Quirico Amaro III was terminated after employees at the transportation department complained that he was engaging in junkets abroad, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said.

Based on findings by the transportation ministry, Amaro made 24 foreign trips in 13 months after Duterte assumed office in 2016.

Of the trips, only three were sponsored by organizations that had invited Amaro. The rest were paid for by the Philippine government, Roque said in a statement.

Let this be a reminder to all public officials that the president is serious in his mandate that they should lead modest lives, that they should be true to their calling, and that they should avoid unnecessary trips, Roque said.

Roque said Duterte had specified strict guidelines on officials foreign trips. All travel must always be related to the functions of the agency, must not be too costly and must benefit the country, he said.

All government employees need to get approval for any foreign travel, be it official or personal, Roque said.

This is the presidents unilateral decision to crackdown on foreign travels of government officials. He believes that government officials should concentrate on their jobs here in the Philippines.  Any foreign travel must conform to the guidelines, he added.

Amaro could not be reached for comment.

Other firings

Last month, Duterte fired Terry Ridon, the chairman of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor, on the same grounds. Ridon said the trips were official in nature and he had prior clearance.

Duterte also said he would dismiss several police officials soon.

Last year, the president fired 10 officials from their posts, including National Irrigation Administrator Peter Tiu Lavina and Interior Secretary Mike Sueno. Both were known to be close to Duterte and had helped him win the presidency.

None of those fired have been charged criminally, leading critics to claim that Dutertes actions were due largely to infighting or politics.

In contrast, former Marine Capt. Nicanor Faeldon continues to have Dutertes support and was recently named deputy chief of the civil defense office despite allegedly failing to prevent a shipment of methamphetamines into the country when he was customs chief.

Dutertes son, Paolo, has been accused by an opposition senator of protecting drug syndicates involved in the shipment valued at U.S. $125 million (6.2 billion pesos).

Paolo Duterte has denied the allegation and his father has remained quiet on the issue despite his tough anti-drugs stance.
For Immediate Release, January 4, 2018 Contact: Kristen Monsell, (914) 806-3467, kmonsell@biologicaldiversity.org Trump Proposes Unprecedented Expansion of Offshore Oil Leasing in All Federal Waters Draft Five-year Plan Opens Previously Protected Areas to Drilling, Could Release 50 Gigatons of Carbon Dioxide Pollution WASHINGTON The Trump administrations draft plan for nationwide offshore oil and gas leases would significantly expand offshore drilling by offering leases in waters off Alaska, the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and Eastern Gulf of Mexico. If approved, the plan would open up oceans that have largely been off limits to oil drilling, including areas in the Arctic and Atlantic where Trump is trying to revoke permanent protections. Burning the fossil fuels in these areas would contribute 49.5 gigatons of carbon dioxide pollution, the equivalent of the emissions from 10.6 billion cars driven for a year, deepening the climate crisis, according to an analysis by the Center for Biological Diversity. Opening up new regions to offshore drilling and spilling could also harm endangered species that have recently been in decline, such as North Atlantic right whales and polar bears. Trumps trying to turn our oceans into oilfields. His reckless plan would expose more wildlife and coastal communities to devastating oil spills, said Kristen Monsell, ocean program legal director at the Center for Biological Diversity. It would also increase our dependence on dirty energy. People from coast to coast must resist this shortsighted, climate-wrecking giveaway to the oil industry. The proposed plan would replace Obamas 2017-2022 offshore oil and gas program that included 10 lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico and one in Cook Inlet. The Trump administrations draft proposed plan includes an astounding 47 lease sales from 2019-2024, up from 11 in the current plan. This draft will be subject to a 60-day public comment period before the next draft of the plan is released. The draft proposal would offer 19 lease sales off the coast of Alaska, including one Arctic Ocean lease sale every year, nine lease sales off the Atlantic coast, and 12 lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico, including one in the Eastern Gulf that is under a Congressional moratorium from new leasing until 2022.



The proposal also includes seven lease sales off the Pacific, including off all of California, Washington and Oregon where leasing is opposed by West Coast governors, numerous coastal communities and has not occurred since 1984. Similarly, areas in the Atlantic are on the table despite broad opposition of local communities on the East Coast. The leases off Alaska include areas that Obama permanently protected from new oil and gas leasing because of their sensitive wildlife and irreplaceable cultural values for Alaska Natives. Trumps April 28 order attempted to reverse those permanent protections, but the Center and other groups challenged that order with a lawsuit on May 3. That lawsuit is pending in federal court in Alaska. Offshore drilling is dirty and dangerous, and many coastal communities want no part of it. Letting the oil industry loose in our oceans will mean more deadly disasters like the Deepwater Horizon. And when those big oil spills happen in the Arctic, theyll be impossible to clean up, Monsell said. This appalling plan should be a call to action for everyone who wants to move past the dirty energy and politics of the past.
Rising numbers of invasive brown trout and green sunfish in the Colorado River downstream of Glen Canyon Dam have spurred the National Park Service to propose a range of new actions to control those and other non-native aquatic species in Glen Canyon and Grand Canyon.

But a few of the ideas, including long-term electrofishing and the introduction of more non-native fish to the river, are drawing concern from fishing and environmental organizations as well as the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

The Park Service is gathering public comments on its initial slate of ideas until Friday.

The agency stated that it is looking for additional tools to prevent, control, minimize and eradicate invasives that threaten native species in the Colorado River as well as the blue ribbon rainbow trout fishery at Lees Ferry.

INVASIVE CONTROLS

Among the proposed invasive species control options is a still-experimental tactic involving the introduction of non-native male fish with YY chromosomes, which produce only male offspring. As the fish continue to reproduce, that gender imbalance ends up crashing the population of whatever invasive species managers want to reduce, said Chris Cantrell, chief of fisheries with Arizona Game and Fish.

Fish barriers, pumps and piping in backwater areas where invasive sunfish are spawning and the application of fish-specific chemicals are other ideas the Park Service included in the proposal.

Its the agencys suggestion to use long-term intensive and repeated electrofishing that drew opposition from the Arizona Game and Fish Department as well as Trout Unlimited and Fly Fishers International. The process involves sending an electric current into the water to stun invasive fish so they can be scooped up and removed.

The prospect of weeks or months of electrofishing around Lees Ferry would negatively impact peoples perceptions of the fishery to the point where they just wont come, said John Hamill, a volunteer for Trout Unlimited who serves in the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Work Group.

That would have a lot of collateral damage to the local community up there, Hamill said.

Electrofishing at a rate that would reduce brown trout populations also would negatively impact the local rainbow trout population, Cantrell said. The technique has a low catch probability and isnt an efficient or effective use of resources, especially in a big river like the Colorado, Cantrell and Hamill said.

A 2017 white paper on the brown trout also noted that several tribes including the Zuni Tribe have expressed concerns with the physical removal of non-native aquatic life. State wildlife managers would advocate other alternatives like stocking more rainbow trout that compete with the brown trout, Cantrell said.

But the idea of introducing more exotic species to manage existing exotic species?

I feel like history has told us that rarely works," said Alicyn Gitlin, with the Sierra Club. Gitlin said she instead supports the idea, also included in the Park Service proposal, of introducing more native species like Colorado pikeminnow to prey on and compete with non-natives in the river.

What isnt in the range of options that she would like to see, Gitlin said, is the modification of water releases from Glen Canyon Dam to better mimic the rivers pre-dam spring and summer flooding regime instead of maintaining steadier flows with high-flow releases in the fall.

The 2017 brown trout white paper supports that idea, saying extremes in discharge, with both floods and drought, often inhibit the trouts recruitment, even to the point of population collapses.

INVASIVE INCREASES

Brown trout numbers, after holding steady for more than a decade, exploded between 2012 and 2016, with the number of fish caught per minute in the Lees Ferry reach of the river increasing from .01 to .06 over that span. Brown trout prey on juvenile humpback chub, which are native to the Colorado, and also prey on and compete with rainbow trout.

Sunfish, a predatory invasive, also have continued to breed in a backwater of the Colorado River in the two years since thousands of fish were first discovered there. Fish managers tried two chemical treatments to wipe out the fish, but they just keep getting back into that area, said Scott Vanderkooi, chief of the U.S. Geological Surveys Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center.

The sunfish are up in Lake Powell and scientists think with lake levels dropping, the warmer surface waters where the green sunfish live get closer to the dams turbines, so some fish are slipping through, Vanderkooi said.

Scientists are less sure about the reason brown trout numbers are increasing so dramatically. The white paper lays out seven possible hypotheses with the most likely being the start of regular fall high flow releases from Glen Canyon Dam that cue the migration of ripe brown trout into Glen Canyon and cleanse spawning grounds.

Its most likely a combination of reasons though, especially in a large ecosystem like the Grand Canyon, Vanderkooi said.

We're trying to understand whats happening and why now, given that weve had brown trout in the system for a long time," he said.

Rob Billerbeck with the National Park Service stressed that this is just the beginning of the agencys planning process.

There is a range of alternatives we are looking at. We are really open at this point and have tried to be very inclusive, Billerbeck said. As we hear back from the public and conduct our analysis then we will likely weed through those actions and may weed out some of them. We also might get a few new ideas.
The attempted kidnapping of Tshivis Tshivuadi in DRC; journalist Azori Gwanda still missing in Tanzania; Red Pepper journalists released in Uganda, and more in the IFEX roundup of free expression news from Africa.

 bram janssens via 123RF

DRC's descent into chaos

December was an unforgiving month for free expression in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

It started with an attack on three journalists and a technician of Radio Television Veritas(RTV). On 29 November 2017, authorities beat and detained Johnny Kasongo, Jean Doudou Ndumba, Musiko Kisiesia and Ephraim Mbayo at the RTV offices in Kabinda, Lomami province. Authorities stormed the building just as the journalists were transmitting a live broadcast of provincial assembly proceedings, according to Journaliste en Danger (JED).

The media workers were then transported in a government vehicle to the national intelligence service, l'Agence Nationale des Renseignements (ANR). The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reports that as of 1 December, the journalists were not charged, but Ndumba was released.

One week later, journalists in Kindu, Maniema province, were the victims of a similar attack. On 6 December, police officers ransacked the offices of Radiotelevision Kindu Maniema (RTKM) and arrested everyone on site. The raid took place during the transmission of The people's word - a call-in radio show - shortly after one of the callers accused deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Emmanuel Shadari of receiving bribes from the local governor. According to JED, the radio host refuted the caller's statements, but the Deputy Prime Minister still accused RTKM and its owner of attempting to tarnish his image.

The arrest of broadcast journalists became a clear trend with the arrest of Benjamin Mutiya on 14 December. Mutiya - a reporter for Radio Television Communautaire de Walikale (RTCWA) - was arrested by the national security service after being accused of defaming the administrator of Walikale, Marie-Claire Bangwene. Mutiya was held at Walikale central prison without charge, and his case was transferred to the prosecutor's office, according to CPJ and local rights group Carrefour pour la Justice, le Developpement et les Droits Humains.

In a tweet published on 27 December, CPJ announced that Walikale had been released.

But Mutiya's release was far from an indication of an improvement of DRC's free expression landscape. On 29 December, armed men staged multiple attempts to kidnap Tshivis Tshivuadi, Secretary General of Journaliste en Danger (JED), from his home. JED is an IFEX member based in Kinshasa.

The attackers asked one of the security guards on the property about Tshivuadi's whereabouts, and beat him when he refused to divulge information. They also unsuccesfully tried to barge open Tshivuadi's door.

In a statement, JED condemned the attack and urged the Congolese security authorities to open a swift investigation in order to identify the perpetrators.

IFEX executive director Annie Game denounced the kidnapping attempt on Twitter.

Members of @IFEX denounce the attack on the home of IFEX member Journalistes en Danger Secretary general Tshivis Tshivuadi in a kidnapping attempt in relation to the investigation into the disappearance of a journalist in Kindu for 3 weeks #RDC  Annie Game (@AnnieGame) December 31, 2017

The attack on Tshivuadi's premises is a reflection of an increased climate of repression in the DRC.

Increased freedom of speech repression

On 30 December, authorities called for a nationwide shutdown of internet and SMS services, ahead of protests planned for the following day. The protests - organised by the Catholic Church - called for Kabila to step down, and new elections to be held, according to Al Jazeera.

Presidential elections were scheduled to occur in November 2016, a month before Kabila's second consecutive presidential term was due to end. When Kabila refused to step down, an agreement was reached with the opposition that he would resign by the end of 2017. That did not occur, and, once again, elections were postponed until December 2018.

Al Jazeera reports that at least seven people were killed in the DRC on 31 December. Security forces reportedly fired live ammunition, tear gas and rubber bullets at demonstrators across the country.

The Africa Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) strongly condemned the use of legal force against protestors and denounced "the increasing use of internet shutdowns by African governments to stifle expression and repress protests in contravention of provisions of national, regional and international frameworks."

East of the DRC, the free expression landscape was just as grim.

Targeted killings of journalists

On 11 December in Somalia, Kalsan TV journalist Mohamed Ibrahim Mohamed - also known as Gabow - died after an improvised explosive device went off on the car he was about to drive. The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) suspects the attack was targeted. Mohamed was the fourth journalist to be killed in Somalia in 2017, and the third to die from a car bomb explosion. "With all the targeted killings of journalists that have happened in this country, no single investigation of a killed journalist is currently going on. This impunity for the killers of and culprits of violence against journalists only serves to fuel a cycle of killing," reads a statement by NUSOJ.

December was an equally dark month for the family of Mwananchi Communications journalist Azori Gwanda in Tanzania, who has been missing since 21 November. ARTICLE 19 reports that prior to his disappearance, Gwanda had written several articles on murders of local administrative officials, and police officers killed by motorcycle attackers.

"Azori Gwanda was reporting on issues of public concern and his disappearance may discourage other investigative journalists from reporting similar incidences due to fear of facing the same fate," stated Henry Maina, director of ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa, on 13 December.

Glimmer of hope

December did bring a glimmer of hope for some journalists, however.

On 28 December, Somaliland journalist Abdirisak Dayib Ali was released after spending 23 days in detention. Dayib Ali had been accused of publishing a false report on the news website Gabiley News earlier that month, according to CPJ. The report allegedly accused the city's mayor, Mahamed Omar, of criminal activity. The journalist said that he did not have anything to do with the report or the website.

In Uganda, eight staff members of Red Pepper tabloid newspaper were released after spending nearly a month in detention. The three editors and five directors had been detained over an article claiming Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni was plotting against his Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame, according to Reporters without Borders (RSF).

They were released on bail on 19 December for 20 million Ugandan Shillings each (approximately USD $5,555). HRNJ-Uganda welcomed their release, but criticised the fact that the journalists were detained in the first place.

"We are very happy for the release of our colleagues on bail after their long pre-trial detention by the State... Now that our colleagues are out, we have refocused our energies to ensuring the re-opening of the Red Pepper premises," said HRNJ-Uganda national coordinator Robert Ssempala.

Free expression defenders also breathed a sigh of relief upon the release of journalist Ahmed Abba from a prison in Cameroon.

The Hausa-language correspondent for Radio France Internationale (RFI) had been in detention since July 2015, after he had reported on attacks by terrorist group Boko Haram. Following torture, isolation and a trial that was postponed 18 times, Abba was fined 85,000 Euros and sentenced to 10 years in prison on charges of "laundering the proceeds of a terrorist act."

But on 21 December, a military appeal court in Yaounde reduced his jail sentence on terrorism charges from 10 years to 24 months; quashing his conviction on the first charge but upholding the second one. Since Abba had already served 29 months in prison, he was released shortly thereafter, on 23 December.

Clea Kahn-Sriber, Head of RSF's Africa Desk, commented on Abba's release: "Nothing can compensate the lost years in prison but we are relieved to know that Ahmed Abba will soon be reunited with his family."

Abba's case was not the only one being closely watched by free expression defenders last month.

On 6 December, Cameroonian-American academic and journalist Patrice Nganang was arrested as he attempted to fly to Zimbabwe from Cameroon. His lawyer told CPJ that Nganang was being held in Yaounde on accusations of offending President Paul Biya in a Facebook post.

The press freedom organisation noted that the day prior to his detention, Nganang had published a column in Jeune Afrique - a French publication - criticising Biya's response to ongoing unrest in Cameroon's anglophone regions.

Over the past year, the Northwest and Southwest regions of the country have been protesting the dominance of the French-speaking government, with some activists calling for independence of the anglophone region. Authorities have responded to protests with lethal force, and have also disrupted internet access in the regions for prolonged periods of time.

CPJ Africa Program Coordinator Angela Quintal referred to Nganang's detention as "an outrage", and noted that "Cameroon seems intent on violating the right to freedom of expression to silence critical voices, including in the press."

After pleading not guilty on charges of threatening President Biya, Nganang was released on 27 December, according to AFP.

Women charged with "indecency" in Sudan

For some people, the consequences of wearing the "wrong" outfit don't go beyond getting disapproving looks by judgmental onlookers. But for women in Sudan, dressing in certain clothing could result in lashes, fines, and even jail time.

On 10 December 2017, Sudanese authorities detained and charged 24 women in Khartoum with "indecency" for wearing trousers to a private party, even though the women had obtained a permit from the authorities.

The women were charged under Article 152 of the Criminal Code, which encompasses "indecent acts" in public, wearing an "obscene outfit" or "causing an annoyance to public feelings", according to BBC News.

The charges were subsequently dropped, but authorities were quick to single out another culprit: journalist Wini Omer. Omer was arrested on 10 December after having attended the trial of the 24 women as a show of solidarity. But the charges against her were also dropped on 21 December, after a Khartoum state judge ruled that security agents had intended to target Omer.

According to the Sudan Tribune, Omer commented on the verdict on her Facebook page, where she stated: "I am sad that I'm in a country that prosecutes us by law and accuses us of what it calls indecent and obscene clothing. I am sad that hundreds of women are convicted on a daily basis with this article and the dignity of women and men in Sudan is constantly humiliated under the pretext of maintaining public order."

In brief

In Guinea, the Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (l'Agence Regulation des Postes et Telecommunications) cut off the signals of private radio stations Sabari FM, Gangan FM, Djigui FM and Evasion FM on 11 December. Officials said they had done so because the stations have not paid their license fees. But the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has reason to believe there is more at play than license fees, given the increased repression of free expression in the West African country as of late.

In Ghana, thugs stormed Radio Justice's studios in Tamale on 2 December, and assaulted the programme presenter and his three panelists. The attack occurred in the midst of a live broadcast. Later in the month, journalists from Ghanaweb.com, Citi FM, and TV3 were attacked while covering a demonstration by supporters of the New Patriotic Party in Accra, according to MFWA.

In Sudan, opposition newspapers Al-Tayar, Al-Watan, Al-Jarida, and Akhir Lahza were confiscated from the printers by the intelligence services over a period of nine days.

Al-Tayar's managing editor told CPJ that the newspaper confiscations could be connected to Al-Tayar's critical coverage of President Omar al-Bashir's visit to Russia in November, where he discussed the possibility of military cooperation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

IFEX member highlights

In Juba, South Sudan, stakeholders gathered to attend a one-day dialogue on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity on 11 December 2017. The event was organised by the African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) and the Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS) as part of activities to commemorate the 2017 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists (IDEI).

In Nigeria, Media Rights Agenda executive director Edetaen Ojo received the 2017 Lifetime Award for Journalistic Excellence of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ). The award ceremony was held on 9 December in Lagos.

On 20 December, media groups met with Zimbabwe Republic Police representatives in Harare to discuss actions that can secure a safe and conducive working environment for journalists. The meeting was brokered by the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) -Zimbabwe.

Source: IFEX.
Travel is a major global industry, but in 2017 it attracted unprecedented resentment and retaliation towards tourists. A growing global backlash against tourism extended from tropical rainforests to urban destinations like Rio de Janeiro and Venice

Werni via pixabay

I have studied tourisms social and environmental consequences along the coastlines of Colombia, Costa Rica and Nicaragua, in the rainforests of Peru and Ecuador, on the islands of Fiji and the Galapagos and across the savannahs of South Africa and Tanzania. My research and that of numerous other scholars spotlights a key fact: More tourism is not always better. Increasing the number of visitors has generated profits for travel companies  particularly the cruise ship industry  but it has not always benefited local communities and environments where tourism occurs.

Fortunately, once people are aware of the often surprising ways in which their trips impact local people and places, it becomes easy to ensure that their travel has more positive consequences for the destinations they visit.

Billions on the move

Born from the accessibility of mass air travel, modern international tourism has been popularized as holiday-making in regions that offer comparative advantages of sand, sun and sea. Travel is often portrayed as a tool for personal growth and tourism as an economic motor for destination countries and cities. There is a tendency to assume that tourism is good for everyone involved.

Today the big bang of tourism drives more than 1.2 billion tourists across international borders each year, generates 9% of global GDP and provides one out of every 11 jobs on earth. But many popular places are literally being loved to death. Recent protests in ports of call like Venice and Barcelona against disturbances created by larger and more numerous cruise ships show the unfortunate consequences of emphasizing quantity over quality in tourism.

Unabated tourism development has become a primary driver of social and environmental disruption. Tourism studies, which came of age as a scholarly field in the 1970s, provides much documentation of the many negative social impacts of tourism and resulting resentment that local populations direct towards visitors.

Early tourism scholars even developed an irridex to measure this irritation with tourists among local residents. Later, scholars identified stages through which tourist destinations evolve. Antagonism toward tourists typically develops in mature, heavily visited destinations. Protests in heavily visited destinations suggest that traditional tourism has overstayed its welcome.

Resentment toward tourists, attacks on foreign-owned hotels and increases in crime against both tourists and local residents were regularly documented in the 1970s and 80s, at a time when only 2 to 3 million tourists were crossing international borders annually. So it is not surprising that such protests have escalated in scale and frequency as tourism has grown.

In Barcelona, for example, growing resentment of neighbourhood gentrification, elevated real estate and rental prices, and erosion of local social networks has led some residents to call tourism the citys biggest problem and label tourists as terrorists.







Friends without benefits

Residents often become frustrated when the benefits of tourism are not felt locally. Although it can generate foreign exchange, income and employment, there is no guarantee that multinational hotel chains will allocate these benefits equitably among local communities.

On the contrary, when people stay at large resorts or on cruise ships, they make most of their purchases there, leaving local communities little opportunity to benefit from tourist spending. These forms of tourism widen economic and political gaps between haves and have-nots at local destinations.

In recent decades, local residents in destination communities also have found themselves negotiating new cultural boundaries, class dynamics, service industry roles and lifestyle transformations. For example, data show that tourism activity corresponds to increased alcohol, drug and sex abuse as local residents adopt the behaviors of tourists, often leading to parallel upticks in crime, addiction and prostitution.

All-inclusive resorts can also privatize access to important coastal, marine, forest and agricultural resources. And when foreign investment drives up local land values and living costs to international standards, it may put ownership out of reach for local residents. In such situations, even people who depend on tourism will often question its ethics, whether they are rural Nicaraguan residents working in a newly booming resort industry or urban dwellers being priced out of their apartments by the sharing economy.

Cruise lines miss the boat

Jim Damalas, owner of Si Como No ecolodge in Costa Rica, observes that publicly traded corporations do not fall in love with the country, they fall in love with the numbers. No form of tourism is more in love with the numbers than cruises. While all forms of tourism have grown in recent decades, the rise in cruise travel is dramatic. For instance, cruise visitors to Belize grew from 34,000 in 1999 to 800,000 in 2005.

Contemporary cruise ships can entertain as many as 5,700 passengers. These boats themselves are the destinations. As they bounce from port to port, they are not beholden to any particular community and provide only the most superficial levels of engagement with local people and places. Their business model emphasizes packing the greatest number of travellers into the greatest number of places in the shortest amount of time.

Research into the industrys impact has shown that few forms of tourism do less to improve the social, environmental or economic well-being of the places where they occur than cruises. These trips may give passengers a pleasurable experience, but they miss the boat  pun intended  with regard to supporting local communities and environments.

A better model

The United Nations declared 2017 the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. What does this mean for the everyday traveller? Here are a few of the UNs suggestions, which research on tourism supports.

First, as Stephen Colbert has quipped, Theres nothing American tourists like more than the things they can get at home. All tourists should make every effort to honour their hosts and respect local conditions. This means being prepared to adapt to local customs and norms, rather than expecting local conditions to adapt to travellers.

Second, tourism is a market-based activity and works best when consumers reward better performers. Livelihoods, human rights and the fate of endangered species all can be affected by travellers decisions. In the information age, there is little excuse for travellers being uninformed about where their vacation money goes and who it enriches.

Informed travellers also are better able to distinguish between multinational companies and local entrepreneurs whose businesses provide direct social, environmental, and economic benefits for local residents. Such businesses are in love with the destination, not just the numbers, and are therefore deserving of market reward.

In the long run, the goal should not be just to minimize the impact of travel. Being a responsible traveller means ensuring net positive impacts for local people and environments. With the amount of information available at our fingertips, there has never been more opportunity to do so.

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
Alcohol damages the DNA of stem cells responsible for producing new blood, according to a mouse study which may explain the link between drinking and cancer, scientists said.

Health watchdogs have long warned that alcohol consumption contributes to seven types of cancer  of the mouth, throat, larynx or voice box, oesophagus or food pipe, breast, liver and bowel.

What was not well understood was: how?

For the new study, published in the science journal Nature, researchers gave lab mice diluted alcohol, known chemically as ethanol.

They then used chromosome and DNA analysis to examine genetic damage caused by acetaldehyde, a chemical produced when the body processes alcohol.

They found that acetaldehyde can break and damage DNA within blood stem cells, leading to rearranged chromosomes and permanently altering the DNA sequences within these cells, Cancer Research UK, which helped fund the research, said in a statement.

It is important to understand how the DNA blueprint within stem cells is damaged because when healthy stem cells become faulty, they can give rise to cancer.

DNA damage can lead to cell death, but can also trigger the bodys natural repair mechanisms. However, if the DNA is repaired incorrectly, it can lead to cancer.

While some damage occurs by chance, our findings suggest that drinking alcohol can increase the risk of this damage, said lead author Ketan Patel of the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge.

The team also examined how the body fights against alcohol damage using a family of enzymes called ALDH, which turn acetaldehyde into acetate, which cells can use as energy.

Millions of people  particularly from Southeast Asia  either lack these enzymes or carry faulty versions, said the team. And mice lacking ALDH, given alcohol, suffered four times as much DNA damage.

Our study highlights that not being able to process alcohol effectively can lead to an even higher risk of alcohol-related DNA damage and therefore certain cancers, said Patel.

It may be a contributor to an extremely high prevalence of throat cancer in countries such as China, commented Malcolm Alison of the Queen Mary University of London, who was not involved in the study.

Commentators welcomed the papers contribution to the knowledge base.

This is beautiful work, which puts our finger on the molecular basis for the link between alcohol and increased cancer risk and stem cells. Very important, said Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz of the University of Cambridge.
Air quality in China's notoriously smog-ridden capital in 2017 was the best since pollution control measures were implemented five years ago, the Beijing government announced on Wednesday, 3 January.

By Kentaro Iemoto, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

The city met its targets with year-on-year "improvement of regional air quality and overall favourable meteorological conditions", a statement posted on the Beijing Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau's website, said. According to the bureau, the average PM2.5 level in 2017 was 58 micrograms per cubic metre - down 20.5% from the year before.

PM2.5 is a measure of the density of hazardous particulate in the air. The World Health Organization recommends an annual PM2.5 level of 10 micrograms per cubic metre.

Beijing also recorded improvements in the density of other major pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and PM10, the latter also 20% lower than in 2016.

And while the number of heavy pollution days decreased from 58 in 2013 to 23, Beijing also enjoyed 226 "good air" days last year - 28 more than in 2016, the bureau said.

Li Xiang, a bureau employee, told the official Xinhua news agency that "demolition of coal-fired boilers, phasing out vehicles with high emission and upgrading of industrial structure" have all contributed to smog reduction.

In the last five years, she said, Beijing has shut down six cement plants and closed or upgraded nearly 2,000 companies in printing, casting, furniture manufacturing and other sectors.

The capital has experienced an unusual streak of clear air this winter, a season that is historically the worst for smog. In November, PM2.5 levels dropped 54% year-on-year.

Notably there has been absence of coal in at least three million homes surrounding Beijing, with many towns and cities newly equipped with gas or electric heaters.

However, some residents have complained of inconsistent or unaffordable heating in designated "no coal" zones in northern Hebei province.

Source: AFP
Fears over the Eastern Cape's crippling drought predicament have escalated alarmingly as two towns near Nelson Mandela Bay run out of water fast. This comes as the metro's major storage dam supply has slumped to its lowest level yet - 26.94% - eclipsing 2010, when it dropped to 31%.

The dire state of water supply in the southern region of the province emerged on Wednesday, 3 January, with the release of the latest figures and a report on water supply in the Kouga Municipality region.

The two towns most at risk of running dry were named as Patensie and Hankey, which both fall under Kouga and have just about used up their official water-use quotas for the year after just six months. But while they may be the first to run dry, their fate is directly linked to that of the Bay as the three all use the same water source.

The two towns are entirely dependent on the Kouga Dam, which is also an important component of the Bay's water supply network. Of the four major dams supplying the Bay, Kouga is at a critical 9.56% of its capacity.

The Churchill, which is also shared with other regions, is at 20.18%, while the Impofu and the Groendal dams are at 45.25% and 53.95%, respectively.

Kouga mayor Elza van Lingen confirmed serious water shortages at Hankey and Patensie, warning that water-shedding might be implemented in the coming months. She said the two towns had already almost used up their water quotas for the year ending June 2018.

"The latest readings in December indicated that Hankey only had 9% of its quota left and Patensie 37%," she said.

Hankey and Patensie both receive their bulk raw water from the Gamtoos Government Water Scheme, which is administered by the Gamtoos Irrigation Board. The scheme includes the Kouga Dam and downstream canal system. Van Lingen said the Departshould ment of Water and Sanitation had in July slashed the authorised maximum withdrawal for domestic use by Hankey and Patensie by 25% because of drought conditions.

"The allocation for the towns totalled about 880,000kl a year, but this was decreased to 660,000kl.

"What has made the decrease particularly challenging is that even under normal rainfall conditions, these allocations have been insufficient in the past."

She said alternative water supply sources were being explored, but the options were limited. "We will be pumping water from the Klein River to the Hankey Water Treatment Works.

"Water will also be trucked in it be necessary. These measures alone, however, might not be enough.

"We also need residents and business to play their part.

"Please use water extremely sparingly and only when absolutely necessary."

Van Lingen said boreholes would also be drilled to augment the water supply, but the geology of the area was not conducive to groundwater retention. "Geophysics testing has already been conducted in the Hankey area and we are awaiting the results so that we can start drilling for water," she said. "Testing will then also be done near the Kouga Dam to identify other potential drilling sites.

"These processes, including the installation of the necessary infrastructure support, are only expected to be completed towards mid-2018."

The Kouga region, which includes Jeffreys Bay, Humansdorp and the Cape St Francis area, was declared a disaster area in May and water restrictions and punitive tariffs have been in place since, with all residents urged to limit their consumption to 60-litres of water a person a day.

Confirming that the Bay's water crisis had deepened, the municipality said on Wednesday its available water supply from storage dams was now at an all-time low. "This is the lowest ever as compared to the 31% that was recorded in 2010," mayoral committee member for infrastructure and engineering Masixole Zinto said.

"Although the city is putting in all effort to cut water loss and usage, lack of rain has not helped.

"Last year, the mayor declared the city a disaster area in terms of the water situation, stricter measures were introduced and millions have been pumped in to improve water distribution infrastructure and clamp down on water leaks.

"More plumbers have been employed, with private sector resources pulled in to augment.

"The city is also busy with water-saving campaigns across the metro, with schools, businesses and churches an area of focus."

Some public pools had been closed and boreholes opened.

"Soon, the city will assist in delivering borehole water to businesses and resources will be put into monitoring those who fail to adhere to water restrictions.

"An urgent meeting of infrastructure and engineering will be called before the end of next week to discuss and decide on more restrictions, while other strategies and actions to mitigate the impact of the crisis will be introduced."

"The coalition government views the current crisis in a very serious light and calls upon the people of Nelson Mandela Bay to come together on this water-saving mission," Zinto said.

Source: The Herald
If you're looking for a career move but you're finding it difficult to transition, it might be that employers are overlooking you due to personal branding issues. The best way to overcome this hurdle is to rebrand yourself, then embark upon your transitional job search.

Photo by Bethany Legg on Unsplash

We are all familiar with the word brand in a business sense, but in the modern business environment branding is becoming just as important on a personal level. This is especially true for job seekers who are looking for new career opportunities.

What do you hope for people to associate with you when they think of your name? Is there a certain subject matter in which you want to be perceived as an expert, or are there general qualities you want linked to your personal brand?

These are the kinds of things you should be considering when thinking about your personal brand. Once you understand the dynamics around how youd like your brand to be perceived, you can begin thinking strategically in terms of its creation.

Following these tips for a successful career re-branding effort:
The DA has called on Higher Education and Training Minister Hlengiwe Mkhize to intervene in the registration processes at higher education institutions, to prevent them descending into chaos.

This follows what it calls President Jacob Zuma's "reckless" announcement of free higher education for the poor and the EFF's "inflammatory" call for academically eligible students to present themselves for registration for 2018 at the higher education institutions of their choice.

The DA's spokesperson on higher education and training, Professor Belinda Bozzoli, said both Zuma and Mkhize had failed to provide strong leadership and the DA called on Mkhize to "decisively" intervene "in order to avoid a potentially violent crisis".

Bozzoli said: "Mkhize must now provide an unequivocal stance on whether she supports Zuma's announcement of free education and what her department intends to do to mitigate against registration processes turning violent.

"Zuma's announcement was ostensibly made without consulting National Treasury or the Department of Higher Education and Training.

"It merely served as a tool of cheap politicking, aimed at scoring points ahead of the ANC conference in an attempt to salvage the legacy of his failed presidency.

"Similarly now, the EFF's ill-considered call for walk-in registrations evidences a failure to understand that placements at higher education institutions across SA have not increased - higher education institutions generally formulate their intake figures at least a year in advance in order to ensure that resources are adequately allocated to meet the needs of incoming students."

Bozzoli said the demand that higher education institutions accept walk-in registrations was in direct contravention of many institutions' registration procedures, and would place undue strain on their systems and resources.

"In addition, given the precedent for walk-in registration processes to turn violent, these calls place students' safety at risk," she said.

"The DA believes all deserving students should have access to higher education and that financial support should be provided for poorer students within the confines of the law and the country's available resources.

"Quality higher education for SA's youth can no longer be used as a tool for cheap politicking - political parties must not allow Zuma to cause division as he departs.

"Moreover, students should refrain from participating in activities that go against the rules of tertiary institutions - registrations must take place in accordance with higher education institutions' rules and procedures."

Source: BDpro
Technological advances associated with the fourth industrial revolution - including artificial intelligence - allow the automation of an increasingly wide array of processes in increasingly interactive and sophisticated ways. These advances will likely give rise to many opportunities for economic and social development in developing countries, for instance by increasing food production

But the new technologies also involve important risks, which have special significance in developing countries. They may build upon and exacerbate existing inequalities  both within developing countries as well as between developing and more developed regions.

Three of these inter-related risks are worsening unemployment, increasing concentration of economic power and wealth, and the spread of biases in influential algorithms. They will manifest in different ways and require different responses in diverse contexts. A cross-cutting problem is that too few developing country governments are giving these risks serious attention.

Risk 1: Worsening unemployment

The concern that new technologies  especially artificial intelligence  will lead to widespread job losses has been widely discussed. Of course, the fear that new technologies replace workers is an old one. But its been pointed out that historically new technologies have often given rise to more new jobs than the ones that have been automated away.

Whats perhaps different now is that the new, interconnected digital technologies will likely have a broader and more far-reaching array of abilities. And so the prospect of new kinds of jobs may well be diminished or limited to increasingly sophisticated domains, such as machine learning.

In addition, new technologies are now not just replacing jobs, but they are also enabling the disruption and restructuring of entire industries. For instance, Uber has already pulled the rug from underneath the conventional taxi industry in many places. Imagine the possible consequences of Ubers shift to driver-less cars.

Lower labour costs in many developing countries mean that investments in job replacing technologies will be lower. But other aspects of developing countries contexts increase the possible severity of this risk.

First, the dearth of effective education systems and skills in countries like South Africa will make it more difficult for people to be retrained for the technology intensive new jobs that will become available. Secondly, all governments are struggling to grapple with the implications of new technologies and associated new business models. This struggle is particularly strong in developing country governments. The case of Uber in South Africa reflects this.

Risk 2: Increasing concentration of wealth

Many developing countries are characterised by high levels of inequality within their populations. Elites within these countries will be more likely to make use of AI and other new technologies. This will further increase returns to capital widening the gap between elites productive capacity and that of everyone else.

A similar effect is likely at a global level. Its no coincidence that Russias President Vladimir Putin has identified AI as the new terrain for global competition between nations.

New technologies advantages for capital are not just due to increasing productivity, but also because they allow new business models that may control or even dominate entire sub-sectors and stifle competition. For instance, it could become possible for a single company to control large fleets of automated vehicles in one or more large areas.

Again, much will depend on whether states can keep up with these developments and respond effectively. Particular attention will need to be paid to intellectual property and competition law. For instance, the strict enforcement of intellectual property rights for AI algorithms may well support increasing economic concentration. Its also likely that national governments may have less and less influence over such decisions and trends. Even so, many developing country governments are not giving these developments their due attention.

Risk 3: Bias baked into algorithms

Finally, the AI algorithms that are at the centre of the fourth industrial revolution will reflect and perpetuate the contexts and biases of those that create them. Difficulties faced by voice recognition software in recognising particular accents are a relatively innocuous example. Of course, the promise is that AI will enable such systems to learn to address such issues. But the learning process itself might be influenced by racial, gender, or other prejudices.

AI algorithms are developed almost entirely in developed regions. Thus they may not sufficiently reflect the contexts and priorities of developing countries. Ensuring that AI algorithms are appropriately trained and adapted in different contexts is part of the required response. It would be even better if developing countries become more engaged in the development of new technological systems from the get-go.

Governments need to act

These three risks require that academics, businesses, and civil society actors attend to the role of new technologies in developing countries. But a special responsibility lies with governments. For the most part, they seem to be distracted.

Governments ought to carefully assess the above risks in their national context and then establish corresponding policies and programs. This includes national skills development and work placement platforms, intellectual property and competition policies, and local technology adaptation and development.
The Competition Commission has recommended to the Competition Tribunal that the acquisition by Old Mutual Ltd of Old Mutual plc be approved with conditions.

Photo: CAJ News Africa

The deal is part of the restructuring of the group, which will lead to Old Mutual Ltd housing the group's emerging-markets operations.

It will have a primary listing on the JSE and a standard listing on the London Stock Exchange, as well as secondary listings on the Malawi Stock Exchange, Namibia Stock Exchange and Zimbabwe Stock Exchange.

Old Mutual plc is the holding company for the Old Mutual Group of companies globally, which provides investments, savings, life assurance, asset management, banking, and property and personal insurance in Africa, Latin America and Asia. It has 18.9-million customers and about 64,000 employees.

"The commission recommends that the proposed transaction be approved subject to the conditions agreed upon between the merging parties and the Department of Economic Development," the commission said on Wednesday.

The department considers the public interest implications of any merger notified to the competition authorities. It found that the transaction gave rise to public policy issues in the context of black economic empowerment, employment and enterprise development.

The commission said Old Mutual Ltd had engaged with the department on these issues and had made certain undertakings to address its concerns.

The commission said it was not opposed to these undertakings being made conditions for the approval of the merger.
PARIS, France - French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans on Wednesday for legislation to stop fake news spreading online in the run-up to elections, in a veiled reference to Moscow-backed RT and Sputnik.

Image credit: Vitaliy Vodolazskyy via 123RF.com

Macron, who came to power in May, has previously lashed out at the Russian outlets as spreaders of "deceitful propaganda" and "organs of influence".

"We are going to develop our legal means of protecting democracy against fake news," Macron said in a New Year's speech to the press.

Details of the bill will be released in the coming weeks, he said, but he told reporters that media would be forced to reveal all sponsors of their content among other measures to boost transparency.

Judges will be able to order media to take down fake news, block access to offending websites, and close social media accounts that spread untruths, Macron said.

France's audiovisual regulator will see its powers boosted to better allow it to "fight any destabilisation attempt by television channels controlled or influenced by foreign states", he added.

This would allow agreements allowing such channels to operate in France to be "suspended or cancelled", also taking into account the content they publish online, he said.

"Defamatory untruths" and "deceitful propaganda"

RT and Sputnik both have French-language websites, and during a joint press conference with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in May Macron accused them of publishing "defamatory untruths" and "deceitful propaganda".

Since then, RT  formerly known as Russia Today  has launched a French-language TV channel, putting regulators on their guard.

Macron saw thousands of internal documents leaked online while running for president, which he blasted as an attempt at "democratic destabilisation like that already seen in the United States during the last presidential campaign".

On Wednesday he said "thousands of propaganda accounts on social networks" were spreading "all over the world, in all languages, lies invented to tarnish political officials, personalities, public figures, journalists".

France's government will not be the first to attempt to fight fake news through the law.

In Germany, the recent legislation puts social networks at risk of fines of up to 50m ($60m) if they do not remove fake news and hateful posts promptly.

Source: AFP via i-Net Bridge.
DUI

William Lawrence was arrested for DUI on Monday at the Intersection of South Woodlands Village Boulevard and Beulah Boulevard. He had a BAC of 0.195 and 0.205 percent.

Aggravated assault

A man was arrested on Monday for aggravated assault of a healthcare professional at Flagstaff Medical Center on Monday. The man was being treated for extreme intoxication when he punched a nurse in the shoulder, according to the police report. He had a BAC of 0.273 when he was taken to Coconino County Detention Facility.

The man was identified as Johnathan Colorado.

- A man was arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on Monday after attacking another man with a knife on a Mountain Line bus on the 100 block of East Butler Avenue. When police arrested the man they found a knife on his person.

Video footage showed the man attacking someone on the bus with a knife, but the victim was never stabbed.

The man was identified as Lyle Sam Whitney.
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PR Newswire

LONDON, Jan. 3, 2018

LONDON, Jan. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5253670 According to "Middle East & Africa Organic Acid Market By Type, By End Use, By Country, Competition Forecast and Opportunities, 2012 - 2026", Middle East & Africa organic acid market is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 6.8%, in value terms, during 2017  2026. Growth in the market is expected on account of shifting consumer preference towards organic beverages and natural drinks as compared to alcoholic drinks. Moreover, the ability of organic acids to impart anti-oxidants and anti-bacterial effects to food additives and power drinks is expected to aid the region's organic acids market in coming years. "Middle East & Africa Organic Acid Market By Type, By End Use, By Country, Competition Forecast and Opportunities, 2012 - 2026", discusses the following aspects of organic acid market in MEA region: Organic Acid Market Size, Share & Forecast Segmental Analysis  By Type (Acetic acid, Citric acid, Formic acid and Lactic acid), By End Use (Industrial, Food & Beverage, Pharmaceuticals, Personal Care and Others), By Country Pricing & Competitive Analysis Changing Market Trends & Emerging OpportunitiesWhy You Should Buy This Report? To gain an in-depth understanding of organic acid market in MEA region To identify the on-going trends and anticipated growth in the next five years To help industry consultants, organic acid manufacturers, distributors and other stakeholders align their market-centric strategies To obtain research based business decisions and add weight to presentations and marketing material To gain competitive knowledge of leading market players To avail 10% customization in the report without any extra charges and get the research data or trends added in the report as per the buyer's specific needsReport MethodologyThe information contained in this report is based upon both primary and secondary research. Primary research included interaction with organic acid manufacturers, distributors and industry experts. Secondary research included an exhaustive search of relevant publications like company annual reports, financial reports and proprietary databases.Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5253670 About Reportbuyer Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers For more information: Sarah Smith Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 208 816 85 48 Website: www.reportbuyer.com

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/middle-east--africa-organic-acid-market-is-projected-to-exhibit-a-cagr-of-68-in-value-terms-during-2017--2026-300577381.html

SOURCE ReportBuyer
Its not easy being Elon Musk. That was the message the new Twitter owner and billionaire head of Tesla and SpaceX had for younger people who might seek to emulate his entrepreneurial success. Be careful what you wish for, Musk told a business forum in Bali on Monday when asked what an up-and-coming Elon Musk of the East should focus on. He also touched briefly on criticism of his stewardship of Twitter since he took it over for $44 billion last month. Musk was speaking at the B-20 business forum ahead of a summit of the Group of 20 leading economies taking place on the Indonesian resort island. He joined the conference by video link.
The University of Nebraska would be required to report disruptions to free speech on campus under a bill introduced Wednesday by a state senator critical of the universitys response to a confrontation between a student and lecturer last August.

The Higher Education Free Speech Accountability Act (LB718) would require the NU Board of Regents to create a special committee charged with making an annual report regarding barriers to or incidents of disruption to free speech on campus.

The reports, which would be shared with the governor and Legislature each year, would also include detailed explanations of disciplinary actions taken against students or faculty.

Drawn from parts of a model by the Goldwater Institute, a conservative think-tank based in Arizona, LB718 would also require NU to publish the reports in easy-to-find locations on each campus's website.

At some level, its a means or a way for the university to say Were doing the right things and were willing to report on what those things are, said Sen. Steve Halloran of Hastings, the bills sponsor.

NU drew fire from Halloran and two other senators last fall critical of how administrators responded to a confrontation between UNL student Kaitlyn Mullen and graduate student lecturer Courtney Lawton while Mullen was recruiting for Turning Point USA, a conservative student organization.

A video of a protest by about a half dozen faculty and lecturers, who claim Turning Point USA targets faculty it says discriminate against conservative students, depicts Lawton as referring to Mullen as neo-fascist.

Lawton was removed from her teaching duties and later told her contract would not be renewed at the end of the year.

The Nebraska chapter of the American Association of University Professors criticized the administration for changing its course regarding Lawton following criticism, while the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education called for Lawton to be reinstated.

But lawmakers, including Halloran and Sens. Steve Erdman of Bayard and Tom Brewer of Gordon, said the incident was one of many in which students with conservative beliefs were disparaged across the university system.

Halloran said Wednesday while he feels NU beefed up its free speech policies in a Nov. 9 draft circulated among regents, administrators and faculty, the Legislature needs to act in an effort to hold the university accountable.

Were not wishing to micromanage the university on their policies, he said, but we want to be aware of how it is enforced under their policies.

LB718 would require regents to adopt a free expression policy for the campus community outlining the universitys role of discovery and dissemination of knowledge through teaching, research, discussion and debate.

The policy would also need to declare it was not the role of NU to shield individuals from speech protected by the First Amendment, including ideas and opinions found unwelcome, disagreeable, or even deeply offensive.

Students and faculty, according to the draft requirements included in the bill, shall be permitted to assemble and engage in spontaneous expressive activity as long as such activity is not unlawful and does not materially and substantially disrupt the functioning of the campus.

Similar free speech legislation has been introduced by conservative lawmakers around the country. Bills based on the Goldwater Institute model have been introduced in states such as California, Colorado, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Texas, Utah and Virginia.

David Moshman, a professor emeritus of educational psychology at UNL who has written extensively on issues surrounding free speech and academic freedom, said Hallorans bill is an excellent statement of basic First Amendment standards and principles.

But, he added, the bill as drafted appears to violate a Nebraska Supreme Court ruling dating to 1977, which found that while the Legislature can appropriate money to NU, it cannot set policy or practices for the Board of Regents, which is an independent entity under the states constitution.

If the regents voluntarily decide to adopt it, I would have no problem with that, Moshman said. But it shouldnt come from the Legislature. That puts them on a worse constitutional ground.

Furthermore, that the bill singles out the University of Nebraska and not all public institutions of higher education in the state, puts the proposed legislation on an even weaker footing, Moshman said.

The Nebraska chapter of the American Association of University Professors, which in November collected the signatures of 315 past and present faculty from all four NU campuses in an open letter raising concern regarding the effects of political pressure on the university system, echoed Moshman.

Because of the relevant case law outlined in Board of Regents v. Exon, Nebraska's AAUP said in a statement that it doesn't expect Halloran's bill to reach the floor of the legislature.

Nebraska lawmakers should study other laws limiting the relationship between politicians and higher education, the AAUP added, and consider why the U.S., unlike other countries around the world, "has maintained a long and distinguished tradition of prohibiting political involvement in higher education."
A 55-year-old Arapahoe man indicted in a federal case involving a Tennessee fugitive and an alleged plot to kidnap a sheriff and judge has entered into a pretrial diversion agreement, the U.S. Attorney's Office says.

Anthony Weverka was accused of misprision of a felony for knowing of a plot to abduct the Furnas County Sheriff and failing to tell law enforcement, as well as making false statements to the sheriff's office when he made a partial disclosure of what he knew, acting U.S. Attorney Robert Stuart said in a news release.

Stuart said by entering into a pretrial diversion agreement, Weverka admitted he had committed the offense and agreed to certain terms and conditions that, if satisfied, would result in the dismissal of the charges pending against him.

He will be on probation for 18 months and will have to satisfy certain conditions, including 50 hours of community service.

The case began Jan. 10, 2017, when fugitive Michael Parsons failed to appear at a hearing in Tipton County, Tennessee, on two charges of possession of a weapon by a felon.

Parsons left Tennessee by piloting a 1964 Piper Cherokee with an obscured tail number with plans to fly to British Columbia, Canada. But he stopped for the night at the Arapahoe airport, where he met with Weverka, who served as the president of the Arapahoe Airport Board, the indictment said.

Court records referred to the fugitive by the initials M.P. However, media reports identified Parsons as the man arrested at the airport Jan. 12, 2017, related to the out-of-state failure to appear.
The girl told police that at some point between the ages of 14 and 16 she became pregnant with his child, and he gave her a pill to end the pregnancy. It led her to have an allergic reaction, which sent her to the hospital.
Its entirely likely that I will anger people from Delaware to Montana any given week with nothing more than an idea, supporting facts and a couple of barrels of ink. Spurring anger takes no special talent; its me, remember? Still, every week, dissimilar people 2,000 miles apart send me amazingly similar emails.

For example, one emailer, Kevin, let me have it in October over what he saw was my one-sided view of the disaster that is Obamacare. But that was just a warm-up; the next few lines came in higher and harder.

I have no idea why I frustrate myself and read your garbage he wrote, You and your articles never have the farmers interest in mind Why dont you put them in papers only available to the crowd that may like your rants [such as the] entitlement crowd or the illegal immigrant crowd.

Another energized reader, Steven, sent similar high voltage thoughts on the topic of, well, me: Are you kidding me? You have become part of the fake news Report the truth Didnt realize you were this much part of the liberal media

One August emailer not only took exception to how I covered that weeks topic, the low and going lower commodity markets, he also offered several writing tips because, as he noted, your writing style stinks.

A few sentences later the sender, a doctor, had a diagnosis for the stench: You were taught in journalism school to write so a 12 y/o can understand it. You seem (sic) think they meant youre supposed to think like a 12 y/o.

Journalism school? Oh, doc, its worse than that. My bachelors degree, as Ive noted several times, is in agriculture. We plowboys did learn, however, to use prepositionslike to as in to thinkwhen beginning prepositional phrases.

Other readers called me anything but a journalist: Many times I have read your columns in (an Illinois newspaper), wrote Dave in mid-November, thinking you were a non-biased farm issue reporter. It has become increasingly clear you are just another Lib trying to protect a special interest.

Curiously, Dave addressed the email Dearest Alan, and signed it, Oh, I cant wait to hear your response.

Well, Dave, heres what youve been waiting almost two months for: Youre right, I am protecting a special interestdearest you, me, and everyone else who wants todays race-to-the-bottom, commodity-based ag policy to move to a more generationally-sustainable, community-based farming and ranching system where people, not robots, drones or politicians, drive choice.

Dave wasntisntalone. Karren wrote that the examples you site for various articles are making you look more than a little ignorant yourself This is where you and others on the left lose it, the majority of Conservatives are able to think and reason

Not everyone who emailed or wrote a letter wanted a piece of my hide. David from Indiana noted that he would award me a Pulitzer Prize for Agricultureif there is one. (Nope, but thanks.) Similarly, Mary sent an August email that claims Your column is always a great read, but this weeks was exceptional. (As, I assume, you are, too, Mary.)

Some write out of astonishment: Ive been reading your column for years and I must say that Im surprised every time. So much reason from a column named Farm and Food, offered Steve from Iowa.

And, finally, Im a big fan of your column however the thing Id really like to know right now is how you pronounce your last nameplease. The email was signed Burma.

Think sauerkraut, Burma: hard g, long e, with the accent on the last syllable--ge-Bert.

As always, please keep those emails, letters and diagnoses coming, because free advice, medical or otherwise, is always welcome for those of us not yet covered by Medicare.
NEW DELHI (PTI): Over 10,000 acres of defence land are under encroachment across the country, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman informed the Lok Sabha Wednesday.



According to details provided by her, a maximum of 2,203 acres of defence land have been encroached in Uttar Pradesh followed by 1,736 acres in Madhya Pradesh and 734 acres in Haryana.



She said the Government was taking steps to strengthen management of defence land which include digitisation of land records.



"Ministry of Defence has prepared the digital data of entire defence land-holding in a software called 'Raksha Bhoomi'," she said, adding a total of 10,028 acres of defence land have been encroached.



To a separate question, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said the Indian Air Force is suitably equipped to deal with any threat.



"Augmentation of capabilities of IAF by way of procurement and indigenous production including its modernisation depends upon national security, strategic objectives and operational requirements of defence forces," he said.






NEW DELHI (PTI): The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is working on the design of a Small Satellite Launch Vehicle, which would be a compact launcher exclusively for smaller satellites, the Lok Sabha was informed Wednesday.



The small launch vehicle is likely to reduce the cost for launching satellites in the competitive space technology market. When ISRO launched a record 104 satellites in February last year, except the Cartosat-2, all were small satellites.



"ISRO is working on the design of a Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), that is a compact launcher for small satellites," Minister of State in the PMO, Atomic Energy and Space, Jitendra Singh said in a written reply to a question.



In reply to another question, Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Y S Chowdary said: "A project for setting up of a total of 32 new seismological observatories is under implementation and is likely to be completed by the end of financial year 2017-18".



After the installation of 32 new observatories, the strength of the National Seismological Network (NSN) shall be assessed and accordingly plan for setting new observatories in gap areas shall be planned, he added.




Pakistan Navy's fast attack vessel PNS Himmat test fires the 'Harba' naval cruise missile. An ISPR photo

ISLAMABAD (PTI): The Pakistan Navy on Wednesday said it successfully test-fired the indigenously developed 'Harba' naval cruise missile after launching it from a newly commissioned fast attack vessel.



"The missile is capable of hitting its target from surface to surface and ground assault," the Pakistan Navy said in a statement.



The indigenously-built missile was launched from PNS Himmat and it successfully hit the target, it said.



"The missile accurately hit its target signifying the impressive capabilities of Harbah Naval Weapon System," said the statement.



"The successful live weapon firing has once again demonstrated the credible firepower of Pakistan Navy and the impeccable level of indigenisation in high tech weaponry achieved by Pakistan's defence industry," it said.



Naval Chief Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi witnessed the test launch.



Speaking on the occasion, he said the Pakistan Navy will ensure defence of the country's shores and interests.



Further details like the exact location of the launch and other features of the missile were not disclosed by the Navy.


More than 10,000 extra jobs were created by foreign companies based in Ireland last year.

There are now 210,443 people employed in IDA-supported businesses, the body's performance review for 2017 shows.

The jobs figure surpasses the overall five-year target of 209,000 which the IDA set in 2015.

The IDA has added it will be doing its best to entice companies leaving the UK post-Brexit, to relocate here.

The body said in a press statement today: "As Brexit negotiations continue in 2018, IDA Ireland will be redoubling its efforts with mobile investors to highlight Irelands suitability as a location for international business."

In 2017, 67% of investment came from the US compared to 72% in 2016. Europe accounted for 24% in 2017, up from 20%. Growth markets moved from 8% in 2016 to 9% in 2017."

Business Minister Heather Humphreys said last year's numbers were good, but more needs to be done.

She said: "We need to stay on our toes if we want to remain a global leader in (foreign direct investment).

"That means working hard to retain our competitiveness, investing in economic infrastructure that can support a thriving enterprise base and...addressing areas where we need to improve, such as the supply of affordable and quality residential housing."

The investments won by the IDA remained stable in 2017 at 237 new investments. The number of new-name investments increased to 111 from 99 in the previous year.

Of the IDA figures, CEO of IDA Martin Shanahan (pictured below), said: "The strong net job creation performance of 10,684 additional jobs in Ireland shows the resilience of the Irish offering where investors continue to value talent, track record, and a stable regulatory environment.

"There are 210,443 people going to work in foreign direct investment firms every day in Ireland, and we know the knock-on employment impact on the economy is much greater than this. We have achieved this figure two years ahead of target.

"The targets that were set were hugely ambitious at the time, and I would like to pay tribute to the companies that have placed their confidence in Ireland, to my colleagues in IDA Ireland who fight to win these jobs on a daily basis - they have worked tirelessly to achieve these numbers - and also to all of those in the public and private sector who assist us in that effort.

However, he acknowledged international developments that may impact foreign direct investment, including Brexit and recent US taxation reform.

"Greater protectionism is also an increasing phenomenon that may impact foreign direct investment flows globally," he added.

"In the short to medium term, technological developments such as artificial intelligence and robotics are likely to have a major impact on the future of work and employment across all sectors."
The rollout of the long-awaited National Broadband Plan (NBP) will take three to five years after a contract is awarded to a bidder, Communications Minister, Denis Naughten, has said.

The tender process for the NBP is now at an advanced stage, with two bidders in the frame, writes Padraig Hoare.

In reply to a parliamentary question from Fianna Fail TD, Eamon O Cuiv, Minister Naughten said that although the NBP contract had not yet been awarded, it has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector, so that two-thirds of 2.3m premises have access to high-speed broadband.

This is set to increase to 77% by the end of 2018 and to 90% by the end of 2020, Minister Naughten claimed.

He said he recognised the frustration experienced across Ireland over the slow pace of the NBPs rollout.

Mr O Cuiv slammed the Government, over its lack of progress on the NBPs delivery.

Its almost impossible to believe that more than a decade after the NBP was first launched, thousands of premises in rural Ireland will still not have a high-speed broadband connection.

"The roll-out of the NBP, by successive Fine Gael-led governments, has been a disaster. They have repeatedly missed their own deadlines for delivery and kicked the can down the road in the run-up to elections, he said.

The NBP has been beset by delays since 2012. Some 540,000 homes will be included in the plan. Only Eir and Enet remain in the bidding process, after ESB and Vodafone joint-venture, Siro, pulled out late last year.

Mr O Cuiv said the lack of delivery was costing jobs and creating a digital divide between urban and rural Ireland.
A cybersecurity expert has warned that most Irish business leaders continue to ignore cybersecurity threats at their peril. Another has claimed a full-scale cyber war between countries will break out in 2018," writes Padraig Hoare.

After the launch of PwCs global information security report today, which surveyed 9,500 executives in 122 countries including Ireland, the firms Irish cyber leader Pat Moran said that despite cyber risk now being a significant threat to businesses, organisations are still failing to get the message.

Mr Moran said: Most are ignoring areas such as cyber awareness and global standards, and focusing their limited resources in technology and infrastructure. While technology, particularly cloud-based, can support organisations to detect attacks and breaches, having people aware of the latest threats and being prepared to respond when incidents occur, is key.

The report found 44% surveyed say they do not have an overall information security strategy; 48% do not have an employee security awareness training programme; and 54% dont have an incident-response process. Focus has to start at the top, said Mr Moran.

More boards need to ensure that cyber is a regular part of their agenda, that they review their cyber strategy frequently and ensure that all key parts, including people and process, get their fair share of the budget, he said.

Meanwhile chief executive of IT security firm Ward Solutions, Pat Larkin predicted countries exponentially stepping up cyber warfare, leading to potential trouble for Ireland. He called for a national strategy to combat cyber attacks.

2018 will see cybersecurity threats increase further in sophistication and the amount of damage that they can potentially cause. Furthermore, as state-sponsored groups increase their attacks on countries national infrastructures, civilians could begin to suffer as essential services come under strain, he said.

Ireland is particularly unprepared to deal with an attack on our critical national infrastructure, and to protect our interests we need to implement a comprehensive national cyber security strategy as soon as possible, he said.

Cybercriminals could focus their attacks on critical infrastructure such as national power grids to destabilise countries such as Ireland, he said.
An 18-year-old has been charged with the murder of a Japanese man in Dundalk.

Mohamed Morei appeared in court this evening charged in connection with yesterday's attacks.

The court heard the nationality of the accused has not been determined yet and he is to receive psychological treatment while in custody.

A large crowd  some shouting abuse - gathered outside Dundalk District Court this evening as Morei was brought in for this hearing.

Garda Damien Welbey said he charged the 18-year-old at 4.31pm this evening at the Crescent, Dundalk

He was charged with the murder of 24-year-old Yosuke Sasaki and made no reply.

Yosuke was stabbed to death on Avenue Road.

Two other men were also attacked a short while later.

The court heard there is an issue with determining the accuseds nationality and he has no connection with the deceased.

An Arabic interpreter was present for the hearing and an interpreter was requested for further court appearances.

Judge Gerry Jones ordered that the accused should receive the appropriate medical and psychological treatment while in custody.

The accused, who was dressed in a black jumper and grey tracksuit bottoms, made some chants during the brief court appearance including "I am not Muslim" and "I am not gay".

The accused was remanded in custody to appear before Cloverhill District Court next week via video link.

Gardai have said no terrorist link had been established for the random killing and assaults.

Initially, following the man's arrest gardai said a number of lines of inquiry into the motive for the attacks were being investigated, including terrorism.

The dead man was Japanese, aged 24, and had been living in Ireland for a year.

He has been named as Yosuke Sasaki and is understood to have come from Ebina, west of Tokyo.

He worked in a call centre in Dundalk and it is believed he was targeted randomly on Avenue Road in Dundalk shortly before 9am on Wednesday as he made his way to the office.

Officials in the Japanese embassy in Dublin have been liaising with the dead man's family and have appealed for privacy.

In the second incident, an Irish man was injured when he was stabbed a short time later on Coes Road in Dundalk, near the scene of the first incident.

At 9.40am yesterday gardai received a report that another local man had been injured in an attack with a fence pole at Seatown Place.

Morei had come into contact with gardai in Dundalk on January 1 when inquiries about his immigration status were conducted.

It is believed he had applied for asylum in the Irish Republic.
Update 9.20: A number of additional flights have been cancelled this morning, disrupting passengers in Cork airport.

Aer Lingus flight EI840 to Amsterdam, scheduled to depart at 6am was cancelled.

A Ryanair flight to Liverpool has also been cancelled after the inbound plane failed to land was diverted to Dublin airport.

Passengers have been told that the flight could not land due to weather conditions.

In a statement issued by the airline, Ryanair said they apologised to all customers affected.

This flight from Liverpool to Cork (4 Jan) diverted to Dublin due to extreme winds at Cork. The aircraft landed normally and customers were transferred to Cork by coach.

The flight from Cork to Liverpool was cancelled due to these extreme winds and all affected customers were contacted by email and SMS text message and advised of their rebooking options.

Ryanair sincerely apologised to all customers affected by this weather diversion and cancellation, which were entirely beyond our control.

Earlier: Aer Lingus has cancelled a number of flights between Ireland and Boston due to the severe weather conditions forecast for the US city.

These include flights into and out of Shannon and Dublin.

The airline says it anticipates disruption to transport links and airport services in Boston due to the weather.

Aer Lingus says it is operating all other flights to and from North America, but passengers travelling to and from New York or Newark may wish to reschedule.
Update 6pm: An Egyptian man is due in court this evening charged in connection with yesterdays attacks in Dundalk.

24-year-old Yosuke Sasaki was stabbed to death on Avenue Road.

Two other men were also attacked a short while later.

An 18-year-old Egyptian was arrested and has been questioned at Dundalk Garda Station.

He is now been charged and is due before a special sitting of Dundalk District Court within the hour.

Update 3.55pm: Attacks in which man died not linked to terrorism, say gardai

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan extended his sympathies those killed or injured in a series of attacks in Dundalk which left one man dead and two others injured.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. I want to wish those who were injured a speedy recovery," he said.

Mr Flanagan praised the work of gardai involved in the incident and cautioned about people jumping to conclusions over the attacks.

"There has, understandably, been speculation and concern about the motivation for this attack ... and would caution against drawing judgments until the gardai can establish the facts in the course of their investigation," he said.

Gerry Adams, Sinn Fein president who represents Co Louth where the attacks took place, said: "I want to express my deep sense of shock at the brutal murder of Yosuke Sasaki in Dundalk and the wounding of two other citizens."

Mr Adams said he had sought answers from Mr Flanagan over what contact the arrested man had with the immigration service; what his status was; what steps gardai took after coming into contact with him; and whether all necessary steps were taken by state agencies who dealt with him.

Update 12.50pm: A series of attacks in Ireland which left one man dead and two others injured has not been linked to terrorism.

As detectives continued to question a teenage suspect over the random killing and assaults in Dundalk, Co Louth on Wednesday morning they said no terrorist link has been established.

The arrested man, aged 18 and from Egypt, was being interviewed while gardai liaise with counterparts in the UK and Cairo in a bid to establish the man's background.

"An Garda Siochana extends its sympathies to the families of the deceased person and our thoughts are with those injured," the force said in a statement.

"An Garda Siochana is currently liaising closely with our security and law enforcement partners worldwide to share and assess any relevant intelligence and its potential impact on the current investigation.

"At this time, we can find no established link to indicate that this tragedy is terrorist-related."

Following the man's arrest gardai said a number of lines of inquiry into the motive for the attacks were being investigated, including terrorism.

The dead man was Japanese, aged 24, and had been living in Ireland for a year.

He has been named as Yosuke Sasaki and is understood to have come from Ebina, west of Tokyo.

He worked in a call centre in Dundalk and it is believed he was targeted randomly on Avenue Road in Dundalk shortly before 9am on Wednesday as he made his way to the office.

Officials in the Japanese embassy in Dublin have been liaising with the dead man's family and have appealed for privacy.

In the second incident, an Irish man was injured when he was stabbed a short time later on Coes Road in Dundalk, near the scene of the first incident.

At 9.40am gardai received a report that another local man had been injured in an attack with a fence pole at Seatown Place.

The arrested man had come into contact with gardai in Dundalk on January 1 when inquiries about his immigration status were conducted.

It is believed he had applied for asylum in the Irish Republic.

Gardai can hold the arrested man until this evening when a decision will be made on whether to charge him or apply to have his period of detention extended.

Gardai said officers were liaising internationally with counterparts as the investigation develops.

It also noted that the threat level in Ireland from international terrorism remains unchanged and is classed as moderate, meaning an attack is possible but not likely.

"The level of threat remains under constant review by An Garda Siochana in consultation with the Defence Forces," it said.

"The public should be reassured that An Garda Siochana is committed to ensuring that the security of the state and our public areas remains a policing and security service priority."

Gardai urged people to remain vigilant and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

Update 10am: A teenager detained after a series of attacks in Ireland which left one man dead and two others injured remains in custody.

Detectives are continuing to question the suspect after the random killing and assaults in Dundalk, Co Louth on Wednesday morning.

The arrested man, aged 18 and from Egypt, was being interviewed while gardai liaise with counterparts in the UK and Cairo in a bid to establish the man's background.

Gardai have not established a definite motive for the violent spree in the Avenue Road area of the town at around 9am on Wednesday, but Chief Superintendent Christy Mangan said a potential terror link was being investigated.

The arrested man had come into contact with gardai in Dundalk on January 1 when inquiries about his immigration status were conducted.

It is believed he had applied for asylum in the Irish Republic.

The series of attacks started when a Japanese man, aged 24 and living in Ireland for the last year, was fatally stabbed on Avenue Road in the town shortly before 9am.

An Irish man was injured when he was stabbed a short time later on nearby Coes Road. At 9.40am gardai received a report that another local man was injured in an attack with a fence pole at Seatown Place.

Gardai can hold the arrested man until this evening when a decision will be made on whether to charge him or apply to have his period of detention extended.

Earlier: Terror link probe in deadly knife spree

Technical examinations are being conducted on two mobile phones and at an abandoned house in a bid to determine the motivation behind a knife rampage by an Egyptian teenager in Dundalk that left a young Japanese man dead and two Irish men injured, writes Cormac OKeeffe

Detectives, including specialist anti-terrorism officers, are trying to establish if there might be a jihadist motivation for the attack  which would be the first of its kind in the country.

Gardai yesterday confirmed that a terror attack was a line of inquiry.

Sources stressed that there may be personal factors involved.

Detectives had to seek clearance from a doctor to interview the 18-year-old asylum seeker because he was in such a highly agitated state and was hitting himself.

There are reports that he was shouting in Dundalk Garda Station about some dishonour he had brought to his family, thought to be in Britain, possibly regarding some relationship issue.

The teenager was disarmed and arrested by uniformed, and unarmed, gardai at 9.45am yesterday after a spree that began at 9am, when he knifed a Japanese man, aged 24, in the back.

The victim was walking on Avenue Rd on his way to work at the time.

It is thought that the suspect was staying in an abandoned house nearby and may have gone back into it after the attack.

Gardai were alerted and arrived at the murder scene within seven minutes.

It is thought the suspect re-emerged from his house, possibly armed with a second knife and a wooden fence pole, and walked to Coes Rd, where, at 9.30am, he stabbed a local man.

Some 10 minutes later, on nearby Seatown Place, he assaulted another Irishman, aged 23, with the pole, inflicting head injuries.

The suspect was spotted by a uniformed garda and, after backup arrived, he was arrested at around 9.45am on Inner Relief Rd. It is understood he attempted to attack the gardai with the pole, but they subdued him.

The Japanese man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Divisional officer, Chief Superintendent Christy Mangan yesterday said they had not yet established a motive and would not comment on the suspects state of mind.

He said the attacks appeared to be random and unprovoked.

He confirmed that terrorism was being investigated as a possible cause.

A terror attack is a line of inquiry, it is certainly a line we would look at, he said.

Specialist Garda sections from Crime and Security, including Counter Terrorism International and Security and Intelligence, are assisting gardai in Dundalk.

CTI investigates jihadist terrorism and is part of the Special Detective Unit.

Security and Intelligence is the Gardas intelligence-gathering arm and is the liaison section with international security services.

Security sources told the Irish Examiner that if international terrorism is established as a motive, it would represent the first jihadist attack in Ireland.

Irelands current international terrorism threat assessment is moderate (the second of five levels), which means an attack is possible, but not likely.

Gardai yesterday began the process of examining two mobile phones that were taken off the suspect.

Sources said these phones could be critical in helping to establish possible motivation for the attack and that gardai will examine online and text communications for any clues. It would also enable investigators to establish who he had been in contact with.

Gardai are conducting a technical examination of the abandoned house for any clues. They will also try and talk to the suspects family. If they are in the UK, this would be done through British police.

One security source said it was very difficult to legislate for an attack that involved knives or poles.

Chief Supt Mangan said there was a Garda interaction with the suspect for the first time on New Years Day.

He said this was in relation to his immigration status and not an interaction that would indicate he was going to be involved in any criminality.

He said their information was that the youth had either applied for asylum or was about to do so.

He said there would be an international dimension to their inquiries to establish where this person came from and how he got to this jurisdiction.

It is understood that after local gardai in Dundalk asked the youth for his Garda National Immigration Bureau card on New Years Day, he was sent to Hatch Hall accommodation in Dublin city centre.

He must have travelled back to Dundalk and gardai are investigating why.

This story first appeared in the Irish Examiner.
A male duty manager at a Dublin airport-based food franchise firm lost his senior post after a disputed kiss incident with a junior female colleague, writes Gordon Deegan

In the case, Select Service Partner Ireland, trading as SSP Ireland, fired Albert Fordjour arising from the incident in March 2016 outside a lift at the airport.

In the incident, Mr Fordjour was waiting for a lift to open and after it did, a junior female employee from one of the units he supervised exited and as she did so, Mr Fordjour placed his arm around her shoulder and pulled her towards him.

The woman said that he tried to kiss her on the cheek or on the lips while Mr Fordjour maintains that he was hugging her as he was of the view that they were friends and did not attempt to kiss her in any way.

Fifteen days later, the woman made a complaint to the SSP Ireland regarding the incident and this culminated in Mr Fordjours sacking in May 2016.

SSP Ireland sacked Mr Fordjour for gross misconduct and found that his behaviour was unacceptable and incompatible with his status as a manager in a position of authority.

Mr Fordjour claimed unfair dismissal and an Adjudication Officer found that his claim was well founded, that he was unfairly dismissed and ordered that he be re-instated.

However, SSP Ireland appealed this ruling to the Labour Court and the Labour Courts examination of CCTV of the incident shows Mr Fordjour leaning towards her but is inconclusive on the question of whether he tried to kiss her on either the lips or the cheek.

Mr Fordjour did admit placing his hand on the employee and pulling her towards him to hug her.

In its determination, the Labour Court found Mr Fordjour's behaviour unacceptable, and an invasion of her right to bodily integrity.

The court stated that it found Mr Fordjours actions as an abuse of authority in the workplace that cannot be treated lightly.

The court stated that while it may seem innocuous to Mr Fordjour, what is important is that it was uninvited and unwanted by the woman who has a perfect right to attend at work without any fear or anxiety that her bodily integrity will be compromised by anyone and especially not by a person who holds a position of authority over her.

The Court also found that Mr Fordjours explanation of his actions as a friendly gesture of salutation that he made while speaking on the phone as wholly unconvincing.

The Court further found that such action without a context of consent would warrant dismissal.

However, the court found that Mr Fordjour was not afforded fair procedure by his employer in the investigation in that it failed to interview two witnesses put forward by him who would give evidence on the relationship between Mr Fordjour and the woman.

The Court found that in those circumstances that the dismissal was unfair. In its recommendation, the Court has recommended that SSP Ireland re-employ Mr Fordjour but that he demoted to one level below duty manager level and pay to be associated with the new role.

The court has ruled that Mr Fordjour commence his work from Monday, January 8 and the period from the date he was sacked in May 2016 to January 8 be considered as a period of suspension without pay.
Update 8.20am: "Misery, mayhem and sadness" are the only outcomes of violence on our streets.

That is according to a Dublin City Councillor, following a stabbing in the capital's north inner city last night.

A relative of Gerry "The Monk" Hutch is recovering this morning after receiving injuries to his head when he was stabbed near Portland Place shortly after 10pm.

It's not thought to be related to the ongoing gangland feud.

Local Councillor Christy Burke is calling for an end to the violence on our streets.

He said: "The violence creates misery, mayhem and sadness.

"It's the start of a new year, and I would appeal to anybody with information in relation to it, to give it to the Gardai."



Earlier: A relative of Gerry "The Monk" Hutch is recovering this morning following a stabbing incident in Dublin last night.

It is understood Ross Hutch received an injury to his head in the assault, which happened in the north inner city shortly after 10pm.

Hutch was conscious when emergency services arrived at the scene and was able to communicate.

The attack is not believed to be feud related.
Update 7am: The Minister for Health is to meet with hospital bosses this morning to discuss overcrowding in Emergency Departments.

The meeting comes as HSE figures claim theres fewer people on trolleys in hospitals this morning than this time last year.

However their figures only account for those waiting for admission in emergency departments, and not those on trolleys in wards.

As of 8am this morning there were 426 people waiting for admission on trolleys in emergency departments, with almost half of those waiting for more than 9 hours.

Yesterday the INMO which counts the numbers on trolleys in wards and in the emergency department put the figure at 677 - a record high.

Medical expert Dr Ruairi Hanley, claims the HSE has become complacent.

He said: "Who knows this time next year if this isn't fixed, this will be a 700 figure, in fact, it might even be a 700 figure in a few weeks, and then it'll be a new shocking high.

"I remember when it was 500, less than 500, and it was a national emergency, and here we are, and it's worse.

"There is zero accountability at the head of the HSE."

Earlier: Trolley count numbers are outrageous, says junior minister

A junior minister has described the record-breaking hospital trolley count as outrageous, writes Fiachra O Cionnaith.

It comes amid fresh calls for the emergency department taskforce to be convened to address the crisis.

Independent Alliance TD and junior education minister John Halligan said the escalating situation is unacceptable.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) urged the HSE and Department of Health to convene a taskforce to tackle the national emergency and said hospitals simply cannot cope.

An all-time high of 656 people waiting on trolleys was reached on Tuesday. The figure was exceeded yesterday with 677 waiting.

While some government officials said the situation is being brought under control, Mr Halligan said the conditions and figures are outrageous and cannot be allowed to continue.

I had reason to be in the Waterford hospital many times over the Christmas period because of a family matter, he told RTE radios Today With Sean ORourke programme.

I was there twice a day for three weeks and I did see people on trolleys, and I spoke with people on trolleys, and I thought it was outrageous to be quite frank with you. What else can I say?

Labours health spokesman, Alan Kelly, said the rising trolley figures are not sustainable for patients or staff in hospitals. He said there is no point in blaming the flu outbreak for the rates as it is clear little was learned from last winter.

Solidarity-People Before Profit and the Social Democrats were also scathing, with the latters Roisin Shortall, a former junior health minister, saying the trolley crisis is predictable and avoidable  a claim also made by Sinn Fein and Fianna Fail on Tuesday.

This latest trolley crisis is a national disgrace and is intolerable for both patients and staff, but it is also absolutely predictable, said Ms Shortall.

After a summer when our health services were on a knife-edge, it was inevitable that winter flu and other seasonal illnesses would push our hospitals beyond breaking point.

While agreeing with the criticism, Mr Halligan noted a number of these parties  particularly Fianna Fail  did not take the opportunity to enter government after the last general election, and as such should limit their claims on how they can solve the health crisis.

Maybe theyll have an opportunity to do that in a few months or next year, but I doubt they will [enter government], he said.

Meanwhile, the INMO said it is seeking an immediate meeting of the emergency department taskforce to address the trolley crisis.

In a statement, new general secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha said the situation is out of control and has become a national emergency that the Government and HSE must immediately address if it wants to avoid needless loss of life.

We are very concerned at the level of planning to avoid the situation that has been engaged in some locations and we have sought to meet with the HSE as a matter of urgency, she said.

We are awaiting their confirmation that this meeting will take place, with a view to examining alternative arrangements for hospitals that are simply too overcrowded to continue to accept admissions.

It is clear that a national emergency is now in place and certain locations simply cannot cope.

While health officials are not inclined to convene the emergency department taskforce yet as the heads of hospitals need to remain at their facilities, they are concerned about the fact the backlog of patients in hospitals is causing trolley counts to surge overnight.

Thsi story first appeared in the Irish Examiner.
Update 9.47pm: The Health Minister has said we will need thousands more hospital beds over the coming years.

Simon Harris apologised today for the trolley crisis which has seen a record number of patients waiting for beds this week.

The INMO says the figure has dropped to 592 today after a high of 677 on trolleys yesterday.

Minister Harris said progress is being made despite the figures.

"I've put in place the bed capacity review. That's almost ready now and I hope to bring that to Government in the next few weeks and feed it into the capital plan so we can genuinely put more beds into the health service in 2018," he said.

"We will need thousands more beds over the next number of years," Minister Harris added.

"We now have the Slaintecare Report, we didn't have that last winter and it asked me to work on an implementation plan - that's almost ready, as well," he said.

In relation to GP contracts, he said he now has permission from Government to enter talks on unwinding FEMPI, the pay cuts that GPs took during the recession.

Update 5.24pm: Simon Harris 'committed to breaking the cycle of overcrowding'

The Health Minister has said he is "committed to breaking the cycle of overcrowding in the health service".

Minister Simon Harris said he today held a teleconference with the chief executives of the country's hospitals to discuss the problems for staff and patients.

He said he thanked them for their work and the work of hospital staff.

"I [...] stressed the importance of having clinical decision makers in place in hospitals at key times to increase patient flow through the EDs," he said.

He said he asked to them ensure all beds that can be opened were opened and that availability of diagnostic services be increased.

"I also asked them to [...] continue to work to reduce the number of people who are in hospital, but could be discharged into the community.

"I assured the hospital group CEOs that all necessary resources will be made available to allow them in the coming days and weeks," Minister Harris added.

He echoed the sentiments

Read More:

"I am pursuing three priorities in 2018  increasing bed capacity using evidence provided by the bed capacity review, implementing reform through Slaintecare and increasing services provided through Primary Care by negotiating a new GP contract, he said.

Update 2.45pm: Simon Harris apologises to those waiting on trolleys

The Health Minister has apologised to the hundreds of patients waiting on trolleys this week.

The Flu season has yet to peak, with a particularly troublesome strain being seen in hospitals, this time affecting children as well.

Minister Simon Harris says he's concerned about back to school next week.

He said: "We're obviously coming up to a situation where schools resume next week; I am worried about the spread of the flu when kids go back to school.

"We're seeing a strain of flu that is affecting children this year, we didn't see last year, so I would advise parents if your child is under the weather please keep them home from school next week.

"It is important if you have the flu in general, try not to spread it. Stay at home , take advise on undertheweather.ie, consult your pharmacist or consult your GP.

Don't go to the ED unless advised to do so by a medical professional."

Earlier: The hospital overcrowding crisis has eased slightly, with fewer than 600 people on trolleys and chairs waiting for a bed.

According to the latest report from nurses, there were 592 patients in queues in A&E departments and in ward corridors.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) said University Hospital Limerick had the worst record on Thursday morning, with 52 patients waiting for a bed.

Others with high levels of overcrowding included St Lukes Hospital in Kilkenny with 46 people on trolleys; the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore with 37; and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, and the Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar, which both had 31.

The INMO said its headcount found 414 people on trolleys in A&E units and 178 waiting in corridors around wards.

The latest figures were being released as health chiefs met to discuss initiatives to relive the unprecedented crisis.

The demand for access to hospital beds is traditionally at its peak in the first week of January, with the flu season compounding stretched resources.
Gardai in Cork have arrested a man in connection with the murder of a 40-year-old man in Co Cavan on New Years Eve.

Marek Swider, a Polish national who had been living in the county for about a decade, died at Cavan General Hospital at around 9.30am on New Years Day.
By Tom Tuite

Youths barricaded themselves in a room at Oberstown detention centre and during the stand-off anything they could destroy was destroyed, a court has heard.

Dylan Hafford, 19, with an address at Francis Street, Drogheda, Co. Louth was spared extra jail time after he pleaded guilty today to criminal damage at the centre which is responsible for detention and remand of young people up to 18 years.

Hafford admitted causing 5,600 worth of damage to furniture, windows, door and smoke alarms during an incident on February 2, 2016.

The case was heard at the Dublin Childrens Court because he was a juvenile at the time of the incident but was now an adult, Judge Gerard Jones noted.

Garda Fionnuala Monaghan told Judge Jones the youth and a co-accused went into a multi-purpose room in the detention centre and barricaded themselves in the room. She said they remained there for several hours and they basically destroyed the whole room.

A couch was ripped up, TVs were taken off the walls and anything they could destroy was destroyed.

She said it was very stressful for the staff who had to leave the room, however, none of them was injured.

The court heard he already had 50 prior criminal convictions and had received a five-year sentence with the final two suspended imposed at Dundalk Circuit Court in 2017 for an aggravated burglary offence.

Judge Jones was told the teen had 24 theft convictions  mainly burglaries  as well as five for criminal damage, 10 assaults, two for obstructing a garda, three trespassing offences as well as one vehicle theft and a breach of the peace.

Defence counsel Damian McKeone pleaded with the court not to add to the youths existing prison term which ends next year.

He asked the judge to note that that Hafford was only 17-years-old at the time and the offence happened almost two years ago.

Counsel said the youth had lived with his mother and had also been close to an aunt and an uncle.

The uncle died before he went into custody and the aunt passed away five weeks after he was detained.

He was not granted compassionate bail and just completely lost his head.

He knows it was no excuse and was sorry, counsel said.

The barrister said the youth admitted he had a serious addiction to tablets but was clean of drugs now.

He had taken part in a culture of peace and non-violence programme and has also done a course in mosaics, the barrister said, adding that on release the teen wanted to start afresh.

He will also have a suspended sentence over him when he gets out, counsel submitted.

Hafford did not address the court.

Judge Jones said the maximum sentence he could impose for the offence was 12 months.

He said Hafford was a very violent young man with a dreadful history including 50 convictions and there was no justification for the offence.

He imposed an eight-month term but back-dated it to run from a date in October when Hafford was first charged with the Oberstown incident, meaning his time in custody has not been extended.

His alleged accomplices case was adjourned until a date in February.
Two men have been arrested in connection with a cocaine seizure in Finglas in Dublin yesterday.

70,000 of the drug was discovered in the Abbotstown area following an intelligence-led operation by the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau as well as the Special Crime Task Force.
An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and European Affairs Minister Helen McEntee have announced they are to travel to Budapest this morning to meet with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, writes Cillian Sherlock.

The Government said the visit is part of an ongoing programme of engagement with EU leaders for discussions on Brexit and the Future of Europe.

However, the late announcement of the visit has raised questions.

Viktor Orban

Labour Party leader Brendan Howlin questioned why Mr Varadkar did not inform the Dail of the visit to Viktor Orban when asked about his upcoming visits on December 13 in a Parliamentary Question.

The Hungarian Prime Minister has implemented policies that many have described as anti-democratic, against EU values and the rule of law, according to Mr Howlin.

Deputy Howlin said the visit tomorrow will be seen "as an implicit endorsement by the Taoiseach and Ireland of the policies that Orbans government has pursued including his recent propaganda campaigns against Muslims, the EU, and also on George Soros that has verged on anti-semitism."

A Government spokesperson said: This trip to Bulgaria and Hungary is part of the Taoiseach's ongoing engagement with his European counterparts. These meetings are important opportunities to exchange views on matters of shared interest, both those on which there is agreement, and those on which there are differences.

Viktor Orban has rejected the EUs immigration policy by saying not only is it "not working but it has failed spectacularly".

"It is clear that the European people dont want immigration, while several European leaders are still forcing the failed immigration policy," Mr Orban said recently after vowing to block any punitive measures against Poland by the EU.

Leo Varadkar

He said his countrys anti-immigration policies are gaining strength within the EU.

He said democracy had "been restored" in Austria, where conservative and nationalist parties had formed a coalition government last month.

"The Austrians who reject immigration elected a government which also does not want immigration. This will be the case everywhere in Europe and I believe it is only a matter of time," Mr Orban added.

In December, Orban, along with the leaders of the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia, announced a plan to spend around 35m to beef up European Union borders as they came under pressure for refusing to accept refugee quotas.

The countries - known as the Visegrad Four - have been criticised for failing to show solidarity with Greece and Italy, where tens of thousands of migrants have landed after crossing the Mediterranean or Aegean Seas.

Brendan Howlin

Deputy Howlin said Orban has "removed constitutional checks and balances alongside taking control of state media and the judiciary, and has been seeking to take control of an independent University".

"He has stoked right-wing populism, and anti-migrant sentiment with his publicly funded Lets Stop Brussels! campaign that saw a questionnaire sent to every household asking how Hungary should deal with immigration and other EU related issues he disagreed with," the Labour leader said.

"I hope the Taoiseach will have the courage to defend both the values Ireland and the EU have upheld when he meets with Orban tomorrow and to criticise the divisive path that Hungary is pursuing within the EU," he added.

The trip to Hungary today is en-route to Mr Varadkar and Ms McEntees next engagement this week.

The pair will move on to Sofia on Friday to meet Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov.

Boyko Borissov

On the visits, the Taoiseach said he will thank the Prime Ministers for their support.

"These visits to my European Council colleagues, PM Orban and PM Borissov, in Budapest and Sofia, are a good opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our countries and the EU in 2018," he said.

"I will take the opportunity to highlight Irelands priorities for Phase 2 of the Brexit negotiations, and to thank the Prime Ministers for their support to date. I will also set out Irelands position on key European issues including the debate on the future of Europe and the EUs multi-annual financial framework post-2020," he added.

Minister McEntee said the visits were important to deepen relations between our governments and citizens.

Helen McEntee

" I look forward to exchanging ideas about the Future of Europe, how we see the European Union developing and how we can work together to ensure it continues to deliver for its citizens. I would also like to wish Bulgaria well as it starts its first Presidency of the EU," she said.

The meeting with Prime Minister Borissov is an opportunity for the Taoiseach to have detailed discussions as Bulgaria assumes the Presidency of the Council of the EU for the next six months.

I also look forward to the discussion with PM Borisov on his ambitious Programme for the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU," Mr Varadkar said.

Issues discussed with Prime Minister Borissov and Prime Minister Orban will include the EUs multi-annual financial framework post-2020, reform of the Economic and Monetary Union, the future of the Common Agricultural Policy and advancing the digital economy.

Mr Varadkar will also discuss Brexit negotiations, including Irish/Northern Irish issues.

He said that Ireland needs to know if our Government will challenge the policies that Hungary has been pursuing.
Operation Transformation host Kathryn Thomas joins Ryan Tubridy on The Late Late Show this Friday to talk about her big plans for 2018.

Kathryn, who has been planning a wedding with fiance Padraig, will talk about preparing for a new arrival.

She will also be telling viewers about the newest leaders of Operation Transformation.

Also returning to our screens in the New Year is First Dates Ireland, and Tubridy will be meeting some of the daters.

He will be finding out how serendipity struck with one couple; why Cupids arrow missed the mark entirely for another; and catching up with one of the couples who met on the show and are still very much in love.

Body positivity is also on the menu for Friday's show as Tubridy talks to a panel of women who have experienced intolerance due to their size.

Irish model Tia Duffy, whose Body Aware Project has been picked up by Italian Vogue, will talk about the bullying she has experienced in the fashion industry due to her size and why she was inspired to do something about it.

Dundalk woman Sarah Tyrell will share why she believes society needs to stop judging and trolling overweight people and why she started an online community  BoPo Ireland  to help others with their body image.

19-year-old Stacey Dineen, who left school in 5th year to escape bullying over her appearance and suffered depression and suicidal thoughts, will discuss how she has embraced her figure.

She is now a plus size model and winner of the Canadian reality series Fashion Hero.

Elsewhere in the show, broadcaster Valerie Cox will join Ryan to talk about the frightening experience of her husbands recent health scare after he lapsed into a coma when he was struck down with herpes viral encephalitis.

She will also be sharing her take on how the over-65s are treated in the Irish health system.

Celebrity hairstylist Trudy Hayes will talk about how she lost her dream job, her home and her relationship after her kidneys started failing her at the start of the recession.

Her time in hospital also inspired her new business  Raven, a beauty app that brings the salon to you, even if you are in hospital.

Hermitage Green

As The Late Late Show launches its annual search for the best of new Irish enterprise, viewers will meet Ailbhe and Izzy Keane who are transforming the countrys wheelchairs from medical devices into fashion statements with their innovative product Izzy Wheels.

There will also be music from Patrick Feeney and Hermitage Green.
Pakistan is ready to face any US action in the wake of President Donald Trumps tweet on New Years Day threatening the country, the defence minister and the army spokesman said.

Defence Minister Khurram Dastagir said on Thursday there should be "no doubt or fear as the defence of Pakistan is in competent and strong hands".

Earlier, army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said Pakistans response will be in line with the wishes of the Pakistani people.

Mr Trump has accused Islamabad of providing a safe haven for terrorists.

On Monday, he tweeted that the United States had "foolishly" given Pakistan more than 33 billion US dollars in aid in the last 15 years and had got nothing in return but "lies & deceit".

Washington confirmed it will withhold 255 million US dollars in US military aid to Pakistan this year, a threat first issued last August when Mr Trump announced his Afghan policy which took aim at Pakistan and demanded an end to Islamabads alleged support for the Afghan Taliban.

Pakistan denies supporting militants, pointing to its own war against extremist groups battling to overthrow the government.

In contrast to recent visits by US secretary of state Rex Tillerson and Defence Secretary Jim Mattis who spoke of "engagement and trust-building during their visits here ... now President Trump and Vice President Pence are talking of threats, insults and putting Pakistan on notice," Mr Dastagir said.

"We have to develop our strategy cool-headedly."

Ayaz Sadiq, speaker of the lower house of parliament, told reporters after a closed-door meeting of the parliaments national security committee that they discussed the situation following Mr Trumps tweet and that a follow-up meeting will decide on the "strategy".

"A balanced response is needed that would preserve the countrys dignity while engaging with the US," Mr Sadiq said.

On Wednesday night, Mr Ghafoor told local Geo TV that Pakistan wants to continue cooperation with the US but will not "compromise on national interests and prestige".

"Allies dont fight," he said, adding "the US should realise how Pakistan has been cooperative in the war against terror".

Pakistan says much of the money it received from the US came as reimbursement in coalition support for services the country provided in the war on terror.

It says the US still owes Pakistan $9bn in the coalition support fund.

The uneasy US-Pakistan relationship has been on a downward spiral since the 2011 US operation that killed Osama bin Laden in his hideout in the Pakistani town of Abbottabad.

AP
US attorney general Jeff Sessions is rescinding an Obama-era policy that paved the way for legalised marijuana to flourish in states across the country.

The decision creates new confusion about enforcement and use just three days after a new legalisation law went into effect in California.

President Donald Trump's top law enforcement official was to formally announce the change, sources said.

Instead of the previous lenient-federal-enforcement policy, Mr Sessions' new stance will instead let federal prosecutors where marijuana is legal decide how aggressively to enforce long-standing federal law prohibiting it, the people said.

Jeff Sessions

Mr Sessions' plan drew immediate strong objection from Republican Senator Cory Gardner of Colorado, one of eight states that have legalised marijuana for recreational use.

Mr Gardner said in a tweet that the Justice Department "has trampled on the will of the voters" in Colorado and other states.

He said the action would contradict what Mr Sessions had told him before the attorney general was confirmed and that he was prepared "to take all steps necessary" to fight the step including holding up the confirmation of Justice Department nominees.

Mr Sessions is rescinding the policy by former president Barack Obama's Justice Department that has generally barred federal law enforcement officials from interfering with marijuana sales in states where the drug is legal.

The people familiar with the plan spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss it before the announcement.

The move by Mr Trump's attorney general likely is sure to add to confusion about whether it is permitted to grow, buy or use marijuana in states where the drug is legal.

It comes just after shops opened in California, launching what is expected to become the world's largest market for legal recreational marijuana and as polls show a solid majority of Americans believe the drug should be legal.

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While Mr Sessions has been carrying out a Justice Department agenda that follows Mr Trump's top priorities on such issues as immigration and opioids, the changes to marijuana policy reflect his own concerns.

Mr Trump's personal views on marijuana remain largely unknown.

Mr Sessions, who has assailed marijuana as comparable to heroin and has blamed it for spikes in violence, had been expected to ramp up enforcement.

Marijuana advocates argue that legalising the drug eliminates the need for a black market and will likely reduce violence, since criminals would no longer control the marijuana trade.

The Obama administration in 2013 announced it would not stand in the way of states that legalise marijuana, so long as officials acted to keep it from migrating to places where it remained outlawed and keep it out of the hands of criminal gangs and children.

Mr Sessions is rescinding that memo, written by then-deputy attorney general James M. Cole, which had cleared up some of the uncertainty about how the federal government would respond as states began allowing sales for recreational and medical purposes.

AP
Update 2pm: At least 12 people have died and more than 260 were injured in a collision between a lorry and a passenger train, South Africa's transport minister has said.

Joe Maswanganyi told journalists on Thursday that the lorry driver was "taking chances" when he tried to cross the railway tracks ahead of the oncoming train in Free State province.

Mr Maswanganyi said an investigation is ongoing.

Video showed part of the train in flames after the collision, and some passengers were seen walking with their luggage through high grass from the wreckage to a nearby road.

Earlier: Four people have been killed and dozens injured in a passenger train crash in South Africa, rescue workers have said.

Netcare 911, an emergency services group, reported the death toll on Twitter after the accident on Thursday morning.

Netcare 911 said about 40 people were injured while another rescue group, ER24, has said about 100 people were hurt.

The train and a lorry collided and part of the train burst into flames, according to media reports.

Video of the crash between Hennenman and Kroonstad in the country's Free State province shows at least one train carriage on fire and billowing smoke.

Some passengers could be seen with their luggage on the side of the road near the wreckage.

- PA
Witnesses have described the moment wads of cash were left strewn over a busy London street following a raid on foreign currency exchange.

Two robbers, believed to be armed, stole bundles of notes from the Change-Link on Vauxhall Bridge Road, just outside Victoria station on Thursday evening.

Onlookers said the men were dressed as security guards when they entered the premises shortly before 6pm.

Fatah Rezzoug, 44, had been waiting outside the neighbouring shop for his phone to be repaired when the robbers struck.

He told the Press Association: "I heard the alarm and people shouting 'call the police, call the police'.

"I called the police and I gave them the address, then I saw two black males leaving wearing green jackets with the hoods pulled up and scarves pulled up over their mouth and nose."

He continued: "I tried to stop them, but I thought the second one had a gun, and I thought 'no, don't follow him'.

"They had Sainsburys bags full of money."

Mr Rezzoug, who was standing with his cousin Zoubir Tebbakh, 43, saw the second man fall and drop several bundles of 50 euro notes before both men made off on foot.

"I picked up the money and I gave it back to them (Change-Link) but now I'm worried because all those notes will have my fingerprints on it."

Mr Tebbakh, who was over from France to visit family, said that he thought one of the suspects had dreadlocks beneath his hood.

A spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Police said they received a report of an aggravated burglary at the currency exchange shop.

She said: "A member of staff, a man believed to be in his 50s, was found suffering from a head injury. He was treated at the scene by paramedics. He has not been taken to hospital."

No arrests have been made.

A member of staff from a nearby hair salon saw the two men go sprinting past and said they looked like they were wearing security guard uniforms.

"The police should look for those uniforms because they will take them off and dump them," she said.

Mr Rezzoug and Mr Tebbakh said they had given their contact details to police.
A top Russian diplomat has warned the United States not to meddle in Irans affairs as the country is rattled by protests and has said Washington wants to use the unrest to undermine the nuclear agreement with Tehran.

Deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov made the comments on Thursday to state news agency Tass.
A seaplane that crashed near Sydney killing five Britons has been partially recovered from a river, as it was reported the aircraft had been rebuilt after it was "destroyed" in a fatal incident in the 1990s.

Wreckage of the De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver was lifted out of the Hawkesbury River by a crane barge on Thursday, five days after the New Years Eve tragedy.

Richard Cousins, the 58-year-old chief executive of FTSE 100 company Compass Group, died alongside his sons Will and Edward, aged 25 and 23 respectively, his fiancee Emma Bowden, 48, and her 11-year-old daughter Heather.

The experienced pilot, Australian Gareth Morgan, 44, also died.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald the aircraft, which was first registered in 1964, was used as a crop duster in Australia prior to its life as a seaplane.

On November 15, 1996, it was involved in a crash after taking off from Armidale in north New South Wales in which the pilot was killed.

Under "damage to aircraft" the investigators said it had been "destroyed", the newspaper reported.

Nat Nagy, executive director of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, was asked about the reports during a press conference as the plane was recovered on Thursday.

"I am aware of a previous incident with this aircraft," he said.

"There were a number of factors involved in that incident and that will be something we look at.

"Its a matter of course and routine in any investigation to look at ... the individual aircraft history and any other incidents that may be relevant."

The aircraft, owned by Sydney Seaplanes, apparently nose-dived into the Hawkesbury River, 25 miles north of Sydney, at about 3.10pm (4.10am GMT) after setting off from Cottage Point bound for the citys Rose Bay, close to the harbour, on Sunday.

Detective superintendent Mark Hutchings, of New South Wales Marine Area Command, said it appeared there had been "quite an impact on hitting the water".

The ATSB said the single-engine seaplane had "sunk rapidly" after impact, while Mr Nagy said the wings and pontoons had separated from the fuselage "either on impact or some time after".

Police divers recovered six bodies from the scene on New Years Eve and teams returned to the site at 6am local time on Thursday (7pm GMT) to begin the process of lifting the wreckage from the water.

Mr Nagy said the seaplanes fuselage, its floats and one of the wings had been recovered and recovery teams were in the process of lifting the remaining pieces onto the barge.

Once returned to land, the parts will be transferred to a facility in Canberra where they will be subject to a "thorough investigation", Mr Nagy said.

A preliminary report will be produced in around 30 days, before a full report in around 12 months time.

Tributes to the victims flooded in after their identities emerged on New Years Day.

Friends and colleagues said Mr Cousins was a "well-known and respected" businessman who helped transform Compasss fortunes upon becoming the catering firms boss in 2006.

Ms Bowden, a former arts editor at OK! Magazine, was described as the "Grace Kelly" of their office by Lisa Byrne, its ex-editor-in-chief.

Mr Cousins son Will was head of press for pro-European Union campaign group Open Britain, and was described by the groups chairman, Roland Rudd, as an "extraordinary young man" who would be "missed beyond words".

On Thursday, Mr Cousins brothers, Simon and Andrew, released a statement on behalf of the families.

They said: "We are fortunate and thankful for the outpouring of love and support weve received from across the world. We are deeply touched by the tributes to Richard, William, Edward, Emma and Heather in the media and throughout the community.

"We have now arrived in Australia and, as the investigation continues, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved for their dedication and commitment, in particular the Sydney Water Police and those members of the public who helped on the day of the accident.

"We are also thankful for the tremendous support received from Compass Group, Richards employer, the British Consulate General in Sydney and all those in Australia who have expressed their condolences.

"On behalf of our extended families, we thank you for allowing us to grieve privately during this difficult time and respect our decision to not participate in any media interviews."
Three carriages of an Amtrak train carrying more than 300 people from Miami to New York derailed in snowy Georgia, but no injuries were reported, the company said.

Amtrak spokesman Jason Abrams said the Silver Meteor train No 98 was backing slowly into Savannah station at about 10pm local time on Wednesday when two sleeper cars and a baggage car derailed.

"All three cars - a baggage car and two sleeper cars - are fully upright," Mr Abrams told the Associated Press.

He said there were 311 passengers on board, in addition to crew, but he had no reports of anyone being hurt.

Mr Abrams said the main train was expected to continue its journey north though some of the sleeping car passengers had to be transferred to a different train.

He did not say what had caused the three-car derailment, and the statement also gave no indication whether the brutal winter storm that coated Savannah with a rare snowfall on Wednesday was a factor.

The National Weather Service said Savannahs first measurable snowfall since February 2010 was recorded on Wednesday in the normally balmy Southern City at 1.2in (3cm). It was the first snow in Savannah that exceeded 1in (2.5cms) in 28 years.

Passenger Joel Potischman told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he boarded the train early in the day in Delray Beach, Florida, to head home to Brooklyn, New York. He said the train was making its way amid the winter storm to Savannah at the time.

Mike Zevon, another passenger, told the newspaper that it was the last three cars which had derailed.

Mr Abrams statement did not elaborate on the affected carriages or how many cars were in the formation.

AP
A suicide bomber has killed six policemen after exploding his device amid a group of security officials monitoring protests by shopkeepers in eastern Kabul.

Interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish added that another 14 policemen were wounded in Thursday evening's bombing.
A 24-year-old man is facing a slew of felony charges for illegal straw purchase of 21 guns at gun stores, almost exclusively in Bucks County. Leonard Truesdale was arraigned on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022, on 21 counts each of making false statements on firearm purchase forms, criminal conspiracy to make false statements on firearm purchase forms and selling or transferring...
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October 31, 2022

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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...
Wind power tariffs have declined to Rs 2.43 a unit and capacity addition last year was a mere 435 Mw till October despite three rounds of project auctions, forcing turbine manufacturers to rue the surge in installations during 2016-17 when close to 5,000 Mw was added.
After investigating the alleged unfair practices adopted by private health care providers and the pharmaceutical sector, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is set to bring cab aggregators under its scanner over surge pricing.
Salil Parekh will earn an annual salary of Rs 162. 5 million ($ 2.55 million) as the CEO of Infosys, less than what Infosys had offered his high-profile predecessor Vishal Sikka, who quit the firm after three years in turmoil.
on Thursday announced the appointment of Raj Kumar Rishi as Regional General Manager and Managing Director of India. In this role, Rishi will focus on driving growth and achieving the business objectives for India.
Hindalco Industries is among potential buyers that submitted bids for US aluminum producer Aleris, people with knowledge of the matter said, as Indian billionaire owner Kumar Mangalam Birla (pictured) moves ahead with plans to expand his overseas operations.
Ltd, India's third-largest mobile services operator, on Thursday unveiled a 67.5 billion-rupee ($1.1 billion) fundraising plan ahead of its merger with Vodafone's local unit.

As part of the plan, Idea will raise 32.5 billion rupees by selling 326.6 million shares on a preferential basis to controlled by its parent Aditya Birla Group at 99.5 rupees apiece.

The deal will increase Aditya Birla Group's stake in Idea to 47.2 per cent from 42.4 per cent currently.

Idea further intends to raise up to 35 billion rupees by selling shares, the company said in a statement, adding the options included a rights issue, preferential issue or a share sale to institutions. http://bit.ly/2COWRfs

In March last year, Idea and Vodafone announced a merger deal to potentially create the biggest Indian phone carrier. The deal is expected to close this year.

As part of the deal, Aditya Birla Group had agreed to buy a minimum of 2.5 per cent stake of the merged entity from Vodafone to own at least 26 per cent of it.

Aditya Birla and Vodafone will eventually own an equal share of the joint venture, the said last year.

Vodafone said in a filing on Thursday it expected the merger deal to be completed during the first half of this year.

Idea shares closed 1.8 per cent higher on the NSE index, while Vodafone shares were little changed in London trading as of 1020GMT.
Lenders to Aircel and GTL Infrastructure have come up with a solution to clear the combined debt of the firms. They are looking at the option to merge the firms so that the new entity gets a stable earning. The lenders are looking at March 31 as the deadline to initiate the merger.
Three car makers cornered gains in the expanding domestic car market during the calendar year 2017. Maruti Suzuki was the biggest gainer in the world's fifth-largest passenger vehicle market last year, followed by Tata Motors and Honda Cars. New and successful launches helped these three car makers to expand their market.
Over half a million Indian workers who have renewed their H-1B visas are expected to see their lives toppled if the US government goes ahead with the proposal to return them to their country.
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It was not a pleasant first day of the year for the passengers of Jet Airways 9W-907 flight. While they boarded the Delhi-Kolkata flight on time at 10 am, the aircraft could only take off after five hours at 3 pm. It was a harrowing experience to wait inside the aircraft for five hours, there were children, elderly people there and since the aircraft was on the ground we were not being allowed to use the lavatory, said Smriti Mantri, a passenger on the flight.
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has denied the media report published in The Tribune titled "Rs 500, 10 minutes, and you have access to billion details" and has said that it is a case of misreporting.

The assured that there has not been any data breach. The data including biometric information is fully safe and secure.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the said that has given the said search facility for the purpose of grievance redressal to the designated personnel and state government officials to help residents only by entering their Aadhaar number/EID.

The UIDAI maintains complete log and traceability of the facility and any misuse can be traced and appropriate action taken.

The reported case appears to be an instance of misuse of the grievance redressal search facility. As UIDAI maintains a complete log and traceability of the facility, the legal action including lodging of FIR against the persons involved in the instant case is being done.

The UIDAI reiterates that the grievance redressal search facility gives only limited access to the name and other details and has no access to biometric details. UIDAI reassures that there has not been any data breach of the biometric database which remains fully safe and secure with the highest encryption at UIDAI and a mere display of demographic information cannot be misused without biometrics.

Further, the Aadhaar number is not a secret number. It is to be shared with authorized agencies whenever an Aadhaar holder wishes to avail certain service or benefit of government welfare scheme/s or other services. But that does not mean that the proper use of Aadhaar number poses a or financial threat.

Also, the mere availability of Aadhaar number will not be a threat or will not lead to financial/other fraud, as for a successful authentication fingerprint or iris of an individual is also required.Anonymous sellers on are said to be providing 'unrestricted' access to the Aadhaar details of more than a billion Indians for just Rs 500, according to an investigation by The Tribune on Wednesday. The paper also claims to have bought access to a software for Rs 300, which can be used to print the of any individual by entering their Aadhaar number.Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number that is issued by the UIDAI to every resident Indian citizen, after recording biometric and demographic information about an individual.
Police have registered an FIR against Gujarat Dalit leader and MLA Jignesh Mevani and JNU student leader Umar Khalid for allegedly inciting passions between communities, an official said on Thursday.

The FIR was lodged late on Wednesday following a complaint by a 22-year-old student, Akshay G Bikkad, of Pune who took objections to the speeches by Mevani and Khalid at Shaniwarwada on December 31.

In his complaint, Bikkad said that at a 'Yalgar Parishad' held that day, the two speakers made inflammatory speeches that could create misunderstanding between communities.





The complainant added excerpts from the speech by Mevani: "The (January 1, 1881) battle of Koregaon-Bhima can be a war of tomorrow. If they attack, it is time to retaliate, and winning this war will be a tribute to the martyrs. Crushing the new 'Peshwai' can be a homage to the heroes of the Koregaon-Bhima battle."

The alleged excerpt from Khalid's speech: "If we want to win this war against the new 'Peshwai', we must carry forward the battle of Koregaon-Bhima. If we want to carry ahead the struggle, it cannot be achieved merely by electoral politics."

"I believe that people who fight for the public causes must find a place in the legislatures in Gujarat and Maharashtra, and also in Parliament. However, caste system can be uprooted only by taking the fight to the streets. The dominance of one caste over the other can only be destroyed by battling it out on the streets," Khalid allegedly said.





The complainant said that such inflammatory speeches can create a wedge and enmity between communities and that provoked by these utterances some unknown miscreants attacked the Victory Pillar (Vijay Stambh) in Koregaon-Bhima, resulting in riots and arson on January 1.

Hours after the FIR by Pune police, the Mumbai Police denied permission for a Chhatra Bharati-sponsored All India Students Summit scheduled in Vile Parle on Thursday morning.





The developments came in the wake of a series of disturbances in Maharashtra starting with the desecration of a monument in Vadhu Budruk on December 29, followed by the riots in Koregaon-Bhima that left one dead on January 1, the 'Maharashtra Shutdown' that killed a boy and left a trail of destruction across the state.
A man has been apprehended with worth Rs 10 million near the Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital in Rohini area, police said on Thursday.

"We had received a tip-off that one person will come near BSA Hospital with some drugs. A team apprehended him," a senior police official said.

The apprehended person has been identified as Vinod Kumar, a resident of Mangolpuri.

"Total 200 gm of high-quality worth Rs 10 million in the international market has been recovered from his possession," the official added.

Police have also registered a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
In the intricate dance that is postings in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Vijay Gokhales appointment as foreign secretary signals a new approach on the part of the government  be safe, dont be sorry.
An authentic age proof document is now a must for women visiting the famed Lord Ayyappa Temple in Sabarimala in Kerala, where the entry of female devotees in the age group of 10-50 is banned.

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the shrine, has decided to make the age proof mandatory during the ongoing pilgrim season in view of the increasing instances of women devotees trying to trek to the hillock shrine defying the restrictions.

The final leg of the three-month-long annual pilgrim season will end on January 14, with the Makaravilakku festival.

Women in the menstruating age group are restricted from offering prayers at Sabarimala because the presiding deity, Lord Ayyappa is considered to be a 'naishtika brahmachari' (perennial celibate).

TDB President A Padmakumar said any authentic document or certificate including is acceptable during the routine checks at the foothills of Sabarimala temple.

"The decision was taken in view of a number of women belonging to the banned age group trying to visit the shrine recently," he told PTI on Thursday.

"Carrying an authentic age proof document will help avoid unnecessary arguments between women pilgrims and the police and Devaswom officials who carry out checks," he said.

Justifying the decision, Padmakumar said a girl from neighbouring Tamil Nadu had tried to visit the shrine along with her father and other relatives recently.

"Those who carry out checks had expressed doubts about her age. Though her father argued that she did not belong to the banned age group, the security personnel did not allow her," he said.

"Finally, the ID card was produced, which said she was 11 years of age...We cannot compromise with the traditions of the shrine," he added.

Women police personnel and the female staff of TDB jointly carry out checks at Pampa, the foothills from where the devotees begin their trek to the hillock shrine.

Padmakumar also recalled that at least 260 women in the banned 10-50 age group were stopped at Pamba during this year's pilgrimage season, which began on November 15 last.

Many of them would have come due to ignorance with regard to the restrictions, he said.

"It seemed that a large number of women were from Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. There were some from also," he added.

A petition challenging the temple's custom restricting entry of women in the age group of 10-50 is pending before the constitutional bench of the Supreme Court.

(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.)
Still haven't gotten used to the new Rs 200 notes in bright yellow (or is it orange)? Soon, you will be paying your balance using chocolate coloured Rs 10 notes. According to reports, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is set to issue new Rs 10 notes that will be chocolate brown in colour.
One of the accused in Bhima-Koregaon violence Sambhaji Bhide is revered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as his 'guru', grandson of Dr B R Ambedkar, Prakash Ambedkar, claimed on Thursday and said the prime minister should make his stand clear on the caste violence gripping Maharashtra.

Appreciating senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge for making the same demand, Ambedkar said, "The Prime Minister should acknowledge that the person whom he has declared as his guru is bent upon creating chaos in this country."

"The prime minister is due for elections by 2019. He will have to answer the question whether he believes in the guru who believes in chaos; therefore I request the prime minister that he should make himself very clear in Lok Sabha by making a statement," he added.

The chief of Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh party also said the judge to be appointed for the judicial investigation into the matter should not be a Dalit.

Ambedkar also appealed to protesters to maintain calm and agitate peacefully.

The protests were held in Nagpur, Pune and Baramati and incidents of road blockades, arson and stone-pelting were reported in Mumbai and neighbouring areas.

On Wednesday, Ambedkar withdrew the bandh called in Maharashtra to protest the state government's failure in stopping the violence that broke out in Bhima-Koregaon village on Monday.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a probe into the death of a youth, who was killed in the clashes.

The chief minister has also announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the victim's kin.

Tension has gripped many parts of the state after clashes broke out between the Dalits and alleged right-wing groups on Monday during the bicentenary celebration of the Bhima-Koregaon battle near Pune.

The matter rose out of the objection by the right-wing groups to the observance of 'Victory Day' since they considered it to be an anti- celebration.

In the battle, which was fought between the British East India Company, containing Dalits in its infantry, and the Peshwas, who were upper-caste Brahmins, at Koregaon Bhima on January 1, 1818, the Marathas ultimately withdrew. Since then the Dalit communities have been viewing it as a symbolic victory over the upper-caste Brahmins.
After Wednesday's violence-hit 'Maharashtra Shutdown', police on Thursday abruptly axed permission to a day-long student convention in which Gujarat legislator Jignesh Mewani and JNU student leader Umar Khalid were to take part.

Simultaneously, Pune Police registered an FIR against the two leaders for allegedly making inflammatory speeches at a meeting in Shaniwarwada in Pune on December 31.

Mumbai Police swooped on the Bhaidas Hall, in the posh western suburb of Vile Parle on Thursday morning, and stopped the Left-leaning Chhatra Bharati's All India Students Summit which was scheduled to be addressed by Khalid and Mewani.

Considered the Dalit face of Gujarat politics and convenor of Rashtriya Dalit Adhikar Manch, Mewani was elected to the state Assembly last month as an Independent.

The police broke up the planned convention, citing prohibitory orders imposed in Mumbai after Wednesday's state-wide shutdown which left a 16-year old student dead in Nanded.

Opposing the police move, Chhatra Bharati members staged noisy protests, raised anti-government slogans and attempted to squat outside the venue. Many were seen running on to the main road outside.

Defying the police, some attempted to enter the auditorium but were evicted by the police. Many were bundled into a police van and detained.

Chhatra Bharati Vice President Sagar Bhalerao said the day-long event was planned long ago in which both Mewani, Khalid and others were listed speakers.

Maharashtra legislator Kapil Patil said around 800 students and delegates including many girls were dumped into police vans and taken to various police stations where they were detained for several hours.

"The police are acting at the behest of the BJP-Shiv Sena government to crush the voice of the students who raise uncomfortable questions. This is a fascist government," Patil told the media.

Demanding the release of the detained students, scores of students squatted outside the Juhu police station raising anti-government slogans.

In Pune, the police late on Wednesday booked Mewani and Khalid for 'inciting passions' between communities following a complaint by a Pune-based student, Akshay G. Bikkad.

Bikkad said that at a meeting held on December 31, Mewani and Khalid made allegedly inflammatory speeches that could create misunderstanding between communities, and included excerpts from the objectionable speeches.

The complainant said that such inflammatory speeches can create a wedge and enmity between communities. Provoked by these utterances, some miscreants attacked the Victory Pillar (Vijay Stambh) in Koregaon-Bhima resulting in riots and created arson on January 1, he said.

The developments came in the wake of the series of disturbances in Maharashtra starting with the desecration of a monument in Vadhu Budruk on December 29, followed by the riots in Koregaon-Bhima that left one dead on January 1, and the 'Maharashtra Shutdown' that killed one minor boy and left a trail of destruction across the state.

Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh President Prakash Ambedkar said he and other leaders called on Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis demanding the arrest and prosecution of Shivjagar Pratisthan President Sambhaji Bhide Guruji and Hindu Janjagruti Samiti President Milind Ekbote, against whom complaints have been lodged by Pune Police.

He said Fadnavis told them that he had requested the Chief Justice of Bombay High Court to nominate a judge for the promised judicial enquiry into the entire episode.

"We have demanded that the probe commission should be given enhanced powers to even recommend punishment to those found guilty. This is the first time an enquiry commission shall be bestowed with such powers," Ambedkar said.
Nearly four in ten of 8,007 Indian farmers who committed suicide in 2015 were in debt, compared to two in ten in 2014; more rural households went into debt over 11 years; and the average rural household had borrowed Rs 1.03 lakh, according to an IndiaSpend analysis of government data.
The electoral bonds launched by the Union government to make anonymous donations to political parties can be purchased through cheque, demand draft and electronic transfer from only 53 out of over 24,000 branches of State Bank of India (SBI) across the country, according to the notification.
Amid a debate over whether the government will miss the fiscal consolidation road map in the current and next financial years, Finance Minister on Thursday said even minor fiscal slippage by the Centre now invited criticism. He took on the previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) regime for letting the fiscal deficit widen by a large margin.
The Finance Ministry sought Parliaments approval to spend Rs 800 billion extra this fiscal year to recapitalise state-owned banks through bonds. Thursdays move kick-starts the Rs 1.35-trillion bank recapitalisation bond programme announced by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in October to help public sector banks come out of the spiralling non-performing asset mess.
Large number of protesters have occupied the railway tracks at Nallasopara Station, disrupting rail traffic. Photo: ANI

Mumbaikars struggled to reach their destination as suburban rail services and road transport bore the brunt of protests by Dalit groups during the day-long 'bandh' against the Bhima Koregaon caste clashes on Tuesday.

Local train commuters struggled to reach offices while motorists remained stuck on roads due to the demonstrations in various parts of the city and the extended suburbs. Flight operations at Mumbai airport were badly hit today due to the Maharashtra-wide protest called by various Dalit groups, with 33 flights, 32 of them from Jet Airways, getting cancelled.

Besides, as many as 377 flights, both flying into and out of the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA), which is the world's busiest single-runway airport, were delayed.

Services of suburban trains, known as the lifeline of Mumbai, remained disrupted for hours on Central Railway's Main and Harbour Lines, and briefly on Western Railway.

Protesters blocked tracks ahead of Mankhurd railway stations on Harbour line, which resulted into bunching of trains heading towards CSTM and Panvel.

Police personnel dispersed the squatters to clear the tracks.

Harbour line services remained affected for the second consecutive day as protesters today put gunny bags and heavy slippers on tracks between Govandi and Chembur stations in the afternoon, officials said.

The squatters started a fire on tracks between Govandi and Chembur stations, which was promptly doused by security personnel.

Protests were also held on railway tracks on Trans- Harbour line connecting Panvel and Thane, at Turbhe, Rabale and Airoli stations.

Compared to Central and Harbour corridors, the Western Railway saw fewer disruptions barring the protests at Virar, Nalasopara, Borvili, Dahisar, Goregaon, Andheri, and Dadar stations.

As services remained stuck, helpless passengers, including senior citizen and even pregnant women, were forced to spend several hours in trains at various suburban stations on the Mumbai railway network.

On Central Line, suburban train services crawled due to protests on tracks at Thane, Nahur, Vikhroli, Ghatkopar, and Kurla stations.

The situation was brought under control by the security personnel, comprising GRP, RPF and local police.

The protests resulted into massive delays in services during peak morning hours and even in the afternoon.

Commuters at several stretches of the suburban network were seen walking along the tracks as trains remained stalled.

Officials said the local trains running towards CSMT were halted at several stations because of the protesters squatting on the tracks.

There was heavy deployment of railway police as well as Railway Protection Force personnel at the stations.

The bandh call was given by the Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh leader Prakash Ambedkar and Dalit organisations against the caste clashes on Monday at Bhima Koregaon village and nearby areas in Pune district in which one person was killed.

At Vikhroli and Ghatkopar stations on Central Railway (CR), protesters, comprising women and teenagers, blocked tracks and pelted stones.

Railway properties were damaged at Kanjurmarg and Dombivli railway stations on the Main line.

Railway Protection Force (RPF) officials of CR and WR (Western Railway) have registered cases against rioters under Railway Act.

In total, CR cancelled 110 services in the day.

"Due to disruptions we had to cancel 110 services. Elaborated security arrangements were made at all the stations to avoid any untoward incidents," said A K Jain, senior PRO, Central Railway.

The WR said it cancelled 60 services during the agitation period.

Operations of metro trains remained suspended between suburban Ghatkopar and the Airport Road station in Andheri during 11.40am to 4.45pm as a precautionary measure though there was no disturbances reported.

"The metro services were unaffected between Versoa and JB Nagar station and from 4.45pm onwards, the services resumed on the entire 11.8km stretch," a metro official said.

The GRP has registered a total of 21 cases against unknown persons for varoius offences during the protests today, a senior official said.

"The offences for which the cases were booked included unlawful assembly, stopping of trains, and violating prohibitory orders," GRP Commissioner Niket Kaushik told PTI.

Kanjurmarg and Ghatkopar stations on Central line and Goregaon on Western line were affected the most due to protests, he said.

Meanwhile RPF (Railway Protection Force), Western, has registered 13 cases under Railway Act on charges of public nuisance, obstructing train services etc. against unknown persons, an RPF official said.

"The offenders will be identified on the basis of the videography of protests and CCTV footage," he said.

A Central Railway official said they were still compiling the data about offences registered during the protest.

With local train schedule being thrown out of gear, commuting by road was also not easy.

Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) buses, which were relied upon by Mumbaikars for commuting to various parts of the island city and suburbs also bore the brunt of the Dalit anger.

"A total of 90 buses of BEST were damaged by mobs at various spots. Our four drivers sustained injuries due to stone pelting," said BEST deputy spokesperson Manoj Varade.

Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) said a total of 26 buses were stoned across the state today. As a precautionary measure, school buses stayed off Mumbai roads.

"For the security reasons, we decided not to ply our buses the whole day. Only one or two per cent buses out of the total services were operated today," said School Bus Owners Association (SBOA) president Anil Garg.

According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), 77 per cent of its employees reported to duty today.

Meanwhile, All India Motor Transport Congress' (AIMTC's) core committee chairman Bal Malkit Singh claimed that transporters suffered a loss of Rs 2,000 crore today due to protests.

"Road transport sector suffered the loss of around Rs 2,000 crore. It is surprising that the government is keeping mum on this aspect," he claimed.

On roads, motorists and daily commuters were put to a lot of inconvenience as the day-long bandh crippled vehicular movement across the island city and suburbs.

Traffic came to a standstill on many roads in the country's commercial capital as protesters squatted on roads and put up road blockades at various locations.

Protesters blocked various junctions on the Western Express Highway, stretching from suburban Dahisar to Bandra, Eastern Freeway connecting Chembur with CSMT south Mumbai, Sion-Panvel road, and LBS Road in Kurla.

Spots like Sion junction, Amar Mahal junction in Chembur, Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar in Ghatkopar (East) and other roundabouts on Eastern Express Highway also witnessed massive snarls due to the protests.

Regular flow of traffic was also affected at the iconic Bandra-Worli sea link and other major roads.

An official said in the evening that traffic was limping back to normalcy as the bandh has been withdrawn.

Lakhs of daily office-goers had a harrowing time as public transport buses and auto rickshaws kept off the roads throughout the day while trains crawled due to demonstrations were held on railway tracks.

In some suburbs, protesters hurled stones at vehicles on roads and even damaged some private vehicles, including a private bus.

Due to the demonstrations, motorists remained stuck in vehicles at various places. Many commuters were seen walking as public transport buses and auto rickshaws remained off the roads.

(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 Union government has admitted that the new Rs 50 bank notes lack features to aid the visually-impaired in identifying the currency  a move that may prompt the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to issue new set of notes with added features.
Soon, people will be able to withdraw Rs 200 denomination notes from ATM withdrawals as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has ordered the banks to recalibrate the Automated Teller Machines to ensure that the public is getting more numbers of the currency note.
Signing of Memorandum of Understanding Between Ministry of Railways Ministry of Human Resource Development Ministry of Science & Technology on Technology Mission for Indian Railways This MOU will facilitate the co-financing of Technology Mission for Indian Railways", says Ashwani Lohani, Chairman, Railway Board.

In a unique effort and as per vision of Honble Prime Minister for Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas", three Ministries of the Union Government have joined hands to propel the Technology Mission for Indian Railways (TMIR). The Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Human Resource Development and the Department of Science & Technology (Ministry of Science & Technology) signed an MoU, on 4th January, 2018 at Rail Bhawan, New Delhi for joint funding of TMIR.

The MOU was signed today by Chairman/TMIR Prof. N. S. Vyas; Shri Alok Kumar, Co-Chairman/TMIR, on behalf of Ministry of Railways; Shri R. Subrahmanyam, Additional Secretary (TE) on behalf of Ministry of Human Resource Development and Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Adviser/DST on behalf of Ministry of Science and Technology.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ashwani Lohani, Chairman, Railway Board said, An MOU is being signed to facilitate collaboration and cooperation between the Parties in Technology Mission for Indian Railways. This MOU will facilitate the co-financing of Technology Mission for Indian Railways by investment sharing for identified railway projects for applied research. The funding component of MOR is 30%, MHRD is 25%, DST is 25%. This Technology Mission will provide forceful impetus to Indias growth engine on the Make in India vision track of the Honble Prime Minister. The indigenous technologies would successfully be developed with win-win scenario to all the consortium members. While Indian Railways would get the world class technologies, Academic & Research Institutions would get involved in numerous applied research projects which would help them in reorienting research towards national objectives. I wish this Technology Mission with the motto of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" a great success and hope that ground-breaking applied research done under the Mission will help Indian Railways provide a safer, more comfortable, hassle-free and faster journey to all rail users and will make Indian Railways the world leader"

Shri K. K.

Sharma, Secretary/MHRD & Dr. Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary/DST also spoke on the occasion.
At least 23 civilians were killed in the Syrian opposition redoubt of Eastern Ghouta, near Damascus, with the majority of victims perishing in Russian air raids, a monitor said.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights told AFP that 18 people were killed by Russian strikes in the town of Misraba, while the remainder died in shelling from government forces.

Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said three children and 11 women were among those killed.

The war in has killed more than 340,000 people and displaced millions from their homes since it began in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

Eastern Ghouta, a small enclave east of the capital Damascus, is controlled mostly by rebels from the Jaish al- Islam group.

Russia first launched bombing raids in 2015 in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's beleaguered forces.

Those strikes have helped Assad regain control over much of war-ravaged .

The Observatory relies on a network of sources inside and says it determines whose planes carry out raids according to type, location, flight patterns and munitions used.

(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.)
A girl and her fiance were gunned down today, allegedly by the girl's maternal uncle after spotting them chatting in Pakistan's Sindh province, in the latest case of honour killing, a media report said.

The girl, identified as Nazeeran, was speaking with her husband-to-be Shahid in Nayi Wahi village in the suburbs of Ghotki town when her uncle spotted them.

The uncle opened fire on them out of anger, Express News reported.

According to police, the victims were each other's cousins and the incident was a case of 'honour killing'.

Two suspects, both of whom happen to be the girl's uncles, have been arrested so far.

Honour killings are pandemic in Pakistan, and women are its predominant victims.

An angry Pakistani youth allegedly shot dead his sister and her husband in Rawalpindi last month for marrying without the family's consent.

In November, a newly-wed couple in Sindh province who married without the consent of their elders were killed allegedly on the orders of a jirga (village elders).

More Pakistani women are murdered at the hands of close family members for supposed immoral behaviour than Pakistani civilians are killed by terrorism, the report said.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has reported an average of 650 honour killings annually over the past decade. But since most go unreported, the real number is likely to be much higher, the report said.
The White House has questioned the mental health of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un after his repeated threats to the US that he has "nuclear button on his desk."



"I think the President and the people of this country should be concerned about the mental fitness of the leader of North Korea. He's made repeated threats. He's tested missiles time and time again for years," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters at her daily news conference.

Sanders was responding to questions on Trump's nuclear button tweet, after which some political analysts in the US have been questioning his mental fitness.

"This is a President who's not going to cower down and he's not going to be weak, and is going to make sure that he does what he's promised to do, and that's stand up and protect the American people," Sanders said.

A day earlier, Trump, responding to the latest rhetoric of North Korean leader Kim Jong un, said that he too has a nuclear button which is not only much bigger and powerful, but also works.

"North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un had said 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!" Trump said in a tweet on Tuesday.

Trump was apparently responding to a statement of Kim Jong Un that North Korea is a now a nuclear country and that he has a nuclear button at his desk.

"The US should know that the button for nuclear weapons is on my table. The entire area of the US mainland is within our nuclear strike range. The US can never start a war against me and our country," he said in a televised address to the nation.

"We need to mass-produce nuclear warheads and ballistic missiles and accelerate their deployment," the North Korean leader had said.

Trump is concerned about the continued threats that this individual has made towards the US and others, Sanders said.

Trump is not going to allow him to continue doing that without saying something and standing up for the people of the country, the White House spokesperson said.

Sanders told reporters that it's extremely clear what Trump's position is.

"Our position on North Korea hasn't changed since the beginning. This is a President who is committed to protecting Americans and protecting the people of this country, and he's not going to back down from that," she said.

The White House defended Trump's tweet.

"Has there been any consideration that tweets like the one on North Korea actually don't advance the agenda, meaning working with other partners in the region?" she was asked.

"I think what didn't help was the complacency and the silence of the previous administration. This is a President who leads through strength, and he's going to do that and he's going to focus on everything that he can do in order to keep Americans safe, and he's not going to be pushed around by the leader of North Korea," Sanders said.

America's policy with North Korea has not changed, she asserted.

"We're fully committed to continuing to apply maximum pressure and working with all of our partners in the region including South Korea, who we have a better relationship now than ever before. We're going to keep working with them and keep pushing forward, and hopefully North Korea will start making better decisions, Sanders said.

The White House Press Secretary refuted allegations that by his tweet, Trump was taunting the North Korean leader.

"I don't think that it's taunting to stand up for the people of this country. I think what's dangerous is to ignore the continued threats, "she said.

"If the previous administration had done anything and dealt with North Korea, dealt with Iran, instead of sitting by and doing nothing, we wouldn't have to clean up their mess now," she added.
Amidst reports that the Trump administration is set to announce more drastic steps to punish Islamabad for its support to terror groups, the Pakistan Army has said the country would respond to any US action in line with the aspirations of the people.

The statement by the military spokesman came in the backdrop of the White House's announcement that the US would announce specific measures against Pakistan in the next 24 to 48 hours after President Donald Trump's stinging New Year tweet.

The US yesterday announced that it is withholding its $255 million military aid to Pakistan.

"In case of [a] US action against Pakistan, it will be responded to [in line with] the aspirations of the people of Pakistan," the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Major General Asif Ghafoor said in a brief statement.

In a terse Twitter post on January 1, President Trump had accused Pakistan of "lying and deceit" and providing safe havens to terrorists despite getting over $33 billion in aid over 15 years.

After Trump's statement, Pakistan had called a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) on Tuesday which expressed "disappointment" over the statement, but said the country would not act in haste.

It is not clear whether the Pakistan Army issued the statement in anticipation of some possible unilateral action against Pakistan, The Express Tribune reported.

Responding to the US allegations, Maj Gen Ghafoor, the military's media wing chief, said Pakistan had taken action against the dreaded Haqqani network.

"Effects of action against the Haqqani network will be visible in due time," he said.

Speaking to a private news channel, he said Pakistani nation's collective response to the Trump's tweet was a positive sign.

He noted that Pakistan and the US were still allies, and the relationship between the two countries had gone through ups and downs.

"We are allies and a war cannot be fought with allies," he said.

"There are several occasions where Pakistan has sided with the US. At one time Pakistan had the option to become the ally of Russia but it opted to join hands with the US instead."



However, he said, in case the US took action against Pakistan, it would be responded to in accordance with the aspirations of the Pakistani people.

"The Coalition Support Fund (CSF) was meant for the war in Afghanistan. Pakistan and the United States are allies and they need to work together," he added.

The US has been accusing Pakistan of supporting the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani network, who are attacking American forces in the war-torn country. Pakistan has always dismissed the allegations.
T he White House intends to introduce sanctions against elements of the Iranian regime or its supporters involved in a crackdown against countrywide protests, a senior administration official said on Wednesday.

"We are looking across the board," the official said, pointing to authorities that allow President Donald Trump to target organisations or individuals involved in human rights violations, censorship or preventing free assembly.

"That requires information, but there is a lot of information out there, so we intend to start assembling that and see what we can do."



The official, who ask for anonymity, said the United States would "use all the information sources at our disposal to be able to get actionable information about who is doing the crackdown, who is violating human rights, who is using violence against protesters and to feed that in to our sanctions designation machinery.
Governments are extremely worried about cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin. These virtual currencies mean you can make payments without involving the banks that most economies and government financial models are built on. People can transfer large amounts of money without the authorities knowing, potentially making it easier to evade tax or launder money.

So several countries central banks, including the Bank of England and the Bank of Israel, are reportedly planning to launch their own digital currencies. This could help lure people back into using an official system that combines some of the benefits of both traditional and cryptocurrencies. But the risks involved may be too great for many typical cash users to bear.
A total of 16 FIRs have been registered by the Mumbai Police, relating to statewide bandh that was called yesterday by the Dalit groups against the Bhima-Koregaon violence.

The Police said that they detained more than 300 miscreants in this regard.

Meanwhile, after a day-long protest on Wednesday, normalcy has been restored in Mumbai.

Tension gripped many parts of Maharashtra after the death of a youth in clashes on January 1, during an event, to mark 200 years of Bhima Koregaon battle near Pune.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered a Crime Investigation Department (CID) probe into his death and also announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the victim's kin.

In the aftermath, a day-long 'Maharashtra bandh' was called by various Dalit and other organisations.

The bandh was, however, called off later in the day.

The Battle of Koregaon was fought on January 1, 1818, between the British East India Company and the Peshwa faction of the Maratha Confederacy, at Koregaon Bhima.

The Marathas ultimately withdrew, fearing the arrival of a larger British force.

The Company troops of Indian origin included predominantly Mahar Dalit soldiers belonging to the Bombay Native Infantry. The Dalit activists regard the battle as a heroic episode in their history.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A milestone for the history of interventional cardiology field in India has been achieved by world renowned Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Tejas Patel, Chairman and Chief Interventional Cardiologist at Apex Heart Institute, Ahmedabad. He announced the first commercial installation of Vascular Robotics system - CorPath GRX (US FDA approved) at Apex Heart Institute.

This is the first and the only Vascular Robotic system outside the United States.

Dr. Tejas Patel is a global key opinion leader and pioneer of the transradial access technique (angioplasty / stenting through the wrist artery), who has trained over

5,000 cardiologists on this technique over the course of 25 years of his career.

The hospital's first robotic-assisted stenting was performed via right dorsal transradial access by Dr. Tejas Patel. Within three weeks of vascular robotics installation at his center, Dr. Tejas Patel along with his partner Dr. Sanjay Shah has performed more than 50 coronary angioplasty / stenting including complex cases like patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) and Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO).

Apex Heart Institute in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, is a state-of-art cardiology center and now it would also be the first "Global Center of Excellence" outside USA to train interventional cardiologists from India and all over the world on robotic-assisted percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI).

Dr. Tejas Patel, a man of great vision, is on a mission to upgrade the healthcare facilities in the field of coronary artery disease interventions. He believes that this technology will certainly put India in a leading position in the field of cardiology. He feels that there is a pressing need to have the best-in-class technology to deal with the alarmingly high rise in the number coronary artery disease patients in urban and rural India.

The future of robotics is to offer technology such as tele-stenting (ability to stent patients at remote locations) and in-built artificial intelligence (AI) to help cardiologists make sound clinical judgements. All these advancements will have a profound impact on our country's quality of healthcare delivery.

"After completing the initial cases with CorPath GRX, my colleague Dr. Sanjay Shah and I are very impressed by the capabilities of the system to address regular and complex stenting procedures and the level of precision we are able to deliver. Robotics is an important component of the future of interventional cardiology. At Apex Heart Institute, we look forward to pioneering this technology in India and propagate it around the world," said Dr. Patel.

Riyaz Desai, Managing Director of MicroPort India, stated "At MicroPort our endeavour always is to introduce world's latest technologies in India to help Indian patients get the world class care at an affordable price. We are very proud to introduce world's only Vascular Robotic system in India in partnership with Corindus Vascular Robotics, USA. This installation of Vascular Robotic system at Apex Heart Institute, Ahmedabad makes India the first and the only country outside Unites States to have this latest breakthrough in interventional cardiology."

"Vascular Robotics not only offers precision and safety to patients but also offers substantial reduction in radiation exposure during the procedure to the patient, cardiologists and cath Lab staff. We are completely aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of providing high quality healthcare at an affordable price. The introduction of GRX robotic system is a vital step towards achieving this vision. We are very fortunate to partner with Dr. Tejas Patel of Apex Heart Institute who has a reputation of being a great teacher, a researcher, an innovator and an academician. Dr. Patel believes in disseminating knowledge to his colleagues for the greater good of humanity."

Mark Toland, President and Chief Executive Officer, Corindus, USA added "We are pleased that Apex Heart Institute has launched the first robotic program in India, successfully performing several PCI procedures during its first three days of use. India represents a new and developing market for Corindus, and we are looking forward to working with Dr. Patel and the Apex Heart Institute as we introduce our precision vascular robotics to this area.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
China on Wednesday maintained that its position on the China-India boundary issue was consistent and clear and that Beijing has never recognised the existence of Arunachal Pradesh.

"I need to point out that China's position on the China-India boundary issue is consistent and clear, and we have never recognized the so-called Arunachal Pradesh," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said while responding to a question about media reports that stated Chinese soldiers with construction machines entered 200 metres inside Arunachal Pradesh.

However, Geng said he was not aware of any such reports.

Last month, too, a similar such incident had happened.

The Chinese troops reportedly left the construction equipment behind after they were confronted by the Indian soldiers.

The India-China border covering the 3,488 km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC) is disputed between the two sides and notably, Beijing claims Arunachal Pradesh to be the part of its south Tibet.

Geng, in his media conference, also laid stress on upholding peace and tranquility in China-India border areas and said peaceful conditions served the common interests of both sides.

Last year, the Indian and Chinese troops had engaged in a standoff on the Doklam plateau near Sikkim, at the trijunction of India, China, and Bhutan, for over two months after the latter began constructing a road on the disputed territory.

The standoff ended in August after the two sides decided to disengage their troops.
Optiemus Infracom Limited, an Indian telecom enterprise announced its entry in the Bangladesh market with the launch of BlackBerry KEYone Limited Edition Black.

Optiemus signed a licensing deal with BlackBerry in February 2017 to design, manufacture and distribute BlackBerry branded smartphones in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal.

After successfully launching the BlackBerry KEYone limited edition black in India and Sri Lanka, Optiemus partnered with CPL, concern of Union Group, a renowned business conglomerate in Bangladesh, to handle the distribution and retail operations of BlackBerry smartphones.

Optiemus' entry into Bangladesh supports the company's growth strategy aimed at expanding its customer base in new geographies.

"We are confident that the tech savvy audience here in Bangladesh will enjoy the BlackBerry KEYone limited edition black experience as it offers striking features, great camera quality, unmatched user interface and unparalleled productivity," said Hardip Singh, Executive Director, Optiemus Infracom Ltd.

BlackBerry KEYone offers Dual SIM capability and is equipped with a metallic black frame and soft touch textured back. Featuring a 4.5-inch scratch resistant display with Corning Gorilla Glass 4 offering greater scratch resistance, it combines a touch display with a physical keyboard to give users more useable space for typing. The device comes with a 4GB RAM and 64GB ROM (expandable up to 2TB).

The device's Smart Keyboard responds to touch gestures mimicking the heritage of the BlackBerry trackpad making web browsing, reading emails and writing messages with flick typing a much smoother and intuitive experience. It allows launch up to 52 customisable shortcuts, providing even greater ease of use. In addition, BlackBerry KEYone limited edition black also offers the security of a fingerprint sensor built directly into the keyboard spacebar for added functionality and security.

The smartphone offers the most secure Android smartphone experience, and comes pre-loaded with DTEK by BlackBerry, enables users to automatically monitor their OS and apps to know when their privacy could be at risk and to take action to improve it. The device runs on Android 7.1 - giving users access to the entire Google Play store and apps. It comes loaded with BlackBerry Hub, a unified messaging inbox which combines emails, texts and messages from social media accounts including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, BBM, WhatsApp, Instagram and others.

At its core, the device is powered with a Snapdragon 625 2GHz Octacore processor. It includes Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 technology, making it possible for the 3505 mAh battery to receive up to 50 percent charge in roughly 36 minutes. Additionally, BlackBerry's Boost can turbo charge the battery to get the most charge with the limited available time.

The device features an 8MP front facing camera and a wide-angle lens and a 12MP auto-focus rear camera.

The device will be available for pre-booking from January 4 to 21.

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Hollywood heavyweight has been announced as the Cannes Film Festival jury president for this year.

According to the Independent, the Australian actress will preside over the competition for the 71st festival from May 8 to May 19. This year, the festival begins on a Tuesday and ends on a Saturday.

Blanchett will be the 12th woman to lead the jury of the prestigious festival.

Talking about the accomplishment, Blanchett said in a statement, "I have been to Cannes in many guises over the years - as an actress, producer, in the marketplace, the Gala-sphere and in competition but never solely for the sheer pleasure of watching the cornucopia of films this great festival harbours."

The statement continued, "I am humbled by the privilege and responsibility of presiding over this year's jury. This festival plays a pivotal role in bringing the world together to celebrate story: that strange and vital endeavour that all peoples share, understand and crave."

The Oscar-winning actress was among the women who recently launched the Time's Up initiative against sexual harassment. She was one of the first women to speak out against Harvey Weinstein after he was accused of sexual assault by numerous women.

Speaking about Blanchett's appointment as festival's President, Pierre Lescure, Festival de Cannes President and Thierry Fremaux, General Delegate, noted, "We are delighted to welcome such a rare and unique artist whose talent and convictions enrich both screen and stage. Our conversations from this autumn tell us she will be a committed President, a passionate woman and a big-hearted spectator."

Blanchett recently appeared in the Marvel blockbuster 'Thor: Ragnarok' as Hela.

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In another suspected incident of enforced disappearances in Pakistan, a Baloch student and his brother were picked up from their residence, located near Karachi University (KU) campus, here on Thursday.

According to dawn.com, Mumtaz Sajidi Baloch and his brother Kamran Sajidi were reportedly picked by some people in plainclothes, who were accompanied by police personnel at about 4 am on Thursday.

Mumtaz, who was pursuing International Relations programme in the KU, had been active in civil society protests, according to the Dawn report. His brother had recently completed his intermediate.

The forced disappearance comes just weeks after another KU student was taken away in similar fashion from the campus.

Sindh Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) condemned the abduction and said if the two had done something criminal, then they should be produced in the court of law.

"If Baloch students are picked up in this manner, the situation will move towards anarchy," said HRCP Vice Chairman Asad Iqbal Butt.

A first information report was yet to be registered in the matter, according to the media report.

Last month, Amnesty International called upon authorities in Pakistan to immediately end the practice of enforced disappearances.

Alarmed by reports it has received on enforced disappearances, particularly of activists in southwestern province of Balochistan, The London-based NGO called Islamabad to carry out independent and effective investigations to determine the fate of all missing people.

It asked the Pakistan authorities to either release the person in their custody or charge them with a recognisable criminal offence.

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At least five Taliban insurgents were killed and three others injured during the airstrikes in Afghanistan's Faryab province, reported Khaama Press today.

The Afghan Army confirmed that the latest airstrikes were carried out on the Taliban hideouts in Pashtun Kot district, it said.

No comments have been received from the anti-government armed militant groups, including the Taliban insurgents, by far.

Faryab is among the relatively volatile provinces of the country.

According to the report, the Afghan Air Force (AAF) has intensified airstrikes in Faryab province in the wake of growing threats of the terror groups who are in a bid to expand insurgency in northern parts of Afghanistan, said the Afghan Army's Shaheen Corps last week.

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An FIR has been lodged against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in connection with the statement she made against Register of Citizens (NRC), during a public meeting held at Birbhum district.

Advocate Tailendra Nath Das, along with several other lawyers and advocates of Guwahati filed the complaint with Latasil Police Station against Banerjee.

As reported, the Chief Minister at a public meeting held at Birbhum district on Wednesday, said that on-going updation of the NRC is a conspiracy to expel Bengalis out of Assam.

"Bengalis are being threatened with eviction from Assam, being told your name not there on list," she said. "Don't divide and rule. If there is trouble in Assam, there will be trouble in Bengal. We are neighbouring states," she added.

The advocates who have filed the FIR are - Bijan Mahajan, Tularam Gogoi, Manoranjan Das, Dipak Kumar Das, Pankaj Kumar Kalita, Amitabh Baruah, Dhiraj Sarma, and Pranab Das.

According to the FIR, Mamata had committed an offence under section 153 of Indian Penal Code (IPC).

"As far as NRC is concerned, everything is being supervised by the Supreme Court. She should be booked under contempt of court for bidding communal enmity among various community. Her speech would be absolutely causing communal harmony in Assam," said Bijon Mahajan, Senior Advocate, Guwahati High Court.

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Kolkata Knight Riders have sprung a surprise as they have chosen to not retain incumbent captain Gautam Gambhir, under whom they won two IPL titles.

The franchise, owned by Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, has rather opted to retain West Indies all-rounder Sunil Narine for Rs 8.5 crore. It has also retained Andre Russell for Rs 7 crore.

Gambhir had led Kolkata to their two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014.

The 36-year-old has scored a total of 3,035 runs for KKR in the previous seasons.

The IPL player acquisition policy allows franchises to retain maximum five players by virtue of a combination of pre-auction retention and Right to Match (RTM) cards for the 2018 edition.

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Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono on Thursday called on Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa here at General Headquarters (GHQ).

According to Geo TV, the visiting dignitary was presented guard of honour. He also laid floral wreath at 'Shuhada' monument, Pakistan's armed forces' media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a statement.

The Japanese Foreign Minister, who is on a two-day visit to Pakistan, said that Japan looks forward to enhance its security cooperation with the country, especially in the field of counter-terrorism.

ISPR further said that the Foreign Minister was briefed on Pakistan's war against terror and contributions towards regional peace.

Kono appreciated and acknowledged Pakistan's efforts towards regional peace and stability.

He also talked about Japanese assistance for rehabilitation of Temporarily Displaced Persons (TDPs) and provision of scanning equipment for border crossing points.

This is the first visit to Pakistan by any Japanese Foreign Minister since 2009 when Katsuya Okada, the then FM visited the country, according to the Dawn.

The visit came just after the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Japan.

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The Karnataka Government has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the family of Deepak Rao, the Bajrang Dal youth member who was murdered by four unidentified persons on Wednesday.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had, yesterday, staged a protest in front of the Gandhi statue in the Parliament against the murder of a party worker in Mangaluru.

The party also demanded that the case be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

It is alleged that Rao, a resident of Katipalla Kaikamba, was riding his motorbike when he was waylaid by a car whose individuals then attacked him.

Before Deepak could escape, they attacked him with weapons and fled in a car. He was later declared brought dead by doctors in a private hospital.

According to reports, the police had detained all the accused in connection with the murder.

The state government has, however, deployed additional police to maintain law and order and ensure peace, as the BJP and Bajrang Dal called for a day-long shutdown in the coastal district today in protest against the murder.

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In recent times, Hollywood has been hit by a string of sexual misconduct allegations on probably the biggest stars of the industry, which include Kevin Spacey, Harvey Weinstein, Dustin Hoffman, besides many others.

Many A-list actresses like Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie and Rose McGowan came forward with their horrible experiences last year.

Meryl Streep, probably the most popular Hollywood star has now opened up about the sexual misconduct scandal in Hollywood, and the criticisms she faced in the wake of allegations against producer Harvey Weinstein.

While speaking to New York Times, when asked how she felt about people waiting for her to give a response, she said, "I don't want to hear about the silence of me. I want to hear about the silence of Melania Trump. I want to hear from her. She has so much that's valuable to say. And so does Ivanka. I want her to speak now."

As for how much she knew about Weinstein's behaviour towards the actresses, Streep reiterated that she knew nothing concrete.

"In terms of Harvey, I really didn't know. I did think he was having girlfriends. But when I heard rumours about actresses, I thought that that was a way of denigrating the actress and her ability to get the job. That really raised my hackles. I didn't know that he was in any way abusing people. He never asked me to a hotel room. I don't know how his life was conducted without people intimately knowing about it," explained Streep.

When asked about her reaction to the Weinstein story, Streep shared, "I found out about this on a Friday and went home deep into my own life. And then somebody told me that on 'Morning Joe' they were screaming that I haven't responded yet. I don't have a Twitter thing or - handle, whatever. And I don't have Facebook. I really had to think. Because it really underlined my own sense of cluelessness, and also how evil, deeply evil, and duplicitous, a person he was, yet such a champion of really great work."

The 'Into the Woods' star "You make movies. You think you know everything about everybody. So much gossip. You don't know anything. People are so inscrutable on a certain level. And it's a shock. Some of my favourite people have been brought down by this, and he's not one of them."

Meanwhile, on the work front, Streep will be next seen in Steven Speilberg's 'The Post' alongside Tom Hanks.

The flick is slated to release on January 12.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin have discussed the development of bilateral relations and current international issues.

According to the Kremlin, President Putin had a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday.

Both the leaders exchanged New Year greetings and confirmed their commitment to further developing the privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India, and agreed to continue top-level contacts.

Earlier on December 30, President Putin greeted Prime Minister Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind in his annual New Year message.

In a press release from the Kremlin, Putin noted that the passing year has been marked with an important milestone in the Indo-Russian relations, as it completed 70 years.

Appreciating the outcome of bilateral contacts in 2017, the Russian President expressed confidence in further advancing the privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India in politics, trade, economy, science, technology and culture as key areas in the upcoming year.

Putin also praised on India's expanding constructive cooperation within the United Nations (UN), BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and other multilateral bodies in the interests of solving current regional and global issues.

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The Mahrashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) on Thursday directed Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to submit a report on Kamala Mills fire in which 14 people were killed last month.

The MSHRC chairperson Justice S.R. Bannurmath issued the notice to the BMC Commissioner Ajoy Mehta to submit the report on the tragedy on or before January 29.

The Commission issued the notice while hearing a complaint filed by Vivekanand Gupta.

In his complaint on January 1, Gupta had said gross violations of fire safety rules and norms had resulted in the tragic incident and sought a direction to the BMC to carry out an extensive inquiry into the incident.

The BMC has also been warned that if it fails to file a report on or before January 29 then the Commission may proceed to take further action.

"In the event you (the commissioner) fail to submit the required information on or before January 29, the commission may proceed to take further action as it deems fit and proper," said Justice Bannurmath in an order.

Fourteen people lost their lives and over 30 others were injured when a major fire broke late night on December 28 at a building in Kamala Mills Compound in Lower Parel. The massive fire reportedly had allegedly broken out from the '1Above' rooftop restaurant and later spread to the entire area.

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A united Opposition, led by the Congress party, continued to put pressure on the Centre in the Rajya Sabha for the triple talaq bill to be put before a select committee of the House, on Thursday.

This led to the Upper House getting adjourned for tomorrow.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley countered Opposition leaders, including Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad and Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien, and said the Congress party was trying to sabotage the bill.

Union Minister Smriti Irani also questioned the reluctance of the Opposition in having a discussion.

In a heated debate over the bill earlier today, O'Brien said, "It's clear that this side [the Opposition] wants to empower women, and you [the Centre] stands exposed."

To this end, Smriti Irani replied, "Absolutely not. If you seriously want to empower women, then have a discussion now."

Speaking to ANI, O'Brien, after the House was adjourned, said, "Today the BJP has been exposed, and they don't have the guts to empower women."

Congress leader Kapil Sibal said the government was left isolated.

"The government is isolated; the Opposition is one. The bill should be sent to the select committee," Sibal told ANI.

On her part, Smriti Irani said the Congress party stood exposed instead in the eyes of Muslim women.

"In the guise of wanting to better the bill, they [the Opposition] are trying to stall justice for the Muslim women across the country. Had the Opposition discussed the bill, there would have been a constructive approach. But today Congress stands exposed. Why is it running away from a discussion on the bill?" asked Irani.

Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Prakash Javedkar said they were ready to sit in the Parliament till midnight, but the Congress party was not.

"It is because they [the Congress party] are against women empowerment. They don't want to empower Muslim women," Javedkar said.

Congress leader Anand Sharma had, yesterday, moved the notice to refer the bill to a select committee of the Rajya Sabha. He even proposed the names of committee members following which the Upper House witnessed a stormy session.

The names of the 17 Rajya Sabha MPs, featuring in the list, included Renuka Chowdhury, K Rahman Khan, Derek O'Brien, Javed Ahmad, Majeed Memon, KK Ragesh, and D Raja.

The government had, though a day before, shot down the Opposition's demand that the triple talaq bill be sent to a select committee. It had, however, said it might be open to accepting some of the amendments to the bill, as suggested by the Opposition.

To this end, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said Congress moved the motion without any prior notice and that it was trying to derail the bill.

The rebuttal led to the Upper House getting adjourned, following which Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad accused the Congress party of resorting to double standard in the matter of the bill.

With no consensus on the bill even today, it's likely that the bill would be moved to the next session of the Parliament.

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2017 seeks to criminalise instant divorce, triple talaq.

The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha with most of the leading parties in the Opposition, including the Congress, voting in favour, but with caveats.

The bill, if enacted, will make triple talaq a criminal offence. It proposes a three-year jail term for a Muslim man who divorces his wife in any form of spoken, written or by electronic means such as email, SMS, and WhatsApp.

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The Islamabad city police on Thursday started registering FIRs against those who were putting up posters praising the propaganda of the Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF).

The FIF is a subsidiary of the Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), which has the United Nations-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed as its chief. The police have arrested one person so far and three more FIRs have been registered as well.

The crackdown by the police comes at a time when the district magistrate has issued a notification on banning the fundraising and all kinds of social, political, welfare and religious activities of the organisations and individuals, which are on the watch list of UN and the Pakistan Government.

Also, the Difa-e-Pakistan council, which also covers FIF and JuD, protested against United States President Donald Trump yesterday over his recent tweet on Pakistan.

Trump, in a strongly-worded tweet, had said the US had been 'foolishly' providing military aid to Pakistan for 15 years, but in return, it has only received 'lies and deceit.'

"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!" Trump posted on the micro-blogging site, on Monday.

The tweet came in the wake of the JuD chief looking to contest the 2018 general elections in Pakistan and thereby, forming a party by the name of Milli Muslim League (MML).

Saeed was recently released from house arrest after a Pakistani court cited lack of evidence against him in the 26/11 Mumbai attack case.

India has also, time and again, protested against Pakistan for harbouring Saeed - wanted for allegedly plotting the Mumbai attacks.

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The Border Security Force (BSF) on Thursday said they responded effectively to the ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba sector, in which Islamabad suffered a major loss.

"Our BSF soldier was deployed on forward duty point when Pakistan's siphon shot hit him yesterday. Border Security Force gave a solid response in which Pakistan's infrastructure, solar panel and weapons were damaged. Their posts suffered major loss", Inspector General (IG) BSF Jammu Ramawtar told the media.

Yesterday, a BSF head constable lost his life after Pakistan violated ceasefire in Samba sector.

The BSF personnel of the 173rd Battalion was killed on his birthday.

The constable, identified as RP Hazra, is survived by his wife, 18-year-old son and 21-year-old daughter.

This comes days after terrorists stormed a CRPF training centre in Pulwama district killing five jawans.

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The Peruvian government on Wednesday banned buses from the fateful stretch, where a bus collided with a truck and plunged off a cliff, killing 51 people.

According to the New York Times, Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski instructed his minister of transportation and communications, Bruno Giuffra, to stop buses from using the fateful stretch and close down for repairs soon.

"It's very painful to us as a country to suffer an accident of this magnitude," the president wrote on Twitter.

The local authorities found three more bodies, pushing the death toll further from 48 to 51.

Even as rescue workers continued to retrieve bodies from the bus, there was anger among the people over the government's failure to find an alternative road over the fateful stretch. The stretch is popularly known as the 'Devil's Curve', according to locals.

The stretch, located at least 65 kms away from the Peruvian capital, Lima is so foggy that drivers often cannot see the vehicles in front of them. One-fourth of the stretch curves at least 52 times atop a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. In many places, there is no safety rail at all.

Since 1990, at least 20 traffic accidents have occurred on the fateful stretch, many of them involving the loss of lives, including the Tuesday's incident.

On Tuesday, at least 25 people were reportedly killed and several others injured after a bus collided with a truck and plummeted off a steep cliff near Pasamayo, located north of Lima.

Six survivors of the crash, who were found during the rescue operations, suffered serious injuries.

All the injured have been evacuated to hospitals in Lima and other nearby places.

The death toll was expected to rise as many injured were reported to be in a critical condition.

Police and firefighters are still continuing their rescue operations.

The bus was reportedly heading to Lima from Huacho with 57 passengers on board when the incident happened on the Pan-American Highway.

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Activists of Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) were baton-charged in Karachi on Wednesday, when the party workers were protesting in favour of sugarcane farmers.

Police also fired water cannon to disperse the party activists, who reportedly indulged in stone pelting, from Metropole in Karachi.

The incident has reportedly left six people injured.

The PTI activists were protesting against the refusal of sugar mills to pay the officially fixed price of cane crop to farmers.

The police also detained 12 protesters including PTI senior leader Arif Alvi, who was later released, The Express Tribune reported.

Earlier in the day, the PTI organized its Kisan Insaf Rally from Hyderabad, where the protesters announced their plan to stage a sit-in outside Sindh chief minister's house against the sugar mill owners.

Meanwhile, PTI chief Imran Khan condemned the use of force against the protesters and said his party stood with the famers who should get the right price from the powerful sugar mills' owners.

"Shameful how Sindh govt used force in Karachi on a peaceful protest by sugar cane growers against the grave injustice being done to them by the sugar mills. We stand with the hard working farmers who should get the right price from the powerful sugar mills' owners cartel," Khan said on twitter.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to hold a meeting with top economists of the country on January 10.

This meeting is a usual practice before budget, and was conducted in 2017 as well.

Modi had also called for a similar meeting in December 2017, where the impact of demonetisation was discussed.

Union Budget 2018-19, which will be the final budget for Prime Minister Modi-led Democratic Alliance (NDA) regime before the 2019 general elections, will be presented on February 1.

Prime Minister Modi will chair the meetup of over 30 eminent economists.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley; CEO, NITI Aayog, Amitabh Kant; Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, Rajiv Kumar; chairman, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, Bibek Debroy, and other members of the Economic Advisory Council will also be present.

Amitabh Kant and Rajiv Kumar are also expected to give a detailed presentation to the Prime Minister about the work done by the NITI Aayog.

The Prime Minister is also expected to take stock of the economy.

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Protests over the Bhima-Koregaon violence continued to rock streets and Parliament on Thursday.

A youth was killed in clashes between two groups on Monday during an event to mark 200 years of Bhima Koregaon battle near Pune.

The incident has prompted dalit community to hit the streets in Maharashtra and many other states.

In Madhya Pradesh, twelve buses were vandalised at Pushpak Bus Stand in Burhanpur during bandh over Bhima Koregaon violence. A driver was injured who was admitted in district hospital.

In Gujarat's Junagarh, protesters blocked Madhuram by-pass road in Junagarh. In order to prevent damage, buses in Junagarh were shifted from depots to a division workshop.

Earlier in the day, Mumbai police denied permission for the All India Students' Summit where newly elected Gujarat MLA and Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani and JNU student leader Umar Khalid were invited as guests.

The issue was also raised in the Parliament.

When Congress MP Rajni Patil raised the issue in Rajya Sabha, Samajwadi Party MP Naresh Agarwal also demanded action and constitution of a Commission for a report on the matter.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut also told Rajya Sabha, "Bhima-Khoregaon violence is very unfortunate but Maharashtra government behaviour during the incident was very patient. Situation could have become worse but what the government did at that time was right."

However, Shiv Sena mouthpiece 'Saamna' criticised Maharashtra and the Central government for the ongoing protests in Maharashtra by the dalit outfits against the Bhima-Koregaon violence.

"The state is suffering because of the of the state police department and the BJP-led central government, which controls the Ministry of Home Affairs", Shiv Sena said in its editorial.

The editorial questioned the capability of the Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis government, which is "not able to control the ongoing chaos in the state".

It further accused the Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh president and the grandson of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, Prakash Ambedkar, of inciting the violence and averred that the latter should make an effort to bring back peace and normalcy in the state, rather than fanning the flames.

Saamana advised Ambedkar to not use the violence to fulfill his political agenda and said that a true leader is the one "who gives direction to the crowd and not the one who instigates the violence."

Though Mahrashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered the Crime Investigation Department (CID) led probe into the death of a youth in the violence and also announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the victim's kin, but various dalit organisations on Wednesday called for a day-long Maharashtra bandh in which no major incident was reported.

The Maharashtra Government has denied any dalit was killed in the Bhima-Koregaon violence and blamed social media rumours for inciting emotions.

"There has been no death of a person from dalit community. Wrong messages are being spread on social media, so people have to be very cautious," Deepak Kesarkar, Minister of State for Home (Rural), Maharashtra told ANI on Wednesday.

The Congress, however, used the incident to browbeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is ruling Maharashtra.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) want to keep dalits at bottom of the society.

He took to Twitter to mount attack on the BJP and RSS over Bhima-Koregaon violence in Maharashtra.

He said the protest over Bhima-Koregaon violence is the symbol of dalit resistance.

"A central pillar of the RSS/BJP's fascist vision for India is that Dalits should remain at the bottom of Indian society. Una, Rohith Vemula and now Bhima-Koregaon are potent symbols of the resistance," Rahul tweeted.

The Battle of Koregaon was fought on January 1, 1818 between the British East India Company and the Peshwa faction of the Maratha Confederacy, at Koregaon Bhima.

The Marathas ultimately withdrew, fearing the arrival of a larger British force.

The Company troops of Indian origin included predominantly Mahar Dalit soldiers belonging to the Bombay Native Infantry, and therefore the dalit activists regard the battle as a heroic episode in their history.

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The Shiv Sena on Thursday lauded Maharashtra Government's patience during Bhima-Khoregaon incident.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said the Bhima-Khoregaon violence was very unfortunate, but the Maharashtra government's patience averted situation to become worse.

"Bhima-Khoregaon violence is very unfortunate but Maharashtra government behaviour during the incident was very patient. Situation could have become worse but what the government did at that time was right," Raut told Rajya Sabha.

Tension has gripped many parts of Maharashtra after death of a youth in clashes on Monday during an event to mark 200 years of Bhima Koregaon battle near Pune.

The Maharashtra government on Wednesday denied that a dalit was killed in the Pune violence.

"No dalit was killed in Bhima-Khoegaon," said Deepak Kesarkar, Minister of State for Home (Rural), Maharashtra on Wednesday.

He said the except Aurnagabad city, the situation in Mahrashtra is peaceful and under control.

He lamented that this aspect was not being reported and social media rumours were disrupting the peace in Maharashtra.

The issue of Bhima-Khoregaon violence was raised also in the Parliament by opposition parties.

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge blamed Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for Bhima-Khoregaon violence and demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement on it.

Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad also that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was dividing society in the name of caste and religion.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered the Crime Investigation Department (CID) led probe into the death of a youth in the violence and announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the victim's kin.

On Tuesday, Congress President Rahul Gandhi also trained guns at the RSS and Prime Minister Modi led Democratic Alliance (NDA) government over the violence.

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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday will inaugurate the distillery built at a cost of Rs 57 crore in Azamgarh sugar mill.

After attending the programme, the Chief Minister will directly go to Varanasi, and will leave for Delhi on January 5.

Then on January 6, Chief Minister Adityanath will attend a sugar mill programme in Meerut, for which Rs 152 crore was shelled out for renovation. On the same day, the Chief Minister will return to Delhi.

On January 7, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister will visit Bengaluru, which will face election this year. He had visited the city twice in 2017.

Last year, Chief Minister Adityanath had said that new sugar mills would be set up and the existing ones would be revamped and modernised to help the sugarcane farmers in the state.

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Leading online travel portal Yatra on Thursday launched a self-booking platform for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) to provide its corporate customers with comprehensive and convenient travel solutions.

Easy to use online platform includes a range of enhanced features which will empower the SMEs to automate their process to fulfil end-to-end travel needs.

SMEs can now manage their company and employee profiles, travel policy compliance, and approval workflow, using this platform.

"Yatra's latest self-booking platform significantly reinforces our position in the large and growing corporate travel market in India. The platform will revolutionize the way travellers search and book flights and hotels, ultimately saving both time and money in the process," said co-founder and CEO Yatra.com, Dhruv Shringi.

"We believe that this technological advanced platform will empower SMEs to control their travel needs, while at the same time making it inherently easier for their employees to make bookings in an easy and convenient manner," Shringi added.

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) complaint system will allow the user to search through a range of flight and hotel options as per the company travel policy and follow the in-built trip approval process to seek their supervisor's approval.

Moreover, as part of this offering, SMEs shall get curated hotel options, best corporate deals and nil to economical cancellation and rescheduling charges.

The SMEs shall also have access to real time Management Information System (MIS) reports to enable them to monitor their travel expenses. Furthermore, the invoices will be instantly mailed to the registered email ID.

There is also a 24x7 support helpline available for support required on visas, passports, and other offline requests.

With this new launch, Yatra further strengthens its position as India's largest independent corporate travel service provider.

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Aurionpro Solutions surged 10.19% to Rs 273 at 10:16 IST on BSE after Cyberinc, the company's subsidiary, entered into a definitive agreement with KPMG LLP, USA, for sale of its Identity and Access Management business.

The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 3 January 2018.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 42.89 points or 0.13% at 33,836.27. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was up 110.89 points or 0.57% at 19,456.35, outperforming the Sensex.

High volumes were witnessed on the counter. On the BSE, 1.42 lakh shares were traded on the counter so far as against the average daily volumes of 40,860 shares in the past one quarter. The stock had hit a high of Rs 283.50, in intraday trade, which is also a 52-week high for the stock. The stock had hit a low of Rs 264 so far during the day. The stock had hit a 52-week low of Rs 103.05 on 12 June 2017.

The small-cap company has equity capital of Rs 23.04 crore. Face value per share is Rs 10.

Aurionpro Solutions said that on 3 January 2018, Cyberinc, an Aurionpro subsidiary, entered into a definitive agreement with KPMG LLP, USA, for sale of its Identity and Access Management (IAM) business. The transaction is expected to close on 31 January 2018.

KPMG LLP has agreed to acquire the Identity and Access Management business of Silicon Valley-based Cyberinc, which provides cyber security solutions globally. Cyberinc, the largest independent identity and access management (IAM) technology provider in the world, will enhance KPMG's existing capabilities as a leader in information security consulting services* and expand the firm's ability to provide clients with emerging and more agile IAM solutions.

The transaction also bolsters KPMG's talent and resources in the rapidly growing area of digital consumer identity and privileged user management, which are evolving security-focused capabilities to enhance important elements of customer-engagement.

Cyberinc's IAM business is a 190-person global team with significant presence in the US, India, Australia, and the UK, and extensive experience providing advisory, strategy, implementation services, and managed services for organizations that need to transform their enterprise or consumer identity capabilities.

Cyberinc is a subsidiary of Aurionpro Solutions- a global technology product and solution provider, headquartered in Mumbai, India and San Ramon, California. The Cyberinc transaction is KPMG's second acquisition in this area, following the October 2014 acquisition of certain assets of Qubera Solutions, a privately-held Redwood City, C.A. - based cyber security firm that provides IAM services.

KPMG LLP, is the audit, tax and advisory firm and the independent US member firm of KPMG International Cooperative (KPMG International).

Aurionpro Solutions' consolidated net profit rose 1.93% to Rs 13.75 crore on 5.13% rise in net sales to Rs 168.65 crore in Q2 September 2017 over Q1 June 2017.

Aurionpro Solutions is a global technology product and solution provider.

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The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for mandatory packaging of foodgrains and sugar in the jute material for the Jute Year 2017-18. The decision would sustain the core demand for the jute sector and support the livelihood of the workers and farmers dependent on the sector. The Jute Year 2017-18 period is from 1st July 2017 to 30th June, 2018.

Features:

1. The CCEA has extended the mandatory packaging norms under the Jute Packaging Material (JPM) Act, 1987.

2. The approval mandates that 90% of the food grains and 20% of the sugar products shall be mandatorily packed in jute bags.

3. The decision also mandates, in the first instance, the entire requirement for packing of food grains would be placed in jute bags thus, making a provision for 100% packing of food grains in jute bags subject to the ability of the jute industry to meet the requirement.

Impact:

The decision will benefit farmers and workers located in the Eastern and North Eastern regions of the country particularly in West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Meghalaya and Tripura.

Measures taken by Government to give a boost to Jute industry:

Jute industry is predominantly dependent on Government sector which purchases jute products more than Rs. 5,500 crore every year. Considering that nearly 3.7 lakh workers and approximately 40 lakh farmers are dependent for their livelihood on the jute sectors, the government has been making concerted efforts for the development of jute sector; increasing the quality and productivity of raw jute, diversification of jute sector and also boosting and sustaining demand for jute products. These include-

1. With a view to boosting demand in the jute sector, Government of India has imposed Definitive Anti Dumping Duty on import of jute goods from Bangladesh and Nepal with effect from 5th January, 2017.

As a result of these measures, 13 Twine mills in Andhra Pradesh had resumed operation, benefitting 20000 workers. Further, imposition of Definitive Anti Dumping Duty has provided scope for an additional demand of 2 lakh MT of jute goods in the domestic market for the Indian jute industry.

2. In order to improve the productivity and quality of raw jute through a carefully designed intervention, called the Jute ICARE, the Government has been supporting close to one lakh jute farmers by disseminating improved agronomic practices such as line sowing using seed drills, weed management by using wheel-hoeing and nail-weeders, distribution of quality certified seeds and also providing microbial assisted retting. These interventions have resulted in enhancing the quality and productivity of raw jute and increasing income of jute farmers by Rs. 10,000 per hectare.

3. In order to support jute farmers, Jute Corporation of India (JCI) has been given a grant of Rs. 204 crore for 4 years starting from 2014-15 to enable JCI to conduct MSP operations and ensure price stabilization in the jute sector.

4. With a view to supporting diversification of jute sector, the National Jute Board has collaborated with National Institute of Design and a Jute Design Cell has been opened at Gandhinagar.

5. Promotion of Jute Geo Textiles and Agro-Textiles has been taken up with the state governments particularly those in the North Eastern region and also with departments such as Ministry of Road Transport and Ministry of Water Resources.

6. In order to promote transparency in jute sector, Jute SMART an e-govt initiative was launched in December, 2016, providing an integrated platform for procurement of B-Twill sacking by Government agencies. Further, the JCI is transferring 100% funds to jute farmers online on the jute procurement under MSP and commercial operations.

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The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for implementation of the Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) for capacity augmentation of navigation on National Waterway-1 (NW-1) at a cost of Rs 5369.18 crore with the technical assistance and investment support of the World Bank. The Project is expected to be completed by March, 2023.

Major Impact:

Alternative mode of transport that will be environment friendly and cost effective. The project will contribute in bringing down the logistics cost in the country. Mammoth Infrastructure development like multi-modal and inter-modal terminals, Roll on - Roll off (Ro-Ro) facilities, ferry services, navigation aids. Socio-economic impetus; huge employment generation.

No. of beneficiaries: NW-1 development & operations will lead to direct employment generation to the tune of 46,000 and indirect employment of 84,000 will be generated by vessel construction industry.

States/districts covered

States: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal Major Districts: Varanasi, Ghazipur, Ballia, Buxar, Chhapra, Vaishali, Patna, Begusarai, Khagaria, Munger, Bhagalpur, Sahibganj, Musrhidabad, Pakur, Hoogly, Kolkata.

Project details:

Funding pattern:IBRD loan component: Rs. 2, 512 crore (US$ 375 million). Government of India counterpart funds: Rs. 2,556 crore (US$ 380 million), to be sourced from budgetary allocation and proceeds from bond issue. Private sector participation under PPP mode: Rs. 301 crore (US$45 million).

Fairway Development

Construction of the multi-modal terminal at Varanasi.

Construction of the multi-modal terminal at Sahibganj.

Construction of the multi-modal terminal at Haldia.

Construction of an inter-modal terminal at Kalughat .

Construction of an inter-modal terminal at Ghazipur.

Construction of a new navigation lock at Farakka.

Provision of navigational aids.

Construction of five pairs of Roll on-Roll off (Ro-Ro) terminals.

Construction of Integrated Ship Repair and Maintenance Complexes.

Provision of River Information System (RIS) and Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS)

Bank Protection works

Background:

One of the major problems for a commercially viable and safe navigation on NW-1 is low depth upstream of Farakka due to low discharges from tributaries and difficult hydro morphological characteristics of river Ganga. A pilot study on the Allahabad-Ghazipur stretch was commissioned by Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to find solutions to this problem. Based on the findings of this study, a proposal for development of NW-1 at an estimated cost of Rs. 4,200 crore (US$ 700 million) was taken up for seeking technical assistance and investment support from the World Bank to the tune of US$ 350 million in three Phases. Finance Minister announced JMVP in Budget Speech in July 2014, to enable commercial navigation of at least 1500 tonnes vessels in Ganga.

BACKGROUNDER NOTE

Implementation strategy/ and targets:

Fairway development through performance based contract for least assured depth of 2.2 metres to 3 metres and bottom channel width of 45 metres, bank protection works, and provisions of navigation aids.

Funding Pattern:

IBRD loan component: Rs. 2, 512 crore (US$ 375 million).

Government of India counterpart funds: Rs. 2, 556 crore (US$ 380 million), to be sourced from budgetary allocation and proceeds from bond issue. Private sector participation under PPP mode: Rs. 301 crore (US$45 million).

Major interventions and their completion timeline:

1.

Fairway Development

March, 20232.

Construction of Phase-I of multi-modal terminal at Varanasi.

November, 20183.

Construction of Phase-I of the multi-modal terminal at Sahibganj.

March, 20194.

Construction of multi-modal terminal at Haldia.

March, 2019

Construction of inter-modal terminal at Kalughat.

March, 2020

Construction of inter-modal terminal at Ghazipur.

March, 2020

Construction of intermodal terminal at Tribeni/Kalyani

March, 2020

Construction of new navigational lock at Farakka.

March, 2019.

Integrated Vessel Repair & Maintenance Complexes

March, 2020

Construction of Ro-Ro jetties

March, 2020

Vessel Procurement

March, 2019

Land Acquisition and R&R/RAP

March,2019

Provision of River Information System (RIS) and Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS).

March, 2020

Bank protection works.

December, 2019

Details and progress of scheme already running:

Construction of multi-modal terminal at Varanasi:

Contract for construction of Phase-I (A) of the terminal at an estimated cost of Rs.169.59 crore awarded in May, 2016. Physical progress of work: 25%.

Contract awarded for constructing a Rs 517.36 crore state-of-the-art multi-modal terminal at Haldia, West Bengal. Work initiated.

Contract for construction of phase-I (A) of the terminal at an estimated cost of Rs. 280.90 crore awarded in October, 2016. Physical progress of work: 25.62%

Contract for construction of a new navigation lock at an estimated cost of Rs 359.19 crore awarded in November, 2016. Physical progress: 22.30%

Tender process for fairway development through Performance Based Maintenance Dredging Contract for Provision of Least Assured Depth and quantity based dredging to provide a depth of 2.2 m to 3 metres between Farakka and Varanasi is being completed for awarding.

In order to scale up private investment in the IWT sector, IWAI has identified Kolkata terminal (GR Jetty-1, GR Jetty-II and BISN) and Patna terminal (Gaighat and Kalughat) for their development and operation under the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) mode.

: Locations: Rajmahal and Manikchak;Samdaghat and Manihari;Kahalgaon and Tintanga;Hasnapur and Bakhtiyarpur; and Buxar and Saraikota.

Contract awarded to a joint venture of Thompson Design Group (TDG), Boston (USA) and Infrastructure Architecture Lab of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (USA) in December 2016 for identifying suitable locations for construction of ferry terminals in six cities - Varanasi, Patna, Bhagalpur, Munger, Kolkata and Haldia on NW-1.

IWAI in August, 2016 signed a contract with M/s DST, Germany to design vessels, especially suited to navigate on NW-1. Consultancy completed with submission of stipulated 13 designs. Designs accepted by the Vetting Committee. Vessel testing is going on.

IWAI has taken up a technologically challenging project of setting up of River Information Service System on NW-1 for the first time in India. River Information System (RIS) are equipment, hardware and software information technology (IT) related services designed to optimize traffic and transport processes in inland navigation.

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The Government has various solar power programmes which are being implemented through assistance of World Bank, International Finance Corporation and other multilateral financial institutions.

The World Bank is providing assistance of USD 100 Million for development of internal infrastructure of solar parks a programme being implemented by the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) under the aegis of this Ministry. Also, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has signed an agreement with the State government of Madhya Pradesh to help them in setting up of various solar PV power projects.

A concessional loan of USD 620 Million has been provided by the World Bank to the State Bank of India and of USD 500 million by the Asian Development to the Punjab National Bank for financing of grid connected rooftop solar projects in Industrial and Commercial sectors.

Technical Assistance is also available for promotion of rooftop systems under World Bank, Asian Development Bank, USAID and GIZ assistance.

The assistance under such schemes are available to all States/UTs depending on requirement and demand. The solar and wind power projects are very competitive as compared to conventional power projects. The lowest tariffs in solar and wind discontinued recently have come down to Rs. 2.44/kWh and Rs. 2.43/kWh respectively

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NBCC (India) rose 1.21% to Rs 246.45 at 10:00 IST on BSE after the company said that it has secured the total business of around Rs 314.77 crore in December 2017.

The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 3 January 2018.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 58.99 points or 0.17% at 33,852.37.

On the BSE, 44,219 shares were traded on the counter so far as against the average daily volumes of 3.97 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock had hit a high of Rs 247.70 and a low of Rs 245.80 so far during the day. The stock had hit a record high of Rs 291.75 on 8 November 2017 and a 52-week low of Rs 160.40 on 5 January 2017.

The large-cap company has equity capital of Rs 180 crore. Face value per share is Rs 2.

NBCC (India) has secured the total business of around Rs 314.77 crore in the month of December 2017 which includes construction of border fence and road along Indo-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya state amounting Rs 215.77 crore at a project management consulting (PMC) fees of 7%.

NBCC (India)'s consolidated net profit surged 31.3% to Rs 81.24 crore on 12.1% fall in net sales to Rs 1319.25 crore in Q2 September 2017 over Q2 September 2016.

NBCC (India), a blue-chip Government of India (GoI) Navratna enterprise under the Ministry of Urban Development, is present in three segments of operations including project management consultancy (PMC), real estate development and EPC contracting. The GoI held 75% stake in the firm (as per shareholding pattern as on 30 September 2017).

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NIIT announced that it has acquired Eagle International Institute Inc. doing business as Eagle Productivity Solutions through its wholly owned subsidiary, NIIT (USA) Inc. The announcement was made before market hours today, 4 January 2018.

Healthcare Global Enterprises announced that it has entered into definitive agreements providing for a business combination of its Triesta Sciences business unit with Strand Life Sciences.

The business transfer agreement provides for the transfer by the company to Strand Life Sciences of the Triesta Sciences business unit, and the share subscription agreement provides for the issue of shares of Strand Life Sciences to the company in consideration thereof, resulting in the company acquiring 48.5% shareholding in Strand Life Sciences on a fully-diluted basis post the business combination. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 3 January 2018.

Allahabad Bank said that the Reserve Bank of India has placed the bank under prompt corrective action framework, consequent to the onsite inspection under the risk based supervision model carried out for the year ended March 2017 and the report issued thereof. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 3 January 2018.

Aurionpro Solutions said that on 3 January 2018, Cyberinc, an Aurionpro subsidiary, entered into a definitive agreement with KPMG LLP, USA, for sale of its Identity and Access Management (IAM) business. The transaction is expected to close on 31 January 2018. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 3 January 2018.

NBCC (India) has secured the total business of around Rs 314.77 crore in the month of December 2017 which includes construction of border fence and road along Indo-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya state amounting Rs 215.77 crore at a PMC fees of 7%. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 3 January 2018.

DCB Bank said that the Chairman and/or the Managing Director & CEO and/or the Chief Financial Officer may consider the proposal to raise further fund by issue of debt securities including tier II Bonds, on private placement basis up to Rs150 crore on or after 6 January 2018. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 3 January 2018.

The bank has necessary approvals from the board of directors and the shareholders to raise tier II capital by issue of debt securities including but not limited to tier II bonds upto Rs 450 crore by the bank in one or more tranches on private placement basis from time to time. The board, at its meeting held on 16 October 2017 had further delegated its authority to the Chairman and/or the Managing Director & CEO and/or the Chief Financial Officer to do all the necessary acts and things, inter alia, to finalize and approve offer document, size of the issue, coupon rate, tenure, face value, opening and closing of the issue etc, pertaining to the Issue.

SJVN said that the meeting of board of directors of the company will be held on 8 January 2018 to consider the proposal for buyback of the fully paid-up equity shares of the company. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 3 January 2018.

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On 03 January 2018

Tamil Nadu Petro Products announced that R Karthikeyan, Director nominated by Tamilnadu Industrial Development Corporation has resigned from the Board of the Company with effect from 03 January 2018.

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Considering that costs pertaining to finance, energy and logistics/transportation constitute major portion of consumer electronics sector, apex industry body ASSOCHAM has recommended the union government to allow weighted deduction of 150-200 per cent of the actual cost on specified components.

Further, these costs are auditable and duly included in the financial statements of a company, noted the ASSOCHAM pre-budget recommendations on direct taxes submitted to the Centre.

With a view to revive private investments in the electronics sector, ASSOCHAM has suggested that venture capital pool may be initiated and coordinated by a bank/special purpose vehicle (SPV) or under public-private partnership (PPP) mode.

While contributors may be offered tax incentives on the dividend, manufacturers may be provided with tax exemptions, it said.

In order to boost the availability of capital funds to India's $100 billion worth electronics industry, it is imperative that a venture capital pool be created and allied tax incentive provided to enable genuine private players to use funds of such pool through a stringent mechanism, said ASSOCHAM secretary general, Mr D.

S. Rawat.

To further make the business competitive in the electronics sector, ASSOCHAM has recommended the government to link the India BPO Promotion Scheme (IBPS) with direct tax benefit.

The government should allow assesses to claim depreciation on assets funded by government subsidy under the IBPS scheme.

It added that government did not receive expected response under this scheme - one reason could be that overall benefit under this scheme will be reduced by 33 per cent as the assesses cannot claim depreciation on assets funded by the government subsidy.

Further, the chamber highlighted that there is currently dispute in taxability of royalty in case of software (being copyrighted article) that forms part of hardware.

Thus, in order to avoid litigation and in line with global principles for taxation of software and judicial pronouncements of Hon'ble Supreme Court in case of customs and service tax, ASSOCHAM has recommended that it should be clarified that distribution of copyrighted articles being software forming integral part of hardware would not fall within the ambit of 'royalty.'

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At least 46 people, including 11 civilians, were killed in the last 24 hours in bombings allegedly by the Arab coalition, led by Saudi Arabia, in western Yemen, medics said on Thursday.

Coalition aircraft attacked several positions by Houthi rebels in the province of al-Hudaydah, killing 35 combatants and wounding dozens, Efe news agency reported.

In addition, 11 civilians lost their lives on Wednesday night and eight suffered wounds when coalition planes targeted a group of Houthis near a restaurant in the town of Zabid, southeast of the port of al-Hudaydah, medical sources in the area said.

Al-Hudaydah is a strategic port on the Red Sea and is controlled by the Houthis.

Yemen is the scene of a civil war between forces loyal to President Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi, exiled in Riyadh, and the Houthi rebels, who control regions in the north and west of the country, as well as its capital, Sana'a.

--IANS

ahm/dg

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Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on Thursday denied breach or leak of Aadhaar data after a newspaper reported it bought unrestricted access to the details of over one billion Aadhaar numbers -- for just Rs 500.

"The Aadhaar data, including biometric information, is fully safe and secure," the authority said in a statement, calling the report in The Tribune "a case of misreporting".

"UIDAI assures that there has not been any Aadhaar data breach," the statement said, adding that the data was secure with a "robust uncompromised security".

The authority said it had given search facility for the purpose of grievance redressal to designated personnel and state government officials to help residents only by entering their 12-digit Aadhaar numbers.

The grievance redressal search facility, the statement said, "gives only limited access to name and other details and has no access to biometric details".

It said the authority maintains complete log and traceability of its search facility and any misuse was traceable.

"The reported case appears to be instance of misuse of the grievance redressal search facility. As UIDAI maintains complete log and traceability of the facility, the legal action including lodging of FIR against the persons involved in the instant case is being done."

The Aadhaar database "remains fully safe and secure with highest encryption at UIDAI and mere display of demographic information cannot be misused without biometrics".

It said 12-digit ID number was not secret and had to be shared with authorized agencies whenever an Aadhaar holder wishes to avail certain service or benefit of government welfare schemes.

"That does not mean that the proper use of Aadhaar number poses a security or financial threat. Also, mere availability of Aadhaar number will not be a security threat (and) will not lead to financial (or) other fraud, as for a successful authentication fingerprint or iris of individual is also required.

"Claims of bypassing or duping the Aadhaar enrolment system are totally unfounded. The UIDAI Data Centres are infrastructure of critical importance and is protected accordingly with high technology conforming to the best standards of security and also by legal provisions."

The Tribune report, which was widely shared on social media sites, claimed that it took just Rs 500 and 10 minutes for the newspaper to get an access through an "agent" to every detail of any individual submitted to the UIDAI, including name, address, postal code (PIN), photo, phone number and email.

The newspaper said it paid another Rs 300, for which the "agent" provided "software" to facilitate the printing of the Aadhaar card after entering the Aadhaar number of any individual.

The Tribune also claimed to have found in its investigation that the racket may have started around six months ago when some anonymous groups were created on WhatsApp.

These groups targeted over three lakh village-level enterprise operators hired by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (ME&IT) under the Common Service Centres Scheme (CSCS) across India, offering them access to UIDAI data.

CSCS operators were initially entrusted with the task of making Aadhaar cards across the country but were withdrawn later. The service was restricted to post offices and designated banks to avoid any security breach in November last year.

--IANS

sar/mr

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The security situation facing Japan is the "severest since the Second World War", Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Thursday, calling the prospect of a nuclear-capable North Korea "absolutely unacceptable".

Tensions in the region have remained high in recent months. In September, the North Korean regime carried out its sixth and most powerful nuclear test. Its most recent missile test -- during the early hours of November 29 -- landed in Japan's exclusive economic zone.

Speaking at a news conference in Mie prefecture, Abe underlined the graveness of the situation by comparing it to the Second World War, a conflict which was finally ended with the dropping of two atom bombs -- the precursor to today's nuclear weapons -- on Japanese cities.

"It is not an exaggeration to say the security environment surrounding Japan is at its severest since the war," he said.

The Japanese Prime Minister urged the international community to apply concerted pressure to the rogue nation in an attempt to coerce its regime into giving up its nuclear ambitions, CNN reported.

"A nuclear armed North Korea is absolutely unacceptable. Without giving in to any provocative action, we must change the North Korea's policy by maximizing the pressure in complete solidarity with the international community," he said.

In total, North Korea has fired 23 missiles in 16 tests since February 2017, further perfecting its technology with each launch.

Earlier this year, in the face of an increasingly hostile North Korea, Abe set a deadline of 2020 to revise Japan's Constitution, that bans the country from maintaining armed forces.

It is a controversial proposal that strikes at the heart of the country's post-war identity but central to Abe's political ambitions.

It came one step closer to being realized in October when the conservative leader won a parliamentary supermajority in a general election.

"My immediate task is to deal with North Korea," Abe told reporters at the time. "It will take tough diplomacy. With the mandate given by the people, I would like to exercise my command in diplomacy."

--IANS

soni/dg

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The Australian government on Thursday said it aspires to be the world's leading exporter of medicinal cannabis.

The country plans to change its regulations to join Canada and the Netherlands in selling products beyond a domestic market. Uruguay and Israel have announced similar plans, the BBC reported.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said the move would also help local patients.

"Our goal is very clear: to give Australian farmers and manufacturers the best shot at being the world's number one exporter of medicinal cannabis," Hunt said.

Australia legalised the use of medicinal cannabis in 2016. Using the drug for recreation remains illegal.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that the changes would extend to products including oils, patches, sprays, lozenges and tablets.

Hunt said the change would stimulate the local industry, benefiting Australian patients as much as businesses, the BBC reported.

Earlier this week, California became the largest US state to legalise the use of recreational cannabis.

--IANS

ksk/dg

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The District Collector (DC) and Superintendent of Police (SP) of Rajastan's Barmer district were severely injured when a drunk driver rammed his car into their vehicle, a senior police officer said on Thursday.

DC Shivprasad Singh Madan and SP Gagandeep Singhla had visited Pachpadra on Wednesday to monitor the preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's arrival in the town on January 14 to inaugurate a refinery.

While they were returning on Wednesday night, their vehicle was hit hard by a Bolero SUV driven by Haneef Khan, who was drunk at the time of the accident, the officer said.

Madan and Singhla's vehicle then fell into a 15-feet deep trench.

Four people were taken out of the vehicle after it was cut open from different sides, the police said.

While the DC and the SP were taken to a Barmer hospital, the driver of their vehicle was rushed to a Jodhpur hospital as he had sustained more critical injuries.

Khan is also undergoing treatment, the official added.

--IANS

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The Border Security Force (BSF) on Thursday foiled an attempt by militants to sneak into Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan by killing an infiltrator.

A BSF official said here: "Alert troops noticed suspicious movement of two to three persons near the Nikowal border outpost in Arnia sector around 5.45 a.m.

"The intruders were challenged and fired at, resulting in the death of an infiltrator. Other infiltrators managed to escape back to Pakistan."

Border Security Force sources also claimed they destroyed two Pakistani mortar positions on Wednesday evening.

A BSF Head Constable was killed in Pakistani sniper fire on Wednesday in Samba sector after which heavy firing exchanges started between BSF and Pakistan Rangers.

--IANS

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An incident of a Chinese road construction party entering Indian territory and Beijing's statement on not recognising Arunachal Pradesh was raised in the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

Revolutionary Socialist Party member N.K. Premchandran urged the government to make a statement on the incident.

"Chinese entered Indian territory, there were attempts to construct a road. Upto one kilometre they constructed. They were then stopped by people and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police force.

"They had come up till the Siang river basin, so my point is upper Siang basin is being aggressed upon," Premchandran said.

"Further the Chinese spokesperson openly stated that Beijing has never recognised the state of Arunachal Pradesh. It is a provoking statement on China's part," he added.

"I would like to know the response of government of India on the Chinese aggression," he said.

A road building party from China entered Indian territory in a remote part of Arunachal Pradesh in December-end and were sent back by the Indian troops.

Around December 26, they were found constructing a track around two kilometres away from the nearest Indo-Tibetan Border Police post.

A nearly 600 metre long and 12 feet wide track was constructed on Indian territory when the Chinese party was stopped.

The area where the Chinese workers entered is close to the place where Brahmaputra river enters India.

Indian troops pushed back the labourers and seized the equipment. While there was no confrontation between troops on both side, Indian troops have barricaded the area since and have been guarding it.

Asked about the incident, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said: "First of all, on border issues with India, China is clear and consistent.

"We never acknowledge the existence of so-called Arunachal Pradesh," Geng said.

--IANS

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The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the trial court holding trial of Congress leader Jagdish Tytler and controversial businessman Abhishek Verma in an alleged corruption and forgery case to complete the process within an year.

"Expedite the trial in one year," said the bench of Justice Arun Mishra and Justice Mohan M. Shantanagoudar as it dismissed the plea by the Congress leader Tytler as withdrawn.

At the outset of the hearing, senior counsel Kapil Sibal, appearing for Tytler, told the bench that he has impressed upon the petitioner to withdraw the plea.

Tytler had moved the top court against the framing of charges by the trial court for allegedly using a forged letter addressed to then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2009 on the letterhead of the then Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Maken.

Earlier the Delhi High Court had on October 17 refused to set aside the trial court order to frame charges against Tytler and Verma in the case.

On December 9, 2015, the trial court ordered both to face trial in the case.

The trial court's order had come on a complaint by then Minister Maken that a forged letter on his letterhead was written to Manmohan Singh by Verma, seeking easing of business visa norms.

Tytler and Verma were chargesheeted on charge of attempted cheating and the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The Central Bureau of Investigation has alleged that Tytler "actively connived" with Verma to cheat a Chinese telecom firm and that the Congress leader had shown a "fake and forged" letter to the company officials, claiming it was written by Maken to the Prime Minister.

The trial court had said that prima facie, both accused had tried to cheat officials of ZTE Telecom India Pvt Ltd on the basis of the forged letter and Verma had demanded a bribe of Rs 50 lakh to sort out the visa issue of its employees.

--IANS

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A court here on Thursday granted bail to businessman Gagan Dhawan, arrested in connection with an over Rs 5,000 crore bank fraud case.

Additional Sessions Judge Sidharth Sharma granted bail to Dhawan, asking him to furnish a personal bond of Rs 2 lakh and two sureties of like amount each.

Enforcement Directorate had opposed the bail plea.

Dhawan was arrested from his south Delhi residence on November 1, 2017 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in a case involving fraud of over Rs 5,000 crore by Sandesara Group.

ED alleged that he was involved in diverting the amount to purchase properties and other shell companies.

According to ED officials, Dhawan allegedly aided bank loan frauds related to Vadodara-based Sterling Biotech company.

The ED had registered a case of money laundering following a case registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation against Sterling Biotech, its Directors Chetan Jayantilal Sandesara, Dipti Chetan Sandesara, Rajbhushan Omprakash Dixit, Nitin Jayantilal Sandesara, and Vilas Joshi and several others in connection with the bank fraud case.

--IANS

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DMK leader M.K. Stalin on Thursday said his party's Rajya Sabha members would cooperate with their AIADMK counterparts in the Lok Sabha for getting a facility on the lines of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Tamil Nadu.

In a statement here, Stalin said the Central government has failed to fulfil its promise of setting up an AIIMS in Tamil Nadu despite making an announcement in the 2015-16 Union Budget.

According to Stalin, an expert team from the Central government in 2015 had visited the five sites (Thanjavur, Madurai, Pudukottai, Erode and Chengalpattu) offered by the Tamil Nadu government for setting up the AIIMS.

After the state government delayed information asked by the Central government to proceed further, the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court, in August this year, had ordered the Central government to finalise the location by December 31.

But till date, the location has not been finalised, Stalin said, urging the Central government to take immediate steps to build an AIIMS in the state.

--IANS

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Former Catalan deputy leader Oriol Junqueras, who is also the leader of the pro-independence Esquerra Republicana (ERC), appeared in the Spanish Supreme Court on Thursday to appeal against the decision to maintain him in preventive custody without bail.

Junqueras was sent to prison on November 2, facing charges of sedition, rebellion and misuse of public funds, Xinhua news agency reported.

He has previously been denied bail at the start of December, with the judge arguing there was a risk of repeat offending, while other former members of the Catalan regional government were allowed to leave.

Junqueras' court appearance follows the regional election in Catalonia on December 21.

Spain's pro-unity Catalan party Ciudadanos won the most votes by gaining 37 seats in the 135-seat regional parliament.

But the pro-independence bloc consisting of three parties -- JuntsxCat, ERC and CUP -- secured an absolute majority of 70 seats in the parliament.

A decision is expected on Junqueras' request in the next few days.

--IANs

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Pakistan on Thursday released a video of alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav who says he has not been tortured in custody and that he saw an Indian diplomat "yelling" at his mother and wife after they met him last month.

Sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism in April 2017, Jadhav says in the video that he had "not been subjected to any sort of torture in Pakistan".

He also thanked the Pakistan government for letting him meet his mother Avanti and wife Chetankul. "This gesture was a positive one... I feel happy."

The death row is heard saying in the video released by the Pakistan Foreign Office: "The Indian person or diplomat accompanying my mother and wife started yelling at them as soon as they stepped out of the meeting."

Pakistani authorities arranged the meeting between Jadhav and his family on December 25 -- through a glass panel -- but did not allow a private discussion. Indian Deputy High Commissioner J.P. Singh was not seated with the family.

Jadhav, 47, says in the video that he "saw fear" in the eyes of his mother and wife when they met them in Islamabad, Dawn online reported.

"I saw fear... why should there be fear? What all has happened has happened," Jadhav said, adding his family was "threatened".

He said: "I am a Commissioned officer in the Indian Navy - my Commission is not over."

On December 26, India denounced Pakistan for its handling of the visit, saying they were harassed and prevented from talking to Jadhav freely.

New Delhi denies Jadhav is a spy and says he was abducted from Iran where he had business interests. Islamabad claims he was arrested in the restive province of Balochistan.

--IANS

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Israeli Knesset (parliament) vote on the "unified Jerusalem law" breaches the resolutions relating to the disputed city, spokesman for Egyptian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

"The vote violates the legitimacy on Jerusalem as a city under occupation," Xinhua quoted ministry's spokesman Ahmed Abu Zaid as saying.

He added that the bill stands as an obstacle against the Palestinian-Israeli peace process as well as reaching a just solution to the prolonged conflict.

On Monday, Israeli Knesset approved the "unified Jerusalem" bill provided for separating Palestinian neighbourhoods from Jerusalem.

It requires the approval of 80 of its members for any decision to hand over parts of Jerusalem to the Palestinian authority in the future.

The Knesset approval came a day after Israel's ruling Likud party overwhelmingly approved a draft resolution that calls on Israeli lawmakers to agree on annexing Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and occupied Jerusalem, which was officially condemned by the Palestinians.

--IANS

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The Delhi High Court on Thursday commuted the death sentence of two convicts to life imprisonment in the 2009 Jigisha Ghosh murder case.

A division bench of Justice S. Murlidhar and Justice I.S. Mehta modified the death sentence awarded to Ravi Kapoor and Amit Shukla by the trial court and said they would serve life imprisonment.

The death row convicts had challenged the trial court's conviction and sentence.

The trial court had on July 14, 2016, held the two guilty of the murder of IT executive Jigisha Ghosh and other counts.

While sentencing the two to death, the trial court had said the 28-year-old woman was killed in a "cold-blooded, inhuman and cruel manner" and "brutally mauled to death".

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Delhi High Court on Thursday commuted to life imprisonment the death sentence of two convicts accused of murdering in 2009 IT executive Jigisha Ghosh.

Justice S. Murlidhar and Justice I.S. Mehta modified the death sentence awarded to Ravi Kapoor and Amit Shukla by the trial court and said they would serve life imprisonment.

"Having carefully considered the entire case from all perspectives, the court is not satisfied that the crime here can be characterised as 'rarest of rare' that warrants the award of the death penalty for Kapoor and Shukla," the High Court said.

"The Court accordingly modifies the sentence awarded to Kapoor and Shukla for the offence under sections 302/34 IPC (murder with common intention) to one of imprisonment for life," the judges said.

The two death row convicts had challenged the trial court's conviction and sentence. The trial court had sentenced a third offender, Baljeet Malik, to life imprisonment for his good conduct in jail.

On July 14, 2016, the trial court held them guilty of the murder.

The High Court said it was not clear which of the three accused - whether all of them or only some of them - committed the murder of Jigisha.

"What is proved beyond doubt is that all of them were involved in the crime. Therefore, to differentiate, as the trial court has done, between the accused by awarding the death penalty to two of them may also not be justified," said the court.

The bench said that in any event the behaviour of a prisoner during his term as an under trial cannot be a sufficient marker for his potential for reform and rehabilitation.

"...It might be unsafe to conclusively determine, even while the prisoner is an under trial, that his conduct in prison can indicate his capacity for reformation. Such a determination would require observing the prisoner over some period of time separated sufficiently in time and circumstance," said the bench.

The High Court said that proved circumstances point "unerringly" to the guilt of the accused.

The 28-year-old Operations Manager at Hewitt Associates in Noida was abducted after an office car dropped her around 4 a.m. near her Delhi home.

The trial court had said she was killed in a "cold-blooded, inhuman and cruel manner" and "brutally mauled to death".

It had said that the "magnitude and brutality" exhibited by the three made the case "rarest of rare", warranting capital punishment for Kapoor and Shukla.

Ghosh was also robbed of her gold jewellery, two mobile phones and debit and credit cards. Her body was found near Surajkund in Haryana, about 20 km from her Vasant Vihar home.

The police had arrested the three within a week following digital footprints after the suspects used Ghosh's ATM cards to buy expensive goggles, wrist watches and shoes at Sarojini Nagar Market in Delhi.

Malik's hand tattoo busted the gang as the surveillance camera at a shop captured the image when the three were out shopping.

The trial court had held the three guilty under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including murder, abducting for murder, destruction of evidence, voluntarily causing hurt in committing robbery, forgery for purpose of cheating and using as genuine a forged document.

However, the charge of criminal conspiracy could not be proved against them.

In June 2009, the police had filed the chargesheet in the case stating that Ghosh's post-mortem report had revealed that she was killed by smothering. The trial in the case began in April 2010.

The three were also facing trial for the murder of TV journalist Soumya Viswanathan, killed a year before Ghosh.

--IANS

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A delegation of BJP MPs on Thursday met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to demand a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the killing of a Hindu activist in Karnataka and other such deaths in the state.

Lead by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Shobha Karandlaje, the delegation requested the Home Minister to intervene in the matter and ensure a probe by the counter-terrorism agency into the murder of Deepak Rao, who is reportedly 21st person to be killed in Karnataka in the recent past.

According to police, Rao was hacked to death in the Dakshina Kannada district on Wednesday when he was returning after collecting some documents from his shop owner Abdul Majid. He was riding a motorbike on his way to work when four assailants came in a car, waylaid him and attacked with a sharp-edged weapon.

Karandlaje alleged involvement of radical Islamist outfit Popular Front of India (PFI) in most of the killings.

"This is the 21st murder in Karnataka. Of these, 12 were committed by 'jihadis'. The organisation is active in Karnataka because the state government is supporting it. It should be linked to national security and terrorism. The cases should be probed by the NIA," Karandlaje told reporters after the meeting.

She accused the Congress-led Siddaramaiah state government of trying to hush up the cases and not disclosing the forensic report of another slain activist, Paresh Mesta.

Mesta was killed in Uttara Kannada district's Honnavar town in December 2017.

She also charged the state government with supporting the Islamist group for "vote bank politics".

"Siddaramaiah himself called the PFI and its political body, and asked them to support the Congress in the next elections," she claimed.

BJP MP Pralhad Joshi also demanded on Thursday in the Lok Sabha a probe into the murder of Rao by the NIA while raising the issue during the Zero Hour.

He accused the Congress government in Karnataka of turning a blind eye to the killings as it "wants to adopt the Kerala model" of governance where BJP members "are being targeted".

"I demand an NIA inquiry into all these cases," Joshi said.

--IANS

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Protests were held in Assam on Thursday against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who had termed the recent updation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam a "conspiracy against the Bengalis".

While the Brihattar Asomiya Yuva Mancha staged demonstrations in different parts of the state and burnt the effigy of Banerjee, many organisations representing the linguistic minority community also took to the streets.

Several social organisations filed an FIR against Banerjee, while organisations like Nikhil Bharat Banga Sahitya Sabha, Bengali Students' Federation of Assam slammed her for "trying to take political mileage".

Banerjee, addressing a public meeting at West Bengal's Birbhum, had termed the process of updating the NRC a "Bengali Hatao" movement, saying it is a political conspiracy hatched against the Bengalis. A case has been registered against her for promoting enmity between different groups.

Her statement also drew severe criticism from different sections of society.

Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called her statement "unfortunate" and said the Supreme Court, under whose guidance the NRC was being updated, will be informed of Banerjee's statement.

"The statement shows her lack of knowledge, particularly about the history of Assam. The updation of NRC was done at the instruction and guidance of the Supreme Court," he said, adding they would now decide whether the state government will draw the attention of the Supreme Court to it or "other people" will.

All Assam Students Union adviser Samujjal Bhattacharyya said the statement was "instigative" in nature, and also noted that the NRC has been updated according to the Assam Accord and under consistent monitoring of the Supreme Court.

He said that Assam has taken the burden of lots of foreigners who entered the state till March 24, 1971.

"However, according to the Assam Accord, those who have come after midnight of March 24, 1971 have to go. There is no question of Bengalis or Muslims," he said.

Former Chief Minister and senior Asom Gana Parishad leader Prafulla Kumar Mahanta called it a "scheme to flare up communal tension and destabilise the peace in Assam".

--IANS

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday remembered her party activists killed in the 2001 Choto Angaria massacre and paid tribute to all those were "martyred" during the left front regime in the state.

"On January 4, 2001, the Trinamool Congress activists were brutally killed in Choto Angaria. Today is the 17th anniversary of the incident. My tribute to the martyrs. I convey my regards to all the martyrs who were victims of political bloodbath during the Left Front regime," Banerjee said in a tweet.

In 2001, 11 Trinamool Congress activists were burnt alive allegedly by the armed Communist Party of India-Marxist workers in West Midnapore district's Choto Angaria. The Central Bureau of Investigation, which was handed over the case by the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court, had arrested eight people, while five more were absconding. However, a special court had acquitted the eight due to insufficient evidence.

--IANS

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Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement said on Wednesday that there are Israeli intentions to escalate aggression against the Gaza Strip.

"The threats against the Islamic Jihad, which are being fueled by the Zionist media, are an attempt to justify this aggression," Xinhua quoted the movement as saying.

Israeli media outlets reported on Wednesday that mortar shells fired at Israel from Gaza on Friday appear to be the same Iran-made projectiles used in a November 30 barrage fired by the Islamic Jihad group.

According to Israeli army assessments, the recent attacks show that Hamas rulers of Gaza have lost ability to prevent other militants groups from carrying out attacks from the coastal enclave, Israeli media said.

The Islamic Jihad said it would claim responsibility of any anti-Israel attacks its militants carry out, adding that "we are courageous enough to announce our operations against the occupation."

The movement warned Israel of carrying out any military action against the Palestinians, stressing that they will respond to any Israeli military escalation.

Tension has been mounting between Israel and Palestinian militants in the past few weeks, after Israeli army destroyed a tunnel in October, killing 12 Islamic Jihad militants and wounding 17 others.

--IANS

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The Dakar Village Fair, a prelude to the world's toughest rally, the Dakar 2018, opened its doors in Lima showing Peruvian culture and customs, before the 9,000 km race through Peru, Bolivia and Argentina begins on January 6.

In two days the drivers will start off from the Village trying to win the race. Among the favourite racers are Spain's Carlos Sainz and Nani Roma, France's Stephane Peterhansel, Sebastien Loeb and Cyril Despres, and Qatar's Nasser Al-Attiyah, reports Efe.

The Peruvian fans began attending the event on Wednesday, eager to see the 540 vehicles which will compete in the rally after having arrived just a few days ago at the port of Callao, the neighboring city of Lima, after they were shipped from France.

The drivers on Wednesday began to make first technical reviews and prepare their vehicles for the event's first stage on Saturday, when they will have to master the tracks between Lima and the city of Pisco, some 250 kilometers south of the capital.

The Dakar Rally, which returns to Peru this year after a five year hiatus, celebrates its 40th edition, and for the tenth time is taking place in South America.

--IANS

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Ravi Menon, the Managing Director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), has been named the best central bank governor in Asia-Pacific for 2018 by UK-based magazine The Banker.

The finance publication said that under Menon's leadership, the MAS pursued a "cutting-edge regulatory approach to fintech while maintaining macroeconomic stability".

The annual award by The Banker, is based on a selection process involving a survey of bankers and economists, the Strait times reported, citing the magazine as saying.

"You can only encourage technology to the extent that you can also contain and manage its risks. A smart financial centre must be a safe financial centre as well," Menon said in an interview to the magazine.

The Menon-led MAS banned high-profile bankers including Tim Leissner, formerly Goldman Sachs' man in southeast Asia, as well as Swiss banker Jens Sturzenegger, who was the branch manager of Falcon Private Bank when it was shut down over 1MDB dealings last year, reports said.

More recently, Menon and MAS sought to cool demand in Asia for cryptocurrencies, warning that investors should weigh up the significant risks before pouring money in.

Singapore's Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat was also given this award in 2011 when he was then MAS' Managing Director. Over the last three years, the award went to the central bankers of Vietnam, India and Bangladesh.

The magazine said that the MAS was among the first regulators to set up a dedicated fintech group that focuses on understanding technology's risks and benefits.

--IANS

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Manipur Police have tightened security to check the possible influx of migrants after a draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) published in neighbouring Assam has sparked fears that many may be declared non-Indians.

Director General of Police L.M. Khaute has supervised security measures along the Assam-Manipur border on the state's eastern side to check entry of outsiders whose names are not on the NRC.

On Monday, the Assam government published the draft which includes names of 1.9 crore people of of the total 3.29 crore applicants. The process of updating the NRC began in 2013 and it was carried out under the guidance and instructions of the Supreme court.

As many as 68.27 lakh families comprising of 3.29 crore applicants had submitted 6.5 crore documents in support of their citizenship claims.

Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said: "Additional police and paramilitary personnel have been rushed to Jiribam district to ensure that undesirable persons do not enter (our state)."

Police in Jiribam have demolished six bamboo bridges across Jiri river, a detour route migrants use to avoid security checks.

Security personnel were also deployed at the Mao gate as many migrants might enter Manipur from the National Highway-2 that links Manipur, Nagaland and Assam, the police said.

Police are also being deployed along the Assam-Tamenglong highway and Jessami in Ukhrul district.

Authorities had conducted security checks in Jiribam district where some people without identity cards were detained. Some were found to be using fake voter IDs.

--IANS

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The Rajya Sabha on Thursday expressed concern over the Bhima-Koregaon incident and the ensuing violence across Maharashtra and appealed for the restoration of peace.

The discussion on the anti-Dalit violence was taken up as soon as the House met for the day and one leader of each party was given around one minute to express their thoughts.

On Wednesday, the opposition had demanded a discussion on the violence under Rule 267, that entails suspending all the listed business of the day, but was denied permission by Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu. The opposition then had disrupted proceedings in the upper House.

On Thursday, before allowing the discussion, Naidu told the MPs to be not provocative in their statements.

"Our approach should be to see that tempers are brought down and the situation is not escalated there (in Maharashtra). After all it is a social conflict," he said.

While the members from opposition parties including the Congress, Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, Trinamool Congress, DMK, the Communist Party of India-Marxist and Nationalist Congress Party blamed communal forces and "Hindutva outfits" for the violence and demanded impartial probe and strict action against the culprits, the BJP and its ally Shiv Sena gave a clean chit to the state BJP-Sena government.

BSP member Veer Singh demanded a judicial probe by a sitting Supreme Court judge in the Bhima-Koregaon incident.

While giving a clean chit to "Hindutva elements" Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut blamed for the violence an "invisible hand" that "replicated the divide and rule policy of the British" in Koregaon.

NCP chief and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Sharad Pawar, while criticising the communal forces, appealed for maintaining peace in the state.

"What has happened, has happened. Now peace should be restored and efforts should be made to restore peace," he said.

In the riots in Bhima-Koregaon in Pune during the 200th anniversary celebrations of the Anglo-Maratha War of 1818 on January 1, more than 30 vehicles were torched or damaged and a young man was killed.

Hundreds of thousands of Dalits had assembled at the Vijay Stambh (victory pillar) erected by the British in Sanaswadi village when stone-pelting began, allegedly by some right-wing groups carrying saffron flags.

Over the next few days, the violence spread out to Mumbai and some other parts of the state.

--IANS

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Melanie Kohler, a Hawaiian woman who accused Hollywood producer Brett Ratner of raping her last year, has filed a motion asking a judge to dismiss the libel suit.

Kohler's lawyers contend that Ratner's suit consisted of little more than "threadbare, conclusory allegations" which fail to meet the minimum requirements for a libel complaint, variety.com reports.

They also argued that Ratner's suit was intended to intimidate other women from coming forward with allegations.

In October, Kohler wrote a Facebook post alleging that Ratner raped her in 2004 or 2005. She took the post down within two hours, after receiving a call from Ratner's attorney.

"Stripped of its conclusory allegations, the complaint is essentially a blank piece of paper. It lacks any factual allegation from which this court can infer that Kohler's FB post was false or was published with actual malice," Kohler's attorneys wrote.

Kohler's attorneys also argued the suit should be dismissed under California's anti-SLAPP statute which limits lawsuits intended to chill public speech.

In a filing last week, Ratner's attorneys said they would seek to limit Kohler's ability to use the discovery process to explore other sexual misconduct allegations against him.

--IANS

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Russia considers a US proposal to hold an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council over recent protests in Iran as "harmful", Sputnik news agency reported on Thursday, citing Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.

The Security Council is responsible for maintaining global peace and security, and Iran's internal issues have nothing to do with its mission, Ryabkov said.

"Iran's domestic affairs have nothing to do with the United Nations Security Council's role," he said.

He said Russia will roll out its own position, which is in line with the norms of international law.

Earlier this week, US envoy to UN Nikki Haley said Washington sought to convene emergency meetings at the UN headquarters and human rights council in Geneva.

Over the past week, riots broke out in some Iranian cities in protest against price hikes and economic woes.

US President Donald Trump and a number of other US officials, including Vice President Mike Pence, have sided with the protesters.

Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations Gholamali Khoshroo has slammed the US government's recent attempts to intervene in the domestic affairs of the Islamic Republic.

--IANS

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External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj arrived here on Thursday on the first leg of a three-nation tour that will also take her to Indonesia and Singapore.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted that the Minister got a "warm welcome" in Thailand -- "our geographic, historic and cultural neighbour".

During her two-day visit to Thailand, Sushma Swaraj will meet Don Pramudwinai, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

According to the External Affairs Ministry, all aspects of bilateral relations will be discussed with particular focus on political, defence and economic ties and on further enhance India's engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) countries.

Thailand will take over from Vietnam the role of coordinator country for India-Asean relations from the middle of this year.

Sushma Swaraj will also share with her interlocutors information about the upcoming Asean-India Commemorative Summit that marks 25 years since the establishment of Dialogue Partnership between India and the regional bloc.

In a unique first, the leaders of the Asean countries are expected to attend this year's Republic Day celebrations collectively as chief guests. After Thailand, Sushma Swaraj will visit Indonesia and Singapore.

--IANS

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The Oberoi Group on Thursday announced the reopening of The Oberoi, New Delhi -- the hotel which went through renovation after it celebrated its Golden Anniversary in 2016.

The hotel opened three months ahead of the expected two years schedule of renovation.

"The opening is a significant moment for us. When my late father Rai Bahadur M.S. Oberoi opened the hotel in the autumn of 1965, he wished it to be the most modern luxury hotel. I am confident that The Oberoi, New Delhi will continue this tradition," said P.R.S. Oberoi, Executive Chairman, The Oberoi Group.

According to the Oberoi Group, the hotel's 220 rooms -- including 34 suites -- were refurbished and made more spacious and luxurious, along with the addition of advanced air filters throughout.

--IANS

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Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday assured the Lok Sabha that no one will be left out from the citizens' register that is readied in Assam, after Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy alleged the Bengali population in the state was not being registered.

Raising the issue during zero hour, Roy termed the National Register of Citizens in Assam a "conspiracy to drive out the Bengali population".

Rajnath Singh, who was in the House at that time, however, dismissed the allegation.

"This is a baseless allegation that they are trying to throw someone out. If someone's name has been missed, it will be included in the list," he said.

He said so far 1.9 crore names have been included in the first draft of the register. According to reports over three crore applicants had applied for it.

The first draft was released on the midnight of December 31, which was the time frame for the publication of the NRC set by the Supreme Court.

--IANS

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The Devasom Minister in Kerala on Thursday said there was no ban on women praying in the Sabarimala temple and that women, especially from the erstwhile royal families, used to pray there.

Kadakampally Surendran's statement came at a time when the Supreme Court's Constitution Bench is looking if the ban on entry into the temple of females in the age group of 10-50 years was discriminatory and violated the Constitution.

The Devasom Ministry controls the various Devasom Boards that run a number of temples in the state including Sabarimala and the Sree Krishna temple at Guruvayoor.

T.K.A. Nair, a former advisor to then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, said he had been told that way back in 1940 he was seated in his mother's lap and took part in a ritual at the Sabarimala temple.

Nair was last week appointed Chairman of the advisory committee for improving the facilities for pilgrims visiting the Sabarimala temple.

Countering them, Rahul Eshwar, a member of the Sabarimala temple 'tantric' family, said these arguments were meant to weaken the present case in the Supreme Court.

"These are all lies as I have with me records from the British era dating back to 1812 which shows that in a survey report conducted then it states that the Sabarimala temple had banned entry of women falling within a particular age group," said Eshwar.

In October last year, a bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice R. Banumathi and Justice Ashok Bhushan framed five questions to be addressed by the Constitution Bench on the issue.

--IANS

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During the Korean War, the American military, led by a deranged Douglas MacArthur, considered nuclear strikes on China and Korea. (Those who think North Korea behaves in irrational fashion should consider its historical experience). MacArthur also thought the United States should pre-emptively attack the Russians, their ally against Hitler, before they developed nuclear capability.
This is with reference to State Bank of India increasing its maintenance of monthly average balance (MAB) to Rs 5,000 for branches in six metros, Rs 3,000 for urban, Rs 2,000 for semi-urban and Rs 1,000 for rural branches from April 1, 2017. Non-maintenance of MAB invited heavy penalty. Consequent to large-scale protests and appeals by the public, requirement of MABs and penalty charges were marginally reduced from October 2017. The bank defended the rise in MAB limit and penalty to compensate the cost of maintaining the Prime Ministers Jan Dhan Yojana accounts. Now, the SBI has come out with a mind-boggling figure of Rs 17.72 billion penalty collected from depositors for non-maintenance of MABs in their Saving Bank accounts during April to November 2017. What the bank has not disclosed is that most of the depositors who have been charged penalty are from the middle and poor class. The depositors, who were unaware or who could not apprehend the revised instructions were totally shocked to find their hard earned small amount deposited depleted. They could not help cursing themselves for having opened and maintained a savings bank account with SBI  the bank, which till the end of March 2017 had allowed to open accounts with Rs 500 without cheque book facility. It is not a matter of pride to SBI to earn Rs 17.72 billion by way of penalty as a substantial portion of it righteously belongs to over a million poor depositors across the country.
Gujarat fisheries minister and Koli leader on Thursday said Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has assured to allocate him a "better" portfolio in the next Cabinet expansion.

In a related development, supporters of another BJP MLA, Jetha Bharwad, sought that he be made a minister in the state government. However, the legislator clarified that he did not make any such demand.

Earlier, Solanki, who was unhappy over the allocation of portfolios in the new BJP government in Gujarat, had skipped the state Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

Demanding that "good" departments be allocated to their leader, Solanki's supporters, led by his brother and former BJP MLA Hira Solanki, gathered at the minister's residence at Gandhinagar on Wednesday.

However, Solanki on Thursday said that the chief minister has assured that justice will be done to him.

"The chief minister called me yesterday after the Koli community members gathered at my residence. During the meeting, Rupani assured that I will be given a better department when the next Cabinet expansion takes place after one-and-a-half months, that is after the Assembly session," he told reporters in Gandhinagar.

"Though there was no discussion about any specific department, the meeting was very positive as the chief minister assured that justice will be done to me," Solanki said.

He also thanked the Koli community for standing firmly behind him.

"The Kolis are always with the party and we all will work together for the party," the BJP leader said.

The disgruntled Koli leader on Wednesday said his community feels that he should be given some more portfolios.

He claimed that despite being a five-time MLA, he was ignored by the leadership while several "juniors" have been given "good portfolios".

The Koli community strongman has been given the fisheries department as a minister of state. Solanki held the same portfolio as a MoS in the previous government under Chief Minister Rupani.

After assuming charge on January 2, Solanki had openly expressed his displeasure at being given only one department, stating that the chief minister was having 12 portfolios with him while other ministers were also heading many departments.

Meanwhile, the supporters of five-time MLA Bharwad on Wednesday demanded in his constituency that their leader be made a minister in the state government.

Clarifying his stand on the issue, Bharwad, who represents the Shehra seat in Panchmahal district, on Thursday said he never demanded anything from the party.

"I was never unhappy and I never made any demand. I learned yesterday that my supporters are unhappy because I have not been made a minister. I immediately called them not to engage in such indiscipline," he told reporters.

Bharwad said he is not in public life out of greed. "I am happy to be an MLA. It is not in my nature to put forward such demands," he added.
With disagreement persisting between a united Opposition and an unyielding government on whether the be referred to a select committee of the Rajya Sabha, the contentious Bill looks headed to be put in abeyance.
Two activists of the Bheem Sena, a Dalit outfit, have been arrested for allegedly insulting Hindu gods in a village here, police said today.

The incident happened in Nauna village in the Mansurpur police station area last evening.

Circle Officer Rajiv Kumar Singh told PTI that police filed a case against a number of activists of the Bheem Sena based on a complaint by Man Singh.

Singh alleged Bheem Sena activists led by their leader Lokesh Kataria forced their way into his house and insulted Hindu gods.

Two persons have been arrested in connection with the incident, police said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
2017 was no different from previous years as far as crime in the national capital was concerned with several shocking incidents of rape, murder and snatching reported, though the Delhi Police tried to paint a rosy picture by claiming crime reduced considerably.

The year 2017 began on an unpleasant note for Delhi Police. A video of a mob running amok and attacking policemen with stones in Mukherjee Nagar after they prevented two men from assaulting a woman on New Year eve surfaced raising serious questions over the safety of women in the capital.

The incident was eerily similar to the one in Bengaluru which reported mass molestation of women by wayward revellers around the same time. Despite questioning over 300 students and other efforts, the Delhi Police failed to nab the accused.

Even as the nation continued to express its outrage over such incidents, a "prank" video posted on YouTube uploaded by one "Crazy Sumit" in which a youth tried to kiss women randomly invited criticism and prompted Delhi Police to start an investigation into the matter.

The YouTuber and his friend were detained but no case was made out after it emerged that the video was shot with the consent of the women.

In the same month, the city police got a new chief in Amulya Kumar Patnaik as its then commissioner Alok Kumar Verma, was appointed as the CBI director.

Crime against women and children continued to be a concern as some cases stunned the investigators, including one in which a four-year-old boy was booked for raping his classmate in Dwarka.

From January till November 30 last year, 1,968 cases of rape were reported in the national capital. This was a minor decline from last year in which 1992 cases were reported during the same time period.

In February, a replica of the Nobel Peace Prize and its citation awarded to child rights activist Kailash Satyarthi were stolen from his residence. The miscreants were later arrested and the replica recovered but the citation could be found only after a month.

February also witnessed large-scale violence between members of the AISA and the ABVP in Ramjas College. The genesis of the clash was an invite to JNU students Umar Khalid and Shehla Rashid to address a seminar on 'Culture of Protests', which was withdrawn by the college authorities following opposition by ABVP.

While the national capital saw several cases of rape, murder, snatching, motor vehicle theft, etc, statistics showed some decline in all the departments.

For instance, the police statistics claimed that molestation incidents had declined by 19.36 per cent even as there was an increase in the percentage of arrests made in such cases.

Be it the case of Ukrainian Ambassador Igor Polikha or India's first secretary in the Permanent Mission of India to the UN Eenam Gambhir, who both became victims of cell phone snatchers, street crimes continued to trouble the police.

The police statistics claimed that 7,669 cases of snatching were reported in 2017 till November 15, a decline from the previous year's number which stood at 8,428 in the same period.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's creaky blue Wagon R car that was used by him till the 2015 assembly election and which had helped cement his position as the "aam aadmi" was also stolen from outside the Delhi Secretariat in October and was later found abandoned in Ghaziabad.

The elite Special Cell had some big catches to its name including Sonu Dariyapur, who had earned the tag of being "Delhi's most wanted criminal".

In June, the cell also arrested an aide of mob boss Dawood Ibrahim's confidant Chhota Shakeel, who was allegedly planning to kill Pakistan-born Canadian writer Tarek Fatah.

The anti-terror unit then arrested a Bangladeshi-origin suspected al-Qaeda operative, who had come to India to allegedly train and radicalise Rohingyas for fighting the Myanmarese Army in September.

The unit also arrested Sukesh Chandrasekhar, a middleman, in April for allegedly taking money from AIADMK (Amma) leader TTV Dhinakaran to bribe EC officials in connection with the dispute over the AIADMK poll symbol -- 'two leaves'.

Dhinakaran and his aide were also subsequently arrested in connection with the case.

The police may pat its back for the decrease in the number of cases registered under various heads, but several cases remained unsolved.

Incidents of braid chopping were reported from Rohini, Mangolpuri, outer Delhi's Kanganheri village, Kanjhawla, etc, and created a mass hysteria. While cases were registered in the incidents, the mystery barber was never nabbed.

Delhi Police was also caught on the wrong foot, courtesy some of its personnel who got embroiled in controversies.

In October, visuals surfaced showing controversial self- styled godwoman Radhe Maa sitting on an SHO's chair at a police station and swaying with policemen at a Ram Lila function here, forcing an embarrassed Delhi Police to order an inquiry into the incidents.

The police were again left embarrassed after it emerged that some police personnel allowed Sukesh Chandrasekhar, accused in the Election Commission bribery case, to shop in a Bengaluru mall, where he had been taken for a court hearing.

Many shocking cases of child rapes were reported this year.

In January, a 38-year-old man was arrested for allegedly trapping and sexually assaulting school girls after telling them that he had been sent by their parents for giving them some items in east Delhi's New Ashok Nagar.

In September, a 54-year-old British national was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting three visually-impaired minor inmates of the National Association for the Blind in south Delhi's R K Puram.

In the same month, a five-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a peon inside the premises of a private school in Gandhi Nagar area of Shahdara.

The Anti-Corruption Branch, which till 2016, was involved in a tussle with the AAP dispensation over registration of cases and questioning of AAP ministers and MLAs, had a relatively quiet year.

It also got a new chief in Arvind Deep after Mukesh Kumar Meena, who had several run-ins with the Delhi government and was investigating sensitive cases pertaining to scams in the government was transferred to Mizoram.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
At least 28 civilians have been killed by bombardment in the besieged Syrian opposition stronghold of Eastern Ghouta, near Damascus, most of them in Russian air raids, a monitor said.

Nineteen were killed in Russian strikes in the town of Misraba yesterday, while the remainder died the same day in regime strikes and shelling in other areas, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Seven children and 11 women were among those killed, according to the head of the Britain-based war monitor, Rami Abdel Rahman.

Victims were taken to a hospital in Douma, where an AFP correspondent saw rescuers bringing in mostly women and children.

Medical staff tried to revive an infant who had been pulled from the rubble, but without success. A young girl among the wounded received stitches for a serious injury to her face.

A medical source at the hospital told AFP: "Among the wounded were two women in their 20s. One of them lost both eyes and the other lost one eye."



Eastern Ghouta, one of the last remaining opposition strongholds in Syria, is controlled mostly by rebels from the Jaish al-Islam (Army of Islam) group.

It has been under government siege since 2013, causing severe food and medicine shortages for around 400,000 residents.

According to the Observatory, Russian-backed regime forces have increased their bombardment of the enclave in recent days in response to jihadists and rebels attacking regime positions near the town of Harasta.

The monitor relies on a network of sources inside Syria and says it determines whose planes carry out raids according to type, location, flight patterns and munitions used.

The bombardment comes despite Eastern Ghouta being one of four "de-escalation zones" agreed by Russia, as well as regime backer Iran and rebel supporter Turkey, to help halt fighting around Syria.

Jaish al-Islam leader Mohammed Alloush on Thursday accused the regime of preparing an assault on the opposition stronghold.

"The regime has been gathering its troops especially on our fronts for the past month to attack (Eastern) Ghouta," he told AFP.

The Al-Watan newspaper, which is close to the government, on Thursday said the army was gathering its troops on the outskirts of Harasta.

The war in Syria has killed more than 340,000 people and displaced millions from their homes since it began in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

The latest raids came after at least seven civilians, including five children, were killed Tuesday by air strikes in northwestern Idlib province, the last outside government control, the Observatory said.

Government and allied forces backed by Russian warplanes have been battling jihadist fighters and rebels for more than a week in an area straddling the boundary between Idlib and Hama provinces.

The government push on the edge of Idlib province -- also a "de-escalation zone" -- follows two months of sporadic fighting that the United Nations says has displaced more than 60,000 people.

Russia first launched bombing raids in 2015 in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces. The strikes have helped Assad regain control over much of the war-ravaged country.

Russia's defence ministry on Thursday said two servicemen were killed in a mortar attack by Islamist militants at the Hmeimim airbase in northwestern Syria on New Year's Eve, but denied media reports seven military planes were destroyed.

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Three cars on an Amtrak train carrying more than 300 people from Miami to New York derailed in snowy Savannah, Georgia, in the aftermath of a brutal winter storm but no injuries were reported, authorities said early today.

Amtrak spokesman Jason Abrams said the Silver Meteor train No 98 was backing slowly into the Savannah station about 10 pm yesterday, hours after the storm clobbered the Southeast coast, when two sleeper cars and a baggage car derailed.

"All three cars, a baggage car and two sleeper cars, are fully upright," Abrams said in an email early today to The Associated Press.

He said there were 311 passengers on board, in addition to crew, but he had no reports of anyone hurt.

Abrams' statement said the main train was to continue its journey north though some of the sleeping car passengers had to be put aboard a different train.

He didn't say what caused the three-car derailment, and the statement also gave no immediate indication whether the fierce storm that coated Savannah with a rare snowfall yesterday was any factor.

The National Weather Service said Savannah's first measurable snowfall since February 2010 was recorded yesterday in the normally balmy Southern City at 1.2 inches (3 centimeters). It was the first snow in Savannah that exceeded an inch (2.5 centimeters) in 28 years.

footage from the site showed police and other emergency vehicles, their lights flashing, crunching over snowy, ice-shrouded roads near tracks where the cars had derailed. Workers in neon safety vests, their frosty breath rising in the bitter cold air, converged at the scene.

Passenger Joel Potischman told The Atlanta Journal- Constitution he boarded the train early in the day in Delray Beach, Florida, to head home to Brooklyn, New York.

He said the train was headed north amid winter scenes of snow and ice from the storm that had just clobbered the normally mild Southeast city.

Another passenger, Mike Zevon, told the newspaper that it was the last three cars derailed.

Abrams' statement didn't elaborate on how many cars were in the formation and conditions with the weather or the tracks at the time.

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Three central ministries have come together to drive a technology mission for Indian Railways, which would be beneficial for both the transporter and academic and research institutions.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Technology Mission for (TMIR) was signed today by the ministries of railways, human resource development (HRD), and science and technology.

The agreement will "facilitate collaboration and cooperation" between the ministries.

"While the would get the world class technologies, academic and research institutions would get involved in numerous applied research projects which would help them in reorienting research towards objectives," Railway Board chairman Ashwani Lohani said.

"This MoU will facilitate the co-financing of Technology Mission for by investment sharing for identified railway projects for applied research," he said.

The funding component of the railways ministry is 30 per cent, the HRD ministry is 25 per cent and the department of science and technology (DST) 25 per cent.

Lohani further said that the indigenous technologies would successfully be developed with "win-win scenario" to all the consortium members.

The Technology Mission will take up research and development projects in the areas of heavy haul, safety, energy, environment and urban railways.

The projects will be implemented through a Mission Implementation and Coordination Committee having members from the three ministries, academia and the industry.

The projects will be implemented in the research and development labs and academic institutions. Collaborations, wherever essential, will be entered into with similar foreign institutions.

The MoU was signed by TMIR chairman Professor N S Vyas, Alok Kumar, co-chairman, TMIR, on behalf of the Ministry of Railways, R Subrahmanyam, Additional Secretary, on behalf of Ministry of Human Resource Development and Dr Neeraj Sharma, Adviser, DST on behalf of the Ministry of Science and Technology.
An apparel and textiles park will be set up on the outskirts of the state capital for which a land tract spread over more than 100 acres has been earmarked, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi said here today.

Speaking after the inauguration of a three-day fair organized by the Bihar Readymade Garments Association, Sushil Modi said 115 acres of land have been earmarked in Bihta for the proposed park.

The park will be set up as part of the state government's policy to promote textiles, leather, Information Technology and food processing, he said.

The Deputy CM, who also holds the finance portfolio, said a number of incentives were being offered to those willing to invest in the state which include exemption from land registration and conversion fees and a 10 per cent grant on interest payable on bank loans.

"Also on offer are 100 per cent refund on SGST (state goods and services tax), 50 per cent assistance on the amount payable towards EPF and ESI and a skill development subsidy of Rs 20,000 per employee from Bihar", he said.

The Deputy CM appealed to readymade garment producers to invest in Bihar, stating that the sector had immense potential for job creation and pointing out that 90 per cent workers employed in the sector at places like Mumbai and Bengaluru hail from the state.

"Patna, too, can be developed as a readymade garments hub", Modi observed.

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The Assam Police today registered an FIR against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on complaints over her allegation that the Centre was conspiring to drive Bengalis out of Assam with the state's National Register of Citizens (NRC) that is being updated.

The police FIR sparked an angry response from the Trinamool Congress(TMC) which said such an action would not stop her from fighting for the cause of the Bengalis while the BJP accused Banerjee of trying to make an "issue out of an non-issue" for reaping political dividends.

The BJP government in Assam condemned Banerjee's statement, saying it was "derogatory, insulting to the people of Assam and against the Constitution as well as the spirit of the Supreme Court."



Numerous groups staged protests across Assam condemning the statement by the TMC chief. At several places, including in Tinsukia and Biswanath, Banerjee's effigies were burnt.

At a meeting in Ahmedpur in West Bengal yesterday, Banerjee accused the NDA government at the Centre of "hatching a conspiracy" to drive out Bengalis from Assam by "excluding" their names from the first draft of the NRC, which was published on the midnight of December 31.

"I warn the BJP government at the Centre not to play with fire... This is a conspiracy of the Centre to drive out around 1.80 crore people from the state," she had said. The NRC of 1951 is being updated in Assam under the supervision of the Supreme Court to identify original residents of the state in order to check illegal migration.

Deputy Commissioner (Central) of Guwahati Police Ranjan Bhuyan told PTI, "Latasil police station received a complaint regarding an alleged speech of the West Bengal chief minister. We have registered the complaint and will carry out the investigation as per law."



The complaint was filed by Gauhati High Court advocate Tailendra Nath Das and the police have registered an FIR under Section 153(A) of the Indian Penal Code, he added.

The section pertains to promoting enmity among groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony.

Das also accused Banerjee of contempt of the apex court as the update of the NRC is being done under the direct the supervision of the Supreme Court.

A similar complaint was filed by another person and it would be merged with the registered FIR, the police said.

Yet another complaint was filed at the Dispur police station in the city by Krishak Shramik Unnayan Parishad President Pradeep Kalita alleging that the chief minister was spreading enmity between people through her speech.

"We have received the complaint at Dispur, but have not registered a case as yet...The police are looking into the matter before registering a case as the place of occurrence is outside the state," said Deputy Commissioner(East) of Guwahati Police Mohneesh Mishra.

Assam government spokesperson and cabinet minister Chandra Mohan Patowary termed her speech against the NRC update as "politically motivated" and made to "appease her vote bank".

"We condemn the statement of Mamata Banerjee. It is derogatory and insulting to people of Assam. It is against the Constitution and the spirit of the Supreme Court," Patowary told a press conference in Guwahati.

Responding to Banerjee's allegation of a conspiracy to drive Bengali speaking people out of Assam, Patowary asked her to submit evidence to the Supreme Court.

TMC secretary general Partha Chatterjee said if the BJP and Assam government think that they can stop the party and Banerjee from fighting for the cause of Muslims then they are living in a "fool's paradise".

"Such police cases and FIRs won't be able to stop Mamata Banerjee and TMC from fighting for the cause of Bengalis. We have seen such tactics to drive out Bengalis from Assam. If the Bengalis are in danger then Mamata Banerjee and TMC won't sit idle," said Chatterjee, who is also the state parliamentary affairs minister.

The West Bengal BJP unit slammed Banerjee for her statement.

"The allegations made by the chief minister are completely baseless. Nothing of that sort is being done. Such allegations are made just to get political dividends out of it," its president Dilip Ghosh said.

The TMC is trying to make an issue out of a non-issue, just like they had done in the case of demonetisation and GST, Ghosh said.

Assam BJP unit urged the NRC authorities to file a complaint in the Supreme Court against Banerjee for her comments.

Another senior state BJP leader, who did not want to be identified, said that Banerjee instead of making a hue and cry should take lessons from Assam.

"We very well know that West Bengal has turned into a safe haven for Jihadis under TMC regime. So instead of shouting over the NRC, the TMC should take lessons from it," the BJP leader said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The BJP today asked the Election Commission to appoint micro-observers in poll-bound Tripura from outside the CPI(M)-ruled state and deploy maximum paramilitary forces, alleging that an atmosphere of fear was prevailing there.

Only those government officials should be given election duty, who give a declaration that they are not members of any political party or any trade union affiliated to any political outfit, said Himanta Biswa Sarma, BJP leader and convener of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), which is part of the BJP-led NDA.

"Micro-observers should be from outside the state because CPI(M) has started giving membership to the state government employees in Tripura. The elections cannot be held with the Left party members inside the booth," Sarma told reporters outside the Election Commission (EC) office.

Sarma, who is also a minister in the BJP government in Assam, claimed that more than 60 party workers were killed by the ruling CPI(M) in Tripura and there was an atmosphere of fear and threat in the state.

"We (BJP) have requested the Election Commission to deploy maximum paramilitary forces in the state to ensure free and fair elections in the state," he said.

The Left party has been ruling Tripura since 1993. The state has traditionally witnessed a two-way fight between the Congress and the CPI(M).

This time the BJP is trying to emerge as the principal opposition to the ruling Left party.

Tenure of the 60-member Tripura Assembly ends in March this year.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Police today issued orders extending the ban on begging in the city for two more months.

The orders were first issued on November 8, 2017 for two months prohibits begging in the state capital.

The city police had then said the practice was "causing nuisance, annoyance, embarrassment, obstruction to the free movement of and danger to the vehicular traffic as well as pedestrians affecting the public order".

Besides setting up homes for beggars, the Telangana prisons department has announced Rs 500 reward for those providing information about location of beggars in the city.

In a separate notification, Police Commissioner V V Srinivas Rao banned unauthorised flying activities of remotely controlled drones, para-gliders and micro-light aircraft in the city limits.

The order will be in force for one month from January 7, it added.

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has given its nod to Bharat Biotech's typhoid vaccine Typbar TCV, which has longer-lasting immunity than existing vaccines, requires fewer doses and can be used on recipients over six months of age.

The WHO prequalification paves the way for health and humanitarian organisations such as UNICEF, GAVI and Pan- American Health Organization to procure it for public health vaccination programmes across the world.

"The fact that the vaccine has been prequalified by the WHO means that it meets acceptable standards of quality, safety and efficacy.

"This makes the vaccine eligible for procurement by UN agencies such as UNICEF, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance," the WHO said in a statement.

In October 2017, the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on immunisation, which advises the WHO, recommended TCV for routine use in children over 6 months of age in typhoid endemic countries.

SAGE also called for the introduction of TCV to be prioritised for countries with the highest burden of typhoid disease or of antibiotic resistance to Salmonella Typhi, the bacterium that causes the disease.

"Use of the vaccine should also help to curb the frequent use of antibiotics for treatment of presumed typhoid fever, and thereby help to slow the alarming increase in antibiotic resistance in Salmonella Typhi," the statement said.

Typhoid is a serious and sometimes fatal disease spread through contaminated food and water. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, abdominal pain, and diarrhea or constipation.

For millions of people living in low- and middle-income countries, typhoid is an ever present reality. Global estimates of the typhoid burden range between 11 and 20 million cases and between about 1,28,000 and 1,61,000 typhoid deaths annually. Poor communities and vulnerable groups such as children are often the most susceptible.

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Controversial right wing leader Sambhaji Bhide, who is accused of instigating violence against dalit community in Pune district, today appealed for a thorough inquiry into the matter.

Bhide (85), who heads Shiv Pratishthan Hindustan, today met with Sangli district collector along with thousands of his supporters and demanded withdrawal of charges against him.

A day after the Bhima Koregaon violence on January 2, Pimpri Police in Pune district filed a case against Bhide and others under SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act and under various sections of the IPC including attempt to murder as one person was killed in the caste clashes.

In his letter to media, Bhide stated that his name was being deliberately linked with the violence in Pune district.

"It is a 'banav' (false) that I was present at the riot site in Pune district and was also responsible for it. Dalit leader Prakash Ambedkar has levelled allegations of my involvement in inciting the violence. There should be a thorough investigation into this matter," Bhide stated.

He said perpetrators of the violence should face a stern action.

Bhide has issued his letter from the letter pad of his outfit asserting that his work is for awakening the nationalism among Hindus.

The Pimpri Police had also booked Pune-based Milind Ekbote of Hindu Ekta Aghadi under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act and under various sections of the IPC including attempt to murder.

Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh (BBM) leader Prakash Ambedkar had alleged that Hindu Ekta Aghadi and Shivraj Pratishthan were responsible for the Bhima Koregaon violence in which one person was killed.

The violence had occurred at an event to mark the 200th anniversary of the battle of Bhima Koregaon in which the British Army comprising Dalits had defeated the Peshwas.

A large section of Dalits view the historical battle as the defeat of the 'casteism' of upper-caste Peshwas.

A case was registered against Ekbote, Bhide, and others, under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, Arms Act, 307 (attempt to murder) of IPC and rioting.

The duo were booked after one Anita Savle approached the Pimpri police alleging that she and her friend were attacked by a group of people near Vadhu Budruk village adjacent to Bhima Koregaon on Monday. She alleged that the entire attack and arson was orchestrated by Bhide and Ekbote.

Bhide is known among his followers as 'Bhide Guruji'.

He is a staunch right-wing Hindu activist and an ardent admirer of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He has a sizable following in western Maharashtra.

A gold medallist in Chemistry, Bhide has worked as a professor in Pune-based Sir Parshuram College. A former RSS member, Bhide founded the Shiv Pratishthan Hindustan, which is mostly active in Sangli, Satara and Kolhapur districts in western Maharashtra.

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An FIR was filed against Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student leader Umar Khalid for their alleged "provocative" speeches during an event here on December 31, an official said today.

Both were charged for allegedly creating a rift and spreading disharmony between the Maratha and Dalit communities.

Mevani, the newly elected MLA from Gujarat, and Khalid had attended the "Elgar Parishad", an event organised to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the battle of Bhima- Koregaon, at Shaniwar Wada in the city on December 31.

According to a complaint filed by city resident Akshay Bikkad, Mevani and Khalid allegedly made "provocative" speeches at the event and their remarks were aimed at creating disharmony and rift between the communities, which led to the violence in Bhima Koregaon on January 1.

Bikkad approached the Deccan-Gymkhana police with the complaint, which was forwarded to the Vishrambaug police station, since Shaniwarwada falls under its jurisdiction.

The Vishrambaug police registered the FIR against the two leaders yesterday, the official said.

According to the complaint, Mevani at the Pune event said, "If we want to win over this new Peshwai, the battle of Bhima Koregaon needs to be taken ahead."



The Dalit leader said it was right that people fighting the battle needed to be in assemblies and Parliament, but if one had to eradicate casteism, it would happen only by taking to the streets.

According to the complaint, Khalid, the student leader from JNU in New Delhi, said the battle of Bhima Koregaon had to be taken ahead.

"They had attacked. It is time to retaliate and we will fight this battle and we will win and this victory over new Peshwai will be the true homage to the martyrs of Bhima Koregaon battle," the complaint quoted Khalid as saying.

Based on the complaint, offences were registered against Mevani and Khalid under IPC sections 153 (a) (delivering speech to create disharmony or feelings of enmity), section 505 (giving statement conducing to public mischief) and 117 (abetting commission of offence by the public or by more than ten persons), the police official said.

Normal life was crippled in Maharashtra yesterday due to a bandh called by Dalit groups to protest the violence on the anniversary of a battle fought 200 years ago.

Violence erupted in Pune on January 1 when Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in which the British defeated the Peshwas of Maharashtra.

Dalit leaders commemorate the British victory as it is believed that soldiers from the Mahar community were part of the East India Company's forces. The Peshwas were Brahmins, and the victory is seen as a symbol of assertiveness by Dalits.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
An FIR was registered against Dalit activist Jignesh Mevani and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student Umar Khalid for their alleged "provocative" speeches during an event here on December 31, an official said today.

Both were charged for allegedly creating a rift and spreading disharmony between the Maratha and Dalit communities, he said.

Additional Commissioner of Police (South/North) Ravindra Sengaonkar said their speeches are being analysed and they will be summoned for questioning.

Mevani, the newly elected MLA in Gujarat, and Khalid had attended the "Elgar Parishad", an event organised to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the battle of Bhima- Koregaon, at Shaniwar Wada in the city on December 31.

According to a complaint filed by city resident Akshay Bikkad, Mevani and Khalid allegedly made "provocative" speeches at the event and their remarks were aimed at creating disharmony and rift between the communities, which led to the violence at Bhima-Koregaon on January 1.

Bikkad approached the Deccan-Gymkhana police with the complaint, which was forwarded to the Vishrambaug police station, since Shaniwarwada falls under its jurisdiction.

The Vishrambaug police registered the FIR against the two leaders yesterday, the official said.

According to the complaint, Mevani at the Pune event said, "If we want to win over this new Peshwai, the battle of Bhima Koregaon needs to be taken ahead."



The Dalit leader said it was right that people fighting the battle needed to be in assemblies and Parliament, but if one had to eradicate casteism, it would happen only by taking to the streets, it claimed.

According to the complaint, Khalid, the student leader from JNU in New Delhi, said the battle of Bhima-Koregaon had to be taken ahead.

"They had attacked. It is time to retaliate and we will fight this battle and we will win and this victory over new Peshwai will be the true homage to the martyrs of Bhima- Koregaon battle," the complaint quoted Khalid as saying.

Based on the complaint, offences were registered against Mevani and Khalid under IPC sections 153 (a) (delivering speech to create disharmony or feelings of enmity), 505 (giving statement conducing to public mischief) and 117 (abetting commission of offence by the public or by more than 10 people), the police said.

Sengaonkar said, "A police team had recorded the video and audio of the speeches given by Mevani, Khalid and others at the Elgaar Parishad."



"We, too, could have registered the case suo motu (on its own). However, we could not do so since the event got over at 10 pm and thereafter police were busy in December 31st night bandobast.

"And on the subsequent days, the violence in Bhima- Koregaon and then bandh kept the police occupied," he said.

"But since Bikkad has already filed a complaint and we, too, have all the material, officials of the Vishrambaug police have already started investigating the case and analysing the speeches of both the leaders," he said.

Normal life was crippled in Maharashtra yesterday due to a bandh called by Dalit groups to protest the violence on the anniversary of a battle fought 200 years ago.

Violence erupted in Pune on January 1 when Dalit groups were marking the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in which the British defeated the Peshwas of Maharashtra.

Dalit leaders commemorate the British victory as it is believed that soldiers from the Mahar community were part of the East India Company's forces. The Peshwas were Brahmins, and the victory is seen as a symbol of Dalit assertiveness.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Congress today alleged that the BJP government has neither the policy nor the intention to get the contentious triple talaq bill passed in Parliament, and also accused it of running away from a debate on the matter.

The bill, which has divided political parties and drawn criticism from several Muslim bodies, was passed by the Lok Sabha on December 28. It now has to be passed by the Rajya Sabha to become a law.

But the Congress, which supported the bill in the Lok Sabha, wants certain changes to the bill - such as making provisions for providing financial aid to Muslim women divorced through instant triple talaq - before supporting its passage in the upper House.

It accused the ruling BJP of practicing a policy that disturbs communal harmony and alleged that violence against Dalits has risen in all states where the BJP was in power.

Congress leader Pramod Tiwari said even parties like the TDP and the BJD, which have stood with the BJP, were with the opposition on the issue. Even "independent" parties like the INLD have distanced themselves from the BJP, he added.

"The BJP has neither the policy nor the intention to get the triple talaq bill passed in Parliament," he told reporters.

Tiwari alleged that it was the BJP's policy to "divide the society" and the ruling party was running away from a debate on the matter.

He said as per the traditions of the Rajya Sabha, any motion that has been taken up and if the House was adjourned the next day it is taken up.

On the Dalit protests in Maharashtra, Tiwari alleged that wherever the BJP has been voted to power violence against the community has increased.

"Whenever BJP is in power or is seeking to gain power, its first attack is on breaking the society on caste and religious lines," he said, adding that it's attempt in Maharashtra was also to creak social harmony in the society.

Senior Congress leader P L Punia alleged it was clear that the BJP and the RSS ignited violence in Koregaon village in Pune district on January 1 and the Maharashtra government failed to control the violence there.

He demanded immediate arrest of the two accused named in the FIR for allegedly instigating violence in Pune, and questioned why the government was protecting them.

Punia alleged that the two accused, who were linked to Hindutva outfits, were stated to be close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis.

"We demand legal action against those who were trying to disturb harmony (in the society)," he said.

He claimed that the Pune violence was spreading to other states like Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.

"The BJP and RSS does the work of dividing society on caste and religious lines. Dalit atrocities also rise wherever the BJP is in power," he alleged.

Meanwhile, the Congress also slammed the Modi government over the reported breach in the Aadhaar data, saying the right to privacy was being "flouted with impunity".

"AADHAR data breached yet again! As every citizen's personal information is exposed to hackers everyday & Right to Privacy is mocked and flouted with impunity, Modi Govt remains immune. Is anyone listening?," Congress communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala tweeted.

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Concerned over the killing of a Hindu activist in Karnataka, a delegation of BJP MPs today met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to seek a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the case and other such violent deaths in the state.

BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje, who led the delegation, said Deepak Rao, hacked to death in the Dakshina Kannada district yesterday, was the 21st person to be killed in Karnataka in recent times.

She alleged the involvement of the radical Islamic outfit, the Popular Front of India (PFI), in most of the killings.

"This is the 21st murder in Karnataka. Of these, 12 were committed by 'jihadis'. The organisation is active in Karnataka because the state government is supporting it," Karandlaje alleged.

The MPs' delegation requested the Union home minister to intervene in the matter and ensure a probe by the NIA into all the recent murder cases, she said.

"It should be linked to national security and terrorist issues. The cases should be probed by the NIA," Karandlaje told reporters after the meeting.

She accused the Congress-led Siddaramaiah government of trying to hush the cases up and of not disclosing the forensic report of another slain activist, Paresh Mesta.

Mesta was killed in Uttara Kannada district's Honnavar town last month.

She also charged the state government with supporting the Islamic group for "vote bank politics".

"Siddaramaiah himself called the PFI and its political body, and asked them to support the Congress in the next elections," she claimed.

Rubbishing the allegations, Karnataka Transport Minister and Congress leader H M Revanna said the saffron party had the "habit of creating unrest".

"The law will take its own course. We have given good governance without any caste . The BJP has the habit of creating unrest when the state is in peace. The CM and his team can handle such cases," he added.

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Does your boss switch between being friendly and nasty at the drop of a hat? It may make you more anxious than having an employer who is in a bad mood all the time, a study conducted in India and the UK has found.

Not being able to predict how their boss is going to act towards them has a detrimental effect on the productivity of workers, researchers said.

Far from the stereotypical view that ruthless and unsympathetic managers cause the greatest issues for employees, researchers from the University of Exeter in the UK showed that bosses who switch between being friendly and severe at the drop of a hat are actually most damaging.

Experts found even a poor but consistent relationship with managers was better for workers than one that was influenced by mood swings.

The impact is worse when colleagues don't have a supportive relationship with their co-workers.

Academics measured how "ambivalent" staff felt about their manager to what extent they had both positive and negative views about them.

"The focus is usually on trying to work out if relationships between staff and bosses are good or bad, but they can sometimes be both, and it is important to measure that," said Allan Lee, from University of Exeter in the UK.

"Bosses reward and punish their workers, and this has an impact on self-esteem. If their staff have to adopt different roles at different times because they have a manager who can be both nasty and nice they view him or her in an ambivalent way," Lee said.

"If your boss is both pleasant and unpleasant to be around it is hard to know what they think about you, and if you can't predict how they will act," he said.

"This makes it hard to trust them. This creates negative emotions and makes staff feel anxious, causing poor performance at work," he added.

The study shows employees can compensate for an ambivalent relationship with their boss if they have a good relationship with other colleagues.

Researchers carried out four surveys in three companies



two in the UK and one in India, asking what they thought about their bosses and how they performed in different tasks.

The 320 staff who took part worked in a service centre, providing telephone-based customer service support or outsourced human resources services and other business tasks.

A total of 60 teams of staff were examined, they shared a single supervisor but worked independently of each other.

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One of the Brett Ratner accusers has filed a motion to dismiss the the director's libel suit against her.

The legal team of Melanie Kohler, who had accused Ratner of rape, filed a motion in federal court in Hawaii, seeking a dismissal of Ratner's suit, which he filed in November.

"He has filed this defamation lawsuit with a single purpose: to silence and intimidate Kohler and other women like her from coming forward with stories of grave sexual mistreatment at his hands," stated the document filed in Hawaii, according to Deadline.

Kohler's lawyers argued that Ratner's suit consisted of little more than "threadbare, conclusory allegations", which fail to meet the minimum requirements for a libel complaint.

Ratner in his suit claimed that Kohler defamed him in a Facebook post, in which she accused him of rape, but removed it quickly afterwards.

Kohler's lawyers also contend that the suit should be dismissed under California's anti-SLAPP statute, which limits lawsuits intended to "chill speech".

"Here, Mr Ratner's lawsuit threatens to chill speech that is a part of an important and historic public discussion on sexual assault and rape in Hollywood. As one of the most high profile producers and directors in Hollywood, Mr Ratner's conduct is an important part of that discussion. And Mr Ratner's conduct already is very much a part of that discussion," the lawyers said in the court documents.

They claimed that Ratner has been accused of sexual assault and harassment by more than a dozen actresses and other women in California.

"California thus has a strong interest in ensuring a robust discussion about an issue of such importance to the State and one of its most high-profile residents," they added.

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The Border Security Force (BSF) has launched "Operation Alert" along the over 200 kilometer long International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir to curb the increasing movement of infiltrating militants from across the border.

"There are inputs that there is movement of militants and accordingly, we have declared 'Ops Alert' on the border," Inspector General of BSF Jammu Frontier, Ram Awatar told reporters here today.

The BSF gave a military send off by organising Wreath- laying ceremony at Frontier headquarters here in the honour of the late Head Constable Radha Pada Hazara, who was killed in sniper firing by Pakistan rangers along the IB in Samba sector yesterday.

J&K DGP Dr S P Vaid, IGP Jammu Zone and Dr S D Singh attended the ceremony along with the IG BSF Jammu Ram Awtar and other senior officers and Jawans of BSF.

"It is because of that alertness, that they have acted like that (resorting to sniper firing). The moral of the BSF is high and will continue to remain high," the IG said.

He said the effort of the BSF was to maintain peace along the border, but Pakistan was always trying to disturb this peace.

"It is because of this machination of Pakistan that they yesterday martyred one jawan by sniping," he said.

Giving details of yesterday's incident, the IG said "this jawan was performing duty at a forward post and there were four to five rounds of fire from Pakistan and one of them hit him".

"It was followed by automatic weapon fire. After getting intimation the neighbouring mounts retaliated back and solid response was given by the BSF in which Pakistan has suffered large human and property loss", he added.

Pak posts were destroyed and the entire infrastructure in those posts has been damaged, the officer said.

He added that one intruder was killed in R S Pura sector today.

"There was movement under thick cover of fog and one intruder was spotted well inside Indian territory and he was fired upon and shot dead. He was resident of Sialkot district (of Pakistan). It was an infiltration attempt," the officer said.

Either he was a member of the infiltration group or their guide, he said.

Speaking to the reporters, DGP J&K Police, Dr S P Vaid said "those who are thinking they have done good by murder of humanity, need to introspect. Our forces are capable of giving them a befitting reply".

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With barely days left for the Mayoral election here, the Chandigarh unit of the BJP faces a revolt within after the outgoing BJP's Mayor Asha Kumari filed nomination papers as an Independent candidate against the party's official nominee.

The BJP leadership here yesterday announced the name of Davesh Moudgil, who is considered close to former MP Satya Pal Jain, ignoring the camp led by Chandigarh BJP President Sanjay Tandon, which was backing Councillor Arun Sood.

The saffron party has an overwhelming majority in the MC House and the election is scheduled to be held on January 9.

Cracks surfaced within the Chandigarh unit of the party after senior leader and in-charge of the unit, Prabhat Jha announced Moudgil's name as the party's official mayoral candidate.

Moudgil filed his nomination at the MC office here while Jaswal, who is also the BJP's Mahila Morcha Vice president, filed her nomination for the Mayor's post as an Independent candidate.

When contacted, Jaswal said that out of 20 BJP members in the MC House, 14 were not in favour of the present candidature.

"We had been requesting our party that they can field anyone for Mayor's post minus Moudgil. Yesterday at last moment, we told Mr Jha to announce anyone else's name except him. However, we were ignored and Moudgil's name was announced," she said.

Asked why were they opposing Moudgil, Jaswal said: "he has been going against party's interests at various forums..there are other issues involving him".

Making it clear that she has not resigned from the BJP, Jaswal said the party is free to take any action against her.

"I am pained to do so, but then what is the choice. My ideology will remain that of the BJP whether I am in it or outside, if they feel I have done anything wrong, they can take action.

"But I will remain Modi ji's fan and continue to respect Amit Shah ji," Jaswal said.

When asked to comment on the development, Chandigarh BJP President Sanjay Tandon said the issue could have been handled in a better way.

"Even I was not taken into confidence when his (Moudgil's) name was decided. There are many things against him (Moudgil). Majority of our Councillors were in favour of anyone except him...," Tandon said.

Without naming anyone, Tandon in a veiled attack on his detractors within the party's Chandigarh unit, said, "some people want to destabilise me."



Meanwhile Jain came to Moudgil's defence, saying he had never done anything against party's interests.

About the current developments, Jain said he hopes that the issue will be resolved amicably.

"There is still time till January 9 morning for the withdrawals," he said, indicating that Jaswal will be prevailed upon to exit from the race.

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Chinese ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing said today it had bought Brazil's 99 Taxis, opening another front in the Beijing-based company's global battle with Uber.

Didi, which claims to be the world's leading mobile transportation platform with more than 450 million users, had become a strategic investor in 99 Taxis last January.

It now will acquire the company outright along with its 14 million registered users in Brazil as it pushes into the growing Latin American car-share market.

"Globalisation is a top strategic priority for Didi," founder and CEO Cheng Wei said in a statement announcing the purchase, adding that the company would continue to seek "diversified international operations and partnerships."



Didi said it has now entered into partnerships with seven "major international players" serving more than 1,000 cities worldwide, including Southeast Asia's Grab, India's Ola, US- based Lyft, and Europe's Taxify.

Didi and Uber have been waging a global turf war since Didi bought the US-based company's China operations last year.

The statement from Didi called the 99 Taxis acquisition a "significant step next step of Didi's global strategy".

Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are Uber's top two busiest cities in the world as ranked by the number of trips that take place there, Bloomberg reported.

Didi last year became Asia's most valuable start-up company.

Two weeks ago it announced an additional $4 billion was raised in a new funding round. Investors included Japanese telecoms giant Softbank and Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Capital, sources close to the matter told AFP at the time.

The sources said the latest round raises Didi's valuation to USD 56 billion.

The investment will be used to fuel Didi's global expansion and support new developments in artificial intelligence and new-energy vehicles, the company said.

Didi claims to handle up to 25 million rides per day.

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Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today urged Indian origin businessmen to help in building a "New Madhya Pradesh" on the lines of New India.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the creation of New India by 2022. On the lines of this, we are striving to make New Madhya Pradesh," Chouhan said.

He was speaking at the "Friends of MP" conclave held here to display the investment potential of Madhya Pradesh to foreign investors.

The chief minister said Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) should share their thoughts and experience with the state government to accomplish the development of New India.

"We, along with the NRIs who love MP, want to create a global platform to boost ties in industrial and other sectors," he said.

A total of 200 foreign investors drawn from 23 countries participated in the two-day event which concluded today.

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Towering giants in the sub- continent, India would be aiming to assert themselves as good travellers when they face South Africa in the opening chapter of a 12-Test overseas challenge, starting here tomorrow.

The three-Test South Africa series is the first of a grueling 2018-19 season that includes tours to England and Australia.

The assignments are being seen as a make or break season for Virat Kohli and his men to prove their worth as a good travelling unit.

But for this, they will have to rely heavily on their pacers to come good.

As the numero uno Test side, India have a healthy points' lead over second-ranked South Africa and will not lose their crown even if they lose by a landslide 0-3 margin. This, however, is not merely about points and rankings for Kohli's side.

The Proteas will be relying on their formidable fast bowling attack to dismantle India's strong batting line-up, but after nine successive Test series wins, India are brimming with confidence and a belief that they can thrive in any conditions.

Six of India's series wins have come at home and three others -- two in Sri Lanka and one in the West Indies -- were in favourable conditions.

India last lost a series in 2014-15 when they were beaten 2-0 in Australia in a four-Test contest.

India boast of a poor record in South Africa as they lost five out of six series with one drawn.

Since 1992, India have only won two out of 17 Tests played on South African soil - in 2006-07 under Rahul Dravid and in 2010-11 under MS Dhoni.

Significantly, though, the Indians have pushed South Africa hard on their two most recent tours -- in 2010-11 and 2013-14, sharing the first series and narrowly losing the second.

Thirteen players of India's 2013-14 side are part of the current squad they have become a vastly more experienced team, which has become accustomed to winning.

As fas as the venue is concerned, India have never won in four Tests here at Newlands, losing twice and drawing on the other two occasions.

And it remains to be seen if Kohli can do one better, in not only winning a third-ever Test in the Proteas' backyard but also setting a noteworthy tone for India's arduous overseas cycle.

This time around, India boasts of a potent pace attack which is capable of dismantling any batting side.

Despite the prevalent drought here, the green-top Newlands wicket continues to be at the center of attention.

Given the pitch laid out for this first Test, India will go in with at least three pacers. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami are likely to get the nod.

Ravindra Jadeja is a doubtful starter owing to viral illness and this puts R Ashwin in contention to take the lone spinner's spot in the playing eleven.

India are also likely to opt for an extra in-form batsman in Rohit Sharma while Hardik Pandya could provide the all- round flavour to the team composition.

India's batting line-up picks itself. Shikhar Dhawan has been declared fit and he would be the first-choice opener along with Murali Vijay ahead of KL Rahul.

Despite his lack of runs, it is unfathomable that India will leave out vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane in the very first Test of this overseas cycle.

Rohit didn't feature in Kolkata Test against Sri Lanka when India last played on a green-top wicket. But since then, he has brought himself into contention with three hundreds across all formats.

Just like India, South Africa too have selection dilemmas.

Dale Steyn has been declared fit in the build-up to the first Test but the pacer is not a confirmed starter. Of late the Proteas have fielded a three-plus-one combination with left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj complimenting the pacers.

Thus, Kagiso Rabada, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel are obvious choices as the hosts too want to play an extra batsman given the anticipated quick nature of the pitch.

With Quinton de Kock recovering from his hamstring strain, South Africa have only one concern regarding their batting line-up and it is about fitting in AB de Villiers.

De Villiers was the stand-in captain versus Zimbabwe, but since then Faf du Plessis has regained full fitness. But the hosts are keen to play their talismanic batsman and could drop an all-rounder to fit in de Villiers.

In turn, this inadvertently closes the door on Steyn, who is just returning from a career-threatening injury he suffered while playing against Australia in November 2016.

Teams (from):



India: Virat Kohli (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Murali Vijay, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Hardik Pandya, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Parthiv Patel.

South Africa: Faf du Plessis (c), Deal Elgar, Aiden Markram, Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Theunis de Bruyne, Quinton de Kock (wk), Keshav Maharaj, Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn, Chris Morris, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada, Andile Phehlukwayo.

Match starts at: 2pm IST.

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The Congress has condemned the Maharashtra government's decision to deny permission to an event supposed to be addressed by Jignesh Mevani and Umar Khalid here today.

In a stinging attack, the Congress said the "weak" government got "scared" of students.

In the wake of the Monday's Bhima Koregaon violence and subsequent Maharashtra bandh, the police denied permission to 'All India Students Summit 2018', scheduled to be held in a western suburb.

The event was supposed to be addressed by JNU student leader Umar Khalid and dalit leader from Gujarat Jignesh Mevani, an MLA.

"The government has suddenly cancelled a scheduled conference of students and has arrested students," state Congress spokesman Sachin Sawant said.

He said the conference was scheduled last month and was supposed to be addressed by student leaders from across the state.

"While Hindutva leaders Sambhaji Bhide and Milind Ekbote who were responsible for the Bhima Koregaon violence are roaming free, the police arrested students after cancelling the permission to the conference at the last moment. We condemn this action," Sawant said.

Earlier in the day, police detained some students and activists gathered outside a hall in suburban Vile Parle.

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The Opposition Congress and BJP have attacked the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi for "taking credit" for the 24x7 free power supply to the farm sector in Telangana.

The state government introduced 24x7 power supply to the farm sector from the midnight of December 31.

The Telangana Congress, which made a power point presentation on the energy sector yesterday, accused the ruling TRS of making false claims on the issue.

Telangana Congress president N Uttam Kumar Reddy said that the government was showing total installed production capacity as 14,138 MW in 2017 compared to 6,574 MW in 2014.

"The government has included the Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and energy being purchased from private parties in the total installed production capacity," Reddy said.

He claimed that not one power plant was started or even a single unit generated after K Chandrasekhar Rao became Chief Minister.

"It is a historical fact that the Congress Governments at the Centre took a slew of measures to make the entire country energy surplus," Reddy claimed.

He called government advertisements in newspapers on the issue as a "criminal waste of public money".

Meanwhile, state BJP president K Laxman credited the reforms and initiatives of the Narendra Modi government for Telangana and many other states becoming energy surplus.

"The state government is campaigning about continuous power supply. That is because of the initiative, reforms and measures taken by the Modi government. Not only Telangana, many other states have become power surplus," he said.

The ruling TRS MLC Palla Rajeshwar Reddy, however, said the credit for ending power woes went to the Chief Minister.

"The credit for completion of ongoing projects, Jeypore project or Bhupalpally project, projects which were started but left by Congress, goes to KCR. The credit for producing the maximum solar power in the country goes to Telangana state and its CM KCR," he said.

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A convict who had fled from a jail in Bihar over a year ago was today arrested by police from a bus-stop here.

Joint Commissioner of Police (Thane) Madhukar Pandey said that Parjit Singh Rambadi Singh (39) was convicted and sentenced to death in a case dating to April 10,1998 in Bihar in which three people were murdered.

The official added that the Singh's sentence was later changed to one of life imprisonment which he was serving at Bihar's Buxar jail.

"While serving his sentence in Buxar jail, Singh along with four others escaped on December 30, 2016. Two of those who fled with him were later arrested by the police," Pandey said.

Police said that Singh was arrested early today after teams were formed following a tip-off earlier from Bettiah's Superintendent of Police Vinay Kumar that Singh was hiding somewhere in the Thane region.

"Finally he was apprehended near CIDCO bus stop post midnight. Singh will handed over to the Bihar police for further action," said an official.

Singh is a resident of Sangrampur in Bihar's East Champaran district, police added.

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A special PMLA court today rejected the bail application of suspended IAS officer Pradeep Sharma in a money laundering case investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The court of special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) Judge A C Joshi rejected the bail plea of Sharma, lodged in a jail here since the last one-and-a-half years.

Sharma had moved the application citing a recent Supreme Court judgement.

The Supreme Court, through its judgement, struck down Section 45 (1) of the PMLA Act as "unconstitutional". The section imposed certain stringent conditions for securing bail of a person accused of money laundering.

The conditions included requiring courts to hear a prosecutor and consider evidence against the accused while deciding on his bail plea.

The special court, however, dismissed Sharma's application, saying his bail pleas had already been rejected by both the Gujarat High Court and the Supreme Court.

In the past, Sharma's lawyer had submitted that Sharma has been granted regular bail in offences on the basis of which the ED made out the PMLA case against him.

Sharma was arrested under the provisions of the PMLA days after the Supreme Court vacated an interim stay on his arrest on July 31 last year. He is lodged at the Sabarmati Central Jail here.

The ED registered the offence against Sharma on the basis of cases lodged by Gujarat CID (crime) and the ACB for allegedly sanctioning government land at cheaper rate to Welspun India and its group companies -- Welspun Power & Steel and Welspun Gujarat Style Roharan -- in Kutch district as part of a suspected quid pro quo.

Sharma sanctioned land to the companies in 2004 when he was the Kutch collector and chairman of the District Land Evaluation and Pricing Committee. The bureaucrat's move allegedly caused a Rs 1.2 crore loss to the state exchequer.

Against this "favour", he received gain to the tune of Rs 22 lakh in the name of his wife Shyamal Sharma, according to the ED.

He allegedly transferred the money to his wife using 'hawala' (illegal) channel with the help of five people who also have been named in the ED chargesheet.

Rejecting the charges, Sharma had earlier claimed he was being victimised by the BJP government in Gujarat for his knowledge of the alleged illegal surveillance of a woman by government agencies a few years ago.

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Delhi BJP has decided to launch a city-wide campaign against alleged failures of the Arvind Kejriwal government by galvanising its local teams at ward levels.

The core committee of the party chaired by Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari which also included party MPs from Delhi and other senior leaders, discussed the issues in a meeting held at Union minister Harsh Vardhan's residence last night.

The meeting also expressed concern over the ruling Aam Aadmi Party's campaign blaming the BJP for the ceiling drive undertaken by the municipal corporations.

"The fact is that the AAP government failed to frame rules that led to ceiling drive by the Supreme Court's monitoring committee. We will expose the Kejriwal government over the issue by launching our campaign from ward levels," Tiwari said.

The BJP had been playing role of a responsible Opposition by adopting a positive approach towards the ruling government, he said.

"Now we will tell the people about the negative side of the AAP government and expose its failures," Tiwari said.

The meetings of core committee will be held more frequently in future to make it more effective in keeping the party organisation in dynamic form, he said.

"It was felt that the party's local teams are slackening. Now, the core group leaders will be deputed with responsibilities to keep them energised," a senior party leader said requesting anonymity.

The next meeting of the core committee will be held on January 15.

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The Delhi High Court today directed authorities to inspect juvenile homes in the national capital and report back any deficiencies in the facilities and their solutions.

A bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar directed the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) and Public Works Department of the Delhi government to ensure physical inspection of the observation homes, also known as a juvenile detention centres.

It said that they should report back any deficiencies in facilities and their solutions.

The bench also sought to know if there was any child protection scheme available under the Delhi government.

The bench has now fixed the matter for hearing on January 30.

Last year, the court had expressed anguish over deficiencies in these remand homes due to lack of infrastructure.

The court had made the observation while taking cognisance on its own of a media report that referred to an inspection of a juvenile home here by a DCPCR team which had received reports of drug and sexual abuse at the facility.

According to the media report, the DCPCR team had inspected Prayas Children's home for boys in Jahangirpuri in north-Delhi on December 9, 2017, where it found rat-infested kitchens, dirty toilets with no doors or soaps, and complaints of physical torture.

Recently, some children had fled from the juvenile home.

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A 34-year-old woman was allegedly raped and assaulted by her husband's business partner, who has been arrested, in northwest Delhi's Mukherjee Nagar, police said today.

The woman's husband has been staying in the US for the the last two years owing to his business commitments, they added.

The woman told police that the accused would often come to her home. On Tuesday evening, he came to her house in an inebriated state and tried to force himself on her. When she resisted, he thrashed her with a stick, the police said.

The accused then raped her and again thrashed her with a stick and threatened her against informing about the incident to anyone, a police official said.

The woman informed the police and was taken to a hospital where she is undergoing treatment, the official said.

The accused has been arrested, he added.

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The wide-based Nifty is expected to touch 11,500 by December this year while benchmark sensitive index Sensex will be at around 37,000, driven by strong earnings growth, says a report.

"We are setting our year-end December 2018 Nifty target at 11,500 (implied Sensex target of 37,000)," Deutsche Bank said in a research note adding expectation of double-digit earnings growth forms the keystone of its positive view on the market in 2018.

In 2017, together with most major stock markets globally, Indian equity markets saw strong gains coupled with record-low volatility.

However, in 2018, the record-low volatility of 2017 is unlikely to be replicated, the Deutsche Bank Research Report on India Equity Strategy said, adding that investors must be cognizant of the risks that lie ahead.

The report further noted that rising prices of oil beyond the already elevated levels currently could be a key risk factor for India.

"Rising oil prices could imperil macro economic stability that India has achieved over the past few years. In case oil prices rise beyond USD 70/barrel, the government may be compelled to stretch the fiscal deficit as political exigencies in a pre-election year may constrain the government from cutting public spending or raising domestic fuel prices," the report said.

Some of the key drivers of the expected recovery will be the waning of the lingering impact of demonetisation and GST; rural purchasing power, and a likely shift in government policy bias towards growth in a pre-election year.

"Our economists expect GDP growth to recover from 6.6 per cent in the current fiscal year to 7.5 per cent and 7.8 per cent over FY19 and FY20, respectively," the report said adding that "we expect Nifty earnings to increase 22 per cent in FY19 and 17 per cent in FY20".

According to the report, the return of double digit earnings growth in 2018-19 would be the major driver for the market in 2018.

"We are seeing a convergence of factors global and domestic that underpins our conviction on both economic as well as corporate earnings growth recovery," the Deutsche Bank report added.

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Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat today stressed the need to foster social harmony and called for banishing discord in society, his comments coming in wake of violent protests by Dalits in Maharashtra.

He said India was more than just a piece of land and asked people to shun discrimination and treat all citizens equally.

"While worshipping the 'motherland', we have to consider the entire society as ours. We should be free from barriers of 'ours versus theirs' and 'big versus small' and treat everyone the same," Bhagwat said, addressing a gathering here after unveiling a 16-feet statue of 'Bharat Mata' this evening.

Bhagwat's remarks came after violence in Maharashtra during the anniversary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in Pune district brought to fore the simmering caste tension and triggered protests by Dalits.

Appealing to all Indians to live in harmony, Bhagwat said, "Where there are cordial ties, there is no ego."



"India is not just a piece of land. There are people who say it is just a piece of land and keep doing something. Such people are neither our brothers and sisters nor the offsprings of 'Bharat Mata'," the RSS chief said.

"We should rid ourselves of discrimination and treat all equally," he said.

Bhagwat said Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam founder C N Annadurai once considered Tamil Nadu as a "separate country", which had "nothing to do" with India.

However, when China attacked India in 1962, Annadurai changed his stand and opined that when the country is in danger, to advocate separatism would be to give way to the foreigner, he said.

"Who taught this to Annadurai? It is the soil of India which has sowed seed of patriotism in every citizen," Bhagwat said.

Touching upon the RSS' undivided India (Akhand Bharat) concept, he said, "We should always worship the undivided image of Mother India."



Bhagwat said the Indian ethos is rooted in the idea of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family').

"We consider the world as one family. We find God in ourselves and everywhere. Indian ideology is based on this concept," the RSS leader maintained.

Violence erupted in Pune district when Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in which the forces of the British East India Company defeated the Peshwa's army. Right-wing groups have been blamed for the clashes which left one person dead.

Dalit leaders commemorate the British victory as it is believed that soldiers from the Mahar (Dalit) community were part of the East India Company's forces. The Peshwas were Brahmins, and the victory is seen as a symbol of Dalit assertiveness.

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The number of migratory birds visiting the Chilika Lake in Odisha has dropped this season with 53,000 fewer winged visitors sighted at the lagoon compared to the last year.

The annual bird census, undertaken in the brackish water lagoon yesterday, put the count to 893,390 birds of 147 different species.

Last winter, 947,119 birds of 167 different species had visited the lake. Of them 374,756 were sighted at the 15.59 sq km Nalabana bird sanctuary, said Divisional Forest Officer (Chilika wildlife division) Bikash Ranjan Das.

This time, altogether 320,826 birds were sighted at Nalabana bird sanctuary, he said.

The increase in the water level of the lagoon due to heavy rain during the monsoons might have led to the decline in the number of birds visiting the lake this year, the DFO said.

Moreover, this year, the census was conducted about 10 days ahead of schedule, he said.

Das said River Lawping, a local bird, was sighted at the lake for the first time. This species is usually found on river beds. But the enumerators have found one such bird at Chilika, he said.

Around 100 people, including ornithologists from Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), officials of wildlife organisations, several ornithologists and wildlife activists took part in the bird count between 6am and 11am yesterday.

The lagoon hosts migratory birds every year during the peak winters. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and southeast Asia, visit the lake to escape the biting cold in their native places. They start their homeward journey with the onset of the summer season.

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Efforts are on to connect all state capitals in the Northeast with double track railway lines by 2020, the Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jitendra Singh, told the Rajya Sabha today.

Replying to questions, he said the government was seeking to develop the northeastern states by creating infrastructure and entrepreneurship facilities in the region.

Singh said rail connectivity between Aizawl and Imphal would be in place by 2020 when a double gauge track would be laid.

He, however, said work on setting up a railway station in Shillong had been stalled because of local protests and expressed the hope the issue would be resolved soon.

"In the next one year, we will have a double gauge rail track in all the states except, perhaps, Sikkim, because of topographic reasons... All state capitals in the northeast will be connected with double track railway lines," he said.

Work on the double track in Imphal had started and would be complete by 2019, he said.

"A total sum of Rs 5,606 crore has been earmarked for it along with 15 new rail lines and six double track projects," he told members in the Upper House.

Singh said Guwahati, Itanagar and Agartala already had double tracks, while Imphal would be double-tracked by next year.

Imphal and Aizawl would be connected by 2020, he said.

The minister also said the government was giving a boost to the industrial sector in the region.

Singh told the House the earlier government's North East Industrial Promotion Policy was not being discontinued.

"There was some thinking going on. We engaged ourselves with the Ministry of Commerce. We had some constraints of financial resources but it is continuing," he said.

He also said in order to promote entrepreneurship, the NDA Government had brought in a Startup India programme which was "unique" because it had a provision for a tax holiday, among other features.

"The Ministry of DoNER has added one more feature -- that of a venture capital fund, which means any youngster who wishes to try his fortune in the Northeast and set up an entrepreneurship there would be given a fund for which we have already deposited Rs 1,000 crore with the NEDFi, which is the banking authority there," he said.

The minister pointed out out that though Shillong was the original capital of erstwhile Assam, it was still to have a full-fledged airport.

He disclosed that the government had earmarked Rs 5,500 crore for roads in the entire region, including Mizoram.

On the creation of airports, he said the government had already started the process of acquiring land in Itanagar.

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On a day the police denied permission to a students' event supposed to be addressed by Dalit MLA Jignesh Mevani and JNU student leader Umar Khalid, JD (U) legislator Kapil Patil said they will organise a rally in Nagpur which houses the RSS headquarters.

Patil, one of the organisers of the 'All India Students Summit 2018', said the government stood "exposed" as it was trying to "suppress" the unrest among students in the state.

"Our next big attack will be in Nagpur as it is the headquarter of the RSS. We will organise a huge rally in Nagpur in coming months. Communalism is on the rise in Maharashtra, but we will counter it," the MLC said.

Earlier in the day, police denied the permission to the event, scheduled to be held in a western suburb today.

The permission was denied in the wake of the protests and bandh observed in the state yesterday following violence on the anniversary of a battle fought 200 years ago at Bhima Koregaon in Pune.

After denial of the permission, police today detained some students and activists outside Bhaidas Hall in suburban Vile Parle.

Patil alleged the police beat up Datta Dhage who heads Maharashtra unit of the Chhatra Bharati which had organised the programme.

"It was an annual event where Mevani, Khalid and Richa Singh (Allahabad University student leader) were invited as speakers. Just before the beginning of the event, we were told about denial of the permission by the police. Some 700-800 students were taken to different 8-9 police stations. Those who made Maharashtra burn for the last four days, are now suppressing the students as well," he alleged.

"None of the previous governments acted like this the way the Devendra Fadnavis government is acting. The same government does not talk on issues such as agrarian distress, Maratha reservation or issues concerning students, but it is keen on suppressing the unrest among the student community," he said.

Richa Singh said the BJP-led NDA government had tried to suppress students at several universities and institutions like the FTII, BHU, JNU or AU.

"We were detained because we wanted to speak before students. We will take up this issue in all parts of the country and sensitise people. This Sanghi government will be dislodged by students of the country," she said.

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BJP legislators met Delhi's Lt Governor Anil Baijal today and urged him to extend the age limit of guest teachers applying for regular jobs in municipal and Delhi government schools.

The delegation, headed by the Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, Vijender Gupta, submitted a memorandum on this to Baijal.

The Lt Governor "agreed in principal" to the MLAs' demand, Gupta said.

A large number of guest teachers have been working in Delhi's municipal corporation and government schools for many years, he said. And while they met all the other eligibility criteria, many could not apply for permanent jobs because they were over-age, Gupta added.

"They should be given an age relaxation equal to their experience in teaching work so that they are not barred from a direct recruitment," he said.

Age relaxations have been granted in similar circumstances in the past, too, he said. The Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board in 2013 allowed an age relaxation for the post of special teachers, Gupta said.

Applicants who had been working as resource persons for children with special needs in Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan were given an age relaxation, he added.

MLAs OP Sharma and Manjinder Singh Sirsa were present at the meeting with Baijal.

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Bodies of five persons, including a 12-year-old boy were found inside a minibus today, police said.

The five who hail from the same village in Nalbari district had gone for a picnic to Bhutan Chowki on the Assam-Bhutan border yesterday.

Their bodies were recovered from inside the minibus at Galadighalat, the police said adding they were identified.

Local BJP MLA Narayan Deka who visited the site told reporters that police and forensic experts are investigating the incident.

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Eight MLAs, including five from the Congress, on Thursday, joined the BJP ally in the NDA at the centre People's Party (NPP) in poll-bound Meghalaya.

All eight MLAs, who recently resigned from the Assembly, joined the NPP at its rally in Meghalaya capital town of Shillong.

NPP spokesperson James K Sangma announced at the rally that along with them, 10 members of the tribal autonomous district councils, have also formally joined the party.

The NPP is headed by Conrad K Sangma, son of former Lok Sabha Speaker P A Sangma.

The eight MLAs, including five of the ruling Congress, had resigned from the state Assembly on December 29 last year and announced that they would be joining the NPP, a constituent of the BJP-led North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), a political coalition that was formed in 2016.

The MLAs, who joined the NPP, are former deputy chief minister Rowell Lyngdoh, Sniawbhalang Dhar, Comingone Ymbon, Prestone Tynsong, and Ngaitlang Dhar of the Congress, Remington Pyngrope of the United Democratic Party and Independents Stephanson Mukhim and Hopeful Bamon.

In his address at the rally, NPP president Conrad K Sangma expressed "happiness" at the formal joining of the eight MLAs and said that the Assembly 2018 is about "fulfilling the dreams of my (Late) father Purno A Sangma and it will be tough".

"2018 will be tough but I am sure you all will work hard and come out successful," he said.

NPP spokesperson James K Sangma said the NPP stands for the "change" that people are looking for.

"The NPP is the party that will bring in the change. A party that will fight for the minorities in the country - the Christians, Muslims, Sikhs, Seng Khasi and the Songarek (tribals organisations in Meghalaya)," he said.

Former Meghalaya deputy chief minister Rowell Lyngdoh, a veteran Congressman who was elected six out of the nine terms of the Assembly in the state, said, "Meghalaya expects a change and we have to vote out the present Congress government under Chief Minister Mukul Sangma."



Manipur deputy chief minister and NPP leader Yumnam Joykumar, who was present at the rally, highlighted that the NPP is a party originated from Manipur, rubbishing claims that the NPP is a Garo party.

He said the NPP as envisioned by (late) P A Sangma stands for the North East people and the people of the region as a whole.

Today's development came close on the heels of four MLAs, including former Congress legislator, Alexander L Hek, joining the BJP two days back.

Apart from Hek, former deputy speaker Sanbor Shullai (who also headed the NCP in the state until last year) and two Independents -- Justine Dkhar and Robinus Syngkon -- joined the BJP at a rally at Shillong on January 2.

Joining of MLAs have boosted the BJP and its allies ahead of the Assembly elections in Meghalaya to be held soon.

Meghalaya at present has the Congress government with Mukul Sangma as the chief minister.

Term of the 60-member Meghalaya House is ending on March 6 and poll process has to be conducted before that.
As much as 65 per cent population of the country will soon be able to tune in to FM radio network, the Lok Sabha was informed on Thursday.

Maintaining that currently, 52 per cent of the population can access FM radio network, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said that the government has taken a number of initiatives for expanding the FM radio network across the country.

As of now, the FM radio network covers 52 per cent population and soon it will be expanded to 65 per cent population in the country, he said during Question Hour.

The minister said in order to synergise efforts for multiple utilisation of resources and sharing of existing capacities and communication towers of the ministry of information and broadcasting and department of telecommunications, a committee of officers of both the ministries was formed in 2015 to ascertain technical feasibility and decide terms and conditions of infrastructure sharing.

Presently, 57 All India Radio towers are shared with private FM broadcasters on a rental basis. In addition, 37 Doordarshan towers are also shared with private FM broadcasters on a rental basis.
A special court today deferred the sentencing of Lalu Prasad in a fodder scam case till tomorrow when it is likely to decide whether to pronounce the quantum of punishment over video conference or in court with the judge saying he also received phone calls from the RJD chief's well- wishers.

The case relates to fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 89.27 lakh from Deoghar treasury 21 years ago.

Deferring the sentencing for the second day in a row, CBI judge Shiv Pal Singh said he would decide tomorrow whether the sentence would be given over video conference or in the court.

To this, Prasad said he was for personal appearance and assured that there would be no slogans raised in the courtroom by his supporters.

The judge also said he had received phone calls from well-wishers of the RJD boss but did not elaborate.

With the court room packed, the judge asked the advocates not connected with the fodder scam case to leave.

Fifteen others who were convicted in the scam and were to be sentenced along with Prasad waited in the court, while the RJD chief was whisked away to Birsa Munda jail after this.

The court had yesterday served contempt notices to senior leaders of the RJD and the Congress for criticising in TV channels the December 23 conviction of Prasad in the fodder scam case.

It had on December 23 convicted Prasad and 15 others in this fodder scam case and acquitted six others including another former Bihar chief minister Jagannath Mishra.

The case pertains to fraudulent withdrawal of the money from the Deoghar treasury between 1991 and 1994.

The court had convicted Prasad for offences of cheating with criminal conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Under the sections, Prasad can be sentenced a minimum jail term of one year and maximum of seven years, his advocate Chittaranjan Prasad had said.

In 1996, the Patna High Court had ordered an inquiry into the fodder scam cases and a charge sheet in the Deogarh treasury case was filed against 38 people on October 27, 1997. Eleven of them died and three turned approvers while two other accused confessed and were convicted in 2006-07, a CBI official said.

On September 30, 2013, Yadav, Jagannath Mishra and several others had been convicted in another case pertaining to illegal withdrawal of Rs 37.7 crore from Chaibasa Treasury in the early 1990s. The conviction on December 23 last is the second in the scam.

Yadav faces another three fodder scam cases for illegal withdrawal of Rs 3.97 crore from the Dumka Treasury, Rs 36 crore from the Chaibasa Treasury and Rs 184 crore from the Doranda treasury.

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A speeding truck hit a car due to poor visibility as a result of fog, injuring four people here, the police said today.

The accident occurred last night in Dadri due to dense fog, they said.

The injured were rushed to a private hospital in Ghaziabad.

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The Supreme Court today asked the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) authorities to consider a representation of students who have questioned the "gender discriminatory rules" against the girl students.

The apex court asked the students of the university, who had challenged the rules, to raise their grievances through the representation to the university authorities.

A bench of Justices Arun Mishra and M M Shantanagoudar granted liberty to the university to file its reply with regard to any misconduct by students after its counsel said that the petitioner was involved in protests and a FIR was lodged against him.

Advocate Prashant Bhushan appearing for student Vikas Singh and others said that there were several gender discriminatory rules and regulations framed by the Mahila Maha Vidyalaya Womens' Hostel of the BHU.

He said that the hostel does not allow girls to go out of hostel, even in the campus, after 8 pm.

The girls can't use cell phone after 10 pm and if they use, then they have to put it on speaker mode. They are also not lowed to wear short dresses, he claimed.

Bhushan said that the girls were not allowed to access wi-fi and internet in their hostel rooms, while the male students were given all such facilities.

"If a girl is coming or going out of station from the hostel at night, she cannot go due to these rules. These are draconian and archaic rules," he said.

The bench said that these are all matters which can be dealt by the university, and going out of station in the night are exceptional cases which can be addressed on case by case basis.

The top court said that students should make a representation to the university authorities with regard to their grievances and it will look into it.

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Karnataka Water Resources Minister M B Patil today charged Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar with "trying to bluff people" on the issue of sharing of the Mahadayi river water between the two states.

He said Karnataka is seeking release of 7.56 TMC of water from the river.

"We are clear, we are asking for our right. He (Parrikar) says water cannot be given. He (Parrikar) is taking a dual stance, political stance, trying to bluff people", the minister, who was on an official visit here, told PTI.

Karnataka has locked horns with the neighbouring Goa on sharing the Mahadayi river water. It is seeking release of 7.56 tmc for the Kalasa-Bhanduri Nala project.

The project is being undertaken to improve water supply to the twin cities of Hubballi-Dharwad and districts of Belagavi and Gadag.

Parrikar said yesterday that sharing the water of the Mahadayi river with other states was "inevitable".

"One has to understand that 52 kms of the river runs through Goa, 35 kms through Karnataka and 16 kms through Maharashtra. As such, sharing of water of the Mahadayi river is inevitable as it is passing through all the three states," he had said.

"If someone thinks Karnataka will not get a share out of the tribunal judgement, I think he is living in a fool's paradise," the Goa Chief Minister had said.

"But at the same time, Karnataka cannot take or divert water from the Mahadayi basin to another basin. They have to use it for drinking purposes or utilise it within the basin," he had added.

Parrikar had said the issue before the Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal is about diversion of water from the basin.

Parrikar added that the issue currently before the tribunal is "to ascertain whether the Mahadayi basin is deficit or not."



He said as per the Interstate River Water Dispute Act, one cannot divert water from a deficit basin to another basin.

"We have proved it with documentary evidence that the Mahadayi basin is a deficit one," he added.

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The Supreme Court today sought response from the Centre and state governments on a plea for the protection of women from sexual harassment at workplace, cases of which the petitioner claimed were on the rise.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra was hearing a PIL which has sought immediate and proper implementation of the provisions of the Sexual Harassment At Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition) Act and for setting up redressal mechanism.

The bench, which also comprised justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, was told by the petitioner that even the local district officers and complaints committees were not being appointed and the victims did not have a forum to file complaints even as such cases were on the rise.

"It will not be possible to effectively implement the provisions of the Act unless district officers are notified in all the districts of the states and UTs and Local Complaints Committees are constituted," the PIL, filed through advocate Esha Shekhar by Delhi-based NGO Initiatives for Inclusion Foundation (IIF), said.

The PIL sought a direction to the state governments to give full support to district officers, ensure collection of annual compliance reports from all organisations.

It alleged that various RTIs filed by the NGO shows that a very little progress has been made by the states to implement the Act.

"The data collected nationwide presents a picture of apathy and inaction in implementation of an Act which was originally brought in to eradicate sexual harassment from workplace and subsequently to create an enabling, safe and secure working environment for women.

"There is practically no avenue, both in organised and unorganised sector, for women who experience sexual harassment at workplace to lodge their complaints and seek redressal," it said.

The PIL claimed that the 2013 Act envisaged the setting up of district officers, nodal agencies as well as other redressal mechanisms at district level, in the form of local complaints committee in each state for redressal of sexual harassment complaints.

"However, it is seen that after four years of the Act coming into force throughout India, such mechanisms have not been created by many state governments/UTs," it alleged.

It added that the women working at the grass-root level are victims of sexual harassment and in the absence of any grievances redressal mechanism available to them for making complaints, they suffer.

"This is a very shocking state and unless appropriate directions are passed by the Supreme Court, the situation which women were facing in spite of the Vishaka Guidelines will continue," it said.

The present issue was earlier addressed by the Supreme Court in 1997 in its famous Vishaka judgement where the court had formulated guidelines to check the sexual harassment of working women in all workplaces in consonance with the international conventions and the fundamental rights.

It was directed that the guidelines, popularly known as Vishaka Guidelines, would be observed in all workplaces and they would be binding and enforceable under law until suitable legislation was enacted to occupy field.

Later, Parliament enacted the Act in December, 2013.

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Terming as "extremely suspicious" the conduct of the founder of a north Delhi-based ashram, where girls were allegedly kept in illegal confinement, the Delhi High Court today directed the CBI to submit a report on his whereabouts.

A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar said if the ashram was a "spiritual" place, why were the girls and women being kept behind locked doors.

It also said that if Virender Dev Dixit, the founder of the ashram, was preaching spirituality, he should come forward and there should be no need for the CBI to trace him.

The bench directed the ashram to submit its stand on an affidavit with regard to the various allegations made in a PIL against it by an NGO which has claimed that girls and women were illegally confined at the "spiritual university" in north Delhi's Rohini area.

A three-member panel, appointed by the court to inspect the Rohini ashram and its other branches in Delhi, claimed the institute was making the inmates write letters and complaints making similar allegations of sexual assaults against their family members.

The committee, comprising Delhi Commission for Women chairperson Swati Maliwal and advocates Nandita Rao and Ajay Verma, said the letters and complaints were being used to pressure the family members from initiating any action against the ashram or Dixit.

The committee members also told the court that FIRs were being lodged against family members on the complaints and letters by inmates of the ashram.

The bench said "prima facie there appears to be substance in the submission of the committee" that the ashram and Dixit may be utilising the complaints to make similar allegations against the family members as a "shield" to keep the inmates on the premises.

The court was also of the prima facie view that the complaints and letters were "motivated" and meant to "dissuade" the family members from pursuing any PIL or criminal case, and to obstruct proceedings in ongoing matters.

"Do not resort to these tactics to browbeat parents. If we find that any of these women are minors, then we will ask CBI to lodge kidnapping cases against you," the bench warned the ashram.

The court said while it would not obstruct or interfere in any legitimate, honest or genuine spiritual work, it "will not countenance any fraudulent or illegal activity".

The court listed the matter for further hearing on January 17.

During the hearing, the bench said it was aware that the entire organisation was run and managed by Dixit, and arguments to the contrary by the ashram's lawyer are "falsified" by information on the website as well as YouTube videos.

It warned the ashram's lawyer that criminal contempt action can be initiated against him for his conduct and changing stances.

The court had on December 22, 2017 directed the CBI to trace Dixit who was ordered to be present before the bench today.

The CBI was asked to investigate the alleged illegal confinement of girls and women at the ashram after the court appointed committee said the inmates there were kept in "animal-like" conditions behind metal doors in a "fortress- like" building surrounded by barbed wire fence.

The court had directed the agency to constitute a special investigation team (SIT) forthwith to take charge of all records and documents pertaining to the case.

At the first hearing of the matter, the court had said the situation at the ashram -- Adhyatmik Vishwa Vidyalaya -- at Rohini in north Delhi was "similar" to the one run in Haryana's Sirsa, without making any direct reference to Gurmeet Ram Rahim or the Dera Sacha Sauda sect led by him.

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Veteran actor Meryl Streep feels that her "Kramer vs Kramer" co-star Dustin Hoffman "overstepped" when he slapped her for real during a scene for the 1979 Oscar-winning film.

In an interview with the New York Times, Streep said that it is tricky for an an actor when it comes to shooting scenes because "you have to feel free".

On Streep's first day on the sets of "Kramer vs. Kramer", the actor shot a physical scene with Hoffman where he slapped her.

When asked about the infamous incident, Streep said, "This is tricky because when you're an actor, you're in a scene, you have to feel free. I'm sure that I have inadvertently hurt people in physical scenes. But there's a certain amount of forgiveness in that. But this was my first movie, and it was my first take in my first movie, and he just slapped me. And you see it in the movie. It was overstepping."



"But I think those things are being corrected in this moment. And they're not politically corrected; they're fixed. They will be fixed, because people won't accept it anymore. So that's a good thing," Streep said.

In the wake of Harvey Weinstein scandal, Hoffman was one of the actors to be accused of sexual harassment and misconduct by women he worked with.

In an article written for The Hollywood Reporter last month, author Anna Graham Hunter opened up about her encounter with Hoffman when she was a minor.

Since then more women have come forward and narrated their encounters with Hoffman.

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An Indian Air Force helicopter, carrying three service personnel on board, made an emergency landing at a Madhya Pradesh Police ground here today due to a technical glitch, but all were safe, a police officer said.

The chopper, which took off from the IAF's Gwalior base, was on a routine sortie, Bhind Superintendent of Police, Prashant Khare told PTI.

"The helicopter carrying three IAF personnel, including the pilot, made an emergency landing at the local Special Armed Force (SAF) ground," he said.

The chopper landed at 3 pm at the SAF ground following a technical glitch, he said.

A team from the Gwalior base, which arrived here, was inspecting the chopper, SAF Deputy Superintendent of Police, Suresh Singh Yadav said.

All the persons on board were safe and no damage was caused to the chopper, he said.

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IG CRPF (Jammu) A V Chauhan suffered coronary syndrome during a visit to Bhaderwah in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir, an official said today.

He was airlifted to Jammu and his condition is stable, PRO CRPF Commandant Ashish Kumar Jha said.

Chauhan fell ill while he was on an official visit of a CRPF unit in Bhaderwah yesterday, he said.

The Inspector General of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) of Jammu Zone was admitted to Narayana Hospital in Katra for treatment, the PRO said.

"His (Chauhan) coronaries were found normal during the coronary angiography. Chauhan is absolutely stable, fine and normal," Jha said.

The CRPF commandant also condemned the media reports which "exaggerated" the IG CRPF's health condition.

" blown out of proportion. A is in circulation in media and some WhatsApp groups that IG CRPF Jammu sector suffered a massive heart attack yesterday while on an official visit of a CRPF unit in Bhaderwah.

"It is thus clarified that the is an exaggeration of the incident. It was not a massive cardiac arrest instead a case of coronary syndrome," Jha said.

Chauhan, who was putting up at a tourist resort along with family on Wednesday night, complained of severe chest pain and nausea.

He was immediately rushed to Sub District Hospital Bhadarwah. He was later airlifted to Jammu, the PRO added.

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Entrepreneurs from across the country will gather in the city to participate in the four-day India Industrial Fair- 2018 (IIF) scheduled to begin from January 5, an official said.

It will be the fifth edition of the fair, which will be organised by Laghu Udhyog Bharti and MSME department at Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC).

Entrepreneurs from different states will showcase their products on nearly 800 stalls, chairperson of the IIF-2018, Omprakash Mittal, said at a press conference here.

Convener of the fair, Mahendra Khurana, said that nearly 1,500 entrepreneurs were expected to participate and an MSME conclave will be organised for them on January 6.

Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and Union MSME minister Giriraj Singh will address the conclave.

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Weeks after the Trump Administration described India as a "leading global power", a former Obama Administration diplomat in a book released today said that more than at any time over the past quarter-century, the country is well on its way to global power.

"We are witnessing a country chart its course to power, and explicitly seeking not to displace others but to be recognized among the club of world powers, one in which it believes its membership is long overdue," said Alyssa Ayres, who served as deputy assistant secretary of state for South Asia from 2010 to 2013.

Currently, a senior fellow for India, Pakistan, and South Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations - a top American think-tank, Ayres says over the past 25 years, Indias economic expansion has vaulted it into the ranks of the worlds emerging major powers.

A rising India now wants a seat at the table of global powers. With its huge military and growing economy, India is ready to set its own terms on everything from defence to climate to trade, she argues in her book 'Our Time Has Come: How India is Making its Place in the world,' which hit the stores today.

"More than at any time over the past quarter-century, India is well on its way to global power," Ayres asserts in the book in which she says that Americas relationship with India differs from its relationships with longstanding European and Asian partners because New Delhi, while seeking a closer strategic and economic relationship with the US, does not seek the obligations inherent to an alliance.

To help shape this nontraditional partnership, Ayres emphasizes the need for global governance reform that makes space for India.

Her recommendations include backing Indian membership in the Group of Seven, the UN Security Council, and other institutions that set the global economic and security agenda; developing stronger bilateral economic ties with India; continuing to pursue stronger regional security cooperation with India; and supporting institutions of democracy.

"India, as a rising power of Asia, should be better understood and better appreciated in its own terms as a competitiveness issue for US economic and business interests, and as a matter of the demands of the new global diplomacy in which all of Asia plays a much more pivotal role," she writes.

At the same time, Ayres also highlights the challenges the country faces including that the Indian economy remains relatively protectionist, and no clear consensus exists on the benefits of a more open economy or stepping up the pace of economic reforms.

"India struggles with the legacy of its longstanding foreign policy doctrine of nonalignment, and remains ambivalent about how it should exercise power," she said.

"India is intensely protective of what it sees as its autonomy, and seeks to shape international interactions very specifically on Indian terms," she wrote in her book.

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Indian Ambassador to China Gautam Bambawale today held talks with Guo Yezhou, Vice Minister, International Department of the ruling Communist Party, amid efforts by the two nations to improve their ties post-Dokalam.

Guo is the senior most vice minister of the international department of the CPC which plays key role in policy formulations of China's external relations.

The details of the meeting were immediately not available.

Bambawale, a seasoned diplomat who till recently served as high commissioner to Pakistan, assumed charge as India's ambassador to China last month.

The meeting took place as a high-level Chinese delegation headed by Meng Xiangfeng, a close confidant of President Xi Jinping and the Deputy Director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, is currently visiting India under an exchange programme with the Ministry of External Affairs.

The exchanges between the CPC and the MEA followed the visits of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and top Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi to New Delhi last month.

Wang's talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and other officials on the sidelines of Russia-India-China Foreign Ministers' meeting last month set the stage for a broader dialogue on improving the relations this year.

The two neighbours had a roller-coaster relationship in 2017 which was repeatedly blighted by issues like the Dokalam standoff, blocking of India's NSG membership bid and moves to declare the Jaish-e-Muhammad chief Massood Azhar a terrorist.

The 73-day standoff at Dokalam in Sikkim where Chinese military attempted to build a road close to Chicken Neck corridor has sparked a new round of tensions at the border. It finally ended after China agreed to stop road building.

As the two sides made efforts to improve ties, officials here said a new incident of Chinese militarys attempts to build a road inside the Indian territory in Siang district in Arunachal Pradesh has been resolved.

The Chinese construction equipment seized by the Indian troops is expected to be handed over to Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) troops at a local commanders meeting.

The series of meeting at various levels currently underway were between the two countries were aimed at resetting the relations back on track averting a further downturn in the bilateral ties, they said.

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A 50-year-old Indian national has died after a fire gutted a private residential building on the outskirts of the city, police said today.

Birval Majhi was seriously injured when the fire engulfed the first floor of the K L Residence building in Sanogauchar area yesterday.

He was rushed to the Bir Hospital where he died during treatment, the police said.

Property worth Rs one lakh (in local currency) was also damaged in the incident, they added.

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The Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas will be one of the biggest platform for India's interaction with the South East Asia as well as global businesses, Indian High Commissioner to Singapore Jawed Ashraf said today.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated every year to mark the contribution of overseas Indian community in the development of India.

External Affair Minister Sushma Swaraj, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and three chief ministers will attend the event which is being organised for the first time in Singapore between Jaunary 6 and 7.

Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean will be the Guest of Honour at the two-day PBD.

The India-Singapore/ASEAN Entrepreneurship Bridge (InSpreneur) will be also held between January 5 and 6 along side the PBD.

Indian professionals in Southeast Asia is said to help build a bridge between India and ASEAN during the three-day gathering of corporate community, Ashraf said.

"Having led some of the top international corporations and with a deeper understanding of the Indian business cultures, the Indian professionals will help open a wider door for ASEAN businesses venturing into the Indian market," he added.

Stressing that the gathering is set to be one of the biggest platform for India's interaction with South East Asia as well as global businesses, he said "there are areas where regional businesses will want to learn from India, especially the digital futures, where Indian Information Technology skill have a vast lead over others".

Fintech and start-ups are the other Indian-influenced skill and technology for the global players to form partnership, said the High Commissioner.

Over 100 companies have registered for "speed dating" or match making with Indian companies which will be showcasing their expertise at the InSpreneur.

To be held 5-6 January, InSpreneur will be the biggest platform with focus on startups, Fintech, cyber security, disruptive technologies in manufacturing and India Digital Stack such as Indias successful model of Aadhar UID-enabled governance, public services, financial inclusion and payment systems.

"While we are trying to learn as much from the world, we have also a lot of IT technologies to offer," said Ashraf, underlining the importance of InSpreneur.

Meanwhile, the ASEAN-India PBD is one of the highlights of the year-longcommemoration of the 25 years of ASEAN-India partnership, which willculminate in the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit in New Delhi on January 25.

India will host leaders of ASEAN member states as Chief Guests at Republic Day parade and celebrations on January 26.

Some 600 delegates will attend the InSpreneur and over 2,500 delegates are due at the ASEAN-India PBD, the first being held in South East Asia.

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Iran today hanged a man convicted of raping and killing a six-year-old Afghan girl in a case that has shocked the nation, local media reported.

Setayesh Ghoreyshi was kidnapped in April 2016 in the town of Varamin, just south of Tehran, and murdered by Amirhossein P, who was 17 years old at the time.

"The family of the victim insisted on applying the penalty which took place this morning," said Gholamhossein Esmaili, judiciary chief for Tehran province.

The death penalty is applied in Iran for crimes including rape, murder and drug trafficking, as well as apostasy.

It can apply for crimes committed by minors, but is not carried out until the convict reaches the legal age of 18.

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Iran today charged that the US "has crossed every limit" in international relations by expressing support for Iran's anti-government protesters and said President Donald Trump's "absurd tweets" have encouraged disruption.

In a letter to UN officials, Iranian Ambassador Gholamali Khoshroo complained that Washington was intervening "in a grotesque way in Iran's internal affairs."



He said Trump and Vice President Mike Pence were personally stirring up trouble.

"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 UN Security Council president and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

The US didn't 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.

"Such respect for the people of Iran as they try to take back their corrupt government," he tweeted yesterday. "You will see great support from the United States at the appropriate time!"



Trump's UN envoy, Ambassador Nikki Haley, called Tuesday for an emergency Security Council meeting on Iran, saying the UN needed to speak out in support of the protesters.

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A former top American diplomat



who served as the US envoy to Afghanistan, Iraq and the UN



today suggested a series of steps against Pakistan including slapping sanctions against the spy agency ISI and unilateral strikes inside its territory to end Islamabad's double game.

Afghan-born Zalmay Khalilzad who has emerged as one of the vocal critic of Pakistan and has accused it of being a state sponsor of terrorism made the remarks ahead of the announcement of White House actions to pressurise Pakistan.

In an op-ed in National Interest magazine, he recommended taking a series of steps against Pakistan to end its double game including slapping sanctions against ISI and individuals who are involved in supporting insurgents and terrorists; and undertake unilateral strikes inside Pakistani territory.

"Prepare to designate Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism unless it changes course and abandons support for terrorists. Such a designation will impose ongoing restrictions to assistance, bans on defense exports and sales, limitations on exports of dual use items, and other financial restrictions," Khalilzad said.

The former diplomat who hosted Trump as the candidate for his first major foreign policy speech called for suspension of economic assistance to Pakistan, holding Pakistan accountable before regional and international organizations in association with India and Afghanistan.

He also suggested reaching out to the people of Pakistan and document its support for terrorists and extremists.

"Patience, positive incentives, and occasional feeble pressure have not induced Pakistan to end its double game. Yet, success against terrorism and extremism in Afghanistan and the region requires a change in Pakistans policy of support for such groups," he said.

"To bring about such a change, the time has come to embrace a strategy that dramatically increase the cost to Pakistan of its current approach," Khalilzad said.

A day earlier, the White House had said it would announce specific actions against Pakistan this week to force it to crackdown on terrorists on its soil, reflecting president Donald Trump's tough stance against over the issue.

The remarks by White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders came after Trump accused Pakistan of giving nothing to the US but "lies and deceit" and providing "safe haven" to terrorists in return for $33 billion aid over the last 15 years.

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Even in the midst of proceedings to decide the quantum of sentence in a fodder scam involving RJD chief Lalu Prasad, the leader did not miss to crack a funny when he told the judge that "it was very cold in jail" to which the judge replied play 'tabla'.

A special court earlier deferred the sentencing of Prasad in the fodder scam case till tomorrow when it is likely to decide whether to pronounce the quantum of punishment over video conference or in court.

Prasad, known for his funny liners, said in the court, "It is very cold here (in jail)".

CBI Special Court Judge Shiv Pal Singh, hearing the csae, was quick to reply, "Then, play tabla (musical instrument)".

During the course of proceedings in the packed court room, the judge told Prasad that he had read the latter's record and had vigilance remained tight, such a thing (fodder scam) would not have happened.

The judge further commented that the RJD chief did not act promptly on which Prasad in his characteristic style said "I am also an advocate."



Prasad is an LLB from Patna University.

The judge also informed Prasad about the contempt notices to RJD leader Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, Prasad's son and former Bihar deputy chief minister Tejaswi Yadav, Congress leader Manish Tiwari and RJD leader Shivanand Tiwari.

On this, the RJD chief requested him to drop the notices.

Before being taken away from the court room, Prasad urged the judge to think with a "cool mind".

When the judge said he could opt for video conferencing for hearing on arguments on the quantum of sentence tomorrow, Prasad requested for personal appearance. The judge said he would decide tomorrow about it.

The fodder scam relates to fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 89.27 lakh from Deoghar treasury 21 years ago.

While the sentencing of Prasad was deferred for tomorrow, the arguments on quantum of sentence of IAS officer Beck Julius, political leader Jagdish Sharma, former treasury officer Krishna Kumar Prasad, fodder transporter/suppliers Gopinath Das and Jyoti Kumar Jha, ended today.

On a plea by three former IAS officers---Beck Julius, Phoolchand Singh and Mahesh Prasad----the court directed to lodge them in the higher division of Birsa Munda jail where RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav is given.

In all, 16 persons along with Yadav were convicted in the case on December 23 while six others, including former Bihar chief minister Jagannath Mishra, were acquitted in the case.
The Delhi High Court today reduced to life sentence the death penalty awarded to two of the three convicts in the 2009 business executive Jigisha Ghosh murder case, saying the crime did not qualify as "rarest of rare" warranting capital punishment.

A bench of Justices S Muralidhar and I S Mehta while modifying the death penalty awarded to Ravi Kapoor and Amit Shukla, confirmed the life sentence to the third convict, Baljeet Malik, pronounced by the trial court.

Considering the circumstantial evidence which proved the involvement of the convicts in the crime, the bench observed, "In the present case, it is not clear as to which of the three accused - whether all of them or only some of them - actually committed the murder of the deceased".

"What is proved beyond doubt is that all of them were involved in the crime. Therefore, to differentiate, as the trial court has done, between the accused by awarding the death penalty to two of them may also not be justified."



"Having carefully considered the entire case from all perspectives, the court is not satisfied that the crime here can be characterised as 'rarest of rare' that warrants the award of the death penalty for Kapoor and Shukla," the bench said while commuting the death sentence awarded to the duo.

The observation by the high court came while deciding the death reference and the appeals moved by the trio against their conviction and August 22, 2016 order on sentence.

The high court, however, upheld the varying amounts of fine imposed by the trial court on the three.

Kapoor was slapped with a fine of Rs 1.2 lakh by the trial court due to his incapacity to pay, while Shukla and Malik were directed to pay Rs 2.8 lakh and Rs 5.8 lakh respectively as the pre-sentencing report suggested they were financially strong.

The trial court had also directed that out of the total fine of Rs 9.8 lakh, Rs six lakh be paid to the parents of the victim, and an adequate compensation be decided by the District Legal Service Authority (South).

28-year-old Jigisha, an operations manager in a management consultancy firm, was abducted and killed on March 18, 2009 after she was dropped by her office cab around 4 am near her home in Vasant Vihar area of South Delhi.

Her body was recovered three days later from a place near Surajkund in Haryana.

The trial court had held the three men guilty of the offences of murder, abduction, robbery, forgery and common intention under the IPC. Kapoor was also convicted of the offence of using firearms under the Arms Act.

The trio is also facing trial for the murder of TV journalist Soumya Viswanathan, killed a year before Jigisha.

While seeking setting aside of the conviction and order on sentence for Shukla and Malik, their advocate Amit Kumar had contended before the high court that the trial court committed an error by awarding death penalty and life sentence to his clients respectively, simply on the basis of biased jail/probation report about the two.

The high court disagreed with the contention and upheld their conviction, saying the prosecution has been able to successfully prove the circumstances, which conclusively point to the guilt of each of them.

However, it did not concur with the trial court's finding, based on the pre-sentence report (PSR) by a probation officer (PO), that Kapoor and Shukla were not capable of "reform or rehabilitation".

Turning to this aspect, the bench said, "Their conduct in jail as undertrials was a major factor that weighed with the trial court".

"At this juncture, it is necessary to observe that as long as the trial is underway, the prisoner is an undertrial and is not given the same tasks as a convict might be.

"Further, the undertrial wards in Tihar Jail are usually overcrowded by well over a 100 per cent. It was mentioned in the written submissions of the Special Public Prosecutor that Kapoor was a 'sahayak munshi' for about 14 months by the time of sentencing and during that period Kapoor's conduct was satisfactory," it added.

It said, "In any event the behaviour of a prisoner during his term as an undertrial cannot be a sufficient marker for his potential for reform and rehabilitation. Likewise with Kapoor whose jail conduct was found during his undertrial stint to be unsatisfactory.

"It might be unsafe to conclusively determine, even while the prisoner is an undertrial, that his conduct in prison can indicate his capacity for reformation. Such a determination would require observing the prisoner over some periods of time separated sufficiently in time and circumstance".

The bench went on to add that, in any event, the exercise of calling for a PSR from the PO has to be preceded by a firm determination that the nature of the crime is such that it calls for the award of the extreme penalty.

"The court has to be satisfied that the nature of the crime is such that can be characterised as rarest of rare. The jurisprudence that has developed around the award of the death sentence need not be discussed in detail," it added.

The police had filed the charge sheet in the case in June 2009 stating that Jigisha's post-mortem report revealed that she was killed by smothering. The trial in the case began in April 2010.

Recovery of the weapon allegedly used in Jigisha's murder had led to cracking of the murder case of Soumya.

Soumya was shot dead on September 30, 2008 while she was returning home in her car from office in the wee hours.

The police had claimed robbery as the motive behind the killing of both Jigisha and Soumya.

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The Delhi High Court today commuted the death penalty awarded to two convicts in the 2009 Jigisha Ghosh murder case to life imprisonment.

A bench of Justices S Muralidhar and I S Mehta, however, upheld the life imprisonment awarded to the third convict by a trial court in the case.

"We commute death sentence awarded to two convicts to life imprisonment," the bench said.

While convicts Ravi Kapoor and Amit Shukla were handed down death penalty by the trial court in 2016, the third offender Baljeet Malik was given reprieve from the gallows for his good conduct in jail and awarded life imprisonment for murder of the IT executive and other counts.

While sentencing the two to death, the trial court had said the 28-year-old woman was killed in a "cold-blooded, inhuman and cruel manner" and "brutally mauled to death".

The police had claimed robbery was the motive behind the killing.

While seeking setting aside of the conviction and order on sentence for Shukla and Malik, their advocate Amit Kumar had contended before the HC that the trial court had committed error by awarding death penalty and life imprisonment to his clients respectively, simply on the basis of biased jail/ probation report about the both.

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Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students today gathered in large numbers to meet the Vice Chancellor against the compulsory attendance move by the varsity.

The students, who were led by the JNU Students Union, said they sought a meeting with the VC to express their opposition to the move.

A JNUSU leader said they also wanted to submit a memorandum signed by 2,000 students to the VC but were denied meeting and have been given an appointment for Monday.

"We will question the VC about compulsory attendance on that day and raise other issues too," JNUSU President Geeta Kumari told the crowd after nearly two hours of stand-off with university officials.

"We would also raise questions pertaining to illegal circulars and arbitrary rules which are being framed on daily basis," she said.

An All-India Students Association (AISA) activist and student of the university said the court ban had empowered the administration to take "anti-students" initiatives and get away with it.

"Because of the ban, the administration is getting off scot-free despite taking all kinds of regressive initiatives," he said.

"Neither the VC meets us, nor are we allowed to protest at a place where it could be heard (by him)," he said, referring to the ban on any protest within 100-metre radius of the administration block.

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Sajjan Jindal-led JSW Energy today said it has incorporated a wholly owned subsidiary JSW Solar Ltd to pursue business opportunities in renewable energy and related segments.

"The company has, on January 1, 2018, incorporated a wholly owned subsidiary JSW Solar Ltd to, inter alia, pursue business opportunities in the renewable energy space, energy storage systems, micro grids, etc," JSW Energy said in BSE filing today.

The company's board in August last year had approved the proposal of entering into electric vehicles, energy storage systems and associated business, directly or through one or more subsidiaries.

The company had said that the expected capex to be incurred on these businesses over the next three years would be in the range of Rs 3,500 to Rs 4,000 crore.

The company has also inked a pact with the Government of Gujarat to set up facility to manufacture electric car and storage battery.

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Members in the Lok Sabha, cutting across party line, today said that judiciary should refrain from "framing" laws and getting into the domain of the legislature.

While supporting the High Court and the Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill, which aims at hiking the salaries of judges in the Supreme Court and the high courts, several members stressed on the supremacy of Parliament over judiciary.

Kalyan Banerjee (TMC) demanded that MPs across the political spectrum should approach the Supreme court and say that "it is not your function" to legislate.

"Legislation should be left to Parliament... Day by day the conflict is emerging and unless it is stopped by the judiciary, in 10-15 years, there will be a direct conflict between judiciary and Parliament," Banerjee said.

Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai, who was in the Chair, too said the function of judiciary is to interpret the law. "They can't legislate the law".

Echoing Banerjee's views, P Ravindra Babu (TDP) said that Parliament is supreme because "we represent the collective mandate of people."



Babu said the constitutional mandate was vested on Parliament and hence "we (Parliamentarians) should prevail over Supreme Court".

He demanded an 'All India Judicial Service' for recruitment of judges so that they come under the civil services rules.

"Why should judges enjoy immunity," he asked and suggested that there should be accountability of judges and for wrong judgments passed, they should be punished.

Several members also pitched for live telecast of proceedings within the High Courts and the Supreme Court.

"If Parliament proceedings are telecast live, then why not have live telecast of court proceedings," Banerjee said, adding that if this happens, then people can witness the behaviour of judges.

Tathagata Satpathy (BJD) suggested that court cases in which the verdict has already been passed should be brought within the purview of Right To Information (RTI).

Terming the Contempt of Court provision as "abominable", he said it should be removed from the statute.

Vinayak Raut (Shiv Sena) too asserted that between the judiciary and Parliament, "unquestionably Parliament and legislative assemblies are above the judiciary."



Banerjee also sought to know from Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad whether the administrative side of Supreme Court and High Court were liable to give explanation to Parliament.

"Because the budget of the judiciary is sanctioned by Parliament, they owe an explanation to Parliament," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Veteran CPIM leader and Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has lavished praise on North Korean leader Kim Jong-un for putting up 'tough' resistance against 'imperialist' America better than the Communist-ruled China.

Addressing a CPI(M) district committee meet at Kozhikode yesterday, he said North Korea was showcasing a better example in defending 'imperialist' forces.

The CPI(M) polit bureau member also said there was a general criticism that China's fight against imperialist forces was not living up to the expectations of the people.

"North Korea has been adopting a tough anti-US stand. North Korea has successfully withstood the pressure exerted by the US," Vijayan said.

The Chief Minister's statement came days after a flex board of the North Korean leader, brought out as part of a programme of CPI(M) in Idukki district, was removed by the party after it triggered a controversy.

The local leaders of the Left party later clarified that Kim's photo was included by 'mistake'.

Kim, in his New Year's Day address, has said North Korea's nuclear weapons can reach anywhere in the US and threatened that he has a nuclear button on his desk.

Hitting back yesterday, Trump warned that his "nuclear button" is "much bigger and more powerful" than the one controlled by Kim as the White House said it was keeping all of its options on the table to curb Pyongyang's atomic programme.

The two leaders have threatened one another's countries with nuclear weapons repeatedly over the last year.

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The BJP in Kerala has demanded a CBI probe into the alleged encroachment of land in the proposed 'Neelakurinji' national sanctuary in the hilly district, with the connivance of politicians and officials.

Talking to reporters after visiting the sanctuary along with an NDA delegation yesterday, BJP State President Kummanom Rajasekharan alleged that largescale encroachment was taking place in the park area with the connivance of politicians and officials.

The state government should be ready for a CBI inquiry, he said adding BJP would submit a report to the Centre, based on the visit to the park area.

The ruling CPI-M-led LDF and Congress headed UDF Opposition were misleading the people on the matter by spreading falsehood, Rajasekharan said.

There was no need to evict any settlers if the survey was held in a time-bound manner, he said adding the farmers living there for years should be protected.

Rajasekharan also wanted the government to preserve the sanctuary area by felling the Eucalyptus trees.

Neelakurinji flower won't blossom in the area due to the existence of large number of eucalyptus trees, he claimed.

Neelakurinji is a purplish blue flower which blooms once in 12 years and the phenomenon attracts a large number of tourists and nature enthusiasts from Kerala and outside.

The 'Neelakurinji Sanctuary' is proposed in a 3,200 hectare land in Munnar and nearby areas, which is part of biodiversity hot spot of Western ghats.

The previous LDF government in 2006 had issued a preliminary notification for the proposed sanctuary.

However, nothing came of it due to resistance from the locals.

The state government while asserting that the sanctuary area would not be reduced, had decided to conduct a scientific study of the sanctuary.

The sanctuary issue came into focus recently after the state government entrusted Revenue Secretary P H Kurien with the task of carrying out a study on the status of populated areas, institutions and places of worship that fall within the territory of the proposed sanctuary.

The move was widely seen as an attempt to redraw the boundaries of the sanctuary as it came after the cancellation (by district authorities) of the title deeds of 20 acres of land of LDF independent MP Joice George and his family at Vattavad and Kottakambur that form part of the park.

A UDF delegation led by Leader of Opposition in the assembly, Ramesh Chennithala had visited the proposed sanctuary area recently and recommended that the government not reduce the size of the proposed sanctuary to preserve Neelakurinji flowering area.

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Vexatious lawsuits involving big corporates of telecom, medicines and media sectors came up in 2017 before the which passed significant orders including halting a multinational pharma major's bid to enjoy patent rights forever on its breast cancer drug.

The year gone by was not good enough for low-cost private carriers -- Indigo, GoAir and Spicejet -- as they unsuccessfully challenged in the high court the decision of Delhi's airport operator, DIAL, to partially shift their operations from Terminal-1 to Terminal-2 of the IGI airport, one of the busiest in the world.

The high court held that Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) did not act unfairly, but granted time till February 15 to the three airlines to shift to T-2 the operations of flights to and from Delhi to Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru.

In a boon to other pharma firms and patients suffering from breast and gastric cancer, the high court trashed the bid of Swiss drug major Roche to retain patent right over its breast cancer drug 'Trastuzumab' saying sternly that it "cannot hang on to" the medicine, innovated by it, for the rest of its life.

The decision consequently allowed pharma firms Biocon and Mylan to sell their version of Roche's drug for treating two kinds of breast cancer and metastatic gastric cancer.

The Swiss company had later moved the Supreme Court against the high court's decision, but then withdrew its plea in August 2017.

Towards the end of an eventful 2017, a high-profile legal battle between fast-food major McDonald's and its estranged Indian partner Vikram Bakshi engaged the court's time.

The litigation between them was the offshoot of the proceedings before Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) regarding McDonald's decision to terminate Bakshi's franchise licence for running 169 fast-food outlets under their 50-50 joint venture Connaught Plaza Restaurant Ltd.

While these developments happened towards the end of the year, the start of 2017 saw telecom major Vodafone moving the high court claiming that the free talk time and Internet offers being handed out by Reliance Jio to consumers were a violation of TRAI's rules on tariff. The telecom sector would wait with bated breath for the outcome in 2018.

Vodafone, Airtel and Idea have also moved the high court against TRAI's recommendation to impose a fine of Rs 50 crore for each of their circles, except in Jammu and Kashmir, coming to a total of Rs 1,050 crore for the first two and Rs 950 crore for the third, respectively, for not providing interconnectivity to Reliance Jio.

This matter is still pending before the high court.

Vodafone was again in the news after the Centre moved the high court challenging the arbitration initiated by the company in UK and Netherlands against India in connection with a Rs 11,000 crore tax demanded from it in relation to its USD 11 billion deal acquiring stake of Hutchinson Telecom.

While the court initially restrained the company from participating in the UK arbitration, it was later allowed to take part in it. This interim order has been challenged by the Centre in the apex court.

An international telecom major, NTT Docomo, also knocked on the doors of the high court for implementation of the USD 1.17 billion damages to be paid by Tata sons for its failure to find a buyer for the Japanese company's stake in their joint venture.

Ruling in Docomo's favour, the high court said the amount can be paid to the foreign company and the Reserve Bank of India's permission was not required for the transaction.

State-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) was also in news after its decision to appoint BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra as an independent director on its Board was challenged in the high court which refused to interfere in the matter.

Ramdev's Patanjali Ayurved Ltd was also dragged to the high court which directed it to stop airing ads promoting its brand of Chyawanprash, after one of its rivals, Dabur, said the commercials disparaged its product.

Media house NDTV was also in the high court over the income tax demanded from it for various years.

The tax authority's demands also brought Cairn UK Holdings Ltd to the high court after the company was held liable to pay Rs 10,247 crore as capital gains tax in relation to some share transactions done in 2006. This matter is also pending before the high court.

The Centre's new tax regime Goods and Services Tax (GST) was also in the limelight for including sanitary napkins in its ambit when it was exempting bindi, sindoor and kajal.
The CPI(M) today alleged that the linguistic minorities, including Bengalis, in Assam were being targeted in the name of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and said the problem should be resolved amicably on the basis of the Constitution and "not on the whims" of RSS-BJP.

Charging the BJP government in the state with using religion and language as tools to divide the people of Assam, the party also lashed out at the prime minister for allegedly "using vote bank to win polls" there.

"The prime minister is squarely responsible for this crisis. The prime minister for the sake of votes tried to rake up the same issue during the poll campaign in Assam. He had promised that all those who came from across the border will be sent back, as the RSS and BJP believe that all Bengali- speaking people are Bangladeshis," CPI(M) leader Mohd Salim told reporters here.

Salim claimed that though the "fragile unity" in Assam was somewhat achieved through the Assam Accord, the RSS has been propagating for long "to divide" the Bengali-speaking population using religion.

"The situation has worsened during the Modi regime", Salim said.

The CPI(M) leader also accused the state chief minister of "sending wrong signals among the linguistic minorities".

Taking a dig at the RSS-BJP, Salim reminded them that Bengali was also the language of West Bengal and not only the Bangladeshi people.

"The RSS and BJP always believe and have the understanding that all Bengali-speaking people are Bangladeshis. They forget West Bengal.

"There is a large number of people who are in Tripura, Maharashtra, Assam who speak Bengali," Salim said.

He asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to study the Assam Accord and resolve the problem amicably on the basis of the Constitution and "not on the basis of the whims of the RSS".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Lok Sabha members today pitched for greater transparency in judicial appointments and asserted that Parliament has supremacy in framing laws, even as Law Minster Ravi Shankar Prasad said there was a need to "reflect" upon the collegium system of judges appointing judges.

Participating in a discussion before passing a bill to hike the salary of Supreme Court and high court judges, several members spoke about accountability of judges and raised concerns over judiciary transgressing into the legislature's jurisdiction.

A law setting up the National Judicial Appointments Commission passed by both Houses of Parliament unanimously was struck down as "unconstitutional" by the Supreme Court in 2016. The law sought to overturn the over two decade old collegium system.

Urging members to pass the bill, the law minister said perhaps time has come to "reflect" upon the collegium system and recalled that recently a sitting judge of a high court was sentenced six months jail for contempt of court.

"If the polity of the country decide to speak in one voice, we'll find a way out...I am getting the sense of the House," he said referring to views that the collegium system should be overturned.

He said before 1993, when government had a greater say in judicial appointments, the system had produced some of the finest judges of India.

While supporting the High Court and the Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill, 2017, members asserted the supremacy of Parliament over judiciary.

Kalyan Banerjee (TMC) demanded that members of Parliament across political spectrum should approach the Supreme Court and say that "it is not your function" to legislate.

"Legislation should be left to Parliament...Day by day the conflict is coming up and unless it is stopped by the judiciary, in 10-15 years there will be a direct conflict between judiciary and Parliament," Banerjee said.

Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai, who was in the Chair, too said that the function of judiciary is to implement the law. "They can't legislate the law".

Referring to the issue of separation of power between the organs of the state, Prasad said, "I would like to convey to the court that if the separation of power is for us, it is for them also."



Responding to questions raised by members regarding the memorandum of procedure -- a document to guide appointment and postings of judges of the apex court and the 24 high courts -- Prasad said it is "a work in progress" where the government is pressing for greater screening and scrutiny of candidates being considered fr appointment as judges.

Members also demanded that the salary of MPs too should be hiked as well as MPLAD funds as they are accountable to the people of the country.

Tathagata Satpathy (BJD) demanded that MPLAD funds should be hiked from Rs 5 crore and a hike in salary commensurate with Cabinet Secretary rank officer.

P Ravindra Babu (TDP) too demanded that the salary of MPs should be hiked.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Slamming West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her statement on the update of National Register of Citizens (NRC), the Assam government today said her words were "derogatory, insulting to Assamese and against constitution as well as the spirit of Supreme Court".

Assam minister Chandra Mohan Patowary termed Mamata's speech against the NRC update "politically motivated" and made to "appease her vote bank".

"We condemn the statement of Mamata Banerjee. It is derogatory and insulting to people of Assam. It is against the Constitution of India and the spirit of Supreme Court," he said at a press conference here.

Mamata had in a meeting in West Bengal yesterday accused the Centre of "hatching a conspiracy" to drive out Bengalis from Assam by "excluding" their names from the first draft of the NRC, which was published on the midnight of December 31.

"People have gone there (Assam) to work. In the name of NRC, they are planning to drive them out. I warn the BJP government at the Centre not to play with fire. It should not follow a divide and rule policy...this is a conspiracy of the Centre to drive out around 1.8 crore people from the state (Assam)," she had said.

Patowary said Assam was like a "mini-India" and all sections of the society live in the state peacefully.

"She is making such emotional statements to appease her vote bank. She is unhappy that there was no disturbance after the first draft of the NRC was published and could not gain any advantage," the state industry minister said.

Responding to Mamata's allegations of a conspiracy to drive Bengali-speaking people out of Assam, Patowary asked her to submit evidence to the Supreme Court, which is monitoring the updating process of the NRC.

"She should not make such statements without knowing all facts. Both our states enjoy good relations," he added.

The much-awaited first draft of the NRC contains 19 million names, out of the 32.9 million applicants, as citizens of India, in a massive exercise aimed at identifying illegal immigrants in the state that borders Bangladesh.

The Registrar General of India has said that the rest of the applications are at various stages of verification.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The father and brother of a teenager, who was hacked to death in an alleged case of honour killing, have been arrested at Galudih, 40 km from here, in East Singhbhum district of Jharkhand, police said today.

Dasrath Mahato (55) and his son Rajkishore Mahato (22) were arrested yesterday for killing the girl on January 1 over her alleged affair with a youth outside her caste, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Musaboni) Ajit Kumar Vimal said.

The victim, Niyati Mahato, was allegedly having an affair with a youth from a Bengali community, he said.

"When the girl visited the youth's place on January 1, his father called up Dasrath to inform about her," Vimal said.

Soon after, Dasrath, accompanied by his son, visited the youth's home to fetch Niyati.

"The father-son duo then took the girl to Swarnarekha river bank and hacked her to death with an axe," Vimal said, adding that Dasrath has confessed to his crime.

The duo was sent to jail today and the process to produce them before a local court was underway, the officer added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Manipur government is taking measures to prevent a possible spillover of illegal migrants into the state in view of the publication of the first draft of the "National Register of Citizens" (NRC) in Assam.

The NRC, first prepared in 1951, is being updated in Assam under supervision of the Supreme Court, to weed out illegal migrants. The first draft of the updated version was published on December 31.

Special teams, led by officers of the rank of Assistant Commandant or Additional Senior SPs, have been deployed at Jiribam Babupara Bazar and along the Barak river bordering Mizoram, the Manipur Police said in a statement today.

The Barak originates in Manipur, flows through Mizoram and Assam and enters Bangladesh, where it forks into the Surma and Kushiyara rivers.

Special police teams have also been deployed at Mao Gate in Senapati district bordering Nagaland and the Tamei- Haflong road in Tamenglong district bordering Assam to check the entry of migrants into the state, the press release read.

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Veteran actor Meryl Streep has once again said that she was unaware of disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein's alleged sexual transgressions.

In an interview with the New York Times, the multiple Oscar-winning actor said as person who is not active on Twitter, she "really had to think" before commenting on the scandal which has since engulfed prominent Hollywood A-listers such as her "Kramer vs Kramer" co-star Dustin Hoffman, Brett Ratner, James Toback and Kevin Spacey.

"I found out about this on a Friday and went home deep into my own life. And then somebody told me that on 'Morning Joe' they were screaming that I haven't responded yet. I don't have a Twitter thing or handle, whatever. And I don't have Facebook," Streep said.

"I really had to think. Because it really underlined my own sense of cluelessness, and also how evil, deeply evil, and duplicitous, a person he was, yet such a champion of really great work," she added.

Streep worked with Weinstein on multiple films, including "August Osage County" and "The Iron Lady", for which won an Oscar. In her Golden Globes acceptance speech, Streep had once jokingly referred to Weinstein as god.

"You make movies. You think you know everything about everybody. So much gossip. You don't know anything. People are so inscrutable on a certain level. And it's a shock. Some of my favourite people have been brought down by this, and he's not one of them," Streep said.

The actor also questioned the silence of US First Lady and President Donald Trump's wife Melania Trump on Trump's infamous locker room talk.

"I don't want to hear about the silence of me. I want to hear about the silence of Melania Trump. I want to hear from her. She has so much that's valuable to say. And so does Ivanka. I want her to speak now," Streep said.

The veteran actor again argued that she "really didn't know" about Weinstein's behaviour towards women, and that she assumed he was just "having girlfriends."



"Well, honestly for me in terms of Harvey, I really didn't know. I did think he was having girlfriends. But when I heard rumours about actresses, I thought that that was a way of denigrating the actress and her ability to get the job. That really raised my hackles.

"I didn't know that he was in any way abusing people. He never asked me to a hotel room. I don't know how his life was conducted without people intimately knowing about it," Streep said.

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Mumbai police refused permission for an event to be attended by Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani and student leader Umar Khalid today, as their Pune counterparts booked the duo for making "provocative" speeches that led to caste clashes and violence in Maharashtra.

The police action came a day after a bandh called by Prakash Ambedkar's 'Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh', and supported by some other organisations, crippled normal life in Mumbai and several other places.

The bandh, called to protest alleged violence targeting Dalits during a rally to mark the the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle on January 1, left a trail of destruction in Mumbai and in some other places, where 200 government-run buses were vandalised, roads blocked and train services disrupted.

Alleged provocative speeches by Mevani and Khalid at Pune have been blamed for the subsequent violence, which claimed two lives.

As Mumbaikars struggled to return to normalcy, police denied permission for holding an event in the city which Mevani, now an independent MLA in Gujarat, and Khalid, were to attend, and rounded up 112 students and activists.

Those detained included Datta Daghe, president of Chhatra Bharati, the organiser of the event, MLC Kapil Patil, Allahabad University student leader Richa Singh and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student leader Pradip Narwal, police said.

Before being detained, Richa Singh told reporters outside the Bhaidas Hall that the police action against the event was "dictatorship" and that it was "an Emergency-like situation". "We will take this fight to Parliament," she said.

There was heavy police deployment in and around the Bhaidas auditorium.

In a related development, Pune police registered an FIR against Mevani and Khalid for their alleged "provocative" speeches at an event on December 31.

Mevani and Khalid had attended the "Elgar Parishad", an event organised in connection with the commemoration of the Bhima-Koregaon battle.

A day later, clashes between Dalit groups and supporters of right-wing Hindu organisations during the celebrations left a man dead. Another person died during yesterday's bandh.

Cases were registered by the Pimpri police against Milind Ekbote and Sambhaji Bhide, who head the Hindu Ekta Aghadi and Shivraj Pratishthan respectively, for allegedly inciting the violence. The two organisations had opposed the celebration of "British victory" in the battle.

Dalits commemorate the British victory, as it is believed that soldiers from the Mahar community - then considered untouchable - were part of the East India Company's forces. The Peshwas were Brahmins, and the victory was seen as a symbol of assertiveness by Dalits.

Prakash Ambedkar, grandson of the architect of Indian Constitution B R Ambedkar, met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today and raised the issue of police denying permission for the youth leaders' event.

"It was discussed with Fadnavis. He told us it was not the right time to hold such an event. I think such an event can be organised some time later," Ambedkar said.

The issue of caste clashes in Maharashtra resonated in the Rajya Sabha, with members condemning the violence and demanding a speedy judicial inquiry and punishment for culprits.

Rajani Patil of the Congress alleged that atrocities against dalits had taken place under the watch of the Maharashtra government, and demanded setting up of a commission to investigate the entire series of violent incidents.

NCP chief and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Sharad Pawar apprised the House of the history of the Bhima-Koregaon event and Dalit sentiments attached to it.

The veteran leader said he could recall that in the past 50 years no violent incident took place during the commemoration, but unfortunately a massive gathering was pelted with stones this time.

Pawar said the state administration should have been more vigilant as a large gathering was expected in Pune, and urged people to forget the incident and move on.

Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena said Hindu organisations should not be blamed for all such incidents, and claimed an "invisible hand" was working to divide and rule the society.

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Hours after an Hindu activist was hacked to death in Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka Home minister Ramalinga Reddy today blamed the Popular Front of India and right wing outfits for their "organised crime" in the region.

Rao, who was associated with Bajrang Dal, was killed in broad daylight yesterday by four assailants who came in a car.

All the four were arrested after a hot chase by the police.

Reddy gave the names of the arrested as Naushad, Pinky Nawaz, Rizwan and Nirshan.

Maintaining that there was no intelligence failure, he said it is difficult to get specific information in the case of "organised crime."



The minister admitted that 19 people associated with the BJP, RSS or Bajrang Dal have been killed in the state over a period of time but said in at least eight cases, the reasons were personal.

"I checked and found that 11 BJP/RSS/Bajrang Dal workers were killed in their confrontation with Popular Front of India," Reddy said.

The rest were murdered due to personal reasons related to property dispute and old rivalry, he said.

"Those eight were indeed RSS members but the reasons were different," the minister added.

He said six PFI workers too lost their lives.

Reddy flayed the BJP for claiming that every Hindu murdered in Dakshina Kannada district were its workers.

The minister challenged the BJP to ban PFI or SDPI, saying that it was theCentre's prerogative to ban any political party.

Reddy wanted to know why the previous BJP government in Karnataka didnot ban the PFI.

Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) is PFI's political wing.

In the case of Rao, Reddy said a detailed probe will reveal whether he and the accused had any political affiliation.

He said the case seems to be related to personal animosity over pasting of posters.

"Rao was videographing the putting up of posters, which the other group members wanted to be deleted. It is said he (Rao) refused," Reddy said.

The minister slammed BJP leaders for alleging that the Congress indulged in the "politics of cadaver."



"Weren't there murders happening during the previous BJP regime in Karnataka?," he asked.

In BJP ruled Haryana, 37 people were killed recently in clashes related to Baba Ram Rahim of Dera Sacha Sauda, he alleged.

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Actor Mira Sorvino has expressed love and appreciation for her Paul Sovino after he recently threatened to kill disgraced media mogul Harvey Weinstein for harassing her.

Mira Sorvino was one of the first women to come forward and accuse Weinstein of sexual harassment. She had said that the Hollywood producer blacklisted her after she rejected his advances.

"My love for my father has only continued to grow since this moment. All the love in my heart! He is the most loving father, the most brilliant actor, the most beautiful operatic tenor, the most talented visual artist- the wisest and most human advice giver, and best grandpa ever," Mira tweeted in response to a journalist, who had posted a video of her 1996 Oscar speech, in which she paid tribute to elder Sorvino.

Earlier, Paul Sorvino, in a strong message to Weinstein, had threatened to kill him.

"If I meet (Weinstein) on the street he oughta hope that he goes to jail, because if we come across, I think he'll be lying on the floor, somehow, magically," Paul Sorvino had told TMZ in an interview.

"He's going to go to jail. Oh yeah... Good for him if he goes, because if not, he has to meet me. And I will kill the (expletive). Real simple," he added.

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CPI (M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami today submitted three resolutions in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly including one urging the state government to ban the use of pellet guns.

He also urged Central and state governments to fix minimum wages of workers at not less than Rs 18,000 per month while also demanding effective measures for eradication of corruption.

"This House urges upon the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to ban the use of pellet guns by security forces to meet any law and order situation," said one of the resolutions submitted by Kulgam MLA.

The second resolution said, "This House urges the Government of India and Government of Jammu and Kashmir to fix minimum wages of workers not less than Rs 18000 per month".

The third resolution expressed grave concern over ever- increasing corruption and urged upon the government to take effective measures for its eradication.

The CPI(M) leader also submitted private member's bills which include Jammu and Kashmir Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Bill, 2017, Artisans' Social Security Bill, 2018 and Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir (Amendment) Bill, 2018.

"The Jammu and Kashmir Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Bill, 2017: By virtue of Constitution (86th Amendment) Act, 2002, Article 21-A has been inserted in the Constitution of India to provide that the State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children at the age of 6-14 years in such manner as the State may, by law, determine.

"The said Constitutional Amendment is not applicable to the State of Jammu and Kashmir. In order to achieve the laudable objective behind the Constitutional Amendment, the Jammu and Kashmir Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Bill, 2017 provides that every child of the age of 6-14 years shall have right to free and compulsory education till completion of Elementary Education," the first bill read.

The second bill stated: The Artisans working in our state constitute a considerable percentage of total employment in the State.

"On account of their un-organized nature, these artisans do not get adequate social security. Despite implementation of some schemes for their welfare there is a huge deficit in the coverage of artisans in the matter of labour protection and social security measures ensuring there welfare and well- being.

"The Jammu and Kashmir Artisans Social Security Bill, 2018 aims to provide for social security and welfare of the artisans and for matters connected therewith and incidental thereto," it read.

Another bill called for increasing the sittings of legislators to 100 in a calender year.

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A special court today granted bail to Delhi-based businessman Gagan Dhawan, arrested in a Rs 5,000-crore money laundering case.

Additional Sessions judge Sidharth Sharma granted the relief to Dhawan on a personal bond of Rs two lakh and a surety of same amount.

Dhawan, arrested on November 1, 2017, was sent to judicial custody on November 15 by the court after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had said he was not needed for further custodial interrogation.

The ED alleged that Dhawan had facilitated the directors of Gujarat-based pharma firm Sterling Biotech Ltd. (SBL) in the purchase of several properties and helped in misuse and diversion of credit facilities of several bank totalling Rs 5,000 crore.

"Rs 1.5 crore was received by the accused from SBL group. Prior to that, the amount of bank loans was rotated in various group companies of SBL group," the agency said.

The lower court had on November 14 issued non-bailable warrants against two other persons SBL directors Nitin and Chetan Sandesara. The agency told the court that Chetan might have left the country.

In his application, the accused has sought the relief, saying he was not required for further investigation and no purpose would be served by keeping him in custody.

Dhawan was arrested in an alleged bank fraud case involving SBL under sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The firm and Dhawan were also being probed by the ED for allegedly bribing senior income tax department officials in an earlier criminal complaint.

The CBI had recently booked Sterling Biotech, its directors Chetan Jayantilal Sandesara, Dipti Chetan Sandesara, Rajbhushan Omprakash Dixit, Nitin Jayantilal Sandesara and Vilas Joshi, chartered accountant Hemant Hathi, former director of Andhra Bank Anup Garg and some unidentified persons in connection with the alleged bank fraud case.

It had alleged that the company had taken loans of over Rs 5,000 crore from a consortium led by Andhra Bank which had turned into non-performing assets.

The FIR had also alleged that the total pending dues of the group companies were Rs 5,383 crore as on December 31, 2016. The ED had taken a cognisance of this FIR to file a money laundering case against them.

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A bandh called in Burhanpur town in Madhya Pradesh to protest Bhima Koregaon caste clashes in Maharashtra's Pune district took a violent turn today with a mob allegedly damaging 12 vehicles and stoning trucks plying on Ichhapur-Indore state highway.

The shutdown was called by Dalit groups-- the Buddhist Society, Bhim Sena, and other outfits--against the Monday's violence at Bhima Koregaon village and nearby areas in Pune district during an event to mark the 200th anniversary of a battle between Peshwas and British forces.

The bandh has affected normal life in Burhanpur town.

Burhanpur district shares common border with Jalgaon, Amravati, Buldhana, and Akola districts of Maharashtra which witnessed protests during the bandh called by dalit groups yesterday.

A senior police official said the windowpanes of 11 private buses parked at the inter-state bus stand and the windshield of a truck were broken by unidentified persons in the noon.

Eye witnesses said that some people gathered at the bus stand and vandalised the buses.

They also said that the mob attempted to torch a bus but was chased away by police personnel present at the spot.

"Unknown people broke the window glasses of 11 empty buses and a truck at the bus stand," Superintendent of Police Pankaj Shrivastava said.

However, he denied that any attempt was made to set any bus on fire.

According to eye witnesses, stones were hurled at at least six trucks on Ichchhapur-Indore state highway as a result of which traffic came to a standstill briefly.

When asked about the highway incident, the SP denied the reports.

He said the situation was under control now.

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Over 30 policemen sustained injuries in the city yesterday during the protest called by various Dalit groups, a senior police official said today.

Most of the injuries were a result of stones pelted on police personnel, said an official.

He added that Powai and Govandi in the north-eastern part of the city saw the maximum number of cases with 11 policemen sustaining injuries in areas around Powai.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Sahaji Umap of Zone VI said that 11 personnel were injured in Govandi and adjoining areas.

Police officials said that 16 First Information Reports (FIR) had been registered under relevant sections of the Maharashtra Police Act, the Maharashtra Prevention of Defacement of Property Act and the Indian Penal Code.

An official said that more than 300 people had been detained as part of the investigations into the incidents that occurred during the protests.

The bandh was called yesterday following violence in Pune district on January 1 when Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in which the forces of the British East India Company defeated the Peshwa's army.

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The Delhi High Court today upheld a trial court order restraining the Delhi Gymkhana Club, located near the prime minister's residence, from granting out-of-turn permanent memberships to the children of existing members.

Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva said there was "no infirmity" in the trial court's November 30, 2016 interim order that granting membership to the green card holders (GCH), children of members, violated the club's Articles of Association (AOA).

The high court's verdict came on the club's appeal against the interim order of the trial court on the suit filed by some members who had alleged that out-of-turn memberships were being granted to GCHs.

The high court, while disposing of the club's plea, asked the lower court to expedite the trial of the suit and try to dispose it of within nine months from today.

The high court, however, said that till the suit is disposed of, the club shall not consider the applications of general applicants in the non-governmental (NG) category for grant of permanent membership in excess of 25 per cent of the total permanent membership.

It also said the permanent membership already granted to any GCH after filing of the suit would be subject to the decision taken by the lower court.

According to the AOA, 50 per cent of the total membership of 5,600 has to be issued to government employees while the remaining has to be given to persons who are not in government service, referred to as the 'non-governmental (NG) category'.

Some members of the club had moved a suit in the trial court alleging that children of existing members were being given priority for according permanent membership over the pending applications in the NG category.

It was submitted before the high court that a member's dependent child, who has availed the facilities of the club between the ages of 13 and 21, is granted the status of GCH if that child applies for membership on attaining the age of 21.

The members, who had filed the suit, claimed in the high court that the club was "granting permanent membership in the NG category to the GCHs out of turn by considering their applications on a priority basis and not on the basis of the date of application in the NG category on par with the general applicants in the NG category".

The club on the other hand had contended that the NG category comprises of 50 per cent of the permanent membership and half of this has been reserved for the GCHs who are considered for this 25 per cent membership on the basis of the date of their application.

The club had denied the allegation that general applicants in the NG category had been illegally superseded for membership by the GCHs.

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There is no proposal to review the 'Most Favoured Nation' (MFN) status to Pakistan, the government said today.

In a written reply to a question, Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar said India has accorded MFN status to all WTO members, including Pakistan, in accordance with the provisions of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.

"It is unfortunate that Pakistan has not fulfilled its international obligations in this regard, so far," the minister told the Rajya Sabha in his reply.

He also said that presently, no proposal to review the was under consideration.

Replying to separate question, Akbar said SAARC has been unable to achieve its potential as key initiatives, including in the important area of connectivity, were held back due to "lack of response and/or obstructionist" approach of Pakistan.

Several SAARC member states expressed their inability to participate in the 19th SAARC Summit that was scheduled to be held in November 2016 in Pakistan due to concerns arising from increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in the region and growing interference in the internal affairs of member states by that country, the minister said.

He also said that India remains steadfast in its commitment to regional cooperation, connectivity and contacts but believes that these can only go forward in an atmosphere free from terror.
The Trinamool Congress today hit out at the Assam Police for lodging an FIR against its leader and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and said such an action would not stop her from fighting for the cause of the Bengalis.

TMC secretary general Partha Chatterjee said if the BJP and the Assam government think that they can stop the party and Banerjee from fighting for the cause of Muslims then they are living in a "fool's paradise".

"Such police cases and FIRs won't be able to stop Mamata Banerjee and the TMC from fighting for the cause of Bsengalis. We have seen such tactics to drive out Bengalis from Assam. If Bengalis are in danger then Mamata Banerjee and the TMC won't sit idle," Chatterjee, who is also the state parliamentary affairs minister, said.

Chatterjee's comments came after the Assam Police today registering an FIR against Chief Minister Banerjee for allegedly making inflammatory speech over updation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the northeastern state.

Addressing a meeting at Ahmedpur in West Bengal yesterday, Banerjee had accused the BJP-led government at the Centre of "hatching a conspiracy" to drive out Bengalis from Assam by "excluding" their names from the first draft of the NRC published on the December 31 midnight.

The NRC of 1951 is being updated in Assam under the supervision of the Supreme Court to identify original residents of the state in order to check illegal migration.

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Pakistan and Japan exchanged views on the evolving peace and security environment in their respective regions and on international issues of mutual interest during a meeting between their foreign ministers here.

Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif briefed his Japanese counterpart Taro Kono on Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts that are targeting all terrorists, irrespective of their origin or orientation.

They exchanged views on the evolving peace and security environment in their respective regions and on international issues of mutual interest, the Foreign Office said in a statement.

Asif briefed Foreign Minister Kono on Pakistans efforts to enhance regional connectivity and development including through China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

They further agreed to maintain the momentum in high level exchanges between the two countries, the statement said.

The Japanese side was also briefed about Pakistan's credentials for membership of the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group, the statement added.

Kono, who was here on a two-day visit starting January 3, also paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and met Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa.

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The US has placed Pakistan on a special watch list for "severe violations" of religious freedom, the State Department said.

The announcement came as Secretary of State Rex Tillerson decided to re-designate about 10 countries as 'Countries of Particular Concern'.

"The secretary also placed Pakistan on a Special Watch List for severe violations of religious freedom," State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said.

No other explanation on Pakistan was available immediately.

"Too many places around the globe, people continue to be persecuted, unjustly prosecuted, or imprisoned for exercising their right to freedom of religion or belief," Nauert said in a statement.

"Today, a number of governments infringe upon individuals' ability to adopt, change, or renounce their religion or belief, worship in accordance with their religion or beliefs, or be free from coercion to practice a particular religion or belief," she said.

In accordance with the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, she said the secretary of state annually designates governments that have engaged in or tolerated systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom as 'Countries of Particular Concern'.

"Today, the Department of State announces that the Secretary of State re-designated Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan as Countries of Particular Concern (CPC) on December 22, 2017," she said.

Noting that the protection of religious freedom is vital to peace, stability, and prosperity, Nauert said these designations are aimed at improving the respect for religious freedom in these countries.

"We recognise that several designated countries are working to improve their respect for religious freedom; we welcome these initiatives and look forward to continued dialogue," Nauert said.

The US remains committed to working with governments, civil society organisations, and religious leaders to advance religious freedom around the world, she added.

In November, Congressmen Randy Hultgren and James P McGovern, Co-Chairs of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, in a letter to Tillerson had urged him to designate Pakistan as CPC alleging it has engaged in systematic, ongoing, egregious violations of religious freedom.

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has been advocating for designating Pakistan as a CPC since 2002.

It has argued that the government of Pakistan continues "to perpetrate and tolerate systematic, ongoing, and egregious religious freedom violations. Religiously discriminatory constitutional provisions and legislation, such as the countrys blasphemy and anti-Ahmadiyya laws, continue to result in prosecutions and imprisonments".

In a report last year, the Pew Research Center determined that over an eight-year period Pakistan is one of a small group of countries that "stand out as having the most restrictions on religion when both government restrictions and religious hostilities are taken into account".

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Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister and AIADMK Coordinator O Panneerselvam was today appointed as the Leader of the House in Tamil Nadu Assembly, replacing School Education Minister K A Sengottaiyan.

The appointment comes days ahead of the January 8 session of the assembly, which will start with the customary Governor's address.

A brief statement from K Boopathy, Secretary, Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly (TNLA), said Panneerselvam has been appointed as the Leader of the House.

Sengottaiyan, also a veteran AIADMK leader, was appointed as Leader of the House in February 2017 following a split in the ruling party spurred by a rebellion by Panneerselvam against the then party chief Sasikala, now undergoing a prison term in a corruption case.

Panneerselvam had then alleged he was forced to make way for her elevation as chief minister months after the demise of his predecessor and former AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa.

However, days after Sasikala staked claim to be sworn in as chief minister, the Supreme Court on February 14 convicted her in the disproportionate assets case following which K Palaniswami was picked by her to head the AIADMK government.

Later, Palaniswami also revolted against Sasikala and her family and the factions led by him and Panneerselvam merged in August last year.

The assembly will meet for the first time next week following the disqualification of 18 AIADMK MLAs supporting sidelined party leader TTV Dhinakaran, who will be making his debut as a member of the house during the session.

He had won the December 21 RK Nagar bypoll, held due to the demise of Jayalalithaa who represented the city segment, defeating ruling AIADMK's E Madhusudhanan by a margin of 40,000 votes.

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Thane police today initiated a probe into an alleged objectionable post about Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar on a Facebook page.

The matter was brought to the police's notice by NCP MLA from Kalwa-Mumbra Jitendra Awhad who made a representation on it to Thane Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh.

Awhad said the Commissioner has asked the Additional Commissioner and Inspector (Cybel Cell) to initiate "action as per law and to register and investigate the offence."



In the memorandum to the police, Ahwad pointed out that on a Facebook page titled "Fadnavis for Maharashtra", an individual by the name Avadhut Prakashrao Shinde had made "objectionable" remarks about Pawar.

"Such comments about a national leader is nothing but an insult to the state. Such posts which are almost a threat to him should be taken seriously and an offence registered against the concerned under relevant charges," Ahwad demanded.

Maharashtra NCP president Sunil Tatkare also demanded that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis take immediate steps against these objectionable posts.

"The posts are being made from an account in the name of Fadnavis. The party has lodged a complaint with the cyber cell in Thane. But the Chief Minister should also take action against his well wisher," Tatkare told reporters.

Tatkare added that Pawar had given 50 years of his life to the development of Maharashtra and objectionable posts about him on social media would not be tolerated.

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A probe has been ordered into the incident of a Jet Airways' pilot allegedly slapping his woman commander on a London-Mumbai flight, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapati Raju informed the Lok Sabha today.

Responding to the issue raised by Kirit Somaiya (BJP) during the Zero Hour, Raju said a probe into the incident has been ordered and time-bound action would be taken.

Somaiya alleged that the incident had put the lives of hundreds of passengers at risk and sought action against the airlines and the two pilots. He claimed that both the pilots had come out of the cockpit which was a violation of rules.

He also objected to the reported statement of the airlines that the incident was the result of a misunderstanding.

Jet Airways grounded two of its senior pilots following the mid-air brawl on a London-Mumbai flight on January 1, in which the male commander allegedly slapped his female counterpart.

Rajiv Satav (Cong) raised the issue of the death of a schoolboy allegedly in police lathi charge in the aftermath of the Dalit-Maratha violence in Maharashtra. He blamed the state government for the incident and sought compensation for the boy's family.

Prahlad Joshi (BJP) alleged that over 20 "political murders" have taken place in Karnataka after the Siddaramaiah -led Congress government took over.

He claimed that despite NIA charge-sheet naming some PFI cadres for violent incidents, the state government has withdrawn cases against them.

Ravneet Singh (Cong) referred to reports that a group of office-bearers claiming to represent 14 gurudwaras in Canada has imposed ban on Indian diplomats from entering the place of worship. He said some Khalistani supporters in Canada have even threatened the chief minister of Punjab.

He said they were damaging the image of Sikhs all over the world and pro-Khalistan elements should not be tolerated.

N K Premachandran (RSP) referred to reports about Chinese soldiers attempting to construct roads inside Arunachal Pradesh and said after Dokalam, the development assumes significance.

Prahlad Singh Patel (BJP) alleged that girls from scheduled tribes in Tripura were raped and murdered but no post-mortem was undertaken. He alleged that the girls' kin were forced to perform their last rites without post-mortem, alleging the role of some CPI-M members in the incident.

His remarks were strongly opposed by members from the Left parties.

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Political scientist Gopal Guru has been appointed as the editor of the Economic and Political Weekly, its publisher Sameeksha Trust announced today.

Professor Guru currently teaches Political Science at the Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. Earlier, he taught at the University of Delhi and the University of Pune.

He is the author of several acclaimed books, the Sameeksha Trust said in a statement.

"The Sameeksha Trust has appointed Professor Gopal Guru as the Editor of Economic and Political Weekly for a period of five years," it said.

Last year, in July, veteran journalist Paranjoy Guha Thakurta had quit as the editor of the EPW after the Trust accused him of initiating unilateral legal proceedings against a business group after being served a legal notice over an article.

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Taking cognisance of the growing threat of radicalisation taking place on social media, the Punjab Police is continuously augmenting its presence on such platforms.

It also intends to have its own Face-book, Twitter and YouTube accounts to interact directly with the citizens, give timely responses to queries and provide a complaint redressal mechanism.

These accounts will be launched this month, Punjab DGP, Suresh Arora told a conference here this evening.

Arora said police is continuously augmenting its social media presence, as it was felt that there was a lot of misinformation being spread on this platform by inimical elements.

A mobile application having dossiers of over 80,000 active criminals and equipped with artificial intelligence and face detection system had been operationalised, he said, adding that court permissions had been obtained for conducting 159 trials through video-conferencing in organised crime cases.

Asked about gangster-turned activist Lakhbir Singh alias Lakha Sidhana making claims of having live-streamed from jail earlier, and alleged that "everything" is available in jails, which he described as "a den" of drugs and addiction, the DGP replied such allegations were always taken very seriously.

The Additional DG is seized of the matter and he is taking action, he said.

Arora said upgradation of counter-terrorism capacity is also high on Punjab police plans for 2018. The state police is set to operationalise a crack force Special Operation Group (SOG), which would be trained and equipped to be at par with the best in the world.

Also on the anvil during 2018 is the implementation of the National Emergency Response System (NERS) Project, with the adoption of Centralised Call Taking and Distributed Dispatch, with a single Emergency Response No 112.

The entire call taking would be at a Public Safety Answering Point (P-SAP) in Mohali with 60 work-stations, and 12 Police Control Rooms with 900 emergency vehicles, expected to be operational in April 2018, he said.

The Punjab Police has also made significant gains in implementing the Crime and Criminal Tracking System (CCTNS) by completing 24 Core Application Software Modules, integrating 8 Citizen Services, providing hardware to all Police Stations, starting online registration of FIR and general diary, and digitisation of last 10 years FIRs of all Police Stations in the state.

About police's achievements last year, Arora said among the major highlights of the year was the busting of the terrorist module in Moga on November 8 and the arrest of five persons, which led to solving all the eight cases of targeted killing of activists/leaders of the organisations associated with the minority community, which had been pending over the past two years.

Asked about allegations of "torture" by Punjab Police of UK national Jagtar Singh Johal, arrested in connection with targeted killings in Punjab, he said Johal's custody is with NIA now.

"Whether there is any violation from our side or so called allegations being made, the NIA will look into that, you will get the truth," he said.

"I am concerned about safety and security of Punjab, if anyone will harbour evil eye, that will be sorted out. No national or international conspiracy will be allowed to bring disharmony and disturb its hard earned peace," he added responding to Johal's arrest in targeted killings case.

He said the state government had sought companies of paramilitary from the Centre for deployment at places where key gangsters are lodged to block possibilities of any communication from inside jail, like through Facebook or social media.

Asked about international karate player Kuldeep Kaur committing suicide in Batala recently alleging police inaction in a property dispute, DGP said that he had spoken to the IG border Range regarding this.

"The basic allegation is inaction on part of the local police. The IG Border Range has shifted investigation of the case out of Batala and a SIT has been set up headed by a lady officer," he said.

On the clamour against the Punjab Control of Organised Crime Act (PCOCA), Arora defended the stringent law stating that there are enough checks and balances to prevent misuse.

Revealing the comparative figures relating to heinous crimes in 2016 and 2017, the DGP said murders came down to 656 from 771, attempt to murder to 795 from 862, kidnapping or abduction to 1462 from 1591, robbery to 116 from 147, and dacoity to 26 from 43.

Given the state's sensitivity resulting from being located along the international border with Pakistan, a lot of effort was made during the year to strengthen the second line of defence to thwart cross-border terrorism by providing equipment and vehicles to the border districts, including BP morchas, thermal imagers, BP Tractors, body protectors, micro UAVs etc.

Anti-riot capacity has also been strengthened, while acquisition of water cannons and armored carriers is under progress, he said.

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Railway Minister Piyush Goyal today urged senior officials to not go back to the colonial- era practice of having railway employees working at their homes.

Soon after taking over as minister, Goyal had instructed all the rail employees working at officers' homes to return to their primary jobs.

Officials say that around 10,000 Group-D railway employees, including gangmen and track men, have since been relieved from the houses of senior officers and put back into safety and maintenance work.

Speaking at the 5th R K Vir Memorial Event here, Goyal said that times have changed and that the railways cannot forever live in the "colonial era of the British".

"Is our mind going to be more bothered about bungalow peons and linesmen that we can get to work in our homes?



"...The first decision that I made, I hope it is being implemented. I hope its not gone back to the good old days," he said.

Turning to Ghanshyam Singh, a Railway Board member, the minister said, "I am talking about the 8000-10,000 people who worked in bungalows."



Singh said that the men had gone back to work "then and there".

"It should be sustained, even when I am no longer the Rail Minister," Goyal said.

The facility of bungalow peons began during the British era, and was for officers who were posted in the field.

However, over the years, the people who could employ a bungalow peon expanded to staff in the headquarters.

Subsequently, this facility was expanded to include a large number of Railway Board officials.

Many a time, these officers were treated as domestic helps and not railway staffers as they dealt with the family of the senior official they were attached to.

"Are we doing justice to the people of India? Can we justify this..." said Goyal, urging the railway officials to do away with the practice completely.

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Actor Kamal Haasan on Thursday alleged that money power was behind TTV Dhinakaran's win in the December 21 RK Nagar bypoll, drawing sharp rebuke from the sidelined AIADMK leader who accused the star of maligning voters.

In a stinging article as part of his weekly series in the latest issue of Tamil magazine 'Ananda Vikatan,' the veteran star described the bypoll, held due to the demise of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, as a "stain" on Indian democracy.

Responding to Haasan's salvo, Dhinakaran hit back saying the actor was making such allegations as he could not digest his win in the bypoll.

Amidst accusations of money distribution by rival sides --the AIADMK and the Dhinakaran camp-- the former Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MP, contesting as an independent, had trounced the ruling party candidate E Madhusudhanan.

He won by a margin of 40,000 votes, giving a jolt to the Chief Minister K Palaniswami led dispensation.

Both Dhinakaran, as well as the ruling party, have denied charges of money distribution during the hustings.

In his article, without naming Dhinakaran, Haasan said the win was a "purchased" one, alluding to alleged money distribution by the rebel camp.

" is a big stain on Tamil Nadu politics; it is a big stain on Indian democracy. I won't call this purchased win even a scam....this is a daylight crime," Haasan charged.

He recalled Election Commission rescinding the bypoll for this city segment when it was to be held in April last year following complaints of money distribution.

Dhinakaran was the ruling party candidate then but was later sidelined by the Palaniswami and his cabinet colleagues.

The chief minister and deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, who was then a rebel leader, merged their respective factions in August last year.

Dhinakaran contested last month's election as an independent candidate and polled over 89,000 votes.

Haasan charged that both the "independent" and the "ruling side fixed rates" for voters.

Alleging that people had voted for money, Haasan, in the article, said: "you have been sold out."



Dhinakaran, responding to Haasan's allegations, hit out at the award-winning star, saying he had "insulted" and "hurt" the RK Nagar voters by making such allegations.

Haasan's charge was "strongly condemnable," he told reporters here.

"This doesn't befit his age and experience. Under the garb of attacking the winner, he is attacking the people, who are mainly from poorer sections, saying they voted for money," Dhinakaran said.

He denied bribing the voters, saying, if at all money would have played a role in the electoral outcome, "Two Leaves (AIADMK) would have won."



"Whether you accept or not, people of RK Nagar have voted for me. Don't hurt those loveable people (by making such allegations)," Dhinakaran said.

Questioning whether Kamal Haasan was a 'judge' or 'God,' Dhinakaran said the actor should have contested the bypoll to face the reality.

Apparently hitting out at the actor's political ambitions, Dhinakaran asked "can such people survive in ."



" is not some scripted movie where one can mouth dialogues written by someone else," he said.

On his victory, he said RK Nagar voters have "recognised we are Amma's (Jayalalithaa) successors. Those who are apprehensive due to this are saying such things (of bribing the voters)".

Dhinakaran dared those making such allegations to reiterate them by holding a public meeting at RK Nagar.

Haasan, who has announced his intentions of entering politics, has been vocal on a number of issues ranging from corruption to right wing extremism.
Armed robbers struck at a bank here today, held the employees and customers at gunpoint and decamped with nearly Rs 50 lakh kept in the cash box, police said.

The incident took place at around 10.30 A.M. when the motorcycle-borne robbers, said to be more than six in number, struck at the UCO Bank in the town's Gola Road area, the bank's manager Rakesh Kumar Singh told PTI over phone.

He said three of the robbers entered the bank building while the remaining ones stood outside to prevent entry and exit. Those miscreants who had entered the bank held the employees and customers at gunpoint and grabbed the keys of the cash box.

The security guard had not reported for duty by that time and only "six to seven customers" were inside the bank in addition to other bank staff, Singh said.

The robbers took out Rs 48.49 lakh kept inside the cash and decamped, the bank manager said adding that they had also disconnected all CCTV cameras upon entering the bank.

Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police, Samastipur, Deepak Ranjan said that police have launched an investigation into the robbery and footages of CCTV cameras installed at nearby shops were being examined to identify the culprits.

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Members in the Rajya Sabha today condemned the spate of caste violence in Maharashtra and demanded an impartial and speedy judicial inquiry to punish the culprits.

The House, which had witnessed disruption of proceedings over the issue yesterday, today held a brief discussion when several members appealed for peace and unity among the various sections of the society.

Initiating the discussion, Rajani Patil of Congress alleged that atrocities against dalits had taken place under the watch of the Maharashtra government and demanded setting up of a commission to investigate the entire incident.

She also alleged that people behind the violence were associated with "Hinduwadi" outfits and demanded action against them.

Earlier, Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu had asked the members to help bring the situation under control and not say anything which may escalate tension.

"Our approach should be to see that tempers come down and situation is brought back to normalcy. We should not accelerate the tension. After all, it is a social conflict," he said.

A Navaneethakrishnan (AIADMK) said the country should concentrate on development instead of caste and religious issues.

Nadimul Haque (TMC) said the Maharashtra matter is not an isolated incident and a pattern is emerging. "This political lynching should immediately stop," he said while demanding an impartial judicial inquiry.

Dilip Kumar Tirkey (BJD) demanded immediate action those involved in the violence against dalits.

CPI-M leader T K Rangarajan alleged "tactical" support of the Maharasthra administration, ruling party and the police for the incident.

He said an inquiry into the incident should be conducted by a sitting Supreme Court judge.

Veer Singh (BSP) blamed "bhagwa jhandadhari" (saffron flag bearers) for the violence and seconded the demand of Rangarajan for a judicial inquiry by a sitting judge of the apex court.

NCP chief and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Sharad Pawar apprised the House about the history of the Bhima- Koregaon event and the sentiments of dalits associated with it.

The veteran leader said he could recall that in the past 50 years, no violent incident has taken place, but this time, unfortunately stone-pelting was done on a massive gathering.

Pawar said the state administration should have been more vigilant as a large gathering was expected in Pune and asked people to forget the incident and move one.

He suggested that everyone should cooperate to bring about peace and harmony among the different sections of the society, amid thumping of desks by members of both ruling and opposition parties.

DMK member Kanimozhi said the violence should not be looked as an "isolated incident" and efforts should be made to find a "long-term solution" for safety and security of dalits.

BJP's alliance partner Shiv Sena too termed the incident as unfortunate and appreciated the state government's "patience" in dealing with the situation.

Sanjay Raut (SS) said all such incidents should be not linked with Hindu organisations and alleged that an "invisible hand" is working to divide and rule the socity.

D Raja (CPI), Ramdas Athavale (RPI), Amanr Shankar (BJP), B S Bhunder (SAD) and Sambaji Chhatrapati (BJP) also expressed their views.

Yesterday, protesters had attacked buses, stopped trains and blocked roads at various places in Mumbai as normal life was hit in the city and other parts of Maharashtra during a bandh called by Dalit groups to protest the violence on the anniversary of a battle fought 200 years ago.

Violence had erupted in Pune on January 1 when Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in which the British defeated the Peshwas of Maharashtra.

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Saudi Arabia's lawyers say a judge should reject a New York lawsuit by victims of the September 11 attacks trying to hold the kingdom to blame.

The lawyers said in a Manhattan federal court filing yesterday the plaintiffs lack evidence despite a new law by Congress enabling claims against Saudi Arabia. Other lawsuits against Saudi Arabia were rejected before Congress passed a 2016 law allowing the litigation.

The lawyers wrote that Congress "did not license plaintiffs to proceed against Saudi Arabia without plausible allegations and competent evidence to support their case." The plaintiffs seek unspecified damages.

Fifteen of 19 men who hijacked four planes in the 2001 attacks were Saudis.

The 9/11 Commission report found "no evidence that the Saudi government as an institution or senior Saudi officials individually funded" the attacks al-Qaida masterminded.

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Property tax exemption for gallantry awardees, coffee house in big parks, mobile restaurants and co-branding of markets with private firms, were among the suggestions made by the members of the SDMC's panel today.

A special meeting of the Standing Committee of the BJP- led South Delhi Municipal Corporation was held at the Civic Centre here to discuss the SDMC's annual budget, ahead of its finalisation later this month.

Committee's vice-chairman Nandini Sharma, in her address also emphasised that the three corporations have been battling "a strong perception of corruption" and there has to be something proposed in the budget as well to "improve the image".

"We are all committed to do good work and for this budget, I would like to offer some suggestions that can also help boost our revenue, besides benefiting the common man.

"We can work on waterless urinals and a documentary could also be made on proper usage of toilets. In big parks, we can have a coffee centre and in market spaces, street furnitures could be set up to offer street food in hygienic condition. So, that the SDMC earns from it," she said.

The Malviya Nagar BJP councillor also suggested introducing mobile restaurants or food trucks, collection of ashes from river fronts and its disposal in Haridwar or Garhmukteshwar, besides offering wood shavings for use in the funeral pyre, to the poor for free.

Congress councillor and panel member Abhishek Dutt batted for commercialisation and co-branding of markets on the line of several Delhi Metro stations.

"We have Vishwavidyalaya and Shivaji Stadium, and various other stations, which carry the name of a private brand.

"Similarly, our markets say in Lajpat Nagar can be co- branded with a private company, who will then be responsible for its cleanliness and maintenance, besides bringing revenues to the SDMC," he said.

The Andrews Ganj councillor also suggested that gallantry award winners should be exempted from payment of property tax.

"So, many people have laid down their lives in war times and peace times. And, I strongly feel that those who have been decorated with gallantry awards, like Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra and Vir Chakra, should be kept out of its ambit.

"We feel proud of them, and we can do this for those brave ones, or for their immediate family in case of those who have died," he said.

The suggestions were made during the meeting to the panel's chairman Bhupender Gupta, who will finalise tomorrow, which all suggestions could be incorporated in the budget.

The SDMC budget for the year 2017-18 was presented by municipal commissioner P K Goel on December 9.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Senior NCP leader and former deputy Chairman of the Maharashtra Legislative Council Vasant Davkhare died here today after a prolonged illness.

He was 67.

Davkhare breathed his last at Bombay Hospital, where he was admitted on November 20 due to a renal and heart condition, according to his family sources.

Condoling Davkhare's death, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said he was saddened to know about the demise of the NCP leader.

"My deepest condolences to his family, friends and followers," Fadnavis said.

Maharashtra Pradsh Congress Committee president Ashok Chavan told PTI that Davkhare was a very friendly person, and that he was one of the few politicians who are so deeply connected with the people.

"It is sad to hear about his death. We have fond memories of Davkhare who rose from the post of Mayor of Thane Municipal Corporation to the Deputy Chairman of Legislative council. I have seen him closely. He was a friendly person and one of the few who are so deeply connected with the masses," Chavan said.

The former chief minister said he met Davkhare around a month back and even in sickness the latter showed the courage and the willingness to fight his ailment.

Expressing grief, NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said Davkhare's funeral will be held at 3 pm tomorrow.

Shiv Sena MLC Anil Parab said the NCP leader had good relations with everybody beyond party lines and that it was a big loss for all his friends.

"He was not only a big leader but a friend to all as well. He had good relations with all Sena leaders and hence we have lost a close friend. He will be forever remembered for his nature," Parab said.

Davkhare was first elected as corporator in the Thane Municipal Corporation in 1986.

In 1987, he was elected as Mayor of Thane Municipal Corporation.

He became the Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council in 1990s.

In July 2010, he was re-elected unopposed as the Deputy Chairman.

Davkhare was away from the active politics for the last one year as his health started failing him.

His son Niranjan Davkhare is the NCP MLC.

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Russian former world number one Maria Sharapova marched into the semi-finals of the Shenzhen Open here today with a comfortable 6-3, 6-3 victory over Zarina Diyas of Kazakhstan.

Sharapova, who has worked her way up to 59 in the world rankings since her return from a doping ban last year, will face either of the Czech pair Kristyna Pliskova or Katerina Siniakova in the last four in southern China.

The 30-year-old Sharapova, who is unseeded in the tournament that serves as a build-up to the Australian Open, is embarking on her first full season since returning from a 15-month drugs ban in April.

The five-time Grand Slam winner was never really in trouble against Diyas, who is 66 in the world, and joins Romanian Irina-Camelia Begu in the Shenzhen semis.

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A Hindu activist, who was hacked to death, was cremated amid tight security near here today, as simmering tension prevailed in the district over his killing.

Tension prevailed at Katipalla when the body of Deepak Rao was taken to his home by the police without allowing a funeral procession planned by his family and various right- wing groups.

The Dakshina Kannada district administration later allowed the procession to be taken out from his house to the cremation ground, accepting the bereaved family's demand.

Deputy Commissioner Sasikanth Senthil and city police commissioner T R Suresh succeeded in convincing the family and activists of various Hindu organisations not to insist on the state home minister's presence before the body could be taken home.

Police maintained tight vigil during the funeral procession.

Senthil said the family would soon receive the Rs10-lakh compensation announced by the government.

RSS leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat alleged that the government has been adopting an "anti-Hindu policy".

The 28-year-old Rao, who was associated with the Bajrang Dal and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, was killed by a four-member gang yesterday.

They were arrested within hours after the attack.

Earlier, right-wing activists and Rao's parents did not allow the body to be brought out of the ambulance, the police said.

Hindu organisations had decided to take the body from the hospital to his house at Katipalla in a procession, but sensing trouble police had taken it to the residence.

The body was moved out of the mortuary's rear door and when it reached the residence, activists and family members objected to removing the body from the ambulance, protesting what they said "the secret operation" conducted by police.

A bandh was observed in Surathkal and Katipalla areas in the district as a mark of protest.

Right-wing leaders and others staged a protest at Ganeshkatte in Surathkal where a large crowd gathered.

The protesters raised slogans against the police and the state government and demanded justice for Rao's family.

They wanted the state home minister to personally visit the family.

Two incidents of violence were reported late last night from Kottara Chowki and Surathkal areas, the police said.

A group of miscreants attacked a youth when he was proceeding from Katipalla towards Mangaluru to attend his cousin's wedding.

He has been admitted to a hospital with head injuries.

At Kottara Chowki in the city, a 47-year-old man was attacked by a group of persons late last night when he was returning home after shutting his shop.

His condition is said to be serious, the police said.

Strongly condemning the "cold-blooded murder", BJP leaders R Ashok and Ashwathnarayana have demanded an NIA probe into it.

They alleged that the Congress government in the state had allowed "jihadi forces" to have a field day and to indulge in "wanton killings" of Hindu workers in pursuance of its "vote-bank politics" and minority appeasement.

With this killing, the number of Hindutva workers who have fallen to the "murderous agenda of jihadi forces" has risen to 22, they said.

A series of killings of "Hindu activists" has often caused tension in the communally-sensitive Dakshina Kannada district in the coastal region.

The BJP has been accusing the Congress of adopting "a soft approach" towards "jihadi forces", a charge dismissed by the Siddaramaiah government, which has accused the saffron party of trying to polarise the situation.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
International Ltd (ITL) on Thursday reported 10.7 per cent increase in sales at 4,516 units in December as against 4,080 units in the same month of previous year.

The company, which sell Sonalika brand of tractors, said its sales in the April-December period of the ongoing financial year stood at 63,205 units, a growth of 15.8 per cent as compared to the year-ago period.

Commenting on the sales performance, Sonalika ITL Executive Director Raman Mittal said good monsoons during the year led to a buoyant tractor industry.

"The country witnessed two major policy changes, demonetisation and GST. After demonetisation, industry de-grew by 13.5 per cent in November 2016...With the cash flow situation improving and other factors being conducive, farmers again started purchasing tractors," he added.

On the outlook, he said India offers a huge opportunity for the tractor industry as tractor availability at 20 per 1,000 hectares is quite low.

"While India has 670,000 villages, industry-wide sales have never crossed the number of one sale per village in a year, hence the potential to grow is huge," Mittal said.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today discussed a range of issues of connectivity, security and cultural cooperation with her Thai counterpart here to keep up with the growing momentum of bilateral ties.

Swaraj is on a two-day visit to Thailand. During the first day of her visit she held extensive talks with Thailand Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai.

"Keeping up with the growing momentum of bilateral relationship, EAM @SushmaSwaraj discussed issues of connectivity, security and cultural cooperation with Don Pramudwinai, Foreign Minister of Thailand. #ActEastPolicy," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had said that all aspects of bilateral relations will be discussed with particular focus on political, defence and economic ties during her visit to Thailand.

It said ways to enhance India's engagement with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries will also be another aspect of the visit.

Thailand will assume the role of coordinator country for India-ASEAN relations in the middle of 2018.

From Thailand, Swaraj will leave for Indonesia tomorrow on the second leg of her two-day visit and there she will co- chair the fifth meeting of India-Indonesia Joint Commission with her Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi.

Swaraj will visit Singapore from January 6-8 and there she will inaugurate the Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) of ASEAN countries on January 7.

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The Telangana Government today assured Karnataka it would release up to two TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water to meet the shortage in Tungabhadra sub basin project area, Karnataka Water Resources Minister M B Patil said.

Patil had met Telangana Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao requesting him to allow Karnataka to use 3.5 TMC of water under Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme (River Assistance Quota) on humanitarian grounds.

"They (The Telangana government) said they require 1.5 TMC for standing crops on 7500 acres. They will give us 1.5 TMC to two TMC after meeting their crop requirements," he told PTI after the meeting.

As per the KWDT (Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal) award, Telangana's share towards Rajolibanda diversion scheme is 3.501 TMC but this quota has not been utilised so far as downstream of Tungabhadra dam has received good rains leading to sufficient flow in the river in the border of Telangana, he added.

Patil said due to scanty rainfall in the catchment areas of Tungabhadra sub basin, the total inflow to Tungabhadra dam is 123 TMC and, after deducting nine TMC towards evaporation losses, 114 TMC is available for utilisation for the year 2017-18.

Patil recalled that during 2016-17, as a humanitarian gesture, Karnataka had released one TMC of water from Narayanpur reservoir to cater to the drinking water needs of Mahabubnagar district of Telangana.

He added that during 2017-18, as per Telangana's request, water has been released from Narayanpur reservoir to cater to the drinking water needs, the Minister said.

Promising reciprocation, Patil said, "We will reciprocate. From Almatti and Narayanpur, we will give one or two TMC this year also if required by Telangana. It's a mutual relationship for drinking water.

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Three persons were today arrested for allegedly trying to dispose demonetised currency and obtain new notes in exchange.

Police added that Rs 1 crore in demonetised notes was recovered from the arrested persons.

A police release stated that businessman Kallam Rajesh (45) was unable to exchange the demonetised currency during the time such an exchange window was being operated by the authorities.

He then approached another businessman Palamkula Anantha Reddy seeking help in exchanging the demonetised currency, police said.

Police said that Rajesh, Reddy and one Ashangari Nagaraju conspired to exchange the old notes for new notes worth 20 per cent of the former's value.

"The three persons came to Karkhana area as part of this plan and were arrested today on the basis of specific information," an official said.

A case has been registered and further investigations were underway, police added.

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A Sumatran tiger has mauled an Indonesian palm oil plantation worker to death, officials said today, the latest in a string of deadly conflicts between humans and animals blamed on rampant deforestation.

Jumiatik, 30, was found dead at the plantation in Riau province on Sumatra island Wednesday with horrific bite wounds on her neck and legs, police said.

The victim, who like many Indonesians went by one name, was collecting data on pests with two female colleagues before the tiger appeared and chased the trio some 200 metres through the plantation.

Her two workmates, who survived the brutal attack, told authorities they tried to evade the animal by scrambling up oil palm trees, but the tiger latched onto Jumiatik's leg and dragged her to the ground.

"Jumiatik struggled with the tiger for about 15 minutes," local police chief Iptu Rafi told AFP.

"(She) suffered serious injuries on parts of her neck and was eventually killed."



There have been several cases in recent years of tigers killing people in Indonesia, where logging of rainforest to make way for palm oil plantations is destroying animals' habitat and bringing them into closer contact with humans.

Last month, a pregnant elephant was found dead at another palm oil plantation on Sumatra, in what authorities suspect was a deliberate poisoning after the elephant ate farmers' fertiliser.

Sumatran tigers are considered critically endangered by protection group the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with 400 to 500 remaining in the wild.

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The Trump administration today announced a plan to allow oil drilling in virtually all US coastal waters, drawing immediate criticism from environmentalists and some Republicans.

Officials with the US Interior Department said the proposal calls for 47 lease sales over five years, a radical increase from the level allowed under President Barack Obama.

Republican Governor Rick Scott of Florida was among the early critics of the plan that is part of President Donald Trump's energy dominance focus, saying oil drilling threatened Florida's natural resources.

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US President Donald Trump after his election victory had expressed support for H-1B visa regime contrary to his campaign rhetoric against the work visas popular among Indian IT professionals, according to a new book by an American author.

The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

The technology companies depend on H-1B to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

Trump had made the alleged abuse and fraud in H-1B visa system a major election issue during his election campaign.

After becoming the president, he signed an executive order aimed at tightening the process of issuing the H1B visas.

But the book 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House' written by journalist Michael Wolff says after a meeting with a delegation of Silicon Valley leaders at the Trump Towers on December 14, 2016; Trump, then as president- elect, said that the tech industry needed help on the issue of H-1B.

"Take this H-1B visa issue. They really need these H-1B visas," Trump was quoted as telling media mogul Rupert Murdoch over phone after the meeting.

The White House in general has disputed the content of the book and described it as fiction.

"The president-elect enjoyed being courted. On December 14, a high-level delegation from Silicon Valley came to Trump Tower to meet him. Later that afternoon, according to a source privy to details of the conversation, Trump called Rupert Murdoch, who asked him how the meeting had gone," Wolff writes in the book, excerpts of which were published on Wednesday in New York magazine.

"Oh, great, just great," said Trump.

"These guys really need my help. Obama was not very favourable to them, too much regulation. This is really an opportunity for me to help them."



"Donald," said Murdoch, "for eight years these guys had Obama in their pocket. They practically ran the administration. They dont need your help."



"Take this H-1B visa issue. They really need these H-1B visas," Trump said according to the book.

"Murdoch suggested that taking a liberal approach to H-1B visas, which open America's doors to select immigrants, might be hard to square with his promises to build a wall and close the borders," Wolff writes.

The sympathetic view of Trump towards H-1B visa appears contrary to his public views on this popular work visa.

According to a latest report, the US is considering new regulations to prevent the extension of H-1B visas as part of Trump's "Buy American, Hire American" initiative, a move which could hit tech firms and hundreds of thousands of Indian IT professionals.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
did not want to be the president of the US and the First Lady Melania was in tears not of joy on knowing about the surprising electoral victory last year, according to a new book by an American journalist.

The book "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House" written by Michael Wolff, claims that the ultimate goal of Trump was never to win.

"His ultimate goal, after all, had never been to win. I can be the most famous man in the world," he had told his aide Sam Nunberg at the outset of the race.

"His longtime friend Roger Ailes, the former head of Fox News, liked to say that if you want a career in television, first run for president," according to the excerpts of the book.

"Shortly after Trump's inauguration, Wolff said, he was able to take up "something like a semi-permanent seat on a couch in the West Wing" an idea encouraged by the president himself. Because no one was in a position to either officially approve or formally deny such access, Wolff became "more a constant interloper than an invited guest."



"There were no ground rules placed on his access, and he was required to make no promises about how he would report on what he witnessed," the book said.

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders has however denied this after excerpts from the book were published by New York Magazine with the title " Did Not Want to be President."



"There was one brief conversation that had nothing to do, originally, with the book.It was, I think, around five to seven minutes in total since the President has taken office. And that's the only interaction that he's had," she said.

According to Wolff, after entering the White House, Trump, while proposing the most radical departure from governing and policy norms in several generations, had few specific ideas about how to turn his themes and vitriol into policy.

"And making suggestions to him was deeply complicated. Here, arguably, was the central issue of the Trump presidency, informing every aspect of Trumpian policy and leadership: He didn't process information in any conventional sense. He didn't read. He didn't really even skim. Some believed that for all practical purposes he was no more than semi-literate. He trusted his own expertise no matter how paltry or irrelevant more than anyone else's," the author claimed.

"Shortly after 8 PM on election night, when the unexpected trend Trump might actually win seemed confirmed, Don Jr. told a friend that his father, or DJT, as he calls him, looked as if he had seen a ghost. Melania was in tears and not of joy," the book said.

"There was, in the space of little more than an hour, in Steve Bannon's not unamused observation, a befuddled Trump morphing into a disbelieving Trump and then into a horrified Trump. But still to come was the final transformation: Suddenly, became a man who believed that he deserved to be, and was wholly capable of being, the president of the United States," according to the book.

Wolf claims that from the moment of victory, the Trump administration became a looking-glass presidency: Every inverse assumption about how to assemble and run a White House was enacted and compounded, many times over.

"The decisions that Trump and his top advisers made in those first few months from the slapdash transition to the disarray in the West Wing set the stage for the chaos and dysfunction that have persisted throughout his first year in office," Wolf said in his book.

"This was a real-life version of Mel Brookss The Producers, where the mistaken outcome trusted by everyone in Trumps inner circle that they would lose the election wound up exposing them for who they really were," Wolff said.

According to New York Magazine, Wolff, who chronicles the administration from Election Day to this past October, conducted conversations and interviews over a period of 18 months with the president, most members of his senior staff, and many people to whom they in turn spoke.

"Nothing contributed to the chaos and dysfunction of the White House as much as Trump's own behavior. The big deal of being president was just not apparent to him," Wolff said.

"Most victorious candidates, arriving in the White House from ordinary political life, could not help but be reminded of their transformed circumstances by their sudden elevation to a mansion with palace like servants and security, a plane at constant readiness, and downstairs a retinue of courtiers and advisers. But this wasn't that different from Trumps former life in Trump Tower, which was actually more commodious and to his taste than the White House," said the author.

The White House has ridiculed the contents of the book, which will hit the stores next week, and described it as a fiction.

"This book is filled with false and misleading accounts from individuals who have no access or influence with the White House," Sanders said.

"Participating in a book that can only be described as trashy tabloid fiction exposes their sad desperate attempts at relevancy," she said.

The White House has described the book as "trashy tabloid fiction."



"The author did not get any access from the White for this book. He never actually sat down with the President, just to be very clear," Sanders told reporters at her daily news conference.

"I know that the book has a lot of things, so far of what we've seen, that are completely untrue.You have many people that have quotes that are sourced to them that are now coming out publicly and saying that those things are not true," she said in response to a question.

The book also says that US President Donald Trump was sympathetic to the issues of Silicon Valley including H-1B visa issue.

This appears to be contrary to the tough stand he has taken on H-1B visa now. After a meeting with a delegation of Silicon Valley leaders at the Trump Towers on December 14, 2016.

Trump then as president-elect is quoted as saying that the tech industry needs help as there are too much of a regulation.

"Take this H-1B visa issue. They really need these H-1B visas," Trump is quoted as telling Rupert Murdoch over phone after the meeting, according to the book.

"The president-elect enjoyed being courted. On December 14, a high-level delegation from Silicon Valley came to Trump Tower to meet him. Later that afternoon, according to a source privy to details of the conversation, Trump called Rupert Murdoch, who asked him how the meeting had gone," Wolff writes in the book.

"Oh, great, just great," said Trump. "These guys really need my help. Obama was not very favorable to them, too much regulation. This is really an opportunity for me to help them," the book said.

"Donald," said Murdoch, "for eight years these guys had Obama in their pocket. They practically ran the administration. They don't need your help. Take this H-1B visa issue. They really need these H-1B visas," Trump said, according to the book.

"Murdoch suggested that taking a liberal approach to H-1B visas, which open Americas doors to select immigrants, might be hard to square with his promises to build a wall and close the borders. But Trump seemed unconcerned, assuring Murdoch, "We'll figure it out," Wolff writes.

"What a fucking idiot," said Murdoch, shrugging, as he got off the phone, the author claims.

The sympathetic view of Trump towards H-1B visa appears contrary to his public views on this popular work visa. Even during his election days, he had called for his strict review and described it as eating away with American jobs.

After becoming the president, Trump has ordered for review of H-1B visas. His administration has come out with strict policies on issuing H-1B visas, the book said.
Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif on Thursday alleged that US President Donald Trump's recent remarks against his country showed that he was "talking in the language of India".

Briefing the Parliamentary Committee on Security about tension between Pakistan and the US following Trump's remarks, Asif said the US is making Islamabad a scapegoat for its failure in Afghanistan.

Trump had accused Pakistan of giving nothing to the US but "lies and deceit" in return for $33 billion aid.

Sources privy to the discussion in the meeting said Asif told lawmakers, "Trump was speaking in the language of India."



"The statements from the US leaders are contrary to the facts," Asif said.

Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, who heads the body, told the media after the meeting that there should be "balanced response" to the statements from the US.

"The country's dignity should be maintained, w le engaging with the US," he said.

He said the committee has decided to reconvene next week for a briefing by security agencies.

The closed-door meeting came at the heels of a high-level Security Committee meet and the cabinet meeting earlier this week.

Defence Minister Khurram Dastagir was also present in the meeting.

Dastagir said when US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defence Secretary James Mattis visited Pakistan, they presented their stance in accordance with diplomatic norms and the talks were not threatening and insulting, Geo TV reported.

"(But) this was present in Trump's tweet and before that when US Vice President Mike Pence made the 'put Pakistan on notice' statement from Afghanistan," the defence minister said, referring to the threatening tone of the US leaders.

"We need to have a holistic review of the entire situation. We are conducting a complete analysis and coolly formulating our response," he said, adding that there should not be any doubts when it comes to the defence of Pakistan.

"The question is will America create a situation which will harm Pakistan...We are ready for this but still want to engage the US," he shared.

Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and NSA Lt Gen (retd) Nasser Janjua also briefed the participants.
Immigration is the focus for President Donald Trump's meeting with some Republican senators as he pushes his overhaul plan.

Trump wants to shift from a family-based immigration system to one based on merit, as part of any deal to extend legal status for young immigrants who were brought to the US illegally as children.

Trump ended the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program last year. He set a March deadline for Congress to act.

A White House spokesman, Hogan Gidley, says an updated approach to immigration should "serve the needs of American workers, families and taxpayers."



The senators expected at Thursday's meeting are John Cornyn of Texas, Tom Cotton of Arkansas, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Chuck Grassley of Iowa, James Lankford of Oklahoma and Thom Tillis of North Carolina.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Two men, allegedly involved in killing a finance director of a school in Gurgaon, were arrested here, police said today.

Bhupender Dalal's son was a Class 5 student in a school in Gurgaon. Due to his ailment, the school management did not promote him to the next level and advised Dalal to get his son admitted to a school for special children, they said.

A dispute arose between Dalal and the school management following which Dalal filed a complaint against the school with the deputy commissioner (DC), Gurgaon, the police said.

Tarun Kumar Pandey, finance Officer of the school, was pursuing the matter with the DC office, they said.

Dalal called local goons from Najafgarh to thrash Pandey, Bhisham Singh, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime), said.

On May 19, the accused -- Sunny, Sunil, Vinod (27), Amit (22) and Deepak intercepted Pandey's car near his house and allegedly brutally thrashed him with iron rods and sticks and fled away, he said.

Pandey was admitted to a hospital where Dalal allegedly threatened to kill him, Singh said.

Later, Pandey succumbed to injuries during treatment, he said.

Three of the accused, including Dalal, were arrested, but Vinod and Amit could not be arrested, Singh said, adding that non-bailable warrants were issued against them by the court.

One of the accused had got himself admitted to a drug de-addiction centre in Dwarka to evade arrest, he added.

Vinod was nabbed on December 27 from near Najafgarh following a tip off when he had come to collect money from one of his family members, the official said.

Subsequently, Amit was arrested from a de-addiction centre located in Matiala, Dwarka, he said.

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Uganda today denied it had agreed to receive thousands of African migrants as part of a deal with Israel.

The denial came a day after Israel launched the programme to force some 38,000 migrants, mainly Eritreans and Sudanese, to leave the country.

Israel has not clearly said where the migrants will go, but tacitly recognises it is too dangerous to return the Sudanese and Eritreans home.

As a result, according to activists in Israel, it has signed deals with Rwanda and Uganda, which agree to accept departing migrants on condition they consent to the arrangement.

Uganda, however, said it had made no such deal.

"Uganda is disturbed by these reports," foreign affairs minister Henry Okello Oryem told AFP. "We have no such agreement with the government of Israel to send refugees here."



There was no immediate reaction from Rwanda.

Under Israel's programme, migrants have until the end of March to leave. Each will receive a plane ticket and $3,500 (2,900 euros) to do so, and those who remain will face arrest.

In Israel, Adi Drori-Avraham, from an NGO called ASSAF (Aid Organisation for Refugees and Asylum Seekers), told AFP: "From what we know, Uganda is a party to the amended agreement, allowing that people can be coerced into leaving."



"It has published a denial, although I have to say that Uganda has for years been denying that it has some kind of deal with Israel," he said.

"But we see that thousands arrive there so I don't know how much Uganda's denials should be taken seriously.

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The Uttar Pradesh government has issued an Express of Interest (EoI) application to set up an airport at Jewar near Delhi and has started the process of acquiring land for it, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said today.

Raju said in Lok Sabha the central government has received the EoI of the Uttar Pradesh government and will provide all help in this endeavour.

"I understand the Uttar Pradesh government is acquiring the land. We will extend all help to the state government for the project," he said during Question Hour.

The Uttar Pradesh cabinet has already approved the disbursal of Rs 330 crore to Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) to start acquiring land for the sanctioned international airport at Jewar in Greater Noida, bordering Delhi.
The US has placed Pakistan on a 'Special Watch List' for "severe violations" of religious freedom, the State Department today said, making it the only country to be put under the newly-formed list.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson announced re-designation of 10 countries as 'Countries of Particular Concern' (CPC).

"The secretary also placed Pakistan on a Special Watch List for severe violations of religious freedom," State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said.

This is for the first time, that the State Department announced its 'Special Watch List' -- a new category created by the Frank R Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2016. The department placed only Pakistan on this list.

The Special Watch List is for countries that engage in or tolerate severe violations of religious freedom but may not rise to the level of the CPC.

In far too many places around the globe, people continue to be persecuted, unjustly prosecuted, or imprisoned for exercising their right to freedom of religion or belief, Nauert said in a statement.

"Today, a number of governments infringe upon individuals' ability to adopt, change, or renounce their religion or belief, worship in accordance with their religion or beliefs, or be free from coercion to practice a particular religion or belief," she said.

In accordance with the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, she said Secretary of State annually designates governments that have engaged in or tolerated systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom as 'Countries of Particular Concern'.

"Today, the Department of State announces that the Secretary of State re-designated Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan as Countries of Particular Concern on December 22, 2017," she said.

Noting that the protection of religious freedom is vital to peace, stability, and prosperity, Nauert said these designations are aimed at improving the respect for religious freedom in these countries.

"We recognise that several designated countries are working to improve their respect for religious freedom; we welcome these initiatives and look forward to continued dialogue," Nauert said.

The US remains committed to working with governments, civil society organisations, and religious leaders to advance religious freedom around the world, she added.

The US Commission for International Religious Freedom which has been seeking to designate Pakistan as CPS however expressed its disappointment with the decision of Tillerson in this regard.

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has been advocating for designating Pakistan as a CPC since 2002.

It has argued that the government of Pakistan continues "to perpetrate and tolerate systematic, ongoing, and egregious religious freedom violations. Religiously discriminatory constitutional provisions and legislation, such as the country's blasphemy and anti-Ahmadiyya laws, continue to result in prosecutions and imprisonments".

"Pakistan continues to harass its religious minorities, has state-sanctioned discrimination against groups such as the Ahmadis, and tolerates extra-judicial violence in the guise of opposing blasphemy," USCIRF Chairman Daniel Mark said.

"As USCIRF has said for many years, Pakistan should be designated by the State Department as a CPC. Given the strong stance that President Trump has taken on Pakistan recently, the failure to designate Pakistan as a CPC this year comes as a surprise and disappointment," Mark said.

In November, Congressmen Randy Hultgren and James P McGovern, Co-Chairs of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, in a letter to Tillerson had urged him to designate Pakistan as CPC alleging it has engaged in systematic, ongoing, egregious violations of religious freedom.

In a report last year, the Pew Research Center determined that over an eight-year period Pakistan is one of a small group of countries that "stand out as having the most restrictions on religion...when both government restrictions and religious hostilities are taken into account".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The position of the point person for South and Central Asia in the US State Department is lying vacant and it is likely to remain so for now as the Trump Administration, which is to complete its first year in office, is doing a major review of the bureaucratic set up.

There are nine such positions in the complex bureaucratic structure of the State Department, which is similar to the Ministry of External Affairs.

The absence of a full-fledged Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia is "felt now the most" at a critical juncture now when the relationship between the US and Pakistan is at a low ebb, observers feel.

There is an unprecedented jump in the India-US relations and China is dangerously expanding itself in the South and Central Asia like never before, they said.

Possibly for the first time in decades, that an important department like the South and Central Asia Bureau of the State Department is now being headed by a Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Alice G Wells.

The bureau is responsible for countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

In fact, for the first 300 days of the administration, Wells was named as the Acting Secretary of State for South and Central Asia.

However, she went back to her original position of Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary along with eight other positions of acting secretaries of states to meet the existing regulations.

"For vacancies that exist on Inauguration Day or soon thereafter, the Vacancies Reform Act typically limits to 300 days service as Acting in a position which requires Senate confirmation," a State Department spokesperson said.

"Consistent with this requirement, in November, nine Department leaders no longer serve as Acting in Senate- confirmed positions. These individuals will continue in the leadership and management roles of their assignments of record. The Department of State is taking steps to meet all requirements to support continued operations," the spokesperson told PTI.

Also, the position of Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan (SRAP), which was a key feature of the previous Obama Administration, no longer exists in the Trump government.

The position of SRAP was held by some of the high-profile diplomats like the late Richard Holbrook, and was responsible for the administration's relationship for Afghanistan and Pakistan.

It was a full-fledged department in itself where once several dozen people worked.

The functions and resources of the former SRAP office have been returned to the existing Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA).

"The issues covered by SRAP remain a high priority of the Department, as exemplified by the level of resourcing provided to our diplomatic missions in both countries and the appointment of senior SCA bureau officers to manage our relationships with them," the spokesperson said.

There was a need to wrap up SRAP as the Trump Administration believes in a holistic approach to South Asia of which Afghanistan and Pakistan is a part.

"As the President's South Asia policy makes clear, the administration views the resolution of conflict in Afghanistan in the broader context of the South and Central Asian region," the spokesperson explained.

"The reintegration of policymaking for Afghanistan and Pakistan within the SCA Bureau has been a long-standing objective that Congress was initially notified of in 2016. The Department of State is fully committed to dedicating the personnel and resources needed to implement the President's South Asia policy," the spokesperson said.

The situation in State Department is unlikely to change for now as the Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is doing a major review of its bureaucratic structure.

President Donald Trump believes that the State department has headcount in excess of what it needs.

In addition to Ambassador Wells, some of the other top diplomats meeting the same fate are Tina Kaidanow, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Political-Military Affairs; Francisco (Paco) Palmieri, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs; Judy Garber currently Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Oceans, Environment and Science (OES); and Jennifer Zimdahl Galt; Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary (PDAS) for Educational and Cultural Affairs.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Trump Administration has decided to suspend all security assistance to Pakistani forces, mainly because of its inability to co-operate with the US in the fight against terrorism, the State Department has said.

State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said that Pakistan could receive the funding, if it takes decisive action against terrorism.

The suspension would allow the administration, which will freeze the aid payments but not allocate the money elsewhere, to reassess in the coming year, Nauert told reporters.

President Donald Trump in an angry tweet on the New Year day had accused Pakistan of giving nothing to the US but "lies and deceit" and providing "safe haven" to terrorists in return for USD 33 billion aid over the last 15 years.

Soon after the president's tweet, the White House had confirmed that the US had suspended its USD 255 million military aid to Pakistan.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The US today warned Iran on crackdown against people who for the past several days have peacefully protested against the policies of the Iranian government.

A total of 21 people died in five days of unrest in Iran that began on December 28 as protests against economic grievances quickly turned against the regime with attacks on government buildings and police stations.

"We support these legitimate aspirations of the Iranian people, and call on the government to allow the free exchange of ideas and information," said State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert.

"All of us should be able to enjoy the same basic economic and political freedoms, including the right to peaceful demonstration," Nauert said.

The US, she said, condemns in the strongest possible terms the deaths to date and the arrests of at least one thousand Iranians.

"We have ample authorities to hold accountable those who commit violence against protestors, contribute to censorship, or steal from the people of Iran. To the regimes victims, we say: You will not be forgotten," she said.

Noting that the US continues to monitor closely the protests and violence in Iran, Nauert said the Iranian people have been expressing their desire for dignified treatment, an end to corruption, improved transparency, and increased economic opportunities.

Protestors have also demanded that the regime stop diverting the nations wealth to fund military adventurism abroad, she said.

"Unfortunately, the government continues to imprison and kill those who are brave enough to venture into the street. It is limiting the flow of information into Iran, restricting free speech, and attempting to prevent the outside world from observing its own repression," she said.

The State Department's statement comes after a series of tweets by President Donald Trump in which he supported Iranian protestors.

Vice President Mike Pence in an interview to Voice of America and an op-ed in The Washington Post said that this time US would be not be a mute spectator to this crackdown against peaceful protestors.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Bombay High Court on Thursday directed the Maharashtra government to file a reply to a PIL challenging the prohibition on carrying outside food into movie theatres and multiplexes across the state.

The court asked when security guards frisk the public entering cinema halls and check their bags, what was the need to keep all their food items and force them to purchase food from theatres.

A bench of Justices R M Borde and Rajesh Ketkar directed the state government to inform the court within three weeks, of the rationale behind such a prohibition that is currently imposed by most of the cinema theatres, and also whether it was in accordance with the law or not.

The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the case was filed by city resident Jainendra Baxi through his lawyer Aditya Pratap.

The plea claimed there was no legal or statutory provision prohibiting one from carrying personal food articles or water inside movie theatres.

Pratap also told the court that the Maharashtra Cinemas (Regulation) Rules prohibit hawking and selling food inside theatres and auditoriums.

"This rule is openly flouted by cinema halls with several stalls selling food and beverages. New theatres also have buttons right on the seats of viewers that enable them to call for a waiter, order food, and have the same delivered right at their seats," the lawyer said.

The restrictions on bringing outside food to theatres particularly affected senior citizens and those who cannot eat, for medical reasons, "the junk food sold at the food stalls inside theatres," the petition read.

The PIL claims that the only concern for theatre owners, managing authorities and the state must be to ensure that no safety or security rule is breached by the public visiting such halls.

The HC bench also remarked that the primary concern of the security staff at theatres should be to frisk the public for any unauthorised or dangerous possessions.

"You have metal detectors to check for unauthorised or dangerous possessions such as knives and arms. The guards also frisk the public entering the theatres, check their purses and bags, then what is the need to remove all their food items and ask them to purchase food items from the theatres?" the bench asked.

Advocate Pratap suggested that licences issued by the state to such theatres must have a mandatory clause directing them against banning any outside food or water.

The high court directed the state to also consider the suggestions made by the petitioner and clarify its position in this regard in its reply.
Seeking a return to the Premier League, Wolverhampton Wanderers are trying to bring back their former striker Robbie Keane, who is currently playing for ATK in the Indian Super League.

'Mirror.co.uk' reported that Dublin man, Keane, is interested in returning to the team where he first made a name for himself.

The 37-year-old Keane former former Liverpool striker is under contract with ATK until March but there is a chance that he can secure an early release with ATK not in a favourable position on the standings.

At ATK, he is currently the top goal scorer in the team, scoring twice in the past eight games.

He was initially tied to Wolverhampton after leaving LA Galaxy but he had already committed to ATK at the time. But manager Nuno Espirito Santo has been keeping a close eye on him throughout his time there.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By David Ljunggren

OTTAWA (Reuters) - The Canadian government is sending three cabinet ministers to the United States to stress the merits of NAFTA, officials said on Thursday, paving the way for key talks that could either sink or save the trade pact.

Canada and Mexico object to major changes that Washington wants to make to the North American Free Trade Agreement, and time is running out to settle differences before the negotiations are scheduled to wrap up at the end of March.

Officials will hold the sixth and penultimate round of talks in Montreal from Jan. 23-28.

Two Canadian cabinet ministers are already in the United States and one more will travel this weekend.

Canada, which sends 75 percent of its goods exports to the United States, has been reaching out to U.S. politicians and the business community for almost two years to bolster support for free trade.

"We recognise we are heading into an important period. We are certainly preparing for all scenarios, and we're hopeful that we can make progress," a spokesman for Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said when asked about the latest visits.

"That's what we're focused on achieving, including in Montreal," Alex Lawrence, the spokesman, said in an e-mailed statement.

releases announcing the ministerial trips make clear the cabinet members have been instructed to "promote trade and NAFTA."

Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale wraps up a two-day trip to Kentucky on Friday, the same day that Environment Minister Catherine McKenna finishes a visit to San Francisco. Officials initially indicated McKenna would travel this weekend but later clarified her trip had already started.

Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay is due to visit Tennessee from Friday to Monday.

Canadian officials are increasingly pessimistic about the prospects for the 1994 trade treaty, which U.S. President Donald Trump blames for the loss of hundreds of thousands of U.S. manufacturing jobs and a big trade deficit with Mexico.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, citing "a level of unpredictability that's out of our control," told Global Television late last month that "no deal is better than a bad deal for Canadians."

In a meeting held in Washington last month between the fifth and sixth rounds, negotiators left untouched the thorniest subjects of the sourcing of auto parts, dispute settlement and an expiry clause.

Trade experts predict that unless Canada and Mexico make some concessions in Montreal, Trump will be more tempted to issue a notice of withdrawal from NAFTA.

(Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Leslie Adler)

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
BRASILIA/SAO PAULO (Reuters) - China's ride-hailing application Didi Chuxing has agreed to acquire control of Brazil's 99, the companies said in a statement on Wednesday, potentially creating a formidable rival to Uber in Latin America's largest economy.

The companies did not disclose the stake acquired nor the value, but two people familiar with the deal told that the transaction would value 99 at over $1 billion and that Didi would hold a 'significant majority' of the Brazilian firm.

The Chinese company bought out investors such as Riverwood Capital, Monashees Inc, Qualcomm Ventures, Tiger Global Management LLC and SoftBank Group Corp, said one of the people.

Brazilian newspaper Valor Economico earlier reported the valuation of the deal and the investors involved.

The acquisition intensifies Didi's global rivalry with Uber Technologies Inc, especially in Latin America. reported in December that Didi planned to enter Mexico this year.

It has previously partnered with overseas ride-hailing companies to offer reciprocal services in other countries, but Didi is now looking to launch its own services overseas.

Didi's Mexico entry represents the 4-year-old firm's first move to deploy drivers under its own brand outside of China.

Cheng Wei, founder and chief executive of Didi, said in Wednesday's statement that "globalization is a top strategic priority for Didi."

Didi first invested $100 million in 99 in January 2017, getting a stake and management rights in the Brazilian app.

One source with knowledge of the matter said the funds selling their stakes in 99 started looking for a buyer several months ago, in mid-2017.

Riverwood, Monashees, Tiger Global, and SoftBank did not reply to requests for comment.

Didi has made no secret of its desire to expand beyond China, particularly in light of the growing number of Chinese customers who travel overseas.

The firm sealed its dominance in the Chinese market after buying out Uber's local China business in 2016, ending an expensive subsidy war that cost the U.S. firm roughly $2 billion.

In December, Didi raised $4 billion from investors, in part to fund global expansion, following on from a $5.5 billion fundraising in April.

(Reporting by Jake Spring in Brasilia, Tatiana Bautzer and Gram Slattery in Sao Paulo; Additional reporting by Cate Cadell in Beijing; Editing by Adrian Croft and Rosalba O'Brien)

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Arpan Varghese

BENGALURU (Reuters) - Rice prices rose this week in top exporter India on robust demand from neighbouring Bangladesh and gains in the rupee, while traders in Thailand pinned their hopes on possible deals with drought-hit Sri Lanka.

India's 5 percent broken parboiled rice prices rose by 3 per tonne to $421-$424 per tonne this week.

"Bangladeshi traders are aggressively buying new crop in eastern India. That is giving support to prices as African demand is weak," said a dealer based in Pune in the western state of Maharashtra.

Farmers in India cultivated winter-sown rice on 1.63 million hectares by December-end, 41 percent higher than a year ago. The country's non basmati rice exports rose 35 percent in April-November from the corresponding period in the previous year, to 5.57 million tonnes.

The appreciating rupee is also forcing exporters to raise prices to keep their margin intact, said an exporter in Kakinada in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.

The Indian rupee was trading near its highest level in about 30 months, slashing exporters returns from overseas sales.

Bangladesh, which emerged as a major rice importer in 2017 after floods damaged its crops, imported 2.3 million tonnes in the July-December period, food ministry data showed.

Despite hefty imports, domestic prices have not budged, with officials and traders expecting more imports of the staple grain in the coming months.

In August 2017, Bangladesh cut a duty on imports of the grain for the second time in two months, prompting purchases by private dealers, with most of the deals being struck with India.

Meanwhile, Thailand's benchmark 5 percent broken rice was quoted at $393-$396, free-on-board (FOB) Bangkok, from $398-$400 last week, with traders attributing the price changes to currency fluctuations.

The Ministry of Commerce revealed that in 2017, in the Jan 1-Dec 26 period, Thailand exported 11.25 million tonnes of rice, a 14.77 percent increase from the previous year and a record high.

Traders said it was too soon to ascertain how strong exports of Thai rice would be this year as last year's increase in exports was due to stockpiles the government was offloading into the market.

"I doubt 2018 figures will be as impressive because government stockpiles are running low now," said a Bangkok-based trader.

On potential deals this year, some traders were optimistic about exporting to Sri Lanka as droughts and floods caused a drop in production of the crop in the country..

"Perhaps there is an opportunity for Thai rice to be exported to Sri Lanka," said a Bangkok-based trader.

Meanwhile, Vietnam's rice market remained quiet amid thin trading, with the benchmark 5 percent broken rice extending its flat trend at $390-$395 a tonne, free-on-board (FOB) Saigon.

Exporters did some trading with buyers in the Philippines at this price range, a trader based in Ho Chi Minh city said.

(Reporting by Mi Nguyen in Hanoi, Suphanida Thakral in Bangkok, Rajendra Jadhav in Mumbai and Ruma Paul in Dhaka; Editing by Elaine Hardcastle)

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Intel Corp on Wednesday acknowledged a report that a design flaw in its chips could let hackers steal data but said that it was working on a solution that would not significantly slow .

On Tuesday, tech publication The Register reported the flaw in Intel microprocessors required updates to computer operating systems, adding that the fix causes the chips to operate more slowly.

Intel said the problem was broader than its chips alone and that it was working with Advanced Micro Devices Inc , ARM Holdings and others to fix the problem. Intel also denied that the patches would bog down based on Intel chips.

"Intel has begun providing software and firmware updates to mitigate these exploits," Intel said in a statement. "Contrary to some reports, any performance impacts are workload-dependent, and, for the average computer user, should not be significant and will be mitigated over time."

ARM spokesman Phil Hughes confirmed that ARM was working with AMD and Intel to fix a security hole found by researchers but said it was "not an architectural flaw" and that patches had already been shared with the companies' partners, which include most smartphone manufacturers.

"This method only works if a certain type of malicious code is already running on a device and could at worst result in small pieces of data being accessed from privileged memory," Hughes said in an email.

AMD chips are also affected by variants of a security flaw also discovered in Intel chips, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters. The earlier report in The Register suggested that AMD chips were not affected, which appeared to boost shares.

The defect affects the so-called kernel memory on Intel x86 processor chips manufactured over the past decade, The Register reported citing unnamed programmers, allowing users of normal applications to discern the layout or content of protected areas on the chips.

That could make it possible for hackers to exploit other security bugs or, worse, expose secure information such as passwords, thus compromising individual or even entire server networks.

Shares in Intel were down by 3.4 percent following the report while shares in AMD jumped 5.1 percent.

The Register said programmers working on the Linux open-source operating system were overhauling the affected memory areas, while Microsoft Corp was expected to issue a Windows patch next Tuesday.

"Crucially, these updates to both Linux and Windows will incur a performance hit on Intel products," The Register wrote (http://bit.ly/2CsRxkj).

"The effects are being benchmarked, however we are looking at a ballpark figure of a five to 30 percent slowdown, depending on the task and the processor model."

Microsoft declined to comment.

It was not immediately clear whether Intel would face any significant financial liability arising from the reported flaw.

"The current Intel problem, if true, would likely not require CPU replacement in our opinion. However the situation is fluid," Hans Mosesmann of Rosenblatt Securities in New York said in a note, adding it could hurt the company's reputation.

The bug is likely to affect major cloud computing platforms such as Amazon.com Inc's EC2, Microsoft Azure and Alphabet Inc's Compute Engine, according to one software blogger cited by The Register.

Microsoft Azure is due to undergo a maintenance reboot on Jan. 10 while Amazon Web Services has also advised customers via email to expect a major security update Friday.

The Register also said that similar operating systems, such as Apple Inc's 64-bit macOS operating system, would need to be updated.

The Linux patches are based on work by researchers from the Graz University of in Austria who came up with a way to split kernel and user memory spaces to eliminate the security vulnerability.
2017 was the best of times and the worst of times for Reliance ADAG Chairman Anil Ambani. On one hand, his debt-ridden flagship company - Reliance Communications (RCom) - was forced to exit the wireless telecom business, while on the other hand, his executives were finally cleared of all wrongdoing in the 2G scam case. Here's a look at the impact that these two events will have on his fortunes, and his game plan for the future.



RCom-Jio deal

"For 10 years, 40 quarters, RCom showed EBIDTA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) growth, revenue growth, declared dividend, and then landscape changed in Indian telecom sector," Ambani told The Economic Times in his first media interview in 10 years.

He had inherited the telecom business of the Reliance Group following the division of the family empire between the two brothers in 2005. But, with the non-compete clause in the agreement coming to an end, elder brother Mukesh made a dramatic entry into the telecom sector in 2016 with Jio and shook up the industry with his disruptive pricing. Unable to cope with Jio's promise of free voice calls and data on dirt-cheap prices, RCom's number of subscribers reportedly dwindled to 14 million in December 2017, from 120 million a year earlier. At RCom's annual general meeting in September last year, Ambani had said that "the wireless or mobility sector, from any dimension you look at, is in the ICCU. It is not in the general ward, it is not in the ICU, it is in the ICCU", adding that the market is "potentially" moving towards limited competition, perhaps even a monopoly with Jio's entry.

Faced with a massive debt of Rs 45,000 crore crippling RCom, Ambani decided to exit the consumer telecom space as part of its asset monetisation plan. On patriarch Dhirubhai Ambani's 85th birth anniversary, the Ambani brothers signed an agreement under which Jio acquired 122.4 MHz of RCom's spectrum along with all its telecom towers, optic fiber cable network and media convergence nodes reportedly for Rs 24,000-25,000 crore. Anil Ambani had earlier announced that the proceeds of this deal would go to repay much of RCom's debt. The RCom stock rose up nearly 35 per cent a day after the deal was announced.

Under the new debt revival plan, upon completion of all transactions, the balance debt in RCom is expected to be Rs 6,000 crore, a reduction of over 85 per cent of total debt, according to the company. Ambani expects full debt resolution by March 2018, which is good news for the beaten-down stock.

2G verdict

On December 21, 2017, Special CBI Judge OP Saini acquitted all the accused in three separate 2G scam cases lingering in courts for six years. And the Reliance ADA Group was, finally, vindicated. "No individual or corporation should undergo this humiliation, slander, damage to individual and corporate reputation," Ambani said to The Economic Times.

To remind you, in its charge sheet filed in 2011, CBI had alleged that Reliance ADA Group, which included Reliance Telecom, had made an alleged investment of over Rs 990 crore in Swan Telecom (STPL), through a "circuitous route" when the latter applied for 2G licences in 14 telecom circles across India. Reliance ADA Group Managing Director Gautam Doshi along with senior executives Hari Nair and Surendra Pipara were arrested and Ambani had been roped in as a prosecution witness.

"I am a net loser since 2008," he had said a statement given to the CBI in 2011. He was not exaggerating. The share price of RCom, which hovered close to the Rs 800 mark in late 2007, has tanked steadily in the past decade to a low of Rs 10.10. It has only seen a revival in the past one month. In contrast, the S&P BSE Sensex has gained nearly 126% during this period.

Though Ambani has said that it is "premature to talk of any action" regarding seeking damages from the government, he might decide to take his cues from Videocon Telecommunications, which is reportedly planning to file a compensation claim for Rs 10,000 crore from the government.

The road forward

In his recent interview, Ambani said that "the new RCom will be stronger and be India's largest B2B business". Over the years, RCom has built other businesses that contributed about 35 per cent to its revenues as of June 2017. These include cloud, undersea cables, India enterprise business, data centres and direct-to-home services. According to him, with marquee companies like Facebook, Yahoo!, Amazon and Alibaba coming to India and buying space in data centres, there's a huge growth opportunity and this trend is to continue. As he told the daily, "IDC (international data centres) business is set to explode. There is huge opportunity and as opportunity for India grows with $400 billion in reserves and good ratings, we will grow as well."



with PTI inputs
Any disruptive move on the visa front will be detrimental for both India and the US, with reports suggesting that Washington may be mulling new rules to prevent H-1B visa extensions, software body Nasscom has said. Estimates show that such a move could lead to deportation of over one million H-1B visa holders in the US -- many of them Indians -- who are waiting for their green cards.

"It is not only about the Indian IT industry but about all Indians who use H-1B visas... Given that there is a real problem of shortage of skilled professionals in the US, any disruptive move will be detrimental for both India and the US," Nasscom President R Chandrashekhar told PTI.

He was reacting to reports suggesting that the US Department of Homeland Security is considering new regulations, which will prevent H-1B visa extensions during pendency of green card approvals.

In other words, if this materialises, the move would prevent foreign workers in the US from keeping their H-1B work visas, while their green card application is under processing.

This is being seen as part of US President Donald Trumps Buy American, Hire American campaign that seeks to bring back jobs to the country.

"It is one more step in a series of steps seen over the last one year. While each one individually may have a small impact, cumulatively the impact becomes very significant," Chandrashekhar said.

Meanwhile, Mahindra Group chief Anand Mahindra sought to soothe frayed nerves in a tweet that read "If that happens, then I say Swagatam, Welcome Home. Youre coming back in time to help India Rise".

According to Nasscom, the use of visas by Indian IT firms has fallen by 50 per cent in the last two years and that the number now stands below 10,000 (of the 85,000 H-1B visas issued annually).

To brace against the impact, Indians IT firms have also been ramping up local recruitments and training manpower in the US.

Greyhound Research Chief Analyst, Founder and CEO Sanchit Vir Gogia said changes in the H-1B visa arrangement will add immense cost pressures on Indian IT companies.

"The average margin hit for an IT services provider will be in the range of 5-10 per cent year-on-year, depending on the total base of employees currently on H-1B, the existing compensation and need for onsite in near-term," he said.

He added that a hit beyond this threshold will force these firms to "either re-negotiate contracts with existing clients or else the street will act ruthlessly and these firms stand to lose potential ground on market capitalisation".

Besides, such an announcement can also impact the GDP and the overall business and economic growth of the US.

Compunding the troubles for the Indian tech sector is another US Bill -- Protect and Grow American Jobs (HR170) -- that proposes new restrictions to prevent misuse and abuse of H-1B visas. It tightens the definition of visa-dependent companies, and imposes fresh curbs in terms of minimum salary and movement of talent.

Visa dependent companies will have to raise the minimum salary for H-1B visa holders from USD 60,000 to USD 90,000 under the proposed Bill. Also, it places the onus on clients that they will certify that the visa holder is not displacing an existing employee for a tenure of 5-6 years.

This bill has been passed by the House Judiciary Committee and is now headed for the US Senate.

Nasscom has been of the view that this proposed legislation has conditions which are extremely onerous and will make it very difficult for people to not just get the visa but also on how these work permits can be used.
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SBI collects exorbitant minimum balance penalty

Country's largest bank SBI made a windfall gain of Rs1,771.67 crore, more than its second quarter profit, from customers for non-maintenance of monthly average balance in savings accounts in eight months of 2017-18, finance ministry data has shown. The amount collected by SBI for non-maintenance of minimum balance exceeds the bank's July-September quarter net profit of Rs 1,581.55 crore.



Digital transactions cross the 1 billion mark

Digital transactions rose 6.05% to 1.06 billion in December from 997.1 million in November, according to provisional data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This is the first time that the transaction volume has crossed the 1 billion mark. The value of these transactions was also the second highest in a month in the last one year. Transactions worth about Rs125.51 trillion were carried out in December through modes of payment like credit and debit cards, the unified payments interface (UPI), unstructured supplementary service data (USSD), prepaid payment instruments (PPIs) and internet banking.



India's GDP growth to slip below 7% this fiscal, say experts

Experts have pointed out that India's economic growth is likely to be below 7 percent this fiscal. This is due to GST disruption and the impact of demonetisation. Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia said the GDP growth would be around 6.2 per cent to 6.3 per cent for the current fiscal. Sugata Bhattacharya, chief economist at Axis Bank, said the Gross Value Added (GVA) would be 6.6-6.8 per cent for the current fiscal. The Reserve Bank of India has retained its economic growth projection for 2017-18 at 6.7% and says the risks are evenly balanced.



NASSCOM concerned about proposed H1-B visa amendments

In the wake of US mulling over new rules to prevent H1-B visa extensions industry body NASSCOM has raised its concerns. It said the proposed US bill is full of 'onerous conditions' and that any such move would be detrimental to both India and US. This is being seen as part of US President Donald Trump's 'Buy American, Hire American' campaign that seeks to bring back jobs to the country. According to Nasscom, Indian IT industry's trade body, around 71per cent of these H-1B visas are garnered by Indian nationals.

Govt to infuse money in 6 weak PSU banks

The finance ministry has approved the proposal for the infusion of Rs 7,577 crore in 6 weak public sector banks (PSBs) as part of the recapitalisation plan to bolster the capital adequacy ratio. All these banks, which got capital support, are under prompt corrective action of the Reserve Bank of India. These 6 banks are UCO Bank, Central Bank of India, Bank of India, IDBI Bank, Bank of Maharashtra and Dena Bank.

Myntra to invest in technology, expand into Silicon Valley

Flipkart-owned Myntra is looking to invest more in technology this year with plans to hire an executive to head a team of data scientists in the US. Myntra already has an office in Silicon Valley since 2013 when it acquired start-up Fitiquette. They intend to ramp up their technology hiring. This push into Silicon Valley is part of a bigger plan to integrate technologies such as AI and machine learning through all of its business processes.

New Rs 10 note to be out soon

Hold your breath for the new Rs 10 note which will be issued soon by the Reserve Bank of India. It last received a design change in 2005. The new design has received a go-ahead from the government. The new note will have chocolate brown as its base colour and will bear the picture of the Sun Temple in Konark.

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The Hindustan Foods stocks was locked in upper circuit in Thursday's trade after the firm announced it has received all licences and started commercial production of pest products from January 2, 2018.

At 3:06 pm, the stock of the FMCG firm was up 10% or 34.20 points to Rs 376.20 on the BSE, a fresh 52-week high level. It closed at the same level on BSE.

The stock opened at 375 level and hit an intra day low of 348 on BSE.

The stock has risen 122 percent or 207 points on an yearly basis.

The firm after market hours said on Wednesday it has obtained all required licences and started commercial production of pest care products at the manufacturing factory in Jammu which it acquired from Reckitt Benckiser India last year.

The company said the manufacturing unit will supply the pest care products to Reckitt Benckiser (India) Pvt Ltd (RBIPL) and it hopes to achieve a turnover of Rs 125 crore annually from this unit.

"HFL has entered into a 7 years committed supply agreement with RBIPL and we hope to have a minimum revenue in the range of Rs 750 crore to Rs 850 crore during the entire agreement period," it added.

In October last year, Hindustan Foods announced acquisition of the pest products manufacturing factory of RB at Samba, Jammu as a going concern on a slump sale basis.

Hindustan Foods is engaged in the manufacture of milk and cereal-based baby food, extruded snacks, instant porridge and extruded cereal products. The firm also offers a range of instant mixes, breakfast cereals and health drinks.

The product range includes instant porridge, baby foods and baby cereals. The company offers Bonny Mix, which is an instant porridge and includes approximately five variants, such as natural, chocolate, lite, diabetes care and ragi rich.

It offers baby foods in approximately six variants, including wheat, wheat apple, wheat mixed fruit, wheat vegetable, multi-cereal mixed fruit and rice. It offers baby cereals in over two variants, including rice dal and rice vegetable.

The company manufactures Kurkure and infant food products, such as Farex, Easum and First Food for third parties on a monthly basis.

Hindustan Foods in February 2013 said it has joined hands with Pepsico India to produce various products, mainly Kurkure, of the beverages giant at its manufacturing facility in Goa.

The company offers a multi-cereal scoop, Cnergy in over three flavours. Its plant is located at Ponda, Goa.
Public sector bank stocks led the rise on Sensex and Nifty on Thursday with the finance ministry clearing proposal for infusion of Rs 7,577 crore in six weak public sector banks (PSBs) as part of the recapitalisation plan to bolster capital adequacy ratio.

While the Bank Nifty rose 0.33% or 130.20 points to 25448 level, BSE Bankex closed 144 points or 0.51 percent higher to 28,777 level. PNB (5.97%), Bank of Baroda (3.77%) and SBI (1.72%) were the top bankex gainers. PNB (3.48%), Bank of Baroda (3.01%) and Canara Bank (2.25%) were the top bank Nifty gainers.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in October announced an unprecedented Rs 2.11 lakh crore two-year road map to strengthen PSBs, reeling under high non-performing assets (NPAs) or bad loans. Their NPAs have increased to Rs 7.33 lakh crore as of June 2017, from Rs 2.75 lakh crore in March 2015.

The plan includes floating re-capitalisation bonds of Rs 1.35 lakh crore and raising Rs 58,000 crore from the market by diluting government stake.

The government is working on the modalities for issuing the recapitalisation bonds as it aims to front-load the infusion with an aim to strengthen the state-owned banking sector, sources said, adding that the announcement in this respect, including detailed guidelines, will be made during this month.

Jaitley had also announced that banks would get about Rs 18,000 crore under the Indradhanush plan over the next two years.

Under the Indradhanush road map announced in 2015, the government had announced infusion of Rs 70,000 crore in state- owned banks over four years, while they will have to raise a further Rs 1.1 lakh crore from the market to meet their capital requirement in line with global risk norms, known as Basel-III.

In the last three-and-a-half years, the government pumped Rs 51,858 crore capital in the PSBs. The remaining Rs 18,142 crore will be injected into the banks over the next two years.
State-owned Air India has tied up with UAE-based First Abu Dhabi Bank as well as Standard Chartered Bank and Mashreq Bank to avail short-term loans for acquiring three Boeing 777 aircraft, Union minister Jayant Singh said on Thursday.

Two of the aircrafts are to be used for ferrying VVIPs, the minister of state for civil aviation said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha. The delivery of the three B777-300 ER planes is scheduled to be completed next month -- two in January and one in February.

"Air India has signed a short-term buyers credit facility agreement with First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC jointly with Standard Chartered Bank and Mashreq Bank PSC for acquisition of three B777-300ER aircraft," the minister said.

In early November, the disinvestment-bound airline issued a revised tender (after first floating it in October), soliciting interest from lenders for a loan worth up to USD 535 million (around Rs 3,460 crore).

Last month, the airline also floated tenders for securing loans worth over Rs 1,100 crore for modification of two Boeing aircraft for ferrying VVIPs -- the president, vice-president and prime minister.

In 2006, Air India placed orders with Boeing for 68 aircraft 27 Dreamliners, 15 B777-300 ERs, eight B777-200 LRs and 18 B737-800s. Of these, the state-run carrier has already taken the delivery of 65 planes, including 12 B777-300ERs.

Following the downturn in the global aviation sector, the delivery of three B777-300ERs was postponed in 2010 as there was no "cancellation" clause in the original purchase agreement with Boeing Company.

Then, in September 2015, the carrier decided to take delivery of the remaining three planes as per the 2006 purchase agreement.
A probe has been ordered into the incident of a Jet Airways' pilot allegedly slapping his woman commander on a London-Mumbai flight, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapati Raju informed the Lok Sabha today. The incident took place onboard the flight 9W 119, a Boeing 777 that had 324 passengers and 14 crew members onboard.

The pilots have been de-rostered by Jet Airways for fighting inside the London-bound Mumbai flight. According to reports, the commander allegedly slapped the woman pilot, who came out of the cockpit and started sobbing. The cabin crew persuaded her to go back to the cockpit. However, she came out of the cockpit once again, following which the perturbed cabin crew requested her to go back to the cockpit and complete the flight.

According to reports, the first time the commander also left the cockpit to persuade the co-pilot to return to the cockpit. Leaving the cockpit unmanned is a gross violation of air safety rules. They had another fight after which she left the cockpit for the second time.

Responding to the issue raised by Kirit Somaiya (BJP) during the Zero Hour, Raju said a probe into the incident has been ordered and time-bound action would be taken.

Somaiya alleged that the incident had put the lives of hundreds of passengers at risk and sought action against the airlines and the two pilots. He claimed that both the pilots had come out of the cockpit which was a violation of rules.

He also objected to the reported statement of the airlines that the incident was the result of a misunderstanding.

Jet Airways grounded two of its senior pilots following the mid-air brawl on a London-Mumbai flight on January 1, in which the male commander allegedly slapped his female counterpart.

A Jet Airways spokesperson said, "A misunderstanding occurred between the cockpit crew of Jet Airways flight 9W 119, London - Mumbai of January 01, 2018. However, the same was quickly resolved amicably and the flight with 324 guests including 2 infants and 14 crew continued its journey to Mumbai, landing safely. The airline has reported the incident to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the concerned crew have been derostered pending an internal investigation that has since been initiated. At Jet Airways, safety of guests, crew and assets is of paramount importance and the airline has zero tolerance for any action of its employees that compromises safety."

with agency inputs
FILE - In this June 17, 2015, file photo, marijuana plants grow at LifeLine Labs in Cottage Grove, Minn. (AP Photo/Jim Mone, File)

SALT LAKE CITY (AP)  Utah Gov. Gary Herbert says he thinks medical marijuana will be legalized someday.

The Deseret News reports the governor was responding to a question from a ninth-grade student on Wednesday when he said Utah will likely legalize medical pot  if there is appropriate research and scientific evidence to back it up.

Herbert, a Republican, signed a bill allowing research into the risks and benefits of medical marijuana this year, after lawmakers shied away from passing a broader program.

Medical marijuana advocates, meanwhile, say theyre done waiting for lawmakers and want to get on the November ballot so they can ask voters to legalize it.

Herbert has previously said he wouldnt want to approve medical pot if it would to turn into Dr. Feelgood handing out doobies.
Alex_Schmidt/iStock/Thinkstock(HOUSTON) -- A would-be thief in Houston who was locked inside a cellphone store by an employee tried to escape by shooting the locks, and when that failed, fell to his knees to pray, according to a video recently released by police.



John Bell tried to rob Latino Cellular, but an employee at the store refused to open the register and walked out along with the customers  and then locked the door, trapping Bell inside, the video shows.



Store employee Katrina Leon kept a cool head when Bell ordered her to open the cash register and calmly told him, "No," the video shows.



As soon as he entered and he just pointed the gun at at me, and I knew instantly Im getting robbed again, but this time I didnt open the cash register, Leon told ABC News.  I just locked him in, because when you lock the door outside, from the inside you cant open it, so I knew he wasnt going to be able to open it.



The windows and door had bars on them, essentially caging Bell with no means of egress. Bell attempted to get out by pumping four shots at the doors lock, which withstood the barrage.



After slamming himself against the door in an apparent attempt to force it open, Bell resorted to prayer in the hope of getting away, Houston police said Wednesday on their YouTube channel.



"Please! Please! Please!" Bell pleaded, hands clasped and dropping to his knees. "I'm sorry, please! Help, please!



Bells prayers went unanswered, and police arrived shortly after and arrested him without incident.



He pleaded guilty last month to the April 2017 aggravated robbery and was sentenced to five years in prison, court records show.



Bell was on deferred adjudication for 12 years from a 2015 aggravated robbery charge at the time of the April robbery.





Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
FILE IMAGE

LOGAN  Cache County Democrats are hosting a candidate training event at Herms Inn on Jan. 13 at 5 p.m.

Party chairman Danny Beus said members of the state party will be providing the training.

Its for anyone who anybody who wants to run for office, he said, anyone who wants to knock doors for a campaign or anyone who is interested in knowing what the ins and outs of a campaign are.

Beus said the party is reaching out to Latinos, and that there is a significant Latino population in Cache Valley.
Courtesy of the Cache County Jail

LOGAN  A preliminary hearing has been postponed for a 21-year-old Idaho man, accused of extorting nude photos and videos from a Hyrum girl. Michael B. Powell will instead undergo a mental evaluation, determining if he is competent to stand trial.

Powell was in 1st District Court Wednesday morning. His defense attorney asked for the competency hearing, to see if Powell understands and can rationally participate in the court process.

Judge Kevin Allen granted the motion. He ordered Powell to cooperate with evaluators and appear again in court February 12.

Police allege, Powell had a relationship with the 17-year-old girl that began two years ago. During that time, he convinced her to send him nude photos of herself. He then began blackmailing her for more graphic photos and videos, threatening to send the pictures to her family, if she didnt comply. When the girl tried to end the relationship with the suspect, she began receiving messages from an unknown social media account. The user also demanded more nude photos and videos, or he would share her pictures with others.

The threats allegedly continued through social media and text messages until the victim contacted a school resource officer at Mountain Crest High School. Deputies were able to access the social media accounts and text messages. They tracked them to the defendant, who was living in Pocatello, Idaho.

Powell was arrested and transferred to the Cache County Jail. He was later charged with aggravated sexual extortion of a child, a first-degree felony, and 12 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, a second-degree felony. He is being held on $100,000 bail.

<hr /><p style=text-align: center;>will@cvradio.com
Matt Hillyard andwithhis father Lyle Hillyard

LOGAN  Matthew Hillyard, son of Senator Lyle Hillyard, passed away Thursday morning at his home in Logan, according to the Utah Senate.

A tweet was sent out Thursday morning announcing the passing. Hillyard was 42.

<blockquote class=twitter-tweet data-lang=en><p lang=en xml:lang=en dir=ltr>Matthew Hillyard, son of Senator Lyle and Alice Hillyard, passed away peacefully this morning at home. Oh, how we love Matt and will deeply miss him!<a href=https://twitter.com/hashtag/utpol?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>#utpol</a> <a href=https://twitter.com/hashtag/utleg?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>#utleg</a> <a href=https://t.co/apnJ0wBFOV>pic.twitter.com/apnJ0wBFOV</a>

 Utah Senate (@utahsenate) <a href=https://twitter.com/utahsenate/status/948979762138984448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>January 4, 2018</a></blockquote>

Governor Gary Herbert and other state politicians took to social media to express their condolences and share memories of Hillyard, who could often be found around the Utah State Capitol during legislative sessions.

<blockquote class=twitter-tweet data-lang=en><p lang=en xml:lang=en dir=ltr>We love you, Matt. Thanks for sharing your light with us for so many years. God be with you till we meet again. <a href=https://twitter.com/hashtag/utpol?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>#utpol</a> <a href=https://twitter.com/utahsenate?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>@utahsenate</a> <a href=https://twitter.com/SenLyleHillyard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>@SenLyleHillyard</a> <a href=https://t.co/OoLnQeiRHT>pic.twitter.com/OoLnQeiRHT</a>

 Gov. Gary Herbert (@GovHerbert) <a href=https://twitter.com/GovHerbert/status/948997032819138560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>January 4, 2018</a></blockquote><blockquote class=twitter-tweet data-lang=en><p lang=en xml:lang=en dir=ltr>This breaks my heart.? We love Matt and will miss him so much. He touched the lives of everyone on Capitol Hill. We were the same age and shared a love of hugs, pancakes and karaoke. Our hearts are with <a href=https://twitter.com/SenLyleHillyard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>@SenLyleHillyard</a> and his family. <a href=https://t.co/cc196wXs5E>https://t.co/cc196wXs5E</a>

 Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) <a href=https://twitter.com/SpencerJCox/status/948984093219348480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>January 4, 2018</a></blockquote><blockquote class=twitter-tweet data-lang=en><p lang=en xml:lang=en dir=ltr>R.I.P. Matt Hillyard <a href=https://twitter.com/hashtag/utpol?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>#utpol</a> <a href=https://twitter.com/hashtag/utleg?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>#utleg</a> <a href=https://t.co/YVhPDSO4A1>pic.twitter.com/YVhPDSO4A1</a>

 Todd Weiler (@gopTODD) <a href=https://twitter.com/gopTODD/status/948991400460238849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>January 4, 2018</a></blockquote><blockquote class=twitter-tweet data-lang=en><p lang=en xml:lang=en dir=ltr>I am so sorry to hear of the passing of sweet Matt Hillyard. When I was Sen. Hillyards intern he was like my little brother. The worlds a little darker today without Matts light. Hugs to Alice and <a href=https://twitter.com/SenLyleHillyard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>@SenLyleHillyard</a> <a href=https://t.co/NgTzaCSTR9>https://t.co/NgTzaCSTR9</a>

 Angie Stallings (@StallingsUT) <a href=https://twitter.com/StallingsUT/status/948994882252632064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>January 4, 2018</a></blockquote><blockquote class=twitter-tweet data-lang=en><p lang=en xml:lang=en dir=ltr>Deeply saddened at this news. My deepest sympathies to the Hillyard family. Matt brought joy to so many. He will be missed. <a href=https://t.co/MvDnjTNL4X>https://t.co/MvDnjTNL4X</a>

 Sharon (@SharonGF_NBCT) <a href=https://twitter.com/SharonGF_NBCT/status/948986661769117697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>January 4, 2018</a></blockquote><blockquote class=twitter-tweet data-lang=en><p lang=en xml:lang=en dir=ltr>Matt Hillyard was a bright light in the Utah Senate and always welcomed me back to the Capitol with a hug and huge smile. You will be missed. <a href=https://twitter.com/hashtag/utpol?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>#utpol</a>

 Ben McAdams (@BenMcAdams) <a href=https://twitter.com/BenMcAdams/status/948999157577994240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>January 4, 2018</a></blockquote>

Videos on Twitter show Hillyard singing karaoke in the capitals rotunda as part of his annual birthday celebration.

<blockquote class=twitter-tweet data-lang=en><p lang=en xml:lang=en dir=ltr>Matt Hillyards annual karaoke party in the Rotunda! <a href=https://twitter.com/hashtag/singingintherain?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>#singingintherain</a> <a href=https://twitter.com/hashtag/utleg?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>#utleg</a> <a href=https://twitter.com/hashtag/utpol?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>#utpol</a> <a href=https://twitter.com/SenLyleHillyard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>@SenLyleHillyard</a> <a href=https://t.co/uvcOwh54Ao>pic.twitter.com/uvcOwh54Ao</a>

 Utah Senate (@utahsenate) <a href=https://twitter.com/utahsenate/status/824034864231919617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw>January 24, 2017</a></blockquote>

The Matthew David Hillyard Endowment Scholarship Fund provides students financial support in Utah State Universitys Special Education Department. Hillyards family established the fund after he was born with Down syndrome.

He was <a href=http://www.cachevalleydaily.com/news/local/article_2f8005f2-1fd2-11e7-bea3-47f2a38c0879.html target=_blank>recognized in April</a> as an honorary member of the Logan Kiwanis Club.
On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution, a series of new documentaries and films such as The Demon of the Revolution, Trotsky, The Great Russian Revolution and The Genuine History of the Russian Revolution were broadcast on major Russian TV channels. Clearly, these films were designed to disrupt popular Russian perceptions of the revolution and instead foster a hostile narrative of the events. Alongside its major domestic motivations, this narrative also has significant implications for post-Soviet nations.

BACKGROUND: Post-Soviet Russia has had no officially approved narrative on the 1917 revolution. Moscows main approach has been to stay neutral on the subject, although the Kremlin has often implicitly taken a negative view of it, resulting in an ambiguous position on the part of the regime. In effect, little public historical discussion has been devoted to the events in 1917. Yet the new series of films on the 1917 revolution broadcast on the anniversary of the Bolshevik revolution epitomizes a shift in this regard.

One of the Kremlins main media figureheads Dmitry Kiselyov, who is the head of Russias government-owned international news agency Rossiya Sevodnya, directed a film titled The Great Russian Revolution. In the film, Kiselyov, who was dubbed Russias chief propagandist by the Economist and chief spin doctor by BBC, termed the 1917 events the first color revolution. In the Kremlins discourse, revolutions and particularly colorful ones are inferior, negative and hostile to Russian interests and are perceived as synonymous with a foreign plot. They are often associated with the arrival of pro-western governments in power in Georgia and Ukraine. Another film, The Genuine History of the Russian Revolution, describes Lenin as a fierce proponent of the policy of terror and alludes to the revolution itself as a Germany-funded coup.

A source of inspiration for this narrative is President Putins comments blaming Lenin and the Bolsheviks for dismembering the Russian Empire into the small republics constituting the Soviet Union: They [Lenin and the Bolsheviks] planted a nuclear bomb under the building called Russia, later to blow it up, he said. These comments made on January 16, 2016, were so controversial that the presidents spokesman Dmitry Peskov sought to downplay Putins remarks on the same day. A few days later, however, the president made even harsher remarks against Lenin.

IMPLICATIONS: Culture was widely used as a political tool throughout the Soviet era, with television and films at the forefront. Modern Russia inherited this practice from the Soviet Union. As Putin ascended to power in Russia, he made sure that major TV broadcasters were under the Kremlins full control. For the majority of the Russian population, a few central TV channels still remain the primary source of information despite hundreds of available alternatives.

Through government-controlled TV, the Kremlin has shaped a new kind of cultural borders of Russia, aside from the official borders. These cultural borders are known as Russkiy Mir (Russian World) or historical Russia. This became particularly evident amidst the annexation of Crimea and the conflict in Eastern Ukraine. The KrimNash (Crimea is Ours) campaign was based on the narrative that Crimea was a historical part of the Russian territory and culture, for which Russia fought bloody wars and made sacrifices, and that Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev granted it to Ukraine. In fact, Russian TV is guarding the borders of historical Russia and sacralizes the cause to protect those historical borders. The new films on the 1917 revolution are just a case in point. A general subtext of the films is the shaping of a narrative to justify Russias redrawing of the borders of the post-soviet nations.

The Russian Church acts as a political tool and a high moral and spiritual authority for that purpose. The Church canonized Tsar Nicholas II in 2000 and views the 1917 revolution as a Judeo-Masonic conspiracy. The films delicately echo this message by placing an eye-catching emphasis on the ethnicity of prominent revolutionary figures of Jewish origin such as Lev Trotsky and Alexander Parvus, and depicts Alexander Kerensky, another key figure during the 1917 events, as a leader of the Russian political masonry.

The Genuine History of the Russian Revolution, in particular, uses the late tsar Nicholas II to sacralize the borders and territories of historic Russia  the Russian Empire. The films portray him as a weak leader but a devout Christian with a strong belief in God, who prays for the protection of the empire. According to the narration, the Tsar viewed protecting Russia  its territories and borders, which are the cultural and historic borders of Russia in todays Russian discourse, as his holy responsibility before God.

Nicholas II therefore personifies the sacralization of the protection of historical and cultural Russian borders. By depicting Nicolas II as a weak leader, the films basically seek to justify a strong president  Putin and his annexation of Crimea, a part of historic Russia, in the run-up to the 2018 presidential campaign.

President Putin has explicitly blamed Khrushchev for transferring Crimea to Ukraine, and reiterated this message at his year-end press conference on December 14. Earlier, he has similarly accused Lenin of transferring Donbas and other regions to Ukraine. Putin has defended Stalin over Lenin, saying that Stalin wanted to establish the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) on the basis of autonomy for the subjects of the future state, but that Lenin favored the establishment of the USSR on the basis of full equality of the constituent republics with the right to exit the Soviet Union.

Putin also lashed out at Lenin for what he termed an absolutely arbitrary and unjustified definition of the borders of the republics. The transfer of the Donbas region to Ukraine is just a case in point, Putin said. He also referred to the short-lived Transcaucasian Federation, consisting of present-day Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, as the southern part of Russia. And Russian TV followed suit.

The films blame the Bolsheviks specifically for the rise of the independence movement in Ukraine and for separatism in the South Caucasus. The films present the rise of separatism and demands for autonomy and independence in the regions of the Russian Empire as a result of the 1917 revolution but ignore the importance of the same factors in driving the events of 1917. There is no mention of the Russian Empires Central Asian regions in the films, as opposed to repeated references to separatism and demands for autonomy and independence in the Baltic, Eastern Europe and South Caucasus regions. Yet this should not necessarily be seen as reassuring for Central Asian countries. It simply means that Moscows current focus is on Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus.

CONCLUSIONS: Through television and films, Moscow demonizes Lenin and the Bolsheviks, and sacralizes the protection of the Russian Empires borders  the so-called cultural or historic borders of present-day Russia or the Russian World. The films are broadcast as the Russian national euphoria associated with the annexation of Crimea is fading and ordinary citizens are becoming less enthusiastic about the conflicts in which Russia is involved. The films aim to shape a narrative serving to prepare the Russian population and rally domestic support for a continuation and even amplification of assertive policies in Russias near abroad. Therefore, the post-Soviet countries may be facing a new wave of turbulent times in their relations with Russia in the coming years, particularly following the 2018 Russian presidential election.

This is of particular concern to the GUAM countries  Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova. Russia actively seeks to influence their sovereign choices regarding if and how to develop relations with Russia-led integration structures  the Eurasian Economic Union and the Collective Defense Treaty Organization  and the rival European Union and NATO.

AUTHORS BIO: Rahim Rahimov is a political analyst focusing on Russia and the post-soviet space with an interest in conflicts, foreign policies and economic and political integration projects. He holds an MA in International Relations from Hult International Business School in London, UK and a BA from Baku State University, Azerbaijan. Twitter: @r_rahimov

Image source: By en.kremlin.ru accessed on 1.2. 2018
The National Permanent Secretariats 2018 roadmap is tailored to generate more income for the national treasury report CT.

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The Kimberley Process in Cameroon is managed by a National Permanent Secretariat placed under the auspices of the Ministry of Mines, Industry and Technological Development. Its Steering Committee headed by Minister Ernest Gbwaboubou held an extraordinary session in Yaounde, December 29, 2017.



The institutions 2017 activity report was reviewed and a roadmap charted for 2018 with a budget of over FCFA 2.1 billion. A newly appointed executive bureau of the four-year old Permanent Secretariat was presented and urged to ensure the smooth implementation of the roadmap.



Daniel Mackaire Eloung Nna, Permanent Secretary of the Kimberley Process in Cameroon told reporters after the closed- door meeting that they have laid down strategies to ensure that the exploitation of diamond generates more income for the national treasury.



He said in order to reach the goal set in the extraordinary session, the secretariat will increase its activities on the ground, basically mapping out existing diamond production sites and carrying out research on potential ones.



Loung Nna also disclosed that geologists and other mining technicians would be schooled on the Kimberley Process and encouraged to make the exploitation of precious stones beneficial not only for the state, but also to people in communities involved in mining. Citizens involved in artisanal mining are currently selling their precious stones at prices below their worth. We are laying emphasis on field work in 2018 to turn the tide, he said pointing out that field visits will also help them curb transit through Cameroon of conflict diamonds from wartorn Central Africa Republic.



MBOM Sixtus



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| BY Lynchy |

Consider iProspect Malaysia is starting the year strong with four senior hires throughout the last four months. Siti Raflise joins as Chief Data Officer, Jeetinder Kahlon takes on Head of Media role, Filip Adamski is Head of E-Commerce and Bee-Lee See leads as Head of Content.

Spearheading the agencys ambitious expansion, Kasper Wandi, CEO of Consider iProspect said, Weve recorded some pretty remarkable achievements since we started, but were not about to rest our laurels. The industry is moving in breakneck speed that if you snooze you lose, and one key component in ensuring we stay ahead is the talent we have.

Talent is indeed our most important asset and good talent is hard to come by, so were pleased to have an army of them with us, committed in providing the best solutions for our clients, Wandi added.

Apart from the Head of Content role, the rest are newly created positions, a strong indication of where we see the potentials and growth opportunities are to take our business to the next level, he shared.

Raflise brings 19 years of success in project management, business intelligence and customer insights. Previously, her roles included Head of Insights for Taylors Education Group, Sales and Operations Director of Arte 38, and Global Market Research Manager for Microsoft EMEA.

Her approach to data-driven businesses has produced results  she single-handedly developed Taylors Business Intelligence strategy targeting undergraduates and achieved 20% cost savings for Microsoft through efficient vendor management. Siti was the winner of Microsofts Gold Star Award for outstanding performance.

In her new role, Raflise is responsible for the agencys data strategy, create portfolio of products and solutions to offer to its clients, and spearhead data-led consultancy projects. She reports to Wandi.

Kahlon brings in-depth experience in both online and offline channels from five agencies across London over the last 10 years. He has implemented media systems and processes to improve the efficiencies of agencies and clients alike. Prior to joining Consider iProspect, he was the Group Head of Media and Analytics at Lion & Lion, where he managed a team of more than 20 professionals and oversaw all digital media strategies and business development.

In his new role, Kahlon is tasked to manage clients media strategy and paid media performance. He reports to Andrew Turner, Chief Business Officer, Consider iProspect.

Adamski was part of the original Consider Digital (before the agency was acquired in 2015 by Dentsu Aegis Network) when it was only a 10-staff agency. He was the Senior Account Manager for P1 and Estee Lauder. Then he returned to Poland, a country where 50% of sales takes place online, where he took on the Head of Marketing role for one of the largest e-commerce players in Europe. Now back in Malaysia, Adamski has rejoined Consider iProspect as its new Head of E-Commerce to accelerate digital transformation for companies through e-commerce opportunities. He reports to Turner.

See joins Consider iProspect from Malaysia Airlines, the national carrier of Malaysia, where she was the Senior Marketing Manager and Head of Content. Having worked and lived in nine different countries in the last 18 years, See speaks eight languages and brings with her diverse experience from varied functions including Corporate Communications, Marketing & Publishing, Business Development and Budget & Control.

Being multilingual is not her only talent  she is also certified by the Writers Digest in a series of storytelling fundamentals such as plot & character development, writing dialogues and novel writing among others, and has trained in Hollywood by the American Screenwriters Association.

In her new role, she is responsible for working closely with brands to craft and implement holistic content strategies across all channels. She also reports to Turner.
Thursday, January 4, 2018 at 1:45PM

EVs or electric vehicles are expected to be front and centre at the upcomng Canadian International Auto Show and now visitors aged 21 or older with valid driver's licenses can experience first hand what driving an EV feels like. Various manufacturers including GM, Nissan BMW, Fiat-Chrysler, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Hyundai and Volvo will showcase their latest EV and Hybrid electric cars.

The automotive world is changing and the Canadian International AutoShow is changing with it, said AutoShow General Manager Jason Campbell. You cant go to any major auto show in the world, be it in Frankfurt or Shanghai or Los Angeles, and not see large numbers of electric vehicles on display. In February, the Canadian International AutoShow will be no different.



AutoShow President Bob Redinger said that hardly a week goes by these days without an announcement of yet another major technological breakthrough in the industry. Automakers are embracing all the technological advances available, be they electric, hybrid, hydrogen fuel-cell or autonomous innovations and the 2018 Canadian International AutoShow will reflect this, he said.



The test drives, sponsored by Toronto Hydro, FLO (the AutoShows official EV charging network) and the Globe and Mail will be administered by the North York Electric Vehicle Discovery Centres Plug n Drive program.






"A lot of them will see that drugs and alcohol and hanging with their mates and not attending school is what they want to do. They find that no rules and doing what they want to do is better than engaging with services."
Ex Machina, curated by CCAS program manager Alexander Boynes, showcased a number of artists and although I found weaknesses in both the choice of artists and in the exhibition's ostensible premise and the actualising of that, I really enjoyed the work of a number of artists selected. Prime among these for me was the work of Nicci Haynes (no relation). She is an artist who is full of innovation and original ways of approaching medium and subject, these being strongly showcased here. Other artists demanded active viewer participation often questioning the challenges innate in the complex relationships between technology and use. Brian McNamara's and Pia van Gelder's works exemplify this.PhotoAccess continues to offer a stimulating program that questions the photographic medium in all its manifestations in ways that I find stimulating and provocative. It is difficult to eliminate a number of exhibitions from my Top Five but I will take the liberty of mentioning two that I found too compelling to omit. These are Ioulia Terizis's Quanta and Kate Disher-Quill's Right Hear, Right Now.
As for his suggestion that the community should have a "robust discussion" about what infrastructure we will build. I agree. Had that been done, or had Gallagher and Corbel been interested in the best value for money for transport to Gungahlin instead of doing deals with the Greens to get the ALP back into government in 2012 no matter what the cost, we would probably be on the way to at least a partial solution to the Gungahlin public transport issue without wasting the money involved in the tram.
When the Toyota Raize came into the picture early this year , it commanded the kind of attention that made you think of it as possibly just ...
Hyundai will visit the CES 2018 in Las Vegas with its next-generation FCEV to showcase a trio of new technologies, including its all-new autonomous systems.



The yet-unnamed, hydrogen-powered fuel cell EV will also reveal its name at the same time, while Hyundai will detail the new Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that come with it.

The new Hyundai will become the newest member of the companys eco-friendly model family, adopting an SUV bodystyle and an innovative approach to its interior.

Hyundai calls the new interior approach the Intelligent Personal Cockpit, featuring AI-enhanced voice recognition and vital sign-based wellness care. The dashboard will feature a pair of digital displays sitting side by side while the center console will be elevated for a more cockpit-like feeling.

Hyundai will reveal all the details of its new FCEV on Monday, January 8 during the press conference at the CES 2018.

PHOTO GALLERY
Cartoon Brew: What would have been your first experience using visual effects as a director?

Bong Joon-ho: My first experience with vfx was during my first feature film Barking Dogs Never Bite. Theres a scene in which the male protagonist throws a dog from the roof of an apartment building, and I used bluescreen for the first time in that scene. Of course it was imperative that no animals were harmed during filming, so we had safety measures for the actual throwing of the dog during the shoot. For the bluescreen shoot, the actor threw the dog onto a safety mat just a short distance below, and the actor and dog were later composited onto a multi-story apartment building through vfx. That was the very first vfx scene I tackled as a director, and it was during the early days of Korean vfx in the late 90s when the first vfx companies were emerging.

The Host had a fantastic creature largely brought to life with cgi. What did you learn on that film in terms of visual effects and creature animation performance that you were able to apply to Okja?

Bong Joon-ho: It was the first time I dealt with a cgi character, a creature, so I perused vfx magazines and also looked at other vfx-heavy films released during that time, like Hellboy and Lord of the Rings, for reference. At the time, Korean actors and DPs [director of photography] were likewise inexperienced with vfx shoots, so we used storyboards, pre-visualizations, and animatics to help them visualize. The actors were actually not that jarred by the experience of performing with an imaginary creature and got used to it in less than a week.

What were some of the first conversations you had with Method and Erik De Boer about how you wanted Okja to be brought to life, and how did this get refined over time? What kind of artwork, sketches, and models helped flesh it out?

Bong Joon-ho: I think the first thing I told him was how much I loved Life of Pi and how much I admired his vfx work on the tiger Richard Parker. I remember telling him that our animal protagonist Okja should consist of similar realism. I told him she should not be akin to dragons and monsters in fantasy films. Although shes not a real existing animal like Richard Parker, she should be depicted with the same excruciating realism. And we would base her on actual animals. We shared many photos of hippos, elephants, and manatees. By the time I first met Erik De Boer, the creature design for Okja was nearly complete so I was also able to share many conceptual artworks. For our second meeting, I brought a Okja maquette created by our Korean creature designer Hee-Chul Chang, and we used it for our discussion.

Did you utilize previs on Okja? How important is previs to you in realizing vfx-heavy, or any other, scenes, and how did you use it on set?

Bong Joon-ho: The two most important vfx scenes for which we used animatics were the opening cliff scene, where Okja saves Mijas life, and the tunnel scene, where Mija reunites with Okja. Im usually pretty faithful to my storyboards and previsualizations, so our vfx and camera crew also relied on them throughout the shoot.

During filming of Okja, how important was it for there to be something on set in place of the character, or was this not especially important? What kinds of things would you tell the crew and actor to help them imagine a real creature there?

Bong Joon-ho: On the set, we had a foam puppet, approximately the size of the would-be Okja, called a stuffy. The stuffy was especially important for Seo-hyun, the actress who played Mija, because she had many scenes in which she touched Okjas face and otherwise physically interacted with the creature. We had separate stuffies for different body parts, such as the head, bottom, and mid-section, and the actors would push and physically interact with them. During pre-production, we held stuffy rehearsals with Seo-hyun and other actors who had scenes with Okja. It helped the actors visualize Okja as an actual living being.

Can you talk about what your schedule was like during post-production  how did you interact with Erik De Boer and the visual effects team?

Bong Joon-ho: I visited Method Studios in Vancouver two times, but aside from that, I remained in Seoul throughout post-production because we had our editing and sound facilities here. Naturally I had many Skype meetings with the vfx crew. Several times a week. For example we would have a Skype meeting at 9am Korea and 5pm Vancouver. Erik and [animation supervisor] Stephen Clee would be on the other end along with the sequence supervisor or other vfx artists, and on our end, we would have the vfx AD, post supervisor, and myself.

Almost everyday we would do a shot-by-shot vfx review and share feedback, ideas. We did that for more than six months. Thanks to the availability of cineSync, we didnt really feel any constraints of being in different countries, but I guess the biggest obstacle, if you could call it that, was the time difference. As long as we could figure out a time to Skype, there wasnt much difficulty.

What was one of the most challenging visual effects sequences in Okja to pull off, either in the planning stage, during shooting, or in post?

Bong Joon-ho: The cliff sequence, which I mentioned earlier, was the most difficult and challenging sequence in the film. First of all, it was a difficult location, and the logistics were challenging  what kind of equipment to use, etc. And since our lead was a minor, we had to be extra thorough with the safety aspects (one of the scenes involved the actress hanging from a cliff). So we divided the shots into three categories  shots in which we see the actress face, shots that show the stunt double, and shots that use a digital double  so we knew exactly what we would shoot at the actual location.

The location itself was a combination of Korean and Vancouver locations because the shooting schedule didnt allow shooting the entire sequence in one location. Much of the cliff you see is actually vfx, and nearly everything except for Mija in that sequence is vfx. We finished that sequence just a few days before submitting the DCP to Cannes. It was an arduous sequence which we worked on right until the very end, and Im happy that it came out well.
Photo: Contributed Nugget is a 100-pound lap dog who needs some help.

UPDATE 4:20 p.m.

The call to help a lovable pooch named Nugget has been answered.

Nugget is a 100-pound 'lap dog' that needs surgery on two ruptured cruciates, estimated to cost around $9,000, but one Okanagan veterinarian is willing to do the crucial surgery for $6,000.

Marco Veenis with the Okanagan Veterinary Hospital, said he would be happy to help the dog.

At my hospital, we take a special interest in orthopedic cases and perform large numbers of these surgeries, said Veenis in an email to Castanet.

As Okanagan veterinarians we have a long-standing positive relation with the SPCA and other animal-related charities and are always willing to do our bit.

Nugget is currently at the Vernon SPCA.

Nugget is a 100-pound lap dog who needs some help.

The large, loveable pooch came to the Vernon SPCA with two torn cruciate ligaments in her back legs.

The fawn-coloured mastiff mix sometimes wags her tail so hard, she injures herself and the damaged ligaments affect her ability to walk.

Without treatment, the injury will lead to arthritis in her joints.

Nugget is such a sweet and goofy girl. Despite the pain, shes in, she just wants to love you and be loved. We now keep her tail bandaged, as she has hurt it a couple of times while in her kennel from wagging it so hard, said Chelsea Taylor, BC SPCA Vernon & District branch manager.

She thinks shes a 100-pound lap dog. We just want her to have the chance to lead an active, healthy life. Shes not even two yet, and still has a lot of love to give.

The medical costs associated with Nuggets surgery, care and recovery are expected to exceed $9,000. A non-profit organization, the BC SPCA relies primarily on public donations to help the provinces most vulnerable animals.

Anyone wanting to help Nuggett can do so online, or in person at 800 Haney Rd.
Photo: Contributed Skye McCluskey, second from left, won a car just before Christmas.

Talk about a Christmas present.

Skye McCluskey received a car thanks to a local tire shop manager.

Brandon Colvin manages the Vernon Fountain Tire store and just before Christmas 2017 he handed McCluskey the keys to a 2008 Pontiac G5.

We put a new engine in it and a whole pile of parts, said Colvin. The car's in great shape. It was a fun project.

Colvin had heard about other car giveaways and wanted to do something similar.

I didn't think it was going to happen and then this car came out of nowhere, said Colvin.

A customer brought a car in with an engine knock and it was discovered the motor had to be replaced. Not wanting to put that much money into the car, the owner agreed to sell it to Colvin who fixed the car up and gave it away.

People then submitted their stories and Colvin and his co-workers went through them all to determine a winner.

It was a tough decision, he said, adding that it was a friend of McCluskey's who submitted her story of a single mom who recently lost her partner.

Winning the new set of wheels has made life easier for the Lumby resident.

I was, and still am, completely shocked, said McCluskey. It's made a huge difference. I don't have to worry so much about it breaking down anytime soon, unlike my old car.

As much as I loved my old car it was constantly breaking down and I could never afford to take it into a shop so my poor dad would always make the three-hour trip to Grand Forks just to fix it for me.

McCluskey said even her six-year-old daughter is excited about our new car.
Madison Erhardt

UPDATE: 6:25 p.m.

West Kelowna RCMP and RCMP Central Okanagan Traffic Services (COTS) remain on scene as they continue their investigation.

The collision, involving a southbound Nissan Titan and a northbound Dodge Durango forced the closure of Highway 97 in both directions to allow emergency crews to extricate a patient who had been trapped inside the Dodge.

The driver of the Dodge Durango, a 57-year-old woman from the Central Okanagan, has been transported to hospital, with what are believed to be serious non-life threatening injuries.

The driver of the Nissan Titan is also in hospital with what are believed to be non-life threatening injuries.

Traffic in the area is once again flowing, however it is being restricted to one lane alternating traffic at this time, said Cpl. Jesse ODonaghey.

Motorists may see another temporary closure or closures to allow for both the vehicles, which sustained significant damage to be safely removed from the roadway. Our emergency crews greatly appreciate the publics patience as we work to clear the scene, he added.

Witnesses who have not yet spoken to police are asked to call the West Kelowna RCMP at 250-768-2880.

UPDATE: 3:25 p.m.

The driver of the Dodge Durango involved in Wednesday afternoon's head-on collision, a 57-year-old woman, was taken to the hospital with what were considered serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.

A man, driving the southbound Nissan Titan that police believe crossed the centre line, was also taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Traffic in the area is once again flowing, however it is being restricted to one lane alternating traffic at this time, said Cpl. Jesse ODonaghey. Motorists may see another temporary closure or closures to allow for both the vehicles, which sustained significant damage, to be safely removed from the roadway.

Police have asked anyone who witnessed the crash to call the West Kelowna RCMP at 250-768-2880.

UPDATE: 3:10 p.m.

Traffic is moving once again on Drought Hill after a serious head-on collision closed Highway 97 in both directions.

The highway is now open to single-lane alternating traffic, as tow trucks work to remove the two vehicles involved from the scene.

At least one person involved in the crash, a woman in the Dodge Durango, suffered "serious injuries."

UPDATE: 2:55 p.m.

Paramedics are treating patients for injuries after a southbound Nissan Titan crossed the centre line and collided head on with a Dodge Durango.

A woman in the Durango is being treated for "serious injuries" at the scene, after emergency crews removed her from the SUV. Police say she will be taken to the hospital.

The condition of the person in the Titan is unknown.

Cpl. Jesse O'Donaghey of the Kelowna RCMP says he doesn't believe anyone has died in the serious collision.

Highway 97 remains closed in both directions, but Cpl. O'Donaghey says they are hoping to open one lane of alternating traffic shortly.

ORIGINAL: 2:30 p.m.

Traffic is backed up on Drought Hill near Peachland Wednesday afternoon, after a two-vehicle crash closed Highway 97 in both directions.

The crash, which occurred at about 2 p.m. south of the highway's junction with Highway 97C, appeared to be a head-on collision between a pickup truck and an SUV.

A tarp is covering the driver's seat of the SUV.

One man who's been waiting in the southbound lane for about 15 minutes says the crash looks "pretty severe," and there are four police cars and two ambulances at the scene.

He says Highway 97 in that area is quite dry and not covered in ice or snow.

The extent of any injuries suffered by those involved is unknown at this time.
Photo: Contributed

Linda Yule is cautiously optimistic the United Way North Okanagan Columbia Shuswap will reach its fundraising goal set out last December.

The executive director of the United Way NOCS said they set a goal of $240,000 for the agency's annual fundraiser.

Of our $240,000 goal, the goal for individuals was $45,000, said Yule. Over the last weekend of the year, several online donations came in, and a family group made a significant donation to push this part of our campaign to over $72,000.

While that is still a long way from their overall goal, Yule said they are waiting on some corporate donations.

We wont know some of our other results until probably early February as a couple of workplaces just wrapped Dec. 31 and their reporting is compiled nationally, said Yule, adding the group still could reach its target, or at least come close.

We have between 10 and a dozen workplaces that we are waiting on.

The United Way is an umbrella organization for 23 agencies that provide more than 30 programs for the community.

Yule said it would be a shame if agencies had to fundraise on their own when they should be focussing on programs that help the community.

Last year, we were asked for 100 per cent more than we had available to distribute. We know that several of our funded agencies are being asked for more services and looking to United Way to fill that need in the community, she said.
Photo: Global News

It is unusual to have Ottawa related political news occurring this time of year.



However, recently the unusual in politics has become the usual.



In late December, media were made aware of what they described as a "secret meeting" that occurred between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Joshua Boyle, who was recently freed after being held in captivity in Afghanistan for the previous five years.



Media were suspicious of this particular meeting because it, and the reasons for it, were not publicly disclosed by the Prime Ministers Office (PMO).



Journalists only discovered this meeting had occurred when members of the Boyle family circulated pictures on social media.



This week, Ottawa police announced that Boyle was being charged with 15 different offences from alleged actions that include assault, sexual assault, unlawful confinement, uttering threats, public mischief and administering a noxious thing.

These alleged offences are related to the period of time since Boyle returned to Canada in October 2017.



As a result, there are serious questions being asked why the Prime Minister requested a meeting with Boyle. By extension, questions have been raised on security protocols that should protect the Prime Minister.

The judgment of the advisers who represent Trudeau in allowing this meeting to go forward also come into focus.



The judgment of the advisers working in the PMO was also raised when the Prime Minister was recently found guilty of four counts of ethics violations. These violations were related to free luxury vacations the Prime Minister accepted from a registered lobbyist who receives millions in Government of Canada funding.



The judgment of advisers and political staff is a subject that is seldom raised outside of Ottawa.



For obvious reasons, it is being questioned currently.



I have also had some questions on this topic and I can report that the most recently audited expenses for what is called the Trudeau PMO were $8.3 million in the 2016-2017 fiscal period.



As a comparison, this figure is higher than during any year in the previous Prime Ministers last term in office.



All elected officials have staff and in the case of politically appointed staff, they typically only work in their capacity until the writ period, when the election is called. At that point, the vast majority will become unemployed.



Rehiring depends on who is re-elected and if employment is again offered.



In the case of the Prime Minister, some are suggesting a staff shakeup is required. Others see this as unfairly throwing the staff under the bus.



Most agree that answers are needed on why Prime Minister Trudeau met with Boyle and why this meeting was kept confidential.



My question this week:

Do you believe Canadians deserve an answer to why this meeting was held between Prime Minister Trudeau and Joshua Boyle?



I can be reached by email at [email protected] or at 1-800-665-8711.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
Photo: Vernon Jubilee Hospital Auxiliary

Better late than never.

At 7 lbs and 14 oz. Alora was the first baby born at Vernon Jubilee Hospital in 2018.

The little bundle of joy entered the world at 5:10 p.m. on Jan. 1.

The parents, Taylor Carey and Franjo Beg, received a gift basket full of goodies from the Vernon Hospital Auxiliary Crafters & Knitters, a teddy bear, gift certificates as well as a bouquet of flowers for mom.

Alora was born not too far behind Owen Harrington, who was born at noon on Jan. 1, 2018  the first new arrival at Kelowna General Hospital.

The first baby born in the Okanagan was in Penticton, weighing in at 10 lbs. Lawson John Spain was born at 2:07 a.m.

And at 8 lbs 7 oz. British Columbia's first born in 2018 belongs to a Surrey couple. The baby girl was born nine seconds after midnight.
Photo: Getty Images

It may be a new year, but for many on the front line of the opioid crisis in the Okanagan, it feels like nothing has changed.

Kelowna has the unflattering distinction of having the highest opioid hospitalization rate in Canada at 37.9 per 100,000 people.

For comparison per 100,000 people:

Vancouver's rate is 20.5

Toronto's rate is 7.9

The figures were released in a joint report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information and the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse.

There are more patients being seen in emergency departments, more patients being hospitalized, and the lengths of stay for hospitalizations are quite long  it all adds to the burden, according to one of the authors of the study.

The opioid crisis is putting increased pressure on the health care system.

"While we do not have the final numbers for 2017, we know that it is expected to have more than 1,400 deaths," explained Adriane Gear, the executive councillor for health and safety and mental health for the BC Nurses Union.

"We know that certain areas of the population have seen a higher impact, and Kelowna has certainly been one of the cities that has been hit very hard. But this crisis is all over B.C.; all over Canada; all over North America."

BC Coroners Service stated in a December press release that in 2017  from Jan. to Oct.  fentanyl was detected in approximately 83 per cent of drug overdose deaths.

In that same release, it showed that from 2012 to 2017 the Interior Health Authority reported 322 fentanyl-related deaths in its region  with the overwhelming majority of those deaths occurring in 2016 and 2017.

I hope it never becomes routine, but sadly nurses and first responders are dealing with this on a daily basis ... we know that our members and other first responders are suffering psychological effects of the overdose crisis. You can only resuscitate, and deal with so many of these very scary situations.

Gear said that the BCNU is very concerned that its members are at risk of compassion fatigue due to the physical and psychological demands of the opioid crisis.

Compassion fatigue is a real concern for some nurses. It's that repeated exposure to human suffering. When you can't make a difference; when you can't provide relief; when you can't address an issue for somebody, it does weigh heavily on a person.

Gear said she hears too often that this crisis deals with a problem. What concerns her most is that society doesn't see this as the public health crisis it is.

For more than twenty years Susan Kirwin has worked in the emergency room at Kelowna General Hospital.

Kirwin has seen first hand the realities of the opioid crisis.

We have dealt with it as well as anyone could. It is always top of mind. We keep it very high in our suspicion when people come in with trouble breathing or trouble with their consciousness.

There are the people who are the chronic substance users, and then there are the people that maybe don't consider themselves drug users, the victims of this opioid crisis vary.

Surveillance data provided to Interior Health by front-line workers at the region's hospitals suggest, of the 1,245 reported overdoses from June 1, 2016, to Oct.31, 2017, 64 per cent were male and 36 per cent were female.

And 19 per cent of those, who self-reported their drug use history, considered themselves occasional or infrequent users.

Naloxone has been used more regularly in the emergency room at Kelowna General Hospital. In the past nurses assessed a patient much longer, now, Kirwin said, they are quicker to use it.

That's been supported, and we have had good results. We have been able to get people back quickly when we have given it quickly.

Kirwin said that it is only her observation, but it seems like the numbers were down in December.

"Hopefully, the message is out."

But, for Kirwin, and many front-line workers, the opioids part of this crisis it is only part of it. There are chronic issues that every place, and all first responders, face.

One of the things that have made a huge difference that we've seen has been housing. It has been well studied that if housing is provided first, a lot of people are able to manage their problems; their mental health problem; their substance abuse problem and the emergency department becomes much less of a fall back for treating all of the things they have."

Across Canada, opioid poisonings resulted in an average of 16 hospitalizations a day in 2016  2017, which is a 19 per cent increase from the daily hospitalization rate in 2014  2015.
Photo: Skylar noe-vack Penticton

Just after 7 p.m. Penticton Emergency crews where called to the intersection of Skaha Lake Road and Galt Ave for a car into a telephone pole.

Upon arrival crews saw significant damage to the front of the vehicle. The motorist was seen walking around with no serious injuries, according to a bystander.

Earlier Wednesday, emergency crews were called to the intersection of Industrial and Quebec at 4:10 p.m. for a two vehicle crash. Traffic was slowed, but no significant injuries were reported there either.

With temperatures still below zero roads remain slippery in some areas, particularly side roads.
A snowmobiler from Minnesota died Tuesday after he was caught in an avalanche while riding in the Madison Range south of Big Sky.

The Gallatin County Sheriff's Office has identified the man as Weylon W. Wiedemann, 40, from Pine City, Minnesota. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to a post on the sheriff's office's Facebook page.

Wiedemann was riding with five other snowmobilers from Minnesota in the Cabin Creek drainage on the west side of Sage Peak when he triggered the avalanche from below, according to Doug Chabot, director of the Great Falls National Avalanche Center. Wiedemann was caught in a 300-foot-wide avalanche that traveled about 600 feet down the slope and buried under his sled in 3 feet of snow, Chabot said.

The other riders were able to locate Weidemann, who was wearing an avalanche beacon. One of the skis of his snowmobile was partially visible above the snow.

Wiedemann's companions dug him out after 12 to 15 minutes, but they were unable to resuscitate him. The incident was called in to dispatch Tuesday at 4:49 p.m., according to the sheriff's office.

After wrapping up his investigation of the avalanche on Wednesday, Chabot said three of the six riders were experienced in avalanche terrain, and all were wearing beacons and carrying rescue gear.

"It's tragic on a few levels, because they were doing a lot of things right," Chabot said. "They recognized the signs of instability, they only had one person on the slope, they all had rescue gear, they dug him out really quickly. And yet that wasn't enough, because even if we dig someone out of an avalanche within the first 10 minutes, there's still a 20 percent chance they're not going to make it."

Avalanche conditions on Tuesday were rated "moderate" by the Avalanche Center, although the advisory stressed that unstable snowpack persisted after a snowstorm dumped up to 4 feet of fresh snow in the mountains of southwest Montana. The center noted Wednesday that Wiedemann's snowmobiling group had opted to avoid higher-elevation slopes after assessing the snow conditions, and instead rode along the mountain's lower flanks.

"They triggered a small avalanche, only about 10 feet wide," Chabot said. "They immediately recognized that as a sign of instability, and they were right-on in their assessment."

The larger avalanche that buried Wiedemann took place on a southwest-facing slope, with an average incline of 36 degrees, Chabot said. It broke off as a 2- to 4-foot-deep "hard slab" of dense, wind-blown snow, he said.

From the top of the avalanche to where the debris stopped, the avalanche slid over about 600 feet. Wiedemann nearly escaped being caught in the slide's path, and was only 25 to 50 feet from where it stopped when he was swept downhill.

A separate avalanche Tuesday also caught and partially buried two skiers on the Bridger Range's Saddle Peak, north of Bozeman, according to the center's incident log. Both skiers survived.

Rescuers from the sheriff's office, the West Yellowstone Division of Gallatin County Search and Rescue and Air Idaho Rescue responded to the fatal avalanche, according to the sheriff's office.

"The Air Idaho helicopter was on the scene in 32 minutes but revival efforts of the injured snowmobiler were unsuccessful," the sheriff's office stated.

Members of the Avalanche Center, along with the Gallatin County Coroner, will conduct an investigation of the incident Wednesday. Merienthal said he expects to issue a preliminary report Wednesday evening.

Wiedemann's death is the second avalanche fatality in Montana this season. On Oct. 7, 2017, Bozeman skier Inge Perkins, 23, was caught and killed in an avalanche on Imp Peak, also located in the Madison Range.
Photo: The Canadian Press

The freezing drizzle had already been falling for four days when Normand Chaput left his home in St-Hyacinthe, Que., on Jan. 9, 1998.

Throughout the inclement weather, the Hydro-Quebec line worker had begun each day counting how many utility poles had fallen the previous night.

That morning, not a single one was still standing.

"There was nothing left," Chaput said in a phone interview. "All the poles were down, everything was down."

Twenty years ago, nearly five million Canadians in southeastern Quebec, eastern Ontario and parts of the Maritimes were battered by three successive waves of freezing rain between Jan. 5 and 10.

The precipitation, which some dubbed "The Storm of The Century," covered everything in a thick layer of ice and left some people without electricity for more than 30 days.

For weeks, Chaput and his work colleagues worked 16-hour days, first concentrating on clearing roads and removing downed conductors, and then on rebuilding the collapsed grid from scratch.

Tim Petch, an apple farmer from Hemmingford, Que., remembers waking up to the cannon-like boom of tree branches crashing onto frozen snow.

"It was a smash and shattering, just like glass going across a marble floor," recalls Petch, now 54.

He said many of his trees lost up to 40 per cent of their branches, leaving a cleanup job that would last months.

Petch, who had no power in his home for 29 days, remembers huddling around a wood stove with his family and going out to check on the tractor-powered generator that was sent by the farmers' union to keep his fruit stores from spoiling.

What he remembers most, however, is the way the tight-knit community near the U.S.-Canada border pulled together by amassing communal stores of firewood and supplies, bringing in generators and checking on neighbours.

"We all just pulled together," he said.

The storm caused about $3 billion in damage.

At least 30 deaths were attributed to the onslaught, and the Canadian military was called in to assist in the days that followed.
Photo: USGS

San Francisco Bay Area residents were shaken out of their slumber by a magnitude 4.4 earthquake that was felt over a wide area but caused no major damage early Thursday.

The quake struck at 2:39 a.m. about three kilometres from Berkeley, just across the bay from San Francisco, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The magnitude was revised after it was initially reported as magnitude 4.5. It happened at a depth of 13 kilometres.

Social media posts showed people were awakened more than 60 km to the north and south, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

"Felt like a big truck drove into the building or something blew up downstairs. It just rocked the room and bed like two or three times quickly with a decently loud rumble in North Berkeley," Dale Fest wrote on the San Francisco Chronicle's Facebook page .

Bay Area Rapid Transit said it had checked tracks for damage and found no problems. Early delays in train service were cleared up by 5:30 a.m., the agency said.

Jack Boatwright, a geophysicist with the USGS Earthquake Science Center in Menlo Park, said the shaking from the quake "seemed a little weak, about half as strong as what you would expect."

He told the Chronicle that by 4:15 a.m., there had been no aftershocks, which he called "a good sign. It may mean less likelihood of a larger earthquake to follow."
Photo: The Canadian Press An airline passenger rights advocate is suing the Canadian Transportation Agency and Air Transat

An airline passenger rights advocate is suing the Canadian Transportation Agency and Air Transat over an incident last summer in which hundreds of people were left stranded in planes on the tarmac at the Ottawa airport for hours.

Gabor Lukacs has filed a lawsuit in the Federal Court of Appeal over the agency's handling of the incident.

He says the agency found that Air Transat had violated numerous regulations, but levied only a nominal fine and then waived the penalty.

His suit seeks to have the penalty overturned and sent back to the CTA for reassessment and asks the court to rule that the agency does not have the authority to waive such penalties.

Last July, two Air Transat flights were diverted to Ottawa by bad weather and passengers were kept aboard the planes for five hours without adequate water or food and, in one case, without air conditioning, to the point where one traveller called 911 for help.

The agency and the airline have yet to respond to the suit.

"The CTA applied a slap on the wrist fine, far below the level established in its own enforcement manual," Lukacs, founder and co-ordinator of Air Passenger Rights, said in a statement.

In waiving the fine, the agency said the airline would get credit based on compensation settlements to passengers.

Lukacs said that is wrong.

"If the fines are reduced by amounts passengers receive in compensation settlements, then the fines are effectively zero and have no deterrent value."

Air Passenger Rights is a non-profit network of volunteers which seeks to educate people about their rights while travelling. It works through education, advocacy and litigation.
Photo: The Canadian Press

The Canadian military has reversed what had become a worrying trend by reporting a small increase in the number of people in uniform last year  though it still has a long way to go to fill all the holes in its ranks.

New figures show that there were about 450 more military personnel at the end of March 2017 than the previous year, with about half being regular-force members and the other half reservists.

That represents the first real growth in the number of people in uniform in several years, as increased attrition and recruiting challenges exacerbated by Conservative-era budget cuts steadily thinned the ranks.

Yet officials are unlikely to celebrate, as the military is still short about 2,000 regular-force members and 5,300 reservists even before the Trudeau government's promise to grow both forces in the coming years.

The Liberals plan to increase the regular force to 70,500 members from its authorized strength of 68,000 and the reserves to 28,500 from 27,000 to defend against growing global instability and emerging threats such as cyber.

Senior commanders have said streamlining the recruitment system and addressing attrition are their top priorities, but at the current pace, it could be many years before the military has enough people in uniform.
Photo: CTV Lions Gate Bridge shrouded in fog.

A heavy fog advisory has been issued for Metro Vancouver, southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.

Environment Canada says moisture trapped under a temperature inversion will see thick fog persist until this afternoon.

The fog severely limited visibility on Vancouver roads overnight.

"If travelling, be prepared for areas of near-zero visibility," the weather agency posted.

A Pacific frontal system is expected to clear out the fog later today.

The fog cancelled Harbour Air seaplane flights this morning as well as some flights in and out of Vancouver Island airports.

 with files from CTV Vancouver
Photo: CTV

A man is in hospital with serious injuries Thursday after an early morning shooting in Surrey.

Police aren't releasing a lot of information but a white BMW that crashed into a power pole in Surrey's Cloverdale neighbourhood had a visible bullet hole in the driver's side door, near the window.

Police tell CTV Vancouver the shooter fled the scene before they arrived, and the victim was taken to hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

"The investigation is still in its early stages but initial indications are that this is likely a targeted incident," Surrey RCMP said in a news release. "It is too early to determine if this incident is related to drugs or other shootings."

-with files from CTV Vancouver
Photo: The Canadian Press

The death of a woman who apparently slipped away from a Winnipeg hospital while she was intoxicated by drugs could  and should  have been prevented, her family says.

The frozen body of Windy Sinclair, a 29-year-old mother of four, was found outside a Winnipeg apartment building Dec. 28. It was two days after she had been taken to hospital while she was hallucinating on crystal meth, her mother says.

"Why didn't they keep an eye on her at all times  for the safety of herself and to the others around her?" Eleanor Sinclair asked Thursday.

Windy Sinclair was struggling with drug addiction and was high on crystal meth and hallucinating after having Christmas dinner with the family, her mother said. The next morning, the younger woman called 911 and an ambulance came and took her to hospital.

"I said, 'There's no way for her to get back home' ... and they said, 'Oh, we'll provide her with a taxi slip to come back home,'" the mother said.

She said she later called Seven Oaks General Hospital and was first told her daughter had been treated and released. She made phone calls and posted messages on social media but no one had seen the hospitalized woman. Eleanor Sinclair called the hospital again on the 27th.

"And this time they said, 'Oh, she was seen, but she left on her own and ... we don't keep tabs on people that leave the hospital.'"

The city was in the middle of a cold snap at the time. Temperatures were well below -20 C.
Photo: BC Poverty Reduction

An impoverished Halifax-area couple have regained custody of their toddler daughter, after a judge declared: "There is a difference between parents who are poor, and poor parents."

The province took the girl into care in June 2016 because of her parents' multiple challenges, including mental-health issues, interpersonal conflict and unstable living circumstances brought on by poverty.

But Justice Elizabeth Jollimore said the biracial toddler was not put in a "culturally appropriate" foster home, and noted the couple have worked to improve their circumstances and relationship prospects.

"The parents cannot be faulted for their inability to afford homes in better neighbourhoods," the Nova Scotia Supreme Court judge said in a written ruling released Wednesday.

The ruling paints a picture of a young couple trying hard to overcome many obstacles.

They got together in the summer of 2015; she was 18 and learned she was pregnant by another man a few weeks into their relationship. She had struggled with mental-health issues, including self-harm.

Her 22-year-old boyfriend, shaken by his discovery of a friend's suicide, suffers from PTSD and anxiety. He was proud to have never been fired from a job, but became unemployed when his employer lost a contract in late 2015.

The boyfriend had called police several times because of conflicts and a suicide attempt by his girlfriend. At one point, she was taken into police custody after a physical confrontation between the couple.

The province took the child into care in June 2016. The couple had a son that December, who was also taken into care a few months later, and is now living with his paternal grandparents.

But the judge noted the woman has had no mental-health crises for 17 months, and previously sought help when needed. She said the woman works as a babysitter, and has extensive experience caring for five younger siblings, and is "a confident, competent and capable care-giver."

"Parents who have poor mental health are not deprived of their children; parents whose poor mental health puts their children at risk and who do not seek needed treatment are," Jollimore said in her ruling.

Meanwhile, the boyfriend had to switch to a lesser-paying job because of the court proceedings, but is a hard worker committed to providing for his family, the judge said.
Photo: The Canadian Press

An Alberta couple is hoping to bring skijoring with miniature horses to skiers who want to give it a whirl.

The recreational winter sport's name comes from a Norwegian word that means ski-driving.

A person on skis is pulled by a horse, a dog or a motor vehicle.

Patty Kramps runs Patty's Pony Place, north of Edmonton, where she, her husband and some friends have been trying skijoring with some of their mini horses.

A video posted online of her husband, Kelly Miller, behind a horse named Supertonk has more than two million views.

Kramps already offers horse rides and says she would like to give people a chance to try skijoring.

"I have the area here to do it," she says. "I've got three acres of bush lot on my little 10-acre spot and ... there's a half a mile carved through that bush that intertwines and makes loops and swoops. I have 10,000 LED lights on it. The whole half mile is lit.

"We do Christmas drives here, but now with this skijoring thing we do see that as an opening for a further expansion of what we do."

Kramps also makes harnesses for skijoring that she sells to people around the world.
Photo: Contributed

A Vancouver police officer will not face any charges following an incident in March 2016 when his service dog bit a suspect during an arrest.

The Independent Investigations Office looked into the incident, and concluded no charges should be laid against the officer who deployed the police dog.

The dog caused serious injuries to the suspect's arm during the arrest.

A statement explaining the reasoning behind not approving charges will be released after legal proceedings have finished.
Sears Holdings announced Thursday that it will be shuttering over 100 more stores  including Kmarts in Butte and Helena. Expected closure is early April.

A spokesman for the Butte Kmart, 3300 Harrison Ave., declined to comment when contacted Thursday afternoon by The Montana Standard.

Staff at the Helena store, 1700 Cedar St., also declined to comment when reached by The Independent Record Thursday.

The land and building occupied by the Helena location are owned by the Mihelish Family Trust, said property manager Gary Mihelish. The store opened in 1974 and was expanded about 25 years ago, he said.

Though Mihelish said the closure was "generally expected," he was surprised the company didn't finish out the last two years of its lease of the Helena property.

"We'll be talking to potential prospects in the next week. There have been some parties that showed interest in the past, but I couldn't do anything because Kmart had the lease," he said. "Hopefully we can attract some new business to the area and revitalize the neighborhood."

Joe Willauer, executive director of the Butte Local Development Corporation, said the Kmart announcement is distressing, primarily because of the jobs that will be lost.

Thats the biggest thing, we hate to see jobs go away, Willauer said.

He noted too that Butte does not have many big-box retailers and that the Kmart closing is a loss for consumers who appreciate that shopping option.

He said Butte Local Development Corporation is working incredibly hard to bring jobs to Butte and noted that Montana Precision Products is actively recruiting.

The number of employees losing their jobs in Butte and Helena was not available.

According to Sears Holdings, the company "continues its strategic assessment of the productivity of our Kmart and Sears store base and will continue to right-size our store footprint in number and size. In the process, as previously announced, we will continue to close some unprofitable stores as we transform our business model so that our physical store footprint and our digital capabilities match the needs and preferences of our members."

The company on Thursday informed associates at 64 Kmart stores and 39 Sears stores that "we will be closing these stores between early March and early April 2018."

Eligible associates impacted by these store closures will receive severance and will have the opportunity to apply for open positions at area Kmart or Sears stores. Liquidation sales will begin as early as Jan. 12 at these closing stores.

The company is also closing Sears stores in Coeur d'Alene and Twin Falls, Idaho.

Last year, Sears announced it was closing Kmart stores in Glendive and Great Falls. One of Billings's Kmarts was closed in 2016. Kmarts in Bozeman and Missoula have also closed in the past few years.
Photo: The Canadian Press/file photo

The mayor of Fernie says an immediate priority for her East Kootenay city is to reopen the local arena months after three men were killed there.

Fernie Memorial Arena has been closed since Oct. 17 when two city workers and a contractor from Calgary were killed by ammonia gas as they worked on the ice rink's refrigeration unit.

Mayor Mary Giuliano says the city would like the arena to return to normal operations as soon as possible.

RCMP and WorkSafeBC, the organization that investigates workplace accidents, have not publicly updated their investigations of the leak and there is concern the arena could remain closed for the rest of the winter.

Despite the opening of a recently donated outdoor rink, the mayor says teams and skaters in Fernie have been challenged by the need to travel to neighbouring communities for ice time, and some players have dropped out.

Wayne Hornquist and Lloyd Smith, both of Fernie, and Jason Podloski of Turner Valley, Alta., were killed when the toxic gas leaked.

Giuliano says other goals for Fernie this year include completing a review of all city departments to improve efficiencies.
A Lodge Grass man admitted federal assault charges on Thursday after injuring a passenger in a drunken driving crash last year.

Ira Lefthand Jr., 42, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious injury during a hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy Cavan in Billings. There was no plea agreement.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sullivan said the crash happened on April 24 along Interstate 90 on the Crow Reservation.

Lefthand had been drinking beer at a bar in Hardin when he left in his 2000 Chevy Impala with the victim, D.S., who was riding in the front passenger seat, Sullivan said. D.S. had seen Lefthand drink a lot of beers and knew Lefthand was very drunk, he said.

Lefthand was swerving as he drove and D.S., who had had two beers, asked if he could drive, but Lefthand refused, he said.

Lefthand was driving at speeds of 80 to 90 mph and it was raining heavily that night, Sullivan said.

The driver of a 2004 GMC Yukon with five passengers had pulled off the road near mile marker 504.5 because of low visibility in the rain, Sullivan said.

Lefthand lost control of his car, left the roadway and rear-ended the Yukon, causing severe front-end damage to his own vehicle and the vehicles air bag to deploy, he said. Emergency responders had to cut the drivers side door to get Lefthand out.

D.S. suffered serious injuries, including multiple facial and rib fractures, a broken left elbow and a collapsed lung that required a chest tube to drain more than 500 ml of blood from his lungs, he said.

A test of Lefthands blood showed it was positive for Fentanyl with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.134 percent. The legal limit is 0.08 percent.

Lefthand disputed that D.S. had only two beers, saying he had numerous beers.

Lefthand faces a maximum 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Cavan said he would recommend that U.S. District Judge Susan Watters accept Lefthands plea and continued Lefthands release. Watters will set a sentencing date.
Joe Popeye Mitchell, a Billings native who steered his way to regional prominence by driving Yellowstone National Parks iconic yellow buses for 35 years, died on Jan. 2 in Olympia, Washington, at the age of 95.

He lived a pretty adventurous life, said Peter Fadde, Mitchells nephew.

When John Wayne came to Yellowstone for a week, he drove him around, said Ed Fadde, Peters brother.

In an interview with the Billings Gazette in 2007, Mitchell said he met people from around the world while working summers in the park, including the king and queen of Nepal.

"I loved that job more than any job I had," he said in the interview.

Born in Billings

Mitchell was born on July 23, 1922, in Billings, the third oldest in a family of six. His mother, Pearl Pyock (Bubulj) Mitchell, had emigrated from Lika, Yugoslavia, to join her parents in Red Lodge in 1913. Mitchells father, Joe Bubulj, died of Rocky Mountain fever in 1933 while working in the small town of Klein, just outside Roundup, leaving Pearl to raise the six children on her own.

The family scraped by on a small farm on the Billings Bench, Peter said. During World War II the Mitchells moved to Detroit to find jobs supporting the war effort. Joe Mitchell, unable to enlist in the military, was employed by the Cadillac Motor Car Co.

Mitchell returned to Billings in 1947. His mother  whose obituary claims she was the first woman taxi driver in Musselshell County in a business she formed with her husband  encouraged him to take the test to drive a Yellowstone bus, which required him to maneuver up the narrow and steep Black Otter Trail.

"As my turn was approaching, I was getting more and more nervous as I had never driven anything except a car," Mitchell wrote in a booklet about his bus-driving years. "  When I first got behind the steering wheel, I thought, 'Holy cow.' I felt like I was behind the steering wheel of a big Greyhound bus."

He passed the test and hopped a train to Gardiner to begin what would be a long career in the nations first national park.

Bus career

At first he began driving the mid-1930s White model 706 touring buses until they were phased out, said Leslie Quinn, one of Mitchells friends and a co-worker.

When not working in the park, Mitchell was employed by the Northern Pacific Railroad. Hed take leave from that job in the summers to work in Yellowstone until retiring from the park position after the summer of 1996.

His love of Yellowstone would result in his requesting, not always successfully, a leave of absence virtually every summer, and he told me that he reported his poor mother as on her deathbed many summers, only to return after the Yellowstone summer season to report on her miraculous recovery, Quinn recalled in an email. Often in such summers, hed be assigned the run to meet the Northern Pacific train in Livingston, and he would don sunglasses, turn his collar up, and pull his hat down to find his passengers in the station and hope to not be recognized by any railroad colleagues.

He received his Popeye nickname from fellow drivers because of his short, stout stature, square jaw and his fondness for smoking a pipe.

Popeye was the senior guide and mentor to many of us, Quinn said of his arrival to the park in 1980. His wry sense of humor, deep knowledge of all things Yellowstone, and good judgment made him the companys go to driver for all sorts of special jobs, including taking foreign royalty on tours of the park, and using a single-lane fire road to take Lady Bird Johnson to the summit of the parks 10,243-foot Mount Washburn in the late 1970s.

Mitchell and his friend at Aspen View Retirement Residence, Frenchy La Jesse, memorialized his career in the park by self-publishing several editions of the 45-page paperback titled "My Thirty-Five Years Driving Bus in Yellowstone National Park."

Hes kind of the legendary Yellowstone Park figure, said Peter Fadde, a fact that didnt hit home until he worked in the park during the summer of 1975.

Yellowstone seems to figure heavily in the Mitchell family lore. The Faddes' mother, Ruby, met her first husband while working in the park.

Hunter, angler

It was during visits to relatives in Billings when Peter developed some of his most enduring memories of his uncle.

It was all about hunting and fishing, Peter said.

Mitchell would take them on a relatives ranch near the Crow Reservation to hunt deer.

He knew where all the good fishing holes were, Peter added.

One of Mitchells favorite pastimes in the park when he had free time was to fish, he told the Gazette, always carrying a fishing rod in the back of his buses.

As he worked and enjoyed Yellowstone across decades of changing park management, he would offer his displeasure with the change from unlimited trout catches to limits that recognized the necessity of maintaining a healthy fishery: These days, he would offer, you have to be a criminal to get a decent meal! Quinn wrote.

Peter also remembers his uncle as a fierce gin rummy player.

He was no-holds barred, Peter said and laughed. Youd think hed give a 10-year-old kid a break, but hed just give us money and then take it all away.

Mitchell will be buried in Mountview Cemetery in Billings where his mother and two sisters  Mildred Williams and Angelyn Mitchell  are also interred. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Michael Mitchell, and his sister Ruby Fadde. He is survived by the youngest of his sisters, Marjorie Milligan of Olympia, Washington.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 13, at 10 a.m. at St. Nicholas Eastern Orthodox Church, 401 Lewis Ave., to be followed by burial at MountView Cemetery. All are welcome.
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Late summer marked a second period of increases in taxable sales and purchases in North Dakota as the state comes out of two years worth of declines.

Taxable sales and purchases for the third quarter of 2017 were nearly $4.731 billion, a 2.3 percent increase over the same period in 2016.

We are happy to report positive taxable sales and purchases growth for the second quarter in a row, Tax Commissioner Ryan Rauschenberger said. Especially when you factor in that this report was during a timeframe our state was dealing with a severe drought.

Five of the states 15 major sectors reported gains when compared to the third quarter a year ago.

Mining and oil extraction was up by $247.7 million, an 80.5 percent increase, to $555.5 million, and wholesale trade was up by $125 million, a 13.2 percent increase, to $1.07 billion.

Retail trade, considered an indicator of consumer confidence, saw a decrease in taxable sales and purchases of 2.4 percent, going from $1.58 billion to $1.54 billion. Rauschenberger said, as energy production continues to accelerate in North Dakota, most of the other industry sectors could see a coinciding boost.

Although the retail trade sector was down during the third quarter, we see a large increase in some of the industries related to oil activity, Rauschenberger said. If energy prices continue to rise, we could feel the impact in other areas as well.

At the height of the oil boom in 2014, total taxable sales and purchases were $7.68 billion for the third quarter. Oil and mining accounted for $1.38 billion of that.

Of the 50 largest cities in North Dakota, the highest percent increases for the third quarter of 2017 was in Tioga, going up 31.51 percent to $18.9 million in taxable sales and purchases. Williston followed with a 29.55 percent increase to $366.9 million and New Town was up 27.25 percent.

In the third quarter of 2014, Williston had $984.4 million in taxable sales and purchases. Tioga had $258.8 million.

Bismarck and Mandans taxable sales and purchases were both down in third quarter 2017. Bismarck went from $426.6 million in 2016 to $400.3 this year, a 6 percent decrease. Mandan went from $70.2 million to $62 million, a 11.65 percent decrease.
Over the weekend, several Bismarck-Mandan family pets went missing in minus 20-degree temperatures.

But thanks to swift community response, many of these pets have since returned to their warm homes and into the grateful arms of their owners.

Their disappearances mark the one-year anniversary of when Mocha, a German short-haired pointer, went missing on New Year's Day. Dozens of community members came out in the dozens to search, and Mocha was found a week later, unscathed.

Some dogs went missing in subzero temperatures this past weekend, and at least one has not yet been found.

Clyde the daschund disappeared from a backyard deck in north Mandan Sunday night after getting spooked by celebratory fireworks, according to his owner, Barb Ebel.

But on Wednesday, with the help of a kind, "young couple," Clyde was discovered about two blocks away from his home without a scratch on his head.

"I never thought we'd find him, because it was minus 26 degrees here when we were out looking, and then the next night it was just as cold," Ebel said.

Ebel said she received a lot of help from neighbors and people she didn't know. The night Clyde went missing, her neighbors searched. The next day, strangers came.

"Everybody was looking," she said.

Kayla Wolf received similar assistance after her two dogs, Archie and Greta, went missing Friday afternoon after escaping from their home in northwest Bismarck.

Wolf said she immediately went outside and called for them. She searched, but once it got dark, she panicked and put up a post on Facebook pleading for help.

"It's like they just disappeared out of thin air," Wolf said.

On Friday night, she ran into a person in a pickup who was driving around looking for her dogs. When she looked again at her Facebook post that night, there were almost 1,000 shares.

Wolf surmises a couple dozen people went out looking for her Deutsch Drahthaars  similar to German wire-haired pointers.

"It's a lot to ask somebody," she said, "especially in this weather."

Archie and Greta were found Monday afternoon at a residence in Baldwin, about 10 miles away from their home. Archie was in "tough shape" Tuesday, with frostbite on his body, according to Wolf.

"But he will bounce back," she said, adding that Greta had no visible injuries.

Wolf said the man who found Greta and Archie  who did not respond to requests for an interview  found her dogs in his backyard, trying to get at his neighbor's pheasants. He called to the dogs, they came and he was able to feed them and give them water. He later called the Burleigh County Sheriff's Department to alert them to the dogs.

"He was very nice. He didn't know that our dogs were missing, so I think he was a little surprised when we were telling him the story," Wolf said.

Maj. Kelly Leben of the Burleigh County Sheriff's Department said he notified officers on patrol this past weekend to be on the lookout for Archie and Greta. The person who responded to the call from the man who found the dogs was able to connect with Wolf.

Leben said the sheriff's department occasionally gets calls about lost pets, which typically ramp up when there is cold weather.

He suggests pet owners put information about their missing pets on social media so if officers come across these animals, they at least know they are missing. It's difficult with the lack of a leash law in the county, so when officers find pets, unless they know they are missing, there's not a lot they can do, according to Leben.

Still missing

Holly Haugen's female German wire-haired pointer has been missing in north Bismarck since Sunday.

Haugen said Hazel escaped Sunday night after someone accidentally let her out. About 10 or 15 minutes went by before she noticed Hazel was missing, and about that same time the neighbors were letting off fireworks, so Haugen guesses that scared her.

Hazel is about a year and a half old, and a "sweet dog," but has a nervous temperament, Haugen said. She has never disappeared before.

Haugen said she has searched north of town, and even went further north in Baldwin, because she heard that was where the other German wire-haired pointers were found.

"There haven't been any sightings, so I don't know where to look," Haugen said, adding that she has shared information about Hazel's disappearance on Facebook.

When Hazel escaped, she was wearing a purple collar with her name and Haugen's phone number on it. Hazel has distinct features, including a beard and long hair on her feet.

"I'm hoping she will just get desperate and that she will come to somebody if they find her," Haugen said.

Update: Haugen said Thursday that Hazel has been found and is deceased.
Gladys Virginia Knust Gard, 88, of Ringgold, passed away Monday, January 1, 2018. A native of Lick Prairie, Il., Gladys has lived in the north Georgia area for the past 54 years. She was a former employee of the Salvation Army, and of Golden Gallon. She was a member of Scott Memorial Church of God in East Ridge.

She was met at Heavens gate by her husband of 57 years, Robert Gard; daughter, Janie Gard; and parents, Peter Raymond and Pearl Easter Brines Knust.

She is survived by four sons, Mike (Anita) Gard of Ringgold, David Gard of Rossville, Danny (Connie) Gard of Knoxville and Duke (Teresa) Gard of Knoxville; sister, Kate McDowell of West Salem, Il.; 10 grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 1-5 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 3 in the funeral home chapel, with Dr. Keith McLeod and Dale Pettigrew officiating. Interment will be held 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4 at the Chattanooga National Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Wilson Funeral Home Wallis-Stewart Chapel Ringgold.
The Illinois House of Representatives has formed a subcommittee to vet bitcoin legislation and study the potential use of its underlying technology.

Rep. Mike Zalewski, D-Riverside, who will chair the new subcommittee, said the group will focus on the software behind bitcoin, called blockchain. Zalewski said that technology could help state government run more efficiently.

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We are under tremendous pressure in this state to make government more efficient, he said. This technology has the opportunity to help remake government. Thats what were interested in.

But lawmakers, who first began discussing digital currency and its application this fall, also want a more focused way to examine bitcoins use by consumers, Zalewski said, though he doesnt expect there will be a rush to regulate or restrict bitcoins use.

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The goal of this is not to regulate it in a way thats going to make people uncomfortable to use it in the future, he said.

Virtual currencies like bitcoin are not backed by a bank or government, and therefore can be extremely volatile. A single bitcoin, worth just a few pennies when it started trading in 2010, is now valued at more than $14,000. But experts fear the digital currencys bubble could burst, especially with increased regulation.

Despite big risks, interest in bitcoin has continued to rise. Bitcoins price skyrocketed in 2017, and eventually led Chicagos two main exchanges to open the door for bitcoin futures trading. The digital currency was trading around $1,000 at the beginning of last year, and rose to more than $19,000 on some exchanges in the days leading up to its debut on the Chicago Board Options Exchange and Chicago Mercantile Exchange last month. Its price has since cooled.

sbomkamp@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @SamWillTravel
State Sen. Nicole Poolman, R-Bismarck, announced Thursday she is seeking re-election for District 7.

Poolman, who was first elected in 2012, serves a district that covers portions of Bismarck to the north and east and Lincoln.

We have significant challenges ahead in North Dakota, but incredible opportunities to move our state forward, Poolman said in a statement. I believe I can continue to help make decisions to set North Dakota up for success in the future.

Poolman ran for lieutenant governor last year alongside Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem in his failed bid for governor.

Poolman, an English teacher at Century High School and a small business owner, served as chairwoman of the Government and Veterans Affairs Committee during the 2017 legislative session.

During the interim, she serves as vice chairwoman of the Administrative Rules Committee and is a member of the Health Care Reform Review and Health Services committees.
At some of the Chicago areas independent bookstores, Kindle used to be a swear word.

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Over the past decade, some predicted rising e-book sales would spell gloom and doom for hardcovers and paperbacks alike  and, by extension, the independent bookstores that sold them. But those morose predictions didnt came to pass. Now, as screen fatigue takes hold for some, e-book sales are declining.

Just like any other electronic device, (people) get really excited about it at first then the glory of it kind of wears off, said Katie Anderson, a manager and buyer at Andersons Bookshops and the daughter of one of its owners.

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The family-owned bookseller, with shops in Naperville, Downers Grove and La Grange, still sells some e-books through its website, and from 2012 to 2014 it sold an e-reader device called Kobo as an answer to Amazons Kindle. But in February, Andersons started working with a company that brought its customers something else: downloadable audiobooks.

Though the category still holds just a small fraction of the market compared with print and e-books, sales of audiobooks are growing briskly. Publishers saw a 30 percent increase in revenue from downloadable audiobooks in the first seven months of 2017 over the same period in 2016, according to the most recent data available from the Association of American Publishers.

The shifting demand between print, e-books and now downloadable audiobooks is playing out between the stacks in Chicago-area bookstores.

At Andersons, overall sales during the holiday shopping season were up over last year, Anderson said, though she declined to disclose specific numbers. E-book sales over the past year have stayed basically the same, said the shops marketing director, Larry Law. But digital audiobook sales increased every month since the store started offering them, with November and December being the best months.

[ Amazon takes a page from bricks-and-mortar bookstores. Here's what it's like inside ]

That mirrors national trends.

Book sales  not including e-books and audiobooks  at independent bookstores increased about 2.6 percent in 2017 over the previous year, said Oren Teicher, CEO of the American Booksellers Association. The number of books sold at indie bookstores during the week before Christmas was the highest its been since the organization began collecting the data about a decade ago.

Women & Children First, a shop in the Andersonville neighborhood specializing in feminist literature and childrens books, saw increased sales this holiday shopping season over last year, co-owner Lynn Mooney said.

If you had asked me five years ago about the future of e-books, I would have been really nervous, Mooney said. E-books have not taken over the landscape the way ... some people feared.

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The store also started selling digital audiobooks through a platform called Libro.FM earlier this year. Bookstores get a cut of sales made through the platform.

The Book Cellar in the Lincoln Square neighborhood started offering its customers downloadable audiobooks through Libro.FM in August. The stores focus is making print books exciting for its customers, said Portia Turner, a bookseller at the shop. Recommendation cards fill their shelves, and customers can sip wine and beer at the stores cafe while paging through their purchases. But every so often a customer needs an audiobook.

Someone just came in the other day, they were looking for something for their mom and we pointed them to Libro, Turner said. (We have a) regular customer who moved to New York who now is subscribed to Libro through us.

Lynn Mooney, co-owner of the Andersonville bookstore Women and Children First, discusses how e-books have changed the bookstore landscape. (Ally Marotti / Chicago Tribune)

The Book Cellar had its second-best December ever in overall sales, owner Suzy Takacs said.

On a recent December afternoon, customer Eve Noonan sat at a table in The Book Cellars cafe. Sitting on top of a stack of books she had piled next to her was a flyer with information on accessing audiobooks through Libro.FM.

Noonan has never downloaded an audiobook, though she often reminisces about a drive up to Mackinac Island a few summers ago when a recording of Just Kids by Patti Smith filled the car. She wants to try listening to books with her husband and thinks being able to pause for discussion will be helpful.

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Some books are so overwhelmingly long and heavy that I know sharing them, one of us reads and then the other reads, and the discussion never happens, Noonan said.

Customers have been listening to books for decades, on vinyl, tape and then on CD. Many earlier audiobooks were abridged to keep costs down for customers  it wasnt cheap recording a 10-hour novel onto cassette tapes. All of that has changed.

[ Resistance: What it took to keep a local bookstore afloat ]

Were publishing more titles than ever on audio, said Chris Lynch, president of the audio publishing division of New York-based publisher Simon & Schuster. We used to publish primarily just best-sellers, but as technology has improved, weve been able to bring down production costs.

Simon & Schuster Audio published more than triple the number of audiobooks in 2017 that it did five years ago, Lynch said. And all of them were available in a digital format.

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Lynch said he expects the growth to continue. Everybodys walking around with an audiobook player in their pocket, he said.

Certain genres do better on audiobooks than others. If a celebrity, particularly a comedian, narrates their own audiobook, it often sells well. Overall though, audiobooks are not the dominant format for most genres, Lynch said.

In 2013, e-books accounted for almost 21 percent of what publishers sold, according to data from the Association of American Publishers. That dropped to 14 percent in 2016, the most recent year for which complete figures are available. Hardback books remained fairly steady during that time period, making up 22 to 24 percent of publishers sales, and paperbacks increased from about 39 percent to 42 percent.

Downloadable audiobooks almost doubled their share of units sold, increasing from 1.7 percent in 2013 to 3.3 percent in 2016.

Of course there are nuances to meeting those changing demands. Many people read books in multiple formats.

E-books, print and digital audio will always be with us, said Josh Marwell, president of sales at HarperCollins Publishers. At this current moment in time, the public wants them in different percentages.

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[ Read up on 15 of Chicago's best independent bookstores ]

HarperCollins is expanding its digital audio efforts due to the demand. The New York-based publisher also doubled down on the premium it puts on physical books when e-books were growing in popularity and has continued that effort, Marwell said.

Those efforts by HarperCollins and other publishers havent gone unnoticed.

Rekha Vaitla was looking through the display of books autographed by the author at Women & Children First one recent afternoon as she waited for a friend to pick up an order. Vaitla, 28, said she goes straight to the display tables when shes browsing. I like being able to see the covers, she said. Thats my thing.

The display tables at the store capture customers attention as soon as shoppers step through the door. On one table sits What We Lose by Zinzi Clemmons, with bright blood orange flowers on its cover. Nearby is The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead, with a line meandering through a bright red backdrop on its cover. Last fall, the store had a display table just for gorgeous book covers, said Mooney, the co-owner.

Judging books by their covers gets a bad rap, but Teresa Kirschbraun, the owner of City Lit Books in the Logan Square neighborhood, says she sees customers doing it all the time. Some breathe a sigh of relief when the cashier tells them what a good choice they made.

Its funny, she said. People will be almost embarrassed to say they picked up a book judging it by its cover.

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In this , 2010 file photo, loaves of bread sits on a table at St. Louis Bread Co. Cares Community Cafe, part of Panera, in Clayton, Mo. The restaurant, where patrons pay as much or little as they want for a meal, is closing its doors Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018. (Jeff Roberson / AP)

St. Louis  A Panera Bread Co. restaurant in the St. Louis area where patrons have paid as much or little as they want for a meal for almost eight years is closing its doors.

Panera founder and executive chairman Ron Shaich told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that the St. Louis Bread Co. Cares Community Cafe in Clayton, Missouri, is closing Tuesday because it was on a month-to-month lease and the store would have required a big investment. St. Louis Bread Co. is part of St. Louis-based Panera, which operates more than 2,000 bakery-cafes.

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"The nature of the economics did not make sense," Shaich said.

The cafe opened in 2010 in an already-existing Panera-run restaurant blocks from the St. Louis County government buildings. The idea for the Clayton cafe was that people who could afford to pay the suggested price or more would do so, subsidizing those who could pay just a portion of the price or none at all.

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In the seven years since, "we served probably a half-million meals through this cafe, all at no set prices, as a gift to the community," Shaich said in a phone interview with the Post-Dispatch. He said customers paid, on average, about 85 percent of the suggested price, proving, he said, "that people are fundamentally good."

"We loved it, it worked well, it proved that the idea would work," Shaich said.

The company opened similar cafes in Chicago; Dearborn, Michigan; Portland, Oregon; and Boston. Only the Boston location remains open.

The Chicago location, called Panera Cares, opened in June 2012 in Lakeview, on Diversey Parkway just east of Clark Street. It closed in January 2015. At the time, reports said the Panera Bread Foundation, which ran the nonprofit cafe, didnt renew the cafes lease due to changing economics. Panera didnt immediately respond to a request for more information on that closure Thursday.

Shaich stepped down as CEO of Panera on Jan. 1. Panera was acquired by the Luxembourg-based JAB Holding Co., which also owns Krispy Kreme, Caribou Coffee and other entities, in July.

Samantha Bomkamp contributed
Federal public health officials say theres not enough proof to pinpoint romaine lettuce as the source of a recent outbreak of E. coli-related illnesses thats infected 17 people in the U.S., including one in western Illinois, and caused one death in California. (Jan. 5, 2018) (Sign up for our free video newsletter here http://bit.ly/2n6VKPR )

Federal public health officials say there's not enough proof to pinpoint romaine lettuce as the source of a recent outbreak of E. coli-related illnesses that's infected 17 people in the U.S., including one in western Illinois, and caused one death in California.

Even so, Consumer Reports magazine has taken the unusual step of advising against eating romaine lettuce until more is known about the potential risk. Bolstering the magazine's argument is the fact that the Canadian government recently linked 41 cases of E. coli illness in its eastern provinces to romaine lettuce. Canada subsequently advised people in that part of the country to consider other leafy greens.

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The type of E. coli in those cases is genetically similar to what's making people sick in the U.S., making it more likely  though not guaranteed  that they share a common source, according to Dr. Ian Williams of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"We strive to be fast and right.  We wish we knew more and we're working hard to get there. But we don't have enough evidence yet," said Wiliams, chief of the CDC's Outbreak Response and Prevention Branch.

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The CDC and the Food and Drug Administration  the agencies that oversee investigations of foodborne illness outbreaks and food recalls  are continuing to investigate the cause of the outbreak, in partnership with local public health agencies, Williams said.

They're also in communication with Canada, which found sufficient evidence to link the outbreak to romaine lettuce but hasn't yet narrowed it to a specific farm, store or brand, he said.

Better to avoid romaine lettuce for now, said Jean Halloran, director of food policy initiatives at Consumers Union, the nonprofit policy arm of Consumer Reports.

"(The CDC and FDA are) being very conservative and cautious about this, but for consumers it's a very simple thing to do to buy another kind of leafy green until more is known about the risk," Halloran said.

It's unusual for Consumer Reports to issue a food warning when the CDC and FDA haven't issued a recall, Halloran said. But given the size of the outbreak and the severity of the risk, which is worse for elderly people and children, the magazine felt it was the right decision, she said.

"This one really got our attention," Halloran said.

Some of the 17 confirmed U.S. patients said they ate romaine lettuce prior to getting sick, but others said they did not, Williams said.

And so the testing and interviewing continues, Williams said, with no guarantee that the CDC and FDA will be able to identify the exact source of the E. coli when it's all said and done.

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The last confirmed onset of the illness in the U.S. was Dec. 8, Williams said. Other cases have since been reported but not confirmed.

E. coli can cause symptoms including abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever. Anyone who believes they're sick as a result of this outbreak should go to the doctor for a diagnosis and cooperate with local health officials, Williams said.

Identifying the source of a foodborne illness outbreak can be a delicate balance between warning consumers of public health risks and unduly tainting industries or specific businesses without sufficient evidence, said Bill Marler, a Seattle-based attorney specializing in food safety cases.

But Marler said he believed Consumer Reports made the right decision in forging ahead with its own warning.

"It's perplexing, given the number of people sick over a long period of time, that the public doesn't have more clarity," Marler said.

James Hyland, a spokesman for Mariano's, said the company is monitoring the situation and would look to the CDC and FDA for guidance. Spokeswomen for Jewel-Osco and Whole Foods Market didn't respond to inquiries.

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Twitter @GregTrotterTrib

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Pekka Strang stars as Touko Laaksonen, a gay artist whose Pekka Strang as Touko Laaksonen, aka Tom of Finland. MUST CREDIT: Photo by Josef Persson, Kino Lorber ** Usable by BS, CT, DP, FL, HC, MC, OS, SD, CGT and CCT ** (Josef Persson/Kino Lorber )

As "The Other Side of Hope" opens, two men are leaving home. One is hiding in a coal compartment on a freighter. The other has just placed his house keys and wedding band on a table in front of an unhappy woman. Both, in a sense, have left everything behind.

Although much of Finnish director Aki Kaurismaki's film takes place in the same city  Helsinki  it sometimes seems as if each of these characters occupies a wildly different planet from the other. Khaled (Sherwan Haji), the man from the freighter, is a Syrian refugee seeking asylum in Finland; Wikstrom (Sakari Kuosmanen), a Finnish native, has made a midlife career change by buying a spectacularly failing restaurant.

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Upon arriving in the new city, Khaled marches directly to the police station. There, he begins the slog toward freedom, involving a sterile refugee center, lots of interviews and reams of paperwork. Khaled's story plays out like a coolly objective look at the current refugee crisis in Western Europe. Who gets to stay and who must go depends, apparently, on a capricious system: You can't send them all home, but they can't all stay here, either.

Wikstrom's story, for the most part, seems to take place not just in a different movie, but in an entirely different time period, with sets and costumes  and Kaurismaki's directorial choices  all suggesting the 1960s, not today. Wikstrom's life and his restaurant represent Old Finland, where the only choice at lunch is meatballs or sardines. For Khaled, on the other hand, Helsinki is a city of imports: One of the first sounds he hears upon arriving is a street musician singing the blues. Khaled's new life includes encounters with Iraqis, Iranians and Somalis. Wikstrom's world is Finnish to the core.

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After the two characters meet  as surely they must  Kaurismaki presents the ensuing clash-and-blend of cultures as representative of Finland's struggle to adapt to a changing world, a struggle that is taking place around the globe. That doesn't mean that every foray into internationalism is a wise one. At one point, Wikstrom briefly changes his restaurant to a sushi spot, with unhappy results.

For many, Kaurismaki's style might be the equivalent of Finnish sushi: an acquired taste. His camera, for the most part, is static, as are his actors, who often deliver their lines in a flat affect akin to characters from Yorgos Lanthimos's "The Lobster" and "The Killing of a Sacred Deer." Even at a little over 1 hours, "The Other Side of Hope" is not a film for the impatient, featuring long stretches of silence and lingering takes of people's largely-still faces.

Still, the audience's sense of waiting for something to happen makes sense in context, paralleling Khaled's and Wikstrom's hopeful anticipation that something  anything  will fall into place and move things along more quickly.

It's refreshing to see a film about the refugee crisis that doesn't rely on cliche, but the fact remains: The mundane is mundane. After all, how many people go to the movies to re-create the experience of negotiating a bureaucracy?

"The Other Side of Hope"  2 stars

No MPAA rating

Running time: 1:38

Opens: Friday at the Music Box, 3733 N. Southport Ave., www.musicboxtheatre.com. In Finnish, English and Arabic with subtitles.

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A Maoist rebel returns home to bury his Royalist father in "White Sun," a delicately crafted examination of Nepal's difficult rebirth after 20 years of war and unrest. Skillfully blending intimate human drama with sharp political observations, Deepak Rauniyar's outstanding second feature sends a powerful message about the need for tolerance if Nepal is to overcome divisions that remain long after the Comprehensive Peace Accord of 2006. Co-produced by Danny Glover's New York-based shingle Louverture Films, "White Sun" won the Interfilm award for Promoting Interreligious Dialogue at Venice and deserves to secure international art house exposure.

Following his uneven 2012 Berlin fest entry "Highway" (also co-produced by Glover's company), Rauniyar barely puts a foot wrong as director and co-writer of a tale that looks the state of things in Nepal through multi-generational eyes.

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A soldier in the Maoist army that defeated Royalist government forces in the 1996-2006 civil war, Chandra (Dayahang Rai) discovers social changes he fought for haven't yet filtered through to the remote mountain village he left 10 years ago. His portly father, Chitra (Prakash Ghimire), a local bigwig and staunch Royalist, has died in an upstairs bedroom. In accordance with custom, the body cannot be removed through the dwelling's front door, and must therefore be squeezed through a tiny window before being lowered to the ground and transported down a steep trail for cremation on a riverbank.

As preparations take place for the males-only funeral procession, Chandra reconnects with ex-wife Durga (Asha Margranti), a fiercely independent lower-caste woman accused of "polluting" Chitra's funeral rites by touching his body after he passed away. Unconcerned with such matters, Durga desperately wants Chandra to sign paternity papers for her young daughter, Pooja (Sumi Malla). Chandra is not the girl's biological father, but without his signature, Pooja cannot be issued with a birth certificate and subsequently will not be permitted to attend school. In heart-wrenching scenes, Pooja begs Chandra to say he's her father. Wanting to hear exactly the same thing is Badri (Amrit Pariyar), a 10-year-old war orphan whom local gossips claim was actually fathered by Chandra.

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Custom dictates that sons must carry their father's body to the cremation site. For Chandra, that means stretcher duty with estranged brother Suraj (Rabindra Singh Baniya), a doctor who supported the Royalists. It doesn't take long for the brothers' opposing social and political views to boil over. After Suraj storms off Chandra is left with a corpse that can't be moved or even touched by anyone else unless the super-strict local priest (Deepak Chhetri) gives approval.

Rauniya and co-writer (and editor) David Barker employ the dead body's stuck-in-transit problem as a potent metaphor for a nation at the crossroads. While adults argue about dogma and ideology during the deadlock, youngsters Pooja and Badri show the way with believable, inspiring and frequently humorous actions that cut through all the bickering and point cautiously to hopes of greater national harmony in the future.

All the performances are tops, right down to the bit parts. Rai is charismatic as the ex-soldier whose personal battles are far from won; Magrati shines as the devoted and extremely pragmatic single mother; and child actors Malla and Pariya are terrific in their first screen roles.

"White Sun"  3 stars

No MPAA rating

Running time: 1:29

Opens: Friday at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St., www.siskelfilmcenter.org. In Nepali with English subtitles.

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A Schererville man who surrendered his passport this week to a judge after being charged in a string of area robberies is facing more charges in multiple counties, records show.

Dionysios Doukas, 35, appeared Tuesday in Lake Superior Court for the nine cases he was already charged with in Lake County for robberies stemming back to the end of October, prosecutors said.

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At the hearing, Ralph Staples Jr., Doukas' attorney, commented how charges are "still trickling in" for his client as the court addresses his bail and how to move forward in the case.

On Wednesday, two more robbery charges were filed against Doukas in Lake County in connection with robberies of a Subway on Main Street in Crown Point on Nov. 5 and Nov. 18, according to an affidavit.

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In Porter County, Doukas is facing two counts of robbery stemming from robberies in November in Valparaiso , records show.

A probable cause affidavit says Doukas robbed Fro Play on McCord Road on Nov. 15, placing "a sock on the counter, which appeared to have a pipe in it" and told an employee to "give me the case in the register." He shoved $150 in his pocket and fled with the employee's phone, records state.

On Nov. 19, he is accused of robbing the Subway on U.S. 30, wearing a "yellow hunting mask and latex gloves," records show.

"Hurry up or I'll shoot you," the man said, according to the affidavit.

The employee noticed the suspects' hands "were inside a white plastic Walmart bag" and was unable to tell if it was a gun, records state. The suspect left with $115, according to the affidavit.

Charges are also expected to be filed in LaPorte County against Doukas, according to Lake County Deputy Prosecutor Michael Toth.

Doukas was arrested Nov. 20 at his Schererville home after leading police on a high-speed chase on Interstate 65 and U.S. 30, police said.

Judge Salvador Vasquez set Doukas' bond Tuesday at $50,000 surety, or $5,000 cash, in all of his Lake County cases.

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Vasquez also confiscated Doukas' passport over questions about whether he could potentially flee to Greece.

While monitoring Doukas' text messages, investigators learned a family member said he planned to send Doukas to Greece "on a one-way ticket," Lake County detective Michelle Dvorscak told the court Tuesday.

Olga Medina, Doukas' sister, said "that's just a figure of speech" and that the family member was angry.

"He wasn't really going to do that," Medina said.

Medina said while they have family in Greece, she and her brother hadn't been there in years. Doukas said he didn't have a Greek passport or dual citizenship.

Doukas is scheduled to appear in Lake County again Feb. 20. A court date had not been scheduled in Porter County as of Thursday morning, records show.

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Are falafel shops the new hot dog stands?

Mamouns Falafel will open five locations in the Chicago area over the next five years. It claims to be the oldest falafel restaurant in New York City,

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My family and I are longtime fans of Mamouns and would always visit when we traveled to New York City, said Chicago franchisee Sagar Patel in a statement.

The franchise deal was just signed, so Chicago locations and opening dates have yet to be determined, said a spokesperson.

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Founder Mamoun Chater opened the first restaurant in 1971 in Manhattans Greenwich Village and now has six locations in New York City, New Jersey and Connecticut.

The restaurants still use traditional Syrian family recipes, spices and other ingredients for their Middle Eastern menu. Vegetarian and meat sandwiches and plates include the namesake falafel, as well as hummus and shawarma, plus lentil soup, stuffed grape leaves and the honey-soaked phyllo-walnut pastry baklava.

Mamouns has partnered with Cuisine Solutions, pioneers in sous-vide cooking. It has also teamed with Fransmart, the franchise development company behind Five Guys, The Halal Guys and Qdoba Mexican Eats.

www.mamouns.com

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Twitter @louisachu

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Someone has stolen what's thought to be the most expensive bottle of vodka in the world. The New York Daily News reports that Brian Ingberg, owner of Cafe 33 in Copenhagen, Denmark, where the bottle was displayed, posted about the prized liquor's disappearance on Facebook.

Alongside a photo of the fancy booze, the owner shared two black-and-white snapshots of the disguised suspect taken from the establishment's surveillance system.In the description, the owner values the bottle at $1.3 million. According to Newsweek, the spirit - Russo-Baltique - is only so expensive because its bottle is made of nearly 7 pounds of gold with the same amount of silver and a diamond-encrusted cap. (It seems unlikely there could be anything million-dollar-special about the spirit itself, because vodka specifically isn't supposed to taste like anything.)

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Russo-Baltique was reportedly produced as a promotional item by Latvia-based armored-car manufacturer Dartz Motorz, whose brand identity emphasizes superfluous luxury. As the brand's owner told the BBC in 2015, "There are a zillion poor people, but there are hundreds of people who really have one and only problem: What to do with their money." In short, the bottle's value has much more to do with hype and luxury than craft or quality.

Dartz Motorz decorated the item in homage to early carmaker Russo-Baltique, which ceased production circa 1917 following the Russian Revolution, according to German news outlet Deutsche Welle.

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The opulent bottle even appeared in an episode of political drama House of Cards.

Ingberg is offering a reward to anyone with information leading to the arrest of the person who swiped the vodka, which he claims is one of a kind.

But to make things worse, the uninsured novelty didn't even belong to Cafe 33 or its owner. A Russian entrepreneur simply loaned it to the facility for show, The New York Daily News reports.

Although the bar reportedly has thousands of additional liquor bottles, nothing else appeared to have been stolen from the property.

For more hospitality-world lawlessness, here are the nine most memorable crimes that went down at fast-food restaurants.

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A Bismarck law firm is relocating to Mandan, after receiving approval from the Mandan City Commission for Renaissance Zone tax incentives to renovate a former doctors office, located at 107 First Ave. N.W., into professional office space.

Redmann Law, P.C., a boutique law firm concentrating in family and criminal defense law, is purchasing the building and estimates it will cost about $350,000 for interior and exterior updates.

Built in 1931, the historic two-story building will receive new windows and doors, a new front stoop, a new gutter system, updates to the gable fascia, repairs to existing brick masonry and the addition of a ramp to the back entrance.

Asbestos and hazardous materials will be removed from the buildings interior, and an additional staircase and accessible restrooms will be added. Existing mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems will be brought up to todays standards for code.

Mandan residents Kristin and Chris Redmann own the law firm, which has been in business since 2013. Along with three full-time employees, they currently operate out of a suite at the Wells Fargo building in Bismarck.

The Redmanns are seeking other professionals, such as lawyers, architects and accountants, to join them in the new Mandan location.

They do have a law firm that has indicated intent to move into the building with them, and they're looking for other additional occupants, said Ellen Huber, Mandan's business development director.

As an approved Renaissance Zone project, the law firm will receive a five-year property tax exemption, with an estimated benefit of $32,350, and a five-year state income tax exemption, estimated at $19,085.

The Redmanns also will receive about $24,000 in matching funds from the Mandan Growth Fund for their storefront improvement project.

Were looking forward to bringing our business to downtown Mandan, Chris Redmann said.
One Acre Fund hosted its 11th annual End Hunger gala Dec. 6 at Revel Fulton Market. With more than 400 supporters from the business, academic and philanthropic communities, the event celebrated the nonprofit's mission to supply smallholder farmers in Africa with the tools they need to grow their way out of hunger and poverty. The event honored the Kellogg School of Management and its community for serving as a "critical catalyst" to the launch and growth of One Acre Fund.

The evening began with a reception and silent auction where guests bid on a variety of African items, including baby clothes created by the Vpambi Women's Group in Malawi, handbags made by artisans in Ghana, West Africa, amber jewelry by Kenyan artist Alice Wanjira, and colorful Kumba Sahara baskets made in Senegal, among many other unique items.

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The program opened with a video highlighting the many ways One Acre Fund supports farmers and their families across East Africa. Children were shown studying by solar lights that had been distributed to more than 190,000 people by the nonprofit in 2017. ??needs attribution. SR Guitarist An Tran from the Northwestern Bienen School of Music performed John Lennon's "Imagine" as the video played.

Jamie Wesner, gala chair, welcomed the crowd and spoke about the cost of delivering supplies and support to farmers. "One of the most exciting things about One Acre Fund is that the cost of the market bundle to a farm family has come down each year over the life of the organization. We started off at $250, and now we're down to a cost of just $25," he said. A market bundle is a collection of One Acre Fund services, which include financing seeds and fertilizer, delivery, agriculture training and market facilitation.

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Wesner thanked the Anderson, Casten, Wilson, Combe, Levy and Kraemer families for their support, which helped launch the first gala in 2007.

Matt Forti, One Acre Fund founding board chair and managing director, introduced Andrew Youn, calling him the "bravest and boldest, social entrepreneur." As an MBA student at Northwesterns Kellogg School of Management, Youn co-founded the organization in 2006 with John Gachunga. Forti said, "Because of Andrew, 2 million children will wake up tomorrow morning fully fed, better prepared to learn at school and more likely to escape the poverty their families have endured for generations.  (Since) graduation, Youn has lived in rural Africa among the clients that we serve. He has uniquely woven together perspectives from some of the world's most educated agronomists with those of the world's hardest-working farm families, and in doing so, he has created a powerful solution that will end global hunger in our lifetimes."

One Acre Fund co-founder Andrew Youn introduces Kellogg School of Management Dean Sally Blount, winner of the Farmers' Humanitarian Award.

Youn spoke movingly of how he became motivated to create One Acre Fund. He said that, after meeting farmers, he realized how dire their situations were. "One in 10 children die before they reach age 5. One in three children are permanently stunted from a lifetime of not eating enough, and fewer than one in four children complete high school.  I believe that this organization is the most cost-effective way to end rural poverty in sub-Saharan Africa."

Youn then sat down for a Q&A with Sally Blount, dean of the Kellogg School of Management. She accepted the Farmers' Humanitarian Award on behalf of the Kellogg community, which funded 90 percent of the nonprofit's first-year budget and has been an ongoing "force for change in farm productivity."

"We have put a man on the moon, we've built skyscrapers as high as the eye can see and we've put a computer in people's pockets, and yet we still haven't figured out a way to feed every human being on earth. And I think, when we look back, we will call this our greatest moral failure as a human society," said Youn.

One Acre Fund began in 2006 as a pilot project with just 38 farmers in Kenya. The nonprofit now provides seed, fertilizer, financing, delivery and training to an estimated 500,000 farmers in six countries: Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Malawi and Uganda.

The event raised more than $2.1 million that will support 84,000 farm families next year.

Freelance writer Candace Jordan is involved with many local organizations, including some whose events she covers.

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More coverage: Find more photos and events at www.chicagotribune.com/candidcandace. Visit Candid Candaces website at www.candidcandace.com, or follow her on Twitter @CandidCandace.

[ Toys piled high at Service Club of Chicago luncheon ]

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[ AIDS Foundation's World of Chocolate gala goal: Zero cases of HIV/AIDS ]
At 3.30 p.m. on Wednesday, a phone rang in a room in an uninhabited village in the demilitarized zone separating North and South Korea.

For the first time since February 2016, the North was calling the South.

And South Korea answered.

Little is known about the contents of the 20-minute call, which ended at 3:50 p.m. South Korean time (which is half an hour ahead of North Korean time).

The South Korean Ministry of Unification simply said the two sides "checked technical issues of the communication line."

Calls are made using a red handset, marked "North," and received on a green handset. Letters above the computer screen read "South-North Direct Phone" and two clocks show the current time in each country.

After the call ended, officials from the Ministry of Unification -- responsible for "all issues pertaining to inter-Korean relations and unification" -- stayed by the phone, on the off-chance that the North would call again.

And just over two hours later, after darkness had fallen in the village of Panmunjom, they did. At 6:07 p.m. local time, North Korea made contact once more, saying, "Let's call it a day today."

The start of regular contact?

Earlier in the day, North Korean state media announced that the country's leader Kim Jong Un had given the order to open the line and make the call.

The trigger appeared to be the upcoming Winter Olympics in South Korea, where North Korea hopes to have its athletes represented.

The news came as a welcome surprise to South Korea, whose President has long called for dialogue with the North.

The South has been calling the North every day at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. since communications ceased in February 2016 -- and never getting an answer. The same phone was used to receive today's calls.

"The restoration of the communication channels means a lot," said Yoon Young-chan, the South Korean presidential press secretary. He said he hoped it would lead to North-South contact being made "on a regular basis."

A village of war and peace

Both ends of the hotline used are located in the border village of Panmunjom in the demilitarized zone (DMZ) between the two states. The exact locations of the two phones are unknown, but it is likely that they are no more than a few hundred yards apart.

The village is home to 33 communications lines between South and North Korea, according to the Ministry of Unification.

Despite constant military presence, Panmunjom is known as a peace village. It was here that the two sides signed an armistice agreement in 1953, ending three years of active combat in the Korean War.

But it was also here that defector Oh Chong Song was shot in November as he fled south by fellow North Korean soldiers, who violated the armistice by firing into the DMZ.

Whether Panmunjom will again enter the history books -- this time as the place where North-South diplomatic relations were renewed -- is still unknown.

A spokeswoman for South Korea's Unification Ministry told CNN that there was no mention of future talks in Wednesday's phone calls.

But given that South Korea has been calling the North twice a day for the past two years, it's likely that the phone at the northern end of the hotline will ring at 9 a.m. on Thursday.

That's if North Korea doesn't call first.

CNN's Taehoon Lee, Steve George, Chieu Luu and Paula Hancocks contributed to this article.
North Dakota Highway Patrol has released the name of the man killed in a crash in Stanley on Wednesday morning.

Clifford Bakke, 95, of Stanley, was driving a 2016 Ford F150 on U.S. Route 2 when he lost control of his vehicle and began to fish tail, according to a report from Highway Patrol.

Bakke's vehicle entered the median and the went back onto the roadway facing north. The driver of a 1993 Kenworth dump truck, Tucker Hovda, 35, of Stanley, struck the Ford's passenger side. The Ford spun into a ditch.

The crash remains under investigation.
North Dakota attorney general Drew Wrigley says doctors who perform abortions should be able to disclose the patients personal health information as part of their defense to avoid prosecution. North Dakotas abortion ban, which is currently on hold because of a lawsuit, makes the procedure illegal except in cases of rape or incest or when the life of the mother is in danger. Doctors would have to prove those exceptions in court in order to be cleared of a Class C felony. The attorney general said he couldnt find any cases that address the scenario and it would not violate the privacy rule.
Last week a series of stories took Bismarck Tribune readers deep into the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum. Our reporters and photographers provided a glimpse of many items that arent on public display.

Its fascinating to know that the state has become the ultimate collector. Theres everything from dinosaur bones to military uniforms to old vehicles to seed catalogs. Many of the items collected are out of sight, but they are not being ignored. Theres work going on about every day to restore donations and prepare them for possible exhibits. Its painstaking work and sometimes its difficult to see the progress that has been made during a day.

The Heritage Center opened in 1967 and recently underwent an expansion. The Legislature budgeted $39.7 million in state general funds for the project in 2009, along with $12 million in federal or special funds to be raised by the State Historical Society of North Dakota. A grand opening for the Heritage Center expansion was held in November 2014.

While one goal of the expansion was to provide more space for exhibits, it was always known there would never be enough space to showcase everything the Heritage Center has in storage. The Heritage Center strives to rotate some of the exhibits. This gives employees the opportunity to create new displays and explains the work going on behind the scenes. Some of the exhibits they create are displayed in other museums across the state.

The states museum division has more than 70,000 objects in its collection, with about 2.5 percent to 3 percent on display at a given time. Some might feel the state has become the ultimate hoarder, but the Tribune doesnt think thats the case.

"We collect the history of North Dakota and her people," Mark Halvorson, curator of collections research, told reporter Amy Dalrymple. When you are doing that the number of items increases quickly.

The museum has an interesting collection of more than 1,000 military uniforms from the Civil War era through Operation Desert Storm. Its not feasible to try to display all of them. The average visitor will be interested in a sample and then want to explore the rest of the museum. A scholar, however, might be intrigued by the chance to examine all the uniforms in storage.

Its hard to put a value on North Dakotas collection but in many ways its priceless. Objects from our past, once lost, cant be re-created. Having 1,000 uniforms may seem like a lot, but each uniform needs to be considered a piece of our history different from all the others.

Paleontologists are working to complete a specimen of a plesiosaur, an 80-million-year-old massive marine reptile, for display. Where else can someone go in North Dakota and travel back 80 million years? And it's free to visit.

The series of stories revealed the great treasure we have in the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum. Its one everyone should take time to enjoy.
Pueblo voters give big support to public safety tax to fund police

75% of votes are in favor of Pueblo Measure 2B, collecting millions of dollars a year to fund 20 Pueblo Police Department officers and four sergeants.
By Ana Cicenia

Recently, the city of Wuhan announced that they will be opening a police station run solely by artificial intelligence (AI)  no employees need apply. Although the station would be limited to vehicle and driver related administrative work, the government anticipates increasing AI use in many other areas of governance.

Automated government offices like these are just one way that new technologies are being integrated into the Chinese society. It also represents a larger trend in the Chinese economy: the growth of the digital economy. In 2016, Chinas digital economy accounted for 30.3 percent of GDP, an 18.9 percent rise from 2015, according to a China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT) white paper.

The digital economy is part of the governments vision of an economy driven by innovation  a key part of their goal of making domestic firms more competitive globally. In recent years, the Chinese government has pushed several national economic initiatives aimed at the development of the digital economy. These include the 13th Five Year Plan (March 2015), Made in China 2025 (May 2016), the Robotics Industry Development Plan (April 2016), and the Three-year Guidance for Internet Plus Artificial Intelligence Plan (May 2016).

China has shown that it has ambitious plans to upgrade its economy and industrial policy  and these efforts are accelerating going into 2018.

RELATED: Chinas AI Industry: Identifying Opportunities for Foreign Investment

Plans for 2018

On October 11, 2017 the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) published the Notice on the Organization and Implementation of the Internet Plus Action, the Creation and Development of Artificial Intelligence and the Major Pilot Projects of Digital Economy in 2018 (the Notice).

The Notice clarifies what kinds of projects are eligible to be considered a major pilot project and can receive funding and other forms of government support and benefits. Although these areas are not completely distinct from each other and often overlap, they offer varying opportunities for foreign investors.

Internet Plus

Premier Li Keqiang first introduced Internet Plus in a speech in March 2015. The term refers to the use of the Internet and information technologies, such as big data, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) in traditional industries. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize almost every sector of the economy and have already shown promise in manufacturing, finance, agriculture, and medicine.

Internet Plus manufacturing, for example, integrates IoT technology, where a network of devices and sensors can record and communicate data such as energy consumption, heat levels, and inventories. This increases efficiency at every stage of the factory line and can even continue to track data as the product moves through the supply chain, largely eliminating human made error.

There is space for foreign investment in Internet Plus sectors not subject to the Negative List and investors should also expect to see exciting opportunities within the newly transformed traditional industries.

Investments into the following project areas are eligible for incentives under the Notice:

Cloud computing (including next generation cloud computing operating systems), edge computing platforms and applications, and heterogeneous computing platforms and applications;

Internet of Things (IoT), including the location-based semiconductor industry, autonomous vehicles, drones, and robot sensors; and

Internet+ customer service and customization platforms, flexible manufacturing and supply chain management platforms.

AI Initiative

AI refers to intelligence displayed by machines, the ability of computers and systems to think. Applications vary wide from facial recognition and voice recognition systems to machine learning, which enables computers to look at large data sets, search for patterns and make predictions.

As AI continues to improve, new industries and applications will be opened to the AI revolution. In the past few years, the government has prioritized and invested heavily into AI. As a result, Chinas AI capability has raced ahead and is expected to surpass the US very soon.

Although, Chinas internet sector has been historically off-limits to foreign investment leaving foreign investors with a significant disadvantage, opportunities for joint ventures can offer high rates of return.

Investments into the following project areas are eligible for incentives under the Notice:

Core technology and application of AI (including deep learning semiconductors), applications, and open-source platforms;

Public service and infrastructure platform projects (including facial-recognition systems and applications and voice-recognition systems and applications);

Intelligent unmanned system applications, including drones; and

Intelligent robotics development and application projects (including high-end service robots).

Digital Economy Initiative

Digital economy is an economy that utilizes digital computing technologies, or more generally, any industry that integrates the internet into their products or services. Major examples include e-commerce, e-business, and telecommunications.

China is already poised to be the world leader in this respect; e-commerce is booming with giants like Alibaba and Tencent. Additionally, more than half of e-commerce transactions in China are made on mobile devices, and companies with existing social media platforms  like WeChat  are leveraging their customer base to enter the e-commerce business.

Foreign investment is welcome in various forms, a subsidiary company, a joint venture and more recently WFOEs. Foreign investors can apply for an internet content provider (ICP) license to conduct e-commerce businesses in FTZs and pilot zone cities.

Investments into the following project areas are eligible for incentives under the Notice:

Government information consolidation and sharing application projects;

Big data applications in healthcare, transportation, education, finance, logistics, environmental protection, and location information;

Digital economy public infrastructure, including e-governance platforms and e-commerce credit systems;

China-ASEAN digital hub pilot projects;

OBOR digital cooperation projects.

Business Strategy and Operation Advisory from Dezan Shira & Associates

Challenges for foreign investors

Although sectors like AI and e-commerce are open to foreign direct investment, foreign AI firms might face trouble with the required national security reviews as these technologies are either dual-use or have implications for Internet security.

Additionally, because the Chinese market is already populated with major players like Alibaba, JD, and Xiaomi that have a monopoly on the existing customer data, the most prudent route would be for foreign investors to seek out joint ventures.

Domestic and foreign investors alike should also pay close attention to Chinas new Cybersecurity Law and its potential effects on investments in the Internet Plus, AI, and digital economy fields.

Announced in November 7, 2016, the Cybersecurity Law covers data protection and cyberspace sovereignty. Under the law which went into effect on June 1, 2017, critical information infrastructure businesses and firms with access to personal information are subject to data localization requirements.

Although the government gave companies a 19-month grace period to comply with parts of the law, the data localization requirements will significantly increase data processing costs for companies, especially for those firms that are leveraging big data.

The law also poses a strange contradiction to the governments support for a growing role of the digital economy and its use of big data. With the advent of IoT and the various applications of AI, all of which require large collection of data, theres a potential that the law could touch on a wider variety of products and services than anticipated.

Similarly, Chinese companies can expect some difficulty expanding abroad as several countries have formed their own cybersecurity regulations. For example, the EUs General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) establishes specific customer consent practices as well as data localization requirements by certain member countries.

In spite of these difficulties, Chinas digital economy does not seem to be slowing down. E-commerce especially has exploded in the last several years, with China taking up 40 percent of the global e-commerce market, and the rapid growth of mobile payment systems has transformed the way people consume. If this trend continues, China watchers should expect continuing innovation and growth in this sector.



About Us China Briefing is published by Asia Briefing, a subsidiary of Dezan Shira & Associates. We produce material for foreign investors throughout Asia, including ASEAN, India, Indonesia, Russia, the Silk Road, and Vietnam. For editorial matters please contact us here, and for a complimentary subscription to our products, please click here. Dezan Shira & Associates is a full service practice in China, providing business intelligence, due diligence, legal, tax, IT, HR, payroll, and advisory services throughout the China and Asian region. For assistance with China business issues or investments into China, please contact us at china@dezshira.com or visit us at www.dezshira.com

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An Introduction to Doing Business in China 2017

This Dezan Shira & Associates 2017 China guide provides a comprehensive background and details of all aspects of setting up and operating an American business in China, including due diligence and compliance issues, IP protection, corporate establishment options, calculating tax liabilities, as well as discussing on-going operational issues such as managing bookkeeping, accounts, banking, HR, Payroll, annual license renewals, audit, FCPA compliance and consolidation with US standards and Head Office reporting.

Managing Chinas Financial System

Foreign investors often find Chinas financial system to be one of the most difficult areas to navigate when establishing or growing their presence in the country. Navigating Chinas tax system, and its complexities, requires time and commitment. In this issue of China Briefing magazine, we look at the factors that make Chinas tax system unique, and identify steps foreign investors can take to manage its challenges. We first examine the issues that most commonly disorient foreign investors. We then discuss the importance of pre-investment capital planning, within the context of tough foreign exchange controls, before examining the ever-maturing regulations for the transfer pricing system.

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Special musical performances were held in Kathmandu, Nepal, from Dec 24-25 to celebrate the New Year and to enhance cultural exchanges between China and Nepal.









The two-day concert, staged by China's Tianjin Symphony Orchestra and organized by China Cultural Center in Nepal, was the first of its kind in the Himalayan country.





The event held at the capital's Army Club drew an audience of about 300 guests including government secretaries, officials, political leaders, former ministers and music enthusiasts from different walks of life.





Addressing the function, Yang Shichao, deputy chief of mission at the Chinese embassy in Nepal, noted that Tianjin Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1985, is one of the largest and most popular symphony orchestras in China.





"Music is a bond to link civilizations and mind with body. We believe such events are helpful to boost people to people exchanges and cultural cooperation," Yang said.





According to the organizer, Tianjin Symphony Orchestra has successfully performed nearly 1,000 large symphonic works within China and in various countries such as the United States, Australia, Japan and Germany.





During the one-hour-long performance, Chinese artists treated the audience with a number of well-known solo and duet pieces.





The performances drew hearty rounds of applause and appreciation from the Nepali audiences.





"Though I could not understand the language, I could feel the story through their music. It is important to hold such programs time and again to bring people of two countries closer," Ananda Pokharel, a former culture minister, told Xinhua after watching the performance.





Apulal Awale, president of Nepal Chinese Guide Association said, "I am very pleased to watch this performance from Tianjin. The music is soothing and relaxing."




China's DiDi Chuxing, the world's largest ride-hailing company, has acquired Brazil's ride-hailing leader 99, the Chinese company announced on Wednesday.





While DiDi did not specify the amount for the transaction, Brazilian media placed the figure at around 300 million U.S. dollars.





The acquisition comes a year after DiDi bought a "strategic" 10-percent stake in 99, which operates in 500 cities throughout Brazil and is considered to be the homegrown rival to Uber, a U.S. company.





"The investment builds upon the deep existing partnership between DiDi and 99 to further accelerate market growth in Latin America and bring more transportation choices to the region's citizens," the company said.





DiDi has partnerships with seven "major international players" as part of a global network that serves more than 1,000 cities and reaches over 60 percent of the world population, according to the firm.





"Globalization is a top priority for DiDi," company founder and CEO Cheng Wei said of the deal.





"With enhanced investments in AI capabilities and smart transportation solutions, we will continue to advance the transformation of global transportation and automotive industries through diversified international operations and partnerships," Cheng added.





99 CEO Peter Fernandez said "we are confident that being part of DiDi Chuxing will vastly enhance our capability to expand our services throughout Brazil to bring critical value to users, drivers and cities."





DiDi's market value is estimated at some 56 billion U.S. dollars, since buying out Uber's Chinese operations in 2016, and making other acquisitions.




Ant Financial Services Group is calling off its acquisition of US-based Money-Gram International Inc, after failing to gain approval from Washington's national security panel, which is increasingly obstructive toward Chinese investment in US firms.





The demise of the deal is the latest example of political concerns trumping business factors at a time when the White House has toughened its stance on the sale of entities to Chinese buyers, experts said.





The two companies announced on Wednesday the termination of their merger agreement following the inability to obtain the required approval from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, and instead plan to work together on strategic initiatives in the remittance and digital-payment markets.





In a written statement, MoneyGram Chief Executive Officer Alex Holmes attributed the failure to a changing "political environment", saying that the CFIUS will not approve this merger "despite our best efforts to work in cooperation with the US government".





China hopes the United States can create a level playing field and a stable environment for Chinese enterprises, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Wednesday in response to the rejection of the deal.





The proposed transaction first surfaced last January, when the Chinese payment giant agreed to pay $880 million for the deal. But it upped its offer to $1.2 billion, or $18 per share in cash, after a US company offered a counterbid in April.





Doug Feagin, president of Ant Financial International, said cooperation on global remittance capabilities will still make its services more accessible to under-banked and underserved communities globally, even if a direct ownership relationship is currently absent.





But the decision still deals a heavy blow to Ant Financial, backed by Alibaba Group Holding Ltd's founder Jack Ma, as it seeks to expand internationally to shed reliance on the home market and compete with Tencent Holdings Ltd's rival payment system.





"It's more of a political issue than a legal one," said Ling Xiao, partner of Hui Ye Law Firm. "The future really depends on where the foreign policy of US President Donald Trump is heading."





Ling said that financial services would be one sector that is vulnerable to getting clearance from the committee, given its backbone status in the US economy and the integrity of personal data.





The collapse of the high-profile deal is the latest in a string of Chinese acquisitions of US companies that were torpedoed by the CFIUS. Following US government opposition, aluminum manufacturer Zhongwang USA LLC dropped its bid to buy US metals producer Aleris Corp in November.





Chinese outbound investment is likely to face more headwinds, as countries including the US tighten their rules and increase their scrutiny of foreign investment, said Han Qi, a researcher at Shanghai Chamrich Equity Investment Fund Management Co Ltd.





For example, newly introduced screening mechanisms have given Germany more time to probe takeover bids and extend the range of deals eligible for examination by the authorities, he said. "But the judgment of whether a deal breaches national security is highly subjective," said Han. "Even additional measures and protocols from companies to address concerns could fail to reassure the inspection agencies," he said.




Chinese actress Gan Wei, better known as the spouse of beleaguered tycoon Jia Yueting, said on Wednesday that she would deal with the debt issues plaguing LeEco.





In a post on her Sina Weibo account, China's Twitter-like social media, Gan said that she would meet the creditors to resolve the debt problems and confirmed that Jia owed 6.9 billion yuan ($1 billion) on loans connected to pledged shares, and has paid 1.7 billion yuan towards interest on the same since 2014. She urged investors, media, government and the society to give more time and space for Jia.





Gan landed in Beijing on New Year's Eve, posting messages on her Weibo account from the airport, saying that she was back with a mission.





However, her husband had defied orders from the country's securities regulator to return to the country to take action over the mounting debts, saying he needed to stay in the United States to work on his electric car startup.





Jia said in a statement on Tuesday that he had asked his brother, Jia Yuemin, and his wife, Gan Wei, to represent him at LeEco's listed armLeshi Internet Information & Technology Corpin exercising shareholder rights and handling the sale of assets.





"I feel deeply guilty and blame myself for the negative impact from the LeEco debt crisis," he said. "The fundraising for Faraday Future, the US-based electric car company, has made significant progress and there are many tasks that need to be undertaken to ensure the mass production and timely delivery of the FF 91 vehicle."





Jia also placed much of the blame for LeEco's cash-flow problems on a single late payment in July, which he said led to the freezing of his assets and triggered a cascade of early loan recalls. He also cited false and malicious reports that led to problems with creditors and suppliers.





The mounting cash problems meant the shutdown of nearly all the group's non-listed companies and the laying off of 10,000 employees. "The only thing left for the company was to sell its assets to repay the debt," Jia said.





However, LeEco's listed arm Leshi said in a filing on Tuesday that it hasn't resolved its debt problems with closely held entities associated with Jia.





"Up to now, the parties haven't come to an executable and substantial solution to its overall debt issues," Leshi said in one of several filings to the Shenzhen bourse. "The listed firm will continue to do its utmost to engage Jia Yueting and the non-listed affiliated companies to reach a resolution."





The company announced plans for a unit to buy LeEco's online business Lemall.com for 92.9 million yuan.





Shen Meng, director of boutique investment bank Chanson & Co, said though Gan's statement seemed to absolve the responsibility for Jia, she has not come up with any real solution to problem, other than seeking "sympathy from the public."





"Jia didn't come back even after the securities regulator ordered him to return, which indicates that he has been escaping the responsibility," Shen added.





Lawyers have pointed out that Jia's defiance of the CSRC's instruction may have civil, rather than criminal implications.





"Based on their marital relationship, Gan could act on behalf of Jia and deal with financial crisis and unpaid debts. The key is to handle the relationships with creditors and communicate actively with them, as well as clarify the doubts from the public," said Yan Yuejin, research director at E-house China R&D Institute.





Last week, the Beijing branch of the China Securities Regulatory Commission said in a notice that Jia must return to the country before Dec 31, 2017 to "fulfill his obligations" and protect investors' rights, saying Jia and his sister failed to provide loans to Leshi as promised.





Jia has been placed on a national list of debt defaulters after failing to comply with a court order, a move taken by Chinese courts to put pressure on people and entities to repay debts.





Information on Jia Yueting, including his name and ID number, were disclosed on the defaulter website in December after he failed to comply with a verdict by Beijing No 3 Intermediate People's Court.





Jia made his fortune at Leshi with a video-streaming service similar to Netflix, but he borrowed heavily against his shares in the company to expand into new ventures, such as smartphones and electronics.





Jia had publicly admitted that the company's expansion efforts had gone too far, which worsened LeEco's cash flow problems. Courts in some regions, including Beijing and Shanghai, have frozen his shares in the company.





In July, Jia resigned from all his positions at Leshi due to unpaid debt and financial crisis. Jia is focusing on LeEco's automobile unit and struggling to raise capital to fund a US-based electric car startup Faraday Future.





Jia recently announced that his electric car company Faraday Future has raised $1 billion to start production of electric cars. But one of the purported investors, Thailand's leading energy group, PTT, denied its involvement.





On Sina Weibo, a netizen named "Zhongyongzhidao" said that "Jia is a cheater, and he has no courage to come back. He cheated us, but now needs our trust. Why should shareholders pay bills for you?" "Please give Jia more time," said a netizen surnamed Ma on Weibo.




MOSS POINT, Miss. -- A woman traveled to a friend's home in Moss Point simply to visit, but an encounter with an old friend landed her in the hospital, according to Chief Calvin Hutchins.

Barbara Mccauley was visiting a friend on Wednesday, when a dog came up to her to greet her. According to Hutchins, Mccauley attempted to pet the dog -- a pit bull, but the dog began to attack her.

Ofc. Casey Vick responded to the scene on Gregory Street where he saw Mccauley being attacked by the pit bull. Vick intervened, killing the pit bull with his firearm.

Hutchins said the dog was on a leash, but broke the chain that it was on before he approached Mccauley. Apparently, Mccauley was familiar with the pit bull -- according to Hutchins, Mccauley had given the pit bull away to a local woman.

Mccauley was transported to Singing River Hospital where she underwent surgery for her injuries. Because of the trauma caused by the mauling, she also suffered a heart attack in the process.

She is still being held at the hospital under observation and is listed in stable condition.

As for the pit bull, he was transported to the kennel, processed, sent to the health department, and will finally be sent to Jackson for examination to make sure it did not have rabies or any other transferable viruses.

Leash laws are in effect in Jackson County, meaning allowing your pet to roam free on the property of your neighbors or any other public property is illegal.

Per the Jackson County Animal Shelter, owners who are in violation of that can be charged with a crime or could include fines of up to $100 per charge.

Statewide, Mississippi does not have laws banning a certain breed of dog breeds. While the City of Gautier has enacted laws for dangerous pets, Moss Point has not.




After finally saying farewell to 2017, we should acknowledge some important events for the people of India and China.

It's not possible in a brief article to discuss everything, but enough occurred to give hope for new vitality in Sino-Indian relations at all levels.

There's no doubt the relationship is one of the most important for the region and the world and that it has weathered severe tests and thus become more mature.

The year started with a few provocative and confrontational diplomatic moves towards China by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government which can be summed up as cutting off India's nose to spite China's face.

On May 14-15, China successfully hosted the high-profile Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, which was attended by 30 world leaders and official government representatives from at least 30 more. Notably absent was India.

India is concerned about the Belt and Road Initiative's flagship project, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which passes through Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK), a territory claimed by India, even though the CPEC is an economic project that has nothing to do with the Kashmir issue.

Over the past four years, the Belt and Road Initiative has been serving as China's blueprint for global development and coordination. So far, the initiative has won support from more than 100 countries and international organizations, over 40 of which have signed cooperation agreements with China.

While India remains wary, its neighbors  Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Myanmar  are already seeing results from their participation. By not joining, India is missing out an opportunity for participating in regional economic development.

In summer, Indian policy towards China entered a dangerous phase when over 270 of its border troops crossed into Chinese-controlled territory at the border near Donglang (Doklam) in southern Tibet.

The move came despite China holding "indisputable sovereignty" under the "Convention between Great Britain and China Relating to Sikkim and Tibet" signed in 1890.

Thankfully, the standoff was eventually resolved through diplomatic means on August 28, allowing India-China ties to get back on a healthy track.

The ice quickly melted away when Prime Minister Narendra Modi went to China to attend the 9th BRICS Xiamen Summit on September 3-5 and paved the way for dialogue.

Modi and President Xi Jinping also had opportunities to meet each on the sidelines of summits like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Astana and the G20 Summit in Hamburg. In June, China and Russia strongly backed India to become full member of SCO which will help it to build cooperative mechanisms on combating terrorism with other SCO members.

A private dialogue in Beijing on December 5, meanwhile, enabled the two large and rapidly growing developing countries to strengthen their bilateral cooperation in trade and investment. It raised prospects for India partnering with China in areas such as electric-powered mobility, clean energy, higher education and development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

On December 11, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was in New Delhi, sitting down with his Indian counterpart, Sushma Swaraj, as part of a meeting among the foreign ministers of Russia, India and China. During his visit, the Chinese foreign minister also met with Indian President Ram Nath Kovind.

Wang Yi has rightly pointed out that, "China and India must learn lessons from the Donglang incident to avoid such an incident in the future."

On December 22, at the 20th round of talks between Indian and Chinese special representatives on boundary issues in New Delhi, Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi exchanged views with Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on bilateral ties, border issues and international and regional issues of common concern.

At this stage, it's unrealistic to expect an early settlement on the sticky border issue. However, crisis management is very important to maintain peace along the 4,000-km-long border between them and Yang and Ajit did exchange ideas on various confidence building measures.

It is also worth mentioning that the Indian blockbuster film "Dangal" captivated Chinese moviegoers' hearts during the year. The tremendous success of the film has done much to further India's soft power in China. India should build on this through such means as films, festivals, yoga, media exchanges, and so on.

The development of India-China relations in 2017 has kept the momentum, thanks to efforts from both sides, but is still far from satisfactory. Well over twobillion people on twosides of the Himalayas live under the same sky.

It's to be hoped that the top leaders can forge lasting friendship and be sincere friends, so that the coming generations will not be burdened by unresolved issues.

Rabi Sankar Bosu, Secretary of New Horizon Radio Listeners' Club, West Bengal, India

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors only, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
Most people in the West thinking of the Chinese economy tend to associate it with the "Made in China" label. This is a natural tendency because numerous products they are consuming or using in their everyday life are indeed fabricated in China.

However, future developments might challenge conventional wisdom. The "Made in China" label could become a "Created in China" one. This means that the country will be able to make the difference by also relying on qualitative production.

The change is not happening overnight. The Chinese administration is setting long-term goals and meeting them slowly and patiently. Since 2015, it has strongly encouraged intelligent manufacturing. Innovation is the key element to guarantee success for generations to come.

Through critical investments and the takeover of foreign companies, China is acquiring the necessary technological "know-how." However, this is not necessarily sufficient. So, the country is simultaneously laying emphasis on research and development for its own technological achievements.

Several examples can be given: from robotics in medicine to clean energy, mobile coordination and sophisticated Internet linkages. And from automated container terminals in ports to the construction of aircraft, aircraft carriers and exploration satellites.

The policy of reform is interwoven into China's shift from a country with double-digit growth rates to one enjoying lower rates, but stability and quality. In that regard, President Xi Jinping is stressing the idea of "supply-side reform." The principal objective has been to reduce overcapacity and corporate costs.

The head of the Asia Pacific division of JPMorgan Chase, Jing Ulrich, recently commented that this "reform actually has come to fruition" because even traditional industries are becoming profitable once again.

General numbers show transformation of the Chinese economy is on track. Its GDP expanded 6.9 percent year-on-year in the first three quarters of 2017, with a slight decline of 6.8 percent in the third quarter. This was the ninth straight quarter for China to see economic growth of at least 6.7 percent.

For its part, the World Bank is optimistic. Only a few days ago, it raised its forecast for the country's economic growth in 2017 to 6.8 percent from the 6.7 percent it projected in October, as personal consumption and foreign trade supported growth.

Another necessary presupposition for the strengthening of high-quality development is the introduction and improvement of relevant mechanisms. According to the statement of the annual Central Economic Work Conference they include indicators, standards, statistical and performance assessment systems.

The prevention of financial risks, and tackling illegal activities in the financial industry are of additional significance. A more efficient regulatory screening seems to be emerging. Initial results are encouraging. For instance, local officials responsible for misconduct and irregularities related to local government debt are regularly being identified and detained.

Symbolically, 2018 is important as it marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening up policy. These elements have turned the country into the world's second-largest economy. The expansion of those elements by the current Chinese administration in recent years in parallel with the launch of new policies will yield equally satisfactory results.

The ongoing mission is perhaps even more complex, as requiring difficult decisions under time pressure. Two years ago, Western commentators were largely anticipating the bursting of a "Chinese bubble," but the Chinese administration has proven them wrong.

Of course, problems do exist. But what matters more is the determination to look at the reality and improve the situation than to only predict devastating scenarios.

This year of 2018 is not the one in which the "Created in China" label will be definitely established. However, it is the year during which the systematic, hard work towards this goal will be continued. China's qualitative and sustainable growth is not a theory. It already exists.

George N. Tzogopoulos is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/GeorgeNTzogopoulos.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
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At least 11 people in the United States have died in link with severe cold since Tuesday morning, officials said Wednesday.

A 27-year-old woman, Lindsey Klima, was found dead on the shore of Lake Winnebago after she left a New Year's Eve gathering in Fond du Lac, the state of Wisconsin.

Authorities said she stepped outside to smoke a cigarette and could have fallen at the shoreline before she succumbed to the cold, CNN affiliate WLUK reported.

Klima's death is among five weather-related deaths in Wisconsin. Two other people have died in the states of North Dakota and Missouri.

Four others have died in Texas, including two homeless people who died in Houston after being exposed to freezing conditions, Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo tweeted.

The northeastern America is bracing for another brutal arctic invasion on Wednesday, as a new storm is making its way to the country's southeast, prompting schools to close in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.

It is forecast to head north, where there is the potential for the storm to become a "bomb cyclone" as it strengthens off the New England coast on Thursday. Heavy snow, hurricane-force gusts and blizzard conditions are all possible in this scenario.
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Ethiopia announced on Wednesday it will release jailed opposition figures as part of an amnesty program to create national consensus and speed up democratization.

In a statement posted on Facebook, the Office of Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, said an infamous detention center Maekalwi located in Addis Ababa will also be closed.

The statement didn't give details on the identity of those who will be released or when Maekalwi will be closed.

Opposition supporters and activists accuse the Ethiopian government of using the detention center to coerce confessions from suspects usually charged under an anti-terror law.

Ethiopia faced in 2016 unrest that killed hundreds, dubbed by analysts the gravest challenge to the ruling coalition Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front in 25 years.

The unrest involving the country's two most populous regional states of Oromia and Amhara led to an imposition of martial law in October 2016 which was only lifted in August 2017.

Many ethnic Oromos and Amharas which make about 33 and 27 percent of Ethiopia's estimated 100 million population accuse ethnic Tigrayans who make up six percent of the nation's population of unduly dominating the country's political and economic scene.
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The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Thursday continued its contact with the Republic of Korea (ROK) through a reopened cross-border communications channel.

Thursday's first hotline call was made at 9:30 a.m. local time (8:30 a.m. BJT) to examine the communication lines, said ROK's Ministry of Unification.

The cross-border hotline linking the two countries, which had been out of action for two years, was reopened on Wednesday.

Through the hotlines, the two countries reportedly discussed the possible bilateral talks.
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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will attend the second Lancang-Mekong River Cooperation (LMC) leaders' meeting in Phnom Penh and pay an official visit to Cambodia from Jan. 10 to 11.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang made the announcement on Thursday.

According to Geng, Premier Li will co-chair the leaders' meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen. During the meeting, leaders from China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam will review the progress made through the sub-regional cooperation mechanism and discuss the future of cooperation.

As to the official visit, Li will meet with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, and hold talks with Hun Sen to promote bilateral cooperation.

The Lancang River originates on the Qinghai-Tibet plateau in southwest China. It is called the Mekong River as it flows through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam before emptying into the sea.
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Chief negotiators from China and the Republic of Korea for the six-party talks will meet in Seoul, foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang confirmed Thursday in Beijing.

China's vice foreign minister Kong Xuanyou, also the special representative of the Chinese government on Korean Peninsula affairs, will travel to Seoul from Friday to Saturday and hold consultations with Lee Do-hoon, the ROK's special representative for Korean Peninsula peace and security affairs, Geng said at a daily press briefing.




Heres a fascinating story out of Utah, well reported by Charles McCollum at The Herald Journal: An art history teacher in the school, Mateo Rueda, assigned his 6th grade students to choose a work of art and to analyze the artists use of color. Students chose from a box of images produced by a commercial publisher that had long been in his classroom.

The problem? Apparently, the set contained images of nudes or partial nudes, like Francois Bouchers Odalisque or Amadeo Modiglianis Iris Tree, above.

Im sure you can guess what came next. A parent complained, another defended the teacher, and somehow in the middle of this the cops were called on a pornography complaint. (No charges were filed.)

Rueda and his principal disposed of the images, but for reasons that are still not entirely clear, the teacher was then fired. He and the district dispute how he handled the matter once students said they were upset by the images. Rueda plans to appeal to the school board.

In an interview with the newspaper, Rueda said he had not known that the box of artworks contained a few nudes and did not think they were appropriate for 6th graders. But in a Facebook response to one parent, also published in the newspaper, he also attempted to explain why art history often requires engagement with images that challenge or discomfort people.

Some students expressed discomfort about some of the images, so I immediately took back from students the postcards I felt could make students feel uncomfortable. Then I explained to the whole class that art can sometimes show images that are not always comfortable to all, that art is better understood when placed in its proper context, that the human body is often portrayed in art, and that the images in the school collection are icons of art history and a patrimony of humanity, Rueda wrote.

This incident does raise an interesting, broader question: From the Lascaux cave paintings to the Venus of Willendorf to Da Vincis Vetruvian Man through to Cindy Shermans or Robert Mapplethorpes photographs, it is impossible to engage with the history of art and to avoid images of the body. And as art history scholars will volubly tell you, part of the important critical analyses in the field concern such imagesincluding why the artist has chosen that representation, for what purpose or audience, and how it was informed by or pushed back against contemporary discourse.

I posed a question about guidelines for teachers about handling the teaching of the nude in art history to the National Art Education Association, which pointed me to one of its position statements , on freedom of speech. You should read the whole thing , but the gist of it is that teachers need to balance diversity in the images students study with age-appropriate teaching. Two key sections:

It is the role of the art educator to expose students to a diversity of art experiences and to help support students in developing the ability to interpret, to tolerate, and to think critically. The art educator need not like or endorse all images, ideologies, and artists made available to students, but should both allow and help equip the individual student to choose from among widely conflicting images, opinions, and ideologies. ... In practice, art educators must consider age-appropriate content, and be sensitive to the distinct nature of their community and education system, as they support their students in freedom of expression.

I imagine, too, that this issue must come up a fair amount in field trips to museums, especially anything specializing in Renaissance or 19th century art. (In one of those embarrassing stories that parents love to tell, my mother reports that, when we visited the Musee dOrsay when I was 10, my big question for her was why the Impressionists were always painting women taking baths.)

So on that note Id be interested in hearing from art history teachers: Is there an age or grade level at which its appropriate to introduce images of the nude? Should these images be avoided? Are there other factors that inform your decision?

Comments section is open.

Image: Amadeo Modiglianis Iris Tree (Female Nude), one of the images that caused controversy in a Utah classroom. Credit: Wikimedia commons
A federal district judge has denied a preliminary injunction to a group of students who challenged an Illinois districts policy of allowing a transgender student to use the restrooms and locker rooms corresponding to her gender identity.

Meanwhile, a case involving a Wisconsin school district seeking to keep a transgender boy from using the restrooms of his gender identity that has been pending at the U.S. Supreme Court may soon be settled.

The cases from Wisconsin and a suburban Chicago high school district are among several long-running, high-profile lawsuits around the country dealing with transgender student rights in school.

In 2015, Township High School District No. 211, based in Palatine, Ill., agreed to allow a transgender girl identified in court papers as Student A to use the girls locker room only after the intervention of the U.S. Department of Education s office for civil rights during President Barack Obamas administration.

But the district was soon sued by a group of students backed by the Alliance Defending Freedom, a Scottsdale, Ariz.-based group that has taken the lead in the fight to keep transgender students from using school restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to their gender identity.

Those challengers, whose group is called Students and Parents for Privacy, argue that allowing transgender students into their gender-corresponding restrooms and locker rooms infringe the challengers right to privacy. They lost before a federal magistrate judge in 2016 when that judge recommended against the injunction they sought.

In a Dec. 29 decision in Students and Parents for Privacy v. U.S. Department of Education , U.S. District Judge Jorge L. Alonso of Chicago adopted the recommendations of the magistrate. (The federal Education Department was dismissed as a defendant after President Donald Trumps administration early this year withdrew Obama administration guidance that a Title IX regulation under the federal statute against sex discrimination covers bias against transgender students.

But Alonso made clear that even though the Obama administration guidance is off the table, a number of court rulings, including one binding on him by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit , in Chicago, have held that Title IX itself is now interpreted to prohibit a school district from treating a transgender student differently from a non-transgender student.

Alonso noted some of the privacy protections added by District 211 during the case, saying the restrooms at issue here have privacy stalls that can be used by students seeking an additional layer of privacy, and single-use facilities are also available upon request. Given these protections, there is no meaningful risk that a students unclothed body need be seen by any other person.

In a statement, ADF Senior Counsel Gary McCaleb said, Because the court should have suspended the districts privacy-violating policies, we will likely appeal.

Meanwhile, one of those cases in which the 7th Circuit has taken a broad view of Title IXs protections involves a transgender boy named Ashton Whitaker and the Kenosha, Wis., Unified School District. Whitaker graduated from high school last spring, but the parties contend the case is not moot.

The school districts appeal of the 7th Circuit decision has been pending at the Supreme Court, with both sides having sought extensions for the filings of their briefs.

Now, in a filing with the court, the lawyer for Whitaker told the justices that the case may soon be settled.

At this time, the parties are in advanced settlement negotiations and expect a final resolution of this case in the near future, the lawyer, Sasha Samberg-Champion, said in the letter asking for another 30-day extension of time to file his brief for Whitaker. Samberg-Champion said the lawyer for the school district consents to this request.

Last term, the high court dismissed the appeal in the Gloucester County School Board v. G.G. case, which as it stood before the justices was based on the informal Education Department Title IX guidance that was withdrawn by the Trump administration.

Now, the latest transgender case before the justices appears unlikely to be taken up by them.
Governors will have an outsized role in the coming years in crafting their states education agendas. And with 36 governors seats are up for election this year, candidates for that job and others already are crafting their thoughts on the state of public education and how they plan to improve it.

In Wisconsin, state superintendent Tony Evers, a Democrat, filed last year to run for that states governorship, putting several of his policies, including the states accountability plan under the Every Student Succeeds Act , under Republican scrutiny.

Previously, Jared Henderson, the former head of a nonprofit group that recruits teachers to work in low-income areas, said he will run as a Democrat in the Arkansas race for governor race.

And in Ohio this week, State Sen. Joe Schiavoni, a Democrat and candidate for governor, said state board member Stephanie Dodd will run with him as a candidate for lieutenant governor.

Already, teachers and principals have already filed to run for state office, such as the state legislature, where the bulk of education policies are now decided, as weve noted here .

But the governorship remains the big prize, and its no surprise to see K-12 high on the list of campaign topics.

We see time in and time out that education has been a big driver in thinking for gubernatorial candidates, Javaid E. Siddiqi, the executive director of the Hunt Institute, which trains state politicians interested in the governor position about education issues, told Education Week earlier last year. Governors are going to be, whether they want to or not, thrust into the limelight and forced to lead on several education policy decisions in their states.
This blog is looking for wisdom, to have and to share. It is also looking for other rare character traits like good humor, courage, and honor. It is not an easy road, because all of us fall short. But God is love, forgiveness and grace. Those who believe in Him and repent of their sins have the promise of His Holy Spirit to guide us and show us the Way.
Knights of Columbus Applauds FEMA Reversal on Aiding Religious Institutions Once blocked, houses of worship, like other nonprofits, can now seek help to rebuild



Contact: Joe Cullen, Knights of Columbus, 203-415-9314, joseph.cullen@kofc.org



NEW HAVEN, Conn., Jan. 3, 2018 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Knights of Columbus applauds the government decision that churches and other houses of worship are now eligible to receive disaster relief funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).



The decision, which overturned a longstanding rule barring such religious institutions from receiving FEMA aid, allows houses of worship damaged since Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas to now receive money to help rebuild.



"Having stepped into the breach to help meet the great needs of the affected communities, we welcome the significance of FEMA's decision," said Knights CEO Carl Anderson. "The destruction due to the flooding and hurricanes is of such a magnitude that the government must help in the response."



The Knights of Columbus has given $1.4 million to repair or help rebuild churches that were destroyed or badly damaged in the late summer hurricanes that assaulted Texas, Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands.



Knights of Columbus Charities raised $3.8 million for disaster relief in the months following the disasters. More than $720,000 was used to pay for food, water and other critical supplies in the immediate aftermath of the hurricanes. On a local level, many Knights took the initiative to rescue those stranded by rising waters and help neighbors in a variety of ways.



The Knights have also earmarked a significant amount of money for upcoming church repair efforts in Puerto Rico. The Knights earlier donated $100,000 to the Archdiocese of San Juan and provided generators, food, water and other necessities to aid relief efforts.



Church repair has been a key component of Knights' relief efforts in the past. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, which struck the New Orleans area in 2005, the K of C contributed $6.7 million to various dioceses to help rebuild the Catholic infrastructure in the area, aiding in the repair of schools, churches and other buildings.



"Help from both the government and the non-profit sector in the restoring of churches and other spaces dedicated to religious activities will send an important signal that these communities are coming back, that the spirit of the people is alive and well," said Anderson. "That spirit is also nourished by the many charitable and social services that these houses of worship provide."



The K of C was founded in 1882 by Venerable Father Michael McGivney, a parish priest, in New Haven, Connecticut. The organization was formed to provide charitable outreach and care for the financial well-being of Catholic families, focusing on the protection of widows and orphans. It has grown to include 1.9 million members worldwide.



The Knights set a new all-time record for charitable donations in 2016, with more than $177.5 million in donations and more than 75 million hours of service valued at $1.8 billion.

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Former Radical Muslim Urges Prayer for Iranian People Pastor Reza Safa of TBN Nejat Television says Iran poised for political, spiritual freedom



Contact: Jonathan Safa, 714-880-8670, jonathan@nejattv.org



LOS ANGELES, Jan. 4, 2018 /Christian Newswire/ -- Iranian-American Pastor Reza Safa, a former radical Muslim and founder of the Farsi-language Christian network TBN Nejat Television, has issued an urgent request for Christians around the world to pray for Iran and its people as political unrest rages in the Muslim controlled nation. Since December 28th tens of thousands of Iranian citizens have taken to the streets of the northern city of Mashhad and elsewhere to protest political oppression, with at least 20 individuals killed in violence.



Safa, whose TBN affiliate network reaches deep into Iran with the gospel message, noted that the protests mark the second time in less than ten years the people of Iran have risen up against the nation's oppressive Islamic government, which first gained control with the overthrow of Shah Reza Pahlavi in 1979. "For the past 39 years the Islamic regime has done nothing but oppress the people of Iran," said Safa. "The Iranian people are fed up with the government's corruption and its squandering of the nation's wealth to fund terrorism abroad."



Iran's economy is in shambles, with an unemployment rate that Iran's Interior Ministry estimates may be as high as 60 percent in some areas of the country. Safa said that young people under 30, a demographic that constitutes more than half of Iran's population, are particularly affected, which has helped to fuel the anger against the government.



"In Iran today the people have virtually no freedom," said Safa. "Even the way they dress publicly is controlled by the government. So now, for the second time since 2009, the people have taken to the streets in cities across Iran to protest against economic hardship and political repression."



However, he added, there is a major difference this time around. "Today in Iran the gospel is going forward as never before," said Safa. "Through outlets like TBN Nejat Television, the message of salvation through Jesus is impacting literally every major population center across the nation  despite aggressive efforts by Iran's government to stop it. Over the past several years countless thousands of Iranians have come to faith in Christ, so that today the nation of Iran is poised for positive change."



Safa emphasized the importance of Christians around the world joining together in spirit to pray for the people of Iran at this crucial time. "It is important to think in terms of the Church and salvation of souls when we read historical events and political changes," he said. "I believe that God is preparing an army of ex-Muslims to evangelize the Islamic world in the days ahead. If this is the time for a political change in Iran, our prayers today need to be that a proper and right government is established in this nation and people loved by God. Will you join me in interceding on behalf of Iran and its people?"



CLICK HERE to find out more about Pastor Reza Safa's efforts to bring the gospel message to the people of Iran through TBN Nejat Television, and CLICK HERE to watch TBN Nejat live.



About the Trinity Broadcasting Network

Trinity Broadcasting Network is the world's largest and most watched faith-and-family broadcaster, reaching over 175 nations across the earth with inspirational and entertaining programming 24 hours a day in 14 languages and on 33 global networks. As the world's most influential non-profit religious broadcaster, TBN has led the way in expanding the impact of faith-based television across the earth through the creation of innovative content designed to reach every viewer demographic with the life-changing message of hope and grace. To find out more about the Trinity Broadcasting Family of Networks, visit us at tbn.org.



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NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Plans for an underground natural gas liquids storage hub pegged as a major job creator for the chemical industry in struggling Appalachia have cleared their first big hurdle.

The Appalachia Storage & Trading Hub initiative got approval Wednesday for the first of two application phases for a $1.9 billion U.S. Department of Energy loan, the Appalachia Development Group said in a news release and department spokeswoman Shaylyn Hynes confirmed. Appalachia Development Group, which is heading the project, said it also aims to secure $1.4 billion through other financing.

The project has taken eight years to reach this point, and Appalachia Development Group CEO Steve Hedrick said it would take several more years to come to fruition. It's still unclear how long the second phase of the application will take, and nothing's guaranteed.

Hedrick said the initial approval is still a win for the large-scale project. The American Chemistry Council estimates the facility could attract up to $36 billion in new chemical and plastics industry investment and create 100,000 new area jobs.

That could be life-changing for people in economically downtrodden parts of Appalachia, the northern stretches of which are drilled for natural gas in Marcellus, Utica and Rogersville Shale formations, he said.

The hub's location hasn't been decided yet, Hedrick added.

The project would include a piping system into the Ohio and Kanawha valleys. Then a facility such as an ethane cracker could use the natural gas to produce ethylene, which is widely used in plastics and other chemical industries, Hedrick said. The natural gas liquids are also expected to be exported internationally for use by U.S. allies, he added.

The storage hub faces opposition from the Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition and other environmental groups.

But the proposal has drawn plenty of interest from congressional lawmakers, including U.S. Sens. Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito and Rep. David McKinley of West Virginia, who hope to attract the project to their home state. Capito called it a "game-changing idea," adding that Wednesday initial approval is "a clear indication of the strength of their application."

Gov. Jim Justice joined the chorus of praise Wednesday, saying he's eager to see the project come to fruition.

In November, state officials announced an agreement with China Energy Investment Corp. Ltd. for the company to invest $83.7 billion in shale gas development and chemical manufacturing in West Virginia over 20 years. Part of the focus is on underground storage of natural gas liquids and derivatives.
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Drillers will again trim spending on oil and gas exploration in 2018, even after clocking the worst year on record for new discoveries.

The oil industry is set to spend about $37 billion on exploration this year, down 7 percent from last year's $40 billion and 60 percent lower than in 2014, when exploration spending peaked around the world, energy research firm Wood Mackenzie said on Thursday.
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WASHINGTON - Nearly the entire U.S. coastline - from Alaska to Florida to New England - would be opened to offshore drilling under a proposal by the Trump administration, a dramatic shift from previous administrations that limited offshore oil and gas production primarily to the Gulf of Mexico.

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said Thursday that up to 90 percent of the Outer Continental Shelf, which begins roughly three miles off the U.S. mainland, is under consideration for oil and gas lease sales beginning next year and extending through 2024. That includes almost the entire Pacific and Atlantic coastlines, as well as the Eastern Gulf of Mexico.

"This is the largest number of lease sales ever proposed," Zinke said. "If you look at the last eight years the opportunity to generate revenue through responsible energy development took a backseat to, in many cases, special interest groups."

The move marks a victory for the offshore oil and gas industry, largely centered in Houston, which has lobbied for years to drill in the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans.

Most of the world's biggest oil companies, including Exxon Mobil, Chevron and Royal Dutch Shell, have a major presence in Houston, as do firms specializing in offshore drilling and services, including TechnipFMC, National Oilwell Varco, McDermott International and Transocean.

Vast stores of oil and gas are believed to lie beneath the ocean floors of the Arctic and Atlantic. And while test wells have turned up little hard proof as of yet, the areas represent potential new frontiers for an industry eager to expand its reserves.

"The plan announced today is a long-term commitment to securing our energy future, and would help cement America's role as an energy superpower, creating jobs and contributing to our economy," said Karen Harbert, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Global Energy Institute.

RELATED: Arctic oil and gas development dealt blow by Obama

President Donald Trump's effort to advance his plan for U.S. "energy dominance" by expanding offshore drilling faces a number of challenges, particularly low oil prices that have significantly curtailed offshore exploration.

Many oil companies are focusing investments in lower-cost and higher-margin shale projects in West Texas and other onshore fields.

Crude settled Thursday at $62.01 a barrel, well below prices in 2008, when oil companies spent tens of billions of dollars competing for drilling rights in the Arctic Ocean. Earlier this year, a federal lease sale in the Gulf of Mexico drew what Trump officials conceded Thursday was less than stellar interest from oil companies.

"We do not control the price of oil," said Interior Deputy Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management Kate MacGregor. "The price of oil is very hard to predict."

The proposal released Thursday was only a draft, beginning a monthslong process in which Trump is expected to face strong opposition from environmentalists as well as residents and political leaders in coastal states.

Florida Governor Rick Scott, a Republican, said Thursday he had already reached out to Zinke to get his state removed from the drilling plan.

When former President Barack Obama considered expanding offshore drilling into the Atlantic Ocean in 2015, protests erupted up and down the Eastern Seaboard as environmentalists clashed with pro-business politicians - including some Democrats - eager to attract the economic boost of oil and gas drilling.

Obama ultimately used his presidential authority to ban drilling in the Atlantic.

Trump's plan would open a much more extensive stretch of coastline to drilling, unlike anything that has ever been proposed by a U.S. president, Republican or Democrat, said Niel Lawrence, an attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council, an advocacy group.

"This is an out-and-out declaration of war on America's coasts and the people who use and depend upon them," Lawrence said.

Already environmental lawyers are fighting the Trump administration in Alaska federal court, where they filed suit earlier this year to block Trump's move to reverse Obama's protections against drilling in the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans.

At stake are some of the world's most pristine marine environments in Alaska's Beaufort and Chukchi seas, both of which are slated to be opened up for auction next year under Trump's drilling plan.

The offshore industry, meanwhile, is still trying to clean up its image after the 2010 explosion of the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig, which left eleven people dead and spilled over 3 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico.

"We are continuously developing and improving safety standards, programs, new technologies and best practices to protect our workers, the environment and marine life," said Erik Milito, upstream director at the American Petroleum Institute, the industry trade group.

Under Trump's proposal, the Interior Department would hold 47 lease sales between 2019 and 2024, including 19 off the coast of Alaska, seven in the Pacific region, 12 in the Gulf of Mexico, and nine in the Atlantic region.
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Comerica Bank will get its name at the top of 17-story Two Riverway building as part of a deal to relocate its Houston market headquarters from Brookhollow Central to the Galleria area midyear.

The Dallas-based bank has leased 34,624 square feet in the building, according to Stream Realty Partners.

The new office, just south of Woodway near South Post Oak Lane, will house Comerica's middle market banking, treasury management, small-business banking, wealth management and human resources operations, according to Comerica. Two Riverway's design and collaborative, high-tech workspaces factored in to the relocation decision. The bank will move from 219,000 square feet at Brookhollow II, 2900 North Loop West near U.S. 290, by August.

"We look forward to moving to a more centralized location and joining other businesses in the thriving Galleria area," Houston market president J. Downey Bridgwater said in an announcement.

Comerica will occupy the 14th floor and half of the 13th floor, according to Stream. Ryan Bishop and Craig McKenna of Stream represented the landlord, Sidra Real Estate, in the lease.

Doug Elliot of CBRE represented Comerica, which has nearly 50 banking centers and more than 450 employees in the Houston area.

The new market headquarters will be smaller in size, but Comerica said staffing levels will remain the same. All employees at the Brookhollow location, which Comerica gained with the acquisition of Sterling Bank in 2011, will move to the new Riverway location.

Sidra Real Estate, which has owned the property since 2008, is wrapping up the first phase of improvements at the building including a new lobby, outdoor seating areas and landscaping. Ziegler Cooper Architects designed the renovations. Stream, which manages and leases the building, is overseeing the project.

"Two Riverway's prime location and comprehensive renovation project supports Comerica's customer-centric culture and provides a fresh amenity-rich environment for their employees," Sidra Real Estate president David Barry said in an announcement.

The bank's brand will go where the CB&I name used to be, according to Ryan Bishop, executive vice president with Stream. CB&I vacated 160,000 square feet, or about 45 percent of the building, last year.

In 2017, 101,000 square feet has been leased there including the Comerica space and a 30,061-square-foot renewal and expansion by Ace American Insurance Co., according to Stream.
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Texas country legend Mickey Gilley and his son were involved in a car crash On Wednesday, according to reports, and suffered several injuries.

The honorary Pasadena native, 81, was on the way to a concert gig in Branson, Missouri when the incident happened in Lufkin.

RELATED: Looking back at the boot scootin' 'Urban Cowboy' premiere in Houston

Gilley's personal spokesperson Jeff McDonald said that both Mickey and son Michael were back in Pasadena on Wednesday night recovering after the crash.

Now Playing: Mickey Gilley, a Pasadena country artist and businessman, talks about how the famous Gilley's came to be. Video: Jeremy Carter

Michael's wife, Susan Gilley, told KFDM-TV in the Lufkin area that said that her father-in-law suffered a broken ankle and shoulder. Her husband seemed to only be suffering some soreness.

Mickey Gilley's Personal Update Page

According to the Gilley camp, a driver had run a stop sign ahead of them and Michael swerved his 2013 Toyota SUV but clipped another vehicle in the process, which led to his vehicle rolling over and landing upside down on the side of the road.

McDonald said that there was no expectation of surgery for Gilley.

Gilley posted a video to his public Facebook page, letting fans know that he is a little bruised but has no plans on retiring.

Gilley still owns a theater and regularly performs in Branson, along with doing his own touring around the country where he still plays to large crowds.

Pasadena honky-tonky legend Gilley opened up the famous Gilley's nightclub with area entrepreneur Sherwood Cryer in the early '70s.

RELATED: Honky-tonk legend Mickey Gilley turns 81 years old

While racking up a number of country music hits, the pair tapped into a market in the area that desperately needed a place to live out their whiskey-fueled barroom fantasies when they weren't in the boardroom or toiling in plants.

Cryer and Gilley earned international acclaim for the deluxe honky-tonk famous in the film "Urban Cowboy."

Gilley's next show is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 6 in Greenville, Texas. For now that show is still on, according to McDonald.

Craig Hlavaty is a reporter for Chron.com and HoustonChronicle.com. He's an intolerable native Texan with too much ink in his skin and too much brisket stuck in his teeth.
Oil traded near the highest in three years as optimism on the global economy, cold weather and political unrest bolstered a market that's finally shaking off a prolonged surplus.

Crude is having its best start to a year since 2012, hitting $62 a barrel in New York. Swollen inventories in the U.S. are declining and could shrink further as winter storms boost demand for heating fuel, while a strong economy underpins consumption. OPEC is continuing its fight against a global glut, while street protests are stoking concern over the stability of the group's third-biggest producer, Iran.

RELATED: Oil saw seismic shifts in 2017

Oil has risen for two years running as the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and Russia led a coalition of oil producers in cutting output. Prices have also been boosted by stoppages at pipelines in the U.K. and Libya. However, they are now at levels that are expected to help U.S. shale producers ramp up drilling, unlocking more crude and undermining OPEC's efforts.

See also: Iran's Elite Guard Says Anti-Government Protests Are Over

"The year has started very, very well for OPEC," Amrita Sen, chief oil analyst at consultants Energy Aspects Ltd., said in a Bloomberg television interview. "The inventory overhang, for all intents and purposes has drawn down. There's not that much really left."

West Texas Intermediate for February delivery was at $61.67 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, up 4 cents, at 8:56 a.m. Total volume traded was about 1 percent above the 100-day average. Prices closed at $61.63 on Wednesday, the highest since December 2014.

Brent for March settlement fell 13 cents to $67.71 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange after climbing 1.9 percent Wednesday. The global benchmark crude traded at a premium of $6.17 to March WTI.

The gains have been amplified by "the freezing polar vortex hitting the U.S., firing up heating demand, and spurring concern about a potential impact on oil production and trade," said Jens Naervig Pedersen, an analyst at Danske Bank A/S in Copenhagen.

Nonetheless, the rally is fanning speculation that U.S. production is poised for another boom.

"We may soon see an end to the rally because prices at this level will only make U.S. drillers boost production," said Will Yun, a commodities analyst at Hyundai Futures Corp.

The U.S. rig count, which held steady at the end of December, will "substantially increase" with crude prices between $61 and $65 a barrel, according to 42 percent of industry executives surveyed by the Dallas Federal Reserve last month. An additional 31 percent would increase investment when prices top $66, the survey found.

Oil-market news:

U.S. crude inventories slid by 4.99 million barrels last week, the American Petroleum Institute was said to report. Government data Thursday is forecast by analysts to show supplies fell by 4.7 million barrels, which would be a seventh weekly decrease. OPEC's 14 members pumped 32.47 million barrels a day in December, according to a Bloomberg survey of analysts, oil companies and ship-tracking data. Iraq exported near-record levels of oil from the south in December as the federal government seeks to make up for production disruptions after territorial disputes in the country's north.

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Police are searching for Stephanie Renee Falchetti, 42, who was last seen on Dec. 30.

Falchetti was last seen in Houston around 11:45 p.m. walking toward Valero on Kieth Harrow and Highway 6, according to a release. She was wearing a blue shirt, blue jeans, a black Guess trench coat and a white beanie with red threading. Falchetti was also wearing black rain boots.
Federal grant money lost by Central Care clinics that leaders say will shut down its six locations has been awarded to Houston Area Community Services, a well-known local health provider to the underserved that has rebranded as Avenue 360 Health & Wellness.

Central Care Integrated Health Services, which serves about 10,000 patients in Third Ward, Acres Homes and Sunnyside among other areas, has sued the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to continue receiving the grant money. A temporary restraining order issued by a federal judge in December extended the funding until Monday.

Central Care officials, patients and supporters joined U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee on Wednesday for a news conference defending the city's first federally qualified health center and seeking reconsideration of its application for continued funding by the Health Resources and Services Administration, known as HRSA.

HRSA, which is part of HHS, is the primary federal agency responsible for improving health care for underserved populations, including the economically and medically vulnerable, as well as those who are geographically isolated.

Central Care lost a service area competition to receive three years of additional funding by scoring lower than Houston Area Community Services, according to HRSA communications director Martin Kramer. In 2017, Central Care received nearly $5.4 million from the federal agency.

According to the competition details on the HRSA web site, the 2018 service area for the grant included the high-need ZIP codes of 77033, 77048, 77004, 77051 and 77021. The service area is geographically centered on the city's north and south sides with a projected 26,969 patients.

"A service area competition was held for this particular service area and a different health center grantee received a higher score on their application than the health center that lost funding and they will then take over that service area," Kramer said Thursday, adding that Houston Area Community Services expects to provide care to about 26,000 patients.

Health centers receive about 20 percent of their funding from HRSA, he said.

Centers fill out their budgets with patient care reimbursements from Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program and private insurance. Many also receive state and local government aid as well as private charitable contributions.

Kramer added that losing HRSA funding doesn't have to determine whether any center continues to operate.

Central Care officials have said the HRSA funding will cause them to close.

The organization has faced HRSA eligibility issues in recent years, including losing access to health professionals who receive student loan reimbursements for working in medically underserved areas. A nearly one-year lapse between restored eligibility and access to physicians crippled Central Care's most recent service area competition application, CEO La Toya Darden said in court documents and during Wednesday's news conference.

A hearing on Central Care's suit in scheduled for Monday morning in federal court.
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A Round Rock man accused of kidnapping his dead roommate's children apparently blamed his decision to flee with the girls on fear of "crazy Mexicans" he linked to the killing, according to federal court documents.

Terrance Allen Miles was taken into custody Wednesday after authorities in Colorado pulled him over and found the two missing children  14-year-old Lilianais Victoria Cake Griffith and 7-year-old Luluvioletta Mariposo Bandera-Magret  in the car with him.

The Las Animas County traffic stop capped off days of searching begun in late December after authorities responded to the Leslie Court home of Tonya Ellen Bates for a welfare check. The mother of two had failed to show up for work for her 7 a.m. shift the day before, prosecutors said.

When Round Rock police stopped by her home they found Bates dead from blunt force trauma, according to court documents. Investigators later determined she'd died sometime on Dec. 29, and her car and both daughters had disappeared.

Authorities sent out an Amber Alert along with a tip that Miles, then considered a person of interest in the "suspicious" death of his roommate, could be headed to Louisiana. Police initially said the girls were in "grave or immediate danger" after an abduction.

Surveillance footage later recovered from a Round Rock Walmart showed Miles purchasing camping supplies just after midnight on Dec. 30, driving what appeared to be Bates' vehicle, prosecutors later said. He stocked up on sleeping bags, tarps and ropes, according to court documents.

About an hour after his late-night shopping trip, Miles' mother got a text, believed to be sent by her son from the older girl's phone.

Now Playing: We're learning more about a man who is believed to have kidnapped two young Round Rock girls and who is also a person of interest in their mother's death. FOX 7's Ashley Paredez has more. Video: Fox7

BACKGROUND: 2 missing Round Rock children found safe

"Mom I left with the kids and came home to something bad I think Tonyas boyfriend," it said, according to court documents. "I cant talk now tonya was involved in some bad stuff I will talk to you later when im safe these guys are crazy Mexicans."

By 6 a.m, the girl's phone pinged off a tower near Lubbock, and by mid-morning someone was using it to make calls in New Mexico. Investigators located the younger girl's phone where it had been apparently discarded in a wooded area near in Round Rock.

Just after noon, license plate readers near Raton, New Mexico, recorded the dead woman's car headed north toward the Colorado border, according to court records. Later that day, police said, Miles was spotted on surveillance footage at a Trinidad, Colorado, business.

Although authorities initially issued an Amber Alert covering much of Texas, by Wednesday police were certain enough the girls were in another state to call off the alert and reissue one for Colorado.

Late Wednesday, a Las Animas County deputy acting on a tip spotted the missing vehicle and tailed it for a few miles before pulling over the erratic driver. Both girls were found safe inside, and Miles was taken into custody without incident, police said.

"I'd like to say thank you to that tipster," said Round Rock Police Chief Allen Banks, adding that Miles' arrest with the help of the multi-state Amber Alert was "a prime example of the system working."

Miles doesn't appear to have priors in Texas, according to Texas Department of Public Safety records. But he is already on probation for a 2015 domestic violence conviction in Louisiana and is considered a person of interest in a 2014 slaying there, according to authorities.

He was also charged with second-degree attempted murder for trying to suffocate a woman he was dating in 2011 and allegedly staging a suicide scene.

Miles is charged in the Western District of Texas but was slated to make his first court appearance Thursday afternoon in Colorado. He waived his right to a preliminary hearing in Colorado and prosecutors have filed a request to deny bail, citing the severity of the crime and possible flight risk.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Just months after taking a hit in federal court for refusing to provide air conditioning for heat-sensitive inmates, Texas prison officials on Wednesday denied multiple complaints of unheated and under-heated units at roughly two dozen prisons amid a near-historic cold snap.

Prisoner advocates in recent days have fielded dozens of reports of insufficient heating from concerned families of Texas Department of Criminal Justice inmates locked up at facilities from North Texas to the Rio Grande Valley. Some reported no heat at all and others complained that only cold air came out.

"Historically, I've heard complaints in the winter about the prisons being cold," said state Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston. "I'm told by prison officials they're all heated, but in some of the older units you might have some failures."

Despite the slew of reports of unheated units from across the state, TDCJ spokesman Robert Hurst said only one facility  the Formby Unit in Plainview  had a broken heater and that it was quickly repaired.

"All TDCJ units are operating with adequate heating," Hurst said Wednesday.

But inmates' families pushed back against that assessment.

LOCKED UP:Holidays difficult for victims and death row inmates

"It may just be a fact of them not turning it on," said Chelsea Collins, whose husband is at the Coffield Unit in Tennessee Colony, where nighttime lows have dipped into at least the 20s in recent weeks.

Not long after receiving a tip from the family of an inmate at the Allred Unit  a North Texas unit where a 10-day hunger strike just ended  Jennifer Erschabek of Texas Inmate Families Association put out a call on Facebook for reports of unheated and under-heated units to make a list to pass along to state political leaders.

The responses came flooding in, from Luther, Allred, Robertson, Eastham, Coffield, LeBlanc, Stiles, Pack and more than a dozen other units.

"I've never seen an issue about cold like this in the past," Erschabek said. "I don't know if it's just because it's such a frigid outbreak of weather or because people are starting to find their voice when it comes to complaining and getting things fixed."

Complaints about temperatures

By Wednesday evening, Erschabek said, a few inmates' families said the heat seemed to have been turned on or fixed at some units.

Men who've done time said that chilly indoor temperatures aren't anything new, though the differences in the way heating and cooling systems are set-up from unit to unit creates some variation systemwide.

David Kreger lived on the Wynne Unit in Huntsville during the roughly two decades he spent behind bars.

"There was times in the winter months on the cell blocks that the water would freeze in the toilets overnight," he said.

Lewis Conway Jr., who served time in a slew of different prisons across the state, said officers sometimes wielded control of the heater to make a point.

"If you weren't being compliant or obedient, that thing stayed off," said the Austin man who now works with Grassroots Leadership. "Every winter the only choice you have is a heater that blows on high regardless of the temperature so you're in a sweltering hell or if you're in a dorm where there's no central air or heating and it's just concrete and steel."

TDCJ officials said all units are heated, according to Whitmire, though some rely on older systems.

"When you have that many prisons and a lot of these older structures you're going to have a lot of maintenance issues," said former union chief Lance Lowry. "It's older buildings, a lot of them aren't insulated. There's a lot of drafts."

MOONLIGHT RIDE: Transfers begin for more than 1,000 prison inmates from Pack Unit

But however old the building is and whatever heating is available, TDCJ "strives to keep the temperature around 70 degrees or higher," Hurst said.

Yet former death row inmate Anthony Graves scoffed at the idea.

"Seventy degrees below zero, maybe," he said. He acknowledged that it wasn't the case at every facility.

Right to safe conditions

The recent online outcry about cold prisons comes on the heels of a class-action lawsuit over sweltering summertime temperatures inside the Pack Unit in Navasota. To comply with a federal judge's ruling, TDCJ was forced to move more than 1,000 heat-sensitive inmates to air-conditioned prisons.

Attorney Jeff Edwards, whose Austin law firm represents the inmates in the Pack Unit lawsuit, said that if inmates have been exposed to cold indoor conditions, the prisons should address it urgently and immediately.

"Just as it is well established that prisoners have a right to be safe from high temperatures it is equally well established that they have a right to safe living conditions in freezing temperatures," he said. "TDCJ has heat. If it is choosing not to use it, that is unconscionable. If mechanical equipment has broken down, it should be fixed immediately."

Edwards noted that U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison made it clear that when prisons deprive people of certain liberties, they shoulder certain responsibilities, chief among them is to provide safe and humane living conditions.

"TDCJ acknowledged that access to the heat in cold conditions is a right that all inmates have," Edwards said. "If that right is being violated there are only two possibilities  incompetence and indifference."

Gabrielle Banks contributed to this report.
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A former Texas pharmacist accused of paying for sex from a 14-year-old girl and attempting to pay her mother to keep it from the police has started his trial.

Stanley Turner, 65, appeared in court on Tuesday in Nacogdoches, according to news station KTRE-TV. Prosecutors said Turner had sex with the teenager in August 2014 and then drove her and a friend to the store to buy hair products, according to the news station. An arrest affidavit obtained by KTRE-TV states Turner reportedly tried to pay the victim's mother $2,000 if her daughter told police that he didn't have sex with her.

PROSTITUTION IN TEXAS: Spa still has license after multiple prostitution charges

Turner was arrested during a sting set up by police after the mother agreed to meet with Turner, KTRE-TV reports.

Now Playing: A woman who says she was forced into prostitution and held against her will in a storage container is now safe - and her alleged captor behind bars. Video: Fox 13 Tampa

On Wednesday, the woman accused of setting up the meeting between the teenager and Turner testified in court. Marshia Lasha Robinson told the judge that she initially thought the victim was 20 years old and from Houston, according to another KTRE-TV report. Robinson reportedly set the pair up to have sex in her apartment and said she later learned the victim was much younger.

The arrest affidavit from the Nacogdoches Police Department obtained by the news station reportedly states the teen was originally reported as a runaway in Lufkin. She allegedly told officers that she had sex with multiple men while she was in Nacogdoches and that she had been paid for some of the encounters.

HAVE YOU SEEN THEM?: 2 missing Round Rock children may be out of state after mother found dead

Turner and Robinson were identified by the teen during police questioning, according to the reports.

Turner was originally charged with solicitation of a prostitute under 18, sexual assault of a child, tampering with a witness and trafficking. KTRE-TV reports all but one of the charges were dropped but failed to state which charge. Robinson was charged with felony trafficking.

The Nacogdoches County District Attorney's Office was not open Wednesday. The Nacogdoches Police Department did not comment on the case.

Will Axford is a digital reporter for Chron.com. Read more of his stories here and follow him on Twitter.
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Some advice for the angry mob Sometimes, I get embarrassed for people who show up to speak at city council or township board meetings. Im talking...

Preparing teens for their futures with soft skills Businesses of every size and industry continue to identify labor shortages as a top challenge  across the country and...
Abilene Christian University is urging students not to apply for a job at a new Hooters location that is just weeks away from opening.

According to local Abilene new station KTXS, the director of public and media relations for the Texas university told them that the campus has asked students to avoid working for the establishment.
Satellite data shows that the Earth's ozone layer is recovering -- and scientists say it's a direct result of a decades old international chemicals ban.

The findings were published Thursday in the journal Geophysical Research Letters and came after scientists measured with NASA's Aura satellite the levels of ozone and ozone-destroying chlorine during an Antarctic winter. Measuring has taken place since 2005. Data showed that there was 20 percent less ozone depletion than a decade ago.

The ozone hole forms during Antarctica's winter, which is why researchers measure trace gases over the continent at this time, using an instrument on the Aura satellite known as the Microwave Limb Sounder.

Researchers have concluded that this ozone recovery is linked to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The protocol, signed in 1987 after the Antarctic ozone hole was discovered, eventually laid down a complete ban on chlorine-containing man-made chemicals known as chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, according to the Kenya-based The Ozone Secretariat at the United Nations Environment Programme.

"We see very clearly that chlorine from CFCs is going down in the ozone hole, and that less ozone depletion is occurring because of it," Susan Strahan, an atmospheric scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, said in a Thursday news release.

The ozone protects the planet by absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation than can cause health problems such as skin cancer, and can damage plant life.

Scientists anticipate that the ozone hole will continue to recover as CFCs leave the atmosphere, but full recovery will take decades.

Alex Stuckey covers NASA and the environment for the Houston Chronicle. You can reach her at alex.stuckey@chron.com or Twitter.com/alexdstuckey.
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The level of atmosphere that sits directly between Earth and space is home to astronauts who live on the International Space Station for months at a time, satellites that provide information to navigation systems and radio signals that help guide airplanes and ships.

But little is known about this boundary zone, called the ionosphere, which begins about 60 miles above Earth.

NASA plans to change that later this month.

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The Global-scale Observations of the Limb and Disk (GOLD) instrument is expected to launch Jan. 25. It will be sent about 22,000 miles above Earth to collect data about what causes changes in the ionosphere -- whether it be the Sun, the Earth's magnetic field or its lower atmosphere -- because these changes can impact astronauts on the space station and communications here on Earth, scientists said Thursday during a news conference at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland. The mission is led by the University of Central Florida.

Learning more about this boundary area is important, NASA's website states, to better "protect astronauts, spacecraft and humans on the ground."

Scientists know, for example, that charged gas bubbles in this area can interfere with radio communications. GOLD will study these disruptions, commonly seen over the equator and tropics.

The ionosphere sits directly above the Earth's ozone layer. Sarah Jones, Goddard's GOLD mission scientist, said researchers now believe that both Earth and space weather force changes in this level of atmosphere.

Researchers currently suspect that certain types of weather, such as tropical cyclones and hurricanes, impact the ionosphere more than others. Data from GOLD, and another mission set to launch later this year, will help answer those questions.

That other mission, Ionospheric Connection Explorer, or ICON, will be launched to a much lower location -- about 350 miles above Earth -- and collect data on the effects of shifts in neutral winds, pressure gradients and solar activity on the ionosphere.

GOLD specializes in bigger picture snapshots of the zone, while ICON captures up close details. The missions' overlap will allow researchers to more easily identify the causes of changes.

Alex Stuckey covers NASA and the environment for the Houston Chronicle. You can reach her at alex.stuckey@chron.com and Twitter.com/alexdstuckey.
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It's a mystery that a Rice University historian and online commenters can't seem to figure out: Where was this photo of Houston taken around 1915?

Melissa Kean, historian at Rice University, posted a photo from Elmer Shutts' scrapbook from Rice's archives on the Rice History Corner blog on Wednesday. Though the post is titled "City of Houston from Rice, c1914-15," Kean told Chron.com that the photo probably wasn't taken from Rice.

PRAISE FOR RICE: Rice University is among the best-value colleges for 2018, according to Kiplinger

"Whoever labeled the picture was wrong!" Kean said. "On close inspection, there's no way that shot was taken from the top of Lovett Hall."

Now Playing: This father and his kid went to Discovery Green Park in Houston, Texas to fly his drone. As the drone ascended into the air, it captured aerial shots of the city rooftops and of the park. Video: Jukin

Kean posted the photo on her Facebook page, pushing online sleuths to guess where the photo was taken.

I found this recently in a scrapbook that was kept by Elmer Shutts '16: It looks great but unfortunately things have... Posted by Melissa Kean on Wednesday, January 3, 2018

The biggest guess so far is that Shutts meant the Rice Hotel.

"Could 'Rice' have meant Rice Hotel. Nothing in the photo remotely looks like the area around the university," commented Philip Walters.

"I'm thinking Rice Hotel, too, in part because what appears to be a bayou winding through the right 1/3 of the image," commented Rachel D Vor. "Most of downtown Houston was residential at that time."

BEAUTIFUL: Brand new Rice University building gets recognized for its stunning design

In a follow up post written on Thursday, Kean notes that some of the sentences on Shutts' photos are more faded than others, indicating that he may have mislabeled his photos as he got older.

"This makes me suspect that the older Shutts just didnt look all that closely or didnt remember accurately where hed taken that photo," Kean wrote.

So what do you think, Chron.com readers? Where was this photo taken?

Scroll through the gallery above to see more historic photos of the areas around Rice and West universities.

Will Axford is a digital reporter for Chron.com. Read more of his stories here and follow him on Twitter.
Efforts to curb Texas' disturbingly high rate of pregnancy-related deaths are being undermined by data so bad it's difficult to construct an effective prevention program, according to a new study.

The study, conducted by the team that a year ago reported a nearly doubling of such deaths in Texas since 2011, draws a direct link between the lack of quality data and women dying during pregnancy, in childbirth or the 42 days thereafter. It said Texas' death rate is not as high as previously found but still worse than other states.

"Texas' high maternal mortality rates and substantial data problems identified in the study constitute an urgent call for action," said Marian MacDorman, a professor at the University of Maryland Population Research Center and the study's lead author. "If accurate data is not available, prevention efforts are scattered and unfocused and more women die."

MacDorman said that while the dual problem is most concerning in Texas, it is a nationwide issue.

The study, published online Friday by the journal Birth, gave no new overall numbers for the magnitude of Texas' problem because it determined some deaths recorded as pregnancy related weren't actually related to the pregnancy. But MacDorman noted that the rate increased 36 percent from 2006-2011 to 2011-2015 in women under 40, the group least likely to have their data overreported. She called that a "very significant spike."

Overreporting occurs because of Vital Statistics coding that records deaths as pregnancy related - regardless of what is written on a death certificate as the cause of death - if a box is checked that the death occurred during pregnancy or the postpartum period. MacDorman wrote in a commentary accompanying the study that if "sunburn is written as the cause of death and if the pregnancy or postpartum checkbox is checked, it is coded as a maternal death."

MacDorman added the problem is easily fixed if the political will is there.

Her commentary noted that Dr. William Callaghan, leader of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's maternal and infant health branch, recently assessed "the difficulty of collecting accurate maternal mortality data as about a 3 on a scale of 1 (easy) to 10 (hard)."

Dr. Lisa Hollier, chair of a Texas task force researching the problem and working on a plan to reduce the numbers, said the University of Maryland study shows why there is "such a national push for state-based maternal mortality reviews."

"We agree that Vital Statistics data alone both over- and under-identifies maternal deaths," said Hollier, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital. "Detailed case reviews are necessary for a better understanding of the issue, which is what our task force is doing."

MacDorman said her study didn't find much underreporting. Hollier said the task force's review of Texas records found more overreporting but also underreporting.

MacDorman said the task force is very close to producing a report providing numbers and causes of Texas' 2012 pregnancy-related deaths, then will proceed to subsequent years. It produced a 2016 report that found black women by far bear the greatest risk of such death, and that heart conditions, overdoses by legal or illegal drugs, and high blood pressure during pregnancy were the leading causes.

Hollier noted that bills passed by the 2017 Legislature provided funding that should improve the data collection system. It includes a verification process in which a pop-up on the doctor or medical examiner's computer screen appears to ask if they really meant to check a pregnancy-related death box. Hollier said the task force's review found evidence of occasional such human error.

MacDorman's team undertook the new study to learn more about what's occurring in Texas, whose high death rate in the 2016 study became a national story. The study, based on Vital Statistics data, found an 87 percent jump in Texas' pregnancy-related deaths from 2006-2011 to 2011-2015, MacDorman said at the time the team didn't expect the increase and couldn't explain it.

She said she was surprised at "just how bad the data was" after completing the new review. She noted that Texas' death rates for women 40 and over who'd recently delivered were 36 times higher than they were for women 25 to 29 years old, "a pretty clear indication something's wrong." In some other countries, MacDorman said, the 40 and over rate is three to four times higher.

Reducing pregnancy-related deaths has been a top international goal since 1990,the study noted. Following a United Nations program to reduce the numbers, maternal mortality decreased by 44 percent worldwide from 1990 to 2015, including a 45 percent decline among developed nations. Meanwhile, U.S. numbers have increased.

"People have suggested that's because the U.S. numbers were so low to begin with, but that's poppycock," said MacDorman. "In 2014, there were 3.9 maternal mortality deaths per 100,000 births in the U.K., 3.5 in France and 3.2 in Sweden. There were 23.8 in the U.S. and 34.2 in Texas."
Rodney Lyle Roberts, a software consultant, was sentenced on Tuesday to 18 months in federal prison for preparing false tax returns, according to the U.S. attorney's office for the western district of Texas.



U.S. District Judge David A. Ezra ordered Roberts to pay $143,590 restitution to the Internal Revenue Service and be placed under supervised release for a one-year period upon completion of his prison term.



A federal jury on Oct. 4 found Roberts guilty of four counts of making false tax returns. The case against Roberts was conducted by the IRS' criminal investigations unit and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney General Gregory J. Surovic.



Roberts, who worked as a software consultant in the San Antonio area, prepared false and fraudulent income tax returns by failing to report his income for tax years 2010 through 2013, according to court records, the press release stated. He said he had zero income during that tax period when he actually had more than $380,000 in income.



Judge Ezra ordered Roberts, who is currently out on bond, to report to federal authorities on or before Feb. 6, to begin his prison sentence.
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Why Apple, Aspect Are Keen on India

We spend a lot of time here in the U.S. talking about digital transformation. But something truly transformational has happened in India. And smart companies like Apple and Aspect Software seem to understand that, and they are positioning to move on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Indias adoption of new technology has enabled it to bring every single person in this heavily populated country into a new system that removes the barriers to getting proper documentation. That has allowed more people in India  where before 2009 nearly half of the population lacked proper identification  to get insurance, open bank accounts, purchase cell phones, and much more. And that has greatly expanded new opportunities for both individuals and businesses in India.

For example:

 Within three years more than 270 million bank accounts were opened and $10 billion in deposits were made.

 Aadhaar accounts enabled people to instantly open mobile phone accounts.

 The government of India invited leaders from Google, Microsoft, and other tech leaders to develop Aadhaar-compliant devices.

 And a year ago in December, the Indian government launched a digital payments platform called Bharat Interface for Money, which employs the Unified Payments Interface.

All those villagers without birth certificates, [and] farmers who could never get insurance because they had no certificates and no proof of anything, now suddenly come into the system, explains Raoul Pal of research publication Global Macro Investor. They get bank accounts which means they get subsidies.

They can purchase and use mobile phones, which they can use to make transactions. And a new stored and encrypted documentation technology called India Stack keep everyones proof of identity, bank statements, and bills in an online repository.

That means you can go into a bank and you can open a bank account with your

fingerprint, explains Pal, who said this biometric effort in India is known as the Aadhaar project. They just pass electronically and know your client details instantaneously. That takes all the friction out of everything.

This helps explain why Apple CEO Tim Cook recently noted that India is among its top priorities.

I am very bullish on India because of its people, its culture and the leadership, Cook told The Hindu media outlet in an interview late in the summer. I love the culture and warmth of people. Every time I meet Prime Minister Modi and listen to him and then see his actions, including GST, I see bold things that I dont see in any other place. I am super impressed and optimistic. So what we are doing in India is to ramp up. We just got started on local production of iPhones and its very successful so far. I am extremely happy and its ramping up nicely. We want to continue to ramp up the production which means more volumes and more products for us.

Aspect Software is another company that is investing a lot of resources on India. The company sells business intelligence, telephony, and workforce management solutions.

Edited by Mandi Nowitz
Fundatia de Binefacere Caritas Moldova solicita oferte de pret de la companii cu privire la dezvoltarea designului pentru Sala Events & Sufragerie
AKRON, Ohio -- A Medina man who was shot in the head while his friends drank and played with guns in Akron has died, officials said.

Noah Pettit, 20, was shot late Tuesday at a home on East Exchange Street near Fountain Street, police said.

He died the next day at Summa Akron City Hospital, the Summit County Medical Examiner's Office said.

An Akron Police Department spokesman could not immediately be reached for comment on whether the man accused of shooting Pettit will face additional charges.

Dominic Radesic, 19, of Medina, is currently charged with felonious assault, tampering with evidence, obstructing official business and having weapons under disability in the shooting.

Radesic is in custody at the Summit County Jail, records show.

Detectives learned that the seven men drank and aimed guns at each other, a report says. The friends were also put the guns in their own mouths.

Radesic pulled the trigger while aiming a gun at Pettit's head, police said.

Detectives seized two handguns from the home, police said.

Radesic left the home before detectives arrived. He was arrested later at his home in Medina, police said.

Detectives also arrested a Medina man who is accused of interfering with the investigation.

Rick S. Oberacker, 24, is accused of grabbing a detective's voice recorder during the investigation and screaming into the device, police said. Oberacker is charged with misconduct at an emergency in the incident, police said.

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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Two armed men robbed three Collinwood businesses in a one-hour span Tuesday evening, police reports say.

No arrests have been made in the case, but police reports indicate that the robberies could be connected because of the similar description of the suspects, the time and where they took place.

The first robbery happened about 7:40 p.m. Tuesday at Georgio's Pizza on Lakeshore Boulevard near East 159th Street.

A man walked into the business, pulled a gun on the 33-year-old employee and demanded cash, police reports say. The business has bulletproof glass that separates customers from employees, so the employee walked to the back of the store and called 911.

The robber left without taking anything.

The two robbers showed up at the Subway restaurant less than a block away on Lakeshore about five minutes later, police reports say.

One guarded the door while the other put a gun on the counter and demanded a 25-year-old employee open the cash register. She complied and the robber took about $30 out of the drawer, police reports say.

The robber demanded cash from the store's safe several times, but the employee told him repeatedly that they did not have one, according to police reports. The robber yelled at the employee before both men ran out of the store, police reports say.

The robbers about 8:30 p.m. walked into Mr. Hero's restaurant on East 152nd Street and Waterloo Road, about a mile south of the other two robberies, police reports say.

One man pointed a gun at the 30-year-old employee and told her to open the cash register, police reports say. The employee told the store owner what was happening and the owner told her to comply with the robbers' demands, police reports say.

The robbers demanded money from the safe. They also took cash from the register, police reports say. In all, they took $1,372 cash before running from the store, according to police.

The owner told police that she believes the same duo robbed her store about two weeks ago.

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United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit. John D. KING, Plaintiff-Appellant, v. UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT, Defendant-Appellee. No. 15-12031 Decided: January 03, 2018

Before WILLIAM PRYOR, JILL PRYOR and ANDERSON, Circuit Judges. John D. King, Pro Se. Colin P. McDonell, Linda Julin McNamara, Arthur Lee Bentley, III, U.S. Attorney's Office, Tampa, FL, Bradley M. Bole, U.S. Attorney's Office, Orlando, FL, for DefendantAppellee.

This appeal requires us to decide whether a provision of the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C.  3730, waives the sovereign immunity of the United States. In 2008, John King filed a qui tam action under the Act that the district court dismissed because King committed discovery violations. In 2014, King filed a complaint for money damages against the United States on the ground that the government had secretly settled the violations he identified in his original action. The district court dismissed his complaint as barred by sovereign immunity. We affirm.

I. BACKGROUND

In 2008, King filed a qui tam action as a relator on behalf of the United States. In that action, King alleged that several defendant corporations violated the False Claims Act. The government did not intervene. Later, the district court dismissed the action with prejudice because of King's discovery violations. And we summarily affirmed this dismissal.

After his qui tam action was dismissed, King filed this suit against the United States. He alleges that the government conducted an investigation of the fraud he identified and covertly settled with the defendants in his qui tam action before its dismissal. King seeks a share of an alleged settlement of more than $7.5 million paid to the government. He argues that this allegedly covert settlement violated his rights under section 3730(c)(5) of the False Claims Act, which provides that, when the government purses an alternate remedy, the person initiating the action shall have the same rights in such proceeding as such person would have had if the action had continued under this section. 31 U.S.C.  3730(c)(5). The government responds that it filed a declaration in King's original qui tam action to explain that the government had investigated the allegations in King's complaint and that, after the investigation, it invoked its contractual rights with the defendants in the qui tam action and settled for the amount of the costs that the United States had incurred in its investigation.

The district court dismissed King's complaint as barred by sovereign immunity. It concluded that King's argument that the government waived its immunity relied only on sections 3730(c)(5) and (d)(1) and that neither section contains an express waiver of sovereign immunity.

II. STANDARD OF REVIEW

We review de novo the district court's dismissal of a complaint for sovereign immunity. Contour Spa at the Hard Rock, Inc. v. Seminole Tribe of Fla., 692 F.3d 1200, 1203 (11th Cir. 2012) (italics added) (quoting Sanderlin v. Seminole Tribe of Fla., 243 F.3d 1282, 1285 (11th Cir. 2001)). [W]e take as true the facts as alleged in [the] complaint  Id. at 1201. And we read briefs filed by pro se litigants liberally  Timson v. Sampson, 518 F.3d 870, 874 (11th Cir. 2008).

III. DISCUSSION

King wants to sue a different kind of king, but we are heirs to a system in which the sovereign, the king, was not amenable to suit. Antonin Scalia & Bryan A. Garner, Reading Law: The Interpretation of Legal Texts 281 (2012). Absent a waiver, sovereign immunity shields the Federal Government and its agencies from suit. Fed. Deposit Ins. Corp. v. Meyer, 510 U.S. 471, 475, 114 S.Ct. 996, 1000, 127 L.Ed.2d 308 (1994). Waivers of the Government's sovereign immunity, to be effective, must be unequivocally expressed. United States v. Nordic Village, Inc., 503 U.S. 30, 33, 112 S.Ct. 1011, 1014, 117 L.Ed.2d 181 (1992) (internal quotation marks omitted); see also City of Jacksonville v. Dep't of Navy, 348 F.3d 1307, 1314 (11th Cir. 2003). In other words, a waiver of sovereign immunity cannot be implied. Franconia Assocs. v. United States, 536 U.S. 129, 141, 122 S.Ct. 1993, 2001, 153 L.Ed.2d 132 (2002) (internal quotation marks omitted); see also Scalia & Garner, supra, at 281 (A statute does not waive sovereign immunity  unless that disposition is unequivocally clear.).

Section 3730, which addresses [c]ivil actions for false claims, provides no express waiver of the sovereign immunity of the United States for a collateral attack on a settlement between the government and a qui tam defendant. 31 U.S.C.  3730. King's complaint alleged a violation of section 3730(c)(5). But that provision, known as the alternate remedies clause, enables the government to elect to purse an alternate remedy, notwithstanding the earlier filing of a relator's suit about the same claim. And it provides the relator the same rights in that alternate proceeding as the relator would have had in the original suit. 31 U.S.C.  3730(c)(5). This section does not permit a relator to sue the government for money damages after his qui tam suit has been dismissed due to his own discovery violations and after the government has successfully obtained an alternate remedy. Likewise, section 3730(d) specifies when a court shall award a relator a portion of the proceeds of the action or settlement of the claim and an amount for reasonable expenses, attorneys' fees[,] and costs  against the defendant. 31 U.S.C.  3730(d). That section says nothing about a complaint filed against the government by a relator whose qui tam action was dismissed for a discovery violation after the government obtained a settlement. It does not expressly waive sovereign immunity from that kind of collateral attack.

IV. CONCLUSION

We AFFIRM the dismissal of King's complaint.

WILLIAM PRYOR, Circuit Judge:
YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO -- What was going to be a tearful farewell party for a Youngstown business scheduled to be deported Sunday, will be a celebration now that immigration officials decided Thursday afternoon to let him stay.

Amer Othman Adi said he received a call from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement official who said, "You're not going anywhere Sunday."

"I thought it was someone playing with me," said the 57-year-old owner of the Downtown Circle Convenience store in Youngstown. "I could not believe it. I am so happy."

Adi has already sold his house and asked his sister-in-law to run his businesses as he and his wife, Fidaa, prepared to leave the country on Sunday to move to Amman, Jordan. They had planned a farewell party for Saturday night at the Youngstown Arab Community Center, which he said will now be a massive celebration.

Niles-area Democratic U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, who successfully blocked Adi's deportation in 2013 and tried again this year, was among the first to call to congratulate Adi.

"I am pleased to announce that our friend Amer's deportation has been postponed," Ryan said in a statement. "We will continue to fight for Amer to stay in Youngstown -- his home. Today is a big day."

Adi's attorney, David Leopold, said the "stay" issued by ICE does not mean that the fight is over, but is a definite step in the right direction.

"I'm gratified they are taking a close look at the case," he said. "The guy is an asset to the community. There was a tremendous outpouring of support from all over, including the Youngstown mayor and a congressman. This speaks volumes."

Leopold said he is happy that the deportation was at least temporarily halted, something that has rarely occurred since Donald Trump was elected president and a crackdown on undocumented immigrants began.

Adi has operated numerous businesses in downtown Youngstown for more than 30 years, employing hundreds of people. Youngstown Mayor Tito Brown called Adi's opening the Downtown Circle Convenience store "the catalyst" that sparked a renaissance in the blighted downtown 10 years ago.

ICE told Adi in September that he had three months to get his affairs in order and buy a one-way ticket back to the Middle East.

According to an ICE official, Adi's case had "undergone exhaustive judicial review at multiple levels of the nation's courts, including before the immigration courts, federal appeals courts and U.S.district court. In each review the courts have uniformly held that (Adi) does not have a legal basis to remain in the U.S."

ICE declined to comment on today's news beyond stating, the deportation was "t

emporarily postponed while ICE finalizes removal arrangements

."

Adi came to the United States in 1979 on a visa and later married an American citizen. Based on that marriage, he was given a "green card," which allowed him to stay in the United States.They were divorced less than a year later.

After the divorce he moved to Youngstown where he started several businesses, including two gas stations. He and his second wife, Fidaa Musleh, moved to Brazil for three years and when they returned to the United States, his green card was taken from him because he had been out of the country for too long.

Musleh tried to sponsor her husband for a new "green card," but was denied because immigration officials said his first marriage was "a sham." His first wife initially signed an affidavit to that effect, but then later signed a second affidavit confirming that the marriage was legitimate and said she was pressured by agents to say it was a sham.

Leopold contends his first marriage was valid and noted that Adi never had a chance in court to prove it.

"The decision that the marriage was a sham was made by a low-level ICE functionary," Leopold said. "Adi never had the chance to fight it."

ICE ordered Adi deported in 2007, but suspended the order while Adi fought the decision. In 2013, Ryan stopped the deportation by drafting a "private bill" in the U.S. House of Representatives.

"The private bill is a longstanding agreement that says a deportation can be stayed until it can be fully resolved, if a member of the house asks for it," Ryan said previously. "We filed the bill every year since because Adi's contribution to Youngstown has been amazing. He never committed a crime, ran businesses, paid taxes, sent children to Catholic schools and was a big part of the downtown renaissance. And this is the thanks he gets."

Ryan said this year the Department of Homeland Security and ICE has declared that they will no longer honor the "private bill."

Adi estimates that he has employed hundreds of people in his businesses, which includes two gas stations, an IGA market, a car dealership and others. He said he currently employs about 60 people.
ELYRIA, Ohio -- A Lorain man was sentenced to two years in prison for the death of a woman who body was dumped along an Elyria road while she was overdosing.

Gregory Ralston, 27, was sentenced Wednesday in Lorain County Common Pleas Court Judge Christopher Rothgery's courtroom.

Ralston pleaded guilty in December to corrupting another with drugs, reckless homicide, tampering with evidence and two counts of trafficking in drugs in the April 12 death of Naomi Caulfield, court records show.

Ralston's co-defendant, Anthony Barker, 24, pleaded guilty in July to reckless homicide and tampering with evidence and was sentenced to a year in prison.

Barker and Ralston did not get medical attention for Caulfield after she suffered a drug overdose at a home on Raleigh Drive near Fox Chase Drive, investigators said.

The two men put her in a 2009 Ford Escape and dumped her body along Fowl Road near Albrecht Road, police said.

Ralston gave her the drugs she used prior to the overdose, police said.

They ditched her shoes and sweatshirt which were left in the car after they dumped her body.

An Elyria woman found Caulfield's body the next day while walking her dog.

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OBERLIN, Ohio - When Oberlin College President Carmen Twillie Ambar arrived on campus last September she was met with a warm welcome and numerous challenges.

The nationally-recognized private liberal arts college faces enrollment and budget problems that have led to an extensive evaluation of its resources and programs.

"There are challenging things to do," Ambar said in a recent interview. "My little joke about this is that there is always a sunrise on a college campus but never a sunset. It is much more difficult to think about what we can no longer do."

Ambar said everyone on campus has to be an institutionalist, placing an emphasis on the college at the expense of individuals.

"We have to think about what is best for Oberlin," she said. "I have no doubt that the Oberlin community is up to the challenge. I came here because of the resiliency and commitment to social justice and action."

Oberlin faced a $5 million deficit last year after the incoming class was smaller than expected. Undergraduate fall enrollment was 2,827, according to the college. That was a decline from 2,895 in 2016 and the lowest enrollment since 2,762 in 2007. Enrollment this fall is expected to be similar to 2017, Ambar said.

The financial issues are not new. In 2016, the college offered buyouts to faculty and staff, which was expected to save about $3 million a year.

Annual tuition and fees are $53,510. Oberlin meets the full demonstrated financial need of every student and commits more than $59 million annually to provide grant aid, the college said.

Chris Canavan, chair of the board of trustees, wrote in a letter to the college community in October that Oberlin needs to rely less on endowment funds to cover operating costs and needs to widen the college's appeal to high school students.

He wrote that the board asked Ambar and the administration to "find ways to reduce spending in the short run so that we have breathing room to develop sound long-term strategies for raising and spending and raising money more efficiently."

Ambar said her nine years as president of Cedar Crest College, a private, liberal arts women's college in Allentown, Pa., prepared her for Oberlin and likely made her an attractive candidate.

While at Cedar Crest, she oversaw enrollment growth, the launch of 18 academic programs, multi-million dollar surpluses and a 35 percent growth in net assets, the college said. The college's endowment increased by almost 92 percent.

Following are Ambar's responses to a series of questions on her tenure thus far.

What three words describe your first months?

"Exhilarating, challenging and welcoming."

What do you enjoy most about being president?

"It is always the interaction with students."

She said she enjoys the far-ranging conversations with young people who are on the beginning of their journey.

"One of the things I had the most fun doing was conducting the orchestra at the conservatory. I had a blast."

She has hosted more than 40 events in her home with students, faculty and staff. She visits classes and has asked students to take her on a tour of the city and campus.

She controls her Twitter account and has begun using Instagram.

What do you enjoy least?

"I think every institution has its own particular challenges. But it is the thing I do well. How do you take a complex challenge, break it down to its appropriate pieces and find the answer to the way forward? Within that process there are missteps and things you don't know yet. What I least like about the experience are the things you don't know that you need to know to get the answers you need."

She knew about Oberlin's national profile, but was somewhat surprised at how local issues, such as the lawsuit filed by a local bakery alleging the college accused it of discrimination, become national news.

"On most college campuses you have meetings and discussions to work through the exciting and challenging things. Because of the attention Oberlin garners nationally, really local issues become those that others pay attention to. Sometimes you get a call and you think 'Really?' There are great things about having a national and international reputation, but it is challenging too. It makes sense for alumni to call in and weigh in, but people unconnected in any way who weigh in is surprising to me."

How are you and your husband coping with being in different cities?

When Ambar was president of Cedar Crest her husband, Saladin Malik Ambar, a political science professor, taught at nearby Lehigh University. He is currently an associate professor at Rutgers University in New Jersey.

"One of the things we agreed to is that it is tough for your spouse to be a faculty member where you are president."

The couple has 10-year-old triplets.

At some point, he may move into the area. They are managing, although she and the children miss him, she said. He drives home every Friday.

How do you propose to address the challenges at Oberlin?

"The challenges Oberlin is experiencing are industry challenges. Higher education is dealing with the changing landscape - just as health care did in the last 25 years. There is a declining number of high school students nationally and questions about the value of liberal arts.

"Oberlin has been a bellwether institution. So goes Oberlin - so goes higher education. We need to rethink the financial model and rethink (the model of) small private liberal arts. I do not know if there is a better institution to demonstrate how to do it well."

Parents and students want to be assured that college is worth the investment, she said. Students who may have chosen Oberlin are being recruited by public colleges with honors programs.

"It takes time," she said about overcoming the challenges. "One of the things about this issue: It does not take one year to find yourself in a situation where expenditures outstrip revenues - it does not take you one year to get out of it."

How can Oberlin succeed?

"We will find our way through because we have the ability to do it because we have the resources (because of its healthy endowment) to have the time to do it in a thoughtful way. I think the first way forward is to focus on some short-term things to do to manage costs and expenditures."

Oberlin's endowment of $770 million was the 117th-largest endowment in the country in the 2016 fiscal year, according to Inside Higher Ed. The endowment had dropped sharply in market value, by 7.5 percent year over year, the report said.

There will be an academic and administrative review to determine what the college does well, what it should invest in and what resources will be reallocated from things the college does not do so well, she said.

Small liberal arts colleges have to be open to different types of students, she said, including adults and transfer students.

"We are ready to make the difficult decisions we need to make. We are ready to grow in interesting and exciting ways. It is not an exercise in cutting. imagine our next areas of growth and taking our resources and reallocating them in a way to move the college forward."
WASHINGTON - Champaign County GOP Rep. Jim Jordan on Thursday said Attorney General Jeff Sessions should leave office because he can't keep his Justice Department subordinates from blabbing to the media.

House Freedom Caucus leaders Jordan and North Carolina GOP Rep. Mark Meadows published an opinion piece in the Washington Examiner that says media reports on accusations of collusion between Russia and Donald Trump's presidential campaign that cite anonymous Justice Department sources show that Sessions "has no control at all of the premier law enforcement agency in the world."

The pair urged Sessions to stop violations. They concluded the piece by asking "When is the time for a new attorney general? Sadly, it seems the answer is now."

The Justice Department's press office did not respond to a request for comment on the pair's suggestion.

Thursday's salvo is part of Jordan's ongoing campaign to question the Federal Bureau of Investigation's handling of multiple matters.

In a television interview last month, Jordan accused the FBI and Justice Department of plotting to keep Trump from becoming president and said the House Judiciary Committee is preparing to subpoena several of their officials who may have tried to discredit Trump.

Along with other conservative members of Congress, Jordan has also questioned the FBI's investigation into Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server during her term as Secretary of State, and ties between a Justice Department official and a dossier on Trump's alleged ties to Russia that was partly paid for as opposition research by Clinton's presidential campaign.

He also says there's "no evidence of any collusion between the Trump campaign and the Russians" despite "constant headlines" and "rampant speculation" that's overshadowed Trump administration accomplishments such as last month's tax overhaul, the stock market's rise, and the decline of the Islamic State in the Middle East.

Jordan's Thursday column attacked a New York Times article that suggested the FBI began investigating Trump's campaign after one of its volunteers - George Papadoupolos - told an Australian diplomat the Russian government had stolen emails it intended to use to embarrass Hillary Clinton weeks before the emails were made public. Papadopoulos subsequently pleaded guilty to lying to federal investigators about his contacts with Russians.

The column called the article "far-fetched and ill-supported," and questioned the motivation of FBI and Justice Department officials who illegally leaked information to reporters.

"The alarming number of FBI agents and DOJ officials sharing information with reporters is in clear violation of the investigative standards that Americans expect and should demand," the column said.
WASHINGTON - Sixty-one-year-old Portage County resident Larry Harmon showed up to vote in 2015 only learn his registration was canceled.

Harmon hadn't cast a ballot since the 2008 presidential election because he saw abstention as a way to express his dismay with politics. But the Navy veteran who works as a computer consultant didn't realize infrequent voting would trigger Ohio's process to remove him from the voting rolls. And he wasn't happy.

Harmon complained to Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted's office. Eventually, he joined a legal challenge that contends Ohio's method of purging inactive voters amounts to voter suppression and unfairly targets vulnerable groups, such as low-income and minority voters.

The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on the legality of Ohio's process after hearing arguments from both sides on Jan. 10. A federal court rejected Ohio's vote culling procedures in 2016, and Husted appealed. While the case worked its way through the courts, an injunction let more than 7,500 voters cast 2016 presidential ballots that would otherwise have been disqualified under Ohio's system.

The process at issue is triggered by not voting during a two-year period. Registration is canceled if the voter does not cast a ballot during the next four years or update his or her address. Repeated notices are sent to voters whose registration has been flagged.

Critics say voters often mistake those notices for junk mail, and 80 percent ignore them. They say many infrequent voters have problems making it to the polls, and Ohio's purge process puts another hurdle in place to disenfranchise them. They say that like Harmon, many voters first learn their registration has been canceled when they show up to vote and are turned away.

"Countless Ohioans have been denied their right to vote as a result of these purges," said Stuart Naifeh, an attorney for Demos, which is among the organizations challenging Ohio's law.

Husted argues the current process ensures accurate, up-to-date voter rolls. He says his efforts removed nearly 560,000 dead people from the rolls and resolved the cases of more than 1.65 million Ohio voters with multiple registrations. Proper voter roll maintenance means that fewer Ohioans have trouble casting ballots, and more ballots are counted, Husted says.

Husted, a Republican, says Ohio's procedure has been in place for more than two decades, and was administered the same way by both Republican and Democratic secretaries of state.

"This case is about maintaining the integrity of our elections, something that will be harder to do if elections officials are not able to properly maintain the voter rolls," said a statement from Husted.

Naifeh acknowledged Ohio's practices have gone on for decades. He says the lawsuit was spurred by particularly aggressive purging in 2015. Ohio had record voter turnout in 2008, when Barack Obama was first elected president, and many voters who registered to vote in that election were purged in 2015. Naifeh said Ohio also eliminated same-day registration for early voting in 2014, which made the process more harmful by removing an opportunity that voters had to correct erroneous removals and vote.

He says it would be more fair for Ohio to clean up its voter rolls by using other indicators that someone has moved, such as returned mail, or changed drivers license information.

Dale Ho, who heads the American Civil Liberties Union's Voting Rights Project, says that Georgia, Montana, Oregon, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Oklahoma also have a voter list culling process that's triggered by inactivity, but Ohio's two-year trigger is the shortest of any state. Because a large proportion of voters only vote in presidential years, he said they have to miss just one presidential election to be kicked off its rolls.

Andre Washington of the Ohio A. Philip Randolph Institute said the 2015 purge of infrequent voters removed approximately 40,000 individuals from the rolls in Cuyahoga County alone, and a "disproportionate number of those people came from low-income neighborhoods and communities of color."

Challengers of Ohio's procedure say it's illegal under the National Voting Registration Act of 1993, which forbids states from using voter inactivity to spark removal from the rolls. But Husted and his supporters including the Trump administration say the state's procedure complies with the law because it requires that voters fail to respond to a notice as well as fail to vote in repeated elections. When Obama was in office, the Justice Department supported the challengers.

The case was originally scheduled for November arguments, but the date was postponed when an attorney slated to argue the case became ill and her substitute needed more preparation time.

A decision upholding Ohio's law would pave the way for more aggressive vote purging efforts in Ohio and other states, while the law's elimination would "send a strong signal that the federal government and the National Voter Registration Act place important limits on what states can and can't do with their voter rolls," says Ho.

The case represents the latest skirmish in a nationwide partisan war over ballot access. Republicans say voter rolls need scrutiny to prevent fraud and promote ballot integrity, while Democrats insist the efforts are meant to reduce turnout from Democratic-leaning groups like racial minorities.

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump disbanded a Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity he assembled in May after claiming fraud was behind Hillary Clinton's 2.9 million popular vote edge in the 2016 presidential election, despite Trump's electoral college win.

In addition to winning the Electoral College in a landslide, I won the popular vote if you deduct the millions of people who voted illegally  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 27, 2016

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said Trump dissolved the advisory commission because many states refused to provide information it requested "despite substantial evidence of voter fraud." She said Trump ended it rather than engaging in "endless legal battles at taxpayer expense." The Department of Homeland Security will review the commission's findings, she said.

Groups like the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights called the commission a "sham" and applauded its end.

"This travesty of a commission was nothing more than a tactic of voter suppression and an unnecessary distraction from legitimate threats to our democracy," said a statement from League of Women Voters President Chris Carson. "It is now time for our leaders to focus on the the very real work of securing our elections against foreign interference, while making sure all eligible voters are free to exercise their right to vote."
LORAIN, Ohio -- A U.S. Marshals task force arrested a Lorain man who is charged with murder in a New Year's Day killing, police said.

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force arrested Marlon J. Johnson on Tuesday morning at a house on Lorain's east side. The 42-year-old man was taken into custody without incident just after 10 a.m., police said.

Johnson made his initial appearance Wednesday in Lorain Municipal Court, police said. Bond information was not immediately available.

He is scheduled to appear in court for a pretrial hearing Jan. 9, police said.

Detectives have not identified a motive for the killing of Todd Dais, 45, who was fatally shot early Monday at a home on West 22nd Street near Beech Avenue, police said.

Officers arrived just after 5:30 a.m. and saw several men running from the home, but no arrests were made at the time. Johnson was identified as a suspect because he was spotted driving away in a car, police said.

Dais was found in the basement with multiple gunshot wounds, police said.

Detectives are still trying to identify others who may have been involved in the killing, police said Wednesday afternoon.

Anyone with information about the homicide is asked to call the Lorain Police Department at 440-204-2100.

If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Wednesday's crime and courts comments section.
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio's fledgling medical marijuana program won't immediately be affected by a new federal marijuana enforcement policy announced Thursday by U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Ohio regulators are moving ahead with establishing the program, and state medical marijuana programs are still protected by a federal budget amendment preventing the Department of Justice from spending money on enforcement in those states.

But industry players and experts said the policy change will generate more confusion and uncertainty about whether it's legal to grow, sell and buy marijuana in Ohio and 28 other states while the drug remains illegal federally. And the move puts pressure on Congress to keep in place what's become a $16 billion industry, according to one industry researcher.

Sessions on Thursday rescinded the Cole memo, named for the deputy attorney general who authored the policy, and several other Obama-era policies that together allowed regulated marijuana industries and state regulators to operate under state law. The 2013 Cole memo, which followed a 2009 medical-only policy, directed prosecutors to focus on certain violations, such as selling marijuana to minors or trafficking marijuana across state lines, and leave alone state law-abiding businesses and individuals.

Sessions' new memo leaves enforcement to each district attorney. The Southern District of Ohio won't change its approach to marijuana and other drug crimes, U.S. Attorney Benjamin Glassman indicated in a statement issued Thursday night.

"Congress made marijuana illegal under the Controlled Substances Act. That was true under Deputy Attorney General Cole's 2013 memorandum on marijuana enforcement, and it's just as true under the attorney general's memorandum today," Glassman said.

Glassman said federal law enforcement continues to work with limited resources and is focused on prosecutions that have the biggest impact on public safety. Glassman cited efforts fighting the opioid and heroin epidemic and increase in cocaine and methamphetamine.

The U.S. attorney's office for Ohio's northern district did not respond to questions from cleveland.com on Thursday.

Sessions, a former GOP senator and opponent of marijuana legalization, has previously repealed past DOJ directives to give more leeway to local authorities to enforce federal law.

President Donald Trump said on the campaign trail that he supported medical marijuana and states' rights to legalize marijuana.

Policy change doesn't immediately stop Ohio's program

State regulators are nearing the end of a two-year process to set up Ohio's highly regulated medical marijuana program. The state awarded provisional licenses to 24 marijuana cultivators in November 2017 and licenses for marijuana processors, testing labs and dispensaries will be awarded in the coming months. State law requires the program to be fully operational by Sept. 8.

The Ohio Department of Commerce plans to move forward with setting up the program in accordance with state law, a spokeswoman said.

"Our responsibility is to fulfill all statutory mandates in establishing Ohio's medical marijuana program," spokeswoman Stephanie Gostomski said in a statement. "The department cannot speculate on any decisions made at the federal level, but our program officials will continue to monitor any developments."

Pressure on Congress to act

In addition to the Cole memo, Ohio and the other 28 medical marijuana programs are also protected from enforcement of federal marijuana laws because of a budget rider prohibiting use of federal dollars for such action.

But that rider, called the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment, expires Jan. 19, putting pressure on Congress to act immediately.

Thomas Rosenberger, executive director of the National Cannabis Industry Association of Ohio, called on Ohio's congressional delegation to help renew the amendment to "protect Ohio patients' access to legal medical marijuana."

Doug Berman, an Ohio State University law professor, expects the debate over the amendment will also include whether to extend it to recreational marijuana. Eight states have legalized recreational marijuana; sales began in California on Monday. A recreational measure could appear on Ohio's November ballot.

"One of the numerous reasons I've always thought Ohio and medical marijuana regimes are relatively safe is Congress has included in every spending bill language that says the DOJ can't use any resources to interfere with state medical marijuana programs, and that's been interpreted to mean you can't bring a prosecution," Berman said.

Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi released a statement Thursday urging renewal of the amendment and expanding it to states that have "decriminalized" marijuana.

Morgan Fox, spokesman for D.C.-based lobbying group Marijuana Policy Project, said Sessions' policy change highlights the need to remove marijuana from the most dangerous group of drugs within the federal Controlled Substances Act.

"This just shows that Sessions has a personal vendetta against marijuana and is out of touch with his own task force that looked at this issue, the president and the majority of American people who support legalization," Fox said.

More confusion and uncertainty

Sessions' decision was a win for anti-legalization groups and critics who say legalization has led to more drugged driving incidents and illegal drug trafficking.

"There is no more safe haven with regard to the federal government and marijuana, but it's also the beginning of the story and not the end," Kevin Sabet, president and CEO of Smart Approaches to Marijuana, told the Associated Press.

Sabet was among several anti-marijuana advocates who met with Sessions last month. Sabet said without the federal protection of the Cole memo, investments in the industry will dry up.

Northeast Ohio attorney Tom Haren said he and his clients -- a cultivator licensee and others who have applied for Ohio marijuana business licenses -- are carefully watching to see what effect, if any, the policy change has.

Legalization supporters said it's too late to dismantle an industry that thrived before the Cole memo.

"This industry generates about $6 billion in annual retail sales, is the lifeblood of several hundred thousand workers, consists of tens of thousands of responsible companies, filters hundreds of millions of dollars annually into state coffers, and has the support of the majority of the U.S. population," Chris Walsh, editor of trade publication Marijuana Business Daily, said in a statement. "It will fight back."

Mobile readers, click here to read the memo.
United States Court of Appeals, Second Circuit. UNITED STATES of America, Appellee, v. Naquan REYES, Defendant-Appellant. No. 16-2936-cr Decided: January 02, 2018

PRESENT: Ralph K. Winter, Gerard E. Lynch, Christopher F. Droney, Circuit Judges. FOR DEFENDANT-APPELLANT: Amy Adelson (Daniela Elliott, of counsel), New York, NY. FOR APPELLEE: Elizabeth Geddes, Assistant United States Attorney (Emily Berger, Assistant United States Attorney, of counsel), for Bridget M. Rohde, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Brooklyn, NY.

SUMMARY ORDER

Defendant-Appellant Naquan Reyes appeals from the district courts judgment sentencing him to life imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of obstruction of justice murder in the second degree. Specifically, from 2008 until his arrest in 2014, Reyes was a leader and recruiter in a bank fraud conspiracy in which he, as a teller at several retail banks in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan, New York, created counterfeit checks, paid other individuals to deposit those checks into their accounts, and instructed those individuals to then immediately withdraw the funds before the fraud was detected.

Nicole Thompson, one of the individuals recruited by Reyes to participate in the fraudulent scheme, was arrested in July 2010. Thompson began to cooperate with authorities and identified Reyes as the person who provided her with the counterfeit checks. Shortly thereafter, Thompson received threatening text messages from Reyes concerning her cooperation, and just days later, she was murdered by strangulation in Brooklyn. Authorities discovered her body in a dumpster in Landover, Maryland.

In pleading guilty, Reyes admitted that he and his coconspirators paid an individual to murder Thompson in order to prevent her from cooperating in the investigation of the bank fraud scheme, and Reyes also acknowledged that he transported Thompsons body from New York and disposed of it in Maryland. Reyes maintained, however, that he did not personally murder Thompson and that he was not present when she was killed. But during a recorded conversation with a confidential source (CS) in February 2014, Reyes made several incriminating statements concerning Thompsons murder. For example, in response to a question from the CS as to why Reyes did not have a lookout do it, Reyes stated [t]hey want[ed] to, but it was too sloppy. I just did it myself. I just felt it was personal. So I just did it. J.A. 201. Reyes also stated [unintelligible] do it again if my life was on the line. It was either me or her. Thats how  I look at it. J.A. 202.

During Reyess sentencing hearing, his counsel withdrew a previously raised objection to a two-level Guidelines enhancement for obstruction of justice under U.S.S.G.  3C1.1. Therefore, Reyess acceptance of responsibility under U.S.S.G.  3E1.1 remained the only outstanding issue under the Guidelines, and the district court listened to Reyess recorded conversation with the CS during the hearing to evaluate his history and characteristics  and whether or not hes credible in the statements that he has made to the [c]ourt and in [his] letter  to the [c]ourt. J.A. 219; see also J.A. 222. In response, Reyes elected to testify in order to explain certain statements that he made during the recorded conversation; among other things, he testified that he was not present when Thompson was murderedan issue that the Government declined to contest. Nevertheless, the district court found by a preponderance of the evidence that Reyes was present during Thompsons murder, and that he therefore committed perjury. As a result, the district court withheld one offense-level point for acceptance of responsibility under U.S.S.G.  3E1.1(b), despite the Governments position in Reyess plea agreement and during sentencing that a full three-level reduction was warranted. With the two-level enhancement for obstruction of justice and without the final one-level reduction for acceptance of responsibility, Reyess Guidelines range was life imprisonment, and the district court sentenced him accordingly.

On appeal, Reyes challenges the procedural and substantive reasonableness of his life sentence, and he also contends that his attorney rendered constitutionally ineffective assistance during sentencing by withdrawing his objection to the enhancement for obstruction of justice. We assume the parties familiarity with the remaining facts, the procedural history of the case, and the issues on appeal.

I. Procedural Reasonableness

Our review of criminal sentences includes both procedural and substantive components and amounts to review for abuse of discretion. United States v. McIntosh, 753 F.3d 388, 39394 (2d Cir. 2014) (per curiam) (internal quotation marks omitted). In reviewing a sentence, first we scrutinize whether the [d]istrict [c]ourt has committed significant procedural error, such as failing to calculate (or improperly calculating) the Guidelines range, treating the Guidelines as mandatory, failing to consider the  3553(a) factors, selecting a sentence based on clearly erroneous facts, or failing to adequately explain the chosen sentence. United States v. Bennett, 839 F.3d 153, 15859 (2d Cir. 2016) (alterations omitted).

Reyes contends that the district court committed two procedural errors in imposing his life sentence. First, he argues that the district court imposed an unwarranted two-level enhancement for obstruction of justice under U.S.S.G.  3C1.1. Second, he contends that the district court erroneously awarded him only a two-level reduction for acceptance of responsibility, rather than the full three-level reduction that the Government agreed he should receive under U.S.S.G.  3E1.1.

A. Enhancement for Obstruction of Justice

During sentencing, Reyes withdrew his objection to the two-level enhancement for obstruction of justice. Accordingly, we review this alleged procedural sentencing defect only for plain error. See United States v. Stevenson, 834 F.3d 80, 83 (2d Cir. 2016). Plain error review requires a defendant to demonstrate that (1) there was error, (2) the error was plain, (3) the error prejudicially affected his substantial rights, and (4) the error seriously affected the fairness, integrity or public reputation of judicial proceedings. United States v. Burden, 860 F.3d 45, 53 (2d Cir. 2017) (per curiam). Reyes asserts that the district court based the obstruction-of-justice enhancement on a clearly erroneous factual findingthat during a recorded phone call from prison, Reyes coerced his ex-girlfriend and eventual co-defendant Randie Tyson to lie to authorities about Thompsons murder. Specifically, Reyes contends that he never expressly asked Tyson to lie to authorities about Thompsons murder. The district courts factual findings at sentencing need be supported only by a preponderance of the evidence, and [t]o hold that a factual finding is clearly erroneous, we must be left with the definite and firm conviction that a mistake has been committed. United States v. Ulbricht, 858 F.3d 71, 124 (2d Cir. 2017) (internal quotation marks omitted). Reyess argument is unavailing under the plain error standard for two reasons.

First, based on the plain language of Reyess directions to Tyson during their recorded August 20, 2014 prison telephone call, it was permissible for the district court to conclude by a preponderance of the evidence that Reyes willfully impeded the investigation into Thompsons murder by encouraging Tyson to lie, or at the very least, providing her information that she had no reason to know with a goal of having her convey that information to authorities. See U.S.S.G.  3C1.1 cmt. n.4(A) (2015) (stating that covered conduct includes otherwise unlawfully influencing a co-defendant [or] witness  directly or indirectly, or attempting to do so). This finding is also supported by the reasonable inference that Reyes attempted to conceal from investigators his phone calls to Tyson by (i) using another inmates phone pin number to place one call and (ii) referring to Tyson as Tamika on another call. Although the district court did not make an explicit factual finding during sentencing concerning these callsbecause Reyes withdrew his objectionit accepted the PSRs factual findings (except for the section concerning acceptance of responsibility), including the reasonably detailed findings concerning the calls with Tyson. See United States v. Thompson, 808 F.3d 190, 195 (2d Cir. 2015) (per curiam) (noting that a district court may rely on the PSR to impose an obstruction-of-justice enhancement if the PSR sets forth reasonably detailed findings in support of its conclusions (internal quotation marks omitted)). Upon review of the PSRs detailed factual findings concerning the obstruction enhancement, which were adopted by the district court, we are not left with a definite and firm conviction that a mistake has been committed. Ulbricht, 858 F.3d at 124.

Second, even assuming arguendo that Reyess calls with Tyson did not support a finding necessary to apply the enhancement for obstruction of justice, Reyes cannot satisfy the third prong of plain error review because the enhancement applied due to another reason. The district court found that Reyes committed perjury while testifying during his sentencinga separate justification for the enhancementand for the reasons explained in Part I.B.1 infra, that finding is not clearly erroneous. See U.S.S.G.  3C1.1 cmt. n.4(B), (F) (2015); see also United States v. McLeod, 251 F.3d 78, 82 (2d Cir. 2001) (Among the circumstances for a two-level upward adjustment for obstruction of justice is committing perjury, or providing materially false information to a judge, during sentencing.).

Accordingly, we conclude that Reyess arguments are insufficient under plain error review to disturb the district courts application of a two-level enhancement for obstruction of justice under U.S.S.G.  3C1.1.

B. Reduction for Acceptance of Responsibility

Reyes argues that the district court committed two procedural errorsone factual and one legalin applying only a two-level reduction for acceptance of responsibility under U.S.S.G.  3E1.1. As to his factual argument, he contends that the district court relied on a clearly erroneous findingthat Reyes was present during Thompsons murder in concluding that he lied during his sentencing testimony and was therefore ineligible for a full three-level reduction. As to his legal argument, he contends that the district court had no authority to withhold the final one-level reduction under U.S.S.G.  3E1.1(b).

1. The District Courts Factual Finding

We conclude that the district court did not make a clearly erroneous factual finding (that Reyes was present during Thompsons murder) in concluding that Reyes lied during his sentencing testimony. Based solely on the self-incriminating statements Reyes made to the CS, at a time when he had no motive to lie, the district courts finding was a permissible view[ ] of the evidence, and therefore cannot be clearly erroneous. See Ulbricht, 858 F.3d at 124. We also identify no error in the district courts finding that Reyess explanation of these statements during sentencing was incredible. J.A. 245; see United States v. Delacruz, 862 F.3d 163, 176 (2d Cir. 2017) (The ability of the district judgewho has seen and heard the witnessto make credibility determinations is superior to that of the appellate court.).

2. The District Courts Authority under  3E1.1(b)

We acknowledge that [a] sentencing courts decision to grant or deny a  3E1.1 reduction depends, in large part, on that [c]ourts determination of the credibility of the defendant, and this determination should not be disturbed unless it is without foundation. United States v. Jeffers, 329 F.3d 94, 102 (2d Cir. 2003) (alterations, citations, and internal quotation marks omitted); accord United States v. Reyes, 9 F.3d 275, 280 (2d Cir. 1993) (noting that acceptance of responsibility is generally a factual question and that [w]ith the defendant before [it], the [district court] is unquestionably in a better position to assess contrition and candor than is an appellate court). Nevertheless, the district court committed a legal error in withholding a three-level reduction for acceptance of responsibility that warrants resentencing.

Section 3E1.1 of the Guidelines provides, in two subsections, up to a three-level reduction of a defendants combined offense level for acceptance of responsibility. United States v. Leung, 360 F.3d 62, 70 (2d Cir. 2004). The 2015 Guidelines manual, which controls Reyess appeal because he was sentenced in July 2016, provides:

(a) If the defendant clearly demonstrates acceptance of responsibility for his offense, decrease the offense level by 2 levels.

(b) If the defendant qualifies for a decrease under subsection (a), the offense level determined prior to the operation of subsection (a) is level 16 or greater, and upon motion of the government stating that the defendant has assisted authorities in the investigation or prosecution of his own misconduct by timely notifying authorities of his intention to enter a plea of guilty, thereby permitting the government to avoid preparing for trial and permitting the government and the court to allocate their resources efficiently, decrease the offense level by 1 additional level.

U.S.S.G.  3E1.1 (2015). As Reyes contends, subsection (b)in contrast to subsection (a)is not discretionary if its three requirements are satisfied. See Leung, 360 F.3d at 70. In other words, if (i) the defendant qualifies under subsection (a) for a two-level reduction, (ii) the defendants offense level is 16 or greater, and (iii) the Government moves for a further one-level credit, the district court has no discretion to deny the final one-level reduction. See United States v. Rood, 281 F.3d 353, 357 (2d Cir. 2002) ([G]ranting the additional one-level decrease in Section 3E1.1(b) is not discretionary where [the] defendant satisfies the [G]uidelines criteria.); see also United States v. Mount, 675 F.3d 1052, 105559 (7th Cir. 2012) (explaining why subsection (b) is mandatory if the underlying criteria are satisfied even post-2003 amendment requiring Government motion).

The district court explained its decision to award only a two-level reduction under  3E1.1 as follows: I am prepared to, based upon the agreement of the parties, to give [Reyes] a two-level reduction for acceptance of responsibility and Im not adding a third level because I believe [he] committed perjury on the stand when he testified today. J.A. 248. Although the record is less than clear, the most natural interpretation of this ruling is that the district court granted a two-level reduction under subsection (a), but concluded it had discretion to deny the final one-level reduction under subsection (b). That is procedural error that warrants vacatur because a district court has no discretion to deny a one-level reduction if, as the district courts ruling here suggests, the requirements of subsection (b) are satisfied. See Rood, 281 F.3d at 357; see also Leung, 360 F.3d at 70. Furthermore, the district court never inquired whether the Government formally moved for the one-level reductionone of the three necessary predicates under subsection (b)even though the Government consistently stated that Reyes deserved the full three-level reduction under  3E1.1 (including subsequent to his testimony during sentencing).

Accordingly, we conclude that the district court did not base its decision to withhold the full three-level reduction for acceptance of responsibility on a clearly erroneous factual finding. But it did commit a legal error in concluding it had discretion to deny a one-level reduction under  3E1.1(b). It appears that the district court awarded Reyes a two-level reduction under  3E1.1(a), even though the PSR recommended that the court not grant Reyes any reduction for acceptance of responsibility under U.S.S.G.  3E1.1 cmt. n.4. Therefore, we vacate and remand to allow the district court to make the pertinent findings under  3E1.1(b) and to determine whether Reyes qualifies for the final one-level reduction. See Leung, 360 F.3d at 70.

II. Ineffective Assistance of Counsel and Substantive Reasonableness

Reyes contends that his counsel rendered constitutionally ineffective assistance during sentencing by initially withdrawing, and then failing to renew, his objection to the enhancement for obstruction of justice. When a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel is raised on direct appeal, we may: (1) decline to hear the claim, permitting the appellant to raise the issue as part of a subsequent petition for writ of habeas corpus pursuant to 28 U.S.C.  2255; (2) remand the claim to the district court for necessary factfinding; or (3) decide the claim on the record before us. United States v. Kimber, 777 F.3d 553, 562 (2d Cir. 2015) (internal quotation marks omitted).

[I]n most cases a motion brought under  2255 is preferable to direct appeal for deciding claims of ineffective assistance. Massaro v. United States, 538 U.S. 500, 504, 123 S.Ct. 1690, 155 L.Ed.2d 714 (2003). We are generally disinclined to resolve ineffective assistance claims on direct review, United States v. Gaskin, 364 F.3d 438, 467 (2d Cir. 2004), and neither Reyes nor the Government provides us with a compelling reason to divert from this baseline aversion under the circumstances, United States v. Khedr, 343 F.3d 96, 99 (2d Cir. 2003). Among the reasons for this preference is that the allegedly ineffective attorney should generally be given the opportunity to explain the conduct at issue, id. at 100, especially where, as the Government contends here, the purportedly deficient performance (withdrawal of the objection to the enhancement) may have been a strategic choice by Reyess counsel. We therefore decline to consider Reyess challenge based on ineffective assistance of counsel in favor of its resolution, if necessary, on collateral review.

Finally, Reyes contends that his life sentence is substantively unreasonable. We need not address this argument because the procedural error as to acceptance of responsibility warrants resentencing. See United States v. Tutty, 612 F.3d 128, 131 (2d Cir. 2010). Accordingly, we indicate no view on the substantive reasonableness of a life sentence under the circumstances, even if Reyess Guidelines range is lowered by the final one-level reduction for acceptance of responsibility on remand.

* * *

We have considered Reyess remaining arguments and conclude that they are without merit. Accordingly, we VACATE Reyess sentence and REMAND for resentencing consistent with this order.

FOOTNOTES

. The district court imposed concurrent sentences of thirty years imprisonment for the conspiracy to commit bank fraud conviction and life imprisonment for the obstruction of justice murder conviction.

. Reyess total offense level arrived at by the court was 43 with a criminal history category of I.

. Reyes actually argues that the district court found that he committed the murder, but the record establishes that it found only that he was present. See J.A. 245, 254.

. Reyess arguments to the contrary are unavailing under review for clear error. He contends that the vague meanings of certain words during his conversation with the CS are insufficient to support the district courts finding; for example, Reyes used the word it in stating [t]he[ ] [lookouts] want[ed] to, but it was too sloppy. I just did it myself. I just felt it was personal. So I just did it. J.A. 201 (emphasis added). Given that Reyes admitted that he and others disposed of Thompsons body and that he and others paid an individual to kill Thompson, his contention that it meant disposing of Thompsons body or paying for Thompsons murder is unpersuasivehe told the CS I just did it myself because it was personal. J.A. 201 (emphasis added). Furthermore, we cannot conclude, as Reyes argues, that the cell-site evidence plainly contradicts the district courts finding that he was present when Thompson was killed. The cell-site evidence, which places Reyes in Brooklyn at the time of Thompsons murder, does not demonstrate that Reyes was 1.5 miles away from Thompson at the time of the murder, as he contends; rather, it shows that Reyess cell phone pinged off a tower that was 1.5 miles away when Thompson made her final telephone call.

. The Government does not argue on appeal that its failure to formally move for a one-level reduction under subsection (b) obviates the need to reach the district courts error in denying the reduction for discretionary reasons. Therefore, this argument is forfeited.

. We note that the additional one-level reduction for acceptance of responsibility, at the time of Reyess sentencing, would have resulted in a total offense level of 42 and a Guidelines range of 360 months to life imprisonment, a lesser range than the district court considered. The sentencing transcript provides us no basis from which to conclude this procedural error was harmlessthat is, the district court clearly would have imposed a life sentence absent the error. See United States v. Cramer, 777 F.3d 597, 601 (2d Cir. 2015) ([W]here we identify procedural error in a sentence, but the record indicates clearly that the district court would have imposed the same sentence in any event, the error may be deemed harmless, avoiding the need to vacate the sentence and to remand the case for resentencing. (alterations omitted)).
United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit. UNITED STATES of America, PlaintiffAppellee v. Patrick LANIER, DefendantAppellant No. 16-20181 Decided: January 02, 2018

Before REAVLEY, ELROD, and SOUTHWICK, Circuit Judges. John A. Reed, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Carmen Castillo Mitchell, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Texas, Houston, TX, for PlaintiffAppellee. Mervyn M. Mosbacker, Jr., Houston, TX, Robert Henry Renneker, Dallas, TX, for DefendantAppellant.

Patrick Lanier was indicted and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C.  1343 and 1349 (Count 1); wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C.  1343 (Counts 215); harboring and concealing a person from arrest, in violation of 18 U.S.C.  1071 (Count 16); and assisting a federal offender, in violation of 18 U.S.C.  3 (Count 17). A jury convicted him on each count save Count 14. Lanier received a sentence of 204 months in prison based on the fraud-related convictions and a concurrent 22month sentence based on the Counts 16 and 17 convictions. The district court also sentenced him to three years of supervised release and ordered a $1,600 special assessment and restitution in the amount of $37,544,944.16. Challenging his conviction and sentence, Lanier appeals.

I. BACKGROUND

This case features complex facts spanning several years. We supply only those necessary to make sense of the following discussion. Patrick Lanier was once a successful securities lawyer practicing in Austin, Texas. Somewhere along the way, Harris Dempsey Ballow became a client. Lanier provided Ballow with legal services relating to criminal cases and SEC investigations. In 2000, Ballow was involved with a company called EpicEdge and paid Lanier in EpicEdge stock. EpicEdge turned out to be part of a fraud scheme, and Lanier sold all of his shares just before their value cratered. In 2003, Ballow was permanently enjoined from engaging in the promotion of securities, and Lanier (who was representing Ballow's co-defendant) knew of this.

Lanier's initial involvement with Ballow did not lead him into legal trouble. Their union ended, for a time, in late 2004 when Ballow pleaded guilty to an 18 U.S.C.  1957 violation then fled the country while released on bond, becoming a fugitive. The men renewed their relationship in 2006. Ballow was hiding in Mexico, and he needed a lawyer.

In mid2006, Lanier visited Ballow in Mexico for the first time. From that point on, he was Ballow's attorney once more. He assisted on numerous projects, providing legal assistance as problems arose. Ballow used false names during this period, and Lanier incorporated these false names into his work product. While Lanier and Ballow often communicated directly, sometimes long-time Ballow associate Ruben Garza Perez (Garza) acted as an intermediary. Garza even set up a special email account for Lanier (the patlawbest account), and Lanier used this account rather than his professional account when working with Ballow.

Ballow had not reformed. He was still engineering and implementing fraudulent schemes to bilk unsuspecting investors. In Mexico, he primarily used ESOL International Corporation (ESOL), Medra Corporation (Medra), and Aztec Technology Partners, Inc. (Aztec). Lanier provided legal services for each of these fraud-facilitating corporations.

Law enforcement never stopped looking for Ballow. Lanier monitored the manhunt and repeatedly supplied Ballow with updates on its progress. For example, in 2008 he provided Ballow with a link to a news article describing the ongoing search and indicating the FBI's belief that Ballow was in Mexico.

The investigation eventually bore fruit. Ballow was arrested, and so was Lanier. With four other defendants, Lanier was charged in a thirty-five-count indictment. He faced 17 counts including wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, harboring and concealing a fugitive, and assisting a federal offender. Unlike his co-defendants, Lanier went to trial. The jury convicted him on 16 of the charged counts, securing an acquittal only with respect to one count of fraud. In addition to a period of supervised release and a special assessment, the district court sentenced him to 204 months imprisonment. Lanier timely appealed.

II. DISCUSSION

Lanier advances numerous arguments. They can be classified as follows: sufficiency of the evidence challenges, Brady challenges, evidentiary challenges, attorney-disqualification challenges, and sentencing challenges. We address them in that order.

A. Sufficiency of the Evidence Challenges

1. Standard of Review

Ordinarily, sufficiency-of-the-evidence challenges are reviewed de novo, with all evidence viewed in the light most favorable to the government and all reasonable inferences made in support of the verdict. United States v. Grant, 850 F.3d 209, 219 (5th Cir. 2017). If, under this standard, any rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, the conviction must stand. Id. (quoting United States v. VargasOcampo, 747 F.3d 299, 301 (5th Cir. 2014) (en banc)). Our review is circumscribed still further when error is unpreserved. In such cases, review is only for a manifest miscarriage of justice. United States v. McDowell, 498 F.3d 308, 312 (5th Cir. 2007). When this standard applies, the conviction will stand unless the record is devoid of evidence pointing to guilt or if the evidence is so tenuous that a conviction is shocking. United States v. Delgado, 672 F.3d 320, 33031 (5th Cir. 2012) (en banc) (quoting United States v. Phillips, 477 F.3d 215, 219 (5th Cir. 2007)).

A motion for acquittal generally preserves sufficiency arguments for the purposes of appeal. See, e.g., United States v. Beacham, 774 F.3d 267, 272 (5th Cir. 2014). Here, Lanier moved for acquittal, but only with respect to Counts 16 and 17. Accordingly, his sufficiency challenge to those counts will be reviewed de novo, but his fraud-related sufficiency challenge will be reviewed only for a manifest miscarriage of justice.

2. The FraudRelated Counts

Lanier attacks the sufficiency of the evidence supporting his convictions for wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The challenge is limited to one element common to each convictionintent to commit fraud. See United States v. Kuhrt, 788 F.3d 403, 41314 (5th Cir. 2015). Under the circumstances, the question of intent reduces to a factual question of attorney knowledge. See United States v. Beckner, 134 F.3d 714, 71819 (5th Cir. 1998). Ultimately, we must determine whether the record is devoid of evidence that Lanier was aware [Ballow] was engaged in a fraudulent activity and knowingly worked to further it. Id. at 720.

In Beckner, we determined that the lawyer-defendant inadvertently contributed to his client's fraudulent scheme in the course of providing routine and proper legal services. Lanier contends that his case is the same. But Beckner does no more for Lanier than sharpen our focus on the key factual questionknowledge vel non. Lanier's claimed lack of knowledge rests on his assertion that his involvement with Ballow was very limitedhe acted only as an attorney to unwind one Medra transaction.

The record does not support this claim of limited representation. Lanier was involved with Medra from its earliest stages, giving advice on reinstatement of the forfeited corporate charter, providing his own address as an address at which Medra could receive mail within the United States, and assisting with tax matters. And his work for Ballow was not limited to Medra. To provide but one example each for ESOL and Aztec: He prepared a Letter of NonDistributive Intent that paved the way for the sale of 1 million shares of restricted ESOL stock. He either prepared or had a significant role in preparing Aztec's business plan. These examples merely scrape the surface of Lanier's work for Ballow.

Given that Lanier's sufficiency argument proceeds on a false factual premise, it is unsurprising that there is plenty of evidence from which a jury could infer attorney knowledge. Even Lanier's role in the one transaction he is willing to acknowledge suggests knowledge of the fraud. After being issued 40 million Medra shares and appointed as corporate officials, two men sought to disassociate themselves from the entity, contending they had never agreed to any involvement with Medra. The men were represented by Aaron Ghais, a Maryland attorney who worked with Lanier to undo the stock issuance and appointment. Lanier told Ghais that he represented a Medra shareholder name John Gel, but Gel is a Ballow alias. He also held Lorraine Barrowcliff out as the president of Medra, but Barrowcliff was one of multiple aliases belonging to Ballow's wife.

False names were a repeated ingredient of Lanier's work product. Further, with knowledge that Ballow was enjoined from promoting securities, Lanier assisted with stock-related schemes, even drafting an ESOL International 2007 Stock Option Agreement. On a separate occasion, he did counsel Ballow to stay away from the word investment on ESOL brochures relating to a real estate scam. But his motivation was not compliance with the injunction, a la Beckner, 134 F.3d at 716, but rather a concern that the word investment  will bring focus on the managers almost immediately. Scrutiny of the managers was something to be feared because ESOL's purported managers included Gel and an entirely fictitious person, Robert Remington.

The record contains more evidence, plenty to support the jury's finding that Lanier knowingly acted to further Ballow's scheme. The government has set forth evidence that Lanier was not only aware of the fraud, but actually helped perpetrate the fraud. Kuhrt, 788 F.3d at 416. And Lanier has certainly not shown a manifest miscarriage of justice. See United States v. Oti, 872 F.3d 678, 689 (5th Cir. 2017). Lanier's sufficiency arguments fail as to the fraud-related counts.

3. Venue, Counts 16 & 17 (Harboring and Assisting a Federal Offender)

Because Lanier preserved his sufficiency of the evidence challenge as it relates to venue and Counts 16 (harboring) and 17 (assisting a federal offender), our review is de novo. Venue need be proven only by a preponderance of the evidence. United States v. Strain, 396 F.3d 689, 692 (5th Cir. 2005). Thus, the question before us is whether any rational finder of fact could have found venue proper by a preponderance of the evidence. See id. The parties agree that the analysis germane to Count 16 controls the outcome of Count 17, and so our focus is on the harboring offense.

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law U.S. Const. amend. VI. When the relevant criminal statute lacks a venue provision, the Sixth Amendment controls and requires that trial occur in the the district or districts within which the offense is committed. United States v. Anderson, 328 U.S. 699, 705, 66 S.Ct. 1213, 1217, 90 L.Ed. 1529 (1946) (footnote omitted). Where, as here, the Government alleges a single continuing offense committed in multiple districts, it must show that the trial is taking place in any district in which [the] offense was begun, continued, or completed.  Strain, 396 F.3d at 693 (alteration in original) (quoting 18 U.S.C.  3237(a)).

To determine if the harboring offense was begun, continued, or completed in the Southern District, we must first determine which acts constitute harboring acts. Criminal harboring of a fugitive occurs when a defendant (1) knows a federal arrest warrant has been issued, (2) engages in physical acts that help the fugitive avoid detection and apprehension, and (3) intends to prevent the fugitive's discovery. United States v. Green, 180 F.3d 216, 220 (5th Cir. 1999); see also 18 U.S.C.  1071.

The government contends that each of Lanier's criminal acts qualify for one reason or another. We place Lanier's acts in two categories. First, there are traditional acts of harboring, as when Lanier repeatedly emailed Ballow information about the government's investigation, which a jury could infer had the purpose and effect of keeping Ballow one step ahead of law enforcement. Second, there are general conspiracy-furthering acts. The government acknowledges that these acts are not typical, straightforward acts of harboring but contends they qualify nonetheless because acts aiding the conspiracy inevitably helped Ballow avoid detection and arrest and to obtain money and stock.

We do not agree that Lanier's conspiracy-furthering acts qualify as harboring acts simply because they provided Ballow with a revenue stream that funded his life on the lam. This court has already observed that direct financial assistance to a fugitive does not necessarily amount to harboring. United States v. Stacey, 896 F.2d 75, 77 (5th Cir. 1990). The same is necessarily true of any indirect financial assistance Lanier provided by dint of his participation in the conspiracy. The key is intent. Further, by declining the government's invitation to conflate the conspiracy and harboring offenses for purpose of the venue analysis, we dutifully uphold the Sixth Amendment's offense-specific approach to venue. See United States v. Davis, 666 F.2d 195, 198 (5th Cir. 1982) (Venue may properly be laid in one district with respect to one count of an indictment, but still be improper with respect to the other counts.); United States v. Schlei, 122 F.3d 944, 979 (11th Cir. 1997) (Venue must exist for each offense charged.).

As already noted, Lanier sent several emails that a jury could find rendered him criminally liable for harboring a fugitive. The evidence, however, is that these emails were sent from Austin, which is not in the Southern District of Texas. Accordingly, the government rightly cites these emails to show harboring generally, but not for the purpose of showing that venue was proper. Instead, the government draws our attention to five acts and seeks to persuade us that the acts both bore the requisite connection with the Southern District of Texas and continued the harboring offense.

The government has not shown that any of these acts continued the harboring offense, however. Rather, in each case, the government tries to bootstrap venue from an act that, at most, furthered the fraud conspiracy. Three of the acts speak for themselves in this regard. While in Houston, Lanier tried unsuccessfully to check his patlawbest account. On another occasion, Lanier drafted a release for the signature of one Chaz Robertson, a Ballow employee located in Houston. And, finally, Lanier received an email containing a forged document that had been notarized by a Harris County, Texas notary.

The final alleged acts fail for the same reason but require a bit of explanation. In November 2006, Lanier traveled through Houston to meet Ballow. This episode, if it would otherwise create venue, cannot represent a continuation of the harboring offense because it occurred prior to the beginning of that offense. Our review of the record shows the first act of harboring did not occur until mid2007, when Lanier first provided Ballow with an update on the FBI's investigation and information that he was being sought in Panama. Accordingly, Lanier's travel through Houston can only be associated with the already-ongoing conspiracy. Finally, Lanier and Ballow routinely communicated at what the government labels a Houston telephone number due to its Houston area code. Again, even assuming the phone calls might somehow establish venue, without evidence regarding the calls contents, they cannot be said to represent harboring. See Strain, 396 F.3d at 696. The government appears to recognize this, urging not that an inference of direct harboring was warranted but instead that the purpose of Lanier's communications, including the phone calls, was to assist Ballow in operating the fraud scheme. We could accept this argument only if we were willing to conflate the conspiracy and harboring offense, but we have already held such intermixing to be inappropriate.

The government has attempted to draw several links between Lanier, the Southern District, and the harboring offense. On inspection, however, the government has not shown that Lanier continued the harboring offense in that district. Accordingly, the convictions as to Counts 16 and 17 must be vacated.

B. Brady Challenges

We review de novo the Brady question of whether the prosecution withheld material evidence favorable to the defendant, but any underlying factual findings are entitled to deference. United States v. Severns, 559 F.3d 274, 278 (5th Cir. 2009). Lanier alleges two Brady violations. First, he complains that prosecutors failed to disclose that Assistant U.S. Attorney Belinda Beek had previously represented Harris Dempsey Ballow in matters in which Lanier was involved (but unaware of her representation). This allegedly undisclosed fact was discovered by Lanier in his own files, so there was no Brady violation. See United States v. Dvorin, 817 F.3d 438, 450 (5th Cir. 2016). Second, Lanier complains that the prosecution failed to disclose its methodology in calculating the damages suffered by the victims. But Lanier fails to develop any non-disclosure theory and instead quibbles with the calculation itself, thus failing to establish a Brady violation. See United States v. Brown, 650 F.3d 581, 588 (5th Cir. 2011) (suppressed evidence is an integral element of any Brady violation).

C. Evidentiary Challenges

Lanier chose to take the stand. The cross-examining prosecutor elicited Lanier's testimony that he had once been paid by Ballow in EpicEdge stock, then zeroed in on the timing of its subsequent sale: And you weren't worried at all that there would be a connection between the fact that you sold the last EpicEdge stock when the stock collapsed? According to Lanier, [b]y stating or implying Lanier had engaged previously in an illegal scheme to defraud with the same actor, Harris Ballow, the Government successfully destroyed Lanier's entire defensei.e., the lack of specific intent to commit fraud. Of course, the government may attempt to destroy a defendant's entire defense and counts it as a pretty good day when successful. And so, for his gripe to have traction, Lanier must demonstrate why the question was improper. He perceives two errors.

First, Lanier contends that the question violated Rule 404(b) of the Federal Rules of Evidence, which governs the admissibility of [e]vidence of a crime, wrong, or other act. Fed. R. Evid. 404. The Rule 404 argument found in Lanier's brief was largely copied and pasted from his original motion for a new trial. This is problematic because the district court explained in a written order that its decision to admit the evidence was not based on Rule 404 at all but instead on Rule 608, which applies when other-acts evidence is offered to impeach a witness, to show the character of the witness for untruthfulness, or to show bias. United States v. Tomblin, 46 F.3d 1369, 1388 (5th Cir. 1995) (quoting United States v. Schwab, 886 F.2d 509, 511 (2d Cir. 1989)). Because Lanier's appellate brief ignores the very ruling that is being appealed from, he has abandoned the issue, which was not briefed properly to address the basis of the district court's ruling. United States v. TaveraJaimes, 609 Fed.Appx. 254, 255 (5th Cir. 2015) (per curiam); see also Friend v. Valley View Cmty. Unit Sch. Dist. 365U, 789 F.3d 707, 712 (7th Cir. 2015) (striking argument sections from an appellate brief that did not inform [the court] why the district court erred and, indeed, could not respond to the district court's decision, since each section [was] directly copied and pasted, essentially word for word from the underlying filings).

Lanier also asserts that the question violated the Confrontation Clause because it assumed facts not in evidence thus transforming the prosecutor into an unconfronted fact witness. When combined with a witness's testimony, the questions of a prosecutor designed to introduce testimony about out-of-court testimony that would otherwise be inadmissible hearsay, can violate the Confrontation Clause. United States v. Kizzee, No. 16-20397, 877 F.3d 650, 65556, 2017 WL 6398243, at *3 (5th Cir. Dec. 15, 2017). But see United States v. Solis, 299 F.3d 420, 442 (5th Cir. 2002) (holding that because closing arguments do not constitute evidence, a prosecutor's statement did not implicate the Confrontation Clause). Here, the prosecutor's questioning was not designed to introduce inadmissible hearsay evidence but to impeach the witness. Moreover, the district court found that documents in evidence provided support for the decline in the stock price, meaning the prosecutor's reference to the decline was not objectionable at all. Lanier has shown no error relating to the EpicEdge question.

D. Attorney Disqualification Challenges

Generally, the existence of a conflict of interest is a legal question subject to de novo review. See, e.g., United States v. Garza, 429 F.3d 165, 171 (5th Cir. 2005) (conflict between defendant and own counsel). With respect to criminal matters, the Supreme Court establish[ed] a categorical rule against the appointment of an interested prosecutor, adherence to which requires no subtle calculations of judgment. Young v. U.S. ex rel. Vuitton et Fils S.A., 481 U.S. 787, 814, 107 S.Ct. 2124, 2141, 95 L.Ed.2d 740 (1987). Accordingly, our standard of review is de novo with respect to the legal question of conflict, and reversal is automatic if conflict is found. See id. (holding that harmless-error analysis is inappropriate in reviewing the appointment of an interested prosecutor).

Prior to trial, the district court rejected Lanier's efforts to disqualify prosecutor John Lewis. Lanier assigns error, alleging Lewis was conflicted out of the prosecution. Lanier advances two theories.

First, Lanier alleges that Lewis disclosed materials obtained through a criminal investigation for the benefit of a party in a civil action and then teamed up with that party to pursue an indictment of Lanier. We have reviewed the record as it relates to this accusation and find that Lewis acted at all times with a proper investigative purpose, in the clear interest of his office, and in an open and forthright manner. What information he shared was for the documented purpose of advanc[ing] the government's investigation of Mr. Ballow, and the decision was made only after giving Ballow's counsel an opportunity to object. Indeed, the episode of which Lanier complains was fully documented across five letters between the parties, and we can find nothing resembling objectionable conduct on Lewis's part.

Lanier's second attorney-disqualification theory is nearly as risible. Years ago, when acting as an attorney for Ballow, Lanier accused Lewis of prosecutorial misconduct. The accusation was frivolous and incomprehensible; it went nowhere. Lanier's unilateral actan unfounded, unpursued, difficult-to-parse accusationdid not create a conflict of interest forever disqualifying Lewis from prosecuting Lanier.

E. Sentencing Challenges

Lanier contends the district court erred by failing to classify him as a minimal or minor participant in the conspiracy for purposes of sentencing. Such a designation would have rendered him eligible for a lighter sentence recommendation under the Guidelines. The standard of review is clear error. United States v. TorresHernandez, 843 F.3d 203, 207 (5th Cir. 2016). We have already rejected Lanier's attempts to minimize his role in the conspiracy. While he doubtless played a lesser role than did Ballow, the conspiracy's ringleader, Lanier has not shown that he was substantially less culpable than the conspiracy's average participant.  Id. at 205, 207 (quoting  3B1.2 cmt. n.3(A)). His related, but broader, argument that the sentence was substantively unreasonable is also unavailing. The 204month sentence was within the properly calculated Guidelines range and enjoys a presumption of reasonableness that Lanier has failed to rebut. See United States v. Cooks, 589 F.3d 173, 186 (5th Cir. 2009).

The district court found that victims of Ballow's fraudulent scheme lost more than $37 million and ordered restitution in the amount of $37,544,944.16. Alleging that ESOL shares retain value, Lanier contends that this loss calculation is flawed to the extent that it treats the victims ESOL investments as a total loss. Assuming the soundness of the argument's premise, Lanier has failed to show that the district court clearly erred. United States v. Brown, 727 F.3d 329, 341 (5th Cir. 2013). To the contrary, the evidence in the record indicates that ESOL investments are entirely worthless.

III. CONCLUSION

The convictions as to Counts 16 and 17 are VACATED. In all other respects, the judgment is AFFIRMED. As the sentence imposed on Counts 16 and 17 was to run concurrently with the sentence imposed on the remaining counts, resentencing is not necessary. Nonetheless, we REMAND so that the district court can issue a judgment reducing the special assessment and otherwise reflecting our decision.

FOOTNOTES

. There is evidence that Lanier knew Barrowcliff did not exist. Even as he was working with Ghais, Lanier continued to work with Garza and Ballow on reviving Medra. Because of Barrowcliff's purported status with Medra, the corporation could not obtain a federal tax identification number without providing her social security number. Lanier promised to find a solution to the problem. Of course, if she were a legitimate person, the obvious answer would have been simply to ask her for the social security number. Lanier's ultimate proposal was to use someone's social security number and hope to not get caught. In his words: the only way to get fed tax id is to go ahead and use someone's ss# on the officer line  [they] didn't use to require such but no way around having some # in that slotnot sure if its cross matched later for tax purposes should corp not pay its taxes etc.

. Each asserted act fails for multiple reasons. For purposes of efficiency, we have discussed only the common reason shared by all of them. This opinion should not be read to suggest that the government's theories found traction with this court in any respect.

. We present the allegation as made by Lanier. The actual evidence in the record belies the substance of the accusation.

. Lanier states that questions regarding attorney disqualification are reviewed for plain error, citing U.S. ex rel. S.E.C. v. Carter, 907 F.2d 484, 488 (5th Cir. 1990). He fails to note, however, that in Carter, the appellant did not seek disqualification before the trial court or even raise the issue on appeal. See 907 F.2d at 485, 488. The plain-error standard applied in that case because the court raised the issue sua sponte. See id.

. Regrettably, this very appeal shows how loose counsel can be with accusation of prosecutorial misconduct. While attorneys must zealously represent their clients, we lament the willingness of Lanier's counsel to distort the record and challenge opposing counsel's integrity with accusations that (in our view) could not have been made in good faith.

. Lanier also argues that the loss calculation included losses beyond what Lanier could have foreseen. But this argument rests on the already-rejected contention that Lanier's role in the conspiracy was limited to unwinding a transaction involving Medra.

REAVLEY, Circuit Judge:
United States Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit. UNITED STATES of America, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Daniel J. TAYLOR, aka Danny J. Taylor, aka Billy J. Taylor, aka Germaine L. Thompson, aka Joseph Taylor, Defendant-Appellant. No. 17-5302 Decided: January 03, 2018

BEFORE: SUHRHEINRICH, GRIFFIN, and THAPAR, Circuit Judges. Luke A. McLaurin, Office of the U.S. Attorney, Knoxville, TN, for Plaintiff-Appellee R. Dee Hobbs, Bell & Hobbs, Chattanooga, TN, for Defendant-Appellant

Daniel J. Taylor appeals the district courts denial of his motion to withdraw his guilty plea. As set forth below, we affirm.

Pursuant to a written plea agreement under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11(c)(1)(C), Taylor pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with carjacking in violation of 18 U.S.C.  2119. Over a month later, Taylor moved to withdraw his guilty plea, asserting that he was innocent and wished to proceed to trial. At the hearing on the motion, Taylor also requested appointment of new counsel based on his belief that defense counsel was providing ineffective assistance and not acting in his best interests. At the conclusion of the hearing, the district court considered the factors identified in United States v. Bashara, 27 F.3d 1174, 1181 (6th Cir. 1994), and denied Taylors motion to withdraw his guilty plea. The district court subsequently appointed new counsel.

At sentencing, Taylor renewed his motion to withdraw his guilty plea, which the district court denied. After reviewing the sentencing factors under 18 U.S.C.  3553(a), the district court accepted the parties agreement and sentenced Taylor to 156 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release.

In this timely appeal, Taylor challenges the district courts denial of his motion to withdraw his guilty plea. We review the district courts decision for abuse of discretion. United States v. Giorgio, 802 F.3d 845, 848 (6th Cir. 2015). After the district court accepts a guilty plea, the defendant may withdraw the plea if the defendant can show a fair and just reason for requesting the withdrawal. Fed. R. Crim. P. 11(d)(2)(B). The purpose of Rule 11(d) is to allow a hastily entered plea made with unsure heart and confused mind to be undone, not to allow a defendant to make a tactical decision to enter a plea, wait several weeks, and then obtain a withdrawal if he believes that he made a bad choice in pleading guilty.  United States v. Dixon, 479 F.3d 431, 436 (6th Cir. 2007) (quoting United States v. Alexander, 948 F.2d 1002, 1004 (6th Cir. 1991)). In determining whether a defendant has shown a fair and just reason, we consider the totality of the circumstances, including the following factors:

(1) the amount of time that elapsed between the plea and the motion to withdraw it; (2) the presence (or absence) of a valid reason for the failure to move for withdrawal earlier in the proceedings; (3) whether the defendant has asserted or maintained his innocence; (4) the circumstances underlying the entry of the guilty plea; (5) the defendants nature and background; (6) the degree to which the defendant has had prior experience with the criminal justice system; and (7) potential prejudice to the government if the motion to withdraw is granted.

United States v. Catchings, 708 F.3d 710, 717-18 (6th Cir. 2013) (quoting Bashara, 27 F.3d at 1181). The Bashara factors are a general, non-exclusive list and no one factor is controlling. United States v. Bazzi, 94 F.3d 1025, 1027 (6th Cir. 1996) (per curiam).

Taylor filed his motion to withdraw on December 19, 201656 days after he signed the plea agreement and 46 days after he entered his guilty plea. This court has found that similar periods of delay support the denial of a motion to withdraw. See Bashara, 27 F.3d at 1181 (six-week delay); United States v. Goldberg, 862 F.2d 101, 104 (6th Cir. 1988) (55-day delay); United States v. Spencer, 836 F.2d 236, 239 (6th Cir. 1987) (five-week delay). Taylor contends that he told defense counsel that he wanted to withdraw his guilty plea on December 6, 2016, during their first meeting after the change-of-plea hearing, and that the length of time between his guilty plea and his stated desire to withdraw did not constitute significant delay. As the district court pointed out, the delay of over a month did not reflect any sort of a mistake on Taylors part in deciding to plead guilty. Taylor provided no explanation for his delay other than limited phone access.

Taylor purportedly maintained his innocence with defense counsel. In the plea agreement and during the change-of-plea hearing, however, Taylor admitted that he committed the carjacking and affirmed that he was pleading guilty because he was in fact guilty.

The circumstances underlying Taylors guilty plea support the denial of his motion to withdraw. Taylors guilty plea was not hastily entered. The district court granted Taylor four extensions of the plea deadline. During the nearly six months between Taylors initial appearance and his guilty plea, the parties engaged in extensive negotiations resulting in the Rule 11(c)(1)(C) agreement. The transcript of the change-of-plea hearing reflects that the magistrate judge complied with Rule 11 and that Taylors guilty plea was knowing, voluntary, and intelligent. See Dixon, 479 F.3d at 434. Although Taylor claimed that he did not understand a lot of things during the change-of-plea hearing, he failed to specify what he did not understand. (RE 54, Page ID ## 331-32). As the district court pointed out, given Taylors experience with the justice system, [i]ts very hard to believe that [he] did not understand what [he was] doing when [he] pled guilty and when [he] entered the plea agreement. (RE 54, Page ID # 334). According to Taylor, the magistrate judge should not have conducted the change-of-plea hearing because the magistrate judge had previously represented him. Defense counsel discussed the prior representation issue with Taylor before the change-of-plea hearing, and Taylor waived any potential conflict of interest. After reviewing the transcript from the change-of-plea hearing, the district court found that the magistrate judge handled everything very well and that there was nothing else that the magistrate judge could have possibly done that he didnt do. (RE 54, Page ID ## 329-30).

At the time of his guilty plea, Taylor was 50 years old and had obtained his GED. Taylor had a great deal of prior experience with the justice system, as evidenced by his criminal history category of V. (RE 54, Page ID # 334). In addition to numerous state convictions, Taylor had a prior federal conviction and was serving a term of supervised release when he committed the carjacking.

Taylor argues that the district court either ignored or at least misapplied the Bashara factors, pointing to the governments concession that granting the motion to withdraw would result in minimal prejudice to the government. However, prejudice to the government need not be established or considered unless and until the defendant has established a fair and just reason for vacating his plea. Alexander, 948 F.2d at 1004. Having found that Taylor had failed to meet his burden under Rule 11(d)(2)(B) to show a fair and just reason for requesting the withdrawal, the district court was not required to address prejudice to the government.

Taylor further contends that the district court did not conduct a meaningful inquiry into his allegations of ineffective assistance of counsel. During the hearing on Taylors motion to withdraw, the district court asked Taylor to explain his basis for requesting new counsel. Taylor made two specific complaints: (1) defense counsel allowed him to waive any potential conflict of interest with the magistrate judge and (2) defense counsel had not obtained additional discovery that Taylor believed existed. The district court addressed these arguments. After reviewing the transcript from the change-of-plea hearing, the district court found that the magistrate judge handled everything very well and did not see anything that would have been different, in the least, with any other magistrate judge that [Taylor] might have appeared before. (RE 54, Page ID # 330). With respect to discovery, defense counsel asserted that discovery had been provided to Taylor and that there was no reason to believe that there was additional discovery. Given that Taylor failed to specify what discovery materials were missing or how any missing discovery would have affected his decision to plead guilty, the district court stated that it did not have enough information to make a decision on this issue. At sentencing, new counsel renewed Taylors motion to withdraw his guilty plea based on ineffective assistance of counsel and, when asked by the district court, failed to offer any additional information about prior counsels alleged ineffectiveness.

Our consideration of the Bashara factors leads to the conclusion that the district court did not abuse its discretion in denying Taylors motion to withdraw his guilty plea. Accordingly, we AFFIRM the district courts judgment.

PER CURIAM.
United States Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit. UNITED STATES of America, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. Richard THORNTON; Keenen Crane; David Tatum, Defendants-Appellants. Nos. 16-5429/5430/5496 Decided: January 03, 2018

BEFORE: BATCHELDER, GRIFFIN, and WHITE, Circuit Judges. Charles P. Wisdom, Jr., Assistant U.S. Attorney, Andrew E. Smith, Office of the U.S. Attorney, Lexington, KY, Plaintiff-Appellee Patrick F. Nash, Nash Marshall, Lexington, KY, for Defendant-Appellant

Appellants Richard Thornton, Keenen Crane, and David Tatum were members of a large bank-fraud conspiracy. The conspiracy took place between March 2014 and February 2015, reached across thirteen states, and included approximately 1,400 counterfeit checks and almost $3 million in intended loss. The conspirators stole checks from businesses mailboxes, targeting industrial or business parks, used the stolen checks to create fake business checksmade out to homeless individuals whom they had recruited to cash the fake checksand fleeced local banks for a day or two before moving on to another town. The conspirators were eventually caught and pleaded guilty. Thornton, Crane, and Tatum appeal several sentencing issues. For the reasons that follow, we affirm.

I.

Thornton, Crane, and Tatum were indicted in March 2015 in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky. Thornton and Tatum were both charged with (1) conspiracy to commit bank fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C.  1349; (2) bank fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C.  1344; and (3) aggravated identity theft, in violation of 18 U.S.C.  1028A. Crane was charged only with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C.  1349. Each of three pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and raised several objections at sentencing. Thornton, Crane, and Tatum were sentenced to within-Guidelines sentences of 136 months, 80 months, and 66 months of imprisonment, respectively. Each timely appealed his sentence.

The present consolidated appeals raise four issues regarding the procedural and substantive reasonableness of their sentences. First, each of the appellants argues that the district court erred in calculating his advisory Guidelines range by applying a two-level enhancement for using a means of identification in the offense. Second, Crane and Tatum argue that the district court erred by applying a two-level enhancement for relocation of the scheme to evade law enforcement. Third, Crane argues that the district court clearly erred in calculating the intended loss amount attributed to him. Finally, Crane argues that the district court abused its discretion by failing to grant his request for a downward variance.

II.

Sentencing challenges are reviewed for abuse of discretion. United States v. Coppenger, 775 F.3d 799, 802 (6th Cir. 2015) (citations omitted). We review a sentence for procedural reasonableness, including whether the district court properly calculated a defendants Guidelines range. United States v. Jackson, 877 F.3d 231, 235-36 (6th Cir. 2017) (quoting United States v. Seymour, 739 F.3d 923, 929 (6th Cir. 2014)). We also review a sentence for substantive reasonableness, including whether a district court imposed a sentence arbitrarily, based on impermissible factors, or unreasonably weighed a pertinent factor. Coppenger, 775 F.3d at 803 (citing United States v. Adkins, 729 F.3d 559, 563 (6th Cir. 2013)).

A district courts interpretation of the Guidelines is a legal question that we review de novo. United States v. Duke, 870 F.3d 397, 401 (6th Cir. 2017). But with respect to a district courts application of the Guidelines, we review the district courts factual findings for clear error and mixed questions of law and fact de novo.  Id. (quoting United States v. Tolbert, 668 F.3d 798, 800 (6th Cir. 2012)). A finding is clearly erroneous where, although there is evidence to support it, the reviewing court on the entire evidence is left with the definite and firm conviction that a mistake has been committed. Id. (quoting Tolbert, 668 F.3d at 800).

A. Means-of-Identification Enhancement

Thornton, Crane, and Tatum argue that the district court erred in calculating their advisory Guidelines ranges by applying a two-level enhancement for using a means of identification in the offense.

The means-of-identification enhancement states: If the offense involved  the unauthorized transfer or use of any means of identification unlawfully to produce or obtain any other means of identification  increase by 2 levels. USSG  2B1.1(b)(11)(C)(i). The term  [p]roduce includes manufacture, design, alter, authenticate, duplicate, or assemble. USSG  2B1.1, comment. (n.10(A)). And  [m]eans of identification has the meaning given that term in 18 U.S.C.  1028(d)(7), except that such means of identification shall be of an actual (i.e., not fictitious) individual USSG  2B1.1, comment. (n.1). Section 1028(d)(7) defines means of identification as any name or number that may be used, alone or in conjunction with any other information, to identify a specific individual, including any(A) name, social security number, date of birth  (C) unique electronic identification number, address, or routing code See United States v. Johnson, 658 Fed.Appx. 244, 24546 (6th Cir. 2016). This particular enhancement is appropriate where a person uses one means of identification to generate another. United States v. Gonzalez, 644 Fed.Appx. 456, 464 (6th Cir. 2016) (citing USSG  2B1.1, comment. (backgd)).

The district court properly applied the means-of-identification enhancement. The district court found (and Thornton and Crane admit) that, although the aim of the conspiracy was to steal, forge, and cash business checks, on one occasion a personal check was stolen and counterfeited during the course of the conspiracy. From that personal check, the conspirators created seven counterfeit checks payable to three different individuals. That is, during the course of the conspiracy the conspirators stole at least two unique means of identification from that personal check: an actual persons name and that individuals bank account and routing number. They used those means of identification to producemanufacture, alter, duplicate, or assemblecounterfeit personal checks. The counterfeit personal checks included at least two means of identification from the original personal check: an actual persons name and that individuals bank account and routing number. The conspirators theft and counterfeiting of a personal check is sufficient to support application of the means-of-identification enhancement. See United States v. Norwood, 774 F.3d 476, 482 (8th Cir. 2014) (We read the Guideliness definition of produce to include duplicating a means of identification such as a bank account number and transferring it onto a new medium, such as a counterfeit check.).

Thornton, Crane, and Tatum present two reasons why the enhancement should not apply. Neither has any merit. First, they argue that the district court interpreted the term involve, as used in USSG  2B1.1(b)(11)(C), too broadly. They assert that the plain meaning of the term involve requires more than a limited use of an actual persons identification. In construing the Guidelines, we employ the traditional tools of statutory interpretation, beginning with the texts plain meaning. United States v. Babcock, 753 F.3d 587, 591 (6th Cir. 2014) (citation omitted). As the district court found, the plain meaning of the term involve does not include a substantiality requirement. The term involve means [t]o contain as a part; include, American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language 921 (4th ed. 2000), or to have within or as a part of itself, Merriam-Websters Collegiate Dictionary 617 (10th ed. 1994). See also United States v. Scheels, 846 F.3d 1341, 1342 (11th Cir. 2017); United States v. Montgomery, 468 F.3d 715, 71920 (10th Cir. 2006). The plain meaning of the term includes even slight inclusion. See Plane v. United States, 750 F.Supp. 1358, 1373 n.4 (W.D. Mich. 1990). Even though the personal check was not a large part of the overall conspiracy offense, it was still involvedcontained or includedin the offense to which Thornton, Crane, and Tatum pled guilty.

Second, they argue that the enhancement was not intended to apply to their conduct here. Instead, they argue, the means-of-identification enhancement was designed to punish breeding offenses: using means of identification to obtain new means of identification, such as opening a new account or a new line of credit. See United States v. Williams, 355 F.3d 893, 898900 (6th Cir. 2003) (discussing breeding offenses). But, [t]he language of the statute is the starting point for interpretation, and it should also be the ending point if the plain meaning of that language is clear. United States v. Henry, 819 F.3d 856, 870 (6th Cir. 2016) (quoting United States v. Jackson, 635 F.3d 205, 209 (6th Cir. 2011)). The intent of the Sentencing Commission and Congress does not overcome the plain language of the Guidelines. We are further persuaded by the several other circuits that have upheld application of the means-of-identification enhancement in similar circumstances, where the original means of identification was duplicated onto another medium rather than used to obtain a different or new of means of identification. See United States v. Sash, 396 F.3d 515, 524 (2d Cir. 2005) (noting that even if the court were to resort to the background commentary of the means-of-identification enhancement, nothing in the commentary requires that identity theft or breeding be found in order to apply the [e]nhancement); accord Norwood, 774 F.3d at 482; United States v. Newsome, 439 F.3d 181, 185 (3d Cir. 2006); United States v. Melendrez, 389 F.3d 829, 83334 (9th Cir. 2004). We hold that the district court properly applied the means-of-identification enhancement in calculating Thorntons, Cranes, and Tatums advisory Guidelines ranges.

B. Relocation Enhancement

Crane and Tatum assert that the district court erred in calculating their advisory Guidelines ranges by applying a two-level enhancement for relocating the scheme to evade law enforcement. We find no error.

The relocation enhancement is found at USSG  2B1.1(b)(10)(A): If (A) the defendant relocated, or participated in relocating, a fraudulent scheme to another jurisdiction to evade law enforcement or regulatory officials  increase by 2 levels. This enhancement punish[es] multi-jurisdictional criminal enterprises and criminal methods that prevent detection by law enforcement. United States v. Lyles, 506 Fed.Appx. 440, 447 (6th Cir. 2012). This court and others have found that the relocation enhancement applies where travel to other jurisdictions was a key component of a fraud scheme. See United States v. Savarese, 686 F.3d 1, 1516 (1st Cir. 2012) (affirming relocation enhancement because the theft and fraudulent use of credit cards in a variety of locations comprised the heart of the enterprise); United States v. Hessa, 464 Fed.Appx. 473, 475 (6th Cir. 2012) (affirming relocation enhancement because the logical explanation for defendants travel to numerous states to make fraudulent returns was to avoid detection); accord United States v. Johnson, 486 Fed.Appx. 412, 414 (5th Cir. 2012). Relocation need not be motivated by a specific threat of arrest as opposed to a more general intent to evade law enforcement. United States v. Vega-Iturrino, 565 F.3d 430, 433 (8th Cir. 2009); accord United States v. Braxton, 374 Fed.Appx. 248, 24950 (3d Cir. 2010).

The district court properly applied the relocation enhancement. The district court determined that relocation was key to the scheme. The very essence of this conspiracy was getting as much money as possible through cashing counterfeit checks and then leaving that jurisdiction before law enforcement was able to detect the activity. Even though the conspirators presented some evidence that many of them lived in the Atlanta area, the district court rejected the argument that Atlanta was the hub of operations because [t]heres really no evidence that the parties met, planned, divvied up the money, [or] made decisions about where [they were] going to go next from Atlanta. The district court found that the conspirators effectively carried their conspiracy with them to each new town, relocating the scheme each time they changed location. See Hessa, 464 Fed.Appx. at 475.

Crane and Tatum argue that the district court should have interpreted the term relocate to mean the moving of something with a fixed location, citing United States v. Hines-Flagg, 789 F.3d 751, 755 (7th Cir. 2015), and United States v. Morris, 153 Fed.Appx. 556, 55758 (11th Cir. 2005). Crane and Tatums argument is incorrect for two reasons. First, the plain meaning of the term relocate does not require permanency or intent to remain in the new location. The term relocate means [t]o move or be moved to a new place, American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language 1525 (3d ed. 1992), or to locate again; establish or lay out in a new place; to move to a new location, Merriam-Websters Collegiate Dictionary 988 (10th ed. 1994). See Morris, 153 Fed.Appx. at 558. Second, Hines-Flagg and Morris are inapposite because the schemes in those cases operated in multiple jurisdictions with a specific location as a home base. In Hines-Flagg, the defendant would research victims and make fake identifications using her home computer in Detroit. Hines-Flagg, 789 F.3d at 753. And, even though she would leave Detroit twice a year to open store credit cards and use the fraudulent identifications, she would return to Detroit to fence the merchandise she bought. Id. at 75374. As the Seventh Circuit explained, the scheme was not relocated to Wisconsin, Ohio, and Illinois when HinesFlagg traveled to those locations for temporary trips and returned to Detroit. Id. at 755. Similarly, the Morris defendants left town on a temporary basis and returned to their home base in the Northern District of Georgia. Morris, 153 Fed.Appx. at 558. The conspiracy at issue here did not include a home base of operations. Instead, as the district court found, the scheme moved with the conspirators from town to town.

Crane and Tatum also argue that the district court clearly erred by finding that they relocated for the purpose of evading law enforcement, because, they assert, the entire scheme was dedicated to changing locations. This court has previously rejected similar method of operation arguments. See Hessa, 464 Fed.Appx. at 475 (rejecting the argument that the defendant did not have a purpose of evading law enforcement and was instead defrauding different stores as a method of operation); accord Lyles, 506 Fed.Appx. at 448. In this case, the government presented evidence that the relevant bank fraud was completed in each new location: the conspirators would steal checks, recruit check cashers, make the counterfeit checksusing the computer and printer that they carried with them specifically for that purposeand cash the counterfeit checks before leaving town. The conspirators presented minimal evidence disputing the governments proof, and the district court properly found that the conspirators relocation was done with a purpose of avoiding detection. Obviously, staying in one location too long would result in banks and branches of banks providing notification to law enforcement, and it would be very difficult to continue the scheme. Based on this information, the district court did not clearly err by finding that the scheme was relocated to evade law enforcement, and the court properly applied the relocation enhancement.

C. Loss Amount

Crane argues that the district court clearly erred in calculating the loss amount attributed to him. It did not.

We review the district courts calculation of the amount of loss for clear error, but consider the methodology behind it de novo. United States v. Washington, 715 F.3d 975, 984 (6th Cir. 2013) (citing United States v. Poulsen, 655 F.3d 492, 51213 (6th Cir. 2011)). The loss amount is the greater of actual loss or intended loss. USSG  2B1.1, comment. (n.3(A)). Here, the parties do not dispute that the intended loss amount is greater.  Intended loss (I) means the pecuniary harm that the defendant purposely sought to inflict; and (II) includes intended pecuniary harm that would have been impossible or unlikely to occur. Id.  2B1.1, comment. (n.3(A)(ii)). The court need only make a reasonable estimate of the loss, and the courts loss determination is entitled to deference. Id.  2B1.1, comment. (n.3(C)). [A] court does not have to establish the value of the loss with precision; it simply needs to publish the resolution of contested factual matters that formed the basis of the calculation.  United States v. Patel, 711 Fed.Appx. 283, No. 15-2001, 2017 WL 4461040, at *2 (6th Cir. Oct. 6, 2017) (quoting Poulsen, 655 F.3d at 513). To find whether the district court erred in calculating the loss amount, we must determine (1) whether the amount was in dispute; (2) if it was in dispute, whether the district court adequately ruled on the disputed amount; and (3) if the district court ruled, whether the factual findings indicate clear error.  Id. (quoting Poulsen, 655 F.3d at 513).

Crane disputed the intended loss amount, which was determined by the district court during a two-day evidentiary hearing in which the government presented evidence that the conspirators used a computer and VersaCheck programa software program for writing and printing checksto write and print the counterfeit checks. Forensic review of that computer revealed saved images of stolen checks and authorized signatures and the VersaCheck program, which contained a detailed ledger of the counterfeit checks that the conspirators had printed and a database of account information for various financial institutions, businesses, and payees. The VersaCheck ledger revealed that approximately 1,416 checks had been printed between March 4, 2014, and February 10, 2015, totaling approximately $2,980,022.68 and including over 100 victims. The government calculated the conspiracys intended loss amount by corroborating the raw data from the VersaCheck ledger with conspirator testimony and documentation from the financial institutions and businesses targeted by the conspiracy. In response, Crane asserted that the VersaCheck ledger was not an accurate representation of intended loss because the government could not prove that the conspirators intended each check they printed to be cashed. Crane argued, instead, that the district court should adopt a loss-amount formula based on the average number of successful payouts and confirmed checks used per business per payee.

The district court adequately explained why it rejected Cranes argument. The district court credited the governments evidence and determined that the governments calculation, based on the VersaCheck ledger, witness testimony, and corroborating documents, was a conservative estimation of the intended loss and that the ledger demonstrated the conspirators intent to cause loss. Specifically, the district court found that the printed checks were given to conspirators who managed the check-cashers, and then, based on the success of the check-cashers and the subjective evaluation of the conspirators, the check-cashers would be given additional checks to cash. Based on this evidence, the district court found that, even though only some of the printed checks were cashed, the intent to defraud these businesses [was] adequately demonstrated by the check[s] that were printed and provided to these individuals. The indicted conspirators were then each held accountable for the intended loss that occurred during his or her admitted timeframe of participation in the conspiracy.

The district courts factual findings were not clearly erroneous. Based upon evidence presented during the evidentiary hearing, the district court properly determined that the ledger of printed checks was an accurate record of intended loss because it adequately represented the amount of harm that the conspirators sought to inflict. Crane presented minimal evidence to counter the governments proof, instead pointing to the lack of corroborating physical documentation for some of the entries in the ledger. The district courts factual conclusions regarding the loss amount are due deference in this complicated fraud case, and Cranes quibbling is insufficient to undermine those conclusions. The district court did not clearly err in calculating the intended loss amount.

D. Downward Variance Sentence

Finally, Crane argues that the district court abused its discretion by failing to vary downward, based upon the economic reality principle and the difference between the intended loss ($1,701,529.21) and the actual loss ($263,555.17) attributed to him.

A properly calculated, within-Guidelines sentence is presumed to be substantively reasonable. See Rita v. United States, 551 U.S. 338, 347, 127 S.Ct. 2456, 168 L.Ed.2d 203 (2007); United States v. Vonner, 516 F.3d 382, 38990 (6th Cir. 2008). We have recognized that the economic-reality principle may be relevant [w]here sentencing is based largely or solely on intended loss. United States v. McBride, 362 F.3d 360, 375 (6th Cir. 2004). The underlying theory behind this principle is that where a defendant devises an ambitious scheme obviously doomed to fail and which causes little or no actual loss, it may be unfair to sentence based on the intended (but highly improbable) loss determination from the [ 2B1.1] table.  Id. (alteration in original) (citation omitted). But the economic-reality principle is inapplicable where the fraud scheme was not obviously doomed to fail, nor were the losses from the scheme highly improbable.  United States v. Jordan, 544 F.3d 656, 672-73 (6th Cir. 2008); see McBride, 362 F.3d at 375.

Cranes 66-month sentence is near the middle of the applicable advisory Guidelines range, and he has not rebutted the presumption of reasonableness. The district court properly considered Cranes variance argument and explained its reasons for imposing a sentence within the Guidelines range. The district court explained that a variance based on the economic-reality principle was unwarranted here, first, because the fraud was a successful scheme. The district court determined that the scheme was not doomed to fail and the losses were not highly improbable. Second, the district court specifically considered the McBride case and explained that a variance was unwarranted here because the disparity between the actual and intended loss amounts attributed to Crane was not as significant as the disparity justifying departure in McBride. Cranes 66-month sentence is not substantively unreasonable, and the district court did not abuse its discretion by imposing it.

III.

For the foregoing reasons, we AFFIRM the judgments of the district court.

FOOTNOTES

. Tatum argues that the theft and counterfeiting of a personal check should not have been attributed to him as relevant offense conduct because he could not reasonably foresee that activity. This argument was not presented to the district court. The argument, therefore, is waived and we apply plain-error review. Jackson, 877 F.3d at 236-37. As Tatum did not present any evidence to counter the governments proof of his knowledge of and agreement to the bank-fraud conspiracy, we cannot find that the district court plainly erred by finding Tatum responsible for the theft and counterfeiting of a personal check that occurred in connection with that conspiracy.

. We focus on these particular dictionary editions because the means-of-identification enhancement was added to the Guidelines (originally at  2F1.1(b)) in Guidelines Amendment 596 in November 2000, see USSG Supp. to App. C (2001), and it has remained largely unchanged since that time. In determining the plain meaning of a term, we give terms the ordinary meaning that they carried when the provision was put into effect. United States v. Henry, 819 F.3d 856, 870 (6th Cir. 2016) (quoting Norfolk S. Ry. Co. v. Perez, 778 F.3d 507, 512 (6th Cir. 2015)). We note that the meaning of the term involve has not changed significantly since that time.

. The district court also found that the conspirators stole and duplicated an authorized payors signature on many of the counterfeit business checks and that such conduct was also grounds to apply the means-of-identification enhancement. The Eighth Circuit has recently held the same. See United States v. Weaver, 866 F.3d 882, 884 (8th Cir. 2017) (citing cases in support). We need not address this matter, however, because the conspirators theft and counterfeiting of a personal check is sufficient ground on which to affirm the application of the enhancement.

. We focus on these particular dictionary editions because the relocation enhancement was added to the Guidelines (originally at  2F1.1(b)) in Guidelines Amendment 577 in November 1998, see USSG Supp. to App. C (2001), and has remained largely unchanged since that time. See supra note 2. The meaning of the term relocate also has not changed significantly since that time.

. Crane argues that this objection is subject to de novo review because he claims to dispute the district courts calculation methodology. However, it is not the district courts methodology that Crane disputes, but rather the factual conclusions that the district court used to support its methodology. We therefore apply clear-error review.

ALICE M. BATCHELDER, Circuit Judge.


the complete review - fiction

Record of a Night too Brief



by

Kawakami Hiromi



general information | review summaries | our review | links | about the author

Japanese title: 

Translated by Lucy North

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Our Assessment:



B : vivid and creative tales

See our review for fuller assessment.

Review Summaries Source Rating Date Reviewer The Japan Times . 27/5/2017 Damian Flanagan SCMP . 9/2/2017 James Kidd

From the Reviews :

"The quality of the stories in Record of a Night Too Brief steadily improves as Kawakami moves away from simple dream narratives and experiments with psychology and magic realism instead. (...) Kawakami might not be operating on the same intellectual parnassus as Soseki and Kuroswawa, but she is able to give entertaining takes -- filled with dream-like insight -- on the peculiarities of modern life, fusing both South American-style magical realism with the folklore concepts of being spirited away and snake-human transformations." - Damian Flanagan, The Japan Times





steadily improves as Kawakami moves away from simple dream narratives and experiments with psychology and magic realism instead. (...) Kawakami might not be operating on the same intellectual parnassus as Soseki and Kuroswawa, but she is able to give entertaining takes -- filled with dream-like insight -- on the peculiarities of modern life, fusing both South American-style magical realism with the folklore concepts of being spirited away and snake-human transformations." - "At once funny and humane, the authors estranging fiction is bewitching. If Japan were in need of a Lewis Carroll, look no further." - James Kidd, South China Morning Post

Please note that these ratings solely represent the complete review 's biased interpretation and subjective opinion of the actual reviews and do not claim to accurately reflect or represent the views of the reviewers. Similarly the illustrative quotes chosen here are merely those the complete review subjectively believes represent the tenor and judgment of the review as a whole. We acknowledge (and remind and warn you) that they may, in fact, be entirely unrepresentative of the actual reviews by any other measure.



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The complete review 's Review :

Record of a Night too Brief collects three stories, the last of which -- 'A Snake Stepped On' -- both won the prestigious Akutagawa Prize (one of the leading Japanese literary prizes) and was the title used when this collection was first published in Japanese. The English translation takes its title from the first of the stories; like the others, this one features surreal physical distortions beginning with the night literally "nibbling into" the narrator.

The story 'Record of a Night too Brief' is itself divided into nineteen short, titled chapters -- steps and stages through a transformative night, the second already promising: 'Chaos'. It's a story of surreal encounters, exchanges, and changes: time flows unevenly, while physical form -- personal and otherwise -- is transformed. The narrator pours coffee -- only to find she is pouring night; a fire consumes her "so completely that not even our bones were left" (yet she can immediately complain: "'Why do you do such things ?' I asked angrily"). It's a creative trip, wildly imagined, with an effective contrast of everyday reaction to the completely absurd. It is certainly action-packed -- but practically loses itself in it's own rapid-flow adventures.

The middle story, 'Missing', is set in a somewhat more stable world, closer to our own -- yet also with some striking differences. The narrator is a young woman in a family, with two older brothers; among the oddities of this world or society is that traditionally families live together in groups of five -- one leaving whenever a new member is added. It's not a hard and fast rule, but in her family it's still the case.

The story begins with her eldest brother going missing -- simply vanishing into thin air, more or less. It's not entirely surprising: there's a family history of people (and objects) going missing. And sometimes reappearing. And even though the brother is gone, he's sometimes back as a 'presence':

My brother no. 1's presence would come and go; at times it was intense, at times quite faint. Of everyone in the family, I was the one who was most sensitive to it.

"Well, you stepped on me," the human being announced, "so now I don't have a choice."

- M.A.Orthofer, 4 January 2018

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:

Pushkin Press publicity page

 publicity page

Excerpt

See Index of Japanese literature

Other books from Pushkin Press under review

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About the Author :

Japanese author Kawakami Hiromi ( ) was born in 1958.

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United States Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit. UNITED STATES of America, PlaintiffAppellee v. Anthony WHITEWATER, DefendantAppellant United States of America, PlaintiffAppellee v. Anthony Whitewater, DefendantAppellant No. 17-1258, No. 17-1259 Decided: January 03, 2018

Before BENTON, SHEPHERD, and KELLY, Circuit Judges. Frederick D. Franklin, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, Omaha, NE, for PlaintiffAppellee. Richard Haile McWilliams, Assistant Federal Public Defender, FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, Omaha, NE, for DefendantAppellant. Anthony Whitewater, Pro Se.

In the early morning hours of May 2, 2016, a passenger in a Chrysler Pacifica fired multiple rounds at a Chevrolet Tahoe traveling from the Winnebago Indian Reservation to the Omaha Indian Reservation. A federal jury convicted Anthony Whitewater as the shooter. The sole issue on appeal is whether the district court erred in allowing evidence at trial from the photo lineup used to identify Whitewater. Whitewater claims the photo lineup was impermissibly suggestive. We find it was not and affirm the district court.

I.

Around 1:30 a.m. on the morning of the shooting, Jason Miller and Vincent Wolfe, members of the Omaha Nation Tribe, attended a party on the Winnebago Indian Reservation. Whitewater, a member of the Winnebago Tribe, was also at the party, but left after he got into a fight with another guest. Shortly thereafter, Miller and Wolfe also left the party in Millers Chevrolet Tahoe. As Miller drove home around 3:30 a.m., a blue Chrysler Pacifica pulled alongside the Tahoe on the drivers side. A man was hanging out of the Pacificas passenger window, shouting and holding a handgun. Miller recognized him as the man who was ejected from the party based on his neck tattoo and floppy hat depicting marijuana leaves. The passenger fired two shots into the air. As the Tahoe sped away, the Pacifica gave chaseits passenger firing several rounds into the back of the Tahoe.

An Omaha Nation law enforcement officer spotted the speeding vehicles and pulled over the Pacifica, after briefly losing visual contact. The Pacificas driver was Marcus Blackhawk: Whitewaters older brother. There was no passenger, but Blackhawk admitted that his bro had been with him. Blackhawks girlfriend, Santita Medina, later testified that Whitewater had come to her home earlier that morning around 3:00 a.m. to get Blackhawk. The two men then left in Medinas blue Chrysler Pacifica.

Over the next two days, FBI Special Agent Stephen Friend separately interviewed Miller and Wolfe, who both provided almost identical descriptions of the shooter: a Native American male with dark hair, squinty eyes, and a throat tattoo, who was wearing a black floppy hat with green marijuana leaves on it. An FBI employee pulled images from a database that matched Miller and Wolfes description. In June 2016, Special Agent Friend met with Miller and Wolfe separately to conduct a six-photo lineup, in which both Miller and Wolfe identified Whitewater as the shooter.

Whitewater was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon in Indian Country under 18 U.S.C.  113(a)(3) and 1153, use of a firearm during a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C.  924(c)(1)(A)(iii) and 1153, and being a felon in possession of a firearm under 18 U.S.C.  922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). The district court denied Whitewaters motion in limine to exclude evidence of the photo lineup and in-court eyewitness identification, finding the lineup was not impermissibly suggestive. At trial, Miller and Wolfe testified that they identified Whitewater from a photo lineup, and both identified Whitewater in court. The jury found Whitewater guilty on all charges, and the court sentenced him to 240 months imprisonment. Whitewater appeals his convictions, claiming the district court improperly allowed evidence from the photo lineup at trial.

II.

The Due Process Clause protects against the admission of evidence derived from improper identification procedures. Neil v. Biggers, 409 U.S. 188, 196, 93 S.Ct. 375, 34 L.Ed.2d 401 (1972). We review the admissibility of identification evidence de novo. United States v. Donelson, 450 F.3d 768, 772 (8th Cir. 2006). To determine whether such evidence is admissible, we [first] determine whether the defendant has shown that the identification procedures were impermissibly suggestive. Id. (internal quotation marks omitted). If that showing is made, we examine the totality of the circumstances to determine whether the suggestive procedures created a very substantial likelihood of irreparable misidentification. Id. at 773 (internal quotation marks omitted). Because we find the photo lineup was not impermissibly suggestive, we do not reach the second inquiry.

When there are no differences in appearance tending to isolate the accuseds photograph, the lineup is not impermissibly suggestive. Schawitsch v. Burt, 491 F.3d 798, 802 (8th Cir. 2007). To create the photo lineup at issue here, the FBI pulled five images from an online database matching the description Miller and Wolfe provided. The district court concluded that the photo lineup was not impermissibly suggestive because [t]he individuals are all males appearing to range from about 20 years of age to as much as 50 years of age. They all are dark-skinned, olive-skinned individuals with very short black hair. And they all have neck tattoos.

Whitewater challenges this conclusion by pointing out that he was the only confirmed Native American, the only confirmed resident of the Winnebago or Omaha Reservations, and the only party attendee included in the lineup. No doubt a photo lineup displaying persons of markedly different race or ethnicity may be unduly suggestive. United States v. Wilson, 787 F.2d 375, 385 (8th Cir. 1986). However, a photo lineup is not suggestive solely because the display did not depict persons of the same race or ethnic group. Id. (upholding photo lineup where defendant was the only Hispanic man included). On appeal, Whitewater alleges only that the ethnicity of the other five men in the photo lineup was unknown. But even if Whitewater were in fact the only Native American, all of the men featured in the lineup shared similar physical characteristics such that Whitewaters ethnicity did not isolate him. Furthermore, Whitewater cites no legal authority for his proposition that including only one local resident and party attendee made the lineup suggestive. We therefore agree with the district court that the photo lineup was not impermissibly suggestive.

Whitewater also challenges the reliability of the photo lineup identifications, butwhen no improper law enforcement conduct is involveddue process does not require a trial court to screen such evidence for reliability before allowing the jury to assess its creditworthiness. Perry v. New Hampshire, 565 U.S. 228, 245-47, 132 S.Ct. 716, 181 L.Ed.2d 694 (2012) (listing safeguards built into our adversary system that caution juries against placing undue weight on eyewitness testimony of questionable reliability, including right to confront witnesses and governments burden to prove defendant guilty beyond reasonable doubt).

Because the identification procedures were not impermissibly suggestive, the district court properly allowed the evidence of the photo lineup to go to the jury.

III.

For these reasons, we affirm.

FOOTNOTES

. The Honorable Laurie Smith Camp, Chief Judge, United States District Court for the District of Nebraska.

. Although Whitewater contends that his Native American neck tattoo made him stand out, he cites no evidence in the record suggesting his neck tattoo was distinctively Native American while the other mens were not.

SHEPHERD, Circuit Judge.
United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit. Dylan STEWART, an individual, on behalf of himself and all other similarly situated, Plaintiff-Appellant, v. SAN LUIS AMBULANCE, INC., a California Corporation, Defendant-Appellee. No. 15-56943 Decided: December 29, 2017

Before: Johnnie B. Rawlinson and N. Randy Smith, Circuit Judges, and Edward R. Korman,* District Judge.

ORDER CERTIFYING QUESTIONS TO THE SUPREME COURT OF CALIFORNIA

Before this panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit is an appeal concerning the applicability of meal- and rest-period regulations to the employers of ambulance attendants working twenty-four hour shifts. Also before the panel is the issue of whether meal period violations may form the basis for unpaid wages and improper wage reporting claims under sections 203 and 226 of the California Labor Code. As we are aware of no controlling state precedent that resolves these issues, we respectfully ask the Supreme Court of California to exercise its discretion to accept and decide the certified questions below.

I. Questions Certified

Pursuant to Rule 8.548 of the California Rules of Court, we request that the Court answer the following questions:

1. Under the California Labor Code and applicable regulations, is an employer of ambulance attendants working twenty-four hour shifts required to relieve attendants of all duties during rest breaks, including the duty to be available to respond to an emergency call if one arises during a rest period?

2. Under the California Labor Code and applicable regulations, may an employer of ambulance attendants working twenty-four hour shifts require attendants to be available to respond to emergency calls during their meal periods without a written agreement that contains an on-duty meal period revocation clause? If such a clause is required, will a general at-will employment clause satisfy this requirement?

3. Do violations of the meal period regulations, which require payment of a premium wage for each improper meal period, give rise to claims under sections 203 and 226 of the California Labor Code where the employer does not include the premium wage in the employee's pay or pay statements during the course of the violations?

We understand that the Court may reformulate our questions, and we agree to accept and follow the Court's decision. Cal. R. Ct. 8.548(b)(2), (f)(5).

II. Background

Dylan Stewart worked as an Emergency Medical Technition (EMT) for San Luis Ambulance, Inc. (SLA) for over a year. As an SLA employee, Stewart had a written agreement (the twenty-four hour shift agreement) with SLA indicating that he was required to remain on duty, and ready to respond to any emergency calls that c[a]me in, throughout all [twenty-four] hours of [his] shifts. Stewart acknowledges that he was paid for all twenty-four hours of his shifts with SLAirrespective of whether he was responding to emergencies; engaging in other employment related duties; or eating, sleeping, or enjoying leisure at the ambulance station.

During the course of his employment with SLA, Stewart also worked several shifts of less than twenty-four hours. These shorter shifts were subject to a separate agreement called a Day Car Agreement. Both the twenty-four hour shift agreement and the Day Car Agreement had language stating that meal periods would be paid and meals would be taken on-duty. However, the Day Car Agreement also had explicit language stating that an employee could revoke the on-duty meal period agreement at any time. The twenty-four hour shift agreement did not have this revocation language, but it did have an at-will employment clause indicating that either party could terminate the employment at any time.

SLA employees were authorized to take their meal periods and rest periods at any time they were not attending to an emergency call. And SLA required its employees to keep a log of each day's emergency calls. Stewart never reported being unable to take a meal period or rest period, and his activity logs indicate that every day he had time to take meal and rest periods during his employment. Nonetheless, SLA required Stewart to remain available to respond to an emergency call during meal and rest periods.

Stewart voluntarily terminated his employment and subsequently brought suit alleging violations of federal and state labor law. At issue here are four California state law claims for violation of regulations as to meal periods, rest periods, failure to timely pay wages, and inaccurate wage statements. The district court granted summary judgment to SLA on each of these claims, and following resolution of other federal- and state-law claims remaining in the lawsuit, Stewart timely appealed.

On appeal, Stewart seeks reversal of the award of summary judgment against him, and he asks for summary judgment to be entered in his favor on each of the four state-law claims. With respect to his meal- and rest-period claims, he seeks a judgment that he is entitled to compensation for an additional two hours of work for each day that he worked without proper meal or rest periods. See Cal. Lab. Code  226.7(c). He further claims that he is entitled to an award of statutory penalties for SLA's failure to timely pay or accurately reflect these premium wages in his pay statements. See Cal. Lab. Code  203, 226(e)(1). Having considered the parties' briefs and arguments, we are now convinced that resolution of these claims turns on the proper interpretation of Wage Order 9, in light of the apparent tension between Monzon v. Schaefer Ambulance Service, Inc., 224 Cal.App.3d 16, 273 Cal.Rptr. 615 (1990), and Augustus v. ABM Security Services, Inc., 2 Cal.5th 257, 211 Cal.Rptr.3d 634, 385 P.3d 823 (2016), as modified on denial of rehearing March 15, 2017. We therefore request clarification in order to decide this case.

III. Explanation of Certification

This case presents two sets of issues that are unresolved under state law. The first involves the application of rest- and meal-period regulations to ambulance attendants working twenty-four hour shifts of duty. The second, which is contingent on resolution of the first issues in favor of Stewart, turns on whether a meal period violation may form the basis for a claim for unpaid wages or improper wage reporting. Each of these issues will be addressed in turn.

A. Rest and Meal Periods

No controlling precedent establishes whether ambulance attendants working twenty-four hour shifts may be required to remain available for emergency calls during rest and meal periods. Although the Court recently addressed rest periods in Augustus, interpreting Wage Order 4 to require off-duty rest periods, see Augustus, 211 Cal.Rptr.3d 634, 385 P.3d at 82526, Augustus does not control the interpretation of Wage Order 9. Wage Order 9 includes express exemptions to certain overtime requirements in the context of ambulance attendants working twenty-four hour shifts of duty. Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8,  11090, subd. 3(K). Section 3(K) and Monzon are similarly not controllingneither directly addresses payment for meal or rest periods. The parties' dispute turns on the open question of whether section 3(K) and Monzon by implication limit the applicability of the rest-period (Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8,  11090, subd. 12 & Cal. Lab. Code  226.7) and meal-period (Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8,  11090, subd. 11(C)) requirements of Wage Order 9 as applied to ambulance attendants working twenty-four hour shifts of duty.

1. Rest Periods

In Augustus, the Court, interpreting Wage Order 4, held that during rest periods employers must relieve employees of all duties and relinquish control over how employees spend their time. 211 Cal.Rptr.3d 634, 385 P.3d at 829, 832 (emphasis added) (The ordinary meaning of rest conveys, in this context, the opposite of work. Rest is defined by the American Heritage Dictionary as the [c]essation of work, exertion, or activity. So, ordinarily a reasonable reader would understand rest period to mean an interval of time free from labor, work, or any other employment-related duties. (quoting Rest, American Heritage Dictionary (4th ed. 2000))). The Court further held that on-call rest periodswhere an employee remains subject to being called into action at all times during the breakare also incompatible with the text of Wage Order 4 and California Labor Code section 226.7. Id., 211 Cal.Rptr.3d 634, 385 P.3d at 83233. The rest period language of Wage Order 9 is identical to that in Wage Order 4. Compare Cal. Code Regs., tit. 8,  11040, subd. 12, with Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8,  11090, subd. 12.

Nonetheless, importing this interpretation into Wage Order 9 would create a conflict with section 3(K), which affirmatively contemplates [twenty-four ]hour shifts of duty for ambulance attendants. Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8,  11090, subd. 3(K) (emphasis added). Additionally, for the past twenty-seven years, California courts have permitted employers of ambulance attendants to exclude sleep periods from compensable time without a written agreement, despite the fact that the employer retains control throughout the twenty-four hours to wake the employees from their sleep every time an emergency arises. See Monzon, 273 Cal.Rptr. at 63234 (applying a federal regulation allowing deduction of sleep time from compensable time where there is an agreement between the parties to do so and the employee receives a minimum of five hours of uninterrupted sleep during the shift). This precedent, unique to the ambulance industry, makes the applicability of Augustus to Wage Order 9 a difficult open question.

2. Meal Periods

Meal periods present a similarly difficult issue. In addition to the issues addressed above, Monzonthough technically a sleep-time caseinterpreted Wage Order 9 consistent with a federal regulation allowing exclusion of sleep periods and meal periods from compensable time without a written agreement. Monzon, 273 Cal.Rptr. at 63031, 633 (citing 29 C.F.R.  785.22). Thus, the issue of meal periods is even more closely linked to existing precedent.

Nonetheless, it is unclear whether California would extend Monzon to meal periodseven though the two circumstances are governed by the same federal regulation incorporated in Monzon. The Court recently limited [Monzon] to its facts. Mendiola v. CPS Sec. Solutions, Inc., 60 Cal.4th 833, 182 Cal.Rptr.3d 124, 340 P.3d 355, 363 (2015). If the relevant facts to which Monzon is limited include the realities of [the ambulance] industry the Court may well extend Monzon to cover the circumstances at issue here. Id. But the Court could just as easily limit Monzon to its precise factssleep periods for ambulance drivers and attendants. Since Monzon, the Court has made clear that courts should not incorporate a federal standard concerning what time is compensable [a]bsent convincing evidence of the [Industrial Welfare Commission's] intent.  Id., 182 Cal.Rptr.3d 124, 340 P.3d at 364 (first alteration and emphasis in original) (quoting Morillion v. Royal Packing Co., 22 Cal.4th 575, 94 Cal.Rptr.2d 3, 995 P.2d 139, 150 (2000)). Monzon did not identify evidence of the Industrial Welfare Commission's intent before looking to federal law. See Monzon, 273 Cal.Rptr. at 63233. If the Court requires evidence of intent as a prerequisite to extending Monzon to meal periods, it may be difficult for SLA to meet the high bar identified in Mendiola. Accordingly, the panel seeks clarification of these open questions under California law.

B. Unpaid Wages and Improper Wage Reporting

If the Court determines that SLA violated applicable regulations by failing to include a clause expressly allowing for revocation of on-duty meal periods in its twenty-four hour shift agreement, the Court should determine whether the failure to pay the premium wage associated with such a violation may also form the basis for a waiting time penalty claim under California Labor Code section 203 and an inaccurate reporting claim under section 226. In Murphy v. Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc., 40 Cal.4th 1094, 56 Cal.Rptr.3d 880, 155 P.3d 284, 297 (2007), the Court characterized the extra hours paid for meal period violations as a premium wage rather than a penalty, but, in Kirby v. Immoos Fire Protection, Inc., 53 Cal.4th 1244, 140 Cal.Rptr.3d 173, 274 P.3d 1160, 116768 (2012), the Court held that a meal-period violation is not tied to the nonpayment of wages. Since these rulings, courts have been inconsistent in their interpretations. Several have concluded that a meal period violation properly forms the basis for claims under sections 203 and 226pointing to Murphy. See Finder v. Leprino Foods Co., No. 1:13-CV-2059 AWI-BAM, 2015 WL 1137151, at *3*5 (E.D. Cal. Mar. 12, 2015) (collecting cases). Yet others have rejected such claimsrelying on Kirby. See Jones v. Spherion Staffing LLC, No. LA CV11-06462 JAK, 2012 WL 3264081, at *2*9 (C.D. Cal. Aug. 7, 2012) (collecting cases).

If the Court finds Kirby more analogous and rejects a meal-period violation as an adequate basis for a section 203 or 226 claim, this decision would provide the panel with an adequate alternative basis for affirming the district court on this issue. Alternatively, if the Court finds that a meal-period violation may provide the basis for a section 203 or 226 claim in light of Murphy, the panel will still be required to determine whether the district court erred in concluding that the alleged violation was not willful or intentional. But this issue will be significantly easier to determine in light of the Court's ruling on the applicability of the meal-period regulations to ambulance attendants. Thus, a ruling from the Court would greatly clarify the law and aid the panel in rendering its decision.

IV. Administrative Information

The names and addresses of counsel are listed in the appendix at the end of this order. Cal. R. Ct. 8.548(b)(1). If the Supreme Court of California accepts this request, the Plaintiff-Appellant, Dylan Stewart, should be deemed the petitioner.

The Clerk is hereby directed to transmit forthwith to the Court the original and ten copies of this order as well as a certificate of service on the parties. Cal. R. Ct. 8.548(d). The Clerk shall also transmit along with this request, ten copies of the district court's Order Re Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment and Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment, Order Denying Plaintiff's Motion for Reconsideration and Denying as Moot Plaintiff's Motion to Certify for Interlocutory Appeal, and the appellate briefs of the parties. The Clerk shall provide additional record material if so requested by the Supreme Court of California. Cal. R. Ct. 8.548(c).

The case is withdrawn from submission, and further proceedings in this court are stayed pending final action by the Supreme Court of California. The parties shall notify the Clerk of this Court within three days after the Court accepts or rejects certification, and again within three days if the Court renders an opinion. The panel retains jurisdiction over further proceedings.

V. Stay of Proceedings and Withdrawal of Submission

In light of our decision to certify the issues set forth above, the submission of this appeal is withdrawn, and all further proceedings in this case before our court are stayed pending final action by the Supreme Court of California, save for any petition for rehearing regarding this order. The Clerk is directed to administratively close this docket, pending further order. The parties shall notify the Clerk of this court within fourteen days of the Supreme Court of California's acceptance or rejection of certification, and again, if certification is accepted, within fourteen days of the Supreme Court of California's issuance of a decision.

QUESTIONS CERTIFIED; PROCEEDINGS STAYED.

Appendix

Counsel for Plaintiff-Appellants

Hernaldo J. Baltodano, Esquire, Attorney

Baltodano & Baltodano LLP

733 Marsh Street

Suite 110

San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Peter R. Dion-Kindem

Peter R. Dion-Kindem, P.C.

Suite # 900

21550 Oxnard Street

Woodland Hills, CA 91367

Allison Lee Ehlert, Esquire

Ehlert Appeals

P.O. Box 1024

El Cerrito, CA 94530

Paul Keith Haines, Esquire, Attorney

Haines Law Group, APC

2274 E. Maple Avenue

Suite A

El Segundo, CA 90245

Jeff Holmes

Jeff Holmes, Esq.

3311 E. Pico Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90023

Counsel for Defendant-Appellee

Sean McLoughlin

Hill, Farrer & Burrill, LLP

One California Plaza

37th Floor

300 South Grand Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90071-3147
Pulitzer winner Robin Hoods Grand Ole Opry photograph hangs in the Tennessee Music gallery at Erlanger Baroness Hospital A picture by Gayle Domanski called Chattanooga Heart Beat is for sale at the Tennessee Music gallery at Erlanger Baroness Hospital The poster from the 2016 Riverbend Festival is signed by all the artists who performed at the 35th anniversary Previous Next

Arts at Erlanger celebrates the sounds of Tennessee with its newest art installment, Tennessee Music, now on exhibit at the Erlanger Baroness Hospital Gallery Corridor.



Current pieces on display were submitted by area artists, including Thomas Cory, Lupina Poi Haney, Spears McAllester, Margaret Park and many others. Riverbend posters, a photo taken in the Grand Ole Opry, and a painting of musical instruments with a reference to Sun Records, are just a few of the works in Erlangers latest art exhibit. Information about each artist and their art can be found alongside their artwork, and also online at the Arts at Erlanger website.



This show is one of our most comprehensive yet, said Martica Lambiase, co-chair of Arts at Erlanger. We have beautiful art, all from local artists, including photography from a Pulitzer Prize winning photographer, Robin Hood, and colorful, graphic styled posters from Riverbend with autographs from the artists who performed each year.



The Tennessee Music art show is on display at the Erlanger Baroness hospital in the Gallery Corridor, adjacent to the D elevators, now through April 20.



Many of the pieces or copies are available for purchase, as well as copies from the permanent art collection on display throughout Erlanger East Hospital. The permanent art collection at Erlanger East Hospital was curated by the Arts at Erlanger program and has been recognized nationally.






Data center News

Even After An Epic Year For Global Data Center Consolidation, Experts Say Regional Providers Still Stand Out In The Cloud

Joseph Tsidulko

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The year just ended saw an unprecedented wave of consolidation in the data center industry as the world's largest colocation providers looked to keep pace with demand from enterprises and public clouds by acquiring regional competitors.

The $20 billion in mergers and acquisitions closed in 2017 far exceeded spending from the two preceding years combinedwith 2015 seeing roughly $6 billion in activity through 17 deals, and 2016 roughly $10 billion through 28 deals, according to a new report from Synergy Research.

The surge to 48 data center consolidation deals in 2017 is part of a trend that will likely continue for some time, wrote Synergy's chief analyst, John Dinsdale, in the report.

[Related: Emerging Vendors 2017: 20 Data Center Startups You Need To Know]

"We expect to see much more data center M&A over the next five years," Dinsdale said.

Consolidation is being driven by enterprises divesting from their own infrastructure, and cloud services providers looking to rapidly scale into new geographies. Four more deals totaling $2.6 billion in value are already pending, according to Synergy.

The vast majority of the 2017 spend came from Equinix and Digital Reality. The industry's two leaders paid out between them $19 billion on acquisitions, even before counting Equinix' deal for Metronode, an Australian company.

Digital Reality paid $7.6 billion for DuPont Fabros in the largest single purchase of 2017.

Equinix has made major acquisitions around the world, Synergy noted, while Digital Realty has focused on the United States and Europe. CyrusOne, Peak 10, Digital Bridge, NTT, Carter Validus, Iron Mountain, Cyxtera and Elegant Jubilee also took part in last year's M&A surge, according to Synergy.

Regional data center operators looking to succeed in a landscape dominated by wholesale giants that will only continue growing bigger must focus on offering differentiated services, the leaders of two boutique providers told CRN.

Lief Morin, CEO of Key Information Systems, said his Los Angeles-area data center business is experiencing a "microcosm of that larger trend" in market conditions that's driving consolidation among the global colocation providers.

Businesses are rapidly moving their IT operations off-premises and into colocation facilities or public clouds, eliminating risk that doesn't lend those companies any value, Morin said.

"You got companies all over the place, they have closets with servers in them, they're trying to get them out of those closets and put them into a formal data center, then setup networks to constantly communicate with those data centers," Morin said.

Amid that acceleration of IT outsourcing, the largest colocation providers are investing to ensure they have the capacity "to capitalize on the longer tail of that whole lifecycle of technology services," Morin said.

Those providers need to expand their geographic presence to meet the needs of multi-national enterprise clients who want to minimize latency while ensuring compliance across countries.

"In the technology space, scale matters," he said.

Kevin Goodman, managing director of BlueBridge Networks, a boutique operator of data centers in Ohio, told CRN that hyper-scale cloud providers growing into secondary markets where it doesn't make sense for them to build their own facilities are also playing a major role in the consolidation trend.

The proliferation of data, and modern applications like Internet of Things, predictive analytics, artificial intelligence and big data, are forcing those clouds to get closer to customers through leases with "wholesale megawatt providers," Goodman said.

"In a world in which milliseconds matter, you see a lot of the large data centers utilized by cloud providers and SaaS providers," Goodman said. That encourages the data center providers to expand their wholesale businesses.

Just like the cellular industry in previous decades, consolidation will be an unstoppable force in the market, Morin told CRN. It's likely that many midsize data center operators will be swept up in the acquisition sprees of the future.

But smaller players can remain highly competitive by "managing their strengths," Morin said. That means serving a niche.

While some regional operators could jump on the bandwagon by looking to be acquired, Goodman said, "boutique shops that differentiate themselves, do what they do in an exceptional way, that's also a recipe for success."

The mega-providers have gotten better at customer service.

But "human relationships, pointing to the cluster, knowing your customers' business and IT objective, that's where the regional player has to compete," Goodman told CRN.
Mobility News

HP Recalling Batteries For 11 Laptop Models, Plans To Dispatch Technicians To Customer Sites

Kyle Alspach

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HP Inc. Thursday said it is recalling approximately 50,000 lithium-ion batteries for 11 laptop models due to a potential for the batteries to overheat and catch fire.

The batteries in question are embedded in the PCs and are not easily removable. As a result, HP is planning to send technicians to customer sites to replace the affected batteries at no charge.

[Related: HP Expands Its Notebook Battery Recall Due To Overheating Risk]

According to Mike Nash, HP's vice president of customer experience for personal systems, 0.1 percent of HP's PCs sold between December 2015 and December 2017 are affected by the recall.

"Because these are embedded batteries, customers will be guided to our website to learn and check if their battery is affected, and therefore should be replaced," Nash told CRN.

For customers with affected systems, "a battery will be promptly shipped to the customer, and HP will send a service technician on site to replace the battery," he said.

Users will also be directed to install a BIOS update that will deplete the battery down to a safe level, and users will be able to continue using their PC connected to a power charger.

The affected PCs include commercial and consumer notebooks, as well as mobile workstations. The manufacturer of the affected batteries and the estimated total number of affected PCs are not being disclosed by HP.

Affected models are the HP Probook 64x (G2 and G3); HP ProBook 65x (G2 and G3); HP x360 310 G2; HP Envy m6; HP Pavilion x360; HP 11 notebook; and the HP ZBook (17 G3, 17 G4 and Studio G3) mobile workstations.

Nash said he expects that solution providers will arrange the battery replacements for customers in many cases.

"Solution providers can act on [customers'] behalf for sure," he said.

"As a partner we are always glad to see vendors be proactive on any issues in their products in the field," said Rick Jordan, director of sales and strategic aliances at Toronto-based Tenet Computer Group. "As an Authorized HP Service Centre here in Canada for HP, we are always here to support the cause to right the situation, not only for our clients but for HP Inc. as well."

HP is working with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on the recall. HP has received a total of eight reports of batteries that overheated, melted or charred, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. There had been one report of an injury -- a first-degree burn to the hand -- and about $4,500 in propery damage.

A year ago, HP for several models to cover 101,000 batteries, up from 41,000 batteries that were recalled in June 2016. In that situation, which covered PCs sold between 2013 and 2016, replacement batteries were provided to customers.

Trends in laptop design have gravitated toward embedded batteries in recent years, however. This is the first HP recall for embedded batteries, Nash said.

Visit HP's website for the recall program here.
Faculty from the Division of Humanities and Fine Arts at Chattanooga State Community College are expecting a good turnout from local high school students at the annual upcoming Young Writers Conference focused on creative writing within a multitude of disciplines. It will be held in Chattanooga States Humanities Auditorium on Thursday, Jan. 11 from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.



Faculty volunteers lead sessions on different genres and elements of fiction, poetry, film, theatre and many other types of writing and performing. Young adult guest author, Jeff Zenther, will present a reading and lead a discussion at 1 p.m.



Students at the conference have the opportunity to submit works of poetry, short fiction or nonfiction essays for a writing contest. A yearly collection of work from each student also will be available for each person in attendance. An award ceremony for student writing will follow the guest authors reading.



For more information, or to be contacted about the 2019 conference, email Stanley Buck Weiss at Stanley.weiss@chattanoogastate.edu, or call 423-697-5508.
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If anyone is a fan of Woody Guthrie, its David Lutken. The actor and musician is also the creator of the touring show, Woody Sez: The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie.

Woody Sez was an Off-Broadway hit last summer when Lutken, who is also a playwright and director, starred in the title role. This month he brings his acclaimed show to the Westport Country Playhouse, Tuesday, Jan. 9, through Saturday, Jan. 20.

Guthrie is known as Americas greatest folk poet, and especially for the song, This Land is Your Land. But Lutken will tell you those two details just barely scrape the surface of how and why Guthries life inspired this unique production.

Its really a combination of things, said Lutken, who considers Guthrie among Americas greatest lyricists. His life was quite varied and difficult at times. The music and poetry he came up with, that came out of the life he lived, amazes me.

Guthrie was born in Oklahoma in 1912, and died at 55, in 1967. Artists from Bob Dylan and Harry Chapin to Bruce Springsteen have acknowledged him as a major musical influence.

Lutken first learned some of Guthries tunes while growing up in Dallas, Texas. After attending acting school and doing a good deal of theater, including shows with folk music in them, he became friends with Harold Leventhol, who was Woodys old manager.

More Information Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court. Tuesday, Jan. 9-Saturday, Jan. 20. Tuesdays 7 p.m.; Wednesdays 2, 7 p.m.; Thursdays, Fridays 8 p.m.; Saturdays 3, 8 p.m. $50, $45, $35. 203-227-4177, www.westportplayhouse.org See More Collapse

Leventhol encouraged him to put the show together, and especially wanted it to be biographical. There were other shows about his music, but Leventhol really wanted someone to do a cradle to grave kind of thing that really showed some two hours worth of his life, because he was a really interesting guy.

Guthrie traveled all over the place and was a hobo and merchant marine. He wrote thousands of songs, was a star on the radio, and then turned his back on that, Lutken said. Among the messages shared through his works: America is a big beautiful country meant for everyone, and we should all take care of her, and of each other.

The stuff he came up with is just incredible  the greatest topical, political, cultural, observational songs in the entire canon of American musical history, and (this show) only serves to fill out the dimensionality of his power.

That sounded a little pretentious, but its true. The depth of the meaning of what he wrote is illuminated and enhanced by knowing more about the life he lived.

Four people play multiple roles in Woody Sez, which includes such tunes as Union Maid, Deportees, and This Train Is Bound for Glory. Though live music is included  about three dozen tunes  its not a concert.

Its the story of his life told through his own words, for the most part. The main thing I want everybody to see is how relevant this is now.

lkoonz@newstimes.com; Twitter: @LindaTKoonz
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HARTFORD  Homework alone will no longer be enough for the lions share of students in the state who are expelled from public school.

New standards approved Wednesday by the state Board of Education will require districts to give students access to programming comparable to what they would get in the regular classroom setting, and to address the issues that led to expulsion in the first place.

Districts previously may have thought (homework) was in alignment with the law, Commissioner of Education Dianna Wentzell said after the unanimous approval With the new standards clearly it is not, except in extreme cases.

In December, the board was presented with a report that showed 46 percent of expelled students get homework assignments and nothing else while they are excluded from school. Another 14 percent get tutoring and 23 percent are put into an alternative education setting. Nearly one in 10 gets nothing.

In keeping with a relatively new state law, however, the state Department of Education developed step-by-step guidelines with the help of stakeholders to make sure districts know what alternative education is considered appropriate, who should be involved in the process and how to monitor the plan developed for each expelled student.

Charlene Russell Tucker, chief operating officer for the department, said the goal is to make sure students have access to high quality programming even as the number of students expelled, on a statewide-basis, continues to decline.

A student is expelled when he or she is excluded from school for more than 10 consecutive days in a school year. In Connecticut public schools last year, the average expulsion lasted 115 days.

In 2016-17, there were 750 expulsions in the state compared, with 954 in 2012-13.

Students who are expelled run a greater risk of academic failure, dropping out and ending up in the juvenile justice system.

Tucker acknowledged the new standards may require a change in mind set.

The group that developed the guidelines continues to work on formulating a list of best practices and establishing timelines for implementation. The department intends to send districts notices immediately. Wentzell said there is still some flexibility, given that each student expelled may have unique needs.

There are 80 alternative education providers in the state districts can look to, she added.

It is unclear what will happen if districts dont comply. Wentzell said it depends on the situation and how it is reported to the department.

Fran Rabinowitz, executive director of the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents and a former interim superintendent in Bridgeport, said it really comes down to what is best for the child.

They should not just be out on the streets, Rabinowitz said. A couple of hours of homebound (instruction) is not enough. Kids need to be brought to a place where there is tutoring and counseling. Its not just about missing algebra one.

Marisa Masolo Halm, an attorney with the Center for Childrens Advocacy, who works primarily to defend the educational rights of children, agreed.

The traditional expulsion experience of part-time tutoring is not acceptable, Halm said.

Rabinowitz acknowledged that cost is a factor. The Bridgeport district lost its alternative education program this year  one of many programs eliminated due to chronic budget cuts.

Still, she said, the new standards are not overbearing and focus on the need to address social and emotional issues of students. If more of that were done earlier, Rabinowitz said, expulsions would be less likely.
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State Treasurer Denise L. Nappier announced Wednesday she is not seeking re-election to the office she first won in 1998, leaving her with exactly one year left in a remarkable run of activism and reform, with some pretty good financial returns.

Ive reached the conclusion that its time. Its time, the 66-year-old Democrat said after delivering a lengthy statement about her tenure. I dont think I have to convince people that its time for new blood. Its time for someone that is well qualified with fresh ideas to take the reins and move this office forward in the manner that I did.

Nappiers decision throws wide open a race that already includes some people in both parties considering a run for the powerful office, which controls pension funds now valued at more than $34 billion.

Three Democrats likely to run are Arunan Arulampalam, a Hartford lawyer and former lobbyist; John Blankley, a Greenwich business executive and town official; and Shawn Wooden, a Hartford lawyer who was president of the city council.

Arulampalam and Blankley have both formed exploratory committees and issued statements Wednesday praising Nappier. Wooden has told people he intended to explore a run if Nappier did not seek re-election, according to numerous sources.

In January 1999, Nappier inherited a state Treasury that would soon be wracked by an investigation leading to a guilty plea in a kickback scheme and federal prison time for Paul Silvester, the predecessor she defeated.

In her second year, she helped push through reforms that included creating a chief investment officer and boosting the role of the investment advisory committee.

Nineteen years and four re-elections later, she oversees an office that has hit its investment targets, for the most part; launched or dramatically enlarged programs such as the states college savings vehicle and financial literacy; and made a national name for itself  herself  as a shareholder activist on corporate governance.

Over the years, Nappier waved a flag for the state to address its dangerously underfunded pensions. As recently as a few months ago, she railed against a change in the teachers pension system that will leave it slightly less funded.

Nappier showed some bitterness Wednesday that, for years, people didnt listen to her warnings about an admittedly dry topic. The Legislature didnt think it was all that significant, she said.

And from the start, Nappier made the office one of the nations most prominent shareholder advocates for corporate governance reforms  leading the call at many publicly traded companies for up-or-down votes on executive pay, for separating the roles of chairman and CEO, for requiring that auditors are not also doing lucrative consulting work at the companies they audit, and against corporate investments in nations that commit or sanction genocide.

In another strain of her activism, Nappier has crusaded for policies on greenhouse gas emissions to address global warming. She co-founded the Investor Summit on Climate Risk at the United Nations, which by 2016 grew to more than 100 institutional investors with $13 trillion in assets.

Numerous companies have come under fire from Nappier, including The Walt Disney Co., Mattel, Office Depot, McDonalds, General Electric, Caterpillar, Stanley Black & Decker, and many energy companies as part of her climate work.

Shareholder activism for a state treasurer was the road less traveled in the early years, Nappier said.

Nearly 20 years later, that road is crowded and active, she said, proudly citing a fellow state treasurer who claimed he was using the Nappier Playbook.

That playbook has earned sharp barbs for Nappier from some business groups who say she overreaches. Nappier, in response, insists her efforts are part of smart investing  making sure the companies whose stocks were held by the state pension funds were well run and more likely to be profitable with rising stock values.

In one example, Nappier in 2002 wrote to board members at Stanley, then The Stanley Works, urging them to reject an ill-conceived corporate headquarters move to Bermuda, known as an inversion, because, she said, the move would leave shareholders less protected by governance rules  and create ill will among customers. She also fought layoffs in Connecticut at MetLife.

Amid harsh public criticism of companies, Nappier has also quietly negotiated reforms with management, using leverage as one of the most powerful fiduciaries in the country. Connecticut law does not require approval of investment decisions by a board or by other public officials.

Nappier was the first African-American woman elected as a state treasurer anywhere, and the first elected to statewide office in Connecticut. In 2006, she was named one of the 100 most powerful people in finance by Treasury & Risk Management magazine.

Despite her activism and testimony at the Capitol, Nappier has generally maintained a low profile when it comes to speaking engagements, including on the campaign trail.

In 2011, Hartford police issued Nappier a summons charging her with misusing license plates and operating an unregistered vehicle that lacked insurance after questioning her in the parking lot of a Hartford housing project. They towed her state car and she walked three miles to her West End home. Six days later, the Hartford states attorney said the car, in the state fleet, had been registered and that the summons was unwarranted.

Nappier told the Hartford Courant she suspected her race was a factor in how police handled the incident.

In the last election, in 2014, she narrowly beat Republican Tim Herbst, then the Trumbull first selectman, now a candidate for governor. Herbst criticized Nappier in part because the pension funds are underfunded. She countered that returns under her watch generally beat benchmarks.

The Connecticut Retirement Plans and Trust Funds stood at a record $32.4 billion on June 30 after a year with 14.2 percent returns, one of the best among states. Five months later the fund had grown to $34.2 billion.

The yearly performance she mentioned on Wednesday? Fiscal 2009, when the fund was down more than 17 percent  but still outperformed its benchmarks.

Nappier will be the fourth statewide constitutional officer to declare shes not seeking another term in 2018, after Attorney General George Jepsen, Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman and Gov. Dannel P. Malloy  who hailed Nappier for fighting for racial and gender parity in corporations.

Nappier said her decision was not due to any sense that the fund is in for rocky times again, though we all know the boom market cant last forever. She asked, Who wouldnt want to go out on top?

dhaar@hearstmediact.com
Watching a robot Attendees Building a robot Central HS all girls team Maneuvering a robot Previous Next

TVA and Greater Chattanooga Robotics co-sponsored the 4th Annual VEX Robotics Competition with Chattanooga States RC-NET (Regional Center for Nuclear Education Training) program. A total of 10 teams from East Hamilton, Ooltewah, Hixson, The Howard School and Central high schools, including an all-girls team from Central, competed.



Each school provided one or more teams this year.

First, second and third place winners were based on points, while other awards were based on the skill of the driver, team work exhibited and the design of the VEX robot.

"When competition ended, East Hamilton High School Team 1 earned bragging rights and brought home the team trophy for their school.



"Coming in second place was East Hamilton team 2, followed by Central High School team XL-1 in third place. The Skills Award was presented to Hixson High School; the Howard School Clovers constructed an outstanding robot winning Best Design; and the Ooltewah Psychopaths worked best together earning the Team Work Award.



"This competition challenged students to not only use critical thinking skills, but also to pay close attention to the laws of physics so that robots move quickly and easily, can carry weight and move without tipping, as well as function properly," officials said. "The all-day competition has gained popularity, nearly doubling the number of teams, since its inception in 2014. In addition, co-sponsorship by TVA and Greater Chattanooga Robotics has greatly enhanced this STEM-related competition."

Chattanooga State hopes to hold a state qualifying VEX EDR competition on Feb. 10 at the Volkswagen Academy.

For more information about this and future competitions, contact Samantha Travis at 423-697-5514, or email her at samantha.travis@chattanoogastate.edu.
Siskin Hospital announces that Vickie Blalock, PT, has completed all the requirements for Manual Lymph Drainage and Complete Decongestive Therapy.



This certification is awarded by the Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy.



Ms. Blalock is a physical therapist in Siskin Hospitals Outpatient NeuroRecovery Program who specializes in amputee and lymphedema. She is certified in LSVT BIG therapy, a specialized treatment protocol for patients with Parkinsons disease, and during her 33 years of clinical experience has treated many patients with CVA and Multiple Sclerosis diagnoses.



Manual Lymph Drainage is a very gentle manual (massage) treatment used to improve the function of the lymphatic system throughout the body.



Complete Decongestive Therapy combines many different lymphedema treatment approaches, such as bandaging, compression garments, manual lymphatic drainage, exercise and self-care.



To learn more about the lymphedema services at Siskin Hospital, call 423-634-1400.
WTCI will host a special preview screening of the Academy Award-nominated film, "I Am Not Your Negro," at the Downtown Library, 4th Floor on Thursday, Jan. 11. This free screening will begin at 6 p.m., and tickets can be reserved online at wtciTV.org/palace.



Sponsored by the Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union, Allied Eye, Southern Adventist University and Brody Jewelers, this free monthly film screening series is hosted by WTCI and introduces audiences to the wide variety of genres of film provided by the community PBS station. Guests of the screening series have enjoyed preview screenings of PBS programs since September, including Poldark, a documentary about jazz great John Coltrane, and the debut episode of the highly anticipated Masterpiece series Victoria.

"The 4th Floor is a public laboratory and educational facility with a focus on information, design, technology and the applied arts and is a part of the ever-changing ways that the Chattanooga Public Library system serves the community. WTCI is pleased to host this special screening with our longstanding community partner," officials said.



New sustaining members who register during this screening event will receive special PBS gift baskets as a pledge thank you from WTCI. Community PBS stations like WTCI rely on support from members for over 50% of annual operating budgets. WTCI Passport members, sustaining members who contribute small monthly amounts, receive online access to local and national PBS programming, priority seating at WTCI screenings and subscriptions to the Chattanooga Magazine.



Members of WTCI can visit www.wtciTV.org/palace to register for upcoming screenings and people interested in membership and member benefits can contact Member Services Manager, Lisa McDowd, at 423-702-7819 or lmcdowd@wtciTV.org.

Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart, an American Masters documentary about the life and career of the seminal American novel, A Raisin in the Sun, will be featured on Feb. 8 at the Palace Theater.

Review of "I Am Not Your Negro":

In one of the most acclaimed films of the year, Raoul Peck envisions the book James Baldwin never finished with Baldwin's original words spoken by Samuel L. Jackson. "I Am Not Your Negro" is a journey into black history that connects the past of the Civil Rights movement to the present of #BlackLivesMatter. Ultimately, by confronting the deeper connections between the lives and assassination of Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr., Baldwin and Peck produced a work that challenges the very definition of what America stands for. Nominated as the Best Documentary Feature Film by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, this film will debut on-air in the Tennessee Valley on WTCI, Monday, Jan. 15 at 9 p.m.
The White House is fighting back against Steve Bannon and the book 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House' for its bombshell allegations. Claims include details of Trump eating cheeseburgers alone in bed, Melania crying on election night and Ivanka revealing how Trump achieves his unique hair color.

George Michael told a biographer Princess Diana was attracted to him and had a crush on the popstar, DailyMailTV has exclusively learned. The new biography claims the pair became close in the early '90s and shared late-night calls gossiping about the royal family. Get the details.

A 'bomb cyclone' storm is hitting the Northeast with hurricane-force winds and heavy snow causing thousands of flight cancellations across the region.

Lindsay Lohan has been turning heads and making headlines for nearly three decades. In this DailyMailTV exclusive, Lindsay answers all the questions you want answered including why she moved to Dubai, the chances of a Mean Girls sequel and what she says to her haters.
Many of us look back at our child-hoods through rose-coloured spectacles, remembering the best bits and forgetting the worst. So I accept that the small corner of Shropshire in which I grew up was not heaven.

But the little market town of Shifnal, just a few miles from where I was born and bred, was a quiet place full of solid and fair-minded people. There were no lynch mobs in Shifnal 40 or 50 years ago. Just decent folk.

No longer.

For the past few days, hatred has poisoned the town. There have been menaces of violence, death threats and talk of lawsuits. And why? Because a chef put mozzarella on a vegans pizza.

Laura Goodman sparked a furious backlash on social media and has resigned from her job

Laura Goodman had spent hours cooking dishes free from any taint of eggs, meat or dairy for a party of vegans visiting Carlinis Italian restaurant in Market Place, where she is (or, it now seems, was) a partner.

In my youth most restaurants in that part of Shropshire were pretty basic, with meat and two veg being unceremoniously slammed down in front of you. In more ways than one, it would appear times have changed.

Possibly Miss Goodman, 47, is a bit of a prima donna. She may have been reared watching too many highly strung and foul-mouthed chefs on television. Besides, she was born in Rome.

In any event, whether rightly or wrongly, she took umbrage when one of the guests rejected her elaborate and carefully prepared cuisine, and instead chose a pizza topped with mozzarella  which being milk-based is not vegan-friendly.

So far as I can see, Miss Goodmans sin was one of omission. She did not draw attention to the cheese (though surely a vegan should have spotted it). Her mistake was to crow later on Facebook, when she was a little tired and emotional, that she had spiked a meal.

Miss Goodman claimed to have 'spiked' a vegan's meal by not drawing attention to the cheese on a pizza

All hell broke loose. Social media seethed with death threats. The police came round. There have been calls for Miss Goodman to be prosecuted for assault, and for the restaurant to be shut down.

Yesterday, the poor woman resigned from Carlinis and its nearby sister establishment, having been described by her business partner and fiance, Michael Gale, as almost suicidal. According to a friend: Laura is in a bad way. She is too scared to leave the house. The police are taking the threats against her very seriously.

Much of the furore has been whipped up by a local group called Telford Vegan. A tweet calling for people to email, call or leave negative messages has racked up hundreds of retweets and likes. The TripAdvisor and Google pages of the restaurant have been bombarded with bad reviews, dragging it down from five stars to one.

I wonder what my parents and their friends would have said half a century ago if someone with the gift of prophecy had told them this story. Of course, the phenomenon of social media would have taken some explaining, but once that fence had been cleared they would have been aghast to hear what has happened.

Shifnal was not rich or grand. Travellers did not often linger to sample its charms. It was a little dull  and honest. A deep part of England. And in those days the English prided themselves on their level-headedness and sense of proportion.

What has happened in the space of 50 years to turn a decent, self-effacing sort of place into an intolerant and cruel madhouse in which a woman who has put some cheese on a vegans pizza is literally run out of town?

Half a century ago, I dont suppose there were many vegans in that part of Shropshire. If there had been, they would have been well-mannered and considerate. Sorry. I prefer to keep away from meat and dairy products if I can. Doubtless very tiresome of me.

And meeting a vegan in those circumstances, a polite non-vegan might have replied: Not at all. Very sensible of you. I wish I had the strength of mind to give eggs a miss and stop eating beef.

Somewhere along the line veganism became a cause, with some vegans  not all, Im sure  becoming ideological warriors convinced of their own moral superiority, and determined to assert it as loudly and frequently as possible.

Laura Goodman and fiance Michael Gale, co-owners of Carlini Italian restaurants in Shropshire

As far as I am concerned, people are perfectly free to be vegans. Who cares? Its their choice. But why the aggressive proselytising? Why the torrent of abuse and death threats when a tipsy chef unwisely boasts in the early hours of the morning about having put some cheese on a pizza?

The moral error of some minority groupings, it seems to me, is to define themselves wholly in terms of their particular affiliation or proclivity while forgetting that we are all fellow members of the same nation. That is why some neighbours end up fighting like ferrets in a sack.

It goes without saying that these entrenched new social divisions could scarcely be expressed without social media. If there were no Twitter or Instagram or WhatsApp, offended vegans would be reduced to grumbling down at the Dog and Duck, or pinning bilious notes on the noticeboard outside the town hall.

The crucial point about social media is that they make people much more aggressive than they would otherwise be, partly because rudeness is the expected mode of expression, and partly because threats can be delivered anonymously.

A friend said Laura Goodman is in a 'bad way' and is scared to leave the house. Police are taking threats against her seriously, said the friend

One of Miss Goodmans tormentors calls himself Les Taylor. Is that a real name? He wrote on Facebook: Hope she goes bankrupt and living on the streets vile worthless human being. What a charming fellow.

Its conceivable that some of those who bayed for the closure of Laura Goodmans restaurant, and even called for her death, are normally decent enough people who are members of the local bowls club and worship at St Andrews Parish Church.

Others are simply plain nasty, whether they hail from my old part of Shropshire or further afield. Needless to say, whoever makes death threats against Miss Goodman should be prosecuted  if only the police are able or willing to find them, which I doubt.

Looking back, I suppose its possible that the Shifnal of half a century ago, which I remember as so sensible and moderate and law-abiding, was something of a mirage, concealing lots of twisted and bitter people who had no means of expressing their malice.

Social media have released and propagated pitiless demons. If only they could be put back in the dark box they came from, but they cant. In the case of Laura Goodman, they are making her life a misery over a misplaced dollop of cheese.
Hamilton County continues to experience dangerous cold temperatures which often mean people using additional heating sources to warm their homes, Hamilton County officials said.From using space heaters, to using their chimneys  Emergency Management officials say putting comfort before safety can be deadly. As temperatures continue to fall, people are looking for additional heat sources to heat their home and as a result, safety gets pushed aside, said Director Tony Reavley, Hamilton County Emergency Management/Homeland Security.Director Reavley suggests space heaters should be at least three feet away from all combustibles.Clothing, furniture and curtains can easily catch fire from a space heater. If you are using a chimney, please make sure your chimney has been inspected by chimney professionals to check for creosote build-up and bird/animal nests which can contribute to start a house fire. We also want to encourage everyone to check their smoke detectors. Make sure they are working properly. Have you changed your batteries? Smoke detectors do save lives. says Dir. Reavley.Hamilton County EMA officials encourage pet owners to bring pets inside out of the frigid temperatures. "Check on the elderly. If you have to go outside, be prepared. Dress in layers to keep warm. Staying warm in this cold weather can be a tough task if your home is hard to heat," officials said. "Space heaters cause one-third of home heating fires and four out of five home heating fire deaths. Protect your family: if you're heating your home with a space heater or chimney this winter, take a few moments to review these safety tips from the U.S. Fire Administration."
The headlines on the front page of yesterdays Mail could scarcely have been more serious: Winter Crisis Cripples NHS, Up to 55,000 Operations Postponed.

Not that youd have guessed it from the health service mandarins who rushed to decry the Mails reports and give the news their own spin.

According to them, all is well in hand, thanks to a smooth-running management machine that is prepared for every eventuality.

Well, as a hospital consultant with more than 30 years experience, I beg to differ.

The headlines on the front page of yesterdays Mail could scarcely have been more serious: Winter Crisis Cripples NHS, Up to 55,000 Operations Postponed'

What we are facing, 70 years after the founding of the NHS, is a torrential crisis that threatens to wash away its very foundations.

When more than 50,000 planned surgeries are cancelled, those patients do not simply vanish from the system. Their operations must be rescheduled, which creates a mudslide of paperwork, consuming thousands of hours in management meetings and costing untold sums of money.

As these operations are shunted further down the calendar, other patients end up on ever longer waiting lists. Its a domino effect, creating ripples of chaos for tens of thousands.

Whole families are being affected. Younger patients booked for surgery will have planned to take weeks off work and perhaps seconded childcare to relatives.

Older people will have been bracing themselves for months for that long-awaited hip or knee replacement.

To have all those arrangements negated with a single stroke of a bureaucrats pen at the last moment is deeply upsetting and infuriating.

According to NHS bosses, all is well in hand, thanks to a smooth-running management machine that is prepared for every eventuality

In such scenarios, it does no good to have doctors politicising the crisis, shroud- waving on Twitter and elsewhere, and making ridiculous claims about British hospitals operating at Third World standards, as one attention-seeker did this week.

For one thing, it simply isnt true. The hospital in question, the Royal Stoke, has just undergone a 350 million refurbishment. To compare it with facilities in the developing world is an insult both to our medical teams and to the struggling care-givers in these countries.

Another doctor talked yesterday of battlefield scenes in A&E departments.

Such hyperbole damages the confidence of vulnerable patients in those who are treating them. It is cynically destructive and self-serving.

The truth is that this isnt just a winter problem. Its a long-running crisis that no one  managers, doctors, individual politicians or their governments  will face up to.

Overcrowding, cancellations and emergency measures including mixed wards and patients being turned away from A&E, are part of daily hospital life all over Britain.

Overcrowding, cancellations and emergency measures including mixed wards and patients being turned away from A&E, are part of daily hospital life

So it is a deception for various NHS chiefs to claim that these are exceptional circumstances, that they had planned for this winter surge, and that everything is under control.

Three chronic issues lie at the root of the crisis, and none can be blamed on factors such as a cold snap, the post-Christmas backlog of people who put off seeing a GP, or an outbreak of Australian flu.

Britain is a growing population, boosted by a decade of uncontrolled migration, while the number of hospital beds has been falling for years.

These are the simple facts, but NHS managers seem steadily blind to them, refusing to plan for the future.

To tackle the question of bed shortages first: in the past five years, 15,000 beds have disappeared from our hospitals.

In the ten years from 2006, the overnight bed capacity was reduced by 20 per cent.

If we look back even further  the past 30 years, say  the statistics are even more staggering: the number of hospital beds in England has more than halved, from around 290,000 to 142,000.

Against this backdrop, it is especially disconcerting that Jeremy Hunt, the Health Secretary (pictured), continues to insist that foreign patients are welcome here

The NHS has fewer acute beds, per head of population, than almost any comparable health service in the world. And that ratio will only get worse, because thanks to net migration and natural growth (the fact there are more births than deaths), Britains population is expected to top 71 million by 2030.

That could be a low estimate. In just one year, 2014-15, our population expanded by more than half a million. In these circumstances, to reduce bed numbers is setting a deliberate course for catastrophe.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has more worrying news. In 1975, 14.1 per cent of Britons were 65 or older. By 2015, that statistic had risen to 17.1 per cent.

Not such an alarming difference, you may think. But look at the ONS projections: seven years from now, the percentage of those who are 65-plus will account for more than a fifth of the population. In 2045, it will be almost a quarter.

Given the intense pressure an ageing population  with its myriad medical and social needs  is already exerting on our health service, how much longer can it cope?

Against this backdrop, it is especially disconcerting that Jeremy Hunt, the Health Secretary, continues to insist that foreign patients  health tourists who come to the UK specifically to use the NHS  are welcome here, provided they pay for treatment.

When more than 50,000 planned surgeries are cancelled, patients do not simply vanish from the system. Their operations must be rescheduled, which creates a mudslide of paperwork

Lets put to one side the issue of how bad the NHS is at collecting payment  the Department of Health puts the bill at 110-280 million a year, but I believe the figure to be much higher  what Hunt fails to understand is that the health service is not infinitely elastic.

And this is the core of the problem. He, like almost all the people running the NHS, is not a doctor. He has no bedside experience, no years of practice at dealing with patients and relatives.

I speak for many fellow consultants when I say that our daily encounters with the bureaucrats and pen-pushers who run our hospitals are deeply frustrating.

One of my surgical colleagues, who ran a specialist unit outside London, was driven to retire several months early.

The final straw, he told me, was when a 25-year-old sociology graduate with a second-class degree from a second-class university overrode my selection of cases for operations, which were based on clinical priority.

These cases were replaced with ones from the waiting list in order to meet the hospitals targets, which was the management priority.

Given the intense pressure an ageing population  with its myriad medical and social needs  is already exerting on our health service, how much longer can it cope?

Hospital management is now a career like banking or industry. The entrants rarely come up from the clinical ranks.

They arrive sporting irrelevant degrees and, after a graduate training scheme, go on to earn very considerable salaries  more than 100 senior NHS chiefs are paid upwards of 150,000 a year, more than the Prime Minister.

It will take years to extricate our health service from the mire and I despair of the political will to do it.

In the meantime, there is one way in which we can all contribute to an immediate solution, and it has nothing to do with funding.

I would urge everyone to rally around their elderly relatives when they need temporary care. A mild illness is often better treated at home, not in hospital. But I fear too many people have rejected responsibility for their own parents and grandparents, believing it is the states role to nurse them.

It may be that GP services, especially the out-of-hours provision, have become so diminished that some relatives feel they cant take the risk of offering care-at-home. But it is also true that many more are simply shirking their duty to family and society.

Britain has enjoyed a comprehensive health service, with everything free at the point of access and need, for so long that too many people are ignorant of the huge problems facing it, believing only too readily the lies of the Left that its all about Tory cuts and lack of funding.

The NHS needs our support and we need to remember our responsibilities.
A bizarre, see-through bra made out of plastic and available for purchase on the internet has left customers very disappointed, and has been branded a 'waste of money' with a 'horrible' fit.

Shein, a retailer that originated in New Jersey, is selling the bra for $5 on its website, where it is described as a 'clear bra' with matching 'adjustable straps'.

While the accessory has an average rating of 3.1 stars out of a possible five, several customers have left reviews explaining how sorely disappointed they were after purchasing the puzzling garment.

Reviews: A bizarre, see-through bra made out of plastic and available for purchase on the internet has left customers very disappointed

'Got kinda crushed in the mail, definitely way too small (I bought a large and I usually wear a 34D) and it was tiny. But it was a NOVELTY and definitely worth the $5,' one person wrote in a three-star review.

At least three other people compared the material to the plastic used to manufacture beverage bottles.

'Noisy material, sounds like coke bottle or Pepsi bottle when crushed, better plastic could have been used, u need to keep this bra separately in the wardwrob as there will be a crease on the bra by pressure, will be in a bad shape [sic],' another person wrote.

Others pointed out that the bra is uncomfortable, and several had issues with the sizing.

'I wear a 32 C and ordered a size small which is what i normally wear and it was way to small,' one customer wrote.

Product: Shein, a retailer that originated in New Jersey, is selling the bra for $5 on its website , where it is described as a 'clear bra' with matching 'adjustable straps'

Issues: Several people compared the bra's material to the plastic used to manufacture beverage bottles, including this person who said the garment 'isn't wearable'

Advice: One person warned other customers not to buy the plastic bra and called it 'pathetic'

'Just a joke': This customer said the material is 'really cheap' and called the fit 'horrible'

'Fits suuuper small. Band & straps are not stretchy, & minimally adjustable. Cups are hard plastic that dents & has no shape retention,' another person added.

Some customers left short but blistering reviews, writing simply: 'Never try this', 'Absolutely wasted money' and 'Very bad quality'.

'Uneven fitting and is waste of money,' one person wrote.

For other customers, however, the plastic bra seemed to be a success, and among the less-than-satisfied reviews, a few deemed the product 'nice' and 'so cute'.

Shein, meanwhile, has been responding to the negative review with the same message apologizing to customers for their disappointing experience.

'Dear customer, Thank you so much for ordering from our site and we deeply apologize if our items did not live up to your expectation,' the brand has written multiple times.

'We have strict quality assurance before each product is packed and shipped, making sure they are delivered to you as advertised. There might be slight difference between the real thing and the pictures on our website due to different light exposure and viewing screens, were sorry for the hassle. Feel free to contact reviews@shein.com if anything, we will get back to you very soon.'
The founder of a mothers' Facebook group has defended her controversial decision to charge her 24,000 members a one-off $10 joining fee.

Mother-of-one Carly Abrahams, from Sydney, launched Mums the Word-Aus five years ago after she struggled to find a safe space online to seek advice.

The private support group allows parents to converse safely about anything, including tips on motherhood and recommendations on contractors.

But the social media page has divided the internet after the administrator called on fellow mothers to cover the costs of running the page, monitoring comments and replying to messages.

However, Ms Abrahams told FEMAIL the decision was made after months of speaking with members on their thoughts about whether the rule should be applied.

Founder of Mums the Word-Aus, Carly Abrahams has defended her decision after sparking controversy for asking her 24,000 Facebook members to pay a one-off $10 joining fee

The private group has divided the internet after the administrator called on fellow mothers to cover the costs of running the page, monitoring comments and replying to messages

'It wasn't a decision made overnight,' she said.

'I contacted the mothers in the groups and met with business mentors. The consensus in the group fully supported the decision.

'People don't know this but it's a lot of work for me. There are a lot of rules I need to keep track of and legal issues so the workload falls back on me.

'I have no downtime because I'm constantly checking the page. I check every single post to make sure they don't breach the guidelines. It's a 24/7 job for me.'

Ms Abrahams said the money will go into a 'business account', in which it would distribute a 'small weekly salary to keep the group running'.

'I am not going to run away on holiday with it,' she said.

'I don't think everyone's going to pay but I totally understand. It's fine if people don't pay. I can't make everyone happy 100 per cent of the time.

'There are Facebook groups out there that charge members to pay a fee. So I'm not inventing the wheel here. I just think it's unfair for trolls to attack me.

'This group is like joining a club, you pay a membership fee. You're not in it if you don't pay.'

Ms Abrahams said the money will go into a 'business account', in which it would distribute a 'small weekly salary to keep the group running'

The Sydney mother launched Mums the Word-Aus five years ago after she struggled to find a safe space online to seek advice

Angry parents have calculated the fees, and if every existing members were to pay, Ms Abrahams would pocket at least $240,000

Angry parents have calculated the fees, and if every existing members were to pay, Ms Abrahams would pocket at least $240,000.

'I don't see it generating a huge amount. At the moment, we're talking a few hundred dollars,' she said.

'I know I won't get all the members paying so a lot of people will leave. And that's fine. The group has just been hard to manage since it got bigger.

'Other groups earn their money from ads, businesses and brands - but unfortunately brands won't work with groups like ours because they are closed.

'I have not been able to generate advertising income or get the voluntary help that's required.'

The mother said she spends a lot of her time making sure inappropriate posts are removed from the page.

She explained parents posting any medical questions can land the group in hot water or anyone ranting about a business can defame the owners.

Many have jumped to Ms Abrahams' defence by throwing their support behind the decision

The private support group allows parents to converse safely about anything, including tips on motherhood and recommendations on contractors (stock image)

'We have two pages of guidelines members need to follow which protect them as well as us,' Ms Abrahams said.

'But as most members fail to read the guidelines, the group has to be constantly moderated to keep it safe and supportive and also not spammed.

'I check every post that goes up on the group feed. In addition to this, members message or email me numerous times a day, every day and on weekends and nights with questions.'

As for current members who choose not to make the payment, Ms Abrahams said she hasn't made a decision on what to do yet.

'At the moment we're going to have a grace period, I haven't set a date yet or whether will be removing people,' she said.

New members can join the group once they pay the fee.

'We're also looking at setting up a trial period for new members because they don't know what they're paying for,' she said.

Her comments comes after she posted a lengthy post in the group asking her members to pay a $10 so she can continue running the group.

The new rule has been met with a mixed reaction, with many supporting her decision while others were far from impressed with the request

'I also have to spend a lot of time moderating the group so it's fair for everyone and a safe, supportive group for all members,' she said.

'This includes; vetting every new member, checking posts and comments, making sure it's safe, non-defamatory, non-life threatening and generally supportive, constantly removing spam and promotions and MLMs, answering private messages and emails, providing anonymous questions, fundraising help and more.'

The new rule has been met with a mixed reaction, with many supporting her decision while others were far from impressed with the request.

'This actually laughable!! $10,' one woman said.

'I'll pay it when I see an invoice with a ABN - you are setting yourself up for a massive tax bill. You've clearly done no research. Good luck to you lady but I'm out.'

'Just wondering if you can point me towards the terms and conditions, refund policies, complaints policies and membership guidelines? Thanks,' one woman sarcastically added.

Members have been asked to make a $10 payment as part of the group's new membership fee

Others said the advice they had received over the past few years had been 'invaluable', and they would be happy to pay a 'bargain' price of $10.

'Best-spent $10 - I have massively benefited from what you have created,' one woman wrote.

'Done. This page has been the best resource ever. I know how much hard work you have put into it and you deserve to get something back. I'm backing you all the way. Let the haters leave, no problem,' another posted.

While another mother said: 'When I saw the post about the fee I thought fair enough I have found all the advice helpful and comforting in my first year of motherhood.'

And another wrote: 'This was the first Mum's fb group I ever joined! Come to think of it, you might have started the whole trend here in Australia! Love your work and transferred.'
For the past few years, talented make up artist Anar Agakishiev has blown people away with his incredible make up transformations.

The 32-year-old, from Baku, Azerbaijan, regularly shaves years off his clients' ages with his ability to banish wrinkles, fine lines and dark circles from the most senior of complexions.

And now, Mr Agakishiev has shown off a host of brand new makeovers on his social media accounts - and two of the women are 80 years old.

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For the past few years, talented make up artist Anar Agakishiev (right) has blown people away with his incredible make up transformations

This 80-year-old lady arrived at Mr Agakishiev's Academy completely make up free with short hair and lines visible across her face - but after he finished, she looked like a new person

One of the ladies arrived at Mr Agakishiev's Beauty Academy completely make up free with short hair and lines visible across her face.

But after Mr Agakishiev and his hair team had finished, she boasted flowing brown locks, a glowing, fresh face of make up and a new set of false eyelashes.

'Wow she looks 20 years younger, you are magical,' one fan wrote.

'Omg what an amazing transformation. She looks much youthful and the her skin on her face and neck look less wrinkly,' another wrote.

The 32-year-old, from Baku, Azerbaijan, regularly shaves years off his clients' ages with his ability to banish wrinkles, fine lines and dark circles from the most senior of complexions

On this 80-year-old woman, Mr Agakishiev opted for a lighter, more contoured look to hide her lines complete with a pale pink lip, drawn eyebrows and a volumised hairstyle

While many accuse him of Photoshopping his images, he insists this is not the case and regularly posts videos of them post make up to prove it is a true transformation

What are his favourite make up brands? Huda Beauty Anastasia Beverly Hills Too Faced House of Lashes Mikasa Beauty Advertisement

On the other 80-year-old woman, Mr Agakishiev opted for a lighter, more contoured look to hide her lines complete with a pale pink lip, drawn eyebrows and a volumised hairstyle.

While many accuse him of Photoshopping his images, he insists this is not the case and regularly posts videos of them post make up to prove it is a true transformation.

So how does he do it?

While he refuses to give away all of his secrets, Mr Agakishiev does share some of his all time favourite brands - one of which is LA-based brand Huda Beauty (pictured is their lipstick)

Other brands he uses include Anastasia Beverly Hills, Too Faced, House of Lashes and Mikasa Beauty

Mr Agakishiev left medical school shortly after starting and began working as a hairdresser before training himself to 'master' make up application

While he refuses to give away all of his secrets, Mr Agakishiev does share some of his all time favourite brands - one of which is LA-based brand Huda Beauty.

He has made his love for this brand very clear over the past few months, with the $20 matte lipstick making a regular appearance during in his makeovers.

Other brands he uses include Anastasia Beverly Hills, Too Faced, House of Lashes and Mikasa Beauty.

Mr Agakishiev left medical school shortly after starting and began working as a hairdresser before training himself to 'master' make up application.

He then travelled to Moscow where he took private lessons in both hair and make up before participating in workshops and master classes in countries like Germany, Italy and Spain

Once trained, he started to work with leading stars of Azerbaijan and has since made a name for himself in the industry

Speaking to TODAY previously, Mr Agakishiev's manager, Konul Seyidova, explained that the transformations came about after he did make up for a friend in her 60s before she went to a wedding

He then travelled to Moscow where he took private lessons in both hair and make up before participating in workshops and master classes in countries like Germany, Italy and Spain.

Once trained, he started to work with leading stars of Azerbaijan and has since made a name for himself in the industry.

Speaking to TODAY previously, Mr Agakishiev's manager, Konul Seyidova, explained that the transformations came about after he did make up for a friend in her 60s before she went to a wedding.

The talented artist regularly takes to Instagram to show off his looks and is famed for his ability to use make up to banish wrinkles and dark circles from his clients' complexions

After finding success online, Mr Agakishiev was then inspired to start a new project with 12 women throughout 2017 - one for each month - where he showed pictures of their dramatic transformations

Each one takes around two hours and includes both make up and hair styling

'He wants to make them look at least 10 years younger,' she said

'He did her makeup and totally changed her,' Ms Seyidova said

After finding success online, Mr Agakishiev was then inspired to start a new project with 12 women throughout 2017 - one for each month - where he showed pictures of their dramatic transformations.

Each one takes around two hours and includes both make up and hair styling.

'He's a very ambitious person and always looking for a challenge,' Ms Seyidova said.
When mother-of-four, Stevie, went about her business one day, she didn't expect to be confronted by a member of the public.

But the 27-year-old blogger from New South Wales was swiftly told she doesn't 'dress like a mum' and she 'shouldn't wear what I do'.

'There was even a comment about my clothing not being age appropriate,' Stevie wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of herself and one of her children on Wednesday. 'I was wearing this outfit.'

Mother-of-four, Stevie (pictured), shared an Instagram photo of herself in her normal clothes - after she was attacked by a member of the public for wearing this outfit

'Umm what... excuse me? The 1950s just telegrammed and they want their outdated views back,' Stevie (pictured with one of her kids) wrote in a lengthy Instagram post

In the photo, Stevie, 27, can be seen wearing ripped jeans, brightly-coloured sunglasses and a T-shirt.

She used her post as a chance to hit back:

'Umm what... excuse me? The 1950s just telegrammed and they want their outdated views back,' she began her lengthy popular post.

'Did the government roll out and distribute a mum uniform and I missed the memo?,' she posted.

'Did they assign people to enforce and police such dress codes? Shall I go buy an apron too?

'Since when do I have to dress according to someone else's likes and dislikes?'.

She asked the question: 'Since when do I have to dress according to someone else's likes and dislikes?'

Stevie (pictured) confessed that she intends to dress however she likes until she is old: 'I plan to be 80, rocking ripped jeans, tulle trimmed unicorn shirts and rainbow hair,' she said

Stevie continued her post by saying she intends to dress however she's like until she's old:

Stevie (pictured) re-iterated the point that what you wear doesn't change who you are

'I plan to be 80, rocking ripped jeans, tulle trimmed unicorn shirts and rainbow hair. So you can take your "age appropriate" dribble back a few decades.'

She explained that what you wear 'does now change who I am within':

'My appearance does not impact my personality... I will look however I want to look and dress in whatever I want to dress in and still be a mum'.

She concluded: 'Good and kind people can have tatts [sic], mums can have piercings, caring people can ride motorbikes and wear a patch, poor people can be generous beyond their means and quiet people can be loud...

'Enough with the stereotypes... there is nothing worse or more ignorant.'

Since the mum-of-four shared her powerful message online, Stevie - who runs the blog, My Tribe of Six - has received a hefty amount of support from other mothers

Stevie (pictured with various members of her family) is known for her candid approach to motherhood and how she blogs online

Since the mum-of-four shared her powerful message online, Stevie - who runs the blog My Tribe of Six - has received a hefty amount of support from other mothers.

At present, the post has more than 1,000 reactions.

Speaking to FEMAIL, Stevie re-iterated her point, confessing she 'can't believe someone could say that':

'So sad how far stupid remarks set back decades of fighting for equality and breaking stereotypes,' she said.

To read more from Stevie, please visit her blog here.
You've perfected your resume, nailed your cover letter, conquered the interview, and now just have to nervously wait and find out if you've landed that dream job.

But new research has revealed it could be your own references that are derailing your chances from getting a promotion or new position - especially if you're a woman.

The study, from Columbia University, found that gender bias is still present in recommendations, especially in fields such as science, business, and technology.

New research has revealed that it your own references could be derailing your chances from getting a job - especially if you're a woman (stock image)

Researchers examined data from 1,224 recommendation letters submitted from 54 countries around the world during the time period of 2007 to 2012.

The study, which specifically focused on applicants for post-doctoral research in the geosciences, found that women were half as likely as their male counterparts to receive excellent endorsements - as opposed to just good.

Further examination found that this was due to the fact that women were being described with adjectives like 'nurturing' and 'helpful', while men were bestowed stronger descriptors like 'confident' and 'ambitious'.

'This can, in turn, lead to stronger recommendations for male candidates,' the study concluded.

'These results suggest that women are significantly less likely to receive excellent recommendation letters than their male counterparts at a critical juncture in their career.'

And, surprisingly, the researchers found that both male and female recommenders were as likely to write stronger letters for male applicants over female applicants.

The study found that women were wre being described with adjectives like 'nurturing and male', while men were bestowed stronger descriptors like 'confident' and 'ambitious' (stock image)

But the results of the study weren't shocking to Bec Brideson, who was one of only three per cent of females globally to receive the title of Creative Director in the advertising sector.

Bec, who now teaches businesses how to tap the female consumer market, told Daily Mail Australia that gender bias is still very much alive in the workforce.

'We are still in an era that is suffering from the hangover where business was built by men, through a male lens, with men the likely or presumed workforce,' she said.

Bec Brideson (pictured) said this is largely due to the fact men are 'more comfortable in identifying achievements in other men'

And Bec believes men are more often described as 'confident' and 'ambitious' than women because these are the same characteristics they want to see in themselves.

'Men identify with the qualities they expect and value in themselves, and are more comfortable in identifying these achievements in other men,' she explained.

'They have either not seen the advantages in the qualities women bring or not had the opportunity to work with women in these roles.'

But Bec said in the end this only hurts businesses as the economic influence of women continues to grow.

'By 2028, women will be responsible for 75 per cent of household discretionary spending,' she said.

'Having everyone in your business understand the powerful female economy is more important than ever.'

'So a course-correction is needed. Not one that disparages or destroys what men have proudly built, but one that includes the contributions, attributes, and innovations that women bring to bear - her female lens.'

While women can focus their applications on 'results' for a 'male/business lens' focus, Bec said this will only preserve the status quo.

One thing Bec believes that can help change the current disparity is 'male sponsors' - men who will 'speak highly of, recommend, and promote women in these roles' (stock image)

'This perpetuates that male traits are more valuable than female strengths and, in the long-run, won't seek to change the business world to a more gender intelligent or gender aware space - which is ultimately what we aspire towards,' she said.

Bec believes that 'male sponsors' - men who will 'speak highly of, recommend, and promote women in these roles' - can help change course.

'[These are] men who don't see gender, but see talent and are willing to help these women into roles that other women have not held before,' she said.

Bec also recommends that job recruiters and candidates use programs such as Textio, which have gender-specific algorithms that seek to correct unconscious bias and override sexist language.

And she believes it's important for businesses to learn that gender differences can only be beneficial.

'True gender intelligence is the ability to acknowledge that gender differences are powerful,' she said.

'This vision is smart, not discriminatory, and looking through both lenses leads to market growth and unseen opportunities.'
A dog owner has revealed how he had his Jack Russell stuffed after she died and still takes her on holiday.

Mitch Byers, from Portland, Oregon, appeared on ITV's This Morning along with his taxidermied dog Phoebe that has caused a stir on social media.

The animal lover set up the Instagram account 'My Dead Dog and Me', which has 1,700 followers, documenting all his activities with his pooch who died in 2013.

But the appearance left those watching at home aghast, taking to Twitter where they dubbed Mitch 'barking mad'.

Mitch Byers takes his stuffed dog Phoebe on holiday and to all festivities and has started a Instagram account to document his adventures

Mitch's beloved pet was taxidermied by his mother who surprised her family after paying thousands for it to be done

Viewers watching Mitch and Phoebe's appearance on This Morning thought the idea was 'creepy' and that he was 'barking mad'

'I don't think I could stuff my dogs. It's just like taking your family member out of the coffin and standing them in the corner of the room,' shared one unnerved viewer.

'That bloke with his stuffed dog on This Morning is barking mad!' said another.

Others were uncomfortable with the sight of the deceased animal staring at the camera: 'That was just too creepy.'

While another said: 'Why would you stuff your dead dog? I feel sick.'

Mitch said he isn't fazed by the negative attention the images have received, and explained that he wouldn't have time to get a living dog to replace Phoebe because he would feel guilty for travelling so much.

Presenter Eamonn Holmes, who has a rescue dog named Maggie with his co-host and wife Ruth Langsford, thought the idea was brilliant, but Ruth wasn't not in agreement.

Mitch explained that the process, which cost his mother 'a few thousand dollars', means Phoebe still has all her own fur and according to him 'feels normal'.

He said his family find it comforting having the dog around, adding that he takes her with him to visit friends as well as on holiday: 'I take her on all sorts of family trips.'

It was too much for some watching at home, who couldn't believe Mitch had preserved his pet and carried her around

Mitch explained that Phoebe's head and neck were both hard and her body was made up of a stuffed bag

Eamonn Holmes thought the idea of taxidermy for your pets was a brilliant idea but his wife Ruth Langsford wasn't so keen

Mitch's mother was the person behind the idea, she's pictured here with Phoebe when the dog was still alive

The photo that sparked the attention was of the Jack Russell in the passenger seat of Mitch's car.

Soon after the photo went viral Mitch set up an Instagram account called 'My Dead Dog and Me', now boasting over 1,700 followers.

His mother had Phoebe sent to a taxidermist in Colorado, as the ones she contacted in Oregon refused to do family pets.

She kept the whole thing a secret from the family, but after four years the dog is still a big part of the family and gets involved in all sorts of festivities which Mitch captures on his Instagram account.
A Japanese professor has compared the actions of the Princes in fairytales Sleeping Beauty and Snow White to those of a sex offender.

Kazue Muta, a professor at Osaka University in Japan, claims the act of kissing a sleeping woman can be likened to sexual assault on an unconscious person.

The feminist academic, 61, went as far as to say that the stories 'promote sexual violence'.

Retweeting an article about a man who was arrested after kissing a sleeping woman on a train in December, Kazue claimed his actions closely resembled those seen in the classic children's stories.

Kazue Muta, a professor at Osaka University in Japan, has compared the actions of the Princes in classics Sleeping Beauty and Snow White to those of a sex offender

'When you think rationally about 'Snow White' and 'Sleeping Beauty,' that tell of a 'princess being woken up by the kiss of a prince,' they are describing sexual assault on an unconscious person,' she tweeted.

Her comments reportedly sparked a fierce debate on Japanese TV, but Kazue soon hit back at critisism, defending her right to 'raise awareness'.

'You might think I'm ruining the fantasy of it all, but these stories are promoting sexual violence and I would like everyone to be aware of it,' she wrote on Women's Action Website.

The feminist academic, 61, went as far as to say that the classic fairytales 'promote sexual violence' due to the princes kissing the princesses without consent

'When you think rationally about 'Snow White' and 'Sleeping Beauty,' that tell of a 'princess being woken up by the kiss of a prince,' they are describing sexual assault on an unconscious person,' she tweeted

'There were many critical replies that state "Because the princess and prince lived happily ever after in the end, there is a presumptive consent regarding the kiss, so there's no problem,"' she continued.

'However, this understanding of it is actually dangerous. This kind of thinking fabricates the mindset of 'the ends justify the means,' and to what extent does this allow sexual violence to occur?'

Sleeping Beauty tells the tale of a Princess, who is cursed by a jealous witch, falling into a deep sleep when pricking her finger on a spindle.

The princess can only be awoken from her slumber by true love's kiss.

In the classic fairytale, Snow White is cursed into a death-like sleep by her stepmother and queen, only saved by a kiss from a Prince

Similarly, Snow White is cursed into a death-like sleep by her stepmother and queen, only saved by a kiss from a Prince.

The tales also sparked controversy back in November, when a mother demanded her six-year-old son's school ban Sleeping Beauty because the princess does not give consent to be kissed.

Sarah Hall, from Northumberland Park, North Shields, claimed the fairytale promotes an 'inappropriate sexual' message to young children.

Posting a picture from her son's Sleeping Beauty book, she wrote: 'Tell you what, while we are still seeing narratives like this in school, we are never going to change ingrained attitudes to sexual behaviour #MeToo #consent #mysonisix

The mother of two told MailOnline at the time: 'I think it's a specific issue in the Sleeping Beauty story about sexual behaviour and consent.

Sarah Hall claimed the fairytale promotes an 'inappropriate sexual' message to young children back in November

'It's about saying is this still relevant, is it appropriate? In today's society, it isn't appropriate - my son is only six, he absorbs everything he sees, and it isn't as if I can turn it into a constructive conversation.'

But despite her strong opinions on the fairytales, she doesn't think they should be removed from bookshelves completely.

'I don't think taking Sleeping Beauty books out of circulation completely would be right.

'I actually think it would be a great resource for older children, you could have a conversation around it, you could talk about consent, and how the Princess might feel.

'But I'm really concerned about it for younger children, would really welcome a conversation about whether this is suitable material,' she concluded.

Sleeping Beauty harks back to literary tale Sun, Moon and Talia, written by Italian author Giambattista Basile in 1634.

The dark story tells the tale of a girl who falls into an unbreakable sleep after being pricked by a splinter.

She is then impregnated by a king in her sleep, and later gives birth still whilst still unconscious, before being awoken by one of her twins who sucks the splinter out of her finger.

The Italian tale was later retold by French author Charles Perrault in 1697 as Sleeping Beauty, and by German academics the Brothers Grimm in 1812 as Little Briar Rose.
A mother has shared a distressed warning with other parents after her baby son almost lost two toes due to a strand of hair that got tied around his foot.

Heather Fricke, 34, took to Facebook recently to explain that her 10-week-old son Jacob had just woken up from a two-hour nap when she and the baby boy's father, Tommy, noticed something wrong with his foot.

'He woke up, I fed and changed both his diaper and clothes for a party we were going to,' the mother, of Rochester Hills, Michigan, wrote.

Message: Heather Fricke, 34, has shared a warning with other parents after her baby son almost lost two toes due to hair tied around his foot (pictured after the hair was removed)

'I handed him to his dad Tommy to put socks on him when Tommy realized his two toes were blue and tied together with a strand of hair!!!'

The frantic mother said she immediately removed as much hair as she could from her son's foot before taking Jacob to the ER.

There, multiple doctors worked to remove the rest of the hair, which she said was hers, from the baby's toes.

'Doctors said if I didn't take off the hair that I was able to get off that his two toes they would've had to be amputated,' she wrote.

Jacob is now doing 'just well' although Heather says that her son is still in a bit of pain, 'and his poor toes look like they hurt so bad', the mother added.

Acting fast: The mom (pictured center with Jacob, right, and her other son, left) said she removed as much hair as she could before taking Jacob to the ER

She urged other parents to watch out for possible strands of hair tied around their babies' bodies.

Warning: Heather urged other parents to watch out for possible strands of hair tied around their babies' bodies in order to avoid similar incidents

'CHECK YOUR [BABY'S] TOES AS OFTEN AS YOU CAN!!!' she wrote.

'And if you have a baby boy even his PENIS. Yes I said penis... They are such tiny [babies] and our hair can be such a hazard but it's something that we never really pay attention to.'

The mother also shared a photo of her son's foot, which she said was taken 12 hours after the hair was removed.

A mark can still be seen where the strand of hair wrapped around Jacob's toes, tracing a deep line into the baby's skin.

Heather's message has received 61,000 reactions on Facebook as well as 44,000 comments, with many people wishing Jacob well and sharing similar stories that happened either to their children or other people's little ones.
She is often snapped posing with models, celebrities and fellow society beauties at the world's most glamorous parties.

And this sweet childhood photo shows that Lady Amelia Windsor, 22, has never lacked confidence in front of the camera.

The young royal is seen winking and smiling cheekily in the family snap, which she shared as part of a recent Instagram story.

Cheeky: Lady Amelia Windsor, 22, shared this sweet family photo as part of a recent Instagram story. The society beauty is seen winking for the camera, her head tilted to one side

Party time: The young royal recently celebrated New Year's Eve with friends in Costa Rica

The image shows the Edinburgh University graduate trying out a new pose, with her head tilted slightly to one side.

She is seen with two other children, possibly her sister Lady Marina, 25, and 29-year-old brother, Edward Windsor, Lord Downpatrick.

The family photo was shared on the social media site, where Lady Amelia keeps her nearly 30,000 followers entertained with photos of chic outfits and jet-set lifestyle.

She recently returned to the UK following a jaunt to Costa Rica, where she rung in the New Year with friends.

Society sisters: Marina 'Win' Windsor, left, and Amelia 'Mel' Windsor show off their matching diamond-set necklaces from Annoushka during their recent Meribel skiing holiday

Before that Lady Amelia joined her family for a glamorous ski trip in Meribel, where Pippa Middleton celebrated her secret hen party.

She posted a photo of herself wearing matching necklaces with her sister Lady Marina.

The personalised diamond-set necklaces from Annoushka spell out their nicknames, Mel and Win, and are believed to have cost 1,520 each.

In another snap, Amelia, who is signed with Kate Moss's former modelling agency Storm, can be seen frolicking in the snow in a 1,085 Moncler jacket.

Bundled up in a 1,085 jacket, the modelcaptioned this snap: 'Snow nice to see you here'

Pedigree: The society beauty, who is 36th in line to the throne, was once dubbed 'Britain's most beautiful royal' by society magazine Tatler, has walked the runway for Dolce & Gabbana

The society beauty, who is 36th in line to the throne, was once dubbed 'Britain's most beautiful royal' by society magazine Tatler and has walked the runway for the likes of Dolce & Gabbana.

The University of Edinburgh graduate also recently appeared in new British Vogue editor Edward Enninful first ever issue.

Industry experts have predicted that Amelia - who has all the kudos of royalty without any of the restraints placed on more high profile members of the family - could make 1 million a year through brand collaborations alone.
What better way to start the new year than by remembering two of my very favorite topics: Vocational Education, and Music in the Schools?

My old high school was one of these - Kirkman Vocational HS - which served a very large number of students for many years. Granted, the majority of students who went there were not interested in anything but to "get out of school and go to work", as many students came from poor homes where money was needed - immediately - without all the social niceties of a four-year college (or university) program following high school.

My old school is well-remembered as "Kirkman Vocational HS", changing its name slightly to "Kirkman Technical HS" in later years. Kirkman was FULLY ACCREDITED in every way, enabling any graduate desiring a college degree to continue at the higher university or college level. That is exactly what I did - and I learned things at Kirkman that were not taught at the university - and which came in rather handy for my later employment at the U.S. Mint, where hand lettering was absolutely required of the job!

In my day, there were many local industries that actually had a dependency on Kirkman HS graduates; they depended on each year's crop of Kirkman graduates to start working up their employment ladder - and I am referring specifically to industries such as Combustion Engineering and Chattanooga Glass Company - both now gone. At least one student I knew went to work for one of those industries, climbed the ladder of Success and became very wealthy from all the patents he earned for his company. (No college degree!)

A new Kirkman-type vocational school would not have the limitations of former "smoke-stack" industries, but the new curricula could be adapted to the digital age just as easily. And such adaptation would not place it in conflict with already existing computer programs - as at Chattanooga State Tech. Students would still be learning Social Studies, English and Math in the morning, and then getting a fine intro into simplified Computer Science in the afternoons. Such a program could then possibly deliver a better-qualified student to the higher level institution. The new vocational school would be acting almost like on-the-job training while the student was earning his or her high school diploma. An entire new crop of both students and teachers could benefit from such a new school. Kirkman had both eager students and highly dedicated instructors such as Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Pennington, Frank Huffaker, Willie Blanche Wheeler Looney, David Dicus, Charlotte Roesslein, "Chief" L.B. Bender, and many others of equal abilities. All of these are gone now, but who can say that an equally competent new breed of teacher is not waiting in the wings to guide an ever-increasing number of students in the right direction to fulfill their New Age dreams? It should be noted that Ms. Wheeler-Looney (above) came to Kirkman HS with both a law degree - and a teachers' certificate: she chose Teaching!

And now to my second favorite topic: MUSIC IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS! That used to be a really big deal, folks - and the only "letter" I ever earned in all my 12 years of public schooling was when Brainerd Junior HS won a statewide Band competition - at Oak Ridge - in 1947! (Not exactly a "letter", but we all got circular emblems telling of the event, and that could be sewed on the sweater of our choice.) Mr. Albert Richard Casavant was the new Music Director for all the city schools, and Mrs. Frank Huffaker was head of the music department at Brainerd Junior HS (going later to City HS).They were both very proud of our efforts. Music classes - especially Band and Orchestra - were a lot of fun, too, and there were a great many participants. Same was true for every school in the City system. (City and County schools were divided then; County schools did not have a similar music program.)

I remember after school in the afternoons when everybody would be trying to crowd onto a bus while carrying a load of books in one arm and a clunky instrument case in the other! (That was in the days before the very sensible modern "back packs" had been discovered!) And then in the downtown area you could always see a few school-age students carrying instruments hidden in cases, and you would wonder what sort of instrument it concealed. Was it a saxophone like yours, or....what? These young musicians hung together pretty well, too, and created long-lasting friendships which people like local world-class clarinetist, Jay Cravens, could attest to. On the national news programs I have also noticed in recent years how special music programs in formerly high-crime areas of large cities have greatly reduced those problems. I am speaking specifically about Juvenile crime - and how the former street gangs are being broken up by the stronger desire of the young people to make MUSIC in their after-school down time.

I personally think it was wrong to let Kirkman Technical High School simply drop off the map - and I feel the same as regards the music program we once had in our schools. Kirkman was not "zoned" in my time, as students came there from far distances in every direction. It is true that Howard High School has assumed some of Kirkman's former prominence in that field, yet I believe that it may be zoned in some way to keep the flocks of students that Kirkman once had from attending; don't know for sure. I only know our city could benefit once again by strong Music and Vocational Ed programs.

The picture at the top of this story shows an unidentified group at Kirkman Technical High School, perhaps made about 1960. Both teacher and students show an intensity of dedication so obvious that I will let it stand for itself as proof of the need for another Kirkman!

* * *

Chester Martin is a native Chattanoogan who is a talented painter, sculptor and artisan as well as local historian. He and his wife, Pat, live in Brainerd. Mr. Martin can be reached at cymppm@comcast.net.
The hit science fiction show Black Mirror has come under fire from female fans and women's health organizations for one of its newest episodes, which they say irresponsibly conflates emergency contraception with medical abortions.

Since the release of the entire fourth season was released on Netflix on December 29, many viewers have taken issue with a plot detail in episode two, called Arkangel, which was directed by Oscar winner Jodie Foster.

Even Planned Parenthood and the pro-choice group NARAL have chimed in, correcting the misinformation being disseminated by the show.

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Inaccurate: An episode of the newest season of Black Mirror that incorrectly portrays how emergency contraception works has left many viewers angry

Problems: Both Planned Parenthood and NARAL have spoken out about the misinformation in the episode Arkangel

Criticized: The episode was directed by Jodie Foster, who has also been bashed online

The episode Arkangel tells the story of a teen named Sara (played by Brenna Harding), whose mother Marie (played by Rosemarie DeWitt) has a chip implanted in her brain to monitor her activity, feelings, and health.

When Marie learns through the chip that Sara has had sex and is pregnant, she buys emergency contraception over-the-counter at a pharmacy and crushes it up into a smoothie for her daughter.

Later, at school, Sara begins to feel ill.

A school nurse tells her it is being caused by 'EC', which Sara doesn't know she has taken.

'Emergency contraception. For terminating a pregnancy,' the nurse says, erroneously describing what emergency contraception does.

'It will work in spite of the vomiting. You don't have to worry about that. You're not pregnant anymore.'

In the week since the episode went live online, many fans have been bingeing the new season  and quite a few have been struck by the incorrect description of emergency contraception.

Do your research! Several viewers, including medical professionals, have called the show out for getting facts wrong

Iffy: In the episode, a teenage girl (right) is slipped emergency contraception by her mom, and is later told that it gave her an abortion  which is not what EC does

They're not only upset with the science fiction show for wrongly portraying a matter of science, but they're also accusing writer Charlie Brooker and director Jodie of acting irresponsibly by propagating incorrect and even harmful information.

'One of the episodes of @blackmirror conflates emergency contraception and the abortion pill, which is INFURIATING because emergency contraception can't terminate a pregnancy & conservatives use this falsehood against it all the time,' wrote one New York City writer.

'I watched @blackmirror and I'm PISSED that they equated Emergency Contraception to an abortion pill. EC prevents pregnancy. It does NOT terminate pregnancy. This is so damn irresponsible,' wrote Charlene Carruthers.

As many are pointing out, emergency contraception  often called the morning-after pill  is not the same thing as the abortion pill.

The morning-after pill can be purchased over-the-counter, as the character in Black Mirror shows. It comes under several brand names, including Plan B and Take Action.

It does not cause an abortion  rather, it prevents a pregnancy from occurring. The pill must be taken 120 hours (or five days) after having unprotected sex, and it stops ovulation and an egg's ability to implant in the uterus.

Not good: Many people have sounded off on Black Mirror for spreading incorrect information, calling it 'dangerous and irresponsible'

Truth: Activists (pictured) and even Planned Parenthood chimed in to explain that emergency contraception is taken immediately after sex and prevents pregnancy

Elizabeth Clark, Planned Parenthood Federation of America's Director of Health Media, explained how it works to the Daily Beast following the episode's release.

'Pregnancy doesn't happen right after you have sex,' she said. 'Sperm can actually live inside someone's body for up to six days after sex, waiting for an egg to show up to be fertilized. The morning-after pill works by temporarily stopping ovulation so the ovary doesn't release an egg.'

The abortion pill works more like the drug used in the episode  but it is an entirely different medication.

First, it must be prescribed by a doctor and is taken under that doctor's supervision. Also called a medical abortion, it's actually a set of two medications  mifepristone and misoprostol  that are taken one after the other.

The first pill is taken at a doctor's office or clinic, and prevent the body from producing progesterone, which is necessary to a pregnancy.

The second pill, taken at home 6 to 48 hours later, causes cramping and bleeding to empty the uterus.

Conflated: It's the abortion pill  which is taken under the supervision of a doctor  that causes a medical abortion

No one checked this? Some have said that the show has a responsibility to get facts right

'Film and television have a unique opportunity to portray sexual and reproductive health care in medically accurate and nonjudgmental ways for millions of viewers,' added Clark.

'With access to health care and sex education under constant attack, it's more important than ever for us to see accurate storylines when it comes to contraception, abortion, and other sexual health issues  as well as a whole range of peoples authentic experiences.'

NARAL Pro-Choice America agrees. On January 2, the organization tweeted: 'Not only is the idea of emergency contraceptives as "abortifacients" an idea propagated by anti-choice extremists to limit access to birth control  it's also scientifically & medically inaccurate. Not cool, @blackmirror.'

Several Black Mirror fans are also angry, and are calling on the show's creator to correct the mistake.

'Is @blackmirror going to address the issue many of us have been raising about the erroneous conflation of emergency contraception & medication abortion in Arkangel? Please do something to help correct this misperception,' tweeted epidemiologist Chelsea Polis.

Response? Both the show's writer Charlie Brooker and director Jodie Foster have come under serious criticism

Many have worried that less-informed viewers will believe the false information

'Hey @charltonbrooker, if you plan to write any more @blackmirror episodes involving reproductive health and abortion, give me a call. You have an important platform where you can educate the public, correct misinformation, and contribute to the development of good health policy!' added Dr. Daniel Grossman, a clinical and public health researcher on abortion and contraception.

'I really wish Jodie Foster and @netflix had actually done some research on abortion pills and emergency contraception. It was wildly inaccurate, from how EC works to the symptoms,' tweeted activist Renee Bracey Sherman.

Writer Lauren Rankin also shared an all-caps message: 'EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION IS NOT THE SAME AS THE ABORTION PILL. THEY ARE TWO DIFFERENT MEDICINES THAT DO DIFFERENT THINGS. CONFLATING THEM IS DANGEROUS AND IRRESPONSIBLE.'

So far, neither Charlie Brooker nor Jodie Foster have responded to the criticism.
LIV LITTLE

Editor-in-Cheif and founder of gal-dem, Liv is one of the youngest faces in list at just 23. The online and print magazine run by women of colour and the tea, is built up of over '70 women and non-binary people' employees.

Liv launched the magazine in 2015 after becoming frustrated at the lack of diversity at her university.

Describing the message behind gal-dem Liv writes: 'We want people of different shapes, sizes, sexes and ethnic backgrounds to engage with the work we are doing. It is no secret that the mainstream media doesn't represent or reflect us, so we are doing it for ourselves.'

SOPHIE WALKER

Journalist and author Sophie Walker took on the role of leader of the Women's Equality Party, set up by broadcaster Sandi Toksvig, in 2015.

Speaking at the time, Sophie said: 'We want to put equality for women back on the mainstream political agenda. We believe that it's time to really take action to fix many things that have been left unfixed for too long.'

Sophie, 46, who has two daughters and two step-sons, campaigned in the London Mayor elections in 2016.

PARIS LEES

Transgender model Paris Lees who describes herself as a 'writer, presenter and campaigner', is the first openly trans woman to be profiled by the magazine.

Paris, 27, grew up as a boy in the former mining town of Hucknall, in Nottinghamshire.

She assumed she was gay, until she served eight months in a young offenders institution for a robbery she committed when she was 16, where she vowed to turn her life around and become the woman she truly was and is.

Lees was also the first out trans person to appear on BBC Question Time, and has been called the 'voice of a generation' by i-D magazine and 'the fearless, vital voice we need' by Dazed for her work to champion equality and combat bullying.

DINA TORKIA

Dina was named the 9th most powerful YouTube star in March this year, falling only behind the likes of Zoella and Alfie Deyes.

Known as the 'hijab blogger' Dina has worked tirelessly to alter the perceptions around women who wear headscarves.

She boasts a strong online presence with her YouTube channel amassing over 700,000 subscribers.

GILLIAN WEARING

The Turner-prize winning artist has become one of the leading names in British art.

The artist shot to fame in the 1990s with a collection of photographs she had taken of strangers in the street, holding up signs with 'confessions' written on them.

In 1997 she won the Turner Prize for 60 Minutes Silence, a film of uniformed police officers sitting together.

Wearing was elected as lifetime member of the Royal Academy of Arts in London in 2007.

In 2014 she turned heads in Birmingham when she unveiled a 100,000 bronze artwork featuring two single mums in Centenary Square representing what it means to be an ordinary family.

And last year she was commissioned to make a statue for Parliamant Square opting for Millicent Fawcett, the suffragist leader.

RENI EDDO-LODGE

Reni is a writer on race and gender issues and a former contributing editor at Feminist Times, she was also a judge for the Woman's Hour Power List, 2014.

Her most famous blog post, 'Why I'm no longer talking to white people about race' was a viral hit, and its book equivalent has since sold more than 30,000 copies.

STELLA CREASY

Labour MP Stella Creasy is the second politician to join the Vogue line up.

Prior to her election as MP for Walthamstow in 2010, Stella, 40, worked as head of campaigns at the Scout Association and as deputy director of the thinktank Involve.

She has become known for her campaigns against sexism in parliament having criticised her own party member Clive Lewis for his 'violent sexual' language in 2017.

In 2013 she was applauded for calling out journalist Toby Young for his 'breasts' tweet about an MP live on Newsnight.

In 2017 she fiercly campaigned for a woman to be featured on the new 10 note.
The Dale family created their dream home with just 27,000, earning them a place on Grand Designs and the title of Britain's cheapest home.

But a devastating fire has seen the family tragically lose their eco-friendlly abode.

Friends of Simon and Jasmine Dale are asking strangers to help rebuild the Pembrokshire home after it burned down on New Year's Day in what is believed to be an electrical fire.

Their Just Giving page says they are 'devastated' to have lost their home, with supporters already pledging over 2,000 to rebuild it.

The house, which was built in the sustainable Lammas community in Pembrokeshire, was ravaged after fire crews battled the flames for six hours.

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Simon and Jasmine Dale's eco-friendly home, which appeared on Grand Designs in 2016, tragically burnt down in a fire on New Year's Eve

The family started the project with just 500 in the bank and spent a mere 27,000 completing it.

It has been dubbed 'Britain's cheapest home' and appeared on Grand Designs last year.

Friends of the family are asking for 20,000 to rebuild the home on charity site Just Giving.

The page reads: 'Simon, Jasmine and their two children have been residents at Lammas eco village, Pembrokeshire, since the start of the project . They have been working on their family home for the last 6 years.

The family started building the house with just 500 in the bank and spent a mere 27,000

Friends of the family have set up a Just Giving page to help them raise the money to rebuild it after the documentary captured them working on the project for over two years. Pictured: Simon and Jasmine with presenter Kevin McCloud

'This beautiful building was featured on Grand Designs last year. Sadly a fire started on New Years day and their beloved home was burned to the ground.

'Luckily no one was hurt but as you can imagine, the family are devastated.'

Some 55 supporters have now donated 2,260 to the family's fundraiser.

The family originally built their eco-friendly house because they wanted to live an outdoor lifestyle and surviving off the land.

Simon excavated 12 feet into the hillside and built a retaining wall along the back, made from sandbags filled with the excavated earth.

The page has already raised over 2,000 and their friends are hoping for a total of 20,000. Pictured: The mezzanine level featured a small study with reclaimed wooden units

The couple's home was built on the sustainable Lammas community in Pembrokeshire. Pictured: The couple's son Cosmo's bedroom, decorated in red

Floors were made from rammed earth, polished and hardened with linseed oil and the structure from round timber poles, using wood grown, felled, prepared and sawn by Simon.

The same poles made up the roof, covered by a damp proof membrane and a sheep's wool insulation with grass on top for further insulation.

Windows were reclaimed glass and the exterior timber framed walls filled with straw bales.

Wrapping around front they built greenhouse to pre-heat air for the house and grow food, while they intended to source kitchen fixtures and appliances from car boot sales and eBay.

The timber beams were all grown, felled, prepared and sawn as seen in the couple's daughter Elfie's bedroom (pictured)

Simon and Jasmine managed to add to their funds throughout the project but still ended up spending only 27,000

'This won't be a cramped hobbit house, but a spacious, solid, three bed, low impact family home,' Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud said following its completion.

When their house was finally complete in 2014 after construction began in October 2012, an overwhelmed Simon was seen looking around his dream property.

He said: 'I don't think I could quantify it, but I can feel it in my heart when I walk around at the end of the day and see the bats flying round and hear the birds sing.

'It's been hard and I wasn't asking for an easy life. I like challenge. To put in a hard day's graft and be tired at the end of the day. That exhaustion is a nice feeling.'
Jenni Murray decided at the age of 21 she wouldn't conform to societal norms and ditched the Lady Shave

My first step towards total defiance of one of my mothers absolute requirements when it came to personal grooming came at the age of 21.

I was standing in the shower and I had the Lady Shave (pink, of course) in one hand, the shaving cream, borrowed from my dad, in the other and the words of one Germaine Greer, author of the newly published The Female Eunuch, in my head.

Women suppress hairiness just as they suppress all the aspects of their vigour and libido, shed said.

In extreme cases women shave or pluck their pubic hair so as to seem even more sexless and infantile.

How right she was, for here I was, one morning in 1971, razor in hand, about to literally scrape away the evidence of my female maturity and sexuality like it was something to be ashamed of.

I had, I must make clear, never attacked the pubic area, but the armpits and legs had been almost a daily bind ever since Mum had presented me with my first razor as soon as the first few hairs materialised when I was a teenager.

To her, soft, smooth, hairless skin was a vital part of basic cleanliness and femininity.

When Lourdes posted this affectionate picture comparisons were immediately made to her mother, whos also been a proud champion of the anti-razor movement over the years

To me it was nothing but a hassle that often gave me an ugly, red-raw rash which stung like mad when I applied deodorant.

And, even before Greer had voiced it in her book, I had often wondered why hair was considered attractive and acceptable in a man, but a woman was supposed to retain the bald appearance of a baby or a little girl.

So I made a radical decision and threw the razor in the bin. A few days later  enough time for a healthy little thatch to be forming under my arms  I put on a short-sleeved dress and prepared to face the onslaught from my mother.

Good grief, Jen, surely youre not going out looking like that.

At the 1999 premiere of Notting Hill, when Julia Roberts raised one arm to wave to the crowd, baring her hair covered-pits, she sent the assembled paparazzi into a frenzy

If you havent time to shave, at least put on a cardigan and DONT TAKE IT OFF!

I did my best to explain the sexual politics of what felt like a proud and bold strike for feminism.

My mother was having none of it. She told me I looked common, cheap and shabby. I weathered her fury, ignored her advice and created yet another subject on which we would never agree!.

And so it remained. For the rest of my mothers natural life, and indeed for the next 47 years, my armpits have remained as nature intended.

Sophia Loren, one of many celebrities who refused to shave, certainly wasn't shy about showing the world that she had armpit hair

I remain proudly and defiantly hirsute, as the words of Germaine Greer still ring in my head: It takes a great deal of courage and independence to decide to design your own image instead of the one that society rewards, but it gets easier as you go along.

And yet it still astonishes me that a woman showing off her hairy armpits creates controversy after all these years, but apparently it does.

Look at Madonnas daughter, Lourdes. Not so little now, at the age of 21, but there she was this week, cuddling up to her mother, with one arm thrown above her head, showing off a bit of underarm fluff.

Comparisons were immediately made to her mother, whos also been a proud champion of the anti-razor movement over the years (in 2014, she posted a picture on Instagram with the caption Long hair, dont care!).

Julia Roberts did it too, at the 1999 premiere of Notting Hill, when she raised one arm to wave to the crowd and sent the assembled paparazzi into a frenzy.

In 2014, Madonna posted a picture on Instagram with the caption Long hair, dont care! boasting a thick batch of under-arm hair

Hairy armpits as a propaganda tool is not just a Western phenomenon. In 2015 the Chinese womens rights activist Xiao Meili used a popular blogging site to hold an armpit hair competition.

She was protesting against the social pressure on women to shave under their arms. There were more than 1.7million hits.

Now Madonnas daughter has taken up the mantle.

This is Lourdes second outing: in April she was caught on a beach in Miami, with a shockingly stubbly armpit, prompting all sorts of debate, with commentators arguing whether it was a feminist backlash against the image-obsessed industry which had propelled her mother to fame, or just a way to get attention.

Scout Willis, an advocate of the no-shave brigade, revealed her unshaven armpit hair a in a photo shared by her sister Tallulah

Did no one consider that she might just be a dark-haired, Latino girl, long past puberty, who was on holiday and simply couldnt be bothered?

Everyone seems to have an opinion when they see a hairy armpit. Mine didnt go unnoticed when I went out over the years.

I was often asked how Id found the courage to do it, but nobody voiced any horror (apart, of course, from my mother who never really got over my refusal to shave).

None of my friends seemed to find it surprising and a number of them followed suit. I guess wed all been reading the same book.

The first time Lourdes showed off her stubbly armpit on a beach in Miami last April people questioned whether it was a feminist backlash against the image-obsessed industry which had propelled her mother to fame, or just a way to get attention

Boyfriends seemed to find it rather engaging. I like to think theyd all seen the famous photos of a hirsute Sophia Loren taken in the mid-Fifties and were making favourable comparisons.

As for the hygiene side of things, I continued to wash and apply deodorant just as I always did, and no one ever took me aside for a quiet word.

Now we hairy ladies, I am delighted to report, are no longer unusual. Ive been talking to the mothers of teenage girls who are as pleased as I am that their daughters are rebelling against the expectation that they will follow that airbrushed, hairless, image of a woman made popular by pornography.

It seems girls and young women have learned for themselves that a boys assumption that theyll resemble (and behave like) a shorn porn star is an insult to their basic humanity.

Miley Cyrus bared her armpits as she spoke onstage during the 30th Annual Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Public Hall

They may also have picked up some hints from mothers who fell for that barbaric fashion fad for the Brazilian wax and saw them limping home shrieking and shaking with the agony of it.

Theyre far too switched on and sensible to believe that old no pain, no gain lie when it comes to personal grooming.

There are so many advantages to being hirsute as nature intended. No more bits of toilet paper stuck on the legs to stem the bleeding when the razor slipped.

No painful boils under the arm as a result of an infected hair root (my mother had one and Im ashamed to say I was not particularly sympathetic).

It turns out that the 'armpit' hair that featured in one of Gigi Hadid's shoots was 'loose fibre' but that didn't stop social media users slamming the model telling her it was 'distracting'

No itching, no shrieking after applying deodorant and no stubble, which Ive always considered so much more unattractive than the clean, fresh down of natural growth.

Germaine Greer was right when she said it gets easier to design your own image as you get older, rather than obey the rules demanded by society.

Maturity and wisdom seem to underline the right to make your own choices.

It no longer takes courage to say stuff it! Ill please myself and I dont care what anybody thinks.

And as for my legs, I deeply regret following the fashion of my youth.

When I started to shave there was nothing there but barely visible fluff.

Shaving made the hairs darker and coarser, but I gave it up years ago. Another case of cant be bothered! Nowadays, however, my armpit hair is rarely seen.

Nobody notices anything unusual about a woman in her late 60s going out only in a dress or top with long sleeves in the height of summer.

Women my age tend to cover their upper arms for reasons other than bodily hair.

I think theyre known as Bingo Wings, and, sorry Germaine, Im not ready to be out and proud with them just yet!
If you're served a beer with a generous head of foam on top you might be tempted to send it right back and demand another one, but according to beer sommelier Max Bakker your perception of what the ideal glass looks like is all wrong.

Max who is the first and only Master Cicerone in New York - a certification that recognises exceptional understanding of brewing, beer, and pairing told Business Insider that tilting the glass and pouring slowly means the CO2 in the beer has nowhere to escape to.

This means that the carbon dioxide goes straight into your stomach, leaving you feeling bloated - and things get worse if you pair your beer with a snack.

As soon as the food goes into your stomach and disturbs the liquid it will start releasing the CO2 and making you feel even more full and uncomfortable.

In fact, CO2 that's the equivalent of 2.5 times the volume of beer you've drunk can be released in your stomach because it hasn't happened in the glass during pouring.

If you tilt the glass and pour slowly to avoid your beer foaming over the sides of the glass, you've been doing it all wrong (stock image)

According to Max the perfect way serve beer is to tilt the glass and pour with vigour, even if you're left with a significant head.

While people tend to see too much foam as a negative, Max insists it's not a proper beer without it.

'In this foam is where we're going to taste the sweetness of the malt and the bitterness of the hops,' he said.

'But really it's going to protect the integrity of the aroma that's underneath that foam through each sip.

The foam protects the taste of the beer underneath and is a sign that you won't be getting too much CO2 building up in your stomach (stock image)

As well as making mistakes with beer, you could also be drinking your wine all wrong if you open a bottle and leave it to languish for days before finishing.

Wine educator Collin Lilly of the Andretti Winery in Napa Valley gave Popsugar his expert view on how to enjoy wine at its best, and insisted that for optimum taste you 'need to drink that entire bottle that night'.

He explained that once you've consumed half the bottle or more, there's a gap of air filling the bottle and one the wine is exposed to air the phenols which affect its taste start to 'dissipate and become negative flavours'.

This means that even if you leave the bottle open for a day or two before dipping in again, the taste will already be spoiled as it's continuing to change rapidly and you'll notice the difference even as little as 24 hours later.

'When you open a bottle, it's best to drink it within four to six hours of opening without compromising taste,' Collin said.

Once you've opened a bottle, you create a pocket of air that starts to affect the structure of the wine and change the taste

By the time it's been open for two or three days, or any longer, it's likely to taste actively unpleasant to some, depending on your standards for wine.

And, according to Colin, the same applies to cooking so think twice before adding a splash from an open bottle that's been languishing in the cupboard if you don't want to ruin the flavours in your dish.

Another important tip you need to remember for preserving the quality of your wine is to store it correctly.

Alcohol shelf life Unlike wine, spirits have an extremely long shelf life provided they're stored properly. Whiskey, for instance, only ages in the cask, but not in a bottle. You should store it at 15.5 to 19.4 degrees in a dark environment, and make sure it's upright so it doesn't come into contact with the cork. When taken care of properly, whiskey can be kept indefinitely, while the same goes for gin and vodka. Take care with cream liqueurs however, that will start to spoil over time. Advertisement

If you've been keeping your bottles with corks in an upright position, you've definitely been storing them wrong.

It turns out that there is a very good reason why winemakers, restaurants and wine snobs keep their bottles in a rack.

Wine critic Joanne Simon told Cosmopolitan: 'Bottles of wine should be stored horizontally to keep the wine in contact with the cork and help prevent the cork from drying out.'

If the cork becomes too dry, it can become brittle and break up, causing it to get stuck in the neck.

Even if you do pull it out in one piece, tiny pieces of cork can still end up floating in your wine.

Simon added that it's best to use a 'smooth, rounded' corkscrew rather than one with a 'sharp, bevelled edge' to avoid breakages.

If you don't have enough room for a wine rack, stick to screwcap wines which don't need to be stored horizontal.
With eight Michelin stars to their chef's name, it promised to be a memorable evening of fine dining.

But sadly, for actress Tracy-Ann Oberman, her romantic dinner-for-two was unforgettable for the wrong reason  after her husband tried to eat his napkin.

The couple had been left increasingly baffled by the Spanish restaurant's bizarre take on haute cuisine provided by acclaimed chef Martin Berasategui.

Their confusion reached its peak when the her husband Rob Cowan decided to tuck in to a white dish served in a rope-bound block of stone  only to discover he had taken a bite out of a napkin.

Unhappy: Tracy-Ann Oberman and her husband Rob Cowan (pictured together in 2010)

Miss Oberman, 51, who starred in EastEnders, later complained online about the meal at the 'pretentious' restaurant, calling the staff patronising.

Posting pictures of how their food had been served on Twitter, she wrote: 'This is what happens when you apply a Michelin star or two or three. Honestly.'

With another picture of food on what appeared to be a wooden slab, she wrote the caption: 'This made us squeal.'

The actress added: 'You know it's a Michelin star when the napkins are inflated with water in a Neanderthal carver holder. Rob tried to eat it. They [staff] were horrified.

Whine and dine: Miss Oberman's romantic dinner-for-two was unforgettable for the wrong reason  after her husband tried to eat his napkin (above)

Served by acolytes of nonsense! One course of her meal was served on a piece of wood

'The amuse bouche was served with a reverence that bordered on religious fervour. Bloody Michelin pretentiousness.

'Delicious food served by acolytes of nonsense on receptacles of pure folly. #minireview.'

Mr Berasategui has eight Michelin stars across his restaurants, where a 14-course tasting menu sets diners back 200 and an apple pie costs 28.50.

Miss Oberman, who also writes scripts for BBC Radio 4, addressed a tweet to the chef, telling him: 'Your food was exquisite, your presentation a tad pretentious but your staff were so patronising. It's a restaurant not a church.'

She also directed her Twitter posts at the We Want Plates account, which claims to be on a 'global crusade against serving plates on bits of wood and roof slates, chips in mugs and jam-jar drinks'.

We want plates! Miss Oberman shared photos of the food, including this pot that was used to serve a starter

We want plates! She also directed her Twitter posts at the We Want Plates account, which claims to be on a 'global crusade against serving plates on bits of wood and roof slates'

It is not known which one of Mr Berasategui's 12 restaurants the couple were dining at, though his main restaurant is located close to the town of San Sebastian in northern Spain.

Previously named one of the best 30 in the world, the restaurant has a typical 40 starter that includes a single oyster with 'iced cucumber slush'.

For 63, diners can tuck in to a main course of 'stuffed Iberian pork trotters with quince paste and crunchy black pudding pearls'.

In the foreword to his menu, the chef, who won his first Michelin star by the time he was 25, writes: 'We would destroy the spirit of the meal if we served them in very large portions.

'I only conceive the following dishes in small potions with the brevity of three or four mouthfuls.'
A 14-month-old girl inhaled an LED bulb that was originally used as a decoration on her family's Christmas tree, a bizarre new case report reveals.

The French baby, whose name is unknown, suffered from coughing and wheezing in the run-up to Christmas last year.

Doctors suspected she had developed asthma and dished her out drugs to combat her symptoms. However, they didn't work.

Medical scans three weeks later revealed a U-shaped foreign body in her left lung, which surgeons were concerned about.

The French baby, whose name is unknown, was found to have inhaled a LED lightbulb (pictured is the chest X-ray of a U-shaped foreign body in her left lung)

The object was found to be an LED bulb. It was removed using a bronchoscope  a flexible tube with a camera and light attached to the end.

Her parents, who are believed to be from Marseille, then realised it had come from their Christmas tree because they were missing a bulb.

The tale, published in Respiratory Medicine Case Reports, prompted doctors to joke about how Christmas tunes often lead many to relive childhood memories.

Writing in the journal, they said: 'We are not absolutely sure that this young, 14-month-old girl will be in the same spirit in the coming years.'

Doctors at the University Hospital Timone-Enfants in Marseille warned this isn't the first time a baby has inhaled a Christmas decoration.

A 15-month-old Chinese girl also had a tree light bulb lodged in her lung after she inhaled it, medics in Hong Kong revealed in 2015.

Her parents, who are believed to be from Marseille, realised the decoration had come from their Christmas tree because they were missing one

ANOTHER BIZARRE CASE OF AN INHALED OBJECT The new case comes after MailOnline broke the news in September of a postman who inhaled a Playmobil cone that was lodged in his lung for 40 years. Paul Baxter, from Croston, Lancashire, was suspected to have cancer after doctors found a mass in the ex-smoker's lungs. Tests at first appeared to confirm their fears - until they inserted a tiny camera to look at the suspected tumour. They burst into laughter when they saw. What they believed was a malignant growth turned out to be a toy plastic traffic cone from a Playmobil set he received as a seventh birthday present. Mr Baxter, 50, has since kept it as a souvenir of his ordeal, which came out in 'perfect working order'. He also revealed doctors could have found it 20 years ago  but missed it. Advertisement

LED bulbs should be modified

The French doctors claim that manufacturers should 'possibly reconsider the shape of some LED bulbs'.

They also highlighted fatal cases of children inhaling plastic Christmas bow pins, which prompted US firm 3M Company to modify its design.

And they described how a child needed an emergency tracheostomy two years after inhaling a flat plastic Christmas tree that was embedded in its throat.

They wrote: 'To diagnose a foreign body in the respiratory tract at the Christmas period in a young child may be a challenge.

'Nearly all children are sick during this period.'

They said wheezy respiratory infections are so frequent that a misdiagnosis can be easy.

Writing in the journal, they added: 'Therefore the "Christmas bronchial aspiration" should be of particular knowledge.

'The imagination of our children for inhaling objects, including Christmas decorations, is limitless.'

The little girl was reported to have made a good recovery after the procedure.

It is common for young children to aspirate a toy, say experts, but the problem is usually spotted very quickly as it causes breathing problems. It most often happens in toddlers under three.

Usually children swallow items instead of inhaling them. These pass through the body naturally, although thin, sharp objects can cause internal injury.
The health trend for drinking 'raw' water has been branded potentially deadly by experts.

The demand for untreated, unsterilized spring water has skyrocketed in parts of the US, but authorities say it can contain E. coli bacteria, viruses, and parasites as well as cancer-causing compounds.

Firms are selling unfiltered water across the United States and the craze is particularly popular in Silicon Valley with some charging $60.99 for a 2.5 gallon jug.

The New York Times reports that one company selling it in San Diego has seen its sales double every year since launching three years ago as the 'water consciousness movement' grows.

Advocates of the trend are 'looking to get off the water grid' to avoid the added fluoride, which they brand as 'toxic', and because of the lead pipes used in treatments. They say the process removes beneficial minerals and healthy bacteria.

One described public provisions as 'drinking toilet water with birth control drugs in them'.

Firms are selling unfiltered water across the US, advertising it as a reprieve from fluoride- 'poisoned' public tap water

The Times investigation found that raw water is in vogue on the West Coast and in other pockets around the country.

Start-ups such as Live Water in Oregon  which provides 'convenient delivery of pristine mountain spring water' as well as tools to gather it independently  and Tourmaline Spring in Maine have emerged in the last few years.

Arizona company Zero Mass Water, which installs systems allowing people to collect their own rain water, began taking orders in November from across the US. It has raised $24 million in venture capital.

HOW IS DRINKING WATER TREATED IN THE US? Public drinking water systems use various methods of water treatment to provide safe drinking water for their communities. How it is treated depends on the quality of the water that enters the treatment plant. Typically, surface water requires more treatment and filtration than ground water because lakes, rivers, and streams contain more sediment and pollutants and are more likely to be contaminated than ground water. Today, the most common steps in water treatment used by community water systems (mainly surface water treatment) include: The Environmental Protection Agency's image shows how public drinking water is typically treated Coagulation and flocculation Coagulation and flocculation are often the first steps in water treatment. Chemicals with a positive charge are added to the water. The positive charge of these chemicals neutralizes the negative charge of dirt and other dissolved particles in the water. When this occurs, the particles bind with the chemicals and form larger particles, called floc. Sedimentation During sedimentation, floc settles to the bottom of the water supply, due to its weight. This settling process is called sedimentation. Filtration Once the floc has settled to the bottom of the water supply, the clear water on top will pass through filters of varying compositions (sand, gravel, and charcoal) and pore sizes, in order to remove dissolved particles, such as dust, parasites, bacteria, viruses, and chemicals. Disinfection After the water has been filtered, a disinfectant (for example, chlorine, chloramine) may be added in order to kill any remaining parasites, bacteria, and viruses, and to protect the water from germs when it is piped to homes and businesses. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advertisement

At the Rainbow Grocery, a cooperative in San Francisco, California, one brand of water is so popular that it's often out of stock.

Mukhande Singh, the founder of Live Water, believes that public water has been 'poisoned'.

He told the Times: 'Tap water? You're drinking toilet water with birth control drugs in them.

'Chloramine, and on top of that they're putting in fluoride. Call me a conspiracy theorist, but it's a mind-control drug that has no benefit to our dental health.'

However, Dr Donald Hensrud, the director of the Healthy Living Program at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, told the newspaper: 'Without water treatment, there's acute and then chronic risks.'

According to him these are E. coli, viruses, parasites and carcinogenic compounds.

He said: 'There's evidence all over the world of this, and the reason we don't have those conditions is because of our very efficient water treatment.'

According to the World Health Organisation, drinking contaminated water causes over half a million diarrhea deaths every year.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says drinking water supplies in the US are among the safest in the world.

The authority states on its website that water is treated to remove disease-causing agents that cause cryptosporidium, hepatitis A and giardia intestinalis, and other pathogens along with E. coli.

Fluoridation of water prevents tooth decay safely and effectively, according to the agency.

It says: 'Water fluoridation has been named one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.'

However, it says that as a result of treatment some water supplies may also contain disinfections by-products, inorganic chemicals and radionuclides, as well as organic chemicals.

Seattle-based food safety advocate and food poisoning attorney Bill Marler told Business Insider: 'Almost everything conceivable that can make you sick can be found in water.

He said untreated water can contain animal feces, spreading giardia, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea and results in 4,600 hospitalizations a year.

Cholera and hepatitis A, which resulted in 20 deaths in a California outbreak in 2017, can also be spread through unprocessed water.

'The diseases that killed our great-grandparents were completely forgotten about,' said Mr Marler.

'It's fine till some 10-year-old girl dies a horrible death from cholera in Montecito, California.'

Comparing the raw water trend to similar to the anti-vaccine movement, he believes fans are failing to see the argument for it flies in the face of scientific advancements and lacks evidence.

'You can't stop consenting adults from being stupid,' he said. 'But, we should at least try.'
NHS bosses have failed to declare nearly 4 million of luxurious pay outs, a damning investigation concludes.

Regional health trusts accepted 5,027,818 from firms, including some of the biggest drug companies, between 2015 and 2017.

However, only 1,283,767 was listed - meaning clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) have ignored strict requirements from NHS England.

VIP tickets for a Manchester United FC match and a Beyonce concert were among the thousands of gifts that were publically declared.

Critics are concerned the vast amount of funding CCGs get from pharmaceutical firms could 'result in prescribing that harms'.

The investigation, published in the British Medical Journal, was based on freedom of information requests from all 207 CCGs in England.

VIP tickets for a Manchester United FC match (pictured right is the club's French footballer Paul Pogba) and a Beyonce (left) concert were among the gifts that were publically declared

Funding declaration data from each CCG was then compared to the sums that were jotted up in the FOI figures.

NHS England requires all CCGs to declare all conflicts of interest and to maintain and publish registers of potential conflicts and procurement decisions.

Researchers from the University of Bath and Lund University, Sweden, analysed the data to make the conclusion.

Their investigation revealed only two thirds of the 4,600 payments accepted from private firms and charities were listed by the CCGs.

This amounts to three quarters of the total sum having been hidden from patients and public over the space of two years.

Warwickshire North CCG was given 89 payments with a value of 24,150 between 2015 and 2017 to sponsor educational events.

Critics are concerned the vast amount of funding CCGs get from pharmaceutical firms could 'result in prescribing that harms'

However, these weren't listed in the CCG's current online register.

Nine CCGs accounted for nearly half of the number of payments received, including Warwickshire North.

The others were: Sheffield, Waltham Forest, Swale, Coventry and Rugby, North East Essex, South Tyneside, Coastal West Sussex and South Kent Coast.

Professor Paul Glasziou, at the Centre for Research in Evidence-Based Practice at Bond University in Australia, was concerned over the research.

Doctors are often unaware of the effect of drug companies' activities on their own behaviour, he said.

WHAT OTHER PAY OUTS WERE THERE? In 2015: Property investment company AMP Infrastructure gave NHS Medway CCG a ticket to an England cricket match, worth 75. In 2016: Centreplate, a catering and hospitality company, gave NHS Rotherham CCG eight tickets to Rotherham Uniteds Christmas ball and eight tickets to the football clubs awards ceremony, worth a total of 1216. Property developer Renova gave NHS Halton CCG Manchester United VIP packages, including a meal and match tickets, worth 120. Sunderland University gave NHS Sunderland CCG tickets to a Beyonce concert worth a total of 319. Refused payments NHS Greenwich CCG refused an offer from the law firm Ward Hadaway of tickets to the Rugby World Cup. Advertisement

He added: 'Pharmaceutical company dominance of the funding of continuing medical education can result in prescribing that harms.'

Piotr Ozieranski, of Bath University, who helped with the investigation, thinks it is inappropriate for commissioning bodies to accept funding from the private sector.

He said: 'It seems rather peculiar that CCGs are permitted to accept any payments or benefits in kind from private sector companies.'

CCGs often outsource the logistics of arranging event sponsorship to hospital trusts and private companies.

The local health boards, which decide what scarce funds should be spent on in certain regions, have also sought funding from drug firms to support internal meetings.

More than two thirds (73 per cent) of the funding from pharmaceutical firms was for sponsorship of education and training events.

Some 19 per cent of the total funding from big pharma was for projects.

Southwark CCG received 24,000 in funding for a project - but it failed to declare the five-figure sum in its online registers.

The money was provided to the board from Bayer - which makes Aspirin, Pfizer - famous for Viagra, and Boehringer Ingelheim.

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry says drug companies have an important role in supporting healthcare organisations.

A spokesperson added it 'shares an ambition' with the NHS for greater transparency and disclosure of financial information.

And several CCGs say sponsorship arrangements with drug companies allow them to host more educational events than they otherwise could.

However, many CCGs already accept no payments from charities or private companies.

For example, NHS Hastings and Rother CCG told the BMJ this 'helps to avoid any potential or real situations of undue bias or influence'.
One in four women develop mental health problems while pregnant, a study has found.

Awareness is growing about post-natal depression  but few people know problems can arrive before the baby is born.

Researchers at Kings College London diagnosed mental health problems among 27 per cent of pregnant women.

Using a gold-standard psychological screening technique at midwife appointments, they found 11 per cent of women had depression, 15 per cent had anxiety, 2 per cent had eating disorders and 2 per cent obsessive-compulsive disorders, with many women having combinations of different problems.

These are usually missed because people wrongly believe women always suffer a feel-good glow when they become pregnant.

One in four women develop mental health problems while pregnant, a study has found. Awareness is growing about post-natal depression  but few people know problems can arrive before the baby is born

This is a myth, said researcher Professor Louise Howard, of the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at Kings.

People think that pregnancy is protective of mental health, and then the post-natal period is a trigger for problems. But in reality problems start during pregnancy or even earlier  it is very common. She said rare and serious forms of mental disorders  such as severe post-natal psychosis  may be triggered by childbirth. But less severe depression and anxiety are likely to start during pregnancy itself.

Clinical psychologist Dr Camilla Rosan of the Mental Health Foundation, an expert in maternity, said pregnancy was a huge transformation in a womans life. Its a time of lots of changes, she said. There is a major renegotiation of a womans identity, anxiety about what kind of mother she might be, and it sometimes reactivates problems from her own childhood. These are all potential triggers  and old traumas and pre-existing problems can also return.

Crucially, she said, women are at a vulnerable point in their lives. And the impacts of depression or anxiety can have lasting effects on women and babies.

When you experience stress when you are pregnant it leads to changes in levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. Studies show these can have an impact on the development of the growing baby'

She said: When you experience stress when you are pregnant it leads to changes in levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. Studies show these can have an impact on the development of the growing baby  it can affect their later academic achievements and cause problems with the development of emotional relationships.

The study, funded by the research arm of the NHS and published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, involved 545 pregnant women in South London.

Professor Howard said women are seen so often by medical professionals during pregnancy they should never slip through the net.

Her study showed using proper psychological screening tools, based on simple questions about mood, could pick up problems. In clinical practice, maternity professionals need to identify whether or not a woman has any mental disorder, not only mood disorders which until recently have been the main focus of concern.

Women should be asked, by a non-judgemental and supportive health professional, at all contacts in pregnancy and after birth about their emotional wellbeing.
This year, which marks the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.s death, the national MLK Day falls on his birthday, Jan. 15. On this occasion, students and employees of Southern Adventist University will spend the day as they have every MLK Day for 25 years: serving their community.

Southerns MLK Service Day coordinates more than 1,000 participants to serve local organizations and community members within the Chattanooga area. As in previous years, Southern is partnering with more than 30 organizations including the Chattanooga Zoo, Creative Discovery Museum, Salvation Army, American Red Cross, Lookout Mountain Conservancy and the Samaritan Center.



The university is also joining in the City of Chattanoogas Day of Service opening events, with Voculus, a Southern Adventist University a cappella group, performing with members of the universitys gymnastics team, Gym-Masters.
A&E consultant Richard Fawcett (left) apologised for the situation at Royal Stoke University Hospital

Patients have defended their local hospital after a consultant compared conditions there to the 'third world'.

A&E consultant Richard Fawcett apologised for the situation at Royal Stoke University Hospital, where patients faced long waits for treatment as staff struggled to cope with demand.

He said frail and elderly people were being forced to wait in corridors for 'hours and hours' due overcrowding, with one patient claiming to have spent 18 hours on a trolley waiting for a bed.

Mr Fawcett tweeted on Tuesday: 'I personally apologise to the people of Stoke for the third world conditions of the department due to overcrowding.'

Yesterday, patients in Stoke were still facing long delays, with reports some people were even sleeping on the floor.

But they said it was wrong to suggest conditions there were on a par with the third world.

One patient, a middle aged woman who did not want to be named, said: 'I'm not going to lie I've been here over two hours, but they're busy.

'But to suggest it's like living in the middle of nowhere is ridiculous. I think the Government need to do more, but the NHS is still something to be proud of.'

Information screens at the Stoke hospital told patients that they faced a waiting time in excess of four hours. Non-emergency patients said they had been seen by the triage nurses after just over an hour.

Carl Foster, from Stoke, said on Facebook: 'People need to re-evaluate the use of the words 'third world'. The fact that the hospital exists in the first place means that it isn't third world.

Dr Fawcett had taken to Twitter to apologise for the overcrowding at the hospital

'People really need to get some perspective and stop being so melodramatic. A state-of-the-art hospital would not exist in a third world country. So not third world like conditions either.'

The Royal Stoke hospital is a far cry from images of Third world clinics conjured up by Mr Fawcett's Tweets.

It was formerly the University Hospital of North Staffordshire, but was rebranded when the troubled Mid Staffordshire Foundation Trust was dissolved following the scandal of high deaths and neglect at Stafford Hospital. It is now run by University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust.

Dr Fawcett said frail and elderly people were being forced to wait in corridors for 'hours and hours' due overcrowding at Royal Stoke University Hospital (above, file photo)

It was rebuilt between 2009 and 2015 at a cost of 370 million following a private finance initiative, making it one of the most expensive hospitals in the country.

In August 2015 the trust launched the new rapid access Royal Stoke MS Centre for Multiple Sclerosis patients. The centre of excellence now cares for 2,500 patients. In January 2016 a new 1.5m unit for patients with eye problems opened.

And in September, health chiefs announced that 45 extra beds were to be created at the hospital as part of a 2 million investment to speed up A&E waiting times for thousands of patients.

The hospital, which has an annual budget of 750 million, employs more than 6,000 staff. Just three days ago hospital bosses announced they were setting up free yoga and pilates classes for stressed-out NHS workers to stop them going off sick.

By contrast, the Kamuzu Central Hospital in Malawi in southern Africa has just 59 doctors and 286 nursing staff, serving a population of four million.

By contrast, the Kamuzu Central Hospital (above) in Malawi in southern Africa has just 59 doctors and 286 nursing staff, serving a population of four million

Overcrowding is constantly a problem, and on Christmas Day four children died when a power cut stopped their oxygen ventilators working.

The hospital, in Malawi's capital Lilongwe, is considered one of the country's best.

But Malawi is experiencing country-wide critical power outages as the utility provider Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi is failing to generate enough power to meet demand, the Nyasa Times reported.

Dorothy Ngoma, executive director of Malawi's National Organisation of Nurses and Midwives, said the health care system was in crisis and nurses were having to use torches and their mobile phones for light.

'There's people's lives concerned here,' she said. 'We are witnessing the worst incident of a crumbling health service delivery system in recent times.'

Speaking on Times Radio, she added: 'We have cases of premature babies dying in hospitals due to the absence of power for the incubators.'

The University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust did not respond to request for comment.
Families are being asked to look after elderly patients at home to free up hospital beds.

Managers urged relatives to help ensure patients are discharged quickly, including collecting them and becoming familiar with their medication.

The advice was issued at three hospital trusts in what has been described as the NHS's worst winter crisis since the 1990s.

Families are being asked to look after elderly patients at home to free up hospital beds

On Tuesday, hospitals were told to cancel up to 55,000 non-urgent operations to free beds and frontline staff amid a rise in flu cases. Yesterday:

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt apologised to the thousands of patients whose operations will be cancelled;

A&E doctors warned of severe risks to patient safety as at least 16 hospital trusts said they were on the highest alert;

Labour and trade unions were accused of politicising the crisis, as Tories insisted it was a 'long-term' issue.

Doctors say the conditions in A&E are the worst they have seen and patients are being treated in corridors due to a bed shortage.

The first week in January is normally very busy for hospitals, but this year many more patients are succumbing to severe chest infections and flu.

Official figures today are expected to confirm there has been a surge in flu cases as well as an increase in A&E waiting times.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt (pictured) apologised to the thousands of patients whose operations will be cancelled

But the pressures are likely to intensify later this week, with the return of freezing temperatures predicted across the UK.

Experts are particularly worried about an aggressive flu strain, H3N2  responsible for Australia's worst flu epidemic in 50 years.

The main reason A&E units are overcrowded is because hospital wards are extremely full, so anyone arriving to A&E who needs to be admitted must wait for hours on a trolley until a bed is free.

Many of the patients occupying hospital beds are elderly and medically well enough to go home. But doctors cannot discharge them due to a lack of social care.

Managers at Northampton General Hospital, Bedford Hospital and Western Sussex Hospitals have urged relatives to do what they can to help patients go home as quickly as possible.

The alerts over the past two days were endorsed by NHS England. A spokesman said relatives could give patients a lift home, making a bed available up to four hours earlier than if they were sent home on hospital transport or in a taxi.

Experts are particularly worried about an aggressive flu strain, H3N2  responsible for Australia's worst flu epidemic in 50 years. File photo

The NHS England spokesman encouraged relatives to speak to their loved one's doctor and familiarise themselves with all the patient's medication. Bedford Hospital put an 'urgent public notice' on its website yesterday that it was 'extremely busy'.

It added: 'We ask that relatives support us and their loved ones by helping us discharge patients that are medically well  to return to the most appropriate environment such as their own home or a community care home.' A spokesman urged relatives to 'give up their time' to cook meals and visit.

Western Sussex Hospitals sent out a reminder on Monday having begun a campaign last month asking families to help get patients out of hospital. A spokesman said relatives could help by allowing them to move in to spare rooms.

Age UK's Caroline Abrahams warned this was 'no substitute for the social care service that many older people require'.

Yesterday 16 hospital trusts said they were on the highest alert, meaning patient safety is at risk and managers are turning to contingency plans such as drafting in extra staff and diverting ambulances. The total number is likely to be higher as many refused to confirm their status.

Dr Adrian Harrop, a senior A&E doctor at Scarborough and York hospitals, said patients were waiting for a 'full day', adding: 'That's the worst I've seen.'

Jackie Weaver said her elderly father, who has dementia, was made to languish on a trolley for 36 hours at the Royal Stoke Hospital.

Jeremy Hunt said: 'If you are someone whose operation has been delayed I don't belittle that  I apologise to everyone who that has happened to.'

My surgery was cancelled as the taxi to the hospital waited outside

The taxi ordered to take Joan Myers to hospital for her knee replacement was waiting outside her house when the phone rang.

It was the hospital to say her operation had been cancelled  again.

Mrs Myers, 79, had been waiting since September for the surgery. 'It's appalling,' the grandmother said yesterday.

The taxi ordered to take Joan Myers (above) to hospital for her knee replacement was waiting outside when the phone rang. It was the hospital to say her operation had been cancelled

'This isn't just about numbers, this is real people's lives which are being affected ... My husband and I are keen walkers, we used to love going to the Lake District, but these days I struggle to move around the house.'

Mrs Myers, from Romiley, Greater Manchester, was booked in at Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport at 11am yesterday but was called an hour before her appointment to say it had been cancelled. Instead she has been offered a date next week, but is sceptical as to whether things will have improved in time. She said: 'If things are this bad at the moment, who's to say it will be any better next Monday?'

The retired primary school teacher, whose husband Arthur, 80, is a retired engineer, said her operation was first cancelled last month due to the surgeon being ill.

'My husband had one hip replaced on the NHS in 1984 and the other in 2005, and both times it was perfectly straightforward,' she said. 'I just don't know what's happening.'

Grandfather left lying in corridor for ten hours after fall at care home

A grandfather of six was left lying in a hospital corridor on a line of stretchers for ten hours after he had a fall at his care home.

Alzheimer's sufferer Derek Thomas, 81, had a suspected head injury and needed a CT scan when he was taken to the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, Essex, on December 27.

Derek Thomas was left lying in a hospital corridor on a line of stretchers for ten hours after he had a fall at his care home

Mr Thomas, who lives in a care home in Hertford, arrived at 10.30pm by ambulance but was not taken for his scan until 4am  and it was only when his son Colin chased up doctors arriving on the morning shift that he was given his test results and the all-clear to go home.

His father, a retired retail worker, then had another accident on Friday evening and had to wait five hours for an ambulance. When they finally arrived, paramedics said he did not need hospital treatment.

Colin Thomas, an architectural engineer, 56, said: 'I must have been in this situation at least half a dozen times and it's never quick.

'We've never waited in corridors like that before, we've always been admitted to one of those small rooms where you get examined.'

The married father of two, from Ware, Hertfordshire, added: 'It's not the hospital's fault. You can see the pressure they are under ... The staff are as embarrassed as we are.'
The BBC was under fire last night after the broadcaster allowed a nurse to repeatedly attack the Government over the state of the NHS without mentioning she was a pro-Corbyn supporter.

Danielle Tiplady, once photographed alongside the Labour leader, was interviewed by BBC 5Live during which it was claimed she reeled off Labour attack lines on the NHS.

But the BBC introduced the staff nurse only by saying 'Let's bring in Danielle who is a staff nurse'.

Danielle Tiplady (pictured at a protest in 2016) was interviewed by BBC 5Live over the state of the NHS without mentioning she was a pro-Corbyn supporter

Listeners were not told that she was a left-wing activist who had previously written for the communist Morning Star newspaper.

Yesterday (Weds) the BBC admitted it should have made clear on air she was a political activist.

A spokesman said: 'BBC 5 live seeks a wide range of voices for its phone-ins. We should have established and made clear on air this contributor was a political activist.

'The programme also spoke to Conservative MP Sarah Wollaston, Chair of the Health Select Committee in the House of Commons.'

Danielle Tiplady was interviewed by BBC 5Live during which it was claimed she reeled off Labour attack lines on the NHS

According to the Guido Fawkes website, until recently Ms Tiplady's Twitter account used the name 'Danielle vote Labour'.

The Labour leader even referred to her in a recorded clip for a Labour Party Political Broadcast as 'lovely', 'wonderful' and 'superb'.

It was the second time the BBC has admitted it should have made clear she was a pro-Corbyn campaigner when they interviewed her.

In April last year she took part in the BBC News Channel's 5pm bulletin and endorsed Labour's plan to end a 1 per cent cap on NHS pay rises.

Presenter Huw Edwards introduced her as a 'community nurse from London' but made no mention of her support for Mr Corbyn (pictured) or Labour during a five minute interview

Presenter Huw Edwards introduced her as a 'community nurse from London' and described the Tory position but made no mention of her support for Mr Corbyn or Labour during a five minute interview.

The broadcast was seized upon as an attempt by the BBC to promote Mr Corbyn and his policies.

A BBC spokesman admitted at the time that the broadcaster should have established and made clear on air that the interviewee was a political activist.
One of the youngest people to develop a rare cancer after digesting asbestos fibres as a child has been told she is now free of the killer disease.

Danielle Smalley has been given the all clear after being 'gutted and virtually disembowelled' in a 10-hour operation.

The 23-year-old was last year diagnosed with mesothelioma  an aggressive illness which usually develops in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart, caused by the dangerous substance.

Doctors believed the asbestos had been present in her body for about 20 years, meaning she had swallowed some when she was three.

Last month, the client relationship manager had groundbreaking surgery during which she was sliced open from her chest to her pubic line so that all traces of cancer were cut away.

Her entire stomach lining was removed and her bowel was 'rearranged' and kept in place using healthy tissue from her diaphragm.

Danielle Smalley, from Hampshire, was diagnosed with aggressive mesothelioma

Her entire stomach lining was removed and her bowel was 'rearranged' in a 10-hour operation

Ms Smalley, from Aldershot, Hampshire also had her abdominal cavity filled with heated chemotherapy drugs three times to wash her organs and kill any remaining cancer cells.

She said: 'I'd pretty much written off Christmas this year, as I thought I would be too ill, after being gutted and virtually disemboweled.

'This is a really rare form of cancer and for many people, it's found too late. My doctors have been amazing and I can't believe I have come through the other side.'

Baffled by cause

Ms Smalley's cancer was diagnosed in April 2017 after medics initially speculation that she had an ovarian cyst, then irritable bowel syndrome, before a malrotated bowel was discovered  where the intestines are on the wrong side of the body.

Believing it was causing a blockage in her stomach, doctors tried to remove it in January 2017, but found numerous cysts and tumours behind her bowel, growing on the peritorium  or stomach lining.

It then took several months to diagnose mesothelioma. With 50 per cent of cases found in men over 75, it is rare in women, but even rarer in young people.

Doctors believed the asbestos had been present in her body for about 20 years  but her family, including mother Amanda Smalley, 47, pictured right, are baffled as to how she ingested the dangerous substance

There were with only two sufferers under 25 diagnosed between 2009 and 2016 in the UK, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Ms Smalley and her parents were baffled as to how she had contracted the disease.

She said: 'It's unlikely we'll ever find out where the asbestos was. It could have been anywhere, so I don't blame anyone.

'The type of mesothelioma I have means that I have ingested asbestos. I could have eaten something at a friend's house, or in an old shed in the park I was playing next to, or anywhere, really. I've just been incredibly unlucky.'

Fertility worries

In October last year, doctors discovered the cancer had spread quicker and further than they had anticipated.

This left no time for Ms Smalley to freeze her eggs before starting treatment in a bid to give her a chance of having children in the future.

She said: 'I was devastated, as I knew I wanted kids in the future, but knew I needed to have treatment quickly.

'Amazingly, though, they were able to move my ovaries further back in my body and they were protected from the chemotherapy so they think I will still be able to have children.'

The 23-year-old moved in with her boyfriend Jack Carter a week before the operation

There was not time for Ms Smalley to freeze her eggs but doctors said she may still be able to have children

Surgeons did an amazing job

Now looking forward to the 'best year ever' in 2018, Danielle is amazed by the skill of the surgeons who have saved her life.

Speaking about her operation at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital she said: 'It was incredible and went better than anyone could ever have imagined.

'I had been warned that there was a really high risk I could die, that I would get pneumonia or that they wouldn't be able to get it all out  but they did.

'I had been told I probably would need a temporary stoma bag, which may later become permanent, but they managed to avoid that, too. I am in awe of their skill and everything they did for me.'

Sedated for five days to give her body time to heal, while her family and boyfriend sales manager Jack Carter, 25, sat by her bedside, Ms Smalley remained in hospital for three weeks.

During this time she was tube-fed because her stomach could not cope with solid food.

Getting back to normal

But, after eating a few pieces of satsuma on December 1, she was able to return to the house she had moved into with Mr Carter a week before the operation.

She explained: 'I still struggle to eat a lot, but I'm slowly building it up. I've lost over a stone since the surgery because of it.

'I was really worried about losing my hair, but while it's thinned a bit, it's still there. I've lost some of my eyebrows and my leg and pubic hair but, if anything, that's more convenient.'

Amazingly, on December 13, Ms Smalley was declared cancer-free and has continued to amaze her doctors.

Ms Smalley pictured with her father Simon  the whole family are grateful for the surgeons' successful efforts

'When I went to see them, they couldn't believe how well I am doing, but then they have never performed this surgery on someone so young before,' she said.

'It's usually for much older people and I think I have been able to bounce back much faster.

'They've told me they've removed all the cancer, but I will need yearly check-ups, as the asbestos fibres are still in my stomach. If it grows again, though, I can have more hot chemotherapy through a drain and it will be treated quickly.'

Still very tired, Ms Smalley is taking things slowly, but hopes to go back to work part time in February and build up to full-time again before too long.

'Now 2018 is looking so much brighter and I can't thank my doctors enough,' she said.

'My friends, colleagues, family and Jack have just been amazing throughout as well and I think they have really helped me to get back on my feet.'
Prime Minister Theresa May has finally apologised to patients who face a delay after NHS bosses announced 55,000 operations will be postponed.

Her comments followed official data which showed record numbers of patients are being forced to wait in ambulances for treatment.

Some 16,900 people were forced to wait for more than 30 minutes in ambulances to be seen by staff at A&E over the Christmas week - the highest total this winter.

An extra 4,734 ambulances had a wait of at least an hour - despite guidelines saying this should take no longer than 15 minutes - during the week ending New Year's Eve.

Mrs May apologised during a visit today to Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey, one of many trusts affected by the NHS move to cancel procedures, this morning.

After refusing to accept the NHS was in a crisis yesterday, she said this morning: 'I know it's difficult, I know it's frustrating, I know it's disappointing for people, and I apologise.'

The new figures came after the unprecedented move to cancel up to 55,000 non-urgent operations to free up beds and frontline staff amid a rise in flu cases.

The decision prompted an apology from Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt yesterday, following pressure from his critics that he was 'running scared'.

Families have also been asked to look after elderly patients at home to free up beds as hospitals struggle to cope with the ever-increasing pressure.

The crisis has prompted Prime Minister Theresa May to apologise for delays many patients will face after bosses announced 55,000 operations will be postponed (pictured talking to patient Sandra Dunn during a visit to Frimley Park Hospital near Camberley earlier today)

Just yesterday Mrs May refused to accept the NHS was in a crisis (pictured at Frimley Park Hospital this morning)

Her comments followed NHS England statistics which show 16,900 people were forced to wait for more than 30 minutes in ambulances to be seen by staff at A&E (pictured with Andrew Morris, CEO of Frimley Health Foundation Trust)

The new statistics, published by NHS England, also showed 12 trusts, which manage 16 hospitals, were operating at 100 per cent bed occupancy levels - meaning no beds were free.

This figure is double that of the same day in 2016, when just six were recorded. The Red Cross branded the situation last winter a 'humanitarian crisis'.

The figures for the hour-long waits for ambulances have doubled since the previous week, when just 2,413 faced at least a 60 minute wait.

Usually, it should take up to 15 minutes to transfer patients from an ambulance into hospital. Delays can happen when there isn't enough A&E staff to take the patient.

THE FLU JAB DOESN'T WORK! Health officials have admitted a flu jab that has already been dished out to thousands may be targeting the wrong strain of the virus. Public Health England has announced the trivalent vaccine is not effective against a common type of influenza B which is currently circulating. An analysis revealed 21 cases of influenza B have been caused by the B/Yamagata type - which isn't covered by the cheaper jab. The strain has been responsible for a surge in cases of flu, including the dreaded 'Aussie flu' across England and Wales this winter - putting extra pressure on the NHS. In a letter to GPs, PHE suggested only adults given the quadrivalent vaccine would face protection from the emerging B strain. GPs in the south west were told: 'It is possible that flu will be seen among individuals, both staff and patients, who have accepted this vaccination.' The trivalent vaccines, which protect against one strain of B and two of A, are most commonly used in NHS surgeries because they are cheaper, The Times reports. Advertisement

And the overall bed occupancy rate sits at 91.7 per cent - above the recommended safe level of 85 per cent, according to data from all 137 trusts across England.

A spokesman for NHS England, which runs the health service, said: 'Hospitals, GPs, ambulances and other frontline NHS services have been extremely busy between Christmas and New Year.'

They added that all have reported 'higher levels of respiratory illness and some indications of increasing patient illness severity and flu'.

'These increased pressures were mirrored in the NHS 111 service,' the spokesman continued.

Jonathan Ashworth MP, Labours Shadow Health Secretary, said the 'news confirms the very worst fears of patients and staff: another winter crisis has arrived'.

'Despite the heroic efforts of our fantastic NHS staff, Theresa Mays reassurances have proved meaningless and hollow. Tory underfunding and cuts have left our health service more vulnerable than ever before.

'Jeremy Hunt must urgently tell us how many elective operations he expects to be cancelled and how many more people will be waiting longer in pain and anguish because their scheduled operation has had to be cancelled.'

Saffron Cordery, director of policy and strategy at NHS Providers, said: 'The figures reflect what we are hearing from the NHS front line that despite planning more meticulously than ever before, the level of demand for services means severe pressures remain across the health and care system.'

It comes after 24 trusts issued 'black alerts' yesterday - deemed the highest level of concern, signalling beds are full or nearing capacity.

Calls to NHS 111, the non-emergency hotline, have also soared by 21 per cent in the space of a week, with 480,400 calls recorded.

PENSIONER DIES AFTER WAITING 98 MINUTES FOR AN AMBULANCE A pensioner has died after waiting 98 minutes for an ambulance after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest. The unnamed man in his 60s, from Lancashire, became ill on Tuesday and his family dialled 999 at 6.07am. But the crew failed to arrive until 7.45am. Treatment was further delayed for an unspecified time as paramedics needed fire crews help to enter the patient's home in Chorley. North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) has since apologised for the incident (stock) It is not known whether the man had died before paramedics reached him or if he died after finally receiving treatment. North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) has since apologised for the incident. The trust said the 999 call was classified as a 'category two' emergency as the patient was conscious and breathing  meaning the target time average is 18 minutes and a vast majority should be dealt with within 40 minutes. An NWAS spokesman said: 'We would like to offer our sincere condolences to the patient's family. Our response time was not as quick as we would like. 'We are making attempts to contact the family as part of our investigation into the incident.' Advertisement

NHS data shows the winter pressures have gripped A&E units across the country, with ambulance delays and bed occupancies also rising

Professor Derek Alderson, Royal College of Surgeons president, said: 'It is concerning that bed occupancy, especially for critical care beds, has increased slightly compared to the same period last year.

WHAT TRUSTS HAVE NO FREE BEDS? Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kings Lynn, NHS Foundation Trust

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust

West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust

Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust

Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust

Weston Area Health NHS Trust Advertisement

'In particular, Christmas Day was still above 85 per cent bed occupancy  the level at which has been considered to be safe for patients. This is traditionally one of the quietest days of the year.'

Greater Manchesters most senior health chief has since warned the regions hospitals are very close to running out of space.

Jon Rouse, chief officer for Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, said this years winter pressures could be about to get even worse.

Managers have urged relatives to help ensure patients are discharged quickly to cope with the crisis, including collecting them and becoming familiar with their medication.

The advice was issued at three hospitals, Northampton General Hospital, Bedford Hospital and Western Sussex.

The crisis, which has also been denied by Professor Keith Willett, NHS England's director for acute care, has been described as the worst since the 1990s.

A&E staff have taken to social media to condemn the situation, revealing they are 'ashamed' over the 'substandard care' the NHS is offering.

Others have branded the crisis as 'battlefield medicine' and warned it is unusual for the winter pressures to begin so early.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt apologised to those affected following pressure from critics for him to speak out about the move (pictured outside the BBC Wogan House in London this morning)

A&E doctors also warned of severe risks to patient safety as at least 16 hospital trusts said they were on the highest alert.

Doctors say the conditions in A&E are the worst they have seen and patients are being treated in corridors due to a bed shortage.

HOW HOSPITALS WILL TACKLE THE CRISIS CANCELLED OPERATIONS Non-urgent operations and hospital appointments scheduled for the rest of January are to be postponed.

Cancer operations and time-critical procedures should go ahead as planned.

Hospitals should contact patients to tell them if their appointments are cancelled. MIXED SEX WARDS NHS rules banning mixed sex wards will be temporarily lifted to help hospitals use all available beds.

Usually hospitals are fined 250 every night that a patient has to stay in a mixed ward, but this will be waived.

Patients can request a move if they have strong objections. DOCTORS ON THE DOORS Consultants whose appointments are cancelled are expected to pitch in by manning the doors of A&E.

Patients could be questioned by doctors as soon as they arrive at hospital.

They will then be told to wait for a full examination, be seen immediately, or be given advice and sent home. Advertisement

The first week in January is normally very busy for hospitals, but this year many more patients are succumbing to severe chest infections and flu.

The pressures are likely to intensify later this week, with the return of freezing temperatures predicted across the UK.

Experts are particularly worried about an aggressive flu strain, H3N2  responsible for Australia's worst flu epidemic in 50 years.

The main reason A&E units are overcrowded is because hospital wards are extremely full, so anyone arriving to A&E who needs to be admitted must wait for hours on a trolley until a bed is free.

Many of the patients occupying hospital beds are elderly and medically well enough to go home. But doctors cannot discharge them due to a lack of social care.

Managers at Northampton General Hospital, Bedford Hospital and Western Sussex Hospitals have urged relatives to do what they can to help patients go home as quickly as possible.

The alerts over the past two days were endorsed by NHS England. A spokesman said relatives could give patients a lift home, making a bed available up to four hours earlier than if they were sent home on hospital transport or in a taxi.

The NHS England spokesman encouraged relatives to speak to their loved one's doctor and familiarise themselves with all the patient's medication. Bedford Hospital put an 'urgent public notice' on its website yesterday that it was 'extremely busy'.

It added: 'We ask that relatives support us and their loved ones by helping us discharge patients that are medically well  to return to the most appropriate environment such as their own home or a community care home.' A spokesman urged relatives to 'give up their time' to cook meals and visit.

Sick people were told to drive themselves to hospital as more than 20 ambulances queued for up to five hours to hand over patients at an A&E. A spike in patients and staff shortages plunged Portsmouth's Queen Alexandra Hospital into chaos on New Year's Eve

Western Sussex Hospitals sent out a reminder on Monday having begun a campaign last month asking families to help get patients out of hospital. A spokesman said relatives could help by allowing them to move in to spare rooms.

Age UK's Caroline Abrahams warned this was 'no substitute for the social care service that many older people require'.

SOARING CASES OF 'AUSSIE FLU' The dreaded Aussie flu outbreak expected to be the worst in 50 years is continuing to wreak havoc on Britain, official figures show. Some 1,649 people were struck down with flu in England and Wales as temperatures plummeted over the week of Christmas. The Public Health England data shows cases have soared by 48 per cent in a period of seven days - and are higher than previous winters. The rocketing number of flu cases has been put down to a surge in two aggressive subtypes attacking the population simultaneously. One includes the so-called 'Aussie flu', a strain of influenza A which wreaked havoc on hospitals in Australia during the country's winter. Usually, just one subtype, either influenza A or B, is responsible for the majority of cases. It spreads much easier in the cold weather. But last week 684 cases of influenza A and 915 of influenza B were recorded across England and Wales. Some 54 cases are yet to be identified. Advertisement

Yesterday 16 hospital trusts said they were on the highest alert, meaning patient safety is at risk and managers are turning to contingency plans such as drafting in extra staff and diverting ambulances.

The total number is likely to be higher as many refused to confirm their status.

Mrs May rejected claims that the NHS is in 'crisis' saying the health service is better prepared 'than ever before' during a visit to Wokingham yesterday.

She said: 'Can I say a huge thank you to NHS staff for their hard work, they work hard and do a fantastic job for us day in and day out all year round, but obviously there are extra pressures in winter.

'They're doing a fantastic job and their dedication is ensuring that people are getting treatment that they need.

'The NHS has been better prepared for this winter than ever before, we have put extra funding in.

'There are more beds available across the system, we've reduced the number of delayed discharges of elderly people who would otherwise have been in NHS beds rather than in social care.

'But I recognise for those people that have had their operations postponed this is disappointing, it's frustrating.

'We will ensure that those operations are put back as soon as possible and once again I say that NHS staff are doing a fantastic job.'

Her comments followed the denial of a crisis by Professor Keith Willett on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme.

Professor Keith Willett (left), NHS England's director for acute care, admitted the drastic decision was 'not ideal'. Former GP Sarah Wollaston (right) warned ministers had to 'understand the sheer scale of the increase in demand across health and social care'

The former surgeon admitted the drastic step of postponing all routine procedures and turning away non-urgent patients from A&E was 'not ideal'

He also insisted the health service was 'better prepared' for the seasonal pressures than ever before - despite saying pressure is the worst since the 1990s.

DEMENTIA PATIENT SLAMS THE 'THIRD WORLD CONDITIONS' An 80 year-old dementia sufferer was left on a trolley in the corridor of a NHS hospital slammed by one of its own consultants over 'third world conditions' for a day and a half, it has been revealed. The shocking case highlights the pressure on services with patients being forced to wait almost 10 times the NHS recommendation to be seen at the 350 million Royal Stoke Hospital. Horrific tales of the conditions some people faced over the festive season came to ligfht after Dr Richard Fawcett took to social media to apologise to people attending the hospital's A&E unit. Jackie Weaver spoke out about the conditions after her 80-year-old dad was left on a trolley for 36 hours. He suffers from epilepsy and severe dementia and was taken to the Royal Stoke at 4pm on Saturday suffering with breathing difficulties. He was diagnosed with pneumonia. Mr Weaver, from Wolstanton, Stoke-on-Trent, said: 'It was absolutely horrendous. I have never witnessed anything like that before.' Advertisement

His comments came as Theresa May faced demands to 'get a better grip' on the NHS, with senior Tory MP and former GP Sarah Wollaston warning ministers had to 'understand the sheer scale of the increase in demand across health and social care'.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt was accused of 'running scared' of defending his performance after he did not take to the airwaves this morning - although aides said he would be doing interviews later.

In his first TV interview since the unprecedented move by the NHS, he apologised to anyone who has been affected by the decision to postpone some procedures, telling Sky News 'it is absolutely not what I want'.

He said yesterday: 'If you are someone whose operation has been delayed I don't belittle that and I apologise to anyone who that has happened to.'

Mr Hunt added that NHS staff were doing a 'heroic job'.

'I think what is different this year compared to last year is that we had a lot of operations cancelled at the last moment.

'We recognise that it is better if you are unfortunately going to have to cancel and postpone some operations that you do it in a planned way.'

Health bosses across various fields, including the British Medical Association, dismissed Professor Willett's insistence that there isn't a crisis.

In response to Professor Willett's comments, made on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, Dr Anthea Mowat, BMA representative body chair, said: 'The NHS is in the grips of another winter crisis.

'Patients face long delays in care, operations are cancelled and staff find themselves working under extremely difficult circumstances.'

Chris Hopson, chief executive officer of NHS Providers, moaned that nothing has changed in the NHS since last winter - which was branded a 'humanitarian crisis' and saw the Red Cross drafted in to help. No such plans have been made yet.

NOW WE'RE RELYING ON FIREFIGHTERS Firefighters with six days of first aid training are being sent to thousands of medical emergencies. They are being dispatched in fire engines or cars to treat patients who have suffered cardiac arrests, strokes, fits or heavy bleeding. Last year, fire crews were sent to more than 44,000 emergency calls which would normally have been dealt with by ambulances  a rate of 120 a day. The situation has come about because ambulance services are struggling to cope with a surge in calls on top of a recruitment crisis of paramedics. The volume of calls has increased partly because the population is rising and ageing and patients are finding it increasingly difficult to see a GP. At the same time, calls to the fire service have declined thanks mainly to major improvements to fire prevention and safety. Advertisement

And lawyers have warned the only way this 'annual crisis can be avoided' is through a long-term review of the 'chronic under-funding of hospitals'.

In an unprecedented move earlier this week, NHS chiefs demanded radical action to free up beds and medical staff.

Casualty units are under 'extreme and sustained' pressure with flu cases on the rise.

Up to 55,000 non-urgent operations will be postponed until February, along with thousands of outpatient appointments and scans.

Managers will be allowed to put patients on mixed-sex wards and consultants will be assigned to casualty units to assess patients on arrival. Anyone not judged to be seriously ill faces being turned away.

Professor Derek Alderson, Royal College of Surgeons' President and member of the pressures panel said that 'cancelling operations is a necessary evil'.

'Staff in the NHS are pulling out all the stops to manage the impact on all patients. It is much better that patients are given several weeks' notice, rather than a day's, that their operation won't go ahead.

'This avoids wasting their time and the guidance from NHS England is helping hospitals to better support their emergency and urgent patients.

'Unfortunately it is unlikely to help performance against the 18 week waiting time target. Cancelling operations is a necessary evil.

Mark Nevison, a senior charge nurse at Middlesbrough's James Cook Hospital, tweeted his concerns over the sustained pressure

Dr Anu Mitra, a consultant emergency physician based at Charing Cross Hospital, London, echoed the concerns

'But it also highlights the fundamental problem that, despite the welcome extra money provided in the Budget, we still do not have adequate funding or capacity in our health or social care services.'

It came after an A&E consultant at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust apologised for the 'third world conditions' endured at his hospital this weekend.

MEDICS ARE 'ASHAMED' OVER THE 'BATTLEFIELD MEDICINE' CRISIS An 'ashamed' A&E nurse has spoke of his disgust over the 'substandard care' the overwhelmed NHS is providing as the winter pressure bites. Others have described the situation, which has seen hospitals ordered to cancel thousands of operations to tackle the crisis, as 'battlefield medicine'. Mark Nevison, a senior charge nurse at Middlesbrough's James Cook Hospital, tweeted his concerns over the sustained pressure he has faced. He wrote: 'I have worked in A&E for 10 yrs, I have never been so ashamed of the substandard care we are now offering due to a lack of capacity and resources. 'I work in one of the best performing trusts in the country, I dread to think what the others are like!! [sic]' Dr Anu Mitra, a consultant emergency physician based at Charing Cross Hospital, London, echoed the widespread concerns. He posted a series of tweets describing the 'battlefield medicine' situation, which saw patients being treated in corridors. 'Two years ago I'd have point blank refused to examine a corridor patient until they were in a cubicle,' he tweeted. 'Now on days like this it's unavoidable. I'm ashamed to say.' Advertisement

Dr Richard Fawcett revealed that the department had run out of corridors to house patients. He blamed the crisis, which saw some patients have to wait for 12 hours, on overcrowding.

Other A&E staff have taken to Twitter today to condemn the situation that trusts across the country are facing.

An 'ashamed' A&E nurse has spoke of his disgust over the 'substandard care' the overwhelmed NHS is providing as the winter pressure bites.

Mark Nevison, a senior charge nurse at Middlesbrough's James Cook Hospital, tweeted his concerns over the sustained pressure he has faced.

He wrote: 'I have worked in A&E for 10 yrs, I have never been so ashamed of the substandard care we are now offering due to a lack of capacity and resources.

'I work in one of the best performing trusts in the country, I dread to think what the others are like!! [sic]'

Dr Anu Mitra, a consultant emergency physician based at Charing Cross Hospital, London, echoed the widespread concerns.

Mark Nevison, a senior charge nurse at Middlesbrough's James Cook Hospital, tweeted his concerns over the sustained pressure

He posted a series of tweets describing the 'battlefield medicine' situation, which saw patients being treated in corridors.

'Two years ago I'd have point blank refused to examine a corridor patient until they were in a cubicle,' he tweeted. Now on days like this it's unavoidable. I'm ashamed to say.'

Government figures also reveal confirmed cases of flu have risen 50 per cent in a week and experts are worried about an especially aggressive 'Australian' strain.

It was responsible for the worst flu outbreak in 50 years Down Under and has already claimed a number of lives in Ireland.

A&E CONSULTANT APOLOGISES FOR 'THIRD WORLD' CONDITIONS Dr Richard Fawcett works at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust A consultant at one of the country's largest A&E units has apologised for the 'third world conditions' endured at his hospital this weekend. Dr Richard Fawcett, who works at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, revealed that the department had run out of corridors to house patients. His heartfelt tweet, which made national headlines on Saturday, described the true situation that faced many A&E units across the country. He said County Hospital in Stafford couldn't hold any more ambulances and they were stacked up outside the other trust-run A&E at Royal Stoke University Hospital. Dr Fawcett has now blamed the crisis, which saw some patients have to wait 12 hours to see a doctor, on overcrowding. Dr Fawcett tweeted: 'As an A&E consultant, I personally apologise to the people of stoke for the 3rd world conditions of the dept due to overcrowding [sic]' Strangers responded to his tweet, posted this morning, in admiration for his honesty and refused to blame him for the situation at the hospital in Staffordshire. Dr Richard Fawcett, who works at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, apologised for the third world conditions at this A&E department Dr Fawcett revealed County Hospital in Stafford is having to turn away A&E patients because even the corridors are too full Advertisement

There were reports yesterday of waits of up to ten hours at casualty departments and managers issued social media alerts pleading with the public to stay away.

Two NHS bosses said the pressures were the worst in 30 years with one doctor apologising for 'Third World' conditions.

However, Professor Willett told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I fully accept that for the individual that will be really very uncomfortable.

'But what we know is if we don't have a plan in place and we don't do this in a structured way, what will happen, as we've had in previous winters, is lots of last-minute cancellations which is really distracting for patients, it's inconvenient, it upsets the plans they've put together with their family, particularly for elderly patients where their care needs are often quite significant.'

Professor Willett went on: 'We've gone into this winter in a way that we've never prepared before, so we went into the winter before Christmas having cancelled fewer elective operations than we had previously, discharges from hospital were at a lower level than they had been previously, so we were better prepared.

A number of ambulance services are also under severe pressure, with two even resorting to taxis to ferry patients to hospital

'We've also set up a national, regional and local structure - if you like, a winter pressures protocol - which we are invoking now and we are monitoring a whole series of things, activity in the service and the pressures.

'We are monitoring the weather alerts in anticipation of weather changes because we know that's important, and we also monitor the seasonal illnesses like flu.

'We've started to see those change, that's why the National Emergency Pressures Panel has now come out with these clear recommendations.'

Commenting on Professor Willett's interview, Joshua Hughes, head of complex injury at lawyer firm Bolt Burdon Kemp, said: 'There needs to be a fundamental, long term review of the chronic under-funding of our hospitals and community care. Only then can this annual crisis be avoided.'

Dr Wollaston, chair of the cross-party Health Select Committee, said the NHS was running a 'full stretch' and there was still 'not enough money' being spent - even though budgets have risen significantly in real terms since 2010.

'The point is, if you have a very major increase in people who are living longer with complex conditions, that produces particular demands on the health system that I think they need to get a better grip on, to understand the sheer scale of the increase in demand across health and social care. And that's what they need to do better planning for,' she said.

It comes as out-of-hours services in Northern Ireland announced they are buckling under the strain of winter pressures, Pulse reports.

Dr Tom Black, chair of the BMA's Northern Ireland GP committee, said they needed 400 extra GPs to cope with the surge in demand.

A Department of Health spokesperson said: 'We know the NHS is extremely busy  as it always is at this time of year.'

Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: 'The entire health service is facing intense winter pressures again this year and with the prevailing cold weather and peak of the flu season, these pressures are unlikely to let up anytime soon  and NHS staff in all areas of the service are working incredibly hard to deliver the best care possible for their patients.'

Dr Peter-Marc Fortune, from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said pressures have reached 'extreme' levels.

The move comes after leading medics warned that every emergency department in the country is struggling to cope with winter pressures

The first week of January is always busy with patients coming in with flu, chest infections, heart attacks and strokes.

But doctors say the pressures this year are greater even than in January 2017 which was itself considered unprecedented.

It is the first time NHS England has told hospitals to take such drastic measures during the winter.

The measures were announced by Bruce Keogh, the NHS medical director, following a meeting of the National Emergency Pressures Panel, which includes representatives of the Royal College of Surgeons and the Royal College of Nursing.

Afterward Sir Bruce said: 'I want to thank NHS staff who have worked incredibly hard under sustained pressure to take care of patients over the Christmas.

WHERE ELSE IS STRUGGLING? Some hospitals have declared themselves at the most severe pressure level while doctors warned that scores are operating at almost full capacity. The Royal College of Emergency Medicine warned that overcrowding in A&E departments leads to avoidable deaths. It also cautioned that pressure on the system is leading to lengthy waits and patients being treated in corridors. Meanwhile a number of ambulance services are also under severe pressure, with one even resorting to taxis to ferry patients to hospital. The East of England Ambulance Service said that during December 30, 31 and January 1, 13 patients deemed to be low acuity calls were transported to hospital by taxi. In the last four days, paramedics working for the trust have wasted more than 500 hours waiting outside hospitals to admit patients due to 'handover delays'. A number of hospital trusts have declared that they are Operational Pressures Escalation Level 4  meaning patient care is compromised. Darent Valley Hospital A&E in Kent, Royal Cornwall Hospital and University Hospitals Of Leicester NHS Trust have all said they have declared OPEL4 in the last week. Meanwhile, Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group said the health system in the whole county has declared OPEL4. University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust's medical director Dr John Oxtoby admitted the pressure was severe over Christmas. Advertisement

'We expect these pressures to continue and there are early signs of increased flu prevalence.

'The NHS needs to take further action to increase capacity and minimise disruptive last-minute cancellations. That is why we are making these further recommendations today.'

The main measure is the postponement of tens of thousands of pre-planned operations due in January.

NHS England said up to 55,000 non-urgent operations would probably be delayed, including hip and knee surgery and cataract procedures.

This figure could rise to 350,000 if day case procedures are included, although officials said this was unlikely.

Cancer surgery or any other procedure which is considered urgent will not be delayed. Patients will receive letters in the post if they are affected.

Fines for mixed sex wards will be temporarily suspended until February to ensure patients are placed wherever there is a spare bed.

And patients coming into A&E will be assessed by a consultant on the door to establish very quickly whether they are seriously ill.

Anyone with a minor illness or injury may be told to go to a walk-in centre, a GP or pharmacist.

Hospital doctors have also been told to review their cases twice a day to ensure that anyone who has recovered is discharged quickly.

Patients are being urged to call NHS 111 or go to a pharmacy rather than A&E  unless they are very seriously ill.

One ambulance trust was asking family members to ferry patients to hospital as it was so overwhelmed with calls.

The North East Ambulance Service said it had been hit by an 'unprecedented levels of demand' between Christmas and New Year.

The East of England Ambulance Service said some patients had been ferried to hospital by taxi in the last three days as there were no free ambulances.

The move comes after leading medics warned that every emergency department in the country is struggling to cope with winter pressures

Paramedics at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth, Hampshire, had to wait up to five hours to take patients into hospital on Sunday.

There were reports that 24 ambulances were parked outside the hospital at its busiest point, with an average of ten to 14 vehicles waiting to drop off patients throughout the day.

Usually, it should take up to 15 minutes to transfer patients from an ambulance into hospital.

Hospital staff were so stretched they declared an 'internal incident' on New Years Eve, the most serious alert usually reserved for unexpected catastrophes.

Senior officials clashed with the Government following November's budget, when they were allocated a third of the money they had asked for.

Later that month they announced that up to 3,000 prescription medicines would be rationed because the NHS could no longer cover the cost.

The increase in pressures on A&E is being driven by the ageing population, with many more frail and elderly patients succumbing to serious illness.

Saffron Cordery, chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents hospitals, said: 'Preparations for winter in the NHS have been more extensive and meticulous than ever before.

'Many are dealing with unprecedented demand, reflecting the recent rise in cases of flu and respiratory illness, the impact of norovirus and  in some places  primary care, including GPs, working at more than full stretch.'

Jonathan Ashworth, Labour's health spokesman, said: 'Tory underfunding and cuts have left our Health Service more vulnerable than ever before.'
'Facial yoga' makes women look two years younger, new research reveals.

Women who look 50 years old are thought to be 48 after just 20 weeks of facial 'workouts', with puckering the lips and sucking in the cheeks being the most age-defying movements, a study found.

This is thought to be due to facial exercises increasing the size of muscles in the face, making cheeks look fuller and firmer, according to the researchers.

Lead author Dr Murad Alam from Northwestern University describes facial yoga as 'non-invasive, non-toxic, at-home exercises that anyone can perform [that] can possibly slow or correct the appearance of volume loss in the face.

'Facial attractiveness and youth are associated with a smooth, full facial contour, so even a modest improvement of facial contour is a win for patients.'

'Facial yoga' makes women look two years younger, new research reveals. Puckering lips and sucking in cheeks, known as 'smiling fish face' is a particularly age-defying movement

How the research was carried out

The researchers analyzed 16 healthy women aged between 40 and 65 years old with skin damage from UV radiation, mild to moderate facial skin cell degeneration and an interest in facial exercises between March and July 2013.

All of the participants attended two 90-minute facial exercise sessions from a trained instructor who taught them how to do 32 workouts including smiling and sucking in their cheeks.

They then performed 30-minute exercises every day for eight weeks at home.

Nine to 20 weeks into the study, the participants practiced the movements every other day.

Two doctors assessed the participants' 'before and after' photographs to assess any changes to their appearances. They also estimated the participants' ages.

The participants completed a questionnaire that rated how satisfied they were with the results.

OTHER FACIAL YOGA POSES TO FIGHT THE SIGNS OF AGING The facial yoga pose 'satchmo' is thought to help keep people's cheeks firm Satchmo Puff up both cheeks with air, then transfer the air from cheek to cheek. Alternate from side to side until you run out of breath. Repeat three times. This is thought to keep cheeks firm. 'Lion face' stretches people's facial muscles and relieves tension Lion face Involves inhaling through the nose, while making fists and squeezing your facial muscles. Then, exhale through the mouth, stick out your tongue, roll your eyes and open your hands. Repeat three times. This stretches facial muscles and relieves tension. 'Surprise me' smooths wrinkled brows by practicing a startled expression Surprise me Involves widening your eyes without wrinkling the brow, then focusing on a point in the horizon for five to 10 seconds. Repeat four times. The pose smooths wrinkled brows. Advertisement

YOGA BENEFITS THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM, STRENGTHENS IMMUNITY AND GIVES PEOPLE A SENSE OF FOCUS Yoga benefits the central nervous system, strengthens immunity and gives people a sense of focus, research revealed last August. Practicing the ancient spiritual exercise reduces anxiety and depression, and boosts mindfulness, a study found. It also increases protein and hormone levels that are associated with improved resilience to stress, the research adds. From a physical health perspective, yoga and meditation reduce inflammation, which is linked to improved function of the central nervous and immune systems, the study found. Lead author Dr Rael Cahn from the University of Southern California, said: 'To our knowledge, our study is the first to examine a broad range of pro- and anti-inflammatory markers in a healthy population before and after a yoga-meditation intervention.' Advertisement

Face yoga knocks two years off people's suspected ages

Results reveal facial yoga makes people look significantly younger after just 20 weeks.

Women who were judged to look 50.8 years old, are thought to be 49.6 and 48.1 years old after eight and 20 weeks, respectively, of exercising their faces.

The study's participants were highly satisfied with the outcomes, noting significant improvement in 18 out of 20 of their facial features.

Upper and lower cheek fullness was particularly improved.

The findings were published in the journal JAMA Dermatology.

Too much facial yoga may cause wrinkles

Dr Alam adds, however, certain facial exercises may be aging.

For instance, frequently frowning can cause people to develop deep vertical creases between their eyebrows, while smiling can lead to crow's feet around the eyes.

It is unclear how long it takes for such exercises to have a potentially negative impact on people's appearances.

Dr Alam said: 'Maybe we can "have our cake and eat it, too," meaning we can build up our cheek muscles without doing many exercises that worsen the [wrinkles in the] forehead and eyelids.

'Facial attractiveness and youth are associated with a smooth, full facial contour, so even a modest improvement of facial contour is a win for patients.

'[These are] non-invasive, non-toxic, at-home exercises that anyone can perform [that] can possibly slow or correct the appearance of volume loss in the face.'
Women who are unhappy with the size of their breasts are less likely to check them for any cancerous lumps, new research suggests.

And scientists found those who are conscious their breasts are too small or large are less likely to visit a doctor straight away if they do find one.

The findings, made by researchers at Anglia Ruskin University, suggest initiatives to boost self-examinations for breast cancer aren't working.

Some consider checking for cancer 'a threat to their body image', psychologists concluded after surveying 384 British women.

And scientists found those who are conscious their breasts are too small or large are less likely to visit a doctor straight away if they do find one (stock)

Some 31 per cent admitted they wanted smaller breasts, while 44 per cent said they would prefer them if they were larger.

A third of these revealed they rarely, or never, checked their breasts for cancer - despite recommendations from the NHS.

Professor Viren Swami, author the study published in the Body Image journal, said women need to be encouraged to love the shape of their breasts.

He suggested doing so would be life-saving because it would allow doctors to spot cancer earlier, making the disease more treatable.

Figures show more than 50,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in Britain. In the US, it is in the region of 250,000.

It is estimated one in eight women will develop the disease at some point in their lives - making it the most common form of cancer among females.

An image created by Corrine Ellsworth Beaumont, founder of the charity Worldwide Breast Cancer, has gone viral after being shared by a cancer patient on Facebook

Professor Swami said: 'Our findings suggest that greater breast size dissatisfaction is significantly associated with less frequent breast self-examination.

'For women who are dissatisfied with their breast size, having to inspect their breasts may be experienced as a threat to their body image.

'Breast size dissatisfaction may also activate negative self-conscious emotions, such as shame and embarrassment, that results in avoiding breast self-examination.'

More than half of women in the study said they would visit their doctor immediately if they detected a change in their breasts during an examination.

But one in ten revealed they would delay seeing their GP for as long as possible - or completely avoid booking an appointment.

Experts recommend women check their breasts regularly for any unusual changes so the disease can be spotted early, increasing the success of treatment.

The NHS also encourages women to learn what their breasts look and feel like so an abnormal changes can be spotted early and examined by a doctor.

Professor Swami added: 'Promoting greater breast size satisfaction may be a means of empowering women to incorporate breast self-examinations.

'And promoting greater breast awareness may be a useful means of helping women view their breasts in more functional terms, rather than purely aesthetic terms.'
A SPOT OF FOLLY by Ruth Rendell (Profile 14.99)

A SPOT OF FOLLY

by Ruth Rendell (Profile 14.99)

Gathered from publications long out of print, this collection of short stories covers a large part of the career of one of our foremost crime writers. The range is extraordinary, not least in her concept of what constitutes a short story.

The Thief, in which a girl steals not for profit, but for revenge on those who get in her way, is almost a novel in itself.

The twist, that has her paying the price for her vicious nature, is a superb demonstration of Rendells talent for spotting the contradictions in human nature.

By contrast, the opening story, while no less effective, is only a single paragraph. It brings into play the supernatural element, a recurring feature of the book. My favourite is The Haunting Of Shawley Rectory, a traditional ghost story told with such conviction as to be totally believable.

An anthology of this quality begs the question: how many other Ruth Rendell gems are still buried in the archives?

SOMEBODY AT THE DOOR by Raymond Postgate (British Library 8.99)

SOMEBODY AT THE DOOR

by Raymond Postgate (British Library 8.99)

A suburban commuter dies from gas poisoning on the train home. This being war time, when the lethal potential of liquid gas was common knowledge, suspicion falls on the victims fellow travellers. Any one of them could have used a dozen ways to administer the deadly fumes.

That each has a motive for disposing of a mean-spirited trouble-maker becomes clear as their stories and secrets unfold.

Though faithful to the traditions of classic crime, Raymond Postgate departs from the norm by giving full, almost stand-alone character studies of those central to the plot.

They range from a love-lorn youth smitten with an older woman, to a German refugee caught up in a people-smuggling racket. Lengthy diversions can be distracting, but Postgate can be trusted to pull together the strands to resolve an intriguing mystery.

HELP I AM BEING HELD PRISONER by Donald E Westlake (Titan Books 7.99)

HELP I AM BEING HELD PRISONER

by Donald E Westlake (Titan Books 7.99)

Harry is a practical joker. He means no harm, but when he displays a provocative image close to the freeway, causing a multi-vehicle pile-up, he goes to prison.

An easy-going character, he is soon involved with a coterie of inmates who have found a tunnel that gets them in and out of prison without fear of detection.

This makes for an easy life, until Harry discovers that his new-found friends are planning a foolproof bank robbery. Can he deploy his misguided sense of humour to frustrate their efforts?

In this joke-infested caper, resuscitated after 30 years, Westlake lives up to his reputation as the funny man of crime fiction.
HISTORY

FACED WITH MAMETZ

by Garffild Lloyd Lewis (Carreg Gwalch 8)

Garffild Lloyd Lewis remembers sitting on his great-uncle Elliss knee at about five years old, looking up and thinking: Uncle Elliss face isnt quite the same as everyone elses.

It would be decades before Lloyd Lewis learned that this gentle old mans nose, upper lip and half his teeth had been blown off his face during World War I, and that Ellis Williams had been among the first dozen soldiers to undergo experimental facial reconstruction surgery at a specialist hospital in Boulogne.

Like many traumatised veterans, Williams seldom spoke of the war. But in his 60s, he wrote a memoir which he left to his great-nephew, telling the story of a bright, young farmhands journey to the trenches, the 20 months he spent in hospital and his struggle to create a new life, with a new face, in post-war Wales.

Williams received his injuries at the Battle of Mametz Wood in July 1916. One mile deep and one mile wide, densely packed with tall trees and thick undergrowth, Mametz was the largest wood on the Somme battlefront.

Ellis Williams (pictured before his injury) wrote a memoir in the 60s recalling his time at the Battle of Mametz Wood and the operations needed to recover from his injuries

British generals expected the 38th Division  comprised largely of inexperienced Welsh soldiers  to take the position in a matter of hours. In the event, the battle lasted five days, racking up around 4,000 casualties on the British side and similar losses for the Germans.

The 38th Division managed to push the German line back a mile, only for the Germans to retake the ground weeks later and retain the position for the rest of the conflict.

Lloyd Lewis quotes Williamss comrade, Emlyn Davies, on the gory scenes that confronted young soldiers ordered over the top on the third day of fighting.

Mangled corpses in khaki and in field-grey; dismembered bodies, severed heads and limbs; lumps of torn flesh halfway up the tree trunks; a Welsh Fusilier reclining on a mound, a red trickle oozing from his bayoneted throat; a South Wales Borderer and a German locked in their deadliest embraces  they had bayoneted each other.

Williams remembered liquid fire showering over the wood, generating an unbearable heat. And then a coal box shell exploding, blotting out the light with a thick blanket of smoke.

He heard the moans of dying soldiers and realised he was lying among them.

Blood was pouring down my face, he wrote. I attempted to bandage myself with the first aid from my pocket . . . then I came to a full stop and had to sit down.

He later told his niece that while he lay almost unconscious, he heard some Welsh soldiers say: Leave him to die.

It was a group of Germans who came to his aid. His niece recalled he was so grateful that in later life he stood and saluted whenever Germans appeared on TV.

Ellis Williams (pictured after his injury) left his memoir to his nephew Garffild Lloyd Lewis who recalls scenes from the memoir in a new book

Hospitalised, Williams was lucky to fall into the hands of eccentric surgeon Auguste Valadier, who specialised in the innovative treatment of oral injuries.

The surgeon may have secured his position with the British Medical Corps by sweet-talking General Haig while treating his toothache.

Valadier arrived in Boulogne in his chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost towards the end of 1914 and established a hospital in an old sugar warehouse, paying for all the medical equipment out of the profits from his private practice in Paris.

Facial reconstruction was then in its infancy. Pioneering New Zealander Harold Delf Gillies was developing a method he called flap surgery, which entailed taking healthy skin from another part of the body, rolling it and reconnecting both ends of this skin tube to the affected area.

Williams wrote that Valadier had a sculptor who was able to carve a face or a skull to demonstrate what you looked like when you arrived and another to show what you would look like following the surgery.

FACED WITH MAMETZ by Garffild Lloyd Lewis (Carreg Gwalch 8)

Repairing Williamss face took 18 operations. A section of his rib was cut out and initially inserted into his forehead to get the blood flowing through the cells, before being used as the foundation for a new nose.

Williams agreed to have an extra piece of his ribcage cut out to help repair the face of the soldier in the bed next to him.

When he eventually returned home to Wales, his own father did not recognise him.

After struggling to find a job, he finally found work at the railway station. He married and lived until the age of 71.

His niece remembers him taking her out for family outings in his Austin 7. She saw him really hurt on only one occasion in the Sixties, when a small boy shouted: Look, mam, hes got a face like a monkey!

For a moment, she saw her uncle totally broken.

For many decades, the soldiers of the 38th Division were accused of cowardice at Mametz Wood. Some said the poorly trained and ill-equipped Welshmen had failed to advance with enough spirit.

But in 1987, the statue of a dragon was finally erected on the site: a twist of barbed wire in its steel paw. Above the memorial, birds sing in regrown trees.

After so much noise, blood and wasted life: peace at last.
BOOK OF THE WEEK

IN SEARCH OF MARY SHELLEY

by Fiona Sampson (Profile Books 18.99)

Exactly 200 years ago, in January 1818, Frankenstein was published: a Gothic page-turner of a novel that has never been out of print since.

It gripped the nation, but shocked critics because it portrayed the creation of a man-made, rather than God-made, human being: an 8ft-tall, yellow-eyed creature made in a laboratory by a student called Victor Frankenstein.

The student, disgusted by his hideous creation, abandons it. The monster, lonely and loathed, roams round Europe taking revenge.

It was out of the feverish imagination of an 18-year-old girl, Mary Shelley, that this ghoulish bit of early science fiction sprang. So who was Mary? And what was her life like? Well, Frankenstein might be thrilling, but I found this story of its creator just as much of a page-turner in its way.

Mary Shelley (pictured) wrote the Gothic novel Frankenstein exactly 200 years ago

Fiona Sampson is a sleuth of a biographer, combing the details of Marys journals and letters for clues to the truth about her experiences and feelings. Rarely has my jaw dropped on so many occasions while reading a biography. Something horrible is always just round the corner.

The horror begins in chapter one, when Marys mother, Mary Wollstonecraft, revolutionary author of A Vindication Of The Rights Of Woman, dies an agonising death ten days after giving birth in 1797.

It was a common occurrence for clinicians fatally to infect women during childbirth, Sampson informs us. So much for the rights of women, then, in those days of doctors with dirty hands.

Marys life story, full of pathos, struggle and tragedy from that moment onwards, is also a vindication of the spirit of a woman who just goes on living and writing, though buffeted by unimaginable sadnesses  the next one being that her previously kind father, William Godwin, marries a grasping woman who becomes Marys unloving stepmother and turns him against her.

How does the poet Shelley come into the story? Marys father was a political philosopher and struggling publisher, running his failing business from a jerry-built premises in Holborn, and he desperately needed a man of means to support him financially. This man was the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, heir to a baronetcy.

When Percy first set eyes on Mary, she was wearing a fetching tartan dress. I like Sampsons summing-up of Marys vivacious character: ranging from icily furious intellectual to pint-sized blonde in a fit of the giggles.

Godwin lapped up Shelleys money and depended on his income for ever after, but he was not happy when the already-married man eloped with his 16-year-old daughter. Sampson tells the story in the present tense, so its as if its happening to us, now. And the elopement scene with Shelley is so vivid that I felt both seasick and homesick reading it.

Madly in love with her irresistible 21-year-old poet, and dreaming of building a new life together in romantic Switzerland, Mary elopes with him across the Channel  but theres a storm and the crossing takes 12 hours. She spends the whole night being sick.

Mary got the name of her famous character whilst passing German castle  the Burg Frankenstein on a journey into Switzerland

Weirdly, its not only the two of them eloping: Marys stepsister Jane comes along, too  Sampson suggests this might be because Shelley likes the idea of rescuing not one, but two damsels in distress.

Jane will stick to the couple like a limpet for years, causing Mary untold anguish and repressed jealousy. Meanwhile, her stepmother is following in the boat behind theirs, trying to catch them in Calais and thus rescue the familys respectability. She fails.

By spending a single night with Shelley, Mary has ruined her familys reputation. This is not funny: Marys elder sister Fanny, now having no prospect of making a good marriage, will kill herself  just one side-effect of Shelleys romantic impetuousness. Another is that his abandoned pregnant wife Harriet will also commit suicide, throwing herself into the Serpentine.

Do the eloping trio at least have a romantic onward journey through France to Switzerland in the post-Revolutionary dawn? Not a hope.

Its all rat-infested inns, sprained ankles, running out of money, losing treasured possessions, accepting bad bargains for donkeys and terrible weather: More like a holiday from hell than a romantic fantasy, writes Sampson.

When the weary group eventually limp into Switzerland, its so freezing in their filthy rented rooms that they last only a week before turning round and travelling all the way home, 800 miles along the Danube.

Sampson compares them to todays feckless gap-year students running out of money.

Mary (pictured) became truly depressed after the death of her three year old son William

Its on this journey that they pass a German castle  the Burg Frankenstein  giving Mary the idea for her characters name.

Picture this scene two years later: Mary, Percy and Jane are staying at the poet Lord Byrons villa on the edge of Lake Geneva. Its supposed to be a summer holiday, but 1816 is the year without a summer, when Europe is swathed in rain, hail and ice for months, due to the eruption of a volcano in the East Indies. Jane is pregnant with Byrons baby. Theres nothing to do during the cold evenings but regale each other with ghost stories.

Shelley looks at Mary one night and tells her hes suddenly thinking of a woman who has eyes instead of nipples. And Byron says: Well each write a ghost story. This challenge will prove to be the spark for Frankenstein.

The poets soon give up their efforts; but Mary keeps going. Her creation is astonishing. But is she allowed to become a feted author, the toast of literary London? Again, not a hope.

In order to keep her man, Mary spends most of her life packing up and moving. Theyve already lived in Holborn, Torquay, Clifton, Vauxhall, Knightsbridge, Pimlico, Bloomsbury, Windsor, Marlow and Bath, but as soon as Frankenstein is published, Shelley insists they move (still with Jane in tow, who has now changed her name to Claire) to Italy  where theres a cholera epidemic.

IN SEARCH OF MARY SHELLEY by Fiona Sampson (Profile Books 18.99)

This brings us to the deepest horror of all: every one of the three children they take with them to Italy will be dead within three years.

The selfishness of those Romantic poets, dragging their constantly pregnant and grieving women across Europe! Mary will do anything to placate Shelley. Shes terrified of becoming an abandoned wife like Harriet.

When her beloved three-year-old son William dies, Mary becomes truly depressed: I never know one moments ease from the wretchedness and despair that possess me, she writes in a letter to a friend.

Percy, meanwhile, is now flirting with other women and writing gushy poems to them. And what does he go and do next? The ultra-Romantic-poet act: he hires a boat off the coast of Italy, which capsizes, and he drowns at the age of 29.

Not only bereaved but now utterly alone, abandoned by her in-laws and her friends who turn on her, Mary will struggle on for another 30 years, living for one person only: her surviving child, Percy Florence.

Little did she know that she would actually live on for ever after, through her fictional creation that, as Sampson writes: Uniquely sums up the restless, experimental spirit of her Romantic times.
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Morning Pointe Senior Living presented the annual corporate leadership awards to five of its assisted living and Alzheimers memory care communities for exemplifying exceptional commitment to quality care and customer service for residents and their families.

Annually, the Chattanooga-based senior healthcare services company acknowledges top-performing teams of caregivers, directors and customer service associates across the Southeast. Executives from each of the winning communities received a plaque and a trip to Chattanooga to be recognized by corporate leadership during Morning Pointes annual year-end awards banquet. Honors presented include:

 Campus of the Year Award  Morning Pointe of Russell and The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimers Center of Excellence, Russell, KY

 Marketing Award  The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimers Center of Excellence, Collegedale, TN

 Customer Service Award  Morning Pointe of Franklin, TN

 TEAM Award  Morning Pointe of Richmond, KY

 Operational Achievement Award  Morning Pointe of Tullahoma, TN

 Make Your Mark Award  Morning Pointe of Greeneville, TN

I appreciate the commitment to compassion that is demonstrated by all of our associates, sayid Greg A. Vital, president and CEO of Morning Pointe. We are proud to have the opportunity to honor these communities that make Morning Pointe the regions choice for senior care.

During the ceremony, Morning Pointe reflected over its two decades of service with the Make Your Mark campaign, as residents, associates and volunteers came together to give back more than 40,000 hours of community service in 2017. The healthcare services company also presented the peer-reviewed annual Exceeding Expectations awards to individual associates for caregiving and customer service excellence. Additionally, caregivers, nurses, maintenance and other support personnel are recognized every quarter, receiving honors for exceptional senior care all year around.

At the very core of great care is a team of compassionate associates who are ready to go above and beyond whenever they are needed, said Rob Pollard, regional vice president at Morning Pointe. It is because of their dedication that we can make a difference in the lives of seniors, families and the communities we serve.
THE FIRST IRON LADY

by Matthew Dennison (William Collins 25)

History may have forgotten Caroline of Ansbach, but she certainly left an indelible impression on everyone who met her.

The future wife of George II was possessed of a bosom of exemplary magnitude, wrote one dazed witness. And, according to her biographer, Matthew Dennison, the legendary renown of her magnificent bosom spread through the kingdom.

Mercifully, there turns out to have been rather more to Caroline than that.

Matthew Dennison reveals the forgotten impression Caroline of Ansbach (pictured) left on those who met her in a new biography

When she married Prince George Augustus of Hanover in 1705, no one took much notice of her  least of all her dimwit husband. She had been chosen as his bride mainly because she spoke the same language  German  and appeared to possess the sole requirement of a royal spouse: fertility. Right from the start, though, Caroline made it clear she saw her role in very different terms.

In 1714, George became Prince of Wales and the couple moved to England  where Caroline set out to woo everyone she came into contact with. She was so keen to ingratiate herself with the Welsh that she wore a large leek on St Davids Day  alas, history does not record how, or indeed where, she wore it.

When George became king in 1727, they moved into Kensington Palace, where Caroline promptly kicked out the tigers and civet cats that roamed the place and replaced them with giant tortoises. She turned a blind eye to her husbands numerous affairs  he seems to have been powerless to resist sexual temptation. An early keep-fit fanatic, Caroline would go on long walks around the grounds every day, often accompanied by court musicians playing French horns. She also took an unusual  for the time  number of baths, ordering 20 new wooden tubs for the royal household.

THE FIRST IRON LADY by Matthew Dennison (William Collins 25)

She went to the theatre whenever she could, championed inoculation, studied Newtonian physics and kept abreast of new ideas. Not everyone was smitten, though.

One visitor described Caroline as fat and very ugly; and she once was burned in effigy by a mob who blamed her  quite unfairly  for a rise in tobacco duty.

As Matthew Dennisons title suggests, he sees her as a kind of spiritual forebear of Margaret Thatcher, possessed of a similarly unswerving determination and absence of self-doubt. The trouble is that by the early 18th century, it was no longer the king or queen who held the reins of power; it was the Prime Minister. For much of Carolines time as Queen, the Premier was Robert Walpole.

For all that, Caroline was clearly a woman of considerable intellect and boundless curiosity. By the end of her life, even George had come to recognise her qualities.

I never saw the woman fit to buckle her bows, he told a courtier. Not that he repined for long. Within a year he had installed his mistress in St Jamess Palace in her place.
Growing speculation that more international deals could be in the pipeline has sent shares in Ocado flying.

The online grocer surged 7.8pc, or 30.5p, to 423p yesterday amid rumours that it is poised to announce more deals to sell its warehouse technology to companies abroad.

Ocado first announced a long-anticipated partnership to license its Ocado Smart Platform, which includes mechanical handling equipment and software for a customer fulfilment centre, with the French retailer Casino back in November.

Making strides: Ocado's technology is desirable around the world

Markets are now speculating it is set to reveal another deal with Swedish retailer ICA Gruppen.

According to Swedish reports a deal is imminent and likely to be announced early this year.

The City is also rife with rumours that the US giant Walmart is in talks to make an outright swoop for the company. Shares in Ocado have surged by more than 35pc since its tie-up with Casino was first announced.

Prior to the announcement the company had faced a backlash from shareholders over its failure to secure a substantial expansion deal abroad.

Ocado is also one of the most shorted stocks  where traders bet on a firms share price falling  on the London Stock Exchange.

As much as 14.3pc of its stock is short-sold, according to Financial Conduct Authority figures. That represents around 35.2m of its market value.

Activist investor Crystal Amber, which snapped up a stake in the firm last year amid claims of underperformance, said in December: We are of the view that one or two further international partnerships are highly likely to be secured sooner rather than later.

Shares in Whitbread, the UKs largest hospitality group, also nudged up, by 0.1pc, or 4p, to 3974p, after Barclays analysts upgraded its target price and said a sale of Costa coffee shops was the most obvious step forward, if a shake-up was to happen.

In December activist investor Sachem Head, a New York-based hedge fund, snapped up a 3.4pc stake in Whitbread, prompting speculation it would push for a break-up of the FTSE 100 giant.

Barclays said it received numerous requests from investors trying to understand the potential willingness of the board and key shareholders to engage with Sachem Head.

Barclays added: We see the most obvious step, if any, as a sale of Costa rather than a break-up of the hotels.

It reiterated its equal weight rating, stating: We see potential for Whitbread to be a break-up story in 2018 with a sale of Costa the most imminent source of potential value creation.

However, while this could bring some upside we remain cautious  given the highly uncertain UK outlook. Elsewhere, the FTSE 100 ended the day up 0.3pc, or 23.01 points, to 7671.11.

And the FTSE 250 also finished ahead  by 0.3pc, or 62.45 points, at 20743.90.

Recruitment firm Staffline fell 3.4pc, or 34p, to 976p after revealing its sales for the full-year will miss its 1bn target.

The company, which helps get unemployed people into work, had set itself the ambitious target four years ago but said it was unlikely to reach the goal.

Despite the miss, it said it still expects sales to be about 9pc above the 882.4m it reported in 2016, while its profits will be in line with expectations.

The news pushed recruitment firms Hays down 2.6pc, or 4.7p, to 178.6p, and PageGroup lower by 4.5pc, or 20.6p, to 442.8p.
Smoothie maker Innocent Drinks is at the heart of a probe into the merger of two companies.

Dutch firm Refresco, which has Innocent Drinks, Ocean Spray and Um Bongo among its brands, had proposed a 935m takeover of US-based Cott, which is behind Old Jamaica ginger beer and fizzy drink Ting.

Both make, package and distribute soft drinks for brands in the UK.

But the Competition and Markets Authority has raised alarm bells over the deal as both use a production process that allows its juice drinks to be sold preservative-free and without requiring refrigeration.

It is understood this refers to Innocent Drinks' production process.

Rachel Merelie, CMA acting executive director, said: 'It is important that we address any issues to ensure that shoppers do not lose out.'

The CMA said it will refer the merger for an in-depth probe unless it feels Refresco has addressed competition concerns.

Refresco said it would work with the CMA to address the issues raised. It has received clearance for the merger in the US and Canada.
House prices rose by just 2.6 per cent last year, the smallest rise in any year since 2012, new analysis shows.

The average price of a UK home stood at 211,156 in December, after just a 0.6 per cent month-on-month increase.

London witnessed the first annual fall in house prices in eight years, but still remains the least affordable region for buyers - and it's actually more expensive than it was just before the financial crash, according to the figures from Nationwide.

The UK capital saw prices fall by 0.5 per cent in the year to December.

2017 'shift': Rates of house price growth in the South moderated towards those in the rest of the country, Nationwide said

The building society said that 2017 'saw the beginnings of a shift', as rates of price growth in the South moderated towards those in the rest of the country.

Londons house price decline is the first since 2009 and makes it the worst performing region for the first time since 2004, although it is still the most expensive region with prices averaging 470,922.

The decline comes after years or worsening affordability in the capital, which has priced increasing numbers of aspiring buyers out of the market.

Robert Gardner, chief economist at Nationwide, said that the variations of affordability across UK regions had increased over the past decade.

Affordability has improved in Wales, Scotland and the North of England, but the most marked improvement has been in Northern Ireland. This is largely due to the significant correction in house prices in Northern Ireland, which are still around 40 per cent lower than in 2007,' he said.

Meanwhile in London and the South East, affordability has become even more challenging, with more people priced out of the market or needing to borrow a greater multiple of their income.

Variations: Homes in London and the South East are less affordable now than decade ago

Nationwide used regional income data to calculate where in the income distribution a prospective purchaser would lie if they were purchasing the typical first time buyer property in each region, with a 20 per cent deposit and borrowing four times their single income.

It said that the picture that emerges is one where the typical buyer moves up the income spectrum as you move from the North to the South of the country.

In Scotland and the North of England, this buyer would lie in the 30th income percentile, while in the South East they would be at the 80th percentile and above the 90th percentile in London.

Nationwide also found that saving for a deposit remained a tough quest for most first-time buyers. Again, those wanting to get on the property ladder in London face the biggest struggle compared to the rest of the country.

A 20 per cent deposit in London is now in excess of 80,000, which is about 30,000 higher than a decade ago and by far the highest in the country.

Furthermore, while in most regions it would take about eight years to save for a deposit, this rises to nine years in the South East and to nearly ten years in London, even though the prospective typical buyer in the capital is in the top 10 per cent of the income distribution.

Jonathan Harris, director of mortgage broker Anderson Harris, said: The majority of first-time buyers who come to us have some sort of financial assistance from the Bank of Mum and Dad.

House deposit: Deposits in London are about 30,000 more expensive than a decade ago

Getting the deposit together is still the biggest challenge for most first-time buyers and even a slowdown in property price growth is not enough to make the difference between being able to get on the property ladder or not, particularly in London.

With Nationwide calculating that it would take the typical buyer around eight years to save for a deposit in most regions, rising to nearly a decade in London, that is a lot of saving that needs to be done, and may seem insurmountable for those also juggling higher living costs, poor savings rates and limited salary increases.'

Looking at regional house prices, Nationwide found that the strongest-performing region was the West Midlands, with prices up by 5.2 per cent annually, followed by the South West at 4.8 per cent.

In most regions it would take about 8 years to save for a deposit, but in London it's more

An increase of 3.3 per cent was seen in Wales, with 2.6 per cent in Scotland and 2 per cent in Northern Ireland.

Gardner said subdued economic activity and an ongoing squeeze on household budgets is likely to exert a modest drag on housing market activity and price growth in 2018.

He said: 'Overall, we expect house prices to record a marginal gain of around one per cent in 2018.

'Over the longer term, once the economy regains momentum, we expect house prices to rise broadly in line with earnings.'
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Investors from the Middle East are still ploughing money into London's commercial property and spent an eye-watering 1.28billion in the last year.

London is still the number one destination for Middle Eastern investors looking to expand their portfolio despite the uncertainty caused by Brexit.

More than 24million sq ft of the capital's properties is owned by them.

Middle Eastern investors spent 1.28billion on commercial London property between April 2016 and 2017, according to CBRE's Middle East 'In and Out 2017' report.

Qatar Holding bought luxury department store Harrods (pictured) from businessman Mohamed Al Fayed for around 1.4billion in 2010. The famous store in Knightsbridge, London, is on a five-acre site and was founded in 1834. Qatari Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani flew to London to complete the deal in May 2010

Egyptian businessman Mohammed Al Fayed (pictured left) sold Harrods in 2010. Qatari Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani (right) flew to London to complete the deal in May 2010

New York City was second, attracting significantly less at 625million, followed by Washington, D.C. with 357 million in investment.

Just this week, investors snapped up a 20-storey commercial building on London's iconic Southbank for 266.5million.

Wolfe Asset Management Limited - which is owned by Dubai's Al Gurg family - exchanged contracts to buy the 226,271 sq ft building at 240 Blackfriars Road.

That acquisition has added to the ever-growing list of well-known buildings owned by wealthy businessmen who come from the Middle East.

Most notably, Qatar owns an impressive property portfolio in the capital, including the EU's tallest building The Shard and luxury department store Harrods.

In 2015, Qatar Holding and Canadian company Brookfield bought the 22million sq ft Canary Wharf Group estate (pictured in the distance) for 2.6billion. More than 100,000 people work in Canary Wharf in east London and the site is home to a number of banks including HSBC and Barclays. It is also home the UK's second tallest building, One Canada Square

The Shard (pictured) is the tallest building in the EU at 1,017ft and is one of a number of high profile developments Qatar owns in the city. The State of Qatar now owns 95 per cent of the building, which was completed in July 2012. It was developed by Sellar Property Group, who own the other 5 per cent

The state owns 95 per cent of The Shard, which was completed in July 2012. The Sellar Property Group, which developed the building, owns the remainder.

Qatar Holding bought the famed department store in Knightsbridge from Eqyptian businessman Mohamed Al Fayed for around 1.4billion.

The country's then Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani flew to London to finalise the deal in May 2010.

Since then, Qatar has continued to amass extravagant properties in London.

In 2013, the Qatari royal family purchased 1, 2 and 3 Cornwall Terrace, for an estimated 120million.

They have plans to convert the buildings, which overlook Regent's Park, into a palace.

Other Middle Eastern investors with significant property holdings in London include Emirati businessman Mahdi Al Tajir (pictured left) and Israeli billionaire Teddy Sagi (right), who bought Camden Market in north London for 400million

In December 2017, Middle Eastern Investors investors snapped up the building on 240 Blackfriars Road on London's iconic Southbank for an eye-watering 266.5million. The recent purchase highlights that international interest in UK prime real estate is still going strong

In 2013, the Qatari royal family bought 1, 2, and 3 Cornwall Terrace (pictured), which overlooks Regent's Park and they had plans to convert it into a 200million palace. Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned, one of the three wives of Qatar's former emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, bought the homes for an estimated 120million four years ago

Meanwhile, Qatar's current Prime Minister Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al Thani owns half of One Hyde Park through his property development company Waterknights.

Rolex, McLaren and the Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank are all based in the building.

Qatari Diar  the state's investment arm  teamed up with UK property developer Delancey Estates to but the Olympic Village in Stratford for 557million.

They also bought the US embassy building in Grosvenor Square in 2009.

The five-star Berkeley Hotel, also in Knightsbridge, was added to Qatar's portfolio in 2015 after it bought a 64 per cent stake in The Maybourne Group, which owns it.

The prime minister of Qatar, Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, owns half of One Hyde Park (pictured) through his property development company, Waterknights. The building, in Knightsbridge, was completed in 2009 and Rolex, McLaren and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank are all based there

The luxury five-star hotel, the Park Tower Hotel in Knightsbridge (pictured), is owned by Emirati businessman Mahdi Al Tajir. Prices for the executive suites at the hotel, which was built in 1973, start at 569 and some of the rooms offer panoramic views of London

Qatar Holding, which shares in Barclays and Sainsbury's, owns a 10 per cent stake in the London Stock Exchange (pictured). In July 2014, Qatar Holding announced it was going to cut its 15 per cent stake in LSE by one third. The building is near St Paul's Cathedral

In 2015, investors from Qatar agreed to purchase a majority stake in the company which is behind the world-famous Claridge's Hotel in Mayfair (pictured). The hotel opened in 1812 and penthouses there start at more than 4,600 per night. It has become famous for its Christmas tree display every year

Qatari Diar, the state's investment arm, teamed up with UK property developer Delancey Estates to buy the Olympic Village for 557million. The estate was built for the 2012 London Olympics and the joint deal for the village included 1,400 new homes and six other plots as part of a wider urban regeneration scheme in that part of east London

That year, investors from Qatar also agreed to buy a majority stake in the company behind the world-famous Claridge's Hotel  where penthouses start at more than 4,600 a night - in Mayfair.

Another Mayfair hotel  the Connaught  is owned by hotel company Coroin, in which Qatar now holds a majority stake.

In 2015, Qatar Holding and Canadian company Brookfield bought the Canary Wharf Group estate for 2.6billion.

Other Middle Eastern investors with significant property holdings in London include Emirati businessman Mahdi Al Tajir. He owns the five-star Park Tower Hotel in Knightsbridge.

In 2014, Israeli billionaire Teddy Sagi bought Camden Market in north London for 400million.

Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment bought the US Embassy building in Grosvenor Square, Mayfair (pictured) in 2009. The new embassy is currently being built in Nine Elms. The new $1billion US embassy will become the most expensive embassy building in history

The Connaught hotel in Mayfair (pictured) is owned by hotel company Coroin, in which Qatar now holds a majority stake. In 2015, it was announced that Constellation Hotels - which is owned by Qatar Holding - had purchased a 64 per cent stake in the company which owns a number of luxurious London hotels, including The Connaught

In 2007, Qatari Diar bought the site of the Chelsea Barracks in west London (pictured) from the Ministry of Defence for nearly 1billion. The site was originally tipped to sell for 250million but the figure was almost nearly four times that when a consortium made up of the CPC Group and Qatari Diar had their bid accepted

He now has plans to invest a further 300million to develop the popular tourist attraction and market area by next year.

Chris Brett, from real estate investors CBRE, said much of the purchases over the past year have been from wealthy individuals from oil-rich sovereign nations making 'opportunistic acquisitions.'

Mr Brett added investors have remained undeterred by the Brexit vote and are attracted to the UK capital by the cheap pound, high demand, long leases and strong yields.

'In the past year we have seen Middle East investors securing opportunistic acquisitions in London, most notably family wealth from ultra-high-net-worth individuals and sovereign wealth funds,' he said.

'Whilst this has partly been driven by a correction in yield levels and a favourable currency effect due to the depreciation of sterling, it reaffirms London's status as a global gateway market.'

In 2014, Israeli billionaire Teddy Sagi bought Camden Market in North London (pictured) for 400m. He now has plans to invest a further 300million to develop the popular tourist attraction and market area by next year. He currently owns four of the six sections of the market

The Berkeley Hotel (pictured) is a five star hotel based in Knightsbridge, London. It opened 150 years ago. In 2015, it was added to Qatar's impressive property portfolio in the capital after it bought a 64 per cent stake in The Maybourne Group, which owns the hotel

Chinese investors spent 3.96BILLION on London property in the first six months of 2017 - including snapping up the iconic Cheesegrater and Walkie Talkie skyscrapers

Chinese and Russian investment in London's property market also continued to rise in 2017.

Chinese investment in London commercial property more than trebled since before Britain voted to leave the European Union, a CBRE report in August last year revealed.

Most of it was channelled through Hong Kong at a time of heightened political uncertainty in the former British colony.

While others have pulled back from British property following the Brexit referendum, investors largely from Hong Kong snapped up the British capital's best-known skyscrapers including the 'Cheesegrater' and 'Walkie Talkie'.

Investors largely from Hong Kong snapped up the British capital's best-known skyscrapers including the 'Cheesegrater' and 'Walkie Talkie'

In the first six months of 2017, Chinese investors spent 3.96billion on London commercial property according to data from the CBRE real estate group, outpacing significantly the 2.69billion spent in the whole of 2016.

Hong Kong accounted for 92 percent of the Chinese investment, according to the Knight Frank agency.

Hong Kong food conglomerate Lee Kum Kee reportedly paid 1.28billion for 20 Fenchurch Street - the 34 storey skyscraper known as the Walkie Talkie - a record for an office building in Britain.

Meanwhile, Russian investors continue to look for real estate opportunities abroad despite the economic crisis in the country.

Properties in central London  in Kensington, Chelsea and Knightsbridge in particular  are also highly sought-after, according to Dominus Alliance.

Hong Kong food conglomerate Lee Kum Kee reportedly paid 1.28billion for 20 Fenchurch Street - the 34 storey skyscraper known as the Walkie Talkie

Belgrave Square in central London, which is lined with 19th century townhouses and home to foreign embassies, is nicknamed 'Red Square' after a series of wealthy investors from former Soviet states moved in.

Mark Hollingsworth, who co-wrote Londongrad: From Russia with Cash, said oligarchs consider owning property in central London as a sign of respectability.

The capital also offers them access to international banking and legal services.

London ranks as the best city in the world for the global ultra-rich taking into account factors such as quality of life, business and leisure, according to the consultancy arm of estate agent Knight Frank, followed by New York, Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai.
A lucky stone collector in China has found a rock which bears an uncanny resemblance to the country's most treasured animal: a giant panda.

The black-and-white pebble stone has amazed visitors in a recent rock exhibition in central China.

The owner, who remains anonymous, said he had previously turned down an offer of 10,000 yuan (1,138) from a businessman who wished to purchase the rock.

Precious rock: A black-and-white pebble is displayed on an exhibition in central China

The natural stone has features of a giant panda including eyes, nose and eyes

Pictures have emerged showing a palm-sized stone that resembles a resting panda looking to a side.

The stone was displayed in the first Han Jiang Rock Collection Festival in Zhangwan district of Hubei Province on December 28, reported Hubei Daily.

The selected stones are picked from districts in Shiyan city. It has to be found from the Han Jiang region.

The panda-looking stone was one of the very few that stood out from the exhibition and it was crowned with a silver medal.

The similar resemblance of a giant panda has won the owner of the stone a silver medal

Expert from Chinese University of Geosciences said the pattern on the rock are unique

Apparently, similar 'panda' stones can be easily found along rivers.

Experts from the Museum of Chinese University of Geosciences told Chutian Metropolis Daily that the black-and-white rocks are usually a hard sedimentary rock known as quartzite or chert.

The rocks will take hundreds or thousand of years to form and the black colour of the rock contains high levels of silicon.

The pattern on the rock forms naturally, therefore the appearance of a panda shape are unique.

The owner received a request from a stone collector by offering him 10,000 yuan (1,138) to buy the stone, but he refused.
Chinese President Xi Jinping told the country's armed forces to improve its war-winning capability and strengthen real combat training in a speech on Wednesday.

He ordered all levels of military to follow the guidance of 'enhancing military training and war preparing'.

The 64-year-old, widely considered the most powerful Communist leader since Mao Zedong, also instructed his military that they should not fear hardship or death, according to a report on China's state broadcaster CCTV.

Thousands of soldiers stood in formation at a mobilisation meeting in Baoding, Hebei Province, as Xi issued the commands.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also the chairman of China's Central Military Commission, is pictured issuing the order at a mobilisation meeting yesterday in Baoding, Hebei Province

Thousands of armed soldiers are pictured vowing to serve their country after the speech

Apart from being the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi is the chairman of the Central Military Commission, which controls the country's armed forces.

Xi is also the general secretary of the Communist Party of China.

According to China's state news agency Xinhua, this was the first time the Central Military Commission of China had held a mobilisation meeting for the whole armed forces.

Xi started delivering the speech at 10am wearing a military uniform.

He was at the main venue of the mobilisation meeting, reported to be the shooting range of a unit of China's land forces. He attended the meeting accompanied by senior Communist officials.

More than 7,000 armed officers and soldiers listened to the speech in cold weather, as rows of military tanks were parked around them.

Xi's two-minute-long speech was also broadcast live to over 4,000 branch venues for soldiers across China to follow.

The branch venues covered China's land, navy and air forces as well as the Rocket Force, which was formed on January 1, 2016, to manage the 2,500 ballistic missiles China claims to own.

Military personnel start training after Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered the speech

In yesterday's speech, Xi urged his soldiers to enhance military training focussed on combat readiness and strengthen joint military training. He said Chinese soldiers should be ready to be ordered to fight at anytime.

He also called for military training and fighting competitions for the general public.

The armed forces should master the skills of 'being able to fight and being able to win', said Xi.

Xinhua reported that Xi reviewed assembly of soldiers on the site and training of troops via televised devices after the meeting.

Xi Jinping has been considered by many to be the most powerful and influential Communist leader since Mao Zedong, the founder of modern China who passed away in 1976.

China's ruling Communist Party enshrined President Xi Jinping's political thought into its constitution during the 19th National Congress in Beijing in October last year.

No other leader since Mao has had an eponymous ideology included in the Constitution of the Communist Party of China while in office until Xi.
President Donald Trump issued an extraordinary statement bashing former top advisor Steve Bannon after the president's longtime consigliere was quoted trashing Donald Trump Jr. and claiming his father would have immediately been made aware of an infamous Trump Tower meeting with Russians.

Bannon claimed a Trump Tower meeting with a Russian lawyer, supposedly to obtain unflattering information about Hillary Clinton, was 'treasonous' and 'unpatriotic,' prompting an unprecedented brushback of the former White House aide from the president.

'Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency,' Trump said in a statement provided by the White House that torches his former chief strategist. 'When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind.'

Steve Bannon, chairman of Breitbart News Network LLC, speaks during a campaign rally for Roy Moore, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate from Alabama

Trump's press secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, then told reporters that the president was 'furious' and 'disgusted' by Bannon's assault on the president's son and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who also attended the Trump Tower meeting.

And late on Wednesday evening, attorneys for Trump issued a cease and desist letter to Bannon threatening legal action.

Trump attorney Charles Harder said in a statement: 'This law firm represents President Donald J. Trump and Donald J. Trump for President, Inc.

'On behalf of our clients, legal notice was issued today to Stephen K. Bannon, that his actions of communicating with author Michael Wolff regarding an upcoming book give rise to numerous legal claims including defamation by libel and slander, and breach of his written confidentiality and non-disparagement agreement with our clients. Legal action is imminent.'

The cease and desist letter reads in part: 'You [Bannon] have breached the Agreement by, among other things, communicating with author Michael Wolff about Mr. Trump, his family members, and the Company [the campaign], disclosing Confidential Information to Mr. Wolff, and making disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements to Mr. Wolff about Mr. Trump, his family members.'

The White House's full-scale attack on Bannon, who was once one of Trump's top advisers, was ripe with personal slights, exposing a dramatic rift between the president and the conservative provocateur who is also the Breitbart News executive chairman.

It followed Bannon's comments undercutting the president's eldest son and a suggestion that Donald Trump was involved in the 2016 meeting with a Kremlin-linked Russian lawyer that Bannon is now quoted as saying should have been reported to the FBI.

'Steve was a staffer who worked for me after I had already won the nomination by defeating seventeen candidates, often described as the most talented field ever assembled in the Republican Party,' Trump said. 'Now that he is on his own, Steve is learning that winning isn't as easy as I make it look.'

Trump said Bannon 'doesn't represent my base, he's only in it for himself' and 'had very little to do' with his victory, but 'everything to do' with the loss of the Alabama Senate seat.

The cutting statement went on to say, 'Steve pretends to be at war with the media, which he calls the opposition party, yet he spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was.'

Bannon backed losing candidate Roy Moore, who Trump ultimately campaigned for in the special election after claiming the Republican would have a tough time winning the general election and endorsing his primary opponent.

Sanders said Wednesday that the loss contributed to the falling out between the president, who last spoke to Bannon sometime in early December.

Accusing the president's son of treason is also not a way to 'curry favor' with Trump, she stated, calling the allegation 'ridiculous.'

'I think there are a number of factors that played in,' she told DailyMail.com. 'I would certainly think that going after the president's son and an absolutely outrageous and unprecedented way, is probably not the best way to curry favor with anybody.'

After the press briefing former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, whose wife Callista is U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, walked through a press work space on his way to a Fox News interview.

'Bannon has no contingent,' he told DailyMail.com and another reporter ripping into the former White House aide. 'There's a Trump wing of the Republican Party. There's not a Bannon wing.'

The White House had also rejected the notion that feud would weaken Trump's base.

'The base and the people that supported this president supported the president and supported his agenda, those things haven't changed,' Sanders said at her briefing. 'The president still exactly who he was yesterday as he was two years ago when he started out on the campaign trail.'

Trump's spokeswoman said, 'Look at all he's accomplished, I think they're pretty happy with where he is.'

President Trump had also sought to discredit Bannon, considered to have a played a key role in shaping his own victory.

'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,' the president said.

The blast came just hours after Bannon was revealed to have called the infamous June 2016 meeting between top Trump campaign officials and Russians 'treasonous.'

Further, Bannon expressed certainty that then-candidate Donald Trump would have been made aware of the meeting at the time  a claim that, if verified, could play into a collusion narrative being explored by special counsel Robert Mueller.

Trump said Bannon 'spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was'

Bannon, who held a top role in the campaign, shares his disdain in Michael Wolff's forthcoming book, excerpts of which were published Wednesday, that other top officials went into the Trump Tower meeting blind instead of dispatching a legal team to vet information in a hand-off way and failing to alert authorities of a possible crime.

'Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad s***, and I happen to think its all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately,' Bannon mused.

He went after Donald Trump Jr. explicitly for participating, then expressed certainty about what happened next.

'The chance that Don Jr. did not walk these Jumos up to his father's office of the 26th floor is zero,' Bannon said, in an excerpt from 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House.'

'The three senior guys in the campaign thought it was a good idea to meet with a foreign government inside Trump Tower in the conference room on the 25th floor  with no lawyers. They didn't have any lawyers,' Bannon vented in excerpts in the book obtained by the Guardian

The White House issued a separate statement from Sanders before her daily news conference trashing the expose.

'This book is filled with false and misleading accounts from individuals who have no access or influence with the White House,' Sanders said.

'Participating in a book that can only be described as trashy tabloid fiction exposes their sad desperate attempts at relevancy,' she added.

Stephanie Grisham, communications director for Melania Trump, responded to claims in the book that the first lady cried when Trump the election because she never expected him to win.

'The book is clearly going to be sold in the bargain fiction section. Mrs. Trump supported her husband's decision to run for President and in fact, encouraged him to do so. She was confident he would win and was very happy when he did,' Grisham said.

The book also claims the Trump have separate bedrooms in the White House.

NBC News reported Bannon's comment about the chance Donald Trump also met the Russians.

Sanders pointed to Trump's previous denials of collusion when it came up at her news conference.

Trump Jr. told the House Intelligence Committee during testimony that he did not tell his father about the meeting at the time it took place, the Washington Post reported in December.

He told Fox News host Sean Hannity after word of the meeting broke: 'In retrospect, I probably would have done things a little differently.'

He said he did not tell his father about the meeting because nothing came of it.

'It was just a nothing,' the president's son said. 'There was nothing to tell.'

Attending the meeting were Donald Trump Jr., Trump son in law and Bannon's White House rival Jared Kushner, and former campaign chair Paul Manafort, who has since been indicted on money laundering and conspiracy charges.

They met with Kremlin-linked Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya after an offer of potential dirt on Hillary Clinton got dangled to Trump Jr. via an email approach.

'They're going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV,' Bannon, a former Naval officer and Goldman Sachs employee who runs Breitbart News, said of the president's eldest son.

They're going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV

He laid out how the campaign should have handled such an approach. If any meeting happened, it should have been done 'in a Holiday Inn in Manchester, New Hampshire, with your lawyers who meet with these people'. That would allow information to get 'dump[ed]  down to Breitbart or something like that, or maybe some other more legitimate publication,' he said, referencing the Breitbart News site he runs.

'They're going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV,' Bannon said of the president's eldest son, who attended the Trump Tower meeting

A picture taken on November 8, 2016 shows Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya speaking during an interview in Moscow

Bannon took new shots at his rival Trump son in law Jared Kushner. He predicts special counsel Mueller will go after top officials on money laundering to get to President Trump

White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon (R) listens to U.S. President Donald Trump at the beginning of a meeting with government cyber security experts in the Roosevelt Room at the White House January 31, 2017 in Washington

Former White House Chief Strategist Stephen Bannon speaks during the Asahi Shimbun interview on November 16, 2017 in Tokyo, Japan

'You never see it, you never know it, because you don't need to  But that's the brain trust that they had,' he said dismissively.

Trump named Bannon as chief executive of his campaign in August 2016, two months after the Trump Tower meeting with Russians occurred.

Bannon, who says he continues to advise President Trump, also issued predictions about the Mueller probe.

'You realize where this is going,' he said. 'This is all about money laundering. Mueller chose [senior prosecutor Andrew] Wessman first and he is a money-laundering guy. Their path to f***ing Trump goes right through Paul Manafort, Don Jr. and Jared Kushner  It's as plain as a hair on your face,' he said.

According to the Guardian, Bannon insisted that he doesn't know Russians, won't be a witness in the related probes, won't hire a lawyer and won't end up on TV answering questions.

Trump Jr. has denied doing anything improper and says he got nothing of value out of the meeting. Manafort has pleaded not guilty to money laundering charges. Kushner's lawyers say he is cooperating with investigators.

The book also quotes a friend of President Trump confidant Tom Barrack as having told a friend: ''He's not only crazy, he's stupid.'
Russian president Vladimir Putin lost at least seven planes when so-called radical Islamists attacked a Syrian airbase, it has been claimed.

If confirmed, it would be the single biggest loss of military hardware for the Kremlin strongman since he began supporting Syria's president Bashar al-Assad.

The planes were destroyed on New Year's Eve when rebel shelling rained down on the Hmeymim air base, according to a Russian daily newspaper.

Russia's defence ministry dismissed parts of the report as 'fake' but acknowledged the attack in Latakia Province had occurred and that two servicemen had died.

Russian President Vladimir Putin addresses servicemen as he visits the Hmeymim air base in Latakia Province, Syria December 11, 2017

An Su-24 bombers on the runway at the Hmeymim air base in Syria. At least four were destroyed, according to reports

Russian daily newspaper the Kommersant reported the incident late on Wednesday, stating that more than 10 servicemen were wounded in the assault.

It was the most potent attack on Putin's arsenal since an air strike back in 2015, it said.

At least four Su-24 bombers, two Su-35S fighters and an An-72 transport plane, as well as an ammunition depot, were destroyed by the shelling, Kommersant said on its website, citing two 'military-diplomatic' sources.

Russia's defence ministry today said two servicemen had been killed in the mortar attack by Islamist militants in Syria on New Year's Eve, but denied reports about the seven military planes being destroyed.

'As darkness fell, the Hmeimim air base was subjected to sudden mortar shelling from a mobile group of militants.

'As a result of the shelling, two servicemen were killed,' the defence ministry said.

A Sukhoi Su-24 fighter jet takes off from the Hmeymim air base near Latakia, Syria

Russian military jets are seen at Hmeymim air base in Syria, which came under attack from rebel shelling

Earlier on Wednesday, the ministry said a Mi-24 helicopter had crash-landed in Syria on the same day due to a technical fault and two pilots died.

Last month, Russia began establishing a permanent presence at Hmeymim and a naval base at Tartous although President Vladimir Putin has ordered a 'significant' withdrawal of his military from Syria, declaring their work largely done.

The Syrian civil war has created a conflict of interest between Russia and the UK and US.

While Moscow has backed Assad, Westminster and Washington have thrown their support behind the opposition fighters aiming to overthrow the dictatorship.
An Islamic funeral director who went on a bizarre rant about Muslims drinking and having sex made an earlier video with a father whose boy died in a classroom tragedy.

Ahmad Hraichie, who conducts ceremonies for the Lebanese Muslim Association, made a video on New Year's Eve which has been viewed 689,000 times online.

In the clip, filmed near western Sydney's Rookwood Cemetery, he tells Muslims to avoid drinking alcohol or having sex outside of marriage as he wheels a corpse in a body bag into a fridge.

'This is where we are all going to spend to spend our New Year's party if we die on New Year's Eve  in a fridge, in a fridge where the brothers and sisters have now have probably got their drinks all in the fridges and their snacks,' he said.

In November, Mr Hraichie filmed a message of forgiveness from the father of a nine-old-boy, who was killed when a four-wheel drive crashed into his classroom at Greenacre, in Sydney's west.

Mr Hraichie, a former undertaker at Rookwood cemetery, drove the hearse carrying the body of Jihad Darwiche - one of two boys killed when a Toyota Kluger slammed into the Banksia Road Primary School.

During that trip in the hearse, he videoed a conversation with Jihad's grieving father, Raed, agreeing that forgiveness was 'the way a proper Muslim acts in a time of calamity and tribulation'.

Ahmad Hraichie (right) made a video with Raed Darwiche who son, 9, died in a school accident

He told Daily Mail Australia his latest video, filmed in a funeral parlour, was designed to highlight to Muslims the perils of sin.

'Committing adultery in Islam and many other religions is seen as a wrong act,' he said. 'It should be kept for marriage.'

'Drinking, well I know of Muslims that drink and that's their bad. We are all not perfect.

'It's not a perfect world. We all make mistakes. The best of us are the ones who correct there errors and be of good benefit to one another as humans.'

The Lebanese Muslim Association funeral director filmed a message of forgiveness

Rookwood Cemetery undertaker Ahmad Hraichie ranted about Muslims having sex outside of marriage as he put a dead body into a fridge

On New Year's Eve, attending to a dead body near the Rookwood Cemetery in Sydney's west, Mr Hraichie railed against Muslims who had sex outside of marriage with another Muslim.

'We're going to put our brother in the fridge.

'That could have been me. That could have been you. That could have been anybody. I say this with my heart: this brother was alive now he's not.

'I could be next, you could be next.

'Beware of what youse do tonight. Anyone who's going to do anything that goes against our religion of Islam  drinking, fornication, Zina  look at this man and this is an example Allah has given us.

'Stop it. Stop it before it's too late.'

The Muslim undertaker warned Muslims against the evils of celebrating New Year's Eve

Ahmad Hraichie denounced Muslims who drank alcohol or had sex as he wheeled a dead body

He also called on Muslims to avoid celebrating New Year's Eve with non-believers who drank alcohol.

'Any other day is alright but not tonight because tonight we know what goes on.'

Mr Hraichie, who is also a body builder, told Daily Mail Australia he made the video to remind Muslim youths to 'uphold their faith' and enjoy the fireworks away from the party temptations.

'Like all true Christians or Jews who abstain from sex before marriage and drinking alcohol, it's a reminder to stay steadfast in life and honest and true no matter what religion you are,' he said.

Ahmad Hraichie, who is also a body builder, is urging Muslim youth to avoid alcohol altogether

'My point is to our youth who lose their ways when they go all crazy partying.

'What begins with one drink ends up with drink driving and all other problems.'

He slammed the Muslim fundamentalist Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah Association, which has called for Muslims to avoid non-Muslim activities altogether, adding he had no problem with Christmas decorations or New Year's Eve fireworks.

'They are extreme and there is no place for extremist clowns in Australians society,' he said. 'Everyone is entitled to worship what they want.

'I actually enjoy seeing houses decorated and the holiday season.

'Nothing wrong with fireworks. I actually watched them from the TV. Best view.'

While Hraichie criticises Islamist extremist groups, his estranged 20-year-old son Bourhan, an Islamic State sympathiser, is serving time inside Goulburn Supermax, Australia's highest-security prison.

During his initial sentence at Kempsey prison, Bourhan was charged with carving the Islamic State slogan 'e4e', or 'an eye for an eye', into a fellow inmate's forehead in April 2016.

Bourhan also threatened to behead New South Wales prisons boss Peter Severin.

During his career Ahmad Hraichie has buried underworld figures.

He grew up in Penshurst, in Sydney's south, alongside many men who eventually turned to a life of crime, including ex-Comanchero bikie boss Mick Hawi.
An often overlooked but important component of TN Promise is the required community service hours each student must complete prior to the start of each college semester, officials said. The idea is to ensure students are cultivating a culture of giving back to their communities. It is also an opportunity for students to explore possible career paths.



"Since tnAchieves, the precursor to TN Promise, launched in 2008, our students have given back more than 1.5 million community service hours. TN Promise greatly contributed to this number with over 1.1 million of those hours completed since the launch of Gov. Haslams scholarship and mentoring program," officials said.



TN Promise funding is critical to our students success; however, I believe the support provided by our volunteer mentors as well as increased community involvement via the community service requirement are equally important to our students growth, says Krissy DeAlejandro, executive Director of tnAchieves.



Through the community service requirement, students gain a greater perspective on the needs in their community. This past semester, TN Promise student Harrison McSpadden decided to give more than the required 8 hours of volunteer service.



Each semester Mr. McSpadden has volunteered with Veterans First, a resale store that assists veterans in his community. This fall, Mr. McSpadden decided to donate a car that he and his father had restored to the organization.



Volunteering at Veterans First was an eye opener. It connected me to something bigger than myself, said Mr. McSpadden. I felt happy when I donated the car. It brought joy to the organization and I knew the car was going towards a better use.



TN Promise students can select the organization where they complete their community service hours. While many choose familiar organizations, other students explore possible career options by shadowing a teacher, an accountant, a welder, etc.



On Nov. 10, 2017, tnAchieves Job Shadow Day provided 106 TN Promise students exposure to some of the largest employers in their region, while also satisfying the community service requirement. The participating companies included Arconic, Caterpillar Financial, Eastman, FedEx, Maury Regional Hospital, Radio Systems Corporation and Unum.



Each business incorporated an overview of their company, professional development activities and individual job shadowing.



The concept for the Job Shadow Day stemmed from efforts by the Tennessee Attorney Generals Office and Hiltons Memphis Operations Center. Both organizations have hosted TN Promise students for job shadow days in the past.



tnAchieves helps students find volunteer opportunities in their communities across Tennessee. Organizations interested in having TN Promise students volunteer throughout the year can email Allie Greer at allie@tnachieves.org.


A couple who recently moved to Utah from Switzerland may have planned a murder-suicide together that left them and two children dead, according to newly unsealed search warrants.

Investigators found messages between Timothy and Jessica Griffith about 'when this tragic incident would take place', police said in court documents unsealed on Wednesday.

Jessica Griffith, 42, may have had terminal ovarian cancer and had little time left to live, the messages and online searches detailed in court documents.

Family members told investigators she had suffered from depression, and her husband Timothy Griffith, 45, was violent and may also have struggled with an undiagnosed mental illness, the search warrants state.

Investigators found messages between Timothy and Jessica Griffith about 'when this tragic incident would take place', police said in court documents unsealed on Wednesday. The couple and their four children were found dead in a murder-suicide in November in Mapleton, Utah

Jessica's daughter and Timothy's stepdaughter Samantha Badel (left), 16, was also shot dead, along with the couple's five-year-old son, Alexandre Griffith (right)

The family of four was found dead in November, just months after Timothy Griffith's job with Nestle took them from Switzerland to Mapleton, Utah, about 55 miles (88 kilometers) south of Salt Lake City.

Police also found the bodies of their five-year-old son Alexendre Griffith and Jessica Griffith's 16-year-old daughter, Samantha Badel.

A neighbor said Timothy had met Jessica Griffith (pictured) in Europe while working for Nestle

Timothy Griffith shot all three with one gun before killing himself with a different weapon, a shotgun, according to police. He also killed the family dog, police said.

Police declined to answer additional questions about the documents.

Timothy Griffith's stepmother Linda Sue Prater said on Wednesday that she never knew him to be violent or suffer from mental illness, though he hadn't been in close contact with family members after moving back to the United States in July, she said.

Family members are still grappling with what happened and searching for answers, said Prater, who lives in Hanceville, Alabama.

He had always been a steady, calm man who loved children and animals, she said.

'He just never seemed like the type that would do something like that,' Prater said. 'A thing like this eats at you every day because you don't know what happened.'

Timothy Griffith had done some unusual things recently, like registering his cell phone under a made-up business name and saying he didn't want anyone to know where he was, she said.

Timothy Griffith shot all three with one gun before killing himself with a different weapon, a shotgun, according to police. He also killed the family dog, police said

Timothy Griffith had done some unusual things recently, like registering his cell phone under a made-up business name and saying he didn't want anyone to know where he was. The couple's family home is pictured above

The man moved to Switzerland after falling in love with a Swiss exchange student who stayed with the family during his high school years in Granite City, Illinois, Prater said.

The couple divorced after having three children together and he married Jessica Griffith, who was also from Switzerland, about six years ago, she said.

Timothy Griffith bought the guns he used in the murder-suicide in September, just months after the family moved to Utah.

The family was discovered after Timothy Griffith failed to show up for work at the Nestle facility in Springville and neighbors noticed their cars hadn't moved in days and the lights in the house had been off.

A neighbor told The Salt Lake Tribune that Timothy Griffith had met Jessica while working in Europe as an employee of Nestle.

The couple had moved into their home in Mapleton, Utah, in July after moving to the United States from Switzerland

Another neighbor, Doug Allen, told Fox 13 Now that when Timothy got an opportunity to transfer to Utah, he accepted and the family relocated to the US.

'Never heard them fight, never heard a thing over there,' he said. 'Quite a shock to me. When I got up this morning, I seen all the (police) lights on over there, 15 to 20 cars.

'I thought, "This don't look good". Sad deal. Those little kids sure didn't deserve that.'

In response to DailyMail.com's email seeking comment, a spokesperson for Nestle confirmed that Mr Griffith worked as a maintenance mechanic.

According to a post from April 2015 on Jessica and Timothy's joint Facebook account, the man had served as a pilot in the US Navy in his younger days.

The long-dormant social media page is filled with photos of the many pets the Griffiths had while living in Neuchatel, Switzerland, including two dogs, a cat, a lizard and a scorpion.
Hundreds of passengers were struck down with severe bouts of gastro just days into the two week cruise on the Sea Princess.

The cruise ship docked in Brisbane Thursday morning after more than 200 passengers were forced into isolation after contracting the virus, including Helen Perry.

The 57-year-old told Daily Mail Australia she was locked in her cabin for 60 hours after she caught the virus shortly after they left Wellington, New Zealand despite 'fastidious hand washing'.

Hundreds of passengers were struck down with severe bouts of gastro just days into the two week cruise on the Sea Princess including Helen Perry (pictured)

The 57-year-old, who was travelling with husband David (pictured together) told Daily Mail Australia she was isolated for 60 hours after catching a virus leaving Wellington, New Zealand

The cruise ship docked in Brisbane Thursday morning after the two week cruise from Brisbane to Brisbane via New Zealand over Christmas and the New Year (stock image)

'Who knows when I caught it but I do suspect it was a woman ... she was green around the gills and coughing,' Ms Perry said.

'She was probably out and about when she should have been in isolation.'

Travelling with her husband David, a doctor, Ms Perry said while she was actively unwell for 12 hours, her room was sanitised twice daily and was given flat coke and crackers when she was well enough to eat.

'I certainly was extremely unwell, but not the worst Ive had,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

'I usually end up on a drip. But this time, it stopped quite quickly - by my standards!'

The clinical psychologist said they had 'desanitisers in masks' cleaning the cabin from top to bottom and twice daily visits from the medical teams.

'I didnt leave isolation until I had been un-symptomatic for a full day. After that I was very weak for a day,' Ms Perry said.

With reports of hundreds of people struck down with the virus, the Brisbane local said she saw a few other rooms being sanitised.

'People were very matter of a fact about it,' Ms Perry said.

'Taking their precautions, except for some who didnt seem to see the point.'

Ms Perry (pictured on the Sea Princess) said her cabin was sanitised twice daily and she was fed flat coke and crackers once she was well enough to eat

'[I had] 60 hours in a lovely cabin with a gorgeous view (pictured) ... best sick bed I've ever stayed in,' Ms Perry told Daily Mail Australia

Despite the Sea Princess cruise being hit with the debilitating gastro bug, the 57-year-old accepted it was just part of life.

'[I had] 60 hours in a lovely cabin with a gorgeous view ... best sick bed I've ever stayed in,' she said.

'I enjoyed myself enormously in spite of it.

'I allowed myself to enjoy the downtime. Slept. Meditated. Read. Watched movies with my husband. And just looked at the sea and beautiful views from my cabin.'

Ms Perry said being struck down with the illness wouldn't stop her from going on another 'fantastic' cruise.

The Sea Princess Cruise, which can hold up to 2,000 passengers, went from Brisbane to Brisbane via New Zealand over Christmas and the New Year.

Queensland Health told ABC News on-board testing found norovirus to be the cause of more gastro cases where sanitation procedures were in place with more to follow once the cruise ship docked in Brisbane.
A volunteer firefighter is recovering from burns sustained during a tragic Oklahoma house fire that claimed the lives of his wife and two young children.

Kevin Fraley, 29, suffered second- and third-degree burns on 18 percent of his body and is hospitalized in Tulsa due to the fire around 3am Tuesday, News Oklahoma reports.

His newlywed wife Tiffany Fraley, 21, and their children Rayden, 2, and Mia, 1, died in the fire at their home in Porum, about one-and-a-half hours outside of Tulsa.

A house fire early Tuesday in Porum, Oklahoma claimed the lives of Tiffany Fraley, 21, and her two children Rayden, 2, and Mia, 1. Her husband and the children's father, 29-year-old Kevin, survived but suffered second- and third-degree burns on 18 percent of his body. Pictured are Tiffany and Kevin

Kevin, a volunteer firefighter, had tried to save his family, his father said. Firefighters say the believe the fire started in the bedroom of the children (pictured)

Kevin had tried to save the family, his father Ervin, who had been next-door neighbors with the family, told the Muskogee Phoenix.

Ervin added that Kevin and Tiffany had only been married in December.

'I can't imagine what he's going to go through as a parent,' Ervin told the Phoenix. 'It's not soaked in what he has lost.'

Firefighters told local media outlets that they are investigating what caused the trailer-house to go up in flames but believe a space heater used to warm the home amid unusually frigid temperatures might have been to blame.

They also said they believe the fire began in the children's bedroom, which is corroborated by Ervin's account.

Ervin said he awoke to Kevin pounding on his door frantically yelling about how his son had been screaming and that the child's bed was on fire.

'I can't imagine what he's going to go through as a parent,' Kevin's father said. 'It's not soaked in what he has lost.' Pictured is Tiffany and one of the children who perished

Courtesy of FOX 23

The nighttime low in the town was 12 degrees Fahrenheit the night of the fire, according to Accuweather. The average low at this time of year is 31 degrees.

The Porum Fire Department's Facebook account notes that a fund has been set up for Kevin and that donations can be made at Armstrong Bank.

The tragedy comes after three children perished in another Oklahoma house fire on New Year's Day.

Mayley Jean Redbird, who was just 22 months old, 3-year-old Gunner Ray Redbird and 4-year-old Amylah Dawn Redbird died when their bedroom went up in smoke, at the family's El Reno, two-and-a-half hours from Porum.
Stu the snake catcher wrote sometimes snakes 'just want to snuggle'

The photo shows the python laying comfortably at the top of the woman's bed

A woman in Queensland got the fright of her life when she woke up in the middle of the night to find a snake in her bed.

Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers posted a photo on Facebook of the curled up python, explaining how the familiar serpent, which usually lived on the roof of their home near Eumundi, fancied sleeping elsewhere on Tuesday night.

'I was sent this photo by one of my followers yesterday. They had a resident python that lived in there roof at their home just outside of Eumundi for a while and they would see him from time to time but he would always go back up into the roof,' Stu the snake catcher wrote.

A woman in Queensland woke up in the middle of the night to find a snake in her bed (pictured)

The photo shows the python curled comfortably on her bed next to a pillow (pictured)

'However one night she woke to find the snake curled up in the bed with him at 3am!

'Crazy. Snakes don't want to hurt us, sometimes they just want to snuggle,' he added.

The photo shows the python curled comfortably at the top of her bed, right next to her pillow.

The snake catcher advised residents to install a fly screen and keep doors and windows closed to avoid the unwanted slithery guests.

Under the photograph, Facebook user Jamie Buckley wrote: 'I wouldnt be able to sleep anymore and have to move if this happened to me.'

Pamela Ankney commented: 'Snakes don't bother me at all. However, I'm not fond of spooning with them.'
An anti-alcohol group have presented a new tax plan that would see the price of beer rise, despite the already huge tax placed on alcoholic beverages.

The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education have suggested a surge in the excise paid on beer in a bid to help the Government save money and Australians drink less.

FARE has suggested a tax increase of 'at least 10 per cent' for alcohol across the board, and wants to increase the tax on draught beer to match the tax paid on bottled and craft beers.

The foundation argues these tax increases, including additional increases on cask wine, will save the Australian Government more than $2.9 billion.

The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education has called for a 10 per cent increase to the tax paid on alcohol in Australia, which would see the price of beer, wine and spirits rise (stock image)

Of this money, FARE has requested $27.5 million to educate the public on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, and on the other societal harms caused by drinking.

Currently, beer sold in large kegs in large quantities is taxed significantly less than packaged beer sold in smaller quantities.

Michael Thorn, Chief Executive of FARE, says 'beer is beer is beer', and despite its packaging or the volume it is sold in, it should fall under one tax policy.

'Our view is we should preference lower alcohol products, - there should be a lower tax rate on light beer to encourage people to drink lighter alcohol products,' he said.

Australia is already home to some of the most expensive beer in the world, but Mr Thorn, the Chief Executive of FARE, says it's not enough

FARE are not looking to only minimise the drinking habits of just heavy drinkers, they want to see everyone drinking less, as Mr Thorn says even light drinkers can cost the economy a fortune.

'Alcohol is a perverse product. While we certainly need to be targeting heavy drinkers, light to moderate drinkers also cause problems because of the way they drink.

'They may not drink much during the week, but then have a binge drinking session that could lead to a car crash or injury.

'Its all those instances that lead to the problems the country then has to deal with.'

Melbourne is currently the eighth most expensive place to buy a beer in the world, according to 2017 research from Deustche Bank.

Sydney is equal 20th on the list, with Madrid in Spain.

Mr Thorn says alcohol is a 'perverse product' which causes huge economical losses to the nation

The pre-budget submission from FARE claims the current price of alcohol needs to 'more accurately reflect its costs to society'.

'This includes direct costs to government, as well as indirect and social costs stemming from such issues as lost productivity and reduced quality of life,' the document reads.

'Research has consistently demonstrated that the level of alcohol tax is not sufficient to recoup the expenses associated with alcohol.'

FARE are also hoping to target drinking promotions, such as happy hours and discounted drinks.

'Many of the states and territories are taking a strong line against anything that promotes more drinking. Things like 2-4-1 have been banned across Australia,' Mr Thorn said.

'Any marketing that promotes more drinking should be frowned upon.'

The Australian Hotels Association has been contacted for comment.

FARE are also hoping to target drinking promotions, such as happy hours and discounted drinks




John also speaks about their turn to serious crime, which started last year, and saw a victim hand over $25,000

But he said the gang of 400 to 500 'go out together for thrills' but did not go out with the intention of hurting anyone

John*, 21, said the notorious gang was 'get rich or get robbed' and 'you don't want to be the one left behind'

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A founding member of Melbourne's notorious Apex gang has opened up on the African group's spiral into serious crime - from taking cars for cheap thrills to seeing a victim cough up $25,000 to save himself from being 'rolled' by members.

John*, 21, spoke exclusively to Daily Mail Australia and said the gang was about 'standing up, and making a name for themselves'.

'It is get rich or get robbed, you don't want to be the one left behind,' he said.

A founding member of Melbourne's notorious Apex gang has opened up about the African group's spiral into serious crime

John said the gang met up frequently as a way to escape their boring lives.

'We go out together for thrills - it's our chance not to give a f***,' he said.

'We don't go out with the intention of hurting people but it can happen.'

The gang started in 2013 in Hamilton Park in Melbourne's south-east - not on Apex Street like the name suggests - but they chose the name for its easy pronunciation as the founding members learned English as a second language.

'We just like the name "Apex", it has nothing to do with the street in Dandenong like everyone says,' John said.

'There are a lot of streets called that on Melbourne. We thought it was catchy and it was easy to say so we started using it.'

The gang 'just wanted to go partying and f*** things up', John, who arrived in Australia from Sudan in 2002, told Daily Mail Australia.

'But then last year it escalated and when we would see people walk down the street we would just take their bags,' he said.

John*, 21, spoke exclusively to Daily Mail Australia and said the gang was about 'standing up, and making a name for themselves'

The gang started in 2013 in Hamilton Park in Melbourne's south-east - not on Apex Street like the name suggests

John said the gang - which has between 400 and 500 members - met up frequently as a way to escape their boring lives

It was shortly after that some people within the group decided they could make money from crime - and serious offences became more and more common.

Gang members started heading to wealthier areas away from Dandenong and the south-east to pick up flashy cars and cash.

WHO ARE THE APEX GANG? The group originated in, Dandenong, about 30 kilometres south-west of Melbourne

The members are primarily from a Sudanese refugee background

The gang have been involved in a string of carjackings and home invasions in the Melbourne area

They are responsible for the Moomba riots in March

Thirteen teenagers were arrested this week relating to a series of crimes

They were aged between 13 and 17

The parents of members are so worried they are sending them back to Africa Advertisement

'You see some people with bundles of cash and just say "f*** it - go for it" and they give you stuff,' John said.

'The biggest handover I have seen personally was $25,000.'

And there is a 'right' and 'wrong' way to take cars according to John.

But it has nothing to do with the violence.

'Some people take cars just for the thrill and burn them but that is a waste and is the wrong way,' John told Daily Mail Australia.

'The people that do it right take the cars  for the thrill  but then they make money by chopping it up and selling it.'

John said he had no criminal record and he had learnt to 'be smart and how to carry himself'.

John admits 12-year-old boys are among those who go with them.

'They just want to earn their stripes and get a name for themselves,' he said.

'One part of me doesn't approve of that because getting a criminal record is stupid but we do let them ride with us.'

John blames the parents of the young boys who join the group and soon replace them as family.

'Our parents aren't looking after us so what the f*** are we supposed to do,' he said.

'Joining is a coping mechanism and because of the lack of support we get in our community.

'A lot of our dads have gone back to Africa and our mums don't care.

'If our dads lived here and we got back at five o'clock in the morning they would knock us around but our mums can't do that.'

Gang members started heading to wealthier areas away from Dandenong and the south-east to pick up flashy cars and cash. Above is a member pictured in the suburb

John said since the Moomba riots in March the group had become very well-known and now has between 400 and 500 affiliates

He said since the Moomba riots in March the group had become very well-known and now has between 400 and 500 affiliates.

'There are people who are with Apex spread all over town  people get in touch and want to join and it just spreads,' John told Daily Mail Australia.

TIMELINE OF APEX EVENTS Early 2013 - Apex gang is formed in Melbourne's Hamilton Park November 2015 - Spate of carjackings happened across Melbourne. Mother-of-two Amanda Matheson died after she was hit by car driven by a suspected Apex member March 2016 - Riot breaks out in central Melbourne at the Moomba Festival and is linked to Apex gang May 2016 - Police start up 'Operation Cosmas' to combat the violent carjackings and robberies July 2016 - Group of thugs threatened to kill a 12-year-old girl during a carjacking of a luxury BMW X5 Advertisement

He said while the Apex crew in the south-east started with Sudanese members the wider group now has people of all different origins - except 'Aussies'.

'There Sudanese, Islanders, Afghan, Asian and some white guys too,' he said.

John works full-time but when his friends say 'let's kick it' he 'goes with the flow'.

'We have drinks and take pills to lose ourselves, so we don't give a f***,' he said

'Then someone will come up with an idea for a thrill and we will go do it.'

John said he was bullied at school by 'Aussies' until he made his own 'ethnic' friends.

'I am not afraid of anyone anymore - at school you can't get up and fight back and teachers do nothing but people don't run at me anymore,' he said.

John said new people were accepted in the community if they approached the boys and asked.

'We look at the person and decide if they're one of us and then we let them come along,' he said.

He is also upset that other gangs in the area use Apex as a 'scapegoat' and try to blame them because they are 'coloured'.

'They go around hurting people and give us a bad name,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

'We don't tag things with APEX it isn't our tag - that's how you know it is a fake using our name.

'The majority of these things are probably done by people who are coloured - when whites do the same thing they don't care.

He said while the Apex crew in the south-east started with Sudanese members the wider group now has people of all different origins - except 'Aussies'

John said new people were accepted in the community if they approached the boys and asked

This is Apex Street in Dandenong, which many think is where the gang's namesake comes from but they were actually formed at Hamilton Park

'Gangs use our name 'cause they can't make there own because they just get over run.'

While he would not comment on any specific incidents which had occurred recently, he said not all Apex people are bad - and 'they won't bash you if you say hello'.

'Not in our group here in south-east anyway - we aren't all that bad,' John said.

'When we are with other people it's "do this, do that" and we get sick of it. Here we are with family.'

He feels bad that people are afraid of all Africans because of the gang but showed no signs of cutting ties in lieu of recent events.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Wednesday disbanding his controversial voter fraud commission amid infighting, lawsuits and state officials' refusal to cooperate.

Trump convened the commission to investigate the 2016 presidential election, after alleging repeatedly and without evidence that voting fraud cost him the popular vote.

Trump won the electoral college.

The White House blamed the decision to end the panel on more than a dozen states that have refused to comply with the commission's demand for reams of personal voter data, including names, partial Social Security numbers, voting histories and party affiliations.

'Rather than engage in endless legal battles at taxpayer expense, today President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order to dissolve the Commission, and he has asked the Department of Homeland Security to review its initial findings and determine next courses of action,' White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement.

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President Donald Trump (seen left with First Lady Melania Trump at the White House on Monday) signed an executive order Wednesday disbanding his controversial voter fraud commission amid infighting, lawsuits and state officials' refusal to cooperate

Critics saw the commission as part of a conservative campaign to make it harder for poor people and minority voters to access the ballot box, and to justify Trump's claims of voter fraud.

Trump has repeatedly alleged, without evidence, that 3 million to 5 million people voted illegally in the 2016 election, delivering the popular vote to his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton.

Clinton received 2.8 million more votes than Trump nationwide.

While there have been isolated cases of voter fraud in the US, past studies have found it to be exceptionally rare.

Critics also viewed the commission as part of an attempt to distract from the ongoing investigations into Russian election meddling and potential collusion between Moscow and Trump campaign aides.

Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach (above), the commission's vice chairman, characterized the decision to dissolve the bipartisan group as a 'tactical change' and argued DHS can pursue an investigation of election fraud more quickly and efficiently

The intelligence community concluded that the Russian government mounted a campaign to help Trump win, hacking email accounts and spreading false stories.

Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, the commission's vice chairman, characterized the decision to dissolve the bipartisan group as a 'tactical change' and argued DHS can pursue an investigation of election fraud more quickly and efficiently.

'The Democrats, both on and off the commission, made very clear that they were not interested in determining the scope and extent of voter fraud and, indeed, they were trying to stop the commission in its tracks,' Kobach said.

'The Democrats lost their opportunity, lost their seat at the table, by stonewalling.'

Kobach, a conservative Republican and vocal supporter of tough voter ID laws, alleged Democrats wanted no investigation.

'Their motto is, "Nothing to see here",' he said.

One of the members of the commission, Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, sued the commission in federal court, alleging it had violated federal law by refusing to provide him documents available to other members, among other charges.

Three Democratic senators - Michael Bennet of Colorado, Cory Booker of New Jersey and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota - had also asked the US Government Accountability Office to investigate the commission, which it agreed to do in October.

Kobach said he intends to work closely with DHS and the White House, and expects the bulk of the DHS investigation to be done by midsummer.

More than a dozen states, as well as the District of Columbia, had rebuffed the commission's request for voter data, citing privacy concerns and a fear that complying would legitimize the idea that voter fraud is widespread.

While there have been isolated cases of people voting illegally, and many voter rolls contain outdated data, there is no evidence voter fraud is a widespread problem in the United States or has impacted election results.

Trump has repeatedly alleged, without evidence, that 3 million to 5 million people voted illegally in the 2016 election, delivering the popular vote to his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton. Voters above cast their ballots at a polling station in Brooklyn on November 8, 2016

A study by a Loyola Law School professor found that out of 1 billion votes cast in all American elections between 2000 and 2014, there were only 31 known cases of impersonation fraud.

During the commission's first meeting, Trump had questioned the motives of states that refused to comply with the commission's request, suggesting they had something to hide.

Voter advocacy groups and Democrats applauded Wednesday's decision.

'It is no surprise that a commission founded on a lie of widespread voter fraud proved to be a fraud itself,' said California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, a Democrat, who had refused to comply with the commission's request for voter data.

'No taxpayer dollars should have been wasted on Mr. Trump's voter suppression crusade.'

Dale Ho, director of the American Civil Liberties Union Voting Rights Project, accused the commission of engaging in 'a wild-goose chase for voter fraud, demonizing the very American voters whom we should all be helping to participate - with the not-so-secret goal of making voting harder with unnecessary barriers.

'President Trump has tried and failed to spread his own fake news about voter fraud,' Ho said.
Children under 16 are to be banned from buying high-caffeine energy drinks at Waitrose.

It follows warnings from teachers that the drinks fuel disruptive behaviour and risk taking.

The leading supermarkets ban applies to energy drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre. These drinks carry health warnings which read: High caffeine content. Not recommended for children or pregnant or breastfeeding women or persons sensitive to caffeine.

Children under 16 are to be banned from buying high-caffeine energy drinks at Waitrose following warnings that the products fuel disruptive behaviour

Caffeine, sugar and chaos in class Energy drinks that contain more than 150mg of caffeine per litre must carry a health warning under EU labelling rules introduced in 2014. Caffeine is a stimulant and when combined with the high sugar content in an energy drink can make children excitable, difficult to teach and even violent. The drinks can make existing nervous disorders and heart problems worse. Effects are stronger in children, who have a smaller frame and body weight. Abruptly cutting out caffeine may cause withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, muscle ache, and irritability. Brands in the UK that carry the health warning include Monster Energy, Relentless Original, Rockstar Punched, Red Bull (pictured) and many supermarket own- brand versions. All these drinks contain 320mg of caffeine per litre, which is more than double the warning point. The European Food Safety Authority recommends an intake of no more than 105mg caffeine per day for an average 11-year-old. Advertisement

However, the warning is not legally enforceable and most retailers sell high caffeine drinks such as Red Bull or Monster Energy to all ages without restriction.

On average, young people in the UK consume more energy drinks than those in other European countries. Energy drinks sales in the UK increased by 185 per cent from 2006 to 2015, with 672million litres drunk in 2015.

Waitrose will now impose its own ban, with any customer who appears to be under 16 asked to provide proof of age. The move, which comes into effect in March, will put pressure on other retailers to follow suit.

The chains director of technical and corporate social responsibility, Simon Moore, said: As a responsible retailer we want to sell these products in line with the labelling guidance. These drinks carry advice stating that they are not recommended for children, so were choosing to proactively act on that guidance.

Last month, teachers called for a ban on sale of the drinks to under-16s because they contain huge amounts of caffeine and sugar.

The NASUWT, one of Britains largest teaching unions, described the drinks as readily available legal highs that can trigger bad behaviour in classrooms and on playgrounds.

Darren Northcott, of NASUWT, said teachers had registered concern at the effects of the excessive quantities being drunk. He added: Young people and parents are often not aware of the very high levels of stimulants that these drinks contain.

Waitrose will impose its own ban, with any customer who appears to be under 16 asked to provide proof of age

Researchers at Fuse, a public health research centre at Teesside University, found children were able to buy the drinks for less money than water or pop. They found packs are often sold in promotions of four for 1 and one in three young people said they regularly consume energy drinks.

The British Soft Drinks Association, which represents manufacturers, said its voluntary code of practice included guidelines on marketing energy drinks in schools.

It added: Energy drinks and their ingredients have been deemed safe by regulatory authorities around the world.
A Pennsylvania man killed his wife before fatally shooting himself - only three days after the couple had celebrated their daughter's fifth birthday, police say.

Matthew Eberhardt, 45, fatally shot his wife Kristin, 42, on the doorstep of their Northampton, Pennsylvania home on Tuesday night, the Morning Call reports.

He then killed himself, police said.

Matthew Eberhardt, 45, fatally shot his wife Kristin, 42, before killing himself in a shocking murder-suicide that has rocked a suburban Pennsylvania community. They are survived by their one-year-old son and their five-year-old daughter. All four are pictured in a family photo this past holiday season

The incident occurred on Tuesday night, only days after the couple had thrown their five-year-old daughter a birthday party. Pictured is a scene from the site of the crime

The couple had lived in the home together for eight years and also had a one-year-old son, who survives them.

Both children have been placed in the care of relatives, police said.

WFMZ reports that both children were inside the home during the shootings.

Neighbors described a happy and sociable family that had just thrown their daughter a birthday party over the weekend and were shocked by the murder-suicide.

One neighbor told the Morning Call that Matthew was 'a super-nice, down-to-earth guy' and described Kristin as 'very nice'.

Neighbors said that Matthew had operated an excavator for a construction company.

Kristin had been employed at Porzio Life Sciences LLC as a senior regulatory analyst and had been with her company for more than a decade.

'She was a very dedicated, wonderful young woman,' the firm's managing partner told Lehigh Valley Live.

'Our heart breaks for the family, but particularly for those two children,' Vito A Gagliardi Jr added.

A neighbor said that Matthew was 'a super-nice, down-to-earth guy' and described Kristin as 'very nice'. Pictured is another scene from the crime

And the last public Facebook photo posted by Kristin on December 21 shows the family in front of their Christmas tree.

Their front lawn was also plastered with Christmas decorations such as inflatable reindeer, which remained standing as of the morning after the shocking deaths.

Police have not commented to media on any potential motive.

Court documents indicate the family was not experiencing any financial hardship.
Jeremy Corbyn was under increasing pressure last night to speak out against the Iranian regime following a week of deadly protests.

The Labour leader has not issued a statement on the unrest which has claimed at least 21 lives.

Mr Corbyn has kept silent despite a long-standing interest in the country and being vice-chairman of the all-party parliamentary group on Iran.

Jeremy Corbyn was paid was paid nearly 20,000 to present a series of programmes for Press TV, the Iranian state-owned television network

Iran has been gripped by a wave of protests that began about economic conditions but have developed into calls for political change

Tory MP Jack Lopresti said: For a leader of the Opposition who aspires to run our great country to appear not to have a view on a very serious matter of foreign policy and the wicked oppression of a people is just staggering.

At best Corbyn is a useful fool. At worst if he ever became prime minister his perceived sympathy through his silence in relation to the Iranian regime who are the worlds biggest sponsor of global terror would represent a real threat to our national security.

Mr Corbyns silence follows a similar reticence to condemn Venezuelas socialist leadership during its crackdown on civilian protest last year.

His links to regime Jeremy Corbyn is vice-chairman of the all-party parliamentary group on Iran, whose mission is to foster good relations with the parliament and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran. He was paid nearly 20,000 to present a series of programmes for Press TV, the Iranian state-owned television network, whose broadcasting licence was revoked by Ofcom in 2012. The channel was banned for its part in filming the detention and torture of an Iranian journalist. The last of the Labour leaders five appearances came six months after the Ofcom decision. In 2004 Mr Corbyn defended Iran in a blog post for the Morning Star. Advertisement

In a sign of a party dissent, Labour MP Wes Streeting said: We should be speaking with one clear voice in support of those in Iran fighting for the basic freedoms we take for granted.

The suppression of democracy and oppression of women and gay people isnt something any of us should be silent about.

Irans Revolutionary Guard said yesterday that the unrest was over. We can announce the end of the sedition, said Mohammad Ali Jafari, the elite units commander. There were a maximum of 1,500 people in each place and the number of troublemakers did not exceed 15,000 people nationwide.

'A large number of the trouble-makers at the centre of the sedition, who received training from counter-revolutionaries ... have been arrested and there will be firm action against them.

Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry had called for the Iranian authorities to show restraint.

She said events were highly uncertain, adding: One thing is absolutely clear: The escalation of violence must be stopped.

A Labour spokesman said Miss Thornberrys comments reflected Labours position and Mr Corbyn agreed with them.

He has supported the Tehran regime in the past and was paid nearly 20,000 to present a series of programmes for Press TV, the Iranian state-owned television network, between 2009 and 2012. He has also appeared at an event to mark the establishment of the government the protesters are trying to topple.

Police used tear gas to break up demonstrations at Tehran University at the weekend

Pro-government demonstrators march in Iran's holy city of Qom, as of thousands gathered across the country in a show of strength for its Islamic rulers after days of unrest

A Labour spokesman said: Jeremy did not praise the regime but made clear his opposition to nuclear weapons and called for peace through dialogue.

The protests began last Thursday in the city of Mashhad against price rises and corruption  but turned toward wider anti-government sentiment.

Major General Ali Jafari announced that the unrest was over as tens of thousands of people attended pro-government rallies called to counter the unrest. He added: We can say that this is the end of the 96 sedition, referring to the current year  1396  in the Persian calendar.

He said security preparedness and peoples vigilance had led to the defeat of enemies and that the guards had only intervened in a limited way in three provinces.

The general blamed the countrys enemies for the protests, accusing them of trying to pose cultural, economic and security threats against Islamic Iran.

His comments echoed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who has blamed unspecified enemies for the uprising.

In a bid to slow the unrest, Tehran shut down access to the messaging service Telegram and the photo-sharing app Instagram, which joined Facebook and Twitter in being banned. And the head of Tehrans Revolutionary Court reportedly warned that protesters who were arrested could face the death penalty.
Children as young as ten are becoming dependent on social media for their sense of self-worth, a major study warned.

It found many youngsters now measure their status by how much public approval they get online, often through likes.

Some change their behaviour in real life to boost their image on the web.

The report into youngsters aged from eight to 12 was carried out by Childrens Commissioner Anne Longfield.

Children as young as ten are becoming dependent on social media for their sense of self-worth, a major study warned (file photo)

She said social media firms were exposing children to major emotional risks, with some youngsters starting secondary school ill-equipped to cope with the avalanche of pressure they faced online.

Snapchat, WhatsApp and Instagram were the most popular social networks for the children even though all three supposedly require users to be at least 13.

The youngsters confessed to planning excursions around potential photo-opportunities and then messaging friends  and friends of friends  to demand likes for their online posts.

The report found that youngsters felt their friendships could be at risk if they did not respond to social media posts quickly, and around the clock.

Children aged eight to ten were starting to feel happy when others liked their posts. However, those in the ten to 12 age group were concerned with how many people like their posts suggesting a need for social validation that gets more intense the older they become.

Last month a former Facebook boss claimed the social networks dopamine-driven feedback loops were ripping apart the social fabric of how society works.

It found many youngsters now measure their status by how much public approval they get online, often through likes (file photo)

And ex-Facebook president Sean Parker said: God only knows what its doing to our childrens brains.

Miss Longfield warned that a generation of children risked growing up worried about their appearance and image as a result of the unrealistic lifestyles they follow on platforms like Instagram and Snapchat, and increasingly anxious about switching off due to the constant demands of social media.

She said: What starts as fun usage of apps  children are using it with family and friends and to play games when they are in primary school  turns into an avalanche of pressure when children really are faced with a cliff edge of social media interaction when they start secondary school.

'While social media clearly provides some great benefits to children, it is also exposing them to significant risks emotionally.

I am worried that many children are starting secondary school ill-equipped to cope with the sudden demands of social media as their world expands.

In their own words, the child 'addicts' A major study has found social media firms are exposing children to emotional risks When you get 50 likes it makes you feel good cos you know people think you look good in that photo. Harry, 11 If I got 150 likes, Id be like thats pretty cool, it means they like you. Aaron, 11 I send Bridie lots of messages saying respond until she [replies] Merran, 12 When you get a buzz, and then you go to get it but you dont. And then you get another buzz and another buzz, and another buzz. And then youve just got to go get it, and then you just go off course with your homework. Billy, 9 I probably use it [social media] 18 hours in a day. Bridie, 11 You might compare yourself cos youre not very pretty compared to them. Aimee, 11 If you dont have designer and expensive things people will make fun of you. Harry, 11 I saw a pretty girl and everything she has I want, my aim is to be like her. I want her stuff, her white house and her MAC make-up. Seeing her makes me feel cosy. Bridie, 11 My mum takes pictures of me on Snapchat, to send on Whatsapp  I dont like it when your friends and family take a picture of you when you dont want them to. Hassan, 8 I just edit my photos to make sure I look nice. Annie, 11 Advertisement

She said children compared themselves to others online in a way that was hugely damaging in terms of their self-identity, in terms of their confidence, but also in terms of their ability to develop themselves.

Miss Longfield added: Then there is this push to connect  if you go offline will you miss something, will you miss out, will you show that you dont care about those people you are following, all of those come together in a huge way at once.

For children it is very, very difficult to cope with emotionally.

The Childrens Commissioner for Englands study  Life in Likes  found that children as young as eight were using social media platforms such as Snapchat, WhatsApp and Instagram, largely for play.

However, the research  involving eight groups of 32 children aged eight to 12  suggested that as the they headed toward their teens, they became increasingly anxious online.

By the time they started secondary school  at age 11  children were already far more aware of their image online and felt under huge pressure to ensure their posts were popular, the report found.

However, they still did not know how to cope with mean-spirited jokes, or the sense of inadequacy they might feel if they compared themselves to celebrities or more glamourous friends online.

The report said they also faced pressure to respond to messages at all hours of the day  especially at secondary school when more youngsters have mobile phones.

The Childrens Commissioner said schools and parents must now do more to prepare children for the emotional minefield they faced online. And she said social media companies must also take more responsibility.

They should either police their websites better so that children do not sign up too early, or they should tailor their websites to the needs of younger users.

Javed Khan, of childrens charity Barnardos, said: Its vital that new compulsory age-appropriate relationship and sex education lessons in England should help equip children to deal with the growing demands of social media.

Its also hugely important for parents to know which apps their children are using.'
A senior zookeeper who was attacked by a rhinoceros was feeding the four-tonne beast when she suffered a shocking puncture to her forearm.

The woman's arm is also suspected to be broken after she was gored by Kei, a southern white rhino, at Mogo Zoo on the NSW south coast on Wednesday.

The 47-year-old was completing a routine feeding procedure when she was injured, the zoo said in a statement in which the incident was described as 'minor'.

'A first aider at the scene applied treatment and as a precaution an ambulance was called,' the statement read.

The woman's arm was gored by Kei (pictured), a southern white rhino, at Mogo Zoo on the NSW south coast on Wednesday

The woman is pictured shortly before being airlifted to Canberra Hospital for treatment on her arm

'Assistance was rendered and both keeper and rhino are OK.'

Zoo owner Sally Padey described the woman's injuries as a 'puncture wound' and the incident as a 'freak accident'.

'To tell you the truth, I don't know exactly what happened yet and she is not in the position to answer questions. That will come later,' Ms Padey told Sunrise.

She said the victim was recovering in hospital and was 'doing very well'.

The woman was airlifted to Canberra Hospital for treatment where she remains in a stable condition.

The 47-year-old was completing a routine feeding procedure when she was injured, the zoo said in a statement in which the incident was described as 'minor'.

Zoo owner Sally Padey described the woman's injuries as a 'puncture wound' and the incident as a 'freak accident'

In another statement the zoo confirmed both the woman and the rhino, named Kei, 'are okay', and that the occurrence was a 'minor incident'.

Mogo Zoo is located about 10 kilometres of Batemans Bay. The attack occurred in a part of the park that is closed to the public.

Kei arrived at the park in 2015, alongside his half-brother Jabari. The two white rhinos are both aged 11.

The facility offers a wide range of hands on experiences with its rare animals, including meeting and feeding the creatures.

They offer a 45-minute session with their rhinos for as much as $150 per person.

The 47-year-old was attacked around 1pm while feeding Kei at Mogo Zoo

'For the animal enthusiast who wants to get behind the scenes and see how it all works. This encounter not only brings you Up Close and Personal with our impressive male White Rhinos but also allows you access to our off exhibit area,' the program description reads.

'You will be guided behind the scenes by an experienced keeper where you can see the night dens, yards, feed area and learn all about how we manage these two beautiful boys.'

'Why not bring the whole family down to enjoy and learn together? You might even get to have a scratch! What an amazing photo opportunity.'

Mogo Zoo say they will be investigating their current safety protocols.
Tony Blair today furiously denied claims he warned Donald Trump's aides that British agents may have spied on them during the election at the behest of Obama administration.

An explosive new book alleges that the former prime minister passed on the gossip during a visit to the White House last February as he was angling for a job as the US President's Middle East envoy.

During the meeting with Mr Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and a senior aide, Mr Blair is reported to have shared a rumour that GCHQ spies were monitoring the communications of Trump campaign staff and perhaps the future president himself.

But Mr Blair angrily denied the claims, made in a book by US journalist Michael Wolff, dismissing them as 'absurd' and a 'complete fabrication'.

'I have never had such a conversation inside the White House, outside the White House, with Jared Kushner, with anybody else,' he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

The revelations echo Mr Trump's claims in tweet in March last year his 'wires were being tapped' by Barack Obama's administration during the presidential election.

Tony Blair said in an interview today that the allegations he relayed the rumour to Trump aides was a 'complete fabrication'

Tony Blair (pictured left today) warned Donald Trump's aides that British intelligence may have spied on them during the election, it is claimed in an explosive new book

Mr Blair (pictured at the BBC studios in London today) has angrily denied the claims, made in a book by US journalist Michael Wolff, dismissing them as 'absurd' and a 'complete fabrication'

In Mr Wolff's book Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, he claims that 'the British had had the Trump campaign staff under surveillance, monitoring its telephone calls and other communications and possibly even Trump himself'.

It suggests that Mr Blair gave the impression that the Obama administration may have dropped hints that such surveillance would be helpful.

The explosive book draws on 200 interviews with Mr Trump's circle and the president himself.

In an extract printed in the Times, the book states: 'In February Blair visited Kushner in the White House.

'On this trip the now freelance diplomat, perhaps seeking to prove his usefulness to this new White House, mentioned a juicy rumour: the possibility that the British had had the Trump campaign staff under surveillance, monitoring its telephone calls and other communications and possibly even Trump himself.'

In March last year, Mr Trump accused Barack Obama's administration of wire tapping him during the presidential election

It later adds: 'It was unclear whether the information was rumour, informed conjecture, speculation or solid stuff.'

The book explains that Mr Kushner and Steve Bannon went out to CIA headquarters in Langley to investigate the claims.

A few days later, the CIA reported back that the information was 'not correct it was a 'miscommunication'.

A month after Mr Blair's alleged tip-off, Sean Spicer, then White House press secretary, also claimed that GCHQ, Britain's eavesdropping agency, had spied on Trump Tower during the election.

In a rare statement, GCHQ denied the claims as 'utterly ridiculous' and said such claims should be ignored.

Mr Blair said today: 'This story is a complete fabrication, literally beginning to end.'

Asked if he had met Mr Kushner, the former prime minister replied: 'Of course I have met him and we discussed the Middle East peace process.'

Mr Blair insisted he had not been 'angling for some job' during the meeting. 'I never sought one, was never offered one, don't want one,' he added.

A spokeswoman for Mr Blair said: 'The allegations printed in The Times are categorically absurd. They are a complete fabrication, have no basis in reality and are simply untrue.'

The book provides a scathing portrait of Mr Trump and paints the West Wing as a place plagued by inexperience and feuding among its senior staff.

It goes on to allege that Mr Trump had promised his wife, Melania, that he would not win the presidency and she wept when she found out he had won.

It also claims that his daughter Ivanka, who is married to Mr Kushner, wants to be the first female president.

Other allegations include that Mr Trump has banned domestic staff from touching his belongings, especially his toothbrush, over fears he could be poisoned.

This phobia apparently goes towards explaining his love of fast food, which is 'safely pre-made' by a McDonald's cook.

A spokeswoman for Mrs Trump described the book as 'bargain fiction', adding: 'Mrs Trump supported her husband's decision to run for president. She was confident he would win and was very happy when he did.'
Gable Tostee made headlines after a 2014 Tinder date ended in a woman's death.

After he was found innocent of any wrongdoing, the 31-year-old developed a strong Facebook following, where he now weighs in on current affairs and his attempts to rejoin the dating world.

On Wednesday, Mr Tostee, now known as Eric Thomas, hit back against a woman he claims tried to use his infamy to gain attention by claiming the pair had matched on Tinder.

A woman claimed she matched with Gable Tostee, now Eric Thomas, on Tinder this week, sharing her match to Facebook with the hashtag 'lucky I don't have a balcony anymore'

Thomas, 31, says the pair never matched. He immediately commented on the woman's post, saying she was not his type, and dozens of his supporters flocked to the post to cheer him on

Earlier, the woman had shared pictures of Thomas' Tinder account to her own Facebook account, telling followers the pair had matched, and captioning the picture 'when you match with Gable Tostee', and using the hashtags 'lucky I don't have a balcony anymore' and 'accident'.

Thomas was found not guilty of the death of Kiwi tourist Warrena Wright in 2014 after the woman he met on Tinder fell from his balcony.

The 31-year-old somehow stumbled across the post, and commented immediately telling the woman they had not matched, she was not his type, and she clearly had not read his biography on the app.

His friends soon joined in, cheering Thomas on for 'roasting' the woman.

Unable to get past the allegations, Thomas then shared a screenshot of their earlier interaction, and labelled the woman 'a ho' who was looking for attention

Thomas was found not guilty of the death of Kiwi tourist Warrena Wright (right) in 2014 after the woman he met on Tinder fell from his balcony

Shortly after, she deleted her post, but her alleged match had already taken screenshots and shared them to his own social media account.

Clearly still affected by the allegations, Thomas captioned the set of pictures, including the screenshots of others supporting him: 'When a ho claims she's matched with you just to get attention, gets roasted, then deletes her post'.

Just two days earlier, the 31-year-old slammed Madeline Anello-Kitzmiller, who made headlines this week after she and a friend confronted a fellow reveller for groping her at the Rhythm & Vines festival in Gisborne on New Year's Eve.

The 20-year-old American-born woman was wearing a sprinkling of glitter covering her exposed breasts and a short skirt when a man crept behind her and friend Kiri-Ann Hatfield before groping her breast.

In a Facbook post on Tuesday night (pictured), the 31-year-old slammed Madeline Anello-Kitzmiller who made headlines this week after she and a friend confronted a fellow reveller for groping her at the Rhythm & Vines festival in Gisborne on New Year's Eve

Tostee began his social media rant by saying 'that everyone, no matter how they are dressed (or not dressed), has the right to not be groped or sexually assaulted, and that all blame for unprovoked assault should lie solely on the assailant and not the victim.'

'But at the same time (cue the outrage), can anyone honestly tell me that this girl wasn't expecting attention by going to a public festival full of crowds of intoxicated people, wearing nothing but glitter on her tits?'

Tostee said he didn't have a problem with the way the women were dressed but believes 'she was out looking for a fight, because what she did to the guy after wasn't simply self-defence, it was also assault.'

'I think it would only be fair if both the guy as well as glittert**s were charged with assault,' he said.
Women seeking to change sex should be allowed NHS funding to freeze their eggs, the British Fertility Society has said.

Transgender people born female but transitioning to male should be no less eligible for free treatment than those left infertile by cancer drugs, the doctors group believes.

The BFS has published the first guidance on fertility preservation which includes people changing sex.

The British Fertility Society said transgender people born female but transitioning to male should be no less eligible for free treatment than those left infertile by cancer drugs

It says transgender men should retain their chance of becoming a genetic or biological parent, and be offered the chance to freeze their eggs as soon as possible during their treatment.

Every year, almost 600 girls under 18 in Britain are estimated to have hormone-blocking treatment to halt puberty, meaning they change sex before their bodies fully develop the reproductive system of an adult woman.

These young people, as well as adults having sex change surgery, will then become infertile.

The cost of freezing eggs  to have a baby later in life using a surrogate mother  is 5,000, with storage costs amounting to 300 a year. The process is already available for free in Scotland and Wales, but health trusts have varying policies on whether to fund it in England.

The BFS says people transitioning from female to male should be eligible for egg freezing on the NHS, as are cancer patients who may be left infertile by chemotherapy.

Professor Adam Balen, BFS chairman, said: Infertility is a real disease, recognised as such by the World Health Organisation, that requires treatment because of the direct and indirect burden of ill health on the NHS and wider society.

In principle, the reason for infertility should not affect the decision to consider treatment.

The cost of freezing eggs is 5,000, with storage costs amounting to 300 a year, and is already free in Scotland and Wales

For many people undergoing gender transition, it is the medical treatment they receive that causes infertility  we do not consider this any differently than we do infertility as a consequence of, for example, life-saving cancer treatment.

The BFS guidelines, which will become the standard for doctors and nurses, say female cancer patients should be spoken to about fertility preservation as soon as possible.

This can mean egg or embryo freezing, removing ovarian tissue which can be re-implanted later in life, or ovarian transposition to move their ovaries away from the area being blasted by cancer drugs. The guidelines say the options should also be discussed with people changing sex from female to male.

They say transgender people should receive counselling, adding: If appropriate, fertility preservation should be performed as early as possible in the treatment pathway.

Dr James Barrett, of Charing Cross Gender Identity Clinic in London, said the clinic discusses future fertility with patients but they are not always able to self-fund.

He added: Infertility is a real disease and it is hugely frustrating that the whole NHS is not always able to help our patients with that part of their lives.

NHS Clinical Commissioners, the body representing clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), said the NHS does not have unlimited resources adding: On a daily basis [CCGs] are forced to make difficult decisions that balance the needs of the individual against those of their entire local population  tough choices that have to be made, which we appreciate can be difficult for some patients.
The mangled wings, obliterated propeller and shredded fuselage of a Sydney Seaplane have been pulled out of the water after a fatal New Year's Eve crash.

A floating crane is being used to recover the DHC-2 Beaver from the Hawkesbury River north of Sydney on Thursday.

Six people died in the horrific crash, including a British family of five and the experienced Canadian pilot.

Authorities said the plane suffered 'severe damage' when it struck the water, and most of the wreckage has now been recovered.

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Wreckage of the Sydney Seaplane which crashed into a river on New Years Eve killing all six people on board has been pulled out of the water

The first pictures have emerged showing the wreckage of the Sydney Seaplane which crashed into a river on New Years Eve killing all six people on board being pulled out of the water

The plane is resting on its roof in about 15 metres of water, according to All Waterfront Constructions operations director Chris Kemp

Parts of the plane are being loaded onto a barge to be taken away

The tragic crash killed all six people on board including a British family of five

In addition to recovering the plane police are investigating the cause of the crash

The operation started at dawn and is expected to run into the afternoon on Thursday

Wreckage from the fatal flight is being pulled out of the Hawkesbury River

Emma Bowden and her 11-year-old daughter Heather died in the seaplane crash

Experienced Canadian pilot Gareth Morgan (left) died in the crash along with high-profile British businessman Richard Cousins (right)

Pilot Gareth Morgan, 44, died in the crash along with high-profile British businessman Richard Cousins, 58.

Mr Cousins' two adult sons William, 25, and Edward, 23, his fiancee Emma Bowden and her 11-year-old daughter Heather also died when the plane plunged into Jerusalem Bay on December 31.

The fuselage, one wing and the floats of the DHC-2 Beaver have been hauled onto a barge in Jerusalem Bay during a day-long retrieval operation which used slings and a crane.

'From the time the wreckage was brought on the barge, we saw that there was severe damage to the plane, and it appeared there'd been quite an impact on hitting the water,' Detective Superintendent Mark Hutchings told reporters on Thursday afternoon.

Police divers - working in zero visibility at a depth of almost 15 metres - and barge operators are still retrieving the final pieces of the plane that crashed on December 31 killing five British tourists and the Canadian pilot.

The Beaver is a Canadian-built aircraft and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau says their Canadian counterparts will assist during the 12-month investigation into Sunday's crash.

'They have significant experience in investigating incidents with this type of aircraft,' ATSB executive director Nat Nagy told reporters.

'That will be definitely of help to us in the course of our investigation.'

The wreckage of the Beaver will be taken by barge to Bayview where it will be placed on a truck and taken to a secure facility to be examined by bureau investigators.

Parts of the plane are pulled up from the river north of Sydney

They'll 'carefully assess all aspects related to the aircraft's airworthiness', a spokeswoman said in a statement, adding the bureau would 'examine in detail the history of this aircraft'.

Experienced Canadian pilot Gareth Morgan died along with high-profile UK businessman Richard Cousins, his two adult sons Edward and William, his fiancee Emma Bowden and her 11-year-old daughter Heather when the plane plunged into Jerusalem Bay on the Hawkesbury River.

It was revealed on Thursday the plane was previously involved in another fatal incident in November 1996.

The Beaver was being used as a crop duster near Armidale when its left wing hit the ground causing the plane to cartwheel and crash, killing the pilot, a safety bureau report states.

Crews are attempting to lift parts of the plane onto a barge from the river

It was rebuilt and has since been owned by several businesses including, most recently, Sydney Seaplanes.

Civil Aviation Safety Authority spokeswoman Peter Gibson told AAP the plane was repaired according to the manufacturer's specifications and checked by qualified engineers.

'They submitted the paperwork and it was re-registered and away it went again,' Mr Gibson said on Thursday.

The ATSB is working to determine why the seaplane went down on New Year's Eve. One possibility is the plane stalled.

CASA has confirmed the Beaver didn't have a stall warning system but also notes they aren't required in Australia.

A crane is used to pull the mangled wreckage from the water

A Canadian report, published in September 2017 following a fatal crash involving a DHC-2 Beaver in Quebec two years earlier, recommended that warning systems be made mandatory.

But Australian aircraft maintenance engineer Michael Greenhill told AAP this week 'even if the Beaver (that crashed in NSW) had this system fitted there's a large possibility there would have been insufficient time to rectify the situation due to the low altitude and approaching terrain'.

An ATSB preliminary report is expected to be ready by the end of January. A more comprehensive report will take a 12 months to complete.

The plane was resting on its roof in about 15 metres of water, according to All Waterfront Constructions operations director Chris Kemp.

Two slings were lowered and passed through the aircraft's cabin by police divers.

One of those involved in the recovery said one of the wings was badly damaged in the crash

The recovery crew believes there is a wing still intact on the plane on the fuselage

'Then we'll be lifting the whole lot up and placing it on the barge,' Mr Kemp said.

'One of the wings is pretty badly damaged and bent over on the plane itself, so we'll be pulling that back down and lashing it to the plane.'

'We were on it the other day with the police divers and the cameras and it looks like there is still a wing intact on the fuselage.'

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is attempting to determine with the seaplane went down.

One possibility they are considering is that the plane stalled.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is attempting to determine with the seaplane went down

One possibility they are considering is that the plane stalled

New South Wales Police will attempt to recover the DHC-2 Beaver from the Hawkesbury River north of Sydney on Thursday

Parts of the mangled wreckage have already been recovered

Parts of the plane were pulled from the river by a large crane

Two slings will be lowered and passed through the aircraft's cabin by police divers

A floating crane will be used to recover the Sydney Seaplane which crashed into a river on New Year's Eve, killing all six people on board

Ms Bowden and her daughter Heather pictured in front of the Sydney Opera House

Aircraft maintenance engineer Michael Greenhill said it was not mandatory in Australia for Beaver planes to have stall warnings installed, but most did.

'A stall is when the aiurflow over the aircraft's wing becomes insufficient enough to produce lift,' he said.

'So basically the wing stops flying.'

A Canadian report published in September 2017 recommended the warning system should be mandatory on all Beaver planes.

The wreckage of the plane is expected to be recovered on Thursday before being taken to a reserve in Bayview.

This is believed to be the last photograph taken of the pilot Gareth Morgan

'Even if the Beaver had this system fitted there's a large possibility there would have been insufficient time to rectify the situation due to the low altitude and approaching terrain,' Mr Greenhill said.

The wreckage of the plane is expected to be recovered on Thursday before being taken to a reserve in Bayview.

The ATSB is investigating witnesses' claims the plane made a right-hand turn before it plunged into the water.
Ellie Walsh, 18, died after suffering a complication during a surgical procedure to remove a tumour from her stomach

A teenage girl who died on the operating table just days after she went partying on Christmas Eve was completely unaware she had terminal stomach cancer.

Ellie Walsh died after suffering a complication during a surgical procedure to remove a tumour from her stomach.

The growth had been detected five weeks earlier, following a scan, but the 18-year-old aspiring lawyer and her family had no idea how serious her condition was at the time.

Though, doctors had decided to remove the tumour on December 27, it was only after Ellie's death on the operating table did they grasp its full extent - with medics telling her family she would likely have died a few months later anyway.

Her devastated mother Emma Walsh, 37, from Lincolnshire, said she never got the chance to properly say goodbye.

'We didn't realise just how ill Ellie was. She had tummy pains for a few years and then about five weeks ago, a scan showed she had a tumour', she said.

'We have been going to the doctors since 2014 as she has lost a lot of weight and had bad pains in her side but it was always passed off and she was given paracetamol.

'She died during the operation but before she went in [for the operation] I told her I loved her and that I would see her later.

'When they told me I was in shock and my head went into a spin. You could see they were upset but they did all they could.

Ellie, left, with her friends, who her mother said had 'stuck by her all the way through school'

Ellie and two of her friends during a night out. Her mother Emma Walsh, 37, described her daughter as 'kind and funny'

'I wouldn't wish that on anybody though.'

The bubbly teen had looked set to start an exciting career, having just been taken on as a permanent receptionist, after impressing as an apprentice at law firm Burton and Co in Lincoln.

Ms Walsh said: 'She was quite a private person and had a small group of friends, but they have stuck by her all the way through school.

'They loved partying and even though Ellie was usually quiet, she would talk to anyone on a night out.

'I am taking comfort from the fact Ellie got to do all the things she wanted to do as had she had known, she wouldn't have enjoyed herself as much.'

Ms Grant said: 'She had a great sense of humour but was so brave. I will miss her forever.' (Ellie, right, with a friend at a concert)

HOW DANGEROUS IS CANCER SURGERY? Surgery to remove cancerous tumours in the stomach comes with numerous risks, including death. The general risk of death is low, but blood clots, infections and heart problems - all of which can kill on their own - are some of the known issues. The American Cancer Society warns that damage to other tissue can happen during the removal of tumours - as well as damage to other organs. And Cancer Research UK claims the operation to kill cancerous cells in the stomach is a 'major operation'. Common side effects of the surgery include feeling unwell, shivering, feeling sick and swelling. Stomach cancer is more common in men than women. Figures suggest 50 per cent of cases strike those over the age of 75. Around 6,700 people are diagnosed with stomach cancer in the UK each year - the equivalent of 18 each day. The figure is four times higher in the US. Advertisement

Doctors believe that even if Ellie's operation had been a success she may have only had a few months left to live.

Ms Walsh said she is glad people will be able to remember her daughter for the bright and smiley girl she was.

'Ellie was so kind and funny. She was a great sister and daughter', she said.

'She had a great sense of humour but was so brave. I will miss her forever.'

Friends have paid tribute to Ellie online and Ms Walsh said they had helped the family during a difficult time.

'I want to say thanks to everyone who has got in touch,' she added. 'The nice things said about Ellie have been a real comfort.

'Both Lincoln and Sheffield hospitals were great as well.'

Mary-Anne McNulty also paid a heartfelt tribute to her best friend of 14 years.

She said: 'I went to primary school with Ellie and we started secondary school together until she left to go to LSST, but we still remained as close as ever.

'Ellie was a kind, generous, beautiful and funny young girl. She will always remain my best friend and she will never be forgotten.'

An exact cause of death has yet to be determined.
Vile posters have been plastered around a university campus by a neo-Nazi group denigrating minorities and homosexuals.

Antipodean Resistance hit the Bathurst campus of Charles Sturt over the Christmas break as part of a long-running campaign at universities.

One of the posters showed a shriveled figure menacingly holding up its hands with the words 'reject Jewish poison' underneath.

Neo-Nazi group Antipodean Resistance put up posters showing a shriveled figure menacingly holding up its hands with the words 'reject Jewish poison' underneath

The group hit the Bathurst campus of Charles Sturt over the Christmas break as part of a long-running campaign at universities

Another read 'national socialism or nothing' along with a picture of Adolf Hitler wearing sunglasses and a third asked 'life or death? family or f****try?'

Others featuring swastikas and white supremacist messages urged students to join the Antipodean Resistance 'organising in your area'.

'Our people are being brainwashed by the education system and media to hate themselves, their culture and traditions,' the group told the Central Western Daily.

'This leads to the destruction of community, alienation and hopelessness for our youth.

'We are being replaced by foreign hordes, in the nation that we had made into one of the best countries in the world due to the labour and struggle of our white European people.'

Others featuring swastikas and white supremacist messages urged students to join the Antipodean Resistance

Other recent posters claimed gay couples were 30 times more likely to molest children and that same-sex marriage enabled paedophilia

Antipodean Resistance's website declared Australia to be 'terminally ill' and claimed a 'national socialist' revolution was the only way to save it.

'We oppose substance abuse, homosexuality, and all other rotten, irresponsible distractions laid before us by Jews and globalist elites,' it read.

CSU said it quickly took down the posters and would not tolerate offensive material on its campus.

'The posters were detected by campus security staff over the weekend and were removed at the earliest possible opportunity,' it said.

Antipodean Resistance declared Australia to be 'terminally ill' and claimed a 'national socialist' revolution was the only way to save it

Antipodean Resistance's 'December action report' bragged about stickering the university along with other sites around Australia.

Other recent posters claimed gay couples were 30 times more likely to molest children and that same-sex marriage enabled paedophilia.

A festive-themed poster showed the group's skull logo wearing a Santa hat with 'dreaming of a white Christmas' underneath with various minorities crossed out.

Another common slogan was 'no drugs, no degeneracy, no tolerance'.

The group also runs secretive camps, most recently in October, to indoctrinate youthful recruits and teach them to fight

Photos from the camp in rural Victoria showed recruits with their faces obscured making Nazi salutes and holding the Nazi flag and swastikas

The group also runs secretive camps, most recently in October, to indoctrinate youthful recruits and teach them to fight.

Photos from the camp in rural Victoria showed recruits with their faces obscured making Nazi salutes and holding the Nazi flag and swastikas.

Antipodean Resistance first showed up in late 2016 and put up racist and homophobic posters around Melbourne university.

They called for 'sh**skins', 'ni***s' and 'chi**s' to get out of Australia, and to 'get the sodomites off our streets' with a gay zombie being shot in the head.
The journey from a hot and dusty African refugee camp to a top-tier Melbourne law firm has been a long and emotional walk for Nyadol Nyuon.

As a child at Kenya's Kakuma refugee camp, she saw people die from malaria, typhoid, tuberculosis or from injuries sustained in a street fight - after her own younger sister had almost died as a three-week old baby fleeing a civil war.

The South Sudanese woman grew up in a mud hut shanty town, where food was rationed and one tap was shared by 2,000 people.

Her experience has given her an insight into Melbourne's gang violence spree involving African youths.

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Nyadol Nyuon has had a long journey from a Kenyan refugee camp to a Melbourne law firm

Nyadol Nyuon witnessed extreme poverty and death growing up in a UN refugee camp

The lawyer has also rebutted calls from Immigration Minister Peter Dutton for African-born gang members to be deported from the country, arguing it's an issue of youths feeling alienated.

'It really does demonstrate to people who are not criminals that their Australianness is up for debate,' she told Daily Mail Australia on Thursday.

'It means that for me, as a South Sudanese Australian, my citizenship, my sense of identity and attachment to Australia is not as valued as an Anglo person.'

Melbourne is more than 12,000 kilometres from the Kakuma refugee camp, in north-west Kenya, where many malnourished residents would queue up from 4am just to get a scarce supply of chlorinated water instead of drinking from a dirty well.

People there were lucky to eat two meals a day.

Ms Nyuon, a 30-year-old Melbourne Law School graduate lawyer with Arnold Bloch Leibler, was born at the Itang refugee camp in Ethiopia, where her family had gone to escape the long-running civil war in what is now South Sudan.

The lawyer born at a refugee camp in Ethiopia says calls to deport Africans give people

When she was a young girl, in 1991, her family was forced to flee a new outbreak of conflict in Ethiopia, crossing into Kenya via Sudan.

During this time Ms Nyuon's younger sister, who was barely a month old, nearly died during the 40-day walk through a quagmire.

'It was raining heavily, it was very muddy,' she said, recalling how her mother had carried her younger sister on her head in a plastic tub.

'She covered the top of my little sister's head with some clothing and my then my little sister stopped breathing.

'She saw that she was dead and then some older woman started pouring cold water on the top of my little sister's head and then eventually she started breathing.

'The horrible thing about it all is, I asked my mum what would have happened if she actually died and she said, "We would have just left her there."

The commercial litigator fled civil war in Ethiopia and South Sudan for a new life in Australia

Nyadol Nyuon (pictured far right) visiting Ethiopia with her mother (second right) to see her grandmother who she hadn't seen for 20 years

'There would have been no burial. This is actually really emotional.'

For the next 14 years, a United Nations refugee camp at Kakuma, in northern Kenya, was Ms Nyuon's home.

Her mother was absent for those first five years, as she returned to Ethiopia to find other family members caught in the conflict.

But 1996 was also the year she lost her father, who was a soldier, in the South Sudanese conflict.

Witnessing or learning about death was a regular part of Ms Nyuon's childhood.

'People died quite easily in the camp,' she said.

'I suppose if you're really starved and your body is kind of functioning at a survival level, it's easy for an infection or something to just tip you over.'

Emotionally, while her culture gives people the space to mourn, the trauma of death did breed resilience.

As a teenager (pictured left with a friend), Nyadol Nyuon was an avid reader in a Kenyan camp

Nyadol Nyuon was born at the Itang refugee camp in Ethiopia (pictured in 1991) after her family fled civil war in Sudan

'Maybe in the back of your mind, you knew how helpless the situation was and you just tried to live your best because it could be you, it could be anybody and it could be anytime,' she said.

'In some ways it makes me resilient and I think in some ways it makes me very vulnerable.

'You've seen some very tough things and how difficult life can get and sometimes you feel like that you've not really escaped the refugee camp, you're constantly concerned. It's left with you no matter where you go.'

Living in Melbourne, as the second eldest of eight children, Ms Nyuon has often been asked to comment in the media about Melbourne's spate of youth gang violence, involving people from Africa.

The Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya was where Nyadol Nyuon spent 14 years of her childhood

The Itang refugee camp (stock image) in Ethiopia - the crowded compound where she was born

The lawyer's call for politicians to frame the thuggery as an 'Australian youth issue' instead of an African gang problem has made her a magnet for criticism.

'If you find yourself sometimes complaining or feeling overwhelmed by certain things, backlash - some of it has been racist - I'll be like, you know what, "You can survive that",' she said.

'If you survive a refugee camp, that's not the worst thing.'

While Ms Nyuon doesn't excuse the spate of violent crime in Melbourne involving African youths, she has condemned calls from Immigration Minister Peter Dutton and Melbourne-based federal Liberal MP Jason Wood to deport African youths convicted of violent crime.

The South Sudanese Australian has slammed a call from Immigration Minister Peter Dutton (pictured) to deport African youths convicted of violence crime

'Whenever a young, white Australian commit a crime and they do it multiple times, are we deporting them to the country where their parents came from? Nobody suggests that,' she said.

She has drawn from her own experiences of escaping conflict and surviving extreme poverty in Ethiopia, South Sudan and Kenya to explain how it is possible to embark on a successful career in Australia with hard work and the right inspiration.

'My mum really encouraged me to pursue education,' she said.

'She used to tell us around the camp, the main reason I want to take you to Australia is that you can get an education and better yourself and have better lives.'
Prince Charles described his old school as 'Colditz in kilts' and judging by their portrayal of Gordonstoun in TV drama The Crown, Netflix has taken his word for it.

But now an old boy has leapt to the defence of the 36,000-a-year Scottish public school in an attempt to set the record straight.

Retired civil servant and former pupil Hugh Lamont has disputed Netflix's portrayal of the school after watching an episode showing a young Prince Charles enduring a miserable time while a student.

Netflix's The Crown portrayed Prince Charles' time at Gordonstoun as largely negative - but a former pupil has disputed their claims

The Queen visits the school to open the new sports centre. Charles, as guardian (head boy) of the school, is seen wearing the traditional open neck shirt and pullover with the Stuart kilt

Charles (pictured here with the Queen) was famously quoted as saying the school was like 'Colditz with kilts'

In a letter to the Telegraph, the 70-year-old said: 'It is so untrue and inaccurate that one wonders what other liberties with the truth have been taken throughout this much lauded and hugely expensive television spectacular.

'Plenty I suspect.'

Mr Lamont, who was a pupil a year ahead of Prince Charles from 1960-65, said he had never heard any evidence to suggest the royal was bullied.

He added: 'The stories of unacceptable violence must have been damaging to a decent school down the years and the people who run Gordonstoun now are not in a position to dispel them because they cannot know what happened more than 50 years ago.'

One episode of The Crown shows a young Charles sleeping beneath a broken window while it rains, being bullied and failing an orienteering challenge.

This is a dormitory similar to the one Charles would have stayed at while a pupil at the school

Charles escorts an unidentified visitor around the building. There were no girls at the school

Gordonstoun, which has fees of 36,000-a-year, has itself moved to show itself in a better light regarding Charles' time there

And the Prince himself reportedly alluded to an unhappy spell at the school as was famously quoted as describing it as 'Colditz in kilts'.

But Mr Lamont rejected Netflix's portrayal of the school, saying there were no broken windows and no challenges for the Prince to fail.

Mr Lamont told the Telegraph no-one had put him up to defend the school, but he felt compelled to after seeing The Crown.

And the school has also moved to show itself in a better light regarding Charles's stay there, releasing a statement highlighting praise for the school.


A Muay Thai fighter has hunted down the alleged young thief who stole his credit card and escorted him to the police station - performing his third citizen's arrest.

Geelong man Johnny Bourke tracked down the 15-year-old boy who allegedly spent up large courtesy of the stolen card using social media and his own contacts.

His detective work meant he was able to locate the youngster after noticing where he was allegedly spending the money.

Geelong man Johnny Bourke tracked down the person who allegedly spent up large courtesy of the stolen card using social media and his own contacts

Mr Bourke posted a photo of the alleged offender at the Waurn Ponds police station, captioning it 'Detective Bourke's quickest turnaround'.

'It was small amounts initially from a milk bar and IGA, like pies and chips and drinks, and I thought 'Gee, how drunk was I last night', but soon realised large amounts were being spent on online shopping,' he told the Geelong Advertiser.

Mr Bourke said he left one of his credit cards in his car on New Year's Eve, and when he woke up the next day he found it was missing and someone had been spending on the account.

He owns several businesses including a juice supplier, and used the contacts from his work to trace receipts and access CCTV footage.

As he was driving from shop to shop on the hunt for the alleged thief he was alerted to the presence of a young person who had returned to a milk bar with the credit card.

'I'm a professional kick boxer and said 'We can do this the easy way or the hard way, I'm taking you to the cop shop',' Mr Bourke said.

The alleged thief then asked if he could call his father.

Mr Bourke posted a photo of the alleged offender at the Waurn Ponds police station, captioning it 'Detective Bourke's quickest turnaround'.

He said it was the third time he had carried out a 'citizen's arrest', and hoped his actions were a way to combat crime.

Mr Bourke said he empathised with the police who were fighting similar crimes

'Everyone always jokes that my life is like a cartoon, but I've got other mates who own Geelong businesses and they're forever getting vandalised and broken into, it just seems to be normal now.'

Mr Bourke said he empathised with the police who were fighting similar crimes.

A Victoria Police spokesman told Daily Mail Australia the 15-year-old boy has been charged after a stolen credit card was used at a Grovedale milk bar.

'It is alleged a credit card was stolen from a car on Carnarvon Drive in Grovedale and later used to purchase items at the milk bar.

'The Whittington boy has been charged with theft from motor vehicle, obtain property by deception and handle stolen goods.'

The boy has been bailed to appear at a children's court.
An advertisement calling for a nanny to complete an extensive list of duties for $25 an hour has received a frank and deeply underwhelming response.

The note, seeking an after-school au pair, was posted on a Woolworths supermarket community message board in Balmain in Sydney's inner west.

'We're a Balmain family looking for an after-school caregiver for 14 hours per week ($25 per hour) starting early 2018,' the advert reads.

The suitable candidate would be required look after two children, aged four and eight, for four hours per day from Monday through to Thursday.

But that's not all.

An advertisement calling for a nanny to complete an extensive list of duties for $25 an hour has received a frank and deeply underwhelming response

Among the nanny's duties would be to cook dinner, clean, and walk the dog (stock image)

'The role involves school pick-ups in the Balmain/Birchgrove area so the successful applicant will need his/her own car as well as a clean driver's license.

'As well as a kind and generous nature, excellent English is essential as you will be helping our Year 3 child with spelling and other homework.

'Other duties include preparing kids' dinner, making school lunches, walking our dog as well as light housework such as folding washing.'

The ad finishes by explaining the successful applicant would be required to commit to role for a minimum of six months, and would need a Working with Children check and First Aid certificate.

Social media users have reacted online with a mix of outrage and understanding

The successful applicant would also be required to help children with their homework (stock)

Poll Is $25 an hour enough to do the advertised job? Yes No Is $25 an hour enough to do the advertised job? Yes 349 votes

No 419 votes Now share your opinion





Scribbled in blue pen at the bottom of the advertisement, a shopper wrote: 'Don't want much for $25/hr do you?'

Social media users have reacted online with a mix of outrage and understanding.

'Get out of town! That's basically slavery for what they are wanting to pay,' one wrote.

'God I hope they pay for fuel. This seems a bit much other ones at least offer a spare car so the nanny can take their children to school and whatever else,' another said.

Others argued the wage was perfectly reasonable and noted that nannies and au pairs in Australia are entitled to $22.86 an hour - the national minimum wage for casual workers.

'Probably cash in hand job so great for a student,' one noted, while another said: 'It's pretty much in line with what childcare workers get paid.'
A mother and father have lashed out at the criticism they received for leaving their teenager daughter home alone for a few days - resulting in the family home being trashed by uninvited party guests.

The Sydney-based parents went on a holiday over the new year period and allowed their 16-year-old to remain at their Kings Langley house.

The girl decided to have friends over on Tuesday night, before an outside group of teenagers caught wind of the free house and gatecrashed the gathering on Ashcott Street.

The ensuing scenes saw arrests, a policeman requiring surgery, destroyed property and a young girl being punched in the face, but the parents say it was their daughter who 'went behind their back' by having friends over in the first place.

The Sydney-based parents went on a holiday over the new year period and allowed their 16-year-old to remain at their Kings Langley house

The ensuing scenes saw arrests, a policeman requiring surgery, destroyed property and a young girl being punched in the face

Neighbours initially attacked the parents for their decision to allow such an incident to occur, saying the 16-year-old girl was too young to be left alone.

They say as many as 15 destructive youths reaped havoc on the quiet street, causing violent and 'cowardly' injuries.

'Very much out of control, guys running up and down the street, damaging property, throwing things in our pool,' one local resident said.

However, the teenager's parents labelled their reaction 'disgraceful' and said they have no right to tell them how to raise their children.

'She's gone behind our back within 10 hours of us leaving, she's invited I don't know how many, seven, eight, nine people over,' the girl's father told Seven.

'Devastated, disappointed, angry, this is not what we expected from our children,' her mother added.

'We have the right to leave them for one or two days.'

The girl's parents blamed their daughter for the incident, saying she 'went behind their backs' and labelled neighbours' criticism as 'disgraceful'

Damage on the street was visible, with mirrors missing from parked cars, smashed pot plants and ripped up letterboxes

CCTV footage captured by a neighbouring home shows the group of teenage boys fleeing the area as police arrived

Damage on the street was visible, with mirrors missing from parked cars, smashed pot plants and ripped up letterboxes.

CCTV footage captured by a neighbouring home shows the group of teenage boys fleeing the area as police arrived.

One officer tripped chasing after the group, badly damaging his finger which will require being operated on.

NSW Police told Daily Mail Australia a 16-year-old boy was arrested at a nearby location and charged with common assault after a 16-year-old girl was pushed to the ground and punched in the face.

He was granted conditional bail and will face a children's court on January 29.
About 30 per cent of phone calls placed in the United States are fraudulent 'robocalls,' amounting to about 30billion total each year that cost U.S. consumers $350million in telemarketing fraud costs, according to figures from multiple sources.

The Federal Trade Commission noted that it received more than 3.4million robocall complaints in 2016 and, between January 2017 and August 2017, had received more than 3.5million.

The increase in complaints about robocalls - automated voice calls used by scammers to try to take people's money - came despite consumers adding themselves to 'Do Not Call' registries that make such calls illegal.

Between January and August 2017, more than 3.5million consumers complained to the Federal Trade Commission about 'robocalls,' or automated voice calls used by scammers to try to take people's money (file image)

'The problem is all the people who don't respect it, who are the scammers who [couldn't] care less,' the CEO of blocking service YouMail told CNBC this past summer.

So while legal telemarketing operations - certain sorts of fundraisers, for example - cannot call people who are on Do Not Call lists, scammers who are not bothered with legal technicalities simply bypass them.

CNBC notes that many such scammers are actually calling from abroad, and so to a certain extent are untouchable by U.S. authorities.

All the while, the phone user cannot differentiate a legitimate call from a robocall and wastes valuable time on the phone.

Some of the more elaborate robocall scams use a tactic known as 'spoofing,' or calling 'from' numbers that appear to be authentic.

Once a person answers one of these calls, their phone number is marked and will be exploited at some point, regardless of whether the number has been registered on the 'do not call' list.

Recommendations for small businesses to avoid the pitfalls of robocalls include using business lines rather than personal lines (file image)

The Federal Communications Commission has been waging war on such scammers and recently issued new call blocking rules in an effort to curb such calls to cell phones.

But their efforts still do little to deter criminals looking to take advantage of consumers.

Aside from wasting time, there is a risk to businesses here - particularly to small business start-ups, which often rely on employees using their own personal cell phones for business calls in the absence of landlines.

Recommendations for small businesses to avoid the pitfalls of robocalls include using business lines rather than personal lines.

Businesses can do so through, for example, utilizing a cloud-based phone system that runs off of the Internet rather than a telecommunications provider.

'The role of technology is to enhance business efficiency and quality. Cloud-based Voice over Internet Protocol [VoIP] phone systems offer advanced phone system features and a unified workplace phone system that works where the team works,' said Amr Ibrahim, the CEO of cloud-based phone service ULTATEL.
The daughter of a woman charged with murder claims she was abused by the boyfriend she is accusing of shooting dead.

Paanice Lawrence was arrested on Wednesday after her partner of six months Scott James Morrison, 46, was found dead in her Gold Coast home.

The 39-year-old called triple-0 about 2am after Mr Morrison was allegedly shot metres from her young son, but paramedics couldn't revive him.

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Paanice Lawrence, 39, was arrested on Wednesday after her partner of six months Scott James Morrison, 46, was found dead in her Gold Coast home

Her daughter said the alleged domestic violence was kept quiet but she was aware of times when hit hit her.

'My mum is not a murderer, he was abusing her - no one seen (sic) what happened behind closed doors. My mum never intended anything like this to happen,' she told News Corp.

She said though Lawrence loved Mr Morrison 'so dearly', she could see her mother wasn't happy at the same time.

'My mum has been through hell and back in her life and is fighting cancer and is very stressed and him abusing her wasn't helping,' she said.

Detectives earlier said: 'There is no knowledge of domestic violence... but we are exploring whether there was any DV that has not been reported to police.'

Lawrence (pictured in blue) was charged with murder but her daughter claims she was abused by the boyfriend she is accusing of shooting dead.

The daughter, who said was was shocked and 'in pain' by the killing, insisted there were 'two sides to every story' and much that was said wasn't true.

'I'm behind my mum all the way I don't care what she is made out to be... I know the truth. And I will always love my mum no matter what happens,' she said.

Lawrence listed her relationship status on Facebook as 'it's complicated', with her last post showing photos from a relative's birthday on a boat.

She quit her job in Auckland in 2016, having lived there for some years after she grw up in Berkeley Vale on the NSW Central Coast.

Lawrence showed no emotion when she appeared in Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday morning and had her case adjourned until next Friday.

Morrison was shot just metres from his young son sometime around 2am on Wednesday at the home in Waverley Street on the Gold Coast

Police interviewed two other people who were in the home at the time of the shooting while a child and two other adults were in a caravan on the property.

Mr Morrison, who did not live at the property, is believed to have arrived at some point during the night.

'Suffice to say he hadn't been there for a substantial period of time,' Detective Acting Inspector Matt Ward said.
Attorneys for Donald Trump have issued a cease and desist letter to Steve Bannon threatening legal action after the president's longtime consigliere was quoted trashing Donald Trump Jr. and claiming his father would have immediately been made aware of an infamous Trump Tower meeting with Russians.

The letter seen by ABC News comes on the heels of an extraordinary statement - part of which was apparently directly proclaimed by the president himself - bashing Bannon, the former top Trump advisor.

Bannon claimed a Trump Tower meeting with a Russian lawyer, supposedly to obtain unflattering information about Hillary Clinton, was 'treasonous' and 'unpatriotic,' prompting an unprecedented brushback of the former White House aide from the president.

Bannon himself, after news of his alleged comments broke, said on Brietbart News Tonight radio show that Trump is a 'great man' and added: 'I support him day in and day out.'

Trump attorney Charles Harder said in a statement: 'This law firm represents President Donald J. Trump and Donald J. Trump for President, Inc.

'On behalf of our clients, legal notice was issued today to Stephen K. Bannon, that his actions of communicating with author Michael Wolff regarding an upcoming book give rise to numerous legal claims including defamation by libel and slander, and breach of his written confidentiality and non-disparagement agreement with our clients. Legal action is imminent.'

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Former White House strategist Stephen Bannon has termed a June 2016 meeting between Trump campaign officials and Russians 'treasonous' in a forthcoming book about the Trump White House. Trump attorneys have now filed a cease and desist letter against him threatening legal action

The cease and desist letter reads in part: 'You [Bannon] have breached the Agreement by, among other things, communicating with author Michael Wolff about Mr. Trump, his family members, and the Company [the campaign], disclosing Confidential Information to Mr. Wolff, and making disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements to Mr. Wolff about Mr. Trump, his family members.'

Ivanka and Jared Kushner have a Clinton-style pact that SHE will run for president The president's elder daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner are said to have a pact that she will run for president if the opportunity arises, in a pact reminiscent of the Clintons Wolff also writes that Trump believes that Kushner is a 'suck-up' and has griped that the couple shouldn't have moved to Washington. In the chapter of the book that ran on Wednesday, Wolff says, among other things, of Jared and Ivanka that they took West Wing jobs, working for Ivanka's father, 'over the advice of almost everyone they knew.' 'It was a joint decision by the couple, and, in some sense, a joint job,' the excerpt states. 'Between themselves, the two had made an earnest deal: If sometime in the future the opportunity arose, shed be the one to run for president.' Wolff states, 'The first woman president, Ivanka entertained, would not be Hillary Clinton; it would be Ivanka Trump.' The proposal, which was not directly sourced to anyone, elicited horror from foe Steve Bannon, who the author did interview. Advertisement

The letter alludes to 'monetary damages' which could be owed to the President.

'Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency,' Trump said in the statement provided by the White House that torches his former chief strategist. 'When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind.'

Both of those quotations in the statement were pronounced directly by Trump himself, sources told the Daily Beast.

Trump's press secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, then told reporters that the president was 'furious' and 'disgusted' by Bannon's assault on the president's son and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who also attended the Trump Tower meeting.

Trump Jr. also took to Twitter to unleash on the ex-White House strategist.

'Steve had the honor of working in the White House & serving the country. Unfortunately, he squandered that privilege & turned that opportunity into a nightmare of backstabbing, harassing, leaking, lying & undermining the President.

'Steve is not a strategist, he is an opportunist,' the president's son wrote.

In another tweet, Trump Jr proclaimed: 'Andrew Breitbart would be ashamed of the division and lies Steve Bannon is spreading!'

Trump's attorneys warn: 'Legal action is imminent.' Bannon is pictured with Advisor Stephen Miller and former White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus

After the book excerpt quoting Bannon was revealed, Donald Trump Jr issued multiple tweets criticizing the ex-White House strategist. The tweet at the bottom of this list appears to be a reference to Anthony Scaramucci's tirade given to New Yorker reporter Ryan Lizza in which he said, among other things, 'I'm not Steve Bannon, I'm not trying to suck my own c**k'

Secrets of Trump's hair revealed - by Ivanka! The color of the president's hair, described in the book as an orange-blond, is from Trump not leaving Just For Men in long enough Ivanka Trump has spilled the beans to her friends on how her father's unusual hairstyle came to be, author Michael Wolff's new book reveals. 'She often described the mechanics behind it to friends: an absolutely clean pate  a contained island after scalp-reduction surgery  surrounded by a furry circle of hair around the sides and front, from which all ends are drawn up to meet in the center and then swept back and security by a stiffening spray,' Wolff wrote. The book also claims that the president, at age 71, is no longer a natural blond. 'The color, she would point out in comical effect, was from a product called Just for Men  the longer it was left on, the darker it got,' Wolff said. Just for Men is usually used to hide gray hairs. 'Impatience resulted in Trump's orange-blond hair color,' the forthcoming book, entitled 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House,' said. Advertisement

The White House's full-scale attack on Bannon, who was once one of Trump's top advisers, was ripe with personal slights, exposing a dramatic rift between the president and the conservative provocateur who is also the Breitbart News executive chairman.

It followed Bannon's comments undercutting the president's eldest son and a suggestion that Donald Trump was involved in the 2016 meeting with a Kremlin-linked Russian lawyer that Bannon is now quoted as saying should have been reported to the FBI.

'Steve was a staffer who worked for me after I had already won the nomination by defeating seventeen candidates, often described as the most talented field ever assembled in the Republican Party,' Trump said. 'Now that he is on his own, Steve is learning that winning isn't as easy as I make it look.'

The latter quotation above also came directly from Trump himself, the Daily Beast reports.

Trump 'eats McDonald's because he fears being poisoned' President Donald Trump's taste for McDonald's goes deeper than a liking for cheap meat, he prefers it because he fears being poisoned, according to an explosive new book about his first year in office. Michael Wolff writes one of the reasons the president prefers fast food is that no one knows he is coming to the establishment, and the food is, presumably, safely premade. In his first days at the White House, a paranoid president gave a very specific order that the housekeeping staff touch nothing in his room, 'especially not his toothbrush.' Advertisement

Trump said Bannon 'doesn't represent my base, he's only in it for himself' and 'had very little to do' with his victory, but 'everything to do' with the loss of the Alabama Senate seat.

The cutting statement went on to say, 'Steve pretends to be at war with the media, which he calls the opposition party, yet he spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was.'

Bannon backed losing candidate Roy Moore, who Trump ultimately campaigned for in the special election after claiming the Republican would have a tough time winning the general election and endorsing his primary opponent.

Sanders said Wednesday that the loss contributed to the falling out between the president, who last spoke to Bannon sometime in early December.

Accusing the president's son of treason is also not a way to 'curry favor' with Trump, she stated, calling the allegation 'ridiculous.'

'I think there are a number of factors that played in,' she told DailyMail.com. 'I would certainly think that going after the president's son and an absolutely outrageous and unprecedented way, is probably not the best way to curry favor with anybody.'

Steve Bannon, chairman of Breitbart News Network LLC, speaks during a campaign rally for Roy Moore, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate from Alabama. The White House issued an extraordinary statement condemning the ex-White House strategist today

After the press briefing former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, whose wife Callista is U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, walked through a press work space on his way to a Fox News interview.

'Bannon has no contingent,' he told DailyMail.com and another reporter ripping into the former White House aide. 'There's a Trump wing of the Republican Party. There's not a Bannon wing.'

The White House had also rejected the notion that feud would weaken Trump's base.

'The base and the people that supported this president supported the president and supported his agenda, those things haven't changed,' Sanders said at her briefing. 'The president still exactly who he was yesterday as he was two years ago when he started out on the campaign trail.'

Trump's spokeswoman said, 'Look at all he's accomplished, I think they're pretty happy with where he is.'

President Trump had also sought to discredit Bannon, considered to have a played a key role in shaping his own victory.

'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,' the president said.

The blast came just hours after Bannon was revealed to have called the infamous June 2016 meeting between top Trump campaign officials and Russians 'treasonous.'

Further, Bannon expressed certainty that then-candidate Donald Trump would have been made aware of the meeting at the time  a claim that, if verified, could play into a collusion narrative being explored by special counsel Robert Mueller.

Trump said Bannon 'spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was'

Bannon, who held a top role in the campaign, shares his disdain in Michael Wolff's forthcoming book, excerpts of which were published Wednesday, that other top officials went into the Trump Tower meeting blind instead of dispatching a legal team to vet information in a hand-off way and failing to alert authorities of a possible crime.

'Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad s***, and I happen to think its all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately,' Bannon mused.

He went after Donald Trump Jr. explicitly for participating, then expressed certainty about what happened next.

'The chance that Don Jr. did not walk these Jumos up to his father's office of the 26th floor is zero,' Bannon said, in an excerpt from 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House.'

SEAT OF POWER: '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,' said Trump

TRUMP'S STATEMENT TORCHING BANNON The following is a 'Statement from the President of the United States' released by the White House: Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my Presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind. Steve was a staffer who worked for me after I had already won the nomination by defeating seventeen candidates, often described as the most talented field ever assembled in the Republican party. Now that he is on his own, Steve is learning that winning isn't as easy as I make it look. Steve had very little to do with our historic victory, which was delivered by the forgotten men and women of this country. Yet Steve had everything to do with the loss of a Senate seat in Alabama held for more than thirty years by Republicans. Steve doesn't represent my basehe's only in it for himself. Steve pretends to be at war with the media, which he calls the opposition party, yet he spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was. It is the only thing he does well. 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. We have many great Republican members of Congress and candidates who are very supportive of the Make America Great Again agenda. Like me, they love the United States of America and are helping to finally take our country back and build it up, rather than simply seeking to burn it all down. Advertisement

'The three senior guys in the campaign thought it was a good idea to meet with a foreign government inside Trump Tower in the conference room on the 25th floor  with no lawyers. They didn't have any lawyers,' Bannon vented in excerpts in the book obtained by the Guardian

The White House issued a separate statement from Sanders before her daily news conference trashing the expose.

'This book is filled with false and misleading accounts from individuals who have no access or influence with the White House,' Sanders said.

'Participating in a book that can only be described as trashy tabloid fiction exposes their sad desperate attempts at relevancy,' she added.

Stephanie Grisham, communications director for Melania Trump, responded to claims in the book that the first lady cried when Trump the election because she never expected him to win.

'The book is clearly going to be sold in the bargain fiction section. Mrs. Trump supported her husband's decision to run for President and in fact, encouraged him to do so. She was confident he would win and was very happy when he did,' Grisham said.

The book also claims the Trump have separate bedrooms in the White House.

NBC News reported Bannon's comment about the chance Donald Trump also met the Russians.

Sanders pointed to Trump's previous denials of collusion when it came up at her news conference.

Trump Jr. told the House Intelligence Committee during testimony that he did not tell his father about the meeting at the time it took place, the Washington Post reported in December.

He told Fox News host Sean Hannity after word of the meeting broke: 'In retrospect, I probably would have done things a little differently.'

He said he did not tell his father about the meeting because nothing came of it.

'It was just a nothing,' the president's son said. 'There was nothing to tell.'

Attending the meeting were Donald Trump Jr., Trump son in law and Bannon's White House rival Jared Kushner, and former campaign chair Paul Manafort, who has since been indicted on money laundering and conspiracy charges.

They met with Kremlin-linked Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya after an offer of potential dirt on Hillary Clinton got dangled to Trump Jr. via an email approach.

'They're going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV,' Bannon, a former Naval officer and Goldman Sachs employee who runs Breitbart News, said of the president's eldest son.

They're going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV

He laid out how the campaign should have handled such an approach. If any meeting happened, it should have been done 'in a Holiday Inn in Manchester, New Hampshire, with your lawyers who meet with these people'. That would allow information to get 'dump[ed]  down to Breitbart or something like that, or maybe some other more legitimate publication,' he said, referencing the Breitbart News site he runs.

'They're going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV,' Bannon said of the president's eldest son, who attended the Trump Tower meeting

A picture taken on November 8, 2016 shows Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya speaking during an interview in Moscow

Bannon took new shots at his rival Trump son in law Jared Kushner. He predicts special counsel Mueller will go after top officials on money laundering to get to President Trump

White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon (R) listens to U.S. President Donald Trump at the beginning of a meeting with government cyber security experts in the Roosevelt Room at the White House January 31, 2017 in Washington

Former White House Chief Strategist Stephen Bannon speaks during the Asahi Shimbun interview on November 16, 2017 in Tokyo, Japan

Trump's son, Don Jr, wrote on Twitter: 'Steve had the honor of working in the White House & serving the country. Unfortunately, he squandered that privilege & turned that opportunity into a nightmare of backstabbing, harassing, leaking, lying & undermining the President. Steve is not a strategist, he is an opportunist'

'You never see it, you never know it, because you don't need to  But that's the brain trust that they had,' he said dismissively.

Trump named Bannon as chief executive of his campaign in August 2016, two months after the Trump Tower meeting with Russians occurred.

Bannon, who says he continues to advise President Trump, also issued predictions about the Mueller probe.

'You realize where this is going,' he said. 'This is all about money laundering. Mueller chose [senior prosecutor Andrew] Wessman first and he is a money-laundering guy. Their path to f***ing Trump goes right through Paul Manafort, Don Jr. and Jared Kushner  It's as plain as a hair on your face,' he said.

According to the Guardian, Bannon insisted that he doesn't know Russians, won't be a witness in the related probes, won't hire a lawyer and won't end up on TV answering questions.

Trump Jr. has denied doing anything improper and says he got nothing of value out of the meeting. Manafort has pleaded not guilty to money laundering charges. Kushner's lawyers say he is cooperating with investigators.

The book also quotes a friend of President Trump confidant Tom Barrack as having told a friend: ''He's not only crazy, he's stupid.'
A New Zealand father has tragically lost his own life in a bid to save his daughter, who became caught in a rip.

Wairongoa Clarence Renata was spending a day at Cable Beach with family, when a number of children, including his 11-year-old daughter, became stuck in a rip, The New Zealand Herald reported.

Mr Renata called for help before dashing out to save the kids at about 4pm on Tuesday, but became caught up in the choppy waters himself.

He was unconscious when another beach-goer pulled him to shore, and efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.

New Zealand father Wairongoa Clarence Renata (pictured) drowned in a rip on Cable Beach after rushing in to try and save his 11-year-old daughter on Tuesday

The 54-year-old was remembered as a 'hero to the end', and was greatly respected in his community

The 54-year-old was remembered by those close to him as a man with close family and community ties, who was well respected and a 'great friend'.

'Our hearts are broken and our minds full of memories of a man that was devoted to his family, friends and country,' one friend wrote to his grieving wife.

'You will surely be missed and that cheeky smile of yours. Our love is with you and your beautiful children whom he adored.'

To many, it came as no shock that he would give his own life in the hope of saving his daughters, with one mourner referring to him as a 'hero to the end'.

His daughter Manea, 11, was pulled from the water by a paddleboarder and rushed to hospital in a critical condition. She has since recovered from her ordeal

His daughter, Manea, was pulled out of the water by a paddleboarder and taken to hospital in a critical condition. She has since been discharged, having made a full recovery.

The four other children, who are all understood to be either siblings or cousins, were also saved from the dangerous rip.

They were assessed by paramedics on the scene but did not require medical attention.
A single-engine plane bound for Texas has gone missing over the Gulf of Mexico.

The plane took off from Oklahoma City at around 2.20pm on Wednesday headed for Georgetown Municipal Airport, but it diverted and went south, according to Kens5.

The Coast Guard is searching for the aircraft - a five-seater Cirrus SR22 with the tail number N325JK amid fears that it may have crashed.

The plane took off from Oklahoma City on Wednesday headed for Georgetown Municipal Airport, but it diverted and went south

The FAA says the pilot was unresponsive to traffic control.

North American Aerospace Defense (NORAD) launched two F-16 fighters from Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base in Houston to attempt to make visual contact with the plane.

"They tried to make radio communications contact with the pilot, as well as doing some basic military maneuvers around the aircraft to get the pilots attention but the pilot was unresponsive," said Major Mary Ricks, a spokeswoman for NORAD and U.S. Northern Command.

The F-16 pilots determined that only the pilot was aboard the aircraft.

The plane which has gone missing in the Gulf of Mexico aircraft is reportedly a five-seater Cirrus SR22

Two additional F-15's from New Orleans, Louisiana were ordered to replace the F-16's that were running low on fuel as they continued to follow the plane over the Gulf of Mexico.

But Maj Ricks said the F-15's were not able to reach the plane to make visual contact.

The Mexican government was alerted about the plane's status and they tracked the aircraft on radar but then lost visibility with it at 6:08pm Central Standard Time.

Ethan Narber, a pilot and aviation enthusiast, said on Twitter that the pilot was upright in his seat but not responding.

'Definitely a medical incident. So sad,' he added.

KOCO News 5 reports the plane was last seen on radar 219 miles northwest of Cancun at 15,000 feet.

It comes one day after President Donald Trump took credit for 2017 being the safest year in commercial aviation.

'Since taking office I have been very strict on Commercial Aviation,' Trump tweeted Tuesday morning. 'Good news - it was just reported that there were Zero deaths in 2017, the best and safest year on record!'

Trump was referring to a study by the Dutch aviation group To70, which reported that there were zero deaths in passenger travel for 2017.
Joshua Boyle, who was recently freed from captivity after years of being held hostage in Afghanistan, has been arrested and faces 15 charges including sexual assault

A Canadian court on Wednesday postponed a bail hearing for former Taliban hostage Joshua Boyle, who was arrested on Saturday and faces a total of 15 criminal charges including assault, sexual assault and forcible confinement.

Boyle was recently freed from captivity in Afghanistan with his wife and children - 2- and 4-year-old boys and an infant daughter.

When they returned to Canada with three children born in captivity, Boyle said a fourth child had been murdered and his spouse raped after their capture by the Taliban-allied Haqqani network.

The Taliban denied the accusations of rape and murder.

Boyle, 34, appeared in an Ottawa courtroom on Wednesday via video link dressed in an orange prison jumpsuit.

He confirmed his name, but did not enter a plea to the charges.

He is due to appear again in court on January 8.

The court imposed a publication ban that prevents media from reporting on information that could identify any victims or witnesses.

The ban also prohibits reporting on the details of the bail hearing.

The charges include eight counts of assault, two counts of sexual assault, two counts of forcible confinement and one count of uttering death threats.

Boyle has retained the services of Lawrence Greenspon, one of Canadas leading criminal defense lawyers.

A Canadian court on Wednesday postponed a bail hearing for Boyle, who is seen above in a court sketch showing him wearing an orange jumpsuit while he appeared via video link in an Ottawa courtroom

Mr. Boyle is presumed innocent of all charges. He has no criminal record and has never been in trouble with the police, Greenspon said in an e-mailed statement.

As Mr. Boyle has only just been charged, we are waiting to receive more information about these allegations so that we can respond to them appropriately in court, Greenspon said.

He declined to comment further.

A sign attached to the door of the Boyle apartment in Ottawa said family members would not be speaking to the media and requested privacy.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corp posted a picture of the notice on its website.

Boyle, of Canada, his American wife Caitlan, and their three children were rescued in October in Pakistan, five years after the couple was abducted by a Taliban-linked militant group while on a backpacking trip in neighboring Afghanistan.

Boyle was reportedly charged with one count of causing someone to 'take a noxious thing, namely Trazodone,' an antidepressant, court documents indicated Tuesday.

There is also a charge of uttering a death threat and a charge of misleading a police officer.

The purported acts allegedly occurred between October 14 - the day after the family returned to Canada - and December 30.

The misleading the police charge stems from an incident on December 30 where Boyle called police to report someone being suicidal and missing. He allegedly concocted the story to 'divert suspicion from himself'.

A judge granted lawyer Ninetta Caparelli's request for adjournment until Monday so the defense can work on a bail plan.

Authorities said the charges include eight counts of assault, two accounts of sexual assault and two counts of unlawful confinement. Boyle was reportedly charged with one count of causing someone to 'take a noxious thing, namely Trazodone'

A day after they were rescued, Boyle told the AP in October that his wife, Caitlan (pictured) had been hospitalized in Ottawa, but did not specify why she was taken to the hospital

In a statement to the Toronto Star, Boyle's wife (left) wrote: 'I can't speak about the specific charges, but I can say that ultimately it is the strain and trauma he was forced to endure for so many years and the effects that that had on his mental state that is most culpable for this'

Ottawa police declined comment.

In a statement to the Toronto Star, Boyle's wife wrote: 'I can't speak about the specific charges, but I can say that ultimately it is the strain and trauma he was forced to endure for so many years and the effects that that had on his mental state that is most culpable for this.'

'Obviously, he is responsible for his own actions,' she added, 'but it is with compassion and forgiveness that I say I hope help and healing can be found for him. As to the rest of us, myself and the children, we are healthy and holding up as well as we can.'

When the family returned to Canada in October, they briefly stayed with Boyle's parents in Smith's Falls, Ontario, but have since moved to an apartment in Ottowa.

According to reports, Caitlin's parents have traveled from the U.S. to support her and her children.

Boyle told the AP in October that his wife had been hospitalized in Ottawa, but did not specify why she was taken to the hospital. He took a picture of her in her hospital bed and emailed it to the AP.

Boyle and his wife were abducted in 2012 by a Taliban-linked militant group while on a backpacking trip in Afghanistan

The parents of Caitlan, who is from Stewartstown, Pennsylvania, said after the rescue that they were elated she had been freed, but they also expressed anger at their son-in law for taking their pregnant daughter to Afghanistan. They are pictured while still in captivity

Pakistani troops rescued the family in an operation October 11 aimed at their captors from the Taliban-linked Haqqani group

He also told the AP that he and his wife decided to have children even while held captive because they always planned to have a big family.

'We're sitting as hostages with a lot of time on our hands,' Boyle said.

'We always wanted as many as possible, and we didn't want to waste time. Cait's in her 30s, the clock is ticking.'

Boyle said then that their three children were 4, 2 and 'somewhere around 6 months'.

'Honestly we've always planned to have a family of 5, 10, 12 children... We're Irish, haha,' he wrote in an email in October.

The parents of Caitlan Boyle, who is from Stewartstown, Pennsylvania, said after the rescue that they were elated she had been freed, but they also expressed anger at their son-in law for taking their pregnant daughter to Afghanistan.

The Pakistanis caught the Haqqani fighters at some point after they had moved with their captives across the border from Afghanistan

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said the operation was based on a tip from US intelligence. Boyle is pictured with one of his children at their family home in Smith Falls, Ontario, Canada

Pakistani troops rescued the family in an operation October 11 aimed at their captors, the Taliban-linked Haqqani group.

The Pakistanis caught the Haqqani fighters at some point after they had moved with their captives across the border from Afghanistan.

Caitlan said that they were being moved in a car when they came under fire and were rescued by the Pakistani forces.

Boyle said he was hit by shrapnel in the incident and that the last thing he heard his captors say was 'kill the hostages'.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said the operation was based on a tip from US intelligence.

Boyle was once briefly married to Zaynab Khadr, the older sister of former Guantanamo Bay detainee Omar Khadr and the daughter of a senior al-Qaida financier who had contacts with Osama bin Laden.

The Canadian-born Omar Khadr was 15 when he was captured by US troops following a firefight and was taken to the US detention center at Guantanamo Bay.

Officials had discounted any link between that background and Boyle's capture, with one describing it in 2014 as a 'horrible coincidence'.

Boyle and his family met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the leader's office last month.

A Twitter account named 'The Boyle Family' with the handle @BoylesVsWorld posted photos of Boyle, his wife, and their three children inside what appears to be the prime minister's Parliament Hill office.

Many are now questioning Trudeau's wisdom for agreeing to the visit and have questioned whether Boyle was already under police investigation at that time.

In a statement Trudeau's office said the meeting was arranged at the request of the family and that the prime minister would always agree to meet freed Canadian hostages.

The discussion of the hostage-taking was the main purpose of the meeting with the Boyles, a government official told www.metronews.ca.

The Prime Minister's office wouldn't comment on the charges due to the ongoing investigation.

In September, Trudeau said he couldn't imagine what the family were going through.

In a separate tweet Boyle revealed he had met Trudeau previously, back in 2006 before he had left for Afghanistan. He did not elaborate on the purpose of the meeting.

Boyle and his family met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the leader's office last month
More than 200 Australian visas have been issued to North Koreans in the past five financial years, the Department of Immigration has revealed.

In the past 12 months alone, at least 25 visas, most of them Temporary Resident visas, have been issued to citizens of the rogue state, and only 25 visas have been refused over the past five financial years.

The figures have been released just weeks after a 59-year-old Australian man was charged with brokering and discussing the supply of weapons of mass destruction.

North Korean citizens have been issued more than 200 visas to Australians over the past five years, figures from the Department of Immigration and Border Security reveal

Chan Han Choi, 59, was allegedly in contact with 'high-ranking officials' within the North Korean regime attempting to transport oil and coal, and provide military expertise.

He was also accused of selling missile components, including software for guidance weapons.

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection were asked for information on North Koreans granted visas to Australia by Labor Senator Kim Carr, on behalf of Shadow Immigration Minister, Shayne Neumann, in October.

Their answer revealed North Koreans had been issued Student, Temporary Resident (other), Temporary Resident (skilled), Visitor and Skilled Independent Visas over the past 12 months.

North Korean citizens must meet specified public interest criteria to enter Australia, the Department's answer noted.

These include considerations of foreign policy interests, weapons of mass destruction proliferation, national security and character.

In October, the Pyongyang regime criticised Australia for supporting the US and South Korea, labelling the nation's actions 'dangerous', and warning if they continued, Australia will not be able to 'avoid disaster'.

The rogue state has also made headlines globally over the past few months for an increasingly frequent number of missile tests, and has reportedly successfully tested a new missile capable of hitting virtually anywhere in the world.

The visa figures come just weeks after Australian man Chan Han Choi, 59, was arrested and charged with brokering and discussing the supply of weapons of mass destruction

Chan Han Choi, 59, was allegedly in contact with 'high-ranking officials' within the North Korean regime attempting to transport oil and coal, and provide military expertise

The country ended a 10-week pause in its weapons testing in November when it fired off a Hwasong-15 rocket - its most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile yet which the regime claimed could be fitted with a 'super heavy nuclear warhead'.

The acting shadow minister for Immigration and Border Protection told Daily Mail Australia it was 'incumbent' on the government to check refugee eligibility.

'Every person who visits Australia (must) meet strict eligibility criteria including health, character and security checks, and that entry is in accordance with Australia's international obligations, including those under applicable sanctions regimes,' Michelle Rowland said.

A spokesperson from the Department of Home Affairs said visitors from all nations, including North Korea, had to satisfy visa requirements.

'Anyone wishing to visit Australia must satisfy Australias visa requirements, including health, character and genuine temporary stay requirements,' the spokesperson said.

North Koreans have been issued Student, Temporary Resident (other), Temporary Resident (skilled), Visitor and Skilled Independent Visas over the past 12 months
Lady Florence Bjelke-Petersen's four children have paid tribute to their mum, a 'true woman of strength' who dedicated her life to serving others.

Ruth Cummins, Helen Folker, John Bjelke-Petersen and Meg Noack delivered the eulogy at her state funeral on Thursday.

Hundreds of mourners, including politicians from all sides of politics, gathered at the Kingaroy Town Hall in regional Queensland on Thursday to farewell the former Nationals senator.

Lady Florence Bjelke-Petersen was laid to rest (pictured) on Thursday in regional Queensland

Family and friends (pictured) paid their respects at the state funeral for Lady Flo in Kingaroy

Lady Flo's son John Bjelke-Petersen arrived with his mum's famous pumpkin scones (pictured)

A sign saying 'Love you Flo' was displayed at the funeral alongside two pumpkins (pictured)

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (pictured) was amoung the many politicians at the funeral

Politicians from all sides of politics including Pauline Hanson (left) and Barnaby Joyce (right) paid their respects for the former Nationals senator

Hundreds gathered (pictured) to remember the extraordinary life of Lady Flo who died December 20, 2017

It was the same venue that hosted the state funeral for her husband, former premier Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen in 2005.

Ms Noack said following her father's death, nothing provided the woman affectionately known as Lady Flo with more joy than news from her family.

She also continued to play scrabble, attend bible study group and play the church organ at her nursing home right up until before she died on December 20 at age 97.

Ms Noack said throughout her life her mum proved herself to be cheerful, caring and someone who freely gave herself to those around her.

'She was a true woman of strength, centred around her faith, her family and her community,' she said.

'Her leadership and care, proven so often in her public life, was brought to bear when it mattered most in her own home, and we will all be forever grateful.'

Lady Flo (pictured) continued to play scrabble, attend bible study group and play the church organ at her nursing home right up until before she died

Lady Flo's state funeral was held at the Kingaroy Town Hall, the same location as where her late husband, former premier Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen's funeral was held in 2005

Ms Bjelke-Petersen's coffin was carried by family members, including son John (centre)

Margaret Bjelke-Petersen (centre) with her daughters at the funeral in regional Queensland

Lady Flo's son, John, (centre) spoke about his mother while his sister Meg Noak remembered her mother as someone who proved to be 'cheerful and caring'

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (pictured) arrived at the state funeral held on Thursday

Mr Turnbull (pictured) was one of many politicians who remembered Ms Bjelke-Petersen

Ms Noack said her mum was a woman who 'left an indelible mark on Queensland and her family and demonstrated a lifelong commitment of serving others'.

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce also paid tribute to his former party colleague.

Mr Joyce said although she wasn't a great orator, it was her 'homespun anecdotes' that had cut through with people.

'The life she lived was a splendid example to the people around her,' he said

Mr Joyce described Lady Bjelke-Petersen as a champion for rural women, who didn't shy away from her own beliefs but who accepted people for what they were.

'It was a great honour to know Lady Flo,' he said.

Lady Flo's children Ruth Cummins, Helen Folker, John Bjelke-Petersen and Meg Noack delivered the eulogy while other family members paid their respects

Member for Kennedy Bob Katter (left) and Mr Joyce (right) attended the state funeral
Almost every school in a New Zealand town has been trashed in just five months by gangs of youths as young as 10.

Lakeview School in Masterton, the country's South Island, was the latest hit with thousands of dollars worth of damage discovered on Tuesday.

Two classrooms were broken into, about 10 reinforced glass windows smashed, a flat-screen TV was ripped off the wall and the the pool are damaged.

Almost every school in a New Zealand town has been trashed in just five months by gangs of youths as young as 10, including smashing TVs

The pool area was one of many things damaged in the attack on Lakeview School in Masterton, on New Zealand's South Island

Principal Tim Nelson was shocked because nothing was stolen and it appeared the vandals just wanted to damage the school.

'It looked like it was just pointless, mindless damage, which is pretty frustrating. 'It would be really good if someone could be held accountable,' he told Stuff.

'The people doing this have to know that they are probably hurting people that they know and love, it is hard to understand.'

Lakeview was earlier vandalised in October along with almost every school in the town in a series of attacks since August.

Two classrooms were broken into, about 10 reinforced glass windows smashed

Principal Tim Nelson was shocked because nothing was stolen and it appeared the vandals just wanted to damage the school

Lakeview was earlier vandalised in October along with almost every school in the town in a series of attacks since August

Wairarapa police sergeant Ian Osland said the damage was caused by different groups of teenagers aged 10 to 15.

Three of the five youths who attacked Lakeview were identified from CCTV as current or former students, with one having a vandalism record.

The school said it received overwhelming support from its community with people offering to come in and clean up.

'This is hugely appreciated and demonstrates what a fantastic community we have; one that is proud of and really cares about Lakeview School,' it said.

Wairarapa police sergeant Ian Osland said the damage was caused by different groups of teenagers aged 10 to 15
A 'clumsy' two-year-old puppy has been left on death row after an incident which left a seven-year-old girl with severe facial injuries.

According to the girl's mother the dog, called Hank, made a 'deliberate, unprovoked attack' on her child, The Courier Mail reports.

But his owners, also from Queensland, are trying to fight for him to be released from 'doggy jail' and his death sentence believe Hank's tooth got caught on the girl's face.

Hank, a two-year-old Neapolitan mastiff, pictured, will be euthanised after being involved in an incident which left a seven-year-old girl needing facial reconstruction surgery

His owners Tammy Bradshaw, pictured, and Nathan Wallace don't believe the incident was an attack and are trying to save the dog

Tammy Bradshaw and Nathan Wallace who have owned Hanks since he was eight weeks old claim their dog never intentionally hurt the young girl.

And their story is being supported by a neighbour - who owns the home where the alleged attack happened.

'It was an accident and the gangly dogs teeth simply came in contact with the child.'

The Moreton Bay Regional Council declared the dog dangerous after the alleged attack in 2016.

The young girl needed reconstructive surgery to correct the injuries caused by Hank, her mother said.

More than 16,500 people have petitioned to save the dog.

A petition to save the animal - who has been declared dangerous by council - has been signed by over 16,000 people
A small dog that was snatched by an eagle and carried high into the sky in Pennsylvania remarkably managed to escape death after it was found bruised and covered in icicles four miles from its home.

Zoey the 8-pound Bichon Frise was seized by the hungry raptor on Tuesday and transported over the trees near the banks of the Lehigh River.

Felipe Rodriguez said he thought he was hallucinating when he witnessed the bird of prey take his sister's little white dog from her yard, flap its massive wings and disappear over the trees with it screeching in agony.

Monica Newhard, right, and her granddaughter, Helen Welch, hold their pet bichon frise, Zoey, as the dog's rescuer, Christina Hartman, stands behind them

Zoey is understandably a little reluctant to go out for walkies after its ordeal , its owners say

Heartbroken Moncia Newhard at one point thought she would never see her beloved pet again

'It seemed like something from the 'Wizard of Oz,' the 50-year-old healthcare executive - visiting from Chicago - told The Associated Press on Wednesday. 'I'm a city boy. This doesn't happen in my world.'

A massive search operation was then initiated, with Mr Rodriguez scouring the neighborhood's woodland along with his sister Monica Newhard and her husband.

When the rescue team failed to find Zoey, Mrs Newhard said that she was heartbroken and 'did nothing but cry all day'.

Yet little did the mourners realize that Zoey had in fact been later that afternoon - a full four miles away.

She is not really herself but she is getting lots of love.. She doesn't want to go out... I really can't blame her.

Zoey's rescuer was Christina Hartman, 51, who said she was driving on a snow-covered back road when she came across a furry white lump ahead of her, prompting her to pull over and investigate.

'I notice this little frozen dog, icicles hanging from all over. It could hardly move,' Ms Hartman said.

She picked up the wounded and bedraggled animal, wrapped it in a blanket and took her home, feeding it two bowls of chicken-and-rice soup as she did so.

Gradually, the Bichon warmed up and began to show some signs of life. But Ms Hartman noticed several small wounds on the back of her neck, and the dog walked with a limp.

It had no collar but Ms Hartman said she realized it obviously came from a family and she was determined to find out who owned it.

It didn't take long. She spotted Newhard's public Facebook post on Wednesday morning - Newhard had uploaded a photo of Zoey - and made an excited call.

'I said, 'It's a miracle! I have your dog!'

Zoey had some bruising and a few missing patches of fur. It's not clear how far the eagle might have carried the dog, but Rodriguez said it was a miracle that Zoey survived.

'She is not really herself but she is getting lots of love,' Ms Newhard, told AP late Wednesday. 'She doesn't want to go out... I really can't blame her.'

Experts say that eagles are quite capable of taking a small dog or a cat.

'It has been documented before, but not that often,' said Laurie Goodrich, a biologist at nearby Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, a ridgetop preserve that annually records tens of thousands of migrating hawks, eagles and falcons.

'Food is scarce right now, particularly with this cold snap,' she said. 'The waterways are freezing up. They're going to be looking a little more widely and taking advantage of whatever might be out there.'
A New York City father-of-10 has died after he was sucker-punched, which caused him to call onto subway tracks.

Jacinto Suarez, 65, was on his way back from a Wednesday meeting with city officials about his social security check that never came, family members told the New York Post.

Suarez, a grandfather-of-13 from Staten Island, was standing on the subway platform at the Jay Street-MetroTech stop in Brooklyn when he was approached by 18-year-old Edward Cordero.

Jacinto Suarez (pictured with three of his 13 grandchildren), 65, was sucker-punched while standing on the subway platform at the Jay Street-MetroTech stop in Brooklyn, New York

The punch caused Suarez to fall onto the subway tracks (crime scene pictured). He was pulled up from the tracks by Good Samaritans but suffered a heart attack and died

The teenager, who police say was 'talking about the devil' on Wednesday, approached Suarez and allegedly proceeded to punch him.

The punch caused the grandfather to fall onto the subway tracks, and he was then pulled up by Good Samaritans.

Somewhere within this chain of events, Suarez suffered a heart attack, the New York Daily News reports.

He was then taken to Brooklyn Hospital, where he died a couple hours after the afternoon attack.

Witnesses say Edward Cordero (not pictured), 18, pushed Suarez. If officials find that Suarez's fatal heart attack was caused by the punch and consequent fall, then Cordero, who was arrested at the scene, could be charged with murder. Pictured is the crime scene

Cordero's family members say he was off his medication for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Pictured is the crime scene

Pictured is an exterior shot of the station. 'He's a pain in the butt, but he was a sweetheart... always dancing with the kids, cracking jokes,' one of Suarez's 10 children said

'He's a pain in the butt, but he was a sweetheart... always dancing with the kids, cracking jokes,' one of his 10 children told the Post.

Cordero, who attends a public school serving students with disabilities, could be charged with murder if officials are able to establish that Suarez's heart attack was caused by the assault.

He was arrested at the scene and taken to a police station. Sources said they believe he will be conveyed to a hospital for psychiatric evaluation.

His family members told the Daily News that he had stopped taking medication for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

'He's paranoid. He's very secretive,' his sister told the Daily News. 'He attacks members of our family.'
South Korean women who were kept as sex slaves in wartime Japan has criticised Tokyo's compensation efforts during a meeting with President Moon Jae-in.

Thousands of Korean girls and women were forced to work in Japan's military brothels, euphemistically termed 'comfort women' by Japan.

Japan agreed to a 6.5million payout in 2015, but this has been rubbished by the women, with one saying Tokyo can have its money back.

Survivor: South Korean President Moon Jae-in met some of the last surviving sex-slaves kept in Japanese military brothers, including Kim Bok-dong, who rubbished Tokyo's 6.5m payout

The 'comfort women' - the around 30 who are still alive - want Japan to take legal, binding responsibility for its actions.

Eight of the women met Moon for lunch at the presidential compound, known as the Blue House, in Seoul, following a government panel ruling on the 2015 agreement.

The panel set up by the South Koreans to investigate the compensation deal announced last week that it had concluded that it failed to meet the comfort women's needs.

Moon said the 2015 deal, under which Japan apologised to victims and provided one billion yen (6.5million) to a fund to help them, was seriously flawed.

Japan said any attempt to revise it could damage relations between the two nations.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in greets South Korean women who were forced to work in Japanese wartime brothels as 'comfort women', at the Presidential Blue House in Seoul

Discussion: Eight of the around 30 comfort women who are still alive met President Moon for lunch at the the Blue House

'We told you the previous government's agreement was wrong and this issue hasn't been resolved,' Moon told one of the women before the lunch.

'It's still not an easy situation to handle within our bilateral relationship.'

Moon wanted to gauge the women's reaction to his government's position on the deal, the Blue House said in a statment.

Moon visited one of the women, Kim Bok-dong, separately in the morning as she was ill and unable to attend the lunch.

'We survived when bullets were raining down and we'll be able to get through this,' Kim told Moon.

'The money should be sent back to Japan,' she said.

South Korean activists estimate that there may have been as many as 200,000 Korean women forced to work in the brothels.

As of December, there are at least 32 surviving, according to a South Korean civic group set up to look after their rights.

Helping hand: President Moon and first lady Kim Jung-Suk greet one of the surviving 'comfort women' on Thursday

It was the second time former 'comfort women' visited the Blue House during Moon's presidency after one was invited to a dinner when U.S. President Donald Trump visited in November.

Moon's announcement on the Japanese deal last week raised consternation in Japan, where media reported said Prime Minister Shinzo Abe may decide not to visit South Korea for the Winter Olympics there next month.

South Korea's foreign ministry said on Thursday it would seek final measures on the issue as quickly as possible while one ministry official told Reuters the measures could be finalised as early as next week.

Strained ties come as the U.S. allies are trying to cooperate on security in the face of North Korea's nuclear and missile development.

But their bitter history, including Japanese colonisation of the Korean peninsula and the issue of the women, has regularly been a source of rancour between them.

Moon came to power in May after the removal of his disgraced predecessor, Park Geun-hye, whose conservative government was criticised for failing to fully consult victims over the 2015 settlement.
CBS News fired political director Steve Chaggaris over alleged 'inappropriate behavior,' it was reported late Wednesday.

Chaggaris, a longtime employee of CBS News, was most recently in charge of overseeing the division's coverage of the Trump administration.

News of his ouster was first reported by CNN.

Chaggaris deleted his Twitter account sometime in the past two days.

His firing comes six weeks after CBS dismissed another big name from its roster of journalists, Charlie Rose.

CBS News fired political director Steve Chaggaris over alleged 'inappropriate behavior,' it was reported late Wednesday

Rose, who co-hosted the morning show, was fired after The Washington Post revealed allegations of sexual misconduct made by a number of women.

CBS News said it encouraged staff members to report instances of harassment and other inappropriate behavior in the wake of a rash of high-profile cases.

A spokesperson for CBS News told CNN that the allegations against Chaggaris surfaced just before the Christmas holiday.

'In the last two weeks, accounts of inappropriate behavior by Steve Chaggaris were brought to our attention and were immediately investigated,' a network spokesperson told CNN.

His firing comes six weeks after CBS dismissed another big name from its roster of journalists, Charlie Rose

'As a result, CBS News has severed ties with Mr. Chaggaris for violating company policy, effective immediately.'

CBS employees were told of the decision to fire Chaggaris on Wednesday.

Chaggaris had been with the network since 1999.

During his tenure with CBS News, he worked as a producer, reporter, and editor.

Last March, he was promoted to be its political director.

Since the revelations of movie mogul Harvey Weinstein's alleged sex crimes this past October, a number of high-profile media figures have been forced out of their jobs due to similar accusations of misconduct.

Since October, New York Times reporter Glenn Thrush; author Mark Halperin; NBC's Matt Lauer; Matthew Zimmerman, also of NBC; Michael Oreskes of NPR; Vox's Lockhart Steele; Hamilton Fish of The New Republic; and The Atlantic's Leon Wieseltier have either been suspended or fired due to varying degrees of alleged harassment or assault.

Before the Weinstein allegations came to light, Bill O'Reilly and Roger Ailes were forced out from Fox News over allegations they sexually harassed women in the workplace.
This is the blog of China defense, where professional analysts and serious defense enthusiasts share findings on a rising military power.
Nine backpackers were rushed to hospital in Perth, Australia, after ingesting a travel sickness drug they mistook for cocaine.

The seven men and two women, aged between 21-25, snorted a white powder they found in a houseshare in a Perth suburb, and soon descended into various states of 'agitated delirium' and paralysis.

Three of them, two Frenchmen and one German woman, remain in critical condition in hospital Thursday, two days after snorting the drug.

Lucky escape: One of the nine backpackers who mistook a white powder for cocaine and has lived to tell the take leaves hospital on Wednesday

Shocking scenes: Neighbours described a frightening scene in which the delirious young people were wheeled out of the house (pictured) on stretchers to nine ambulances

The drug was on Thursday identified as motion sickness drug hyoscine, which is also used as a date rape drug as it puts victims into a 'zombie-like' state.

'Several of these people would have died I'm pretty sure without medical intervention,' Royal Perth Hospital emergency doctor David McCutcheon told the West Australian newspaper.

'They were hallucinating, their hearts were racing, several of them had to be put in a medically induced coma for their own protection and I really need to emphasise how seriously unwell they were.'

Five French citizens, aged between 21 and 24, two Germans, aged 21 and 22, an Italian, 25, and a Moroccan, 24, were released from hospital on Wednesday.

Emergency services were called to the home in Perth just before midnight on Tuesday, finding a group of seriously ill people in different states of unconsciousness

Another survivor, which includes five French citizens, aged between 21 and 24, two Germans, aged 21 and 22, an Italian, 25, and a Moroccan, 24, leaves hospital

The prescription drug Hyoscine which can be found in travel sickness drugs such as the one pictured, was found in the samples taken from the patients

Western Australia Police said Hyoscine - also known as Scopolamine - was the only identifiable drug detected in the samples taken from the patients.

One victim, an Italian who gave his name as Simone, told the West Australian the drug arrived at the house in a package addressed to a person who did not live there anymore.

When the residents opened the package, they found some white powder wrapped in a piece of paper with the word 'scoop' written on it.

Thinking it was cocaine, they divided the powder up and snorted the substance, Simone said, telling the newspaper that he then became paralysed and could not scream for help.

'We were powerless, we couldn't do anything,' he added.

All nine people who were hospitalised are either backpacking or studying in Perth

Neighbour Sophie Barnet told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation the nine were suffering from seizures and had glassed eyes when they were taken from the house on stretchers.

'It was so scary to look at... A lot of them were shaking and trying to get out of the bed, but I don't think they knew they were doing it.'

Another local resident described the house as a backpacker's 'bed and breakfast', and said the victims were acting in an almost zombie-like state.

'It was just absolutely crazy. People just started coming out in stretchers, most of them were in like an unconscious state, but one of them was kicking and having almost like a spasm.'

Police seized substances from the home and Organised Crime were notified of the presence of drugs.
Parker (pictured) had been sleeping rough near the arena that night and stole a mobile phone and a purse

A homeless man hailed a hero after he claimed to help to comfort people injured in the Manchester Arena bombing has been branded the lowest of the low by the family of a young girl killed in the atrocity.

Chris Parker, 33, took injured Pauline Healey's purse as her 14-year-old granddaughter Sorrell Leczkowski lay dying just minutes after the atrocity which killed 22 innocent people.

Graphic footage was played at Manchester Crown Court which showed Parker kneeling over bodies, rifling their bags and taking photographs of dead bodies as he made his way through the foyer to try and steal from victims.

Charlotte Hodgson, whose daughter Olivia Campbell, 15, from Bury, was one of Abedis victims, branded Parker disgusting.

She added: People raised money for him to try and get him off the streets. He should be ashamed for what he has done.

Paul Hodgson, Olivias stepfather, described Parker as the lowest of the low.

More than 3,700 people gave a total of 52,539 in good faith after Parker's sham story spread around the world.

Michael Johns, who started the fundraising appeal, said all the money will be now refunded.

Charlotte Hodgson, whose daughter Olivia died in the attack, branded Parker disgusting

In a statement on the GoFundMe page, Mr Johns said: 'I would like to extend my sympathies to his victims that night and also apologise to them for any distress this campaign may have caused them whilst they continue to recover and grieve.'

He added that GoFundMe policy prevents him from giving the funds to any other charity or cause.

Olivia Campbell, 15, from Bury, was one of Abedis victims

CCTV footage showed Parker prodding Mrs Healey's body to check if she was still alive before stealing her purse just moments after the attack on May 22.

The thief, who had been sleeping rough nearby that night, later stole a teenage girl's iPhone 6 and used Mrs Healey's bank card to buy food in McDonald's.

Just minutes earlier at least 400 people were injured following an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena.

He had initially been hailed a 'hero' after he described wrapping an injured girl in a T-shirt and cradled a dying woman in his arms.

But he was arrested after CCTV footage showed him stealing the purse of Mrs Healey as her granddaughter lay dying yards away and also taking the mobile phone.

The horrifying footage was played as Parker, from Halifax, West Yorkshire, pleaded guilty to stealing a purse, a second charge of theft of an iPhone 6 from a girl - who cannot be named - and fraud by using one of Mrs Healey's cards.

He denied further charges of attempting to steal the content of a handbag, attempted theft of a coat, using Mrs Healey's bank card in a Tesco store and of using it on the Greater Manchester public transport system.

After the pleas, it emerged he had been on the run for a month when he was bailed to a hostel on condition he wore an electronic tag.

It is believed he cut the tag off and dumped it in a soup can before failing to appear in court on December 6. A warrant was issued for his arrest three days before Christmas.

The attack in May last year (pictured) killed 22 innocent people and left more than 400 injured

Shocking 20 minute video shows shameless homeless man steal from terror victims In a 20 minute compilation of CCTV footage from the arena, too graphic to be released, the defendant is seen going in and out of the foyer, walking around various parts of the entrance. The footage begins with scenes of crowds leaving the arena visibly flinching as the bomb detonates and a second later terrified concert-goers putting their hands to their mouths and running. Moments later people gingerly return to the smoke-logged bomb scene and though the footage is pixelated, it is clear there are bodies strewn across the area. There are also pools of blood and what appear to be body parts and pixelated mounds of people, not moving. Parker, carrying a rucksack on his back and wearing a woolly cap, is seen walking around, clearly agitated, either looking at his phone or with it to his ear, as dazed people wander around. The defendant appears to go to the aid of one woman, crouching down as she sits up. Police and what appear to be arena staff in hi-visibility jackets then appear before more police arrive en masse. He also speaks to one bewildered young girl, comforting her along with a police officer. The youngster's mother is believed to be one of the fatalities. Advertisement

Parker was detained on Tuesday evening when police found him hiding in a loft hours after he failed to show up for his trial having earlier told his ex-girlfriend he planned to give himself up.

The court also heard that after his arrest Parker had been remanded in custody at HMP Manchester but was unable to leave his cell because of death threats from fellow inmates.

He showed no emotion and bowed his head in the dock as prosecutor Louise Brandon said: 'He has admitted stealing items from the victims of the terror attack at Manchester Arena.

'Under these circumstances the prosecution accept his pleas and will not be looking for a trial on the remaining counts.'

John Broadley, defending, said: 'The only thing he can do is plead guilty and sincerely apologise for his appalling behaviour on that evening.

'The defendant does not shirk from the fact this will be a custodial sentence.'

Parker will be sentenced on January 30 and was remanded in custody. Judge David Hernandez said: 'A custodial sentence is likely in this case.

'Christopher Parker you have pleaded guilty to the counts on the indictment and the prosecution accept these.'

Earlier the footage showed Parker looking over his shoulder as people run in the foyer after the explosion.

Chris Parker pleaded guilty at Manchester Crown Court on Wednesday to stealing a purse and a mobile phone from victims of the attack

Parker ended up being reunited with his mother Jessica (pictured) after his story went around the world following the attack

More than 50,000 was raised after a GoFundMe page was set up for Parker following the attack

He went on his own mobile phone before going into the arena and walked past bodies and was kneeling over them.

He kicked a bag and looked inside it before walking around around talking to police at the scene.

Seconds later he was back on his phone again before squatting on the floor appearing to looking for items.

Parker was seen to pick up a phone but was not seen putting it down again.

He was also seen speaking outside the venue to a child believed to be 12-year-old Millie Kiss whose mother Michelle died in the explosion.

He spent several moments with the girl before going back on his phone and returning inside the arena where he was spotted taking photographs of the scene.

Parker was seen to bend down over Mrs Healey and touch her before picking up her bag and looking in it. He was also taking pictures of her.

Photos found on his phone showed bodies strewn around the floor in the foyer, a shirtless man being tended to as he lay seriously injured and a third picture of Mrs Healey with her hand over her face eyes closed in pain.

A fourth image showed a pound coin next to a nail shrapnel.

The grandmother underwent 15 hours of surgery to remove shrapnel from her body and also suffered multiple compound fractures to her arms and legs, while Sorrell's mother was also seriously injured.

Sorrell, who was a pupil at Allerton High School in Leeds, was hoping to be an architect and wanted to study at Columbia University in New York.

Shocking moment homeless man says he would 'happily do it all over again' when pretending to be a hero

Chris Parker, 33, became an overnight celebrity after he claimed he helped injured victims following the atrocity.

But he denied being a 'hero' and said he was simply a 'regular guy' who ran into the Manchester Arena because he 'heard children screaming'.

But he was later found to be a fraud after he admitted stealing from the victims when they were fighting for their lives.

Speaking just days after the attack, he said: 'My name is Chris Parker. I'm supposed to be a hero, but I'm not a hero.

Chris Parker (pictured) spoke just days after the attack and said that was just a 'regular guy'

'I'm just a normal guy. Just a normal, regular guy who ran into the arena that night all because I heard kids screaming - I had no choice. And I'd do it all over again quite happily.

'I'm still homeless on the streets, even though the public has been funding all these funds.

'The funds don't get released until next week so I'm struggling, really struggling.

'Someone's even just bought me chicken and chips for god's sake.

'I'm hoping to get my family back together, that's what I'm hoping to get. It would be a big start for me.'
A man accused of punching a teenage girl at Schoolies has fronted court.

Footage of an 18-year-old yelling at a young woman before reportedly hitting her in Victor Harbor, South Australia, surfaced online as schoolies wrapped up in November.

Police confirmed she didn't sustain any serious injuries from the attack, but the initial blow did 'knock her off her feet.'

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A man accused of punching a teenage girl at Schoolies in South Australia has fronted court

The teenager was arrested and charged with assault and disorderly behaviour, Nine News reported.

Saturday was only the first day of revelry for south coast teenagers like the accused, who has since been arrested and charged with assault (pictured)

An estimated 8,000 young people are expected to descend on South Australia over the next week, with many camping or hiring campervans around the Fleurieu Peninsula.

An 18-year-old was also taken to South District Hospital with back pain and lacerations to his neck after an accident at a beach on Friday morning.

It is believed the young man dived into the ocean and didn't see the sharp rocks lurking below the surface, The Advertiser reports.

The arrest comes just hours after police praised the 'chilled and relaxed behaviour' of school leavers at Victor Harbor.

The arrest comes just hours after police praised the 'chilled and relaxed behaviour' of school leavers at Victor Harbor
Holidaymakers have one final change to squeeze in a getaway for a bargain price before heading back to the daily grind.

Low cost airline Tigerair has release a host of cheap fares for holiday destinations around the country, but jet setters will need to reserve their seats before January 6.

One way flights can be purchased for less than $40 for east-coast based travelers, and a flight from the east to west coast will cost less than $130.

Australians can still book themselves on a last minute getaway before heading back to work, with Tigerair releasing a host of cheap fares from as little as $39

One way flights can be purchased for less than $40 for east-coast based travelers, and a flight from the east to west coast will cost less than $130

The only catch  bargain fares will need to be enjoyed on pre-selected dates from late January through to early March.

Sydney-based flyers can head to Coffs Harbour or the Gold Coast for $39, Brisbane or Melbourne for $49, Whitsunday Coast for $75, Cairns for $99 or Perth for $129.

Those in Melbourne have access to similar deals, and can get to Hobart for $39, Adelaide and Sydney for $49 and to Cairns and Townsville for less than $100.

Flights Melbourne to Brisbane, Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour, Canberra, Cairns and Townsville are also all on offer for under $100 one-way.

Eager travelers can enjoy a trip to Melbourne (pictured) for just $49 if they're flying from Sydney or Adelaide, and just $39 if they're flying from Hobart

Queensland's beautiful Gold Coast (pictured) can be enjoyed from late January to early March for a bargain price - Sydney flyers can get there for just $39, and Victorians only $69

CHEAPEST DEALS Sydney - Coffs Harbour $39 Sydney - Gold Coast $39 Melbourne - Hobart $39 Sydney - Melbourne $49 Adelaide - Melbourne $49 Whitsunday Coast - Brisbane $49 Melbourne - Gold Coast $49 Sydney - Adelaide $59 Perth - Melbourne $129 Brisbane - Adelaide $79 Advertisement

Dates available for the steal prices vary for each location but span from January 30 through to March 18, with a large portion of the generous deals available mid February.

Queenslanders can also get in on the action, with affordable flights out of the Gold Coast to Sydney for $39, Melbourne for $69, or Hobart for $99.

Brisbane flyers can get to both the Whitsunday Coast and Sydney on less than $50, while a fare to Melbourne, Adelaide or Canberra will set them back less than $80.

Perth-based jet setters can enjoy the rare opportunity to snap up a cheap trip to the east coast, with flights to Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne costing just $129.

A summer sunset in the gorgeous Coffs Harbour can be accessed on the cheap from Sydney, for $39, or Melbourne for $69

A flight to the stunning Whitsunday Coast from Brisbane costs just $49, and from Sydney just $75

Those in South Australia haven't been left out, with a fare from Adelaide to Melbourne costing just $49, to Sydney a dismal $59, and to Brisbane only $79.

While the New Year's Leave special offers unbelievably cheap deals, flyers should keep in mind fares won't be refundable and are not inclusive of checked baggage.

Extra luggage, meals, seat selection and equipment will hike the total cost up, and commuters may need to settle for less than ideal flight times.
A man who allegedly dragged a young mother from her car in a shocking road rage attack is being hunted by police.

The middle aged man is accused of violently attacking the woman on Scottsdale Dr at Robina, on the Gold Coast, about 1.30pm on Wednesday afternoon.

Queensland Police released an image of the man the day after the attack hoping it leads to information about his identity.

A man who allegedly dragged a young mother from her car (pictured) in a shocking road rage attack at Robina, on the Gold Coast, on Wednesday afternoon is being hunted by police

The middle aged man is accused of violently attacking the woman on Scottsdale Drive about 1.30pm on Wednesday afternoon

The image shows the man stepping into a white ute in the moments after the attack.

A spokesperson for Queensland Police said no charges had been laid and they were looking for the alleged offender.
A man has been charged after police seized over 100 guns and thousands of rounds of ammunition on the weekend.

Detectives from Darling River Local Area Command visited a rural property in Cobar, western New South Wales, on December 31 for a firearms audit.

During a search of the property police allegedly found and seized 118 firearms, including 109 which were allegedly unregistered and not safely stored.

A man has been charged after police seized over 100 guns (pictured) and thousands of rounds of ammunition on the weekend

The haul included revolvers, rifles, shotguns and shortened rifles, and thousands of rounds of ammunition were also seized.

A 56-year-old man was arrested on Thursday and charged with the unauthorised possession of firearms in circumstances of aggravation and not keeping firearms safely.

The man's firearms licence was suspended, and he was granted conditional bail.

He will face Cobar Local Court on Wednesday January 24.
Gary Sims (pictured) was driving to join his wife on holiday when he made a 'spontaneous' decision to see the secluded falls in the Derbyshire Peak District

The body of a businessman who was fascinated with waterfalls was found four days after he suffered a fatal fall at a beauty spot wearing just shorts and espadrilles.

Gary Sims was driving to join his wife on holiday when he made a 'spontaneous' decision to see the secluded falls in the Derbyshire Peak District.

The nature lover wanted to visit the natural water features high up on the moorlands after reading about them in a guide.

However a coroner heard how the 60-year-old was ill-prepared, dressed in shorts and a jumper and carrying a rucksack containing a towel and change of clothes.

The father-of-two had parked his car on the A57 Snake Pass and set off to walk the short distance to the Fair Brook falls at the foot of Kinder Scout.

But at some point he fell, fracturing his ribs, pelvis and skull, before he collapsed and died as he tried to make it back to his vehicle.

He had told no one about his plans to visit the area and his body lay undiscovered for four days before it was found by mountain rescue teams.

Chesterfield Coroner's Court heard the blow to his head caused a bleed on his brain, but he may have been able to walk some distance before he fell to the ground.

Mr Sims of High Wycombe, Bucks, was found dead near to the Snake Inn pub on the A57 on Friday, August 24 last year.

A police report said he had last been seen alive on Monday, August 21, as he left his hotel in Manchester. He ran his own broadcast equipment company and had been working in the city.

The father-of-two had parked his car on the A57 Snake Pass and set off to walk the short distance to the Fair Brook falls (pictured) at the foot of Kinder Scout

He had told his wife Tanya that he would meet her at a holiday cottage in Whistable, Kent, later that afternoon, but he never arrived. His family reported him missing two days later.

Fair Brook is on the northern edge of Kinder Scout and is less than half-a-mile from the Snake Pass road which runs from Glossop to Sheffield.

His blue VW Polo was spotted on traffic cameras heading towards South Yorkshire just after 11am on the Monday morning. That led to the search along the road and his car was found in a layby 24 hours before his body was discovered.

The brook which leads up to Kinder Scout has several waterfalls along its way and guides warn that it can be 'tricky' to get down to, but 'well worth it' because of the views and the summer heather.

He had become interested in waterfalls after a holiday to Australia in 2015 and had bought a copy of 'The Waterfalls of England: A Practical Guide for Visitors and Walkers'.

Mr Sim's family described him as a 'methodical planner' who made technical notes of walks he was undertaking.

A coroner heard how the 60-year-old was ill-prepared, dressed in espadrilles (stock image), shorts and a jumper and carrying a rucksack containing a towel and change of clothes

But the inquest, which none of Mr Sims's family attended, was told his footwear was not suitable for the terrain in the ravine and his injuries were consistent with 'a heavy fall'.

Derbyshire's Assistant Coroner Peter Nieto said: 'It's highly likely that he wanted to explore the area just off the A57, but he had not discussed it with his wife.

'It was probably a spontaneous decision he made while travelling by himself. He was wearing pumps with no socks which were not suitable walking attire.

'It is an easy walk, unless you leave the natural pathways. There are trip hazards and rocks hidden in the foliage. Wearing unsuitable footwear would make this even more dangerous.'

Two post mortems were carried out and police mounted a large investigation to establish how the businessmen had died after initial fears of foul play.

Eventually the cause of death was established as a head injury consistent with Mr Sims' head hitting a rock or heavy object.

Giving a conclusion that Mr Sims died as the result of an accident the coroner added: 'The exact sequence of events will never be known, but all the evidence points to him suffering a fall while walking by himself.

'He tried to make his way back to his car, but sadly perished before he could be found.

'On the balance of probability he has slipped on rocks while wearing footwear that was not suitable and suffered injuries, most notably a head injury, that resulted in his death.'
Drinkers can raise a toast to Princess Charlotte in the first pub ever named after the Royal toddler.

The bespoke boozer in Colchester, Essex, has just started serving punters and has proved a hit with regulars.

It was hoped the bar staff could pop a cork of Champagne when the The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's second child was born - but it was hit with a two-year planning delay.

McMullen's Brewery, who own the pub, said it would invite Kate, William, Charlotte, and George to see what's on offer.

The Princess Charlotte in Colchester, Essex, is the first pub named after The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's second child

It was due to open just after she was born but was hit by a two-year planning delay

Princess Charlotte has a busy month ahead as she is due to start nursery today. Luckily, owner McMullen's Brewery said it would invite William, Kate, George and Charlotte along to visit

The pub is the second of the brewery's named after a royal baby with the Prince George recently opening in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire

The history of Royal pub names Naming pubs after royalty has a long history in the UK From 1393 pubs were ordered to hang a sign outside to make them easily visible. Many chose to hang signs with symbols on, as most people were illiterate. One of these signs was the white hart, the personal badge of the king at the time, Richard II Others adopted the crown symbol as it meant they would not have to change their sign with the death of each ruler - and it is now the second most common pub name in the country Another popular name is the Royal Oak, which is named after the tree Charles II hid inside to escape from Oliver Cromwell's forces during the Battle of Worchester in 1651. Naming a pub after the royalty was a way of demonstrating loyalty - particularly after the restoration of the monarchy Other Royal names include the Prince of Wales (with many pubs being renamed to the Princess of Wales after Diana's death), the Queen Victoria, the King's Arms, the Queen's Head, and the Prince Regent Advertisement

Managing director Heydon Mizon said: 'We aim to treat every guest like Royalty at the Princess Charlotte and this would of course include the Princess herself.

'The pub had been due to open shortly after Princess Charlotte was born, the baby wasn't at the mercy of a lengthy planning delay and so arrived on time, the pub however was significantly overdue.'

The pub is the second of the brewery's named after a royal baby with the Prince George recently opening in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire.

He added: 'McMullen's have been brewing beer, operating pubs and looking after our pubs for over 190 years.

'With this in mind, we try to select names that are interesting, relevant to the time or place that a pub is built and that will stand the test of time.'

Sporting a regal pub sign inspired by The Royal Coat of Arms the establishment stocks traditional English ales.

Despite its high-class name the humble new-built boozer serves classic pub grub like burgers, chicken and curry.

Local Dave Smith said: 'I'm not a Royalist, but I've certainly raised a glass or two in there.'

Managing director Heydon Mizon said: 'We try to select names that are interesting, relevant to the time or place that a pub is built and that will stand the test of time'

He added: 'We aim to treat every guest like Royalty at the Princess Charlotte and this would of course include the Princess herself'

The tot is due to start at the Willcocks Nursery School where fees are 9,150 a year for morning sessions and 5,400 for afternoons

With so many pubs named after royalty, it's no surprise some members of the family are partial to a good pint. Here the late Queen Mother enjoyed a pint in the Queen's Head pub in London

During a visit to the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin in 2011 the Queen eyed up a pint poured by Master Brewer Fergal Murray

Here His Royal Highness Prince Charles pours a pint while visiting Poundbury, Dorset, in 2002
Joe Hirst, 22, was flying to the Canary islands with his girlfriend, Shannon Potter,(pic outside Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday) to celebrate his birthday when the alleged assault happened

A passenger on his first-ever flight abroad stroked a male airline steward's groin 'for a laugh' after he got drunk with his girlfriend to calm his nerves, a court heard.

Briton Joe Hirst, 22, was flying to the Canary islands with his girlfriend to celebrate his birthday - but at 30,000 feet he inexplicably reached out and fondled the purser's inside leg in a 'cupping motion' as the victim was serving drinks to other passengers, it was alleged.

The steward, who as the victim of a sexual attack cannot be named for legal reasons, rebuked Hirst for his behaviour but was met with a drunken grin and snigger by the unruly holidaymaker who also said: 'Ooooohhh' to him in a mock-gay flirtatious voice, a jury heard.

Hirst, of Brighouse, West Yorkshire, was later escorted off the Jet2 aircraft by Spanish police when it touched down at Fuerteventura but was not arrested on suspicion of sexual assault until he arrived back in the UK after his holiday.

It emerged the alleged assault had been carried out after he had been drinking beer and vodka bought earlier from duty free.

The incident occurred on January 15 last year after Hurst, a driveway builder, and his girlfriend of six months, Shannon Potter boarded the 10am flight from Manchester for the trip which had been booked for him as a birthday present.

The steward, who cannot be named, rebuked Hirst(pictured with girlfriend Ms Potter) for his behaviour but was met with a drunken grin, the jury heard

Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester heard trouble began two and a half hours into the flight when Hirst kept putting his leg in the aisle causing an obstruction to cabin crew as they served drinks and snacks.

The steward - who cannot be named - told the hearing: 'Throughout the flight there seemed to be an issue with his left leg in the aisle.

'That happened on numerous occasions where colleagues had asked for his leg to be moved.

'Initially he wasn't a problem but as the flight progressed he seemed to become less aware of things and his reactions were much slower.

The holidaymaker(pic outside court) also said: 'Ooooohhh' to him in a mock-gay flirtatious voice, the court heard

'At about 12.30, during the second bar service he began to reach with his arm as if getting something from the trolley and when I asked what he was doing he looked up and with the same hand he reached around and touched my thigh with an upward stroking motion.

'I was facing towards the rear of the plane and he was on my left. He seemed to take it as a bit of a joke - there was a little laugh and snigger.

'He said the word: "Ooohhh" in a flirtatious voice and then went to touch my genital area.

'Initially I was totally shocked and I couldn't even think what had just happened. I said to him: "Do you think that is appropriate," and he responded with a snigger.

'I tried to carry on but my colleague told me to get off the bar and I went to the front of the aircraft where I told a senior member of crew what had happened.'

Another cabin crew member said: 'His legs were constantly in the aisle and every time we were on a cart service we had to ask him to move them.

'We were going out on our final drinks service and we were heading towards Row 27 where the defendant was sat.

Passenger Audrey Pritchard, who was sat next to Hirst during the flight, said: 'He didn't buy any drinks but seemed a bit drunk.' Pic: Stock photo of a Jet2 flight

'My colleague asked him to move his leg which he did after a long period of time. But his left hand then reached over as if he was going to steal something from the cart draw. He then reached up into his inner thigh and groin area with an open cupping motion.

'As his hand went up, my colleague jumped back and said: 'Do you think that is appropriate.'

His expression changed and he looked angry so I told him to back to the front and get him away from the situation.'

In his defence Hirst said: 'The holiday was booked for my birthday - this was me and my girlfriend's(pic) first holiday together and my first ever time on a plane'

Passenger Audrey Pritchard, who was sat next to Hirst during the flight, said: 'He didn't buy any drinks but seemed a bit drunk.

'He seemed to have a bottle of cola in his hand and it just never seemed empty even though he was drinking it. He kept going to the toilet, I think about five times.

'He kept putting his leg out on the aisle and as people went past they had to step over it. Once or twice members of the cabin crew asked him to move it.

'When the crew came round with the drinks trolley, he leaned forward and went to touch the member of crew in the groin. He laughed when he did this.

'The crew member pushed his hand away and said something like: "Don't do that, it is very inappropriate". I think he was in shock.'

In his defence Hirst said: 'The holiday was booked for my birthday - this was me and my girlfriend's first holiday together and my first ever time on a plane.

'I was nervous and on the morning of the flight I felt really nervous.

'When we arrived at the airport we went and got some breakfast and had a couple of bottles beers and vodkas - I think I had about four or five drinks.

Hirst(pic with Ms Potter) said: 'I had only reached my arm out to get a drink because I was messing around. I didn't intend to touch him and I didn't touch him'

'I drunk because I was nervous, it was never my intention to carry on drinking on the flight.

'I wouldn't say I was drunk, I was a bit merry - about a two or three on a scale of one to 10. I had my last drink about an hour before boarding the plane.

'We bought a litre bottle of vodka from duty free which my girlfriend kept in her hand luggage bag.'

He added: 'I just didn't have enough room in my seat, I am 6ft and I cannot sit still half the time in general. I didn't realise I was being an obstruction - I didn't mean anything by it.

Miss Potter 22, a care assistant(pic with Hirst) said: 'This was our first holiday together and he told me that he hadn't been on a flight before and he was very nervous about it'

'On the drinks round, the male crew member tripped over my leg and said I shouldn't have done that, he seemed quite annoyed but that was the end of the incident.

'I had only reached my arm out to get a drink because I was messing around. I didn't intend to touch him and I didn't touch him. My hand was a good foot away from him.

'When the Spanish police spoke to me after the flight I thought they wanted to speak to me about my foot. I had never been on a flight before.'

Miss Potter 22, a care assistant said: 'This was our first holiday together and he told me that he hadn't been on a flight before and he was very nervous about it.

'We arrived at the airport at about 7am and had about four or five vodka and colas. Joe seemed fine, he knew what he was doing and saying.

'He seemed fine to me. He kept saying he was nervous and I reassured him but other than that he was okay.

'He had stuck his leg out three or four times because there was no leg room. At one point, the male cabin crew member got to Joe's leg and stumbled back a few steps.

'He said to Joe: "You shouldn't have done that," and Joe said: "Sorry, I didn't mean to do that." Joe had been pointing towards a drink on the trolley, I didn't see him make any contact.

Hirst(pic with Ms Potter) denies sexual assault on a man. The trial at Minshull Street Crown Court continues

'When we left the plane we were wondering why the police had wanted to speak to us but we both just carried on with our holiday.

'I had thought the allegation was about him sticking his leg out and the cabin crew member tripping over it.'

The court heard the steward complained to police when he returned to the UK.

Prosecuting Mr Alaric Bassano said: 'There is no suggestion that the defendant is gay but the sound he made seems to have been said in a way as if the defendant believed that the complainant was gay or implying that male members of cabin crew are likely to be gay.

'The defendant had been drinking and making a nuisance of himself and for reasons best known to himself almost certainly contributed to by alcohol he deliberately touched the genitals over clothing of a male member of cabin crew.'

Hirst denies sexual assault on a man. The trial continues.
Donald Trump spent his early evenings in the White House eating cheeseburgers in his room and trashing members of his senior staff on the phone with friends, according to an explosive new book.

The President used these calls speculate on the flaws and weaknesses of each lieutenant vying for his attention, in scathing and often personal remarks.

Chief strategist Steve Bannon was disloyal and always looked like s**t, chief of staff Reince Priebus was weak and too short - a midget - while press secretary Sean Spicer was an idiot who also dressed terribly.

Counselor Kellyanne Conway was derided as a crybaby and son-in-law and senior advisor Jared Kushner was branded a suck-up who should never have come to Washington with wife Ivanka, the book claims Trump said.

Donald Trump spent his early evenings in the White House trashing his senior advisers to friends over the phone, including chief strategist Steve Bannon, who he described as a disloyal man who always looks like s**t, according to a new book

Trump's opinion of chief of staff Reince Priebus was no more flattering, describing him as weak and a midget, according to columnist Michael Wolff

The astonishing account is contained in columnist Michael Wolff's new book, Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, which he pieced together from time spent embedded in the President's residence and more than 200 interviews.

An excerpt was published on Wednesday in New York Magazine.

He details how Trump and his team were caught completely off-guard with their election victory, having never intended to win, meaning the early days of the new administration were chaos.

During this time Bannon, Kushner and Priebus vied against each other for the President's attention, each knowing that 'the last person the president spoke to ended up with enormous influence', the book says.

Each used a different strategy to appeal to Trump, with Bannon relying on 'a f***-you show of force', Priebus offering flattery from congress and Kusher promising the approval of businessmen.

While Trump wanted to approval from all three camps, he found their attentions vexatious and vented his frustrations to anyone he could get on the phone.

By 6.30pm Trump was usually in his room eating a cheeseburger, watching three TV screen and calling acquaintances to complain about his new life as President

Senior advisor and son-in-law Jared Kushner did not escape, and was described as a suck-up. He and wife Ivanka should never have come to Washington, Trump allegedly said

During one 26-minute, unsolicited phone call to a 'casual acquaintance', he railed against Bannon - who had appeared on the cover of Time claiming to be the real President - telling them that his strategist had 'zero' influence over him.

He also bashed Kushner, saying he had 'a lot to learn', but was complimentary of Conway, calling her 'very fair'.

Trump also railed against the dishonest media, especially the New York Times, CNN and SNL, accusing them of treating him more unfairly then any President in history.

But he was adoring of Rupert Murdoch, saying the mogul never used to call him but was 'now calling all the time', which he viewed as a compliment.

After the excerpt ran, Trump issued an extraordinary statement bashing Bannon, who went on the record to Wolff.

Kellyanne Conway, Trump's counselor, was branded a 'crybaby' during one of the phonecalls

Sean Spicer, Trump's press secretary, was blasted as an idiot who also dressed poorly

'Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency,' Trump said in a statement provided by the White House that torches his former chief strategist. 'When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind.'

'Steve was a staffer who worked for me after I had already won the nomination by defeating seventeen candidates, often described as the most talented field ever assembled in the Republican Party,' Trump said. 'Now that he is on his own, Steve is learning that winning isn't as easy as I make it look.'

Trump said Bannon 'doesn't represent my base, he's only in it for himself' and 'had very little to do' with his victory, but 'everything to do' with the loss of the Alabama Senate seat.

The cutting statement went on to say, 'Steve pretends to be at war with the media, which he calls the opposition party, yet he spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was.'

Trump's White House press secretary also sent out a statement of her own that called the book 'trashy tabloid fiction' full of 'false and misleading accounts'.

Sanders told reporters that the president was 'furious' and 'disgusted' by Bannon's account of his time in the White House.
On Monday, Israeli archaelogists revealed that they found a 2,700-year-old clay seal impression that they believed was once used by a biblical governore of Jerusalem.

The artefact had an ancient Hebrew script inscribed on it and said 'belonging to the governor of the city.' Archaeologists believe that it was likely attached to a shipment or was given as a s souvenir on behalf of the governor of Jerusalem. The Israeli Antiquities Authority stressed that the impression was like a small coin and showed a picture of two men facing each other similar to a mirror and wearing striped garments that reached up to their knees.

The Authority also shared that the seal impression was located near the plaza of Judaism's Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem.

In a quote from the Antiquities Authority from excavator Shlomit Weskler-Bdolah, he said 'It supports the Biblical rendering of the existence of a governor of the city in Jerusalem 2,700 years ago.'.

Governors of Jerusalem were always appointed by the king and have been mentioned at least twice in the Bible. The first instance was in 2 Kings where Joshua held the position and the second was in 2 Chronicles where Masseiah was appointed to the post under King Josiah's reign.

The announcement of the latest find came several weeks after US President Donald Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital. However, the announcement was met with hostilities from various parties and brought in international concern over the issue.
North Korea may have accidentally hit one its own cities with a missile, it has been claimed.

Satellite images show damage caused by a failed test launch that struck Tokchon, a city of 200,000 in the interior of Kim Jong-un's secretive state, according to a US government official.

The Hwasong KN-17 medium-range rocket was fired from Pukchang Airfield in South Pyongan Province, 40 miles north of Pyongyang on April 28 last year, it is claimed.

But it failed shortly after take-off, the Diplomat reports, before crashing down in the Chongsin-dong area of Tokchon, apparently damaging what looks like an agricultural or industrial building.

North Korea may have accidentally hit one its own cities with a missile, it has been claimed. File picture shows a North Korean medium range rocket launch in August

Satellite images from May 2017 show damage caused by a failed test launch that struck the North Korean city of Tokchon weeks earlier in April, according to a US government official

Google Earth images show the same site in October 2016 when it appears that one of the 'damaged' buildings had not yet been constructed

The Hwasong KN-17 medium-range rocket was fired from Pukchang Airfield in South Pyongan Province, 40 miles north of Pyongyang on April 28 last year, it is claimed

The unnamed source pointed out where the rocket had landed and Google Earth images taken on May 18 last year, just weeks after the launch, appear to show damage to a greenhouse-style structure at the same spot.

The official, who is described as having knowledge of North Korea's weapons programmes, told the Diplomat that the missile's flight lasted just one minute before suffering engine malfunction and travelling 25 miles northeast before crashing down.

Had it completed its flight without failing, it may have been destined to land in the northern parts of the Sea of Japan, the Diplomat reports.

There have been no reported deaths as a result of the apparent stray rocket, but the damaged building is close to heavily populated areas.

In November, North Korea test-fired its most powerful ICBM ever which is likely capable of striking almost anywhere on earth.

Kim Jong-un could be seen walking alongside a huge new mobile launch platform, which Pyongyang said was specifically constructed for the missile, before the rocket was maneuvered into place.

The Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile was launched eastward from Pyongsong in North Korea's South Pyongan Province.

Kim Jong-un (centre) has pursued an aggressive programme of nuclear and missile development over the last year

North Korea reopened a long-closed border hotline with South Korea on Wednesday, hours after U.S. President Donald Trump (pictured) appeared to mock Kim Jong Un by saying he has a 'bigger and more powerful' nuclear button than Kim does

It flew for around 50 minutes, reaching an unprecedented altitude of 2,800 miles, before splashing down in the Sea of Japan around 620 miles away.

It marked the first missile launched since one was fired across Japan and into the Pacific Ocean on September 15.

Yesterday, North Korea reopened a long-closed border hotline with South Korea on Wednesday, hours after U.S. President Donald Trump appeared to mock Kim Jong Un by saying he has a 'bigger and more powerful' nuclear button than Kim does.

The reopening of the line, which North Korea shut down in February 2016, came only hours after Trump, who has repeatedly mocked Kim as 'Little Rocket Man', ridiculed the North Korean leader again on Twitter.

'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!' Trump tweeted.

Trump and Kim have exchanged insults in recent months, raising alarm worldwide, with Trump at times dismissing the prospect of a diplomatic solution to a crisis in which both sides have threatened to destroy each other.

On Wednesday, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence told the Voice of America Trump was responding to Kim's New Year comment about having a nuclear button on his desk, and making clear that 'America will not be bullied, America will not be threatened.'


President Donald Trump issued an extraordinary statement bashing former top advisor Steve Bannon after the president's longtime consigliere was quoted trashing Donald Trump Jr. and claiming his father would have immediately been made aware of an infamous Trump Tower meeting with Russians.

Bannon claimed a Trump Tower meeting with a Russian lawyer, supposedly to obtain unflattering information about Hillary Clinton, was 'treasonous' and 'unpatriotic,' prompting an unprecedented brushback of the former White House aide from the president.

'Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency,' Trump said in a statement provided by the White House that torches his former chief strategist. 'When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind.'

Steve Bannon, chairman of Breitbart News Network LLC, speaks during a campaign rally for Roy Moore, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate from Alabama

Trump's press secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, then told reporters that the president was 'furious' and 'disgusted' by Bannon's assault on the president's son and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who also attended the Trump Tower meeting.

And late on Wednesday evening, attorneys for Trump issued a cease and desist letter to Bannon threatening legal action.

Trump attorney Charles Harder said in a statement: 'This law firm represents President Donald J. Trump and Donald J. Trump for President, Inc.

'On behalf of our clients, legal notice was issued today to Stephen K. Bannon, that his actions of communicating with author Michael Wolff regarding an upcoming book give rise to numerous legal claims including defamation by libel and slander, and breach of his written confidentiality and non-disparagement agreement with our clients. Legal action is imminent.'

The cease and desist letter reads in part: 'You [Bannon] have breached the Agreement by, among other things, communicating with author Michael Wolff about Mr. Trump, his family members, and the Company [the campaign], disclosing Confidential Information to Mr. Wolff, and making disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements to Mr. Wolff about Mr. Trump, his family members.'

The White House's full-scale attack on Bannon, who was once one of Trump's top advisers, was ripe with personal slights, exposing a dramatic rift between the president and the conservative provocateur who is also the Breitbart News executive chairman.

It followed Bannon's comments undercutting the president's eldest son and a suggestion that Donald Trump was involved in the 2016 meeting with a Kremlin-linked Russian lawyer that Bannon is now quoted as saying should have been reported to the FBI.

'Steve was a staffer who worked for me after I had already won the nomination by defeating seventeen candidates, often described as the most talented field ever assembled in the Republican Party,' Trump said. 'Now that he is on his own, Steve is learning that winning isn't as easy as I make it look.'

Trump said Bannon 'doesn't represent my base, he's only in it for himself' and 'had very little to do' with his victory, but 'everything to do' with the loss of the Alabama Senate seat.

The cutting statement went on to say, 'Steve pretends to be at war with the media, which he calls the opposition party, yet he spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was.'

Bannon backed losing candidate Roy Moore, who Trump ultimately campaigned for in the special election after claiming the Republican would have a tough time winning the general election and endorsing his primary opponent.

Sanders said Wednesday that the loss contributed to the falling out between the president, who last spoke to Bannon sometime in early December.

Accusing the president's son of treason is also not a way to 'curry favor' with Trump, she stated, calling the allegation 'ridiculous.'

'I think there are a number of factors that played in,' she told DailyMail.com. 'I would certainly think that going after the president's son and an absolutely outrageous and unprecedented way, is probably not the best way to curry favor with anybody.'

After the press briefing former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, whose wife Callista is U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, walked through a press work space on his way to a Fox News interview.

'Bannon has no contingent,' he told DailyMail.com and another reporter ripping into the former White House aide. 'There's a Trump wing of the Republican Party. There's not a Bannon wing.'

The White House had also rejected the notion that feud would weaken Trump's base.

'The base and the people that supported this president supported the president and supported his agenda, those things haven't changed,' Sanders said at her briefing. 'The president still exactly who he was yesterday as he was two years ago when he started out on the campaign trail.'

Trump's spokeswoman said, 'Look at all he's accomplished, I think they're pretty happy with where he is.'

President Trump had also sought to discredit Bannon, considered to have a played a key role in shaping his own victory.

'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,' the president said.

The blast came just hours after Bannon was revealed to have called the infamous June 2016 meeting between top Trump campaign officials and Russians 'treasonous.'

Further, Bannon expressed certainty that then-candidate Donald Trump would have been made aware of the meeting at the time  a claim that, if verified, could play into a collusion narrative being explored by special counsel Robert Mueller.

Trump said Bannon 'spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was'

Bannon, who held a top role in the campaign, shares his disdain in Michael Wolff's forthcoming book, excerpts of which were published Wednesday, that other top officials went into the Trump Tower meeting blind instead of dispatching a legal team to vet information in a hand-off way and failing to alert authorities of a possible crime.

'Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad s***, and I happen to think it's all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately,' Bannon mused.

He went after Donald Trump Jr. explicitly for participating, then expressed certainty about what happened next.

'The chance that Don Jr. did not walk these Jumos up to his father's office of the 26th floor is zero,' Bannon said, in an excerpt from 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House.'

'The three senior guys in the campaign thought it was a good idea to meet with a foreign government inside Trump Tower in the conference room on the 25th floor  with no lawyers. They didn't have any lawyers,' Bannon vented in excerpts in the book obtained by the Guardian

The White House issued a separate statement from Sanders before her daily news conference trashing the expose.

'This book is filled with false and misleading accounts from individuals who have no access or influence with the White House,' Sanders said.

'Participating in a book that can only be described as trashy tabloid fiction exposes their sad desperate attempts at relevancy,' she added.

Stephanie Grisham, communications director for Melania Trump, responded to claims in the book that the first lady cried when Trump the election because she never expected him to win.

'The book is clearly going to be sold in the bargain fiction section. Mrs. Trump supported her husband's decision to run for President and in fact, encouraged him to do so. She was confident he would win and was very happy when he did,' Grisham said.

The book also claims the Trump have separate bedrooms in the White House.

NBC News reported Bannon's comment about the chance Donald Trump also met the Russians.

Sanders pointed to Trump's previous denials of collusion when it came up at her news conference.

Trump Jr. told the House Intelligence Committee during testimony that he did not tell his father about the meeting at the time it took place, the Washington Post reported in December.

He told Fox News host Sean Hannity after word of the meeting broke: 'In retrospect, I probably would have done things a little differently.'

He said he did not tell his father about the meeting because nothing came of it.

'It was just a nothing,' the president's son said. 'There was nothing to tell.'

Attending the meeting were Donald Trump Jr., Trump son in law and Bannon's White House rival Jared Kushner, and former campaign chair Paul Manafort, who has since been indicted on money laundering and conspiracy charges.

They met with Kremlin-linked Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya after an offer of potential dirt on Hillary Clinton got dangled to Trump Jr. via an email approach.

'They're going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV,' Bannon, a former Naval officer and Goldman Sachs employee who runs Breitbart News, said of the president's eldest son.

They're going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV

He laid out how the campaign should have handled such an approach. If any meeting happened, it should have been done 'in a Holiday Inn in Manchester, New Hampshire, with your lawyers who meet with these people'. That would allow information to get 'dump[ed]  down to Breitbart or something like that, or maybe some other more legitimate publication,' he said, referencing the Breitbart News site he runs.

'They're going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV,' Bannon said of the president's eldest son, who attended the Trump Tower meeting

A picture taken on November 8, 2016 shows Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya speaking during an interview in Moscow

Bannon took new shots at his rival Trump son in law Jared Kushner. He predicts special counsel Mueller will go after top officials on money laundering to get to President Trump

White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon (R) listens to U.S. President Donald Trump at the beginning of a meeting with government cyber security experts in the Roosevelt Room at the White House January 31, 2017 in Washington

Former White House Chief Strategist Stephen Bannon speaks during the Asahi Shimbun interview on November 16, 2017 in Tokyo, Japan

'You never see it, you never know it, because you don't need to  But that's the brain trust that they had,' he said dismissively.

Trump named Bannon as chief executive of his campaign in August 2016, two months after the Trump Tower meeting with Russians occurred.

Bannon, who says he continues to advise President Trump, also issued predictions about the Mueller probe.

'You realize where this is going,' he said. 'This is all about money laundering. Mueller chose [senior prosecutor Andrew] Wessman first and he is a money-laundering guy. Their path to f***ing Trump goes right through Paul Manafort, Don Jr. and Jared Kushner  It's as plain as a hair on your face,' he said.

According to the Guardian, Bannon insisted that he doesn't know Russians, won't be a witness in the related probes, won't hire a lawyer and won't end up on TV answering questions.

Trump Jr. has denied doing anything improper and says he got nothing of value out of the meeting. Manafort has pleaded not guilty to money laundering charges. Kushner's lawyers say he is cooperating with investigators.

The book also quotes a friend of President Trump confidant Tom Barrack as having told a friend: ''He's not only crazy, he's stupid.'
Two New South Wales men have been arrested in Bali after they were busted climbing the island's intermittently erupting Mt Agung.

Indonesian Police arrested Ricky Tonacia, 34, and Jack Dennard, 26, about 10am Thursday - eight hours after they began scaling the volcano.

The men reportedly told police they were unaware of the exclusion zone, despite it being widely publicised and the volcano erupting earlier in the week.

New South Wales friends Rick Tonacia (left), 34, and Jack Dennard (right), 26, were busted climbing the Bali's intermittently erupting Mt Agung Thursday morning

The pair (pictured in the ute tray) were arrested about 10am Thursday at the foot of the mountain - eight hours after they began their trek up the volcano

The men reportedly told police they were unaware of the exclusion zone, despite it being widely publicised and the volcano erupting earlier in the week

They could face serious penalties for ignoring the warnings, Seven News reports.

An eight to 10 kilometre exclusion zone has been enforced since eruptions began in November, and warning signs clearly spell out dangers of climbing the mountain.

The police chief from the town of Selat, Sudartawan, recalled how the arrest of the two men unfolded, ABC News reported.

'We went to the gate at border of the no-climbing danger zone, and we met two guides who were waiting for them to come back down from the top,' he said

Mr Tonacia (pictured) is a father of one and, according to his social media profile, a former fire and rescue officer

The friends could face serious penalties for ignoring the warnings, which police say have been abundantly clear since November

An eight to 10 kilometre exclusion zone has been enforced since eruptions began, and warning signs clearly spell out dangers of climbing the mountain

Photos taken after the two men were arrested show Mr Dennard appearing to be speaking on this mobile phone via loudspeaker

'The local military chief and I and some volunteers waited for them to come back and when they came back we secured them afterwards at Selat Police Office, to get their statements.'

Mr Tonacia is a father of one and, according to his social media profile, a former fire and rescue officer.

The pair were reportedly released from police custody and allowed to return to their Canguu accommodation, on the island's south coast.

'We went to the gate at border of the no-climbing danger zone, and we met two guides who were waiting for them to come back down from the top,' The police chief said

'The local military chief and I and some volunteers waited for them to come back and when they came back we secured them afterwards at Selat Police Office, to get their statements'
A Virgin Media broadband outage left hundreds of furious customers without internet for hours this morning.

The issue began at 7am today and one disgruntled customer slammed the 'ridiculous' service after not being able to get online.

A map produced by independent website Down Detector showed the areas where people complained about a lack of internet.

Huge parts of the UK including London, Nottingham, Grimsby, Lincoln, Glasgow, Birmingham and Cornwall seemed to be affected.

The map was produced by independent website Down Detector and showed the areas where customers had been complaining about a lack of internet service

The website had received more than 500 complaints from customers by 8am this morning

By 8am today Down Detector had received more than 500 complaints from people who were unable to get online this morning.

Their outage tracker records when a service is down after monitoring social media posts relating to a certain issue.

It is unclear what has caused the outage but one customer claimed they were told the internet 'could be down for 24 hours'.

Furious customer Gego Lego wrote on Twitter: 'How unfortunate that I pay you every month for internet that goes out constantly?

'Fix your service or give me my money back.'

Another user added: 'Yet again Virgin is down, becoming a more and more regular occurrence now isn't it! This is ridiculous.'

Virgin Media has now confirmed that the issue has been 'resolved' and has apologised to its customers

Another customer said: 'After holding for 40mins the agent said that they were told that Virgin internet could be down for 24 hours over a very wide area.'

Virgin Media confirmed that the issue has now been resolved and said some parts of the country were affected.

A spokesman told MailOnline: 'We were aware of an issue affecting broadband services for some of our customers in Nottingham, Grimsby and Lincoln which has now been resolved.

'We apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused.'
A Swedish man in his 70s has been convicted of exposing himself to children after he was caught in the act by a Google Street View camera.

The man, who lives near a school, had reportedly been standing on his balcony and shouted at children walking past his address in order to get their attention.

Several of the young witnesses told police that the man had exposed his genitals to them on multiple occasions.

Caught on camera: The man told a court he never goes out on his balcony during the day, but a Google Street View car snapped him standing there while exposing himself

The unnamed assailant initially told a court in Umea, northern Sweden, that it could not possibly be true as he never goes out on his balcony during the day.

However, a Google Street View car which takes photographs of addresses for the internet search engine's Maps service happened to drive past as the man was on his balcony.

The Street View photo shows him on the balcony, wearing a white top, naked from the waist down, Vasterbottens-Kuriren reports.

The man, a pensioner in his 70s who lives near a school in Umea, had reportedly been standing on his balcony exposing his genitals, and shouted at children walking by to get their attention

The man has now been found guilty of exposing himself to six victims, a majority of them under 15, between 2014 and 2017.

He was convicted on 18 counts of sexual molestation by Umea County Court.

He has been given a suspended sentence and heavy fines, and in addition he must pay each of the six victims 5,000 SEK (453)
A man who allegedly attacked and killed a DJ at a house party on Christmas Day was a young kickboxer known for having a 'short fuse'.

Chris Bradley was allegedly punched in the head by Javen O'Neill at a home in Byron Bay, before he dropped to the ground and died in front of horrified onlookers.

O'Neill, 24, has since been charged with the murder of Mr Bradley, a prominent local DJ known by as 'DJ Dad Bod'. The pair knew each other and were Facebook friends.

One witness to the alleged attack on the 28-year-old told police the blows sounded 'unlike anything I've ever heard before', the NSW Supreme Court heard on Thursday.

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Javen O'Neill (pictured) has been charged with the murder of Chris Bradley, who he allegedly punched at a house party in Byron Bay on Christmas Day

Mr Bradley (pictured), a prominent local DJ known by the name 'DJ Dad Bod', knew his alleged attacker and was Facebook friends with him

Prosecutor Jason Rafeeq told the court O'Neill was a trained Muay Thai kickboxer with an 'underlying short fuse' and three witnesses, including his girlfriend, said they saw him punch Mr Bradley before he collapsed.

The DJ died as a consequence of blunt-force trauma, according to forensic pathologist Professor Timothy Lyons, who performed the post-mortem examination.

But O'Neill's lawyer, Dennis Miralis, questioned whether illicit drugs Mr Bradley reportedly consumed that night could have contributed to his death.

The lawyer also argued issues with the reliability of witnesses who admitted taking drugs.

Mr Miralis said O'Neill's actions after Mr Bradley collapsed suggested he didn't have any intent to murder or cause serious injury.

He said O'Neill tried to resuscitate the DJ, saying 'come on, you can do it', and later asked paramedics if Mr Bradley could have died from a punch.

However, Justice David Davies said that based on the evidence before him, the Crown's case was reasonably strong.

Prosecutors told the NSW Supreme Court that Mr Bradley's (right) alleged attacker was trained as a Muay Thai kickboxer with an 'underlying short fuse'

O'Neill was refused bail after Justice Davies approved an application by prosecutors, despite his lawyer suggesting another possible cause of death (Pictured is NSW Supreme Court)

The judge said there was evidence O'Neill had anger management issues, was known to binge on alcohol and drugs, and could offend if released on bail.

One witness told police the accused was 'a beautiful soul but he has another side to him' while another said: 'He is a big guy and knows how to hit'.

O'Neill appeared via video link and was refused bail after Justice Davies approved an application by prosecutors, despite his lawyer suggesting another possible cause of death.

The kickboxer, who put his head in his hand after the decision was announced by the Justice, is scheduled to reappear in a Lismore court on January 16.
A teenager once named 'The World's Hairiest Girl' has revealed that she has married the 'love of her life' and now chooses to shave her face.

Supatra 'Natty' Susuphan, 17, from the Thai capital Bangkok, has been showing off her newly hair-free face on social media in loved-up photos with her new husband.

She suffers from an extremely rare genetic condition called Ambras Syndrome, also known as Werewolf Syndrome, which is a form of hypertrichosis which causes excessive body-hair growth.

Then and now: Supatra Susuphan when she was named Hairiest Girl in the World in 2010, left, and now as a 17-year-old, right

Loved up: Supatra Susuphan, 17, formerly the Hairiest Girl in the World, is posing with her new husband on her social media account

Ms Susuphan, who was named the hairiest girl in the world by Guinness World Records in 2010, has thick hair growing over her face, ears, arms, legs and back.

Even laser treatment has failed to completely stop the hair growth, and she now regularly shaves her body, her father told local media.

Her social media feed suggests she has found happiness with her unnamed husband after she posted: 'You're not just my first love, you're the love of my life.'

Ms Susuphan is one of a few dozen known sufferers of Ambras Syndrome to be documented since the Middle Ages.

'Love of my life: The teenager has captioned one of the photos 'You're not just my first love, you're the love of my life'

Teenage behaviour: Ms Susuphan poses for a selfie on her social media account last year

Before the disease was understood, sufferers were branded 'werewolves', and to this day some are shunned by their communities.

But while Ms Susuphan revealed that her condition had sometimes seen her called names including Wolf Girl and Chewbacca at school, her family and friends always had her back.

She previously told the Guinness World Records: 'I don't feel any different to anyone else, and I've got lots of friends at school... Being hairy makes me special.

Happy families: Ms Susuphan aged 12 with her sister Sukanya, left, her father Sammrueng and mother Somphon

Growing up: Ms Susuphan and two of her school friends around the time she won the title

'There were a few people who used to tease me and call me monkey face but they don't do it any more.

'I'm very used to this condition. I can't feel the hair as it has always been like this. I don't feel anything.

'It does sometimes make it difficult to see when it gets long. I hope I will be cured one day.'
A murder victim had her throat slashed before being left to die in a pool of her own blood in a suburban street, according to horrified neighbours.

Police say the 44-year-old woman, who was wearing a pink coat, was pronounced dead at the scene opposite a nursery school in Ilford, east London, on Wednesday evening.

Shocked local residents told how they heard screams and saw blood on the pavement where the woman lay.

Part of the suburban street, where homes sell for around 500,000 remained cordoned off today, with a blue forensics tent erected on the pavement.

Police today remained in a street where a woman is said to have had her throat cut last night

Witnesses said the woman, who they believe was Eastern European, may be a local resident

One woman living on the street said her family were told a knife was found in a bin nearby.

Another resident Abid Khan, 65, said he saw the woman lying on the pavement at about 7.15pm on Wednesday.

The grandfather-of-three said: 'She was lying on the floor, and the blood was pouring on the side of the road. There was a pool of blood on the floor.

'There were a lot of people standing around calling the police. The paramedics turned up and tried to resuscitate her. By that time she was dead.

'A couple of the women said they heard screaming. It was quite loud. There was a lot of screaming going on up there. There's a lot of families here.'

The pensioner said he believed the victim was from Eastern Europe.

Fahad Khan, 35, who lives a few doors down, said: 'The incident happened just after 7pm. A woman screamed. I think she was Eastern European: Romanian or Polish.

'I saw the body. She had been cut from the neck - slashed across the neck. There was a lot of blood in the street.

'The police came. They covered the body, and then they blocked everything for DNA and forensics.'

The 44-year-old victim died in this street in Ilford, east London after suffering stab wounds

Police forensics teams were scouring the area last night before a man was arrested today

Mr Khan, a security officer who lives with his wife and two children, added: 'This woman lives in the road, I think. She was probably going down to the station or the local shops.'

He said he saw two men and a women talking to police officers in the street, who he believes were relatives or friends of the victim.

Mr Khan said: 'The woman was crying and screaming. She was in her 30s, she was a relative or a friend.

'As a father, it's very shocking. I feel sorry for the ladies who have children here. There's a nursery opposite. I am scared for the women down here.'

Residents in the street said they heard a scream before seeing police and ambulances arrive

Another witness told the Evening Standard: 'She just looked like someone who would have been coming home from work. It's shocking.'

Police have set up a crime scene just yards from a children's nursery and a nearby high school.

A Met Police spokesman said: 'Police were called by London Ambulance Service (LAS) to Norfolk Road, Ilford at 19:09hrs on Wednesday, 3 January following reports of an unresponsive woman in the street.

'Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and found a 44-year-old woman with serious stab injuries. She was pronounced dead at the scene at 19:16hrs.'

Police have said enquiries are ongoing and have appealed to anyone with information

The spokesman added: 'Next of kin have been notified but formal identification awaits. A post-mortem examination will be held in due course.

'Detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command investigate, led by Detective Chief Inspector Dave Whellams.

'In the early hours of Thursday, 4 January, a 45-year-old man was arrested by detectives at an address in Newham on suspicion of murder.

'He was taken to an east London police station where he remains at this time. Enquiries are ongoing.'
A pensioner is facing up to 14 years in jail today after he mowed down and killed a father who sacrificed his own life to save his nine-year-old daughter.

Edward Whalen, 89, who was driving a Kia Picanto during evening rush hour in Wythenshawe, Manchester, ploughed into healthcare worker Paul John at a road junction as the victim was walking hand-in-hand with his youngest child, Angela.

Father-of-two Mr John, 47, whose wife works as a nurse at a hospital in South Manchester, pushed Angela out of the way before taking the full brunt of the impact, according to witnesses.

Edward Whalen (left, outside court today), 89, mowed down and killed Paul John (right), 47, at a road junction in Wythenshawe, Manchester, as he was walking hand-in-hand with his youngest child, Angela. Mr John, who pushed his daughter out of the way, died two days later

Father-of-two Mr John, whose wife works as a nurse at a hospital in South Manchester, took the full brunt of the impact, according to witnesses. Pictured above with his family, including Angela in the white dress

He died two days later and, in a final act of selflessness, his organs were donated to save the lives of others. Angela sustained minor cuts and bruises.

A woman pushing her two-year-old son in a buggy was also injured in the impact at 5pm on March 14 last year.

Whalen, who lives in the Burnage area of Manchester, remained at the scene of the tragedy but was later charged with causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

At Manchester Crown Court yesterday, he was warned he faced jail after he admitted both offences during a brief hearing. He arrived at court wearing a flat cap and winter coat and walked slowly with a slight limp.

In the dock, Whalen spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and nationality before entering his pleas.

The pensioner strained to hear what was being said, leaned forward from his seat and initially looked confused during proceedings.

Mr John, who worked for an NHS trust in Manchester, moved to the city from Kerala in southern India in 2001 and was an active member of St Elizabeth's Roman Catholic Church. His wife, Mini (also pictured, with Angela), works as a staff nurse at Wythenshawe Hospital

He will be sentenced on February following the preparation of pre-sentence reports.

Whalen was granted unconditional bail and given an interim driving ban but Judge Timothy Smith told him: 'These are very serious offences and the court will have to consider whether it is appropriate to pass a custodial sentence on you.

Whalen, of Burnage, Manchester, is now facing up to 14 years in jail

'That will be at the forefront of the court's mind on that occasion. Offences of this nature clearly pass the custodial threshold. You must be expecting to receive a custodial sentence.

'A pre-sentence report must be completed by the date of your sentence. In the meantime you will be disqualified on an interim basis until your sentence is passed.'

Mr John, who worked for an NHS trust in Manchester, moved to the city from Kerala in southern India in 2001 and was an active member of St Elizabeth's Roman Catholic Church in Wythenshawe.

His wife, Mini, works as a staff nurse at Wythenshawe Hospital.

Police were called to the accident scene on Woodhouse Lane at the junction of Hollyhedge Road, Benchill to find Whalen's black Kia Picanto had been involved in a collision Mr John and his daughter - along with Stephanie Kendal, 27, and her two-year-old son.

Ambulances attended and Mr John was rushed to an unnamed hospital in a critical condition. Miss Kendal was treated for a broken wrist and her son was uninjured.

Officers said Whalen helped police with enquiries and said their thoughts were with Mr John's family - but added they were 'thankful' the other victims of the crash were not more seriously injured.

Witnesses reported seeing Mr John desperately push Angela out of the way of the car during the incident. Moments later, the Kia struck Miss Kendal and her son.

In a tribute to Mr John last year Sajan Chacko, president of the Manchester Knanaya Catholic Association, said: 'Paul was very involved in church activities, and was a very active member - we are like a family at the church.

'He was a lovely man, he always had a nice smile on his face. He was never rude, and was always very friendly. He was very religious. He spent most of his time with the family, looking after the kids. That was his life. He would go to work, then go back and look after his family.'

Police were called to the accident scene on Woodhouse Lane at the junction of Hollyhedge Road, Benchill to find Whalen's black Kia Picanto had been involved in a collision Mr John and his daughter

Dominic Hemington, headteacher of St John Fisher and St Thomas More, where Angela is a pupil, said: 'Everyone here in school is deeply saddened at the news of Paul John's death.

'His daughter Angela is a kind and caring little girl, with a lovely family, who we know very well. She has lots of friends here in school and pupils have been making cards and writing prayers. We are continuing to pray for everyone involved at this very sad time.'

Sarah Corcoran posted on Facebook said: 'Truly heartbreaking, hope the little girl will grow up to know just what a true hero her daddy was.'

Last November, retired textile merchant Philip Bull, 90, was given a suspended sentence after he ran down and killed a couple outside Withington Hospital in Manchester after he pressed on the accelerator instead of the brake in his automatic car. He admitted two counts of causing death by dangerous driving.

Recent figures from the RAC Foundation said more than 4million people over the age of 70 have full UK driving licences with almost 200 of them over the age of 100 with a licence.

Currently, drivers convicted of causing death by dangerous driving, or death by careless driving while drunk or on drugs, face up to 14 years in jail - but the Ministry of Justice said plans were under way to increase the maximum punishment to life imprisonment - making the offences the equivalent of manslaughter.
Cadbury has been accused of short changing customers and wasting packaging after selling a variety box of treats - with just eight biscuits inside.

Photos posted on social media show one disgruntled customer opening the Cadbury Biscuit Assortment after receiving it as a gift to find the miserly selection inside.

His wife was given the box, which measures eight by eight inches and has an inner tray 1.5inches deep, by one of her pupils at the school where she works before Christmas.

Photos posted on social media show one disgruntled customer opening the Cadbury Biscuit Assortment after receiving it as a gift to find the miserly selection inside

The husband, from Birmingham, who does not want to be named for fear of embarrassing the pupil, said: 'Cadbury's are quite literally taking the biscuit.

'It was a box given to my wife from one of her pupils at Christmas which was a lovely gesture.

'We saved the biscuits until after Christmas and we sat down with a glass of red wine and thought we'd open it up and tuck in.

'I saw eight biscuits and thought they would be double-stacked. To my amazement it was just one biscuit in each compartment.

'What angered me was the plastic tray inside the box had been built up by at least an inch to make it look like it was deeper than what it actually was.

'Looking at the depth of the box, a customer would think there were lots of biscuits in there. It's not just a waste of packaging but quite misleading to the customer.'

His wife was given the box, which measures eight by eight inches and has an inner tray 1.5inches deep, by one of her pupils at the school where she works before Christmas

According to website Cadbury Gifts Direct, the box is a '107g Cadbury Biscuit Assortment Box - Cadbury Milk Chocolate Biscuits in seven varieties.'

The description, which is incorrect because there are actually eight biscuits in the box, states: 'A scrumptious Cadbury chocolate biscuit selection.

'A Cadbury box with seven biscuit flavours to choose from!

'Chocolate Chip Cookie, Vanilla Crisp, Half Coated Shortie, Milk Triangle, Hazelnut Falvour Crispette, Crunchy Milk Ring and Simply Shortcake.'

The husband, from Birmingham, who does not want to be named for fear of embarrassing the pupil, said: 'Cadbury's are quite literally taking the biscuit'

Other dissatisfied customers left reviews of the confectionary gift online.

One person who left a one-star review on Amazon said: 'I bought this item but didn't realise the picture is all you get - one of each biscuit, there are actually eight biscuits in a box, not what I was expecting.'

Twitter user Tom P said: 'Trade descriptions Cadbury! Full-sized box to house eight measly biccies. Sadbury more like!'

Cadbury was sold to US giant Kraft Foods for a reported 11.5billion in 2010. It is now part of global snacks business Mondelez.

Since the takeover, the company has been accused of betraying the principles of its Quaker founders, including the axing of its commitment to use Fairtrade chocolate.

Customers have also complained of changes to the taste of some of Cadbury's most iconic snacks.

The company said: 'We are sorry to hear that the consumer was disappointed.

'However, we do not believe our packaging is misleading as the weight of our products is clearly labelled on pack so people can be certain of what they are getting, as is standard across the food industry.

'We are committed to providing great tasting Cadbury biscuits people love, at the best possible value.'
China's DiDi Chuxing, the world's largest ride-hailing company, has acquired Brazil's ride-hailing leader 99, the Chinese company announced on Wednesday.

Photo shows the logo of car-hailing service Didi Chuxing. [File photo: VCG]

While DiDi did not specify the amount for the transaction, Brazilian media placed the figure at around 300 million U.S. dollars.

The acquisition comes a year after DiDi bought a "strategic" 10-percent stake in 99, which operates in 500 cities throughout Brazil and is considered to be the homegrown rival to Uber, a U.S. company.

"The investment builds upon the deep existing partnership between DiDi and 99 to further accelerate market growth in Latin America and bring more transportation choices to the region's citizens," the company said.

DiDi has partnerships with seven "major international players" as part of a global network that serves more than 1,000 cities and reaches over 60 percent of the world population, according to the firm.

"Globalization is a top priority for DiDi," company founder and CEO Cheng Wei said of the deal.

"With enhanced investments in AI capabilities and smart transportation solutions, we will continue to advance the transformation of global transportation and automotive industries through diversified international operations and partnerships," Cheng added.

99 CEO Peter Fernandez said "we are confident that being part of DiDi Chuxing will vastly enhance our capability to expand our services throughout Brazil to bring critical value to users, drivers and cities."

DiDi's market value is estimated at some 56 billion U.S. dollars, since buying out Uber's Chinese operations in 2016, and making other acquisitions.
A drunken man who went on an aggressive rant inside an airport terminal after being kicked off his flight has been charged with three offences.

The 45-year-old man was booted off his Perth to Brisbane flight on Thursday after the cabin crew on-board judged him to be acting aggressive and in an intoxicated state.

Australian Federal Police officers were called to Perth domestic airport after the man was led back into the terminal, where he continued to aggressively abuse officers.

A drunken man who went on an aggressive rant inside Perth Domestic Airport (pictured) after being kicked off his flight has been charged with three offences

When the man refused to leave the terminal he was arrested and later charged with obstructing a public officer, disorderly behaviour in a public place and trespassing.

AFP Acting Manager Aviation, Superintendent Andrew Donoghoe said abusive behaviour would not be tolerated at airports or on aircraft.

'Authorities have zero tolerance for abusive and aggressive behaviour in airports or on aircraft,' Superintendent Donoghoe said.

'We need to treat each other the way we want to be treated, with respect.

'During this peak holiday travel season, with many families travelling, the AFP is urging people to consider their alcohol intake, consider their fellow travelers and consider if their behaviour is appropriate.'

The man was bailed and will next appear at the Perth Magistrates Court on 23 January 2018.
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An adorable pup has become the first dog to be dumped in 2018 after its owner bought him online and then became homeless.

Eight-week-old mongrel Ronnie was left at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in south London on January 2 after he was given as a Christmas present.

The poor pup became the first unwanted pet to be dropped off at the rescue so far this year, after his owner lost their home and was unable to look after him.

Ronnie is undergoing medical checks, with Battersea telling MailOnline that the pup is currently staying with staff member Alice Holt, but could be ready for rehoming by next week.

Eight-week-old mongrel Ronnie was left at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in south London on January 2 after he was given as a Christmas present

The poor pup became the first unwanted pet to be dropped off at the rescue so far this year, after his owner lost their home and was unable to look after him

She told MailOnline: 'Ronnie has only been at home with me for one night but he is settling in so well.

'He's so affectionate, even with new people, and loves a cuddle and a fuss. He also loves playing with toys and running around the kitchen. He's such a sweet boy.'

Home intake manager Steven Craddock said: 'It doesn't shock any of us that the first dog through our doors in 2018 was bought online.

'Ronnie is just one of many thousands of dogs who will be bought off an unregulated website in the coming months and end up in a home where the owner is unprepared and unable to take proper care of them.

'His new owner did the right thing by bringing him into us where we can look after him and find him a loving new home, which we doubt will take long as he's such a lovely boy.

'However, this doesn't change the fact that he never should have been sold online in the first place.

'We believe he may have been taken from his mother far too young and likely sold by a breeder with absolutely no regard for his welfare.

Ronnie is now undergoing assessment at Battersea and will be vaccinated and microchipped before he is ready to go to a loving new home

'It's so easy to sell a dog online and this is one of the biggest challenges that Battersea faces today.'

It comes as Battersea launched their In From The Cold fundraising campaign in order to help stray pets this winter.

Over 20,000 pets in the UK will be abandoned over the course of this winter, with Battersea Dogs and Cats Home looking after 550 dogs at any given time.

Mr Craddock added: 'I'd encourage anyone thinking of welcoming a new pet into their lives to consider rescue over shopping online.'

Ronnie is now undergoing assessment at Battersea and will be vaccinated and microchipped before he is ready to go to a loving new home.

Meet the lovable dogs and cats looking for a home in 2018

Dogs and cats walk in and out of the Battersea centre everyday, with 2018 proving to be yet another busy for the team in south London.

In fact, 899 Staffies alone were left at Battersea in 2016 - 53 per cent more than the next most left breed, mongrels, at 425.

Since New Year's Day, the Battersea team have welcomed four more additions - one of which is the young pup Ronnie.

Lexi (left) is three-year-old Beagle which arrived at Battersea's sister site in Brands Hatch on Wednesday. Meanwhile, British Shorthair Charlotte (right) was the first cat to arrive at the London Battersea site on New Years Day

Charlotte, a British Shorthair, was the first cat to arrive at the London Battersea site on New Years Day. The 5-month-old was sadly being advertised for free online until her owners bought her to the animal shelter.

Buddy Bear, a Bengal cat,arrived at the London Battersea site the next day, after his owner could no longer look after him due to having a baby.

And then there is Lexi, a three-year-old Beagle which arrived at Battersea's sister site in Brands Hatch on Wednesday.

His owners separated and could no longer find the time to look after him. He is is undergoing assessment and medical checks before finding a new home.

Buddy Bear, a Bengal cat, arrived at the London Battersea site the next day, after his owner could no longer look after him due to having a baby
A puppy born with a cleft lip and palate and a whole host of health problems has defied all the odds to survive.

Sasha, a pit bull, was unable to nurse at just a day old, and is facing surgery due to her brain not growing properly.

But the puppy has pushed through all the difficulties and has just turned four months old despite only weighing two pounds and is living in a lovely home in Westchester County, New York.

When she was born in September, the litter's owner called SNARR Animal Rescue Northeast, a center for animals with special needs in New York.

Sasha was unable to nurse at just a day old, and is facing surgery in Westchester, New York. But the pit bull has pushed through all the difficulties and has just turned four months old

When Sasha was born in September, the litter's owner called SNARR Animal Rescue Northeast, a center for animals with special needs in New York, in hopes of finding a way to nurse the puppy

The rescue center contacted Marie DeMarco, a nurse practitioner who normally looks after cats with special needs, for help with tube feeding the small puppy, who couldn't nurse because of the cleft lip and palate.

DeMarco, 46, who runs rescue charity FURRR911, said Sasha now needs life saving surgery.

The pit bull also has hydrocephalus and her brain is only about a third the size it should be.

She also has difficulty walking, breathing problems and developed a urinary tract infection.

In just one day she suffered four seizures before DeMarco rushed her emergency medical treatment.

The rescue center contacted Marie DeMarco, a nurse practitioner who normally looks after cats with special needs, for help with tube feeding the small puppy, who couldn't nurse because of the cleft lip and palate. DeMarco, 46, who runs rescue charity FURRR911, said Sasha now needs life saving surgery due to her brain being too small

But foster owner DeMarco has hailed the dog a 'miracle' for surviving against all the odds.

DeMarco said: 'She's defying all the odds. For her to survive is an absolute miracle.

'She has had medical conditions. She shouldn't be her. But she has shown such an amazing and strong will to live.

'We have had so many people wanting to adopt her. But I've had her since day one - she is in my heart.'

At DeMarco's home, Sasha is fed every three or four hours a day, and wears sweaters to stay warm.

She also spends time with DeMarco's many foster kittens and cats.
Osama bin Hamza bin Laden (pictured), the 12-year-old grandson of 9/11 mastermind Osama Bin Laden was killed in an airstrike, it has been claimed

The 12-year-old grandson of 9/11 mastermind Osama Bin Laden was killed in an airstrike, it has been claimed.

The child, named Osama like his terrorist grandfather, is believed to have died along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border last year.

He was praised for his 'martyrdom' by father Hamza Bin Laden, who jihadis have hailed as the 'heir' to the leadership of al-Qaeda.

A letter written by Hamza, whose father was shot dead by a US Navy Seal team in 2011, mourned the death of the 'hero cub' and described his eldest son as 'the grandson of bravery' - adding that he liked to play-act scenes of martyrdom.

Further details of his death - including the location of the apparent airstrike - were revealed by the Pan-Arab news website Arabi 21, which cited jihadi sources. But there have been conflicting reports, with some saying he died of illness.

The note called 'Letter From Sheikh Mujahid Hamza Bin Laden', was published by Al-Qaeda's propaganda arm, the Global Islamic Media Front, along with a picture image of a young Osama and addressed to the Bin Laden family.

It said: 'We console ourselves and you on the martyrdom on the hero cub... the grandson of bravery... our son Osama, may Allah have mercy on him.'

The note says that young Osama often play-acted scenes of martyrdom while playing with other children - but it is not known where he lived.

In November, Osama bin Laden's 'favourite' son called on Muslims around the world to launch terror attacks on the US for killing his father.

The child, also named Osama, was praised for his 'martyrdom' by his father Hamza Bin Laden (pictured), who jihadis have hailed as the 'heir' to the leadership of al-Qaeda

A letter written by Hamza, whose father Osama Bin Laden (pictured) was shot dead by a US Navy Seal team in 2011, mourned the death of the 'hero cub' and described his eldest son as 'the grandson of bravery' - adding that he liked to play-act scenes of martyrdom

In an audio message, Hamza bin Laden, believed to be around 28, urged Muslims to 'to take revenge on the Americans, the murderers of the Shaykh [Osama bin Laden], specifically on those who participated in this heinous crime.'

It came just days after Hamza's wedding video was released, showing the 'Crown Prince of Terror' as an adult for the first time.

This was released by the CIA as part of a trove of material recovered during the May 2011 raid that killed the terror group leader at his compound in Pakistan.

Until then, the public had only seen childhood photos of Hamza, which have been used as propaganda tools by al Qaeda. It's believed the militants have not released pictures of him as an adult for his own safety.

In recent years, he has emerged as the heir to his father's throne and become a prominent member of the terrorist organization.

In November, Osama bin Laden's 'favourite' son Hamza (pictured as a child) called on Muslims around the world to launch terror attacks on the US for killing his father

Dubbed the 'Crown Prince of Terror', he has purportedly called for terrorist attacks on London, Washington and Paris in an audio message released by Al Qaeda.

In January of this year, he was officially designated a terrorist by the United States.

The U.S. State Department added him, to its list of global terrorists after confirming he had followed in his father's footsteps to join al Qaeda.

Al Qaeda senior leader Ayman al-Zawahiri released a tape in August 2015, claiming that Hamza had joined the group. In the audio message, Hamza himself spoke and called for lone wolf attacks.

The Al Qaeda leadership believes there is huge propaganda value in invoking the bin Laden name because it allows them to stake their claim to be the legitimate representative of jihad in the Middle East.

In recent years Al Qaeda and its Syrian affiliate, Jabhat al Nusra, have lost territory and fighters to the more dominant ISIS during a long-running mutually destructive conflict. Al Qaeda has also lost key leaders as a result of ISIS assassinations and Coalition bombings.
Little children in China have been forced to steal after their parents rented them out to professional criminals for financial profit.

Two girls, aged five and eight, were recently caught stealing in shops in Shanghai after their parents leased them out for 50,000 yuan (5,600) a year each, according to a local court.

The court has taken away the parents' custody of the girls. The criminal gang has been sent to prison.

One of the girls who have been rented to criminals by parents is seen in a store in Shanghai

The two girls have been sent back to their hometown in Hunan Province.

It's understood that they would carry on with their education in Hunan.

According to Chinese news site Kan Kan News, the girls, five-year-old Wang and eight-year-old He, were sent to various shops in the Qingpu district of Shanghai between March and May, 2016.

The two children and the criminal gang were caught by policemen in early 2017.

The police detained four adult suspects who had ordered the girls to steal: two sisters surnamed Song and their two accomplices.

The gang focussed on using children as their tools to commit crimes, said Gao Bin, the assistant to the prosecutor of the Qingpu People's Court, according to Kan Kan.

The suspects are said to have ordered the two girls to steal phones and money.

After investigation, the court discovered that both Wang and He were previously 'left-over' children.

In China, 'left-over' children means those whose parents work in another city, leaving them to live with their grandparents in their hometown.

One of the two girls is caught stealing after their parents leased them out to a criminal gang

The gang members received a three-and-a-half-year imprisonment by Qingpu People's Court

The prosecutor of Qingpu People's Court said the parents received 50,000 yuan (5,679) a year for renting each of the girls to the gang.

The court has removed the two children from the custody of their parents.

The two main suspects, surnamed Song, were each sentenced three years and six months in prison and given a fine of 10,000 yuan (1,137) for organising juvenile crimes.

The penalties for the other two suspects were not reported.

Zhu Jie, another assistant of the prosecutor, told Kan Kan News that the two children would continue their studies. Their teachers would closely monitor their behaviour and report regularly to the police.
Amber Rudd has fuelled speculation she is planning a bid for the Tory leadership by hiring a stylist employed by Samantha Cameron in Downing Street.

The Home Secretary is taking advice from Isabel Spearman, an expert in 'power dressing' who served as a special adviser to Mrs Cameron.

Ms Rudd pays privately for Ms Spearman's services and has received advice ahead of important events for the past year, The Times revealed today.

Amber Rudd (left at Tory conference and right in Downing Street) has fuelled speculation she is planning a bid for the Tory leadership by hiring a stylist employed by Samantha Cameron in Downing Street

The Home Secretary (pictured ahead of the election debate in May) is often seen with distinctive 249 Rock Optika glasses and frequently appears at official events wearing smartly tailored jackets

The new hire comes after Ms Rudd employed Lynton Crosby's firm to help her shore up her Hastings and Rye constituency, one of the tightest marginals in the country.

Being on track for a significantly improved majority would be crucial to Ms Rudd's hopes in any future contest for the Tory leadership.

The Home Secretary - an ally of Theresa May - is not thought to be plotting a move against the Prime Minister but wants to be ready for when she steps down.

Ms Spearman is credited with getting Ms Rudd to wear fashionable white Adidas Gazelles trainers.

The Home Secretary is often seen with distinctive 249 Rock Optika glasses and frequently appears at official events wearing smartly tailored jackets.

Ms Spearman writes a fashion column on workwear in the Daily Telegraph and recent advice included how to copy catwalk trends at work and what to wear to the office Christmas party.

She was credited with shifting Mrs Cameron's style from luxury brands to more accessible high street fashion.

The adviser was controversially given an OBE by David Cameron in his resignation honours after he quit Downing Street in the aftermath of the EU referendum.

The Home Secretary is taking advice from Isabel Spearman (right), an expert in 'power dressing' who served as a special adviser to Samantha Cameron (pictured together in 2011)

Ms Rudd is one of a series of contenders for the Tory crown after Mrs May leaves Downing Street.

She is seen by some as the leading candidate on the Remain wing of the Conservative Party, likely to face off against contenders including Boris Johnson, Andrea Leadsom or Jacob Rees-Mogg.

Ms Rudd held Hastings by just 364 votes at last year's general election, a dramatic slashing of her majority that makes it one of Labour's top target seats.

Crosby Textor has been credited with overhauling her social media campaigning to try and shore up the seat, creating viral 'Vote for Rudd' material and boosting Facebook activity.
Victoria police have revealed confronting photos of men rioting outside one of Milo Yiannopoulos' conferences during his controversial visit to Australia in December.

Thirteen men are wanted over the violent altercation, which erupted in Melbourne after the secret Kensington location was leaked by Yiannopoulos' critics.

Left-wing protesters descended onto Stubbs Avenue, in the city's north-west, on the afternoon of December 4 ahead of the right-wing firebrand's speech.

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Victoria police have revealed confronting photos of men rioting outside one of Milo Yiannopoulos' (pictured) conferences during his controversial visit to Australia in December

Thirteen men are wanted over the violent altercation, which erupted in Melbourne after the secret Kensington location was leaked by Yiannopoulos' critics

Police in riot gear were forced to intervene when verbal clashes turned physical between the protesters and Mr Yiannopoulos's supporters.

Capsicum spray was used by officers to subdue some of the more violent demonstrators.

Dozens of officers erected a battle line in an effort to separate the two protest groups.

About 150 people descended on the north-west Melbourne street, which was eventually blocked, to protest against the UK-born political commentator.

Dozens of officers erected a battle line in an effort to separate the two protest groups

Police in riot gear were forced to intervene when verbal clashes turned physical between the protesters and Mr Yiannopoulos's supporters

Protesters could be heard chanting 'Milo is a w**ker' before the clash turned physical.

At least 10 men were pictured throwing punches, with several brandishing make-shift weapons including wooden clubs and sticks.

Some of the men were later seen holding their heads in hands after police used capsicum spray to separate the brawlers.

Milo Yiannopoulos, 33, touched down in Melbourne earlier in the week, for the third leg of his speaking tour.

Capsicum spray was used by officers to subdue some of the more violent demonstrators

Protesters could be heard chanting 'Milo is a w**ker' before the clash turned physical

About 150 people descended on the north-west Melbourne street, which has since been blocked, to protest against the UK-born political commentator

The US-based commentator's tour has proven controversial since it kicked off in Adelaide on Friday.

The self-confessed 'troll' and 'provocateur', has offended Muslim groups and women's rights acitivists with his controversial opinions.

A video of the personality went viral when he told a Muslim presenter he thought all Muslim people should be deported to the Middle East.

'Expel Islam from the West,' he told Australian-born Muslim reporter Emma Eros.

'Anyone who describes themselves as a Muslim, send them back to the Middle East.'

Some of the men were later seen holding their heads in hands after police used capsicum spray to separate the brawlers

At least 10 men were pictured throwing punches, with several brandishing make-shift weapons including wooden clubs and sticks

While he had his critics, Mr Yiannopoulos also attracted a cult following, with supporters praising him for his opinions.

Mr Yiannopoulos' first Melbourne event was due to kick off at 6.30pm, with another two scheduled the same night.

In disturbing footage taken at the Melbourne demonstration, Yiannopoulos' supporters could be heard yelling racial slurs at Muslim protesters.

'Fit in or f*** off you bunch of little f****ts,' one man yelled through a loud speaker.

The supporters positioned themselves across the road from the Muslim protesters and yelled across a busy intersection.
The Italian actress who promised oral sex to anyone who voted against the country's Prime Minister has postponed her tour after a dog bit her face.

Paola Saulino, 28, vowed to perform a sex act on everyone who voted 'no' in an Italian referendum in 2016.

Ever since the no vote won with 59 percent she claims to have been on tour and by March last year Saulino said she had pleasured 400 men.

But the Pompa Tour, which translates from Italian to Oral Tour, is on hold after doctors told her to rest her mouth after a dog mauled her.

Paola Saulino, 28, vowed to perform a sex act on everyone who voted 'no' in an Italian referendum in 2016

The Italian actress who promised oral sex to anyone who voted against the country's Prime Minister has postponed her tour after a dog bit her face

She told The Sun Online: 'Pompa Tour is still going. I mean Pompa Tour actually is my life-style. It's my way to be free.

'The doctor suggested me to not do big movements with my mouth for several months.

'Reducing physical activity of my face helps it heal better, to cure the scar on the inside.'

Her face was badly injured when a friend's dog jumped up and bit her in the face as she stroked it on the back at a Halloween party back in October.

Saulino's nose was cut as well as her mouth and lips, but doctors have said the wounds on the inside and outside of her mouth will heal in nine months.

Once she is healed up, she plans on getting back on the horse to continuing her tour and has said she would like to add a British leg to the trip.

Paola Saulino, 27, said she completed the first date of her tour after promised to perform a sex act on everyone who voted no in Italy's referendum

She posted a photograph of herself on Instagram on Saturday (left), along with the caption: 'First step of Pompa Tour is gone. A little bit tired, but everthing is okay'

Paola Saulino burst onto the scene in 2016, saying she was a 'woman of [her] word' after announcing tour dates in 10 Italian cities in December.

She posted a photograph of herself on Instagram along with the caption: 'First step of Pompa Tour is gone. A little bit tired, but everything is okay.'

The actress and glamour model added at the time: 'This year is started in a best way as possible.'

Saulino, whose Instagram page features a number of suggestive shots, had flown from her home in Los Angeles to begin the first leg of her Pompa Tour.

She initially made the promise to perform a sex act on everyone who voted no in Italy's referendum on November 23, before announcing tour dates in December.

Ms Saulino said she would be visiting Rome, Florence, Bologna, Verona, Milan, Turin, Naples, Bari, Lecce and Palermo this month for the first leg of her tour, urging people to fill in a booking form if they had voted No.

Ever since the no vote won with 59 percent she claims to have been on tour and by March last year Saulino said she had pleasured 400 men. But the Pompa Tour, which is an Italian translation of the word oral, is on hold after doctors told her to rest her mouth after a dog mauled her

Some dismissed the tour as a publicity stunt, with several Instagram users asking for 'evidence' that she had kept her promise.

However, others defended the actress and told critics to 'stay quiet' if they didn't know - adding that photographs were not permitted to be shared online.

Italy's Prime Minister Matteo Renzi had called a referendum on constitutional reforms, which became a vote on confidence in his government.
A male wedding guest was kidnapped from an Indian ceremony and forced to marry a woman at gunpoint as her family screamed: 'Shut up - we're only marrying you, not hanging you.'

Vinod Kumar had gone to the wedding of his friend in Nalanda district, near Patna in north east India's Bihar state when he was seized by a group of men.

The steel engineer was hauled away and 'thrashed' before guns were pointed at his head as the family of a woman he had never met forced him to marry her against his will.

A male wedding guest was kidnapped from an Indian ceremony and forced to marry a woman at gunpoint as her family screamed: 'Shut up - we're only marrying you, not hanging you'. He is pictured after being dragged away to meet his new bride

Vinod Kumar had gone to the wedding of his friend in Nalanda district, near Patna in north east India's Bihar state when he was seized by a group of men

According to Gulf News, relatives of the woman could be heard saying: 'We are only performing your wedding, not hanging you. Why are you crying loudly? Shut up.'

They wiped away his tears with their saris as the nuptials were taking place.

The ritual is known in the area as 'Pakadua Vivah' or forcible marriage and is quote common in Bihar, Gulf News reports.

They are often carried out by families who are looking for suitable grooms but cannot afford heavy dowry costs.

The steel engineer was hauled away and 'thrashed' before guns were pointed at his head as the family of a woman he had never met forced him to marry her against his will

The junior steel plant engineer said he was not cooperating because he had not had his parents' consent. Moments later a gun was held to his head.

He is quoted as saying: 'They (the girl's family) befriended me during the wedding and asked me to step out. They kidnapped me and took me to a home where I was forced to put vermillion in the hair of a girl. I had never seen her and I don't know who she is.'

Police have launched a probe into the incident, in Mokama, Patna.
A Turkish religious body has come under fire for suggesting that girls as young as nine could marry.

An online glossary posted by Turkey's state religious affairs body - effectively headed by Tayyip Erdogan - sparked a public outcry, including calls for an inquiry and the dismantling of the organisation.

The glossary of Islamic terms, which has since been removed, defined marriage as an institution that saves a person from adultery and said girls can marry when they reach puberty - as early as aged nine.

An online glossary posted by Turkey's state religious affairs body - effectively headed by Tayyip Erdogan (pictured) - sparked a public outcry, including calls for an inquiry and the dismantling of the organisation

The main opposition party has asked prosecutors to investigate.

The Directorate of Religious Affairs, or Diyanet, has denied approving underage marriages and said the glossary merely interpreted Islamic laws, Hurriyet newspaper reported Thursday.

For boys, the minimum age was listed as 12, according to Arab News.

Head of the High Commission of Religious Affairs Ekrem Keles today told the Turkish newspaper the minimum age for ta girl to marry was 17 and a boy had to be 18.

He said: 'Forget a nine or a 10 year old child marrying, a child at 15 should not marry and should not be married.'

Legally Turkish people have to be 18 to get married, although the country's law makes exceptions for 16-year-olds to marry in 'exceptional circumstances'.

Turkey's main opposition party the Republican People's Party (CHP) have been quick to criticise the governments approach to child welfare.

CHP lawmaker Murat Bakan said underage marriages 'violates children's rights, women's rights and human rights,'

He too called for there to be a parliamentary investigation into child marriages after the religious body's publication.

A Turkish religious body has come under fire for suggesting that girls as young as nine could marry

Diyanet previously caused an uproar by suggesting a father could lust after his daughter in an online fatwa, which was also quickly retracted.

In other rulings, the Diyanet has said Muslims cannot marry non-Muslims and that engaged couples cannot be left alone or hold hands.

Women's rights groups say underage marriage is widespread despite the laws and accuse authorities of not taking sufficient steps to protect girls from becoming 'child brides.'

In 2016, the government scrapped a proposal that critics said would have allowed men accused of statutory rape to go free if they were married to their victims, following similar outrage.
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A historian has shed new light on a little-known series of Victorian murders, from the Earl of Lucan's mistress found stuffed in a cupboard to a family wiped out by a vengeful vagrant.

Seven members of the Marshall family were bludgeoned to death with a sledgehammer at their home by John Owen in May 1870.

Owen mutilated their corpses then donned the father's smartest suit, sauntered out of the house and pawned his goods.

Seven members of the Marshall family were bludgeoned to death with a sledgehammer at their home by John Owen in May 1870, in one of the grisly stories revealed in a new book. Owen(seen here being captured at a pub in Reading in 1870) mutilated their corpses then donned the father's smartest suit, sauntered out of the house and pawned his goods

In April 1872, French widow Marie Caroline Riel was living in plush Park Lane in central London. Intriguingly, she was the long-term mistress of the Earl of Lucan. She was strangled to death by her servant, 29-year-old Marguerite Dixblanc. Pictured is her body being discovered by two women

Marguerite(pictured) was caught pilfering from Madame Riel's wine cellar. At this point, Marguerite punched Madame Riel in the face, strangled her to death with a rope and threw the body into a large dustbin. She told the other servant, who was not present during the murder, Madame Riel 'had gone away for a few days'

Jan Bondeson has investigated 56 gruesome murders from the era for his new book, Victorian Murders.

He also delved deeper into the murder of the Earl of Lucan's mistress by an aggrieved former servant who stuffed her body in the dustbin, drank her finest wine then made off with the cash in her safe.

Blacksmith Emmanuel Marshall lived with his wife Charlotte and his four children, as well as his mother and sister, in a humble cottage in Denham, Buckinghamshire.

The family was last seen alive at the nearby Uxbridge market on May 21, 1870.

Two days later, a woman who was making a wedding dress for Emmanuel's sister Mary came to the family's cottage.

Since there was no response when she knocked on the door, she peeped through a window. She was horrified to find the floor of the cottage was drenched with blood and strewn with corpses.

Left to their own devices, they drank kegs of beer and vintage bottles of fine from the cellar before Marguerite absconded to Paris, although not before raiding the safe. Police followed Marguerite to Paris and she was caught with some of the stolen money in her luggage. She was extradited to England to face a murder trial at the Old Bailey. Pictured: Madame Riel's body

Blacksmith Emmanuel Marshall lived with his wife Charlotte and his four children, as well as his mother and sister, in a humble cottage in Denham, Buckinghamshire. The family was last seen alive at the nearby Uxbridge market on May 21, 1870. Two days later, a woman who was making a wedding dress for Emmanuel's sister Mary came to the family's cottage, where she saw their corpses. Members of the public tried to lynch John Owens when he reached Slough Station(pictured)

The cottage(pictured) contained six corpses - Emmanuel's wife, mother and sister, and the three children. They had all been beaten to death with a sledgehammer. Intriguingly, detectives noticed some of Emmanuel's clothes were missing. A murder investigation was launched headed up by Superintendent Thomas Dunham

Screaming, she ran to fetch the village constable. The cottage contained six corpses - Emmanuel's wife, mother and sister, and the three children. They had all been beaten to death with a sledgehammer.

At first, it was thought Emmanuel might have murdered his family, but a further search found his body in the smithy. His head had been beaten in with a series of powerful blows, just like those of the other victims.

Intriguingly, detectives noticed some of Emmanuel's clothes were missing. A murder investigation was launched headed up by Superintendent Thomas Dunham.

Officers interviewed neighbours and one woman said she saw a respectably dressed man leaving the cottage the day after the murder who she had initially thought was Emmanuel.

The same man was spotted later that day having a drink at the local pub and carrying a canvas bag.

The next day, a bricklayer known as Coombes who lived in a lodging house in Uxbridge informed police about a rough-looking fellow lodger he knew only as 'Jack'.

This individual had been very poor before the weekend, but flush with money on Monday.

'Jack', who was in fact John Owen, told him he was going to Reading on the 6.45pm train.

Police followed him to Reading and took a punt he would be in the Oxford Arms public house in Silver Street, a popular haunt among the homeless.

Officers interviewed neighbours of the cottage(pictured) and one woman said she saw a respectably dressed man leaving the cottage the day after the murder who she had initially thought was Emmanuel. The same man was spotted later that day having a drink at the local pub and carrying a canvas bag. The next day, a bricklayer known as Coombes who lived in a lodging house in Uxbridge informed police about a rough-looking fellow lodger he knew only as 'Jack'

This individual had been very poor before the weekend, but flush with money on Monday. 'Jack', who was in fact John Owen, told him he was going to Reading on the 6.45pm train. Police followed him to Reading and took a punt he would be in the Oxford Arms public house in Silver Street, a popular haunt among the homeless. Pictured: The cottage in Denham

When they entered the pub, Coombes, who had accompanied the officers, pointed out one of the men and exclaimed it was 'Jack'. Owen tried to draw his pistol, which he had taken from the cottage, but it was torn out of his hand and he was captured after a violent struggle. Several items belonging to the Marshalls' were found on him as well as some tickets for the items he had already pawned to get some spending money. Pictured: The cottage in Denham

When they entered the pub, Coombes, who had accompanied the officers, pointed out one of the men and exclaimed it was 'Jack'.

Owen tried to draw his pistol, which he had taken from the cottage, but it was torn out of his hand and he was captured after a violent struggle.

Several items belonging to the Marshalls' were found on him as well as some tickets for the items he had already pawned to get some spending money.

It later emerged Owen was a disgraced former blacksmith who had done time for larceny and sheep-rustling.

The killings were not random, but motivated by a long held grudge against Emmanuel who had once employed him to mend some wheels.

Since Owen, in Emmanuel's estimation, had done the job so badly, he refused to pay him. Police speculated this insult had stuck in his mind and Owen had craved a bloody revenge.

Dixblanc, the murder of Madame Riel, was surprisingly spared the death penalty and sentenced instead to 20 years in prison. Pictured is a woodcut showing the case from the murder itself, left and middle, to the servant's confession, right

Dixblanc pictured in a woodcut, which were produced for printing in pamphlets and books which sold in their millions during the Victorian age

The bodies of the murdered Marshall children and the killer, Owen, who was hanged at Aylesbury Gaol on August 8, 1870

Owen was released from prison two days before the massacre and was heard speaking of a man in Denham who owed him money, adding that if he did not get it he would murder him.

When the judge sentenced Owen to death, the vagrant said his only regret was not shooting Supt Dunham as well. Owen was hanged at Aylesbury Gaol on August 8, 1870.

In April 1872, French widow Marie Caroline Riel was living in plush Park Lane in central London. Intriguingly, she was the long-term mistress of the Earl of Lucan.

She had several servants including 29-year-old Belgian Marguerite Dixblanc, who doubled as her cook.

In an angry confrontation, Marguerite was told she would receive just one week's wages, instead of the month's wages she expected.

Ten days later, Marguerite returned to Madame Riel's home and was caught pilfering from her wine cellar.

At this point, Marguerite punched Madame Riel in the face, strangled her to death with a rope and threw the body into a large dustbin.

She told the other servant, who was not present during the murder, Madame Riel 'had gone away for a few days'.

Left to their own devices, they drank kegs of beer and vintage bottles of fine from the cellar before Marguerite absconded to Paris, although not before raiding the safe.

When the judge sentenced Owen to death, the vagrant(pictured left and right) said his only regret was not shooting Supt Dunham as well. Owen was hanged at Aylesbury Gaol on August 8, 1870

Mr Bondeson, 56, who lives near Edinburgh, has held a life-long fascination with Victorian murders and written several books on the subject. He said: 'Denham is one of the most devastating family massacres in British history and my account of it is the most comprehensive yet.' Pictured are the people involved in the case, including Mr Marshall, top, and the police detectives, bottom

Two woodcuts showing Marguerite Dixblanc, left, and Madame Riel, which were produced after the grisly case became headline news

Police followed Marguerite to Paris and she was caught with some of the stolen money in her luggage. She was then extradited to England to face a murder trial at the Old Bailey.

Surprisingly, she was spared the death penalty and was instead locked up for 20 years.

Mr Bondeson, 56, who lives near Edinburgh, has held a life-long fascination with Victorian murders and written several books on the subject.

He said: 'Denham is one of the most devastating family massacres in British history and my account of it is the most comprehensive yet.

'It is pretty remarkable to consider it was committed by a tramp because he had a grudge and that was enough for him to murder an entire family.

'They did well to catch him. Had he got the fastest train to London instead of going to the pub he may well have gotten away with it. Marguerite I believe was very lucky to have been executed for her murder.

'Had she been a man I suspect she would have been executed but society at the time was squeamish about putting a woman to death.

'It truly has been fascinating to pour over these old murders.'

Victorian Murders by Jan Bondeson is published by Amberley and costs 14.99.
France is feared to be plotting a Brexit raid on the UK's 8trillion asset management industry.

British negotiators are said to be bracing for an attempt to restrict UK-based fund managers from controlling money held in EU cities like Dublin.

Currently so-called 'delegation' rules allow investment staff to be based in London but still be in charge of funds, with around 900billion in Ireland and Luxembourg said to be managed in this way.

Toughening the system could push more business towards competitors such as Paris and Frankfurt.

Currently so-called 'delegation' rules allow investment staff to be based in London (pictured) but still be in charge of funds in other parts of the EU

One member of Theresa May's Brexit told the Financial Times: 'There has been a lot of focus on the impact of Brexit on investment banks, but this is becoming the key issue.'

British officials are concerned that French President Emmanuel Macron wants to increase supervision of delegation decisions.

Last year Paris-based financial watchdog the European Securities and Markets Authority complained that 'letterbox' entities were being established as vehicles for funds to be managed from outside the EU.

Keith Skeoch, co-chief executive of Standard Life Aberdeen, warned 'any changes to the current delegation arrangements, however great or small, will have reverberations around the world'.

But others expressed doubt that the EU would force the issue.

Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg, who has been a fund manager himself, said changes to 'delegation' rules would be most likely to hurt Ireland and Luxembourg.

It would also cause ructions with 'the US, Switzerland and other jurisdictions as well', he told the newspaper.

A Treasury spokesman said: 'The UK is the pre-eminent global centre for financial services, and the asset management industry plays a pivotal part.

'We are determined that the UK remains a global hub to this important sector.'
Palaniappan Saravanan has now lost his licence with the General Medical Council after being reported to the regulator by the trust, which dismissed him in November

A top NHS doctor has been sacked and lost his licence to practice after he was accused of sexually harassing three junior doctors.

Dr Palaniappan Saravanan was a consultant cardiologist at the Wirral University Hospital Foundation Trust in Birkenhead, Cheshire until his dismissal in November.

Following his dismissal, he was probed by the General Medical Council who stripped him of his licence to practice medicine.

According to the Health Service Journal, concerns were raised about the culture inside the hospital's cardiology department.

In a report to the General Medical Council, the hospital trust admitted: 'In cardiology, a consultant was dismissed recently for harassment of junior doctors of a sexual nature. Those who knew about this behaviour had not felt able to escalate concerns.'

It was alleged Saravanan touched three junior doctors in a sexual nature. He was also accused of bullying and harassment.

A spokeswoman for Wirral University Teaching Hospital FT said: 'I can confirm that Dr Saravanan has been dismissed for reasons of gross misconduct, accordingly the matter has been referred to the GMC.'

Merseyside Police said no formal complaint had been made against Dr Saravanan.

On the GMC website Dr Saravanan is listed as registered without a licence.

Dr Saravanan could not be contacted for comment and it is understood that he has now left the UK.

The GMC could still take regulatory action against him in his absence although it has not yet announced any investigation
Yale professor Dr Bandy X Lee, an expert on violence, believes that President Donald Trump is 'unraveling' and that he poses a 'public health risk' by being in office

A Yale University psychiatry professor has met with lawmakers to discuss President Donald Trump's mental health.

Dr Bandy X Lee, an expert on violence, believes that the president is 'unraveling' and that he poses a 'public health risk' by being in office.

Lee gave a presentation in Congress on why Trump's presidency was an 'emergency' to a group of Democrats and one Republican senator during private meetings on December 5 and 6.

'From a medical perspective, when we see someone unraveling like this, it's an emergency,' Lee told the New York Daily News. 'We've never come so close in my career to this level of catastrophic violence that could be the end of humankind.'

She added that psychiatrists are prohibited from diagnosing from afar, but said Trump's behavior is worrying.

'He's very attracted to means of violence as a way of burnishing power,' Lee said, noting the threats and attacks he has made since becoming president.

The professor previously edited the book The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump: 27 Psychiatrists and Mental Health Experts Assess a President.

Lee gave a presentation on why Trump's presidency was an 'emergency' to a group of Democrats and one Republican lawmaker during private meetings on December 5 and 6. Pictured above, Trump with First Lady Melania Trump

Lee said lawmakers were 'enthusiastic' to speak with her and her colleagues last month, adding that their 'main concern' was getting Republicans to agree on Trump's behavior.

'What they were saying is that Republicans were also concerned [about Trump's mental health]  possibly equally concerned, but as to whether they would act, that was a different question,' she told the Daily News.

Earlier this week, several experts mentioned the 25th amendment after Trump tweeted about Kim Jong-un after the North Korean leader threatened a nuclear attack.

Trump wrote: '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!'

Richard Painter, a former ethics lawyer under President George W. Bush said 'This tweet alone is grounds for removal from office under the 25th Amendment'.

The Constitution's 25th Amendment created a system for replacing the president and vice president in case of death, removal, resignation or incapacitation.

Earlier this week, several experts mentioned the 25th amendment after Trump tweeted about Kim Jong-un after the North Korean leader threatened a nuclear attack

The amendment allows the Cabinet to remove a president if physical or mental health impairs him or her from performing the daily duties of the office.

It states that, if the vice president 'and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide' declare that the president is unable to perform his duties, the vice president will assume powers as an acting president.

The amendment was formed after the assassination of President John F Kennedy in 1963.

Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders defended Trump's tweet about Kim on Wednesday, saying Americans should be concerned with the North Korean leader's mental fitness.

'The president and the people of this country should be concerned about the mental fitness of the leader of North Korea,' Sanders said.

'He's made repeated threats, he's tested missiles time and time again for years, and this is a president who's not going to cower down and who's not going to be weak and is going to make sure that he does what he's promised to do and that is stand up and protect the American people,' she added.
A suspected mass overdose of nine backpackers at a rental home in Perth came after what they thought was cocaine turned out to be a travel sickness pill, also commonly used as a date rape drug.

Hyoscine, a common prescription medicine, has been identified as the drug that left the nine friends acting like 'zombies', rolling around or unconscious on the floor.

Two Frenchmen, aged 22 and 25, are fighting for life in Royal Perth Hospital while a German woman also remains in an induced coma, in a serious but stable condition.

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A suspected mass overdose at a home in Perth came after what the victims thought was cocaine turned out to be hyoscine, common in travel sickness pills (pictured)

Two Frenchmen, aged 22 and 25, are fighting for life in hospital while a German woman also remains in an induced coma. All other survivors returned home on Wednesday (pictured)

Hyoscine can be used as a recreational drug but is considered highly dangerous and is also a favourite of robbers due to it leaving people in a 'zombie-like' state.

Authorities say the three backpackers and their friends could have died if not for the chance return home of a resident of the property who then quickly raised the alarm.

Three French citizens, as well as a German, Italian and Moroccan, aged from 21 to 25, were also involved in the incident. All have been released from hospital.

Some were seen around the house again on Wednesday and Thursday smiling and looking relaxed but did not want to comment.

The patients reacted violently to a drug they claimed to believe was cocaine after it arrived as a package in the mail that was not intended for them, but they consumed.

Neighbours described a frightening scene in which the delirious young people were wheeled out on stretchers to nine ambulances.

Hyoscine can be used as a recreational drug but is considered highly dangerous and is also a favourite of robbers due to it leaving people in a 'zombie-like' state

A total of nine people were found unconscious at a home in Perth about midnight on Tuesday. Three French citizens, as well as a German, Italian and Moroccan, aged from 21 to 25, were also involved in the incident

All reportedly had 'glassy eyes' and one man was behaving aggressively, punching at the air.

They suffered paralysis and were unable to speak, were hallucinating, ill, in a state of agitated delirium and had racing hearts and overheating bodies.

He said it was too early to know what permanent organ damage the patients might have suffered.

Police acting deputy commissioner Gary Budge said the investigation into the source of the drugs was continuing.

Australian Medical Association president Michael Gannon urged people not to 'put anything in their body that you don't know what the contents of it are'.

Neighbours described a frightening scene in which the delirious young people were wheeled out of the house (pictured) on stretchers to nine ambulances

The large wood-finished home has five bedrooms, three bathrooms and a battle-axe driveway that leads to off-street parking

He said he did not support pill testing to make drug use safer, saying while it had potential for harm minimisation it was not considered effective currently.

'The criminal gangs that cook up drugs in bathtubs around Australia ... that put in white powder and substances or make things into pills, they are criminal and they do nothing but harm people,' he told reporters.

The owners of the Colombo St house are being investigated by the Victoria Park council, due to it apparently being used illegally as a backpacker hostel.
Author Michael Wolff, whose forthcoming book 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House' has thoroughly rattled the Trump administration, says he has one major takeaway from reporting on President Trump's first year in office.

Those surrounding Trump at 1600 Pennsylvania think he's not up to the job.

'Hoping for the best, with their personal futures as well as the country's future depending on it, my indelible impression of talking to them and observing them through much of the first year of his presidency, is that they all  100 percent  came to believe he was incapable of functioning in his job,' Wolff writes in a new op-ed for the Hollywood Reporter, in which he gives a first-hand account of how he did the reporting for his book.

President Trump's aides '100 per cent came to believe he was incapable of functioning in his job,' wrote author Michael Wolff in the Hollywood Reporter previewing his forthcoming book 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House'

In the Hollywood Reporter, Michael Wolff explained how the book came to be, noting how he spent months holed up on a couch in the West Wing and conducting interviews across the street from the White House at the Hay-Adams Hotel

Wolff first explained how the book came to be, pitching it to Trump himself.

'"A book?" he responded, losing interest. "I hear a lot of people want to write books," he added, clearly not understanding why anybody would,' Wolff recalled of his conversation with Trump.

Author Michael Wolff alleges that White House staffers believe President Trump is incapable of doing his job

The president then brought up author Ed Klein, whose books tear into Hillary Clinton. Trump said he thought Klein should write a book about him, according to Wolff, and then gave the author a green-ish light to write his own.

'But sure, Trump seemed to say, knock yourself out,' Wolff recalled.

That arrangement allowed Wolff, who regularly writes for the Hollywood Reporter, USA Today and British GQ, to have a sort of 'fly on the wall' status at the White House, where he would hole up on a West Wing couch or beckon high-level staffers across to street for interview at the Hay-Adams Hotel.

In this scenario Steve Bannon, Kellyanne Conway, Reince Priebus, Jared Kushner, Sean Spicer, Mike Pence, Gary Cohn, Michael Flynn and then Flynn's replacement H.R. McMaster were 'all neatly accessible.'

'The nature of the comedy, it was soon clear, was that here was a group of ambitious men and women who had reached the pinnacle of power, a high-ranking White House appointment  with the punchline that Donald Trump was president,' Wolff wrote.

From day one, Trump's aides didn't really know what to do about him, the author captured.

'You can't make this s*** up,' former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer is quoted as saying as he was forced to spend his first minutes behind the podium defending the size of President Trump's inauguration crowd

Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway was eventually taken off the airwaves because other top White House aides 'found her militancy idiotic,' the author wrote. 'Even Ivanka and Jared regarded Conway's fulsome defenses as cringeworthy'

Spicer is heard muttering, 'You can't make this s*** up,' as he was pressed to get behind the podium of the press briefing room for the first time to defend Trump's inauguration crowd size numbers.

Priebus, Trump's original chief of staff and the former Republican National Committee chairman, believed during the transition that he might not be able to stay in the position through inauguration, Wolff reported.

Once in the top staffer job at the White House  though officially co-leading the team with Bannon  Priebus hoped to make it a year. He 'quickly' scaled that goal back to six months.

Early on, Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway played the role of Trump's most vehement defender, treating the news media to new terms like 'alternative facts.'

Wolff wrote that while the president liked her show, she was pulled off the air by others in the White House who 'found her militancy idiotic.'

'Even Ivanka and Jared regarded Conway's fulsome defenses as cringeworthy,' Wolff wrote.

Bannon  who the president had a spectacular falling out with yesterday, issuing an official White house statement charging that the former chief strategist had 'lost his mind'  tried playing the role of being the adult in the room during his eight-month tenure at Trump's side.

Former Chief Strategist Steve Bannon openly told others that President Trump only had a 33.3 per cent chance of weathering his term in office, Wolff said. He believed the president was equally likely to be impeached or resign under threat of the 25th Amendment being invoked

Trump staffers were relieved when longtime ex-aide Sam Nunberg (pictured) came out of the woodwork and explained that the president was merely a 'f***ing fool,' the book alleged. Nunberg briefly worked for Trump's presidential campaign and was quickly pushed out

20 MOST JAW-DROPPING CLAIMS IN EXPLOSIVE TRUMP BOOK Steve Bannon described Don Jr's Trump Tower meeting with Russians as 'treasonous and unpatriotic' and thinks he will 'crack like an egg' under the pressure of the Russia investigation

Bannon said there's 'zero' chance Donald Trump didn't know about the meeting and said Don Jr likely 'walked them to his father's office'

First Lady Melania Trump openly wept on the night her husband won the election - and the tears 'were not of joy'

The whole campaign from the top down thought Trump would lose and everyone had planned for defeat, with Trump himself planning a TV network because he would be 'the most famous man in the world'

Trump and Melania sleep in separate bedrooms and he demanded a lock on his bedroom door against the wishes of the Secret Service

Trump orders McDonald's so he's not poisoned, told staff not to touch his toothbrush and strips his own bedsheets

Trump regularly sits in bed eating a cheeseburger at 6.30pm while calling his friends and watching three TVs

Rupert Murdoch called Trump a 'f***ing idiot' after a phone call and billionaire backer Tom Barrack said 'he's not only crazy, he's stupid'

Trump's aides say he doesn't read and 'for all practical purposes is no more than semi-literate'

Trump would try to bed his friends' wives by goading their husbands to cheat while the wife listened in on speakerphone

White House Communications Director Hope Hicks dated married Corey Lewandowski and Trump later told her: 'You're the best piece of tail he'll ever have.'

The president called acting attorney general Sally Yates a 'c***' after she refused to enforce his immigration ban

Sean Spicer, then press secretary, said 'you can't make this s*** up' after his first briefing and went on adopt the phrase as his personal mantra

Trump tells the same stories three times in ten minutes and forgot a succession of old friends' names at a Mar-a-Lago party

He called Jared Kushner a 'suck-up' and said he should never have let Ivanka and her husband move to Washington

Among his verdicts on his staff: Bannon 'looked like s***', Reince Priebus was a midget and Kellyanne Conway was a crybaby

Among his staff's verdicts on him: 'dope', 'dumb as s***', 'hopeless idiot', 'just a f***ing fool', 'lost his mind', 'incapable of functioning in his job'

Trump wondered what a 'golden shower' was after reading reports about the notorious Russian dossier

Trump offered to marry Morning Joe's Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough - and mocked Jared Kushner for saying he'd do it

Ivanka Trump jokes with friends about her father's hair secrets: He had a scalp reduction, combs over from the sides, and uses Just for Men badly

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'Everybody in the West Wing tried, with some panic, to explain him, and, sheepishly, their own reason for being here,' Wolff wrote. 'He's intuitive, he gets it, he has a mind-meld with his base.'

'But there was palpable relief, of an Emperor's New Clothes sort, when longtime Trump staffer Sam Nunberg  fired by Trump during the campaign but credited with knowing him better than anyone else  came back into the fold and said, widely, "He's just a f***ing fool,"' the author said.

Media mogul Rupert Murdoch, Wolff said, made a similar assessment himself.

'What a f***ing moron,' the owner of Fox News Channel said.

Staffers  and their chronic infighting is also chronicled in the book  came to believe that the president wouldn't survive the Russia probe, being helmed by Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

'Whatever the substance of the Russia "collusion," Trump, in the estimation of his senior staff, did not have the discipline to navigate a tough investigation, nor the credibility to attract the caliber of lawyers he would need to help him,' Wolff wrote.

The 71-year-old Trump's viability was also an issue.

'There was more: Everybody was painfully aware of the increasing pace of his repetitions,' Wolff said, insinuating that the president was suffering from dementia.

The president will receive his first White House physical on January 12.

'It used to be inside of 30 minutes he'd repeat, word-for-word and expression-for-expression, the same three stories  now it was within 10 minutes,' the author said. 'Indeed, many of his tweets were the product of his repetitions  he just couldn't stop saying something.'

Wolff outed Bannon for 'openly handicapping' Trump's chances of staying on through his first term at 33.3 per cent.

Bannon guessed that the president also had a 33.3 per cent chance of getting impeached and another 33.3 per cent chance of resigning under the pressure of being deemed 'incapacitated' by the vice president and a majority of the cabinet as laid out in the 25th Amendment.

Bannon was a major on-the-record source for the book.

The author also included this detail: 'At Mar-a-Lago, just before the new year, a heavily made-up Trump failed to recognize a succession of old friends.'

'Happy first anniversary of the Trump administration,' Wolff said, ending his column.

The White House has aggressively pushed back against the allegations found in the book, labeling it fiction.
In Thursday morning tweets, President Trump revealed that he still believes there was widespread voter fraud despite disbanding his controversial voter fraud commission on Wednesday.

'Many mostly Democrat States refused to hand over data from the 2016 Election to the Commission on Voter Fraud,' Trump tweeted. '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.'

Shortly after his election, the president has charged that 'millions' had voted in the 2016 presidential election illegally, which robbed him of winning the popular vote.

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President Trump took to Twitter to call for stronger voter identification laws on the heels of closing down his controversial voter fraud commission. He blamed its failure on 'Democrat States' he charged were hiding evidence of widespread voter fraud

Complaining over the fact that he had to close down his controversial voter fraud commission, on Thursday President Trump urged states to pass stronger voter ID laws and charged that 'Democrat States' had thwarted the commission, despite knowing people are 'voting illegally'

President Trump encouraged states to pass voter ID laws arguing that 'As Americans, you need identification, sometimes in a very strong and accurate form, for almost everything you do,' except voting

'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,' Trump said. 'Push hard for Voter Identification!'

The issue of whether voters should have to present a voter ID at the polls tends to be split along party lines with Republicans supporting it and Democrats opposing the state laws, arguing they create a burden on voters  especially minorities, who tend to vote Democratic.

Trump signed an executive order Wednesday disbanding his controversial voter fraud commission amid infighting, lawsuits and state officials' refusal to cooperate.

Trump convened the commission to investigate the 2016 presidential election, after alleging repeatedly and without evidence that voting fraud cost him the popular vote.

Trump won the electoral college.

In its official statement, the White House blamed the decision to end the panel on more than a dozen states that have refused to comply with the commission's demand for reams of personal voter data, including names, partial Social Security numbers, voting histories and party affiliations.

'Rather than engage in endless legal battles at taxpayer expense, today President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order to dissolve the Commission, and he has asked the Department of Homeland Security to review its initial findings and determine next courses of action,' White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement.

Critics saw the commission as part of a conservative campaign to make it harder for poor people and minority voters to access the ballot box, and to justify Trump's claims of voter fraud.

Trump has repeatedly alleged, without evidence, that 3 million to 5 million people voted illegally in the 2016 election, delivering the popular vote to his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton.

Clinton received 2.8 million more votes than Trump nationwide.

While there have been isolated cases of voter fraud in the US, past studies have found it to be exceptionally rare.

Critics also viewed the commission as part of an attempt to distract from the ongoing investigations into Russian election meddling and potential collusion between Moscow and Trump campaign aides.

Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach (above), the commission's vice chairman, characterized the decision to dissolve the bipartisan group as a 'tactical change' and argued DHS can pursue an investigation of election fraud more quickly and efficiently

The intelligence community concluded that the Russian government mounted a campaign to help Trump win, hacking email accounts and spreading false stories.

Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, the commission's vice chairman, characterized the decision to dissolve the bipartisan group as a 'tactical change' and argued DHS can pursue an investigation of election fraud more quickly and efficiently.

'The Democrats, both on and off the commission, made very clear that they were not interested in determining the scope and extent of voter fraud and, indeed, they were trying to stop the commission in its tracks,' Kobach said.

'The Democrats lost their opportunity, lost their seat at the table, by stonewalling.'

Kobach, a conservative Republican and vocal supporter of tough voter ID laws, alleged Democrats wanted no investigation.

'Their motto is, "Nothing to see here",' he said.

One of the members of the commission, Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, sued the commission in federal court, alleging it had violated federal law by refusing to provide him documents available to other members, among other charges.

Three Democratic senators - Michael Bennet of Colorado, Cory Booker of New Jersey and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota - had also asked the US Government Accountability Office to investigate the commission, which it agreed to do in October.

Kobach said he intends to work closely with DHS and the White House, and expects the bulk of the DHS investigation to be done by midsummer.

More than a dozen states, as well as the District of Columbia, had rebuffed the commission's request for voter data, citing privacy concerns and a fear that complying would legitimize the idea that voter fraud is widespread.

While there have been isolated cases of people voting illegally, and many voter rolls contain outdated data, there is no evidence voter fraud is a widespread problem in the United States or has impacted election results.

Trump has repeatedly alleged, without evidence, that 3 million to 5 million people voted illegally in the 2016 election, delivering the popular vote to his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton. Voters above cast their ballots at a polling station in Brooklyn on November 8, 2016

A study by a Loyola Law School professor found that out of 1 billion votes cast in all American elections between 2000 and 2014, there were only 31 known cases of impersonation fraud.

During the commission's first meeting, Trump had questioned the motives of states that refused to comply with the commission's request, suggesting they had something to hide.

Voter advocacy groups and Democrats applauded Wednesday's decision.

'It is no surprise that a commission founded on a lie of widespread voter fraud proved to be a fraud itself,' said California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, a Democrat, who had refused to comply with the commission's request for voter data.

'No taxpayer dollars should have been wasted on Mr. Trump's voter suppression crusade.'

Dale Ho, director of the American Civil Liberties Union Voting Rights Project, accused the commission of engaging in 'a wild-goose chase for voter fraud, demonizing the very American voters whom we should all be helping to participate - with the not-so-secret goal of making voting harder with unnecessary barriers.

'President Trump has tried and failed to spread his own fake news about voter fraud,' Ho said.
A rare medal struck after the Duke of Cumberland's loyalists crushed the Jacobite rebellion in 1746 is tipped to fetch 100,000 at an auction.

The Battle of Culloden, in which 1,500 Jacobites were killed while only 50 government troops lost their lives, was the last pitched battle fought on British soil.

It was the last of the great Jacobite risings - popular attempts to reinstate a Stuart monarch on the throne of Britain - and was led by Charles Edward Stuart, also known as Bonnie Prince Charlie or the Young Pretender.

The gold medal bears the bust of the duke on one side and a naked Apollo leaning on his bow and pointing to a dragon wounded by his arrow on the other

The Battle of Culloden, in which 1,500 Jacobites were killed while only 50 government troops lost their lives, was the last pitched battle fought on British soil

After the crushing victory the Duke of Cumberland - also known as 'Butcher' Cumberland because of his harsh suppression of the rebellion - formed the Cumberland Society to commemorate the triumph.

Medals were presented to 26 senior officers and one further member was elected to the society every year until the duke's death in 1766.

After the crushing victory the Duke of Cumberland formed the Cumberland Society to commemorate the triumph

The gold medal bears the bust of the duke on one side and a naked Apollo leaning on his bow and pointing to a dragon wounded by his arrow on the other.

Only around 50 medals are believed to have been struck.

The society met annually on April 15, which was the duke's birthday, and the eve of the anniversary of Culloden.

Members were required to wear their medals both at the reunions and also in battle, with the society pledging to meet the cost of a replacement if it was lost in a battle.

Daniel Fearon, consultant at auctioneer Baldwin's of St James's, of London, who are selling the medal, said: 'Fifty or so medals were struck for the society and surprisingly very few of them have survived so this medal is extremely rare.

'You may find a few of them in museums but virtually none are on the private market.

'This medal would be particularly fascinating for anyone interested in Jacobite history.

'It is a beautiful medal with a very good portrait of the Duke of Cumberland.'

The auction takes place in New York on January 14.
A 24-year-old man was sentenced in Denmark to two years in jail for aggravated manslaughter Thursday for crashing his jet ski into a boat in Copenhagen and killing two American students last year.

The Copenhagen City Court said the Danish defendant, who cannot be named under a court order pending a possible appeal by the prosecution, fled after the fatal accident on May 6, 2017, to a suburban harbor where he was arrested.

He has admitted steering the jet ski that slammed into a rental boat containing a group of students celebrating the end of their semester in Copenhagen.

Justice for students: Leah Bell, 18 (left) and Linsey Malia, 21 (right), lost their lives in May 2017 when a jet ski crashed into their rental boat in Copenhagen, Denmark

The 24-year-old operator of the jet ski on Thursday was jailed for two years on a charge of aggravated manslaughter. Pictured: one of the jet skis that were in Copenhagen Harbor on the day os the crash is pulled from the waters

Nautical disaster: Malia, Bell and five other students from Study Abroad in Scandinavia had gone on the boating excursion on May 6, 2017

Leah Bell, 18, of Madisonville, Louisiana, and Linsey Malia, 21, of Easton, Massachusetts, were killed in the crash.

Malia was a junior at Stonehill College in Massachusetts, majoring in psychology with a minor in sociology. She was supposed to graduate this year.

Bell was a junior at Pomona College in Claremont, where she also majored in psychology.

They had gone on the boating excursion with five other students from the Copenhagen-based Study Abroad in Scandinavia foundation.

The man had denied aggravated manslaughter and told the court he lost control of the jet ski and smashed into the small boat near a bridge in Copenhagen Harbor.

Bell (left) was a junior at Pomona College in Claremont, California. Malia (right) was a junior at Stonehill College in Massachusetts, majoring in psychology

Students comfort each other at a makeshift memorial near Langebro bridge in Copenhagen, Denmark, in the days after the deadly accident

Defense attorney Jane Ranum told Denmark's TV2 the man 'is relieved it is over,' and he has no plans to appeal Thursday's verdict.

Seven other people - six men and one woman - also were on trial in the same case but were not charged with aggravated manslaughter. All were given fines for riding jet skis within the city harbor without proper permission.

Judge Pia Petersen said the eight people didn't meet beforehand to sail as a group but joined each other as they rode through the harbor.

A license to ride a jet ski has become mandatory in Demark following the crash. The government has called for some identification of jet skis, like a registration plate.
What a difference a year makes.

In his new book Fire and Fury, Michael Wolff writes that President Donald Trump was incredibly eager to officiate the wedding of Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski last January, months before the two were even engaged.

President Trump was so excited about the idea that he even volunteered to host the wedding, and made fun of his son-in-law when he offered his services for the ceremony.

It is a story Scarborough himself told back in May when he and Brzezinski did get engaged in the South of France, and their relationship with President Trump had deteriorated from cordial to combative.

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They do: In his new book Fire and Fury, Michael Wolff reveals that President Donald Trump offered to officiate the wedding of Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough (Morning Joe hosts and President Trump above in March 2016 town hall)

Overstepping: When President Trump suggested that they get married, Jared Kushner said: 'I can marry you! Im an internet Unitarian minister' (President trump and Kushner above in December)

The Morning Joe hosts were having lunch at Mar-a-Lago in January of last year after being invited down to Palm Beach by the Commander-in-Chief following his first full week in office.

The conversation had become a bit heated when Scarborough informed President Trump that he thought the roll-out of his controversial immigration order had been disastrous, prompting the newly inaugurated host to switch topic.

'So what about you guys? Whats going on?' asked President Trump according to an excerpt from the book obtained by Daily Intelligencer, referencing Brzezinski and Scarborough's not-so-secret relationship.

'You should just get married.'

That is when Jared Kushner, less than a week into his new role at the White House, jumped in and said: 'I can marry you! Im an internet Unitarian minister.'

Kushner's eagerness to join Scarborough and Brzezinski in holy matrimony did not sit well with his father-in-law however, who scoffed at the notion.

'What are you talking about? Why would they want you to marry them when I could marry them?' asked President Trump.

'When they could be married by the president! At Mar-a-Lago!'

Scarborough told a very similar version of this story to Vanity Fair four months later after her and Brzezinski did in fact become engaged.

He told Vanity Fair that while eating a lunch of fish and scalloped potatoes, the topic of conversation turned at one point to his relationship with Brzezisnki, with President Trump saying the two should have their ceremony at Mar-a-Lago or the White House.

'Thats when Jared interrupted and said, "Hey, you know what? Ive got my license. I could marry you,"' said Scarborough.

Scarborough went on to state in the interview that President Trump then said: 'What? What are you talking about? Why would they want you to marry them when I could marry them? When they could be married by the president! At Mar-a-Lago!'

It was shortly after this lunch that the relationship between President Trump and the Morning Joe hosts began to fall apart.

Things hit a boiling point in June when President Trump tweeted: 'I heard poorly rated @Morning_Joe speaks badly of me (don't watch anymore). Then how come low I.Q. Crazy Mika, along with Psycho Joe, came to Mar-a-Lago 3 nights in a row around New Year's Eve, and insisted on joining me.'

He then added: 'She was bleeding badly from a face-lift. I said no!'

Palling around: Scarborough previously shared the same story back in May, saying President Trump offered to host at Mar-a-Lago or the White House (President Trump and Scarborough in Iown ahead of the Republican primary in January 2016)

Old fiends turned new foes: The MSNBC morning show hosts have been at odds with President Trump ever since that lunch, and said he is no longer invited to the wedding (President Trump above in a March 2016 town hall with the Morning Joe hosts)

20 MOST JAW-DROPPING CLAIMS IN EXPLOSIVE TRUMP BOOK Steve Bannon described Don Jr's Trump Tower meeting with Russians as 'treasonous and unpatriotic' and thinks he will 'crack like an egg' under the pressure of the Russia investigation

Bannon said there's 'zero' chance Donald Trump didn't know about the meeting and said Don Jr likely 'walked them to his father's office'

First Lady Melania Trump openly wept on the night her husband won the election - and the tears 'were not of joy'

The whole campaign from the top down thought Trump would lose and everyone had planned for defeat, with Trump himself planning a TV network because he would be 'the most famous man in the world'

Trump and Melania sleep in separate bedrooms and he demanded a lock on his bedroom door against the wishes of the Secret Service

Trump orders McDonald's so he's not poisoned, told staff not to touch his toothbrush and strips his own bedsheets

Trump regularly sits in bed eating a cheeseburger at 6.30pm while calling his friends and watching three TVs

Rupert Murdoch called Trump a 'f***ing idiot' after a phone call and billionaire backer Tom Barrack said 'he's not only crazy, he's stupid'

Trump's aides say he doesn't read and 'for all practical purposes is no more than semi-literate'

Trump would try to bed his friends' wives by goading their husbands to cheat while the wife listened in on speakerphone

White House Communications Director Hope Hicks dated married Corey Lewandowski and Trump later told her: 'You're the best piece of tail he'll ever have.'

The president called acting attorney general Sally Yates a 'c***' after she refused to enforce his immigration ban

Sean Spicer, then press secretary, said 'you can't make this s*** up' after his first briefing and went on adopt the phrase as his personal mantra

Trump tells the same stories three times in ten minutes and forgot a succession of old friends' names at a Mar-a-Lago party

He called Jared Kushner a 'suck-up' and said he should never have let Ivanka and her husband move to Washington

Among his verdicts on his staff: Bannon 'looked like s***', Reince Priebus was a midget and Kellyanne Conway was a crybaby

Among his staff's verdicts on him: 'dope', 'dumb as s***', 'hopeless idiot', 'just a f***ing fool', 'lost his mind', 'incapable of functioning in his job'

Trump wondered what a 'golden shower' was after reading reports about the notorious Russian dossier

Trump offered to marry Morning Joe's Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough - and mocked Jared Kushner for saying he'd do it

Ivanka Trump jokes with friends about her father's hair secrets: He had a scalp reduction, combs over from the sides, and uses Just for Men badly

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The affianced co-hosts recounted shortly after those tweets were posted how President Trump called them up 'screaming' weeks after their Mar-a-Lago lunch, taking issue with Scarborough's treatment of Stephen Miller on their program.

'He said, "I invited you over to lunch and youre so rude! Youre killing this kid!"' Scarborough told New York.

He went on to claim that President Trump told him he should have invited Sean Hannity to the lunch.

Not to be outdone, Brzezinski told her own salacious tale about a frustrated Ivanka Trump being forced to shout at her father during a White House meeting when he ignored her attempts to discuss woman's issues.

Brzezinski said that the 'disturbing' interaction made it clear that the billionaire businessman was 'way too into' being president.

At that point the two already believed that President Trump was 'long gone,' with Scarborough claiming that winning the election 'has just amplified as of his insecurities,' a conclusion he came too just hours after the inauguration when he got a phone call from the new Commander-in-Chief.

'I talked to him for three seconds. You know when you talk to somebody and you know theyre gone,' explained Scarborough.

Oh, this place is so great!, he recalled the President saying during that call, while also 'talking about the phone system and all the, basically, toys, new toys he had  not his words.'

Scarborough added: 'I remember getting off the phone really fast and, to Mika, I said, Hes long gone. This is bad.'

Brzezinski soon found out first hand she said in the interview.

Not a happy camper: President Trump has taken issue with multiple stories in the book, which goes on sale January 9 (above)

'When I spoke to Ivanka that morning, she was like, "Were really going to talk to him about some of these things that I want to do,"' recalled Brzezinski.

'And I was all about supporting anything thats good for empowering women, whether its a Republican as president or a Democrat. Im open to hearing it all.'

Ivanka was still months away from actually having a formal position in the White House at the time, but that did not excuse the way her father treated her that day said Brzezinski.

She claimed that the First Daughter tried to bring up a discussion of woman's issues, but was ignored by her father, who eventually offered up a 'what?'

That eventually resulted in Ivanka shouting out 'Women!' and then 'Woah-men!' for emphasis said Brzezisnki.

Ivanka also began drawing the figure of a woman in the air with her fingers to try and help her father.

Brzezinski went on to state that President Trump finally responded to his frustrated daughter's outburst by saying: Oh, women. Yeah, honey. Yeah, honey. We can do that.'

On top of all this, President Trump also kicked things off that day by asking Brzezinski if she had been to the White House prior to visiting him in the Oval Office earlier that month.

Brzezinski explained that she first visited when she was 9 because her father Zbigniew Brzezinski was the national security adviser to former president Jimmy Carter.

President Trump tried to bounce back by then saying: 'Well, I bet it was your first time, Joe.'

Scarborough informed President Trump that he got the chance to previously visit as well when he served in Congress two decades prior.

'That was pretty much it for both of us,' said Scarborough.

And the title of that cover story? Donald Trump Is Not Invited to the Wedding.
McKenna Blum

Junior McKenna Blum was selected as a Science Student of the Month by Amy Root, her General Physics teacher. McKenna asks great questions, doesnt give up on an idea until she understands it, and has a positive attitude about learning, Root said.

Blum chose Angela Oplinger, Spanish instructor at Chi-Hi, as her most influential teacher. Mrs. Oplinger led me to discover my passion for Spanish and traveling, Blum said.

Blum plans on joining the Air Force to pursue a career in orthotics and prosthetics. She is the daughter of Jackie and Bob Blum.

Jade Ciulla

Senior Jade Ciulla was chosen by Mark Cloutier, her General Physics teacher, as a Science Student of the Month. Jade is disciplined and focused in General Physics. She shows a strong aptitude for the concepts in physics and has a great work ethic, Cloutier said.

Virginia Welle was selected as Jades most influential teacher. Normally, classes I take dont seem to have an effect on my everyday life, but in AP Psychology I am constantly seeing connections outside of school and thinking about the interesting concepts we learn about in class, Ciulla said.

Ciulla plans on attending the University of Minnesota for a Bachelors Degree in business management or human resources. She is the daughter of Scott Ciulla and Victoria Rigney.

Jacklyn Oldroyd

Freshman Jacklyn Oldroyd was nominated as a Science Student of the Month by her Biology teacher, Tami Slowiak. Jacklyns academic success in Biology is due to her strong organizational skills and study habits. She is thorough with her work and never looks for shortcuts. She seems to understand that there isnt much traffic on the extra mile! Keep it up Jacklyn. Your future is bright, Slowiak said.

Oldroyds most influential teacher choice is Slowiak. She makes everything so easy to understand and she is a very good teacher, Oldroyd said.

After graduating, Oldroyd would like to go to college to become a physical therapist. She is the daughter of Amy and Rich Oldroyd.

Sydney Thies

Junior Sydney Thies was selected by Nick Gagnon, her AP Physics 1 teacher, as a Science Student of the Month. Sydney has even helped other AP-Physics classes, working as a teachers assistant. Sydney is a hard working, analytical thinker with a bright future ahead, Gagnon said.

Thies chose Sarah Merconti, her 4th grade teacher at Stillson Elementary, for most influential teacher. She inspired me to always do my best and expand my horizons. Beyond that, shes been there for me every single day since I was in her class. Such wonderful support can be hard to come by, and I thank her for all that shes done for me, Thies said.

Thies plans to attend college and pursue either biomedical or chemical engineering. She is the daughter of Chris and Annalie Thies.

Alissa Hering

Junior Alissa Hering was recognized as a Science Student of the Month by Chrissy Seibel for her performance in General Physics. Alissa is an excellent critical thinker. She asks thoughtful questions that take the content to a higher level, Seibel said.

Lisa Zondlo, former high school Spanish I and II instructor, has been Herings most influential teacher. She helped me to grow as a person and to see other cultures from new perspectives, Hering said.  She always had a smile on her face and was there for me when I needed advice or help, even if it wasnt Spanish-related.

Hering is still formulating her future plans but would like to attend a university, perhaps UW-Eau Claire or another Wisconsin university, to study psychology or a science-related field. She is the daughter of Matt and Kathy Hering.

Kaira Smiskey

Freshman Kaira Smiskey was chosen by her biology instructor, Michelle Thompson, to be recognized as a Science Student of the Month. Kaira is a team leader, very hard working, and always has a positive attitude. She actively participates in classroom discussions and is a pleasure to have in class, Thompson said.

Smiskeys choice for her most influential teacher is Thompson. She is so much fun and actually takes time to connect with her students and makes learning easy and fun, Smiskey said.

Smiskey would like to attend a four year college and is still contemplating her course of study. She is the daughter of Laura Bichler and Carl Smiskey.

Wyatt Eiden

Senior Wyatt Eiden, a student in Becca Bestuls AP Biology course, was selected as a Science Student of the Month. Wyatt is a student that loves challenging himself and has his priorities in order so that he might excel at these challenges. He keeps me on my toes, as he is constantly making connections and looking ahead to where were going with class material, Bestul said.

Nick Gagnon, Eidens AP Physics teacher in 2017, was chosen as Eidens most influential teacher. Mr. Gagnon always has a positive attitude and works to make everyones day the best it can be. Through the couple of years I have known Mr. Gagnon, he has taught me many things, even outside of the classes he teaches. I wish every student in Chi-Hi could have a class with him to see how great he really is, Eiden said.

Eiden plans on attending college to pursue a career in the medical field. He is the son of Denise Stewart and Rock Eiden.
A man has been trampled and killed by a cow while herding cattle on a farm near the Victorian and New South Wales border.

The stock agent passed away aged 58 after suffering fatal injuries on the Georges Creek Road property about 9am Thursday.

A police spokeswoman revealed the man had been drafting the large animals inside a set of stockyards before being struck down, The Age reported.

A man has been trampled and killed by a cow while herding cattle on a Georges Creek farm near the Victorian and New South Wales border

Detective Sergeant Graeme Simpfendorfer said the man's family had been left devastated by his 'unfortunate' death.

'We dont believe his death is suspicious. We will obtain all the information we can, with the assistance of WorkSafe, and we will prepare a report for the coroner,' Sgt Simpfendorfer said.

The tragic death was the second for the state in less than a month, prompting WorkSafe to remind those working in agriculture to not become complacent.

'Year after year we see experienced farmers doing everyday tasks they have done many times before who are getting injured and killed,' Trevor Butler of WorkSafe said.

The stock agent passed away aged 58 after suffering fatal injuries on the Georges Creek Road property about 9am Thursday

'It is a stark warning to everyone in the farming community to make safety their number one priority.'

The small community of Georges Creek is likely to be affected by the man's death, with it's population just 62 according to 2016 records.

People from surrounding properties reportedly visited the scene throughout the day and spoke to crews in attendance.

The death comes three weeks after a man was crushed and killed by a bull in Dunkeld, in the state's west, on December 15.
A woman who appeared to help her slain co-worker's 11-year-old daughter when tragedy struck by setting up a GoFundMe account which raised $38,000 has been arrested for fraud.

Arlene Petty, 30, from Capitol Heights, Maryland has been charged with one count of first-degree fraud by Washington DC police stemming from her use of the account, the Washington Post reported.

Petty's co-worker Stephanie Goodloe, a 39-year-old church youth ministry director, was shot to death in her own home near Capitol Hill, in June 2016.

Her little girl was asleep in the next room, woke up to four gun shots and saw the man she had called 'Daddy,' Donald Hairston, 49, run past her room before finding her mother's lifeless body in bed.

Stephanie Goodloe (pictured), a 39-year-old church youth ministry director, was shot to death in her own home near Capitol Hill, early on a Saturday morning in June 2016; Arlene Petty, 30, from Maryland quickly set up a GoFundMe account for Goodloe's daughter, and is now charged with fraud related to keeping 'the majority of the funds raised for herself'

The campaign had collected $38,185 before it was flagged for misuse and temporarily suspended, DC police said in an arrest affidavit.

Goodloes cousin, Kim Smith, 47, said the family would be following this case very closely, as it still grapples with proceedings against Hairston, the alleged murderer.

'Along with the murder trial, this is yet another case that the family has to follow so we know that justice has been served,' Smith said.

Petty had initially given joint access to the fundraiser to the grandmother of Goodloe's daughter.

But on March 29, a relative filed a complaint with GoFundMe, when the grandmother said she had been 'locked out' of the account.

The arrest affidavit alleges that Petty transferred to $35,054 of the money from the campaign to a personal account, and that she 'kept the majority of the funds raised for herself.'

The affidavit also said that $9,000 of the total money raised had been transferred to the daughter's grandmother.

That leaves $26,054 unaccounted for, of the money allegedly transferred to Petty's personal account.

DC police did not immediately return a call requesting clarification on the amount of money at issue in relation to Petty's fraud charge.

The campaign was created on June 20, 2016, just two days after Goodloe's killing.

Goodloe's loved ones thought it was odd that a work colleague had created the GoFundMe page.

Smith also could not recall which of Goodloe's multiple jobs Petty knew her cousin from, but when Smith voiced concerns, she was comforted by finding out the fundraising campaign was set up as a joint account with the daughter's grandmother.

A memorial was held for Goodloe in Washington, DC on June 29, 2016

Bobby Whithorne, a spokesperson for GoFundMe, told the Post that misuse of the site occurs in 'less than one-tenth of one percent' of all campaigns launched on platform.

'[Users are] fully protected and we guarantee the money goes to the right place,' Whithorne said.

Whithorne pledged on behalf of the crowdfunding site to work with police and the courts to 'ensure all of the money raised goes to the family.'

He added that 'GoFundMe will make a donation to the family' if the courts fail the Goodloes in getting their money back from Petty.

Petty was arrested and released from jail over the weekend.

Her next hearing in scheduled for January 22 in Washington, DC Superior Court.

Petty could not immediately be reached for comment.

Hairston, Goodloe's ex-boyfriend and the man her daughter saw in their home on the night she was killed, has been charged in Goodloe's killing.

The mother had been granted a restraining order against her ex just two weeks before her death, according to court records.

Hairston's trial is scheduled to begin in April.
An Ohio grandmother with a history of opioid addiction has been found guilty of charges related to the methadone overdose death of her toddler grandson last year.

Norma Carraballo-Vasquez, 46, could receive 11 years in prison after pleading no contest on Wednesday to involuntary manslaughter and child endangering for the death of two-year-old Noah Harvey in March 2017.

Carraballo-Vasquez's sentencing is scheduled for January 31.

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office ruled that Noah on March 27, 2017, died after ingesting an adult dose of the opiate treatment drug methadone.

Guilty: Norma Carraballo-Vasquez, 46 (left), has pleaded no contest to charges in the March 2017 methadone-related death of her two-year-old grandson, Noah Harvey (right)

He also had large doses of the allergy medicine Benadryl and the cough medicine Robitussin in his system, reported Cleveland.com.

An assistant county prosecutor said the methadone container had a child-proof lid and that Carraballo-Vasquez, a recovering heroin addict who had been taking the drug twice a week, must have left the container open and in reach of her grandson while baby sitting him at her home on West 20th Street in Cleveland.

A police report indicated that Noah's mother came home from work to have lunch midday on March 27 and found the toddler 'sad and clingy' and asking her to stay home.

Carraballo-Vasquez later texted her daughter saying Noah seemed unwell, as if he was suffering from an ear infection.

The mother returned home at 4pm and found her son asleep with his great-grandfather.

Carraballo-Vasquez, a recovering heroin addict, was looking after Noah when prosecutors say the toddler somehow ingested an adult dose of methadone, resulting in a fatal overdose

When the woman went to check up on Noah at 10pm that night, the woman discovered her son unconscious in his crib. Noah was rushed to MetroHealth Medical Center, then airlifted to a children's hospital where he was pronounced dead the next day.

In court, prosecutors said the toddler had three methadone pills in his body.

After Wednesday's hearing, Carraballo-Vasquez's daughter told Cleveland.com she wants her son's case to serve as an 'eye-opener' for other parents and urged families to be vigilant about their children's caretakers.
Turkey's Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu has stood by his call for police to break the legs of drug dealers who are seen outside schools.

He told critics that it was as important to defeat the drug pushers as it was to fight the rebel Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and that he was would take full responsibility for his advice to police.

'If a dealer is near a school the police have a duty to break his leg. Do it and blame me. Even if it costs five, 10, 20 years in jail - we'll pay.'

Turkey says it at the forefront of the war against drugs and that it is constantly intercepting shipments - like this huge consignment of heroin on the border with Bulgaria in 2014

Turkish anti-drugs officers said that there were in excess of 80,000 drug-related incidents in 2016

The interior minister has compared the threat posed by drugs to that presented by PKK separatists

The minister's comments created a storm on social media - while some praised him for his bravery in the fight against drugs, critics said that his words in effect provided police with an execution warrant.

One opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) MP has already instigated legal action against Mr Soylu for 'incitement to commit a crime'.

But officials have rigorously defended Mr Soylu's comments, arguing that they reflect his determination to eradicate drug abuse.

The minister went on to say that the authorities must show the same resolve against drug dealers as they have used against separatist PKK terrorists.

'No one can poison our future. 'What the security officer does is my responsibility.'

Mr Soylu said the seizure by the security forces of 20 tonnes of heroin in 2017 had made it a record year for intercepting drug consignments.

Deputy Prime Minister Recep Akdaq Expert said on Thursday that more drugs have been seized in Turkey than the whole of Europe.

No one can poison our future. 'What the security officer does is my responsibility

Drugs trafficking often starts in Afghanistan and reaches Europe via Iran or Turkey, he said.

Another trafficking route which starts from the Netherlands and partly from Belgium and Austria and is also targeting Turkey.

'The substances are used by young people who end up in a sorry state on the streets. They are manufactured in the Netherlands, Belgium or Austria and partially Poland,' Mr Akdaq said.

'Please prevent these poisons from being manufactured in your countries.'

A 2017 report by the EU's European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction said that drug-related offenders account for about 20% of the Turkish prison population, and their numbers are growing.

But at the same time drug abuse rates in Turkey appear to be markedly lower than in more developed European countries.

The report says that about 1.5% of youths aged 15-16 have taken drugs at least once.

Turkish anti-drugs officers said that there were in excess of 80,000 drug-related incidents in 2016, with nearly 15,000 arrests.

Turkish security forces have say they have in addition destroyed marijuana plantations in some south-eastern areas of the country where Kurdish separatists have their powerbase.

Turkey has been fighting Kurdish insurgents in the south-east for many years, and has often argued that the PKK itself is involved in drug-trafficking.
Marion 'Suge' Knight has accused the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department of listening in on his conversations with his lawyers, according to court documents obtained by DailyMail.com.

The former Death Row Records boss is currently jailed and facing charges of murder and attempted murder for running over two men in Compton, California, with his red truck in January 2015.

The 52-year-old's trial is slated to begin next week but his legal team filed a motion late last month to the Los Angeles Superior Court claiming disqualified judges granted orders that allowed the prosecution and sheriff's department to listen in on his phone calls.

Citing this 'abuse of power', Knight's attorneys are requesting all court orders from early last year to be thrown out because their client would not be receiving a fair trial.

Marion 'Suge' Knight has accused the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department and prosecution of listening in on his attorney-client privileged conversations in aspect to his upcoming murder trial, which is scheduled to begin next week

Knight's lawyers also claim the opposition is using these orders to ruin the relationship between Knight and his fiancee Toi-Lin Kelly (pictured), who has Power of Attorney for Knight

According to the court documents, Knight's team claims that the prosecution and sheriff's department were granted these 'eavesdropping' orders by judges who were not qualified to grant them.

Knight's calls and jail visits between his lawyers have been reviewed by the opposition since August 2016, the motion claims.

The motion states: 'The Prosecution and Sheriffs have secretly listened to every word the undersigned has ever spoken to the Defendant.

'Using void orders from disqualified judges, the Prosecution and Sheriffs currently continue to this day to listen to every word the undersigned speaks to the Defendant and their jail visits, despite attorney-client privilege protections. This abuse of power described herein was set in motion been by the power warranted from these void orders.

'Defendant will suffer continued irreparable harm to his ability to properly defend himself if the present circumstance set forth herein below, are not immediately judicially addressed.

'At the present, the undersigned have NO MEANS of counseling their client without government interference and eavesdropping. '

However, a judge denied the motion to have the orders thrown out, TMZ later reported.

The former Death Row Records boss is currently jailed and facing charges of murder and attempted murder for running over two men in Compton, with his red truck in January 2015

The lawyers argue that the judges were disqualified in granting these orders because a judge partially recused himself in Knight's case, which is barred in the State of California.

Knight's team also accuse the opposition of using the 'void' orders in their attempt to 'destroy' Knight's 'relationship' with his fiancee Toi-Lin Kelly.

Kelly was sentenced to 100 hours of community service in October for selling a video that was sealed evidence in Knight's upcoming murder trial.

Kelly pleaded no consent and was ordered to pay $55,000 to the hamburger stand in Compton that provided surveillance video of Knight hitting two men with his truck two years ago.

Kelly had sold the video to TMZ for the same amount.

Knight has been incarcerated since his February 2015 arrest for running down two men at the burger stand parking lot in Compton, killing businessman and friend Terry Carter and injuring Cle 'Bone' Sloan.

Knight's legal team filed a motion in December claiming disqualified judges granted orders that allowed the prosecution and sheriff's department to listen in on his phone calls. Pictured: The scene of the accident where two men were run over

Citing this 'abuse of power', Knight's attorneys are requesting all court orders from early last year to be thrown out because their client would not be receiving a fair trial. Pictured: Knight's red truck that was involved in the murder and attempted murder case

Carter and Sloan had been working as security on the location set for the NWA biopic movie Straight Outta Compton and earlier in the day got in a dispute with Knight.

Knight has pleaded not guilty and claims he accidentally struck Carter as he fled the scene in fear for his life, suspecting an armed ambush.

The former rap mogul was charged with murder, attempted murder and two counts of felony hit-and-run in the incident and could face 25 years to life in prison, if convicted.

Although behind bars, Knight still talks about his beliefs about what happened to rapper Tupac Shakur, who he was with on September 7, 1996, - the night he obtained his fatal gun shot wounds.

The pair, who had earlier attended the Bruce Seldon vs Mike Tyson fight at the MGM Grand were stopped at a red light when a 'bow-tied' assassin opened fire.

Tupac was shot four times , twice in the chest, once in the arm and once in the thigh.

In April, Knight claimed that his ex-wife and former Death Row Records security chief Reggie White Jr killed Tupac Shakur (pictured together), and insisted he was the real target of the 1996 drive-by

He died from his wounds six days later from respiratory failure that led to cardiac arrest with his killer never being identified.

In September, Knight told Ice-T and Soledad O'Brien from jail for the Fox special Who shot Biggie and Tupac?, that he believes the rapper could still be alive.

He said: 'When Pac died... if he really did, you know.

'I mean when I left that hospital, me and Pac was laughing and joking. So I don't see how someone can turn from doing well to doing bad.'

When asked by the incredulous host if he seriously thought the music legend might still be alive, Suge responded: 'I'm gonna tell you with Pac, you never know.'

And back in April, Knight claimed that his ex-wife and former Death Row Records security chief Reggie White Jr killed Tupac Shakur, and insisted he was the real target of the 1996 drive-by.

SUGE KNIGHT'S RAP SHEET Suge Knight, who is currently facing murder charges, has an arrest record that goes back to 1987 1987: Knight was arrested for domestic violence, allegedly stealing a car, carrying a concealed weapon and attempted murder. 1990: Knight pleaded guilty to two battery charges. 1991: Rumor has it Knight held Vanilla Ice over a balcony to get him to sign over his publishing rights - which he reportedly did. 1992: Charged with assault and battery. 1996: Knight was sent to prison for nearly five years for badly beating a rival with rapper Tupac Shakur at a Las Vegas, Nevada, hotel. The beating came shortly before Shakur suffered fatal gunshot wounds. 1997: Linked to death of Notorious B.I.G. 2002: Knight was jailed for violating his probation by associating with gang members in Los Angeles. 2003: He went back to jail on a parole violation after punching a parking lot attendant outside a Hollywood nightclub. 2005: Knight was shot in the leg during an MTV Video Music Awards pre-party in Miami. No arrests were made. 2006: Death Row Records filed for bankruptcy, and a Los Angeles judge ordered a trustee to take it over because of gross mismanagement. 2009: Knight was hospitalized for treatment of facial injuries following a fight at a hotel in Scottsdale, Arizona. 2013: The rap music figure was arrested on an outstanding warrant and later released after being pulled over for a traffic violation in Los Angeles. 2014: Ahead of the MTV Video Music Awards, Knight was shot six times during an altercation at a Hollywood nightclub at a party hosted by Chris Brown. 2014: Katt Williams and Knight were accused of stealing a camera from a photographer. He pleaded not guilty after being charged with robbery and could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted. 2015: Knight was arrested on suspicion of murder in a hit-and-run wreck that killed a man and injured another. Advertisement

Pictured: Motion filed on behalf of Suge Knight claiming that the prosecution and sheriff's department was listening in on his phone calls without his knowledge




The White House slapped down speculation that the president is 'unfit' for office on Thursday after anecdotes in a bombshell book about the first year of Donald Trump's presidency raised new questions about the 71-year-old's mental competency.

'It's disgraceful and laughable. If he was unfit he probably wouldn't be sitting there, wouldn't have defeated the most qualified group of candidates the Republican Party has ever seen,' press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said.

A news report also revealed today that congressional Democrats invited a Yale psychiatrist to provide them with an assessment of president's cognitive state.

Author Michael Wolff claimed in a Thursday essay in the Hollywood Reporter that Trump is increasingly forgetful, repeating stories word-for-word inside 10 minutes and failing to recognize old friends.

The essay is based on his explosive book, Fire and Fury, and includes other material.

To hide his failings from the public, Wolff claims the White House hatched a plan last fall to have interviewers submit their questions beforehand.

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To hide his failings from the public, Michael Wolff claims White House Communications Director Hope Hicks (left) hatched a plan last fall to have interviewers submit their questions to President Trump beforehand. They're seen aboard Air Force One in November

From erratic tweeting to slurred speech, Trump's mental state has continually been questioned by Democrats, some of whom are trying to impeach him.

'Morning Joe' host Joe Scarborough also assessed after a set of recent incidents that Trump appears to be suffering from dementia.

Retiring Sen. Bob Corker also drew blood in August when he asserted that Trump has not shown the 'stability nor some of the competence' that's necessary for him to be successful in his position.

Wolff delivered another blow to the president when said in a Thursday column of the Trump White House, 'Everybody was painfully aware of the increasing pace of his repetitions. It used to be inside of 30 minutes he'd repeat, word-for-word and expression-for-expression, the same three stories  now it was within 10 minutes. Indeed, many of his tweets were the product of his repetitions  he just couldn't stop saying something.'

'At Mar-a-Lago, just before the new year, a heavily made-up Trump failed to recognize a succession of old friends,' Wolff writes.

The author, who says he was provided widespread access to the White House after running his book pitch by Trump himself, says the president's advisors and family 'all  100 percent  came to believe he was incapable of functioning in his job' within months of Trump taking office.

Michael Wolff claimed in a Thursday essay in the Hollywood Reporter that Trump is increasingly forgetful, repeating stories word-for-word inside 10 minutes and failing to recognized old friends. He's seen on NYE at his Palm Beach resort celebrating the holiday with friends

White House Communications Director Hope Hicks is especially 'attentive to his lapses and repetitions' and 'urged him to forgo an interview that was set to open the fall season' of '60 Minutes, 'he claims. That is how Fox News' Sean Hannity landed an Oct. 12 interview with Trump.

Wolff says White House insiders told him that Hannity offered to 'supply the questions beforehand,' setting a new standard in the Trump administration.

'Indeed, the plan was to have all interviewers going forward provide the questions,' Wolff wrote in the Hollywood Reporter, which employs him as a columnist.

Hannity disputed this claim through a spokesperson, telling DailyMail.com: 'I never provided questions ahead of time to President Trump and never said I was going to quit my longtime, successful TV and radio career to work for his administration.

As copy from Wolff's unreleased book circulated on Wednesday, a fresh inquiry was raised about Trump's mental stability following a tweet the president sent needling North Korea's 33-year-old tyrant.

Kim had said that he has a 'nuclear button' that can launch missiles capable of hitting targets anywhere in the U.S.

'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!' Trump on Tuesday evening responded.

20 MOST JAW-DROPPING CLAIMS IN EXPLOSIVE TRUMP BOOK Steve Bannon described Don Jr's Trump Tower meeting with Russians as 'treasonous and unpatriotic' and thinks he will 'crack like an egg' under the pressure of the Russia investigation

Bannon said there's 'zero' chance Donald Trump didn't know about the meeting and said Don Jr likely 'walked them to his father's office'

First Lady Melania Trump openly wept on the night her husband won the election - and the tears 'were not of joy'

The whole campaign from the top down thought Trump would lose and everyone had planned for defeat, with Trump himself planning a TV network because he would be 'the most famous man in the world'

Trump and Melania sleep in separate bedrooms and he demanded a lock on his bedroom door against the wishes of the Secret Service

Trump orders McDonald's so he's not poisoned, told staff not to touch his toothbrush and strips his own bedsheets

Trump regularly sits in bed eating a cheeseburger at 6.30pm while calling his friends and watching three TVs

Rupert Murdoch called Trump a 'f***ing idiot' after a phone call and billionaire backer Tom Barrack said 'he's not only crazy, he's stupid'

Trump's aides say he doesn't read and 'for all practical purposes is no more than semi-literate'

Trump would try to bed his friends' wives by goading their husbands to cheat while the wife listened in on speakerphone

White House Communications Director Hope Hicks dated married Corey Lewandowski and Trump later told her: 'You're the best piece of tail he'll ever have.'

The president called acting attorney general Sally Yates a 'c***' after she refused to enforce his immigration ban

Sean Spicer, then press secretary, said 'you can't make this s*** up' after his first briefing and went on adopt the phrase as his personal mantra

Trump tells the same stories three times in ten minutes and forgot a succession of old friends' names at a Mar-a-Lago party

He called Jared Kushner a 'suck-up' and said he should never have let Ivanka and her husband move to Washington

Among his verdicts on his staff: Bannon 'looked like s***', Reince Priebus was a midget and Kellyanne Conway was a crybaby

Among his staff's verdicts on him: 'dope', 'dumb as s***', 'hopeless idiot', 'just a f***ing fool', 'lost his mind', 'incapable of functioning in his job'

Trump wondered what a 'golden shower' was after reading reports about the notorious Russian dossier

Trump offered to marry Morning Joe's Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough - and mocked Jared Kushner for saying he'd do it

Ivanka Trump jokes with friends about her father's hair secrets: He had a scalp reduction, combs over from the sides, and uses Just for Men badly

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Kim's New Year address also included a warning to the US that he has a 'nuclear button' on his table, prompting a furious response from President Trump via Twitter (above_

NBC White House Correspondent Peter Alexander subsequently asked the White House if Americans should be 'concerned about the presidents mental fitness.'

'I think the President and the people of this country should be concerned about the mental fitness of the leader of North Korea,' Trump spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders fired back.

Swatting the line of questioning down at the televised news conference, Sanders said: 'This is a President whos not going to cower down and hes not going to be weak, and is going to make sure that he does what hes promised to do, and thats stand up and protect the American people.'

Asked about Trump's mental state again on Thursday, Sanders said, 'This is an incredibly strong and good leader that's why we've had such a successful 2017 and why we're going to continue to do great things as we move forward in this administration.'

More than a dozen Democrats and one Republican senator were briefed last month by a Yale psychiatrist, Politico revealed on Thursday. Trump's tweets were the impetus.

'We feel that the rush of tweeting is an indication of his falling apart under stress. Trump is going to get worse and will become uncontainable with the pressures of the presidency,' Democratic Congresswoman Barbara Lee told the publication.

Scarborugh, an ex-Republican congressman who now co-hosts an MSNBC program, has also evaluated Trump's durability.

Noting that the president has demonstrated cognitive interruptions similar to the behavior he has observed in his own mother, Scarborough said during a December show, 'Unfortunately in the case of my mother, I can move that to the side and I am totally fine with that.

'In this case, Donald Trump has control of nuclear weapons,' the former Republican congressman added.

On another program, Scarborough said Trump is in the 'early stages of dementia.'

'Everybody around Donald Trump knows hes not stable. Everybody around Donald Trump knows hes not stable now. Everybody,' Scarborough stated.
Mohammed Sangak, 31, was said to be 'at the heart' of an operation which saw 87 illegal immigrants being smuggled into the UK has been stripped of his luxury cars and cash

A human trafficker said to be 'at the heart' of an operation which saw 87 illegal immigrants being smuggled into the UK has been stripped of his luxury cars and cash.

Iraqi Kurd Mohammed Sangak, himself a former asylum seeker, was described as the prime organiser and 'driving force' of seven people-smuggling trips across the Channel.

The immigrants originated from China, Kurdistan, Vietnam, Iran and Iraq, and were hidden among van loads of second-hand furniture, mattresses and tyres after being picked up by the gang in Dunkirk, France.

Details of how much money was paid by the desperate refugees were not revealed when 31-year-old Sangak was jailed last year for 10 years after admitting conspiracy to breach UK immigration laws.

But on Tuesday a court ruled the one-time health and bodybuilding magazine model had pocketed 298,863.

However, a judge was told at the confiscation hearing his assets available to be seized totalled just over a third of that amount.

These include a Range Rover worth 70,000, a Mercedes valued at 30,000, and 4,976 in cash.

Sangak was therefore ordered to pay 104,976 within three months, or serve a further 18 months behind bars in default.

Maidstone Crown Court in Kent heard in April last year that 15 illegal entrants, including three children, were discovered secreted in a void among a pile of mattresses after border control officers at the Channel Tunnel spotted condensation on a van roof.

Others were found as they were smuggled through Dover Docks in Kent.

Last year Sangak was jailed for 10 years along with other members of his gang, but he has since been ordered to pay back nearly 105,000. Gang members included Marcus Shorter (left) and Nicodin Ardelean (right)

Prosecutor Edmund Fowler told the court Sangak was responsible for overseeing the general operation and involved in every one of the seven smuggling trips carried out between May and December 2015.

On one occasion he paid 2,500 to one driver to bring in a secret 'load'.

Sangak, formerly from St Mary's Island in Chatham, Kent, was also convicted last year of involvement in a 'cash for crash' insurance fraud, said to have netted him almost half a million pounds.

He organised the necessary paperwork in relation to 21 'staged or invented' crashes which resulted in substantial payouts running into thousands of pounds to cover vehicle damage, personal injury, medical costs and solicitors' fees.

However, the prosecution said this number was just 'the tip of the iceberg' as hundreds of driving licences, passports, MOT certificates and hand-drawn maps of accident locations were found at his home.

He was found guilty of conspiracy to defraud between December 15, 2011 and April 1, 2015.

Judge Philip St. John-Stevens said at Sangak's sentencing hearing that both conspiracies were so serious that consecutive jail terms of eight years for human trafficking and two years for the fraud had to be imposed.

He told the father of one: 'It is clear to everyone that individuals trafficked into this country may well be, and often are, vulnerable and can be preyed upon by criminal organisations,' said the judge.

'Often the way they are conveyed into this country is fraught with danger, hidden behind cover loads that in itself is a dangerous enterprise.

'In addition to the position of vulnerability of the individual is the issue of national security. Given the present climate we live in, to facilitate individuals into this country who avoid border controls or official scrutiny has the potential of undermining or at least compromising national security and the seriousness of that cannot be underplayed.

'You were responsible for overseeing the operation. You were a prime organiser. There was significant financial gain for yourself and there was a significant and sophisticated degree of planning given the numbers involved.'

It is not known if confiscation proceedings are to be held in relation to the fraud as all his assets have now been seized.

Sangak, the leader of the gang, owns a Range Rover worth 70,000, a Mercedes valued at 30,000, and 4,976 in cash. He will have to sell these to pay the courts. John William Newitt, 35, (left) and Adam Dunning, 29, (right) were also gang members who pleaded guilty

The court heard Sangak, who is also known as Rameo Mohammed, was granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK after he fled his home in Kirkuk, northern Iraq, in 2001.

His family was said to be in danger as his father worked for the government.

But Sangak was the only one who left, travelling alone to the UK across five countries in six months via boat, car and lorry, at the age of 14.

He was placed in foster care and said to be 'indebted' to the family who cared for him.

However, the court heard he has amassed 11 other previous convictions for 16 offences including battery and possessing drugs.

Four other men involved in the human trafficking operation were jailed for a total of more than 14 years at the same court in November 2016.

One was a Romanian national wanted on a European arrest warrant in respect of a six-year prison sentence in his home country imposed in 2009 for 'participation in a criminal organisation'.

Sentences of the four ranged from two-and-a-half years to four years and nine months.

Another two men involved were jailed at Canterbury Crown Court for three years and two years four months respectively. Two gang members were each jailed in France for a year.

Two women were handed suspended sentences.
Ukip leader Henry Boltons new lover dated the cousin of Pink Floyd star Dave Gilmour  and contacted him on Facebook because of his family name, his friends claim.

Jo Marney, 29, is understood to have been in a relationship with Patrick Gilmour from the middle of 2016 until they broke up acrimoniously last summer.

Friends told Mail Online she initially made contact with Patrick, who lives in Australia, via Facebook and was desperate to meet his famous musician cousin.

Jo Marney, the new lover of Ukip leader Henry Bolton, dated Patrick Gilmour (above) - cousin of Pink Floyd star Dave Gilmour - as friends claim she contacted him because of his name

The 29-year-old (with Henry Bolton today) is understood to have been in a relationship with Patrick Gilmour from the middle of 2016 until they broke up acrimoniously last summer

Friends told MailOnline Miss Marney initially made contact with Patrick via Facebook and was desperate to meet his famous musician cousin Dave Gilmour (above)

After they broke up, Miss Marney used her connection to the celebrity family to score one-upmanship online. Pictured: Patrick with his famous cousin Dave Gilmour

Miss Marney took to Facebook to highlight her links to the Gilmour family and claimed to live in a world surrounded by celebrity

Both Miss Marney and Patrick posted a series of romantic pictures on social media.

In several images the couple are kissing, while in others Miss Marney is wearing Patrick's distinctive skull scarf.

After they broke up, Miss Marney used her connection to the celebrity family to score one-upmanship with music manager Chip Latham online.

'It's really not that impressive to me mate...' she wrote. 'My ex is a Gilmour. I come from a world of famous people.'

When approached by MailOnline, Patrick refused to comment on the relationship.

Friends of the former couple said they struck up a relationship with after she contacted him via Facebook in March 2016.

They claimed she initially tried to connect with Matt Gilmour - son of Dave Gilmour - before getting in touch with Patrick online.

She spent months trying to get him to visit the UK from Australia so she could meet Dave,' the source said.

'For nearly a year she begged him to introduce her, dragging him around on the two occasions where he came to see her in October 2016 and in May last year.

Both Miss Marney and Patrick posted a series of romantic pictures on social media. Friends say she encouraged Patrick to dye his hair in order to look more like the pop star Sting and took an keen interest in his appearance

In several images the couple are kissing, while in others Miss Marney is wearing Patrick's distinctive skull scarf. Patrick has refused to comment on the relationship

Friends of the former couple said they struck up a relationship with after she contacted him via Facebook in March 2016. Pictured: With Henry Bolton today in Kent

They claimed Miss Marney (pictured with Tom Jones) initially tried to connect with Matt Gilmour - son of Dave Gilmour - before getting in touch with Patrick online

She then made claims about her association with the music icon David Gilmour. She met David and then they eventually split in July this year.

Friends say she encouraged Patrick to dye his hair in order to look more like the pop star Sting and took a keen interest in his appearance.

The relationship broke down, it is claimed, when the self-styled 'bad girl of Brexit' started seeing someone else.

They said: Shes attracted to power and self-gain.

She told Patrick that they would probably marry and had a future together and that shed never felt like that about anyone else before. And they hadnt even met then.'

Miss Marney, who has modelled at London Fashion Week, was revealed this week to be in a relationship with the Ukip leader.

The relationship broke down, it is claimed, when the self-styled 'bad girl of Brexit' started seeing someone else. Pictured: Miss Marney and Mr Bolton enjoying a Boxing Day drink

Miss Marney took to Facebook this morning to defend her relationship with Mr Bolton. She has also caused outrage by describing Grenfell Tower - where 71 people died last summer - as a nest of illegal immigrants

Mr Bolton, the twice wed ex-Army captain, 54, who has separated from his wife Tatiana (above) and mother of his two young children, emerged from Miss Marney's family home this morning

Mr Bolton, the twice wed ex-Army captain, 54, who has separated from his wife Tatiana and mother of his two young children, emerged from Miss Marney's family home this morning.

Miss Marney took to Facebook this morning to defend her relationship with Mr Bolton.

She has also caused outrage by describing Grenfell Tower - where 71 people died last summer - as a nest of illegal immigrants and saying that more than 50 of movie mogul Harvey Weinsteins rape and sex assault allegation victims are whinging little divas.
Arsonists have been caught on camera as they set fire to a pizza shop in Perth's north, CCTV footage shows.

Police are appealing for public help to find the arsonists who set alight the Market City Shopping Centre in Ballajura shortly before 4.30am on December 2.

The blaze tore through a pizza shop before spreading to the Chinese restaurant next door, leaving a $500,000 damage bill.

Arsonists have been caught on camera as they set fire to a pizza shop in Perth's north, CCTV footage shows

Footage shows the crooks splashing liquid through what appears to be a kitchen, before attacking the floor and tables in the neighbouring dining area.

Chemical-fueled flames are then seen surging through the establishment after the the brazen arsonists flee the area.

Rewards of up to $50,000 are on offer for information leading to an arson conviction.

Anyone with information or who saw or heard anything suspicious near the Market City Shopping Centre between midnight and 4.30am on December 2 should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au.

Chemical-fueled flames are then seen surging through the establishment after the the brazen arsonists flee the area
President Donald Trump issued an extraordinary statement bashing former top advisor Steve Bannon after the president's longtime consigliere was quoted trashing Donald Trump Jr. and claiming his father would have immediately been made aware of an infamous Trump Tower meeting with Russians.

Bannon claimed a Trump Tower meeting with a Russian lawyer, supposedly to obtain unflattering information about Hillary Clinton, was 'treasonous' and 'unpatriotic,' prompting an unprecedented brushback of the former White House aide from the president.

'Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency,' Trump said in a statement provided by the White House that torches his former chief strategist. 'When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind.'

Trump's press secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, then told reporters that the president was 'furious' and 'disgusted' by Bannon's assault on the president's son and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who also attended the Trump Tower meeting.

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Former White House strategist Stephen Bannon has termed a June 2016 meeting between Trump campaign officials and Russians 'treasonous' in a forthcoming book about the Trump White House

The White House's full-scale attack on Bannon, who was once one of Trump's top advisers, was ripe with personal slights, exposing a dramatic rift between the president and the conservative provocateur who is also the Breitbart News executive chairman.

It followed Bannon's comments undercutting the president's eldest son and a suggestion that Donald Trump was involved in the 2016 meeting with a Kremlin-linked Russian lawyer that Bannon is now quoted as saying should have been reported to the FBI.

'Steve was a staffer who worked for me after I had already won the nomination by defeating seventeen candidates, often described as the most talented field ever assembled in the Republican Party,' Trump said. 'Now that he is on his own, Steve is learning that winning isn't as easy as I make it look.'

Trump said Bannon 'doesn't represent my base, he's only in it for himself' and 'had very little to do' with his victory, but 'everything to do' with the loss of the Alabama Senate seat.

The cutting statement went on to say, 'Steve pretends to be at war with the media, which he calls the opposition party, yet he spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was.'

Bannon backed losing candidate Roy Moore, who Trump ultimately campaigned for in the special election after claiming the Republican would have a tough time winning the general election and endorsing his primary opponent.

Sanders said Wednesday that the loss contributed to the falling out between the president, who last spoke to Bannon sometime in early December.

Accusing the president's son of treason is also not a way to 'curry favor' with Trump, she stated, calling the allegation 'ridiculous.'

'I think there are a number of factors that played in,' she told DailyMail.com. 'I would certainly think that going after the president's son and an absolutely outrageous and unprecedented way, is probably not the best way to curry favor with anybody.'

Steve Bannon, chairman of Breitbart News Network LLC, speaks during a campaign rally for Roy Moore, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate from Alabama

After the press briefing former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, whose wife Callista is U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, walked through a press work space on his way to a Fox News interview.

'Bannon has no contingent,' he told DailyMail.com and another reporter ripping into the former White House aide. 'There's a Trump wing of the Republican Party. There's not a Bannon wing.'

The White House had also rejected the notion that feud would weaken Trump's base.

'The base and the people that supported this president supported the president and supported his agenda, those things haven't changed,' Sanders said at her briefing. 'The president still exactly who he was yesterday as he was two years ago when he started out on the campaign trail.'

Trump's spokeswoman said, 'Look at all he's accomplished, I think they're pretty happy with where he is.'

President Trump had also sought to discredit Bannon, considered to have a played a key role in shaping his own victory.

'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,' the president said.

The blast came just hours after Bannon was revealed to have called the infamous June 2016 meeting between top Trump campaign officials and Russians 'treasonous.'

Further, Bannon expressed certainty that then-candidate Donald Trump would have been made aware of the meeting at the time  a claim that, if verified, could play into a collusion narrative being explored by special counsel Robert Mueller.

Trump said Bannon 'spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was'

Bannon, who held a top role in the campaign, shares his disdain in Michael Wolff's forthcoming book, excerpts of which were published Wednesday, that other top officials went into the Trump Tower meeting blind instead of dispatching a legal team to vet information in a hand-off way and failing to alert authorities of a possible crime.

'Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad s***, and I happen to think its all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately,' Bannon mused.

He went after Donald Trump Jr. explicitly for participating, then expressed certainty about what happened next.

'The chance that Don Jr. did not walk these Jumos up to his father's office of the 26th floor is zero,' Bannon said, in an excerpt from 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House.'

'The three senior guys in the campaign thought it was a good idea to meet with a foreign government inside Trump Tower in the conference room on the 25th floor  with no lawyers. They didn't have any lawyers,' Bannon vented in excerpts in the book obtained by the Guardian

The White House issued a separate statement from Sanders before her daily news conference trashing the expose.

'This book is filled with false and misleading accounts from individuals who have no access or influence with the White House,' Sanders said.

'Participating in a book that can only be described as trashy tabloid fiction exposes their sad desperate attempts at relevancy,' she added.

Stephanie Grisham, communications director for Melania Trump, responded to claims in the book that the first lady cried when Trump the election because she never expected him to win.

'The book is clearly going to be sold in the bargain fiction section. Mrs. Trump supported her husband's decision to run for President and in fact, encouraged him to do so. She was confident he would win and was very happy when he did,' Grisham said.

The book also claims the Trump have separate bedrooms in the White House.

NBC News reported Bannon's comment about the chance Donald Trump also met the Russians.

Sanders pointed to Trump's previous denials of collusion when it came up at her news conference.

Trump Jr. told the House Intelligence Committee during testimony that he did not tell his father about the meeting at the time it took place, the Washington Post reported in December.

He told Fox News host Sean Hannity after word of the meeting broke: 'In retrospect, I probably would have done things a little differently.'

He said he did not tell his father about the meeting because nothing came of it.

'It was just a nothing,' the president's son said. 'There was nothing to tell.'

Attending the meeting were Donald Trump Jr., Trump son in law and Bannon's White House rival Jared Kushner, and former campaign chair Paul Manafort, who has since been indicted on money laundering and conspiracy charges.

They met with Kremlin-linked Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya after an offer of potential dirt on Hillary Clinton got dangled to Trump Jr. via an email approach.

'They're going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV,' Bannon, a former Naval officer and Goldman Sachs employee who runs Breitbart News, said of the president's eldest son.

They're going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV

He laid out how the campaign should have handled such an approach. If any meeting happened, it should have been done 'in a Holiday Inn in Manchester, New Hampshire, with your lawyers who meet with these people'. That would allow information to get 'dump[ed]  down to Breitbart or something like that, or maybe some other more legitimate publication,' he said, referencing the Breitbart News site he runs.

'They're going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV,' Bannon said of the president's eldest son, who attended the Trump Tower meeting

A picture taken on November 8, 2016 shows Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya speaking during an interview in Moscow

Bannon took new shots at his rival Trump son in law Jared Kushner. He predicts special counsel Mueller will go after top officials on money laundering to get to President Trump

White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon (R) listens to U.S. President Donald Trump at the beginning of a meeting with government cyber security experts in the Roosevelt Room at the White House January 31, 2017 in Washington

Former White House Chief Strategist Stephen Bannon speaks during the Asahi Shimbun interview on November 16, 2017 in Tokyo, Japan

'You never see it, you never know it, because you don't need to  But that's the brain trust that they had,' he said dismissively.

Trump named Bannon as chief executive of his campaign in August 2016, two months after the Trump Tower meeting with Russians occurred.

Bannon, who says he continues to advise President Trump, also issued predictions about the Mueller probe.

'You realize where this is going,' he said. 'This is all about money laundering. Mueller chose [senior prosecutor Andrew] Wessman first and he is a money-laundering guy. Their path to f***ing Trump goes right through Paul Manafort, Don Jr. and Jared Kushner  It's as plain as a hair on your face,' he said.

According to the Guardian, Bannon insisted that he doesn't know Russians, won't be a witness in the related probes, won't hire a lawyer and won't end up on TV answering questions.

Trump Jr. has denied doing anything improper and says he got nothing of value out of the meeting. Manafort has pleaded not guilty to money laundering charges. Kushner's lawyers say he is cooperating with investigators.

The book also quotes a friend of President Trump confidant Tom Barrack as having told a friend: ''He's not only crazy, he's stupid.'
Gov. Scott Walker plans to convert the Lincoln Hills School for Boys and Copper Lake School for Girls into a prison for adult inmates  a move that would close a dark chapter for the youth prison that has been plagued by allegations of inmate abuse and unsafe working conditions for staff.

Walker said Thursday he plans instead to build six smaller youth facilities around the state for Wisconsins most serious juvenile offenders, including one new mental health facility in Madison for girls.

By moving from one facility to several facilities across the state, and placing a focus on mental health and trauma-informed care, we believe this plan will improve long-term outcomes for both juveniles and our staff working at these facilities, the governor said in a statement.

The proposed reorganization has been in the works for about a year, according to the governors office. It comes amid a three-year federal investigation in which authorities are considering charges against two Lincoln Hills guards accused of excessive force and after several federal lawsuits alleging inmates constitutional rights were violated  one of which resulted in a court order to reduce the use of pepper spray, restraints and solitary confinement at the facility.

The plan would help alleviate crowding among the states adult prisons, address questions of how to move the youth prison forward amid persistent staffing problems and the federal investigation, and blunt an election-year attack against Walker by his Democratic opponents for what they have described as ignoring the prisons troubles.

If Walker wins re-election, he plans to include in the next state budget at least $80 million for the construction of five new juvenile prisons for up to three dozen inmates each. Lawmakers would need to approve the plan.

Up to three new prisons would be in southeastern Wisconsin near Milwaukee, though the sites have not yet been chosen. An additional mental health facility would be built on the campus of the Mendota Juvenile Treatment Center in Madison for female inmates.

While the new facilities wouldnt open until after 2019, Walker plans to move some male inmates from Lincoln Hills to the Mendota campus this fall. In November, Department of Corrections officials indicated a desire to move the most aggressive inmates at the prison as a way to decrease the number of violent incidents at the facility.

The proposal will likely include hiring more staff to ensure each facility is compliant with federal staff-to-prisoner ratio requirements, and current staff at Lincoln Hills will be offered jobs at the new youth prisons or training to become adult correctional officers in order to remain working at the Irma campus.

DOC and the Department of Health Services, which operates the Mendota facility, will be responsible for drafting specific spending plans.

DOC Secretary Jon Litscher, who took over the department in 2016 after nearly all DOC officials who oversaw juvenile corrections quit or were fired, said in a statement the plan will build on the many reforms put in place since he took over.

Many key details are yet to be determined, however, including how education programs would be provided to the inmates and whether converting the Irma campus into an adult facility would require the approval of Lincoln County officials.

Missouri as model

The goal of the plan is similar to the juvenile correctional model in Missouri  recently profiled by the Wisconsin State Journal  that is hailed by juvenile justice experts.

In Missouri, juvenile offenders can be sentenced to one of more than 30 facilities throughout the state and those who commit the most serious crimes are placed in facilities of no more than 30 inmates.

Walkers office was first told six years ago that the environment at the youth prison had become increasingly chaotic and unsafe. And since the investigation began at the Lincoln Hills facility in 2015, several lawmakers have proposed to close the facility or to study the Missouri model.

Rep. Evan Goyke, D-Milwaukee, recently unveiled his own legislative package that would accomplish the same goals as Walkers plan and he has repeatedly called for a new plan that would move the inmates closer to their homes. The Lincoln Hills campus is more than 200 miles away from Milwaukee, where a significant number of inmates live.

Goyke said Thursday that Walkers plan demonstrates exciting progress in reforming Wisconsins juvenile corrections system and said he looks forward to seeing the proposal implemented quickly and effectively.

Today Wisconsin is taking its first step in meaningful corrections reform, Goyke said.

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele said Thursday Walkers announcement will help the county accelerate the transformation of the youth justice system into one that leads to better public safety outcomes and improved opportunities for youth to lead productive and successful lives.

Democrats critical

While some Democrats hailed the proposal, others called it a tactic to smooth over hurdles in Walkers re-election bid for a third term.

State Superintendent Tony Evers, who is running against Walker for governor and has made the troubles at Lincoln Hills central to his argument to unseat Walker, said Walkers plan doesnt wash away the years of problems at the facility.

How many kids have been abused during the five years Walker failed to act? Evers said in a statement. Now he wants us to believe the same people who caused the Lincoln Hills mess are going to fix it. We need responsible leaders who are more focused about solving problems and protecting lives than winning elections.

Assembly Minority Leader Gordon Hintz, D-Oshkosh, who along with a number of Democrats have called for such changes, said its not that were not enthused for action, its certainly the right thing to do, but its a little rich coming from the governor whos been the main obstacle to any kind of corrections reform  not just juvenile corrections.

Senate Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling, D-La Crosse, called the plan a transparent, cynical move in an election year, and was made to get ahead of former DOC Secretary Ed Walls planned book detailing allegations that the Department of Justice under Attorney General Brad Schimel botched the states investigation into Lincoln Hills, allowing problems there to fester.

Using the Irma facility as an adult prison could provide more jobs there, the governors office said. The facility has room for about 600 inmates but now holds fewer than 200.

Rep. Mary Felzkowski, R-Irma, and Sen. Tom Tiffany, R-Hazelhurst, who represent the area, praised the plan as one that would support job growth.

Doug Curtis, who retired last year from Lincoln Hills after 20 years, said the plan does not address current safety issues at the facility.

This decision doesnt help the people at Lincoln Hills right now; it ignores the problems, Curtis said. This is just an idea thats five years down the road.

Tom Evenson, spokesman for Walker, said the plan is envisioned to be funded in the 2019-21 budget because we want to work with all parties to implement it in a thoughtful and purposeful way.

If the Legislature wants to advance the plan sooner we would be supportive of those efforts, he said.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, and a spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, said they both support the plan.

Numerous allegations





In December 2015, dozens of state investigators arrived at Lincoln Hills to interview staff as part of a secret John Doe investigation of child neglect, tampering with public documents, intimidation of victims, use of pepper spray to cause bodily harm and intimidation of witnesses.

The raid made public allegations that had been under investigation by state officials since early 2015.

One lawsuit filed since the investigation began is a class-action suit from former and current inmates represented by the American Civil Liberties Union-Wisconsin and the Juvenile Law Center. It alleges the use of pepper spray, restraints and solitary confinement had violated the right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment.

Jessica Feierman, associate director of Juvenile Law Center, said Thursday that the plan is a huge step forward for Wisconsin.
With Melania Trump often keeping a low profile, White House staffers refer to first daughter Ivanka Trump as her father's 'real wife' and Communications Director Hope Hicks as the president's 'real daughter,' a new book alleged.

Author Michael Wolff, who wrote the forthcoming 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House' revealed these designations in the context of who is now closest to Trump, with many high-level aides leaving within the president's first year.

That distinction goes to Hicks, the president's 29-year-old former campaign press secretary who Wolff said is now Trump's 'most powerful White House advisor.'

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White House staffers told author Michael Wolff that Communications Director Hope Hicks (left) plays the role of President Trump's 'real daughter,' while his daughter Ivanka Trump (right) plays the role of the president's 'real wife'

'Hicks' primary function was to tend to the Trump ego, to reassure him, to protect him, to buffer him, to soothe him,' Wolff wrote in a story about the writing of his book, published Thursday by the Hollywood Reporter.

Author Michael Wolff alleges that White House staffers believe Hope Hicks plays the role of Trump's daughter and Ivanka Trump plays the role of his 'wife'

'It was Hicks who, attentive to his lapses and repetitions, urged him to forgo an interview that was set to open the 60 Minutes fall season,' the author continued. 'Instead, the interview went to Fox News' Sean Hannity who, White House insiders happily explained, was willing to supply the questions beforehand.'

In a preview of the book published Thursday in the Hollywood Reporter, Wolff also explained how Trump couldn't say no to his kids, casting this characteristic as 'foolishness.'

'It's a littleee, littleee complicated,' the president reportedly told his first Chief of Staff Reince Priebus when explaining why he wanted to give Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner official White House jobs.

They're now serving as senior advisers in the West Wing.

However, Wolff did not describe their tenure as a happy one.

'By July, Jared and Ivanka, who had, in less than six months, traversed from socialite couple to royal family to the most powerful people in the world, were now engaged in a desperate dance to save themselves, which mostly involved blaming Trump himself,' Wolff wrote Thursday in the Hollywood Reporter.

'It was all his idea to fire Comey!' the couple nicknamed 'Javanka' reportedly said, referring to Trump's ouster of the former FBI director that prompted the appointment of a special counsel.

Former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon, who Trump blames for the bulk of the book, as he was one of Wolff's most prominent sources, reportedly told people that 'The daughter ... will bring down the father.'
Shocking surveillance footage captured the moment a gang opened fire on a Bronx apartment in an attempted execution.

Police are hunting for the four men seen shooting at the occupant of the apartment on Wednesday evening.

Incredibly, the intended target survived with just a gunshot wound to his right thigh.

Shocking surveillance footage captured the moment a gang opened fire on a Bronx apartment in an attempted execution

Police are hunting for the four men who seeing shooting at the occupant of the apartment on Wednesday evening (pictured left and right are two of the men involved)

Cops are asking that anyone who recognizes these men to call them and report them anonymously (pictured left and right are two of the men involved)

Surveillance footage shows the gang entering the building located on Walton Avenue, in the Bronx, New York, at around 8.30pm Wednesday.

All four cast nervous glances left and right, before heading into the elevator. Once they arrived on the right floor, the gang filed out and surrounded the door of the apartment, while one kept watch on the stairs.

The video shows one of the men knock on the door, which is opened by a woman who has a brief discussion with the group.

Surveillance footage shows the gang entering the building located on Walton Avenue, in the Bronx, New York, at around 8.30pm Wednesday

All four cast nervous glances left and right, before heading into the elevator

Suddenly, the woman seems to back away as two of the men whip out handguns and began firing through the open door.

The woman who answered the door was not injured but a 34-year-old man was shot in the right thigh.

Moments later, the gang fled down the stairs and outside the building.

Meanwhile, an ambulance was called for the victim who was taken to Lincoln Hospital in a stable condition. There were no other reported injuries.

Once they arrived on the right floor, the gang filed out of the elevator

They surrounded the door of the apartment, while one kept watch on the stairs

The video shows one of the men knock on the door, which is opened by a woman who has a brief discussion with the group

Suddenly, two of the men whipped out handguns and began firing through the open door

The gang are described as two African American men, and two Hispanic men. One wearing a gray jacket, one wearing a blue jacket with white hood, one wearing a bubble jacket with red hat, and one wearing a dark colored jacket.

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.

The woman who answered the door was not injured but a 34-year-old man was shot in the right thigh
Two sisters from Texas who went missing after their mother was found dead in their home have been found safe.

Police said 14-year-old Lilianas Griffith and seven-year-old Luluvioletta Bandera-magret were found on Wednesday in Trinidad, Colorado, nearly 700 miles from their Texas home.

The girls and their alleged kidnapper, 44-year-old Terry Allen Miles, were last seen Saturday on surveillance video inside a Trinidad store, CBS Denver reports.

Miles was also found and is in police custody.

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Lilianas Griffith, 14, and Luluvioletta Bandera-magret, seven, (right) were found in Trinidad, Colorado after they were abducted from their home in Round Rock, Texas allegedly by Terry Allen Miles (left). Miles was also found and is in custody

Miles was captured after a deputy in Las Animas County spotted his gray 2007 Hyundai Accent

Miles and the girls were last seen on December 30 on surveillance video at a store in Trinidad

The girls' mother has been identified as 44-year-old Tonya Bates. Her cause of death has not yet been revealed

Round Rock police chief Allen Banks said the girls were located after a deputy in Las Animas County spotted Miles' gray 2007 Hyundai Accent after it had been described in the AMBER alert.

The Las Animas County Sheriffs Office, the Huerfano County Sheriff's Office and the Trinidad Police Department worked together to capture Miles, according to KKTV.

When the deputy tried to pull Miles over he started driving erratically. The deputy called for backup and authorities initiated a 'high-risk traffic stop.'

Miles was then taken into custody without incident. Police said Griffith and Bandera-magret were inside the vehicle.

Round Rock police said the girls would be taken to the hospital for a medical evaluation, and then placed in the custody of child protective services in Colorado before heading home to Texas.

The girls and Miles will also be interviewed, Banks told the outlet.

Police issued an AMBER alert for Griffith and Bandera-magret on Monday, one day after their mother was found dead in their Round Rock home. Police discovered the body of 44-year-old Tonya Bates, during a welfare check.

Miles, who is believed to have been Bates' roommate, was immediately eyed as a suspect in the girls' disappearance. He's also being investigated for his role in Bates' death.

Police believe Bates and Miles were roommates

Lilianas Griffith (left) and Luluvioletta Bandera-magret will be placed in the care of child protective services before they are returned home to Texas

Miles has a long criminal past and was arrested at least seven times between 2006 and 2015, including for porn involving a juvenile. The case is still being investigated

It remains unclear how Bates died, but police are calling the death suspicious.

Miles has an extensive criminal past, officials have said. Tony Mancuso, sheriff of Calcasieu Parish in Louisiana, told CBS Denver that Miles was arrested at least seven times between 2006 and 2015.

One of those times was for porn involving a juvenile.

When we interviewed him for that it was a pretty disturbing interview, Mancuso said.

Lewis Coats, with the Sulphur, Louisiana police department, said the alleged kidnapper was also investigated in 2015 for the alleged rape of a 13 or 14-year-old girl.

He said Miles moved to Texas during the investigation, and the case remains open.
This is the tear-jerking moment a four-year-old boy sings at a makeshift memorial honoring his late baby sister.

Texas dad Samir Deais posted a video on December 30 showing his son, Alexander, playing his guitar while singing a sweet Disney song on what would have been his sister's first birthday.

'My son singing 'Remember Me' from the movie 'Coco' to his baby sister, Ava, who we lost this past May,' Samir explained in the post.

'He's only 4 years old and he understands... he didn't even know he was being recorded. He just wanted to sing to her for her 1st birthday! Happy Birthday mamas, we miss you!'

This four-year-old Texas boy sang to his late baby sister in honor of her first birthday Saturday

Dad Samir Deais posted a video showing Alexander playing his guitar while singing 'Remember Me' from the Disney move 'Coco' for his sister Ava

Baby Ava was just four-months-old when she passed away in May from a kidney condition called hydronephrosis, Stephanie and Samir Deais told MySanAntonio.com of the family's tragedy.

The father said in the interview that 'Coco,' a movie about the tradition of the Mexican holiday, Dia de Los Muertos, helped Alexander cope with the loss.

'It's made it so easy to understand for him and for us to explain to him in a beautiful way,' said Samir. 'I couldn't be more thankful for the movie.'

As of Thursday morning, the heart-wrenching video already received 143,000 likes.

Mom Stephanie, dad Samir, Alexander and Ava are shown in a family wedding photo on Facebook

Baby Ava was just four-months-old when she passed away in May from a kidney condition called hydronephrosis, Stephanie and Samir Deais told MySanAntonio.com

The memorial for baby Ava is shown inside the family's San Antonio, Texas home

On Tuesday, Samir wrote an update to his page following the overwhelming love and support.

'My wife and I were literally brought to tears seeing how much love Alex and Ava and our family has received,' he said on social media.

'We were FLOORED last night!! I couldn't me more thankful. Thank you to everyone from our little family! What a 1st birthday baby girl! All Glory to God.'

Also on baby Ava's birthday Saturday, the family gathered at her memorial.

Also on baby Ava's birthday Saturday, the family gathered at her memorial shown with flowers and balloons

Samir shared a photo of the memorial with colorful flowers and 'Happy Birthday' balloons, writing, 'Happy Birthday to my angel, Ava Lynn. I can't believe you're already ONE!

'Mama and Baba love you so very much and miss you just as much. I think of you every moment of my existence... I feel you in my heart and soul. I wish I was holding you in my arms watching you take your first steps,' Samir wrote.

'I wish we were having a huge party with all of our family and friends. All I can think about everyday is what new thing you'd be learning. If you would've said your first word already, and then go on to argue with your mom that you said 'Baba' before 'Mama.'

He concluded: 'I wish for so many things to be different... It doesn't feel fair and it never will. I was supposed to have forever with you. But maybe God needed you more. Maybe heaven needed an angel. And hard to argue with that, because who better than you?'

In October, the couple announced they were also expecting a girl, who they are naming Stella Grace.

Samir said in the announcement: 'After every storm comes a rainbow' My wife and I are proud to announce the newest edition to this family.'
A crack cocaine addict who sexually assaulted a bed-bound woman of 96 during a cowardly night-time raid on a care home was jailed today for more than six years.

Cat burglar Jake Morris, 24, crept in through the victim's bedroom window at 5.30am under the noses of on-call staff and molested her under her nightdress when she bravely tried in vain to stop him stealing rings off her fingers.

Morris, of Leigh, Greater Manchester, then vanished into the night leaving a trail of muddy footprints on the carpet and on her bed clothes.

Carers at the privately run home carried out their regular checks just an hour after the raid to find the woman's bedroom window wide open, the metal seal broken and the woman nursing injuries to her lip.

Crack cocaine addict Jake Morris (above), 24, of Leigh, Greater Manchester, sexually assaulted a bed-bound woman of 96 during a cowardly night-time raid on a care home. He was jailed today for more than six years

The unnamed victim who has Alzheimer's and dementia was taken to hospital where tests showed she had also been molested under her nightwear.

She later said she had vague recollections of the 'naughty man' who came into her room, and is now very anxious he 'might come back'.

Inquiries into the assault revealed Morris also stole a TV and suitcases during the same raid from a store room and also the room of another elderly resident who was in hospital.

The career criminal claimed he was heavily under the influence of crack cocaine at the time.

At Bolton Crown Court, Morris admitted sexual assault and burglary and was jailed for six years and four months.

The incident occurred on January 28 while the old lady was asleep and night staff were on duty at the care home.

Prosecutor Paul Treble said: 'Staff began carrying out their morning duties at 5am. They went into the complainant's room to check on her and all was well.

'Then at around 5.30am the defendant entered through a window into another resident's room, who fortunately was in hospital at the time.

'Whilst the defendant was in the room, he took a TV set, left, then went via a window into the next room, which turned out to be a store room. He then made his way to the third window, which was the complainant's room.

Morris crept in through the victim's bedroom window at 5.30am under the noses of on-call staff and molested the woman - who has dementia and Alzheimer's - under her nightdress when she tried to stop him stealing rings off her fingers. At Bolton Crown Court (above), Morris admitted sexual assault and burglary and was jailed for six years and four months

'She is an elderly patient with dementia and Alzheimer's and is bed-bound and cared for round-the-clock by the staff who monitor her health and well-being.

'She is strapped to her bed to prevent her from falling out of it. When the defendant entered the room, he turned the big light on, like he did with the other rooms he entered.

'This woke the lady and upon noticing her in bed, he approached her and attempted to remove her rings off her fingers. He struggled to do so as she fought back by scratching him. But she received injuries to her hand and face.

'He then put his hand under the duvet and under her nightdress. Staff checked her again at 6.30am and noticed her bedroom window was wide open and the metal seal was broken.

'There were signs of muddy footprints on the carpet, on her bed and on her bed clothes. They went to check the other rooms and saw the other windows were open and again, there was mud and grass throughout.

My mother doesn't have a clear recollection of it but she remembers the 'naughty man' who came into her room Victim's son

'They checked with the elderly lady seeing she had a cut on her lip and her lip had swollen. They saw that her pad had been disturbed and moved. The experienced members of staff knew this has never happened before.

'She received injuries to her face, with a cut inside her lip, which was swollen and red. The police were contacted. She was taken to Bolton hospital to receive treatment. She was examined in respect of any attempt of sexual assault.

'Tests showed that the defendants DNA was found under her finger nails, which suggests that she scratched him whilst he was trying to remove her rings. This was a deliberate attack on vulnerable elderly people.'

Morris was seem rummaging through a suitcase on a footpath which runs parallel to the rear of the woman's bedroom. His DNA was found on the woman and he was arrested the following month. He initially denied sexual assault.

In a statement, the victim's son said: 'We are shocked and upset about what has happened to my mother although there is no fault on the part of the staff. My mother doesn't have a clear recollection of it but she remembers the "naughty man" who came into her room. She is very anxious and worried that the "naughty man" will come back.'

The court heard Morris had various previous convictions for assault, harassment and criminal damage. His lawyer Nicola Gatto said in mitigation: 'At the time he was a young man gripped by a drug addiction and had a habit of spending around 100 a day on drugs.

'In a way it is a blessing that this witness has little recollection of the incident and does not have to go through the discomfort of giving evidence in court, thanks to the guilty plea by my client.

'At the time he was leading a chaotic lifestyle. When he was younger his mother had many partners, who would often be violent towards him. He tells me he went to a school for children with behavioural problems. All he ever knew was fighting and he was brought up to defend himself using violence from an early age.

'He had a close relationship with his grandma, and would stay at her house around two nights a week. However his addiction to drugs, especially crack cocaine, caused issues between them and he began sofa surfing. He had dabbled with drugs from 11 years old but became addicted in 2014 after the death of a close friend in a car accident.

'This was an opportunistic offence and it wasn't pre-planned. He knows this lady should be able to feel safe in her bed and he is sickened by his actions and speaks of this incident with revulsion.

'He has already been attacked violently by other prisoners whilst on remand in prison because of the nature of this offence. This was a fleeting instance, but he is sickened with himself.'

Passing sentence Judge Timothy Clayson told Morris: 'This was a persistent attack at a care home in which an elderly woman tried to fight you off as you went to take the rings off her fingers. Her family are shocked and upset at what has happened.

'At the time you were living in a chaotic lifestyle but your lawyer has made me aware that you have been working hard to combat your drug addiction. I am also aware that you have been having a difficult time in prison.'

Morris was also banned under the terms of a restraining order from entering care homes unless he had 'appropriate permissions'.

After the case Det Con Andy Partington of Greater Manchester Police said: 'Morris saw an opportunity to sexually assault one of the most vulnerable people in our society and shamelessly took it.

'He has no place in our society and now, as someone who would stoop so low to break into a care home and violate the safety of the residents, he is exactly where he belongs.

'My only hope from today's outcome is that the woman and her family can now be at peace that Morris is behind bars. They have shown a tremendous amount of courage in what has been an extremely distressing and trying time.'
A Zimbabwean court on Thursday freed an American journalist charged with subversion for allegedly describing the former president onTwitter as a 'sick man'.

Martha O'Donovan, from Martinsville, New Jersey, had faced up to 20 years in prison for the alleged crime.

The 25-year-old journalist has denied accusations she insulted 93-year-old former leader Robert Mugabe, who resigned in November under pressure from the military and ruling party amid fears his unpopular wife was positioning herself to succeed him.

A magistrate removed her from remand after prosecutors failed to provide a trial date, freeing her from the charges, but only temporarily.

Martha O'Donovan (pictured on Thursday), from Martinsville, New Jersey, was removed on Thursday from remand after prosecutors failed to provide a trial date, freeing her from the charges but only temporarily

The 25-year-old journalist has denied the allegations of insulting 93-year-old former leader Robert Mugabe, who resigned in November under pressure from the military and ruling party amid fears that his unpopular wife was positioning herself to succeed him

A smiling O'Donovan, looking relieved, said she had no comment and left the courtroom to hugs from friends

O'Donovan was accused of being behind a tweet posted by anonymous Twitter user @matigary on October 11

At the time of her arrest, she was charged with attempting to overthrow Mugabe as well as undermining or insulting the veteran leader, now 93

O'Donovan's lawyer Obey Shava said she can still be summoned back to court if the prosecution feels it has more evidence against her. But she can get her passport back.

'It all depends on what they gather but for now the case has crumbled. She is free for now,' said Shava with the organization Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.

In previous cases, the government has rarely followed up to summon people again.

A smiling O'Donovan, looking relieved, said she had no comment and left the courtroom to hugs from friends.

New President Emmerson Mnangagwa, a longtime Mugabe ally whose firing as vice president sparked the whirlwind events leading to Mugabe's departure, has declared that the southern African nation should let 'bygones be bygones'.

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights says it has represented nearly 200 people charged under a law that criminalizes insulting or undermining the president.

On Sunday, the military rounded up eight activists for carrying placards denouncing Mnangagwa during a church service presided over by the president.

A court on Tuesday released them after ruling that the military had no arresting powers.

O'Donovan (pictured in December) can still be summoned back to court if the prosecution feels it has more evidence against her. But she can get her passport back

O'Donovan's (pictured in December) arrest in November came just weeks after the government appointed a cybersecurity minister tasked with policing social media

O'Donovan was released from a 'hellhole prison' in November on a $1,000 bail as she awaited trial

The account she was accused of using was still active days after O'Donovan's arrest. The tweet above was posted while O'Donovan was in custody

O'Donovan was released from a 'hellhole prison' in November on a $1,000 bail.

Her arrest in November came just weeks after the government appointed a cybersecurity minister tasked with policing social media.

O'Donovan was accused of being behind a tweet posted by anonymous Twitter user @matigary on October 11.

The tweet labeled Mugabe, 93, a 'selfish and sick' man and suggested he was relying on a catheter.

Police claimed they traced its IP address to her home and they claimed she was behind the entire account, despite the fact that it was still active days after she was thrown in jail and is still tweeting to this day.

It was said she 'founded' Magamba - the political satire TV network which she works for - and allege that she may be trying to 'overthrow' the government through her work for it.

After discovering the tweet about Mugabe, police claimed they traced its IP address to her home and they said she is behind the entire account despite the fact that it was still active days after she was thrown in jail

O'Donovan, a graduate of NYU, has been in Zimbabwe for the last year working for the local TV network Magamba and bartending

She went to Africa in 2013 to teach young local people how to become radio journalists as part of her NYU fellowship on human rights in Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa

'LOL they think she is me,' said one of the tweets. The person behind the account also joked that they had tried to turn themselves in but that the authorities wanted to keep O'Donovan behind bars because she is foreign.

Before paying bail, she was held in at the notoriously grotty prisons Chikurubi.

O'Donovan, a graduate of NYU, has been in Zimbabwe for the last year working for the local TV network Magamba and bartending.

She went to Africa in 2013 to teach young local people how to become radio journalists as part of her NYU fellowship on human rights in Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

She was previously involved with campaigning for the release of Pastor Evan Mawarire who was jailed last year on similar charges.

Magamba TV, which she now works as a producer for, describes itself the home of 'satirical comedy sensations'.

They jokingly claimed that they turned themselves in after O'Donovan's arrest but were turned away because they were 'after muzungu' - an African term for foreigners

Magamba was founded in 2007, when O'Donovan was 15, by Comrade Fatso & Outspoken, two African men and hip hop artists.
Plans for a drive-thru KFC restaurant near a high school have come under fire with claims it will have an impact on children's health.

Proposals have been put together to build the restaurant in the car park of a shopping centre in North Shields on a site where there is an existing supermarket and other shops.

But the plan has attracted objections from residents worried about the potential impact on the health of children at the nearby John Spence Community High School, which has more than 800 pupils aged between 11 and 16.

The proposed KFC drive-thru will be built in the car park of a supermarket

One local woman, Deborah Pritchard, has begun a petition against the proposed development.

The change.org petition says: 'The application is for a KFC drive through to be built with such close proximity to a number of schools and goes against the Council's and Government's mandate to encourage healthier eating by the pupils in the area.

'Although a takeaway is not permitted to be built within 400 metres of a school a drive through KFC is not considered a takeaway! This application is for a KFC within 400 metres of John Spence Community High School.

'Obesity in children is at an all time high in the UK and particularly in the North East. This food is high in fat and salt, there have also been reports the chicken used is not ethical.

'Other problems associated with this build would be the drive through traffic, littering in the local footpaths and the effect on the atmosphere of the area.

A drawing of the proposed outlet has been posted on the North Tyneside Council's website

'Lets get the community together against this to protect our young and the beautiful area we live in.'

Voicing her objections on North Tyneside Council's planning application page she added that KFS has 'very high in saturated fat and salt leading to higher levels of many health problems costing our health service huge amounts of money'

Another objector wrote: 'I do not think that this business should be sited here as this is on a route taken by many school children at regular intervals during the day. Given that there is a determined push to persuade schoolchildren to eat more healthily, this will not encourage this practice.

'There are already two fast food outlets ( Domino's Pizza and Subway sandwiches) within 50 yards of the proposed development.

Another claimed the plans has been 'been sneaked in over Christmas with no real consultation or plans.

'It sits directly between 3 schools who will be able to access unhealthy fast food at lunch time. As a resident and a parent I strongly disagree.'

Locals claim the plans will lure pupils from the local school, which is just 400 metres away

Local Councillor Martin Rankin said he is objecting to the proposal and will be asking for it to be examined at a planning committee.

'In my opinion, this is completely wrong for the area. It's very close to the school and people have major concerns about issues of healthy eating,' he said.

'The council has a policy about the fact there should not be any hot food takeaways within 400m of a school. The applicants are saying this is a restaurant and are not classing it as a hot food takeaway.

'However, I believe this application should be treated as a mixed use site, as people will be able to go in and take away food.'

Concerns have also been raised about the effect on traffic, noise and litter.

The application, by Erindale Ltd And Wm Morrison Supermarkets Plc, has been submitted to North Tyneside Council.

In the planning documents, the applicants acknowledge the drive-thru would be a takeaway facility, but said the primary use would be a restaurant.

They also point out that children would not be able to use the drive-thru unless accompanied by an adult with a driving licence and a vehicle.

The application states the applicants would be willing to impose a policy where employees are not allowed to serve children wearing uniforms and would engage with the school to ensure this is implemented effectively.

In addition, regular litter patrols would be carried out by staff around the restaurant and surrounding area, and there would be several bins located around the store.
A man has died after being gored by a bull he was baiting during a controversial festival in Colombia.

Footage from the event shows the moment the beast furiously charges at the man in an arena in Sincelejo, in the northern Colombian department of Sucre.

The man, named as Jorge Barrios, was taking part in the traditional but controversial 'corralejas' event, which celebrates bull fighting and baiting.

In the footage, the arena is filled with people baiting bulls while wearing red capes to encourage them to attack before dodging away at the last minute.

But Mr Barrios was not so lucky.

After three other people successfully baited and dodged the bull, it gored Mr Barrios at full force, sending him flying through the air.

This is the moment Jorge Barrios was gored by a bull during a controversial Colombian bull-baiting festival in Sincelejo

Three other participants had managed to successfully bait and dodge the bull before it struck Mr Barrios

He lands spreadeagled on the floor as the bull carried on its incensed charge.

A number of horrified participants and spectators rush to Mr Barrios's aid and try to drag him away from the arena.

However, the man filming sickeningly points the camera at himself and grins while making a cut-throat gesture, suggesting that the injury is fatal.

Shocked spectators and participants rushed to Mr Barrios after he was gored by the bull although many also were seen ran away

The stunned spectators dragged Mr Barrios away from the arena and he was rushed to the nearby University Hospital of Sincelejo but died of his injuries

Mr Barrios was carried out of the arena and rushed to the nearby University Hospital of Sincelejo but died shortly afterwards from his injuries.

It is reported he was a construction worker, with some people claiming he was intoxicated when he joined in the bullfight.

Bull baiting festivals have attracted significant controversy in recent years. .

Critics claim the sport is outdated and cruel to the animals, as well as causing injuries to human participants every year.

Supporters, on the other hand, are eager for it to continue.
Hair-raising video shows the moment a rancher wrangled a five-foot snake out of a home's toilet, using a device he made himself using just a mop handle and some string.

Ben Tedrick, who contributes video blogs for The Eagle newspaper in Brazos County, Texas, had a friend film him catching the snake on Saturday - a task most would leave to the professionals.

Tedrick says some workers were cleaning out a house on his ranch, which had stood vacant for a few years, when they noticed a snake peak its head out of one of the toilets which had recently been turned back on.

Scroll down for video

Workers cleaning up a ranch house in Brazos County, Texas on Saturday got a surprise when they saw a snake peak its head out of a toilet

Rancher Ben Tedrick crafted a makeshift device using a mop and some string to try and catch the snake around the neck, but the snake got away on the first try

Normally, he would have let the snake escape on its own, but he says it appeared that it had become stuck in the pipes when the water was turned back on, so he decided to catch it and release it back into the wild.

'Plus, we had people working, trying to get stuff done, and it's just a distraction. It's your worst nightmare,' he told The Eagle.

So he fashioned himself a snake catching device, using a mop handle and a piece of string to create a noose that he submerged in the toilet.

When they started flushing the water in the toilet, the snake peaked its head out again and Tedrick finally caught the critter

Tedrick (pictured) then struggled to pull all five feet of the snake out of the pipes

'I had him out about three feet when he coiled up again, and he pulled me forward. I was afraid his head was going to pop off, but he was perfectly OK,' Tedrick said

When the snake swam out out into the toilet, its head passed through the noose and Tedrick pulled it tight to try and catch the snake's neck.

But the critter was too fast the first time and disappeared back into the pipe.

So they started flushing the water to coax the snake out again, and Tedrick got the snake on the second try.

It wasn't smooth sailing from there though, as Tedrick is seen struggling to pull the snake out.

Once he got the snake out of the toilet, he took it outside and showed it off to the people who had gathered to watch the feat

A friend helped him put the snake into a pillowcase so that he could release it back into the wild

Tedrick took the snake down the road and released it near a pile of wood where it would make its winter den

Tedrick said he was 'impressed' by the snake's strength.

'I had him out about three feet when he coiled up again, and he pulled me forward. I was afraid his head was going to pop off, but he was perfectly OK,' he said.

Tedrick told KBTX that he eventually decided not to fight the snake, and just keep constant pressure and just wait until the snake relaxed.

That did the trick and soon he pulled all five feet of the snake out of the toilet.

The video then shows Tedrick walk the snake out of the house, past the awestruck faces of those who had gathered to watch the feat.

Once outside, a friend helped Tedrick put the snake into a pillowcase, which he used to take the snake down the road to a pile of wood where he was released into the wild.

The clip ends with the snake slithering away into its new den.

It's believed that the snake was a rat snake, a nonvenomous snake that hunts rodents and are found throughout the southeast U.S.

Rat snakes can become an issue in the cold winter months as they pursue their prey who seek shelter in buildings.

In order to prevent rat snakes from gaining entrance to houses, home owners should stuff holes with copper wire.

If one does end up in the home, home owners should close the door to the room and call animal control.
A Conservative MP has triggered a furious row after claiming more children from Labour-run Lambeth go to prison than university.

Maria Caulfield was condemned by senior Labour MP Chuka Umunna and Metropolitan Police Superintendent Roy Smith.

Lewes MP Ms Caulfield grew up in Lambeth during the 1970s and 1980s and insisted her remark referred to her own youth in the borough.

Conservative MP Maria Caulfield has triggered a furious row after claiming more children from Labour-run Lambeth go to prison than university

Ms Caulfield made the claim in defence of Toby Young amid a growing row about his controversial appointment to a new university regulator

She made the claim in defence of Toby Young amid a growing row about his controversial appointment to a new university regulator.

The decision to give Tory supporter Mr Young a position on the Office for Students Board has prompted a storm of criticism that he is not qualified, despite his experience opening free schools, and that he is inappropriate because of a history of offensive tweets and writing.

Ms Caulfield triggered the row on New Year's Day, hours after the appointment was first announced.

She tweeted: 'As a working class kid who went to school in the socialist state of Lambeth where more kids ended up in prison than university, why the outrage at the appointment of Toby Young?

'He's set up schools that have helped thousands of working class kids.'

Superintendent Smith hit back at the message today branding the remark 'inaccurate, offensive and unfair'.

He said: 'I'm sorry I can't comment on your views of appointments but to suggest the majority of kids in Lambeth end up in prison is inaccurate, offensive andunfair to the majority of wonderful young people in the borough despite in some circumstances having a range of personal challenges.'

Lewes MP Ms Caulfield triggered the row on New Year's Day (pictured), hours after the appointment was first announced

Metropolitan Police Superintendent Roy Smith hit back at the message today (pictured) branding the remark 'inaccurate, offensive and unfair'.

Senior Labour MP Chuka Umunna branded the remarks 'offensive garbage' today (pictured) and demanded evidence or an apology

Streatham MP Mr Umunna, who represents part of Lambeth in the Commons, piled in behind Mr Smith.

He blasted: 'This is offensive garbage Maria Caulfield. You say more Lambeth kids end up in prison than university.

'Provide the evidence and if you can't provide an apology.'

Ms Caulfield replied: 'Come on Chuka you are better than this. Im talking about my experiences growing up where I went to school in Lambeth and working class kids like me were dismissed.

'Im sharing my experience of what happened to kids at my school.'

Lewes MP Ms Caulfield grew up in Lambeth during the 1970s and 1980s and today insisted her remark referred to her own youth in the borough (pictured)

The MP admitted Lambeth was 'very different now' as she came under a storm of criticism

In response to the row, Ms Caulfield told the Standard: 'My tweet is about MY experience of growing up as a working class kid in South London where there was little or no expectations for kid like me.

'The only careers advice given to me was how to get on the council housing register and as a result very few people I grew up with, including me, never went to university. In fact more people I knew went to prison than university.

'The area is a very different place nearly forty years later and many of us who grew up three left once the area became gentrified as we could not afford to stay.

'It is sad that people want to dismiss the experiences of the working class community I grew up in. Perhaps the reaction from Labour politicians shows just why they are losing the working class vote in this country'.
WASHINGTON  New year. Same old president.

2018 was only seven hours and 12 minutes old when President Trump launched his first verbal attack of the year on a foreign country.

His target: the unsuspecting nation of Pakistan, which, he charged, has given us nothing but lies & deceit and safe haven to the terrorists.

Only 10 weeks earlier, Trump tweeted about a much better relationship with Pakistan, saying, I want to thank them for their cooperation on many fronts.

Before whiplashed Pakistanis could make sense of it all, Trump moved on. Thirty-two minutes later, he was attacking Iran for failing at every level.

Trump has insulted, browbeaten or otherwise abused dozens of countries in his first year, and they are as likely to be allies such as Britain as foes such as North Korea (which, if you havent heard, is run by a short and fat madman known as Rocket Man). The BBC has created an interactive feature on its website titled What has President Trump said about your country?

Early in his term, Trump turned his wrath on the great Scandinavian menace. Look at whats happening last night in Sweden, he told a crowd, suggesting there had been immigrant violence in that peaceful land. Swedes were baffled: Nothing newsworthy had occurred the previous night.

Trump physically shoved aside the prime minister of Montenegro while making his way to the front of a group of NATO leaders for a photo. But his other assaults have been verbal.

Americans have barely had cross words with the Dutch since New York was New Amsterdam  until now. Trump sent to the Hague an ambassador, Pete Hoekstra, who had said that the Netherlands terrorism problem was so bad that there were no go areas. Hoekstra denied to a Dutch journalist that he had said that, and when shown footage of him saying that, denied that he denied saying it.

Thats minor compared with what Trump did to Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull  or, as the White House has called him, Trumbull. A transcript leaked to The Washington Post showed Trump calling their conversation the worst call by far and an agreement between the countries the worst deal ever.

Some insults come from ignorance. A White House news release identified the Peoples Republic of China as the Republic of China  Chinas antagonist Taiwan. At the G-20 Summit, Trump posted a photo on Instagram of him and the president of Indonesia, Joko Widodo. The man in the photo with Trump was Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore. Trump has likewise referred repeatedly to Tanzania as Tan-ZANY-a, and he has invented a country called Nambia, to the likely consternation of Namibia and Zambia.

Less excusable is Trump calling the mayor of London pathetic and telling Prime Minister Theresa May to mind her own business when she protested his retweeting of a British white-supremacist group.

Trump doesnt spare the weak, reportedly claiming all immigrants from Haiti have AIDS. But he generally avoids insulting strongmen such as Russias Vladimir Putin, the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte, Egypts Abdel Fatah al-Sissi and the Saudi rulers.

Its not unusual that he denounces Cuba and Venezuela. But he seems to take joy in poking the eyes of friends and neighbors, including Mexico (one of the highest crime nations in the world), Canada (trade practices a disgrace), France (Paris is no longer Paris) and Germany (declining to shake German Chancellor Angela Merkels hand).

Dissing friends is confusing business. Iraq is an ally  but it was included in Trumps first travel ban.

Chad is an ally, but it was included in a later travel ban  because it didnt have the right kind of passport paper.

(Trump, by the way, has a very good relationship with China  when it isnt raping our country.)

Before he became president, Trump insulted Germany (a total mess), Merkel (ruining Germany), South Africa (a crime ridden mess) and the United Nations (so sad!).

Now hes threatening to cut U.N. funding and to punish nations that supported a General Assembly resolution denouncing Trumps decision to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley threatened that the U.S. will be taking names.

Hope she brought a lot of paper. Fully 128 nations, including France and Britain, defied the Trump threats, while 56 others abstained or skipped the vote. Only eight supported the U.S. position, and those were mostly microstates in the south Pacific.

Thats quite an achievement: After a year of insults, Trump can now count Americas friends on the fingers of two hands.
Two sisters were bracing for their first Christmas without their father.

So their mother decided to give them a special gift that would keep his memory alive.

A heartbreaking video shows the moment Stephanie Angel from Phoenix, Arizona, handed her youngest daughters, Aaralyn, 12, and Allani, seven, teddy bears with a recording of their father's voice.

The girls break down in tears as they cradle the soft toy, which were also doused in their dad's favorite cologne and wearing a shirt made from one of his button-ups.

The family lost Albert Angel at just 34-years-old in June after he battled with Lupus for five years.

The clip, recorded by the girls' older sister Alina, 16, has since gone viral and has more than 1.2 million views.

Alina and her mother wanted to do something for the two youngest daughters and their grandmother, so they bought three teddy bears from Build-A-Bear Workshop that they were going to personalize, reported 12 News.

The bears were sprayed with their father's preferred Burberry scent and they wore a blue, striped shirt taken from one of his go-to outfits.

When they squeeze the bear it plays a recording of Albert's voice.

He is heard singing You Can't Keep a Good Man Down by Alabama, one of his favorite songs.

Albert (pictured left) is seen here with his daughters and Stephanie before he lost his battle with Lupus in June 2017

The mother Stephanie gave her two youngest children Aaralyn, 12 (left) and Allani, seven, (right) customized teddy bears that play a recording of their late father's voice when they are squeezed

Pictured here are the three teddy bears that were custom made for the two youngest daughters and their grandmother

The heart-wrenching video was posted online with Stephanie captioning the clip: 'This video was taken Christmas morning by my 16 year old daughter, Alina Angel.

'She is the oldest of 3 daughters who lost their father, when he lost his battle with Lupus Disease.'

'He was 34 years old. My daughter's referred to him as their best friend.

'Alina happened to have several voice recordings in her phone of her father. I knew we had to do something really special for them in memory of their father.'

'The bears would be for Aaralyn, Allani, and their grandmother. Needless to say, the girls were filled with emotions as they opened these gifts.

'They were able to hear his voice and smell him. For a moment they felt as if they had their dad with them for Christmas. They now use them to sleep with every night.'

The daughters were overwhelmed and visibly emotional when their mother and eldest sister gave them the teddy bears

Albert (second from right) is pictured here with his three daughters

Apparently all the daughters' names begin with A in honor of their father.

Alina, the eldest sister, said the reaction has been so supportive and overwhelming. 'I would have never expected that. Most of my videos get 6 views,' she said.

The family have since set up a GoFundMe page for Albert which has raised over $3,500 - $5,000 is their goal.
The teenager accused of murdering his girlfriend's parents after they convinced her to break up with him over his extreme, neo-Nazi views has been named as 17-year-old Nicholas Giampa, a Papa John's pizza worker from Lorton, Virginia.

Giampa is accused of murdering Buckley Kuhn-Fricker, 43, and Scott Fricker, 48, in their home in Reston, Virginia, at 5am on December 22.

It came days after Ms. Kuhn-Fricker reported a Twitter account she believed was his to the school he attended with her daughter.

The account belongs Kevin Gallo who tweets under the handle @doctorpepper35. It was revealed on Thursday as Giampa remained in hospital.

He shot himself after allegedly murdering the girl's parents and remains in hospital with a brain injury.

Police have charged the teenager, who remains in hospital after shooting himself at the scene, with murder but have not released his name.

However, The Huffington Post spoke with friends of the Fricker family who gave his name. They linked him to the Twitter account by an email address which was used for both Giampa's Facebook page and the Kevin Gallo account.

Nicholas Giampa is the teenager accused of murdering his girlfriend's parents on December 22 by shooting them in their home after they told their daughter to break up with him over neo-Nazi tweets they say he posted

Buckley Kuhn-Fricker, 43, and Scott Fricker, 48, died in their home on December 22 after being shot at around 5am

Among its memes and photographs he retweeted is one of Adolf Hitler in which he appeared dressed in a cape.

The accompanying caption read: 'If not all heroes wear capes, explain this to me.'

Two months before allegedly shooting dead his girlfriend's parents, Giampa mowed a giant swastika into the grass of a community field in Lorton, Virginia, where he lives. Residents told his parents about it instead of the police.

On Twitter, @doctorpepper35 most often retweeted anti-semitic posts.

He shared content which denied parts of the Holocaust and said the biggest tragedy of WWII was the death of Hitler's dog.

Huhn-Fricker was alerted to the posts on her daughter's phone and was horrified.

Giampo is said to have tweeted under the name Kevin Gallo to repost and share pro-Nazi content online. It was posts such as this one which Ms. Kuhn-Fricker reported to the school he attended before she was shot dead

Other posts he shared questioned the Holocaust. All of the content was violently derogatory towards Jews

Under the Kevin Gallo Twitter account, Giampa also retweeted this image depicting a girl drawing a swastika. Two months before the Frickers' killing, he mowed a swastika into grass of a community field in Lorton, Virginia, according to residents

According to friends and relatives, Ms Kuhn-Fricker had been trying to split her daughter and Giampa up for months. She eventually listened to her and dumped the boy a few days before her mother's death

She pleaded with her daughter to break up with the boy and wrote an email to their school alerting them to the harmful content.

In that email, she called the boy a 'monster' who was 'spreading hate'.

Her daughter, who DailyMail.com is not naming, followed her advice and broke off their romance after an intervention from her mother and grandmother days before the shooting, according to friends.

On the morning of their deaths, the Frickers had several other people in their home. The family had gathered there for Christmas.

The couple woke up to sounds coming from their daughter's room and went inside to find Giampa there.

Scott and Buckley Fricker with their daughter and 10-year-old son. He was in the front yard when police arrived at their home on December 22, according to charging documents

It is not clear where he got his weapon from or if he ever intended to harm the teenage girl.

After arguing, he allegedly shot both of her parents and then himself. He survived and was taken to hospital where, according to a relative, he is suffering a brain injury.

The boy was described by friends and neighbors of the family as 'troubled'. It is not known what other interaction he ha had with the police if any at all.

After the swastika incident in October, residents took it upon themselves to re-mow the grass themselves.

Giampa's family have not commented since the Frickers' deaths.
Taxi driver John Worboys was jailed for raping and sexually assaulting passengers in 2009

One of the country's most infamous rapists is set to be released from prison.

John Worboys, known as the 'black cab rapist', was jailed for raping and sexually assaulting 12 passengers in 2009.

He was accused of carrying out sexual assaults on more than a hundred women after spiking their drinks.

The Parole Board recommended Worboys' release without contacting any of his victims.

The decision has provoked outrage among campaigners against sexual violence.

Karen Ingala Smith, chief executive of women's sexual and domestic violence charity, Nia, said: 'The police believe that Worboys may have raped more than 100 women, others think this is a conservative estimate.

'He's served nine years and nine months, that's just over a month per rape victim. How can we say justice has been served?

'On top of this, according to the CPS, the proportion of rape reports ending in a conviction has more than halved over the last seven years.

'Whilst this in part reflects increased reporting, it seems to me that the law is failing to deliver justice to too many women victims of sexual violence.

'The rehabilitation of offenders is as important principle, but the law should function to protect liberties and rights of the population and should act as a deterrent.

Labour's Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the Parole Board's decision

'Six weeks per rape victim? What sort of a message does this send? I struggle to think anything other than women will be less safe with Worboys on the streets.'

At his sentencing Worboys was told he must serve a minimum of eight years in prison for his attacks and would not be released until officials were convinced he did not pose a threat to women.

I struggle to think anything other than women will be less safe with Worboys on the streets Karen Ingala Smith of domestic violence charity Nia

Yet the 60-year-old's release has been signed off by the Parole Board, despite a pre-sentencing report in 2009 finding that he was 'a repetitive predatory sexual offender'.

Police believe Worboys may have carried out more than 100 attacks, despite convictions for just 12.

Campaigners are now likely to question why further convictions were not sought, as Worboys would likely have been given a much longer sentence preventing him from being released in 2018.

The decision not to pursue new charges and a therefore lengthier sentence would have fallen to Labour MP and shadow Brexit minister Kier Starmer, who served as Director of Public Prosecutions at the time.

Worboys will now have to report to probation staff each week, having spent ten years behind bars and a period on remand.

In a statement, the Parole Board added: 'We can confirm that a three-member panel of the Parole Board has directed the release of Mr John Worboys, following an oral hearing.

'The arrangements for Mr Worboys release will be managed by the Ministry of Justice.'

Carrie Symonds (left) was singled out as she waited for a night bus in Chelsea in July 2007. Shown right, one of Worboys' rape kits, including alochol and cups he used to drug victims

In 2010, Worboys appealed his conviction, but it was thrown out by the Court of Appeal, as Lord Justice Moses labelled his offences as 'appalling'.

Worboys, a former porn actor and stripper, attacked numerous women during a five-year period between 2002 and 2008.

Many of his victims were young women who had been drinking in trendy night spots in the West End and Chelsea.

On several occasions he offered to drive a woman home for a fraction of the normal cost, or even for free, claiming that he lived in their direction.

But once he had them secure in his taxi, the driver  who occasionally used the name Paul or Tony - would put his plan into action.

His constant theme was sex and often asked the women if they would perform sex acts for varying amounts of money, or exposed himself.

He took trophies from his victims, including a wristband from one and scribbled the names and addresses of several others in a notebook.

During the seven week trial, victim after victim told how they felt safe with the middle-aged driver because they were stepping into a registered black London taxi.

Police found a rape kit in the back of Worboys' taxi which including sleeping tablets, condoms and an ashtray he used to crush the drugs (top right)

Most of the women were young professionals  lawyers, insurance brokers, office workers or journalists.

One victim was a new mother out celebrating for the first time with her friends.

He offered the women cheap lifts home after nights out, telling them he had just won thousands on a bet and wanted to celebrate.

To aid his pretence, Worboys kept as much as 4,000 in cash stashed in a plastic bag which he showed his victims as evidence of his win.

The rapist would convince the women to share a glass of wine or champagne with them, spiking the drinks with sleeping pills.

The drugs left the women insensible and unable to protect themselves as he pounced on them in the back of the vehicle.

Police also found a 'rape kit' in the back of his taxi which including sleeping tablets, condoms, gloves and an ashtray he used to crush the drugs.

Worboys, who called himself Terry the Minder, was jailed indefinitely in April 2009 with a minimum tariff of eight years.

A report published after his conviction found there was a 'mindset' among police that the driver of a black cab was unlikely to be responsible for a sex attack.

The paper by the Independent Police Complaints Commission discovered a catalogue of missed opportunities, errors of judgment and failures by Scotland Yard had left Worboys free to prey on women.

Worboys is a former porn actor and stripper who called himself Terry the Minder (left). Shown right, the Hackney flat Worboys shared with his former wife Jean Clayton

Two of Worboys' victims would go on to win human rights cases in the High Court against the Metropolitan Police in 2014.

The pair  known as DSD and NBV  claimed there had been serious failures in the investigation which led to Worboys to avoid detection and re-offend.

Another of his victims, Carrie Symonds, was singled out as she waited for a night bus after an evening out on the King's Road in Chelsea in July 2007.

Worboys offered to take the 20-year-old home to East Sheen six miles away.

She described how, after making her feel indebted to him for the lift, she drank a glass of vodka he offered her, after which she remembers little.

She thought her drink must have been spiked but had so little memory of what happened that she did not report the incident until February 2008 when police made a public appeal.

Another of Worboy's victims told the BBC today that they were completely unaware that Worboys was due to be released.

The decision not to pursue new charges and a therefore lengthier sentence for Worboys would have fallen to Kier Starmer, who served as Director of Public Prosecutions at the time

Worboys was first arrested in July 2007 after a 19-year-old student reported a sex attack in South-East London. Officers traced him using CCTV.

But instead of turning up at his house unannounced, they arrested him by appointment - giving him the opportunity to get rid of evidence such as his 'rape kit', which contained drugs and drinks.

Police also failed to search his home and taxi. The investigation was later dropped by senior officers.

Sarah Craigie encountered the evil of Worboys in May 2007 after she went to see a former boyfriend working as a DJ in a West End nightclub.

Walking near Leicester Square she was crying and 'in a bit of a state' when she came across a cab rank and Worboys asked if she needed a lift.

'I told him that I needed to get back to Dagenham but only had 30 on me and that would not be enough,' she recalled.

Jean Clayton met Worboys in 1988 at a pub in Hackney, east London where he worked as a stripper. The pair married shortly after before splitting in 1995

Kathy Martin, who was Worboys' girlfriend at the time of the attacks said she was unaware of what he was doing in his taxi cab

'He said, 'Don't worry darling... I will get you home safe.'

Within five minutes of the journey starting, Worboys had asked her why she was crying and if she had a boyfriend. Miss Craigie - who admits she was drunk - poured her heart out.

'It was then he said he had enjoyed a great day and had won thousands of pounds at the races,' she said.

'He asked me if I wanted to have a drink to celebrate. By that time I had really had enough alcohol but he offered me vodka, champagne, wine - he said he had anything I wanted to drink.

'I said I would have a soft drink and after a while he passed me a can of Coke. After that the journey became a blur. Within about 20 minutes I was feeling really nauseous and drowsy. I was just dizzy and feeling so out of it.'

Miss Craigie rang a friend who advised her to text her boyfriend. She remembers little else until she woke up somewhere near home.

'The driver said he needed to go to the toilet and he got out of the cab and was away for a few minutes,' she added.

The rapist's ex-wife Jean Clayton is pictured left, near her home in Yambol, Bulgaria. Right, Worboys arrives at Sutton Magistrates Court ahead of a preliminary hearing into his rape trial

'The next thing I remember was him being in the back of the taxi with me. He had a white plastic carrier bag full of cash - I have never seen so much money - and he was sipping champagne from a glass.

'He then came towards me - really close and I felt very intimidated and vulnerable.

'Worboys just kept on invading my personal space and it was then I then got angry.

'I shouted at him, 'This just isn't right - you should not be drinking. Just take me home.''

She recalled that Worboys then became aggressive and replied: 'Don't get out of your f***ing pram - I only wanted to celebrate my good fortune with you.'

He drove her home and Miss Craigie recalled her relief at seeing her boyfriend waiting outside her home. 'He literally pulled me out of the cab.'

Worboys drove off at speed. Miss Craigie believes the journey home, which should have lasted only 30 minutes, had taken two hours.

Yvonne Traynor of Rape Crisis South London described the time Worboys spent in prison as 'woefully short'.

She said: 'It feels far too soon for this dangerous and manipulative perpetrator to be released into the public having served this woefully short time in prison.

'He may be free to live amongst us but the women he raped will never be totally free from his despicable actions.'

Fay Maxted, chief executive of The Survivors Trust, called Worboys' crimes 'calculated' and 'deliberate'.

She said: 'Naturally the victims are going to feel, I think cheated that he is being released ... you think you're going to be safe when you're in a taxi, so it will be very frightening for his victims to know that he is being released.'

Fay Maxted, chief executive of The Survivors Trust, called Worboys' crimes 'calculated' and 'deliberate' and said it will likely take 'significant resources' to monitor him as he settles back into society.

She said: 'I doubt whether the victims will feel Worboys has served a sentence that reflects the seriousness of his crimes or, at a time when specialist rape and sexual abuse services are struggling with lack of funding and huge waiting lists, that society has supported the victims as much as they needed.'

Sophie Walker, leader of the Women's Equality Party, said: 'The parole board may have satisfied itself that he can be prevented from ruining even more lives, but that will come as little comfort to the more than 100 women who he is thought to have attacked.'

Sarah Green, from the End Violence Against Women Coalition, said: 'The decision to release John Worboys beggars belief. It is likely to be the product of a justice system and a society that cannot and perhaps will not deal with rape.'

Lawyer Harriet Wistrich said two victims had not been informed of the decision to release Worboys.

She told Channel 4 news the first they learned of the news was while 'listening on the radio, cooking tea for the kids'.

She said: 'They've both said they're absolutely sick and disgusted and shocked to the core about it.'

It is understood all those who were signed up to the victim contact scheme were informed as soon as the parole board decision was made.

Labour MP Yvette Cooper insisted the Parole Board's reasoning behind the decision should be published to allow scrutiny.

She said: 'There are many serious questions why this dangerous man has been given parole after serving such a short sentence for his attacks against women.

'Given the seriousness of this case, the Parole Board should publish their reasons immediately so both the decision and the process can be scrutinised before this man is released. We also need to know what information and support was given to all the victims before this decision was taken.'

He gave me vodka... I'm sure it was spiked: Worboys victim speaks out Carrie Symonds believes that Worboys spiked her drink in 2007 Carrie Symonds was waiting for a night bus after an evening out in Chelsea in 2007 when she was approached by Worboys, who offered to take her home in his cab. Tipsy after several drinks, the 19-year-old accepted his lift back to East Sheen in west London, six miles away. On the journey Worboys, who appeared friendly and very genuine, persuaded her to drink a glass of vodka. The next memory Miss Symonds had was waking up at 3pm the next day after being violently sick and passing out in the bath at home. She thought her drink must have been spiked but had so little recollection of what happened that she did not report the incident until February 2008, when police made a public appeal for victims. Miss Symonds, who waived her right to anonymity, said previously: Ill never be able to get in a black cab again  It is terrifying to think what might have happened to me. I think I would instinctively know if I had been sexually assaulted and Im 99 per cent sure I was not, but that 1 per cent of doubt is always there. Miss Symonds was one of 14 women who gave evidence against Worboys in court. She said: He offered me a cigarette which I accepted  he told me hed won a lot of money and showed me stacks of cash. I thought the conversation was seedy but  I wasnt too worried. I just thought he was weird. Worboys offered her champagne but she poured it on the floor. She downed the vodka only after he promised to pay her 50 and give her the lift home for free. She added: He puts you in a position where you feel indebted to him  Hes a professional conman. Advertisement
The US has agreed to delay joint military exercises with South Korea until after the Winter Olympics, the Pentagon has said - just a day after Trump bragged about his 'nuclear button'.

Pentagon spokesman Colonel Rob Manning said President Donald Trump agreed to the delay in consultation with South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

Col Manning said in a brief written statement: 'The Department of Defense supports the president's decision and what is in the best interest of the ROK-US alliance.'

President Donald Trump agreed to the delay joint military exercises following a discussion with South Korean President Moon Jae-in (bottom right)

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (left) has repeatedly deplored the joint-military exercises, describing them as a provocation and a direct threat to Pyongyang. South Korean President Moon Jae-in, pictured right, talks with Trump on January 4

That was a reference to the US defense treaty with the Republic of Korea.

The decision was confirmed by a statement released by the Blue House, South Korea's presidential building, in Seoul, saying that Trump and Moon 'agreed not to host joint military drills during the period of Pyeongchang Olympics'.

Pentagon spokesman Colonel Rob Manning (pictured) said the Department of Defense supports the president's decision

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has repeatedly deplored the joint-military exercises, describing them as a provocation and a direct threat to Pyongyang, according to CNN.

The announcement comes on the heels of renewed communication between the North and South, with Kim ordering to revive a communication line that has laid dormant for nearly two years.

The hotline between Pyongyang and Seoul was utilized on Wednesday and Thursday, CNN reported.

The talks were sparked after Kim expressed hope that North Korea would be allowed to participate in the Winter Olympics during a New Year's Day address.

The decision pushes back a set of annual military exercises known as Foal Eagle, which normally are held between February and April.

Foal Eagle is a series of exercises designed to test the readiness of the two countries' militaries.

'America supports President Moon 100%,' Trump said to Moon following their 30-minute discussing on Thursday.

The decision to hold off on the military exercises is a significant difference between the President's approach earlier in the week, when Trump bragged in a tweet that his 'nuclear button' is 'much bigger and more powerful' than Kim's.

Despite the bellicose exchange, Trump sought to capitalize on the small but significant progress being cultivated on the Asian peninsula.

'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 wasn't firm, strong and willing to commit our total "might" against the North,' Trump tweeted Thursday morning.

'Fools, but talks are a good thing!' he added.

The Winter Olympics begin on February 9 to 25 in Pyeongchang.
Joe Biden hopes Trump stays away from the nuclear button after the President bragged that his was bigger than Kim Jong-un's.

The former Vice President sighed deeply when asked by reporters as he walked across Capitol Hill what he made of Trump's comment.

'I just hope he doesn't touch it,' he responded after a short pause.

Joe Biden said he hopes Trump will stay away from the nuclear button after he was asked what he though about the President's bragging

Trump fired off a tweet in the early hours of Wednesday claiming his nuclear button was 'bigger and more powerful' than North Korea's

Biden was also asked by The Hill what he makes of the new book detailed the chaotic first few months inside the Trump White House.

That elicited an even bigger sigh and a laugh, with Biden seemingly lost for words.

Eventually he responded: 'Folks, this is a mystery novel.'

Trump bragged about his nuclear button after Kim Jong-un issued his New Year address in which he claimed to have installed a button on his own desk.

The whole of the US is now within range of North Korea's weapons, Kim said, adding: 'They should accurately be aware that this is not a threat but a reality.'

That prompted an astonishing response by Trump, who tweeted: '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!'

In his New Year address, Kim Jong-un claimed to have a button placed on his desk capable of striking anywhere in the US with a nuclear weapon

While that tweet was reported around the world earlier this week, by Thursday the globe's attention was on a new book by Michael Wolff who embedded himself in the new White House during its early days.

Among the sensational claims are that Trump prefers to spend nights alone in his bedroom eating cheeseburgers, watching three televisions, and calling friends to complain about his staff and family.

Questions have also been raised about his mental health, relationship with Melania and fitness for the job.

Wolff also claims in a Hollywood Reporter essay that John Kelly was appointed chief of staff without being told and accepted out of a sense of duty, and that Mitch McConnell has bragged that Trump will sign anything you put in front of him.

He also writes that nobody in Trump's senior staff expects him to survive the Russia probe, and that insiders believe the only reason Mueller hasn't been fired is because Trump simply doesn't realise how much trouble he's in.
Michael Joseph Lynch (pictured) was convicted of attempting to harm his neighbor's two dogs over a four day period in July 2016 by tossing sausages spiked with ricin

An Oregon man accused of trying to kill his neighbor's dogs with poisoned meat was sentenced on Wednesday to probation.

Michael Joseph Lynch was convicted of attempting to harm his neighbor's two dogs over a four day period in July 2016 by tossing sausages spiked with ricin over his fence.

Police investigators said that Lynch, 77, wanted to harm the animals because he was enraged by their constant barking, according to The Oregonian.

Neighbors told detectives during their investigation, however, that the dogs caused little disturbance when they were outside.

Lynch was also sentenced for putting his neighbor's health in jeopardy, who handled some of the poisonous meat by taking it from the mouth of one of the dogs.

Richard Schmidtke said he was forced to seek urgent medical care for respiratory distress and placed on a ventilator, the Oregonian reported.

During the trial, Schmidtke said Lynch has 'absolutely no respect for what is socially acceptable, no moral compass', calling Lynch's actions 'unconscionable'.

'What kind of person stoops so low as to poison animals?' he added.

Defense attorney Stephen House told the Oregonian that Lynch will abide by the court and avoid all contact with his neighbor as stipulated in the judge's ruling.

'Mr. Lynch ... wants to live the rest of his life in peace and harmony with his neighbors,' Houze added.

Until Wednesday's conviction, Lynch had never run afoul of the law, working as a railroad engineer for nearly 40 years.

Investigators later found castor beans (pictured right) - which naturally create ricin- inside Lynch's home (Richard Schmidtke pictured left)

Defense attorney Stephen House (left) represented defendant Michael Joseph Lynch (right), seen here at Lynch's plea and sentencing hearing on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018

Lynch pleaded no contest to attempted first-degree animal abuse, second-degree animal abuse, two counts of recklessly endangering another person and possessing a loaded firearm in public, the Oregonian reported.

The dogs, two-year-old Bandit and five-year-old Snowflake, are American and French Brittany Spaniels who Schmidtke said were bred for bird hunting.

Schmidtke said that he has lived at his Portland home for more than 20 years and never had a problem with his neighbor until he tried to feed his dogs poisoned meat.

Schmidtke told the Oregonian that Snowflake first became ill on July 10.

'She immediately started vomiting,' Schmidtke said, saying the dog was near death when he brought her to the veterinarian.

'She couldn't move,' Schmidtke said. 'Her eyes were rolled back. She was in desperate trouble.'

Schmidtke only realized what his neighbor was doing when he caught him in the act while he was sitting on his back patio.

Laboratory tests later proved the meat was laced with ricin, leading investigators to issue an arrest warrant for Lynch.

Investigators later found castor bean- which naturally create ricin- inside Lynch's home. They also discovered a container labeled as having botulism inside.

Schmidtke also filed a $400,000 civil lawsuit against Lynch, and the case is still headed toward trial, according to the Oregonian.
Dillan Tabares, 27, had been paroled from state prison (above in his mugshot) a week before he was fatally shot by police in a videotaped encounter outside of a California convenience store

The cop who shot dead a homeless Navy veteran outside a Southern California convenience store last year was justified, the Orange County District Attorney's office said Wednesday.

Video shows the man reaching for the officer's belt as the two struggled before seven shots were fired, the office said.

Dillan Tabares, 27, was killed outside a Huntington Beach convenience store in September after confronting the officer, punching him and grabbing his belt.

Bystanders recorded video of the incident at a busy intersection near a high school.

County prosecutors released nearly 13 minutes of video footage of the shooting. The office said Officer Eric Esparza declined to give investigators a statement about the incident.

In November, authorities said they believed that days before the shooting Tabares had beaten to death an 80-year-old friend.

Video clips that captured the shooting, which were filmed from inside a car in the parking lot, start with the officer pointing a stun gun at Tabares (above) and ordering him to sit down

This clip appears to show Tabares (above) throwing punches at the police officer during a scuffle outside of the 7-Eleven. The officer appears to get Tabares in a headlock and they wrestle to the ground

Once they are on the ground, the cop can be heard shouting, 'let go of my gun!' though he appears to retain full control of the weapon during the encounter. Moments later, Tabares stands up and the officer fires his weapon striking the 27-year-old several times (above)

Brandon Tabares said his brother's life had unraveled into homelessness, drug use and mental illness after he failed a drug test and was discharged from the Navy five years ago.

Dillan Tabares had a series of arrests in California and was released on parole Sept. 14 after serving a sentence for a felony battery conviction, according to state parole records.

Dillan's brother Brandon Tabares said his life had unraveled into homelessness, drug use and mental illness after he failed a drug test and was discharged from the Navy five years ago

He absconded and was marked as a "parolee-at-large" on Sept. 20 - two days before the shooting.

His family repeatedly sought help for him and said he was treated at psychiatric facilities.

Tabares joined the Navy in 2008 and served as an Information technology systems technician aboard a guided-missile cruiser and amphibious assault ship before he was discharged in April 2012.

While he was serving in the military, he bought a house in Norfolk, Virginia, and got married. But after he failed the drug test - testing positive for marijuana - he was discharged, lost his home, and his wife filed for divorce.

Brandon said Tabares then moved to California, spent time backpacking with his brother and started dating one of his brother's friends. When they broke up, Dillan 'didn't brush himself off.'

Instead, he started living in a park behind the public library in Huntington Beach and was known among locals as 'the kid who lived in the woods,' according to his brother.

'He was always high on drugs - so high that he had become a drug-induced paranoid schizophrenic,' Brandon said of his brother.

Dillan Tabares mans an M240B machine gun on the bridge wing of the guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio. He was discharged from the navy after testing positive to marijuana

Melissa Cazares, a resident of Huntington Beach, places a candle outside the 7Eleven store where Dillan was fatally shot

His family repeatedly sought help for him and he was treated at psychiatric facilities.

Dillan Tabares also wrote several angry posts about police on Facebook, including one in 2015 that contended police officers were working with al-Qaeda as part of a sex trafficking ring.

'He had a distaste for police officers, no doubt about that, but not to the extent that he'd go out of his way to attack them,' Brandon said of his brother.

The video clips, which was filmed from inside a car in the parking lot, start with the officer pointing a stun gun at Tabares and ordering him to sit down.

Tabares seems unaffected when the officer fires the stun gun and quickly rushes toward the officer before repeatedly punching him.

The officer appears to get Tabares in a headlock and they wrestle to the ground. Once they are on the ground, the officer can be heard shouting: 'Let go of my gun!' though he appears to retain full control of the weapon during the entire encounter.

Tabares stumbled on his feet and staggered backwards before the cop fired his seventh shot

Moments later, Tabares stands up and the officer fires his weapon striking the 27-year-old several times. He is seen stumbling backward before falling to the ground against a wall.

A second video, which was posted on Twitter on Friday, showed Tabares grabbing an object from the officer's belt as they struggled next to a parked car.

The officer then pulls out his gun and backs away. Another video clip shows Tabares jumping to his feet and he's almost immediately shot. Six rounds are fired before the officer calls out, 'get on the ground.' After a short pause, a final, seventh gunshot is fired and Tabares stumbles backward and collapses against a wall.

Huntington Beach Police Chief Robert Handy said the officer had been forced to defend himself and had the right to fatally shoot the man if he felt his life was in danger.

'This is clearly an assault on an officer,' Handy told reporters Friday.

'I don't know what preceded that assault, we don't know that yet, but clearly this person attacked our police officer, and I don't think that there's any way an officer is expected to not defend them self and that includes a lethal force at times.'
Former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci said several times Thursday that he wants Steve Bannon to play take-backsies with comments he made to the author about President Trump and his family in an explosive new book.

'You've got to get back to your therapist and get back on the air and take it back,' Scaramucci advised Bannon on CNN, taking particular offense to the Breitbart head's assessment that Donald Trump Jr's meeting with the Russians was 'treasonous.'

Scaramucci, who only held his White House job for 11 days, has long been a critic of Bannon, and whose foul assessment of the Trump chief strategist partially led to his ouster in late July  though in recent days he's been used as a pro-Trump voice on the air.

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HE'S BACK: Former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci returned to morning television Thursday to support President Trump and whack Steve Bannon for comments made in a new book

MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhle (left) asked Anthony Scaramucci (right) about previous comments he made about Steve Bannon, including one where he suggested Bannon liked to suck on his own manhood

Over on MSNBC, the network's Stephanie Ruhle asked 'The Mooch' if he felt vindicate now that a line in the sand has been drawn between Bannon and the Trump White House.

'I don't necessarily feel vindicated as much as I would like Steve to knock it off and rejoin the team,' Scaramucci said. 'He needs to knock it off.'

The former communications director's answer miffed Ruhle, who reminded Scaramucci that he had told the New Yorker's Ryan Lizza, in an accidental on-the-record interview, that Bannon was 'trying to suck my own c***.'

'I'm not trying to build my own brand off the f***ing strength of the president, I'm here to serve the country,' Scaramucci said at the time.

Scaramucci pointed out that, sans expletives, what he said six months ago and what President Trump said in a statement about Bannon yesterday were 'fairly similar.'

Trump charged that Bannon spent his time at the White House 'leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was.'

'It is the only thing he does well,' Trump said.

Scaramucci boasted, 'I think I have the right read on the guy.'

'There's two things you can do with a guy like that. You can either excise him or shun him, which I don't think is the best recommended strategy or tell him to knock it off and bring himself back into the fold,' Scaramucci said, preferring the latter.

'What I said about the guy six months ago and what the president said yesterday, that he's focused on himself and he's focused on his own brand,' The Mooch continued. 'That's a foolish way to be if you're trying to create functionality and you're trying to help the president pursue his own agenda.'

Bannon has seemingly already tried to make peace by telling a caller on Breitbart Radio Thursday morning that 'nothing will ever come between us and President Trump and his agenda.'

The former chief strategist also said Wednesday that, 'The president of the United States is a great man.'

'You know I support him day in and day out,' Bannon added.

During his Thursday television appearances, The Mooch also pushed back on some of the allegations found in the new book 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House,' written by Michael Wolff.

Scaramucci, who did work on Trump's campaign, said it was false that the president intended to lose the presidency, using the experience as a way to heighten his brand.

'You may remember this but 24 hours before the election he was moving from Pennsylvania before Michigan, one last time in Michigan before the polls opened, so he's a tireless worker. He's somebody who wanted to the presidency,' Scaramucci said in yet another Thursday interview, this one with ABC's George Stephanopoulos.

Scaramucci also didn't care for the characterization that Trump was dumb, as a number of people in the book are quoted saying including media mogul Rupert Murdoch and longtime aide Sam Nunberg.

'I don't think any one of those people think the president is an idiot, dumb or dope,' Scaramucci said.

'And let me tell you something Bill Clinton said about George W. Bush a few years ago,' Scaramucci said. 'People were calling George W. Bush all those sorts of adjectives and he said you cannot be dumb to win the American presidency.'

'You know he's not dumb, I know he's not dumb. If anything he probably has the best emotional intelligence in terms of sizing and reading people and he got Steve Bannon right,' Scaramucci added.
The victim of a knife rampage in Ireland yesterday has been identified as a Japanese call centre worker.

Yosuke Sasaki, 24, died when an 18-year-old Egyptian asylum seeker allegedly stabbed him in the back in Dundalk, County Louth.

Police had been investigating whether or not the attack was terrorism-related, and a statement released today said the inquiry has now spread across the globe as detectives try to establish a motive.

Yosuke Sasaki, 24, died when an 18-year-old Egyptian asylum seeker allegedly stabbed him in the back in Dundalk, County Louth

Another victim, Irishman Cian Murphy, 22, was also stabbed in the back, but was today released from hospital

One person died and two others were injured in what was described as a 'random stabbing attack' in Ireland

Mr Sasaki had been living in Ireland for the past year and worked at the National Pen call centre, manning the phones for service calls for the Japanese market, according to the Irish Times.

Another victim, Irishman Cian Murphy, 22, according to the Irish Daily Mirror, was also stabbed in the back, but he was released from hospital today.

He is a sales assistant and a media and arts students.

Both men were on their way to work when a knifeman struck, stabbing them both in the back.

Police said at the time of the arrest that terrorism was one line of enquiry they were pursuing.

'At this time, we can find no established link to indicate that this tragedy is terrorist-related,' they said in a statement on Thursday.

'However, enquires are continuing internationally as the investigation develops.'

The rampage was described as a series of 'random attacks' yesterday when Gardai arrested a heavily-armed teenager born in North Africa.

The knife attack happened shortly before 9am in Dundalk and the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

The attacker has been identified as an 18-year-old Egyptian who had been in contact with the police on New Year's Day with regards his immigration status.

The body of one of the victims is removed from the scene of a fatal attack on Avenue Road, Dundalk this morning just after 9am

Two forensic officers are suited up in the middle of the street where a Japanese man is said to have been killed in a knife attack

A forensic tent is erected in Dundalk this morning. Three scenes were preserved for technical examination in Avenue Road, Inner Relief Road and Seatown, County Louth, police said

Police officers confronted and disarmed the attacker, who was said to be carrying a number of weapons.

Investigators were yesterday working to establish whether or not the knifeman knew his victims and whether the incident was planned.

Gardai have not established a definite motive for the violent spree, but Chief Superintendent Christy Mangan said yesterday a potential terror link was being investigated.

'A terror attack is a line of inquiry,' he said yesterday.

'It is certainly a line that we would look at. We will endeavour to establish the suspect's background, who they are and where they have come from and why are they here.

'Those are the very important questions we are endeavouring to ask and answer. And as to why the attacks took place, why an innocent bystander going about their work would be attacked in the middle of Dundalk in the morning slightly before 9am.'

Garda officers close of the road and a forensic tent can be seen erected on the left and side of the road, straddling the road and the pavement

Mr Mangan declined to confirm whether a potential mental health link was another line of inquiry.

He said the suspect had come into contact with gardai on January 1 when inquiries about his immigration status were conducted.

The senior officer said he believed the teenager was seeking asylum in the Irish Republic.

Mr Mangan said he believed the perpetrator was on foot and the victims were selected at random.

'There is nothing to suggest whatsoever that any of these people involved in the attack and the subsequent assaults were known to each other,' he said.

'It would certainly appear to be random and unprovoked.'

He said there was no evidence that anyone assisted the attacker.

Mr Mangan said gardai were making efforts to contact the dead man's relatives.

'It is going to be very, very hard for the family,' he said.

'They have someone over here working and the next thing they get attacked and killed in a foreign country.'

He said the investigation would have an international dimension and gardai would be liaising with the authorities in Egypt.

Councillor Ruairi O Murchu lives close to the scene of the attack in Avenue Road.

He said there was major concern among local people.

'The community is in shock,' said the Sinn Fein representative.

'Our thoughts are with the family of the person killed and those that have been injured.'

A police officers and a man in trainers and a long, white coat talk near the scene of the crime

The series of attacks started when Mr Sasaki was fatally stabbed on Avenue Road shortly before 9am.

Mr Murphy was stabbed a short time later on nearby Coes Road.

At 9.40am gardai received a report that another local man was attacked with a fence pole at Seatown Place.

Neither of the two Irish victims sustained serious injuries.

The suspect was arrested at around 9.45am on Inner Relief Road in Dundalk.

He has been detained at Dundalk Garda Station, but no charges have been filed.
President Donald Trump's White House went scorched earth on Steve Bannon, a former White House adviser, on Thursday as a fight between the two men continued to dominate the national conversation.

In his first public appearance since excerpts from an explosive book that quoted Bannon seared through his administration, Trump said that he's not on speaking terms anymore with his one-time strategist.

'He called me a great man last night. He obviously changed his tune pretty quick,' Trump said, referring to comments Bannon made yesterday on Brietbart News' Sirius XM program.

Trump then told reporters as he met with Republican senators to discuss an immigration compromise, 'I don't talk to him. I don't talk to him.'

White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said later that Breitbart 'should look at or consider' firing Bannon over the dispute with the president as she tangled with reporters at her daily briefing.

President Donald Trump said Thursday in his first public appearance since excerpts from an explosive book seared through his administration that he's not on speaking terms anymore with former chief strategist Steve Bannon

Trump 's White House went scorched earth on Bannon as a feud between the two men continued to dominate the national conversation. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said Breitbart News should consider firing Bannon

Sanders said that they were never 'particularly close' as she doubled down on a claim that they had not spoken since December and had only been in touch a handful of times since Bannon departed Trump's service.

Responding to a question about DailyMail.com about a claim that they would frequently have dinner together, Sanders said, 'The book also says that he had been sidelined by April, which I think further goes to indicate that he had very little credibility to give much information, particularly after that point, which most of the book is based after that time frame.'

'Again, this book is mistake after mistake after mistake,' she said, refusing to acknowledge that she'd just validated at least one aspect of Wolff's reporting. 'I would certainly say they've spoken a few times since they left the White House, but it's not like there were regularly scheduled calls or certainly no meetings between the two of them.

Trump said in his remarks before senators that it was just a 'misnomer' that he was ever as close with the Breitbart News chief and former aide who spilled White House secrets to author Michael Wolff as 'Fire and Fury' makes him out to be.

A statement Wednesday from the president himself stressed that Bannon had 'not only lost his job, he lost his mind.'

One of Trump's personal lawyers demanded on Thursday that a publisher cancel next Tuesday's release of the explosive book about the president and his White House.

Bannon has emerged as the villain in the new year's first seismic political quake, drawing condemnation and a separate lawsuit threat from the president's legal orbit.

But Thursday morning's letter from California attorney Charles J. Harder, known for representing pro wrestler Hulk Hogan and presidential son-in-law Jared Kushner, puts 'Fire and Fury'  Wolff's book about the Trump's first year in the White House  on dicey footing.

Harder demanded publisher Henry Holt and Co. 'immediately cease and desist from any further publication, release or dissemination of the book,' including excerpts and summaries.

'Your publication of false/baseless statements about Mr. Trump gives rise to, among other claims, defamation by libel per se, false light invasion of privacy, tortious interference with contractual relations, and inducement of breach of contract,' he wrote.

Michael Wolff, 64 (right) is the man behind the sensational tell-all from Donald Trump's first months in the White House, and now the president is trying to stop the book before it's released on January 9

Lawyer Charles Harder, who has represented Trump won-in-law Jared Kushner and former pro wrestler Hulk Hogan in the past, wrote a scathing 11-page letter to Henry Holt & Company and its newest star author Michael Wolff

Representing the Trump Organization, the president's private company, harder has already accused Bannon of breaching a confidentiality agreement, saying legal action was 'imminent.'

'You have breached the Agreement by, among other things, communicating with author Michael Wolff about Mr. Trump, his family members, and the Company, disclosing Confidential Information to Mr. Wolff, and making disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements to Mr. Wolff about Mr. Trump, his family members, and the Company,' read Harder's letter to Bannon.

In a brutal statement Wednesday, Trump denounced his former campaign CEO as a self-promoting political faker who was exposed as a fraud when he was fired last year.

'Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my Presidency,' the statement said. 'When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind.'

Bannon said later on the Breitbart News Tonight program on Sirius XM, 'The President of the United States is a great man.'

'You know, I support him day in and day out,' Bannon said.

Attorney Charles Harder (center) is leading the charge for Trump again Michael Wolff and his publisher; Harder previously represented Hulk Hogan (right) in a case against the now-defunct Gawker website

20 MOST JAW-DROPPING CLAIMS IN EXPLOSIVE TRUMP BOOK Steve Bannon described Don Jr's Trump Tower meeting with Russians as 'treasonous and unpatriotic' and thinks he will 'crack like an egg' under the pressure of the Russia investigation

Bannon said there's 'zero' chance Donald Trump didn't know about the meeting and said Don Jr likely 'walked them to his father's office'

First Lady Melania Trump openly wept on the night her husband won the election - and the tears 'were not of joy'

The whole campaign from the top down thought Trump would lose and everyone had planned for defeat, with Trump himself planning a TV network because he would be 'the most famous man in the world'

Trump and Melania sleep in separate bedrooms and he demanded a lock on his bedroom door against the wishes of the Secret Service

Trump orders McDonald's so he's not poisoned, told staff not to touch his toothbrush and strips his own bedsheets

Trump regularly sits in bed eating a cheeseburger at 6.30pm while calling his friends and watching three TVs

Rupert Murdoch called Trump a 'f***ing idiot' after a phone call and billionaire backer Tom Barrack said 'he's not only crazy, he's stupid'

Trump's aides say he doesn't read and 'for all practical purposes is no more than semi-literate'

Trump would try to bed his friends' wives by goading their husbands to cheat while the wife listened in on speakerphone

White House Communications Director Hope Hicks dated married Corey Lewandowski and Trump later told her: 'You're the best piece of tail he'll ever have.'

The president called acting attorney general Sally Yates a 'c***' after she refused to enforce his immigration ban

Sean Spicer, then press secretary, said 'you can't make this s*** up' after his first briefing and went on adopt the phrase as his personal mantra

Trump tells the same stories three times in ten minutes and forgot a succession of old friends' names at a Mar-a-Lago party

He called Jared Kushner a 'suck-up' and said he should never have let Ivanka and her husband move to Washington

Among his verdicts on his staff: Bannon 'looked like s***', Reince Priebus was a midget and Kellyanne Conway was a crybaby

Among his staff's verdicts on him: 'dope', 'dumb as s***', 'hopeless idiot', 'just a f***ing fool', 'lost his mind', 'incapable of functioning in his job'

Trump wondered what a 'golden shower' was after reading reports about the notorious Russian dossier

Trump offered to marry Morning Joe's Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough - and mocked Jared Kushner for saying he'd do it

Ivanka Trump jokes with friends about her father's hair secrets: He had a scalp reduction, combs over from the sides, and uses Just for Men badly

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The White House had also released a statement from first lady Melania Trump's office slamming the Wolff book as a 'bargain fiction' offering.

The Republican National Committee defended Trump by claiming Wolff has 'a long history of making stuff up.'

Sanders told reporters Wednesday that the president was 'furious' at and 'disgusted' by the pre-release material from Wolff's book that found its way online.

She also said Wolff had 'never actually sat down with the president' since Inauguration Day and had shared only on brief phone call 'that had nothing to do, originally, with the book.'

Trump's spokeswoman doubled down on the claims on Thursday, offering that Wolff requested an interview with the president and that was denied. In all, more than 30 requests for information from the White House for the book were denied, she said.

Trump has unleashed the full weight of his presidential bully pulpit on Bannon, casting him Wednesday as an opportunist who sought to steal credit for his stunning 2016 election victory.

'Steve doesn't represent my base  he's only in it for himself,' Trump said in his Wednesday statement.

'Steve pretends to be at war with the media, which he calls the opposition party, yet he spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was,' the statement continued. 'It is the only thing he does well.'

Trump also said, '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.'

Asked Thursday if he felt betrayed by Bannon, the president commented that his former aide had 'changed his tune' pretty quickly.
This video captures the horrifying moment a man taking part in a bull ring challenge was tossed in the air by two different raging beasts.

The man, dressed in a red shirt, had been in the arena during a bullfighting competition in Costa Rica when one came up behind him and threw him in the air.

He is seen cowering and covering his head with his hands when he falls back to the ground as three people come to his aid and help him up.

A video captured the horrifying moment a man taking part in a bull ring challenge was tossed in the air by two different raging beasts

The man, dressed in a red shirt, had been in the arena during a bullfighting competition in Costa Rica when one came up behind him and threw him in the air

But as he is making his getaway with his eye on the bull behind him, another bull charges at him from the front, hurling him into the air before repeatedly goring him.

The incident is believed to have taken place in Costa Rica, but it is not known exactly where.

It was aired on the Toros Teletica network, who posted a 25-second clip of the man's attack on their Facebook page on Wednesday, where it has been viewed more than 595,000 times.

A 16-second clip was also shared on the Ataque Futbolero Facebook page on Wednesday, where it has since attracted almost 60,000 views.

He is seen cowering and covering his head with his hands when he falls back to the ground

Three people come to the man's aid and help him up off the ground and lead him away

But a different bull charges at him while his head is turned and hurls him into the air
In addition to infuriating President Trump, former chief White House strategist Steve Bannon has now put off a key financial backer of his Breitbart news site.

Bannon, who unleashed stunning attacks on Trump and members of the Trump family in excerpts from a new book by Michael Wolff, has relied on Mercer as a prime supporter of his projects over the years.

She will not support further Bannon projects, the Washington Post reported on Thursday.

The paper reports that she was irked by his support of Roy Moore in the Alabama Senate race, a contest that pitted Bannon against much of the GOP establishment.

Rebekah Mercer has reportedly said she will no longer support Steve Bannon projects in the future

A person familiar with a conversation between them told the paper that Mercer was alienated when he told other donors he could count on Mercer money to support him if he ran for president.

'The core constituency for Breitbart is what you would call the Trump Deplorables. That's the audience. And if they're asked to choose between Steve and Trump, they're going to choose Trump. That's clear,' the paper quoted a person familiar with the company's ownership as saying.

Vanity Fair reported in December that Bannon told an advisor in October he would consider running if Trump didn't seek reelection in 2020.

Last November, billionaire investor Robert Mercer announced he was selling his share of Breitbart to his daughters.

Mercer was put off by statements Bannon reportedly made to donors saying she would back him if he ran for president in 2020

Mercer is an owner of Breitbart News

Bannon has another backer in Chinese billionaire Miles Kwok, according to the Drudge Report

Miles Kwok is a member of Mar-a-Lago

Miles Kwok posted at a Mar-a-Lago entrance

Miles Kwok posted numerous shots of Bannon on his Twitter feed

Matt Drudge tweeted about Bannon's new billionaire backer

Not long after reports that Rebekah Mercer was pulling back, the Drudge Report posted a tweet by Matt Drudge picturing Bannon with Chinese billionaire, Guo Wen Gui, also known as Miles Kwok.

'Steve Bannon finding opportunity and happiness in the arms of a new billionaire benefactor, Miles Kwok, aka Guo Wen Gui. Mercer is yesterday's mashed potatoes..' according to the tweet.

Kwok has been putting out information about powerful figures inside China in order to disrupt the Chinese Communist Party's grip on the nation.

He also is a member of Mar-a-Lago, Trump's private club in Palm Beach Florida.

President Trump dismissed Bannon in brief comments to the media Thursday, referencing a Bannon interview on Sirius radio.

'I don't know he called me a great man last night. He obviously changed his tune pretty quick,' Trump said. 'I don't talk to him.'
Omar Nemeth, 19, was rushed to nearby Saint Agnes Medical Center by paramedics and declared dead shortly after his arrival

A California college student was found dead at a fraternity house near campus on Wednesday.

Authorities say they received a medical call from the Cal State University-Fresno Delta Sigma Phi fraternity house at about 2.30pm. The school is located three hours south of San Francisco.

Omar Nemeth, 19, was rushed to nearby Saint Agnes Medical Center by paramedics and declared dead shortly after his arrival, ABC News reported.

Friends told local affiliate ABC 7 that the young man was a 19-year-old student visiting the Delta Sigma Phi house during Winter break when someone 'gave him Fentanyl'.

Fentanyl is a powerful opioid which is used as a pain medication and together with other medications for anesthesia.

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Authorities say they received a medical call from the Cal State University-Fresno Delta Sigma Phi fraternity house (pictured) on Wednesday

Friends said that the young man was a 19-year-old student visiting the frat when someone handed him 'Fentanyl,' a powerful opioid, but police have not confirmed the information

Courtesy KSEE24

Police have not confirmed the information. The student remains unidentified pending family notification.

Friends claim he lay unconscious for hours on the front porch of the fraternity until help finally came, according to ABC 7.

The fraternity did not respond to requests for comment, but did release a statement saying: 'While the investigation continues, it is important to note that this was not connected to any chapter event and occurred during the school's winter break.'

In a message posted to Twitter on Thursday, Fresno State said it was devastated by the news and said the school's thoughts are with the student's loved ones

In a message posted to Twitter on Thursday, Fresno State said it was devastated by the news and said the school's thoughts are with the student's loved ones.

'Our hearts are broken today as we learned that an enrolled Fresno State student has died at an off-campus location,' the statement said.

'President [Joseph] Castro joins the campus community in sending condolences to the student's family and friends.'

An investigation by Fresno authorities into the college pupil's death is currently underway.

Police have reportedly blocked off the house with police tape and were seen interviewing a number of students wearing the fraternity's sweatshirts at around 5pm.

It was unclear whether the student was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, according to ABC News.
Ellen DeGeneres has roasted Eric Trump for complaining about being encouraged to follow her on Twitter.

On Tuesday, Trump said it was 'shocking' that Twitter suggested he should follow DeGeneres and claimed a liberal conspiracy was behind it, writing: '#DeepState' along with a screenshot of the recommendation.

The algorithm-based suggestion also told him to follow Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, neither of whom he does.

An upbeat Ellen responded to his remarks with ridicule on Wednesday.

'So I have two questions. First of all, which one is Eric? Did he kill the elephant or the cheetah?' Ellen began.

'Second, what is Deep State? Is it near Dollywood cause I'm in, if it is,' she carried on, joking about the theme park in Pigeon Hole, Tennessee.

After declaring the remark 'crazy', she continued: 'Apparently Eric Trump thinks that Twitter is trying to trick him into following liberals.

'Apparently I am part of some secret government conspiracy called the Deep State.

'Have you heard of deep state anybody? No? Neither had I,' she begged of the audience.

With her first swipe at Eric out of the way, she directed her jokes at his father, breaking her no-politics rule to slam the president.

'The Deep State is a group of people they believe are trying to undermine Donald Trump which is ridiculous because no one has undermined Donald Trump more than Donald Trump.'

Spurred on by the audience's cheers and applause, she dove back into mocking Eric's remarks.

On Tuesday, Eric Trump complained about Twitter suggesting he should follow DeGeneres along with Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama

On Wednesday, Ellen responded by calling Eric's remark the 'craziest thing' she had seen all week

'I just want to say Eric I am honored that you think I am powerful enough to be part of a large government conspiracy, I am sorry to disappoint you, I am not part of the Deep State.

'Even if somebody wanted me to be involved, I don't have that kind of time. I've got my gay agenda meetings on Mondays, I've got on Wednesday, Beyonce and I host an Illuminati brunch.

'Then Portia and I on the weekends are desperately trying to have a baby so I can't, I don't have time,' she said.

The 59-year-old then pointed out a more likely explanation for the algorithm-produced suggestion.

'It could be a conspiracy or it could be because your sister Ivanka follows me on Twitter and your sister Tiffany follows me on Twitter and maybe you should follow me because I post a lot of cute videos.

Ellen said it was more likely that Twitter made the suggestion because both of Eric's sisters follow her

'We might not agree on politics but I think we can both agree, this is cute,' she finessed, directing the audience and camera to a video of a cat stroking a dog in the neck.

DeGeneres spoke out against President Trump last year to vow never to have him on her show.

Disgraced Today host Matt Lauer had asked her why she would never invite Trump on as a guest when she responded: 'Hes against everything that I stand for. We need to look at someone else who looks different than us and believes in something that we dont believe in and still accept them, and still let them have their rights.'

Her first jab was last January in response to Trump's travel ban on seven Muslim majority countries.

'Over the weekend, on Friday, the president gave an order banning people from seven countries from entering the United States, including people with green cards.

Eric (above with his wife Lara at Mar-a-Lago on New Year's Eve) has not responded to Ellen's remarks

'And then on Saturday, the president screened Finding Dory at the White House. I don't get political, but I will say that I am against one of those two things.

'Like I said, I dont get political, so Im not gonna talk about the travel ban. Im just gonna talk about the very nonpolitical, family-friendly, Peoples Choice Awardwinning Finding Dory.

'Dory lives in Australia, and these are her parents, and they live in America. And I don't know what religion they are, but her dad sounds a little Jewish. It doesn't matter.

'Dory arrives in America with her friends Marlin and Nemo. She ends up at the Marine Life Institute behind a large wall.

'They all have to get over the wall, and you wont believe it, but that wall has almost no effect in keeping them out... Even though Dory gets into America, she ends up separated from her family, but the other animals help Dory. Animals that dont even need her.

'Animals that dont even have anything in common with her. They help her, even though theyre completely different colors.

'Because thats what you do when you see someone in needyou help them,' she said.

In earlier interviews, she has dubbed Trump 'dangerous'.

'He is who he is and he has enough attention. There's nothing I'm going to say to him to change him and I don't want to give him a platform because it validates him.

'For me to have someone on the show, I have to at least admire them in some way and I can't have someone that I feel is not only dangerous for the country and for me personally as a gay woman but to the world.

'He is dividing all of us.'
Paul Gallon, 36, ran his ex-girlfriend Holly Blake, 33, and her new partner William Nicholson, 44, with a bicycle in November 2016 in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside

An angry ex boyfriend used a pedal bike as an offensive weapon after seeing his former lover walk past his workplace with her new boyfriend.

Paul Gallon, 36, was working in a fishing tackle shop when he looked up and saw Holly Blake, 33, walking past with William Nicholson, 44.

Ten minutes later, as the couple strolled near the seafront at Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, Gallon hurtled into them on his mountain bike as they looked in the opposite direction on a Monday afternoon in November 2016.

Holly, formerly a keen horsewoman, was critically injured and rushed to hospital fighting for her life with head injuries.

Mr Nicholson, who is no longer with Ms Blake, suffered a broken eye socket, fractured temple and shattered cheekbone. He has made a full recovery.

Ms Blake is still recovering over a year later and has been unable to enjoy her previously active lifestyle. She attended court yesterday where she was unsteady on her feet and still bearing the scars from the attack.

She was hekped up and down the steps of Newcastle Crown Court by a male companion.

Judge Stephen Earl asked whether the attack by Gallon had been 'what the French call a crime passionel.'

But prosecutor Kevin Wardlaw told the court: 'This was anything but a crime of passion, it was a crime of anger,'

He added: 'The complainants were not even looking in the direction of the defendant when he cycled down the street and into them.

'They had passed by Ollie's Bait Supplies where he works in the direction of Miss Blake's then address.'

Although he admits two counts of causing grievous bodily harm using the bike, Gallon claims he had been threatened by Mr Nicholson at the tackle shop, a point which is disputed by prosecutors.

Mr Wardlaw said: 'It was some considerable distance, a lapse of at least 10 minutes so even if threats were made they were not being issued at the time of the assault.'

The case was adjourned until May 30th for a trial of issue, known as a Newton hearing, which will be held in front of Judge Earl without a jury.

Holly Blake, pictured centre, being helped from Newcastle Crown Court today, is was left in a critical condition following the attack

Gallon, pictured arriving at Newcastle Crown Court this morning was due to be sentenced today, but the hearing was adjourned after the judge ordered a Newton hearing to consider whether Gallon had been provoked before the attack which would influence sentence

The hearing will decided whether Gallon mowed the couple down purely out of anger and revenge, or whether he had been receiving threats from Mr Nicholson.

Brian Mark, for Gallon, said he had also received texts threatening his family. Mr Mark requested phone records be produced for the defence ahead of the trial of issue.

Gallon will give evidence as will Mr Nicholson, who is expected to appear via videolink as he is now working abroad.

Judge Earl said: 'There will need to be a trial of issue as it will affect sentencing if there was a previous issue which happened on that day which caused the defendant to act in the way that he did.'

Outside court Ms Blake said: 'I'm not happy, I expected this to be dealt with today, this has been dragging on for over a year now.'

Gallon, of North Shields, North Tyneside, admits causing GBH with intent on Mr Nicholson and GBH without intent on Ms Blake.
Nathalie Allport-Grantham, 23, said she was accused by workers of 'wasting their time' when she asked for assistance on her way to Nice in France

A chronically ill passenger who suffers constant pain has claimed Stansted Airport staff refused to help her board a flight because she was not 'disabled'.

Nathalie Allport-Grantham, 23, said she was accused by workers of 'wasting their time' when she asked for assistance on her way to Nice in France.

Miss Allport-Grantham, from east London, suffers from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome which effects who ability to move about - often leaving her needing a wheechair.

She had booked 'special assistance' for her flight but when she appeared at the gate she said staff were 'awful' to her and refused help.

Miss Allport-Grantham told BBC's Newsbeat: 'She basically looked at me and said 'I'm here to help disabled people, I'm not here to help you''.

'But she didn't ask my name. If she'd just looked at her list she would've seen I was the person she was waiting for.'

Miss Allport-Grantham also suffers from postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, which increases her heart rate and limits how far she can walk.

She explained that because her chronic illness was not always obvious, she was often judged as a result and even called a 'liar'.

Miss Allport-Grantham was eventually helped onto her flight, but said the experience was extremely upsetting.

Miss Allport-Grantham, from east London, suffers from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome which effects who ability to move about - often leaving her needing a wheechair

Miss Allport-Grantham had booked 'special assistance' for her flight but when she appeared at the gate she said staff were 'awful' to her and refused help

She said: 'I've been told before 'You look too pretty to be disabled'. People have an idea that a disabled person has to look a certain way.'

Standsted Airport said an investigation had been launched to get to the bottom of the incident.

'We are very disappointed to hear about Ms Allport's experience and apologise for any distress caused', a spokesman said.

'We are speaking to the provider to find out more about the circumstances of the incident.'




A woman who killed a four-year-old boy with her car when he stepped out into the road embraced the youngster's grieving mother at an inquest into his death.

Naza Ali hit Yusuf Jatta when he stepped out into the road while waiting at a pelican crossing in Leeds.

He was with his mother and other family members at the time.

Yusuf's father Lamin Jatta, 48, from Leeds told a distraught Ms Ali: 'We forgive you and do not hold any grudges against you or your family.'

Yusuf had been stood on a pedestrian refuge on a central reservation with his family when he ran out into the road straight into the path of Ms Ali's Vauxhall Corsa.

Yusuf Jatta, 4, died in April after being hit by a car. At his inquest, his parents forgave the driver of the car that hit him saying 'we do not hold any grudges against you or your family'

Ms Ali would only have had a second to react before the collision on April 29, the inquest at Wakefield Coroner's Court was told.

She told Yusuf's parents in court that she is a mother-of-four, adding: 'I'm really sorry.'

Ms Ali, from Bradford, West Yorkshire, then embraced Yusuf's mother Fatou Bojang, 48, as both women wept.

Police collision investigator Martin Ward said CCTV footage from a shop, a bus and an NHS centre indicated the car was travelling at 27mph in a 30mph zone when Yusuf ran into the road.

Mr Ward said the fact no-one else had left the pedestrian refuge in Chapeltown, Leeds, led him to believe the lights were on green for vehicles.

He said: 'As the vehicle approached the child entered the road into the path of the vehicle.

The parents of Yusuf Jatta forgave the driver of a Vauxhall Corsa that hit their son in April, Wakefield Coroner's Court (pictured) heard

'The vehicle has struck the child approximately one second after.'

Recording a verdict that Yusuf died in a road traffic collision, senior coroner David Hinchliff said: 'According to CCTV evidence there was a second.

'That wouldn't have given an opportunity to stop.'

Ms Bojang wrote in a statement read to the inquest: 'He was a lovely son and loving brother to his brothers and sisters - we all miss him greatly.'

At the time of the collision Ms Bojang and Mr Jatta released a statement via West Yorkshire Police saying: 'Yusuf attended nursery at Hillcrest Academy and was loved by his teachers and was happy there.

'His dad had just returned from a month in Gambia and spent a day with him before this tragic accident.

'Yusuf enjoyed travelling and we visited London and Scotland with him. It is unfortunate that Yusuf's grandparents could not see him.

'The family would like to give special thanks during this difficult time to the staff and management of Hillcrest Academy, the Gambian community in the UK, the local community in Leeds and our local councillors Jane Dowson and Eileen Taylor.'
The Trump administration on Thursday moved to vastly expand offshore drilling from the Atlantic to the Arctic oceans with a plan that would open up federal waters off the California coast for the first time in more than three decades.

The new five-year drilling plan also could open new areas of oil and gas exploration in areas off the East Coast from Georgia to Maine, where drilling has been blocked for decades.

Many lawmakers in those states support offshore drilling, although the Democratic governors of North Carolina and Virginia oppose drilling off their state coasts.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott, a Republican, also opposes offshore drilling near his state, as do the three Democratic governors on the West Coast.

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced the plan Thursday, saying that responsible development of offshore energy resources would boost jobs and economic security while providing billions of dollars to fund conservation along U.S. coastlines.

Trump plan: The president's interior secretary Ryan Zinke said a draft plan to open up waters to drilling would boost jobs and economic security

Expansion: Drilling is already happening off the California coast, including at Refugio State Beach in Goleta, but federal waters would see drilling permitted under the plan

'This is a draft program,' Zinke said in a conference call with reporters. 'Nothing is final yet, and our department is continuing to engage the American people to get to our final product.'

Industry groups praised the announcement, which would be the most expansive offshore drilling proposal in decades.

The proposal follows President Donald Trump's executive order in April encouraging more drilling rights in federal waters, part of the administration's strategy to help the U.S. achieve 'energy dominance' in the global market.

A coalition of more than 60 environmental groups denounced the plan, saying in a joint statement that it would impose 'severe and unacceptable harm' to America's oceans, coastal economies, public health and marine life.

'These ocean waters are not President Trump's personal playground. They belong to all Americans and the public wants them preserved and protected, not sold off to multinational oil companies,' read the statement, which was signed by leaders of the Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council, League of Conservation Voters and other environmental groups.

Impact: A worker uses a suction hose to remove oil washed ashore from the Deepwater Horizon spill, in Belle Terre, Louisiana

'This extreme proposal is a shameful giveaway' to the oil and gas industry, which supported Trump in the election campaign, the groups said.

The proposal comes less than a week after the Trump administration proposed to rewrite or kill rules on offshore oil and gas drilling imposed after the deadly 2010 rig explosion and oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

The accident on BP's Deepwater Horizon rig killed 11 workers and triggered a massive oil spill that continued for months.

The administration called the rules an unnecessary burden on industry and said rolling them back will encourage more energy production. Environmentalists said Trump would raise the risk of more deadly oil spills.

The Obama administration imposed tougher rules in response to the BP spill. The rules targeted blowout preventers, massive valve-like devices designed to prevent spills from wells on the ocean floor.

The preventer used by BP failed. The rules required more frequent inspections of those and other devices and dictated that experts onshore monitor drilling of highly complex wells in real time.
The White House will no longer allow West Wing guests and to carry personal devices as of next week.

Press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders confirmed the ban on Thursday, citing security concerns.

'Staff will be able to conduct business on their government-issued devices and continue working hard on behalf of the American people,' a statement from Sanders read.

The White House will no longer allow West Wing guests and to carry personal devices as of next week. Press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders confirmed the ban on Thursday, citing security concerns

White House social media director Dan Scavino is pictured in the Oval Office holding two phones in March, one of which appears to be a personal device

The new measures were put in place to protect the security and integrity of the technology systems at the White House.' White House staffers who oppose the move said it will also make it more difficult to stay in touch with family throughout the day

The new measures were put in place to protect the security and integrity of the technology systems at the White House.'

White House staffers who oppose the move said it will also make it more difficult to stay in touch with family throughout the day.

Staffers told Bloomberg that they are not allowed to use their government-issued devices to attend to personal matters. In barring them from using personal cell phones, they will not be able to stay in contact easily with family members, including their children.

White House servers also block them from using Gmail or Google hangouts to stay connected.

Devices issued by the White House are not capable of receiving text messages at all, cutting them off from the outside altogether.

The White House was said to be considering a device blackout in November at White House Chief of Staff John Kelly's command. Kelly had been pushing for stricter measures since his own personal device was hacked.

Former White House chief of staff Reince Priebus also tried to spearhead a ban of personal devices before he was replaced by Kelly over the summer, but his effort was unsuccessful.

President Donald Trump has complained about the level of leaks since the administration began, and even said earlier this year that he was seeking Department of Justice action.

Former press secretary Sean Spicer once confiscated communications staffers' phones in an attempt to root out leakers that backfired when his hunt for moles leaked to the press.

He also warned them against using encrypted messaging apps that run afoul of government record-keeping regulations.

The leaks are not the reason for the new restrictions, though, the White House has said.

A new book from columnist Michael Wolff that he says is based on interviews he conducted in and around the White House is also not behind the policy change.

'Absolutely not. Thats a ridiculous characterization,' Sanders said.

Already, the White House requires staffers to leave their mobiles outside of meeting rooms where sensitive or classified information will be discussed.

A Bloomberg article on the early efforts to keep personal cell phones out the West Wing altogether mentioned concerns that too many devices were plugged into the wireless network and that personal phones are not nearly as secure as the ones that are issued by the federal government.

The statement from Sanders simply said, 'The security and integrity of the technology systems at the White House is a top priority for the Trump administration and therefore starting next week the use of all personal devices for both guests and staff will no longer be allowed in the West Wing.'
The millionaire heiress who is accused of hurling anti-Semitic slurs at a 77-year-old grandmother before attacking the woman's son outside a restaurant on New Year's Eve appeared in Manhattan Criminal Court on Thursday.

Jacqueline Cooke, 29, was dragged off in handcuffs on Wednesday afternoon and booked at the 19th Precinct station in Manhattan's Upper East Side at 4:30pm.

She then spent the night in a holding cell before appearing in court for a pre-arraignment deposition, with the troubled socialite facing a felony charge of assault with intent to cause physical injury with a weapon.

Cooke appeared entirely disinterested in the proceedings on Thursday and showed no emotion in the courtroom despite the fact that she is facing up to seven years in prison.

She is the daughter of the late Jack Kent Cooke, who at one time had ownership stakes in the Washington Redskins, Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Kings.

Cooke was released on her own recognizance on Thursday and is due back in court next month, with an order of protection put in place requiring her to stay away from her alleged victim.

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Emotionless: Jacqueline Cooke, 29, appeared in Manhattan Criminal Court on Thursday (above) after being arrested Wednesday afternoon for allegedly assaulting a lawyer

Anti-social socialite: She is facing a felony charge of assault with intent to cause physical injury with a weapon after allegedly bashing Matthew Haberkorn with a Lulu Guinness clutch

Cuffed: The incident occurred on New Year's Eve outside the Upper East Side eatery Caravaggio (above in cuffs on Wednesday)

Under the cover of darkness: Cooke, whose late father Jack Kent Cooke owned the Redskins and LA Lakers, had claimed she was not out on New Year's Eve just hours before her arrest

Cooke is accused of attacking Matthew Haberkorn, 52, outside the Manhattan eatery Caravaggio on December 31.

The lawyer, who lives with his family in Redwood City, California, claims that the trouble with Cooke began when his mother was getting her coat after their meal at Caravaggio.

'Hurry up, Jew,' Cooke said to the 77-year-old grandmother claims Haberkorn.

'Hurry up Jew, I got places to be.'

Haberkorn decided to confront Cooke about the statement outside he said, and that is when she bashed him in the head with her mirrored Lulu Guinness clutch at around 11:45pm according to an NYPD spokesperson.

Video taken by his daughter shows Haberkorn bleeding from the head just moments after the alleged assault.

Cooke meanwhile can be seen laying on the ground and struggling to stand.

'You called me a f***ing bitch, you called me a c**t,' Cooke can be heard shouting in the video.

Haberkorn then looks at Cooke and shouts: 'You called me a f***ing Jew.'

His daughter meanwhile can be heard shouting don't touch him as Cooke's boyfriend wraps his arms around the man.

Cooke than appears to try and take a swing at Haberkorn, at which point she again falls on the ground.

As her boyfriend wraps his arms around Haberkorn, Cooke appears to get up and then fall as she takes another swing at him.

Cooke then rushes at the man and tries to pull him to the ground, which again results with her falling on the pavement.

'You're throwing a woman on the floor,' Cooke's boyfriend yells at Haberkorn.

Cooke and the man then run off with Cooke yelling 'self-defense' and Haberkorn saying he wants to call 'the f***ing police.'

A spokesperson with the NYPD said that the investigation is ongoing and that the Hate Crimes Task Force is involved.

New year tear: Haberkorn's bloody gash (left) after he was hit by Cooke (right on the ground in video filmed by Haberkorn's daughter)

Weapon of choice: Cooke (above with Amanda Hearst in April) can be seen carrying the same purse at an event last year

Candid camera: Haberkorn's daughter began filming the incident after her father confronted Cooke about an anti-Semitic comment she allegedly made to his mother (Cooke in court on Thursday)

Dad: Cooke, whose late father Jack Kent Cooke (above in 1994) owned the Redskins and LA Lakers, had claimed she was not out on New Year's Eve just hours before her arrest

Cooke told the New York Daily News on Wednesday that she was not out on New Year's Eve, and said a splint on her finger was the result of slamming her hand in a cab door.

Hours later she was arrested by police at her apartment, two blocks from the restaurant.

Her Instagram page, which is set to private, reveals that she is preparing to launch her new business Cane Casa.

It will offer 'premium dog beds for premium canines.'

Cooke previously worked for shoe designer Isa Tapia as the director of PR and marketing.

Her mother Suzanne was the third of Jack Kent Cooke's four wives, marrying the millionaire businessman when she was 31 and he was 74 in 1987.

The two divorced after just 72 days, and Suzanne later gave birth to a daughter Jacqueline.

Jack married Marlene Ramallo Chalmers, his fourth wife, in 1990 and again in 1995 after divorcing her three years into their marriage.

The two were married at the time of Jack's death.

He did however provide for his two children, Jacqueline and John Kent Cooke Sr, who is now 75.

His third child, son Ralph, died two years before his father at the age of 58 from liver failure.

John and Ralph were both born during their father's first marriage to Barbara Jean Carnegie.

When the two divorced in 1979 after 45 years, Barbara received a then-record $42 million settlement.

Baby love: Jacqueline, who was named after her father (photo on bedside table), is seen her with her mother Suzanne after she was born in January 1988 (above four months after Suzanne's divorce)

Older brother: John Kent Cooke Sr (above in 2016), who is 75, was left with the interest on $10 million, and an additional $15 million to be paid out over several years by his father in his will

Stepmom: Jack Kent Cooke's fourth wife Marlene Ramallo Chalmers (above in 1997), who he married twice, was almost deported in 1986 for cocaine trafficking but ultimately worked out a deal however with the CIA and DEA that kept her out of jail and in the US

John Sr was left with the interest on $10 million, and an additional $15 million to be paid out over several years by his father in his will.

He also received almost all of his father's possessions, including clothing, a Patek Phillipe watch, his sterling silver, antiques, jewelry, works of art and 'any one of my automobiles, other than my 1962 Bentley Continental, as my said son, in his sole and absolute discretion, shall choose.'

That aforementioned Bentley was left to Ralph.

Jacqueline received no material possessions, despite having had a close relationship with her father in the final years of his life.

The two did not meet until she was three, but began exchanging letters in his final years.

Jacqueline also received considerably less money than her brother, but much more than her father's fourth wife and her own mother, who were both cut out of the will.

Chalmers later successfully sued for $20 million, a sizable payday for the Bolivian beauty who was almost deported in 1986 for cocaine trafficking. She ultimately worked out a deal however with the CIA and DEA that kept her out of jail and in the US.

'At the time of her father's death, Jacqueline Cooke was left a $5 million trust, which was structured to pay her $25,000 a year until she reached 16, when the annual payout jumped to $50,000,' reported The Washington Post back in 2007.

'When she turns 21, payments are set to rise to $100,000. At 35, she will begin receiving annual sums equal to 8 percent of the trust, currently valued at more than $6 million.'

Jacqueline was suing her father's trustees at the time, which included her brother, saying that her education should be covered by the trust and not have to come out of her own pocket.

Her mother said that the annual payout her daughter received was instead meant to be her 'walking around money.'

Jacqueline first filed a lawsuit against the trustees just after her father's death, with lawyers making sure that Chalmers payout would not impact the young girl's inheritance.

She was 10 at the time.

In 2008, a 20-year-old Jacqueline was arrested by police in Boston and charged with operating under the influence and operating without a license.

She was stopped by police after leaving a diner without paying her bill according to Boston.com, and started her car despite their instructions to not turn on the vehicle.

Prior to getting in the car because she could not find a taxi, Cooke 'stepped into the street, lifted her skirt, and exposed her buttocks to the officers.'

While being booked she asked if they knew who her father was and threatened to have their badges stripped, stating: 'One-billion dollars goes a long way.'




Yazmin White, 11, was killed after being hit by a train in Haines City Wednesday evening

An 11-year-old girl was hit and killed by an Amtrak train in Florida while she was looking down at her phone.

Yazmin White left Carmelita's Food Mart in Haines City and was walking through the woods when she tried to cross over railroad tracks at an intersection.

The Amtrak train's conductor told Polk County Sheriff's Office that he immediately slammed on the breaks and blew the horn repeatedly to try and warn White.

But she was distracted and didn't notice the train, ABC Action News reported.

The train, with 12 passengers on board, was travelling at 68mph when it hit the teenager.

White was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Amtrak train's conductor told Polk County Sheriff's Office that he immediately slammed on the breaks and blew the horn repeatedly to try and warn White but she didn't hear

The Amtrak train was traveling southbound towards Winter Haven at approximately 68 mph.

In a statement from Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd he said 'We are completely heartbroken and send our deepest condolences to Yazmin Whites family.'

'This is a tragedy no parent or family should ever have to go through. Please keep them in your prayers.'

The principal of Davenport School of the Arts where White attended said the young girl was a talented musician and was a piano major at the school.
One dog in southern California is getting a second chance after he was rescued from the side of the road in Mount Baldy.

The four-year-old male pit bull was found around 2.30pm on New Year's Eve tied to a sign post, the Inland Valley Humane Society & SPCA said in a press release.

The dog, which was named Chance by staff members, had been left for dead with no food or water.

He also had a massive tumor on his scrotum which had become infected.

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A four-year-old pit bull was found on New Year's Eve tied to a pole on a road in Mount Baldy, California

The dog, named Chance by staff members at a Pomona humane society, had a massive tumor on his scrotum

Rescuers aren't sure how long Chance had been abandoned or why his owner left him.

The Humane Society said the dog had injuries 'consistent with neglect.'

Dr. Cynthia Kinney with the Inland Valley Humane Society told KTLA that someone driving by spotted Chance and alerted authorities.

It's not clear what temperatures reached to on Sunday, but Kinney said it's typically hot during the day and cold at night.

Hes just a total love bug, wants attention, Kinney said. Very, very sweet. Very affectionate.

Chance received emergency treatment at the Pomona facility on Wednesday, and underwent surgery to have his tumor removed.

Kinney said he appears to be healthy and has been active with staff members.

Chance underwent a surgery to remove the tumor and is said to be healthy

The dog is now in the care of the Inland Humane Society & SPCA

Chance could be up for adoption if a series of tests are more successful

After he undergoes more testing, the dog could be up for adoption soon.

James Edward, the operations manage at the Inland Humane Society & SPCA, told KTLA he hopes the dog's owner comes forward so they can figure out what happened.

Kinney speculates that the owner may have not been able to afford the dog, got desperate and left him hoping someone else would take him in.

The organization is asking anyone with information about the dog to call their investigative department at 909-623-9777
Bruce (pictured), 41, and Schrell Darlene Hopkins, 40, refused to release the body of eight-year-old Caleb to the authorities for weeks after he died from an asthma attack in their Girona apartment

An American couple who lived for more than a month with the body of their seven-year-old in their home have avoided jail.

Bruce, 41, and Schrell Darlene Hopkins, 40, refused to release the body of eight-year-old Caleb to the authorities for weeks after he died from an asthma attack in their Girona apartment.

The couple were facing at least three years in prison, with the prosecution claiming they were guilty of homicide with serious imprudence.

But a Spanish court has ruled there were aggravated circumstances and fined them instead.

Caleb suffered a fatal asthma attack and rather than take him to hospital, the couple sat beside him and prayed.

During the trial, they said they took care of their son with traditional and alternative medicine. They claimed he had got over his asthma attack and went to sleep but never woke up.

The Hopkins, together with their three children, came originally from Detroit but moved to Girona where they rented a flat.

Police made the horrifying discovery of the boy's dead body in January of 2016 when they went to the couple's home and detected 'a nauseating stench'.

They saw the couple and their two other children looking down on them from the top floor and realised the smell was coming from their home.

The flat was said to have been full of rubbish and flies and the corpse was found in a bedroom wrapped in a sheet.

The Hopkins apartment in Girona, where police found they had been living with the decomposing body of they eight-year-old Caleb

Inside was the body of the seven-year-old in such a decomposed state that the smell made it 'virtually impossible to live inside the room'.

Forensic tests showed he had died about one month before of an asthma attack and rather than call in the authorities following his death, the family kept vigil next to his body. Police said creases on the sheet suggested they even slept next to him.

Bruce Hopkins, an engineer and writer, is said to have told officers from Los Mossos: 'He is not dead, he is asleep.'

He agreed the boy had suffered an asthma attack but claimed he had recovered after being treated with traditional and homeopathic medicine.

The court was told they originally lived on the bottom floor of the duplex flat but later moved upstairs to the bedrooom to be with their dead son, despite the flies.

Police found a large number of alternative medicines, mainly homeopathic, as well as large quantities of fruit in their home.

The family was decribed as very religious, being Pentecostal Christians.

The couple met in a church in Detroit and had three children, with Caleb being the youngest.

Police said the smell inside the Hopkins' apartment in Girona, Spain, was 'nauseating'

The other two children, a boy and girl, are now 15 and 13. After the discovery of their brother's body and the arrest of their parents, they had to undergo treatment at a pyschiatric unit.

According to El Periodico, the Hopkins lived in Missouri and California, before finally separating from their families in the United States and moving to Spain to seek a safer and quieter life.

They knew no-one in Girona and according to their landlady, failed to pay the rent which is why she gave the flat keys to the police. None of the children went to school and never left the house.

The Criminal Court No. 1 of Girona was asked by the prosecution to jail the couple for three years and three months, claiming their imprudence had caused Caleb's death, together with their religious, moral and ethical approach.

Their defence lawyer asked for their acquittal on the grounds that the parents always gave the child necessary care and treatment.

One psychologist likened the way the family lived to 'a sect', using Chinese remedies and praying.

The court agreed that the child had needed hospital care which his parents did not give him but fined them 990 euros for a crime of homicide for 'less serious imprudence' with aggravating kinship.

The child was said to have suffered the asthma attack some time between the end of November and the beginning of December 2015 though the actual date of his death was not determined.

The sentence is subject to an appeal by either the prosecution or defence within ten days.
A special policy in his battalion enabled a United States soldier deployed overseas to carry out one of the most important missions of his life.

US Army combat engineer Francois Clerfe made it all the way back from Iraq to Monterey, California, just in time to witness the birth of his first child, with his wife, Natalia Svistunova, on New Year's Day.

'From Kuwait to Turkey, Turkey to Frankfurt, Frankfurt to Baltimore, Baltimore to Atlanta,' Clerfe said, listing off the cities he traveled through on his journey home while talking to KSBW's news team.

And at the end of that long stretch of sky, he was greeted with his first-born, a daughter named baby Julia.

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US Army combat engineer Francois Clerfe made it back from Iraq to Monterey, California, just in time for the birth of his first child, with his wife, Natalia Svistunova, on New Year's Day

Clerfe's path to welcome his little girl took him on seven planes, with 10 connections over a span of two days.

'It was fun and exciting at the same time,' the new father said, as he described the nervous energy he felt while he was trying to make it back in time.

'I had the feeling that he would make it because he really wanted to be here next to us,' Svistunova said.

For Clerfe, the feelings were hard to put into words.

Clerfe's path to welcome his little girl took him on seven planes, with 10 connections over a span of two days

'You can't explain but inside of you, [you're] just jumping for joy,' he said, talking about being a new father.

Baby Julia must have been just excited to meet her parents for the first time, too, because she arrived more than a week early.

The couple's original due date was January 9, but Julia made her grand entrance into the world on January 1.

With deliveries, though, the fact that anything can happen was not lost on Clerfe.

'I'm glad that baby Julia waited for me,' the proud father said.

Baby Julia must have been just excited to meet her parents for the first time, too, because she arrived more than a week early

The soldier will get to spend 30 days with his family before utilizing 10 more days of paternity leave, but then must head back to Iraq

Clerfe's days home are limited, so that made the timing of Julia's birth all the better.

Since she came early, that means the trio gets a little extra time together before Clerfe has to return to his duty station.

The soldier will get to spend 30 days with his family before utilizing 10 more days of paternity leave, but then must head back to Iraq.

Baby Julia came into the world at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula at 9.53 am Pacific time on Monday.

The couple's original due date was January 9, but Julia made her grand entrance into the world on January 1

The experience was definitely one of a lifetime for Clerfe.

'That moment, having your first kid [come] into the world on the very first day of the new year...' he said.

'I think it's going to be a very good year.'

She was the first baby born at the hospital in 2018.
Hannah Whitley(pictured), 23 was riding a motorbike in the popular tourist spot of Canacona, Goa on December 22 when her bike collided with a truck

These are the first pictures to emerge of the 23-year-old who died following a head-on crash with a lorry while holidaying in India.

Hannah Whitley, was riding a motorbike on a sightseeing tour in the popular tourist spot of Canacona, Goa on December 22 when her bike collided with a truck.

Miss Whitley was one of two British tourists who were killed during the crash along with Daniel John, 38.

The two backpacker's bikes collided with the oncoming lorry and were crushed to death under its wheels.

Tributes to Miss Whiteley flooded in on social media following the news of her death.

John Broderick posted on social media on Christmas Day: 'Our thoughts & prayers are with little Han, her parents and family at this heart breaking time, a beautiful girl taken too soon who touched so many lives, who's creativity and brilliance is only surpassed by her beauty, charm and wit.'

Mr Broderick went on to thank people for their support, he added: 'If you, like us had observed these two free spirits, soul sisters enjoying life on their adventures in India sharing, liking posts getting little messages, via text, face time, what's app or what ever WiFi they could get on.

Miss Whitley was one of two British tourists who were killed during the crash along with Daniel John, 38

John Broderick posted on social media on Christmas Day paying tribute to tragic Hannah Whitley

'Watching whilst secretly being proud of how they were coping and adapting to India having the time of their lives, tragically cut short in a terrible accident.

'To our new friends in Dylan's Beach Palolem who went beyond the call of duty to assist, frantic parents thousands of miles away Glyn Hardy, Russell Woodcock, Kayleigh a sincere thank you, from the heart, to Alexandra the Italian stranger who comforted our girl in her loneliest moments at Goa airport, having witnessed her so distressed. Max Tunon and Jill from the British Consulate thank you.'

Many friends reacted to the heartfelt post.

Jay Smith said: 'Lovely words, my heart goes out to every person who's life she's touched. Hope you can try make something of the day. Love to all.'

Andrea Urmston added: 'I'm so sorry to hear this terrible heartbreaking news and my thoughts are with Hayley, family and friends. Life is so unfair and cruel at times. Sending love.'

Tributes to Miss Whiteley flooded in on social media in response to John Broderick's post following the news of her death

One user posted: 'Lovely words, my heart goes out to every person who's life she's touched. Hope you can try make something of the day. Love to all.'

Another post written by Katie Holt said: 'Absolutely heartbreaking news my heart goes out to all who knew her and to bigs hugs for Hayley.'

Paula Halligan said: 'Just heart breaking, my thoughts and prayers are with you all.'

Paul Cryer added: 'John, Vicky and Hayley - no words can do justice to such sad circumstances. Sending over a massive hug to you all and god bless Hannah and her family.'

Joanne Burns : 'How awful John. Am so sorry. God help the family of this beautiful girl and rest in peace Hannah. My thoughts are with you all.'

Pictured is the Indian paradise Canacona, Goa, a popular tourist spot, where Miss Whitley was holidaying when the tragic crash happened

Miss Whitley and Mr John's bikes collided with the oncoming lorry and were crushed to death under its wheels while staying in Canacona, Goa

A third Brit, named as Gary Powell, 72, is said to have been rushed to hospital after being knocked off his bike in the crash.

The driver of the truck that hit them was arrested has been charged with dangerous driving, Web India reported.

A spokesperson for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: 'Our staff are assisting the family of a British woman who has died in India, and are in contact with the Indian authorities.'

They later added: 'Our staff are supporting the family of a British man following his death in India, and are in contact with the Indian authorities.'
Supermarket staff and shoppers have been accused of unwrapping Cadbury's Creme Eggs and putting them back on the shelf in an attempt to win 2,000.

Chocolate fans went wild last week when Cadbury's announced that they will be selling a limited number of white chocolate Creme Eggs in the run up to Easter this year.

There are only between 350 to 400 of the white chocolate goodies on sale - and they will be hidden in normal Creme Egg wrappers.

Shoppers have been tweeting images of rewrapped Creme Eggs and accusing shoppers and staff of unwrapping the chocolate and putting them back on the shelf

But any lucky chocolate fans find them, they could also be in with a chance of winning up to 2,000.

The trick is reminiscent of Willy Wonka's promotion in the Roald Dahl book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory when the chocolate maker hid five golden tickets in chocolate bars for children to find.

But the gimmick may have backfired, as it appears people are now unwrapping the classic Easter treat and putting them back of shelves if they are not the winning ones.

Shoppers from all over the country have been sharing pictures online of apparently tampered with Cadbury Creme Eggs

Scott Bartlett tweeted saying the competition was causing 'unwrapped and unwanted' Creme Eggs

Ryan Reeves, from Essex, tweeted a picture of pile of tampered with eggs and said '@sainsburys The search for a white chocolate creme egg has gone to your employees heads clearly'.

Another shopper found unwrapped Creme Eggs in a Tesco Express in Essex.

'I opened one of the other boxes that was stacked in the store and they were the same. I can't see how that could have been done by shoppers!' he told The Sun.

Another user tweeted: 'This white creme egg thing just means every single creme egg has been unwrapped and touched by some randoms in tesco'

Every white egg will be worth at least 100, according to Cadbury.

One of the eggs on sale at a Co-op supermarket will be worth 2,000, while 33 will be worth 1,000 and the rest 100.

There are 500 million Creme Eggs produced a year and about 333 million of those are sold in the UK, meaning shoppers will have about a 1 in 850,000 chance of winning a prize.

Paul Lang said he initially thought there was a production problem with the Creme Eggs, but later realised it was due to people searching for the 2000 prize

Shoppers across the country have shared pictures of the Creme Eggs on social media, saying people are unwrapping sweets in the store in the hope of winning a white chocolate treat

Kate Flood noticed on New Year's Day that people had already unwrapped the Creme Eggs in a shop in the hope to win 1000

Hoping to bring some cash into the New Year. One Twitter user noticed that all the Creme Eggs were unwrapped in one shop

Freelance writer Paul Lang tweeted a picture of some unwrapped Creme Eggs saying at first he thought there was a production problem, but he's since realised they were unwrapped due to the confectioners competition.

On New Year's Day, Kate Flood from Manchester tweeted a picture of Creme Eggs saying 'Shout out to the person whose first life choice of 2018 was to stand in the middle of the shop and unwrap all the Creme Eggs to find a prize'.

Tasmin Dawes tweeted: 'Every single creme egg in the co-op clearly already been opened and re wrapped.... somethings telling me this definitely isnt a white one'

Trainee Pilot Josh Slesser, from Newcastle tweeted at Cadbury to express his disappointment at the apparent wrapping and unwrapping of the chocolate eggs

Another eagle-eyed shopping spotted unwrapped chocolate in a branch of co-op.

Tasmin Dawes tweeted: 'Every single creme egg in the co-op clearly already been opened and re wrapped.... somethings telling me this definitely isnt a white one'.

Trainee Pilot Josh Slesser, from Newcastle tweeted at Cadbury to express his disappointment too. 'Well not only do these look smaller, I see people have already started unwrapping the foil to look for the white creme eggs' he said.

The white chocolate Creme Egg will have the same gooey fondant yolk centre as the classic Creme Eggs, but will have a white chocolate shell instead of a milk chocolate one.

They are available to find in stores now until April 1.
The adorable and comical moment a couple collapsed on the same chair during a proposal was captured on video Christmas morning in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Chad Stone and Chelsea Budge were sitting in their kitchen when Chad decided to pop the question.

The video started by Chad saying 'Chelsea can I ask you something?'

'Will you marry me?' he said as he pulled out a ring box from inside his pocket.

Visibly shocked she buried her head in her hands as she murmured 'Are you serious?' before excitedly shouting 'yes!'

She immediately rushed over to him, gave him a hug and sat on his lap, which is precisely when the incident occurred and the pair went flying after the chair unfortunately collapsed.

The duo and their family instantly erupted into laughter as the engaged-to-be couple embraced the moment and kissed on the floor while their dogs roamed around them.

Chad Stone popped the question to his girlfriend on Christmas morning and after she said yes she ran into his arms which is when the chair collapsed beneath them

One of the family piped up as he joked in the background 'I guess I should have fixed that chair.'

The laid back couple, who were both casually dressed in their pajamas, eventually stood up as Chad put the ring on Chelsea's finger.

To end the video Chelsea jumped on her fiance and gave him a big koala hug.

Chad Stone and Chelsea Budge plan to get married in the summer of 2018

Speaking about the proposal they said: 'Christmas morning came with a hilarious memory for our family in Nova Scotia!'

'Two people who have been in love with each other and accident prone since high school. They had a very rough year in 2017, but everything was brought together on Christmas morning.'

'Hopefully the chair isn't an indication of how the rest of their life will go. The wedding will be summer 2018.'
Malachi Love-Robinson, 20, the Florida teen who pretended to be a doctor, was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison on Thursday

A Florida man accused of impersonating a doctor and stealing from a patient when he was a teenager has been sentenced to 3.5 years in prison.

News outlets report that a Palm Beach County judge sentenced 20-year-old Malachi Love-Robinson Thursday after he pleaded guilty to grand theft, practicing medicine without a license and other charges.

His trial was scheduled to begin later this month.

Love-Robinson was facing a total of 14 criminal charges, according to the Sun Sentinel.

As part of his sentence, he must repay his victims $80,000 when he gets out of prison.

Love-Robinson was arrested in February 2016 after law enforcement officials said he was practicing medicine without a license.

Authorities say Love-Robinson was illegally operating a medical practice, complete with an office, a lab coat and stethoscope.

An undercover police officer went to his office, The New Birth New Life Medical Center and complained of lethargy, sneezing and a sore throat.

He took the undercover officer's temperature and also used a stethoscope to check her heart and lungs.

He then told her she was suffering from allergies and recommended she take an over-the-counter medication, police say.

News outlets report that a Palm Beach County judge sentenced Love-Robinson Thursday after he pleaded guilty to grand theft, practicing medicine without a license and other charges

The police report said that Love-Robinson told the officer he was a doctor of homeopathic medicine and said he had a medical doctor on staff to prescribe antibiotics.

Love-Robinson has defended his actions in several interviews and claims that he never told anyone he was a medical doctor.

However, he has claimed to have a PHD, but has never shown documentation or said what field it is in.

'There are many types of degrees out there that hold the title of doctor - whether they are physicists or engineers. Just because someone has the title of doctor in front of their name does not necessarily imply "MD",' he told ABC.

The teen was first arrested February 16, 2016 when an undercover police officer went to his office and Love-Robinson examined her. The two women in the photo are not accused of any wrongdoing

Love-Robinson's biography on the New Birth New Life website refers to him as a 'well rounded professional' and highlights his preference for alternative therapies

Love-Robinson was first detained at age 17 when he was found wandering around St. Mary's Medical Center wearing a doctor's coat and speaking with patients.

He then filed paperwork and began his own 'practice'.

He also pleaded guilty to stealing $35,000 from an elderly patient.

Love-Robinson previously pleaded guilty to charges in Virginia related to trying to buy a Lexus using a fake earnings statement.

He was then arrested again in March and charged with two counts of practicing medicine without a license, two counts of practice of naturopathy without a license, three counts of forgery, two counts of grand theft from a person 65 or older, and three counts of fraudulent use of personal identification information.

In August of 2016, he was arrested again after he was accused of writing a bad check for $1,500 as a down payment for a car at West Palm Nissan in May 2015.

Love-Robinson was first detained at age 17 when he was found wandering around St. Mary's Medical Center wearing a doctor's coat and speaking with patients. He is seen above during his first court appearance on March 2, 2016 in West Palm Beach, Florida

Previously, Grieco Mazda in Delray Beach filed a lawsuit seeking roughly $7,200 in damages and interest claiming that he wrote them a bad check for a new car.

A lawsuit claims that in June 2015, Love-Robinson gave a salesman a Wells Fargo check for $1,800 as a down payment for a 2016 red Mazda 6 costing more than $27,000, the Palm Beach Post reported.

The bank refused to cash the check, saying the account was closed.

Records show Love-Robinson responded to the suit in writing in August. He claimed the bad check was a mistake, and that the dealership didn't give him enough time to fix it.

The Sun Sentinel reported Love-Robinson lost that case in April 2016.

Combined Love-Robinson could have been sentenced to as many as 90 years in prison.
An ungrateful boyfriend had to spend Christmas and New Year behind bars after lashing out when his girlfriend told him his present was a 2 Lynx deodorant gift set.

Steven Manson, 21, lost his temper when his partner Nicole Armstrong, also 21, told him about the gift during a row.

At a hearing at Paisley Sheriff Court, near Glasgow, Scotland, Ms Armstrong explained how the argument started at her flat in Kilbarchan on December 1.

Manson, of Paisley, got 'really angry' when he found out about the present, 'jumping about and waving his arms', before punching a hole through her door, the court heard.

Steven Manson (pictured), 21, lost his temper when his partner Nicole Armstrong, also 21, told him about the gift during a row at her flat in Kilbarchan, Scotland on December 1

She told the court: I't cost 2 and was only something I had picked up.

'I would've got him something better. But the Lynx set came back up again and the argument escalated from there.'

Defending himself, Manson said: 'I asked her "What else are you getting me?"

'She said, "What else am I getting you! You ungrateful b******.'

The 21-year-old cleaner said he had tried to give her a cuddle, but the fight continued.

The court heard the couple continued arguing into Ms Armstrong's kitchen, where he punched a whole in the door.

She called police, but Manson managed to kick her veranda door while waiting for a taxi home.

Sheriff Janys Scott found Manson not guilty on one count of assault and another of putting her in a state of fear or alarm, but he was convicted of damaging her door and ordered to pay 100 compensation for it during a hearing at Paisley Sheriff Court (pictured)

He was later arrested and remanded in custody. The couple have now split up.

A witness, Shona White, 57, told the hearing she heard a male voice shouting outside the flat for around 10 minutes, but was unable to identify Manson in the dock.

Mark Chamber, defending, said his client had spent 30 days in custody, including Christmas and New Year - the equivalent of a two-month prison sentence.

Sheriff Janys Scott found Manson not guilty on one count of assault and another of putting her in a state of fear or alarm.

He was convicted of damaging her door and ordered to pay 100 compensation for it.
South Australia and Victoria are set for their worst fire weather in more than two years.

Hot and dry air will be dragged across southern Australia this weekend by northwesterly winds, bringing extreme heat and high risk of fire.

Weatherzone meteorologist Ben Domensino said the combination of wind speed, temperature and humidity could result in the worst bushfire conditions since Black Saturday in 2009 - which killed 173 people and injured 414.

In Sydney, it will be a hot and sunny weekend with the mercury set to soar to 31C on Saturday

It will reach 38C in Sydney on Sunday, with a slight chance of rain in the afternoon

'The worst fire weather is likely to occur in central and eastern parts of South Australia and western Victoria,' he said.

'This region should see temperatures reach the high thirties to mid-forties, relative humidity below 10 per cent and wind gusts in excess of 60km/h this Saturday.

'This mix of dry, hot and windy weather would be capable of producing forest fire danger index values well above 100 in areas that have not seen much rainfall recently.'

The fire danger ratings would be classified as 'Catastrophic' in South Australia and 'Code Red' in Victoria, the highest possible in both states.

Forecast models show that fire danger index values could reach above 140 in parts of both South Australia and Victoria.

In Sydney, it will be a hot and sunny weekend with the mercury set to soar to 31C on Saturday and 38C on Sunday, with a slight chance of rain in the afternoon.

New South Wales Police are advising residents to be prepared for heatwave conditions

They are also reminding people it is an offence to leave children or pets unattended in vehicles in the warm weather

New South Wales Police are advising residents to be prepared for heatwave conditions.

They are also reminding people it is an offence to leave children or pets unattended in vehicles.

Recently a dog died after being left in a car at Rose Bay, while a 32-year-old man was arrested and charged at a Guildford hotel after allegedly leaving a six-year-old boy in a car.

People make the most of the hot and sunny weather with a swim in the ocean

Hot and dry air will be dragged across southern Australia this weekend by northwesterly winds

Melbourne is in for a scorching 41C on Saturday with a sudden cooling off to 21C the next day.

Sunday will be partly cloudy with a chance of light showers.

Brisbane will be mostly sunny all weekend with temperatures in the early 30s, with light winds.

Perth will reach 29C on Saturday and 31C on Sunday, with clear skies and some winds predicted for the weekend.

The temperature will continue to be warm early in the week with highs of 33C for both Monday and Tuesday.

Adelaide will reach 41C on a very hot and sunny Saturday before cooling off to 26C on Sunday.
A British maritime security officer is facing a lengthy prison sentence in the United Arab Emirates after a customs officer refused to believe legally prescribed anti-anxiety medication was for his own use.

Perry Coppins, a former soldier, tried to explain to the officer at the port of Fujairah that he had to have enough to last him a six month voyage at sea but was arrested and jailed despite the medication being legal in the Middle Eastern country.

The 61-year-old is now on bail in Dubai after spending five weeks in prison and has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, for which he has been denied treatment, say charity Detained in Dubai, who have taken up his case.

Perry Coppins is a maritime security officer and needs six months worth of medication to cover his time at sea

Mr Coppins, pictured, is due to appear in court in Dubai around January 15

Mr Coppins, a father-of-three from Nottingham, is due to appear in court around on January 15 and Detained in Dubai, he is facing a 'years' in prison.

His heartbroken family, daughters, Pia, 24, and Mia, 10, son, 21-year-old son Cameron, say they miss him and are pleading with the UAE authorities to allow him medical treatment.

'It's so cruel. Nobody should be treated like this. He is not a young man and he needs medical help to cope with his anxiety,' said Pia.

'Not being allowed his cancer treatment is like giving him a death sentence. Does human life mean nothing to those people?'

Mr Coppins troubles began during the luggage check at the port when, Perry's prescription paperwork was not accepted by a customs officer.

He has been diagnosed with anxiety and for the last 21 years has been taking Temazepam, Clonazepam and Citalopram prescribed by his GP.

As at sea for months on end, he has to bring enough of his prescribed medication to last the voyage and cannot function without them.

Mr Coppins was detained at the port of Fujairah after a customs officer refused to believe his medication was for personal consumption

Mr Coppins, pictured requires a lifesaving operation for prostate cancer

Mr Coppins knows to keep his prescription paperwork with him to satisfy customs officers at the various ports through which he passes, say Detained in Dubai.

He was denied his medicine in jail, and Perry's psychological condition deteriorated rapidly, experiencing severe withdrawal from all the medicines.

Without his medication, he has suffered hallucinations, extreme stress, lost 20kg, and suffered intense pain, bouts of blindness and uncontrollable sweating.

He now needs a lifesaving operation for his prostate cancer but this is also being denied by the UAE authorities, who are also denying help for his mental health.

Mr Coppins has lost his job, had his passport confiscated and life savings will run out altogether soon.

His ex-wife Lesley has also made a plea for him to receive treatment.

He is now facing a lengthy prison sentence in Dubai, said the charity that has representing him

'Perry and I spilt up, but he is a good man who loves his kids. I really hope the Dubai authorities decide to do the humane thing and let him free.

Those medicines are taken by millions of people. He needs them to function.'

Radha Stirling, Detained in Dubai chief executive, said: 'UAE laws on medicines are often vague and front-line law enforcement officials are frequently unaware of exactly what the rules permit or prohibit; so they make uneducated, arbitrary judgement calls.

'In fact the three medications which Perry possessed, are all legal in the UAE, provided the patient has prescription documentation, which Perry has.

'The initial mistake of the customs officer should never have escalated into criminal charges.

'But this reveals the lack of professionalism within the legal system, and what appears to be the capriciousness of the Public Prosecutor's office.

'Perry needs urgent treatment for his prostate cancer. To deny him this in a timely fashion is an absolute violation of his human rights.

'We hope that the UAE will show compassion to Perry and his children, and release him immediately, so that he can return home for the medical treatment he needs.'
A man has been jailed for life without parole for murdering his girlfriend's 18-month-old son.

Scott Jurewicz was sentenced in Detroit, Michigan, on Thursday, three years after killing Brenden Hartranft by violently shaking him and throwing him down in his Playpen in March 2015.

He was convicted of first degree murder and child abuse in November after a lengthy trial.

Jurewicz, 29, was dating Brenden's mother Brooke when he killed her son.

Scott Jurewicz, 29, was jailed for life without parole on Thursday (above) for the 2015 murder of his girlfriend's 18-month-old son

He had been trusted to put Brenden to bed but lashed out and after seven minutes out of the boy's mother's sight, he brought his unconscious body back to her at their home.

Brenden died in hospital from head and neck injures several days later.

It took several months for police to charge Jurewicz over Brenden's death. In the weeks between it and his arraignment, the man began dating another single mother.

On May 21, a day before his arrest for Brenden's death, the second woman's son died while in Jurewicz's care.

Jesse Pepper Jr. was found dead in his Playpen. He was 21-months-old and had been smothered to death.

He also had evidence of injuries on his back and his dead.

Jurewicz has not been charged in his death and jurors at his trial over Brenden's killing were not allowed to know that it was considered a homicide.

Jesse's mother Andrea Conaway has also been questioned over his death but no one has been arrested or charged with it.

Jurewicz gave 18-month-old Brenden Hartranft a 'good shake' as he put him to bed on March 17 2015. The child fell unconscious and died in hospital days later

Jurewicz was dating Brenden's mother Brooke when he killed the boy in his room

On Thursday, the judge sentencing Jurewicz told him: 'I think you're a psychopath.

'You affected so many lives. Seeing your complete lack of conscience, I don't think you'll do well in prison.

'Your mother, if she wants to see you, can see you in prison. Brenden's family don't have that option.

Jurewicz denied murdering the boy throughout his trial. His attorney said he would appeal his conviction.

Another baby, 21-month-old Jesse Pepper Jr, died in his Playpen while Jurewicz was in the house two months after Brenden's death. Jurewicz was dating Jesse Pepper Jr's mother. The baby died in his Playpen and he had been smothered. He is pictured with his father. No one has been arrested over his death

On Thursday, Jurewicz was labeled a 'psychopath' by the Detroit judge who jailed him

He has also denied having any role in the other boy's death.

Brenden's mother did not speak at the sentencing hearing, which Michigan Live attended, but her mother did.

She told her grandson's killer: 'You didn't just kill a child, you destroyed everyone's life.

'I hope you can never forget his name. You have blood on your hands.

'I wish I could put a photo of Brenden in your cell so you would never forget what you did to him.'
School leavers can now earn up to $100,000 without a university degree, with many employers favouring 'life skills' over a qualification.

From air-traffic controllers to operation and construction managers, many unskilled jobs are now just as financially profitable as those requiring a tertiary degree.

According to a jobs experts, the decision by universities to enroll more students in courses than the number of jobs available once they graduate is making degrees obsolete - and increasing the financial worth of unskilled positions.

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School leavers can earn up to $100,000 without a university degree, with many jobs such as Air Traffic Controllers (pictured) now regarding 'life skills' as more crucial than a qualification

Professions such as radiation therapists (pictured) can earn close to $80,000 without a degree

Raife Watson, the CEO of jobs vacancy website Adzuna, told the Today Show there are a number of positions with salaries of up to $100,000 that don't require degrees.

Topping the list are Air Traffic Controllers, who have an average salary of more than $108,000.

'A high pressure job with minimal error to be had and they deserve every cent they can get,' Mr Watson said.

Also high on the list of 'degree-free' positions are management roles for operations and distribution companies such as Amazon.

COULD YOU DO ONE OF THESE TOP PAYING 'DEGREE-FREE' JOBS? Air Traffic Controller - $108,040 General and operations managers - $94,400 Construction manager - $83,860 Transportation and distribution manager - $80,210 Police supervisors and detectives - $78,260 Radiation therapist - $77,890 Nuclear power reactor operator - $75,650 Elevator installer - $70,910 Source: Raife Watson, Adzuna CEO Advertisement

According to jobs expert Raife Watson (pictured) universities enrolling more students in courses than the number of jobs available once they graduate are making degrees obsolete

Police sergeants and detectives are paid well, while construction roles are also among the top jobs with many building projects being launched across the country

Construction roles are also among the highest paying, with many building projects being launched across the country.

'Think about what we need in Australia - more houses to bring down housing prices,' Mr Watson said.

Rounding out the list were operating roles at power stations, radiation therapists and installing elevators, which all have salaries of more than $70,000.

However the jobs expert said not going to university didn't mean people could only pursue a career in labouring or the like, with corporate positions readily available.

Rounding out the list were operating roles at power stations and elevator installers which both have salaries of more than $70,000

According to Mr Watson, working in areas of personal interest are key to success.

'I think passion has got a lot to do with it, so pick a company you are really interested in or an industry, and try to get an entry level job in there.

'Once you are in you can start letting it be known that this is the type of job you want to do.'
A Texas community is barring a Marine Corps veteran and his wife from flying the American flag outside their home, saying the display violates Home Owners Association (HOA) rules.

Former Marine Corporal Michael Pereira said the HOA is also keeping him from flying a Marine Corps flag outside his Rosenberg home two months after moving into the neighborhood.

'If they're going to take them down, it's going to be a fight to take them down, and no one fights harder than a veteran combat Marine,' Pereira told KPRC on Wednesday.

Former Marine Corporal Michael Pereira (pictured) said the HOA asked him to take down the flags earlier this week

Pereira, who was in the Marines from 2002-2009, serving three tours in Iraq, said that he and his wife are outraged by the HOA's decision, adding that its an affront to every service member of the armed forces.

The flags 'show respect for all the people I went to war with and the ones that didn't come back,' Pereira said. 'I got to take them down every night and put them up every morning.'

Pereira, who was in the Marines from 2002-2009, serving three tours in Iraq, said that he and his wife (pictured left) are outraged by the HOA's decision

Pereira told KPRC that he never experienced a problem with the association until this week, positing that a neighbor in his Kingdom Heights community must have alerted them to the issue.

'I'm guessing somebody didn't like it or someone reported it or something because I got a call from the property manager who works for the Home Owners Association asking me to take them down,' Pereira said.

After being told by the HOA employee to remove the flags, Pereira's wife posted the situation on Facebook on their neighborhood page Tuesday night.

Within hours, the post garnered hundreds of comments, virtually all in support of the couple.

Ashley Johannsen, the couple's neighbor across the street, told KPRC that the HOA is being frivolous in its demands.

'It doesn't bother me. I think it's kind of silly to have someone take down their flags -- especially if he fought for the country,' said Johannsen.

Pereira said that he's already filed an exemption with the HOA and is waiting to hear back.

'If they don't get those rules changed, I'm going to start a petition to get the rules changed,' Pereira said.
The 18-year-old girl was trying to break up a fight at Victor Harbour schoolies

Filip Manevski-Radin was filmed allegedly attacking the girl at Schoolies

An 18-year-old man who was caught on camera allegedly punching a teenage girl at Schoolies in November has apologised in court.

Filip Manevski-Radin was filmed allegedly attacking an 18-year-old girl during Victor Harbours Schoolies event in South Australia.

The victim was trying to break up a fight at the time of the incident, 9 News reports.

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Filip Manevski-Radin, 18, fronted court on Thursday after being charged with allegedly assaulting a teenage girl at Schoolies in November

The victim was reportedly trying to break up a fight when Mr Manevski-Radin allegedly punched her

Mr Manevski-Radin fronted Victor Harbour court on Thursday, after being arrested and charged with assault and disorderly behaviour following the attack.

The 18-year-old said he was 'apologetic' and described his behaviour as unacceptable.

Police confirmed the teenage girl didn't sustain any serious injuries from the attack, but the initial blow did 'knock her off her feet'.

The case was adjourned after a short time on Thursday morning to allow Mr Manevski-Radin to seek legal advice.

His next court appearance is scheduled for March.
Gas and electricity giant SSE has told staff to save 2m by slashing pay-outs to customers who complain.

Chiefs have told workers at the firm to offer goodwill pay-outs of 20 instead of 30.

SSE boss Alistair Phillips-Davies, 49, was paid 2.92m last year, up from 1.7m the year before. And the firm itself made a 1.8bn profit last year.

One customer service worker said: 'They're trying to make us scrape every penny from our customers. It's embarrassing.

Gas and electricity giant SSE has told staff to save 2m by slashing pay-outs to customers who complain

'We make a fortune and yet they are asking us to save 2million this year for no reason other than greed.'

Last night campaigners blasted the strategy, dubbed 'Goodwill - Give Less', at a time when households' energy bills are rising.

SSE, the UK's second largest energy firm with around 7.7m customers in the UK and Ireland, hiked average bills by 73 per year last April, to 1,142 per year.

Its five major competitors also increased bills, sparking widespread anger. Industry analysis suggests average energy bills increased by more than 240 last year, from 1,383 to 1,625.

Laura Hill, from affordable energy campaign group Switched On, said: 'Yet again, SSE are putting their bottom line ahead of hard-up customers struggling to make ends meet because of rip-off fuel bills.

SSE boss Alistair Phillips-Davies (pictured) was paid 2.92m last year, up from 1.7m the year before

'This is just the latest example of the Big Six's blatant profiteering. Their meagre scraps of 'goodwill' aren't enough.'

Mike Shamash, from energy switching site The People's Power.co.uk said: 'It's hard to be outraged when this is completely normal behaviour.

'Energy companies are very good at hassling you for payment but when it comes to reimbursing customers, they are appalling.'

Staff at SSE's offices in Portsmouth, Cardiff, Glasgow and Perth were urged to save the cash, according to the Sun.

SSE insists the move is designed to make sure payments properly reflect the complaint.

Firms typically offer goodwill payments when they want to keep customers happy without necessarily accepting liability for the complaint.

The move comes as SSE and other energy firms are battling increased competition and a looming price cap.

SSE has lost 410,000 customers over the latest year in the UK and Ireland, from 8.13m in September 2016 to 7.72m in September 2017.

Mark Todd, of energy switching site Energy Helpline, suggested SSE's strategy with goodwill payments could be a sign of things to come as firms cut down on bells and whistles to focus on prices amid tougher competition.

Chiefs have told workers at the firm to offer goodwill pay-outs of 20 instead of 30. File photo

He said: 'I think it shows how much energy firms are being squeezed right now - there are about 70 suppliers.

'SSE is the second biggest and all these little suppliers are really nipping away at their customer base so it's really hard to maintain their profitability.

'The whole sector is potentially going to get a bit Ryanair: in a very competitive environment customers want the cheapest price so suppliers will do everything to deliver that cheaper price.

'What competition tends to do is that headline prices go down - it does not necessarily mean that people get better standards of service.

'British Airways got rid of meals to compete on price, so I think this might be a sign of things to come.'

An SSE spokesman said: 'We know how important it is to offer market-leading customer service and we're proud we have the lowest number of complaints via the Energy Ombudsman.

'At SSE we encourage our customer service teams to treat all our customers fairly and to offer goodwill payments that properly reflect the nature of the complaint.'

It is the latest blow for SSE, which in 2016 was exposed by the Mail on Sunday for using scare tactics to try to stop customers switching to cheaper rivals.

SSE said the practices were inappropriate and did not reflect its culture and values.

Campaigner Ms Hill added: 'Local councils should lead the way on bringing down bills. By setting up municipal non-profit energy companies that prioritise customer service and fairly priced renewable energy, we can dump the big six.'




NoahFace helps Bahista Cafe connect with its customers and remember their usual orders

An early morning coffee is a staple for almost everyone, and the owner of a small Sydney coffee shop has recently unveiled a technology that could revolutionise the way we order.

When you enter Bahista Cafe, an iPad scans your face and your name, favourite order and rewards points immediately flash up on another iPad facing the barista.

Invented by Bahista owner Geoff Cropley, the technology - which he's called NoahFace - is a high-tech facial recognition system that he initially created to help remember his regular customers' names.

At Cafe Bahista (pictured) the baristas will know the names and coffee orders of the customers

Geoff Cropley (left) demonstrates the use of NoahFace to help remember customers' details

Mr Cropley bought Bahista Cafe almost four years ago, and has been searching for a way to establish better relationships with his customers since day one.

After two years of work in conjunction with developer John Maclean, Mr Cropley launched NoahFace in July 2016.

And since then, business has been up 37 per cent with a turnover of $1.2 million.

'I thought I could use my human brain and I failed miserably,' he told Sydney Morning Herald.

'I searched the world for a low-cost face recognition [system] and there was nothing out there, all the solutions were multi million-dollar ones. So I went about creating what we have today.'

And the technology will only become more advanced in the future - Mr Copley is working on improving the app and adding other features.

'We are now using the underlying technology in a range of other business solutions, including time and attendance integrating with payroll,' Cropley explained.

'Following that, which will be mid-next year, we will launch access so when you walk to a door it will open.'

Mr Cropley also made is clear that customers can easily opt-out if they want to; the cafe is 'very open and frank' that we have the the program.

At the point of sale at Bahista Cafe, there is a large sign warning customers that their biometric data may be recorded for better customer service. If they don't want to participate, customers can inform the barista and their details will not be recorded.

Bahista owner Geoff Cropley invented NoahFace to help him deliver better customer service

Customers at Cafe Bahista (pictured) can easily decide not to use the facial recognition app

But it's not just Bahista Cafe benefiting from the use of facial recognition software.

'Face recognition has been around in some form for a number of years, but really it has only been in the last few years that it has taken on a strength that makes it very viable,' said Chris de Silva, global head of facial recognition at tech giant NEC.

There is also plenty of misinformation surrounding the technology, which can be used for authentication, identification and monitoring.

'Some people like to talk up this Big Brother scenario,' Mr de Silva said. 'The issue is not the technology, but the issue of privacy and how you deal with that.'

NEC is working with other small businesses and start-ups to help them utilise facial recognition - notable with the night-club entry and security system NightKey.

Founder Mario Madaffari initially invented a finger print registration system to be used at the entrance, which has now been enhanced with the addition of facial monitoring inside the club.

Security system NightKey combines fingerprint recognition with facial recognition software

NoahFace is steadily growing in popularity, too, with Canberra Airport and Rhino Rack Australia both signing up to use the technology.

Mr Cropley lauded the benefits of automatic, individual identification of people via facial recognition can apply to almost any business scenario, saying that he is excited for potential future growth.

NoahFace attracted more than $1 million in seed funding, including a sizeable investment from Toby's Estate founder Toby Smith.

Other coffee shops and bars and also beginning to use the technology - Bar Bellaccino, Adelaide's Hotel Richmond and Coffee Roasters in Brisbane are all on board.
When Henry Bolton was elected Ukip leader in September, supporters breathed a sigh of relief.

After the loss of three leaders in less than a year and support for the party in freefall, they hoped the former soldier and police officer turned security expert would instill discipline.

Among the first to welcome his surprise victory was Nigel Farage, who described Bolton as a man of real substance, adding: Is he a solid, sensible, decent, non-extreme human being? Absolutely.

Henry Bolton, pictured leaving the home of his model girlfriend Jo Marney yesterday morning, was described by Nigel Farage as a 'solid, sensible, decent, non-extreme human being'

Mr Bolton, pictured here with Ms Marney, claimed he was entitled to a 'degree of privacy'

But whether Boltons second wife Tatiana, 42, agrees with the Farage assessment we can only guess.

The Ukip leader, who looks a decade older than his 54 years, said yesterday: Whilst I fully accept that as a national political figure I can expect to be the subject of media attention, I also believe were all entitled to a certain degree of privacy.

Perhaps Kenyan-born Bolton should have thought about such issues before his new girlfriend posted photographs of the couple canoodling on social media.

Bolton, who studied at Sandhurst, served with the Royal Hussars in Britain and Germany. After leaving full-time service in 1990 he spent eight years as a police officer with the Thames Valley force, and he was awarded a bravery medal.

He signed up as a reservist in 1992 and two years later was promoted to captain, serving in Bosnia as an infantry company commander and reconnaissance officer.

Kenyan-born Bolton has left his Russian wife for Kent-based model Jo Marney, pictured

Buried in Boltons biography on professional networking site LinkedIn are two further remarkable claims. Bolton, who looks more like an assistant bank manager than a derring-do military figure, says he was a French commando and had a spell of jungle warfare. There are suggestions the reference may relate to two courses with the French military while in the TA.

When he left the Army there were big changes in his personal life too  he married his Danish first wife with whom he has a daughter, 32.

His second wife, Russian Tatiana Smurova, made the news in May 2016 when she went into labour on a train to London. Bolton fetched paramedics at St Pancras and she gave birth to their second daughter in the carriage. Less than a fortnight earlier his bid to be named Police and Crime Commissioner for Kent had ended in defeat to the Tories.

As a security consultant, Bolton has advised the EU and Home Office, and had spells working in Kosovo, Bosnia, as well as Afghanistan, for which he was handed an OBE in 2013.

Bolton joined Ukip only four years ago  after running as Lib Dem candidate in Runnymede and Weybridge in 2005, standing against now Chancellor Philip Hammond.

Not renowned as a speaker or noted for his charisma, most Ukip veterans thought he would struggle to make an impact.

So it has mostly proved, although he is always up for a challenge.

On TV station Russia Today after becoming leader, he embraced some of their ideas for an initiation test. The one that was probably most suitable for me was chasing a badger across Dartmoor, capturing it and breaking its neck with ones bare hands, he said. The remarks never sat easily with his pledge to make the party more professional.

Last month, in a little noticed message to party members, Bolton conceded the going was tough and there was no money.

The party has very few resources and I have inherited no office and no equipment or staff.

He had insisted he would do things differently to the colourful Farage, saying: I have my own style, I have my own personality and I think you will see that emerge.

Hes right about one thing  hes no Farage. The latest opinion poll put Ukip on less than 5 per cent.
The feud between President Trump and his ex-svengali Steve Bannon could see another courtroom escalation after a new hint that Bannon may sue for defamation.

The possible legal move comes after a Trump attorney fired off a cease-and-desist letter demanding Bannon cease disparaging comments about Trump, in possible violation of a non-disclosure agreement.

High-profile defense lawyer Mark Geragos floated the idea in an appearance on CNN, asked if Bannon might make a defamation case.

'I have it on pretty good authority that he's considering that,' Geragos said, immediately referencing a Trump statement from Wednesday saying Bannon had 'lost his mind.'

Mercer was put off by statements Bannon reportedly made to donors saying she would back him if he ran for president in 2020

'No kidding?' the CNN show's host, Brooke Baldwin responded.

'Yeah, so when you say somebody has lost their mind or implied they didn't do this or that  that also could be potentially a defamation action, where Bannon has the ability to do it,' Geragos said. 'It's got about as much merit, if not more, than the things that they are claiming that Bannon has to cease and desist about.'

The threat came amid signs that Bannon could get ousted from his Breitbart News site.

The Wall Street Journal reported staffers there were wondering whether Bannon would last the day. The paper reported that board members were debating whether to remove Bannon as chairman, according to a person familia with the exchanges.

The discord followed earlier reports that Bannon supporter and Breitbart part-owner Rebekah Mercer was backing away from Bannon projects.

Bannon, who unleashed stunning attacks on Trump and members of the Trump family in excerpts from a new book by Michael Wolff, has relied on Mercer as a prime supporter of his projects over the years.

She will not support further Bannon projects, the Washington Post reported on Thursday.

The paper reports that she was irked by his support of Roy Moore in the Alabama Senate race, a contest that pitted Bannon against much of the GOP establishment.

Rebekah Mercer has reportedly said she will no longer support Steve Bannon projects in the future

A person familiar with a conversation between them told the paper that Mercer was alienated when he told other donors he could count on Mercer money to support him if he ran for president.

'The core constituency for Breitbart is what you would call the Trump Deplorables. That's the audience. And if they're asked to choose between Steve and Trump, they're going to choose Trump. That's clear,' the paper quoted a person familiar with the company's ownership as saying.

Vanity Fair reported in December that Bannon told an advisor in October he would consider running if Trump didn't seek reelection in 2020.

Last November, billionaire investor Robert Mercer announced he was selling his share of Breitbart to his daughters.

Mercer is an owner of Breitbart News

Bannon has another backer in Chinese billionaire Miles Kwok, according to the Drudge Report

Miles Kwok is a member of Mar-a-Lago

Miles Kwok posted at a Mar-a-Lago entrance

Miles Kwok posted numerous shots of Bannon on his Twitter feed

Matt Drudge tweeted about Bannon's new billionaire backer

Not long after reports that Rebekah Mercer was pulling back, the Drudge Report posted a tweet by Matt Drudge picturing Bannon with Chinese billionaire, Guo Wen Gui, also known as Miles Kwok.

'Steve Bannon finding opportunity and happiness in the arms of a new billionaire benefactor, Miles Kwok, aka Guo Wen Gui. Mercer is yesterday's mashed potatoes..' according to the tweet.

Kwok has been putting out information about powerful figures inside China in order to disrupt the Chinese Communist Party's grip on the nation.

He also is a member of Mar-a-Lago, Trump's private club in Palm Beach Florida.

President Trump dismissed Bannon in brief comments to the media Thursday, referencing a Bannon interview on Sirius radio.

'I don't know he called me a great man last night. He obviously changed his tune pretty quick,' Trump said. 'I don't talk to him.'
Two massive security flaws could put billions of people worldwide at risk of being hacked, in a shocking lapse affecting nearly all devices.

Meltdown and Spectre could let cyber criminals steal passwords and other data from nearly every gadget containing chips from Intel, AMD and Arm, thanks to 'design flaws' in their manufacture.

The bugs affect desktops, laptops, servers, smartphones and tablets, as well as smart devices like baby monitors, smart cars and thermostats, powered by processors from these firms.

Patches have been created by a number of device manufacturers to try and plug the huge security holes, but fixing the underlying issue will be extremely difficult.

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Details have emerged about two massive security flaws which put billions of people worldwide at risk of being hacked. Meltdown and Spectre could let cyber criminals steal data from nearly every computing device containing chips from Intel, AMD and Arm

Security researchers at Google's Project Zero computer security analysis team, in conjunction with academic and industry researchers from several countries, exposed the two flaws.

Meltdown, which is specific to Intel chips, lets hackers bypass the hardware barrier between applications run by users and the computer's memory, potentially letting hackers read a computer's memory.

It was first discovered by Project Zero in June last year, when expert Jann Horn found that passwords, encryption keys, and sensitive information open in applications that should have been protected could be accessed.

A second bug, called Spectre, affects chips from Intel, AMD and Arm.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF Google - Patch coming tomorrow On January 5, Google is issuing a security update to protect Android phones. Google-branded phones should automatically download the update and you need to just install it. With Pixel and Pixel 2 the update will automatically install too. Some Android phone manufacturers are slow to patch, so you should contact them to make sure they update it as soon as possible. The patch for Chrome will be installed on January 23 and some Chromebooks had a mitigation in its OS 63, released in December, write Wired. If don't want to wait until then an experimental feature from Google called Site Isolation can help in the meantime. This feature makes it harder for malicious websites to access data from other websites you are looking at, writes Cnet. To use this feature on Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS or Android copy and paste chrome://flags/#enable-site-per-process into the URL in Chrome. Click 'Strict Site Isolation' and then press 'Enable'. Save your work and then press 'Relaunch now'. A few Chromebooks are not expected to get the patch because they are too old. Here is a full list (look for 'no' in the right-hand column). According to Google no other products are affected by these vulnerabilities. Microsoft - Windows 10 patch available, older versions to come There is already a patch available for Windows 10 which will automatically be applied. For older operating systems a patch will be available next week. According to the company, Azure infrastructure is updated. Apple - No public comment There has been no public comment from the company. One researcher has suggested MacOS 10.13.2 has mitigation for the flaw. Linux - Patch available The system has a patch. Reports suggest it can slow down Linux-based systems by as much as 17 per cent. Users can opt out if they do not want it. Amazon - Cloud services patched The company says its web services have been updated. Major cloud services aimed at business customers, including Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform and Microsoft Azure, say they have already patched most of their services Consumers should check with their device maker and operating system provider for security updates and install them as soon as possible. Advertisement

This lets hackers potentially trick otherwise error-free applications into giving up secret information.

Project Zero disclosed the Meltdown vulnerability not long after Intel said it's working to patch it.

Intel says the average computer user won't experience significant slowdowns as it's fixed.

Tech companies typically withhold details about security problems until fixes are available, so that hackers don't have a roadmap to exploit the flaws.

Both Intel and Google said they were planning to disclose the issue next week, when fixes will be available.

But Intel was forced to come clean about the problem yesterday after news of the flaw became public.

Meltdown, which is specific to Intel chips, lets hackers bypass the hardware barrier between applications run by users and the computer's memory, potentially letting hackers read a computer's memory

MELTDOWN AND SPECTRE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Researchers from Google, academia and cybersecurity firms discovered two flaws in computer chips that affect nearly all modern computers: Meltdown This is a flaw that affects laptops, desktop computers and internet servers with Intel chips. It lets hackers bypass the hardware barrier between applications run by users and the computer's kernel memory. This has the potential to let hackers access the content of this portion of a computer's memory. This would enable them to steal data, such as passwords saved in web browsers. Spectre This bug affects chips from Intel, AMD and ARM and lets hackers potentially trick otherwise error-free applications into giving up secret information. 'Spectre' affects chips in smartphones and tablets, as well as computer chips from Intel and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. Hackers can trick apps into leaking sensitive information. Spectre is a broader bug that applies to nearly all computing devices. It is harder for hackers to take advantage of but less easily patched and will be a bigger problem in the long term, experts say. Advertisement

In an interview with CNBC yesterday, Intel CEO Brian Krzanich said: 'We've found no instances of anybody actually executing this exploit.

'Phones, PCs, everything are going to have some impact, but itll vary from product to product.'

However, clips on social media claim to show computer security experts using the exploit.

Michael Schwarz, who has a PhD in information security, posted on Twitter 'Using #Meltdown to steal passwords in real time', along with a GIF animation of the procedure.

Researchers say Apple and Microsoft have patches ready for users for desktop computers affected by Meltdown.

Microsoft declined to comment and Apple did not immediately return requests for comment.

Daniel Gruss, one of the researchers at Graz University of Technology who discovered Meltdown, called it 'probably one of the worst CPU bugs ever found' in an interview with Reuters.

Gruss said Meltdown was the more serious problem in the short term but could be decisively stopped with software patches.

WHY DOES THE FLAW EXIST? Modern computer processors rely on a method called speculative execution to try and optimise their performance. Both exploits target this process, which is hardwired into the design of CPUs. Chips break down data processing into a pipeline, dividing incoming instructions into a series of sequential steps. This ensures that every part of the processor is kept busy, maximising its performance. To free up space from the pipeline, modern chips try to guess what information will be needed at a given time. They load this data into the memory, even on occasion when it's unnecessary, allowing the system to access it quicker. However, this means that sensitive information may be loaded into the memory which shouldn't have been, before any security checks have been made. Once the processor realises the information isn't needed, it should remove all traces of it, but this isn't always the case. The exploits let hackers detect remnants which remain lodged in the memory. Advertisement

Spectre, the broader bug that applies to nearly all computing devices, is harder for hackers to take advantage of but less easily patched and will be a bigger problem in the long term, he said.

Intel's CEO said Google researchers told Intel of the flaws 'a while ago' and that Intel had been testing fixes that device makers who use its chips will push out next week.

Before the problems became public, Google on its blog said Intel and others planned to disclose the issues on January 9.

Intel was forced to come clean about the Meltdown problem yesterday after news of the flaw, which affects laptops like this HP, became public

The bugs affect desktops, laptops, servers, smartphones and tablets, as well as smart devices like powered by processors from a range of manufacturers.

Apple's iPhone is likely to be among the devices affected, as it's processors are based on a 64-bit Arm chip. There has been no public comment from the company. One researcher has suggested MacOS 10.13.2 has a fix for the flaw affecting its desktop and laptop machines

Google said it informed the affected companies about the 'Spectre' flaw on June 1, 2017 and reported the 'Meltdown' flaw after the first flaw but before July 28, 2017.

The flaws were first reported by tech publication The Register.

It also reported that the updates to fix the problems could causes Intel chips to operate five to 30 per cent more slowly, with some experts claiming this could be more like 50 per cent.

Security researchers at Google's Project Zero computer security analysis team, in conjunction with academic and industry researchers from several countries, discovered the two flaws. Google's own Home smart speakers use Arm processors

Intel denied that the patches would bog down computers based on Intel chips.

'Intel has begun providing software and firmware updates to mitigate these exploits,' the Santa Clara, California, Company said in a statement.

'Contrary to some reports, any performance impacts are workload-dependent, and, for the average computer user, should not be significant and will be mitigated over time.'

INDUSTRY'S BIGGEST PLAYERS Intel, AMD and Arm are three of the biggest names in the world of computer processors. Intel Intel, the world's leading semiconductor manufacturer, started life producing memory chips, including the first metal oxide semiconductor in 1969. The firm's introduction of the Pentium microprocessor in 1993 helped usher in a personal computer revolution during that decade. Major companies, including Dell and HP, were early adopters of Intel's chips in their PCs. Today, most laptop and desktops in the world are powered by an Intel CPU, including rival Apple Macs, which dropped its proprietary chips in favour of the industry leader's in 2005. AMD Advanced Micro Devices, better known as AMD, is Intel's only significant rival in the PC processor marketplace. Alongside Nvidia, it is also one of two dominant players in the manufacture of graphics processing units, used in PC video gaming. Both Microsoft and Sony chose AMD processors over Intel's to power their latest consoles, the Xbox One and PS4. AMD processors are also the preferred choice for many custom and home built PCs, particularly among the gaming community. Arm Arm processors have conquered the world of smart devices, thanks to their stripped back design. British company Arm Holdings develops the design of the chips, which is then licensed to other firms. Processors that use the company's RISC architecture require fewer transistors than larger personal computer chips. This makes them cheaper, use less power and give off less heat, making them ideal in smaller, more portable gadgets. This ranges from smartphones to internet connected baby monitors. Advertisement

ARM spokesman Phil Hughes said that patches had already been shared with the companies' partners, which include many smartphone manufacturers.

'This method only works if a certain type of malicious code is already running on a device and could at worst result in small pieces of data being accessed from privileged memory,' Mr Hughes said in an email.

AMD chips are also affected by at least one variant of a set of security flaws but that it can be patched with a software update.

A second bug, called Spectre, affects chips from Intel, AMD and Arm. This lets hackers potentially trick otherwise error-free applications into giving up secret information. This image shows a Motorola video baby monitor which uses Arm chips

Patches have already been created by a number of device manufacturers and operating system creators to plug the huge security holes. This image shows Mio's DigiWalker GPS system, which also uses an Arm processor

The company said it believes there 'is near zero risk to AMD products at this time.'

Google said in a blog post that Android phones running the latest security updates are protected, as are its own Nexus and Pixel phones with the latest security updates.

Gmail users do not need to take any additional action to protect themselves, but users of its Chromebooks, Chrome web browser and many of its Google Cloud services will need to install updates.

Amazon Web Services, a cloud computing service used by businesses, said that most of its internet servers were already patched and the rest were in the process of being patched.

The defect affects the so-called kernel memory on Intel x86 processor chips manufactured over the past decade, The Register reported citing unnamed programmers, allowing users of normal applications to discern the layout or content of protected areas on the chips.

That could make it possible for hackers to exploit other security bugs or, worse, expose secure information such as passwords, thus compromising individual computers or even entire server networks.

WHAT IS KERNEL MEMORY? Kernel memory is part of the kernel layer, the central module of an operating system like Windows or Mac OS. This is the part of the operating system that loads first and starts up core processes and tasks required to run your computer. Kernel memory remains in a protected area of the system's main physical and virtual memory, which is made up of RAM chips and specially allocated areas of your hard drive. While other parts of the main memory may be overwritten, kernel memory is allocated to perform important system processes like disk, memory, process and task management, as well as for communication between hardware components and devices. As such, it contains sensitive information which is off limits to the the rest of the system, to protect any unwanted errors from occurring within the OS. Advertisement

Dan Guido, chief executive of cyber security consulting firm Trail of Bits, said that businesses should quickly move to update vulnerable systems, saying he expects hackers to quickly develop code they can use to launch attacks that exploit the vulnerabilities.

'Exploits for these bugs will be added to hackers standard toolkits,' Mr Guido said.

Shares in Intel were down by 3.4 per cent following the report but nudged back up 1.2 percent to $44.70 (33) in after-hours trading.

Shares in AMD were up one per cent to $11.77 (8.70), shedding many of the gains they had made earlier in the day when reports suggested its chips were not affected.

It was not immediately clear whether Intel would face any significant financial liability arising from the reported flaw.

'The current Intel problem, if true, would likely not require CPU replacement in our opinion. However the situation is fluid,' Hans Mosesmann of Rosenblatt Securities in New York said in a note, adding it could hurt the company's reputation.
Scientist have developed the first bionic hand with a sense of touch that can be used outside a laboratory.

Almerina Mascarello, 62, lost her left hand in an accident in a steel factory in 1993.

The married mother-of-two has now been fitted with the robot hand that is not only controlled by her brain, but can also feel what it picks up.

It allow her to carry out actions that most of us take for granted but pose great difficulties for amputees  such as getting dressed.

Almerina Mascarello lost her left hand in an accident in a steel factory in 1993 and she says the device is almost like having her hand back

The hand was developed by scientists in Rome and allows her to carry out her hobby of fixing cars

Mrs Mascarello says the device, which has been compared to the robotic hand fitted to Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, is almost like [her hand] is back again.

In tests, Mrs Mascarello was able to tell whether an object she picked up with the device was hard or soft.

She told the BBC that the hand, developed by scientists in Rome, allows her to carry out her hobby of fixing cars.

In 2014 the same international team produced the worlds first feeling bionic hand but the device was so bulky it could not leave the laboratory.

The latest version of the device is portable - small enough to fit in a rucksack.

The development team from Italy, Switzerland and Germany included engineers, neuroscientists, surgeons and electronics and robotics specialists.

The robotic hand simulates a living hands ability to feel with sensors that can detect information about whether an object is soft or hard.

The same team produced a hand simulates a living hands ability to feel in 2014 but was so bulky it could not leave the lab

This information is linked to a computer in a rucksack that converts these signals into electronic impulses that the brain will understand.

The information is relayed to Mrs Mascarellos brain via tiny electrodes implanted in nerves in the upper arm.

In tests Almerina - who was blindfolded - was able to tell whether the object she was picking up was hard or soft.

She said: The feeling is spontaneous as if it were your real hand; youre finally able to do things that before were difficult, like getting dressed, putting on shoes - all mundane but important things - you feel complete.

Professor Silvestro Micera, a neuroengineer at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne told the BBC: We are going more and more in the direction of science fiction movies like Luke Skywalkers bionic hand in Star Wars - a fully controlled, fully natural, sensorised prosthesis, identical to the human hand.

The latest version of the device is portable and is small enough to fit in a rucksack

A robotic prosthesis better than the human hand is still a long way off, but the team believe it might eventually be a reality.

Prof Paolo Rossini, a neurologist at University Hospital Agostino Gemelli, Rome said: Once you can control a robotic prosthesis with your brain you can think about creating one that allows more complex movements than a hand with five fingers.

The researchers paid tribute to Almerina and the other amputees who joined the project.

Mrs Mascarello has kept the bionic hand for six months, but it has now been removed, as it is still a prototype.

The scientific team say they hope to miniaturise the technology even further so that a sensory bionic hand can be commercialised
U.S. drone sales in 2017 topped $1 billion for the first time ever, but don't raise a glass too quickly if you're in New Jersey, where lawmakers on Thursday are poised to outlaw drunken droning.

It is one of a wave of U.S. states moving to bring the unmanned aircrafts' high-flying fun back to earth.

New Jersey's Assembly on Thursday is slated to vote on a Senate-approved bill to ban inebriated or drugged droning, as well as outlaw flying unmanned aircraft systems over prisons and in pursuit of wildlife.

The bill would impose a punishment of up to six months prison and a $1,000 fine for 'drunk droning'.

The Senate-approved bill will ban inebriated or drugged droning, as well as outlaw flying unmanned aircraft systems over prisons and in pursuit of wildlife

DRONE EXPLOSION New statistics set for release next week show 3.1 million drones were sold in the United States last year, up 28 percent from 2016, said Richard Kowalski, manager for Consumer Technology Association. U.S. drone sales in 2017 topped $1 billion for the first time ever. Advertisement

'It's basically like flying a blender,' said John Sullivan, 41, of New York, a drone buff and aerial cinematographer.

He said he opposed drunk droning but also fretted about regulatory overreach. 'If I had like one drink, I'd be hesitant to even fly it.'

A 2015 drone crash on the White House lawn fueled debate in the U.S. Congress over the need for drone regulations.

It was a drunken, off-duty employee of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency who flew the 2-foot-by-2-foot (60 cm by 60 cm) 'quadcopter' from a friend's apartment balcony and lost control of it over the grounds surrounding the White House, the New York Times reported.

New statistics set for release next week show 3.1 million drones were sold in the United States last year, up 28 percent from 2016, said Richard Kowalski, manager for Consumer Technology Association.

'This was the first year that drone revenues reached $1 billion,' Kowalksi said in an email.

The bill would impose a punishment of up to six months prison and a $1,000 fine for drunk droning

New Jersey is among at least 38 states considering restrictions on the devices this legislative year, including Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina, said Amanda Essex, senior policy specialist for the National Conference of State Legislatures.

'Like any technology, drones have the ability to be used for good, but they also provide new opportunities for bad actors,' said Assemblywoman Annette Quijano of Elizabeth, New Jersey.

She backed the bill, which would impose a punishment of up to six months prison and a $1,000 fine for drunk droning.

Already, nine states prohibit drones from operating near or over prisons, including Arizona, Louisiana, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin, Essex said.

A drone carrying wire cutters and a cell phone likely aided a prisoner's escape in July from a maximum security prison in South Carolina, officials said.
New robots designed to replace workers in airports, hotels and supermarkets have been announced by LG Electronics.

The firm is showcasing a trio of robots designed to carry your suitcase, shopping and drinks at the global Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas next week.

Tech companies are racing to create automated machines capable of carrying out service industry tasks, threatening the jobs of up to 800 million workers worldwide.

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Each of LG's three new robots is bin-shaped, shorter than a human, and moves via a hidden set of wheels at its base. One of the machines is designed to serve drinks and food (left), while another hauls luggage (centre). A third has been designed as a shopping assistant (right)

THE NEW ROBOTS Each of LG's new robots is bin-shaped, shorter than a human, and moves via a hidden set of wheels at its base. The first of the new machines is a server robot designed to carry food and drinks to customers at hotels and airport lounges. A built-in sliding tray installed into the assistant will collect the food and protect it while the robot is in transit. The second is a porter robot capable of carrying hotel guests' luggage to and from rooms. Lastly, LG will unveil a machine that works with customers at supermarkets, telling them product prices and then guiding them through the aisles. Advertisement

Each of LG's new robots is bin-shaped, shorter than a human, and moves via a hidden set of wheels at its base.

A circular screen with a bright-eyed digital face gives the machines a 'human' touch.

The robots all feature prominent touch-screen displays to provide people with information and receive instructions.

A spokesman for South Korean firm LG told CNBC that the robots are still 'concept' products and are 'a long way from ready to go public'.

The first of the new machines is a server robot designed to carry food and drinks to customers at hotels and airport lounges.

A built-in sliding tray installed into the assistant will collect the food and protect it while the robot is in transit.

The second of the three new machines is a porter robot capable of carrying hotel guests' luggage to and from rooms.

The machine can also handle 'express check-in and check-out services', though LG has given no further detail on what these entail.

Lastly, LG will unveil a machine that works with customers at supermarkets, telling them product prices and then guiding them through the aisles.

The machines form part of LG's new 'CLOi' range, which is the new brand for all of its robot products.

LG is currently trialling airport robots (pictured) designed to help passengers check-in and find their boarding gates at South Koreas Incheon Airport. Its newest robots will be unveiled at the global Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas next week

LG will likely begin trials of the service machines soon.

The firm's two airport robots, designed to help passengers check-in and find their boarding gates, are already being tested at South Koreas Incheon Airport.

If popularised, service industry robots could see the jobs of millions of worker across the globe lost to automation.

Last month, a report claimed that as many as 800 million workers worldwide could be replaced by machines in the next 13 years.

Even if automation is adopted at a slower pace, 400 million people could still lose their jobs, it said.

The report, called 'Jobs lost, jobs gained: Workforce transitions in a time of automation', was put together by London-based consultancy firm McKinsey.

If popularised, service industry robots - including LG's airport machines (pictured) - could see the jobs of millions of worker across the globe lost to automation

It assessed the number and type of jobs that could be lost to automation by 2030.

The report said: 'The results reveal a rich mosaic of potential shifts in occupations in the years ahead, with important implications for workforce skills and wages.

'Our key finding is that while there may be enough work to maintain full employment to 2030 under most scenarios, the transitions will be very challenging - matching or even exceeding the scale of shifts out of agriculture and manufacturing we have seen in the past.'
Intel's CEO cashed in $24 million (18 million) worth of stock in the company, months after it was informed of a massive 'design flaw' in its chips.

Brian Krzanich took the decision to divest the maximum stake in the firm possible just four months after Intel found out about the security bug.

The issues, known as Metldown and Spectre, could affect billions of gadgets worldwide that are powered by the company's CPUs.

They only came to public attention in recent days but, according to reports, the microprocessor manufacturer was informed in June last year.

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Intel's CEO Brian Krzanich, pictured, cashed in a whopping $24 million (18 million) worth of stock in the company, just four months after it was informed of a massive 'design flaw' in its chips

INTEL'S TWO SECURITY VULNERABILITIES Two massive security flaws could put billions of people worldwide at risk of being hacked, in a shocking lapse affecting nearly all devices. Meltdown and Spectre could let cyber criminals steal passwords and other data from nearly every gadget containing chips from Intel, AMD and Arm, thanks to 'design flaws' in their manufacture. The bugs affect desktops, laptops, servers, smartphones and tablets, as well as smart devices like baby monitors powered by processors from these manufacturers. Patches have been created by a number of device manufacturers to try and plug the huge security holes, but fixing the underlying issue will be extremely difficult. Advertisement

The sale drew attention when it was originally announced, as it left Krzanich with just 250,000 stock in his firm, the minimum required by the terms of his employment.

The timing is likely to raise even more eyebrows after revelations in recent days about the scale of the problems facing Intel, as well as how much the CEO knew when the sale went through.

Intel says the sale was planned in advance as part of a standard deal and has no connection to the recently disclosed chip flaw, which affects processors built over the past decade.

In a statement to Business Insider UK, a representative for Intel said: 'Brians sale is unrelated.

'He continues to hold shares in-line with corporate guidelines.'

Executives at high powered firms often have plans in place to automatically sell part of their stocks or shares, precisely to avoid charges of trading on insider knowledge.

Krzanich sold 245,743 shares of stock he owned outright, as well as a further 644,135 shares that were part of rights specified in his contract, under such an arrangement.

But, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing, this plan was only put in place on October 30.

The issues, known as Metldown and Spectre, could affect billions of gadgets worldwide that are powered by the company's CPUs. They only came to public attention in recent days but, according to reports, the microprocessor manufacturer was informed in June last year

INDUSTRY'S BIGGEST PLAYERS Intel, AMD and Arm are three of the biggest names in the world of computer processors. Intel Intel, the world's leading semiconductor manufacturer, started life producing memory chips, including the first metal oxide semiconductor in 1969. The firm's introduction of the Pentium microprocessor in 1993 helped usher in a personal computer revolution during that decade. Major companies, including Dell and HP, were early adopters of Intel's chips in their PCs. Today, most laptop and desktops in the world are powered by an Intel CPU, including rival Apple Macs, which dropped its proprietary chips in favour of the industry leader's in 2005. AMD Advanced Micro Devices, better known as AMD, is Intel's only significant rival in the PC processor marketplace. Alongside Nvidia, it is also one of two dominant players in the manufacture of graphics processing units, used in PC video gaming. Both Microsoft and Sony chose AMD processors over Intel's to power their latest consoles, the Xbox One and PS4. AMD processors are also the preferred choice for many custom and home built PCs, particularly among the gaming community. Arm Arm processors have conquered the world of smart devices, thanks to their stripped back design. British company Arm Holdings develops the design of the chips, which is then licensed to other firms. Processors that use the company's RISC architecture require fewer transistors than larger personal computer chips. This makes them cheaper, use less power and give off less heat, making them ideal in smaller, more portable gadgets. This ranges from smartphones to internet connected baby monitors. Advertisement

This is well after Intel learned of the problems with its x86-64 range of chips, which Business Insider UK reports happened in June.

Security researchers at Google's Project Zero computer security analysis team, in conjunction with academic and industry researchers from several countries, discovered the two flaws.

Meltdown and Spectre could let cyber criminals steal passwords and other data from nearly every gadget containing chips from Intel, AMD and Arm, thanks to 'design flaws' in their manufacture.

The bugs affect desktops, laptops, servers, smartphones and tablets, as well as smart devices like baby monitors powered by processors from these firms.

Patches have been created by a number of device manufacturers to try and plug the huge security holes, but fixing the underlying issue will be extremely difficult.

In an interview with CNBC yesterday, Krzanich said: 'We've found no instances of anybody actually executing this exploit.

'Phones, PCs, everything are going to have some impact, but itll vary from product to product.'

However, clips on social media claim to show computer security experts using the exploit.

Michael Schwarz, who has a PhD in information security, posted on Twitter 'Using #Meltdown to steal passwords in real time', along with a GIF animation of the procedure.

Researchers say Apple and Microsoft have patches ready for users for desktop computers affected by Meltdown.

Daniel Gruss, one of the researchers at Graz University of Technology who discovered Meltdown, called it 'probably one of the worst CPU bugs ever found' in an interview with Reuters.

Gruss said Meltdown was the more serious problem in the short term but could be decisively stopped with software patches.

Spectre, the broader bug that applies to nearly all computing devices, is harder for hackers to take advantage of but less easily patched and will be a bigger problem in the long term, he said.
Apple's offer to replace flagging batteries at a slashed rate could be a hurdle for iPhone unit sales in 2018 if more users take the deal over upgrading to a new device, Barclays analysts write in a note.

Apple's customers have not been very pleased since the company said last month it intentionally slowed down older iPhones with weakening batteries to prevent the handset from shutting off abruptly.

Following consumer outrage, Apple apologized and slashed the price of out-of-warranty replacement batteries to $29 from $79 for iPhone 6 or later models.

Last week Apple issued an unprecedented apology over its handling of the admission it slows down older iPhones. Now, it appears the Cupertino-based firm will replace all batteries in the iPhone 6 or later - even if it passes their Genius Bar diagnostic test. This image shows CEO Tim Cook at the launch of the iPhone 6 on September 9, 2015

HOW TO TEST YOUR BATTERY Apple users can run a diagnostics test remotely. To initiate this contact the firm or schedule an appointment using the Apple Support App. Reports suggest customers who paid to have their batteries replaced before the announcement are eligible for a refund on request. Initially the company said the price would be effective from the end of January but has since said it applies immediately. Earlier models such as 5, 5S and 5C are not covered. Reports suggest customers who paid to have their batteries replaced before the announcement are eligible for a refund on request. Advertisement

Barclays analyst Mark Moskowitz says 77 percent of iPhone customers are using iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, 7, 7 Plus, and SE, which means even a small percentage opting for battery replacement over upgrade could have meaningful impact on iPhone sales.

Barclays estimates that there are 519 million iPhones eligible for the $29 battery replacement and predicts that Apple will do swaps on about 10% or 54 million of them.

While the $29 charge would create about $1.56B in revenue, the company could be giving up around $10B from the potential loss of the estimated 16M iPhone sales.

The company faces eight lawsuits filed in California, New York and Illinois over the issue.

Last week Apple issued an unprecedented apology following its admission that it slows down older iPhones to save battery life.

Now, it appears the Cupertino-based firm will replace all batteries in the iPhone 6 or later - even if it passes their Genius Bar diagnostic test.

An internal memo states customers should receive a battery for $29 (25) - even if a diagnostics tests proves it can retain more than 80 per cent of its original capacity.

It comes as the firm faces several lawsuits from customers in states including California, New York and Illinois, as well as customers in Israel and France.

The concession was made two weeks after the firm admitted it 'throttles' phones to extend their life and stop them from shutting down as batteries age and become less effective, triggering lawsuits across the world.

Last week the company published a letter saying 'We know that some of you feel Apple has let you down', and revealed it is planning to show users exactly how much their battery has degraded.

To appease angry customers, Apple said it is reducing the price of an out-of-warranty iPhone battery replacement by $50  from $79 (79) to $29 (25)  for anyone with an iPhone 6 or later whose battery needs to be replaced.

Last week the company published a letter saying 'We know that some of you feel Apple has let you down', and revealed it is planning to show users exactly how much their battery has degraded. Pictured is the iPhone 7

However, a new report by French website iGeneration suggests that as of yesterday Apple will replace batteries even if they pass their diagnostics test.

Apple users can run a diagnostics test remotely so you don't need to visit an Apple store. To initiate this, contact the firm or schedule an appointment using the Apple Support App.

Reports suggest customers who paid to have their batteries replaced before the announcement are eligible for a refund on request.

Earlier models such as 5, 5S and 5C are not covered.

'We apologize. Theres been a lot of misunderstanding about this issue, so we would like to clarify and let you know about some changes were making', the company said.

'First and foremost, we have never  and would never  do anything to intentionally shorten the life of any Apple product, or degrade the user experience to drive customer upgrades,' Apple said.

'Our goal has always been to create products that our customers love, and making iPhones last as long as possible is an important part of that.'

Early in 2018, it will issue an iOS software update with a new features that give users more visibility into the health of their iPhones battery, so they can see for themselves if its condition is affecting performance.

The firm said two weeks ago that it slows down phones to extend their life and stop them from shutting down as batteries age and become less effective, triggering lawsuits across the world.

In addition a South Korea's Communications Commission has reportedly asked for an explanation of the issue from Apple, while in France a consumer group has filed filed preliminary, legal complaints in court.

'We are hoping to get some answers on whether Apple intentionally restricted the performance of old iPhones and tried to hide this from customers,' the Korean Commission said.

French consumer association called 'HOP', standing for 'Stop Planned Obsolescence', has filed preliminary, legal complaints in court against Apple and Epson.

APPLE'S BATTERY APOLOGY LETTER IN FULL 'Weve been hearing feedback from our customers about the way we handle performance for iPhones with older batteries and how we have communicated that process. We know that some of you feel Apple has let you down. We apologize. Theres been a lot of misunderstanding about this issue, so we would like to clarify and let you know about some changes were making. First and foremost, we have never  and would never  do anything to intentionally shorten the life of any Apple product, or degrade the user experience to drive customer upgrades. Our goal has always been to create products that our customers love, and making iPhones last as long as possible is an important part of that. How batteries age All rechargeable batteries are consumable components that become less effective as they chemically age and their ability to hold a charge diminishes. Time and the number of times a battery has been charged are not the only factors in this chemical aging process. Device use also affects the performance of a battery over its lifespan. For example, leaving or charging a battery in a hot environment can cause a battery to age faster. These are characteristics of battery chemistry, common to lithium-ion batteries across the industry. A chemically aged battery also becomes less capable of delivering peak energy loads, especially in a low state of charge, which may result in a device unexpectedly shutting itself down in some situations. To help customers learn more about iPhones rechargeable battery and the factors affecting its performance, weve posted a new support article, iPhone Battery and Performance. It should go without saying that we think sudden, unexpected shutdowns are unacceptable. We dont want any of our users to lose a call, miss taking a picture or have any other part of their iPhone experience interrupted if we can avoid it. Preventing unexpected shutdowns About a year ago in iOS 10.2.1, we delivered a software update that improves power management during peak workloads to avoid unexpected shutdowns on iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, and iPhone SE. With the update, iOS dynamically manages the maximum performance of some system components when needed to prevent a shutdown. While these changes may go unnoticed, in some cases users may experience longer launch times for apps and other reductions in performance. Customer response to iOS 10.2.1 was positive, as it successfully reduced the occurrence of unexpected shutdowns. We recently extended the same support for iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus in iOS 11.2. Of course, when a chemically aged battery is replaced with a new one, iPhone performance returns to normal when operated in standard conditions. Recent user feedback Over the course of this fall, we began to receive feedback from some users who were seeing slower performance in certain situations. Based on our experience, we initially thought this was due to a combination of two factors: a normal, temporary performance impact when upgrading the operating system as iPhone installs new software and updates apps, and minor bugs in the initial release which have since been fixed. We now believe that another contributor to these user experiences is the continued chemical aging of the batteries in older iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s devices, many of which are still running on their original batteries. Addressing customer concerns Weve always wanted our customers to be able to use their iPhones as long as possible. Were proud that Apple products are known for their durability, and for holding their value longer than our competitors devices. To address our customers concerns, to recognize their loyalty and to regain the trust of anyone who may have doubted Apples intentions, weve decided to take the following steps: Apple is reducing the price of an out-of-warranty iPhone battery replacement by $50  from $79 to $29  for anyone with an iPhone 6 or later whose battery needs to be replaced, starting in late January and available worldwide through December 2018. Details will be provided soon on apple.com.

Early in 2018, we will issue an iOS software update with new features that give users more visibility into the health of their iPhones battery, so they can see for themselves if its condition is affecting performance.

As always, our team is working on ways to make the user experience even better, including improving how we manage performance and avoid unexpected shutdowns as batteries age. At Apple, our customers trust means everything to us. We will never stop working to earn and maintain it. We are able to do the work we love only because of your faith and support  and we will never forget that or take it for granted.

HOP said it filed its complaint against Apple in Paris last week.

A prosecutor opened an investigation into Epson in November, a judicial source said on Thursday, following a complaint filed in September by HOP in a court in the Paris suburb of Nanterre.

Laetitia Vasseur, co-founder of HOP, told Reuters the aim of both complaints was to apply the French consumer law, which was modified in 2015 to include the notion of planned obsolescence.

Apple is already facing lawsuits in the United States over accusations of having defrauded iPhone users by slowing down devices without warning to compensate for poor battery performance.

Under French law, companies risk fines of up to 5 per cent of their annual sales for deliberately shortening the life of their products to spur demand to replace them.

All the US lawsuits - filed in U.S. District Courts in California, New York and Illinois - seek class-action to represent potentially millions of iPhone owners nationwide.

A similar case was lodged in an Israeli court last month, the newspaper Haaretz reported.

One of the lawsuits, filed in San Francisco, said that 'the batteries' inability to handle the demand created by processor speeds' without the software patch was a defect.

'Rather than curing the battery defect by providing a free battery replacement for all affected iPhones, Apple sought to mask the battery defect,' according to the complaint.

The problem now seen is that users over the last year could have blamed an aging computer processor for app crashes and sluggish performance - and chose to buy a new phone - when the true cause may have been a weak battery that could have been replaced for a fraction of the cost, some of the lawsuits state.

'If it turns out that consumers would have replaced their battery instead of buying new iPhones had they known the true nature of Apple's upgrades, you might start to have a better case for some sort of misrepresentation or fraud,' said Rory Van Loo, a Boston University professor specializing in consumer technology law.

But Chris Hoofnagle, faculty director for the Berkeley Center for Law & Technology, said in an email that Apple may not have done wrong.

'We still haven't come to consumer protection norms' around aging products, Hoofnagle said.

Pointing to a device with a security flaw as an example, he said, 'the ethical approach could include degrading or even disabling functionality.'

The lawsuits seek unspecified damages in addition to, in some cases, reimbursement.

A couple of the complaints seek court orders barring Apple from throttling iPhone computer speeds or requiring notification in future instances.

Stefan Bogdanovich and Dakota Speas from Los Angeles have filed a lawsuit with the US District Court for the Central District of California.

They are accusing Apple of interfering with their devices without consent.

The pair are trying to get the case certified to cover all people in the United States who owned an Apple phone older than the iPhone 8.

Their application for the lawsuit states: 'Plaintiffs and Class Members never consented to allow Defendants to slow their iPhones.

HOW APPLE'S IPHONE THROTTLING WORKS Apple says with a low battery state of charge, a higher chemical age, or colder temperatures, users are more likely to experience unexpected shutdowns. To get around this, it introduces software in iOS to manage the issue. 'This power management works by looking at a combination of the device temperature, battery state of charge, and the batterys impedancem' Apple says. 'Only if these variables require it, iOS will dynamically manage the maximum performance of some system components, such as the CPU and GPU in order to prevent unexpected shutdowns. 'As a result, the device workloads will self-balance, allowing a smoother distribution of system tasks, rather than larger, quick spikes of performance all at once. In some cases, a user may not notice any differences in daily device performance. The level of perceived change depends on how much power management is required for a particular device. In cases that require more extreme forms of this power management, Apple says users may notice effects such as: Longer app launch times

Lower frame rates while scrolling

Backlight dimming (which can be overridden in Control Center)

Lower speaker volume by up to -3dB

Gradual frame rate reductions in some apps

During the most extreme cases, the camera flash will be disabled as visible in the camera UI

Apps refreshing in background may require reloading upon launch However, it says the following areas are not affected: Cellular call quality and networking throughput performance

Captured photo and video quality

GPS performance

Location accuracy

Sensors like gyroscope, accelerometer, barometer

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'As a result of Defendant's wrongful actions, Plaintiffs and Class Members had their phone slowed down, and thereby it interfered with Plaintiffs' and Class Members' use or possession of their iPhones.'

A second lawsuit, filed by five plaintiffs in the Northern District of the State of Illinois, accuses Apple of deliberately keeping its power management features under wraps to persuade people to upgrade to newer devices.

'Apple's iOS updates purposefully neglected to explain that its purposeful throttling down of older model devices and resulting lost or diminished operating performance could be remedied by replacing the batteries of these devices,' the lawsuit states.

'Instead, Apple's decision to purposefully slowdown or throttle down these devices was undertaken to fraudulently induce consumers to purchase the latest iPhone versions of the iPhone 7, as well as new phones such as the iPhone 8 and iPhone X .'

In a statement sent to MailOnline last week, a spokesman for Apple said: 'Our goal is to deliver the best experience for customers, which includes overall performance and prolonging the life of their devices.

'Lithium-ion batteries become less capable of supplying peak current demands when in cold conditions, have a low battery charge or as they age over time, which can result in the device unexpectedly shutting down to protect its electronic components.

'Last year we released a feature for iPhone 6, iPhone 6s and iPhone SE to smooth out the instantaneous peaks only when needed to prevent the device from unexpectedly shutting down during these conditions.

'We've now extended that feature to iPhone 7 with iOS 11.2, and plan to add support for other products in the future.'
Elon Musk has likened future versions of Tesla's Model 3 production line to an 'alien dreadnaught'

Musk has said the facility, which is separate from the firm's 'Gigafactory', will be 'the machine that makes the machine,' and told analysts it will stun people.

'It's like, 'What the hell is that?'' said Musk.

Musk revealed the in-house term for the manufacturing advancement he hopes to introduce is 'alien dreadnought.'

'The point at which that's what the factory looks like, that's when you know you've won.'

He also revealed the line will evolve in stages.

'By version 3, it won't look like anything else,' he said.

'You can't have people in the production line itself, otherwise you drop to people speed.

'So there will be no people in production process itself.

'People will maintain the machines, upgrade them, and deal with anomalies.'

However, there will still be people working in the factory, though, mostly overseeing the robots and making sure everything is running at peak efficiency.

A Reddit user claiming to work for robot making company Kuka posted images in April 2017 of what he said were 467 robots being delivered to the car-making firm's California HQ.

The photos show a large shipment of unmounted robots that will form part of the ambitious production line.

SoutheastTraders forum user Mac11FA, via the Tesla subreddit, said he is a Field Service Engineer for Kuka Robotics.

The robots captured in the photos appear to be largely manufactured by Augsburg, Germany-based Kuka robotics, according to Teslarati.

The robots, each costing anywhere between $50k (35k) to as much as $500k (355k) can manage multiple tasks by switching adapters and moving across multiple axes.

The first 30 models were handed over to customers during a glitzy ceremony at the company's factory in California last Friday. It came two days after the environment secretary Michael Gove announced a ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars from 2040

'Kuka is the world's leading provider of production systems in the automotive industry,' the firm boasts on its website.

'With years of experience, we are the master in the design of flexible and efficient production processes.'

The company's desire to move beyond its current position as a niche maker of luxury cars largely rests on the Model 3.

The lower-cost model, which starts at $35,000 (35,000 anticipated UK price), has now gone on sale in the US.

Tesla said it is preparing its factory in Fremont, California, to produce 10,000 Model 3 sedans per week sometime in 2018, up from its current production rate of 5,000

Palo Alto, California-based Tesla is also expanding its network of stores and charging stations to meet anticipated demand.

Tesla said it plans to open 100 retail and service locations worldwide in 2018, including its first stores in Dubai and South Korea.

It also plans to double the number of fast-charging Supercharger stations to 10,000.
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If you thought that staying somewhere remote or quirky, or both, meant sacrificing luxury - think again.

From a converted bus with comfortable beds, to an iron age roundhouse with extravagant interiors and even a luxury shipping container by a lake, MailOnline Travel presents unusual stays that still provide high levels of comfort.

They can all be booked through Canopy & Stars, a glamping website that describes itself as marketing 'a wonderful collection of beautiful, quirky and special places to stay in the great outdoors in the UK and Europe'. Scroll down for luxury holidays with a difference.

The Canvas Hotel, Telemark, Norway

The inside of the Canopy Hotel in Telemark, Norway, which is located in the middle of the Norwegian wilderness for ultimate seclusion

The hotel is made up of 10 small yurts that come with a warm bath in a wharf-side tub, a sauna and a hot shower that can be hung between trees

The Canvas Hotel, pictured, boasts a manager who used to be in the country's special forces and a cook, who is a genuine African safari guide

The hotel is located on the middle of an island, pictured, and is described as a being 'indescribable luxury and an unforgettable experience'

Located in the middle of the Norwegian wilderness, the Canvas Hotel boasts a manager who used to be in the country's special forces and a cook, who is a genuine African safari guide.

The hotel is made up of 10 small yurts on the middle of an island and includes a pond for swimming, a warm bath in a wharf-side tub, a sauna and a hot shower that can be hung between trees.

Prices start from 365 per night and Canopy & Stars describes the hotel as being indescribable luxury and an unforgettable experience.

The Bower Treehouse, Somerset

The Bower Treehouse in Somerset, which guests have to find themselves using a lantern and a map provided to them

The treehouse has a cosy living room, a bedroom, pictured, a luxury under-floor heated bathroom as well as a huge outdoor bath tub

The Bower Treehouse is described as gentle extravagance as each guest gets their own 'private patch of wilderness'.

Guests are given lanterns and a map in order to make their way through the woodlands to their treehouse.

It has a cosy living room, a bedroom, a luxury under-floor heated bathroom as well as a huge outdoor bath tub.

You can stay at the Bower Treehouse for 250 per night.

Studio Hoose, Scottish Highlands

The Studio Hoose in the Scottish Highlands has uninterrupted views of the loch and combines it with modern comfort

The mountains are visible from every room in the holiday rental as is the loch, which stretches into the distance for miles

The Studio Hoose in the Scottish Highlands is described by Canopy & Stars as combining modern comfort with a rugged frontier feel.

The mountains are visible from every room as is the loch, which stretches into the distance for miles.

The company says: 'Freshly baked bread awaits your arrival in the modern fitted kitchen, equipped with all youll need to rustle up meals to fuel exploration of the landscapes on your doorstep by foot, bike or even kayak.'

The stunning house is owned by couple Michael and Anne-Marie, who live close to the studio and wanted to create an artistic and sustainable space.

The cabin cost from 130 per night and sleeps up to four people.

Parsons Camp, Dorset

A former double-decker bus that used to run tourists around the Norfolk coast now hosts guests at Parson Camp in Dorset

The bus has a kitchen cabin at one end of the top deck and an open-air dining area at the other end so guests can eat outside

The bus has five single beds inside and a further four guests can stay at the nearby bunkhouse, which has space for four

It was formerly a bus that ran tourists around the Norfolk coast but now it has been transformed into a place to stay at Parsons Camp in Dorset.

The bus has a kitchen cabin at one end of the top deck and an open-air dining area at the other.

According to Canopy & Stars, the bus sleeps five in single beds, with any other passengers heading for the beds in the nearby bunkhouse.

The camp can sleep up to nine people and is available from 128 per night.

Fishermans Cabin, Dordogne

The Fisherman's Cabin in Dordogne, France, is located on the edge of a private lake close to a ninth-century chateau

The cabin also has a handmade raft guests can use or they can sit on the decking to enjoy the views of the private lake

The cosy cabin close to the Augignac and Perigod areas can be hired for just 84 per night and sleeps two adults with extra space for children

Located on a private lake in Dordogne, France, the eco-friendly Fisherman's Cabin is close to a ninth-century chateau set among woodland.

It is suggested that the best way to explore the Augignac and Perigod areas is to hire a bike and cycle around the villages.

While Canopy & Stars says: 'You can paddle around on Bob's handmade raft or jump into the lake if you fancy a splash and a swim, whatever the weather.

'Carp have been spotted, so do try out the fishing rods, but have a plan B for supper: they're tame, and catch on quickly.'

The cabin can be hired from 84 per night and sleeps two people with extra space for children.

The Roundhouse, Cornwall

The Roundhouse in Cornwall, which was built during the Iron Age, is described as the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city

The bedroom, which boasts a handmade four-poster bed with flowers woven into the willow headboard as well as Egyptian cotton sheets and a duck-down duvet

Formerly an iron age roundhouse, the Roundhouse in Cornwall is described as the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life in significant comfort.

The bedroom boasts a handmade four-poster bed with flowers woven into the willow headboard as well as Egyptian cotton sheets and a duck-down duvet.

Guests also have exclusive use of the nearby treehouse, which also has a kitchen, sitting room and bathroom.

Canopy & Stars says: 'Seize the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sleep in ancient grandeur and wake to the sound of birdsong and the wind swishing through the trees.

The Roundhouse sleeps two people from 175 per night.

Pella Roca Cabane & Spa, Tarn-Et-Garonne, France

The Pella Roca Cabane and Spa is located in the French region of Garonne, which is famous for sparkling wine, saffron and truffle oaks

The cabin in the woods is described as pure luxury with private hot tubs overlooking the old farmhouse and a pool with views of the endless hills

The Pella Roca Cabane and Spa is located in the French region famous for sparkling wine, saffron and truffle oaks.

So it's no surprise that this cabin in the woods is described as pure luxury with private hot tubs overlooking the old farmhouse and a pool with views of the endless hills of Garonne.

Canopy & Stars says: 'Youll probably live mainly on the tree-surrounded terrace, lounging in deckchairs enjoying your breakfast hamper or ordering dinner before retiring to the hot tub.'

A cabin for two people can be hired from 150 per night.

Knepp Wildland Safaris, Sussex

Knepp Wildland Safaris offers guests tents, with each one having its own secluded spot in a wildflower meadow in Sussex

According to Canopy & Stars, the best way to enjoy Knepp Wildland Safaris is to 'listen to the sounds of nothing but the wildlife around you'

Talk about a field of dreams.

The tents at Knepp Wildland Safaris each has a secluded spot in a wildflower meadow.

There is a kitchen to share, a huge gas fired range and everything you will need to cook up a storm.

According to Canopy & Stars, the best way to enjoy Knepp Wildland Safaris is to 'sprawl out in a bell tent with its own firepit or curl up in one of the beautiful vintage huts, and listen to the sounds of nothing but the wildlife around you'.

Prices start from 83 per night for two people sharing.

The Lake, Cornwall

Behold The Lake - a massive shipping container that has been dumped on the side of a lake in Cornwall and converted into a holiday home

The container at The Lake, pictured, is described as being a tranquil retreat that provides comfort, peace and privacy

A shipping container dumped at the side of a lake might not seem the ideal place for a luxury stay.

But the container at The Lake is described as being a tranquil retreat that provides comfort, peace and privacy.

Guests must arrive in daylight hours so the owners can show you around (we'd imagine that's a short tour) - but after that the container is all yours.

The container, which sleeps two people, is available from 110 per night.

The Woodsmans Treehouse, Dorset

The Woodsmans Treehouse in Dorset is perched in a tree, and has been built using locally sourced materials

The holiday rental boasts a sauna and hot tub on the upper spa deck, left, and an open air tree-shower on a huge second deck, right

The Woodsman's Treehouse is described as a stylish combination of a sustainable property and luxurious interiors.

It boasts a sauna and hot tub on the upper spa deck, a revolving woodburner, an open air tree-shower on a huge second deck and a stainless steel slide.

The accommodation was built using local materials and is marketed as a place to 'recoup, restore and revive.'

A night for two in the treehouse costs from 390.

Humble Bee, Devon

The Humble Bee allows guests to stay in a human-sized beehive tucked away in the countryside in Devon

There are two beds inside the Humble Bee house, one to use during the day for lounging on and another suspended from the ceiling

The Humble Bee allows guests to stay in a human-sized beehive tucked away in the countryside.

It has a day bed for lounging on and a king-size bed suspended from the ceiling.

Canopy & Stars says: 'Sip champagne as the steam from the outdoor bath drifts up the rock walls that make the Humble Bee such a hidden spot or fold back the various doorways and let the woodland flow in.'

A cabin for two costs from 120 per night.

Carswell Beach Hut, Devon

The Carswell beach hut is in a very secluded spot in Devon, down a steep cliff path after a 15-minute walk from the parking spot

The beach hut sits in a tiny cut in the rocks above a personal strip of sand for guests to enjoy alone

Due to the remoteness of the hut, it has no mains power, a compost loo outside the property and an outdoor shower

Perched right on the coastline, the Carswell beach hut is down a steep cliff path after a 15-minute walk from the parking spot.

It sits in a tiny cut in the rocks above a personal strip of sand and private beach.

It boasts a BBQ and a wood fired hot tub but the remoteness of the spot means no mains power, a compost loo in a shed just outside the door and an outdoor shower experience.

A cabin for two people is from 325 per night.
Hundreds of British passengers were left stranded last night after a massive snowstorm in America forced numerous flights to cancel- and forced others to return to the UK while over the Atlantic.

Some 2,700 flights to the east coast were disrupted by the storm leaving passengers stuck in airports on both sides of the Atlantic.

Holidaymakers who left London Gatwick bound for John F Kennedy Airport, in Manhattan, were rerouted to Washington DCs Dulles International Airport.

But when flight DY7015 landed at around 9.30pm local time on Thursday, passengers claim they were held on the runway for two and a half hours.

Passengers travelling on flight DY7015 from London Gatwick to John F Kennedy Airport were rerouted to Washington DC's Dulles International Airport, 260 miles away, due to extreme weather

Families with young children were left to sleep on the floor after the Norwegian Air flight from London was diverted

The Boeing 787-9 landed at Washington at around 9.30pm local time last night. They were held on the runway for two and a half hours before being told their luggage would not be unloaded that night

Flights were temporarily suspended at JFK airport in New York, pictured, due to the snow

Travellers said their luggage was not unloaded - and they were left to spend the night in the airport, 260 miles away from New York.

Passengers claimed airport staff told them the pilot and crew from the Norwegian Air flight stayed at a nearby hotel.

They claim they were not given alternative transportation to New York and no representatives from the budget Scandinavian carrier were available.

It was one of around 2,700 flights to and from the New York area that were delayed or cancelled after a blizzard dubbed the bomb cyclone brought the capital to a standstill.

Travellers said their luggage was not unloaded - and they were left to spend the night in the airport, 260 miles away from New York

It was one of around 2,700 flights to and from the New York area that were delayed or cancelled after a blizzard dubbed the bomb cyclone brought the capital to a standstill

Niall Conroy tried to see the funny side in the cancellations which caused major disruptions

Gareth Bird was one of the passengers stranded at Dulles Airport in Washington

Naomi Victoria was one of the thousands of passengers whose travel plans were scuppered

One of the passengers, MS sufferer Edwina White, 60, a grandmother and mum-of-two from Yapton, West Sussex, was set to embark on a 16-day Caribbean cruise from New York on Friday but doesnt know if shell make it.

Speaking in the early hours today, the former chartered accountant said: 'Its the first time Ive been to the States and I havent flown away since 2000.

'I have MS which affects my balance and means I have cognitive problems. If Im stressed my symptoms get worse.

'This holiday was supposed to be chilling and relaxing. I was really looking forward to it. Now I just want to go home.'

Another Norwegian passenger, analyst Kim Jowett, 40, who was supposed to be enjoying a four-day minibreak in the Big Apple with her daughter Ellie, 17, was also stranded in Washington DC with no transport or luggage.

The apron outside Terminal Five at JFK was covered in snow as a result of the storm

Passengers were warned to contact their airlines before arriving at the airport

The mum, from Dorset, said: 'We are disappointed. The way they have handled it is disgusting. They havent handled it at all.

'I saw the crew leaving a few hours after we landed but we still dont know what is going to happen. I have tried calling but I was on hold and then I got cut off.

'Its the first time weve been to New York and Ive wanted to go for as long as I can remember.

'At the end of the day the weather isnt the airlines fault but they havent dealt with it. If someone had just come out and apologised and said we will do what we can, at least that would have been something.'

Ellie, a student, added: 'Im just annoyed really.'

Another stranded traveller, who asked not to be named, said: 'Its a complete mess. No one has a clue what to do because weve been given zero information.

'A manager at the airport told us the crew and pilot are staying at a nearby hotel which is a slap in the face when Norwegian havent organised anything for us.'

One British Airways flight was forced to return to Heathrow off Ireland's west coast because of the poor predicted weather conditions along the US east coast which caused massive delays

Aircraft planning to land in New York have chosen to divert to alternative airports

One British Airways Boeing 747 was forced to abandon its journey to New York less than two hours into its crossing.

The jumbo jet, which left Heathrow at 8.40pm turned back around 150 miles west of the Irish coast.

Airports in New York and New Jersey were forced to close for several hours due to whiteout conditions, with Newark International reporting that by noon local time, more than 70 per cent of flights had been cancelled.

Ten U.S-bound flights from Heathrow due to depart on Thursday were cancelled, including two Virgin Atlantic flights and three BA flights to Boston Logan International and John F Kennedy International in New York.

Delta and United also cancelled Boston and New York-bound flights from Heathrow due to depart on Thursday afternoon, according to Flightaware.com, and Norwegian said that its passengers should expect disruption.

Earlier today, all flight operations were suspended at JFK and LaGuardia airports due to wind and whiteout conditions.

Several aircraft have recently abandoned attempts to land in the New York area and have diverted to Washington, Detroit and even Chicago.

In New Jersey, some 867 flights had been cancelled at Newark Liberty Airport by noon - some 73 per cent of its activity.

Two thirds of all flights at Port Authority of New York and New Jersey airports were cancelled.

Passengers were urged to call their carrier before going to the airports on Thursday or later this week and also should not go to the airports unless they have a reservation.

The snowstorm hitting the Northeast is expected to drop 6 to 10 inches of snow in the New York City area.

British Airways said in a statement: We're very sorry that some of our customers' travel plans have been affected by the snow forecast across the East Coast of the US.

We're doing everything we can to minimise the disruption and are advising customers to check ba.com for the latest information about their flights.

A satellite image showed the extent of the storm which closed down much of the East Coast

Aircraft arriving to JFK have been diverted as far away as Chicago according to Flightradar 24

Passengers at Heathrow Airport were outraged their flights to New York were delayed

Some people arrived at the airport only to discover their flights had been cancelled

Hundreds of flights were cancelled across the New York region yesterday due to the storm

Virgin Atlantic also advised its customers to check the status of their flights.

It said: Due to adverse weather conditions on East Coast of the United States our flights to and from Boston and New York City are subject to cancellations and delays.

'We are contacting our customers and rearranging their travel arrangements as required. Wed like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding and ask they continue to check their flight status on our website for the latest information before travelling to the airport.

In view of the forecast weather conditions, customers booked to travel to, from and through Boston, New York  JFK and Newark - on 5th January who prefer to rebook, may do so for travel up to and including 12th January 2018, subject to availability. Customers should contact their travel agents or for direct bookings only, call our flight disruption line on UK 0344 209 8711 or US 1 800 862 8621.

A spokesperson for Norwegian advised its customers to check Norwegian.com for flight updates, adding that it is likely that some transatlantic flights will be cancelled to ensure the safety and security of passengers.

Gatwick Airport also issued a statement, saying: 'We advise all passengers flying to the US East Coast to check with their airline for the latest information regarding their flight before travelling to the airport.'

Some aircraft turned around in midair because of the conditions over New York

Some twitter users admitted booking a flight to New York in early January was optimistic

British Airways confirmed that its Thursday New York departure from Gatwick had been cancelled

JFK Airport warned passengers to check with their airline before heading to the airport

Abta, meanwhile, advised customers to check whether they'll be able to claim compensation for cancelled flights.

It said: 'Customers currently in the USA who have missed their return flight due to cancellation will be entitled to accommodation and food and refreshment at their airlines expense under EU regulation 261 until they are placed on an alternative flight, but only if the airline they have travelled with is based in the EU. They will not be entitled to additional compensation.

'If their airline is not based in the EU they will need to check what, if any, welfare provisions will be offered by the airline.'

In the U.S airlines cancelled more than 2,700 flights for Thursday thanks to the major winter storm that will bring blizzard conditions from the coastlines of Maine all the way to Virginia.

Many of the large domestic carriers, including American, Southwest, United, Delta, and JetBlue, announced travel waivers for more than a dozen East Coast destinations.

Ten U.S-bound flights from Heathrow (pictured) that were due to depart on Thursday were cancelled, including two Virgin Atlantic flights and three BA flights to Boston Logan International and John F Kennedy International in New York

The bitter cold temperatures in New England have caused the formation of slurpee waves, or waves that have almost frozen over entirely

Ice formed on the water fountain in Forsyth Park as snow and cold weather blanketed Savannah, Georgia, which is believed to have been hit by one of the snowiest days in the city's history

A local skis behind a car on Waterway Blvd while heavy snow comes down on the Isle of Palms, South Carolina, on Wednesday

Most of the flight cancellations were for flights scheduled to depart or arrive at some of the large Northeast airports, including Boston's Logan International Airport, New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Newark International Airport.

Meteorologists have been using the term 'bomb' to describe storms for decades, but the phrase went viral on social media this week. A storm bomb - or bombogensis - happens when a storm's barometric pressure drops by 24 millibars in 24 hours, greatly strengthening the storm, the New York Post reported.

The effect is seen along the northeastern coast every winter, but this storm will be particularly powerful, said Judah Cohen, a visiting scientist at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

'This one is unique in how quickly the pressure is going to fall,' Cohen said.

'The pressures could rival a Category 1 or Category 2 hurricane.'

Passengers scheduled to fly Thursday or Friday either into or out of the East Coast will not be charged a fee - which is usually $200 - if they wish to re-schedule their flights, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Richard Gere was spotted splashing around in the ocean on Monday in Tulum, Mexico.

The 68-year-old actor looked fit in a pair of blue board shorts and was in good spirits despite getting knocked down by a few large waves. He rang in 2018 alongside his girlfriend Alejandra Silva.

Rumors of an engagement were sparked in December when Silva was seen with a large diamond on her ring finger.

Fun in the sun: Richard Gere was spotted splashing around in the ocean in Tulum, Mexico

A future wedding hasnt been confirmed by the couple who have been dating since 2015.

I am recently divorced. As far as a legal wedding, no, but maybe well have a celebration, Silva said when asked about marriage on a red carpet in June. You know, the perfect couple is made of two people who can be what the other needs. Im living the type of life you see in the movies, truly.'

Richard was formerly married to actress Carey Lowell for 14 years and model Cindy Crawford for a brief four years.

He shares son Homer, 17, with ex-wife Lowell.

Midnight kiss: Gere rang in 2018 alongside his girlfriend Alejandra Silva, 34

Keep swimming: The 68-year-old actor looked fit in a pair of blue board shorts and was in good spirits despite getting knocked down by a few large waves

Alejandra is a 34-year-old Spanish businesswoman and has one son from her previous marriage.

Both Gere and his girlfriend have found a common ground being human rights activists.

However, his love for politics and activism has put a significant damper on his career over the years. His outspoken ways have not always been well received by Hollywood, especially in relation to his efforts against Chinas occupation of Tibet.

Still going strong: Richard and Alejandra Silva have been dating since 2015

There are definitely movies that I can't be in because the Chinese will say, 'Not with him,'' he said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. 'I recently had an episode where someone said they could not finance a film with me because it would upset the Chinese.

But Richard isnt the least bit worried about appeasing the Chinese market.

I'm still making the same films that I was making when I started, he said. Small, interesting, character driven and narrative driven stories. It hasn't impacted my life at all.

Wedding bells: Rumors of an engagement were sparked in December when Silva was seen with a large diamond on her ring finger, but nothing has been confirmed by the couple

The Pretty Woman heartthrob has changed quite a bit over the past few years and he told Extra that it's all thanks to meditation.

Theres no doubt that if you meditated for an hour you would feel different, Gere said. I dont get as angry as I did as a kid. Ive gotten much nicer. I was a horrible person five years ago. The brain actually changes.

Gere is also an active practitioner of Buddhism. He was taught by none other than the Dalia Lama himself. The actor shared a bit about their friendship on Jimmy Kimmel LIVE.

He sees humor in everything. He is very lighthearted, the Norman star said about the infamous Tibetan. 'He breaks down that expectation that of course everyone would have, its like meeting the Pope, you expect to be healed or transcended and he breaks that down.
He has garnered a more than 600,000 followers on Instagram thanks to his work in comedy.

But David Walliams sent his fans into a frenzy on Wednesday, as he posed for a snap with unlikely celebrity pals David Beckham and David Schwimmer.

Joking the handsome trio were in the running for the 'world's sexiest Dave competition', the Little Britain star, 46, sent his followers wild with the post - which they branded 'too sexy' and 'the best photo on Instagram' in the comments.

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'World's sexiest Dave competition': David Walliams sent his fans into a frenzy on Wednesday, as he posed for a snap with unlikely celebrity pals David Beckham and David Schwimmer

The trio beamed widely for the camera in the snap, as they posed with their arms around each other in matching casual wear.

In his usually playful style, David then poked fun at their matching monikers in the caption, which read: The Worlds Sexiest Dave competition reaches its final three.'

The comedian's followers immediately took to the comments to vent their excitement, and swoon over the handsome stars involved.

Overwhelmed: The comedian's followers immediately took to the comments to vent their excitement, and swoon over the handsome stars involved

One kicked things off by writing: 'This is literally the best photo on Instagram today!' while others added: 'Too much sexy in one picture' and 'I like this a lot!'

Another wrote in agreement: 'You are all beautiful inside and out' while another wished: 'I want to be on this holiday'

Further fans chimed in playfully: 'What a motley crew!' and 'Now that's a fun trio to come across!' while another added, more perplexed: 'Im so confused how this friendship happened but ok.'

A handful of followers even continued the joke of the fake competition, and put other Dave's forward for the role.

Supportive: Others joke of the fake competition, and put their faith in comedian David that he would win 'hands down'

Seas the day! Walliams later posted a snap of himself and the Friends star in the sea, captioned: 'Schwimming'

One wrote: 'But wheres the hoff??' as another joked: 'David Guetta is looking good there'

While others put their faith behind comedian David, writing: 'My vote goes to you!' and '@dwilliams you win it hands down with your personality.'

Judging from their holiday clothing, children's author Walliams is clearly enjoying some time off in the sunshine, after airing the TV adaptation of his hit book Ratburger on Christmas Eve.

Sheridan Smith, 36, took centre stage in the project - and proved to be unrecognisable as she transformed into lazy stepmother Sheila.

The talent was worlds away from her usual glamorous self as she hilariously donned a frumpy jumper, leopard print leggings and body padding for her new role.

Clearly relishing her transformation, the playful star scoffed a bag of Prawn cocktail crisps as she reclined on a tan leather sofa, with her pink and blonde locks tied back into a high bun.

Working some seriously orange make-up, chunky gold hoop earrings and pointy nails the star was every inch the couch potato as she got stuck into the role.

Sheridan plays the stepmother of protagonist Zoe (Talia Barnett), who she continually clashes with.

Gruesome twosome: She stars alongside former Little Britain comedian David, 46, as Burt - a burger van owner who covets Zoe's new friend - a dancing rat, but has a sinister motive

She stars alongside former Little Britain comedian David as Burt - a burger van owner who covets Zoe's new friend, a dancing rat, but has a sinister motive.

In the promotional snaps for the show, Sheridan posed beside David in front of a burger van, with David working an Elvis inspired quiff and sideburns.

Covering his eyes with dark shades he has on a grease-stained apron and shirt as he serves up some dubious looking burgers.

Meanwhile, David Schwimmer is continuing to work on his short films which raise awareness for charities such as the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, and David Beckham is enjoying a winter getaway with his family in the States.




He's been open about his mother 'abandoning him' at the age of eight, and leaving his father.

And in this week's WHO magazine, Australian actor Hugh Jackman again spoke about his childhood.

The Greatest Showman star said his mother leaving the family and going back to the UK was 'traumatic.'

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'It was traumatic': Hugh Jackman talks about his mother 'abandoning him' at the age of eight and leaving his father

'It was traumatic,' Hugh told the publication about his mother, Grace.

'I thought she was probably going to come back.'

'And then it sort of dragged on and on,' he added, saying how his father Christopher raised him and his four siblings.

The Greatest Showman actor added that after his mother left the family, he saw her about 'once a year'.

His mother: Hugh is pictured recently with his mother Grace

His dad: He then gushed about how well his father (pictured) juggled fatherhood and his career as a lawyer

He then gushed about how well his father juggled fatherhood and his career as a lawyer.

In December 2012, the Wolverine star broke down in tears discussing his mother's abrupt departure, during an interview with 60 Minutes.

'I can remember the morning she left, it's weird the things you pick up,' Hugh emotionally explained..

'I remember her being in a towel around her head and saying goodbye, must have been the way she said goodbye. As I went off to school, when I came back, there was no one there in the house.

In December 2012, the Wolverine star told 60 Minutes about his mother leaving, and broke down in tears

His clan: Hugh is married to Deborra-Lee Furness, with the pair sharing adopted children Ava, 12, and Oscar, 17, together

'The next day there was a telegram from England, Mum was there. And then that was it.'

He added: 'Dad used to pray every night that Mum would come back.'

Hugh is married to Deborra-Lee Furness, with the pair sharing adopted children Ava, 12, and Oscar, 17, together.

The clan spent the festive period in Australia, and have just jetted back to the US, where they are based in New York.
This time last year, she was in a relationship with fellow Bachelor contestant Tiffany Scanlon.

And a single Megan Marx has returned to Bali, a place where she and her former love once called home.

The 28-year-old Bachelor star took to Instagram to share a snap of herself in a mismatched bikini on the steps of a traditional type home on Wednesday.

What a difference a year makes! A single Megan Marx has returned to Bali, a place where she and her former love Tiffany Scanlon once called home

With her arms covering her ample assets, she only gave fans a small glimpse of her cleavage and washboard abs.

Megan simply captioned her post: 'Happy.'

Fans of the blonde beauty praised her stunning looks in the post, one follower wrote: 'Wow looking so fab here.'

While another added: 'Living the dream megz.'

Ringing in the New Year! Just days before she shared a snap of herself at New Years celebrations at Perth's Cuban Club

Second chance at love: Megan, who is set to make an appearance in the upcoming Bachelor In Paradise, captioned her post: 'When your skirt matches the backdrop. Happy New Year Earth! Thank you for an epic day - truly felt like Narnia'

Just days before she shared a snap of herself at a New Year's celebration at Perth's Cuban Club.

Looking gorgeous in a black tank top and a multi-coloured mini skirt with blue tassels, she was all smiles for the camera.

Megan, who is set to make an appearance in the upcoming Bachelor In Paradise, captioned her post: 'When your skirt matches the backdrop. Happy New Year Earth! Thank you for an epic day - truly felt like Narnia.'

Last year was a very different story for the reality TV star turned social media sensation.

'My biggest accomplishment in my arms on the first day of 2017!' Last year was a very different story for the reality TV star turned social media sensation. On January 2, 2017 the blonde beauty shared a snap of herself with Tiffany in her arms at a music festival

On January 2, 2017 the blonde beauty shared a snap of herself with Tiffany in her arms at a music festival.

'My biggest accomplishment in my arms on the first day of 2017,' Megan wrote in the caption at the time.

The couple arranged to move to Bali, Indonesia but cracks seemed to appear in the relationship through their social media posts, causing fans to speculate they had broken up.

In March their split was confirmed and in a later interview, Megan told The Fix that she accepted blame for the breakdown of their romance.

'I regret the way that I publicised the relationship, because I think essentially, it broke it down,' she told the online publication.

Winter is coming! Megan's ex Tiffany recently caused fans to speculate that she joined Bachelor: Winter Games, which was being filmed in Vermont at the same time that Tiffany took her mystery sabbatical during December

It all adds up! Adding fuel to the fire, the US-based reality show is also set for release in February next year- the same time Tiffany is set to spill the news of her secret project

The couple have since gone their separate ways, despite being on the same sponsored trip to The Philippines.

In recent months, Megan has been spotted on the set of Bachelor In Paradise at the Mango Bay Resort in Fiji, which is set to be on air in February.

Photos show her appearing to get close to Bachelorette star Jake Ellis.

Meanwhile, her ex Tiffany recently caused fans to speculate that she has joined Bachelor: Winter Games, which was being filmed in Vermont at the same time that Tiffany took her mystery sabbatical during December.

The US-based reality show is also set for release in February next year - the month Tiffany said she would spill the news of her secret project.

Tiffany was also spotted among the crowd at the Bachelor: Winter Games opening ceremony.
After enjoying a sun-filled holiday vacation in Hawaii, Minka Kelly is ready to get back to work on her brand new series Titans.

The Friday Night Lights alumnus, 37, arrived at the Toronto Pearson International Airport alongside her hunky co-star Alan Ritchson on Wednesday.

Kelly looked tanned and happy after switching from swimsuit weather to chilly days in a baggy coat.

Back to work: Minka Kelly and Alan Ritchson returned to Toronto to continue work on their new series Titans on Wednesday

Minka chose comfort over glamour for her flight. She wore black leggings, classic Reebok sneakers, a baggy grey sweater with an oversized black coat with their AWAY luggage.

She wore a news boy cap over her long brunette lock that she left loose.

Ritchson, who starred in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Blood Drive, wore a pair of fitted black jeans, a white t-shirt and black high-top sneakers.

The gorgeous pair even sat together for the long flight. Kelly shared a photo of them goofing off on Instagram, looking quite comfortable together.

What a pair: Kelly and Ritchson play a couple on the small screen DC Comics series

Up close: The paired shared an in-flight photo showing they were seated together and having fun

Minka and Alan play on-screen lovers Dawn Granger/Dove and Hank Hall/Hawk, respectively, on the Warner Bros. Television production.

The live-action drama series will be entering it's first season, and it follows a group of young soon-to-be Super Heroes recruited from every corner of the DC Universe.

Both are recurring characters that have the potential of becoming regulars for season two.

If the pairing is a hit, there is speculation they might even get their very own spin-off.

The series will air exclusively on a DC-branded direct-to-consumer digital service in 2018.

Fighting crime: The gorgeous pair star as superheroes Hawk and Dove
They're due to star alongside each other in Australian dating series, Bachelor In Paradise, on Channel Ten.

And the former Bachelor reality star rejects have hinted they may have formed a relationship together while on the secluded island.

Tara, 27, shared a private photo of the duo chatting on FaceTime, using the word 'couple' to caption the screenshot.

Are they dating? Bachelor In Paradise contestant Tara Pavlovic and Davey Lloyd hint at being 'couple' by sharing private snaps together

Comfortable with each other, they both pulled silly faces as Tara jokingly wrote: 'Couple of tens.'

Davey's screenshot displayed the time of 7.59pm, as he shared a similar comedic post, writing: 'same same but kettle.'

Tara was wearing a low-cut white dress, while Davey appeared to be in the car in a black T-shirt.

'Couple of tens': Comfortable with each other, they both pulled silly faces as Tara jokingly wrote: 'Couple of tens'

Davey's screenshot displayed the time of 7.59pm, as he shared a similar comedic post, writing: 'same same but kettle'

Stars looking for a second-chance at love! And Network Ten's debut season of Bachelor In Paradise is certainly living up to the hype, with the likes of Apollo Jackson, Keira Maguire, Laura Fleure, Michael Turnbull and Sophie Monk's 'stage-five clinger' runner-up Jarrod Woodgate also joining the cast

The exciting casting announcement was made as part of Channel 10's annual Upfronts in November.

And Network Ten's debut season of Bachelor In Paradise is certainly living up to the hype, with the likes of Apollo Jackson, Keira Maguire, Laura Fleure, Michael Turnbull and Sophie Monk's 'stage-five clinger' runner-up Jarrod Woodgate joining the cast.

Magician Apollo previously claimed he was keen to strike up something with nanny Tara, who also lives in Queensland.

'I can definitely see the two of us getting on': Magician Apollo previously claimed he was keen to strike up something with nanny Tara, who also lives in Queensland

'From what I've seen of Tara, she seems like so much fun, and I can definitely see the two of us getting on,' he told The Daily Telegraph.

Meanwhile, Tara claimed she was looking for fun on the reality show and not necessarily a man.

'I think Paradise is going to be a bit like schoolies week: getting lit with my mates around a pool  why not?'

The official launch date has yet to be announced, but Channel Ten's Bachelor In Paradise is due to air over the next few months.
He's the star of the Channel Nine sitcom Here Come The Habibs!

And on Thursday Tyler De Nawi was mixing A-lister Joel Edgerton, as he happily posed with the fellow Australian actor while out and about in Sydney's Bondi.

The 28-year-old took to Instagram to share the selfie with The Great Gatsby star, along with his Habibs co-stars Kat Hoyos and Sam Alhaje.

Starstruck? Here Come The Habibs! star Tyler De Nawi shared a selfie with Hollywood heavyweight Joel Edgerton as they donned matching shirts in Sydney's Bondi (Pictured from left: Kat Hoyos, Tyler De Nawi, Joel Edgerton and Sam Alhaje)

The actor was beaming in the photo next to the Zero Dark Thirty actor who was also wearing a striped shirt.

He captioned his post: 'Matching stripes - dinner with these Bright faces. #fknactors #beards #nickjakoby,' making references to Joel's Netflix flick, Bright.

While many fans enjoyed seeing the cast of Here Come The Habibs with the Los Angeles-based actor, one follower asked Tyler if the comedy was coming back to the small screen.

Season two! While many fans enjoyed seeing the cast of Here Come The Habibs with the Los Angeles based actor, one follower asked if the comedy was coming back to screens. Tyler replied back to the comment, saying: 'We'll be back before you know it!! #HereStayTheHabibs'

Diverse: Last year Kat Hoyos (centre) told Confidential 'It's time to put away the whole label of it being an ethnic show because I think anyone can watch the show and see something they relate too'

'Miss seeing guys on TV!! Come back already!!' they wrote.

He replied back: 'We'll be back before you know it!! #HereStayTheHabibs'

Last year, Kat Hoyos spoke to Confidential about the show.

'It's time to put away the whole label of it being an ethnic show because I think anyone can watch the show and see something they relate too,' she said.

'Ultimately, it's a story about family that hopefully makes everyone, no matter what race, laugh,' she added.

What a year: The past 12 months has also been a big year for Joel who starred in two films, It Comes At Night and Bright alongside Hollywood heavy weight Will Smith (left)

The past 12 months has also been a big year for Joel who starred in two films, It Comes At Night and Bright - the latter of which also stars Will Smith.

The Blacktown-born actor recently flew into Sydney for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Joel appears to have an equally huge year ahead of him, with four films set for release, including Red Sparrow with Jennifer Lawrence.
She's the Australian supermodel who was famously known as The Body during her '80s and '90s catwalking heyday.

And it appears that Elle Macpherson has found the fountain of youth, with the 53-year old looking ageless as she posed in a bra and towel on Thursday.

Elle took to Instagram to share the envy-inducing shot that showed her languidly posing against a wall wearing a net bra from her Elle Macpherson Body range.

What's her secret? It appears that Elle Macpherson has found the fountain of youth, with the 53-year old defying her years as she flaunted her ageless form in a bra and towel on Thursday

Elle teamed the look with a tassled towel that she wrapped around her svelte waist.

She accessorised with a straw hat that she had pulled down so as to obscure her face for an added element of mystery and added a chunky wooden necklace.

The stunner completed the look with a touch of 'bling' thanks to a gold watch and bracelet.

Her long, brunette locks framed her face, obscuring it even more.

Elle showed off an incredible set of taut, washboard abs that would have many people half her age jealous.

Ageless: Elle took to Instagram to share the envy-inducing shot that looking barely older than how she did in her modelling heyday

The ensemble also flaunted Elle's iconic legs that looked trim and well-toned, with a healthy bronzed glow.

'"Net" in khaki,' Elle simply captioned the post while a slew of fans gushed over the age-defying snap.

'You must bathe in formaldehyde to maintain looking like this. Cheers to you for 2018,' one fan wrote, while another chimed in with a similar; 'Looking as amazing as you did back in the 80s.'

Jealous? Elle showed off an incredible set of taut, washboard abs that would have many people half her age jealous

While the epithets about Elle's youthful appearance came thick and fast, some followers issued their disappointment that Elle hid her face in the photo.

'Perfect Body ... Maybe one day I will get to see your eyes. Mysterious Woman,' came one comment.

'The sentiment was further summed up with: 'Girl, come out from under that hat!'
He spent the silly season luxuriating on the beach in Bali with his beau Jack Stratton-Smith.

But Joel Creasey's merrymaking was sadly cut short after the comedian was struck down by a particularly bad stomach sickness.

On Wednesday, the 27-year-old took to his Instagram Story to lament about the unfortunate experience, sharing a photo of a drip in his forearm as he lay in a hospital bed.

That's hard to stomach! Joel Creasey's merrymaking was sadly cut short after the comedian was struck down by a particularly bad stomach sickness this week

'Well the Bali Belly took a turn overnight': On Wednesday, the 27-year-old took to his Instagram Story to lament about the unfortunate experience, sharing a photo of a drip in his forearm as he lay in a hospital bed

'Well the Bali Belly took a turn overnight...,' the TV presenter cheekly captioned the snap.

It wasn't long before Joel's health improved, however, with the peroxide blond uploading a subsequent Instagram Story post of himself and Jack wearing festive masks while dancing in the bathroom.

'Dosed up on anti-biotics to attempt the flight home,' he captioned the Boomerang-style clip, adding: 'The doctors here were amazing.'

'Dosed up on anti-biotics to attempt the flight home': It wasn't long before Joel's health improved, however, with the peroxide blond uploading a subsequent Instagram Story post of himself and Jack wearing festive masks while dancing in the bathroom

Joel also uploaded a photo to his Instagram page to document the trip on Wednesday.

In the snap, the sassy glamazon is seen perched by the hotel pool while looking wistfully into the distance from behind a pair of sunglasses.

'Started the year with a trip to Bali. I am originally from Perth after all - its like an annual pilgrimage for us,' he wrote in the caption, in part.

'Unfortunately I ended the last 24 hours with some sort of stomach bug': Joel also uploaded a photo to his Instagram page to document the trip on Wednesday

He later explained: 'Unfortunately I ended the last 24 hours with some sort of stomach bug. The doctors here were fantastic.'

'I think that partly has to do with the amazing hotel but also because the doctors were convinced my boyfriend was James Franco. I ran with it, of course'

Joel is gearing up for his 2018 national stand-up tour Blonde Bombshell, which will see him perform in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra.
Priyanka Chopra enjoyed a jet-setting festive season with trips to Indian and England.

But on Wednesday, the actress was spotted back in chilly New York City resuming filming on her TV series Quantico.

The 35-year-old star bundled up in a black coat with faux fur trim and wore snow boots as she tried to stay warm in between scenes.

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It's freezing: Priyanka Chopra bundled up on the location set of her ABC drama Quantico on Wednesday as filming on the show's third season resumed in New York City

Priyanka also had on ear muffs and sipped on a hot beverage and managed to stay upbeat despite the bone-chilling cold.

The Indian beauty flashed a big smile for the camera as she waited for the call to 'action.'

Once cameras rolled, she was seen in a stylish ensemble of a belted winter coat over a white turtleneck and black skinny pants.

She strolled out purposefully in character in a pair of black lace-up heeled ankle boots.

Waiting game: The 35-year-old star bundled up in a black coat with faux fur trim and wore snow boots and ear muffs as she tried to stay warm in between scenes.

In character: Once cameras rolled, Priyanka was seen striding out purposefully in character in a pair of black lace-up heeled ankle boots

Starring role: The Indian actress was dressed in a stylish ensemble of a belted winter coat over a white turtleneck and black skinny pants

In the scenes shot in Madison Square Park in Manhattan, Priyanka was joined by New York-based actress Jennifer Hecht.

Hecht's character carried a gun as she strode alongside the series star.

Priyanka's role as FBI recruit Alex Parrish in the ABC drama has catapulted her to international fame but she also returns regularly to her native India to visit family and nurture her fledgling production company based there.

During her Christmas trip, she also took part on a panel with UNICEF India discussing issues affecting Indian youth.

On a mission: In the scenes shot in Madison Square Park in Manhattan, Priyanka was joined by New York-based actress Jennifer Hecht

Mean girls: Hecht's character carried a gun as she filmed with the series star

Fun on set: The two shared a joke on set as they bravely battled the freezing temperatures

Priyanka is also good friends with Prince Harry's fiancee Megan Markle and is rumored to possibly be a bridesmaid at the Royal Wedding in May.

The pair first met at a party in Toronto, Canada - where Meghan, 36, filmed Suits - two years ago.

After Meghan interviewed her for her blog The Tig, they became friends and Priyanka has publicized photos of them together - including one where they drank cocktails together in a dimly-lit bar in Los Angeles.

For her part, Meghan has shared pictures of herself and the Indian actress at Soho House in New York, at Broadway plays and hanging out by a pool.

The younger son of the late Princess Diana and Prince Charles announced his engagement to the Suits actress Harry and Meghan announced the happy news of their engagement in late November after 16 months of dating.
She just returned from Tokyo, where she celebrated her husband John Legend's 39th birthday.

And Chrissy Teigen was not ready to have the holidays over as she posted a playful Instagram pic of her family on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old supermodel showcased her baby bump as John, daughter Luna, and her mother wore festive striped pajamas with the caption: 'Christmas is not over'.

Family affair: Chrissy Teigen, 32, posted an adorable Instagram pic of her family on Wednesday

With a gorgeous Christmas tree in the background, the fun family had their arms around each other wearing huge smiles.

They sported matching red and white striped sleepwear with Chrissy going barefoot and her mom wearing big slippers.

One-year-old Luna sat on her father's shoulders as she clutched his head for better support.

Meanwhile, the happy couple - who announced in November a second child on the way - had returned from an eventful trip to Tokyo ahead of John's 39th birthday.

Bumping along: The happy couple - who announced in November a second child on the way - had returned from an eventful trip to Tokyo.

The plane the couple were on had to turn around and land at LAX after finding a passenger was on the wrong flight.

They eventually made it back to Japan, where they celebrated John's birthday.

Chrissy and John married in Lake Como, Italy, in September 2013 and welcomed Luna in April 2016.

The beauty has been open about her desire to expand her family, recently telling E! News she would love to be 'pregnant for the rest of her life' if she could.

On Friday, Chrissy Teigen revealed via Twitter that the couple plans to use a unisex name for their unborn child

She shared: 'I really want to just knock 'em out. That's my dream, I want to just be pregnant kind of for the rest of my life. Not for the rest of my life, but the rest of my fertile life. So we'll see.'

On Friday, Chrissy revealed via Twitter that the couple plans to use a unisex name for their unborn child - although the search is currently proving fruitless, as she tweeted her frustrating with 'Jesus Christ my baby will have no name'.

The list showed names such as; 'Ash, Aspen, Basil, Bay, Berry, Blaze, Brook/Brooke and Cedar'.

Chrissy later posted another tweet following the list of unisex baby names. She joked: 'nevermind change of plans. the name is Blaze Legend'.
Olivia Wilde and her fiance Jason Sudeikis bundled up for a romantic morning stroll through the frozen Big Apple on Wednesday.

This week marks the fourth anniversary of the Brooklyn-based, divorced couple's engagement.

The 42-year-old SNL alum ended his marriage to writer-producer Kay Cannon in 2010, and the 33-year-old SAG Award nominee ended her marriage to Italian filmmaker Tao Ruspoli in 2011.

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Still going strong! Olivia Wilde and her fiance Jason Sudeikis bundled up for a romantic morning stroll through the frozen Big Apple on Wednesday

And in 2016, Jason ominously joked on Watch What Happens Live that they 'won't get married until weed is legal in every state.'

Olivia - sporting red leggings with a grey sweatshirt - told The New York Times on Tuesday that she got eyelash extensions to shorten her beauty routine.

Missing were the New York native and the Virginia-born, Kansas-raised funnyman's son Otis, 3; and daughter Daisy, 15 months; whom they brought to Hawaii for a family getaway last month.

'Daisy's one, so she's psyched about food and most things. She's cute as pie. She's in her, visually adorable, but audibly she shrieks. She's a shrieker,' Sudeikis said on the December 22 episode of The Tonight Show about their restless flight home.

'We won't get married until weed is legal in every state': This week marks the fourth anniversary of the Brooklyn-based, divorced couple's engagement

Casual: The 33-year-old SAG Award nominee - sporting red leggings with a grey sweatshirt - told the NY Times on Tuesday that she got eyelash extensions to shorten her beauty routine

'Literally, people's tans were falling off it was so loud. Their leis were wilting. It was horrible. The vacation was null and void by the time we landed.'

The Downsizing actor will next reprise his role as astronaut Mike Miller in the fourth season of The Last Man on Earth, which continues this Sunday on Fox.

Jason also executive produces and plays Carter Grant in the second season of Detroiters, which premieres in April on Comedy Central.

'She's a shrieker': Things didn't go smoothly when they brought their son Otis, 3; and daughter Daisy, 15 months; to Hawaii for a family getaway last month

The 42-year-old SNL alum told The Tonight Show of their flight home: 'Literally, people's tans were falling off it was so loud. Their leis were wilting. It was horrible. The vacation was null and void by the time we landed'

Resumes this Sunday! The Downsizing actor will next reprise his role as astronaut Mike Miller in the fourth season of Fox's The Last Man on Earth

As for Wilde (born Cockburn), she earned her first Emmy Award on December 20 for co-producing the documentary short Body Team 12 about the Red Cross workers of Liberia.

The Time's Up activist and True Botanicals chief brand activist dedicated the honor to her journalist mother Leslie, who won an Emmy in 1999 for her work on CBS' 60 Minutes.

The 1984 thespian also told her 5.6M social media followers that her New Year's resolutions include doing more cardio, trying to eat anchovies, and directing a movie.

As for Wilde (born Cockburn), she earned her first Emmy Award on December 20 for co-producing the documentary short Body Team 12 about the Red Cross workers of Liberia
A Canadian pub owner has revealed how shocked he was when photos of himself emerged in the press, which misidentified him as Olivia Newton-John's missing lover, Patrick McDermott.

Wes Stobbe made international headlines in November, when he was mistaken for Patrick and the image was splashed across publications.

New Idea first published the image of Wes and claimed it was Patrick, describing the missing man as being alive and well in Mexico.

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Mistaken identity: Grainy photos of Olivia Newton-John's missing ex turn out to be of Canadian pub owner Wes Stobbe (pictured), who has revealed his shock at accidental fame

Awkward! In November, New Idea claimed Olivia Newton-John's missing lover Patrick McDermott (pictured) was alive and well in Mexico, but used photos of Canadian pub owner Wes to illustrate

The photo showed Wes lounging alongside a woman, who turned out to be his wife Bridget.

'Apparently if you make the photo fuzzy enough and grainy enough, it might be passable, but I don't think I look like him,' Stobbe told CBC Manitoba's Radio Noon, according to CBC News.

He and his wife said their family found the mistake rather hilarious.

'I have a face that seems to be recognised falsely more than once. It happens to me so often for some strange reason,' Wes added.

Making headlines: The photo showed Wes lounging alongside a woman, who turned out to be his wife Bridget (pictured)... as the couple admitting they found the mistake rather funny

The magazine: New Idea first published the image of Wes and claimed it was Patrick

He also added that he's heading back to Mexico soon and joked: '[I might] get myself a T-shirt printed that says, "not Patrick."

Patrick owed thousands of dollars in backdated child support payments for son Chance at the time of his disappearance in 2005.

Patrick was declared dead in 2008, despite not one of 22 passengers on board fishing boat Freedom seeing him go overboard in San Pedro, California.

Back with Olivia: Patrick owed thousands of dollars in backdated child support payments for son Chance at the time of his disappearance. Patrick was declared dead in 2008

Last year, top private investigator Charlie Parker supported the theory that it was Patrick in the image that surfaced in November.

'The widow's peak is exact. The eyes are very similar and the ears extend down on the head the same distance. I believe it is him,' he told New Idea, adding that it is a '90 per cent match'.

Previously, private detective Philip Klein - who was hired by Dateline in 2009 to track Patrick down - said it was 'concluded beyond reasonable doubt' that Patrick is alive.

As recently as 2016, Olivia explained Patrick's disappearance was 'very hard' for her confessed she still often wondered whether he was alive.

Grief: As recently as 2016, Olivia explained Patrick's disappearance was 'very hard' for her confessed she still often wondered whether he was alive.

In an interview with Australia's 60 Minutes last year, the star admitted she has struggled to accept both his disappearance and claims he faked his death.

She explained: 'It was very hard, he was lost at sea and nobody really knows what happened.'

When asked by reporter Karl Stefanovic whether she still thinks about the disappearance, Olivia said while she wonders, it doesn't consume her life like it once did.

'It's human to wonder. Those are the things in life you have to accept and let go because whenever you go through difficult times there are always those concerns but...'

She paused and added: 'I live on.'
She celebrated five years of married life with husband Michael Miziner this week.

And Rachael Finch has shown off a massive bouquet of flowers gifted to her to commemorate their anniversary.

The 29-year-old former beauty queen took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a snap of herself holding the sizable floral arrangement in her arm.

Spoilt! Rachael Finch shown off a bouquet of flowers gifted to her to commemorate their anniversary. The 29-year-old former beauty queen took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a snap of herself holding the floral arrangement in her arm

Dressed in her range of active wear, Rachael posed looking adoringly at the beautiful bunch, which appeared to be larger than her four-year-old daughter Violet.

Violet also featured in the snap and nestled her head in between the flowers and her mother's toned tummy.

Rachael captioned her post: 'Spoilt' and also used the hashtag '#5yrstoday'.

Fans loved the former beauty queen's cute post and congratulated herself and Michael on their milestone, including one who wrote: 'Youre just beautiful and such a nurturing mother.'

While another commented: 'I literally love watching your family.'

'8 years together, 5 years married': Earlier in the day, the model shared an intimate bedroom snap on her Instagram Story to mark the occasion. In the photo, the brunette beauty appeared with her eyes closed and tenderly embraced her husband

'He still gives me goosebumps' The day before their anniversary Rachael shared another gushing post about her partner alongside an image of herself with her arms wrapped around her man

Earlier in the week, the model shared an intimate bedroom snap on her Instagram Story to mark the occasion.

In the photo, the brunette beauty appeared with her eyes closed and tenderly embraced her husband.

Michael, also with his eyes closed, lovingly held Rachael's face as she nuzzled into his body, while the model casually rested her hand on his bulging bicep.

'Today. 8 years together. 5 years married,' Rachael captioned.

Family time: The couple share two kids: daughter Violet, three, and 10-month-old son Dominic

On Tuesday, Rachael shared another gushing post about her partner alongside an image of herself with her arms wrapped around her man.

Quoting writer Leo Christopher, she captioned it: 'There's only one thing more precious than our time and that's who we spend it on.'

Referencing Michael, Rachael then added: 'He still gives me goosebumps.'

Rachael met and fell in love with Michael when she took part in Dancing With The Stars and they were matched as partners in 2010.

The couple wed in 2013 and now share two kids: daughter Violet, three, and 10-month-old son Dominic.
Catt Sadler is starting the year on a high note.

The 43-year-old TV personality is romantically-linked with Nick LaKind, an interior designer based out of Los Angeles, the New York Post reported Wednesday.

The Indiana-born broadcaster - who made headlines when she left E! News in December over a disparity in pay with her co-host Jason Kennedy - took to her blog The Cattwalk Sunday with a post recapping the year that was, revealing that her love life is on the upswing.

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Romance: Former E! host Catt Sadler, 43, is now dating Nick LaKind, an interior designer based out of Los Angeles, the New York Post reported Wednesday

'Speaking of love, I found that, too,' said Catt, who filed for divorce from producer Rhys David Thomas in March of 2016. 'I have a new best friend who makes me laugh every single day. He lights up my life. He is also sober and his commitment to healthy living astonishes me.

'He teaches me. I am growing.'

According to the newspaper, she's been linked to LaKind since this past summer, as the two were pictured together in an Instagram post when attending a wedding together.

On Tuesday, Sadler uploaded a shot to the site in which she was pictured on a rock at a beach in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, with the caption, 'Stole his hat.'

Life's a beach: Sadler on Tuesday was pictured in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, where she implied that she wear wearing LaKind's cap

Bearded beau: Sadler said LaKind, seen here in an Instagram selfie,'lights up my life'

Sadler was wearing a maroon hat with a black bikini top and denim shorts in the photo.

Catt, who has two sons with her first husband Kyle Boyd - Arion, 12, and Austin, 16 - delved into detail about the challenges she had faced during 2017, which she dubbed 'the year that didnt kill me.'

She wrote: 'I got divorced. My grandfather died. A close family member went to rehab. My eldest son was diagnosed with ADD. That meant doctors and more doctors compounded with his heart issues. This drug, that drug. I cried more tears than anyone would ever know.'

In the comprehensive essay, Sadler touched on the professional issues that paved the path to her quitting her job at E! after a dozen years with the network.

She wrote of the show Daily Pop: 'Professionally, I got another show - amazing - but that meant starting my work day three hours earlier each morning; exhaustion was a familiar feeling.'

Former co-workers: Sadler last month left E! after learning that Kennedy (L) was making near twice what she was

Sadler said of her contract with the network: 'Negotiations began. Negotiations stagnated. Negotiations collapsed. I would decide to leave my job after twelve years.'

Sadler last month told People how she decided to leave after learning that Kennedy - who had a similar job duties and tenure at the network - 'wasnt just making a little bit more than me but was making double my salary and has been for several years.'

She said that learning that news was 'really hard to swallow,' but set the stage for her asking for a similar salary, 'expected to be paid, based on the law and based on what [she knows] to be fair.'

Sadler said that the pay issue struck her as 'heartbreaking' after she gave her 'all to this network.'

'Its almost insulting because you know you work really hard ... Ive sacrificed time away from my family and I have dedicated my entire career to this network,' she said. 'And when you learn something like that, it makes you feel very small and underappreciated and undervalued.'
She's the Bali drug trafficker that appeared to have dropped a cheeky hint on Wednesday, that she's interested in becoming the next Bachelorette.

Schapelle Corby shared a playful Instagram video of herself posing with a red rose - the flower famous for its role in the dating series.

And just shortly after, the 40-year-old cryptically posted a C.S Lewis quote to her Story that read in part: 'You are never too old to dream a new dream.'

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'You're never too old to dream a new dream': Bali drug trafficker Schapelle Corby, 40, shared an inspirational post to her Instagram Story on Wednesday...after hinting at becoming the next Bachelorette

Taking to her Instagram Story on Wednesday, Schapelle shared with her 194,000 followers a popular quote by C.S Lewis that read: 'You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.'

While the quote is open to interpretation, it coincidentally comes after the former beautician dropped a cheeky hint that she's interested in following Sophie Monk's lead, and becoming the next Bachelorette.

An Instagram video saw Schapelle playing with her cute pooch, using a filter to add a red rose.

Cryptic: Taking to her Instagram Story on Wednesday, Schapelle shared with her 194,000 followers a popular quote by C.S Lewis that read: 'You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream'

Sending a message? Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, Schapelle shared a video of herself playing with her cute pooch, using a filter to add a red rose

The post does nothing to quell fan speculation that the brunette is set to make her mark in reality TV, since being deported from Bali back to Australia in May 2016.

Social media went into meltdown last year with fans speculating Schapelle could be set to star on the prime time series.

One Twitter user mused: '"The Bachelorette 2018: Schapelle". You can hear the TV execs frothing now. #schapellecorby.'

Another suggested: '#bachelorette starring #Schapelle,' and tagged the show in their comments.

However, Schapelle's sister Mercedes Corby dismissed the rumours, telling The Kyle and Jackie O Show in May: 'That's not gonna happen!'

Social media speculation: One Twitter user mused: '"The Bachelorette 2018: Schapelle". You can hear the TV execs frothing now. #schapellecorby'

Fake news? However, Schapelle's sister Mercedes Corby (pictured second from left) dismissed the rumours, telling The Kyle and Jackie O Show in May: 'That's not gonna happen!'

Since starting her Instagram account upon her return to Australia, Schapelle has proved a hit with her male social media followers.

Her Instagram comments are often peppered with compliments, date requests and even the occasional marriage proposal.

Schapelle made headlines in Australia, and around the world, after she was arrested in Bali in October 2004.

After boarding a flight to the Indonesian island from Brisbane, via Sydney, customs officers discovered cannabis wrapped in plastic inside her boogie board bag.

Popular: Since starting her Instagram account upon her return to Australia, Schapelle has proved a hit with her male social media followers

Despite always maintaining her innocence, she was convicted of drug smuggling in 2005 and sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Schapelle's sentence was later reduced, and she received several remissions for good behaviour over the years. She was eventually released on parole in February 2014.

She remained in Bali during her parole period until May this year, when she was deported back to Australia.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Schapelle for comment.
Girlfriends

Rating:

A Stitch in Time

Rating:

That drawer in the shed needs sorting. Its months since the computer had a proper back-up.

And if you dont organise that box of old music cassettes into alphabetical order, who will?

Chaps of a certain age had better find important jobs to do at 9pm on Wednesdays for the next few weeks . . . because their ladies will be watching Girlfriends (ITV).

Chaps of a certain age had better find important jobs to do at 9pm on Wednesdays for the next few weeks . . . because their ladies will be watching ITV's Girlfriends (pictured)

This rollicking menopausal melodrama boasts an all-star cast and a writer at the height of her powers. Kay Mellor, fresh from penning Love, Lies And Records on the Beeb, is top of the league at creating believable, engaging, full-on female characters.

Theres Sue (Miranda Richardson), the needy magazine journalist who can make any event  even an old friends funeral  all about her. And theres ferociously loyal mother Gail (Zoe Wanamaker), ready to tear apart anyone who dares breathe a word against her useless son.

Theres Sue (Miranda Richardson, left), the needy magazine journalist who can make any event all about her. And theres ferociously loyal mother Gail (Zoe Wanamaker, centre). Best of all, theres Linda (Phyllis Logan, right)

Best of all, theres Linda (Phyllis Logan, best known as housekeeper Mrs Hughes from Downton). Shes a kind, somewhat scatty mum, newly widowed and in danger of losing her house. Without a scrap of caricature about her, Linda is ordinary and normal  and right at the centre of the story.

SUN TAN OF THE NIGHT: Inspecting a family home on Love It Or List It (C4), presenter Phil Spencers bronzed face was the same colour as the owners scarlet leather three-piece suite. Where does he go on his summer holidays  the Sahara? Advertisement

The supporting cast is superb too, with Wendy Craig as Sues octogenarian mother, getting ready to marry again, and Paula Wilcox turning up on Lindas doorstep with a humdinger of a plot twist at the end of the opening episode.

What you dont get are strong male roles  which is appropriate, since our heroines are at that stage of life when they are most liable to snort: Men! Theyre all hopeless, who needs em?  and pour themselves a half-pint of vino blanco while hubby wisely opts to give the dog a walk.

The blokes in Girlfriends are especially feeble, none more than magazine boss John (Anthony Head). He thinks he can get away with sacking Sue, despite being her ex-lover. He was even stupid enough to yell at her: You are no longer relevant, Sue!

What happens to John will probably resemble a wildlife documentary, where lionesses rip a large and dozy water buffalo to shreds before devouring his innards. Except John will suffer more.

A different sort of sisterhood got to work on A Stitch In Time (BBC4), as a group of female historians (pictured) set about recreating a costume styled by King Charles II

When Sue, Linda and Gail first became pals, they were in a pop group, performing gigs to support the Greenham Common women protesting against nuclear weapons. That alone should tell us whether they need men or not.

Wednesdays at 9pm promise some barnstorming drama, though I might suddenly remember that I havent finished putting up those shelves in the back bedroom.

Amber Butchart, who with her beret and copper bob looks like a David Bowie mannequin from his Scary Monsters period, quizzed the historians on A Stitch in Time

A different sort of sisterhood got to work on A Stitch In Time (BBC4), as a group of female historians set about recreating a costume styled by King Charles II  noting gleefully that tailoring was once an exclusively male occupation.

They were quizzed by the fabulously named Amber Butchart, who with her beret and copper bob looks like a David Bowie mannequin from his Scary Monsters period. This half-hour documentary packed far more information on the history and art of making clothes than youll find in an entire series of the Great British Sewing Bee.

We learned that the flamboyant king invented the forerunner of the three-piece suit, in a conscious effort to create a style that was quintessentially English. How ironic that suits are now what men wear when we want to be conformist, even invisible.

The French hated Charlies suits, of course. King Louis dressed his footmen in the English vest, as a deliberate snub. What do the French know about fashion anyhow?
Lady Gaga kicked off 2018 with a make-up free, hair extension-free snap of the heavily-tattooed left side of her body wearing nothing more than a white thong bikini.

'Happy New Year!' the 31-year-old pop diva - who boasts 159.2M social media followers - tweeted Wednesday. 'To happiness. Health. Love. And to the simplicity of beautiful unforgettable nature, life.'

The six-time Grammy winner was pictured sunning herself at either her seaside Malibu mansion or in Tulum with her rumoured fiance Christian Carino and manager Bobby Campbell.

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'To happiness. Health. Love!' Lady Gaga kicked off 2018 with a make-up free, hair extension-free snap of the tattooed left side of her body wearing nothing more than a white thong bikini

Inseparable: The 31-year-old pop diva was sunning herself at either her Malibu mansion or in Tulum with her rumoured fiance Christian Carino (L) and manager Bobby Campbell

At 48, the CAA talent agent is 17 years older than his No. 1 client (born Stefani Germanotta), whom he popped the question to last summer - according to Us Weekly.

Carino - who has Gaga tatted on his left bicep - was last linked to The Walking Dead's Lauren Cohan, while she ended her engagement to her You and I video stud Taylor Kinney in 2016.

Aside from her alleged nuptials, the Five Foot Two stunner has her Las Vegas residency at MGM Resort's 5200-seat Park Theater starting next December to look forward to planning.

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the Cure crooner signed a two-year contract agreeing to about $14.4M for 36 shows, averaging $400K per concert.

'$14.4M for 36 shows': Aside from her 'nuptials,' the six-time Grammy winner has her two-year Las Vegas residency at Park Theater starting next December to look forward to planning

Busy: But first, Lady Gaga (born Stefani Germanotta) will kick off the third leg of her 59-date Joanne World Tour on January 14 at the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona (pictured November 7)

But first, Lady Gaga will kick off the third leg of her 59-date Joanne World Tour on January 14 at the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona.

It's unclear if Mother Monster's grueling schedule will allow her to return to her Manhattan hometown January 28 to compete for two trophies at the CBS-broadcast Grammy Awards.

The Oscar-nominated songwriter's record Joanne scored a nomination for pop vocal album and her single Million Reasons is up for pop solo performance.

2018 will also see Gaga make her big-screen debut as Ally in Bradley Cooper's remake of A Star is Born, which hits US theaters May 18.
Hollywood stars are often treated like royalty, but Kate Beckinsale is ensuring that even her beloved cat is reaping the rewards of her fame.

The Pearl Harbor actress, 44, has revealed the plush new sleeping arrangements for her feline friend in a picture online, in which a haughty Clive luxuriates in a vintage Monarch black leather suitcase refashioned into a custom-made bed by Cat Napper Cat Beds.

Kate Beckinsale is ensuring that even her beloved cat is reaping the rewards of her fame

The Pearl Harbor actress, 44, has revealed the plush new sleeping arrangements for her feline friend in this picture online

'Just to recap, this is his delighted face,' Kate writes.

It should be a welcome break for Clive, who has endured various indignities at the hands of his owner, including being made to wear a lettuce leaf on his head and squeezed into a dinosaur costume.

Three decades after earning the nickname 'The Body', supermodel Elle Macpherson (pictured left in 2008 and right, in 2018) proves she is still worthy of the moniker

Three decades after earning the nickname 'The Body', supermodel Elle Macpherson proves she is still worthy of the moniker.

Turning heads on a beach in the Bahamas this week, the 53-year-old Australian blonde showed off her toned and slender physique in a floral bandeau bikini  looking nearly identical to beach snaps of her from 2008 and 1998.

'Over the years my focus has changed  now I look after my body not so it looks good, but so I am healthy, strong, energised and happy. That's more important than the number on the scales,' she has said.

The 53-year-old Australian blonde still looking nearly identical to beach snaps of her from 1998 (pictured)

Elle has been spending time over Christmas with her ex-partner, French financier Arpad 'Arki' Busson, who is the father of her two sons Flynn, 19, and Aurelius, 14.

Three Davids, three beards

What's the difference between these three Davids?

Comedian David Walliams sparked a debate when he shared this picture online from Miami of him with his famous bearded pals David Beckham and David Schwimmer, 51, who played Ross Geller in Friends.

Comedian David Walliams (left) sparked a debate when he shared this picture online with his famous bearded pals David Beckham (centre) and David Schwimmer (right( who played Ross Geller in Friends

'The World's Sexiest Dave competition reaches its final three,' joked Walliams.

There's no guessing why Becks, 42, might have the smuggest grin.

While he's worth around 300 million, Walliams, 46, and Schwimmer come in at just 25 million and 60 million respectively.

Michael Morpurgo may have been knighted in the New Year's Honours List but he certainly isn't going to let the gong go to his head.

'My wife will become a Lady when I'm knighted, but you know what? She's been a lady ever since I've known her,' says the 74-year-old War Horse author.

'And I was a teacher for many years, so I'm used to being called Sir. So what's new?!'
The Great British Bake Off's former presenter Mel Giedroyc, who has declared that 'family is everything to me', has been left devastated after the death of her beloved father.

Michal Giedroyc, a Polish aristocrat sent to forced labour in Siberia by the invading Soviet army in 1939, has died 'suddenly' at the age of 88.

'Dad has instilled in me a need to make my mark in life,' said Mel, who has a long-standing comedy partnership with Sue Perkins, her former Bake Off co-host.

Michal Giedroyc has been left devastated after the death of her beloved father (pictured together in 2010)

'I have a strong need to achieve things for myself and I think that comes from him. He and I have a lot in common. We're as tough as old boots and both have a good sense of humour.'

Mel, 49, was deeply moved when her father wrote a poignant memoir in 2010 about his struggles as a refugee during World War II.

Michal, whose own father was a senator and a judge, was ten years old in 1939 when the Russian police seized his home and imprisoned his dad. He was flung on to the streets with his mother and two sisters.

Transported in cattle trucks to Siberia, they were forced to work on a farm with other refugees until 1941, when Soviet leader Stalin released all Polish deportees.

'Dad has instilled in me a need to make my mark in life,' said Mel (pictured with Paul Hollywood on The Great British Bake Off)

The family, who were said to be on the brink of death, escaped and began a long journey to England. They later discovered that Michal's father was shot dead in 1941.

'Dad lost all material possessions, but maintained a deep sense of who he was,' said Mel, who lives in Ealing, West London, with her husband Ben Morris, a television director, and their two daughters.

'That has been passed on to me along with a strong pride about where I come from.'

Michal read aeronautical engineering at Southampton University before going on to design aeroplanes in Hong Kong. Before Mel was born, he moved back to Britain and worked as a civil engineer.

A spokesman for the family described Michal as a 'beloved husband' to his widow, Rosemary, and 'adored grandfather'.

Supermodel Naomi Campbell's (above) ex Flavio Briatore is divorcing Elisabetta Gregoraci

Supermodel Naomi Campbell once dreamed of marrying him and having babies. But her ex-fiance Flavio Briatore went on to wed Wonderbra model Elisabetta Gregoraci.

Now the couple are divorcing after nine years. They split just before Christmas after signing a consensual separation agreement.

Despite the break-up, both Briatore, 67, and Elisabetta, 37, will continue to live in Monaco for the sake of their son, Falco, seven. Briatore, former owner of Queens Park Rangers FC, will pay 'substantial' maintenance.

Campbell, 47, has never married and is said to be dating Egyptian tobacco tycoon Louis C. Camilleri.

Asked who is the love of her life, former Olympic golden girl Victoria Pendleton replies: 'My horse Vesper. He's a black beauty  French-bred, elegant and very slender.

'Oops, actually I've just thought that's a bit embarrassing as I should have said my husband, Scott!'

TV makeover guru Kirstie Allsopp says she is starting to feel decrepit as she approaches 50

TV makeover guru Kirstie Allsopp, 46, may look a picture of health and has recently lost 2st, but she says she is starting to feel decrepit as she approaches 50.

Sighs Kirstie: 'You put on weight easily, you don't metabolise alcohol so well and you can't go anywhere without your bloody specs.

'I never had to go to the hairdresser because why would you colour your hair?

'Now I'm a grey-haired old woman, I get it coloured and can't see a menu without my specs. Sad, really.'
She's the wildlife warrior who has been enjoying a European vacation with her boyfriend of four years, Chandler Powell.

And now Bindi Irwin has uploaded a series of romantic shots to Instagram of the smitten couple as they take in the sights of Venice, Italy.

The 19-year-old posted a series of photos taken from the famous canal-lined city while finding the time to gush about her beau - something fans of her page would be well used to.

Sweet: Bindi Irwin has taken to Instagram to share a series of romantic shots with boyfriend Chandler Powell as they take in the sights of Venice

One photo showed the happy couple huddling close for a romantic snap against the city's picturesque backdrop.

Another image used a black and white filter and showed Chandler standing on a set of stairs near a concrete archway.

Chandler posed with his hands in his jacket pocket while beaming broadly back at Bindi who took the photo.

Fawning: One black and white image showed Chandler, standing on a set of stairs near a concrete archway as Bindi augmented the picture with: 'my love'

For her part, Bindi offered a saccharine-sweet: 'my love' which she had written over the image, with a love heart.

It appears that, like many, Bindi was captivated with the enchanting city, taking the time to snap photos of its old-world architecture and the famed gondolas.

Enchanted: It appears that, like many, Bindi was captivated with the enchanting city, taking the time to snap photos of its old-world architecture and the famed gondolas

She also posted a short gif-style video that featured the pair hamming it up by the waterside.

'We enjoyed the sunshine in Venice while getting totally, happily lost amongst the colourful buildings and winding water. This was a magical day,' Bindi captioned the post, augmenting the sentiment with a love heart emoji.

The couple, who had previously enjoyed a stop in the city of lights and love - Paris - have been dogged by rumours for months that they were planning to walk down the aisle.

Gorgeous: 'We enjoyed the sunshine in Venice while getting totally, happily lost amongst the colourful buildings and winding water. This was a magical day,' Bindi captioned a short video, augmenting the sentiment with a love heart emoji

New Idea quoted an unnamed source in August, claiming that the pair had become engaged.

However, Bindi revealed to In Touch magazine in December that the couple were 'too busy' to plan an engagement.

'We're so busy with everything, we haven't had time to think about the pressure,' she said.

She continued: 'We're really enjoying the moment, adventuring around the world and having fun. We'll let you know!'
She is currently enjoying a sun-soaked getaway with best pal Tiffany Watson in Australia.

But Frankie Gaff still found time for a sizzling photo shoot on Wednesday, as she shared a number of scantily-clad shots to her Instagram page.

The reality star, 23, showed off her enviably slender frame in nothing but a plunging crop top and thong as she danced around a rooftop in Sydney - in a bid to make 'the rain go away' while Down Under.

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Leggy lady: Frankie Gaff slipped into nothing but a spotted crop top and thong on Wednesday as she embarked on a sizzling roof top photo shoot in Australia

The blonde showed off her impressively slender figure in the crop top, patterned with a frill at the hem and white polka dots all over.

Plunging into a deep V to tease at her cleavage, the top then cut off just below her bust, to leave her toned stomach and tiny waist on show.

Paired with nothing but a skimpy black thong, which rose to an eye-watering height at her rear, Frankie displayed her peachy derriere to all as she playfully danced and twirled on the rooftop in Sydney.

Life's peachy: Slipping into a black thong, which rose to an eye-watering height at her rear, Frankie displayed her derriere to all as she danced and twirled on the rooftop in Sydney

Adding sporty striped sliders and leaving her hair in loose, tousled waves, the reality star was effortlessly stunning as she put on a sizzling display for the camera.

Clearly bored of the drizzly weather while away, Frankie captioned the playful shots: 'Trying to do the sun dance so all this rain in Sydney goes away.'

The blonde joined best pal and MIC co-star Tiffany Watson in Australia last week, who spent the festive period Down Under.

Bring the sun back: Clearly bored of the drizzly weather while away, Frankie captioned the playful shots: 'Trying to do the sun dance so all this rain in Sydney goes away'

Frankie and Tiff have grown even closer in recent months following their break-ups from E4 hunks Jamie Laing and Sam Thompson.

Frankie and Jamie called it quits on their on/off relationship in July after a year-long romance.

It was her flirty behaviour with club promoter Harry in the summer that put the nail in the coffin as the pair were unable to put it behind them.

Reunited: The blonde joined best pal and MIC co-star Tiffany Watson in Australia last week, who spent the festive period Down Under

During their turbulent romance, Frankie hooked up with someone else while Jamie was also seen to have been 'inappropriate' with another girl.

In April, she discussed the problems the couple were experiencing in an interview with Heat magazine, revealing: 'Things with Jamie aren't great. Everything is up and down with us at the moment. But we're together for now.'

Since the demise of the relationship, she has enjoyed a string of dates with a slew of handsome suitors hoping to win her heart.
Paige Butcher treated her daughter with Eddie Murphy to a trip to the park on Tuesday in Los Angeles.

The 38-year-old actress showed her model looks in a gold sweatshirt, grey skinny jeans and black boots for the mother-daughter bonding experience.

Paige had her blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail and accessorized with sunglasses.

Mother and daughter: Paige Butcher treated 20-month-old daughter Izzy Oona to a trip to a park on Tuesday in Los Angeles

She held hands with her 20-month-old daughter Izzy Oona as they walked together on a footpath in the park.

Izzy looked kid cute in a printed top, grey sweats and little Nike trainers with hot pink swoosh.

Paige also played with Izzy as they climbed aboard a slide together.

The native of Perth, Australia flashed her cute smile while climbing into a black SUV after their trip to the park.

Blonde beauty: The 38-year-old native of Perth, Australia looked casually chic in a gold sweatshirt and grey skinny jeans

Going down: Paige and Iggy climbed aboard a slide at the park

Paige and Eddie have been in a relationship since 2012 and welcomed Izzy in May 2016.

Eddie rose to fame as a cast member on Saturday Night Live from 1980 to 1984.

He went on to star in films such as 48 Hrs, Trading Places, Coming To America and the Beverly Hills Cop series.

Cute smile: The doting mother smiled as she climbed into a black SUV after the park trip

Eddie will join Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito in the sequel Triplets currently in pre-production.

It was also reported that he would reprise his role as Axel Foley in Beverly Hills Cop 4.

Eddie has eight other children from past relationships.

The Brooklyn native has five children with his former wife, Nicole Mitchell, and one child each with former flames Mel B, Tamara Hood Johnson and Paulette McNeely.
Taylor Swift wants a copyright lawsuit against her dropped.

The pop star has been sued by two songwriters claiming her hit single Shake it Off stole phrases from their 2001 song called Playas Gon' Play performed by 3LW.

But the 28-year-old's legal team said on Wednesday that 'the phrases in question are too short to get legal protection' according to TMZ.

Hot water: Taylor Swift has been sued by two songwriters claiming her hit single Shake it Off stole phrases from their 2001 song called Playas Gon' Play performed by 3LW

Back in September, Sean Hall and Nathan Butler dropped a lawsuit asking for financial reimbursement claiming '20% of Shake It Off is their song'.

Playas Gon' Play - which hit 88 on Billboard's Hot 100 - featured the lyrics: 'Playas, they gonna play and haters, they gonna hate.'

Shake It Off has Swift singing 'Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play. And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate'.

However, Swift's lawyers said Hall and Butler 'cannot monopolize the idea that players will play and haters will hate."

First cut: Playas Gon' Play - which hit 88 on Billboard's Hot 100 - featured the lyrics: 'Playas, they gonna play and haters, they gonna hate.'; (3LW pictured in 2001)

One of Taylor's reps told TMZ: 'This is a ridiculous claim and nothing more than a money grab. The law is simple and clear. They do not have a case.'

3LW was a girl group formed in 1999. Its founding members were Adrienne Bailon, Kiely Williams, and Naturi Naughton.

Butler has worked with Aaron Carter and The Backstreet Boys while Hall has worked with Justin Bieber, Maroon 5. and Pink.

Echo: Shake It Off has Swift singing 'Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play. And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate'

Meanwhile, Shake It Off was from Swift's last album 1989 while her new album Reputation is tearing up the charts with major record sales.

And tickets for her forthcoming tour of the same name moved more than $180 million in sales in its first week.

Tickets for the 33-show tour, which begins May 8 in Glendale, Arizona and runs through October 6 in Arlington, Texas, initially hit the market December 13, with fans verified through a promotion getting the first crack at the tickets for four days, with sales opening up to everyone thereafter.
Saoirse Ronan and her Lady Bird director Greta Gerwig coordinated in matching white ensembles to accept their honors at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards in Manhattan Wednesday.

The Irish-American 23-year-old received best actress for her role as misfit teen Christine 'Lady Bird' McPherson in the 34-year-old NoCal native's directorial debut, which earned best picture.

Saoirse and Greta both opted for white because they're wearing all-black attire at this Sunday's Golden Globe Awards as part of a planned anti-sexual harassment protest.

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Twinning: Saoirse Ronan (R) and her Lady Bird director Greta Gerwig (L) coordinated in matching white ensembles to accept their New York Film Critics Circle Awards on Wednesday

On-set snap: The Irish-American 23-year-old (L) received best actress for her role as misfit teen Christine 'Lady Bird' McPherson in the 34-year-old NoCal native's (R) directorial debut, which earned best picture

'I'm bringing one of my best friends with me and she'll be wearing black also,' Ronan told Page Six on Tuesday.

'The relationships between women are so strong when you have them and it's about time that we get to experience that in our industry, too, you know?'

The Beverly Hilton red carpet will be flooded by ebony ensembles from Gal Gadot, Mary J. Blige, Allison Janney, as well as the founders of the newly-launched initiative - Time's Up.

Meanwhile, the two-time Oscar nominee dazzled TAO Downtown in a Calvin Klein blazer, black pants, hot-pink pumps, and David Webb 'Streamer' earrings selected by stylist Elizabeth Saltzman.

Feminists: Saoirse and Greta both opted for white because they're wearing all-black attire at this Sunday's Golden Globe Awards as part of a planned anti-sexual harassment protest

Ronan told Page Six on Tuesday: 'I'm bringing one of my best friends with me and she'll be wearing black also. The relationships between women are so strong when you have them and it's about time that we get to experience that in our industry, too, you know?'

Chic: The two-time Oscar nominee dazzled TAO Downtown in a Calvin Klein blazer, black pants, pink pumps, and David Webb 'Streamer' earrings selected by stylist Elizabeth Saltzman

Sophisticated: Hairstylist Ben Skervin slicked back Saoirse's blonde locks and make-up artist Talia Sparrow applied her gothic Laura Mercier 'Velour Extreme Matte' lipstick

'I wasn't insecure about it': When the Galway Girl video vixen's flawless complexion broke out during her Broadway run in The Crucible, she used the blemishes for her part in Lady Bird

Hairstylist Ben Skervin slicked back Saoirse's blonde locks and make-up artist Talia Sparrow applied her gothic Laura Mercier 'Velour Extreme Matte' lipstick.

When the Galway Girl video vixen's flawless complexion broke out during her Broadway run in The Crucible, she used the blemishes for her part in Lady Bird.

'I wasn't insecure about it, for whatever reason,' Ronan told Variety on Wednesday. 'I just felt totally game to do it.'

CBS Sunday Morning anchor Jane Pauley presented the award to Greta, who let her natural beauty shine through with minimal make-up and simple hoop earrings.

Impassioned: Greta gave an animated speech as she hit the stage in her stunning dress

Strutting her stuff: She looked chic in her all-white ensemble which made the most of her statuesque frame

Short hair, don't care: CBS Sunday Morning anchor Jane Pauley presented the award to Greta, who let her natural beauty shine through with minimal make-up and simple hoop earrings

Basic: The two-time Golden Globe nominee bared her biceps in a sleeveless column dress fastened at the side and matching pumps selected by stylist Cristina Ehrlich

Hey you! Gerwig reunited with her Lady Bird leading man Timothee Chalamet (L), whose Call Me By Your Name director Luca Guadagnino (2-L) presented him with the best actor prize

PDA; The former Mumblecore queen even gave the 22-year-old Golden Globe nominee an affectionate hug on the red carpet

Having a laugh: The blonde beauty was chatting on the red carpet - and seemed to be having a hoot while talking to presenters

The two-time Golden Globe nominee bared her biceps in a sleeveless column dress fastened at the side and matching pumps selected by stylist Cristina Ehrlich.

Gerwig excitedly reunited with her Lady Bird leading man Timothee Chalamet, whose Call Me By Your Name director Luca Guadagnino presented him with the best actor prize.

The former Mumblecore queen even gave the 22-year-old Golden Globe nominee an affectionate hug on the red carpet.

British fans can finally catch Timothee as edgy musician Kyle Scheible in the Barnard College grad's coming-of-age dramedy when it hits UK theaters on February 16.

It boy: British fans can finally catch Timothee as edgy musician Kyle Scheible in the Barnard College grad's coming-of-age dramedy when it hits UK theaters on February 16

Handsome: And the Loving Vincent actress cozied up to Chalamet's onscreen leading man, Armie Hammer, who's also receiving Oscar buzz for his part as elusive, bisexual Oliver

Dapper duo: Hours earlier, the ex-boyfriend of Lourdes Leon thanked Elizabeth Chambers, the wife of his 31-year-old castmate, for 'letting me crawl all over your husband for two months'

And the Loving Vincent actress cozied up to Chalamet's handsome onscreen leading man, Armie Hammer, who's also receiving Oscar buzz for his part as elusive, bisexual Oliver.

Hours earlier, the ex-boyfriend of Lourdes Leon thanked Elizabeth Chambers, the wife of his 31-year-old castmate, for 'letting me crawl all over your husband for two months.'

Gerwig and Ronan will compete for four Golden Globes - motion picture musical/comedy, actress musical/comedy, supporting actress, and screenplay - during the Beverly Hills broadcast on NBC.

Airing Sunday on NBC! Gerwig and Ronan will compete for four Golden Globes - motion picture musical/comedy, actress musical/comedy, supporting actress, and screenplay

Airing January 21 on TNT/TBS! The talented twosome will then compete for three trophies - lead actress, supporting actress, and ensemble - at the Screen Actors Guild Awards

The talented twosome will then compete for three trophies - lead actress, supporting actress, and ensemble - at the Screen Actors Guild Awards airing January 21 on TNT/TBS.

Also at TAO Downtown was Girls Trip scene stealer Tiffany Haddish, who took home the prize for best supporting actress for playing the outrageous, unemployed Dina.

Make-up artist Dionne Wynn applied the 38-year-old comedian's kohl-rimmed eyes and stylist Bryon Javar selected her leggy, bell-sleeved silk gown.

Thigh's the limit! Also at TAO Downtown was Girls Trip scene stealer Tiffany Haddish, who took home the prize for best supporting actress for playing the outrageous, unemployed Dina

Strike a pose! Make-up artist Dionne Wynn applied the 38-year-old comedian's kohl-rimmed eyes and stylist Bryon Javar selected her leggy, bell-sleeved silk gown

Still going strong! The Florida Project star Willem Dafoe - who scored best supporting actor - suited up alongside his Italian wife of nearly 13 years, Giada Colagrande

Mingling: Black Panther's Michael B. Jordan looked dapper in his all-black suit while Get Out actress Betty Gabriel was pretty in an off-the-shoulder pink ombre cocktail dress

Lovely ladies: Mudbound director Dee Rees (L) honored her cinematographer in a blue maxi-blazer while Phantom Thread actress Lesley Manville (R) wore a black lacy creation

The Florida Project star Willem Dafoe - who scored best supporting actor - suited up alongside his Italian wife of nearly 13 years, Giada Colagrande.

Black Panther's Michael B. Jordan looked dapper in his all-black suit while Get Out actress Betty Gabriel was pretty in an off-the-shoulder pink ombre cocktail dress.

Mudbound director Dee Rees honored her cinematographer in a blue maxi-blazer and wide-leg trousers while Phantom Thread actress Lesley Manville wore a black lacy creation.
She has had one heck of a trip in 2017.

And Tiffany Haddish was ready to celebrate an even better new year as she won Best Supporting Actress at the New York Film Critics Awards on Wednesday.

The Girl's Trip star, 38, left little to the imagination in a dark satin wrap dress as she turned heads on the red carpet.

But it was her speech that got all the attention. 'First, I want to thank God,' she began, 'because without God my Mom and Daddy wouldnt have put their two uglies together and made me.'

'Im thankful for the critics. Im learning a lot about you guys. The only critics I knew before this were Siskel and Ebert and when they passed I was like "Oh well'".

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Daring to impress, the comedian allowed her ample bosom to take center stage as the dress plunged low.

Her gorgeous gams were on full display as the couture gown had a high and wide slit that ended at her lithe waist.

As she made various poses with the long sleeved gown, her flawless skin tone shined under a slight smokey eye and touch of amber lip.

Tiffany's trademark brunette tresses were tightly curled and wrapped in a Grecian bun on top of her head.

Legs for days: Her gorgeous gams were on full display as the couture gown had a high and wide slit that ended at her lithe waist

Glamour gal: As she made various poses with the long sleeved gown, her flawless skin tone shined under a slight smokey eye and touch of amber lip

Larking around: The stunning star posed for a playful selfie with Kristen Anderson-Lopez

The outing comes after the actress was snubbed for a Golden Globe nomination earlier in December, but Tiffany was not upset.

The actress responded on Twitter after Jada Pinkett Smith lashed out at the Hollywood Foreign Press for overlooking her Girls Trip co-star.

'Thank all of yall for your love and support, I dont know or care much about snubs because Im not nasty like that!!' the 38-year-old tweeted.

Hair today: Tiffany's trademark brunette tresses were tightly curled and wrapped in a Grecian bun on top of her head

Playing around: The stunner was flashing a peek of her endless legs from beneath the perilously slashed gown

Drink up! She was gulping down a cocktail as she took a break from her speech

New York Film Critics Circle Awards Best Picture Lady Bird Best Director Sean Baker - THE FLORIDA PROJECT Best Screenplay Paul Thomas Anderson - PHANTOM THREAD Best Actress Saoirse Ronan - LADY BIRD Best Actor Timothee Chalamet - CALL ME BY YOUR NAME Best Supporting Actress Tiffany Haddish - GIRLS TRIP Best Supporting Actor Willem Dafoe - THE FLORIDA PROJECT Best Cinematographer Rachel Morrison - MUDBOUND Best Animated Film Coco Best Non-Fiction Film (Documentary) Faces Places Best Foreign Language Film BPM (Beats Per Minute) Best First Film Jordan Peele - GET OUT Special Award Molly Haskell - CAREER ACHIEVEMENT Advertisement

'But I love my girl Jada and I love all of you! @jadapsmith @VanityFair #SHEREADY'

The day before, Jada went on a lengthy Twitter rant, accusing the HFPA - the non-profit organization that votes for the films - of refusing to even watch Girls Trip, which Jada and Tiffany both star in.

'I'm not upset about @TiffanyHaddish or @GirlsTripMovie not getting a nom... I'm discouraged about the fact that the Hollywood Foreign Press/@goldenglobes wouldn't even WATCH the movie.'

'Girls Trip was one of the most successful films this summer & Tiff was hands down the funniest person on screen in 2017 and we couldn't get eyes on the film or a press conference.

Jada concluded: 'Moments like this occur so that we have an opportunity to discuss, recreate and regenerate old paradigms. It's all about growth. Love.'
She's the PR maven who has just returned from a lavish post-Christmas family vacation on the Gold Coast.

And it seems the yuletide spirit of giving has stuck with Roxy Jacenko, as she donated a slew of toys to a children's charity in Sydney on Thursday.

The 37-year-old directed her generosity toward the East Village Shopping Centre in Zetland, that is running a're-gifting drive' that will see goodies donated to the not-for-profit Weave Youth and Community Services.

Charitable: It seems the yuletide spirit of giving has stuck with Roxy Jacenko, 37, into the new year, as she donated a slew of toys to a children's charity in Sydney on Thursday

Roxy looked stunning in a sleeveless black Chanel dress that finished just above the knee.

Her blonde locks hung in loose waves over her shoulders as she finished the ensemble with a pair of bow-embellished black heels.

Roxy's look was completed with a light rose shade for her lip and a subtle application of highlighter to accentuate her cheekbones.

Good cause: Roxy directed her generosity toward the East Village Shopping Centre in Zetland in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, that is running a 're-gifting drive' that will see goodies donated to the not-for-profit Weave Youth and Community Services

Svelte: The talent manager looked stunning in a sleeveless black Chanel dress that finished just above the knee

On point: Her blonde locks hung in loose waves over her shoulders as she finished the ensemble with a pair of bow-embellished black heels

Chic: Roxy's look was completed with a light rose shade for her lip and a subtle application of highlighter to accentuate her cheekbones

Armed with a myriad of goodies that included Lego sets and dolls, Roxy looked as though there was no place she'd rather be as she made the charitable donation.

It was unclear if Roxy rounded up the toys from friends and colleagues, or if they were from her children's private stash.

Roxy even found the time to chat to an adorable tiny tot about one of her gifts and looked as though she was enjoying telling the little girl all about it.

Chuffed: Armed with a myriad of goodies that included Lego sets and dolls, Roxy looked as though there was no place she'd rather be as she made the charitable donation

Giving back: Roxy even found the time to chat to a an adorable tiny tot about one of her gifts, and looked as though she was enjoying telling the little girl all about it

Joy: Roxy was pictured engaging in conversation with one of her Sweaty Betty employees

Similarly, the cherubic tot looked to be hanging off every word Roxy imparted as she tightly held on to a Lego set.

Roxy was also joined by a Sweaty Betty employee, who chose a black, thigh-length ensemble and a pair of strappy shoes.

She also carried a large handbag over her shoulder and a purse and mobile phone in her hand.

Elegant: Roxy was also joined by a Sweaty Betty employee who chose a black, thigh-length ensemble and a pair of strappy shoes

Haul: Roxy also toted a large weaved bag, which possibly held her slew of goodies

Roxy also toted a large weaved bag, which possibly held her slew of goodies.

While the day was all about the spirit of giving, Roxy didn't go away empty handed.

After her charitable duties, she stopped by a florist for some inspiration.

After perusing the flora on offer, Roxy decided on what looked to be a light purple coloured bell flower in a dainty white pot.

Retail therapy: While the day was all about the spirit of giving, Roxy didn't go away empty handed
She's the young actress who bagged the lead part in the Star Wars reboot.

Now Daisy Ridley has reflected on the impact advice from her co-star and Star Wars' original leading lady, Carrie Fisher, had on her.

'Carrie Fisher said not to shrink away from the success but to enjoy it. And that was wonderful,' the 25-year-old told Elle Australia.

'It gets into your mind': Daisy Ridley has reflected the meaningful piece of advice passed on to her from the late Carrie Fisher

Carrie, who was best known for her pivotal role as Princess Leia in the series, shared her words of wisdom to the young starlet before she became a household name.

And with those words of wisdom bestowed upon her, Daisy dug deep for the reboot's last film, The Last Jedi.

The London-born beauty told the magazine the most difficult part of being part of Star Wars was how much her life changed as a result.





'At work, you're normal, you're not the anomaly, unlike in other situations,' the former bartender said.





Allies: 'Carrie Fisher said not to shrink away from the success but to enjoy it. And that was wonderful,' the 25-year-old said

No wars here: And with Carrie's words of wisdom bestowed upon her, Daisy dug deep and worked hard on the second installment, The Last Jedi (cast and directors pictured)

The year ahead looks to be very busy for the brunette stunner as she has two films due for release.

Ophelia, a re-imagining of Hamlet from Ophelia's perspective, will hit US cinemas in January.

Big changes: The London-born beauty told the magazine the most difficult part of being part of Star Wars was how much her life changed as a result

Hard at work: 'At work, you're normal, you're not the anomaly, unlike in other situations,' the former bartender said

She will also voice the part of Cottontail in Peter Rabbit, a new animation that also stars Margot Robbie, Elizabeth Debicki and Rose Byrne.

Daisy will also appear in the final, currently untitled, Star Wars: Episode IX film, which is slated for a 2019 release.

This comes after The Last Jedi was named one of Australia's best performing films at the box-office raking in $20million mark on it's first weekend.
She donated $50,000 to the Time's Up cause that helps 'less privileged women' fight sexual harassment.

And Jessica Chastain was sure to show her support for the initiative as she donned a slogan shirt to leave the Jimmy Kimmel Live studios in Hollywood on Wednesday.

She had arrived at the set looking typically stylish in a navy dress with black accents and a hanky hemline.

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Political: She donated $50,000 to the Time's Up cause that helps 'less privileged women' fight sexual harassment. And Jessica Chastain was sure to show her support for the initiative as she donned a slogan shirt to leave the Jimmy Kimmel Live studios in Hollywood on Wednesday

Times Up aims to support women who bring complaints of sexual harassment and abuse and was launched Monday with the support of actresses and executives including Reese Witherspoon, Shonda Rhimes, Natalie Portman and Kerry Washington.

Put together by a group of influential female attorneys in Tinseltown and published the week of the Golden Globes Awards.

The letter acknowledges the privilege enjoyed in Hollywood and calls for a national sea change in gender equality.

Blue-tiful! Jessica She had arrived at the set looking typically stylish in a navy dress with black accents and a hanky hemline teamed with high-heeled black sandals

Activist: She has been an outspoken critic of discrimination and abuse against women in Hollywood and she made sure to show support for the coalition formed to support victims

Star with a message: Jessica was spotted leaving the talk show in an all-black ensemble of sleeveless top and high-waisted slacks promoting the Time's Up initiative

Generating buzz: Just 24 hours earlier, Jessica had glammed it up at the Palm Springs International Film Festival's gala where she received the coveted Chairman's Award

The coalition is asking women to wear black at the Golden Globes in on Sunday in a sign of solidarity with the victims of sexual harassment who have spoken out over the last few months.

Who gave what? Legal fund donors Almost 5,000 people had donated a total of $13.7million to the Time's Up fund by Tuesday. Below are some of the highest profile donors, and the amount they donated. Steven Spielberg and his wife Kate Capshaw - $2million

J.J. Abrams and his wife Katie McGrath - $1million

Reese Witherspoon - $500,000

Meryl Streep - $500,000

Jennifer Aniston - $500,000

Shonda Rhimes, producer - $500,000

Kathleen Kennedy, Lucasfilm head - $250,000

Taylor Swift - $100,000

Oprah Winfrey - $100,000

Emma Stone - $50,000

Natalie Portman - $50,000

Cate Blanchett - $50,000

Jessica Chastain - $50,000

Anne Hathaway - $25,000

Blake Lively - $25,000

Jessica Capshaw - $25,000

Sheryl Sandberg -$25,000

Justin Timberlake and his wife Jessica Biel - $25,000 Donations are being accepted through Go Fund Me Advertisement

Jessica has been nominated for Best Actress in the upcoming ceremony for her leading role in the film Molly's Game, as has the film's screenplay, which was written by the director Aaron Sorkin.

The film is based on Molly Bloom's memoir, Molly's Game: From Hollywood's Elite to Wall Street's Billionaire Boys Club, My High-Stakes Adventure in the World of Underground Poker.

Jessica was continuing to promote the Aaron Sorkin-directed feature during her appearance on Jimmy Kimmel's late night show.

The actress arrived at the ABC studio in Hollywood wearing a sleeveless navy and black frock.

She left the bodice unfastened for a more causal look and stepped out in high-heeled black sandals.

She wore her trademark flame-red hair loose and had bright red color on her lips.

Just 24 hours earlier, Jessica had glammed it up on the red carpet at the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

She was at the festival's star-studded gala night to receive the coveted Chairman's Award.

Also seen arriving at Jimmy Kimmel Live was recording artist and music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs.

The 48-year-old wore a blue sweater with a roaring tiger motif on the front and faded blue jeans.

Diddy also has a project to promote - his new Fox show The Four: The Battle for Stardom that premieres on Thursday.

He joins Fergie, DJ Khaled, Meghan Trainor and Charlie Walk in the latest incarnation of a singing reality show competition.
She's in the midst of a heated legal battle with the Kardashian clan.

But Blac Chyna showed she isn't letting the drama get to her when she took to Instagram to debut her new pink hair on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old slipped into a perilously short plum dress with a plunging neckline that gave more than a glimpse of the reality TV star's assets.

No sweat: Blac Chyna showed she isn't letting her legal dramas with the Kardashians get to her when she took to Instagram to debut her new pink hair on Wednesday

The star wore the long-sleeved, thigh skimming dress with plum colored high heels.

Chyna wore a full face of impeccable makeup, including a light pink shade of lip liner that matched her hair color.

The entrepreneur wore her wavy pink tresses untied and parted down the center.

Pretty in pink: The 29-year-old slipped into a perilously short plum dress with a plunging neckline that gave more than a glimpse of the reality TV star's assets

Thigh's the limit: The star wore the long-sleeved, thigh skimming dress with plum colored high heels

Meanwhile, her ex-fiancee Rob Kardashian has denied Chynas claims that he assaulted her during an alleged incident in April 2017.

The 30-year-old Keeping Up With The Kardashians star shares 13-month-old daughter Dream with his former partner, who has claimed in a lawsuit filed late last year that he had been violent towards her during their tumultuous relationship.

Chyna claimed in the documents filed in November that when she tried phoning her former partner Tyga - with whom she has five-year-old son King Cairo - the alleged attack happened.

Power couple: Meanwhile, her ex-fiancee Rob Kardashian has denied Chynas claims that he assaulted her during an alleged incident in April 2017. Pictured January 2017

She claims Rob 'immediately grabbed the phone from her hand and violently knocked her to the ground where she landed on her hands and knees.'

However, in a response filed last week and obtained by The Blast on Tuesday, the star insisted Chyna did not 'suffer any injury or harm' at his hands.

'Plaintiffs causes of action are barred because she did not suffer any injury or harm as a result of any conduct by Defendant,' part of the response said.

Seconds please: The 30-year-old Keeping Up With The Kardashians star shares 13-month-old daughter Dream with his former partner. Seen in a March 2017 episode of KUWTK

'Damages resulting from any injuries or harm Plaintiff claims to have suffered must also be offset against the damages Defendant suffered as a result of Plaintiffs wrongful acts.'

It comes after Chyna, 29, also claimed she 'suffered pain and difficulty walking for days' after the alleged incident.

She said she called King's nanny, who took him away, before locking herself in her bedroom.

Date night: Chyna claimed in the documents filed in November that when she tried phoning her former partner Tyga the alleged attack happened. Seen in April 2017

However, she then alleged that 'Rob Kardashian lost all control and tore the hinges off of Ms. White's bedroom door. Ms. White then retreated to the bathroom, hid in the bathroom closet, and locked the door.'

The court documents state: 'Ms. White suffered pain and difficulty walking for days following the domestic dispute as a result of Rob Kardashian violently knocking her to the ground.'

In addition to alleging that Rob assaulted her, Chyna is also seeking legal action against his famous family, whom she claims prevented their reality show Rob & Chyna from being renewed for a second season.
Madonna wants everyone to start the new year off right.

The Material Girl posted a sweet snap of herself with a group of children from Malawi asking her followers to 'BE the CHANGE' they want in 2018 on Wednesday.

'This year we'll begin by building 4 brand new schools in the Kasungu District of Malawai,' the pop superstar, 59, captioned the photo.

Challenge: Madonna, 59, posted a sweet snap of herself with a group of children from Malawi asking her followers to 'BE the CHANGE' they want in 2018 on Wednesday

'Let's start 2018 off right.' she began the caption of the picture of herself in a woven fedora and multicolored scarf.

'I'm challenging you all to stand up, come together and BE the CHANGE you want to SEE in the World!' she continued.

The Express Yourself songstress went on to tag Instagram accounts that would help raise money for the charitable project.

'That's 14 schools in total that will help thousands of kids get the education they so rightfully deserve!' Madonna wrote.

Fight the good fight! The Express Yourself songstress went on to tag Instagram accounts that would help raise money for the charitable project

Famous friends: One shot had the Like A Virgin hit maker in a mesh lace ensemble as she was kissed by artist Keith Haring

'Now is the time! Joine the #revolutionoflove!'

The adorable snapped showcased the iconic superstar wearing ripped denim and a white long sleeve shirt in front of the large crowd of children.

Meanwhile, Madonna posted several photos on her Instagram account as she rang in the new year.

Extraordinary friends! 'Fun Fun Fun in 2019. My friends are far from ordinary,' wrote the Who's That Girl actress on a photo filled with beautiful people

One shot had the Like A Virgin hit maker in a mesh lace ensemble as she was kissed by artist Keith Haring.

'Fun Fun Fun in 2019. My friends are far from ordinary,' wrote the Who's That Girl actress on a photo filled with beautiful people.

And an adorable photo of Madonna and her 21-year-old daughter Lourdes was captioned: 'We are ready for you 2018!'
His sister tragically died of cancer in September after raising millions of dollars for charity.

And Samuel Johnson has reflected on his tough but inspiring 2017, taking to the Love Your Sister Instagram on Tuesday to share his 'best nine' memories from the year.

The Gold Logie winner shared a sweet childhood snap of him and his sister, as well as photos of them working together for their cancer charity.

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'Shes always here': Samuel Johnson shares sweet childhood snap of him and late sister Connie as he reflects on 2017

A black and white photo of the pair showed a young Connie smiling for the camera, with baby Samuel just slightly out of the camera shot.

Another snap saw Connie posing arms outstretched in front of their Big Heart Project a fundraising project which raised more than $2.5 million and broke the world record for the longest line of coins.

'LYS Village #2017bestnine,' the collage of photos were captioned, alongside two love heart emojis.

Throwback: A black and white photo of the pair showed a young Connie smiling for the camera, with baby Samuel just slightly out of the camera shot

Tragic death: Connie died in September, a day after she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her work fighting breast cancer

Supporters of Samuel were quick to comment on the sweet photos with one follower writing: 'Shes always here. In your heart, and mine, and everyone who was blessed to have been a part of her.'

'What a woman! An inspiration to all those on a cancer journey,' another commented.

Connie died in September, a day after she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her work in the fight against breast cancer.

Samuel retired from acting in 2016 to support his sister's charitable projects and the siblings raised millions for cancer research and help.

Speaking to TV Week last month, the Molly star said he was embracing life after Connie's death.

Inspiring pair: Samuel retired from acting in 2016 to support his sister's charitable projects, the siblings raising millions for cancer research and help

'It didn't crush my spirit': Speaking to TV Week last month, the Molly star said he was embracing life after Connie's death

'My life has become progressively more surreal since my sister's cancer diagnosis,' Samuel confessed.

The actor explained that Connie's cancer battle had taught him to live more in the moment.

'It can defeat you or it can give you a real understanding that now is awesome and I'm really glad I fell on the right side of it because it didn't crush my spirit, instead, it increased my zest for life,' Samuel said.

'I'm a big believer that death can be a positive experience.'
His desire for more plastic surgery has reportedly forced him to pull out of this year's Celebrity Big Brother.

And Rodrigo Alves, who is now hoping to change his 'Human Ken Doll' moniker to 'Roddy Doll', looked in his element as he shopped till he dropped while flaunting his surgically-enhanced frame in London on Wednesday.

His sighting comes after the plastic surgery addict, 34, shared never-before-seen images exclusively to MailOnline which showed his appearance ten years before his quest for perfection.

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Loving life: Rodrigo Alves, 34, who is now hoping to change his 'Human Ken Doll' moniker to 'Roddy Doll', looked in his element as he shopped till he dropped in London on Wednesday

Before: His sighting comes after the plastic surgery addict, 34, shared never-before-seen images exclusively to MailOnline which showed his appearance ten years ago

Rodrigo, who has spent an eye-watering 480,000 on his quest for perfection, commanded attention as he paraded his augmented frame.

The Brazilian opted for a snazzy tailored blazer to combat the winter chill and complemented it with his figure-hugging white shirt.

He teamed the look with a pair of skinny trousers and loafers, while toting all of his essentials in an oversized Gucci bag.

Rodrigo's blonde mane, which is a result of a gruelling 19k transplant in LA, were slicked to the side - putting prominence on his features, which appeared to be accentuated by a layer of bronzer.

Work it! The plastic surgery addict, 34, couldn't resist flaunting his surgically enhanced frame in a sartorially savvy, skin-tight ensemble as he took to the streets of the British capital

Eyes on his: Rodrigo, who has spent an eye-watering 400,000 on his quest for perfection, commanded attention as he paraded his augmented frame

Sartorially savvy: The Brazilian opted for a snazzy tailored blazer to combat the winter chill and complemented it with his figure-hugging white shirt

The TV star, who has made no secret of his desire to go under the knife, proved to be thrilled as he posed for selfies with fans.

Rodrigo has now shown how far he's come over the course of ten years by sharing snaps exclusively to MailOnline on his appearance before his surgeries and procedures.

The fresh-faced reality star looked thrilled as he posed away for snaps.

In images taken in 2006, the then 24-year-old donned a plaid shirt and grey trousers, along with a Dolce & Gabbana belt, which no doubt hinted at his future flair for fashion.

Previously: Rodrigo has now shown how far he's come over the course of ten years by sharing snaps exclusively to MailOnline on his appearance before his surgeries and procedures

Ten years ago: In images taken in 2006, the then 24-year-old donned a plaid shirt and grey trousers, along with a Dolce & Gabbana belt, which hinted at his future flair for fashion

On holiday: The fresh-faced reality star looked thrilled as he posed away for snaps

Other snaps shared to MailOnline appeared to show Rodrigo a few years down the line.

The Latin star's face looked altered compared to his 2006 images - proving he had started his plastic surgery journey.

Meanwhile, this comes after reports he's not stepping in the Celebrity Big Brother house amid claims he's set to have some ribs removed in another cosmetic surgery.

In December, Rodrigo revealed plans to have six ribs removed in what would be his landmark 60th cosmetic procedure.

But he was left left frustrated after surgeons refused to perform the full procedure over fears it would compromise his lungs.

His journey begins: Other snaps shared to MailOnline appeared to show Rodrigo a few years down the line

Changes: The Latin star's face looked altered compared to his 2006 images - proving he had started his plastic surgery journey

Back in the day: Rodrigo looked in his elements as he worked his angles in the throwback snaps

Old snaps: In another blast from the past image, Rodrigo showed his frame in a skin-tight white top

Instead, a top Hollywood surgeon will remove four floating ribs in a 28,000 procedure to give the jet-setter, who has spent an estimated 400,000 on plastic surgeries, an 'elegant and classic figure'.

Sources claim the TV personality will fly out to Los Angeles this week for the surgery despite being rumoured to appear on Celebrity Big Brother.

The star spoke exclusively to MailOnline, saying he was initially disappointed not to have the green-light for the original operation after he tried to convince his doctor to remove six ribs.

He said: 'I was frustrated at first because I really want to be able to fit back into my four breast blazers as before but removing two extra ribs could compromise my lungs, and my doctors must be very careful that my health is not compromised.

'They said a big no to that and said that safety always come first. Aesthetically speaking the results will be the same as if six ribs were removed. The visual impact will be the same.'

In good condition: Meanwhile, Rodrigo's blonde mane, which is a result of a gruelling 19k transplant in LA, were slicked to the side - putting prominence on his features as he continued about his day in London

Famous: The TV star, who has made no secret of his desire to go under the knife, proved to be thrilled as he posed for selfies with fans

Social media savvy: Rodrigo was seen trying out different brow colours on Instagram

Priorities: Rodrigo's sighting comes after reports he's not steeping in the Celebrity Big Brother house amid claims he's set to have some ribs removed in another cosmetic surgery

'My life shall be changed forever as from January 2018 and by summer 2018 I will be looking like a fitness model.'

The fashion-forward star said he was motivated to go under the knife once more so he would feel more confident in his couture blazers, and because he felt his hunky physique had become 'shapeless and big'.

Despite his extensive catalogue of procedures, the socialite admitted to nerves ahead of the operation, which he says has been favoured by many celebs, but said he was looking forward to not 'bursting out of his slim-fit blazers.'

He said: 'It will be my surgery number 60 between countless procedures but I'm nervous yes because this is not a plastic surgery where skin or fat will be removed, we are talking about my floating ribs.
Bruno Langley was written out of ITV soap Coronation Street with immediate effect, when an investigation into sexual assault began in October.

But actors from the show have proved that they are standing by the star, after he broke his silence on social media, despite his conviction for sexual assault.

Bruno was met with a wave of support from stars such as Beverley Callard and Claire King when he wished his Twitter followers 'all the very best for 2018' in a festive post.

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Rallying around: Bruno Langley's Twitter post was met with a wave of support from old colleagues and friends on Monday

Liz McDonald actress Beverley quickly replied: 'Happy new year to you, darling! 'So much love! X.'

When asked if Bruno was still her friend, Beverly keenly responded: 'Without doubt!!!! Much love.'

Former soap actress Claire King, famous for playing Erica Holroyd, wrote to Bruno: 'You too Hun x.'

And one-time Coronation Street writer Daran Little said: 'Same to you my lovely friend. Here's to a fantastic New Year, hope 2018 is amazing for you xxxx.'

Stand by your man: Beverly Callard (left) and Claire King (right) sent messages of support to Bruno on Twitter

Soap axing: Bruno (left) is best known for his role as Todd Grimshaw (here with soap mother Eileen Grimshaw) alongside actress Sue Cleaver but he was written out of the soap in late 2017

Friend and fellow soap actor Ayden Callaghan, who plays Joe Roscoe in Hollyoaks, wrote: 'Happy new year pal. X'

Ex-CBeebies presenter Sarah Jane Honeywell also replied: 'Happy new year lovely - hope we see you soon xxx'

Bruno was axed from Coronation Street after being convicted of groping two women on a drunken night out.

It was quite a contrast to the response of Bruno's soap mother Sue Carter, who plays Eileen Grimshaw, who offered little compassion in December, saying: 'He had everything he ever wanted and now hes lost it all.'

Bruno, 34, most famous for playing Todd Grimshaw, has not returned to social media since September but did break his silence to wish his followers well on New Year's Day.

He wrote: 'I Hope everyone had a nice Christmas, and I wish you all the very best for the very impending 2018 x.'

'I wish you all the very best': Shamed Coronation Street star Bruno broke his silence on social media with a positive New Year's message after being convicted of sexual assault

Trying to make amends? It's the first time Bruno has addressed his fans since September

Messages of support: Soap actors were quick to reply to Bruno to show that he still had friends among them

Some of Bruno's fans were also quick to write back to the star, with words of support such as: 'Hope 2018 is a better year for you Bruno and you can move forward, really miss you on Corrie.'

'Happy New Year Bruno and all the very best for 2018 !'

'Merry Christmas/NewYear Hope you had an amazing time ! Missing you very much. Hope to see you very soon. Lots of love xx'

Yet not everyone reacted in a positive way to his message.

Another wrote: 'I don't condone what you did, I don't even know the full details, but what I do know is regretting an action after too much alcohol, the real demon here. Some of us learn the hard way. Good luck for the future.'

Something to say: Bruno's fans were largely supportive, yet divided by his words on social media

Hasty: Coronation Street's Todd made his exit from the soap in Friday night's double bill, fleeing the street off-screen after actor Bruno was axed from the soap

Another simply added: 'He pleaded guilty.'

Meanwhile, Coronation Street fans said goodbye to Todd in a hasty exit scene, after writers scrambled to write around actor Bruno's axing from the soap.

Viewers took to Twitter in confusion at the final scene, which saw Todd apparently flee Weatherfield with adopted daughter Summer off-screen.

In the scene, which aired in the second part of Friday's double bill, fans saw Todd's mum Eileen (Sue Cleaver) standing in the street with Summer (Matilda Freeman), as a car screeches to a halt on the pavement.

A dubbed voice, meant to be Todd's, tells Summer to get in the car before speeding away, leaving Eileen baffled as to where her son was going.

Fans were baffled by the scene, with some unaware this was to be Todd's exit, while others were disappointed at the character's conclusion.

One tweeted: 'So was that how they get rid of #Todd in #Corrie - A faceless voice in a car telling Summer to get in with his mother confirming it's him.'

Uncertain: While sources revealed viewers will learn more about Todd's exit in coming episodes, others still took to Twitter in confusion as to what had happened

Another wrote: 'I'm guessing that's Todd's last episode and we will not be seeing him again.'

The Sunday People also reported earlier this month that Todd fled the UK after punching a police officer off-screen, with Bruno's last on-screen appearance seeing him accept a phonecall while watching a carol service in the local church.

Considering Todd's vicar beau Billy had just confessed to killing Peter Barlow's mum Susan, perhaps this led to his violent turn.

The shamed actor, who has played Todd for 16 years, was pulled from filming for the soap in October after a woman complained to ITV that he had sexually assaulted her on a night out.

A source told MailOnline: 'Bruno's contract ended on October 26th following an internal inquiry which is separate to any police investigation.

'He has not filmed any scenes since the inquiry started, but scenes featuring Bruno will continue to be screened until December 24th. Storylines beyond this point have been rewritten.'

Bruno pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault at a hearing in November, and was given a 12-month community order, including 40 days of rehabilitation activity and to submit to a curfew.

The actor offered a tearful apology for his actions, and has since said he is attending therapy session and alcoholic anonymous meetings.

He told The Sunday Mirror: 'I've been living way too fast for too long... My drinking had escalated. The wheels fell off.

'I wasn't particularly happy... I've started going to see a counsellor and been attending AA meetings and that's helped.'
Malika Haqq's reality TV career once saw her dealing with the murder of her boyfriend Chinx.

Having come over to the UK for Channel 5's Celebrity Big Brother, Malika's hidden grief has come to light in a newly-resurfaced clip of the days following a drive-by shooting in 2015 that claimed his life.

Revealed on E!'s Dash Dolls two years ago, the 34-year-old television personality is seen crying in bed after discovering her partner died of multiple gun shot wounds.

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Heartbreaking: Celebrity Big Brother star Malika Haqq, 34, went through a distressing ordeal as her ex boyfriend and rapper Chinx was murdered in 2015

Comforted by her twin sister Khadijah, Malika receives consolation from her BFF and reality TV co-star Khloe Kardashian.

Asking how her long-time friend is coping with the tragic situation, Khloe is seen enquiring: 'You okay?'

Bedbound Malika muttered: 'I don't know' as she is filmed scrolling through messages on her phone.

Devastating: Her ex Chinx (second from right) - who was close friends with Khloe's former beau French Montana - was shockingly gunned down in a drive-by shooting in Queens, New York, in May 2015

Khloe continues in a somber tone: 'It's hurtful and sad and sometimes you'll cry and you have to keep going.'

Malika's twin Khadijah quickly adds: 'Don't cry, OK, I know this is hard.'

'If you don't feel like leaving just stay in bed. I can order room service. I gotta get you to eat something.'

Doting sister: Malika's twin Khadijah quickly comes to her defence to say: 'Don't cry, OK, I know this is hard.'

Her ex Chinx - who was close friends with Khloe's former beau French Montana - was shockingly gunned down in Queens, New York, in May 2015.

The 31-year-old was a member of French Montana's collective of rappers named 'Coke Boys', and rose to fame with his hit song I'm A Coke Boy.

There was some controversy over Malika and Chinx's relationship, as the New York rapper was married to Janelli Pickens, who shared a son.

Tragic: There was some controversy over Malika and Chinx's relationship, as the New York rapper was married to Janelli Pickens, who shared a son (second from right)

Malika is currently on this year's Celebrity Big Brother, where she revealed that she would like to gain popularity on her own terms.

On Wednesday's edition of the show, the reality star confessed: ''Well it's been very difficult for me to break outside of working with my sister [Khadijah] and my best friend [Khloe]'.

Explaining her intentions to co-star Amanda Barrie, she continued: 'So it's taken some of the most aggressive challenges for me to step outside of myself'.
Hilary Duff cut a casual figure as she stepped out in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

The American actress dressed down in black leggings and a baggy white top which flashed just a hint of her toned waist as she was seen clutching a green smoothie.

Adding to her look with a knitted navy cardigan, trainers and a denim shirt tied around her waist, the 30-year-old flashed a smile to the camera as she strolled down the street.

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Feeling casual: Hilary Duff sported a low-key ensemble which consisted of a white top and leggings as she was pictured in Los Angeles on Wednesday

Hilary wore minimal make-up for the outing and let her blonde locks fall down past her shoulders.

The Younger star's baggy top offered a glimpse of her stomach as she was pictured with car keys, a drink and phone in hand.

The Houston native topped off her casual ensemble with a beige cap and matching trainers.

Going green: Clutching a healthy smoothie, the 30-year-old appeared in good spirits as she was pictured strolling down the street

Hat's the way: Hilary, who sported a beige cap, has recently reconciled with singer/songwriter Matthew Koma

Hilary is fresh from enjoying the festive period with beau Matthew Koma  two months after the couple reconciled for a third time.

The pair headed to Arizona to bring in the New Year in style, sharing pictures on their respective Instagram accounts as they explored the unique desert rock formations of Amangiri.

Posting a snap of the loved-up couple staring into each other's eyes, Hilary wrote: '@matthewkoma and I surfing desert waves. No big.'

Reunited: In November, Hilary announced that the pair were giving it another shot after breaking up earlier in 2017

The trip came on the back of a vacation in New York prior to Christmas, with the actress posting a picture of the pair embracing.

The former Lizzie McGuire star, who originally split from Matthew in March, revealed in November that the pair were getting back together.

She told Billboard: 'Timing is such a big deal third time's the charm.

'I think that you have history and a past with someone and love, and just because it doesn't work out the first time, the second time as long as there's not too much damage done then it can always work out again.'
Through an impressive display of both brains and beauty, she won the heart of Bachelor Matty J this year.

But looking amazing isn't as simple as Laura Byrne makes it look, she revealed on Thursday.

Sporting her au naturel locks in an Instagram selfie, the reality star wrote: 'I'll just quickly jump in the shower and we can leave' - said no girl with curly hair ever.'

Rock out with your locks out! Laura Byrne flaunts au naturel curls in sultry selfie before blaming high-maintenance hair for constantly making her late

The Bachelor contestant sported a revealing strapless outfit for the picture, which was taken from the front seat of her car.

Despite still looking stunning in the image, it's clear Laura is sick and tired of her high-maintenance hair making her late for events.

Luckily, the beauty arrived on-time for her idyllic Sydney Harbour cruise with boyfriend Matty J on New Year's Day.

Genetically blessed: Laura Byrne has confessed that - surprisingly - looking amazing isn't as simple as she makes it look and, in fact, takes some effort

Matty posed for an Instagram snap on Tuesday, seen sitting on the lip of a dinghy while Laura lay at his feet.

A shirtless Matty looked every bit the bronzed Aussie, showing off his well-toned form while the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge loomed in the background.

Like her beau, Laura also exuded a healthy summer glow in a simple black bikini.

Perfection takes time: It's clear Laura is sick and tired of her high-maintenance hair making her late for events

The couple looked over the moon to be spending quality time on the water, proving that their relationship was in no way lost at sea.

In captioning the photo, Matty sent out a gushing tribute to Laura with: 'You're easily the highlight of 2017.'

Matty's legion of fans were quick to fawn over the romantic photo with comments such as: 'Favourite Bachie Couple' and 'best couple to come out of 2017'.

Smitten: Matty 'J' Johnson and Laura Byrne started 2018 with a splash with the pair looking suitably loved-up as they cruised around Sydney Harbour on New Year's Day

Couple goals: Matty took to Instagram on Tuesday to share a photo that showed the Living Room presenter sitting on the lip of a dinghy while Laura lay at Matty's feet with an arm perched on his knee

Chuffed: The couple looked over the moon to be spending quality time on the water, proving that their relationship was in no way lost at sea

Another chimed in with a similar: 'You two are so cute together, happy New year's Day!! I love you guys.'

Matty sent Australian hearts aflutter in September when he confessed his love for Laura at the Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa in southern Thailand for the Bachelor finale.

'Laura, I love you,' he said, as she burst into tears. 'I really do think you are so perfect.'
Florence Pugh, Tessa Thompson and Daniel Kaluuya, Josh OConnor and Timothee Chalamet have all been nominated for the 2018 EE Bafta Rising Star award.

And Pugh, 22 - who stars in the British crime series Marcella and appeared in 2016's Lady Macbeth - looked delighted as she arrived for the nomination announcement at BAFTA in London on Thursday.

Reflecting on her nomination, Florence revealed: 'The journey to get to this rewarding moment has been exhilarating, and so to feel recognition for doing something I love and the hard work many have put in feels very touching.'

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One to watch: Florence Pugh, 22, looked delighted as she arrived for the nomination announcement of the 2018 EE Bafta Rising Star award in London on Thursday

Rising stars: Florence is set to compete with Tessa Thompson and Daniel Kaluuya for the coveted award (both not present at event)

Florence cut a casual, yet chic figure, in a clingy grey top, with a cream coloured pair of trousers and a matching draped cardigan.

The star of the future already has various accolades under her belt - such as The Evening Standard Breakthrough of The Year Award and The Dublin Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actress.

Florence was joined by fellow nominee Josh - who has made waves after starring in the British drama God's Own Country last year.

The critically acclaimed movie follows the story of a young sheep farmer in Yorkshire whose life is turned upside down by a Romanian migrant.

Talented: Josh O'Connor, 27, who has made waves after starring in the British drama God's Own Country last year, was also in attendance at the event

Stateside success: Timothee Chalamet, 22, is also nominated for the award, but was not present at the event (Stock photo)

Stylish: Florence cut a casual, yet chic figure, in a clingy grey top, with a cream coloured pair of trousers and a matching draped cardigan

Wow: Florence already has various accolades under her belt - such as The Evening Standard Breakthrough of The Year Award and The Dublin Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actress

He told the Evening Standard newspaper of his success: 'I don't think any of us working on the Yorkshire Moors filming this intimate story expected the incredible journey it has been on in the past year.'

And the 27-year-old proved to be thrilled as he rocked up to the event in a navy sweater and roll-up jeans.

Fellow nominees include Los Angeles born actress Tessa Thompson, 34, who starred in 2017's Thor: Ragnarok.

Trendy: Josh proved to be thrilled as he rocked up to the event in a navy sweater and roll-up jeans

Josh told the Evening Standard: 'I don't think any of us working on the Yorkshire Moors filming this intimate story expected the incredible journey it has been on in the past year'

Hitting the big time: The fellow nominees looked delighted at the recognition of their success as they posed away

Incredible performance: Daniel Kaluuya has seen international success with his role in the horror flick, Get Out, last year

Impressive: Timothee Chalamet, 22, has won critical acclaim for his role in the romance drama, Call Me by Your Name

Fellow American Timothee Chalamet, 22, has also been nominated for the award.

The talented star has won critical acclaim for his role in the romance drama, Call Me by Your Name.

Speaking previously about his nomination, Chamalet revealed: 'British audiences embraced the film in a uniquely strong and passionate way.

'I feel an enduring sense of gratitude seeing this response echoed around the world, and for being included in this category.'

Previous recipient: Juno Temple, who won the award back in 2013, was also present at the event and made for a stylish display

Sensational: Hammersmith born Juno flaunted her flair for fashion in large gold hoop earrings and a chunky necklace

Bloomin' beautiful! Juno posed alongside Edith Bowman who wowed in florals

The coveted award has been previously been won by the likes of John Boyega, Tom Hardy, Kristen Stewart.

Juno Temple, who won the award back in 2013, was also present at the event and made for a stylish display.

The winner of the EE Rising Star Award will be announced at the BAFTA Film Awards on February 18.
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She is said to have been 'horrified' this week by the leak of nude pictures taken when she was feeling 'under-confident' about her body.

But Amy Childs put on a brave face at the poolside on Friday as she posed on her sun-drenched getaway to Cape Verde.

The 27-year-old former TOWIE star took her mind off the dream as she enjoyed a relaxing swim in a plunging black swimsuit.

Stunner: Amy Childs showed off her incredible post-baby figure as she took a dip in the pool during her sun-drenched getaway to Cape Verde

She flaunted her enviable silhouette in the figure hugging ensemble, which featured sheer polka dot straps and ruching over her bust.

Amy was dressed to impress as she paraded her tremendous pins in a pair of glamorous gold Valentino wedges.

The Essex beauty styled her famous red locks in loose waves and shielded her eyes with a pair of oversized sunglasses as she topped up her tan.

She accentuated her good looks with bronzed cheeks and a pouty pink lip as she sipped on a refreshing beverage.

Killer curves: The 27-year-old ensured all eyes were on her for the relaxing swim as she showed off her killer curves in a plunging black swimsuit

Relaxed: The former TOWIE star flaunted her enviable assets in the figure hugging ensemble, which featured sheer polka dot straps and ruching over her impressive bust

Glamorous: The Essex beauty styled her famous red locks in loose waves and shielded her eyes with a pair of oversized sunglasses as she topped up her tan

Leggy: Amy was dressed to impress as she paraded her tremendous pins in a pair of glamorous gold Valentino wedges

Refreshing: Amy looked like she was thoroughly enjoying the sunny climes as she closed her eyes for a brief moment

Her getaway comes after the reality starlet was left 'horrified' after naked pictures of her were allegedly leaked on to an X-rated website.

The former TOWIE beauty reportedly shared the nude images with her friends some time ago.

She is said to have discovered the pictures on Wednesday morning, and has since been trying to get them taken down.

Stunner: She accentuated her good looks with bronzed cheeks and a pouty pink lip as she sipped on a refreshing beverage

Cooling off: The starlet looked thoroughly relaxed as she altered the halterneck swimsuit while dipping her feet in the pool

Chic: The beautician looked every inch her glamorous self as she flaunted her pink manicure while adjusting her designer wedges

Worlds away: Amy seemed preoccupied on her phone before she took to the waters for a quick swim

Privacy breach: Amy has been left 'horrified' after naked pictures of her were allegedly leaked on to an X-rated website

A friend of the star told The Sun: 'Amy is horrified and feels the leak is a real invasion of privacy.

'They were private snaps sent to her girlfriends two years ago and they were meant to stay private.

'She was lacking confidence at the time and wanted to tell her friends she was planning to tighten up her body. They were certainly not aimed at any male admirers.'

MailOnline has contacted the star's representative for comment.

Shocking: A friend of the star told The Sun : 'Amy is horrified and feels the leak is a real invasion of privacy'

Hard times: The leak of nude pictures taken were reportedly when she was feeling 'under-confident' about her body

Upset: 'She was lacking confidence at the time and wanted to tell her friends she was planning to tighten up her body. They were certainly not aimed at any male admirers,' the source told The Sun

Amy has been documenting her fitness journey on Instagram, and has often posted pictures of herself in swimwear or tight fitting clothing.

Since giving birth to her daughter Polly in April Amy has been using a waist trainer to tone her abs, she revealed to her fans on the social media site.

She also went on a 28-day weight loss programme as a way to trim down her figure.

Taking care of herself: The Essex beauty has been documenting her fitness journey on Instagram, and has often posted pictures of herself in swimwear or tight fitting clothing

Curvy: Since giving birth to her daughter Polly in April Amy has been using a waist trainer to tone her abs, she revealed to her fans on the social media site

The red-haired beauty has spoken openly about her struggles of being a single mother, after she split with her ex-convict boyfriend Bradley Wright just six weeks after the birth of their daughter.

Talking with OK! Magazine about the break-up, Amy said: There are times when its really tough. Polly usually sleeps through the night, but shes teething at the moment so shes been waking up every hour.

'Its times like that when Id love to have a partner who could help me out or look after her while I have a bath.

'I get a lot of help from my parents as they live just down the road, but it doesnt replace what Im missing in a partner.'
Just days ago, Phoebe Burgess named these two her combined highlight of 2017.

And with South Sydney Rabbitohs star hubby Sam and daughter Poppy looking adorable together at all times, it's not hard to see why.

Sharing a cute snap of the pair with the hashtag 'blue-eyed babies,' the NRL WAG earned yet another collective 'nawww!' from her Instagram faithful on Friday.

'Blue eyed babies': NRL WAG Phoebe Burgess dotes over hubby Sam and daughter Poppy in adorable family snap

It captured another precious moment of father-daughter bonding, as Poppy stood tall and proud on her dad's knee.

Not as proud as Sam though, who hasn't been able to wipe the smile off his face since his pride-and-joy entered the world in January last year.

He's dished-out his fair share of smile-worthy moments as well of late, the prop forward leaving his wife huddled over in laughter as recently as Tuesday.

Family time! Sharing a cute snap of the pair with the hashtag 'blue-eyed babies,' the NRL WAG earned yet another collective 'nawww!' from her Instagram faithful on Friday

Taking to Instagram, Phoebe shared a snap of her bloke cleaning out the pool wearing nothing but budgy smugglers.

The elite athlete's muscular back and legs were heavily featured in the shot, captioned: 'Crushing on the #PoolBoy @samburgess8.'

With her husband hard at work cleaning rogue leaves out of the pool, Phoebe raised a glass in the corner of the frame to prove she too was keeping busy.

'Crushing on the pool boy': Sam's dished-out his fair share of smile-worthy moments as well of late, the NRL star his wife huddled over in laughter over his pool cleaning attire this week

Loves it!Tuesday wasn't Sam's first foray into the world of revealing swimwear either

Tuesday wasn't Sam's first foray into the world of revealing swimwear either.

In snaps from their idyllic Fiji getaway before Christmas, the Rugby League player managed to outdo his stunning wife in the dare-to-bare stakes.

To draw even more attention downstairs, he made sure to wear the pair emblazoned with his UK homeland's St. George's Cross flag.

Winner? In snaps from their idyllic Fiji getaway before Christmas, the Rugby League player managed to outdo his stunning wife in the dare-to-bare stakes
She recently admitted 2017 had been one of the worst years of her life due to her ex-boyfriend Arthur Collins maiming clubbers with acid back in April.

But Ferne McCann put on a brave face on Thursday as she returned to This Morning for the first time since her ex-boyfriend was convicted for the horrific acid attack.

The 27-year-old reality star, who gave birth to her daughter Sunday in November, looked thrilled to be back to her day job as she went behind-the-scenes of 'Cilla: The Musical'.

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Confident: Ferne McCann put on a brave face on Thursday as she returned to This Morning for the first time since her ex-boyfriend was convicted for the horrific acid attack

The former TOWIE beauty revealed she was 'so excited' to catch up with leading lady Kara Lily Hayworth, who beat thousands of hopefuls to play Cilla Black.

'I'm so excited to finally be here and catch up with Kara. I can't wait to watch the show today and find out how shes' been getting on,' she said.

Beaming at the camera, Ferne oozed charisma in the TV segment as she reaffirmed her comeback as a This Morning co-presenter.

Tough year: She recently admitted 2017 had been one of the worst years of her life due to her ex-boyfriend Arthur Collins (pictured above) maiming clubbers with acid back in April

Happy: The former TOWIE beauty revealed she was 'so excited' to catch up with leading lady Kara Lily Hayworth, who beat thousands of hopefuls to play Cilla Black

Last month Ferne revealed she was ready to move on and concentrate on being a mother to daughter Sunday, following 'the most difficult chapter of her life'.

Her ex-boyfriend Arthur Collins was jailed for 20 years last month after being found guilty of a horrific acid attack carried out in April.

Ferne has now revealed she is ready to move on and concentrate on being a mother to daughter Sunday, after 'the most difficult chapter of her life'.

Speaking to Fabulous, Ferne admitted the situation surrounding her pregnancy had been 'completely out of her control' - and that she is already concerned about how she will tell her little girl of the attack in the future.

Natural presenter: Beaming at the camera, Ferne oozed charisma in the TV segment as she reaffirmed her comeback as a This Morning co-presenter

Meeting the team: The former TOWIE beauty brought her daughter Sunday to the This Morning studios in December

Cute: The former TOWIE star, 27, took a maternity break after she gave birth to baby girl Sunday on November 2

Bond: Ferne revealed she was ready to move on and concentrate on being a mother to daughter Sunday, following her ex-boyfriend Arthur Collins conviction for a horrific acid attack

She admitted 2017 had been one of the worst years of her life due to her ex-boyfriend's shocking crime in April - but that the arrival of her daughter had kept her strong.

Looking back at the attack, she said: 'It's been the most difficult chapter of my life to date and the hardest thing I hope I'll ever have to face.

'It was all completely out of my control. The only thing I can control now is how I raise my daughter.'

Last month Collins plead guilty to hiding a mobile phone in prison.

Acid attack: Her ex-boyfriend Arthur was jailed for 20 years last month after being found guilty of a horrific acid attack carried out in April

Collins, 25, stashed a mobile phone, two SIM cards, two USB sticks and a charger in a pair of crutches when he was on remand for the attack.

He needed the crutches after fracturing both his heels trying to escape police while on the run from Wringer and Mangle E8 nightclub in Hackney, east London.

He is said to have called his ex Ferne McCann while in jail on remand when she was pregnant with their daughter.

He could be facing a further two years added to his sentence.

Red handed: Arthur pleaded guilty to concealing a mobile phone and USB sticks in a pair of crutches whilst on remand for attacking 22 people with acid in a packed night club
The striking model recently jetted to Miami Beach for a warm festive holiday, far away from the chilly climes of London.

And Lottie Moss has taken her sunny journey to the Bahamas, where she showcased her busty cleavage in a tiny pink boob-tube while soaking up the sun on the island's crowd-powered events by The Bucket Lust on Wednesday night.

Taking to her Instagram account, the 19-year-old commanded a strong social media presence with her revealing post, which also took a peek at toned legs.

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Sultry! Lottie Moss, 19, showcased her busty cleavage in a tiny pink boob-tube while soaking up the sun on the Bahamas' crowd-powered events by The Bucket Lust on Wednesday night

Knelt on a grey sofa, the younger sister of Kate Moss grabbed the attention of her 200,000 followers as she teamed her plunging pink bralet with Aztec-inspired shorts and box-fresh trainers.

She let her striking dotted festival paint take centre stage, which covered her toned physique, as well as her stunning face.

Contrasting with the light coloured print, Lottie opted for a slash of deep red lipstick, heavy eyeliner and lashings of mascara.

Her dusty blonde tresses were swept into an effortless ponytail as she gaze the camera a sultry gaze.

The stunning blonde has recently showcased her sensational body in an array of revealing numbers while soaking up the sun on her festive Miami break.

Moss show off her model figure! Braless Lottie showed off her impressive cleavage in a tie front crop top as she enjoyed a festive break in Miami Beach last Thursday

Lottie went braless to flaunt her impressive cleavage in a sizzling social media post last Thursday, where her tie front crop top attracted attention with its colourful floral design.

Alex Mytton's ex-girlfriend teamed her skimpy garment with a tiny pair of distressed shorts to best showcase her toned tummy.

The model exuded confidence as she placed her hand on her hip to draw attention to her incredibly tiny waist while she posed up a storm for the bathroom selfie taken with her iPhone.

Festive: Glamorous Lottie gave her 198,000 Instagram followers a glimpse into how she spent Christmas day with a number of photographs of herself slipped into a flirty spotty number

The blonde beauty, who is younger half-sister of Kate Moss, spoke to Vogue about her decision to skip attending university, saying: 'Not going to university was a very big decision for me. And one that I had to consider carefully, and with my parents.

'All my friends pretty much went to university, and this made my decision harder. In the end I had to acknowledge the fact that this wasnt the right thing for me.

'My modelling career was taking off and I wanted to build on that and focus on developing my projects within the fashion industry.'

Her own rules! The blonde beauty, who is younger half-sister of Kate Moss, spoke to Vogue about her decision to skip attending university, saying: 'Not going to university was a very big decision for me. And one that I had to consider carefully, and with my parents

Lottie is known for previously dating Alex Mytton from the E4 reality series but their on and off nine-month romance came to an end in July earlier this year.

Following their split, the model has since moved on from her heartache as she has been romantically linked to rugby player Elliot Clements.

The gorgeous model was scouted for her first modelling agency at the tender age of 13 and first courted the attention of the modelling world when she attended her older half-sister Kate's wedding to her ex-husband Jamie Hince in 2011.

Sussex native Lottie has gone onto land campaigns with Calvin Klein and Bulgari, as well as fronting the cover of Vogue Paris in 2016.
LINCOLN  Senators introduced a number of criminal justice-themed and Department of Correctional Services-related bills on Wednesday. They included:

Overcrowding emergency

Omaha Sen. Bob Krist introduced a bill (LB675) that would require, beginning July 1, that the governor declare a prison overcrowding emergency whenever the prisons director certifies the inmate population is over 140 percent of design capacity. Upon certification, the director would have to provide a list of the parole-eligible inmates.

In October, the average daily population of Nebraska's prisons was slightly more than 155 percent of design capacity.

During a correctional system overcrowding emergency, the parole board would immediately consider or reconsider inmates eligible for parole.

Substance abuse program

A bill (LB676) also introduced by Krist would authorize the director of the Department of Corrections to allow a prisoner, when it would benefit the inmate and society, to get substance abuse evaluations or treatment, attend rehabilitative programming or treatment, seek residency or employment, or participate in structured programming.

Medical release

Another of Krist's bills (LB672) would allow a terminally ill or permanently incapacitated inmate to be considered for medical release by the Corrections Department.

The department could grant the release only after a review of the inmate's medical, institutional and criminal records, and additional medical evidence from examinations or investigations. The decision about medical release would be within the sole discretion of the department.

The inmates would have to agree to placement for medical treatment in a hospital, hospice or other housing, including his or her family's home.

If the inmate's condition improved, or if the inmate violated conditions of the release, he or she could be returned to prison custody for a hearing on whether the medical release should be overturned.
She was recently announced as the new face of French cosmetics line Cle de Peau Beaute.

And Felicity Jones looked every inch the fresh-faced beauty as she posed for the luxury skincare brand's new A Radiant Day Campaign.

Shot by renowned British photographer David Sims, the 34-year-old actress positively smouldered as she modelled the line's lavish products, as well as a chic black dress.

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Breathtaking: Felicity Jones looked every inch the fresh-faced beauty as she posed for Cle de Peau Beaute's new A Radiant Day Campaign

Felicity proved her modelling credentials are just as strong as her acting ones as she ran her fingers through her hair while posing from the shallow depths of a lake.

But while she perfected her stoic pout when the camera was flashing, it was a different story behind-the-scenes as Felicity giggled with the crew.

Speaking about the brand's decision to recruit the A Monster Calls star, brand director Yukari Suzuki gushed: 'A crucial element of Cle de Peau Beaute is to help customers feel that our brand belongs in their lives.

Work it! Felicity proved her modelling credentials are just as strong as her acting ones as she ran her fingers through her hair while posing from the shallow depths of a lake

Ready for her close up! Shot by British photographer David Sims, the 34-year-old actress positively smouldered as she modelled the line's lavish products, as well as a chic black dress

'Felicity is aspirational, yet highly relatable, which makes her the ideal face of Cle de Peau Beaute. She embodies the brand's DNA: intelligent, uncompromising and exquisite.

'Her passion and incredible dedication to her craft have allowed her to make an impact on the world and those around her.'

Also praising her involvement with the cosmetics company, Felicity enthused: 'It's important to me that my values align with any brand I'm affiliated with.

Best of both: While she perfected her stoic pout when the camera was flashing, it was a different story behind-the-scenes as Felicity giggled with the crew

'Cle de Peau Beaute made it clear that they approached me because of my principles and dedication. I'm so proud of the Spring/Summer 2018 campaign and cannot wait to unveil it to the world.'

The Spring/Summer 2018 campaign was shot over the course of two days in London.

It will break globally across Asia, the United States, Canada, Russia and Travel Retail this year, with the actress set to attend exclusive launch events around the world, beginning with a special event in Los Angeles this month.

Proud: Also praising her involvement with the cosmetics company, Felicity enthused: 'It's important to me that my values align with any brand I'm affiliated with'

Back to her roots: The Spring/Summer 2018 campaign was shot over the course of two days in London
Fashion designer Ashley Olsen made an appearance on the west coast this week.

The New York-based fashionista was spotted leaving celebrity favorite restaurant Sushi Park in West Hollywood after having dinner with a friend on Wednesday.

Ashley, 31, wore dark layers, sporting a long slouchy cardigan over slim fit pants and ankle boots which gave her petite frame a boost.

Seafood fix: Ashley Olsen is pictured leaving a sushi restaurant in West Hollywood on Wednesday night

The former TV star wore her dark blonde locks loose and carried a chic leather handbag no doubt from one of her own collections.

Ashley and her twin Mary-Kate gave up acting over 10 years ago to pursue their career in the fashion industry.

Last summer they opened up their first stand-alone store for Elizabeth and James at The Grove in Los Angeles.

Ashley ended her five-month relationship with 58-year-old financier, Richard Sachs, earlier this year.

Winter layers: The 31-year-old fashion designer teamed an oversize sweater with slim fit pants and ankle boots

A source told US Weekly they broke up because the former Full House star wants to focus on her fashion empire.

Mary-Kate meanwhile is married to French banker Olivier Sarkozy, 48.

In an interview with People this week Ashley's Los Angeles-based personal trainer dished the details on her dedication to her Pilates workouts.

Fashionistas: Ashley, along with sister Mary-Kate head up two fashion lines; The Row and Elizabeth and James

'She is extremely strong and works incredibly hard,' Jessica Schatz revealed.

'We do a lot of planks and variations of planks, like reverse planks, and side body core and leg work,' she said.

Schatz occasionally trains Ashley in New York City when the designer is there, but without Pilates equipment.

'Ashley is extremely disciplined, hard working and open to trying anything new.'
They met on the second series of Love Island in 2016, and are set to tie the knot later this year.

And Olivia Buckland and Alex Bowen looked more loved-up than ever on Thursday, as they enjoyed a shopping trip in Milan, Italy.

The reality star couple were spotted indulging in a number of smooches as they explored the city, where they are celebrating Olivia's 25th birthday, hand-in-hand.

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That's amore: Olivia Buckland and Alex Bowen looked more loved-up than ever on Thursday, as they enjoyed a shopping trip in Milan, Italy

The duo could not take their hands off each other as they took in the sights of Milan, before enjoying a spot of retail therapy in the city's famously fashionable shops.

Clasping tightly onto her beau's hand, Olivia could not wipe the beaming smile off her face as they explored the landmarks together - and indulged in a number of kisses on their way round.

The blonde beauty kept casually cool for the outing in a cream cable knit jumper, paired with figure-hugging leather look leggings and chunky leather boots.

Besotted: The reality star couple were spotted indulging in a number of smooches as they explored the city, where they are celebrating Olivia's 25th birthday, hand-in-hand

Known for her chic sense of style, Olivia co-ordinated her footwear with a sleek leather jacket, and accessorised with a playful handbag emblazoned with bright cartoon images, for an added pop of colour.

Sweeping her hair back with her oversized sunglasses and opting for her trademark contoured make-up look, Olivia was effortlessly glamorous as she spent a day in the city with her man.

Alex meanwhile matched her casual ensemble in black skinny jeans and a checked shirt, layered beneath his own leather biker jacket.

Say cheese! Having found huge popularity on social media since Love Island, the hunk was then spotted taking a number of snaps of Olivia in the shopping centre

Here she is: Olivia later posted the winning snap to her Instagram page, gushing to her 1.3 million followers: 'What a beautiful place!'

Having found huge popularity on social media since Love Island, the hunk was then spotted taking a number of snaps of Olivia in the shopping centre - which she later posted to her Instagram with the caption: 'What a beautiful place!'

The blonde beauty jetted to Milan to celebrate her birthday with Alex, who she has been dating since the ITV2 series in June 2016.

The pair embarked on a whirlwind romance, and the former scaffolder popped the question during their holiday to New York over Christmas that year.

Romantic getaway: The blonde beauty jetted to Milan to celebrate her birthday with Alex, who she has been dating since the ITV2 series in June 2016

The couple readily admit that making their relationship work after the reality show was 'hard work'- but credit their long-lasting romance to the fact they put in the effort to see each other every day after their stint in the villa.

Alex said last year: 'If Olivia has a job I'll go with her, if I have a job she'll come with me. I had a lot of PAs when I first came out. But I would spend every night in my own bed.

'It was such hard work but we made it work, and we're really happy together.
She's the controversial radio star who's no stranger to flaunting her ample cleavage on social media.

But things took an awkward turn for Mel Greig on Thursday, when she veered close to suffering a wardrobe malfunction.

Attending the Sydney premiere of The Wizard of Oz musical, the 35-year-old was seen adjusting her low-cut frock as she posed on the red carpet.

That was a close one! Mel Greig almost suffers wardrobe malfunction as her sizable assets threaten to spill out from EXTREMELY low-cut dress at The Wizard Of Oz premiere in Sydney

Looking down at her ample assets, the blonde was seen trying to fix her clothing in order to prevent a sartorial disaster.

Ensuring that the low v-neck cut fell right in the centre of her busty decolletage, Mel appeared to shift the tight-fitting ensemble around until it was even.

Mel donned a metallic silver dress, which was cinched in at the waist, for the musical's opening night, with the frock also featuring a racy front split.

Picture perfect: Ensuring that the low v-neck cut fell right in the centre of her busty decolletage, she shifted the tight-fitting ensemble around until it was even

Putting her best foot forward: 'Just working the curves for the opening night,' captioned Mel on an Instagram photo that drew attention to her chest region

'Just working the curves for the opening night,' captioned Mel on an Instagram photo that drew attention to her chest region.

Keeping warm, the part-time dating columnist was also seen effortlessly throwing a white blazer over the top of her cocktail ensemble.

Posing with a black box clutch in hand, the blonde beauty styled her hair into loose waves that draped over her shoulders.

Ensuring she looked the part, Mel drew attention to her piercing blue eyes with fake lashes and a fresh and radiant complexion.
The former Bachelorette has an impressive 455,000 followers on Instagram.

And Sam Frost playfully mocked boyfriend Dave Bashford's woeful social media skills on Thursday.

Sam, 28, filmed her hunky beau lining up a snap for his account, as she wrote: 'Yes maaaate get it on the gram.'

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'Umm... really solid IG content Bash': Sam Frost playfully mocks boyfriend Dave Bashford's woeful social media skills on Thursday

Dave could be seen holding up an aperol spritz in front of the television, as he used his other hand to snap a picture.

Sam could be heard laughing as she watched her man concentrate on the task, to which he laughed back and joked: 'unbelievable scenes.'

He later uploaded the final product to Instagram Stories, to which Sam playfully teased on her own account.

'Yes maaaate get it on the gram': Dave could be seen holding up an aperol spritz in front of the television, as he used his other hand to snap a picture

'Totally worth it': He later uploaded the final product to Instagram Stories, to which Sam playfully teased on her own account

Sam captioned his original upload: 'Umm... really solid IG content Bash #TotallyWorthIt.'

She went public with her relationship with Dave in July last year, and has already admitted to being 'in love'.

Prior to her relationship with Dave, Sam dated Sasha Mielczarek, 31, whom she met on the 2015 season of The Bachelorette.

Smitten! She went public with her relationship with Dave in July last year, and has already admitted to being 'in love'

The newbie actress made her debut on Channel Seven's soap Home And Away two weeks ago, during an intense finale which saw Pia Miller run off the road.

Sam, who plays character Jasmine Delaney, was hunched over the wheel of her car and was later seen unconscious in hospital.

The former radio star is due to become a regular character on the show when the series returns later this month.
A five-year-old boy who was shot in the face by his older cousin continues to fight for his life in a Queensland hospital.

Police believe the young boy was accidentally shot at a rural property in Cottonvale after 4pm on Tuesday and flown to Lady Cilento Children's Hospital where he remains in a critical but stable condition, a hospital spokeswoman said.

"They're children. It's an accident - an unfortunate one. I don't know why it's happened," the boy's grandfather Tony Calvisi told The Courier-Mail.
Federal Labor is demanding the Turnbull government give Victoria its fair share of the national infrastructure funding pie.

Labor's infrastructure spokesman Anthony Albanese says Victoria receives just 9.7 per cent of federal funding despite being the country's fastest growing state, with more than 25 per cent of the population.

"We've seen a massive decline in support for infrastructure projects here in Victoria ... from $201 per Victorian from the federal government down to $92," Mr Albanese told reporters in Melbourne on Thursday.
A 38-year-old woman has died and a 40-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly fleeing a violent incident in Perth.

St John Ambulance had been called to attend the house at Hardey Road, Cloverdale to help the woman but they rang police, saying a man was acting aggressively and refused to let them inside.

Police had also been called to the house at about 7.50pm about a woman being assaulted by a man known to her.

They say the man then fled and when paramedics found the woman and treated her she was unresponsive. She later died at Royal Perth Hospital.

A large number of police searched for the man and at about 4am a 40-year-old man who was known to the woman was arrested near Cohn Street, Rivervale.
Australia has appointed a new ambassador to East Timor, following a tense year in bilateral relations.

Peter Roberts, a career diplomat, will take up the posting replacing the outgoing Peter Doyle.

Australian-East Timorese relations were sensitive in 2017 as the two countries nutted out a deal to end a long-running maritime boundary dispute.

An agreement was reached in September and now the countries are negotiating the future carve-up of revenue from the Greater Sunrise oil and gas reserve.

The fields are estimated to hold gas worth about $53 billion - almost 30 times East Timor's annual national income.
While my friends were in party dresses drinking bubbles, I sat shivering on a rock, covered in dirt and dust with grazes on my hands, taking a quick break along New Zealand's Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

What better day of the year to trek 19.4 kilometres over and around active volcanoes than New Year's Eve, when you can immediately resolve never to do it again - at least not in any rush.

After almost two years in the land of the long white cloud, I'll be heading back to Australia soon and this was the one big thing left on my bucket list.

So with a few friends we set off from our National Park hostel at around 7am and hit the trail an hour later.

I'll be honest, by the time we reached Soda Springs at the base of the Devil's Staircase - the steepest and most difficult uphill part - I was already exhausted and seriously wondering how I'd survive the rest.

Slow and steady with lots of breaks. So many breaks.

The steep uphill parts aren't easy but it's the stairs that are the real killer. I'd be feeling those stairs for many days to come.

For the most part it's mind over matter, one foot in front of the other, and ignoring the super fit people running past you.

At the Southern Crater it seems the hard part is behind you. The crater is a big open space, barren, devoid of anything but tourists and incredible views of Mt Ngauruhoe (Mt Doom from Lord of the Rings).

The North Island's volcanic plateau - within New Zealand's first national park - is popular not only with fans of the films but hikers generally, and the alpine crossing is regarded as one of the world's best one-day walks.

The region has been volcanically active for two million years and the trio of Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu, ranging between 1978m and 2797m, are all still active.

Craters on Tongariro erupted as recently as 2012 and warning signs along the track warn they could blow again at any moment with little opportunity for a safe escape.

It's a scary thought that you put to one side as you concentrate on the next uphill climb, so narrow in places there's chains and wires to hold onto because a couple of feet wrong could send you over the edge.

The beauty of this trail is there's no end of spots to take a break under the guise of snapping yet another postcard-perfect image.

There's one at the top here before the final ascent.

Exhausted smiles and encouraging words greet you at the top, along with incredible views of the Red Crater and Emerald Lakes.

The most thrilling part of this view for me is that you can't get it by driving to a lookout.

The only way to experience it is to put in the hard yards. It's Mother Nature's reward for your hard work.

It's almost all downhill from here but as our our feet searched for something solid in the volcanic sand we pined for the uphill again.

Pro tip - stay low, it's not as far to fall.

You will slip, people behind you will slip and you'll make friends by plotting to crowdfund a water slide to the bottom.

Safe and sound at the foot with only a few grazes, we're treated to up-close views of the beautiful, though sulphur smelling, Emerald Lakes.

Downhill a bit further is the flat central crater and uphill again (yes, uphill stretches continue to the end) is the blue lake.

Following the lake around, you say farewell to the beautiful views as you reach the final leg which, honestly again, is a bit of a grind.

You can do the walk both ways and I pity anyone who started from the less common Ketetahi end as opposed to the much more popular Mangatepopo Hut end.

The first part is nice, taking you around the side of a mountain while overlooking Lake Taupo below before the trail becomes almost comically windy, traversing back and forward down the same hill face.

The Ketetahi Hut marks two-thirds of the way and provides another change of scenery - the addition of shrubs either side of the trail.

The final part is beautiful and covered, almost rainforest like. There's bubbling streams and a few bridges to break up the monotony before finally comes the most appreciated view - the bus-filled car park.

A hot shower to soothe our already aching muscles and a quick power nap and we were ready to celebrate the arrival of 2018, proud of our achievement and resolving not to do it again for at least a year.

IF YOU GO

GETTING THERE: There are multiple flights daily from Australia to Auckland or Wellington. The Tongariro National Park is around four hours drive from both cities. Shuttle services operate between nearby towns and the start and end of the crossing trail, costing around $40pp return.

STAYING THERE: The YHA National Park is the closest backpackers to the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing and enjoys magnificent views of the volcanoes right from the doorstep. Prices vary. Visit https://www.yha.co.nz/hostels/north-island-hostels/yha-national-park/

PLAYING THERE: Officially the trail is 19.4km with optional side trips. It feels much longer. Get a good pair of hiking boots. Ankle support is particularly useful. For more info: http://www.tongarirocrossing.org.nz/

The writer travelled at her own expense.




1. U.S. acceptance of coexistence as the only alternative to atomic war.

2. U.S. willingness to capitulate in preference to engaging in atomic war.

3. Develop the illusion that total disarmament of the United States would be a demonstration of moral strength.

4. Permit free trade between all nations regardless of Communist affiliation and regardless of whether or not items could be used for war.

5. Extension of long-term loans to Russia and Soviet satellites.

6. Provide American aid to all nations regardless of Communist domination.

7. Grant recognition of Red China. Admission of Red China to the U.N.

8. Set up East and West Germany as separate states in spite of Khrushchev's promise in 1955 to settle the German question by free elections under supervision of the U.N.

9. Prolong the conferences to ban atomic tests because the United States has agreed to suspend tests as long as negotiations are in progress.

10. Allow all Soviet satellites individual representation in the U.N.

11. Promote the U.N. as the only hope for mankind. If its charter is rewritten, demand that it be set up as a one-world government with its own independent armed forces. (Some Communist leaders believe the world can be taken over as easily by the U.N. as by Moscow. Sometimes these two centers compete with each other as they are now doing in the Congo.)

12. Resist any attempt to outlaw the Communist Party.

13. Do away with all loyalty oaths.

14. Continue giving Russia access to the U.S. Patent Office.

15. Capture one or both of the political parties in the United States.

16. Use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions by claiming their activities violate civil rights.

17. Get control of the schools. Use them as transmission belts for socialism and current Communist propaganda. Soften the curriculum. Get control of teachers' associations. Put the party line in textbooks.

18. Gain control of all student newspapers.

19. Use student riots to foment public protests against programs or organizations which are under Communist attack.

20. Infiltrate the press. Get control of book-review assignments, editorial writing, policymaking positions.

21. Gain control of key positions in radio, TV, and motion pictures.

22. Continue discrediting American culture by degrading all forms of artistic expression. An American Communist cell was told to "eliminate all good sculpture from parks and buildings, substitute shapeless, awkward and meaningless forms."

23. Control art critics and directors of art museums. "Our plan is to promote ugliness, repulsive, meaningless art."

24. Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them "censorship" and a violation of free speech and free press.

25. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio, and TV.

26. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as "normal, natural, healthy."

27. Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with "social" religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity which does not need a "religious crutch."

28. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the ground that it violates the principle of "separation of church and state."

29. Discredit the American Constitution by calling it inadequate, old-fashioned, out of step with modern needs, a hindrance to cooperation between nations on a worldwide basis.

30. Discredit the American Founding Fathers. Present them as selfish aristocrats who had no concern for the "common man."

31. Belittle all forms of American culture and discourage the teaching of American history on the ground that it was only a minor part of the "big picture." Give more emphasis to Russian history since the Communists took over.

32. Support any socialist movement to give centralized control over any part of the culture--education, social agencies, welfare programs, mental health clinics, etc.

33. Eliminate all laws or procedures which interfere with the operation of the Communist apparatus.

34. Eliminate the House Committee on Un-American Activities.

35. Discredit and eventually dismantle the FBI.

36. Infiltrate and gain control of more unions.

37. Infiltrate and gain control of big business.

38. Transfer some of the powers of arrest from the police to social agencies. Treat all behavioral problems as psychiatric disorders which no one but psychiatrists can understand.

39. Dominate the psychiatric profession and use mental health laws as a means of gaining coercive control over those who oppose Communist goals.

40. Discredit the family as an institution. Encourage promiscuity and easy divorce.

41. Emphasize the need to raise children away from the negative influence of parents. Attribute prejudices, mental blocks and retarding of children to suppressive influence of parents.

42. Create the impression that violence and insurrection are legitimate aspects of the American tradition; that students and special-interest groups should rise up and use united force to solve economic, political or social problems.

43. Overthrow all colonial governments before native populations are ready for self-government.

44. Internationalize the Panama Canal.

45. Repeal the Connally reservation so the United States cannot prevent the World Court from seizing jurisdiction over nations and individuals alike.
Japan's Naomi Osaka has pushed through illness to claim a thrilling upset victory over world No.15 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in their Hopman Cup tie in Perth on Thursday.

After not being able to play at all against the USA on Tuesday, Osaka, ranked 68, required assistance from the doctor during the second set against the Russian, but continued under duress to claim a 6-4 3-6 7-6(5) victory.

Osaka claimed all 15 points when she landed her first serve during the opening set, assisted by four aces.

But she could hardly cover the court in the second set and at times in the third.

However, she managed to hit enough winners in a see-sawing final set to pinch the win.

She looked to be cruising to an easy tiebreak victory when leading 4-0, but couldn't keep concentration then either and quickly found herself in a battle at 5-5.

Pavlyuchenkova struggled to win points on her own serve, even when she did get her first attempt in.

After forfeiting against the USA and losing in straight sets to Switzerland's Belinda Bencic, Osaka was happy to not only get on the court, but notch up a win.

"I have been really nervous to play here, especially the first night against Federer and Belinda (Bencic) but it's been an experience," she said.

"I am really happy I could play somewhat well in the last match.

"I just feel like to play like that against someone so well and not be 100 per cent and still win I should be proud of myself."

Pavlyuchenkova leaves Perth without a singles victory. The 2017 Australian Open quarter-finalist also lost to Bencic and the USA's CoCo Vanerweghe during the tournament.

Neither Japan nor Russia can qualify for Saturday's final, having both lost their respective ties to the USA and Switzerland, who will fight for a place in the play-off on Thursday night.

Karen Khachanov will battle Yuichi Sugita in the men's singles in a bid to keep Russia in the tie.
West Australians have been told to start adapting now before a ban on plastic bags kicks in later this year.

But people will get a say in how it is implemented and have been asked for their input.

The ban starts July 1.

Environment Minister Stephen Dawson said he wants the community to start thinking about how they will change their habits in the lead up to the ban.

"The discussion paper gives the community an opportunity to be part of efforts to reduce the impact of plastic bags on our environment," he said.

He said it was time WA joined other states that had done so, including South Australia, which was the first in 2009, followed by the ACT, Northern Territory and Tasmania.

Queensland and Victoria also committed to a ban from July.

Major supermarkets including Coles, Woolworths and IGA intend to ban single-use bags.

However lighter-weight bags used for fruit and vegetable packaging, bin liners, paper and heavier department store plastic bags are excluded.

Retailers who flout the ban will be penalised.

The discussion paper on the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation website will be open for feedback until March 9.
American hot-head Ryan Harrison has avoided a meltdown to beat German lucky loser Yannick Hanfmann and advance to the Brisbane International quarter-finals.

Angered by the music coming from the nearby centre court, a frustrated Harrison lost the first set in a tiebreak and threatened to unravel on Thursday night.

But as the music eventually faded, lucky loser Hanfmann - beaten in qualifying but handed the injured Andy Murray's place in the second round - couldn't finish the job.

Harrison regained his composure in the second set, saving three break points before breaking himself in a decisive swing and eventually prevailing 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 6-2.

The world No.47 will play Denis Istomin in the quarter-finals, after the Uzbek eased past American Jared Donaldson 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 earlier in the day.

Kyle Edmund then battled past South Korean Hyeon Chung 7-6 (7-3) 5-7 6-4.in a two-hour, 38 minute exchange.

The 22-year-old Brit, who prevailed in a bruising three-set first round with Denis Shapovalov, will meet either top seed Grigor Dimitrov or Australian John Millman in the quarter-finals.

Edmund was able to steal back momentum after Chung pounced late to force a third set.

"I made an effort to really try and step up the intensity and energy and put some pressure on him," Edmund said.

"The way I was serving in that third set, I knew if I got a break I was going to have a very good chance at holding out."

The British No.2 will fly the flag into the Australian Open in the absence of Murray, who announced his withdrawal from Melbourne earlier on Thursday because of a hip injury.

"You would like to see him playing but, unfortunately, he hasn't been around the last six months," Edmund said.

"I'm still pretty young, so every tournament I go back to, I'm trying to get better and better.

"Definitely my best tennis is ahead of me."

There are only two seeded players left in the depleted men's singles in Brisbane and both are on the other side of the draw - defending champion Dimitrov and Australia's Nick Kyrgios.
Emergency services are expected to continue an aerial and land search for a NSW man last seen in northern Queensland on New Year's Eve.

Jayden Penno-Tompsett, 22, has not made contact with friends or family since he was last seen near a Charters Towers roadhouse in the early hours of December 31.

Queensland Police say they hold concerns for his welfare, launching an air and land search in the Tower Hill area on Thursday.

Mr Penno-Tompsett is described as Caucasian in appearance, 175cms tall and with mousy-brown hair.

He was last seen wearing a black singlet, navy blue board shorts, and black and red thongs.
Aviation experts are working to determine what caused a seaplane to crash into a river north of Sydney, killing all six people on board, after it was recovered from the water following a complex operation.

The DHC-2 Beaver, which crashed into Jerusalem Bay on New Years Eve, was pulled from almost 15 metres of water on Thursday afternoon, revealing significant damage to the aircraft.

Police said the visible damage gave some insight into how hard it hit the water.

"From the time the wreckage was brought on the barge, we saw that there was severe damage to the plane, and it appeared there'd been quite an impact on hitting the water," Detective Superintendent Mark Hutchings told reporters on Thursday afternoon.

The wreckage of the plane was recovered on Thursday evening and placed on trucks before being driven to a secure facility, according to police.

They'll "carefully assess all aspects related to the aircraft's airworthiness", a spokeswoman said in a statement, adding the Australian Transport Safety Bureau would "examine in detail the history of this aircraft".

The ATSB is working to determine why the seaplane went down. One possibility is the plane stalled.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has confirmed the Beaver didn't have a stall warning system but also notes they aren't required in Australia.

The Beaver is a Canadian-built aircraft and the ATSB says its Canadian counterpart will assist during the 12-month investigation into Sunday's crash.

Experienced Canadian pilot Gareth Morgan died along with high-profile UK businessman Richard Cousins, his two adult sons Edward and William, his fiancee Emma Bowden and her 11-year-old daughter Heather when the plane plunged into the Hawkesbury River.

The brothers of Mr Cousins, Simon and Andrew, have arrived in Sydney and thanked both emergency services workers and the general public for their help.

"We are fortunate and thankful for the outpouring of love and support we've received from across the world," the brothers said in a statement to Ten News.
Victorians are being told to get ready for extreme temperatures this weekend.

A total fire ban has been issued across the entire state for Saturday, with Melbourne tipped to experience its hottest day in almost two years.

There's an all-day ban on lighting open airfires and the CFA is advising residents living in fire-prone areas to activate their bushfire plans.

Melbourne is expected to swelter through 41C in the city on Saturday, with northerly winds reaching up to 40km/h.

It make it the hottest day the city has experienced since January 13, 2016, when temperatures soared to 42.2C.

Temperatures are also expected to soar elsewhere in the state on Saturday - with Geelong and Bendigo expecting a high of 42C and Avalon, Echuca and Warracknabeal expecting 43C.

Life Saving Victoria has warned beachgoers of potential dangers after four drownings along the state's coastline since Christmas Day.

Lifesaving operations manager Greg Scott says vulnerable swimmers need to choose a sheltered spot and warns rips are the number one beach hazard.

Campers and bushwalkers have been urged to take care in national parks, reserves and state forests this Saturday, with bushfires and heat stress being key risks.

Forest Fire Management Victoria chief fire officer Stephanie Rotarangi urged people to check conditions before entering parks and forests, to stop and rest in the shade, drink water and head back immediately if someone becomes unwell.
Two men have been charged over a double stabbing in Sydney's west.

The two male victims were attacked at a home in Rooty Hill early on Thursday morning, with the pair telling officers they had been set upon by two men armed with a gun and knives.

A 60-year-old man was left with a groin wound while a 34-year-old man was stabbed in the leg. Both were taken to Westmead Hospital.

A 32-year-old man and a 35-year-old man were arrested and charged over the attack following a police pursuit in Mt Druitt at about 8.30am on Thursday.

The pair was refused bail and both will appear at Parramatta Local Court on Friday.
A man has been found dead in the back of a crashed car in Melbourne's north, with the others inside the vehicle believed to have fled.

Emergency crews were called to Bindts Road, Wollert, about 6am on Friday after a passer-by found the car crashed into a pole.

A man, yet to be identified, was found dead in the back of the vehicle and police say a number of occupants may have also been in the car and fled the scene.

They want to speak to anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity.
Police are hunting two men over a violent carjacking attempt, an assault and the theft of multiple cars in southeast Queensland.

The crime spree started when one of the men, armed with a knife, attempted to steal a car from a Sunnybank Hills home in Brisbane at midday on Thursday.

As he backed down the driveway the car's female owner jumped in, causing the offender to run to a nearby stolen getaway car driven by his accomplice.

The male resident of the house then chased them and reached into their car to grab the keys, and his hand was slashed with a knife.

A police helicopter tracked them to the Sunshine Coast where the offenders crashed their vehicle before assaulting a man, 63, and stealing his car.

It's further alleged the offenders stole a Mazda 6 sedan from a Dundowran Beach home, and were last seen driving on the Bruce Highway near Tiaro on Thursday evening.

Police are appealing for witnesses or those with dash cam footage.
A jury found Mehmet Hakan Atilla, deputy chief executive of Turkish lender Halkbank, guilty of five counts of bank fraud and conspiracy

A Turkish banker was convicted in New York on Wednesday in connection with a massive scheme to help Iran evade US sanctions, in a case that strained ties between Ankara and Washington.

A jury found Mehmet Hakan Atilla, deputy chief executive of Turkish lender Halkbank, guilty of five counts of bank fraud and conspiracy.

The federal trial hinged on the testimony of well-connected Turkish-Iranian businessman Reza Zarrab, who became a government witness after admitting his involvement in the multi-billion-dollar gold-for-oil scheme to subvert US economic sanctions against Iran.

His testimony implicated former Turkish ministers and even President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the scheme, and identified 47-year-old Atilla as a key organizer

Zarrab, a prominent gold trader, agreed to testify after striking a deal to plead guilty to violating US sanctions.

Before the trial, Erdogan reportedly pressed US President Donald Trump to quell the investigation and strongly criticized Washington, calling the case a "plot" aimed at hurting Turkey.

Acting US Attorney Joon Kim said the case was a warning to anyone who would violate US sanctions.

"Foreign banks and bankers have a choice: You can choose willfully to help Iran and other sanctioned nations evade US law, or you can choose to be part of the international banking community transacting in US dollars. But you can't do both," Kim said in a statement.

"If you lie repeatedly to US Treasury officials and fabricate documents -- all as part of a secret scheme to smuggle billions of dollars in Iranian oil money past the US sanctions net -- as Atilla did, then you should be prepared for the consequences."
Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo is now Africa's longest-serving leader

Clashes were reported in Equatorial Guinea near the border with Cameroon on Wednesday, shortly after the West African state said it had thwarted a coup against President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, Africa's longest-serving leader.

Government troops had shot dead a "mercenary" and "used gunfire to disperse them in the forests along the border", state television TVGE said, without specifying how many "mercenaries" were involved or how long the clashes lasted.

Reports of the shooting came after Security Minister Nicolas Obama Nchama said in a statement on public radio that an attempted coup had been mounted on December 24, allegedly by foreign mercenaries recruited by political opponents.

"A group of Chadian, Sudanese and Centrafricans [citizens of the Central African Republic] infiltrated Kye Ossi, Ebibeyin, Mongomo, Bata and Malabo to attack the head of state, who was in the Koete Mongomo presidential palace for the year-end holiday," he said.

The "mercenaries... were recruited by Equatorial Guinean militants from certain radical opposition parties with the support of certain powers", the minister said.

The attempted infiltration had been repelled thanks to an operation carried out "in collaboration with the Cameroon security services", he said.

Sources told AFP that the country's ambassador to Chad had been arrested and was being held in a military camp.

Formerly a Spanish colony, Equatorial Guinea is one of sub-Sahara's biggest oil producers but a large proportion of its 1.2 million population lives in poverty.

Obiang, in power for more than 38 years, is accused by critics of brutal repression of opponents, electoral fraud and corruption.

- Ambassador arrested -

Wednesday's announcement came after Cameroon on December 27 arrested 38 heavily armed men on the border with the tiny state.

Two days later, Equatorial Guinea's ambassador to France, Miguel Oyono Ndong Mifumu, referred to the incident as an "invasion and destabilisation attempt".

The suspects, taken into custody in a bus on the border, had rocket launchers, rifles and a stockpile of ammunition, according to his office.

Map of Equatorial Guinea, locating Ebibeyin, one of the towns where officials say they thwarted an attempted coup against President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, Africa's longest-serving leader

On Saturday, the 75-year-old Obiang said "a war" was being prepared against his regime, "because they say I have spent a lot of time in power".

The same day, the country's ambassador to Chad, Enrique Nsue Anguesom, was arrested in the district of Ebibeyin, on Equatorial Guinea's border with Cameroon, one of his cousins and a senior police officer told AFP on Wednesday, speaking on condition of anonymity.

He was being held in a military camp in Bata, Equatorial Guinea's economic capital, "in connection with the investigation concerning the arrests" on December 27, said one of the sources.

Sources said Equatorial Guinea's borders with Gabon and Cameroon were closed on December 27. Other sources said reinforcements had been sent to the frontier with Cameroon. Officials could not be reached to confirm these accounts.

- Contested regime -

Obiang took power in a coup on August 3, 1979, ousting his own uncle, Francisco Macias Nguema, who was shot by firing squad.

He was re-elected to a fifth seven-year term in 2016, gaining more than 90 percent of the vote, according to the official results.

Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang was re-elected to a fifth seven-year term in 2016, with more than 90 percent of the vote. Critics have accused him of brutal repression of opponents, electoral fraud and corruption

Legislative elections on November 12 last year saw the ruling party win 92 percent of the vote, a result condemned as fraudulent by dissidents.

The Citizens for Innovation (CI) opposition group, which secured one out of the 100 seats in the legislature, later reported that at least 50 of its members were detained after the ballot.

Its leader, Gabriel Nse Obiang, denied Wednesday that the CI had played any part in the attempted coup.

"I have no idea what they're talking about," Nse Obiang said, reached by phone from the capital Malabo. "The authorities are unable to come up with any proof."

"Is the real problem that we are a serious opposition party who does not want to play along with the regime?" he asked.

In 2004, mercenaries attempted to overthrow Obiang in a coup thought to be largely funded by British financiers.

Mark Thatcher, son of former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher, was reportedly involved in the funding and was convicted and fined in South Africa.

In October last year, a French court handed down a three-year suspended jail term to Obiang's son, Teodorin, who is also vice president, after convicting him of siphoning off public money to fund a jet-set lifestyle in Paris.

He was accused of spending more than 1,000 times his official annual salary on a six-storey mansion in a posh part of the French capital, a fleet of fast cars and artworks, among other assets. His lawyers said they would appeal the ruling.
The US Congress kicks off its 2018 session facing a looming deadline for funding the federal government

US lawmakers returned to work Wednesday with Congress and President Donald Trump racing against the clock to reach a compromise within two weeks that avoids a government shutdown and prevents mass deportations.

The effort took on new urgency in Washington's heated political atmosphere, as Trump engaged in an explosive feud with former White House strategist Steve Bannon and taunted North Korea's leader over the potential use of nuclear weapons.

On Capitol Hill, the new year's session kicked off with two Democrats being sworn in as new members of the US Senate, narrowing the chamber's already slim Republican majority just as negotiations over crunch issues intensify.

Topping the agenda is funding the federal government by a January 19 deadline.

Failure to do so would trigger a government shutdown, a potentially costly political scenario for Republicans -- who control both chambers of Congress and the White House -- just months before November's mid-term elections.

With the budget deadline fast approaching, the four leaders in Congress huddled with White House officials in a bid to set budget caps for military and domestic spending for the remainder of fiscal year 2018.

Republicans have stressed they are keen to boost military funding, but Democrats warn that non-parity increases would come at the expense of domestic social programs that help working and middle-class families.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and the Senate's top Democrat Chuck Schumer said they had a "productive" meeting with Republican leadership about crafting an agreement.

"All parties have agreed to continue discussing a path forward to quickly resolve all of the issues ahead of us," they said in a joint statement.

Democrats are prioritizing funding for various issues including relief for hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico and a children's health insurance program.

- Democrats bolstered -

Another critical issue for January is immigration reform. The Senate is expected to take up a bill to regularize the status of hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants who arrived in the country as children.

The swearing in of Democratic US Senator Doug Jones shrinks the Republican majority to just 51-49 in the chamber

Trump said in September that he was scrapping the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program put in place by predecessor Barack Obama, but he then delayed enforcement to give Congress six months to craft a lasting solution.

Schumer said Democrats were "ready to negotiate a reasonable border security package to pass alongside DACA," provided Republicans did not insist on "unreasonable demands" like the US-Mexico border wall repeatedly proposed by Trump.

With thousands of potential deportations looming, some Republican senators expressed determination to find a solution.

"Hopefully we'll go back to the table and get to a good place," Senator Thom Tillis told reporters about DACA negotiations.

But in a joint statement, the White House, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan stressed the need to "not hold funding for our troops hostage for immigration policy."

"We've been clear about these budget priorities from the beginning and hope that further discussions will lead to an agreement soon," they added.

Ryan and McConnell are scheduled to meet with Trump next weekend at Camp David, the presidential retreat outside Washington, to discuss Republican budget priorities.

The party is coming off a December high, when Trump got his tax reform bill through Congress for his first major legislative victory.

Democrats have blasted the tax cuts as giveaways to corporations and the wealthy, and Schumer called 2017 "a lost year" for the middle class.

The latest shifts in the Senate may strengthen Democrats' hands in the negotiations and make it harder for Trump to push his agenda through Congress.

- 22 Senate women -

Two new senators dropped into Washington's political cauldron Wednesday.

Doug Jones won a special election last month in Alabama to claim a Senate seat long held by Republicans, while Tina Smith was appointed to replace Minnesota Democrat Al Franken, who resigned over a series of sexual misconduct allegations.

Smith made history, by bringing the number of current female senators to 22, an all-time high.

Jones's upset victory does not change the balance of power in the 100-member chamber, but it trims the Republican Party's majority to 51-49.

The shutdown-and-immigration showdown comes amid heightened brinkmanship between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, with both bragging that they have a "nuclear button" at their disposal.

At least one senator dismissed the suggestion that the cross-Pacific bluster could prove a distraction during all-important budget negotiations.

"That stuff doesn't distract me," Tillis said. "Hopefully it won't distract anybody else in this building."
President Donald Trump scrapped the investigation into unsubstantiated allegations of voter fraud in the 2016 election, but still insisted there was "substantial evidence" of wrongdoing at the ballot box

President Donald Trump on Wednesday disbanded an investigation into alleged voter fraud in the 2016 election, but refused to back down on unsubstantiated allegations of massive wrongdoing at the ballot box.

Facing opposition from US states and an uphill battle to prove something that almost all experts agree did not happen, Trump ditched his controversial panel of inquiry.

But the president did not seem to completely abandon his unproven claim that between three million and five million people voted illegally in the 2016 presidential election.

"Despite substantial evidence of voter fraud, many states have refused to provide the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity with basic information relevant to its inquiry," Trump said in a statement.

"Rather than engage in endless legal battles at taxpayer expense, today I signed an executive order to dissolve the Commission, and have asked the Department of Homeland Security to review these issues and determine next courses of action."

Trump won the election because he garnered more state electoral college votes, but lost the popular vote by around three million votes.

The Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity raised alarm bells when its vice chair Kris Kobach, the Kansas secretary of state, sent a letter to all 50 states asking for sensitive information on all registered voters.

Kobach sought names, addresses, date of birth, party affiliation, the last four digits of social security numbers, military status, data on felony convictions and "voter history."

Some states rejected the White House request, warning the information could be misused in voter disenfranchisement efforts.

Trump -- who had also raised the specter of voter fraud prior to the election that brought him to office -- sought to cast the refusals as evidence of a potential cover-up.

"Numerous states are refusing to give information to the very distinguished VOTER FRAUD PANEL. What are they trying to hide?" he wrote on Twitter last year.
A Syrian man walks amid destruction following bombardment a day earlier in the rebel-controlled town of Misraba, in the eastern Ghouta region on the outskirts of the capital Damascus, on January 4, 2018

Syrian regime forces battled Thursday to reach an encircled army base in rebel bastion Eastern Ghouta, as a monitor said over 40 civilians and soldiers were killed in two days of bombardments.

State television said "army units had launched an assault to break the siege" of the Armoured Vehicle Base where some 250 soldiers are believed to be cut off.

On the outskirts of Damascus, Eastern Ghouta is one of the last remaining opposition strongholds in Syria and has itself been under government siege since 2013, causing severe food and medicine shortages for up to 400,000 residents.

The regime base on the edge of the region was surrounded by rebels at the start of the week after an offensive that involved Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an alliance dominated by a former Al-Qaeda affiliate, said the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said "violent clashes were taking place" Thursday close to the base, the only one in Eastern Ghouta still held by President Bashar al-Assad's forces.

- Dead and wounded -

As government forces looked to gain ground rebel shelling of regime positions on the edge of Eastern Ghouta killed 14 soldiers, the Observatory said.

State news agency SANA also said a woman was killed and 22 people wounded when a rebel shell hit a district in Damascus's Old City.

That bloodshed came after Abdel Rahman said Russian and regime strikes on Wednesday claimed the lives of 29 civilians in Eastern Ghouta.

Syria: Ghouta siege

Twenty were killed in Russian air raids in the town of Misraba, while the remainder died in regime strikes and shelling in other areas.

Seven children and 11 women were among those killed, said the head of the war monitor, which relies on a network of sources inside Syria.

Victims were taken to a hospital in Douma, where an AFP correspondent saw rescuers bringing in mostly women and children.

Medical staff tried to revive a child who had been pulled from the rubble, but without success. A young girl among the wounded received stitches for a serious injury to her face.

A medical source at the hospital told AFP: "Among the wounded were two women in their 20s. One of them lost both eyes and the other lost one eye."

Eastern Ghouta is one of four "de-escalation zones" agreed by Russia, as well as regime backer Iran and rebel supporter Turkey, to help halt fighting around Syria.

The deal excludes Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, but other larger rebel groups in Eastern Ghouta are part of it.

Last week 29 emergency medical cases were evacuated from the area under a deal between rebels and the regime, but the UN says hundreds more remain in critical condition.

- Attack on Russian base -

The latest fighting there comes as regime troops backed up by Russian airpower battle rebels and jihadists on the edge of northwestern Idlib province, the only one still fully beyond government control.

A Syrian child who was wounded in bombardment of the rebel-held town of Misraba receives treatment in the nearby town of Douma late on January 3

The government push near Idlib -- also a "de-escalation zone" -- follows two months of sporadic fighting that the United Nations says has displaced more than 60,000 people.

Meanwhile, Russia's defence ministry on Thursday said two servicemen were killed in a New Year's Eve mortar attack by Islamist militants on its Hmeimim airbase in Latakia province.

Moscow has declared its mission in Syria largely completed after a two-year intervention that has shifted the conflict firmly in Assad's favour.

Russia says it has carried out a partial withdrawal but it will still keep soldiers and bases in Syria.

The war in Syria has killed more than 340,000 people and displaced millions from their homes since it began in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.
President of the Mormon church Thomas Monson, pictured in 2010, has died at age 90

Thomas Monson, who had headed the Mormon church since 2008, died at age 90 in the US state of Utah, the church announced.

"With tender feelings we announce that Thomas S. Monson, president and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints died... in his home in Salt Lake City," it said in a statement on Tuesday, using the church's official name.

"He died at age 90 from causes incident to age," it said.

President Donald Trump offered his condolences on Wednesday.

"While serving for over half a century in the leadership of his church, President Monson demonstrated wisdom, inspired leadership, and great compassion," Trump said in a statement.

"Considered a prophet by the nearly 16 million members of the LDS Church, his message was one of optimism, forgiveness, and faith," Trump said.

Monson became the 16th president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in February 2008 at age 80.

The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles -- who like the church's president are considered prophets by Mormons -- will select Monson's successor.

But the church said is this not expected to happen until after his funeral.

Founded in 1830 by American pioneer Joseph Smith, the Mormon church considers itself a Christian body, but bases its doctrines on the Book of Mormon, a text purporting to contain a fuller version of the words of Jesus Christ than that recorded in the Bible.

Smith said he received the content of the book on gold tablets during a vision of an angel called Moroni in 1827.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints claims a total membership of more than 15.8 million people.
To save energy, the Chinese government decided in the 1950s that areas of the country south of the Qinling mountains and Huaihe river in north-central China would not have state-provided central heating

Amidst the skyscrapers of a modern Chinese metropolis, the city's oldest neighbourhood shivers through the winter thanks to an old rule forbidding central heating.

In Laoximen, not far from Shanghai's swanky riverfront Bund, locals and migrant workers bundle up in thick coats inside houses built decades ago.

To save energy, the Chinese government decided in the 1950s that areas of the country south of the Qinling mountains and Huaihe river in north-central China would not have state-provided central heating.

Shanghai lies in the designated southern zone even though average temperatures in winter are around four degrees at night and 12 degrees during the day.

In Laoximen, not far from Shanghai's swanky riverfront Bund, locals and migrant workers bundle up in thick coats inside houses built decades ago

And in the city's lower-income neighbourhoods such as Laoximen, people are too poor to pay for electric heaters.

Many of them own air conditioners that can double as heating devices, but they are left largely unused in the winters because residents cannot afford the resulting electricity bills, which can top 100 yuan per month ($15) or much more.

The area used to be the city's cultural centre. Surrounding a Confucian temple, the mostly two- and three-storey wooden buildings remain at the heart of Shanghai's commercial district even today.

It is in this neighbourhood that migrant workers can rent homes for just 1,000 yuan ($150) a month.

For Zhang Dongjun, a 57-year-old street sweeper, a heater was too much of a luxury to pack into his tiny single room: a bunk bed takes up most of the space. He uses an electric blanket to keep himself warm at night.

A woman in her 70s who gave only her surname, Yin, complained about the lack of a more affordable heating system.

The cold weather makes her legs ache, Yin said, adding she spends most of her retirement money on healthcare costs.

"Heaters use electricity and we never turn them on unless we have friends or family visiting us," she said.

Bao Shanchun came to Shanghai 15 years ago from nearby Jiangsu province hoping to make his fortune

"Most of the time, we just use a hot-water pouch to keep our hands warm."

Bao Shanchun, who collects antiques from the many old houses being demolished around Shanghai, shares a heater with another man in a space less than 10 square meters. But it is not turned on even at night.

"I'm very happy here to earn one or two hundred yuan a day. To make money every day makes me happy," said Bao, who came to Shanghai 15 years ago from nearby Jiangsu province because he thought "gold is everywhere" in the city.

"I will go back to my hometown when I'm 70," said Bao, now 64.

"I have big houses there."
Lin Huiqing moved to Beijing to look for work when his children were still in diapers

They fuelled their nation's dramatic economic rise, toiling in jobs far from home, but China's migrant workers are now finding themselves increasingly unwelcome as authorities try to cap the population explosions in key cities.

Lin Huiqing moved to Beijing to look for work when his children were still in diapers.

For the last eighteen years, he has seen his family just once a year, the rest spent doing the hard labour most Beijingers would prefer to avoid.

The 50-year-old is one of hundreds of millions of migrants who moved from the countryside to the cities, a colossal demographic shift that made China's ascent possible.

But last month Lin was evicted from the village where he lived on the capital's outskirts, another victim of a city-wide demolition plan to limit Beijing's population to 23 million by 2020 -- a target that could come at the cost of its economy.

"If I go home, I have no way to support my wife and kids," Lin lamented.

According to the Communist Party mouthpiece People's Daily, the city plans to demolish 40 million square metres of "illegal" structures.

Many are the homes and shops of low-income migrants like Lin.

The government plans to demolish 40 million square metres of "illegal" structures

When he first arrived in Beijing, Lin and his friends pooled their money and took out loans to purchase delivery trucks.

He made a living hauling the wares of small-scale shopkeepers and traders, but the moving business has taken a hit as the city condemns buildings en masse, evicting tens of thousands into the winter cold.

"Our customers are commoners like us," he said. "With their small businesses shut down, there's no stock for us to move. We're basically unemployed now."

- 'Can't make it here anymore' -

Authorities say the campaign, which kicked into high gear after a fire in an illegal structure killed 19 in November, is needed to clean the city up once and for all.

But it is also removing vibrant chunks of Beijing's economy, such as retail and small scale manufacturing, and throwing into chaos other sectors like delivery, the bedrock of the booming e-commerce trade.

Relegated to the periphery, migrants have kept China's economy humming, handling the difficult, dirty and sometimes dangerous work that the city's permanent residents won't do.

Urban industries like construction, domestic work and sanitation are almost completely staffed by migrants.

Many migrant workers have been evicted from their homes, victim of a demolition plan to limit Beijing's population to 23 million by 2020

Eli Friedman, associate professor of international and comparative labor at Cornell University, said China's biggest cities "simply cannot function without migrant workers".

"If every non-local were to actually be removed from cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, these economic engines for the whole country would completely collapse," he told AFP.

But that is exactly what is happening, said Li Ning, one of the 60,000 delivery drivers who criss-cross Beijing's streets.

Li was recently evicted from a village on the city's outskirts, forcing him into an apartment where the rent quadrupled.

Then authorities came for his delivery company's warehouse, forcing staff to sort packages on the sidewalk and sending his income plummeting.

"In Beijing all the migrants are leaving. We can't make it here anymore," he said, adding he plans to leave for good during the upcoming spring festival.

Another delivery franchise owner surnamed Wang said she will "give up" if authorities knock down her current warehouse, which they marked in black paint with the character "chai" -- (demolish) -- in mid-December.

She had just moved in December 1, after she had to close two other delivery hubs this year, forcing her to cut her work force from 240 couriers to 60.

"There's no stability. I don't know what I'll be facing tomorrow," she said, tears welling in her eyes.

- 'Now we have to start over' -

The demolitions have also hit Beijing's retail sector, decimating once affordable mom and pop shops and pushing consumers online or into high-end malls.

Two years ago, Ge Guoxiang moved with his wife from their home province of Jiangsu to take over his brother's textiles stall.

It had thrived for over 20 years in Beijing's Tuanjiehu Tianyu market. But three months ago, they received notice that authorities will shutter the market.

Dozens of small-scale community markets have been forced to shut down this year -- including the iconic Beijing Zoo market, where hundreds of merchants organized rare street protests against the evictions.

Officials said they have designated certain areas in the neighbouring Hebei province where merchants can move their businesses to.

But Ge is unconvinced.

"It takes years for businesses like ours to build up clientele. Now we have to start over," he said.

"Our clients are mostly older people who don't know how to shop online. Where will they go?"
Park is already on trial on 18 charges including bribery, coercion and abuse of power

Ousted South Korean president Park Geun-Hye was charged Thursday with accepting millions of dollars worth of bribes from the state spy agency, news reports said.

Park allegedly received between 50 and 200 million won (now $47,000 to $188,000) from the National Intelligence Service (NIS) every month from early 2013 -- soon after her swearing-in -- until mid-2016, prosecutors told South Korean media.

The cash -- said to total 3.65 billion won ($3.4 million) -- was reportedly delivered by NIS agents to Park's aides in uncrowded parking lots or in back alleys near the presidential Blue House.

The money came from the spy agency's "blind budget" -- millions of dollars of special funds that can be spent without receipts for anti-espionage activities -- Yonhap news agency said.

Park is said to have spent much of the funds for personal purposes, including Botox injections, clothes and illicit mobile phones used by her friends, including close confidante Choi Soon-Sil.

Prosecutors have demanded 25 years in prison for Choi, charged with colluding with Park to extort millions of dollars from conglomerates including Samsung.

Park is already on trial on 18 charges including bribery, coercion and abuse of power for offering governmental favours to tycoons.

Prosecutors will add two more counts -- bribery and embezzlement -- to the indictment regarding the payments, reports said.

South Korea's first female president was impeached by parliament after months of mass protests over a sprawling graft scandal, and the constitutional court upheld the decision in March last year, dismissing her from office.

She has been in custody since March 31.

Her trial began in May but she has refused to attend since October, infuriated by a court decision to extend her detention by six months. Her legal team also quit over the extension, accusing the judges of bias.

Park has since refused to cooperate with a team of state-sponsored defence lawyers appointed by the court.

Prosecutors sought to question Park in prison twice over the fresh allegations, but she refused to cooperate.

Two former NIS chiefs have been indicted over the bribery charges.
The blaze is the latest to highlight concerns over fire safety in Mumbai, where millions live in cramped dilapidated properties

Two children were among four killed in a fire in Mumbai on Thursday, the third deadly blaze to hit India's financial capital in just a few weeks.

Five people were also injured when the fire broke out on the fourth floor of a residential building in the city's Andheri East area.

"Four died, including two children aged 10 and 14. Five others have been admitted to hospital," a spokesman for Mumbai's disaster management cell told AFP.

It is the latest blaze to highlight concerns over fire safety in Mumbai, where millions live in cramped dilapidated properties.

On December 29, 14 people were killed when a huge inferno tore through a popular upmarket bar and restaurant.

They died of asphyxiation after apparently being unable to escape through a narrow exit door.

That disaster came just over a week after a fire swept through a sweet shop, sparking a building collapse which killed 12 sleeping workers.

Activists say builders and landlords often cut corners on safety to save costs and accuse Mumbai's civic authorities of negligence and apathy when it comes to inspections.
Most of Singapore's 5.6 million inhabitants are ethnic Chinese but it is also home to substantial Muslim Malay and Indian minorities, as well as many expatriates

Singapore banned a documentary featuring a Palestinian teenager charged with assaulting Israeli security forces from being screened at a festival Thursday, warning the "inflammatory" work could stir hatred.

The city-state's media regulator said the film, "Radiance of Resistance", had a "skewed narrative" and could cause divisions among its ethnically diverse population.

Most of Singapore's 5.6 million inhabitants are ethnic Chinese but it is also home to substantial Muslim Malay and Indian minorities, as well as many expatriates. It has strict laws against anything seen as provoking disharmony.

The film was due to be shown Thursday at the Singapore Palestinian Film Festival, which showcases works by Palestinian filmmakers and artists and has been running since 2016.

Four other films will still be screened at the festival, according to its website.

The banned work looked at the lives of two young girls presented as the new faces of Palestinian resistance to the Israeli military occupation.

One of the girls, 16-year-old Ahed Tamimi, has been hailed as a hero by Palestinians who see her as bravely standing up to Israel's occupation but Israelis accuse her family of using her as a pawn in staged provocations.

She was charged in an Israeli military court Monday with several offences, including assault, after a video of her kicking and slapping two Israeli soldiers in the West Bank went viral.

The charges relate to the events in the video but also five other incidents.

"In holding up the girls as role models to be emulated in an ongoing conflict, the film incites activists to continue their resistance against the alleged oppressors," Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority said on its website.

"The skewed narrative of the film is inflammatory and has the potential to cause disharmony amongst the different races and religions in Singapore."

Film festival organiser Adela Foo told AFP she respected the decision and would not appeal.

"Naturally, I am a little sad and disappointed," said Foo, a 23-year-old student. A film was also banned at the 2016 edition of the festival, she said.

Singapore and Israel have a friendly relationship, unlike some of the city-state's Muslim-majority neighbours who have no diplomatic ties with the country.
Officials from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) and New South Wales police speak to the media about the seaplane accident in Sydney which killed six people

A seaplane that crashed into an Australian river, killing five British tourists and the pilot, was recovered Thursday as reports emerged of the aircraft's involvement in another deadly accident two decades ago.

The DHC-2 Beaver Seaplane was returning from a restaurant on New Year's Eve when it made a right turn and plunged into the Hawkesbury River north of Sydney.

Richard Cousins, the 58-year-old boss of catering giant Compass, his sons Edward and William, fiancee Emma Bowden and her daughter Heather Bowden-Page died alongside pilot Gareth Morgan, who was reportedly Canadian-born.

New South Wales state police Detective Superintendent Mark Hutchings said Thursday investigators could see the plane had sustained "severe damage" after they raised it from the water.

"It appeared that there's been quite an impact on hitting the water," he told reporters in Sydney.

Three key parts -- one wing, the floats and the fuselage of the single-engine aircraft -- were removed from the river and divers were working to recover the rest amid very poor underwater visibility.

The parts are set to be examined by engineering and maintenance experts from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), with a preliminary report into the crash due in 30 days and a final report within a year.

The "very complex operation" came as the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that the same plane was "destroyed" in a fatal accident in 1996, citing ATSB documents.

The plane -- built in 1963 and which was a crop duster at that time -- was involved in a serious crash near Armidale in NSW that killed the pilot, the ABC reported. Investigators could not pinpoint what caused that crash, but said it was likely the aircraft stalled.

The plane was later entirely rebuilt, recertified and owned by other businesses before it was bought by Sydney Seaplanes, which was operating the aircraft when it went down on December 31, Fairfax Media reported.

The ATSB's executive director of transport safety Nat Nagy said Thursday he was aware of the seaplane's history and it would be part of the current investigation.

"In terms of the state of the aircraft, we are reasonably confident that we will be able to do a thorough examination of the key components of the aircraft, to understand whether they were operating correctly at the time," he added.

The recovery also came as the brothers of Cousins, Simon and Andrew, arrived in Australia and thanked the public for "the outpouring of love and support we've received from across the world".
Iranians rally in support of the government in the city of Mashhad on January 4, 2018, after authorities declared an end to days of deadly unrest sparked by economic concerns

Washington slapped sanctions on five Iranian companies Thursday and called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting, further stepping up pressure on Tehran over the deadly unrest that has gripped the country.

The US moves came even as Iranian authorities declared an end to the turmoil, and pro-regime demonstrators rallied across the nation while officials switched focus to addressing the economic concerns that have fueled protests.

The US imposed sanctions against five Iranian firms alleged to have been working on an illegal ballistic missile program, linking the move to the protests.

"These sanctions target key entities involved in Iran's ballistic missile program, which the Iranian regime prioritizes over the economic well-being of the Iranian people," US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said.

On the streets of Tehran meanwhile, a heavy police presence lingered though there were no reports of fresh protests overnight.

Limited social media activity suggested unrest in provincial towns was also down.

Iranian state TV showed huge pro-government crowds marching across 10 cities, including Isfahan, Ardebil and Mashhad, where the protests first erupted a week ago.

"We are together behind the leader," chanted the demonstrators, in reference to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The UN Security Council was set to hold an emergency meeting on Friday afternoon to discuss the wave of protests in Iran, at the request of the United States.

Russia has criticized the US push for Iran to be discussed at the Security Council and it remained unclear if other council members would try to block the meeting via a procedural vote.

- Underlying issues -

In a bid to address grievances that drove the initial unrest, Iranian authorities were weighing options including blocking unpopular measures in President Hassan Rouhani's recent budget.

"The people's main demand now is for the government and officials to deal with the economic problems," Ali Akbar Velayati, an adviser to Khamenei, told the semi-official ISNA news agency.

Demonstrations in Iran

The head of the army, General Abdolrahim Mousavi, thanked security forces for "putting out the fire of sedition."

A total of 21 people died and hundreds were arrested in five days of unrest that began December 28 as protests over economic woes and quickly turned against the regime as a whole, with attacks on government buildings and police stations.

- 'Grotesque intervention' -

Women hold posters of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a pro-regime rally in second city Mashhad on January 4

Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli said 42,000 people had taken part in the unrest nationwide.

It was a higher figure than the 15,000 given by the head of the Revolutionary Guards a day earlier, but still far below the hundreds of thousands that took to the streets during the last major protest movement in 2009.

A US State Department spokeswoman said those killed and detained "will not be forgotten," after the White House warned it could impose sanctions on any officials it holds responsible.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly tweeted his backing for the protesters, his most recent saying he has "such respect for the people of Iran as they try to take back their corrupt government."

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted back: "Trump has an odd way of showing 'such respect.'"

"From labelling them a 'terrorist nation' and banning them from visiting the US, to petty insults on the name of the Persian Gulf," he wrote, referring to Trump's use of the term "Arabian Gulf."

US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis underscored Trump's message, saying: "The American people do not have an issue with the Iranian people. We've got a big issue with the Iranian authoritarian regime."

Russia jumped to Iran's defense, with deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov telling state agency TASS: "Despite the many attempts to distort what is really going on (in Iran), I am sure that our neighbor, our friend, will overcome its current difficulties."

The question now is whether Trump will continue to waive nuclear-related sanctions suspended under the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers.

Messaging platform Telegram has been blocked on mobile phones in Iran

Under the deal, Trump must actively lift certain sanctions every few months and the next deadline falls on January 12.

Iran -- which has long accused the United States and Sunni Arab rivals led by Saudi Arabia of interference in its affairs -- said external "enemies" were behind recent unrest.

Online messaging and photo sharing platforms Telegram and Instagram remained blocked on mobile phones, having been interrupted soon after protests began.

- Parliament responds -

Many have called on Iran's President Hassan Rouhani (C) to address the economic grievances that sparked days of deadly unrest

Iran's political establishment has closed ranks against the unrest, with even reformists condemning the violence.

But many have also called on Rouhani to address the economic issues that drove the initial protests.

There have already been moves in parliament to block the unpopular budget measures announced last month, which included cuts to welfare and fuel price hikes.

Rouhani came to power in 2013 promising to mend the economy and ease social tensions, but high living costs and unemployment have left many feeling that progress is too slow.

Rural areas, which have seen years of drought and under-investment, are particularly hard-hit.

In the capital, there is widespread sympathy with the economic discontent fuelling the unrest, particularly an unemployment rate that is officially close to 30 percent for young people.

An Iranian woman walks through tear gas during a protest driven by anger over economic problems at the University of Tehran on December 30, 2017

But some Tehranis said US claims they were desperate for freedom were overblown.

"If the people of Iran have something to say, it's about economic problems. They want to see their demands, what they voted for, fulfilled," Hamid Rahimi, a 33-year-old bank employee, told AFP.
Mount Agung has been periodically spewing molten clouds of ash and smoke for months, forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands of people living nearby -- and drawing some foreign thrill seekers eager to climb its peak

Two Australians were briefly detained by Indonesian police Thursday for climbing to the summit of a rumbling volcano on the holiday island of Bali, hours before authorities shrunk an exclusion zone around the belching crater.

Ricky Tonacia, 34, and Jack Dennard, 26, were questioned by police after flouting a highly publicised danger zone up to 10 kilometres (six miles) from the volcano.

Mount Agung has been periodically spewing molten clouds of ash and smoke for months, forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands of people living nearby -- and drawing some foreign thrill seekers eager to climb its peak.

Authorities were alerted to the men's expedition after a nearby military post observed torch light on the volcano around 3:00 am local time Thursday (2000 GMT Wednesday), authorities said.

The pair and two Balinese men who drove into the exclusion zone to pick them up were detained several hours later as they attempted to descend the mountain.

"We took them to the Selat Police post for questioning," Captain Wayan Mustika from the Karangasem military post told AFP.

"They said the hotel where they were staying told them the volcano is safe.

"We released them at 11:25 am because there was no criminal offence," he added.

Mustika added that a Russian man was briefly taken into custody after he was caught trying to climb Agung last week.

The volcano's alert level remains at maximum, but the 10-kilometre radius danger zone was reduced to six kilometres by Indonesia's volcanology centre on Thursday afternoon.

"Mount Agung is still in the eruptive phase and could impact settlements," the centre said in a statement.

Agung rumbled to life in September, forcing the evacuation of 140,000 people living nearby.

Activity decreased in late October and many returned to their homes, but the volcano has again been belching towering columns of thick grey smoke and ash for the past six weeks.

A spike in activity in late November sparked travel chaos, forcing hundreds of flights to and from the tropical holiday island to be cancelled and severely impacting its tourist-dependent economy.
More than 100 men a month have been making a pilgrimage to a clinic in Thailand which offers a penis whitening procedure.

The Lelux Hospital in Bangkok began offering the unconventional treatment six months ago, and now has three to four clients per day.

The much-hyped procedure, a laser treatment of the groin, has left the public both baffled and alarmed, but the clinic says they have more inquiries than ever.

The future is bright: The clinic has been offering penis whitening for six months and now has three to four clients per day undergoing the treatment

'These days a lot of people are asking about it. We get around 100 clients a month, three to four clients a day,' Bunthita Wattanasiri, a manager for the Skin and Laser department at Lelax Hospital told AFP.

The procedure got wide play on Thai television and social media on Thursday after the hospital released images of a man undergoing the treatment.

'We have to be careful because it's a sensitive part of the body,' Bunthita said, adding most clients are aged between 22 and 55, with many from Thailand's LGBTQ community.

The whitening service costs around 480 for five sessions.

'I think it's a good market to enter so we offer the ultimate body treatment to our clients, either men and women,' Bunthita said.

Whitening and bleaching treatments are particularly sought after in Thailand, where skin-whitening ads have caused outrage and accusations of racism.

'The obsession... people nowadays can't embrace their own skin color,' said one Facebook user in response to the Lelax Hospital's images.

Another user Parin Ruansati posted: 'Oh god... what ever happened to the world?'

Another simply questioned; 'Why not?'.
North Korea has rattled the international community in recent months with multiple missile launches and its sixth and most powerful nuclear test

China will send a special envoy to Seoul to discuss the situation on the Korean peninsula ahead of proposed talks between North and South Korea, the foreign ministry said Thursday.

China's Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou will visit Friday and Saturday to "exchange views" with Lee Do-Hoon, Seoul's envoy on Korean peninsula peace talks, a ministry spokesman said.

Their meeting comes as South Korea prepares for its proposed high-level talks with North Korea next Tuesday to discuss "matters of mutual interest" including the North's participation in next month's Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.

North Korea has rattled the international community in recent months with multiple missile launches and its sixth and most powerful nuclear test -- purportedly of a hydrogen bomb.

It has shrugged off a raft of new sanctions and heightened rhetoric from Washington as it drives forward with its weapons programme, which it says is for defence against US aggression.

But the new year has begun on a more positive note with the two Koreas on Wednesday restoring a cross-border hotline that had been shut down since 2016, after North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un offered to send a team to the Winter Olympics hosted by the South in February.

The Olympic offer prompted Seoul to respond with its offer for talks next week -- the first since 2015.

A six-nation effort to dismantle North Korea's nuclear programmes was begun in 2003, bringing together China, the United States, both Koreas, Russia and Japan.

North Korea pledged to give up those programmes in 2005, but carried out its first atomic blast the following year. It walked out of the talks three years later, detonating its second device soon afterwards.
A Kurdish-led force expelled Islamic State group fighters from the northern Syrian city of Raqa last year, signalling the collapse of its so-called caliphate

Female French jihadists arrested in Kurdish-held parts of Syria should face justice there so long as they can be guaranteed a fair trial, the French government said on Thursday.

Debate has been swirling in France over the fate of women who went to Syria to marry Islamist fighters and now find themselves in custody, not least following heavy defeats for the Islamic State group.

This week Emilie Konig, a 33-year-old Muslim convert from Brittany who became a notorious jihadist recruiter, became the latest of a string of European women to plead publicly for repatriation.

But French government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux indicated there are no plans to bring her home.

If "there are legal institutions capable of guaranteeing a fair trial assuring their right to a defence", women arrested in Kurdish-held Syria should be "judged there", Griveaux told RMC radio.

"Whatever crime may have been committed -- even the most despicable -- French citizens abroad must have a guaranteed right to a defence," he added. "We must have confirmation of that."

Konig, who features on UN and US blacklists of dangerous militants, was arrested last month and is being held in a Kurdish camp with her three young children along with several other French women.

"They have been arrested, and as far as we know they did not surrender of their own accord," Griveaux said. "They were arrested in combat."

Konig's lawyer Bruno Vinay argued Wednesday that France must repatriate her under its "international commitments".

A policeman's daughter who converted after meeting her first husband, Konig set off for Syria in 2012, leaving her first two children in France to join her new partner, who was later killed.

She frequently appeared in propaganda videos and French intelligence intercepted messages to her contacts at home urging them to attack French institutions or the wives of soldiers.

Some 30 French jihadists, both men and women, are currently in the custody of Kurdish and Iraqi forces, according to a source close to the investigation.

- 'Must face justice for crimes' -

Of some 5,000 EU Islamists believed to have gone to fight, around a third have returned home, according to the Soufan Center, a US-based NGO that conducts research on global security.

So far, France, Germany and Britain have tackled returnees on a case-by-case basis.

The Syrian Kurds' representative in France told AFP that authorities in their territory, covering swathes of north and northeast Syria, were ready to either take the women to court or send them home with their children.

"With France, an allied country, we can come to an agreement that works out well, bearing in mind that the priority is that these terrorists are held accountable for their crimes," Issa said.

No foreign national has yet appeared in court in Kurdish-held areas, Issa added, adding that their forces on the ground have some 1,300 "terrorists" in custody including foreigners.

Kurds currently hold just under a third of Syrian territory -- including the Raqa region, IS's former "capital" -- while the regime holds around a half, following the multi-sided civil war which has raged since 2011.

France is part of the US-led international military coalition that has been carrying out air strikes against IS.

burs-kjl/cb/dcr
China's first attempt to open the M503 route in 2015 sparked protests in Taiwan

Taiwan on Thursday demanded China immediately close new flight routes launched close to the island, calling it a "reckless" and politically motivated move.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) announced Thursday that it is opening four routes to help ease congestion in its airspace over the Taiwan Strait, which separates the island from mainland China.

But Taipei said Beijing had not consulted it over the move which "ignores flight safety and disrespects Taiwan".

"We believe... this is purposefully using civil aviation as a cover for improper intentions regarding Taiwan politics and even military affairs," Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said in a statement.

Critics say that the main route in the dispute, M503, runs too close to the island's airspace.

China's first attempt to open the route in 2015 sparked protests that prompted Beijing to move it closer to the mainland and use it only for north-to-south flights.

"The rapid growth of flights in western Taiwan Strait airspace in recent years has caused increasingly serious delays," CAAC said Thursday.

The M503 can now be used for south-to-north flights too, it announced, adding the four new routes are only for civilian flights and that China will maintain technical communications with Taiwan.

Taiwan's defence ministry said Thursday that the military will intercept, warn and repel if necessary any planes that cross into Taiwanese airspace and threaten the island's security.

China and Taiwan split after a civil war in 1949 and the island has been self-ruled since. But Beijing still claims the island as part of its territory to be brought back into its fold -- by force if necessary.

Beijing has cut off official communications with Taipei since Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen came to power in May 2016, as it does not trust her traditionally pro-independence party.

Beijing has also exerted military pressure on Taiwan's airspace by stepping up drills around the island.
Russian soldiers gather in the government held side of the embattled city of Aleppo on December 15, 2016

Russia's defence ministry on Thursday said two servicemen were killed in a mortar attack by Islamist militants in Syria on New Year's Eve, but denied media reports seven military planes were destroyed.

"As darkness fell, the Hmeimim air base was subjected to sudden mortar shelling from a mobile group of militants. As a result of the shelling, two servicemen were killed," the defence ministry said in a statement to Russian agencies.

The Kommersant business daily reported seven military planes had been "practically destroyed" in the attack, citing two military-diplomatic sources, but the ministry said the report was "fake".

The news comes a day after the ministry announced a Russian helicopter crash in Syria that killed two pilots following a technical fault, also on December 31.

With four fatalities this is one of the deadliest single days for the Russian army in Syria since it entered the conflict and brings the total number of officially reported losses to 44.

Security around the Hmeimim base was being stepped up after the mortar attack, the defence ministry said.

"The Russian air force in Syria is combat-ready and continues to fulfill all intended tasks," the statement added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin made a surprise visit to Syria last month where he ordered the start of a pullout of Russian troops, saying their task in the war-torn country had been largely completed.

Three battalions of military police and officers of the Russian Center for Reconciliation would remain in Syria, as well as two Russian bases, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on a subsequent trip.

Russia became involved in the multi-front conflict in September 2015, when it began an aerial campaign in support of President Bashar al-Assad's military.

Moscow acknowledged in recent months that its special forces are also active on the ground in the offensive against Islamic State jihadists.
Phan Van Anh Vu (C), who held a senior rank in the Vietnamese secret police, was stopped last week at a border checkpoint in Singapore

A fugitive Vietnamese intelligence officer wanted for allegedly revealing state secrets was detained on arrival in Hanoi on Thursday afternoon, officials said, hours after he was deported from Singapore.

Phan Van Anh Vu, who holds a senior rank in the Vietnamese secret police, was stopped last week at a border checkpoint in Singapore as he attempted to cross into neighbouring Malaysia.

The 42-year-old -- who is also a prominent property developer -- is mired in a complex and high-profile corruption case, part of a wider crackdown on graft driven by the Communist leadership.

His detention in Singapore came after Vietnamese police had announced that Vu was wanted for disclosing state secrets, without giving further details.

"Phan Van Anh Vu violated the immigration laws of Singapore and has been deported," said a statement published on the website of Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security.

On Thursday afternoon "investigators at the ministry of Public Security received and arrested the suspect", it said.

Lawyers in Germany had been pushing for Vu to be sent to the European country.

They argued he may have information about the alleged kidnapping of a Vietnamese executive, Trinh Xuan Thanh, in Berlin last year and have warned he could be condemned to death if repatriated.

German authorities say Thanh was brazenly snatched in a park in an operation carried out by Vietnamese spies -- an allegation Hanoi has denied.

Thanh is set to face trial in Hanoi alongside dozens of other suspects next Monday in a high-profile case that could see him sentenced to death.

Despite fears for Vu, Singapore authorities said Thursday that he had been sent back to Vietnam for using falsified documents to enter the city-state.

"He had entered Singapore using a Vietnamese passport bearing a false identity," a spokesman for Singapore's Home Affairs Ministry said in a statement. "ICA has required Phan Van Anh Vu to leave for Vietnam."

Observers say Vietnam's anti-corruption sweep, which has echoes of a graft crackdown in Communist China, is being led by a conservative leadership in place since 2016.

Many believe it is as much about weeding out political enemies aligned with the former leadership as cracking down on corruption.

burs-apj/ssm/kaf
Israeli novelist Aharon Appelfeld has died aged 85

Israeli novelist Aharon Appelfeld, a Holocaust survivor who became one of the foremost contemporary Hebrew-language writers, died on Thursday aged 85, officials said.

Israeli public radio said that he passed away at Beilinson hospital near Tel Aviv in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Maariv newspaper said he would be buried in Jerusalem on Sunday.

Born in 1932 in a village near what was then the Romanian city of Czernowitz -- today part of Ukraine -- he escaped from a Nazi camp in 1942 after the murder of his mother and the arrest of his father.

He told AFP in a 2010 interview how he fled into the forests, where he was "adopted by a gang of Ukrainian criminals".

He was recruited into the advancing Red Army until 1945 and left the following year for Palestine.

"No one wanted orphans in Europe. The only place we could go was Palestine," he told AFP.

In 1957 he discovered that his father had also survived and they were reunited in Israel.

He published the first of more than 40 novels and collections of poetry in 1962 and won several awards throughout his career.

They included the prestigious Israel Prize in 1983 and France's Prix Medicis literary award for best foreign book in 2004 for his 1999 autobiography "Story of a Life".

Although much of his writing is of Jewish life in Europe before, during and after World War II, he refused to be classified as a Holocaust writer.

"You cannot be a writer of death. Writing means you're alive," he said.

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin said on Twitter that he and his wife Nechama were "deeply saddened at the passing of our cherished author Aharon Appelfeld. May his memory and his works be blessed."

Israeli Culture Minister Miri Regev said Appelfeld "left us stories of life that will remain in our collective and personal memory".
Tibetan education advocate Tashi Wangchuk, pictured on the right-hand placard, was featured in a New York Times documentary

A Tibetan who has waged a campaign to preserve his region's ancestral language was put on trial in China for inciting separatism Thursday in a case Amnesty International denounced as "ludicrously unjust".

Tashi Wangchuk was featured in a New York Times documentary that followed him on a trip to Beijing, where he attempted to get Chinese state media and courts to address what he describes as diminishing use of the Tibetan language.

Wangchuk was put on trial at the Intermediate People's Court in Yushu, his hometown in a Tibetan area of northwestern China's Qinghai province.

The charge can carry a sentence of up to five years, but Wangchuk's lawyer Liang Xiaojun said prosecutors were expected to seek even more jail time.

Wangchuk pleaded not guilty, and the trial did not come to a verdict on Thursday.

But nearly every case that goes to trial in China -- especially on sensitive state-security issues -- ends with a guilty verdict.

"He doesn't believe he's incited separatism. He only wants to strengthen Tibetan language education," Liang said.

Wangchuk has been detained in Yushu since January 2016, not long after the New York Times published its story and documentary video about his activism, according to the Times.

Liang said the short documentary was "the most important evidence" used by the prosecution.

In the video, Wangchuk complained of a "systematic slaughter of our culture".

"In politics, it's said that if one nation wants to eliminate another nation, first they need to eliminate their spoken and written language," he said.

In the Times' stories Wangchuk notably says he wants to use Chinese law to build his case, and praised President Xi Jinping.

Beijing says it "peacefully liberated" Tibet in 1951 and insists it has brought development to a previously backward region.

But many Tibetans accuse the Chinese government of exploiting the region's natural resources and encouraging an influx of China's majority Han ethnic group that critics say is diluting the native culture and Buddhist faith.

China's constitution protects free speech but critics say in reality there is little room for voicing any opinions that challenge government policies, and rights groups have accused Xi's government of an escalating crackdown on expression.

Amnesty International said it was "appalling" that Wangchuk could face jail time.

"These are blatantly trumped up charges and he should be immediately and unconditionally released," Amnesty's East Asia Research Director Roseann Rife said in a statement.

Maya Wang, a researcher at Human Rights Watch, said Wangchuk was merely exercising his constitutionally guaranteed rights.

"If Chinese authorities consider that 'inciting separatism', it's hard to tell what isn't," Wang said.

The documentary ends with Wangchuk discussing the many Tibetans who have self-immolated in protest at China's policies over the years, while adding what he would do if he is "locked up or they force me to say things against my will".

"I will choose suicide," he said.
Egypt's grand mufti Shawqi Allam has declared the trading of the digital currency Bitcoin unlawful - issuing an official fatwa and warning it could be used by terrorists.

The theological leader, who is the country's official interpreter for the religion, issued the fatwa because the trading of it could be used for criminal exchanges.

Allam added that it could provide 'stable and secure financial resources for terrorists and criminal groups'.

Egypt's grand mufti Shawqi Allam (pictured) has declared the trading of the digital currency bitcoin unlawful - issuing a fatwa and calling it forbidden in Islam.

Bitcoin, launched in 2009 and based on a peer-to-peer payment system, poses 'high risks to individuals and states,' Allam said in a published ruling.

Suggesting his decision to declare a fatwa was based on discussions with economic experts, he concluded bitcoin is not permissible as it undermines the state - a central feature in Islamic sharia.

Minting and issuing currency is an 'absolute right' of monetary institutions and 'one of the most specific functions of the state,' said the country's official interpreter of Islamic law.

Bitcoin, launched in 2009 and based on a peer-to-peer payment system, poses 'high risks to individuals and states,' Allam said in a published ruling

Suggesting his decision to declare a fatwa was based on discussions with economic experts, he concluded bitcoin is not permissible as it undermines the state - a central feature in Islamic Sharia

Bitcoin is a virtual currency created from computer code.

It and other virtual currencies use blockchain, which records transactions that are updated in real time on an online ledger and maintained by a network of computers.

Its value surged as high as $19,500 in December from around $1,000 last January, but has slipped back after a series of warnings from governments and analysts about the risk and volatility associated with cryptocurrencies.
Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, target of a reported failed coup bid, addresses the UN General Assembly in September 2017 as Africa's longest ruling leader after 38 years

The United Nations said Thursday it will dispatch an envoy to Equatorial Guinea after authorities in the oil-rich country said they had thwarted a coup attempt against President Theodoro Obiang, Africa's longest-serving leader.

The West African nation was put on alert Wednesday after a senior government official announced that a putsch mounted by foreign mercenaries on December 24 had been put down.

Hours after Security Minister Mahamat Zen Cherif's televised statement, state broadcaster TGVE reported clashes with "mercenaries" near the border with Cameroon.

Government troops shot dead one "mercenary" and "used gunfire to disperse (others) in the forests along the border", it said, without specifying how many fighters were involved or how long the clashes lasted.

Chad's Foreign Minister Mahamat Zen Cherif, in a visit to Malabo Thursday, condemned the attempted coup as a "major threat" to central Africa.

"The attempt at destabilisation is not just an affair that only concerns Equatorial Guinea, it is also a major threat of destabilisation that concerns the entire sub-region of central Africa," he said in remarks reported by TVGE.

Formerly a small Spanish colony, Equatorial Guinea has become one of sub-Sahara's biggest oil producers but a large proportion of its 1.2 million population lives in poverty.

Obiang, 75, who seized power in 1979, has faced a string of coup attempts during nearly four decades in office.

Critics accuse him of brutal repression of opponents, electoral fraud and corruption.

- Dozens of Chadians held -

A UN spokesman said that the organisation's envoy for West Africa, Francois Louceny Fall, will travel to Malabo for talks next week.

The spokesman said that while "little information" had emerged over last month's alleged coup attempt, "we condemn all attempts to seize power unconstitutionally" in the country.

Cherif, who was cited by state media after he spoke with Obiang on Wednesday, called for an inquiry and said he would travel on to Cameroon for talks with leaders there.

According to Malabo's security minister, the mercenaries were Chadian, Sudanese and Central African Republic nationals, as citizens of the Central African Republic are called, and were recruited by Equatorial Guinean militants from certain radical opposition parties with the support of certain powers."

The attempted infiltration had been repelled with the help of the Cameroon security services, according to the authorities.

Equatorial Guinea

Sources told AFP that the country's ambassador to Chad, Enrique Nsue Anguesom, who was on holiday in Equatorial Guinea's Ebibeyin district, had been arrested and was being held in a military camp.

Cameroon says that on December 27 it arrested 38 heavily armed men on its border with Equatorial Guinea, which consists of mostly dense forest territory on the African mainland and an offshore island where the capital lies.

Cameroonian security sources on Thursday said those arrested included an ex-general in the Chadian army, Mahamat Kodo Bani, who was once a senior officer in the presidential guard.

He is being held in Yaounde, the Cameroonian capital, they said.

In Gabon, which also borders Equatorial Guinea, a senior government official said "security measures" had been taken on the border.

Chad's ambassador to Malabo, Paul Nahari Nguaryanan, told AFP that more than 65 Chadian merchants had been detained in recent days, though a foreign ministry source said some had been released.

- Opacity -

Facebook, Whatsapp and VPNs in Equatorial Guinea have been blocked. "There is a real lack of transparency on what's really going on," a diplomat in the region said.

Obiang took power in a coup on August 3, 1979, ousting his own uncle, Francisco Macias Nguema, who was shot by firing squad.

He was re-elected to a fifth seven-year term in 2016, gaining more than 90 percent of the vote according to the official results.

Legislative elections on November 12 last year saw the ruling party win 92 percent of the vote, a result condemned as fraudulent by dissidents.

The Citizens for Innovation (CI) opposition group on Wednesday strongly denied it had played any part in the attempted coup.
The United States and South Korea will not carry out military exercises -- like this one featuring US aircraft in December -- during the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang

The United States and South Korea have agreed to delay joint military exercises until after the Winter Olympics next month, the government in Seoul announced Thursday, in an apparent move to de-escalate tensions with Pyongyang.

The move came just hours after US President Donald Trump said that high-level talks set for next week between North and South Korea were "a good thing."

North Korea has rattled the international community in recent months with multiple missile launches and its sixth and most powerful nuclear test -- purportedly of a hydrogen bomb.

"The two leaders agreed that the US-South Korea joint military exercises will not be carried out during the Olympics period, and the armed forces of the two countries should do their best to guarantee the safety of the Olympics," said a statement from the office of South Korean President Moon Jae-In.

Trump and Moon made the decision during a phone conversation Thursday, Seoul said.

The statement quoted Moon as telling Trump that delaying the exercises would help ensure the success of the Winter Olympics -- being hosted by the South next month in Pyeongchang -- "in case the North does not make any more provocations."

"The Department of Defense supports the president's decision and what is in the best interest of the ROK-US Alliance," a Pentagon spokesman, Colonel Rob Manning, said, referring to South Korea by its official acronym.

The North-South talks set for next week -- which would be the first since 2015 -- are meant to focus on "matters of mutual interest", including the North's participation in the Winter Olympics.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has shrugged off a raft of new sanctions and heightened rhetoric from Washington as his regime drives forward with its weapons programmes, which it says are meant to defend against US aggression.

But the new year has begun on a more positive note -- on Wednesday, the two Koreas restored a cross-border hotline that had been shut down since 2016.

The move came after Kim offered to send a team to the Winter Olympics, which will take place from February 9-25 in Pyeongchang, a mountain resort just 80 kilometres (50 miles) south of the heavily fortified North-South border.

Pyongyang boycotted the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul.
Michael Wolff's new book, "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House," is making waves in Washington -- and its bombshell claims have prompted Donald Trump's attorney to ask that its publication be blocked

An attorney for President Donald Trump sought Thursday to halt publication of an upcoming bombshell-filled book about his White House, claiming it was "libelous."

The cease and desist letter sent to author Michael Wolff and publisher Henry Holt and Co. claims the book contained "numerous false and/or baseless statements" about Trump.

The book, "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House," is scheduled to be published on January 9, but several media outlets released excerpts on Wednesday, prompting an angry reaction from the White House.

In the letter, a copy of which was obtained by AFP, Trump's attorney Charles Harder said statements made in the book "give rise to claims for libel" that could result in "substantial monetary damages and punitive damages."

"The book appears to cite no sources for many of its most damaging statements about Mr. Trump," the letter said.

"Also, many of your so-called 'sources' have stated publicly that they never spoke to Mr. Wolff and/or never made the statements that are being attributed to them," it added.

Trump's attorney demanded the publisher "immediately cease and desist from any further publication, release or dissemination of the Book" and provide a "full and complete retraction and apology to my client."

The letter also alleged that former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon had breached a confidentiality agreement with Trump by speaking to Wolff and making "disparaging" remarks about the president and members of his family.

Trump rounded on Bannon on Wednesday after one excerpt in which the former aide described Trump's eldest son's meeting with a Kremlin-connected lawyer as "treasonous" and "unpatriotic."

"Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind," the Republican president said in a statement.

Bannon was one of the main architect of Trump's upset victory in 2016 presidential elections, and the president's chief White House strategist for six months.

On Thursday, Bannon nevertheless heaped praise on Trump, saying he was a "great man" that he continued to support "day in and day out."
An aerial view of the National Security Agency in Fort Meade, Maryland

A former contractor for the US National Security Agency's elite hacking group has agreed to plead guilty to removing classified documents in a case that highlighted a series of disastrous leaks of top-secret NSA materials.

Harold Martin, who reportedly worked for an NSA unit focused on hacking into target computer systems around the world, will plead guilty to one of 20 counts against him with the aim of concluding a 15-month-old case couched in deep secrecy, according to court documents filed late Wednesday.

The indictment filed on February 8, 2017 accused Martin of hoarding an estimated 50 terabytes of NSA data and documents in his home and car over a 20-year period. The material reportedly included sensitive digital tools for hacking foreign governments' computers.

His arrest in late 2016 followed the NSA's discovery that a batch of its hacking tools had fallen into the hands of a still-mysterious group called the Shadow Brokers, which offered them for sale online and also released some for free.

At least publicly, Martin has not been accused of responsibility for any NSA leaks.

In December, Nghia Hoang Pho, 67, a 10-year veteran of the NSA's Tailored Access Operations hacking unit, was charged with and agreed to plead guilty to one count of removing and retaining top-secret documents from the agency.

Vietnam-born Pho also had taken home highly classified NSA materials and programs.

According to The New York Times, apparent Russian hackers broke into his personal computer to steal the files, accessing them via Pho's use of Kaspersky software.

But that case also has not been linked to the Shadow Brokers theft.

Those leaks, and others from the Central Intelligence Agency, have hobbled the US spy agencies' abilities to hack into the computer systems of foreign governments and other espionage targets, according to intelligence experts.

Martin will officially submit his plea on January 22, according to court filings. He faces up to 10 years in jail and a maximum fine of $250,000.

Sentencing won't take place until the 19 other charges are resolved -- an indication that the government, while entertaining his single-count plea, is not completely satisfied that Martin's actions were harmless.
Kabul has become one of the deadliest places in war-torn Afghanistan for civilians in recent months

A suicide attacker blew himself up near a crowd of police and protesters in Kabul Thursday, killing at least 11 people and wounding 25 others, officials said, in the latest deadly violence to rock the Afghan capital.

The attack happened during a protest against the death of a shopkeeper in a police operation targeting alcohol bootleggers, an unnamed official said.

"A suicide attacker has detonated himself... close to a number of police who were trying to provide security for an ongoing protest," deputy interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi told AFP.

Health ministry spokesman Wahid Majroh told AFP that 11 bodies had been taken to hospitals around the city along with 25 wounded, adding that that the toll could rise.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack via its Amaq propaganda agency, according to the SITE intelligence group, which monitors jihadist networks.

Kabul police spokesman Basir Mujahid said the suicide bomber had targeted police officers, five of whom were killed and another 11 wounded.

"He detonated his vest very close to police who were trying to stop the protesters," Mujahid told AFP.

A security source who spoke to AFP on the condition of anonymity said 20 people had been killed and 20 wounded in the attack, but that higher toll could not be immediately confirmed.

Footage shown on Afghanistan's Tolo News showed men, purportedly shopkeepers, gathered on a street during the day, angrily denying they were bootleggers.

Afghans are prohibited from selling or consuming alcohol in the Muslim-majority country.

President Ashraf Ghani condemned the "barbaric attack" and ordered an investigation, according to a statement from the presidential palace.

- Civilians in crosshairs -

The deadly assault comes a week after more than 40 people were killed and dozens more wounded in a suicide blast claimed by the Islamic State group that targeted Shiites in Kabul.

That was the third deadly attack claimed by the group in the Afghan capital in December alone.

The IS group has gained ground in Afghanistan since it first appeared in the region in 2015 and has scaled up its attacks in Kabul, including on security installations and the country's Shiite minority.

Afghanistan

Kabul has become one of the deadliest places in war-torn Afghanistan for civilians in recent months, as the Taliban step up their attacks and IS seeks to expand its presence in the country.

A suicide bomber killed six civilians in a Christmas Day attack near an Afghan intelligence agency compound in the city, which was also claimed by IS.

And on December 18, militants from the group stormed an intelligence training compound in Kabul, triggering an intense gunfight with police, two of whom were wounded.

Security in Kabul has been ramped up since May 31 when a massive truck bomb ripped through the diplomatic quarter, killing some 150 people and wounding around 400 others -- mostly civilians. No group has yet claimed that attack.

Despite the increased security measures, militants continue to plan and carry out devastating attacks.

On Wednesday, Afghanistan's spy agency announced it had busted a 13-member IS cell in Kabul that had been hatching "a series of big terrorist attacks" in the city.
An Iranian woman raises her fist amid the smoke of tear gas at the University of Tehran during a protest driven by anger over economic problems

The United States warned Iranian officials Thursday that protesters jailed or killed in a crackdown on anti-government demonstrations will "not be forgotten."

"We condemn in the strongest possible terms the deaths to date and the arrests of at least one thousand Iranians," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said.

"We have ample authorities to hold accountable those who commit violence against protestors, contribute to censorship, or steal from the people of Iran," she said.

"To the regime's victims, we say: 'You will not be forgotten'."

Popular unrest flared in Iran last month and at least 21 people are known to have died in clashes between demonstrators and the Islamic republic's security forces.

Washington, a long-standing foe of Tehran, has stood up for the protesters' right to be heard, and Nauert has now gone further in endorsing what she said were their demands.

"We support these legitimate aspirations of the Iranian people, and call on the government to allow the free exchange of ideas and information," she said.

"All of us should be able to enjoy the same basic economic and political freedoms, including the right to peaceful demonstration."

Iranian officials now claim to have the crisis under control and state television is carrying footage of pro-government counter demonstrations in several cities.
New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art will begin demanding mandatory entry fees starting March 1

Visitors to the Metropolitan Museum of Art will now have to pay $25 to enter if they do not live in New York state starting March 1, a first in half a century.

Since 1970, this cultural landmark on New York's Fifth Avenue only asked for a "suggested" donation of $25 per adult, which Met president Daniel Weiss noted was "uncommon."

Under the new policy, the fee -- which will be paid largely by tourists -- will fetch a ticket that lasts for three days and also covers entry to the museum's annexes -- Met Breuer for modern and contemporary art, and The Cloisters for medieval and decorative arts.

"We think that is an extraordinary value," Weiss said.

In order to not penalize students from New York and the surrounding region, they will only be asked to pay what they can.

Students and seniors visiting from other regions will get reduced fares of $12 and $17, respectively. Entry will be free for children under the age of 12.

The move follows months of talks with New York City Hall. Fred Dixon, president of the city's destination marketing organization NYC & Company, said City Hall accepted the new policy of this "catalyst" of cultural tourism, confident it would not negatively impact tourism.

"The role the Met plays (in tourism) is tremendous," added Dixon.

Weiss, who landed in his current post in 2015 to bolster the prestigious museum's finances, noted that while 63 percent of visitors paid the full suggested price in 2004, only 17 percent did so last year.

So while attendance kept increasing, admission revenues were flat.

Pointing to "a significant diminution in the effectiveness of our policy," Weiss stressed that "admission revenues would still be one of the lowest of all art institutions we have seen in the last 12 years."

Admissions would still account only for a fraction of the Met's annual budget of $305 million.

They currently account for 14 percent of revenue. Even with the new mandatory fee, they would still only represent no more than 17 percent of revenue, according to Weiss.

The Met receives relatively minimal public subsidies -- compared to the world's other top public institutions, such as the Louvre in Paris -- and obtains most of its revenue from donations, which cover half of its annual budget.
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Two senior Democratic senators asked the country's intelligence chief Thursday to assess the national security risks of President Donald Trump's tweets on North Korea.

Senators Martin Heinrich and Ron Wyden asked the Director of National Intelligence, Daniel Coats, to "assess the risk to the United States and to US interests and personnel" arising from a tweet Trump posted on January 2.

In that tweet Trump made a veiled threat to North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, who a day earlier opened the New Year with his own defiant statement calling to speed up the deployment of nuclear weapons.

"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!" Trump wrote.

Heinrich and Wyden, both members of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said they would like the intelligence community to assess the impact of Trump's tweets on Washington's credibility.

"We request that the assessment address the likely North Korean response to the President's January 2 tweet and the President's other threatening tweets and statements, and whether this rhetoric serves as a deterrent or a provocation."

Kim's New Year statement extended an olive branch to Seoul, which in the subsequent days led to a renewal of direct contacts, reopening a cross border hotline and a proposal to hold bilateral talks on January 9.

On Thursday Trump turned to Twitter again to claim credit.

"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 wasn't firm, strong and willing to commit our total 'might' against the North. Fools, but talks are a good thing!"
As the temperatures drop, what better time is there to enjoy the landscape from inside a warm, welcoming art gallery?

The Susquehanna Art Museum is playing host to two very different perspectives of the art of the landscape; one from the most well-known and influential American photographer, the other from a talented painter with Central Pennsylvania ties.

Ansel Adams (19021984) was a giant in the field of landscape photography. He was able to capture the majesty of the American West, creating iconic imagery and some of the most recognizable art of the 20th century.

Ansel Adams: Early Works brings to Harrisburg a collection of silver gelatin prints that start with Adams beginnings in 1923 with his Parmelian Prints of the High Sierras when his photographic style with soft focus and warm tones was more akin to the landscape painters of the 19th century.

This painterly style, known as Pictorialism, was popular among photographers of the period, and a style that Adams would soon abandon. In fact, only one image from this period would he re-print into the 1970s. A Grove of Tamarack Pine, is an idyllic forest scene, looking more like a book illustration than the striking photographs for which he will become known.

Moving into the 1930s and 1940s, Adams art shifted focus and technique to capture the grandeur of the American West. It is this period for which he is most well-known. His experiments with scale produced images capturing both the beauty and the drama of the unspoiled wilderness.

Adams became associated with a style called straight or pure photography, where he attempted to depict a scene as objectively as possible. In Monolith, the Face of Half Dome, a print from 1927 hangs next to the re-printed version from the 1950s. In it his technical darkroom work made it a more detailed and realistic photograph.

Many of Ansel Adams celebrated images are included in Early Works including Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico and Aspens, Northern New Mexico, which demonstrate why he is recognized as one of finest photographers of this unspoiled landscape.

Ansel Adams: Early Works is organized by art2art Circulating Exhibitions LLC. All photographs included in the exhibit are from the private collection of Michael Mattis and Judith Hochberg. Ansel Adams: Early Works is presented with the sponsorship of Commonwealth Charter Academy and Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. The exhibit is on view through Jan. 21 in the second floor main gallery of the museum.

In the first floor gallery of the Susquehanna Art Museum, the oil paintings of Robert Andriulli, take another approach to the landscape as he captures both rural and urban perspectives. Andriulli was a professor of art at Millersville University for 27 years, before retiring in 2017.

In Memory and Invention: Robert Andriulli, landscapes created from both direct observations and studio elaborations portray a painterly realism that depicts both a fidelity to subject and an uncommon personal visual style. The works in this exhibit represent his interest in responding to the various forms and light of nature and in juxtapositions of natural landscapes and the urban environment.

Like Adams, several of Andriullis paintings, have captured the beauty of nature while at the same time communicating its untamed qualities. First Beach, La Push, Washington shows the felled trees along the shore. Their jagged edges in the foreground contrasts against the Pacific skies and shoreline.

In the same vein, Coast Near Mendocino, California shows the waves crashing against the rocks as stormy skies loom overhead.

As he turns his focus to the urban landscape, Andriulli creates depth through the layers of his landscapes. Urban Tiers III begins with the rows of suburban rooftops in the foreground, which leads to the smokestacks of the neighboring factories as the urban skyscrapers loom in the distance.

The break in the smoke in Mill Fire frames the scene like a porthole, looking at the flames shooting from the scene as again the foreground is filled with structure upon structure of the working class community.

Andriulli is able to expertly adapt his painting style within the differing landscapes. The urban themed works are very architectural and geometric while the natural landscapes show both the hard and soft that exists within nature. He merges both perspectives in paintings such as Silk City Waterfall as the citys edge meets one of natures most marvelous features, creating a spectacular synthesis.

Memory and Invention: Robert Andriulli is on display in the first floor gallery of the Susquehanna Art Museum until Feb. 11.

Both approaches to capturing the landscape express the unique visions and techniques of both men. From the grandeur of the undeveloped wilds to the urban wilderness; land to sky, there is beauty to be discovered inside the Susquehanna Art Museum.

The Susquehanna Art Museum is located at 1401 N. Third St., Harrisburg. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. General admission is $8, $5 for teachers, seniors and veterans; and free for children younger than 12. Free parking is available at the rear of the building. For additional information on the museum and exhibitions visit their website at www.SusquehannaArtMuseum.org.

Joseph George holds a degree in history and art history from Dickinson College. He and his wife, Barrie Ann have spent much of their 25 years together traveling and visiting art galleries locally and throughout the world. They have been writing about the local art scene for five years. Their tastes range from fine art to street art.
Tunisia suspended flights by the Dubai-based carrier on December 24 after women from the North African state complained they were delayed after being targeted for additional checks as they flew to the UAE

Tunisia said Thursday it was allowing Emirates Airline flights to the country again after halting them following outcry over security measures by the United Arab Emirates targeting Tunisian women.

Tunisia suspended flights by the Dubai-based carrier on December 24 after women from the North African state complained they were delayed after being targeted for additional checks as they flew to the UAE.

Tunisian officials said the authorities in the UAE told them they had "serious security information about the possibility of terrorist attacks" involving either Tunisian women or a women with a Tunisian passport.

The controls sparked ire in Tunisia and the presidency complained that the rights of Tunisian women should not to be violated "whatever the justification".

In a statement Thursday, Tunisia's transport ministry announced the "resumption of Emirates flights to Tunisia" after the "lifting of measures against Tunisian women".

The ministry said an agreement was struck with the airline that would see it "respect rights and international accords".
BOSTON (AP) - A Boston police detective is set to be sentenced Thursday for lying to federal officials so he could take his gun on planes during personal trips and allow a friend to avoid airport security.

Sgt. Detective Bruce Smith faces up to a year of probation under the terms of a plea deal. He has also agreed to resign from the department and pay a $7,500 fine.

The 28-year veteran of the force was charged last year with falsely telling Transportation Security Administration officials that he was on official police business and was authorized to carry his firearm. Prosecutors allege he flew armed on about 28 trips from Boston's Logan International Airport.

Smith's attorney says he had no "ulterior motive" for flying with a gun and was simply visiting his parents.
LAS VEGAS (AP) - A Nevada woman who was twice convicted of a 2001 killing and sexual mutilation that she insisted happened when she was more than 150 miles away was freed Wednesday from a Las Vegas jail - five days after her exoneration and release from prison.

Kirstin Blaise Lobato was 18 when she was first arrested and is 35 now. She was released from the Clark County Detention Center hours after a judge credited her with time already served and waived a one-year misdemeanor sentence in a prisoner sexual contact case.

"I feel overwhelmed. I feel excited. I feel grateful," Lobato said after hugging a longtime supporter and friend, Michelle Ravell, and greeting several attorneys who worked on her case.

Kirstin Lobato, 35, who spent more than 16 years incarcerated for the killing of a homeless man reacts to loved ones after walking out of Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018. Lobato was released Wednesday from the Clark County Detention Center after a judge gave her time served on a one-year misdemeanor sentence in a 2007 prisoner sexual contact case. Lobato is 35. She was 18 when she was first arrested. (K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP)

"I'm just so happy and I'm ready to go," Lobato said, heading to Ravell's car outside the jail.

Ravell called Lobato's release "a dream come true and the end of a very long fight, all in one."

Joye Taylor, a former inmate who befriended Lobato in prison and greeted her upon her release, said she expected the woman who goes by the name Blaise will appreciate doing "stuff we take for granted."

"She hasn't been able to do whatever she wants for all these years," Taylor said.

Ravell helped Lobato's case gain a large Facebook following and online backing that caught the attention of the Innocence Project, a New York-based legal advocacy organization.

It enlisted experts whose testimony about the absence of blowfly larvae on the slain man's body when it was found near a trash bin in summer heat narrowed his time of death to a period when witnesses said Lobato was in her hometown of Panaca.

"We are extremely grateful this day has come," said Vanessa Potkin, an Innocence Project lawyer who said Lobato is the 200th person to win exoneration with the New York-based organization.

Lobato was 19 when she was convicted in 2002 of murdering Duran Bailey. His badly beaten body was found in July 2001 near a Las Vegas trash bin with a slashed neck, cracked skull and missing genitals.

No physical evidence or witnesses connected Lobato to the killing, and she maintained she never met Bailey. But jurors were told that Lobato confessed in jail that she killed a man during a three-day methamphetamine binge after he tried to rape her.

Ravell pointed Wednesday to Bailey's severe injuries and Lobato's relatively small size as a teenager, and said she felt Las Vegas police focused quickly on Lobato while ignoring the possibility that Bailey was killed in retaliation for sexually attacking another woman.

The Nevada Supreme Court in 2004 threw out the 2002 verdict and Lobato's prison sentence because her lawyers weren't able to cross-examine the prosecution witness who said Lobato made the jailhouse confession.

Lobato was tried again in 2006, convicted of manslaughter, mutilation and weapon charges, and sentenced to 13 to 45 years in prison - a sentence that would have made her eligible for parole in August.

The Innocence Project and attorneys David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld in Las Vegas took up Lobato's case after the state Supreme Court in late 2016 ordered the evidence hearing that lasted a week in October.

The state high court faulted Lobato's trial lawyers for failing to hire an expert witness such as the insect expert to pinpoint Bailey's time of death. Justices also cited what they termed "strong alibi evidence" from people who testified they saw Lobato in Panaca about the same time Bailey was killed.

FILE - In this May 8, 2002, file photo, Kirstin Blaise Lobato awaits opening statements in her trial on charges of killing and sexual mutilation of a homeless man in Las Vegas in 2001. Lobato, who was twice convicted of a 2001 murder and sexual mutilation that she maintained happened while she was more than 150 miles away was exonerated Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, by a state judge in Las Vegas. (Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP, File)

Kirstin Lobato, 35, who spent more than 16 years incarcerated for the killing of a homeless man, gets a hug from Jane Pucher, and attorney with the Innocence Project, after walking out of Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018. Lobato was released Wednesday from the Clark County Detention Center after a judge gave her time served on a one-year misdemeanor sentence in a 2007 prisoner sexual contact case. Lobato is 35. She was 18 when she was first arrested. (K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP)

Kirstin Lobato, 35, who spent more than 16 years incarcerated for the killing of a homeless man greets Michelle Ravell, left, and Vanessa Potkin an attorney with the Innocence Project, after walking out of Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018. Lobato was released Wednesday from the Clark County Detention Center after a judge gave her time served on a one-year misdemeanor sentence in a 2007 prisoner sexual contact case. Lobato is 35. She was 18 when she was first arrested. (K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP)
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Democratic California lawmakers are exploring ways to blunt the impact of the new federal tax law on the state's taxpayers.

Federal law has long allowed people to deduct their state and local taxes from their federal tax bill, but the tax overhaul signed last month by President Donald Trump caps that deduction at $10,000.

That change will be especially notable in high-tax states like California, where more than a third of taxpayers claimed the deduction for an average of $18,438 in 2015 - the third highest after New York and Connecticut, according to IRS data.

Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon plans to introduce legislation allowing people to make a donation to the state in lieu of income taxes. That would allow them to claim the federal charitable deduction, at least partially getting around the change.

De Leon, of Los Angeles, is running for U.S. Senate. His legislation could be introduced as soon as Thursday, when lawmakers return to Sacramento after a three-month break.

"Our hard-earned tax dollars should not be subject to double-taxation, especially not to line the pockets of the Trump family, hedge fund managers and private jet owners," de Leon said in a statement last week.

De Leon said he is working with law professors from University of California, Los Angeles; UC Davis and the University of Chicago on his plan.

Jon Coupal, president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association that lobbies for lower taxes, said he is skeptical that the proposal is legal and suspects it would be quickly overturned by Congress.

"I think it's clever but I'm not sure it's going to fly," Coupal said.

The proposal is modeled on an existing law that allows people to get a partial tax credit for contributions to the CalGrant program, which provides college scholarships. Other states use similar policies to offer tax credits for private school vouchers.

Darien Shanske, a UC Davis law professor who is consulting with the Senate on the proposal, said there's little doubt it's allowed under current IRS regulations. There's a risk that the IRS or Congress could change the rules, but Shanske said that's unlikely in part because the private school tuition benefits are popular in Republican-leaning states.

De Leon's measure would not affect property taxes, which are paid to local governments.

Some aspects of the proposal remain to be resolved.

Crafting laws in response to the federal tax overhaul has been especially challenging in California, where voters have enshrined much of the tax code in the constitution, placing them off-limits to lawmakers, Shanske said.

Many changes would require support from two-thirds of lawmakers.

The charity proposal has garnered most of the early attention because it can pass with a simple majority.

Among other potential responses, the state could shift some of the income tax burden from individual taxpayers to businesses, which would be able to deduct their state taxes from their federal bill.

The state also could raise tax rates on pass-through businesses, a type of business that will see a substantial tax cut under the federal bill.
DENVER (AP) - He was once a standout student in law school and an Army medic who deployed to Iraq. By last weekend, he lay dead in a Colorado apartment building, killed by a SWAT team after he gunned down a 29-year-old deputy.

Matthew Riehl's six-year descent from a budding attorney to a gunman who live-streamed some of the final violent hours of his life was accompanied by episodes of mental illness, according to police and a document from the Veterans Affairs Department.

Three days after the gunbattle with authorities, it was still unclear whether Riehl's problems were grave enough to legally disqualify him from buying a weapon. Police have said he had a rifle, but they haven't released details about what weapons were used or how he obtained them.

This undated photo released by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office shows Matthew Riehl. The 37-year-old man was shot to death Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, after shooting at the deputies, killing one. Authorities in suburban Denver are investigating what led Riehl to fire more than 100 rounds in his apartment on sheriff's deputies. (Douglas County Sheriff via AP)

Federal standards prevent anyone from buying a gun who has been determined to be a danger to themselves or others by a court or other authority. People who have been involuntarily committed to a psychiatric institution also can't buy from federally licensed gun dealers.

Riehl was hospitalized at a VA psychiatric ward in Wyoming in 2014, and at one point he was placed under a 72-hour mental health hold there, according to a VA document obtained by The Associated Press and other news outlets this week.

But the agency declined to say whether that treatment meant Riehl should not have been allowed to own a gun.

Stephen Fischer, a spokesman for the FBI division that manages the background-check databases used for gun purchases, didn't immediately respond Wednesday to a request for more information.

KDVR-TV in Denver reported Wednesday that Riehl had purchased 11 firearms from a store in Laramie, Wyoming, between 2010 and 2013, but it wasn't immediately known whether any of those guns were used in the Colorado shooting.

A Laramie Police Department report said David Smith, owner of Dave's Guns, told police Riehl passed the required background checks. No one answered an after-hours call to Smith's store Wednesday.

Revelations about Riehl's mental health history came to light amid increased scrutiny of background-check databases.

After former Air Force member Devin P. Kelley massacred 26 people at a Texas church in November, the Air Force acknowledged it failed to alert the FBI that he had a criminal history.

Kelley had been convicted of assaulting his then-wife and stepson in 2012, when he was still in the Air Force. The military never reported the conviction to the FBI, which should have stopped Kelley from buying weapons, and later blamed training and compliance measures. Kelley was found dead after the killings.

In Riehl's case, a sketchy but striking picture of his life began to emerge. He joined the Army Reserve in 2003 and later the Wyoming Army National Guard, serving as a medic. He enrolled in the University of Wyoming College of Law and was named to the dean's honor roll in fall 2007.

He interrupted school to serve a tour of duty in Kuwait and Iraq from 2009 to 2010. Returning to law school, he won a coveted spot on a team of students which sometimes got to argue before the Wyoming Supreme Court. He graduated in 2011 and left the military with an honorable discharge in 2012.

Some news reports have cited people who described Riehl sometimes behaving oddly in law school.

Riehl's records did not show any military service-related psychiatric disorders, according to the VA document. But within two years of his discharge, he appeared to lose his way: In April 2014, he suffered a psychotic episode and was hospitalized in the mental health ward of the Sheridan, Wyoming, veterans hospital, the document said.

He escaped but was found and returned, the document said. A year later, in June 2015, he had an "urgent contact for mental health" with a different VA hospital, according to the document.

It offers few details and does not describe the nature of Riehl's psychiatric problems. The VA has refused to elaborate, citing privacy concerns.

By mid-2016, Riehl was at the center of a string of worrisome events reported by police in Colorado and Wyoming: A fight with his father and a call to police from his mother, who was concerned about his mental health. He posted tirades on social media about the faculty at the Wyoming law school and sent harassing emails to police after getting a speeding ticket, authorities said.

University of Wyoming police began investigating Riehl last October after the social media posts, including a vague threat to shoot someone, The Denver Post reported . Riehl's brother told campus police that Matthew Riehl had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

By Nov. 14, university police were concerned enough to call Colorado authorities about Riehl, according to police in Lone Tree, Colorado, about 18 miles (25 miles) south of Denver.

On Sunday, Riehl dialed 911 and police responded to his apartment in Highlands Ranch, not far from Lone Tree. He opened fire, police said, killing Douglas County Deputy Zackari Parrish and wounding four other officers and two civilians.

Parrish's funeral will be Friday.

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This story has been corrected to reflect the accurate spelling of Devin P. Kelley's last name in the 11th paragraph.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (AP) - Before the Army's 27th Infantry Division was decimated in a bloody World War II battle, Stan Dube sketched portraits of his fellow soldiers. The 17 drawings were forgotten after the war and stashed in an attic for decades before being found a year ago by his son.

Now, Ira Dube is on a mission to identify the men in his late father's 75-year-old artwork. So far he has definitively identified two of the soldiers, both New Yorkers who served in the 27th Division's 105th Infantry Regiment, which suffered heavy casualties in the Battle of Saipan in the Pacific. One was killed on Saipan; the other died in the 1970s.

Because the 27th was a former New York National Guard unit, Dube believes most or all of the other 15 men also were New Yorkers. He recently donated the original sketches to the New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center in hopes its artifacts and records could be used to help identify more of the soldiers. It's not known whether any of the men depicted in the artwork are still alive.

These sketches provided by Ira Dube of U.S. Army 27th Infantry Division soldiers were among more than a dozen done by his father, Stan Dube, during World War II. Ira Dube, found them stashed in the attic of his sister's home. Now Ira Dube is hoping to identify the men, so he has donated 15 sketches to the New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center in Saratoga Springs. (Stan Dube/Ira Dube via AP)

"These people need to be remembered," said Ira Dube, 61, a retired Navy veteran living in Woodland Park, Colorado. "I look at these sketches and I see a hero."

Dube found the signed sketches in the attic of his sister's home in Mississippi early last year while they were going through their father's belongings.

Stan Dube, who died in 2009, was drafted into the Army while studying architecture at Syracuse University, and he put his drawing skills to use by sketching pencil- and charcoal-on-paper portraits of his fellow soldiers while the 27th Division was stationed in Hawaii in 1943.

The sure-handed sketches mostly show young men looking pensively into the distance, though a few crack a smile. Dube drew no backgrounds and barely sketched out his subjects' shoulders, but he took care to capture his subjects' eyes and faces.

On all the drawings, Dube put the month, year and his signature in the lower right corner. Three of the soldiers signed their names next to Dube's: Kenneth Reid, Joseph Joner Kratky and Joe Orbe, who added his nickname, "Solid Jackson."

Using information he found online, Ira Dube was able to track down Kratky and Orbe's relatives in upstate New York. Kratky was killed on Saipan in 1944. Orbe, a New York City native, survived the war and died in 1974. Dube hasn't definitively identified the soldier in the Reid sketch.

The unidentified drawings were delivered to the military museum Dec. 1. Director Courtney Burns said the sketches will be posted on the museum's website and likely will be displayed in an exhibit this year.

"We may never know who any of them are," Burns said. "But I think that's part of the mystery and part of the intrigue of them."

Wilfred "Spike" Mailloux, a 105th Regiment veteran who was wounded during a massive banzai attack near the end of the Saipan battle, recently perused the sketches at the museum to see whether he recognized any of the soldiers. None looked familiar.

"It was such a long time ago," said Mailloux, 94, a General Electric retiree from the Albany area who's one of the last surviving 105th Regiment veterans. "We were young squirts back then."

In this Dec. 8, 2017 photo, World War II veteran Wilfred "Spike" Mailloux looks through a series of sketches of U.S. Army 27th Infantry Division soldiers while visiting the New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. They were done in Hawaii by Stan Dube in 1943, a year before the 27th Division fought in the Battle of Saipan. Now his son, Ira Dube, is hoping to identify the men, so he has donated his late father's 15 sketches to the museum. (AP Photo/Chris Carola)
BEIJING (AP) - An activist promoting the Tibetan language stood trial Thursday in western China for inciting separatism after he appeared in a documentary video produced by The New York Times, highlighting the risks that Chinese citizens often face when speaking to the foreign media on sensitive issues.

Tashi Wangchuk's lawyer Liang Xiaojun told The Associated Press that a judge in Qinghai province heard oral arguments for four hours and will issue a verdict at an unspecified date.

Tashi, 32, has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, he could face a prison term of five years or as many as 15 years, Liang said.

Liang says prosecutors presented evidence focused on a nine-minute video the Times made in 2015 that told of how Tashi tried to sue local officials for denying Tibetans language and culture education. The Times' website is blocked in China.

Tashi was detained in January 2016, two months after The Times published its video and accompanying article. Liang said Tashi, who has been in jail for two years while awaiting trial, was treated well in detention and in good mental condition.

Liang added that he was given ample time to present his defense, which hinged on the argument that appearing in the documentary did not amount to separatist activity.

"The prosecutors are ideologically too strong," said Liang. "Their main evidence was this video - just nine minutes and 13 seconds."

In the documentary, Tashi, who was also described as a shopkeeper, speaks extensively in Mandarin about the "pressure and fear" felt by Tibetans and his worry that their culture is being wiped out through the steady erosion of their language.

He notes that 140 Tibetans have died from self-immolations since 2009 and says he believes they were also protesting the disappearance of their culture under Beijing's rule.

"I want to try to use the People's Republic of China's laws to solve the problem," Tashi says in the documentary.

He added that if the courts refused to hear his case, it would prove that issues surrounding Tibetan rights would not be solved through the Chinese legal system. "If this comes to an end and I'm locked up and cannot proceed with what I'm doing and they force me to say or do things I don't want to say, I will choose suicide," he added.

He is shown seeking redress through official channels as he travels to Beijing, where he tries, unsuccessfully, to file a lawsuit against local officials and convince journalists at China's powerful state broadcaster, CCTV, to cover his case. Minority rights are protected under China's constitution, as is the right to sue government officials, he says in the video.

"All Tashi Wangchuk has done is peacefully advocate for constitutionally guaranteed rights," said Human Rights Watch China director Sophie Richardson. "If Chinese authorities consider that 'inciting separatism,' it's hard to tell what isn't."

China's ruling Communist Party often equates advocacy for greater autonomy or rights for its ethnic minority Tibetans, Uighurs and Mongolians with outright separatism. And its courts often hand down particularly harsh punishment to those criticizing the government's ethnic policies relative to other issues.

Rights groups around the world widely condemned China after it issued a life sentence in 2014 to Ilham Tohti, a moderate though outspoken Uighur critic of Beijing's policies in Xinjiang, the region that is home to the Uighurs. He was convicted of fanning ethnic hatred, advocating violence and instigating terror through his classroom teaching and a website on Uighur issues.
DOVER, Del. (AP) - The remains of an American soldier killed fighting in eastern Afghanistan are back home.

Sgt. 1st Class Mihail Golin's remains arrived at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Wednesday. The 34-year-old was from Fort Lee, New Jersey.

A military statement issued Tuesday said four other soldiers were wounded in the Jan. 1 battle in the Achin district of Nangarhar province. It said two of the wounded were in stable condition and the other two have returned to duty.

An Army carry team moves a transfer case containing the remains of Sgt. 1st Class Mihail Golin at Dover Air Force Base, Del., on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018. According to the Department of Defense, Golin, 34, of Fort Lee, N.J., died Jan. 1, 2018, in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, after being engaged by enemy fire while on a dismounted patrol. (AP Photo/Steve Ruark)

Gen. John Nicholson, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, says "we are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our own."

The United States formally concluded its combat mission in Afghanistan at the end of 2014 but still carries out operations against the Taliban and an Islamic State affiliate, both of which are active in Nangarhar.

Vice President Mike Pence, left, stands during a prayer near a transfer case containing the remains of Sgt. 1st Class Mihail Golin at Dover Air Force Base, Del., on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018. According to the Department of Defense, Golin, 34, of Fort Lee, N.J., died Jan. 1, 2018 in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, after being engaged by enemy fire while on a dismounted patrol. (AP Photo/Steve Ruark)

Vice President Mike Pence, left, stands during a prayer near a transfer case containing the remains of Sgt. 1st Class Mihail Golin at Dover Air Force Base, Del., on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018. According to the Department of Defense, Golin, 34, of Fort Lee, N.J., died Jan. 1, 2018 in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, after being engaged by enemy fire while on a dismounted patrol. (AP Photo/Steve Ruark)

An Army carry team moves a transfer case containing the remains of Sgt. 1st Class Mihail Golin at Dover Air Force Base, Del., on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018. According to the Department of Defense, Golin, 34, of Fort Lee, N.J., died Jan. 1, 2018 in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, after being engaged by enemy fire while on a dismounted patrol. (AP Photo/Steve Ruark)

An Army carry team moves a transfer case containing the remains of Sgt. 1st Class Mihail Golin at Dover Air Force Base, Del., on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018. According to the Department of Defense, Golin, 34, of Fort Lee, N.J., died Jan. 1, 2018 in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, after being engaged by enemy fire while on a dismounted patrol. (AP Photo/Steve Ruark)
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump is disbanding his controversial voter fraud commission amid infighting, lawsuits and state officials' refusal to cooperate.

On Twitter early Thursday he said states that wouldn't cooperate must know they have people voting illegally.

Trump convened the commission to investigate the 2016 presidential election, after alleging repeatedly and without evidence that voting fraud cost him the popular vote. Trump won the Electoral College.

FILE - In this Dec. 22, 2017, file photo, President Donald Trump, responds to reporters asking questions as he leaves the White House in Washington. Trump has signed an executive order disbanding his voter fraud commission. The White House in a statement blamed the decision on numerous states that have refused to provide voter information to the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)

The White House blamed the decision to end the panel on more than a dozen states that have refused to comply with the commission's demand for reams of personal voter data, including names, partial Social Security numbers, voting histories and party affiliations.

Trump said in tweets early Thursday that the states, mostly Democratic leaning, "fought hard that the Commission not see their records or methods because they know that many people are voting illegally," he tweeted.

"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."

White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement Wednesday: that Trump signed an executive order to dissolve the commission "rather than engage in endless legal battles at taxpayer expense.

"He has asked the Department of Homeland Security to review its initial findings and determine next courses of action," she said.

Critics saw the commission as part of a conservative campaign to make it harder for poor people and minority voters to access the ballot box, and to justify Trump's claims of voter fraud.

Trump has repeatedly alleged, without evidence, that 3 million to 5 million people voted illegally in the 2016 election, delivering the popular vote to his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton. Clinton received more than 2.8 million more votes than Trump nationwide.

While there have been isolated cases of voter fraud in the U.S., past studies have found it to be exceptionally rare.

Critics also viewed the commission as part of an attempt to distract from the ongoing investigations into Russian election meddling and potential collusion between Moscow and Trump campaign aides. The intelligence community concluded that the Russian government mounted a campaign to help Trump win, hacking email accounts and spreading false stories.

Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, a conservative Republican and the commission's vice chairman, characterized the decision to dissolve the bipartisan group as a "tactical change" and argued DHS can pursue an investigation of election fraud more quickly and efficiently.

"The Democrats, both on and off the commission, made very clear that they were not interested in determining the scope and extent of voter fraud and, indeed, they were trying to stop the commission in its tracks," Kobach said. "The Democrats lost their opportunity, lost their seat at the table, by stonewalling."

Kobach, a vocal supporter of tough voter ID laws, alleged Democrats wanted no investigation. "Their motto is, 'Nothing to see here,'" he said.

One of the members of the commission, Democratic Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, sued the commission in federal court, alleging it had violated federal law by refusing to provide him documents available to other members, among other charges.

Dunlap on Wednesday said Kobach and his allies "were the ones that were stonewalling," saying they had "very definite ideas of what they wanted this commission to come up with."

Three Democratic senators - Michael Bennet of Colorado, Cory Booker of New Jersey and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota - had also asked the U.S. Government Accountability Office to investigate the commission, which it agreed to do in October.

Kobach said he intends to work closely with DHS and the White House and expects the bulk of the DHS investigation to be done by midsummer.

More than a dozen states, as well as the District of Columbia, had rebuffed the commission's request for voter data, citing privacy concerns and a fear that complying would legitimize the idea that voter fraud is widespread.

While there have been isolated cases of people voting illegally, and many voter rolls contain outdated data, there is no evidence voter fraud is a widespread problem in the United States or has affected election results.

A study by a Loyola Law School professor found that out of 1 billion votes cast in all American elections between 2000 and 2014, there were only 31 known cases of impersonation fraud.

During the commission's first meeting, Trump had questioned the motives of states that refused to comply with the commission's request, suggesting they had something to hide.

Voter advocacy groups and Democrats applauded Wednesday's decision.

"It is no surprise that a commission founded on a lie of widespread voter fraud proved to be a fraud itself," said California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, a Democrat, who had refused to comply with the commission's request for voter data. "No taxpayer dollars should have been wasted on Mr. Trump's voter suppression crusade."

Dale Ho, director of the American Civil Liberties Union Voting Rights Project, accused the commission of engaging in "a wild-goose chase for voter fraud, demonizing the very American voters whom we should all be helping to participate - with the not-so-secret goal of making voting harder with unnecessary barriers.

"President Trump has tried and failed to spread his own fake news about voter fraud," Ho said.

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Hanna reported from Topeka, Kansas. Associated Press writer Ken Thomas contributed to this report.
MOSCOW (AP) - Russia's Defense Ministry says two of its soldiers were killed in a mortar attack on the Russian air base in Syria.

The ministry says the attack on the Hemeimeem base took place on Sunday and that it was carried out by a "mobile sabotage group" of fighters.

Thursday's reports by the state news agencies Tass and RIA-Novosti did not specify the attackers' affiliation or say if they were members of a specific rebel or militant group in Syria.

Russian forces also lost a helicopter in a Sunday crash in Syria that killed one of the two pilots. The ministry said a technical fault caused the crash and that the Mi-24 did not come under fire.
Visual art and music complement one another when jazz pianist Steve Rudolph joins forces with classical musician Keith Cheng for an Evening Piano Salon in the Main Gallery of the Susquehanna Art Museum.

Come and hear the music and also enjoy the museums current exhibit featuring Ansel Adams early works. The Salon will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 10. The concert is included in the price of museum admission or free to members of the Susquehanna Art Museum. The museum is located at 1401 N. Third St., in Harrisburg.

Cheng will perform works by Maurice Ravel and Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Rudolph will play improvisational interpretations of each composition during this unique event. The musicians will perform on a beautiful vintage Steinway and Sons piano on loan to the museum.

Rudolph has had an inspiring 50-year career as a professional jazz musician. As a young man, he played with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, but since basing himself in Central Pennsylvania some 40 years ago, he has been largely responsible for the growth and development of a thriving jazz scene here.

He is the founder of the Central PA Friends of Jazz, now in its 36th successful year, and since 2012 has served as the organizations executive director. Throughout his career, he has continued to perform and has played with many jazz masters, including Louie Bellson, Clark Terry, Terry Gibbs, Rufus Reid, Buddy Tate, Al Grey, the Mills Brothers and Cal Collins, and has toured in the United States, India, Europe, Canada, Russia and the Caribbean. Rudolph was the recipient of the 2002 Harrisburg Arts Award for dedication to the arts and community.

Ansel Adams, who was best known as a landscape photographer, was also a concert musician. In his early years, he was torn between a career as a concert pianist versus one in photography. He famously compared the photographic negative to a musical score and the print to the performance. Considered rich in middle tones, this earlier work has been likened to chamber music, while Adams later work was likened to the music of a brass band.

Adult admission to the museum is $8 and free for children 12 and younger. There are also discounts for military, seniors and students. For more information, visit the Susquehanna Art Museum at www.susquehannaartmuseum.org.
ISLAMABAD (AP) - Japan's foreign minister has assured Pakistan of his country's cooperation with Islamabad on the subject of security and counter terrorism efforts.

During a two-day visit, Taro Kono met with Pakistani army chief Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa at the military's headquarters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi.

A military statement on Thursday says Kono was briefed on Pakistan's war on terror and contributions toward regional peace.

It said the Japanese minister expressed appreciation of Pakistan's efforts toward regional peace and stability and assured his hosts that Tokyo looks forward to enhancing its security cooperation with Pakistan, especially in the field of counter terrorism.

Kono was also to meet with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abasi, Foreign Minister Khwaja Asif and other officials during his visit.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Four women and two men will decide whether to recommend expelling Kentucky's Republican House speaker after he signed a secret sexual harassment settlement with a woman in his office.

Eight Republican lawmakers filed formal disciplinary charges against Jeff Hoover on Wednesday, alleging he sexually harassed a woman in his office and then used taxpayer resources to cover it up. They asked a special committee to recommend expelling Hoover from the House.

House rules require the Republican and Democratic leaders of the House to appoint six people to a special committee to investigate. Democrats appointed Reps. Sannie Overly, Joni Jenkins and Chris Harris. Republicans appointed Reps. Donna Mayfield, Diane St. Onge and Jason Petrie.

Kentucky GOP House Speaker Jeff Hoover attends annual ethics and anti-sexual harassment training for the state legislature on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018, in Frankfort, Ky. Hoover has temporarily stepped aside from his duties while the Legislative Ethics Commission investigates a sexual harassment settlement he signed with a woman who once worked in his office. (AP Photo/Adam Beam)

Republican state Rep. Jerry Miller will chair the committee, but will only vote to break a tie.

Overly, Harris, Petrie and St. Onge are attorneys, chosen for their legal expertise in conducting an investigation. Jenkins, a House member since 1995, has been a longtime advocate for preventing violence against women. Mayfield is retired from the U.S. Marshals.

Overly was House Majority Caucus chairwoman in 2013 when some female state workers sued then-Democratic lawmaker John Arnold, alleging sexual harassment. Overly was scheduled to give a deposition in the case in 2015 while she was a candidate for lieutenant governor. She sought to have that deposition sealed, fearing it would be used against her for political purposes. But the case ended up settling for $400,000 and her deposition was not taken.

Overly did not return a phone call seeking comment. House Democratic Caucus spokesman Brian Wilkerson said none of the Democratic members of the committee would comment.

Hoover told The Associated Press he believes the complaint is motivated by politics. Its signers include Republican Rep. Phil Moffett, who Hoover said has "wanted to be speaker since he got here." Hoover has denied sexual harassment, but said he sent inappropriate yet consensual text messages to a woman who once worked for the House Republican Caucus.

Moffett declined to respond to Hoover's comments, but said "we have a duty and a responsibility to discipline our members."

In November, Hoover announced he would resign as speaker but keep his seat in the legislature. But Tuesday, Hoover said he was only temporarily stepping aside as speaker "until further notice."

The settlement signed by Hoover and three other Republican lawmakers was handled outside of court and paid for with private money to avoid publicity. But the Courier Journal exposed the settlement, creating an uproar in a state that was transitioning to Republican rule after decades of dominance by Democrats.

The complaint was signed by Moffett and fellow Republican state Reps. Addia Wuchner, Kim King, Russell Webber, Stan Lee, Robert Benvenuti, Tim Moore and Joe Fischer. It says Hoover sent text messages to the woman requesting photos of her in a "black lace g string," saying they were "for my eyes only" and promising to delete them.

It also says Hoover created a hostile work environment by using his office to "conduct interviews and intimidate witnesses (who) had knowledge of his illicit relationship."

Hoover and the other Republican lawmakers who signed the settlement say a confidentiality clause prevents them from discussing it publicly. House GOP leaders have asked the Legislative Ethics Commission to use its subpoena power to determine if lawmakers used money from political donors or registered lobbyists to pay the settlement, which could violate state law.

Republican Gov. Matt Bevin has previously called for Hoover to step down.

In a speech Thursday night in Lexington, Bevin never mentioned Hoover by name, but addressed the issue indirectly. When discussing his hopes for the new legislative session he said there have been some "distractions."

"You know what they are," he said. "We don't need to reiterate them. But I again would ask of you ... expect of us that we will hold a high standard on all fronts. That we will have a high moral standard, high integrity. That we will exercise good judgment. You should expect nothing less of us."

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Associated Press reporter Bruce Schreiner contributed to this story.

FILE - In this Jan. 3, 2017 file photo, Jeff Hoover looks up to the cheers from the gallery following his swearing in Frankfort, Ky. Kentucky's House speaker, who said he would resign his leadership position after acknowledging he settled a sexual harassment claim with a female legislative staffer, now says he's reconsidering that decision. Hoover announced his resignation in November, saying at the time that it was "effective immediately." But his resignation is not official until he submits it to the House of Representatives. The House convened Tuesday, but Hoover did not resign. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley, File)
DENVER (AP) - Authorities say Matthew Riehl's six-year descent from a budding attorney to a gunman who killed a deputy was accompanied by episodes of mental illness.

A document from the Veterans Affairs Department says Riehl was hospitalized at a VA psychiatric ward in Wyoming in 2014, and at one point he was placed under a 72-hour mental health hold there.

But the agency declined to say whether that treatment meant Riehl should not have been allowed to own a gun.

This undated photo released by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office shows Matthew Riehl. The 37-year-old man was shot to death Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, after shooting at the deputies, killing one. Authorities in suburban Denver are investigating what led Riehl to fire more than 100 rounds in his apartment on sheriff's deputies. (Douglas County Sheriff via AP)

Federal standards prevent anyone from buying a gun who has been determined to be a danger to themselves or others by a court or other authority.

A SWAT team killed Riehl after Sunday's attack.
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) - A court in Norway said Thursday that the government can hand out oil drilling licenses in the Arctic, dealing a blow to two environmental groups that had filed a lawsuit against further drilling in the Barents Sea.

The Oslo District Court acquitted the government against charges from Nature and Youth and Greenpeace Nordic that drilling for oil and gas in Arctic waters would violate with the Paris Agreement on climate change and the Norwegian constitution.

The court cited the constitution, saying "natural resources shall be managed on the basis of long-term considerations, which will safeguard this right for future generations as well."

Activists decried the decision.

"Climate change is global. And climate scientists are freaking out. The Norwegian oil policy is letting down my generation and threatens my future," said Ingrid Skjoldvaer, head of Nature and Youth.

The groups had sued Norway's Ministry of Petroleum and Energy in an attempt to invalidate the latest round of 10 production licenses in the Barents Sea on the edge of the Arctic Ocean.

The oil ministry had said the licensing round was in compliance with the constitution and noted that it was backed by a large majority in Norway's parliament.

The government said following the court ruling that it now "had a sound basis for its decision to award the production licenses."

The court also said the groups should pay legal expenses worth 580,000 kroner ($71,435).

Greenpeace spokesman Truls Gulowsen said the group is considering whether to appeal.
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (AP) - Nigerian authorities say another girl seized during a mass abduction from a boarding school in Chibok nearly four years ago has been found.

More than 100 of the girls remain captives of the Boko Haram Islamic extremist group, with many forced to marry their kidnappers.

Col. Onyema Nwachukwu confirmed Thursday that the girl's name was on the list of abducted Chibok girls.

She was found in the company of another young woman who had a child with her.

Chibok community leader Madu Usman expressed happiness that the girl finally was free but said efforts must be made to find all those who remain in captivity.

The militants abducted 276 girls in 2014. Some escaped on their own, while more than 80 were released last year after negotiations.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on a new book about President Donald Trump (all times local):

4:40 p.m.

The publisher of a new book about President Donald Trump's first year in office apparently isn't cowed by demands to halt publication - it is moving up the date the book comes out.

FILE - In this Jan. 23, 2017, file photo, President Donald Trump smiles as he walks in from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, to host breakfast with business leaders in the Roosevelt Room. Sitting at the table are then-White House senior adviser Steve Bannon, left, and Kevin Plank, founder, CEO and Chairman of Under Armour. Trump returned fire with both barrels Wednesday against criticism leveled at him in a new book that says he never expected - or wanted - to win the White House, his victory left his wife in tears and a senior adviser thought his son's contact with a Russian lawyer during the campaign was "treasonous." (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)

Henry Holt and Co. says in a statement that it will move up the release date of Michael Wolff's "Fire and Fury" four days, to Jan. 5, citing "unprecedented demand."

Trump attorney Charles Harder has sent a cease-and-desist letter to Wolff and Steve Rubin, president and publisher of Henry Holt. It demands a halt to publication of the book or excerpts.

"Fire and Fury" paints a derogatory portrait of Trump, describing him as an undisciplined man-child who didn't actually want to win the White House.

Wolff himself is tweeting: "Here we go. You can buy it (and read it) tomorrow. Thank you, Mr. President."

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2:35 p.m.

President Donald Trump has made his first appearance in the White House briefing room - but on video.

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders played a brief recorded video of Trump reading a statement about the tax cut bill he signed into law before Christmas.

Trump's video appearance came the day after details from a forthcoming book painted an unflattering portrait of Trump and his administration. The Oval Office is a short walk from the briefing room, but the video appearance allowed Trump to deliver a message without having to face questions about the book and other topics.

Trump says in the video that the tax-cut legislation is already delivering major economic gains. The president says various companies have announced bonuses or higher minimum wages for their employees as a result of the law.

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1:25 p.m.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich agrees with the president about former Trump strategist Steve Bannon. Gingrich told reporters Thursday, "Well, I think Bannon has lost his mind, so that was an accurate tweet."

The Georgia Republican was responding to President Donald Trump's statement Wednesday that Bannon has "lost his mind."

Bannon questioned Trump's fitness for office and made scathing criticisms of the president in a new book about Trump's first year in the White House.

Trump also tweeted this week that he has a "nuclear button" that is "much bigger" than the one claimed by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Gingrich says, "The fact is, he's going to be president, probably for eight years, and you guys just have to get used to the fact that he is who he is."

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11:59 a.m.

President Donald Trump says he no longer speaks with former chief strategist Steve Bannon, who unloaded on his administration in a new book.

Trump told reporters Thursday, "I don't talk to him," before he began a White House meeting with Republican senators on immigration reform.

Bannon questioned Trump's fitness for office and made scandalous allegations against the president and his family in excerpts of the book, "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House," by Michael Wolff.

As the bombshell book surfaced Wednesday, Trump unleashed on Bannon in a statement, saying he had "lost his mind."

Speaking on Thursday at the White House, Trump said Bannon spoke positively of him Wednesday night on his Breitbart radio show. Trump noted, "He called me a great man last night." And Trump added that his counter-attack had its desired outcome. "He obviously changed his tune pretty quick."

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10:55 a.m.

President Donald Trump is demanding the author and publisher of a new book about him immediately halt its release.

Trump attorney Charles Harder sent a cease-and-desist letter dated Thursday to Michael Wolff, author of "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House."

The same letter was also sent to Steve Rubin, president and publisher of Henry Holt and Co. It demands a halt to publication of the book or of excerpts.

Wolff's book is set for release on Jan. 9. It paints a derogatory portrait of Trump.

Harder also demands that Wolff and Rubin issue a "full and complete" retraction and apology to Trump.

The attorney also asks that Wolff and Rubin immediately forward electronic and hard copies of the book to his office in California.

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3:38 a.m.

President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on former top adviser Steve Bannon, responding to a new book that portrays Trump as an undisciplined man-child who didn't actually want to win the White House and quotes Bannon as calling his son's contact with a Russian lawyer "treasonous."

Hitting back via a formal White House statement rather than a more-typical Twitter volley, Trump insisted Bannon had little to do with his victorious campaign and "has nothing to do with me or my Presidency."

"When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind," Trump said Wednesday.

It was a blistering attack against the man who helped deliver the presidency to Trump. It was spurred by an unflattering new book by writer Michael Wolff that paints Trump as a leader who doesn't understand the weight of the presidency and spends his evenings eating cheeseburgers in bed, watching television and talking on the phone to old friends.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is partially abandoning its 'pay-what-you-wish' admissions policy for a new approach that favors New Yorkers.

Starting March 1, the museum will charge a mandatory $25 entrance fee to most adult visitors who don't live in New York state, the Met's president and CEO, Daniel Weiss, said Thursday.

Admission cost will still be on a volunteer basis for individuals that live in the state.

Starting March 1, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is partially abandoning its 'pay-what-you-wish' admissions policy and will charge a mandatory $25 entrance fee to most adult visitors who don't live in New York state

The old way of doing things had made the Met a favorite egalitarian destination for generations of art lovers, even those who could barely afford a bus ticket into town.

But the museum, which has a $305 million operating budget, registered a shortfall of about $10 million in the 2017 fiscal year.

The policy change could potentially bring in enough extra money to bridge that gap in 2018.

Charging for those visiting from other states will raises an additional estimated $6 million to $11 million per year, and help bring long-term fiscal stability to the institution, Weiss said.

The museum, which has a $305 million operating budget, registered a shortfall of about $10 million in the 2017 fiscal year, the Met's president and CEO, Daniel Weiss, said Thursday

The old way of doing things had made the Met a favorite egalitarian destination for generations of art lovers, even those who could barely afford a bus ticket into town

People from all over the world have been able to come to the museum for nearly nothing since its founding in 1870, but the number of people willing to pay a suggested donation of $25 has dropped off substantially in recent years.

'The goal of the policy is to find a better balance for the institution,' Weiss said. 'The current policy has failed.'

Entrance will remain free for all children under 12 and pay-what-you-wish for students up to graduate school in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

Students living outside the tri-state area will be charged $12 and seniors $17.

The fee change will affect about 30 percent of the museum's visitors.

The rest are either state residents, Met members, or they come in as part of a tour group or via a multi-attraction pass.

People from all over the world have been able to come to the museum for nearly nothing since its founding in 1870

The number of people willing to pay a suggested donation of $25 has dropped off substantially in recent years

The mandatory $25 fee will also allow visitors to enter the Met over three consecutive days, instead of just one, Weiss said.

Two cousins visiting the Met from Italy on Thursday chose to pay $15 each and said that was plenty.

'But $25 is a lot, it's absolutely too much,' said Francesca Betocchi, an attorney from Bologna celebrating her 35th birthday.

'We think art education should be a free, open door for everybody, not only for those who have more money,' said Paola Borri, 51, an accountant, also from Bologna.

The formal change follows years of debate and litigation over the Met's admissions policies.

As part of the late 19th-century legislation that allowed the museum to open in Central Park, admission was initially required to be free most days of the week.

In 1970, city officials agreed to let the museum charge fees, as long as the amount paid was up to the visitor.

Lawsuits in recent years have challenged signage at the museum listing a $25 'recommended' admissions price, saying some visitors were misled into thinking they had to pay that amount.

In 1970, city officials agreed to let the museum charge fees, as long as the amount paid was up to the visitor

Lawsuits in recent years have challenged signage at the museum listing a $25 'recommended' admissions price, saying some visitors were misled into thinking they had to pay that amount

Since 2004, the number of adults who have paid the full suggested entrance price has dropped from 63 percent to 17 percent.

The voluntary contribution now averages only $9, the museum said.

Factors that may have contributed to the diminution include the economic recession as well as Met programs aimed at drawing additional younger people to the Fifth Avenue complex.

'We're not exactly sure, but the world is changing,' Weiss said.

But even though the number of visitors paying the suggested admission rate has dropped considerably, the Met's overall attendance has increased by 40 percent in the past eight years, to a record 7 million last year.

Even though the number of visitors paying the suggested admission rate has dropped considerably, the Met's overall attendance has increased by 40 percent in the past eight years

An entrance fee of $25 would be in line with admissions to other New York art institutions, from the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Guggenheim, which both charge a $25 entrance fee, to the Whitney, which costs $22 to get in.

Two other city institutions - the American Museum of Natural History and the Brooklyn Museum - have retained their voluntary contribution policy, though both charge fees for certain special exhibitions.

Several other museums around the US offer pay-what-you-wish rates, but only during certain hours and only on some days of the week.

For example, the Philadelphia Museum of Art does it on the first Sunday of every month from 10-5 pm Eastern, as well as every Wednesday evening after 5 pm.

Some, like the 19 Smithsonian national museums, are free.

Asked how the museum will verify whether visitors are New York state residents, Weiss said they'll be asked to present evidence such as a driver's license, a utility bill or IDNYC, the free identification card for city residents.

The new admissions policy has received the required approval from New York City, which owns the land on which the Met sits and subsidizes the museum for 9 percent of its operating budget.

Separately, the Met has endowments of $3 billion.
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) - The jailed co-leader of Turkey's pro-Kurdish opposition will step down during a party congress next month.

Selahattin Demirtas announced his decision not to seek another term at the Feb. 11 congress in a letter made public by his Peoples' Democratic Party, or HDP, on Thursday.

The popular politician was jailed along with close to a dozen other HDP lawmakers last year. Prosecutors are seeking a total of 142 years in prison for him on charges of leading a terror organization, engaging in terror propaganda and other crimes. He denies the accusations.

In a related development Thursday, a court convicted HDP legislator Idris Baluken on charges of membership in a terror group and engaging in terror propaganda and sentenced him to 16 years in prison. Baluken is expected to appeal.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Prosecutors allege the last suspect fighting charges in what's believed to be the first large-scale Jamaican lottery scam tried in U.S. courts funneled money between the two countries through her airline job.

They also say Melinda Bulgin, of Providence, Rhode Island, received legal training at university, contradicting her assertion that she was confused about her legal rights when questioned by authorities.

The government is opposing Bulgin's effort to have statements from interrogations in Jamaica and Rhode Island in 2015 disallowed at her September trial. Bulgin maintains her constitutional rights were violated. A hearing is scheduled Jan. 22.

Authorities say at least 90 Americans lost a total of more than $5.7 million to the scam. Twenty-seven people were charged. All but Bulgin have pleaded guilty or been convicted.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on the decision by Attorney General Jeff Sessions to end a federal policy affecting states that have legalized marijuana. (all times local):

2 p.m.

Colorado's U.S. attorney says his office won't change its approach to prosecuting marijuana crimes. That's after Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a new policy giving federal prosecutors more leeway to enforce federal laws against pot.

In this Jan. 1, 2018 photo, a customer purchases marijuana at Harborside marijuana dispensary in Oakland, Calif. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is going after legalized marijuana. Sessions is rescinding a policy that had let legalized marijuana flourish without federal intervention across the country. That's according to two people with direct knowledge of the decision. (AP Photo/Mathew Sumner)

Bob Troyer's office released a statement Thursday after Sessions rescinded the Obama-era policy that had helped legalized marijuana to flourish in Colorado and other states.

Sessions says prosecutors can decide how aggressively to pursue marijuana cases.

Troyer says his office has always focused on prosecuting marijuana crimes that "create the greatest safety threats" and will continue to be guided by that goal. He says that's consistent with Sessions' latest guidance.

Troyer took office in August 2016 after former President Barack Obama's appointee stepped down. President Donald Trump hasn't nominated a replacement.

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12:32 p.m.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions has rescinded an Obama-era policy that allowed legal marijuana to flourish in states across the country.

In a memo Thursday, Sessions says federal prosecutors should decide on their own whether to devote resources to marijuana cases based on other demands in their districts. Sessions writes in the one-page memo that "prosecutors should follow the well-established principles that govern all federal prosecutions" by considering the seriousness of the crime and its impact on the community.

It is not immediately clear how the decision will impact sales of the drug, which are legal on the state level in eight states and Washington, D.C.

But, as Sessions notes in the memo, marijuana remains federally illegal. Justice Department officials say they could take further action against states that have legalized pot but stopped short of offering specifics.

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10:39 a.m.

A Republican senator from Colorado is reacting angrily to Attorney General Jeff Sessions' plans to change the federal policy affecting states that have legalized marijuana.

Cory Gardner says in a tweet that the Justice Department "has trampled on the will of the voters" in Colorado and other states.

The AP reported Thursday that Sessions will rescind an Obama-era policy that generally barred federal law enforcement officials from interfering marijuana sales in states where pot is legal.

Gardner said this would contradict what Sessions had told him before the attorney general was confirmed.

He said he was prepared "to take all steps necessary," including holding up the confirmation of Justice Department nominees, "until the Attorney General lives up to the commitment he made to me prior to his confirmation."

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8:40 a.m.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions is going after legalized marijuana. Sessions is rescinding a policy that had let legalized marijuana flourish without federal intervention across the country.

That's according to two people with direct knowledge of the decision. They were not allowed to publicly discuss it before an announcement expected Thursday and spoke on condition of anonymity.

The move will leave it to U.S. attorneys where pot is legal to decide whether to aggressively enforce federal marijuana law. The move likely will add to confusion about whether it's OK to grow, buy or use marijuana in states where it's legal, since long-standing federal law prohibits it.

The decision comes days after California began selling recreational marijuana.

Sessions compares marijuana to heroin and blames it for spikes in violence.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Trump administration condemned Iran's government Thursday for cracking down on protests across the country and warned that the United States has "ample authorities" to impose sanctions in response.

At the same time, the United States imposed new sanctions on five Iranian entities over their involvement in developing ballistic missiles. Those sanctions were unrelated to the ongoing protests. But Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said more sanctions "targeting human rights abuses are coming," adding that the U.S. would call out Iran's economic mismanagement - a key complaint of the protesters.

At the State Department, spokeswoman Heather Nauert said Iran's government had imprisoned more than 1,000 people and was killing "those who are brave enough" to protest in the streets. She accused Iran's government of limiting the flow of information, restricting speech and trying to prevent the rest of the world from witnessing the repression.

Nauert said the United States supports Iranians' "legitimate aspirations" and calls on Iran's government to ease controls on information and allow peaceful demonstration.

"To the regime's victims, we say: You will not be forgotten," Nauert said.

The fresh expression of support for the protesters came as the United States looks for additional ways to embolden and assist those demonstrating against corruption, economic problems and mismanagement by Iran's government. The U.S. has called on Iran to stop blocking social media sites and has sought through the media and other channels to signal to Iranians that the world is watching closely and lending moral support.

The United States is looking at ways to potentially open up access to the internet despite the Iranian government's efforts to restrict it, U.S. officials have said. The Trump administration is also looking into sanctions that could be imposed on Iranian officials in response to the crackdown, using existing U.S. authorities related to human rights, censorship and free assembly, said the officials, who weren't authorized to comment by name and demanded anonymity.

Iran, in return, has tried to portray the protests as fomented by the United States, rather than the spontaneous result of homegrown frustrations. On Thursday, Iran directly blamed a CIA official for the protests, though the Trump administration has denied having any hand in starting them. The CIA declined to comment.

The new sanctions designations announced Thursday target subsidiaries of Shahid Bakeri Industrial Group, part of the Iranian Defense Ministry. Shahid is already under U.S. sanctions. The new designations ensure its subsidiaries are punished, too.

Last month, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley showed reporters missile parts with logos suggesting they were manufactured by Shahid. Haley said the fragments were recovered from missiles launched at Saudi Arabia by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

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Reach Josh Lederman on Twitter at http://twitter.com/joshledermanAP
PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) - Five western nations have warned Kosovo against repealing or amending a law on a war crimes court, saying it would suffer negative consequences "in international and Euro-Atlantic integration."

A statement Thursday from the nations - the United States, Britain, France, Germany and Italy - said they were "deeply concerned by ongoing efforts to undermine the work of the Specialist Chambers." It called on Kosovo politicians and lawmakers "to abandon any thought of repealing or re-negotiating any aspect of the law ... (because that) calls into question Kosovo's commitment to the rule of law."

In December, a group of Kosovo lawmakers tried to amend the law, seeking to extend its jurisdiction over Serbs, their former adversaries in the 1998-1999 war for independence. The court now has jurisdiction only over potential war crimes suspects who were Kosovo citizens.

"(This move) puts the interests of certain individuals above the interests of Kosovo society. We condemn such a move," the nations said.

Kosovo detached from Yugoslavia following a three-month NATO air war in 1999 to stop a bloody Serbian crackdown against ethnic Albanian separatists. It then declared unilateral independence from Serbia in 2008, a move recognized by 114 states but not by Serbia.

The court law was passed in 2015 as a result of U.S. and European pressure on Kosovo's government to confront alleged war crimes that the Kosovo Liberation Army committed against ethnic Serbs.

The court, which is based in The Hague, Netherlands, with judges from European Union member countries, the U.S. and Canada, is part of Kosovo's legal system. It has yet to hear any cases.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Trump administration moved Thursday to vastly expand offshore drilling from the Atlantic to the Arctic oceans with a plan that would open up federal waters off California for the first time in more than three decades.

The new five-year drilling plan also could open new areas of oil and gas exploration in areas off the East Coast from Florida to Maine, where drilling has been blocked for decades. While some lawmakers in those states support offshore drilling, the plan drew immediate opposition from governors up and down the East Coast, including Republican Govs. Rick Scott of Florida and Larry Hogan of Maryland, who pressed President Donald Trump to withdraw their states from consideration.

Democratic governors on both coasts blasted the plan. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo called it "another federal assault on our environment" while California Gov. Jerry Brown vowed to block "this reckless, short-sighted action."

FILE - In this May 13, 2010 file photo, pelicans float on the water with an offshore oil platform in the background in the Santa Barbara Channel off the coast of Santa Barbara, Calif. The Trump administration on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018 moved to vastly expand offshore drilling from the Atlantic to the Arctic oceans with a plan that would open up federal waters off the California coast for the first time in more than three decades. The Channel is one of those areas. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced the plan, saying that responsible development of offshore energy resources would boost jobs and economic security while providing billions of dollars to fund conservation along U.S. coastlines.

The five-year plan would open 90 percent of the nation's offshore reserves to development by private companies, Zinke said, with 47 leases proposed off the nation's coastlines from 2019 to 2024. Nineteen sales would be off Alaska, 12 in the Gulf of Mexico, nine in the Atlantic and seven in the Pacific, including six off California.

"This is a draft program," Zinke told reporters during a conference call. "Nothing is final yet, and our department is continuing to engage the American people to get to our final product."

Industry groups praised the announcement, which would be the most expansive offshore drilling proposal in decades. The proposal follows Trump's executive order in April encouraging more drilling rights in federal waters, part of the administration's strategy to help the U.S. achieve "energy dominance" in the global market.

"To kick off a national discussion, you need a national plan - something that has been lacking the past several years," said Randall Luthi, president of the National Ocean Industries Association. President Barack Obama blocked Atlantic and Pacific drilling under a five-year plan finalized in 2016.

A coalition of more than 60 environmental groups denounced the plan, saying it would impose "severe and unacceptable harm" to America's oceans, coastal economies, public health and marine life.

"These ocean waters are not President Trump's personal playground. They belong to all Americans and the public wants them preserved and protected, not sold off to multinational oil companies," read the coalition's statement, which was signed by leaders of the Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council, League of Conservation Voters and other environmental groups.

The proposal comes less than a week after the Trump administration proposed to rewrite or kill rules on offshore oil and gas drilling imposed after the 2010 rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico. The accident on BP's Deepwater Horizon rig killed 11 workers and triggered the biggest offshore oil spill in U.S. history.

The Trump administration called the rules an unnecessary burden on industry and said rolling them back will encourage more energy production. Environmentalists said Trump was raising the risk of more deadly oil spills.

The Obama administration imposed tougher rules in response to the BP spill. The rules targeted blowout preventers, massive valve-like devices designed to prevent spills from wells on the ocean floor. The preventer used by BP failed. The rules require more frequent inspections of those and other devices and dictate that experts onshore monitor drilling of highly complex wells in real time.

The Gulf of Mexico is still recovering from the BP spill, said Diane Hoskins, campaign director for the marine conservation group Oceana.

"Americans have seen the devastation that comes from offshore drilling," she said. "Will we allow Florida's white beaches or the popular and pristine Outer Banks to share a similar fate? What about the scenic Pacific coast or even remote Arctic waters?"

Zinke's announcement "ignores widespread and bipartisan opposition to offshore drilling," including from more than 150 municipalities nationwide and 1,200 local, state and federal officials, Hoskins said.

Scott, the Florida governor, said he has asked for an immediate meeting with Zinke to discuss his concerns. "My top priority is to ensure that Florida's natural resources are protected," Scott said. Hogan, of Maryland, said he would oppose the plan "to the fullest extent that is legally possible."

California was the site of the first offshore drilling in the U.S. more than 120 years ago, but the region was tarnished by one of the worst spills in U.S. history in 1969, when more than 3 million gallons of oil poured into the ocean near Santa Barbara.

Thousands of sea birds were killed, along with dolphins, elephant seals and sea lions. Virtually all commercial fishing near Santa Barbara was halted, and tourism dropped dramatically.

Public outrage generated by the spill helped spark the modern environmental movement, and no federal leases have been granted off the California coast since 1984.

Democratic Govs. Jerry Brown of California, Kate Brown of Oregon and Jay Inslee of Washington issued a joint statement slamming the proposal, which they said ignored science and the devastation of past offshore spills.

"For more than 30 years, our shared coastline has been protected from further federal drilling and we'll do whatever it takes to stop this reckless, short-sighted action," they said.

This May 16, 2015 photo shows oil drillings offshore of a service pier in the Santa Barbara Channel off the coast of Southern California near Carpinteria. The Trump administration on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018 moved to vastly expand offshore drilling from the Atlantic to the Arctic oceans with a plan that would open up federal waters off the California coast for the first time in more than three decades. The Channel is one of those areas. (AP Photo/John Antczak)
DETROIT (AP) - The Latest on the sentencing of a Detroit-area couple who were blamed by prosecutors for the deaths of five immigrants in a house fire (all times local):

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2:40 p.m.

A Detroit-area man has been sentenced to nine months in prison for employing five Mexican immigrants who died in a house fire.

Federal prosecutors wanted seven years in prison for Roger Tam, who owned a restaurant. But Judge Marianne Battani (Ba-TAN'-ee) said she wouldn't hold Tam and his wife responsible for the deaths at their suburban Detroit home.

A teen and four men from Mexico were in the U.S. illegally. They died in 2016 when they failed to escape a basement fire that was linked to careless smoking. Autopsies showed three had been drinking heavily.

Tam told the judge Thursday that he was "deeply heartbroken" over the deaths. The victims lived in Tam's house and were 16 years old to 23 years old.

Tam's wife, Ada Mei Lei, wasn't given a prison sentence.

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1:03 a.m.

Lawyers for a Michigan couple who owned a home where five immigrants died say the fire was a tragic accident that doesn't justify years in prison.

Roger Tam and his wife, Ada Mei Lei, are returning to federal court Thursday.

A teenager and four men from Mexico were in the U.S. illegally and working at a Detroit-area restaurant that was owned by the couple. The five died in 2016 while living in the basement of Tam's Novi home.

Tam and Lei pleaded guilty to harboring immigrants. The government wants a seven-year prison sentence, saying the couple created a high risk of death.

Defense lawyers deny it. They say the basement was finished with two bedrooms, a kitchen and living area. The fire has been linked to careless smoking.
A Texas man charged with kidnapping two girls after their mother was killed has blamed 'crazy Mexicans' as cops revealed he has been wanted for questioning over her death.

Terry Allen Miles, 44, was arrested in a remote area of southern Colorado on Wednesday after several tips of sightings had been reported there.

Lilianas Griffith, 14, and seven-year-old Luluvioletta Bandera-magret, were recovered safely some 700 miles from their Texas home and taken to a hospital to be checked for injuries. Miles has been charged with kidnapping.

Law enforcement have been looking for Miles as a person of interest after the girls' mother, Tonya Bates, 44, was found dead in their Round Rock home.

It has also emerged that he sent a text message to his own mother saying that he had 'left with the kids and came home to something bad' adding that 'Tonya was involved in some bad stuff' and 'these guys are crazy Mexicans'.

Meanwhile, it has also been revealed that Miles is still a person of interest in the 2014 homicide of the mother of a woman in Louisiana he was dating and living with at the time.

Terry Allen Miles, 44, was arrested in a remote area of southern Colorado on Wednesday after several tips of sightings had been reported there

Lilianas Griffith, 14, and Luluvioletta Bandera-magret, seven, (right) were found in Trinidad, Colorado after they were abducted from their home in Round Rock, Texas allegedly by Terry Allen Miles (left). Miles was also found and is in custody

The girls' mother has been identified as 44-year-old Tonya Bates. Her cause of death has not yet been revealed

A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's office in Denver, where Miles made his first appearance in court Thursday afternoon, said he waived his right to a preliminary hearing in Colorado and consented to being transported to Texas.

Spokesman Jeff Dorschner said Miles reserved his right to have a preliminary hearing and detention hearing when he arrives in Texas.

Law enforcement officials have been looking for Miles as a person of interest in the death of the girls' mother, Tonya Bates.

Co-workers called police in Round Rock, about 20 miles north of Austin, Texas, to ask that they check on Bates when she did not show up for work Saturday. An officer found Bates dead from apparent blunt force trauma.

An affidavit submitted by an FBI special agent seeking kidnapping charges against Miles says police contacted Bates' family, who told them Bates' daughters lived with her and she had a roommate, who they identified as Miles.

Police issued an Amber Alert for the girls, noting they could be with Miles and could be driving in Bates' car, which was also missing from her home.

Special Agent Sean Mullen wrote in the affidavit that Miles' mother had received a text message from him about 1 a.m. Saturday using one of the daughters' cellphones.

Miles was captured after a deputy in Las Animas County spotted his gray 2007 Hyundai Accent

Miles and the girls were last seen on December 30 on surveillance video at a store in Trinidad

According to the affidavit, the text read, 'Mom I left with the kids and came home to something bad I think Tonyas boyfriend. I cant talk now tonya was involved in some bad stuff I will talk to you later when im safe these guys are crazy Mexicans.'

Law enforcement officials tracked the girls' phones, finding one in the woods near a Wal-Mart in Round Rock. Surveillance footage from the store showed Miles buying camping gear, including a 10-person tent, rope and tarps, then leaving in a vehicle that matched Bates' car.

The other daughter's phone showed a location near two cell towers in New Mexico on January 1. A license plate reader also captured a picture of the car travelling toward Colorado.

Law enforcement officers in several Colorado cities and counties checked hotels in the area after receiving multiple reports of sightings.

Deputy Chief Jay Harrison of the Trinidad Police Department in Colorado said Miles may have been camping near Stonewall.

He said deputies and officers had been looking for Miles in the remote area near the Sangre de Cristo Mountains about 24 miles west of Trinidad, Colorado, Wednesday evening. After he was spotted, authorities said he began to drive erratically.

Police believe Bates and Miles were roommates

Lilianas Griffith (left) and Luluvioletta Bandera-magret will be placed in the care of child protective services before they are returned home to Texas

Miles has a long criminal past and was arrested at least seven times between 2006 and 2015, including for porn involving a juvenile. The case is still being investigated

After more deputies arrived, Harrison said they were able to pull over Miles and take him into custody without any problems.

According to Louisiana court records, Miles is on probation from a 2015 domestic violence conviction and a 2014 conviction for possession of stolen goods.

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso told the Austin American-Statesman that Miles had a history of domestic violence arrests and convictions. He was convicted two other times in 2009 and 2011 on domestic violence charges.

Mancuso said Miles is still a person of interest in the 2014 homicide of the mother of a woman he was dating and living with at the time. He was also charged with second-degree attempted murder for trying to suffocate a woman he was dating in 2011 and allegedly staging a suicide scene.

The 2011 charges were dropped when that woman killed herself before she could testify.

'He will live with a woman until she's had enough, then he beats up on her and moves on and finds another victim,' Mancuso said.

Miles was also convicted twice in California with of injuring a spouse or cohabitant, in 1995 and 2002.
SAN ANTONIO (AP) - Police in San Antonio recently took the unusual step of charging a man suspected of smuggling 12 immigrants with a state felony instead of referring the case to federal authorities.

Herbert Alan Nichols of Houston was arrested Dec. 23 and charged with smuggling of persons. In a report published Thursday, police told the San Antonio Express-News that they interviewed the 12 people inside the tractor-trailer Nichols was allegedly driving, then released them. According to the newspaper, the 12 people were suspected of having entered the U.S. illegally.

In July, when San Antonio police discovered a trailer outside a Walmart in a smuggling case where 10 people died, U.S. authorities charged the driver and detained the people found inside. The driver, James Matthew Bradley Jr., pleaded guilty in October. Another person remains charged in that case.

An additional 29 people who survived being in the trailer were detained. Immigrant advocates representing the survivors have said that many of them were eventually deported or sent back to their country of origin.

San Antonio police spokeswoman Sgt. Michelle Ramos said it made sense for the city to handle the new case in part because the department received a $500,000 grant last year to train its officers on human trafficking and smuggling.

"We certainly will work with our federal counterparts," Ramos said. "We have a working relationship."

A spokeswoman for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement told the newspaper that the agency offered its help. ICE did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment from The Associated Press.

Smuggling of persons is a felony under Texas law. Prosecutors don't have to prove that the people being smuggled were immigrants. It is a rarely used charge in San Antonio, despite the city's proximity to major interstate highways and the U.S.-Mexico border city of Laredo, about 150 miles (240 kilometers) away.

The Express-News reported that according to online court records in Bexar County, which includes San Antonio, just one person has been prosecuted in the county since 2011.

San Antonio is among the cities that challenged a state law that targets so-called sanctuary cities. Parts of the law were allowed to go into effect by a federal appeals court last year.

San Antonio police Chief William McManus was an outspoken opponent of the law. As it went into effect, the department changed a policy that prohibited officers from asking people it detained about their immigration status. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Justice backed the law and the state in court.

In Nichols' case, McManus arrived at the scene where officers spoke to Nichols outside his tractor-trailer, according to a police report released Thursday.

The report says Nichols admitted to picking up the people inside from a warehouse in Laredo and driving them to San Antonio, where they were going to be picked up. Bradley, the driver of the trailer in July, also admitted driving from Laredo to San Antonio, though he initially denied knowing people were inside his trailer.

Nichols did not have a listed phone number or an attorney in online records who could comment on his behalf.

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Information from: San Antonio Express-News, http://www.mysanantonio.com
In a story Dec. 28 about a neo-Nazi website publisher's whereabouts, The Associated Press reported that the publisher, Andrew Anglin, mocked a process server's claim that he recently spotted Anglin at an Ohio grocery store. The story included comments that Anglin posted on social media before the process server detailed his claims in a sworn affidavit. Anglin's social media posts referred to an earlier Huffington Post report on the process server's claim.

A clarified version of the story is below.

Judge won't tolerate 'game-playing' by neo-Nazi site founder

A neo-Nazi website publisher's whereabouts are a key issue in a pair of lawsuits he faces. That may not remain a mystery for much longer. A federal judge has warned Andrew Anglin's attorneys that he won't tolerate any "game-playing" and expects The Daily Stormer's publisher to disclose where he has been residing. Anglin has dubiously claimed he lives in Nigeria, but a process server swears he recently spotted him at a grocery store in his native Ohio.

A neo-Nazi website publisher's whereabouts may not be a mystery for much longer now that a federal judge has warned his lawyers he won't tolerate any "game-playing"

By MICHAEL KUNZELMAN

Associated Press

Andrew Anglin, founder of a neo-Nazi website notorious for its racist internet trolling campaigns, has dubiously claimed he lives in Nigeria. A process server swears he recently spotted The Daily Stormer's publisher at a grocery store in his native Ohio.

Anglin's whereabouts - a key issue in a pair of lawsuits he faces - may not remain a mystery much longer.

A federal judge in Montana has warned Anglin's attorneys that he won't tolerate any "game-playing" and expects him to disclose where he has been residing, according to a court transcript obtained by The Associated Press.

Marc Randazza, one of Anglin's lawyers, told U.S. Magistrate Jeremiah Lynch during a Dec. 14 pretrial conference that he didn't know where his client is.

Anglin's site takes its name from Der Sturmer, a newspaper that published Nazi propaganda. It has struggled to stay online since Anglin published a post mocking a woman killed in a deadly car attack at a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in August.

"I can represent that he is outside of the United States," Randazza said, according to the transcript. "I had asked him where he is situated, and he changes locations regularly, and I don't know his whereabouts."

Montana real estate agent Tanya Gersh sued Anglin in April, accusing him of orchestrating an anti-Semitic internet trolling campaign that terrorized her family amid her dispute with the mother of a leading white nationalist. Months passed before Anglin's lawyers formally responded to the suit, arguing the First Amendment protects his posts calling for a "troll storm" against Gersh.

Anglin's attorneys have argued the court doesn't have jurisdiction over the case - and therefore must dismiss it - because Anglin is "not a citizen of any state." In a Nov. 30 court filing, they cited a CNN report that included Anglin's oft-repeated claim that he is living in Lagos, Nigeria.

The judge told Randazza he should "emphasize to Mr. Anglin there's not going to be any game-playing here."

"I don't want to be perceived as being an advocate, but he's going to have to detail what his travels have been, what his changes in location have been, because as you know, ultimately, again, I have an independent obligation to determine whether there's jurisdiction here. The ultimate question is his domicile," the judge said.

Gersh's lawyers accuse Anglin of playing a "childish game of hide-and-seek" and cite evidence he is living in the Columbus, Ohio, area.

Jeffrey Cremeans, a process server hired by Tanya Gersh's attorneys from the Alabama-based Southern Poverty Law Center, said in a sworn affidavit that he was shopping at a grocery store in a Columbus suburb on Dec. 10 when he saw a man who strongly resembles Anglin at a self-checkout register.

"He appeared very paranoid, looking over his shoulder," Cremeans' affidavit says.

Cremeans said he asked the man if his name is Andrew.

"The man replied 'Nope' and then quickly fled the store," he said. Cremeans said he was "absolutely certain" it was Anglin, but couldn't serve him with the suit because he was on a personal errand and didn't have the paperwork.

In response to a Huffington Post report on the alleged sighting - before the affidavit was filed - Anglin mocked the process server's claim in social media posts.

"There are 2 million people in Columbus metro area. A process server happens by coincidence to run into me in a checkout line," he wrote on his Gab account. "No one (expletive) believes this. It is statistically impossible."

Gersh says her family received a barrage of threatening and harassing emails, phone calls and other messages after Anglin published their personal information, including her 12-year-old son's Twitter handle and photo. In a string of posts that began last December, Anglin accused Gersh and other Jewish residents of Whitefish, Montana, of engaging in an "extortion racket" against the mother of white nationalist Richard Spencer.

Gersh's lawsuit said she agreed to help Spencer's mother sell commercial property she owns in Whitefish amid talk of a protest outside the building. Sherry Spencer, however, later accused Gersh of threatening and harassing her into agreeing to sell the property.

During the Dec. 14 discussion, one of Gersh's lawyers said they will be exploring whether others - including Richard Spencer - "may have participated in the decision-making process to start the troll storm" and therefore "might bear liability for the actions at issue here."

Anglin faces a separate federal lawsuit filed in Ohio by Muslim-American radio host Dean Obeidallah, who says Anglin falsely labeled him as the "mastermind" behind a deadly bombing at a concert in England. Anglin hasn't responded to that suit.
PANAMA CITY (AP) - Panama has extradited a fugitive Mexican ex-governor wanted on corruption charges after holding him in custody for more than six months.

Panama's foreign ministry confirmed Thursday's extradition of former Quintana Roo Gov. Roberto Borge. Mexican authorities were escorting him to Mexico City.

Borge was governor of the Caribbean coastal state from 2011 to 2016. Last year prosecutors seized 25 state properties that were allegedly sold to private parties at a fraction of their value during Borge's time in office.

In this photo released by the Panama Foreign Ministry, Mexico's former Quintana Roo state Gov. Roberto Borge, center, is escorted to a waiting plane in Panama City, Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018. Panama extradited the fugitive Mexican ex-governor wanted on corruption charges after holding him in custody for more than six months. (Efren Giron/Panama Foreign Ministry via AP)

Borge denied the accusations against him in court appearances in Panama, and his legal team there had fought his extradition for months.

He is the third ex-governor from Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto's political party to face corruption allegations.

In this photo released by the Panama Foreign Ministry, Mexico's former Quintana Roo state Gov. Roberto Borge looks over his shoulder as he is escorted onto a Mexican plane in Panama City, Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018. Panama extradited the fugitive Mexican ex-governor wanted on corruption charges after holding him in custody for more than six months. (Efren Giron/Panama Foreign Ministry via AP)

In this photo released by the Panama Foreign Ministry, Mexico's former Quintana Roo state Gov. Roberto Borge is escorted to a waiting plane in Panama City, Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018. Panama extradited the fugitive Mexican ex-governor wanted on corruption charges after holding him in custody for more than six months. (Efren Giron/Panama Foreign Ministry via AP)

In this photo released by the Panama Foreign Ministry, Mexico's former Quintana Roo state Gov. Roberto Borge, left, is processed for extradition by officials in Panama City, Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018. Panama extradited the fugitive Mexican ex-governor wanted on corruption charges after holding him in custody for more than six months. (Efren Giron/Panama Foreign Ministry via AP)

Mexico's former Quintana Roo state Gov. Roberto Borge, center, is escorted to a waiting plane in Panama City, Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018. Panama extradited the fugitive Mexican ex-governor wanted on corruption charges after holding him in custody for more than six months. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco)
CINCINNATI (AP) - Merchandise inspired by Ohio's famous baby hippo, Fiona, has returned nearly half a million dollars to the Cincinnati Zoo.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports the zoo has collected about $480,000 in sales from businesses with merchandising agreements. Products include everything from clothing and ornaments to beer and ice cream.

The zoo says it isn't keeping track of cash the hippo-themed products are turning over. But zoo spokeswoman Michelle Curley says more than $200,000 of the money was used for Fiona's neonatal care. Curley says the remainder is helping with the care, feeding and enrichment of all the zoo's hippos.

Fiona moves in for a close-up in Hippo Cove at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. Fiona will turn one on Jan. 24. Her parents are Bibbi and the late Henry. Nile hippos are considered vulnerable. Merchandise inspired by Ohio's famous baby hippo, Fiona, has returned nearly half a million dollars to the Cincinnati Zoo. The Cincinnati Enquirer reports the zoo has collected about $480,000 in sales from businesses with merchandising agreements. Products include everything from clothing and ornaments to beer and ice cream. (Liz Dufour /The Cincinnati Enquirer via AP)

The beloved baby hippo will celebrate her first birthday Jan. 24. Local merchants expect the celebration to spur an economic boost as businesses roll out more Fiona-themed products.

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Information from: The Cincinnati Enquirer, http://www.enquirer.com
HARRISBURG  Participating in the Pennsylvania Farm Show runs in families and in counties.

Partly because of its strong agricultural traditions and partly because of its proximity to the Farm Show Complex, Cumberland County makes itself known at the nations largest indoor agricultural show.

Cumberland County residents will have a strong presence in the 102nd Pennsylvania Farm Show, which runs from Saturday to Jan. 13 and has free admission but a $15 parking fee.

Each year, generations of Cumberland County families do everything from display cattle (think of the Cornmans of Justa-Beauty dairy farm in South Middleton Township) to alpacas (Darwin Kell of Monroe Township).

Cumberland County is well represented in the Farm Show square dancing with such groups as Flirts and Skirts Circulate Eight, Perfect Eight, Eight Square and A Bit of A Square. Its also represented in family living, in baking contests and more.

Siblings Brayden Myers, 13, and McKenzie Myers, 18, both of Carlisle, will participate in this years Farm Show. Their family raises boer goats all year and has market lambs and pigs during the show season.

The teens did well last summer at the Shippensburg Community Fair, where he won grand champion market swine and she exhibited grand champion market goat.

Were both bringing market lambs, goats and swine to the Farm Show, said McKenzie Myers, a Big Spring High School junior. Well be there Friday through Tuesday. Our lambs and goats are judged on Saturday and our pigs on Monday.

She said they have been bringing animals to the Farm Show for five years. I enjoy competing, meeting people and learning how to better show my animals, she said. I also like the milkshakes.

Brothers Clayton and Cord Hetrick of Newville will enter rabbits in the Farm Show. The brothers, whose family has a long history of Farm Show participation, also will take part in the Cumberland County 4-H Mounted Drill Team.

That drill team, founded in 1962 by Sandy Long and led by her ever since, will perform this year in the Large Arena at 10 a.m. Sunday.

Each of us will bring four Dutch rabbits to the Farm Show, said Clayton Hetrick, a Big Spring Middle School seventh grade student. I like the competition and interacting with the other breeders.

His brother, a Newville Elementary School fourth grade student competing in his second Farm Show, said they have to brush their rabbits and trim their toenails. He said they also must to be knowledgeable about rabbit care so they can answer questions posed by the judges.

The Hetricks are among the few boys who participate in the Cumberland County 4-H Mounted Drill Team, with Clayton riding an American Quarter Horse named Rosie and Cord serving as one of the banner carriers. I like the music, he said, adding that after leaving the arena he enjoys a milkshake.

The Farm Show Alpaca Show and Demonstration, which starts at 8 a.m. Tuesday in the Equine Arena, is organized and run by the Cumberland County 4-H Alpaca Club, headed by Angie Grove.

Theres plenty of 4-H and FFA members from Cumberland and Perry counties participating in the Farm Show, too.

Andrea Repetz of New Cumberland, a 4-H member for 10 years, has served as the 2017-2018 Pennsylvania 4-H State Council president. The Cedar Cliff High School senior has been involved in 4-H sewing, photography, leadership and exchange program.

As state council president, Repetz will help unveil the butter sculpture, assist in the Farm Show opening ceremony along with the state FFA president and help wherever needed during the week. This third-generation 4-H member expects to do several behind-the-scenes jobs.

The 4-H is incredibly important to me, she said. Im from a strong 4-H family. Being in the 4-H has helped me find myself. Ive learned life skills, leadership, citizenship and a deep appreciation of agriculture.

Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania State FFA Association will hold its annual FFA mid-winter convention at 2 p.m. Monday at the Farm Show. During the convention, hundreds of students will receive their state degrees of membership and hundreds of first year members will be given their FFA blue jackets with gold letters.

FFA chapters from Cumberland Valley High School, Big Spring High School and Greenwood High School usually attend the convention.
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The Latest on Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker plan to shut down juvenile prison (all times local):

3:30 p.m.

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's plan to move juvenile inmates out of a facility under federal investigation wouldn't be implemented until after voters decide whether to re-elect him this fall.

Walker announced the $80 million on Thursday. It calls for changing the Lincoln Hills-Copper Lake prisons into medium-security adult prisons. The state would also open five new regional juvenile prisons and expand a mental health facility in Madison to house youthful offenders.

Under the plan, most of the juveniles wouldn't be moved until next year at the earliest.

But Walker's spokesman says that if the Legislature wants to speed up the timeline, the governor would support it.

Democratic critics say Walker isn't acting quickly enough. A federal judge six months ago ordered the prisons to dramatically reduce the use of pepper spray, shackles and solitary confinement on inmates.

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12:14 p.m.

Juveniles will no longer be housed at a Wisconsin youth prison that's been under federal investigation and the subject of multiple lawsuits alleging inmate abuse.

Gov. Scott Walker announced Thursday that the Lincoln Hills-Copper Lake prisons will be changed into medium security adult prisons. The state will instead open five regional juvenile prisons across the state.

A federal judge last year ordered the state to dramatically reduce its use of solitary confinement, shackles and pepper spray on inmates at the juvenile prison. The facility is located about 20 miles (32 kilometers) north of Wausau.

The announcement comes as Walker is up for re-election to a third term in November. He has never traveled to visit Lincoln Hills, a point his Democratic opponents have been hitting him on for months.
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - The U.N. Security Council is planning an emergency meeting about Iran on Friday, after the U.S. asked the world body to show support for Iran's anti-government protesters.

With council members divided in their views of the demonstrations that have roiled the Islamic Republic, it's not yet clear how the discussion will take shape or what might come out of it.

Alma Konurbayeva, a spokeswoman for current council president Kazakhstan, confirmed that Friday afternoon's meeting is about Iran. The U.S. called on Tuesday for such a session, but council members could insist on a vote before taking up the topic, and it would take nine of the 15 votes to go forward.

FILE - In this Feb. 13, 2017 file photo, Gholamali Khoshroo, Iran's Ambassador to the United Nations, speaks at a U.N. Security Council meeting at U.N. headquarters. As nationwide protests have shaken Iran over the last week, the Islamic Republic increasingly has blamed its foreign foes for fomenting the unrest. So far though, there's no direct evidence offered by Tehran to support that claim. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)

The U.S. mission had no immediate comment Thursday night.

Iran's interior minister said up to 42,000 people took part in the week of protests and unrest sparked by economic woes. At least 21 people have been killed and hundreds arrested. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of people took part in counter-demonstrations Wednesday backing the clerically overseen government, which has accused the U.S. of instigating the protests.

Iran's prosecutor general, Mohammad Jafar Montazeri, said Thursday that an American CIA official was the "main designer" of the demonstrations. And Iran's U.N. envoy, Ambassador Gholamali Khoshroo, complained in a letter to the Security Council president Wednesday that U.S. President Donald Trump's "absurd tweets" had "incited Iranians to engage in disruptive acts."

Trump's administration has denied having any hand in the demonstrations, saying they arose completely spontaneously. The CIA declined to comment.

The president's tweets haven't called for violence or disruptive acts, but he has commended the protests, expressing "such respect for the people of Iran as they try to take back their corrupt government" and pledging "great support from the United States." U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley praised the anti-government protesters as brave and said "the U.N. must speak out" to support them.

"The people of Iran are crying out for freedom. All freedom-loving people must stand with their cause," she said at a news conference Tuesday.

Not all council members see a need to weigh in.

Russia's U.S. embassy warned Monday against "external interference" in what it views as a domestic issue in the Islamic Republic; the two nations have close ties. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova went on to mock the U.S. call for a U.N. discussion.

"The U.S. delegation undoubtedly has something to share with the world. For example, Nikki Haley could share the American experience of dispersing protest rallies," Zakharova said on Facebook Wednesday, mentioning mass arrests during the Occupy Wall Street protests, among other things.

Russia's and Iran's U.N. missions didn't immediately respond to requests for comment on Friday's Security Council meeting. Iran isn't a member.

The Iranian protests have given Trump a fresh avenue to try to muster world opinion against a nation he has decried since he ran for president.

After taking office last year, Trump refused this past fall to certify Iran's compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal that lifted some sanctions in return for Iran curbing its nuclear program. Trump said Tehran was getting disproportionate benefits, considering its concessions.

The U.S. imposed new sanctions Thursday on five Iranian entities over their involvement in developing ballistic missiles. While those sanctions were unrelated to the ongoing protests, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said more sanctions "targeting human rights abuses are coming."

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Associated Press writers Nataliya Vasilyeva in Moscow and Josh Lederman and Bradley Klapper in Washington contributed.
Investigators in the Sydney seaplane crash say they will be looking into whether there were any similarities to incidents involving the same model of seaplane, including one which killed another British family in 2015.

Air accident investigators are examining the wreckage of the De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, which plunged into the Hawkesbury River off Jerusalem Bay, 25 miles north of Sydney city centre, on New Years Eve, killing all those on board.

Richard Cousins, the 58-year-old chief executive of FTSE 100 company Compass Group, died alongside his sons Will and Edward, aged 25 and 23, his fiancee Emma Bowden, 48, and her 11-year-old daughter Heather.

The experienced pilot, Gareth Morgan, 44, also died.

The incident has drawn comparisons to a crash in Quebec, Canada, in August 2015, involving another CHC-2 Beaver plane, in which a British family of four died.

The ATSB's Executive Director, Transport Safety, Nat Nagy briefed @TenNewsSydney and other media today on the fatal DHC-2 Beaver Seaplane accident at Cowan Creek, Hawkesbury River, NSW on New Year's Eve. https://t.co/bioSdvzOjs pic.twitter.com/S5ZheyM6ow  ATSB (@atsbgovau) January 2, 2018

The small aircraft crashed into the side of a mountain, also killing a French passenger and the pilot.

On Tuesday, Nat Nagy, executive director of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, told a press conference that all incidents involving the same model of plane would be looked into as part of the investigation.

He said: We will be looking at any previous incidents and accidents specifically around this type of aircraft. Its been in use and service for many decades so we will be thoroughly looking at it.

(PA Graphics)

I think its important not to draw any conclusions that this is something that is a systemic issue. We havent identified anything previously that theres anything systemic.

Over the course of this week we will be able to piece together the factors surrounding the accident and from there, if we do identify any issue that is a safety critical issue, we will notify the appropriate authorities immediately.

Mr Nagy said the aircraft was manufactured in 1963, and that it was not unusual to have a plane of that age still in use.

The exact circumstances surrounding Sundays crash remain unclear, and investigators are working to reconstruct the events leading up to it.

A search and rescue helicopter flies above the scene of the crash (Australian Media Pool via AP)

Mr Nagy told reporters the Sydney Seaplanes flight had left Cottage Bay Inn, where the family had reportedly enjoyed a meal, at about 3pm, for a return flight to Rose Bay, near Sydney Harbour.

He said the plane made a right hand turn prior to the impact with the water about 10 minutes later.

Todays press conference with Aaron Shaw can be viewed here -https://t.co/O6kzTSyV4V https://t.co/LXc2SBuo3x  Sydney Seaplanes (@SydneySeaplanes) January 1, 2018

His team will now be examining the aircraft data to find out what happened at the time of the incident, including whether the plane was operating at full power and whether it was climbing or descending at the time.

Any recovered mobile phones, iPads and GoPros will also be examined by experts.

After the Canadian crash in 2015, a report by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) found the plane, operated by Air Saguenay, stalled in a steep turn and descended vertically before crashing into the mountain and bursting into flames.

Investigation findings (A15Q0120) into the fatal August 2015 De Havilland DHC-2 aircraft accident near Tadoussac, Qc https://t.co/INw6KV2XAy  TSB of Canada (@TSBCanada) September 7, 2017

Fiona Hewitt, 52, her husband Richard, 50, and children 14-year-old Harry and 17-year-old Felicity, all from Milton Keynes, died.

The TSB recommended that the Canadian Department of Transport required that all commercial DHC-2 aircraft in Canada be fitted with a stall warning alarm.

Mr Nagy said it was not yet clear whether the plane involved in the Sydney crash had a warning system fitted.
A Tory council leader who claimed rough sleepers had made a commercial life choice to prey on residents and tourists in Windsor has sidestepped calls to apologise.

In a series of Twitter posts Windsor and Maidenhead council leader Simon Dudley said beggars could present the town in a sadly unfavourable light when Prince Harry marries American actress Meghan Markle in May.

And in a letter to police, he complained about aggressive begging and intimidation, and bags and detritus on the streets.

Simon Dudley

His comments attracted criticism from homeless charities, and Prime Minister Theresa May said she disagreed with his assessment.

But Mr Dudley, who is currently in the US, declined to comment when asked if he regretted his comments.

Instead he said that the local authority had a homelessness action plan, adding: We await a response from the PCC on the concerns we have raised.

Asked about the remarks during a visit to a hospital in nearby Camberley, Mrs May said: I dont agree with the comments that the leader of the council has made.

I think it is important that councils work hard to ensure that they are providing accommodation for those people who are homeless, and where there are issues of people who are aggressively begging on the streets then its important that councils work with the police to deal with that aggressive begging.

Murphy James, of Windsor Homeless Project, said Mr Dudleys comments were sickening.

He said: Its absolutely abhorrent that anybody has got these views in this day and age, especially a lead councillor of the borough.

I went out on Christmas Day and there were 12 people laid out on Windsor High Street. They were not there by choice.

Here is a statement from the leader of the council regarding antisocial behavior in Windsor and a letter he sent to Thames Valley Police: https://t.co/0eAFM5YzNt  RBWM (@RBWM) January 3, 2018

One homeless woman in Windsor, who gave only her first name, Tracy, said: The homelessness has not just arose in the last couple of months, homelessness has been going on for years, even in this town.

But its only because of this royal wedding that theres been all of a sudden this uproar over the homelessness and the disgrace on the Windsor streets.

Statement from the Police and Crime Commissioner regarding an open letter from the Leader of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council on policing in #Windsor https://t.co/SGgZWH1tsI  Thames Valley PCC (@TV_PCC) January 3, 2018

If everyone were to do their job properly there would not be this problem  its taken for a wedding for them to pull their finger out their bum to sort things out.

Asked what she would say to Mr Dudley, Tracy told the Press Association: Come spend some time out on the streets with us, get to know us people individually and then tell me where you find these aggressive beggars and these voluntary homeless people.

He doesnt have a clue what hes talking about.
A 40 million euro (35.6 million) jackpot winning EuroMillions ticket was sold in a local shop in Malahide, Dublin, it has been revealed.

Amy Cong, owner of the independent Village Shop in the towns shopping centre, said she has a lot of regulars but has no idea who the winner is.

This is a small shop in the centre of Malahide but we are busy and we have a lot of regular customers, she said.

The holder of a 40 million euro winning Euromillions ticket is still unknown (Niall Carson/PA)

Revealed: The Village shop in Malahide Co.Dublin sells the 38.9 Million #EuroMillions ticket!Congrats to all involved in the winning store pic.twitter.com/INSqRZ7XrM  The Irish National Lottery (@NationalLottery) January 4, 2018

Ms Cong said: We have been barely able to contain our excitement since we were told by the National Lottery yesterday that we sold the ticket. We had absolutely no idea! There is an amazing buzz here today. We have no idea who the lucky winner is but we wish them the best of luck in the future.

The holder of the winning jackpot ticket  worth 38.9 million euro (34.6 million) from last Fridays draw  has contacted the National Lottery offices and arrangements are being made for the prize to be collected in the coming weeks.

A spokeswoman said: We have verified the winning ticket and the ticket holder is understandably delighted at their good fortune.

They are getting independent legal and financial advice, and we look forward to having them come to the winners room to collect their cheque in the near future. This is a life-changing amount.

Ms Cong, originally from the Shandong province in east China and living in Ireland for the last 20 years, said she expects to be a lot busier after selling the ticket for the massive windfall.

She also gets a 25,000 euro (22,282) bonus for selling the jackpot numbers.

My husband and I have been running the Village Shop for over five years now but weve never experienced anything like this, Ms Cong said.

At the moment, we have just one employee working in the shop but todays exciting announcement could make us a whole lot busier in the coming months as one of Irelands lucky EuroMillions winning retailers.

Ireland has had 12 jackpot winners in the EuroMillions including two syndicates in the last year which won separate pots of 88.5m euro and 29m euro.
Researchers are calling for an urgent review into how populations of giraffes are managed in the wild when living alongside lions.

The giraffe population has declined by 40% in the past 30 years, with lions the primary predator to the worlds tallest mammals.

In a first, a study from the University of Bristol investigated the impact of the presence of lions on giraffe populations in the wild.

Giraffes in Kenya, East Africa, during a study by the University of Bristol (Zoe Muller/PA)

It found that the number of calves is likely to be reduced by up to 82% when lions are kept in the same conservation area as giraffes.

The work, published in the journal PLOS One, examined giraffe populations at two adjacent sites in Kenya  one with no lions and one with a high density of lions.

In areas with no lions, juvenile giraffes  less than a year old  made up 34% of the population, but made up only 6% in areas with lions.

Zoe Muller, a PhD student at the University of Bristol, warned of an unrecoverable situation if giraffe calves continued to decline.

This research has significant practical implications, she said.

Giraffes are a threatened species, suffering ongoing decline in the wild, and this research highlights how managing giraffes alongside lions inside a conservation area  a common practice in Africa  has detrimental effects for giraffe populations.

The continual loss of juveniles within a population due to lion predation may lead to an unrecoverable situation where the population crashes, since population growth and sustainability rely on enough calves surviving until they are sexually mature.

She called for an urgent reassessment of how populations of giraffes are managed in the wild, given their severe and ongoing decline.

Giraffes in Kenya, East Africa, during a study by the University of Bristol (Zoe Muller/PA)

Giraffes are listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

There were approximately 151,702 giraffes in the wild in 1985, with the number dropping to 97,562 by 2015.

Threats to the population include illegal hunting, habitat loss, conflict between humans and wildlife and civil unrest.

Giraffes in Kenya, East Africa, during a study by the University of Bristol (Zoe Muller/PA)

It is thought that lions preferentially target giraffe calves in the wild, and there is anecdotal evidence of this, including observations of lions eating young giraffe carcasses and of lion claw marks on adult females, thought to be a result of them defending their calves, Ms Muller said.

However, no-one has ever investigated if this preference for hunting calves has an impact on the population as a whole.

The research will now be replicated in other areas of Africa, to see if lions create the same effects in other giraffe populations.
A historic factory making Colmans mustard is to close with the loss of jobs, dealing a devastating blow to the workforce.

Unilever said its site in Norwich will close by the end of 2019, although the company said it will protect the historic link between the city and Colmans by retaining production of mustard powder, the mustard milling process and mint processing in a new facility in the area.

Manufacturing of other products will move to other sites in the UK, mainly Burton upon Trent, while other work will switch to Germany.

Jobs at risk as Colmans announce the closure of its mustard plant in Norwich (Nick Ansell/PA)

The decision will affect 113 jobs, although 40 will transfer to Burton and around 25 roles will be created in the new facility near Norwich.

Unilever said in a statement that a recent decision by Britvic to close its factory on its shared site in Norwich had serious implications for the company.

We will protect the historic link between Colmans and Norwich by retaining the production and packing of Colmans mustard powder, the historic mustard milling process, and mint processing in a new state-of-the-art facility in the Norwich area, created through a new long-term partnership with a consortium of local farmers, backed by significant investment from Unilever. We will also continue to source our mint and mustard locally as we have for generations.

Manufacturing of the vast majority of the other products is planned to move to other sites in the UK, predominantly Burton upon Trent, home of Marmite and Bovril, reaffirming our commitment to UK food manufacturing. The packing of dry sauces will be absorbed by existing production lines and existing employees at a Unilever factory in Germany, which already makes the dry sauce mix.

GMB shocked by Unilever closure https://t.co/JI3sObUW2b  GMB London Region (@GMBLondonRegion) January 4, 2018

The review concluded that the proposals announced today represent the best long-term solution for Unilever while protecting the link between Colmans and Norwich.

We recognise that these proposals will be difficult news for our Norwich employees, their families, and the whole community in Norwich. We are committed to supporting our employees during this difficult time. We will also offer all employees whose roles would be affected by the proposals a package of support, including redeployment opportunities at other sites, and services to help people find new employment.

Warren Kenny, regional secretary of the GMB union, said: This is absolutely devastating news for the workforce at Colemans, for the city of Norwich and for manufacturing in East Anglia.

It is our immediate intention to speak with our members at Unilever and to seek an urgent meeting with the company and local elected representatives to fully understand what has lead Unilever to make this devastating decision, and whether there are alternatives that should, and must be considered.

Unite national officer Rhys McCarthy said: We are urging Unilever to look again at its business case for closure. The decision last month by Britvic to close its half of the site, which produces its Robinsons and Fruit Shoot brands, was unhelpful for the future of Colmans Mustard in Norwich  but we still dont believe that closure is the only option for the dedicated workforce.

Shadow business secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey said: The closure is a blow not only to the workers at Colmans and their families but to the town and region more generally.

Despite their claims to the contrary, the Government havent done anywhere near enough to stop this closure.

This highlights exactly why we need a Labour government with a forward-thinking industrial strategy to attract and keep firms in the UK.

A Government spokesman said: The Government is disappointed Unilever has decided to close its Norwich plant, though we welcome Unilevers commitment to mustard milling and mint production in Norwich.

While this decision is no reflection on the performance of the sites highly skilled workforce, it is still clearly a worrying time for Unilevers dedicated workers and their families.

The company will now enter a consultation period and the Government will continue to work closely with Unilever, local MPs and unions throughout this process.
WARSAW, Jan 3 (Reuters) - Poland is in talks with Hungary to create a development bank aimed at investments in infrastructure in the region and plans to involve Slovakia and the Czech Republic in the project, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said on Wednesday.

Morawiecki met his Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orban in Budapest to discuss economic and political co-operation, including European Union migration quotas which they oppose, as well as issues regarding energy and the next EU budget.

"We talked about a Visegrad development bank. We can afford a bank that would support infrastructure development in the region," Morawiecki told reporters after his Budapest trip, referring to a group of central European countries comprising Hungary, Slovakia, Poland and the Czech Republic.

"We strongly confirmed (with PM Orban) that we're interested. If Czechs and Slovaks respond positively we could quickly set up this bank," he said without providing more details.

Morawiecki also said his cabinet had not changed its sceptical view about adopting the euro in the near future despite recent calls from local economists trying to convince the Polish government to join the euro zone soon and keep Poland close to the core of the EU.

"We have not changed our rhetoric with regard to this. This is not an issue today," Morawiecki said.

Morawiecki and Orban appeared to have struck up a good personal relationship, reinforcing their countries' diplomatic rapprochement within the EU.

When the EU's executive body launched an unprecedented legal action against Warsaw in December in an attempt to force it to reverse judicial reforms that Brussels says undermine democracy, Orban signalled he would use Hungary's right of veto to block any punitive sanctions against Poland.

"We are like-minded countries," Morawiecki said when asked if Poland offered anything to Hungary in exchange for Orban's gesture and added that Budapest could rely on Poland in the future.

Both Orban's Fidesz and the ruling Law and Justice party (PiS) in Poland are riding high in national opinion polls, thanks to their strong economic record, tough anti-migrant policies and their defiance of EU institutions.

Critics say reforms introduced by Fidesz in Hungary and by PiS in Poland are eroding democracy and the rule of law, charges rejected by Budapest and Warsaw. (Reporting by Marcin Goclowski and Krisztina Than; Editing by Lidia Kelly and Richard Balmforth)
Following are news stories, press reports and events to watch that may affect Poland's financial markets on Thursday. ALL TIMES GMT (Poland: GMT + 1 hour):

BOND TENDER

Polish finance ministry to offer treasury bonds worth between 3.0 billion zlotys ($870.63 million) and 5.0 billion zlotys at a switch tender at 1030.

DISCOVERY NETWORKS

Discovery, which is in talks to buy a leading Polish private broadcaster TVN from Scripps Network Interactive, is expecting to receive regulatory approval for the takeover in the first quarter, Katarzyna Kieli, head of Discovery Networks EMEA region, tells the Polish daily Rzeczpospolita.

JUDICIARY

New Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki tells the Catholic weekly Gosc Niedzielny that he will try to explain during his visit next week to Brussels the reasons for implementing an overhaul of the country's judicial system that has met with harsh criticism from the European Union and some Western countries.

EURO

Most Polish entrepreneurs are in favour of bringing the country into the eurozone, seeing greater chances for growth and development with the single European currency, the daily Rzeczpospolita reports.

LPP

Poland's leading clothing retailer LPP stops publishing monthly sales reports and will report sales only on quarterly basis, the business daily Parkiet reports.

****Reuters has not verified stories reported by Polish media and does not vouch for their accuracy.****

For other related news, double click on: Polish equities E.Europe equities Polish money Polish debt Eastern Europe All emerging markets Hot stocks Stock markets Market debt news Forex news For real-time index quotes, double click on: Warsaw WIG20 Budapest BUX Prague PX ($1 = 3.4458 zlotys) (Reporting by Warsaw Bureau; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)
KHARTOUM, Jan 4 (Reuters) - Sudan has extended a unilateral ceasefire with rebels until the end of March, state news agency SUNA reported on Thursday, citing a presidential decree.

In October, the United States lifted 20-year-old sanctions tied to progress on progress on counter terrorism cooperation and on resolving internal conflicts.

Fighting between the army and rebels in the Kordofan and Blue Nile regions broke out in 2011, when South Sudan declared independence. Conflict in Darfur began in 2003 when mainly non-Arab tribes took up arms against Sudan's Arab-led government.

The ceasefire was set to expire at the end of December. (Reporting by Ali Abdelaty;-writing by Dahlia Nehme; editing by John Stonestreet)
A couple died in a house fire Wednesday afternoon in Perry County, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

Police identified the couple as Ronald Lee Miller Sr., 84, and his wife, Alicia Irene Miller, 82.

Police were called to the house fire at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in the 600 block of North Front Street, Liverpool Borough.

ABC27 News reported that firefighters tried to reach the couple, who were trapped in the home, but they were unable to get to them.

Police said the fire marshal determined the cause of the fire was accidental due to careless use of a propane heater being used in close proximity to combustible materials in the living room on the first floor of the home.

Police were assisted on the scene by Perry County Coroners Office, EMS, PPL, and Liverpool, Millerstown, Newport, Buffalo Township, Duncannon and Port Treverton fire departments.
JERUSALEM, Jan 4 (Reuters) - The Israeli military said on Thursday it would further investigate the death of a wheechair-bound Palestinian who was killed in clashes over U.S. President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

The Dec. 15 death of Ibrahim Abu Thurayeh was denounced by the Palestinians and decried by U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein, who said the a 29-year-old amputee was shot in the head by Israeli troops close to the Gaza-Israel border fence.

The Israeli military said its own operational investigation, carried out shortly after the incident, had found that it was not possible to say what had killed Abu Thurayeh. It said no live fire had been directed at him during the dispersal of the demonstration, in which protesters hurled explosive devices and rocks and set tyres alight.

"In order to further examine the case, including information received from organizations operating in the Gaza Strip, it was decided that the circumstances of Thurayeh's death will also be examined by a Military Police investigation," the army said in a statement.

Trump's announcement on Jerusalem infuriated the Arab world and upset Western allies. It has sparked violent protests on a weekly basis along the Israel-Gaza border and in the occupied West Bank.

Abu Thurayeh was a regular at such demonstrations. In media interviews, he had said he had lost both his legs in a 2008 Israeli missile strike in Gaza.

The status of Jerusalem has been one of the biggest obstacles to a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians for generations.

Israel considers all of Jerusalem to be its capital. Palestinians want the eastern part of the city as the capital of a future independent state of their own. (Reporting by Maayan Lubell; Editing by Catherine Evans)
By John Geddie and Mi Nguyen

SINGAPORE/HANOI, Jan 4 (Reuters) - A fugitive Vietnamese property tycoon who is accused of spilling state secrets was arrested in Hanoi on Thursday after Singapore deported him, despite appeals that his life could be in danger in Vietnam.

Phan Van Anh Vu, 42, told his lawyers he was also a senior officer in Vietnam's secret police and was trying to get to Germany and could have details of an operation in which a wanted Vietnamese oil executive was spirited home from Berlin last year.

Vu's case put a new international spotlight on a sweeping crackdown on corruption in the communist state, where graft has flourished alongside years of rapid economic growth that have made it a prime destination for investors.

Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security said on its website that Vu was arrested in Hanoi after being deported from Singapore and that it would "investigate according to Vietnamese law".

Vu had been detained in Singapore on Dec. 28 as he tried to leave for neighbouring Malaysia. Singapore authorities said he had entered the country on a passport with a false identity while carrying another Vietnamese passport with his real identity and also had a third passport in his possession.

Singapores Ministry of Home Affairs said Vu was wanted under an Interpol "Red Notice" issued by Vietnam and had been removed by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority.

A lawyer for Vu in Singapore said he was only informed about the deportation nearly three hours after Vu had been flown out.

"I am disappointed that, despite our best efforts for our client, he was deported without our knowledge or given an opportunity to contest the allegations made against him," Remy Choo told Reuters.

Singapore has close diplomatic and trade ties to Vietnam and both share a concern at China's growing regional influence. This year, Singapore is also chairing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations grouping that aims to boost regional cooperation.

SPEED

"Speed has been the enemy of both transparency and justice in this case," said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director for New York-based Human Rights Watch.

"Singapore deserves utter condemnation for forcing him back to face what will certainly be a kangaroo court trial, and quite possibly a death sentence."

Serious security offences can carry the death penalty in Vietnam although that also depends on the motivation and the degree of damage caused. Vietnamese police have not said which secrets Vu is accused of revealing.

Police published a wanted notice for Vu on Dec. 21 after failing to find him at his home in the central resort city of Danang, where he had been nicknamed "Aluminium Vu" for his background making window and door frames.

For years, he had been a prominent business figure in the city with public connections to authorities, among them the head of its communist party, who was fired in October for misconduct.

Dozens of officials and business people have been arrested in a crackdown on corruption that gathered pace last year after changes at the top of the communist party gave greater sway to the security establishment.

The fight against corruption is broadly welcomed in Vietnam, but government critics say they believe it is also being used to undermine officials linked to the administration of former prime minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

The crackdown drew global attention last summer when Germany accused Vietnam of kidnapping former oil executive Trinh Xuan Thanh from a Berlin park.

Vu's German lawyer, Victor Pfaff, told Reuters that as a senior employee in Vietnam's secret police Vu would have known about the disappearance of Thanh and that he had important information about the case.

German officials did not comment on Vu's case. (Reporting by John Geddie in SINGAPORE and Mi Nguyen in HANOI; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
By Tulay Karadeniz

ANKARA, Jan 4 (Reuters) - Turkey on Thursday condemned the U.S. conviction of a Turkish banker for evading Iran sanctions as unprecedented meddling in its internal affairs, pushing back against a case that President Tayyip Erdogan has cast as a political attack.

Wednesday's court decision capped a trial that had strained diplomatic relations between the two countries and is likely to further aggravate tension between the NATO allies.

The case has angered Erdogan and his ministers, some of whom accuse U.S. court officials of ties to a cleric blamed for a 2016 coup attempt. Some of the testimony at the trial implicated senior officials, including Erdogan. Ankara has said the case was based on fabricated evidence.

Mehmet Hakan Atilla, an executive at Turkey's majority state-owned Halkbank, was convicted on five of six counts in a Manhattan federal court, including bank fraud and conspiracy to violate U.S. sanctions law.

"The U.S. court, in a process carried out by relying on so-called 'evidence', which is fake and open to political exploitation, ... made an unprecedented interference in Turkey's internal affairs," Turkey's foreign ministry said.

U.S. prosecutors have charged a total of nine people in the case, including a former economy minister, Zafer Caglayan. However, only Atilla and a wealthy Turkish-Iranian gold trader, Reza Zarrab, are in U.S. custody.

Erdogan, who has yet to comment on the decision, has previously dismissed the trial as a politically motivated attack on his government, and has attempted to use it to tap into anti-American sentiment among his supporters.

Ankara has not, however, threatened to take concrete measures.

"POLITICAL PLOT"

The U.S. case against Atilla was based on the testimony of the gold trader Zarrab, who cooperated with U.S. prosecutors and pleaded guilty to charges of leading a scheme to evade U.S. sanctions against Iran.

In his testimony Zarrab implicated top Turkish politicians, including Erdogan. Zarrab said Erdogan, who has governed Turkey for nearly 15 years, personally authorised two Turkish banks to join the scheme when he was prime minister.

"The Zarrab court case is a political plot", Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag tweeted on Thursday.

Halkbank said Atilla had the right to appeal against the decision and said it had not been a party to the U.S. case. It noted there had been no financial or administrative decision taken against it by the court.

The bank has denied any wrongdoing and said its transactions were in line with local and international regulations. Halkbank shares were flat by late afternoon, giving up gains after advancing more than 4 percent.

The court decision is unlikely to damage Erdogan or his government at home, said Wolfango Piccoli of Teneo Intelligence, a London-based consultancy.

"Domestically, I don't believe it will make any difference at all... The government has managed to cast a huge shadow on it by portraying it as a plot against Turkey and the government," Piccoli said. "I think it is much more important in terms of the bilateral relations with the United States. This is a relationship that has been difficult for some time."

Less clear was the potential fall-out for the banking sector, with some analysts seeing the possibility that one or more Turkish lenders could be hit by fines over the case.

"The whole thing is really about what the consequences will be for the relationship between Turkey and the U.S.," said Paul Fage of TD Securities in London.

"Obviously, the U.S. will impose fines, and the question will be how Turkey is going to respond to that, and whether this is going to escalate into some tit-for-tat thing."

Turkey has said it will take any necessary measures to protect its banks from the potential impact of the case. "If anything is going to happen, in this situation we will stand by the banks," Finance Minister Naci Agbal told Reuters last month.

"We must not allow any eventuality that would weaken our banking system." (Additional reporting by Ali Kucukgocmen in Istanbul and Karin Strohecker in London; Writing by David Dolan; Editing by Nick Tattersall and Janet Lawrence)
By David Brunnstrom and Christine Kim

WASHINGTON/SEOUL, Jan 4 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday called potential talks between North and South Korea "a good thing" and agreed with South Korea there would be no joint military drills, which North Korea bitterly opposes, during next month's Winter Olympics.

South Korea's Presidential Blue House said Trump told South Korea's President Moon Jae-in in a telephone call he hoped inter-Korean talks would lead to good results and that he would send a high-level delegation, including members of his family, to the Winter Olympics, which will be held in South Korea.

A senior U.S. administration official told Reuters there had been discussion about Trump's daughter Ivanka attending the games in Pyeongchang.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on this but said Trump and Moon agreed "to de-conflict the Olympics and our military exercises" to ensure the security of the games and that a "high-level delegation" would attend.

At the same time, the two leaders also "agreed to continue the campaign of maximum pressure against North Korea," it added.

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told reporters the joint drills, which North Korea denounces as a prelude to invasion, would now take place sometime after the Olympics and Paralympics, which run from Feb. 9-25 and March 9-18. Mattis called their delay a "practical" matter.

Mattis said it was too early to say if North Korea's offer to talk to South Korea was a genuine olive branch, but said it was clearly the result of international pressure.

In a tweet earlier, Trump, who hurled fresh insults at North Korean leader Kim Jong Un this week, took credit for any dialogue.

"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," Trump tweeted, adding that "talks are a good thing!"

Washington had earlier responded coolly to Kim's suggestion of inter-Korean talks in a New Year's Day message, with the State Department saying Pyongyang "might be trying to drive a wedge" between Washington and Seoul.

The head of U.S. forces in South Korea warned on Thursday against raising hopes over North Korea's overture amid a war of words over Pyongyang's development of nuclear-tipped missiles capable of hitting the United States.

Trump and North Korea's Kim have exchanged bellicose comments in recent months, raising alarm across the world, with Trump at times dismissing the prospect of a diplomatic solution to a crisis in which both sides have threatened to destroy each other.

In his New Year address, Kim said he was open to dialogue with South Korea and could send a delegation to the Winter Olympics.

Kim also warned he would push ahead with "mass producing" nuclear warheads in defiance of U.N. sanctions and warned that the entire United States was in range of North Korean nuclear missiles and a nuclear button was always on his desk.

"LITTLE ROCKET MAN"

Trump responded by mocking Kim as "Little Rocket Man" and saying that his nuclear button was bigger and more powerful and worked.

Seoul answered the North Korean talks overture by proposing high-level talks at a border village next week and on Wednesday, the two Koreas reopened a border hotline that had been closed since February 2016.

The senior administration official said that despite Trump's positive words, there was concern in the administration that South Korea could go too far in offering concessions to North Korea that could weaken the U.S. pressure campaign.

"I dont think people view the talks as an unalloyed good, that under all circumstances North and South talking is a good thing," the official said.

"I think we have seen in the past that sometimes the North exploits these talks, especially when you have a left-of-center president in South Korea whose base is encouraging him to make concessions that we probably would not be comfortable with."

"So theres a level of wariness about that."

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said she understood any talks would be limited to the Olympics and domestic issues and added that Washington and Seoul were in close contact.

"This is not something where (South Korea) is going to go off freelancing," she said. "Could that meeting that could potentially happen ... lead to something more in the future? Perhaps it could but I dont want to speculate."

On Tuesday, Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said Washington would not take any talks between North and South Korea seriously if they did not contribute to denuclearizing North Korea.

She also said Washington was hearing reports that Pyongyang might be preparing to fire another missile and warned of even tougher steps in response if it did so.

The commander of U.S. Forces Korea, General Vincent Brooks, said the North Korean overture was a strategy to divide five countries - the United States, South Korea, China, Japan and Russia - to reach its goal of being accepted as a "nuclear capable" nation, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported.

"We must keep our expectations at the appropriate level," he was quoted as saying in an address to a university in Seoul," he said, adding it was important for the United States and South Korea to maintain an "ironclad and razor-sharp" alliance.

The five countries Brooks mentioned were involved in years of on-again-off-again "six-party talks" with North Korea aimed at resolving the crisis, but eventually North Korea pulled out. (Additional reporting by Kiyoshi Takenaka in Tokyo and David Brunnstrom, Susan Heavey, Phil Stewart and Matt Spetalnick in Washington; Editing by Susan Thomas, James Dalgleish and Lisa Shumaker)
HELSINKI, Jan 4 (Reuters) - Finland on Thursday effectively gave up control of oil refiner Neste by donating shares to a charitable foundation and the government may cut its stake further.

The state donated shares worth 50 million euros ($60 million) to a Finnish foundation that promotes the wellbeing of children, reducing the state's Neste holding to 49.7 percent from 50.1 percent, the government said in a statement.

The centre-right government last year got the parliament's mandate to cut the Neste stake to 33.4 percent as it seeks funds for potential investments in new growth companies.

But this prompted protests from employee groups who were worried that such a move could put Neste's Finnish jobs at risk.

The government has not made a decision about the sale of the 16 percent stake, but a new state-owned company which will handle those shares began operation this week.

"No one knows when it would happen, but the assumption is that the shares will be sold, mainly to institutional investors... That would improve liquidity of the stock," Henri Parkkinen, analyst at OP Equities, said.

He said that stakes of that size were usually placed in the market at a small discount.

Neste's share price has climbed 48 percent in the past year on the back of the company's profit growth. The stock fell 1.6 percent on Thursday.

Neste last month picked Singapore over United States as the site for its planned new biofuel plant. It currently has biofuel plants in Singapore and Rotterdam, and two conventional refineries in Finland.

($1 = 0.8290 euros) (Reporting by Jussi Rosendahl, editing by Terje Solsvik and Jane Merriman)
PARIS, Jan 4 (Reuters) - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has said Iranian President Hassan Rouhani assured him that the situation in Iran, where protests have left 21 people dead, will stabilise in a day or two.

Erdogan also said in the interview, broadcast on Thursday by the French televisions stations LCI and TF1, that foreigners were acting as provocateurs in Iran, echoing comments by Iranian leaders after a week of unrest in towns across the country.

"I talked with Mr Rouhani on the phone and ... the situation will stabilise within a day or two, there's no need to be worried, that's what they told me," Erdogan said in comments dubbed into French, later adding that Rouhani had told him the situation "would be back to normal by the weekend".

The protests erupted a week ago in Iran's second city, Mashhad. While many protesters have been complaining about high youth unemployment, costly living standards and alleged corruption, some have also demanded a change of government or an end to clerical rule.

"Obviously some people from abroad are provoking this situation, and these provocations are not all right, this is an internal Iranian affair ... and people from abroad should not meddle in internal affairs," Erdogan said.

Erdogan is due to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Friday, and said his relationship with his new French counterpart had got off to a good start. (Reporting by Michel Rose, Ingrid Melander; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
ANKARA, Jan 4 (Reuters) - Turkey's Interior Ministry removed the opposition mayor of Istanbul's Besiktas municipality from office on Thursday, accusing him of links to the 2016 attempted coup and corruption.

In a statement, it said police were investigating Murat Hazinedar's alleged links to the network of U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, who is accused of masterminding the plot.

Hazinedar, a member of the secular main opposition Republic People Party (CHP), denies any link to Gulen. Gulen denies any involvement in the attempted coup.

At a news conference, Hazinedar called on President Tayyip Erdogan to "get his hands off my family", after his wife and son were barred from travelling abroad due to the investigations.

The ministry said it had also removed two other members of the council in Besiktas, one of the largest municipalities in Turkey's biggest city of Istanbul.

The move against Hazinedar marked the second time the ministry has removed a CHP mayor from office since its chairman in November accused members of Erdogan's family of transferring $14 million to a company in the Isle of Man.

Erdogan denied and dismissed the accusations as lies, and has since taken CHP leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu to court, saying he would "pay the price".

Last year, Erdogan also called for the resignation of mayors in a purge of local politics leading six mayors to step down, including those of Istanbul and Ankara. (Reporting by Gulsen Solaker; Writing by Tuvan Gumrukcu; Editing by Ece Toksabay and Alison Williams)
PANAMA CITY, Jan 4 (Reuters) - A former state governor for Mexico's ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) was extradited on Thursday from Panama to Mexico, where he faces corruption charges, Mexico's attorney general's office and secretary of external relations said in a statement.

Roberto Borge, who governed the touristy state of Quintana Roo from 2010 to 2016, was taken under strict security from the offices of Panama's national police to an air force base, where he boarded a Mexican plane, local television footage showed.

Mexican prosecutors accuse Borge of using funds obtained illegally, embezzlement and abuse of public office. Borge has denied the allegations.

Borge was arrested in Panama City in June as he was preparing to board a flight to Paris. Panama's foreign ministry said last week that it would send Borge to Mexico.

For the PRI, the extradition is the latest reminder of corruption scandals as the party tries to rehabilitate its image ahead of a presidential election in July.

The PRI, which is trying to keep hold of power as President Enrique Pena Nieto's term ends, has faced a spate of graft allegations, and four of its former governors were arrested on such charges last year in various countries, including Borge.

Last month, Mexican authorities arrested Alejandro Gutierrez, a former high-ranking PRI official, in a corruption investigation in the northern state of Chihuahua. (Reporting by Elida Moreno; writing by Julia Love; Editing by Susan Thomas)
BUDAPEST, Jan 4 (Reuters) - Hungary and Ireland expressed strong opposition on Thursday to any effort to harmonise corporate and other tax rules across the European Union, saying such moves would damage competition in the single market.

Hungary, which relies heavily on foreign investment to power its economy, runs the EU's lowest corporate tax rate at 9 percent, while Ireland's 12.5 percent rate is also among the lowest in the 28-member bloc.

"Taxation is an important component of competition," Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban told a joint news conference with his Irish counterpart Leo Varadkar.

"We would not like to see any regulation in the EU, which would bind Hungary's hands in terms of tax policy, be it corporate tax, or any other tax," Orban said. "We do not consider tax harmonisation a desired direction."

There have been attempts to harmonise the corporate tax base in the EU, but those efforts have struggled to make headway as opponents say that would just be a foot in the door, eventually leading to harmonised tax rates.

Varadkar said the two leaders agreed that the European economy was strongest where there was competition among member states.

"We share a view as governments that we should continue to have competition among member states in terms of tax policy," he said.

"We are very much of the shared view that countries should set their own taxation rates. Both for corporation taxes and income taxes."

The EU's tax commissioner Pierre Moscovici said in November that the Commission was considering using extraordinary powers to strip EU states of their veto power on tax matters to break resistance over blocked legislation.

Orban and Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki demanded a bigger say in the bloc's future after a meeting on Wednesday, with Orban saying trade between countries in central Europe and Germany was bigger than between Germany and France. (Reporting by Gergely Szakacs; Additional reporting by Jan Strupczewski in BRUSSELS; editing by Ralph Boulton)
By Bozorgmehr Sharafedin

LONDON, Jan 4 (Reuters) - Iranian Nobel Peace laureate Shirin Ebadi urged the United States and international community to support nationwide protests in Iran with political sanctions and not economic measures that could hit the general population.

The protests, which began over economic hardships suffered by the young and working class, pose one of the most sustained challenges to the clerical rulers in almost a decade.

In an interview with Reuters on Thursday, Ebadi said she supported the protests "one hundred percent" and urged the people of Iran to stay in the streets in peaceful protests and engage in civil disobedience.

"People should stop paying electricity, water and gas bills. They should not pay their tax. They should withdraw their money from banks," said Ebadi who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003.

Iran's army chief declared on Thursday that police had already quelled anti-government unrest that has killed 21 people but that his troops were ready to intervene if needed.

"I call on my dear children in the police forces and the Revolutionary Guards to put down their guns and do not kill their own brothers and sisters. If the country's situation improves, you would also benefit from it," said Ebadi, one of the exiled critics of Iran's leadership.

Reacting to the Revolutionary Guards commander, Mohammad Ali Jafari who said on Wednesday that the protests were over, Ebadi said: "That's his opinion. People are still in the streets. Even if they go home, their anger would remain, and the protests would resurface months or years later."

SANCTIONS

A senior U.S. official said on Wednesday that the United States aimed to collect "actionable information" that could allow it to pursue sanctions against Iranian individuals and organizations involved in a crackdown on protesters.

The move is part of an effort by President Donald Trumps administration to swiftly side with anti-government protesters who have rattled Irans clerical leadership.

Trump tweeted on Wednesday that United States would throw its support behind Iranian protesters at an "appropriate time".

Ebadi said: "If Iranian government has the right to talk about human rights abuses in Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Syria, other countries, including America, have the right to talk about human rights abuses in Iran."

She said the economic sanctions and U.S. visa restriction on Iranians -- that both started under Obama -- had only made life more difficult for people, not the government.

"During the Obama presidency, I said they should impose political sanctions on Iran, not economic ones. For example, they should ban sales of arms or any tools that can be used to suppress people," Ebadi said.

She also called for a restriction on Iran's dozens of radio and television stations, that she said were part of Iran's "wrongful" foreign policy, and "spread hatred and lies" in different languages.

She asked world powers to provide young Iranians with "free and fast" satellite internet that cannot be censored by the Iranian authorities.

It was unclear how the protests might affect Trumps thinking about the 2015 nuclear pact that eased economic pressure on Tehran in exchange for limits on its nuclear program.

Trump must decide by mid-January whether to continue waiving U.S. sanctions on Irans oil exports under the terms of the international deal.

If he reimposes sanctions on oil, it could increase the economic pain for Irans leaders. But analysts said it could also send the wrong message about U.S. support for Irans people in the middle of the boldest challenge to the leadership in a decade.

(Reporting by Bozorgmehr Sharafedin; editing by Ralph Boulton)
A Duncannon man is being held in Perry County Prison after police say he sexually assaulted a teenage girl.

John Thomas Swanzy, 25, is charged with seven counts each of felony statutory sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, unlawful contact with minors, corruption of minors and misdemeanor indecent assault of a person less than 16 years of age, according to court records.

On Oct. 18, police said they were informed that Swanzy had sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

Criminal records show the assaults began or occurred in May.

Charges against Swanzy were filed Tuesday and he was arrested the same day, according to police.

He is being held in Perry County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Jan. 12 in front of Magisterial District Judge Elizabeth Frownfelter.

Swanzy is not listed on the Pennsylvania sex offender registry.
KHARTOUM, Jan 4 (Reuters) - Sudan has recalled its ambassador from neighbouring Egypt for consultations, the foreign ministry said on Thursday, without giving details on why or how long he would stay.

Egypt's foreign ministry said it is evaluating the situation in order to take "appropriate action".

Relations have been soured by disputes over the ownership of the Halayeb Triangle border area, and over the use of the water from the River Nile that passes through their territories.

Sudan has accused Cairo of political meddling and banned imports of Egyptian agricultural products last year. (Reporting by Khalid Abdelaziz; Writing by Nadine Awadalla; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
SYDNEY, Jan 5 (Reuters) - A major outbreak of coral-eating crown of thorns starfish has been found munching Australia's world heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, scientists said on Friday, prompting the government to begin culling the spiky marine animals.

The predator starfish feeds on corals by spreading its stomach over them and using digestive enzymes to liquefy tissue, and the outbreak hits as the reef is still reeling from two consecutive years of major coral bleaching.

"Each starfish eats about its body diameter a night, and so over time that mounts up very significantly," Hugh Sweatman, a senior research scientist at the Australian Institute of Marine Science told Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) radio.

"A lot of coral will be lost," he said.

That would mean a blow for both the ecosystem and the lucrative tourism industry which it supports.

The crown of thorns were found in plague proportions last month in the Swains Reefs, at the southern edge of the Great Barrier Reef, by researchers from the reef's Marine Park Authority, a spokeswoman for the authority told Reuters by phone.

The remote reefs, about 200km (120 miles) offshore from Yeppoon, a holiday and fishing town some 500km north of Queensland state capital, Brisbane, are well south of the most-visited sections of the Great Barrier Reef, where most culling efforts are focused.

But the government's Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority already killed some starfish at Swains Reefs in December and will mount another mission this month, a director at the authority, Fred Nucifora, told the ABC.

"The complexity with the Swains Reef location is ... they are logistically difficult to access and it is actually quite a hostile environment to work in," Nucifora said.

There have been four major crown of thorns outbreaks since the 1960s in the Great Barrier Reef but it recovered each time because there were always healthy populations of herbivorous fish. The outbreaks are usually triggered by extra nutrients in the water but the reason for the current outbreak was unclear, Sweatman said.

The reef is still recovering from damage wrought by the worst-ever coral bleaching on record, which in 2016 killed two-thirds of a 700km stretch of reef.

On Friday a report published in the journal Science found that high ocean temperatures are harming tropical corals much more often than a generation ago, putting reefs under pressure.

The Great Barrier Reef, covering 348,000 square kilometres, was world heritage listed in 1981 as the most extensive and spectacular coral reef ecosystem on the planet, according to the UNESCO website. (Reporting by Tom Westbrook, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
Thirteen Indian fishermen had been arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy for engaging in illegal fishing in the Sri Lankan territorial waters in the seas off Kachchathivu Island this morning, Navy Media Spokesman Commander Dinesh Bandara said today.

He said that a Fast Attack Craft attached to the Northern Naval Command arrested the fishermen along with two trawlers.

The fishermen were handed over to the Assistant Fisheries Director of Jaffna for legal action.

Meanwhile, Indian media alleged that the Sri Lankan Navy personnel had damaged a few more boats and fishing gear belonging to the flotilla of Indian fishermen using iron rods, before chasing them away.

The Indian media cited Indian Assistant Director of Fisheries A. Manikandan as saying that more than 2,000 fishermen from Thangachimadam had ventured into the sea on Wednesday in 523 boats and were fishing near Kachchathivu, when the Sri Lankan Naval men came to the spot and arrested the 13 fishermen.

They also snapped the fishing nets of 50 boats and damaged some boats using iron rods, he was quoted as saying. (Chaturanga Pradeep)
The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) today called on the Government to convene Parliament immediately so as to amend laws, including the Monetary Act, as recommended by the PCoI Report.

JVP MP Vijitha Herath said Parliament is scheduled to be convened on January 23 and urged the Government to convene it immediately as normal procedure would take long time to amend laws.

President Maithripala Sirisena in his special statement said yesterday that the Commission had recommended adapting of a new Monetary Act in order to avoid malpractices in the Central Bank in future. (Ajith Siriwardana)

Video by Isuru
Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) yesterday claimed that the Chinese Company which was handling the Hambantota Port Project did not have the authority to hoist the Chinese flag within Sri Lankan territory.

It was reported that the Chinese flag and the Sri Lankan flag were hoisted in the Hambantota Port premises on January 1 with both flags at the same level though it had been the custom to hoist the Sri Lankan flag at a higher level than the other flags.

PHU General Secretary and MP Udaya Gammanpila told a news conference that only the Chinese Embassy had the authority to hoist the Chinese flag in Sri Lanka and at events at which the Chinese leader was participating.

Hoisting a flag belonging to a certain country at a certain place depicts its authority over that land. The Chinese Company has no right to hoist the Chinese flag. They are also governed by the Sri Lankan law and they should abide by it, he said.

The MP said the flag-hoisting incident raised doubts as to whether the Hambantota Port belonged to China and it was questionable whether there were more agreements which were not revealed with this regard. (Kalathma Jayawardhane)

Video by Susantha
Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono arrived in Sri Lanka this evening with a delegation of 24 members on a official visit.

Earlier, a statement from the Japanese embassy here said this is the first time in fifteen years for a Japanese Foreign Minister to visit Sri Lanka.

The statement said, This visit is aimed at further consolidating the Comprehensive Partnership between Japan and Sri Lanka based on previous visits by President Maithripala Sirisena in May 2016 and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in April 2017".

"Strengthening cooperation and collaboration with Sri Lanka is important for the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific area based on the rule of law, it said.

During his visit, Kono will pay courtesy calls on the President and the Prime Minister, as well as have a meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Tilak Marapana. (T.K.G. Kapila)
The extra set of Cabinet and non-Cabinet ministers appointed by the National Government has become unconstitutional and illegal today, the Joint Opposition (JO) said today.

It said the number of Cabinet and non-Cabinet ministers had been determined by the 19th Amendment to the Constitution and that number stands at 70.

According to the clause 46 (a) and (b) of the Constitution, the number of Cabinet ministers shouldnt exceed 30 and non-Cabinet ministers 40. However, it says in an event where a National Government was formed, the number of ministers could be increased. Hence, we have 100 ministers, 30 extra, today, JO National Organiser and MP Dullas Alahapperuma told a news briefing.

He said with the expiration of the agreement between the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and the United National Party (UNP) for a National Government on December 31, the functioning of excess 30 ministers was unconstitutional and illegal.

Continuing to maintain these excess ministers on public funds was a a blatant waste, he said.

The MP said the SLFP belittles concerns raised by others to the effect of the expiry of the agreement for a National Government. Perhaps the two parties already have an agreement in secret, he said.

When asked about the action the JO was mulling to take over the unconstitutionality of the Cabinet, he said they will have to wait till Parliament convenes on January 23 or Supreme Court on January 6.

However, we will take all necessary action, he said.

Meanwhile, he said everyone who is against the government should vote for the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna at the Local Government election on February 10.

Make us victorious and before the National New Year in April, we will show how to change the government, he said. (Lahiru Pothmulla)
Law and Order Minister Sagala Ratnayaka said today the case involving the 2006 killing of five Tamil students in Trincomalee was now progressing as new reforms have allowed the use of Skype evidence.

In a tweet, Minister Ratnayaka said, We could not proceed with the case as the main witness was overseas and was not in a position to support proceedings. The case is now progressing as new reforms have allowed the use of Skype evidence.

The Minister made this revelation in response to a tweet by US Ambassador Atul Keshap. Referring to the delay in the case, the US Ambassador said justice delayed is justice denied.

In a statement, Minister Ratnayakes Media Unit said the five Tamil students were killed on January 2, 2006 in Trincomalee allegedly by a group of Police Special Task Force officers.

Twelve STF officers were later arrested by the Police in connection with the killings.

Dr. Kasipillai Manoharan, the father of one of the five students, attended the UN Human Rights Council annual review meeting in March 2013 to demand justice for the murders.

Dr. Manoharan, in his speech said, My son Rajigar was one of the five university students assassinated in Trincomalee. On behalf of the five students I am seeking justice. Seven years have elapsed after the brutal killings of the students, but so far justice was not served,

In Sri Lanka, however, the authorities found it hard to proceed with the case for a long time as Dr. Manoharan, a key witness in the case, was overseas and was not in a position to support proceedings.
The popular question that is making the rounds is Who would come on top, at this election?

They mean Which party? Will MR and his SLPP (Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna) outnumber Sirisenas SLFP and the UPFA? What most, want to know in advance is the outcome of the elections.

The winner for sure will not be decided by the voter.



If the party that takes control of the most number of LG bodies is counted as the winner that will be decided within hours and days by elected men and women, who would leapfrog to create majorities in LG bodies.

This election would leave many frustrated and disgusted voters away from polling booths.

Bloated and ballooned aspirations that accompanied the January 2015 euphoria shrank and were deflated even before the 100-Day Programme was over.



Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was dethroned seven months before, bounced back strong, leading the SLFP/UPFA campaign.



He campaigned for the SLFP/UPFA with the horrible disadvantage of having a President (Also the President of the SLFP) who threw every spanner, every hammer against his campaign that yet gave the SLFP/UPFA the 95 seats in the present Parliament.



It was also evident in Wickremesinghe and his UNP with many allies calling themselves the United National Front for Good Governance (UNFGG) failing to win the minimum 113 seats required for majority rule.

The President, who promised to be the servant of the people, who promised to be non-partisan and would leave after the first term, would do away with the Executive Presidency, is nowhere to be found in political terms



In terms of voting, with 77.6 percent polled, Rajapaksa gained 42.4 percent while Wickremesinghe led UNFGG polled 45.6 percent.



Two years and five months later, the situation is worse.



The President, who promised to be the servant of the people, who promised to be non-partisan and would leave after the first term, would do away with the Executive Presidency, is nowhere to be found in political terms.



So is the UNFGG leader Wickremesinghe who promised clean and transparent governance, promised to roll back all Chinese projects the Rajapaksas began and promised fast track investigations on corruption against all in the previous regime including Rajapaksa.

As the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has failed with his Government in resurrecting an ailing economy, he keeps blaming the Rajapaksas for.



Yet, his Government has taken over all Chinese projects that during 2015 Presidential Election campaign were condemned as unsolicited, worthless projects.



His UNFGG Government is seen and talked of as corrupt as the Rajapaksa regime or even more. It is publicly labelled as wholly inefficient too.



The synergy of all those negatives in society will not see 77 percent going to polls t February 10 LG Elections have never generated enough enthusiasm to bring large numbers to vote.



At the last LG elections with a post-war exuberant Rajapaksa Presidency in 2011, the total polled was only 65.5 percent. This time, it would be an unexplainable miracle, if more than 60 percent decides to vote.



There is also the possibility of counting a higher percentage of rejected votes than usual. The biggest disadvantage of a large percentage drop in voting would be for the UNP and the ITAK.

Burdened with a terribly discredited government accused of mega corruptions, Wickramasinghe led campaign will not be able to maintain the 45 percent they previously got out of the total polled. Within the UNP there is also the cold and dejected feeling of running elections with Wickramasinghe at the head. All of it would leave the UNP vote this February around 35 percent of the total polled.

So would it be for the Sampanthan - Sumanthiran led TNA. The TNA started off with fractures. Suresh Premachandran EPRLF, the well-spread organisation from among former armed groups, has allied with Ananda Sangarees TULF.



At the local level, this new combination could be the recipient of frustrated and dissenting Northern votes.



Meanwhile, the ITAK leadership has over the past two years lost credibility by playing truant with this Yahapalanaya Government.



Unable to politically read this government as another Colombo based Sinhala Government, their blind faith in the UNP leadership has left them as betrayers of the war-affected Tamil people.

The TNA (In fact it is ITAK) leadership failed in securing release of youth detained without charges, failed to stand along with agitating women, who demand answers from the Government on disappeared relatives, failed in securing private land occupied by the security forces and they refrain from speaking about continued militarization of Northern and Eastern socio-economic life.

Nor will the promised political solution through a new Constitution that Sampanthan said would be complete before end December 2016 ever see the light of day even after December 2018.

Not even after the TNA leadership dropped the Federal solution promised in their 2015 Parliamentary election manifesto.



The TNA will therefore not be able to poll the percentages they had in North and East at the 2015 Parliamentary elections. At that election when Sampanthan wanted the hand of the TNA strengthened to make him a stronger bargaining power for Tamil people, the TNA polled 69.1 percent in Jaffna, 54.6 percent in the Vanni, and a total of 30.9 percent in the East with Batticaloa gaining 53.3 percent of the total polled in the district.



The EPDP and TULF campaigns would also add to the already heavy baggage of the TNA, especially in Jaffna and Vanni. Northern Province Chief Minister Wigneswaran playing it safe and his absence would not be for the advantage of the TNA either.

Bottom line is, the ITAK leadership will be clearly told by the Tamil people, they are not worthy of the war-affected Tamil peoples vote and what they poll is due to the absence of a viable alternate Tamil leadership.



In the Southern Sinhala districts, with a large percentage of Christian-Catholic vote traditionally going the UNP way despite its efforts to win more of the Sinhala Buddhist votes, the battle between President Sirisenas SLFP/UPFA campaign and that of Rajapaksa with his SLPP is for the bulk of the Sinhala Buddhist vote.

Sirisena leading the SLFP/UPFA campaign cannot reach the UNP vote bloc. Even those local UNP leaders, who are disappointed with their own party leadership, will not choose Sirisena as an option.

President Sirisena, therefore, has nowhere else to go for votes but to the 4.7 million that Rajapaksa brought together for the SLFP/UPFA at the 2015 August election.

That is a totally anti-UNP vote.



President Sirisenas leadership cannot address that voting bloc unless he stands as a strong anti-UNP leader. This is not possible with Rajapaksa and the SLPP targeting him as part of the UNP Government and him chairing Cabinet meetings during the next four weeks, taking decisions along with PM Wickremesinghe.



For that reason, he is charting an anti-corruption, puritanical path.

He perhaps believes that would make him attractive to the anti-UNP rural voter. Reading out a carefully written statement on the Bond Scam Report, President Sirisena on Wednesday made all attempts to sound his anti-corruption drive is non-partisan while promising all recommendations would be implemented and monitored.



He concluded by saying not only the Bond Scam Report but also the PRECIFAC Reports so far handed over to him would go through their due processes of litigation.



He also promised they would not be politically interfered with. Interestingly, while he refrained from naming persons, he nevertheless said PM Wickremesinghes responsibility for former Central Banks former Governor Arjuna Mahendrans appointment and conduct had been established.

He also said former Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake could be held responsible for interference and could be further investigated on the Penthouse renting issue an indicted.



He thus laid the Bond Scam squarely on the UNP leadership though without much hype.

All that indicates, his own SLFP Ministers and campaigners would now go on an open anti-UNP campaign.



They may even name others, who are held responsible by the Commission for manipulations and cover-ups.



Political campaigns dont end up one way. The SLPP campaign to retain their anti-Government SLFP vote bloc will not allow President Sirisena to go without responsibility in all corruptions alleged under this Yahapalanaya Government.



President Sirisena himself has been accused of a big deal over the purchase of a Russian Naval vessel and a much heavier spectrum deal that is said to be over Rs.03 billion given without any tender procedure by the TRC that comes under President Sirisena.



For both deals it is said two top men, the Navy Commander Admiral Travis Sinniah and ICTA CEO/MD Muhunthan Canagey were moved out most unceremoniously by President Sirisena.

It is any ones guess, the UNP campaign would also have its share of name calling on corruption. The LG elections this time may be one that would expose many corrupt personalities.



In February when the LG election concludes, the future of the Yahapalanaya Government would also be decided by it.



If Rajapaksa with the SLPP retained the larger share of the 4.7 million anti-UNP vote, it would mean the SLFP has politically morphed into Rajapaksas SLPP. President Sirisena will then be left with a serious crisis in his own camp. Most would want Rajapaksa back again with the SLFP to face their own elections in mid-2020.



Either way, the results would leave very little possibility for the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe Government to continue, except as a coalition of two very shameless opportunist camps.



As for the people both in the North and the South, the LG Elections would serve no purpose.

It would leave them with political instability amidst economic chaos and many episodes of political backstabbing at the high level.



A fast-moving year of predictable crises all around.
In the wake of President Maithripala Sirisenas statement on the Central Bank bond scam, the joint opposition today said President Sirisena should also be held responsible for the fraud as he was the appointing authority of Arjuna Mahendran as the Central Bank Governor who cleaned out the Treasury.

Addressing a news conference on behalf of the joint opposition, former minister Prof. G.L. Peiris said President Sirisena had only appointed Mr. Mahendran. He also said yesterdays President Sirisenas statement was merely to distance himself from the fraud which had caused a whopping loss of Rs. 11 billion to the state.

Though President Sirisena vowed to recover money through legal means as Mr. Mahendran being a Singaporean would have spirited away the stolen money. Therefore, it is practically difficult to prosecute him. Even if he is prosecuted, the extradition law has to be applied which is a long and complicated process, he added.

He said the second bond scam had taken place after the Parliament was dissolved and added that it could have been prevented if President Sirisena had not dissolved the Parliament allowing the the Parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) headed by former Minister D.E.W. Gunasekera to proceed with the investigations.

While referring to the statement by President Sirisena that the Bond Commission is of the opinion that similar incidents as revealed in the Commission Report had happened even in 2008, he said it was completely outside the scope of the commission to consider about it and urged the authorities not to distract the attention of the people. (Kalathma Jayawardhane)

Video by Sanjeewa
Ask/Answered is a weekly feature for reader-submitted questions. Follow the blog online at www.cumberlink.com:

How many people were criminally charged in 2017 with killing another person?

A total of 12 people were criminally charged for causing the death of another person in Cumberland County in 2017, according to court records.

This is a 50 percent increase from the year prior.

These cases accounted for roughly 0.04 percent of all new cases entering the system in 2017, court records show.

However, the increase comes entirely from drug overdose deaths being treated as homicides.

In Pennsylvania, someone can be charged with felony drug delivery resulting in death if they provide drugs to a person who overdoses and dies. The offense carries a statutory maximum sentence of 40 years and is quickly become a go-to charge for law enforcement as the number of people dying from drug overdoses continues to rise.

A total of seven people were charged with the offense in the county last year, compared to only three the year prior, according to court records.

Another three people were charged with either felony homicide by vehicle or felony homicide by vehicle while DUI, court records show.

This is the same number of people who were charged with those offenses in 2016 in the county.

Similarly, there was no change in the number of people charged with criminal homicide or murder in the county between 2016 and 2017, according to court records.

Two people were charged in both years, according to court records.

Mark Jante, 59, of Carlisle, became the first person charged with criminal homicide in the county in 2017 after police said he got drunk, and stabbed and killed his friend inside a home in Middlesex Township in March.

The county went without another criminal homicide case until November, when police said 35-year-old Rhyheim Hodge was shot and killed inside his home in Carlisle.

Christopher Jaquell Williams, 25, of Harrisburg, was arrested less than three days after the killing and charged with criminal homicide.

Both men are being held in county prisons with bail denied while awaiting trial, according to court records.

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REUTERS, 03rd JANUARY, 2018- Singapore has banned a film festival from screening a documentary later this week that features a teenage Palestinian female activist whose arrest last month has made her a symbol of resistance to Israeli military occupation in the West Bank.



Justifying the ban, authorities in the Southeast Asian city state said the film Radiance of Resistance was skewed and potentially divisive for Singapores multi-ethnic population.



The documentary, which looks at the Palestine-Israeli conflict through the eyes of 16-year-old Ahed Tamimi and another young female activist, lacked counterbalance, the Info-communications Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA) said on its website.



The skewed narrative of the film is inflammatory and has the potential to cause disharmony amongst the different races and religions in Singapore, the IMDA said.



The documentary was due to have been shown at the Singapore Palestinian Film Festival on Thursday.



It was screened at a number of festivals worldwide in 2017 and won Best Documentary at the Respect Human Rights Film Festival in Belfast, but has become even more topical following Tamimis arrest last month.
REUTERS, 03rd JANUARY, 2018 - Many businesses in the Indian financial hub of Mumbai closed on Wednesday as protesters from a low-caste community blocked traffic and shopping malls and staged sit-ins on railway lines after clashes with right-wing Hindus.



The call for a general strike across the western state of Maharashtra led to largely peaceful protests, but life in many parts of Mumbai was disrupted with Dalits pelting buses with stones and deflating tires in some areas. Railway lines and some major roads leading into the city were blocked.



The Dalits, who rank at the bottom in Indias ancient caste hierarchy, called the strike in protest against attacks from right-wing groups in the city of Pune on Monday. The strike shut businesses and schools in Mumbai and other cities across the state.



The government didnt arrest the perpetrators of violence in Pune. Hindu group members were beating Dalits and the police were just watching from afar, said protester Sandeep Kamble. We are demanding the arrest of the culprits.
Buddhist discussion on Poya day

While mindfulness has taken the west by storm with neuroscientists and psychiatrists recommending it to everyone across the globe. More than 2500 years ago Gautama Buddha espoused mindfulness as the gate keeper that protects his noble disciples.

Drawing parallels between a well-protected fortress of a city and the life of a disciple, the Enlightened One had emphasized the centrality of mindfulness in the Simile of Fortress in Anguttara Nikaya.

The Buddha pointed out that using mindfulness a noble disciple discerns skillful and unskillful thoughts and cultivates the skillful ones while abandoning the unskillful ones, thus paving the way for wisdom. The Buddha equated this mindfulness to the vigilance of a gatekeeper who carefully lets in the friends and loyalists while keeping away the enemy.

This very topical theme was the focus on the afternoon Dhamma sermon of the English Dhamma programme of Mahamevnawa, held on January 1st (Duruthu Poya Day) at the Institute of Personnel Management, Colombo 5.

Mahamevnawa, one of the largest Buddhist monastery networks in the world with over 40 local and overseas branch monasteries and about 700 monks under its wing, was founded by Ven. Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thera.The Poya Day English Dhamma programme is organized every month under the guidance of the much respected Ven. Gnanananda Thera in view of disseminating Buddhas message to the English speaking followers of the Dhamma. Its specially aimed at enhancing the Dhamma knowledge of the Buddhist students attending private and international schools so that they can grow up to become noble citizens.

A useful simile

Elaborating on the simile that was used, Ven. Kurunegala Rohanakitti Thera, who conducted the afternoon session of the programme, drove home the appropriateness of this simile including the word fortress drawing parallels between seven features of a fortress. These are features that should be present in the practice of all Buddhists.

The Unshakable confidence towards the Buddha was compared to the, strong firm pillar dug half of the pillar to the ground, which is located in the front of the fortress and the deep and the wide moat or the canal around the fortress to the sense of shame of a disciple which keeps him away from the unwholesome.

The Sutta which was delivered by the Enlightened One in Sravasti compares the road that encircles the fortress to the sense of concern of the repercussions of bodily, verbal and mental transgression and the weapons stored in the fort to the Dhamma knowledge stored and retained by The Buddhas disciples, by listening to Dhamma. The latter helps a disciple to differentiate between the wholesome and the unwholesome.

Parallels have been drawn between the army including elephants and cavalry to persistence with which a disciple abandons the unskillful and cultivates the skillful and the ramparts to his discernment of the arising and passing away.

The audience which comprised students from private and international schools and a sizeable adult crowd displayed keen interest for the topic with Ven. Rohanakitti Thera regularly posing questions to the audience to keep the session interesting and useful. The Thera also explained the steps taken by his teacher Ven. Kiribathgoda Gnananda Thera to ensure that the Sri Lnakan children who emigrate for higher studies are given an opportunity to continue their association with the Dhamma. Mahamevna through Mahamevna branch monasteries in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and several other countries helps these students in their attempts to pursue the Dhamma.

The discussion on the Simile of Fortress was followed by a meditation session and another Sutta discussion.
Pics by Nadeeka Daya Bandara

Dandenikumbura in the Meemure Division in the district of Kandy could perhaps be the only village in Sri Lanka with a population of one man. Its a village deserted by the people for want of minimum facilities in a human habitat.



The members of more than 30 families had left the village about 15 years ago and settled in other areas as their last resort when their continual representations to successive Governments since independence, regarding their hardship, had failed. All houses vacated by them have been left to the mercy of

the jungle.



The only man living in the village, an Aryurvedic physician, is Mahagedara Heenbanda (70). He pointed out that several houses had collapsed and others had been encroached by the jungle.



The people did not have the basic facilities including an access road, a school, a hospital, or even a sub-post office. They had to make a long trek of more than five kilometers through hard terrain, wading across the river to reach the closest town of Meemure. They carried their produce on foot or used pack bulls. They had to wade through Heenganga on their way to the nearest village of Sulugune which was about eight kilometers away. They had to wade through Divigolleoya river to reach Meemure. More than 200 acres of terrace paddy fields that provided them livelihood is now covered with shrub jungle. None of the children had a school in the village to attend and they had to walk five kilometers to attend the closest school. When Divigolleoya and Heenganga overflowed during heavy rain the children remained at their homes for weeks. The people in more than 30 families deserted the village and settled in Meemure, Sulugune, Galamuduna, Hettipola and Godaulpotha villages. However, they obtain treatment from me. I inherited indigenous medicine from my father. My two sons are practicing Aryurveda in Meemure. I provide treatment free of charge. My sons visit me once a week. Heenbanda said.

He said he would not leave the village and that his main duty is to serve alms to the Buddhist monk living in seclusion to practice mediation.



The village is being encroached by the surrounding thick jungle. My parents lived in this village and I will live here until I breath my last. The buffaloes left by the villagers have turned wild and raid the village and destroy crops. It is a matter of serious concern that the authorities who boast of development ignore the condition of this historic village. A project to construct a road from Kiulwadiya to Batalawatta has been completed. This new road should run from Meemure through Dandenikumbura to Batalawatta to make it a human habitat again. Politicians come, when an election is around, stay for a couple of days planning development projects and leave. This is how they cheat the people.
Banham Zoo at Norfolk in England is celebrating the birth of two rare and endangered Sri Lankan leopard cubs which were born in September, the Eastern Daily Press reported on Wednesday.

With fewer than 1,000 Sri Lankan Leopards in the wild, the birth of the cubs has been warmly welcomed by the zookeepers at Banham.

These endangered animals have bred successfully at the zoo for many years but this is the first time for Sariska and her mate Mias, wrote Harriet Orrell.

Michael Woolham, the zoos animal manager, said its very exciting for the zoo.

Sariska has so far been a super mother - very attentive and protective. Im sure the cubs are going to grow up to be very healthy. Because Banham has a lot of experience with big cats and in particular Sri Lankan leopards, Mias was sent to us with the view that we might be able to persuade him to breed.

The cubs, now almost four months old, have had their veterinary checks and vaccinations and have been identified as two females.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Daily Press has launched a competition to name the pair of baby leopards.

Banham Zoo said it would like the cubs to be given names associated with Sri Lanka and is inviting readers to send their suggestions.

To enter, email two name suggestions to marketing@zsea.org

The competition closes on Friday, January 5.
Hard on the heels of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) headed by President Maithripala Sirisena and the United National Party (UNP) led by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on the so-called National Government having lapsed on December 31, the President on Wednesday made public the findings of the report of the Presidential Commission on Central Bank bond scam, to the utter disappointment of the UNP.



The personal interest taken by the President to make the findings of the report public would surely have hurt the leaders of the UNP and worsened the already strained relationship of the two partners of governance, as the report incriminates directly and indirectly some of the leaders of the UNP for one of the biggest frauds in the Sri Lankan history.



Worse, the report is being released during the height of the campaign of an election at which parties led by the President and Prime Minister are contesting.

Also the Sri Lankan voter has a slavish mindset, which is always prepared to justify any crime committed by the leaders of his/her party



It is not clear as to what the direct impact of the findings of the report on the general voter, given the intricacy of bond transactions in general and the findings of the report in particular to the voter.

Also the Sri Lankan voter has a slavish mindset, which is always prepared to justify any crime committed by the leaders of his/her party.



Yet, the report can have some bearing on the educated people who voted for the UNP at the last Parliamentary elections.



However, it is too early to conclude that all wrongdoers including former Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran, his son-in-law Arjun Aloysius and former Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake, as named by the report, would be punished or the more than Rs. 11 billion allegedly plundered through the controversial bond transaction, would be recovered by the Central Bank, given the Sri Lankan history against corruption.

The report is being released during the height of the campaign of an election at which parties led by the President and Prime Minister are contesting

It is noteworthy to remind that there had been criticisms even on some of the proceedings of this Commission as well.



Basically, Sri Lankas track record on Commissions of Inquiry has been disappointing and dismal.

Many past Commissions, as with the case of the Bond Commission, had made startling revelations during their proceedings, but ended up in flops.



Of around fifteen various Commissions that had been appointed by various governments since early 1960s, no justice has been meted out to anybody who had been suffered due to the incidents that had prompted the appointment of those commissions.



Nor was the legal system of the country benefitted by the findings of those Commissions.

The Commissions on the death of former Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, 1977 ethnic violence (The Sansoni Commission), killing of 67 civilians in Kokkattichcholai, in the Eastern Province in 1991, Batalanda Torture Chambers during JVPs second insurrection in 1988/89, Killing of inmates of Bindunuwewa Rehabilitation Centre in 2000, ethnic violence in 1981, several Commissions on disappearances of people during armed conflicts and the commission on the failure of the Cease Fire Agreement of 2002 (Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission - LLRC) were the major Commissions appointed during the past 50 years in the country.

It is not clear as to what the direct impact of the findings of the report on the general voter, given the intricacy of bond transactions in general and the findings of the report in particular to the voter



The reports of all these Commissions were swept under the carpet by all Governments.

The Commissions on disappearance of people during armed conflicts were the worst in respect of the findings and follow up remedial actions.



There had been nine commissions inquired into the disappearances of people during the armed conflicts in the south as well as the north since 1991.



President R. Premadasa during whose tenure it was said that around 60,000 persons disappeared in the south, appointed three Commissions followed by another one by his successor President D.B. Wijetunga.



President Chandrika Kumaratunga appointed four Commissions on the same matter and her successor Mahinda Rajapaksa appointed one, the recent Paranagama Commission.

But, none of these nine Commissions could help trace a single man or woman said to have disappeared.



However, the reports of two Commissions have been different from the others. The report of the LLRC appointed by President Rajapaksa was internationally accepted, though with reservations and four resolutions were adopted at the UNHRC in four consecutive years, based on it, pressing Sri Lanka to implement the recommendations of that report. However, the Government is still dragging its feet.

And now the Central Bank Bond Commission has issued a serious report with unprecedented recommendations to take legal action even against the bigwigs of the ruling party, the UNP.

However, there is still a long way to go through a complex legal process and promulgation of new laws, as the President vowed to do, before the culprits are punished and lost moneys are recovered by the Central Bank.



The UNP cannot give vent to their anger or disappointment in public over the release of the report or making public of some of the findings of it by the President, in the light of its claim that it has created a new culture with Ravi Karunanayakes resignation from his ministerial post, soon after his relationship with Arjun Aloysius was exposed at the Commission and with the appearing of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe before the Commission.



It also cannot absolve itself from the allegation that it attempted to cover up the fraud from the very inception of the controversy.



However, both the President and the Prime Minister are in a tight corner over the matter, as being at each others throats would jeopardize the very survival of the government.



The President can play politics with issues but only to an extent that would not endanger the cohabitation of the two parties.

Thus, he seems to have attempted to pacify the UNP and justify his appointment of the bond commission by declaring that he would appoint a commission on the activities of the National carrier SriLankan Airlines and the Mihin Air, the outcome of which would be detrimental to the leaders of the former regime, especially the Rajapaksas.



On the other hand, despite the rhetoric by some ministers, the UNP too cannot take any drastic action against the President or his SLFP, since it has only 106 seats in the Parliament  seven seats shorter than what it requires to form a Government of its own. In case of a fall out between the two parties in the government, the UNP would have to win over or buy over Presidents men or men from former President Mahinda Rajapaksas camp to secure the Parliamentary majority. One cannot rule out such a possibility.



In the light of the current criticisms leveled against the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) by the Tamil nationalistic and extremist forces as well as a section of the Tamil diaspora for supporting the Government, it is unlikely that the Tamil coalition would come forward to fill the void and help the UNP to form a Government.



The maximum extent it can go to is to support a minority UNP Government from outside. But then it would give ammunition to the racist elements and the Joint Opposition to carry out harmful propaganda against the UNP during the future elections- Provincial councils, Parliamentary and Presidential elections.



Therefore, if the UNP did not resort to horse-trading with the Presidents or former Presidents men, the only option left with the Prime Minister, as well as the President, is to put up with the situation, until the next major national election is held, though it would be a bitter experience.
Ever since Donald Trump touched the Orb, praise be upon it, Ive been making This is what you get when you touch the Orb jokes.

If you dont know what Im talking about, Ill tell you: On his trip to the Middle East in May, President Trump, along with the Saudi king and the president of Egypt, laid his hands on a glowing white orb for two minutes (which strikes me as a long time to touch an orb).

The image was like a mix of J.R.R. Tolkien and 1970s low-budget Canadian sci-fi. It looked like they were calling forth powerful eldritch energies from the chthonic depths or perhaps the forbidden zone.

Ever since then, when things have gotten weird, Ive credited the Orb. For instance, when the Guardian reported that sex between Japanese snow monkeys and Sika deer may now constitute a new behavioral tradition, I tweeted, the Orb has game, you cant deny it. When Roy Moore, the GOP Alabama Senate candidate, was plausibly accused of preying on teenagers and many evangelical leaders rallied to his defense, invoking biblical justifications for groping young girls, I admired the Orbs cunning. And when the bunkered Moore decided to give one of his only interviews to a 12-year-old girl, I sat back and marveled at the Orbs dark sense of humor.

But I know in my heart that its not the Orbs fault things have gotten so weird, for the simple reason that rampant weirdness predates the Orb-touching by years.

I have a partial theory as to why, and it doesnt begin with Trump. It begins with a failure of elites and the institutions they run.

Nearly three-fourths of Americans cannot identify all three branches of the federal government, according to an Annenberg Public Policy Center poll taken earlier this year. One in three Americans cant name a single branch of government. More than a third of Americans cant name any of their rights under the First Amendment. Multiple surveys find that Americans, particularly younger Americans, are increasingly ambivalent, or downright hostile, to free speech and democracy.

Even as knowledge of, and commitment to, our system of government has been eroding, partisan loyalty has radically intensified. Some studies find that partisan identification is now at least as predictive of behavior and attitudes as race or gender. As we lose our old meaningful attachments, we find new ones in shallow tribalism.

These trends have been in the pipeline for a long time, and while one can point a curmudgeonly finger of blame at the people, particularly these kids today, that wouldnt be fair. Many older Americans havent exactly been model citizens either. Dismayed with the direction of American politics, they often grew as angry at the system as the young radicals. The real blame falls to elites of all stripes and ages  political, journalistic, economic and educational. Every generation has a responsibility to instruct the next on what is important. As an empirical matter, they  we  failed.

The failure runs deeper, though. Throughout American history, institutions outside of the government  Alexis de Tocqueville called them associations  have played a vital role in binding people together and giving them a sense of meaning and rootedness. Our politics, both national and local, were always downstream of these institutions.

That intricate ecosystem has been supplanted by virtual communities, which serve not so much to educate and civilize but to reinforce pre-established beliefs. Elites who once guided media outlets, universities, even rotary clubs to temper and channel anger have been replaced by leaders who are more like followers, chasing the online mobs wherever they want to go. And all eyes are on Washington to solve our problems. Our politics, in other words, are upstream now.

The norms weve come to rely on no longer match the landscape. Like Japanese snow monkeys, were creating new behavioral traditions.

In this, Trump is less an aberration than a leader for his time. In his rhetorical contempt for free speech, his ignorance of basic constitutional facts, his addiction to drama and ratings, his personalization of every political question and conflict, and his uncanny ability to bring out the same qualities in his biggest detractors, he breathes new life into H.L. Menckens definition of democracy as the theory that the common people know what they want and deserve to get it good and hard.
Like most men who served in World War II, Pete Wiley served his country for close to three years, came home and settled back into civilian life. He found a job, got married and raised two sons.

The Farmington native rarely spoke about being the recipient of three Bronze Stars or being on the heels of Gen. Douglas MacArthur as he returned to the Philippines ... or even more startling, being 17 years old and on a ship headed for the Pacific Theater.

I was no more than 17 years old when I signed up, Wiley said. In fact, my folks had to give permission for me to join the Army, and thats how everything came to pass.

Wiley wouldnt have to wait long before his adventure would begin. Like most men from Southeast Missouri, he was first ordered to report to Jefferson Barracks for his physical and induction. From there, he was sent to Camp Wallace in Texas.

When I went to Jefferson Barracks, it was the first time I had ever been away from home, Wiley said. It wasnt too bad ... I was pretty much as strong as a horse when I left J.B. From there, they sent me to Camp Wallace for Advance Training.

Although he didnt mind his time at Jefferson Barracks, Wiley said Camp Wallace was horrible.

Camp Wallace was nothing but sand and mosquitos, Wallace said. I was there for 13 weeks, and I tell you the mosquitos were so big they could turn your dog tags over and bite you underneath. I really didnt mind leaving.

After leaving Camp Wallace, Wiley had one more stop before shipping out to the Pacificwhere he would find himself in the thick of things throughout the duration of the war.

They young infantryman was sent to Camp Stoneman located in Pittsburg, California. During the war, it was the largest troop staging area on the west coast for units deploying to the Pacific Theater of Operations.

We were sent to Pittsburgh, California where we boarded the USS West Point, Wiley said. There must have been 10,000 soldiers on that ship with more than 1,000 sailors to take care of us while we were under way.

According to Wiley, his first jumping off spot was Sydney, Australia and an ocean crossing that he said seemed to take forever.

We went in a zig-zag pattern all the way to Australia, Wiley said. We would go 10 miles and turn right, then another 10 and then go left. All the way over we did this. I didnt think we would ever get there.

It was during his first ocean voyage that Wiley first came in contact with the war. Although he said the ship was never under attack, the drills alone struck fear into the young man who had never left Farmington before leaving for the war.

I was 17, and I was scared to death, Wiley said. These sailors told us when we heard the whistle for them to man the guns that we needed to cling to the wall because they were going to get their station and didnt matter if you were in the way or not.

"The first time I heard that whistle, I became part of that wall.

Over the next three years, Wiley would be in places that would be forever linked to the war. Places like New Guinea, Leyte, Luzon and Corregidor. He would follow Gen. Douglas MacArthur back to the Philippines and meet people who had been a part of the Death March of Bataan.

When we got to New Guinea, we got mixed up with these Australians, and let me tell you, they were mean, but boy could they fight. They would fight you in a minute, Wiley said. I was glad to see them. They took over everything. They really wanted to rid the island of Japanese.

Although Wiley said he was scared since he had left Farmington, he said the most scared he had ever been was while on Corregidor.

I was scared when I left Farmington, but I was the most scared on Corregidor, Wiley said. We got there before the paratroopers came in. When they came in, they blew everything to bits. Me and another guy were in fox hole and our knees were shaking we were so scared.

Wiley said they one thing he would never forget was when the Navy would drop flairs during the night.

Because of the shadows the flairs made, it looked like someone was running. I will always remember that, Wiley said. When daylight came, it was the greatest thing because the nights were dark ... really dark.

When the war came to an end, Wiley said he boarded a liberty ship and headed back home. From most of the men, he added, they knew the war was over when they steered into San Francisco Bay and saw the Golden Gate Bridge.

You cant imagine how amazing it was to look up and see the Golden Gate Bridge, Wiley said. You thought, 'God, Im home. I made it home.' But you really werent. I was mustered out of Jefferson Barracks, so when I saw the sign for Bonne Terre, then I knew I was home.

Wiley would return to Farmington in January of 1946 and never leave again. He would meet the love of his life, Mildred, shortly after returning home and for the last 71 years they have been together.

Upon returning, Wiley first became a shoemaker but eventually took a position with the citys electric department as a lineman.

I fell right in to civilian life, Wiley said. It was pretty easy for me. After being a shoemaker for a while, a friend of mine asked if I wanted to come work with him with the electric company. I started as a lineman and worked my way up to be boss.

But Wiley said his military experience did not end all together. Just one month after return to Farmington, he and 96 other men who had served during World War II founded the Farmington VFW Post 5896.

I am the last charter member of the VFW here in Farmington, Wiley said. We formed the charter in February 1946. When we first began, we would meet at Long Memorial Hall.

Over the course of 70-plus years, Wiley said he has never found a reason to leave Farmington ever again.

I grew up in Farmington, got a job as a linesman and got married, Wiley said. I fell in love with the city. It has been pretty good to me.
ST. LOUIS  The start of a new year is synonymous with a fresh start  a time to resolve to make life better. While some Missourians will seek to kick a bad habit or get in better shape, others will be putting plans in place to obtain a degree while balancing employment and family responsibilities. To encourage those eager to pursue a degree in higher education, WGU Missouri recently released tips to help non-traditional students find the right fit, and announced it is offering up to $50,000 in scholarship funding to new students interested in enrolling in the nonprofit, fully accredited online university in 2018.

These New Year, New You scholarships can be applied to any of the more than 50 bachelors and masters programs offered through WGU Missouri.

Those managing a career and family life are forced to take a different approach when it comes to completing courses towards a degree, said Dr. Angie Besendorfer, Chancellor of WGU Missouri. We encourage busy adults to do their own research before enrolling and find a university that will fit their individual needs and their families needs.

"WGU Missouri offers affordable competency-based education programs that are a fit for many working adults, and we look forward to helping more students achieve their educational goals in the coming year.

Because choosing a school can be a difficult decision for many adults, WGU Missouri is offering the following tips to help ensure those returning to school in the new year can find a university that will allow them to successfully earn their degrees and advance their careers:

Determine a game plan. For many people who are going back to school later in life, the goal is moving into a higher-paying job or a different career field altogether, so they can better provide for themselves and their families. Thoroughly research schools to see not only what kind of programs they offer, but also how they are structured. Be sure your chosen course of study helps support your goals, and select a degree that is in-demand, relates to your field and is relevant to employers.

Be sure to choose a reputable and accredited school. To ensure your degree and any credits earned will be recognized by employers and other academic institutions, its vital that you confirm the university you choose is accredited before you enroll. Its also good to request information on alumni placements, employer surveys, and graduate rankings to ensure you are getting the most out of your degree.

Consider non-traditional educational options. More and more schools are offering flexible, online, competency-based programs that allow students with prior work and school experience to quickly advance through subject matter they already know. This approach allows students to measure their success on what they learn instead of time spent in the classroom and can significantly decrease the time to graduation.

Pay attention to financing. Continuing your education is a financial commitment. Before enrolling, research the costs of tuition, books and other fees, and compare the tuition and fees of various schools to make the right choice for your budget. Depending on your income, you may be eligible for a government grant, particularly a Pell grant, to help pay for your education. Speak with a financial advisor about financial aid and other means of assistance that can lower your costs, and dont forget to inquire about scholarships. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement or assistance, so its best to check with your employer as well.

Find out what kind of support your university offers. Going back to school, especially for the adult learners who are working full-time and raising families, can be challenging. Youll need a good support team to answer your questions and encourage you along the way. Be sure to look into how you will interact with faculty, what type of mentoring is offered and any other types of support available before choosing a college. If you are choosing an online university, find out how youll be able to connect and network with other students.

WGU Missouris New Year, New You Scholarship is open through March 31, 2018. Each award is valued at up to $2,000 ($500 per term, for up to four terms). Scholarships are competitive and are awarded based on a candidates academic record, readiness for online study and current competency, as well as other considerations.

For more information or to apply, visit missouri.wgu.edu.
Christopher Nolan is popular worlwide and Amitabh Bachchan seems to be in awe of him.

Mumbai: Megastar Amitabh Bachchan on Wednesday said that acclaimed director Christopher Nolan will be visiting India by March this year.

The 75-year-old actor said the 'Dunkirk' director, who has stayed true to the art of filmmaking by creating masterpieces such as 'Inception' and 'The Dark Knight' trilogy, on film, will be coming to the country to lend his support to Kodak's new facility here.

"It is all about to change yet again... Kodak that largest name for film is coming back... Many in the world of direction and production are finding values in the product done on film to be the more liked subject...

"So like 'Dunkirk' the film by that renowned Christopher Nolan uses only film for his pictures... 'Dunkirk' was not digital it was film... And in a month or so the man himself, Mr Nolan, is coming to India to inaugurate or at least lend support to a few matters," Bachchan wrote on his blog.

The actor also took to Twitter to announce, "Kodak is to open its facility again fresh and productive in Mumbai soon... by March 2018... Hollywood is apparently switching back to film... hai hai apni digital film ka kya hoga (Now what will happen to our digital films)."

T 2580 - NEWS !! don't know if it deserves the Tag BREAKING !! but Celluloid film is back .. KODAK is to open its facility again fresh and productive in Mumbai soon ... by March 2018 .. !! Hollywood is apparently switching back to film .. hai hai apni digitel film ka kya hoga pic.twitter.com/oNXO781DbE  Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) January 2, 2018

This would be Nolan's first India visit.

In 2014, it was rumoured that the director will be coming to the country for an event organised by IIT Bombay, a claim his rep denied after the story went viral on social media.
Mumbai: Sidharth Malhotra, last seen in Ittefaq is gearing up for his upcoming release Aiyaary. Aiyaary is a story of two soldiers, a mentor and his disciple who turned into their biggest enemies.

Post Aiyaary, Sid will be working on Vikram Batra biopic. Capt. Vikram Batra was the man who gave up his life during the Kargil war so he could save his men.

When asked about working on Vikram Batras biopic, Sidharth told Hindustan Times, "This story is based on the Kargil war and its very inspiring and touching. Ive never played a character thats real. Their family approached me a while ago and said that if anyone had to play their son, then theyd be very interested if I could do it. It was very overwhelming, because I had heard of his story, but when I got into the details, it was amazing to learn about his life and journey."

"Its very difficult to portray someone who, at such a young age, gave up his life for the country. You have to give it respect because were talking about a martyr. Thats more challenging than being compared. He is not a celebrity, so I have less to worry about in that regard, but I have to be sensitive so that I do justice to the role and dont offend people. I feel very answerable to the family; they approached me for the role. I hope they feel satisfied and happy when the film releases," added the actor.

For the uninitiated, Sidharths grandfather too was a proud army officer.
Theres also anticipation to see if the film, as is the rumour, is inspired from 2009 French film Largo Winch. (Photo: DC)

While theres ample buzz around Agnyaathavaasi, theres also anticipation to see if the film, as is the rumour, is inspired from 2009 French film Largo Winch. T-Series that holds the remake rights of the film has already sent a notice to the films makers. And now, the latest is that the director of the original has expressed his curiousity to see the film.

Jerome Salle, who helmed the original, heard about the plagiarism controversy surrounding the film and took to social media to express his interest in watching the film. I think I'm gonna buy a ticket (plane first, then movie) #Curiosity #Agnyaathavaasi #Largo-Winch (sic), he tweeted.

After the promos of Agnyaathavaasi were released, similarities with the French film were pointed out by many. The makers havent commented so far.
After a hearing on Wednesday, a local man facing numerous charges including murder and robbery following the 2016 murder of Farmington businessman Michael VanStavern will be proceeding with new defense counsel.

The change comes just over a month before Anthony Caruthers, 29, of Bonne Terre, will face a jury trial for the November 2016 murder.

St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney Jerrod Mahurin said such defense counsel changes would not normally require a hearing, but the circumstances of the change were unique.

Mahurin said it appears the new attorney was hired by Caruthers mother and that Caruthers initially wanted to keep his former defense team. The hearing was scheduled to determine what Caruthers wishes were in regard to his defense.

In the days before the hearing, however, Caruthers apparently decided to request his former attorney to withdraw and to proceed with the new attorney.

Mahurin said it is not unheard of to change attorneys in the months ahead of a trial, and that it is often done in the hopes of being granted a continuance to allow the new defense time to familiarize themselves with the case.

With roughly five weeks still to go before the trial, Mahurin said it is unclear if such a continuance would be granted if it were even requested, which it has not been requested at this point.

Mahurin said he has offered the new defense the opportunity to request anything from his office that might be needed to smooth the transition between counsel.

I really dont want this case continued, Mahurin said. The family would like it resolved, I would like it resolved, and I think the public would as well.

Caruthers jury trial is scheduled for Feb. 8-9 before Judge Wendy Lynn Wexler Horn at the St. Francois County Courthouse.

Caruthers was arrested along with Jeremy Reed, of Farmington, following a Nov. 3, 2016 police pursuit that ended in a crash and the discovery of VanStaverns body in the back of the victims own Porsche SUV, which was being driven by Caruthers.

According to a probable cause statement, during a recorded interview Reed said that Caruthers admitted to him that he killed VanStavern at the Red Cedar Lodge in Bonne Terre on Nov. 2.

Reed reportedly told investigators that Caruthers contacted him by phone and picked him up at his house in Park Hills in VanStaverns Porsche SUV. He said Caruthers asked for his help with something but didnt provide any details at first. Reed stated Caruthers, while driving to Red Cedar Lodge, explained how he had killed VanStavern.

Reed explained to investigators how they went into room 14 and Caruthers told Reed that VanStavern's body was under the bed. Reed said he lifted up the mattress to find VanStavern, and then he assisted Caruthers in removing the body from the motel room after they purchased items from a local business to help them conceal the remains as they moved it from the hotel room to the back of the Porsche.

The probable cause statement also indicated that during a subsequent questioning of Caruthers, he confessed to killing VanStavern by strangling him with a belt.

He told investigators he called Reed and then they both went to VanStaverns apartment in Farmington where they used VanStaverns key, which Caruthers had taken off the body, to enter the apartment. He added he and Reed removed several items including, but not limited to, clothing and watches.

Caruthers reportedly told investigators that he attempted to pawn the items taken from VanStaverns apartment at several pawn shops in the Jefferson County area, but was unsuccessful. Caruthers and Reed also reportedly conspired to dispose of VanStaverns body, and purchased items to conceal the murder and clean the crime scene.

The morning following the murder, a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper saw the driver of a Porsche SUV commit a traffic violation on U.S. 67 at approximately 10:30 a.m. He activated his lights and siren in an attempt to stop the vehicle.

The driver, later identified as Caruthers, failed to stop and instead exited the highway at Desloge, went toward Cedar Falls Road, ran through a fence, across a yard, through another fence, crashed into a tree line at the back of the house, jumped out of the SUV and fled on foot.

At the time, the pursuing officer was unsure if there had been more than one person in the SUV, but he spotted Reed running from the wreck and gave chase, catching him a short distance away. When the officer returned to the SUV with Reed he discovered VanStavern's body wrapped inside a sleeping bag.

Several other law enforcement agencies were contacted to assist, including the Division of Drug and Crime Control, additional Missouri State Highway Patrol officers, the St. Francois County Sheriffs Department and the Desloge Police Department.

Reed was taken to the Desloge Police Department for questioning and it was determined that a second male had been in the SUV and had fled on foot. A stop and hold was put out on Caruthers after Reed gave a description.

Authorities searched the area of the crash site as well as an area at College Road and Penny Lane in Leadington over several hours before Caruthers was located not far from the crash scene outside Desloge.

An autopsy the following day confirmed that VanStavern had died as a result of strangulation.
Yet another TV actress from Mumbai is making her Telugu debut. Rasheeka Dutt, who did a Hindi serial titled Twist Wala Love will be seen as the female lead in Nivena Nanu Pilichinadi.

Born and brought up in Bengaluru and partly educated in Rajasthan, Rasheeka was the runner-up of the Miss Rajasthan contest in 2013.

After my graduation, I shifted to Mumbai and joined the theatre group Rang Rasiya. I worked with them for more than a year and then did a few commercials

too, says Rasheeka.

It was after she was spotted in a South Indian advertisement that Rasheeka was approached for this Telugu film. I am playing the lead and its a romantic horror

film, she says, admitting that she knows Hyderabad since her childhood. I have a few friends here in Tollywood and have been to Hyderabad a lot of times, says Rasheeka, whose debut film has been shot in Hyderabad, Warangal and Ongole.

Its been a learning experience for me as I learnt acting and also the Telugu language, she says, adding, I want to dedicate myself to Telugu, and am

concentrating on it. I have a tutor to teach me Telugu and I am trying to grasp it quickly.

When asked why she signed a small film though she has many friends here, Rasheeka explains, I was approached for some big projects, but they didnt happen because I was studying or busy with some other work. Now I want to sign films with only known people.

The actress shares that she has watched many Telugu films while shooting here, including the recent Nani-starrer Middle Class Abbayi. I love watching Telugu

films and even watched Ranas Nene Raju Nene Mantri, she reveals.

Rasheeka completed her BBA from BITS Pilani and then did her diploma in fashion designing from NIFT, Bengaluru.
The revellers used the low tide to their advantage and built the structure in the Tairua estuary on the Coromandel peninsula on December 31.

How far will you go to ensure you get your tipple? If you were part of this New Zealand group of revellers, the answer is quite far. To beat a ban on drinking in public places, this group created an island in coastal waters, in order to enjoy a New Years party.

The island was built of sand, and started off as a joke. The revellers used the low tide to their advantage and built the structure in the Tairua estuary on the Coromandel peninsula on December 31. They then went on to install a picnic table and icebox for drinks.

There had been a ban on drinking in public places in Coromandel over the New Year, with fines of $250.They claimed that since they were in international waters, the ban wouldnt apply to them.

Luckily for the group, the authorities seem to have taken the stunt in a funny vein. Thats creative thinking  if I had known [about it] I probably would have joined them, local police commander inspector John Kelly told BBC.
Chennai: The XVIII Metropolitan Magistrate Court, Saidapet, on Thursday awarded three-and-a-half years rigorous imprisonment to a 40-year-old man on charges of marrying three women and making away with cash and jewellery from them soon after the wedding.

A team led by N. Giri, inspector, Teynampet police station, SI Ranganathan and constable Vasambu, nabbed A. Kumar, 40, of Kallakurichi, eight years after duping and marrying women.

Kumar duped three women and married them posing as a college lecturer and an orphan.

According to assistant public prosecutor E. Edwig, posing as a lecturer and an orphan, Kumar married a woman, Ramya, (name changed) in Teynampet on March 19, 2009. They went to Cuddalore, native place of the woman and stayed for a day. Next day, he left from the place along with 12 sovereigns of gold jewelry, which was given to him as dowry. After leaving the woman, he never returned home.

A few months later he returned home only to demand money. On suspicion, Ramya filed a complaint before Teynampet police station. After noticing his photo in newspapers, two other women lodged complaint against him for duping them in the same fashion.

Edwing said Kumar posed as a lecturer and an orphan and married Punitha in 1999 and Dhanalakshmi of Kattankulathur in 2008. He escaped from their houses with valuables and jewelry, given to him as dowry.

Kumar absconded for over eight years. Based on direction of commissioner, a team was formed comprising N. Giri, inspector, Teynampet police station, SI, Ranganathan and constable Vasambu. The team nabbed Kumar, who was hiding in Tiruvannamalai in October 2017. Chargesheet was filed against him under sections 417, 420 and 498 (A) of IPC before XVIII Metropolit-an Magistrate, Saidapet. The trial was completed in four months. When the matter came up for hearing on Thursday, judge J. Mohana convicted Kumar on charge of marrying Ramya after concealing his marriage with two other women. The judge sentenced him to undergo three and a half year of RI and slapped a fine of Rs 5,000 on him.
Guntur: Kidney donors claiming to be relatives and giving fake personal details came to light at Narasaraopeta in Guntur district.

Narasaraopeta tahsildar Vijaya Jyothy Kumari found that a person in no way related to the patient but claiming to be so, offered to donate his kidney, following which a complaint was lodged with the police.

A native of Telangana furnished the Aadhaar card of one Ravi, of Prakash Nagar in Narasaraopeta, after changing the photo for kidney donation.

Investigation revealed that Mudavath Venkateswarlu Naik of Chandrakunta Thanda in Guntur district had moved to Telangana and was residing in Nalgonda district. He used a fake Aadhaar card in the name of Ravuri Ravi Chowdary, 12-3-35/1 door number, Prakash Nagar, Narasaraopeta, to prove that he was a relative of Siva Ramakrishna, the patient in need of a kidney.

Tahsildar Kumari said Telugu Desam leader and businessman Kapilavai Vijaya Kumar asked her over the phone to certify the relationship for kidney donation. The leader recommended clearance of the certificate since the patient was undergoing treatment at the hospital of his son-in-law Dr Chinta Ramakrishna. This was denied by Vijaya Kumar.

Since the Aadhaar document and other details were found to be fake, she lodged complaint with the police.

Dr Chinta said the patient came to their Vedanta Hospitals in critical condition after failure of both kidneys.

Since the patients relatives could not find a donor, the patient was moved to another hospital in Vijayawada.

DSP K. Nageswara Rao said Naik had submitted fake documents to the tahsildars office for the certificate necessary for kidney donation to Siva Nageswara Rao of Chandramouli Nagar of Guntur. He said the patient contacted Naik for kidney donation which he accepted and submitted fake documents. The complaint was filed on November 20 and the police were on the lookout for Naik, he added.
CHENNAI: Police on Thursday arrested 11 persons from Karnataka after they assaulted and threatened two city businessmen at knife-point and attempted to waylay them during a business transaction near Pallavaram on Wednesday evening.

T. Babu (49) of Nehru Nagar, Pallavaram runs a scrap iron business along with his friend, Aaroon Rashid (26) of Pallavaram. The duo used to buy scrap iron from a construction company, BLR Construction, on Pallavaram Thoraipakkam radial road. On Wednesday, around 5 pm, the duo went to purchase the scrap iron when the incident happened.

They had taken their truck and were loading the scrap when a gang from Karnataka had come, also to buy the scrap iron. The gang entered into an argument with the duo and the verbal duel escalated into a brawl.

All of a sudden, the gang took weapons from their cars and threatened the businessmen at knifepoint and attempted to waylay them and escape with the scrap iron load. Hearing their screams, a crowd gathered and the gang attempted to flee. Pallavaram police rushed to the scene on information and secured the gang.

The businessmen were moved to a hospital for treatment. Eleven persons- F Sheikh Khan (40), Zakid Zameer (34), Syed Mubarak (24), Mohammed Salim (30), S Richardson (29), M Pradeep Raj (25), K Jairamesh (36), R Stephen Raj (20), K Mohan (33), M Mukaithir Basha (32) and Naeem Sharif (29) - all residents of Bengaluru - were arrested. Three cars and weapons were seized from them. They were produced before a magistrate and remanded to judicial custody.
NIZAMABAD: A village revenue assistant (VRA) was mowed down to death by a sand-laden tractor driven by an operative of the sand mafia in Kamareddy district. The incident took place on Wednesday night at Kakivagu of Mardanda village in Pitlam mandal.

The deceased, Sailoo, 36, was working as VRA and was a native of Karegoan village in the same mandal. It is believed the sand mafia driver carrying illegal material from Kakivagu was asked to stop the tractor. Instead, the driver drove the vehicle over the employee, who died instantaneously.

Villagers who spotted the body on Thursday staged a protest and demanded action against the mafia. Police rushed to the spot and shifted the body for post-mortem. They have also taken into custody sand transporter Durgaiah and his brother Raju, who were allegedly responsible for the death. Pitlam police seized the tractor and registered a case.
Addressing a meeting, Mamata Banerjee had accused the Centre of 'excluding' names of Bengalis in Assam from the first draft of the NRC. (Photo: File/PTI)

Guwahati: A case was registered against Mamata Banerjee by the Assam Police on Thursday over her statement on National Register of Citizens (NRC).

The case was filed after BJP urged the authorities involved with the NRC in Assam to file a complaint in the Supreme Court against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for alleging that the Centre was "hatching a conspiracy" to drive out Bengalis from the northeastern state earlier on Thursday.

Assam BJP chief Ranjeet Kumar Dass claimed Banerjee made the comment to lure Bengali-speaking people towards the Trinamool Congress, as the saffron party was strengthening foothold in West Bengal.

"We appeal to the NRC authorities to register a case of contempt of the Supreme Court," he told a press conference here.

The NRC of 1951 is being updated in Assam under the supervision of the Supreme Court to identify original residents of the state in order to check illegal migration.

Its first draft was published on December 31 midnight.

Dass alleged that Banerjee does not have any understanding of NRC's progress and wants to hamper the cordial relations between various religions and languages.

"It was a conspiracy for political gain. She made this emotional statement as the Trinamool Congress is becoming weak. She knows that the BJP is going to come to power in West Bengal in future like other states," Dass claimed.

He also claimed that even Bengali youth organisations in Assam were opposing the West Bengal chief minister's remark.

Asked if the BJP will file a complaint against Banerjee, he said, "We have informed the Assam chief minister about it."

Addressing a meeting on Wednesday, Banerjee had accused the Centre of "excluding" names of Bengalis in Assam from the first draft of the NRC.

"I warn the BJP government at the Centre not to play with fire... This is a conspiracy of the Centre to drive out around 1.8 crore people from the state," she had said.

On BJP MLA Shiladitya Dev's reported statement that the first draft of the NRC contained names of foreigners, Dass said the legislator is a responsible person and should inform the NRC authorities if he has proper information.
Reminding Manmohan Singh (L), A Raja in the letter said, 'I assured you several times that I had done nothing wrong but rather acted in the national interest and that I would prove this.' (Photo: PTI)

Mumbai: Days after a Special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court acquitted all 19 accused including former telecom minister A Raja and DMK supremo Karunanidhis daughter Kanimozhi, A Raja has written a deeply emotional letter to his ex-boss and former prime minister Manmohan Singh.

Assuring Singh of his loyalty, Raja wrote that although he had been a loyal supporter of Singh, "compulsions" prevented the-then Prime Minister from openly supporting him.

Reminding Singh, Raja in the letter said: "I assured you several times that I had done nothing wrong but rather acted in the national interest and that I would prove this."

It went on to say: "I also understand the compulsions that prevented you from openly supporting me. I hope you will acknowledge that I remained loyal and faithful to you -- unlike some senior cabinet colleagues -- and ensured that you did not suffer personal embarrassment in the trial proceedings.

"Now that the truth about 2G is out in the open, perhaps you too, could come forward in my support, which you could not earlier," the letter read.

Interestingly, to this Singh replied saying, "I am very happy that you stand vindicated in the 2G case.

Former telecom minister A Raja's letter to Manmohan Singh. (Photo: Twitter | ANI)

Former PM Manmohan Singh's reply to A Raja's letter. (Photo: Twitter | ANI)

Pronouncing the scathing judgement, Special CBI judge OP Saini said there was no concrete evidence submitted against the accused.

"There is no evidence on the record produced before the court indicating any criminality in the acts allegedly committed by the accused persons relating to fixation of cutoff date, manipulation of first-come-first-served policy, allocation of spectrum to dual technology applicants, ignoring ineligibility of STPL (Swan Telecom Pvt Ltd) and Unitech group companies, nonrevision of entry fee and transfer of Rs 200 crore to Kalaignar TV (P) Limited as illegal gratification," Justice Saini said.

Saini further noted that the chargesheet misrepresented the official record and included oral statements of the witnesses that are not acceptable in law.

"The chargesheet of the instant case is based mainly on misreading, selective reading, non-reading and out of context reading of the official record. Further, it is based on some oral statements made by the witnesses during investigation, which the witnesses have not owned up in the witnessbox. Lastly, if statements were made orally by the witnesses, the same were contrary to the official record and thus, not acceptable in law", the Special CBI Judge said.

In its charge sheet filed in April 2011 against A Raja and others, the CBI had alleged that there was a loss of Rs 30,984 crore to the exchequer in allocation of 122 licences for 2G spectrum which were scrapped by the Supreme Court on February 2, 2012.

All the accused facing trial in these cases had denied allegations levelled against them by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate.
US President Donald Trump had accused Pakistan of giving nothing to the US but lies and deceit in return for USD 33 billion aid. (Photo: AP)

New Delhi/Islamabad: Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif on Thursday alleged that US President Donald Trump's recent remarks against his country showed that he was talking in the language of India.

Briefing the Parliamentary Committee on National Security about tension between Pakistan and the US following Trump's remarks, Asif said the US is making Islamabad a scapegoat for its failure in Afghanistan.

Trump had accused Pakistan of giving nothing to the US but lies and deceit in return for USD 33 billion aid.

Sources privy to the discussion in the meeting said Asif told lawmakers, Trump was speaking in the language of India.

The statements from the US leaders are contrary to the facts, Asif said.

National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, who heads the body, told the media after the meeting that there should be balanced response to the statements from the US.

The country's dignity should be maintained, while engaging with the US," he said.

He said the committee has decided to reconvene next week for a briefing by security agencies.

The closed-door meeting came at the heels of a high-level National Security Committee meet and the cabinet meeting earlier this week.

Defence Minister Khurram Dastagir was also present in the meeting.

Dastagir said when US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defence Secretary James Mattis visited Pakistan, they presented their stance in accordance with diplomatic norms and the talks were not threatening and insulting, Geo TV reported.

(But) this was present in Trump's tweet and before that when US Vice President Mike Pence made the 'put Pakistan on notice' statement from Afghanistan, the defence minister said, referring to the threatening tone of the US leaders.

"We need to have a holistic review of the entire situation. We are conducting a complete analysis and coolly formulating our response," he said, adding that there should not be any doubts when it comes to the defence of Pakistan.

"The question is will America create a situation which will harm Pakistan...We are ready for this but still want to engage the US," he shared.

Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and NSA Lt Gen (retd) Nasser Janjua also briefed the participants.
Mr Khatri said they have opened a helpline, 18004250012, and the public or vendors can call the number and give information on any death of birds. We will check for symptoms and send bird samples for examination. It is being done as a precautionary measure and people should ensure that they provide information.

Bengaluru: A day after a case of bird flu was reported in Bhuvaneshwari Nagar in Dasarahalli near Hebbal, officials from the animal husbandry department and BBMP on Wednesday directed poultry shops within one kilometre radius to shut down to allow culling operations.

Dr Rajkumar Khatri, principal secretary, Animal Husbandry Department, said, A few days ago, a vendor brought to our notice that a few country fowls, which were supplied to the shop, died, which gave rise to suspicion. The samples were collected and sent to the National Institute of High Security, Bhopal, where one bird was tested positive for H5. There should be no panic as H5 virus can rarely transmit to humans. All the shops falling within one km radius were shut down and culling process began. 71 birds were culled in the area.

The cullers will also be kept under observation and will be quarantined for over 10 days. We have taken all precautionary measures as it is a sensitive issue. We are also ensuring that the virus does not spread. The cullers have been told to take necessary safety measures. We will observe them and ensure that they do not become carriers. We have mobilised teams from all departments concerned and various teams have been formed to carry out surveillance in Dasarahalli and surrounding areas. Bengaluru Urban deputy commissioner and BBMP officials are also keeping a watch on the situation.

Employees from BBMP, Asha workers and members of Gram Panchayath have all been roped in to monitor the situation. P.T. Srinivas, deputy director, Poultry Disease Diagnostic Lab, said, The birds were sourced from Tamil Nadu and details of the supplier are being collected from the vendor. The entire city need not be worried as it is a stray case and there is no need for panic. Screening has been carried out in various parts of the city and as of now, no positive cases have been reported. Officials will conduct tests once in 15 days, he said.
An area man is being indicted on several felonies after a grand jury heard the case of how he was involved in a crash that took the life of one of his sons and injured another.

James Luksza, 33, of Potosi, is being charged with a class C felony of involuntary manslaughter in the first degree, a class D felony of assault in the second degree, two class B felonies of endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree, two class D felonies of possession of a controlled substance, and a class D misdemeanor of possession of a controlled substance.

According to a probable cause statement, on Jan. 3, 2017 at 12:08 p.m. the Missouri State Highway Patrol was notified of a possible fatal accident on northbound U.S. 67 just north of Highway 47 in St. Francois County.

The trooper arrived and saw a black Honda Accord off the right side of the road with heavy front-end damage from striking a tree. An ambulance with the St. Francois County Ambulance District was leaving the scene with a very critical patient from the crash, later identified as Chasen T. Luksza, age 3.

The ambulance crew took Chasen to Parkland Health Center in Bonne Terre for treatment. The driver of the car, later identified as James Luksza from his Missouri State ID, was standing in the grass between his crashed car and the shoulder of the highway.

A volunteer firefighter was trying to give medical assistance to James, but he was very uncooperative. He was bleeding from a large cut on his face, and was failing to comply with directions.

The trooper reported that James speech was mumbled and sometimes incoherent. James would yell, but it appeared that he was yelling because he was worried about his children and not from the pain from his injuries.

The trooper learned there had been another child in the car, later identified as James Luksza Jr., age 5, who was now in a passerbys truck.

James told the trooper he had just left the hospital because of an issue with a tooth and was denied pain medication.

He told the trooper his insurance and registration were in a blue container in the glove box of the car. When the trooper asked James what happened he replied, I dont know, it knocked the s**t out of me.

The report said James knew the children were in the backseat, but he did not recall which child was sitting where. A deputy told the trooper there were drugs in the car. Due to the seriousness of the crash another trooper had James perform the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test, a sobriety test which gives indication of possible drug use.

That trooper said he did not see any clues during the test, and while he did the test the reporting trooper went to the car and found the blue plastic container. Inside the container the trooper found a baggie with a white crystalline substance, a baggie with marijuana, another baggie with five prescription medication pills, and an orange and black device used for smoking which contained burnt residue.

The trooper took all the drug-related items as evidence and was later able to identify the pills as Diazepam. A short time later the trooper received word that Chasen had died from his injuries.

During the reporting troopers crash evaluation he determined that James was driving northbound on U.S. 67. He had told a firefighter he was distracted by his kids.

The car went off the right side of the road, up an embankment and struck a tree. The trooper reported that while looking everything over he noticed that James did not try to return to the roadway by steering to the left.

Evidence also showed that James was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. In the backseat was two booster seats and no child restraint systems.

James Jr. was taken to Mercy Hospital Jefferson by Joachim Plattin Ambulance District with serious injuries.

The trooper noted that despite obvious serious lacerations James did not appear to be in any pain.

James was placed under arrest based on evidence.

The trooper asked James when the last time he used illegal drugs was and he denied any illegal drug use.

James was informed of the Missouri Implied Consent Law and the trooper requested a sample of James blood. He refused to provide a sample for testing.

Eventually James reportedly told another trooper at the scene that he refused the blood sample because he used drugs a couple days prior.

The ambulance crew eventually transported James to St. Anthonys Medical Center in St. Louis for treatment of his injuries.

Also found at the scene was a cloth camouflage bag containing an iPhone 5S box. Inside the box was a white prescription medication bottle cap, two used syringes, one small piece of cotton, one clear plastic straw and a piece of green hose.

There was also nine clear plastic sandwich baggies and a ReliOn insulin syringe box. The box contained four sealed packages of 10 syringes, one open package of 10 syringes and one package containing eight syringes. All drug related items were seized for evidence.

A computer check of James revealed that his Missouri drivers license expired Jan. 31, 2013 and he had limited driving privileges. He also had four active suspension/revocations and the most recent was a revocation from Aug. 10, 2016.

He also had one prior conviction for no drivers license in 2016 and two prior convictions for driving while suspended/revoked - one form 2015 and the other in 2016.

James also had a prior alcohol-related arrest on Aug. 27, 2011 out of Franklin County that was dismissed in court on March 7, 2016.

The trooper applied for a search warrant for James blood and the request for a sample was granted.

The reporting trooper forwarded the warrant to another trooper, who went to St. Anthonys Medical Center and executed the warrant.

It was later learned that James Jr., age 5, suffered pelvic fractures, a spinal fracture and a right wrist fracture.

Following the grand jury indictment and handing down of the new charges, James was being held in the St. Francois County Jail on a $100,000 cash-only bond.
On the New Years Eve, they reduced AC Volvo fares by 37% on a pilot basis and Airport bus fares permanently, but Bus Bhagya campaigners are still not content. (Photo: DC)

The BMTC that runs as a corporation survives on profits, unlike transport divisions of other metros where public buses are funded by the state. Respective state governments waive off taxes and take care of employee salaries, irrespective of revenues generated. Though the state Transport Department reduced AC bus fares recently, activists believe that it can do a lot more. They feel that if the state government supports the public bus service, it will have a better social and economic impact on Bengalureans and increase ridership by 30-40 percent.

On December 15 last year, the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation management told Deccan Chronicle that seeking financial aid from the state is not good for many reasons, including a dip in the quality of services.

Managing Director Ponnuraj said, Many people argue for budgetary support for BMTC, but if we start depending on the state for our operations, the quality will deteriorate. We will have to wait for the money coming in four instalments annually to run the day-to-day services. Reliability of services and cash flow will take a hit.

Read| GUEST COLUMN| BMTC, dont deny funds from government, you are here to serve us

His statement was soon after Transport Minister Revannas announcement on reducing AC bus fares. He said, The BMTC is considering reducing AC bus fares as the patronage has fallen to unprofitable levels. We don't have such plans for non-AC services, as the BMTC is under loss."

On the New Years Eve, they reduced AC Volvo fares by 37% on a pilot basis and Airport bus fares permanently, but Bus Bhagya campaigners are still not content. In their campaign in February 2017, the Citizens for Bengaluru and Bengaluru Bus Prayanikara Vedike demanded reduction of fares by 50% and doubling of the fleet to 12,000.

Srinivas Alavilli, a member of the Citizens for Bengaluru, believes that reduction of AC bus fares is a welcome move, but it is too little and too late.

He said, If you are going to do a pilot, do it at least for three months and cover all the services. Why restrict it only to AC buses? The project also has to be taken up in association with the traffic police and experiment on marking bus priority lanes. Vayju Vajra Volvo buses saw less patronage, not because they were unaffordable to the IT crowd and others. It was because the people prefer getting stuck in a car during a traffic jam than a bus. The golden solution here is to make buses go faster than cars.

On the MDs statement getting funds from the government would affect the quality of service, Alavilli said, Such mentality is wrong. Funds should be seen as an investment to help public. Bus is not a poor mans vehicle. What is the correlation between funds and quality? Just because India Canteen gives subsidised food, doesnt mean the quality should be bad!

He said that ordinary buses are the lifeline of Bengaluru, but remain unaffordable for the urban poor. Also, carrying 50 lakh riders per day, BMTC remains our best weapon against pollution.

State must waive off all taxes on BMTC

Last year, the state government announced that it will waive off Rs 120 crore in Motor Vehicle Tax for the next five years for BMTC. But the corporation, which operates like a private company, still has to shell out diesel tax, road tax, spare parts tax, salaries of its employees and more.

Fare revenue is the bread and butter of BMTC, unlike Namma Metro and public bus services in Chennai, Mumbai, which are funded by the government.

On July 4, 2017, BMTC Chairman Nagaraja Yadav announced, Last financial year, we incurred a loss of Rs 260 crore, of which Rs 120 crore went for Motor Vehicle Tax. Now, we have been exempted from this by the state government for five years, reducing our losses by 50%.

A necessary and overdue move, it is still not enough to reduce bus fares and increase the fleet. The Bus Bhagya campaign pointed out that Bengaluru bus fares are the highest in the country.

Lack of tax breaks has also had an effect on employee salaries. With no budget provision to pay arrears, dearness allowance and bonus, the drivers, conductors, mechanics and other staff are suffering.

Their disgruntlement translates to strikes, affecting commuter movement and increasing pollution by 15-18% (data from July 2016 strike) in the city.

This is an issue that BMTC recognises too. Mr Yadav said, It is high time that the BMTC MD asked CM Siddaramaiah to declare BMTC as an essential service. It is high time that the state government exempts us from road, diesel and other taxes just as they did with Motor Vehicle Tax.

He also revealed that talks are on between the BBMP and BMTC to exempt Rs 7 crore property tax per year. If these taxes are waived off, the BMTC will be able to serve its purpose without compromising on affordability, operational expenses, fleet expansion, etc.
Vijayan even went on to say that North Korea fared better than China. (Photo: PTI)

Kozhikode: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan sparked a fresh controversy after he praised North Korea for "successfully defending the pressure imposed by the United States".

"North Korea has been following tough anti-USA agenda. It has successfully defended the pressure imposed by US," Vijayan said while addressing a CPM Kozhikode district committee meeting on Tuesday.

He even went on to say that North Korea fared better than China.

"China's fight against imperialist forces is not living up to the expectations of the people," Vijayan was quoted as saying by India Today.

The statement comes as a shocker from the chief minister of the southern state when no other leaders have spoken on the issue.

In December, a CPI (M) poster carrying a picture of Kim Jong-Un emerged in Kerala's Nedumkandam. The poster was put up in the state to invite CPI (M) cadres to attend a party meeting.

(Photo: ANI | Twitter)

His statements have come up at a time when US President Donald Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong-Un are involved in a bitter war of words over latter's nuclear weapons programme.

Despite warnings, North Korea has conducted several missile launches since Trump came to power in January last year.

Kim earlier in his annual New Year address, had warned that he has a "nuclear button" on his table.

Trump in his reply on Tuesday warned Kim Jong-Un that he possessed a nuclear button that is "much bigger and more powerful" than that of the North Korean leader.
A massive shutdown called by Dalit groups and parties across Maharashtra was called off on Wednesday after a day of protests and sporadic violence. (Photo: PTI/File)

Mumbai: A 16-year-old boy, who was part of the mob blocking a road during the Maharashtra bandh in Nanded city, was crushed to death while escaping police on Wednesday. The incident occurred in Hadgaon area of Nanded in Marathwada region in the afternoon when protesters were blocking a road, a police official said.

According to police officials, the teenager, identified as Yogesh Jadhav, also ran along with the demonstrators while they were being chased in the violence struck state.

"He, however, lost his balance and fell on road. He suffered serious injuries to his forehead and other parts of the body as he was trampled upon by fleeing protesters," the official said.

"Jadhav was admitted in government hospital in Hadgaon, where he succumbed to his injuries," Hadgaon police station senior inspector Keshav Latpate told PTI.

Meanwhile, another official said that protesters have alleged that Jadhav died in police lathi charge. Jadhav's postmortem is not yet performed and his family members are yet to claim his body, Latpate said.

A massive shutdown called by Dalit groups and parties across Maharashtra was called off on Wednesday after a day of protests and sporadic violence.

The shutdown had generated tension in Mumbai and a number of areas across Maharashtra, as the state marked its third day of seething tension between Dalits and upper castes, mainly Marathas.

In Mumbai, demonstrators tried to block trains, metro and buses, and forced shops in some areas to shut down. Two major roads in Mumbai's Bandra were blocked.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a judicial inquiry into the violence.
The precautionary measure is only to keep over 1,500 birds and animals at the zoo safe.

Mysuru: With a case of bird flu (Avian Influenza -H5N8) being reported from Bengaluru, Mysuru Zoo authorities on Wednesday started precautionary measures to prevent the spread of flu among birds and animals at the zoo.

There have been no incidents of flu in the Mysuru Zoo. The precautionary measure is only to keep over 1,500 birds and animals at the zoo safe. As a confirmed case was reported from a place in Bengaluru, we have taken up these measures, said Mysuru Zoo Executive Director Ravishankar.

After the visiting hours for tourists, virus disinfectants were sprayed from 5.30 pm to 7 pm. While aviary zone was covered on Wednesday, rest of the areas will be covered from 6.30am to 8.30a m on Thursday morning, before visiting hours for tourists and post visiting hours from 5.30 pm to 7pm again on Thursday evening. We have two spraying equipment and two teams of five members each are spraying the disinfectants. The entire process is monitored by veterinarians Dr Ramesh and Dr Manjunath, two supervisors and I, he said.

Last year, the zoo was closed from January 4 till February 2, as per Central Zoo Authority directions, after the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) at Bhopal confirmed avian influenza among six migratory and free ranging birds which had died at a pond in Mysuru Zoo in December 2016 end.
Puducherry: For the next two months, visitors to Manakula Vinayagar Temple will miss its star attraction  elephant Lakshmi as the animal left for the rejuvenation camp at Thekkampatti in Coimbatore district from here on Wednesday.

She boarded the truck with all arrangements after receiving special pooja at the temple in the morning.

The elephant will be in the rejuvenation camp for 48 days Prakruti of the Sri Dharbaraneswara Swamy temple located in Thirunallar, Karaikal, will also be participating in the camp for the sixth consecutive year along with Lakshmi.

The 29-year-old Lakshmi was donated to the temple when she was ten and is the darling of visitors since then. Lakshmi is part of all rituals in the temple and in the evenings, she stood near the entrance, blessing devotees with her trunk.

Devotees in return had gifted Lakshmi many things including her silver anklets.

The temple had often landed in controversy also the over ownership of the animal and denying proper care for it.

Animal right groups including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) had several times asked the Forest Department to cancel the ownership certificate issued to the temple citing the cruelty to the elephant and demanded that the animal should be transferred to a sanctuary citing the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)s authorised inspection report on foot rot and mental health.

The government and Lt Governor Kiran Bedi had locked horns last year over the issue as the later had asked the government to send the elephant to forest following a representation from PETA. The elephant has not visited the temple since December 14 last year after the Department of Forest and Wildlife directed temple authorities not to bring it to the temple until further orders were given, reportedly in response to a compaint given by PETA which raised concerns over the health condition of the animal.

In the rejuvenation camp, the health of the elephant will be monitored by a team of experts and they will be supplied with vitamins and other supplements. The elephant will be back by February 22.
BJP MP Somaiya also claimed both pilots had come out of the cockpit which was a violation of rules. (Photo: PTI | Representational)

New Delhi: A probe has been ordered into the incident of a Jet Airways' pilot allegedly slapping his woman commander on a London-Mumbai flight, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapati Raju informed the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

Responding to the issue raised by Kirit Somaiya (BJP) during the Zero Hour, Raju said a probe into the incident has been ordered and time-bound action would be taken.

Somaiya alleged that the incident had put the lives of hundreds of passengers at risk and sought action against the airlines and the two pilots. He claimed that both the pilots had come out of the cockpit which was a violation of rules.

He also objected to the reported statement of the airlines that the incident was the result of a misunderstanding. Jet Airways grounded two of its senior pilots following the mid-air brawl on a London-Mumbai flight on January 1, in which the male commander allegedly slapped his female counterpart.

Rajiv Satav (Cong) raised the issue of the death of a schoolboy allegedly in police lathi charge in the aftermath of the Dalit-Maratha violence in Maharashtra. He blamed the state government for the incident and sought compensation for the boy's family.

Prahlad Joshi (BJP) alleged that over 20 "political murders" have taken place in Karnataka after the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government took over. He claimed that despite NIA charge-sheet naming some PFI cadres for violent incidents, the state government has withdrawn cases against them.

Ravneet Singh (Cong) referred to reports that a group of office-bearers claiming to represent 14 gurudwaras in Canada has imposed ban on Indian diplomats from entering the place of worship.

He said some Khalistani supporters in Canada haveeven threatened the chief minister of Punjab. He said they were damaging the image of Sikhs all over the world and pro Khalistan elements should not be tolerated.

N K Premachandran (RSP) referred to reports about Chinese soldiers attempting to construct roads inside Arunachal Pradesh and said after Dokalam, the development assumes significance.

Prahlad Singh Patel (BJP) alleged that girls from scheduled tribes in Tripura were raped and murdered but no postmortem was undertaken. He alleged that the girls' kin were forced to perform their last rites without postmortem, alleging the role of some CPI-M members in the incident. His remarks were strongly opposed by members from the Left parties.
'A ruler surrendered in a single phone call, our country, we went through the worst bloodbath,' said Asif, about the military dictator Musharraf. (Photo: AFP)

New Delhi: Days after US president Donald Trump accused Pakistan of lies and deceit, foreign minister of Pakistan Khawaja Asif responded to Trump in a series of tweets and said: You ask what we've done?... From our bases you carried out 57,800 attacks on Afghanistan...thousands of our civilians and soldiers became victims of the war initiated by you.

Khawaja Asif repeatedly talked of Pakistanis' sacrifices. And directly in response to Trump's words, said his own version of the US President's "No more!"

"Our forces are fighting an unusual war, there is an unending saga of sacrifices. Now, history teaches us not to blindly trust the US. We are feeling sorry they are not happy, but we will not compromise on our dignity anymore," Pakistan foreign minister said.

Asif began his series of tweets by attacking Pakistans former-president Pervez Musharraf, who was in charge when the 9/11 terror attacks occurred in New York.

"A ruler surrendered in a single phone call, our country, we went through the worst bloodbath," said Asif, about the military dictator Musharraf.

Asif implied that if anyone was a fool it was Pakistan for getting involved in US's war. He was talking about Trumps first tweet of 2018 where the US president said that Islamabad takes Americans for fools.

"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!," tweeted Trump on January 1, 2018.

Read: They give lies, deceit in return for billions in aid: Trump tears into Pak

Trump's blistering attack didn't go down well with anyone in Pakistan. Asif responded immediately on Twitter.

"Will let the world know the truth...(the) difference between facts & fiction," said Asif on Monday.

Then, a day and a half later, he expanded on what he believes is the truth.

"We stood by you, considered your enemy our own. We filled Guantanamo Bay," said Asif, talking about the detention camp which was opened on January 11, 2002.

Pakistan's foreign minister referred to his country's cooperation in helping the US find terrorists and war criminals and dispatching them to the prison established by then US President George W Bush's administration during its 'war on terror', an international military campaign to hunt down "a radical network of terrorists and every government that supports them.

The Pakistan foreign minister said not only his country found terrorists for the US, it also opened itself up for operatives of the now disgraced Blackwater, a firm of private military contractors.

"We issued tens of thousands of visas as a result of which the networks of Blackwater spread across our country. And for the past four years, we have been cleaning up (their) rubbish," said Asif.
When Tharoor also said Hindi is official language of only one country  India, Swaraj countered him, saying that Hindi is the official language of Fiji and is also spoken widely in Mauritius, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and many other countries. (Photo: PTI/File)

New Delhi: India is ready to bear all expenses, if necessary up to Rs 400 crore, to make Hindi one of the official languages of the United Nations, but its rules for acquiring such a status prevents the country from doing so, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said in Parliament on Wednesday.

According to the UN rules, support of two-third member countries (129 nations) is required out of the total 193 member nations, Swaraj said in the Lok Sabha during Question Hour.

Besides, all member nations will have to bear the cost of making Hindi one of the official languages of the UN.

It is not difficult to get the support of two-third member nations. But when the issue of bearing the expenses comes, many small nations become hesitant which has led to a big hurdle in making Hindi an official languages of the UN, Swaraj was quoted as saying in the Lok Sabha, adding that despite this, the efforts are on.

When a BJP member said that India has to pay Rs 40 crore as cost for making Hindi one of the languages in the UN, the minister said the government is ready to pay even Rs 400 crore if required but the world bodys rules does not allow it to do so.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor then asked why India should make the effort to make Hindi as one of the languages in the UN as it is only Indias official language and not the national language.

If tomorrow someone from Tamil Nadu or from West Bengal becomes the PM, why should we force him to speak in Hindi at the UN, he said.

When Tharoor also said Hindi is official language of only one country  India, Swaraj countered Tharoor, saying he was unaware that Hindi is the official language of Fiji and is also spoken widely in Mauritius, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and many other countries.

In her written reply, Swaraj said, The government continues to take measures for the acceptance of Hindi as one of the official languages of the UN and to popularise Hindi worldwide. On several occasions Indian leaders have delivered statements at the UN in Hindi, including Prime Ministers statement at the 69th UNGA in September 2014, the address of Prime Minister to the UN Sustainable Development Summit in September 2015, and the addresses to the UNGA by External Affairs Minister during its 70th, 71st and 72nd sessions in 2015, 2016 and 2017 respectively. Necessary special arrangements were made for simultaneous interpretation of these statements into English by the Permanent Mission of India in New York.

She added, A World Hindi Secretariat has also been set up in Mauritius in February 2008 to promote Hindi as an international language. Efforts to propagate Hindi worldwide are also being made by our Diplomatic Missions/Posts abroad; in the current financial year Rs 5 crores has been allocated for this purpose. Government continues to make such efforts towards securing due recognition for Hindi at the UN.

On the issue of passports in Hindi, the MEA informed Parliament, The pre-printed portion of the passport is already in Hindi and English languages. At present, the personal details of the applicant are printed in the English language only. The Government has now decided to print personal details on passports in both Hindi and English.
Before being taken away from the court room on Thursday, RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav urged the judge to think with a cool mind. (Photo: PTI)

Ranchi: Even in the midst of proceedings to decide the quantum of sentence in a fodder scam involving RJD chief Lalu Prasad, the leader did not miss to crack a funny joke when he told the judge that it was very cold in jail to which the judge replied play 'tabla'.

A special court earlier deferred the sentencing of Prasad in the fodder scam case till Friday when it is likely to decide whether to pronounce the quantum of punishment over video conference or in court.

Prasad, known for his funny liners, said in the court, It is very cold here (in jail).

CBI Special Court Judge Shiv Pal Singh, hearing the case, was quick to reply, "Then, play tabla (musical instrument)".

During the course of proceedings in the packed court room, the judge told Prasad that he had read the latter's record and had vigilance remained tight, such a thing (fodder scam) would not have happened.

The judge further commented that the RJD chief did not act promptly on which Prasad in his characteristic style said "I am also an advocate."

Prasad is an LLB from Patna University.

The judge also informed Prasad about the contempt notices to RJD leader Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, Prasad's son and former Bihar deputy chief minister Tejaswi Yadav, Congress leader Manish Tiwari and RJD leader Shivanand Tiwari.

On this, the RJD chief requested him to drop the notices.

Before being taken away from the court room, Prasad urged the judge to think with a cool mind.

When the judge said he could opt for video conferencing for hearing on arguments on the quantum of sentence on Friday, Prasad requested for personal appearance. The judge said he would decide on Friday about it.

The fodder scam relates to fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 89.27 lakh from Deoghar treasury 21 years ago.

While the sentencing of Prasad was deferred for Friday, the arguments on quantum of sentence of IAS officer Beck Julius, political leader Jagdish Sharma, former treasury officer Krishna Kumar Prasad, fodder transporter/suppliers Gopinath Das and Jyoti Kumar Jha, ended on Thursday.

On a plea by three former IAS officers --- Beck Julius, Phoolchand Singh and Mahesh Prasad --- the court directed to lodge them in the higher division of Birsa Munda jail where RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav is given.

In all, 16 persons along with Yadav were convicted in the

case on December 23 while six others, including former Bihar chief minister Jagannath Mishra, were acquitted in the case.
Hyderabad: Cockfighting, which glorifies illegal activities, should not have a place in the civil society, say activists of Human Society Internatio-nal (HSI). The High Court had banned cockfighting in 2016 during Sankranti. However, despite the ban, cockfights continue in AP. The Hyderabad High Court on Thursday directed the Andhra Pradesh government to strictly follow its order.

The HC also directed the state government to form an inspection team comprising the collectors of West and East Godavari, Krishna and Guntur districts to identify the places where cockfights take place and conduct raids. The committee should be set up by January 7.

The collectors and the police are asked to ensure that playgrounds are not used for conducting cockfights.

Action will be initiated against the erring tahsildars and police officers for their failure to ensure implementation of the Andhra Pradesh Gaming Act, 1974, and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

N.G. Jayasimha, managing director of Human Society International, said, In 2016, the High Court asked the government of AP to prevent cockfights. But cockfights are taking place and the government is turning a blind eye to them. We urge the government to follow the HC order.

He added, Cockfighting is not only cruel to animals but also encourages gambling and child labour. A practice that glorifies illegal activities should have no place in a civil society.

Alokparna Sengupta, deputy director of HSI, said, We urge the Chief Minister to follow the High Court order strictly.

HSI has been campaigning to end the practice and has urged the public to report any cockfighting taking place near them at the nearest police station or at their tip line on 8899117773.
An area Catholic parish held a special mass Monday in commemoration of a historic visit that occurred 200 years ago to the day.

According to the Archdiocese of St. Louis, William Louis Valentine DuBourg arrived in Ste. Genevieve on Jan. 1, 1818 as bishop of the newly-formed Diocese of Louisiana and the Floridas. DuBourg was on his way to St. Louis for his installation as bishop.

During his stay in Ste. Genevieve, DuBourg gave his first Pontifical High Mass in the new diocese in the Church of Ste. Genevieve.

To commemorate DuBourgs Mass, a Solemn High Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite was celebrated Monday at Ste. Genevieve Catholic Church. The mass was said entirely in Latin and was essentially the same as DuBourg would have given 200 years ago.

Monsignor C. Eugene Morris was the celebrant, while renowned church historian Monsignor Michael Witt provided a historical homily.

In the text of the homily, provided by the Archdiocese, Witt points to Ste. Genevieves lone claim to the ability to commemorate a Mass given by the bishop on the exact day and in the same location.

Where, in Americas heartland could this be done from the Alleghenies in the east to the Rockies in the West, from the headwaters of the Mississippi River to the Louisiana Delta? Witt wrote. Only in New Orleans, but not there either. Read their history. That city rejected the man we welcomed and gave a home.

Witt went on to describe DuBourgs trek north from Apple Creek to Ste. Genevieve, which Witt called the point in history that would begin, once and for all, the Catholic evangelization of Americas heartland.

After detailing the various important historical roles played by the Church in Ste. Genevieve, Witt said that the importance of the bicentennial celebration is not for purely historical reasons, but to remember the bishop celebrating Mass with the previous residents of one of Missouris oldest towns.

He and others who came to build up Holy Mother in the heartland were inspired by God to bring Christ to the creoles of the valley as well as the natives of the forests and plains, he said.
Kochi: The state government on Thursday informed the Kerala High Court that it can no longer support the KSRTC financially and also cannot bear the expenses towards pension for those who had retired from the transport corporation.

In a counter-affidavit submitted before the court, the counsel for the transport department said that the state government had given all possible financial support to the KSRTC to help it tide over its financial crisis and that the government had already done its maximum in this regard. The counsel also said that the government was not in a position to do anything more.

It was informed that though the government was not directly liable in the case of KSRTC pensioners, it had done whatever it could to help them from 2015. Moreover, a monthly aid of Rs 30 crore also is given to the corporation. The counsel said that nowhere in India a transport corporation pays pension to its retired staff from its own income.

The counsel for the KSRTC told the court that pension was introduced as per the directions of the state government. However, the government did not provide special funds or aid for the purpose.

The KSRTC does not have the wherewithal to provide pension to the retired staff. The monthly income of the corporation is Rs 175 crore while the expense, including pension, is Rs 345 crore.

The petition was filed by the KSRTC Pensioners Organisation and the High Court had sought the opinion of the government on it. The petitioners pointed out that pension was not disbursed due to lack of government aid.
Chennai: After being in a state of hibernation for more than two years on the ongoing beach beautification project along the coastline of Chennai, the cash-starved Chennai corporation has successfully bagged the financial sanction for a tune of Rs 19 crore to spruce up Marina and Elliots beaches. However, the administrators at Ripon Buildings, the city civic headquarters have failed to get funds and sanction for the beautification of Neelangarai and Kottivakkam beach, pending since 2014.

According to a senior corporation official, the state has cleared the beach beautification on two stretches covering Marina and Elliots beaches where public access and sanitation are to be improvised. Tenders are ready and the works to beautify the beaches would start shortly and we are focusing on improving the beach access to public and the maintenance of shoreline, the official said, adding that ramps for differently abled, more beach cleaning machines and enhancement of greenery will be the focus under the facelift project, he said. When asked about the delay in beautifying the Neelangarai and Kottivakkam beach stretches the official said that the proposal was still in the pipeline.

Beaches are a natural gift of Chennai and the entire coastline from Chennai to Kancheepuram needs regular beach cleaning mechanism. The beaches are not only a tourist destination, but they also serve as a habitat for nestling Olive Ridley Turtles and small marine species, so the state should periodically address the sanitation issues and conserve the ecological value of Chennai beach, said avid bird watcher N. Balaji of The Nature Trust.

During the DMK regime beach beautification was given maximum attention and more than Rs 25 crore was spent to spruce Marina and Elliots, but the second and third phase of the project was shelved since 2013, said former Chennai Mayor M. Subramanian. Further the beach serves as a face of Chennai and it needs periodical maintenance and regular beautification without concretisation, the MLA from south Chennai added.
Bhopal: It may sound bizarre, but thats what happened in a Chhattisgarh district. A man, a resident of Podi village in Surajpur district in north Chhattisgarh, did not hesitate to file an FIR against his son for killing his pet dog. Shivmangal Sai (50) took the police by surprise when he insisted on lodging complain against his son Sidhantari (26) in the local police station accusing him of hacking to death his pet dog, Jhabu, on Wednesday evening.

He carried the dead dog on his bicycle to the police station and wanted to file an FIR against son for killing the pet animal. A case has been registered under Section 429 (mischief by killing or maiming an animal) of Indian Penal Code against his son, a senior district police officer told this newspaper on Thursday.

According to him, Shivmangals two sons did not like the pet dog and wanted their father to get rid of the animal. Shivm-angal however refused to part with the dog, which subsequently led to his son killing the dog.
The impact will be felt most by Telugu speaking people as a large number of visas and green card applications are issued to people from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Hyderabad: The proposal being circulated in the Department of Homeland Security of the United States government to end the provision of granting extensions to H-1B visas holders waiting for their green cards (permanent residency in the United States), is causing some amount of insecurity among that section of the Indian diaspora. If the proposal goes through, it could put the visa status of between 5,00,000 and 7,50,000 Indians in jeopardy.

The impact will be felt most by Telugu speaking people as a large number of visas and green card applications are issued to people from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. These two states send the most number of students to the US every year. Furthermore, when these students pass out of American universities, they prefer to work in the US rather than return to India.

K. Pradeep is a software engineer based in Chicago, who entered the US as a student. He does not think its time to press the panic button yet.

As of now, no government agency has officially expressed the intention of deporting people. Immigration attorneys are key people who can educate and create an impact to a certain extent. However, people of Telugu origin are not getting much help from immigration attorneys. If the Indian government doesnt intervene and lobby at the proposal level itself, it cannot be of much help at later stages.

Techies in the US are certain that any law that the Trump administration will bring in cannot be done at the drop of a hat, but will take at least two years.

According to a widely circulated LinkedIn post among the Telugu diaspora by Rajiv Khanna, Managing Attorney of Immigration.com, discontinuing H-1B extensions beyond six years is easier said than done.

The law that permits, in fact mandates, the availability of extensions beyond six years is clearly binding upon the Trump administration. The idea that is being floated that there are occasional uses of the word may, which permits the government to implement or not to implement the extension provisions is incorrect, Mr Khanna posted.

Taking away the H-1B extensions by Executive action is going to be extremely difficult if not impossible, he added.

Telugu diaspora keen on staying in US

The Telugu diaspora is keen on staying in the US. Jay Challa, head of the business group of the American Telugu Association, recently said that there are a lot of business persons from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in the United States and the government will certainly not shut its doors completely to skilled labour, considering the fact that the country has to be economically competitive.

While tightening immigration policies will hurt Indians, there will be a loss of income to the USA as well. Many Indians are holding off making big investments like buying a house or investing in business until there is more clarity.

Lasya Reddy, whose green card is in the processing stage, said, If this becomes a law, certainly I will be deported. However, I have a couple of years to get the next extension. While the fear is not as much as is being portrayed, there is a sense of insecurity among us. Most of us postponed our plans of purchasing a home as we will not be able to pay the mortgage immediately if something goes wrong.

This is going to be a slow poison. Every time a person goes for a visa, they are thoroughly scrutinised and there are a lot of factors based on which they get extension. There is a possibility that the extension for a lot of people will be stalled over the next two years. But deportation in one go may not happen, said P. Venkat, who works in Philadelphia.
CHENNAI: Sri Lankan Navy allegedly detained 13 fishermen from Tamil Nadu for fishing in their waters on Thursday morning, prompting Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami to dash off a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his intervention in their release.

In the letter, Palaniswami said since the AIADMK has challenged the constitutional validity of the Indo-Sri Lankan Agreement of 1974 that ceded Katchatheevu to the neighbouring island, he asked the Union Government not to treat the issue of International Maritime Border Line (IMBL) as settled.

Sri Lankan Navy arrests Tamil Nadu fishermen frequently for fishing beyond Katchatheevu, but the state government says the fishermen fish well within the Indian border and they dont venture into the Sri Lankan waters. Palaniswamis latest letter came hours after the Sri Lankan Navy apprehended 13 fishermen in 2 boats in the wee hours.

He also thanked the Prime Minister for securing the release of 79 Tamil Nadu fishermen from Sri Lankan custody, who reached home a few days ago.

I would like to bring to your kind notice, the recent spate of apprehensions of our fishermen in their traditional fishing waters of Palk Bay in which 84 fishermen in 14 mechanised fishing boats were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy in 8 incidents, Palaniswami said, adding that these fishermen set sail for fishing from various fishing bases in Ramanathapuram, Pudukottai and Nagapattinam District of Tamil Nadu to eke out their livelihood.

The Government of Tamil Nadu is extremely concerned about these frequent apprehensions, prolonged incarceration of our fishermen, detention of their fishing boats for long duration leading to its deterioration, the CM said. He also noted that fishermen who were apprehended since November 2017 are still languishing in Sri Lankan jails and their families back home are subjected to abject poverty.

I also request you to secure the immediate release of the remaining 84 fishermen and 159 fishing boats including the 13 fishermen and their 2 mechanized fishing boats which were apprehended on 4.1.2018, without any further delay, Palaniswami said.
Chennai: Government transport employees went on strike on Thursday crippling bus services across Tamil Nadu and leaving thousands of commuters stranded.

The strike was declared late evening after the negotiations by the staff unions with state transport department demanding wage revision among other things, failed. However transport minister, M.R.Vijayabhaskar reconvened and called for yet another round of talks to resolve the dispute.

Of the 46 unions that participated in the final round of talks chaired by transport minister, M.R.Vijayabhaskar, held at Chromepet, 13 major unions including Labour Progressive Federation (LPF), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS) and All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) came out with the strike announcement.

The ruling AIADMK union, ATP (Anna Thozhirsanga Peravai) is not expected to participate in the strike, but its members could only be a small percentage of the total 1,30,000 workforce.

Unless the deadlock is broken quickly to get the 22,000-strong fleet back on roads, the state could face a crisis in terms of public transport, that too during festival time.

We are sorry for putting people through this difficulty, but we are helpless as we have been fighting for over an year for our wage revision and clearing our dues amounting to Rs 7,543 crore, which include retirement benefits and provident fund benefits said M.Shanmugam from LPF, adding that they are still open for negotiations.

The striking employees of state transport have been insisting for a pay scale revision to Rs 30,000. However, the authorities have agreed in principle to pay only `24,400, which the employees feel is a great injustice for the workers who deal with severe traffic and stress on a daily basis.

With 70 per cent of the 22,000 buses going off roads, public transport crippled in the city and commuters were stranded for long hours. While the bus services at Poonamallee, Tambaram, Koyambedu, Vadapalani, Tondiarpet and Thiruvanmiyur bus depots were stopped by 6 pm, the rest of the bus stops stopped operating after 8 pm when the strike was officially announced by the unions.

The office-goers were put to hardship, as they could not reach home as services were suspended. At Koyambedu bus terminus, passengers protested against low frequency of buses and urged the government to resolve the issue before Pongal.
Elephants line up after being bathed and fed at the rejuvenation camp near Thekkampatti. (Photo: DC)

COIMBATORE: Despite farmers protesting against the organsing of an elephant camp at Mettupalayam, the tenth state-wide temple elephants rejuvenation camp started near Thekkampatti on Thursday.

This refreshing unwinding exercise for the tamed pachyderms of temples under the State HR and CE department was first started at the Mudhumalai-Theppakkadu camp under an initiative by the former Chief Minister, J J Jayalalitha in 2003 and continued there for the next four years.

Later on, considering the difficulties in transporting the elephants over a long distance and to avoid driving them to the hills in lorries, the venue was shifted to Mettupalayam-Thekkampatty near Vanbathrakaliamman temple close to the Bhavani river bank at the foothills of the Western Ghats.

This year, around 33 elephants from several temples and mutts from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry were brought to Thekkampatty to attend the 48-day camp along with their mahouts. The camp started on Thursday and will go on till February 20, official sources told DC.

Excellent arrangements were made by the HR&CE department for the annual camp. The HR&CE minister Sevvoor S.Ramachandran along with Forest department minister Dindigul Srinivasan inaugurated the camp. Local area MLAs including P R G Arunkumar, O.K.Chinaraj, Amman Arjunan, Eshwaran, Coimbatore district collector, Mr. T.N. Hariharan, DFO Satheesh and officials from various departments also took part in the modest function.

The elephants were given a splendid bath under showers installed at the camp, given food supplements and medications, in what was a rare get-together for the temple jumbos.

Mahout feeding an elephant at the camp. (Photo: DC)

S.Palanisamy, president, Tamil Nadu Farmers Association, Coimbatore chapter told the DC that when many elephants are camped at one place, a strong smell spreads across the woods attracting wild elephants towards the camp for mating, this being their migratory season.

These wild elephants enter neighboring villages and remain in the surrounding areas, ravaging crops and creating possibilities for man-animal conflict. Last years camp saw such an incident, he said.

On Wednesday, villagers from 23 villages around Thekkampatty along with farmers and activists gathered near the Karamadai taxi stand and staged a protest, demanding dropping of the elephants camp at Thekkampatty. They also raised slogans demanding change of venue.
Chennai: Amid speculation that rebel TTV Dhinakaran, charged up after his huge RK Nagar bypoll win, could rock the boat for the AIADMK government, the ruling party on Wednesday held a meeting of its MLAs to brief them on how to stay composed and maintain decorum even if someone says or does something provoking.

The MLAs meet, convened by AIADMK coordinator O. Panneerselvam and co-coordinator Edappadi K. Palaniswami, was attended by 103 legislators while eight others - including three ministers - could not make it due to either personal reasons or official engagements in the districts, senior minister D. Jayakumar told reporters later.

He also brushed aside suggestions that Dhinakaran's entry into the Assembly could pose problems for the government, saying his presence would make no difference.

After winning the December 21 bypoll by a thumping margin of over 40,000 votes over the AIADMK candidate E. Madhusudhanan, TTV had virtually served a notice on the government's survival saying its continuance rested on the compliance of his demand that five-six senior ministers, including CM Palaniswami and deputy CM OPS, should step down.

All his subsequent muscle-flexing before the TV cameras only indicated that he was bracing for a showdown with the government when the Assembly opens its maiden session for 2018 with the Governor's customary address.

It would also be the first session since the disqualification of 18 pro-TTV MLAs by Speaker P. Dhanapal last September, a decision that they have challenged in the Madras high court.

On the Wednesdays MLAs meet, party sources said both EPS and OPS made a passionate plea to the gathering to ensure that the discipline and decorum taught to them by Amma Jayalalithaa was maintained during the session whatever be the provocation from the opposition side. They were also told to get ready for the local body elections, which could be expected around April, and work hard to ensure the partys victory.
He alleged that Mr Rajender had influenced Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao to promote him as director and reappointed him for three years as the HoD.

Hyderabad: The Telangana Congress on Thursday demanded that finance minister Etela Rajender resign for allegdly favouring his brother-in-law L. Venka-tarami Reddys reappointment as head of the horticulture department and getting promotion after retirement.

TPCC spokesperson Konagala Mahesh told mediapersons that Mr Venkatarami Reddy had retired as additional director in the horticulture department on November 30 last. He alleged that Mr Rajender had influenced Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao to promote him as director and reappointed him for three years as the HoD. This, Mr Mahesh said, was against the norms applied for non-IAS cadre officials.

Mr Mahesh said the finance department had earlier advised against reappointment of officers. The finance minister had himself violated the orders, and ensured that GO 57 was issued to favour his brother-in-law when he retired, Mr Mahesh claimed.

Mr Mahesh demanded that Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan should examine the issue and take st-eps to cancel the reappointment of the official.

Otherwise the Congress would approach the court to get the orders annulled.

He said that there was a conspiracy hatched by Mr Rao and Mr Rajender to misuse Rs 1,200 crore granted by NABARD for taking up horticulture and allied works in the state with the cooperation of the official.


There is strong speculation regarding Saudi pressure on Nawaz Sharif to step aside and hand over the party leadership to his younger brother to ensure the unity of the ruling party.

The sudden dash by the Sharif brothers to Saudi Arabia and their reported audience with the crown prince gives a new twist to the ongoing political soap opera. Whatever transpired at the meeting is likely to have an extremely significant impact on the Sharif familys future political course.

It will be particularly interesting to see whether Nawaz Sharif continues with his politics of confrontation or takes a moderate path following this visit. The possibility of some kind of deal being negotiated cannot be ruled out. There is strong speculation regarding Saudi pressure on Nawaz Sharif to step aside and hand over the party leadership to his younger brother to ensure the unity of the ruling party.

One is, however, not sure about the former PM accepting any enforced abdication of his leadership role while facing trial on corruption charges. It will certainly not be easy for him to back down after throwing down the gauntlet and promising to take the fight to the end.

The very fact that the two leaders were summoned gives credence to reports about Saudi concerns over growing political instability in Pakistan, one of the kingdoms most critical allies in the region. While the Saudi involvement in Pakistans internal politics is not new, there is no precedence for political leaders being summoned to the kingdom for negotiations on a purely internal political matter in this way. Interestingly, the Saudi government sent a special plane to fly Shahbaz Sharif to Riyadh where he reportedly held a series of meetings with senior Saudi officials before the arrival of his elder brother.

Strangely, Nawaz Sharif was not given the same protocol, and, reportedly, had to wait for an audience with the crown prince. It appears that the Saudi rulers have put their weight behind Shahbaz Sharif. But one is not sure that the Saudi involvement even at the highest level could tilt the balance in Pakistani politics.

Of course, such a proposition may have the support of some senior PML(N) leaders as well as the security establishment. Despite his disqualification and being charged on various counts of financial misdeeds, Nawaz Sharif remains perhaps the most formidable political force in the country. Any deal to keep him completely out of the political scene may not be that easy.

Indeed, the Sharif family owed much to the Saudis for getting them out from Gen Musharrafs prison and hosting them during their exile. But that close relationship came under strain after the Sharif government declined the Saudi request to send Pakistani troops to Yemen. The change of leadership in Saudi Arabia after the death of King Abdullah had also affected that close relationship. That cooling of relations was reflected in the reported refusal of the Saudi government to come to the rescue of the Sharif family during the JIT probe into the money trail leading to the Sharifs London properties. It is also evident that the monarchy has traditionally maintained a much closer relationship with Pakistans military establishment.

Such foreign involvement adversely affects the democratic process. Any deal brokered by the Saudis must be rejected. Instead of looking towards Saudi Arabia, the Sharifs should decide about their political future themselves.

By arrangement with Dawn.
With a little luck on the part of a VFW Post 2426 member, the organization recently received a check in the amount of $20,000 presented by USAA representatives to the post in a special ceremony held Dec. 13 in Desloge.

USAA is an insurance, banking and investment firm that serves military members and their families.

VFW Post 2426 Commander Mel Brinkley introduced VFW Life member Dennis Sweet who explained how he became a winner in a USAA-sponsored contest that resulted in the post receiving the sizable check.

"Wow, this is big - this is huge," said Sweet as he approached the podium. "When I was at the national convention in Louisiana in July, I went to the USAA booth to pay my home insurance premium. While there, a representative asked me if I'd like to sign up for the USAA VFW Salute To Your Post Sweepstakes Giveaway.

"I said, 'Why not?' It only took me about 15 minutes to sign up and I moved on. Then, last month I got a phone call telling me I was a potential winner for the grand prize and to check my email. When I did, I had to print out all the requirements and everything else. I verified everything that I was the winner."

Sweet told the crowd why he believed the VFW post had earned the prize.

"We do so much here," he said. "We reach out and work with the two school districts here. We have a college in the area. We've got two children's homes we work with. We have the veterans program through the Veterans Service Office. We've got the homeless veterans. We've got two homeless shelters. When a veteran shows up, they call me and we help them out.

"For all the help we do, this money is going to allow us so much benefit. Not just us and the veterans, but the community, the schools and the whole area. Everybody can benefit from this. It's huge. We have a few issues here in the building that we need to improve and we need to do that as well. There is so much potential here and it will be so beneficial.

"We are pretty well established and get a lot of support from the community - from the chamber of commerce, the representatives and other politicians, as well as the other non-profit organizations around here. This is not just an establishment or a social club. This is actually a living organism that's a part of society. We thank everybody for their support for us."

Following Sweet at the podium were Mike Schoelhamer, constituent specialist for 8th District U.S. Rep Jason Smith; Missouri Rep. Mike Henderson, R-Bonne Terre; and post Quartermaster Joseph Misuraca.

The ceremony ended with the presentation of the $20,000 check to Brinkley and Sweet by USAA representatives Joe Torres and Rick Bourbon.
The clashes that have engulfed important centres in Maharashtra, including Mumbai, testify to a sense of outraged dalit consciousness in the face of perceived historical oppression within the countrys stultifying caste framework, and also a claim to the valour of the oppressed.

The clashes that have engulfed important centres in Maharashtra, including Mumbai, testify to a sense of outraged dalit consciousness in the face of perceived historical oppression within the countrys stultifying caste framework, and also a claim to the valour of the oppressed. Considering the expanse of the disturbances, which began from the Bhima Koregaon area of Pune on New Years Day and quickly took in a number of towns and district centres, including large areas in the state capital, it is noteworthy that, fundamentally speaking, violence was not the motif of the frightful disorder.

There was one unfortunate death in Pune during clashes between dominant caste groupies flying saffron flags and a massive dalit crowd that had gathered to commemorate the 200th anniversary of a military event that gives the dalits solace and, equally, riles the socially dominant Maratha sections. While there is no accurate accounting yet of the private and public assets destroyed, it is possible to say that the level of chaos that was seen may ordinarily have produced far greater damage.

The Maharashtra government has done well to order a judicial probe, but it appears glaring that the authorities failed to anticipate and prevent trouble that was waiting to happen. A Facebook page in Marathi, purporting to be on history, had been causing instigation for a week. Upper caste and Hindutva elements, among whom was an organisation led by a mischief-maker known to the police, had gathered in strength to disrupt the traditional Dalit celebration, which this year was a much larger affair in view of the special anniversary.

The authorities lackadaisical attitude has led Hindutva opponents to suggest the mischief-makers made their pitch in the belief that they would easily get away in a BJP-run state. Anti-dalit social actions in Gujarat, Haryana and the Rohith Vemula case, which prima facie had political and state backing, could have emboldened anti-dalit elements.

Given the context, it is surprising to see Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis speak of a conspiracy to create disturbance to malign his government. His finger is pointing at Dalit militants like Jignesh Mevani, the Gujarat leader who has just become a legislator, and some on the far left. This is regrettable, and may be seen as an attempt to prejudice the judicial probe. The RSS and the Sangh Parivar have taken up the CMs refrain. There were strong echoes of the unfortunate developments in Parliament. Dalit and Marxist students demonstrated outside the Maharashtra government guest house in New Delhi. Cooler heads must prevail. If the rioting spreads outside Maharashtra, involving the dalit communities and their social opponents, we could be in for a torrid time.
Pursuit of goodness will suffice: Narasimhan Vijayaraghavan, practising advocate at the Madras High Court

If I say once, it is akin to saying a hundred times, is one of his famous punch dialogues in Tamil films. Now, Thalaivar has spoken, My entry into politics is certain. To his legion of fans, waiting an eternity for this, its a New Year gift. But would it be a bonanza for the state? Would this tectonic buzz lead to a paradigm shift in the polity in Tamil Nadu and impact the nation too?

In 1996, in the backdrop of the repulsive wedding celebrations of the adopted son of the Iron Lady, the protagonists led by Cho Ramaswamy, a friend, philosopher, guide were convinced that voters had made up their mind and if the erstwhile conductor deigned, he could go on to capture the public vote and conduct the affairs of the state, but he missed the bus. Now, Rajini says, I miss Cho. Based on this construct, the naysayers are going to town that Rajini has bitten the bullet after his teeth have been pulled out and that he is daydreaming he can carry his legion of fans as voters to the booth. His fans may cut across sex, religion, caste, creed and region but will they find a stimulant in the sounding of the beagle?

The year 2018 may not be 1973 (Dindigul, MGR) and 1983 (Andhra Pradesh, NTR). But the core theme of why the ordinary voter seeks change in the political climate has remained immanent. The citizens at the hustings are simple folks with good in their heart. They expect the same of their leaders. They have seen Rajini in real life  the bald, unkempt persona  caring ever so little for his image. How a person conducts himself in public is a huge plus, and they may see it that way.

Whenever Rajini has spoken on public issues, he has delivered his lines with a nationalistic perspective, and never parochial or regional. He is far too famous to seek more fame. But his ideology has not yet been defined to fit the label of left, right or centre. That too matters little for none of the political adventurists of today have boasted of an ideological thrust. Pragmatism and humanism could be the catchwords for his march to power, not ideology.

It is all very well to suggest he is not an intellectual and we do not know where his allegiances lie on sensitive social issues. But it is not as if the present lot are so brilliant that we are stuck with a profusion of choices. It is no empty rhetoric in Tamil Nadu and, as Cho put it, often, the choice is between a pickpocket and a dacoit. Rajini is neither and his spiritual inclinations, publicly known, would suffice to support his candidature and party.

The present lot has miserably failed us. Last year, as Rajini said, captured the rot in all its hues. This may be a great place to start. No matter what political or economic ideologies he is imbued with or may pursue, just the pursuit of goodness would suffice for the expectations of the people. Therein may lie the seeds of success of Maaveran (superhero) to become the true Thalaivar that Tamil Nadu has been longing for.

Spiritual politics wont sell: D. Ravikumar, general secretary of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and an anti-caste activist

Rajinikanth has finally announced his decision to enter politics. He is the latest entrant into the hurly-burly of politics from the Tamil film industry after M. Karunanidhi, M.G. Ramachandran and J. Jayalalithaa  all the three had ruled Tamil Nadu at different stages. While announcing his entry into politics, Rajini promised to practice spiritual politics that transcends religion and caste. Spiritual politics is not new in Indian polity  seven to eight decades back Mahatma Gandhi, who fought a spirited but bloodless battle to secure independence from the British, gave a clarion call to all politicians to make spirituality the essence of their politics. But the difference between the two statements is while Mahatma Gandhis spiritual politics was truly philosophical, Rajinikanths is just a hollow concept. He might have said his spiritual politics would go beyond all religions, but he quoted verses only from the Bhagavad Gita, the Hindus holy book. The term spiritual politics is already being used by the BJP to claim that Rajinikanth will challenge decades-old Dravidian politics and would make Hinduism an integral part of his yet-to-be launched party. Rajinikanth will be used by the BJP to implement its agenda in Tamil Nadu  the saffron party wants to destroy Dravidian politics and replace it with its communal agenda.

And the BJP may have found its man in Rajinikanth. His entry is dangerous because he would be playing into the hands of the BJP, which does not mince words in saying that it wants Hindu Rashtra. The actor knows that he will be rejected instantly if he had referred to Hindutva in his speech and hence he spoke of spiritual politics. Rajinikanth has a cult image among his fans as he has been acting in films for the past 42 years. When film heroes take the plunge into politics, the politician becomes a star and the electorate his fans. In a democracy, according to B.R. Ambedkar, hero worship is demoralising for the devotee and dangerous for the country, and unfortunately Tamil Nadu has been witnessing a hysterical form of hero worship for the past many decades.

If one goes deep into his speech on December 31, Rajinikanth exhorted his supporters to start fan clubs in every village across the state. He introduced an app and asked his fans to register. His politics is not spiritual and not even democratic, it is the politics of spectacle. The spectacle is the ruling order and nonstop discourse about itself, its never-ending monologue of self-praise and its self-portrait at the stage of totalitarian domination of all aspects of life. MGR used his films for his politics. But Rajinikanth is trying to convert politics into a film. In Tamil Nadu, where cinema is another form of religion, heroes want to be gods. The symbols and images cunningly used by Rajinikanth prove his wish. He is not a man for change and by avoiding social issues he indirectly supports the status quo.
In 1968, Pope Paul VI addressed himself to the people of good will in the whole world to observe January 1 as the Day of Peace. All the popes thereafter have delivered messages of peace for all, making January 1, 2018 the 51st World Day of Peace.

2018 has begun with a bang giving birth to several new plans, dreams and hopes. But is there a way to prioritise them? In 1968, Pope Paul VI addressed himself to the people of good will in the whole world to observe January 1 as the Day of Peace. All the popes thereafter have delivered messages of peace for all, making January 1, 2018 the 51st World Day of Peace.

One wonders as to why starting from Pope Paul VI, all the popes have insisted on peace as their first priority on the very first day of the year. Could they not, for instance, speak about financial growth as a priority which would ensure bread for every hungry stomach? Or think of faith since popes are leaders of faith communities?

The address of Pope Paul VI answers that question: We think that this proposal interprets the aspirations of peoples, of their governments, of international organisms, which strive to preserve peace in the world, of those religious institutions so interested in the promotion of peace, of cultural, political and social movements which make peace their ideal; of youth, whose perspicacity regarding the new paths of civilisation, dutifully oriented toward its peaceful developments is more lively The proposal to dedicate to peace the first day of the New Year is not intended, therefore, as exclusively ours, religious, that is, Catholic.
Japan is universally known as the Land of the Rising Sun and the Korean peninsula as the Land of Morning Calm. It is now time for a new template. Yes, be ready to acknowledge China as the indisputable Land of Morning Warning. This new proverb was introduced by none other than Chinese President Xi Jinping. On a chilly winter morning, the Chinese leader gave this well-crafted and well thought-out chilling statement, prima facie with an intention to replace the age-old adage on Japan and Korea by the Han ruler himself to put a Chinese stamp on the world arena. Henceforth, the new template of the old proverb morning shows the day will emanate from Beijing without the soothing words and sounds of the ancient proverb. The world at large may note or ignore it at its peril.

China will have a say on all major international issues, declared Mr Xi in a matter-of-fact manner, recalling imperial rulers of a bygone era. Surprising? Shocking? Not exactly! This is the new China calling to the world; to all the 223 states, including the semi-independent ones and protectorates. However, what remains undefined and unformulated is: what is the actual meaning or definition of all major international issues? Who is to define and decide these issues? What is the yardstick or the formula? Does it get its relevance through the eyes of the Hans alone or through a recognised international institution like the United Nations, International Court of Justice, World Trade Organisation or the World Bank? Each of these has some sort of universal standing, identity and acceptability with legal or semi-legal status on their own merit.

Lets try to understand what Mr Xi has in mind. That China will resolutely uphold the authority and status of the UN and actively fulfil Chinas international obligations and duties is a noble thought indeed. However, how will China, with its veto power, judge issues before the UN when connected to its self-interest? For instance, when the issues pertain to those between India and China, CPEC, the South China Sea, Tibet, Taiwan, Senkaku or currency manipulation, terror outsourcing, trade war or tariff hike?

Is China amenable to the verdict of international institutions? Did China listen when, in a significant court ruling on maritime territorial dispute between China and the Philippines, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) concluded on July 12, 2016 that there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources within the sea areas falling within the nine-dash?

Further, after considering the characteristics and features of the South China Sea, the PCA came to the conclusion that none of the Spratly Islands is capable of generating extended maritime zones and that the Spratly Islands cannot generate maritime zones collectively as a unit? Under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), islands generate an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 200 nautical miles and a continental shelf but rocks which cannot sustain human habitation or economic life of their own shall have no exclusive economic zone or continental shelf.

The PCAs verdict notwithstanding, Chinas brazen defiance has been going on unabated for quite some time. (In a striking way, China today is imitating the aggressive, abrasive and China-bashing militant Japan of the 1930s.) Reportedly, China has created a large number of military installations and artificial islands in the contested waters since 2013 when the Philippines claim was lodged. While unsurprisingly, the PCA verdict was rejected by Beijing, its legal application and its repercussions affect not only the Philippines but a number of other countries, including the United States.

These points were referred to as a test case to pose a question to the lofty idealism-preaching Chinese leadership, which vowed to have a say on all major international issues. How do the Chinese leaders defend, rationalise or interface this with their New Year statement that China will resolutely uphold the authority and status of the UN and actively fulfil Chinas obligations and duties?

There are several other points too, the very mention of which or whose analysis are likely to be embarrassing for Beijing. Suffice it to state that the primary objective of China is to penetrate the vast geography of rich geology with sparse or declining demography without any legal recourse to international diplomatic norms and niceties.

The word trap used by Greek historian Thucydides in the 5th century BC, chronicling the magnum opus Peloponnesian War, comes to mind. It is all about unconventional and unorthodox ways to undermine and scuttle the rival, using indirect ways to avoid direct confrontation. Thus when Mr Xi emphatically refers to his grandiose BRI/CPEC/OBOR, it is the Thucydides trap at its best (or worst?).

Indeed, the OBOR/BRI/CPEC are major international issues, the ones conceived, created and carried by China alone. Hence, it is a major international issue where China has to have its say! Try having a closer look and the real picture will emerge before you. It is a parallel national goal to undermine the conventional and established global diplomatic order. It is a unique form of unilateral multilateralism of the new Chinese world order, in which no bilateral, trilateral or multilateral meeting, negotiation, convention, treaty are required to be mutually-signed or endorsed. Under the guise of promises for a series of economic and infrastructure development projects, financed and built by China, the Hans make a seamless entry/penetration across the terrain and territory of 70 nations. A sublime Thucydides trap, for all 70 nations, at its best.

The BRI/OBOR/CPEC, therefore, clearly stand as a parallel organisation competing with the likes of WTO. The classic ends thus: In Europe, a China-led group called 16+1 brings together 11 members of EU and five non-EU central and eastern European countries into a political and commercial grouping. All 16 members are also BRI countries and several have signed up to Chinese-financed infrastructure deals, boosting Beijings influence inside European Union. Isnt it the trap of Thucydides? Has this trap turned into a penetration point-of-no-return? Is this the New Year message or warning to those like India who, under no stretch of imagination, can afford to play with the sovereignty that Mr Xi himself cherishes as Chinas President? Hasnt Beijing already trapped India economically and commercially in the last two decades? And is now steadily progressing to penetrate the strategic psyche of Lutyens landlords too, with a point of no return in the near future?
Samsung announced that it has been selected to supply Verizon with commercial 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) network solutions. The two companies will begin by launching commercial 5G services in Sacramento, California in the second half of 2018.

The industry has been discussing 5G connectivity for years, and through our joint collaboration with partners like Samsung, we are beginning to make it a reality for our customers, said Ed Chan, Chief Technology Architect and Network Planning, Verizon

At the same time, Samsung applied lessons learned from these real-world trials to ensure that our complete end-to-end 5G portfolio is ready for commercial service. We are delighted to work with Verizon on this journey to create unprecedented user experiences powered by 5G, said Mark Louison, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Networks Division, Samsung Electronics America.

Last year, Samsung and Verizon began 5G customer trials across seven U.S. cities in early 2017, and have successfully tested and verified 5G performance using millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequency to provide FWA pre-commercial service. These trials were conducted in California, Georgia, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Michigan, Texas, and Washington D.C.

5G Trial Findings:

After conducting trials in key markets across the U.S., Samsung and Verizon have collected results that will help in calibrating a 5G future.

Key findings include:

A single 5G radio has been able to reach the 19th floor of a multi-dwelling unit (MDU).

Broadband service has been achieved in line of sight (LOS), partial LOS and Non-LOS connections.

Environmental factors, including rain and snow, have not interrupted services.

Samsung will provide Verizon with commercial 5G home routers (CPEs), 5G Radio Access Units (RAN) comprised of a compact radio base station and virtualized RAN elements, as well as 5G radio frequency planning services. To provide these services, Samsung has leveraged in-house technology and assets to develop the first commercial ASIC-based 5G modems and mmWave RFICs. Verizon and Samsung will continue to develop the use cases and applications of Samsungs 5G technology.

Source: Samsung

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Although the new colour might not be everyones choice, it adds a bit of life to the otherwise muted colour options of Samsungs flagship, at least for the UK market.

Samsung has launched a new colour variant for its flagship Galaxy S8. Now users can pick up the phone and its bigger sibling in a new Rose Pink. Unfortunately, the new option is only available for consumers in the UK.

The Galaxy S8 now offers five colours to choose from  Midnight Black, Orchid Gray, Coral Blue, Arctic Silver, and Rose Pink. Although the new colour might not be everyones choice, it adds a bit of life to the otherwise muted colour options of Samsungs flagship, at least for the UK market.

Take note that the new colour option is not a new one  it is available for consumers in Taiwan and South Korea. Surprisingly, the colour was a popular choice there, so it might attract users in the UK as well.

To recall, the Samsung Galaxy S8 features a 1.9GHz octa-core Samsung Exynos 8895 processor paired with 4GB of RAM. Theres 64/128GB storage on board along with 256GB expandable microSD card slot. A 12MP f1.7 dual pixel camera does the rear cameras duty while an 8MP f1.7 auto-focus camera is there to work as the front camera.

The standard S8 has a 5.8-inch 1440p sAMOLED Infinity Display while the S8+ has to do with a 6.2-inch 1440p version of the same. Theres Bixby on board along with Googles Assistant to assist you in your daily life.

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Bannon, who left the White House in August, is also quoted as saying that the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller into Russian interference in the 2016 election will focus on money laundering. (Photo: AP)

Washington: US President Donald Trump unleashed a spectacular denunciation of one of his closest political allies Wednesday, describing his former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon as insane and irrelevant.

The statement from the president came after the release of explosive excerpts from a new book about the Trump White House, in which Bannon describes a meeting between Trump's son Don Jr and a Russian lawyer during the 2016 presidential election campaign as "treasonous" and "unpatriotic."

"Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind," Trump said in a statement that was notably abrasive, even for America's combative 45th president.

Trump said Bannon -- who engineered the New York real estate mogul's link to the nationalist far right and helped create a pro-Trump media ecosystem -- was "only in it for himself."

The book -- the "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House," by journalist Michael Wolff -- is to be published next week.

But both The Guardian and New York magazine released excerpts that also touch on the presidential ambitions of Trump's daughter Ivanka -- and which say that Trump himself did not believe he would defeat Clinton.

Bannon, who left the White House in August, is also quoted as saying that the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller into Russian interference in the 2016 election will focus on money laundering.

The investigation by Mueller, a former FBI director, is looking into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia to get him elected -- a charge the president has repeatedly and vehemently denied.

'You should have called the FBI'

Don Jr took the June 9, 2016 meeting with Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya after an intermediary promised material that would incriminate Trump's Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.

Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and then campaign chairman Paul Manafort also attended the meeting at Trump Tower in New York.

"The three senior guys in the campaign thought it was a good idea to meet with a foreign government inside Trump Tower in the conference room on the 25th floor -- with no lawyers," Bannon was quoted as saying in the book. "They didn't have any lawyers.

"Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad shit, and I happen to think it's all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately," he said.

'Little to do' with election win

Trump responded quickly and cuttingly to the reported comments by Bannon, a former investment banker and the executive chairman of influential ultraconservative outlet Breitbart News.

"Now that he is on his own, Steve is learning that winning isn't as easy as I make it look. Steve had very little to do with our historic victory, which was delivered by the forgotten men and women of this country," Trump said.

"Steve pretends to be at war with the media, which he calls the opposition party, yet he spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was," he added.

"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."

Wolff's book -- which he says is based on interviews with Trump, his senior aides and others -- also mentions that Trump did not initially know who former House speaker John Boehner was, and that he eats food from McDonald's because he believes it to be safe.

"This book is filled with false and misleading accounts from individuals who have no access or influence with the White House," said Trump's press secretary Sarah Sanders.
Trump and Kim have exchanged repeated insults in recent months in a crisis over North Korea's program to develop nuclear-tipped missiles capable of reaching the United States, raising alarm worldwide. (Photo: File)

Washington/Seoul: The White House on Wednesday defended Donald Trump's tweet about the size of his nuclear button, saying Americans should be concerned about the North Korean leader's mental fitness, not their president's.

On Tuesday, Trump responded to a New Year's Day speech in which North Korean leader Kim Jong Un warned he had a nuclear button on his desk by saying that his nuclear button "is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!"

The tweet provoked strong criticism, especially from Trump's Democratic opponents, and former Vice President Joe Biden called it dangerously cavalier.

Asked whether Americans should be concerned about the president's mental fitness after he appeared to be speaking so lightly about nuclear threats, White House spokeswoman Sara Sanders told a regular news briefing:

"The president and the people of this country should be concerned about the mental fitness of the leader of North Korea.

"He's made repeated threats, he's tested missiles time and time again for years, and this is a president who's not going to cower down and who's not going to be weak and is going to make sure that he does what he's promised to do and that is stand up and protect the American people."

Trump and Kim have exchanged repeated insults in recent months in a crisis over North Korea's program to develop nuclear-tipped missiles capable of reaching the United States, raising alarm worldwide.

Trump has at times appeared to dismiss the prospect of a diplomatic solution and both sides have threatened to destroy each other.

Former Vice President Joe Biden said Trump had shown "really poor judgment."

"The only war that is worse than one that's intended, is one that is not intended," Biden was quoted as saying by CNN. "This is not a game. This is not about, you know, can I puff my chest out."

"The United States has a role in the world that the world has come to expect. I think the president is much, much too cavalier. And it's dangerous."

Senator Edward Markey, the top Democrat on the Senate's East Asia Subcommittee, said Trump's tweet "bordered on presidential malpractice, needlessly deepening a crisis and squandering a fresh opportunity to attempt diplomacy."

In his New Year speech, Kim warned that the entire United States was in range of North Korea nuclear missiles and added: "A nuclear button is always on my desk. This is reality, not a threat."

Kim said his country would focus in the coming year on mass producing nuclear warheads and ballistic missiles for operational deployment, but added that these would be used only if North Korea's security was threatened.

US Vice President Mike Pence told the Voice of America Trump was making clear that "America will not be bullied, America will not be threatened."

He said that while all options remained on the table, there was the opportunity for a peaceable solution to the crisis if "North Korea will abandon their nuclear and ballistic missile ambitions, if they will dismantle those programs."

Hotline Reopened

In his address, Kim also said he was open to speaking with US ally South Korea and would consider sending a delegation to the Winter Olympics to be held in South Korea in February.

US officials have responded coolly to this overture and the State Department said North Korea "might be trying to drive a wedge" between Washington and Seoul.

On Tuesday, Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the United Nations, said Washington would not take any talks between North and South Korea seriously if they did not contribute to denuclearizing North Korea.

Haley also said Washington was hearing reports that Pyongyang might be preparing to fire another missile and warned of even tougher steps in response if it did so.

On Tuesday, Seoul responded to Kim by proposing high-level discussions at the heavily armed Korean border next week, and on Wednesday North Korea reopened a border hotline that had been closed since February 2016.

South Korean officials at the border received a call from the North at 0630 GMT and officials on both sides conducted a conversation for about 20 minutes, South Korea's unification ministry said. It did not disclose the content of the discussion.

There was no immediate US comment on the reopening of the hotline, although a State Department spokeswoman, Katina Adams, said Washington remained in close contact with Seoul "about a unified response to North Korea."

She said that as South Korea President Moon Jae-in had stated, "'the improvement of relations between North and South Korea cannot advance separately from resolving North Korea's nuclear program.

The reopening of the hotline came hours after the tweet from Trump, who has repeatedly mocked Kim as "Little Rocket Man".

Kim's New Year's Day speech followed a steep increase in missile launches by North Korea in 2017, as well as its sixth and most powerful nuclear test.

North Korea's KCNA news agency quoted Ri Son Gwon, chairman of North Korea's Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland, as saying talks with South Korea would aim to establish formal dialogue about sending a North Korean delegation to the Olympics.

"We will try to keep close communications with the south Korean side from sincere stand (sic) and honest attitude, true to the intention of our supreme leadership, and deal with the practical matters related to the dispatch of our delegation," he said.
Washington: Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon has described a meeting between President Donald Trumps son Don Jr and a Russian lawyer

during the 2016 presidential election campaign as treasonous and unpatriotic, The Guardian reported.

Bannon made the scathing comments in a book to be published next week  Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, by journalist Michael Wolff, the

newspaper said.Theyre going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV, Bannon reportedly said. Bannon, who left the White House in August, was also quoted as saying that the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election will focus on money laundering.

Bannon, an executive with right-wing news outlet Breitbart News, joined Trumps White House bid two months after the June 9, 2016 meeting between Russian

lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya and Trump campaign officials.

Besides Donald Trump Jr, Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner and then campaign chairman Paul Manafort attended the meeting at Trump Tower in New York.

Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad shit, and I happen to think its all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately,

he said. In reply, Trump unleashed a spectacular denunciation of Bannon, calling him insane and irrelevant.

Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind, Trump said in a written statement. Trump said Bannon was only in it for himself.

US media said Charles Harder, a lawyer for Trump, has sent Bannon a cease-and-desist letter accusing him of violating a non-disclosure agreement by speaking to the author of the book.
Rome: Thieves have stolen precious Indian jewels from the famed Al Thani Collection that were on show in a Venetian palace, making off with a brooch and a pair of earrings by mixing in with the crowd on the final day of the exhibition, police said.

The stolen jewels were considered to be of lesser value than some of the highlights of the Al Thani Collection, which includes gems dating from the time of the Mughal Empire.

But police said they were made of gold, platinum and diamonds and news reports estimated their value in millions of euros.

Venice police said the security alarm went off at around 10 am (local time) at Venices Doges Palace and police immediately sealed the area.By then, the thieves had already made their escape from the museum, known as the Palazzo Ducale and one of Venices top tou-rist destinations on the edge of St Marks Square.

Venice police chief Vito Gagliardi said the thieves managed to delay the triggering of the alarm system, allowing them to escape.

The Al Thani Collection is a renowned collection of 270 pieces of Indian and Indian-inspired jewelry and precious stones, spanning 400 years from the Mughal period to the present and assembled by Qatars Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani.Forbes magazine has said there is no comparable collection on the planet.

The Venice exhibit, Treasures of the Mughals and the Maharajas, was due to close on Wednesday, the latest stop in a travelling exhibit that has brought the collection to Paris Grand Palais, Londons Victoria and Albert Museum, New Yorks Metropolitan and the Miho Museum near Kyoto, Japan.

A spokesman for the collection, John Maxse, said it was in regular contact with Italian authorities and Venices Foundation of Civic Museums, which runs the Doge's Palace.

The foundation said the brooch and earrings stolen were contemporary pieces and consequently are of less historical value than other items in the collection.Police noted that since the items are so unique, they will be nearly impossible to sell them.
DEAR ABBY: Recently a friend came over and took me to lunch. She has a small, 50-year-old vintage car that was very popular in the '60s. She had come from Marin County over the Golden Gate Bridge to my house.

As she drove us to the restaurant, her car stalled twice. It was very underpowered and, in my opinion, rickety. After she dropped me home, I sent her an email strongly expressing my concern that she is driving an unsafe car. I was worried for her safety. She took offense, so I apologized.

She has plenty of money to buy a safe used car like anyone else, but she says, "I like driving vintage." I don't want to get into her car again. Was I wrong to tell her I felt her car was unsafe? -- NERVOUS PASSENGER IN SAN FRANCISCO

DEAR PASSENGER: You weren't wrong to warn her. However, you may have been wrong to assume that she has "plenty of money to buy a safe used car." Nobody has as much money as others assume they do. Because you don't want to get into her car again, you should provide the transportation from now on or meet her at the restaurant.

DEAR ABBY: My across-the-street neighbor and I have become friendly. She has a 15-month-old and a newborn. Not only is she not married to the baby's daddy, but they don't even live together.

She has been asking me to help her a lot now that the baby is born. I'm 10 years older and raising three kids, all in their teens.

Abby, I don't want to raise anyone else's kids. How can I politely tell her that I have my own family to care for? She has a tendency to overreact. -- KEEPING DISTANCE

DEAR KEEPING DISTANCE: To tell your neighbor you "don't want to raise anyone else's kids" may be accurate, but it's a bit rough. When she asks you to do things for her, be pleasant and say -- consistently -- that you are busy, you don't have time, you have other plans, etc. If you do, she will soon realize that you are not to be depended upon.

DEAR ABBY: My son has lived overseas on and off for six years. He's being married to a wonderful young woman where they met, which was in Wales. Needless to say, not everyone can attend, so we are having a reception for them here in the States.

My son already has a fully furnished house overseas and doesn't need anything, plus the cost of taking gifts back would be astronomical! Anyway, he is thinking of asking for monetary help with the honeymoon. Would this be all right to do and, if so, how do you ask people for it? -- HELP FOR THE HONEYMOON

DEAR HELP: Many young people today post requests like that on their wedding website. Or, because friends and relatives may ask what they need after receiving invitations or announcements, the message can be conveyed verbally. According to the rules of etiquette, however, requests for gifts or money should NEVER be included WITH the invitations or announcements.

DEAR ABBY: I am president and co-founder of the Wildlife Center of Virginia, one of the leading teaching and research hospitals for wildlife medicine in the world. We have treated more than 70,000 wild patients since our organization was established 35 years ago. Like the reader ("An Apple a Day," Aug. 11) who is under the impression that throwing an apple core out the car window is doing something positive for the Earth, many individuals make "little" decisions without considering the unintended consequences.

The example of the apple core has been at the heart of our education program for more than three decades. Before throwing that apple core out the window believing that some small animal will come finish what's left, people should consider what will happen if the animal coming to eat their scraps happens to be on the other side of the road.

Throwing out that apple core will lure that creature into harm's way. Countless opossums, raccoons, skunks and other small mammals are killed every day because of human food waste on the shoulder of the road. And it doesn't stop there. Predators like owls also suffer. They hunt along the side of the road, not because they eat apple cores, but because they eat the mice, voles and other small animals who are attracted to feed on that apple core. Then, when the opossum, raccoon or owl is killed by a car, scavengers are attracted to the pavement, where their lives, too, are at risk.

If readers want to help the Earth, they should take their waste home and dispose of it or recycle it properly. The small act of throwing an apple core out of a car window can cost the lives of the very creatures they claim to want to help. -- EDWARD CLARK, WAYNESBORO, VA.

DEAR MR. CLARK: When that letter appeared, I received a flurry of mail about it. Many readers touched on some of the points you have expressed. Thank you for writing so eloquently to educate my readers -- and me. Lesson learned.

DEAR ABBY: I'm 29 and I'm having trouble holding down a steady job. I am a college graduate, and it's not because I don't like to work. My problem is I have a strong personality and I tend to butt heads with management. Deep down, I think I'll only be satisfied with a job if I'm the boss or own my own business. Do you have any suggestions about positions for someone who can't handle having a boss? -- MISS INDEPENDENT IN THE BRONX

DEAR MISS INDEPENDENT: No. Unless someone has rich parents or a magic lamp, most people have to work for -- or with -- others until they build enough capital to start a business. Even then, business owners must interact with clients they don't always agree with. Because you tend to butt heads with those in management positions, you would be wise to start working on becoming more patient and less dogmatic. Both qualities will help you in the future if you can develop them.

DEAR ABBY: The winter months are hard for me. They remind me that another year has gone by without my father and my younger sister.

Dad had been a smoker since his teens and died from pancreatic cancer at 39. I was 13, and my siblings were younger. In those days, we didn't know that smoking was a risk factor for pancreatic cancer.

My sister smoked from the time she was 13. She died from lung cancer at 44, leaving behind two young sons.

Neither my father nor my sister got to experience the wonderful family milestones and celebrations we have had. Their grandchildren will never know them. Each year during the holidays, I feel a sadness in my heart.

I urge every smoker to make a vow to quit and carry it through, not only for their own sake but also their family's. Stay determined to quit so you won't cause your loved ones sadness and won't miss out on their futures. With all my heart, I wish smokers the best of luck in quitting. -- MISSING DAD AND SIS IN SACRAMENTO

DEAR MISSING: I'm glad you wrote because the American Cancer Society's annual Great American Smokeout will be held on Nov. 16. It's a day when millions of smokers put down their cigarettes -- just for one day -- with the conviction that if they can go 24 hours without one, then they can do it for 48 hours, 72 hours, and stop smoking for good. The idea grew out of a 1970 event in Randolph, Massachusetts, and became a national event in 1977.

Readers, I'm not going to harangue you with death threats. We are all aware of the grim statistics associated with cancer-related deaths caused by tobacco. If you're interested in quitting, this is a perfect opportunity. Call (800) 227-2345 to be connected with counseling services in your community, provided with self-help materials offering information and strategies on quitting for good, and to receive information about medications available to help you quit. This service is free and provided 24/7. Or go online to cancer.org.

DEAR ABBY: I need your help. Over the past few weeks, I have been vacationing at my mother-in-law's home. The other day I was browsing on her computer and accidentally opened her browsing history. It turns out that she regularly looks at and responds to Craigslist personals.

I was shocked when I read some of the perverted requests she has responded to. The language she used would make a sailor blush. Keep in mind, my mother-in-law is a married woman.

I don't know how to react. Should I tell my wife? Keep it to myself? Make a fake Craigslist post and catch her in the act? -- KINKS IN THE FAMILY

DEAR KINKS: If you disclose this to your wife, it could damage her relationship with her mother. If she tells her mother what you found, it will create a breach in the family. If you trap the woman by creating a fake Craigslist post and she realizes she has been made a fool of, it will not -- to put it mildly -- endear you to her. Let it lie.

DEAR ABBY: I am in a predicament. My therapist is great, but sometimes I think she shares too much. Last time I went, she was running late. When I finally got into her office, she told me the previous patient was nonverbal and had painted her nails during the session. Later in the session, she confided that years ago she had been date raped.

Abby, I am in counseling because my father raped me when I was 15 (I am now 24). Her sharing has me worried because I don't want her telling others what I say or do during counseling. Further, her story of the date rape scared me. She described a situation that is not uncommon for me to be in, and it caused something almost like a flashback in me. I think what she did was insensitive, to say the least.

I have nobody else to ask, so what should I do? I'm getting counseling for free now due to my income, and it took months to get set up with a counselor. Should I report her or accept that this was a mistake and say nothing? If I need to report her, how would I go about doing that? -- CONFLICTED ABOUT IT

DEAR CONFLICTED: You should change therapists because it appears this one has more problems than you do. As to what agency you should report her breach of professional ethics to, contact the state organization that has licensed her to practice.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069
London: A homeless man hailed as a hero for apparently coming to the aid of victims of the Manchester Arena terror attack last year admitted on Thursday he had instead robbed them.

CCTV footage played in court showed Chris Parker wandering between victims bleeding on the floor after the bombing outside a pop concert in the northern English city in which 22 people were killed.

Parker 33, was seen in the footage taking a purse from the handbag of Pauline Healey, whose 14-year-old granddaughter lay dying nearby, and he later used her bank card at a local McDonalds, the court heard.

He was interviewed by British media in the aftermath of the attack carried out by Salman Abedi, saying he had been begging outside the concert arena when the bomb went off.

A tearful Parker told the Press Association news agency at the time: I heard a bang and within a split second I saw a white flash, then smoke and then I heard screaming.

"It knocked me to the floor and then I got up and instead of running away my gut instinct was to run back and try and help",he said.

There was people lying on the floor everywhere, he said, adding that a woman had died in his arms.

Parker was also accused of stealing a mobile phone from a teenage girl at the scene of the explosion.

Parker has a string of previous convictions, including shoplifting and burglary. He had failed to appear in court yesterday and was found hiding in the loft of a house in Halifax in West Yorkshire, where he was arrested.
Pak banned Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed-led JuD from collecting donations after Trump accused Islamabad of 'lies and deceit' and providing 'safe haven" to terrorists.' (Photo: File)

Lahore: The JuD has said it will serve a legal notice to Pakistan's defence minister for "defaming" it, days after the government banned the Hafiz Saeed-led outfit from collecting donations following US President Donald Trump's outburst against Islamabad's sheltering of terrorists.

Taking exception to Khurram Dastgir's statement that action against the Jamaat-ud Dawa was not taken due to mounting pressure from the US, JuD spokesperson Yahya Mujahid said Dastgir is "speaking the language of US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi".

He also criticised the minister for saying that the action was taken against JuD, FIF and other organisations so that "terrorists cannot open fire on schoolchildren anymore."

"This is outrageous," Mujahid said adding "we are serving legal notice to the minister for his outrageous remarks."

Pakistan banned Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed-led JuD and Falah-i-Insaniyat Foundation (FIF) from collecting donations on Monday, after Trump accused Islamabad of giving nothing to the US except "lies and deceit" and providing "safe haven" to terrorists.

In a statement, the JuD spokesperson said, "World knows who is behind the steps against JuD and FIF. Our rulers are reluctant to mention the involvement of India in terrorist activities in Pakistan. Efforts are being made to please external lords by propagating against those forces that have actively played role in Pakistan's defence," he said.

"Those trying to malign Pakistan's national security institutions through conspiracies such as Dawn Leaks have finally met their fate (a reference to ousted premier Nawaz Sharif) but still they seem to have learnt no lesson. Now, when America is openly threatening us and inciting India to take action against Pakistan, Pakistani rulers are engaged in the sycophancy of India and America," Mujahid said.

On Thursday, Dastgir had said Pakistan acted against JuD and FIF not under "pressure" from the US but after "serious deliberations", as part of the military's operation to disarm and eliminate hidden terrorist sleeper cells across the country with support of local law enforcement agencies.

The government has banned companies and individuals from making donations to the JuD, the FIF and other organisations on the UN Security Council sanctions list.

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) issued a notification prohibiting the collection of donations by the JuD, the front organisation of banned terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, as well as several other such organisations named in a list of banned outfits by the UN Security Council.
Poor attendance of lecturers appointed for the evaluation of answer sheets has forced Bangalore University to write a letter, asking principals to ensure attendance or face action.



The evaluation of the answer scripts of the examinations conducted in December was to begin on December 26. However, due to a boycott by the lecturers' association, it began only on December 30.

Even after the strike was called off, the attendance has been poor.

"For English, we are getting only about 50% attendance from evaluators. For other subjects, it is about 70%. Evaluation work is mandatory. We have written to the department of collegiate education, asking it to withhold the salary of lecturers from government and aided colleges who fail to turn up for the duty," said Prof C Shivaraju, Registrar (Evaluation), BU.

He added that the results of private colleges would not be released if they did not ensure that lecturers appointed for evaluation work completed the task. Further, a disaffiliation process could be initiated against them.

The letter requested the principals to relieve lecturers who have been assigned evaluation duty. It also warned colleges that have already reopened after vacation, as they are not following the university schedule.
DEAR HARRIETTE: A good friend owns a gift shop in a nearby town. I usually buy gifts from her for my family for Christmas, but I didn't buy any gifts this year. I feel bad that I didn't support her, but I couldn't afford it. I decided to stick within my budget for a change. I have been avoiding her because I feel bad that I wasn't able to patronize her store. What can I say to her so that she will know that my not coming in to make any purchases was not personal? -- No Holiday Shopping, Tampa, Florida

DEAR NO HOLIDAY SHOPPING: Stop avoiding your friend. That is what is making things awkward. Reach out to her or stop by and wish her a happy New Year. Then tell her what you told me: You are sorry you couldn't buy anything from her this year, but your budget was tight. Tell her you hope she had a good season, and that you wish her the best for the coming year.

What your friend already knows, if her shop is even marginally successful, is that she cannot depend on friends to keep her afloat. Friends are great for goodwill and emotional support. Being in business requires that you find and cultivate other clients.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I think I'm like a lot of people in that every New Year I try to commit to doing something for myself to make my life better. In theory, this is a good idea. The problem is that I never follow through after the first month or so. I know that isn't unusual, but still, I want to be different this year. I have a couple of goals, especially about my health. I gained a lot of weight last year, mainly due to stress on the job and eating late at night. I want to turn things around for myself, but I'm afraid that if I say I'm committing to it, I will just fall off like always. Do you have any tips for how to reach a New Year's goal? -- Ready to Change, Boston

DEAR READY TO CHANGE: The way to stick to a goal is to make up your mind and then make a plan. What I have done that works is to say that I will exercise every single day. It hasn't worked for me to commit to three days a week, because that often turned into no days a month! By committing to every day, I usually get in five to seven days every week. That includes holidays and vacations. If you decide not to put your priorities on hold, it is easier to fulfill them.

Use a calendar to remind yourself of your promises. If you have a smartphone or watch, set alarms that tell you when you are supposed to work out each day. Same goes for when you will eat your last meal. Decide you will stop eating late at night, and that when you eat after dinner, it will be non-fattening, healthy food. Check in with yourself every day, and at the end of each month, reflect on what you have accomplished. This will help you to stay the course. Good luck!

DEAR HARRIETTE: A professional friend called me to ask my advice about working for a company I worked for a few years ago. I had a horrible experience working with management, even though I liked the job I did. It's weird -- on one hand, it could be awful, but it was good, too. My friend was asked to assume a leadership role. It could be a good opportunity for him. I don't want to dash his hopes.

My biggest concern is that when I worked with these people, they did not pay their bills. It hurt my professional reputation. I would hate for my friend to have the same thing happen to him. He is so excited. Do I dare tell him details of what happened when I worked there? -- Professional Advice, Chicago

DEAR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE: Your friend contacted you as a reference, believing that you would share your professional insights with him. Do that. Too often, people go into new opportunities without getting perspective. Find out from your friend what is being offered to him, what responsibilities he will have and what promises have been made regarding hiring. Suggest that he ask directly about the questionable debt practicies.

Then tell him your pros and cons. Be specific about what you appreciated about the job and how you benefited. Conversely, describe the areas that concerned you. Do not attempt to make a decision for your friend. Instead, paint a clear picture of the company from your perspective, and then leave him to make his own decision.

DEAR HARRIETTE: My company is taking the leadership team on a retreat soon, and I have been invited. This sounds like a wonderful opportunity. The only thing is, I have never been out of the country, and I don't have a passport. I heard that it takes a long time to get a passport. I don't want to miss out on this trip. I also don't want everybody to know that I have never been anywhere. Most of my co-workers who are on the fast track spent a semester abroad while they were in college. Quite a few of them go to the Caribbean every year. Me, I just work and go home. I work a gazillion hours, which is why I have been promoted. I worry that I'm not going to measure up. -- Going Abroad, Cincinnati

DEAR GOING ABROAD: You are likely not alone. Many people get passports when they are adults. Do not be ashamed about that. Get proactive. You can get an expedited passport -- for a premium price -- in a matter of days. You may need proof of travel, which would be a copy of your airline ticket. Then you should get your passport photos taken and choose an expediter to process your passport. Depending on how much time you have, you can also process it normally. Without extra fees, you need four to six weeks. Expedited is two to three weeks, and expedited through an agency is about eight days. For more information, visit travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/requirements/processing-times.html.

Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106
India has initiated an anti-dumping probe into import of a Chinese chemical used in detergents following complaints from some domestic companies.



Gujarat Credo Mineral Industries and Chemicals India have filed an application before the Directorate General of Anti- dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD) for initiation of an investigation into import of 'Zeolite 4A (Detergent Grade)' from China.

In a notification, the DGAD said prima facie it has found sufficient evidence of dumping of the chemical.

The anti-dumping duty, if imposed, would help guard domestic players in the sector against cheap imports of the product.

"The authority hereby initiates an investigation into the alleged dumping, and consequent injury to the domestic industry," it said.

In the probe, it would determine the existence and effect of the alleged dumping and recommend the amount of anti- dumping duty, which if levied, would be adequate to remove the injury to the domestic industry.

The period from April 2016 to June 2017 (15 months) will be taken for the probe.

Countries carry out anti-dumping probe to determine whether their domestic industries have been hurt because of a surge in cheap imports.

As a counter measure, they impose duties under the multilateral regime of WTO.

The duty is aimed at ensuring fair trading practises and creating a level-playing field for domestic producers with regard to foreign producers and exporters.

India has already imposed anti-dumping duty on several products to tackle cheap imports, including from China.

The country has imposed the duty on as many as 98 products, as on December 27 last year, imported from China.
The Special CBI court hearing the fodder scam on Thursday deferred pronouncement of jail sentence of RJD chief Lalu Prasad and 15 others by one more day.



The quantum of punishment will now be known on Friday as CBI judge Shiv Pal Singh on Thursday heard the pleas of convicts in alphabetical order.



Lalu, whose name starts with L, has been asked to reappear in court on Friday. The former Bihar chief minister was thereafter repatriated to Birsa Munda Jail in Ranchi.



An apparently unperturbed Lalu, reportedly told the CBI judge that "it was biting chill inside the jail". Ranchi has been experiencing a chilly winter for the last one week with minimum temperatures in the Jharkhand capital hovering between seven and nine degrees celsius.



Lalu is also believed to have told the judge that he was innocent and had done no wrong. "I am also a law graduate," Lalu told the CBI judge, who convicted him on December 23 in one of the fodder scam cases - RC 64A/96, related to fraudulent withdrawal of around Rs 90 lakh from Deogarh treasury.



Refuses video conference



The judge then asked the RJD chief whether he would like the quantum of punishment to be pronounced through video conferencing (when in jail). Lalu said: "No Sir, I will be present in the court whenever you order so."



The CBI judge then asked Lalu to come on Friday as his name was lower down in the list of accused prepared in alphabetical order.



Thereafter, amid tight police security, Lalu was shifted to Birsa Munda jail in Hotwar, on the outskirts of Ranchi.
Telangana has responded positively to Karnataka's request to utilise 3.5 tmc ft of water under Rajolibanda diversion scheme to mitigate the acute water shortage in the Tungabhadra catchment area in the state (Karnataka), Water Resources Minister M B Patil said on Thursday.

Patil had led a high-level delegation to Telangana and met his counterpart Harish Rao in Hyderabad, to discuss the issue.

The minister said the delegation had highlighted the distress condition prevailing in the Tungabhadra basin in Karnataka and the urgent need to meet the drinking water and irrigation demands.

He said it had been decided that engineers from both states would work out the water requirement for each state and then make available the minimum requirement of water to Karnataka.

During the meeting, Karnataka highlighted the gesture shown by the state by releasing one tmc ft of water to meet the needs of Telangana in 2016-17 and also in 2017-18.

Karnataka has assured full support to the modernisation works of Rajolibanda diversion scheme, so that the works could be completed by July 2018.

As per the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal award, Telangana's share of water towards Rajolibanda diversion scheme is 3.501 tmc ft on pro-rata basis and the said quota has not been utilised by Telangana.
Nacogdoches, TX (75965)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. High 58F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 37F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.
In the backdrop of disruptions in Rajya Sabha on various issues, its Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu today urged members to act responsibly to ensure smooth proceedings and assured them that whatever decision he takes would be to enhance the image of the House.



During a meeting with members of various parties on functioning of the House, the Triple Talaq Bill was also discussed and the chairman asked both the opposition and the treasury benches to sort out the issue between them, sources said.

Naidu asked the parties to introspect if it is appropriate to cause frequent disruptions and adjournments of the House in order to press their political agenda.

The Rajya Sabha has seen disruptions on a number of issues in the winter session including on Triple Talaq Bill and caste violence in Maharashtra.

The sources said some members have also complained to the chairman that smaller parties are deprived of their chance to raise matters of public importance in the Upper House as the main parties try to push their agenda and cause disruption.

Naidu, the sources said, has waived the time limit for moving a proposed amendment by Congress leader Anand Sharma on the Triple Talaq Bill.

"Whatever decision I take will be guided by the aim to enhance the image of the House," he told the members, the sources said, adding that he urged the MPs to also follow this principle.

The business advisory committee had fixed a time limit of four hours for the debate on the Triple Talaq Bill, but members wanted more time and the chairman said he was open to the idea, the sources said.
MUMBAI, DHNS: Four members of a family died in a "suspicious fire" in a building at Marol in Andheri East in Mumbai in the early hours of Thursday.



Five others were injured in the fire, while the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) successfully rescued eight people.

The fire broke out at Mehmud Building at Shivaji Nagar, Church Road in Andheri past midnight.

The fire broke out at 2 am and could be doused only by 4.15 am, MFB officials said.

The deceased were identified as Sakina Abbas Kapasi (14), Mohin Abbas Kapasi (10), Tasneem Abbas Kapasi (42) and Daud Ali Kapasi (80).

The deceased, who lived on the third floor, died of suffocation and burn injuries.

They were taken to Cooper Hospital, where they were declared dead on admission.

The owner of the flat, Abbas Kapasi, escaped the fire.

The injured were identified as Ibrahim Saifuddin Kothari (57), Sakina Ibrahim Kothari (53), Hussain Ibrahim Kothari (26) and Hujefa Ibrahim Kothari (21).

All of them suffered suffocation and are currently admitted to Holy Spirit Hospital.

Zara Cutlerywalla (42) was injured, but was discharged after primarily medication.

"The outbreak of the fire is suspicious and the matter has been reported to the police for a detailed questioning of the owner of the flat, who was present at the time of fire in the flat," an MFB official said.
In yet another case of planned murder of a husband by the wife, the Hyderabad Police stumbled upon a case where one of the supari gang members revealed a ghastly incident.



The gang member had decided to reveal the story after he allegedly trying to commit suicide as he was unable to bear the guilt.

According to Mehdipatnam police, Deepak, one of the four gang members who took supari for the murder of Nagaraju, a techie, on night of December 31, tried to commit suicide by slashing his throat with a blade on Thursday.

Deepak, along with Naresh, Karthik and Yaseen, allegedly took Supari from Nagaraju's wife Jyothi.

Jyothi, who was having an affair with a man called Karthik, hatched a plan to murder her husband with Karthik and saw to it that Nagaraju was murdered on New Year's.

The body was then dumped near Choutuppal on the outskirts of the city.

However, Deepak who was deeply disturbed by the murder, tried to call the police to inform about the murder.

However, after the police took his confession as a joke, he tried to kill himself.

After the suicide attempt failed, he spilled the beans to the media about the murder, while being shifted to a hospital.

Following his confession, police investigated the leads and found that Deepak was telling the truth. They have arrested the other gang members; Jyothi is being questioned.
Former prime minister Manmohan Singh has broken his silence on the acquittal of A Raja in the 2G spectrum allocation case after the latter wrote to him, pointing out that he had never backed him "out of compulsions."



In response, the former prime minister expressed happiness at Raja being vindicated. "I am very happy that you stand vindicated. You and your family have suffered greatly in the process and we are greatly relieved that truth has prevailed," Singh wrote to Raja in a letter dated January 2.

Former telecom minister Raja had written on December 26 to the former PM following his acquittal, recalling that the former PM did not back him despite his past assurances that he had done nothing wrong and acted in the national interest and would prove it.

"I also understand the compulsions that prevented you from openly supporting me," Raja said, adding that Singh could support him openly now as he was acquitted,

Raja's letter stated that a few powerful people launched a propaganda machinery against the then UPA government and mislead Parliament and the judiciary in the 2G case.

"It cost you the UPA government and seven years of my life, including 15 months in jail," the former telecom minister said.

Raja recalled in his letter that he ensured that the former PM's image was not tarnished during the trial proceedings despite no backing from the government. "Unlike some senior Cabinet colleagues, I ensured that you did not suffer personal embarrassment in the trial proceedings. Now that the truth about the 2G case is out in the open, perhaps you too could come forward in my support," Raja said.

Raja has been miffed that no senior Congress leader chose to call or meet him after his acquittal in the 2G spectrum case by a Delhi court.

The Congress' adulation was focused on DMK Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi, daughter of party patriarch M Karunanidhi.

Not only Congress chief Rahul Gandhi speak to her phone after the verdict, senior leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad and Anand Sharma visited her at home to convey their party's greetings.

A CBI court acquitted Raja and Kanimozhi in the 2G spectrum allocation case on December 21. CBI judge O P Saini had said he did not find any merit in the submission of prosecution that allocation of spectrum to telecom firms on "first come first serve" basis amounted to the abuse of power by A Raja."

The CBI has said it would appeal against the verdict in the higher court.
At a San Dieguito Union High School District facilities workshop last fall, demographics indicate that enrollment at La Costa Canyon High School will continue to decline, from 1,936 in the fall of 2014 to 1,684 in 2023.

Capacity at LCC is nearly twice that, at 3,172.

Enrollment at Torrey Pines High School is projected to increase slightly, from 2,619 in the fall of 2014 to 2,955 in 2023. Capacity at TP is 3,291.

LCC and TP are the two boundary schools, LCC for the northern portion of the district and Torrey Pines in the south.

The two academies, San Dieguito in Encinitas and Canyon Crest in Carmel Valley, are open enrollment for students district-wide. Demand by students for attendance at both academies remains high, with facilities and resources impacted.

Of the districts five middle schools, only Pacific Trails in Pacific Highlands Ranch will see increased enrollment through 2023.

Enrollment district-wide during that same period of time appears flat, going from 12,538 in 2014 to 12,863 in 2023.

LCCs available space

Noticing the decline in enrollment and the amount of available space at La Costa Canyon, thoughts turn to San Dieguitos charter school, SOUL (School of Universal Learning), which struggled for months to find a suitable facility last year.

The founders finally found a home at the Solana Beach Boys & Girls Club, which allowed them to open last fall, but the location was secured late in the summer which negatively affected enrollment numbers.

This year, according to their rights under Californias Proposition 39, SOUL founders applied for facility space from their home district, San Dieguito, for the 2018-2019 school year.

This application included 96 Intent to Enroll forms completed by students residing within San Dieguito boundaries (80 are required to qualify under Prop. 39).

San Dieguito denied SOULs request, writing in a letter that the district objects to the projected average daily attendance, claiming that the increase from SOULs current ADA enrollment of San Dieguito students to the number expected next school year is unreasonable.

The district used a formula (46 students x 72 percent in-district x 95 percent ADA rate) to calculate 31.46 ADA for SOULs current year (SOUL has an enrollment of 46 students but not all reside within San Dieguito boundaries).

Based on this calculation, the district disagreed with SOULs projection of 160.55 ADA, claiming the number is closer to 59.6, far less than the required 80.

SDUHSDs letter also cites SOULs inability to meet initial enrollment projections for this year, although SOUL founders say thats because it was difficult to secure a suitable facility early in the year.

What may be the over-riding reason the district rejected SOULs application, however, was after staff contacted every name on the Intent to Enroll list and did not receive yes answers from at least 80.

Calling every name

SDUHSD superintendent Eric Dill said in an email that he asked three staff members to call every name on the list which he estimated took about seven hours.

According to the district, SDUHSD staff found 33 families meaningfully interested in SOUL, 17 not meaningfully interested, and the rest did not return calls and could not be reached.

About one-third of people we spoke with indicated they were not actually interested in dis-enrolling their students from our schools and enrolling in SOUL, so we applied that same proportion to those we could not verify, Dill said.

So, of the 50 they reached, about two-thirds said they were interested in enrolling. Of the 45 or 46 they could not reach, the district assumed that two-thirds would enroll.

We also asked them if they intended to dis-enroll from an SDUHSD school to enroll in SOUL, and if they said no, we counted that as a no, he said.

Thats how the district arrived at its 59.6 number.

For school districts to spend staff time and money to call every name on the Intent to Enroll list is unusual, according to Miles Durfee, Regional Advocacy Vice President for the California Charter Schools Association.

It is not typical for the district to call all the names on the list, he said. It is also not typical to eliminate names just because they do not answer.

Due diligence

The district has to do its due diligence, said SOUL co-founder Marisa Fogelman.

But there is clearly an intimidation factor when a San Dieguito employee calls and asks parents if they are certain they intend to pull their kids out of a district school  and want to know why.

Fogelman said when parents said they werent sure, that was counted as a no.

Co-founder Michael Grimes was told that parents were asked why they dont want a district school for their kids and what they feel SOUL can offer that a district school cannot.

The next step in this process is for the school to respond to the districts incorrect ADA projections process, CCSAs Durfee said. I would expect that the charter school is preparing to send a letter to the district by Jan. 2 not agreeing to the methodology that the district used.

Fogelman said they applied for facility space under Prop. 39 just to keep our options open but are prepared to remain at the Boys & Girls Club.

Even if the district decided to offer a portion of La Costa Canyon, she said that having our own place is more ideal than sharing a site.

The Boys & Girls Club facility is beautiful, she said. They have been amazing to work with.

She said their community interests are aligned, the location is central to many families, theres public transportation, and the students are able to utilize the on-site pool for P.E.

For all those reasons, we want make this work, Fogelman said.

She said its best for student morale to be consistent and remain at the same location, and we want to be protective of our culture.

But finding enough room for future growth may present challenges.

We would have to get creative, she said. But we will try to make it work for another year, because we love being at the Boys & Girls Club.

La Costa Canyon would also be fine, she said, because a large percentage of their students live in Encinitas and south Carlsbad, although they might lose some families who live farther south.

Facility improvement priorities shuffled

The same facilities workshop disclosed the latest schedules and costs for Proposition AA facility improvements, revealing changes in priorities.

The charts show that many projects have been delayed, some with associated cost increases, explained SDUHSD Associate Superintendent for Business Services Tina Douglas.

Its what we thought we were going to do, she said, but we cant do all of that in that time frame.

The biggest project, the $13 million reconstruction of Sunset High School, has been pushed up and is now a priority item.

It was previously scheduled to begin in 2025. The goal now, said Douglas, is to begin in August 2018.

Also scheduled to begin in August is the modernization of the Industrial Arts and A&B buildings at San Dieguito Academy, a $3.6 million project.

Third on the Aug. 2018 priority list is La Costa Canyons weight room (in lieu of the field house), at a cost of $1.44 million.

Three other projects scheduled for Aug. 2018 include:

- Torrey Pines High Schools Arts & Industrial Arts building, the Tech building, and planning for the gym renovation (cost: $944,000)

- Planning for Oak Crest Middle Schools classroom modernization (cost: $520,000)

- Canyon Crest Academys Learning Commons, or Media Center (cost: $354,000)

Some delayed projects could be pushed out as far as 2035. The later the projected start date, the higher the cost.

Weve seen some escalation costs, Douglas said, but called the increases normal escalation.

The following projects are now delayed (dollar numbers are rounded):

- a new black box theater and dance room at CCA (original estimate when subtracting the cost of the Learning Commons was $3.43 million; with escalation for the delay, new estimate is $5.81 million)

- reconstruction of the gym and remodel of the Mustang Center at SDA (original estimate was $20.8 million; new estimate is $50.53 million)

- a two-story classroom building, science classroom building, administration remodel, and renovation of two buildings at LCC (original estimate was $20 million; new estimate is $26.8 million)

- the multi-purpose room at Oak Crest (original estimate was $2.3 million; new estimate is $3.5 million)

- the parking lot and traffic circle, administration, and multi-purpose room at Diegueno Middle School (original estimate was $13.26 million; new estimate is $35.2 million)

- administration and multi-purpose room at the districts La Costa Valley site (original estimate was $6.8 million; new estimate is $18.1 million)

Douglas said its hard to predict actual costs until the projects begin, and its possible the Prop. AA money may run out before all projects can be completed.

Were hoping to still do all the projects, she said, adding that a new bond might be required to provide more funding.

Disneyland

And now for something completely different.

Only three more days until Disneylands wondrous world of Christmas lights and decorations ends on Jan. 7.

If youve not been to Disneyland during the holiday season, its worth a trip.

Yes, it costs an outrageous $110 to get in, not including the $20 parking fee. The drive north generally takes less than 90 minutes, although it can take up to an extra hour to park, go through security, catch the tram, buy tickets and enter the main gate.

So its a hassle. But once youre in, its a feast for the senses.

The highlights:

- The Main Street Christmas Tree stands 60 feet high, replete with hundreds of festive decorations.

- Sleeping Beautys Winter Castle is aglow with more than 50,000 twinkling lights, sparkling icicles and shimmering snow-capped turrets.

- The attraction Its A Small World is astonishing, with more than 400,000 lights and festive holiday decorations that celebrate customs for all parts of the globe. Its sensory overload and enough to make you forget that song that on normal visits worms its way into your brain and wont let go.

- The Haunted Mansion is transformed into a delightfully creepy combination of Tim Burtons The Nightmare Before Christmas mixed with its usually impressive Halloween-themed extravaganza. The special effects are truly jaw-dropping. If only the little cars would move slower, to absorb in its complete ghoulish splendor this extraordinary collision of holidays.

- The Main Street parade and elaborate floats are worth the visit alone.

Fireworks, falling snow, special activities for youngsters, strolling musicians, marching bands, festive food and gifts (loved the variety of Mickey ears), and decorations everywhere make the visit quite an experience.

 Opinion columnist and Sr. Education Writer Marsha Sutton can be reached at: suttonmarsha@gmail.com.
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A well-known Donegal GP has called for a closure of schools for the next two weeks to prevent the spreading of seasonal influenza.

The call comes as the Health Service Executive (HSE) urged people in high-risk groups to get the flu vaccine as the number of reported cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) in Ireland increased in the week before Christmas. It said there had been a small number, under ten, of deaths directly related to influenza in the last two weeks.

Dr James McDaid said he expected a spike in cases in the next week as schools reopen.

He said schools should be closed for two weeks to stop the spread of influenza.

The former Donegal TD and government minister said that schools are willing to close due to bad weather but when it comes to matters pertaining to medicine, unfortunately, they dont.

The Letterkenny GP said his practice has been exceptionally busy in recent days and 90 per cent of the cases are related to influenza-like symptoms.

Usually flu relates to only ten per cent of the cases, he said.

Children come to me, then they go back to schools and they are met with the whole avalanche of the virus and they are back again with me.

It's a vicious circle. If you reach a peak you need to close down the schools for two weeks. They are ill and then they are back to school and then they are back to me in three weeks time.

He said he expected a spike in flu cases in January because the schools will be back.

Dr McDaid said it is likely that the strain of flu he is seeing is the so-called Australian flu, and that he would be concerned about people with chronic illness, diabetes and long-term illness.

We will undoubtedly get a number of people who will succumb to it, he said.

Dr Kevin Kelleher, Director of the HSEs Health Protection Surveillance Centre said influenza-like illness has increased in all age groups except in those aged up to four years old.

Hospitalised cases of influenza and influenza-associated outbreaks in residential care facilities have also increased, he said.

The HSE has in the last fortnight also been notified of a small number of deaths directly related to influenza (less than 10).

These indicators tell us that flu is actively starting to circulate in the community, yet its not too late for people at risk to get the vaccine from their GP or Pharmacist. Prevention is better than cure, and the increase in flu activity means it is even more important to get your flu jab if you are in an at-risk group. Initial indications so far point to more people in at-risk groups and more healthcare workers getting the flu vaccine this year. The HSE would urge those who have not yet been vaccinated to join their peers and their colleagues in getting the flu vaccine.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said a motorway between Dublin and Donegal is a priority.

The taoiseach said he will prioritise the motorway from Dublin to Donegal via Derry as part of his intentions to focus much of the nations infrastructure spend on the North and the all-Ireland economy.

There will be a big focus on regional development, making sure all parts of the country share in the economic recovery and that there is more employment in all parts of the country particularly in the regions furthest from the east coast.

There will also be a focus on the North and the All-Island economy, improving infrastructure over the next ten years, building a motorway to connect Dublin and the border counties to Derry and Letterkenny and also examining the Dublin to Belfast rail line.

He also said the government will invest 100billion in broadband provision.

Our target is to have 75 per cent of homes in the country connected to high-speed broadband by the end of 2018. We are currently at about 60 per cent now.

In January we will publish the ten-year capital plan and that will be adding up to 100 billion investment or more, thats State investments and semi-state investment.

What its all about is ensuring our economy has the capacity to grow because we will be up against very obvious constraints in terms of the countrys ability to grow economically.

It will also mean much-needed investment in public services that have been neglected in years gone by.

It has to be about things like economic infrastructure, investing in public transport, education and higher education, housing and health reform, particularly in areas like ICT which I think, could be the real game changer.
The Commission on the Future of Policing will host an open evening for people in Donegal next week.

Members of the public, local community groups and interested stakeholders with views on the future of policing have been invited to attend.

The open evening will take place in Letterkenny Public Services Centre on Neil T Blaney Road next Thursday, January 11th between 6pm and 8pm .

The open evening is an opportunity for members of the public to drop in and meet with commission members in an informal setting to discuss the future of policing.

The Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland was established by Government in May 2017 to develop a blueprint for policing in Ireland into the future.

The commission is tasked with undertaking an independent, comprehensive examination of all aspects of policing in Ireland, including all functions currently carried out by An Garda Siochana, as well as the full range of oversight bodies.

The chairperson of the commission, Kathleen OToole said: Im delighted that the commission will be in Donegal as part of our nationwide meet and greet programme on our important work. Consultation is central to informing the commissions work and we are eager to hear the views of the people across the county, in Letterkenny and beyond. As we work towards a blueprint for policing in Ireland it is essential that we hear directly from the very communities that a police service seeks to serve and protect.

Through these public meetings and our call for submissions, the commission wants to stimulate a genuine national conversation on the future of policing in Ireland  so we would encourage everyone with an interest in the issue to come to our open evening in Letterkenny, and send us their views and opinions. All of these perspectives will help to inform our work.
Reports from the hospitality sector in Donegal have indicated great satisfaction with business during the festive season with many commenting that it is still continuing into the new year.

Many hotels and restaurants remained open in what once was a time when families dined at home and many venues enjoyed full capacity.

Noel Cunningham of Harvey's Point told the Democrat: There is no point in my underplaying it, we had one of the best Christmases ever with people dining out much more frequently and remarkably, taking their winter breaks with us. There is no doubt that the Wild Atlantic Way, the National Geographic article and the Star Wars phenomenon have all put Donegal very much on the map.

It has also succeeded in instilling a great self-belief among hoteliers who have finally realised that we do indeed have a great product in Donegal.

Mr. Cunningham also highlighted an emerging trade in the wedding sector. Back in the middle of the recession we experienced a lot of sadness with the growth of emigration, he said.

However, every cloud has a silver lining and we are now seeing many of these successful young couples returning on holidays from all corners of the globe and getting married at home. It all augurs well for the future and Imm delighted that we are still enjoying great business in this, the first week in January.

Annette O'Donnell of the Clanree Hotel in Letterkenny, which is hosting a large wedding fair on Sunday said: It has been an exceptionally good Christmas and New Year in all areas of the hotel - accommodation, restaurant/bar and in the banqueting departments.

It is not a return to the excesses of the Celtic Tiger era. People are more prudent and looking for value. In spite of the exchange rates we still are enjoying a very buoyant market from the north of Ireland.

Terry McEniff of the Mount Errigal Hotel in Letterkenny was in total agreement. All aspects of the hotel have shown growth and I am confident of a good 2018," he said. "Brexit or the exchange rates have not had any negative impact. I believe that once the product is right people will come.

All the signs are very positive.


sframephoto/iStock/Thinkstock(RICHMOND, Va.) -- After weeks of political drama, the Virginia Board of Elections drew the name of Republican incumbent David Yancey out of a ceremonial blue and white ceramic bowl to determine the certified winner of the Virginia House of Delegates 94th District seat.



Democrat Shelly Simonds, who sat next to her family and watched as James Alcorn, the Chairman of the Board of Elections, announced her opponent's name to a packed room inside the Patrick Henry Room in Richmond's Capitol Square, did not concede in the aftermath of the drawing, leaving open the possibility of an additional recount.



Following weeks of heated legal battles and protestations from both sides to determine the outcome of the race, the method for picking a winner was simple -- both names were typed on a sheet of paper, placed in separate, new, Amazon-bought film canisters, then stirred around in the ceramic bowl made by a local artisan. Alcorn, the Chairman, picked out the winning name by hand.



"Today we have witnessed an unprecedented event in the history of the commonwealth of Virginia," said Vice Chairman of the Virginia Board of Elections Claire Wheeler.



The last time the state of Virginia drew a name out of a bowl was 1971. But this time more was at stake, as the winner could sway who is picked as Speaker of the House and number of people on committees.



"This has never been done before for the longest-running legislative body in the New World," said Wheeler.



After the Democrats swept Virginia races in November, this statewide race had the power to determine the balance of the Virginia House of Delegates. Republicans have held control of the House for 17 years, but this rare tie in Virginia could have brought the House to 50 Democrats, and 50 Republicans, allowing Democrats a little more wiggle room to push through items in their legislative agenda.



Initially, Yancey, who did not attend Thursday's drawing due to the snow storm that affected his coastal Virginia home, won by 10 votes, but after a recount, the votes were tied 11,608 to 11,608. One ballot came in question over a confusing mark, causing the race to draw comparisons to Florida's hanging chad fiasco in the 2000 presidential election.



With Yancey's win Thursday, the House will be at 51 Republicans, 49 Democrats, allowing Republicans to likely hold onto their control of House committees.



Still, Simonds said she was not conceding the race but instead will take time to reflect on a run that has brought unprecedented national attention to the state race.



"At this moment I am not conceding but I am reflecting on a very interesting campaign and a very hard fought campaign," she said.



Simonds could potentially ask for a second recount, which would delay the seating of the race's winner until after the House convenes on January 10.



In a gaggle with reporters following the drawing, Simonds said that it was a "sad conclusion for me and the people of Virginia who needed Medicaid expansion, which was really on the line here."



Simonds cited the support of Emily's List in helping her as a female candidate, and said she plans to run again.



"This race was really the pale end of a blue wave," said Simonds of Democratic wins in the state. "And people better get ready."



Pledging to serve all the residents of the Newport News constituency, Yancey said in a statement, "The election is behind us, the outcome is clear, and my responsibility now is to begin the work I was re-elected to do.





Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Three newly commissioned Multi-Purpose Assault Crafts (MPAC MKIII) of the Philippines Navy will soon be equipped with Spike ER multi-purpose missiles, the local Department of National Defense (DND) said. The missiles are expected to arrive in country during the first quarter of 2018. Israels Rafael Advanced Defense Systems company is providing three Mini Typhoon weapon systems for the new boats, that were commissioned into service in May 2017. Each will receive the remotely controlled weapon mount also fitted with missile launchers.

will receive three locally built Multi-purpose Attack Crafts (MPAC MKIII) constructed by the new boats are constructed by a joint venture between Philippine shipbuilder Propmech Corporation and Taiwanese builder Lung Teh Shipbuilding Corporation. The boats will be equipped with Mini Typhoon remote weapon stations mounting 12.7mm heavy machine guns and Spike-ER missile launchers. The missiles enable the boat to extend effective engagement to eight kilometers. The operators will be able to use the weapon either against targets that are in sight by the electro-optical system on board or against targets that are beyond line-of-sight, employing the missiles camera for target engagement.

The Philippine Navy already operates six MPACs of earlier models that are not receiving the missiles. Three are the 15-meter MPAC MKI and three 17-meter MKII, both types were built by Propmech. The MPAC MKIII is longer than the previous models and is the first to carry missiles. The Philippine Navy also considers buying a fourth version of the MPAC.
A series of meetings will take place across south Donegal in a bid to achieve community consensus in relation to securing a positive future for the Irish language.

The Irish Language Planning Strategy for the Sliabh aLiag peninsula, which includes the parishes of Cill Chartha, Gleann Colm Cille and parts of Ard aRatha, is being developed at present and will be finalised by the end of January 2018.

There are more than 1,200 houses in the area. The chairperson of Beal an Phobail, the planning and steering committee in the south Donegal area, Eunan Cunningham, said the Irish language exists in the area and the population have a healthy and positive attitude towards the Irish language, according to a survey that was carried out in the area ahead of Christmas.

It may be one of our final opportunities to save the Irish langugage. We have to be realistic. People have it but they aren't speaking it as often as they should. In our survey we found people were positive about the Irish language, he said.

The meetings will take place in January.

Mr. Cunningham said the strategy is all-inclusive and opinions and suggestions are sought from non-Irish speakers as well as native speakers.

The committee's mission is to adopt the ethos of languages co-existing rather than letting any disappear from the landscape.

The committee are exceptionally eager that everyone in the area contributes to the plan.

We also want to make the language more visible in the area. The feedback that we have received from people and parents is positive. We want to get their opinions and take their thoughts on board, he said.

The Language Planning Strategy is being driven by Lar Chomhairle Pharoiste Ghleann Cholm Cille and people are being encouraged to call in to one of the public meetings listed or to contact the office.

The committee hope to introduce language emmersion into schools in the future by using a gradual process.

It is in some schools and it will be a gradual process. Irish can exist beside English, they can co-exist, he said.

A meeting will be held in Colaiste Aodh Mhic Bricne, Teileann on Tuesday, January 9th at 7pm; in Seanscoil na Carraige, An Charraig on Tuesday, January 9th at 7pm; in Aislann Chill Cartha, Wednesday, January 10th at 7pm; Ionad Phobail Min an Aoire, Wednesday, January 10th at 8.30pm; Oideas Gael, Gleann Cholm Cille, Thursday, January 11th at 7pm; and Ionad na Paroiste, Ard an Ratha, January 11th at 8.30pm.

You can contact the office by email on oifiglcpg@gmail.com or call on 074-9730894.
A 1968 graduate of St. Eunans College in Letterkenny has generated positive reaction with news that he wishes to organise a reunion with his former classmates.

The 1968 reunion will mark the fiftieth anniversary of their graduation.

Joe Strain of St. Eunans class of 1968 said that he is of the opinion that between 15 and 20 are certainly going to the upcoming reunion. The class of 68 began their tenure at St. Eunan's college in 1963.

Originally from Devilmore, Carrigart and now living in County Louth, Joe returns to his native Donegal where he meets up with friends on a regular basis.

The former bank worker who attended the Letterkenny-based school said that he has mixed memories of his days in St. Eunan's Collge. There were 47 in the class.





School days

Originally intending on spending only one year at the college, Joe won a scholarship, one thing led to another and he ended up spending five years there.

During a visit to Carrigart over a year ago, Joe asked some former classmates what their thoughts were on having a reunion for their class and he was greeted with positive reaction.

Joe said that many of those who attended the college failed to keep in touch with each other after they left the college and he is unsure where they are now.

Joe has many fond memories of Canon Dinny McGettigan who was present at the college when he was a student there.

He was a saintly man if ever there was one, Joe who was appointed prefect in 68 said.

Joe was appointed prefect and allowed to go down to Letterkenny town whenever he wished.





Article generates interest

As a result of an article, which ran in the Donegal Democrat detailing the reunion, Joe has received emails and correspondence from as far afield as Germany.

http://www.donegaldemocrat.ie/news/home/243395/were-you-in-the-class-of-68.html

The idea of the reunion came to the fore when Joe was on the phone to Hugh McClafferty from Downings.

Hugh told Joe that he should go ahead and organise a reunion and encouraged him to pursue the idea.

They were a good class now, in fairness, Joe said.

Joe hopes that when members of the class come together they can enjoy a nice meal and spend some time together recalling the days that they all spent together in the college.

A date for the event is yet to be organised.



Contact details

Any 1968 graduates interested in a reunion next year should contact Joe on ejniarts@hotmail.com.
The Enterprise City Council received updates on the open position of city tourism director during a work session Tuesday at City Hall.

Christina Meissner, the citys director of human resources, told the Council that 22 applications had been received through Tuesday afternoon, with about 10 of those meeting the minimum qualifications advertised for the position. The opening was posted Dec. 7, and Meissner recommended that it run through the initial 30-day time frame. Meissner said the city would continue to accept applications until the interviews start.

The minimum qualifications included that an applicant must have a bachelors degree in an area such as public relations or marketing, be flexible with their work schedule, and have a background in grant writing.

Council President Eugene Goolsby said that he has had discussions with downtown representatives who stated their interest in being involved in the process, including looking through the applications. Goolsby said the City Council would conduct the interviews and have the final decision for the position.

Some council members had reservations about making the applications available for viewing. However, City Attorney Ranier Cotter said representatives could sit in on the candidate interviews and give their thoughts afterward.

District 2 Councilman Perry Vickers said he liked the idea of letting merchants let the Council know what they are looking for in a director. Goolsby said there would be a roundtable discussion held with merchants on the matter, and that they would be welcome to sit in and listen while interviews are being conducted.

The tourism-director position became open last June after previous director Meredith Brunson resigned to take a position with the Dothan Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The Council also heard from Charlene Goolsby and Mary Sue Cain about the revival of the Day of Service by the Oscar Club. The event would be for individuals, clubs, churches, youth groups and businesses to do a service project on March 17. A kick-off ceremony will be held at 7 a.m. that day at Bates Memorial Stadium.

Charlene Goolsby said she believed the Day of Service has not been held since the 1990s.

Those interested in more information can call 334-406-1619, or email to msbama@roadrunner.com.

Also on Tuesday, the citys Director of Engineering Services Jared Alexander said the signs indicating the new downtown truck ordinances are in place. Concerns about truck traffic in downtown led to the Council passing in July an ordinance limiting such traffic in that area. The city had been waiting on the Alabama Department of Transportation to deliver the signage.

In a December City Council meeting, Enterprise Police Chief T.D. Jones said his officers would begin ticketing ordinance violators once the signs were up. Prior to that, officers were giving warnings and giving notice to some trucking businesses about the new ordinance.
InvenTrust Properties Corp., the creator of the Dothan Pavilion, has sold the large commercial retail development for $33.75 million to a group consisting of mainly local investors.

Holliday Fenoglio Fowler L.P., a real estate firm, announced the sale Wednesday on behalf of InvenTrust  a group originally formed in Maryland. A representative for the group that purchased the Pavilion said 90 percent of its investment is from the Dothan area.

Several national retailers rent space at Dothan Pavilion, located on U.S. Highway 231 North, including Bed Bath and Beyond, Barnes and Noble, and Dicks Sporting Goods.

According to the HFF press release, approximately 89 percent of the retail space is leased. An average of 29,390 cars per day passed through the intersection of Highway 231 and Plum Road, which leads to one of the Pavilions entrances, according to 2016 Alabama Department of Transportation figures.

A filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Dec. 31, 2015, indicated InvenTrust spent $8.2 million on the land for the complex and more than $38 million in development costs. The company listed $10.5 million depreciation on the property in the same filing.

The local group, called Dothan Pavilion Group LLC, filed a certificate of formation on Dec. 19. The representative said the group plans on conducting business differently than InvenTrust, noting the new group will be easier to work with with regard to potential local tenants. The representative added one local group has already looked at locating to an area in front of the AMC Theater, where many spaces have been open for years.

Dothan Pavilion opened in 2007 and is approximately 327,423 square feet in size, according to the HFF press release.
A police officers family emergency prompted a continuance of an immunity hearing for a Dothan man charged in a January 2017 murder in the parking lot of a local convenience store.

Jeffrey Lloyd Culpepper was scheduled to appear before Houston County Circuit Judge Kevin Moulton seeking immunity in the murder of Cecil Lamont Johnson, 48, of Dothan, who was killed in an altercation with Culpepper outside Sandhers Grocery in the 100 block of Third Avenue on Jan. 16 of last year.

My client protected himself, said Defense Attorney Adam Parker. My client stood his ground when he felt threatened. Our hopes are that Judge Moulton will dismiss this case due to Alabamas stand your ground law.

Police received a call related to shots being fired just before 8 p.m. on Jan. 16. A short time later the call was changed to firearm assault when police arrived, the victim, Johnson, was found dead in the parking lot of Sandhers Grocery. Johnson died from one gunshot to the torso.

Following the initial investigation, information revealed that everyone involved had been going through a dispute for several days. When the suspect and victim got to Sandhers Grocery, a verbal altercation took place. Police believe Culpepper than got out of his vehicle and shot Johnson. Culpepper then got back into his vehicle and additional shots were then fired.

The defenses motion requesting the immunity hearing states Culpepper was verbally assaulted and threatened, and as he attempted to exit in his vehicle, the victim opened his door and attempted to assault him.

No rescheduled date for the hearing has been provided.
EUFAULA  Career tech students in the Eufaula City Schools will join other students around the state in refitting cargo containers for use as classrooms in Honduras.

Students at several schools around the state are designing and remodeling donated cargo containers, which will be shipped to Honduras and transported to a school in a remote area for use as career tech classrooms.

Michelle Eller, director of secondary education for the Eufaula City Schools, said prefabricating the classrooms and shipping them would be easier than trying to build the classrooms on site. The project gives students in Eufaula some practical work experience while also raising their awareness of global issues and volunteerism, Eller said.

It opens their eyes to what they could do in their hometown, she said.

Eller got involved in the project after connecting with educator Brian Copes while visiting Honduras.

Copes runs the Skilled Knowledgeable Youth, or SKY, program at Thompson High School in Alabaster. According to its website, SKY provides an in-school, after school and weekend program for middle and/or high school students that teaches them hands-on skills in a variety of industries, academic skills, and job readiness/employability skills while completing projects.

SKY students and students in high schools around the state are building different career tech classrooms in the containers. For example, Copes group is building a computer lab in their container, while Eufaula students will build a carpentry classroom in theirs. Another school is at work on a welding lab.

Career tech students from various disciplines are working on the project. In Eufaula, engineering students are designing the classroom while agriculture students are building it.

The program is still looking for more schools to pitch in on the project, Eller said.

I dont care who jumps in with me, she said.

The containers Ellers group are using were purchased with funds donated by the Alabama Resource Conservation and Development Council.
A FRIEND of the Japanese man who was killed yesterday morning after a knife attack told The Dundalk Democrat that she is in shock over his tragic death.

The female friend from Japan lived in Ireland for a time and met the late Yosuke Sasaki at a language school in Dublin. Sasaki is originally from Ebina-Shi, Kanagawa, Japan.

His friend said Sasaki lived in Dublin for a year before moving to Dundalk. She added that he moved to Dundalk last August and has been working at National Pen since then.

"I can't believe this happened to him," she said.

Gardai have recovered one of the weapons used in the attack in Dundalk which left one man dead and two others injured, according to Chief Superintendent Christy Mangan.

At a press briefing given by Chief Supt Mangan yesteday at 3pm at Dundalk Garda Station, the press heard that a Japanese male was found in an unresponsive state after being stabbed on the Avenue Road.

It is thought the attacks were random and unprovoked but gardai said they are also investigating a possible terror link. A motive for the attack has yet to be established.

An 18-year-old suspect is being detained at Dundalk Garda Station for questioning and can be held for 24 hours. The suspect has been in Dundalk since January 1, 2018.

Gardai in Dundalk are being assisted by national and local units. Chief Supt Mangan praised people in Dundalk for coming forward with information relating to the attacks.

Above: L-R: Det Insp Pat Marry, Chief Supt Christy Mangan, and Superintendent Gerard Curley at a press briefing on January 3, 2018 at Dundalk Garda Station
As Dundalk, and the entire country reels in shock after the events that unfolded yesterday morning, in which a Japanese man was killed and two Irish people were left with serious injuries, we take a look at what we've learned so far about the suspect and the victims.





The suspect was apprehended on the Inner Relief Road yesterday morning

The Suspect: 18-year-old 'Mohamed' from Egypt

The man who went on a rampage around Dundalk yesterday morning just before 9am has been calling himself Mohamed, according to media reports.

He is an Egyptian national aged 18-years-old.

The suspect arrived in Ireland very recently via Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The UK authorities refused his asylum application. He began his asylum application in Ireland on January 1.

Media reports this afternoon revealed that gardai had sealed off a semi-derelict house on the corner of Avenue Road and the Inner Link Road, where the suspect is believed to have been squatting prior to the attacks.



It is not known how long he may have been squatting there, but it is believed he was sheltering in some shed buildings at the rear of the vacant house.

Neighbours told Independent.ie that they did not see anyone coming or going from the house in recent days.

At a press conference in Dundalk yesterday, Gardai said 'Mohamed' had 'routine' contact with Gardai on January 1. However, they had no reason to believe he was dangerous.



Following his arrest yesterday morning, he was examined by a doctor and found to be unfit for an interview.

The 18-year-old was said to be in a frenzied state following the attacks.

Gardai say they were forced to suspend his detention until a doctor confirmed he was fit to be interviewed (later yesterday evening), with the assistance of an interpreter.

Speaking to the Journal.ie, Chief Superintendent Christy Mangan said gardai are working to establish why the 18-year-old was in Dundalk.

He said: We are very interested to know who he was staying with, who he knows and what he was doing here.

Gardai are appealing for witnesses to contact Dundalk Garda station on 042 938 8400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

They are particularly interested in anyone who was in the Avenue Road area shortly before 9am, or on Coes Road or Seatown Place or the Inner Relief Road between 8.30am and 9.40am.

The Victims

Victim #1: 24-year-old Yosuke Sasaki from Japan

Japanese man Yosuke Sasaki was stabbed in the back yesterday morning as he walked to work with a pair of earphones in  unaware of his attacker.

According to media reports, the suspect used two knives in the horrific attack.



Paramedics tried to resuscitate Yosuke at the scene but were unsuccessful.



The 24-year-old had been living in Dublin for 1 year where he attended language school. He is originally from the Japanese city of Ebina-shi, in Kanazawa Prefecture, a suburban city that's roughly an hours drive west of Tokyo.

He moved to Dundalk last August and had been working manning the phones for service calls for the Japanese market in National Pen since then.



A friend of Yosuke's, from his native Japan, contacted The Dundalk Democrat this morning to express her shock over her friend's tragic death. I can't believe this happened to him, she said.



His post-mortem is currently taking place in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda.

A spokesman for the Japanese Embassy told The Irish Times they had made contact with and were providing support to Mr Sasakis family.

The embassy requested that the media respect the privacy of the family at this difficult time.

At the scene of the stabbing on Avenue Road this afternoon, bouquets of flowers and a small can of tinned coffee from Japan, have been left as tributes to Yosuke.

A message on one of the bouquets read: "Life taken too early, under such tragic circumstances."

Victim #2: Cian Murphy, 22-years-old from Dundalk

Cian Murphy was walking to work in National Tile when the suspect attacked him from behind and stabbed him.

Cian was treated in hospital and was released the following day.

Gardai say his injuries are non-life-threatening.

Mr Murphy is also a student in media arts and technology at Dundalk Institute of Technology.

Victim #3: 23-year-old Irish male from Faughart, name unknown

The second victim is a 23-year-old Irish male who was attacked at Seatown, beside the Windmill at shortly after 9:30am.

He had just gotten off a bus when the suspect battered him with a fence pole.

He managed to make his way into the nearby Pharmacy, (Smyth's Life Pharmacy) where he was treated for head wounds.

Sources say that the assailant entered the pharmacy briefly before staff called the Gardai.

Speaking to The Irish Times, staff at the pharmacy said the 23-year-old went into shock.

Pharmacy owner, Anne McEntegart told The Irish Times, "The wound was pumping, there was a lot of blood. He appeared to go into shock. We wrapped him in blankets and we took turns putting pressure on his head.

The 23-year-old victim is currently recovering in hospital and is said to be doing well.

Gardai say his injuries are non-life-threatening.

Gardai arrived at the scene swiftly and managed to disarm the suspect.

The suspect was then taken to Dundalk Garda Station.
St Vincent's Secondary School and Post Primary School will be part of a group of only 40 schools around the country to teach a new subject for Leaving Certificate students.

Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton has announced that Computer Science will be part of the Leaving Cert curriculum from September 2018.

The first students to sit the exam will do so in 2020.

The announcement is part of the STEM strategy and Action Plan for Education, which aims to make Ireland the best education and training service in Europe by 2026.

As part of the subject, students will be taught computational thinking, they will also learn about programming languages.

Creative design and analysing computational problems will also be part of the subject.

Speaking at the announcement, , Minister Bruton said: "There is a digital revolution taking place which is having a transformative effect on our economy, workplace, and lifestyle. In order to be the best in Europe, our education system must respond to these changes.

"The introduction of this new subject will teach our young people flexible, solution orientated thinking."
LEBANON  The giant crane hauling modular units into place to create a new preschool for Kidco Head Start made passersby stop and stare Wednesday afternoon.

Even more important, however, is what the passing drivers can't see yet, Executive Director Stephany Koehne said: a facility set up just for Head Start children and families.

"I keep saying, the ultimate end result is kids are going to receive a quality learning environment, and that's what it's all about," Koehne said.

It's not that Head Start's current locations aren't up to snuff, she said, and the mid-valley's branch of the federally-funded program has been very grateful for the use of those buildings.

But the new preschool's 11 modular units, being installed this week on a 3.4-acre parcel on South Main Road between Vaughn Lane and Joy Street, are designed just for Head Start.

That means sinks and toilets at 3-year-old height, Koehne said. Offices with one-way glass in the windows so parents and staff can observe classrooms without affecting lessons. An in-house commercial kitchen, so the organization will no longer have to rent space elsewhere.

And  one of Koehne's personal favorites  it means a "nature-based" playground, complete with a grassy mound about 3 feet high specifically meant for children to roll down.

"We actually have a lot of people say, 'Why did you grass that hill? You made a mistake,'" she said, laughing.

Right now, the nonprofit early learning program holds classes at 31575 Sand Ridge Road. It's been a good spot, but a bit out of the way for Lebanon-area families, Koehne said.

That building also has just two classrooms, the use of which is split between half-day morning and afternoon programs. The new preschool will have enough room to offer extended-day programs.

The preschool's total cost is about $2.7 million. The federal office of Head Start provided grants of $1.6 million, and the rest came from a private lending bank, Koehne said.

It took longer than expected to get the grants, which is why the project is being completed now instead of last summer, she said.

Jesse Grant with gLAs Architects is overseeing the architectural portion of the project. After the modular units and their roofs are installed this week, he said, comes roughly four to six weeks of other types of installation, such as mechanical systems, kitchen fixtures and cabinets.

Koehne said she hopes to start classes in early April, after spring break. The center will serve the children and families who currently travel to the Sand Ridge Road location.

It also will serve the community at large, she added, because the facility's conference rooms will be available for public access.

Head Start began in the mid-valley 52 years ago through the Sweet Home School District and was one of the nation's first 50 original grantees. It is a federally-funded program meant specifically for preschoolers from low-income families and includes an academic program, free medical and dental care, meals and parent education.

In 1977, Head Start underwent a major expansion, and "Kids & Company"  Kidco for short  formed as a nonprofit and began to create more centers in the mid-valley. Thirteen centers in all now can be found in Albany, Brownsville, Crawfordsville, Corvallis, Harrisburg, Jefferson, Lebanon, Monroe, and Philomath in addition to Sweet Home. The newest, opened last year, is at Adams Elementary School in Corvallis.

Head Start's regular program serves children ages 3 to 5. Kidco currently serves 489 children and families, 52 of which are in the Early Head Start program for pregnant mothers and children birth to age 3.

The program does maintain a full classroom load, but spots do become available, Koehne said. Income level is a primary guide but other factors are considered.

Applications must be made in person. Interested families are asked to call the main office at 541-451-1581 for more information.
Louth Fianna Fail Councillor Emma Coffey says she is thankful that Dundalk schools were still on their holidays yesterday after violent attacks occurred on the Avenue Road, Seatown and the Inner Relief Road.

Cllr. Coffey told The Dundalk Democrat: "Thank god the schools were still off. The Avenue Road is a very busy area.

The scene on the Avenue Road yesterday morning

"My own little daughter is in playschool nearby. Usually, there would be kids on bikes and children on the footpaths with their parents coming up along that road at that time [ 9am ]."

"But thankfully, they were off. It could have been so much worse."

The Louth Councillor, whose family home in just minutes from where the 24-year-old Japanese man Yosuke Sasaki was brutally stabbed, also told how locals are still "in a state of shock".

She said: "People are still in a state of shock and are asking how and why this attack happened.

"Obviously, my sympathies are with the poor young deceased man who was walking to work, just going about his business when he was attacked, and the two Irish victims too.

The Louth Councillor continued: It's the randomness of it that's frightening. Areas like the Avenue Road would be a quiet enough residential area. And then the Coe's Road is more of a commercial area.

"It was the time of day and the time of year too. You don't expect violent incidents to happen so early in the morning. It just makes you think it could happen anywhere."

The Louth Councillor said that people should think of the victim's family in Japan and the terrible news they would be receiving: We have to think of the victim's [Yosuke Sasaki] poor family and the terrible news they're going to get.

Ms. Coffey also said that whilst the mood in Dundalk was still one of shock, many people a lot of questions.

"People have a lot of questions surrounding the attacker, such as how did he get into Ireland? Where are his family?

It is worrying that authorities can't identify how the man got into Ireland.

But people shouldn't make assumptions about this case. We should all be cautious and just let the Gardai do their job.

"I think the local Gardai are launching a very well-coordinated investigation. Hopefully, it will come to a speedy conclusion. But of course, that's no comfort to the family of the man who was killed."

The Fianna Fail Councillor also commended Dundalk gardai for their quick response time and handling of the situation.

She said: "Driving around town this morning, there was a very strong Garda presence. I really have to commend the Gardai.

"Within 45 minutes of yesterday attacks, the gardai had tackled and disarmed him. The way they handled the situation is a testament to their work.

You hear a lot of negativity about the gardai, but they were on the ball yesterday. Even the fact that they held the press conference so early into the investigation yesterday, I think they are giving out as much information as they can to the public and are being very respectful to the victim's family.

The Louth Councillor concluded saying: "I would encourage any members of the public to get in touch with the gardai if they've seen anything.

Gardai are appealing for witnesses to contact Dundalk Garda station on 042 938 8400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
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Fianna Fail TD for Louth Declan Breathnach says it is appalling that it will take until 2023 before the Government connects 8,528 rural homes and businesses in Louth to broadband, under the National Broadband Plan (NBP).

Responding to a Parliamentary Question from Fianna Fail, the Communications Minister Denis Naughten said that network rollout will take 3-5 years following contract award under the NBP.



The contract is expected to be awarded in 2018 which means that Louth internet users and over half a million homes and businesses across Ireland, will have to wait until 2023 for the service to be rolled out.



Deputy Breathnach said: Its almost impossible to believe that more than a decade after the National Broadband Plan was first launched, thousands of premises in Louth will still not have a high-speed broadband connection.

He continued: The rollout of the NBP by successive Fine Gael-led Governments has been a disaster. They have repeatedly missed their own deadlines for delivery and kicked the can down the road in the run-up to elections.



This is having a detrimental impact on rural communities which rely on broadband for connectivity.

The Fianna Fail TD also said that the delay and lack of action on the National Broadband Plan for rural areas, is costing jobs, threatening rural sustainability and creating a digital divide between urban and rural Ireland.



Deputy Breathnach concluded: This Governments neglect of rural Ireland cannot be allowed to continue and commitments must be made to ensure that all premises in rural areas are connected to essential broadband services as a matter of priority.
Louth County Library is hosting a Mindfulness Colouring Station for adults in Dundalk Library until January 20.

The de-stressing sessions are taking place as part of the First Fortnight Festival which aims to challenge mental health prejudice through art therapy.

First Fortnight is a two-week mental health arts festival that being staged in Dublin and venues nationwide since 2009.

A post on Louth County Libraries Facebook page said: "Colouring pages and pencils will be provided in the Library until January 20th so make sure to come in and relax.

"First Fortnight was created to challenge mental health prejudice through art therapy with mindfulness colouring being one of the many great ways to relieve stress."

As part of the First Fortnight festival another event, called Inside Out, will be held in Creative Spark, on Thursday January 11 at 12pm .

Organisers for the Creative Spark: "Everyone is invited to bring their art and creativity out of the home or studio and into the community. All art forms are welcome including painting, poetry, sculpture, photography, singing/songwriting, and dance."

Visit www.firstfortnight.ie/ for more details on events happening throughout the country.
AN angry mob gathered at Dundalk courthouse this evening as a special sitting took place for Mohamed Morei - the suspect in the fatal stabbing of Japanese national Yosuke Sasaki.

As Morei was led into the courthouse by Gardai, crowds pushed and shouted abuse at the suspect.

Jeers of "Welcome to Dundalk" and "This is for Ireland" could be heard as the mood outside became more aggressive and members of the media were pushed and shoved in the scuffle.

Gardai cautioned some local men, telling them: "Quieten down, or you'll be lifted."

The mood in the courtroom was sombre . The suspect sat surrounded by Gardai, occasionally speaking to his interpreter.

The thin young man, who was dressed in grey tracksuit bottoms and a dark jumper, sat with his head back and his eyes closed.

After the hearing, the suspect was taken away by Gardai.

Outside, a larger crowd had gathered and the atmosphere had become even more hostile as locals waited to catch a glimpse of the suspect.

Outside two women commented to the Dundalk Democrat about the gathered crowds saying: "That was terrible. He's only a child."

Morei, whose nationality has not yet been confirmed, was brought to Dundalk District Court in handcuffs shortly before 7pm this evening in relation to yesterday's attack which left one man dead and two injured.

The court heard that the accused was arrested at The Crescent, Dundalk at 4.31pm today and was charged at 5.20pm.

WATCH: Shouts and jeers as suspect in Dundalk fatal stabbing led into courthouse
SWEET HOME  Sweet Homes military veterans and first responders will be honored through a new community-wide Hero Banner Project.

Former Mayor Jim Gourley and his wife, Lisa, who currently serves on the City Council, have worked on the project for two years.

We noticed banners in other communities when we have traveled, Jim Gourley said. What better way is there to show community support for our veterans and active-duty servicemen and women and to show pride in our city?

Gourley said the project will be coordinated through the Community Health Committee and the City Council.

The concept of community health encompasses so many areas, Gourley said. We hope these banners not only honor our service folks, but also help our residents understand what our service men and women go through and the types of health services they might need.

Gourley said the banners will include a photograph, name and branch of service of each honoree. They must have been residents of any of the communities or rural areas that make up the Sweet Home School District.

Service can be in any of the military branches, as well as the Merchant Marine, National Guard and Reserves.

Also, first responders such as firefighters, EMTs and police officers, who have died in the line of duty, will be eligible.

The banners will be produced at Northwest Graphics in Lebanon and cost $75 each. Local businesses are helping sponsor veterans and installation of standardized brackets that will go on the telephone and light poles that line Highway 20.

We have more than 200 poles, Gourley said. Right now, we have three different-sized brackets. Our plan is to standardize all of the brackets. We will hang the Hero Banners on Memorial Day and they will remain up through Veterans Day. Then, we can install our Christmas banners.

Support has been strong, according to Gourley. The deadline for the first round of applications is April 15.

We hope to have at least 100 banners up for Memorial Day weekend, he said. We will then add them when we get groups of say 10 or so at a time. We would love to have every pole filled in time.

Each banner is 2 feet wide and 4 feet tall, and is made of heavy materials to last many years.

We currently have 20 banner applications in the process, Gourley said. Applicants will need to produce proof of service, such as a DD14 or equivalent. We also require a photograph.

Specific pole positions are not guaranteed.

A star on each of the banners will be white for veterans, blue for active duty personnel and gold for those who have died in the line of duty, Gourley said.

There also will be designations for those killed in action, missing in action and prisoners of war.

Application forms are available at the Sweet Home Chamber of Commerce, 1675 Main St.; City Hall, 1140 12th Ave.; or on the citys website at http://www.sweet-home.or.us/executive/page/sweet-home-hero-banner-project.
A recent story in The New York Times outlined how the Veterans Affairs hospital in Roseburg apparently has attempted to lift its quality-of-care ratings by cherry-picking the patients it admitted.

The gambit worked, at least for the facility: On the five-star scale that the VA uses to rank its hospitals, the Roseburg facility went from one star to two stars in 2016. The director of the hospital collected an $8,120 bonus, the Times reported.

It might not have worked out so well for the patients who were refused admission to the hospital. For example, the Times story begins by telling the story of Walter Savage, an 81-year-old veteran who was malnourished and dehydrated and suffering from broken ribs incurred during a fall at home. A doctor recommended Savage be admitted.

However, the Times reported, a nurse in charge of enforcing admission rules determined that Savage was not sick enough to be admitted.

Savage apparently wasn't the only one: An investigation by the Times showed that the hospital started in 2016 to be overly selective about the patients it admitted. The idea, said doctors who worked at the hospital, was to admit only low-risk patients because those patients were more likely to get better, thus improving the hospital's rating.

In fact, when Savage finally was admitted (against the wishes of the administration) a day after first appearing at the hospital, he was moved to a nursing home in less than 24 hours. That's so Savage's case couldn't count against the facility's rating.

To be fair, the director of the Roseburg hospital, Doug Paxton, told the Times that even though being more selective about patients had improved the hospital's rating, it had not turned away patients just for the sake of ratings. Rather, he said, the Roseburg hospital  a facility in a generally rural area  doesn't have the resources to deal with acute patients, so they must be moved to other facilities.

This all would be troubling enough if the problems seemed to be isolated to the Roseburg hospital. But the Times noted that recent government reports have cast doubt on the accuracy of the metrics the Department of Veterans Affairs uses to keep tabs on all its facilities.

The problem there, of course, is that the Veterans Affairs medical system is so vast that it needs to use some kind of measuring tool. David Shulkin, the rare member of the Obama administration who was invited to continue on with the Trump administration, told the Times that without the metrics, "we're like an airport with no air traffic control."

That's undoubtedly true. But Shulkin and his colleagues need to be sure that the metrics they're using are accurate and difficult to manipulate.

Here's the bottom line: When today's veterans joined the armed forces, part of the promise we made to these men and women was that we would take care of their health care needs. We have failed in that promise. Considering the mess he inherited, Shulkin isn't doing a bad job, but the Times report starts to suggest how much work remains. (mm)

Driving downtown

Albany drivers will have to put up with at least a few more weeks of construction work jamming up the downtown area.

The original idea in the city's Downtown Streetscape Improvements Project was to have work finished by the end of 2017. However, as you might have noticed, the construction crews and equipment downtown did not vanish over the New Year's holiday.

The good news is that work to complete curbs and ramps should be finished this week. Sidewalks should be done early next month. The final work in the project, redoing asphalt where necessary, may not be finished for a couple of months after that.

In the meantime, downtown drivers need to remember that construction crews (not to mention other drivers and pedestrians) deserve extra consideration during the final few weeks of the project. (mm)
(REUTERS / Kim Kyung-Hoon)Believers take part in a weekend mass at an underground Catholic church in Tianjin November 10, 2013.

Within three decades, China, often viewed as an atheistic country, may be home to the largest Christian population in the world, the World Council of Churches says announcing that it is sending a delegation to the most populous country on the planet.

The WCC which represents more than half a billion Christians said in a Jan. 4 statement that it is sending its delegation there as part of its 70th anniversary celebrations.

The delegation will be led by the Geneva-based WCC's general secretary, Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit during its Jan. 7-16 visit to China.

He said, "China has the world's largest population and is very significant partner in addressing the global challenges of our time. The church in China has a very significant role in shaping the Christian witness and service in our time, both in China and in the global fellowship."

The delegation will visit Shanghai and meet with the China Christian Council and the Three-Self Patriotic Movement, as well as with the leadership and students at the East China Theological Seminary after the Chinese groups invited the WCC to visit.

They will also travel to Xi'an and visit Shaanxi Bible School and Jing Xin Church said the WCC which represents Christians mainly from the Anglican, Orthodox and Protestant traditions.

"Since China opened up to the world in the late 1970s, tolerance for religion has gradually increased, and religious life prevails in China and the numbers of baptized Christians in China have grown significantly," said the WCC, noting China's enormous economic growth.

The church groups the WCC will encounter are the State-approved and backed churches that are linked to the State-sanctioned Three-Self Patriotic Movement.

THREE-SELF PATRIOTIC MOVEMENT

In April last year The Atlantic, however, wrote about an "explosion of faith" in China when it referred to the decades of anti-religious campaigns that followed the 1949 communist takeover.

It said is giving way to a spiritual transformation noting that among the fastest-growing drivers of that transformation are unregistered churches.

"Once called 'house' or 'underground' churches because they were small clandestine affairs, these groups have become surprisingly well-organized, meeting very openly and often counting hundreds of congregants," wrote Ian Johnson in The Atlantic.

He said house churches have helped the number of Protestants soar from about 1 million when the communists took power to at least 60 million today.

"Of these believers, about two-thirds are not affiliated with government churches. In other words, Protestants in non-government churches outnumber worshippers in government churches two to one," wrote Johnson.

'MILLIONS LIFTED OUT OF POVERTY'

In his statement Tveit praised China for the development of its people saying, "Millions have been lifted out of poverty by this growth, raising renewed hope of the possibility of eradicating the most extreme forms of poverty globally.

"In addition, we noted with appreciation China's example and leadership in ratifying the Paris Agreement on climate change and in scaling up its investment in developing renewable energy."

The Three-Self Patriotic Movement is a Protestant church in the People's Republic of China, as well as one of the largest Protestant bodies in the world.

The WCC delegation includes its Asia president Sang Chang and Peniel Rajumkar, who heads its Interreligious Dialogue program.

"I am eager to meet more representatives from churches, particularly students and youth who represent the church of the future," said Tveit, a Norwegian Lutheran.

Religion in China may be mushrooming, but it is still under the watchful eye of the State.

Since President Xi Jinping came to power in late 2012, Freedom House said, the scale of religious oppression has increased at all levels of society, despite widespread resistance

"The scale and severity of controls over religion, and the trajectory of both growing persecution and pushback, are affecting Chinese society and politics far beyond the realm of religious policy alone," the U.S. network quoted researcher Sarah Cook saying in a statement.

TIGHT GOVERNMENT CONTROL

Religious practice in China is tightly controlled by the government.

There are five recognized faiths: Chinese Buddhism, Islam, Catholicism, Protestantism and Taoism.

They are supervised by official organizations such as the Protestant Three-Self Patriotic Movement or the Buddhist Association of China.

"Places of worship are registered, religious leaders are monitored, theological content is managed, and annual festivals or pilgrimages like the Muslim Hajj are organized under official auspices," Freedom House said.

Open Doors, which monitors Christian persecution globally says there are some 85 million Christians in China.

In its latest report on China it says that "a considerable part of persecution targets the small convert minorities among the Tibetans and the Muslim Uighurs, but Christians among the main Han majority face increasing restrictions too."

It notes that the campaign of breaking down crosses in the Zhejiang province has ended, but church meetings continued to be disrupted in several provinces.

"The new NGO law and the new draft regulations on religion are signs for tightening control on Christians in particular. As Christians are the largest social force in China not controlled by the Communist Party, there are increasing efforts to bring them under state control."
Guangzhou is the top city in China for cross-border e-commerce, after bringing in a total revenue of 21 billion yuan ($3.23 billion) in 2017.

The results come off the back of the city strengthening its efforts to foster new business formats for foreign trade and improve its trade facilitation.

In 2017, more than 210 million import and export manifests were processed by Guangzhou Customs with more than 1.58 billion yuan in tax contributed to the local economy, up 31.7 percent and 180 percent respectively year-on-year.

On Nov 11, China's biggest online shopping day, Guangzhou Customs reviewed and processed over 2.5 million cross-border e-commerce manifests worth 630 million yuan, three times the volume of last year. More than 100,000 manifests were dealt with every hour by Guangzhou Customs, nearly 25 times the speed on normal days.

Workers sort parcels at a bonded warehouse in Nansha district, Guangzhou on Nov 11, 2017. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

The smooth handling of e-commerce manifests at peak hours is the result of Guangzhou's fast-growing cross-border e-commerce industry and strengthened efforts to roll out intelligent customs clearance systems, cut red tape and explore new approaches in e-commerce pilot zone and e-commerce industry cluster construction.

The special "Market Purchase" declaration mode enables the customs office to finish declaration in seconds. It also means we can choose to declare exports in Guangzhou's Huadu district while exporting from Nansha or Shantou ports, which saves a great amount of transportation cost, according to a customs declarer of a Guangzhou-based foreign trade company.

The "Market Purchase" mode refers to a special pilot foreign trade pattern in Guangzhou which allows a foreign trade company purchasing products with a total value of less than $150,000 for each deal at a designated market place to handle the customs clearance procedures within the city it purchases products.

Over 2.5 million cross-border e-commerce manifests worth 630 million yuan are inspected by Guangzhou Customs on Nov 11 last year. [Photo/Chinanews.com]
Hailey Baldwin and Shawn Mendes only recently confirmed their relationship but rumors are already swirling in regards to a possible engagement between them.

According to a new report, Baldwin sparked rumors of a potential engagement during a recent trip to Miami. There, she was photographed spending time with friends on the beach and sporting a suspicious ring on her left-hand ring finger.

In the photos shared by Hollywood Life on Jan. 2, Baldwin is seen walking on the beach with a massive diamond ring on her finger as she showed off her pink hair and matching pink bikini.

As the outlet pointed out, however, Baldwin's boyfriend was nowhere in sight and also seemingly skipped out on spending the New Year's holiday with her. Instead, Baldwin spent New Year's Eve with her friends at LIV Nightclub, where Kylie Jenner's boyfriend and baby daddy, Travis Scott, was performing.

Baldwin and Mendes were first linked to one another several months ago after being spotted getting cozy with one another at a Halloween party in Los Angeles.

He was holding her hand and putting his hand on her lower back to guide her through the party, an insider told Hollywood Life at the time. He was very comfortable showing her affection and she loved the attention, looking at him adoringly. He had his arm wrapped around her, keeping her close. At the end of the night, he took her by the hand and they left together.

As the report revealed, Baldwin was hosting the party at Delilah nightclub in West Hollywood with her famous friends, Kendall Jenner and Justine Skye.

Baldwin was linked to Justin Bieber in 2016 but after celebrating the holidays together, the couple seemed to go their separate ways. Then, months later, as Bieber seemingly moved on with Kourtney Kardashian, Baldwin was briefly linked to Drake. As fans may know, Drake has since been linked to Baldwin's longtime friend Bella Hadid.

While Baldwin hasn't said anything publicly about her relationship with Mendes, she made it quite clear that they were dating during a recent visit to his hometown in Toronto, Canada.

Prior to her relationship with Mendes, Baldwin was linked for several weeks to YouTube star Cameron Dallas. However, after being spotted with one another post the Met Gala last May, the couple appeared to go their separate ways.
Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber may have recently celebrated the New Year holiday together in Cabo San Lucus, Mexico.

However, according to a new report, the couple may not be on the best of terms. Gomez and Bieber flew back to Los Angeles from Mexico earlier this month on a private jet together but when they made their way off the plane, they were said to be arguing.

On Jan. 2, The Blast claimed that after a romantic trip to Mexico, Gomez and Bieber left the airport in Van Nuys separately without so much as a hug or a kiss. Could a breakup be looming? While nothing has been confirmed quite yet, the recently rekindled couple was recently said to be in couples therapy.

As TMZ explained last month, Gomez and Bieber reportedly came to blows after Gomez reportedly learned that Bieber had been in contact with his former girlfriend, Hailey Baldwin. According to the report, sources at the Hillsong Church claimed Bieber had reached out to Baldwin in an effort to make amends following a sour breakup years prior.

Then, because he has taken on an "open and honest" approach to life, he informed Gomez about their conversation. Although Bieber was thinking that honesty would be the best policy, he reportedly found himself in hot water with Gomez who wasn't happy to hear that he had been in touch with an ex-girlfriend.

Gomez and Bieber rekindled their on-again, off-again romance at the end of October following Gomez's 10-month relationship with The Weeknd. Since then, they've been faced with a number of rumors in the months since going public, including breakup rumors and rumors of a future wedding. They've also been dealing with ongoing rumors regarding Gomez's family's alleged disapproval of their relationship.

At the end of last month, a source spoke to Hollywood Life about Gomez's family's reported thoughts on her romance with Bieber. The insider claimed that Gomez is understanding of her mother's stance but hopes she will soon see that her boyfriend is a changed man.

Selena gets why her mom has so many reservations about her seeing Justin again, but she just wishes Mandy would trust her judgement and give him a break," the insider said. "Shes upset, but totally not phased by her familys disapproval though, if anything it makes her all the more determined to make it work out with Justin to prove them wrong."
Kourtney Kardashian refused to entertain the idea of marriage during her nine-year relationship with Scott Disick, the father of her three kids. However, according to a new report, she's planning to marry her much younger boyfriend just months into their romance.

After going public with their romance this past summer, Kardashian, 38, and her boyfriend, 24-year-old Younes Bendjima, are allegedly planning for an elopement -- and refusing to allow any members of her famous family to attend.

Kourt just doesnt want the fanfare of a traditional Kardashian wedding, an insider revealed to Radar Online on Jan. 3. She wants to marry Younes but would prefer to be just her, him, and a celebrant on the beach, with no cameras around.

According to the source, Kardashian has been discussing a potential secret ceremony at her friend's home in Punta Mita, Mexico, and Bendjima reportedly loves the idea. In fact, he may prefer to get married without Kardashian's family present because the Kardashian circus simply isn't something he has gotten used to.

"Kourtneys crazy loud mom and sisters freak him out! the source added.

In addition to her alleged plans to marry Bendjima, Kardashian is reportedly hoping to welcome a fourth child "soon."

She talked about this with Younes and he is definitely down to try for a baby! He knows that if he gets Kourtney pregnant he will be set for life. And he gets to have a kid! the insider said.

Kardashian shares three children with her former boyfriend, Disick, namely 8-year-old Mason, 5-year-old Penelope, and 3-year-old Reign.

Kardashian and Bendjima were first introduced in September 2016 in Paris and after Kim Kardashian was infamously robbed, it was Bendjima who helped Kardashian through the traumatic event by translating what the authorities were saying about the crime.

Throughout the end of 2016 and early 2017, Kardashian and Bendjima were regularly seen together. However, it wasn't until the summer when they were finally caught getting cozy with one another on a yacht in Cannes. Since then, they've spent tons of time with one another in Europe and Los Angeles.

To see more of Kourtney Kardashian and her family, including her sisters, Kim and Khloe Kardashian, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, don't miss new episodes of Keeping Up With the Kardashians Season 14 on Sunday nights at 9 p.m. on the E! Network.
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West have spent years renovating their new Hidden Hills home in Los Angeles, California.

The Wests have only been living in their new mansion for a few weeks now and Kim has already set a new house rule: no jewelry allowed. According to TMZ, Kim decided to put the policy in place because she doesn't want to be the target for thieves.

Learning From The Past

On Oct. 3, 2016, Kardashian was attending Paris Fashion Week with her sister Kourtney Kardashian and her mother, Kris Jenner, until things took a turn for the worse. Later that night, it was reported that Kim was robbed at gunpoint of jewelry worth at least $8 million dollars.

The incident stunned Kardashian fans and even caused Kanye to immediately walk off stage at his concert in Queens.
Paul Sorvino, the father of actress Mira Sorvino, has a bone to pick with Harvey Weinstein. In fact, he wants to ruin Weinstein's life.

A Scorned Sorvino

The elder Sorvino does not have any kind words to say about the disgraced movie mogul after reports surfaced last year that Weinstein targeted his daughter. Director Peter Jackson offered proof to both Sorvinos about Weinstein's misdeeds in an interview with New Zealand publication, Stuff Magazine. Jackson revealed that both Weinstein and his brother, Bob, warned him that casting Ms. Sorvino in the Lord of the Rings films would be a bad idea.

While the veteran actor did not learn of his daughter's dark past with the former Weinstein Company leader until much later in life, Mr. Sorvino added that he would have put the disgraced movie mogul in "a wheelchair."

Sorvino also believes that if Weinstein did not end up in jail for his numerous sexual misconduct allegations, he would personally take care of the movie mogul.

"He has to meet me," said Sorvino. "And I will kill the (expletive). Real simple."

On Dec. 8, 2017, Ms. Sorvino wrote a guest column on the Hollywood Reporter website that brutally described her torture at the hands of Weinstein. The actress revealed that the movie mogul allegedly groped her during the media circuit of her 1995 film Mighty Aphrodite. The future Falling Skies star earned both a Best Supporting Actress Oscar and a Golden Globe award for her portrayal of Linda Ash.

"My daughter's ... a courageous and a wonderful human being, and doesn't deserve to have been treated that way by this pig," said Mr. Sorvino.

The older Sorvino is also confident that Weinstein will not only be brought to justice but also claimed that the movie producer would rot in jail.

Weinstein's Victims Speak Out

The Sorvinos are not the only people who want to see Weinstein in jail. Actress Salma Hayek revealed in an editorial piece that not only did Weinstein was her monster, but he also harassed her during the filming process of her 2002 Frida Kahlo biopic Frida. Hayek's co-star, Ashley Judd, also revealed in an Oct. 26, 2017, interview with Diane Sawyer that Harvey Weinstein sexually assaulted her during a meeting at a Beverly Hills hotel. Game of Thrones actress Lena Headley also stated that she felt "powerless" during her encounters with Weinstein. Headley reported that the former movie mogul bullied her throughout the filming process of the 2005 fantasy horror film The Brothers Grimm.

Weinstein still claims that he is innocent regarding all 80 sexual misconduct allegations against him. However, Weinstein is currently seeking "sex addiction" treatment in Arizona.
The Punisher star Jon Bernthal had some harsh words for alt-right fans of his character, Frank Castle, during a recent interview.

Bernthal, who features on the cover of Esquire's winter issue, spoke candidly about working on the Netflix series and alt-right fans of his work.

On Prepping For His Role As 'The Punisher'

Bernthal told Esquire's Stephen Rodrick that he had to do a lot of research for his role as Frank Castle a.k.a. The Punisher on the titular Netflix series, which was greenlit for a second season last month.

The Walking Dead alum revealed that he visited comic-book stores and purchased vintage copies of the series. He told the publication that he was also warned by Punisher completists not to "f-K" it up.

He said he would often put on his headphones, wear a loaded backpack and walk the streets of New York City in order to become one with the character and wouldn't even meet any of his friends while they were filming the series in the city.

"Ask people on set and they'll say I'm difficult," Bernthal told Rodrick. "But it's not about my trailer or the food; it's always about making the role make sense."

On People Sporting The Punisher's Skull Logo

When asked about how he felt about soldiers in Iraq rocking the Marvel character's skull logo, the 41-year-old actor said he felt honored to play the role of a character that serves as an inspiration to people who put their lives on the line.

However, soldiers aren't the only ones sporting the long-fanged Punisher logo. It was also spotted on the shoulders of alt-right protesters during a white-supremacy rally in Charlottesville, Virginia in August and when this was brought to Bernthal's notice, the actor's response was a blunt and simple, "F-k them."

On His Stance On Gun Control

Given that his character has a liking for guns, Bernthal was also asked about his stance on gun control. Although the actor owns a gun himself, he is in favor of having some restrictions in place, especially after the tragic events of the Texas church shooting in November and the Las Vegas massacre in October, due to which The Punisher's debut was postponed by a month.

I have a gun in my house to keep my family safe," the actor said. "I'm trained in that gun's use. I know how to keep it away from my kids, and I know how to use it if I need to. Should there be a way that a guy with mental issues like the asshole in Texas can't get guns? Absolutely. We have to have a dialogue, and that's not happening."
French President Emmanuel Macron urged Iran and Israel yesterday (3 January) to maintain a mutual dialogue, warning that the tone of comments adopted by the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia toward the Iranian regime was virtually a path to war. The official line pursued by the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia, who are our allies in many ways, is almost one that would lead us to war, President Macron said.

He further commented that this was a deliberate strategy for some countries but France is seeking to maintain some balance. Otherwise, we end up surreptitiously rebuilding an axis of evil, he said, referring to the term once used by former US President George W. Bush to describe countries including Iran, Iraq and North Korea. President Macron also said that he would only visit Tehran if calm and respect for freedoms are restored.

EU head of diplomacy, Federica Mogherini, commented that the EU was closely following the ongoing demonstrations in the country including the unacceptable loss of human lives and the increase of violence. For the EU, human rights have always been the key component of the relations with Iran and peaceful demonstration and freedom of expression are fundamental rights that apply to every country, the Commission holds.

The EU authorities have been in touch with their Iranian counterparts in the spirit of openness and respect but the European expectations are such that all concerned will refrain from violence and the right of expression will be guaranteed. Ensuring and supporting the full implementation of the nuclear deal in order to further improve and deepen bilateral cooperation remains at the core of the EU-Iran relations.
During the EU-Africa summit in late November, leaders of both continents agreed that young people are going to be the key force behind future development of Africa. Demographic growth will be one of the main challenges for Africa in the coming years, with its population forecasted to double by 2050. Despite the urgency of the population changes, leaders did not agree on any mid-term or long-term measures to address the issue.

Instead of the intended focus on African demographics, the summit was overshadowed by recent evidence of human trafficking and the allegations of slavery practices in Libya. To address this issue, African, European and Libyan leaders agreed to create an EU-AU-UN Task Force in Libya including voluntary evacuation of irregular migrants, the facilitation of migrants repatriation and the resettlement of those in need of international protection. The Task Force will also step up efforts to dismantle transnational traffickers and criminal networks, accompanied by information campaigns to raise awareness of the dangers.

The establishment of the Task Force is a major achievement and a concrete step to fight human trafficking and slavery. Migrants have gotten to the forefront of exploitation and it has become as profitable to keep migrants captive as it is to send them on vessels heading for Europe. Despite the successful creation of the Task Force, its actual work is up against a complex set of challenges. Libyas many armed groups make it very complicated to intervene against human trafficking, but without having these groups on board, it is likewise very complicated to achieve anything at all.

On the positive side, armed groups are trying to gain international legitimacy and fighting smuggling and trafficking could help them to achieve this goal. On the negative side, working with the local armed groups might exacerbate existing conflict lines, which could create an even more dangerous environment for both migrants and Libyans. The Summit came at a time of polarization in Europe and while the EU is trying to prevent illegal migrants from coming to Europe, African leaders want more legal opportunities for Africans to come to Europe. The gathering served as a platform for dialogue and helped European and African leaders to find a common ground.

Despite this reconciliation, the question remains whether the EUs self-interest of stopping migration is compatible with African development. Most importantly, future migration policies should be based on a greater understanding between transnational irregular migration, political institutions and greater governance dynamics in order to draft politically sensitive policies that target irregular migration without contributing to one of the root causes. At the same time, these policies can only be implemented in a sustainable way if policy makers understand and take into consideration how proposed measures could influence the responsiveness of the state and the potential dynamics of conflict. It is time to implement a more holistic and conflict-sensitive strategy of migration management in which migration is seen only as one of the many challenges facing the continent.

The EU-AUs Response to Slavery and Migration: A Way Forward?  Opinion by Fransje Molenaar, Anca-Elena Ursu & Floor El Kamouni-Janssen  Clingendael / Netherlands Institute of International Relations.

(The Opinion can be downloaded here)
Hi all,



Does anyone know which board is certifying people for Safety, Health, Environment and Quality for CSV?



Emmah
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Alicia San Miguel remembers the impact of the head-on collision Sept. 13 and the pain in her right leg, which shattered when she slammed on the brake of her new Volkswagen Jetta.

She doesnt recall being hit by two of the three cars that smashed into hers, but remembers fire erupting in the engine of the pickup that hit her first.

Her leg in a walking boot, San Miguel, 29, stood in front of her sixth-grade English class Wednesday and explained why she hadnt been back to Losoya Intermediate School for almost four months.

A gentleman who made bad choices  he was drinking and driving  he crashed into us, San Miguel said. He hit our car head-on, and it hurt me. It hurt my husband. It broke my leg really badly. Thats why Ive been out for so long.

She added, You may know peers or friends who have considered or thought about drinking. Im going to tell you its a bad choice, especially when you get in the car.

Turning her experience into a teachable moment, San Miguel pulled up a photo of her totaled car on a projector screen.

I was very lucky to get out of it with just a broken leg, said.

Wednesday was the Southside Independent School Districts first day back from winter break, and San Miguels first day back in the classroom since the wreck.

She taught fifth grade at Losoya for two years before moving up to sixth grade this year. Half of her students only knew her for a few weeks before the crash, but the other half had her all last year.

Students were saddened to hear San Miguels story and greeted her Wednesday with flowers and complaints about substitute teachers who disciplined them. Reinna Harris, a girl in San Miguels second-period class, fell sobbing in her teachers arms.

Most of San Miguels students are 11 or 12. Many have seen older siblings who drink alcohol, and some have taken drinks themselves, San Miguel said.

One of San Miguels former fifth-graders, 11-year-old Katelyn Cleeves, said she was worried her teacher wouldnt recover enough to return to the classroom. San Miguels speech taught her a lesson: If you see anybody drinking, dont let them drive.

Just before 11 p.m. on Sept. 13, San Miguel and her husband were headed to their Northwest Side home from a Janet Jackson concert at the AT&T Center  one postponed since January 2016.

On the way to get a bite to eat, her car was struck by a northbound Ford F-150 pickup on Medical Drive. The truckveered across a center turn lane and hit them, a Police Department report stated.

Unable to avoid the crash, another vehicle rear-ended San Miguels car, knocking it into an SUV, whose operator was waiting to pull out of a private driveway, according to the police report.

Police charged the driver of the pickup, 21-year-old Carlos E. Ramirez, with intoxication assault and two outstanding Municipal Court warrants.

Ambulances took San Miguel and her husband to University Hospital.

In addition to her broken leg, San Miguels shoulder muscle separated from the bone. Glass from the windshield still is embedded in her scarred hands.

Her husband, Kevin San Miguel, a supervisor at Nationwide Insurance, suffered back and neck pain.

Alicia San Miguel underwent two leg surgeries and had to be cared for by family in Amarillo. She lived apart from her husband until Thanksgiving.

Shes still receiving physical therapy and expects to wear the walking boot for at least another month while the swelling subsides.

San Miguel said she and her husband werent the only ones hurt in the wreck: Her students were harmed as well. The sixth-graders had to spend class time learning the limits of their substitute teachers, San Miguel said.

A retired certified teacher substituted for most of San Miguels absence, but every time a substitute takes over, students have to relearn classroom routines and expectations, said Manuel Ornelas, Losoyas principal.

San Miguel has several students with special needs, and the substitutes also needed time to understand the required accommodations, Ornelas said.

Its establishing a relationship with students which is critical, he said.

San Miguel said it was hard for her to think about all the negative effects of one persons bad choice.

Its like somebody threw a rock in a pond, she said. They didnt see the ripple effect.

Alia Malik is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of her stories here. | amalik@express-news.net | @AliaAtSAEN
Visit an alfalfa farm in central Nevada, and you will hear about China and Saudi Arabia.

The two countries are big buyers of Western hay. Last year, a Saudi dairy company picked up land in Arizona and California, the Associated Press reported. The farm grows hay that can then be shipped back to feed cattle in the parched Middle East nation. In recent years, Chinas dairy demand has grown, and with it, the country has shown an increasing interest in Western hay.

The world is interconnected, and events on one part of the globe can often have ripple effects on local economies that export crops or minerals. Prices could slip. Prices could spike. This is a reality for several Nevada counties, where dominant industries include mining and agriculture. In fact, two Nevada counties  Eureka and Lander  are among the most export-dependent counties in the U.S., according to an analysis by Pew Research Center.

It doesnt surprise me that some of these rural areas are highly dependent on exports, said Sheldon Mudd, executive director of the Northeastern Nevada Regional Development Authority.

The Trump administration has pledged to renegotiate free trade agreements, like NAFTA, and pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a free trade agreement with Asia. Pews analysis suggested that export-dependent counties, which tend to be in rural areas, could be most affected by changes to these agreements. Until the administration comes out with more specifics, Mudd said it will be difficult to tell how revised trade deals might affect rural Nevada.

Until we see those details, we can guess all day long, he said.

Still, Mudd emphasized the importance of diversifying rural economies that might be heavily dependent on one or two industries. It is important, he said, to hedge against market trends.

Pews analysis relied on data from the Brookings Institution. In its Export Monitor 2017 report, Brookings looked at exports as a percentage of county-level gross domestic product. The Brookings report also quantified exports by industry and how they have changed over time.

Its all about mining

According to the Brookings data, about 39 percent of Eureka Countys GDP comes from an export-dependent industry. The central Nevada county, with a population of about 2,000, is one of the states least-populated counties. A closer look at the data shows that this is the result of mining and oil extraction in the area. It accounts for 98 percent of export-oriented activity.

Eureka County has several oil fields and metal mines, including gold and barite.

Other rural counties follow a similar trend. In fact, mining, oil and gas extraction as a collective industry account for the majority of export-oriented industrial activity in eight rural Nevada counties (Elko, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Mineral, Nye, Pershing and White Pine).

After Eureka County, the Pew analysis identified Lander County as another export-dependent county. About 27 percent of its GDP comes from export dependent industries, namely mining.

Lander County, like Eureka County, has several mines for metal and industrial materials. The industry as a whole accounts for about 92 percent of the countys export-oriented activity.

In terms of raw dollar value, neither county ranks highest in the state for exports. With Las Vegas and Reno, Clark and Washoe counties export far more than Eureka or Lander in real dollars. But relative to GDP, exports (often from one industry) account for a larger share of the rural economies.

When it comes to mining, Mudd said changes in trade agreements might have less of an impact than normal market fluctuations. Compared to other parts of the U.S., Nevada is different in a few ways, he said. For one, much of what is exported are precious metals that havent been processed into a final good. Many of the proposed changes to free trade policies could have a bigger impact on manufactured goods and agriculture. In mining, the worry is more about price changes.

Central Nevada is a major producer of barite, and supply and demand plays a role in setting price. The price of barite, which is used in drilling, also tracks changes in oil and gas prices.

In this region, people are more concerned about market prices, Mudd said.

Nevada stands out in another way. When many people think of exports, they think of shipping out widgets or an agricultural product like corn. Metals are often exported for different reasons, Mudd said. In some cases, due to environmental laws, Nevada-mined metal like gold or copper might be exported out of the U.S. to be processed, only to be sent back to the U.S. to be sold.

Rural diversification

Its important to stress that the data looks only at export-oriented industries. It gives a filtered picture through that lens, and it does not necessarily give a full picture of the local economies.

For instance, agriculture in Eureka County plays a role in balancing the local economy, even if mining accounts for more exports. In a presentation to the Legislature last year, a county official described it as the social glue that holds the region together through minings booms and busts.

But economic diversification is still crucial.

Mudd, who previously worked for the Governors Office of Economic Development, said that while urban areas have been able to diversify their economies, rural areas still have work to do.

Things that work in urban areas dont always work in rural areas, he said.

Thomas Harris, director of University of Nevadas Center for Economic Development, stressed that it was important to bring infrastructure upgrades, like high-speed internet, to these areas.

Most of our new economy is based on that, he said.
Satellite data shows that Earths ozone layer is recovering  and scientists say its a direct result of a decades-old international chemicals ban.

The findings were published Thursday in the journal Geophysical Research Letters and came after scientists measured the levels of ozone and ozone-destroying chlorine during an Antarctic winter using NASAs Aura satellite. Measuring has taken place since 2005.

The data showed that there was 20 percent less ozone depletion than a decade ago.

The ozone hole forms during Antarcticas winter, which is why researchers measure trace gases over the continent at this time, using an instrument on the Aura satellite known as the Microwave Limb Sounder.

Researchers have concluded that this ozone recovery is linked to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The protocol, signed in 1987 after the Antarctic ozone hole was discovered, eventually laid down a complete ban on chlorine-containing man-made chemicals known as chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, according to the Kenya-based The Ozone Secretariat at the U.N. Environment Programme.

We see very clearly that chlorine from CFCs is going down in the ozone hole, and that less ozone depletion is occurring because of it, Susan Strahan, an atmospheric scientist at NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, said in a Thursday news release.

The ozone protects the planet by absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation than can cause health problems such as skin cancer and that can damage plant life.

Scientists expect that the ozone hole will continue to recover as CFCs leave the atmosphere but that full recovery will take decades.
AUSTIN -- Longtime Republican state Sen. Joan Huffman won a key endorsement Thursday from Gov. Greg Abbott in her primary reelection fight with an outspoken GOP challenger.

The move is expected to deepen existing divisions in the Texas Republican Party that have been simmering for years, and have surfaced anew as control of the party took a hard-right conservative turn in recent years that left party moderates and the establishment wing increasingly isolated.

Thursday's endorsement is Abbott's ninth of conservative lawmakers who support his political positions, and comes after he last fall endorsed the conservative challenger to incumbent Republican state Rep. Sarah Davis, whose House district overlaps that of Huffman.

The announcement came just weeks after Abbott had appointed Huffman's GOP challenger, Missouri City attorney Kristin Tassin, to a gubernatorial special advisory commission on special education.

"Joan has been a key partner of mine in passing common-sense conservative solutions for Texas," Abbott said in a statement. "Joan is principled, she keeps her word, and I know that she will continue fighting by my side to make Texas even better next session. I hope that you will join me in supporting Joan Huffman in the upcoming election."

While it is generally rare for governors to get involved in a local legislative campaign, Abbott was irked last summer by House leaders who derailed roughly half of his must-pass agenda -- including the controversial bathroom bill -- and had promised he would help those who stood with him in the upcoming legislative reelection campaigns.

The support of Abbott, who remains popular across Texas in recent polls, signals that he could campaign for some House and Senate candidates and perhaps help financially as well. With well over $40 million in his own campaign war chest, and as the state's top Republican elected official, the governor is being looked to by many less-well-funded Republican candidates for support and encouragement.

Huffman, who chairs the powerful Senate State Affairs Committee, has served in the Senate since 2008. Before that, she worked as a Harris County assistant district attorney -- rising from misdemeanor court to chief felony prosecutor -- and served for two terms as a state district judge.

In recent legislative sessions, her committee has vetted a slew of controversial bills including the bathroom bill and a ban on union dues deductions from government paychecks. Those measures angered moderate Republicans and Democrats, and targeted her for opponents in her reelection campaign.

In the GOP primary, she faces Tassin, the president of the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees who is an outspoken critic of Huffman on public education issues. Tassin has championed public education and property tax reform, and has said she wants to find solutions to lingering problems in the state.

The winner of the GOP primary will square off with a Democratic primary victor in the general election in November to represent the district that includes parts of Harris, Brazoria and Fort Bend counties. Rita Lucido, Fran Watson and Ahmad Hassan are Democrats running for Huffman's seat.

Huffman has responded that Tassin has a history of voting in past Democratic Party primaries, though voting record show she voted in GOP primaries in 2014 and 2016.

In a speech to an education group last year, House Speaker Joe Straus -- who challenged Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick over their conservative agenda -- publicly singled out Tassin for praise for an op-ed article she had written on a public education issue.

At another point, where he urged members of the Texas Association of School Boards to get more involved in the political process, Straus said, "I bet a few of you would make great members of the Texas Senate."

Correction: This story has been corrected to include the three Democrats challenging Huffman in the March 6 primary, and to correctly reflect Tassin's stand on the issues.
KERRVILLE  Its clear from his swanky accommodations at Kerr Countys animal shelter that Nelson, a large gray pit bull mix lounging on a pillow in the facilitys office, is no ordinary stray.

For the past three years he served as the countys official canine ambassador, appearing at area school campuses and other venues with shelter staffers delivering tutorials about rabies control, the importance of spaying and neutering and related topics.

The kids loved him, said Mike Wong, who met Nelson during the dogs visit at the now-closed countys juvenile detention center, where he was a detention officer.

It brought up their spirits, Wong, now a county animal control officer, said Wednesday. Having a dog there reminded them of their own pets at home.

County commissioners decided in November to retire Nelson and discontinue the ambassadorship because of liability concerns after discovering the countys insurance policies didnt cover him. The move also is intended to save the county money.

Three people made unsolicited requests to adopt Nelson, said County Commissioner Jonathan Letz who, like other officials, wants to ensure the county finds a good home for the former ambassador. For now, hes grounded at the shelter.

There has been a hitch, Letz said, because of Nelsons official county diplomatic standing and because taxpayers had covered a $2,306.54 vet bill incurred in 2016 when he was hit by a car while on an official outing.

After the county attorney started looking at it, she concluded that Nelson was a county asset, said Letz. Like property, you cant just give him away after the county had put money into him.

The county could declare him surplus and put Nelson up for auction, but theres no assurance that the high bidder would provide a good home, Letz said.

County Attorney Heather Stebbins said that, as county surplus, Nelson could also legally be donated to a nonprofit organization.

He doesnt have the training like a drug dog or a police dog or a cadaver dog, but he was the countys canine ambassador and he is county property, she said. He was more like a service dog than one who could be put on the general adoption rolls.

To try to solve the problem, officials decided to recoup the countys veterinarian expense by setting Nelsons adoption fee at $2,306.54 rather than the shelters normal $45 fee for dogs. Although one would-be adopter agreed verbally to pay the higher fee, Letz said, in the interests of ensuring everyone had a fair chance at acquiring a county asset, the county posted a Dec. 8 notice advising that Nelson was available for adoption at $2,306.54 and setting a Dec. 22 deadline to apply.

But the deadline passed without anyone stepping up to adopt Nelson  prompting unfounded rumors that he would then be euthanized  leading to a cascade of criticism of county officials on social media sites.

Even if the option for euthanasia is off the table  he doesn't deserve to be caught up in government red tape, at the shelter! read a Dec. 30 post on the Facebook page Free Nelson, written by Susan Hunter. He deserved a home to spend Christmas in, and he deserves a home to spend the rest of his life in. He deserves it NOW!

The group page was created by Hunter, a Bandera County resident who until recently had fostered dogs from the shelter and took and posted photos of its adoption candidates.

We feel it is unethical and not good for an animals mental health to be confined to a facility for an indeterminate period of time when there are viable options to allow him to be removed, she said Wednesday. Many people have said they would adopt him in a heartbeat if he were available for a standard adoption fee.

Reagan Givens, the countys director of environmental health and animal services since September, described the outpouring of online opinions and misinformation surrounding the situation as a crazy deal.

Were not a popular department, you could say, he said Wednesday. It definitely did raise safety concerns for my staff.

Theres been comments about our staff being the devils spawn and that animals are better than humans, he said. Everyone is outraged by the adoption fee,

Debbi Haughey wrote on the Free Nelson page, They are going to be getting all that money in pennies??? This is absolutely insane and I pray that Nelson becomes famous as well as the jerks that are exhorting this $$$$$.

Because of the absence of public interest in adopting Nelson for the $2,306.54, Letz said county officials are exploring other options for finding Nelson a good home.

The ironic part is that, for a pet, Nelson is treated like royalty, he said Wednesday, suggesting critics look beyond this one celebrity cause. They should be concerned about trying to adopt the other dogs at the shelter.

Zeke MacCormack is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of his stories here. | zeke@express-news.net | @zekemac
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In the wake of a Houston federal lawsuit by three Texas churches damaged during Hurricane Harvey, the Trump administration has followed through this week on its promise to reverse a long-standing disaster aid policy that denied relief to houses of worship.

The announcement of a Federal Emergency Management Agency rule change  which an attorney for the Justice Department earlier told a judge was pending  means the three churches and any other religious institutions that provide service to their broader local communities can immediately be eligible for Harvey aid, according to newly published FEMA documents.

President Donald Trump had signaled his support for churches getting aid shortly after the Houston lawsuit was filed, tweeting on Sept. 8 that Churches in Texas should be entitled to reimbursement from FEMA Relief Funds for helping victims of Hurricane Harvey (just like others).

The FEMA rule states that the change was made possible after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in June in a Missouri case, Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia Inc. v. Comer, involving state grants for playground equipment. In the Trinity case, the majority found the First Amendment required religious groups to receive equal access to widely available public programs. Private nonprofit houses of worship will not be singled out for disfavored treatment, the rule says.

The rule change applies to all disasters declared since Aug. 23, FEMA announced.

Pastor Charles Stoker of Hi-Way Tabernacle in Cleveland said in a news release that it was a perfect way to kick off the new year.

Its been a cold day, and this news will warm us all up here! Were delighted that FEMA will start treating us like other charitable groups. And we look forward to continuing to help our neighbors as they recover from Harvey, Stoker said.

Likewise, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America celebrated the announcement as a long-fought victory.

We at the Orthodox Union have been working for more than 15 years to have this policy changed, Nathan Diament, executive director for public policy, said in a news release. We thank the Trump Administration for righting this long-time wrong and treating disaster-damaged churches, synagogues & other houses of worship fairly  on the same terms as other nonprofits such as museums, community centers and libraries stricken by natural disasters.

Opponents of the rule change saw it as extremely problematic.

We are deeply troubled by this policy change, said Alex Luchenitser, associate legal director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State in Washington, D.C., whose organization has filed briefs in support of the former FEMA policy. Its a clear violation of the U.S. Constitution and its protection of the separation of church and state.

The lawsuit, filed in September by Harvest Family Church in Cypress, Hi-Way Tabernacle and Rockport First Assembly of God, challenged FEMAs former policy.

Two Florida synagogues damaged during Hurricane Irma filed a parallel lawsuit, Chabad of Key West v. FEMA.

After a federal judge in Houston denied an emergency injunction in December, the three Texas churches asked U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito for emergency relief. Alito asked FEMA to respond to the churches request, and FEMA published its new policy before its deadline to respond at the Supreme Court, according to a news release by Becket, a law firm specializing in religious liberty cases that represents the Texas churches and the Florida synagogues.

Better late than never, Daniel Blomberg, an attorney at Becket, said in a statement. By finally following the Constitution, FEMA is getting rid of second-class status for churches, which in the words of the Supreme Court was odious to the First Amendment.

The Texas churches injunction denial has been appealed to both the 5th U.S. Circuit Court and the Supreme Court. The Florida synagogues case is pending in federal district court in Key West, according to Becket. Those lawsuits will remain in place, said Eric Rassbach, co-counsel with Blomberg.

It seems that FEMA needed a nudge from the lawsuit to follow the Constitution. However, the lawsuit is not over  for instance, FEMA has not yet actually started processing our clients applications. But this is a move in the right direction, he said.
Police Chief William McManus on Thursday defended his decision to release 12 people suspected of being in the country illegally after arresting the driver of a tractor-trailer in December, saying his officers dont have jurisdiction to enforce immigration laws.

But the head of the union representing police officers said the chief burned the general manual when he decided to charge the truck driver under a state law and release the immigrants found inside the trailer.

In a news conference, McManus said he made the call to bring state charges against Herbert Alan Nichols, 58, of Houston, who was arrested Dec. 23 on the East Side.

A passing motorist had flagged down police after seeing people being unloaded from the truck and put into waiting vehicles, McManus said. By the time an officer arrived, 12 people were left, a police report states. About 15 officers were on the scene by the time he got there, McManus said.

It could have gone federal, it could have gone state, McManus said. So because we had 12 people sitting on the corner, we had all of our officers queued up waiting to see how we were going to handle this, I made the call to handle it at the state level.

It was an unusual decision. McManus said he didnt know if San Antonio police ever had used the state transporting of people charge before, and District Attorney Nico LaHood said he hasnt prosecuted a case under the statute since he came into office in 2015.

If convicted, Nichols could face up to 20 years in prison because one of the immigrants in the trailer was younger than 18.

The 12 immigrants, who were suspected of being in the country illegally, were taken to police headquarters and interviewed, then released to Catholic Charities, McManus said.

A spokesman for the Archdiocese of San Antonio said Catholic Charities assisted seven individuals with food, clothing and providing hotel rooms. All seven left the city by Dec. 25.

McManus was careful to say the decision to charge Nichols with a state crime and release the witnesses wasnt pursuant to a particular policy, which could have put the department in violation of the new Texas ban on so-called sanctuary cities.

Passed last year, Senate Bill 4 creates penalties for local officials who interfere with immigration enforcement. Portions of the law have been struck down by the courts, but a segment that punishes local officials who have policies preventing police from asking about immigration status still is in place.

This call was situational, based on a fairly fluid situation on the scene, McManus said. So this is not necessarily the way every case is going to be handled going forward.

Mayor Ron Nirenberg left the news conference without taking questions about the smuggling incident.

A spokesman for Gov. Greg Abbott, one of SB 4s biggest supporters, didnt respond to a request for comment. A spokesman for Attorney General Ken Paxton said his office will enforce the provisions of the law that have been left in place.

Mike Helle, the president of the union representing San Antonio police officers, said an agent with Homeland Security Investigations, the branch of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that handles criminal matters, works out of police headquarters and was on his way to the scene when McManus decided to refer the case to the district attorney.

Smuggling cases have been referred to ICE as a matter of course in the past, including Julys smuggling incident that left 10 people dead who were being smuggled from Laredo to San Antonio in a tractor trailer. In that case, police found dozens of people in a truck parked near a South Side Walmart, and the driver was charged with federal crimes.

This case should have been handled by homeland. Theyre the ones that should be handling human smuggling cases, Helle said. Somehow McManus gets ahold of this, interjects himself into the situation, and basically starts calling Catholic Charities and all the people he can get ahold of to basically get rid of all these illegals before the feds get there.

At police headquarters, Helle said, detectives were told not to check the witness names against federal and state criminal databases, which he said is a violation of standard procedure. As a result, he said, police didnt know if any had past criminal histories.

The guys that were not in the room could not believe it. If any one of our guys did this, any one of them, theyd probably be put on administrative duty and terminated from the Police Department, Helle said. Theyre actually in (police headquarters) and the people from the Catholic churches, God bless them, theyre already making arrangements for people to escape.

Helle made his comments after McManuss news conference, and a spokeswoman for the Police Department did not respond to a request for comment Thursday afternoon.

Earlier in the day, McManus said local police had to release the 12 people because they dont have authority to investigate federal immigration violations.

Once the folks got here to police headquarters, we had no jurisdiction to hold them, to detain them, he said.

McManus is correct that local police do not have jurisdiction to investigate most immigration violations, said Cesar Garcia Hernandez, a law professor at the University of Denver.

I think what matters ultimately is if these are individuals themselves are suspected of engaging in criminal activity, Garcia said. The presumption is that were all entitled of our liberty, and if any government official wants to deprive us of our liberty, then its up to the government to show theres some suspicion of wrongdoing. Being in the United States without the federal governments permission is violation of civil immigration law, not criminal immigration law.

After last summers deadly smuggling incident, the city reached an agreement with Catholic Charities and Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services to work with the survivors of smuggling incidents, McManus said.

Jonathan Ryan, the executive director of RAICES, said his organization is working on getting the 12 immigrants visas available to witnesses of crimes who work with law enforcement.

To say that this is the first time an immigrant or undocumented person has been the victim of a crime, has been encountered by San Antonio police and provided a witness statement and been released is absurd, Ryan said. Ive been director of RAICES for 10 years, and weve received referrals from SAPD since the first days I was here. The difference is we now live under the lid of such a toxic anti-immigrant climate and an anti-immigrant administration that respecting the basic human rights of people and treating victims with dignity and respect is apparently and all of a sudden a revolutionary concept.

jbuch@express-news.net
The age-old question  Whos the worst driver in the family?  may soon be answerable if the city adopts a voluntary safe-driving program next year with a smartphone app that has had some success in other cities in reducing speeding, hard braking and distracted driving.

San Antonios Transportation & Capital Improvements department plans to partner with a Cambridge, Massachusetts, firm whose DriveWell app was downloaded by about 5,000 Bostonians in 2016 and was credited with reducing speeding among the most active users by some 35 percent and distracted driving by 47 percent. Seattle is now several weeks into the program and has shown more modest gains.

Offering the incentives of sponsored cash prizes  often through insurance companies  and friendly competition with friends and family, Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT) markets the app to cities as a possible catalyst for saving lives, reducing human error and perhaps helping urban planners and engineers to design better roadways.

And its really great for tracking your teenage driver, said City Councilman Greg Brockhouse to some empathetic laughter at a recent hearing of the councils transportation committee. Brockhouse said he and his wife subscribe to a similar monthly service that, like the DriveWell app, can send real-time reports on juniors driving to parents phones.

She tracks the kid all the time, said Brockhouse, who said he cringes a bit about the Big Brother-ability of the program. Shell get a report on the phone, call him up and say, Hey, what was that hard-braking deal about 15 minutes ago?

Brockhouse and council members Ana Sandoval, Manny Pelaez, Rey Saldana and Shirley Gonzales all seem impressed by the CMT program, but voiced concerns about privacy and said they would want assurances that the personal data users must supply the company before its app can be downloaded would be kept anonymous.

I would be concerned if CMT or the city could determine from the data that I have traveled down a certain street at a certain time, Brockhouse said. I can see how that might be useful to police, divorce attorneys, all kinds of people who dont really have a right to see it.

Art Reinhardt, assistant director of the city transportation department, said drivers maybe  should think twice about participation if they dont want their daily movements known to the city, CMT or perhaps an insurance company.

CMTs vice president for marketing, Katherine Wellman, said this week that the only personal data a participating city would get would be a leaderboard for its safe-driving competitions, which would only include a users online moniker and email address  both of which could be fictitious, she added.

When we get someones data at the end of their drive, it is transmitted through Amazon Web Services, which is highly secure and reliable, Wellman said. The cities dont send us anything that can identify people. Thats definitely a concern of the cities, and thats understandable.

Reinhardt suggested that the DriveWell app would be no more invasive than, say, letting Bluetooth track your whereabouts before accessing a music service such as Spotify. Its just driving behavior, he said. I dont anticipate theyll give us a long list of users. We dont care about who - just the what, when and how.

But no one with the city denies that CMT, at some point, would have thousands of user names and the ability to know where they were driving. When that data would be anonymized and sent to the city has not yet been agreed upon between the parties, Reinhardt said.

In Seattle, the citys safe-driving website says CMT collects email addresses, ZIP codes, phone sensor data and location data, all of which is made anonymous within 60 days after the competition ends, so that it cannot be used for any other purpose. It also says a participating insurance company would receive the data.

However, on the same website page, the city of Seattle reminds its citizens: Please note that the City of Seattle is subject to the Washington Public Records Act. By participating in Seattle's Safest Driver, any records you submit to the City of Seattle may be subject to disclosure pursuant to the Public Records Act. Like most states, Texas similarly makes local government records subject to public release.

Wellman confirmed that the company only needs a username, ZIP code and an email address from participants. They cant disable their phones GPS, because the program uses it to display the locations of unsafe driving incidents on a map, she said.

The app runs in the background - otherwise drivers might get distracted - and posts a running score based on their speed, acceleration, braking, cornering, turning and phone use. The competition also gives points for biking and taking the bus.

An app isnt going to make streets safe, Tom Fucoloro, founder of the Seattle Bike Blog, said in an interview via email. But I have heard from folks that it has made them think more about how they drive. And it provides a clear disincentive to using your phone while driving, which is great.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration says 3,477 people were killed on U.S. roads in 2015 in crashes involving distracted driving and more than 391,000 were injured. Teenagers comprised the largest group of distracted drivers.

The San Antonio program, if approved by the full City Council, is expected to cost near $50,000  thats for CMTs construction of the app  and would likely begin in April, which is the National Safety Councils Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

CMT makes its free app available on the internet separately from the city-sponsored programs. And with the data gathered from some 15,000 drivers who covered 18 million miles over a four-month period in 2016, the company was able to determine that within U.S. metropolitan areas with more than 100,000 people, motorists are significantly distracted on 31 percent of all drives.

And, yes, the company can also determine which streets saw the most smartphone-induced distracted driving among those users.

Bruce Selcraig
Just months after taking a hit in federal court for refusing to provide air conditioning for heat-sensitive inmates, Texas prison officials on Wednesday denied multiple complaints of unheated and underheated units at roughly two dozen prisons amid a near-historic cold snap.

Prisoner advocates in recent days have fielded dozens of reports of insufficient heating from concerned families of Texas Department of Criminal Justice inmates locked up at facilities from North Texas to the Rio Grande Valley. Some reported no heat at all and others complained that only cold air came out.

Historically, Ive heard complaints in the winter about the prisons being cold, said state Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston. Im told by prison officials theyre all heated, but in some of the older units you might have some failures.

Despite the slew of reports of unheated units from across the state, TDCJ spokesman Robert Hurst said only one facility  the Formby Unit in Plainview  had a broken heater and that it was quickly repaired.

All TDCJ units are operating with adequate heating, Hurst said Wednesday.

But inmates families pushed back against that assessment.

It may just be a fact of them not turning it on, said Chelsea Collins, whose husband is at the Coffield Unit in Tennessee Colony, where nighttime lows have dipped into at least the 20s in recent weeks.

Not long after receiving a tip from the family of an inmate at the Allred Unit  a North Texas unit where a 10-day hunger strike just ended  Jennifer Erschabek of Texas Inmate Families Association put out a call on Facebook for reports of unheated and underheated units to make a list to pass along to state political leaders.

The responses came flooding in, from Luther, Allred, Robertson, Eastham, Coffield, LeBlanc, Stiles, Pack and more than a dozen other units.

Ive never seen an issue about cold like this in the past, Erschabek said. I dont know if its just because its such a frigid outbreak of weather or because people are starting to find their voice when it comes to complaining and getting things fixed.

By Wednesday evening, Erschabek said, a few inmates families said the heat seemed to have been turned on or fixed at some units.

Men whove done time said chilly indoor temperatures arent anything new, though the differences in the way heating and cooling systems are set-up from unit to unit creates some variation systemwide.

David Kreger lived on the Wynne Unit in Huntsville during the roughly two decades he spent behind bars.

There was times in the winter months on the cell blocks that the water would freeze in the toilets overnight, he said.

Lewis Conway Jr., who served time in a slew of different prisons across the state, said officers sometimes wielded control of the heater to make a point.

If you werent being compliant or obedient, that thing stayed off, said the Austin man who now works with Grassroots Leadership. Every winter the only choice you have is a heater that blows on high regardless of the temperature so youre in a sweltering hell or if youre in a dorm where theres no central air or heating and its just concrete and steel.

TDCJ officials said all units are heated, according to Whitmire, though some rely on older systems.

When you have that many prisons and a lot of these older structures, youre going to have a lot of maintenance issues, said former union chief Lance Lowry. Its older buildings; a lot of them arent insulated. Theres a lot of drafts.

But however old the building is and whatever heating is available, TDCJ strives to keep the temperature around 70 degrees or higher, Hurst said.

Former death row inmate Anthony Graves scoffed at the idea.

Seventy degrees below zero, maybe, he said. He acknowledged that it wasnt the case at every facility.

The recent online outcry about cold prisons comes on the heels of a class-action lawsuit over sweltering summer temperatures inside the Pack Unit in Navasota. To comply with a federal judges ruling, TDCJ was forced to move more than 1,000 heat-sensitive inmates to air-conditioned prisons.

Just as it is well established that prisoners have a right to be safe from high temperatures, it is equally well established that they have a right to safe living conditions in freezing temperatures, said attorney Jeff Edwards, whose Austin law firm represents the inmates in the Pack Unit lawsuit. TDCJ has heat. If it is choosing not to use it, that is unconscionable..

Staff Writer Gabrielle Banks contributed to this report.
I never thought Id see it, but Al Franken has finally gotten around to calling a moving van.

While it is true that Franken was given virtually no chance to defend himself against multiple groping allegations (your side made those rules, not us), remember, it was never his practice to give that chance to anyone else.

On CNN and MSNBC, they were thunderstruck by Frankens magnanimous response to the charges: UNLIKE ROY MOORE, HE ADMITTED IT AND APOLOGIZED!

Yeah  theres a photo. So the part they had him dead to rights on he apologized for. What a guy.

Everything else he denied. Specifically, Franken said of his accusers: Some of the allegations against me are simply not true. Others I remember very differently.

Which reminds me: Thats exactly what Newt Gingrich said about the charge  repeated by Franken ceaselessly, endlessly, relentlessly and ubiquitously  that hed served divorce papers on his wife when she was in the hospital recovering from cancer surgery.

This claim came from Gingrichs ex-wife. It was denied by Gingrich. Now I dont know whos telling the truth, but I note that theres no expression: As reliable as testimony given by parties in a bitter divorce dispute!

Franken didnt care. He flogged the nasty story about Gingrich in books, on radio and in speeches, saying at the National Press Club, And the thing about this story that you should know is that its true  every part of it.

In addition to mining divorce records for sleazy, unprovable allegations against people he disagrees with politically, Franken spent years taunting Bill OReilly for claiming to have grown up in modest Levittown, New York, rather than  according to Franken  glamorous, ultra-posh Westbury, New York, apparently the Malibu of Levittown-adjacent areas.

It doesnt seem like a big deal to me, but this was Frankens case in chief that OReilly was a LYING LIAR. He offered a million dollars to OReilly to prove he grew up in Levittown.

Disregarding the lawyers rule about never asking a witness a question you dont know the answer to, Franken invited a Levittown historian onto a live broadcast of his Air America radio show to dramatically ask her if OReilly grew up in Levittown.

(Drumroll) Franken: I consider you the worlds foremost authority on Levittown. ... Whats the answer here?

Hofstra professor Barbara Kelly: Yes ... (OReilly) is right. It is Levittown. There is no doubt about that.

Im going to go out on a limb and say that OReilly never got his million dollars. There was no apology, no retraction, no I guess I got this one wrong. It was just onto the next one.

The pinnacle of Frankens reckless cruelty came when he used his Senate office to champion the cause of delusional nutcase Jamie Leigh Jones when she accused completely innocent men of gang rape while she was working in Iraq.

Jones had been a civilian employee of KBR, then a subsidiary of media bete noire Halliburton. She went on a major media tour in 2007 with claims that on her fourth day in Iraq, shed been drugged, gang-raped, anally penetrated and roughed up so badly that her breast implants ruptured  whereupon, to keep her from talking, evil KBR had her locked in a shipping container guarded by machine gun-toting men.

Think for a second. What part of that story could possibly have been true? KBR, knowing that the entire American media wanted its scalp, punished a woman for being gang-raped by its employees by holding her hostage in a shipping container surrounded by armed men? Did KBR think shed never get home and tell anyone?

Any normal person: Im calling B.S. on this story.

American media and Al Franken: OMG!!! The part about the shipping container gave me goosebumps!

The female doctor who examined Jones the day after her alleged attack found no evidence of gang rape, no evidence of anal rape, no evidence of a date rape drug and no evidence that her breast implants had ruptured. In fact, there was no evidence of any kind of rape: Semen samples showed shed recently had sex with one man. (Also, KBR employees dont carry guns.)

Before arriving in Baghdad  at age 20  Jones had already falsely accused four men of rape in four separate incidents.

A federal grand jury refused to indict KBR or any of its employees for the alleged rape.

Jones lost her civil lawsuit demanding more than $100 million from KBR and the one man shed had (consensual) sex with. Instead, she was ordered to pay KBR $145,000 in legal costs. She blew off the judgment by declaring bankruptcy while pocketing $175,000 from her workers compensation claim. (Thanks, taxpayers!)

This was the woman Franken championed, using Jones fantastical story to push legislation regulating employment contracts with Defense Department contractors  a gigantic taxpayer-funded boon to trial lawyers. Because of this womans hoax, the law was changed in a way that materially hurt our country: Either taxes had to be raised or the defense budget trimmed to make up for the trial lawyers slice.

GOP senators who declined to support Frankens nakedly pro-trial lawyer amendment were taunted as Republicans for rape.

Franken didnt care that he had gone on national TV and the Senate floor loudly accusing innocent KBR employees of rape. When it turned out he was once again spectacularly wrong, he simply never mentioned it again. No apology, no retraction, nothing. It was just onto the next one.

So, yes, Franken was not given a full opportunity to defend himself  as per leftist rules  against the multiple charges that hed groped women, backed by photographic evidence, before his party booted him from the Senate. But consider that no one has been more unfair to the entire rest of the planet than Al Franken.
By Adam Russell

The statewide search for seeds from native Texas grasses and forbs is expected to expand to East Texas in 2018, according to Texas A&M researchers.

Forrest Smith, the Dan L. Duncan Endowed director of the Texas Native Seeds project for the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, said the interest in re-establishment of native grasses and forbs is growing, and research initiatives are expanding.

The vision (of Texas Native Seeds) is to find and collect important native plant species and increase them to meet demand for restoration, he said.

Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has provided staff expertise, in-kind access to facilities, field space and equipment at Texas A&M Research and Extension Centers in Corpus Christi and Stephenville in support of that mission.

AgriLife Research scientists have been close cooperators on several restoration methodology projects as the native seed project began its statewide expansion in 2010. Texas A&Ms Texas Foundation Seed Service, meanwhile, certifies and licenses the projects native seeds to make them available to the public.

Smith said the project started in 2000 in South Texas after private landowners with major holdings approached the institute looking for ways to re-establish native grasses and forbs, restoring regional ecosystems that support native wildlife.

Researchers are seeking to increase a diverse seed mix of native species to provide to seed companies for production, Smith said. The native seeds would be for commercial production to keep up with demand. They would be maintained in a species database available for future research.

Seeds are collected from specific locations, and information, such as soil type and adjacent species, are recorded, Smith said. Researchers collected around 1,200 native plant species in

West Texas and around 750 species in Central Texas in the past few years, on top of over 2,000 seed collections made since 2001 in South Texas.

Similar efforts in other parts of the state will be undertaken in 2018, he said.

The native plants are being grown and evaluated for specific traits including survivability, germination, aesthetics and seed production, Smith said. Seed mixes and individual seed varieties will be certified and released through Texas Foundation Seed Service once the evaluation process is complete.

Smith said seeds from the various regions of Texas are being sought because species traits can differ in such a large and ecologically diverse state.

For instance, little bluestem, a prolific warm-season perennial grass, grows from Canada to Mexico, Smith said. Seeds from this species in Canada differ greatly from those found in Texas, because the plants internal schedules, such as seeding, differ.

A Texas little bluestem may produce seed later in the year because of warmer environmental conditions, he said. Texas little bluestem would face low survivability if its seeds faced earlier wintry weather in Canada.

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Over the past year, we have used this concept tractor as a way to kick off a dialog with our customers as to what the future of farming will look like in five or ten years time, he said.
Last Tuesday, it was casually mentioned that there was snow forecasted for the week ahead. Now, had I been sitting in London, I would have rolled my eyes and spent the next five minutes casually complaining about how the city cant take a single flurry without going into meltdown, whereas us Americans are ready for anything the crazy weather patterns can throw at us. Alas, Im in South Carolina and Ive never, in my lifetime, seen snow here before. Its been heard of. People have told me tales of moments when flurries have fallen and children have looked at the sky with great confusion. But, I have never seen such a moment with my own eyes.

As the morning approached, when the big snow day was set to arrive, it seemed the entire South Carolina system had shut down. Never again will I have a word to say about London and stopping traffic at a the drop of a flurry. Shutdowns happened before a single flurry hit the ground. This was in anticipation of a storm like nothing South Carolina had ever seen or prepared for. And it was as if the authorities had a direct dial to the big guy in the sky. By noon we were overwhelmed with freezing rain and sleet, which more or less made it impossible to drive. All surrounding bridges were closed, so we were officially stuck on the island with nowhere to go heaven! Then, around 1pm, the large chunks of snow started to fall. I honestly couldnt believe my eyes. I sat in the window of my house and watched as a winter wonderland formed around us. On either side of me sat two golden retrievers that had never seen anything like it before. To them this must have been like giant flakes of snow cone falling from the sky that left a most unusual playground behind for them to play in.

Once a few inches had fallen, we bundled up warm and headed out to explore. The dogs chased around in the snow like wild beasts, slipping around here and there, but more or less making their way to and fro with great ease. They rolled, wrestled and nearly walked straight into the water due to a rather muddled snowy shoreline. After I was quite sure I was getting frostbite in my rear-end, from spending time on the ground with them, we came inside to regroup. Mom had made her famous chili, which was greatly appreciated after I could find feeling in my fingertips once again, and Dad had come in from defrosting our heating unit (again we live in the south and our units are outdoors and not equipped for such weather). We were all pretty shocked by the day that had unfolded, but were equally excited that I was home to experience it with them.

To see a tropical island, covered in palm trees and decorated with spanish moss, instantly blanketed in white snow, is truly a special and unexpected gift to start the new year. Naturally, I went out with my camera and snapped away. In fact, the days total came to 509 pictures taken. I know you dont want to scroll through all of those. After all, Im not your grandmother making you sit down for a slideshow of my latest cruise around the world. So, Ive put together a dramatic edit to show the highlights of a snowstorm in South Carolina. A snowstorm in South Carolina. words I thought Id never ever say.
A former hedge fund highflier charged last year with civil FCPA violations is now indicted for defrauding a big charitable foundation by hiding his conflicts of interest in a multi-million dollar investment deal.

Michael Cohen, 46, was the executive managing director of hedge fund giant Och-Ziff Capital Management Group LLC.

In a criminal indictment unsealed Wednesday, he was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit investment adviser fraud and one count of investment adviser fraud.

Hes also facing one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, four counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice, one count of obstruction of justice, and one count of making false statements.

The indictment was returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Brooklyn, New York on October 5, 2017.

Cohen lives in London and isnt now in U.S. custody, according to sources who spoke to Bloomberg.

A year ago, the SEC charged Cohen and another Och-Ziff executive with orchestrating bribes across Africa that violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

The SEC said Cohen, who headed Och-Ziffs European office in London, and Vanja Baros, caused tens of millions of dollars in bribes to be paid to high-level government officials in Africa.

In September 2016, Och-Ziff paid $412 million in criminal and civil penalties to resolve one of the biggest FCPA enforcement actions ever.

Two other Och-Ziff executives, including founder and CEO Daniel Och, settled SEC charges that they violated the FCPA. Daniel Och agreed to pay nearly $2.2 million to resolve the SEC action.

In June 2017, a former consultant to a mining company owned by an Och-Ziff joint venture was sentenced to two years in prison for conspiring to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

Samuel Mebiame, 43, the son of a former Prime Minister of Gabon, admitted bribing officials in Niger, Chad, Guinea, and other countries.

According to the indictment unsealed Wednesday, in 2008 Cohen and others recommended an investment in an African mining company to a large charitable trust that was an Och-Ziff client.

The charitable foundation is the Wellcome Trust, Bloomberg reported. It supports research in science and health, among other things.

The indictment alleges that Cohen never disclosed that a seller of the African mining company shares owed Cohen millions of dollars. The debt was part of a delinquent $18 million personal loan Cohen had made to finance the purchase of a luxury yacht, the DOJ said.

When the borrower sold his shares in the African mining company to the charitable foundation, $4 million of the proceeds allegedly went to Cohen.

Cohen violated his fiduciary duties to the charitable foundation by making material misrepresentations and concealing conflicts of interest, the DOJ said.

The indictment also accuses Cohen of conspiring to cover up facts about the transaction after the SEC began investigating Och-Ziff in 2011.

The DOJ said Cohen obstructed investigations by concocting a false, backdated letter and making false statements to federal agents and the SEC.

Cohens lawyer, Ron White, told Bloomberg: Mr. Cohen has done nothing wrong and is confident that when all the evidence is presented, it will be shown that the governments charges are baseless.

____

Richard L. Cassin is the publisher and editor of the FCPA Blog.


A number of residents became convinced the aliens were invading after a mysterious light was seen in the sky.

Mysterious lights cause alien panic

In a series of videos, the large ball of light can be seen hanging in the sky at night for several minutes because it moves further away and then extinguishes in the distance, the Mirror Online reported.

At the time the people of Ocana in Norte de Santander, Colombia, were concerned the ball of light was in fact an alien invasion but others pointed out that it could be a flare or another fired object.

Local authorities are reportedly still trying to find out what the light actually was and some witnesses claim the orange glow disappeared into the neighbouring town of Aguas Claras.
Meryl Streep has recalled Dustin Hoffman slapping her during a scene on 'Kramer vs. Kramer' and admits she always felt he overstepped the boundaries as an actor with his action.

Meryl Streep

Streep, 68, starred alongside Hoffman, 80, in one of her earliest films with her performance in the 1979 drama earning her the best Supporting Actress Oscar.

But Streep can never forget that on her first day on set being spontaneously struck by her co-star and although she can accept that Hoffman was in character and committed to his art she feels that his action would not be acceptable during a shoot now.

Speaking to The New York Times, Streep said: "That was when we were making 'Kramer vs. Kramer'. This is tricky because when you're an actor, you're in a scene, you have to feel free. I'm sure that I have inadvertently hurt people in physical scenes. But there's a certain amount of forgiveness in that. But this was my first movie, and it was my first take in my first movie, and he just slapped me. And you see it in the movie. It was overstepping. But I think those things are being corrected in this moment. And they're not politically correct; they're fixed. They will be fixed, because people won't accept it anymore. So that's a good thing."

Hoffman, 80, has recently been accused by Anna Graham Hunter, who worked as an intern on his movie 'Death of a Salesman' in 1985, of sexually harassing her on the set 32 years ago.

Hunter alleged Hoffman "grabbed" her ass on the set and asked her to give him a foot massage and her claims led to him issuing a statement in which he said: "I have the utmost respect for women and feel terrible that anything I might have done could have put her in an uncomfortable situation. I am sorry. It is not reflective of who I am."

This news comes just months after numerous Hollywood stars - including Kevin Spacey and movie mogul Harvey Weinstein - have been accused of sexual harassment and rape allegations.
Prince George reportedly always holds his father Prince William's hand to "reflect the importance" of their "bond".

The Cambridge's

Parenting expert Jasmine Peters has revealed that the four-year-old prince is likely to always be close to the 35-year-old royal - who is expecting a third child with wife Duchess Catherine - when seen out in public, to show that he is raising him ready for his future role as King.

Whilst two-year-old Princess Charlotte is also holding her mother Catherine's hand to show they are "loving parents".

Peters told the Daily Mail newspaper: "It is not uncommon to see a father with his son to set the foundation of what his role and responsibilities will be in life with a family.

"It is often believed that it takes a man to raise a boy to be a man.

"It could reflect that Catherine and William are traditional, but it also reflects the importance of the bond created between father and son and mother and daughter that they both treasure and hold dearly as responsible and loving parents."

Meanwhile, Charlotte will be starting London's Willcocks Nursery this month, and Catherine will be encouraged to take part in "stay and play" sessions with her daughter to help the youngster settle in.

William may well also attend the regular "fathers' breakfasts" put on by the education establishment.

The nursery has 32 kids aged between two and five, and the youngsters are split up into three age groups named after birds, Cygnets, Swifts, Swallows and Swans.

Charlotte won't be required to wear a uniform at Willcocks, where morning sessions are priced at 3,050 a term, and 1,800 for the afternoons, meaning parents fork out 14,550 a year for their youngsters to attend both sessions for three terms.

There is also an informal Lunch Club session which can be added on to the package, where kids bring a packed lunch with healthy eating encouraged.

The nursery - located near to London's Royal Albert Hall - received an Outstanding rating in its latest Ofsted report, and they are excited for Charlotte's impending arrival.

Willcocks Nursery School said previously:" "We are delighted that The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have chosen the Willcocks Nursery School for Princess Charlotte. We look forward to welcoming Charlotte to our nursery in January."
Prince Harry has been "thanked" for his support by an amputee veteran looking to set a world record by rowing unaided across the Atlantic.

Prince Harry

Lee Spencer, who served in the Royal Marines for over two decades, lost his leg whilst fighting in Afghanistan, but he's determined to make the trip with the help of the 33-year-old royal's charity the Endeavour Fund.

Speaking to Harry, Mr. Spencer said: "When you go outside [leave the military], you think I'm going to miss the lads, miss the laughs, the camaraderie and everything that goes with it. But actually, it's the sense of service, sense of doing something that matters."

The royal joked that after completing the challenge last year, but with three other people, he wouldn't have to make small talk this time.

He smiled: "This is a massive task you're taking on, but you've already done it once.

"You've got three less people but you won't have to make conversation and you will get to sleep when you want to sleep."

Thanking Harry for his support and for changing lives with Endeavour, which he help set up in 2012 with his brother Prince William and his wife Duchess Catherine to help the recovery of the wounded and sick servicemen and women, Lee said: "The work he and the Endeavour Fund do has made a very big difference to many people's lives and in a very real way.

"I will carry with me his words of support across everyone one of the 3,500 Atlantic ocean miles I am about to face."
Princess Charlotte has had her first ever pub named after her.

The Cambridge's

The two-year-old daughter of Prince William and Duchess Catherine - who is due to start her first day at Willcocks Nursery in London today (04.01.18) - has been honoured by having the drinking hole, The Princess Charlotte, in Colchester, Essex, run by McMullen Brewery opened with her moniker.

The boozer's owner Heydon Mizon says everyone who visits the establishment is treated like a royal, and that he's looking forward to the day the tot is old enough to come down and have a drink.

According to the Daily Star newspaper, he said: "We aim to treat every guest like royalty at The Princess Charlotte and this would, of course, include the youngster herself."

It follows Charlotte's four-year-old brother having The Prince George opened in Milton Keynes by the brewery previously.

The Princess Charlotte was originally set to open when the royal was born in 2015, however, planning was delayed.

Mizon laughed: "Thankfully the baby wasn't at the mercy of a lengthy planning delay and so arrived on time.

"But the pub was significantly overdue."

Asked how they choose the titles for their pubs, he said: "We try to select names that are interesting, relevant to the time or place that a pub is built and that will stand the test of time."
Amanda Barrie has claimed she was asked to take Prince Charles' virginity.

Amanda Barrie

The former 'Coronation Street' star has revealed that she was asked by James Robertson Justice - a friend of Charles' father Prince Philip - to teach the 69-year-old royal about sex while he was attending Gordonstoun School in Moray, Scotland.

According to the Daily Mail newspaper, Amanda claimed James - who died in 1975 - had called the invitation an "ultimate compliment" but told her not to be "offended" by it.

She explained: "He was obviously very embarrassed and went round and round in circles before it came out. Finally, he admitted he was one of eight people who had been selected to help 'launch the royal males into their future life', as he put it.

"Between them, they had to choose anyone they thought would be suitable to teach Prince Charles about sex, and James had decided that I was suitable.

"He actually said: 'We don't really want people who are experienced but on the other hand, well, obviously they have to know the ropes. Frankly, the main thing one needs is a sense of humour and I know you have got that.

"James indicated that if things went well, I would be a kind of fixture -- not a girlfriend, but someone in the background. He said: 'They [the royals] can't possibly go off into the world without their own person.' It was to be a privilege as no payment was offered."

But Amanda - who came out as gay when she was 67 and married Hilary Bonner - turned down the request because she didn't want to be blamed for the experience.

The 82-year-old actress said: "The one thing that put me off was he suggested I take a pair of khaki shorts to go shooting. It was those that did it. I couldn't imagine me, in my wig and false eyelashes, dressed in khaki shorts striding across the moors. I had this terrible image of having to face the Queen over breakfast. What would she say? 'So, Amanda, how was it? I also thought that because Charles was so young, it might be a dreadful experience and I might be blamed. I had to say 'no'."
Anna Jones tells National Geographic Food magazine why turnips and swedes should become regular on your plate.

By Georgina Luck

Almost always in season, but often overlooked, these versatile roots are more delicious than you might think.

Turnips and swedes have a bit of a PR problem. Neither has the elegance of the asparagus spear, the shine of an aubergine, the candy-shop colour of beetroot. Both these affordable, British, long-seasoned veg get passed over time and time again for something prettier, juicier or sweeter.

I do it myself, pouncing on bobbly, deep-sea green cavolo nero, or rainbow carrots and bushy purple sprouting broccoli, leaving the swede and turnip sobbing in the vegetable aisle.

Theres something that feels a little mundane about both these root vegetables; it doesnt help that swede finds itself inextricably associated with stews and braises. They havent kept up with our quest for more exotic flavour or been singled out for a resurgence  like cauliflower or beetroot  by any of the chefs who influence our eating. But Id make a case for them being equally delicious, versatile and easy to cook.

To my mind their dowdy reputation in the UK is down to the fact that, more often than not, they are served boiled. But done right, boiled swede, mashed with butter and thyme is wonderful and comforting, while boiled turnip dressed with lemon and oil is just as good.

Both are favourites of veg box schemes, too, as they keep well and are sturdy enough to survive the trip. Of all the unloved vegetables, its these lonely leftover roots that Im most often asked about.

The good news is there are a million ways to eat them (check out a few ideas below), but first how to prep? Shorn of their thick outer peel, both swedes and turnips have a dangerous habit of slipping as you try to cut them.

TOP TIP: A good tip for getting round the problem is to cut off a chunk from one side and stand the vegetable on its flat side while you chop.

Anna jones is a cook and food writer. Her latest book, The Modern Cooks Year, is published by Fourth Estate (26)

FACT FILE

Turnip and swede are both root vegetables available year-round in the UK.

A good swede or turnip will feel heavy for its size, and smaller ones may be sweeter.

Both should have firm, tight skin  swede will have golden yellow flesh and a vibrant purple hue, while turnip can be all white or white and purple.

Turnip tops can be used in the same way as spring greens or spinach.

HOW TO COOK THEM

Turnip

Try them grated with carrot in a neat little salad dressed with lemon, a splash of olive oil and toasted cumin seeds. Tops can be quickly blanched, chopped and sauteed with chilli and garlic then tossed through warm pasta with some good olive oil.

Swede

Chop into chips, dust with salt and paprika; drizzle with oil and bake at 200C, fan 180C, gas 6 for 30 mins. For a gratin, slice thinly and place in a baking dish; dot with butter, herbs and seasoning; cover with stock and bake for 1hr at the same temperature

National Geographic Food is the latest magazine from National Geographic brand which captures food in its every facet alongside mouth-watering imagery. As an introductory offer, readers have the opportunity to subscribe to the first three issues for 3 at www.natgeofood.co.uk
One of Londons hottest chefs, Nuno Mendes, discusses the food of his home city, Lisbon, and shares some of his favourite recipes with National Geographic Food.

Mushrooms With Alentejo-Style Chickpeas

Recipe also available in Nun Mendes cook book Lisboeta: recipes from Portugals city of light

Cogumelos com pure de grao a alentejana (Mushrooms with alentejo-style chickpeas)

SERVES: 4 AS A SIDE

TAKES: 45 MINS

The mushroom season is much enjoyed in Lisbon. Ive stuck to only a few varieties in this recipe, which means it can be made throughout the year. The puree is based on another commonly used ingredient in Portuguese cooking: the chickpea. Its super tasty and will find its way into other dishes.

INGREDIENTS

For the chickpea puree

 2 tbsp olive oil

 1 onion, diced

 2 garlic cloves, crushed

 200g tinned plum tomatoes

 1 x 400g tin chickpeas, drained (liquid reserved); or 160g dried chickpeas, soaked and cooked (cooking liquid reserved)

 freshly squeezed lemon juice

 smoked paprika, to taste

 sea salt flakes and white pepper

 extra virgin olive oil, to serve

For the mushrooms

 3 tbsp olive oil

 150g whole portobello mushrooms

 20g vegan butter

 1 garlic clove, crushed

 150g oyster mushrooms

 splash dry white wine

 small handful parsley leaves, roughly chopped

 freshly squeezed lemon juice

METHOD

To make the puree, heat the olive oil in a pan over a medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 10 mins, or until soft. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant. Season with sea salt, pepper and paprika. Add the tomatoes and increase the heat to cook until caramelised. Add the chickpeas and cook to warm through. Pour in 150200ml of chickpea liquid and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 mins, or until the chickpeas are starting to fall apart. Season to taste and add a dash of lemon juice. Remove from the heat and puree briefly with a stick blender. For the mushrooms: heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over a high heat. Season. Add the portobellos and cook for 3 mins on each side, or until golden. Remove from the pan. Reduce the heat, add the butter and garlic and cook gently until soft and fragrant. Return the portobellos to the pan. Increase the heat, then add the oysters and cook 1-2 mins, basting with the butter. Add the wine and cook for 1 min more. Remove from the heat and stir in the parsley with a squeeze of lemon juice. Drizzle the chickpea puree with extra-virgin olive oil and a pinch of paprika and serve it alongside the mushrooms.

National Geographic Food is the latest magazine from National Geographic brand which captures food in its every facet alongside mouth-watering imagery. As an introductory offer, readers have the opportunity to subscribe to the first three issues for 3 at www.natgeofood.co.uk
Rise in output is expected to raise Indias cotton export by 15 per cent to 67 lakh bales (of 170 kg each) in the 2017-18 marketing year, beginning October over the previous years figure of 58.21 lakh bales, according to the Cotton Advisory Board. Average prices have decreased by 2-4.8 per cent for various cotton varieties compared to the previous year.Minister of state for textiles Ajay Tamta told parliament recently that crop production is estimated to increase to 377 lakh bales during the same period from 345 lakh bales earlier, a news agency reported.

Rise in output is expected to raise India's cotton export by 15 per cent to 67 lakh bales (of 170 kg each) in the 2017-18 marketing year, beginning October over the previous year's figure of 58.21 lakh bales, according to the Cotton Advisory Board. Average prices have decreased by 2-4.8 per cent for various cotton varieties compared to the previous year.#

As on December 20, 97.59 lakh bales of cotton had arrived, out of which 3.66 lakh bales had been procured from farmers by the Cotton Corporation of India Limited under minimum support price (MSP) operations, he added. (DS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Indonesia's textile exports rose by 5 per cent on a year-on-year basis in 2017 after being stagnant in the 2012-2016 period despite a decline in global textile demand in the year, according to the Indonesian Textile Association (API). Exports to the United States and Japan fell by 2 per cent each in 2017, while to the European Union (EU) fell by 3 per cent.These declines were offset by rising textile demand in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, API chairman Ade Sudrajat said while disclosing the statistics recently.

Indonesia's textile exports rose by 5 per cent on a year-on-year basis in 2017 after being stagnant in the 2012-2016 period despite a decline in global textile demand in the year, according to the Indonesian Textile Association (API). Exports to the United States and Japan fell by 2 per cent each in 2017, while to the European Union (EU) fell by 3 per cent.#

The United States still remains the biggest market for Indonesian textiles. About 36 per cent of Indonesian textile shipments go there. On second place comes the Middle East (23 per cent), followed by the EU (13 per cent).Indonesia's competitiveness, in general, has improved in the textile sector which has attracted more investment because of the countrys stable economy, a leading portal monitoring the countrys economy reported.Various textile factories were moved from West Java and Banten to Central Java several years ago because minimum wages rose too steeply in West Java and Banten. Central Java still offers a relatively cheap production environment.Nearly $759 million was invested in Indonesia's textile industry in the January-September 2017 period, much higher than the figure in the same period a year earlier, according to statistics from the countrys Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM).As Indonesia lacks a free trade agreement with the EU like Vietnam, Sudrajat urged the government to have discussions with the EU to further improve the competitiveness of the countrys textile products. (DS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Pakistan disbursed Rs 14 billion among the textile sector against claims for Rs 21 billion through the State Bank of Pakistan under the Prime Ministers Export Enhancement Package till December 21 last year. The Rs 162-billion package was launched to help the sector gain competitiveness in the international market and enhance the countrys textile exports.The government also offered procedural and tax relaxations on the import of textile machinery to modernise the industry and enhance the capacity of the sector, a senior official of the ministry of commerce and textiles industry told a Pakistani news agency. (DS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
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.
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - California Popsicle, Inc. dba Polly Ann Ice Cream of South San Francisco, CA, is recalling ice bars because it may contain undeclared milk. The recall was initiated after notification by FDA of a consumer complaint in Canada regarding an allergic reaction. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction, if they consume these products. The following products are included in this recall, Polly Ann Mango Ice Bar UPC#7-00730-28866-1, Polly Ann Red Bean Ice Bar UPC#7-00730-26868-7 and Polly Ann Green Bean Ice Bar UPC#7-00730-26666-9. These products are packaged in cardboard boxes with four bars per box and contain an expiration date ranging from 07/01/2018 through 07/31/2018. The recalled products were distributed to distributor customers located in CA, NY, and Canada during August 2017 and were further distributed by customers to various Chinese markets potentially nationwide. 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.
During JP Morgan Healthcare Conference

San Francisco, January 8-10, 2018

Regulatory News:

OSE Immunotherapeutics (ISIN: FR0012127173; Mnemo: OSE) (Paris:OSE), today announced that Dominique Costantini, CEO, will present an overview of the Company's business and will be available to participate in one-on-one meetings with investors at the Biotech Showcase 2018 to be held January 8-10, 2018, in San Francisco, CA.

The details of OSE Immunotherapeutics' presentation are as follows:

Event: Biotech Showcase 2018 Conference

Date: Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Time: 4:30pm (PT)

Location: Franciscan B (Ballroom level), Hilton San Francisco Union Square 333 O'Farrell Street

The presentation will be webcast live and remain available for 3 months thereafter on:

https://event.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1175696&tp_key=dfc9baeebb

ABOUT OSE IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS

Our ambition is to become a world leader in activation and regulation immunotherapies:

OSE Immunotherapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on the development of innovative immunotherapies for immune activation and regulation in the fields of immuno-oncology, autoimmune diseases and transplantation. The company has several scientific and technological platforms: neoepitopes, agonist or antagonist monoclonal antibodies, ideally positioned to fight cancer and autoimmune diseases. Its first-in-class clinical portfolio offers a diversified risk profile.

In immuno-oncology:

Tedopi,10 combined neo-epitopes to induce specific T activation in immuno-oncology.Phase III trial in advanced NSCLC:after temporary pause of new patient accrual end of June 2017, new recruitment strategy defined in December 2017 to focus the trial on patients who failed a previous treatment with a PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitor. Enrollment will resume after formal approval of the new recruitment strategy from the Competent Authorities.



Phase II with Tedopi in combination with an immune checkpoint inhibitor planned in advanced pancreatic cancer,in collaboration with GERCOR, a cooperative group of clinical research.

OSE-172 (Effi-DEM), new generation checkpoint inhibitor targeting myeloid cells via the SIRP-a receptor In preclinical development for several cancer models. Clinical program planned end of 2018.

(Effi-DEM), new generation checkpoint inhibitor targeting myeloid cells via the SIRP-a receptor In preclinical development for several cancer models. Clinical program planned end of 2018. OSE-703 (Effi-3), cytotoxic monoclonal antibody against the alpha chain of IL-7R Under a research collaboration with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York.

In auto-immune diseases and transplantation:

FR104 , CD28-antagonist in immunotherapy - Phase 1 trial completed For the treatment of autoimmune diseases and for use with transplantation Licensed to Janssen Biotech Inc. to pursue clinical development. Phase 2 planned end of 2018 in rheumatoid arthritis.

, CD28-antagonist in immunotherapy - Phase 1 trial completed For the treatment of autoimmune diseases and for use with transplantation Licensed to Janssen Biotech Inc. to pursue clinical development. Phase 2 planned end of 2018 in rheumatoid arthritis. OSE-127 (Effi-7), interleukin receptor-7 antagonist- In preclinical development for inflammatory bowel diseases and other autoimmune diseases. Clinical phase planned end of 2018. License option agreement with Servier for the development and commercialization.

The portfolio's blockbuster potential gives OSE Immunotherapeutics the ability to enter global agreements at different stages of development with major pharmaceutical players.

Immunotherapy is a highly promising and growing market. By 2023 Immunotherapy of cancer could represent nearly 60% of treatments against less than 3% at present and the projected market is estimated at $67 billion in 2018 **. There are more than 80 autoimmune diseases that represent a significant market including major players in the pharmaceutical industry with sales towards $10 billion for the main products. The medical need is largely unmet and requires the provision of new innovative products involved in the regulation of the immune system.

*Citi Research Equity

**BCC Research

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Forward-looking statements

This press release contains express or implied information and statements that might be deemed forward-looking information and statements in respect of OSE Immunotherapeutics. They do not constitute historical facts. These information and statements include financial projections that are based upon certain assumptions and assessments made by OSE Immunotherapeutics' management in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current economic and industry conditions, expected future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate.

These forward-looking statements include statements typically using conditional and containing verbs such as "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "target", "plan", or "estimate", their declensions and conjugations and words of similar import.

Although the OSE Immunotherapeutics management believes that the forward-looking statements and information are reasonable, the OSE Immunotherapeutics' shareholders and other investors are cautioned that the completion of such expectations is by nature subject to various risks, known or not, and uncertainties which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of OSE Immunotherapeutics. These risks could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in or implied or projected by the forward-looking statements. These risks include those discussed or identified in the public filings made by OSE Immunotherapeutics with the AMF. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance.

This press release includes only summary information and should be read with the OSE Immunotherapeutics Reference Document filed with the AMF on 28 April 2017 under the number R.17-038, including the annual financial report for the fiscal year 2016, available on the OSE Immunotherapeutics' website.

Other than as required by applicable law, OSE Immunotherapeutics issues this press release at the date hereof and does not undertake any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking information or statements.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180103005763/en/

Contacts:

OSE Immunotherapeutics

Sylvie Detry, +33 143 297 857

Sylvie.detry@ose-immuno.com

or

French Media: FP2COM

Florence Portejoie, +33 607 768 283

fportejoie@fp2com.fr

or

U.S. Media: LifeSci Public Relations

Matt Middleman, M.D., +1 646 627 8384

matt@lifescipublicrelations.com

or

U.S. and European Investors

Chris Maggos, +41 79 367 6254

chris@lifesciadvisors.com
SOFIA, Bulgaria, January 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Fibank was awarded by a professional panel and research team of the magazine, based on the following criteria: Asset Quality, Governance Structure, ROE, Tier 1 Capital Ratio, Corporate Social Responsibility and Customer Service.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160518/369255LOGO )



Jay Reddy, Head of branding at Global Brands Magazine commented, "I would like to congratulate First Investment Bank (Fibank) on winning the awards. These awards are a true testament on the bank's efforts in developing and improving the internal bank structures and systems, the service models and product positioning, and at creating prerequisites for future sustainable growth."

Fibank is known as the biggest Bulgarian bank, a growing, innovative, customer-oriented bank that offers outstanding products and services to their customers. With over 3100 employees, they have the largest branch network in Bulgaria and are first rated when it comes to investments for advertising in financial sector in Bulgaria. In terms of the coefficient of the marketing power of the brand, they are the most rapidly increasing. They are also the biggest corporate donor part of the long-term strategy for CSR. All these and more can be attributed to why they are very much successful when it comes to their area of specialization.

About Global Brand Magazine

Headquartered in the United Kingdom, Global Brands Magazine is a leading brands magazine providing opinions and news related to various brands across the world. Content includes news, opinions, discussions, highlights and features sourced by expert analysts on various brands across the world.

About Global Brands Awards

Global Brands Awards was established with the aim of honoring excellence in performance and rewarding companies across different sectors. The awards honor companies who have performed extraordinarily well in the field of Finance, Education, Hospitality, Lifestyle, Automobiles, & Technology. The awards are given to acknowledge key players who strive for distinction and reward their performance with the ultimate global recognition. They also aim to identify and create awareness about the significance of exceptional solutions and service delivery in different segments.

Find out more about Global Brands Awards here http://www.globalbrandsmagazine.com/about-the-awards/
BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - At 2.00 am ET Thursday, Nationwide Building Society is scheduled to release UK Nationwide house price data for December. Economists forecast house prices to grow 2 percent year-on-year in December, following a 2.5 percent rise in November. Ahead of the data, the pound traded mixed against its major counterparts. While the pound rose against the greenback, it fell against the euro, the yen and the franc. The pound was worth 0.8895 against the euro, 1.3211 against the franc, 1.3525 against the greenback and 152.21 against the yen as of 1:52 am ET. 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.
LONDON, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --Leidos, a global science, engineering, and information technology company, has today announced the appointment of Matt Wiles CB CBE as Chief Executive of Leidos UK.

Currently, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Wiles has been instrumental in Team Leidos' delivery of the UK Ministry of Defence's (MoD) Logistic Commodities Services Transformation (LCST) programme, including the recent opening of a state-of-the-art military logistics hub, the Defence Fulfilment Centre at MoD Donnington.

Previously, Wiles served in the Royal Air Force (RAF), leaving as Air Vice-Marshal. During his career, Wiles worked as the Director General of the UK Joint Support Chain, with responsibility for 7,000 staff and annual purchases of over 2bn, and as the Chief of Personnel for the RAF.

In recognition of his military service, Wiles was made a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2008 and a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in 2013. Prior to joining Leidos in 2016, Wiles worked for Serco in roles including Partnership Director for the Atomic Weapons Establishment and as Managing Director Defence.

Leidos' work in the United Kingdom includes providing innovative technology and solutions for some of the most complex problems in defence, healthcare, government, safety and security, and transportation. Examples include managing and modernising critical infrastructures, applications and business processes for clients such as the Scottish Government, Ministry of Justice, NATS, National Health Service and the UK MOD's 6.7 billion LCST programme.

Commenting on the appointment, Roger Krone, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Leidos said, "Matt has been fundamental to the success of Leidos in the UK. His leadership of Team Leidos and the success of the LCST project in delivering enhanced information technology and logistics services to the UK's Armed Forces demonstrates the opportunities the UK can unlock through technology, service and partnership."

Matt Wiles added, "I am delighted to have been appointed Chief Executive of Leidos UK at such an exciting time for our clients' challenges and opportunities as well as for our business. The success of our work with the MoD, across the British Government to organisations that are critical to our national infrastructure such as NATS, shows that we are a trusted partner in the UK and that our people can deliver innovative solutions to solve the most complex problems."

About Leidos

Leidos is a global science and technology solutions leader working to solve the world's toughest challenges in the defence, intelligence, homeland security, civil, and health markets. The company's 32,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $7.04 billion for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2016. Leidos UK has more than 1,200 employees servicing defence, public services, health, transportation, and safety and security clients. For more information, visit www.leidos.com/uk.

Statements in this announcement, other than historical data and information, constitute forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements, or industry results to be very different from the results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 30, 2016, and other such filings that Leidos makes with the SEC from time to time. Due to such uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.

Contact: Robert McNeill

rmcneill@leidos.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/4662/leidos_logo_4817_21071_.jpg
LAUSANNE, Switzerland, January 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Oculis (www.oculis.com), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development of breakthrough non-invasive topical treatment for back-of-the-eye diseases, announced it has successfully closed a Series B financing round of CHF 20 million (USD 20.3 million). The financing was led by a syndicate of leading international life science investors including Bay City Capital, Novartis Venture Fund and Pivotal bioVenture Partners. Existing investors, including Brunnur Ventures and Silfurberg, also participated in the financing.

The funds will be used to advance the clinical development of the Company's lead program OC-118, a proprietary topical product currently in a Phase IIb clinical trial for the treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), the leading cause of blindness in young adults in developed countries. In prior pilot studies, OC-118 demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement of visual acuity and reduction of central macular thickness of DME patients.

OC-118 has been developed using Oculis' novel Solubilizing Nanoparticle (SNP) technology platform, which improves both the ability to formulate drugs as eye drops and their bioavailability in the eye tissues including anterior and posterior segments. Existing pre-clinical and clinical data suggest that the SNP technology can open the way for formulating drugs as effective and well-tolerated topical treatments of retinal conditions with unmet need, including DME. Significant improvement of tolerability and dosing frequency for anterior segment conditions may also be expected.

In addition to the Phase IIb DME program, Oculis is advancing OC-118 in other ophthalmic indications and is developing other drug candidates using SNP technology to the clinical stage. The Series B financing will allow further development of these candidates.

In conjunction with the financing, Oculis is re-locating its corporate headquarters to Lausanne, Switzerland, while its R&D remains in Reykjavik, Iceland. Dr. Riad Sherif,formerly Area President Europe, Middle East & Africa at Alcon andformerlyasenior executive at Novartis, has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Oculis, with Pall Ragnar Johannesson, becoming Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director of Oculis in Iceland. Dr. Sabri Markabi, previously Senior VP, Head of R&D and Chief Medical Officer at Alcon, will join as Chief Scientific Officer, and the Company's founders, Prof. Einar Stefansson and Prof. Thorsteinn Loftsson becoming Chief Innovation Officer and Chief Research and Technology Officer, respectively. Florent Gros (Novartis Venture Fund) will be joining the Board as Chairman, in addition ofArni Blondal (Brunnur Ventures) and Stefan J. Sveinsson (formerly Global EVP RD at Actavis),Lionel Carnot (Bay City Capital) and Rob Hopfner (Pivotal Bioventure Partners).

Commenting on Oculis' future, Dr. Riad Sherif, CEO of Oculis, stated: "I am extremely pleased to be joining such a great team to develop what could be the next generation of ophthalmic treatments. Oculis founders have meticulously developed the novel SNP technology that improves both the ability to formulate drugs as eye drops and their bioavailability in eye tissues including the posterior segment. This technology opens a new era of breakthrough ophthalmic therapies that could provide important benefits to patients. Our goal with the lead program OC-118 is truly to transform the way DME is treated and managed today."

Florent Gros, chairman of Oculis' board of directors, and Managing Director at Novartis Venture Fund, said: "Considering both the lead clinical program and the breadth and depth of possible applications, the commercial potential of Oculis is clearly very exciting."

Prof. Einar Stefansson, MD PhD, Chief Innovation Officer and co-founder of Oculis commented: "We are transforming eye drop technology and improving drug delivery to all parts of the eye. Treating retinal diseases with eye drops instead of injecting the eye with a needle provides comfortable and accessible treatment options for potentially tens of millions of patients with retinal disease."

About Oculis

Oculis is leading the way in non-invasive topical drug delivery for eye diseases, advancing several drug programs and a pivotal clinical study in Diabetic Macular Edema patients. The Company has demonstrated the clinical potential of its drug delivery technology in two pilot trials with OC-118 in DME patients and several studies in uveitis, glaucoma and post-operative care. Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, with research operations in Reykjavik, Iceland, Oculis was founded by two leading scientists, Prof. Einar Stefansson and Prof. Thorsteinn Loftsson, who have over a course of 25 years made step-wise inventions to solve the obstacles of efficient ocular drug delivery. To learn more visit www.oculis.com.

About Novartis Venture Fund

Novartis Venture Fund is a financially driven corporate life science fund whose purpose is to foster innovation, drive significant patient benefit and generate superior returns by creating and investing in innovative life sciences companies at various stages of their development. To learn more, visit www.nvfund.com.

About Pivotal bioVenture Partners

Pivotal bioVenture Partners is a $300MM venture capital fund established in 2017. Based in San Francisco, California, the fund invests in US and European companies with a primary focus on innovative therapeutic solutions to major unmet medical needs. To learn more, visit www.pivotalbiovp.com .

About Bay City Capital GF Xinde International Life Sciences Fund

Bay City Capital GF Xinde is a cross-border life sciences venture capital fund with a global diversified strategy ranging from seed stage to public companies, and including innovation, restructuring opportunities, and growth investing.

To learn more, visit www.baycitycapital.com or www.gf.com.cn.

About Brunnur Ventures

Brunnur Ventures was established in 2015. The Fund invests in Icelandic start-up companies with innovative, scalable business models, extraordinary entrepreneurial talent and a strong competitive edge generated by patentable technology or exclusive, proprietary know-how. To learn more, visit www.brunnurventures.com .

Contacts:

Oculis

Riad Sherif | CEO | riad.sherif@oculis.com

Pall Ragnar Johannesson | CFO | pall.johannesson@oculis.com

Tel: +41-21-711-3970 (CH) or +354-546-4440 (IS)

Media relations

Marine Perrier, Mark Swallow,

Citigate Dewe Rogerson

oculis@citigatedewerogerson.com

Tel: +44-207-638-9571
PARIS and CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, January 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

- Proceeds will be used to progress lead development programs - EB8018 for IBD and EO2315 for cancer

- Secures 40 million loan facility ($48 million) from the European Investment Bank

ENTEROME SA, a clinical-stage biotech company pioneering innovative therapies to treat microbiome-associated diseases with a focus on inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and immuno-oncology (IO) indications, announces that it has raised 32 million in a Series D financing. All current Enterome investors - Seventure, Health for Life Capital, LundbeckFonden Ventures, Omnes Capital and Nestle Health Science - participated in the round, alongside new venture investor Principia SGR and strategic investor Bristol-Myers Squibb.

The proceeds of the fundraising will be used primarily to progress two proof-of concept clinical trials of Enterome's lead development programs, a Phase 2 study of the Company's oral FimH blocker EB8018 for the treatment of Crohn's disease, and a Phase 1b study of EO2315, a novel immuno-oncology candidate, in patients with aggressive brain cancer (glioblastoma multiforme).

In addition, Enterome will pursue the development of the next generation of its proprietary metagenomics drug discovery platform, reinforcing its leadership in the discovery and development of new therapeutic leads and targets for microbiome-associated diseases and expanding the reach of its technology platforms.

In conjunction with its equity financing, Enterome has entered into an agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB) for access to a 40 million loan facility to further support the acceleration of its pipeline and technology development.

Enterome's EB8018 is a novel, first-in-class oral small molecule that is gut-restricted and minimally absorbed into the bloodstream. It represents a non-biologic, non-steroidal, non-immunomodulatory approach for the treatment of Crohn's Disease. EB8018 inhibits FimH-mediated adhesion of some pro-inflammatory bacteria invading the microbiome of Crohn's patients, such as Adherent Invasive Escherichia coli and Klebsiella, to receptors in the gut wall, thereby reducing the production of inflammatory cytokines including TNF. EB8018 successfully completed a Phase 1 trial in 2017, demonstrating safety and minimal blood absorption.

In IO, EO2315 is the lead candidate originating from Enterome's technology platform, which is being applied to discover novel bacterial antigens that display similarities with cancer antigens. Such bacterial antigens have been shown to trigger a robust immune response against host antigens specifically expressed in tumors in animal models, thus providing innovative solutions to making cancer cells the target of the adaptive immune system.

Enterome has already demonstrated that EO2315 generates a strong immune response against an undisclosed tumor target, resulting in potent tumor cell-killing ex vivo and controlled tumor growth in vivo when combined with a checkpoint inhibitor.

Pierre Belichard, Chief Executive Officer of Enterome, said: "We are very pleased to receive the funding and support from this group of current and new investors, who have recognized the potential, versatility, and uniqueness of our microbiome-derived drug discovery platform. The microbiome influences many areas of human disease through its effects on the immune system, and we believe that many new therapies will be discovered based on a greater understanding of its function. Enterome, which is at the forefront of this approach, is already developing two exciting programs based on this knowledge and this financing will allow us to progress these programs through the major inflection points of clinical proof of concept, and to expand our clinical work to additional inflammatory bowel diseases and oncology indications."

Paolo Siviero, Head of Investments at Principia SGR, said: "We are very pleased to join a prestigious syndicate of venture and strategic investors - we strongly believe Enterome is geared to achieve the major clinical milestones that are ahead. We are convinced that the differentiated approach pioneered by Enterome in the field of immune diseases caused by defects of the gut microbiome, will lead to the successful development of a new therapeutic arsenal against immune-related disorders affecting millions of people around the world."

"Enterome's innovative research in the gut microbiome and its role in the immune system across cancer and inflammatory bowel diseases offers a tremendous opportunity to discover differentiated therapies to help patients," said Paul Biondi, senior vice president, head of Business Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb. "We are excited to support their continued progress in microbiome-derived drug discovery and development."

"Enterome has been the first investment of our microbiome fund Health for Life Capital," said Seventure Partners CEO Isabelle de Cremoux. "We are proud to see that our initial support is backed by a unique mix of strategic and finance investors to support Enterome's pipeline at a very exciting point of its development."

"Supporting innovation and businesses is a priority of the European Union's bank. It is our responsibility to create the optimal conditions for financing research in biotech companies, which is essential for developing new treatments," said EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle. "The gut microbiome is becoming a key strategic area in both medical and pharmaceutical worlds, so the EIB is very pleased to support Enterome's innovation and development projects in such a strategic field. This is an innovative financing operation that will have a strong impact on the health and daily life of Europe's citizens."

About Enterome

Enterome is pioneering the development of novel pharmaceuticals and diagnostics to support personalized therapies in microbiome-related diseases such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and cancer.

Enterome is also leading the development of new industry standards in gut microbiome quantitative and functional analysis. This technology leadership allows Enterome to open up the new field of therapeutic target discovery in the microbiome in order to address significant unmet medical needs.

Enterome has established partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies and academic research institutes, including Johnson & Johnson Innovation/Janssen Biotech, Takeda and Abbvie in inflammatory bowel and gastro-intestinal diseases; and Bristol-Myers Squibb in immuno-oncology.

Enterome also has a 50/50 joint venture with Nestle Health Science, called Microbiome Diagnostics Partners, focused initially on the development of novel microbiome-based diagnostics for IBD and liver diseases.

The Company was established in 2012 in Paris (France) to develop the discoveries made by the INRA metagenomic platform, and is backed by leading venture capital investors (Seventure Partners, Lundbeckfonden Ventures, Health for Life Capital, Omnes Capital and Principia) and strategic investors (BMS, Nestle Health Science, Shire & INRA Transfert).

Additional information about Enterome is available through its website: www.enterome.com

About Principia SGR

Principia SGR, founded in 2002, is one of the leading Italian venture capital operators.

The SGR currently manages 4 investment fund: Principia II, Principia III - Health, Principia IV - Alis and Principia V Utopia. The fund Principia III - Health, dedicated to Venture and Growth capital investments in the Healthcare sector, raised 206 million euros, and made 9 investments as of today deploying 80 million euros. Principia IV - Alis is the fourth Fund of the SGR dedicated to the development of the excellence of Made in Italy, focused on fashion and design. The fund it is currently in fund raising. Principia Utopia is the most recent Fund launched by Principia with a target size of 70 million. The Fund has a very well-defined strategy: funding and supporting Life-Tech start ups for patents development in the first and second stage with management of the intellectual property. The focus will be on projects that develop molecules, curative devices and advanced diagnostics for prevention.

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, and YouTube.

About the European Investment Bank Group

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the EU bank, and together with the European Investment Fund (EIF) forms the EIB Group. Thanks to its reliable expertise and the financial attractiveness of its AAA rating, the EIB Group has doubled the volume of its activities in France since 2012 (reaching EUR 9.3bn in 2016), not only supporting SMEs and innovation but also financing investment in strategic sectors such as climate action, energy, healthcare, education for young people and training facilities. Follow the EIB Group: www.eib.org Twitter: @eib

About Health For Life Capital'

Seventure Partners launched Health for Life Capital', the first venture capital fund focused mainly on investments in the microbiome, food and nutrition space. Europe is the primary focus of the fund, but it also invests in North America, Israel and Asia. The 160m fund attracted strategic investments from prestigious organizations including Danone, Novartis, Tereos, Tornier, Lesaffre and Bel, as well as financial institutions and entrepreneurs. Health for Life Capital' is managed by Seventure's Life sciences team.





Contact

Pierre Belichard, CEO

pbelichard@enterome.com



Mark Swallow / Marine Perrier / David Dible

Citigate Dewe Rogerson

+44-207-638-9571

enterome@citigatedewerogerson.com


TOKYO and LONDON, January 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Publication in Nature highlights opportunities to target C5a receptor with selective small molecules via novel mechanism of action

Sosei Group Corporation ("Sosei"); TSE Mothers Index:4565) announces that scientists at its wholly owned subsidiary, Heptares Therapeutics, have published the first high-resolution X-ray crystal structure of the complement C5a receptor (a G protein-coupled receptor, GPCR) binding a small molecule allosteric antagonist.

The findings, published in Nature today, reveal the location of a new allosteric binding site outside the transmembrane helical bundle and provide insights to the mechanisms by which small molecules interact with and modulate the receptor. This research further emphasises the potential importance and value of structure-based methods to enable the design of selective and optimised small molecules targeting GPCRs for treating a range of diseases.

The C5a receptor (C5a anaphylatoxin chemotactic receptor 1, also known as CD88) plays a key role in the innate immune response. It is part of the complement system, a crucial component of the host response to infection and tissue damage. Activation of the complement cascade generates anaphylatoxins, including the glycoprotein C5a, which exerts a pro-inflammatory effect via the C5a receptor.

Inhibitors of the complement system are of interest as potential drugs for treating diseases including sepsis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Crohn's disease and ischaemia-reperfusion injuries. More recently a role of C5a in neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease has been identified. C5a also plays a role in cancer through actions on tumour cells, angiogenesis and regulation of the immune cells in the tumour microenvironment. Peptide antagonists based on the C5a ligand have been evaluated in clinical trials in psoriasis and RA, however these peptides exhibited problems with off target activity, production costs, potential immunogenicity and poor oral bioavailability.

Fiona Marshall, Chief Scientific Officer of Heptares and Sosei, said: "Our ability to determine the structures of GPCRs with high definition alongside our other structure-based drug design technologies and expertise provides a unique opportunity to tackle high value but difficult targets. With the C5a receptor, these capabilities and the insights they generate provide opportunities to design novel and selective therapeutics to address areas of clear medical need."

Reference

Robertson, N et al. Structure of the complement C5a receptor bound to the extra-helical antagonist NDT9513727 (2018) Nature 553, 111-114 (doi:10.1038/nature25025)

Notes to Editors

About Sosei

Sosei Group Corporation is an international biopharmaceutical company originating from Japan that discovers and develops innovative biopharmaceuticals for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, cancer, migraine, addiction, metabolic disease, and other indications. By utilizing its GPCR structure-based drug design platform technology, Sosei has established a product pipeline with first/best in class potential. Through development and commercialization partnerships, Sosei has already delivered two bronchodilators for COPD which generate significant and stable revenue streams that enable further growth. Sosei partners include Novartis, Allergan, AstraZeneca, MedImmune, MorphoSys, Teva, and Pfizer and we are actively looking for new partnerships to enhance the development of our products and help us deliver them to patients worldwide.

For further information about Sosei, please visit http://www.sosei.com/en/.

Sosei Group Corporate Forward-looking statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements about the discovery, development and commercialisation of products. Various risks may cause Sosei's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including: adverse results in clinical development programs; failure to obtain patent protection for inventions; commercial limitations imposed by patents owned or controlled by third parties; dependence upon strategic alliance partners to develop and commercialise products and services; difficulties or delays in obtaining regulatory approvals to market products and services resulting from development efforts; the requirement for substantial funding to conduct research and development and to expand commercialisation activities; and product initiatives by competitors. As a result of these factors, prospective investors are cautioned not to rely on any forward-looking statements. We disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.


CREVE COEUR (dpa-AFX) - AngioDynamics Inc. (ANGO), Monsanto Co. (MON), and Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. (WBA) are scheduled to release their financial results on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018.



AngioDynamics Inc. (ANGO) is due to report its Q2 financial results before the bell today, with analysts polled by Thomson Reuters estimating earnings of $0.16 per share on revenue of $88.42 million. The company is expected to capitalize on significant international opportunities and benefit from strong porfolio management.



The company expects fiscal 2018 revenues to be in the range of $352 million - $359 million, and adjusted EPS in the range of $0.64 - $0.68. Five Wall Street analysts have a consensus earnings estimate of $0.66 per share and revenue of $353.33 million for 2018. Also, AngioDynamics expects to generate more than $35 million in free cash flow.



**



Monsanto Co. (MON) is scheduled to release its Q1 financial results before the bell today. Analysts are looking for earnings of $0.42 per share and revenue of $2.77 billion for the quarter. In the prior-year period, the company reported total net sales of $2.65 billion, and net income of $29 million or $0.07 per share. Earnings per Share from Ongoing Business was $0.21.



**



Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. (WBA) is slated to release its Q1 results before the bell today, with analysts estimating earnings of $1.26 per share on revenue of $30.35 billion. Last year, the company reported GAAP net income of $1.1 billion or $0.97 per share, adjusted net income of $1.2 billion or $1.10 per share and sales of $28.5 billion.



The company expects fiscal 2018 adjusted earnings to be in the range of $5.40 - $5.70 per share. Wall Street analysts are looking for earnings of $5.56 per share for fiscal 2018.



**



RPM International Inc. (RPM), Sonic Corp. (SONC), AZZ Inc. (AZZ), Franklin Covey Co. (FC), Hurco Companies Inc. (HURC), Park Electrochemical Corp. (PKE), and PriceSmart Inc. (PSMT) are few other companies lined up to release their quarterly results today.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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TEL AVIV, Israel, January 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Purchase of New Jersey-based 'AccountEdge' business accounting software developer and services provider strengthens small business offering and brings 75,000 customers

Priority Software Ltd., a leading provider of business management solutions, today announced the expansion of its global operations with the recent acquisition of Acclivity, a New Jersey-based software developer. Best known for their award-winning AccountEdge software, powerful small business accounting for the Mac and Windows desktop, privately-held Acclivity develops and supports a range of small business accounting solutions for the company's 75,000+ customers from various market sectors.

As part of Priority's continued global expansion, the new acquisition of Acclivity follows the company's purchase of Israel-based Monitin Information Systems ERP activity earlier this year and prior, the establishment of Priority Software U.S. in 2016, following the purchase of US-based ERP consulting and services firm, Performa Apps.

Priority Software empowers companies and organizations of all sizes by providing the most comprehensive, flexible and affordable ERP solutions on the market today. Available both on premise and as SaaS, Priority is targeted to the SME market to offer an alternative to the complex, costly traditional ERP systems from giant vendors.

Acclivity services small businesses in a variety of industries, with a product suite that includes AccountEdge Basic, AccountEdge Pro, Checkout POS and Rerun, a recurring billing solution. Optional add-on modules include AccountEdge Connect, Payroll, Credit Card Processing, Web Pay, Shopify Connector and more.

"As we welcome Acclivity, its employees and customers, into Priority's group of companies, we believe that their expertise in small business accounting solutions will greatly contribute towards expanding our product offering," said Andres Richter, Priority CEO. "We are united by a common business culture and the desire to deliver quality solutions that serve customers' real needs. There is a great synergy between our two companies and the acquisition now makes Priority a contender in the small business accounting software market in North America, enhancing the company's future growth and performance from both lines of business. Acclivity brings in excellent products and an established consumer base of over 75,000 satisfied customers."

"We've found a partner in Priority who both values our existing AccountEdge products and customers, while recognizing the opportunity for Priority's solutions in the U.S., especially with the growing search for robust cloud solutions," commented Tom Nash, Acclivity Co-founder. "We're excited by what's ahead."

"This acquisition is simply a win-win for both companies and customers," added Scott Davisson, Acclivity Co-founder. "AccountEdge customers continue to receive our undivided attention, while Priority's powerful portfolio of products are incorporated into the lineup as a potential next step for those AccountEdge businesses who need more, as well as a viable option for U.S. businesses of all sizes and industries."

About Priority Software

Pioneers in the global ERP solutions market, Priority Software empowers companies and organizations of all sizes, by providing the most comprehensive, flexible and affordable ERP solutions on the market today. Founded in 1986, with the mission of making ERP easier, Priority offers a more accessible alternative to complex and costly solutions to increase profitability and efficiency. Over 8,500 companies across a wide range of industries in 40 countries have come to rely on Priority to manage and grow their business. Priority is offered both as on premise and cloud solutions, both of which deliver 100% system functionality, enabling users to access their data in real-time from mobile devices and tablets. To date, 1,700 customers successfully use Priority in the cloud. Backed by cutting-edge technologies and a skilled and talented team of professionals, Priority is supported by offices in the U.S. and the UK and a network of business partners around the globe.

Visithttp://www.priority-software.com.

AboutAcclivity

Established in 2005, Acclivity is a leading accounting software and business solutions company. Headquartered in New Jersey, the company provides over 75,000 global businesses with a range of solutions to help them save time and money. The company's product suite includes AccountEdge, small business accounting for up to 10 users with a host of optional add-ons.

For more information, visithttp://www.accountedge.com.

For more information, contact:

Emma Davies

Red Lorry Yellow Lorry PR

+44(0)20-7403-8878

Emmad@rlyl.com


LONDON, January 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

New partnership brings better document quality and compliance for healthcare and biomedical customers

Infosys (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in consulting, technology and next-generation services, today announced a new partnership with paperless validation company ValGenesis, that will bring even stronger compliance and quality management for its customers in the healthcare and life sciences sectors. Under the partnership, Infosys will integrate ValGenesis' Validation Lifecycle Management System (VLMS) within its suite of services for the pharmaceutical and biotech industry, which will be delivered in a rapidly deployable, highly secure cloud environment.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130122/589162 )



ValGenesis is a leading paperless validation lifecycle management solution in the life sciences industry that allows customers to automate the validation process fully, eliminate inefficiencies found in paper-based manual processes, while also reducing costs and validation cycle times.The ValGenesis Validation Lifecycle Management System (VLMS) efficiently manages all types of validation activities such as equipment, computer systems, cleaning, analytical methods, and process validation. The system delivers technology solutions that are fully configurable and rapidly deployable onsite or by way of a secured cloud environment.

Validation systems are still almost entirely manual, paper-based process, resulting in significant inefficiencies, higher costs and more significant opportunity for errors to creep in. They can also result in delays to life-saving medicines and procedures to patients. ValGenesis' VLMS includes a regulatory framework allowing validation requirements to be specified in advance. Risk Management, a key component of VLMS, is integrated and flexible, giving companies the ability to leverage standard risk tools to best suit their needs. Reusability is inherent and available at test and requirement levels, significantly improving efficiency via pre-approvals. Consistency is also driven by standardization which improves a company's compliance posture.

Infosys' Life Sciences Practice works with 50+ leading pharmaceutical and medical devices companies, providing premium regulatory, quality and compliance services. Leveraging its extensive capabilities and experience in the life sciences space, Infosys will deploy the ValGenesis Validation Lifecycle Management System (VLMS) to its customers as a single "paperless" system that manages every activity in the entire validation lifecycle. Through this partnership, Infosys will help biopharma and medical devices customers transform to next-generation of automation driven quality and compliance services which will help organizations generate significant efficiencies and allow them to focus on their core business.

Sangita Singh, Executive Vice President and Head, Healthcare & Lifesciences, Infosys, said, "Healthcare is potentially the world's most stringently-regulated industry. The huge volumes of highly-sensitive information that biotech and life sciences firms generate is subject to incredibly strict standards - for example, recording the outcomes from clinical trials. The digitization of the industry to ensure better data and document accuracy is incredibly important for many ethical, legal and business reasons, with auditors and regulators demanding that data regarding equipment, computer systems, processes, and outcomes be properly recorded and validated. ValGenesis is pioneering paperless validation, and our new partnership will bring significant savings and much better compliance to our customers."

Narayan Raj, VP Sales at ValGenesis, said, "Infosys' long pedigree in life sciences makes them the perfect partner for ValGenesis as we seek to transform validation for the life sciences and biomedical sectors. Infosys has a comprehensive understanding of the pressures faced by these firms, such as the demand for reducing costs, optimising efficiency, and ensuring that they meet the most stringent regulatory requirements. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership, with ValGenesis' technology complementing Infosys' product set to redefine the way that biopharma firms conduct their business, optimising patient safety, and helping to bring new treatments to the public as quickly and safely as possible."

About ValGenesis

ValGenesis, Inc. is the creator of an innovative software platform serving as the foundation for managing compliance-based validation activities in Life Sciences companies. ValGenesis, Inc. provides the first enterprise application to manage the corporate validation lifecycle process. As the only system for managing validation execution and approval 100% electronically, ValGenesis was selected by an industry peer review committee to receive the Parenteral Drug Association (PDA) New Innovative Technology Award. The solution is fully compliant with U.S. FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and Annex 11 requirements. For more information, visit ValGenesis' website athttp://www.valgenesis.com.

About Infosys

Infosys is a global leader in technology services and consulting. We enable clients in 45 countries to create and execute strategies for their digital transformation. From engineering to application development, knowledge management and business process management, we help our clients find the right problems to solve, and to solve these effectively.Our team of 198,000+ innovators, across the globe, is differentiated by the imagination, knowledge and experience, across industries and technologies that we bring to every project we undertake.

Visit http://www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise thrive in the digital age.

Safe Harbor

Certain statements in this press release concerning our future growth prospects are forward-looking statements regarding our future business expectations intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding fluctuations in earnings, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, our ability to manage growth, intense competition in IT services including those factors which may affect our cost advantage, wage increases in India, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, time and cost overruns on fixed-price, fixed-time frame contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, industry segment concentration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks or system failures, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which Infosys has made strategic investments, withdrawal or expiration of governmental fiscal incentives, political instability and regional conflicts, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, and unauthorized use of our intellectual property and general economic conditions affecting our industry. Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our United States Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017. These filings are available athttp://www.sec.gov Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. In addition, please note that any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable as of the date of this press release. The company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the company unless it is required by law.
- The Road to Automotive Design's Digital Transformation

SHENZHEN, China, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The car industry is developing fast, competition is becoming fiercer by the day, and new products are released at a faster rate. This presents more and more requirements in terms of car design. These growing car design requirements challenge the car industry's existing ICT infrastructure, CAE, and other computing assisted applications, promoting the fast-digital transformation of the industry.

Evolving Design of Dream Cars

Automotive designers as well as drivers fantasize about experiencing tomorrow's "Dream Car" today. By accelerating the speed of innovation, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) tools shorten these daydreams by rapidly changing design approaches for the automotive industry. Designers have moved their blueprints of their ideal cars from paper to the computer screen with simulation models instead of physical ones. To envision moving these dream automobiles towards reality, digital transformations significantly reduce both design cycles and costs.

Statistics show that CAE has shortened the average development cycle of a new model by up to 50 percent, decreased the proportion of the expenses on the new model development to the total development costs from 80 percent to 90 percent to a mere 8 percent to 12 percent, and further reduced manufacturing and testing costs of the prototypes by up to 50 percent.

Challenges of Design Acceleration to ICT Infrastructure

Today's CAD tools help to render the designer's exterior appearance of a car, while CAE capabilities improve the auto's performance by creating safer, more comfortable vehicles. However, the increase in simulation application modeling developed for CAE tremendously impacts both computing and storage platforms. For example, large car manufacturers may conduct tens of thousands of collision tests each year, which are mostly simulated by software, with only a few hundred tests performed on physical prototypes. Simulation alone generates dozens of or even hundreds of large exabytes (EB, or 1 billion gigabytes) of data each year. Even if only the key data is selected through data filtering, the results still produce large quantities of data measured in hundreds of terabytes.

Enable Digital Transformation of German Automotive Industry

With its strong design as well as Research and Development (R&D) teams, automotive industry in Germany has been renowned in the field of automotive design and is one of the first carmakers to implement CAD and CAE for vehicle design and simulation.

In order to use the latest technologies to visualize customers' diverse demands in terms of vehicle appearance and performance; launch their dream cars faster than its competitors; and alleviate ICT infrastructure limitations with scalability for growing CAE simulation computations, automotive companies in Germany are now accelerating their digital transformation.

Huawei has served the world top three automotive companies of Fortune 500 in Germany by offering a customized HPC solution based on high-density computing platforms. The HPC solution provides an efficient, stable, and open ICT infrastructure platform for automotive R&D to improve productivity and shorten the design cycle. Moreover, the platform enables car makers to save energy and physical space, simplifying the operation and maintenance, substantially lowering overall costs.

This solution offers a wide range of professional, including consultation and planning, construction and deployment, migration and integration, custom development, and disaster recovery.

Open and Sustainable Automotive Ecosystem

At Munich OpenLab, Huawei is also collaborating Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) in the automotive ecosystem to create an open platform that combines CAE and HPC, and to jointly develop automotive R&D simulation cloud solutions. The platform provides professional optimization and recommendations by customizing parameters and application models.

In the near future, Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be integrated into the design of the dream car, leading to automated means of intelligent creation. Simulation and testing of automobiles will move into the realm of Virtual Reality (VR), making the process even more realistic. All efforts will bring futuristic cars into actuality sooner in ways yet to be imagined.

To date, 197 companies on the Fortune Global 500 list and 45 of the top 100 enterprises have chosen Huawei as their partner for digital transformation. To know more about Huawei helping enterprises achieve digital transformation, please visit

http://e.huawei.com/topic/leading-new-ict-en/index.html?utm_campaign=lni17-minisiteen&utm_medium=hwdc&utm_source=ebghome-en&source=eebghq175155l
(From L) Denis Tse, Research Committee Chairman of the Hong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association and Managing Principal of Asia-IO Advisors Ltd; Stephen Liang, Assistant Executive Director of the HKTDC; Diana Cesar, Chairperson of the AFF Steering Committee; James Chang, Financial Services Consulting Leader of PwC China; and, Lee George Lam, Chairman of Cyberport Hong Kong



HKTDC Communications & Public Affairs Department Billy Ng Tel: +852 2584 4393 Email: billy.km.ng@hktdc.org

HONG KONG, Jan 4, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The 11th Asian Financial Forum (AFF), co-organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will be held on 15-16 January at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). More than a hundred international speakers, including financial policymakers, business leaders and heavyweight investors, will gather in Hong Kong to examine the latest economic trends and to offer their insights for investment planning in the coming year. Innovation and technology will be a prioritised component at this year's forum, to address the latest development models of the new economy. Experts will forecast the impact brought about by technology, giving AFF participants a headstart in identifying new economic opportunities.Diana Cesar, Chairperson of the AFF Steering Committee and; Group General Manager and Chief Executive, Hong Kong, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Ltd, said: "Around the world, economies are looking for a new growth engine and companies are developing new digitally-led, business models. Innovation is the key to accelerating growth and driving returns for companies and investors in China, Asia and globally. Because of its central importance to markets and economies today and in the future, the 2018 AFF will focus on innovation."Steering Growth and Pioneering Innovation: Asia and BeyondUnder the theme "Steering Growth and Pioneering Innovation: Asia and Beyond," this year's AFF will open with David Lipton, First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and Igor Shuvalov, First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, delivering keynote addresses on the Asia's Economic Outlook 2018. At plenary sessions, James Lau, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of The Government of the HKSAR, will be joined by Jiang Yang, Vice Chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission; Takehiko Nakao, President of the Asian Development Bank; Pierre Gramegna, Finance Minister of Luxembourg; and Kelly O'Dwyer, Minister for Revenue and Financial Services of Australia, to discuss how Asia can leverage innovation to maintain growth and drive the global economy.At this year's Policy Dialogue on "Impact of China Policies on Global Economic Development," speakers will share their views on China's economic and financial policies, including China's exchange rate and monetary policies, industrial development initiative, as well as the Belt and Road Initiative, and how they impact the global economy and the financial markets. The session will be chaired by Norman Chan, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, who will discuss with Andreas Dombret, Member of the Executive Board of Deutsche Bundesbank; Stuart Gulliver, Group Chief Executive of HSBC Holdings plc; Hu Huaibang, Chairman of the China Development Bank; Jin Liqun, President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank; and David Lipton, First Deputy Managing Director of the IMF.Other discussion sessions examining such topics as the global economy, China opportunities and financial regulations, will welcome speakers including Set Aung, Deputy Minister of Planning and Finance of Myanmar; Inga Beale, CEO of Lloyd's; Fang Fenglei, founder and Chairman of Hopu Investment Management Co; Fu Yuning, Chairman of the China Resources Group; Steven Maijoor, Chairman of the European Securities and Market Authority; and Neil Shen, Founding and Managing Partner of Sequoia China.At the keynote luncheon on the first day, former US Secretary of the Treasury Jacob J Lew will offer insights on the global and US economic outlook, and touch on issues related to his term as Treasury chief, including the debt ceiling, trade sanctions and regulatory policies. Mr Lew will also talk about the significance of the recently passed US tax reform legislation.InnoTalks - Forward-looking discussionsStephen Liang, Assistant Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: "We aim for the AFF to not only examine the latest economic developments, but to identify future economic and business models that are predicated upon technological development. We have invited many technology experts to discuss a variety of subjects pertinent to the financial and business sectors." On the second day of the AFF, the new InnoTalks series will tackle Fintech, innovations in banking, big data, digital identity and regulatory technology, otherwise known as Regtech. At the keynote luncheon, Professor Daniela Rus, Director of the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) and Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; will speak about the latest developments in artificial intelligence and robotics.To help industry practitioners and decision-makers keep pace with and capture opportunities presented by rapid developments in technology, Christine Tsai, Founding Partner and CEO of 500 Startups, will hold a Fireside Chat session on technology and entrepreneurship. The HKTDC and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) will co-organise a workshop to examine how technological developments will influence future labour demands and foster a new generation of entrepreneurs to maintain sustainable economic growth. Speakers include Nicolas Aguzin, Asia Pacific Chairman and CEO of JP Morgan Chase & Co; Pacita U Juan, Chairwoman of the ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network and President of ECHOstore Sustainable Lifestyle; and Wong Kong-Kat, co-founder and Vice President of Xiaomi Technology.In addition, JP Nicols, Managing Director of FinTech Forge and Chairman of NextMoney.org, who is widely regarded as one of the most influential opinion leaders in FinTech, will share his experience helping financial institutions build and strengthen their ability to innovate, as well as discuss how financial enterprises can leverage innovation to succeed in the global market.AFF Deal Flow: Fostering cooperation, supporting start-upsOver the years, AFF has also served as a platform for investors and project owners to explore cooperation. This year's Forum will once again co-organise the AFF Deal Flow Matchmaking Session with the Hong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association to provide pre-arranged deal-sourcing and matchmaking meetings for project owners and investors. The investment projects will cover digital technology, Fintech, environment and energy, healthcare technology and infrastructure and real estate services.To leverage the AFF platform for start-ups, the new InnoVenture Salon will debut this year to connect start-ups with potential investors and partners. The programme will include a Start-up Showcase, Investors Meet-up, Start-up Project Presentations, as well as Mentor Hours on setting-up, fundraising, business-scaling and pitching. Participating investors and mentors include representatives from the Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, Beyond Ventures, Cocoon Ignite Ventures, Hong Kong X-Tech Startup, MindWorks Ventures, Nest Ventures, VC Growth Partners and Vectr Ventures.Websites:Asian Financial Forum: www.asianfinancialforum.com/enProgramme: http://www.hktdc.com/ncs/aff2018/en/s/programme.htmlSpeakers List: http://www.hktdc.com/ncs/aff2018/en/s/speaker2018.htmlPhoto download: http://bit.ly/2EVSSybMedia Registration: Media representatives wishing to cover the event may register on-site with their business cards and/or media identification.About HKTDCEstablished in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body dedicated to creating opportunities for Hong Kong's businesses. With more than 40 offices globally, including 13 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China, Asia and the world. With 50 years of experience, the HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to provide companies, particularly SMEs, with business opportunities on the mainland and in international markets, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and digital channels including the media room. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Google+, Twitter @hktdc, LinkedIn.- Google+: https://plus.google.com/+hktdc- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/hktdc- LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/hong-kong-trade-development-councilSource: HKTDCContact:Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
AIM-listed Sirius Real Estate has bought a business park in Krefeld, Germany, for 9.2m including acquisition costs. The business park, which was acquired at a 6.7% EPRA net initial yield, is the third site Sirius has bought in Krefeld. It comprises 10,398 sqm of modern, quality office and warehouse space, with occupancy of 72% and annualised rental income of 0.7m. Chief executive Andrew Coombs said: " Krefeld is one of the markets we know extremely well in Germany and we are confident of adding ...

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.
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / January 4, 2018 / MVC Technologies o/a Sail Cannabis ("Sail") is pleased to announce that it is has completed a brokered private placement led by Canaccord Genuity Corp.

In connection with the brokered private placement, Sail has completed the acquisition of all assets of Medeval Corp o/a Canna Care Docs ("CCD") for cash and consideration shares of Sail.

CCD, a cannabis clinic evaluation business with 21 evaluation centres across 9 US states with legalized medical cannabis programs, has enjoyed considerable growth in operations and positive cash flow over the last 3 years. With over 250,000 patients certified for medical cannabis, CCD is one of the largest cannabis evaluation groups in the United States. Injected with new cash from Sail and an accretive leadership team, the new venture anticipates seeing strong and aggressive growth over the next 12 months as CCD centres continue to expand in existing markets and new States as medical cannabis programs are rolled out.

"We are excited about this next step in our company's future, and the opportunities we can attain together," says Kevin Kafka, Founder of CCD. "Merging the technology of Sail with our operations will help to strengthen both current operations, and more importantly, enable us to scale more efficiently into new states. I am excited about what this means for Sail and my team."

Sail Cannabis is a Canadian company that bridges the gap between practitioners, patients, and regulated vendors as a trusted medical resource. Sail simplifies the cannabis journey and provides secure, clinical, and peer-peer data-driven solutions. Sail has been operating in Canada since 2016 and has seen over 30,000 patient encounters with thousands of medical documents issued through the platform. Sail has also been active in the US across multiple states since 2017 as the technology behind CCD.

"The acquisition of CCD means significant growth for Sail in the American markets as both an accretive relationship to expand our services to the CCD network of patients, but also to be able to provide a supported patient journey for the thousands more that will touch the CCD and Sail brand," says Pradyum Sekar, CEO of Sail. "We are honored to grow with a team that has accomplished so much to date and still has so much more room for growth operating as Canna Care Docs under the Sail umbrella. We look forward to explosive growth in the US markets."

Funds from the private placement will go towards the acquisition as well as to fund future growth in existing and new US states that have allowed for legalized medical cannabis programs. To learn more, patients can create an account on Sail for free by simply visiting sailcannabis.co and signing up. Clinics and regulated Suppliers can contact info@sailcannabis.co to register.

For more information, please contact:

Pradyum Sekar

MVC Technologies Inc. o/a Sail Cannabis

psekar@mvctech.ca

www.sailcannabis.co

SOURCE: Sail Cannabis
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 01/04/18 -- Denison Mines Corp. ("Denison" or the "Company") (TSX: DML)(NYSE MKT: DNN)(NYSE American: DNN) is pleased to announce that it has retained Stantec Consulting Inc. ("Stantec") and ENGCOMP Engineering and Computing Professionals Inc. ("ENGCOMP") to lead and author the Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS") for the Wheeler River project, which is the largest undeveloped high-grade uranium project in the infrastructure rich eastern portion of the Athabasca Basin region in northern Saskatchewan.

In addition to the Company's in-house project development team, Denison has assembled a group of leading engineering and consulting firms, with mine development, metallurgical, and environmental experience applicable to the development of a large-scale uranium mining operation in northern Saskatchewan, to support the completion of the PFS for the Wheeler River project.

The Wheeler River PFS team includes:

- Stantec & ENGCOMP These firms have been assigned responsibility for authoring the PFS in accordance with NI 43-101, including completion of the level of engineering design required to assemble a Class 4 capital cost estimate, project schedule, and an evaluation of infrastructure services and systems required for the development of a mining project in northern Saskatchewan. The work is planned to be managed primarily from Saskatoon and Sudbury, and is expected to leverage Stantec's experience and track- record of executing all phases of mining studies and development, as well as ENGCOMP's experience in Saskatchewan with heavy industrial projects in uranium and potash mining. - Hatch Ltd. ("Hatch") Hatch has been assigned responsibility for the mineral processing scope of the PFS, which is expected to include the development of an appropriate process design criteria for the recovery of uranium from the Gryphon and Phoenix deposits, as well as carrying out a capacity review of Denison's 22.5% owned McClean Lake mill and developing various mineral processing inputs into the overall PFS. In completing this work, Hatch is expected to leverage its previous experience with the McClean Lake mill facility. - Denison Environmental Services ("DES") Throughout the course of the PFS, DES has been assigned responsibility for managing the on-going environmental baseline data collection and regulatory aspects of the project to ultimately support the federal and provincial environmental assessment processes. DES is expected to leverage its experience working with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, as a uranium facility operator for the Company's reclaimed uranium mine sites in Elliot Lake, Ontario.

The purpose of the PFS is to establish the best economic options for the development of Wheeler River's Gryphon and Phoenix deposits into a large scale, low cost uranium mining operation. In addition to focusing on project economics, the Company's development team is committed to addressing the challenge of sustainability - ensuring the Wheeler River project is able to deliver value to the Company's shareholders, while simultaneously providing economic and social benefits to impacted communities and minimizing its environmental footprint and impact.

Update on Status of Gryphon Resource Estimate

On September 12th, 2017, the Company announced a significant increase to the summer 2017 exploration drilling program at Wheeler River, which necessitated the continuation of exploration activities, in the vicinity of the Gryphon deposit, through to late October. On November 27th, 2017, the Company announced assay results from the 64 drill holes completed during the summer drilling program. The results were highlighted by 91% of drill holes intersecting significant uranium mineralization, leading to considerable geological interpretation and review ahead of the completion of an updated estimate of mineral resources for the Gryphon deposit. The updated estimate is expected to incorporate the results from an additional 141 drill holes completed at Gryphon since the maiden mineral resource estimate for the deposit was completed in late 2015. Work towards the completion of an updated estimate of mineral resources for the Wheeler River project is expected to continue during the first quarter of 2018.

The updated estimate of indicated mineral resources for the Wheeler River project is an important part of the PFS process. While the Company is currently targeting completion of the PFS by mid-2018, the timing of the PFS will ultimately be contingent on various factors, which includes the timing of the completion of the updated estimate of the mineral resources.

About Wheeler River

Wheeler River is the largest undeveloped high-grade uranium project in the infrastructure rich eastern portion of the Athabasca Basin region, in northern Saskatchewan. The project is a joint venture between Denison (60% and operator), Cameco Corp. ("Cameco") (30%), and JCU (Canada) Exploration Company Limited ("JCU") (10%), and is host to the high-grade Gryphon and Phoenix uranium deposits discovered by Denison in 2014 and 2008, respectively.

On April 4th, 2016, Denison announced the results of a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") for the Wheeler River Project, which considers the potential economic merit of co-developing the high-grade Gryphon and Phoenix deposits as a single underground mining operation. The PEA returned a base case pre-tax Internal Rate of Return ("IRR") of 20.4% based on the current long term contract price of uranium (US$44.00 per pound U3O8), and Denison's share of estimated initial capital expenditures ("CAPEX") of CAD$336M (CAD$560M on 100% ownership basis). Exploration results from the subsequent drilling programs have not been incorporated into the resource estimate or the PEA. The PEA is preliminary in nature and includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the preliminary economic assessment will be realized. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. On July 19th, 2016 Denison announced the initiation of a Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS") for the Wheeler River property and the complimentary commencement of an infill drilling program at the Gryphon deposit.

As previously announced on January 10, 2017, Denison has entered into an agreement with its Wheeler River Joint Venture partners, Cameco and JCU, to fund 75% of Joint Venture expenses in 2017 and 2018 (ordinarily 60%) in exchange for an increase in Denison's interest in the project to up to approximately 66%. Under the terms of the agreement, Cameco will fund 50% of its ordinary 30% share in 2017 and 2018, and JCU is expected to continue to fund its 10% interest in the project.

About Denison

Denison is a uranium exploration and development company with interests focused in the Athabasca Basin region of northern Saskatchewan, Canada. In addition to its 60% owned Wheeler River project, which hosts the high-grade Phoenix and Gryphon uranium deposits, Denison's exploration portfolio consists of numerous projects covering approximately 347,000 hectares in the Athabasca Basin region, including 327,000 hectares in the infrastructure rich eastern portion of the Athabasca Basin. Denison's interests in Saskatchewan also include a 22.5% ownership interest in the McClean Lake joint venture ("MLJV"), which includes several uranium deposits and the McClean Lake uranium mill, which is currently processing ore from the Cigar Lake mine under a toll milling agreement, plus a 25.17% interest in the Midwest and Midwest A deposits, and a 64.22% interest in the J Zone deposit and Huskie discovery on the Waterbury Lake property. Each of Midwest, Midwest A, J Zone and Huskie are located within 20 kilometres of the McClean Lake mill.

Denison is also engaged in mine decommissioning and environmental services through its Denison Environmental Services division and is the manager of Uranium Participation Corp., a publicly traded company which invests in uranium oxide and uranium hexafluoride.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information contained in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information", within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and similar Canadian legislation concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of Denison.

Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes", or the negatives and/or variations of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur", "be achieved" or "has the potential to". In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information pertaining to the following: exploration (including drilling) and evaluation activities, plans and objectives; the results of Denison's PEA; plans and objectives with respect to updating its resource estimates and preparing a PFS; and Denison's percentage in its properties and its plans and agreements with its joint venture partners, as applicable. Statements relating to "mineral reserves" or "mineral resources" are deemed to be forward-looking information, as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions that the mineral reserves and mineral resources described can be profitably produced in the future.

Forward looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made, and they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Denison to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Factors, such as environmental impacts, stakeholder approvals, and capital needs can significant alter plans and achievements. Denison believes that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be accurate and may differ materially from those anticipated in this forward looking information. For a discussion in respect of risks and other factors that could influence forward-looking events, please refer to the factors discussed in Denison's Annual Information Form dated March 23, 2017 under the heading "Risk Factors". These factors are not, and should not be construed as being exhaustive. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Any forward-looking information and the assumptions made with respect thereto speaks only as of the date of this press release. Denison does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information after the date of this press release to conform such information to actual results or to changes in Denison's expectations except as otherwise required by applicable legislation.

Cautionary Note to United States Investors Concerning Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources: This press release may use the terms "measured", "indicated" and "inferred" mineral resources. United States investors are advised that while such terms are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize them. "Inferred mineral resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. United States investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of measured or indicated mineral resources will ever be converted into mineral reserves. United States investors are also cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable.

Contacts:

Denison Mines Corp.

David Cates

President and Chief Executive Officer

(416) 979-1991 ext. 362



Denison Mines Corp.

Sophia Shane

Investor Relations

(604) 689-7842

www.denisonmines.com



Follow Denison on Twitter

@DenisonMinesCo




TORONTO, 2018-01-04 13:00 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BELGRAVIA CAPITAL INTERNATIONAL INC. (CSE:BLGV) (OTCQB:BLGVF) ("Belgravia Capital", "Belgravia", or the "Company") is pleased to announce the execution of a letter of intent with R&D Pharma (the "Letter of Intent"), to collaborate in the development of Belgravia's distributed and decentralized blockchain medical cannabis provenance and quality attestation database. R&D Pharma Corp., a Canadian private company, is building a vertically integrated medical cannabis business in the Country of Jamaica. Jamaica has sophisticated medical cannabis laws in place consistent with the best in class laws of Canada and Israel. Further, well recognized international regulated cannabis production and distribution companies are establishing footholds in Jamaica due to the recognized quality of the strains and, also Jamaica's history of medical research in this space. For example, Dr. Henry Lowe of Kingston, Jamaica, a specialist in medicinal chemistry, a chemistry-based discipline involving biological, medical and pharmaceutical sciences, has contributed 50 years to the fields of biotechnology ethical drug development, including drug regulatory validated cannabis sativa products, for conditions such as nausea, pain, appetite stimulation, motion sickness, inflammation, and high ocular pressure which can lead to glaucoma. The provisions of the Letter of Intent with R&D Pharma include: -- R&D will provide validated input data regarding concentration of Cannabinoids in products, and other active ingredients, and levels of any impurities which will be required to be consistent with established standards; -- R&D will provide references on the blockchain will be provided to off-chain documents including hash indexes to reports of independent analytical labs for microbiology, heavy metals, pesticides, and metabolites; -- Belgravia will invite R&D to be a permissioned node on the distributed blockchain; and -- Revenue sharing models will be negotiated in due course, and as business cases are further evaluated, and a significant number of additional industry players, regulators, and consumer conduits are established through social media marketing and other consumer outreach forums. It is anticipated that medical cannabis provenance and attestation data will be encapsulated on the blockchain in both native and encrypted format, and that detailed supporting hash-proven documents will be searchable through hash indexes on the blockchain-validated blocks associated with unencrypted identifiers of products, strains, and other relevant parts of the seed to sale production blockchain. The blocks will by searchable by domestic and international consumers, governments, and industry players and other interested stakeholders or parties. Mr. Mehdi Azodi, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Belgravia stated: "As we have previously communicated we are advancing carefully thought out plans for the development of Blockchain distributed databases as a service to retail consumers, and as a value-added technology for the medical cannabis industry. This work will require the building out of a team of conceptual thinkers in blockchain business applications, programmers, and marketers to both industry players and consumers. Well thought out user interfaces will need to be developed to support easily accessible consumer searches from smart phones and point of sales terminals, as well as personal computers, where software can be downloaded to nodes. Although some degree of decentralisation will be maintained in the structure of the medical cannabis attestation blockchain, a trusted and fully disclosed consortium will grant read write permissions to other participants. The consortium will be subject to thorough governance and audit. Consortium blockchains will be standard for blockchains being developed in various industries where the intention is to provide consumer-friendly transparency and social responsibility to consumers, regulators, governments, and all other stakeholders. Customers and the public will be able to validate inputs by accessing off-chain database documents, likely for a reasonable fee. Belgravia is proud to be part of this industry and these developments." Mr. Azodi continued: "In addition to these developments, the company has invested approximately $675,000 as it commences to build a portfolio of strategic research and development investments in companies which will provide value-added services to Belgravia in terms of profitable ideas and relationships. The Company plans to establish a royalty division." About Belgravia Capital Belgravia Capital International is focused on the provision of clearly value-added services to the international legal Cannabis industry. This includes the production of specialized organic fertilizers for Cannabis Sativa plants, and the organization and development of blockchain technology software for seed-to-sale tracking and quality attestation of intermediate and consumer products. The wholly-owned subsidiary of Belgravia, ICP Organics, is a research and development company incorporating agronomic and health perspectives in the Cannabis space. Belgravia is also developing a royalty-streaming subsidiary. Belgravia Capital intends to establish joint research and development partnerships with Licensed Producers operating under ACMPR regulations in Canada and in other jurisdictions where medicinal cannabis is fully legal. Belgravia Capital may invest in various private and public companies in diversified sectors on an opportunistic basis. For more information, please visit www.belgraviacapital.ca. Forward-Looking Statements Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements that use forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "potential" or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding planned investment activities & related returns, trends in the markets for fertilizers and medicinal or recreational use of cannabis, the timing or assurance of the legalization of recreational cannabis, the timing for completion of research and development activities, the potential value of royalties from water and other resources, and other statements that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company, including, but not limited to, changes in market trends, the completion, results and timing of research undertaken by the Company, risks associated with resource assets, the impact of general economic conditions, commodity prices, industry conditions, dependence upon regulatory, environmental, and governmental approvals, the uncertainty of obtaining additional financing, and risks associated with cannabis use for medicinal or recreational purposes. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. For More Information, Please Contact: Mehdi Azodi, President & CEO Belgravia Capital (416) 779-3268 mazodi@blgv.ca


CHARLOTTE (dpa-AFX) - Merrill Lynch has banned its clients and financial advisers from buying bitcoin-related investments due to concerns over the investment standard of the cryptocurrency and related products, reports said Wednesday, citing an internal memo circulated among the firm's brokers and clients.



The ban covers all accounts and prevents the brokerage firm's roughly 17,000 advisers from pitching bitcoin-linked investments and executing client request to trade the Grayscale's Bitcoin Investment Trust, or GBTC, the Wall Street Journal and Reuters reported citing an unnamed source.



The decision to ban new purchases of GBTC was driven by 'concerns pertaining to suitability and eligibility standards of this product', the memo said.



The Bank of America's brokerage arm had put the ban in place on December 8, just before the launch of the first US bitcoin futures.



Further, the memo said clients with existing positions in bitcoin and related investments can maintain them, but those with fee-based accounts must sell their holdings.



Bitcoin Investment Trust is run by Grayscale Investments that was founded by a prominent cryptocurrency supporter Barry Silbert. The fund is traded in the over-the-counter market.



In the past 12 months, the fund gave a return of over 1,565 percent versus bitcoin's 1,336 appreciation.



Traditional finance is yet to welcome bitcoin entirely into the mainstream though the Chicago exchanges have started futures trading in the digital currency. Many prominent bankers such as JP Morgan's Jamie Dimon has called it a 'fraud' and warned that it is an investment bubble waiting to burst anytime.



The price of Bitcoin was $14,615.38 as of 5 am ET on Thursday, according to coinbase.



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AUSTIN, TX--(Marketwired - January 04, 2018) - Luxe Energy LLC ("Luxe Energy") and Luxe Minerals LLC ("Luxe Minerals") (collectively, "Luxe") are pleased to announce the successful closing of an upsize in total combined available capital commitments to $820 million. The new commitment upsize from co-investors, combined with the existing commitment from NGP through NGP Natural Resources XI, L.P. and the Luxe management team, represents the largest dry equity commitment in the history of NGP.

Luxe Energy's strategy is to acquire unconventional properties in oil and liquids rich basins throughout the United States and to apply innovative technologies to drive operational excellence. Luxe Minerals' strategy is to acquire mineral and royalty interests in oil and liquids-rich basins throughout the United States and to leverage the technical expertise and large-scale data analytics of the Luxe Energy management team.

The Austin, Texas based Luxe Energy most recently divested its Delaware Basin assets to a subsidiary of Diamondback Energy, Inc. for $560 million in only eighteen months from formation.

Co-founders A. Lance Langford and Jeff Larson have worked together for over 26 years at Burlington Resources and more recently as executives at Statoil. Prior to joining Statoil, Lance and Jeff served as executives for Brigham Exploration ("Brigham") and drove Brigham's success in the Bakken. Lance and Jeff continued to manage Brigham's significant growth in the play through the merger with Statoil in 2011 until leaving to form Luxe in 2015.

A. Lance Langford, Chief Executive Officer of Luxe commented, "We are excited by the continued vote of confidence received from NGP and the shared vision for Luxe Energy's and Luxe Minerals' paths to success. This upsize equity raise will further empower Luxe to capitalize on the exceptional opportunities found in today's market for unconventional resources."

"NGP is pleased to provide additional capital to the Luxe management team," Tony Weber, Managing Partner of NGP, said. "Their strong pipeline of actionable opportunities continues to impress and warrant additional capital investment. We have an extremely high degree of confidence in the technical and operational skillset of this team and their ability to execute on building two great businesses."

For more information about Luxe, please visit www.luxeenergy.com.

About NGP

Founded in 1988, NGP is a premier private equity firm in the natural resources industry with approximately $17 billion of cumulative equity commitments organized to make strategic investments in the energy and natural resources sectors.

For more information about NGP, please visit www.ngpenergycapital.com

Contact:



A. Lance Langford

Chief Executive Officer

512-640-3280

llangford@luxeenergy.com
Pierre Fabre Pharmaceuticals (Pierre Fabre) and Boston Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Boston Pharmaceuticals) today announced they have entered into a worldwide licensing agreement for Pierre Fabre's selective potassium channel blocker, F17727.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180104005644/en/

F17727 is a small molecule in late preclinical development for the potential treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Under the terms of the agreement, Pierre Fabre grants Boston Pharmaceuticals worldwide exclusive rights for the development, manufacturing and commercialization of F17727. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"While our R&D and commercial focus has shifted away from cardiology, we are committed to ensuring that promising compounds are advanced through strategic partnerships to the benefit of patients," said Frederic Duchesne, President CEO, Pierre Fabre Pharmaceuticals. "Boston Pharmaceuticals' R&D excellence, collaborative approach and dedication to patients aligns well with our mission and we are pleased to enter this agreement with them for F17727

"This agreement, with such a patient-driven and innovative partner as Pierre Fabre, marks a further significant step in our plan to assemble a diverse portfolio of clinical candidates across a broad range of mechanisms and therapeutic targets. F17727 represents the seventh addition to our rapidly advancing pipeline and our first candidate that addresses cardiovascular disease," said Robert Armstrong, Chief Executive Officer of Boston Pharmaceuticals. "We believe F17727 works through a potentially differentiated, highly selective mechanism with the potential to treat atrial fibrillation and look forward to advancing this candidate to further evaluate its potential."

About Pierre Fabre

With a portfolio representing a continuum of activities spanning from prescription drugs and consumer healthcare products to dermo-cosmetics, Pierre Fabre is the 2nd largest dermo-cosmetics laboratory in the world, the 2nd largest private French pharmaceutical group and the market leader in France for products sold over the counter in pharmacies. Its portfolio includes several global brands and franchises among which Eau Thermale Avene the worldwide dermo-cosmetic market leader Klorane, Ducray, Rene Furterer, A-Derma, Galenic, Elancyl, Naturactive, Pierre Fabre Health Care, Pierre Fabre Oral Care, Pierre Fabre Dermatologie and Pierre Fabre Oncologie.

In 2016, Pierre Fabre generated 2,282 million euros in revenues, of which 60% came from its international business and 59% from its dermo-cosmetics division. Pierre Fabre, which has always been headquartered in the South-West of France, counts more than 13,000 employees worldwide, owns subsidiaries and offices in 47 countries and enjoys distribution agreements in over 130 countries. In 2016, Pierre Fabre dedicated ca. 195 million euros to its R&D efforts, split between oncology, central nervous system, consumer healthcare, dermatology and dermo-cosmetics.

Pierre Fabre is 86%-owned by the Pierre Fabre Foundation, a government-recognized public-interest foundation, and secondarily by its own employees through an international employee stock ownership plan. The independent French certification group AFNOR audited Pierre Fabre for its corporate social responsibility policy at the "exemplary" level, according to the ISO 26000 standard for CSR.

For more information, please visit www.pierre-fabre.com.

About Boston Pharmaceuticals

Boston Pharmaceuticals (the "Company") is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing differentiated therapeutics. By leveraging a highly experienced drug development team, Boston Pharmaceuticals is building a portfolio of high value clinical candidates addressing important unmet medical needs. The Company partners with innovative biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical companies and academic groups to acquire or in-license drug development candidates at late stages of pre-clinical development through early stages of clinical development. Following completion of human proof-of-concept trials, Boston Pharmaceuticals intends to partner successful development candidates to larger pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies for registration and commercialization, or alternatively build its own late stage portfolio, enabling the best molecules to reach patients while creating downstream value for the innovator and the Company. Boston Pharmaceuticals is funded by Gurnet Point Capital and is building a diversified portfolio of clinical candidates across multiple therapeutic areas.

For more information, please visit www.bostonpharmaceuticals.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180104005644/en/

Contacts:

Pierre Fabre

Valerie Roucoules, (33) 1 49 10 83 84

valerie.roucoules@pierre-fabre.com

or

Boston Pharmaceuticals

MacDougall Biomedical Communications

Kari Watson, 781-235-3060

kwatson@macbiocom.com
LONDON, 2018-01-04 14:05 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The pharmaceuticals industry is going through one of its most exciting periods yet. Generic pharmaceuticals have taken off, leading to much more innovation in the market and a wave of consolidation across the US. Keeping on top of all these changes is Robert Wessman, CEO and founder of pharmaceuticals organisation Alvogen. His knack for spotting industry developments has seen the company soar to great heights and become a pharmaceutical leader. Wessman recently spoke to World Finance magazine, in a three-part video series, to share his knowledge - and predictions - for the pharmaceutical market. Though only created in 2009, Alvogen has grown substantially over the years. Wessman discusses its inception in the video series; astonishingly, the vision for Alvogen was initially sketched out on a napkin. Wessman had met investors in a New York restaurant and it was the easiest way to communicate his pharmaceutical vision. They were sold. Today, Alvogen's ability to thrive in one of the world's most competitive sectors is underpinned by its fast responses to industry movements and strong team. Later on in the video series, Wessman gives his top tips for leadership, explaining what traits are needed in order to make a business work. He also explains why it's so important to know what you're looking for in recruitment - so as to build the perfect team. For some of the best insights in the generics pharmaceutical industry, go to World Finance online - where the three-part video series is available: https://www.worldfinance.com/videos/alvogen-founder-generic-drug-price-wars-will -drive-consolidation https://www.worldfinance.com/videos/i-took-my-napkin-and-off-we-went-robert-wess mans-billion-dollar-vision https://www.worldfinance.com/videos/robert-wessman-a-leader-must-be-able-to-act- when-most-others-dont World News Media is a leading publisher of quality financial and business magazines, which enjoys a global distribution network that includes subscriber lists of prominent decision-makers around the world. CONTACT INFORMATION World News Media Elizabeth Matsangou Editorial Department +44 (0)20 7553 4162 elizabeth.matsangou@wnmedia.com


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - A controversial forthcoming book on the Trump White House, which has already sent shock waves after blunt revelations from his former chief strategist Steve Bannon, has gone on top of Amazone's best-sellers.



Journalist Michael Wolff's book 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House' is scheduled to release next Tuesday. But, by 3 p.m. ET Wednesday, it was ranked No. 1 on the online trader's best-selling books list.



The Guardian and New York Magazine posted excerpts of the book in which Bannon is quoted as saying some remarkable comments about the Trump family and the Russia investigation.



According to Brannon, Trump did not want to be the president, and was shocked and horrified by his election win.



The First Lady Melania was reportedly in tears on election night - not of joy, but on knowing about the surprising electoral victory of her billionaire husband.



With extraordinary access to the Trump White House, Michael Wolff tells the inside story of the most controversial US presidency of modern time.



In this explosive book, he provides an array of new details about the chaos in the Oval Office. Among the revelations are what President Trump's staff really thinks of him; what inspired Trump to claim he was wire-tapped by President Obama; why FBI director James Comey was dismissed; and who is really directing the Trump administration's strategy after Bannon was fired from the job.



A second excerpt will come out on Thursday, and the controversial media columnist will be interviewed on NBC's 'Today' show on Friday, CNN reports.



Meanwhile, Trump's lawyers issued a legal notice demanding that Bannon stop making disparaging comments about Trump and his family.



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WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - With the release of the closely watched monthly jobs report looming, the Labor Department released a report on Thursday showing an unexpected uptick in first-time claims for U.S. unemployment benefits in the week ended December 30th.



The report said initial jobless claims edged up to 250,000, an increase of 3,000 from the previous week's revised level of 247,000.



The increase surprised economists, who had expected jobless claims to drop to 240,000 from the 245,000 originally reported for the previous week.



'We wouldn't read too much into that increase, however,' said Paul Ashworth, Chief U.S. Economist at Capital Economics. 'Claims are notoriously volatile at the best of times and particularly around holidays.'



'The bottom line is that claims remain at an unusually low level, providing more evidence of labor market strength,' he added.



The less volatile four-week moving average rose to 241,750, an increase of 3,500 from the previous week's revised average of 238,250.



The Labor Department noted claims taking procedures continue to be disrupted in the Virgin Islands, while the claims taking process in Puerto Rico has still not returned to normal.



Meanwhile, the report said continuing claims, a reading on the number of people receiving ongoing unemployment assistance, fell by 37,000 to 1.914 million in the week ended December 23rd.



The four-week moving average of continuing clams still crept up to 1,922,500, an increase of 750 from the previous week's revised average of 1,921,750.



On Friday, the Labor Department is due to release its more closely watched monthly employment report for December.



The report is expected to show an increase of about 190,000 jobs in December following the jump of 228,000 jobs in November. The unemployment rate is expected to hold at 4.1 percent.



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MONTREAL, QUEBEC and QUINCY, MASSACHUSETTS -- (Marketwired) -- 01/04/18 -- Cogeco Communications Inc. (TSX: CCA) announced today that its subsidiary Atlantic Broadband has completed the acquisition of cable systems owned by Harron Communications, L.P. and operating under the MetroCast brand name ("MetroCast").

Atlantic Broadband raised US$1.85 billion of secured debt through a combination of term loan B and revolving credit facility financings as well as US$315 million of equity through an investment by Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec ("CDPQ") for a 21% interest in Atlantic Broadband's holding company. These proceeds were used to finance the US$1.4 billion purchase price and to refinance Atlantic Broadband's existing debt.

With the completion of this transaction, Atlantic Broadband will expand its operations across 11 states on the east coast of the United States. On a pro forma basis, the combined company will have 1,250 employees and will generate over US$710 million in combined revenue.

As of today, MetroCast will maintain its existing brand name and will continue to offer its current TV, Internet and Phone services to business and residential customers. Starting in spring of 2018, MetroCast will begin offering a suite of enhanced services under the Atlantic Broadband brand name.

"After our highly successful acquisition and integration of the MetroCast Connecticut system more than two years ago, we understand the significant residential and business growth potential in this business," said Richard Shea, Atlantic Broadband President and Chief Executive Officer. "A core strength of MetroCast has been its excellent operational and service team. We are pleased to welcome all MetroCast operating employees, including the local General Managers, to the Atlantic Broadband family. We look forward to working together to launch new and improved TV, Internet and Phone services to residential and business customers in these markets."

"This acquisition establishes Atlantic Broadband as a strategic platform in the U.S. with a diverse footprint extending up the East Coast from Florida to Maine," said Louis Audet, President and Chief Executive Officer, Cogeco Communications Inc., the parent company of Atlantic Broadband. "It has been a great opportunity to partner with CDPQ for this transaction and we look forward to working with them to continue to grow this business in the U.S."

ABOUT ATLANTIC BROADBAND

Atlantic Broadband, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cogeco Communications Inc. (TSX: CCA), is the 9th largest cable operator in the United States, based on the number of television service customers served. The company provides its residential and business customers with Internet, TV and Phone services in 11 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. Atlantic Broadband is headquartered in Quincy, Massachusetts. To learn more about Atlantic Broadband, please visit www.atlanticbb.com.

ABOUT COGECO COMMUNICATIONS INC.

Cogeco Communications Inc. is a communications corporation. It is the 8th largest cable operator in North America, operating in Canada under the Cogeco Connexion name in Quebec and Ontario, and in the United States under the Atlantic Broadband name in 11 states along the East Coast, from Maine to Florida. Cogeco Communications Inc. provides its residential and business customers with Internet, video and telephony services through its two-way broadband fibre networks. Through its subsidiary Cogeco Peer 1, Cogeco Communications Inc. provides its business customers with a suite of information technology services (colocation, network connectivity, hosting, cloud and managed services), through its 16 data centres, extensive FastFiber Network and more than 50 points of presence in North America and Europe. Cogeco Communications Inc.'s subordinate voting shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CCA).

ABOUT 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 Canada's 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.

Contacts:

Atlantic Broadband

Diane Carragher, Matter Communications

978-518-4509

atlanticBB@matternow.com



Cogeco Communications Inc.

Nancy Bouffard

Director, Corporate Communications

514-764-4700



Investor and Analyst Contact

Cogeco Communications Inc.

Andree Pinard

Vice President and Treasurer

514-764-4700




MUMBAI, INDIA, January 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Highly recommended, Who's Who in Russia is an outstanding biographical reference work containing comprehensive information on the key figures in Russia. Due to the strength of their achievements and their influential positions, these prominent individuals have become highly esteemed in public life. Bharat Book Bureau announces the addition of the report "Who's Who in Russia 2018" to its offering.

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Each honoree provides a role model of excellence whether in government, business, academic, religion, media or public service. These individuals exemplify the wealth of talent and leadership with which Russia is blessed, and it is fitting that their accomplishments are being acknowledged in this way.

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The Who's Who also surveys the country in detail from a historical, political and economic perspective. Comprehensive background information such as details on the functions and activities of government, official awards and other relevant facts from the world of politics and economics further a fuller understanding of this great country



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This section of the Who's Who sets out precise biographical details on eminent individuals from every sphere of activity - government, politics, the diplomatic service, the military, administration, science, legal professions, finance, arts, education, music, medicine, literature etc.



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A team from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst (UMass) have developed a polymer based energy storage system, which releases energy on demand as heat. The scientists say that their system utilizes a polymer chain 'organized like a string of Christmas lights' and can achieve more than double the storage density of previous polymer based systems.A new battery being developed by scientists at UMass could provide an alternative to lithium storage. The battery stores energy in chemical bonds, releasing it as heat rather than electricity. According to research published in the journal Scientific Reports, the system developed was able to achieve an average storage density of 510 joules/gram, and a maximum of 690, compared with previous polymeric storage systems, whose density was in the range of 200 joules/gram. "Theory says that we should be able to achieve 800 ...

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.
Technavio has announced the top five leading vendors in their recent global automotive body control module (BCM) marketreport from 2017-2021. This market research report also lists 10 other prominent vendors that are expected to impact the market during the forecast period.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180104005523/en/

Technavio has published a new market research report on the global automotive body control module market 2017-2021 under their automotive library. (Graphic: Business Wire)

Competitive vendor landscape

The global automotive BCM market is facing intense competition due to the presence of large players in the market. The major reason for the increasing rivalry between the players is the increasing cost pressure because of the increasing electronic content in vehicles. The increasing electronic content in vehicles demands the integration of various sensors in a module.

According to Amey Vikram, a lead analyst at Technavio forautomotive electronics research, "The increasing demand for auto electronics increases the need for automotive BCM. The use of multiple BCMs in luxury cars is increasing competition among players. During the forecast period, the auto electronics manufacturers that make automotive ECUs are anticipated to enter the manufacture of automotive BCM, which is also a type of ECU."

Avail Technavio's Year-End Special offer: Get 50% off on this report and all other reports covering industries like ICT; energy; food and beverage; healthcare and life sciences; automotive; industrial automation; education; and many more. Offer valid only from Dec 18 Jan 7

Technaviomarket research analysts identify the following key vendors:

Bosch

Bosch is the world's largest supplier of automotive components. The core products offered by the company include automotive components, industrial products, and building products. Automotive components contribute to 60% of the total revenue. The BCM provided by Bosch acts as the integration platform for several applications such as internal lighting applications and external lighting applications.

Continental

Continental offers products and services for the automotive and rubber industries. The company engages in the manufacture of soft rubber products, rubberized fabrics, solid tires for carriages and bicycles, and automotive electronics. The BCM or central BCM offered by the company has several functions such as external lighting, interior lighting, windshield wipers, windshield washer systems, and central locking systems.

Delphi

Delphi is a global technology company that provides a wide range of products and solutions for the automotive and commercial vehicle sectors. The company's products help in making vehicles safe, eco-friendly, and cost-effective. Delphi BCM links its inputs and outputs with powerful microprocessors. Delphi BCM uses ASIC and surface mounted devices (SMD) to make the body electronic components to be small and reliable.

DENSO

DENSO supplies advanced automotive technologies, systems, and components to established players in the automotive industry. DENSO offers a variety of automotive products and technologies such as powertrain control systems, electronic systems, thermal systems, information and safety systems, and small motors. Inverter power conditioning unit (PCU) offered by the company consists of an inverter and other devices that regulate the current flow from the battery to the electric motor.

HELLA

HELLA is an internationally operating automotive supplier operating out of Germany. The company develops and manufactures lighting and electronic components and systems for the automotive industry. The company offers automotive EMS components, such as actuators, body electronics, driver assistance systems, and sensors.

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The KOHLER Experience Center by Expressions Home Gallery will serve design professionals and consumers by offering a global immersion in the full offering of KOHLER products

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / January 4, 2018 / Premier showroom brand, Expressions Home Gallery and Kohler Co., a global leader in the design and manufacture of kitchen and bath products, joined the Los Angeles market with the opening of a new KOHLER Experience Center (KEC LAX). The new Showroom opened its doors at 8955 W. Beverly Blvd in West Hollywood on December 5, 2017.

Located in West Hollywood, KEC LAX is one of just seven in the world and one of two in the United States. This location offers consumers and design professionals the widest array of functioning products from KOHLER, Kallista and Robern, as well as Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, the industry leaders in premium refrigeration, wine preservation and cooking equipment. The two story, 10,000 square-foot space houses more than 20 bath vignettes and five full kitchen vignettes to enable customers to fully immerse themselves in the design experience and functionality of the superior products. This includes the Experience Center within KEC LAX, which is a space specifically designed to give customers a private, product trial to fully experience products and gain a deeper knowledge of how the products work within a space.

"Our KOHLER Experience Center location in Los Angeles offers an unparalleled service experience that we are excited for our west coast consumers and trade professionals to have at their fingertips," said Mike Swedick, President of MORSCO Plumbing Division. "A Kohler team of experts along with our knowledgeable product consultants will be available to guide guests through the expansive product floor. Our partnership with Kohler has produced great customer-centric showrooms, including our recently opened Kohler Signature Store in Culver City, and we plan to continue creating unique and comprehensive shopping experiences for our consumers, which is what is embodied in the Los Angeles location."

KEC LAX will be open seven days a week, welcoming walk-ins. For more information visit www.kohlerexperiencecenterlax.com.

Launched in 2014, Expressions Home Gallery is the premier showroom brand for the MORSCO platform companies. MORSCO, Inc. is a Fort Worth, Texas-based distributor of commercial and residential plumbing products; heating and cooling equipment (HVAC); pipe, valves and fittings (PVF); and underground utility products.

Photo Caption: MORSCO executives join Kohler President and CEO, David Kohler, center, for the grand opening of the new Kohler Experience Center in West Hollywood on December 5, 2017. From left to right are MORSCO's Bryan Schiff, Senior Vice President, Plumbing Operations; Kerry Warren, Chief Financial Officer; Ron Bohannon, Vice President, Plumbing Sales; and Mike Swedick, President, Plumbing.

About MORSCO

MORSCO is a leading U.S. distributor of commercial and residential plumbing, waterworks and HVAC supplies. The company was founded in Fort Worth, Texas, and is now one of the fastest growing in its market. MORSCO is a private company sponsored by Advent International and led by a team of industry veterans. The MORSCO family of brands consists of Express Pipe & Supply Co. (CA); Farnsworth Wholesale Supply (AZ); Morrison Supply Company (TX, OK, NM, KS); Murray Supply Company (NC, SC, VA); Wholesale Specialties (CO), DeVore & Johnson (GA); Fortiline Waterworks (AL, AZ, FL, GA, KS, KY, NC, OH, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA) and MORSCO's premier showroom offering in these markets, Expressions Home Gallery. For additional information regarding MORSCO or any of its brands, please visit www.MorscoUSA.com.

About Expressions Home Gallery

Expressions Home Gallery is the premier showroom brand for the MORSCO platform companies. Expressions Home Gallery associates have dedicated industry experience and the business' history dates back to 1917. The showroom offers kitchen & bath products, lighting fixtures, hardware, Sub-Zero appliances and more. Each sales consultant is a highly trained industry expert who can assist in guiding customers down the right path to achieve the home of their dreams. For more information, please visit www.ExpressionsHomeGallery.com.

CONTACT:

Lara Price, Branding & Communications Specialist, Plumbing & Showrooms

MORSCO

100 East 15th Street, Ste. 200, Fort Worth, TX 76102

(817) 870-2227

llprice@morsco.com

SOURCE: MORSCO
DUBLIN, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

The "Global Mobile Analytics Market 2017-2021" report has been added to Research and Markets' offering.

The global mobile analytics market to grow at a CAGR of 20.36% during the period 2017-2021.

Global Mobile Analytics Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.

One trend in the market is growing focus on BI. Organizations are investing in BI and analytics to improve the decision-making capabilities of enterprises. This integration with mobile platforms has helped analytics solutions to become comprehensive. BI solutions combined with analytics are capable of handling a large amount of unstructured data to help identify and analyze business patterns. In most cases, BI applications collate data from data warehouses, analyze the data, and provide a decision-support system.

According to the report, one driver in the market is emergence of big data. Big data is the set of structured and unstructured data in an organization that cannot be processed using a structured database and software implementation. Organizations collect information about their customers through cache data and their browsing habits. This raw data is converted into business intelligence by using mobile analytic tools and is used to make business decisions. In addition, this technology allows organizations to use historical data in combination with present insights for the prediction of future outcomes.

Further, the report states that one challenge in the market is lack of skilled analytics professionals. The mobile analytics model is a relatively new technology for most enterprises, which do not have the experience of working with analytics vendors. Hence, it has become one of the most challenging factors for organizations. The lack of confidence or experience of analytics vendors to perform tasks is decreasing the adoption rate of mobile analytics. In many cases, inexperienced users do not recognize the sources of data and are not able to analyze them properly. Enterprises providing cost-effective IT infrastructure are also concerned if the vendors can provide them with a good ROI. Moreover, as cloud computing does not have universally recognized standards, end-users face issues when framing compliance standards or while switching services from one cloud service provider to another.

Market trends

Growing focus on BI

Increase in adoption of BYOD policy

Integration with social media

SaaS-based predictive analytics



Key vendors

Adobe Systems

Amazon Web Services

Google

IBM

Microsoft

Other prominent vendors

Adjust

Amplitude

Appsee

CA Technologies

Flurry (Yahoo!)

Localytics

Segment

Upsight

Webtrends

Key Topics Covered:



Part 01: Executive Summary



Part 02: Scope Of The Report



Part 03: Research Methodology



Part 04: Introduction



Part 05: Market Landscape



Part 06: Market Sizing



Part 07: Five Forces Analysis



Part 08: Market Segmentation By Platform



Part 09: Market Segmentation By End-User



Part 10: Regional Landscape



Part 11: Buying Criteria



Part 12: Decision Framework



Part 13: Drivers And Challenges



Part 14: Market Trends



Part 15: Vendor Landscape



Part 16: Vendor Analysis



Part 17: Appendix



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/xqpbpp/global_mobile?w=5





Media Contact:

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com



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TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 01/04/18 -- ME Resources Corp. (the Company) has announced a transaction that will be considered a Fundamental Change pursuant to CSE Policy 8 .

Trading in MEC has been halted and will remain halted at least until the documentation required under sections 1.6 and 1.7 of Policy 8 have been reviewed and accepted by the Exchange and posted to the Exchange website. During the halt, no Dealer may quote or trade in the security in any marketplace or over-the-counter, either as principal or agent.

The halt is considered a Regulatory Halt as defined in National Instrument 23-101 Trading Rules.

For further information about the transaction, see the news releases issued by the Company

No information about the transaction or the status of the confidential review process will be provided by the Exchange, except through the publication of a bulletin.

Contacts:

Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE)

Listings

(416) 367-7340

Listings@thecse.com

www.thecse.com




EAST WINDSOR, CT / ACCESSWIRE / January 4, 2018 / Insuritas, operating at the intersection of InsurTECH and FinTECH, successfully launched its i-Insure technology platform with 42 of the nation's leading auto and home insurance carriers today. i-Insure allows P&C carriers to leverage the real-time exchange of over 180 fields of data to deliver bindable rates within the Insuritas multi-channel virtual agency platform that provides insurance shopping to over 9 million retail households. The i-Insure technology allows carriers to quickly drive their latest innovations with products and pricing to our clients' customers as they shop for all of their auto and home insurance needs. i-Insure is built into our omnichannel master agency and is integrated with our partner bank and credit union loan origination and online banking platforms.

Jeff Chesky, CEO of Insuritas, noted, "We have built powerful, trusted partnerships with the nation's leading auto and home insurance carriers, and have emerged as one of the fastest growing insurance distributors in the country with our third consecutive year of 40% + growth in profitable premium. Our goal was to build out an open technology platform that would allow us to move massive amounts of data seamlessly between our clients, their customers, and our carrier partners, and integrate with the burgeoning pool of third-party data that helps our carriers to compete and win profitable business. The i-Insure technology allows our omnichannel platform to deliver the right combinations of coverage and pricing that our high quality insureds expect. As our bank and credit union partners deploy our virtual insurance agency platforms deeper inside their ecosystems and leverage their trusted customer and member relationships, we can now further refine personalized insurance shopping and buying to the over 9 million customers in our addressable market."

Tracy O'Brien, CTO of Insuritas, continued, "We are committed to supporting our carrier partners as they pursue innovation, data analytics, robotic process automation, machine learning, blockchain technology, and artificial intelligence, all in an effort to further refine their products, pricing, and conversion rates. A year in the making in collaboration with our carrier partners, i-Insure is a unique, agnostic multichannel middleware that allows our carrier partners to deploy their innovations real-time. Their innovations will allow them to write more profitable premium and allow us to deliver the right combinations of coverages at the right price to our clients over 9 million customers."

About Insuritas

Insuritas has reengineered insurance distribution in America, simply changing the way insurance works - by building a scalable platform that currently has a comprehensive knowledge of and active engagement with nearly 9 million retail and 1.4 million small business insurance buyers. Insuritas has reengineered insurance by building complex, private labeled insurance agency solutions embedded into the financial services industry, enabling these firms to own a turn-key insurance agency and offer their customers a comprehensive set of insurance and risk management products through a white-labeled, digitally-optimized solution installed, managed, and optimized by Insuritas. Insuritas has solved the most intractable problem for the $1.3T insurance vertical in the US; building a single fully integrated platform that can connect the over 300M+ insurance buyers in the US and all of their annual insurance needs to insurance carriers in a single, virtual insurance agency eco-system, collapsing the fragmented and antiquated customer acquisition, quoting and policy issuance model and finally replacing it with the IoT. Click www.insuritas.com for additional information.

Contact:

Jeffery Chesky

860-653-1134

SOURCE: Insuritas
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 01/04/18 -- On December 19, 2017, Marquest 2017-I Mining Super Flow-Through Limited Partnership - Quebec Class (the "Acquiror") which is located at 161 Bay Street, Suite 4420, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 2S1 acquired an aggregate of 4,545,454 common shares (the "Purchased Shares") in the capital of Vanadium One Energy Corp. (the "Issuer") pursuant to a non-brokered private placement financing by the Issuer of 4,636,454 "flow-through" common shares of the Issuer at the price of $0.11 per share (the "Transaction"). The Issuer's head office is located at 1 Adelaide Street East, Suite 801, Toronto, Ontario, M5C 2V9.

Prior to the Transaction, the Acquiror did not hold any common shares of the Issuer. On December 19, 2017, the Acquiror acquired direct ownership and control of the Purchased Shares pursuant to the Transaction. Immediately following the completion of the Transaction, the Acquiror had ownership and control of the Purchased Shares representing approximately 13.19% of the then issued and outstanding common shares of the Issuer on a non-diluted basis. The Purchased Shares were issued from treasury of the Issuer at a price of $0.11 per share for the aggregate consideration of $499,999.94.

The Purchased Shares were acquired for investment purposes. The Acquiror may, from time to time, take such actions in respect of their holdings in securities of the Issuer, as they may deem appropriate, in light of the circumstances then existing, including the purchase of additional common shares or other securities of the Issuer or the disposition of all or a portion of their securityholdings in the Issuer, subject in each case to applicable securities laws and the terms of such securities.

Pursuant to NI 62-103, the Acquiror will file an early warning report in respect of the Transaction with the applicable Canadian securities regulators, a copy of which will be available under the Issuer's profile at www.sedar.com.

Contacts:

A copy of the early warning report can be obtained

by contacting the Acquiror at

(416) 777-7350




Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 4, 2018) - Crown Mining Corporation (TSXV: CWM) ("Crown" or the "Company") is pleased to announce test results from its initial metallurgical testing of mineralized samples from its Moonlight and Superior copper sulfide deposits located in the Light's Creek Copper District, Plumas County, northern California.

The metallurgical test work for the Moonlight deposit resulted in a copper recovery of 88% with a concentrate grade of 32.1% copper.

The table below provides additional results of the test work that was completed on the Moonlight and Superior deposits:

Deposit Head

grade

Cu (%) Head

grade

Ag (opt) Rougher

flotation

Cu recovery

(%) Rougher

flotation

Ag recovery

(%) Cleaner concentrate

grade Cu

(%) Cleaner concentrate

grade Ag

(opt) Moonlight 0.56 0.21 88.0 72.3 32.1 7.0 Superior 0.43 0.24 86.8 60.4 22.1 11.3

Crown commissioned Dr. Corby Anderson, through Allihies Engineering Incorporated, in collaboration with Continental Metallurgical Services, to undertake an initial metallurgical evaluation of Crown's copper (silver) deposits. The intention of the test program was to confirm effective flotation reagent conditions and demonstrate the recoveries and concentrate quality that can be achieved with the tested material.

The Allihies-Continental metallurgical report states that good recoveries and good grade concentrates are achievable with 90% of the grind passing 100 mesh with low reagent consumption. Additional testing will be required to determine optimum grind size and reagent mix. Mineralogical analysis using AMICS (Advanced Mineral Identification and Characterization System) identified chalcopyrite and bornite as the dominant copper minerals.

The report also noted the absence of iron sulfide (pyrite) in the samples as being advantageous in the flotation of the copper mineralization as well as potentially having other operational advantages. The report recommends that the next phase of testing will evaluate a regrind circuit which could enhance recoveries, particularly for the Superior deposit.

These metallurgical results will be incorporated into the Preliminary Economic Assessment on the Moonlight deposit currently being prepared by Tetra Tech, Inc of Vancouver.

Crown controls approximately 15 square miles of patented and unpatented federal mining claims in the Light's Creek Copper District; essentially, the entire District. The District contains substantial copper (silver) sulfide and copper oxide resources in three deposits - Moonlight, Superior and Engels, as well as several partially tested and untested exploration targets.

The Superior and Engels Mines operated from about 1915-1930 producing over 161 million pounds of copper from over 4 million tons of rock containing 2.2% copper with silver and gold credits. The Moonlight Deposit was discovered and drilled by Placer Amex during the 1960's.

The three deposits host the following National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") resources, calculated using ordinary kriging and a cutoff grade of 0.20% copper:

Deposit Tonnes Grade Copper

(tons in brackets) (%) (pounds) Moonlight (Indicated) 146 million (161mm) .324 1.04 billion Moonlight (Inferred) 88 million (88mm) .282 496 million Superior (Inferred) 54 million .41 487 million Engels - oxide (Inferred) 2.5 million 1.05 60 million

Further details of these resources and the parameters used to calculate them can be found in the Technical Report on the Moonlight Copper Property dated April 12, 2007 and the Technical Report on the Superior Project dated November 7, 2014 filed on Sedar.com. Additional historical resource estimates are also disclosed in these reports.

Mr. George Cole is the Qualified Person pursuant to NI 43-101 responsible for the technical information contained in this news release, and he has reviewed and approved this news release.

For more information please see the Crown website at www.crownminingcorp.com.

For Further Information Contact:

Mr. Stephen Dunn, President, CEO and Director, Crown Mining Corporation (416) 361-2827 or email info@crownminingcorp.com.

Neither the 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 press release.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws and regulations, including statements regarding the future activities of the Company. Forward-looking statements reflect the current beliefs and expectations of management and are identified by the use of words including "will", "anticipates", "expected to", "plans", "planned" and other similar words. Actual results may differ significantly. The achievement of the results expressed in forward-looking statements is subject to a number of risks, including those described in the Company's management discussion and analysis as filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities which are available at www.sedar.com. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon forward-looking statements.
Bicycle Therapeutics, a Cambridge, UK-based biotechnology company pioneering a new class of therapeutics based on its proprietary bicyclic peptide product platform, has been awarded a grant from Innovate UK, the UKs innovation agency.

The grant will allow Bicycle technology to develop the next generation of novel antibiotics.

Led by Kevin Lee, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, Bicycle Therapeutics is developing a unique class of chemically synthesized medicines based on its proprietary bicyclic peptide (Bicycle) product platform to address therapeutic needs unreachable with existing treatment modalities. Bicycles internal focus is in oncology, where the company is developing targeted cytotoxics (Bicycle Toxin Conjugates), targeted innate immune activators and T-cell modulators for cancers of high unmet medical need.

FinSMEs

04/01/2018
NextCapital, a Chicago, IL-based provider of enterprise digital advice platform, completion a $30m Series C financing.

The round was led by Oak HC/FT, with participation from existing shareholders Manulife Financial, Transamerica Ventures, Vermont Seed Capital Fund and Route 66 Ventures. In conjunction with the funding, Oak HC/FTs Patricia Kemp will join the NextCapital Board of Directors while Oak HC/FT venture partner Dan Petrozzo will join NextCapital as a Board Observer.

The company intends to use the funds to bring new digital advice capabilities to market and open up new strategic business channels.

Led by John Patterson, Chief Executive Officer, NextCapital provides institutions with an integrated and configurable platform to deliver automated personal financial advice, including holistic portfolio tracking, planning, savings advice, and portfolio management across multiple channels including 401(k), IRA, and taxable brokerage accounts.

The company powers digital advice strategies for leading brands such as John Hancock, Russell Investments, State Street Global Advisors, and Transamerica.

FinSMEs

04/01/2018
So  youre thinking about setting up a business in Europe. Great choice! There are so many reasons why setting up a business in Europe is a good move, from the opportunity to expand your business to new parts of the world, to low corporate tax links.

If you are considering setting up a business in Europe, remember to complete your E111 renewal before you go, to help you should you fall ill abroad and require emergency treatment. Without further ado, find our top tips for setting up a business in Europe below.

Choosing The Best Location In Europe

When setting up a business in Europe, in order for your business to be successful abroad, it is paramount that you consider the best location for your business. One of the most decisive factors when it comes to choosing the best location in Europe for your business is understanding where your potential customers and suppliers are. If a majority of your customers and suppliers are located in Italy, for example, it is in your businesses favour to incorporate a company in Italy. Choosing a location you prefer over one that is most suited for your business will impact its success, which is a huge risk for you, and your business.

Tax Implications

The next top tip for setting up a business in Europe is to take tax implications into consideration. Most countries in Europe, including the likes of Cyprus, Hungary and Ireland, offer low corporate tax links between 10% and 15%. This is an essential factor to consider for new businesses because cash flow is far less stable at the start of incorporation, and thus nothing is secured.

Registering Your Company

You will be pleased to know that the company registration process across Europe are very similar, and are more than less straightforward. Whilst company incorporation usually takes up to two weeks, incorporation of your company in the likes of Portugal, Italy and Denmark only takes days to complete, depending on your business sector. Furthermore, almost all European countries have one main point of contact that handles countless administrative procedures when it comes to setting up a business in Europe, so you can feel assured that nothing will get lost between people.

Seek Advice

When it comes to setting up a business in Europe, we highly recommend that you seek professional advice. As you will already know, hiring an expert lawyer when starting a business is paramount at home, but even more so abroad. Ideally you should hire a lawyer who is currently living in the European country you wish to set up your business in. This is because you will know that your chosen lawyer has all the relevant skills and knowledge required to lift your business off the ground overseas.

Give Yourself Time

As well as seeking professional advice, remember to give yourself time. You might be excited to move abroad and get your business started, but remind yourself that all good things come to those who wait. Take time to conduct thorough research to ensure you pick the right location to allow your business flourish. Most importantly, dont expect things to happen overnight  because they wont. With a little patience and determination, your business start-up abroad will be well underway.

Setting up a business in Europe takes time, and is certainly a process that you shouldnt rush to complete. In order for your business to be successful in Europe, you must first choose the right location before you can even begin thinking about how you will target your new audience, but dont worry  all good things take time, and with a plan, your European business with come together in no time!
The 15th Finance Commission, which the government notified on 27 November, 2017, will have to first contend with the slowdown in the Indian economy. There is an upward trend in the fiscal deficits of states. The inter-governmental transfer system has become overly complex with different sharing arrangements for different taxes; the spending autonomy of the states, combined with their ability to borrow, has obstructed efforts at consolidating public finances; there is little incentive for states to improve revenue performances and revenue-sharing arrangements have led to pro-cyclical policies at the state level.

The high levels of inter-governmental transfers necessitate that states ensure that provincial tax enforcement and structural reforms are strengthened. The problem with persistent off-budget spending has proved a drag on the fiscal deficits of the states.

The vertical balances to the states relative to the Centre's gross revenue receipts have shown trend increases in every Finance Commission and it would not be possible to reduce the devolution without a corresponding increase in fiscal and revenue deficits of the states. The higher devolution under the 14th Finance Commission have seen marginal increases in social sector allocations. There are pressures to increase allocations to the centrally sponsored schemes (CSS) for higher expenditure on health and education.

The tax buoyancies have been affected by the transition to the goods and services tax (GST) and the GST compensation to states will continue till 2022.

For the 15th Finance Commission, GST will usher in higher tax buoyancy by bringing in a large number of new tax payers into the net. Higher tax collections under GST will provide the Union government room for fiscal manoeuvre yto finance the inter-governmental transfer system.

On the horizontal balances, the 15th Finance Commission has the responsibility of equalising the widening gap between richer states and the low-income states. These inequalities have resulted in widely differing social and capital expenditure between the states. A large part of the equalisation effort by the 15th Finance Commission would have to be through grants-in-aid rather than devolution.

The 14th Finance Commission's recommendations ushered in a new era of fiscal federalism in India. Devolution to the states significantly went up from 32 percent to 42 percent. While most countries have found it difficult to finance federal transfers of about 30 percent to the provinces, India has taken it to 42 percent.

The government followed up the historic devolution with the constitution of the NITI Aayog to promote cooperative federalism and enacted a constitutional amendment to establish the GST Council.

These major progressive steps were backed by restructuring the CSS allocation ratio from 75:25 to 50:50 to provide greater flexibility and ownership to the states. In turn, the states were mandated to pursue the objectives of zero revenue deficit, fiscal deficit not exceeding 3 percent of GSDP, interest payments-to-revenue receipt ratio not exceeding 10 percent and debt-to-GSDP ratio not exceeding 25 percent.

Despite these historic steps, there remain challenges. The resource requirements of the power sector remain very high. In some states, the fiscal deficit with power sector allocations have climbed to around 9 percent. The deteriorating public debt dynamics caused by the requirements of the power sector's restructuring would be a major area of concern for the 15th Finance Commission. An alternate fiscal scenario would need to be considered to limit the on-budget fiscal deficits to 3 percent by including the power sector.

Then, a debt-to-GSDP ratio of 25 percent greatly limits the government's borrowing needs and has the potential to curtail social sector expenditure. The NITI Aayog has pointed out that social sector expenditure has increased only marginally since the 14th Finance Commission despite an increase in total central transfers to the states by 21.9 percent.

The 14th Finance Commission assessed state finances as (a) for states with above-average tax-GSDP ratio the assumed tax buoyancy was 1.05, implying a moderate increase and (b) for other states, a higher buoyancy of 1.5 was assumed. An increase in aggregate tax-GSDP ratio from 8.26 of GSDP to 9 percent in the terminal year was assumed.

On the expenditure side, the 14th Finance Commission included the expenditure incurred on CSS in revenue expenditure. The expenditure was projected as 11.12 percent of GDP against 13.57 percent projected by the states.

In sum, the 15th Finance Commission will review the current status of the finance, deficit, debt levels, cash balances and fiscal discipline efforts of the Union and the states and recommend a fiscal consolidation roadmap for sound fiscal management, taking into account the responsibilities of the central and state governments. The Commission may also examine whether revenue deficit grants be provided at all.

The best way forward would be to adhere to the letter and spirit of the constitution by balancing the Union and state's revenue powers with expenditure responsibilities listed in the 7th schedule of the constitution, appreciate the problems raised by stakeholders, and attempt to address the contemporary issues relevant to the terms of reference.

For full coverage of Union Budget 2018, click here.

(V Srinivas, an IAS officer, is chairman Rajasthan Tax Board and holds additional charge of Chairman Rajasthan's Board of Revenue. The views expressed are personal. He can be contacted at vsrinivas@nic.in)
New Delhi: The finance ministry on Thursday sought Parliament's nod for extra expenditure of Rs 80,000 crore towards recapitalisation of public sector banks through bonds.

Meanwhile, sources said the proposed recapitalisation bonds to be given to public sector banks would have non-SLR status and will be non-tradeable.

The Rs 80,000-crore expenditure has been sought by the government in form of the Third Batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2017-18.

It is part of Rs 1.35 lakh crore recapitalisation bond to be provided to the banks over two years to shore up capital adequacy of NPA-hit state-owned banks, they said.

Parliament's approval has been sought for "meeting additional expenditure towards recapitalisation of Public Sector Banks through issue of government securities", said the finance ministry document.

Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) is a portion of deposits that banks need to invest in government securities.

The SLR status to any instrument provides traceability option and they can be traded in the secondary market.

"These bonds will have non-SLR status, the official said, adding these bonds to be cash neutral for the government," sources said.

Asked by when the infusion would take place, the official said this would happen soon during this quarter.

Interest payout and other aspect is looked at by the Department of Economic Affairs, the official added.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in October had announced an unprecedented Rs 2.11 lakh crore two-year road map to strengthen PSBs, reeling under high non performing assets (NPAs) or bad loans. Their NPAs have increased to Rs 7.33 lakh crore as of June 2017, from Rs 2.75 lakh crore in March 2015.

The plan includes floating re-capitalisation bonds of Rs 1.35 lakh crore and raising Rs 58,000 crore from the market by diluting governments stake.
The US is considering new regulations aimed at preventing the extension of H-1B visas, predominantly used by Indian IT professionals, as part of President Donald Trumps Buy American, Hire American initiative, a media report has said.

The move could directly stop 500,000 to 750,000 Indian H-1B visa holders from keeping their H-1B visas while their green card applications are pending.

The proposal which is being shared between the Department of Homeland Security Department (DHS) heads is part of Trumps Buy American, Hire American initiative promised during the 2016 campaign, US-based news agency McClatchys DC Bureau reported.

It aims to impose new restrictions to prevent abuse and misuse of H-1B visas, besides ending the provision of granting extension for those who already have a green card.

The act currently allows the administration to extend the H-1B visas for thousands of immigrants, predominantly Indian immigrants, beyond the allowed two three-year terms if a green card is pending, the report said.

The idea is to create a sort of self-deportation of hundreds of thousands of Indian tech workers in the United States to open up those jobs for Americans, it said, quoting a source briefed by Homeland Security officials.

The agency is considering a number of policy and regulatory changes to carry out the Presidents Buy American, Hire American Executive Order, including a thorough review of employment-based visa programmes, said Jonathan Withington, chief of media relations for United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

It is typically issued for three to six years to employers to hire a foreign worker. But H-1B holders who have begun the green card process can often renew their work visas indefinitely.

The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

The proposed changes would have a dramatic effect particularly on Indian visa holders considering more than half of all H-1B visas have been awarded to Indian nationals, the report said, quoting the Pew Research Center report.

This would be a major catastrophic development as many people have been waiting in line for green cards for over a decade, have US.citizen children, own a home, said Leon Fresco, who served as a deputy assistant attorney general for the Justice Department in the Obama administration who now represent H-1B workers.

Fresco estimates more than one million H1-B visa holders in the country are waiting for green cards, many of whom are from India and have been waiting for more than a decade.
New Delhi: Moody's Investors Service on Thursday said the government's Rs 2.11 lakh crore capital infusion in PSU banks would narrow the gap between the capital profiles of public and private sector banks. Besides, gross non-performing assets (NPAs) could peak in current fiscal, but elevated levels of provisioning on these NPAs will continue to negatively affect the banks during fiscals 2018 and 2019, Moody's Indian affiliate ICRA said.

"The gap between the capital profiles of Indian public and private sector banks is expected to narrow following the government's announced Rs 2.1 lakh crore ($32 billion) recapitalisation plan for the public sector banks, which are financially weaker entities," Moody's said in a statement.

The government in October last year announced plans to infuse Rs 2.11 lakh crore into PSU banks over the next two years. Of this, Rs 1.35 lakh crore would be infused through issue of recapitalisation bonds and remaining Rs 58,000 crore through government stake dilution.

"The capital infusion will also help public sector banks build their provisioning coverage ratios as they will be able to allocate much of their operating profits towards loan-loss provisioning without having to worry about the impact on their capital positions," Moody's VP and Senior Analyst Alka Anbarasu said.

Weak capitalisation profile is the "key credit weakness" of PSU banks when compared to their peers in the private sector, it added.

As of September 2017, Tier 1 capital ratio of rated public sector banks was 8.7 percent compared to 12.2 percent for the rated private sector banks.

"However, the gap is expected to narrow, given the government's recapitalisation package," Moody's said. Moody's believes that the package will facilitate the two key policy initiatives of non-performing loan (NPL) resolution and Basel III implementation.

In addition, it will strengthen the government's bargaining position for pushing through some of its more fundamental reforms, such as those targeting corporate governance and industry consolidation, said the US-based agency. ICRA said while the gross NPAs are likely to peak by the end of FY2018, the negative impact arising from elevated provision levels for weak assets is likely to continue until fiscal 2019.
New Delhi: The finance ministry has approved proposal for infusion of Rs 7,577 crore in 6 weak public sector banks (PSBs) as part of the recapitalisation plan to bolster capital adequacy ratio. All these banks, which got capital support, are under prompt corrective action of the Reserve Bank of India. The funding comes under Indradhanus plan of the government which promised Rs 70,000 crore over period of four years ending March 2019.

Lenders, which will receive capital through preferential issue of shares, include Bank of India, IDBI Bank and UCO Bank. The actual fund infusion will take place in the next few weeks after they get necessary regulatory approval, including nod from shareholders. Kolkata-based UCO Bank on Wednesday announced approval of board for the proposal to issue equity shares on preferential basis to the government against capital contribution of Rs 1,375 crore subject to necessary approval.

Besides, Central Bank of India said the capital raising committee of the board approved raising of equity capital by allotting up to 3.88 crore shares at the issue price of Rs 83.15 per unit aggregating to Rs 323 crore. At the same time, the government has decided to infuse Rs 2,257 crore in the Bank of India, Rs 2,729 crore in IDBI Bank, Rs 650 crore in Bank of Maharashtra, and Rs 243 crore in Dena Bank.

While the government decides the mode for recapitalisation of all state-run banks, it advanced the release of funds to these six banks to help them meet their equity requirements and enable them to resume normal business and help them come out of prompt corrective action.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in October had announced an unprecedented Rs 2.11 lakh crore two-year road map to strengthen PSBs, reeling under high non-performing assets (NPAs) or bad loans. Their NPAs have increased to Rs 7.33 lakh crore as of June 2017, from Rs 2.75 lakh crore in March 2015. The plan includes floating re-capitalisation bonds of Rs 1.35 lakh crore and raising Rs 58,000 crore from the market by diluting governments stake.

The government is working on the modalities for issuing the recapitalisation bonds as it aims to front-load the infusion with an aim to strengthen the state-owned banking sector, sources said, adding that the announcement in this respect, including detailed guidelines, will be made during this month.

Jaitley had also announced that banks would get about Rs 18,000 crore under the Indradhanush plan over the next two years. Under the Indradhanush road map announced in 2015, the government had announced infusion of Rs 70,000 crore in state-owned banks over four years, while they will have to raise a further Rs 1.1 lakh crore from the market to meet their capital requirement in line with global risk norms, known as Basel-III.

In the last three-and-a-half years, the government pumped Rs 51,858 crore capital in the PSBs. The remaining Rs 18,142 crore will be injected into the banks over the next two years.
There is good news for citizens who prefer to withdraw money in small amounts and that too from automated teller machines (ATMs). The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has asked banks across the country to supply newly-introduced Rs 200 through ATMs and has directed lenders to recalibrate all their cash vending machines.

So far, banks or cash supplying intermediaries were not filling ATMs with the new lower denomination currency notes the RBI had issued on 25 August, 2017. Since then, citizens have been pressing banks to load Rs 200 notes in ATMs. RBI's latest directive to banks comes as a big relief for people at large as currently only Rs 100, Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 denomination notes are being supplied through ATMs.

A report in The Economic Times cites two people familiar with the development as saying that the whole exercise of recalibrating ATMs will cost banks Rs 110 crore. In India, there are as many as 2,22,000 ATMs and the cost of recalibrating one cash machine is Rs 5,000.

The RBI brought out new Rs 200 notes as part of its massive remonetisation drive in the aftermath of demonetisation on 8 November, 2016. By introducing the bills, the RBI also wanted to fulfill its target of supplying more number of lower denomination currency notes in the banking system.

Immediately after recalling the old Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes in November 2016, the central bank printed and supplied new Rs 2,000 notes in the system, a move heavily criticized by people who keep a close watch on the banking sector. According to these hawks, the sole purpose of demonetisation to eradicate black money from the system was not fulfilled as after the note ban high value currency note of Rs 2,000 was issued.

The ET report adds that even after the government's big push for cashless transactions was in force, total value of withdrawals from ATMs went up, though marginally, from Rs 2.22 lakh crore in September 2016 to Rs 2.44 lakh crore in September 2017. Apart from that, the total value of currency in circulation as per latest RBI figures is Rs 17 lakh crore which is 95 percent of pre-note ban levels.
Despite scathing reviews from critics, Netflix has greenlit a sequel to Bright, with star Will Smith and director David Ayer expected to return.

The streaming service announced the plans on Wednesday, just two weeks after the fantasy police drama debuted. Bright is Netflix's first big-budget, tentpole-style release, with estimates that it cost at least $90 million to produce.

With a sequel, Netflix hopes to turn Bright into its first film franchise  the kind Hollywood studios rely on. But it will be doing so with one of the worst reviewed films of 2017. Bright has garnered just a 28 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes despite featuring the key ingredients of a Hollywood blockbuster: an A-list actor, an experienced director, and special effects that light up the screen during shootouts and car chases.

The film stars Smith as a police officer in an alternate version of Los Angeles where orcs, fairies and magic co-exist. Yes, really!

Yet viewer data suggests Bright is a hit  or, at least, a Netflix version of one. According to a report on Variety, Nielsen reported that 11 million watched Bright in the United States in the first three days release. If that many moviegoers had paid tickets for Bright, it would have earned close to $100 million over its first weekend, if going by the average movie ticket price. And Nielsen's tabulation is based on TV-connected Netflix viewing, and doesn't include those watching on their phones or computers.

Netflix doesn't release viewing numbers, but it said Bright has been its most viewed movie in all of Netflix's 190-plus countries. It called Bright its highest viewed original film ever in its first week of release. It was subtitled in 26 languages and dubbed in nine of them.

By releasing the movie to the companys 109 million streaming customers around the world to watch at home, Netflix delivered a Michael Bay-type blockbuster  one that is loved by the public but panned by the critics.

But you can't possibly blame the critics as that old Hollywood standby, the venerable buddy cop movie, met its anguished demise during holiday season. And what made it worse was it died at the hands of Will Smith. Director David Ayer has had a role in other buddy cop films, helming End of Watch and writing Training Day. This, though, is a labored affair with little stylistic coherence.

Virtually every permutation of the genre has been done  we've seen black cops teamed up with white cops, black cops with black cops, white cops and other white cops, a white cop and a Latino cop, an Irish cop with a Yank cop, two women cops, and human cops with dog cops.

Alas, the category did not survive the latest: a human cop teamed up with an Orc. Yes, that's right  an Orc, along with Elves, Fairies and at least one Centaur. Even with Smith being his most charming singular Smith, Bright was a total mess. To prepare for writing Bright, it seems Max Landis decided to throw every cop film cliche into a Cuisinart, put it on the high setting and leave the top off.

But the Netflix model relies on todays internet-ready TVs and surround sound systems to provide a theater-quality experience at home. And the subscribers continue to stream the critically panned film. So, Netflix announced the sequel with a mock audition tape from various orcs hoping to land a role in the follow-up.

Leaked footage of Orc casting confirms the rumors: there will be a sequel to #BrightMovie. pic.twitter.com/8ayiDYDfK5  Bright Film (@BrightNetflix) January 3, 2018

Along with Smith, co-star Joel Edgerton is also set to return. One person not coming back is screenwriter Max Landis, whose original script sparked a bidding war. Ayer will write the sequel.

With inputs from agencies
The audio of Tik Tik Tik was launched today morning (January 4) in Chennai with the entire cast and crew in attendance. Tik Tik Tik, which stars Jayam Ravi and Nivetha Pethuraj as leads, marks the 100th project of music composer D. Imman. Billed as India's first space thriller, Tik Tik Tik marks the second collaboration of director Shakti Rajan and Ravi, who earlier joined forces for Miruthan which was touted as Kollywood's first Zombie film.

"Tik Tik Tik will be a significant milestone in Tamil cinema," says Jayam Ravi

Jayam Ravi recalled how no one believed in him when he said that he's going to work on a space film. "I think to script a movie like this itself was a great challenge. It needed a lot of vision and creativity. Once I read the script, I could foresee the result. Though the execution was strenuous, the outcome is quite satisfactory. It will definitely be a milestone film in my career and an important project in Tamil cinema," said Ravi.

Showering lavish praise on Nivetha Pethuraj's dedication and hard work, Ravi said, "In any field, the contribution of both the genders is inevitable. And it wouldn't be inappropriate to talk about how physically demanding Tik Tik Tik was to Nivetha. She got badly injured many times on the sets while shooting some difficult sequences. But she never showed any physical or emotional strain at any point of time. She has got tremendous talent and I genuinely request her to channelize her career properly."

Tik Tik Tik marks the on-screen debut of Jayam Ravi's six-year-old son, Aarav, who was also present at the event. "As a father, it's a very proud moment indeed. When I told my son that the director wishes to cast him in a character, he readily agreed. I asked him if he knows to act, he said: 'I will learn'."

"Jayam Ravi is a very versatile actor," says Nivetha Pethuraj

Nivetha Pethuraj, who co-stars with Ravi for the first time in the film, talked highly about his career choices. "Ravi is a very versatile actor. I have never seen an actor like him who is ready to take up different roles and genres. He is setting up a benchmark to people who look up to him. His keenness to work on content-driven films is a boon to new directors who can explore different genres and subjects," she said.

"Tik Tik Tik will hit screens worldwide on 26 January", confirms director Shakti Rajan

Shakti Rajan said he could complete an ambitious project like Tik Tik Tik only because of the trust Ravi and producer Jhabak had in him. "Not only in India, but an out and out space film is always looked as a problematic genre throughout Asia since it's considered increasingly onerous. Though the film is slated for Republic Day release, Imman sir handed over the re-recording files on the day of Christmas itself. I don't know if any other composer could pull this off without any hassles. Every song in this movie will be a narration in itself and will take the story forward," he said.

Shakti Rajan said the entire visual effects work in the film was done in Chennai and how everyone was quite surprised about the final output on screen. "As soon as the news about Tik Tik Tik and its genre surfaced, almost everyone had doubts in their mind, and most of them were about the CG. The CG part is done by a Chennai based team, Ajax, supervised by Arun. They are the hidden heroes of this film. And I have been getting calls from various parts of India since many are impressed by Ajax's remarkable work in the trailer," he said.

"Tik Tik Tik is my 100th project, but I still feel like it's my debut," says D. Imman

"Director Shakti Rajan is a man of action. For a film that involves this massive scale of CG, a lot of re-syncing and rework needs to be done regarding the background score. But when Shakti gave me the visuals, he also provided me with the details about the length of each scene and what sort of CG work is going to happen. So there was not much rework after the CG was done. It feels so special that a genre-specific film like Tik Tik Tik is my hundredth film.To me, it feels like my first film Thamizhan; I have the same excitement," said Imman.
The new BBC drama McMafia, starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui, delves into the murky depths of global crime exploring the ties between the corporate world and well-heeled mobsters. The Gangs of Wasseypur star plays a corrupt Mumbai importer, Dilly Mahmood, in the much anticipated TV drama.

So, here's everything you need to know about McMafia, the miniseries created by Hossein Amini and James Watkins.

What is McMafia about?

The eight-part series centres around Alex Goldman, played by British actor James Norton (War & Peace, Happy Valley), brought up in England by Russian exiles with mafia ties. Despite a successful career in finance, Goldman is dragged into his family's past and finds himself caught in an international web involving corrupt politicians and intelligence agencies.

Based in London but taking in cities including Moscow and Tel Aviv, McMafia follows the criminal classes who appear far from mobster stereotypes. "The gangsters have changed, they are not in the shadows anymore. They can be bankers, lawyers, government ministers," Hossein Amini, co-creator of the series, told AFP. The luxurious lifestyles of the well-dressed polyglots are on show, complete with champagne and caviar."The line between the underworld and the overworld does not exist any longer," Amini said at a London screening, noting that these days it was possible to sit next to someone at a restaurant with no idea of their criminal ties. Watkins agreed. "The criminal is becoming corporate and the corporate is becoming criminal," he said.

What is McMafia based on?

The drama is based on the best-selling novel of the same name by British journalist Misha Glenny. He chose London as the novel's focal point in part due to the British capital's reputation among anti-corruption campaigners as a magnet for questionable wealth, much of which is invested in the luxury property market.

Who else is in McMafia?

It ws an overwhelming experience working with James Watkins (Dir) & Hossein Amini (writer) for Mac Mafia

The excitement continues to CROATIA pic.twitter.com/Rz9Mv4QbC6  Nawazuddin Siddiqui (@Nawazuddin_S) December 24, 2016

Other than Siddiqui and Norton, the cast includes Russian actor Aleksey Serebryakov (The Method) and Faye Marsay, a British actress known for her role in "Game of Thrones".

When will McMafia be aired?

McMafia premiered on BBC on 1 January, before being distributed by the Amazon Prime online platform a day later.
Los Angeles: Organisers said on Wednesday that Olivia Munn will host the 2018 Critics' Choice Awards to be broadcast 11 January on the CW.

Munn follows TJ Miller, who has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman when he was in college. Munn is among Brett Ratner's sexual harassment accusers and has been fighting for reforms in Hollywood.

Joey Berlin, president of the Broadcast Film Critics Association, said in a statement that Munn's work as an actress along with her activism give her a powerful voice, making her the perfect candidate to lead the night.

The awards are organized by Berlin's group and the Broadcast Television Journalists Association.

Munn's next film will be the action thriller Hummingbird. She will star in Shane Black's The Predator opposite Keegan-Michael Key and Sterling K Brown.
It is given that Suriya is one of the few Tamil stars to enjoy a very good fan base in Telugu.

With his forthcoming release Gang, the Telugu dubbed version of Thaana Serntha Kootam, he hopes to break new grounds as he has dubbed for the first time in his own voice. While it might not come across as a big deal, it surely will make an impact on the perception of his Telugu fans who have for long wished to see him dub on his own.

Although Suriya has briefly dubbed for the Telugu version of Maattrraan, in which he played conjoined twins, this is the first-time he has dubbed at length in Telugu for a project.

This move by Suriya is sure to pay rich dividends, given the fact that some of his dubbed Telugu films have done much better at the box-office than the Tamil version.

According to an industry veteran, this attempt by Suriya will help him to create even bigger Telugu market. He should have done it much earlier but its never too late. By dubbing in his own voice, Suriya will make audiences see Gang as a straight Telugu film which will draw more audiences, especially in US where he has a very strong fan base, he said.

Directed by Vignesh Shivan, who has collaborated with Suriya for the first time, Gang is the remake of Akshay Kumar starrer Special 26. The film, slated to hit the screens this Pongal, also stars Keerthy Suresh and Ramya Krishnan in key roles.

In a recent interview to a leading Tamil channel, Suriya said that Thaana Serntha Kootam is the first film in a long time where he has not doled out any message to his fans and hes very glad about it. In Telugu, the film will release alongside Pawan Kalyans Agnyaathavaasi and Balakrishnas Jai Simha. In Tamil, itll be a three-way battle between Thaana Serntha Kootam, Vikrams Sketch and Arvind Swamis Bhaskar Oru Rascal at the box-office.
At a time when the media is being accused of peddling "fake news," Steven Spielberg, Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks are bringing Hollywood star power to a movie celebrating journalism and the virtues of a free press.

The Post is being hailed as a timely reminder about press freedom, democracy, whistle-blowing and government lies. It recounts the nail-biting behind-the-scenes story of the 1971 publication by The Washington Post of the Pentagon Papers, which exposed the lies behind US involvement in the Vietnam War.

But its makers says it is also intended as an ode to feminism that resonates as powerfully today as the 1970s era in which it is set.

In an interview with The New York Times, Streep and Hanks talk about Harvey Weinstein, The Post and its modern relevance among other things.

On the fallout from the Harvey Weinstein scandal

Streep said as person who is not active on Twitter, she "really had to think" before commenting on the scandal which has since engulfed prominent Hollywood A-listers such as her Kramer vs Kramer co-star Dustin Hoffman, Brett Ratner, James Toback and Kevin Spacey.

"I really had to think. Because it really underlined my own sense of cluelessness, and also how evil, deeply evil, and duplicitous, a person he was, yet such a champion of really great work," she said.

Tom Hanks believes the resultant #MeToo movement will act "as a reckoning that is going to make us a better society."

On Dustin Hoffman

Streep feels that her Kramer vs Kramer co-star Hoffman "overstepped" when he slapped her for real during a scene for the 1979 Oscar-winning film.

On Melania and Ivanka's silence

The actor also questioned the silence of US First Lady and President Donald Trump's wife Melania Trump and daughter Ivanka on Trump's infamous locker room talk compelling them both to "speak now."

On fake news

Donald Trump has been particularly scathing about CNN and The New York Times but he has also repeatedly attacked the Washington Post, calling it "dishonest," "phony" and  his favorite  "fake news." Hanks calls this a "guerrilla war" against the First Amendment.

With inputs from agencies
Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar has received fulsome praise for his speech in Parliament supporting the adoption of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017. His speech was, in a way, an about-turn from the position he took on the Supreme Court judgment in what is known as the Shah Bano case. Akbar is said to have been instrumental in convincing the then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi to overturn the judgment in Shah Bano through legislation.

On how and why Akbar convinced Gandhi, Firstpost spoke to Wajahat Habibullah, who, after retiring from the Indian Administrative Service, served as Chief Information Commissioner and Chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities. In 1986, Habibullah was in the Prime Ministers Office and was privy to the conversation between Gandhi and Akbar.

Edited excerpts of Firstpost's conversation with Habibullah follow:

What was your response to MJ Akbars speech on the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill in the Lok Sabha?

My response was that Akbar was polemical, as politicians often are. As far as the Bill is concerned, it has attracted a lot of controversy. But the idea of legislating on the subject is an important step and is most welcome.

But what was your response to the content of Akbars speech?

He made his speech from the point of view of his party (Bharatiya Janata Party).

But this point of view, judging from the piece you wrote for The Hindu in 2016, is very different from what he espoused in 1986. In the article, you wrote that Akbar convinced Gandhi to set aside the Supreme Court judgment in the Shah Bano case through legislation, called the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986. What happened?

After the Supreme Court delivered its judgment in the Shah Bano case, the Prime Ministers Office received a lot of protest petitions, primarily from the Muslim clergy, against it. I was the Joint Secretary in the PMO when Rajiv was the Prime Minister. These petitions came to me because I was looking after the minority affairs. Summarising the petitions, I put up a brief note to Rajiv. I said that since the Supreme Court is the last court of appeal, the judgment should be allowed to stand. But if the clergy were insistent that the government should intervene in the Shah Bano issue, then it should tell them to file a review petition in the Supreme Court. All that the government should do is to not challenge that review petition.

Your suggestion wasnt accepted.

The note I sent to Rajiv did not come back for a long time. I assumed that he was consulting his colleagues. I had a very informal relationship with Rajiv. We were in school together.

Were you Gandhis classmate?

Rajiv was a year senior to me in Doon School. Sanjay was a year junior to me.

Did you know them well?

Sanjay was a closer friend. Rajiv was a reserved child. Sanjay was much more gregarious, a very naughty boy, very mischievous.

Getting back, one day I entered Rajivs chamber and Akbar was sitting with him. They had been discussing the Supreme Court judgment in the Shah Bano case. When Rajiv saw me, he said, Come in, come in Wajahat, you are one of us.

What did he mean by you are one of us?

(Laughs) I was in the PMO, a friend of his. I was, obviously, one of them. I subsequently discovered that Akbar was the person who persuaded Rajiv that unless the government acts in the Shah Bano case, the Muslims will generally feel that their interest is not the governments responsibility. In order to reassure the Muslims that if they are concerned about an issue, the government, being also their government, will also be concerned about it.

Did the conversation between Gandhi and Akbar take place before you?

It continued when I entered Rajivs chamber. I cant recall the details, but what I told you was the gist of their conversation.

There was nothing secretive about the line Akbar took. He took this line in his debate with Arif Mohammadd Khan (Khan was in the Congress then and opposed the overturning of the Shah Bano judgment through legislation) on Doordarshan.

Khan took the line that the government shouldnt intervene in the Shah Bano case. He quoted extensively from the Quran to argue that there are certain things in it which are compulsory, but this issue (maintenance for a divorced woman) is open to interpretation. It is essentially recommendatory as to what husbands should do. Its interpretation is not the governments job, but that of legal minds.

What was Akbars position?

Akbar's believed that since there is a lot of concern in the Muslim community regarding the Shah Bano issue, the government should override the Supreme Court and rule through legislation.

What I feel is similar to what Akbar said in Parliament and what he said earlier to Rajiv is that he actually thinks. Whereas my view has always been that the government shouldnt interfere.

In the article in The Hindu, you quote Akbar telling Gandhi that if his government contested the Shah Bano judgment, he would show himself worthy of the support that the community had always placed in his family. Yet in his last weeks speech in Parliament, Akbar underscored the opportunities India missed under Nehru, Indira and Rajiv to reform Muslim Personal Law. Thats some turnaround, isnt it?

At the very beginning of this interview, I said Akbar made his speech to defend a particular political line. In 1986, also, he was suggesting a particular line to Rajiv, that is to say his intervention (in the Shah Bano case) would be a politically wise decision given the legacy of his family. In Parliament last week, he argued a line that would be in the interest of the party leadership that he is now following.

But doesnt that mark an about-turn?

It is an about-turn in terms of the idea projected. But it is not an about-turn in terms of the cause he is defending. In both cases it was a political advice  that the government should intervene in matters such as these (personal laws) is common to both.

But Akbars idea of the nature of governments intervention in Muslim Personal Law has changed remarkably between 1986 and now...

...Yes, true. He recommended how the government should intervene then, and he has done the same today.

His idea of the governments intervention today is in consonance with

His partys policy.

In the article, you suggested that Akbar thought the communitys position on the Shah Bano judgment was a defence of their religious position.

Not religious position, but the defence of the orthodox tradition. I dont think I wrote religious position unless it was edited, so to speak. The stance of the clergy (on the Shah Bano case) was aimed at safeguarding their own authority.

So what was Akbars position on that?

Akbar interpreted it to mean that the clergys position was a defence of the Muslim communitys position on Shah Bano. I disagreed with that. It was just the clerics view on the subject.

So you are making a distinction between the clerics point of view and that of the larger Muslim community, right?

I wouldnt go so far to say that. The Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Act, 1937 was passed to defend the rights of clerics, whom the British wanted to win over. This was because the British had lost their support after 1857. This attempt to win them over had been going on for a long time. The 1937 Act was a culmination of that. The British thought that by winning over the clerics they could control the Muslims. The Government of India, led by the Congress post Independence, inherited this position. The resistance to the Supreme Court ruling in the Shah Bano case was generally by the clergy in defence of its own authority.

Basically, in 1986, Akbar stood for going with what he perceived Muslims thought on the matter. And now, he is saying that if the thinking of the community is wrong, the government must intervene. That is a change from 1986, when he thought that even if the thinking in the community is wrong, one must support it, in order to reassure it that its interests are not being overlooked.

In The Hindu article you wrote that Akbar convinced Rajiv Gandhi to overcome the Supreme Court ruling in the Shah Bano case. Do you think he was the only person to have convinced Rajiv?

There would have been others.

I interviewed Arif Mohammad Khan in 2015, and he identified Najma Heptullah as one of the persons who influenced Gandhi. I find it ironical that both Heptullah and Akbar have ended up in the BJP.

(Laughs) Rajiv wouldnt have listened to Najma Heptullah.

But Akbar?

Yes. Rajiv took him very seriously as an intellectual and a thinker. He listened to Akbar, on Kashmir for instance. I knew Rajiv and I also knew Akbar very well. Though Akbar and I have met on one or two occasions in recent times, I cant anymore say I am a friend of his. But we were at one time friends.

Did Rajiv discuss with you what Akbar thought about the issue?

He didn't. I had already made my position very clear. Rajiv was taking a political decision. The ground of his decision wasnt on what I thought about it.

Khan also told me that Rajiv's first and last instinct was of a modern, secular man and that he did not want to overturn the Shah Bano judgment. It was others who persuaded him to do so.

The opinion I gave to Rajiv was that he should not intervene. It is possible that when Rajiv engaged Arif in discussion, my opinion could have still been on his mind. It is interesting why Rajiv would listen to Akbar, who was also a modern man.

I get it  since Rajiv thought of Akbar as a modern man and an intellectual, his suggestion that the community needs to be reassured must have been significant.

That would have made the difference.

Would you say Akbars arguments weighed on Gandhi and prompted him to overturn the Shah Bano judgement?

I do think Akbars arguments prompted Rajiv to overturn the Shah Bano judgement. Why didnt Rajiv discuss Akbars suggestion with me? Had Akbars idea come from orthodox elements, even, say, from Arif, I do think Rajiv would have asked, Wajahat, you said this, but dont you think we should also look at it from another perspective? But Akbar wasnt an orthodox. He was of the same thinking as Rajiv and I. Therefore, he didnt think it made sense to consult me  I had, after all, suggested a course contrary to Akbars.

I suppose Akbar convinced Rajiv that the Shah Bano judgement must be overturned because it was politically the right thing to do. I dont think Rajiv decided to overturn the judgement on the ground that it would be good for the community. He did it because he was convinced that it was the politically right thing to do.

Rajiv considered Akbar a politically astute person. Whether he was indeed astute, that is another matter. Not only astute, Rajiv looked upon Akbar as a modern-minded Muslim, not easily moved by the mumbo-jumbo of traditions and such like. Therefore, Rajiv would have certainly trusted Akbars judgement in overturning the Shah Bano judgment.

How do you look upon the BJPs strategy of fielding Akbar to bat for the triple talaq bill?

If the BJP asked Akbar to speak only because he is Muslim, and he accepted it, I wouldnt congratulate him on that. But if they asked him to speak as a man of authority, because of his association with the Bill that set aside the Supreme Court judgment, that would be justified.

I have always shrunk from the idea of being asked to do something because one is Muslim. Luckily, in my own career, I hadnt sought or was given an assignment position because I was Muslim. When I was appointed secretary for the first time in 2003  I was made secretary, Consumer Affairs  journalist Harish Khare (now editor of The Tribune) had written that because of the governments experience in Gujarat in 2002 (with the riots), it was keen to show I, a Muslim, had been appointed (to the top rung of the civil service).

I took deep objection to it. I went to Jaswant Singh, who is virtually like my own brother, and asked him whether what Khare had written was true. He said, no, that he had in fact wanted me in his ministry. Singh was the then Finance Minister. He said his secretary didnt have the time to attend the meeting (convened for making appointments), and that whenever I wanted to be transferred to the Finance Ministry, I should tell him. He wanted me to handle banking. He had offered me the post later, but I had then gone on a fellowship abroad. What Khare had written was indeed objectionable.

What do you think of the rising incidence of vigilantism on issues such as love jihad, cow-slaughter, etc.?

I was among a group of civil servant who wrote a long letter expressing concern over the situation in India. My feelings are exactly that  the social fabric of this country is under a great deal of strain. The whole history of India is a movement towards convergence. This came out beautifully in the Mughal times. You may object to the policies of one ruler or another, but the trend during the period, in terms of music, cuisine, poetry, was of intermingling. You couldnt tell one from another. This hasnt been recognised. It was a distinct Mughal contribution. It wasnt there in the time of Sultanate. Then the ruling class was inevitably Muslim. This wasnt so with the Mughals. The imperial Mughal family was largely Rajput.

But these ideas the BJP wont express. That apart, I havent come across a statement from Akbar condemning vigilantism. How do you look at the fact that he defends the governments right to intervene in the realm of personal law, but doesnt speak out against vigilantism?

All Right thinking people in Parliament should speak out. Akbar is not the only one in Parliament who could and should have spoken against vigilantism but hasnt. It is not a question of his speaking because he is a Muslim. It is a matter that concerns India. Since Indias social fabric is being torn apart, therefore every conscientious person who is committed to the idea of India  more than a geographical entity India is an idea  must speak out.
After the fracas over Padmavati, a cinematic rendering of Malik Muhammad Jayasis Padmavat  itself a belated rendering of Alauddin Khilji's siege of Chittor in 1303, memory is again at the centre of politics. This is because memory  a curious substance lost on history  is itself deeply political both in its resonance and identitarian articulation. As history and historians attempt to distance themselves, often for good reason, from the dangerous faces that memory can, and does wear, they find themselves distanced from memory, and in turn, from the remembering and the remembered.

Beneath history's veneer of certitude rests the vast world of memory, and it is this world that is lived, unlike historical narrative, in dimensions more intricate and an intimacy of profound texture. One is not arguing, as has been, that history is fictive imposition; precisely the contrary, in fact, for history, by emphasising that certain narratives are of greater veracity than others, can bolster the political critique of corrosive ideologies. Yet, and this has been a widely reiterated criticism, in precisely this emphasis, history can also silence the assertion of significant identities as they are being asserted, especially if they address grave historical injustice. In addressing the unfortunate incidents at Bhima-Koregaon, it is imperative that this be remembered.

The Battle of Koregaon, as a specific episode in the Anglo-Maratha Wars of the 18th and 19th Centuries, needs no historical introduction. Succinct accounts of the conflict have, however, been composed. What is important to state here is that the afterlife of the event was more important than its life, for neither side triumphed decisively. The British and the Marathas both found it reasonable, if not urgent, to forget the battle for their own reasons.

The eventual decline of empire forced on Britain a reconsideration of its imperial pursuit, and over the years, this reconsideration has become remorse or unimportant, with many exceptions. The Marathas have taken to forgetting as both historical and sentimental engagement with defeat  this is apparent in the reconfiguration of Pune, the yesteryear stronghold of the Peshwas, into an urban metropolis renowned as a hub of software and information technology. Much of the outrage that underlies the attack at Bhima-Koregaon is a radical disruption in systematic forgetting.

This memetic disruption is premised on the supposedly decisive role of the Mahar ('untouchable' by caste) regiment in the army of the East India Company leading to the humiliating defeat of the brahmin Peshwas, and to that end, a defeat of their historical persecution of the Mahars by rendering them untouchable, punishing them more frequently and gravely for offences, and denying to them every possibility of dignity and socio-economic aspiration. More than the triumph of the East India Company  the centrepiece of outrage in certain quarters, it is the defeat of the Peshwas that the Mahars commemorate, even as they witness the continuation of their own oppression.

The coming of BR Ambedkar, the foremost anti-caste intellectual of modern India and incidentally, the son of a retired army officer, coincided with the Mahar regiments protest against the colonial state and enmeshed it with and into the wider social, economic, and political struggle of 'Dalit' castes and communities. The obelisk  a site of imperial memory, became a monument of Mahar protest, for it supplied, in Shraddha Kumbhojkars poignant words, the 'historical evidence' that the subordinated could, if they so willed, unsettle and possibly overthrow the powerful.

In The Untouchables and the Pax Britannica, Ambedkar revisited the Battle of Karegaon to argue that the untouchables were instrumental in the emergence of colonial power and on that merit, the protests of both their regiment and their broader community must be acknowledged. Ambedkar's commemoration so became the pilgrimage of marginalised individuals and their communities  a celebration that is profoundly notable for the massive proliferation of Ambedkarite literature that marks these as festivals.

In the sense of history, this is, of course, untenable, even if the inscriptions at the memorial suffixed -ca (and therefore, Mahar) are taken to be reliable  the thesis being that inscriptions at the obelisk memorial commemorating the martyrs have several names ending with "-ca"; this suffix, it is said, was associated with the Mahars and therefore evidences the predominance of their participation in the Company army. But the inscriptions, historians believe, are not very reliable to make such an argument because it reflects the present into the past  the "-ca" suffix could mean many other things.

This is not to deny that the Mahar regiment played a significant role in the battle, but that memory overstates it; it is certainly true that the Mahar regiment was a formidably prominent fighting force in the colonial army, securing for the Britannic Company critical victories in Multan, Kathiawar, and in wars with Afghans. This historical function of the Mahars as a fighting force weakens memory, for Mahar troops were recruited in the Peshwa army in appreciable measure  the other prominent social group in the latter being the Arabs. The Company deftly utilised the Mahar regiment to crucial political ends, but as soon as certain sections of the regiment joined forces with the revolt of 1857, recruitment ceased.

In the Victorian racism that followed Company rule, as Bernard Cohen has illustrated, 'martial' races were identified and fervently recruited, particularly the Gorkhas. Mahars were dubbed 'non-martial' and it is the Mahar regiments protest against this characterisation that enabled Ambedkar to carve a wider anti-caste politics; in the mass conversion to Buddhism that would follow many years later, the Mahars would be at the forefront. One need not agree with Anand Teltumbdes recent piece to acknowledge that caste radicalism is difficult to trace in the Mahar regiments involvement in the Battle of Koregaon.

But while the Company did appear to be invested in the perpetuation of caste, it was also tremendous in its promise for 'mobile' caste groups from marginalised backgrounds; Independence from the British could then be seen as the mere return of upper-caste masters. In his critique of the most indolently used term 'identity politics', Teltumbde dissolves caste consciousness because he does not find it to be radical. But caste cannot be whisked away.

In the world of this memory, events at Bhima-Koregaon can be intelligible. But by what name may we call them? Mridula Chari sees it as a skirmish between the 'saffron'  Maratha and Hindutva groups, and the 'blue' of Ambedkarite groups. Significant, therefore, is the targeting of Maratha houses by 'Dalit' groups as the former found themselves accosted and isolated by the force of the crowd. "I am so angry, no matter what happens, I am going to burn down a Dalit house tonight," declared Ashok Dherange, president of the Shiv Sena in Shirur (Pune), cheerfully adding, "I dont care if you write this." This is in line with what seems to be the official interpretation of events being peddled by the mainstream in the media. In this version, the events take the face of a riot in which both agony and culpability are shared.

But journalist Dhrubo Jyoti, in conversation with Firstpost, had vehement reservations. An eyewitness to the events as they unfolded at Bhima-Koregaon, Jyoti recounts that they "arrived on bikes, and in big numbers at around noon, chanting multiple slogans in the name of Bhavani and Ram". In such testimony, the event is configured as an attack, not a riot  metaphorical of the 'ancient' Mahar persecution that continues, albeit transformed, to this day. This is because the word riot, in its connotation, presupposes an equitable dynamic of power, which, Jyoti emphasises, is forever lopsided against the vulnerable.

Speaking of power, however, also calls into question the involvement of Rahul Gandhi and others into the political practice, given their caste positions and the historical complicity of the Congress party. These are questions yet undiscovered, concerned as mainstream narratives remain in the depiction of this 'riot' and the obfuscation of violence that declares even the memory of the marginalised to be criminal.

In poignant remembrance, Jyoti speaks of a "79-year-old Ambedkarite woman who said she came there every year. Why, I asked. 'You are young,' she said, 'You wont understand. Do you think we could exist without this battle? We are here because of this. How can I not come?'. What violence can undo this memory? What history can understand it? To weld the two together, perhaps there is recourse in Urmila Pawar and Meenakshi Moons moving utterance aamhihi itihas ghadavla: we, too, made history.
Mangaluru: A 32-year old man, said to be a "Hindu activist", was hacked to death by a four member gang who intercepted him while he was riding a bike at nearby Katipalla on Thursday, police said.

The deceased has been identified as Deepak, an executive in a mobile SIM cards distribution company.

Police said the political affiliation of the victim was not immediately known.

The state BJP said Deepak was an activist committed to "Hindutva ideology" and was associated with the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad in Dakshina Kannada district.

The assailants who came in a car stopped him while he was on his way to duty and attacked him with sharp weapons, police said.

The motive behind the killing, as well as the identity of the assailants was yet to be known, police said.

Strongly condemning the "cold-blooded murder",BJP leaders R Ashok and Ashwathnarayana demanded an NIA probe into it.

They charged that the Congress government in the state had allowed "jehadi forces" to have a field day and to indulge in "wanton killings" of Hindu workers in pursuance of its 'vote-bank politics' and minority appeasement.

With this heinous killing, the number of Hindutva workers who have fallen to the 'murderous agenda of jehadi forces' has risen to 22, they said. A series of killings of "Hindu activists" has often caused tension in the communally sensitive Dakshina district in the coastal region.

BJP has been accusing the Congress of adopting "a soft approach" towards "jihadi forces", a charge dismissed by the Siddaramaiah government, which has accused the saffron party of trying to polarise the situation.
Burhanpur: A bandh called in Burhanpur town in Madhya Pradesh to protest Bhima-Koregaon caste clashes in Maharashtra's Pune district took a violent turn on Thursday with a mob allegedly damaging 12 vehicles and stoning trucks plying on Ichhapur-Indore state highway.

The shutdown was called by Dalit groupthe Buddhist Society, Bhim Sena, and other outfitsagainst the Monday's violence at Bhima-Koregaon village and nearby areas in Pune district during an event to mark the 200th anniversary of a battle between Peshwas and British forces.

The bandh has affected normal life in Burhanpur town.

Burhanpur district shares a common border with Jalgaon, Amravati, Buldhana, and Akola districts of Maharashtra which witnessed protests during the bandh called by Dalit groups on Wednesday.

A senior police official said the windowpanes of 11 private buses parked at the inter-state bus stand and the windshield of a truck were broken by unidentified persons in the noon.

Eyewitnesses said that some people gathered at the bus stand and vandalised the buses.

They also said that the mob attempted to torch a bus but was chased away by police personnel present at the spot.

"Unknown people broke the window glasses of 11 empty buses and a truck at the bus stand," Superintendent of Police Pankaj Shrivastava said.

However, he denied that any attempt was made to set any bus on fire.

According to eyewitnesses, stones were hurled at least six trucks on Ichchhapur-Indore state highway as a result of which traffic came to a standstill briefly.

When asked about the highway incident, the Superintendent of Police denied the reports.

He said the situation was under control now.
Jerusalem: Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu will present a special gift  the 'Gal-Mobile' water desalinisation and purification jeep  to Narendra Modi when he visits India on 14 January, according to sources.

Netanyahu and Modi waded into the Mediterranean Sea and rode the "buggy" jeep on the coast during the latter's visit to Israel in July last year. Netanyahu will now gift the same jeep to Modi, informed sources said.

As Netanyahu prepares for his four-day visit to India, sources confirmed that the jeep has "indeed" left for India and "would be arriving on time" to be presented by the Israeli Prime Minister to Modi.

The jeep is said to cost around 390,000 shekels (approximately $111,000). Modi and Netanyahu had witnessed the demonstration of sea water purification technology pioneered by Israel at a water desalination unit on the Olga Beach during Modi's visit to Israel.

"I am thankful to Bibi (Netanyahu) because the vehicle which I saw today, particularly during a natural calamity when people are suffering (shortage of) drinking water... Can provide drinking water," Modi had said after the demonstration.

Gal-Mobile is an independent, integrated water purification vehicle, designed to produce high-quality drinking water. It can be useful in natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, military use in difficult terrain and rural areas to provide drinkable water.

It can purify up to 20,000 litres per day of sea water and 80,000 litres per day of brackish/muddy or contaminated river water and bring it to WHO standards.

The camaraderie between the two leaders was on full display as they spent some time on the beach and had a long chat standing ankle deep in the waters with waves hitting their feet. "There's nothing like going to the beach with friends!," the Israeli leader had later tweeted.

The two leaders later drove together in the mobile water desalination unit, which looked like a dune buggy, and sipped desalinated water from wine glasses, raising a toast with others present there.
Jammu: The Border Security Force (BSF) on Thursday foiled an attempt by militants to sneak into Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan by killing an infiltrator.

A BSF official said alert troops noticed suspicious movement of two to three persons near the Nikowal border outpost in Arnia sector around 5.45 am.

"The intruders were challenged and fired at, resulting in the death of an infiltrator. Other infiltrators managed to escape back to Pakistan."

Border Security Force sources also claimed they destroyed two Pakistani mortar positions on Wednesday evening.

A BSF Head Constable was killed in Pakistani sniper fire on Wednesday in Samba sector after which heavy firing exchanges started between BSF and Pakistan Rangers.
Jammu: The Border Security Force (BSF) has launched "Operation Alert" along the over 200 kilometer long International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir to curb the increasing movement of infiltrating militants from across the border.

"There are inputs that there is movement of militants and accordingly, we have declared 'Ops Alert' on the border," Inspector General of BSF Jammu Frontier, Ram Awatar told reporters in Jammu on Thursday.

The BSF gave a military send off by organising Wreath- laying ceremony at Frontier headquarters in Jammu in the honour of the late Head Constable Radha Pada Hazara, who was killed in sniper firing by Pakistan rangers along the IB in Samba sector on Wednesday.

Jammu and Kashmir Police DGP SP Vaid, IGP Jammu Zone and SD Singh attended the ceremony along with the IG BSF Jammu Ram Awtar and other senior officers and Jawans of BSF.

"It is because of that alertness, that they have acted like that (resorting to sniper firing). The moral of the BSF is high and will continue to remain high," the IG said.

He said the effort of the BSF was to maintain peace along the border, but Pakistan was always trying to disturb this peace.

"It is because of this machination of Pakistan that they martyred one jawan by sniping," he said.

Giving details of Wednesday's incident, the IG said "this jawan was performing duty at a forward post and there were four to five rounds of fire from Pakistan and one of them hit him".

"It was followed by automatic weapon fire. After getting intimation the neighbouring mounts retaliated back and solid response was given by the BSF in which Pakistan has suffered large human and property loss", he added.

Pakistan posts were destroyed and the entire infrastructure in those posts has been damaged, the officer said.

He added that one intruder was killed in RS Pura sector on Thursday.

"There was movement under thick cover of fog and one intruder was spotted well inside Indian territory and he was fired upon and shot dead. He was resident of Sialkot district (of Pakistan). It was an infiltration attempt", the officer said.

Either he was a member of the infiltration group or their guide, he said.

Speaking to the reporters, SP Vaid said "those who are thinking they have done good by murder of humanity, need to introspect. Our forces are capable of giving them a befitting reply".
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Thursday termed as "extremely suspicious" the conduct of the founder of a north Delhi-based ashram where girls were allegedly kept in illegal confinement and asked the CBI to give a report on his whereabouts.

A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar prima facie found substance in the argument of a panel appointed by it that the ashram and its founder Virender Dev Dixit were making the girls housed there lodge false complaints against their family members.

It said these complaints against family members appear to have been lodged to dissuade them from pursuing cases against the ashram and Dixit.

The court said that while it will not interfere in any genuine, legitimate and honest spiritual activity, it will

"not countenance any fraudulent or illegal activity". The bench also said that the entire organisation was run and managed by Dixit and arguments to the contrary by the ashram's lawyer are "falsified" by information on the website as well as YouTube videos.

The court was hearing a PIL filed by NGO Foundation for Social Empowerment, which informed the court that several minors and women were allegedly being illegally confined at the "spiritual university" and were not allowed to meet their parents.

The bench had earlier ordered a CBI probe by a SIT into the ashram and its founder. The SIT was also asked to investigate various complaints lodged against the ashram and its founder.
Protesters attacked buses, stopped suburban trains and blocked roads at various places in Mumbai on Wednesday, as normal life was hit in the city. Other parts of Maharashtra too saw widespread violence. This was after an agitation was called by Dalit groups to protest violence on the anniversary of a battle fought 200 years ago.

On 1 January, the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Koregaon, thousands of Dalit activists visited the tiny village of Koregaon, about 25 kilometres northeast of Pune, which was the site of a battle between the British and the Marathas led by the Peshwa empire. However, the reason this particular skirmish happened between the British and the Marathas is remembered even today is that the local Mahar community fought alongside the British against the Peshwas, whose rule they considered as oppressive.

Today, on the site of the battle, exists a pillar erected by the British to honour those who died in battle. Most of the names mentioned here are of Mahar soldiers who died fighting for the British. Thousands of Dalit men and women visit the site of the battle, on the banks of the Bhima river on 1 January every year.

The Battle of Koregaon is considered a turning point in the history of Dalits in Maharashtra; until then, they had been considered untouchable and were prevented from joining the Maratha army.

Maharashtra no stranger to caste violence

Ironically, BR Ambedkar's home state Maharashtra has been no stranger to caste-based violence. Throughout history, there have been several incidents of violent clashes between the many communities the state is home to.

Some, like the Khairlanji massacre or the Kopardi killing, have been extremely gruesome. And though Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Maharashtra is a "progressive state" and that some "people from outside" are trying to forment trouble, this seems unlikely given the track record of the state in dealing with caste-based violence.

Khairlanji massacre

On 29 September, 2006, Dalit farmer Bhaiyyalal Bhotmange, 61, went to work on his farm near Khairlanji village in Maharashtra, and when he came back, he found his wife Surekha, 45, daughter Priyanka, 17, sons Sudhir and Roshan, 21 and 19, murdered by a mob. The previous day, Surekha had lodged a complaint at the local police station against participants in an assault on a policeman from the village Siddharth Gajbhiye, another Dalit.

The accused, who belonged to the influential Kunbi caste, were arrested but let off on bail. They allegedly returned to the village and massacred Bhotmange's family. There were also allegations that the women were sexually assaulted, but a CBI probe concluded they weren't.

The incident led to massive protests by Dalits who started a statewide demand for justice.

In September 2008, a fast-track court sentenced six men to death for the crime. However, the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court ruled that it was a "revenge killing" and that there wasn't a caste angle to the case. Ruling that it wasn't a rarest of rare case, the court also commuted their death penalty.

The case is currently being heard in the Supreme Court. Each year, Dalit and Buddhist organisations light candles at the spot where the family once lived. The hut is gone but Bhaiyyalal keeps an iron cot there as a reminder of the events that occurred.

Kopardi killing

A 14-year-old girl was raped and murdered in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar district in July 2016, a case that triggered massive outrage and protests among the state's substantial Maratha population. The girl, who belonged to the Maratha community, was bitten, had her hair pulled out, and her limbs and teeth broken.

In the aftermath of the incident, silent marches were taken up by the Marathas across the state against the three culprits who belonged to the Dalit community. Through these marches, they demanded a quick investigation and a speedy trial in the case.

The Marathas sought not only justice for the girl who was killed but also demanded the abolition of the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe Prevention of Atrocities Act (POA), 1989, alleging that an Act that was meant to prevent atrocities against the Dalits is ironically being used by the Dalits to target the Marathas.

In November this year, a sessions court sentenced three men to death in the case.

Rape and murder in Nashik

Just weeks after the Kopardi incident, a five-year-old girl belonging to the Banjara community was allegedly raped by a man from the Maratha community in Nashik. The incident reportedly occurred when the victim was going to a public toilet where the accused followed her.

The 40-year-old man was subsequently arrested, but in the immediate aftermath of this incident, there were large-scale protests across the state. The OBC community and the Marathas both held large-scale protests after the incident. While the Banjara community held a rally demanding justice for the victim, the Marathas held parallel rallies alleging misuse of the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and also reservation for Marathas.

Dalit houses attacked in Satara

In December last year, Dalit houses in Chinchner village of Satara district were attacked by a mob, which set vehicles on fire and ransacked 50 houses. Aruna Mohite, a married woman from the Maratha community, was allegedly killed by her Dalit paramour.

Mohite, 21, was a resident of Baramati in Pune. According to the police, she had been having an affair with Siddharth Danane, 24, a Dalit boy from a neighbouring village. Their families learnt about their affair and had Mohite married off, but she continued being in touch with Dahane.

Following an argument about her marriage, Danane reportedly assaulted and killed Mohite. When the police interrogated Danane, he admitted to the murder. The confession enraged the Maratha community, which attacked the Dalit village where Danane lived. About 150 people bullied the women and children and damaged up to 50 shops and vehicles, some of which were set on fire. The hour-long rioting stopped after the police reached the village.

An FIR was registered against 33 people from Chinchner Vandan village and 60 others from outside who participated in the rioting. Consequently, several Dalit political parties tried to impose a complete bandh in several parts of Satara to protest the ransacking. They also held protests outside the district collectors office and the police headquarters. As a precautionary measure, schools, colleges, and markets remained closed.

With inputs from agencies
New Delhi: Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapati Raju on Thursday informed the Lok Sabha that a probe has been initiated into the incident of an alleged physical altercation between two Jet Airways pilots on-board a London-Mumbai flight which was operated on 1 January, 2018.

Responding to a question raised by BJP MP Kirit Somaiya during Zero Hour on Thursday, Raju said that action will be taken according to regulations and that "no one will be spared".

On its part, Jet Airways has grounded the two pilots.

The incident involved the male co-pilot slapping his female commander inside the cockpit of the aircraft which was ferrying 324 passengers, including two infants and 14 crew.

Subsequently, the incident has been reported to the aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

"A misunderstanding occurred between the cockpit crew of Jet Airways flight 9W 119, London-Mumbai of January 1, 2018. However, the same was quickly resolved amicably and the flight with 324 guests, including 2 infants and 14 crew, continued its journey to Mumbai, landing safely," a Jet Airways' spokesperson said on Wednesday.

"The airline has reported the matter to the DGCA and the concerned crew have been taken off flying duties pending investigation, that has since been initiated."
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the intensification of India-Russia ties with Russian president Vladimir Putin on Wednesday as the two sides agreed to strengthen the bilateral special and privileged partnership.

Modi, during a telephonic conversation, greeted the Russian leader on the occasion of the New Year, a release from the Indian Embassy in Moscow said.

"They discussed the intensification of the bilateral relations between India and Russia and their cooperation on international forums," the release said.

They positively reviewed the exchanges between the two countries in 2017 and agreed to further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia, it said.
New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the construction of Asia's longest bi-directional Zojila Pass tunnel at an estimated cost of Rs 6,089 crore, which will reduce the travel time between Srinagar and Leh to 15 minutes from the current 3.5 hours.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday gave its go-ahead to the 14.2-kilometre long tunnel project in Jammu and Kashmir to provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil and Leh, which remains cut-off from the rest of India during winters due to heavy snowfall.

"Zojila tunnel will be the longest bi-directional tunnel in Asia. (Its) construction period (will be) seven years because of a very difficult terrain where in some areas temperature dips to minus 45 degree celsius. The tunnel shall be a engineering marvel as first of its kind in such a geographical area," Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said.

The project would enhance the safety of travellers crossing Zojila Pass and reduce the travel time from 3.5 hours to 15 minutes, he added.

"Defense forces have to face hard time ensuring supplies to border posts during winters. This pass is most strategic for the entire Kargil sector which has seen intrusion and war in the past," Gadkari said.

He said the prime minister will lay the foundation stone of the project and work is likely to start this year.

Zojila pass is situated at an altitude of 11,578 feet on Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway which remains closed during winters (December to April) due to heavy snowfall and avalanches cutting off Leh-Ladakh region from Kashmir.

The government has given its approval to the construction, operation and maintenance of two-lane bi-directional Zojila Tunnel with Parallel Escape (Egress) Tunnel excluding approaches on Srinagar-Leh section connecting NH-1A at Km 95 and at Km 118 in Jammu and Kashmir on engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) mode.

Earlier, the government in a statement said apart from providing all weather connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil and Leh, the project will bring about all round economic and socio-cultural integration of these regions.

"The project has strategic and socio-economic importance and shall be an instrument for the development of the economically backward districts in Jammu and Kashmir," it said.

The construction period of the project is seven years.

"The civil construction cost of the project is Rs 4,899.42 crore. The total capital cost of the project is Rs 6,808.69 crore. It includes the cost towards land acquisition, resettlement and rehabilitation and other pre-construction activities as well as maintenance and operation cost of tunnel for four years," the statement said.

The project aims at construction of 14.15 kilometre-long two-lane bi-directional single tube tunnel with a parallel 14.2 kilometr-long egress tunnel excluding approaches between Baltal and Minamarg in the state.

The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways through the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).

The main objective of the project is to provide all whether connectivity to strategically important Leh region in Jammu and Kashmir which at the moment is limited to at best six months because of snow on the passes and threat of avalanches.

"This project along with other ongoing projects like 6.5 kilometre long Z-Morh tunnel at Gagangir would ensure safe, fast and cheap connectivity between the two regions of Kashmir and Ladakh," the statement said.

It will further increase the employment potential for the local labourers for the project activities, it added.

The government said that on completion, it will lead to enormous boost in employment as local businesses get linked to National market and the beautiful region is able to receive round the year tourist traffic.

IL&FS Transportation last year in July had said it has emerged as the lowest bidder for Rs 4,899 crore Zojila pass tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir.

"We wish to inform that the company has emerged as the lowest bidder for the aforesaid (Zojila tunnel) project. The company had quoted an amount of Rs 4,899.42 crore to be constructed in a period of 2,555 days (7 years)," IL&FS Transportation said.

Gadkari had earlier said, "We understand the plight of the people in Leh and Ladakh region who face severe crisis during winters when they are cut off from the rest of India for six months. We are committed to undertaking the project."

On 1 March, 2016, the transport ministry had ordered "re-bidding" for the project, which had been awarded to IRB Infrastructure.

The decision was taken at a high-level meeting, chaired by Gadkari, after Congress leader Digvijay Singh alleged that guidelines were violated while awarding the contract.

The ministry, however, had denied the charges.
The Maharashtra bandh called by Prakash Ambedkar's Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh on Wednesday was a successful one even as Ambedkar told Firstpost that he wanted "to congratulate the protesters for keeping their calm when emotions were running high."

The protesters on Wednesday attacked buses, stopped suburban trains and blocked roads at various places in Mumbai as normal life was hit in the city and other parts of Maharashtra during a bandh called by Dalit groups to protest the violence on the anniversary of a battle fought 200 years ago.

The bandh was called off at 4.30 pm on Wednesday but by that time the city had been brought to a standstill. Autos and taxis would not ply fearing the protesters. Shopkeepers kept their shutters down fearing loss of property. According to reports, the state lost business amounting to Rs 700 crore in the last two days.

Most Mumbaikars preferred to stay at home. Heavy police deployment was seen in sensitive areas, including Thane, Kalwa, Mulund, Chembur and Ramabai Colony in Ghatkopar. Those who stepped out had to face disrupted road traffic. Mumbai local and transport bus services were thrown off the gear amid protests. Mumbai Police confirmed that more than 150 people were detained through the day across the city.

As soon as there is a social or political unrest in the country, the first thing that cripples the state machinery and the citizens is, honestly, none of the above. It is the very-difficult-to-stop-even-harder-to-detect fake news. Fake news, which circulates and mushrooms and reaches your social media fix for the day which then proliferates into individual phones as "forwards."

Below are some of the videos sold to us as "real" but which are actually not real, and in most cases, aren't even from the same day, or year.

Dalits staged protests in suburban Chembur, Ghatkopar, Kamraj Nagar, Vikhroli, Dindoshi, Kandivali, Jogeshwari, Kalanagar and Mahim. Even though there were reports of the city coming to a halt, there were no incidents of any violence reported from any part of Mumbai. Train services were disrupted, however, no commuters were reported injured. This video, however, clearly negates facts. Even though there was no way of verifying when the video was actually shot, it is clearly not what happened yesterday. The police would have surely taken note of it. If not, then the media, that was stationed almost in every part of the city, would have deemed it important enough to feature in their reports. Considering the bandh was the biggest national news on Wednesday.

Sample this video, for example:

We could not verify when was the video recorded or where was it even shot. We don't know whether this is Maharashtra. But what we can assure is that at Wednesday's protests there were no bullets fired. Not a single round. Fake content, like this one, is what makes handling of a difficult situation worse. And those who simply help proliferating this phenomena don't give it a second thought before unmindfully forwarding it. The above video was generously shared on social media. Apart from spreading a false agenda, videos of this nature also breed widespread panic and hysteria.

Another video that fell short of going viral on social media was that of a youth standing atop a parked vehicle and slamming it with a cinder block. The video was shot on the Western Express Highway. When? We couldn't verify that and after checking with local officials we concluded that it is not a clip from Wednesday's protest. If not debunked, this video would surely have festered an environment of anger and hatred.

This is how protests look. Break property, weaken the nation. #MaharashtraBandh pic.twitter.com/lhHyCETA3q  Abhijit Majumder (@abhijitmajumder) January 3, 2018

There were other videos too that were being circulated without being properly vetted and even though the Mumbai Police advised the residents neither to believe nor spread rumours. "Dont believe or spread rumours, continue with your routine activities. Police administration is geared up to deal with any untoward situation," the Mumbai Police said on Wednesday.

Hundreds of protesters tried to block the Western Express Highway on Wednesday morning but were moved from the spot by police. Incidents of stone-pelting were reported at a few places on the harbour line, a police official said.

Protesters jumped on rail tracks of harbour line at Govandi, Mankhurd and Kurla, due to which suburban services towards Panvel, Belapur and Vashi were stopped for a few hours, the official said. All major arterial roads, including SV Road, Link Road, Eastern Express Highway, Western Express Highway and Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road, were blocked by protesters resulting in chaos. BEST stated that 90 of its buses were damaged due to stone-pelting and four drivers sustained minor injuries.

As bad as all that was, it was nowhere near as bad as what was being put out on those videos.
Maharashtra came to a near standstill on Wednesday with members of the Dalit community marching the streets and halting rail services and traffic in the state in protest against the violence on the anniversary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in Pune. One life was also lost during the violence on 1 January.

Congress, Dalit leaders demand clarification from Narendra Modi

Prakash Ambedkar, president of Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh, who had launched the strike  and called it off later in the evening on Wednesday  asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make his stand clear on the caste violence gripping Maharashtra.

"The prime minister should acknowledge that the person whom he has declared as his guru is bent upon creating chaos in this country. The prime minister is due for elections by 2019. He will have to answer the question whether he believes in the guru who believes in chaos; therefore I request the prime minister that he should make himself very clear in Lok Sabha by making a statement, he said.

Ambedkar was referring to Milind Ekbote of Samast Hindu Aghadi, and Sambhaji Bhide of Shiv Pratishthan Hindustan, who allegedly orchestrated violence during celebrations of the Battle of Bhima Koregaon on Monday. An FIR has been filed against the two.

The Bhima-Koregaon violence and the subsequent protests in Maharashtra created a furore in Parliament as well with Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge asking Modi to clarify his stand on the issue on Wednesday.

"The RSS and certain hardcore Hindutva outfits are behind the violence. They are trying to drive a wedge between the Marathas and Dalits in Maharashtra," Kharge alleged.

"Why is Modi silent on the issue? He always maintained silence on issues relating to Dalits. He has become a 'Mouni Baba'on Dalit issues.

"When Dalits start living with dignity and organise some event, there are some people who try to disturb it. This happened in Koregaon (in Pune district)," Kharge added while demanding a probe in the Bhima-Koregaon incident headed by a Supreme Court judge and a statement from Modi on the issue.

Congress politicising violence, says BJP

Kharge's comments triggered an angry response from BJP MPs, with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar rebutting the charges and accusing the Congress of trying to play politics over the issue.

"Congress wants to politicise the issue. The party suffered electoral drubbing in so many states in the recent past and that is why they want to milk political mileage over the issue," Kumar said.

The Bhima-Koregaon violence and Maharashtra Bandh was also a topic of discussion in Parliament on Thursday as well. Congress MP Rajni Patil and Samajwadi Party's Naresh Agarwal demanded action and constitution of a commission for a report on the matter on Thursday.

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut commended the government for dealing with the crisis. ANI quoted him as saying: "Bhima-Koregaon violence was unfortunate. The Maharashtra government showed restraint in dealing with the violence. The situation could have worsened, but whatever the government did, it was the right thing to do."

Raut's comment, however, was completely different from what the party stated through its mouthpiece Saamana.

Shiv Sena takes on Devendra Fadnavis

The Shiv Sena, an ally of the BJP in the state as well as the Centre, not only criticised the Fadnavis government over the Bhima-Koregaon violence but also alleged that the state government had no work except to fight elections using the state machinery and police.

"Incidents that raise questions about the ability and the stand of the Fadnavis government are happening every day. The chief minister has ordered a judicial inquiry into the Bhima-Koregaon incident but every government does the same thing. What is new in that?" an editorial in the party mouthpiece Saamana read.

The party also said the government should bring its feet on the ground, and that there was a whole life to fight the Sena. "You can try all your might to politically finish the Sena later. For now, this might should be used to fight the enemies," said the party.

According to 101Reporters, reacting to developments in Maharashtra, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati criticised the BJP in Lucknow on Wednesday. She said, BJP and RSS do not wish that Dalits revisit and identify with their history, learn from it and live with self-esteem.

Mayawati also said that the celebration of the Bhima-Koregaon battle irks the BJP, RSS and other anti-Dalit groups of the country, who have attacked Dalits as per plan.

Nationalist Congress Partys (NCP) Mumbai secretary Pramod Gaikwad had said on Wednesday, What happened in Bhima-Koregaon has left deep wounds in the minds of followers of Babasaheb. The incident could have been averted. But on the contrary, it seems that it was done after full planning. The chief minister is answerable for this. He cannot escape.

Sumit Wajale, state secretary of Republican Party of India (Athavale), who led the protest in Bandra (East) on Wednesday, insisted that the protest was not political in nature, and the entire Ambedkari Samaj (all Dalit organisations and Ambedkar followers) across party lines had come together to express their anguish against casteist mindset of the present government.

Devendra Fadnavis blames outsiders

According to ANI, Fadnavis said on Wednesday that an inquiry will be conducted in the incidents of violence.

Inquiry will be conducted in the incidents of violence that took place across Maharashtra. We are monitoring the CCTV footage of the violence: CM Devendra Fadnavis #BhimaKoregaonViolence pic.twitter.com/DNqzPHPC0Y  ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2018

However, Fadnavis blamed outsiders for instigating violence in the state. The chief minister, however, claimed that outside forces will not succeed in influencing Maharashtras peace-loving people.

We (Maharashtrians) have always striven to stay away from communal and castiest forces. But outsiders are coming to Maharashtra and trying to influence and instigate people of the state. They are trying to disturb the harmony. We are confident that people will not follow them, he said.

With inputs from agencies and 101Reporters
After protesters managed to bring Mumbai to a standstill on Wednesday, the trigger for the clashes was largely seen as the Dalit commemoration of the British victory in the battle of Bhima-Koregaon. However the day has been celebrated peacefully for 200 years. Why then, was there violence this time? The reason is actually the removal of a board at a Mahar samadhi.

The Maharashtra bandh was called on Wednesday following violence in Pune on 1 January when Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in which the forces of the British East India Company defeated the Peshwa's Army. Dalit leaders commemorate the British victory, as it is believed that soldiers from the Mahar community were part of the East India Company's forces. The Peshwas were Brahmins, and the victory is seen as a symbol of assertiveness by Dalits.

The battle has come to be seen as a symbol of Dalit pride because a large number of soldiers in the Company force were Mahar Dalits. Since the Peshwas, who were Brahmins, were seen as oppressors of Dalits, the victory of the Mahar soldiers over Peshwa force is seen as Dalit assertion.

On Thursday The Indian Express reported that the immediate trigger for the clashes near Bhima-Koregaon was the removal of a board at Mahar samadhi at Vadhu Budruk village near the site of the clashes. The samadhi is dedicated to Govind Gaikwad, a Mahar (Dalit).

IANS reported that Gaikwad had performed the last rites of the 31-year old Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, who was assassinated in 1689 and his body severely mutilated by Emperor Aurangzeb's soldiers. The Mughals had warned that anybody who dared to perform the last rites of the slain Maratha warrior king would be punished with death.

However, defying the orders, Gaikwad managed to stitch together the pieces of the king's body and later helped perform the last rites. Though he was later killed by the British, he has remained a symbol of 'Dalit Pride and Courage' since centuries. For his courageous services, Gaikwad was honoured with a memorial opposite the tomb of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the eldest son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

On 30 December, a board was found erected near the samadhi. The board said Gaikwad had defied the orders of Mughal king Aurangzeb and performed the last rites of Sambhaji Maharaj. People, who believed it was their ancestors who had performed the last rites of Sambhaji Maharaj, tried to remove the board, leading to an altercation. This resulted in police filing a case under the SC/ST (Preventions of Atrocities) Act against 49 people.

The incident in Vadhu Budruk is believed to have triggered the caste clashes in Bhima-Koregaon on 1 January.

The 200th anniversary of the Koregaon-Bhima battle of January 1, 1818 was celebrated by the Koregaon-Bhima Shaurya Din Prerana Abhiyan, participated in by an estimated 400,000 people from all over Maharashtra. Despite tight security, some groups waving saffron flags allegedly pelted stones at the gathering and this soon degenerated into violent riots, leading to the death of a 28-year-old youth from Nanded, Rahul Fatangale, with more than two scores of vehicles damaged.

A grim Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hurriedly announced a judicial probe by a "sitting judge" of Bombay High Court, a CID investigation into the violence and compensation of Rs 1 million for the victim's family.

However, seething Dalit groups were unconvinced by the government assurances and Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh, a Dalit party headed by Prakash Ambedkar  the grandson of Dalit icon BR Ambedkar, called for a "peaceful Maharashtra shutdown" on Wednesday to express anger over the Pune incidents of 1 January.

The country's commercial capital Mumbai was partially paralysed and millions were stranded on roads and railway stations as Dalit groups indulged in road and rail blockages, processions and protest demonstrations on Tuesday. The Dalit parties-sponsored 'Maharashtra Shutdown' on Wednesday evoked huge response in Mumbai and other parts of the state due to rail and road blockages and protest marches, with the impact severe in the rural areas and Dalit strongholds in the state.

With inputs from agencies
Mumbai: A 16-year-old boy, who was part of the mob blocking a road during the Maharashtra bandh in Nanded city, was crushed to death while escaping police on Wednesday.

The incident occurred in Hadgaon area of Nanded in Marathwada region on Wednesday afternoon when protesters were blocking a road, a police official said.

As police chased the demonstrators, the teenager, identified as Yogesh Jadhav, also ran along with others.

"He, however, lost his balance and fell on road. He suffered serious injuries to his forehead and other parts of the body as he was trampled upon by fleeing protesters," the official said.

"Jadhav was admitted in government hospital in Hadgaon, where he succumbed to his injuries," Hadgaon police station senior inspector Keshav Latpate told PTI.

Meanwhile, another official said that protesters have alleged that Jadhav died in police lathicharge.

Jadhav's postmortem is not yet performed and his family members are yet to claim his body, Latpate said.
Mangaluru: A 32-year old man, said to be a Hindu activist, was hacked to death by a four member gang who intercepted him while he was riding a bike at nearby Katipalla on Wednesday, police said.

The deceased has been identified as Deepak, an executive in a mobile SIM cards distribution company.

Police said the political affiliation of the victim was not immediately known.

The state BJP said Deepak was an activist committed to "Hindutva ideology" and was associated with the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad in Dakshina Kannada district.

The assailants who came in a car stopped him while he was on his way to duty and attacked him with sharp weapons, police said.

The motive behind the killing, as well as the identity of the assailants was yet to be known, police said.

Strongly condemning the "cold-blooded murder",BJP leaders R Ashok and Ashwathnarayana demanded an NIA probe into it.

They charged that the Congress government in the state had allowed "jehadi forces" to have a field day and to indulge in "wanton killings" of Hindu workers in pursuance of its 'vote-bank politics' and minority appeasement.

With this heinous killing, the number of Hindutva workers who have fallen to the 'murderous agenda of jehadi forces' has risen to 22, they said.

A series of killings of "Hindu activists" has often caused tension in the communally sensitive Dakshina district in the coastal region.

BJP has been accusing the Congress of adopting "a soft approach" towards "jehadi forces", a charge dismissed by the Siddaramaiah government, which has accused the saffron party of trying to polarise the situation.
Mangaluru: Four persons were arrested on Wednesday in Karnataka's Suratkal town near Mangaluru for the alleged murder of a 32-year-old man, whom the Opposition BJP claimed to be a Hindu activist.

"The suspects were arrested when they were trying to escape after attacking the victim - Deepak Rao - at Katipalla in the town," Dakishna Kannada Superintendent of Police SK Reddy told IANS.

Rao, a sales executive with a mobile phones distributor, in Mangaluru, about 350km from the Bengaluru, was riding a motorbike at Katipalla when the accused waylaid and assaulted him with a machete between 1.30-2 pm.

"A bleeding Rao was rushed to a private hospital at Suratkal for emergency treatment, but doctors declared him dead," said Reddy.

Mangaluru Police Commissioner TR Suresh saod that the suspects were nabbed after they were chased and intercepted by police which fired at the car in which they were fleeing from the crime spot.

"We recovered the weapon (machete) with which Rao was hacked," added Reddy.

The four arrested were identified as Mulky Naushad, Rizwan, Pinky Nawaz and Nirshan.

Right wing outfit Bajrang Dal also claimed that Rao was one of its members in the coastal district.

Meanwhile, state Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy rushed Additional Director General of Police Kamal Pant to the town to inquire into the incident.

The state government also deployed additional police to maintain law and order and ensure peace, as the BJP and Bajrang Dal called for a day-long shutdown in the coastal district on Thursday in protest against the murderous attack on Rao.
Northern army commander Lt. General D Anbu reviewed the security situation and operational preparedness in forward areas of Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district on Friday, and asked troops to be vigilant, an army official said.

His visit came two days after Jaish-e-Mohammad militants killed five paramilitary personnel in a pre-dawn attack on a CRPF camp in Pulwama district. He has visited several areas of the Valley, especially those close to the Line of Control (LoC), over the past three days.

"The army commander interacted with the troops on the ground and exhorted them to be vigilant against the nefarious designs of inimical elements," the official said. Anbu complimented the "high standards of professionalism of the soldiers", he said.

He visited the forward posts, where he was briefed on the counter-infiltration grid and operational preparedness of the formations for the coming months, the official said.

He also visited the hinterland formations at Sharifabad and Awantipora, where he was given a first-hand account of the ground situation.
Islamabad: Pakistan warned the US that the statements from Washington are "detrimental" to bilateral relations that have developed over generations.

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi chaired a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday and discussed strategies following US President Donald Trump's tweet in which he accused Pakistan of giving nothing to the US but "lies and deceit" in return for $33 billion aid.

"The Cabinet viewed that American statements are detrimental to the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and US, a relationship that has developed over generations," reads the statement issued after the meeting.

Pakistan has rendered huge sacrifices, both in terms of loss of precious human lives and substantial damage to the economy as a result of partnering in the global war against terrorism, it said.

The Cabinet unanimously endorsed the stance of National Security Committee (NSC), which in its yesterday's meeting expressed deep disappointment over recent statements of the top American leadership.

Foreign Minister Khawaj Asif briefed the participants about the background of the recent statements of the American leadership and the discussion held during the NSC meeting.

Pakistan has so far cautiously responded to Trump's tweet in which he had said that the US has foolishly given Pakistan more than $33 billion in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given "us nothing but lies and deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools".

Prime Minister's adviser on finance, Mitah Ismael, told Geo News that out of $33 billion, $14 billion were against the services as coalition partner in the war on terror. "Our actual bill for Coalition Support Fund was about $24 billion, but they have reimbursed only $14 billion," he said.

Ismael said another about $5 billion was given by the US to various NGOs which had nothing to do with the government of Pakistan. He also said that about half of this was support for the military, mostly in kind, for fighting the war on terror.

When asked about the impact of the US withholding $225 million in aid, Ismael said smilingly, "I spent more than this daily to run the government of Pakistan."

In the same programme, military spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said that Pakistan and the US were still friends and partners. "We have history of ups and down in relations but we (are) still partners," he said.

Ghafoor also hit back at US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, pointing to her Indian connection, when asked about Haley accusing Pakistan for double standards. "The US should find out the elements which are aiming at deteriorating the US-Pakistan cooperation," he said.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet also extended by 30 days the 31 December deadline set for the repatriation of about three million Afghan refugees living legally and illegally in Pakistan.

"After a detailed discussion, the Cabinet agreed to grant only 30 days' extension for Proof of Registration (POR) and also decided that the issue of early repatriation of Afghan refugees shall be raised with the United Nations high commissioner for refugees (UNHCR) and with the international community," the statement added.
Islamabad: Pakistan on Thursday rejected as "propaganda" reports that China was going to establish a military base near the strategic Gwadar port in southern Balochistan province.

"There is no proposal of building any Chinese military base near Gwadar. This is all propaganda against the development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and strengthening of relations between Pakistan and China," Foreign Office (FO) spokesman Mohammad Faisal said.

The nearly $50 billion CPEC  a flagship project of China's prestigious One Belt One Road  passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

It links China's restive Xinjiang region with Pakistan's Balochistan province. India has objected to CPEC as it traverses through PoK.

Responding to a question about India test-firing an interceptor missile, Faisal said Pakistan always maintained that anti-ballistic missile systems entail destabilising effects, especially in the regional context and can provoke an arms race.

"We have proposed several missile and nuclear restraint measures to India that include the commitment not to deploy ballistic missile defence systems. Pakistan will continue to follow a policy of restraint and responsibility while taking all necessary measures to ensure our national security," he said.

Faisal said India's attempts to attribute ulterior motives to the basic security protocol for Indian death row prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav are "testament to their double standards".
Thane: Two persons were booked Wednesday night for allegedly abducting a 16-year old girl on the pretext of taking her to an educational camp organised by her college.

According to police, the girl's father got a call from one of the accused, who was posing as a teacher at the college, informing him about the camp.

"The girl's father in his complaint stated that on the night of 30 December, he received a call from one Vinay Kunte informing him about a two-day educational camp organised at Karjat starting on 1 January for which the girl had to pay Rs 850," police said.

Police said that the girl's father went to leave his daughter at the college at 6 am on 1 January only to be called again by Kunte who informed that the departure time had been rescheduled for 10 am.

"The girl and her father returned home and the daughter went back to college at 10 am to proceed for the camp," police said.

Police added that the truth of the non-existent camp dawned on the father when he inquired with the girl's friends about such a camp.

"He was told that no such camp was organised. The father called up Kunte again who told him that he was not a teacher. Kunte also told the father that another person Bhushan Pawar had abducted his daughter," police said.

Calls made by the father to the girl went unanswered as the latter's phone was switched off, police said.

The girl's father filed a complaint with police last night and a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code was registered with Kalyan's Bazarpeth police station, officials said.

Police said that Kunte, a resident of Murbad, and Bhushan Pawar from Dombivali have been named as accused in the case.

A search is on to rescue the abducted girl and also to nab the two accused, said police.
New Delhi: A probe has been ordered into the incident of a Jet Airways' pilot allegedly slapping his woman

commander on a London-Mumbai flight, civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapati Raju informed the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

Responding to the issue raised by Kirit Somaiya (BJP) during the Zero Hour, Raju said a probe into the incident has

been ordered and time-bound action would be taken. Somaiya alleged that the incident had put the lives of hundreds of passengers at risk and sought action against the airlines and the two pilots. He claimed that both the pilots

had come out of the cockpit which was a violation of rules.

He also objected to the reported statement of the airlines that the incident was the result of a misunderstanding.

Jet Airways grounded two of its senior pilots following the mid-air brawl on a London-Mumbai flight on 1 January, in which the male commander allegedly slapped his female counterpart.

Rajiv Satav (Cong) raised the issue of the death of a schoolboy allegedly in police lathi charge in the aftermath of the Dalit-Maratha violence in Maharashtra. He blamed the state government for the incident and sought compensation for the boy's family. Prahlad Joshi (BJP) alleged that over 20 "political murders" have taken place in Karnataka after the Siddaramaiah -led Congress government took over.

He claimed that despite NIA charge-sheet naming some PFI cadres for violent incidents, the state government has

withdrawn cases against them. Ravneet Singh (Cong) referred to reports that a group of office-bearers claiming to represent 14 gurudwaras in Canada has imposed ban on Indian diplomats from entering the place of worship. He said some Khalistani supporters in Canada have even threatened the chief minister of Punjab.

He said they were damaging the image of Sikhs all over the world and pro-Khalistan elements should not be tolerated. NK Premachandran (RSP) referred to reports about Chinese soldiers attempting to construct roads inside Arunachal Pradesh and said after Dokalam, the development assumes significance.

Prahlad Singh Patel (BJP) alleged that girls from scheduled tribes in Tripura were raped and murdered but no post-mortem was undertaken. He alleged that the girls' kin were forced to perform their last rites without post-mortem,

alleging the role of some CPM members in the incident.

His remarks were strongly opposed by members from the Left parties.
New Delhi: In his first foreign visit after being elevated as Congress President, Rahul Gandhi will be going to Bahrain on 7 January evening and is scheduled to address an NRI conclave on 8 January, sources said.

According to party sources, the visit is aimed at promoting Rahul Gandhi as a brand after his visit to the US last September received a positive response.

The sole purpose of such trips is to bolster Rahul's global image as a popular leader and also reach out to the NRIs, as prime minister Narendra Modi has been doing since he came to power.

Rahul Gandhi was in Goa recently to join his mother Sonia Gandhi to usher in the New Year.
The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) authorities to consider a representation of students who have questioned the "gender discriminatory rules" against the girl students.

The apex court asked the students of the university, who had challenged the rules, to raise their grievances through the representation to the university authorities.

A bench of Justices Arun Mishra and M M Shantanagoudar granted liberty to the university to file its reply with regard to any misconduct by students after its counsel said that the petitioner was involved in protests and a FIR was lodged against him.

Advocate Prashant Bhushan appearing for student Vikas Singh and others said that there were several gender discriminatory rules and regulations framed by the Mahila Maha Vidyalaya Womens' Hostel of the BHU.

He said that the hostel does not allow girls to go out of hostel, even in the campus, after 8 pm.

The girls cannot use cell phone after 10 pm and if they use it, then they have to put it on speaker mode. They are also not allowed to wear short dresses, he claimed.

Bhushan said that the girls were not allowed to access wi-fi and internet in their hostel rooms, while the male students were given all such facilities.

"If a girl is coming or going out of station from the hostel at night, she cannot go due to these rules. These are draconian and archaic rules," he said.

The bench said that these are all matters which can be dealt by the university, and going out of station in the night are exceptional cases which can be addressed on case by case basis. The top court said that the students should make a representation to the university authorities with regard to their grievances and it will look into it.
Houston: The much-awaited autopsy report in the death of 3-year-old Sherin Mathews says she died of "homicidal violence," US media reported on Wednesday, nearly three months after the adopted Indian girl was found dead in a culvert in suburban Dallas.

Sherin went missing from her home in Richardson on 7 October and her body was found on 22 October in a culvert in suburban Dallas by a cadaver dog after an intense search. The toddler's body was identified days later using her dental records.

Sherin died of "homicidal violence", a law enforcement official in Dallas, Texas, confirmed to WFAA TV station, indicating the manner of death for the girl.

A cause of death could not be determined due to extensive decomposition, the official said. Steven Kurtz with the Dallas County medical examiner's office said that Sherin was a victim of homicide, the Associated Press reported. An earlier report had said that the autopsy report of Sherin has been handed over to the attorneys for the adoptive Indian-American parents of Sherin - Wesley Mathews and Sini Mathews.

During a child custody hearing in late November, a doctor testified before a court that Sherin, who was adopted from India, had broken bones and had injuries in various stages of healing, indicating abuse.

Initially, Sherin's foster father Wesley told police that he put her outside their home at 3 am to discipline her for not drinking her milk. His story changed after her body was found in a culvert, telling police that he "physically assisted" with pouring the milk down Sherin's throat and then moved her body after he realised she had choked and died.

Wesley also admitted to police that he removed Sherin's body from the home after changing his story multiple times on the events leading up to her death. Wesley and his wife Sini also left Sherin home alone the night before her disappearance, according to an arrest warrant affidavit.

Wesley, 37, is charged with injury to a child, while the adoptive mother, Sini, 35, is charged with abandoning or endangering a child. Both are currently lodged in a Dallas jail.

The attorney representing Sini Mathews said the report, received on Tuesday evening from the Dallas County District Attorney's Office, does not implicate her in Sherin's death.

"There is nothing in the autopsy results that indicate Sini Mathews had anything to do with the death of Sherin Mathews," Mitch Nolte told WFAA in a statement.

The news about the autopsy report on Sherin has reportedly been sent to Wesley and Sini as they are expected to appear in court later today for a Child Protective Services (CPS) custody hearing for their 4-year-old biological daughter. She was removed from the home by CPS officials after Sherin went missing.

The couple can either forfeit their parental rights during today's hearing, or the court could decide a date for a civil trial to possibly terminate their rights, the report said.

Wednesday's hearing would mark the third CPS hearing for the Indian-American adoptive parents of Sherin. Last month, the couple, hailing from Kerala, temporarily

lost their rights to see their biological child, who has been placed with a family member in the Houston area. During the hearing, both Wesley and Sini pleaded the fifth amendment in court in response to pointed questions about their alleged involvement in Sherin's death to avoid self-incrimination.

Wesley is still being held on a $1 million bond. Sini had her bond reduced from $250,000 to $100,000 in December. If she is indeed released, she will be required to wear an electronic ankle monitor, as she is said to be a 'flight risk' who could try to flee to India.

Richardson Police have scheduled a press conference later today to release more details of the case. Meanwhile, a community group in Richardson has thanke the Richardson Police Department for its ongoing investigation into Sherin's death. A group made up of Richardson residents presented police with a plaque on Tuesday, thanking them for their response and hard work in the complex and high-profile case that had attracted international media attention.

Bill Allen, who lived near where Sherin's body was found, presented the special plaque to the police department. With his neighbours, they formed an informal group to express gratitude for all the investigators. They also dedicated a bench in Sherin's memory this past weekend, FOX4News.com reported.

"To have the community come together and come to us and acknowledge the good work that the men and women of this police department have done means so, so much to us," said Richardson Police Department Chief Jimmy Spivey.
Bangkok: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj arrived in Bangkok on Thursday on the first leg of a three-nation tour that will also take her to Indonesia and Singapore.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted that the Minister got a "warm welcome" in Thailand  "our geographic, historic and cultural neighbour".

During her two-day visit to Thailand, Sushma Swaraj will meet Don Pramudwinai, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

According to the External Affairs Ministry, all aspects of bilateral relations will be discussed with particular focus on political, defence and economic ties and on further enhance India's engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries.

Thailand will take over from Vietnam the role of coordinator country for India-Asean relations from the middle of this year.

Sushma Swaraj will also share with her interlocutors information about the upcoming Asean-India Commemorative Summit that marks 25 years since the establishment of Dialogue Partnership between India and the regional bloc.

In a unique first, the leaders of the ASEAN countries are expected to attend this year's Republic Day celebrations collectively as chief guests. After Thailand, Sushma Swaraj will visit Indonesia and Singapore.
Beirut: At least 23 civilians were killed in the Syrian opposition redoubt of Eastern Ghouta, near Damascus, with the majority of victims perishing in Russian air raids, a monitor said.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights told AFP that 18 people were killed by Russian strikes in the town of Misraba, while the remainder died in shelling from government forces.

Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said three children and 11 women were among those killed.

The war in Syria has killed more than 340,000 people and displaced millions from their homes since it began in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

Eastern Ghouta, a small enclave east of the capital Damascus, is controlled mostly by rebels from the Jaish al-Islam group.

Russia first launched bombing raids in 2015 in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's beleaguered forces.

Those strikes have helped Assad regain control over much of war-ravaged Syria.

The Observatory relies on a network of sources inside Syria and says it determines whose planes carry out raids according to type, location, flight patterns and munitions used.
Mumbai: After Wednesday's violence-hit 'Maharashtra Shutdown', police on Thursday abruptly axed permission to a day-long student convention in which Gujarat legislator Jignesh Mevani and JNU student leader Umar Khalid were to take part.

Simultaneously, Pune Police registered a FIR against the two leaders for allegedly making inflammatory speeches at a meeting in Shaniwarwada in Pune on 31 December.

Mumbai Police swooped on the Bhaidas Hall, in the posh western suburb of Vile Parle on Thursday morning, and stopped the Left-leaning Chhatra Bharati's All India Students Summit which was scheduled to be addressed by Khalid and Mevani.

Considered the Dalit face of Gujarat politics and convenor of Rashtriya Dalit Adhikar Manch, Menvani was elected to the state Assembly last month as an Independent.

The police broke up the planned convention, citing prohibitory orders imposed in Mumbai after Wednesday's state-wide shutdown which left a 16-year old student dead in Nanded.

Opposing the police move, Chhatra Bharati members staged noisy protests, raised anti-government slogans and attempted to squat outside the venue. Many were seen running on to the main road outside.

Defying the police, some attempted to enter the auditorium but were evicted by the police. Many were bundled into a police van and detained.

Chhatra Bharati Vice President Sagar Bhalerao said the day-long event was planned long ago in which both Mevani, Khalid and others were listed speakers.

Maharashtra legislator Kapil Patil said around 800 students and delegates including many girls were dumped into police vans and taken to various police stations where they were detained for several hours.

"The police are acting at the behest of the BJP-Shiv Sena government to crush the voice of the students who raise uncomfortable questions. This is a fascist government," Patil told the media.

Demanding the release of the detained students, scores of students squatted outside the Juhu police station raising anti-government slogans.

In Pune, the police late on Wednesday booked Mevani and Khalid for 'inciting passions' between communities following a complaint by a Pune-based student, Akshay G Bikkad.

Bikkad said that at a meeting held on 31 December, Mevani and Khalid made allegedly inflammatory speeches that could create misunderstanding between communities, and included excerpts from the objectionable speeches.

The complainant said that such inflammatory speeches can create a wedge and enmity between communities. Provoked by these utterances, some miscreants attacked the Victory Pillar (Vijay Stambh) in Koregaon-Bhima resulting in riots and created arson on January 1, he said.

The developments came in the wake of the series of disturbances in Maharashtra starting with the desecration of a monument in Vadhu Budruk on December 29, followed by the riots in Koregaon-Bhima that left one dead on January 1, and the 'Maharashtra Shutdown' that killed one minor boy and left a trail of destruction across the state.

Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh President Prakash Ambedkar said he and other leaders called on Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis demanding the arrest and prosecution of Shivjagar Pratisthan President Sambhaji Bhide Guruji and Hindu Janjagruti Samiti President Milind Ekbote, against whom complaints have been lodged by Pune Police.

He said Fadnavis told them that he had requested the Chief Justice of Bombay High Court to nominate a judge for the promised judicial enquiry into the entire episode.

"We have demanded that the probe commission should be given enhanced powers to even recommend punishment to those found guilty. This is the first time an enquiry commission shall be bestowed with such powers," Ambedkar said.
The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017 was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on 3 January. The Bill, which criminalises talaq-e-biddat (instant triple talaq), was passed by the Lok Sabha on 28 December without debate and discussion. There are serious issues with the Bill. Rajya Sabha must amend the Bill, or send it to dustbin in its current form. It fails Muslim families in the following ways.

The Bill provides for the maintenance of a wife divorced via instant triple talaq. It does not provide for the maintenance for a wife divorced via other forms of triple talaq. It also doesn't provide maintenance for the wife divorced via any other means, notably when a Muslim woman is granted divorce by a court. The Bill also doesn't invalidate the infamous Shah Bano law, which was passed by the Rajiv Gandhi government in 1986, denying alimony to divorced Muslim women.

There are serious questions on the Bill's maintenance clause. Take two scenarios: first, a security guard who earns a daily wage totalling 10,000 rupees a month utters instant triple talaq; second, a university lecturer who earns Rs 60,000 a month. In the first case, the security guard who will be jailed will earn around Rs 8,000 a year in prison. (Sanjay Dutt earned 38,000 over a five-year period in jail). Even if he gives all the money, what benefit it brings to the affected woman? Under Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, a Mumbai court even rejected a maintenance of Rs 1,500 to a woman who was earning Rs 8,000.

In the second scenario, if the lecturer's wife too is a lecturer or earns a decent salary in another high-paying job, there is no reason why she should be given maintenance. Her claim for maintenance can be effectively challenged on the grounds of the fundamental right to equality under Article 14 since she has a decent source of income. Courts have rejected maintenance to educationally qualified women married under the Hindu law. Courts have also granted maintenance to husbands where the wife was working and the husband was jobless  even for regular litigation expenses.

The bulk of cases of instant triple talaq involve the lower income groups of Muslims, affecting families in which men are mechanics, labourers, tailors, and so on. In cases affecting them, the major problem is for the woman because she will be required to go to court to prove that the husband divorced her via instant triple talaq. In cases of oral instant triple talaq, it will be almost impossible for such a woman to prove any case against the husband, who will languish in jail before finally being acquitted. Therefore, the triple talaq Bill is badly drafted.

The sole purpose of the Bill seems to imprison Muslim men, not to help the affected women. The Bill ensures that a Muslim husband will be jailed for up to three years. By the Supreme Court order of 22 August, the instant triple talaq is already illegal. So, a question arises: why to jail the husband when the divorce hasn't taken place under the laws of India. Marriage and divorce must remain within the civil law. If the unwritten purpose of the Bill is to create another domestic violence law, the government can incorporate the instant triple talaq in the Domestic Violence Act of 2005, though I do not favour any civil matter to be criminalised.

Under the Bill, the woman will get the custody of children. Irrespective of religious consideration, this is unfair on fathers. In all cases of separated and divorced families, children must be under joint custody. Fathers have a beneficial role in a growing child's life. The Bill punishes children. Its biggest flaw is that it assumes that the instant triple talaq has taken place. The Bill basically agrees with Islamic clerics' view that instant triple talaq is valid  this is a violation of the Supreme Court's 22 August order which set aside this form of divorce. In a fine piece on legal inaccuracies of the bill, journalist Ajay Kumar argues: "If the talaq itself is void, there can hardly be a question of maintenance or custody. They only come into play post a divorce."

The Bill is definitely not a reform in Muslim family laws. It doesn't address the essential question of unilateral divorce by Muslim husbands. Even after it becomes a law, a Muslim husband will be forced to use his unilateral power of divorce through two other forms of triple talaq: one, he must send one talaq to his wife and wait for three months for the divorce to take effect; two, he must send one talaq each month to his wife for three months, making the marriage invalid. Since the Bill doesn't make unilateral divorce invalid, how is it even a first step towards reform?

Most non-Muslims don't grasp the fact that a Muslim husband is effectively barred from going to court for divorce. At present, a Muslim woman can go to courts, Islamic clerics, or community elders to seek divorce. However, Muslim husbands cannot go to court to seek divorce. The Rajya Sabha must amend the Bill, or write a new legislation, to enable Muslim husbands to go to court. The Supreme Court had reminded the government that Muslim husbands don't have a judicial forum to seek divorce. On 15 May, the then attorney general Mukul Rohatgi informed the Supreme Court that if instant divorce is struck down, the government would bring a law "to regulate marriage and divorce" among Muslims. The Bill that was passed by the Lok Sabha has failed to fulfil this promise.

When the Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha, the Leader of the Congress in the House, Mallikarjun Kharge, and other Opposition MPs requested that the Bill be sent to the standing committee on law and justice. However, since the government has brute majority in Lok Sabha, it rejected this request. In democracies, the opposition serves as a catalyst for positive change. It doesn't appear that despite its own assurance to the Supreme Court, the government is interested in reform among Muslims with regard to marriage and divorce laws. Let's not forget: Muslim women who went to the Supreme Court against triple talaq did so in order to save their marriage because Indian society looks down upon divorced women.

In its current form, the Bill is designed to keep alive the triple talaq issue, as I have argued, for electoral and political purposes. There are also other concerns that Muslim men can be harassed by cops, especially when communal leaders win in a certain region. Under this Bill, the instant triple talaq is cognisable offence, which means  as noted by the writer Rana Safvi  a policeman does not need a warrant to arrest, nor does the complaint have to be filed by the Muslim woman. Any person can file a complaint against a Muslim husband leading to his arrest. This Bill is arbitrary in nature.

The Rajya Sabha, therefore, must introduce amendments in the Bill or consign it to dustbin and write a new expanded legislation that addresses numerous questions surrounding Muslim family laws. This is essential for reform among Muslims and their integration in the emerging social order of India. A Muslim family reform bill must outlaw all unilateral forms of divorce by a Muslim husband. It must also outlaw practices such as mehr, halala, polygamy, two Muslim women's testimony being equal to one man's, the girl's inheritance being half of a boy's, the guardianship of male over female, and so on. These are real issues facing the Muslim families.

Tufail Ahmad is Senior Fellow for Islamism and Counter-Radicalization Initiative at the Middle East Media Research Institute, Washington DC. He tweets @tufailelif
New Delhi: The BJP on Thursday asked the Election Commission to appoint micro-observers in poll-bound Tripura from outside the CPM-ruled state and deploy maximum paramilitary forces, alleging that an atmosphere of fear was prevailing there.

Only those government officials should be given election duty, who give a declaration that they are not members of any political party or any trade union affiliated to any political outfit, said Himanta Biswa Sarma, BJP leader and convener of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), which is part of the BJP-led NDA.

"Micro-observers should be from outside the state because CPM has started giving membership to the state government employees in Tripura. The elections cannot be held with the Left party members inside the booth," Sarma told reporters outside the Election Commission (EC) office.

Sarma, who is also a minister in the BJP government in Assam, claimed that more than 60 party workers were killed by the ruling CPM in Tripura and there was an atmosphere of fear and threat in the state.

"We (BJP) have requested the Election Commission to deploy maximum paramilitary forces in the state to ensure free and fair elections in the state," he said.

The Left party has been ruling Tripura since 1993. The state has traditionally witnessed a two-way fight between the Congress and the CPM.

This time the BJP is trying to emerge as the principal opposition to the ruling Left party.

Tenure of the 60-member Tripura Assembly ends in March this year.
After cancelling an event which was supposed to feature Gujarat Independent MLA Jignesh Mevani and JNU student activist Umar Khalid, the Mumbai Police on Thursday also issued a search warrant against the two leaders, CNN-News18 reported.

On Thursday, Mumbai Police had denied permission to Chhatra Bharati, a socio-political NGO, to organise the All India National Students Summit 2018 at Mithibai College Auditorium in Mumbai's Vile Parle. According to Asian Age, Mevani and Khalid were supposed to speak on the Bhima-Koregaon violence. Chhatra Bharati is the student wing of the socio-political group Lok Bharati, led by Maharashtra MLC Kapil Patil.

Police on Thursday had also imposed Section 149 around Mithibai College to stop any unlawful gathering, reported CNN-News18.

Several students belonging to Chhatra Bharti were taken into preventive custody who were protesting the cancellation of the event. These students were taken to the Goregaon and Juhu police stations, reported CNN-News18.

Meanwhile, the Pune Police registered an FIR against the two leaders for their "provocative" speeches at an event in Pune on 31 December. A case was registered under Section 153(A), 505 and 117 of the Indian Penal Code.

According to reports, Mevani and Khalid had attended the "Elgar Parishad", an event organised to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the battle of Bhima-Koregaon, at Shaniwar Wada in the city on 31 December.

According to the complainants  Akshay Bikkad and Anand Dhond  Mevani and Khalid had made "provocative" comments at the event. Bikkad and Dhond, both locals, approached the Deccan Gymkhana police station with an application and demanded the registration of a case against Mevani and Khalid for allegedly promoting enmity between different communities.

The complainant added excerpts from the speech by Mevani, "The (1 January, 1881) battle of Koregaon-Bhima can be a war of tomorrow. If they attack, it is time to retaliate, and winning this war will be a tribute to the martyrs. Crushing the new Peshwai' can be a homage to the heroes of the Koregaon-Bhima battle."

The alleged excerpt from Khalid's speech,"If we want to win this war against the new Peshwai', we must carry forward the battle of Koregaon-Bhima. If we want to carry ahead the struggle, it cannot be achieved merely by electoral politics."

"I believe that people who fight for the public causes must find a place in the legislatures in Gujarat and Maharashtra, and also in Parliament. However, caste system can be uprooted only by taking the fight to the streets. The dominance of one caste over the other can only be destroyed by battling it out on the streets," Khalid allegedly said.

With inputs from agancies
Muzaffarnagar: Two activists of the Bheem Sena, a Dalit outfit, have been arrested for allegedly insulting Hindu gods in a village, police said on Thursday.

The incident happened in Nauna village in the Mansurpur police station area on Wednesday evening.

Circle Officer Rajiv Kumar Singh told PTI that police filed a case against a number of activists of the Bheem Sena based on a complaint by Man Singh.

Singh alleged Bheem Sena activists led by their leader Lokesh Kataria forced their way into his house and insulted Hindu gods.

Two persons have been arrested in connection with the incident, police said.
Guwahati: Slamming West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee for her statement on the update of National Register of Citizens (NRC), the Assam government on Thursday said her words were "derogatory, insulting to Assamese and against the constitution as well as the spirit of Supreme Court".

Assam minister Chandra Mohan Patowary termed Mamata's speech against the NRC update "politically motivated" and made to "appease her vote bank".

"We condemn the statement of Mamata Banerjee. It is derogatory and insulting to people of Assam. It is against the Constitution of India and the spirit of Supreme Court," he said at a press conference.

Mamata had in a meeting in West Bengal on Wednesday accused the Centre of "hatching a conspiracy" to drive out Bengalis from Assam by "excluding" their names from the first draft of the NRC, which was published on the midnight of 31 December.

"People have gone there (Assam) to work. In the name of NRC, they are planning to drive them out. I warn the BJP government at the Centre not to play with fire. It should not follow a divide and rule policy...this is a conspiracy of the Centre to drive out around 1.8 crore people from the state (Assam)," she had said.

Patowary said Assam was like a "mini-India" and all sections of the society live in the state peacefully.

"She is making such emotional statements to appease her vote bank. She is unhappy that there was no disturbance after the first draft of the NRC was published and could not gain any advantage," the state industry minister said.

Responding to Mamata's allegations of a conspiracy to drive Bengali-speaking people out of Assam, Patowary asked her to submit evidence to the Supreme Court, which is monitoring the updating process of the NRC.

"She should not make such statements without knowing all facts. Both our states enjoy good relations," he added.

The much-awaited first draft of the NRC contains 19 million names, out of the 32.9 million applicants, as citizens of India, in a massive exercise aimed at identifying illegal immigrants in the state that borders Bangladesh.

The Registrar General of India has said that the rest of the applications are at various stages of verification.
Mumbai: A Maharashtra minister on Wednesday claimed that social media platforms were used to spread misinformation about what happened at Bhima-Koregaon in Pune district, where one person was killed in caste violence on 1 January.

Minister of State for Home (Rural) Deepak Kesarkar said the government will take strong action against those responsible for the violent clashes.

Speaking to reporters here, he termed the violence at Bhima-Koregaon village unfortunate and claimed the incident happened because wrong information was spread on social media.

"There is complete peace in Vadu-Budruk (near Bhima-Koregaon). But a wrong message, that atrocity cases have been filed against some people, was posted on social media platforms and this led to the incident," he said.

"Some outsiders came and put up banners. Amid all this, rumours were spread on social media that the youth who died was a Dalit and the situation became tense.

"However, it later came to light that the youth was not a Dalit," the Shiv Sena minister added.

Dalit organisations, led by the Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh (BBM), had called for a Maharashtra bandh to protest the state government's "failure" to stop the violence at Bhima- Koregaon two days ago.

The BBM is led by Prakash Ambedkar, the grandson of Dalit icon BR Ambedkar.

The violence erupted when Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in which the forces of the British East India Company defeated the Peshwa's army. Right-wing groups have been blamed for the clashes.
New Delhi: The Congress on Thursday alleged that the BJP government has neither the policy nor the intention to get the contentious triple talaq bill passed in Parliament, and also accused it of running away from a debate on the matter.

The bill, which has divided political parties and drawn criticism from several Muslim bodies, was passed by the Lok Sabha on 28 December. It now has to be passed by the Rajya Sabha to become a law.

But the Congress, which supported the bill in the Lok Sabha, wants certain changes to the bill  such as making provisions for providing financial aid to Muslim women divorced through instant triple talaq  before supporting its passage in the Upper House.

It accused the ruling BJP of practicing a policy that disturbs communal harmony and alleged that violence against Dalits has risen in all states where the BJP was in power.

Congress leader Pramod Tiwari said even parties like the TDP and the BJD, which have stood with the BJP, were with the Opposition on the issue. Even "independent" parties like the INLD have distanced themselves from the BJP, he added.

"The BJP has neither the policy nor the intention to get the triple talaq bill passed in Parliament," he told reporters.

Tiwari alleged that it was the BJP's policy to "divide the society" and the ruling party was running away from a debate on the matter.

He said as per the traditions of the Rajya Sabha, any motion that has been taken up and if the House was adjourned the next day it is taken up.

On the Dalit protests in Maharashtra, Tiwari alleged that wherever the BJP has been voted to power violence against the community has increased.

"Whenever BJP is in power or is seeking to gain power, its first attack is on breaking the society on caste and religious lines," he said, adding that it's attempt in Maharashtra was also to creak social harmony in the society.

Senior Congress leader PL Punia alleged it was clear that the BJP and the RSS ignited violence in Koregaon village in Pune district on 1 January and the Maharashtra government failed to control the violence.

He demanded immediate arrest of the two accused named in the FIR for allegedly instigating violence in Pune, and questioned why the government was protecting them.

Punia alleged that the two accused, who were linked to Hindutva outfits, were stated to be close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis.

"We demand legal action against those who were trying to disturb harmony (in the society)," he said.

He claimed that the Pune violence was spreading to other states like Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. "The BJP and RSS does the work of dividing society on caste and religious lines. Dalit atrocities also rise wherever the BJP is in power," he alleged.

Meanwhile, the Congress also slammed the Modi government over the reported breach in the Aadhaar data, saying the right to privacy was being "flouted with impunity".

Congress communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala tweeted:
Mumbai: The Congress has condemned the Maharashtra government's decision to deny permission to an event supposed to be addressed by Jignesh Mevani and Umar Khalid in Mumbai on Thursday.

In a stinging attack, the Congress said the "weak" government got "scared" of students. In the wake of the Monday's Bhima Koregaon violence and subsequent Maharashtra bandh, the police denied permission to 'All India Students Summit 2018', scheduled to be held in a western suburb.

The event was supposed to be addressed by JNU student leader Umar Khalid and Dalit leader from Gujarat Jignesh Mevani, an MLA. "The government has suddenly cancelled a scheduled conference of students and has arrested students," state Congress spokesman Sachin Sawant said.

He said the conference was scheduled last month and was supposed to be addressed by student leaders from across the state. "While Hindutva leaders Sambhaji Bhide and Milind Ekbote who were responsible for the Bhima Koregaon violence are roaming free, the police arrested students after cancelling the permission to the conference at the last moment. We condemn this action," Sawant said.

Earlier in the day, police detained some students and activists gathered outside a hall in suburban Vile Parle.
Indian politics has always been pulled in opposite directions by Mandal and Kamandal. Protests by Dalits in Maharashtra and the backlash by the Marathas show, after a brief hiatus, rival forces of the two brands of identity politics have begun their tug-of-war again.

That a 200-year-old battle between Dalits and Peshwas at Koregaon has revived this political war isn't just a coincidence. For the past few years, the politics of religion, symbolised by the Kamandal (Ram Mandir) movement, had been asserting itself in India. Its counter, the politics of caste symbolised by the Mandal movement, was inevitable.

The Mandal and Kamandal movements have always been ideologically opposed to each other. Dalits have historically been oppressed by the upper castes, especially in rural India. They have valid grievances against the socio-cultural and political hegemony and tyranny of the trinity of Tilak, Tarazu and Talwar (Brahmins, traders and Kshatriyas) that have never been resolved or addressed completely.

This animus has intensified over the decades because of the desire of the Dalits to assert themselves through two means: One, through political mobilisation that seeks more power for Dalits and their representatives. Two, by seeking quota benefits and opposing the extension of reservation to communities that have been politically, socially and socially more advantaged.

This desire for more political space and quota benefits have pitted them against the upper castes. The forward (agada) castes resent the political aspirations of the backward communities and Dalits (pichhadas). For them, reservations is an injustice that needs to be erased because it deprives them and their future generations of equal opportunities and, thus, gradually erode the privileges they have enjoyed.

This friction between the two polesagada and picchdahas always existed in India. With every passing decade, with rising unemployment, stiffer competition and greater awareness, it has intensified. The biggest symptom of this trend has been the demand for reservation from more and more communitiesJats, Kapus, Gurjars, Marathas, Patidars, and even Brahmins and Kshatriyas of Rajasthanand its political opposition by Dalits and OBCs. But, instead of finding a solution, the political class has been offering lies and fake promises. It is no surprise thus that the underlying magma is now erupting.

To understand how the political class keeps the tension simmering, consider the case of the Gurjars of Rajasthan and Patidars of Gujarat. When Gurjars, who are currently among the OBCs, took to the streets for their inclusion in STs in 2007-08, the BJP government led by Vasundhara Raje promised them five percent reservation as special backward classes. This solution was unviable from the very beginning because the promised quota exceeded the 50 percent ceiling that can't be breached without the Supreme Court's intervention.

For Raje, and the Congress later on, the simpler solution could have been to take Gurjars out of the OBC list and reduce the quota benefits to the backwards proportionately. But, politics being supreme, it decided to increase the quota by five percent, thus, taking away more from the general category and not touching the benefits already enjoyed by OBCs (21 percent), ST and SC (28 percent).

Incidentally, the Congress promised the same to Patidars in Gujarat in its election manifesto. Considering their demand for quota benefits, it promised to include them by breaching the 50 percent ceiling. The BJP, which promised exactly the same to Gurjars in Rajasthan, called this unconstitutional and, thus, null and void.

The point is this: Both the Congress and the BJP have failed to address the reservation issue with honesty, they have just kept the pot boiling by offering illegal solutions and, ironically, discarding the same when offered by rival parties in other states. This double-speak and obfuscation have left the ailment untreated.

The BJP was hoping its Hindutva appeal will keep the agadas and pichhadas united. Emboldened by the outcome in the 90s when it had countered Mandal effectively with Kamandal, it had hoped the bogey of political and socio-cultural domination of Muslims would keep the Hindutva forces under one tent. But, the developments in Gujarat and the clashes in Maharashtra show the communal glue is coming off. The caste fault lines are reappearing.

Since the BJP is in power, it is wary of the evolving situation. Its concerns were reflected in the ongoing RSS conclave at Ujjain on Tuesday when Mohan Bhagwat talked at length about bringing the Dalits under the Hindutva fold by having a quota for them within the Sangh. (Imagine the worry lines when an outfit that always opposed quota argues for reservation within the organisation!) The BJP knows mobilisation of Dalits, minorities and liberals could pose an electoral threat in 2019. If Dalits continue to clash with upper-caste Hindus, it would destroy its dream of a virat Hindu parivar that votes just for the BJP.

Unfortunately, with its politics of religion-based nationalism, it has unleashed the counter forces of casteism. Its politics of Hindutva has birthed new caste leaders like Jignesh Mewani, Hardik Patel and revived the career of Prakash Ambedkar.

India's politics is hurtling back to the 90s where caste and religion were constantly at war. The political ramifications are unlikely to be different.
The Rajya Sabha was adjourned until 11 am on Friday, without any discussion on the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017 (or the triple talaq Bill as it is more commonly known) amid huge uproar in the Upper House, shortly after the bill was taken up discussion.

Now with just one more day remaining in the ongoing Winter Session, the fate of the controversial bill remains shrouded in suspense as the government virtually rejected an overwhelming demand from the Opposition for referring it to a Select Committee of the Rajya Sabha for detailed consideration. The Opposition, on the other hand also refused to relent as Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Ghulam Nabi Azad said that the Bill was not fit to be passed as it as it would "finish off Muslim women" instead of "empowering them."

Azad stood up to raise his objection soon after the matter was taken up for discussion. He said that the soul and intent of the bill are laudable, and no party is opposed to it. However, the clause criminalising talaq-e-biddat (or instant triple talaq) will "finish off Muslim women", contrary to the government's claim that it will empower them.

Azad said, "If the government plans to send their (Muslim women's) husbands to jail, who will provide for them in the meantime, who will pay for their children's upbringing... the government should then a make a clause to provide for those women as well in the absence of their husbands."

He concluded his point by demanding that the suggestions moved by Anand Sharma, Sukhendu Shekhar Roy, or Derek O' Brian, which in essence demand that the bill be referred to a Select Committee, should be taken for consideration.

Jaitley stood up at this point and raised objections on technical grounds at the Opposition parties' motion, which was moved and admitted on Wednesday. He said that the motion could not be admitted and should be held invalid because the rule states that a prior notice of at least 24 hours should be given.

To this Deputy Chairman of the House PJ Kurien responded in negative. He said, "The Leader of the House is a very learned advocate himself and all points raised by him are of relevance." The rule he quotes that a prior notice should be given is also correct, he said. "However, the same rule adds that the Chairman of the House (Vice-President of India M Venkaiah Naidu) has the power to admit such a motion and which is why I cannot overrule it. It is now admitted and hence is the property of the House, only members can amend it," Kurien said. He said that the bill will not be taken up until there is a consensus in the House.

Jaitley further expressed his displeasure at the composition of the Select Committee as suggested by the Opposition parties.

"The rule clearly states that any Standing or Select Committee should be formed so as to reflect the nature of this House. That is not the case here," Jaitley said. He was apparently referring to the fact that the list of suggested members to comprise the committee did not include any MPs of the BJP.

All India Trinamool Congress MP Sukhendu Shekhar Roy chose to respond to this. He said that he had included members from all parties who were willing to send the bill to the Standing Committee. However, BJP members were not included because the government was not willing to send the bill to the committee. Roy added that if the BJP is interested in sending the Bill for further scrutiny, he has no objection to amending the list to include its members as well.

The government after this asked the Chair to take up the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Amendment Bill, 2017 instead of the triple talaq bill, which spurred a pandemonium in the House as Opposition insisted that the matter of sending the triple talaq bill to the Select Committee should be resolved first.

The House was finally adjourned for the day.

The bill was tabled in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, but then too, it did not see much debate or discussion as political parties indulged in a slugfest both inside and outside Parliament.

While the government wanted a debate on the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill in the Rajya Sabha, the Opposition wanted it to be sent to a Select Committee for scrutiny before it is a made a law.

Following this, in an unprecedented move, it was the ruling BJP that forced an adjournment in the Rajya Sabha as the Opposition pressed for the triple talaq Bill to be sent to a Select Committee of the House for closer scrutiny.

Earlier on Tuesday too, a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee of the Rajya Sabha ended without a consensus on the issue as the government was keen that the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017 be adopted as passed last week by the Lok Sabha.

The government had insisted that the opposition should not press for amendments to the bill or to recommend its reference to a parliamentary committee.

However, the entire Opposition, including those friendly to the ruling BJP like TDP and AIADMK, demanded that the bill be referred to a Select Committee so that "lacunae" in the legislation could be rectified. The government had, however, insisted on bringing the bill to the House and take its sense before deciding about its final fate.

However, various reports suggest that owing to the lack of numbers and consensus in the Rajya Sabha the ruling party will be forced to send the bill to a Select Committee of the House. And it would only be taken up again in the Budget Session in 2018.
Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have geared up for panchayat elections after the state government recently decided to hold the polls in February. The state government is looking at undertaking a mammoth exercise to elect nearly 18,785 panchs and 2, 369 sarpanchs in Kashmir during the elections.

On Tuesday, Governor NN Vohra, in an address to the joint sitting of state legislature, announced that the panchayat elections will be held in February, which will be followed by urban local body polls. With the third tier of governance in place, the governments administrative and developmental initiatives will gather renewed steam, said Vohra. Director (Rural Development) Kashmir, Gazanfar Ali, said that across Kashmir division 18,785 panchs and 2, 369 sarpanchs will be elected. The decision has however evoked opposition by the separatists who have asked the people to boycott the elections.

Despite the government's announcement, political activity in Kashmir is missing. But all political parties in the Jammu region have started the process of fielding candidates as panchs and sarpanchs. For Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, peaceful elections will send across a message that she has been able to deliver on the ground and that the PDP has regained the lost ground in Kashmir after the unrest over killing of Hizbul Muhajideen militant commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani. However after the announcement about the election by Mehbooba, the PDP's coalition partner BJP has decided that it will field its own candidates in the elections. BJP state president, Sat Sharma, said that the party will field candidates even on those panch constituencies in Kashmir where the PDP would put up its candidates. We will field candidates who are ideologically aligned with us, he said.  These elections will not be fought on party symbols. However, we have started the process of identifying the candidates who will contest the elections.

However, Opposition parties including the Congress have said that the ruling PDP-BJP alliance was aiming at electing its own representatives after a recent amendment in the Panchyati Raj Act, 1989, to elect the sarpanchs through voting by panchs. Congress state vice-president, GN Monga said that the party has protested the amendment in the Panchayat Act during the Assembly Session which started in Jammu. The indirect elections of sarpanchs will encourage horse-trading, he said. The panchayat elections have been due since June 2016, when the term of the incumbents expired. Earlier, the elections were held in 2011 after a gap of 38 years. However Monga said that it will be difficult to hold the elections in some areas of Kashmir particularly in the south due to the precarious security scenario. In Kashmir, the youth continue to pour on the streets during the anti-militancy operations, even as the security situation improved considerably in the past year as compared to 2016.

Jammu and Kashmirs chief electoral officer, Shaleen Kabra, however said that the notification will be issued by the government shortly to hold the panchayat elections and that they are fully prepared for the polls.

From the beginning of 2016, the government had set into motion the process to hold the elections and carried out the delimitation of panch constituencies and panch halqas. A senior government official said that a sarpanch will be elected by 6 to 10 panchs in each panchayat halqa. As per the Panchyati Raj Act, each halqa panchayat shall consist of not less than seven and not more than eleven panchs including the sarpanch.

Chairman of All J&K Panchayat Conference, Shafiq Mir, said that the government has left the panchayats without powers due to which there is a lack of enthusiasm among the people to take part in the election process.

He said that although the elections have been due for over one and half years, the government failed to hold the polls earlier. We have sought that the 73rd amendment of the Indian Constitution should be enforced in Jammu and Kashmir as well, and panchayat elections should be held in a time frame. He added that adequate funds should be made available to the panchayats to enable them to function effectively. Mir said that the decision to do away with the direct elections for the sarpanchs has divested the people of the right to vote to elect the sarpanchs and has eroded accountability. He further said, "The sarpanchs elected by the people were accountable to them, but that will not happen now."
The most disturbing aspect of Dalit protests that brought entire Mumbai to a standstill on Wednesday and inflicted massive damage on state resources and properties was not just the violence itself that took the life of one more youth, but the normalisation of it.

Democracy ensures the right to air grievances and lodge protests, not resort to violence. When protests lead to violence, it must be curbed or at least questioned -- regardless of its identity or character. Failure to do so results in condoning it. This is dangerous in a country such as India whose superstructure is built on a rainbow coalition of faiths, ethnicities and identities. Condoning one act of violence will unleash genies that cannot be rearrested.

Even as media telecast non-stop the footage of thuggish conduct by Dalit protestors amid calls for a statewide bandh, the Devendra Fadnavis government (rightly) came in for a lot of flak for failing to curb rioting and vandalism. Yet not even once was the onus of hooliganism put on the mob or leaders who had incited it. And as if to confirm the narrative, the administration and its entire law and order machinery stood by and steadfastly looked the other way.

The scale of the violence was staggering. Media reports indicate a 16-year-old boy was crushed to death by a mob who had gathered around a police station in Nanded. Indian Express reports that two officers and eight constables were injured in clashes in Aurangabad, another nine injured in Mumbai while five cops were hit by missiles in Latur. A BJP MLAs office was vandalised in Chandrapur, more than 55 buses were damaged, arterial Mumbai trains were stopped in tracks, traffic halted, businesses, shops and commercial establishments forcibly shut. Schools remained closed and exams were affected.

Times of India reports that the mob tried to set alight a police station in Powai. The newspaper says 20 cops were injured in the attack and some police bikes were set on fire. Around 90 BEST buses were also damaged and four drivers sustained injuries from glass shards.

While all of this was being reported and telecast, Prakash Ambedkar, Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh (BBM) leader who had called for a bandh on Wednesday, appeared on TV screens and nonchalantly denied the violence. He told Sanjay Sawant of Firstpost, "I want to congratulate the protesters for keeping their calm when emotions were running high."

For his blatant denial of violence despite the presence of live footage, the BBM leader faced no media scrutiny from otherwise irascible TV anchors who usually double as interrogators. There were no questions asked why protests would lead to widespread violence despite lack of any provocation.

It wasnt as if the protestors were chased or accosted by the cops. In fact, despite the adequate deployment of forces in sensitive locations, violence continued unabated because cops were reportedly under instructions not to act. Times of India quotes affected citizens in reporting that police failed to tackle miscreants even on sight and in some areas were found even "escorting" the angry mobs. A BJP minister told the newspaper that police were asked to play it cool instead of using physical force. Instructions apparently came from the party high command.

Contrast the Maharashtra cops kid-glove approach in tackling Dalit aggression with other caste-related violence in India. Identity-based agitations are nothing new. In most cases when protests turn from peaceful to violent, the law and order machinery kicks in. Be it the Jat quota agitation in Haryana, demand for Gorkhaland in West Bengal or Patidar stir in Gujarat, violence has nearly always been met with censure. Patidar leader Hardik Patel has been arrested multiple times for his conduct. (See here and here).

In some cases, the boundary between peaceful protests and blatant violence wasnt crossed despite grim provocations. Last years Maratha agitations that stemmed from the brutal rape and murder of a 14-year-old girl at Kopardi village in Ahmednagar and later grew in scope to include demands for quota in education and jobs never once descended into violent behaviour.

It was strange, therefore, to see protestors paralyse parts of Maharashtra on Wednesday, cops refusing to act, media failing to ask questions and politicians blaming widespread destruction on everyone but the perpetrators.

Dalits doubtless have suffered historical, institutional caste oppression and a denial of history. Their anger is rooted in legitimate grievances. But should that grievance be taken as an allowance to indulge in violent conduct?

If violence is allowed to assume an identity and administration becomes selective in implementing law and order, then the underpinnings of civil society are threatened and the social contract comes unstuck. Stripped to the bone, every act of violence can be taken to mean lawful resistance. This is a slippery slope.

It is not hard to grasp why the Indian society finds it difficult to meet Dalit assertiveness with firmness. On the one hand, it is driven by a memory of institutional and civilisational oppression that a still casteist Hindu society is unable to look in the eye. On the other hand, Dalit assertiveness falls in a sweet political spot. The BJP doesnt want to take a misstep and be dubbed as anti-Dalit, and the combined Opposition wants precisely that outcome.

This explains why the Fadnavis government went out of its way not to censure the rampaging mob. It also explains why Parliament reverberated with cries of atrocities against Dalits that sparked violence without even once condemning the actions of those who indulged in blatant aggression. Violence is a short step away from assertiveness and in this case, it slips through the cracks of political compulsions. The price could be too steep for India in the bargain.
Kolkata: Terming West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee's visit to a temple in Birbhum district as "soft Hindutva", state BJP President Dilip Ghosh on Wednesday said the ruling party was trying to arrest consolidation of "Hindu votes" in favour of his party.

"If we go to temples, we are branded as communal. But if Trinamool leaders visit temples, they remain secular. The Trinamool Congress is practicing soft Hindutva in Bengal to stop the consolidation of Hindu votes in favor of BJP," he said.

The "so-called secular leaders" realised that the Hindus are uniting under BJP and secular leaders understood they would no longer be able to win elections by appeasement politics, Ghosh said.

Citing Congress President Rahul Gandhi's visit to temples in Gujarat during the Assembly poll campaign, he said Banerjee was taking lessons from him.
Chennai: DMK working president MK Stalin on Wednesday said that Tamil Nadu was the cradle of the Dravidian movement, where there was no place for spiritual politics as enunciated by top star Rajinikanth.

He made the remark just after the top star called on his father and DMK chief M Karunanidhi at his residence in Chennai, days after announcing his entry into politics.

Citing Rajinikanth's assertion of "spiritual politics" Stalin told reporters that Tamil Nadu was the cradle of the Dravidian movement.

"Some are creating an impression that Rajinikanth is to launch a party at the instigation of people who intend to decimate the Dravidian movement in Tamil Nadu."

"Let me tell you this is the land of Periyar Anna (Dravidar Kazhagam founder EV Ramasamy Periyar) and Kalaignar (Karunanidhi)... such efforts in the past have ended in a fiasco."

Asked if Rajinikanth sought DMK support, he said such things could be decided only during elections.

Announcing his political debut on 31 December last year, Rajinikanth batted for honesty in politics and good governance.

He said "everything needs to be changed" and declared that "spiritual politics" needs to be ushered in, sans shades of any caste or religion with transparency.

Stalin said the top actor calling on Karunanidhi was nothing new and that he had called on the nonaengarian leader some months back to enquire about his health.

Actor Vijayakanth too had called on Karunanidhi and sought his blessings before launching his party, he said.

"Rajinikanth visiting Kalaignar is nothing new...It is no surprise.It was political decency.We gave him a warm welcome."

He said the actor also enquired about the health of his mother Dayalu Ammal.

Just prior to Rajinikanth's meeting with the DMK leader, former union minister and Karunanidhi's elder son MK Alagiri called on his father.

Rajinikanth during his meeting with Karunanidhi, extended his new year greetings to him and apprised the DMK president and his aides of his political plunge. Rajinikanth also enquired about the veteran leader's health.
New Delhi: Opposition members in the Lok Sabha on Thursday alleged a conspiracy to drive out Bengali-speaking population from Assam, a charge rejected as "baseless" by Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

Trinamool Congress member Saugata Roy raised the issue as soon as the Zero Hour began, pointing out that names of 1.3 crore people out of 3.29 crore population of Assam had not appeared in the first draft of National Register of Citizens, which aims at identifying illegal immigrants.

"We fear this is a conspiracy to drive out Bengali-speaking people from Assam," Roy said, drawing vociferous support from his party MPs and some members of the Congress and the Left parties.

Responding to the claim, the home minister said the NCR work was going on under the supervision of the Supreme Court and there was no need for anyone to feel concerned.

"Those whose names have been left out can approach a tribunal. It is a baseless allegation that some people are being driven out," Rajnath Singh said.

Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal had on Wednesday said all those excluded in the first National Register of Citizens draft should not worry as no one will be discriminated against on the basis of caste or community and given opportunities to prove their citizenship.

Sonowal also said a mechanism has to be devised "humanely" by the Centre on what to do with those found to be illegal immigrants after finalisation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), a list of the state's citizens.

The BJP had made identification of illegal immigrants in Assam from Bangladesh, an overwhelming number of whom are Muslims, its key poll plank during the assembly polls in 2016.

It went on to win the election with a strong majority, forming its maiden government in the state. Opposition parties have claimed that the exercise has harassed many genuine citizens as well.
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Speaking to ANI, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said, "For the first time a prime minister has accused former prime minister, former vice-president and diplomats of conspiring with Pakistan for Gujarat elections. Modi must clarify in Parliament."

After bitter and acrimonious campaigning for Gujarat election, the Opposition, especially Congress, is up in arms and it is therefore expected that the first day of the Winter Session will be a stormy one.

Hoping that the Winter Session will be a "constructive" one, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the media and said, "The Winter Session of Parliament is starting and I am confident that it will be productive session. I hope there is constructive debate and we come up with innovative solutions to our nation's problems. May this Parliament Session contribute to the nation's growth. At yesterday's all-party meeting, we all were clear that we need to take the country ahead and this session should be used positively to achieve that."

I am confident that it will be a productive session: Narendra Modi

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, in response to Narendra Modi's appeal for a constructive session, said, "We are always in favour of constructive suggestion. We are very much interested to run Parliament and issues to be discussed, provided the government should take interest and create such an atmosphere which is conducive for discussion. They should respect the opposition."

After obit references, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the Lower House for the day. The House will meet again at 11 am on 18 December, 2017. Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election results will be announced on 18 December, as well.

The Winter Session will see some 19 amendment bills as part of the agenda. Some of these amendment bills such as the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2013  makes prior sanction necessary to in order to investigate officials  and the Whistle Blowers Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2015  specifies grounds under which disclosures related to corruption may not be made  may attract a lot of flak from the anti-corruption brigade. Both the bills, have also been criticised for their half-hearted attempts to curb corruption.

According to PRS Legislative , on agendar are some 40 bills focussing on areas such as overseas citizenship, consumer protection, rights of compensation for Mulsim divorced women, education, surrogacy, bankruptcy, corruption, and labour and transgender rights among others.

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriages) Bill gives women from the community the right to seek maintenance from their husbands in case of triple talaq, while the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2017 prohibits certain persons, including promoters of defaulter companies, from submitting a resolution plan, the PRS added.

The new bills listed for introduction and passage include Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2017, Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriages) Bill, 2017 and Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States_Amendment Bill), 2017.

Opposition leaders in Rajya Sabha questioned the Chair's decision to disqualify senior JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav. Even as Chairman Venkaiah Naidu continued to tell the leaders of Opposition to sit down, Leader of Opposition in Upper House Ghulam Nabi Azad said that the Opposition did not intend to question the Chair's decision but demanded clarification on why was Yadav expelled from the Rajya Sabha.

The Opposition forced the first adjournment of the Rajya Sabha as leaders stormed the well demanding an explanation over JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav's expulsion. The Upper House is adjourned till 12 pm.

Advocate Nizam Pasha, who filed the plea on the behalf of the leader, said the matter regarding which faction is the real Janta Dal was sub judice and a final decision is yet to be passed.

Yadav was elected to the House last year and his term was scheduled to end in 2022. Anwars term was to expire early next year.

The JD(U) had sought their disqualification on the grounds that they had attended a rally of Opposition parties in Patna in violation of its direction.

The Rajya Sabha chairman had agreed to the JD(U)s contention that the two senior leaders had voluntarily given up their membership by defying the partys directives and attending events of Opposition parties.

Yadav, along with another MP Ali Anwar, was disqualified from the Rajya Sabha on 4 December. Yadav had joined hands with the Opposition after JD(U) president and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar dumped the grand alliance with the RJD and the Congress in Bihar and tied up with the BJP in July this year.

Former JD(U) president Sharad Yadav on 12 December, 2017 moved the Delhi High Court seeking setting aside of his disqualification from the Rajya Sabha. Yadav, in his plea, said he was not given any chance by the authorities before passing an order against him.

The notification for the new seating arrangements has been issued by the Rajya Sabha secretariat for new members. Shah's seat is on the other side of the aisle from Modi and BJP's leader of the house, Jaitley.

Shah has been allotted a front row seat of the treasury benches in the Rajya Sabha with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. Shah will be occupying the seat held by M Venkaiah Naidu till he was elected as the Vice-President.

BJP chief Amit Shah made his debut in Parliament today. He was elected as a Rajya Sabha member from Gujarat in August this year.

Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad raises the issue of Modi's allegations against former prime minister Manmohan Singh and others of conspiring with Pakistan for Gujarat election. "Ye sadharan aarop nahi hai (This isn't a ordinary allegation)," Azad said.

The Upper House witnessed two adjournments in the morning of the first day of the Winter Session. While it saw an adjournment for 20 minutes till noon in the beginning after Opposition uproar over disqualification of rebel JDU leaders Sharad Yadav and Ali Anwar Ansari, the second one was over the Prime Minister's remarks.

Rajya Sabha reconvenes after third adjournment on the first day

"Congress has lost Himachal Pradesh, and I want to thank the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) for the unprecedented victory in Gujarat," Somaiya said

While opposition members were seen standing at their seats and protesting, from the treasury benches  BJP MP Kirit Somaiya, who had the first question listed against his name, said the Bharatiya Janata Party was headed for victory in both Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh.

The Lok Sabha witnessed an adjournment minutes after it met on Monday amid an uproar, and Speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the House till 12 noon.

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 11 am on Tuesday after Opposition continued to raise slogans in the House.

The Opposition raises slogans demanding an apology from Narendra Modi ("Pradhan Mantri maafi mango"). Meanwhile the Speaker continues to run the House as numerous motions are passed in rapid fashion by voice votes.

While Yogi Adityanath and Keshav Prasad Maurya resigned as they shifted to Uttar Pradesh politics, Nana Patole had quit the party citing Modi government's indifference towards agrarian crisis.

While Nitin Gadkari is expected to move the Central Road Fund (Amendment) Bill, Hardeep Puri is expected to do so with the Requisitioning and Acquisition of Immovable Property (Amendment) Bill.

Calling the FRDI bill anti-people, the Trinamool Congress and other Opposition parties are all set to corner the government over the law.

The TMC has issued a notice for discussion on FRDI bill in Lok Sabha.

The Congress has moved an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha seeking an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his comment on Manmohan Singh.

Now, Congress MPs come to the well of the Lok Sabha

While Derek O' Brien raises the issue of FRDI bill, Congress MP Anand Sharma talks about undertrials in India, urging the Modi government to do something to curb the issue.

Leader of House Arun Jaitley says, "Everybody must get speedy trials. Do we have vested interests in delaying trials of politicians?"

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, SP MP Naresh Agarwal asks Arun Jaitley if the NDA government will create special trial courts to try those who defaulted on Rs 8 lakh crore. His statement came after the government sought to push a new law to expedite the trial of MLAs and MPs.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Pratap Singh Bajwa asked the government to intervene in the stubble burning by the farmers of Punjab and Haryana. He also raised the issue of Sri Lankan cricketers wearing masks does not bode well for India's international reputation.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Pratap Singh Bajwa asked the government to intervene in the stubble burning by the farmers of Punjab and Haryana. He also raised the issue of Sri Lankan cricketers wearing masks does not bode well for India's international reputation.

Speaking in RS, TMC MP Sukhendu Shekhar Roy urges government to protect the personal data linked to the Aadhar. He adds that privacy is a fundamental law and hence the government needs to make a law to protect the data from third party external organizations.

Slogan shouting continued in the Lok Sabha as the Chair asked them not to disturb the Question Hour. "If you don't want the House to function, give that in writing," Mahajan said before adjourning the LS for half an hour.

"The farming community in the coastal belt stands thoroughly devastated. I ask the government, 'Why can't you declare this as a national disaster? What is preventing this?'" CPI leader D Raja asks the government.

Anand Sharma of the Congress says, "If the perception is created that special courts are needed only for MPs, other people should not have to bear the brunt of it." He adds, "It has an inherent potential to be abused in entirety by the government of the day."

"Government believes in "sabka saath sabka vikaas". The committee is trying to create communal divide in the country. i request the government to replace the managing committee of Dyal Singh College in Delhi," SAD MP Naresh Gujaral says while requesting the government to not rename the institute "Vande Mataram College."

Azad raises the issue of alleged EVM tampering in Gujarat. He also raises the issue of Prime Minister Narendra Modi making insinuation against Manmohan Singh, Hamid Ansari and Mani Shankar Aiyar.

In RS, Azad says if any leader is found to be guilty then punish them. "PM Modi maafi maango" is heard in the House.

While the Lok Sabha reconvenes, the noise over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement continues to disturb the working of the House.

Chairman Venkaiah Naidu asks Congress to not raise the issue and disrupt the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha. He said that the issue needs to be sorted out with a discussion with the Leader of the House (Jaitley).

JP Narayan Yadav of the RJD tells the House, "I request Lalu Prasad Yadav's NSG protection to be reinstated. He might be killed today. A lot of people adore him and he needs to be protected."

In Rajya Sabha, Arun Jaitley says, "Leaders of opposition shall be invited to discuss this issue." After his assurance, the House has been functioning smoothly.

Over a question whether the government is taking any steps to address the lack of medical infrastructure, Nadda says that AIIMS standards cannot be diluted. But he adds that there is a lack of faculty which is being addressed.

He said that despite the crude oil prices falling, the price of diesel and petrol has remained the same. "Now that BJP is in power and at Centre, when will it bring the petroleum under GST?" he adds.

"When will the GST council decide to bring it under the ambit of GST? what is the position of the Centre?" the former finance minister asks. Chidambaram says that the Centre has a veto power over the decision taken by the council.

"A constitutional bill has been passed. It stated that petroleum products is not out of the law. It is a part of GST but the decision to levy GST is concerned, it will be taken only after council takes decision. For that we need a 3/4th majority," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said.

The issue has been raised by several Assam MPs in Lok Sabha. Looking at the seriousness of the issue, Union Minister Ananth Kumar has assured the House that the Centre will look into the issue.

"Not happy with what they did. That they came into the well is shameful. You can interrupt us but do not disrupt the proceedings. They insulted the Chair. Even Mallikarjuna Kharge disrupted the House. We condemn it." Ananth Kumar said.

The government has tabled the Companies Act (Amendment), 2017 in the Rajya Sabha. On the other hand, the government has introduced the Repealing and Amendment Bill, 2017 in the Lok Sabha.

Chidambaram said that the Bill has noble objectives. However, he added that the relaxations given to small and medium companies under this law will apply to all companies because we have only one Companies Act. Chidambaram said that there is a need to consider having a separate comprehensive legislation for small and medium companies.

This Bill seeks to repeal 131 Acts. Among the Acts that will be repealed, 30 are pre-Independence laws. This Bill also includes nine Ordinances promulgated before Independence.

What will the Repealing and Amendment Bill, 2017 do?

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee says, " While there is no doubt that the Emergency in 1975-77 affected many people, there is a kind of Emergency without even constitutionally declaring it nowadays. It is important to make a distinction between the official emergency in 1975 and the post-2014 situation," Banerjee adds.

There is an undeclared Emergency now, says TMC MP

235 old laws to be repealed by this law!

"Corporate Governance leaves much to be desired in India. May be it is a legacy issue in the country. The law is old. It took 15 years for us to bring the new law. In between, there were various excesses in corporate world. There have been no proper regulation of companies. So, there is much to be desired. Like, many companies do not pay taxes but are part of the Registrar," Chidambaram says while concluding his speech.

235 old laws to be repealed by this law!

Shiv Sena in the Lower House, demanded that along with the 235 archaic laws, the government must also repeal Section 377, which grants Jammu and Kashmir special status.

"Changes required to ensure that reserved seat for woman director is not occupied by family members of promoters," Seth said. He also raised the point of concentrated expenditure of CSR funds. "A lot of big companies are in Maharashtra, Gujarat. Hence CSR money is spent in those regions. CSR must be done in other regions of this country," he said.

"This bill fails to address the differences between various acts like the RBI act, and SEBI act. There are various discrepancies which must be addressed," Gupta said.

The bill will lead to conflict between two arms of the government. The removal of certain reasonable restriction will make money laundering easier," Gupta said. He said that the provision to give deposit security has been done away with, which is a serious problem.

Gupta also said that the government is trying to fit everyoe under a sigle law, while evidence from past points to the contrary. He said that small and medium enterprises continues to suffer and the Companies amendment bill has nothing to address that issue.

One size can't fit all, says Vivek Gupta in Rajya Sabha

Meanwhile in LS, Law Minister RS Prasad responds to objections and questions raised on repealment of archaic bills

The minister conceded that there is merits in decriminalizing Section 377 but there is opposition to it as well. There needs to be democratic consensus to repeal it. We need to debate, discuss and decide.

He also said that the bill allows same relaxations to SMEs as it does to big companies which "amounts to holding the country at ransom."

The CPM leader pointed out that the expenditure of CSR funds is not yet bounding on companies. He said that the Corporate Affairs Ministry merely accepts a mere explanation as to why money on CSR has not been spent.

Roy also demanded a white paper on the actual ground work done in his ministry.

He says that Gadkari used to be a vikas purush, but has now become a sapno ka saudagar (trader of dreams)." He said that whenever someone raises the point of funds, he says he will manage from foreign funds or here or there.

On a lighter note, however, Roy wondered why, Rudy, the speaker before him was removed from the cabinet, even though he is a splendid speaker.

"He is channeling money from one pocket to another pocket of his own ministry and we do not oppose it," Roy said. He said that since the money was being rerouted he will support the bill.

"Odisha coast canal should be included in the national waterways to give the state the benefit of the revolutionary transport network," Jena said.

Jena said that the state of Odisha has since-long been discriminated agaist by the central government. He requested Gadkari to formulate schemes to include the state in the development of transport networks.

Samajwadi Party's Naresh Aggarwal objected to the passage and debate on two bills in the same day, adding that it eats away the time of short duration discussions. After a brief exchange, Yadav only resumed his seat after being assured from the Treasury Benches that at least one short duration discussion will be held in the House.

IIM amendment bill proposes larger autonomy for management institutes and provisions to allow them to grant postgraduate degree rather than a diploma

In Lok Sabha, Dushyant Chautala raises point of depleting water resources as House debates increasing budget for development of waterways

The matter was raised by Bhartruhari Mahtab of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) during Zero Hour.

After Lok Sabha members on Tuesday expressed concern over the Brahmaputra river being polluted by China, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar assured the House that he will take up the issue at the "highest level" in the government.

He also brought up the problems faced by students passing from regional language schools.

Agrawal said he would support the bill only for the fact that at least there was some will to bring about the change. He, however, lamented the lack of similar reforms in other educational institutes such as IITs or other higher education institutes.

Naresh Agrawal says he supports IIM bill but questions lack of similar reforms in IITs, AICTE

Gadkari told the Lok Sabha that a river traffic control system was already functioning between Haldia and Patna. He added that work on 10 waterways will be completed by 2018.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri, however, said the rural development ministry had advised the states and union territories to explore the possibilities of using consent-based Aadhaar authentication for registration of properties under the provisions of the Registration Act, 1908.

There was no proposal to make Aadhaar linkage mandatory for property transactions, Parliament was informed today.

Lok Sabha concludes proceedings for the day, to reconvene tomorrow at 11 am

Congress leader said that the government should describe how they plan the transition between the current boards at IIMs and the Board of Governors as proposed in the new bill. He also asked what would be the criteria for appointment of these governors.

Jairam Ramesh questions how board of directors will be appointed at IIMs after new bill

Times Now reports that the government may meet Opposition leaders in a bid to find an amiable solution to the deadlock that rose after Narendra Modi insinuated that Manmohan Singh and his colleagues met Pakistani delegation during elections.

The Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy Bill, 2017 will be tabled by Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in the Rajya Sabha.The bill will make it an institution of national importance.

Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the old and many irrelevant pre-Independence laws were the "unfortunate part of the colonial legacy" and repealing them was a progressive move that reflects the "pro-reform" approach of the government.

The Lok Sabha also passed two Bills to repeal 245 obsolete and archaic laws, including the 158-year-old Calcutta Pilots Act of 1859 and the 1911 Prevention of Seditious Meeting Act.

The bill gives them powers to award degrees instead of postgraduate diplomas.

The Indian Institutes of Management Bill, 2017  which was passed in the Lok Sabha in July this year  grants statutory powers to the IIMs in their running including the appointment of directors and faculty members.

The bill amended the companies law to strengthen corporate governance standards, initiate strict action against defaulting companies and help improve ease of doing business in the country.

The Rajya Sabha passed the Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2017 by a voice vote. It was adopted by the Lok Sabha in July this year during the Monsoon Session.

"Now you are in the opposition and have a greater flexibility in changing your position," he said. He said the present government has persuaded the states to include petrol within the GST and the states reluctantly agreed to do so.

He also sought to know why the prices of petrol and diesel did not decline with a fall in the global crude prices. Jaitley responded saying that a person familiar with the issue had asked the question. He said the UPA in its draft GST bill had kept petrol out of its ambit as it knew that the issue would be a deal-breaker between the Centre and the states.

During the Question Hour in Rajya Sabha, Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram sought to know the Union government's position on bringing petrol and diesel under the GST.

The Centre favours including petroleum products in the ambit of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) but it would want a consensus with the states before taking such a step, Finance minister Arun Jaitley said on Tuesday.

Day 3 of the Winter Session had some lively debate on GST

Opposition leaders come to well of the Rajya Sabha to protest against Modi's comment on Manmohan.

Venkaiah Naidu's plea to Congress MPs to go back to their seats fall on deaf ears.

Shrivastava said Veerendra Kumar, who was elected to the Upper House from Kerala last year with support from the Congress-led UDF, resigned "so that no one questions his integrity that he is aligning with (Bihar Chief Minister and JD-U President) Nitish Kumar".

The 80-year-old, also a Karala media baron, submitted his resignation to Rajya Sabha Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday morning, Arun Kumar Shrivastava, also a rebel JD-U leader, told IANS.

Disgruntled Janata Dal-United leader MP Veerendra Kumar on Wednesday resigned from the Rajya Sabha, days after rebel JD-U leaders Sharad Yadav and Ali Anwar were disqualified from the Upper House.

"This is not the way," he said. "This is Parliament. This is Rajya Sabha. Wrong message is going." Stating that he did not appreciate their behaviour, Naidu said, "Please don't exceed limit. Please go to your seat."

Naidu asked them not to create obstruction and allow other members to raise important issues.

At this point, Congress members rushed to the Well of the House shouting slogans.

No sooner had the listed papers been tabled, Congress members were up on their feet demanding an explanation from the prime minister on his remarks against Singh. Naidu disallowed them.

Opposition Congress members today disrupted proceedings in the Rajya Sabha over the insinuations made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi against his predecessor Manmohan Singh.

However, the Congress MPs have again created a ruckus in the Rajya Sabha over Narendra Modi's comment against Manmohan Singh. Some of the MPs descended to the well of the House. The slogans of "Narendra Modi maafi maango" are being echoed in the House.

Meanwhile... sloganeering can be heard in the Lok Sabha too

The Lower House is currently being presided by Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai. The House is discussing the Requisitioning and Acquisition of Immovable Property Bill (Amendment), 2017. The bill was tabled in the Lok Sabha by Urban Development Hardeep Singh Puri.

Over 1,000 cases of people securing jobs using forged caste certificates have been reported by various central government departments, the Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday. The Department of Personnel and Training had in June sought data from all central government organisations regarding appointments made on the basis of fake caste certificates.- PTI

"There is no question of middle path...The country's prime minister has alleged that the former prime minister has taken steps against the country and that too with the enemy nation. Don't you think it is an issue that calls for an apology?" Chowdhury told reporters.- PTI

With Parliament witnessing repeated adjournments over Narendra Modi's remarks against his predecessor Manmohan Singh, Congress leader Renuka Chowdhury on Wednesday said that there was "no question of a middle path" on the matter till the prime minister apologised for his comments.

Provisions of this bill violate rights of people, whose land is being acquired: MK Premchandran, RSP

Bijoya Chakraborty of Guwahati BJP said this bill will immensely help tribal people

G Hari of AIADMK enlists benefits of bamboo, says hopes this would be taken into consideration while passing bill

BJD's Tathagata Satpathy objects to bill, says farmers will be affected by removal of bamboo from bill

More than two lakh Chinese tourists visited India in 2017, according to data provided by the tourism ministry in Parliament on Wednesday. The figures provided by Union Tourism Minister KJ Alphons in the Rajya Sabha assume significance in the backdrop of India's recent standoff with China over the Doka La issue.- PTI

The farmer does not need our sympathy, they need less interference, says Tathagata Satpathy of BJD

"I had done research. We had sent researchers in Tripura, Nagaland., Sikkim. Problems found were mainly regulatory. One of the reasons of high cost is on the count of the fact that bamboo, the amount of rent-seeking behaviour is just too much. Therefore, as a first step, we need to take a holistic approach. The first step is to redefine bamboo (by removing it from tree category)," Rai said.

Rai demanded that the bamboo be unleashed from "all kinds of regulations". In 2014, He added that he had brought a similar bill on bamboo with a private members' bill in 2014.

"People of north Sikkim were completely cut-off because of Mantam lake which was created because of landslide. They then made a bamboo bridge and are now able to cross the lake on foot," Prem Das Rai said in Lok Sabha.

In India, one tonne bamboo costs Rs 10, 000 in some parts and Rs 10-15,000 in other parts

The legislation to amend the Indian Forest Act to exempt felling and transportation of bamboo grown in non-forest areas from the state permit, was tabled in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The Indian Forest (Amendment) Bill, 2017  which would omit bamboos growing in non-forest areas from the definition of trees  was introduced by Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan even as BJD leader B Mahtab raised concerns and opposed the legislation.- PTI

Legislation to amend the Indian Forest Act to exempt felling and transportation of bamboo

Union environment minister Harshvardhan says soon people will be encouraged to take up bamboo cultivation

Vociferous sloganeering on Thursday disrupted Sachin Tendulkar's maiden speech in the Rajya Sabha since his nomination. Members of the Opposition shouted "BJP sharam karo" as sloganeering continued in the Upper House of Parliament on the fourth day. Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 11 am on Friday following stormy scenes on the floor of the House.

BJP MP Vinay Sahasrabuddhe has given adjourned motion notice in Rajya Sabha under rule 267 on remarks of Congress leaders against PM Modi

Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad introduced the bill which will double the salaries of judges of the Supreme Court and 24 high courts, reported The Indian Express . The High Court and Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill 2017 provides for increased salaries as recommended by the Seventh Pay Commission.

Discussion on natural calamities in the country with special reference to cyclone Ockhi in South India

In the Rajya Sabha, M Venkaiah Naidu read the obituary of legislator Jalaluddin Ansari and a minute's silence was observed. Question hour starts in Lok Sabha.

Business in the Rajya Sabha is proceeding fairly quietly while there is constant sloganeering in the Lok Sabha by the Opposition.

Raut raises the issue of the deaths in the Gorakhpur hospital. He asks for the Centre to keep a check on the funds which are given to the state governments for health issues. Anupriya Patel, MoS, Health and Family Welfare answers saying that the Centre does indeed monitor the funds and the MP could monitor those funds for their own constituency as well.

Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien says Rajya Sabha TV should not be cut off when protests are taking place as that is one of the ways for the Opposition to express itself

Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad asks for Rajya Sabha to be adjourned till the parties decide on the remarks issue outside Parliament

In the Rajya Sabha, the Opposition insists that it is better to adjourn the matter with it raising uproar. It asks the Rajya Sabha to be adjourned till 2 pm till when the issue is resolved.

Adjournment means no legislative business will take place in the Rajya Sabha over the next four days as well

It seems doubtful that Triple Talaq criminalisation bill will be discussed today

The issue of nurses' allowances has been raised. The concerned minister insists that most of the nurses' demands have been met and discussions are ongoing for the others.

In the revised list issued by the Lok Sabha, the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights of Marriage) Bill, 2017 was removed. In the original list , law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad was scheduled to introduce a bill to "protect the rights of married Muslim women and to prohibit divorce by pronouncing talaq by their husbands and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto".

He admits that enough warning was given but there is a need for specific alarm systems. "Modern technology is needed to help the people. Unfortunately there has been a lapse by the authorities in informing the people about the cyclone. I am not blaming anyone as this should not be a political issue," he said.

Professor Richard Hay, the nominated member from Kerala, talks about the ground situation in Kerala in the aftermath of Cyclone Ockhi

Richard Hay says he had visited the coastal area of Kerala and Kanyakumari himself. "The fisherfolk want homes, food, education and security. I am not getting this from the media. I have visited the people and have listened to them. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman had consoled those people," he said.

Mahtab talks about how unseasonal rain and cyclones cause great harm to crops and farmers as well. He says the infrastructure needs to rebuilt after these calamities.

"Once the deadlock in the Parliament is resolved, we will raise the issue of Jadhav in Parliament. What has happened to Jadhav's family in Pakistan is inhuman. We will demand a discussion on this issue in the House and will ask the Centre and the international community to ask an explanation from Pakistan on this matter."

The Opposition, led by the Congress, plans to corner the central government in Parliament over the issue of Kulbhushan Jadhav, a report on India Today said. Congress leader Pramod Tewari was quoted as saying the party wants the government to clear its policy on how it plans to bring Kulbhushan Jadhav back from Pakistan.

Trinamool joins Opposition Congress party in demanding a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs over the Kulbhushan Jadhav's meeting with his wife and mother in Pakistan.

Any view that Narendra Modi meant to insult Manmohan Singh or other leaders during election speeches is erroneous and uncalled for, Arun Jaitley says

I,on behalf of Congress, say that we disassociate from any comments that may have hurt prime minister's dignity, says GN Azad of the Congress

Soon after the Lok Sabha resumed, Congress MP's started waving placards at the Treasury benches. They were protesting against Anant Kumar Hegde's comments on Constitution.

Amid controversy over Naresh Agrawal's comment, the SP MP has written to Rajya Sabha chairman over the alleged ill-tretment of Indian prisoners in Pakistan. He also alleged that the government was not doing anything about it.

AITMC MP Saugata Roy requested the Speaker to not pass bills while the House is not in order. He also said that the Speaker must pull up Union minister Anantkumar Hegde for insulting the makers of Constitution. He also added that he would not voice his opinions in the House as a mark of protest. Lok Sabha Chairman, however, dismissed the request and added that the House cannot be adjourned every day.

From the Opposition, CPM MP Mohd. Saleem stood up to respond but refused to speak during the din. He again brought up the comments made by Hegde, but the Speaker refused to take those remarks on record.

Discussion about unauthorised colonies in Delhi is underway in Lok Sabha. BJPs Ramesh Vidhudi has alleged that the Congress party has left the issue hanging for years.

The Speaker took strong objection to the use of words and expunged the comments from record. She also added that nobody knows for certain what the minister had said, and since he was not present in House, the House's time should not be wasted on the issue.

Reacting to Anantkumar Hegde's comments on secularists and the Constitution, senior Congress MP Malliakrjun Kharge attributed these words to Hegde: Those who label themselves secularists, they neither have mothers nor fathers, their blood line is not know. Kharge then asked that whether the minister was calling secularists Ba*****.

"I just want to say that Modi ji and our Govt are committed to the constitution of India and ideals of Baba Saheb Ambedkar: Ananth Kumar," Parliamentary Affairs Minister in Lok Sabha on Opposition uproar over Union Minister Ananth Kumar Hegde's remark.

In a reply to a question from Satyapal Singh, Minister of State for Human Resource Development (Higher Education), Rajan Gohain, MoS, Railways said in Lok Sabha that patients suffering from arthritis can book a berth of their choice (lower berth in this case) on first come-first serve basis.

The railways today said it had no quota for patients suffering from arthritis and no plans of offering any concession in passenger fare for them as it was already losing revenue over the discounts granted in over 50 categories.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said he will convey their demand to the Law Minister. Later, Law Minister Ravi Dhankar Prasad said he will give a statement on the issue tomorrow. At present, the Andhra Pradesh High Court is the common High Court for both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

The TRS MPs also trooped into the Well of the House, showing placards and raising slogans demanding setting up of a High Court for Telangana.

Members of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) disrupted proceedings in the Lok Sabha demanding immediate setting up of a High Court for Telangana. Raising the issue, TRS parliamentarian AP Jithender Reddy said the Centre is yet to set up a High Court for Telangana even three years after the formation of the state.

The approved strength of the Supreme Court is 31, including the Chief Justice of India (CJI).

There are six vacancies of judges in the Supreme Court, while nine high courts are working without regular chief justices, but the government has not received any proposal from the apex court collegium to fill up the slots, the Rajya Sabha has been informed. Union Minister of State for Law P P Chaudhary, in a written reply, has informed the Upper House of Parliament that the "government has not received any proposal for filling up of the six vacancies of judges in the Supreme Court and for appointment of chief justices in the nine high courts, which are functioning with acting chief justices".

'Govt yet to receive proposal to fill up judges' vacancies in SC'

Urban Development Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said if the Bill is not passed, it will lead to "unprecedented chaos" in the national capital. The legislation will give cover against punitive action on "as is where is basis" until December 2020, he said.

The Lok Sabha today passed a bill to protect slums and unauthorised colonies in the national capital region from punitive action till a framework for orderly arrangements are in place. The National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Bill gives immunity to slums and some unauthorised constructions till 31 December, 2020. The immunity under the existing Bill ends on 31 December.

Rajya Sabha extends time until The Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy Bill, 2017 is passed

"Many members have expressed concerns over the autonomy of the institute. I would like to assure them in this House today that it is our government's intention to make the institute fully autonomous. However, we cannot expect it to turn into a JNU, or DU from day 1. In the initial phases, there will be some hand holding but later on it will be completely autonomous.," Pradhan said.

The authorities were ascertaining whether the "metallic object" in the shoes was a camera or a recording chip, Pakistan Today quoted Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Mohammad Faisal as saying.

Pakistani authorities have sent the shoes worn by Kulbhushan Jadhav's wife for forensic examination to determine the nature of the suspected presence of a foreign object, a media report said on Wednesday.

"There was something in the shoe. It is being investigated. We gave her a pair of replacement shoes. All her jewellery et cetera were returned after the meeting," Faisal said.

In the statement, Pakistan had rejected as "baseless" India's contentions that Jadhav's wife and mother were harassed and claimed that his wife's shoes were confiscated on security grounds as there was "something" in it.

"This included removal of mangal sutra, bangles, and bindi, as well as a change in attire that was not warranted by security," it said.

India also accused Pakistan of disregarding cultural and religious sensibilities of family members under the pretext of security.

The external affairs ministry said in a statement on Tuesday that Pakistan went so far as to have the mangal sutra, bangles, and bindi of Jadhav's mother and wife removed before they could meet him.

The diplomatic strain over Jadhav's meeting with his family grabbed headlines not just in India, but also in Pakistan. Almost all major Pakistani newspapers gave prominence to the issue and carried reports of the Foreign Office issuing statement after India claimed that Jadhav's responses were "clearly tutoured" that the alleged spy was "under duress" during the meeting.

The editorial lauds the Pakistan government's attempts to do what was "necessary in the international scheme of things" and "ignoring the deafening cacophony to do what was necessary."

The Nation commented on the "cacophony of opinions" circling the issue. The piece in The Nation took a more balanced view of the issue at hand and wrote, "Ultimately however, these are all irreconcilable opinions and each can be considered correct if viewed from their subjective angle."

"We are even more depressed now than we were before the visit," a relative of Kulbhushan Jadhav told news agency PTI. The family refrained from commenting further as it is an international issue. "If we speak something about it, that may hamper the process," he said.

Various political parties, including the Shiv Sena, Trinamool Congress and AIADMK, strongly protested how Pakistan treated the wife and mother of Kulbhushan Jadhav, a former navy officer sentenced to death in Pakistan. The episode drew outrage on social media as well.

Jadhav's mother and wife were also harassed and subjected to outrageous questions by Pakistani journalists after they were forced to wait for their car. The family faced questions hurled at them like - "Aapke patidev ne hazaron begunah Pakistaniyo ke khoon se Holi kheli ispar kya kahengi? (your husband killed thousands of innocent Pakistanis, what do you have to say about that?)'" and "Aapke kya jazbaat hain apne kaatil bete se milne ke baad? (How do you feel after meeting your killer son?)".

According to CNN-News18, the BJP has issued a whip to all its MPs to attend today's proceedings in Parliament. The Lok Sabha will be discussing the triple talaq bill today.

The Indian National Congress is celebrating its 133rd foundation day today. It is for the first time that Rahul Gandhi will be steering an event as the president of the party.

Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal hit back at the Congress, saying she does not know to what level theopposition party can fall, if it could not come together on the issue of treatment of women by a "terrorist" country which always worked towards harming India.

Senior Congress leader Veerappa Moily on Wednesday hit out at the government, accusing it of "diplomatic failure", after Kulbhushan Jadhav's mother and wife were harassed by the Pakistani side during their meeting with the Indian national in Islamabad.

We will get some relief because of new law, says a victim

The bill, prepared by an inter-ministerial group headed by Home Minister Rajnath Singh, makes instant triple talaq or talaq-e-biddat in any form  spoken, in writing or by electronic means such as email, SMS and WhatsApp  "illegal and void" and provides for a jail term of three years for the husband.

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill is listed for introduction in the Lok Sabha by Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on 28 December, according to the list of business in the Lower House.

The bill will increase the salaries of the Chief Justice of India, other judges of the Supreme Court, chief justices of the high courts as well as other judges of high courts by over 2 times.

Later, Prasad will table The High Court And The Supreme Court Judges (Salaries And Conditions Of Service) Amendment Bill, 2017.

Bills to be tabled in Lok Sabha apart from triple talaq

He was of the view that Pakistan "did not do any good for itself" by its handling of the meeting while showcasing to the world its gesture, a statement issued by the Vice President's Secretariat said.

Referring to the restrictions, Naidu said the move to ask Jadhav's wife take off her 'mangal sutra' has not got down well with the people of India.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu termed as "inhuman" the restrictions imposed by Pakistan during Kulbhushan Jadhav's meeting with his wife and mother in Islamabad, saying it has hurt the sentiments of Indians.

Sources told CNN-News18 that Pakistan will share the report on Kulbhushan Jadhav's wife Chetnakul's slipper with India. Pakistan had taken the slipper away suspecting a metallic object to be in it.

This day will be more significant in Muslim women's life than Eid or Bakrid, says victim

Congress sources tell CNN-News18 is that the party will be supporting the anti-triple talaq bill. However, the party is apprehensive of the criminality clause in the law, adding that the three-year jail for the divorce is arbitrary and Draconian.

Three days after his controversial statement over the word 'secularism' in the Constitution, Union Minister Anant Kumar Hegde has said the Constitution of India is supreme for him.

"I can never go against the Constitution as a citizen. It is Supreme for me," says Union Minister Anant Kumar Hegde. However, Mallikarjuna Kharge interrupts and says that Hegde has insulted Babasaheb Ambedkar.

"We fear that if we speak a lot here, then there will be a danger to the life of Jadhav. but we know that the Pakistani Army does not believes in democracy. It does not know how to behave with prisoners who have been implicated in false case. What they did with Jadhav's wife and mother is condemnable. We may have political differences but on this issue we stand with the government," the LoP in Rajya Sabha said.

"I spoke to the family of Kulbhushan Jadhav over the phone. She said that he was speaking under duress. He was telling whatever he was being tutored. He did not look healthy too. I hope people all Members of Parliament as well as the common man will denounce the behaviour of Paksitan," Sushma Swaraj said while concluding her statement.

In a rare sense of unity, all parties in the Rajya Sabha have denounced the manner in which Jadhav's family was treated in Pakistan.

"It was nothing like a humanitarian gesture. Human rights of the family members were violated again & again & an environment of fear was created for them," External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said in Rajya Sabha

"Kulbhushan Jadhav's mother was not allowed to speak in Marathi. Two Pakistani officials present in the meeting kept stopping her repeatedly but when she continued, the intercom was switched off," Sushma Swaraj said in Rajya Sabha.

Jadhav's mother was not allow to speak in Marathi

Union Minister Ramdas Athavale gives a poetic statement to back Sushma Swaraj's statement, "Kulbhushan ki khatre mey hai jaan, Hua hai unke maata pita ka apmaan". He also thanked the Congress for supporting the government.

Rahul had twisted Jaitley's name as "Jaitlie" in his tweet.

The Rajya Sabha adjourned till 12 pm after Congress raises objections over Hegde's comments on the Constitution.

After harassing his mother and wife, Pakistan media now claims that Kulbhushan Jadhav "confessed" to being an "Indian spy" during the trio's recent meeting. Pakistan's Geo News claims that the mother immediately chided Jadhav and asked him to speak the truth. The mother and wife, after the meeting, have repeatedly reiterated that the former Navy officer was being forced to toe Pakistan's narrative.

The Congress party is continuing to create a ruckus in the Rajya Sabha over Union Minister Anant Kumar Hegde's comments against the Constitution. The Congress MPs are demanding a point of order in Question Hour. However, Chariman Venkaiah Naidu refused to allow it.

The Rajya Sabha has been adjourned within five minutes after being reconvened. The Upper House has been adjourned till 2 pm.

"In April 2017, I had said that the death sentence was given in illegal manner. We were in constant touch with the family. We were helping them connect with Jadhav. The Pakistan government allowed a meeting in December. It is unfortunate that the meeting could have been a path-breaking event but Pakistan used it as a propaganda tool,"

Not returning the shoes was an act of cruelty, says Swaraj

Opposing the bill over the criminalisation of the Islamic practice, Owaisi said that the law will be injustice to Muslim woman and lead to the abandonment of Muslim woman.

Toeing the Opposition's line, the Biju Janata Dal said that the bill has fundamental flaws in it.

"This is a hisotric day for India. This law is not linked to any religion, it is about the honour of women. The SC outlawed talaq e biddat But still goes on. Injustice is still going on. However, I ask whether the Parliament will still be silent? The parliament has to decide whether the Muslim women have any rights. Triple talaq still goes on. We are bringing a law finally. People say that it is against basic structure of the Constitution but isn't the honour of women important?" asked Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.

Triple talaq bill is for the honour of women, says RS Prasad

Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge says that the party does not support the triple talaq bill as ruckus breaks out in the Lower House over the bill.

On Thursday morning, in Uttar Pradesh's Rampur district, a woman was divorced through instant triple talaq for waking her husband up late in the morning. The husband left his home after divorcing her and is untraceable as of yet.

The triple talaq bill will be put to vote and passed in the Lok Sabha today itself, announced Speaker Sumitra Mahajan.

Pakistan Foreign Office is set to hold a press conference at 5:30 pm IST. The dept will be responding to Indias claims that #KulbhushanJadhavs family was mistreated. Pak FO will also clarify its stand on taking away Jadhavs wifes shoes and not returning them.

While the discussion and voting over the triple talaq bill will take place after 2 pm, the Lok Sabha is currently conducting Zero Hour.

Speaking during the Zero Hour, West Bengal Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary said, "Maldives media has been showing Narendra Modi as anti-Muslim. Now, China through its OBOR plan is entering the periphery of our neighbouring countries. I believe that our neighbourhood policy needs to be reoriented."

"Congress supports the Supreme Court's judgment. Triple talaq should definitely go but as far as the bill is concerned, it will be scrutinised by the Parliamentary committee. If there are difficulties in the provisions that will be dealt with. Congress is definitely supporting triple talaq bill but the provisions will be scrutinised," says Manish Tiwari to CNN-News18.

Now, Pakistani authorities are talking of chip, camera or a recorder being installed in the shoes, she said. The charge is "absurbity beyond measure," she said, adding that the two women had cleared security at airports in Delhi and Dubai and in Pakistan and no such device was detected during these thorough airport security checks there.

"The Pakistan authorities have been cautioned against any mischievous intent in this regard through a Note Verbale yesterday," PTI quoted her as saying.

After the meeting, Pakistani authorities also did not return the shoes of Jadhav's wife despite repeated requests. Swaraj said not returning the shoes has given rise to suspicion that Pakistan was up to some "mischief".

This money will be spent on the affected people and areas, Tomar said while replying to a question during the Question Hour.

Mines Minister Narendra Singh Tomar told the Lok Sabha that district mineral foundations, which were created after the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act came into being, have received Rs 13,398 crore and Rs 2,260 crore have been spent so far in developing local areas.

A new law, which has made it mandatory for spending of a part of revenue made from auctioning mines in developing the areas they are located in, has resulted in improved living conditions of people in these regions, government claimed today.

It takes time to set up separate high courts after bifurcation of states. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana need to sort out the issue with mutual consent, law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. Responding to the questions related to the bifurication issues, Home Minister Rajnath Singh added that governments of both states need to work together to resolve the issue.

However, the Chair urges Congress MP BK Hariprasad to express regret for defying Chairman of the House.

With the GST bill being declared a money bill, SP's Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Agrawal cries foul, saying that if every bill passed in the Lok Sabha is declared a money bill, then what will be the utility of the Upper House. To this, PJ Kurien, the deputy chairman of the House , taunted that the Samajwadi MP can amend the Constitution if he wants to.

If every bill is money bill, then what is the use of Rajya Sabha? asks Naresh Agrawal

"Nobody wants anyone to become unemployed. We don't want Air India to go the Kingfisher (Airlines) way. We want the Air India to serve the nation, to serve the people and fly high," he said during the Question Hour.

The government does not want anyone working in Air India to lose job, Raju said in the Lok Sabha, adding that the disinvestment process of the national carrier has been initiated.

The government does not want Air India to become defunct like the Kingfisher Airlines, promoted by embattled liquor baron Vijay Mallya, and wants it to serve the nation, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said today.

Given the circumstances detailed above, it seems naive at best  and delusional at worst  not to have expected the very worst from Pakistani hospitality in this situation, because it's clear that Islamabad expected the worst from New Delhi. Ultimately, Pakistan treated the family of someone it accuses of spying on it (and being involved in the deaths of many of its citizens) in a very predictable manner.

By March 2019, all homes in the country will be provided uninterrupted 24-hour power supply throughout the year, Power Minister R K Singh said today. Singh said by December 2018, 1,694 villages, which are yet to be electrified, will have electricity connection and works in this regard has been going on. All homes will get 24-hour power by March 2019, he said during Question Hour in the Lok Sabha.

Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad introduced the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, calling it a "historic day" amid opposition to its introduction by members of different parties, including RJD, AIMIM, BJD and All India Muslim League.

A bill to make instant triple talaq illegal and void and awarding a jail term of three years for the husband, was introduced in the Lok Sabha today.

Bill on National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special provisions) Second Amendment Bill 2017 has been tabled in Rajya Sabha. The Lok Sabha had passed the bill on Wednesday.

The immunity under the exisiting Bill ends on 31 December. Urban Development Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said if the Bill is not passed, it will lead to "unprecedented chaos" in the national capital.

The National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Bill gives immunity to slums and some unauthorised constructions till 31 December, 2020.

On Wednesday, Lok Sabha had passed the bill to protect slums and unauthorised colonies in the national capital region from punitive action till a framework for orderly arrangements are in place.

What will The National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Bill do?

"Countries like Eqypt, Pakistan, Bangladesh have regulated triple talaq. The Islamic countries have regulated triple talaq. They have said you can't say talaq in one sitting. The big question that I want to raise is that Islamic. India is a secular country. If here the women are facing abuse, we need to take a decision," said Prasad.

"We hoped that the condition would improve after the Supreme Court's decision," said law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.

Prasad, who is also the IT minister, further added: "I had gone to Patna. I witnessed burqa-clad women were learning IT. On one side, we are hailing digital India and on the other side there is 'talaq, talaq, talaq'". Lok Sabha is India's biggest panchayat. I appeal, firstly, that this bill not be seen as a succession bill. Secondly, don't tie it under caste aspect,and, thirdly, don't tie it with religion. Fourthly, don't view it under vote bank."

"The issue is not of faith, or puja but it is simply of gender justice, equality," said law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.

INC leader Sushmita Dev said, "When the Supreme Court's judgment came Congress had a press meet. We welcomed the Supreme Court judgment. When the Supreme Court requested the Parliament to legislate on it, in a technical term, I'd say it was a minority judgment. The bill seeks to amend a critical law. We have seen historically that talaq is a unilateral act. Since 1939, women have been approaching court. However, the reality is, that this is a practice that is prevalent till today."

INC leader Sushmita Dev said in Lok Sabha: "Everybody wants social reforms. It is not just an idea, it is a right. I want to ask Ravi Shankar Prasad, will we see the women's reservation bill coming to the Parliament. It is not just the representation of women, if you would have allowed more women in the Parliament, a legislation like this, full of lacunae, wouldn't have seen the light of the day in this House."

Lekhi went on to call the practice of instantaneous divorce as "a joke on marriage". "This is practice over Whatsapp, email, text message. When you get married, you take the society along with you," she said

Lekhi said that the laws of the Hindus and the Christians have been modified such that customary practices do not interfere with the rights of women. Women are the biggest minority in this country, Lekhi said.

"The bill is not a ramvan to end all miseries. The practice of triple talaq needs to be discouraged. Supreme Court has said it is an arbitrary practice. Many people think women are commodities and that needs to be stopped," she further said.

"Why didn't UPA end medieval laws," BJP leader Meenakshi Lekhi asked in Lok Sabha as the Lower House discussed the bill on triple talaq.

"Our opposition is about the way you intend to apply this bill. This bill is definitely not an initiative of this government. We always pass bills but we always seem to forget the implementation aspect and that is where things are going wrong in this country. Despite the AIMPLB saying that no such acts will happen, 100 plus annulments happened after the Supreme Court judgment."

In Lok Sabha, Biju Janata Dal leader Tathagata Satpathy said: " This is about more than a decade that I have been noticing, we have only been passing economy-related bill. This (bill on triple talaq) is one of the socially relevant bill that the govt has found time for. The Opposition is very focussed. We are opposing the way it is being introduced.

He added: "Bringing in criminality angle. When we are talking about introducing criminality into divorce, this is a civil matter. I am talking of the poorest of the poor. They see law in different angles. When there is compulsion by law that either you live together or go to prison, there could be happenings that are beyond the control of the government functionaries."

In Lok Sabha, BJD leader Tathagata Satpathy criticised the government for delaying taking up the issue of triple talaq. "The government is so focussed on discussing whether bamboo is a grass or a tree to did not feel it necessary to bring forth an ordinance in this particular case. The game is somewhere else," he said.

Sampath further criticised the Standing Committee for not involving women's organisations before the bill was tabled. "None of the women's organisation were consulted. We think we know what women want. We dictate and they have to receive. We make rules and they have to accept," he said.

CPM leader A Sampath said in Lok Sabha:" My party has made its stand very clear. This bill is a transgression of the civil side and the criminal side. Marriage, succession, inheritance, adoption, dissolution of marriage is on the civil side. What type of criminal remedy can be attached to it? Supreme Court called the practice illegal. Here we have issues of equality also come into the fore."

YSRC leader Varaprasad Rao Velagapalli said: "By putting extra (efforts to criminalise Muslim men), we are dealing the case in diverse manner for Hindus and Muslims. The punishment of 3 years should be taken back. I wish that government should have taken advice of state government.. I think this is the high time. The government is shedding extra tears for Muslim women"

NCP leader Supriya Sule claimed that the bill on triple talaq did not help married Muslim couples reconcile. She said: "Marriages can be reworked. when you put a father in court. He could be a bad husband, but he could also be a wonderful father. Are we here to break marriages or to reconcile? This nation needs legislation from the heart. The personal touch with so much digitisation has just gone."

SP leader Dharmendra Yadav said that the Centre should involve the state government while making the triple talaq bill into a law. He further criticised the three-year jail term suggested for offenders in the bill.

ET Muhammed Basheer said that of the population of Muslims in the country, triple talaq cases were negligible. "You are unnecessarily taking gun to kill the mosquito. You have jeopardised the sanctity of the House," he said.

RSP leader NK Premchandran said: "The main apprehension is the over enthusiasm of the NDA government led by the BJP. There is a cloud of suspicion. Triple talaq is already declared by Supreme Court as null and void. It has become the law of the land. Then the question is what is the need of further legislation?"

Owaisi alleged that the Centre was giving an advantage to the offenders and was not helping the situation. "Your dream of having more Muslims in jail will be achieved. Please send the bill to the Standing Committee. You are forcing a Muslim woman to file an FIR against her husband. You are giving a handle to the Muslim man, who will have 90 days. If you are true to your intentions, create a corpus of 1000 cr," he said.

"The Union law minister has failed to discriminate between civil law and criminal law. Not a single Muslim country has a penal provision. Triple talaq is a verbal and emotional abuse," Asaduddin Owaisi said.

Lashing out at the concerns over the criminal aspect of the offense, Prasad said," We have left the decision of jail term on the magistrate."

Law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said: "We did not mislead the House. Supreme Court said that triple talaq is wrong. The law has not been made in haste. We are viewing this with the prism of humanity, not politics."

Speaking to India Today, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that he understood the concerns of victims of triple talaq. "I have to maintain a balance between the law and your(victims') concerns. I hope that Congress support the bill in Rajya Sabha the same way it has in Lok Sabha," he said.

"Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad while tabling the bill also quoted the board and a lady MP of the ruling party tried to answer the queries raised by the Board in a letter to the prime minister proving that the government recognises the board. So the board should have been taken into confidence," Nomani said

The Shia Waqf Board, meanwhile, called for making the punishment to those indulging in 'triple talaq' more stringent. "We will take whatever steps required through democratic means to amend, improve or scrap it. There is no move to go to court as of now...The bill was brought in a haste," AIMPLB spokesperson Maulana Khalil-ur-Rehman Sajjad Nomani said. He said the board should have been taken into confidence on the issue.

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) expressed serious reservations over the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill which was passed by the Lok Sabha and said it will take steps through democratic means to "amend, improve or scrap" it.

Will take steps through democratic means to 'amend, improve or scrap' triple talaq bill: AIMPLB

He claimed that the Muslim women celebrating the bill "did not know the law" and hoped that the Select Committee reject it in Rajya Sabha since the bill needs to be debated.

"Section 3 says triple talaq does not end marriage. The burden of proof will now be on the innocent women. What kind of justice is this that a non-Muslim gets 1 year but Muslim will get 3 years," Asaduddin Owaisi told India Today.

BJP issues a whip to all its parliamentarians asking them to remain present in the Parliament between 2-4 January

NCP wants the Triple Talaq bill to be sent to select committee, DMK wants criminalisation clause removed

According to the sources, Leader of Opposition in the Upper House Ghulam Nabi Azad has convened a meeting of the leaders of his party (Congress) as well as other parties in his Parliament chamber tomorrow, before the bill is taken up.

The Congress would consult Opposition parties before finalising its stand on the contentious bill which proposed to ban instant triple talaq and make the practice a cognisable offence, party sources said on Monday.

NCP leader Majeed Memon says the party has already made it clear that it is entirely against criminalisation of triple talaq

Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu will chair a meeting in half-an-hour to discuss the triple talaq bill, reports News18 . MPs from both Congress and BJP will attend the meeting.

Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi says that the triple talaq bill will be passed in Rajya Sabha with constructive debate and discussion

The bill is an attempt to regulate the liquidation and insolvency of companies that file for bankruptcy. According to PRS legislature the bill prohibits certain persons from submitting a resolution plan in case of defaults. These include: (i) wilful defaulters, (ii) promoters or management of the company if it has an outstanding non-performing debt for over a year, and (iii) disqualified directors, among others. Further, it bars the sale of property of a defaulter to such persons during liquidation.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill, as it stands today, proposes to allow practitioners of alternative medicines, such as homeopathy and ayurveda, practice allopathy after completing a bridge course. However, the Centre has agreed to refer it to Parliamentary Standing Committee for closer scrutiny after the uproar over the bill.

The Indian Medical Association had called for suspending routine services today to protest against a bill that seeks to replace the Medical Council of India (MCI) with a new body.

"The Prime Minister has also been quiet on the issue. On the other hand, National Security Advisor (Ajit Doval) is meeting his Pakistani counterpart..." he said.

"Pakistan-sponsored terrorists attacked a CRPF camp, in which five of our jawans were martyred. The concern is that while on one hand, Army jawans sacrifice their lives, on the other hand, government does not appear serious about it. In the last three years, there have been so many incidents..." Scindia said.

Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia raised the issue during the Zero Hour and also mentioned Bharatiya Janata Party member Nepal Singh's comments, who reportedly said "those in the Army are bound to die".

The House also witnessed slogans against Pakistan being raised, as soon as Speaker Sumitra Mahajan entered the House, with some shouting 'Pakistan Murdabad'.

The attack on a training centre of the Central Reserve Police Force in Jammu and Kashmir was raised in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, with opposition leaders accusing the government of inaction.

He said there were 785 different types of cryptocurrencies operating worldwide.

"The government is examining the matter. A Committee under the chairmanship of the Economic Affairs Department Secretary is deliberating over all issues related to cryptocurrencies to propose specific actions to be taken... Instead of taking any knee-jerk action, let's wait for the report of this committee."

"One of the features of cryptocurrency is that there is lack of dependence on the state. It functions with a degree of anonymity. It operates within a virtual community which is created and enjoys the trust of that virtual community," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told the Rajya Sabha.

There is no mechanism to prevent the misuse of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin by terror groups and other anti-national elements, the government said on Tuesday, adding it was awaiting the report of an expert group on the subject.

The government has no plans to create a second capital in South India, the Lok Sabha was informed today. Minister of State for Home Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, while replying to a written question on whether the government has any proposal to create a second capital in South India (Hyderabad), said, "No".

The Congress had moved amendments to certain provisions of the bill in the Lok Sabha but did not press for a vote.

The Lok Sabha has already cleared the 'Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill and it is likely to be tabled in the Rajya Sabha tomorrow. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said that the government would like the Congress to maintain the stand it took in the Lok Sabha by not pressing for amendments.

The government today urged the Congress not to press for amendments to the triple talaq bill, which seeks to criminalise the practice of instant divorce among Muslims, when it comes up for consideration in the Rajya Sabha likely tomorrow.

The bonds, which would be valid for 15 days, will not carry the donor's name even though the purchaser would have to fulfil KYC norms at the bank, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said in the Lok Sabha while announcing the contours of the scheme.

The electoral bonds, which are being pitched as an alternative to cash donations made to political parties, will be available at specified branches of State Bank of India (SBI) for 10 days each in months of January, April, July and October.

In a bid to clean election financing, the government on Tuesday outlined contours of the new electoral bonds that donors can buy from SBI and said receiving political parties can encash only through a designated bank account.

During the Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha, Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia said the comments by the BJP MP reflected that the government was not serious about the lives of the armed forces personnel.

The Congress today demanded an unconditional apology from BJP MP Nepal Singh for his reported comments that army jawans should expect death because of the profession they are in.

The BJP held its parliamentary board meeting on Wednesday, whereby they discussed the triple talaq bill and the Constitution's 123rd amendment bill which will give constitutional status to the OBC commission.

The Rajya Sabha was adjourned till noon after a massive ruckus was caused over Dalit protests in Maharashtra.

"Whether it is in Gujarat, Una, Rajasthan, there is nothing but injustice wherever BJP is in power," Kharge said. "A Supreme Court judge should be appointed and he should inquire this. The prime minister should come to the House and make a statement. When such incidents are happening, he does nothing," he added.

"RSS is behind the Bhima-Koregaon violence," said Mallikarjun Kharge in Lok Sabha. Uproar erupted in the House as soon as Kharge made this statement.

Forcefully raising the issue in Lok Sabha during the Zero Hour, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge also trained his guns on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wondering why he was maintaining a studied silence on the issue. Read more here.

As several parts of Maharashtra continued to reel under caste violence, Congress on Wednesday accused the RSS and certain Hindutva outfits of triggering it and demanded a probe by a Supreme Court judge into the clashes.

Triple talaq practice is still continuing in some areas, says RS Prasad

TMC and Cong want the bill to be sent to the Select Committee for consideration. "We are not opposed to the bill, but we want the bill to be strengthened. We want it to be sent to the Select Committee," TMC leader said.

TMC, Congress want the bill to be sent to the Select Committee for consideration

The house is taken by surprise that a motion is suddenly moved, it has not been submitted a day before. The motion has to be given at least 24 hours in advance, says Arun Jaitley on Anand Sharma's notice.

House is taken by surprise, says Jaitley on Anand Sharma's notice

Jaitley referred to judgement of SC, I want to correct the record, says Kapil Sibal

Rajya Sabha adjourned for the fourth time till 11 am on Thursday as ruckus over triple talaq bill continued

We are all for this bill, it is a faulty bill. No womens ' groups, stakeholders were consulted, says TMC MP Derek O' Brien

He added: "If the other House has not scrutinised the bill, it is the constitutional duty of the Rajya Sabha to do that. The government doesn't want a debate on it, so it is wrong on the part of the Law Minister to say that we (Opposition) don't want to debate it."

"The government is playing politics in the name of triple talaq bill by selectively misquoting and misrepresenting even the Supreme Court Constitutional Bench judgement, which was done by Leader of Rajya Sabha (Arun Jaitley) today," Sharma said.

Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma said Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and Union Finance Minister have lied on the issue.

He added: "It is legally mandatory that all bills must go through a standing committee of Lok Sabha and if it doesnt happen then such bill should be referred to select committee of the Rajya Sabha."

Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad told reporters that the BJP does not believe in democracy. "The bills are generally referred to the select committee based on the Sense of the House i.e majority. But, the government didnt accept which once again proved that the BJP doesnt believe in democracy, parliament, and parliamentary democracy," Azad said.

The government alleged that the Congress and other Opposition parties were trying to derail the bill by demanding it should be referred to a select committee, that too without giving a notice a day in advance.

The Congress said that the government was lying about the Oppositions intentions on Triple Talaq Bill in Rajya Sabha.

BJP president Amit Shah is expected to make his maiden speech in the Rajya Sabha today if a bill for the amendments to the Goods and Services Tax law, which has been fiercely attacked by the Congress during last month's Gujarat elections, is taken up by House for debate and voting.

Amit Shah's maiden speech on GST could have a few pointers for Congress?

As BJP's chief strategist, Amit Shah, rises to speak from his front-row seat in Rajya Sabha on amending the law to allow for imposing compensation cess on intra-State and inter-State supply of goods and services on Thursday, a BJP leader told NDTV said the Congress should expect a stinging rebuttal to its election campaign.

Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Amendment Bill, 2017 Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017 Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2013 Central Road Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2017 State Banks (Repeal and Amendment) Bill, 2017 Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2016

Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 High Court and The Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill, 2017 Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-third Amendment) Bill, 2017 Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017 Dentists (Amendment) Bill, 2017 National Council for Teacher Education (Amendment) Bill, 2017

"We should not see the Bhima-Koregaon as a political issue. Rather than politicising the issue, we should try to control the situation and bring life back to normalcy. The state government will take strict action against the culprits," he said.

"Everyone must strive to end caste wars and conflicts. Those involved in the incident must be brought to hook," says Ramadas Athawale.

"Jignesh Mevani, Umar Khalid made inflammatory speeches leading to violence in Maharashtra. The Congress tries to connect every Dalit atrocity with Sangh. This too should be condemned like attacks against Dalits," says BJP MP Amar Shankar Sable in the Rajya Sabha amid protests from other members.

DMK MP Tiruchi Siva says following ban on firecrackers in Delhi, factories in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, have shut down causing deep economic hurt to businesses. "Fireworks is not the only reason for pollution. The work goes on throughout the year but the sales come up during Diwali," says Siva.

West Bengal MP Ritabrata Banerjee said the Centre should consider renaming West Bengal as Bangla. A resolution in the matter was already passed in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, he said in Rajya Sabha.

Flagging the issue of H-1B visas in the US under Donald Trump's administration, Congress MP from Karnataka Rajeev MV Gowda said, "More than 50% of H-1B visas issued goes to Indians. It is bad for US to engage in such a disruptive move. I urge the government to engage with their US counterparts as livelihoods of thousands of Indians is at risk."

Human Resources Development Minister Prakash Javadekar responds to questions on the education sector. When asked about the dropout rate, Javadekar said one of the reasons was the lack of toilets. We constructed more toilets. Another reason was due to lack of quality training, he said.

TMC MP Saugata Roy said the first draft of the NRC in Assam is a conspiracy to drive out Bengalis from Assam.

As protests erupted in Lok Sabha over the Assam National Registry of Citizens, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said, "Assam NRC is being conducted under the Supreme Court's supervision. If somenone's names have been left out, they can register again. It cannot be deleted. It is not a conspiracy to drive out certain sections of the population. Such allegations are baseless."

Claims of Assam NRC driving out a certain section of population are baseless allegations: Rajnath Singh in Lok Sabha

In Rajya Sabha, questions were raised on persons with disabilities and if there is a need for their Aadhaar identification since their fingerprints are almost always mismatched, according to The Indian Express .

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, BSP MP from Uttar Pradesh, Satish Chandra Misra says disabled persons need a place to stay apart from opportunities to come up in life.

Disabled persons needs place to stay apart from opportunities, says BSP MP Satish Chandra Misra

Most of the opposition parties, including the Congress, had supported the passage of the Bill in the lower house with some reservations. BJPs absolute majority in the Lok Sabha helped the ruling dispensation in the easy passage of legislation. The statute when brought to the Rajya Sabha faced some stiff resistance on Wednesday when a collective opposition insisted on sending the Bill to the Select Committee of the House.

According to sources, Centre will try to hold a debate at 6 pm on the triple talaq bill before sending it to the Select Committee. The Bill, which criminalises instant divorce among Muslims with a three year penal provision, was passed by the Lok Sabha last week.

RSP MP from Kollam, NK Premachandran raised the issue of Chinese aggression on Indian borders after reports emerged of China's incursion for one kilometre into Indian border in Arunachal Pradesh. He called it an issue of national security and demanded the Centre's response to it. He also added it was important was as Chinese officials have openly stated China has never recognised Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory.

Chinese incursion for one kilometre into Arunachal Pradesh is matter of national security: RSP MP NK Premachandran

He asked the government to specify the national investment, debts, and other economic indicators. He claimed that both national investment rate, and national saving rate, which are indicators of financial wealth of citizens, have fallen. He also said that the ratio between GDP growth and debt was increasing.

Sharma said that Indian economy, contrary to the prime minister and finance minsters' claim, is not a galloping economy but a gasping economy. "None of the growth engine of the economy are running," Sharma said.

He said that the Commission will have members from the Opposition as well and it is more open and inclusive than the collegium system.

Shetty, while speaking on the discussion over The Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill, 2017 touched upon the National Judiciary Appointment Commission.

Shetty said that the entire process of fighting a litigation has become so costly that justice will soon evade common man. He said that the advocates usually charge a fee every time even if the court just reschedules the date of hearing. He said that there should be a mechanism to regulate the fees charged by advocates.

Gopal Chinayya Shetty says there is a need to regulate advocates fees too

"I heard that an honourable member said that this government celebrates even slightest of improvements in numbers and metrics of economy like a little rainfall is cherished after a drought. It is right because the policy paralysis under the 10 years of UPA rule were akin to not just a drought but a misery. That's what they gave the nation in their 1o year's rule," Yadav.

"Justices Nariman and Lalit ruled that since triple talaq could not be construed as an essential religious practice, the submission on behalf of the Muslim Personal Board that the ball must be bounced back to the legislature does not at all arise. the article read.

The Supreme Court, in its judgment, held instant triple talaq unconstitutional and invalidated the practice. However, the final ruling by the majority judges catagorically mentioned that there was no need to pass the ball to the legilstaure's court, as this article in News18 points out.

Notwithstanding the Congress' remarks on metrics demonstrating the health of economy, Yadav said that the figures are merely a web to confound the common man, and mean little on the ground. He said that if the people in villages are getting enough to eat, earning enough to protect themselves in harsh winters, then the economy is good otherwise it is not.

Speaking during the discussion on state of Indian economy, Ram Gopal Yadav said that the elections are never fought on facts and figures or policy matters. They are won on slogans. However, the government must work for improving the state of economy.

Elections can be won on mere slogans, but please work in the interest of nation, Ram Gopal Yadav urges govt

Speaking on a bill to raise salaries of judges, BJP MP Tathagata Satpathy said that the judiciary needs several basic reforms. His suggestions included that advocates be allowed to advertise for their services, judges should have a system for automatic appraisal of salaries rather than the House debating each time they gate a pay hike. He also said that there was no reason that the judiciary was so reluctant to open itself to scrutiny. He said the provision for an TRI should be brought in.

Speaking in the Lok Sabaha, TRS MP Konda Vishveshwar Reddy said that the hike in the judge's salary has been long ovrdue. To reassert his point, the MP said that while advocate charge lakhs of rupees for every sitting, the judge earns only Rs. 90,000. "Even a mid-level executive earns more than a High Court judge. The Pakistan judges are paid more than 10 times of what we are paying here," he said.

Even Pakistan pays more salary to their judges than we do, says TRS MP Konda Vishveshwar Reddy

Now with just one more day remaining in the ongoing Winter Session, the fate of the controversial bill remains shrouded in suspense as the government virtually rejected an overwhelming demand on Thursday from the Opposition for referring it to a Select Committee of the Rajya Sabha for detailed consideration. The Opposition, on the other hand also refused to relent as Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Ghulam Nabi Azad said that the Bill was not fit to be passed as it as it would "finish off Muslim women" instead of "empowering them."

Various reports suggest that owing to the lack of numbers and consensus in the Rajya Sabha the ruling party will be forced to send the bill to a Select Committee of the House. And it would only be taken up again in the Budget Session in 2018.

Triple talaq could most likely be taken up again in 2018 Budget Session

According to News18 , MPs from Opposition parties have been told that both houses will be adjourned sine die (with no appointed date for resumption) post lunch.

Arun Jaitley says the agriculture sector needs support. "Both the central and state governemtns have been making efforts," says Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in Lok Sabha.

"The Committee observes that the problems affecting the airlines are not personal; it is institutional. An institution like Indigo has to develop a consumer friendly approach in dealing with their passengers. The Committee believes that being a leader in market share, Indigo needs to look inward and find out the reasons for the discourteous attitude and rude and indifferent behavior of their employees, whether it is their cabin crew or the ground staff. The Committee emphasizes that the arrogant behavior of employees should stop."

Extract from the Parliamentary panel chaired by TMC MP Derek O'Brien on rude staff behaviour, especially IndiGo

Ram Vilas Paswan rose to withdraw the The Consumer Protection Bill, 2015. The Consumer Protection Bill and the New Delhi International Arbitration Centre Bill have been introduced.

As per PRS Legislative , LS sat for 13 days, 61 hours with 78 percent productivity. Sixteen bills were introduced during this time in the Lok Sabha. Twelve bills were passed by the Lower House. Apart from this, 46 starred questions were answered orally during Question Hour.

As per PRS Legislative , LS sat for 13 days, 61 hours with 78 percent productivity. Sixteen bills were introduced during this time in the Lok Sabha. Twelve bills were passed by the Lower House. Apart from this, 46 starred questions were answered orally during Question Hour.

Congress MP Viplove Thakur asks if Narendra Modi's promise of paying 50 percent more than the MSP to the farmer is being fulfilled. Jairam Ramesh also asks how is the cost of production fixed for MSP, "What is the new system for fixing the cost of production?"

Jhama Das Badiya, CPM MP from Tripura says her luggage was stolen from Rajdhani Express. There are thousands like her who go through this with no security reinforcement.

Rajya Sabha erupts in laughter after BJP MP Sarojini Hembram says her luggage was also stolen on trains

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal replies that action against such oganised gangs will be taken and if any member has information about it, they should come forward and inform the ministry. The ministry is also trying to bring in a network of CCTV surveillance on trains and stations, Goyal informed the Rajya House.

Latest updates: A day after the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha witnessed stormy scenes on Wednesday as several Opposition members sought to raise the issue of caste violence in Maharashtra, the Upper House of the Parliament condemned the violence on Thursday.

Opposition members in Rajya Sabha demanded a judicial inquiry into the matter.

In the Lok Sabha, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the first draft of the Assam NRC was not a conspiracy to drive out certain sections of the population as alleged by TMC MP Saugata Roy.

On Wednesday, as soon as the papers were laid during Zero Hour, Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu asked Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad to speak.

In the meanwhile, Satish Chandra Mishra of BSP was on his feet and raised the Maharashtra violence eissue, alleging that the RSS and BJP were responsible for the violence against Dalits.

Mishra and some other members said they had given a notice for holding a discussion on the matter. Several other opposition members as well as those from the treasury benches too were on feet.

As many members tried to speak on the issue simultaneously, Naidu adjourned the House till noon. The adjournment during the pre-noon session comes a day after the House of Elders set a sort of record by completing all the Zero Hour matters and special mentions.

Not only Maharashtra violence, but triple talaq issue also saw war of words between the Opposition and the Congress.

The Opposition stalled a debate on the triple talaq bill insisting that it should be sent to a select panel, as the ruling BJP strongly sought its expeditious passage to stop the unlawful practice.

Amid noisy scenes, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad introduced the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2017 for discussion and passage, but pandemonium broke out in the Upper House with the opposition creating an uproar and the BJP countering it vociferously.

The House, which had met at 3 pm after witnessing three adjournments over the Maharashtra caste violence, also witnessed procedural wranglings from both sides.

While the government emphasised the need to pass the bill on an urgent basis citing a Supreme Court judgement pronouncing triple talaq as unconstitutional, the opposition countered it saying the views of various stakeholders must be taken by the select panel.

While supporting the bill, the Opposition parties especially those from the Congress, Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party, insisted that it be referred to a select panel for further scrutiny.

In the Lok Sabha, Congress led by Mallikarjuna Kharge slammed "Hindutva forces" for the violence in Maharashtra. The Congress also demanded a probe by a Supreme Court judge into the clashes while targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "silence" over it.

Kharge said the latest wave of violence against Dalits in several parts of Maharashtra was continuation of similar incidents witnessed in other BJP-ruled states including Gujarat.

"The RSS and certain hardcore Hindutva outfits are behind the violence. They are trying to drive a wedge between the Marathas and Dalits in Maharashtra," Kharge alleged.

A visibly anguished Kharge also tore some papers he was holding when BJP members vociferously protested his remarks and continued to shout.

"Why is Prime Minister Narendra Modi silent on the issue? He always maintains silence on issues relating to Dalits. He has become a 'Mouni Baba' on Dalit issues," he said.



With inputs from PTI
New Delhi: Members in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday condemned the spate of caste violence in Maharashtra and demanded an impartial and speedy judicial inquiry to punish the culprits.

The House, which had witnessed disruption of proceedings over the issue on Wednesday, held a brief discussion when several members appealed for peace and unity among the various sections of the society.

Initiating the discussion, Rajani Patil of Congress alleged that atrocities against Dalits had taken place under the watch of the Maharashtra government and demanded setting up of a commission to investigate the entire incident.

She also alleged that people behind the violence were associated with "Hinduwadi" outfits and demanded action against them.

Earlier, Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu had asked the members to help bring the situation under control and not say anything which may escalate tension.

"Our approach should be to see that tempers come down and situation is brought back to normalcy. We should not accelerate the tension. After all, it is a social conflict," he said.

A Navaneethakrishnan (AIADMK) said the country should concentrate on development instead of caste and religious issues.

Nadimul Haque (TMC) said the Maharashtra matter is not an isolated incident and a pattern is emerging. "This political lynching should immediately stop," he said while demanding an impartial judicial inquiry.

Dilip Kumar Tirkey (BJD) demanded immediate action those involved in the violence against dalits.

CPM leader TK Rangarajan alleged "tactical" support of the Maharashtra administration, ruling party and the police for the incident.

He said an inquiry into the incident should be conducted by a sitting Supreme Court judge.

Veer Singh (BSP) blamed "bhagwa jhandadhari" (saffron flag bearers) for the violence and seconded the demand of Rangarajan for a judicial inquiry by a sitting judge of the apex court.

NCP chief and former Maharashtra chief minister Sharad Pawar apprised the House about the history of the Bhima-Koregaon event and the sentiments of Dalits associated with it.

The veteran leader said he could recall that in the past 50 years, no violent incident has taken place, but this time, unfortunately stone-pelting was done on a massive gathering.

Pawar said the state administration should have been more vigilant as a large gathering was expected in Pune and asked people to forget the incident and move one.

He suggested that everyone should cooperate to bring about peace and harmony among the different sections of the society, amid thumping of desks by members of both ruling and Opposition parties.

DMK member Kanimozhi said the violence should not be looked as an "isolated incident" and efforts should be made to find a "long-term solution" for safety and security of dalits.

BJP's alliance partner Shiv Sena too termed the incident as unfortunate and appreciated the state government's "patience" in dealing with the situation.

Sanjay Raut (Shiv Sena) said all such incidents should be not linked with Hindu organisations and alleged that an "invisible hand" is working to divide and rule the socity.

D Raja (CPI), Ramdas Athavale (RPI), Amanr Shankar (BJP), BS Bhunder (SAD) and Sambaji Chhatrapati (BJP) also expressed their views.

Yesterday, protesters had attacked buses, stopped trains and blocked roads at various places in Mumbai as normal life was hit in the city and other parts of Maharashtra during a bandh called by Dalit groups to protest the violence on the anniversary of a battle fought 200 years ago.

Violence had erupted in Pune on 1 January, when Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in which the British defeated the Peshwas of Maharashtra.
Winter Session of Parliament ends on Friday and since the latter half of the day will be devoted to Private Members Bill, it is unlikely that the now controversial Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017 (or triple talaq Bill) would come up for discussion.

In the first half of the House's proceedings on Friday, besides question hour and zero hour, there could be some other urgent business like the GST Bill which couldnt be taken on Thursday. Thus, the triple talaq Bill will now come for discussion and passage only in the Budget Session of Parliament.

But then Congress, the so-called 'secularist' parties and all those who were opposed to this Bill, albeit in garb of opposing only the clause criminalising talaaq-e-biddat (or triple talaq), have little reason to cheer; in fact they will have much to ponder over the coming weeks.

The Congress has not helped its cause by the way it conducted itself in Upper House of Parliament. In some ways the party, under Rahul Gandhis leadership, was back to doing what Congress did in 1986, under leadership of his father Rajiv Gandhi. Enjoying a brute majority in both Houses of Parliament, the party had overturned a Supreme Court judgment in the Shah Bano case, to appease Muslim men and maulvis (clerics).

Consider what Congress did now: It made token opposition to the bill in Lok Sabha over the clause criminalising triple talaq. In oral submission, its leader Sushmita Dev went a step forward to say I want to ask you (government) that when you criminalise something like this, will it alienate the Muslim community more than it already has. However, when the Bill was taken up for passage, the Congress didnt vote against the Bill. In effect it supported the Bill as it stands now.

In Rajya Sabha, however, the Congress took an awkward position. For the records, it said that it was in favour of gender justice and hence supports the spirit of the Bill, but at the same time maintaining that it wouldnt allow the law to be passed in its current form. The Congresss position is same as that of Muslim clerics and the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB). In simple words, the Congress did nothing but found itself an excuse to stall the Bill in Upper House where the party and its partners in the United Progressive Alliance still have majority.

Meanwhile, this does not augur well for Rahul Gandhi, who had tried to shed the pro-minority tag during Gujarat elections by going to over two dozen temples and not a single mosque or dargah. But his position, as reflected by his partys stand on the key Bill, may put him in same spot from where he had began in the run up to Gujarat elections.

The problem for Congress is that by the time this Bill would be taken up sometime during the Budget Session, the electioneering for Assembly polls in Tripura, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Karnataka would have gained momentum. The BJP will have enough ammunition to taken on Rahul and Congress.

The BJP through its strong position in the Supreme Court, then through whatever debate that could happened in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha has smartly hijacked popular narrative on the subject. It has effectively addressed its own primary vote bank, in addition to a substantive section of Muslim women. More so, it didnt allow the Bill to be sent to Select Committee of Rajya Sabha and kept it alive in same form as it exists today to be debated in Budget Session.

Though the triple talaq Bill, especially after the Supreme Court verdict, was meant to address gender justice, it has unfortunately become the most raging debate of 2018. The way the Bill-related proceedings progressed in both Houses of Parliament was indicative of how various political parties concerned  ruling and opposition  want to play politics over the issue.

The burden of Finance Minister Arun Jaitleys argument in Rajya Sabha (whatever little he could say) was on highlighting the obvious duality in Congress' position. He said the whole nation was watching proceedings of Parliament on this issue and would make their own assessment of one political party, which supported it in the Lower House and has been making public statement that we support this Bill, is now, in this House, creating all kinds of obstacles. Outside of the Parliament, the BJP leaders stuck to the same point.

After talking to some BJP leaders, it was fairly clear that the party had a fair idea about the fate of the bill in Rajya Sabha, where numbers are still not in its favour. Thus the partys strategy was to 'expose' the Congress and make it a political point that the Grand Old Party was still enamoured with the Muslim clerics and was not bothered about gender justice.

In any case, the Congress did not make its stand clear on the issue, till the Supreme Court in August last year declared triple talaq illegal. Neither did it take a position while it was in government at the Centre for 10 years. The UPA had then maintained that it was for the Muslim community to take a call. In fact, one party's top brass, Kapil Sibal, a senior advocate and former Union minister, represented the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, which supported triple talaq in the Supreme Court.

In its over enthusiasm, the Congress tread just the path BJP would have liked it to take.

See what Congress did in Rajya Sabha while demanding it to be sent to `Select Committee. It wanted the bill to go to a committee, formed for the purpose of scrutinizing the bill, which would only have members from Congress and its allied parties, leaving members of the government out completely.

This is what Congress leader Anand Sharma said while moving the motion: The Bill be referred to to a Select Committee of Rajya Sabha, comprising the following Members for parliamentary scrutiny and to ensure complete justice for the Muslim women and safeguard their interest and welfare.

The names he proposed were Renuka Chowdhury, K Rahman Khan, Vivek K Tankha (all Congress), Derek O'Brien (Trinamool Congress), Javed Ali Khan (Samajwadi Party) Satish Chandra Misra (Bahujan Samaj Party), Tiruchi Siva (DMK), Majeed Memon (Nationalist Congress Party) KK Ragesh (Communist Party of India-Marxist) CM Ramesh (Telegu Desham Party), Prasanna Acharya (Biju Janata Dal), Misha Bharti (Rashtriya Janata Dal) Sanjiv Kumar (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha) D Raja (Communist Party of India) Abdul Wahab (Indian Union Muslim League), KTS Tulsi (nominated as MP during UPA regime).

Thus, the question is that could there be a parliamentary committee to examine a Bill of this nature without any member from ruling party onboard.

The point was naturally exploited by Jaitley to lead Treasury benches' charge against the Opposition: What is the kind of parliamentary practice that you are creating. You give a void motion and say that only members representing a particular group will be on a Committee of Parliament. Tomorrow, if Parliamentary Committees are appointed, in whichever House a party has a majority, everybody of that particular party will constitute hundred percent of the Committee. This has never happened since 1952 in this Parliament.

The winter session of Parliament ends on Friday but the triple talaq debate will continue to heat up the Indian politics in days and weeks to come.
tech2 News Staff

Amazon has patented a technology that could bring a blended-reality display into existence. So the next time you want to check out how you will look at the party, all you have to do is stand in front of the mirror, try on some virtual clothes and the display will show a customised image of the party venue in the background.

The details concerning manufacturing and price point of such a display are not yet known.

The patented technology is named as blended reality system and it combines the images reflected by the mirror with images transmitted from a screen behind the mirror. The system uses a mirror and a display to create a blended image of the reflection from the mirror and the illumination from the display.

The new patented system will use projectors to illuminate and non-illuminate (based on what it wants to reflect) the object in front of the mirror. The illumination created by the projector will then be reflected by the mirror to create a blended picture of the object.

Another similar technology developed earlier by Amazon was called the Amazon Echo Look which uses artificial intelligence to help you choose what to wear.

The voice-controlled camera takes pictures using voice commands given to it. The camera which is connected to an app called 'The Echo Look', which recommends which of the two outfits is best, by syncing the pictures taken front the device to the app. The Echo Look is priced at $199.99 and can be ordered by requesting an invitation on the website.
Reuters

Beijing is planning to build a 13.8 billion yuan ($2.12 billion) artificial intelligence development park in the citys west, the official Xinhua news agency reported, as China pushes ahead to fulfill its ambition to become a world leader in AI by 2025.

The AI park will house up to 400 enterprises and have an estimated annual output of 50 billion yuan, Xinhua said, citing a report from authorities in Beijings Mentougou district.

Zhongguancun Development Group, the developer of the project, will look to partner with foreign universities and build a national-level AI lab in the area, Xinhua added.

Zhongguancun Development and representatives for Beijings Mentougou district could not be immediately reached for comment. Chinas plan to fast-track AI development comes amid heightened tensions between Beijing and the United States over the competitive applications of AI in military technology.

China aims to grow the local industry to over 150 billion yuan by 2020 and 400 billion yuan by 2025, according to the State Council. Locally, China has unveiled a series of plans to bolster talent, investment and research in AI, urging private, public and military firms to cooperate on national AI goals in a development roadmap released in 2017.

The countrys burgeoning AI industry has also attracted foreign firms. Last month, Alphabet Incs Google announced it would launch a Beijing-based AI research team, targeting local research talent, even though the U.S. firms search engine remains blocked behind Chinas firewall.

The new AI park will focus on attracting enterprises that work on big-data, biometric identification, deep learning and cloud computing, the Xinhua report said on Wednesday.

Beijing also recently released blueprints for an autonomous driving zone on the citys outskirts, dedicated to testing and developing local autonomous vehicles.
IANS

Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) said on 4 January that its search facility for grievance redressal may have been misused but denied any breach or leak of Aadhaar data after a newspaper reported it bought unrestricted access to details of over one billion Aadhaar numbers, for just Rs 500 and in 10 minutes.

The authority that collects and maintains biometric and other details for the unique ID holders called The Tribune report "a case of misreporting". But the newspaper stood by its story, saying the UIDAI claiming no breach of Aadhaar data "flies in the face of that".

"UIDAI assures that there has not been any Aadhaar data breach... The Aadhaar data including biometric information is fully safe and secure," a UIDAI statement said, adding that the data was secure with a "robust uncompromised security".

The authority said it had given search facility for the purpose of grievance redressal to designated personnel and state government officials to help residents. The search facility, the statement said, "gives only limited access to the name and other details and has no access to biometric details.

"The reported case appears to be an instance of misuse of the grievance redressal search facility. As UIDAI maintains complete log and traceability of the facility, the legal action including lodging of FIR against the persons involved in the instant case is being done."

The Tribune report, widely shared on social media, claimed that it took just Rs 500 and 10 minutes for the newspaper to get access through an "agent" to every detail of an individual submitted to the UIDAI including name, address, postal code (PIN), photo, phone number and email.

The newspaper said it paid another Rs 300, for which the "agent" provided a software to facilitate the printing of the Aadhaar card after entering the Aadhaar number of any individual.

In its point-by-point response to UIDAI's denial, the newspaper said UIDAI's admission that the search facility on its website had been "misused" did not change the fact that the theft had taken place.

"Aadhaar data has been accessed by unauthorised people. The fact is that it has been misused to steal data, personal information such as name, date of birth, address, PIN, photo, phone number, e-mail, at will, for any Aadhaar number."

The UIDAI said an Aadhaar number was not a secret number and needed to be shared with authorised agencies to avail certain service or benefit of government welfare schemes or other services and the proper use of Aadhaar number posed no security and financial threat as for a successful authentication fingerprint or iris of an individual was required.

The newspaper said what it found in its investigation was that unauthorised persons have gained access to people's personal information. "The Tribune correspondent was also able to enter biometric data of specific individuals who were available at hand, at an unauthorised location, to print out Aadhaar cards. That is a partial breach of the biometric data too, even if biometric data was not downloaded."
Reuters

Alphabet Incs Google is exploring a potential sale of Zagat, the U.S. restaurant review guide which the search giant bought for $151 million in 2011, people familiar with the matter said.

A sale of Zagat would mark a course reversal for Alphabets once ambitious plans for the brand, spearheaded by former Google executive Marissa Mayer, who went on to become Yahoo Incs chief executive. Zagat gradually became less of a priority as Google focused on drawing traffic to its Google+ social network.

Google has held informal talks in recent months with multiple companies about offloading Zagat, the sources said, asking not to be named because the matter is private. Any deal would likely involve the Zagat brand name and website, the sources added.

Googles asking price is not known, and there is no certainty it will agree to sell Zagat, the sources said. A spokeswoman for Google declined to comment. Google Maps incorporates Zagat reviews into its restaurant listings, and a small team at the company maintains Zagat.com, which features articles about restaurants in major cities.

The unit makes up just a fraction of Alphabet, a sprawling holding company whose units include Google and an array of unrelated pursuits in areas such as healthcare, self-driving cars and urban planning.

Founded in 1979 by Tim and Nina Zagat, the eponymous service became known for its familiar burgundy pocket-sized guides to restaurants in cities around the world. Many establishments feature Zagat stickers on their doors and windows. Over the past year, Alphabet has been pruning its portfolio and shedding smaller non-core assets.

Last June, Alphabet agreed to sell two robotics firms, Boston Dynamics and Tokyo-based Schaft to SoftBank Group Corp. Last February, it announced it would sell the satellite imaging business it acquired in 2014 for $500 million called Terra Bella, to Planet Labs, a San Francisco-based private satellite operator.

Alphabet also explored selling Nest, a maker of Wi-Fi enabled thermostats, in 2016, Reuters reported.
IANS

Global software major Infosys said on 4 January that it has entered into a partnership with paperless validation company ValGenesis to enhance compliance and quality management for its customers in the healthcare and life sciences sectors.

Under the partnership, Infosys will integrate ValGenesis' "Validation Lifecycle Management System" (VLMS) within its suite of services for the pharmaceutical and biotech industry which will be delivered in secure Cloud environment, Infosys said in a statement.

South San Francisco, California-headquartered ValGenesis is a major paperless validation life cycle management solution in the life sciences industry that allows customers to automate the validation process fully, eliminate inefficiencies found in paper-based manual processes, while also reducing costs and validation cycle times.

The ValGenesis Validation Lifecycle Management System (VLMS) manages all types of validation activities such as equipment, computer systems, cleaning, analytical methods, and process validation.

The system delivers technology solutions that are fully configurable and rapidly deployable onsite or by way of a secured Cloud environment.

Through this partnership, Infosys said it would help biopharma and medical devices customers transform to next generation of automation driven quality and compliance services which will help organisations generate significant efficiencies and allow them to focus on their core business.

"Healthcare is potentially the world's most stringently-regulated industry. The huge volumes of highly-sensitive information that biotech and life sciences firms generate is subject to incredibly strict standards, for example, recording the outcomes from clinical trials," said Sangita Singh, Executive Vice President and Head, Healthcare & Lifesciences, Infosys.

"The digitisation of the industry to ensure better data and document accuracy is incredibly important for many ethical, legal and business reasons," Singh added.

In general, the validation systems are still almost entirely manual, paper-based process, resulting in significant inefficiencies, higher costs and more significant opportunity for errors to creep in.

They can also result in delays to life-saving medicines and procedures to patients.

"ValGenesis is pioneering paperless validation, and our new partnership will bring significant savings and much better compliance to our customers," Singh said.

ValGenesis' VLMS includes a regulatory framework allowing validation requirements to be specified in advance.

Leveraging its capabilities and experience in the life sciences space, Infosys plans to deliver VLMS to its customers as a single "paperless" system that manages every activity in the entire validation lifecycle.
Washington/Seoul: The White House on Wednesday defended Donald Trump's tweet about the size of his nuclear button, saying Americans should be concerned about the North Korean leaders mental fitness, not their president's.

On Tuesday, Trump responded to a New Years Day speech in which North Korean leader Kim Jong Un warned he had a nuclear button on his desk by saying that his nuclear button is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!

The tweet provoked strong criticism, especially from Trump's Democratic opponents, and former Vice President Joe Biden called it dangerously cavalier.

Asked whether Americans should be concerned about the presidents mental fitness after he appeared to be speaking so lightly about nuclear threats, White House spokeswoman Sara Sanders told a regular news briefing:

The president and the people of this country should be concerned about the mental fitness of the leader of North Korea.

"He's made repeated threats, hes tested missiles time and time again for years, and this is a president whos not going to cower down and whos not going to be weak and is going to make sure that he does what hes promised to do and that is stand up and protect the American people."

Trump and Kim have exchanged repeated insults in recent months in a crisis over North Koreas program to develop nuclear-tipped missiles capable of reaching the United States, raising alarm worldwide.

Trump has at times appeared to dismiss the prospect of a diplomatic solution and both sides have threatened to destroy each other.

Former Vice President Joe Biden said Trump had shown "really poor judgment." "The only war that is worse than one thats intended, is one that is not intended, Biden was quoted as saying by CNN. This is not a game. This is not about, you know, can I puff my chest out." "The United States has a role in the world that the world has come to expect. I think the president is much, much too cavalier. And its dangerous."

Senator Edward Markey, the top Democrat on the Senates East Asia Subcommittee, said Trump's tweet bordered on presidential malpractice, needlessly deepening a crisis and squandering a fresh opportunity to attempt diplomacy.

In his New Year speech, Kim warned that the entire United States was in range of North Korea nuclear missiles and added: "A nuclear button is always on my desk. This is reality, not a threat."

Kim said his country would focus in the coming year on mass producing nuclear warheads and ballistic missiles for operational deployment, but added that these would be used only if North Koreas security was threatened.

US Vice President Mike Pence told the Voice of America Trump was making clear that "America will not be bullied, America will not be threatened."

He said that while all options remained on the table, there was the opportunity for a peaceable solution to the crisis if North Korea will abandon their nuclear and ballistic missile ambitions, if they will dismantle those programs.

Hotline Reopened

In his address, Kim also said he was open to speaking with US ally South Korea and would consider sending a delegation to the Winter Olympics to be held in South Korea in February.

US officials have responded coolly to this overture and the State Department said North Korea might be trying to drive a wedge between Washington and Seoul.

On Tuesday, Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the United Nations, said Washington would not take any talks between North and South Korea seriously if they did not contribute to denuclearizing North Korea.

Haley also said Washington was hearing reports that Pyongyang might be preparing to fire another missile and warned of even tougher steps in response if it did so.

On Tuesday, Seoul responded to Kim by proposing high-level discussions at the heavily armed Korean border next week, and on Wednesday North Korea reopened a border hotline that had been closed since February 2016.

South Korean officials at the border received a call from the North at 0630 GMT and officials on both sides conducted a conversation for about 20 minutes, South Koreas unification ministry said. It did not disclose the content of the discussion.

There was no immediate US comment on the reopening of the hotline, although a State Department spokeswoman, Katina Adams, said Washington remained in close contact with Seoul about a unified response to North Korea.

She said that as South Korea President Moon Jae-in had stated, "'the improvement of relations between North and South Korea cannot advance separately from resolving North Koreas nuclear program.'"

The reopening of the hotline came hours after the tweet from Trump, who has repeatedly mocked Kim as "Little Rocket Man".

Kims New Years Day speech followed a steep increase in missile launches by North Korea in 2017, as well as its sixth and most powerful nuclear test.

North Koreas KCNA news agency quoted Ri Son Gwon, chairman of North Koreas Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland, as saying talks with South Korea would aim to establish formal dialogue about sending a North Korean delegation to the Olympics.

We will try to keep close communications with the south Korean side from sincere stand (sic) and honest attitude, true to the intention of our supreme leadership, and deal with the practical matters related to the dispatch of our delegation, he said.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said both sides should seize the Olympics as an opportunity to improve ties and make concrete efforts toward alleviating tension.
A ballistic missile launched by North Korea last year failed in flight and crashed back to the ground, it has been reported. However, what makes it surprising is the revelation that it may have landed in one of its own cities, the city of Tokchon, about 100 kilometres northeast of Pyongyang.

A report in The Diplomat has quoted a US government source with "knowledge of North Korea's weapons programme" as saying the missile, which was launched on 28 April 2017, failed after just a minute of powered flight, during which time it traveled less than 70 kilometres into the North Korean sky. It crashed into Tokchon, on a large field of commercial or argicultural buildings, the report said.

While there were no confirmed reports of there being any casualties in the crash, The Diplomat has corroborated its claim with commercially available satellite imagery from April and May 2017. These images show "considerable damage to a complex of industrial or agricultural buildings".

The failed missile launch was reported by the western media but the fact that it may have crash landed on North Korean territory went unreported.

The report on The Diplomat further added that chances of failure were high, and that may have been the reason why Pyongyang chose the sea-side town of Sinpo as its initial test site rather than Pyongyang. Flight failure over the sea would have had a lower chance of striking human infrastructure. However, since April, North Korea hasn't held ballistic missile testing from Sinpo, it said.

Tense times

April 2017 was a tense time on the Korean peninsula. US president Donald Trump had said North Korea is "doing the wrong thing", and that he would be sending an armada to Pyongyang. "We are sending an armada, very powerful. We have submarines, very powerful, far more powerful than the aircraft carrier, that I can tell you," he said. "We have the best military people on earth. And I will say this. He is doing the wrong thing. He is doing the wrong thing."

But in retaliation to this, North Korea refused to back down and even warned of further escalation. North Korean State media spoke of a nuclear attack on the US at any sign of American aggression, as a US Navy strike group steamed toward the western Pacific. "Our revolutionary strong army is keenly watching every move by enemy elements with our nuclear sight focused on the US invasionary bases not only in South Korea and the Pacific operation theater but also in the US mainland," its official Rodong Sinmun newspaper said, as reported by Reuters.

With inputs from Reuters
Kano: At least 31 loggers are believed to have been abducted by Boko Haram jihadists after they went missing in northeast Nigeria, security sources said.

The alleged kidnapping took place just days after 30 troops vanished following a raid on a military base in the same region amid a surge in bloody violence.

Sources told AFP the loggers, mostly in their twenties, had left the town of Gamboru on the border with Cameroon Tuesday morning to fetch firewood in a Boko Haram hotspot.

"All 31 have not been seen since Tuesday and it is obvious they were seized by Boko Haram," said Umar Kachalla, a militia in Gamboru fighting Boko Haram alongside the military.

The loggers had left for Wulgo village in nearby Marte district, 15 kilometres away, with their axes and wooden carts to collect wood to sell and raise money to buy food, Kachalla said.

Two weeks ago, Boko Haram gunmen shot dead 10 loggers from Gamboru in the bush outside Wulgo while collecting firewood, said another militia Shehu Mada.

"We believe Boko Haram abducted them to use them as fighters, given their young age," Mada said.

"They (Boko Haram) abandon the bodies of their victims when they kill them but the fact that the bodies of the loggers have not been seen is clear indication they were abducted," said Mada.

Boko Haram fighters still operate in hard-to-reach rural areas where military operations are minimal.

In August 2014, the group seized Gamboru, a trading hub along with the neighbouring town of Ngala.

Nigerian troops retook both towns in September 2015 with the help of Chadian forces following offensives lasting months.

Despite the recapture of the area, Boko Haram fighters continue to launch sporadic attacks, ambushing troops and vehicles, as well as attacking and abducting farmers.

Last week two farmers were shot dead by jihadists while harvesting their crops in Bugda village outside Gamboru, according to resident Nasiru Saidu.

Boko Haram's eight-year insurgency against the government of Nigeria has spilled into neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, killing around 20,000 people and displacing more than 2.6 million.

Most of the displaced rely on food handouts from aid agencies while others have turned to felling trees in the arid region for firewood which they sell to buy food.

The jihadists have increasingly targeted loggers in their armed campaign, accusing them of spying and passing information to the military and the local militia fighting them.

On Christmas Day the jihadists killed 25 loggers at a logging site outside the city of Maiduguri.

At least 30 soldiers remain missing following a Christmas Day Boko Haram attack on a military base in neighbouring Yobe state in which five troops were killed, according to military and militia sources.

Boko Haram jihadists in eight trucks stormed the military base in Kanamma village on the border with Niger, promoting a twin hour gun battle, said the sources.

The attack was repelled with aerial support.

"We lost five men in the attack and 30 still remain unaccounted for," a military officer told AFP.

"It is not yet clear whether they are missed their way in the fighting or were seized by the terrorists," said the officer who asked not to be identified.

"Thirty soldiers have not been heard of since the and there is fear they could have been taken by Boko Haram," said militia Grema Usman.
United Nations: Iran on Thursday charged that the US "has crossed every limit" in international relations by expressing support for Iran's anti-government protesters and said President Donald Trump's "absurd tweets" have encouraged disruption.

In a letter to United Nations officials, Iranian Ambassador Gholamali Khoshroo complained that Washington was intervening "in a grotesque way in Iran's internal affairs".

He said Trump and Vice President Mike Pence were personally stirring up trouble.

"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 UN Security Council president and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

The US didn't 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.

"Such respect for the people of Iran as they try to take back their corrupt government," he tweeted yesterday. "You will see great support from the United States at the appropriate time!"

Trump's UN envoy, Ambassador Nikki Haley, called Tuesday for an emergency Security Council meeting on Iran, saying the UN needed to speak out in support of the protesters.
Tehran: Iran's Revolutionary Guards chief announced the "end of the sedition" on Wednesday as tens of thousands rallied in a show of strength for the country's Islamic rulers after days of deadly unrest.

General Mohammad Ali Jafari said the Guards only intervened "in a limited way" against fewer than 15,000 "trouble-makers" nationwide, adding that a large number had been arrested.

Protests over economic problems broke out in Iran's second city Mashhad on 28 December and quickly spread across the country, turning against the regime as a whole. A total of 21 people have died in the unrest, with protesters attacking government buildings and police stations in some areas.

"Today we can announce the end of the sedition," Jafari said, quoted on the Guards' website. "A large number of the trouble-makers at the centre of the sedition, who received training from counter-revolutionaries... have been arrested and there will be firm action against them," he said.

Jafari spoke after thousands of pro-regime demonstrators took to the streets. Chants of "Leader, we are ready" were heard as images showed thousands rallying in the cities of Qom, Ahvaz, Kermanshah and elsewhere.

The demonstrators waved Iranian flags and pictures of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as well as placards saying "Death to seditionists".

AFP journalists reported a heavy police presence was still on the streets of Tehran, along with a large number of Revolutionary Guards.

General Jafari added those behind the protests had "intervened massively on social media" but that "once restrictions were started, the troubles reduced".

Telegram and Instagram were blocked on cellphones soon after the protests began on 28 December. Telecom Minister Mohammad-Javad Azari Jahromi said Telegram would only be unblocked if it removed "terrorist" content. "I had mail exchanges with the head of Telegram and I told him that the continuation of Telegram's activities is conditioned on the suppression of terrorist content," he said.

There were few reports of anti-regime protests overnight, although it remained difficult to verify information from the provinces.

President Hassan Rouhani expressed hope in a phone call with Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan that the protests would end in a few days, a Turkish presidential source said.

The political establishment has closed ranks against the unrest, saying the protests were part of a foreign plot to destabilise the regime. "The enemy is always looking for an opportunity and any crevice to infiltrate and strike the Iranian nation," Khamenei

said on Tuesday.

US president Donald Trump said Iranians were trying to "take back" their government, extending a drumbeat of encouragement for the protests. "You will see great support from the United States at the appropriate time!" he tweeted, without offering any specifics.

UN human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein called on the Iranian authorities to defuse tensions and investigate the deaths. "It is incumbent on the authorities that their actions do not provoke a downward spiral of violence, as occurred in 2009," he said in reference to the last major protest movement against alleged election-rigging.

Even reformists in Iran, who backed the 2009 protests, have condemned the violence and the support the demonstrations have received from the US. But they also urged the authorities to address economic grievances. "Officials must acknowledge the deplorable situation of the country as the first step to hearing the protesters," tweeted Mohammad Taghi Karroubi, whose father Mehdi Karroubi has been under house arrest for almost seven years for helping lead the 2009 demonstrations.

Many have been turned off by the violence, which has contrasted with the largely peaceful marches in 2009. But on the streets of the capital, there is widespread sympathy with the economic grievances driving the unrest, particularly an unemployment rate as high as 40 percent among young people.
Islamabad: Pakistan foreign minister Khawaja Asif on Thursday reacted to US president Donald Trumps "lies and deceit" comments as he said that the remarks showed that Trump was speaking "the language of India. Asif also added that Islambad's civil and military leaderships were on the same page.

Briefing the Parliamentary Committee on National Security about tension between Pakistan and the US following Trumps remarks, Asif said the US is making Islamabad a scapegoat for its failure in Afghanistan.

Trump had accused Pakistan of giving nothing to the US but lies and deceit in return for $33 billion aid.

Sources privy to the discussion in the meeting said Asif told lawmakers, Trump was speaking in the language of India.

The statements from the US leaders are contrary to the facts", Asif said.

National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, who heads the body, told the media after the meeting that there should be balanced response to the statements from the US.

The countrys dignity should be maintained, while engaging with the US, he said.

He said the committee has decided to reconvene next week for a briefing by security agencies.

The closed-door meeting came at the heels of a high-level National Security Committee meet and the cabinet meeting earlier this week.

Defence Minister Khurram Dastagir was also present in the meeting.

Dastagir said when US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defence Secretary James Mattis visited Pakistan, they presented their stance in accordance with diplomatic norms and the talks were not threatening and insulting, Geo TV reported.

[But] this was present in Trumps tweet and before that when US Vice President Mike Pence made the put Pakistan on notice statement from Afghanistan, the defence minister said, referring to the threatening tone of the US leaders.

We need to have a holistic review of the entire situation. We are conducting a complete analysis and coolly formulating our response, he said, adding that there should not be any doubts when it comes to the defence of Pakistan.

The question is will America create a situation which will harm Pakistan. We are ready for this but still want to engage the US", he shared.

Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and NSA Nasser Janjua also briefed the participants.

With inputs from agencies
Montreal (Canada): Snow, lengthy de-icing procedures and missing crews created havoc at Canada's main airports on Monday, with hundreds of flights cancelled or delayed out of the country's biggest city Toronto.

A deep freeze has settled over large parts of Canada and the United States, bringing extreme cold, piles of snow, and icy conditions.

From the early hours of New Year's Day, Air Canada warned that holiday travel could be hectic, issuing a travel alert for passengers using airports in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Ottawa and waiving the usual fee for ticket changes.

As the day wore on, the delays mounted, with take-off delays of four to five hours, according to data collected from airport websites.

In Toronto, snow aggravated the situation, and by 2030 GMT, nearly 500 flights had been cancelled or delayed, according to flight tracker FlightAware.

Passengers asked for help  and vented their ire  on social media.

"You ppl have cost me two days of my vacation and a day's salary," traveler Carla Whyte said on Twitter.

"UNACCEPTABLE. Ruined my vacation I have been waiting for all year. This is insane. Great way to start my 2018, @AirCanada," chimed in Anne-Marie Robart.

One US citizen said he left Montreal more than two hours late  only to find himself stuck in Toronto. Air Canada told him the earliest he could leave was Tuesday night.

On top of the poor weather, WestJet said it had to cancel one flight due to a "crew shortage issue."

"We would never wish to inconvenience our guests this way and we truly apologize," the airline said.
Tokyo: Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe has said North Korea should change its policies to help enrich its people.

Abe told reporters on Thursday that Japan would do its utmost, working with the US and South Korea, to pressure Pyongyang to shift its course and end its missile tests and nuclear programme.

Abe said Tokyo is cautiously watching to see the impact of sanctions against North Korea, especially at this coldest time of the year when conditions are harshest.

He said North Korea's diligent people and abundant resources could make the country richer if its leaders adopt the right policies.

Abe did not directly mention recent overtures by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un toward South Korea, including a reopening of a communications link between the rival countries.
Amman: Arab foreign ministers will meet in the Jordanian capital Amman on Saturday to discuss crisis arising from US recognition of Jerusalem as Israeli capital, official source said.

Six Arab Foreign ministers of Jordan, Egypt, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Morocco are expected to attend the meeting along with Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

Arab foreign ministers of these six countries are members of a ministerial delegation formed by the Arab League during its emergency meeting in December last year, Xinhua news agency reported.

The ministers will look into the consequences of the US decision and Arab actions to find a solution regarding Trump's decision that affect Jerusalem and its historic and legal status, the soured added.

At their meeting in December in Cairo, the Arab foreign ministers slammed the US decision and discussed a unified response to Trump's decision.
Washington: The White House has said it would announce specific actions against Pakistan this week to force it to crack down on terrorists on its soil, reflecting president Donald Trump's tough stance against the country over the issue.

The remarks by White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders came after Trump accused Pakistan of giving nothing to the US but "lies and deceit" and providing "safe haven" to terrorists in return for $33 billion aid over the last 15 years.

"They can do more to stop terrorism and we want them to do that," Sanders said.

The White House said it would likely announce actions to pressure Pakistan within days.

"We'll continue to keep you posted as those decisions are finalised," Sanders said.

"In terms of specific actions, I think youll see some more details come out on that in the next 24 to 48 hours..." Sanders told reporters on Tuesday during a news conference in which she asked Pakistan to step up its actions against terrorists and militant groups operating from its soil.

Fox News reported that the announcement in this regard is expected Thursday.

However, there was no response from the White House on the timing and nature of such an announcement.

On Monday, in his first tweet of the year, Trump said that the US has "foolishly" given Pakistan more than $33 billion in aid over the last 15 years.

A day later, the White House said that it was suspended $255 million financial security assistance to Pakistan as mandated by Congress in its 2016 budget.

US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley also accused Pakistan of playing a "double game" by claiming to support the US-led war against terrorism while providing a haven to terrorist groups.

Pakistan has expressed "deep disappointment" over the US statements, saying the accusations strike with "great insensitivity" at the trust between the two countries.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif in a tweet challenged President Trump's claim that the US has given Pakistan more than $33 billion dollars as aid over the last 15 years, saying verification by an audit firm would prove the US president wrong.




In its recent article, Asian Correspondent said not only was Vietnam the top-performer in the region, but it ranked second behind India - the only country which achieved growth of over 7 percent in 2016 - in the list of fastest-growing economies worldwide.

It stressed that there are multiple reasons for Vietnams strong performance in recent years - especially in comparison to other ASEAN countries, including the country strategy of diversification of its economy - in terms of both the range of goods produced, and its export destinations.

According to the newspaper, Vietnam has become an increasingly attractive investment destination due to its rapidly expanding population and its demographics, with a youthful population amounting to a large and capable workforce, consisting of both skilled and unskilled labour. Vietnams geography also remains an important factor, with its long coastline allowing free-flowing seaborne trade with countries in the surrounding region and beyond.

Tourism is seen as is one of the main drivers of Vietnams economic growth, according to Mayo Advertiser tourism website. With attractions such as Ha Long bay, Hoi An town and Da Nang city, Vietnam is a perfect place for honeymoon.

Meanwhile, Forbes mentioned efforts made by the Communist Party of Vietnam in fighting corruption, saying that the on-going crackdown on corruption among Vietnams numerous state-owned enterprises is to ensure graft doesnt spoil its economic miracle.

In addition, some news agencies also stressed challenges related to economic development, education, environmental pollution and aging-population that the country is facing.

Asia Times said though Vietnam is growing fast on nearly all economic fronts, overcrowded roads, ports and airports threaten to throttle the expansion.

According to the General Statistics Office, Vietnams GDP in 2017 was estimated to increase 6.81 percent - the highest rate in the last decade. The country is forecast to continue succeeding in attracting FDI and expanding manufacturing industry, contributing to heighten its GDP./.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc hands over the decision to Tran Sy Thanh (Photo: SGGP)



A teleconference ceremony for the event was held on January 3rd in Hanoi, connecting with Ho Chi Minh city, the Northern port city of Hai Phong, the central coastal province of Quang Ngai, Vung Tau city in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, and Soc Trang and Ca Mau provinces in the South.

In December 2017, under a decision issued by the Politburo, Thanh, member of the CPVCC, Secretary of the Lang Son Party Committee and head of the delegation of deputies of the 14th National Assembly of Lang Son province, was relieved of his positions in the Lang Son Party Committee during 2015-2020 to assume the post of deputy head of the CPVCCs Economic Commission and Chairman of the PetroVietnam Member Council.

He was then designated by the Secretary of the Party Committee of the Central Business Bloc as a member of the Party Committee of PetroVietnam and its Standing Board, and Secretary of the committee for the 2015-2020 term.

Addressing the ceremony, PM Phuc asked the newly-appointed chief of PetroVietnam to well perform tasks assigned by the Party and State.

He applauded efforts made by PetroVietnam to surpass its assigned targets and ensure living conditions of its staff despite wrongdoings in management committed by several officials of the group, which he described a very expensive price, plus uncertainties in the East Sea and dropping oil price for many years.

Stressing the important role played by PetroVietnam in national construction and defence, the leader urged the group to ensure effective production and contribute to protecting and affirming national sovereignty, and guaranteeing national energy security at the same time.

He also asked the group to implement the Politburos Resolution No. 41 on strategic orientations for the development of Vietnams oil and gas sector by 2025 with a vision towards 2035.

Underlining great contributions of PetroVietnam to the national gross domestic product (GDP), PM Phuc said the group should coordinate with relevant agencies to carry out offshore oil and gas projects on Vietnams continental shelf.

Besides, PetroVietnam needs to restructure its human resources, implement equitisation and capital divestment during 2017-2020 as approved, and promptly submit to the PM the project on comprehensive restructuring of the group during 2017-2020 and other restructuring projects, looking towards a streamlined apparatus and sustainable development, he said.

The leader requested PetroVietnam to fast-track the implementation of key national projects and its leaders to continue drastically handling loss-making projects.

PetroVietnam needs to further cut expenditures and combat wastefulness and other bad deeds in a number of its member units, and improve productivity as well as material and spiritual life of its staff, he said.

In 2017, PetroVietnams total turnover exceeded the set target by 13.8 percent and its contribution to the State coffer also surpassed the target by 30.8 percent. The groups post-tax profit totaled VND31.9 trillion (USD1.4 billion).

Annually, the group contributes 20-25 percent of the State budget./.
With Star Wars: The Last Jedi hitting theaters in less than a week, the Star Wars loyalist around the world is prepping up to grab the collectibles for themselves in a way of expressing love towards the most-successful franchise. We are sure for some Star Wars aficionados the movie alone cant satisfy their hunger. So we have compiled a list of things that can possibly satiate your hunger for Star Wars.

So below are our favorite gadgets and collectibles in the Star Wars universe that you can get your hands on.

OnePlus 5T Star Wars Limited Edition

The Chinese upstart OnePlus joined the Star Wars mania by introducing the limited Star Wars edition of its recent flagship, OnePlus 5T. This limited edition 5T features a white back with the Star Wars branding at the bottom. The alert slider on the side is painted with a red finish in contrast with a white back. The company will be launching the limited edition smartphone in India at an event in Carnival Cinemax Wadala, Mumbai on December 14th. Moreover, the company also confirmed that the smartphone will go on sale exclusively on Amazon.in, oneplusstore.in and OnePlus experience zones in Bangalore and Noida from December 15th, Friday.

Sphero Star Wars BB-8 App Enabled Robot Droid

In the Star Wars universe, the BB-8 remains the second most favorite robot, after the R2-D2. Well, the real-life version of BB-8 is now available for sale on Amazon that can be controlled by an app. The tiny replica of BB-8 can roll and balance all by itself, perform some pre-programmed stunts, and even respond to voice commands as well. Further, the Spheros BB-8 is app-controlled, so make sure you have Android or iPhone to use it to its full potential. You can get your hands on BB-8 on Amazon.in at about Rs. 14,000.

Star Wars Lego

Start your journey through the Lego Star Wars universe with a range of themed Lego kits and quality buildable figures. The teenage Star wars fan loves to immerse themselves in some creative work with Lego to re-create their famous scenes from the movie. Building LEGO toys with kids is a perfect weekend getaway for all your problems. In fact, the Lego is one of the most educational toys available that helps your kids in various ways with persistence, sense of achievement, cooperation and much more. If you are a Star Wars fan, its safe to say that your kids will be too. It is available from Amazon.in from about Rs. 1200.

Star Wars R2-D2 Bluetooth speaker

Till now, in the history of Hollywood, Star Wars is one of most successful and icon series ever created. In this case, you get varieties of official and unofficial memorabilia with Star Wars branding. Having said that, we have added Star Wars R2D2 Bluetooth Speaker to the list that you should add it to your den. Not only the speaker, but it can also act as a centerpiece for your room. These are genuinely appealing collectible, where every true fan of the franchise should consider. You can buy this on Amazon.in at Rs. 2,698.

Star Wars R2-D2 Wall Charger

If you are an ardent Star wars memorabilia hunter, heres your chance to add one more to your fans collection. Presenting you the R2-D2 Wall Charger which you can pick it up on Amazon.in. It is compatible with anything that charges via USB, small in size and convenient to carry on the go as well. The R2-D2 comes to life and lights up its Red Eye plugged. The R2-D2 wall charger also can charge two devices at the same time. What else you need? Go for it. May the Force be with you.
While it is known that Intel chips are facing a bug that is affected by serious Kernel memory leak issue on modern computers including Windows, Linux, and macOS, the exact problem and explanation for this bug remained a mystery. Windows and Linux have already started pushing the updates that will fix the issue, we now have what the flaw is and they have been named Meltdown and Spectre.

The Meltdown was independently discovered by three groups; researchers from the Technical University of Graz in Austria, German security firm Cerberus Security, and Googles Project Zero. On the other hand, Spectre was found by Project Zero and independent researcher Paul Kocher.

These bugs allow programs to steal data which is currently processed on the computer. Since programs are not allowed to read data from other programs, any malicious software or program can exploit Meltdown and Spectre to gain access to passwords, browser data, your personal photos, emails, instant messages, etc. stored in the memory of other running programs. These bugs can work on personal computers, mobile devices, and can even steal cloud data.

The Meltdown attack allows a program to access the memory, and gain access to secrets, on the other hand, Spectre allows an attacker to trick error-free programs, which are best practices to leak sensitive information. Googles Project Zero researchers in a blog post mentioned that execution is difficult and limited on the majority of Android devices and the company has already rolled out additional protection in the January security update. Though Apple did not publicly comment, security researcher Alex Ionescu says that the macOS 10.13.2 update will address the issue.

[HTML1]

Microsoft in a blog post has said,

The majority of Azure infrastructure has already been updated to address this vulnerability. Some aspects of Azure are still being updated and require a reboot of customer VMs for the security update to take effect. Many of you have received notification in recent weeks of a planned maintenance on Azure and have already rebooted your VMs to apply the fix, and no further action by you is required. Azure customers should not see a noticeable performance impact with this update. Weve worked to optimize the CPU and disk I/O path and are not seeing noticeable performance impact after the fix has been applied.

Source 1, 2, 3
It is not a bad thing for us, that the route known as the Goldene Strae or the Golden Road as we will get to know it- has escaped the attention of so many. It has been spared being overrun by hordes of tourists and as you will discover the
Quick Heal Security Labs has detected an Android banking trojan; Android.banker.A9480 which is said to be targeting more than 232 banking apps which also includes the apps offered by Indian banks. Like other banking trojans, even the Android.banker.A9480 is designed with the aim to steal login credentials, hijacking SMSs, etc.

The trojan is being distributed through a fake Flash Player app on the third-party store, and it is not very surprising considering Adobes flash player is one of the most widely spread products on the Internet. Once the malicious app is installed the phone, it requests for Administrative rights and if even if a user rejects or terminates the process, it keeps throwing pop-ups until the user activates the admin privilege.

The app then goes into hiding once the user taps on it.Once the icon is hidden, it looks for all the installed apps especially from the 232 apps that include banking and some cryptocurrency apps. If the trojan finds any one of the apps from the list of 232 apps, it throws fake notifications duping targeted banking app. if a user clicks on the notification, they are shown a fake login screen to steal the users confidential login details.

The malware was capable of receiving and processing login credentials, hijacking SMSs, uploading contact lists and SMS on a malicious server, displaying an overlay screen. It can also intercept all incoming and outgoing SMS from the infected device which enables attackers to bypass SMS-based two-factor authentication. In order to silence SMS notifications, the malware can also set the devices ringer volume to silent.

Targeted banking apps in India include Axis, HDFC, SBI Anywhere Personal, ICICI, IDBI, Bank of Baroda, Union Bank Mobile Banking and their respective apps. To avoid getting infected with this malware, avoid downloading apps from third-party app stores or links provided in SMS or emails, Always keep Unknown Sources disabled, install a reliable mobile security app.

Source
Some industries are bracing for the potential impact of a powerful cyclone bomb winter storm that is projected to cause record-setting cold and dangerous road conditions along the East Coast this weekend.

The storm is expected to impact residents from Florida to Maine with freezing temperatures, freezing rain, snowfall and high winds. The National Weather Service warned the storm could cause dangerous travel, scattered power outages, tidal flooding and very cold wind chills, with temperatures 20 to 40 degrees below normal in affected areas, according to the Washington Post.

The storms impact on the overall economy is currently fairly minimal, Wells Fargo Securities senior economist Mark Vitner told FOX Business on Wednesday. However, the wintry weather could hurt specific businesses  and provide a boost to others.

FOX Business breaks down how the storm could impact some sectors below.

Winners...

Commodities traders

Commodities traders saw a boom in business when temperatures plummeted in late 2013 and early 2014, and an extended cold snap this year could produce similar results. Electricity prices and natural gas demand are surging amid the recent record-setting cold as Americans try to stay warm.

Ticker Security Last Change Change % UNG UNITED STATES NATURAL GAS FUND LP UNIT (POST REV SPLIT) 20.60 +0.51 +2.54% USO UNITED STATES OIL FUND L.P. 70.14 -1.90 -2.64%

Citigroup (NYSE:C), Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS), Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) and Macquarie Bank all saw strong returns in the first quarter of 2014, Reuters reported at the time.

Winter wear companies

The prospect of record-setting cold appears to have given Canada Goose a boost this month. Shares of the Canadian winter coat manufacturer, which is known for its fashionable $1,000 jackets, reached their highest level since the company filed its IPO last March.

Ticker Security Last Change Change % GOOS CANADA GOOSE HLDGS 17.86 -0.55 -2.99%

Overall, Canada Goose shares are up more than 50% since Nov. 1. Barrons reported on Wednesday that customers were lining up outside Canada Gooses New York City store.

Snow removal related companies

With a blizzard comes snow to remove and for that job consumers can call in Douglas Dynamics (NYSE:PLOW) which makes snow plows and salt spreaders and Alamo Group (NYSE:ALG) maker of commerical snow equipment. For those looking to shovel and salt the old fashioned way, Home (NYSE:HD) and Lowe's (NYSE:LOW) can help. Both retailers might see an uptick in east coast sales.

Ticker Security Last Change Change % PLOW DOUGLAS DYNAMICS INC 38.28 -0.11 -0.29% ALG ALAMO GROUP INC. 150.61 +2.94 +1.99% HD THE HOME DEPOT INC. 311.44 -3.47 -1.10% LOW LOWE'S COS. INC. 208.40 -6.73 -3.13%

Losers...

Airlines

Airline carriers have already canceled hundreds of flights to and from the East Coast as the winter storm approaches, and service could be further impacted based on the storms severity. A prolonged delay in normal flight service could hurt business for regional powers like JetBlue and Delta.

Ticker Security Last Change Change % DAL DELTA AIR LINES INC. 34.06 -0.06 -0.18% JBLU JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORP. 7.90 -0.02 -0.25% UAL UNITED AIRLINES HOLDINGS INC. 43.25 -0.04 -0.09% AAL AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC. 13.95 -0.14 -0.99% LUV SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. 37.63 -0.36 -0.95%

JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines are waiving change fees for customers whose flights are impacted by the weather. Delta customers can change their flights to depart as late as Jan. 8 without additional fee, though fares could change in that timeframe.

Theme Parks

Florida typically enjoys a temperate climate during the winter months, but the approaching cyclone bomb is already impacting some of the states tourist attractions.

Ticker Security Last Change Change % DIS THE WALT DISNEY CO. 91.45 -2.50 -2.66% SEAS SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT INC 53.02 -1.00 -1.85%

More on this... Disney World, Universal and SeaWorld shut down water parks ahead of colder weather

Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld each opted this week to shutter their water parks due to the approaching wintry weather, Fox News reported. The parks are expected to remain closed through at least Thursday of this week, with parts of southeast Georgia and northeast Florida under a winter storm watch.
A restaurant manager and his girlfriend have been charged in the fatal shooting of a cook following negative online reviews of the fried chicken restaurant where they all worked.

Recent negative reviews of Bonchon Chicken on Yelp, a crowd-sourced review website, "could have been a culminating factor" in the case, Manchester police Capt. Christopher Davis told the Hartford Courant on Wednesday.

The manager, James Goolsby, was arrested Tuesday and was charged with the murder of Norris Jackson, a Hartford native and father of seven who was shot four times inside the restaurant in Manchester around lunchtime Saturday. Goolsby's girlfriend, Leanne Robitaille, was presented on a charge of hindering prosecution.

There was an ongoing dispute between the couple and Jackson, police said.

Witnesses told police they saw Goolsby shoot Jackson four times after an argument. The medical examiner said Norris died of a gunshot wound to the neck.

Bonchon Chicken, which is based in South Korea, said in a statement it was "deeply saddened by the tragic shooting." It expressed concern for the victim and his family.

Goolsby was held Wednesday in lieu of $1 million bond. Robitaille was ordered held on a bond of $100,000. They couldn't be reached for comment while in custody, and it was unclear if they had lawyers who could comment for them.

Reviews for the restaurant have been mixed, with many positive comments and a few negative ones, include two on Friday, but police didn't elaborate on how the reviews could have contributed to the cook's death.

___

This story has been corrected to show Goolsby was the manager and Jackson was the cook, not vice versa.
When Kassem Eid first saw the mass anti-government protests in Iran, he thought back to the once peaceful anti-Assad marches in Syria, to the subsequent sarin gas attack he suffered from, to the eventual civil war that left hundreds of thousands dead, and he saw President Trump do what President Obama failed to: Support the protesters.

We risked our lives, we risked our future, we risked everything, Eid told FOX Business Liz MacDonald. We marched peacefully in the streets for more than 11 months. And all we got was statements of a couple of meager reports and that is it. The regime kept killing and torturing people.

The Iranian protests -- the largest since demonstrations following the 2009 elections -- began on Thursday across the country and, over the course of six days, have left at least 20 dead and more than 450 people have been arrested. Trump has tweeted about the protests seven times since Friday, often vocalizing his support.

Such respect for the people of Iran as they try to take back their corrupt government, he wrote in one tweet. You will see great support from the United States at the appropriate time.

Trumps tweets marked a stark change in U.S. foreign policy under Obama, who did not want to be as meddling in Iran and faced partisan accusations of appeasement.

The Iranian nuclear deal negotiated by Obama provided more than $100 billion sanctions relief to Tehran, and the administration made a $400 million cash payment to Iran at the same time the authoritarian government released American prisoners. (Though critics -- including Trump -- suggested this was a ransom, the administration denied that characterization.)

But part of the reason why Eid, who was 24-years-old when the Syrian protests began in 2011, supported so vehemently Trumps decision to throw American might behind the Iranian protesters is because in 2012, Obama drew a red line for Syrian dictator Bashar Al-Assad, starting at the usage of chemical weapons. Despite this, Assad continued to use chemical weapons.

In that particular moment, most of the world, and including a lot and a lot of people around the world like me who were looking up to the United States as the good guys, as the people who are going to help us and save us, but in that moment, Obama destroyed the credibility of the United States, Eid said.
Security researchers on Wednesday disclosed a set of security flaws that they said could let hackers steal sensitive information from nearly every modern computing device containing chips from Intel Corp <INTC.O>, Advanced Micro Devices Inc <AMD.O> and ARM Holdings.

One of the bugs is specific to Intel but another affects laptops, desktop computers, smartphones, tablets and internet servers alike. Intel and ARM insisted that the issue was not a design flaw, but it will require users to download a patch and update their operating system to fix.

Phones, PCs, everything are going to have some impact, but itll vary from product to product, Intel CEO Brian Krzanich said in an interview with CNBC Wednesday afternoon.

Researchers with Alphabet Inc's <GOOGL.O> Google Project Zero, in conjunction with academic and industry researchers from several countries, discovered two flaws.

The first, called Meltdown, affects Intel chips and lets hackers bypass the hardware barrier between applications run by users and the computer's memory, potentially letting hackers read a computer's memory and steal passwords. The second, called Spectre, affects chips from Intel, AMD and ARM and lets hackers potentially trick otherwise error-free applications into giving up secret information.

The researchers said on their website that Intel paid a so-called "bug bounty" to them for disclosing the flaws to Intel but did not state a dollar amount.

The researchers said Apple Inc <AAPL.O> and Microsoft Corp <MSFT.O> had patches ready for desktop computers affected by Meltdown. Microsoft said that a "majority" of its Azure cloud services used by businesses had already been patched and protected and that it is issuing a Windows security update.

"We have not received any information to indicate that these vulnerabilities had been used to attack our customers, Microsoft said in a statement.

Apple did not return requests for comment, and it was unclear whether users of its iOS operating system that powers iPhones and iPads are at risk.

Daniel Gruss, one of the researchers at Graz University of Technology who discovered Meltdown, called it "probably one of the worst CPU bugs ever found" in an interview with Reuters.

Gruss said Meltdown was the more serious problem in the short term but could be decisively stopped with software patches. Spectre, the broader bug that applies to nearly all computing devices, is harder for hackers to take advantage of but less easily patched and will be a bigger problem in the long term, he said.

Speaking on CNBC, Intel's Krzanich said Google researchers told Intel of the flaws "a while ago" and that Intel had been testing fixes that device makers who use its chips will push out next week. Before the problems became public, Google on its blog said Intel and others planned to disclose the issues on Jan. 9.

The flaws were first reported by tech publication The Register. It also reported that the updates to fix the problems could causes Intel chips to operate 5 percent to 30 percent more slowly. (http://bit.ly/2CsRxkj)

Intel denied that the patches would bog down computers based on Intel chips.

"Intel has begun providing software and firmware updates to mitigate these exploits," Intel said in a statement. "Contrary to some reports, any performance impacts are workload-dependent, and, for the average computer user, should not be significant and will be mitigated over time."

ARM spokesman Phil Hughes said that patches had already been shared with the companies' partners, which include many smartphone manufacturers.

"This method only works if a certain type of malicious code is already running on a device and could at worst result in small pieces of data being accessed from privileged memory," Hughes said in an email.

AMD chips are also affected by at least one security flaw. The company said it believes there "is near zero risk to AMD products at this time."

Google said in a blog post that Android phones running the latest security updates are protected, as are its own Nexus and Pixel phones with the latest security updates. Gmail users do not need to take any additional action to protect themselves, but users of its Chromebooks, Chrome web browser and users of Google Cloud services who have installed their own operating systems will need to install updates.

The defect affects the so-called kernel memory on Intel x86 processor chips manufactured over the past decade, The Register reported citing unnamed programmers, allowing users of normal applications to discern the layout or content of protected areas on the chips.

That could make it possible for hackers to exploit other security bugs or, worse, expose secure information such as passwords, thus compromising individual computers or even entire server networks.

Dan Guido, chief executive of cyber security consulting firm Trail of Bits, said that businesses should quickly move to update vulnerable systems, saying he expects hackers to quickly develop code they can use to launch attacks that exploit the vulnerabilities. Exploits for these bugs will be added to hackers standard toolkits, said Guido.

Shares in Intel were down by 3.4 percent following the report but nudged back up 1.2 percent to $44.70 in after-hours trading while shares in AMD were up 1 percent to $11.77, shedding many of the gains they had made earlier in the day when reports suggested its chips were not affected.

It was not immediately clear whether Intel would face any significant financial liability arising from the reported flaw.

"The current Intel problem, if true, would likely not require CPU replacement in our opinion. However the situation is fluid," Hans Mosesmann of Rosenblatt Securities in New York said in a note, adding it could hurt the company's reputation.

(Reporting by Douglas Busvine in Frankfurt and Stephen Nellis and Salvador Rodriguez in San Francisco; Additional reporting by Jim Finkle in Toronto and Laharee Chatterjee in Bengaluru; Editing by Susan Fenton and Lisa Shumaker)
(Reuters) - Cityblock Health, a healthcare company which aims to serve low-income urban residents covered by Medicaid and Medicare, said on Thursday it received $20.8 million in a first round of funding from Maverick Ventures, Thrive Capital and Sidewalk Labs, the subsidiary of Alphabet Inc that founded Cityblock.

Cityblock Health investors also include Dr. Mario Molina, the former chief executive of Molina Healthcare, and a new investment firm formed by Andy Slavitt, the former acting administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services under President Barack Obama.

The new company hopes to improve care by making it easier for low-income patients living in city neighborhoods to get personalized care, including preventive visits, mental health coverage and access to appropriate social service programs.

The hope is that these services will improve patient health and avoid unnecessary emergency room visits or a bigger healthcare crisis that requires a hospital admission.

Cityblock works with a variety of entities including providers, health plans and community organizations to provide the service at no extra cost to patients. The company hopes to open its first healthcare hub in New York this spring.

"Despite the boom in venture-backed and technology-based innovations, people on Medicaid and other low-income urban populations have been largely left behind," said Cityblock's CEO and co-founder Iyah Romm. He said he hopes the company can address the problems "by combining a data-driven approach to both operations and clinical delivery."

Medicaid now covers one in five Americans, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Since the program expanded as a result of the Affordable Care Act, enrollment climbed to 71.2 million in 2016, up from 54 million in 2010. Republicans in Congress, citing the growing costs of Medicaid, have proposed ways to overhaul the program and reduce spending.

Medicaid and Medicare accounted in 2016 for almost 60 percent of revenues of the five largest U.S. commercial health insurers - UnitedHealthcare, Anthem, Aetna, Cigna and Humana  according to a recent Health Affairs study. The combined Medicare and Medicaid revenue from those insurers grew from $92.5 billion in 2010to $213.1 billion in 2016.
In the decades since a 1969 oil spill near Santa Barbara tarred sea-life and gave rise to the U.S. environmental movement, politicians and environmental activists have built up ample ways to make it difficult but not impossible for the Trump administration to renew drilling off California's coast.

The Interior Department said Thursday it plans to open most federal waters off the United States to oil leases.

In California, where no new federal leases offshore have been approved since 1984, Gov. Jerry Brown joined governors of Oregon and Washington in vowing to do "whatever it takes" to stop that from happening off the West Coast.

State officials, environmental groups and oil-industry analysts say California has solid regulatory and legal means to try to make good on that threat.

For one thing, oil companies know that even if the federal government sells leases in federal waters, California and other coastal states by law control the 3 miles (5 kilometers) nearest to shore, all along the coasts.

That means California decides on permits for any oil pipelines that would connect oil platforms to land, along with any transport centers, refineries or holding stations once the crude makes it ashore.

"Operators don't tend to operate (off) states that don't want production," said Kevin Book, an analyst with ClearView Energy Partners in Washington, D.C.

There are ways around California's 3-mile (5-kilometer) lock on shore  such as using ships to transport oil from platforms in federal waters instead of pipelines, he said.

But considering all the potential financial, regulatory and legal problems oil companies would face in drilling off California, oil prices would have to go far higher to make that enticing, Book said.

"At today's crude oil prices, the way companies look at political risk ... when you do the math on paper it doesn't add up," Book said.

Two Democratic state lawmakers, Al Muratsuchi of Torrance and Hannah-Beth Jackson of Santa Barbara, said Friday they would reintroduce stalled legislation from last year that would bar the state from permitting pipelines or any other support for new oil and gas drilling in federal waters off California.

Brown joined both U.S. senators and other state officials last year in appealing unsuccessfully to Obama to ban California offshore drilling before he left office, and polls show most Californians opposed to offshore drilling.

Californians vividly remember the 1969 oil spill and a 2015 Southern California spill from a pipeline serving a platform in federal waters that blackened more than 100 miles (160 kilometers) of public beaches and closed two state parks.

"You walk on the beach and see oil in the sand and the water and washing up, and there's dead birds and dead fish," said Kristen Hislop, with the Environmental Defense Center, a Santa Barbara environmental group formed in response to the 1969 oil spill. "You very much remember why we fight so hard to protect our coastline."

In California, "we do have plenty of opportunity to fight these new oil developments and we will pursue all those avenues," said Linda Krop, legal counsel for the same group.

For example, a 1972 federal coastal act gives California extensive input on federal actions along the coast, including the granting of federal oil leases.

"Nothing galvanizes bipartisan resistance in California like the threat of more offshore drilling," said Dayna Bochco, chairwoman of the California Coastal Commission, which would have the authority to oppose offshore leases under that act. "We've fought similar efforts before, and we will fight them again."

___

AP writer Robert Jablon in Los Angeles contributed to this report.
There are certainly risks in a buying stock that is either unloved or virtually ignored by the markets -- perhaps the company is disdained for good reason. But in the case of Martin Marietta Materials (NYSE: MLM) , its stock is well positioned for growth despite being ignored by investors in 2017. And General Electric (NYSE: GE) has hit hard times before, but it will again see better days.

If you build it...

Martin Marietta Materials shares were almost flat in 2017 while the major market indexes continued to set record after record. The company is America's second-largest producer of construction aggregates -- crushed stone, gravel, and sand -- and is strongest in key markets such as Texas and the Southeast. Despite this autumn's hurricanes slowed sales, requiring it to cut its 2017 guidance, the future is still bright. Housing starts are rising in response to the needs of millennials, who are beginning to form families, and the country has major infrastructure needs that will require government spending. Those two factors alone should help improve demand for aggregates nationally, but the Texas market provides a significant opportunity all on its own.

Martin Marietta has an eye firmly fixed on what it calls the "Texas Triangle": an 85,000-square-mile region with vertices at the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area, the Houston region, and San Antonio. That triangle contains roughly 71% of Texas' population, and is poised for population and construction growth thanks to a favorable business and tax climate. Martin Marietta estimates each new person there generates between eight and 12 tons of annual aggregate demand; its stronghold in a region that connects three of the country's top 10 cities is a competitive advantage.

Martin Marietta might not be a growth stock, but it possesses a strong balance sheet that could enable it to scoop up valuable acquisitions. Also, its quarries are another strength, as the permitting process for new ones is difficult, which limits new competition. While investors ignored Martin Marietta during 2017, look for its shares to take off in the years ahead if governmental infrastructure spending gets a boost and Texas' population continues to increase.

MLM data by YCharts

About that turnaround

General Electric had a pretty rough 2017 which culminated in the company cutting its quarterly dividend by 50% to $0.12 per share. That move, which will save it $4.1 billion annually, marked only the second time GE had cut its dividend since 1899. But it helped earn the company the unfortunate distinction of being the Dow's worst performer last year.

One thing in investors' favor is that the mid-2017 departure of CEO Jeff Immelt puts pressure on his replacement, John Flannery, to make serious changes, and quickly. Amplifying that pressure is the threat that GE may wind up on the Dow Index chopping block; if it loses its spot on the prestigious industrials index, it will likely take a toll on its stock price.

While GE's bets on the power and energy industries have been poorly timed for investors, not all of the company's business segments are dumpster fires. Some anticipate that GE will focus more on its healthcare business, which is posting mid-single digit revenue growth and consistently improving its profit margins. And its aviation business is poised for growth in the global commercial aircraft market, where there is ample demand for jet engines as well as the services it offers.

Given GE's struggles since the financial crisis, it's easy to forget the company still dominates in a majority of the businesses where it competes. The massive turnaround and restructuring effort it's undergoing will be difficult, but one thing is almost certain: GE will still be here in a decade. And if it can continue to cut costs, better manage its working capital, fix its struggling power generation business, and continue to improve its healthcare and aviation units, it will reward those long-term investors willing to take on some risk during the company's period of weakness.

10 stocks we like better than General ElectricWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*

David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and General Electric wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.

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What happened

Shares of Chinese social-media company Renren Inc. (NYSE: RENN) were down 19% at 2:07 p.m. EST on Jan. 4, after gaining an absurd 76% during the first two trading days of 2018.

So why the big jump preceding today's sell-off? The underperforming Chinese social networking company is set to enter the cryptocurrency fray, having announced it is looking to raise cash with an ICO -- initial coin offering -- along with plans for an "open social network platform based on blockchain." Today's sell-off is very likely profit-taking by traders exiting after big gains the past couple of days.

So what

This isn't the first time Renren has mentioned blockchain and social media in recent press releases, but it's far from clear how (or if) the company will make money from them. Renren announced it was acquiring Trucker Path, a social-media app aimed at professional truckers, in late December; it tossed "blockchain" and even "artificial intelligence" into that release.

However, its decision to use an ICO (which happens to be illegal in China, though the company is using its listing on the NYSE to attempt to sidestep Chinese law) is a full-fledged move into the mania that cryptocurrency has become.

Now what

Renren was once expected to be a dominant social-media platform in China, but has fallen to the wayside while Tencent and Weibo have become the dominant players. Despite that lack of success, the company's acquisitions of Trucker Path and load-matching app Truckloads have added 600,000 active users in a specific industry, with prospects for growth. Furthermore, there are likely legitimate benefits of blockchain technology for logistics and transportation users.

But it's still unclear if the company's planned ICO will even happen, especially since it is tied to plans to launch a social-media platform based on blockchain. The Chinese government could clamp down hard on this before it even happens.

The reality is that Renren's big stock jump was almost certainly caused by speculators looking to make a quick buck on anything crypto/blockchain, not the company's actual prospects of growing profits from the moves. In my estimation, the risk of losses far outweighs any chance of greater returns at this point. Until the company can demonstrate it can actually use cryptocurrency and blockchain to make money, I would avoid the stock.

Bitcoin is overhyped: 10 better buys for you nowWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*

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Jason Hall has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Tencent Holdings. The Motley Fool recommends Weibo. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
French President Emmanuel Macron will head to China next week to strengthen commercial ties with the world's second-largest economy.

It will be Macron's first state visit to China since he won election last year.

According to the Elysee, Macron will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Jan. 9 after visiting the ancient imperial capital of Xi'an.

Talks also will focus on North Korea, the fight against terror financing and international efforts against climate change.

Macron's office on Thursday said a number of commercial deals are expected to be signed during the three-day visit but they have yet to be finalized. A Franco-Chinese investment fund worth more than a billion euros ($1.2 billion) also should be announced.

France says China has a major role to play in the North Korea nuclear crisis and Macron hopes that good cooperation between France and China could improve chances of a denuclearization agreement.

While in Xi'an, an eastern departure point of the ancient Silk Road, Macron will deliver a speech on the Franco-Chinese relationship from an historical standpoint.

The second day of his trip is expected to feature a visit to Beijing's Forbidden City. Macron also will meet with French and Chinese entrepreneurs and sign deals with Xi before a state dinner.

The Elysee said China is France's leading commercial partner in Asia, but France's trade deficit with China reaches about 30 billion euros ($36.2 billion). Macron, who will travel with representatives of large French companies, wants to secure new deals that would guarantee reciprocal market access.

In terms of agriculture exports, French authorities want to open a market for beef products and will ask China to abolish non-tariff barriers to trade on wine and spirits, which represent 50 percent of French exports.

The final day of Macron's visit will include talks on the fight against climate change and meetings with Chinese artists. France says China is committed to the Paris climate deal and wants to form a "joint leadership" on the issue, especially after President Donald Trump announced the United States' withdrawal from the agreement.
Every day, Wall Street analysts upgrade some stocks, downgrade others, and "initiate coverage" on a few more. But do these analysts even know what they're talking about? Today, we're taking one high-profile Wall Street pick and putting it under the microscope...

Shares of credit card processor Mastercard (NYSE: MA) are enjoying a nice 2% bump in early trading Thursday. On the one hand, this isn't too surprising. Mastercard appears to be benefiting from a positive note from Tokyo-based Mizuho Securities, which announced this morning that it is upgrading Mastercard stock and assigning the shares a $175 price target.

On the other hand, though, Mastercard's rise is a bit surprising, given that at the same time Mizuho was upgrading it, analysts at RBC Capital -- a much better-rated analyst on Motley Fool CAPS -- decided to downgrade Mastercard.

So what's up with that? Here are three things you need to know.

Why Mizuho upgraded

Let's start with the good news. Citing "[i]mproved economic conditions" that will "benefit payment volumes and overall transactional activity," StreetInsider.com (subscription required) reports that Mizuho upgraded Mastercard to buy.

According to Mizuho, this banker has "conviction" that Mastercard will produce "low double digit net revenue growth" this year and, with the help of share buybacks, turn that into "high teens EPS growth."

This broadly accords with what investors have come to expect from Mastercard in years past. Over the last five years, Mastercard has booked an average of 11% annual revenue gains and parlayed those into 16% annual gains in net income, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence. In fact, Mizuho's one-year estimates might even seem conservative, given that over the next five years, analysts surveyed by S&P Global predict the stock will accelerate net earnings growth to nearly 19% per year.

So why is RBC downgrading?

Be that as it may, RBC Capital has nonetheless decided it's time to downgrade Mastercard shares. And yet, that news isn't quite as bad as it may sound.

Prior to today, RBC has considered Mastercard stock its "Top Pick" in the payments sector. After seeing Mastercard surge 47% in 2017, however -- proving RBC right in the process -- RBC is pulling back a bit. (The analyst's "downgrade" today only takes Mastercard's stock rating down to outperform, after all.) What's more, RBC tells us (according to TheFly.com) that it expects the same trends of rising oil prices and favorable exchange rates that benefited Mastercard in 2017 to do so again in 2018. Mastercard's revenue should accelerate, and 2018 will see more consumers than ever before using plastic instead of cash to pay their bills.

Result: At the same time as RBC changes its rating, per se, the analyst is increasing its price target on Mastercard stock -- all the way to $180.

One stock that's better than Mastercard

The upshot of all this is that while RBC isn't convinced Mastercard stock will beat all comers in 2018 as it did in 2017, the analyst still likes Mastercard quite a lot -- and predicts the stock will go up about 15% this year. And yet, the question naturally arises: If Mastercard is no longer RBC's top pick, then something else must be.

So who is it?

Turns out, we know this answer as well. After removing Mastercard's top pick designation today, RBC Capital named Vantiv (NYSE: VNTV) its new favorite payments stock. According to RBC, now that Cincinnati-based Vantiv owns London-based Worldpay, the new and improved Vantiv is set to show "accelerating organic growth," supplement that with synergies from its acquired Worldpay subsidiary, and pay down the debt absorbed to finance the acquisition, reducing interest costs and boosting profits.

Already on Wall Street, analysts are forecasting compound earnings growth of 34% for Vantiv over the next three years -- a rate of increase nearly twice what they predict for Mastercard. RBC, meanwhile, is betting Vantiv will grow even faster, earning at least $4.40 per share in fiscal 2019 -- a two-year growth rate of as fast as 67% per year. This, says RBC, will make Vantiv "the most compelling upside option over the next two years in Payments."

Time will tell if RBC is right about that. But given how well RBC did with its last top pick, I wouldn't bet against them.

Find out why Mastercard is one of the 10 best stocks to buy now

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Offshore drilling companies are poised to benefit after the Trump administration moved Thursday to open previously protected areas in the Arctic, Atlantic and Pacific to oil and gas exploration.

The proposed five-year drilling plan would open millions of acres, or more than 90% of the U.S.s coastal reserves to development, officials said. The plan is opposed by environmentalists and leading Democrats in coastal states, as well as Florida Gov. Rick Scott, a Republican.

Offshore drilling companies saw shares rise after the announcement. Transocean LTD (NYSE:RIG) rose nearly 6% as of early Thursday afternoon, while Noble Corporation (NYSE:NE) and Parker Drilling (NYSE:PKD) rose more than 3% and Rowan Companies (NYSE:RDC) rose more than 2%.

We want to grow our nations offshore energy industry, instead of slowly surrendering it to foreign shores, Zinke said, adding that the proposal is tied to the Trump administrations American Energy Dominance initiative.

Trump ordered the Interior Department to overhaul the Obama-era offshore drilling plan last April. Zinke says the plan will vastly increase the number of potential lease sales to private drillers.

Scott is aggressively fighting to protect Floridas environment by proposing more than $3.8 billion to preserve it, a spokesman for the Florida governors office said, according to Reuters.
Pennsylvania officials on Thursday announced the first all-clear for a medical marijuana dispensary in the state to begin providing the drug once it becomes available from a licensed grower.

The Keystone Canna Remedies dispensary in Bethlehem received the state authorization, a major milestone in Pennsylvania's new medical marijuana program .

"It means there's going to be safe and effective access to a new medicine that can help (patients) in a wide variety of ways," said Victor Guadagnino, the company's co-founder and chief of business development. He said the company sees the drug as a way patients can take a more active role in their own health care.

Nine entities have been approved to grow and process medical marijuana, and their products are expected to be available to patients in the coming four months.

Gov. Tom Wolf said the approval is good news for patients and their caregivers.

"We are one step closer to providing medical marijuana to patients with serious medical conditions who desperately need this medication," the Democratic governor said.

Guadagnino, who lives in New York City, said the dispensary in Bethlehem will open this month for educational workshops and registration assistance, but he does not expect to have the product available until mid-February.

The Bethlehem dispensary, which Guadagnino said is part of their multimillion-dollar medical marijuana investment in the region, will start with four or five employees and grow based on patient demand. The company also plans to eventually open two other dispensaries in the Lehigh Valley.

Acting Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said officials expect more dispensaries to open in the coming weeks.

The announcement of the first dispensary came as the U.S. Justice Department said federal prosecutors are being given more latitude to pursue criminal charges involving marijuana. In response, Wolf vowed to do whatever he can "to protect Pennsylvania patients."

A 2016 state law legalized medical marijuana for people suffering from one of 17 qualifying conditions, including AIDS, autism, cancer, epilepsy, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain and Crohn's disease.

More than 10,000 people have signed up. Among them, about 1,200 patients already have been certified by physicians to use medical marijuana. About 570 doctors are being trained or have completed training to be allowed to certify patients.

The law permits pills, oils, vapor or liquid marijuana, but not marijuana in plant form or what are considered edibles.
Cox Enterprises said Wednesday the majority of its employees will receive bonuses of up to $2,000 following the passage of tax reform.

The Atlanta-based company, which owns the Cox cable provider among other businesses, announced that bonuses of $1,000 to $2,000 will be distributed on Tax Day to employees who have worked at Cox Enterprises for at least a year and are not part of an executive incentive plan. The move impacts most of the companys nearly 60,000 employees.

The $1.5 trillion tax bill reduces the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% and changes the way the U.S. government taxes companies that also operate internationally.

FOX Business is keeping track of the tax benefits that have reached over 3 million Americans so far.

Updated 3/7/18

Anthem

Anthem Inc. (NYSE:ANTM) said it would contribute retirement savings for more than 58,000 current and former employees, joining other major corporations in rewarding workers after the passage of a GOP-backed tax reform package.

The Indianapolis-based health insurance company said its associates and recent retirees will receive $1,000 toward their 401(k) accounts, for a total investment of more than $58 million. Anthem said other tax reform-related savings would be used to reduce the cost of healthcare for customers.

Apple

The California-based tech giant gave employees below the senior level title of "director" bonuses worth $2,500. The awards were composed of restricted stock units, a source familiar with the situation told FOX Business.

AT&T

The telecom giant said in late December that more than 200,000 of its employees, including union-represented and non-management workers, will be eligible for a $1,000 bonus. The checks will be in the mail in time for the holidays if Trump finalizes the tax bill with his signature before Christmas. AT&T (NYSE:T) also said it will invest $1 billion more than expected in the U.S. in 2018, once the cuts are final.

Congress, working closely with the President, took a monumental step to bring taxes paid by U.S. businesses in line with the rest of the industrialized world, AT&T Chairman and CEO Randall Stephenson said in a statement. This tax reform will drive economic growth and create good-paying jobs.

BNY Mellon

Starting on March 1, Bank of New York Mellon Corp. will raise minimum wage to $15 per hour for roughly 1,000 of its 52,500 employees, the Wall Street Journal reported.

BNY Mellon executives noted the new tax code will allow for savings of roughly $250 million per year, which will be used on technology upgrades.

Boeing

The aerospace and defense company immediately announced $300 million in investments after the bill passed, with $100 million toward corporate giving including employee gift-match programs, $100 million toward workforce development, training and education and $100 million toward enhancing Boeings workplaces.

"On behalf of all of our stakeholders, we applaud and thank Congress and the administration for their leadership in seizing this opportunity to unleash economic energy in the United States," Boeing (NYSE:BA) President and CEO Dennis Muilenburg said in a statement. "It's the single-most important thing we can do to drive innovation, support quality jobs and accelerate capital investment in our country."

Charter Communications

Charter, which owns the Spectrum cable brand, says all of its employees will be paid at least $15 per hour within the next year. The company cited tax reform and the repeal of net neutrality rules for its decision.

"Charter's workforce is key to the success of our company," Charter CEO Tom Rutledge said in a statement. "Our commitment to pay every employee at least a $15 per hour income will enhance our efforts to develop our highly-skilled, diverse and locally based workforce, improving their lives and the lives of the customers they serve."

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG) is rolling out benefits reaching all of its 71,000 employees, including special cash and stock bonuses and enhanced paid and parental leave.

Qualified hourly employees and salaried restaurant employees will receive a special one-time cash bonus of up to $1,000, and some staff employees will receive a one-time stock grant.

Other offerings will include accelerated training programs, and additional paid parental leave for everyone, from hourly managers to salaried employees.

The company also added life insurance and short-term disability insurance coverage for hourly restaurant managers.

According to the company, the tax cut and the jobs cut made the sweetened compensation and benefits possible. The company will invest more than one-third of its anticipated savings from tax law changes on behalf of its employees, and the remainder will be used to improve its restaurant facilities and operations.

The company said it has already started rolling out these new benefits.

Comcast

The Philadelphia-based telecom corporation said it would award $1,000 bonuses to more than 100,000 non-executive employees. In addition, Comcast (NASDAQ:CMCSA) NBC Universal Chairman and CEO Brian L. Roberts said the company plans to spend more than $50 billion in the next five years on infrastructure investments that are expected to create "thousands of new direct and indirect jobs."

In a press release, Comcast said the initiatives were "based on the passage of tax reform and the FCC's action on broadband."

CVS

Hourly employees of CVS Health (NYSE:CVS) will see their wages increase to $11 per hour from $9, effective April 2018. The company also plans to adjust pay ranges and rates for many of its retail employees later in the year.

The company is creating a new paid parental leave program. Effective April 1, 2018, full-time employees who become parents can take up to four weeks away from work at 100% of their pay.

Fifth Third Bancorp

The Cincinnati-based banking corporation said it would raise the minimum hourly wage for all employees to $15 per hour and dispense $1,000 bonuses for more than 13,500 workers. The company says tax reform was directly responsible for the initiatives.

It is good for our communities, employees and Fifth Third Bank (NASDAQ:FITB), Fifth Third President and CEO Greg Carmichael said.

Home Depot

Home Depot (NYSE:HD) announced it will pay its U.S. hourly workers a one-time bonus of up to $1,000 tied to President Trumps tax reform.

"This incremental investment in our associates was made possible by the new tax reform bill," Craig Menear, chairman and CEO of the company, said in a statement.

The Home Depot bonus will be paid in addition to the retailers existing bonuses. It employs more than 400,000 associates.

JPMorgan Chase

The country's largest bank said it will raise wages for roughly 22,000 workers to between $15 and $18 per hour. JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM) employees are also set to receive a $750 bonus this month.

JetBlue

The New York-based airline said on Jan. 4 that it would grant a $1,000 to each of its 21,000 crewmembers, with the exception of its CEO and other executives.

"We believe these tax changes will be positive for our company, and provide us the opportunity to do good things for our crewmembers, customers and shareholders," JetBlue President and CEO Robin Hayes said in a letter to company employees.

J.M. Smucker

J.M. Smucker Co. will offer one-time $1,000 bonuses to thousands of its employees, joining other major companies in rewarding employees due to savings tied to the recent passage of GOP-backed tax reform.

The Ohio-based company said last week that nearly 5,000 employees will receive bonuses. In addition, Smucker announced $1 million in charitable donations and $20 million in investments toward employee pension plans.

Lowe's

The retailer said it's giving more than 260,000 of its hourly employees bonuses of up to $1,000 as well as expanding its benefit plans to include adoption assistance and paid parental leave.

In addition, Lowe's said it plans to shorten its eligibility time for new employees who want to enroll in the company's health plans, giving them the option to sign up in the first 30 days of service.

McCormick

McCormick & Company (NYSE:MKC) will use a portion of its savings from tax reform to pay out $1,000 bonuses in May to eligible U.S. hourly employees and will accelerate wage increases, adding that the majority of hourly employees will benefit from the changes.

McCormick said in a statement that in addition to employee bonuses and wage increases, the company will use its tax benefits to make strategic investments to drive growth, return cash to shareholders and pay down debt.

MetLife

The New York-based insurance company (NYSE:MET) said it will increase its minimum wage to $15 per hour, enhance employee benefits and boost retirement plan contributions for all of its workers. MetLife also said it plans to create a new $10 million skills development fund to help its employees around the world upgrade their workplace skills.

Starbucks

Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) is giving all of its U.S.-based hourly and salaried workers an unspecified raise in April, in addition to a wage increase already dispersed earlier in the fiscal year, which began last October. Starbucks says it is investing roughly $120 million in the wage increases.

The company is also awarding workers stock grants worth a total of more than $100 million to those employed by the chain as of Jan. 1, 2018. Retail employees will receive at least a $500 grant, while store managers will receive grants of $2,000, the chain said.

Southwest Airlines

The Dallas-based airline is awarding a $1,000 cash bonus to all of its full-time and part-time employees. The bonuses will be distributed on Jan. 8. In addition, Southwest said it will donate $5 million toward charitable causes and partner with Boeing to modernize its fleet of planes.

We applaud Congress and the President for taking this action to pass legislation, which will result in meaningful corporate income tax reform for the transportation sector in general, and for Southwest Airlines, in particular, Southwest Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Gary Kelly said in a statement. We are excited about the savings and additional capital, which we intend to put to work in several formsto reward our hard-working employees, to reinvest in our business, to reward our shareholders, and to keep our costs and fares low for our Customers.

Tyson Foods

The Arkansas-based food company said it will award $1,000 bonuses to full-time employees and $500 to part-time employees who did not already receive an annual bonus. Tyson CEO Tom Hayes said in an email to employees that the companys total savings from tax reform will top $300 million, with leftover cash from the bonuses used to improve training and education, the Associated Press reported.

U-Haul

U-Haul said it will issue bonuses to its full-time and part-time employees, joining other corporations in rewarding employees after the passage of tax reform.

The Phoenix-based moving and storage company, which is a subsidiary of AMERCO, said full-time employees will receive a one-time bonus of $1,200 and part-time workers will receive a bonus of $500. The bonuses will be issued by the end of February and amount to more than $23 million in payments to nearly 29,000 team members, U-Haul said.

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bancorp, the parent company of U.S. Bank, is distributing $1,000 bonuses to roughly 60,000 of its employees and raising minimum wage for hourly workers to $15 per hour. The Minneapolis-based company is also donating $150 million to the U.S. Bank Foundation, upgrading health care packages for its employees and investing in better customer service capabilities.

"We believe that tax reform is positive for the U.S. economy because it provides an immediate opportunity to benefit our employees, our communities and our customers, said Andy Cecere, U.S. Bank's president and CEO. We are proud of our people and their commitment to our customers and communities. We felt it was important to reward their hard work and dedication with this special bonus, the minimum wage increase and the health care enhancements.

Verizon

The telecom giant will give nearly all of its employees 50 shares of restricted stock, worth roughly $53 each as of this week, a source with knowledge of the equity award confirmed to Fox News. The share prices will be set on Feb. 1.

Wal-Mart

Wal-Mart (NYSE:WMT), the world's largest employer, boosted pay for U.S. hourly workers to $11 per hour. Additionally, the retailer is giving one-time $1,000 bonus payments to workers, depending on length of service. It is also extending maternity and parental benefits for workers. The changes take place in February.

The Walt Disney Co.

More than 125,000 Disney employees will receive $1,000 cash bonuses, the company announced on Jan. 23. The bonuses will be dispersed in two payments, one in March and another in September. In addition, Disney invested $50 million in an education program to cover tuition payments for hourly employees.

I am proud we are directing approximately $125 million to our cast members and employees across the country and making higher education more accessible with the launch of this new program, Disney CEO Bob Iger said in a statement. I have always believed that education is the key to opportunity; it opens doors and creates new possibilities. Matched with the $1,000 cash bonus, these initiatives will have both an immediate and long-term positive impact.

Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) said it would raise the minimum wage for its team members to $15 per hour and earmark $400 million for philanthropic initiatives in 2018. Some $100 million of that total will be committed to boosting small businesses, while $75 million will support neighborhood revitalization efforts.

We believe tax reform is good for our U.S. economy and are pleased to take these immediate steps to invest in our team members, communities, small businesses, and homeowners, said Wells Fargo President and CEO Tim Sloan. We look forward to identifying additional opportunities for Wells Fargo to invest, as we continue to execute our business strategies and provide long-term value to all our stakeholders.
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is pressing his long-held view that voters should be given a chance to re-think Brexit once plans for Britain's departure from the European Union are clear.

Blair said Thursday that the Labour Party he led for 13 years should be actively challenging Brexit rather than going along with plans laid out by Prime Minister Theresa May and her Conservative Party allies.

May's government is negotiating exit plans and the outlines of a new trade relationship with the EU with an eye toward departing the bloc by a March 2019 deadline.

Blair and other opponents argue that voters should be able to review these terms and decide whether to go ahead rather than be bound by the 2016 referendum, which saw Britons back Brexit by a four-point margin.

"I'm simply saying one very, very simple thing, which is that in 2016 you knew you wanted to get out of the European Union but you didn't see the terms of the alternative relationship," Blair told the BBC radio. "If when you see those terms you think it is better to stick with Europe you are entitled to have that say."

Blair, the only Labour leader to win three consecutive general elections, said Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn's pro-Brexit strategy is misguided.

He said Corbyn and Labour should instead be branding the withdrawal from the EU  which started with a referendum called by Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron to ease party divisions  as "the Tory Brexit" to capitalize on growing public doubts about the process, caused in part by Britain's slowing economic growth.

In an article on his website, Blair said Labour should challenge May every week at prime minister's question time by asking why the Conservatives are "weakening our country." That approach is only credible, he said, if Labour is clearly opposed to Brexit.

Blair's political stock fell dramatically with public opposition to his decision to join the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, and there are no indications that his opposition to Brexit is gaining traction within the party, which has moved sharply to the left since making Corbyn its leader in 2105.
Billionaire Warren Buffett has given away roughly $43 million of Berkshire Hathaway stock since last summer with the majority of that  $30 million  going to one unnamed charity.

The gifts of Class B Berkshire stock were disclosed in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission this week. These relatively smaller gifts are part of Buffett's overall plan to give away his nearly $85 billion fortune over time.

The eight gifts disclosed this week were made between last July and this week. Most of the gifts went to unnamed charities, but one gift of 100 Class B shares went to an individual.

Buffett plans to eventually give most of his Berkshire stock to five foundations with the biggest share going to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Billionaire Warren Buffett remains optimistic about the U.S. economy and the nation's prospects for the future.

Buffett wrote an essay for Time magazine that appeared online Thursday, part of an issue edited by Bill Gates that was dedicated to "The Optimists." In his essay, Buffett explained why he often says that most American children will live better than their parents.

Buffett said that even if the economy continues to grow at a modest pace of about 2 percent a year, the next generation of Americans will fare better because the economy will still grow faster than the U.S. population does.

Buffett said American businesses will also continue to innovate.

"This game of economic miracles is in its early innings. Americans will benefit from far more and better 'stuff' in the future," Buffett wrote.

Buffett has long been a believer in America's ability to unleash human potential with its market-based economy. He often devotes part of his annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders to the topic.

But Buffett cautioned that the country needs to help those workers who are displaced by innovation and changes in the economy just as a rich family takes care of all of its children.

"In the years of growth that certainly lie ahead, I have no doubt that America can both deliver riches to many and a decent life to all. We must not settle for less," Buffett said.

Buffett is the investor who has led the Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate for more than 50 years. His company owns more than 90 businesses, including BNSF railroad, Geico insurance and several utilities.

Besides owning companies, Omaha, Nebraska-based Berkshire holds major investments in Wells Fargo, American Express, Apple and other well-known companies.
What's happening

Shares of consumer-lending company OneMain Holdings Inc. (NYSE: OMF) are surging on news that Apollo Global Management (NYSE: APO) and Varde Partners are buying a 40.5% stake in OneMain from Fortress Investment Group. Shares were up about 26% as of 1:30 p.m. EST.

So what

OneMain Holdings has been an "on again, off again" stock for the auction block. As recently as Oct. 9, the company was rumored to be up for sale, as the The Wall Street Journal broke the news that talks were going on. Fortress owned about 55% of the company at the time, giving it a big incentive to sell the company as a whole. (Fortress subsequently whittled its stake down to 40.5% through accelerated stock sales.)

At the time, a complete sale of OneMain seemed likely. I wrote then that "tight credit spreads and loose terms in the corporate debt markets make OneMain a potentially attractive acquisition for creative acquirers, particularly for private equity firms, which are enjoying some of the loosest terms on acquisitions not seen since the buyout boom of the mid-2000s."

Less than one month after OneMain reportedly went up for sale, it became apparent that talks to sell the business had been scuttled. On Nov. 7, OneMain Holdings wrote in its quarterly report that it "recently completed an evaluation of certain alternatives to maximize stockholder value, including a sale of its business. The evaluation has concluded and the Company continues to implement its previously disclosed strategies." In other words, a full sale of the business was off the table.

Of course, we now know that Fortress still wanted out, even if it meant selling only its portion of OneMain Holdings. Funds managed by Apollo and Varde Partners are buying Fortress Investment Group's stake in OneMain Holdings for $26 per share, in a transaction worth approximately $1.43 billion.

Now what

It's interesting that shares of OneMain Holdings soared to more than $33 per share on news a major investor was buying in at just $26, a slight discount to the closing price on Wednesday. Why would OneMain Holdings surge above the price at which a major investor is buying in?

I can only speculate. But four things stick out:

Apollo and Varde Partners' investment is a vote of confidence in the lender's business and operating results, at a time when subprime credit quality has generally deteriorated across the industry. The Fortress sale removes a big overhang for the stock. Investors may have been staying on the sidelines, fearful of a secondary public offering that could pummel shares of the consumer lender if Fortress wanted out at any price. Apollo and Varde Partners may decide to acquire the remaining portion of OneMain Holdings, and thus take it private. I consider this a low-probability event. Private equity investments may make it more likely that OneMain Holdings is again put on the auction block for a complete sale. After all, private equity funds only exist for a few years before they have to liquidate to return cash to their investors.

According to documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, funds and affiliates related to Apollo's megafund, Apollo Investment Fund VIII, are apparently leading the transaction. Apollo's VIII fund closed to fundraising in December 2013, and such funds generally operate for about ten years after fundraising.

When the day comes for Apollo to cash in on its OneMain Holdings investment, minority shareholders may come along for the ride. That could be years away, but for now, the market seems happy with Apollo and Varde as new major investors in OneMain.

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Small business optimism has soared over President Donald Trump first major legislative victory that aims stimulate economic growth.

Congress sent Trump a sweeping $1.5 trillion tax reform bill, the largest overhaul of the U.S. tax code in more than 30 years and many small business owners are turning to the administration to access capital.

You [need to] have cash but its almost as important is getting that access to capital is knowing how to structure and set up your business, Small Business Association (SBA) administrator Linda McMahon said during an interview on FOX Business Making Money with Charles Payne.

The SBA is assisting veterans to transition into civilian life with its Boots-to-Business Reboot Training Program designed to provide former military personnel with an opportunity to explore business ownership and entrepreneurship.

A lot of [veterans] dont know how to write their own business plan. They dont know how to manage cash flow. They dont know how to develop their ideas. They dont know how to take their skills that they learned as part of the military and translate them, McMahon said.

SBAs loans to veterans in 2017 totaled $1.15 billion and having a high level contributing workforce will only help small businesses grow, according to McMahon.

Along with helping veterans, the SBA is focused on helping homeowners and business owners affected by the recent hurricanes that plowed through Florida, Puerto Rico and Texas that left many businesses and homeowners in disarray as they await assistance from the federal government.

The agency handles the disaster loan program which lends money to businesses and homeowners affected by natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes. In 2017, the SBA processed a total of 95,587 disaster loan applications and approved 27,263 disaster loans for a total of $1.7 billion.

The goal of SBA is to get people back in their homes to get people back in their businesses. Small businesses are the glue for communities and to get those communities backup and get them flourishing, get the economy growing again, McMahon said.
Attorney General Jeff Sessionss decision to rescind the Obama-era policy that allowed states to decide on a case-by-case scenario whether to legalize marijuana could endanger a burgeoning industry and, some Republicans say, contradicts President Trumps campaign platform in 2016.

Early Thursday, the Department of Justice issued a memo in which it announced the return to the Controlled Substance Act of 1970, which prohibited the cultivation, distribution and possession of marijuana. How that affects the eight states, and Washington, D.C., that have legalized recreational marijuana, or the 29 that have legalized medicinal usage, remains to be seen.

Its sad that the attorney general is veering so far off of what President Trump campaigned on, Rep. Dana Rohrabacher told FOX Business Stuart Varney. We have now an attorney general who does not seem to be what his boss was promising in the elections.

The California Republican noted that Sessions identifies as a constitutional conservative, but suggested that the rollback of this policy could actually violate the 10th Amendment. He wasnt the only Republican voice slamming Sessions.

Sen. Cory Gardner threatened in a tweet to hold DOJ nominees until Sessions lives up to the commitment he made to me prior to his confirmation, warning that he was prepared to take all steps necessary. The reported dissolution of the law directly contradicts what Sessions had promised Gardner before his confirmation hearing, the Republican senator added in a subsequent tweet. Colorado legalized recreational marijuana in 2012.

Sessions faced criticism from across the aisle. A flurry of Democrats, including House Minority Leader Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.) and Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), lambasted the attorney general and the DOJ. California began allowing the sale of recreational marijuana on Monday. New Jersey allows for the use of medicinal marijuana.

No, Attorney General Sessions. Marijuana is not the same as heroin. No one who has seriously studied the issue believes that. Quite the contrary, Sanders said in a statement.

During the 2016 presidential campaign, Trump often touted the need for less-stringent marijuana laws and advocating for legal access to medical marijuana. With regard to adult, recreational use, Trump favored allowing states to decide.

We have now the attorney general saying, No, no, the federal government is going to make the decision on all of these issues for you, Rohrabacher said. Its totally contrary to the 10th Amendment and everything, supposedly, that conservatives believe in.
Former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS) is urging the leadership of the Republican Party to use the mainstream media as a method to push forward the Trump administrations agenda.

In an interview with FOX Business Neil Cavuto, Lott points to President Donald Trumps rollback of Obama-era regulations, the tax reform bill and infrastructure spending as positive signs that the GOP can continue to make progress.

I think we need more Republicans, in particular senators and leadership, to get out there and the media, including you know the fake media and tell their story on what they are trying to do, he said.

Lott said the GOP agenda should be explained in a manner that convinces the American public it will help them in their cost of living and future investments.

People are worried with their jobs and cost of living, they worry about their cost of living and you need a synched message that explains to them what you are going to do to help them with their cost of living and their economic needs, Lott said on FOX Business Cavuto: Coast-to-Coast.

The Trump administration is moving to repeal former President Barack Obamas offshore drilling ban that Trump said deprives our country of potentially thousands and thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in wealth.

The new offshore drilling plan will provide the energy industry access to drilling rights in the Atlantic Ocean near Maine, the eastern Gulf of Mexico and for the first time in decades, the Pacific Ocean.

Lott said President Trumps offshore expansion will make the U.S. energy independent.

My attitude has always been  drill wherever the oil and gas is, he said.
Actor Jon Bernthal has some blunt words for any alt-right fans of his work, which he was happy to share in a new interview about his role as the Marvel character, The Punisher.

Speaking in a lengthy interview for the latest issue of Esquire, Bernthal was asked how he feels about his characters logo, a skull with long fangs, appearing on helmets and other military members clothing as well as some alt-right protesters at the controversial 2017 rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.

To the men and women in uniform, Bernthal said he was, honored to play a guy who people putting their life on the line identify with.

As for the alt-right, his response was significantly less measured.

F--- them, he said.

Bernthals portrayal of the Frank Castle character on Netflix has resonated with many military fans as well as gun enthusiasts. For those unfamiliar, he plays an ex-special forces soldier who returns home to see his family gunned down by criminals. In an effort to seek justice for their deaths, he methodically goes on a killing spree of those that are guilty. He first appeared on Season 2 of Marvel and Netflix's "Daredevil" before being given a standalone series all his own. The characters easy access to weapons, as well as the shows handling of military-centric stories has attracted a lot of fans, not all of which the star is on board with.

Interestingly-enough, Bernthal addressed gun ownership as well, noting that hes a gun owner himself in the same interview.

Im a gun owner, he said. I have a gun in my house to keep my family safe. Im trained in that guns use. I know how to keep it away from my kids, and I know how to use it if I need to.

The former The Walking Dead star said that despite his ownership, he believes in stricter regulation.

Should there be a way that a guy with mental issues like the asshole in Texas cant get guns? Absolutely. We have to have a dialogue, and thats not happening.

The Punisher dropped its 13-episode first season in November after being postponed a month following the Las Vegas shooting in October. It was recently given an order for a second season.
Meryl Streep called out Melania and Ivanka Trump, while simultaneously shrugging off any criticism against herself, for not speaking up following a wave of sexual assault allegations against men in various industries in a New York Times interview released Wednesday.

I want to hear about the silence of Melania Trump. I want to hear from her. She has so much thats valuable to say, Streep said. And so does Ivanka. I want her to speak now.

Currently promoting her new movie The Post alongside costar Tom Hanks, Streep told The Times she wants to hear about the silence of first lady Melania Trump, insisting, she has so much thats valuable to say.

The famed Hollywood actress, 68, added: And so does Ivanka. I want her to speak now.

Her comments came as she was asked questions about her own initial silence following the allegations made against disgraced media mogul Harvey Weinstein. Streep said when she found out about Weinstein she had to go deep into my life, and take time to reflect on the accusations.

MERYL STREEP POSTERS CLAIMING 'SHE KNEW' ABOUT HARVEY WEINSTEIN POP UP IN LOS ANGELES

I really had to think, Streep said, adding: Because it really underlined my own sense of cluelessness, and also how evil, deeply evil, and duplicitous, a person he was, yet such a champion of really great work.

Streep told Fox News in December that she wasnt deliberately silent following the accusations made against Weinstein.

I didnt know. I dont tacitly approve of rape. I didnt know. I dont like young women being assaulted. I didnt know this was happening, the star said in a statement. She told The Times she really didnt know, and thought he was having girlfriends.

MERYL STREEP RESPONDS TO ROSE MCGOWAN'S COMMENTS OVER HARVEY WEINSTEIN

Following her denials about Weinsteins alleged crimes, posters popped up around Los Angeles with a photo of Streep and the words She Knew placed across the actress eyes.

During an acceptance speech at the 2012 Golden Globe Awards for her role in The Iron Lady, Streep famously referred to Weinstein as God.

Streep is one of more than 300 people part of the Times Up movement, a coalition working to combat harassment in the workplace "across all industries."
Meryl Streep says that Dustin Hoffman overstepped their professional relationship while on the set of the 1979 movie Kramer vs. Kramer when he slapped her for real during their first take.

Streep was interviewed by The New York Times to promote her new movie The Post when she was asked about her experience with Hoffman. As previously reported, the 80-year-old actor has been accused by multiple women of sexual misconduct and harassment while working with him over the years. Streep, who has been very vocal about her support of the growing #MeToo movement in Hollywood, was asked about her time working with Hoffman and said thinks the slap went too far.

This is tricky because when youre an actor, youre in a scene, you have to feel free. Im sure that I have inadvertently hurt people in physical scenes. But theres a certain amount of forgiveness in that. But this was my first movie, and it was my first take in my first movie, and he just slapped me. And you see it in the movie, she said. It was overstepping. But I think those things are being corrected in this moment. And theyre not politically corrected; theyre fixed. They will be fixed, because people wont accept it anymore. So thats a good thing.

As The Hollywood Reporter notes, this isnt the first time that Streep has had a public problem with Hoffman on the set of Kramer vs. Kramer. In an interview from 1979, she complained that he grabbed her breast during their first meeting. While hes since apologized, the topic resurfaced when Hoffman came under the spotlight for the recent claims of harassment against him. However, Streeps rep told E! Online that she accepted his apology at the time and considers that matter closed.
ABC News embattled chief investigative correspondent, Brian Ross, has not returned to work as scheduled Thursday, despite the end of his suspension for botching an exclusive report on Donald Trump and Russia.

Ross was placed on a four-week, unpaid suspension after he reported incorrectly on live television that fired National Security Adviser Michael Flynn would testify that Trump had ordered him to make contact with Russians about foreign policy while Trump was still a candidate. The report raised the specter of Trumps impeachment and sent the stock market plummeting.

After ABC was forced to retract the report, ABC News President James Goldston said on a staff conference call that hed never felt more rage, disappointment and frustration in his entire career, and that Ross would never cover Trump again.

Today, an ABC News spokesperson declined to comment on whether Ross will ever be returning to work at all.

Sounds like separation negotiations, an industry insider told Fox News.

Just after Ross was suspended, President Trump told a crowd in Florida that Ross should have been fired.

They took this fraudster from ABC, Trump said. They suspended him for a month. They should have fired him for what he wrote. He drove the stock market down 350 points in minutes, which by the way, tells you they really like me, right? When you think of it, and you know what he cost people? And I said to everybody get yourself a lawyer and sue ABC News, sue them.

For his part, Ross wrote on Twitter that his job is to hold people accountable and noted, That's why I agree with being held accountable myself.

Ross gaffe was the latest in a series of black marks for the multi-award winning reporter, who has been at ABC News since 1994 after spending nearly two decades at NBC. He has not been sanctioned for past errors.

In 2001, Ross incorrectly reported that Saddam Husseins Iraqi dictatorship may have been responsible for anthrax attacks that terrorized the United States in the months after 9/11. Then-White House press secretary Ari Fleischer tweeted last month that he explicitly told ABC News not to go with the anthrax story because it was wrong. Brian Ross went with it anyway - and one week later issued a murky, hard to understand correction.

ABC News Chief Foreign Correspondent Terry Moran, who was the network's chief White House correspondent at the time, then slammed his own colleague with a terse tweet saying, of Fleischer's tweet, This is correct.

In 2006, Ross reported that then-House Speaker Dennis Hastert was a target of a federal corruption probe involving former lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Despite the Justice Departments denial, Ross insisted that Hastert was very much in the mix of the investigation. Hastert was never approached by prosecutors.

In 2010, Ross fronted a report called Taking on Toyota, which claimed that some of the Japanese automakers cars contained a defect that caused unintended acceleration. The report included footage of a tachometer shooting from 1,000 to 6,200 RPM in seconds while Ross sat behind the wheel. However, the same footage showed that the car Ross was inside was parked with the doors open at the time.

In a letter to ABC News at the time, Toyota complained that the work by a key expert Ross cited in his report was funded by a paid advocate for trial lawyers involved in litigation against Toyota. The carmaker added that the experts demonstrations were carried out under conditions that are virtually impossible to occur in real-world conditions.

Perhaps most infamously, Ross reported in 2012 that Colorado movie theater shooter James Holmes may have had ties to the Tea Party movement.

There is a Jim Holmes of Aurora, Colorado, page on the Colorado Tea Party site as well, talking about him joining the tea party last year, Ross reported on Good Morning America. Now, we dont know if this is the same Jim Holmes  but this is Jim Holmes of Aurora, Colorado.

Ross later apologized for the report, but received withering criticism  including being dubbed Americas Wrongest Reporter by the now-defunct Gawker website.

When theres breaking news, especially about terrorism and national security, ABC News Brian Ross is there, John Cook wrote in a post on the gossip blog, before adding, And under no circumstances should you listen to anything he says.

ABCs beleaguered investigative operation also took another hit last month when it acknowledged reprimanding its top investigative producer for leaking embargoed polling information to President Trumps campaign on Election Day.

ABC News, part of the reliably liberal Disney ABC Television Group, has been quietly undergoing a series of layoffs and demotions as it cuts costs amid perennially poor performance by the overall TV division. The possible exit of Ross, who is believed to make more than $1,000,000 a year, would help the struggling news division save money, both by eliminating his salary cost and also the cost of his producers and expensive productions.

Also adding to cost savings: ABC announced last month the planned departure of anchor Elizabeth Vargas, who draws a seven-figure income. More departures by high-paid talent and executives are expected to follow.

Frank Miles contributed to this report.
CBS News fired its political director Steve Chaggaris amid allegations of inappropriate behavior, the network said on Wednesday.

The Hollywood Reporter reported that the allegations were brought to light in the past two weeks.

"In the last two weeks, accounts of inappropriate behavior by Steve Chaggaris were brought to our attention and were immediately investigated. As a result, CBS News has severed ties with Mr. Chaggaris for violating company policy, effective immediately," a statement from CBS obtained by the Reporter said.

In his role, Chaggaris oversaw coverage of the Trump administration. He joined the company in 1999, the report said. His Twitter account was also deleted in the past two days, the report said.

Chaggaris' termination comes less than two months after CBS fired Charlie Rose from "CBS This Morning" after several women accused him of sexual harrasment.

"Despite Charlie's important journalistic contribution to our news division, there is absolutely nothing more important, in this or any organization, than ensuring a safe, professional workplace  a supportive environment where people feel they can do their best work. We need to be such a place," CBS said in a statement at the time.
The joke was a quick one: It showed Family Guys infant Stewie running naked screaming, Help! Ive escaped from Kevin Spaceys basement!

But that 2005 animated clip went viral when Spacey was accused of molesting several young men in a November 2017 bombshell that lost the 58-year-old actor his House of Cards gig and led him to seek evaluation and treatment.

Family Guy creator, and star, Seth MacFarlane said on Thursday at the Television Critics Associations Winter Press Tour he wasnt the one who pitched the controversial joke that made its way into the years-old episode and left many fans wondering what MacFarlane knew about Spacey ahead of the public revelations.

I dont remember who pitched the joke, he told reporters on Thursday. I remember when it was pitched that was a rumor that I had actually not heard, and other writers in the writers room had. It had to be explained to me.

Showrunner Alec Sulkin said he too wasnt the one who came up with it, but he remembered a bit more about its genesis. He said the timing of the quip came because Spacey initially said he had been attacked by a young person in London one night in 2004. Later, he changed his story and said he tripped over his dog after the young person mugged him.

I think he had sort of been... beaten up in a London park, and he claimed he was walking his dog and fell and I think that sort of raised a lot of eyebrows, Sulkin recalled.

MacFarlane insisted the show doesnt have a sixth sense running the writers room.

The idea that 'Family Guy' is this cartoon Ouija board that predicts things I was just watching things happen from afar, he told the room full of journalists on Thursday. I think its sort of modern media. The idea that its more important to be first than to be right. Its a strange thing to observe. We write our show the same way as everyone else. We make the same kind of topical jokes that The Simpson does, [that] South Park does. And you work with what you have whether that be swirling rumors or political [material].

The show previously made headlines for a 2009 quip in which Stewie called then Bruce Jenner an elegant, beautiful Dutch woman. In 2015, the former Olympian opened up about being transgender and began using the name Caitlyn Jenner.

The myth that 'Family Guy' is this Kreskin-like prognosticator of this kind of stuff is a little bit sensationalized, MacFarlane insisted.

The show is currently celebrating its upcoming 300th episode.

I dont know that anyone ever really expected this show to go this long, he said.

He says the show has evolved with the times, which has enabled it to succeed.

"Family Guy" is currently in its 16th season and airs Sundays on Fox.
Sophia Loren revealed she had two very famous teachers who helped her learn how to speak English when she made her big Hollywood debut  Frank Sinatra and Cary Grant.

The trio appeared in the 1957 action drama The Pride and the Passion.

I told them right away, I dont speak any English, please help me, and they did! the Italian actress told Closer Weekly Thursday.

The now-83-year-old still has fond memories of her co-stars/English tutors.

They were beautiful, she said. It was my first [American] film and I didnt speak one word of English, so it was very difficult for me. But they were really there to help, and in a very nice way.

However, theres another reason why Loren may have enjoyed working with both Sinatra and Grant.

Frank Sinatra was very friendly. They became friends and treated her well on the set, Cindy De La Hoz, Senior Editor of Running Press, told Fox News back in December. And Cary Grant fell head over heels in love.

Loren is the subject of a new coffee table book written by the film historian in partnership with Turner Classic Movies, titled Sophia Loren: Movie Star Italian Style.

The network provided Lorens son, Italian film director Edoardo Ponti, a copy of the book, which received his blessing. Loren herself has seen it.

De La Hoz claimed Grant, recognized as one of Hollywoods most beloved and dashing leading men, was instantly enchanted by Lorens beauty.

Loren admitted to the affair, which she insisted was unconsummated, in 2014.

 She was [already] romantically involved with [Italian film producer] Carlo Ponti, but their situation was very, very complicated, said De La Hoz. Divorce was illegal in Italy at that time and he was already married She was very frustrated at the time. So she fell into this romance with Cary Grant.

Still, Lorens heart belonged to Ponti, who was more than 20 years her senior. By 1958, the actress reportedly put an end to her romance with Grant.

Cary was really still very much in love with her, claimed De La Hoz. So he was really heartbroken. But she just needed to put an end to it. And it was especially painful because they were then working on a film together called Houseboat It was really kind of heartbreaking, although Cary Grant ended up being gracious in the end and understood. But before, he was still reeling in from the loss of that relationship. He wanted to marry her. He actually asked her two-three times.

Loren and Ponti would wed in 1966 and later welcome two sons. The marriage lasted until Pontis death at age 94 in 2007.
Stephen Colbert launched a campaign during his show Wednesday night to be considered for President Trump's Dishonest & Corrupt Media Awards.

The talk show host purchased a billboard in New York's Times Square, the Hollywood Reporter said. The For Your Consideration ad is complete with laurels of past awards and various reviews.

"You know folks, its awards season," Colbert told his live audience Wednesday night. "Sunday is the Golden Globes  I'm not nominated don't watch  but on Monday there's an awards show everyone's going to be glued to," referring to Trump's awards, announced in a tweet Tuesday.

Oh, I will be, Colbert said in response on his Wednesday show. I cant take my eyes off any part of your presidency. Its like watching a snake swallow democracy.

Calling the awards ceremony, #TheFakies, the comedian joked that he hopes to be nominated for nine categories, including Fakest Dishonest, Least Breitbarty, and Smallest Button, taking a dig at the presidents latest tweet comparing his larger nuclear button with that of Kim Jong Uns, Variety reported.

Or, as we call em in the biz, the Fakies, Colbert said. Because nothing gives you more credibility than Donald Trump calling you a liar, and I, of course, dont want to get snubbed.
Employees who work at Tim Hortons locations in the Canadian province of Ontario owned by the co-founders children will reportedly see their benefits reduced along with paid breaks over the countrys $2.40 increase to minimum wage.

The Toronto Star reported Wednesday that employees at some of the Canadian-based coffee chains stores received a letter about the policy changes.

The letter from Jeri Horton-Joyce and Ron Joyce Jr. reportedly informed the employees that they will need to pay for a portion of their dental and health benefits.

"These changes are due to the increase of wages to $14.00 minimum wage on January 1, 2018, then $15.00 per hour on January 1, 2019, as well as the lack of assistance and financial help from our Head Office and from the Government," the letter read.

The employee break will also reportedly no longer be compensated. The report said that workers who pull a nine-hour shift will be compensated for eight hours and 20 minutes.

CBC News reported that some customers are considering boycotting the chain over the decision.

"I feel that we are getting the raw end of the stick," one employee told CBC News.

Tim Hortons issued a statement to CBC News, stating, "Almost all of our restaurants in Canada are independently owned and operated by small business Owners who are responsible for handling all employment matters, including all policies for benefits and wages, for their restaurants."
Despite being stationed in Iraq, Francois Clerfe was determined to make the journey home to California in time for the birth of his first child. Ten flights and two days later, the U.S. Army combat engineer managed just that by Jan. 1.

Kuwait, to Turkey, to Turkey to Frankfurt, Frankfurt to Baltimore, Baltimore to Atlanta, Clerfe recounted to WCVB of his trek back to the West Coast. The station further explained that he utilized a special policy in his battalion to return to Monterey to support wife Natalia Svistunova.

PILOT PROPOSES TO FLIGHT ATTENDANT IN FRONT OF PASSENGERS

It was fun and exciting at the same time, you know the thrill of thinking the 'what-ifs,' he joked of the journey, which spanned thousands upon thousands of miles.

At 9:53 a.m. on New Years Day, baby Julia arrived at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula. She was the hospitals first baby born in 2018, WVCB reports.

Meanwhile, Svistunova said she had no fear of her husband failing to make it back in time.

You know I had the feeling that he would make it because he really wanted to be here, next to us, she told the outlet.

And as excited as Clerfe was to see his new daughter, she was apparently just as ready to see him: Julia wasn't due until Jan. 9, making Clerfe's swift return stateside all the more sweet.

SOLDIERS REVEAL GENDER OF FALLEN COMRADE'S BABY IN FACEBOOK VIDEO

The new family is now enjoying some well-deserved quality time throughout the next month before Clerfe returns to his post, and they couldnt be more excited to see what 2018 has is store.



That moment, having a first kid into the world [on] the very first day of the New Year, I think that its going to be a very good year, Clerfe said.

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New Year -- newly improved you. Every January I update my mentoring advice for young professionals. Too many resolutions can be counterproductive -- but try these bite-sized ones on for size. I think theyll fit!

1. Look up, buttercup! In 2017, we visited Africa with Mercy Ships, a nonprofit that delivers routine surgeries to the forgotten African poor. One day we traveled off-site from the ship and drove to Ouidah, the final place of the slave trade route before the slaves were transferred to the ship to be sent away. My assistant, Erin, was sitting in the car editing a video to send back to Fox News  headphones in, eyes glued to her laptop screen. I tapped her on the shoulder and suggested she put her work aside for a moment and just look around. I watched her eyes widen as she stared in awe at colorful signs, women selling fresh bread, and goats roaming anywhere they chose. Look at that! she exclaimed every 30 seconds.

She pulled me aside and thanked me later for insisting she take a screen break. I cant believe I almost missed all that! she said.

You may not realize that youre spending most of your time looking down at a screen. Try to catch yourself and spend some time looking up. You never know what you might be missing.

2. OK, seriously, stop worrying: You often hear me say to young adults, dont worry your young lives away. I am a worrier and its the biggest waste of time. Stop worrying is the number one piece of advice I wish I could go back in time and tell my younger self (along with PLEASE WEAR SUNSCREEN DANA). It is easy to get overwhelmed with the pressures of daily life: Is this job right for me? What do I want to do with my life? How can I pay my bills on this salary? What if I never get married? Am I in the right city? Should I go to graduate school?

While these concerns deserve careful thought and focus, they shouldnt control your mind and cause you anxiety every day. Instead, trust your gut. Draft pro-con lists. Make decisions that you feel are right for you in this moment. But dont try to plan out your entire life right now. Let yourself grow  trust me, you have time!

3. Dont get a dog: You may consider this odd advice coming from me, but hear me out. I absolutely recommend getting a dog at the right time in your life  Henry and Jasper have filled my house with such joy  but getting one as a young adult can be tough. Take it from me  my boyfriend in college gave me a dog and it was a sweet gesture but the worst timing. I wasnt able to take care of the dog in my dorm room and as a college student with a job I didnt have the time to dedicate to my puppy that it needed and deserved. So, I had to give her away, after Id already bonded with her. It was heartbreaking.

You are young. Your focus right now should be on growing your lives through your career, traveling, visiting friends, and being out in the world! The moment you get a dog you will feel guilty doing anything at night besides leaving work and going home to see your pet. Why do you think Peter and I order take-out almost every night?

4. Travel: Now is the time to travel and see the world. Once you add kids and family members to your life, in addition to growing your career, all of a sudden traveling becomes difficult if not impossible.

Seeing the world is important for growth and character development. It helps you discover more about yourself and who you are. And it doesnt have to be expensive. You can take a road trip out West or volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. You may also have the opportunity to move to a different state or country for a job. Take it.

Whatever travel opportunities present themselves, whether through work or friends or family, go now. Youll never regret it.

5. Send notes. Lots and lots of notes: As I discuss in my book, And the Good News Is, building a network of allies is the number one full-proof way to expand your career. But once you build this network, you must cultivate it. See a great article in the paper by a reporter you like? Email the reporter a compliment. Your former boss gets a new job? Send him or her a congratulatory note.

Whatever you do, always reach out. The digital era makes it easy to stay in touch, so make sure you use that to your advantage as much as you can. But dont forget  never underestimate the value of a handwritten note!

Lightning Round:
Late Wednesday, the Justice Department and FBI stopped their four-month old stonewall of subpoenas from Congress for documents and witnesses related to the Steele dossier, the infamous compilation of unverified and salacious material alleging President Trump had improper dealings with Russia. All of the material will now apparently be turned over.

The House Intelligence Committee had demanded that the Justice Department and FBI explain how they came to become involved with former British spy Christopher Steele, who compiled the dossier after being paid by Fusion GPS. The company is a notorious Washington opposition research firm that in turn was paid to dig up dirt on Donald Trump by Hillary Clintons campaign and the Democratic National Committee.

The committee had demanded FBI and Justice Department compliance with subpoenas it issued last August by the close of business Wednesday, or the House could move to hold government officials in contempt of Congress.

Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., the chair of the House Intelligence Committee, says access to Justice Department officials and documents is important because the Steele dossier may have been used by the FBI to gain permission from a federal court to conduct surveillance on Trump campaign officials.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who is no fan of President Trump, says that after viewing key Justice Department documents in secret he is extremely concerned about the departments use of the Steele dossier. He has called for a special counsel to investigate this.

For his part, Nunes says it seems the DOJ and FBI need to be investigating themselves. Since they apparently wont do that, Nunes is happy to help out.

But it wont be easy. Nunes and his fellow investigators have been relentlessly attacked by Democrats and by Fusion GPS for insisting that two things be probed: both the possible collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign, and the possible misuse of federal intelligence agencies during the 2016 election.

Nunes and his fellow panel members note that Bruce Ohr, a senior Justice Department official, was demoted in December for not disclosing meetings with Fusion GPS. Ohr is married to a former employee of the opposition-research firm.

Fusion GPS co-founders Glenn Simpson and Peter Fritsch went on the attack this week in a New York Times op-ed they wrote, comparing Nunes and his allies to the defenders of President Richard Nixon during the Watergate scandal. They accused Nunes of trying to tarnish our firm to punish us for highlighting (Trump) links to Russia.

Curiously missing from the op-ed by Fusions founders is the fact that at the same time the firm was compiling the Steele dossier at the behest of Democrats, it was working for a Russian oligarch. The oligarch had ties to the Kremlin and was trying to undermine U.S. sanctions targeting Russian officials who have engaged in human rights violations.

Bill Browder, a former investor whose Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky was beaten to death in a Russian jail while facing bogus fraud charges, was able to get Congress to pass the Magnitsky Act in 2012. The law froze the Western financial assets of some Russian officials and restricted their travel.

Russian interests have since furiously tried to smear Browder and undermine the Magnitsky Act. They found Fusion GPS all too willing to aid in the smear.

Browder told Congress last year that Fusion GPS actively tried to discredit him. In July 2016 he filed a complaint with the Justice Department charging Fusion GPS with working on behalf of the Russian government and its interests. So far, no action has been taken by the Justice Department.

Fusion GPS has a long history of using ruthless tactics. Human rights activist Thor Halvorssen testified before Congress that Fusion GPS had smear experts and used scorched earth methods to discredit his work against the authoritarian regime in Venezuela.

In 2012, Fusion GPS was paid to dig through the divorce records of a Mitt Romney donor. Fusion may also have played a role in the infamous meeting between Trump campaign officials and Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya at Trump Tower in June 2016.

Glenn Simpson, the co-founder of Fusion GPS, met with Veselnitskaya before and after the meeting. According to NBC News, the negative information on Democrats she tried to peddle at the Trump Tower meeting stemmed from research conducted by Fusion GPS.

Simpson and Fritsch end their New York Times op-ed with a stirring call for congressional Republicans to release the transcripts of their private interviews. They write that three congressional committees have heard over 21 hours of testimony from our firm.

But Taylor Foy, a spokesman for the Senate Judiciary Committee, said on Wednesday that despite his public statements, Mr. Simpson and his attorney demanded during the interview that the transcript be kept confidential.

The Judiciary Committee interview came after weeks of negotiation in which Simpson refused an invitation, citing Fifth Amendment claims against self-incrimination, to appear before the committee in an open hearing.

By not accepting that invitation, Simpson declined an opportunity for transparency, Foy notes. Indeed, Foy claims that Fusion GPS has failed to provide the Committee with documents and responses to follow-up questions after the interview.

The Senate Judiciary Committee says it will release the full transcripts of its interviews with Fusion GPS officials as soon as it concludes its inquiry. In the meantime, the claims by Simpson that he wants full disclosure ring hollow.

After all, Simpson and fellow Fusion GPS partner Thomas Catan both invoked their Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination to avoid testifying in public on their firms activities. That kind of behavior is the opposite of transparency and smacks of the Nixon-like tactics that Fusion GPS is accusing its critics of engaging in.

By all means, let the investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia go forward. Enough evidence has surfaced about the connections that campaign had with sleazy players like former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort to justify further digging.

But lets also have a real probe of the dirt-diggers at Fusion GPS and the possible collusion they had with federal agencies to undermine the Trump campaign. Now that the Justice Department is finally turning over its records to the House Intelligence Committee we can do both.
With the retirement of Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, it is almost certain that former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney will be running for and likely win Hatchs seat in November.

Recent polling has shown that Romney has an over a 69 percent approval rating in the state, including over 81 percent among Republicans, and would defeat the presumptive Democrat in the general election by over 50 points.

I voted for and support President Trump. I believe he has done immense good on many policy fronts for conservatives and America this past year, including cutting regulations, signing tax reform legislation into law, appointing constitutionalist judges and rebuilding our military.

Nonetheless, I think a voice like Romneys is also very valuable for both the GOP and our country as a whole. Romneys brand of aspirational and internationalist conservatism is one that is greatly needed now, due to the major policy challenges our nation faces on the economic and foreign policy fronts, as well as pressing political problems for the GOP.

America faces an increasing international global rivalry from Russia and China, as well as regional security challenges including North Korea, Pakistan, Syria, Iran, and the quest for peace between Israel and the Palestinians. We should remember it was Romney who predicted back in 2012 that Russia was  and would be  one of our greatest geopolitical foes. While that sentiment at the time was laughed at by much of the left, it has quickly turned out to be true.

Romneys expertise on international affairs is undoubtedly one reason why President Trump seriously considered making Romney his secretary of state.

Romneys diverse experiences and perspectives in business also are needed at a time when our economy is experiencing extraordinary transformation. Romney has been not only a governor but also a successful businessman, whether at the Olympics or in venture capital. He was exposed to the frontier strategic questions facing many different companies across all sectors.

At a time when many disruptive companies in technology and other industries are precisely the ones driving major growth in jobs, the stock market, and the economy  as well as creating product innovation  Romneys perspective is desperately needed in a policy world that in many cases remains bewildered by these changes.

Furthermore, Romneys successful turnaround of the 2002 Winter Olympics demonstrates an efficiency-oriented financial mind very much needed when voting on our federal governments budget and structure. We see massive federal waste and a big deficit that continues to increase our national debt.

All of these points are well-known to Republicans nationwide who supported Romneys 2012 race as the GOP nominee. They may be even more relevant now as our nations economic, public finance, and foreign policy problems have only worsened.

However Romneys reputation has taken a sour turn these past two years among many Republicans as he emerged as one of the most vocal anti-Trump voices during the 2016 presidential primaries and general election.

It is true that Romney was harsh  including perhaps sometimes unfairly  to then-candidate Trump.

However since Trump was elected, Romney has changed his tone significantly. While Romney has remained critical of President Trump frequently and very ruthlessly at times, such as after Charlottesville, nonetheless Romney has also praised President Trump on issues that Romney seems to believe are in agreement with the aspirational and internationalist conservatism Romney espouses.

I imagine that Romney would act largely the same as a senator. I am no fan of Never Trumpers but I believe Romney is not and would not be one.

The primary reason for my belief that Romney would be even-handed to President Trump, as he has been since the election, is that I believe Romney is truly a man of integrity.

With integrity and honor, I trust Romney would be fair, upfront, and honest in his interactions with President Trump as well as in contributing his economic and foreign policy expertise to our national policy discourse.

Furthermore, we need more people of character in politics after whats been a very disgraceful year for public virtue, due to the revelations about sexual misconduct in Hollywood, the media, Congress and elsewhere.

I also think Romneys presence again on the national stage would bode well for Republicans hoping to rally around an aspirational conservative who can appeal to the middle and grow our party in our increasingly polarized time. I had hoped Ed Gillespie might have been such a person in Virginia, but sadly he lost his race for governor in November.

Whatever the feelings of Republicans nationwide are, it looks for the moment that Romney will likely be the next senator from Utah if he so chooses. As a supporter of President Trump, I welcome and applaud this prospect.
There could be no greater contrast in leadership on the world stage and in interpreting reality than President Obamas lead from behind model in Iran versus President Trumps lead from the front model.

When the Iranian people demonstrated against the nations dictatorship in 2009, President Obama was weak and quiet. He was so interested in getting a nuclear arms deal with the dictatorship that he did not want to irritate Irans leaders

In all fairness, the Obama administration was an accurate reflection of the dominant academic elite theory of the world. In the view of the left, appeasement is always better than confrontation, and working with dictatorships is always better than trying to replace them. In the elites world, the United States should be a weak, timid country that avoids irritating dictators and upsetting the international order.

President Trump represents a remarkably different view of reality. He believes weakness begets weakness. He believes bad regimes are bad. He believes leaders look for opportunities and move aggressively and courageously to advance their vision of the world. He believes America is big enough and strong enough to provide real leadership.

Where President Obama minimized public comment about the Iranian people taking on their dictatorship, President Trump has taken the opposite approach. He called out the Iranian regimes treatment of its people before there were any demonstrations.

In his address to the United Nations in September, President Trump said: The entire world understands that the good people of Iran want change, and, other than the vast military power of the United States, that Iran's people are what their leaders fear the most. This is what causes the regime to restrict Internet access, tear down satellite dishes, shoot unarmed student protestors, and imprison political reformers.

Note that President Trump, who the elite left insists is ignorant and dangerous on national security and foreign policy, was describing the potential for the current popular demonstrations three months before they started.

Now that as some courageous Iranians have risked prison and even death by standing up to the dictatorship, President Trump is once again proving that he represents the opposite of President Obamas passivity and weakness.

President Trump is personally tweeting and speaking out. His spokesperson, Sarah Sanders, has defended the presidents aggressiveness and frankness in taking on the Iranian dictatorship. Ambassador Nikki Haley has been incredibly strong in speaking out at the United Nations. The National Security Council is coordinating an active effort to help the Iranian people and undermine the dictatorship.

Much of this comes from the huge difference in the sophistication and sense of reality between the President Obamas advisers and the President Trumps advisers.

The Wall Street Journal captured the Obama administrations illusions about Iran perfectly in a Jan. 2 editorial that said: The world should support this fight for freedom, which is exposing the illusions about Iran that dominated the Obama Administration. Start with the claim that signing a nuclear deal with the Tehran regime would moderate its behavior. Ben Rhodes, President Obamas chief foreign-policy salesman, said in June 2015 that a world in which there is a deal with Iran is much more likely to produce an evolution in Iranian behavior, than a world in which there is no deal.

The editorial continued: Mr. Obama said the pact could strengthen the hands of more moderate leaders in Iran. And Vice President Joe Bidens national security adviser Colin Kahl said in 2015 that the Iranians are not going to spend the vast majority of the money on guns, most of it will go to butter. Toward that end, the nuclear pact lifted international sanctions and unfroze $100 billion in Iranian assets.

The editorial went on to say: Yet instead of using the money to improve the lives of Iranians, Tehran has used its windfall to back clients making trouble throughout the region. The mullahs have spent billions propping up Syrias Bashar Assad with troops, weapons and energy shipments. Iran funds Shiite militias in Iraq, Hezbollah terrorists in Syria and Lebanon, and Houthi fighters in Yemen.

Contrast the profound mistakes of fact and analysis in the Obama team with the presence, experience, and knowledge of Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis (a retired Marine four-star general), Chief of Staff John Kelly (a retired Marine four-star general), and National Security Advisor H. R. McMaster (a current Army three-star general).

All three of Trumps key national security and foreign policy advisers have fought in the Middle East. All three know that they lost young Americans to Iranian weapons, trainers, advisors  and in some cases, terror operatives. All three believe that the current Iranian dictatorship poses an enormous threat to global and national security as the leading state sponsor of terrorism  with or without nuclear weapons.

The difference in sophistication, personal experience, and reality-based analysis between the Obama and Trump teams is astounding.

Some of the difference is beginning to impact even establishment analysts.

David Ignatius, one of the most respected columnists on foreign affairs and national security, wrote a recent column in The Washington Post headlined: Trump is right to tell Iran the world is watching.

When President Trump starts getting Trump is right headlines in The Washington Post, you know something big is happening.

It turns out a real leader who is leading from the front can make a significant difference.
President Trump has sent a loud and clear message to leaders of the Palestinian Authority: Stop treating the United States like a giant ATM, withdrawing billions of dollars in aid without engaging in peace negotiations with Israel and being willing to make mutual compromises.

Has this message upset Palestinian leaders and their supporters? Absolutely.

But maybe  just maybe  President Trumps bold and unconventional message will act like a shock treatment and jumpstart new talks between Palestinians and Israelis. If this happens  and it is far from certain  the presidents departure from past policies could go down as an historic turning point in what seems like a never-ending and frozen peace process.

The State Department reports that America has provided more than $5.2 billion from the U.S. Agency for International Development to the Palestinians since 1994, including $290 million in 2016.

President Trump apparently isnt ready to accept the status quo in the Holy Land.

In addition, the U.S. has provided billions more to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine (UNRWA), which has aided Palestinian refugees in several countries in the Middle East since 1949. This aid includes $355 million from American taxpayers in 2016 alone. America also provided an additional $55 million to Palestinians in 2016 for law enforcement.

The term refugees includes children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of people who left Israel when the nation became independent 70 years ago.

The president tweeted Tuesday:  we pay the Palestinians HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS a year and get no appreciation or respect. They dont even want to negotiate a long overdue peace treaty with Israel. But with the Palestinians no longer willing to talk peace, why should we make any of these massive future payments to them?

President Trumps tweet comes on the heels of his announcement last month that the U.S. recognizes Jerusalem as Israels capital  and our United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haleys threat to make deep cuts to Americas financial contributions to the world body.

As result of these comments, there is a growing chorus of governments, diplomats, and pundits (including some Israelis) who are convinced that President Trump is a one-man wrecking crew.

President Trumps recklessness, his critics assert, is killing off the Middle East peace process and any flickering hopes for a two-state solution, in which a Jewish state of Israel and an Arab state of Palestine would live side by side in peace.

Worse still, the presidents critics say a cutoff of U.S. funds to the Palestinian Authority carries the threat that the Palestinian governing body could implode for lack of funding. That would leave Israel with the onerous and unwanted burden of ruling millions of Palestinians.

But conventional wisdom about the Middle East has not yielded much progress towards the elusive two-state solution. Instead, it has created and sustained a status quo that dumps more and more money, year after year, into a corrupt Palestinian Authority.

And all that American aid has done nothing to challenge the terrorist group Hamas grip on power in Gaza and turned the unaccountable UNWRA into biggest employer there, with 25,000 Palestinians on its payroll.

The U.N. Human Rights Council; the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); and the U.N. General Assembly have all but been hijacked to denigrate and demonize Israel.

And the U.N. and its agencies also deny Jewish and Christian history in the land where Jews have lived for 3,000 years and where Christianity began. This makes as much sense as saying Native Americans arrived in the U.S. long after Christopher Columbus and other Europeans settled the land first.

President Trump apparently isnt ready to accept the status quo in the Holy Land.

There were predictions after President Trumps announcement recognizing Jerusalem as Israels capital that he would ignite a new intifada and sustained worldwide protests by Arabs and Muslims. But that didnt happen, despite the best efforts of the Palestinians, Hezbollah, Iran and the Muslim Brotherhood.

Instead, protests were small and fleeting because the Palestinian issue no longer holds a veto over the priorities of Arab nations. The Gulf States and Egypt, for example, worry about a burgeoning existential threat from Iran.

Beyond the Iranian threat, Saudi Arabia is mapping out a new economic plans to create jobs for it younger generation, as the world becomes less dependent on Arab oil. All this signals a new willingness to deal with the Jewish states dynamic economic startup opportunities.

In his speech on Jerusalem, President Trump did not speak of borders or sovereignty. So he did not attempt to dictate whether the Old City in East Jerusalem  filled with holy sites for Jews, Christians and Muslims  will ultimately be part of Israel or a future Palestinian state.

But the president signaled two things to the Palestinians.

First, the status quo between Israel and Palestinians will never lead to peace. And second, if you dont like what I did, get up and negotiate your own deal with the Israelis.

Now, with his threat of a cutoff of aid to the Palestinian Authority, President Trump is sending additional signals.

The current Palestinian Authority budget  over the objections of the U.S. Congress  has allocated $344 million to reward families of terrorists who have murdered and maimed innocent civilians in Israel, including American Taylor Force. This amounts to about half of all international aid the Palestinian Authority receives each year. America no longer wants to help incentivize Palestinian terrorism.

The president may also be calling into question the massive U.S. funding of UNWRA, an agency created to be part of the solution in the Middle East but that in 2018 is clearly part of the problem.

Its clear that 82-year-old Mahmoud Abbas, who heads the Palestinian Authority, is unlikely to make the compromises needed to make peace with Israel  especially if the cash flow from Uncle Sam keeps on coming.

Abbas was elected in 2005 to serve as Palestinian president until 2009, but has never relinquished power or allowed new elections. As long as he keeps collecting U.S. money for doing nothing to make peace a reality, why should we expect him to change?

But perhaps President Trumps tweets arent meant for Abbas. Perhaps they are meant to shake up the next generation of Palestinians, who know all too well that they have not been well-served by the status quo or their leaders.
Paul Manafort's prison stay was extended Wednesday  nearly a week after he was sentenced to 47 months on bank and tax fraud charges in a separate case. The former Trump campaign chairman is now slated to spend a total of 81 months in prison.

He was given extra prison time at his second sentencing in connection with his guilty plea related to foreign lobbying and witness tampering.

In August, Manafort became the first Trump campaign associate to be found guilty by a jury as part of Special Counsel Robert Muellers long-running probe. He was convicted of eight bank and tax fraud charges at that time.

PAUL MANAFORT SENTENCED ON FOREIGN LOBBYING AND WITNESS TAMPERING CHARGES

Manafort has been the subject of an investigation over his dealings in Ukraine several years ago  he didnt file as a foreign agent until June 2017. But Mueller has incorporated that investigation into his probe of Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election and possible collusion with Trump associates.

Manafort was convicted on multiple counts of financial fraud last year in connection with his Ukranian work, and is in prison. In November, Mueller accused Manafort of lying "on a variety of subject matters" since his plea deal, thus violating that agreement.

Read on for a look at Manafort's work with the Trump campaign and how he is connected to the Russia investigation.

What kind of foreign work did Manafort do?

A GOP operative who worked for former Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, Manafort reportedly began his work in Republican politics in the 1970s.

Eventually, Manafort was hired by former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, a controversial pro-Russia politician who was ousted from power twice. After Yanukovych was elected president in 2010, Manafort reportedly stayed on as an adviser and worked on other projects in Eastern Europe, including the Party of Regions political party.

Manafort also worked for Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska. In 2005, Manafort allegedly came up with a plan to influence U.S. politics, business dealings and the media in order to greatly benefit the Putin government, according to The Associated Press.

Deripaska is a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and signed a $10 million annual contract with Manafort in 2006; they maintained a business relationship until at least 2009.

Financial records obtained by The New York Times indicated that Manafort was in debt to pro-Russian interests by up to $17 million prior to joining Donald Trumps presidential campaign.

He also took more than a dozen trips to Moscow and frequently talked to Putin allies over a period of about 10 years, McClatchy reported. He traveled to Kiev at least 19 times in 20 months after the February 2014 removal of Ukraines pro-Russia leader.

How was Manafort involved with Trump's campaign?

Manafort joined Trump's presidential campaign in March 2016 to help wrangle delegates ahead of the Republican National Convention in Ohio, something he'd done for former President Gerald Ford.

Just two months later, Manafort became Trump's campaign chairman.

Manaforts resignation from the campaign was announced on August 19, 2016, after The Times reported that he'd received $12.7 million in undisclosed cash payments from Yanukovychs pro-Russian party between 2007 and 2012.

Manafort and Donald Trump Jr., the president's eldest son, met with Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya in June 2016. She reportedly was said to have damaging information on Trumps campaign rival, Hillary Clinton, which was "part of Russia and its governments support for Mr. Trump."

What was Manafort charged with?

Along with his former business associate Rick Gates, Manafort was initially indicted in October 2017 on multiple counts that included: conspiracy against the U.S., conspiracy to launder money, false statements and failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts.

Nearly four months later, in February 2018, the pair were hit with additional tax evasion and bank fraud charges. These charges involved much of the same conduct Manafort and Gates were initially accused of, but the amount of money Manafort said to have laundered through offshore accounts increased to $30 million.

In June 2018, Mueller's team brought additional charges of obstruction of justice against Manafort and Konstantin Kilimnik, an associate. The charges against Manafort and Gates dont relate to allegations of misconduct during Trumps campaign.

Mueller also accused Manafort of secretly paying former European politicians to lobby on behalf of Ukraine.

Manafort was found guilty of eight counts in August in the first trial victory for Mueller's team. The judge declared a mistrial on 10 other counts after jurors failed to reach a unanimous verdict.

In September, Manafort pleaded guilty as part of an agreement with Mueller's team ahead of his second trial. According to Politico, the plea deal includes a 10-year cap for how long Manafort will be in prison. It also includes allowing Manafort to serve his time for both trials concurrently.

He received a nearly 4-year prison sentence on March 7 after a federal jury in Virginia convicted him on eight counts of bank and tax fraud last year. A week later, on March 13, he received an additional three and a half years on foreign lobbying and witness tampering charges.

Manafort previously maintained his innocence despite all of the charges brought before him  but he has since expressed remorse for his actions.

"I am sorry for what I have done and all the activities that have gotten us here today," Manafort said in a written statement in March, begging a judge for mercy.

Fox News' Ann Schmidt, Jake Gibson, Alex Pappas, Matt Richardson and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
President Trump announced late Wednesday that he had disbanded his controversial "election integrity" commission and blamed a refusal by more than a dozen states to provide what he called "basic information."

"Rather than engage in endless legal battles at taxpayer expense, today President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order to dissolve the Commission, and he has asked the Department of Homeland Security to review its initial findings and determine next courses of action," White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement.

The commission, led by Vice President Mike Pence and Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, had asked all 50 states and the District of Columbia to hand over reams of personal voter data, including voters' names, voting histories and party affiliations.

Multiple states -- including Virginia, Kentucky, and California -- as well as D.C. declined to comply with the commission's requests.

Trump, during the commission's first meeting, questioned the motives of states that refused to comply with the commission's requests, suggesting they had something to hide. The president had alleged, without evidence, that 3 million to 5 million people voted illegally in the 2016 election, delivering the popular vote to his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton. Clinton received 2.8 million more votes than Trump nationwide.



Kobach characterized the decision to dissolve the bipartisan group as a "tactical change" and argued DHS can pursue an investigation of election fraud more quickly and efficiently.

"The Democrats, both on and off the commission, made very clear that they were not interested in determining the scope and extent of voter fraud and, indeed, they were trying to stop the commission in its tracks," Kobach said. "The Democrats lost their opportunity, lost their seat at the table, by stonewalling."

Kobach, a conservative Republican and vocal supporter of tough voter ID laws, alleged Democrats wanted no investigation. "Their motto is, 'Nothing to see here,"' he said.

The requests drew heavy criticism from privacy advocates, as well as civil and voting-rights groups who maintain that there is no definitive evidence of widespread voter fraud in the United States.

One of the members of the commission, Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, sued the commission in federal court, alleging it had violated federal law by refusing to provide him documents available to other members, among other charges.

Three Democratic senators -- Michael Bennet of Colorado, Cory Booker of New Jersey and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota -- had also asked the U.S. Government Accountability Office to investigate the commission, which it agreed to do in October.

While there have been isolated cases of people voting illegally, and many voter rolls often contain outdated data, there is no evidence voter fraud is a widespread problem in the United States or has impacted election results.

A study by a Loyola Law School professor found that out of 1 billion votes cast in all American elections between 2000 and 2014, there were only 31 known cases of impersonation fraud.

Critics also viewed the commission as an attempt to distract from the ongoing investigations into Russian election meddling and allegations of collusion between Moscow and Trump campaign aides. The intelligence community concluded that the Russian government mounted a campaign to help Trump win.

Voter advocacy groups and Democrats applauded Wednesday's decision.

"The commission never had anything to do with election integrity," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said in a statement. "It was instead a front to suppress the vote, perpetrate dangerous and baseless claims, and was ridiculed from one end of the country to the other.

"It is no surprise that a commission founded on a lie of widespread voter fraud proved to be a fraud itself," said California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, a Democrat, who had refused to comply with the commission's request for voter data. "No taxpayer dollars should have been wasted on Mr. Trump's voter suppression crusade."

Dale Ho, director of the American Civil Liberties Union Voting Rights Project, accused the commission of engaging in "a wild-goose chase for voter fraud, demonizing the very American voters whom we should all be helping to participate -- with the not-so-secret goal of making voting harder with unnecessary barriers.

"President Trump has tried and failed to spread his own fake news about voter fraud," Ho said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
President Trumps lawyers sent a cease-and-desist letter Wednesday night and threatened imminent legal action against former top strategist Steve Bannon, capping a whirlwind day marked by a no-holds-barred war of words between the two men.

The letter is a response to sharply critical comments that Bannon reportedly made to journalist Michael Wolff about Trumps campaign and leadership.

Charles Harder, Trumps attorney, charges in the letter that Bannon violated a non-disclosure agreement signed during the campaign by disclosing confidential information, speaking to the media about the campaign and disparaging members of the Trump family.

Additionally, Harder suggests that Bannon told lies that defamed and slandered Trump.

FLEISCHER: TRUMP STATEMENT LIKE A '2x4 TO THE HEAD' OF BANNON

You have breached the Agreement by, among other things, communicating with author Michael Wolff about Mr. Trump, his family members, and the Company (the Trump campaign), disclosing Confidential Information to Mr. Wolff, and making disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements to Mr. Wolff about Mr. Trump, his family members, and the Company, Trump attorney Charles Harder wrote to Bannon.

In a statement Wednesday night, Harder wrote that Bannons actions give rise to numerous legal claims including defamation by libel and slander, and breach of his written confidentiality and non-disparagement agreement with our clients. Legal action is imminent.

Harder requests in the letter that Bannon cease publishing defamatory or confidential information and immediately begin preserving relevant documents, a standard demand typically made before the commencement of legal action.

"Please confirm in writing within twenty-four (24) hours of the transmission of this letter that the foregoing demands will be, and are being, fully complied with," the letter states.

Bannon told Wolff in an interview that senior Trump officials meeting with Russians in Trump Tower in 2016 was treasonous and unpatriotic, multiple outlets reported.

[T]heyre going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV, Bannon added, according to accounts of the interview.

And in excerpts from Wolffs upcoming book, Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, also published Wednesday, Bannon is quoted maligning the Trump campaigns organization and divulging other details of his time in the White House.

Trump fired back in an official White House statement later in the day.

Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency, the statement said. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind.

Steve had very little to do with our historic victory, which was delivered by the forgotten men and women of this country, Trump added. Yet Steve had everything to do with the loss of a Senate seat in Alabama held for more than thirty years by Republicans. Steve doesnt represent my basehes only in it for himself.

Bannon appeared on Sirius XMs Patriot Channels Breitbart News Tonight late Wednesday and called Trump a great man. When asked by a caller about Trumps comments about him on Twitter, Bannon appeared to shake off Trumps remarks.

You know I support him day in and day out, whether going through the country giving the Trump miracle speech or on the show or on the website, he said.
The Trump administration will announce later this week that it is withholding money for "security assistance" to Pakistan after the White House warned that country it would have to take tougher action against terrorism to keep U.S. aid flowing, a State Department official told Fox News Wednesday.

The official said the formal announcement was expected Thursday. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters on Tuesday to expect more details on specific actions against Pakistan over the next day or two.

The pending announcement was first reported by Reuters.

On Monday, Trump tweeted the U.S. had "foolishly" given Pakistan more than $33 billion in aid in the last 15 years and had gotten nothing in return but "lies & deceit."

Washington has confirmed it will withhold $255 million in U.S. military aid to Pakistan this year, a threat it issued last August when Trump announced his Afghan policy, which took aim at neighboring Pakistan and demanded an end to Islamabad's alleged support for the Afghan Taliban.

Pakistan denies supporting militants, pointing to its own war against extremist groups battling to overthrow the government.

At a top security meeting on Tuesday, Pakistan's civilian and military leadership said Trump's tweet ran counter to meetings held with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis following the August announcement of Trump's Afghan policy. A statement after the meeting described talks with Tillerson and Mattis as "robust and forward-looking." It also said Trump's New Year's Day tweet was "completely incomprehensible."

Fox News' Nick Kalman and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Thursday rolled back an Obama-era policy that allowed legal marijuana to thrive without federal intervention.

The move effectively unleashes federal prosecutors to consider bringing marijuana cases, while stopping short of ordering them to do so.

U.S. attorneys need to make decisions in these cases as they do in other drugs cases, a senior DOJ official told Fox News.

The Obama administration back in 2013 announced via a memo from then-Deputy Attorney General James Cole that it would not obstruct states that legalized marijuana, on the condition the drug was regulated so as not to hinder key federal enforcement priorities. This included preventing the drug from being distributed to minors, preventing its movement to other states, and preventing it from being used as a cover for the trafficking of other drugs.

The Department of Justice announced Thursday that it had rescinded that memo, as well as related guidance from 2009.

"Give the Department's well-established general principles, previous nationwide guidance specific to marijuana enforcement is unnecessary and is rescinded, effective immediately," Sessions said in a new memo.

The move takes aim at the budding mainstream marijuana industry, even as it leaves up to U.S. attorneys to what extent to enforce federal law on marijuana.

As for how the reversal will affect states where recreational pot use is legal and the marijuana industry as a whole, the situation is unclear.

When asked if the DOJ would be bringing suit against states like California and Colorado, a senior DOJ official said only: Further steps are still under consideration.

Jim Borghesani, a spokesman for the Yes on 4 Coalition that supported legalizing marijuana, told MassLive.com that he could not tell what impact Sessions' decision will have on Massachusetts -- where the drug was legalized via a 2016 referendum.

"Jeff Sessions is revoking the Cole memo, but he's not saying prosecutions are going to start," Borghesani said. "I think it's going to come down to how individual U.S. attorneys move forward in the regions that they operate."

Ahead of the announcement, Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., accused his fellow Republican of trampling "on the will of voters in [Colorado] and other states" and of contradicting what he told Gardner during his confirmation hearing. Gardner also threatened to withhold support for DOJ nominees until Sessions changes course.

Such a change would appear unlikely. Sessions has blamed the increased use of the drug for spikes in violence in the U.S. and has been an outspoken critic of efforts to make its use more acceptable.

I reject the idea that America will be a better place if marijuana is sold in every corner store. And I am astonished to hear people suggest that we can solve our heroin crisis by legalizing marijuana  so people can trade one life-wrecking dependency for another thats only slightly less awful, he told law enforcement officials in March. Our nation needs to say clearly once again that using drugs will destroy your life.

In a letter to congressional leaders in May, he asked them to ditch language that prevents the DOJ from spending money preventing states from implementing their own laws on medical marijuana.

I believe it would be unwise for Congress to restrict the discretion of the Department to fund particular prosecutions, particularly in the midst of an historic drug epidemic and potentially long-term uptick in violent crime, Sessions wrote. The Department must be in a position to use all laws available to combat the transnational drug organizations and dangerous drug traffickers who threaten American lives.

Advocates for marijuana legalization argue that banning the substance only serves to beef up the black market and allows criminals to control distribution.

Sessions announcement came just days after California joined states such as Colorado in permitting pot for recreational purposes. The drug will be legal for adults 21 and older, and residents will be allowed to grow up to six plants and possess up to an ounce of marijuana.

Reports of Sessions move sparked anger from Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., who said on Twitter that basically anything was more important than cracking down on pot use.

Twenty-nine states have adopted medical marijuana laws, while seven other states have legalized the drug for recreational purposes.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The press is developing a strange new respect for Mitt Romney.

You know, the guy who drew such derision and ridicule when he ran for president in 2012.

That guy was widely depicted as an out-of-touch plutocrat who had a house with a car elevator, babbled about binders full of women, and strapped his dog to the roof of the family car.

Ah, but as Romney gears up to run for the Senate in the wake of Orrin Hatch's retirement, many pundits have found something to love about the man:

He's a fierce critic of President Trump.

And that's why the press has been in a run-Mitt-run mode.

Romney is considered the heavy favorite in Utah now that Hatch, at 83, says hes hanging it up. And there is media excitement at the prospect of having a nationally known Trump detractor in Washington.

CNN says it all in the lead: "The Republican opposition to President Donald Trump is poised to get a new champion: Mitt Romney."

MSNBC ran this on-screen banner: "HATCH RETIREMENT OPENS DOOR TO TRUMP NIGHTMARE: ROMNEY SENATE RUN."

Politico delights in "the fraught relationship between the Republican heavyweights  one that will now take center stage as Romney prepares a Senate bid."

Center stage! That didn't take long.

Now it's obviously true that Trump and Romney don't exactly think highly of each other. The president, who backed the former Massachusetts governor six years ago, later accused him of choking like a dog. And Romney ripped the president last year, despite the little dance they had when Trump was ostensibly considering him for secretary of Statewhich never seemed like a serious prospect.

"While laying the groundwork for a prospective bid," Politico says, "Romney has made little secret that he will be unafraid of taking on the president. The 2012 GOP nominee has informed a series of Republican Party donors, senators and power brokers in recent weeks that, while he isn't looking to pick a fight with Trump, he is more than willing to speak out against him. During the 2016 campaign, Romney derided Trump as a 'phony' and 'fraud' and implored the party to nominate someone else ...

"Romney is also guided by frustration with the president ... The president and his top advisers remain suspicious of Romney, who criticized Trump over the course of his first year in office."

The New York Times says "Romneys potential ascent is particularly alarming to the White House because the former presidential candidate has an extensive political network and could use the Senate seat as a platform to again seek the nomination. Even if he were not to run again for president, a Senator Romney could prove a pivotal swing vote, impervious to the entreaties of a president he has scorned and able to rally other Trump skeptics in the chamber."

Now some of this may be wishful thinking. Liberal Washington Post blogger Greg Sargent says the expectation is "that Romney will vote for Trumps policy agenda 99.9999 percent of the time." But since the president is "catastrophically unfit to serve," in his view, left-wingers "should hope that Romney does become at least a serious voice of opposition to Trump."

Obviously, a presidential candidate draws far tougher media scrutiny than someone running for one of 100 Senate seats. And candidate Romney made more than his share of mistakes. But most of the media back then were wedded to a portrait of Romney as a wealthy 1950s sitcom dad who liked firing poor people.

Now that hes poised to take on Donald Trump rather than running against Barack Obama, Romney is getting a far warmer media reception.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley is pressing the Justice Department for answers on whether James Comey violated bureau rules, saying it appears the former FBI director leaked at least one classified memo to a professor friend shortly after his firing.

Grassley, R-Iowa, penned a letter to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein late Wednesday, saying he and his staff had reviewed the Comey memos which were created purportedly memorializing his interactions with President Trump. They did so in a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) at the FBI and the Senate, because the FBI deemed the majority of the memos to be classified.

"Of the seven memos, four are marked classified at the 'SECRET'or 'CONFIDENTIAL' levels," Grassley wrote, adding that "only three did not contain classified information.

Grassleys letter appears to back up July 2017 reports that several of Comeys private memos contained classified material. The Hill first reported this development; Fox News confirmed with a legal source at the time that some material contained classified information. The president seized on those reports at the time with a tweet saying: That is so illegal!

Comey admitted in congressional testimony in June 2017 that he had given his friend, Columbia University Professor Daniel Richman, his memos about discussions with Trump in order to have his notes leaked to The New York Times -- hoping to spur the appointment of a special counsel to investigate Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential campaign.

Richman told Fox News in July that he indeed received four memos from Comey, but said none of them were marked classified.

Richman told Fox News that only the substance of one memo, not the physical document, was given to the press. That was not classified at the time, and remains unclassified, he said.

COMEY MEMOS REPORTEDLY HAD CLASSIFIED INFO; TRUMP SAYS 'THAT'S SO ILLEGAL!'

But in his letter to Rosenstein, Grassley said that if Richman had four of the memos, it would appear one of them had classified information.

If its true that Professor Richman had four of the seven memos, then in light of the fact that four of the seven memos the Committee reviewed are classified, it would appear that at least one memo the former FBI director gave Professor Richman contained classified information, Grassley wrote.

Grassley went on to press Rosenstein over whether Comey violated any Justice Department or FBI rules in sharing such information with Richman, and questioned whether the department had launched an investigation into Comeys handling of confidential, classified information.

The Justice Department told Fox News Thursday that they would not confirm or deny investigations, and declined further comment.

The FBI employee agreement, which all agents sign, states: Unauthorized disclosure, misuse, or negligent handling of information contained in the files, electronic or paper, of the FBI or which I may acquire as an employee of the FBI could impair national security, place human life in jeopardy, result in the denial of due process, prevent the FBI from effectively discharging its responsibilities, or violate federal law.

Grassley also asked whether Richman still retained the memos or copies of them.

FBI personnel refused to answer factual questions during the document reviews, including questions about the chain of custody of the documents I was reviewing, the dates that they were marked classified, and who marked them classified, Grassley wrote.

The FBI told Fox News Thursday that they had no comment on Grassleys letter or his requests for information.

When asked whether he still had the memos, or copies of such, in his possession, Richman told Fox News he had no further comment.

Grassley said that even after review of the documents, the committee has not determined which of the seven were given to Richman, and requested the Justice Department share that information with them by Jan. 17.
In a war of words between heavyweight names in the national Democratic establishment, a Kennedy running for governor has slammed Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel for his alleged complicity in a gentrification plan that critics say is forcing African-Americans and other minorities out of the countrys third-largest city.

I believe that black people are being pushed out of Chicago intentionally by a strategy that involves disinvestment in communities being implemented by the city administration, said Chris Kennedy, who is running for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination ahead of a March 20 primary. I believe Rahm Emanuel is the head of the city administration and therefore needs to be held responsible for those outcomes, Kennedy said, according to the Chicago Tribune.

This is involuntary. That were cutting off funding for schools, cutting off funding for police, allowing people to be forced to live in food deserts, closing hospitals, closing access to mental health facilities. What choice do people have but to move, to leave? Kennedy was quoted as saying. And I think thats part of a strategic gentrification plan being implemented by the city of Chicago to push people of color out of the city. The city is becoming smaller, and as it becomes smaller, its become whiter.

Kennedy, the son of late U.S. Sen. Robert Kennedy and nephew of President John F. Kennedy, is hoping to appeal to African-American voters in a primary challenge against Chicago businessman J.B. Pritzker. The Kennedy name still carries resonance among older African-American voters in Chicago due to the role the Massachusetts political family played in the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s.

Kennedy, who moved to Illinois after graduating college in 1986, is the head of the family investment firm, Joseph P. Kennedy Enterprises, and is a member of the mutual fund board of trustees for Chicago-based Ariel Investments. While this is Kennedys first run at elected office, he worked on his uncle U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy's bid for the 1980 Democratic Party's nomination for president, and hosted a fundraiser for Barack Obama during his bid for the U.S. Senate in 2004.

The Obama Foundation did not respond to Fox News's request for comment.

Emanuels office responded to Kennedys criticism by associating him with two Republican politicians who have little support in the Democratic stronghold of Chicago: President Donald Trump and Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner.

Its sad to see Chris Kennedy joining President Trump and Gov. Rauner in using cynical, politically motivated attacks about Chicagos communities for his own personal gain, Emanuel spokesman Matt McGrath said in a statement. His divisive comments today are a direct assault on one of this citys greatest strengths  our diversity.

Emanuel, the one-time White House chief of staff to former President Barack Obama, came into office in 2011 amid high hopes. But his tenure as mayor has been plagued by a series of scandals, and a soaring homicide rate. While Emanuels approval rating has improved recently  hovering around 50 percent  he has become a frequent target of President Trumps critiques of inner city crime.

The attacks from Trump are expected, but such harsh criticism by Kennedy was not expected. According to McGrath, Kennedy has ignored work being done in neighborhoods across the city to improve the quality of life for everyone who calls Chicago home.

In a statement to the Tribune, Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said Kennedy was out of touch with the citys efforts to reduce violent crime.

Ive never heard from Chris Kennedy. Ive never even met him. Hes never visited a police station or asked me or my team for any kind of briefing on what we are doing in Chicago to address the gang violence and ongoing infusion of illegal guns on our streets, Johnson said. Im not a politician, but I do take issue with the hard work our men and women are doing to beat back this violence is used to score political points.

Despite the Kennedy name, the candidate has struggled to raise campaign funds, and lacks the backing of the states Democratic establishment. Despite this, he has recently ramped up his criticisms of fellow Democrats besides Emanuel. He called for the ouster of Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios, the countys Democratic chairman, after an investigation found that his offices assessments had so many errors and favored owners of expensive commercial properties.
A federal judge has ended curfew restrictions for ex-Capitol Hill IT aide Imran Awan but is still requiring him to wear a GPS monitoring device as he awaits trial on fraud charges and prosecutors argue he is a flight risk.

U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan revoked Awans curfew restrictions and stopped requiring him to be drug tested, according to a Wednesday court filing.

But Chutkan kept in place the GPS monitoring device and requirement that he not travel outside a 150-mile radius of his home.

Awan, a former IT aide for Democratic Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, has been enrolled in the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) with conditions that he abide by an electronically monitored curfew of 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. and a limit on traveling beyond 150 miles from his residence.

Awan and his attorney had attempted to lift those conditions, including the electronic monitoring bracelet.

But federal prosecutors had warned that could give Awan an opening.

The government asserts that Awan is a flight risk and that his participation in HISP is by far the least restrictive condition that can be imposed on him to ensure his return to court, they argued.

A grand jury in August returned an indictment in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia charging Awan and his wife, Hina Alvi, with a total of four counts, which included federal bank fraud and conspiracy. Awan has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Awan has not been charged with anything specific to his IT duties in Congress. But the case has drawn interest from Republican lawmakers because of Awans role for prominent Democrats and the access he had to sensitive data.

Awan had been scheduled to appear in federal court next week for a status conference hearing, but it was rescheduled Thursday until March.

TRUMP DRAWS ATTENTION TO CASE AGAINST EX-DEM IT AIDE IMRAN AWAN

Meanwhile, President Trump recently drew attention to the case against Awan, asking during an interview with the New York Times: Whatever happened to this Pakistani guy who worked with the DNC?

Awan was born in Pakistan, but came to the U.S. with his family when he was a teenager. He became a U.S. citizen more than a decade ago.

Fox News Brooke Singman contributed to this report.
EXCLUSIVE: A top Republican senator is raising questions about how an agency official at the center of a high-stakes power struggle with the White House landed her job, claiming her application was hastily approved as part of a flawed vetting process shortly after President Trumps election.

Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., head of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, is now asking the U.S. Office of Special Counsel to investigate Leandra Englishs move to burrow into a career position at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau  switching from a political post at another agency in a shift that may have helped her stay employed in the government. Burrowing is a term used to describe political appointees shifting to career positions.

In a Thursday letter obtained by Fox News, Johnson alleged that English got her job based on information that included errors and potential conflicts of interest.

[I]t may be appropriate for the Office of Special Counsel to review whether the conversion of Ms. English from a political appointment at OPM to a career position within CFPB adhered to the merit system principles, Johnson wrote to U.S. Special Counsel Henry Kerner.

English was the deputy director tapped last November by outgoing Obama appointee Richard Cordray to replace him at helm of the bureau, an Elizabeth Warren-touted agency which Republicans have accused of over-regulating lenders and operating with little oversight. Within hours, Trump named White House budget director Mick Mulvaney as acting bureau director. This prompted a lawsuit by English which a federal judge effectively dismissed, saying that denying a president the authority to make his own pick raises significant constitutional questions.

To this day, English remains as deputy director, serving under Mulvaney.

But the day after the judges Nov. 27 ruling, Johnson sent a letter to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management asking about Englishs switch to the CFPB in late 2016, apparently after Trump was elected and before he took office. He asked how the agency allowed English  previously a political appointee at OPM during the Obama administration -- to burrow into a career position at the CFPB.

I am concerned that [her] conversion into a career position was abused for political purposes, Johnson wrote at the time in a letter to OPM acting Director Kathleen McGettigan.

'I am concerned that [her] conversion into a career position was abused for political purposes.'  Sen. Ron Johnson, in November 2017 letter

In the fresh letter sent this week to Kerner, Johnson noted that McGettigan, in her response to the senators November inquiry, said Englishs conversion was free from political influence.

However, he also said that McGettigan, in her response letter, verified by Fox News, exposed a flawed vetting process in Englishs job switch.

Johnson said the response shows CFBP presented to OPM Englishs application for a conversion nearly three months after the position posting closed. He also says OPM hastily vetted and approved the conversion -- taking just 14 working days for the final approval.

Johnson also argued that OPM originally reported that Englishs change came with an $11,000 salary increase. But the agency only corrected that figure  to $43,000  in late December, blaming clerical errors. This was well after the change had been approved.

He also raised questions about a conflict of interest, given that English worked for an official whose internal move created the vacancy and who served on the interview panels that resulted in her selection.

The CFPB did not immediately return a request for comment. The Office of Special Counsel acknowledged receiving the letter but declined to comment. Attempts to reach English directly were unsuccessful.

The CFPB was conceived by now-Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren after the 2007-2008 financial crisis and was established by Congress several years later to protect consumers from predatory lending. Trump has called the agency a "total disaster" and installed Mulvaney to rein in and reform the agency.
Former White House strategist Steve Bannon called President Donald Trump a great man, just hours after Trump said he lost his mind amid revelations that he maligned the Trump campaign and divulged other details of the administration.

Appearing on Sirius XMs Patriot Channels Breitbart News Tonight late Wednesday, Bannon largely avoided the main story of the day involving his remarks quoted in Michael Wolffs upcoming book, Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House.

But faced with a callers question on Trumps statement about him, Bannon praised the president and said he will continue to support him.

"The president of the United States is a great man, he said. You know I support him day in and day out, whether going through the country giving the Trump miracle speech or on the show or on the website, he said.

Bannon felt the wrath of Trump after he made a number of controversial remarks about the administration and the campaign.

He reportedly told the journalist in an interview that the thought senior Trump officials meeting with the Russians in Trump Tower in 2016 was treasonous and unpatriotic. The former White House official also said Donald Trump Jr. will crack like an egg in the event of public testimony.

[T]heyre going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV, he said, according to accounts of the interview.

Trump released a torching statement on Wednesday, saying Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency and that When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind.

Trumps lawyers sent a cease-and-desist letter Wednesday night threatening imminent legal action against Bannon.

Steve had very little to do with our historic victory, which was delivered by the forgotten men and women of this country, Trump added. Yet Steve had everything to do with the loss of a Senate seat in Alabama held for more than thirty years by Republicans. Steve doesnt represent my basehes only in it for himself.
President Trump's legal team on Thursday sent a letter to the publisher and author of a forthcoming book about the White House demanding they immediately stop its publication, a day after excerpts led the president to issue a rare, blistering takedown of former adviser Steve Bannon.

The letter was sent to Steve Rubin and Michael Wolff, the publisher and author of Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House. It demands the halting of the book's publication and "a full and complete retraction and apology."

Mr. Trump hereby demands that you immediately cease and desist from any further publication, release or dissemination of the book, the attorney, Charles J. Harder, wrote in a letter obtained by Fox News.

TRUMP SLAMS BANNON AFTER CRITICISM, SAYING EX-CHIEF STRATEGIST 'LOST HIS MIND'

The book is set for release Jan. 9, but excerpts have begun to surface online.

The letter comes as Trump allies -- after a day of going after Bannon for his comments -- are now focusing their attacks on the book itself, and the author.

In the book, Bannon slams the presidents son, Donald Jr., Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and campaign chairman Paul Manafort and calls their infamous meeting with a Russian lawyer during the campaign treasonous and unpatriotic. It also claims many of the president's top advisers disparaged him in private.

Trumps attorney didn't cite specific passages, but he argued the book includes false/baseless statements that could be defamation by libel. Harder requested the publisher send him a full copy of the book.

In the near future, you should expect to hear from this office in greater detail on all of the foregoing issues, he wrote.

Appearing on "Fox & Friends" on Thursday, former White House adviser Sebastian Gorka said the book is full of inaccuracies and lies.

The people who will buy into this book are the people who hate the president already, Gorka said.

Others in the administration also took aim at the book Thursday.

We have become used to #FakeNews, now we have #FakeBooks! Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin tweeted.

But in a story for the Hollywood Reporter on Thursday, Wolff explained how the book came to fruition, saying he had access to top officials inside the administration, including Trump himself.

Wolff said he asked Trump for permission to spend time hanging out inside the West Wing -- a request, he said, Trump did not deny, which may have caused confusion for senior aides.

Since the new White House was often uncertain about what the president meant or did not mean in any given utterance, his non-disapproval became a kind of passport for me to hang around, Wolff wrote.

During Wednesdays press briefing, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders confirmed that there had been about a dozen visits by Wolff to the White House as he reported his book. She said close to 95 percent of them were requested by Bannon.

Sanders said Trump was angry when he read what Bannon had said.

I think 'furious,' 'disgusted' would probably certainly fit when you make such outrageous claims and completely false claims against the president, his administration and his family, she said.

On Wednesday, the White House released a four-paragraph statement from Trump downplaying Bannons contributions to his campaign and administration and claiming he had lost his mind.

Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency, Trump wrote. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind. Steve was a staffer who worked for me after I had already won the nomination by defeating seventeen candidates, often described as the most talented field ever assembled in the Republican Party.

Trump Jr. also fired back at Bannon in a series of tweets.

"Steve had the honor of working in the White House & serving the country," the president's son said. "Unfortunately, he squandered that privilege & turned that opportunity into a nightmare of backstabbing, harassing, leaking, lying & undermining the President. Steve is not a strategist, he is an opportunist."

Trumps attorney has also sent a cease and desist to Bannon, arguing he violated a non-disclosure agreement signed during the campaign by disclosing confidential information, speaking to the media about the campaign and disparaging members of the Trump family.

Bannon spent just over a year formally working for the president, leaving the White House in August and returning to Breitbart News, the populist news site.

He joined Trumps team in August 2016, when he was tapped as chief executive of the campaign.

After Trump won the presidential race, Bannon was appointed to a senior adviser role at the same time that Reince Priebus was named chief of staff.

When he left the White House, Bannon said he would work to help Trump and wage a populist campaign from the outside.

Appearing on Sirius XMs Patriot Channels Breitbart News Tonight late Wednesday after the fallout, Bannon still praised the president and said he will continue to support him.

"The president of the United States is a great man, he said. You know I support him day in and day out, whether going through the country giving the Trump miracle speech or on the show or on the website.

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday, Trump referenced Bannon's interview, saying that "he called me a great man" but that he doesn't talk to him anymore.

Fox News Kristin Brown, Adam Shaw, Lukas Mikelionis and Gregg Re contributed to this report.
President Trump dismantled his controversial voter fraud commission as the group faced lawsuits, oppositions from states and fighting among its members.

On social media, Trump accused Democrat States of refusing to turn over information requested by the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity  tasked with investigating alleged voter fraud in the 2016 election  because they know that many people are voting illegally.

System is rigged, Trump said, calling for more stringent voter ID laws.

A June 2017 letter addressed to states from the commission asked for publicly available voter roll data. However, the letter also requested a lot of specific details, including: parts of Social Security numbers, dates of birth, addresses and information regarding felony convictions or military status.

Officials plan to erase the information already collected by the commission, White House Director of Technology Charles Herndon said in a declaration submitted to federal court.

The commission was also hit with a bevy of legal obstacles by organizations and state lawmakers regarding its practices.

What was the commission?

Trump created the commission through an executive order in May. It was expected to investigate instances of alleged voter fraud in the 2016 election.

Vice President Mike Pence chaired the commission with Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach serving as its vice chair.

Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, a Democrat on the commission, sued the group in federal court. He alleged, in part, that it violated federal law by refusing to provide him documents made available to other members.

Dunlap also blamed Kobach and his allies for stonewalling progress on the commission.

Why did Trump create it in the first place?

In the days following his inauguration, Trump called for a major investigation into alleged voter fraud in the U.S.

Trump has claimed multiple times that between 3 and 5 million illegals voted for Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election, thus costing him the popular vote. These claims have not been verified.

However, critics have said the commission was part of a campaign to make it more difficult for lower-income and minority voters to access a ballot box. Others said it was an effort by the Trump administration to distract from the ongoing investigation into Russian collusion in the 2016 election.

Why did Trump decide to disband it?

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the commission rather than engage in endless legal battles at taxpayer expense.

She said the Department of Homeland Security has been asked to review the groups initial findings and determine [the] next course of action.

In his declaration, Herndon said state voter data will not be transferred to or accessed or utilized by DHS, Politico noted.

Kobach called the disbanding of the commission a tactical change and said DHS can still pursue its own probe into election fraud in a quicker manner.

"The Democrats, both on and off the commission, made very clear that they were not interested in determining the scope and extent of voter fraud and, indeed, they were trying to stop the commission in its tracks," Kobach said. "The Democrats lost their opportunity, lost their seat at the table, by stonewalling."

Several secretaries of state, Republican and Democrat, bucked a request for sensitive data by the commission or said they would only provide limited data.

Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, a Republican, suggested the commission go jump in the Gulf of Mexico.

Even Kobach said his state would only provide some of the data requested by his commission.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Throughout the first year of his presidency  and even as he campaigned for the office  President Trumps rhetoric regarding North Korea has been harsh.

He warned earlier this year that Americas nuclear capabilities were much bigger [and] more powerful than that of the Asian nation. And at the end of 2017, Trump designated North Korea a state sponsor of terror again  a classification that came with additional sanctions.

On the heels of a planned, historic summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Trumps tone softened, saying great progress has been made. But Trump ultimately cancelled that meeting, citing "open hostility" from North Korea.

From agreeing to meet with Kim to dubbing him Little Rocket Man, heres a look at what Trump has said about North Korea and its leader over time.

Back together again

After meeting with a North Korean official in the White House for more than an hour, Trump announced the June summit with North Korea is back on.

We'll be meeting on June 12 in Singapore," the president told reporters after the meeting.

Let's call the whole thing off

Trump announced on May 24 that he has decided to pull out of the June summit with North Korea.

"We were informed that the meeting was requested by North Korea, but that to us is totally irrelevant," Trump said in a letter to Kim. "I was very much looking forward to being there with you. Sadly, based on the tremendous anger and open hostility displayed in your most recent statement, I feel it is inappropriate, at this time, to have this long-planned meeting."

"You talk about your nuclear capabilities, but ours are so massive and powerful that I pray to God they will never have to be used," Trump said.

"I felt a wonderful dialogue was building up between you and me, and ultimately, it is only that dialogue that matters. Some day, I look very much forward to meeting you," he added. "In the meantime, I want to thank you for the release of the hostages who are now home with their families. That was a beautiful gesture and was very much appreciated."

Deal or no deal?

After speaking with the South Korean president amid threats from the rogue regime to cancel talks, Trump suggested the historic summit between him and Kim might not happen after all.

If it doesnt happen, maybe it will happen later. You never know about deals. Ive made a lot of deals, Trump said on May 22. You never really know. It may not work out for June 12.

Trump said he wants the Korean peninsula to be denuclearized in an all in one manner.

I can guarantee Kims safety. He will be safe. He will be happy, Trump said. His country will be rich.

Trump also said hes noticed a change in Kims attitude recently.

I cant say that Im happy about it, he added.

Save the date

Trump officially announced that he would meet with Kim in Singapore on June 12.

We will both try to make it a very special moment for World Peace! Trump said in a tweet.

The announcement came hours after Trump and the first lady welcomed the three Americans freed from detention in North Korea at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland early on May 10.

After Trump met with the three men, he publicly thanked Kim for releasing the prisoners.

Were starting off on a new footing, Trump said.

Positive gesture of goodwill

In announcing that a date and place has been set for his much-anticipated meeting with Kim, Trump also confirmed three American prisoners have been released.

The three Americans  Kim Dong Chul, Tony Kim and Kim Hak Song  are returning to the U.S. with newly-confirmed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Trump said in a tweet. The president confirmed the three men are also in good health.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE HISTORIC SUMMIT BETWEEN TRUMP, KIM JONG UN

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement that Trump appreciates Kim Jong Uns action to release these American citizens, and views this as a positive gesture of goodwill.

Another American detainee, Otto Warmbier, died in June 2017 after he was released back to the U.S. with severe brain damage.

Good relationship formed

Trump has confirmed that CIA Director Mike Pompeo  his pick to lead the State Department  secretly met with Kim in April and a good relationship was formed. He said the meeting went very smoothly.

The president also disclosed that the U.S. and North Korea have held direct talks at extremely high levels in preparation for the summit.

Kim will do what is right

After Kims first reported visit to China, Trump said there is a good chance that Kim Jong Un will do what is right for his people and for humanity.

For years and through many administrations, everyone said that peace and the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula was not even a small possibility, Trump said in a March tweet, adding that he is looking forward to his upcoming meeting with the North Korean leader.

He also gave North Korea the benefit of the doubt earlier that month, saying he believes the country will abide by its pledge to suspend missile tests.

When Trump delivered a speech in Pennsylvania, the crowd booed the mention of Kim, but the president stopped them.

No, it's very positive ... no, after the meeting you may do that, but now we have to be very nice because let's see what happens, let's see what happens, Trump said.

Invitation accepted

Trump accepted an invitation from Kim to meet, the White House said. While a time and place has yet to be determined, the two leaders are expected to meet by June.

The invitation to convene was extended by Kim.

Kim Jong Un talked about denuclearization with the South Korean Representatives, not just a freeze. Also, no missile testing by North Korea during this period of time. Great progress being made but sanctions will remain until an agreement is reached, Trump said on social media. Meeting being planned!

The deal with North Korea is very much in the making and will be, if completed, a very good one for the World. Time and place to be determined, he later said.

Possible progress

As North Korea is reportedly willing to negotiate its nuclear weapons, Trump cautiously acknowledged possible progress.

For the first time in many years, a serious effort is being made by all parties concerned, Trump said on Twitter. The World is watching and waiting! May be false hope, but the U.S. is ready to go hard in either direction!

At a later White House news conference, Trump said he believed North Korea, which has a long history of deception and threats to target U.S. cities with nuclear missiles, is sincere.

We have come certainly a long way, at least rhetorically, with North Korea, Trump said. Of the possibility for peacefully resolving the nations deep differences, he said: Itd be a great thing for the world, would be great for North Korea, it would be a great thing for the peninsula.

But well see what happens, Trump said.

Spirit of the Olympics

At the conclusion of the 2018 Winter Olympics, North Korea sent the U.S. a message through South Korea, saying it has ample intentions of holding talks with America.

During a meeting with the nations governors at the White House in February, Trump said those talks will only occur under the right conditions.

The administrations position has been that North Korea must get rid of its nuclear and missile programs first before any talks can take place.

Relationship status: Its complicated

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Trump reportedly said he probably has a very good relationship with North Korea.

Trump also suggested that he is open to diplomacy with the country hes spent years criticizing, the newspaper reported.

I have relationships with people. I think you people are surprised, Trump said.

The Wall Street Journal released the audio and transcript of the interview after Trump denied making the comments.

'Success for the world'

Trump told South Korea that he would be open to talks with its northern neighbor under the right circumstances, the White House said.

Trump also took credit for the talks between North and South Korea ahead of next months Winter Olympics. At a January Cabinet meeting, Trump said it was his administrations pressure on North Korea that caused the rogue nation to negotiate with the South.

"Without our attitude that would have never happened," Trump said of the inter-Korean dialogue. "Who knows where it leads. Hopefully it will lead to success for the world  not just for our country but for the world, and we'll be seeing over the next number of weeks and months what happens."

Whose button is bigger?

After Kim warned Trump about North Koreas nuclear capabilities, Trump hit back on social media, arguing that his Nuclear Button is bigger [and] more powerful.

North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the 'Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times,' the president tweeted. 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!

Kim previously warned the U.S. should know that the button for nuclear war is on my table.

The entire area of the U.S. mainland is within our nuclear strike range, he said. The United States can never start a war against me and our country.

Good news or bad news?

Trump insinuated at the start of the new year that sanctions and additional pressures are having a big impact on North Korea.

Soldiers are dangerously fleeing to South Korea, Trump said. Kim now wants to talk to South Korea for the first time. Perhaps that is good news, perhaps not  we will see!

In his tweet, Trump was seemingly referring to the recent, dramatic escape of at least two North Korean soldiers across the heavily militarized border into the southern country He also alluded to Kims recent comments indicating he would send a delegation to the Winter Olympics to be hosted in South Korea.

Trump also took credit for the talks between North and South Korean leaders.

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, Trump said in a Jan. 4 tweet. Fools, but talks are a good thing!

'Sick puppy'

While giving a speech on tax reform at a Missouri event in November, 2017, Trump digressed from the topic to call the North Korean leader a "sick puppy."

His comments drew hoots from the crowd.

State sponsor of terror

Trump re-designated North Korea a state sponsor of terror on Nov. 20, 2017, citing its support of international terrorism, including assassinations on foreign soil.

During a Cabinet meeting, Trump announced the designation came along with new sanctions on the murderous regime as part of the administrations maximum pressure campaign in dealing with North Korea. He said these sanctions will be the highest level of sanctions on the North.

North Korea was on the list but was taken off by the Bush administration in 2008.

Why can't we be friends?

In a series of tweets while in Vietnam, Trump said he doesn't know why the North Korean dictator would "insult" him.

Why would Kim Jong-un insult me by calling me old, when I would NEVER call him short and fat? Trump said. Oh well, I try so hard to be his friend - and maybe someday that will happen!

The comment came after Kim referred to Trump's speech in South Korea as reckless remarks by an old lunatic.

'Dont try us'

In Asia, Trump issued a stern warning to North Korea, saying it would be a fatal miscalculation for the country to attack the U.S. or an ally.

This is a very different administration than the United States has had in the past. Do not underestimate us. And do not try us, Trump said during an address at South Koreas National Assembly.

North Korea has interpreted Americas past restraint as weakness, Trump said.

'Lets make a deal'

While on his Asia trip, Trump implored North Korea to come to the table for talks on its nuclear weapons program. Trumps request for North Korea to make a deal was in stark contrast to his previous hardline rhetoric when it comes to the rogue nation.

"It makes sense for North Korea to come to the table and make a deal that is good for the people of North Korea and for the world," Trump said during a news conference alongside South Korean president Moon Jae-in in November 2017.

Trump also said hes seen a lot of progress in dealing with North Korea but still called the country a worldwide threat.

In a joint news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo the day before, Trump repeated his assertion that the era of strategic patience with North Korea was finished.

Some people say my rhetoric is very strong but look what has happened with very weak rhetoric in the last 25 years, Trump said then.

'Rocket Man' is on a 'suicide mission'

After dubbing him Rocket Man in a tweet, Trump eventually tried out the new nickname for Kim during his inaugural address to the U.N. General Assembly.

During his speech, Trump vowed to totally destroy North Korea if the country so provokes him. He also said Kim was on a suicide mission.

No more talking

After North Korea said it successfully launched a missile over Japan, a U.S. ally, and into the Pacific Ocean, Trump initially had a subdued response.

"Threatening and destabilizing actions only increase the North Korean regime's isolation in the region and among all nations of the world," Trump said in a written statement after North Koreas missile soared almost 1,700 miles into the Pacific Ocean, triggering alert warnings in northern Japan and shudders throughout Northeast Asia. "All options are on the table."

The missile launch was said to be a precursor to North Koreas containment of the U.S. territory of Guam by Kim, according to state-run media.

But in a tweet, the president suggested the U.S. is finished talking to North Korea.

The U.S. has been talking to North Korea, and paying them extortion money, for 25 years. Talking is not the answer, Trump tweeted.

The U.S. is 'locked and loaded'

Trump took to social media in August 2017 to proclaim that the U.S. military is locked and loaded in case North Korea act[s] unwisely.

'Fire [and] fury' isn't 'tough enough'

With the threat of nuclear violence growing, Trump warned North Korea on Aug. 8, 2017 that he would unleash fire, fury and frankly power, the likes of which this world has never seen before.

But when tensions continued to rise and North Korea threatened to attack Guam, Trump said maybe that comment wasnt "tough enough."

"Lets see what [Kim] does with Guam. He does something in Guam, it will be an event the likes of which nobody has seen before  what will happen in North Korea," Trump said.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Trump was "sending a strong message to North Korea in language that Kim Jong Un can understand, because he doesnt seem to understand diplomatic language."

Kim Jong Un is 'not getting away with it'

Trump said Kim has disrespected our country greatly.

He has said things that are horrific. And with me, hes not getting away with it, Trump said. He got away with it for a long time, between him and his family. Hes not getting away with it. Its a whole new ball game.

'Strategic patience  is over'

After meeting with the South Korean president in Washington, D.C., in June 2017, Trump said that the era of strategic patience with the North Korean regime has failed.

Frankly, that patience is over, he said.

As Trump made these comments, the U.S. was rocked with the death of Otto Warmbier, the 22-year-old American college student who suffered extensive brain damage while being held captive in North Korea for more than a year.

There are 'worse things' than assassinating Kim Jong Un

In an interview with CBS News during the presidential campaign, Trump said he could get China to make [Kim Jong Un] disappear in one form or another very quickly.

When asked if he was talking about assassinating the North Korean dictator, Trump shrugged.

Well, you know, Ive heard of worse things, frankly. I mean, this guys a bad dude  and dont underestimate him, Trump said. Any young guy that can take over from his father with all those generals and everybody else that probably wants the position, this is not somebody to be underestimated.

'What the hell is wrong with speaking?'

Trump told supporters at a campaign rally in Atlanta that should Kim want to come to the U.S., he would be accept[ed].

I wouldnt go there, that I can tell you. If he came here, Id accept him, but I wouldnt give him a state dinner like we do for China and all these other people that rip us off when we give them these big state dinners, Trump said in June 2016.

What the hell is wrong with speaking? Trump said, referencing the criticism he received for being willing to talk with North Korea. Its called opening a dialogue.

'Maniac'

During a GOP presidential debate in September 2015, Trump railed on the maniac in North Korea while answering a question about Planned Parenthood and womens health issues.

Nobody ever mentions North Korea, where you have this maniac sitting there, and he actually has nuclear weapons and somebody better start thinking about North Korea and perhaps a couple of other places. But certainly North Korea, Trump said.

You have somebody right now in North Korea who has got nuclear weapons and who is saying almost every other week, Im ready to use them, and we dont even mention it, he continued.

China needs to solve the problem

Even before he was president, Trump urged China to step in and help alleviate problems with North Korea.

North Korea is reliant on China. China could solve this problem easily if they wanted to but they have no respect for our leaders, Trump tweeted in March 2013.

In April 2013, Trump continued that line of thinking, adding that North Korea cant survive, or even eat, without the help of China. He then accused China of taunting the U.S.

As president, Trump has said he is very disappointed in actions China has taken regarding North Korea, particularly allowing oil to go into the nation. He also said a Chinese envoy to North Korea had no impact on Kim.

Additionally, Trump has said hes spoken to Chinas President Xi Jinping regarding the provocative actions of North Korea as well as the planned meeting between Trump and Kim.

President Xi told me he appreciates that the U.S. is working to solve the problem diplomatically rather than going with the ominous alternative, Trump said in March 2018. China continues to be helpful!

'Wack job'

In April 2013, Trump urged then-President Barack Obama to be very careful with the 28-year-old wack job in North Korea.

At some point we may have to get very tough, he tweeted.

'Negotiate like crazy'

Trump warned that the U.S. needed to do something to stop North Korea in 1999 during an interview with the late Tim Russert on Meet the Press.

"Do you want to do it in five years when they have warheads all over the place, every one of them pointing to New York City, to Washington and every one of us, is that when you want to do it, or do you want to do something now? Trump said. You'd better do it now. And if they think you're serious  they'll negotiate and it'll never come to that.

He said then that if he ever became president, the first step he would take would be to negotiate like crazy to make sure that the country would get the best deal possible. Trump also predicted then that in three or four years, North Korea would have weapons aimed all over the world, including at the U.S.

Fox News' Adam Shaw and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
President Trump called Thursday for new Voter I.D. laws, just hours after dissolving his presidential commission on voter fraud.

The president disbanded the controversial panel focused on election integrity, blaming a refusal by more than a dozen states to provide what he called basic information.

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., Trump tweeted.

The commission was led by Vice President Pence and Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach. They asked all 50 states and the District of Columbia to hand over personal voter data including voters names, voting histories and party affiliations.

Multiple states  including Virginia, Kentucky, and California declined to comply with the commissions requests.

TRUMP DISSOLVES VOTER FRAUD COMMISSION AFTER STATES BALK AT DATA REQUESTS

During the panels first meeting, Trump questioned the motives of states refusing to comply with the commissions requests, suggesting they had something to hide. Trump months earlier had alleged, without evidence, that 3 million to 5 million people voted illegally in the 2016 presidential election, delivering the popular vote to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

On Thursday, Trump turned his attention to stronger voter ID laws.

As Americans, you need identification, sometimes in a very strong and accurate form, for almost everything you doexcept when it comes to the most important thing, VOTING for the people that run your country. Push hard for Voter Identification! Trump tweeted.

The president also tackled developments over North Korea in his Thursday morning tweets -- coming after he caused a stir by boasting about the size of his "nuclear button" compared with Kim Jong Uns.

TRUMP TELLS KIM JONG UN HIS 'NUCLEAR BUTTON' IS BIGGER, 'MORE POWERFUL'

Trump assured supporters on Thursday that the "experts" were wrong, and that North Koreas desired dialogue with South Korea was based on his firm stance on denuclearization.

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! he tweeted.

Kim Jong Un said in a speech earlier this week that he hoped to begin talks with South Korea prior to the 2018 Winter Olympics, which begin next month in Pyeongchang.

Fox News Sam Chamberlain and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The United States announced Thursday it was suspending security assistance to Pakistan for failing to take "decisive action" against Taliban militants targeting U.S. personnel in neighboring Afghanistan.



The State Department's declaration signaled growing frustration over Pakistan's cooperation in fighting terrorist networks, but it was not immediately clear how much money and materiel was being withheld. The vague details suggested the primary goal was to substantiate President Donald Trump's surprising New Year's Day tweet that accused Pakistan of playing U.S. leaders for "fools."



Spokeswoman Heather Nauert said the restrictions covered security assistance above and beyond the $255 million for Pakistani purchases of American military equipment that the administration held up in August.



Nauert said details were still being worked out on the additional funds, and referred questions to the Defense Department. Earlier Thursday, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said the policy on military aid was "still being formulated."



Nauert made clear the $255 million was still blocked. The new action targets payments of so-called Coalition Support Funds that the U.S. pays to Pakistan to reimburse it for its counterterrorism operations. Those funds are typically paid later in the year, and already require U.S. certification, so the effect of Thursday's announcement was unclear.



On Monday, Trump said the U.S. had "foolishly" given Pakistan more than $33 billion in aid in the last 15 years and had gotten nothing in return but "lies & deceit." He reiterated longstanding allegations that Pakistan gives "safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan."



Trump unveiled in August a South Asia strategy aimed at ending the stalemate in the U.S. war in Afghanistan, now entering its 17th year, demanding action by Pakistan against militant safe havens on its soil.



Nauert said that despite sustained high-level engagement by the Trump administration with Pakistan's government, "the Taliban and Haqqani network continue to find sanctuary inside Pakistan as they plot to destabilize Afghanistan and attack U.S. and allied personnel." She told reporters that until Pakistan takes "decisive action" against those groups, security assistance was suspended.



Also Thursday, the State Department accused Pakistan of severe violations of religious freedom. It announced that it was placing Pakistan on a special watch list, pursuant to 2016 legislation. The step does not carry any serious consequences.



Pakistan's embassy in Washington and mission at the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.


The start of the new year is generally a cause for celebration, but this may not be the case for a number of social media companies in Germany. 2018 rang in a new era in Germany in terms of the nations laws around hate speech, and on January 1, the country began enforcing strict regulations that could result in fines of up to $60 million if such posts are not removed within 24 hours of being flagged. These new laws could affect a number of major players in the social media and media space, including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Any social network or media company that boasts more than two million members will be on the hook under the new provisions, which means that folks like Reddit, Tumblr, Vimeo, Flickr, and even Russian social network VK will likely be affected.

While the Netzwerkdurchsetzungsgesetz (NetzDG) law was actually passed last summer and went into effect in October 2017, Germany gave companies until the end of the year to properly equip themselves to address hate speech reports. But now, three months later, the nation expects large social networks to have the tools they need to combat fake news, racist posts, and other bigoted messages on public platforms.

A number of social media sites have already attempted to cut down on the spread of certain fallacious reports on their platforms. Facebook, for example, rolled out its fake news identification tools at the beginning of 2017, and claimed that its efforts were already having a mediating effect. Journalists, however, werent so sure about Facebooks self-reported success rates.

Under NetzDG, however, the stakes will be much higher. And not everyone is thrilled about the stringent new laws. Some in Germany (and around the world) worry that the provisions could result in censorship or infringe upon free speech. But Germany is far from the only country to criticize social media platforms for their role in spreading false information and otherwise unsavory material  lawmakers in the U.K. for example, have said that these networks are shamefully far from adequately addressing hate speech and problematic content.

Were committed to being part of the solution to illegal hate speech and extremist content online  around the world, and in Germany, working within its new legal framework, a YouTube spokesperson told CNET in an emailed statement. Well continue to invest heavily in teams and technology to allow us to go further and faster in removing content that breaks our rules or German law, and by working with government, law enforcement, civil society groups, and other companies.
This is a rush transcript from "Your World," January 3, 2018. This copy may not be in its final form and may be updated.

NEIL CAVUTO, "YOUR WORLD" HOST: You know, this whole day seems to have been like this internal war back and forth, the Bannonites, the Trumpites, whether it's the establishment, which is hard to say, because neither of those guys are establishment going against the renegade groups.

Anyway, I can't make it out.

But Newt Gingrich has a long history of this sort of thing and has seen many a president address it. He's the former speaker of the House, you know, multiple bestselling author, his wife a fancy-schmancy ambassador at the Vatican. He joins us from the White House right now.

Newt, good to see you.

NEWT GINGRICH, R-FORMER SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Well, it's good to see you.

I'm not sure Callista would quite buy fancy-schmancy, but she's honored to be serving as ambassador to the Vatican.

CAVUTO: That is awesome. I mean, that's quite the honor.

Let me ask you, though, how is this all going down, this Bannon back and forth with the White House, the president and his remarks?

(LAUGHTER)

CAVUTO: It wasn't just a tweet. It was a very clear, delineated statement.

What is going on?

GINGRICH: Well, look, I think, Neil, first of all, Bannon has an exaggerated sense of self-importance, and the news media, of course, builds it up, because it's exactly, in the age of the Kardashians, the kind of nonsense that they love to fill time and space with.

So, they can run around and think about that, as opposed to the largest tax cut in history, or the most deregulation in history, or the best economic growth in more than 10 years.

CAVUTO: But didn't Bannon feed this beat, Newt, by saying this outlandish stuff?

GINGRICH: Well, look, I think that Bannon thinks he's extraordinarily important.

But the fact is, Trump had won the nomination without Bannon. Trump would have won the presidency without Bannon. And Trump has governed without Bannon.

So I think there's an exaggerated sense of who Steve is. And I think, remember, this is a guy who got fired. So you have a guy who has been fired who is trying to claim a bunch of things, which he apparently did not claim at the time.

And I think you have to just say, you know, it's noise. It has nothing to do with -- the things that matter to America and the things that matter to the American people have no relationship to the kind of noise that we're going to spend all day today with.

And luckily for the president, he's really come to distinguish between the things that matter and the things that don't. The meeting this weekend at Camp David matters with the Republican leadership. Steve Bannon saying a bunch of junk doesn't really matter in the long run. It will disappear.

CAVUTO: What are you doing there?

GINGRICH: I'm hanging out with friends, talking to some folks, and trying to be helpful.

CAVUTO: That's power. That's power.

Newt, the one thing I wanted to ask about ahead of this meeting is this concern that there might be a government shutdown. Do you think there will be? And with the January 19 deadline looming here, that on the eve of the one-year anniversary of the president's inauguration, is he worried about that?

GINGRICH: Well, I think he's only worried in the sense that he doesn't think it's good for the country to have a government shutdown.

And the way it's going to be structured, you would be shutting down national security, you would be shutting down law enforcement. A lot of dangerous things would happen.

So, my guess is, they will find a formula, they will find a way to avoid it. And certainly that's the intent, I think, of Speaker Ryan and Majority Leader McConnell and the president, is to find a way to keep moving forward.

CAVUTO: This back and forth on the tax cut thing, too, and Democrats are bemoaning it, but we see more companies sharing the wealth with their workers -- today, it was Southwest and American Airlines joined about eight or nine other companies, more likely to come, who will share some of that bounty.

That goes beyond just the individual tax relief that folks are going to see and see in their paychecks I guess next month. Play out the effect of all of this and the impact this is going to have.

GINGRICH: Oh, I think historians will look back and say that the greatest mistake the Democratic Party made in the first two years of the Trump administration was voting unanimously against the tax cuts.

This means that in states -- in places like Missouri, Indiana, Ohio, North Dakota, where we have Democrats, and West Virginia, they voted against cutting taxes, they voted against people back home, they voted against creating more jobs.

And as it becomes clear that in a lot of these states, 95 or 100 percent of the families are going to get a tax cut, they are going to have to ask themselves, do I really want a senator who wants my money to go to Washington instead of to me? Do I want a senator who voted against creating more jobs?

This bill is going to be the most important single event of the first two years of the Trump administration. I think it's going to lead the Republicans to pick up four to six Senate seats and to keep control of the House. And people will look back and say this was the biggest single mistake the Democrats could have made, to be unanimous.

CAVUTO: You think Republicans are going to pick up Senate seats?

GINGRICH: Absolutely. They will pick up to four to six Senate seats.

CAVUTO: And hang onto the House?

GINGRICH: They will keep the House, plus or minus 10.

CAVUTO: So, there's this crowd that says they're going to lose a lot of seats. You don't see that happening?

GINGRICH: Look, I watched everybody who was wrong in 2015 and 2016 and 2017.

When they collectively come out and say something, I take the opposite position. And it's worked every single year now. All the experts who said that Republicans are in deep trouble, you watch as this tax bill comes in, as people realize how big it is, as jobs get created, as economic growth accelerates.

You're going to have the terrible economic years of Obama and the remarkable growth years of Donald J. Trump. I think the average Americans is going to vote for more jobs, more take-home pay, and a bigger economy. And, therefore, I think we're going to win this fall.

CAVUTO: I don't know how much you dabble in the markets. But a lot of folks who love the president are still saying they're getting concerned about a bull market that is getting a little long in the tooth. It's touching on 25000. It would be the 7,000-point leap since the president was elected, the sixth of his presidency.

Do you?

GINGRICH: Do I what?

CAVUTO: Get nervous.

GINGRICH: Do I worry about it?

I don't know. I mean, my honest is, we have never...

CAVUTO: Oh, I think you know. I think you know exactly.

GINGRICH: Look, we have not had a president like Donald J. Trump since Andrew Jackson in the 1820s.

We have never seen the level of deregulation we're seeing. Now, if you're a person who believes that the regulatory state was creating friction, undermining economic growth, weakening the economy, then the scale of deregulation alone is probably worth a half-point of real economic growth to a full point.

Then you look at the tax cuts, you look at expensing, for example, and the impact, which you know very well, Neil, is going to huge in terms of an invest boom, and you have to say to yourself, when you look at consumer confidence, we could be in the early stages of one of the most -- this could be like 1921-'22.

We could be in the early stages of one of the most remarkable bull markets in American history. I don't know if it's true or not.

CAVUTO: All right.

GINGRICH: I mean, first of all, I'm a historian. I'm not a business adviser.

(LAUGHTER)

CAVUTO: That's a very good answer.

Newt Gingrich, thank you very, very much. Very good seeing you.

GINGRICH: Great to be with you. Thanks.

END

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A pre-teen Canadian boy aboard the Caribbean Princess needed to be rescued by the United States Coast Guard on Tuesday evening after showing symptoms of appendicitis.

SEE IT: FAMILY FOUND HIDDEN CAMERA IN CARNIVAL CRUISE CABIN

The U.S. Coast Guard says that the 12 year old was transported via an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter which had been dispatched from an air station in Clearwater, Fla., per a news release. He and his father were then delivered to an air station in Miami, where emergency medical services were waiting.

The ship was approximately 230 miles southeast of Miami when the Coast Guard was called in to medevac the boy. The entire trip, from takeoff at Clearwater to arrival in Miami, took an hour and 30 minutes, the U.S.C.G. confirmed.

No further details were immediately available.

This marks the second time in two weeks that the U.S. Coast Guard was called in to rescue a cruise passenger following a similar incident on Dec. 24, during which a woman was airlifted from Royal Caribbeans Vision of the Seas off the coast of Louisiana after suffering from suspected internal bleeding.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Sea Princess passengers certainly weren't feeling like royalty after a gastrointestinal virus outbreak sickened over 200 people on the ship.

On Jan. 2, ABC AU reported that the Princess Cruise vessel docked in Brisbane, Australia, on Thursday morning after roughly 200 passengers suffered from a norovirus outbreak. The Sea Princess ship was nearly finished with a two-week round trip between Brisbane and New Zealand.

332 ROYAL CARIBBEAN PASSENGERS SICKENED WITH STOMACH VIRUS

"Around 200 people were believed to have been infected with the virus," a Queensland Health spokesperson told the outlet, confirming norovirus as the cause of the illness. "Appropriate sanitation procedures and outbreak control measures have been implemented and the vessel is expected to undergo further comprehensive cleaning while in Brisbane."

One passenger, Helen Perry, told the Daily Mail Australia that amid the ordeal, she was even quarantined in her cabin for 60 hours after coming down with the illness, during which time she was given crackers and soda. She also said the cruise's crew sanitized her room twice per day while she was isolated.

For their part, Princess Cruises told passengers via email that they are "carrying out a comprehensive sanitation program in coordination with several international public health authorities, in addition to coordinating for the ship to receive an additional disinfection.

Moving forward, transportation lawyer David Adams told the Brisbane Times that sick passengers could be entitled to compensation for the incident.

DEADLY MEXICO TOUR BUS CRASH SPARKS CONCERNS OVER SAFETY OF CRUISE LINE-SANCTIONED EXCURSIONS

We believe that passengers who have been harmed should be entitled to a full refund as well as financial support for the care and treatment of their injuries," Adams said.

"If passengers will lose wages or will incur any unexpected costs as a result of the outbreak, they shouldnt be forced to wear these and should be reimbursed by the operator, he added.

Some sounded off on Twitter, voicing their displeasure with the situation.

Princess Cruises gave Fox News the following statement:

"Guests embarking Sea Princess in Brisbane, Australia yesterday were notified of a delay in boarding arrangements at Portside Cruise Terminal for the ships turnaround," a comapny spokesperson said. "This enabled increased precautionary sanitation of the ship and terminal following the just completed cruise which saw an elevated number of guests reporting gastrointestinal symptoms confirmed as being due to norovirus."

"Proactive steps taken on board during the cruise reduced the number of new cases being reported and guests were also thanked for adhering to sound health guidelines including regular hand washing and use of hand sanitizer dispensers," they added.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS

Sea Princess completed cruise with 2,130 guests was a 14-day itinerary from Brisbane to New Zealand destinations. The new cruise began yesterday is also to New Zealand on a similar itinerary.

According to ABC, the Sea Princess is at least the fourth Australian cruise ship to suffer a gastrointestinal outbreak in the last year. Theyre not alone, either: in early December, 332 Royal Caribbean passengers fell sick with a stomach virus while on board.

According to their website, fares for the 14-day New Zealand cruise range from $2,000 to $6,600 per person. The Sea Princess can hold up to 2,000 guests.

Despite falling ill and being locked in her cabin for 60 hours, passenger Helen Perry told the Daily Mail Australia that the trouble wouldn't stop her from going on another "fantastic" cruise.

[I had] 60 hours in a lovely cabin with a gorgeous view  best sick bed I've ever stayed in, Perry said. I enjoyed myself enormously in spite of it.
A passenger aboard a Spirit Airlines flight from Las Vegas to Detroit was arrested upon landing at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport for allegedly assaulting a female passenger while she slept.

Prabhu Ramamoorthy, from India, was charged with aggravated sexual abuse after the 22-year-old woman accused him of putting his hand in her pants and unbuttoning her shirt while she was sleeping against the window, the Detroit Free Press reports.

FLIGHT CANCELED AFTER RAT SEEN BOARDING THE PLANE

According to a federal complaint obtained by the Press, the woman claims she woke up as Ramamoorthy was putting his fingers in her (genitals) and vigorously moving them, and that he stopped once she was awake.

After he was taken into custody, Ramamoorthy admitted to an FBI agent that he might have unhooked the womans bra and cupped her (clothed) breast, but said he only put a finger in her pants and did not insert it into her vagina despite trying to, the federal complaint stated.

PILOT PROPOSES TO FLIGHT ATTENDANT IN FRONT OF PASSENGERS

Prior to this, Ramamoorthy claimed he was in deep sleep at the time of the incident. He also alleged that the woman had fallen asleep on his knee, and he was unaware of where he had placed his hands.

Ramamoorthy appeared in a U.S. District Court on Wednesday, the Detroit Free Press reported. He had a detention hearing scheduled for 1 p.m. on Thursday, the Detroit News added.

A representative for Spirit Airlines has stated that the company is cooperating with authorities.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS

Additional accusations of sexual assault among the airline industry have made headlines in the past several months, the most recent of which involved a man who was reported to be banned from flying with Alaska Airlines after allegedly touching a flight attendants buttocks. In December, a woman aboard a United Airlines flight accused a 73-year-old man of putting his hand between her thighs and groping her. And in October, a man from California plead guilty to groping a sleeping 16-year-old on an Alaskan Airlines flight.
A body found in Adams County, Colorado, was confirmed to be a 19-year-old woman who vanished late last year, investigators announced Wednesday, adding that theyve spoken to the man she claimed was harassing her.

Adams County Sheriff Mike McIntosh said investigators have spoken to Shawn Schwartz, a man they discovered through social media was linked to the missing woman, Natalie Bollinger. Investigators said they are not ready to call anyone a suspect.

The department wouldn't confirm to Fox News whether Schwartz was cleared or considered a suspect.

Schwartz confirmed in a Facebook video that hed been contacted by the Broomfield police. He reportedly said in the comment section that he was not involved in her disappearance.

COLORADO COP KILLER REPORTEDLY HOSPITALIZED IN PSYCH WARD IN 2014

Bollinger, from Broomfield, was reported missing on Dec. 28 around 3:30 p.m, police said. Her body was found a day later in a wooded area near Riverdale Road, according to a statement from police, but it took additional time to confirm her identity.

About two weeks prior to her disappearance, the teen posted on Facebook saying shed known Schwartz since she was young, but in the past few years theyd reconnected and shed help him out. After moving to Virginia, she claimed the man drove across country to see me and slept behind my work for weeks. When she tried to end contact, she claimed he called and texted her hundreds of times.

TEXAS POLICE SEEK GIRLS, 14 AND 7; MAY BE WITH PERSON OF INTEREST IN SUSPICIOUS DEATH

Hes sent emails for over a year close to everyday, harassing me, Bollinger wrote. Making numerous account until I block him again. Threatening my family, telling me hell kill himself in front of me, and sending my friends and family harassing messages as well.

McIntosh said after the body was found, the Adams County Sheriffs Department began working with the Broomsfield Police Department in connection with Bollingers missing persons case.

McIntosh added that police could not yet release the exact cause of death and they do not have a motive for her killer but believe they are headed down the right path at this point in the investigation.

However, he added that there were still 26 hours in the timeline unaccounted for and police were seeking information from people who may have had contact with Bollinger during that time.

Bollinger's family requested privacy and asked for the community's continued support, McIntosh said.
The Colorado man who fatally shot a sheriffs deputy and wounded six others Sunday in an ambush-style attack purchased 11 of his guns  including an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle  from a store in Wyoming, according to a report out Wednesday.

Matthew Riehl, an Iraq War veteran, was sold 11 guns from 2010 to 2013 from Daves Guns in Laramie, Fox 31 Denver reported, citing a police report.

COLORADO GUNMAN LIVESTREAMED 'AMBUSH-STYLE' SHOOTING THAT KILLED DEPUTY, REPORT SAYS

The stores owner, David Smith, reportedly called Laramie police on New Years Eve, after Riehls shooting earlier in the day from his Highlands Ranch apartment, to tell authorities he sold the cop killer guns.

From April 2010 until March 2013, Riehl reportedly bought the AR-15, three semiautomatic pistols and one semiautomatic receiver, in addition to three revolvers, a shotgun, a pistol and a rifle.

Smith said Riehl passed all background checks at the time. Riehl apparently stopped purchasing guns from the store owner before he was hospitalized in a psych ward in 2014.

The gunman, who served in U.S. Army Reserves and Wyoming National Guard, allegedly livestreamed his attack, in which he fired off more than 100 rounds, leaving Douglas County Sheriff's Deputy Zackari Parrish dead.

GUNMAN IN DEADLY COLORADO DEPUTY SHOOTING IDENTIFIED AS IRAQ WAR VET WITH GRUDGE AGAINST SHERIFF

Riehl graduated law school in Wyoming in 2011, and was honorably discharged from the Army in 2012. Within two years, he was hospitalized at a Veterans Affairs Department psych ward and, at one point, was placed on a 72-hour mental health hold.

Its unclear if Riehl owned more than the 11 guns Smith sold him.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A man accused of abducting two young Texas sisters after their mother was found dead in their home was taken into custody in Colorado on Wednesday and the children are safe, authorities said.

Terry Allen Miles, 44, had been sought in connection with the abduction of Lilianasi Lily Victoria Cake Griffith, 14, and Luluvioletta Lulu Mariposo Bandera-Magret, 7, as well as the death of their mother Tonya Bates, 44, police said. Bates was found Sunday at the home she shared with Miles in Round Rock.

"CAUGHT!!!," Round Rock Police Chief Allen Banks tweeted. "Terry Allen Miles was caught in Colorado without incident. The girls are SAFE!!! Thank God!!"

Miles was thought to have been traveling to Louisiana, the Dallas Morning-News reported. However, police said Miles was seen on surveillance footage on Dec. 30 at a business in Trinidad, Colo.

Las Animas County Sheriffs officials received a tip at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday that Miles and the girls were in the area and authorities went to search for him, the Morning-News reported. Police found Miles vehicle and pulled up behind him, according to the paper.

Banks said Miles vehicle started to drive erratically and a law enforcement official waited for backup before engaging the car.

Miles was taken into custody and the girls were taken to a hospital. Child Protective Services in Texas and Colorado will work together to get the girls connected with family, Banks said.

"Our whole goal and hope was that we got those girls safe, Banks said. "We have a lot of questions to ask him. A lot of questions to ask them. And that will be done here in the next couple of days. "

Fox News Madeline Farber and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
An Alabama newspaper executive recently admitted he spanked at least one of his female employees with a metal ruler during the 1970s -- but he said he was only following a doctor's orders.

In reports published in Alabama news outlets, at least three women said H. Brandt Ayers, who became a nationally known voice of Southern liberalism during his tenure as editor and publisher at The Anniston Star, assaulted them in the mid-1970s, once using a metal ruler. The women and other former newsroom employees said Ayers had a reputation for spanking other women.

Ayers, 82, issued a statement stating he did some things I regret when he was a very young man with more authority than judgment.

He also admitted he spanked at least one female reporter decades ago, but claimed it was per doctors orders, the Anniston Star reported.

Ayers told the publication he spanked a woman, who was believed to be deceased now, while she worked at the Anniston Star from 1973 to 1974. Ayers claimed the woman was psychologically ill and a doctor recommended he spank the woman to calm her down.

DEMOCRATS DOUG JONES AND TINA SMITH SWORN IN AS SENATORS

An online publication, Alabama Political Reporter, first reported the allegations of former Star employee Veronica Pike Kennedy. The Star later published its own account quoting Kennedy and two other women who declined to have their names published; the Montgomery Advertiser also interviewed Kennedy and cited one woman who asked to remain anonymous.

Kennedy told the Advertiser she was working as a part-time clerk in the nearly deserted newsroom on a Saturday morning in 1975 when Ayers asked her to read one of his columns and she jokingly asked who had written it.

"And he said, 'Oh, you are being a bad girl,'" Kennedy said. "'You know what I do to bad girls? I spank them."

Ayers forcibly pulled her out of a chair and whipped her with a metal ruler, Kennedy said. She said she was hit 18 times by the ruler.

I was fighting him the whole time. Trying to kick him. Bite him. Scratch him. Whatever I could do, Kennedy said.

She said Ayers told her, Well, that ought to teach you to not be a bad girl.

Kennedy said the incident led her to seek counseling years later.

"It was hard to trust anybody in authority for a long time after that," she said. "I had anger I didn't realize I had."

Mike Stamler told the Advertiser he was in the newsroom that day, working on a story. He said he remembered seeing Ayers and Kennedy disagreeing about something and then saw the assault.

"I was stunned," he said.

Ayers responded to Kennedys accusations by stating: Let the accusation stand."

Trisha OConnor, a former employee of the Star, said she did not witness the assaults by Ayers but other female employees would warn new women at the company to stay away from Ayers unless accompanied by a supervisor.

ALABAMA TOPS CLEMSON, WILL PLAY GEORGIA IN TITLE GAME



The incidents described are too old for any criminal charges to be filed.

Ayers stepped down last year as publisher of the Anniston newspaper. He is a member of the Alabama Academy of Honor, which recognizes living Alabamians for their achievements. His syndicated column has been carried in papers statewide.

In one of his books, In Love with Defeat: The Making of a Southern Liberal, the newspaper exec wrote spanking was as American and Southern as fried chicken on Sundays," The Washington Post reported.

In one encounter, Ayers recalled threatening to spank a woman, his future wife, Josephine, during a date after she made a comment that upset him.

Ben Cunningham, managing editor of the Star, said the allegations were a difficult time for this extended family.

The airing of these allegations, in our pages and elsewhere, are a difficult time for this extended family, Cunningham wrote in a column for the news outlet. For the women who say Ayers attacked them, though, I hope it leads to peace and to a sense of justice.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A rapidly-intensifying winter storm system known as a "bomb cyclone" targeted the Northeast on Thursday after leaving its deadly mark across the Southeast, snarling travel across the region with snow, ice, bone-chilling winds and a central air pressure similar to that of the devastating Superstorm Sandy.

The wicked winter weather left at least three people dead in North Carolina due to vehicle accidents. Two men died Wednesday night when their truck overturned into a creek in Moore County southwest of the Raleigh-Durham area. Sgt. Michael Baker identified the two killed to the Associated Press as the driver, 57-year-old Michael Alexander Wilson, and a passenger, 73-year-old Jerry David Wilson. Both were from Bear Creek.

In a separate crash early Thursday, a driver slid off a road in snowy conditions and overturned his vehicle in Beaufort County.

Also, one person died Thursday morning in Pennsylvania when a car in Lower Moreland crashed through a gate and into a commuter train, police said. The car with two passengers couldn't break at the bottom of a steep, snow-covered hill and hit a train headed to Philadelphia. Authorities said the driver was able to get out of the vehicle before smashing into the train, but the passenger was not. The body was located along the tracks.

"This could be one of the strongest offshore storms weve ever experienced with a central pressure in the 950s," Fox News Senior Meteorologist Janice Dean said.

The National Weather Service issued blizzard warnings for parts of Delaware, Virginia, Maryland, coastal New Jersey, Long Island, N.Y., and coastal eastern New England. Most of those areas could see at least a foot of snow, while nearly 2 feet of snow was projected in locales further north.

The storm has resulted in thousands of canceled flights at major airports such as Boston's Logan International Airport and the halting of all flights at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport. According to FlightAware, more than 4,000 flights were canceled Thursday, while several hundred have already been canceled for Friday.

"This could be one of the strongest offshore storms weve ever experienced with a central pressure in the 950s."  Fox News Senior Meteorologist Janice Dean

People who take to the roads are in for an "ugly, long commute" said New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who declared a state of emergency across New York City, Long Island and Westchester County. He also issued a travel advisory until 4 p.m.

New Jersey State Police said the agency has responded to over 250 crashes and 554 motorist aids so far, including "spinouts, flat tires, mechanical breakdowns."

In New Jersey, Orlando Igmat's car got stuck in a snowbank along the Garden State Parkway in Tinton Falls on Thursday morning as he drove to work at Verizon. He had to wait a half hour for a tow truck to pull him out.

"I just skidded on the road and then stopped me here so I can't move right now anymore," he told the AP. "I didn't expect it (the storm) was going to be a heavy one. That's why I went to work today. I'm going to stay in a hotel tonight."

Ankle deep snow and wind gusts approaching 50 mph covered Maryland's Ocean City Boardwalk, which was under a blizzard warning Thursday.

Coastal flooding was also reported in parts of Boston and Eastern Massachusetts. The NWS' Boston office said the afternoon tide observation was on its way to being the highest ever recorded since 1921.

Some computer models have shown the storm with a minimum central air pressure below 950 millibars when it reaches its peak, which would be similar in strength to that of Superstorm Sandy, which had a minimum pressure of 945 millibars when it slammed into New Jersey in 2012, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

This storm will stay completely out at sea, but bring winds "in excess of hurricane-force" along the coast, according to Dean, with "damaging" wind gusts of over 70 mph possible in coastal eastern Massachusetts, including Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Island by Thursday afternoon.

Ryan Maue, a meteorologist at the private firm Weather.US., said the storm is "one of fastest intensifying non-tropical storms in historical analysis."

'BOMB CYCLONE' WINTER STORM TO HIT US EAST COAST: WHAT IS IT?

Eastern Massachusetts and most of Rhode Island were bracing for as much as 18 inches of snow, with snow falling at a rate of 3 inches per hour possible. The National Weather Service warned of wind gusts hitting near 70 mph.

"The heaviest snow is expected in eastern New England and eastern Long Island, where a foot or more of snow is possible," Dean said.

A man working at a food truck in Times Square told Fox News he had only a handful of customers Thursday morning as the blustery weather was keeping tourists away from the destination, which, only days earlier, was packed with more than a million people for New Year's festivities.

The storm has also knocked out power to more than 100,000 homes along the East Coast. Several New England states, including New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Maine have reported outages.

The state of Massachusettes alone had more than 22,000 outages. The Eversource electric utility said more than 5,500 homes and businesses were without power at midmorning Thursday in Provincetown, Mass., on the outermost tip of Cape Cod, which was being lashed with hurricane-force wind gusts.

Virginia had a peak of 45,000 outages, with about half restored by early Thursday afternoon. And customers in the Carolinas experienced about 30,000 outages on Wednesday.

Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said more than 100 warming centers have been opened in 34 towns across the state. Connecticut has 634 state plow trucks and 250 contractors working to clear the highways.

Once the storm passes by Friday, the danger will still remain as "even colder Arctic air" arrives by this weekend, according to Dean.

"The dangerous second part of this storm will be the record breaking cold this weekend with lows in the single digits this weekend for parts of the Northeast and wind chills below zero," Dean said. "This will be life-threatening -- especially for those who lose power."

As even-colder temperatures take hold, the American Red Cross warns there is often an increase in the number of home fires. The organization says people should "keep all potential sources of fuel paper, clothing, bedding, curtains or rugs -- at least 3 feet away from sources of heat," and never leave portable heaters and fireplaces unattended.

There were concerns in Boston and elsewhere that if roads aren't properly cleared, they could freeze into cement-like icy messes by Friday, given the expected low temperatures. In other areas, plummeting temperatures already have caused water mains to burst.

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said the city is taking steps to keep people safe during the storm, including closing city schools and implementing a parking ban that went into effect Thursday at 7 a.m., Boston 25 News reported.

"We can't say it enough: Don't crowd the plow," Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker said at a news conference Thursday morning. "This is winter in New England, as our first big storm of the season makes its way across the Commonwealth, we ask residents to look out for each other."

He also urged companies to allow employees to work from home and asked everyone to use public transit if they absolutely must go out.

"The snow will freeze quickly and bitter cold temperatures will return," he added, urging residents to be prepared for extended power outages when the bitter cold air returns over the weekend.

The New York City Sanitation Department dispatched 2,400 workers ahead of the storm to clear the streets, FOX5 New York reported.

"As the weather meteorologists have started to talk about, this is a bombogenesis, which means that we are going to have exceptionally strong winds," Commissioner Kathyrn Garcia said. "So anything that is falling in these cold temperatures is likely to blow around and drift."

SOUTHEAST SOCKED BY RARE SNOWSTORM AHEAD OF 'BOMB CYCLONE' FORECAST TO HIT NORTHEAST

Residents across the Northeast were also taking the proper precautions as the storm approached.

In the Boston area, there was minimum parking and not enough carts to go around at a Market Basket supermarket in Waltham, located in the western suburbs, according to Boston 25 News. Managers adjusted schedules to make sure extra employees were at the store, consistently restocking shelves that quickly emptied out.

Well, I was going to get bread and milk. But theres no bread or milk, one shopper said.

Tressa Shifflett, of Virginia Beach, Va., told the Associated Press that she planned to spend most of her time Thursday playing Monopoly, Go Fish and Pokemon with her 11- and 13-year-old children.

"We basically just plan on hunkering down," she said

Doug Nashold, a retired Navy veteran of Norfolk, Va., said he was already dealing with a pipe burst.

BOMB CYCLONE: SEE NASA'S INCREDIBLE 'TEMPERATURE ANOMALY' PICTURES OF US DEEP FREEZE

"I thought I was prepared, but it got colder a lot quicker than I thought it would," he said.

The storm moved out of the Southeast after bringing rare cold and snow to the region. Floridians in Tallahassee saw snow for the first time in nearly 30 years, while Charleston, S.C., saw at least 5 inches of snow and ice. Savannah, Ga., also received about 1.2 inches of snow.

"I woke up this morning and the sun was shining in through ice sickles," Charleston resident Zack Lee told Fox News. "It's a winter wonderland it really is."

The blast of winter weather and plunging temperatures that has gripped much of the U.S. in recent days already has taken a human toll.

The number of deaths linked to the relentless cold had risen to at least 19 on Thursday. Two homeless men were found dead in Houston, where police said the deaths were believed to be the result of "exposure to frigid weather." Deaths also were reported in Mississippi, Michigan and other states.

Fox News' Greg Norman, Nicole Darrah, Terace Garnier, Elizabeth Zwirz and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A bomb cyclone wreaking havoc in the Northeast on Thursday unleashed dangerous flooding in Boston and unprecedented high tides along the Massachusetts coast, trapping drivers in cars floating through ice-slushed streets covered in mini "icebergs."

High tide started to peak Thursday afternoon, with the height tying the one set during the blizzard of 1978, Boston25 reported. The National Weather Service compared the flooding to that set during that historic blizzard, and said Thursdays storm brought in some of the worst [to Boston] in recent history.

In Boston's Seaport district, Joe Weatherly, a 40-year-old artist from Los Angeles, held his Boston terrier while searching for a seafood restaurant. Part of the district was flooded.

"For someone in California, this is really, really scary. Mind-blowing," he said. "We don't live in a state where things shut down with the weather. I've just never seen this much snow in my life."

Boston Fire Department tweeted photos of flooded streets and firefighters braving hurricane-force winds while rescuing a man trapped in his water.

Boston25 reporter Jason Solowski called it a big soupy mess in Boston, while Jacob Long showed his soaked legs after moving through flooded sidewalks.

Word to the wise. Flooded sidewalks can be deeper than they appear. Went to help a woman get across the street to her car and stepped off a big curb. The water is freeeeeeeeezing. Time to change, Long tweeted.

Quincy police said officers rescued at least 20 people as of Thursday afternoon, warning drivers to stay off the roads by using the hashtag dont drown, turn around.

In Chatham, several cars were seen floating through the street while water rose through a barrier island and reach a condo complex, according to Masslive.com.

The storm knocked out power to more than 5,500 homes and businesses Thursday morning in Provincetown, Massachusetts, on the outermost tip of Cape Cod, which was being lashed with hurricane-force wind gusts, the Eversource electric utility said. Much of that power was restored by early afternoon.

The storm system left at least three people dead in North Carolina from vehicle crashes. Two men died Wednesday night when their truck overturned into a creek in Moore County southwest of the Raleigh-Durham area. Sgt. Michael Baker identified the two killed to The Associated Press as the driver, 57-year-old Michael Alexander Wilson, and a passenger, 73-year-old Jerry David Wilson. Both were from Bear Creek.

Fox News' Travis Fedschun and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A California man who has spent much of his adult life in and out of prison was charged with murder in the single-punch death of a sheriffs deputy on New Years Eve, authorities said Wednesday.

Alonzo Leron Smith, 30, is accused of delivering the deadly punch to San Bernardino County sheriffs Deputy Lawrence Falce, which eventually killed the 70 year old.

"We believe that he was knocked unconscious almost immediately and he never did regain consciousness," San Bernardino Police Chief Jarrod Burguan said.

Surveillance footage from a nearby store captured the brief encounter.

Falce was off-duty when he braked to avoid two dogs and was rear-ended by Smith, police said. The two got out of their cars, exchanged words, motioned at each other, then Smith delivered a single punch to the face and Falce fell backward, hitting his head on the pavement, police said.

Smith was able to drive away, despite a Good Samaritan ramming his vehicle to try and stop him, police said. Smith was arrested hours later.

Smith is a gang member who has spent much of his adult life in and out of lockups. San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael Ramos described Smith as a career criminal" and said he had previously went to prison for street terrorism and selling marijuana, according to KTLA.

"This person needs to spend the rest of his life in prison," Ramos said.

Smith pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder with special circumstances.

Falce, a 36-year veteran of the force and an Army veteran, began his career with the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department in 1981 as a deputy sheriff. He worked patrol at Central Station for 32 years.

Falce is survived by his sister Majorie and his girlfriend Deborah.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
D.C. police investigating two brutal murders -- in which a woman was burned alive in the trunk of her own car and a man was found shot to death on the side of the road -- are looking into the possibility the homicides are connected.

Armani Nico Coles, 27, was found shot dead on Dec. 28 near Interstate 295 at the Maryland and D.C. border. An hour later, and three miles away, Kerrice Lewis, 23, was heard screaming as she tried in vain to escape her burning Lexus, a police source told FOX5. Authorities say she also was shot.

Anytime you lose a family member, especially like this, it just rips your heart out, Lewis grandfather, William Sharp, told the station.

Friends say Coles and Lewis knew each other and grew up in the same part of D.C., but police have not released any suspects or motive, according to FOX5.

Sharp said he and his wife raised Lewis after her parents died when she was 11.

Her mother died of a brain aneurysm and her father was tragically murdered up in the D.C. area, Sharp said, adding Lewis recently spent time in jail but was trying to turn her life around.

Police believe Coles, a custodian for D.C. Public Schools and the father of an 8-year-old boy, was pushed from a car onto the shoulder of the road where he was found dead.

He lived for his family. He adored me, he adored his son, his mother, Amber Coles, told FOX5.

Both families are begging anyone with information on the murders to come forward.

People like that need to be off our streets for the safety of all of us, Sharp said.
A former U.S. National Security Agency contractor is set to plead guilty to stealing classified documents that could have amounted to the largest theft of secret information in history.

Harold Martin is scheduled to plead guilty to one count of willful retention of national defense information on January 22 in a federal court in Baltimore, according to court filings, Reuters reported.

Prosecutors said that the ex-NSA contractor spent two decades taking classified government information from the U.S. intelligence community and hoarded the secrets at his home in Maryland. The Justice Department accused Martin in 2016 of a breathtaking theft of government secrets.

During a raid of his home, authorities seized dozens of laptops and digital devices in addition to six full bankers boxes worth of documents.

At least 50 terabytes of data were seized from his home  with authorities saying it may have been the largest theft of classified documents in the countrys history.

Martin is currently facing up to 10 years on the single count of stealing a single NSA document, according to Reuters, but because he has not yet made a deal with prosecutors he could still be tried on the remaining 19 counts in the indictment.

The remaining potential charges surround stealing more documents from the NSA, U.S. Cyber Command, the CIA and the National Reconnaissance Office.

According to the indictment, Martin was hired as a private contractor by at least seven companies and worked for multiple government agencies since 1993. His position granted him various security clearances and access to highly-sensitive government information, the indictment noted.

At NSA, he worked at its hacking unit and took material that included most, if not all, of the agencys hacking tools  the same tools that later ended up on sale on the Internet by a group calling itself Shadow Brokers, The New York Times reported.

Despite the breach was linked to Martin, officials could not prove a connection between him and the group  long suspected of being linked to Russian intelligence  that sold the tools. It remains undisclosed if he used the stolen information in any way, including to leak sell or give it to a foreign government.

At the time of his arrest in August 2016, Martin worked for Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp, according to Reuters. The same company also employed Edward Snowden who leaked in 2013 secret documents exposing domestic and international surveillance programs carried out by the NSA.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Even Florida couldnt avoid the wrath of the bomb cyclone.

Residents in Tallahassee went outside Wednesday to see snow-covered grounds, a rare sight in the Sunshine State, which hasnt seen any measurable snowfall in nearly three decades. The last time there was significant snow in the capital city was 1989, FOX13 Tampa reported.

Snow began falling in the Florida Big Bend region on Wednesday and ended that night. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for the first time in nearly four years.

Most parts received less than one inch of snow by late Wednesday, the National Weather Service reported. Thomasville, Sand Hill, Nashville, Lakeland, Moultrie and Ocilla got one to two inches of snow.

'BOMB CYCLONE' WINTER STORM BRINGS SNOW, FIERCE WINDS TO NORTHEAST AS BITTER COLD TO FOLLOW

Tallahassee police tweeted a video of snow falling in the area, but cautioned drivers who were about to hit the icy roads.

Its snowing in Tallahassee! As exciting as this is, please use extreme caution if you are driving & dont expose yourself to the cold for too long without proper gear. #SunshineState #SnowDay #WinterIsHere, the police department tweeted.

Nick Dombek, a Tallahassee resident, posted a Twitter video showing his 5-year-old son frolicking in the snow.

"Hes never seen snow before and was extremely excited," Nick told FOX13. "[The] snow was gone by 10:30, but we had some fun out there!"

Floridians still have to brace for bitter cold temperatures that's expected to linger for the next few days.

SOUTHEAST SOCKED BY RARE SNOWSTORM AHEAD OF 'BOMB CYCLONE' FORECAST TO HIT NORTHEAST

Residents in the Northeast braced for the storm heading up the coast Thursday, which canceled thousands of flights and left schools closed. Charleston, S.C. saw at least five inches of snow by Thursday morning. State and local officials urged residents to prepare for possible power outages and to stay off the slick and icy roads.

Fox News' Travis Fedschun contributed to this report.
Industry officials say a human trafficking lawsuit settled between two Indonesian fishermen and an American boat owner will not impact nearly 800 other foreign fishermen in Hawaii's fleet who are banned from leaving boats when the vessels reach shore.

The 130 commercial fishing boats based in Honolulu rely almost entirely on foreign crews from impoverished Southeast Asian and Pacific countries who have no legal standing.

An Associated Press investigation into the Hawaiian fleet found men living in squalor.

Two Indonesian fishermen ran away from their boat in 2009 when it was unloading at San Francisco.

Eventually, federal officials issued each of them a special visa designated for victims of human trafficking, and in 2015 they sued the boat owner, claiming they were denied medical treatment. The settlement was disclosed Wednesday.
Welcome to Fox News First. Not signed up yet? Click here.

Developing now, Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018:

President Trump's legal team sends Steve Bannon a cease-and-desist letter after day of war of words

Much of the southeast sees rare snowfall as cities brace for "bomb cyclone"

The House Intel committee reaches deal with the Justice Department on Fusion GPS documents related to Trump "dossier"

Iranian ambassador accuses Trump of inciting unrest with "absurd tweets"

THE LEAD STORY: President Trumps lawyers sent a cease-and-desist letter Wednesday night threatening imminent legal action against former top strategist Steve Bannon, capping a whirlwind day of a war of words between the two men ... The letter is a response to sharply critical comments that Bannon reportedly made to journalist Michael Wolff about Trumps campaign and leadership. Charles Harder, Trumps attorney, charges in the letter that Bannon violated a non-disclosure agreement signed during the campaign by disclosing confidential information, speaking to the media about the campaign and disparaging members of the Trump family. Additionally, Harder suggests that Bannon told lies that defamed and slandered Trump.

BEWARE OF THE 'BOMB CYCLONE': Much of the southeastern U.S. was slammed by a brutal winter storm Wednesday, with Florida, Georgia and South Carolina seeing a rare blast of snow and sleet  the worst snowstorm to hit some cities in decades ... Forecasters have warned the same weather system could soon strengthen into a bomb cyclone as it continues to travel north on the East Coast. The storm could produce strong, damaging winds  possibly resulting in downed trees, power outages and coastal flooding, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The NWS on Wednesday recorded 5 inches of snow and significant accumulations of ice in Charleston, South Carolina. Across the Georgia-South Carolina state line, the weather service reported 1.2 inches of snowfall in Savannah. Floridians in Tallahassee saw snow for the first time in 28 years.

HOUSE INTEL BREAKTHROUGH ON FUSION GPS: The House and Justice Department reached a deal late Wednesday to provide records relevant to investigations of possible Trump 2016 campaign ties to Russia that could shed a light on whether the infamous Trump-Russia dossier was used to justify surveillance on Trump campaign officials and kick-start the FBI investigation ...The deal comes after FBI Director Christopher Wray and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein met with House Speaker Paul Ryan to talk about the demands by the Republican-led House Intelligence Committee to turn over documents related to the probe into the allegations of Russian meddling in the 2016 election campaign to prop-up the Republican candidate against Hillary Clinton, Reuters reported.

IRAN'S THEATER OF THE 'ABSURD': An Iranian ambassador lambasted President Trump for encouraging disruption in Iran with his absurd tweets, and crossing every limit in international relations by expressing support for Irans anti-government protestors ... Iranian Ambassador Gholamali Khoshroo, in a letter to U.N. officials, accused Washington of intervening in a grotesque way in Irans internal affairs, and singled out Trump and Vice President Mike Pence for personally stirring up trouble. 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.

AS SEEN ON FOX NEWS

CLINTON INVESTIGATION IRREGULARITIES: "It doesn't take a Congressional investigation [to show that] nothing about that investigation was right"  Chris Swecker, former assistant FBI director on "Tucker Carlson Tonight," sounding off on a report that congressional investigators found 'irregularities' in the FBI's handling of the Hillary Clinton email case. WATCH

TRUMP-BANNON WAR, IN CONTEXT: "Trump had won the nomination without Bannon... Trump governed without Bannon."  Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, on "Your World with Neil Cavuto," saying Steve Bannon has "an exaggerated sense of self-importance" and that he is "a guy who's been fired, who's been trying to claim a bunch of things." WATCH

ACROSS THE NATION

Texas Amber Alert girls found safe in Colorado; suspected kidnapper caught.

DNC deputy chair Keith Ellison signals support for Antifa.

Trump dissolves voter fraud commission after states balk at data requests.

MAINSTREAM MEDIA MADNESS

CBS News fires political director over allegations of 'inappropriate behavior': report.

Hoda Kotb gets Matt Lauer's job, but only a fraction of his or Megyn Kelly's NBC paychecks.

Matt Lauer still sending notes to 'Today' producers, report says.

MINDING YOUR BUSINESS

Tech shares push U.S. stocks to new records.

McDonald's relaunches 'Dollar Menu' amid fast food wars.

Accelerating housing market boosts homebuilder stocks.

NEW IN FOX NEWS OPINION

Cal Thomas: Trump's record should delight any conservative -- even at The New York Times.

Dont do it, Mitt! Romney is exactly the hero the Senate deserves, but not the one it needs right now | Im a Trump supporter and I hope Mitt Romney becomes Utahs next senator

John Moody: Why Trump can envy, but not imitate, China.

HOLLYWOOD SQUARED

Stephen Colbert campaigns for Trump's 'Dishonest & Corrupt Media Awards.'

Jon Bernthal has blunt response to alt-right fans of 'The Punisher.'

Meryl Streep calls out Melania and Ivanka Trump for 'silence' on sexual harassment.

DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THIS?

Chef who claimed she spiked vegan dishes with meat quits after receiving death threats.

Ancient DNA gives glimpse of ancestors of Native Americans.

Cancer patient starts 'cap wigs' initiative to fight emotional pain of hair loss.

STAY TUNED

On Fox News:

Fox & Friends, 6 a.m. ET: Tomi Lahren, Trump campaign adviser Michael Caputo and Dr. Sebastian Gorka all sound off on the Bannon-Trump war of words, and Trump administration-congressional leaders negotiations over immigration; Sen. Rand Paul on tax reform and the legislative agenda ahead for Congress. Plus, 'Cooking with Friends' with Steve Cortes and his party chicken

The Story with Martha MacCallum, 7 p.m. ET: Dana Loesch on Fusion GPS and the Trump dossier and the latest in the Mueller Russia probe.

The Ingraham Angle, 10 p.m. ET: Newt Gingrich on the latest developments in the unrest in Iran.

Fox News @ Night, 11 p.m. ET: Rep. Mark Meadows on the latest in Trump administration-congressional negotiations on DACA.

On Fox Business:

Mornings with Maria, 6 a.m. ET: House Majority Whip Steve Scalise; Lanhee Chen, former policy director for Mitt Romney; Jess Lockwood, professional world champion bull rider.

Varney & Company, 9 a.m. ET: Sens. Rand Paul and Bill Cassidy; Bart Chilton, former commissioner at the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission

Cavuto: Coast to Coast, Noon ET: Former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott; former Sen. Joe Lieberman

Countdown to the Closing Bell, 3 p.m. ET: CES 2018 preview with Gary Shapiro, Consumer Technology Association CEO; Dem. Rep. John Garamendi sounds off on California becoming a sanctuary state.

On Fox News Radio:

The Fox News Rundown podcast: Chris Stirewalt takes on the fiery between Bannon and Trump. Also, a tip from an Australian diplomat may have pushed the FBI to investigate Russian meddling in the 2016 election, according to a New York Times report. But some in the GOP leadership are blaming political bias. Rep. Matt Gaetz, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, weighs in. Plus, commentary by Fox News Radio talk host Tom Shillue.

Want the Fox News Rundown sent straight to your mobile device? Subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Stitcher.

The Brian Kilmeade Show, 9 a.m. ET to Noon ET: Rep. Will Hurd on the latest on the unrest in Iran and North Korea's new threats; Marie Harf on President Trump's handling of Iran and North Korea this week; Chris Wallace on the implications of the Bannon-Trump war.

#OnThisDay

1974: President Richard Nixon refuses to hand over tape recordings and documents subpoenaed by the Senate Watergate Committee.

1904: The U.S. Supreme Court, in Gonzalez v. Williams, rules that Puerto Ricans were not aliens and could enter the United States freely; however, the court stops short of declaring them citizens.

1868: "The Moonstone" by Wilkie Collins, considered by some the first full-length English detective novel, begins to be serialized in Britain and the U.S. in All the Year Round and Harper's Weekly.

Thank you for joining us on Fox News First! Enjoy your day, and we'll see you in your inbox first thing Friday morning.
A Missouri man admitted to sexually assaulting an 8-year-old girl in a motel room and feeding her methamphetamine by disguising it in toilet paper, police said.

Brett Pendleton, 48, allegedly rented a room at an American Inn in Washington, west of St. Louis, and took the girl, a relative of his, there on New Years Day, FOX2 St. Louis reported. Pendleton fed the girl drugs by rolling it in toilet paper and then forced her to have sex with him police said.

HOMELESS MAN CHARGED WITH MURDERING EX-60S SOUL SINGER DURING ATTEMPTED RAPE

The girl was in the room with Pendleton for hours until her mom came to the motel that evening. The girl pulled her mother into the bathroom and told her Pendleton made her perform several different types of sexual act, according to FOX2.

The child also said she was forced to smoke marijuana and cigarettes.

The mother took her daughter to the hospital and filed a police report. Police said the mother isnt under investigation because she didnt know about the alleged crimes before the incident.

DC POLICE LOOKING FOR CONNECTION BETWEEN BRUTAL UNSOLVED MURDERS

Pendleton was taken into custody after police nabbed him at a traffic stop. He later admitted to police he gave the girl meth and said he had sex with her.

Pendleton was charged with one count of statutory sodomy or attempted statutory sodomy, deviant sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 12 and first-degree endangering the welfare of a child creating substantial risk.
A retired California sheriffs employee was shot at his home early Thursday morning after he heard a knock at his front door and went to see who was there, police said.

The former Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department employee, believed to be in his 70s, was at his home in Redondo Beach when the shooting happened around midnight, FOX11 LA reported. He reportedly had heard a knock at the door.

"Someone knocked on his door, there was an exchange of asking him who lives there," Police Lt. Shawn Freeman told the outlet. "The next thing that happened, according to the victim, is he's shot through his side window."

The shooter asked the homeowner for someone by name before firing the weapon, striking the man in the chest and wrist, according to NBC4LA.

The gunman fled the scene.

Redondo Beach police said the victim was transported to the hospital for surgery, but his condition is unknown, Fox 11 reported.

"The victim reported to the Redondo Beach Police Department that he is a retired Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputy," Freeman told the outlet.

Authorities reportedly confirmed that the victim was formerly employed by the department, adding he retired in 1978, but they said they haven't uncovered a connection to the incident.

"No nexus between the victim's prior employment and this shooting is known, as the motive and circumstances leading up to the shooting are still under investigation," Freeman told Fox 11.

Police said the victim described the shooting suspect as a five foot five Hispanic man, and a witness reportedly said they saw a white man.
A 16-year-old missing New Jersey girl who was found in the basement of a Massachusetts home told police she was held against her will, raped several times, had her hair shaved off and burned with a cigarette, according to testimony at a Wednesday hearing.

Auburn police Officer George Vranos said the teenage girl, believed to be a runaway, was found on Dec. 27 inside a room that he described as a torture chamber.

He said she was crying when they discovered her and when police asked her to remove a knit hat she was wearing. After seeing a bag full of hair near her, they saw her head had been shaved.

She was looking at the floor whimpering, Vranos testified during a dangerousness hearing at Worcester Central District Court, according to Mass Live.

Her hair was in a Christmas bag," Auburn Detective Eric Dyson said, according to the Boston Herald.

HOMELESS MAN CHARGED WITH MURDERING EX-60S SOUL SINGER DURING ATTEMPTED RAPE

Around the teen, officers also found cigarettes, duct tape with hair, an iron and a pot of water.

Krystal Lugo, 23, of Webster, is charged with kidnapping, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery and larceny under $250; Christopher Lugo, 19, is charged with kidnapping, rape and drugging to confine; Torres-Abee, 22, of Southbridge, is charged with kidnapping and assault and battery; Yuleny Ortiz, 19, of Auburn, is charged with kidnapping.

According to prosecutors, the teenager was picked up in nearby Leominster on Christmas Day and taken to Auburn by Krystal Lugo and Ortiz, where she stayed for two days.

The teenager told police she was given a marijuana cigarette laced with Xanax and was then sexually assaulted several times by different people. Police said they found several used condoms in various areas of the house, the Telegram reported.

However, it seems that an alleged home invasion the morning of Dec. 27 is what triggered the four to hold the teenager in the torture chamber, prosecutors said.

RETIRED CALIFORNIA SHERIFF'S DEPUTY SHOT WHILE ANSWERING DOOR, POLICE SAY

Two armed men allegedly rushed into the Auburn home around 6 a.m. that morning, demanding marijuana, pistol whipping Christopher Lugo and firing two shots into the ceiling, police said.

Krystal Lugo, the mother of an 18-month-old child, allegedly accused the victim of working with the two men. She allegedly took the victim outside without shoes on to fight with her; it only ended after Christopher Lugo warned that neighbors were watching.

She turned on the victim, blaming her for setting them up, for orchestrating the home invasion, District Attorney Tara Nechev said, according to The Boston Herald.

It was then that she was taken to the basement, where the victim was tied to a chair with duct tape. The assailants allegedly placed a machete at her throat while she was interrogated about the people involved in the home invasion.

The home invasion is still under investigation.

Krystal Lugo, who shook her head in denial as prosecutors discusses the allegations during Wednesdays hearing, has a long history with police. Officers had been called to the Auburn location 144 times since 2003, prosecutors said.

She was held without bail, despite her attorney arguing she was not a danger. She's set to return to court on Jan. 31.

The dangerousness hearings for three male defendants was set to continue until Friday.
Six Virginia volunteer firefighters were arrested and charged with gang-raping a 17-year-old girl, videotaping the assault and sharing it on social media.

The six members of the Strasburg Volunteer Fire Department were arrested over the weekend after a Virginia State Police investigation.

BOMB CYCLONE WINTER STORM BRINGS SNOW, FIERCE WINDS TO NORTHEAST AS BITTER COLD TO FOLLOW

The six men, Fabian Sosa, 25, Dale King, 36, Andrew Key, 24, Christopher Pangle, 32, Bradly Marlin, 21, and Nathan Hirschberg, 26, were all charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Two of the men were department leaders, FOX5 reported.

Contributing to the delinquency of a minor is a misdemeanor carrying a maximum punishment of 12 months in jail. The charge can include consensual sex acts with a minor aged 15 or older.

VIRGINIA MAN ACCUSED OF OBSTRUCTING TERRORISM INVESTIGATION

The girl said she felt drunk at the time of the incident, according to the affidavit. The mother of the teenager gave investigators images of the recording of the sex act which appeared to show the victim highly intoxicated and intimidated by the firemen. The girl said the sex was not consensual with at least one of the suspects. The alleged sex acts reportedly occurred at three spots, including at the firehouse.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The U.S. military says an American soldier was killed while fighting in eastern Afghanistan.

The Pentagon says four other soldiers were wounded in the Jan. 1 battle in the Achin district of Nangarhar province. Two of the wounded were in stable condition, and the other two have returned to duty.

The dead soldier was identified as 34-year-old Mihail Golin, of Fort Lee, New Jersey. He was assigned to Fort Carson in Colorado.

Gen. John Nicholson, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, says "we are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our own."

The United States formally concluded its combat mission in Afghanistan at the end of 2014 but still carries out operations against the Taliban and an Islamic State affiliate, both of which are active in Nangarhar.
A 25-year-old American woman facing up to 20 years in a Zimbabwean prison for allegedly tweeting the countrys former dictator was "a sick man" was freed Thursday -- for now.

Martha ODonovan, smiling and looking relieved, was removed from remand after prosecutors failed to provide a trial date, temporarily freeing her from the charges of subversion for her alleged comments about former leader Robert Mugabe.

Her lawyer, Obey Shava, told The Associated Press that O'Donovan can still be summoned back to court if the prosecution feels it has more evidence against her. However, in the meantime, she can get her passport back.

It all depends on what they gather, but for now the case has crumbled. She is free for now, Shava said.

In previous cases, the government has rarely followed up to summon people again.

ODonovan, who left the courtroom to hugs from friends, did not comment.

The New Jersey native has denied the accusations about the tweet citing the 93-year-old Mugabe, who resigned in November following pressure from the military and ruling party amid fears his wife was positioning herself to succeed him.

She called the accusations baseless and malicious.

New President Emmerson Mnangagwa, a longtime Mugabe ally whose firing as vice president sparked the whirlwind events leading to Mugabe's departure, has declared the southern African nation should let "bygones be bygones."

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights says it has represented nearly 200 people charged under a law that criminalizes insulting or undermining the president.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The 12-year-old grandson of former Al Qaeda leader Usama bin Laden was killed in an airstrike along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, the boys father announced in a leaked letter in which he praised his son as a martyr.

The former most-wanted terrorist's grandson, Osama bin Laden, was reportedly killed during an air raid on an Al Qaeda base sometime last year, The News Arab reported. His father, Hamza bin Laden, addressed the boys death in two letters posted on social media and obtained by MEMRI, a research institute that monitors publications from the Middle East.

He was blessed with a martyr's death, as he always wished for himself. Yes, he wished for this despite his young age. He always wished for this and asked me if he could be a fighter who sacrificed himself, the father said, according to MEMRIs translation sent to Fox News.

He added: On the last days of his life, when he played with the children, he often acted out his martyr's death. He used to throw himself to the ground, close his eyes, and smile a gentle smile.

CIA RELEASES BIN LADEN FILES INCLUDING JOURNAL, MOVIES AND VIDEO OF SON'S WEDDING

One report said the 12-year-old boy died on the land of Khorasan and Afghanistan and was reportedly the fifth member of the bin Laden family to be killed.

The Laden family makes its fifth sacrifice on the pure land of Afghanistan and Khorasan for the sake of Allah may He be exalted, the letter said.

Hamza bin Laden, the son of Usama bin Laden, who was the mastermind of the Sept. 11 attacks and was killed in 2011 in Pakistan in a U.S. Navy SEAL raid, has been propped up by Al Qaeda as a key figure in the terrorist organization. However, he had been shrouded in mystery until the CIA declassified in November documents seized in the 2011 raid of Usama bin Ladens compound, including a video of Hamza bin Ladens wedding.

The video included the first image released of Hamza bin Laden as an adult.

Fox News' Catherine Herridge contributed to this report.
Egypt says neighboring Sudan has recalled its ambassador in Cairo for consultations, the latest sign of rapidly deteriorating ties between the onetime allies.

The Foreign Ministry says it learned of Khartoum's decision through its embassy in the Sudanese capital.

The ministry said Thursday that Egypt is "comprehensively assessing the situation with a view to making the appropriate response." It did not elaborate.

Egypt maintains that Sudan has taken Ethiopia's side in Cairo's dispute with Addis Ababa over a massive dam being built on the Nile River by the Ethiopians.

Egypt says the dam will reduce its vital share of the Nile's waters.

Pro-government media in Egypt have also decried a recent visit to Sudan by Turkey's president, who is a harsh critic of Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sissi.
French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed legislation to crack down on the spread of fake news, particularly around elections -- a move which has voices on both the left and right nervous about whether it would curb press freedom.

Macron made the proposal Wednesday during a speech to journalists at the Elysee Palace. His proposals would force websites to show more transparency about who was financing them and would limit the amount of money a website could receive for sponsored content, according to French media.

What spooked critics the most was a proposal that would allow judges during election campaigns to block content deemed to be fake news, shutting down user accounts and even entire websites found to be peddling fake news.

Macron himself was the target of a fake news campaign during the 2017 French presidential election. In particular, he was hit by claims that he was having a homosexual affair -- claims he denied and for which no evidence was produced.

The center-left president is widely believed to have certain Russian news outlets, such as Sputnik News and RT, in his sights. Both outlets published articles critical of Macron during the election season.

His 2017 opponent, the far-right candidate Marine Le Pen, took to Twitter to denounce Macrons proposals and accused him of trying to muzzle French citizens.

Control of free speech on the internet, additional judicialization of society: is France always a democracy if it muzzles its citizens? she asked. Very disturbing!

She added, Who will decide if the information is false? The judges on the [left-wing] Syndicat de la Magistrature? The government?

The proposals also were met with caution from the center-left Le Monde newspaper -- one of Frances biggest and most influential outlets --which noted that France already has legislation from 1881 that fines any publication that puts out fake news made in bad faith.

Le Mondes editorial board described legislation in such an area as press freedom and fake news, where the barriers are fluid and hard to define, as inherently perilous.

To change the laws that already exist appears to be at the least risky, the editorial warned.
Israel on Thursday began implementing a plan to expel tens of thousands of illegal African migrants by April, and officials are threatening to detain those who stay.

This plan will get under way today, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the start of a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, France 24 reported.

Under the program, some 38,000 migrants who entered the country illegally, mainly Eritreans and Sudanese, have until the end of March to leave. Each person will be given a plane ticket and $3,500 to do so. After the deadline has passed, this amount of money will decrease and those who continue to refuse to go will face arrest.

Holot, a facility in Israels desert south where migrants can stay when they're not working is also set to be closed. Critics have likened Holot to an open air prison lacking basic amenities such as heat and medical care.

Israels interior ministry said Holot is currently holding 970 people.

The plan was approved in November, drawing concern from the United Nations refugee agency.

GERMAN CONSERVATIVES CALL FOR AGE TESTS FOR UNDERAGE MIGRANTS SEEKING ASYLUM

We see here the implementation of the decision, migrant aid worker Adi Drori-Avraham, of the Tel Aviv-based Aid Organization for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Israel, told AFP.

The Africans currently hold short-term residence visas that must be renewed every two months.

From today when a person goes to request an extension to their visa, if he does not have a pending asylum application... his visa will not be renewed and he will be given a deportation order, she added.

The rules have exceptions for women, children, parents of children and victims of human trafficking, but those are temporary, according to Drori-Avraham.

A 2014 report from Human Rights Watch charges that Israels system denies migrants access to fair and efficient asylum procedures, coerces migrants into leaving Israel, and gives the country pretext to unlawfully and indefinitely detain them.

Netanyahu, however, defended the plan.

Every country must maintain its borders, and protecting the borders from illegal infiltration is both a right and a basic duty of a sovereign state, he said.

INFLUX OF YOUNG MALE MIGRANTS FUELS RISE IN VIOLENCE, STUDY SHOWS

But Tsgahans Goytiom, a 30-year-old Eritrean in south Tel Aviv, said he felt he and his fellow refugees were being treated like commodities.

I see the situation now as very bad and difficult, he told AFP. We are being traded.

He added: I am not from Uganda or Rwanda. How come the prime minister decided to send people to other countries?

Israel tacitly recognizes the Sudanese and Eritreans cannot be returned to their dangerous homelands, so it has signed deals with Rwanda and Uganda, which agree to accept departing migrants on condition they consent to the arrangement, activists say.
The jailed co-leader of Turkey's pro-Kurdish opposition will step down during a party congress next month.

Selahattin Demirtas announced his decision not to seek another term at the Feb. 11 congress in a letter made public by his Peoples' Democratic Party, or HDP, on Thursday.

The popular politician was jailed along with close to a dozen other HDP lawmakers last year. Prosecutors are seeking a total of 142 years in prison for him on charges of leading a terror organization, engaging in terror propaganda and other crimes. He denies the accusations.

In a related development Thursday, a court convicted HDP legislator Idris Baluken on charges of membership in a terror group and engaging in terror propaganda and sentenced him to 16 years in prison. Baluken is expected to appeal.
An official says prosecutors have made additional bribery charges against South Korea's jailed ex-president alleging she received official funds from her spy chiefs for personal purposes.

Park Geun-hye was removed from office last March and is on trial on a broad range of corruption and other charges that could potentially send her to jail for life.

A Seoul prosecutors' office official said Thursday the new charges accuse Park of receiving a total of 3.5 billion won ($3.3 million) of official funds from three of her spy chiefs.

She allegedly used the funds to pay maintenance fees for her private residence and her confidante's boutique and give incentives-like money to her presidential aides.

The official spoke anonymously because he wasn't involved in the investigation.
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Russia and four other former Soviet republics have protested a plan to attach an explanatory text about the role of Soviet World War II commander Ivan Konev in history to his monument in Prague.

Marshall Konev led the Red Army forces that liberated large parts of Czechoslovakia from the Nazi occupation in 1945. His monument was unveiled in the Prague 6 district in 1980.

Yet Konev remains a controversial figure for his role in crushing the 1956 anti-Soviet uprising in Hungary and preparing the 1968 Soviet-led invasion of Czechoslovakia.

The ambassadors of Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus and Kazakhstan say the plan is "an attempt to rewrite history."

The Czech Foreign Ministry says Thursday it's preparing an answer.

Prague 6 Mayor Ondrej Kolar said he wanted to present facts, not distort history.
810 Weekend Gallery, 810 Caroline St. New works by Beverley Coates (watercolors), Penny A. Parrish (photography) and Lynn Abbott (acrylics and oils). First Friday reception, 6-8:30 p.m. 540/371-4099.

Art First Gallery, 824 Caroline St. All Members Exhibition. Through Jan. 29. First Friday reception 6-9 p.m. 540/371-7107; artfirstgallery.com.

Artful Dimensions Gallery, 922 Caroline St. All-member show. First Friday grand reopening 6-9 p.m. Exhibit runs through Jan. 29. 540/899-6319; artfuldimensionsgallery.com.

Atrium Gallery Art Studio, 5262 Wolfe St. Works by Nancie Harris. Acrylic and watercolor paintings, Chinese embroidery, turquoise jewelry and cigar boxes. 540/538-6072.

Backdoor Gallery, 819 Caroline St. Spotlight on Spotsy Teachers. Through Jan. 31. First Friday reception 6-9 p.m. 540/371-3900; backdoorgallery.org.

Brush Strokes Gallery, 824 Caroline St. Dream Big! features artwork with dimensions of 40 inches and above. Through Jan. 28. First Friday reception 6-9 p.m. 540/368-0560; brushstrokesfredericksburg.com.

Center for the Arts of Greater Manassas/Prince William County, Caton Merchant Family Gallery, 9419 Battle St., Manassas. 14th annual Off the Wall, featuring works in a variety of media by area high school students. Through Jan. 25. Open house Jan. 6, 2-4 p.m. Snow date: Jan. 13, 2-4 p.m. 703/330-2787; center-for-the-arts.org.Central Rappahannock Regional Library, 1201 Caroline St. Johnny Johnsons Painting Group. Opening reception and gala Jan. 5, 4-6 p.m. Exhibit runs through January. 540/372-1144.

Community Bank of the Chesapeake, 425 William St. Community Art Series: works by Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts. First Friday meet the artists 2-5 p.m. fccava.org.

Fredericksburg Baptist Church, 1019 Princess Anne St. Works by local artists. First Friday reception 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the welcome center. 540/373-4402.

Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts, 813 Sophia St. Frederick Gallery: Word, Text and Image. Members Gallery: Works by Mark Prieto. First Friday reception 6-8:30 p.m. 540/373-5646; fccava.org.

Gari Melchers Home and Studio, Belmont, 224 Washington St., Falmouth. Rotating works by early-20th-century artist Gari Melchers. Included with museum admission. 540/654-1015; garimelchers.org.

The James Monroe Museum, 908 Charles St. Dynamic Ceramics: Selections from The James Monroe Museum Collection, featuring a spectrum of pottery artifacts from James Monroe and his family, the exhibit is an in-depth examination of ceramic wares including American stoneware, earthenware and porcelain. 540/654-1043; jamesmonroemuseum.umw.edu.

The John J. Wright Educational and Cultural Center Museum, 7565 Courthouse Road, Spotsylvania. Our Founding Fathers: Citizens of African Descent. Pioneers. Visionaries. Entrepreneurs. Through February. 540/582-7583; jjwmuseum.org.

Kingdom Inspiration Studio, 1008 Sophia St. Encountering God through the Arts, works by over 20 local artists. First Friday reception 6-9 p.m. 540/479-6865; kingdominspiration.com.

LibertyTown Arts Workshop, 916 Liberty St. LibertyTown Students Show, annual exhibit of artwork done by students taking classes at LibertyTown. Jan. 5-28. First Friday reception 5-9 p.m. 540/371-7255; libertytownarts.com.

Mary Washington Hospital, hallway gallery on first floor. Suzi Bevan will be the featured artist January through March. Rotating works by 26 local artists. A portion of sales benefit hospital; purchase works during gift shop hours.

National Museum of the Marine Corps, Combat Art Gallery, 18900 Jefferson Davis Highway, Triangle. Honor, Courage, Commitment: Marine Corps Art, 1975-2015. Through April. 703/432-1775; usmcmuseum.com.

The Old Stone Warehouse, the Famous Unknown Art Gallery, 923 Sophia St. Drawings and paintings of Florida by Jack Edlund, local artworks and historical artifacts. Call for hours. 540/207-1071.

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery, 712 Caroline St. Ceramics by Scarlett Pons and Rachel Ruddle as well as fine art by Gabriel Pons, Maddie Huddle and James Walker. First Friday celebration 6-9 p.m. 540/656-2215; ponshopstudio.com.

Sammy Ts, 801 Caroline St. Art exhibit and sale, including paintings, photographs and fabric art. All proceeds benefit Lloyd F. Moss Free Clinic. Through Jan. 31. 540/371-2008; sammyts.com, mossfreeclinic.org.

Sophia Street Studios, 1104 Sophia St. Works by local artists. First Friday reception 6-9 p.m. 540/372-3459; sophiastreetstudios.com.

Sunken Well Tavern, 720 Littlepage St. Digits, works by Pete Morelewicz. Through Jan. 10. 540/370-0911.

Tappahannock Art Gallery, 200 Prince St., Tappahannock. Works by local artists. tapparts.org.

Tarver Harris Design Studio at Jarrett Thor Fine Arts, 100 Taylor St., Suite 102, Colonial Beach. Paintings, textiles and silk scarf designs, plus decorative minerals, unique jewelry and wooden bowls. 804/224-7200; jarretthor.com.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Fredericksburg, 25 Chalice Circle. The Art Of Memory, paintings by Mark Prieto. Diagnosed in 2010 with dementia, Prieto paints every day in an effort to ward off memory loss. Jan. 7 to Feb. 25. Opening reception Jan. 7, 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. Storytelling talk with Prieto on Jan. 21, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Free.

Visions by Shirl, 116 Hawthorn St., Colonial Beach. Handmade original art gifts and wall art by local artists. 703/303-1743.

Wegner Gallery, 520 Wolfe St. Paintings by brothers Steven and Stewart Wegner. 540/373-5662; worksbywegner.com.

Woodberry Forest School, Baker Gallery at Walker Fine Arts Center, 4 miles north of Orange on Route 15. deliberations, mixed-media paintings by Sharon Zarambo. Jan. 5 to March 3. Opening reception Jan. 12, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with gallery talk at 6:30 p.m.

Compiled by Gail Choochan
A judge sent multiple charges to a Stafford grand jury Wednesday after hearing a recorded conversation in which a former police officer discussed burning down the county's public safety building.

Cassie C. Crisano, 37, of Stafford is charged with attempted arson, soliciting a felony, forgery, obtaining money by false pretenses and other counts. Judge Bruce Strickland sent the case to a grand jury following a preliminary hearing Wednesday in Stafford General District Court.

In a phone call Strickland listened to before certifying the charges, Crisano seemed particularly upset about a safe that had been seized from her home by police. She told a former friend in the recorded call that they'd both be in big trouble if they didn't find a way to get rid of a book that was in that safe.

"The only way to get rid of the book is to get rid of the building," Crisano said in the recording.

According to evidence presented by prosecutors Tara Mooney and Ryan Fitzgerald, deputies went to Crisano's home on Cannon Ridge Drive on May 28 for a reported break-in and larceny.

Detective Ed McCullough said Crisano, a former police officer in Prince George's County, Md., reported the theft of a number of items, including guns, electronics, a police vest and duty belt and her son's vehicle.

Crisano later received a $20,000 check from Allstate Insurance to compensate her for the losses, McCullough said.

The Sheriff's Office didn't realize that anything was amiss until August, when Crisano's former friend, Terry Linton, made allegations to police about insurance fraud. Linton, a fraud investigator for Navy Federal Credit Union, came forward after he was arrested in Frederick County on a charge of soliciting a child on the Internet.

Officers raided Cristano's home on Aug. 31 and found a number of items that authorities said had been reported stolen. Among the items seized was a safe that contained various identifications with Crisano's picture and other peoples' names, authorities said.

Those names belonged to people who were customers of Navy Federal, where Linton worked, authorities allege.

Detective Kurt McBride was with Linton in Harrisonburg when Crisano called Linton on Sept. 3, three days after she was released on bond. Crisano was unaware that Linton had made allegations to authorities about insurance fraud and was now working for the police.

"I don't think you realize how bad things are," Crisano said on the recorded call. "It's coming down hard if you don't fix it."

Crisano then discussed a plan that involved throwing Molotov cocktails into the public safety building in an effort to burn it down, along with all the evidence inside. Part of the plan involved setting fire to a field a couple of miles away to divert firefighters from her primary target.

Crisano didn't sound overly confident when Linton questioned the soundness of the plan. "I can't give you a guarantee on anything. But it has to be done," she said.

When Crisano showed up at the Days Inn on Warrenton Road later that evening to discuss the details further with Linton, she was arrested by deputies and has been in custody ever since. She had latex gloves and a gasoline can in her vehicle when she was arrested, authorities said.

Crisano's attorney, Jason Pelt, questioned why neither her fiance, a Pentagon police officer, nor Linton have been charged in connection with the Stafford case. Pelt said there was no way Crisano could have pulled off the alleged fraud without someone else's help and/or knowledge.
Paul di Resta has put to rest his hopes of racing with Williams in F1 this year, but the Scot could soon open a new chapter of his racing career with Jaguar in Formula E.

Di Resta, who subbed at Williams for a sick Felipe Massa at the Hungarian GP last summer, is no longer in contention for a seat at the British outfit which has yet to choose between Sergey Sirotkin and Robert Kubica for 2018.

The Mercedes DTM stalwart has however drawn interest from the Jaguar Formula E squad which will give the Scot a run in its car on January 14 in Marrakesh, after the all-electric series' second event next week.

Formula V8 3.5 winner Pietro Fittipaldi will also be on hand to test the Jaguar team's electric charger.

"I am really looking forward to my first taste of Formula E and the Jaguar I-type 2," said the Scot who will head to Morocco after completing this weekend's test at Daytona with United Autosport, a prelude to the Rolex 24 in which di Resta will race at the end of the month.

"It is a perfect opportunity, at the right time of year to have a go. It will be an intensive day of testing in Marrakesh but I'm sure I can give some positive feedback to the team."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

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A Spotsylvania circuit judge Thursday denied bond for a woman who was prominently mentioned in a recent murder trial for one of the men accused of killing county resident Heather Ciccone.

Danielle S. Long, 24, is charged with being an accessory after the fact of murder and conspiring to commit perjury. She was picked up at her residence in Bridgewater, N.J., on Dec. 29 and brought to the Rappahannock Regional Jail, where she remains.

Judge Ricardo Rigual denied attorney Jason Pelt's request for bond, saying he believes Long poses a danger to the community. Long, who said nothing during the brief hearing, left the courtroom in tears.

The father of Long's two children, Joshua Christopher Williams, was recently convicted of first-degree murder in connection with the Ciccone slaying and a jury has recommended that he serve 38 years in prison. Ciccone, 21, was shot in the back of the head late Dec. 6, 2015, in a driveway on Piney Branch Road in Spotsylvania.

During William's six-day trial, Long was repeatedly mentioned as being the impetus behind the death of the 21-year-old Ciccone, who had a sexual relationship with Williams.

Prosecutor Ryan Mehaffey said Long became "murderously jealous" after learning of Williams' relationship with Ciccone and made multiple threats to Ciccone and her friends. Evidence presented showed that Long called Ciccone 137 times in one day and once went to her house to confront her.

The prosecution alleged that Long influenced Williams to kill Ciccone in part by convincing him that she had given him a sexually transmitted disease and was working for the police against him. Williams was a drug dealer. There was no evidence presented that Ciccone had a sexually transmitted disease.

There was also evidence showing that Long texted Williams the phone number of Jonathan Vejarano, who is accused of firing the fatal shot. Vejarano has an eight-day trial scheduled to start May 29.

Pelt argued that Long is not charged in connection with some of the allegations made during Williams' trial and said she "clearly" deserves a bond on the charges she's facing. Pelt pointed out the Williams' brother, Clinton Williams, is charged with the same offenses and recently received a $50,000 bond from Rigual.

The conspiracy to commit perjury charges against Long and Clinton Williams stem from recorded calls Joshua Williams made from jail while he was on trial. In the calls, Joshua Williams outlined an alibi he wanted his brother to testify to and urged Long to make sure his brother learned the words verbatim. Long refused to repeat the story on the phone, only telling Williams, "I got it."

Pelt said Long had no intention of getting involved in perjury and was so shaken by the call that she changed her phone number the next day. He asked Rigual for the same bond Clinton Williams received and for permission for her to return to New Jersey, where she lives with her mother and children.

Mehaffey described Long as a "driving force" behind Ciccone's death and said he has reason to believe she would interfere with witnesses in the upcoming Vejarano trial if given a chance.

The prosecutor said that while Long is not indicted "right now" on more serious charges, Rigual heard enough during the trial to merit the bond denial.

Pelt said after the hearing that he believes Long is being held for offenses she has not been charged with and said he plans to file an appeal with the state Court of Appeals.
Tucked behind Belvedere Plantation are a few acres of green pasture and a pond. On a mid-December morning, a flock of pygmy goats belonging to Belvedere owner M.R. Fulks grandson grazed while geese floated serenely on the nearby waters.

Fulks son recently held his wedding on a small peninsula jutting into the pond and on Saturday evenings this fall, fireworks lit for Belvederes popular Harvest Festival were reflected in its surface.

Elsewhere on Fulks property near New Post along U.S. 17 in Spotsylvania County, another flock of geese were enjoying the last of a successful crop of soybeans.

Both these tranquil pieces of land were once pockmarked by the berms and pits of a working sand and gravel mine. Since mining was completed in the early 2000s, Fulks has reclaimed the land for agricultural purposes.

I have a very specific system [for reclaiming land] that has received awards, Fulks said. Its second to none. Nobody does as good a job as we do.

Aggregate Industries operates a sand and gravel mine on another portion of Fulks property, Belvedere South. Mining there began in 2004 and the natural deposits of sand and gravel will be depleted in another year, Fulks said.

In January 2015, Aggregates parent company, Bardon Inc., applied to Caroline County for a special exception permit to extend the mining operation at Belvedere South into Caroline, to a parcel of Fulks land known as Fox Spring Farm.

This is just the continuation of an existing operation, Fulks wife, Judith, said.

The Caroline Board of Supervisors will vote on the application Tuesday. It comes to supervisors with a recommendation of denial from the countys Planning Commission, which voted on the matter in July. Commissioners cited incompatibility with Carolines comprehensive land-use plan, which designates Fox Spring Farm as being in an area marked for agricultural preservation.

But according to the special exception permit application, Fox Spring Farm will be returned to agricultural purposes after mining is completed in 10 years.

Also according to the application, the processing plant will remain where it is in Spotsylvania Countyabout 150 feet from the Caroline County line. All access to the Fox Spring site will be through the existing road into the Belvedere South site and 98 percent of vehicle traffic will travel west away from Caroline, the application states.

The application states that the extraction site will be almost completely shielded from view by the existing heavy tree line. In the one place where it would be visible from U.S. 17, a 25-foot wide landscaped berm will be constructed.

The application proposes erecting a similar berm to conceal view of the site from State Route 611, a gravel road leading to the historic plantation house Prospect Hill.

This is the second time Fulks has attempted to mine Fox Spring Farm. A 2001 application submitted by Ennstone was denied unanimously.

However, since then, Caroline supervisors have approved four sand and gravel mines along U.S. 17 in the countyHayfield, Black Marsh, Clarkes Cut and Moss Neck.

We just want equal treatment, M.R. Fulks said. We feel were being treated unfairly.

The Fulkses say they simply want to be allowed to use the resources of their own property to preserve and sustain their farm and provide for their extended family, two of whom have chronic medical conditions.

The only place to get sand and gravel is where it is, Judith Fulks said. We didnt put it here, the county didnt put it here.

The Fulkses have collected letters of support for their application from 62 people, most of whom are from Caroline and live in the vicinity of Fox Spring Farm. One couple who support the project, Timothy and Sue Golike, live in a house on reclaimed land that was mined in the 1990s and is once again being farmed.

Opponents, such as Robyn Castles, whose husband owns Santee, a National Register of Historic Placeslisted home and farm near Fox Spring, question whether another mining operation is necessary in the county.

I cant see any reasons for it except for this guys own greed, Castles said. Hes the only one profiting, not anyone else around us.

She worries that the operation will increase truck traffic on U.S. 17, which is a two-lane highway with no shoulder at that point.

Aggregate trucks are very big and theyre carrying oversize loads of gravel. Theyre going 55 and sometimes higher, which theyre not really supposed to, she said. [U.S. 17] is a very dangerous road, period, and then you stick mining trucks on it, all day going back and forth?

Castles said she doesnt see how the project will benefit the county in terms of economic development and that another mine will be detrimental to the historic homes in the area and to the surrounding environment.

Its so dirty, she said. Our home is quite a bit farther than some of the other homes from this project [Belvedere South] and its dusty. I dust every day and its still dusty. If you figure thats whats coming in, what is it doing to the people outside, the animals and wildlife?

Opponents also worry about how the mine will affect local streams and the Rappahannock River. Elleanore Daub, an environmental specialist with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, said sand and gravel mining is regulated by two different permits, a water discharge permit and another from the state Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy.

Daub said the site would be inspected every five years at a minimum and would have to submit regular reports. She said she is not aware of any sand and gravel mines in the state having their permits revoked.

Most are covered by a general permit and if something enforcement-wise was amiss, one of our options is to make them get an individual permit. But as far as I know, nothing like that has happened, she said.

Castles said she knows of a dozen or more families who oppose the special exemption permit. She said she supports the rights of property owners to do what they want with their own landas she is trying to do with Santee, by opening it up as a historic attraction and event venueand would be supportive of the Fulkses if she thought the mining would benefit Caroline as a whole.

If I saw some benefits that would help Caroline, I would feel differently, she said.

Future sand and gravel mining along the U.S. 17 corridor in Caroline could soon be prohibited. After the supervisors vote on the Fox Spring Farm application, the county Planning Commission will consider an amendment proposed last year at the request of Port Royal District Supervisor Nancy Long that would amend the county zoning ordnance to identify sand and gravel mining as one of several uses no longer permitted by special exception permit in the area.
The Virginia Department of Transportation will briefly close the entrance ramp to Interstate 95 southbound from U.S. 17 northbound in southern Stafford County starting at 7 this evening for an emergency sign repair.

VDOT says a loose panel on an overhead sign in the area of Exit 133 in Falmouth must be repaired or removed for motorist safety. The work is expected to take about 30 minutes and the entrance ramp is anticipated to re-open to traffic around 7:30 p.m.

All lanes of Interstate 95 southbound will remain open during the removal.

U.S. 17 northbound traffic will be detoured to the intersection with VDOT's Park & Ride lot, where motorists can make a U-turn to proceed south on Route 17 and access the I-95 southbound entrance ramp. Virginia State Police will assist with traffic control at the work zone,VDOT says.
Tim Martin hiked the Appalachian Trail to prove a point to othersthat lifes not over just because you lose a leg.

The experience proved something else to the Stafford County man.

If the former Fredericksburg firefighter, who lost his leg in a tree-trimming accident in 2000, wants to camp in some of the nations most beautiful parks or spend half a year touring Alaska, hed better get to it.

If I dont do it now, I might not be able to do it later, and thats gonna lead to a lot of anger and resentment, he said.

Martin, who turned 55 while hiking through Vermont, recently completed the last leg of the Appalachian Trail, a 2,190-mile path from Maine to Georgia, through 14 states and eight different national forests. He was featured in The Free LanceStar on Oct. 7, after walking about 1,700 miles from Harpers Ferry, W.Va., to the trails northern terminus in Maine.

After he scaled Mount Katahdin, Maines highest point, he took off his prosthetic leg and raised it in the air. The look on his face showed both triumph and defiance, as Martin hiked the trailaloneto prove anything is possible.

He took a break for a few weeks in October, did some house projects at his home in Ferry Farms and visited with his wife, Kristine.

Then, Martin finished the last part of his journey, from the southernmost point of Mount Springer, Ga., to Waynesboro.

He had looked forward to being in the woods during his favorite season, and the changing leaves didnt disappoint him.

The fall foliage was absolutely beautiful, he said.

He probably saw more black bears along the trail than people in camp, as most hikers start the trail before spring so they can finish before winter. Some choose to travel north to south or south to north. Others, like Martin, start elsewhere in the course and leapfrog to another stretch. He hiked from April 30 through Sept. 14 and again from Oct. 15 through Nov. 15.

As long as you cover every mile of the trail within a year, youre considered a thru-hiker, Martin said in October.

He chose to walk alone because he cant keep a steady pace with a prosthetic leg. Going uphill is not a problem, but downhill can be treacherous. The artificial foot tends to pitch forward with the toe, meaning Martin could easily propel himself into a somersault, said Greg Wright of Mobility Prosthetics and Orthotics.

He fitted Wright with his artificial leg in 2001 and wasnt surprised that Martin would take on what the Appalachian Trail Conservancy calls a mammoth undertaking. Only one of four hikers makes it, and there probably arent many who hike it on an artificial leg.

Theres not much he cant do, Wright said.

The fall portion of the hike was even more perilous for an amputee because skies were overcast and the damp forest floor was covered with slippery leaves.

It was like booby traps, Martin said about walking over holes camouflaged by fallen leaves. He tripped and sprained his ankle several times, but kept moving. I knew it was only gonna get worse.

Instead of his normal pace of 20 miles per day, he doubled it at times so he could finish. On the last day, he walked into the Devils Backbone Brewing Co. near Wintergreen resort, looking forward to a hot meal and a cold beer. He found himself surrounded by hundreds of people and feeling incredibly claustrophobic after his time alone.

I said, Its time for me to go home,  he said.

But as Martin reflected on the tripcoming face-to-face with wild ponies in the Virginia Highlands or finding yellow and purple wildflowers still blooming in Novemberhe realized he didnt want his discoveries to end on the AT.

He wanted more.

Thats why Martin, and Wright, will leave Saturday for Breckenridge Ski Resort, just west of the Continental Divide in Colorado. The two will go snowboarding after Martin takes lessons to learn how to squat atop a board thats skinnier than his waist. He damaged both legs when he fell out of a tree in 2000his left leg was amputated below the knee and his right ankle was fused together to the point theres little flexibility.

His adventures wont end after he floats across the fluff at the alpine ski resort.

Martin realized, after he visited family members over the holidays, that he longs for the kind of simple lifestyle that hiking the Appalachian Trail provided.

We surround ourselves with so much junk that just ties us down, he said, adding he gave items, ranging from a collection of teapots to his surround sound system, to relatives. I just want to be free of all those things. Im at a point in my life where I could live in my truck and just travel in my truck.

And thats exactly what Martin plans to do.

The trucks shell will be both the roof over his head and the storage for all his camping and fishing gear as Martin will head to Utah in a few months to explore all the national parks south of Interstate 70. Hell visit Zion and Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands and Arches, taking his time to gaze on natural sandstone arches and flat-topped mesas with panoramic overlooks.

After spending three months in Utah, hed like to devote twice as much time to exploring Alaska. Because hell drive there, he said its pointless to make such a long trip and turn around in a few weeks.

At this point in his life, he said what he needs boils down to a few basics: a place to sleep, eat and fix his meals.

Ive kind of gone over to the other side, to the extreme, he said, adding that he cant wait until his wife retires in 15 yearsor age catches up with himto travel as he dreams. Im disabled already, and I just have to do this.
GEOPOLITICAL tensions across the European Union crested as 2017 came to a close. The most important global issue to watch in 2018 may be whether the new year brings resolution and harmonyor further fracturing of the worlds largest trading bloc and political community.

The tension is largely being driven by the rise of populist nationalism that is now threatening the political character of Europe, long the center of gravity of the democratic community of nations.

As Peter Wehner and I wrote in the Call-to-Action Paper cited by President Bush in his Oct. 19 speech in New York City:

Europe, in particular, is in deep crisis. While the West is more about values and institutions than it is about geography, there is no democratic West without Western EuropeYet five years after the European Union was awarded the Nobel Prize for its historic achievement of banishing war from a war-torn continent, the EU and its leaders seem to have lost their sense of direction.

On the EUs western front, Londons negotiations with Brussels over the terms of the United Kingdoms controversial departure from the EU remain tenuous. Growing numbers of Britons are calling for a new referendum on Brexit, while Prime Minister Theresa May seeks to minimize the damage to Britain that separation will inevitably bring to the United Kingdom.

On the other side of the continent, Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic are not only backsliding in their democratic performance, but are also engaged in multiple battles with the EU that threaten European cohesion and stability.

All three nations have balked at accepting their share of the millions of refugees in Europe who have fled conflicts in the Middle East, central Asia and North Africa.

Whether the EU can compel individual countries to accept refugees is a flashpoint in national politics across the continent. And it has fueled the rise of anti-immigrant, anti-European parties and movements across the continent.

In addition, Hungary has enacted at least two new laws that European institutions say violate democratic standards. A law intended to shutter the Central European University is widely seen as an infringement on academic freedom. The other is a Russian-inspired measure to demonize and obstruct non-governmental watchdog organizations that have been critical of the Budapest governments embrace of authoritarianism.

The latest flashpoint is Poland: On Dec. 20, President Andrzej Duda signed two laws that effectively bring the countrys judiciary under the political control of the ruling party. These are very slightly modified from the versions Duda vetoed in July, a move that gave hope that he would resist the politicization of the judiciary that had animated widespread protests across Poland and across Europe.

On the same day, the European Commission announced that it would be launching Article 7 proceedings that could lead Poland to lose its right to vote in EU institutions. Launching this nuclear option requires a four-fifths vote in the European Council, a threshold observers are confident will be achievedeven if Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia side with Poland, as many expect.

All the major European institutions, and political players are aligned in this effort to pressure or punish Poland. The European Council, the European Parliament and major EU countries are expected to support the commissions effort to take action. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel also said they would support the commission if it recommended sanctions against Warsaw.

Whether this united front will persuade the government in Warsaw to alter its course is unclear. The governments initial response was to ignore the threat and move forward. But Poland risks losing more than just goodwill in Brussels.

As Jan Cienski reports in the European edition of Politico, Poland is the largest overall beneficiary of EU cashset to receive about 100 billion euros in structural, agricultural and other funds during the current seven-year budget ending in 2020. But there is increasing disquiet in parts of Western Europe about sending so much money to a country that violates the EUs norms.

Perhaps for this reason, Poland has recently adopted a more measured line of rhetoric in its dispute with Brussels.

Meanwhile, in nearby Romania, President Klaus Iohannis has warned his political rivals who control the legislature that proposed laws to bring the judiciary under political control may lead to a similar resultmarginalization from mainstream Europe and another Article 7 proceeding.

The cracks in the edifice of European democracy and integration appear to be multiplying. Happy New Year, indeed.

Thomas Melia is a human freedom initiative fellow at the George W. Bush Institute. He wrote this for InsideSources.com.
FOR THE fourth consecutive year, more people have been moving out of Virginia than in, according to the Demographics Research Group at the University of Virginias Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service. Since 2010, Virginias population has been growing at its lowest level since the 1920s.

A growing population indicates a dynamic state economy. The reverse is also true: Slow population growth is a sign of a stagnant state economy.

Domestic out-migration is a cause for concern, especially since a number of Southern states that Virginia directly competes with for jobs and businesses are growing at a much faster clip. In fact, four of Virginias near neighborsGeorgia, North and South Carolina, and Tennesseemade the Top 10 list of numeric population growth last year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

To be sure, not every state is attracting new residents. Virginias next-door neighbor, West Virginia, actually lost 12,780 people last year, including 10,507 residents who migrated to other states. West Virginia was one of eight states in the nation to post a numeric decline in population.

Virginia did not have a numeric decline, but its population grew less than 1 percent from 2016 to 2017, according to the Census Bureaus Population Division. The census figures, released on Dec. 20, showed a net gain of 55,640 residents, which leaves the commonwealth still ranked as the 12th most populous state in the U.S.

There were 101,515 births and 66,786 deaths in Virginia from July 1, 2016 to July 1, 2017, census figures show. However, those statistics dont tell the whole story.

Compared to Idahowhich at 2.2 percent had the fastest growing population of all 50 statesVirginias population grew only 0.7 percent last year, mostly due to natural population increases. Migration from other countries added 33,365 people, but domestic out-migration reduced that total by 12,395 individuals.

People leave their homes and migrate to other states for a variety of reasons, including a desire to be closer to family or to enjoy better weather. But the main reason many people uproot themselves can be boiled down to economics. They move to seek employment, to accept a better job, to find a more business-friendly environment, or to go to a place with a lower cost of living.

According to IRS figures, the largest demographic group leaving Virginia are young adults aged 26 to 35. The combination of high housing costs and relatively low wage gains is making the commonwealth less and less attractive for this age group, which has historically bought houses as they started their families. Their departure will have future repercussions on the real estate market.

Young adults are followed on their way out the door by pre-retirees in the 55-to-65 age range, who are usually at the height of their earning power and therefore a good source of tax revenue.

This exodus does not bode well for the commonwealths future prosperity. Most Virginians who leave have been moving to southern or western states with faster-growing economies. The situation in much of rural Virginia is even worse, as these areas are expected to experience slower population growth or even population decline over the next decade.

These demographic trends are the proverbial canary in the coal mine, a warning that Virginias economy is not as healthy or robust as it should be. This should be particularly worrisome to Gov.-elect Ralph Northam and members of the General Assembly, who must figure out a way to jump-start Virginias sluggish state economywhich has been lagging far behind the national economywithout creating additional incentives for people to move elsewhere.

Its time to focus on making the commonwealth a place where more people want to live, not leave.
Ex-bakery owners display lights up community

Paul Glancy and his wife, Sandra, are best known for their past ownership of a Fredericksburg icon, Pauls Bakery, now owned and operated by their son, Neil. Those who know the Glancys well also know how much they love Christmas, spreading joy through a spectacular light display surrounding the bakery, gift shop and at their home.

Paul erects lights that twinkle and move to music, but he doesnt do it for the recognition. He does it for the community, and for the past few years as a fundraiser for Toys for Tots. He does it for the laughter and squeals of joy from children as they dance with his singing snowman. He does it for the opportunity to share the good news, as Rudolph tells the true meaning of Christmas. The degree to which he loves giving is evident every time he carries children on a train ride that stops just long enough to wave to Santa.

Paul asked me to help him find a way to thank the community for coming and express his gratitude to everyone who supported Toys for Tots, from the little child who dumped his piggy bank change into the donation box to the couple who handed a Marine $1,000. But I think its more likely a case of community members thanking Paul for what he gives them.

His light show is so much more than a Christmas display. He has created a new tradition for many families who come see the lights each year. He has given them memories that will last a lifetime. And this year, he helped the Marines provide a little Christmas for more than 80,000 children in the local community.

On behalf of Toys for Tots and the local community, a heartfelt thank you goes out to the Glancy family!

Wilma Vaughn

Fredericksburg
Stem cell transplant for severe autoimmune disorder improves survival, quality of life

New clinical trial findings, published Wednesday in The New England Journal of Medicine, show that a therapeutic regimen involving transplantation of a persons own blood-forming stem cells can improve survival and quality of life for people with severe scleroderma, a life-threatening autoimmune disease.

The transplant regimen includes chemotherapy and total-body radiation to destroy the bone marrow followed by transplantation of the persons own stem cells to reconstitute the marrow and immune system. The study found this regimen, called myeloablative autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant, or HSCT, to be superior to treatment with the immune-suppressing drug cyclophosphamide.

The clinical trial, called Scleroderma: Cyclophosphamide or Transplantation, or SCOT, compared the safety and potential benefits of the two treatment regimens among 75 people with diffuse systemic sclerosis who had lung or kidney involvement.

The trial showed that compared with cyclophosphamide, transplantation offered significantly greater long-term benefits but also carried known short-term risks, such as infections and low blood cell counts.

The SCOT trial definitively shows that autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the most effective treatment for diffuse systemic sclerosis, said study co-author Dr. George Georges of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centers Clinical Research Division. The regimen effectively resets the immune system and eliminates the destructive, autoreactive immune cells, he said.

The trial establishes autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation as the standard of medical care for a severe, life-threatening autoimmune disease. We believe that these results will encourage insurance companies to pay for the autologous HSCT for patients with scleroderma and other autoimmune diseases, he added.

Scleroderma is characterized by hardening of the skin and connective tissues. Diffuse systemic sclerosis is a severe, often fatal form of the disease that also involves the internal organs. Treatment options are limited. People with the disease may take antirheumatic and immune-suppressing drugs like cyclophosphamide to help manage symptoms, but none of these medications has been proven to provide long-term benefit.

Dr. Keith M. Sullivan of Duke University led the SCOT trial, which was conducted at 26 clinical research sites in the United States and Canada. One of these sites was the Fred Hutch/University of Washington Cancer Consortium, which played a lead role in the early clinical development of the transplant regimen for scleroderma.

Participants were randomly assigned to receive either myeloablative autologous HSCT or one year of treatment with monthly doses of intravenous cyclophosphamide. The transplant procedure began with doctors collecting a participants blood-forming stem cells, after which the participant received chemotherapy and radiation to eliminate the bone marrow. Finally, doctors infused the participants own blood stem cells to rebuild the bone marrow and a normally functioning immune system.

At four and a half years of follow up, participants who received a transplant experienced significantly better outcomes overall than those who received cyclophosphamide. In addition, 44 percent of participants who received cyclophosphamide had begun taking antirheumatic drugs for progression of their scleroderma, compared to only 9 percent of those who received a transplant.

During the study, seven participants in the transplant arm died, compared to 14 in the cyclophosphamide arm. Participants who received transplants were much less likely to die from progression of their scleroderma compared to those who received cyclophosphamide. There was a lower rate of transplant-related death in the transplant arm than previously reported for HSCT. No deaths were attributed to cyclophosphamide.

Participants in both study arms experienced treatment side effects, such as infections. Most serious adverse events among transplant recipients occurred during the first 26 months after transplant. Overall infection rates in the two study arms were similar, although more transplant recipients developed infections with varicella zoster, the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles.

The investigators are continuing to follow many of the SCOT participants to further assess their long-term health outcomes.

 Modified from a National Institutes of Health news release
Financing of construction and acquisition of housing for military servicemen and law enforcers from the national budget of 2018 would be over UAH 1.72 billion, including UAH 857.6 million will be provided for housing for the servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (UAH 31.4 million from the special fund), while in 2017, UAH 751.02 million was provided for this purpose (UAH 151.02 million from the special fund).

According to the law on the national budget of Ukraine for 2018 published in the Holos Ukrainy newspaper, the state would allocate UAH 200 million each to servicemen of the State Border Guard Service and the National Guard (the same as in 2017).

The ordinary and commanding staff of the State Emergencies Service will receive UAH 90 million for the purchase of housing, the servicemen of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense - UAH 100 million (the state budget 2017 - UAH 20.7 million), servicemen of the Foreign Intelligence Service - UAH 70 million (UAH 10 million), the Security Service of Ukraine - UAH 120 million (UAH 120 million).

The national budget for 2018 also announced the funds for housing for servicemen of the State Guard of Ukraine - UAH 40 million (UAH 40 million), State Space Agency - UAH 31.4 million, the State Penal Service - UAH 10 million and the State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection - UAH 1 million (UAH 1 million).
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A group of lawmakers has proposed to annul the requirement foreseeing temporarily suspension of VAT refunds for exports of rapeseeds and soybeans.

Bill No. 7403-2 amending the Tax Code of Ukraine regarding some issues of VAT taxation for oilseeds exports was registered in the Verkhovna Rada on December 29, 2017.

The authors of the bill are 27 lawmakers. They believe that return of VAT refunds for exports of rapeseeds and soybeans would allow avoiding the loss of farmers who plant these oilseeds and would not allow violation of international commitments of Ukraine to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) with the European Union (EU).

As reported, the temporary limitation for refunding VAT for exports of soybeans will be in effect from September 1, 2018 until December 31, 2021 and rapeseeds from January 1, 2020 until December 31, 2021.
POLICE REPORTS  Someone stole a tire and rim from a vehicle at a child learning center recently. According to the police report on file, the rear passenger side tire and rim...

WHATS UP Friendsgiving at Zakarys  Zakarys coffee, 612 N. Limestone St., will be hosting a Friendsgiving event on Wednesday, Nov. 23 beginning at 12 p.m. There will be free coffee and...

PUSH!! The celebration of the arrival of a new fire truck has been a source of pride for fire departments for more than 100 years. In this photo, Buffalo Volunteer Fire...

Officer administers overdose treatment to save life A Gaffney police officer saved a mans life after administering Narcan during a suspected overdose. Officer Toni Coley was dispatched to the 300 block of East Floyd Baker Boulevard November...
Ukrainian Defense Ministry's funding to increase by 26%, UAH 59.8 bln to be allocated for army from 2018 state budget

The State Budget of Ukraine for 2018 envisages UAH 86.6 billion for the Defense Ministry, which is almost 26% more than in 2017, and UAH 59.8 billion for the Armed Forces and the training of troops.

This is stated in the text of the law on the state budget of Ukraine for 2018, published on the website of the Verkhovna Rada.

In 2017, the Defense Ministry was assigned UAH 68.8 billion.

Some UAH 2.39 billion will be provided in 2018 for medical treatment, rehabilitation and health resort treatment of the personnel of the Armed Forces, veterans of military service and members of their families, and veterans of the war; some UAH 2.85 billion will be spent for the training and retraining of military specialists.

Some UAH 16.36 billion is to be allocated for development, purchase, modernization and repair of weapons, military equipment; UAH 534 million will be assigned for the disposal of ammunition, weapons, military equipment and other military property, ensuring long service and fire safety of ammo depots, bases and warehouses of the Armed Forces.

The 2018 state budget provides UAH 857.6 million for building or purchase of housing for servicemen of the Armed Forces.

Some UAH 564.7 million in the 2018 budget is intended for the activities of the State Special Transport Service.
News

centerpiece

Officials: Ferries on schedule, but captains in charge

KELSEY WALLING/The Daily News The Galveston-Bolivar Ferry travels to Port Bolivar with cars on board on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018. At least one vessel stays in operation to ferry people from the two ports 24 hours a day. KELSEY WALLING/The Daily News A Jeep disembarks the Ray Stoker Jr. ferry in Galveston on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018. Ferries between Galveston and Bolivar Peninsula have been officially in service since 1929. KELSEY WALLING/The Daily News A family rushes to get on the Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry before it leaves for Port Bolivar on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018. Each ferry can carry about 70 vehicles and 500 passengers. KELSEY WALLING/The Daily News The Wilsman family exits the Ray Stoker Jr. ferry after it docks in Galveston on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018. The Wilsmans came to Galveston from Nebraska to celebrate the holidays on the beach, but were instead greeted by cold weather.

Several regular passengers have criticized the ferry service between the Bolivar Peninsula and Galveston as unpredictable, but state officials insist that it isnt hard to know when ships are coming and going.

Crystal Beach resident Daniel Keene was late to work recently and blamed it on not knowing when the ferry would leave Bolivar Peninsula each morning.

Cant get a solid schedule with your wheelmen leaving the dock whenever their gut tells them to leave, Keene said.

Captains have ultimate authority over when a ship arrives and leaves and none of them are following the suggested schedules, Keene said.

The mornings, especially, are an important time to be on schedule because everyone is trying to go to work, Keene said.

State officials, however, said the ferry service was more predictable than most road systems.

Youve got more information available than you do for most highways, said Danny Perez, spokesman for the Texas Department of Transportation, which operates the ferry route.

While it is true that ferry captains have ultimate authority on when its safe to leave the dock, officials try to keep a regular schedule and a system of checks and balances in place to prevent long waits, Perez said.

The ferry service runs 24 hours each day, with one boat operating at hour intervals between 12 a.m. and 7 a.m., according to Texas Department of Transportation data.

Ferry officials then add another boat during peak hours and could increase it to three or four based on how busy the traffic is, Perez said.

The goal is always to run every 30 minutes during the day, Perez said.

A boat might be a minute or so off schedule, but try to remain as exact as possible, Perez said.

The captains are pros, Perez said. They know how to operate efficiently and make sure they are not staying at the landing longer than they have to.

Section 29 of the Texas Administrative Code dictates that the captain of the ship has ultimate authority over when a ship runs, but management and radio dispatchers can communicate information to those running the ships, Perez said.

Say youre waiting for a ferry and a boat is not moving, thats a customer service concern, Perez said. You can call a dispatcher and then they can radio the captain and find out whats going on.

Not all passengers had the same complaints about ferry service.

Its a boat and it cant always be perfect, said David Gaston, who rides the ferry each day between his home on the Bolivar Peninsula and work in Galveston. But Im pretty happy about how they handle the scheduling.

Gaston said he could leave his home shortly before 7 a.m. or 7:30 a.m. and make each of those ferries with little effort.

Sometimes, when theres good traffic demand, you have to show up a little earlier in case it fills up, he said.

The online traffic service TranStar provides data on wait times, traffic cameras to show each side and a map of where each boat is at a given time, Perez said.

Thats better than we provide for most freeways, Perez said.
On The Water: You might need a bigger boat for Transpac 2023
A free screening of the documentary "Never Give Up! Minoru Yasui and the Fight for Justice" and a panel discussion will take place at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, in the main meeting room of the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave.

"Never Give Up! Minoru Yasui and the Fight for Justice" is the story of Yasui, son of Japanese immigrant parents, born in 1916 and raised in Hood River. He was the first Japanese American attorney in Oregon.

During World War II, he initiated the first legal challenge of the forced removal from the West Coast and subsequent incarceration of over 120,000 persons of Japanese ancestry in U.S. concentration camps. This documentary film is directed by Holly Yasui and Will Doolittle and narrated by George Takei. Running time is 55 minutes.

A panel discussion will follow. Holly Yasui producer, writer and co-director will join via video conference. Holly is Min and True Yasuis youngest daughter.

For more information, please contact the library at 541-766-6793. If members of the public have a disability and need accommodations to attend, they can call 541-766-6928, allowing 48 hours' notice for this service.
Two investors seek to create a new residential district in the Telychka area near Vydubychi subway station in Pechersky district in Kyiv in 2018, Director General of Kyiv Investment Agency Oleh Mistiuk has said in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine.

"In 2017, two global investors [able to operate $1 billion a year] showed their interest to the creation of a new residential district in Kyiv and want to do this in 2018," Mistiuk said.

He said that the projects envisage that the city is to find funds to buy land parcels and then offer the deal to the global investor. He said that the land in the Telychka area is leased by 14 leasers. Almost all of them found new sites and are ready to move, although it is hard to gather them in one deal to buy land.

"If the city in a developed country sees demand from a global investor, it must quickly find the resources to buy a parcel of land and return it to communal ownership in a year or three, study how the facility fits into the urban plan, communicate, and then offer the deal to this investor," he said.

Mistiuk also said that it takes three years to finalize the procedure for the compulsory taking of an area, according to Ukrainian legislation.

Two investors seek to create new residential district in Telychka area in Kyiv  Kyiv Investment Agency

KYIV. Jan 4 (Interfax-Ukraine)  Two investors seek to create a new residential district in the Telychka area near Vydubychi subway station in Pechersky district in Kyiv in 2018, Director General of Kyiv Investment Agency Oleh Mistiuk has said in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine.

"In 2017, two global investors [able to operate $1 billion a year] showed their interest to the creation of a new residential district in Kyiv and want to do this in 2018," Mistiuk said.

He said that the projects envisage that the city is to find funds to buy land parcels and then offer the deal to the global investor. He said that the land in the Telychka area is leased by 14 leasers. Almost all of them found new sites and are ready to move, although it is hard to gather them in one deal to buy land.

"If the city in a developed country sees demand from a global investor, it must quickly find the resources to buy a parcel of land and return it to communal ownership in a year or three, study how the facility fits into the urban plan, communicate, and then offer the deal to this investor," he said.

Mistiuk also said that it takes three years to finalize the procedure for the compulsory taking of an area, according to Ukrainian legislation.
Im surprised that Oregons governor, Kate Brown, hasnt taken a stand for Oregons environment and against the Jordan Cove LNG Export project. She was recently with world leaders in Germany for the United Nations climate talks, but has not publicly opposed this fracked gas project in Oregon. Her opposition is critically important for Oregon and our planet.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, exporting natural gas from the United States to Asia could end up being worse from a greenhouse gas perspective than if China simply built a new power plant and burned its own coal supplies. The terminal would also become one of the largest sources of climate pollution in the state. Fracking wells that would supply this project have been documented to leak substantial amounts of methane  a powerful greenhouse gas that can make natural gas projects worse than coal in a 20-year time frame.

Out-of-state energy speculators want to build the Pacific Connector pipeline across public and private lands in Jackson County and many other communities to transport at least 1.2 billion cubic feet of fracked gas per year from Canada and the Rockies to Coos Bay, where it would be shipped overseas from a giant new terminal. Veresen, a Canadian energy company would make massive profits, while the rest of us would pay the price.

If landowners along the pipeline route dont accept a small, one-time payment for permanent use of their land for the pipeline, the government will grant Veresen the power of eminent domain.

Cultural resources, traditional tribal territories and burial grounds are threatened by both the pipeline route and the export facility.

LNG facilities and natural gas pipelines are highly explosive. For example, in 2014, the Plymouth LNG facility in Washington exploded, injuring workers and forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate. The Jordan Cove terminal would be built in a region vulnerable to tsunamis, while the pipeline, full of high-pressure gas, would pass through an area with a high risk of wildfire.

The pipeline will affect farms and fishing businesses as it disturbs more than 400 waterways and damages salmon and steelhead habitat. Horizontal directional drilling would happen under the Klamath, Rogue, Umpqua, and Coquille Rivers, threatening our rivers with accidents called frack outs.

Each dollar invested in clean energy creates two to seven times as many jobs as spending that dollar on fossil fuels. Businesses, elected officials, and community residents in the Rogue Valley have been working together to speed our transition to cleaner energy and to greater energy efficiency. This project threatens all our progress.

We Oregonians are proud of our history with what is called the Thin Green Line. This began to form in 2010 with opposition to a coal export proposal at Longview, Washington, on the Columbia River. Since then, a network of allies and engaged citizens has successfully fought off all six coal schemes for Oregon and Washington. Our people have been Goliaths in face of the giant fossil fuel industry.

Opposition to coal exports has been the blueprint for a fight that has continued successfully against oil trains. It is one we will continue to use against oil pipelines and fracked gas. With the demise of the major coal exports terminal proposals and other fossil fuel projects, the Thin Green Line will focus on the fossil fuel giant still remaining: the Jordan Cove LNG Export project. Our history in Kalama is of tireless opposition by residents, landowners along the proposed pipeline route, faith leaders, doctors, and fishermen.

The proposed Pacific Connector fracked gas pipeline and the Jordan Cove LNG export terminal threatens to dramatically impact salmon fisheries, water quality, and our climate. While we intend to build a coordinated and intractable opposition to the Jordan Cove LNG export terminal, we would certainly like Gov. Brown to join us.
Oregons new health care law is unfairly balanced. It favors big corporations, insurance companies, and unions, while forcing our schools to pay $25 million out of education budgets for new health care taxes!

This $25 million tax comes at a terrible time for our public education system. Oregon schools graduation rate is among the lowest in the nation. Cutting available education funding will make it much more difficult to improve Oregons education system.

The majority of Oregon legislators failed to listen to us, the voters, who in Measures 98 and 99 demanded that more state funding be given to education. Elected officials didnt give us the increases we asked for and slapped public education with an additional $25 million in health care taxes. This money comes directly from our childrens classrooms because our public schools buy taxable insurance plans in the large group market. Our governor and her legislators cant kick the can down the road and hope to see better schools.

Nonprofits, small business owners, hospitals, college students, schools, people on fixed incomes, families ... all are hurt by this unfair, inequitable, and unsustainable health care tax that exempts big corporations, unions and insurance companies from paying Oregons health care sales tax.

Im voting "no" on Measure 101. I challenge Oregons Legislature to deal fairly with its citizens.

Jean Nelson

Corvallis (Jan. 3)
Many Oregonians are confused by Ballot Measure 101, regarding health care for Oregonians in poverty.

The ballot measure, and the advertising about it, are designed to make Oregonians think this will be a new tax, or a cost passed on to consumers. This is not true.

The money Oregon puts into Medicaid (what we now call The Oregon Health Plan) is matched seven times over by the federal government. So if this ballot measure fails, Oregon loses billions (literally billions) of health care dollars. And thousands of Oregonians will lose care.

Oregons contribution to Medicaid dollars is done in part by assessing a fee on large health care providers and hospitals, not a tax.

One hundred percent of these providers are in favor of the fee, and Measure 101. Why? Because they get seven times that amount of money back, and dont have to pass on any costs to regular consumers.

So how did this come about? In the last legislative session the House and the Senate agreed on an amount of money for the Oregon Health Plan, just as they always do. But then three legislators decided they didnt want Oregon to provide health care to our poorest citizens. So they created a ballot measure and wrote it as though this is something new we are voting on. It's not!

Vote "yes" for Measure 101. Without it, thousands will suffer, and some will die. In addition, thousands of jobs will be lost, harming our economy.

Mark Weiss

Philomath (Jan. 3)
Kyiv Investment Agency plans to hold an investment tender to build a cableway from Poshtova Square to Trukhaniv Island in Kyiv for $21-22 million, Director General of Kyiv Investment Agency Oleh Mistiuk has said.

"We plan to present an investment tender to build a cableway from Poshtova Square to Trukhaniv Island across the Dnipro Rivver for $21-22 million. Then [we want to present] a project for seven interchange stations across Berezniaky and Rusanivka areas," he said in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine.

Mistiuk said that the project would allow cutting time for a trip from Rusanivka or Berezniaky areas (the left bank) to the European Square.

"I have involved one of the Ukrainian banks to the analysis of the deal. We want to ask IFC [International Finance Corporation] to consider what demand on this project as a transport hub exists," he said.
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.
Police search : Missing teenager from Cologne

Der 16-Jahrige Gabriel E. wird vermisst. Foto: Polizei

Cologne Police in Cologne are looking for a missing teenager. 16-year-old Gabriel E. was last seen on Tuesday afternoon. Police have now published a photo of the missing boy.

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16-year-old Gabriel E. from Cologne-Zollstock has been missing since Tuesday. Police said on Wednesday that the 16-year-old left the family apartment on Tuesday at around 2pm and has not been seen since. Searches undertaken by the police have so far been unsuccessful.

Since a threat to the teenagers health cannot be ruled out, police published a photo of Gabriel E. on Wednesday and are now hoping for help from the public.

The missing boy is about 1.75 metres tall, has short, dark blonde hair and wears angular glasses. At the time of his disappearance, the 16-year-old was wearing a blue hooded jacket, grey trousers, light brown shoes and black gloves.
Application to car dealer in Warstein : Reconciliation after discrimination against refugee from Bonn

Bonn/Warstein Talks to clarify the situation have now brought reconciliation in the case of discrimination by a car dealership in Warstein against a refugee from Bonn. The managing director apologised and offered compensation.

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The case made big waves on social networks: a refugee from Bonn applied for a training position at a car dealership in Warstein and was rejected with a discriminatory statement by an employee: I would recommend you to go back to your country as the war is over. The managing director of the car dealership has now again expressed his regret about the incident in a talk to clarify the situation and offered compensation.

The Syrian H, who wishes to remain anonymous and lives in Bonn, came to Germany around two years ago as a war refugee. After the incident with the car dealership, the 26-year-old contacted Ramy Azrak, the head of the Bonn Dr. Moroni Foundation. The foundation works towards the integration of educationally disadvantaged young people and also supports youth and refugee projects.

In his role as mediator, Azrak contacted the car dealership and invited the managing director, Carsten Budde, to talks to clarify the issue. The owner of the car dealership had already expressed his regret about the way the Syrian had been treated in a previous phone conversation. He also wanted to give the refugee the opportunity to have a job interview. However, this did not happen. H. no longer sees a future with the company, said Azrak.

However, Azrak told the General Anzeiger on Wednesday that the talks, which took place in the Dr. Moroni Foundation education centre in Bonn, were conciliatory from all sides. However, H. did not take part because of another appointment. H. understands that a mistake by one employee should not endanger the existence of a company with 26 employees, reports Azrak.

Managing director to pay towards training

Azrak further reported that the managing director apologised again in the talks for the behaviour of his employee towards the Syrian. He himself is involved with an association in Warstein that, among other things, supports refugees. Budde was prepared to make H. a payment towards training of Euro 200. He also brought two tickets for an FC Cologne home game with him. He himself has not so far been contactable for a statement.

The anti-discrimination office in Germany confirmed to the Dr. Moroni Foundation before the interview that there was sufficient evidence of discrimination to demand three months salary from the company. We will refrain from taking legal action against the car dealership because of the positive reaction of the management, said Azrak.
Ukraine plans in 2018 to increase exports of electricity to the EU and Moldova by 15-20%, to 5.855 billion kWh compared to about 5 billion kWh in 2017.

According to the forecast for 2018, deliveries from the Burshtyn TPP energy island to Hungary, Slovakia, Romania are estimated at 3.6 billion kWh, to Poland at 1.2 billion kWh, and to Moldova at 1.055 billion kWh.

As reported, Ukraine in January-November 2017 increased electricity exports by 34.4% compared to the same period in 2016, to 4.708 billion kWh. In particular, the supply of electricity from the Burshtyn TPP amounted to 2.849 billion kWh, in particular to Poland some 780.1 million kWh, to Moldova some 1.079 billion kWh.

Ukraine in January-November 2017 exported electricity worth $221.96 million, in particular to Hungary for $127.545 million, Moldova for $51.65 million, Poland for $32.139 million, other countries for $10.626 million.
Visit by Ukrainian, German foreign ministers to Donbas on Jan 4 canceled due to bad weather

Ukrainian and German Foreign Ministers Pavlo Klimkin and Sigmar Gabriel could not attend the contact line in Donbas on Thursday due to adverse weather conditions.

"The weather conditions did not allow us to visit the contact line, but they did not hinder a productive communication with German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel. We plan to make a joint trip to Donbas later this month," Klimkin wrote on Twitter early on Thursday.

Earlier, photos of the two ministers and German Ambassador to Ukraine Ernst Reichel in the cabin of the aircraft were posted in the Twitter microblog of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry.

"Pavlo Klimkin briefs his German colleague Sigmar Gabriel before flying out to Donbas," the ministry reported on Twitter.

Later, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said that the two foreign ministers were in the city of Dnipro, where Klimkin informed his colleague about the situation in Donbas.

Gabriel and Klimkin planned to make a trip to the contact line near Mariupol (Donetsk region) on January 4. The day before, the ministers had a meeting and gave a press conference in Kyiv.
Spectrum, in collaboration with the Direction Generale des Hydrocarbures (DGH), has commenced the next phase of its shallow water 3D Multi-Client seismic acquisition campaign offshore Gabon with a 3D survey in the north of the country.

The campaign is focused on acquiring seismic programs in under-explored shallow water open blocks with the objective of offering the most up-to-date 3D imaging of the area. The DGH intends to make these blocks available through future shallow water license rounds so to accelerate exploration; this data will facilitate immediate activity when the blocks are awarded.

Up to 5,500 km2 of long offset broadband seismic data will be acquired alongside gravity and magnetic recordings. This follows the 11,400 km2 Gabon South 3D survey completed earlier this year and complements over 20,000 km of 2D Multi-Client seismic data offshore Gabon also held by Spectrum on behalf of the DGH, which gives a regional overview and highlights key areas of exploration.

Spectrum EVP of the Africa Region, Graham Mayhew commented, "Large areas of shallow water Gabonese acreage remain unexplored due to the inability of 2D seismic to image structures in the pre-salt, and the lack of modern 3D data. Our new Multi-Client 3D seismic will provide oil companies with new insight into the hydrocarbon prospectivity of these open blocks. "

The new 3D data will be processed with PSTM, PSDM and Broadband products with first deliveries in early Q3 2018 ahead of anticipated licensing rounds. The survey is carried out in partnership with China Oilfield Services (COSL).

Outline of the survey is included in the attached document.

For further information, please contact:



Jan Schoolmeesters, COO

Email: jan.schoolmeesters@spectrumgeo.com

Tel: +47 91 77 79 61

Graham Mayhew, EVP Africa, Med and Middle East

Email: graham.mayhew@spectrumgeo.com

Tel: +44 1483 730201

About Spectrum

Spectrum provides innovative Multi-Client seismic surveys and high-quality seismic imaging services to the global oil and gas industry from offices in Norway, the UK, USA, Brazil, Egypt, Australia, Indonesia and Singapore.Spectrum designs, acquires and processes seismic data to deliver high quality solutions through its dedicated and experienced workforce.

Spectrum holds the world's largest library of Multi-Client 2D marine seismic data and a significant amount of 3D seismic. The company's strategy focuses on both the major, established hydrocarbon-producing regions of the world as well as key frontier areas identified by our experienced team of geoscientists. The Spectrum library of Multi-Client data contains projects from many of the foremost oil producing regions of the world. These include new acquisition, reprocessing and interpretation reports.
German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel believes that the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, will not return to the consideration of a draft law that could limit the independence of anti-corruption agencies in Ukraine.

"The work of independent anti-corruption institutions is often inconvenient and causes some conflicts, but we believe that this work is very important and it's very good that they revoked a draft law that could limit the activities of anti-corruption institutions. We believe that this will be so, that the consideration of this law will not resume," Gabriel said at a joint press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin in Kyiv on Wednesday, January 3.

The German foreign minister noted the importance of increasing the trust of international investors in the situation in Ukraine.

"This trust arises due to the internal living conditions in Ukraine, above all a long and constant fight against corruption," Gabriel said.

As reported, on December 6, 2017, the leaders of the factions of the Bloc of Petro Poroshenko (BPP) and the People's Front, Artur Herasymov and Maksym Burbak, submitted a bill to the Verkhovna Rada proposing that parliament be empowered to express a vote of no confidence and, as a result, dismiss the leaders of a number of newly created anti-corruption agencies.

"The Verkhovna Rada can express a vote of no confidence in the director of the State Bureau of Investigations, the deputy prosecutor general and head of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, the director of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, a member of the National Agency on Corruption Prevention, which entails resignation," according to the text of the bill.

According to the leaders of the factions, the issue of expressing a vote of no confidence in the leaders of the above bodies can be submitted for consideration by the Verkhovna Rada from the president, the Cabinet of Ministers and at the suggestion of at least a third of MPs from the constitutional composition of the Verkhovna Rada.

This bill was criticized by a number of people's deputies, public organizations and some diplomatic missions.
The teeth-chattering blast of frigid weather has already set back-to-back records in Danville, and forecasters say the worst is yet to come.

While cold temperatures in general are not that abnormal, a prolonged period of sub-freezing weather is what makes this cold wave a rarity.

Another round of arctic air is set to move into Southside Virginia by Thursday, bringing gusty winds and more bitter cold.

Thursdays high is expected to reach 31, according to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, with wind up to 30 mph.

By Friday morning, wind chill readings of 0 to -10 degrees will be possible.

Highs Friday and Saturday are expected only to reach 26 degrees with single-digit low temperatures.

Record low temperatures were shattered Tuesday and Wednesday.

Wednesdays low of 5 degrees blasted the previous record of 12 degrees set in 1979, according to the weather service.

Tuesdays low of 2 degrees broke a record of 15 degrees set on Jan. 2 1984.

Its only been colder than 2 degrees on nine separate days, Blacksburg National Weather Service Meteorologist Patrick Wilson said, looking at the historical records. Its rare, but it happens.

By Monday, highs may inch into the 40s, but, theres also a chance of a wintry mix.
To the editor:

As Ive commented in an earlier letter, there are a ton of questions regarding the Las Vegas massacre; reference my Nov. 28 letter to the editor in the Register & Bee, Questions linger about Las Vegas.

Its almost three months now since the horrible massacre occurred, and we still have just as many unanswered questions as we did before regarding the horrible tragedy. In fact, there have not been many questions answered at all. To me, it seems as though the officials in charge are holding back on important information that we deserve to know. By now, you would think that wed be hearing much more updated information to come forward to us, the concerned public.

What is the issue with not hearing much more information on this case? Heres a troubling thought: Are the officials in charge of the investigation, whoever they may be, hoping that we simply forget it ever happened, if we dont keep asking questions and inquiring about it? As Ive asked before, are the Mandalay Bay and the MGM Corp. trying to hold back and or cover up something  possibly because of the pending lawsuits? As has been mentioned previously, where are all the security tapes and surveillance video and related tape recordings of the surrounding area around the Mandalay Bay as well as the nearby properties around where the concert was being held?

Having been to Las Vegas several times, I know there are surveillance cameras all over the place, everywhere you look, in all the casinos as well as all over the surrounding properties, everywhere you can possibly imagine. Theres nothing that doesnt get watched and recorded by security cameras, better known as the eyes in the sky. The latest news I read was Dec. 22, that stated: The gunman behind the Las Vegas shooting shot himself in the mouth after he fired on innocent concertgoers, according to the Clark County Coroners Office. This spectacular grand revelation came along with a list of findings in the autopsies of the 58 killed in the Oct. 1 attack on the music festival concertgoers  the deadliest mass shooting in recent U.S. history. The death of the so-called suspected shooter, Stephen Paddock, was ruled a suicide. Clark County Coroner John Fudenberg released a statement saying Paddock had shot himself in the mouth. The deaths of all victims in the attack were ruled homicides. No kidding ... thanks Sherlock Holmes! All were hit by Paddocks gunfire as he perched from his hotel room on the 32nd floor in the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, according to the police report. The new information was released a day after FBI Special Agent in Charge Aaron Rouse told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that Paddocks motive was still being investigated and authorities were pouring over about 22,000 hours of surveillance and cellphone footage.

As I mentioned in my previous letter, I am in no way proposing a conspiracy theory, but when we havent been given any more information than we have, it does make one wonder what is up with this case. I, like many others Ive spoke with, and like the majority of the public nationwide have to wonder why we havent received more news updates regarding this case. A lot of the circumstances of this case seems awfully strange the way things have played out and been handled and the information (or lack of it) thats been told to the public. A lot of things just dont add up. Im not totally sold on the theory that Paddock caused all the heinous chaos all by his lonesome depressed self. And many other questions still remain. What about the security guard, Jesus Campos, and Paddocks girlfriend, Marilou Danley? Do we know all the truth about both of these potential suspects? Have they both been totally ruled out as suspects and if so, why were they ruled out as having a part, either small or major, in this murderous mayhem? After all this being said, I just have several random thoughts as well as major doubts about what weve been told and most importantly what we havent been told.

Just a few thoughts to ponder over about what really happened that awful night in October and who all were involved.

DARYL RIGNEY

Danville
Vancouver, January 3, 2018 - Equitorial Exploration Corp. (TSX-V: EXX, Frankfurt: EE1, OTCQB: EQTXF) ("Equitorial" or "Company") is pleased to report that the Company has received a work permit to drill its 100%-owned Cat Lake Lithium Property directly adjacent to the Cat Lake Mineral Project owned by Quantum Minerals Corp. Drilling is anticipated to commence by end of January, 2018.

Cat Lake Drill Program

Equitorial has obtained a work permit for the Phase 1 drill program of 2,000 metres. Drilling will focus on the eastward strike extent of the Irgon Pegmatite presently being explored by Quantum Minerals. The Irgon Mine was an underground mining operation for spodumene (one of the hard rock sources for Li) from 1956-1957. The historic estimate was 1.2 million tons of 1.51% Li2O (Manitoba Government Assessment File 94932), not 43-101 compliant). In 1948, a drill hole on the company's present Cat Lake Project claims, encountered 48 feet (~14.6 metres) of spodumene (Manitoba Government assessment file 98073). This hole was not followed up at the time.

The drill program will be headed up by Carey Galeschuck. P. Geo, a consulting geologist with extensive experience in lithium bearing pegmatites. He will also serve as Qualified Person for the purpose of National Instrument 43-101.

Cat Lake Lithium Property Summary

- Adjacent to Cat Lake Mineral Project (previously Irgon Lithium Mine) - Lithium Corp. Cat Lake mine situated on south end Cat Lake claim block - Irgon Lithium Mine shaft 150 m from south end of Cat Lake claim block - 48 feet of spodumene bearing quartz drilled in 1948 (Manitoba Assessment File 98073) - Approximately 150km northeast of Winnipeg - Provincial Highway 314 in southeast Manitoba passes close by the claims

Please click for a maps of the claims: http://equitorialexploration.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Cat-Lake-Claims-Maps-3.pdf

Cat Lake Mineral Project

QMC Quantum Minerals Corp. News Release September 7, 2017 reported:

"Between 1953-1954, the Lithium Corp. of Canada Limited drilled 25 holes into the Irgon Dike and reported a historical resource estimate of 1.2 million tons grading 1.51% Li20 over a strike length of 365 meters and to a depth of 213 meters (Northern Miner, Vol. 41, no.19, Aug. 4, 1955, p.3). This historical resource is documented in a 1956 Assessment Report by Bruce Ballantyne for the Lithium Corp. of Canada Ltd. (Manitoba Assessment Report No. 94932). This historical estimate is believed to be based on reasonable assumptions and the company/QP has no reason to contest the document's relevance and reliability."

The property lies within the east-trending Mayville-Cat-Euclid Greenstone Belt ("MCEGB") located along the northern contact of the Maskwa Lake Batholith. This northern greenstone belt has a similar structural geological setting as the Bird River Greenstone Belt ("BRGB") which is located along the southern contact of the same batholith, and is parallel to and approximately 18km to the south of the MCEGB. The property is located 20km north of the Tanco Mine Property. The BRGB hosts the world-class Tanco rare element-bearing pegmatite dike as well as numerous other lithium bearing pegmatites. The Tanco Mine went into production in 1969 and produced tantalum, cesium and spodumene (lithium). It was previously North America's largest and sole producer of spodumene (Li), tantalite (Ta) and pollucite (Cs).

About Equitorial Exploration Corp

Equitorial is aggressively developing four 100%-owned, high-potential, lithium projects in North America. The Little Nahanni Pegmatite Group (LNPG) is a 43-101 compliant, hard rock, lithium property in the NWT. The Cat Lake Lithium Property in Manitoba, Canada is directly adjacent to the Cat Lake Mineral Project, a highly prospective Lithium property. The Tule and Gerlach Lithium Brine Projects are located in lithium-rich Utah and Nevada within easy reach of the Tesla Gigafactory #1. All four projects have demonstrated highly encouraging grades.

For more information please visit: http://equitorialexploration.com/

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Equitorial Exploration Corp.

_____________________

Jack Bal, CEO and Director

For further information, please contact Jack Bal at 604-306-5285

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities laws, including statements regarding the Tule, Gerlach and Little Nahanni Pegmatite Project: statements pertaining to the ability of Equitorial Exploration Corp.("EXX"); the potential to develop resources and then further develop reserves; the anticipated economic potential of the property; the availability of capital and finance for EXX to execute its strategy going forward. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by EXX in light of its experience and perception of current and expected future developments, as well as other factors that EXX believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Many factors could cause EXX's results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward looking statements, including: discrepancies between actual and estimated results from exploration and development and operating risks, dependence on early exploration stage concessions; uninsurable risks; competition; regulatory restrictions, including environmental regulatory restrictions and liability; currency fluctuations; defective title to mineral claims or property and dependence on key employees. Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Neither the 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.

Copyright (c) 2018 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.


Vancouver, January 4, 2018 - Canada One Mining Corp. (the "Company") (TSXV: CONE). As previously announced, the board of directors of the Company is in the process of completing a strategic review of the Company's existing portfolio of assets, as well as evaluating potential new transactions in the blockchain and cryptocurrency sector.

In connection with the evaluation of new transactions, the Company has extended the term of the letter of intent previously entered into with a privately held company developing blockchain based transaction verification systems. The extended term will allow for management of the Company to finalize due diligence and to make a recommendation to the board of directors. As a result of due diligence investigations completed to date, the Company has also expanded the scope of the letter of intent to include a second potential facility in North America suitable for transaction verification in the blockchain and cryptocurrency sector.

In connection with the review of the Company's existing property portfolio, the board of directors has conducted an analysis of legacy exploration data, and arranged for this data to be compiled for presentation to various geological consultants. A field reconnaissance program is also under consideration for the Company's assets in British Columbia, and would consist of geological mapping, as well as rock and core geochemical re-sampling. The Company is also currently defining and evaluating a prospecting program for the identification of new areas of interest on these properties which would include additional sampling.

Readers are cautioned that the letter of intent entered into by the Company does not set forth the terms of a potential transaction nor have such terms been negotiated or finalized. Completion of any transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including, but not limited to, completion of due diligence, negotiation of definitive agreements in respect of such a transaction, the availability of financing on terms acceptable to the Company, and the receipt of any required regulatory and shareholder approvals. A transaction cannot be completed until these conditions are satisfied, and there can be no assurance that such a transaction, or any transaction in the blockchain and cryptocurrency sector, will be completed at all.

For further information, contact Peter Berdusco at 1.877.844.4661.

On behalf of the Board,

Canada One Mining Corp.

Peter Berdusco, President and Chief Executive Officer

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially because of factors discussed in the management discussion and analysis section of our interim and most recent annual financial statement or other reports and filings with the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable Canadian securities regulations. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws.

Copyright (c) 2018 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.


DIEPPE, NB, Jan. 4, 2018 /CNW/ - (CBI: TSX-V) Colibri Resource Corp. ("Colibri" or the "Company") wishes to provide an update of its Corporate Development plans for the first quarter of 2018.

Pilar Gold Project  Advanced Gold Exploration Project

The Company has finalized its plans for a two-phase drilling program on the "Main Zone" at its 100% owned advanced exploration Pilar Gold Project in the Sonora State of Mexico. To date, Colibri has defined an in-house resource calculation on Main Zone deposit of 700,000 tonnes grading 1.9 g/t. This new program is designed to expand this resource and define it by NI 43-101 standards.

Drilling targets for this program have been chosen by utilizing 3D modelling techniques introduced in a model prepared by geologist PJ Lafleur, Hector Mendivil, a 3D software (ArcGIS TARGET) specialist, and Colibri's Country Manager & geologist Jackie E. Stephens (see CBI news release dated November 14, 2017).

Phase 1 - Up to 3,000 metres of drilling in the Main Zone deposit that will further infill drill and expand the currently defined resource.

Phase 2 - Upon interpretation and modeling of the Phase 1 drilling, an additional 7,000 m of drilling will be conducted to further delineate and define additional resources. Colibri will utilize these results to update its NI 43-101 Report on the project with expectations of announcing a resource estimate (completion of Phase 2 is expected mid-year 2018).

Permitting for these two drilling programs has already been applied for and received from local and national authorities. A drilling contractor has also already been retained to complete the work.

"We are very excited by the prospect of defining and growing our reserves in the Main Zone. Much has been learned from previous exploration activities and we are confident that we will achieve our goal of defining and expanding the shallow high-grade deposit. We believe that the Main Zone will lend itself in the mid-term to an open pit heap leach mining operation," stated Ron Goguen, President & Chairperson of Colibri.

Pitaya Gold Project  Advanced Gold Exploration Project  Agnico Eagle Joint Venture

The Company is also awaiting additional results of the 2017 drilling and exploration activities from its joint venture partner Agnico Eagle with respect to its Pitaya Gold Project in Sonora Mexico.

Colibri owns 33.67% of the joint and Agnico Eagle owns 66.33%.

Evelyn Gold Project

The Company is preparing for an exploration program on the 100% owned Evelyn property in 2018 to follow up the positive results of our 2017 campaign. For additional information about the potential of this project please review the report posted on our webpage:

http://www.colibriresource.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/EvelynGoldProjectNourseReportFinalSept18.pdf

Qualified Person and NI 43-101 Discloser:

Jackie E. Stephens, P. Geo for Colibri on the Pitaya exploration is the Qualified Person, as defined in NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information in this press release.

About Colibri Resource Corporation:

Colibri is a Canadian mineral exploration company listed on the TSX-V (CBI) focused on acquiring and exploring properties in Mexico.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as the term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may contain forward looking statements concerning future operations of Colibri Resource Corp. (the "Company"). All forward-looking statements concerning the company's future plans and operations, including management's assessment of the Company's project expectations or beliefs may be subject to certain assumptions, risks and uncertainties beyond the Company's control. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual performance, exploration and financial results may differ materially from any estimates and projections.

SOURCE Colibri Resource Corp.
(TheNewswire)

January 4th, 2018 / TheNewswire / Vancouver, British Columbia; - LiCo Energy Metals Inc. ("the Company" or LiCo") TSX-V: LIC, OTCQB: WCTXF announces that at request of IIROC, wishes to clarify disclosures made in its January 3rd, 2018 news release. Specifically, LiCo wishes to clarify or retract the following:

In the title, the Company has retracted "Commercial Grade" as no technical report supporting an economic study by either a PEA, PFS of FS has been filed on SEDAR. Any additional references to "commercial grade" are similarly retracted for the same reason.

On the Teledyne Cobalt Property, the Company completed a total of 11 diamond drill holes totaling 2,200 m in the fall of 2017. Drilling intersected cobalt mineralization on the Property which is consistent with historical grades but given that previously reported Intervals represent core lengths and not true widths, LiCo is unable to determine if the cobalt mineralization on the Property is consistent with historic widths.

Further clarification of LiCo's Exploration Property Descriptions:

Chile Purickuta Lithium Project:

1.The Purickuta Project is located within Salar de Atacama, a salt flat encompassing 3,000 km2, being about 100 km long, 80 km wide and home to approximately 37% of the worlds Lithium production and Chile itself holds 53% of the world's known lithium reserves (Source: Bloomberg Markets - June 23, 2017, "Lithium Squeeze Looms as Top Miner Front-Loads, Chile Says"). As reported in The Economist (June 15, 2017 - A battle for supremacy in the lithium triangle), the Salar de Atacama has the largest and highest quality proven reserves of lithium. The combination of the desert's hot sun, scarce rainfall, and the mineral-rich brines make Chile's production costs the world's lowest. This together with a favourable investment climate, low levels of corruption, and the quality of its bureaucracy and courts makes Chile a favourable place to conduct business.

The Company notes that wishes to retract its statement regarding its small size being a contributing factor to taking this project into production. Although the Company has received a legal opinion from a respected mining law firm in Chile, Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uria, which states that the small size of the Company's Purickuta Property, among other factors, is considered favourable to obtaining a CEOL, the Company recognizes that it will still need the approval of the Chilean government which may be withheld from the Company for a variety of additional reasons yet to be determined. It is therefore premature to determine the exact needs of the Company with respect to the eventual exploitation of the mineral concession for lithium.

Nevada Dixie Valley Lithium Project:

The Company recognizes that the disclosure referencing the geological characteristics of Dixie Valley lithium brine matching that of Clayton Valley and South America lithium brines is both vague and potentially misleading to the reader. The Company would like to state that some important geological similarities exist between various lithium brines, notably geothermal activity, a dry climate, a closed basin, an aquifer, and tectonically driven subsistence exist at Dixie Valley along with Clayton Valley and various lithium bearing salars in Chile, Argentina and Boliva.

Qualified Person

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved Joerg Kleinboeck, P.Geo., an independent consulting geologist and a qualified person as defined in NI 43-101.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Tim Fernback, President & CEO

Neither the 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.

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information:

This news release may contain forward-looking statements which include, but are not limited to, comments that involve future events and conditions, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Except for statements of historical facts, comments that address resource potential, upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt and security of mineral property titles, availability of funds, and others are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may vary materially from those statements. General business conditions are factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from forward-looking statements.

Copyright (c) 2018 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Russian lawyer Mark Feygin does not rule out that Ukrainian journalist Pavlo Sharoiko was detained and arrested in Minsk in order to force him to testify against another Ukrainian journalist, Roman Sushchenko, who is being held in Moscow and accused of espionage.

"I think that one day he [Sharoiko] will also be exchanged. It's easier for Kyiv to hold talks with Minsk than with Moscow. However, I do not rule out that Sharoiko was captured specially to testify against Sushchenko, that he is also a member of Ukrainian military intelligence. They will start to twist his hands and say: you confessed that you are a spy, now testify against Sushchenko. If you said 'A,' say 'B,'" Feygin said in an interview with Ukraine's Fakty I Kommentarii newspaper, which was published on January 3.

The lawyer said that Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) wanted Sushchenko "to admit in front of the camera that he is also not a journalist, but a career officer of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, like Sharoiko."

On October 3, 2016, it was reported that Sushchenko had been detained "while conducting espionage" in Moscow. According to Russian intelligence agencies, Sushchenko is a career officer of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine's Defense Ministry with the rank of colonel. Sushchenko is charged with espionage (article 276 of the criminal code), which he denies.

It was announced on November 17, 2017 that UA: Ukrainian Radio correspondent Sharoiko had been detained in Minsk on October 25. Sharoiko is accused of espionage. He currently stays in the KGB's detention center.

According to the Belarusian KGB, Sharoiko admitted that he is a career officer of Ukrainian military intelligence, working undercover.
Thirty-three states and the District of Columbia currently have passed laws broadly legalizing marijuana in some form.The District of Columbia and 11 states -- Alaska, California, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont and Washington -- have adopted the most expansive laws legalizing marijuana for recreational use. Most recently, Illinois became the second most-populous state to legalize recreational marijuana after Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a bill passed by the legislature. Vermont earlier became the first state to legalize marijuana for recreational use through the legislative process, rather than via a ballot measure. Vermont's law allows for adults age 21 and over to grow and possess small amounts of cannabis. However, it does not permit the sale of nonmedical cannabis. Some other state laws similarly decriminalized marijuana, but did not initially legalize retail sales.Most other states allow for limited use of medical marijuana under certain circumstances. Some medical marijuana laws are broader than others, with types of medical conditions that allow for treatment varying from state to state. Louisiana, West Virginia and a few other states allow only for cannabis-infused products, such as oils or pills.A number of states have also decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana.
SOC Code Public Sector Occupation Probability of Computerization 33-1021 First-Line Supervisors of Fire Fighting and Prevention Workers 0.0036 33-1012 First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives 0.0044 11-9032 Education Administrators, Elementary and Secondary School 0.0046 25-2011 Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education 0.0074 25-2054 Special Education Teachers, Secondary School 0.0077 25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education 0.0078 11-9033 Education Administrators, Postsecondary 0.01 25-2053 Special Education Teachers, Middle School 0.016 25-1000 Postsecondary Teachers 0.032 33-3051 Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers 0.098 25-2012 Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education 0.15 29-9011 Occupational Health and Safety Specialists 0.17 33-2011 Firefighters 0.17 25-2022 Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Educa- 0.17 25-3011 Adult Basic and Secondary Education and Literacy Teachers and Instructors 0.19 29-9012 Occupational Health and Safety Technicians 0.25 21-1092 Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists 0.25 53-3011 Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians 0.25 23-1023 Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates 0.4 19-4093 Forest and Conservation Technicians 0.42 43-4031 Court, Municipal, and License Clerks 0.46 33-9091 Crossing Guards 0.49 43-5031 Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers 0.49 23-2091 Court Reporters 0.5 25-9041 Teacher Assistants 0.56 33-3012 Correctional Officers and Jailers 0.6 51-8031 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators 0.61 47-4011 Construction and Building Inspectors 0.63 23-1021 Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers 0.64 25-4021 Librarians 0.65 53-3021 Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity 0.67 43-5052 Postal Service Mail Carriers 0.68 43-4061 Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs 0.7 11-9131 Postmasters and Mail Superintendents 0.75 43-5053 Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Oper- 0.79 33-3041 Parking Enforcement Workers 0.84 53-4041 Subway and Streetcar Operators 0.86 47-4051 Highway Maintenance Workers 0.87 53-3022 Bus Drivers, School or Special Client 0.89 53-6041 Traffic Technicians 0.9 53-6051 Transportation Inspectors 0.9 43-4121 Library Assistants, Clerical 0.95 43-5051 Postal Service Clerks 0.95 25-4031 Library Technicians 0.99

Public-Sector Occupation 2002 Digital Score 2016 Digital Score Difference Social and Community Service Managers 14 59 45 Parking Enforcement Workers 10 55 44 Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates 14 55 41 Compliance Officers 26 66 41 Social and Human Service Assistants 16 54 37 Postmasters and Mail Superintendents 28 65 36 Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School 30 65 35 Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers 27 62 35 First-Line Supervisors of Fire Fighting and Prevention Workers 21 56 35 Cargo and Freight Agents 25 59 34 Fire Inspectors and Investigators 23 57 34 Special Education Teachers, Secondary School 27 61 34 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School 27 60 34 Court, Municipal, and License Clerks 26 57 31 Special Education Teachers, Middle School 27 57 30 Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education 30 60 30 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education 30 60 30 Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers 27 56 29 Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs 25 54 29 Highway Maintenance Workers 4 32 28 Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary 36 63 27 Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors 32 59 27 Education Administrators, Elementary and Secondary School 39 65 26 Library Assistants, Clerical 39 65 26 Teacher Assistants 16 42 26 Traffic Technicians 42 67 25 Postal Service Clerks 28 52 24 Firefighters 19 40 22 Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity 2 24 21 History Teachers, Postsecondary 36 56 20 Education Administrators, Postsecondary 39 59 19 Adult Basic and Secondary Education and Literacy Teachers and Instructors 30 49 19 Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers 51 67 16 Library Technicians 46 62 16 Crossing Guards 0 16 16 Transportation Inspectors 20 36 16 Court Reporters 56 72 16 Postal Service Mail Carriers 6 22 16 Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics 40 55 15 Librarians 52 66 14 Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education 45 58 13 Bus Drivers, School or Special Client 3 14 11 Education Administrators, Preschool and Child Care Center/Program 39 47 8 Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education 22 29 7 Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education 24 28 3 First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives 59 61 3 Urban and Regional Planners 59 55 -4 Vocational Education Teachers, Postsecondary 39 30 -9

Automation has already altered several industries, and its only a matter a time before it transforms more of them. Given that many governments continue to grapple with tight budgets and suppressed staffing levels, its worth considering whether they might one day rely more on automation and technology to carry out tasks performed by humans.Recent studies have shed some light on what this might look like, particularly in the public sector.Automation has already made some forays into government. Kirke Everson, a KPMG intelligent automation consultant, cited "chatbots" utilized in call centers as an example. He suggested that automation could soon replace personnel who perform repetitive back-office tasks, such as eligibility checks and other procedures following a defined set of rules.Government is ripe for automation, Everson says. "But if it requires a large amount of judgments or human interaction, maybe you dont start there.In the U.K., an estimated 861,000 public-sector jobs could be automated by 2030, according to an analysis by Deloitte and Oxford University. Administrative and operative roles, which account for 27 percent of the public workforce, were identified as having the highest probability of being automated. These types of jobs are already declining, and the report projects their numbers in the U.K. to fall further from 87,000 in 2015 to only 4,000 by 2030.A separate Oxford University study examined U.S. job occupations, deeming about 47 percent of total employment in both government and the private sector to be at risk of computerization. Some public-sector roles considered most vulnerable included library workers, postal service clerks and transportation inspectors -- all positions with highly repetitive tasks. Many of the other occupations researchers identified were especially common in transportation. These included bus drivers and subway or streetcar operators, as well as highway maintenance workers.But does this mean large numbers of public employees will one day be out of work?Historically, industrialization and improvements in technology haven't caused higher long-term unemployment. Its unknown whether this time will be any different, though, with economists offering different predictions for automations effects.Neil Reichenberg, who heads the International Public Management Association for Human Resources, views it more as a shift. Its not so much cutting staff as it is moving people to more strategic, higher-level work, he says.While technology has already reshaped countless occupations across just about every segment of the economy, it hasnt yet prompted the complete elimination of many types of jobs. Consider teachers, who employ greater use of educational software programs in classrooms. These and other types of public employee positions havent vanished, but they do require greater tech skills than in years past.Although some might associate automation with armies of robots, its computers that are most responsible for redefining work these days. A recent Brookings Institution report assessed digitization, or the degree of computer skills and related knowledge typically required of various occupations. Several public-sector jobs that required few digital skills in 2002 now mandate at least mid-level proficiency of computers or other devices.Parking enforcement workers and compliance officers, for example, might have relied entirely on paper records not long ago. Today, the Brookings data suggests digital skills for these occupations have jumped considerably over the past decade.In some ways, automating various aspects of jobs could prove to be more difficult in the public sector than in the private sector. Unions, Reichenberg says, will likely oppose efforts expected to result in job losses. Last year, the union membership rate for government workers was more than five times that of the private sector.Still, if automation offers governments ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality of services, they'll likely consider it. Resources remain limited. Revenues arent expected to grow much, and total state and local government employment is still below levels reached a decade ago. In some jurisdictions, automated processes or technologies could enable governments to provide services that otherwise wouldnt be available.Its inevitable," Reichenberg says. "If you look at the way we do work today, technology is going to play a major role.
As mayor of New York, Bill de Blasio hasnt eradicated income inequality or solved the citys housing shortage. But his supporters insist that he has done more of the things he wanted to do, advancing a set of progressive priorities, than hes generally given credit for.One of those cheerleaders is Juan Gonzalez, a veteran journalist who has written a book called. The book not only examines the entire arc of de Blasios career so far, but also compares him with other liberal mayors elected around the country at about the same time. De Blasio, he argues, has done as much in his four years as any politician to advance the progressive cause.Some of de Blasios accomplishments are familiar: increasing the minimum wage for city workers to $15 an hour, requiring employers to provide paid sick leave benefits, and paying for tens of thousands of kids to enroll in both pre-kindergarten and afterschool programs. Less familiar is the mayors effort to hold rents in check. Under his predecessors, prices had gone up for more than 1 million private units in the city subject to rent regulation by an average of 3.2 percent per year over 20 years. Those rents increased just 1 percent during de Blasios first year in office and then were completely frozen the next two years.All told, Gonzalez estimates, residents of New York City have received direct cash payments, increased public services or new benefits cumulatively worth $21 billion. The majority of that sum came from wage and benefit increases for city workers under new contracts. Gonzalez may exaggerate the value of the rest of the bounty, but its clear that both residents and public employees who looked to de Blasio for a change in their financial fortunes have received real assistance.Comparing de Blasios approach to other progressive politicians -- not only his mayoral peers such as Marty Walsh of Boston and Bill Peduto of Pittsburgh, but also liberal city council members elected a decade ago in cities that include Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle -- Gonzalez argues that their political success came in reaction to earlier policies that rewarded land speculators and other businesses at the expense of longtime residents. Thats debatable, but the political lessons he draws are compelling.Mainly, Gonzalez points to the fact that de Blasio and several of the others were elected with the backing of coalitions of activists concerned with climate change, inequality, immigration and police brutality. The rank-and-file members of these movements, Gonzalez writes, supplied the volunteer workers these novice politicians relied upon to win their first elections. De Blasio has accomplished more, in Gonzalezs view, than most of them. Indeed, some of the mayors discussed in his book have already faded from the scene, notably Betsy Hodges of Minneapolis and Ed Murray of Seattle.Perhaps not surprisingly, Gonzalez devotes more space to de Blasios policy wins than his troubled relations with police or complaints about his campaign finance practices.De Blasio hasnt made noticeable progress against income inequality and faces tough challenges in his new term, such as closing the prison at Rikers Island. But theres no question that big cities are now the nations leading incubators for progressive ideas, and de Blasio is working in the biggest incubator of all. After recently winning a landslide reelection, he gets four more years to keep pushing.
Partisan Gerrymandering Cases

Racial Gerrymandering Cases

Geography Cases

This year could be a pivotal one for redistricting and the courts. Thats because there are two cases before the U.S. Supreme Court that could drastically reshape how lines are drawn. These cases deal with the issue of partisan gerrymandering -- the question of how much partisanship is too much.Partisan gerrymandering cases have the potential to be the biggest democracy cases, not just of this court term, but in decades, says Michael Li, senior counsel for the Brennan Center for Justice at the New York University School of Law. Thats because the Supreme Court hasnt put excessive partisanship out of bounds in the way that it has excessive consideration of race.The two Supreme Court cases this term on partisan redistricting -- Gill v. Whitford from Wisconsin and Benisek v. Lamone from Maryland -- could become the most important cases of this decade [on redistricting], agrees Peter S. Wattson, an expert on the issue who worked for more than 40 years with the Minnesota Legislature.For years, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that partisan redistricting in and of itself is not unconstitutional. The seminal case on the issue was Davis v. Bandemer in 1986 when the court was asked whether Indiana's state apportionment in 1981 violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. The justices, by a 7-2 margin, ruled that the discriminatory effect on Democrats was not "sufficiently adverse" to violate the Constitution's Equal Protection Clause, thus setting a high bar for proving an excess of partisanship in redistricting. In fact, the bar was so high that partisan redistricting was pushed to the judicial back burner for almost two decades.The issue reemerged in the 2004 case Vieth v. Jubelirer in which Pennsylvania Democrats sued over a Republican-led redistricting map they considered biased. Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote in his concurring opinion to a split decision that the issue should be revisited if a good standard for identifying partisan gerrymandering is found.That day may have arrived with Gill v. Whitford.The plaintiffs have offered a measurement called the efficiency gap that factors in how many of one partys votes are wasted in safe district. (Heres a good explanation of the measurement .)The justices also agreed to hear a second partisan redistricting case, Benisek v. Lamone. Legal experts have speculated that some justices may want to hear cases that affect both Republican and Democratic if they are going to make a landmark decision on partisan redistricting. The pairing of these two cases would allow them to do that: affirming Whitford could benefit Democrats, while overturning Benisek could help Republicans.More than a decade after Kennedys pivotal role in Vieth v. Jubelirer, all eyes are on him. When journalist Richard E. Cohen reviewed the lawyers filings for Whitford, he wrote in the Cook Political Report that he found a widespread expectation that the outcome of the Wisconsin case will swing on the decision of Justice Anthony Kennedy.Justin Levitt, a professor at Loyola Law School and author of the All About Redistricting website , says the focus on Kennedy is justified. He's left enough tea leaves at this point that I think different advocates can find something supporting their preferred position, no matter what that position is, he says. But anyone who tells you they know what he'll do is either Justice Kennedy or is making it up.While the partisan redistricting cases are the highest-profile elements of the current redistricting docket, they are not the only ones. In fact, between partisan redistricting and racial redistricting cases,found there are at least 15 cases working their way through the courts. Each could have significant impacts locally for either state legislative seats or U.S. House districts, and a few will have their influence felt nationally.Heres our rundown, assembled with the assistance of Levitt, the Brennan Centers redistricting website and Wattson. Weve grouped the cases by the primary legal argument being aired. Within each of those groupings, the cases are listed in descending order of prominence and impact, as best the experts we interviewed can tell.WisconsinState legislatureGill v. WhitfordA federal three-judge panel has sided with plaintiffs alleging a Republican partisan gerrymander from 2011. The panel found that the map had bad intent and bad effect, and they ordered that a new state Assembly map be drawn. But they rejected another request by the plaintiffs -- that the map be drawn by judges, not politicians. The state appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, and the justices agreed to hear the case. Oral arguments were held in October, and a ruling is expected this spring.This case could have significant micro- and macro-level effects. The existing maps are solidly Republican and any changes would almost certainly benefit the Democrats. A win for the plaintiffs would create a landmark piece of jurisprudence enabling challenges to overly partisan gerrymanders.MarylandU.S. HouseBenisek v. LamonePlaintiffs initially sued in federal court in 2013 arguing that a single U.S. House seat in Maryland, which had been redrawn under the states post-2010 Census congressional redistricting, was a partisan gerrymander favoring the Democrats. A three-judge panel denied a request by the plaintiffs for an injunction blocking the map and stayed further action until the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on the Wisconsin partisan gerrymandering case. The U.S. Supreme Court on Dec. 8 agreed to hear an appeal of the case.On the microlevel, Republicans would certainly benefit from a finding confirming a partisan gerrymander. Under the current lines, as many Republicans as possible are jammed into one district, leaving the other seven drawn to benefit the Democrats. That makes a 7-to-1 U.S. House delegation edge in a state with a Democratic registration advantage of a little over 2-to-1. The bigger impact, however, would be on the macro-level. A victory for the plaintiffs -- presumably one in tandem with Gill v. Whitford -- would create a new Supreme Court precedent enabling challenges to redistricting maps drawn with too heavy a partisan lean.North CarolinaU.S. HouseHarris v. CooperThis case began as a racial gerrymandering challenge to North Carolinas congressional map; the plaintiffs convinced a federal three-judge panel, which led to a redrawing of the map. But after the redrawing, the plaintiffs sought to enjoin the new map, arguing that it was now a partisan gerrymander instead. A three-judge panel was not persuaded, but the plaintiffs are now appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court.The impact of the case depends entirely on rulings in more prominent partisan gerrymander cases.PennsylvaniaAgre v. WolfU.S. HousePlaintiffs filed a federal lawsuit challenging Pennsylvanias 2011 congressional map as a partisan gerrymander and seeking new lines before the 2018 midterm elections. On Nov. 7 and 30, a three-judge court dismissed the plaintiffs' claims under the 1st Amendment and the 14th Amendment, while allowing their claims under the Elections Clause of the U.S. Constitution to proceed. A trial was completed in early December, with a decision pending.The Democrats would gain from throwing out a GOP-designed map that currently seats five Democrats out of 18 House seats. Most affected in any possible change could be the districts in the Philadelphia suburbs, says Terry Madonna, a Franklin & Marshall political scientist. Pittsburgh-area districts could also change.PennsylvaniaLeague of Women Voters v. Pennsylvania General AssemblyU.S. HouseThis suit was filed on June 15 , in state court rather than federal court. The plaintiffs seek to invalidate the states 2011 congressional map on partisan gerrymanding grounds, using provisions of the state constitution. In late December, the judge ruled that the seats were drawn to aid the GOP, but that they were not drawn in a way that was unconstitutional. But the state Supreme Court has a Democratic majority, so this ruling could be overturned.Again, the Democrats would gain from throwing out a GOP-designed map that currently favors Republicans.PennsylvaniaDiamond v. TorresU.S. HouseThis is a partisan gerrymandering challenge to the congressional districts, but on a different theory. On Nov. 22 , a federal district court stayed further action until the Agre v. Wolf trial is complete.There is no expected impact until the other Pennsylvania cases are adjudicated.North CarolinaU.S. HouseCommon Cause v. RuchoThis is a challenge to the remedial congressional map drawn in 2016 on the grounds of partisan gerrymandering. A three-judge federal panel conducted a four-day trial in October, and a decision is pending.The outcome of partisan gerrymandering cases could have a big impact on North Carolinas congressional and legislative districts, says Jonathan Kappler, executive director of the North Carolina Free Enterprise Foundation, but until we have more specific rulings and guidance from the U.S. Supreme Court, the political consequences are unknown.MichiganLegislativeLeague of Women Voters v. JohnsonThe Michigan League of Women Voters and 11 Democrats filed suit to challenge a Republican legislative map on Dec. 22, on partisan gerrymander grounds.The Democrats stand to gain -- the GOP holds both chambers in this swing state -- but this case is so new that its premature to predict how it will play out.TexasU.S. House and state legislatureAbbott v. PerezThis two-part case -- congressional and legislative seats -- stems from a lawsuit filed in 2011 asserting that both maps drawn by Republicans violated the Voting Rights Act. The rulings were later applied to maps redrawn in 2013. In March, a panel of federal judges ruled, 2-1, that four congressional districts were invalid, including some because they were deliberately drawn to injure voters on the basis of race  potentially a more serious problem than other racial gerrymanders. (Two of the districts, drawn by the legislature in 2011, had already been redrawn by the court in 2012 and enacted by the legislature in 2013, so only two districts remained to be redrawn in 2017.) The following month, by the same 2-1 margin, the panel ruled that several state House districts were problematic as well. In a series of rulings in August, the court ordered the state to redraw both maps. But in September, the U.S. Supreme Courts conservative majority stayed the redrawing pending an appeal, handing Republicans at least a temporary victory. The existing districts are expected to stand for the 2018 election.The most likely outcome of a redrawing of the states congressional districts would be to reduce the number of Republican seats by one, says Rice University political scientist Mark P. Jones. But given that a new round of redistricting is set to follow the 2020 Census, any new lines would only impact the partisan balance in the 2020 election. I dont think there is too much concern among the GOP elite, because they feel they have a reasonable prospect for victory in the Supreme Court, and, even if the justices find the districts unconstitutional, Republicans would still be able to control the districting process in the 2019 legislative session.VirginiaState legislatureBethune-Hill v. Virginia State Board of Elections In 2014 , a group of plaintiffs challenged Virginias 2011 Republican-drawn state legislative map on racial grounds. Their argument was rejected by a federal three-judge panel, and the plaintiffs appealed to the Supreme Court. On March 1, the justices, in a 6-2 decision, disagreed and returned the case to the trial court with instructions to use a new standard.A favorable decision for the plaintiffs would undoubtedly help Democrats, says Geoffrey Skelley, associate editor ofat the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Every district in question in the case was drawn with at least a 55 percent black voting-age population. If the lines were redrawn such that more black voters ended up in nonmajority-black districts bordering the ones in question, that would undoubtedly make those bordering districts more Democratic.North CarolinaState legislatureCovington v. North CarolinaA three-judge federal panel ruled that 28 state legislative districts had been racially gerrymandered and ordered lawmakers to redraw the districts. The legislature proceeded to do that in August, but when the court reviewed the new districts, they found several that they considered problematic. So the three-judge panel appointed a special master, Nathaniel Persily of Stanford, to redraw several districts. His proposal is slated for review by the panel in January 2018. The GOP-led legislature has indicated that if the court approves the special masters proposal, theyll likely appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. The election timetable might need to be pushed back, depending on how the case plays out.Even under the most optimistic takes from Democrats, its unlikely they would be able to break the GOP majorities in one or both chambers, says Kappler of the North Carolina Free Enterprise Foundation. But the real goal for Democrats is to win enough seats in one or both chambers to break the GOP supermajority, thereby making Democratic Gov. Roy Coopers vetoes more relevant.North CarolinaU.S. House and state legislatureDickson v. RuchoThe plaintiffs argue that the 2011 congressional and legislative maps are racially gerrymandered. The North Carolina Supreme Court, in a 4-2 decision, found the districts in question to be constitutional. The case then ping-ponged between the U.S. Supreme Court and the state courts. A three-judge panel at the Wake County Superior Court is currently considering the case in light of other court rulings on the North Carolina maps.The ruling is too far away to say definitively what the impact will be.GeorgiaState legislatureGeorgia State Conference of the NAACP v. Georgia (consolidated with the case Thompson v. Kemp)Plaintiffs are challenging two state House districts from a 2015 mid-decade redistricting plan. In August , a three-judge panel dismissed partisan gerrymandering claims but did not rule on racial gerrymandering claims. Those claims are proceeding in federal district court.Modest, given the small number of seats in question, in a state with large Republican majorities.AlabamaState legislatureAlabama Legislative Black Caucus v. AlabamaPlaintiffs argued that the Alabama Legislature had packed too many African-Americans into certain districts when redrawing legislative lines in 2012. The case reached the U.S. Supreme Court, where in 2015 the justices -- by a 5-4 majority, including Anthony Kennedy -- sent it back to federal district court with instructions to draw new districts. The three-judge federal district court panel sided with the plaintiffs on 12 districts out of the 36 in question, barring the use of the 12 districts. The legislature enacted new maps in May 2017. The panel rejected the remaining concerns by the plaintiffs, and the time to appeal is closing.Given political patterns in the state, there is no way that the current process will change GOP control of the Legislature, says former U.S. Rep. Glen Browder, an emeritus professor of political science at Jacksonville State University.VirginiaState legislatureVesilind v. Virginia State Board of ElectionsThis 2015 case , being pursued in state court, challenges 11 House and Senate districts, saying they violate the state constitution by prioritizing partisan criteria over compactness. The initial ruling sided with the state, but the Virginia Supreme Court has agreed to hear the appeal.The impact from a pro-plaintiff ruling would be less clear for this case, says Skelley of. However, he adds, if we consider the potential timing of special elections under hypothetical new maps in the not-too-distant future, Democrats would be far happier to have elections in the present political environment than Republicans. President Trump is very unpopular in Virginia and Democrats showed in the November election that theyre currently more engaged and animated.
Gov. Paul LePage had a one-sentence response to a 16-year-old who wrote to him worried about the repeal of net neutrality rules: Read a book.According to the newspaper Village Soup in Knox County, Hope Osgood, a student at Camden Hills Regional High School, wrote the governor in November. She said she was concerned about the pending repeal of rules by the Federal Communications Commission that prohibited internet providers from speeding up websites they favor and blocking or throttling others.According to the newspaper, Osgood later received a copy of her message with a handwritten note from the governor written on it. It said, Pick up a book and read! It was signed, Governor.
How will the winner be decided?

How did we get here?

Why is this so important?

What happens next?

The winner of the 94th House District race will be chosen at random by drawing names Thursday in Richmond.Wednesday afternoon, a three-judge panel filed an order that denied an attempt to re-hear arguments about a contested ballot, clearing the way for the drawing.It's unlikely a random tiebreaker has ever had this much political impact -- though a Republican speaker taking the gavel may be inevitable. More on that later.Republican Del. David Yancey and challenger Democrat Shelly Simonds both have 11,608 votes after a roller coaster series of events.At 11 a.m. a Board of Elections member will pull the winner's name out of a ceramic bowl from Virginia artist Steven Glass.So far, there are no plans to delay the drawing due to weather, but officials will be monitoring the weather. Richmond is expected to get far less snow -- 1 to 3 inches -- than Hampton Roads.We'll be streaming live at Facebook.com/virginianpilot, so you don't have to leave your home or office chair.The tiebreaker, which is open to the public, will be in the West Reading Room of the Patrick Henry Building, 1111 E. Broad St., Richmond.It's one of the largest rooms available on Capitol Square. Board of Elections officials expect high interest from the media and the public because of the rarity and importance of the event.A Board of Elections member will print out names of the two candidates on separate slips of paper.The slips will then be put into old film canisters and placed into the pitcher.The canisters are mixed up and then Board Chairman James Alcorn will pull out one of the canisters. Whoever's name is on the slip of paper inside wins.The other slip will be pulled out to show that both candidates names were included.A close election, a recount, a last-minute change by judges on a previously uncounted ballot and an ensuing battle in court.On Nov. 7, Yancey won the election by 10 votes.Simonds asked for a recount and on Dec. 19 she gained a net of 11 votes, making her the winner by a single vote.The next day, a panel of three judges, which has to certify the results, heard arguments from Yancey's lawyers that one recount observer had second thoughts about a ballot. It was previously not counted for either candidate, and had both candidates' bubbles filled in. Simonds' bubble had a single diagonal slash mark through it.When more than one bubble is filled in, it's known as an "over vote" and voided. To complicate matters, the same ballot had a bubble for gubernatorial candidate Ed Gillespie filled in with an X over it. The rest of the ballot was filled in regularly for Republicans.But a three-judge panel decided the slash mark meant the voter didn't want to vote for Simonds.It tied the election, 11,608 to 11,608, forcing the tiebreaker.Many Democrats have argued the judges made the wrong call. Others have said head judge Bryant Sugg had potential conflicts of interest because he was appointed by a Republican General Assembly and Yancey and other Hampton Roads-area delegates had a part in recommending him to the bench.Last week, both candidates filed court documents in Newport News to support their side. Simonds wanted the court to reconsider its decision and declare her the winner because she argued judges did not follow recount protocol.Yancey agreed with the court and called for the drawing to happen.After nearly a week of silence, Wednesday's filing from the judges ensured the drawing will go on. Judges wrote they were in their right to look at the ballot and said they followed Board of Election guidelines on determining the voter's intention."The right of a citizen to cast a free vote has been secured to us by the blood of patriots shed from Lexington and Concord to Selma, Alabama," judges wrote. "The manifest injustice in which we must always guard is the chance that a single vote may not be counted."It matters not the importance of the disposition of a ballot in a given election; it matters the dignity of the citizen, the electoral process, and the destiny of our constitutional republic."It will determine which party controls the lower chamber of the General Assembly. For nearly 20 years, Republicans have had a stronghold on the House.If Simonds wins, it would be tied 50-50 and the parties would have to share power. It would likely mean a more cooperative body -- or one that bickers over issues often. There's no tiebreaker for votes in the House. If a bill doesn't get 51 votes, it automatically fails.The General Assembly session begins Jan. 10.If Democrats do get 50 seats, they still have a bit of work to do to get their policies passed. The Senate has a 21-19 Republican advantage, so Democrats would have to sway a Republican to vote on their side. In the Senate, the lieutenant governor, incoming Democrat Justin Fairfax, can break ties. Democratic Gov.-Elect Ralph Northam could then sign bills into law.The winner will be seated in the House -- unless the loser objects, which is likely to happen.Then, it could go back to another recount. It's unknown when or how that process would work.Regardless, no one would be seated until the recount was over.Del. Kirk Cox, who is vying to be Speaker, said no one would be seated in the event of a recount, giving Republicans at 50-49 advantage on opening day and Cox the speakership.In a letter sent Wednesday, Simonds asked Yancey to a mutual agreement that they both respect the result of the drawing."We will both agree that there will be no further requests for recounts, no election contest, and no further litigation. And we will both insist that the winner of the lot drawing be seated on January 10, whomever that may be."This proposal is simple, clean, and will bring the quickest resolution to this election. And most importantly, it will ensure that our friends and neighbors (in the 94th District) have a voice in the House of Delegates on January 10."Yancey's camp has yet to respond.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin has informed his German counterpart Sigmar Gabriel about the difficult situation in eastern Ukraine.

"Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin informs Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel about the situation in eastern Ukraine. The situation remains extremely tense," the German Federal Foreign Office reported on Twitter.

As reported, early on Thursday, the foreign ministers of the two countries canceled their trip to Donbas because of adverse weather conditions. Instead of Mariupol, they left for Dnipro.
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded federal guidance on Thursday that reassured states they wouldn't be punished for legalizing marijuana, according to The Associated Press.The move by Sessions, a long-time critic of legal marijuana, frees up federal prosecutors to crack down on marijuana-related offenses in their districts as they see fit. In states where voters have legalized marijuana, the announcement is likely to create confusion about the legality of growing, buying and using marijuana, and could threaten an increasingly significant revenue source for state and local governments.An estimated 65 million Americans, about one-fifth of the countrys population, now live in states with some form of legalization . States use revenue from marijuana sales to fund schools, affordable housing, law enforcement and public education campaigns. In Colorado and Washington state, two of the earliest states to legalize recreational marijuana, the market has generated $617 million and $831 million, respectively, in revenue for states.

In 2013, the Obama administration issued the Cole memo, named after then-Deputy Attorney General Jim Cole, urging federal prosecutors not to use their limited resources to prosecute people and businesses that complied with state marijuana laws, so long as they met certain federal criteria, such as keeping the drug out of the hands of criminal gangs and minors.Sessions rescinded that memo on Thursday, days after recreational marijuana became legal in California, which has been leading state efforts to resist Trump administration policies.I think it's intended to create chaos, says Andrew Freedman, former director of marijuana coordination for Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper who now runs a private consulting firm that helps states implement marijuana regulations.The change, however, doesn't appear to be stopping states' marijuana markets or plans for one.Even after hearing the news on Thursday, Vermont lawmakers opted to move forward with legislation that would legalize recreational marijuana in the state."This is an industry that Oregonians have chosen -- and one I will do everything within my legal authority to protect," Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum said in a statement on the same day.Washington Gov. Jay Inslee echoed a similar sentiment : We will use every single power at our disposal to preserve and protect the mission statement Washington State voters gave us."In recent years, voters in Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon and Washington state have approved the legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes. Twenty-seven states and the District of Columbia also allow for state-regulated dispensaries of medical marijuana.While Freedman says consumers, businesses and financial institutions may be more reluctant to engage in the marijuana industry, what doesn't change is the states legal obligation to carry through with legalized marijuana programs."Also, although the move by Sessions gives local U.S. attorneys the discretion to prosecute marijuana businesses and consumers, it's unclear how many will do so."I think it's unlikely," says Brian Vicente, an attorney whose law firm works with marijuana businesses across the country. Noting that recent polling shows a majority of Americans believe the use of marijuana should be legal, "I think it would be unpopular for U.S. prosecutors to come after state-legal businesses," he says.Nevertheless, the news attracted criticism from both sides of the aisle.U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner of Colorado, a Republican, wrote on Twitter that the Justice Department "has trampled on the will of the voters in CO and other states." In retaliation, Gardner threatened to hold up Justice Department nominees.Another Republican, U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, released a statement calling the announcement "disruptive to state regulatory regimes and regrettable."Oregon Democratic Gov. Kate Brown says the policy reversal could harm her state's economy, where estimates show the marijuana market has created more than 19,000 jobs.U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, who introduced legislation last year to remove marijuana from the list of banned substances under federal law, called the decision " fiscally wasteful, morally bankrupt, unjust. And U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont said , "We should allow states the right to move toward the decriminalization of marijuana, not reverse the progress that has been made."
Description

GIS  04 January, 2018: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will hold a meeting in Mauritius in April 2018 on Accident Prevention in Radiotherapy within the framework of the project RAF9059 Strengthening Member State Technical Capabilities in Medical Radiation Protection in compliance with requirements of the new International Basic Safety Standards.

The objective of the meeting is to provide guidance to the Regulatory Authority and radiotherapy professionals on the activities that need to be considered and performed with a view to reducing the likelihood of hazards in radiotherapy for medical treatment.

Some 30 participants from the IAEA Member States are expected to attend the meeting.

International Atomic Energy Agency

The IAEA was created in 1957 in response to the deep fears and expectations generated by the discoveries and diverse uses of nuclear technology. The Agency works in close partnership with Member States, United Nations agencies, research organisations and civil society to maximize the contribution of nuclear science and technology to the achievement of development priorities. It also plays an active part in helping the international community achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
(TNS) - Warning that the state is in the path of a weather system dubbed a "bomb cyclone" that promises snow, heavy wind and the coldest temperatures seen in decades, "if ever," Gov. Gina Raimondo called Wednesday night for Rhode Islanders to keep off the roads Thursday and to stay either at home or somewhere nearby with power and heat."Please make plans now, tonight, for what you would do if you lose power," Raimondo said.Speaking at the headquarters of the Rhode Island Emergency Management in Cranston, Raimondo did not announce a state of emergency. But she said she would continue to consider that option as she monitors conditions. She anticipates a foot of snow on Thursday and "incredibly low" temperatures below zero early Friday."As your governor, I am asking you, I am imploring you to stay home tomorrow," Raimondo said at a late-day press conference. "Let us do our work."Raimondo and others discussed wind-related power outages and the heavy snow that will slow down utility crews, while the dangerously cold temperatures will pose a hazard to people who lose heat."There will be power outages," said Raimondo, who was accompanied by National Grid executive Tim Horan, president of its Rhode Island jurisdiction.Horan said more than 170 line crews were poised to go to work. In addition, the utility has 55 crews for handling trees and 30 crews for underground utilities and other crews are on the way, he said."We will work through the outages as safely as we can as quickly as we can but if this wind is high and the snow is blowing it's going to be very dangerous and treacherous for our folks to get out there," he said.Crews are arriving in Rhode Island at 10 p.m. and deploying by 6 a.m."We are expecting a Type 3 storm, which carries the potential for 9 percent of our customers [approximately 50,000 customers] to be out of power," said National Grid spokesman Ted Kresse.National Grid came under heavy criticism for its tepid response to a late-October storm that pummeled the state with sustained winds of 60 mph, much higher than predicted. Three days later, almost 21,000 customers were still without power, and state leaders were calling for a comprehensive review of the utility's response to the outages."We have more lead time with this storm," Kresse said, "We can have these additional crews in place. In October, the [storm]'s quick timing didn't allow us to have as many crews in place."In addition to the line crews, National Grid will turn its meter readers into "wires down" crews, whose jobs will be to identify downed wires and secure the area.Citing safety concerns, Kresse cautioned that utility crews are not able to launch bucket trucks when there are sustained winds exceeding 35 miles per hour.The state Division of Public Utilities and Carriers is monitoring the preparations of the state's electric utilities and will work with them if outages occur.The state Office of Energy Resources will track fuel deliveries into the Port of Providence and help respond if any of the terminals lose power and are unable to pump fuel.With blizzard-like conditions expected for part of the storm, the state Department of Transportation has 140 plows ready and 450 private vendors available to clear the roads.The deadly cold following the storm may create even more misery, with temperatures expected to plummet Friday, possibly to 20 below zero with the wind chill, making the resolution of power outages more critical, according to the National Weather Service."A major concern is the cold weather coming in right behind the blizzard," Kresse said. "This is really going to be a team effort, working with state agencies and local municipalities."Peter Gaynor, the executive director of the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency, said that emergency officials are urging people to plan where they'll find warm shelter if they lose power."People have to make a plan today ...," Gaynor said Wednesday afternoon. "Find a friend. Find a neighbor." And, if necessary, get to your closest warming center, he said.Gaynor said he'd asked all of the local emergency management directors to locate warming centers in their communities. The list is at http://www.riema.ri.gov/warmingcenters/index.php.Gaynor urged residents to be prepared before the first snowflake falls. Once the storm starts, he said, "People need to be patient and reasonable."Gov. Gina Raimondo announced that all state offices will be closed Thursday, and all public and private schools in the state will be closed as well. For a listing of closings in Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts, as well as parking bans, go to ribroadcasters.com/News_and_Events/Closings_Delays/.As state and local highway officials buckled down Wednesday with preparations for the nor'easter, a Newport bulk carrier announced that it had done its part to deliver salt for the highways and byways of Southern New England. The M/V Bulk Newport, owned by Phoenix Bulk Carriers, delivered 50,000 metric tons of deicing salt from Egypt to Narragansett Bay a few days before Christmas.The cargo was headed for the aptly named Saltine Warrior Inc. of Fall River, Massachusetts.Storm safety tips: Never touch downed power lines, and always assume that any fallen lines are live electric wires. If you see one, report it immediately to National Grid or your local emergency-response organization. Power problems can sometimes interrupt public water supply systems or disable well pumps, so it's a good idea to keep a supply of bottled drinking water handy, as well as some canned food. People who depend on electric-powered life-support equipment, such as a respirator, should let National Grid know. To register as a life-support customer, call the company's Customer Service Center at (800) 322-3223. Check on elderly family members, neighbors and others who may need assistance during an outage period. Make sure you can heat at least one room if your power or furnace goes out. Know how to shut off water valves.Report power outages at nationalgridus.com/OutageCentral or call: (800) 465-1212With reports from Amanda Milkovits and Alex Kuffner lborg@providencejournal.com(401) 277-7823On Twitter: @lborgprojocom2018 The Providence Journal (Providence, R.I.)Visit The Providence Journal (Providence, R.I.) at www.projo.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(TNS)  The battle over net neutrality rules that were overturned in Washington last month moved into Sacramento, Calif. on Wednesday.California state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, introduced a bill to require telecommunications companies doing business in the state to guarantee equal Internet access. The bill is a reaction to last months Federal Communications Commission decision to revoke nationwide net neutrality regulations.We will protect a free and open Internet in our state, Wiener said in a tweet . We wont let the FCC undermine our democracy.Net neutrality is the principle that Internet companies not favor certain content over others  for example, speeding delivery of a video service they own while slowing down videos from rivals.California joins similar efforts in New York and Washington state to write their own set of rules guaranteeing equal access to the Internet following the FCCs 3-2 vote on Dec. 14 to overturn Obama-era net neutrality regulations. Supporters of the vote, including major Internet providers like Comcast, Verizon and AT&T, hailed that decision as one that will benefit consumers by removing a layer of unnecessary regulation enacted in 2015.But opponents said the FCCs reversal removes protections that prevent Internet companies from favoring some sites and apps over others.Net neutrality is essential to our 21st-century democracy, Wiener said in a press release. We wont let the Trump-led FCC dismantle our right to a free and open Internet, and we wont let them create a system where Internet providers can favor websites and services based on who pays more money.SB822 would try to use state Public Utilities Commission regulations governing telecommunications companies to force them to adhere to net neutrality rules.According to a draft, that would include making net neutrality a requirement of cable franchise agreements, state consumer protection laws and the state-granted right to attach small cell or other broadband wireless communications devices to utility poles.The bill would also require the state to buy Internet services from companies that practice net neutrality.Monkeybrains, a San Francisco Internet services company whose management has long supported net neutrality, hailed Wieners action, though company partner Alex Menendez said provisions to strengthen consumer protection and unfair business practice laws were pretty ambiguous.How are they going to strengthen legislation? he said in an email. What recourse will consumers have? How will enforcement work?Wiener listed 10 co-authors, all Democrats, in the Senate and Assembly. But even if the bill finds enough votes in both houses, there are still potential roadblocks and other unknown factors in its path.For instance, the FCC has yet to publish its final ruling on net neutrality, although that is expected any day. However, that final ruling is also expected to include a provision that preempts any state-enacted net neutrality rules.In an email, Wiener said he was confident we have the right to enact strong Internet protections in California.The FCCs authority over state laws is an open question, said Tejas Narechania, an assistant professor at the UC Berkeley School of Law and a former FCC special counsel who focused on net neutrality issues. Narechania left the FCC in 2013, before the now-overturned net neutrality rules were enacted.However, he noted the last time the FCC tried to preempt state laws in North Carolina and Tennessee, in a case involving restrictions on high-speed Internet services, a federal appeals court in 2016 ruled in favor of the states. Then-Commissioner Ajit Pai at the time argued against the FCC asserting its dominance over state laws; Pai, now the panels chairman, pushed the vote to repeal net neutrality laws.Theres an argument to be made that the FCC doesnt have the preemption authority it claims, especially because the FCC now has to clear a pretty high bar, Narechania said in an email.The proposed California bill could also succeed because it relies on its own regulatory, franchising and purchasing power and the FCC will have to show it preempts all of this, he said.Chris Lewis, vice president of the consumer rights group Public Knowledge, noted that Internet companies could also challenge a state law like Californias in court. Conversely, the FCCs ruling is also expected to be challenged in court by net-neutrality proponents, including the attorneys general of several states, including California.And while Lewis generally applauded Wieners bill, he said the controversy might be fully settled only if Congress decides to overrule the FCC.We appreciate the efforts at the state level, but it can never protect everyone because every state could have a different set of rules, Lewis said.Wiener said California still needed to take action.While a lot is happening with lawsuits, state bills, and potential congressional action, California cant sit by and wait for something to possibly happen, he said. We have control over our own fate, and we can enact smart regulations to protect net neutrality right here. If something happens to fix this issue nationally, thats great news.
The Erie County Medical Center serves as the Level 1 trauma center for all of Western New York. The 550-bed hospital hosts the regions HIV care and burn units, and is the teaching hospital for the University of Buffalo.In the early morning hours of Sunday, April 9, 2017  a quiet time of day when large hospitals like Erie Countys are nonetheless buzzing with activity  hackers infiltrated the medical centers computer systems. The screens went blank, replaced by a pop-up message that read, What happened to your files? Hospital staffers could get their data back, the message said, but it would cost them: 24 bitcoin, the cybercurrency that, at the time, was equivalent to about $30,000.Hospital leadership acted quickly. They determined that they wouldnt pay the ransom. Instead, they shut down the entire computer system, following protocol that had been put in place for a massive power outage. Doctors, nurses and other staffers relied on more rudimentary systems such as pen and paper until they could get back online safely.That didnt fully happen until six weeks later. Rebuilding the network  and suffering from some lost revenues during the recovery period  cost the hospital nearly $10 million.Erie County wasnt a sitting duck. In fact, the hospital had recently undergone a risk assessment for cyberthreats and had tweaked different parts of its system to make them more secure. It had upgraded its cybersecurity insurance from a $2 million annual plan to $10 million. (That insurance means the hospital wasnt on the hook for most of the recovery costs after the attack.) In terms of security, the hospital was actually rather advanced, says CEO and President Thomas Quatroche. Our cybersecurity team said they would have rated us above-average before the attack.Many other hospitals across the country have been victims of a similar hack. MedStar Hospitals  a Washington, D.C.-based chain  was forced to shut down its computer systems for days after getting hit by a cyberattack in 2016. Princeton Community Hospital in West Virginia had to revamp its entire network after a global cyberattack hit its medical records system. Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center in Los Angeles decided to pay the $17,000 its hackers requested after the hospitals computers were taken over.Ransomware in general has rapidly become an extremely lucrative operation: In 2015, according to FBI reports, cybercrime victims paid about $24 million to unlock their computers after an attack. By 2016, that number had hit $1 billion. Cyberattacks have become an omnipresent threat. High-profile hacks of companies from Equifax to Uber to Target to Sony Pictures have made it clear that all sorts of data are vulnerable. Credit scores, Social Security numbers, email addresses, credit card numbers. Everything.But the health-care sector finds itself in a special predicament. Health data can be extremely valuable: National reports suggest that while credit card numbers can be sold by hackers for 10 to 15 cents apiece, a medical record can fetch between $30 and $500. People dont think of their health data with the same urgency they would their checkbook, says LeRoy Foster, chief security officer at Advocate Health, an Illinois-based health system. But if I get your health-care data, I get everything. I get insurance information, I get part of your financial info and your pharmaceutical information.At the same time, health-care systems are often complex and fragmented, and the health sector in general lacks the kind of across-the-board standardization that, say, the banking industry has. Experts say most hospitals and health systems are trying their best. But as the threats keep shifting, health IT has had to get more nimble  something its not very good at.If the spotty, halting implementation of electronic health records over the past decade has taught IT experts anything, its that health data is uniquely tough to lock down. If the industry cant figure out an easy way to get health records online, then it also isnt going to be easy to create systems that secure the data. There is no standard for what health records look like. Every single different health records system has a different format and process, says Teri Takai, the former CIO of California and Michigan, as well as the former CIO for the Department of Defense. (Takai is now the executive director of the Center for Digital Government at e.Republic, Governings parent company.) Takai recalls working once for a small insurance company focused on Medicaid, and she says she was struck by how many small, regional health-care firms were out there, each with their own way of doing things. Theres such fragmentation, she says.Part of that fragmentation comes from just how sprawling health care is. Under the giant umbrella of health care are insurance companies, Medicaid, thousands of hospitals, private practices and health departments  each holding different bits and pieces of a persons medical history. That sprawling nature is why getting health data online at all has been a struggle. Today, more than 80 percent of doctors and more than 90 percent of hospitals use electronic health records, but thats largely attributed to financial incentives from the Obama administration. And moving records online is only the beginning: A 2015 survey from the American Medical Association found that only 34 percent of providers were happy with their own electronic health records.Health data also doesnt lend itself well to standard security measures like automatic logouts and two-step verification. Doctors already complain that accessing relevant information when theyre in front of a patient can take more than 20 clicks of a mouse. Adding more onerous security measures would require extra time that doctors and nurses often dont have. You have hundreds of people who need to access things fast, says Andrew Boyd, an assistant professor of health information sciences at the University of Illinois, Chicago. You cant have automatic logouts after 15 seconds  youre adding several minutes to a procedure. If you put up too many barriers, that can hurt patients.Health practitioners complain that theres been little help from government, particularly from Washington, to protect health-care systems and help them stay in front of emerging threats. The federal government is really good at helping the financial sector on cybersecurity, says Quatroche in Erie County. There really is no support system from the feds for hospitals. Its quite the opposite. He adds, There needs to be some recognition that we were victims of a crime.State legislatures are slowly trying to address cybersecurity needs. But their efforts usually arent targeted to health care, and policy experts say they need to do more. A bill introduced in Ohio in October would offer businesses a legal safe harbor from penalties of a breach, as long as they had some kind of cybersecurity program in place. Thats a good first step, because a large number of breaches go unreported or unresolved simply because providers do not know what steps to take, says Mitchell Parker, executive director of information security and compliance at Indiana University Health. ZDNet, a business technology news site, reported in 2013 that about half of data breaches go unreported. The New York Department of Financial Services last year mandated that all financial institutions must have in place a cybersecurity program approved by the state. That requirement wasnt directly related to health care, but its an approach that a state health department could copy, says Thomas MacLellan, director of policy and government affairs at Symantec. During their annual meeting in August, members of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners discussed adopting New Yorks policy for every state, although it would have to be approved by state legislatures first.A good place for states to start is just making sure they fund cybersecurity insurance and training in public hospitals and health departments. More than a dozen states require cybersecurity insurance, though there is currently no national or legal standard for what the policies should protect. Having an adequate insurance plan is what allowed the Erie County Medical Center to weather its attack last year. Is it burdensome? Yes, Quatroche says. But its the reality now.The problems can be especially acute for rural hospitals. Many of those facilities have been struggling financially for the past decade, with declining populations, sicker patients and more people relying on Medicaid, which doesnt pay as well as private insurance. Its tough to tell small hospitals to maintain a million-dollar cybersecurity insurance plan when they can barely keep their doors open as it is. The attack that blindsided Erie County could have decimated other medical centers that didnt have the same resources, Quatroche says. If youre a rural hospital, that could have closed you.MacLellan says he encourages health systems to contract IT work offsite through a cloud system if they cant afford to hire someone on their own. After all, what business are you in? Are you in health care or are you in cybersecurity? he says. When you look at some of these smaller hospitals, can they afford to bring someone on, or should you contract it out?The stakes are high in any data breach. But health-care attacks can be particularly scary. Along with putting sensitive health records information at risk, hospital cyberattacks could impact doctors ability to deliver care to their patients. Delayed surgeries, postponed tests and canceled prescriptions are all very real threats. As technology continues to evolve, health experts say theres a new looming concern: the security of medical devices. Hacking into insulin pumps or anesthesia machines or a whole host of devices could have extremely dire consequences. Ransomware of patient data is one thing, says MacLellan. But imagine you get a text saying your pacemaker is being held ransom in exchange for 100 bitcoin.Ultimately, says Takai, its an issue of proper management. This isnt a technology problem, its a business leadership problem she says. Think of it like a disaster plan. How would you recover? What will you tell people?And health-care departments cant treat cybersecurity as an afterthought, says Boyd at the University of Illinois, Chicago. Theres this permanent new cost that can be tempting to waive to balance a budget. But there will always be new threats, he says. Health-care IT needs to be a permanent line item.
Servicemen of the National Guard of Ukraine have detained a militant, a resident of Donetsk, connected with illegal armed groups operating in Donetsk region.

"A citizen, born in 1985, a resident of the city of Donetsk, has a connection with illegal armed formations, the so-called 'DPR,'" the Ukrainian Interior Ministry said on its Facebook page on Thursday.

The suspect was detained and transferred to the Vuhledar police station of the main office of the National Police of Ukraine in Donetsk region on suspicion of committing a crime under Part 1, Article 260 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (the creation of militarized or armed formations not envisaged by law, and participation in their activities).
Mayor had positive experiences with CEO

The Green River Chamber of Commerces Board Directors fired former CEO Irene Parsons after a closed meeting was hosted to discuss her job performance.

The chamber issued a press release stating Parsons would no longer be employed with the chamber Dec. 21.

The Green River Star requested emails sent and received by Allan Wilson, a Green River City Councilman who serves on the chambers board. According to those emails, the board hosted an executive session, to discuss Parsons job performance.

An executive session is a closed-door discussion that is permissible under Wyomings public...
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has signed law No. 2229-VIII on preventing and combating domestic violence, the press service of the head of state reported on Thursday.

The document foresees the introduction of an integrated approach to combating domestic violence, the substantial expansion of existing tools for such a fight, the introduction of new definitions of terms and other norms aimed at improving the protection of victims of domestic violence.

In particular, the law foresees the creation and ensuring the functioning of the unified state register of cases of domestic violence.

The document is aimed at harmonizing the provisions of the current legislation of Ukraine in the field of counteracting domestic violence and violence against women and bringing it into line with European standards, providing a framework for ratification of the Istanbul Convention.

As reported, the Verkhovna Rada adopted the respective law at first reading on November 17, 2016 and at second reading and as a whole on December 7, 2017.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin has said that it is expedient to make it a law in Ukraine the fight against fake news during elections.

"[French President] Emmanuel Macron announced the law on anti-fake news to protect against misinformation and propaganda, repulse those who use information as a weapon against democracy! Maybe we should also fight fake news in the election period? It would have been nice," Klimkin wrote in his Twitter microblog on Thursday.

As reported, Macron stated his intention to strengthen legal measures to protect the democratic life of France from false news.

"We will develop our legal mechanism to protect democratic life from these false news," - Macron said in his New Year's message.

According to him, social networking platforms will have to act with increased transparency so as to make public the information about advertisers and those who control them, as well as to limit the amount allocated to such content.

Macron announced the preparation of a law directed against false news and said that a draft law would soon be submitted to combat false news on the Internet, especially during the election period.
In the midst of the train wreck that is the Trump presidency, consumed this week with bombshell revelations, childish exchanges about nuclear war and the possible mental unraveling of our commander-in-chief, I found a moment of grace, dignity and hope in a single photo.

The photo captured the swearing-in on Wednesday of Doug Jones, the Alabama Democrat who defeated former judge Roy Moore to assume a seat in the U.S. Senate. Jones wife is holding the Bible, and Vice President Mike Pence is administering the oath  directly across from Jones son Carson, who is gay.

From his entry into politics, Pence has been unwaveringly anti-gay. As governor of Indiana, he signed a Religious Freedom Restoration Act that allowed businesses to refuse service to LGBTQ individuals. Over the course of his career, Pence also has opposed marriage equality, voted against the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which would have protected LGBTQ employees in the workplace, opposed hate-crime legislation that included LGBTQ people and opposed gay people serving in the military.

Roy Moore, who was expected to win the Senate seat, was so opposed to gay marriage that, as chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, he ordered Alabamas probate judges to defy federal court orders allowing same-sex marriage. As a result, he was suspended for the remainder of his term, for the second time in his career. The first time, he defied a federal court order to remove a giant Ten Commandments monument from the state judicial building.

In one court decision, Moore wrote that the gay rights movement would lead to a wasteland of sexual anarchy. This same beacon of morality is facing accusations by numerous women in Alabama that he pursued them or outright sexually assaulted them as teenagers, when he was a district attorney in his 30s.

Any gay person might be tempted to rub this kind of repudiation into the faces of those who have damned them  literally  as being perverted, unnatural or even mentally ill because of their sexuality. But this isnt  and never has been  about winning or vengeance for LGBTQ Americans.

Its about validation, being recognized, respected and protected in American society, just like everyone else. LGBTQ Americans simply want a life in which they can work where they choose, shop where they choose, live where they choose and love whom they choose.

Carson Jones describes himself on his Instagram page, TheDapperZookeeper, as a Southern gentleman, zookeeper, gym junkie, adventurer and sushi addict. He does not define himself by his sexuality.

Carson Jones is a 22-year-old zookeeper living in Denver who came out to his parents the day after the Supreme Court legalized gay marriage, he said in an interview in December. They responded simply, I love you.

Carson Jones said the night of Donald Trumps election left him fearful of what would happen to people like him. And true to his fears, Trumps policies so far have been consistently anti-gay.

His fathers victory gives him hope, he says.

It gives me hope, too.

Doug Jones may not be my idea of an ideal candidate, but he does not advocate hate, exclusion and discrimination. He stood proudly with his son at a momentous occasion in the presence of a man who ranks second in the American halls of power, a man who has shown scorn for people like his son.

Although some have described Carsons expression toward Pence as withering in the photo posted on his Instagram page, all I see is a father and son who look proud and happy, as they should be. (OK, there is a little side-eye.)

I love this photo for what it represents.

It shows what is still possible and must remain possible in the land of the free and the home of the brave:

That people on one side of a fundamental belief about humanity cannot deny entry into the halls of power to those who hold opposite beliefs.

That voters rejected the politics of hate and division peddled by the Roy Moores and Steve Bannons of America.

That Americans increasingly recognize that LGBTQ Americans are, first and foremost, Americans.

We all have areas of difference, ways in which we dont conform to someone elses norms. Yet we so easily forget that if any group can be targeted as wrong, unnatural, subhuman or a threat to society because of those differences, all of us can.

Respect for ones self and for others is vital to a civil society. Carson Jones modeled that at his fathers swearing-in, just as Danica Roem, a 33-year-old transgender woman, had modeled it in November, when she defeated self-proclaimed homophobe Robert G. Marshall in the race for Virginia state delegate.

I dont attack my constituents, she said after the election. Bob is my constituent now.

The photo Carson Jones posted of his fathers swearing-in used the hashtags #wemadeit and #nocaptionneeded.

Hes right. The photo says it all.
A court in Thailand today jailed a woman for insulting the royal family.

Aren't we glad we don't live in a country where that's an offense?

At least not yet.

"President Donald Trump's angry break with his former chief strategist Steve Bannon escalated Wednesday night with a threat of 'imminent' legal action," The Washington Post reports today.

"A private lawyer representing Trump sent a cease-and-desist letter to Bannon, arguing he violated an employment agreement with the Trump Organization when he spoke to author Michael Wolff for a new scathing book about the presidency."

Bannon has been insulting Trump and members of his family.

If this were Thailand, you can bet Trump would have him jailed ...

... along with Jeff Flake, Bob Corker, Mitt Romney and countless Democrats and members of the media.

So let's count the blessings of freedom and keep watch against threats to our liberty.

This "legal action" and a "cease-and-desist letter" is nothing more than bluster.

But if Trump succeeds in sufficiently politicizing the Justice Department and its law-enforcement agencies, bending them to his personal service, all bets are off.
Ukraine will find mechanisms of influence on international companies that admit in their activity that Crimea is part of Russia, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin has said.

"I believe that this [situation with Siemens turbines in Crimea] has become a sad lesson for all German and not only German business. Now, of course, there are companies that allow their retailers, for example, Volkswagen or Adidas, to consider Crimea part of Russia. We will certainly influence them not only with political, but also legal methods," Klimkin said at a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel in Kyiv on Wednesday, January 3.

He said that Ukraine had made a lot of efforts to ensure that Russia's fraud, as in the case with deliveries of Siemens turbines to the occupied Crimea, could not happen again.
10:45 a.m.

North Carolina's governor says the winter weather has caused hundreds of crashes around the state, including one that caused two deaths.

Gov. Roy Cooper said Thursday morning that the North Carolina Highway Patrol had responded to 700 collisions and 300 other calls for assistance.

The storm has moved out of the central part of the state, but is still lashing coastal counties with snow and high winds early Thursday. Cooper said coastal areas have seen between 5 and 7 inches of snow already.

Cooper said there were about 6,500 power outages reported, down from a peak of 20,000.

He said that frigid temperatures will mean that slick conditions could persist on roads into the weekend. He urged residents not to use the roads unless it was absolutely necessary.

___

10:00 a.m.

Crews are working around the state to remove snow that fell across North Carolina and at least two deaths are being blamed on the weather.

The deaths occurred when a pickup overturned into a creek.

A spokesman for the state Highway Patrol says the truck came to rest on its top while submerged in the creek Wednesday night in Moore County.

Sgt. Michael Baker identified those killed as the driver, 57-year-old Michael Alexander Wilson, and a passenger, 73-year-old Jerry David Wilson. Both were from Bear Creek.

Both men died at the scene.

The National Weather Service said unofficial reports indicated that 6 inches have fallen in places such as Pinehurst and the northeastern corner of the state. Fayetteville had 4 inches. Wake and Durham counties got more than 1 inch.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation said it had more than 650 vehicles out clearing roads Thursday morning. It reported that it had used nearly 200,000 gallons of brine and 3,700 tons of salt in the storm.

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8:50 a.m.

The snowstorm hit parts of North Carolina with an unexpected strength, including Moore County, where residents said they were stuck in their cars for hours in traffic jams.

Drivers told WRAL-TV that cars were stopped or moving slowly Wednesday night on U.S. Highway 1 in Southern Pines and Aberdeen. Kristine Castillo estimated 60 to 70 cars were stopped as she was in her car for hours.

Penny Creed says she went to cars in the "bumper to bumper" traffic giving our scarves, gloves and hot chocolate. She says she also invited some people into her home for cookies and cocoa.

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7:57 a.m.

The snow is moving out of North Carolina but the cold temperatures are staying behind.

The National Weather Service had blizzard, winter storm warnings and winter weather statements in effect Thursday in half of North Carolina's 100 counties.

Wind chill warnings and advisories were in effect in 54 counties for Thursday and in some cases, for Friday as well. The snow and ice also prompted the closure of many schools in the eastern half of the state.

Up to 6 inches of snow was reported near Fort Bragg.

Duke Energy reported about 2,400 customers still without electricity Thursday morning. Nearly half of those were in Craven County around New Bern.

Wind child values could be as low as -30 degrees (-34 Celsius) at the mountain tops in western North Carolina.
President Donald Trump's angry break with his former chief strategist Steve Bannon escalated Wednesday night with a threat of a "imminent" legal action.

A private lawyer representing Trump sent a cease-and-desist letter to Bannon, arguing he violated an employment agreement with the Trump Organization when he spoke to author Michael Wolff for a new scathing book about the presidency.

Bannon is quoted describing, among other things, a Trump Tower meeting during the campaign between Donald Trump Jr.; Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law; and a Russian lawyer as "treasonous" and "unpatriotic."

Bannon's comments to the writer "give rise to numerous legal claims including defamation by libel and slander, and breach of his written confidentiality and non-disparagement agreement with our clients," Trump's lawyer wrote in the letter. "Legal action is imminent."

It all sounds so tough. But in this case, it probably isn't.

A cease and desist letter doesn't actually carry any legal weight - it is simply a warning letter asking someone to stop certain behavior or else the sender will pursue legal action. It is often a form of intimidation, or simply an attempt to settle an issue outside of litigation, said Orly Lobel, a law professor at the University of San Diego School of Law whose research has often focused on employment issues.

It can be effective against someone who can't afford a pitched legal battle and gets scared off. But for a recipient who can afford a fight-like Bannon-it's another story.

Without legal action, specifically a lawsuit, such a letter is just a piece of paper. So should Bannon refuse to comply with the letter, Trump would have to sue.

But would Trump really want to start a court fight with Bannon? Suing Bannon would potentially require Trump to testify under oath, and would open them both up to discovery, in which all sorts of explosive revelations could come tumbling out. The president's critics would probably welcome that. These things can get ugly.

But, experts say, it seems unlikely that the feud would reach that stage.

Trump is a public figure. So suing for defamation, as the letter threatens, could require Trump to prove that a statement made by Bannon was false, damaging and delivered with actual malice, meaning that Bannon knew his comments were false and made them anyway.

Suing Bannon for breaking an employment contract would be even more difficult, said Lobel, who described the move as a "desperate" attempt by Trump to silence his former confidant.

Arguing that Bannon breached a contract would potentially "signal that there's some truth there in what he's saying," Lobel said, a thought also raised by other legal experts on social media.

More importantly, Lobel and other legal experts said Bannon's speech stemming from his time in the White House would likely be protected. A government employee's free-speech rights are protected by the Constitution's First Amendment insofar as they pertain to matters of public concern, the Supreme Court ruled in 2006 in a case called Garcetti v. Ceballos. Lobel argued that the behavior of the president - and especially his campaign's involvement with the Russians - are undoubtedly a matter of public concern.

So Trump's lawyers would likely need to draw a difficult distinction between quotes Bannon made as a campaign employee or private citizen versus those he made while employed by the White House.

And even if Bannon revealed information that drew from his time as a private citizen during the campaign, his speech could still be protected, Lobel said. The Defend Trade Secrets Act, signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2016, provides immunity to whistleblower employees who report suspected illegal activity. That might or might not apply to Bannon. But either way, his lawyers would argue that it did.

In the cease and desist letter, Trump's lawyer wrote that Bannon breached three sections of his employment agreement with the Trump Organization by communicating with Wolff, disclosing confidential information and making disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements about Trump, his family and the campaign.

Bannon has not revealed the exact terms of the contract he signed. But according to Trump's lawyer, Bannon promised in his employment agreement not to disclose confidential information, not to demean or publicly disparage Trump, his family, or the campaign, and not to communicate with any member of the news media on behalf of, or about the campaign, without express written authorization from the campaign or Trump.

Confidential information, according to the letter sent to Bannon, included "all information . . . of a private, proprietary or confidential nature or that Mr. Trump insists remain private or confidential, including, but not limited to, any information with respect to the personal life, political affairs, and/or business affairs of Mr. Trump or of any Family Member. . ."

The letter demands that Bannon stop communicating either confidential and or disparaging information, and preserve all records in preparation for "imminent" legal action.

During the presidential campaign, other staffers described how Trump forced their silence through such restrictive agreements, which are highly unusual in political campaigns. One such document, obtained by The Post, includes a "no-disparagement" clause that requires staffers to promise "during the term of your service and at all time thereafter" not to "demean or disparage publicly" Trump, his business ventures or any of his family members or their business ventures "and to prevent your employees from doing so."

Essentially, he approached his campaign staff much as he did the employees of his business ventures - demanding control over what they can and can't say. As he transitioned to the White House, some wondered if he would enforce a similar silence from his administration - raising concerns about government transparency.

During the campaign, he was asked by The Washington Post's Robert Costa if he would make employees of the federal government sign nondisclosure agreements.

"I think they should," he said. ". . . when people are chosen by a man to go into government at high levels and then they leave government and they write a book about a man and say a lot of things that were really guarded and personal, I don't like that. I mean, I'll be honest. And people would say, oh, that's terrible, you're taking away his right to free speech . . . I would say . . . I do have nondisclosure deals."

He said his then-campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, press secretary Hope Hicks and senior adviser for policy Stephen Miller all signed such nondisclosure agreements.

"I don't like people that take your money and then say bad things about you," he said. "But I will say that in the federal government it's a different thing. So it's something I would think about. But you know, I do right now - I have thousands and thousands of employees, many thousands, and every one of them has an agreement. . ."

As a candidate and a businessman Trump used litigation and threats to silence his critics.

"He deploys an array of tactics to fight back - countersuits, threats and personal insults, among others - while using stringent confidentiality agreements to guard against insider accounts from employees, business partners, his former spouses and now his campaign staffers," The Post's Frances Stead Sellers wrote in July 2016.

That same week, court filings revealed that he had sought $10 million in damages from fired campaign consultant Samuel Nunberg, alleging that he violated a nondisclosure agreement by leaking confidential information to the press.

"He was used to being able to do this in his private life," Lobel said. And as a president, he has continued to use angry threats in attempts to silence critics - particularly on Twitter and in cease and desist letters.

"It's hard to see how it helps him here," said Orin Kerr, a law professor at the University of Southern California.

Other lawyers and critics of the president expressed similar views on Twitter.

"This reeks of desperation," one post read.

---

The Washington Post's Carol Leonnig and Frances Stead Sellers contributed to this report.

Washington Post News Service (DC)

1/4/2018 6:25:18 AM Central Standard Time
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump will meet Thursday at the White House with senators who have been working on a legislative fix to protect hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who will lose their work permits when an Obama-era program ends this spring, according to three people familiar with the meeting.

Trump hasnt been involved in the day-to-day negotiations on so-called Dreamers ever since he was accused of backing out of a tentative agreement with Democrats in September and insisted the issue be part of a larger immigration package.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. and Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla. confirmed to McClatchy on Wednesday night that they planned to attend the White House meeting. An aide to Sen. Thom Tillis said the North Carolina Republican would also participate.

Trumps involvement come after three former homeland security secretaries warned lawmakers that a bill needed to pass this month in order to put a program in place to protect the immigrants brought into the country as children.

They said in an open letter time was running out on a legislative solution to protect those affected from losing their work permits and potentially facing deportation.

Jeh Johnson and Janet Napolitano, secretaries under President Barack Obama, and Michael Chertoff, secretary under President George W. Bush, sent the letter Wednesday to Trumps aides.

The realistic deadline for successfully establishing a Dreamers program in time to prevent large scale loss of work authorization and deportation protection is only weeks away, in the middle of January, they wrote in the letter.

Some lawmakers of both parties are pushing for a legislative fix to be part of deal for Democratic support of a spending package that must be passed by Jan. 19 to keep most of the government operating.

Two top White House aides  Marc Short and Mick Mulvaney  met with House Speaker Paul Ryan, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi about the spending bill and related issues Wednesday.

We had a positive and productive meeting and all parties have agreed to continue discussing a path forward to quickly resolve all of the issues ahead of us, Pelosi, D-Calif., and Schumer, D-N.Y., said in a statement.

A group of bipartisan senators who have been meeting about Dreamers for weeks  Graham, Dick Durbin, D-Ill., Michael Bennet, D-Colo., Jeff Flake, R-Ariz. and Cory Gardner, R-Colo.  met again Wednesday night at the Capitol, according to two people familiar with the meeting.

Those pushing members of Congress to protect Dreamers saw Trumps involvement as a positive sign.

Its clear theres a deal to be struck on protecting Dreamers and strengthening border security, so the fact that the president and Republicans in the Senate are actively meeting on this is very promising, said Jeremy Robbins, executive director of the Partnership for a New American Economy, which is working with Republicans and Democrats who support protecting recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

A White House spokeswoman said she did not have any information she could share about Thursdays meeting.

Look, wed like to make a deal on securing funding for the border wall as well as ending chain migration, ending the visa lottery program, interior enforcement, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said earlier Wednesday. Wed like to do that right away. So if the Democrats are willing to sit down and make that deal, I think wed be happy to get that done by the end of the month.

Graham declined to say which other lawmakers were attending the White House meeting, but he called the group bipartisan.

Durbin, the Senate Minority Whip and a leader for Senate Democrats on Dreamers, was not invited to the White House, his spokesman said. A Schumer spokesman did not know of any Democrats attending the meeting.

Republicans will need the support of some Democrats to pass a bill that protects the nearly 800,000 people enrolled in the Obama-era program that allows those brought into the country illegally as children to receive temporary, renewable work permits.

As of Wednesday night, however, the official guest list for the White House gathering was still somewhat fluid, a source familiar with the DACA negotiations cautioned.

Tillis and Lankford have been pushing the SUCCEED Act, a more conservative approach to protecting Dreamers than the DREAM Act, which would give Dreamers an opportunity to achieve legal status and is sponsored by Graham and Durbin.

Flake, who is not seeking re-election this year, has revealed McConnell as having promised a vote to codify the DACA program in exchange for Flakes vote on tax overhaul legislation in December. Gardner is the chairman of the Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee who likely sees GOP action to protect Dreamers as a selling point for his party in the midterms.

The administration announced in September it will shut down the DACA program March 5, giving Congress time to pass a legislative fix.

(EDITORS: STORY CAN END HERE)

Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions called the program an unconstitutional use of executive authority as theyve been threatened with lawsuits from Texas and other states.

Trump has added to the uncertainty by blaming Democrats for doing nothing to protect young immigrants. But hes added that he would not accept any deal without funding for a U.S.-Mexico border wall.



(Brian Murphy of the McClatchy Washington Bureau contributed to this report.)
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Illegal drugs can be measured in pounds or kilograms, and a State Bureau of Investigation news release did that.

The takedown of a Triad-area drug-trafficking operation yielded 11 kilos of heroin, eight kilos of cocaine and 50 pounds of marijuana, plus cash, guns, cars, jewelry and 11 arrests, authorities said at a Wednesday press conference at the SBIs regional office in Greensboro.

But to leaders of local law-enforcement agencies attending the event, the haul is often described in other terms.

High Point saw a 300 percent increase in drug overdoses in 2017 from 2016, its police chief, Ken Shultz, said. A disruption in drug supply will save lives.

These arrests are going to make a positive impact on our community, Greensboro Deputy Chief James Hinson said.

Theres definitely a correlation between the drugs and violence, Winston-Salem Chief Catrina Thompson added.

Even the numbers can be deceiving. Eleven kilos of heroin  24 pounds  may not sound like a lot. But it can be turned into more than 100,000 doses on the street, Davidson County Sheriff David Grice said.

All of it was meant to be sold on the streets of Triad communities, authorities said.

Notable about this effort was the high degree of cooperation between the SBI and several local agencies. A six-month investigation involved a lot of undercover work and surveillence, according to Scott Williams, special agent in charge of the SBIs Northern Piedmont office.

We could not do this without working together, Guilford County Sheriff BJ Barnes said, citing resource and jurisdictional issues. For the SBI, city and county lines are not a problem. It takes away the borders, Williams added.

Warrants for suspects were executed last month in Greensboro, High Point, Winston-Salem and Lexington. Of the 11 people charged, eight live in Greensboro, two in Winston-Salem and one in High Point. The alleged leader, 33-year-old Greensboro resident Jaquate Javon Simpson, was convicted of three misdemeanor offenses in 2005 and two felonies  assault with a deadly weapon and common law robbery  in 2010. He received suspended sentences and probation each time. Now he faces two counts each of trafficking marijuana, cocaine and opium or heroin. If he and his associates are convicted, they should land behind bars for years.

Williams said there may be further arrests and additional investigation to track the source of the drugs seized  much of which was on display at the SBI office on Industrial Avenue.

Drug-trafficking is lucrative. Officers grabbed $171,000 in cash, jewelry appraised at $426,000, six guns, a 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and a 2015 Rolls-Royce Wraith.

Peddling poison is also a deadly business, fueling violence and killing users. Cleaning it off the streets deserves the attention agencies gave it. They succeeded in stopping what Williams called a major drug-trafficking operation here in the Triad. The result should be lives saved.

Later Wednesday, a new U.S. attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina, based in Greensboro, took his oath of office. In his remarks, Matthew G.T. Martin pledged to continue an effort his office has participated in for years: working with local police to give hardened criminals a chance to turn their lives around, with the help of community service agencies, or else to remove them from society. The U.S. Department of Justice says it is going hard after gangs and drugs, and it can find them here.

Williams credited the federal Drug Enforcement Administration for helping this investigation. It seems that multi-agency operations of this kind are needed to stop criminals who have money, guns and a product that too many people are desperate to buy.

Were going to continue working together, Barnes said. This is not going to be a one-time event. The reason is simple: More and more people are dying.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) should be enlisted to help find missing persons in eastern Ukraine, Verkhovna Rada First Deputy Speaker and Ukraine's representative to the humanitarian affairs subgroup of the Trilateral Contact Group Iryna Gerashchenko has said.

According to her, the issue can be discussed during a meeting of the Normandy Four (Ukraine, France, Germany and Russia).

"In my opinion, getting the ICRC to look for missing persons should be one of the topics discussed by the Normandy Four, the leaders of which facilitated the recent prisoner swap," Gerashchenko said on her Facebook page.

Gerashchenko said ICRC representatives escorted the released prisoners during the recent swap. She added that ICRC workers have also assisted in solving technical and logistical issues, which have arisen.
Well here I am writing with the snow falling just as it did last week. It would seem that the snow knows how much it means to me.

Still, I certainly didnt want the cold weather. Frankly this week it certainly was cold, and it certainly was cold on New Years Eve!

Imagine going into New York for the famous night on the town given the dangers therein. It certainly was not for me. The police were out in force and there would be all sorts of weird folk wandering around. New Years Eve in New York is not something to do; Id rather spend the time at home with good friends.

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The Greenwich Historical Societys always interesting program has just arrived and what do I see, but a picture of my friend Debbie Reynolds who has joined the board of the society.

Debbie began her career as a volunteer in 1961. Her husband Russell Reynolds is a long-time Historical Society member, and his Aunt Edna Reynolds Ferris and Uncle Herbert were instrumental in purchasing the Bush Holley House and helping it during its early years.

After volunteer work, Debbie joined the Historical Society Board of Trustees and served from 1967 to 1971 as vice president of the executive committee on the membership, from 1978 to 1980 as vice president of the Antiques Show Previews, and as treasurer from 1981 to 1983.

I first met Debbie at St. Barnabas Church and found that she had attended Smith College and graduated from the University of California at Berkeley.

Debbie also has been a chairman of the Greenwich Committee for Port Chester Carver, trustee of the Episcopal Church Foundation, Christ Church, Dark Harbor Maine, and is involved with the Manhattan Christian Academy.

Debbie is active at Stanwich Congregational Church, was its moderator from 2004 to 2006, and as a leader in the new church building.

Most importantly, she started the non-denominational town-wide Christian Bible Study, now in its 31st year.

She also has offered her experience for completion of funding for the construction of the first archives building to the support of the endowment and capital funds of the Historical Society.

When Debbie, a native Californian, married an 11th generation Greenwichite in her husband, Russell. She has adopted the role of New Englander with eclat.

Both Debbie and Russell have remained dedicated and involved with the Historical Society, as Debbie says for both Russ and me, the Historical Society has always been dearest to our hearts.

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Congratulations to Christine Salazar and her brother Thomas Tegtmejer for giving a big lift to the Banksville Center. Called the Happiness Is Backcountry Market and Cafe, you can find wonderful food and a fun place to dine in the cafe, or, when the weather is warm, outside.

Happy New Year to all.
The visit by Ukrainian and German Foreign Ministers Pavlo Klimkin and Sigmar Gabriel to Donbas has been canceled due to fog, the German foreign minister has said.

"We have fog - not a political one, but a real fog," zeit.de quoted Gabriel as saying, with reference to Germany's dpa news agency.

He added that the ministers plan to visit the region in January, "if the weather permits."

The report notes that the foreign ministers planned to meet with members of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission in Donbas.

German media outlet Berliner Morgenpost, with reference to Gabriel, said that the ministers would like to repeat the attempt of the trip "in 14 days, if possible." According to the report, the fog was too thick for helicopters.

Earlier reports said that the visit by Klimkin and Gabriel to Donbas on January 4 had been canceled due to adverse weather conditions.
Served a helping of karma, over easy. Photo: Laura Goodman via Facebook

The British chef who claimed that she secretly fed animal products to a vegan, and subsequently received death threats, has decided to step aside at her restaurant. Laura Goodman, co-owner with her fiance of the Shropshire Italian joint Carlini, seemed to relish on Facebook that a pious, judgmental vegan who just visited Carlini for dinner would be going to bed still believing shes a vegan.

The brag was reportedly posted in a closed Facebook group, where members started asking if she was being for real. She didnt bother correcting the record, and in fact dug a deeper hole with replies like, Spiked a vegan a few hours ago. This, in turn, brought her furious phone calls, social-media attacks, one-star TripAdvisor reviews, and eventually threats of violence, although Goodman and her fiance, Michael Gale, have claimed since the start that no animal products were used in this customers meal, and that Goodman simply misspoke  she apparently hadnt fully realized the consequence of what it meant to say shed spiked a vegans food, or that this person left the restaurant still believing shes a vegan. (She might consider brushing up on the English language during her time off?)

Goodman stresses that either way, shes deeply sorry for her remarks, but also adds that shes deeply distressed by the response shes gotten for making them. Her fiance tells the BBC that both things together have convinced her to take some time away from the business to clear her head and think about what happened. A rep for the restaurant clarifies that this means Goodman has tendered her resignation, and that theyre currently considering their options for Carlini moving forward.
Not so Googly-eyed anymore.

Google is trying to get rid of Zagat, the restaurant-review service it bought in 2011 for $151 million, sources tell Reuters. They say it believes that selling the company, initially founded by Tim and Nina Zagat in 1979 as a pre-Yelp way of collecting diners ratings of restaurants, would be a good way of pruning its portfolio of smaller non-core assets. Google has reportedly held informal talks with multiple companies in recent months where its shopped around the idea of off-loading both the Zagat brand and website.

The asking price is unknown, and its obviously not certain that Google will find a buyer it likes. But as Reuters also notes, a sale would mark a course reversal for Google. Marissa Mayer, still with the search giant back then, made it a pet project of sorts, telling reporters at the time of the acquisition that theyd expand the Zagat team and bring in additional reviewers. But she left Google a year later, of course, to become Yahoos CEO. A redesigned app debuted in 2013, and in 2016, Google tweaked Zagats 30-point rating scale, which was reportedly too confusing for users, but that was about all the TLC it got. Today, it pops up on Google Maps location-info windows, but most people probably hardly notice, in part because none of the cool ways that Google keeps enhancing users restaurant searches involve the Zagat entries.

In 2009, Google tried and failed to buy Yelp. Zagat was therefore dubbed a consolation prize in 2011. Its small New York team of sales staff and fact-checkers never integrated that seamlessly into their new bosss world: They stayed in New York, eventually moving into Googles Chelsea headquarters, but only after remaining for a while in their old offices at Columbus Circle, which Tim Zagat said had better restaurants. Google quickly removed the Zagat.com paywall, cut the over 30 cities it covered down to 9, and largely gutted the burgundy-colored print guides that made Zagat famous.
The Security Service of Ukraine warns Ukrainians about provocations by Russian special services and calls on participants of the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) in Donbas to refrain from trips to Russia and temporarily occupied territories.

"The Security Service of Ukraine once again emphasizes that the Russian Federal Security Service hunts our compatriots on the Russian territory, and trips to the aggressor country are extremely dangerous," the SBU press center said on Wednesday.

At the same time, the SBU reminded of the story of a Ukrainian citizen, an ATO participant Oleh Nehoda, who has been recently illegally detained by Russian special services in Moscow.

In addition, the Ukrainian special services referred to another example when, in August 2017, a wide public resonance was provoked by the situation when the SBU officers exposed the cynical provocation of Russian special services which purpose was to stage a training involving three citizens of Ukraine - ATO participants - terrorist attacks at critical infrastructure facilities in Moscow, Kurchatov, Kursk and Togliatti. In this regard, the head of the SBU Vasyl Hrytsak called on Ukrainians, especially those who have experience of participation in the ATO, to refrain from traveling to Russia and temporarily occupied territories.

"The warning made by the Security Service of Ukraine regarding the dangers of the stay of Ukrainian citizens on the territory of the Russian Federation is confirmed by numerous documented facts of Russian provocations in the context of a hybrid war. Russian special services are trying to draw Ukrainian citizens into illegal activity, artificially creating compromising situations, and also use family ties to lure our compatriots, first of all ATO participants, to their territory for organizing such provocations," Hrytsak said.

Earlier, the media reported the detention in Moscow of ATO participant, resident of Kyiv Oleh Nehoda, who went to Saratov (Russia) to visit his sister late in 2017.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine appealed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation with a request to confirm the fact and clarify the circumstances of Nehoda's detention in Moscow.

Later, the media reported that Russian law enforcers released Nehoda, he returned to Ukraine.
When its time to spend some quality time with your kids, there is only so much Cocomelon that one man can take. You have to get out of the house and get some fresh air or some socialization for your...
Old Forester gets heritage inspired makeover

By Lisa Riley

Bacardi Brown-Forman Brands (BBFB) has given its Old Forester 86 proof expression a heritage inspired revamp.

The new look bottle, which marks the first activity for the bourbon since its UK launch in April 2016, has been designed to emphasise the brands heritage and draws upon art deco inspiration aimed at creating a more premium and authentic look.

Rolling out across the UK now, following its US roll out last year, the updated design includes a new glass shape, premium metal closure and foil embellishments.

In addition, in a bid to bring to life that Old Forester is still produced today by its founding family, the seal of approval by George Garvin Brown has been enlarged on a paper label alongside a refined lower label.

The attractive new look would help make the bottle stand out on shelves against the growing UK bourbon category, said Georgia Donmall, UK brand manager.

Old Forester is the perfect bourbon for consumers entering into premium bourbon and this packaging development is a way to help reinforce this amongst consumers, she said.

Established in 1870, is Americas first bottled bourbon and is the only one to be distilled pre, post and during Prohibition by the same founding family.
Aldi reports bumper Christmas boosted by booze

By Lisa Riley

Aldi has reported record sales over the Christmas period pushing its annual UK sales to break the 10bn barrier for the first time.

During December, sales were up 15% on the same period the previous year, with more than 6.8 million bottles of wine, Champagne and Prosecco sold that month  the equivalent of more than 200,000 bottles per day, according to the German discounter.

Overall, sales were boosted by a surge in demand for Aldis premium Specially Selected products range, with sales increasing by over 30% year-on-year during December, said the retailer.

Irish Cream Liqueur were one of the top selling Specially Selected products alongside mince pies, sweetcured gammon joints topped with a gingerbread crumb and Aberdeen Angus beef roasting joints.

The bumper Christmas was a clear sign that shoppers knew they could indulge in festive treats and festive essentials at Aldi for a fraction of the price they would pay elsewhere, said CEO, Matthew Barnes.

This was our busiest-ever Christmas as millions of festive shoppers switched to Aldi from more expensive food retailers, he said.

Although Aldi saw strong growth across all categories, the performance of its premium Specially Selected range in particular surpassed all expectations, he said.

Following the bumper festive period, Aldi also announced it will pay all Store Assistants a minimum hourly rate of 8.85 nationally and 10.20 in London from 1st February 2018.

Aldi added 76 new stores to its store estate during the last 12 months, bringing store numbers to 762 as part of its long-term strategy to have a network of 1,000 stores across the UK by 2022.

Martin Lane, managing editor of www.money.co.uk, said it came as no surprise Aldi was enjoying record sales with everyone loving a bargain and thats what they do best.

As a nation of shoppers, were looking after the pound in our pocket more and more, and with their Specially Selected premium items Aldi is offering the same package as the other big four retailers but without the expensive price tag.
Kyiv court lifts arrest from accounts of former Deputy Income and Tax Minister Ihnatov

The Pechersky District Court of Kyiv has lifted the arrest from the accounts of former Deputy Income and Tax Minister Andriy Ihnatov in Sberbank, according to a Single Register of Judgments.

We are talking about $3.228 million and EUR 1.431 million, as well as RUB 21.338 million in accounts with Sberbank.

The court ruling is not subject to appeal.

As reported, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced the search for former deputy income and tax minister of Ukraine Ihnatov. He was wanted by the SBU investigative department as a suspect in a crime under Part 2 of Article 365 of the Criminal Code (abuse of power or official position, which caused serious consequences).

Ihnatov disappeared from the radar of Ukrainian law enforcement officers on July 15, 2014 in the territory of Crimea. The court issued a permit to detain Ihnatov with a view to bringing him to court to elect a preventive measure.

The former deputy minister was put on a wanted list by Interpol.
Indonesian Fishermen Settle Labor-Trafficking Case

by Helen Christophi, Court House News, January 3, 2018

SAN FRANCISCO  Two Indonesian fishermen settled their lawsuit Wednesday against an American fishing boat captain whom they say enslaved them on his boat for eight months before they escaped in San Francisco.

Under the settlement, the owner and captain of the Sea Queen II, Thoai Van Nguyen, must give fishermen flyers enumerating their rights under U.S. law and employment contracts in their own languages. The plaintiffs were also awarded a confidential settlement award, according to a statement by their attorneys.

This settlement should be a wake-up call to the commercial fishing industry, Agnieszka Fryszman, an attorney at Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll who represented the plaintiffs, said in a statement. Theres simply no excuse for turning a blind eye to human trafficking, and we look forward to continuing our efforts to hold others in the industry accountable.

Sorihin, who uses one name, is one of two Indonesian fisherman who escaped slavery aboard a U.S.-flagged tuna and swordfish vessel when it docked at San Franciscos Fishermans Wharf. In this Sept. 22, 2016, photo, he is pictured at the offices of the Legal Aid Society in San Francisco, looking out toward Montgomery Street. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File)

Sorihin, who uses only one name, and Abdul Fatah sued Nguyen in San Francisco federal court in September 2016, claiming they were promised good jobs in the American commercial fishing industry. Instead, the men said, they were taken to sea from Jakarta, Indonesia, in an American vessel and transferred against their will to the Sea Queen II in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Onboard the Sea Queen, Nguyen confiscated the mens passports, forced them to work 20 hours a day in the waters around Hawaii and California for less than they were promised, abused and humiliated them, denied them medical care for injuries sustained on the job and demanded thousands of dollars if they wanted to leave the ship before their two-year contracts expired, the men said.

They fled the boat after eight months while the Sea Queen was docked in San Francisco, grabbing their confiscated passports and sneaking away after Nguyen left to visit his home in nearby San Jose, according to the lawsuit.

No one should have to go through what I went through, Sorihin said in a statement Wednesday. That is why I had to bring this case. I feel more at peace now.

Under the settlement, Nguyen must guarantee his fishermen access to their passports, medical care for their injuries, minimum rest hours, free protective clothing and the right to end their contract early without a penalty. Nguyen has agreed to use only reputable labor brokers, and to provide his men with contact information for help lines and legal assistance for those whose rights are violated.

The basic protections secured in this agreement lays the groundwork for minimum labor standards in the commercial fishing industry, Carole Vigne, an attorney at Legal Aid at Work who also represented the plaintiffs, said in a statement. We hope it becomes a model for all captains who want to do right by their immigrant crew.

Sorihin, a foreign fisherman who was granted a U.S. visa as a victim of human trafficking in San Francisco, is pictured in this April 25, 2016, photo showing a finger he injured while fishing aboard a U.S.-flagged fishing boat in the Pacific. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

Sorihin and Fatah sued for unspecified damages for fees they paid and wages they were promised, mental anguish, pain and suffering, and the loss of educational and business opportunities. The case was the first brought under the U.S. Trafficking Victims Protection Act, according to their lawyers.

The International Organization for Migration, a Geneva, Switzerland-based organization that works with governments and migrants on migration issues, says labor trafficking has become entrenched in Indonesias fishing industry. In 2015, hundreds of fishers trafficked from abroad to work in Indonesia were rescued from unregulated fishing vessels around Indonesias Benjina and Ambon islands, according to the organization.

Parties including the U.S. Department of State have also accused Thai fishing vessels of enslaving fishermen.
National Conciliator Minna Helle on Wednesday announced that the efforts to resolve the dispute over weekend work have been suspended indefinitely. The negotiations are still in a deadlock, she tweeted after the negotiations fell through.

An unsettled dispute over the terms and conditions of employment in the financial sector will force banks to close the majority of their branch offices in Finland on Thursday and Friday.

Employees in the financial sector will consequently go on strike on 6am Thursday and resume their duties at midnight on Friday.

Among the banks affected are Danske Bank, Handelsbanken, Nordea, Osuuspankki, POP Pankki, S Bank and Savings Bank. The banks have assured that they will do their utmost to provide the most critical services  such as, online banking, mobile banking, card payment, cash withdrawal and financial transaction services  also during the strike.

Further details of the impacts of the strike will be available on the websites of banks.

The industrial dispute arises from differences of opinion between employees and employers in the financial sector on how weekend shifts should be assigned to employees.

Employee representatives have insisted that weekend shifts should only be assigned if an agreement on weekend work has been reached at the workplace. Employer representatives, by contrast, have proposed that the financial sector transition to the same system that was adopted in the insurance sector in December, 2016.

The weekend work system cannot be based solely on voluntarism because customer services must be available under all circumstances. The system proposed by the employers would also make it possible to take into account personal wishes and situations, Tuomas Aarto, the deputy managing director of Service Sector Employers (Palta), says in a press release.

He also reminds that attempts to create workplace-specific systems for assigning weekend shifts have yet to produce only a handful of agreements.

The negotiations have been painstaking and the conditions have become unreasonable, adds Aarto.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT

Photo: Jussi Nukari  Lehtikuva

Source: Uusi Suomi
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, issues an order at a mobilization meeting held by the commission on Jan. 3, 2018. (Xinhua/Li Gang)

BAODING, Hebei, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping Wednesday instructed the armed forces to strengthen real combat training and improve its war-winning capability.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), made the remarks while issuing an order at a mobilization meeting held by the commission.

It was the first time for the commission to hold a mobilization meeting for the whole armed forces.

Xi urged the armed forces to implement the spirit of the 19th CPC National Congress and the CPC's thought on building a strong army in the new era.

At 10:00 a.m., Xi ascended to the review stand in military uniform at the main venue where more than 7,000 armed officers and soldiers, as well as nearly 300 sets of armaments, formed up in line at a range of the Central Theater Command.

Elsewhere, over 4,000 branch venues were designated to listen to Xi's instruction.

In Xi's order, he urged the army at all levels to enhance military training oriented at combat readiness and put military training at a strategic position and as the central work with effective results.

Leading officers should take the lead and play an exemplary role, Xi said, calling for real combat training and joint combat training according to rules in strict governance.

The armed forces should conduct training in fine work style, innovate method and improve support to training, tighten up supervision, and hold events of mass training for the soldiers, said Xi.

Xi called on the armed forces to enhance targeted and adversarial training, improve military real combat ability, and firmly grasp the capability to win battles.

Commanders and personnel should firmly implement the decisions and instructions by the CPC Central Committee and the CMC with a fighting spirit of fearing neither hardship nor death, Xi said.

They should also train hard in a scientific way, be brave to overcome difficulties and surpass opponents, and create an elite and powerful force that is always ready for the fight, capable of combat and sure to win in order to fulfill the tasks bestowed by the Party and the people in the new era, he added.

After the meeting, Xi reviewed assembly of soldiers on the site and training of various troops via televised devices.

CMC Vice Chairman Xu Qiliang presided over the meeting.

Other senior military officers including CMC Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia also attended the meeting.
Anti-smog products pile up unsold in warehouses

Sales of smog masks and air filters have reportedly plummeted in China this winter in an apparent response to improving air quality.

"We received four or five large orders from companies in 2016, each about 1,000 masks, but this year we only had one order, asking for 100 masks," an employee from a Tongrentang pharmacy in Beijing's Dongcheng district told the Global Times on Wednesday.

Retail purchases also fell from 100 a month in the winter of 2016 to 20 to 30 in 2017, according to the employee.

"We bought a high-power air filter and asked friends to bring dozens of smog masks from abroad in winter 2016. The fog was unacceptable," Ren Aimin, a Beijing resident in Chaoyang district, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

"The machine was used only once this winter up till now," said Ren.

E-commerce giant jd.com sold 15 million masks in five days in December 2016, a 380 percent rise compared to 2015. Some 110,000 air filters sold out on the same platform during the same period, an increase of 210 percent. Sales of air quality gauges rose 105 percent, China News Service (CNS) reported.

There are few promotions for air filters or smog-related items on jd.com or Taobao, Alibaba's e-commerce platforms, the Global Times reporter found.

Some dealers that stored up masks this summer now have them piled up in warehouses, Cheng Xiqing, marketing director of a company in Guangzhou, capital city of South China's Guangdong Province, told CNS.

A typical mask dealer has an inventory worth about 20 million yuan ($3.07 million), Cheng said. Some cut prices 20 percent below cost to cash out, but had no takers.

In the first 11 months of 2017, 338 Chinese cities saw a combined 20.4-percent reduction in PM-10, compared to that in 2013.

Air quality regulators monitor for particulate matter that measures 10 micrometers or smaller, known as PM-10, and 2.5 micrometers or smaller, known as PM-2.5.

The improved air quality in winter 2017 created other worries.

"As a student, I really miss the days our school suspended classes for heavy smog," wrote one internet user.

After experiencing a less smoggy 2017, Chinese internet users asked for "more blue skies" and even a "blue sky every day" in their New Year's wishes for 2018, Global Times found on their microblogs.
A cleaner attends to a toilet in a hotel in Beijing. Photo: VCG

If you thought that checking into a five-star hotel means the cup in your room meets five-star levels of cleanliness, a new video making the rounds online might make you think again.

A video showing unsanitary practices - including using toilet water to mop the floor - in luxury hotels in Harbin, Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, went viral on Chinese social media over the past week, prompting concern among netizens.

Low incomes, sloppy work ethic and difficulty in supervising workers have led to unprofessional conduct in hotels, tourism experts said, amid calls for more monitoring from society and tougher legislation.

Dirty truths

Kempinski Hotel Harbin confirmed with the Global Times on Wednesday that it had dismissed a member of housekeeping staff seen in the video after an investigation found that the staff member had deliberately ignored standard hygiene procedures while cleaning a guest room.

"We are satisfied that this was an isolated incident caused by the admitted misconduct of a single employee," said Sun Qi, public relations manager of the hotel, noting that they are reviewing internal procedures and continuing to work in full cooperation with the authorities to ensure that this does not happen again.

In the video uploaded by Pear Video on Sino Weibo on December 26, a reporter posing as a trainee cleaner uncovered some dirty truths about how cleaning is done in three five-star hotels in Harbin.

In the Kempinski Hotel Harbin, the cleaner used the same brush to clean the cups and the toilet, and also used a bath towel soaked in toilet water to mop the floor.

The room costs about 1,800 yuan ($277) per night.

An employee in the video said that according to standard practice, one cleaner should only clean 12 rooms, with each extra room bringing the cleaner 12 yuan in income.

In the Shangri-La hotel in Harbin, the same mop was used to clean cups and trash bins, again using toilet water. A cleaner said in the video that the disinfection cabinet was only there to show to inspectors when they turned up.

The video showed that a cleaner at the Sheraton Hotel in Harbin folded up quilts on the floor and used the same brush to clean both the basin and toilet.

Investigation launched

All the three hotels involved in the video posted statements on their official Sina Weibo accounts on December 27 vowing to investigate the incidents and enhance measures to ensure cleanliness.

On December 27, the local government set up an investigation group and punished the hotels in question, China National Radio (CNR) reported.

Zhang Xiaochun, an official in charge of monitoring and management at the Heilongjiang Commission of Tourism Development, said that unsanitary practices were confirmed to have taken place at the three hotels, CNR reported.

"I refused to watch the video because I do not want to believe this is true," Chen Hui, a resident from South China's Guangdong Province and a frequent guest at the Sheraton, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

"I do not think this is a common phenomenon. I often see cleaners doing their jobs carefully," Zhang Hanyu from North China's Hebei Province said.

However, five luxury hotels in Beijing - JM Marriott, Shangri La Hotel, Hilton, Intercontinental, and W Hotel Beijing - were also accused of unsanitary practices in September 2017.

A video showing employees from Better Choice Better Life, an independent assessment organization, checking five luxury Beijing hotels while posing as guests drew widespread attention. They found the hotels failed to change and clean bedding and toiletries before the arrival of new guests.

Overworked and underpaid

"Such problems exist because it is normal for cleaners in hotels to be overworked and underpaid," Liu Simin, vice president of the Tourism Research Institute of the China Society for Future Studies, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

Some people have low ethics and standards of integrity. "All they want to do is to make money, hurting the guests in the process," Liu said, adding that cleaning hotel rooms is usually done by individuals, making it very difficult to monitor.

Liu noted that legislation and related punishments on hotel sanitation should be further strengthened, while monitoring and reporting from guests and society should be encouraged.

The National Health and Family Planning Commissionand Ministry of Commercejointly issued a document in 2007 that requires hotels to change bedding and consumable items and clean the toilet before a new customer arrives. For long-term guests, rooms should be disinfected on a daily basis.
BEIJING, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) said Wednesday that the corporation would conduct 35 launches in 2018, the most missions in its history.

The missions include the launches of the Chang'e-4 lunar probe, Long March-5 carrier rocket and BeiDou navigation satellites, the corporation said.

CASC said 2018 would be its busiest and most important year, as many of its projects would enter key phases, and the numbers of experiments and launches would be the highest in its history.

The company will continue to improve its innovation capability and push forward the commercial development in aerospace industry in 2018, CASC said.

The Chang'e-4 lunar probe will undertake the first ever soft landing on the far side of the moon, conduct in situ and roving detection, and relay communication at the Earth-Moon Lagrangian 2 point, according to China's Lunar and Deep Space Exploration Center.

In 2018, China plans to launch 18 BeiDou-3 satellites to expand navigation services to countries along the Belt and Road routes.
As we all learned in kindergarten, sharing is the key to getting along. Someone needs to remind the members of the Virginia House of Delegates, both Democrats and Republicans, of that time-worn concept as the House teeters on the brink of a historic 50-50 split.

The last time the House was split 50-50 between Republicans and Democrats was following the 1997 elections. Technically, there were 50 Democrats, 49 Republicans and one independent  but Del. Lacey Putney of Bedford caucused with the Republicans hoping to bring about a power-sharing agreement.

When the General Assembly convened in January 1998, there was a single seat open  a Republican-held seat  creating an opening for Democrats. On a 50-49 vote, Democrats re-elected Del. Tom Moss of Norfolk as speaker over the raucous objections of the chambers Republicans. In the next election cycle, Republicans, led by then-Del. Vance Wilkins of Amherst, took outright control of the House, which theyve controlled since.

Until the 2017 House elections, that is, when resurgent Democrats erased a 66-34 GOP advantage.

Heres where things stand:

In House District 94, after a recount, Democratic challenger Shelly Simonds was declared the winner over Republican incumbent David Yancey by a single vote, 11,608 votes to 11,607. The next day, the three-judge panel overseeing the recount ordered a single ballot that had been disqualified because it contained a vote for both Simonds and Yancey be counted in favor of Yancey. The tie will be broken by election officials deciding a winner by pulling a candidates name out of a hat.

Until then, the count is 50 Republicans to 49 Democrats.

But another contest  House District 28 in the Fredericksburg area  looms on the horizon. In that election, Republican Bob Thomas seemingly bested Democrat Josh Cole by 82 votes for the open, previously GOP-held seat. But then it emerged that 147 voters in the oddly drawn district had been assigned to vote in the wrong race. How this happened likely will never be answered as the registrar who made the decision died in the spring. The state Democratic Party and three voters have filed a federal suit, asking a judge to nullify the results and schedule a new election.

So what will be the final tally in the House? Fifty-one Republicans to 49 Democrats? Democrats and Republicans each holding 50 seats in a tie? Fifty-one Democrats to 49 Republicans? Who knows.

If its a dead tie, there should be equal numbers of Republicans and Democrats on committees with co-chairs and a speaker chosen by lot. If its a 51-49 split, either for Republicans or Democrats, there should be proportional numbers on committees chaired by delegates from the majority party, except perhaps co-chairs for the budget-writing Appropriations Committee with a speaker from the majority party. (After all, as the old adage goes, Close only counts in hand grenades and horseshoes.)

A situation this volatile will demand comity from each member of the General Assembly now more than ever if legislators are to accomplish the important business of the commonwealth in 2018.

Regardless of the outcome, we hope a restoration of political balance in the General Assembly brings with it the restoration of something Virginians long have valued  and missed  in the statehouse: civility.
An Indian road construction project connecting all border posts along the China-India frontier could lead to new military standoffs between China and India, Chinese experts warned on Wednesday.

During his New Year visit to the "Indo-Tibet Border Police" at Nelong valley in Uttarkashi district bordering China on Monday, Indian Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that a number of border posts had already been connected with roads and many would soon be linked, The Times of India reported on Monday.

Singh added that "this would enhance the operational efficiency of the officers and reduce mountain-related sickness among them," said the report.

He also promised that special lightweight winter clothing, snow scooters, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and mountaineering equipment would be provided to the border troops.

India is clearly preparing for war, and it is drawing much experience from the defeat it swallowed in 1962 when it lacked such an infrastructure, Wang Dehua, head of the Institute for South and Central Asian Studies at the Shanghai Municipal Center for International Studies, told the Global Times.

The road infrastructure will surely enhance Indian border force maneuverability, but also increases the possibility of confrontations between the patrols of the two countries as the border issues remain unsettled in many of these areas, Qian Feng, a researcher at the Chinese Association for South Asian Studies and a senior fellow of Tsinghua University's National Strategy Institute, told the Global Times.

It also shows the double-faced nature of the Modi administration as it promised to safeguard the stability of the border area but has instead continued to prepare for military operations against China, Qian added.

According to Qian, such a mentality would make it more difficult to improve Sino-Indian ties.

China and India have established a border management mechanism, through which both sides are expected to handle border issues.

Both sides have an interest in safeguarding peace and stability along the border areas between China and India, Geng Shuang, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said during a daily press conference held on Wednesday.
Economic, trade ties may be upgraded: expert

Iranian officials applaud on the platform as the first train connecting China and Iran arrives at Tehran Railway Station on February 15, 2016. File photo: VCG

Chinese companies' business appears to have been unaffected so far by the mass demonstrations in Iran but Chinese traders of small commodities said they face losses after Iranian clients halted payments for purchased goods.

A Chinese expert said that when the demonstrations calm down, China's trade ties with the West Asian country will not be adversely affected, and in fact trade might even be further promoted.

State-owned China Railway Construction Corp (CRCC) said in a stock filing on Wednesday that its subsidiary China Civil Engineering Construction Corp had struck a deal valued at 3.53 billion yuan ($543 million) with Iranian traffic authorities for the construction of a 263-kilometer railway.

On Wednesday, shares in CRCC's listed arm in Shanghai edged up 0.35 percent while its Hong Kong listed arm declined 0.32 percent, in part due to concerns over the ongoing demonstrations in Iran.

At least 20 people have been killed and dozens of others injured as protests against the Iranian government's economic and social policies continued in major cities across Iran over the past few days, the Xinhua News Agency reported on Tuesday.

Chinese investments in resource-rich Iran are mainly focused on oil and gas and infrastructure projects such as railways, but many of the State-owned companies with projects in Iran declined requests to comment about the current situation as of press time on Wednesday.

Wang Jinyan, a Chinese woman living in the Iranian capital Tehran, said she hadn't noticed any disturbance to Chinese companies, many of which have offices in the city.

But a group of merchants in Yiwu, East China's Zhejiang Province, the world's leading small commodity center, said their businesses had suffered a blow due to the current situation in Iran.

"We suffered a lot. Due to the turmoil, Iran's currency, the rial, depreciated greatly. Our Iranian customers didn't want to take foreign exchange risks and refused to complete the payment," a businesswoman who only gave her surname as Tan told the Global Times on Wednesday.

Tan's company buys kitchenware, toys, apparatus and shoes from Chinese suppliers and sells them to Iranian clients.

"A large amount of goods are already on their way to Iran. Many other goods are intended for the celebrations of Iranian New Year or earmarked for the Iranian market We could face losses of up to 6 million yuan if these payments are not completed," Tan said, adding that there are hundreds of companies in Yiwu facing the same situation.

Unexpected benefit

Zhou Rong, a senior research fellow at the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China, said that the current situation will not result in a government overthrow and will settle down eventually, and in the aftermath it may even present fresh opportunities for Chinese companies.

"There have been no reports of assaults on Chinese companies' offices in major Iranian cites or project sites in the provinces in the western and southern part of the country. And it seems unlikely it will happen in the future," Zhou observed.

"When the unrest settles down, the Iranian government will urgently address the stark unemployment issue, which is believed to be partly behind the unrest. It will naturally turn to infrastructure projects - an area of strength for China," Zhou told the Global Times on Wednesday.

"The relatively high education level among Iranians will also mean they stand a better chance of being employed by Chinese companies," Zhou said.

Iran is an important link in the China-proposed Belt and Roadinitiative, and the two countries aim to increase bilateral trade to $600 billion over the next decade, media reports said.

"Boosting connectivity within the country and tackling unemployment by rolling out new infrastructure projects will probably be part of the agenda of the Iranian government in the near future," Zhou predicted.

"With the US sanctions continuing, Iran urgently needs hard currency and can only obtain it from enhanced trade and economic cooperation with its partners. China stands as the only country that is not so much influenced by US pressure," said Zhou.

"China has so far remained on friendly terms with Iran, and there might be bigger opportunities in trade and economic cooperation in the future," Zhou noted.
Cabs wait in long lines for gas in Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi Province in December 2017. Photo: VCG

This winter, the supply of natural gas in China is more acute than ever before.

"It was a mess when the natural gas pipeline pressure suddenly plummeted on November 21 - just in the first week of northern China's winter heating season," an unnamed executive from a gas company based in North China's Hebei Province told domestic financial news publication Caixin Weekly.

The drop in pipeline pressure was due to a national supply shortage, which prompted the local government in Hebei to initiate the first round of cleaner fuel supply cuts among factories on November 27.

One week later, Hebei issued an orange alert warning for gas shortages, the second most critical level on a four-tier scale. This meant that the province began facing a gas supply shortfall of between 10 and 20 percent from its current needs.

Also in November, the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), one of the country's "big three" oil organizations, issued a notice, warning domestic enterprises about a dramatic decline in natural gas supply from Central Asia. The company also told downstream enterprises that natural gas sales would be cut by about 10 million cubic meters in northern regions from November 21.

Although the supply of natural gas from Central Asian countries rebounded to 110 million cubic meters a day in late December - as high as it was in the same period of December 2016 - after the Chinese government sent representatives to those nations for negotiation purposes, there is still a gap between the amount actually being supplied and the contracted number, the Caixin report noted.

"Such inadequate [natural gas] supply from foreign sources, as well as the nation's push to switch from coal to natural gas for both residential heating and industrial processes - which has led to a larger-than-expected rise in demand - has exacerbated the supply-demand imbalance this winter and sparked widespread public complaints," an anonymous industry insider from the energy sector told Caixin Weekly over the weekend.

"But the central government's policy direction is accurate and [has been] successful, as we have seen cleaner skies and improved air quality this winter," he added.

Shortfall in Central Asia

"In fact, [domestic supply] shortage on a large scale can be avoided if foreign supply sources run perfectly," said a CNPC staff member, who prefers to remain anonymous.

So far, imports from the China-Central Asia natural gas pipeline have accounted for about 40 percent of China's total natural imports, with three Central Asian countries, namely Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, acting as the country's major sources for gas imports.

But since October, natural gas transmitted through the pipeline has posted sharp declines, with the start of the heating season in mid-November further pushing the energy shortage issue to the surface.

For example, natural gas imports from Turkmenistan slid for three consecutive months from September, according to data from China Customs.

Furthermore, in early December, the amount of natural gas imported from Turkmenistan averaged at 35 million cubic meters per day, half the targeted amount of 71 million cubic meters in daily supply, it noted.

An industry insider said that the sudden plunge in gas supply from neighboring sources highlighted the possibility that the Central Asian countries may consider switching to energy cooperation with European nations. Turkmenistan's reported negotiations with European countries over gas supply provided a clue, according to the Caixin report.

The decline may also be a bargaining strategy employed by the Central Asian countries, as global oil prices are in a period of meltdown, which does not favor suppliers' interests, experts noted. Temporarily reducing supply may tilt the bargaining scale to the Central Asian side.

The CNPC was unprepared to handle such an unexpected and large-scale gas supply cut, despite an earlier meeting with the Central Asian countries in September, whereby all countries agreed to pump up the total daily supply to 130 million cubic meters during the winter season - but those gas producers failed to deliver.

The State-owned oil giant, which is commissioned by the Chinese government, also sent representatives to the three Central Asian countries in December to negotiate the matter.

After negotiation, natural gas supplies from the three nations surged.

In late December, a total of 110 million cubic meters of natural gas started being transmitted via the pipeline every day, but this amount was still "significantly lower" than the contracted 130 million cubic meters.

Switch to natural gas

In addition to the reduction in supply from foreign sources, China's push to combat air pollution is another reason behind the gas shortage, as authorities this year have ordered millions of households to convert from using coal for heating as well as companies to replace coal-fired plants with gas or electricity.

The campaign has in turn driven up the demand for natural gas at a faster-than-expected rate, even during the traditional weak demand season, although the country has already taken note of a potential demand increase and has been purchasing spot liquefied natural gas (LNG) since summer, according to Yao Qiang, a professor at Tsinghua University.

During the first 10 months of 2017, China's gas consumption jumped 18.7 percent year-on-year, which eclipsed 2016's whole-year growth rate of 6.6 percent, according to data from the National Energy Administration.

Now, that rate is estimated to reach 20 percent if the government does not impose a cap on natural gas usage.

"The year 2017 marks the latest year since a government curb on air pollution in 2013, when 10 measures were implemented. And as factories rushed to turn to natural gas to meet coal-cutting targets last year, the demand for natural gas thus remained robust the whole year, including during the summer season," Yao explained.

Despite an increase in both domestic output and imports, China was estimated to suffer a natural gas shortage of 10 billion cubic meters last year as the surge in demand in 2017 was "all-round," which not only refers to high demand from industries such as the chemical and electricity industries, but also from civilians, Yao was quoted as saying in the report.

To avoid such gas shortfalls in the future, experts have suggested that the country should diversify its sources of gas imports, while also scaling up investment in gas storage houses so that the substance can be imported at a relatively cheap price in low seasons and sold at a relatively high price when demand soars.

Li Yao, the CEO of consulting firm Siya Energy, said that the China-Russia gas pipeline, which is scheduled to go into operation at the end of 2019, may not be a viable supplement to the China-Central Asia pipeline due to difficulties in price negotiations and costs.

Li suggested that building coastal LNG terminals would be a better supplement, as they are more flexible for gas imports and more economically viable than gas pipelines in terms of transportation costs.

"In peak summer times, spot LNG could meet market demand. In winter seasons, the country's demand for natural gas could be met by domestic output, long-term pipeline imports as well as long-term LNG sales and purchase agreements," Yao noted.

This story is based on an article published by Caixin Weekly.

Newspaper headline: Supply setback
Photo: Reuters

Los Angeles (Peoples Daily) -- For Chinese college students to graduate in May, landing a job in the US recently became harder.

Language barriers and lack of experience are cited as the key reasons preventing employers from hiring foreign college graduates. And to make matters more difficult, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) maintains a tight limit on the number of visas granted while strictly enforcing guidelines US employers must follow should they choose to hire a foreign graduate. Young and aspiring Chinese graduates are beginning express concerns while considering options elsewhere.

A survey from the Institute of International Education (IIE) found that Chinese college seniors are concerned over the availability of jobs and work visas once they graduate.

Because of the current H1B regulations, international students are now forced to choose between post-graduate school or Optional Practical Training (OPT), which is similar to an internship. The fact that the number of H1B visas has dropped significantly is a result of this situation, said Allen Tsai, an attorney based in Irvine, California.

Zoe Wei graduated from college in China where she earned a degree in finance. She came to the US when a host family offered her a job as their domestic assistant. She later studied accounting and was able to obtain F-1 visa status.

According to Wei, the amount of time a person can stay in the US is determined on what they study. But companies are reluctant to hire them anyway because they can only work for one year. Once the OPT ends, finding a company willing to provide a work visa is almost impossible.

After President Trump took office, landing a job became harder for the countrys international students, she said.

US Department of State data revealed that China and India received a combined 82 percent of all H-1B visas issued in 2016. Indian applicants have received the greater portion over the years, up 68 percent from 185,000 total visas issued. The majority the visas have gone to those in IT. As the Trump administration considers scaling back the number of H1B visas issued, India and China are placed at greater risk.

Tsai explained that international students will also encounter greater sponsorship obstacles. They will to use other methods to work in the US. He also suspects USCIS will apply greater scrutiny when reviewing H1B applications.

But the potential adversity that could arise from an increase in tightened visa regulations has not deterred everyone.

A Los Angeles-based PhD candidate in computer science surnamed Pan, who requested anonymity, said, The visa regulations do not bother me because I will get my doctorate. After I graduate, Ill be able to get a green card. I have many classmates who support Trumps visa regulations. Besides, its disproportionate when you factor in the amount of Indian applicants verses other countries, so its time to put the brakes on this.

Derrick Gao was a teenager when he moved to the US with his family. He believes Chinese students excel in mathematical areas and it is advantage worth noting.

Working in the US is no longer the best option for Chinese graduates. But it really depends on your degree. China has developed at such a rapid pace over the years the job market there is much more dynamic and job opportunities continue to grow. Everyone should have a long-term vision, Gao said.
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Actionable intelligence is the key to the success of any counter-terrorist operation. A combination of strong intelligence with command and control improve the chances of neutralising a terror strike with minimum collateral damage. If any of these elements is lacking, though, such strikes could succeed. When aimed at security forces, such strikes, if successful, could result in significant casualties, even lower the morale of the unit attacked and national security planners. The attack by Pakistani terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) on the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp at Lethpora on December 31, in which five security personnel lost their lives, indicates weak command and control despite specific actionable intelligence. This isnt new.

Over the past two years, there have been several such instances in Jammu and Kashmir where Indian security forces have been lethargic or slow to respond to real-time intelligence provided by hard-pressed state police and security agencies. This has not only forced the Narendra Modi government to militarily react, like it did with the surgical strikes after the September 18, 2016, Uri attacks but also close the option of any future diplomatic initiative with the civilian government in Pakistan. This is exactly what Pakistan based jihadist groups want.

Consider the January 2-5, 2016, Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist attack on the Pathankot air base, during which seven Indian security personnel lost their lives. By 3 pm on the day before, January 1, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval had briefed the three military chiefs as well as the National Security Guard chief that the Pathankot air base could witness an attack. His warning was on the basis of communication intercepts. Counter-terrorist commandos were flown in to engage the suicide attackers. Doval also firmly suggested to his Pakistani counterpart Naseer Janjua the same night that Islamabad should force Bhawalpur based Jaish-e-Mohammed emir Masood Azhar to stop the attack. The alternative was an escalation of hostilities, he warned. Yet, Jaish-e-Mohammed attackers managed to enter the premises by merely cutting concertina wires. The same happened at Uri. And, most recently Lethpora.

Sure, there was no specific intelligence before the September 18 Uri attack apart from the fact that the brigade headquarters is a stone throw from the active Line of Control (LoC). Still, it is significant that the terrorists managed to surprise security forces.

Under the previous UPA regime too, there have been instances where the command-and-control infrastructure of the security forces failed to build on intelligence. On June 24, 2013, a day before former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visited Srinagar to inaugurate the Banihal-Qazigund railway line in Kashmir, a terror attack took place at nearby Hyderpora despite actionable intelligence from the then home secretary and Intelligence Bureau chief.

When Prime Minister Modi meets all police chiefs and intelligence heads at the Border Security Force Academy at Tekanpur near Gwalior on January 6, he should drill into them the need to make commanders more accountable and insist on the use of technology to protect security installations. At a time when high-end technologies such as ground sensors, which detect, even target the intruders are available, it is a shame that the Indian Army and security forces are using concertina wires for protection against jihadists who are using Pakistan Army issue armor-piercing ammunition. The defence ministry has repeatedly asked the Indian Army to procure sensor technology to protect at least its bases near the Line of Control after Uri, the procurement is still work in progress. Meanwhile, concertina wires are at mercy of Rs 1000 cutter in the hand of a brain-washed jihadist.

Even though the Opposition has questioned the reasons behind the meeting between national security advisers of India and Pakistan on December 27 in Bangkok, the Modi government is under no illusion when it comes to Pakistan and its sponsored jihadist groups. Like United State President Donald Trump, the Indian prime minister is aware of the duplicitous nature of Pakistan and that it will continue to target India and Afghanistan through home-bred jihadists. It is for Indian security forces not to foreclose diplomatic options by letting down their guard. Actionable intelligence kills the element of surprise that terrorists thrive on. It is now for the commanders of security forces who now have to live up to expectations.

shishir.gupta@htlive.com

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Unlike the uni-directional, pro-development political wave that was seen in the run-up to the 2014 general elections in the country, the first signs of a tectonic shift in Maharashtras political terrain are now visible.

The widespread Dalit protests and sporadic violence in the state over the Bhima Koregaon flashpoint in Pune district are an indication that the run-up to the 2019 general elections wont be the same. These are very clear signs of a sharp fragmentation of the Hindu voting population in Maharashtra.

Inspired by then Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modis campaign promise of the Gujarat Model of Development for the nation, Maharashtra voted for the BJP, rejecting incumbents Congress-NCP. Even the Shiv Sena was forced to play second fiddle to the BJP. The Dalits were nowhere in the reckoning because they too were swept by the promise of development: sabka saath, sabka vikas. Gripped by anxiety and panic that it would virtually lose its identity by being a model alliance partner to the BJP, the Shiv Sena preferred to taunt and criticise the Prime Minister at every given opportunity.

While the Congress in Maharashtra remained rudderless, the biggest political leader of the state, Sharad Pawar, increasingly dabbled in Maratha caste politics. However, as was seen from the massive silent protests (Muk Morchas) of the Marathas in Mumbai, Pune and other prominent cities of Maharashtra, the Maratha Kranti Morcha organisers made it known that they were disillusioned by politicians and political parties and therefore, kept them at more than an arms length.

Centered around the slogan Ek Maratha, Lakh Maratha (One Maratha is equivalent to one lakh Marathas), these morchas helped unite the community across the state. The disciplined and well-organised silent protests put up an impressive show of Maratha pride and solidarity with the participation of entire families. Even some NRI Marathas flew down from the USA and UK to take part in these morchas and express solidarity with members of their caste.

The demands were straightforward: swift justice in the Kopardi rape-and-murder case of a Maratha minor girl by Dalit youths (In November, three accused were convicted and sentenced to death), and reservations in jobs and educational institutions for the Maratha youth.

The Marathas constitute 33 per cent of Maharashtras population and have a decisive influence on 75 of the 288 assembly seats. While the politics of Maharashtra is largely controlled by the Marathas, the Dalits are poor, heavily fragmented and constitute 10% of the population.

While the Maratha community was satisfied that the Maharashtra police and government prosecutors did a fine job which led to the conviction and sentencing of the Dalit youths involved, the demand for reservations remains to be fulfilled in spite of assurances from the Maharashtra government as the matter is sub-judice.

The Dalits remained dormant for most of the last three-and-half years, although they were not unaffected by what was happening.

The assertiveness of the Marathas who were now competing for reservations in jobs and education  and a pliant BJP government  was unmistakable. Added to this was a deep sense of injustice among Dalits as alleged Maratha criminals went scot free in a heinous crime against Dalits unlike the Kopardi case in which Dalit perpetrators were sentenced to death for a similar crime against Marathas.

For a number of decades now, the Dalit masses in Maharashtra have been disillusioned by the fragmented leadership that has befallen their lot. Among their most prominent leaders, Ramdas Athawale (RPI-A) is a BJP union minister and his rival Prakash Ambedkar, the grandson of Babasaheb Ambedkar, leads the Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh (RPI) which lacks political influence.

The 200th anniversary of the British victory against the Peshwas in the Battle of Koregaon has special significance for Dalits because of the decisive role played by the untouchable Mahars in defeating the Peshwas. The celebrations this year on January 1 were all the more special because of the bicentenary of that battle.

Given the backdrop of the Dalit-Maratha tension in Maharashtra, especially over the last two years, the state government and the district administration should have been better prepared to diffuse tensions and maintain law and order.

Violence erupted at the nearby village of Vadu Budruk on December 29 where some Dalits put up a board in front of a memorial to one Govind Gopal Mahar, claiming that he had courageously performed the last rites of Sambhaji Maharaj, son of Chhatrapati Shivaji, in defiance of an imperial order from the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb. This provoked the Maratha community in the village who protested that this was not a fact of history. Soon clashes broke out amidst allegations that the samadhis of Mahar and Sambhaji were damaged by miscreants, resulting in the death of one youth and sparking state-wide unrest.

In Pune, the bicentenary celebrations were organised notably at Shaniwarwada itself  the seat of the Peshwa empire. Speakers included Prakash Ambedkar, Dalit performers of the Kabir Kala Manch (who had spent time in prison on allegations of being Maoist sympathizers), former Bombay high court judge BG Kolse Patil, JNU student leader Umar Khalid facing sedition charges and branded anti-national by the BJP and the ABVP, and the newly-elected Gujarat Dalit leader Jignesh Mewani. Dalit politics in Maharashtra is likely to become more dynamic from here on.

The state-wide protests are an indication that the Dalits of Maharashtra have found vent to their suppressed emotions and are trying to become assertive. There is a cry for new leadership. Politics in Maharashtra is unlikely to be the same again as the heat builds in the run-up to the 2019 general elections.
Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are spending some quality time together in Sri Lanka and that has started a rumour about their marriage.

As per reports, they are getting engaged on January 5 which is also Deepika Padukones birthday. However, there is no confirmation on the reports yet.

It all started when the news of Deepika and Ranveer holidaying in Maldives broke out. It was said that the actors, along with their families, were vacationing there.

After that Ranveer Singh went to Sri Lanka. He was also seen videobombing Disha Patani and Tiger Shroff on an airport in Sri Lanka. Later, Deepika Padukone flew from Vienna and joined him. They were also seen snorkelling together.

A report published in the Deccan Chronicle on Wednesday quoted a source saying, The couple is going snorkelling, and will spend time with each other. There are people in Sri Lanka who can identify them, but then its also a country that lets people be at peace, and doesnt intrude on privacy. So, they will be able to spend quality time with each other.

However, not many are buying these rumours and the picture will be clearer on Friday when Deepika will celebrate her 32nd birthday.

On the work front, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have worked together in films like Bajirao Mastani and Goliyon Ki Raasleela  Ram Leela. They will soon be seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansalis controversial movie Padmavati.
A billboard ad for Chinese liquor in Nairobi, Kenya. Photo: Li Zhiwei

Johannesburg (Peoples Daily) - China has surpassed Europe and the US to become Kenyas most significant source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), according to a report published in countrys leading newspaper, The Standard.

Playing a more significant role in Kenyas foreign trade business and the results that have emerged so far reveals Chinas continued focus on its win-win strategy.

In December, the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) released its foreign investment survey.

Following the aftermath of the Westgate Shopping Mall terrorist attack in 2013, EU investment dropped while investment from the Asian region increased 113 percent.

In 2014, FDI inflows from the EU hit 31.9 percent, while Far East inflows topped out at 21.7 percent.

In 2015, the trend was reversed, and the share of Far East FDI inflows increased 43 percent while EU inflows dropped 25.9 percent.

The report also revealed that China investment jumped from 13.9 billion Kenyan shillings (KES) to 41.8 billion (KES).

Zhang Jiansong, a Chinese businessman in Nairobi, said it is not surprising that China has become Kenyas number one investor.

Kenyas market has huge potential, and the currency is stable. Chinese have found many opportunities in Kenya, said Zhang.

Zhang invested in a commercial development project and owns factories in Nairobi. He is optimistic over Sino-Kenya bilateral ties.

Robert, a cab driver in Nairobi, said he welcomes Chinese investors. He held up his new cellphone and said, Made in China.

The Chinese are not like the other foreigners here who stay within their small circle. The Chinese live and conduct business on the same street. Sometimes they even act like us, and they speak Swahili, the cab driver said.

Many Chinese investors have poured their money into real estate in the Kenyan capital. And luxe Asian-themed properties have sold well with the Chinese.

But the biggest impact on the country could be the landmark Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway, which was built and engineered by Chinese construction giant CRBC. The railway has since driven Kenyas economic growth upwards by 1.5 percent.

The Nairobi Railway station was built by the Chinese company CRBC. Photo: Li Zhiwei

Kenyan passengers on the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway, a project that has helped drive the countrys economy. Photo: Li Zhiwei
Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoors wife, Mira Rajput, joined Instagram only a few months ago and is not too frequent with her posts. However, when she does share pictures on the social media platform, it is a wonderful treat for fans. Her latest post is a cute photo with which she has unveiled her strength and weakness!

Sharing a picture with her dad from what looks like a ceremony during her wedding, Mira wrote on Instagram, My strength and weakness #Dad.

Ever since she joined Instagram in November last year, Mira often shares pictures of her husband Shahid and cute little daughter, Misha. Checkout some of the pics:

Warm winter love  #happyholidays A post shared by Mira Rajput Kapoor (@mira.kapoor) on Dec 26, 2017 at 5:05am PST

Happiness #thankyougod A post shared by Mira Rajput Kapoor (@mira.kapoor) on Nov 26, 2017 at 1:59am PST

Guru Shishya Parampara A post shared by Mira Rajput Kapoor (@mira.kapoor) on Dec 21, 2017 at 4:20am PST

Shahid and Mira got married in a private ceremony in Delhi in July 2015. Mira is 13 years his junior and met Shahid through the Radha Soami Satsang Beas religious group. While the wedding took place at industrialist Shivinder Singhs farmhouse in Delhi, the reception was held at the Oberoi in Gurgaon with about 500 guests in attendance.

Mira gave birth to Misha in August 2016.

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If we look back at how it all began, we find that, worldwide, sex and gender issues have been expressed in oral traditions such as myths and origin stories, fairytales, animal fables, love poems or cradle songs and proverbs. Such oral wisdom, transmitted from generation to generation, represents a fascinating cultural history. Proverbs, the worlds smallest literary genre, are a most telling part of that serial narrative about humankind. They are our main topic here, but a first brief look into how men and women came into being, as presented in creation myths is an illuminating point of entry.

The old wisdom that men and women are moulded from the same clay must have inspired the story about Adams first wife, created by God from the same dust as Adam. Her name was not Eve, but Lilith. Their having been created on an equal footing had terrible consequences, because Lilith wanted to have sex on top, and she insisted on her right to do so. According to some variants, Adam refused this, divorced her and sent her away, but in other versions she was the one who abandoned him. She pronounced the name of God, flew up out of Paradise into the air, and went off to the Red Sea. God sent angels to capture her and bring her back to Adam, threatening that if she didnt come along, she would lose a hundred of her demon children daily, but she preferred even that to returning to Adam. Ever since, she has taken her revenge on Eve (her rival) by strangling babies, and swallowing the sperm of men who sleep alone at night.

An oral narrative from the Congolese Kuba people tells of how, in the beginning, God has a sick stomach. He feels so ill that his whole body aches and he begins to throw up. He creates everything from his insides, by vomiting all the plants, trees, animals, and human beings, one after the other onto the earth.

Apparently, being on top during sexual intercourse is an enviable position of power. In Tanzania I recently attended a discussion about who was entitled to have the couples children after divorce, the husband or the wife. Most men insisted that it ought to be the husband, and one of their half-joking arguments was that it is the man who is physically on top when the children are being made. The main conclusion of the Lilith story is that equality between men and women is not such a good idea.

Eve has inspired other origin stories, first in Jewish culture, but also in the Arab world, Africa and Europe. Some variants doubt Eves originating from Adams rib because of an incident that preceded her creation. Here is a version of that story I heard from a Sudanese refugee in Congo a number of years ago:

God sends the archangel Gabriel from heaven down to the earth to take the rib from sleeping Adams body. Flying back to heaven, Gabriel meets the Devil on his way. The Devil says: Hi, Gabriel, how are you? Gabriel answers politely and hurries on to heaven. The Devil has not failed to notice the curious object in Gabriels hand: he gets closer and flies along with the archangel. Whats that? he asks curiously. None of your business, replies Gabriel curtly. The Devil insists, but the archangel keeps quiet. Then, with a sudden move, the Devil snatches the rib from Gabriel who immediately goes after the Devil. The Devil escapes from Gabriels grip and makes off as quickly as he can, but Gabriel does not want to return to God empty-handed, and resolutely holds onto his enemy. For a long time, they fly and wrestle, wrestle and fly, before the Devil succeeds in struggling free. On they fly, silently, one after the other. The Devil tries to give Gabriel the slip, but the archangel is determined not to let go. Finally, Gabriel catches up and succeeds in grabbing the Devils tail. Of course the Devil tries his best to struggle free again, but Gabriel holds no less firmly on, until, all of a sudden, the Devils tail breaks off. Since the archangel did not succeed in getting Adams rib back, it is this part of the Devils body he brought to God in heaven, and this is what the first woman has been made of 

Women have always visibly (pro-) created with their bodies, whereas, in the remote past, men may not have been so sure whether they contributed at all to this miracle of pregnancy and birth. In creation myths, strangely enough, womens role in procreation has sometimes conspicuously been ignored. The creation of Adam and Eve in the Bible is a case in point: Eve originates from Adams body, not the other way round.

Publisher: Speaking Tiger, pages: 443, price: Rs 599.

In many a myth, womens involvement in birth is denied, and a male god or first ancestor is the potter, sculptor, or artisan fabricating human creatures. He shapes the human race with his own hands from mud or dust or gives birth to them in one way or another. The Egyptian God Atum, for example, vomits twins, or, in another variant, produces them by masturbating. An oral narrative from the Congolese Kuba people tells of how, in the beginning, God has a sick stomach. He feels so ill that his whole body aches and he begins to throw up. He creates everything from his insides, by vomiting all the plants, trees, animals, and human beings, one after the other onto the earth. In a Fang myth from Gabon, the mystery of human origin is explained by having the first woman come out of the first mans toe or by having her manually created from a piece of wood by the first man. We do not know why such self-sufficient creators have been thought up: was it a natural drive to compensate intellectually for what women produced physically?

More down-to-earth than myths, proverbs wholeheartedly acknowledge procreation as an indispensable female quality, and motherhood as a crucial domain of life: It is the woman who bears the man, a Twi proverb from Ghana observes. Being able to give birth is apparently considered so unique that numerous proverbs express not only respect but also fear vis-a-vis this awesome creativity.

Myths are a powerful genre and the dogmas and statements they have given birth to are not supposed to be questioned by believers. Myths confirm and explain how man created order out of chaos, and how, by means of culture, he succeeded in imposing his own will on nature. In oral traditions, women have often been associated with the uncontrollability of nature. There are many myths about how, in the beginning, women were in charge and men felt forced to rob them of their secrets, justifying the right to do so by arguing that the women were the ones who had everything. Having everything meant being able to give birth, and have a clitoris (interpreted as having a small penis) as well as a vagina.

The story of Genesis and numerous other passages from the Bible have often been interpreted by Christian theology as a confirmation of the superiority of men over women. After Jesus death, the equality of women to men was already questioned by the apostle Paul who insisted that man is the head of woman, a view eagerly taken up later by church fathers. This wishful belief gradually became more influential than Jesus own words, and has been echoed in many proverbs. The same holds for the interpretation of the Koran by later ulamas or Muslim interpreters, and it seems to be no less true for orthodox views on Hindu women derived from old religious Sanskrit texts. As for Buddhism, womens position was upgraded in Buddhas time, however since his death there has been a regression due to forces hostile to women. The policy of creation stories and proverbs about women is one of trying to find a balance between the domain of birth and the other domains of lifepossibly the same balance strived for in mens monopolizing of world religions.

In oral traditions, women have been associated with the uncontrollability of nature. There are many myths about how, in the beginning, women were in charge and men felt forced to rob them of their secrets, justifying the right to

do so by arguing that the women

were the ones who had everything. Having everything meant being able to give birth, and have a clitoris as

well as a vagina.

Proverbs refer to stories, and stories to proverbs. Thus, womankind is rather reprovingly referred to as Eve in Hebrew and European proverbs. The Genesis story from the Bible is regularly referred to in proverbs, for example in Russian: We should not expect anything good from our rib, or in Romanian: Even the best of women still has a devils rib in her. Even though, unlike Lilith, Eve was not created from the same clay, she still took undesirable initiatives instead of being humble and obedient. Here is a Russian proverbial example of her opinionatedness: I go by myself , Eve said, and with her elbow she pushed away the one showing her out of heaven. In some proverbs originating from Europe, the ideal wife is compared to the Biblical Virgin Mary, who is presented as modest and submissive. Proverbs stress that such an ideal dream wife is extremely rare: Not everyone has a wife like Maria, but him whom God gave. Of course, Eve is presented as the antipode of Mary.

In other parts of the world there are also proverbial references to goddesses from myths and stories, such as the Sumerian grain goddess Ezinu-Kusu: [As] a plant sweeter than a husband, a plant sweeter than a mother, may Ezinu-Kusu live with you in the house; or the popular Chinese goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin: Young, shes a Kuan Yin; old, shes a monkey.

The legacy of oral traditions is a moral one: it teaches people what to do or what to think in a given situation. They formulate some part of common sense, values and ways of doing. Endowed with authority, proverbs, like other prestigious oral and written texts, present how things ought to be from certain perspectives. Such authoritative views have contributed to molding peoples roles and identities, and continue to have an impact in many ways. Although we hardly ever know whether the original creator of a particular proverb was male or female, we can consider the interests at stake. What these interests are and how they are expressed in particular cultures rhetorically and thematically are questions to be borne in mind when looking into proverbs about women, which is what this book is about.

 Excerpted with permission from Never Marry a Woman With Big Feet: Women in Proverbs From Around the World, Mineke Schipper, Speaking Tiger, 2017.

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DEHRADUN: In what could be termed as an attempt by the government to censor the media, a confidential letter that mentions barring entry of journalists in the Uttarakhand state secretariat has come out in the public domain.

The letter issued by chief secretary Utpal Kumar Singh on December 27, a copy of which is with Hindustan Times, expressed concern that some of the subjects supposed to be discussed in the Cabinet meetings appear in advance in a section of the media.

The past incidents in which certain matters appeared in the media before the Cabinet meet are objectionable. It should be ensured that nothing goes in the media, the missive marked to additional secretaries, secretaries, principal secretaries and in-charge secretaries, reads.

The letter further instructs that other than senior officials the entry of the journalists should be banned in various departmental sections. It states that outsiders cannot directly make an entry into government offices at the state secretariat. In case of an urgency, they can meet the employee or official concerned at the reception, it says.

On Thursday, Singh evaded media queries regarding the contents of the letter. But he told mediapersons that the state governments publicity wing would put up a system to ensure that journalists were briefed daily about the days developments.

Our effort is to give you authentic information based on facts. That is why we are putting in place a system where only verified information is shared with you by officials authorised for the purpose on a regular basis, he said. It is not an attempt to withhold information from the media or to reduce systemic transparency.

In fact, the Trivendra Singh Rawat-led BJP government is said to be uncomfortable about the information leaks by various sources to the media. Last year, a letter from Union surface transport minister Nitin Gadkari to chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat raising his objection on the recommendation of a CBI probe into the alleged irregularities in the National Highway-74 widening project appeared in the media. The letter came as a big embarrassment for the Uttarakhand government.

Recently, a Cabinet decision on waiving off penalty on water bills appeared in advance in a section of the media.

Ruling Bharatiya Janata Party state president Ajay Bhatt said he was unaware about the official communication regarding restricted entry of the media at the secretariat.. Bhatt assured the media that he would inquire about the matter.

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The Aam Aadmi Partys (AAP) nominations for the Rajya Sabha elections announced on Wednesday evoked sharp reactions from opposition parties as well as former party members.

Both the Congress and the BJP mocked the AAP for ignoring party veterans while former party members and India Against Corruption colleagues called it the final blow.

The AAP on Wednesday nominated its founder member Sanjay Singh, besides Sushil Gupta and Narain Dass Gupta to Rajya Sabha. Sushil Gupta is a Delhi-based businessman while Narain Dass is chartered accountant and do not belong to the AAP fold.

National president of Swaraj India, Yogendra Yadav, suggested that the AAP has struck financial deals with Sushil Gupta. I used to say, whatever his other faults @ArvindKejriwal cannot be bought. Defended him against Kapil Mishras allegations. Now I dont know what to say. Speechless, ashamed and numb, he said.

Lawyer, activist and founder member of Swaraj Abhiyan, Prashant Bhuashan, called AAPs choice of candidates its final denouement. AAP giving Rajya Sabha tickets to people who have not distinguished themselves in public service&have no expertise on anything to qualify for the RS, by ignoring the voices of volunteers, is the final denouement of a party which started with such promise&is now totally degenerate, he said.

Former party member and convener of AAPs Maharashtra unit, Anjali Damania, who had quit the party in 2015, also expressed disappointment over the selection of candidates. Even after quitting, I did not speak against AAP because I had a corner for AAP in my heart. I had hopes that it would do a course correction. But now I am convinced that AAP ideology is over. From now on, it is like any other party for me.

Activist and a former member of India Against Corruption movement, Mayank Gandhi said the partys choice of candidates had left him shocked. Gandhi who was also among the founding members of AAP, wrote on Twitter, Think. Why was Sushil Gupta selected? Now there is no diff between AAP and BSP. This leadership isnt worth supporting. I can today say w/o any doubt - AAP has become corrupt. After communal & caste vote bank politics - we hv crossed the last bastion - CORRUPTION. Gandhi has quit the party in 2015.

Meanwhile, Delhi BJP president, Manoj Tiwari, said the announcement of the AAPs Rajya Sabha candidates belied its anti-corruption plank based on which it had stormed to power in Delhi.

Rajya Sabha is regarded as the upper and respected house of Parliament. Allegation of deals against Kejriwal for nominations has not only maligned his image but also Parliament. Kejriwal has disregarded his own party leaders and shown arbitrariness. It has been established that he is not a democratic head of a political party but a Tughlaqi ruler, said the BJP leader.

Delhi Congress president, Ajay Maken, took a swipe at Kejirwal for choosing his former party member for the coveted post. Sushil Gupta had quit Congress in November last year. He was also the Congress candidate for the Moti Nagar assembly segment in the 2013 Delhi polls, but he lost the seat.

Maken said even after five years of its existence, the AAP had to look for candidates in other parties. On November 28, Sushil Gupta came to me to tender his resignation. When I asked the reason he said that he had been promised a Rajya Sabha berth by the AAP, he said.

Sushil headed the traders cell of the Congress in Delhi.

On 28th Nov, Sushil Gupta came to submit his resignation-



I asked him-"Why"?



",      "-was his answer!



" "-I smiled

"   .."-He smiled



Less than 40 days-Less said the better!



Otherwise,Sushil is a good man known for his charity! pic.twitter.com/DgrYhVaFJA  Ajay Maken (@ajaymaken) January 3, 2018

Kejriwalji, you joined politics to bring change. But you have changed. You picked a leader from Congress and another from BJP, Maken tweeted in Hindi.

The Congress leader claimed that Narain Dass, who was termed a GST expert by Kejriwal, was the biggest supporter of the tax reform measure implemented by the Narendra Modi government last year.

Leader of opposition in Delhi Assembly, Vijender Gupta, also criticised the move of the party. AAP that was made from the ashes of Anna Andolan, on the promise of representing the common man, has nominated 2 khaas Aadmis, Narayan Das Gupta and Sushil Gupta, to the Rajya Sabha. Far from aam aadmi it is a party of khaas aadmi, he wrote on Twitter.
Commuters travelling between Mori Gate and Mayur Vihar Phase III, Jahangirpuri and Anand Vihar, Mukherjee Nagar and Inderpuri will be among the first to get to use their Metro smart cards for paying for a bus ride in the city.

After being planned for over three years, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal is going to launch the common mobility card service on Monday. The facility that will be available in 200 Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and 50 cluster buses will enable a commuter to swipe his/her metro card in a bus to pay for the ride.

DTC officials said that the ticketing process will remain the same for passengers. The bus conductor will have to press the number 7 on the electronic ticketing machine to activate the smart card reader. Then, he will have to tap the Metro smart card on the device and the fare would be deducted automatically, the official said.

A paper ticket showing the serial number of the smart card and the remaining balance in the card will be given to the passenger.

First in India

Once it is launched, Delhi will be the first city in India to introduce an e-purse travel system that would perform transactions as low as Rs 5.

Speaking to Hindustan Times, transport minister Kailash Gahlot said that the government has set a target of March 31 to introduce the common mobility card service in all its 5,421 buses by March 31.

This is being done just at an incremental cost. Both DTC and cluster buses already had ETMs. We had to procure Secure Access Modules (SAMs) chips to turn the same devices into Metro card readers, Gahlot said.

The SAM chips are being imported from South Korea and it is costing the government Rs 2,000 per bus.

More takers for buses

Calling it a milestone in urban mobility, the minister hoped that the common mobility cards would increase ridership of Delhis buses.

There are 13 lakh active Metro smart card users in Delhi. We hope that a good number of them would also now take buses for their daily commute. The new system will save a lot of time for passengers, he said.

The ridership of DTC buses have come down to 30 lakh from over 45 lakh in just a span of three years. Officials said that once the service is launched people will get to buy and recharge their metro smart cards at DTCs offices as well.

Future plans

In the later stages, the government plans to expand the service to Metro feeder buses as well. Once this is successful, we will extend it to Metro feeder buses and for cycle sharing services, a transport official said.

The contactless smart card system is already popular in cities around the world. The most popular among them are Hong Kongs Octopus card, Londons Oyster card and Japans Suica card which not only serve buses and the Metro but are also acceptable payment modes in retail shops.

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The State is stepping in to provide relief to women abandoned by non-resident Indian (NRI) husbands. The ministry for Women and Child Development is contemplating setting up a website on which registrars from states from across the country will upload details related to marriages between Indian women and NRI men. On December 21, external affairs minister VK Singh told Parliament that Indian missions abroad had received 3328 complaints from Indian women about marital disputes with their NRI spouses since 2015. In 2009, the then NCW chairperson, Girija Vyas, had remarked that out of 10 NRI marriages, two resulted in the wife being abandoned after honeymoon. The picture doesnt appear to have improved over the past few years.

Providing a single point of redress with a website that has exhaustive data related to marriages of NRIs with Indian nationals could help the government tackle complaints with greater urgency. The site is likely to include advice on how to proceed with a case, approaching the Indian missions overseas and seeking assistance of empanelled lawyers and NGOs. At present, the measures include providing legal and financial aid (USD 3,000 in developed countries and USD 2,000 in developing ones) for women who are abandoned or face divorce proceedings within 15 years.

In September last year, a high-powered panel headed by retired judge Arvind Kumar Goel (former chairman of Punjabs state commission for NRIs) had recommended that husbands who harass or desert their wives face cancellation of their passports. The panel has also recommended that cases of domestic violence be included in the scope of extradition treaties that India signs with other countries. Among the other big-picture suggestions was the creation of a nodal national mechanism involving the ministry of external affairs, the home ministry and the National Commission of Women to deal with desertion by NRI husbands; and the inclusion of crucial details such as the social security number and the address of the NRI spouse in the marriage registration certificate. The States intervention may prove to be a good support mechanism for women who have been wronged. Stringent legal measures may act like deterrents for those who think of abandoning or abusing their wives.
LUCKNOW: Results for the Common Admission Test (CAT) - a gateway to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) will be declared next week and not earlier as expected.

Prof Neeraj Dwivedi of IIM-Lucknow or IIM-L, the convener of the examination, has told the Hindustan Times that the results will be declared some time in second week of January.

The list of candidates shortlisted for the next level of selection will be made available on the website of the respective IIMs, he said.

Each IIM will send interview letters to the shortlisted candidates directly. The criteria for shortlisting candidates varies among IIMs. Candidates will have to visit the admission hotlinks of the respective websites of IIMs for more information.

Over 1.99 lakh candidates appeared for CAT, conducted in 2017 by IIM-L, nearly 87% of those who had registered for the exam.

A total of around 1,99,600 candidates appeared for the exam out of the 2,31,067 who had registered.

The CAT was conducted in 381 test centres spread across 140 cities in India.

CAT 2016 results were declared on January 9 last year wherein as many as 20 candidates had 100 percentile scores. All of them were engineers.

The number of women candidates registered for CAT-2017 increased by 1.16% over last years figure. As against 231, 067 applicants this year, 78,009 women candidates gave the examination.The number of male candidates this year is 153,027.

The number of transgender persons giving the test also increased to 31 in 2017 from 22 last year, Prof Dwivedi said.
Washington Female college professors are more likely to get requests from students for an increase of marks or extended assignment deadlines than their male counterparts, a study has found.

Researchers from Eastern Washington University in the US found that women in academia more often face added work demand.

They analysed data from a survey of 88 US professors and found that students make more standard work demands and requests for special favours to their female rather than male professors.

However, female professors also reported more acts of friendship from their students.

Although these can be positive experiences, the findings indicate that such friendly behaviour may be emotionally taxing in the same way that special favour requests seem to increase the emotional burdens of female professors.

Another study involved 121 college students, and set out to find out if a certain type of student is more likely to ask favours from female professors.

Researchers found that a students view about women in authority or sexism did not play a role.

Instead, students who believed that they were deserving of academic success, irrespective of their actual performance or the effort they put in, were particularly likely to ask a female professor for extra favours, and react negatively if those favours were denied.

These effects were driven by entitled students greater expectations of getting special favours granted by a female professor than a male professor.

Our research provides more information about how students treat female professors, how they react to them when the professors stand their ground, and what kinds of students are particularly likely to treat female professors differently from male professors, said Amani El-Alayli, lead author of the study published in the journal Sex Roles.

Students with high academic entitlement were more inclined to be irritated or disappointed when a female professor denied their requests, and more likely to then persist in asking for favours after being denied, said El- Alayli.

They were also more likely to conclude, if the professor was female, that a request denial meant that the professor disliked them, he said.

The gendered expectations that men are more respected and authoritative make even entitled students unlikely to oppose their male professors decisions.

They might even believe that it would be fruitless to oppose male professors and to keep on nagging, because they are not easily swayed. Thus, these students entitlement may only manifest when interacting with female professors.

Aside from contributing to burnout and taking time away from career-enhancing activities, greater demands and special requests from students may affect female professors career advancement by causing them to get less favourable course evaluations or even more complaints filed against them, said El-Alayli.

Students may perceive female professors as less fair than their male counterparts if female professors are expected to expend exceptional effort to help out their students in unrealistic ways, thus resulting in worse evaluations, she added.
Even after three years, when the University Grants Commission (UGC) directed all universities to implement the choice-based credit system (CBCS), Panjab University has failed to have the new system in place for the new session 2018-19. Also, National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) had objected to the absence of the new system at Panjab University two years ago.

The CBCS allows students to choose inter-disciplinary, intra-disciplinary courses, skill oriented papers (even from other disciplines according to their learning needs, interests and aptitude).

After the PU syndicate had taken up this issue, PU affiliated colleges agreed to implement the CBCS from the new session. However, the varsity is not prepared to implement the CBCS in 78 teaching departments of the campus as the regulations are only on papers till now.

Must read | What is the choice-based credit system?

Nothing circulated to departments

No concrete plan has been worked out or circulated to the departments for its implementation.

Advantages The PU will be able to participate in having the entrance exams of post graduation at an all-India level. The grading system will be introduced automatically. The BA honours on the campus will be refined and brought to a level of other universities Students will be eligible to pursue double masters programme in separate courses, with options available outside their fields.

According to sources, it will be difficult for PU to implement this system from this year due to lack of preparations.

Sources added that the other universities have already implemented the system for all departments and students pursuing maths are studying philosophy or law but the PU has not been taking the system seriously.

However, if the system is implemented, the varsity will face practical difficulties, including the imposition of syllabus, followed at an all-India level because the syllabus of Panjab University has not been changed for long.

According to professors, the syllabus followed in PU and its affiliated colleges is outdated, which is why the students clearing the BA honours exams from PU are not at par with students from other states for entrance exams of post graduation.

Lack of resources

Another difficulty will be the lack of resources. Lack of adequate faculty and infrastructure as separate classes are required for the same.

The sciences department of PU, where the CBCS was implemented last year, has been following a distorted system. Science students are restricted to opt for a subject in the sciences only instead of arts or social sciences.

Disadvantages Students in the regional centres may feel the burden of the imposition of syllabus, being followed pan India. Logistics and resources will have to be managed. Availability of books after the implementation of the CBCS. The credit system will inflate marks and may degrade the quality of assessment, resulting in the devaluation of degrees.

Will introduce it from next session

Professor AK Bhandari, former dean university instructions (DUI) and the member of the CBCS committee, however, said that the CBCS is all set to be introduced from the next session.

All regulations have been set up. One workshop has already been held. We will be having another workshop on January 11. Most likely and hopefully, the system will be in place, on the campus.

He added, To start with, we may have lesser choices but gradually they will increase.

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Meryl Streep feels that her Kramer vs Kramer co-star Dustin Hoffman overstepped when he slapped her for real during a scene for the 1979 Oscar-winning film.

In an interview with the New York Times, Streep said that it is tricky for an actor when it comes to shooting scenes because you have to feel free.

On Streeps first day on the sets of Kramer vs. Kramer, the actor shot a physical scene with Hoffman where he slapped her.

When asked about the infamous incident, Streep said, This is tricky because when youre an actor, youre in a scene, you have to feel free. Im sure that I have inadvertently hurt people in physical scenes. But theres a certain amount of forgiveness in that. But this was my first movie, and it was my first take in my first movie, and he just slapped me. And you see it in the movie. It was overstepping.

But I think those things are being corrected in this moment. And theyre not politically corrected; theyre fixed. They will be fixed, because people wont accept it anymore. So thats a good thing, Streep said.

In the wake of Harvey Weinstein scandal, Hoffman was one of the actors to be accused of sexual harassment and misconduct by women he worked with.

In an article written for The Hollywood Reporter last month, author Anna Graham Hunter opened up about her encounter with Hoffman when she was a minor.

Since then more women have come forward and narrated their encounters with Hoffman.

Follow @htshowbiz for more
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Recently, The Washington Free Beacon reported that China adopted "a secret plan" to bolster the government of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) "with increased aid and military support, including new missiles." But the report has been dismissed as fake news and is based on a fake document.

At a regular press conference on Wednesday, Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs had a very simple response to the report: "fake news."

According to The Washington Free Beacon, the "secret document" was allegedly from the General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, and was obtained from a person "who once had ties to the Chinese intelligence and security communities."

"In a word, fake document. Any person with even a modicum of common sense can tell that is a fabrication," spokesperson Geng Shuang said.

Furthermore, the report linked the fake document to hyped-up media reports that Chinese ships are illegally selling oil to DPRK vessels in violation of the UN Security Council sanctions. Those reports were also rejected as fake news.

"About a Chinese ships alleged involvement in transferring oil to a DPRK ship in international waters on October 19, the Chinese side carried out investigations immediately," spokesperson Hua Chunying said on December 29, adding that since August, the ship in question has never docked at a Chinese port and there is no record of it entering or leaving a Chinese port. "Whether this ship has ever called at other countries ports is not ours to tell. Therefore, what these reports claimed is not true."

"The hyped-up media reports are not conducive to building mutual trust and conducting cooperation between all parties on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue," Hua added.

U.S. President Donald Trump has called some of his nations media outlets "fake news" and "the enemy of the people." The Washington Free Beacon report only adds further weight to the concern that some foreign media are imbued with bias against China.
Eight MLAs, including five from the Congress, on Thursday joined the BJP ally in the NDA at the centre National Peoples Party (NPP) in poll-bound Meghalaya.

All eight MLAs, who recently resigned from the assembly, joined the NPP at its rally in Meghalaya capital town of Shillong.

NPP spokesperson James K Sangma announced at the rally that along with them, 10 members of the tribal autonomous district councils, have also formally joined the party.

The NPP is headed by Conrad K Sangma, son of former Lok Sabha Speaker PA Sangma.

The eight MLAs, including five of the ruling Congress, had resigned from the state Assembly on December 29 last year and announced that they would be joining the NPP, a constituent of the BJP-led North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), a political coalition that was formed in 2016.

The MLAs, who joined the NPP, are former deputy chief minister Rowell Lyngdoh, Sniawbhalang Dhar, Comingone Ymbon, Prestone Tynsong, and Ngaitlang Dhar of the Congress, Remington Pyngrope of the United Democratic Party and Independents Stephanson Mukhim and Hopeful Bamon.

In his address at the rally, NPP president Conrad K Sangma expressed happiness at the formal joining of the eight MLAs and said that the Assembly 2018 is about fulfilling the dreams of my (Late) father Purno A Sangma and it will be tough.

2018 will be tough but I am sure you all will work hard and come out successful, he said.

NPP spokesperson James K Sangma said the NPP stands for the change that people are looking for.

The NPP is the party that will bring in the change. A party that will fight for the minorities in the country - the Christians, Muslims, Sikhs, Seng Khasi and the Songarek (tribals organisations in Meghalaya), he said.

Former Meghalaya deputy chief minister Rowell Lyngdoh, a veteran Congress man who was elected six out of the nine terms of the Assembly in the state, said, Meghalaya expects a change and we have to vote out the present Congress government under Chief Minister Mukul Sangma.

Manipur deputy chief minister and NPP leader Yumnam Joykumar, who was present at the rally, highlighted that the NPP is a party originated from Manipur, rubbishing claims that the NPP is a Garo party.

He said the NPP as envisioned by (late) PA Sangma stands for the North East people and the people of the region as a whole.

Thursdays development came close on the heels of four MLAs, including former Congress legislator, Alexander L Hek, joining the BJP two days back.

Apart from Hek, former deputy speaker Sanbor Shullai (who also headed the NCP in the state until last year) and two Independents -- Justine Dkhar and Robinus Syngkon -- joined the BJP at a rally at Shillong on January 2.

Joining of MLAs have boosted the BJP and its allies ahead of the Assembly elections in Meghalaya to be held soon.

Meghalaya at present has the Congress government with Mukul Sangma as the chief minister.

Term of the 60-member Meghalaya House is ending on March 6 and poll process has to be conducted before that.
Ancient Mauryan engineering has brought water back to the undulating and rocky terrain of Magadh, the grain bowl of Bihar that had turned almost entirely arid because of abortive modern irrigation policies.

The Magadh region, comprising 10 districts in south-central Bihar, was reeling from its worst water crisis over a decade ago, forcing farmers to board trains to distant cities such as New Delhi and Chandigarh and work there as migrant labourers.

Rainfall was scant, people had long abandoned traditional reservoirs that caught and stored rainwater run-off, the water table in aquifers had depleted from overuse, and modern irrigation canals covered only a small area.

Gaya itself was a modern nightmare as most of its ponds overflowed with garbage. The water table had dipped below 200 feet, and taps and tube wells had gone dry. The water crisis was so acute that people sold their houses in posh localities at throwaway prices. The government promised to build a 100km canal from the Ganga, but the project failed.

The crisis looked irreversible but Rabindra Pathak, who taught Pali and Sanskrit at a college in Arwal, was certain that the answer lay in the long-forgotten and crumbling aqueducts and water reservoirs that irrigated the fields and fed ancient Indias most glorious empire.

He pored through old books and scriptures, and found that reviving the dilapidated network of pynes and ahars was the lone solution.

Pynes are channels carrying water from rivers. Ahars are low-lying fields with embankments that act as water reservoirs. This combined irrigation and water conservation system dates back to the Mauryan era that flourished in Magadh 2,000 years ago.

Pathak founded the Magadh Jal Jamaat (MJJ) in 2006, a network of individuals working to revive the neglected pynes and ahars. There was no other way to solve the recurring water crisis threatening to turn the region arid. Reckless use of tube wells for irrigation without adequate recharge complicated the scenario, he said.

Convincing people to participate was not easy in a fragmented society, where nobody was willing to part with an inch of land.

Villagers shrugged off the idea of collective participation initially, as they couldnt fathom its impact, said Kanchan Mistri at Khaneta-Pali village. When the government with all its resources failed, how could a group (like ours) do it? That was the common refrain.

Besides, the local mafia interested in contracts for government projects posed a big threat to the voluntary initiative. A years before MJJs formation, in 2004, social activists Sarita and Mahesh, working on an irrigation system in Gaya, were murdered by the mafia.

But Pathak was determined to do the unthinkable  bring water to the area. He got ample help from his professor-wife, Pramila, and trader Prabhat Pandey.

They persuaded villagers to form committees and donate anywhere between Rs 100 and Rs 1,000, depending on the size of agricultural plots they owned, and revived the 125-km Jamune Dasain pyne and 159-km Barki pyne. These two complex channels, rebuilt with help from social worker Chandra Bhushan, brought water from Falgu, a tributary of the Ganga.

The impact was instantaneous and miraculous. About 150 villages along the Jamune-Dasain pyne and around 250 villages along the Barki canal have been able to irrigate their fields for the kharif and rabi (monsoon and winter) crops, and grow vegetables, pulses and oilseeds as well.

The farm distress eased significantly. Life changed for marginal farmer Jairam Bhagat, who wanted to kill himself when his paddy crop failed in 2007, after he met volunteers of the Magadh Jal Jamaat. He joined the group, discarded plans to return to Chandigarh where he worked as a plumber, and contributed his mite for the irrigation system.

Bhagat, 45, from Shabaazpur village in Gaya was among thousands of people from about 700 villages who used to migrate for work  not by choice, but by compulsion. He now stays home and reaps a good harvest from his amply irrigated farm.

People began to say the water systems revival was the second-best thing to have happened to Gaya after the Buddhas enlightenment. In Gaya, residents, officials, military and police personnel joined the mission to build check dams and clear ponds of encroachment and debris.

Recurring protests over water crises are now a thing of past in the district. Hand pumps and wells that were abandoned are now working, said Rajesh Kshitij, a lawyer in Gaya.

The social organisations initiative drew accolades from environmentalists Anupam Mishra and Magsaysay winner Rajendra Singh.

In 2011, chief minister Nitish Kumar asked the irrigation, public health and engineering, and the revenue and land reforms departments to replicate the Magadh Jal Jamaat model.

The Magadh region has four medium and major irrigation projects, including the Sone canal. But these irrigate only 30,000 hectares in parts of Gaya, Arwal, Jehanabad, Aurangabad, Nalanda and Nawada districts.

The North Koel reservoir scheme in Jharkhands Palamau and Punpun barrage in Gaya were launched in 1972 and 2006 respectively. But they never took off.

The Gaya circle irrigation departments executive engineer, Ashok Kumar Choudhary, said the existing canal system works only for the kharif season, or monsoon crop.

But the restored pyne-ahar system helps farmers grow paddy in 150,000 hectares, wheat in 100,000 hectares and pulses and oilseeds in about 30,000 hectares in Gaya alone.

The Mauryan network brings water to the remote countryside, which seldom got any help from government agencies because of Maoist insurgents active in those areas.

The Magadh Jal Jamaat responded positively when at least seven villages in the Maoist heartland of Imamganj- Dumaria requested for a check dam to be built to conserve rainwater. The area is about 22km off GT Road, but barely accessible.

Our volunteers worked two months, built a check dam and rejuvenated a pyne, which is now irrigating farms of over a dozen of villages and recharging ahars and ponds, said 60-year-old Kameshwar Yadav of Pachman, ploughing his field after a decade.

The move encouraged a farm turnaround and migrant youth working in Delhi returned home to sow oilseeds.

We built the dam with Rs 44,000 in 2014 when the state would have spent Rs 50 lakh and taken a year. This year, we hope to grow fish and reap a bumper rabi crop, said Niranjan Yadav, a 30-year-old who worked at a retail shop in Delhi.

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The Assam Police on Thursday registered a case against West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee following complaints alleging she made inflammatory speech over the updating of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the northeastern state.

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led coalition government in Assam also condemned Banerjee for her remarks on Wednesday that the Narendra Modi government was conspiring to strike off the names of 12.5 million Bengalis from the updated NRC to eventually drive them out in a move similar to Bongal kheda of the 1960s that made over 50,000 take refuge in Bengal.

What she (Banerjee) said is unbecoming of a chief minister and is an insult to the Supreme Court, which is monitoring the NRC updating exercise taken up by the Registrar General of India (RGI). The state government is merely a facilitator, Assam industries minister Chandra Mohan Patowary said.

Our government has taken utmost care to ensure a smooth updating exercise, but her party and others are unhappy that there has been no violence or communal tension to cash in on, he added.

While social activist Kailash Sharma and advocate Tailendra Nath Das lodged separate police complaints against Banerjee for her inflammatory speech, the state BJP urged the Registrar General of India and the officials involved in the NRC exercise to file a case against her in the Supreme Court.

Banerjee made the comment to lure Bengali-speaking people towards Trinamool Congress because the BJP is gaining ground in her state. Bengalis in Assam have had no issues with NRC but she is playing a dangerous game even if it means contempt of court, state BJP president Ranjeet Kumar Dass said.

The NRC of 1951 is being updated in Assam under the supervision of the Supreme Court to identify original residents of the state in order to check illegal migration. Its first draft was published on December 31 midnight.

The All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) also lashed out at Banerjee.

At a time when the situation in Assam is sensitive on the citizenship issue, such a statement from a responsible person like Mamata Di is uncalled for and condemnable. The NRC is being prepared under the guidance and supervision of the SC and we have full faith on the government machinery and hope for an error-free NRC with the names of all genuine citizens, AIUDF chief Maulana Badruddin Ahmed said.

The Congress, on the other hand, shot off a letter to RGI alleging deliberate negligence on the part of NRC authorities in verifying documents in 208 NRC Sewa Kendras across 13 districts.

Most of these districts  such as Barpeta, Dhubri, Goalpara, Nagaon, Morigaon, Karimganj and Hailakandi  are Muslim-dominated.

After publication of part of the draft NRC at the stroke of December 31 midnight, it has come to light that in these 208 centres, only a few applications were verified as a result (of which) names of only 10% of the population have appeared, state Congress president Ripun Bora wrote.

From the apparent view of the above situation, it reveals that religious minority and linguistic minority people are pre-dominant in these 13 districts. Therefore, utmost care should be taken in verifying the documents in these districts, Bora said, demanding a probe into deliberate sloth in accommodating 90% of people in minority-dominated districts.

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The Assam government wants to focus on enrolment of residents for Aadhaar after releasing the first part draft of the updated National Register of Citizens on December 31.

Work on the enrolment for Aadhaar had not picked pace in the state over fears that the 12-digit number could be misused by illegal migrants to get enlisted in the register, which aims to weed out foreigners.

Enrolment for Aadhaar had started in Assam as a pilot project in 2014 but it was restricted to only three districts. Only 7.4% of the states population of over 34 million has got their Aadhaar numbers till December 31 last year - the lowest enrolment figure among all the 29 states and seven Union territories.

The process was to begin in Assam last month but was stalled after the Centres directive to the state not to involve private agencies for enrollment due to safety and privacy issues.

Enrolment for Aadhaar is expected to start from the end of this month or beginning of February. Work on completing the second and final draft of NRC will continue simultaneously.

To speed up the process, 1,200 enrolment centres will be set up inside premises of government offices. Nearly 48,000 people are expected to get their documents verified and biometric registration done daily in these centres, said a senior state government official.

People would also be able to get their formalities for the enrolment completed at designated post offices and branches of State Bank of India.

Due to concerns about security, deputy commissioners of districts will be designated as registrars for enrolment. All documents will be verified by government officials present at the centres, he said.

If there is a scarcity of equipment to record fingerprints and conduct eye-scans, the state government would be able to hire kits from private agencies.

Once the enrolment process starts, nearly 70% of the states population is expected to be covered by the end of the year.

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A Germany-based academician has recommended that the Centre and the countrys police force undertake awareness studies for better understanding of socially-excluded castes of India.

Professor Boike Rehbein, who heads the Asian and African studies department in Berlins Humboldt University, was invited by Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD), which comes under the home ministry, to speak on the topic of inclusive policing in a changing society.

The past configuration of the society is responsible for the present structure of the society. Therefore, we can study contemporary society by studying historical layers which have developed over time, Dr Rehbein said while speaking on the past practices of caste system in India.

He added that unlike western societies, India is shaped partly by ideas of caste, kinship and religion which inform contemporary structures.

Social exclusion is best reflected in recruitment practices in India. One can study social exclusion on any research done on recruitment process in India, Rehbein said.

Talking specifically on the role of Indian police force while dealing with what he termed as socially-excluded castes, the professor said who one lets in their house, office and so on can indicate which section of a society is excluded.

The solution to exclusion is a political one and police in itself cannot solve this but police has to deal with the problem and it can do it effectively by raising awareness. In Germany, the police force is professionally trained to deal with socially-excluded groups and in India too, police must raise awareness about dealing with people who are from a different social class, he said to an audience comprising officials of the ministry and other central armed police forces.

Director general BPRD, AP Maheshwari told HT: In a diverse and multicultural society like ours where stratifications need to be appropriately addressed, inclusive policing formats and strategies alone will go a long way in fostering a people-friendly and positive policing.

Senior officials present at the event said that the BPRD was also contemplating introducing ranking system among police forces of all states wherein police departments will be judged on conduct, mordernisation and prevailing law and order situation in the particular state.

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Police today issued orders extending the ban on begging in the city for two more months.

The orders were first issued on November 8, 2017 for two months prohibits begging in the state capital.

The city police had then said the practice was causing nuisance, annoyance, embarrassment, obstruction to the free movement of and danger to the vehicular traffic as well as pedestrians affecting the public order.

Besides setting up homes for beggars, the Telangana prisons department has announced Rs 500 reward for those providing information about location of beggars in the city.

In a separate notification, Police Commissioner V V Srinivas Rao banned unauthorised flying activities of remotely controlled drones, para-gliders and micro-light aircraft in the city limits.

The order will be in force for one month from January 7, it added.
A bandh called in Burhanpur town in Madhya Pradesh to protest Bhima Koregaon caste clashes in Maharashtras Pune district took a violent turn on Thursday with a mob allegedly damaging 12 vehicles and stoning trucks plying on Ichhapur-Indore state highway.

The shutdown was called by Dalit groups-- the Buddhist Society, Bhim Sena, and other outfits--against the Mondays violence at Bhima Koregaon village and nearby areas in Pune district during an event to mark the 200th anniversary of a battle between Peshwas and British forces.

The bandh has affected normal life in Burhanpur town.

Burhanpur district shares common border with Jalgaon, Amravati, Buldhana, and Akola districts of Maharashtra which witnessed protests during the bandh called by dalit groups on Wednesday.

A senior police official said the windowpanes of 11 private buses parked at the inter-state bus stand and the windshield of a truck were broken by unidentified persons in the noon.

Eye witnesses said that some people gathered at the bus stand and vandalised the buses.

They also said that the mob attempted to torch a bus but was chased away by police personnel present at the spot.

Unknown people broke the window glasses of 11 empty buses and a truck at the bus stand, Superintendent of Police Pankaj Shrivastava said.

However, he denied that any attempt was made to set any bus on fire.

According to eye witnesses, stones were hurled at at least six trucks on Ichchhapur-Indore state highway as a result of which traffic came to a standstill briefly.

When asked about the highway incident, the SP denied the reports. He said the situation was under control now.
An incident of a Chinese road construction party entering Indian territory and Beijings statement on not recognising Arunachal Pradesh was raised in the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

Revolutionary Socialist Party member NK Premchandran urged the government to make a statement on the incident.

Chinese entered Indian territory, there were attempts to construct a road. Up to one kilometre they constructed. They were then stopped by people and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police force.

They had come up till the Siang river basin, so my point is upper Siang basin is being aggressed upon, Premchandran said.

Further the Chinese spokesperson openly stated that Beijing has never recognised the state of Arunachal Pradesh. It is a provoking statement on Chinas part, he added.

I would like to know the response of government of India on the Chinese aggression, he said.

A road building party from China entered Indian territory in a remote part of Arunachal Pradesh in December-end and were sent back by the Indian troops.

Around December 26, they were found constructing a track around two kilometres away from the nearest Indo-Tibetan Border Police post.

A nearly 600 metre long and 12 feet wide track was constructed on Indian territory when the Chinese party was stopped.

The area where the Chinese workers entered is close to the place where Brahmaputra river enters India.

Indian troops pushed back the labourers and seized the equipment. While there was no confrontation between troops on both side, Indian troops have barricaded the area since and have been guarding it.

Asked about the incident, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said: First of all, on border issues with India, China is clear and consistent.

We never acknowledge the existence of so-called Arunachal Pradesh, Geng said.
The Congress on Thursday slammed the Narendra Modi government over the reported breach in Aadhaar data, saying the right to privacy is being flouted with impunity.

Aadhaar data breached yet again! As every citizens personal information is exposed to hackers everyday and Right to Privacy is mocked and flouted with impunity, Modi government remains immune, tweeted Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala attaching a Tribune story headlined Rs 500, 10 minutes, and you have access to billion Aadhaar details.
A court here on Thursday sought an action taken report (ATR) from police on a BJP leaders plea for lodging a sedition case against suspended Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar for hosting Pakistani officials that allegedly posed a threat to national security.

Metropolitan Magistrate Manika directed petitioner Ajay Agrawal, a lawyer, who also sought FIR against Aiyar for allegedly uttering derogatory words against the Prime Minister, to supply copies of the documents in court based on which the police would file an ATR by April 7, the next date of hearing.

The court rejected the prayer of the complainant, who wanted the next date of hearing to be advanced on the ground that the matter was sensitive.

Agrawal later told reporters he would approach the high court for a speedy hearing in the matter as it was about the security of the country.

In his plea, Agrawal claimed that derogatory words were used against Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the meeting held on December 6 at Aiyars residence, which was also attended by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and ex-vice president Hamid Ansari.

The petitioner has sought the courts direction to Delhi police to book Aiyar and others present under conspiracy and sedition charges, and investigate the matter.

The plea by Agrawal, who contested the last Lok Sabha election against Sonia Gandhi from Rae Bareli, said the meeting was held at the south Delhi residence of Aiyar which was attended among others by Pakistans high commissioner and an ex-foreign minister of that country.

He said the ministry of external affairs and the home ministry were not informed about the meeting despite Indias strained relations with Pakistan.

The petitioner said he had requested the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Delhi police for a probe but in vain.
Beijing (Peoples Daily)  China on Wednesday slammed a Washington Free Beacon report as fake news, after the newspaper cited an alleged internal classified document accusing China pledged to increase aid to North Korea if the latter suspends nuclear tests.

In a word, [its] fake news, said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang in English at a daily news briefing on Wednesday.

The term fake news was typically used by US President Donald Trump on US media accusing the US government based on unverified documents. The term has also become popular in China.

The newspaper cited the top-secret document, allegedly issued by the General Office of the Central Committee of Communist Party of China in September, saying that China hopes to bolster the North Korea with increased aid and defensive military support in exchange of Pyongyang halting further nuclear tests.

Geng also slammed the untenable as a fake document.

Anyone with common sense can tell the document is fabricated, Geng noted.

China has continuously expressed its commitment to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, seeking to resolve the issue through peaceful means of dialogue and negotiation.
US President Donald Trump tweets that he has a bigger nuclear button than North Korean leader Kim Jong Un; sporadic violence is reported during Dalit groups Maharashtra bandh; Salman Khans new movie is set for an earnings record: these were some of the top stories on Wednesday. Here is more about the top stories of the day.

Donald Trumps nuclear boast

The US President boasted that he has a bigger and more powerful nuclear button than North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Trump was responding to Kim Jong Uns New Years address, in which he repeated nuclear threats against America. But the fact is Trump doesnt have a nuclear button.

Dalit groups Maharashtra bandh

Violence, trains, buses and roads being blocked, stone-pelting, and demonstrations marked the Maharashtra shutdown called by Dalit groups. The groups are protesting the January 1 killing of a Dalit man in Bhima Koregaon where the 200th anniversary of a historic war was being commemorated.

US ambassador Nikki Haley speaks at United Nations headquarters. Haley accused of Pakistan of playing a double game in fighting terrorism. (AFP)

US blasts Pakistan for playing double game in fighting terrorism

They work with us at times, and they also harbour the terrorists that attack our troops in Afghanistan, said US ambassador Nikki Haley at the UN. Washington would withhold $255 million in assistance to Pakistan if the country didnt do far more in fighting terrorism, she warned.

AAP nominates Rajya Sabha members for first time

Sanjay Singh, Sushil Gupta and ND Gupta were named by the partys political affairs committee and they have the support of Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. The nominations angered dissident party leader Kumar Vishwas, who alleged Kejriwal is silencing him.

Govt to put in Rs 7,577 crore in six banks

The finance ministry has approved a proposal for infusing Rs 7,577 crore in six weak state-owned banks. Bank of India, IDBI Bank, UCO Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, Dena Bank and Central Bank of India will get funds in the next few weeks.

BSF jawan is killed by Pakistan sniper on his birthday

RP Hazra, 51, was shot dead when he was securing the international border in Jammu and Kashmirs Samba sector. The Border Security Force opened heavy fire on Pakistani posts after Hazras killing, officials said.

11 killed in bus-truck collision in Rajasthan

Eleven people died and 12 were injured when the driver of a state-owned bus hit a truck in Sikar district of Rajasthan while overtaking. Police said the dead bodies were severely mangled.

Salmans new movie to create earnings record

Actor Salman Khans new movie Tiger Zinda Hai is all set to earn more than Rs 300 crore. This will be his third film to enter the Rs 300 crore club. Aamir Khans Dangal is the only other Bollywood film to earn more than Rs 300 crore in India.

Ravindra Jadeja may miss first Test against SA

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is down with a viral infection ahead of Indias first Test against South Africa in Cape Town from January 5. Shikhar Dhawan is available for selection if Jadeja is ruled out.
The Border Security Force killed an intruder in RS Pura area of Jammu district and destroyed two mortar positions of the Pakistan army across the border on Thursday, a day after one of its soldiers was killed in sniper fire from the neighbouring country.

A senior BSF officer said Pakistan started the unprovoked fire with small arms, which later was accompanied with mortar shellings. The force then targeted and destroyed two Pakistani mortar positions, he added.

The Border Security Force gave a solid response in which Pakistans infrastructure, solar panel and weapons were damaged. Their posts suffered a major loss, the forces Jammu Frontier inspector general Ram Awtar said.

Head constable RP Hazra was injured on Wednesday, his birthday, and was rushed to a nearby medical facility, but he succumbed to the injuries.

Official sources said the infiltration bid was foiled at Budhwar area of Arnia subsector where the infiltrator was killed by alert BSF troopers.

The senior BSF officer said its troopers detected an intruder in RS Pura area in the morning despite dense fog and neutralised him around 7am.

The complete area has been cordoned off. The search will commence after the fog clears, he said.

According to sources, the body of the intruder has been recovered.

The BSF is maintaining extra vigil on the Jammu international border to negate all sorts of intrusion attempts aided by Pakistani forces, the officer said.

Pakistan violated the ceasefire agreement with India 882 times last year along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. Thirty people  14 army personnel, 12 civilians and four BSF personnel  were killed in the ceasefire violations.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have spiralled recently, with New Delhi crying foul over the treatment of the family of death row convict Kulbhushan Jadhav and Islamabad blaming its neighbour for unprovoked firing that killed three of its soldiers.

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Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman cleared on Thursday a Rs 1,950-crore project for buying full motion simulator from US defence firm Boeing to train aircrews for missions on the Indian Navys P-8I submarine hunter planes, a government spokesperson said.

The P-8I training solution contract includes 10-year comprehensive maintenance service.

It will help Indian Navy train and realistically rehearse for sophisticated missions involving P-8I aircraft, at a fraction of the cost of live aircraft training, the spokesperson said.

The navy operates a fleet of eight Boeing P-8I planes based at the Naval Air Station Rajali in Tamil Nadu. And four more P-8Is - a military derivative of the 737-800 commercial aircraft - are on order. The planes, a replacement for the Soviet-era Tu-142 fleet, are expected to be in naval service beyond 2050.

The P-8I is the Indian Navy variant of the P-8A Poseidon operated by the US Navy.

Sitharaman also cleared a proposal to upgrade the armys communications infrastructure to effectively deal with advanced communications systems being used by terrorist groups, the spokesperson said. The army will but low intensity conflict electronic warfare system (LICEWS) from Bharat Electronics for Rs 470 crore.
The special investigation team probing the murder of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh has been unable to compare the cartridges recovered from the crime scene amid a dispute among three forensics laboratories over the analysis of cases recovered from the scenes of three other high-profile killings.

Lankesh was gunned down outside her house in the city by unidentified assassins on September 5 and the police are yet to crack the case. Over the past four months, the state government and the SIT have come under increasing pressure to ensure that the case is solved soon.

The local forensic science lab had confirmed in September that the bullets that killed Lankesh were fired from a 7.65mm country-made pistol.

The modus operandi in the killing of Lankesh bears a striking resemblance to those of Kannada scholar MM Kalburgi, rationalist Narendra Dabholkar and communist leader Govind Pansare but, the inability to compare the cartridges has meant that there is no conclusive evidence to prove that there is a link to the other murders.

Dabholkar was shot dead near his home in Shaniwar Peth in 2013, Pansare died of wounds after being shot in 2015, and Kalburgi was killed by a hail of bullets in Dharwad in 2015.

The dispute between the forensic sciences labs (FSLs) of Mumbai, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad over the analysis reports of cartridges recovered from their murder scenes has delayed the handing over of the cartridges.

In 2015, the forensic analysis of cartridges recovered from the scenes of the murder of Kalburgi, Dabholkar and Pansare provided evidence that the same group might have been involved in the crimes. This was disputed by the Mumbai FSL.

The Bengaluru FSL has photographs of the cartridges found from the scene of the murder of Kalburgi, but we need the actual cartridge to conduct a 360-degree analysis because only that will be permissible as evidence, an officer said.

So far, the SIT has hit a dead-end in its investigation on multiple fronts. It had gathered closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera footage of a reconnaissance conducted by two people riding two-wheelers, but these did not have any numbers on the plates.

There were around 13,000 bikes of that model in Karnataka, of these we have been unable to trace around 500, the officer said.

Footage taken from a camera installed above Lankeshs door, which captured the crime, too, has yielded little.

We know, for example, that the killer was a trained professional because he appears in the footage for a total of five seconds. Within two seconds he fires four bullets at Lankesh and in another two seconds he flees the spot, the officer said.

The officer said in this footage the model of the two-wheeler used was not clear. Besides, he said, the trail of CCTV footage runs cold after about 200 metres. Sketches released of the suspects, corroborated with eyewitness accounts, have also not provided a breakthrough, the officer said.

In addition to this, the SIT received call data dump with around 70 million calls made over a five-day period between September 1 and 5.

We have so far analysed around 20 million calls but it is unlikely that the perpetrators would have switched on their phones while conducting reconnaissance or while committing the crime, the officer said.

Read | Gauri Lankesh murder: Heres a list of writers and journalists killed in recent years

The SIT had also probed illegal arms dealers in the state. This, too, has yielded little information.

We have to now go back to older forms of policing, the officer said.

About 99% of the cases now are solved because of digital data, be it call records, cell tower data or CCTV footage. In this case, these avenues have provided little, the officer added.

The SIT is hoping for a quick resolution of the dispute between the forensics labs so that it can get the cartridges to conduct an analysis soon.

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Union health ministry launched a seven-month online course designed by Tata Memorial on Thursday to help non-cancer specialists detect early signs of the disease, especially in villages and smaller cities.

The course is intended for physicians, gynaecologists, dentists and other health care professionals who are not oncologists.

It can play a crucial role in early detection and diagnosis of cancers.

The course has online video lectures that are also designed to update oncologists with the evidence-based guidelines and skill for the management of cancer.

This is a visionary step that will leverage advances in IT to strengthen health outreach and services in the country. It can save many precious lives, said Preeti Sudan, health secretary.

The course has different modules based on various sites and sub-sites of cancer. It comprises 14 hours of comprehensive e-learning through more than 40 video lectures, case studies, assessment questionnaires and periodic interactive webinar sessions with respective consultants of Tata Memorial Hospital.

Doctors will be assessed online after completing the course.

This is part of governments Digital India programme through which millions of doctors in remote areas will be informed.

The move is part of a national programme that will be rolled out across the country by Tata Memorial Centre in collaboration with state governments.

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Shailaja Swamy and Anjani Kovvur live 600 kilometers apart and have never met in their lives but for the past few days, their lives have been engulfed in the same worry. Both women have children working in the United States who will be affected by a proposal to end the practice of granting extensions to H-1B visa holders whose applications for permanent residency are pending.

Reactions to the proposal, which could lead to 500,000-750,000 Indians returning home, are drastically different though. Swamy, an officer at a public sector bank in Bengaluru, says she is worried about her son Abhijit, who works for a multinational corporation because of the persistent uncertainty around H-1B visas throughout last year. The sheer repetition of this kind of news is adding to our anxiety.

On the other hand, Kovvur in Hyderabad is defiant and certain if her sons were sent back, they would get good jobs in India. Let him (US President Donald Trump) implement the decision and see the repercussion on the US economy. Will the US companies get better manpower than our Indians?

Not everyone is as confident. Darshan Srinivasan, 35, who works for Tivo and had gone to the US multiple times, said among his peer group there was a sense that they had look beyond the US for opportunities. There is a fear that there will be uncertainty to our employment in the US, Srinivasan said. As a result, many of my friends are trying to apply to jobs where there is a possibility to move to other countries. And Canada is now emerging as an appealing proposition, he said.

R Chandrashekhar, president of industry lobby group NASSCOM, said the fears about the latest move were exaggerated and that the proposal would affect Indian workers in general, and not just the IT sector. The critical thing to look at is the series of moves that cumulatively intend to make it more difficult to hire Indian employees, he said.

The US proposal has been circulated in the form of an internal memo in the department of homeland security, which oversees citizenship and immigration, and intends to end the provision of granting extensions to H-1B visa holders whose applications for permanent residency (Green Card) had been accepted.

An H-1B visa is granted for three years, with the provision of three more with one extension after which visa holders return to their countries. If approved for Green Card, they wait in the US using extensions.

In Hyderabad, techies said they were worried but certain that big American tech companies would resist the move.

More than 40% Indians employed in US firms with H1-B visas do not have green cards yet. And no company will be willing them to be deported as their operations will collapse. So, these companies will be the first ones to resist the Trump decision, Satish Chandra S, an engineer working with software giant Qualcomm, told Hindustan Times.

Mohandas Pai, former chief financial officer of Infosys, agreed and said it was wrong to target Indian IT companies. Reports on the numbers of those likely to be affected seem exaggerated, he said.

More than Indian firms, any such move is likely to affect American companies, he added. For this reason, Pai said, American companies would lobby hard because Indian workers were better qualified and provide better services.
Indian ambassador to China Gautam Bambawale on Thursday held talks with Guo Yezhou, vice minister, International Department of the ruling Communist Party, amid efforts by the two nations to improve their ties post-Doklam.

Guo is the senior most vice minister of the international department of the CPC which plays key role in policy formulations of Chinas external relations.

The details of the meeting were immediately not available.

Bambawale, a seasoned diplomat who till recently served as high commissioner to Pakistan, assumed charge as Indias ambassador to China last month.

The meeting took place as a high-level Chinese delegation headed by Meng Xiangfeng, a close confidant of President Xi Jinping and the deputy director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, is currently visiting India under an exchange programme with the ministry of External Affairs.

The exchanges between the CPC and the MEA followed the visits of Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi and top Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi to New Delhi last month.

Wangs talks with external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and other officials on the sidelines of Russia-India-China foreign ministers meeting last month set the stage for a broader dialogue on improving the relations this year.

The two neighbours had a roller-coaster relationship in 2017 which was repeatedly blighted by issues like the Doklam standoff, blocking of Indias NSG membership bid and moves to declare the Jaish-e-Muhammad chief Massood Azhar a terrorist.

The 73-day standoff at Doklam in Sikkim where Chinese military attempted to build a road close to Chicken Neck corridor has sparked a new round of tensions at the border. It finally ended after China agreed to stop road building.

As the two sides made efforts to improve ties, officials here said a new incident of Chinese militarys attempts to build a road inside the Indian territory in Siang district in Arunachal Pradesh has been resolved.

The Chinese construction equipment seized by the Indian troops is expected to be handed over to Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) troops at a local commanders meeting.

The series of meeting at various levels currently underway were between the two countries were aimed at resetting the relations back on track averting a further downturn in the bilateral ties, they said.
Veteran Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader and Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has lavished praise on North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for putting up tough resistance against imperialist America better than the Communist-ruled China.

Addressing a CPI(M) district committee meet at Kozhikode on Wednesday, he said North Korea was showcasing a better example in defending imperialist" forces.

The CPI(M) polit bureau member also said there was a general criticism that Chinas fight against imperialist forces was not living up to the expectations of the people.

North Korea has been adopting a tough anti-US stand. North Korea has successfully withstood the pressure exerted by the US, Vijayan said.

The chief ministers statement came days after a flex board of the North Korean leader, brought out as part of a programme of CPI(M) in Idukki district, was removed by the party after it triggered a controversy.

The local leaders of the Left party later clarified that Kims photo was included by mistake.

Kim, in his New Years Day address, has said North Koreas nuclear weapons can reach anywhere in the US and threatened that he has a nuclear button on his desk.

Hitting back, Trump warned that his nuclear button is much bigger and more powerful than the one controlled by Kim as the White House said it was keeping all of its options on the table to curb Pyongyangs atomic programme.

The two leaders have threatened one anothers countries with nuclear weapons repeatedly over the last year.
The Kerala government on Thursday ordered the closure of a chain of schools for its alleged radical curriculum aimed at disrupting communal harmony.

Peace International School that runs a chain of schools in the southern state faced a police probe after it was found that at least three of its staff were among the 21 people who left their homes in 2016 to allegedly join Islamic State.

We were really shocked to see some of the content. They propagated extremist ideology and carried details of so-called atrocities against Islam, said a member of the panel that examined the school curriculum. The member didnt wish to be identified as he was not authorised to speak to media.

The school management criticised the governments decision, based on reports filed by the education department and Ernakulam district collector, as a vilification campaign aimed at tarnishing a well-managed minority educational group.

The group has 10 schools in Kerala and one each in neighbouring Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Initially the school in Ernakulam will be shut down. Other branches would be closed after accommodating students in other schools, government sources said.

The probe panels found that though the schools were affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), they taught books compiled by Burooj Realization, a Mumbai-based Islamic educational institute.

CBSE schools typically use books published by the State Council of Educational Research and Training or the National Council of Educational Research and Training.

Some of the content was radical and promoted enmity on the basis of religion and race, the probe found.

Police had raided the Ernakulam branch in 2016 after they go to know that a teacher at the school, Merin Jacob alias Mariyam, was among the missing 21 and a case was registered against the group for promoting enmity on the basis of religion.

Five of the missing people were converts to Islam.

Similarly, Yasin Ahmed, who was arrested from Delhi airport allegedly on way to Turkey to join Islamic State, taught English at the Malappuram branch.

The alleged leader of the missing group, Abdul Rashid, was a public relations officer with the school chain.

The school chain was founded in 2006 by MM Akbar, a Muslim preacher, often referred to as Keralas Zakir Naik, the Mumbai-based evangelist who is on the run now.

Akbar, who lives in Qatar, has not responded to police notice.

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As a rift appears in the ruling camp over the bill to criminalise instant triple talaq, the opposition looks at a brightened prospect of sending the legislation to a select committee.

Sources, however, added that if the government finally agrees to form a select panel, it will bring its own motion rather than supporting that given by Congress Anand Sharma or by the Trinamool Congress.

The Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also indulged in a slugfest over the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill to ban instant triple talaq, which was tabled in the Rajya Sabha. While the government wanted a debate on the bill, the opposition wanted it to be sent to a select committee for scrutiny.

Unlike a standing committee which exists throughout the year, a select panel is formed for scrutiny of a specific subject or bill.

The oppositions demand for sending the bill for a parliamentary scrutiny led to disruptions in the House and eventually, the bill could not be passed.

The shift of the Telugu Desam Party, a key ally of the BJP, was an embarrassment to the ruling party. Opposition sources claimed other Bharatiya Janata Party allies may also shift side and demand the bills scrutiny by a select panel.

The BJP, however, accused the opposition of delaying the passage of the bill by trying to send it to the select panel.

The government has again listed the triple talaq bill for passage on Thursday in the Rajya Sabha.

Both the Houses of Parliament saw continuous disruptions on Wednesday over the caste riots in Maharashtra. Opposition members created ruckus both in the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha, forcing repeated adjournments.

The bill criminalises instant triple talaq and imposes a prison term of up to three years and fine on husbands who violate the law. It also aims to provide alimony for the woman on whom instant triple talaq has been pronounced and grant her the custody of her children.

The move against triple talaq follows numerous complaints by Muslim women, who were divorced through the customary practice and denied alimony and other rights.

Talaq-e-biddat is banned in 22 Muslim-majority countries, including Pakistan and ultra-conservative Saudi Arabia. Muslim men in India can still divorce using two other forms of talaq that have a three-month cooling off period.

The proposed law would be applicable only to instant triple talaq and it would empower Muslim women to approach a magistrate seeking subsistence allowance for herself and her minor children.

The woman can also seek the custody of her minor children from the magistrate.

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File photo taken at Samburu National Reserve, Kenya, March 1, 2016. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo)

DAR ES SALAAM, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- The government of Tanzania and conservation organizations on Wednesday hailed China's decision to end ivory trade, saying the move offered hope for the future of elephants in Africa.

Major General Gaudence Milanzi, Tanzania's Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, said "China as a country has been at the front line in fighting poaching."

Milanzi said China's efforts, including the ban on all trade in ivory and ivory products, have helped to bring down poaching levels in Tanzania, calling upon other countries across the world to follow suit.

Milanzi praised the government of China for the good move which proved to the international community that it was determined to end the business and protect the animal.

"These outcomes are very encouraging. We applaud the Chinese leadership in this," said January Makamba, Minister of State in the Vice-President's Office responsible for the Environment.

Makamba said China's decision was consistent with its leadership in climate change and other important global issues.

"We hope other countries which have been reluctant will follow suit. Concerted global effort on the demand side makes it easier for anti-poaching efforts on the supply side to succeed," said the minister in an email to Xinhua.

China has honored its commitment to ending commercial processing and sales of ivory by the end of 2017, China's State Forestry Administration has said, adding it was China's "new year gift to the elephant."

"The Chinese authorities will continue to clamp down on ivory collection as well as processing, sales, transportation and smuggling of elephant tusks," the administration said.

The move affects 34 processing enterprises and 143 designated trading venues, with all of them to close, in the world's once largest ivory market.

"China has long been one of the world's biggest markets for ivory. World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Tanzania is very delighted to see the doors of this market closed," Amani Ngusaru, the organization's country director for Tanzania said .

"We are particularly excited to see that the government of China has followed through on a great promise it made to the world, offering hope for the future of elephants in Africa," he said.

Ngusaru said it was important to realize that commercial ivory trade ban in China alone will not be sufficient deterrence for elephant poachers, adding that the same action should be taken by other nations where ivory trading is still practiced.

TRAFFIC, a wildlife trade monitoring network, said in a report in December 2017 that Japanremained one of the world's largest domestic ivory markets, and is home to an active, though shrinking, ivory manufacturing industry.

The report, compiled with the support of the World Wildlife Fund, said 2.42 tonnes of ivory, including elephant tusks, antiques and jewellery, were illegally exported from Japan between 2011 and 2016.

"The country also boasts significant stockpiles of raw tusks in private ownership, a cultural legacy from its past trade," said the report titled "Ivory Towers: An Assessment of Japan's Ivory trade and domestic market".

Co-author of the report Tomomi Kitade said earlier in a report that their findings show without doubt that Japan's largely unregulated domestic ivory market is contributing to illegal trade and it is imperative that Japan's role within international illegal ivory trade be recognized.

Attilio Tagalile, a Tanzanian veteran journalist now working with WWF Tanzania, said China's ban on ivory trade will considerably help in checking poaching, especially in Tanzania which lost 90 percent of its elephant population in the Selous game reserve, one of the largest faunal reserves of the world, located in the south of country, between 1982 and 2014.

"The ban on ivory trade in China means drastic fall of ivory prices which in turn translates into drastic fall in poaching that leads to continued existence of elephants not only in the Selous Game Reserve but in Tanzania, and in Africa in general," said Tagalile.

In January 2017, former Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa commended China for banning ivory trade and urged other countries across the world to follow suit.

"The banning of ivory trade in other countries like what China has done will lead to ending poaching in Tanzania," said Mkapa who ruled Tanzania between 1995 and 2005.

"It is better for other countries across the world to emulate what China has done in order to save the lives of elephants that are disappearing in various parts of the world," he said.

"China is not the only destination country for ivory trade, there is a number of other countries in Europe, America and the Far East, so our call is for the other destinations to ban the trade in their countries and that's where we can move on and succeed in our fight," he said.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) on Tuesday also lauded China's ban on ivory trade as a major milestone step.

UWA Executive Director Andrew Seguya told Xinhua that China's decision will go a long way in the conservation and protection of the African elephants.

"It gives us a lot of hope for elephants of Uganda, elephants of Africa and elephants of the world. So we congratulate the Chinese government for that decision," he said.
The Supreme Court has refused to examine the validity of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) rules that fixed a deadline for girl students on staying outside the campus, saying such restrictions are meant for their safety.

A bench headed by Justice Arun Misra asked the students, who moved the top court challenging the rules, to approach the varsity authorities with their grievances.

It also asked the university to hear the students and decide on their representation objectively.

Everything cannot be said in the court. These rules are for the safety of the girls, the bench told advocate Prashant Bhushan who argued against the rules on behalf of some male students.

Even I could not get into my daughters hostel, Justice Misra said. It is for their own safety, he added, referring to the 8pm curfew timings imposed on girl students living in the BHU hostels. The rules allow boys to stay out of their hostel premises till 10pm.

Parents of girls are also not allowed to enter the hostel. Fathers can stay over in the boys hostels overnight, but mothers are not extended the same benefit in the girls hostels.

The petitioners claimed rules do not permit the girls to use mobile phones beyond curfew hour and if they do they have to switch on the phones speaker. Girls are not served non-vegetarian food, which is not prohibited in the boys hostel.

Bhushan pointed out that girls were also not permitted to participate in political activities.

He contended the restrictions were draconian and smacked of discrimination. However, the bench asked him if he could show a written order that stops serving of non-vegetarian food in the girls hostel.

The discriminatory nature of these rules had triggered protests at the BHU campus in 2016 and prompted some students to move the top court to air their grievances.

The university lawyer opposed Bhushans contention and said the rules can be relaxed in special circumstances. She said the students were free to approach the university authority with their representation.

Agreeing with the university counsel, the bench asked the students to follow the suggestion and gave them the liberty to approach the court again if they were still aggrieved.

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The Rajya Sabha on Thursday condemned the violence in Bhima Koregaon in Maharashtra. Both houses of Parliament saw continuous disruptions on Wednesday over the riots in Maharashtra, as opposition members created ruckus, forcing repeated adjournments.

A bill to ban instant triple talaq was tabled in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, but the Congress and the BJP indulged in a slugfest over the bill. While the government wanted a debate on the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, the opposition wanted it to be sent to a Select Committee for scrutiny.

The winter session of Parliament ends on Friday, January 5.

Here are the live updates:

7:00pm: Noting that it was public investment that had enabled the country to consistently achieve over 7% growth at a time of dismal private investment, finance minister Arun Jaitley in Lok Sabha says the government is bringing all possible resources to bear in order to resolve the issue of banks bad loans.

6:55pm: Lok Sabha passes bill to hike salaries of Supreme Court, High Court judges.

6:54pm: The duplicity of the Congress is quite clear, it has become a typical characteristic of the party: BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi on triple talaq bill.

6:50pm: Double standards of the Congress-led the Opposition are exposed today and I think it is a shame that they are trying to obstruct this path of justice for Indian Muslim women, says Union minister Smriti Irani on triple talaq bill.

6:35pm: The Opposition stands exposed in Rajya Sabha. For the past two days, it has been repeatedly said if there are any issues on triple talaq bill, they need to be put out on the floor of the House. Why is the Congress-led Opposition running away from discussion? asks Smirit Irani.

6:25pm: Discussion on Supplementary Grants Bill, third batch, begins in Lok Sabha.

6:20pm: The government is isolated, the Opposition is one. The bill should be sent to the select committee, Congress leader Kapil Sibal tells ANI after Rajya Sabha debate over triple talaq bill.

6:14pm: Today, the BJP has been exposed, they dont have the guts to empower women, says TMC MP Derek O Brien after Rajya Sabha debate.

6:00pm: Law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad replies to the discussion on the Supreme Court and High Court judges salary hike bill. Good work of the judiciary needs to be appreciated. The judges have also worked during vacations, to expedite cases.

5:49pm: Rajya Sabha adjourned till 11am on Friday, after continued uproar over triple talaq bill.

5:46pm: TMC MP Derek O Brien says, its clear that this side (Opposition) wants to empower women, and you (Centre) stand exposed. Smriti Irani replies: Absolutely not, if you seriously want to empower women then have a discussion now.

5:45pm: Anand Sharma says the motion was moved on Wednesday so the unfinished business must be finished. He objects to taking up another bill instead of the triple talaq bill.

5:42pm: Unless there is a consensus in the house, cannot take up the triple talaq bill, says deputy chairman of the Rajya Sabha. I will have to go by the list of legislative business. So the GST Bill will be taken up, the Chair says.

5:40pm: Uproar in Rajya Sabha after oppositions motion on triple talaq bill, opposition has demanded the bill be sent to select committee.

5:30pm: Rajya Sabha takes up triple talaq bill. Arun Jaitley says the amendment motion brought by Anand Sharma and Sukhendu Sekhar Roy on Wednesday were not as per the rules and hence should be rejected. Opposition MPs protest, recall the Chairs words that the motions were valid.

5:25pm: Members in the Rajya Sabha express concern over the forcible eviction of some blind students by the Delhi Development Authority, with the Centre saying the affected persons were rehabilitated in an adjoining school.

4:45pm: Government seeks Parliaments approval for additional expenditure of Rs 80,000 crore for recapitalisation of public sector banks.

4:30pm: A commission formed to examine repealing the Habitual Offenders Act will submit its report in a couple of days after which a final decision will be taken in this regard, says Union minister Krishan Pal Gurjar in the Rajya Sabha.

4:00pm: Rajya Sabha chairman M Venkaiah Naidu asks members to act responsibly to ensure smooth proceedings and assured them that whatever decision he takes would be to enhance the image of the House. During a meeting, the Triple Talaq Bill was discussed and the chairman asked both the opposition and the treasury benches to sort out the issue between them

2:00pm: Lok Sabha approves amendments made by the Rajya Sabha in two bills- The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Amendment) Bill, and Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill- passed by it earlier.

1.04pm: Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2pm.

1.03pm: In the Lok Sabha, Prahlad Singh Patel of the BJP raises the issue of rape and murder of girls belonging to Dalit communities, and Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

1.00pm: In the Lok Sabha, the government tables a demand for additional grant of Rs 80,000 crore for bank recapitalisation.

12.55pm: Minister of state for information and broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore informs the Lok Sabha that as much as 65% population of the country will soon be able to tune in to FM radio network. Currently, only 52% of the population can access FM radio network.

12.24pm: Home minister Rajnath Singh says NRC work in Assam was going on under the directions of the Supreme Court. If anyones name is left out, he/she can appeal and it will be looked into.

12.20pm: In Lok Sabha, Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy says the National Register of Citizens was a conspiracy to drive out Bengali people from Assam in the name of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants.

12.17pm: Rajya Sabha amendment on the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill adopted by Lok Sabha.

12.05pm: In the Rajya Sabha, Ritabrata Banerjee said the Centre should consider renaming West Bengal as Bangla, as a resolution has already been passed in the state assembly. He said the name West Bengal was given by the British during Partition.

11.55am: The Rajya Sabha will take up short duration discussions on the state of economy, investment climate and job creation in the country and the need to address the challenge of rising unemployment.

The upper house will also take up the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Amendment Bill, the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, the Central Road Fund (Amendment)Bill, the State Banks (Repeal and Amendment) Bill, and the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill.

11.50am: Lok Sabha will take up a Rajya Sabha amendment on the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, and discuss the High Court and the Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill, the Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, the Dentists (Amendment) Bill, the National Council for Teacher Education (Amendment) Bill.

11.42am: Amar Shankar Sable of the BJP says Gujarat leader Jignesh Mevani, and Umar Khalid made inflammatory speeches leading to the violence in Maharashtra.

11.40am: Nominated member Sambhaji Chhatrapati, a descendent of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji, says Shivaji as well as Dr BR Ambedkar always worked for the uplift of the backward classes, and unity of the people.

11.33am: D Raja of CPI says Dalit issue needs to be addressed by all parties, Ramdas Athawale says those who instigated and carried out the violence in Bhima Koregaon should be punished.

11.25am: Sharad Pawar of NCP appeals to the government to bring the situation to normalcy as quickly as possible, Kanimozhi of DMK seeks long-term solution to the issue of violence against Dalits.

11.20am: In the Lok Sabha, water resources minister Nitin Gadkari answers questions sharing of water and building barrages across the Mahanadi river in Odisha.

11.17am: Nadimul Haque of Trinamool Congress demands stop to political lynching, Dilip Tirkey of BJD seeks probe into similar incidents of violence across India.

11.14am: Rajani Patil of the Congress starts discussion on Bhima Koregaon violence. Naresh Agrawal of the Samajwadi Party says Maharashtra government failed to provide security to people, demands report.

11.10am: Rajya Sabha takes up issue of violence in Bhima Koregaon in Maharashtra.

10.53am: Congress MP Rajni Patil gives notice in Rajya Sabha under rule 267 over Bhima Koregaon violence.

10.52am: After a shift of the Telugu Desam Party, a key ally of the BJP, other allies may also shift sides and demand the bills scrutiny by a select panel, opposition sources tell Hindustan Times.

10.48am: If the government finally agrees to form a select panel to send the triple talaq bill for scrutiny, it will bring its own motion rather than supporting the one given by the Congress Anand Sharma or by the Trinamool Congress, sources tell Hindustan Times.

10.44am: Trinamool Congress leaders protest in front of the Gandhi statue in Parliament over the National Register of Citizens issue in Assam.

10.40am: BJP leaders protest in front of the Gandhi statue in Parliament against the murder of party worker Deepak Rao in Karnatakas Mangalore, demand case be transferred to the CBI.

9.50am: Since the BJP keeps trying to oppress and insult the Muslim community, everyone agreed that it should be sent to a select committee, and a decision should be arrived on after taking into consideration all groups interests, says Shakeel Ahmad.

9.49am: Everyone wants the bill to not be rushed through. It is a very sensitive issue that should be thoroughly discussed. The Muslim Personal Law Board has objected to it, and Muslim women across the nation are protesting it, says Congress leader Shakeel Ahmad.

9.47am: There are certain provisions in the bill that could harm families. This is what (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi ji wants. It is the mentality of Modi ji and the Sangh parivar, because of which there have been efforts to insult the Muslim community, Congress leader Shakeel Ahmad tells ANI.

9.45am: Congress says the bill on triple talaq, if implemented sans amendments, could harm many families.

# What is the triple talaq bill?

This bill gives power to the victim to approach a magistrate seeking subsistence allowance for herself and minor children in the case of instant triple talaq or talaq-e-biddat.

A victim can also seek the custody of her minor children from the magistrate. Under the law, instant triple talaq in any form - spoken, in writing or by electronic means such as email, SMS and WhatsApp - would be illegal and void.
Days after triple talaq petitioner Ishrat Jahan joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), her advocate Nazia Elahi Khan on Thursday followed suit.

As you all know that Ishrat Jahan had joined our party few days back. Her lawyer and renowned social activist Nazia Elahi Khan is also joining BJP today, West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh said.

Ishrat, one of the petitioners in the triple talaq case, had joined the BJP last week, with the party felicitating her for fighting against the practice. Her husband had divorced her over the phone from Dubai in 2014 by uttering talaq thrice.

The controversial practice was struck down by the Supreme Court on August 22 last year.

Along with Nazia, around 150 Muslim women joined the saffron party.
Haryana State Women Commission chairperson Pratibha Suman has recommended action against professor JP Majra of BPS Medical College, Sonepat, for allegedly harassing an MBBS student hailing from Kashmir.

A women commission team had visited the college after taking cognizance of media reports, and spoken to both sides. We will take this investigation forward. More victims have come forward alleging that the professor had been using vulgar language with them and threatening to ruin their annual performance reports. The professor has no right to remain in the institution and should immediately be removed from the post of head of department, Suman said.

The complaint stated that the student had missed some classes due to unrest in the Valley last year, and was not being allowed to take an exam by the professor.

The matter came to fore after a relative of the Kashmiri student emailed a complaint to the vice-chancellor of Rohtak Health University, alleging that the professor had been harassing her.

She has been allowed to take exams of two other subjects. But prof Majra has an objection against her appearing in the exam of his subject. How can she fall short of attendance in just one subject? Suman questioned, adding that she would submit a report to the government, recommending action against the professor.

Meanwhile, the college has enforced a media gag on its staff and is using security personnel to oust mediapersons. Local mediapersons gave a memorandum to the sub-divisional magistrate alleging manhandling by the college administration. Newly crowned Miss World Manushi Chillar is also an MBBS student at the BPS Medical College.
The death of 42 vultures on railway tracks in Jaisalmers Pokhran area in the past five weeks has raised concern among the wildlife lovers.

The vultures were run over by trains while feeding on animal carcasses on the railway tracks in four incidents, the latest happening on the railway track between Dholia and Khetolai villages of the area on Wednesday, forest officials said.

Local wildlife activists said that there are a large number of stray cattle, including camels, in the area that often get killed by the passing trains. When vultures assemble on the accident sites to feed on the dead animals, they too get killed by the running trains.

The accidents have occurred in a 3-km stretch and have killed mostly Eurasian Griffon or Cinereous vultures, both migratory vultures and listed as threatened species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

All the stray cattle from the district are brought and released in the area. In addition, there is a cow shelter nearby, which releases the cows in the open it is unable to manage, said Radhe Shyam Bishnoi (21), member of the Akhil Bharatiya Jeev Raksha Bishnoi Sabha. The Bishnois, a community in western Rajasthan, are known for protecting animals and trees.

Experts said that most of the migratory vultures killed were sub-adults. There are usually 40-50 vultures feeding on a carcass at a time, of which 10-15 have their heads buried deep in the flesh of the animal. When the train comes, those 10-15 ones are run over, said Anil Chhangani, associate professor of environmental science at Maharaja Ganga Singh University in neighbouring Bikaner and member of IUCN.

Chhangani added that the vultures are heavy birds and their reaction time is more, as compared to other birds, which contribute to their casualties. A vulture weighs easily between 8-12 kg. It runs for some 15-20 metres before it can take off. So the speeding trains dont give much time to the bird to escape, he said.

According to a census done by his team in March 2016, there are roughly 7,500 vultures in Rajasthan which include three varieties of migratory vultures and four of resident vultures. The migratory ones come mostly from Spain, Siberia, Mongolia, China, Tibet and the Himalayan region.

Chhangani also pointed out other reasons for the death of vultures at the railway tracks  the dumping ground for dead animals, which lies nearby, water holes in the area, and the grazing ground for animals through which the railway track runs. The vultures like to sit at a clear and elevated place while resting, and the railway tracks being 3-4 feet higher provide an ideal place for them where they spread their wings and bask in the sun, he added.

Meanwhile, forest and railway officials expressed their limitations at resolving the issue. We have written to the railway officials several times to keep the track clear, but they have not acted so far. We have removed carcasses ourselves at times, but we do not have the resources to clean the track every day, said Brij Mohan Gupta, assistant conservator of forest, Pokhran.

Railway officials, on the other hand, said that the tracks are cleared by their gangmen regularly. We have instructed our men to throw the carcasses as far as possible from the tracks. But they cant throw it on private land or beyond the railway land, said Gopal Sharma, senior public relations officer, North Western Railway, Jodhpur.

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Bollywood actor Salman Khan on Thursday appeared in a Jodhpur court in connection with the blackbuck poaching case of 1998.

Khan has been accused of killing two blackbucks at Kankani village in Jodhpur in 1998.

Salman was present in the court of chief judicial magistrate (CJM), Jodhpur rural, for nearly half-an-hour, during which his counsel, Hastimal Saraswat, questioned the statements of eyewitness in the case.

The 19-year-old blackbuck poaching case against actors Salman Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Sonali Bendre, Tabu and Neelam is in the final phase of trial, as final arguments of the prosecution have been completed and the defence counsel has started his closing arguments.

Salman, whose counsel had been seeking exemption from his personal appearance for the last many hearings, suddenly reached the court with his counsel for personal appearance on Thursday. Police came to know about the actors arrival a few minutes before, after which the security was tightened on the court premises.

We told the court that the prosecution had recorded statements of eyewitness Poonamchand under the conspiracy. After the alleged incident of poaching, the then investigating officer recorded the statements of Poonamchand in the presence of Salman. It was also videographed, but in videography, there is a difference in the verbal statement of eyewitness and in written statements, Saraswat argued in the court.

We have also seen videography in the court today (Thursday), in which the eyewitness Poonamchand is seen signing blank papers, which shows that Salman Khan has been falsely implicated in this case. We have also demanded action from the court in the matter of preparing false evidence against the then investigating officer, pleaded Saraswat.

Khan has been charged with killing two blackbucks at Kankani village in Jodhpur on October 1-2, 1998. The other actors and a local, Dushyant Singh, are charged with instigating Khan to poach the animals.

Three cases of poaching and one under the Arms Act was registered against Salman Khan in Jodhpur in 1998. He was shooting for Hindi film, Hum Saath Saath Hain, when these cases were reported.

The actor has been acquitted in the two chinkara poaching cases and the arms act by trial courts. The prosecution has appealed against the acquittals. The appeals in the chinkara case are in the Supreme Court now. The blackbuck poaching is the only case at the final stage of trial.
A quarrel over a minor girls repeated missed calls to a male neighbour led to a fierce fight in a Bengal village among members of two families during which seven persons suffered grievous injuries and had to be admitted to Malda Medical College and Hospital (MMCH).

While the girl is around 16-17 years old, the neighbour she dialled is around 22.

Read: Are you a slave to your cellphone?

The incident happened on Tuesday at Faridpur village, within Ratua police station jurisdictions, in the district of Malda in north Bengal.

No one was arrested till Wednesday evening.

According the police and local people, members of the families of Meher Ali and Anaul Haque, both farmers, attacked each other with sticks and blunt weapons on Tuesday night. Seven persons suffered injuries by the time their neighbours could intervene.

A local, who did not want to be identified for fear of being questioned by the police, said, Meher Alis son Masidur Ali allegedly received several missed calls from the minor daughter of Anaul Haque. Meher, noticing repeated missed calls, asked his son to switch off the phone, which his son refused to do. As missed calls continued, Ali pressed his son for the callers identity. Within minutes, he rushed to Haques house and the quarrel started.

Read: New York: Woman claims surgeon talked on cellphone during operation

The altercation between the members of the two families turned into a fight quickly. Meher Ali (45) and his younger brother Mahasin Ali (38) received serious injuries, said Akbar Ali, one of the neighbours who intervened during the fight.

Villagers said that the minor girl used to meet the boy secretly at night and only a few knew it. Both families were in the dark about the relation.

According to locals, the missed calls on Tuesday could have been a signal to the youth to come out and meet her.

A senior officer at Ratua police station who is not authorised to speak to the media said that both families lodged complaints against each other.

None has yet been arrested because all the accused persons are in hospital, said the police officer.
Award-winning documentary-maker Anirban Dattas Kalikshetra (The land of Kali) that attempts to chronicle the history of Kolkata from 1st century BC, has hit the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) hurdle for its references to 1946 riots, Partition and the Naxalite period of early 1970s.

The 56-minute documentary tries to collate archaeological findings of the past few decades with historical references to trace Kolkatas history back to the pre-Christ era.

The documentary aims at showcasing how human settlements flourished in this area for the past two millennia.

The CBFC has asked for five cuts, all unreasonable and ridiculous. They are trying to depoliticise the documentation of political events, which is unacceptable. Ill ask for a review, and if still unsatisfied, Ill move Film Certification Appellate Tribunal, said Datta.

Dattas 2006 diploma film Tetris, made as a student at Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), was premiered at the Cannes and he later own three national awards, in 2009, 2010 and 2012. Presently, he teaches cinema at K R Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science and Arts, an autonomous institution funded by the Kerala government.

The film has a large canvas. Civilisation existed in the place called Kolkata since the time of the thriving kingdom of Gangaridae, the valour of which has been frequently referred to in ancient Greek and Roman literatures. However, people only know about the 300 years of colonial period, or at the most, up to the time of Manasamangal, which was penned during the Sena dynasty (11th-13th century), Datta said.

Datta told HT that the censor board wanted deletion of an eyewitness account of a Muslim League rally that instigated the riots on Direct Action Day in 1946, mention of a letter that Mahatma Gandhis close associate industrialist G D Birla wrote to him (Gandhi) placing his opinion on the Cabinet Commission of 1946 and three references to the period of Naxal movement in Kolkata during 1970-72, especially the Cossipore Baranagar massacre.

They have objected to every reference to CPI (M) and Congress in relation to the Naxal period, Datta said.

Geetesh Sharma, a veteran journalist who spoke in the documentary on Cabinet Mission and Gandhi, expressed shock hearing about the CBFCs objections.

Whatever I said in reference to the Partition and Cabinet Commission, involving Mahatma Gandhi, is well documented. One can check facts simply by reading G D Birlas 1953 book, In the Shadow of the Mahatma: A Personal Memoir, Sharma told HT.

The producer of the documentary, Public Service Broadcasting Trust (PSBT), an NGO that funds independent documentaries, describes the film as, a cartographic attempt to map the labyrinth of forgotten threads of the local history of the area, where the second capital of British India was once erected, but stands weathered today.

The film was submitted before the CBFCs New Delhi office. Despite several attempts, no reaction was available from the board. Vani Tripathy Tikoo, a CBFC board member, said she had not seen the documentary. Agnimitra Paul, member of the CBFCs advisory board for Kolkata, has not watched the film either.

Phone calls and text messages to CBFC chairperson Prasoon Joshi remained unanswered till filing this report.

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Neat and paan spit-free premises, well maintained records and courteous staff are things that one hardly expects in a police station in Uttar Pradesh.

Good points of Gudamba station Maintenance of records, online uploading of FIRs on Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS), registration of FIRs Redressal of public grievances; police behaviour and interaction with visitors and complainants Disposal of investigations; cleanliness on police station premises Posting of cops as per standard Availability of basic amenities like toilet, drinking water and seating arrangements. Condition of lock-up; treatment with accused lodged in the lock-up Proper allotment of duties to police personnel posted at the police station Maintenance of duties chart, patrolling chart, leave and attendance record Police response time: Attending public calls on landline number of police station Attending public calls on police station officers official mobile number; feedback from public

But Lucknows Gudamba police station is a picture of contrast. It has just been ranked among the three best police stations of the country in a survey by the Intelligence Bureau.

For all you know, this police station could figure among the top two as well as the actual rankings would be revealed during the inaugural session of the three-day director generals conference at Border Security Force Academy in Tenakpur near Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh on January 6 when union home minister Rajnath Singh would give away the first-of-its-kind award to the winners.

For the survey, the IB roped in the Quality Council of India (QCI) that ranked the police stations on an 80-point scale including registration of FIRs, redressing public grievances, online uploading of FIRs and performance of Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) among various other parameters.

I still cannot believe that our police station has been ranked among top three police stations of the country. It is a matter of pride that our hard work is being recognised at the national level, said Ram Surat Sonker, inspector of Gudamba police station.

The inspector said the survey was conducted by the QCI team in October and December, but at that time he was not very confident about the police station being ranked among the top three. Sonker said it was a surprise for him and all staff at the police station when senior officers informed him on the first day of the Near Year about the letter from the Intelligence Bureau.

JN Singh examining police records at the station. (HT Photo)

He said the letter read that the Gudamba police station was ranked among the top three police stations of the country and invited him to participate in the inaugural session of the conference and receive the shield from the home minister.

The ranking was done on the basis of 80 parameters, but we were not aware about it. We just focused on 20 basic things related to redressal of public grievances, registration of FIRs, maintenance of records and public and police welfare that yielded the result, said Sonker while sharing the success story.

He said he was focused on redressal of public grievances and other basic amenities since he joined as inspector at Gudamba police station on October 21, 2017 and asked his subordinates to do the same.

The ranking could be achieved with the combined efforts of all 97 police staff and other staff like guards and others. The credit also goes to senior police officers who provided the required strength of police personnel at the police station, he added.

NUMBER OF COPS AT THE POLICE STATION Inspector 1 Sub-inspectors 12 Women sub-inspectors 1 Head constables 5 Constables 65 Women constables 13

Sonker said cops posted at this police station should now be more focused on maintaining their performance.

Inspector General (IG) of police, Lucknow Zone, Jai Narain Singh visited the Gudamba police station on Wednesday to appreciate the efforts of police personnel posted there. Efforts of cops posted at Gudamba police station have made the entire UP police feel proud, he emphasised.

He took a round of the entire police station and congratulated all police personnel individually for the ranking.

The IG said the Gudamba police station would be presented as a role model for other police station in-charges who will be asked to visit the station once. When one police station can do this, then why cant other police stations replicate it? he asked.
A day after setting up of UP Metro Rail Corporation, chief secretary Rajive Kumar directed officials to send the revised detailed project reports of Kanpur, Agra and Meerut metro rails to the Centre immediately after necessary approvals from the state government.

The chief secretary also set July 1 deadline for commencement of work on the proposed Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS).

The new Metro Rail Policy 2017 makes alternate analysis of other modes of mass transit system like BRTS (Bus Rapid Transit System), Light Rail Transit etc mandatory.

It states that least cost mass transit mode should be selected for public transport in terms of terms of demand, capacity, cost and ease of implementation. The new guidelines opens a big window for private investments across a range of metro operations making PPP component mandatory for availing central assistance for new metro projects.

Private investment and other innovative forms of financing of metro projects have been made compulsory to meet the huge resource demand for capital intensive high capacity metro projects.

Consequently, Kumar, who was taking stock of proposed metro rail projects in the state here on Wednesday, asked the officials to also send the comprehensive mobility plan study and alternate analysis report along with the DPR of these cities.

According to sources, historical cities (including Gorakhpur) may now have to opt for RRTS instead of metro rail.

Setting up of Urban Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) has also been made mandatory under the new metro policy to prepare Comprehensive Mobility Plans for cities for ensuring complete multi-modal integration for optimal utilization of capacities.

The chief secretary asked the officials to complete necessary formalities for inviting bids for the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Rapid Rail Transit System project and set 2024 completion deadline for RRTS which would be implemented as a joint venture by National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) and four state governments, namely Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan.
SYDNEY, Jan. 4 -- Hosted by Consulate General of the Peoples Republic of China in Brisbane and organized by Peoples Daily Online Australia, the 2017 China-Australia Short Video Contest entered its final award period on December 25th. One week later, the contest generated its final Most Popular in China Award, based on the most clicks on Chinas social media outlets. The video Get Out of the Cities by Amy -- with more than 3 million views, won the final award.

On December 22nd, five judges decided the contests three individual awards: Best Story Award, Best Editing Award, and Most Creative Award. From December 25th, the contest entered its final stage. The three winning productions were promoted on popular Chinese social media platforms, where one final winner was voted as most popular. By December 31st midnight, Best Editing Award video Get Out of the Cities achieved 3 million views. Therefore, it has won the final Most Popular in China Award. The winner, Amy, will be invited to China for a cultural exchange trip.

This years short video contest has received vast attention from both Australia and China. Through Australias social media platforms, the contest achieved over 1 million views in total. More than 100 Facebook and Twitter accounts were involved, and the total amount of followers was approximately 0.9 million. During the final award period, the three winners of individual awards also drew lots of attention in China. Many media and other organizations have shared them on their Weibo accounts, reaching over 10 million views in China.

Professor Colin Mackerras said that this years contest has provided a good opportunity for Australians to express their friendship toward China. It can provide Australians with a better understanding about China and Chinese culture, and also enhance the two countries connections in all aspects. The Final Award winner, Amy, said that through her video, she wanted to show real Chinese culture to the world. She hopes that more people can have the opportunity to experience Chinas rich history and modern civilization.

The award ceremony of the contest will be held in Brisbane in February. During the ceremony, the Consulate General of the Peoples Republic of China in Brisbane will present trophies and prizes to all the winners.
ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD Direction: Ridley Scott Actors: Christopher Plummer, Michelle Williams Rating: 4 / 5

It was a sensational news story back in 1973. While walking the streets of Rome alone at night, the 16-year-old grandson of American billionaire J Paul Getty was abducted by masked men.

His captors demanded a ransom of $17 million for the boys safe release. Getty refused to part with a penny, despite his oil billions.

I have 14 grandchildren and if I pay one penny now, Ill have 14 kidnapped grandchildren, he famously said.

Ridley Scotts retelling of events benefits hugely from a stellar cast. The self-absorbed tycoon is played by a never-better Christopher Plummer, taking over from the disgraced Kevin Spacey following allegations of sexual misconduct. The boys mother, Gail, by Michelle Williams  terrific here, unlike her lacklustre turn in last weeks The Greatest Showman.

Michelle Williams plays Gail, the boys mother, and shes terrific here, unlike her lacklustre turn in last weeks The Greatest Showman.

A supreme stylist, Scott builds up the tension superbly. The standoff stretches out over months; midway, the teenagers right ear is cut off. Gail becomes increasingly desperate to rescue her son (Charlie Plummer, no relation to Christopher), and finally gets some help from a fixer (Mark Wahlberg) tasked by old man Getty with resolving the crisis.

The negotiations with the abductors are not always convincing, but the ticking-clock thriller elements are executed with flair.

It is also commendable that Ridley Scott managed to reshoot all the Kevin Spacey scenes in time to ensure the film made the deadline for awards-season contention.

Both Christopher Plummer and Michelle Williams have already garnered Golden Globe nominations. Given their performances, Oscars could follow.

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A man who had jumped from the Bandra-Worli Sealink on Thursday morning was found near the shore at Chaityabhoomi in Shivaji Park within seven hours.

The Worli police said they had received a call at 11.50am on Thursday informing them that a man had jumped off the sealink, from pole number 90, towards Worli. The eyewitness of the incident, who is a taxi driver, called the police control room when he was driving through the sealink and saw the man jump.

Gajanan Desurkar, senior police inspector of Worli police station, said that after the call, they had informed the fire brigade and had started tracing the mans body assuming him to be dead. We were searching for him with the help of the fire brigade and a few swimmers, said Desurkar.

However, by evening they received another call that the man had swam towards the shore.

The police officers found the man unconscious, after which, he was rushed to the KEM Hospital. The police officers said that the man has been identified as Nikhar Shahu, from Fatehpur in Uttar Pradesh. We are now trying to find out the reason behind his suicide attempt, said a police officer from the Worli police station.
Mumbai police on Thursday denied permission for a convention that was to see the participation of Dalit activist-legislator Jignesh Mevani and JNU student leader Umar Khalid, who have been booked for allegedly inciting violence that led to the death of a 28-year-old man in Bhima Koregaon.

Authorities detained the organisers of the proposed event at Bhaidas Hall in Vile Parle and imposed section 144 of the IPC to prevent people from assembling at the spot. The move was met with angry protests at the venue of the convention, with agitators accusing the city police of bias.

The Pune police have booked both Mevani and Khalid for making provocative speeches in the city. They are also accused of inciting members of the Dalit community after the Bhima Koregaon attack, which culminated in a state-wide agitation that practically brought Mumbai to a standstill on Wednesday.

Protesting the police move, members of Chhatra Bharati  the group organising the event  attempted to squat outside Bhaidas Hall while others roamed around the main road outside. Some even attempted to enter the auditorium, only to be detained by police.

Chhatra Bharati vice-president Sagar Bhalerao said the daylong event, called the All India Students Summit, was planned long ago.He accused the police of acting at the behest of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-Shiv Sena government in the state to crush the voice of students who raise uncomfortable questions, but vowed to continue their struggle.

Chhatra Bharati president Datta Dhage and a few other members were detained after they announced their intention to go ahead with the event without police permission. Mevani and Khalid were among those slated to address the first session of the summit, around 11 am.

Some members of the outfit were detained following a scuffle with the police, and later served a notice of unlawful assembly.

The programme was apolitical. We wanted to ask questions to Umar Khalid and Jignesh Mevani. The Pune unrest has nothing to do with Mevani, said Sachin Bansode, Chhatra Bharatis Mumbai president.

Some Chhatra Bharati members staged protests at the Juhu police station, where their leaders have been detained.

The government is targeting students because they are perceived as the greatest threat. Free thought is bring curbed everywhere, and we will fight this right from the street to Parliament, said Richa Singh, president of the Allahabad University student union.

On January 1, Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle, in which Dalit soldiers of the British East India Company emerged triumphant over those of the Peshwa, when they were allegedly targeted by upper-caste men. As the Peshwas were Brahmins, the victory is seen as a symbol of assertiveness by Dalits.

Mevani had spearheaded protests in Gujarat a year ago, after four Dalits were allegedly flogged by upper-caste men for skinning a dead cow.

(With agency inputs)
A delegation of Dalit leaders led by Prakash Ambedkar met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday to follow up on their demands after the withdrawal of their one-day statewide bandh that brought Mumbai to its knees on Wednesday.

Ambedkar, who has now emerged as the face of Dalit leadership, said the delegation discussed demands in connection with the violence that erupted at Bhima Koregaon, near Pune, during the bicentennial celebration of the British-Peshwa war.

We have clearly pointed out [the accused] and police complaints have been registered against Milind Ekbote and Sambhaji Bhide. We want speedy action against them for perpetuating violence, and the CM has promised us that they will be arrested, said Ambedkar at a press conference held after the meeting.

The delegation also demanded that the inquiry commission that is to be appointed to look into the Bhima Koregaon incident be vested with the power of criminal and civil courts. We have noticed that such inquiry commissions lack teeth as they are only recommendary in nature. We demanded that this commission should have powers of civil and criminal court so that it can even sentence those who are found guilty. The CM has agreed to this demand, Ambedkar said.

Ambedkar, the founder of Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh and grandson of BR Ambedkar, said they had also asked for the police to stop combing operations in their hunt for miscreants. Instead, he said, Dalit organisations would work with the police once they are given a list of those who are to be charged for violence.

According to Ambedkar, not just Dalits were part of the Bhima Koregaon incident, there was also a big section of members of Other Backward Classes (OBC), and everyone is furious with the way they were beaten up. There is simmering anger still over being beaten up. Some of that dissipated in Wednesdays bandh, but many are asking why Hindus are beating us up when we are also Hindus, he said.
The citys Dalit pockets are simmering with anger. Their grouse: the state governments failure to contain the Pune violence and subsequent reluctance to take action against the culprits of the clashes.

The Dalit-dominated areas of Naigaum, Worli, Chembur, Ghatkopar, Govandi and Mulund feel the state government is biased towards the Marathas. Despite evidence, Sambhaji Bhide and Milind Ekbote [booked for provoking people] have not been arrested till date. In contrast, strict action was taken against the Dalits guilty in the Kopardi case, said Shyam Kadam, 23, an engineer.

In July last year, a minor Maratha girl was raped and brutally killed by three Dalit youths in Kopardi. The Maratha community built up pressure with their protest. The special court recently convicted the three accused to death.

All demands of the Maratha community are met instantly, while we have to beg even for basic rights, said Kamal Kamble, an unemployed youth who lives in a 100sqft house with five family members in Naigaum BDD chawl. After the Maratha morcha in August, the CM accepted all their demands within hours. Our attackers are roaming free despite our bandh.

Bhima Pawar who lives in Ramabai Nagar at Ghatkopar blamed the Dalit leaders. Our leaders are only puppets in the hands of the main political parties, which is why we are in this state today, said Pawar.

The BJP, however, said they were not biased towards any community. This is part of dirty politics to defame us. Our government has handled the situation in a mature way. Some elements want to pit one caste against the other. The BJP will never fall in this trap and is committed to punish the guilty, said BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari.

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A day after Maharashtra bandh brought life to a standstill in Mumbai, the city was back on its feet on Thursday, with all commercial establishments, educational institutions and offices functioning as usual, and public transport operating smoothly.

The police, however, remained on alert to prevent any fresh incidents of violence. I have directed all policemen to remain on high alert and also safeguard statues across the state, Satish Mathur, Maharashtras director general of police, told HT. Night patrolling will be increased, and we will detain anti-social elements.

Security remained tight in the citys eastern suburbs of Chembur, Ghatkopar, Kanjurmarg, Vikhroli and Mulund, which faced the brunt of Wednesdays shutdown. There was also heavy police presence in the Dalit-dominated Ramabai Nagar in Ghatkopar.

The police said they are also keeping an eye on the city through CCTV cameras.

Around noon, a handful of protesters staged rail roko at Thane station, halting trains for around five minutes, but they were removed from the tracks immediately.

Brijesh Singh, who commutes from Kalyan to Dadar every day, said trains were packed to capacity: It hardly seemed that there was a bandh yesterday; everything is normal today.

Sunil Parmar, who owns an utensils store at Parel, said all shops were open in the area. It is like any normal day, he said.

The police have registered 16 FIRs for unlawful assembly and vandalism, and detained over 300 protesters for Wednesdays protests. The accused are booked under various sections under Maharashtra Police Act, Defacement of Public Property, Criminal Amendment Act and the Indian Penal Code, said Sachin Patil,spokesperson for the Mumbai police. At least 29 policemen sustained minor injuries during face-offs with protesters on Wednesday.

Dalit outfits had declared a statewide bandh on Wednesday, following violence in Pune that led to the death of a 28-year-old man. The community took to the streets in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane, staging rail rokos, blocking roads, closing shops and holding demonstrations, which led to a complete lockdown.
Nearly 18 years after he set up the BhaRiPa (Bharatiya Republican Paksh) Bahujan Mahasangh, 63-year-old Prakash Ambedkar, lawyer and grandson of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar has now emerged as the face of the Dalit leadership in Maharashtra. Ambedkars call for bandh following violence at Bhima-Koregaon in Pune district brought the countrys financial capital to a grinding halt.

The coming together of disparate Dalit groups is being seen as the emergence of a new Dalit movement in Maharashtra and possibly the country.

What is new in the Dalit agitation this time is the participation of the smaller castes with the OBCs. I see a greater alignment between these smaller OBC castes and Dalits in the 2019 polls. This is not a phenomena exclusive to just Maharashtra, its pan-India, said Ambedkar, also known as Balasaheb.

Hindustan Times spoke to Ambedkar about the future of the Dalit agitation, the Bhima Koregaon incident, the role of Hindutva groups on Thursday.

Excerpts:

There has been a heralding of new Dalit politics post Bhima-Koregaon and state wide bandh called by you. How do you view these developments?

I have been waiting for the dawn of Dalit politics for the last 30 years (laughs). What is new this time is the participation of smaller castes within the OBCs in the Dalit agitation. It was possible because we convinced them to join hands with us for the bicentennial celebrations of the Bhima-Koregaon war as they also had a role to play in that war. More than 200 organisations aligned with our cause within just two months.

The reason for this is that for the past four to five years, these smaller castes  non-Vanjaris, non-Dhangars, non-Malis (Vanjari, Dhangar and Mali are prominent OBC castes)  have been feeling left out. They are clamouring for recognition and feel the BJP is not giving them enough respect. Many of these people who participated were beaten up and have been angered by it. Dalits are used to being beaten up. They are not and are questioning why they were beaten up by fellow Hindus. They participated in the bandh as well as agitations a day before.

The fallout of this is there will be greater consultation between Dalits and these smaller castes and a greater alignment ahead of 2019 elections. This is not just in Maharashtra; I have witnessed something similar in Karnataka and other states too. This wider bahujan platform will play a role in next polls.

You have said what happened in Bhima Koregaon is not Maratha versus Dalit clash. Do you think the fringe elements have a tacit backing of mainstream right-wing politicians?

I am doubtful whether the BJP and RSS had any role to play in the January 1 violence at Bhima-Koregaon. The main reason is the Maratha protests had antagonised the OBCs and Dalits. So, the BJP was comfortable. All that the Chief Minister had to do is to ensure there was no further unrest. Why would they spoil this situation? Religious politics and fringe religious politics are two different things. The fringe groups have no godfather, they play the role of godfather for themselves. In this case, we had two fringe elements  Sambhaji Bhide and Milind Ekbote  as responsible for the violence, but there were other groups too. What we have seen in the recent past is the government allowing these fringe elements to go scot-free. It has served them well vis-a-vis minorities. But, in this case, such a stance will backfire.

You have said the fringe right-wing elements should be treated on a par with terrorists?

Yes. The biggest challenge for the Hindutva parties and BJP is these characters whose agenda is to create chaos and challenge law and order. They will play the role of Saeed Hafiz (Islamist militant and co-founder of LeT), if they are not controlled. I have always said I have no problem with religious parties like BJP, as they have to submit to people after five years. But such groups are answerable to no one.

The BJP is using a similar narrative against JNU leader Umar Khalid and Gujarat MLA Jignesh Mewani, by terming them anti-nationals who are trying to play divisive politics. Comment.

Khalid and Mewani both dont have a mass base. How are they going to pull off such acts? These right-wing fringe elements have deep pockets of support among masses and feed off religious frenzy.

What role will you play in the run-up to the 2019 polls? Do you see an alignment with Congress or the NCP?

People are fed up with the existing alternatives. I think there is a non-BJP, non-Congress third front in the offing. Even if it is not pan-India, such a platform could be possible in more than four to five states. I see myself a part of such a front. After Gujarat, I am waiting to see what happens in Karnataka.

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Homemakers with school-going children, house help, unemployed youth, blue collar workers and senior citizens were among the many faces of the Dalit agitation in the city.

Every participant in this protest is a common man with no resources. The rich communities and upper castes have no reason to protest. No media coverage was given to the clash at Bhima-Koregaon on the day of the incident. News spread because our community showed solidarity on social media, said 71-year-old Nisha Jadhav, a homemaker who had walked from Naigaon to Dadars Chitra cinema with her school-going grandchildren to participate in the protest.

There were at least 50 women, and 20 children among the 150-odd protesters who were at Dadar carrying flags and sloganeering for the demands of the Dalit community.

They shouted slogans and halted traffic before moving on. Jadhav said, It is a sign of inequality that our problems are shown in a bad light only when Mumbai comes to a standstill because of our protests. Sangeeta Nikam, 51, also a homemaker living in BDD chawls in Worli, said, I have given up hope. There were roughly 250 Dalit organisations that supported the Maharashtra bandh on Wednesday. UP More, head of the Bhim Sena, one of the protesting organisations, said, We are protesting against decades of injustice.
The Mumbai Police registered 16 FIRs and detained over 300 people in connection with the violent protests by Dalit groups during the day-long shutdown on Wednesday against the January 1 Bhima Koregaon caste clashes, officials said on Thursday.

Daily life was disrupted in Mumbai as well as the suburbs of Thane, Dombivali, Navi Mumbai and across Maharashtra in cities such as Nagpur, Pune and Aurangabad because of the shutdown to protest the death of a 28-year-old man and violence near the bicentennial celebrations of a British-era war.

Protesters vandalised buses, stopped suburban trains and blocked roads at various places in the state capital as normal life was hit in the city during the shutdown, which was called off later in the day.

Over 200 buses of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation were damaged in attacks by protesters across the state, MSRTC officials said. The protesters attacked 13 buses of the civic corporation in Kolhapur, the home district of social reformist late Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, an official said.

Protests by Dalit groups were held in the district on Wednesday followed by counter-rallies led by Shiv Sena MLA Rajesh Kshirsagar.

The Kolhapur Police have suspended internet services till midnight on Thursday as a precautionary measure, an official said.

An office of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was attacked by agitators raising anti-RSS slogans in Parbhani district of the Marathwada region, police said, but no major damage to property was reported.

In Nilanga, the hometown of state labour minister Sambhaji Patil Nilangekar in Latur district, around 40 two-wheelers and 10 to 12 four wheelers were damaged by a mob, according to the police.

The Union ministry of home affairs has received a factual report from the Maharashtra government on the prevailing situation in the state in the wake of the caste-based violence in the western state, a ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

The home ministry and the Maharashtra government are in constant touch over the situation in the state, the spokesperson added.

Another official said the Centre assured the state government of all necessary assistance to deal with the violence and protests and bring back normalcy to the state.

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said an inquiry will be conducted in the incidents and that the government was monitoring the CCTV footage of the violence.

The bandh, called by BR Ambedkars grandson Prakash Ambedkar and supported by 250 groups, was against violence that broke out near Bhima Koregaon, 40 kilometres from Pune, on January 1 that left one man dead and 40 vehicles charred or damaged.

Hundreds of thousands of Dalits had gathered to commemorate the 200th anniversary of a battle between the Peshwa, the erstwhile rulers of the state, and the British. Many believe the Dalit soldiers in the British army defeated the much larger army of the Peshwa, who is said to have instituted oppressive caste practices.

The two Hindu right-wing leaders  Sambhaji Bhide of Shiv Pratisthan from Sangli and Milind Ekbote of the Hindu Ekta Aghadi from Pune  were booked by the police for allegedly inciting the January 1 violence.
Based on a written complaint filed by a Delhi-based woman, the Mumbai police have booked venture investor and owner of Seedfund Mahesh Murthy, a resident of Bandra (West), for sexual harassment and for using obscene language.

The Khar police said they received a written complaint from the National Commission for Women (NCW) along with a written complaint from the woman last month, based on which they registered an FIR against Murthy on December 29.

The 52-year-old investor has been booked under sections 354 (D), 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) and 67 (punishment for publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form) of the IT Act.

The complainant had submitted a written complaint to the NCW last year, alleging that Murthy had made objectionable, derogatory and obscene signs and sexual remarks while messaging her on WhatsApp.

In its complaint, the NCW has said this is the second complaint it has received against Murthy  another woman had made a similar complaint against him last year.

Even though Murthy apologised for some of his messages, the NCW decided that legal action must be taken against him for the offence.

Paramjit Singh Dahiya, deputy commissioner of police, zone IX, confirmed that an FIR had been registered against Murthy, and that investigations were underway.

Senior police inspector Ramchandra Jadhav from Khar police station told HT: We are conducting further investigations, after which we will arrest the accused.

Despite repeated attempts on phone and email for comments, there was no response from Murthy.
Chinese authorities on Wednesday called for a fair and predictable environment for Chinese enterprises to invest and develop in U.S. after Washington blocked MoneyGrams sale to Chinas Ant Financial on so-called national security concerns.

The Chinese government always encourages Chinese enterprises to conduct outward investment and cooperation in accordance with market principles and on the basis of abiding by the local laws and regulations, said Geng Shuang, a spokesperson for Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Geng noted that China is willing to further advance Sino-US economic and trade cooperation in the spirit of mutual respect, but noted that the U.S. should provide a fair investment environment for Chinese enterprises.

The comment is Chinese authorities latest response to a recently failed international acquisition. Ant Financial, a branch of Chinas internet conglomerate Alibaba Group, announced on Tuesday that its plan to acquire U.S. money transfer company MoneyGram International Inc. was road-blocked by the U.S. governmental, which rejected the $1.2 billion-deal due to national security concerns.

As Chinese enterprises ambition to conquer overseas markets continue to soar, their international acquisition attempts have been increasingly challenged. According to Xinhua, in the last 30 days of 2017, the U.S. government launched a Section 301 investigation into Chinese intellectual property and technology transfer, self-initiated probes into Chinese-made aluminum products, as well as rejecting Chinas market economy status at the World Trade Organization.

The tension has intensified after U.S. President Donald Trump labeled China as a competitor in his first national security strategy in December, accusing China of pursing economic aggression to weaken America, forgetting that he had adopted a softer approach to attract more investment during his visit to China just a month ago.

In a commentary released by Xinhua on Wednesday, the U.S. government was criticized for its zero-sum mentality. The article warned of a bumpy journey in trade with the U.S. in 2018 if the U.S. goes its own way and that retaliatory measures could be on the table.

But the price is too high for the two peoples to pay if skepticism grows and tension escalates. Composure and pragmatism are needed to steer trade ties safe and sound, read the article.
The decision of the University of Mumbai to continue with their examinations as per schedule proved costly to thousands of students on Wednesday. After receiving several complaints from students struggling to reach their exam centre, the university announced that the same exams will be held once again for those students who could not make it to their exam centres in time today.

Considering the unavoidable circumstances, many students could not make it to their exam centres in time for the exams held in the afternoon session. Therefore, we have decided that exams for such students will be held once again in due time, said Vinod Malale, PRO, MU. Earlier in the day, the university had released one more statement requesting colleges to allow students to enter the exam centres even if they are late, and also allow them extra time to complete their exam. We also allowed students to appear for exams from their closest exam centre. Despite that, several students struggled to make it on time, added Malale.

Close to 35,000 students were to appear for their exams on Wednesday in two sessions. While four exams were held in the morning session, most students found it difficult to reach the exam centre for the nine other exams to be held in the afternoon session. I left home from Navi Mumbai at 11am to make it to my exam centre in Churchgate before 3pm. However, till 1pm I was stuck at Ghatkopar station and could not go any further. Thankfully the university decided to give us some respite, said Vaibhav Gujare, a final year law student.

Akshay Parekh, a second-year law student, from GJ Advani Law college in Bandra, had to walk to his exam centre with his two other friends. The three students who are residents of Ghatkopar (West), couldnt find any mode of transport to take then to Asmita College in Vikhroli (East).

Parekh and his friends started walking well before the university made the announcement that those who couldnt make it for exams could appear later.

The university has not cancelled, nor postponed the exam. We are walking to our exam centre because there is no mode of transport available. One of our friends may come walking from Kurla, said Parekh. He also went on to add that one of his friends opted to not appear for the examination because her parents were worried about her safety owing to the protests.

Most city colleges witnessed between 20 to 35% student attendance on Wednesday morning, and decided to call off lectures by 9pm. We have also postponed our class 12 preliminary examinations to avoid any last minute problems, said Marie Fernandes, principal of St Andrews College, Bandra.

(With inputs from Yesha Kotak)

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The Shiv Sena on Thursday took on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the state governments failure in controlling protests during the Maharashtra bandh declared by Dalit groups.

Prakash Ambedkar, grandson of BR Ambedkar and head of a Dalit group, had called for a bandh on Wednesday in protest against the violent clashes at Bhima Koregaon near Pune on January 1. The call was supported by 250 Dalit groups across the state.

In an editorial in the Sena mouthpiece Saamana, the party questioned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governments capability as it was not able to control the ongoing chaos in the state.

The Sena said the state paid the price because of politics in the police department and because the home department is controlled by the BJP.

The Marathi dailys editorial is said to reflect Sena chief Uddhav Thackerays opinion. There is nothing new in ordering an inquiry in such a matter, everyone does that. What new thing has the Maharashtra government done to tackle the issue, the editorial questioned. People from other states are coming to Maharashtra and carrying out such activities, it further alleged.

The editorial also slammed its ally for using the police machinery to win elections. When contesting and winning elections with the help of the government and the police becomes the primary job, a spark like this flares up into a big fire, it said, criticising the government for not containing the clashes in Bhima Koregaon.

The BJP government should set aside its election mindset, the piece said. There is a lot of time left to fight with the Shiv Sena. Instead of putting all its might to finish the Sena politically, it should fight the real enemies of the state, Saamana asserted.

The Sena also accused Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh chief Prakash Ambedkar of inciting violence, and said he should not have used the issue to fulfil his political agenda. A true leader is one who gives direction to the crowd and not one who instigates violence, it said.

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The Noida authoritys chief executive officer (CEO) Alok Tandon on Wednesday inspected ongoing work on the Sector 94 underpass, Sector 18 multilevel car-parking lot and Sector 60/61 underpass and directed officials to ensure that the three projects can be inaugurated on January 24  UP Diwas.

Tandon directed the officials to complete the three projects by January 15 as the Uttar Pradesh government wants to open three projects on UP Diwas.

Tandon, chief project engineers, Hom Singh Yadav and Sandip Chandra, and other officials first inspected the Sector 18 multilevel parking lot, then the Sector 94 underpass and the Sector 60/61 underpass near Mamura village.

The CEO has directed us to finish the three projects latest by January 15. Following the CEOs instructions, we have instructed the respective officials to work day and night to ensure that work on these three important projects gets completed well in advance of UP Diwas. The state government will open these three projects for public use on January 24, Hom Singh Yadav, chief engineer of the Noida authority, said.

These three projects will provide much-needed relief to the public. The Sector 18 parking facility that can accommodate 3,000 vehicles will ease parking woes in the citys biggest commercial hub. The Sector 94 underpass will help in addressing the traffic congestion witnessed by the motorists near Kalindi Kunj bridge, which connects South Delhi with Noida.

The underpass near Mamura will ensure a signal-free ride to motorists in that area. Apart from this, the CEO has also directed the respective department heads to expedite work on all projects that are delayed, Yadav said.

The CEO also directed the staff to expedite work on a six-lane bridge project that is being constructed across the Yamuna, next to the existing Kalindi Kunj bridge.

The CEO has asked the staff to finish all other projects, such as a small stretch on the bridge over Hindon at Noida-Greater Noida border, pending approach road in Sorkha village to connect a new bridge near Bisrakh and widen a bridge on the Hindon at Dadri road. The CEO wants all projects to be completed at the earliest without delay, Yadav said.

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It is often small incidents that presage important developments. On December 28, during the final stages of the Lok Sabha debate on the bill to criminalise triple talaq, Asaduddin Owaisi, the MP for Hyderabad representing the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), pressed for a division on his two amendments.

Owaisis reason for doing so was clear. As a bitter opponent of any legislation to regulate Muslim personal laws, he was anxious to have the positions of each party, particularly the parties that professed to oppose the BJPs alleged dilution of secularism, recorded.

In the end, Owaisis amendment received just two votes. The Congress voted against it, as did the Left and the Trinamool Congress, a party that has acquired the reputation of being extremely partial to organised Muslim interests.

It is likely that the relative ease with which the Narendra Modi government secured the passage of the triple talaq bill in the Lok Sabha will not be repeated in the Rajya Sabha. The Congress, the Samajwadi Party and the Trinamool Congress  all disproportionately dependant on Muslim votes for their electoral standing  will probably respond to pressure from the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and attempt to delay matters by referring the bill to a select committee.

The attempt to be seen as committed to gender justice and at the same time sensitive to organised Muslim pressure may well work momentarily. Since the priority of most Muslim bodies is to secure the defeat of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019, the secular parties may well be given greater elbow room by the custodians of the Muslim vote to dent the BJPs Hindu support by all means necessary.

The outcome of the Gujarat assembly election has been seen by the Congress as vindication of a new approach. In challenging the BJP that had won five consecutive elections in the state, the Congress did naturally highlight deficiencies in governance and the teething troubles of the Goods and Services Act. The party also fished in the murky waters of caste politics by promoting the likes of Hardik Patel, Alpesh Thakor and Jignesh Mewani.

These normal facets of anti-incumbency politics were complemented by Congress President Rahul Gandhis temple visiting spree  including a visit to the Somnath temple whose re-construction in the 1950s had irked Jawaharlal Nehru. It is not that there was an automatic correlation between votes and the 26 temple visits. These acts of symbolic genuflection to Hindu deities were aimed at blunting the BJPs assertion that the Congress was insensitive to Hindu aspirations and the cultural identity that stemmed from the Hindu faith. The Congress took exceptional care to ensure that the traditional support it received from the Muslim was kept well below the radar. In other words, every step was taken to ensure that the automatic identification of the Congress with minorityism was firmly kept under wraps. True, there were moments of embarrassment such as Kapil Sibals attempt to delay the Supreme Courts hearing of the Ayodhya dispute. But this does not take away from the Congress conscious attempt to deny the BJP a monopoly claim over Hindu politics.

The Congress, it would seem, has internalised a few lessons from the Uttar Pradesh assembly election of 2017. The most important of these is the realisation that any political identification with aggressive Muslim mobilisation can trigger a backlash that can only benefit the BJP. Last summer, Congress leaders berated Modi for his shamshan ghat-kabaristan speech, quite unmindful of the fact that it reflected the Hindu resentment on the ground. In Gujarat, the party did not repeat such mistakes.

It is not merely the Congress that has changed tack. In West Bengal, confronted by repeated charges of Muslim appeasement, Mamata Banerjee appears to have woken up to the reality of rising Hindu disquiet. Last month, she made a big show of overseeing arrangements for pilgrims to the Ganga Sagar mela and even extracted praise from the Hindu Samhati, led by a breakaway group from the RSS. During the triple talaq debate in the Lok Sabha, the Trinamool Congress MPs maintained a studied silence, this despite the involvement of its local leaders in a simmering agitation to prevent state interference in Muslim personal laws.

The growing sway of the BJP all over India has brought about a discernible Hindu-ward tilt in the popular mood. Hitherto, the parties opposing this shift countered it with secular fundamentalism. We may now be witnessing a shift in emphasis, with Hindu nationalism being regarded as the new consensus.

Swapan Dasgupta is a Rajya Sabha MP, senior journalist and political commentator

The views expressed are personal
Pune police have booked Jignesh Mevani and Umar Khalid for promoting enmity between two groups and instigating violence.

Mevani and Khalid had attended the Elgar Parishad, an event organised to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the battle of Bhima-Koregaon, at Shaniwar Wada in the city on December 31.

In the FIR, the duo has been accused of making provocative speech, in which they said, We can make this battle of Bhima Koregaon as a future. They attacked first, the time is to retaliate.

Both have been charged under section 153(a), 505 and 177 of Indian Penal Code.

The FIR was lodged based on a complaint filed by Akshay Gautam Bikkad at Deccan Gymkhana police station, which was transferred to Vishrambaug police station.

Violent protests broke out between two communities during the 200th anniversary celebrations of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in Pune district. The violence left a man dead and four others injured on January 1.

Police have filed an FIR against group of youths bearing blue flags in connection with death of 29-year-old Rahul Phatangale.

Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle, which the forces of the British East India Company had won over those of the Peshwa.

Dalit leaders commemorate the British victory as it is believed that soldiers from the Mahar community  then considered untouchables  were part of the East India Companys forces and the victory is seen as a symbol of assertiveness by Dalits over the Brahminical Peshwas.
Fed up with the inaction of the Batala police, 25-year-old karate player Kuldeep Kaur, who had represented the country in many international-level karate tournaments, reportedly committed suicide by inhaling some poisonous substance at Gujjarpura village here on Wednesday.

Kuldeep Kaur had participated in many international karate tournaments held at Japan, Nepal and China and had also won gold medals in various national-level tournaments.

Blaming the police for the death of his sister, her brother, Satwant Singh, an army jawan, who was posted at Arunachal Pradesh, who had come her, said that when he was away, his relatives attacked his mother, Sukhwinder Kaur and sister Kuldeep Kaur in October last year following a property case. Though an FIR was registered against three people, yet the cops were not arresting them.

After the death of Kuldeep Kaur on Wednesday, the police arrested all the three accused Ajaib Singh, Pargat Singh and Karam Singh.

As the police did not take any action, I along with my sister Kuldeep Kaur had met the SHO of Ghiana-Ke-Banger police station, Paramjeet Singh, and requested him for the arrest of the accused, who were threatening them of dire consequences if we did not withdraw the complaint, but the officer turned down our repeated requests, he added. We even met SSP, Batala, and sought the arrest of the accused, but to no avail.

Unable to bear this harassment, my sister locked herself in a room and committed suicide on Wednesay, he said.

Denying the allegation of Satwant Singh, SSP, Batala, Opinderjeet Singh Ghuman, said the police did not make any arrest as an inquiry was pending in the case. Though, he admitted that Kuldeep Kaur had approached him with her complaint a couple of months ago following which he ordered SHO Paramjeet Singh to register a case against the accused named in the complaint.

He said later she again approached him and complained that some people were harassing her due to the property dispute. But, the other party had also filed a cross-complaint against Kuldeep Kaur and he marked an inquiry into the case. Surprising, after the death of Kuldeep Kaur on Wednesday, the police arrested all the three accused Ajaib Singh, Pargat Singh and Karam Singh, against whom an inquiry has been pending as claimed by the SSP. It is also learnt that the police were going to register another case against the three accused.
The simmering tension within the local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reached its boiling point on Wednesday with a group of councillors owing allegiance to city unit president Sanjay Tandon revolting against the partys official nominee for the mayoral post, Davesh Moudgil.

They have fielded outgoing mayor Asha Jaswal as an Independent candidate for the election slated on January 9.

Claiming the support of at least 11 party councillors, including Jaswal, Tandon group has also fielded its own nominee for the post of senior deputy post by pitching first-time councillor Ravi Kant Sharma against Gurpreet Singh Dhillon.

Tension was simmering since Moudgil, backed by MP Kirron Kher and senior leaders Satya Pal Jain and Harmohan Dhawan, was emerging the front runner, reducing the chances of Tandon-backed Arun Sood.

Meanwhile, Vinod Aggarwal, who was selected as the partys official candidate for the post of deputy mayor, also staged a coup by declaring that he had filed his nomination on behalf of Tandon group. The party that has a brute majority in the House, with 20 councillors among 26 elected members, is now reeling under this vertical split, giving some hope to the rival Congress that has only four councillors.

The tension was simmering ever since Moudgil, who was backed by MP Kirron Kher and senior leaders Satya Pal Jain and Harmohan Dhawan, was emerging the front runner, reducing the chances of Tandon-backed Arun Sood.

Even as the Congress fielded its candidate on Tuesday, the BJP remained indecisive. The things came to a head when Moudgils candidature got the official stamp after hours of consultation at a meeting chaired by partys Chandigarh affairs in-charge Prabhat Jha at the UT Guest House on Wednesday afternoon.

But before Moudgil could reach the MC office in Sector 17 to file his nomination papers, Jaswal and Gupta accompanied by Arun Sood and other supporters filed their papers.

However, Tandon  whose supporters had just staged a coup  was seen standing next to Moudgil as he filed his nomination.

Outgoing mayor Asha Jaswal filing her papers, surrounded by rebel BJP councillors. Vinod Aggarwal (second from left), who was the partys official candidate for the post of deputy mayor, claimed he had filed his nomination on behalf of the rebel group. (Keshav Singh/HT)

Jha overlooked majority view, say rebels

Calling it an unfortunate development, Jha said it was least expected from people who had held various posts in the party. Claiming there are still some days left for the elections, Jha said he will discuss the matter with the party high command. BJP organisation secretary Dinesh Kumar, too, said the partys decision should have been considered supreme.

However, Jaswal and Sood accused Jha of backing a candidate who did not enjoy majority and ignoring Tandons recommendations during the meeting. The two claimed they have the backing of at least nine other councillors: Ravi Kant Sharma, Vinod Aggarwal, Rajesh Kumar Gupta, Shakti Parkash Devshali, Satish Kainth, Rajesh Kalia, Bharat Kumar, Sunita Dhawan and Jagtar Singh Jagga.

Jaswal said she was forced to revolt after Jha overlooked the majority view and announced the candidature of Moudgil, who she alleged had favoured companies involved in corrupt deals. The outgoing mayor said she will not back out till the party disqualifies Moudgil and declares her candidature instead.

Meanwhile, Sood alleged Jha had misled the central leadership by finalising the name of a person who had the support of just six councillors.

As many as 11 councillors recommended my name for the mayors post last week, said Sood. Even today, 14 councillors told Jha that if my name is not being considered, they are open to support Rakesh Gupta. But he was also overlooked.

Denying the allegations, Jha said the final names were decided in consultation with Tandon and other core group members. Tandon maintained that he had followed the party high commands directions.Calling the revolt by his supporters unfortunate, he said it should not have happened. Good sense will prevail, he said.

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Mahesh Babu has been vacationing with his wife Namrata Shirodkar and kids in Oman. The pictures from the vacation show a carefree Mahesh spending some quality time his kids. Namrata took to her Instagram account to share the pictures. He paraglided with his son, and being the entertainer that he is, he also struck some goofy poses for the camera.

Namrata shared a picture of Mahesh and son Gautam all set to Paraglide and wrote, My super heroes. Paragliders. like father like son.... beautiful Oman zighy diaries.

Happy holidays  A post shared by Namrata Shirodkar (@namratashirodkar) on Dec 28, 2017 at 3:55am PST

She also shared a picture of the two of them paragliding and wrote, Gautams first paraglide. my little babys all grown up!!

The couple spent their New Years with friends in Oman, who also happened to be celebrating their wedding anniversary. Namrata shared a group selfie and wrote, Its like time has stopped !! Happy anniversary to the most loved couple. to Many memories and good times. happy anniversary Sabina and Xavier.

Maheshs daughter Sitara also seemed to enjoy the vacation as she did some swimming and chilled with her mum. The little girl looks adorable in the pictures shared by her mother.

On the work front, Mahesh Babus film Bharat Ane Nenu is up for release in April. The actor plays the role of a politician in this film directed by Koratala Siva. He also has three other films in the pipeline and will be working with directors Vamsi Paidipally, Trivikram Srinivas and Baahubali fame SS Rajamouli.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

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U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley on Tuesday praised the courage of Iranian demonstrators and said protests across the country were spontaneous, not driven by outside forces.

After she read out social media posts written by Iranians in support of the protests, Haley dismissed Iranian leaders' contention that the protests were designed by Iran's enemies.

"We all know that's complete nonsense," she said. "The demonstrations are completely spontaneous. They are virtually in every city in Iran. This is the precise picture of a long oppressed people's rising up against their dictators."

Haley said the United States was seeking emergency sessions on Iran at the United Nations in New York and at the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva.

"We must not be silent," she said. "The people of Iran are crying out for freedom."

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United States drone sales in 2017 topped $1 billion for the first time ever, but dont raise a glass too quickly if youre in New Jersey, where lawmakers on Thursday are poised to outlaw drunken droning.

It is one of a wave of US states moving to bring the unmanned aircraft high-flying fun back to earth.

New Jerseys Assembly on Thursday is slated to vote on a Senate-approved bill to ban inebriated or drugged droning, as well as outlaw flying unmanned aircraft systems over prisons and in pursuit of wildlife.

Its basically like flying a blender, said John Sullivan, 41, of New York, a drone buff and aerial cinematographer. He said he opposed drunk droning but also fretted about regulatory overreach. If I had like one drink, Id be hesitant to even fly it.

A 2015 drone crash on the White House lawn fuelled debate in the US Congress over the need for drone regulations.

It was a drunken, off-duty employee of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency who flew the 2-foot-by-2-foot quadcopter from a friends apartment balcony and lost control of it over the grounds surrounding the White House, the New York Times reported.

New statistics set for release next week show 3.1 million drones were sold in the United States last year, up 28 percent from 2016, said Richard Kowalski, manager for Consumer Technology Association.

This was the first year that drone revenues reached $1 billion, Kowalksi said in an email.

New Jersey is among at least 38 states considering restrictions on the devices this legislative year, including Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina, said Amanda Essex, senior policy specialist for the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Like any technology, drones have the ability to be used for good, but they also provide new opportunities for bad actors, said Assemblywoman Annette Quijano of Elizabeth, New Jersey. She backed the bill, which would impose a punishment of up to six months prison and a $1,000 fine for drunk droning.

Already, nine states prohibit drones from operating near or over prisons, including Arizona, Louisiana, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin, Essex said.

A drone carrying wire cutters and a cell phone likely aided a prisoners escape in July from a maximum security prison in South Carolina, officials said.
On New Years Eve, as Sandeep Deswal visited a store at a mall in Malton, a suburb of Toronto, he purchased a small globe for his daughter, six-year-old Ashmita. She had written a letter to Santa asking for a globe and her parents were thrilled at being to fulfil her wish.

However, once they returned home and examined the item closely, they discovered that the state of Jammu and Kashmir had been shown as separate from India. She was asking, Wheres India? Wheres Canada? Then I saw a discrepancy on the top (of the map of India), Deswal told Hindustan Times.

Deswal said he would raise the matter with the store in question. But he was concerned over how the erroneous depiction of Indian territory would influence children of Indian-origin like his daughter. If we dont tell her Kashmir is an integral part of the country, she will get a different image of India. The next generation will believe something else, he said.

Six-year-old Ashmita Deswal with the globe purchased by her parents for her. (Courtesy Sandeep Deswal)

This is the third such instance since December to have been highlighted by concerned Indo-Canadians. Two of the globes were manufactured in China and sold at mainstream Canadian outlets.

Sadhna Joshi, a professor at the University of Toronto, was at a Homesense outlet in the city when she encountered a similar problem - a globe with all of Jammu and Kashmir depicted as a disputed area. She said this offended her: I think its very important that we dont let our country be divided into pieces. Action must be taken and these must be withdrawn everywhere.

Earlier, another retailer Costco had a globe, made in China, that omitted Jammu and Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh from the map of India.

Aghast at the availability of these globes, an Indo-Canadian organisation is making an effort to have stores pull them and become aware of the sensitivities involved. Azad Kaushik, president of the National Alliance of Indo-Canadians (NAIC), said, An inaccurate depiction of the map on the globe defeats its educational purpose for a student.

Without naming China, he criticised the making of such globes: A country can now freely engage in a veiled war through business and trade practices by influencing young minds with long-term consequences. The manipulation of a map on an educational globe is but an example of a new kind of war through business in a globalised world.

The NAIC is using the power of social media, directly raising the matter with the concerned business and raising the matter in the corridors of power, he said.

While Costco, a major global retailer has withdrawn the product, Homesense has sent NAICs complaint to its product compliance department for review.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered the military to create an elite force with training in real combat and digital warfare.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China, (CPC) and chairman of the Central Military Commission, (CMC) made the remarks during an inspection of a division of the Peoples Libration Army (PLA) army in the Central Theatre Command, state-run Xinhua news agency reported on Thursday.

Regarded as the most powerful Chinese leader, Xi has been pressing the 2.3 million strong PLA, the worlds largest standing force to improve combat training and function under the leadership of the party and CMC, which is the overall command of the military.

On Wednesday, Xi issued military training instructions to the PLA during a mobilisation ceremony which was simultaneously broadcast to 4,000 military gatherings around China.

The ceremony was held at a military training base in North China under the PLAs Central Theatre Command, with more than 7,000 PLA troops and 300 armed vehicles, China Central Television (CCTV) reported.

At the ceremony, Xi ordered the Chinese military to strengthen combat readiness and put military training in a strategic position, the PLA Daily, official newspaper of the PLA, reported.

This is the first time since the founding of the country that instructions on military training have been directly issued by the chairman of the CMC, and it shows that improving combat readiness is now a strategic mission for the Chinese military, said Xu Guangyu, a retired major general and senior adviser of the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association told state-run Global Times today.

The core of improving combat readiness is to maintain and promote combat capability. China cant copy the US measure to improve combat capability through actual combat overseas since our national defense policy is defensive rather than offensive. Therefore, military training becomes extremely important for China, Xu said.

Currently, one third of our defense budget is used for military training, Xu added. Chinas defence budget last year amounted to USD 152 billion.
Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif on Thursday alleged that US President Donald Trumps recent remarks against his country showed that he was talking in the language of India.

Briefing the Parliamentary Committee on National Security about tension between Pakistan and the US following Trumps remarks, Asif said the US is making Islamabad a scapegoat for its failure in Afghanistan.

Trump had accused Pakistan of giving nothing to the US but lies and deceit in return for $33 billion aid.

Sources privy to the discussion in the meeting said Asif told lawmakers, Trump was speaking in the language of India.

The statements from the US leaders are contrary to the facts, Asif said.

National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, who heads the body, told the media after the meeting that there should be balanced response to the statements from the US.

The countrys dignity should be maintained, while engaging with the US, he said.

He said the committee has decided to reconvene next week for a briefing by security agencies.

The closed-door meeting came at the heels of a high-level National Security Committee meet and the cabinet meeting earlier this week.

Defence Minister Khurram Dastagir was also present in the meeting.

Dastagir said when US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defence Secretary James Mattis visited Pakistan, they presented their stance in accordance with diplomatic norms and the talks were not threatening and insulting, Geo TV reported.

(But) this was present in Trumps tweet and before that when US Vice President Mike Pence made the put Pakistan on notice statement from Afghanistan, the defence minister said, referring to the threatening tone of the US leaders.

We need to have a holistic review of the entire situation. We are conducting a complete analysis and coolly formulating our response, he said, adding that there should not be any doubts when it comes to the defence of Pakistan.

The question is will America create a situation which will harm Pakistan...We are ready for this but still want to engage the US, he shared.

Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and NSA Lt Gen (retd) Nasser Janjua also briefed the participants.
Thieves on Wednesday stole precious Indian jewels from the famed Al Thani Collection that were on show in a Venetian palace, making off with a brooch and a pair of earrings by mixing in with the crowd on the final day of the exhibition, police said.

The stolen jewels were not the top highlights of the Al Thani Collection, which includes gems dating from the time of the Mughal Empire. But police said they were made of gold, platinum and diamonds and news reports estimated their value in the millions of euros.

Venice police said the security alarm went off at around 10am at Venices Doges Palace and police immediately sealed the area. But the thieves had already made their escape from the museum, known as the Palazzo Ducale and one of Venices top tourist destinations on the edge of St Marks Square.

File photo shows the Palazzo Ducale or Doge's Palace at St Mark's Square in Venice. Thieves made off with several items of Indian maharajahs' treasures owned by a member of the Qatari royal family. (AFP)

Venice police chief Vito Gagliardi told the ANSA news agency the thieves managed to delay the triggering of the alarm system, allowing them to escape.

The Al Thani Collection is a renowned collection of 270 pieces of Indian and Indian-inspired jewellery and precious stones, spanning 400 years from the Mughal period to the present and assembled by Qatars Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani. Forbes magazine has said there is no comparable collection on the planet.

The Venice exhibit, Treasures of the Mughals and the Maharajas, was due to close Wednesday, the latest stop in a travelling exhibit that has brought the collection to Paris Grand Palais, Londons Victoria and Albert Museum, New Yorks Metropolitan and the Miho Museum near Kyoto, Japan.

A spokesman for the collection, John Maxse, said it was in contact with Italian authorities and Venices Foundation of Civic Museums, which runs the Doges Palace.

In a statement, the foundation said the brooch and earrings stolen were contemporary pieces and consequently are of less historical value than other items in the collection.

But Venice police noted that since the items are so unique they will be nearly impossible to sell on the market.
Israeli air strikes targeted a site in the Gaza Strip overnight in response to rocket fire from the Palestinian enclave, with no injuries reported, the military and Gazan security sources said on Thursday.

In response to the projectiles fired at southern Israeli communities throughout yesterday from the Gaza Strip, IAF (Israeli air force) fighter jets targeted a significant terror infrastructure in the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces said in a statement, without providing further details on what was hit.

Security sources in Gaza said empty land was targeted east of the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, causing no injuries.

Palestinian militants in Gaza have fired at least 20 rockets or mortar rounds at Israel since US President Donald Trumps controversial December 6 recognition of Jerusalem as the countrys capital, at least six of which have been intercepted by the Iron Dome defence system.

No Israelis have been wounded by the rocket fire.

The projectiles are often fired by fringe radical Islamist groups, but Israel holds Gazas militant rulers Hamas responsible for any attacks from the territory and retaliates by targeting Hamas positions.
A convicted paedophile appeared before a court in Berlin, charged with raping six children -- the youngest just five years old -- while working in India, local media reported.

The 59-year-old man, named as Karl-Heinz N., was convicted in 1996 by a court in Thailand for sexual offences against minors, the reports said.

According to the regional RBB television channel, investigators in Germany discovered more than 250,000 images and videos of child pornography on a hard drive at the mans Berlin flat.

He is accused of raping six children between five and 11 years old in 2015-2016 while working in India, the DPA news agency said.

The man had a large number of boys and young teenagers, some of which lived nearby, who worked for him on whom he performed sexual acts and filmed them, prosecutors were quoted as saying by DPA.

RBB said the man had spent four years in a Thai jail before being freed under an amnesty.
The United States is likely to announce suspension of some financial assistance to Pakistan soon, as speculations swirl about impending punitive action by the Trump administration that has suddenly dialled up the rhetoric on a client state ungrateful of billions of dollars it has received in aid.

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders declined to confirm or deny when asked about it at a daily briefing.

On Tuesday, she had said the administration would in the next 24 to 48 hours present Pakistan with a list of specific actions it needed to take on combating terrorism to keep the aid flowing.

Reuters reported Wednesday the administration was considering cuts in security assistance, citing congressional staff contacted by administration officials.

Sources told Hindustan Times that the cuts are likely to be in the nature of suspension and the amount could be foreign military financing (FMF), a security-related assistance, same as the $255 million the White House said past week it will not be processing for Pakistan.

The nature of the suspension/cut was not immediately clear. President Donald Trump has indicated in tweets and remarks that it could be all of it unless Pakistan took some decisive actions. US envoy to UN Nikki Haley has said the president means to dock all of it if necessary.

The White House said last week the United States will not be paying Pakistan $255 million in foreign military assistance from a package set aside for the one-time ally for 2016 --- it had been held back earlier in 2017 and then cleared --- before it was finally withheld.

Pakistan has received over $33 billion in overt aid  a mix of economic and security-related assistance from the United States since 2002, when America invaded Afghanistan to get rid of the Taliban regime sheltering al Qaeda, the outfit responsible for the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Of this, $8.2 billion was security-related, according to a paper tracking US assistance to Pakistan by the Congressional Research Service (CRS), a non-partisan body that works for US congress.

The $255-million aid denied to Pakistan came from the security-related part of the package, which are broadly aimed at boosting the countrys counter-terrorism capabilities. Other expenses in this category come from funds earmarked for counter-narcotics operations, military education and training, non-proliferation, de-mining and counter-insurgency.

Pakistan sought to purchase refurbished F-16 fighter jets under this category for counter-insurgency,

A larger security-related payment was $14.5 billion paid to Pakistan from Coalition Support Funds (CSF), which the CRS paper argued, was not assistance but reimbursement for logistical and operational support of US-led military operations; it is technically not foreign assistance.

But a sizable portion of the payments under CSF are tied to Pakistans actions against terrorism  specifically the Haqqani Network, an Afghan Taliban affiliate  that must be certified by the administration for congress to clear the bill. The administration was earlier allowed to waive the certification and look the other way at Pakistans dogged refusal to act decisively and process the payment. But congress has taken that power away since, making those payments ineligible for payment, and the proportion if it in the total CSF package has been rising every year.

Pakistan was not paid $300 million of $1 billion under CSF in 2015 and $350 million of $900 million in 2016 because the administration could not certify Pakistan and indeed taken decisive action against the outfit, which is at the heart of US anger with Pakistan, described as deceit by the president recently.

The Haqqani Network operates in Afghanistan from safe havens across the border in Pakistan, targeting US-led international coalition forces. US officials have called it a veritable arm of the Pakistani intelligence service, the ISI.
The Egyptian army announced in a statement on Thursday its forces have killed two "highly dangerous" Islamist militants and arrested two others in a raid central Sinai.

The operation by the army's third field and air forces also destroyed two hideouts, a 4x4 vehicle and a motorbike used by the extremists, according to the statement.

Egypt has been battling Islamist militancy based in North Sinai in the past few years.

Terrorist attacks in central Sinai are less frequent than in volatile North Sinai, where extremists have been targeting military and police checkpoints.'

The army has killed hundreds of militants in operations in the border region.

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Saudi Arabian authorities have arrested 337,281 foreigners, most of them without residence or work permits, as part of a nationwide crackdown against violators of the kingdoms residency and labour regulations.

The campaign, which began on November 15, resulted in the arrest of 198,231 foreigners who did not have valid residence permits and 99,980 without valid work permits, Gulf News reported on Thursday.

Authorities said 65,715 of the detainees had already been deported to their home countries, Saudi Gazette reported.

The nationalities of all the people detained and deported could not immediately be ascertained. Saudi Arabia is home to 3.2 million Indians, the largest expatriate community in the kingdom.

Illegal expatriates had been warned last year that they would have to pay fines ranging from 15,000 riyals to 100,000 riyals if they failed to regularise their stay or leave the country within a 90-day amnesty.

Saudi authorities announced the amnesty in March last year to tackle the negative economic and social ramifications and risks from the growing number of foreigners who preferred to stay in the country even after the expiry of their documents. Those who left during the grace period did not have to pay paying fines or face legal measures.

The crackdown, part of the Nation Without Illegal Expats campaign launched by the Interior Ministry in 2017, began in several cities after the end of the grace period.

A total of 4,432 people were held while sneaking into Saudi Arabia through the southern border. About 75% of them were Yemeni nationals and 23% Ethiopians.

Officials told the Saudi Gazetta that 15,250 expatriates, including 12,781 men and 2,469 women, were being held at detention centers while awaiting deportation.

A total of 47,474 expatriates were immediately punished, including 43,457 detainees without travel documents who were referred to their embassies and consulates and another 49,703 were awaiting flight bookings.
US President Donald Trump unleashed a spectacular denunciation of one of his closest political allies on Wednesday, describing former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon as insane and irrelevant.

After the release of explosive excerpts from a new book in which Bannon reportedly described Trumps eldest sons meeting with a Kremlin-connected lawyer as treasonous and unpatriotic, Trump wasted no time firing back.

The embattled Republican president issued a response that was searing even by his combative standards.

Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind, Trump said in a written statement.

Trump said Bannon -- who engineered the New York real estate moguls link to the nationalist far right and helped create a pro-Trump media ecosystem -- was only in it for himself.

Trumps fury appeared to have been provoked by the publication of startling extracts from Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House by author Michael Wolff.

Passages published by The Guardian and New York magazine quoted Bannon being highly critical of Trumps son Donald Junior and daughter Ivanka.

Bannon, who left the White House in August, is also quoted as saying that the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller into Russian interference in the 2016 election will focus on money laundering.

The investigation by Mueller, a former FBI director, is looking into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia to get him elected -- a charge the president has repeatedly and vehemently denied.

You should have called the FBI

Donald Junior took a meeting with Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya in June 2016 after an intermediary promised material that would incriminate Trumps Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.

Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner and then campaign chairman Paul Manafort also attended the meeting at Trump Tower in New York.

The three senior guys in the campaign thought it was a good idea to meet with a foreign government inside Trump Tower in the conference room on the 25th floor -- with no lawyers, Bannon was quoted as saying in the book.

They didnt have any lawyers.

Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad shit, and I happen to think its all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately, he said.

Little to do with election win

Trump responded quickly and cuttingly to the reported comments by Bannon, a former investment banker and the executive chairman of influential ultraconservative outlet Breitbart News.

Now that he is on his own, Steve is learning that winning isnt as easy as I make it look. Steve had very little to do with our historic victory, which was delivered by the forgotten men and women of this country, Trump said.

Steve pretends to be at war with the media, which he calls the opposition party, yet he spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was, he added.

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.

Disbelief over victory

Wolffs book -- which he says is based on interviews with Trump, his senior aides and others -- also mentions that Trump did not initially know who former House speaker John Boehner was, that he eats food from McDonalds because he believes it to be safe from poison, and that his team did not believe he was capable of winning the election.

Shortly after 8pm on Election Night, when the unexpected trend -- Trump might actually win -- seemed confirmed, Don Jr. told a friend that his father, or DJT, as he calls him, looked as if he had seen a ghost. Melania was in tears -- and not of joy, it said.

The book even deals with the subject of Trumps infamous coiffe, citing Ivanka as telling friends it was the result of a comb-over from the front and sides of his head, stiffened by hair spray.

The color, she would point out to comical effect, was from a product called Just for Men - the longer it was left on, the darker it got. Impatience resulted in Trumps orange-blond hair color.

Trumps press secretary Sarah Sanders hit back.

This book is filled with false and misleading accounts from individuals who have no access or influence with the White House, she told a briefing.

Stephanie Grisham, a spokeswoman for First Lady Melania Trump, denied allegations that she had cried tears of sadness.

The book is clearly going to be sold in the bargain fiction section. Mrs Trump supported her husbands decision to run for President and in fact, encouraged him to do so. She was confident he would win and was very happy when he did, Grisham said in a statement.
The White House announced Thursday that its staff and visitors will no longer be allowed to use personal cell phones in the West Wing, the nerve center of the American executive branch.

The personal mobile phone ban will go into effect next week, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said.

She cited security reasons for the move but it comes amid an uproar over published comments about President Donald Trump and his family by former top White House strategist Steve Bannon.

The security and integrity of the technology systems at the White House is a top priority for the Trump administration, Sanders said.

Staff will be able to conduct business on their government-issued devices and continue working hard on behalf of the American people.

The West Wing houses the presidents Oval Office and the offices of his closest aides.

Since taking office, Trump has repeatedly denounced leaks to the press from his team.

But the latest disclosures in a new book, Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House by journalist Michael Wolff, prompted Trump to say Bannon had lost his mind.

Bannon was quoted in the book as saying Trumps son Don Jr, son-in-law Jared Kushner and former campaign manager Paul Manafort had been treasonous and unpatriotic for meeting during the campaign with a Kremlin-linked lawyer on a promise of dirt about Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.

Steve pretends to be at war with the media, which he calls the opposition party, yet he spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was, Trump said.
Half Moon Bay, CA (94019)

Today

Some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. High 61F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Clear skies. Low around 45F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.
Related Israel law tightens hold on occupied Jerusalem sectors

Egypt's foreign ministry on Thursday announced that Israel's amendments to a law making it more difficult to relinquish control over parts of Jerusalem in any further peace deal with the Palestinians is illegitimate.

On Tuesday, Israeli parliament passed a law that bars ceding any part of Jerusalem to "a foreign party" without the approval of the majority of the Knesset's 120 lawmakers, a move that threatens to further hold back peace efforts between Israel and the Palestinians.

The ministry stated that the move is in contravention of international law concerning "the status of the city of Jerusalem as being under occupation, which makes any actions that change the status quo in the city not permissible."

"The law represents an obstacle to the future of the peace process and just settlement of the Palestinian issue," foreign ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid said in a statement on the ministry's Facebook page.

Officials from Arab countries and several world powers, including France, Russia, China and the UK, have insisted that the final status of Jerusalem should only be determined through negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis.

Israel seized control of the eastern part of the city in the 1967 Six-Day War and annexed East Jerusalem in 1980, a move that has never been recognised by the international community.

The Palestinians have long demanded East Jerusalem for the capital of their future state.

Last month, US President Donald Trump recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, prompting outcry from Palestinians, Middle East leaders and the wider international commmunity, and setting off regional protests.



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Charming Charlie has proposed a plan to ease its debt load and secure new financing as it executes a strategy to boost profits after months of inventory problems and declining sales.

The plan would allow the Houston-based jewelry and accessories retailer to wipe about $69 million from its balance sheet after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Delaware last month. Lenders would assume control of the company and provide additional loans to help it emerge from bankruptcy and overhaul operations.

If the plan is approved in court, Charlie Chanaratsopon, the Houston millionaire who founded Charming Charlie in 2004, will relinquish his majority stake in the company. Chanaratsopon, who now serves as non-executive chairman of the board, stepped down as CEO in October amid a cash flow crisis that ultimately left as much as $45 million in inventory tied up in ports and distribution centers.

The plan swaps $132 million in debt for new equity issued to the company's lenders. It cancels all existing stock, which is also held by private equity firm Hancock Park Associates, Chanaratsopon's family members and other investors.

"They'll be effectively wiped out," said John Bringardner, global legal editor at Debtwire,

A spokesman said neither Chanaratsopon nor other company executives were available for comment.

The plan is expected to mark a turning point for Charming Charlie, which saw its debt mount as sales fell across the chain of about 390 stores. Joshua Sussberg, one of the company's attorneys, said at a court hearing last month that the retailer took the unusual step of seeking bankruptcy protection during the holiday rush because it had too little cash to stock its stores.

"This is a company that has been flying the plane way too close to the ground," he said.

The problems began in mid-2016, when same-store sales began to decline after an unsuccessful effort to remake the brand, per court documents. The company attempted to amend its debt obligations and cut costs, but by the end of last year, it had only $700,000 in cash, and suppliers held up inventory for lack of payment.

Charming Charlie is one of more than 20 U.S. retailers that sought bankruptcy protection last year as shoppers increasingly went online and demanded more specialized offerings in stores. Clothing and accessories stores, particularly those that operate in malls and shopping centers, saw particularly sharp declines in foot traffic.

By the end of last year, Charming Charlie brought its store count to about 274 by closing 97 locations, primarily in Texas, Arkansas, California, Oklahoma, Maine and Rhode Island. In the Houston area, the closures included a store at CityCentre and one in Conroe.

Like many other retailers, the company is also negotiating more favorable rent terms with its current landlords to improve cash flow going forward, per court documents.

"When the retail carnage wasn't so extreme, you had landlords who weren't willing to cut these deals," Bringardner said. "But they see what's going on."

Charming Charlie said in court filings that it needs new financing in order to buy enough inventory for the upcoming spring season, when shoppers seek colorful accessories and gifts for Easter, Mother's Day and other events.

The company's lenders have agreed to provide $20 million in new financing, as well as $50 million to help it emerge from bankruptcy and a $35 million line of credit. Much of that will be invested in the company's plan to expand its e-commerce operations and revamp remaining stores with new layouts and narrower product assortments.

The company also plans to cut its vendor base by nearly half and utilize U.S. manufacturers to speed fulfillment. It is working with its current suppliers, which operate mainly in China, India and Vietnam, to stock spring inventory.

"They'll come out a leaner company that's better positioned to survive," Bringardner said.
Stella Sullivan, a Houston artist and teacher for seven decades, died on Dec. 24 after a fall and a brief illness. She was 93.

Sullivan belonged to a generation of Midcentury modernists who were rediscovered by 20th-century Texas art enthusiasts about a decade ago. She maintained a studio on Main Street for the past 18 years and visited her gallery, William Reaves|Sarah Foltz Fine Art, just a day before she fell.

"Stella was a shining and integral member of the Houston arts community her whole life as a painter, printmaker, fabric designer and jewelry maker," said collector Randy Tibbits, a coordinator of the Houston Earlier Texas Art Group. "As part of the continuum of Houston art history, she was the one degree of separation taking present-day Houstonians back to the beginnings of our modern art culture."

Tibbits loved hearing Sullivan describe art classes in the studios of founding doyennes of the early scene, including Emma Richardson Cherry, Ola McNeill Davidson, Grace Spaulding John and Ruth Pershing Uhler. Sullivan also was a contemporary of other Houston artists whose work Tibbits collects, including Gene Charlton, Robert Preusser, Frank Dolejska, Carden Bailey, Leila McConnell and Henri Gadbois.

Sullivan's versatility - especially with silkscreens - added to her uniqueness. Her cards and printed textiles were among the highlights of Houston Early Texas Art Group's 2016 exhibition, "This Was Contemporary Art: Fine and Decorative Arts in Houston 1945-1965," at the Heritage Society Museum. (Her patterns would be hot sellers today for retailers - totally fab '50s.)

Sarah Foltz, Sullivan's dealer, praised the artist's mastery of multiple mediums as well as her eye for design, geometry and color. "Stella's creative spirit was both inspiring and contagious," Foltz said. "Houston's art scene would not be the thriving and significant place it is today without artists like Stella, who fearlessly paved the way."

Sullivan earned an architecture degree in 1945 at the Rice Institute; worked initially as a draftsman; then moved to Detroit to further her art studies in 1950. She returned home with a master of fine arts degree from the prestigious Cranbrook Academy of Art in 1954, adding to the energy of the then-new, artist-driven Contemporary Arts Museum.

Working in a variety of media and styles, Sullivan won numerous awards for her work, including the Museum of Fine Arts' annual purchase prize. She continued to exhibit across the U.S. and Texas through the 1960s, and her work was widely collected. Sullivan also produced sacred art, including dozens of Madonna paintings in a colorful Modernist style. And she co-founded the artists' collective shop Handmakers, which showcased a range of fine art and crafts by local artists and artisans.

Like so many other artists, however, Sullivan supplemented that income with teaching. During various times she was an instructor at what is now the Glassell School of Art, the University of Houston, Sam Houston State University and the University of Delaware. She also established her own studio school in Rice Village, where she taught painting, drawing, design and silk-screening for many years.

Art blogger Robert Boyd, who took painting lessons from Sullivan as a young man, recalled her in a 2010 post as a patient and open-minded teacher. "Her pedagogy was so deliberate that it encouraged us to work very, very slowly - it enabled the worst procrastination from us," Boyd wrote. Sullivan sold a lot of "house portraits" then, he added, "but she was capable of painting anything, and a lot of what she painted were highly symmetrical, hard-edge geometric abstractions."

A third generation Houstonian, Sullivan was the youngest of seven children born to Maurice Sullivan and Anne Winston King. She is survived by one of her six siblings, Margaret Ann "Margo" Sullivan Hibler; 21 nieces and nephews and a number of great nieces and nephews.

"It's the end of an era," said Margaret Lawler, one of Sullivan's nieces. "But she left all this wonderful art behind."

Services include a viewing 4-7 p.m. Friday at Joseph Earthman Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 3617 Milam, will be followed by the Rite of Committal at Holy Cross Cemetery, 3502 N. Main.

For those wishing to honor Sullivan's memory, the family suggests contributions to Holy Rosary Catholic Church (designed by her father, and where her painting of the Virgin of Guadalupe hangs in the South transept), Rice University, Cranbrook Academy of Art or a charity of choice.
I am on a roll with my holiday fish-egg fixation, thanks to the new and exceptionally promising Nancy's Hustle in EaDo.

Last week, I wrote about the affordable potato-chip-and-tchoupique-egg extravaganza at Oxbow 7. Now let me introduce you to the equally affordable all-American riff on caviar with blini (tiny Russian buckwheat pancakes) from Nancy's Hustle chef Jason Vaughan, a Houston homeboy recently returned from stints in Chicago.

In this case, the caviar involved is cold-smoked trout roe - fat, shiny tangerine-colored pearls that explode on the palate with a satisfying briny pop. And the pancakes are fluffy rounds in a corn-based johnnycake mode, smooth and melting inside, with a crisp brown sear.

ALISON COOK'S BEST NEW RESTAURANTS OF 2017

What brings pancake and trout roe together in an exhilarating rush is the lavish cushion of house-cultured butter on which the eggs sit. It's so light and fresh and milky, with a honeyed tinge of sweetness, that I could eat it straight, by the spoonful. (OK, I kinda did.) But together with the eggs' slight smokiness and salt, against the mildness of the pancake and the vegetal savor of minced chives, the butter becomes the accelerant that makes the dish happen.

Vaughan's partner in the restaurant, Sean Jensen, is a wine guy of note, having managed at the excellent downtown wine and whisky bar Public Services, as well as creating the offbeat list for Claire Smith's Alice Blue in the Heights. I picked a lovely 2015 French chablis from Olivier Savary to go with my Nancy Cakes, but I am betting Jensen would have excellent suggestions of his own.

More Information Nancy's Hustle 2704 Polk, Suite A 346-571-7931 nancyshustle.com Hours: 5 p.m.-midnight Tuesday-Sunday See More Collapse

Truthfully, I'd be happy to have a couple of $12 orders of the Nancy Cakes all to myself, and I'd consider it a wonderfully indulgent supper. But there is plenty more to enjoy on the 19-item bistro menu, from delicate little Turkish dumplings in a spicy tomato vinaigrette to a terrific pasta dish of sourdough tagliatelle tossed with toasted pistachio, chopped Brussels sprouts and just the right amount of creamy Burgundian cheese.

Based on the strength of Vaughan's skinny, flavorful tagliatelle - cooked so that it bites back at you in an engaging way - plus the cavatelli with burrata and smoked butter he did for Alice Blue, I'm already nagging the chef to make a pasta place his next venture. Maybe a manufactory with a big, sweeping counter, like Boston chef Barbara Lynch's Sportello. Hey, a woman can dream.

In the meantime, Houstonians have an appealingly laid-back new Euro-American bistro to enjoy in an east-of-downtown neighborhood that is finally starting to take off in earnest.

So make your way to Polk Street, treat yourself to some Nancy Cakes and toast the new year.
Paula Deen's Family Kitchen will open its San Antonio location inside Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World at The Rim, according to a press release.

The restaurant is expected to open in spring 2018. It will be the first of its kind to open within a Bass Pro Shops nationwide, according to the press release.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree approving the resumption of commercial air traffic between Russia and Cairo, which was suspended in 2015 following the crash of a Russian flight in Sinai, Russia's state news agency Sputnik said on Thursday.

Putin has approved an amendment to a 2015 decree halting all commercial passenger flights to Egypt, allowing the resumption of flights to Cairo but not other Egyptian destinations.

The amendment also excludes Cairo from a clause recommending tour operators and travel agents to refrain from providing air transportation to Egypt for Russian citizens.

According to a protocol signed last month between Egyptian Aviation Minister Sherif Fathi and Russian Transportation Minister Maxim Sokolov, direct flights between Moscow and Cairo are due to resume in February.

A new round of talks between Egyptian and Russian officials are planned to take place in April to discuss the resumption of charter flights from Russia to the Red Sea resort cities of Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh, two of the most popular destinations for Russian tourists, Egypt's civil aviation ministry officials told Al-Ahram Arabic news website.

Moscow grounded all commercial passenger flights to Egypt in 2015 over security concerns after a Russian A321 airbus crashed in Sinai shortly after taking off from Sharm El-Sheikh. All 224 people on board were killed in the crash.

Egypt has since boosted security procedures at many of its airports in response to Russian conditions to lift the flight ban.

Last month, Egyptian and Russian officials signed a deal to lift the ban on flights.

The crash of the Russian flight has dealt a blow to Egypt's tourism industry, a major source of hard currency, with tourist numbers dropping by some 50 percent in the first half of 2016 year-on-year.

Russians used to make up the largest single tourist group in Egypt, contributing to about a fifth of foreign vacationers in the country as of 2015, according to official data.

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Now Playing: Houston police are asking for the public's help in identifying a suspect wanted in a burglary at 303 Memorial City Way about 7:30 p.m. on December 2, 2017. Video: Houston Chronicle

Houston police are asking for the public's help finding the suspect who attempted to rob a jewelry store with a hammer last month.

On December 2 at 7:30 p.m., a man wearing black-and-white striped pants and a white T-shirt entered the Ben Bridge jewelry store in Memorial City Mall and whipped out a hammer.
The teenager who allegedly broke into a South Montgomery County home, lurked around for a while and left a pair of men's underwear containing "bodily fluids"  later determined to be semen  is behind bars Thursday morning thanks to a Facebook tipster and fingerprint analyses.

Terrell Dane Morgan, 17, was arrested late Wednesday and charged with felony burglary of a habitation for the New Year's Day break-in. He's accused of breaking into a home on Paladera Place Court, off Birnham Woods Drive just north of the Grand Parkway, in the early hours of Jan. 1, about a month after allegedly breaking into the same home under similar circumstances.

Jail records show the home he is accused of breaking into was a few blocks down from his own home in the same neighborhood.

Now Playing: Latest Local And State News Video: Houston Chronicle

Detectives said he first broke into the home the day after Thanksgiving as the homeowner and her daughter were asleep, stealing several items and leaving behind a pair of underwear containing "bodily fluid," according to MCSO Lt. Scott Spencer. The homeowner, spooked by the break-in, installed a security system and surveillance cameras in her home almost immediately after reporting it to authorities.

About a month later on New Year's Day, Morgan allegedly broke into the same home around 4 a.m. as the mother and daughter were asleep  this time not taking anything but again leaving behind the underwear with the same type of bodily fluid. Spencer said the homeowner failed to arm the alarm system and lock her window, allowing the suspect to slip in undetected. It is unclear how the homeowner knew her home was broken into that night but at some point reviewed the security footage.

Detectives began looking into Morgan after a Facebook user recognized him in a snippet of home surveillance video from the burglary that the agency sent to media. Detectives quickly learned that Morgan was arrested Dec. 5 for allegedly possessing marijuana while inside a school.

As with any person booked into the Montgomery County Jail, Morgan's fingerprints were collected during that arrest. Detectives compared his fingerprints taken at the time of his arrest to fingerprints taken from the crime scene and found they were an exact match.

Deputies received a warrant to search Morgan's home, just a few blocks away from the victim's home, and found the very items he allegedly stole during the November break-in, Spencer said. He was arrested at the Portofino Shopping Center in Shenandoah around 10 p.m. Wednesday.

Days after Morgan's early December possession of marijuana arrest, he was released on a personal recognizance bond signed by Montgomery County Associate Judge Paul Damico  meaning he did not have to pay a bond for his release. However, he is now sitting in the Montgomery County Jail with a $250,000 bond for the first-degree felony burglary charge.

He could face up to life in prison if convicted.
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The refrigerator, at least, has started working better. That's been the best thing about this week's cold weather for Paula Castro.

When her east Houston home flooded in August, her two-bedroom house took on several feet of water, and since then it's been stripped down to the studs. Four months after Harvey's floods, she and her son still sleep on air mattresses. An error on her application has delayed her FEMA aid.

And in a drafty house with flood-damaged appliances, she greeted the new year this week like so many Houstonians - living day by day, trying to piece together a life after Harvey.

Castro walked around her house Wednesday in a sweater and a knit hat as three space heaters struggled to keep the place bearably warm. Back in August, she didn't dream she'd still have a stripped-out, drafty house when winter came.

"Now it's cold," Castro said. "I'm not used to cold."

Since those humid days of late summer, when filthy floodwater surged through the 1,100 square feet she has owned for nearly 30 years, Castro has been living in chaos. Clothes and towels are stacked in piles along walls covered with shiny sheets of temporary insulation. And on cold nights this week, she shivered under blankets as the freezing weather snaked easily inside.

"This is my house," Castro said. "I want to fix my house and stay here."

But that has been harder than she imagined.

Castro thought she'd get enough FEMA aid to rebuild her house, but it hasn't happened yet. Her daughter erroneously marked that Castro is a renter, and so far nothing the family has done - including taking the deed to the FEMA offices - has been able to correct the problem.

"She did get a little money, but it goes fast," said Castro's daughter, Adriana Washington. "The repairs are so expensive - everything is so expensive."

While she waits for aid money to repair her home, Castro keeps stacks of plastic cartons in the garage and air mattresses in the bedrooms.

The cabinets are a post-flood mess, so open shelves hold Castro's kitchen goods.

The interior doors have been removed, but a burgundy curtain hangs in the hallway, covering the entrance to the bathroom.

"We're just doing what we can for now," said Guillermo Castro, Castro's son.

Fighting the current

Halls Bayou twists through Castro's neighborhood, just south of Tidwell. And in Harvey's floods, the water rose quickly and came from both directions - it flowed into the house from the street, which sits slightly above Castro's 60-year-old house, and from the bayou in her backyard.

Getting out "was just one big old headache," recalled her son. He and a neighbor used a fishing boat to rescue neighbors, fighting against a current to take people to a church on higher ground. His mother then caught a bus to the temporary shelter at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

When she returned a few days later, the house was wet from wall to wall. Guillermo Castro, who also lives at the house, took out the drywall and cleaned the floors with bleach. He and his brother mucked out the water and salvaged a few things. They decided the floors, though cracked and buckled, were still solid.

In recent weeks, Guillermo Castro has stapled sheets of reflective insulation along the walls, which at least slowed down the air flowing from room to room.

A nearby church donated 25 large panels of sheetrock, Guillermo Castro said; he's hoping to install some of that in the living room this weekend, then move on to the walls in the bedroom if they can get some more supplies.

Lymphoma survivor

To Castro, houses and possessions aren't disposable. Her house flooded before, during Tropical Storm Allison in 2001. She didn't want to leave then, and she doesn't want to leave now.

A lymphoma survivor, she is retired but works on the weekends selling secondhand goods at a flea market.

After Harvey, Castro watched some of her neighbors put everything they owned out on the curb.

"They threw out everything," she said Wednesday, shaking her head. Not Castro. She held onto her waterlogged oven and kept her refrigerator, even though a repairman said he couldn't fix it.

The window units filled with water and stopped working after Harvey, so there's no air conditioning or heat.

The washing machine flooded, so now a neighbor drives Castro to the washateria down the street.

And Castro's been using the microwave and three working stove burners to cook dinner every night.

In the first week of the new year, she hangs onto her water-damaged appliances and cracked tile floors - living with what's left while waiting for something better.

'That's her home'

The whole neighborhood was hit hard by Harvey, and evidence remains: Chain link fences and corrugated metal carports still lean precariously; trash still hangs from tree limbs above the bayou.

Since Harvey, Castro has watched the neighborhood start to empty out. Some houses have gone up for sale. Others just look abandoned.

Washington said she wishes her mother would consider moving out of the house, but she doesn't know where or how. Besides, "that's her home," Washington said. "She wants to fix her house."

Washington, who lives in Katy, has offered to let Castro move in for awhile. So has another daughter in Spring. But Castro won't do it.

'It's a long way" from home, she said. "I don't like to stay at another house."

Instead, she's willing to wait it out.

"My house is more ugly," she said, laughing. But it's still hers.
WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump on Wednesday castigated his former chief strategist Stephen K. Bannon as a self-aggrandizing political charlatan who has "lost his mind," marking an abrupt and furious rupture with the onetime confidant that could have lasting political impact on the November midterms and beyond.

The White House's sharp public break with Bannon, which came in response to unflattering comments Bannon made about Trump and his family in a new book about his presidency, left the self-fashioned populist alienated from his chief patron and even more isolated in his attempts to remake the Republican Party by backing insurgent candidates.

Late Wednesday, lawyers for Trump sent a cease-and-desist letter to Bannon, arguing he violated the employment agreement he signed with the Trump Organization in numerous ways and also likely defamed the president. They ordered that he stop communicating either confidential and or disparaging information, and preserve all records in preparation for "imminent" legal action.

"You have breached the Agreement by, among other things, communicating with author Michael Wolff about Mr. Trump, his family members, and the Company, disclosing Confidential Information to Mr. Wolff, and making disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements to Mr. Wolff about Mr. Trump, his family members, and the Company," read the letter from lawyer Charles Harder.

In a lengthy statement issued in the afternoon, Trump blamed Bannon -- his former campaign manager and chief strategist who now heads the conservative Breitbart News website - for everything from leaks to the news media to the upset GOP loss in last month's Senate race in Alabama. The president cast Bannon as a disgruntled former staffer whose chief goal is to stir up trouble.

"Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my Presidency," the statement said. "When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind."

The White House also released a statement from the first lady's office condemning the forthcoming book, "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House," by Michael Wolff as a title to be found in the "bargain fiction" bin, while the Republican National Committee said Wolff has "a long history of making stuff up." White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, meanwhile, devoted much of her Wednesday news briefing Wednesday to disputing Wolff's claims and seeking to undermine Bannon's credibility.

The response was a marked departure from mid-October, when Trump called Bannon "a friend of mine" and said he understood his perspective.

But the much anticipated account of life in Trump's White House caught the president and his West Wing team off-guard, with the president huddling with White House communications director Hope Hicks, one of his most trusted advisers, and Sanders to craft the fiery statement, after calling friends for much of the morning. Aides thought they had more time to prepare for the book's formal release.

Trump spent much of the day raging about the book to top aides, officials and advisers said, and Sanders described the president as "furious" and "disgusted." As he fumed, some aides were still frantically searching for a copy of the book, and even senior aides such as Hicks had not seen it by the afternoon, officials said.

"He's out of control," one person with knowledge of Trump's comments said. This person added that the president had been in an upbeat mood for much of Tuesday, continuing to brag about last month's passage of the Republican tax bill even as he fired off combative tweets.

Trump also blasted others in the White House for talking to Wolff, who was frequently spotted wandering the West Wing with no escort or ensconced in Bannon's office, especially during the early months of the administration.

Wolff said Trump was aware of the project and allowed others to participate. An excerpt of the book, published online in New York magazine, said the author conducted more than 200 interviews "over a period of 18 months with the president, most members of his senior staff, and many people to whom they in turn spoke."

Sanders said that Wolff "never actually sat down with the president" since Trump took office and that the two men had only had one five- to seven-minute conversation "that had nothing to do, originally, with the book."

One senior White House official said Trump advisers considered Wolff friendly and believed it would be beneficial to speak with him; this person also said that Wolff interviewed Trump. A second senior White House official said the president had viewed Bannon as a useful ally when he was frustrated with congressional leadership and that, while he didn't consider Bannon a close confidant, he also didn't want him as an enemy.

Allies said Bannon was largely incommunicado on Wednesday. He had considered issuing a statement denouncing the book and denying some of the quotes but was not able to do so before Trump went on the attack, they said.

After being forced from the White House in August, Bannon and the president still occasionally talked on the phone. But West Wing aides have long maintained that Bannon overstated the frequency of his calls with - and influence over - the president.

"If all of us are being honest with ourselves, I don't think you would have found more than two percent of politicians or reporters who knew who Stephen K. Bannon was," Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., said in a recent interview. "Trump had already won the nomination and the primary. Whether you like the president or not, he is responsible for his win."

A White House official said call logs show Trump has spoken with Bannon only five times since the former adviser left and the official said most of the calls were initiated by Bannon. Trump, however, often uses cellphones to talk with outside advisers and confidants.

Trump had complained for several months about portrayals of Bannon as a political "Svengali," according to one adviser who speaks with Trump frequently. "This has been a long time coming," the person said. Several others said the relationship may be irreparable.

"Steve doesn't represent my base - he's only in it for himself," Trump said in his Wednesday statement.

"Steve pretends to be at war with the media, which he calls the opposition party, yet he spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was," the statement continued. "It is the only thing he does well. 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."

It remains unclear, however, whether Trump will exile Bannon indefinitely; the president often likes to cast characters out and then bring them back in and frequently maintains contact with those he has fired.

Wolff's book paints Trump as a buffoon who doesn't read, can't settle on political priorities and is unable to manage a warring cast of advisers who spend their days squabbling and undermining each other and the president.

In one scene, Katie Walsh, formerly a deputy chief of staff, is quoted as saying that dealing with Trump is "like trying to figure out what a child wants"; Walsh disputed that account Wednesday to an Axios reporter.

In another book scene, Sam Nunberg, a former campaign aide who was ultimately fired, describes trying to explain the Constitution to the president. "I got as far as the Fourth Amendment," the book quotes Nunberg as saying, "before his finger is pulling down on his lip and his eyes are rolling back in his head."

But, at least in the excerpts that have emerged so far, Bannon emerges as the most scathing critic of Trump and his family. Wolff portrays him as a master puppeteer, manipulating the president for his own political purposes.

Bannon is quoted describing a Trump Tower meeting during the campaign between Donald Trump Jr.; Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law; and a Russian lawyer as "treasonous" and "unpatriotic." At another point in the book, he is quoted calling the president's daughter Ivanka Trump "dumb as a brick."

Wolff also depicts Bannon as harboring his own 2020 presidential ambitions.

The president and his team were already infuriated two weeks ago by a profile in Vanity Fair in which Bannon attacked a number of senior Trump advisers and seemed to mock the president. Trump had wanted to attack Bannon then, people familiar with the strategy said.

For months, Trump confidants -- including aides such as Hicks and Kushner, lawyer Ty Cobb, and friends like Newsmax chairman Chris Ruddy and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, R -- have tried to persuade the president to cut ties with Bannon, who in recent months has backed insurgent Republicans such as failed Senate candidate Roy Moore in Alabama.

Bannon has in recent weeks also alienated his main financial backer, Rebekah Mercer, after he told several other major conservative donors that he would be able to count on the Mercers' financial support should he run for president, a person familiar with the conversations said. The person said Mercer now does not plan to financially support Bannon's future projects -- and that she was frustrated by his moves in Alabama and some of his comments in the news media that seemed to stoke unnecessary fights.

A person close to Bannon said he was not running for president. Bannon and Mercer declined to comment through representatives.

"The core constituency for Breitbart is what you would call the Trump Deplorables. That's the audience. And if they're asked to choose between Steve and Trump, they're going to choose Trump. That's clear," said a person familiar with the company's ownership.

The West Wing response cheered many Trump advisers and congressional Republicans opposed to Bannon. At least two candidates supported by Bannon -- including Senate hopeful Kelli Ward of Arizona -- sought to distance themselves on Wednesday.

In a conversation with Trump on Wednesday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., praised the White House reaction.

"He told the president it was perfect and he wouldn't change a word," one person familiar with the discussion said.
There are certain things that are under our control, and certain things that are not under our control.

During times of uncertainty, I find that it helps to keep that in mind. Things that happened in the past, for example, are not under our control; the same is true, in some cases, of their consequences.

It might be true, for example, that Donald Trump didn't really want to be president, as journalist Michael Wolff writes in his forthcoming book about the campaign, which was excerpted in New York magazine this week. But Trump is the president, regardless.

And that being the case, he has access to America's nuclear arsenal, for better or worse.

"North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the 'Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times,'" Trump tweeted on Tuesday.

"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!" he continued.

I winced when I read the tweet. In my opinion, it is embarrassing for all of us, as a nation, to be led by a man who is so demonstrably sensitive about the size of his button, and its serviceability. And I understand why many Americans find it worrisome that Trump's "button" is a nuclear one. It is, in fact, a bit worrisome. Still, I don't see what good worrying about this is going to do.

It's better, in my opinion, to focus our energies more productively. As a columnist, for example, I can point out that it's ridiculous that the Congress has yet to approve an $81 billion disaster-relief package for the millions of Americans affected by several major natural disasters last year. I can also highlight examples of policy decisions that strike me as sound.

One such decision was announced a few hours prior to Trump's tweet about North Korea. On Tuesday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that houses of worship will be included among the private nonprofit organizations eligible for financial assistance if their facilities are damaged or destroyed by a major disaster.

The change will apply to facilities affected by disasters that were declared on or after Aug. 23, 2017, and was spurred by a federal lawsuit filed by three Texas churches affected by Harvey. The lead plaintiff, Hi-Way Tabernacle in Cleveland, sheltered about 80 evacuees in its Sunday school classrooms, according to Pastor Charles Stoker, although its sanctuary was severely flooded.

In September, Trump had expressed support for their cause.

"Churches in Texas should be entitled to reimbursement from FEMA Relief Funds for helping victims of Hurricane Harvey (just like others)," he said - on Twitter, naturally.

Study the merits of the case

Some Americans disapproved of FEMA's decision.

"It's a clear violation of the U.S. Constitution and its protection of the separation of church and state," said Alex Luchenitser, associate legal director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

To be clear, I believe in the separation of church and state - that it does exist, and that it should. The same might not be true of the president and his core supporters.

Still, we should assess these questions on the merits. As my colleague Gabrielle Banks reported, FEMA's decision was made in light of the Supreme Court's ruling in Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia, Inc. v. Comer. The church is based in Missouri, which has a state-funded program that reimburses qualified nonprofits for installing playground surfaces made from recycled tires.

It also runs a preschool and day care, the Trinity Lutheran Church Child Learning Center, which applied for such a grant in 2012, hoping to replace the coarse gravel surface of its playground with one made of rubber. The application was ranked fifth out of the 44 the state received, but was ultimately denied on the basis that Trinity Lutheran is a church.

In June, the Supreme Court sided with Trinity Lutheran. The vote was 7-2.

"This Court has repeatedly confirmed that denying a generally available benefit solely on account of religious identity imposes a penalty on the free exercise of religion," wrote Chief Justice John Roberts in the opinion.

Facilities play a critical role

That reasoning, in my view, extrapolates well to the case at hand. Under the terms of the Stafford Act, private nonprofit facilities "which provide essential services of a governmental nature" have long been eligible for aid if affected by a disaster.

Houses of worship have been an exception, but they often do play a critical role in the provision of such services, especially in the wake of natural disasters. We expect them to do so, in fact, and they should.

Under the new rule, a church like Hi-Way will have to apply for a loan from the Small Business Administration, and FEMA will provide aid if that application is denied, or if the funding thus provided is insufficient to cover the cost of necessary repairs. This is the same standard that other private nonprofits are held to, for the worthy efforts they make on behalf of their neighbors in times of need. It's appropriate that churches that make similar efforts should be recognized for doing so too.
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Joseph Gamaldi has set about making himself a visible  and vocal  presence in Houston as he takes over the largest law enforcement union in southeast Texas.

Taking on the hierarchy of the criminal justice system. Visiting his favorite animal shelter or volunteering for a local nonprofit. Tweeting aggressively when he believes police aren't getting a fair shake.

"Think it's an isolated incident? Wrong!" tweeted Gamaldi after a Texas state trooper was shot by a man who was free on bail on a similar crime.

Elected by a 9-1 margin in late October, Gamaldi took over leadership of the Houston Police Officers' Union on Thursday at a crucial time for the Houston Police Department.

With hundreds fewer officers than it had a decade ago, the department is struggling to grow its ranks, purchase and maintain its vehicle fleet, and carry out its duties at a time when cops across the country have come under increasing scrutiny over fatal and often controversial shootings of civilians.

Gamaldi, a wiry 34-year-old who came to Houston in 2008 after two years with the New York Police Department, wants to increase the department's ranks by 500 officers and pressure courts to impose harsher jail time for violent criminals.

Among the first issues he will face is a new contract for Houston police officers and a possible showdown with Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg and local judges over bail and sentences for criminals charged or convicted of violent offenses.

READ MORE: Gamaldi elected head of police officer union

The election marks a swift rise for Gamaldi, who began his career in law enforcement in 2005 patrolling one of New York's most dangerous precincts in east Brooklyn.

He abandoned the Big Apple for the Bayou City less than three years later.

"I was living in a shoe box apartment, the type that's so small when you open your bedroom door it actually hits your bed," the native New Yorker recalled. "And one day, I just kind of woke up and said, 'Is this what I want for my life?'"

His brother  a pilot for United Airlines  was living in Houston, and Gamaldi liked the department here.

"I'd take Houston over New York any day of the week," he said. "There's a ton of opportunity for everyone here. We're a diverse city, a diverse police department, we all get along ... Look at Harvey. You had people from different religions, races, cultures, socioeconomic standing, and they all came together to help each other. That's Houston."

Two weeks after leaving NYPD, he was enrolled in an HPD academy, where he met his future wife.

They married in 2010 and now have two daughters, ages 2 and 4. His wife is now also an HPD officer.

Gamaldi worked as a patrol officer and field training officer at the North Patrol station. He joined the union's advisory board in 2011, and within a year and a half, was elected one of the union's two vice presidents.

While on the union board, he created a nonprofit group, Houston Officers Peer Assistance, to provide round-the-clock help to police officers in need. Then, after the murder of five police officers in Dallas in 2016, he helped raise money so the union could purchase 600 heavy vests for local officers.

As he takes over, Gamaldi has struck a more visible presence than his predecessor, Ray Hunt  making weekly appearances with a local no-kill animal shelter, Friends for Life Animal Rescue and Adoption, and volunteering at Undies for Everyone, a nonprofit that provides clean underwear for needy children.

"Communications for young officers now is no longer the Badge and Gun, our newspaper," said Hunt, the outgoing union president. "It's Twitter, it's Facebook, all those things the young officers like. ... He's incredible with social media, he knows how to use it, and he uses it frequently."

Chief Art Acevedo, who took over the police department a year ago, said Gamaldi is well-positioned to take over from Hunt.

"He understands the importance of having a strong relationship with the community, particularly minority communities, and having a good relationship with the elected officials we serve under, the command staff, everyone," he said. "I think Joe's ready, I think he's capable, and I look forward to the next chapter of my relationship with the HPOU."

READ MORE: Acevedo sets whirlwind pace during first six months as chief

One of the first challenges Gamaldi faces as he comes into office is negotiating a new contract for the department's 5,100 sworn officers.

That process  a delicate dance with the union, city lawyers and the police department  will require Gamaldi to fight to secure the best deal he can for his colleagues in a cash-strapped city.

"That will be probably be the biggest issue," said Mark Clark, the union's executive director. "He's more than capable of handling that."

Last negotiated in 2015, the contract will expire in December 2018 amid growing concerns from civil rights advocates over the use of force and criticism that the current contract shields officers from scrutiny.

In a survey of police contracts in more than 80 cities, Campaign Zero, a police accountability group, found that Houston's police contract includes provisions that allow officers to delay giving statements to investigators, erase some misconduct records, permit officers to watch body camera recordings before giving statements and that limit oversight.

"The incoming police union president should be open to addressing the issue and open to that process," said Sam Sinyangwe, Campaign Zero's founder. "Police accountability shouldn't be something subject to negotiation."

In Austin, complaints from Sinyangwe and other civil rights advocates led city officials to vote down the Austin Police Department's negotiated contract, saying it needed stronger provisions to ensure transparency and police accountability.

Local civil rights advocates express similar concerns in Houston.

Ashton P. Woods, an organizer with Black Lives Matter's Houston chapter, said the union fought and killed legislation that would have made policing more transparent and equitable.

"When the union speaks out, they speak out in support of officers who we don't know if they're guilty or innocent," he said, "but they always speak out in a way that casts their officers in a positive light."

James Douglas, president of the Houston chapter of the NAACP, said the union should focus on improving public safety.

"Right now the union is so concerned about protecting the shield they forget about protecting the public," Douglas said. "The union ought to be focused on excellent law enforcement, and not on protection of wrongdoing officers."

Gamaldi rejects the notion that the union blindly supports officers, citing his response to the recent arrest of an officer accused of stealing drugs during traffic stops.

"I jumped out immediately when I heard it and said if the accusations were true, she was a complete disgrace to the police department and she should be fired and removed," he said, adding that the union regularly waives the option to give officers more time in giving statements about officer-involved shootings.

"People are under the impression and perception there's somehow this blue wall of silence," he said. "But it's just not the reality."

Other challenges

As president, Gamaldi will also speak for officers who shoot civilians or criminal suspects  an experience he himself weathered late one night in New York.

While responding to gunfire, he encountered an armed man who shot at him, but missed. Gamaldi fired back  wounding the suspect  and later arrested him.

The incident and subsequent investigation underscored the importance of unions, he said.

"It really means a lot to have people there who are advocating for you and understanding what you're going through," he said. "It's about providing a semblance of calm in an otherwise chaotic situation."

In Houston, he will have to provide that same stability to officers at a time when videos of misconduct can go viral in just minutes, and as officer-involved shootings have come under intense scrutiny.

"The Houston Police Department ... is like all police departments, facing what any urban police department faces today," said Mustafa Tameez, a political consultant who provides communications training to incoming police cadets. "We're so interconnected today, any incident seems to be able to set off a chain of events quickly. A small video taken could create a firestorm."

In advocating for officers, Gamaldi has also signaled he will challenge low bonds and sentences handed out in court.

"We can't have predators out here preying on people of this community," he said. "I understand the justice system wants to be fair to folks. But you have to be fair to the victims, to the community. You can't just keep letting people out."
A network of Houston health centers serving vulnerable residents has sued the federal government to prevent the loss of funding that local officials say would close six clinics as early as next week.

Central Care Integrated Health Services obtained a temporary restraining order in late December against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' acting secretary to extend the terms of an operating grant until Monday.

A hearing is set before Chief U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal in Houston Monday, and an amended lawsuit filed Jan. 1 seeks to continue federal funding beyond that point.

The upheaval could disrupt the continuity of care for about 10,000 patients in some of Houston's poorest areas, according to Central Care CEO La Toya Darden.

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U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston, who has several clinics in her district, called Wednesday afternoon for continued funding for Houston's first federally qualified health center and publicly requested another review by officials.

"We think that there is cause to have a reconsideration," the congresswoman said at a news conference, adding that she intends to appeal to the White House and HHS decision-makers. "That's what we're seeking in the courts, but we're also seeking to sit down at the table and get reconsideration."

She was flanked by physicians, nurses and patients at the Riverside clinic in Third Ward who held "Save Central Care" signs. The organization has been taking care of uninsured and underinsured patients for 25 years.

"There have been no charges of poor care here," Jackson Lee said. "They didn't find fault in the care."

Worried patients

The six Central Care clinics provide primary medical care in underserved areas including Third Ward, Sunnyside, Acres Homes and Humble. The network, which operates under a legal entity named South Central Houston Action Council, became the city's first federally qualified health center when it opened in 1992. The organization is primarily funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, an HHS agency known as HRSA.

According to HRSA online records, Central Care received $5.376 million for 2017 to provide primary care services. Clinics offer medical, dental and behavioral health services as well as HIV care and prevention.

The grant money for the communities now served by Central Care has been awarded to another provider, who could not be determined immediately Wednesday and was not listed on HRSA's list of 2018 grantees in Harris County. The online data notes that organizations that have received commitments but not awards were not included.

HRSA public affairs officials did not respond immediately to a request for comment.

Central Care sued HHS on Dec. 22 for relief pending a review of its service area competition application. The award went to the "highest-scoring applicant," agency officials said in court documents. Central Care had received grants to operate .in the designated service areas since 2002.

Without the grant money, Central Care "would be forced to shutter all six of its facilities," the suit said.

"We don't turn anyone away," said Dr. Kymberly Butler. "That means accessibility."

A half-dozen patients attested to the quality of care as people seeking dialysis arrived Wednesday for treatment.

Central Care is the medical home of retiree Ruby Samuel, a brain aneurysm survivor of more than three decades.

"It has become very important to me since that time that I have health care management  so that I can avoid another," the 71-year-old said. "I am so pleased with the staff. They are very personable, professional and loving."

Anahi Gonzalez, a 29-year-old receptionist, said she receives dental care at the Third Ward clinic.

"Coming from a Hispanic family - mainly immigrant - it's nice to know that everybody is very welcoming," she said, choking up while offering remarks in English and Spanish. "Please do not close the doors of Central Care. You would be affecting, not just my family, but many families."

Challenge underway

In 2015, HRSA suspended Central Care's access to health professionals via the National Health Service Corps until certain conditions were met, according an affidavit of Darden in federal court filings. Physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners and others receive student loan forgiveness to practice in underserved areas.

After Central Care complied with conditions, HRSA took almost a year to return the clinics to active status, Darden's affidavit said.

"As of result of this failure by HRSA, Central Care was unable to recruit doctors from the NHSC from July 2016 to May 2017 despite having satisfied the conditions for eligibility," Darden said.

The revised lawsuit questions whether the successful grant applicant actually obtained a higher score and cites Central Care's lack of access to physicians for its score of 89 out of 100.

The complaint also said the Department of Health and Human Services has taken action to begin to "wind down" Central Care's medical services.

Vindication later without holdover funding will still spell disaster, the lawsuit noted. Even if the grant decision is reversed and the money is restored, Central Care "would not be in a position to resume operations" without continuous funding.

The filing also includes a subpoena for HHS Acting Secretary Eric D. Hargan.

HRSA is the primary federal agency responsible for improving health care for underserved populations, including the economically and medically vulnerable as well as those who are geographically isolated.

According to a Dec. 13 email in court documents from a HRSA official, Central Care was advised to apply for designation as a health center program "look-alike," which is not available for grant funding but is eligible for many of the same benefits.

According to HRSA records, the agency has active grants of $835 million in Texas distributed to 140 organizations. In Harris County, there are active grants totaling $98 million to 19 organizations.
KERRVILLE - It's clear from his swanky accommodations at the Kerr County animal shelter that Nelson, a large gray pit bull mix lounging on a pillow in the facility's office, is no ordinary stray.

For the last three years he served as the county's official canine ambassador, appearing at area school campuses and other venues with shelter staffers delivering tutorials about rabies control, the importance of spaying and neutering and related topics.

"The kids loved him," said Mike Wong, who met Nelson during the dog's visit at the now-closed county's juvenile detention center, where he was a detention officer.

"It brought up their spirits," Wong, now a county animal control officer, said Wednesday. "Having a dog there reminded them of their own pets at home."

County commissioners decided in November to retire Nelson and discontinue the ambassadorship due to liability concerns after discovering the county's insurance policies didn't cover him. The move also is intended to save the county money.

Three people made unsolicited requests to adopt Nelson, said County Commissioner Jonathan Letz who, like other officials, wants to ensure the county finds a good home for the former ambassador. For now, he's grounded at the shelter.

There has been a hitch, Letz said, due to Nelson's official county diplomatic standing and because taxpayers had covered a $2,306.54 vet bill incurred in 2016 when he was hit by a car while on an official outing.

"After the county attorney started looking at it, she concluded that Nelson was a county asset," said Letz. "Like property, you can't just give him away after the county had put money into him."

Adoption red tape

The county could declare him surplus and put Nelson up for auction, but there's no assurance that the high bidder would provide a good home, Letz said.

County Attorney Heather Stebbins said that, as county surplus, Nelson could also legally be donated to a nonprofit organization.

"He doesn't have the training like a drug dog or a police dog or a cadaver dog, but he was the county's canine ambassador and he is county property," she said. "He was more like a service dog than one who could be put on the general adoption rolls."

To try to solve the problem, officials decided to recoup the county's veterinarian expense on Nelson by setting his adoption fee at $2,306.54, rather than the normal $45 fee for dogs.

Although one would-be adopter agreed verbally to pay the higher fee, Letz said, in the interest of ensuring everyone had a fair chance at acquiring a county asset, the county posted a Dec. 8 notice advising that Nelson was available for adoption at $2,306.54 and setting a Dec. 22 deadline to apply.

But the deadline passed without anyone stepping up to adopt Nelson - prompting unfounded rumors that he would then be euthanized - leading to a cascade of criticism of county officials on social media sites.

"Even if the option for euthanasia is off the table  he doesn't deserve to be caught up in government red tape, at the shelter!," read a Dec. 30 post on the Facebook page Free Nelson, written by Susan Hunter. "He deserved a home to spend Christmas in, and he deserves a home to spend the rest of his life in. He deserves it NOW!"

'A crazy deal'

The group was founded by Hunter, a Bandera County resident who until recently had fostered dogs from the shelter and took and posted photos of its adoption candidates.

"We feel it is unethical and not good for an animal's mental health to be confined to a facility for an indeterminate period of time when there are viable options to allow him to be removed," she said Wednesday. "Many people have said they would adopt him in a heartbeat if he were available for a standard adoption fee."

Reagan Givens, the county's director of environmental health and animal services, described the outpouring of online opinions and misinformation as "a crazy deal."

"We're not a popular department, you could say," he said Wednesday. "It definitely did raise safety concerns for my staff."

"There's been comments about our staff being 'The devil's spawn' and that animals are better than humans," he said. "Everyone is outraged by the adoption fee,"

Debbi Haughey wrote on the Free Nelson page, "They are going to be getting all that money in pennies??? This is absolutely insane and I pray that Nelson becomes famous as well as the jerks that are exhorting this $$$$$."

Due to the absence of public interest in adopting Nelson for the $2,306.54, Letz said county officials are exploring other options for finding Nelson a good home.

"The ironic part is that for a pet, Nelson is treated like royalty," he said Wednesday. "They should be concerned about trying to adopt the other dogs at the shelter."
Across a span of 11,500 years, a baby is speaking to us.

Although she was an infant when she died, her diminutive remains are helping researchers understand how ancient people first entered and then moved around the Americas.

The little girl recently was given the name Xach'itee'aaneh T'eede Gaay (Sunrise Girl-Child) by indigenous people in the Alaskan interior who live close to the place where her body was found.

Archaeological evidence suggests her family buried her with care in a pit beneath the central hearth in their temporary home. They laid her to rest on a bed of ocher and placed offerings of weapons around her makeshift grave.

Centuries later, her tiny skeleton was unearthed during an archaeological dig, and, with the permission of local indigenous tribes, samples of her bones were sent off for DNA analysis.

Scientists were stunned by what they revealed: This little girl was born into a previously unknown population of pioneers who were among the first to arrive in North America.

The discovery, reported Wednesday in Nature, has both complicated the story of how humans spread throughout the Americas and brought it into clearer focus, said Ben Potter, an anthropologist at the University of Alaska Fairbanks who worked on the new study.

"No one can deny that this makes our picture of the history of Native Americans more complex and more accurate than ever before," he said.

'An important finding'

David Reich, a geneticist at Harvard Medical School, hailed the new work as a crucial step toward better understanding how the earliest migrants to the New World diversified once they got here.

"This is an important finding, as it constrains possible scenarios for the early peopling of the Americas in significant ways," he said.

The baby's grave was discovered in 2015 in an archaeological site known as Upward Sun River in Alaska's Tanana River Valley. It appears to have been a residential base camp where men, women and children remained for several weeks at a time, primarily in the summer months. The site was occupied multiple times, beginning about 13,000 years ago.

The remains of Xach'itee'aaneh T'eede Gaay date back to about 11,500 years ago. Her DNA was well-preserved in deep sediments, which made it easier for modern scientists to decode it.

Next the authors compared the more complete genetic sequence from Sunrise Girl-Child with that of other ancient genomes, as well as a panel of DNA profiles from 167 populations around the world. The baby's DNA was more closely related to present-day Native Americans than to any other tested populations, followed by Siberians and East Asians.

Unclear what happened

That didn't come as much of a surprise. There is broad agreement among anthropologists and archaeologists that the first people who came to America traveled over Beringia, a strip of land that connected northeast Asia with northwestern North America during the last ice age, when sea levels were lower.

The part that was shocking was the discovery that the baby girl was equally related to both groups of present-day Native Americans - those who live in northern North America, including Athabaskan and Algonkian speakers, and those who live farther south.

For this to be true, she must have belonged to a third group of people who lived before the northern and southern Native Americans split into genetically distinct groups, the researchers said. They dubbed the newly identified group the Ancient Beringians.

"This was brand-new," Potter said. Scientists "simply didn't have this population on the radar."

Further genetic analysis suggested that the Ancient Beringians split from the ancestors of all other Native Americans about 20,000 years ago, well before Sunrise Girl-Child was born. It is likely that the Ancient Beringians stayed in the north, while the ancestors of all other Native Americans moved south before splitting into two other groups around 15,000 years ago.

Potter said it is unclear what ultimately happened to the Ancient Beringians. Perhaps they were absorbed by other Native Americans who moved back into their region about 6,000 years ago and intermarried. It is also possible they were killed off or out-competed by their neighbors to the south.

"We are still at a very early stage of understanding," he said. "The simple answer is we don't know."

Thanks to the additional genetic data provided by Xach'itee'aaneh T'eede Gaay, the authors say they have the first evidence of a single founding Native American population, which split from East Asians about 35,000 years ago.
Mayor Sylvester Turner on Wednesday staunchly defended his press secretary's job performance following her recent two-week suspension for conducting personal business on city time and failing to turn over public records requested by a local journalist.

Turner also lectured reporters on the newsworthiness of the city's disciplinary action against Darian Ward, saying other issues are more important than "whether or not somebody did something on an email."

Ward, who was allowed to return to work Dec. 27, sent or received roughly 5,000 emails from her government account related to her company, Joy in Motion Enterprises, or other personal business matters over the last four years, according to a city memo. However, Ward, who at the time was among those responsible for fielding Texas Public Information Act requests for the mayor's office, produced just 30 pages of emails in response to a journalist's October records request.

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"Ms. Ward, you misrepresented to the requestor the volume of documents regarding the TPIA request under state law, and you misinformed the chief of staff and me; you spent a significant amount of city time conducting your personal business rather than focusing on your work task," mayoral Communications Director Alan Bernstein wrote Ward on Dec. 11, informing her that she had violated multiple city policies.

The 30 pages of material Ward initially produced included just one responsive email, accompanied by 29 pages of emails about city business, according to the memo. Bernstein then requested the city's Office of Inspector General search Ward's email to ensure her reply to the records request was accurate.

The emails the OIG discovered in Ward's government account included proposals and signed agreements with television and film production companies, as well as "an intense and sustained promotional and development campaign" for a charity for which Ward serves as a board member.

"One of the responses to these emails was from a writer who apparently considered your message to be a charitable donation solicitation," Bernstein wrote. "The respondent said he could not honor such a request from a government employee and/or a government email address."

Bernstein declined to comment on Ward's suspension, which first was reported by KTRK Channel 13, and Ward did not respond to requests for comment.

"It's pretty flagrant," said Daniel Bevarly, executive director of the National Freedom of Information Coalition, based in Missouri. "I'm surprised the mayor retained this individual."

Turner said "no employee ought to be utilizing personal emails on city time," but said he was not concerned about Ward's performance.

"She's done her job extremely well since I've been here, over and above," he said. "I have no question with regard to her work performance."

The mayor, who bristled at reporters' questions about Ward, added that he imposed a stiffer punishment than the city's legal and human resources departments had recommended.

"People are not concerned about some of these other matters that don't touch them," Turner said. "What they are concerned about: Who's going to help me get back and fix my house? And they're concerned about who's going to meet the needs of the vulnerable population like the homeless."

Joy in Motion is registered with the Texas Secretary of State in Ward's name, and Bernstein's memo says Ward acknowledged it is her "own private company."

However, Joy in Motion is not listed on Ward's city financial disclosures for the 2014, 2015 and 2016 calendar years. Ward's position in the mayor's office, for which she earns $93,712 annually, is the only income source listed on any of the three forms.

Houston requires disclosure of any "occupational income" over $250 per source, among other financial interests. Violations are subject to review by the city's ethics commission and are punishable by fines of $100 to $500 per offense.

Former city attorney David Feldman described that requirement as covering "any compensation for work, whether it be as an employee, independent contractor, employee-owner - it doesn't matter."
With street protests raging in Iran and North Korea's dictator appearing to offer a rare olive branch, President Donald Trump chose to dedicate his first tweet of 2018 to  Pakistan. "The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the past 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit," he virtually bellowed. "They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!"

Not surprisingly, the outburst caught Pakistan's elected government by surprise; emergency cabinet meetings and angry rebuttals from senior Pakistani officials soon followed.

Trump's outburst was not completely out of the blue nor entirely unwarranted. He and other senior U.S. officials have been warning since last summer that Islamabad's support for terrorists both in and outside Afghanistan was no longer tolerable, and the administration was already withholding $255 million in military aid to demonstrate its dissatisfaction. An article in the New York Times on Friday, before the tweet, said senior administration officials were recently incensed by the refusal of Pakistani officials to provide access to a captured operative of the Taliban-linked Haqqani network who was involved in the abduction of a Canadian-American family.

Still, the tweet triggered a question all too often asked about Trump's public statements: What was the point? Was the public insult to the Pakistani government part of a carefully considered strategy for turning around an important but troubled foreign relationship - or simply an impulsive gesture? Given Trump's record, the latter seems a safe bet. After all, in his previous tweet about Pakistan, in October, the president declared that his administration was "starting to develop a much better relationship with Pakistan and its leaders."

Certainly, the new tweet appeared unlikely to yield a useful result. Pakistanis across the political spectrum condemned Trump; the government of Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi protested, with some justification, that U.S. payments had merely reimbursed Pakistan for expenses incurred in supporting the war against terrorism - and that the country had itself suffered tens of thousands of casualties in that battle. In truth, Pakistan has long played a double game - simultaneously fighting some Taliban factions while supporting others, such as the Haqqani network. Trump's hyperbolic tweet will likely cause the security establishment to cling to rather than curtail that strategy.

If so, Trump's tweet will join a host of others that have undermined U.S. policies and alliances in the past year. His childish insults of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have complicated attempts to find a peaceful way out of the crisis caused by the regime's nuclear weapons. His ill-informed attacks on Qatar, the host of the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East, have helped deepen a rift among U.S. Persian Gulf allies. Then there were the seemingly random gibes at European allies such as Britain, Germany and even Sweden.

Before the latest tweet, the Times asked Gen. Joseph Votel, the head of U.S. Central Command, what was being done to gain Pakistan's cooperation against the Haqqani group."What we're trying to do is talk to Pakistan about this, and not try to communicate with them through public messaging," he replied. Whoops.
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Michael Whigham of Clean Energy Collective shows where more screening was done at the solar array on River Road.

Clarksburg Solar Project Seeking Answers

CLARKSBURG, Mass.  A solar array company says it's in "nowheresville" in trying to close out its River Road project.

Michael Whigham, vice president of Clean Energy Collective, told the Planning Board on Wednesday that he has not been able to get the town to sign off on the completion of the project nor has he been able to get a clear understanding of what else might need to be done.

"The building inspector has told us we are compliant," he said. "Mr. [Town Administrator Carl] McKinney has indicated that he thinks we're not but won't provide us with anything stating what we're not compliant with ... We're kind of like in nowheresville. ... I just don't know what to do."

Whigham said he didn't think he had been treated well as a property owner, taxpayer and permit-holder and was looking to the Planning Board for direction.

The planners were sympathetic and believed the problem had centered around screening issues. Whigham said that was correct.

"We went through a lot of due diligence on this project, I think it was seven public sessions with a specific task of making sure we allow the project to have a voice with the abuttors," he said. "At some point, a complaint came to us through the building inspector from one of the abuttors and that was really concerns about screening."

Whigham said he had met with Building Inspector B.J. Church and McKinney during the summer about the screening on the western side of the project and believed they had arrived at an acceptable solution.

"At that point in time there was no statement that we were not in compliance," he said. "We really wanted to be very specific about that."

Town officials had suggested a new row of trees but those would have interfered with the solar panels, he said. The compromise was to install 200 feet of slats in the fencing and replace some trees, which was completed by October.

Whigham said when he then asked that the permit be closed, "that's when it kind of, to be frank, it went sideways in my opinion."

He said Church declined to sign off on the building card, referring him to McKinney. Whigham said he has repeatedly asked if the project is non-compliant. He believes that Clean Energy is being forced to deal with the unhappy abuttors despite having documentation showing it has fulfilled the requirements of the permit.

Whigham agreed with the planners that the area in question did look somewhat barren but added that stumps had been left there to grow and would fill in in the future.

Of the three planners at the meeting, only Audry Matys was on the board when the project went through the permitting process. Erin Scott and Gregory Vigna were elected last year. They said they would get in touch with Church and McKinney to clarify the issue.

In other business, the board held off on approval for a perimeter plan for A.J. Randall, wanting to confirm with town counsel. The area is projected to be used for an agricultural solar array. Matthew Parlon, a project development analyst with solar developer Blue Wave, and the company's attorney, Thomas Reidy, were in attendance with Randall.

The papers were filed last Tuesday, two days prior to a special town meeting creating an overlay district on the west side of town for commercial solar arrays.

Since the submission occurred at a time there was no solar bylaw, Reidy said, "three years from your endorsement, you're frozen under that zoning bylaw as far as use goes."

Randall and Blue Wave have appeared before the Selectmen and at last week's special town meeting to explain the use of agricultural solar projects and how they are being promoted by the state's state Department of Agricultural Resources. Randall is hoping to use the solar leases to help him in starting his farm on Daniels Road. Parlon said the hold would allow Blue Wave to begin conversations with Randall's neighbors and the town.

The boundary plan was routine but the planners hesitated in signing off on it because of the circumstances. They agreed to meet with Blue Wave representatives next Wednesday once they were advised by counsel.
Former Egyptian Prime Minister and presidential hopeful Ahmed Shafiq returned to his house earlier this week from staying in a hotel following his return from the UAE and the announcement of his potential candidacy in the upcoming presidential elections, National Movement Party spokesperson Khaled El-Amowi told Ahram Online on Thursday.

According to El-Amowi, Shafiq returned back to his villa in New Cairo three days ago, where he continued his meetings with the leaders of National Movement Party, of which he is the founder.

Following his return to Egypt after a five-year stay in the Emirates, the 76-year-old Shafiq stated that he would assess whether he should run in the upcoming presidential elections in May 2018 or not.

Rumors spread following his return from UAE that he was under house arrest, but Shafiq denied this, saying that he was staying in a hotel till his villa was completely clean.

Shafiq served as aviation minister under former president Hosni Mubarak and briefly as prime minister during the 2011 uprising, before he was replaced in February 2012.

Shafiq narrowly lost the June 2012 presidential elections to the Muslim Brotherhoods Mohamed Morsi, who held the post for one year before being ousted in July 2013 following nationwide protests against his rule.

Shortly after the 2012 election, Shafiq claimed that the vote was rigged and travelled to the UAE, citing "concerns for his own safety."

While in the UAE, Shafiq was tried in absentia on a number of corruption charges, but was either acquitted or had charges against him dropped.

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FTC Gives Final Approval to Lenovo Settlement

Washington, DC - The Federal Trade Commission has given final approval to a settlement with Lenovo Inc., related to charges that the company harmed consumers by pre-loading software on some laptops that compromised security protections in order to deliver ads to consumers.

In its complaint, the FTC charged that beginning in August 2014 Lenovo began selling consumer laptops in the United States that came with a preinstalled advertising software program called VisualDiscovery that interfered with how a users browser interacted with websites and created serious security vulnerabilities.

As part of the settlement with the FTC, Lenovo is prohibited from misrepresenting any features of software preloaded on laptops that will inject advertising into consumers Internet browsing sessions or transmit sensitive consumer information to third parties. If the company preinstalls this type of software, the order requires the company to get consumers affirmative consent before the software runs on their laptops. In addition, the company is required for 20 years to implement a comprehensive software security program for most consumer software preloaded on its laptops. The security program will also be subject to third-party audits.

The FTC received 10 comments on the settlement. The FTC vote approving the final order as well as responses to the 10 commenters was 2-0.
Designations Under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998

Washington, DC - In far too many places around the globe, people continue to be persecuted, unjustly prosecuted, or imprisoned for exercising their right to freedom of religion or belief. Today, a number of governments infringe upon individuals ability to adopt, change, or renounce their religion or belief, worship in accordance with their religion or beliefs, or be free from coercion to practice a particular religion or belief.

In accordance with the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, the Secretary of State annually designates governments that have engaged in or tolerated systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom as Countries of Particular Concern. Today, the Department of State announces that the Secretary of State re-designated Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan as Countries of Particular Concern on December 22, 2017. The Secretary also placed Pakistan on a Special Watch List for severe violations of religious freedom.



The protection of religious freedom is vital to peace, stability, and prosperity. These designations are aimed at improving the respect for religious freedom in these countries. We recognize that several designated countries are working to improve their respect for religious freedom; we welcome these initiatives and look forward to continued dialogue. The United States remains committed to working with governments, civil society organizations, and religious leaders to advance religious freedom around the world.




This Isnt Our Last Love Letter



Dear Don Don,

Way back in 92



I walked into the room and knew



Never felt this way before



I shook your hand while gazing into your eyes



And the feeling grew



As I took a seat I knew



A love that would have my heart



Forever



I knew



Way back in 92





They say love at first sight doesnt always last or isnt true



We were the exception to that rule



Our love had no where to hide



A spark set fire



As if this is how the universe started





I never doubted our love or what we could do



Together we grew



Forming a bond everlasting



That became our glue



My euphoria was YOU



Im eternally grateful for the love and life we shared



For how fortunate we were :



to have and to hold

through sickness and in health

Til death do us part



Until we are together again



This isnt our last love letter



I love you with all my heart and soul



Yours forever,



Deirdre (Mrs. Hank Snow)





Im fortunate to have fallen in love with, marry and make a life with the sharpest, coolest, funniest, most rare, bad ass, tender loving, loyal man on the planet, my husband Don Imus.









A True American Hero

I dont know why it has been so hard for me to write about my dear friend Don Imus.



I certainly know what he meant to me, my family, my charity, my hospital and the millions of fans that listened and loved him for so many years.



I keep reading all the beautiful condolences that people are writing about how much a part of their lives were effected by listening to him over the years.

But what most people dont talk enough about is what he did for all of us.

In every sense of the word, he was an American Hero. His work with children with so many different illnesses and his dedication to their future was unmatched by anyone I have ever known or heard about.



Besides raising over $100,000,000 for so many causes, he took care of young people for over 20 years in a state where he could not breathe. Along with his incredible wife Deirdre, he created a world where children were not defined by their disease. That was a miracle! He was a miracle.

I will miss him ever day for the rest of my life.

I was blessed to be a part of his and Deirdes life.

No one will ever do what he did.

I love you Don Imus - A TRUE AMERICAN HERO





David Jurist

IMUS IN THE MORNING

FIRST DAY BACK!
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BAFTA has announced this years EE Rising Star nominees, predicting the actors set to dominate cinema screens over the coming years.

Leading the pack are British stars Daniel Kaluuya, Florence Pugh, and Josh OConnor, all of whom have already been hotly tipped for numerous nominations this awards season. They join American actors Timothee Chalamet and Tessa Thompson.

Kaluuya made headway last year after leading Jordan Peeles break-out horror film Get Out, while Pugh won critical acclaim for her role in Lady Macbeth, taking home the British Independent Film Awards best actress prize. At the same ceremony, OConnor won the best actor award for his role in God's Own Country.

Meanwhile, Chalamet has been hotly tipped for an Oscar nomination for his lauded leading role in Call Me By Your Name, while Thompson recently appeared in the Marvel blockbuster Thor: Ragnarok.

Im honoured and grateful to BAFTA and the Jury for the nomination and cant wait to celebrate it in my home city, Kaluuya said of the nomination.

Saying she felt truly honoured to be on the shortlist, Pugh added: The journey to get to this rewarding moment has been exhilarating, and so to feel recognition for doing something I love and the hard work many have put in feels very touching. Its a very proud moment indeed.

27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Show all 27 1 /27 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Black Panther Released: 12 February 12 February Director: Ryan Coogler Cast: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Forest Whitaker, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 The Greatest Showman Released: 1 January 1 January Director: Michael Gracey Cast: Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya, 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Darkest Hour Released: 12 January 12 January Director: Joe Wright Cast: Gary Oldman, Kristin Scott Thomas, Ben Mendelsohn 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri Released: 12 January Director: Martin McDonagh 12 JanuaryMartin McDonagh Cast: Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, Caleb Landry Jones > Twentieth Century Fox 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Coco Released: 19 January 19 January Director: Lee Unkrich ,p>Cast: Anthony Gonzalez, Gael Garcia Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, Renee Victor 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Downsizing Released: 19 January 19 January Director: Alexander Payne Cast: Matt Damon, Christopher Waltz, Jong Chau, Kristen Wiig, Jason Sudeikis 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Early Man Released: 26 January 26 January Director: Nick Park Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Tom Hiddleston, Maisie Williams, Timothy Spall 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Fifty Shades Freed Released: 9 February 9 February Director: James Foley Cast: Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan, Kim Basinger 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Maze Runner: The Death Cure Released: 9 February 9 February Director: Wes Ball Cast: Dylan O'Brien, Thomas Brodie Sangster, Kaya Scodelario, Giancarlo Esposito, Aidan Gillen 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 The Shape of Water Released: 16 February 16 February Director: Guillermo del Toro Cast: Sally Hawkins, Octavia Spencer, Michael Shannon, Michael Stuhlbarg, Doug Jones 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Annihilation Released: 23 February 23 February Director: Alex Garland Cast: Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Lee, Gina Rodriguez, Tessa Thompson, Oscar Isaac 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Dark River Released: 23 February 23 February Director: Clio Barnard Cast: Ruth Wilson, Mark Stanley, Sean Bean 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Red Sparrow Released: 2 March 2 March Director: Francis Lawrence Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Edgerton, Jeremy Irons 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Tomb Raider Released: 16 March 16 March Director: Roar Uthaug Cast: Alicia Vikander, Walton Goggins, Daniel Wu, Dominic West, 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 A Wrinkle in Time Released: 23 March 23 March Director: Ava DuVernay Cast: Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling, Zach Galifianakis 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Pacific Rim: Uprising Released: 23 March 23 March Director: Steven S. DeKnight Cast: John Boyega, Scott Eastwood, Charlie Day, Burn Gorman 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Roman J Israel, Esq Released: 23 March 23 March Director: Dan Gilroy Cast: Denzel Washington, Colin Farrell, Carmen Ejogo Columbia Pictures 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Isle of Dogs Released: 30 March 30 March Director: Wes Anderson Cast: Bill Murray, Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Tilda Swinton, Scarlett Johansson 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Ready Player One Released: 30 March 30 March Director: Steven Spielberg Cast: Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Ben Mendelsohn, Mark Rylance, Simon Pegg 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Avengers: Infinity War Released: 27 April 27 April Director: The Russo Brothers Cast: Robert Downey, Jr, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Josh Brolin 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Untitled Han Solo Film Released: 25 May 25 May Director: Ron Howard Cast: Alden Ehrenreich, Emilia Clarke, Woody Harrelson, Donald Glover 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Released: 8 June 8 June Director: J.A. Bayona Cast: Bryce Dallas Howard, Chris Pine, B.D. Wong, Toby Jones 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Deadpool 2 Released: 1 June Director: David Leitch 1 JuneDavid Leitch Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, T.J. Miller, Zazie Beetz, Josh Brolin 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Ocean's 8 Released: 22 June 22 June Director: Gary Ross Cast: Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Anne Hathaway, Olivia Munn, Helena Bonham Carter, Rihanna, Matt Damon 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Ant-Man and the Wasp Released: 29 June 29 June Director: Peyton Reed Cast: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Michelle Pfeiffer 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Soldado Released: 29 June 29 June Director: Stefano Sollima Cast: Benicio del Toro, Josh Brolin, Jeffrey Donovan, Catherine Keener, Matthew Modine 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 The Incredibles 2 Released: 13 July 13 July Director: Brad Bird Cast: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, Samuel L. Jackson

Last year, Spider-Man actor Tom Holland took home the prestigious award, beating Anya Taylor-Joy, Ruth Negga, Laia Costa, and Lucas Hedges. The winner of this years award will be announced at the BAFTA ceremony on the 18 February.
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Kathryn Bigelow's camera can navigate war zones - in The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty - but the streets she captured in her latest film weren't those of a battleground. This was an American city invaded by its own army.

In 1967, police raided an unlicensed speakeasy in Detroit, the Blind Pig, arresting all of its occupants, all of them black. The move sparked a widespread riot in the city, as black citizens retaliated against the police's reign of prejudice and brutality.

In response, Governor George Romney sent in the National Guard, while President Lyndon B. Johnson sent in paratroopers. 8,000 national guard marched into the city, alongside 4,700 combat troops, and 360 state police. The result left 43 individuals dead, 1,189 injured, while 7,231 were arrested and more than 2,000 buildings were destroyed.

Detroit became almost unrecognisable as the troops rolled in. As part of a new featurette for Bigelow's Detroit, US Congressman John Conyers Jr. relays that "it reminded me of my military experiences... it was like an invasion."

Mark Boal, the film's screenwriter, also describes some of the men's dangerous inexperience, as former Detroit police officer Ike McKinnon tells the story of police firing at a young person who had come to the window, mistaking them for a sniper.

Detroit is out now on Digital Download and Blu-ray & DVD from 8 January.

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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

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Late last year, the New York Film Critics Circle Award winners were announced, many fellow critics praising their choice to award Tiffany Haddish for best-supporting actress for Girls Trip.

Appearing at the awards yesterday, Standing on stage with a special Tiffany Toast cocktail  reportedly containing Finlandia grapefruit vodka, yuzu citrus, and a hint of pomegranate  Haddish delivered an exceptionally funny speech.

First, the actor introduced the drink: Its delicious. I had two, and I do feel like magic. She then made sure the NYFCC spelled her name correctly on the award, declaring Its right.

27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Show all 27 1 /27 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Black Panther Released: 12 February 12 February Director: Ryan Coogler Cast: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Forest Whitaker, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 The Greatest Showman Released: 1 January 1 January Director: Michael Gracey Cast: Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya, 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Darkest Hour Released: 12 January 12 January Director: Joe Wright Cast: Gary Oldman, Kristin Scott Thomas, Ben Mendelsohn 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri Released: 12 January Director: Martin McDonagh 12 JanuaryMartin McDonagh Cast: Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, Caleb Landry Jones > Twentieth Century Fox 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Coco Released: 19 January 19 January Director: Lee Unkrich ,p>Cast: Anthony Gonzalez, Gael Garcia Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, Renee Victor 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Downsizing Released: 19 January 19 January Director: Alexander Payne Cast: Matt Damon, Christopher Waltz, Jong Chau, Kristen Wiig, Jason Sudeikis 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Early Man Released: 26 January 26 January Director: Nick Park Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Tom Hiddleston, Maisie Williams, Timothy Spall 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Fifty Shades Freed Released: 9 February 9 February Director: James Foley Cast: Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan, Kim Basinger 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Maze Runner: The Death Cure Released: 9 February 9 February Director: Wes Ball Cast: Dylan O'Brien, Thomas Brodie Sangster, Kaya Scodelario, Giancarlo Esposito, Aidan Gillen 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 The Shape of Water Released: 16 February 16 February Director: Guillermo del Toro Cast: Sally Hawkins, Octavia Spencer, Michael Shannon, Michael Stuhlbarg, Doug Jones 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Annihilation Released: 23 February 23 February Director: Alex Garland Cast: Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Lee, Gina Rodriguez, Tessa Thompson, Oscar Isaac 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Dark River Released: 23 February 23 February Director: Clio Barnard Cast: Ruth Wilson, Mark Stanley, Sean Bean 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Red Sparrow Released: 2 March 2 March Director: Francis Lawrence Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Edgerton, Jeremy Irons 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Tomb Raider Released: 16 March 16 March Director: Roar Uthaug Cast: Alicia Vikander, Walton Goggins, Daniel Wu, Dominic West, 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 A Wrinkle in Time Released: 23 March 23 March Director: Ava DuVernay Cast: Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling, Zach Galifianakis 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Pacific Rim: Uprising Released: 23 March 23 March Director: Steven S. DeKnight Cast: John Boyega, Scott Eastwood, Charlie Day, Burn Gorman 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Roman J Israel, Esq Released: 23 March 23 March Director: Dan Gilroy Cast: Denzel Washington, Colin Farrell, Carmen Ejogo Columbia Pictures 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Isle of Dogs Released: 30 March 30 March Director: Wes Anderson Cast: Bill Murray, Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Tilda Swinton, Scarlett Johansson 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Ready Player One Released: 30 March 30 March Director: Steven Spielberg Cast: Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Ben Mendelsohn, Mark Rylance, Simon Pegg 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Avengers: Infinity War Released: 27 April 27 April Director: The Russo Brothers Cast: Robert Downey, Jr, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Josh Brolin 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Untitled Han Solo Film Released: 25 May 25 May Director: Ron Howard Cast: Alden Ehrenreich, Emilia Clarke, Woody Harrelson, Donald Glover 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Released: 8 June 8 June Director: J.A. Bayona Cast: Bryce Dallas Howard, Chris Pine, B.D. Wong, Toby Jones 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Deadpool 2 Released: 1 June Director: David Leitch 1 JuneDavid Leitch Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, T.J. Miller, Zazie Beetz, Josh Brolin 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Ocean's 8 Released: 22 June 22 June Director: Gary Ross Cast: Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Anne Hathaway, Olivia Munn, Helena Bonham Carter, Rihanna, Matt Damon 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Ant-Man and the Wasp Released: 29 June 29 June Director: Peyton Reed Cast: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Michelle Pfeiffer 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Soldado Released: 29 June 29 June Director: Stefano Sollima Cast: Benicio del Toro, Josh Brolin, Jeffrey Donovan, Catherine Keener, Matthew Modine 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 The Incredibles 2 Released: 13 July 13 July Director: Brad Bird Cast: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, Samuel L. Jackson

Haddish went on to thank God, because without God my Mum and Daddy wouldnt have put their two uglies together and made me.

She then spoke at length about the large statue behind the podium, thanked the critics (although admitting she doesnt read reviews), and detailed getting the role in Girls Trip. Watch the full 17-minute speech below.

Later this week, one of the first major award shows, the Golden Globes, will take place. While Haddish has not been nominated, there will no doubt be some excellent speeches nonetheless. Read about our predictions here.
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Hostiles (15)



Dir Scott Cooper, 133 mins, starring: Christian Bale, Rosamund Pike, Wes Studi

Westerns dont come much more brutal than Scott Coopers Hostiles. The film has a few moments of Little House On The Prairie-like tranquillity right at the start. We see homesteader Rosalie Quaid (Rosamund Pike) sitting in the parlour, teaching her daughters how to use adverbs as her husband works outdoors, sawing wood.

But then comes the slaughter: the scalping, the shooting, the wanton killing of children. From that point onwards, the tone doesnt lighten. The Comanches are killers. Their homicidal behaviour is matched by that of the US army. Cooper casts us into a world in which violence and cruelty are endemic and in which men are murdered or tortured in front of their families as a matter of course.

Captain Joe J Blocker is surely the darkest role that Christian Bale has yet tackled. The one-time child actor from Empire Of The Sun is here playing a grizzled, embittered old timer with a hangdog moustache whose hatred of Native Americans puts even that of John Waynes vengeful Ethan Edwards in The Searchers to shame.

Hes rumoured to have taken more scalps that Sitting Bull himself. He cant bear to be in a room with those people, as he calls his enemies. Ive killed savages; Ive killed plenty of them because thats my f***ing job, he hisses.

Blocker is utterly dismayed when his commanding officer orders him to lead a team accompanying cancer-ridden Cheyenne war chief Yellow Hawk (Wes Studi) back to his old hunting grounds in Montana to die.

Yellow Hawk and Blocker provide a twisted reflection of one another. Theyre both butchers. Theyre also men out of time. Its the 1890s and the old ways are changing. Civilisation, as represented by the banks, the politicians, the press and the railroads, is encroaching.

The violence that has distorted both their lives will no longer be tolerated, at least in open view. They can hardly feel nostalgic but the peaceful future looks as bleak to them as the violent past.

To call the mood here elegiac is to understate the matter. The journey shown is like a prolonged death march. At first, Pikes Rosalie is so traumatised with grief that she becomes delusional but her endurance and will to survive hint at a chance of reconciliation and redemption.

 Hostiles - Trailer

In its own sombre way. Hostiles is very striking. It boasts exceptional performances from Bale and Pike.There is a rugged beauty to its evocation of the Old West. Cooper throws in shots of dawn rising over the plains and plenty of majestic imagery of mountains, forests and deserts. At the same time, it makes for downbeat and forbidding viewing. Its a film that begins and ends in loss.

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Much of the screenplay, which is based on a story written many years ago by Oscar-winning screenwriter Donald E Stewart, is predictable. The filmmakers go to such lengths early on to establish the enmity between Captain Blocker and Chief Yellow Hawk that we know theyll soon find common ground.

They may be killers but they have their own code of honour. Yellow Hawk is a Cheyenne, not a rattlesnake like the Comanches, who kill everyone indiscriminately.

The film cant make up its mind about human nature. The film suggests that religion and civilisation are no barriers when it comes to killing. Rosalie isnt coy about emptying the barrels of a revolver into the corpse of a dead Comanche.

Soldiers like Blocker and his old comrade Sergeant Metz (Rory Cochrane) are inured to violence. Metz even gets to deliver a little soliloquy which sounds nearly identical to the one Clint Eastwood uttered in Unforgiven (1992) in which he talked of killing everything that moved, whether man, woman or child. At the same time, all the main characters here are consumed by a sense of longing and regret.

Hostiles is far too traditional to be seen as a revisionist western. Characters are seen framed in doorways, just as in The Searchers. There are echoes of Fords cavalry westerns and of his late films like Cheyenne Autumn too.

The explosions of violence rekindle memories of Sam Peckinpah. There is a morose and self-conscious quality to the storytelling that may put some audiences off but the film also stands as a reminded of why westerns continue to be made. If you want to deal with the most primal emotions in the most rugged settings, to combine action and soul-searching, this is still the genre to turn to first.

Brads Status (15)



Dir Mike White, 102 mins, starring: Ben Stiller, Austin Abrams, Jenna Fischer, Michael Sheen, Jemaine Clement, Luke Wilson

From the ageing Derek Zoolander to the day-dreaming Walter Mitty, Ben Stiller has portrayed his share of angst-ridden, middle-aged nincompoops trying to make sense of their inchoate lives. He gives an appealing performance in a very familiar type of role in writer-director Mike Whites comedy-drama, Brads Status.

Stiller plays Brad Sloan, a husband and father living a comfortable middle-class life in the suburbs of Sacramento. He runs a small non-profit company; is happily married to the ever-accommodating Melanie (Jenna Fischer), and they have a talented musician son, Troy (Austin Abrams), who is hoping to go to an Ivy League college.

Brad, though, is prey to extreme status anxiety. There are moments you realise your entire lifes work is absurd and you have nothing to show for it, he laments in the voiceover that runs through the film. Theres no more potential. This is it. His problem is not so much with what he has failed to achieve as his obsession with the success of his old college friends. They all seem so much more prosperous than he is. For him, the world is a battleground. For them, with their money, girlfriends and private jets, its a playground.

When Brad accompanies Troy on a trip east to visit Harvard and Tufts (the colleges his son hope to attend), his paranoia mounts. Little indignities in airport check-in queues or at restaurants eat away at his sense of confidence.

Writer-director White (who also scripted School of Rock) keeps matters light. There are comical fantasy sequences in which Brad imagines the lives his friends are living or day dreams about successes he and his son might yet experience. Brad is neurotic and self-obsessed but Stiller plays him in good natured and comical fashion.

As his exasperated but devoted son, continually being embarrassed by his antics, Austin Abrams is effectively his straight man. There are funny cameos from Luke Wilson and Jemaine Clement as the friends whose gilded lives he so envies.

Michael Sheen is excellent value, too, as another of the friends, the preening, narcissistic Harvard professor/media celebrity Craig Fisher, who always gets the best table at restaurants and who, Brad thinks, relentlessly patronises him. Stiller can sometimes be a shrill or over-the-top screen presence. Here, he underplays and is all the more likeable as a result.

The only downside is that the film sometimes feels as superficial as its central character. Brads problems, as his sons friends point out to him, are strictly first world ones. He is not really having a mid-life crisis at all. It isnt so much despair that has engulfed him as a very mild envy and irritation at the lives of others. It goes without saying that he completely misreads those lives anyway.

Jupiters Moon (15)



Dir Kornel Mundruczo, 129 mins, starring: Merab Ninidze, Zsombor Jeger, Gyorgy Cserhalmi

The brilliant Hungarian director Kornel Mundruczos latest feature sits uncomfortably between political allegory and thriller. Its the story of a young Syrian refugee who is shot as he crosses the border. Instead of dying of his wounds, Aryan (Zsombor Jeger) develops magical powers  he is suddenly able to levitate at will.

Aryan is taken in hand by Gabor Stern (Merab Ninidz), a sleazy, conscience-torn doctor, still racked with guilt over his part in the death of a young patient. Gabor realises he can make money by showing off Aryan as if the refugee is a novelty act. Both men are being pursued by Laszlo (Gyorgy Cserhalmi), a gnarled old police office, as relentless in hunting down his quarry as Inspector Javert in Les Miserables.

As in his earlier feature, White God, Mundruczo shows the paranoia and racism in a Hungarian society in which outsiders are regarded with loathing and fear, shunned or treated as potential terrorists.

However, rather than making a conventional political drama, the director turns to magical realism. There are obvious echoes of Wim Wenders Wings Of Desire. Aryan is the angel over Budapest, the other-worldly figure often shown up in the clouds, looking down on the city below.

On a formal level, the film is very striking. Aryan will be seen hovering upside down in a hospital ward or gently floating above the traffic and buildings. Mundruczo treats the levitation scenes in a matter-of-fact fashion which makes them all the more startling.

He throws in lengthy travelling shots in which the camera roams through the city as if it shares Aryans magical powers. Theres a tremendous car chase late on which unfolds at a ferocious pace but is seemingly filmed in a single shot.

Ninidzs Gabor is an engaging anti-hero, a crumpled opportunist who turns out to be more courageous and selfless than he first appears. Jegers Aryan, meanwhile, is the holy innocent type who doesnt seem to understand his own powers. Where the film comes unstuck is in its use of hackneyed action movie cliches.

The shoot-outs in hotel lifts and chases through basements and back streets play like scenes out of some low-grade Die Hard rip-off. These scenes seem all the more incongruous next to the meditative and poetic moments when Aryan takes wing.

Walk With Me (PG)



Dir Marc J Francis, Max Pugh, 94 mins, featuring: Thich Nhat Hanh

Walk With Me is a frustrating experience, a woolly minded documentary that doesnt offer viewers the spiritual relief that its main protagonist, Zen Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh, clearly provides to his followers. The master, who left Vietnam in the mid-1960s and was forced into exile in France, is the founder of Plum Village, a rural retreat which (an intertitle tells us) is now one of the worlds leading mindfulness practice centres.

Alongside the often exquisite imagery of dawns and dusks or scenes of chanting monks walking through the fields and having their heads shaven, there are recitations on the soundtrack from the teachings of the master. These are read in sonorous fashion by Benedict Cumberbatch.

Directors Marc J Francis and Max Pugh have managed to get very close to their subject. This is an intimate portrait of the Zen master. One of its drawbacks, though, is that it tells us so little about him. The filmmakers observational style doesnt allow space for interviews or voiceovers or for any meaningful contextualisation.

They plunge us into the middle of the retreat. Its debatable whether watching the masters followers eating their breakfast in silence or watching them pray and chant takes us any closer to nirvana.

Late on, the filmmakers follow the master and the monks on a trip to the US, where his followers pack out theatres. We see the monks share their teachings at a correctional facility. They tell the inmates they have had to give up money, jobs and sex. Their lifestyle is based around meditation and discipline.

The filmmakers are clearly trying to be as respectful as possible towards their subjects. That means they never ask the simple questions that an investigative journalist might have done. We dont find out the back stories or even the names of the monks. Nor do we learn how Plum Village is financed.

At that moment, I felt perfectly at peace. Not one sad or anxious thought entered my mind. Ideas of past, present and future dissolved, Cumberbatch intones at one stage as we see a shot of a blackened sky with tiny stars in the background. We are told we are at the luminous threshold of a reality that transcends time, space and action.

This is all very well but doesnt make for either gripping or revealing viewing. When it comes to Zen and the art of movie making, Marvels Doctor Strange is much more fun than this.
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The Netherlands has a highly ambitious renewable-energy plan in the works.

The country hopes to build the world's largest offshore wind farm by 2027, along with a 2.3-square-mile artificial island to support it.

As The Guardian notes, the farm would sit at Dogger Bank, a windy and shallow site 78 miles off the East Yorkshire coast. It would deliver power to the Netherlands, United Kingdom, and later Belgium, Germany, and Denmark.

Offshore wind farms typically use expensive underwater cables that convert the turbines' electric current into a type that electricity grids can use. TenneT's island, however, would house equipment that would perform this conversion on-site, thereby allowing the farm to send electricity directly to the UK and Netherlands via less pricey cables.

According to TenneT, the Dutch electric company spearheading the project, putting additional equipment on the island would also allow the team to operate more turbines at a lower cost  and thus generate more power  than a traditional offshore wind farm.

Though the cost of offshore wind power is often higher than onshore (without subsidies), the approach can be advantageous, since winds tend to blow harder and more consistently in the ocean.

The Dutch wind farm would be capable of producing 30 gigawatts of power  more than double the amount of offshore wind power installed across Europe today.

The London Array, which can produce 630 megawatts of power over 47 square miles, is currently the largest offshore wind farm in the world. The world's largest onshore wind farm, China's Gansu Wind Farm, could generate over 6,000 megawatts (6 gigawatts) as of 2012 (the most recent data available), and has a goal of 20,000 megawatts (20 gigawatts) by 2020. However, according to a 2017 report from The New York Times, a number of Gansu's turbines are still sitting idle.

The potential for offshore wind energy in the US is massive. If the country were to build turbines in all of its available ocean space, the winds above coastal waters could provide more than 4,000 gigawatts per year. That's more than four times the nations current annual generation capacity.

Several American offshore wind projects are underway. North America's first offshore wind farm, called the Block Island Wind Farm, started delivering power to the New England grid in May 2017, and effectively helped shut down a diesel plant that previously provided electricity to Rhode Island. In 2018, Deepwater Wind also plans to install 15 turbines approximately 30 miles east of Montauk, New York.

 Man who studied rich people found 3 etiquette aspects they never shirk

 11 horrible body language habits that are hard to quit

 How the ancient Greeks proved Earth was round over 2,000 years ago

Read the original article on Business Insider UK.  2016. Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter.
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A grandmother has spoken out about her outrage upon finding Disney false eyelashes for sale, marketed at children over the age of three.

55-year-old grandma-of-four Nicolette Harvey from Thurrock, Essex explained that shed found the eyelashes at Poundland but fears such products sexualise children from a young age.

The packaging on the Cinderella-themed eyelashes says theyre unsuitable for children under the age of three, but Harvey believes they could be dangerous for young children.

(Mercury Press)

Harvey claims the eyelashes, manufactured by cosmetics firm H&A, measure no more than three-quarters of an inch each, and theres no adhesive included.

This, she says, could lead to young children trying to apply the lashes unsupervised with craft glue.

I think its terrible that the product is for sale, Harvey said. Its shocking for children that age.

I don't agree with sexualising young girls in this way and Disney will attract them to the products. I know for certain that my granddaughter would be more attracted to them with the Disney logo on than any other brand.

Harvey has a four-year-old granddaughter called Mariah, but she fears the young girl could poke her eyes out with them.

Disney, who license H&A to manufacture the eyelashes, claim the three-plus symbol is to highlight a choking hazard and warn parents about the small size of the product.

The company claim the product is aimed at teens and adults, however the packaging does not explicitly say it is only for those ages.

I was most surprised because its Disney trademarked with Cinderella on it, Harvey said. Mariah absolutely loves Disney princesses. Products like this for young children are awful. The eyelashes were tiny. Its a bit hard to swallow.

It is completely opposite to what I thought Disney stood for. I thought Disney encouraged childhood innocence and imagination. You think theyre wholesome and about letting children enjoy childhood.

Harvey added that due to the size of the lashes, she believes they must be aimed at girls aged five to six.

Nicollette Harvey (Mercury Press)

Harvey was so shocked when she found the lashes in the store that she whispered Oh my God under her breath. When a member of staff overheard her, she reportedly said you dont know the half, and added that they sell false nails for children too.

Its worrying because my granddaughter loves Disney, especially the princesses and Frozen, and Id be terrified shed poke her eyes out, said Harvey.

The eyelashes were Disney with Cinderella printed on the packet and the trademark too. Why would you use the Disney brand if theyre for adults? You wouldnt go out as an adult and buy a Rapunzel mascara.

Harvey explained that her daughter - Mariahs mother - didnt want anyone bringing the false lashes into her home.

Disney confirmed that H&A made the eyelashes under license and that the age certificates on the back of the product are to warn parents of potential choking hazards.

A spokesperson said: The Disney-branded eyelashes, which are manufactured by H&A under a license with Disney and sold at Poundland, are designed for teens and adults, and can normally be found in stores within the beauty section only.

The 3+ symbol on the packaging does not refer to the intended age range of the product, but rather serves as a reminder that this item contains small parts.

They stated while other retailers had previously sold the eyelashes, Poundland were now the only stockists.

Poundland confirmed that they sold the products along with other retailers.
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A woman who was suffering from undiagnosed endometriosis was dismissed as having period pains and fired from two jobs as a result.

Sinead Smythe visited A&E over 200 times due to the immense pain she was experiencing.

She was initially diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease before doctors realised the real reason why she was enduring so much agony.

Recommended Model shares emotional account of her endometriosis

Smythe wants to raise awareness for endometriosis and support other women suffering with the condition, which is why shes set up a blog detailing her experiences.

On Christmas Day the young woman from Brighton posted a photo on Instagram that had been taken at the beginning of the year showing her in a hospital bed.

My start to 2017 was horrendous (as you can see in the photo - I was hospital bound), she wrote in the caption.

I cant even put into words what I had to go through physically and mentally.

I know its hard but look for something positive in each day - even if its getting out of bed in the morning ladies. Keep your heads high!

Previous articles have stated that Smythe believed that her pain could be due to an STI. However, Smythe took to Facebook to explain that this wasnt the case at all.

She wrote that these claims were "very incorrect information.

Recommended Women who eat 3 bacon rashers a week at higher risk of breast cancer

I never feared over an STI as I was diagnosed with PID (pelvic inflammation disease).

Also they stated The now 20-year-old visited a sexual health clinic, fearing an undiagnosed STI could be causing her symptoms.

I visited a sexual health clinic because they treat pelvic inflammation disease and they actually moved me into seeing a consultant which then found my endometriosis!

Although doctors have suggested undergoing a hysterectomy, Smythe has explained that theres no guarantee that this would make any difference.

It has come across as if it says a hysterectomy is a cure for endometriosis but it is NOT, she wrote on Facebook in regard to previous articles.

Women go through with this and still find themselves in the same situation as before.

IF your doctor or anyone tells you a hysterectomy is a cure DO NOT LISTEN.

Endometriosis is a condition in which cells similar to those in the uterus can be found in other parts of a womans body, Endometriosis UK explained on their website.

Each month these cells react in the same way to those in the womb, building up and then breaking down and bleeding, their website states.

Unlike the cells in the womb that leave the body as a period, this blood has no way of escape.

Endometriosis UK has clarified that there is currently no cure for endometriosis and estimates that around 1.5 million women in the UK currently suffer from the condition.

However, there are treatments available that can help ease the symptoms.
Egypt's Administrative Control Authority (ACA) arrested on Thursday 75 members of a large human trafficking ring made up of Egyptian citizens  including governmental officials  and foreign nationals, Al-Ahram Arabic website reported.

According to a 14-month investigation by the ACA, the members of the ring are involved bribery, profiteering, forging official documents, counterfeiting, facilitating illegal immigration, human trafficking and embezzling public and private funds.

The office of the Public Funds Prosecution has ordered that all defendants be detained pending investigations.

A team consisting of 250 ACA members raided several hideouts used by members of the crime ring in Cairo, Giza, Alexandria, Gharbiya, Daqahliya and Kafr El-Shiekh governorates.

The ACA has seized foreign currency, computers, illegal communication and scanning devices, as well as fake seals for a number of Egyptian government authorities and institutions.

Thousands of migrants and refugees from various countries have attempted in recent years to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe, with an increasing number departing via smugglers' boats from Egypt's northern coast.

In October 2016, Egypt's parliament passed legislation criminalising human trafficking and imposing penalties from three to 15 years in prison.

In September 2016, a migrant boat destined for Italy capsized due to overcrowding off the coast of the Egyptian Mediterranean city of Rosetta, leading to the deaths of at least 204 people.
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Mums-to-be are expected to emit a happy pregnancy glow - but a new UK study has found that a quarter of pregnant women actually suffer from mental health problems during these nine months.

Researchers at Kings College London carried out the study by recruiting 545 pregnant women attending their ante-natal appointments from November 2014 to June 2016.

During these checkups, midwives asked the women two questions about their mood, a method that has been found to be extremely effective in identifying mental health issues.

Recommended Breaking the silence around postpartum psychosis

The results were surprising - and reflect a greater need for mental health checks for pregnant women.

According to the results, one in four women had mental health issues during pregnancy. 11 per cent suffered from depression, 15 per cent had anxiety, two per cent suffered from eating disorders, and two percent had obsessive-compulsive disorders, with many women suffering from multiple issues.

The research, which was carried out by Professor Howard and published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, aimed to bring awareness to the mental health issues pregnant women experience - and how simple it is to identify and treat them.

During checkups, pregnant mums needed to be asked about their mental health

Addressing these mental health issues during pregnancy is important because according to the study, mental disorders during pregnancy are associated with adverse outcomes for women, pregnancy, the fetus, infant, childhood, and adolescence.

Howard said: In clinical practice, maternity professionals need to identify whether or not a woman has any mental disorder, not only mood disorders which until recently have been the main focus of concern.

According to Howard: Women should be asked, by a non-judgemental and supportive health professional, at all contacts in pregnancy and after birth about their emotional wellbeing.

Implementing mental health testing during pregnancy should not be difficult - as women are seeing their doctors frequently during pregnancy.

In order to ensure both mums and children are safe and happy during pregnancy, health professionals need only ask.
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One of the worlds biggest tobacco companies has said it is trying to give up cigarettes. Philip Morris, which makes Marlboros and a host of other brands, placed full-page adverts in UK national newspapers this week promoting its ambition to stop selling cigarettes in the UK.

Like many tobacco firms, Philip Morris is moving towards a focus on new products to replace cigarettes which claim millions of lives each year.

E-cigarettes and so-called heat-not-burn tobacco products offer a way to generate future profits as increasing numbers of consumers turn against smoking.

The company said it had spent 2.5bn on research into smoke-free products which are thought to be less harmful to health.

The company also pledged to help local authorities with measures to support people trying to quit smoking and said it would seek Government approval to include information on quitting and switching in its cigarette packets.

Deborah Arnott, chief executive of health charity Action on Smoking and Health described the adverts as "a PR stunt".

She said the company would not be able to assist the Government in helping people quit as this would amount to a donation.

Tobacco companies aren't allowed to make donations to the Government.

"Rather than making donations," Ms Arnott said, "they should be forced to pay the Government more of their enormous profits".

The company's advert read: Philip Morris is known for cigarettes. Every year, many smokers give them up. Now it's our turn."

Our ambition is to stop selling cigarettes in the UK. It won't be easy. But we are determined to turn our vision into reality. There are 7.6 million adults in the UK who smoke. The best action they can take is to quit smoking, it continued.

In December, an investigation by Reuters cited former Philip Morris insiders who reportedly questioned the quality of the companys internal research backing the claim that its smoke-free products are less harmful than cigarettes.

The company defended its research and told the news agency that all of its studies were carried out by suitably qualified and trained professionals.

Peter Nixon, managing director of Philip Morris, said he believed the company had an important role to play in helping the UK become smoke-free.

We recognise that never starting to smoke  or quitting altogether  are always the best option. But for those who continue to smoke, there are more alternatives than ever available in the UK, he said.

The NHS website states that current research suggests e-cigarettes are significantly less harmful than smoking but adds that we wont have a full picture on their safety until they have been in use for many years.
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A British mobile advertising agency has sued Uber to force the ride-hailing company to pay millions of dollars of bills that Uber had refused to pay after claiming that ads being generated were fraudulent.

Fetch Media filed its lawsuit on Tuesday in the same California federal court where Uber had sued Fetch in September, accusing the agency of billing it for nonexistent, nonviewable or fraudulent ads, and failing to pass back rebates and commissions.

Uber voluntarily dismissed that lawsuit on 22 December, two weeks after the case was reassigned to US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, and said it would instead pursue related claims in a San Francisco state court.

Recommended Third of Uber UK drivers logged into app more than 40 hours a week

Ad fraud, sometimes called click fraud, is a persistent issue in online advertising, occurring when automated programmes mimic legitimate users by clicking ads.

Fetch, a London-based unit of Japans Dentsu, suggested that Uber dismissed its federal case on concern it might lose after it was assigned to Rogers, who has overseen other litigation involving the San Francisco-based company.

In Tuesdays lawsuit, Fetch asked that Rogers be assigned to determine both companies contractual responsibilities, and direct Uber pay more than $19.7m (1.4m) of invoices still owed for 2017.

Fetch does not believe that Uber can avoid federal-court scrutiny of its incorrect contract theories so easily, the company said.

Uber did not immediately respond on Wednesday to requests for comment.

The Association of National Advertisers, a trade group, last May estimated that marketers would lose $6.5bn in 2017 because of fake web traffic caused by bots.

Uber said in September that it had hired Fetch to place ads to encourage new riders to download the Uber app, and would pay for legitimate clicks that helped attract riders.

But it said Fetch wrongly claimed credit for app downloads that occurred without ads ever being clicked. Uber said it paid Fetch more than $82.5m, but that Fetchs failure to stop ad fraud contributed to at least $50m of damages.

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.

According to Uber, the alleged fraud surfaced in early 2017 as customers began complaining about where its ads appeared.

Uber said, in one example, it had asked Fetch not to place ads on Breitbart.com, the conservative news website run by Steve Bannon, a former strategist for US President Donald Trump, but that ads appeared there anyway.

In court papers, Fetch called Uber a faithless business partner, and said it had helped Uber monitor ad fraud despite not being contractually required. Fetch also said its work helped Uber register more than 35 million riders.

The case is Fetch Media Ltd v Uber, US District Court, Northern District of California, No. 18-00015.

Reuters
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Janet Benshoof was an American human rights lawyer who campaigned to expand access to contraceptives and abortions across the world. She led organisations that advocated on behalf of women from the US to Burma and Iraq.

In the American territory of Guam, she was once arrested for protesting against her countrys most restrictive abortion law.

Benshoof, who has died aged 70 in Manhattan, began her legal career just before the landmark 1973 Supreme Court case Roe v Wade established a womans right to an abortion in America.

She spent the next four decades fighting to uphold the cases legacy in US courts and to expand womens reproductive freedom around the world. She founded the New York-based Centre for Reproductive Rights in 1992 to defend clients  such as abortion providers facing bomb threats.

In 2005 she set up the Global Justice Centre which tackled issues such as rape as a weapon of war.

Proclaiming the motto Power, not pity, she acquired a reputation as a fierce presence in the courtroom  as a litigator for the American Civil Liberties Union, she argued sex education and abortion cases before the Supreme Court. She was a frank and witty guest on television shows.

I feel like Im married to the mob, she told the New York Times in 1998, only half-joking after anti-abortion activists murdered obstetrician Barnett Slepian.

Benshoof, who professed to being more worried about turbulent plane rides than militant abortion foes, played a supporting role in many of the legal and cultural flash points that followed Roe v Wade. At the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) she made abortion one of the groups top priorities, expanding the projects annual funding exponentially.

She made national headlines in 1990, when she flew to Guam to lobby against what was then considered the countrys most severe abortion legislation: a law that banned the advocacy of abortion and outlawed the procedure except when the life of the woman was threatened.

Benshoof arrived after the bill was signed into law, but at a news conference she stood up and announced that women who are pregnant, seeking an abortion, should leave the island and head to a Planned Parenthood clinic in Hawaii.

One day later, she was arrested for soliciting women to have abortions  a violation of the new law  and faced a $1,000 (740) fine, a year in prison and the wrath of the islands governor, Joseph Ada.

Its her right to question it, but shes making a mockery of our abortion law, he told People magazine. Thats not nice.

Legal niceties prevailed, however. The charges against Benshoof were dropped after the island faced an ACLU-backed lawsuit over its abortion law, which appeared to challenge the outcome of Roe. Five months after it was passed, the legislation was struck down by a federal district judge who ruled that Guam, like the rest of the United States, was bound by the Roe ruling.

Janet Lee Benshoof was born in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, on 10 May 1947. Her father was a county prosecutor, and her mother was a teacher-turned-homemaker.

She received a bachelors degree in political science from the University of Minnesota in 1969. Three years later she graduated from Harvard Law School, paying her tuition using money from a summer job promoting a root beer brand.

Benshoof said she encountered a female lawyer for the first time while at Harvard, where she developed a friendship with future Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, co-founded the Harvard Womens Law Association and met her husband, Richard Klein, who became a law professor. They later divorced.

Survivors include her husband of six years, Alfred Meyer of Manhattan (Ginsburg officiated their wedding); two sons from her first marriage  David Benshoof Klein and Eli Klein  and a sister.

Benshoof worked for South Brooklyn Legal Services, filing class-action lawsuits  where one or two people sue on behalf of a much larger group  in New York, before joining the ACLU in 1977.

She left the organisation 15 years later, taking her entire staff with her, in what ACLU executive director Ira Glasser described as a dead of night departure.

Weeks later, she received a 150,000 genius grant from the MacArthur Foundation, providing what she described as a bit of much-needed financial stability as she established what was then known as the Centre for Reproductive Law and Policy. (She said she also donated some of the money to a womens health clinic in Minnesota.)

In one of Benshoofs most enduring achievements, the Centre of Reproductive Law effectively launched the use of the morning after pill as an emergency contraceptive, filing a petition to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1994 that asked for companies to label birth control pills as post-coital contraceptives.

Two years later, the FDA published a notice affirming the safe and effective use of the pills after sex, following a contentious hearing in which Benshoof testified that the pills could prevent up to 1.2 million unwanted pregnancies and as many as a million abortions each year. Opponents likened the emergency birth control method to murder.

You would think that finding ways to stop unwanted pregnancies would be common ground, Benshoof said at the time. The fact that it isnt shows just how anti-woman the anti-abortion movement really is.

Janet Lee Benshoof, born 10 May 1947, died 18 December 2017

 The Washington Post
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Hundreds of boys say they were subjected to sexual and physical abuse amounting to torture in youth detention centres, sparking calls for a public inquiry.

A lawyer representing the alleged victims said they had been raped, beaten and sexually assaulted during the 1970s and 1980s.

David Greenwood, the head of child abuse at Switalskis Solicitors, said he was already representing more than 400 men and being approached constantly by new claimants.

Clients Ive spoken to have said it was like torture  they were locked up and couldnt get away, he told The Independent.

Most of them say it made them anti-authority, they felt as though they couldnt trust people.

For boys in for stealing to be subjected to this indiscriminate violence was a shock, and I say it was unlawful.

It made boys who had obviously done wrong in some respect into boys who were worse, and ended up in violence.

Former inmates at Eastwood Park Detention Centre in Gloucestershire have told Mr Greenwood they were punched if they did not answer officers responses with Sir.

Others described being regularly hit for the slightest misdemeanour, being whipped with rubber pipes, forced to perform extreme exercise, have cold showers and were made to crouch in stress positions without chairs.

The abuse came during a policy introduced by the Thatcher government, called short, sharp shock, for young offenders (Getty)

Noel Smith, who was imprisoned in a detention centre aged 15 after stealing a motorbike, said his three-month ordeal in 1976 drove his descent into more serious offences including bank robbery.

The 57-year-old recalled being punched to the floor by one officer while still at court, then smacked on the other side of his head by another, even before being taken to the institution.

When we arrived we had to run the gauntlet past the screws, he added. We were kicked, punched and had our ears pulled. Someone poked their finger in my eye.

Once we were inside, we were stripped and stood in the reception naked while everybody went about their business around us and staff made disparaging remarks. It frightened the life out of us.

Mr Smith said there were beatings from start to finish of his imprisonment, seeing guards drag inmates out of their chairs by their sideburns and grab them by the scrotum while smiling.

Now an author and commissioning editor of Inside Time, a prisoners newspaper, Mr Smith said: It made me bitter and twisted, it was one humiliation after another.

It turned us into hardened criminals. I went in for stealing a motorbike, and six months later I was appearing in court for armed robbery and possession of firearms... common sense should have told you then that brutalising kids would have an adverse effect.

Police are already investigating allegations relating to Medomsley Detention Centre in County Durham and Kirklevington Detention Centre in North Yorkshire, where more than 400 victims have already come forward.

But Mr Greenwood said the scale of abuse is most definitely wider.

It was an institutional problem that seemed to have been taking place at all these detention centres at that time, he added.

When asked what kind of sexual assaults his clients told him took place in the centres, Mr Greenwood listed them as rape, indecent assault and oral sex.

Some of the alleged abuse has been attributed to policies brought in by Margaret Thatchers government, including Home Secretary Willie Whitelaws short, sharp shock initiative.

The policy saw young offenders detained in secure units and subjected to quasi-military discipline, despite the fact there was no evidence it would deter them from reoffending.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 16 November 2022 Emma Woolf, great niece of British author Virginia Woolf, and her son Ludovic sit next to a new bronze statue of Woolf, unveiled in Richmond, London Reuters 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. 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There is a common pattern of random beatings and being put into stress positions as part of the short, sharp shock programme between the mid-1970s and 1980s, Mr Greenwood said.

The idea was perhaps taken too far, perhaps the training they were given was taken beyond the realm of legality. We need an inquiry to work out who was authorising this type of behaviour.

Professor David Wilson, a criminologist who was governor of a progressive young offenders institution in the 1980s, said detention centres were run to deliberately put inmates under psychological and physical stress.

That line between putting someone under stress and simply brutalising them seemed to never be clearly enough drawn, he added.

The short, sharp shock was clearly going to be interpreted by some members of staff in ways that would lead to abuse.

Victims are calling for a new public inquiry to be opened into the treatment of young male convicts at all detention centres in Britain.

HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) claimed the allegations would be covered by the ongoing Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, but critics argue its remit is not wide enough to fully address the new allegations.

Mr Greenwood argued the current inquiry does not specifically address physical abuse, and its scope is also limited by ongoing criminal proceedings. Were hoping that the Home Secretary will look at this again and think about a proper public inquiry, he added.

A HMPPS spokesperson said: There is already an inquiry looking into these allegations, which is part of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.

The allegations of abuse by former members of staff at Medomsley Detention Centre are subject to an ongoing police investigation, therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further.

If you experienced abuse in youth detention centres and would like to discuss your experience anonymously, please contact lizzie.dearden@independent.co.uk

Additional reporting by PA
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John Worboys, the black cab rapist who allegedly attacked more than 100 women, is to be released from prison.

He was told to expect a very substantial term of imprisonment after being convicted of drugging and sexually assaulting 12 victims and raping one woman in 2009.

But a three-member panel of the Parole Board directed Worboys could be released under strict conditions after an oral hearing.

The arrangements for Mr Worboys release will be managed by the Ministry of Justice, a spokesperson added.

News of his imminent freedom sparked outrage from members of the public and campaigners, who raised concern over the distress caused to victims.

There were calls for police and prosecutors to pursue dozens of other claims against Worboys that were not incorporated into the original court case.

Recommended Victims of London taxi sex attacker John Worboys win payout from Met

Yvette Cooper, chair of the Home Affairs Committee, said she was shocked by the decision to release the serial sex attacker, adding: His were the most appalling and vile crimes. Very serious questions about this decision.

Yvonne Traynor, the chief executive of Rape Crisis South London, described the time Worboys spent in prison as woefully short.

It feels far too soon for this dangerous and manipulative perpetrator to be released into the public having served this woefully short time in prison, she said.

He may be free to live amongst us but the women he raped will never be totally free from his despicable actions.

Fay Maxted OBE, chief executive of The Survivors Trust, said many people were rightly shocked by the decision.

The nature of the sexual assaults and manner in which they were committed demonstrates a very calculated and determined pattern of behaviour and offending against women and it will no doubt take significant resources in ongoing monitoring and support to integrate Worboys back into society, she added.

The majority of victims only came forward after Worboys had been convicted so they have had no opportunity for justice.

Sentencing and any compensation awarded to victims of sexual assault never seems to take into account the long-term impact on the health and wellbeing of victims or the ways in which their lives can be forever changed as a result of the trauma.

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Worboys, a former stripper and amateur porn star from south-east London, has been incarcerated for around 10 years including the period between his arrest and sentencing.

The Parole Board only approves an inmates release when it is satisfied they no longer need to remain in prison in order to protect the public.

Warboys is understood to face heavy restrictions over a licence period of over a decade, which will see him jailed again for breaching conditions.

Recommended Triple killer pleads guilty to murder of former partner

He was handed an indeterminate sentence for public protection with a minimum of eight years following the original eight-week trial.

The court heard how Worboys would ply female passengers with spiked champagne, which he persuaded them to drink by pretending he was celebrating a lottery or gambling win.

Police linked him with 83 crimes committed between 2006 and 2008 but more women came forward in light of the court case, bringing the potential total of victims to 102.

The Independent understands that 19 allegations that emerged following Warboys conviction were investigated by Scotland Yard but dropped with no further action on advice from the Crown Prosecution Service.

Scotland Yard was heavily criticised over its handling of the case after it emerged that Worboys had been arrested when victims came forward in 2007, but freed.

He went on to attack at least six other women before being arrested for a second time and charged in February 2008.

Lawyer Harriet Wistrich said two victims had not been informed of the decision to release Worboys.

She told Channel 4 news they first learned of the news while listening on the radio, cooking tea for the kids.

She said: Theyve both said theyre absolutely sick and disgusted and shocked to the core about it.

It is understood all those who were signed up to the victim contact scheme were informed as soon as the parole board decision was made.

Scotland Yard launched an internal review and reforms to the way it handles sex offences in light of the case (Getty)

A report by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) found a student was laughed at by police officers after telling them she had been drugged and assaulted.

When I told them about my injuries they just laughed and said I must have fallen over, she said of the incident in July 2007.

Five officers were disciplined after it was found that opportunities that could have stopped Worboys striking again were missed.

The IPCC found officers had also given the victim incorrect information on the case, saying that files had been passed to the Crown Prosecution Service when they had not.

The woman was also told that drug tests she had taken had come back negative when they were positive, while the officer in charge of the case had a mindset that a black-cab driver could not have committed such an offence.

No officers lost their jobs over the case, which promoted public outrage and resulted in an internal review and reforms to training and the way sexual assault claims are handled.

Where Worboys attacked
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Scotland Yard has asked the Government for 38m towards the Grenfell Tower investigation, saying it would be unreasonable for the force to foot the bill for the probe.

Around 200 Metropolitan Police officers continue to work on the criminal inquiry into the fire, which killed 71 people last June.

Detectives are considering manslaughter, corporate manslaughter and misconduct charges, as well as breaches of fire safety regulations, as part of what has been called an investigation of "unprecedented" scale and complexity.

The force has requested the Home Office pay the 27m cost of the inquiry in the coming year, their finance chief said on Thursday.

A further 11.1m was also being sought to cover overtime investigators have already worked.

Current rules allow police forces to apply for grants to help pay for an investigation once it exceeds 1 per cent of their budget.

Given how many officers Scotland Yard says are required to participate in the second year of the investigation, it has asked the Government to provide more funding.

Lynda McMullan, the Met's director of finance, told the hearing: "The impact of Grenfell, that has had a very significant impact and we've put in a special grant claim for the current year for 11.1m, in terms of the additionality of cost to do with the incident for the current financial year.

"We have also indicated that we would like  we estimate that we will be spending  close to 27m on that particular investigation.

"We are asking whether or not we can have dispensation, not just simply the 1 per cent referenced, but we also want to claim the full cost of our officer time for that investigation, not just the additionality, the overtime, in effect."

She added: "We don't think it would be reasonable for us to pick up the full costs, as we know that investigation will go on for some time."

Home Office officials have told the force the matter will be put to ministers, who will decide whether to approve the additional funding, the committee heard.

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Suspects in the Met's investigation are not expected to be interviewed until later this year, while Scotland Yard expects to hand the tower  which is still a crime scene  back to Kensington and Chelsea Council in the spring.

A spokeswoman for the Home Office said it would consider the application "as a matter of priority".

Agencies contributed to this report
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A Welsh jail has been accused of inexcusable failures after it emerged that four inmates took their own lives within a week of arriving at the prison in the past four years.

The UK prisons watchdog warned in a report published on Thursday that HMP Swansea was failing to respond effectively to high levels of suicide and self-injury, with self-harm having tripled since the last inspection.

Inspectors found the prison had not fully acted on recommendations by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO), which investigates deaths in prisons.

Chief Inspector Peter Clarke said the PPO recommendations were significant and highly relevant and failure to implement them was inexcusable.

Despite stark warnings from the watchdog in 2014 that the prison must deliver better outcomes, the watchdog said the latest findings were very disappointing, adding that "the complacency [they] warned about after the last inspection had been allowed to take hold.

A third of prisoners said they felt depressed or suicidal on arrival at Swansea, but inspectors noted that mental health provision did not meet the high level of need.

Figures show HMP Swansea is the fifth-most overcrowded jail in England and Wales, holing 431 inmates despite being designed to accommodate 268.

The report notes that prisoners in the Victorian, inner-city jail usually had to eat their meals next to their toilets, which did not always have seats or lids.

More than half (53 per cent) of inmates said they had problems with drugs and 32 per cent has problems with alcohol on arrival - higher proportions than in comparable prisons. Yet far fewer prisoners than at similar jails said they had received help with drug or alcohol problems, states the report.

Inspectors said the suicide constant watch cell was unwelcoming, dirty and unfurnished, and that prisoners trained by the Samaritans to support vulnerable fellow prisoners  as part of a scheme started in the 1980s - felt "underused and undervalued".

Violence had risen in Swansea since 2014 and drugs were a significant problem, while far too little attention was paid to ensuring that the 458 men could obtain the very basics for everyday living, such as socks, boxer shorts and sheets, the watchdog said.

A further area of significant concern was that purposeful activity had fallen to the lowest possible HMIP assessment of poor, with half of prisoners locked up during the working day, and unemployed prisoners locked up for around 22 hours each day.

Recommended Hundreds of prisoners left without running water over Christmas

The report also noted that there were no programmes for the many men who had problems with domestic violence.

Campaigners said the findings highlighted the failure of prisons to learn lessons from past mistakes, warning that overcrowding was sweeping inmates into "deeper currents of crime, violence and despair".

Frances Crook, chief executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: The new year has begun as the last one ended. Less than a month after we saw an appalling report on Wormwood Scrubs, this inspection of Swansea prison should compel ministers to act without delay.

Swansea is one of the most overcrowded prisons in the country, where men find it easier to get drugs than clean clothes and bedding. But most concerning of all are the terrible findings on self-injury and suicide, which show that this prison is failing to learn lessons from past mistakes and men are dying as a consequence.

People should not be sent to prison to die. Bold action to reduce the prison population would save lives, protect staff and prevent more people being swept into deeper currents of crime, violence and despair.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 17 November 2022 Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt leaves 11 Downing Street, London, for the House of Commons to deliver his autumn statement PA UK news in pictures 16 November 2022 Emma Woolf, great niece of British author Virginia Woolf, and her son Ludovic sit next to a new bronze statue of Woolf, unveiled in Richmond, London Reuters 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

Peter Dawson, director of the Prison Reform Trust, echoed her concerns, saying: The fundamentals of this depressing report about a failing prison are the same as so many others  too many prisoners crammed into inadequate space with too little to do.

We know ministers plans to replace old prisons with new dont stack up financially and are already behind schedule. They need to tackle the fundamentals and end our national obsession with imprisonment.

Michael Spurr, chief executive of Her Majestys Prison and Probation Service, said: The Governor and his team have taken immediate action since the inspection to strengthen safety arrangements in the prison and reduce self-harm.

This includes work to improve the level of care and support given to new prisoners in the first night centre. A new senior operational manager has also been recruited to focus on safety and enhanced suicide and self-harm prevention training is being given to staff to increase interventions and support available to vulnerable prisoners.

Im pleased that the Inspector has recognised the progress that has already made. A robust action plan is in place to address the recommendations in this report.

Mr Spurr added that there were no self-inflicted deaths at HMP Swansea in 2017, and that the prison had implemented a new drugs strategy to reduce substance misuse.
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Accident investigators are believed to be looking into the state of mind of the pilot of the Australian seaplane that crashed on New Years Eve, killing him and a British family of five.

Detectives were reported to have spent over three hours talking to the flatmates of Gareth Morgan, 44, who died alongside Compass Group chief executive Richard Cousins, 58, his magazine executive fiancee Emma Bowden, 48, her daughter Heather, 11, and his sons William, 25, and Edward, 23.

Australias Daily Telegraph said investigators had also asked to look at the pilots bedroom in the Sydney property, and would be examining every aspect of Mr Morgans mental state, including his political and religious leanings.

Recommended Four Britons feared to be among six dead in Sydney plane crash

The newspaper also said that an autopsy performed on Wednesday to establish Mr Morgans cause of death would have looked at whether he had drugs or alcohol in his system.

There have been past cases where passenger plane pilots have deliberately caused crashes, most notoriously when Andreas Lubitz, who had received treatment for suicidal tendencies, smashed a Germanwings jet into the French Alps in 2015.

In the seaplane incident, however, it is understood that the examination of Mr Morgans state of mind is just a routine part of the investigation and in no way based on any suggestion that he might have deliberately caused the crash.

 Video supposedly shows seaplane flying moments before Hawkesbury River crash in Australia

Mr Morgan's flatmate Luke Thornley told the Daily Telegraph: As far as we are aware, Gareth was fine and happy and didn't give the impression anything was wrong.

Mr Thornley added that Mr Morgan had been looking forward to starting a new job with the Qantas airline.

'He went for runs every morning, said Mr Thornley, And was excited at the prospect of becoming a commercial pilot for Qantas, and was studying for exams.

The investigation of Mr Morgans state of mind came as it was reported that the DHC-2 Beaver seaplane had previously been involved in another fatal crash, in 1996.

Air crash investigation records seen by Reuters show a plane with the same serial number crashed when it was being used as a crop duster.

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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. 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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. 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Reuters said that the 1996 accident report found that the DHC-2 Beaver had probably stalled in gusty conditions, killing the pilot.

One possible cause of the 2017 crash is that the seaplane stalled. A September 2017 Canadian study that followed a fatal crash involving another DHC-2 Beaver recommended that stall warning systems be made mandatory on the aircraft.

It is understood that after the 1996 accident, the DHC-2 Beaver was rebuilt, going on to be used by several companies before being bought by Sydney Seaplanes, the firm that owned it when it crashed on New Years Eve.

Experts said that after the 1996 crash, the plane would have been completely overhauled before re-use so it was at least as good as, if not better than new.

A spokesman for Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority told Reuters: "It was repaired after the accident and all appropriate approvals and checks were done. It was then re-registered and went back into service."

It is also thought that after every 1,200 hours of flying time, if not before, the seaplane would have been given a new engine.

On Thursday, investigators recovered the wreckage of the plane from the Hawkesbury River near Cowan, 40 km (25 miles) north of Sydney.

The seaplane had plunged into the river while Mr Morgan was taking Mr Cousins, Ms Bowden and their children on a short tourist trip from a riverfront restaurant to Rose Bay in the east of Sydney.

Police divers wrapped slings around the fuselage and a barge fitted with a small crane slowly lifted the wreck, upside down and without wings, from about 13 metres of water near Cowan.

The propeller, cockpit and front section of fuselage were crumpled, and the landing floats were raised separately. The pieces were loaded on to the barge deck and covered with a tarpaulin,

A preliminary report into the crash is expected in about 30 days, with a final report taking up to 12 months, according to Australian Transport Safety Bureau executive director Nat Nagy, who told reporters:

"We are reasonably confident that we will be able to do a thorough examination of the key components of the aircraft, to understand whether they were operating correctly at the time.
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Piers Morgan has been accused of being utterly offensive after he joked about Caitlyn Jenners gender reassignment surgery during a TV interview.

The controversial host was also said to have gone too far and asked whether or not Jenner enjoyed having sex with women.

Transgender campaigners labelled Morgan the worst kind of bully, ahead of the episode of Life Stories which will be broadcast tonight on ITV.

Olympic gold medal winner Jenner underwent gender reassignment surgery last January, almost two years after she revealed her decision to transition from male to female.

During the interview, Morgan pulls out a toy model of a male track and field athlete and quizzes Jenner on the physical changes she has undertaken since her transition.

While pointing to the genital area of the model, he quips: Obviously, certain areas we know about.

Jenner starts to answer the question but breaks off to reprimand Morgan, to which he smiles and shrugs his shoulders.

You made a comment there and thats why youd get in trouble, Jenner tells him. You just said, Oh, certain areas. That, to a trans person, is disrespectful. You dont make a joke about that.

After asking why it is inappropriate to comment on or joke about a trans persons genitals, Jenner gets visibly angry and replies: Because its not funny. Its life. Its part of my life and its a very serious part of my life.

Morgan then asks: Cant life be funny?

Jenner replies: I take that very seriously and so, out of respect for myself and the community, its not something that you joke about. Its something  as I said before, this is serious stuff. People die over this issue.

Morgan also asks Jenner if she considers herself to be entirely a woman and probes her about her sex life.

Tell me if I am going too far, but do you have sex now? he asks, to which Jenner snaps back: You are going too far, it is absolutely none of your business.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 18 November 2022 Kevin Sinfield on day six of the Ultra 7 in 7 Challenge from to York to Bradford. The former Leeds captain is set to complete seven ultra-marathons in as many days in aid of research into Motor Neurone Disease, finishing by running into Old Trafford at half-time of the Rugby League World Cup tournaments finale on 19 November PA UK news in pictures 17 November 2022 Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt leaves 11 Downing Street, London, for the House of Commons to deliver his autumn statement PA UK news in pictures 16 November 2022 Emma Woolf, great niece of British author Virginia Woolf, and her son Ludovic sit next to a new bronze statue of Woolf, unveiled in Richmond, London Reuters 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 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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

This clash with Jenner follows a spate of high-profile controversial exchanges between Morgan and the trans and non-binary communities in 2017.

In September, amid a row over institutionalised racism, he called trans model and campaigner Munroe Bergdorf an insufferable creature.

And in May last year, on an episode of Good Morning Britain, Morgan told trans couple Fox Fisher and Owl, who are both campaigners and filmmakers, that he did not understand gender neutrality and asked them if he was able to identify as an elephant or a black woman.

The couple said that Morgan needed to learn respect when it comes to talking to trans people and about trans issues, and to get a new hobby.

Regardless of what people might think of Caitlyn Jenner, she deserves dignity and for her privacy to be respected, Fox, who uses gender-neutral pronouns, told The Independent.

Piers also insistingly asked me about my genitals when I was on Good Morning Britain, even though it had absolutely nothing to do with the topic at hand. Piers needs to learn how to respect the privacy of trans people. Just because we are out doesnt make us public property. What we have in our pants really isnt anyones business except for our sexual partners.

Juno Roche, transgender campaigner and author of Queer Sex, told The Independent than Morgan was the worst kind of bully and called to account ITV and other media organisations who allow transphobic views to be aired.

At the cliff face of misogyny are the men who feel able, among other things, to belittle trans women by asking them about their genitals and sex lives, she said.

We should all be terrified of this intrusive vileness put forward as free speech as it demeans us all. Im sure that Morgan pictures himself as almost godlike in his right to ask the questions that others wont, but in truth he is the worst kind of bully  the bully who convinces themselves that theyre doing good on behalf of the masses.

Trans bodies have boundaries and trans lives have edges that deserve respect. Long gone are the days when I or any other trans person would feel forced to say, Ask me anything you want if you dont understand.

I think he is utterly offensive, but as offensive are the platforms that promote him and consider him good viewing or good reading  they are utterly complicit in bullying.

According to LGBT+ charity Stonewall, more than one in four trans young people have attempted to commit suicide while 72 per cent have self-harmed at least once. Meanwhile two in five trans people have been attacked or threatened with violence in the last five years.

Paul Twocock, director of policy at the charity told The Independent: The media, especially the national media, has an important role in setting a respectful tone when talking about peoples identities.

At the moment, across sections of broadcast, print and online media, we are seeing a barrage of targeted transphobia and lazy stereotyping that is having a deeply harmful effect on trans people around Britain.

Many trans people face daily abuse across all areas of their lives  at work, on our streets or when trying to access services most people take for granted. Everyone who cares about equality has a role to play in standing up and being visible allies to trans people. We need to listen to and hear the voices and experiences of trans people from across society, and move away from misleading and sensationalised headlines that only create more confusion and mistrust.

Lauren Simpson, a spokesperson for trans advocacy group Trans Actual, added: Obsessing about trans surgery in that way is like when a homophobe cant stop talking about the details of gay sexual practices. Its ignorant, offensive, and almost always rather embarrassing to everyone who isnt an equally obsessive homophobe or transphobe.

Surgery isnt what trans people are all about and when somebody like Morgan obsesses about it, this actually says much more about what is going on in the transphobes or homophobes mind than it says about LGBT+ people.

Its pretty clear Morgan is using Jenner as a proxy to attack trans people in general. Just like how, in past decades, his type would attack a gay celebrity as method of attacking all gay people. Its part of the same old anti-LGBT+ agenda, revived for one last gasp.
Egyptian Minister of Defence Sedky Sobhy and Army Chief-of-Staff Mohamed Farid Hegazy offered on Thursday felicitations for Christmas to Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II at St Mark's Cathedral in Cairo, according to a statement by the Armed Forces spokesperson Tamer El-Refaie.

Sobhy told the pope that Egypt will, through the national unity of its people, remain safe from all forms of strife and crises, and will remain a treasured homeland for all Egyptians.

Pope Tawadros expressed his appreciation and gratitude for the Armed Forces in serving the nation and maintaining its security and stability, saying that Christmas represents hope for a bright future in light of the country's current achievements.

The visit to the church included commanders of various branches of the Armed Forces as well as top military brass.

Sobhy said that the men of the Armed Forces put the security of Egypt and the sanctity of its land above all other considerations, and are ready to make sacrifices to eradicate terrorism and extremism, and support construction and economic development.

Coptic Orthodox Egyptians, who make up 90 percent of all Christians in the country, celebrate Christmas on 7 January. A minority of non-Orthodox Christians observed the holiday on 25 December.

Coptic Christmas is a national holiday in Egypt.

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Tony Blair has launched a blistering attack on what he calls Labours confusing and mistaken stance on Brexit.

In a major intervention, the former Prime Minister warned that voters will not find Jeremy Corbyns approach to EU withdrawal credible.

Mr Blair singled out senior figures in Mr Corbyns top team  including his key ally John McDonnell  as having made apparently contradictory remarks on the partys proposals.

He concluded that if the country does leave, then Labours timidity will bear responsibility alongside Tory right-wingers who have been pushing for Brexit.

It comes just days after The Independent reported how insiders fear Labour is heading for a reckoning  with the party apparently backing Brexit, but many supporters still believing it is opposed.

In a 2,400-word article published on his own website, Mr Blair dissected what he believes is the central contradiction in the Governments approach  that it is incorrectly suggesting it can have the benefits of the single market without following its rules.

Instead, he predicted the UK will be left with a patchwork deal that allows the Conservatives to claim Brexit has been done, but actually means the country follows EU rules without a say in forming them.

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

Turning his fire on Labours approach, he said: Here Labour has its own cake and eat it phrases. The Shadow Chancellor [Mr McDonnell] says we will not be in the single market but a single market.

The shadow industry minister [Barry Gardiner] talks of keeping the benefits of the customs union agreements but still being free to negotiate our own trade deals.

This is confusing terrain on which to fight.

At the moment, Mr Corbyn says Labour would honour the outcome of the 2016 referendum and take Britain out of the EU, but that the party wants a deal that allows the best possible access to the single market.

While committing to Brexit, the party has launched successful attacks on Theresa Mays withdrawal legislation which have seen the Government lose votes in Parliament.

Branding the approach tactically mistaken, Mr Blair said it will mean that once a deal is agreed, Labours front bench will only be able to claim they would have negotiated a better one.

He added: This isn't credible.

 Theresa May says 2018 will bring 'renewed pride' to Britain amid Brexit divisions

The former leader argued that as his party is failing to oppose Brexit outright, it is missing the opportunity to launch a more meaningful assault on the Conservatives.

He wrote: Because the Labour Party is saying that we too would do Brexit, we cannot attack its vast distractive impact.

Labour could mount such a powerful assault on the Governments record from the appalling state of the NHS to crime  if we were saying to the country: heres the agenda which could be delivered for the people were not for the fact that all the energies of Government  are devoted to Brexit.

And, second, it puts us in a vulnerable position when the Government concludes the deal some time in 2018.

 Tony Blair: It's necessary that Brexit doesn't happen

He argued the party should fight for peoples right to rethink Brexit, either in a second referendum or an election, but that Labour would only be able to say Conservative divisions on the EU are harming the country, if the party itself opposes withdrawal.

He concluded: If we do leave Europe, the governing mind will have been that of the Tory right.

But, if Labour continues to go along with Brexit and insists on leaving the single market, the handmaiden of Brexit will have been the timidity of Labour.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn giving a speech to supporters in November (PA)

A Labour spokesman confirmed the party wants a final deal that retains the benefits of the customs union and the single market.

He added: Labour is flexible as to whether the benefits of the single market are best retained by negotiating a new relationship with the single market or by a bespoke trade deal.

Earlier this week, senior figures in the party raised concerns with The Independent that polling indicates Labour may suffer a loss of electoral support as the Brexit story unfolds.

In 2017, the British Election Study found Mr Corbyn had picked up extensive support from remain voters at the general election, another poll found rocketing support among students  but with many believing the party opposed Brexit  while a third survey found 66 per cent of people aged 18-24, a major support base for the party, want Brexit stopped.

One member of the Labour front bench said: Its fine for now when we are able to say this is just about process.

But there is going to be a reckoning at some point when the Tories are eating themselves and to capitalise on it electorally Labour has to get its act together and say clearly we are for X or we are for Y.

To be honest, when it comes to that Im not sure we can get our act together for the kind of unified position that is going to keep everyone happy.
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More than half of grassroots Conservatives support the death penalty for serious crimes, according to a major survey that found rank-and-file members were a breed apart from other parties on their views.

Academics at Queen Mary University London found stark differences on Brexit, and economic and social issues between Tory members and their Labour, SNP and Liberal Democrat counterparts, after polling more than 4,000 party activists following the snap election in June.

Conservative members were less active and engaged than other parties and more likely to be disillusioned by how they are treated by their leadership, the report said, in findings that may concern party bosses considering future election campaigns.

Despite reports of a surge in youth support for Jeremy Corbyn, the comprehensive study also found that the average Labour member was 53-years-old, while the average Tory was 57-years-old, busting the myth that Conservative activists are a bunch of retired colonels.

Members in all four parties were more likely to be white, male and older than the average Briton, and tend to live in London and the South of England  with the exception of the SNP.

Professor Tim Bale, one of the authors, said: Britains party members are the lifeblood and the footsoldiers of our democracy. But that doesnt necessarily mean they look like or think like their parties voters  or, indeed, look or think like each other.

The Tory grassroots in particular are something of a breed apart from their Labour, Lib Dem and SNP counterparts.

The report found Tory members were authoritarian and resistant to ideas of political correctness, with 54 per cent in favour of the death penalty, compared to 23 per cent of SNP supporters, 9 per cent of Labour and 8 per cent of Lib Dems.

Eight out of 10 Conservatives wanted schools to teach children to obey authority, compared to around 31 per cent of Labour backers, while only four in 10 Tories support gay marriage.

At least eight out of 10 backers of other parties support the reform brought in by David Cameron.

The polling laid bare major differences on Brexit where nine out of 10 members of the other parties want to remain in the single market, but only a quarter of grassroots Tories support that option.

On austerity, only one in 10 Conservatives believe the policy has gone too far compared to nearly all Labour members, 93 per cent of SNP supporters and three-quarters of Lib Dems.

Professor Bale told The Independent he was surprised by how stark the differences were between party views and warned that the Tories needed to ensure they did not look old-fashioned or even nasty to younger voters coming of age.

He said: Many Conservative Party voters share those same kinds of conservative attitudes on those issues. The problem is, however, that they are a diminishing proportion of the electorate going forward, as society  partly because of more people getting access to higher education  becomes more socially liberal.

The Conservatives have to be careful that they dont get beached and look old-fashioned and even nasty to voters who are coming on stream in years to come.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 17 November 2022 Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt leaves 11 Downing Street, London, for the House of Commons to deliver his autumn statement PA UK news in pictures 16 November 2022 Emma Woolf, great niece of British author Virginia Woolf, and her son Ludovic sit next to a new bronze statue of Woolf, unveiled in Richmond, London Reuters 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

Professor Bale said Conservative bosses had failed to capitalise on the consumerist trend where party members felt they should have more say if they are paying to be involved.

The survey found only 28 per cent of Conservatives believe they have a significant say on policy compared to three-quarters of Lib Dems and SNP members and 61 per cent of Labour members, and were less likely to have stepped up campaigning for their party during recent elections.

He said: Given how close some seats were at the last election and maybe at the next election  the ability to get a bunch of people who are very well motivated and actually will come out and do stuff for you in reasonable numbers has to be a concern.

I think in the 21st Century its probably not good enough to sort of rely on the fact that people will campaign as it were for their elders and betters.

People want more involvement now and want more say now and that may be reflected in different levels of activity between parties.
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Hundreds of millions of pounds will be seized from dormant bank accounts and used to tackle homelessness and help disadvantaged young people, a Government minister has said.

Up to 330m will be made available from bank and building society accounts across the country that have remained untouched for at least 15 years and where the holder cannot be traced by a financial institution.

Tracey Crouch, the minister for sport and civil society, said that housing initiatives aimed at homeless and vulnerable people, social enterprises and local charities will receive around 135m across England over the course of the next four years.

In the latest allocation, a further 90m will be used to help disadvantaged young people into jobs, and 55m is to go on financial inclusion initiatives such as tackling problem debt.

Up to 50m will also be distributed by the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

By unlocking millions of pounds from dormant accounts for a range of good causes, we can make a real difference to lives and communities across the country, Ms Crouch said.

This is part of the Government's commitment to building a fairer society and tackling the social injustices that hold people back from achieving their full potential.

But the announcement comes after a report, compiled by MPs last month, found that homelessness in England is now a national crisis, accusing the Government of having a unacceptably complacent attitude towards the issue. Their report said that since 2011, the number of people sleeping rough on the streets has increased by 134 per cent.

And recent research by charity Shelter revealed that child homelessness has reached a 10-year high, with nearly 130,000 children in Britain set to wake up homeless and in temporary accommodation this Christmas.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 18 November 2022 Kevin Sinfield on day six of the Ultra 7 in 7 Challenge from to York to Bradford. The former Leeds captain is set to complete seven ultra-marathons in as many days in aid of research into Motor Neurone Disease, finishing by running into Old Trafford at half-time of the Rugby League World Cup tournaments finale on 19 November PA UK news in pictures 17 November 2022 Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt leaves 11 Downing Street, London, for the House of Commons to deliver his autumn statement PA UK news in pictures 16 November 2022 Emma Woolf, great niece of British author Virginia Woolf, and her son Ludovic sit next to a new bronze statue of Woolf, unveiled in Richmond, London Reuters 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

Since the initiative of using money in dormant bank accounts was introduced by the former prime minister Gordon Brown in 2008 almost 1bn has been identified, and more than 360m has been distributed towards good causes.

At the time, he said: Its a feature of modern life that people often lose track of small sums and deposits. Over time these build up as unclaimed assets in the banking system. Unclaimed assets when identified, will be put to use improve youth and community facilities around Britain.

Accounts are considered dormant if they have been open 15 years with no transactions being carried out, and the holder is not contactable.
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Sadiq Khan has attacked the Government over being weak on the causes of crime and suggested that cuts could be driving rising violence.

Speaking after four young men were murdered in unrelated stabbings in the capital during New Years Eve celebrations, the Mayor said police were already doing everything in their power.

The police are being tough on crime, but the Government are being desperately weak on the causes of crime, he added.

Getting back to being tough on the causes of crime will require a massive investment in the services that have been neglected for too long, tragically letting our young people down.

Critics have hit out at Mr Khan for presiding over rising violence in London since he was elected mayor in 2016, having vowed to challenge gang culture and knife crime head on in his manifesto.

The number of teenagers murdered in 2017 was the highest since 2008 and there is mounting public concern over the number of stabbings and a spike in acid attacks and moped robberies.

Violent offences have risen by 19 per cent in England and Wales in the past year, and by 3 per cent in London.

 Scene where woman was found dead in Finsbury Park

Mr Khan claimed real-terms funding cuts to youth services, community groups, education, probation and the police since the 2010 general election had reversed decades of progress in tackling the root causes of violent offending.

He also hit out at the botched partial privatisation of probation services, the ongoing prisons crisis and scandalous reoffending rates.

The Labour Mayor called on ministers to prioritise youth services, community work, mental health, probation and prisons to fight the causes of crime.

On this Governments watch, these critical services have been allowed to deteriorate and starved of funding and we are now paying a heavy price, Mr Khan said.

I am doing everything I can to tackle this scourge in our communities. Keeping the country safe should be the Governments priority too, and it is time ministers stopped shirking this responsibility.

Scotland Yard appealed for the publics help combating knife culture after the four New Years Eve murders, which have been followed by another stabbing in Harrow and a murder in Ilford.

Sir Craig Mackey, the Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, said it was truly unusual and extraordinary for so many murders to take place in such a short period of time.

There are a number of issues affecting knife crime, he added. We are doing our part... but we need others working with us to help tackle those underlying issues around a knife culture that has emerged across London.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 18 November 2022 Kevin Sinfield on day six of the Ultra 7 in 7 Challenge from to York to Bradford. The former Leeds captain is set to complete seven ultra-marathons in as many days in aid of research into Motor Neurone Disease, finishing by running into Old Trafford at half-time of the Rugby League World Cup tournaments finale on 19 November PA UK news in pictures 17 November 2022 Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt leaves 11 Downing Street, London, for the House of Commons to deliver his autumn statement PA UK news in pictures 16 November 2022 Emma Woolf, great niece of British author Virginia Woolf, and her son Ludovic sit next to a new bronze statue of Woolf, unveiled in Richmond, London Reuters 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

City Hall claimed that reductions to the central Government funding given to councils has triggered more than 22m of cuts to youth services since 2011, seeing 30 youth centres closed.

It said Londons schools face 99m in real terms cuts in 2018-19 alone, with the funding gap for childrens services predicted to reach 2bn by 2020.

The figures could not immediately be verified by The Independent and the Home Office has not yet replied to a request for comment.

Mr Khans office said mental health services were also chronically underfunded, leaving young people with behavioural problems in later life, and that the proportion of young male convicts returning to crime had risen to almost 40 per cent in London.

The capitals probation services have been partly handed to one of several private Community Rehabilitation Companies, which were heavily criticised in a recent watchdog report accusing them of putting the public at risk.

Senior police officers previously said they were being used as the service of last resort for shrinking public services, particularly in mental health, while calling for more funding to tackle rising crime and terrorism.

Sophie Linden, Londons deputy mayor for policing and crime, said the Met was in a very difficult position after officer numbers were cut to 30,000 in the capital.

Recommended Police failing to respond to some crimes because of budget cuts

My concerns, and Ive been given assurances that it is possible to police London at those numbers, if they go below 30,000, which is exactly what the budget trajectory looks like, that is going to put the safety of Londoners at risk, she told the London Assembly budget and performance committee on Thursday.

30,000 officers, we can cope with it, but it is not ideal in any sense because we know demand is rising, the population of Londoners is rising, the young population of London is rising and that comes with its complexities, opportunities as well, but great challenges in terms of policing. It is a real worry.

She added: London is not in a good position, it is in no way a better position [than previously], it is in a very, very difficult position, and that is about safety.

Sir Mackey said cuts were forcing the Met to be more prescriptive.

We are having to make really, really difficult choices in terms of what we can prioritise and what we can do, he said.

What you're seeing is increasing prioritisation of workloads... having to be really, really clear when we take something on or try something new about what gives.

A Home Office funding settlement announced last month was heavily criticised for relying on elected Police and Crime Commissioners taking more money from council tax to fund forces.

The Metropolitan Police has already released guidelines instructing officers to stop investigating some low-level crimes as it works to save 400m by 2020 and other forces are believed to be considering similar policies amid a falling number of police officers.

A recent report by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary warned that police forces are failing to respond to low-priority crimes because of significant stress caused by continued budget cuts amid a huge rise in demand.

A Government spokesperson said: Violent crime has devastating consequences on our communities and we are determined to tackle this head on.

The Metropolitan Police will receive more than 2.5billion in funding and also has 240m of reserves to draw from. The Mayor of London is accountable to the public for Mets performance and is empowered to raise local precept to increase funding.

The Home Office will publish a new Serious Violence Strategy shortly and has launched a public consultation on new laws on offensive and dangerous weapons, which includes plans to restrict the sale of knives online and banning the possession of certain weapons in private.


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Theresa May has apologised to patients after NHS hospitals were told to postpone thousands of operations in January.

On Tuesday, the NHS National Emergency Pressures Panel took the drastic step of urging health trusts to delay non-urgent operations until at least the end of the month. Officials said up to 55,000 operations could be deferred.

Speaking during a visit to Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey, the Prime Minister said: I know its difficult, I know its frustrating, I know its disappointing for people and I apologise.

Recommended Jeremy Hunt apologises after NHS extend suspension of all routine care

I recognise that its difficult for people who are facing delays, I recognise its difficult if somebody is delayed on their admission to hospital or if somebody has an operation postponed. We hope to ensure that those operations can be reinstated as soon as possible.

However, the Prime Minister claimed the winter crisis had been prepared for better than ever before.

She said: The NHS was better prepared for this winter than ever before. We have put extra resources in  437m extra  but of course its the staff who make the difference. Its their dedication and hard work that ensures that people are getting the treatment they need.

Measures have been put in place to ensure people needing urgent care receive it, she said.

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

Ms May added: We are putting record amounts of money into the NHS. We recognise that we wanted to ensure plans were there for the winter pressures  thats why we put 437m extra into the NHS over this particular period. Record levels of funding are going into the National Health Service.

There are pressures over the winter period but these have been planned for better than ever before.

Ms May refused to echo her Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, in describing the situation as a crisis.

It comes as new data revealed there were fewer NHS beds available over Christmas than there were last year, despite Ms May having claimed yesterday that there are more beds available across the system.

Average bed occupancy across all trusts jumped to 91.7 per cent between Christmas Day and New Years Eve compared to 90 per cent occupancy in the same week last year, analysis by The Independents analysis showed.

It remains significantly higher than the recommended safe operating levels of 85 per cent occupancy, above which hospital infections and bed crises become more common.
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Theresa May has slapped down the Conservative leader of her own local council after he demanded police clear the streets of homeless people before the royal wedding in May.

The Prime Minister said she did not agree with Simon Dudley, the leader of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, who triggered an angry backlash earlier in the week by calling for legal powers to be used to remove rough sleepers and their detritus from Windsors streets. Prince Harry is due to marry the actor Meghan Markle at Windsor Castle on 19 May.

In a letter to Thames Valley Police, Mr Dudley asked officers to take action against aggressive begging and intimidation and stop bags and detritus accumulating on the streets.

He accused some rough sleepers of having made a voluntary choice to be homeless and said they could present Windsor in a sadly unfavourable light when thousands of members of the public, along with the worlds media, descend on the town for the royal wedding.

Writing on Twitter last week, the council leader also complained of an epidemic of rough sleeping and vagrancy in Windsor and said: Residents have had enough of this exploitation of residents.

Mr Dudley promised to ask Thames Valley Police to focus on dealing with this before the royal wedding.

After the remarks provoked widespread criticism, Ms May, whose Maidenhead constituency falls within the Royal Borough, told reporters during a visit to a Surrey hospital: I dont agree with the comments that the leader of the council has made.

She added: I think it is important that councils work hard to ensure that they are providing accommodation for those people who are homeless.

Where there are issues of people who are aggressively begging on the streets then its important that councils work with the police to deal with that aggressive begging.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 18 November 2022 Kevin Sinfield on day six of the Ultra 7 in 7 Challenge from to York to Bradford. The former Leeds captain is set to complete seven ultra-marathons in as many days in aid of research into Motor Neurone Disease, finishing by running into Old Trafford at half-time of the Rugby League World Cup tournaments finale on 19 November PA UK news in pictures 17 November 2022 Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt leaves 11 Downing Street, London, for the House of Commons to deliver his autumn statement PA UK news in pictures 16 November 2022 Emma Woolf, great niece of British author Virginia Woolf, and her son Ludovic sit next to a new bronze statue of Woolf, unveiled in Richmond, London Reuters 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 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Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA

Mr Dudleys letter was copied to Ms May, Home Secretary Amber Rudd and Culture Secretary Karen Bradley.

In it, he wrote: This is creating a concerning and hostile atmosphere for our residents and the seven million tourists who come to Windsor each year.

It is becoming increasingly concerning to see the quantities of bags and detritus that those begging are accumulating and leaving on our pavements, at times unattended, thus presenting a security risk.

Obviously, the level of tourist interest is set to multiply with the royal wedding in May 2018, and there are increased concerns from our residents about their safety. The whole situation also presents a beautiful town in a sadly unfavourable light. As leader of the Royal Borough this situation is totally unacceptable to me and my fellow councillors.

Mr Dudley said the police should use legal powers to move rough sleepers and also suggested courts could give homeless people Criminal Behaviour Orders, which are used to tackle serious anti-social behaviour.

In his previous comments on Twitter, the council leader wrote: This is not voluntary homelessness. It is commercial life choice praying [sic] on residents and tourists. Its been going on and getting worse for months. Enough is enough.

 PMQs: Corbyn calls on May to pledge a reduction in homelessness in 2018

His remarks were strongly condemned by homelessness charities.

Murphy James, of Windsor Homeless Project, said: Its absolutely abhorrent that anybody has got these views in this day and age, especially a lead councillor of the borough.

If somebody is sleeping out on the street they are not there by choice, they are there because something has gone wrong.

He added: This shouldnt be a situation thats hit the headlines because of a royal wedding. This is a situation that should have hit the headlines because theres people sleeping in bus shelters.
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Significantly more immigrant labourers in California said they were being threatened with deportation for seeking lost wages in the first year of Donald Trumps presidency.

Immigration-related retaliation complaints lodged with the California Labor Commissioners Office soared from single-digits in recent years  two in 2014 and seven in 2015  to 94 through December 22 of last year, according to the commissioners office. That figure was nearly five times the 20 recorded in 2016.

Californias labor laws protect all workers, regardless of immigration status, a spokeswoman said in an email, adding that Under Californias labor laws, immigration-related retaliation is illegal, including threatening workers with deportation after they have exercised their labor law rights.

One complaint filed by the commissioners office alleges that a worker was offered $150 a day for construction tasks that included tiling a bathroom and placing stucco on walls. When he demanded the wages he was owed for six days work, his employer responded with a racial slur for Mexicans and threatened to call immigration authorities, according to the complaint.

When the worker suggested he might show up in person to claim his compensation, the employer allegedly warned that I will handcuff you take you into custody & wait for I.C.E. to come take you into custody, referring to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

In another case, an immigrant tile installers boss was notified the labourer had filed an unpaid wage claim. Contacted by a Labor Commission worker, the employer threatened to report the worker to ICE, according to the complaint. After being told the commission was formally pursuing the matter, the employer allegedly said he would contact ICE to appear at the hearing. He said You have to stop doing this for illegals, according to the complaint.

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. 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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

A third employer told a worker seeking some $24,000 in lost wages to take $5,000 and settle or the boss would call INS, the former name for ICE, according to a complaint.

Employers named in the complaints did not respond to The Independents requests for comment.

Californias treatment of immigrant workers has already emerged as a pressure point in the ongoing battle between the Trump administration, which has sought to aggressively crack down on illegal immigration, and a state committed to protecting most undocumented immigrants.

Earlier this year, California Labor Commissioner Julie Su barred ICE agents from attending commission offices and hearing rooms after multiple reports of them having done so (ICE called those reports false) and prohibited staff from sharing information on workers' whereabouts. Immigrant advocates worried that even with those barriers in place, immigrants already reluctant to approach government entities would be unwilling to seek lost wages
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Firefighters were called to the New York home of Bill and Hillary Clinton after a fire reportedly broke out in an outbuilding.

The former President and Secretary of State were not harmed and there were no other known injuries, according to police.

The local Journal News, citing radio transmissions from the emergency services, said the fire was reported at 2.50pm and that it was quickly extinguished.

It was not immediately clear what caused the fire in a building used by the Secret Service.

The Clintons were not home at the time, said their spokesman Nick Merrill. All is OK! he said.

Sergeant Arthur Mendoza, of the New Castle Police Department, referred further questions to the Secret Service.

A spokesman for the agency could not immediately be reached.

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 Clintons purchased the five-bedroom, 5,232 sq ft home in Old House Lane in 1999, the Journal News said. Chappaqua is about 40 miles north of New York City.

Ms Clinton, the defeated Democratic nominee for president in 2016, represented New York as a senator for eight years before becoming Secretary of State under Barack Obama.

Additional reporting by agencies
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The Malecon, a historic esplanade stretching along Havanas coast, comes alive at sunset. The whole city comes together to chat, drink and listen to music, as Soviet-era Ladas and Chevrolets rattle past, ferrying tourists from one side of the city to the other.

Along the boulevard, constructed in the 1900s for affluent middle-classes, a same-sex couple steal a kiss. A trans woman sits on the sea wall, chatting to friends. One man dances with another.

In a country which incarcerated LGBT people for most of Fidel Castros rule, the islands capital now has gay clubs and bars and celebrates Pride every year.

Luis de Armas, who was born in Matanzas, around 50 miles east of Havana, moved to the capital to go to university. He now organises LGBT-friendly tours of the capital for visitors.

Cuba has changed a lot and that includes the mentality of the people, he tells The Independent. There is no problem with being gay, transgender, lesbian or bisexual.

It is more accepted now, Luis adds. There are many inclusion programmes directed to teach people how to accept differences and support the gay community.

I feel good here  I can be me. I am accepted in my building, in my work, in my neighbourhood, in my family and I think I speak for most of the people.

Cuba has changed drastically. In 1959, Castro came to power after leading a revolution that toppled the corrupt government of Fulgencio Batista.

Soon afterwards, police began to round up gay men. In the 1960s and 1970s, many LGBT people were imprisoned or forced into re-education camps. Homosexuality was viewed as going against the ideal of the hypermasculine revolutionary  and was therefore deemed incompatible with the regime.

We would never come to believe that a homosexual could embody the conditions and requirements of conduct that would enable us to consider him a true revolutionary, a true communist militant, Fidel Castro told an interviewer in 1965.

Later, during the Aids crisis in the 1980s, HIV-positive Cubans were quarantined in sanitariums, which critics called prisons.

In 2010, Castro admitted responsibility for the injustices suffered by LGBT people after the revolution, telling the Mexican newspaper La Jornada: If someone is responsible, its me.

Fast-forward to 2017 and the landscape for LGBT rights in Cuba appears to have transformed. The countrys constitution bans any form of discrimination harmful to human dignity and healthcare and visibility has improved.

This is, in part, due to a campaign spearheaded by Mariela Castro, daughter of current President Raul and niece of Fidel, and director of the state-run National Centre for Sex Education (Cenesex).

Since 2008, gender reassignment surgery and hormone replacement therapy have been available free of charge under Cubas national healthcare system. The island has a comprehensive approach to healthcare when it comes to HIV; condoms are distributed, sex education has improved vastly and access to antiretroviral drugs has increased.

Attitudes are beginning to change too. In May, Cuba hosted its first transgender religious ceremony in Matanzas. In 2013, Cuban law banned workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and in recent years, calls have increased to legalise same-sex marriage.

When it comes to dating, though, Cuba is old-school. Internet access is sparse and expensive, so Cubans are less reliant on Tinder and other apps.

We do it the old way, we dont have data for now, so there is not constant internet access, Luis says. So we meet walking in the street, on the bus, at markets and of course parties.

That way its more real and we avoid misunderstandings, but it is nice to have internet. Some people use Grindr, we are getting into it.

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

Cuba may be changing in many ways, there is some way to go to stamp out discrimination and intolerance. Problems remain, as is the case in all countries.

Compared with standards in other parts of the Caribbean (where consensual same-sex conducts between adults continue to be criminalised in many countries, such as Jamaica, Trinidad and other English-speaking nations), Cuba is probably one of the most advanced countries in the protection and promotion of the rights of LGBTI people in the sub-region, says Robin Guittard, a campaigner for Amnesty Internationals Caribbean Team.

However, stigma against LGBTI people remains present in the Cuban machista society.

In the north of the country, several miles from the rural-yet-touristy town of Vinales, taxi driver Antonio laments the lack of powerful and masculine  masculino  men heading the Cuban government.

Viva Fidel, he says, with emphasis.

Critics have also pointed out that because Cenesex is state-run, it faces governmental limitations which fail to address the politically rooted causes of homophobia in the country. Some also claim Ms Castros push to improve LGBT rights is merely PR for the Cuban government.

And the fact remains that the only LGBT activism allowed is that which is controlled by the state.

In the Cuban context where freedom of expression and association remain under tight control of the state and where independent civil society is still not officially recognised by the authorities, Cenesex is perceived as trying to assume a monopoly in the promotion of LGBTI rights, Mr Guittard says.

LGBTI rights activists who are critical of the state, Cenesex or Mariela Castro are often the target of repression in the same way it occurs to anyone trying to do human rights work outside the control of the Cuban state.

Speaking to the Washington Blade, independent Cuban activist Nelson Gandulla, president of the Cuban Foundation for LGBT Rights, claimed he had been hounded for criticising Ms Castro.

There has, undoubtedly, been a seismic shift in Cuba when it comes to LGBT rights, in terms of social acceptance, healthcare, legal recognition and visibility. But there is still a way to go before equality is reached.
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The White House is believed to be banning staff members from using their personal mobile phones in the workplace in spite of employees voicing fears they will be wholly disconnected from loved ones.

Two White House officials, who chose to remain anonymous, told Bloomberg US president Donald Trump would not permit his aides to use their mobiles while on the White House grounds.

Chief of Staff John Kelly is said to have imposed the ban and cited security concerns for doing so.

One aide told the publication the controversial ban would be implemented from this Friday onwards.

Recommended Trump sparks security fears by giving mobile number to world leaders

White House aides against the prohibition of personal mobiles railed against the fact they are not able to use their work phones for personal use.

They also drew attention to the fact work telephones cant accommodate texting, explaining this is a problem given texting is often the best way for their children, partners, and other relatives to contact them on a hectic day.

Despite the fact the US president has perpetually complained about the number of leaks about his administration, aides said the move was not linked to worries about unsanctioned revelations to news publications.

One official said too many devices were linked to the White House wireless network and personal phones are not as secure as those the government has issued.

This follows reports the White House was considering banning its employees from using personal mobiles at work last November. This was said to be prompted by concerns about cyber-security.

The White House already takes substantial precautions with wireless devices, including a requirement for officials to leave phones in cupboards outside of meeting rooms where sensitive or classified information is addressed.

Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Show all 22 1 /22 Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Supporters of Difa-e-Pakistan Council a coalition of right wing Islamic parties, burn an effigy of US President Donald Trump, during a protest in Quetta, Pakistan EPA Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Israeli police scuffle with a Palestinian protester outside Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's Old City Getty Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Palestinian protesters burn pictures of Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu following Trump's decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, in Gaza City AFP/Getty Images Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Israeli forces disperse Palestinian protesters outside Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's Old City on 7 December 2017 AFP/Getty Images Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Supporters of the Difa-e-Pakistan Council (DPC), an Islamic organization, chant slogans as they burn Israeli and US flags during a protest against Donald Trump in Peshawar REUTERS Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Palestinians paint an 'X' over the face of a picture of US president Donald J. Trump which was painted on the Israeli separation wall in Bethlehem EPA Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Palestinian protestors burn the Israeli flag and a poster of US President Donald Trump in Gaza City AFP/Getty Images Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Supporters of a Pakistani religious party rally against Donald Trump in Lahore AP Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Palestinian protesters burn the US and Israeli flags in Gaza City AFP/Getty Images Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital A poster depicting U.S. President Donald Trump is burnt during a protest against Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, in the West Bank city of Ramallah REUTERS Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Israeli forces detain a Palestinian protester during clashes that followed protests against US President Donald Trump recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, in Hebron AFP/Getty Images Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Palestinian protesters burn an effigy of U.S. President Donald Trump AP Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Palestinian protesters shout slogans against Donald Trump EPA Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital A Palestinian protester wears a Guy Fawkes mask used by the anonymous movement during clashes with Israeli troops in Hebron AFP/Getty Images Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Palestinian demonstrators clash with Isralei troops during protests AFP/Getty Images Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Supporters of a Pakistani religious party chant anti-American slogans during a rally in Islamabad, Pakistan AP Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Pakistanis burn a representation of the U.S. flag during a protest rally in Hyderabad AP Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Young Palestinian women look on as smoke billows from burning tyres as fellow Palestinian demonstrators clash with Isralei troops AFP/Getty Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Protesters burn a picture of U.S. President Donald Trump at a protest in Islamabad REUTERS Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Protestors shouts slogans against US President Donald Trump as they hold Palestinian and Turkish flags during a protest near the US Embassy in Ankara, Turkey EPA Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Palestinian protestors put their feet over a picture of US president Donald Trump during a protest in the West Bank City of Nablus EPA Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Pakistani protesters burn tires at an anti-Donald Trump rally in Multan AP

Early in the administration, former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer demanded members of his staff turn over their mobile phones for random checks to discern whether they had divulged damaging information to the press.

In spite of this, last May it emerged Mr Trump had been handing out his mobile phone number to world leaders and urging them to call him directly.

The invitation not only broke diplomatic protocol but raised concerns about the security and secrecy of the US commander-in-chief's communications.

As the first mobile phone carrying president, Barack Obama sparked concerns about cyber intrusions, particularly by foreign governments.

Nevertheless, in the end, concerns pulled the former president's devices firmly into the security bubble. According to former aides, many of the functions on Obama's BlackBerry were blocked and only a very small number of individuals had access to his phone number or email address.
It was a totally unexpected step, commented Diaaeddin Al-Kousi, an expert on water issues and former adviser to the minister of water resources and irrigation, in reaction to news that Egypt wants the World Bank to give technical advice on the building of the controversial Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

In a meeting with his Ethiopian counterpart Workneh Gebeyehu in Addis Ababa last week, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri proposed the involvement of the World Bank as an impartial third party in meetings of the technical committee studying the effects of the construction of the dam on downstream countries.

The one-day meeting between Shoukri and Gebeyehu aimed to break the impasse regarding the work of the tripartite technical committee made up of representatives of Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan.

Ethiopia is attempting to prolong negotiations on technical matters in order to sidestep a report stating that the dam will harm downstream countries until after the completion of the dams construction, Al-Kousi added.

Involving the World Bank has several advantages, as it was the party that initiated the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) in 1999 on the management of the River Niles water and thus has ample experience in this regard.

The NBI was a partnership initiated by the Nile Basin countries as a platform for dialogue and joint work on sharing the rivers resources, promoting peace and stability in the region.

According to the international laws governing international rivers, differences between countries should be settled via direct negotiations between the involved parties followed by involving a third party or more. If the mediation fails, the issue can be referred to international organisations like the United Nations.

Al-Kousi added that the bank has experts who have long experience in mediation issues. I cannot describe it as 100 per cent unbiased, but they have the skills and the ability to read, understand and analyse the issues, he said.

Mohamed Hegazi, former assistant to Egypts foreign minister, agreed. During the difficult technical and political negotiations, World Bank experts assisted the involved countries in solving various legal hurdles and proposing the proper legal solutions to many problems that came up in the negotiations, he said.

Hegazi pointed to the role played by the World Bank in the difficult negotiations between India and Pakistan which had led to the historic signing of the Indus Water Treaty in 1960.

This was signed after nine years of negotiations between India and Pakistan with the help of the World Bank, which is also a signatory to it. It lasted until December 2016, when India wanted to build various hydroelectric projects on the river, to which Islamabad raised objections.

The competition for water in the Indus River Basin has noticeably increased since the treaty was signed, necessitating the need for renegotiation of it. Delegations from India and Pakistan met at the World Bank headquarters in Washington in September last year for a round of talks on the issue.

After they had failed to agree, Pakistan requested the World Bank to fulfil its obligations by establishing a court of arbitration to settle the dispute in the light of the Indus Water Treaty.

Based on the success of previous third-party mediation in water-sharing issues, Egypt then suggested to Ethiopia last week that the World Bank be included in the River Nile negotiations.

The failure of the technical committee to agree on the preliminary report submitted by the consultancy firms will impede the continuation of the studies on the impacts of the dam on Egypt and Sudan, Shoukri told his counterpart in Ethiopia.

According to the Declaration of Principles signed in March 2015, the studies should be conducted before the dam filling process starts.

Assuring his countrys commitment to the Declaration of Principles and its determination not to cause harm to Egypt, Gebeyehu promised to study the Egyptian initiative and respond at the earliest opportunity.

Shoukri stated that he would submit the same initiative to Sudan within the next few days. The World Bank has not reacted to the Egyptian initiative, and no one was available to comment on the issue.

Negotiations between the three countries on the GERD broke down last November after the 17th round of technical talks was held in Cairo and attended by the irrigation ministers of the three countries.

After the meeting, Minister of Irrigation Mohamed Abdel-Ati declared that the technical track was facing deadlock. Egypt approved the preliminary report, but Ethiopia and Sudan demanded major amendments to the proposed studies. They failed to reach a compromise.

It is strange that Ethiopia did not accept the preliminary report, Al-Kousi said. It is even stranger that Sudan did not either, although it signed an agreement with Egypt stating that both states should follow the same policies regarding Nile water issues, he added.

The draft preliminary report was produced by a French consultancy firm in March last year. It includes studies to be conducted by the firm on the hydrological, hydraulic, environmental and economic impact of the dam.

During last weeks visit to Addis Ababa, Shoukri also met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn to discuss the upcoming visit by Desalegn to Cairo later this month in addition to bilateral relations and the challenges facing the technical track on the dam.

The involvement of the World Bank, Hegazi added, would be likely to provide a catalyst for establishing a framework for regional cooperation in which a multi-purpose project integrating water, power grids, railway and road network between the three countries could be drawn up.

International financial institutions like the World Bank and other donors will certainly favour supporting a multi-dimensional project that involves many countries, in which water is just one factor in a multi-faceted cooperation programme, he said.

The construction of the GERD has been a source of tension between Ethiopia and Egypt for some years. The dam, begun in 2011, is due for completion in the middle of this year. It will hold a massive 79 billion cubic metres of water and will be the largest hydroelectric power plant in Africa.

Ethiopia argues that there will be no reduction of water downstream, as all the Blue Nile water will be cycled through the dam and eventually reach the downstream countries on its way to the Mediterranean. It also claims that more water will be available overall because there will be less evaporation.

*This story was first published in Al-Ahram Weekly

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US President Donald Trumps administration has been informing members of Congress that it will soon announce plans to cut off security assistance to Pakistan, congressional aides said on Wednesday, a day after the White House warned Islamabad it would have to do more to maintain US aid.

Aides in two congressional offices said the State Department called on Wednesday to inform them that it would announce on Wednesday or Thursday that aid was being cut off, although it was not clear how much, what type or for how long.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders declined to say whether an announcement was imminent. The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The calls to Capitol Hill came a day after Washington accused Pakistan of playing a double game on fighting terrorism and warned Islamabad it would have to do more if it wanted to maintain US aid.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said on Tuesday that Washington would withhold $255 million in assistance to Pakistan. Her statement followed an angry tweet from Trump on Monday that the United States had been rewarded with nothing but lies and deceit for giving Pakistan billions in aid.

Pakistan civilian and military chiefs rejected what they termed incomprehensible US comments and summoned US Ambassador David Hale to explain Trumps tweet.

Relations between Islamabad and Washington have been strained for years over Islamabads alleged support for Haqqani network militants, who are allied with the Afghan Taliban.

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 United States also alleges that senior Afghan Taliban commanders live on Pakistani soil and has signalled it will cut aid and take other steps if Islamabad does not stop helping or turning a blind eye to Haqqani militants crossing the border to carry out attacks in Afghanistan.

Many members of the US Congress, particularly Republicans, who control both houses of the legislature, have been critical of the Pakistani government and called for cuts in military and other aid.

Reuters
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Donald Trump's attorney Charles Harder sent a letter demanding former adviser Steve Bannon "cease and desist" from speaking to author Michael Wolff over his new book on the President's administration.

The threat of legal action was intended to prevent Bannon disclosing confidential information harmful to the Trump White House.

The revelation emerges following President Trump's scathing attack on Bannon on Wednesday in response to Wolff's new book, Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, which portrays Trump as an undisciplined man-child who didn't actually want to win the White House and quotes Bannon as calling his son's contact with a Russian lawyer treasonous.

Hitting back via a formal White House statement rather than a more-typical Twitter volley, Trump insisted Bannon had little to do with his victorious campaign and has nothing to do with me or my Presidency.

When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind, Trump said.

It was a blistering attack against the man who helped deliver the presidency to Trump. It was spurred by an unflattering new book by writer Michael Wolff that paints Trump as a leader who doesn't understand the weight of the presidency and spends his evenings eating cheeseburgers in bed, watching television and talking on the phone to old friends.

Later Wednesday, Trump attorney Charles Harder threatened legal action against Bannon over disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements. Bannon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

White House aides were blindsided when early excerpts from Fire and Fury were published online by New York magazine and other media outlets ahead of the 9 January publication date.

The release left Trump furious and disgusted, said White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who complained that the book contained outrageous and completely false claims against the President, his administration and his family.

 Peter King: Steve Bannon 'looks like some disheveled drunk that wondered onto the political stage'

Asked what specifically had prompted the President's fury with Bannon, she said: I would certainly think that going after the President's son in an absolutely outrageous and unprecedented way is probably not the best way to curry favour with anybody.

In the book, an advance copy of which was provided to the Associated Press, Bannon is quoted as describing a June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower between Donald Trump Jr, Trump campaign aides and a Russian lawyer as treasonous and unpatriotic. The meeting has become a focus of federal and congressional investigators.

Bannon also told Wolff the investigations into potential collusion between Russia and Trump campaign officials would likely focus on money laundering.

They're going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV, Bannon was quoted as saying in one section that was first reported by The Guardian.

Trump Jr lashed out in a series of tweets, including one that said Andrew Breitbart, the founder of the Breitbart News site that Bannon now runs, would be ashamed of the division and lies Steve Bannon is spreading!

Bannon, who was forced out of his White House job last summer, was not surprised or particularly bothered by the blowback, according to a person familiar with his thinking but not authorised to speak publicly on the matter. That person said Bannon vowed on Wednesday to continue his war on the Republican establishment and also predicted that, after a cooling-off period, he'd continue to speak with Trump, who likes to maintain contact with former advisers even after he fires and sometimes disparages them.

Sanders said Bannon and Trump last spoke in the first part of last month.

The former-and-current Breitbart News head has told associates that he believes Trump has been ill-served by some his closest allies, including eldest son Don Jr and Jared Kushner, the President's son-in-law. Bannon believes they have exposed Trump to the Russia probe that could topple his presidency and that Trump would be able to accomplish more without them

So far, there is no indication that Bannon is being investigated by Special Counsel Robert Mueller. But the House intelligence committee has invited him, along with former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, for a closed-door interview as a part of the panel's investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election, according to a person familiar with the invitation.

Trump, up until Wednesday, had been complimentary of Bannon, saying in October that the two have a very good relationship and had been friends for a long time.

In the book, Bannon also speaks critically of Trump's daughter and White House adviser, Ivanka, calling her dumb as a brick.

A little marketing savvy and has a look but as far as understanding actually how the world works and what politics is and what it means - nothing, he is quoted saying.

New York magazine also published a lengthy adaptation of the book on Wednesday, in which Wolff writes that Trump believed his presidential nomination would boost his brand and deliver untold opportunities - but that he never expected to win.

It says Trump Jr told a friend that his father looked as if he'd seen a ghost when it became clear he might win. The younger Trump described Melania Trump as in tears - and not of joy.

The first lady's spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, disputed that, saying Mrs. Trump supported her husband's decision to run, encouraged him to do so and was happy when he won.

The book is clearly going to be sold in the bargain fiction section, Grisham said in a statement.

Wolff was generally granted access to the White House with a 'blue badge instead of the traditional press badge, giving him wide access to the West Wing, according to officials who spoke on condition of anonymity in order to discuss internal protocol. One former White House official said Wolff was known to camp out for hours in the West Wing lobby after meetings, sitting on a sofa as he waited to talk to staffers passing by.

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

Wolff said in an author's note that the book was based on more than 200 interviews, including multiple conversations with the President and senior staff. But Sanders said Wolff never actually sat down with the President and had spoken with him just once, briefly, by phone, since Trump had taken office.

She also said the vast majority of interviews Wolff conducted with other White House officials were done at Bannon's request.

Bannon's comments in the book are just his latest published criticism of the President and his family. In a Vanity Fair piece late last year, he was quoted telling friends and advisers that Trump had lost a step since his swearing-in and was like an 11-year-old child.

AP
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Donald Trump has demanded the introduction of voter ID cards after accusing Democrats of covering up voter fraud.

The US President wrote on Twitter: "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."

Mr Trump's comments come just a day after he dissolved a voter fraud commission set up to look into his own unverified claims millions of people voted illegally in the 2016 election.

Although the billionaire won the 2016 electoral college vote, he has appeared unwilling to accept his defeat by Hillary Clinton in the popular vote, using claims of voter fraud to justify the loss.

The White House said in a press release on Wednesday: Despite substantial evidence of voter fraud, many states have refused to provide the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity with basic information relevant to its inquiry.

Rather than engage in endless legal battles at taxpayer expense, today President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order to dissolve the Commission, and he has asked the Department of Homeland Security to review its initial findings and determine next courses of action.

 Trump to Kim Jong-un: 'My button is bigger than yours'

Critics claimed the commission was set up merely in an attempted to justify the President's outlandish voter fraud claims. Chuck Schumer, Democrat minority leader in the Senate, branded it a "front to suppress the vote".

The commission never had anything to do with election integrity," he said in a statement. It was instead a front to suppress the vote, perpetrate dangerous and baseless claims, and was ridiculed from one end of the country to the other.

But Mr Trump's renewed push for voter ID laws suggests he is not ready to drop the issue.

In a follow-up tweet, the 71-year-old wrote: "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!"

Republican-controlled states have in recent years passed voting restrictions seen by critics as an attempt to suppress racial minorities, who tend to vote for Democrats.

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

A study by the University of California, San Diego, found that strict ID laws doubled the turnout gap between white people and Latinos in general elections, and almost doubled the gap between whites and black people in primary elections.
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Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner struck a deal for her to become US President, according to a new book of explosive claims purported to come from White House insiders.

Donald Trumps daughter and son-in-law discussed her ambitions to be Americas first female leader when they accepted jobs at the White House following the 2016 election, according to excerpts from the as-yet unpublished book.

The journalist Michael Wolff said Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House was based on more than 200 interviews with the President and his staff.

In an excerpt from the book published by New York magazine, the author says Ms Trump and her husband accepted posts as advisers in the West Wing over the advice of almost everyone they knew in the hope that his presidency would catapult them into a heretofore unimagined big time.

It was a joint decision by the couple, and, in some sense, a joint job, Mr Wolff writes. Between themselves, the two had made an earnest deal: If sometime in the future the opportunity arose, shed be the one to run for president.

The first woman president, Ivanka entertained, would not be Hillary Clinton; it would be Ivanka Trump.

Former White House strategist Steve Bannon was said to be horrified when he heard about the deal.

They didnt say that? he is reported to have said, adding: Stop. Oh, come on. They didnt actually say that? Please dont tell me that. Oh my God.

Mr Bannon has previously laid bare his disdain for the couple, who he nicknamed Javanka, blaming them for being railhead of all bad decisions in the White House.

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 Presidents legal team has sent a letter demanding Mr Bannon "cease and desist" speaking to Mr Wolff after a string of explosive claims emerged in excerpts from Fire and Fury this week.

The threat of legal action comes after the book quoted the former strategist and Breitbart executive chairman as saying a meeting between a Russian lawyer and Donald Trump's eldest son was "treasonous and unpatriotic".

White House aides were caught off guard when excerpts from the book, which portrays Mr Trump as an undisciplined man-child and reluctant President, emerged online ahead of its 9 January publication date.

The excerpts left Mr Trump furious and disgusted, said White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who complained the book contained outrageous and completely false claims against the President, his administration and his family.

Mr Trump later issued a statement claiming his former strategist had "lost his mind" and had "nothing to do with me or my Presidency".
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New York Citys John F. Kennedy Airport has been temporarily closed due to heavy snow, ice and harsh winds in the area, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The airport, which suspended operations shortly before 11am local time (1600 GMT), was expected to reopen later in the eening, FAA officials said. Flights at La Guardia were also halted.

The temporary closures came as high winds and heavy snow barrelled into the US Northeast, shutting schools and government offices, leaving tens of thousands without power and snarling travel. Thousands of flights were cancelled, snow plows and salt trucks were omnipresent on roads and highways, and commuters who braved the storm to head in to their jobs hoped they would be able to make it home safely as the storm intensified later in the day.

Blizzard warnings were in place along the coast from North Carolina to Maine, with the National Weather Service forecasting winds as high as 70 miles per hour (113 km per hour) that may bring down tree limbs and knock out power.

More than a foot (30 cm) of snow was forecast for Boston and coastal areas in northern New England.

The storm is the product of a rapid plunge in barometric pressure that some weather forecasters are referring to as bombogenesis or a bomb cyclone, which brings fast, heavy snowfall and high winds.

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 wintry weather has been blamed for at least 13 deaths over the past few days, including three fatalities in North Carolina traffic accidents and three in Texas due to cold.

More than 3,300 U.S. airline flights were cancelled ahead of the storm's arrival in the Northeast on Thursday. At New York's three major airports - including JFK - and Boston's Logan International, as many as three out of four flights were called off, according to tracking service FlightAware.com.

Passenger train operator Amtrak was running reduced service in the Northeast, while mass-transit systems in major metropolitan areas, including New York and Boston, remained open.

I have a big meeting today, so I had to go in. If I didn't, I probably would have stayed home, Ann Gillard, 24, said as she waited for a subway in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to take her into the downtown Boston office where she works as a consultant.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority invested extensively in equipment to remove snow and keep tracks from freezing after extensive disruptions during the winter of 2015, when Boston got about 9 feet (2.74 meters) of snow. But Ms Gillard said her commute typically goes not that well in inclement weather.

My plan is to leave at 4, right after my meeting, and, hopefully, it will be OK, she said, adding that her backup plan was to walk home, probably. It's not that cold, it'll just be snow.

In the Southeast, historic cities saw their heaviest snowfall in nearly 30 years on Wednesday, according to AccuWeather.com senior meteorologist Alan Reppert. Charleston, South Carolina, received 5.3 inches (13.46 cm) of accumulation, within an inch of its record, while Tallahassee, Florida saw its first measurable snow since 1989.

Federal government offices delayed opening for two hours, while state officials in Connecticut, New Jersey and Massachusetts ordered nonessential workers to stay home. In Maine, Governor Paul LePage ordered state offices closed for the day.

The snowstorm brought a break in extremely cold weather that has gripped much of the region since Christmas, frozen part of Niagara Falls, played havoc with public works and impeded firefighting in places where temperatures barely broke 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6.7 Celsius).

Some 45,000 homes and businesses in the Northeast were without power early on Thursday, though that number was expected to rise as the storm intensifies across the region.

That raised fears that people would be left without power and heat on Friday and during the weekend when temperatures are forecast to drop sharply.

We can handle snow, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said at a news conference. It's snow plus the wind which is going to cause the trouble today. The wind is going to be high all through the day.

Schools were ordered closed in New York, many parts of New Jersey, Boston and elsewhere throughout the region.

The bombogenesis phenomenon occurs when a storm's barometric pressure drops 24 millibars in 24 hours. As a result, the accumulation of snow and winds intensifies, which can cause property damage and power outages.

Reuters
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Some Disney hotels have eliminated Do Not Disturb signs to make it easier for staff to check rooms.

The signs have been replaced with Room Occupied and read: The Disney Resort hotel and its staff reserve the right to enter your room, even when this sign is displayed, for maintenance, safety, security or any other purpose.

Neither Disney nor the Hilton chain, which has similarly changed its policy, would confirm that the 2017 Las Vegas massacre prompted the change in security procedures, according to CNN Money.

Recommended Gunman opens fire on security guards in Las Vegas casino

Disney is not the only company to change its security policy, with the Hilton chain doing the same in November 2017.

Hiltons staff policy is now that staff need to alert a manager on duty if a room has displayed the Do Not Disturb sign for more than 24 hours.

The Las Vegas gunman Stephen Paddock had killed 58 people and injured nearly 500 after he rained down bullets from his 32nd floor room at the Mandalay Bay Hotel room on the Las Vegas strip.

Paddock had ten suitcases of 23 weapons and hundreds of rounds of ammunition stored in his room.

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

He had placed the Do Not Disturb sign on his door but even when housekeeping staff checked the room, they have said they did not notice anything awry.

Another Las Vegas hotel, the Orleans Hotel on Tropicana Avenue and Boyd Gamings dozens of other properties worldwide, have instituted a new policy as of October 2017 as well - welfare checks will be done if guests have used the Do Not Disturb signs for more two consecutive days.

Paddock had checked into Mandalay Bay three days prior to the 1 October 2017 shooting.

Located just a few miles away on the strip from Mandalay Bay, Wynn Las Vegas now requires staff to check rooms every 12 hours.

Paddock reportedly shot himself just ahead of police arriving at his room. It was the deadliest shooting in modern US history.
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A motel chain illegally provided immigration agents with the names and personal details of thousands of guests, according to a new lawsuit.

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson sued Motel 6 for allegedly instructing its workers to provide Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents with customers information, including their names, dates of birth and drivers license numbers. That information was then used to arrest or detain motel guests, a complaint filed in King County Superior Court court alleges.

According to the lawsuit, sharing that information was a matter of policy that was included in new employee training. Workers were told to hand over guest registries without requiring ICE agents to prove probable cause or present search warrants, the lawsuit alleges, describing agents obtaining printouts of guest lists and then seeking to identify and single out guests based on national origin.

Motel 6 staff observed ICE identify guests of interest to ICE, including by circling 20 guests with Latino-sounding names, the lawsuit says.

Those disclosures could occur on a daily basis, the lawsuit alleges, and over the course of a little less than two years translated into Motel 6 handing over the information of more than 9,000 people in Washington state.

Motel 6 came under fire earlier this year after an investigation by the Phoenix New Times found motels in Arizona were sharing guests details with ICE. In a statement responding to Mr Fergusons lawsuit, Motel 6 said it had discontinued the practice.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

In September, Motel 6 issued a directive to every one of our more than 1,400 locations, making it clear that they are prohibited from voluntarily providing daily guests lists to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the statement said. Motel 6 takes this matter very seriously, and we have and will continue to fully cooperate with the Office of the State Attorney General.

But Mr Ferguson cited the Arizona revelation as an impetus for his lawsuit, saying in a press release that Motel 6 misleadingly implied the guest disclosures were a local problem.

We have found that is not true, he said. Washingtonians have a right to privacy, and protection from discrimination. I will hold Motel 6 accountable and uncover the whole story of their disturbing conduct.

 Downing Street says soaring population proves UK needs tougher immigration laws

An ICE representative said the agency would not comment on the lawsuit, since it is not a party named in the complaint, and does not illuminate the source of its enforcement leads.

The agency receives viable enforcement tips from a host of sources, including other law enforcement agencies, relevant databases, crime victims, and the general public via the agencys tip line and online tip form," spokesman Yasmeen Pitts OKeefe said in an email, adding: Its worth noting that hotels and motels have frequently been exploited by criminal organisations engaged in highly dangerous illegal enterprises, including human trafficking and human smuggling."
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The mother of a neo-Nazi who co-runs the white supremacist website Daily Stormer has said he has Jewish relatives on both sides of his family.

Andrew Weev Auernheimer, who has previously said Jewish children deserve to die, comes from a large, mixed race family and is of Jewish descent and Native American heritage, his mother Alyse told Newsweek.

Auernheimer, 32, from Arkansas, who runs the technical side of the website alongside editor Andrew Anglin, has been estranged from his mother for more than ten years, she told the magazine.

He is believed to be in Ukraine, where he has lived since serving a prison sentence in the United States on a computer hacking charge.

The Daily Stormer lost its dot-com status in August 2017 and struggled to find a provider to host the site after insulting Heather Heyer, who was killed by a neo-Nazi while protesting a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Auernheimer responded on the podcast Radical Agenda that the suppression of free speech would leave white supremacists no choice but to kill the children of their enemies.

If you dont let us dissent peacefully, then our only option is to murder you. To kill your children. To kill your whole families, he said last month.

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 is only one thing absent free speech that we can do to express our dissent and thats to slaughter you like dogs, and youre gonna have it coming and your children will deserve to die.

Auernheimers Jewish ancestry was first reported by Gawker in 2012, but this is the first time a family member has spoken about his heritage.
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A prominent newspaper executive in Alabama has been accused of assaulting multiple female employees during the 1970s by spanking them, according to reports in Alabama news outlets this week.

H. Brandt Ayers, the former publisher of The Anniston Star and current chairman of the company that owns The Star and five other newspapers, on Tuesday admitted that he spanked at least one female reporter decades ago, claiming he was simply following a doctor's advice.

Ayers, now 82, told The Anniston Star he spanked the woman in her home. He claimed the woman, who worked at The Star between 1973 and 1974, had been psychologically ill, and a doctor had suggested he calm her down, Ayers told The Star. When Ayers asked the doctor if spanking would work, the doctor said it would, Ayers said. Ayers told The Star he could not recall the name of the physician.

The Star named the woman who was spanked, saying she may now be deceased. The Washington Post does not name victims of sexual assault who have not gone public with their stories.

Ayers also acknowledged allegations from Star reporter Veronica Pike Kennedy, who spoke publicly to The Star, The Montgomery Advertiser and The Alabama Political Reporter, that the publisher spanked her 18 times with a ruler in The Star newsroom in 1975. When asked about the alleged assault, Ayers told The Anniston Star: Let the accusation stand.

As a very young man with more authority than judgment, I did some things I regret, Ayers said in the statement to The Anniston Star. At my advanced age I wish I could relive those days again, knowing the seriousness of my position and with the accumulated judgment that goes with age.

Ayers said he had no intention of resigning as chairman of the board of Consolidated Publishing. Of course not, Ayers told The Star. I am the third generation of a family that has served honourably, even courageously, in the public interest.

The allegations against Ayers were first reported on the website Alabama Political Reporter and later described in articles in The Anniston Star and Montgomery Advertiser.

Kennedy told the three publications Ayers spanked her on a Saturday morning in February 1975, when the two of them were among a few employees in The Star newsroom. Kennedy was 22 at the time, and Ayers, then publisher, turned 40 that same year.

Ayers asked her to read an article he had written. After reading it, she told him it really is a good piece of writing, Kennedy recounted to The Montgomery Advertiser. Though she knew he had written the piece for an editorial, she joked, Can you tell me who wrote it?

And he said, 'Oh, you are being a bad girl,' Kennedy told The Advertiser. 'You know what I do to bad girls? I spank them.'

Kennedy said she then held onto her chair as Ayers picked me and the chair up and then bent me across the desk behind me.

He allegedly spanked her forcefully 18 times with a metal pica pole, a type of ruler used by newspaper designers and editors at the time.

I was fighting him the whole time. Trying to kick him. Bite him. Scratch him. Whatever I could do, Kennedy told Alabama Political Reporter. Then Ayers told her, Well, that ought to teach you to not be a bad girl.

Another Star reporter, Mike Stamler, then 22, said he witnessed the assault from across the room.

I was staring with my mouth hanging open, he told The Advertiser. I was stunned.

Kennedy didn't know what to do, she told The Alabama Political Reporter. I just had to pull myself together because I could lose my job. She also feared how her father would react, she said.

I knew I couldn't say anything because my daddy would get his .38 and shoot Brandy in the head, and he'd be in prison for the rest of his life, Kennedy told The Star, referring to Ayers by his nickname.

Ayers was described by The Star as among the best-known figures in Anniston, and one of the best-known small-town newspapermen in the South. He was the son of The Star's founder, Harry Ayers, and replaced his father as publisher in the late 1960s. He stepped down in 2016 but still serves as the publishing company's chairman.

Leading The Star during the civil rights era, he became known nationwide for his views as a Southern liberal. He advocated for school integration - a rare progressive voice in a conservative state. His syndicated column has been published in newspapers across Alabama.

A summary of one of his books, Cussing Dixie, Loving Dixie: Fifty Years of Commentary by H. Brandt Ayers, calls the newspaperman, A loyal son of Alabama who extols Southern culture and unapologetically calls for Alabamians to cast off the moribund ideologies of the past.

But in other writings, Ayers touched on the controversial topic of spanking. In his book In Love with Defeat: The Making of a Southern Liberal, Ayers wrote that in the 1940s, spanking was as American and Southern as fried chicken on Sundays.

He described a date with the woman who later became his wife, Josephine. At one point on the date, he became upset with her and made a comment not calculated to endear me, 'If I knew you better, I'd spank you.'

Trisha O'Connor, a journalism professor who worked at The Star as a reporter and editor during the 1970s, told the Associated Press that stories of Ayers's assaults on women were common knowledge in the newsroom at the time. She and other female employees at the newspaper would warn new female workers to avoid Ayers.

We took it to upper management and said, 'We need assistance. This is terrible,' said O'Connor, who teaches at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina. Basically, from what we were able to see, nothing happened.

The allegations against Ayers first emerged in mid-November, in an online column by Joey Kennedy in The Alabama Political Reporter, vaguely mentioning allegations involving his wife, Veronica Pike Kennedy, against a publisher. He didn't initially mention Ayers by name.

Eddie Burkhalter, then a reporter at The Star, noticed the column and expressed interest in reporting on the story. Burkhalter claims the newspaper would not allow him to pursue the story about the allegations. In response, Burkhalter quit his job and reported the story for a different outlet, The Alabama Political Reporter.

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

Ben Cunningham, managing editor at The Star, wrote in a commentary that Burkhalter's allegations about pursuit of the story are flatly false. Bob Davis, the current editor and publisher of The Star, wrote in a separate column that he instructed Cunningham to tell Burkhalter to suspend work on the story for a few days until they had a chance to discuss how they would go about treating anonymous sources. Burkhalter agreed to wait, Davis said, but later revealed that he had continued reporting anyway.

Then Burkhalter resigned and The Star assigned a new reporter to the story. The Star published its story shortly after The Alabama Political Reporter. On Tuesday, Burkhalter started work in a plumbing supply warehouse as a clerk.

The airing of these allegations, in our pages and elsewhere, are a difficult time for this extended family, Cunningham wrote. For the women who say Ayers attacked them, though, I hope it leads to peace and to a sense of justice.

The Washington Post
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Donald Trump has claimed credit for renewed dialogue between North and South Korea, saying US threats of nuclear war had pushed Pyongyang to re-establish contact with Seoul.

On Wednesday, the North reopened a border hotline that had been dormant for two years, suggesting a tentative thaw in relations at a time of heightened tensions on the Korean peninsula.

The move followed soon after the US President taunted his North Korean counterpart, Kim Jong-un, about the size of his "nuclear button".

Recommended North Korea reopens hotline with South Korea

Responding to the prospect of improved relations between Pyongyang and Seoul, Mr Trump said in a tweet on Thursday morning that the threat of an attack by the US had been decisive.

"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," he said, adding that those who doubted him were "fools".

He also said talks between the historic enemies, who are still technically at war because the 1950-53 Korean War ended in a truce, not a peace treaty, were a "good thing".

Those remarks contradicted America's ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, who earlier this week sought to distance herself from the proposed contact.

We dont think we need a Band-Aid, and we dont think we need to smile and take a picture. We think that we need to have them stop nuclear weapons, and they need to stop it now," she said.

 South Korea offers to hold talks with North on Olympic cooperation

The US State Department warned the proposal could be an attempt to "drive a wedge" between Washington and Seoul.

The call lasted roughly 20 minutes but its contents were not made public.

North Korea shut down the hotline in retaliation for the closing of a border factory town jointly operated by the two Koreas.

North Korea's KCNA news agency quoted Ri Son Gwon, chairman of North Korea's Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland, as saying the talks would aim to establish formal dialogue about sending a North Korean delegation to the Olympics.

"We will try to keep close communications with the south Korean side from sincere stand(sic) and honest attitude, true to the intention of our supreme leadership, and deal with the practical matters related to the dispatch of our delegation," he said.

North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Show all 13 1 /13 North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Pyongyang residents react after the news of the successful launch of the new intercontinental ballistic missile AFP/Getty Images North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un signing an order to test-fire the newly developed inter-continental ballistic missile KRT via AP Video North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch A news broadcast displays Kim Jong Un's signed document AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch People cheer as they watch the news broadcast announcing Kim Jong Un's order to test-fire the new inter-continental ballistic missile AFP/Getty Images North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Residents react after the document signing AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Pyongyang residents celebrate Kim Jong Un's announcement AFP/Getty North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Cheering Pyongyang residents react AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch To counter North Korea's missile test, South Korea fired missiles into the East Sea The Defence Ministry/Yonhap via REUTERS North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch The Hyunmu-2 missiles firing during the drill South Korean Defense Ministry vi North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch The exercise was carried out in an attempt to counter Kim Jong Un's order South Korea Defense Ministry via AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch The South Korean army continue to carry out military exercises AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Where K-9 self-propelled howitzers were taking part in a drill Rex Features North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch US soldiers are also present in the border city of Paju AFP/Getty Images

In his New Year address, Mr Kim said he was willing to send a delegation to February's Winter Olympics, across the border in Pyeongchang.

But he also said he had a "nuclear button" on his desk and that the US mainland was within reach of his expanding weapons programme.

In response, Mr 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!
Cairo is assessing the situation before taking appropriate measure, Egyptian foreign ministry says

The Egyptian Embassy in Khartoum was officially informed on Thursday that Sudan has recalled it's ambassador to Cairo today for consultation, the spokesman for Egypt's foreign minstry said tonight.

The foreign ministry spokesperson added that Egypt is currently conducting a comprehensive assessment of the situation in order to take the appropriate measure.

A statement by the Sudanese foreign ministry issued earlier Thursday announcing Khartoum's decision to recall its envoy to Cairo did not say why or how long he would stay, Reuters reported.

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Years before he could boast about the size of his nuclear button, Donald Trump got his kicks by having sex with his friends wives.

Or at least that is the claim being made in what some sceptics are now calling the tell-all book that Trumps post-truth presidency deserves.

After the pussy-grabbing tape and accusations of sexual misconduct from 19 women, Mr Trump must now face Fire and Fury, the warts and more warts book by controversial US journalist Michael Wolff.

Amid allegations covering everything from Russia to Ivankas jokes about her fathers hair, comes Mr Wolffs assertion that once upon a time Trump liked to say that one of the things that made life worth living was getting your friends wives into bed.

In pursuing a friends wife, Wolff wrote, he would try to persuade the wife that her husband was perhaps not what she thought.

Then hed have his secretary ask the friend into his office; once the friend arrived, Trump would engage in what was, for him, more or less constant sexual banter.

Do you still like having sex with your wife? How often? You must have had a better f*** than your wife? Tell me about it. I have girls coming in from Los Angeles at three oclock. We can go upstairs and have a great time. I promise ...

All the while, Trump would have his friends wife on the speakerphone, listening in.

For good measure, Wolff adds that one of the Presidents friends described him as having a lot in common with Bill Clinton, Except that Clinton had a respectable front and Trump did not.

Which just leaves one little question: is it true?

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

Wolff and his friends, of course, say it is. With a surprisingly small dash of journalistic cunning, they say, the writer was able to get inside probably the most chaotic presidency in decades.

Because according to New York magazine, one of the first to publish extracts of the book, the Trump administration was too inexperienced to impose limits on what Wolff could see and report.

There were no ground rules placed on his access, and he was required to make no promises about how he would report on what he witnessed, the magazine said.

So, Wolff said, after Trumps inauguration he was able to take up something like a semi-permanent seat on a couch in the West Wing.

The book, he added, was based on more than 200 interviews with current and former Trump confidants and staff.

Which may of course have been his first problem.

Political journalist Benjy Sarlin of NBC News was among the first to point out: One problem with all insider accounts of Trump is that many of his insiders have a similar take on truth to Trump. It adds a gigantic grain of salt.

Although, arguably, the first person to point out Wolffs problem was Wolff himself.

In his books introduction, he wrote: Many of the accounts of what has happened in the Trump White House are in conflict with one another; many, in Trumpian fashion, are baldly untrue.

Those conflicts, and that looseness with the truth, if not with reality itself, are an elemental thread of the book.

Sometimes I have let the players offer their versions, in turn allowing the reader to judge them.

In other instances I have, through a consistency in accounts and through sources I have come to trust, settled on a version of events I believe to be true.

No one has yet addressed the alleged seduction of other mens wives, but the book is attracting a steadily growing number of denials  despite still being five days away from going on sale.

Trump himself appears to have got his lawyers to issue cease-and-desist notices to the books publisher, warning of possible libel action against Wolff, and to former presidential adviser Steve Bannon, accusing him of breaching a confidentiality agreement.

The President has also issued a statement, apparently in response to what Mr Bannon was quoted as saying in the book about a treasonous meeting between Donald Trump Jr and a Russian lawyer.

Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency, said Mr Trump. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders backed her boss up by calling Wolffs book trashy tabloid fiction filled with false and misleading accounts from individuals who have no access or influence with the White House.

Tony Blair, the pretty straight sort of guy himself, also popped up on BBC Radio 4s Today programme on Thursday, denying the details of his own guest appearance in the book.

Wolff had said the former Prime Minister had gone to the White House in February 2017 angling for a Middle East adviser job. Mr Blair said this was complete fabrication, from beginning to end.

The Presidents billionaire chum Thomas Barrack Jr has denied ever telling a friend that Trump is not only crazy [but] stupid. Ex-White House adviser Katie Walsh has disputed a comment attributed to her in the book that dealing with Trump was like trying to figure out what a child wants.

And they are hardly the first to question Wolffs ability to quote accurately.

Wolff, 64, has written for a string of prestigious publications and won the National Magazine Award for commentary in 2002 and 2004.

But along the way questions have been raised about whether what he says is always 100 per cent accurate. Sometimes Wolff himself appears to have fuelled the questioning.

In his first best-seller Burn Rate, about his time as a 1990s internet entrepreneur, he confessed to stalling bankers by making up a story about his father having open-heart surgery.

How many fairly grievous lies had I told? he wrote. How many moral lapses had I committed? How many ethical breaches had I fallen into?

Like many another financial conniver, I was in a short-term mode.

And after the book was published, it was reported that a dozen people disputed the way they were quoted in it.

Wolff, though, got a job writing a media column at New York magazine. Pretty soon book editor Judith Regan was disputing nearly every line of the column Wolff wrote about her, saying she hadnt spoken to him in 30 years.

Other complaints about misquoting followed.

Now The Washington Post is drawing its readers attention to a New Republic profile of Wolff, written in 2004 when he had just won his first National Magazine Award.

In it, the New Republic writer Michelle Cottle stated, pretty bluntly: Much to the annoyance of Wolffs critics, the scenes in his columns arent recreated so much as created  springing from Wolffs imagination rather than from actual knowledge of events.

Even Wolff acknowledges that conventional reporting isnt his bag. Rather, he absorbs the atmosphere and gossip swirling around him at cocktail parties, on the street, and especially during those long lunches at Michaels.

Intriguingly, given what the Fire and Fury author now says about his semi-permanent seat on the West Wing couch, Cottle quoted an editor who has worked with Wolff as saying: His great gift is the appearance of intimate access. He is adroit at making the reader think that he has spent hours and days with his subject, when in fact he may have spent no time at all.

He was never dull though.

Cottle quoted the qualified admiration of one of Wolffs former colleagues.

He did get a lot of things majorly wrong, the ex-colleague said, But he never was just pedestrian.

You have to admire his balls.

The President, of course, is unlikely to be so forgiving.

As to whether or not others believe the stuff about sleeping with the wives of friends: perhaps its a fair bet to say that those who hate Mr Trump will decide its true, and his base will instantly dismiss it as fake news.
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Former White House strategist Steve Bannon once called President Donald Trump's daughter and White House adviser Ivanka Trump "dumb as a brick", according to the latest excerpt from a book that claims to provide a near-inside view of the tumult within the West Wing during the first year of Mr Trump's presidency.

Mr Bannon's quote is detailed in an excerpt provided to the Wall Street Journal. The book has been met critically by some who point out seeming factual inaccuracies. The White House has also denied many of the allegations.

The former White House advisor, who left the White House to run Breitbart News, didn't respond to requests for comment from that newspaper, but a source close to him reportedly did not deny the varacity of the insult.

Mr Trump himself attacked Mr Bannon after the excerpts -- which included comments from Mr Bannon saying that a previous meeting between Trump campaign officials and Russians in Trump Tower was "treasonous" -- saying that his former strategist had nothing to do with his campaign, or his time as president.

"Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my Presidency," Mr Trump wrote in a statement distributed by the White House. "When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind."

 Tiffany and Ivanka Trump mocked for Mar-A-Lago Christmas video

Mr Bannon reportedly had a strained relationship with much of the top White House during the nearly seven months he was there. In addition to the apparent conflict with Ms Trump, Mr Bannon frequently sparred with her husband, Jared Kushner, as well as former White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus.

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

The "treasonous" comments in the book's manuscript revolve around a meeting that has become a focus of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russia's meddling in the 2016 election. The meeting was reportedly set up by Donald Trump Jr after he received an email from a Russian-linked source, who promised he could connect him with a Russian-linked lawyer who could deliver dirt on Hillary Clinton.

Mr Bannon indicated that he felt that taking the meeting was ill-advised, and that they would have been wiser to take the meeting in a nondescript location, with lawyers, and that notifying the FBI may have been a smart move.
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A new book detailing the tumultuous inner workings of Donald Trumps White House offers fascinating insights into his fledgling administration.

Journalist and author Michael Wolffs Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House contains lurid details about the first few months of the Trump presidency.

The claims, many of which are strongly disputed by the White House, left Mr Trump furious and disgusted, his press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said.

From the Presidents eating habits to his daughters reported desire to run for office, here are some of the highlights.

Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner have struck a deal for her to become US President, the book claims.

Mr Trumps daughter and son-in-law discussed her ambitions to be Americas first female leader when they accepted jobs at the White House following the 2016 election, according to excerpts.

Mr Wolff writes that Ms Trump and her husband accepted posts as advisers in the West Wing over the advice of almost everyone they knew in the hope that his presidency would catapult them into a heretofore unimagined big time.

Ivanka Trump appears at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, to talk about tax cuts and reform in November (Getty Images) (Getty)

The infamous meeting between a Russian lawyer and Donald Trumps eldest son and other senior members of his campaign team was treasonous and unpatriotic, ousted White House strategist Steve Bannon is reported to have said.

Mr Bannon is said to have claimed that Special Prosecutor Robert Muellers probe into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election was increasingly focused on possible money laundering.

Theyre going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV, he added, according to details of the book seen by The Guardian.

Mr Trump hit back at the claims, saying Mr Bannon had lost his mind and has nothing to do with me or my presidency.

Mr Trumps lawyer, Charles Harder, also threatened legal action against the former aide over disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements.

He had a longtime fear of being poisoned, one reason why he liked to eat at McDonalds  nobody knew he was coming and the food was safely premade, writes Mr Wolff.

The author claims the President didnt want White House staff touching anything in his room, especially not his toothbrush.

He reprimanded the housekeeping staff for picking up his shirt from the floor, an excerpt from the book continues, quoting Mr Trump as saying: If my shirt is on the floor, its because I want it on the floor.

Mr Trump eating a McDonald's meal

Much has been made of the size of the crowd for Mr Trumps inauguration, with the Presidents former spokesman Sean Spicer famously having insisted that the President drew the largest audience ever to witness an inauguration, period.

But Mr Wolffs new book suggests there were other elements of the day that left Mr Trump unsettled.

The 20 January ceremony, attended by almost every living former US president, did not have enough A-list stars to please the new commander in chief, the book claims.

Mr Trump was also reportedly unsatisfied with his accommodation and argued repeatedly with his wife, Melania.

The scene of Donald Trump's inauguration as US President on January 20 2017 (L) and Barack Obama's first swearing in ceremony in 2009 (Reuters (L) Getty (R))

Trump and his aides didnt believe he would win

Most polls in the run-up to the 2016 presidential election gave Hillary Clinton the edge. But Mr Wolffs book claims the Trump team  including the President-to-be himself  were dubious he could win.

Even though the numbers in a few key states had appeared to be changing to Trumps advantage, neither [Kellyanne] Conway nor Trump himself nor his son-in-law, Jared Kushner  the effective head of the campaign  wavered in their certainty: Their unexpected adventure would soon be over, Mr Wolff writes.

Not only would Trump not be president, almost everyone in the campaign agreed, he should probably not be.

Trump found the White House scary

The corridors of the White House, lined with paintings of past heads of state, must be an intimidating place for any new president  particularly one who had never held elected office.

Recommended Trump scraps controversial voter fraud commission

And Mr Wolffs account of the early days of the administration suggest Mr Trump found 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue vexing and even a little scary.

He retreated to his own bedroom  the first time since the Kennedy White House that a presidential couple had maintained separate rooms, claims Mr Wolff.

In the first days, he ordered two television screens in addition to the one already there, and a lock on the door, precipitating a brief standoff with the Secret Service, who insisted they have access to the room.

Mr Trumps trademark feature is his orange-yellow hair. And, according to Mr Wolff, it was also a target of mockery for his daughter and top aide.

Ms Trump treated her father with a degree of detachment, even irony, going so far as to make fun of his comb-over to others, he writes.

The account suggests the President uses hair dye which darkens the longer it is left on. Impatience resulted in Trumps orange-blonde hair colour, Mr Wolff claims.

Donald Trump's hair is seen at a 2015 rally in Washington (REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst)

Michael Flynn was aware Russia speech money would be bad

Michael Flynn was aware that accepting Russian money for a speech was not...a good idea, the book claims.

Mr Trumps former National Security Adviser allegedly took $45,000 from Moscow and had been told by friends that it had not been a good idea.

Well it would only be a problem if we won, he is quoted as telling them.

Tony Blair denies claims contained in the book that he warned Mr Trumps aides British spies may have had them under surveillance during the 2016 election.

The former Prime Ministers team called the claim a complete fabrication after it was published in Mr Wolffs tell-all book.

A report in The Times suggested Mr Blair passed on a juicy rumour that the British had had the Trump campaign staff under surveillance, monitoring its telephone calls and other communications and possibly even Trump himself.
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The US State Department announced it is suspending security assistance and aid to Pakistan until Islamabad takes action against the Afghan Taliban and Haqqani network terror groups after President Donald Trump accused Pakistan of "deceit and lies" when working with the US.

The total amount withheld from the country that has been an important logistical stop for US troops fighting in Afghanistan - America's longest war - is approximately $255m (188m).

"Today we can confirm that we are suspending ... security assistance only to Pakistan at this time until the Pakistani government takes decisive action against groups including the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani network. We consider them to be destabilizing the region and also targeting U.S. personnel," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said during a briefing.

Ms Nauert said some aid could be let through should Islamabad demonstrate taking "decisive action" against these groups, but she did not elaborate as to what kind of action that should be or if any of the currently-withheld security assistance money could be used for it.

For now, military equipment will not be transferred nor any security-related funds, but it is unclear what "exceptions" will be made, which Ms Nauert mentioned.

A State Department representative has not yet responded to a request for comment.

Mr Trump had tweeted for the first time in 2018 that the US 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."

Mr Trump also tweeted that Pakistan give[s] safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan.

The Pakistani Foreign Ministry could not be reached for comment, but Minister Khawaja Asif had said about Mr Trump on the local GeoTV station: He has tweeted against us and Iran for his domestic consumption.

He is again and again displacing his frustrations on Pakistan over failures in Afghanistan as they are trapped in dead-end street in Afghanistan, Mr Asif said.

Defence Minister Khurram Dastgir-Khan responded via Twitter as well, writing that Pakistan is an anti-terror ally of the US and as such has provided the American military with land & air communication, military bases & intel cooperation that decimated Al-Qaeda since 2001 when the war started as a response to the September 11th attacks.

The minister did not mention that terrorist Osama bin Laden was living in the garrison town of Abbotabad for several years before he was killed in a special forces raid during the previous administration of Barack Obama in 2011.

He tweeted that the US has given us nothing but invective & mistrust.

Mr Dastgir-Khan also accused the US of ignoring cross-border safe havens of terrorists who murder Pakistanis.

US Defence Secretary James Mattis had already delayed a military-specific aid package of $50m (37m) in July over concerns Pakistan was not doing enough to tamp down on the Haqqani Network or Taliban terror groups - both priorities for the US across the border in Afghanistan.

Though Pakistan is considered a major non-North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) ally of the US, it still needs the annual certification which Mr Mattis stalled in order to get the yearly aid package.

Agencies have contributed to this report.
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State and local officials have called the Trump administrations sanctuary city rhetoric outrageous and unhinged after a top immigration official floated the idea of targeting local politicians in municipalities that seek to protect undocumented immigrants.

The harsh comments came after acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Thomas Homan told Fox News Neil Cavuto that he hoped the Justice Department would challenge sanctuary cities in the court, and that the department should hold these politicians personally accountable.

We gotta take [sanctuary cities] to court, and we gotta start charging some of these politicians with crimes, Mr Homan said.

Mr Homan continued on to say that California Governor Jerry Brown, who signed a state-wide sanctuary bill last year, should expect more immigration agents in his state.

If he thinks ICE is going away, we're not, Homan said. There's no sanctuary from federal law enforcement. As a matter of fact, we're in the process now  I'm going to significantly increase our enforcement presence in California. We're already doing it. We're going to detail additional enforcement assets to California. California better hold on tight  they're about to see a lot more special agents, a lot more deportation officers in the State of California. If the politicians in California don't want to protect their communities, then ICE will.

Officials and advocates say that those types of comments reflect a disrespect for the law shown by the Trump administration when it comes to immigration, and that the administration turns a blind eye to actual laws and court challenges currently on the books across the nation.

New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Show all 27 1 /27 New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Ethnic Yemenis and supporters protest against President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen on February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. At least 1,000 Yemeni-owned bodegas and grocery-stores across the city shut down from noon to 8 p.m. today to protest the order. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Men pray during a protest by ethnic Yemenis and supporters over President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen on February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. At least 1,000 Yemeni-owned bodegas and grocery-stores across the city shut down from noon to 8 p.m. today to protest the order. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Ethnic Yemenis and supporters protest against President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen on February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. At least 1,000 Yemeni-owned bodegas and grocery-stores across the city shut down from noon to 8 p.m. today to protest the order. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Men pray during a protest by ethnic Yemenis and supporters over President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen on February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. At least 1,000 Yemeni-owned bodegas and grocery-stores across the city shut down from noon to 8 p.m. today to protest the order. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People gather for evening prayer at a rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban A Yemeni business owner places a sign on the gate of his store February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Across the city, Yemeni owned bodega and grocery-stores will shut down from noon to 8 p.m. to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen. It is expected that over 1000 stores will be closed in protest with workers and owners participating in an afternoon rally in Brooklyn. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban A Yemeni business owner places a sign on the gate of his store February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Across the city, Yemeni owned bodega and grocery-stores will shut down from noon to 8 p.m. to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen. It is expected that over 1000 stores will be closed in protest with workers and owners participating in an afternoon rally in Brooklyn. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 02: Yemeni business owner Musa closes the gate to his store February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Across the city, Yemeni owned bodega and grocery-stores will shut down from noon to 8 p.m. to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen. It is expected that over 1000 stores will be closed in protest with workers and owners participating in an afternoon rally in Brooklyn. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban A Yemeni business owner closes the gate to his store February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Across the city, Yemeni owned bodega and grocery-stores will shut down from noon to 8 p.m. to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen. It is expected that over 1000 stores will be closed in protest with workers and owners participating in an afternoon rally in Brooklyn. Spencer Platt/Getty

Wed encourage this individual to better educate himself on what laws in California do and dont do before frothing and fear mongering on Fox News, Evan Westrup, a spokesman for Mr Browns office, told The Independent in a statement.

The Trump administration has repeatedly criticised sanctuary city policies, which allow local police and authorities to exercise discretion in response to federal immigration detainer requests when it comes to non-violent offenders. President Donald Trump has himself criticised the programmes, threatening to pull funding from the cities  even though the legality of doing so has been questioned.

The Trump administration has also been ramping up immigration detentions in a change in policy that has been criticised as increasingly indiscriminate. At the same time, however, Mr Trump has overseen less overall deportations than his predecessor.

Californias state sanctuary bill from last year does not prohibit ICE agents from doing their jobs, does not prohibit sheriffs from allowing ICE agents to visit California jails to conduct routine interviews, and does not prohibit cooperation with federal officials for deportations related to serious offences.

The Trump Administrations anti-immigrant policies have taken a turn from the inhumane to the comically absurd. Whats next - deporting anyone who didnt vote for Trump? Kevin de Leon, the California State Senate leader and author of the bill, told The Independent in an email.

These threats from Homan are proof positive that the Trump Administration and ICE are basing their immigration enforcement on fear and not fact, pure hate and no heart, Mr de Leon continued. This is why California wont help them tear our families apart.

Other states have taken the opposite tact compared to California, and have been met with legal challenges. In Texas, for instance, the passage of Senate Bill 4, which would have outlawed sanctuary city policies in the state, was met with fierce opposition that tied parts of the bill up in the courts.

In New York City, the largest sanctuary city in the United States, officials similarly said that attacks on their policies  and politicians  is an unfortunate hallmark of the Trump campaign.

These unhinged and misinformed comments are irresponsible even for the Trump Administration, Seth Stein, a spokesman for New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, told The Independent in an email. This is just another example of the Trump Administration twisting the facts about localities to stoke fear in an attempt to advance its deportation agenda.
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Tony Blair has denied he warned Donald Trumps aides that British spies may have had them under surveillance during the 2016 election.

The former Prime Ministers team called the claim a complete fabrication after it was published in a tell-all book by US author Michael Wolff.

Previous reports suggested Mr Blair had met Jared Kushner, Mr Trumps son-in-law, a number of times.

Now Mr Wolff claims he passed on the juicy rumour that the British had had the Trump campaign staff under surveillance, monitoring its telephone calls and other communications and possibly even Trump himself.

The allegation was first reported by The Times.

A Blair spokeswoman told The Independent: The allegations printed in The Times are categorically absurd. They are a complete fabrication, have no basis in reality and are simply untrue.

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 Wolff also claims in Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House that Mr Blair tried to land a role as a Middle East adviser to Mr Trump.

The former Labour leader has previously denied similar claims as an invention.

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, asked about other claims in the book, said it was filled with false and misleading accounts from individuals who have no access or influence with the White House.
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The Pentagon has said US President Donald Trump has agreed to delay joint military exercises with South Korea until after the Winter Olympics.

Mr Trump consulted with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on the matter, according to Pentagon spokesman Colonel Rob Manning.

The Winter Olympics begin on 9 February amid rising concerns over a nuclear North Korea.

The decision pushes back a set of annual military exercises known as Foal Eagle, which are usually held between February and April. Foal Eagle is a series of exercises designed to test the readiness of the US and South Korean militaries.

The move comes after US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said there is evidence that North Korea is testing yet another nuclear weapon, once again in violation of UN sanctions.

Seoul also announced that it would begin direct talks with Pyongyang.

Mr Moon ran his presidential campaign last year with the promise and goal of a "sunshine policy" towards North Korea; more open economic relations and direct negotiating to achieve peace.

Mr Trump took credit for brokering the talks on Twitter, however.

Ms Haley said at a news conference at the United Nations, however, that the US "won't take any [inter-Korean] talks seriously" unless Pyongyang bans all its nuclear weapons and testing.

"They can talk with whoever they want," she said about North Korea, but made the US requirements clear.

North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Show all 13 1 /13 North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Pyongyang residents react after the news of the successful launch of the new intercontinental ballistic missile AFP/Getty Images North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un signing an order to test-fire the newly developed inter-continental ballistic missile KRT via AP Video North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch A news broadcast displays Kim Jong Un's signed document AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch People cheer as they watch the news broadcast announcing Kim Jong Un's order to test-fire the new inter-continental ballistic missile AFP/Getty Images North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Residents react after the document signing AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Pyongyang residents celebrate Kim Jong Un's announcement AFP/Getty North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Cheering Pyongyang residents react AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch To counter North Korea's missile test, South Korea fired missiles into the East Sea The Defence Ministry/Yonhap via REUTERS North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch The Hyunmu-2 missiles firing during the drill South Korean Defense Ministry vi North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch The exercise was carried out in an attempt to counter Kim Jong Un's order South Korea Defense Ministry via AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch The South Korean army continue to carry out military exercises AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Where K-9 self-propelled howitzers were taking part in a drill Rex Features North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch US soldiers are also present in the border city of Paju AFP/Getty Images

Mr Trump and North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un have been trading barbs throughout the US President's first year in office; Mr Trump called Mr Kim "Rocket Man" multiple times and the North Korean state news agency had called the US leader a "dotard".

In his New Year's address, Mr Kim threatened he has a "nuclear button" on his office desk and warned that "the whole territory of the US is within the range of our nuclear strike."
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Donald Trump has nixed a controversial voter fraud commission that he created after falsely claiming that millions of people had voted illegally.

Despite substantial evidence of voter fraud, many states have refused to provide the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity with basic information relevant to its inquiry, The White House said in a press release.

Rather than engage in endless legal battles at taxpayer expense, today President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order to dissolve the Commission, and he has asked the Department of Homeland Security to review its initial findings and determine next courses of action.

Mr Trump launched the voter fraud commission after having claimed, without any evidence, that millions of people had voted illegally and he would have otherwise lost the popular vote (his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, outpolled him by about 2.8 million votes).

Given that context, sceptics warned that Mr Trumps investigation was informed by a false premise and intended to verify his unfounded claim. But even before Mr Trump broadcast his falsehood, questions about the integrity of elections  and laws advanced to address the alleged issue  came to carry partisan baggage.

Republican-controlled states have in recent years passed voting restrictions that are touted as means to ensure fair elections. Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, who has championed such measures, was tabbed to help lead Mr Trumps commission.

US Election night in pictures Show all 24 1 /24 US Election night in pictures US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Reuters US Election night in pictures Reuters US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Reuters US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures AFP/Getty Images

Critics, including Democrats, counter that evidence of voter fraud is vanishingly rare and warn that efforts to roll back early voting and require identification at the polls are effectively attempts to suppress liberal-leaning constituencies. Judges have agreed with those arguments in striking down some new voting laws.

The commission never had anything to do with election integrity, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement. It was instead a front to suppress the vote, perpetrate dangerous and baseless claims, and was ridiculed from one end of the country to the other.

From the start, Mr Trumps voter fraud commission was hobbled by the refusal of most states to share voters information and beset by legal challenges  including one filed by a commission member, Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap. State election officials rejected requests for their voter rolls as invasions of privacy. Pushback came from members of both parties.

They can go jump in the Gulf of Mexico and Mississippi is a great state to launch from, Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann said in a June statement. Mississippi residents should celebrate Independence Day and our states right to protect the privacy of our citizens by conducting our own electoral processes.
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The government in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh has cut the number of discretionary holidays around Muslim festivals in religious schools, while making it compulsory for them to remain closed on some festivals of other faiths.

Previously, Muslim institutions in the state were only required to close during the major national, non-Muslim festivals of Ambedkar Jayanti and Holi.

The new annual calendar proposes that madrassas now shut for celebrations such as Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, the Times of India reported.

The institutions will also be shut on Mahavir Jayanti - a festival in Jainism - as well as during the Hindu festival of Dussehra and at Christmas.

The calendar proposes the number of recognised dates in the Islamic calendar cut from 10 to four.

Registrar of the UP Madrassa Board Rahul Gupta, told the Times of India: The 10-day holiday used to be at madrassas' discretion, but now this is predetermined and distributed round the birthdays of great leaders.

It's important for students to know who these people were.

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

Eijaz Ahmed, president of the Islamic Madarsa Modernisation Teachers' Association, said: Madrassas are religious institutions that do require different kinds of leave around a number of minority events for which the former discretionary leave was used.

There is no problem in addition of holidays of other faiths, but it is totally wrong to cut down the ten discretionary special leaves.
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A North Korean missile reportedly crashed into one of its own cities after it failed just minutes following its launch.

US officials said the Hwasong-12 intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) was initially thought to have disintegrated mid-flight after it was fired on 28 April last year.

However, new data suggests it landed in the city of Tokchon, around 90 miles north of the secretive communist countrys capital, Pyongyang. Tokchon has a population of around 200,000.

 North Korea TV shows video of ballistic missile launch

The missile likely exploded on impact, causing significant damage to a complex of industrial or agricultural buildings, The Diplomat magazine reported, citing a US intelligence source alongside satellite imagery.

After its launch from the Pukchang airfield, the missile flew approximately 24 miles to the north-east, the report stated, adding that it flew no higher than around 43 miles.

A US government source said the missiles first stage engines failed around a minute after it was launched.

Satellite images taken after the test show a cleared area where a building once stood (centre right) and damage to a greenhouse, beneath the cleared area (Google Earth)

Liquid-fuel missiles can cause massive explosions when they fail, and satellite images from Google Earth taken after the test show a cleared area where a building once stood and damage to a greenhouse caused by debris.

However, as the publication pointed out, it is impossible to verify whether the accidental strike caused any deaths due to the secretive nature of the North Korean regime.

North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Show all 13 1 /13 North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Pyongyang residents react after the news of the successful launch of the new intercontinental ballistic missile AFP/Getty Images North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un signing an order to test-fire the newly developed inter-continental ballistic missile KRT via AP Video North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch A news broadcast displays Kim Jong Un's signed document AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch People cheer as they watch the news broadcast announcing Kim Jong Un's order to test-fire the new inter-continental ballistic missile AFP/Getty Images North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Residents react after the document signing AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Pyongyang residents celebrate Kim Jong Un's announcement AFP/Getty North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Cheering Pyongyang residents react AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch To counter North Korea's missile test, South Korea fired missiles into the East Sea The Defence Ministry/Yonhap via REUTERS North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch The Hyunmu-2 missiles firing during the drill South Korean Defense Ministry vi North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch The exercise was carried out in an attempt to counter Kim Jong Un's order South Korea Defense Ministry via AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch The South Korean army continue to carry out military exercises AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Where K-9 self-propelled howitzers were taking part in a drill Rex Features North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch US soldiers are also present in the border city of Paju AFP/Getty Images

The report highlights the danger of another North Korean missile test failing at the wrong time. If the missile fell towards Japan, its trajectory may resemble an attack.

The hermit kingdom, which has launched ballistic missiles over Japan since August 2017, gives no warnings before its tests, leaving nearby countries and the United States little time to determine whether missile launches are a test or a legitimate attack.

The report also warned that the Norths newly constructed tunnels, hangars and storage sites mean its missiles wont be sitting ducks easily targeted on known launch pads.

The Diplomat article comes as Japans Prime Minister warned that the security situation facing his country is the most perilous since the Second World War because of North Koreas unacceptable provocations.

 Shinzo Abe says Japan will work with South Korea and US on pressuring North to stop nuclear tests

It is not an exaggeration to say that the security environment surrounding Japan is at its severest since World War Two, Shinzo Abe said, as he vowed to bolster the countrys defences and protect the Japanese people.

By raising pressure on North Korea, together with the international community, I intend to do my utmost to solve North Koreas nuclear, missiles and abduction issues.

Earlier this week, Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the United Nations, said the US was hearing reports North Korea might be preparing to fire another missile.

A ballistic missile launch was possible, if not likely, in the coming days, military officials told NBC News. One official said a possible launch could happen mid-week, while another called the timeline short term.

Donald Trump also mocked Kim Jong-un by saying he had a bigger and more powerful nuclear button than the North Korean dictator.

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 and more powerful one than his, and my Button works! the US President tweeted.
Lasheen Ibrahim, head of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) which is in charge of supervising the 2018 presidential election, has announced this week an election timetable will be made public on Monday.

Article 140 of the constitution stipulates all measures necessary to hold the presidential election must be announced 120 days ahead of polling day, said Ibrahim. This means a timeline needs to be announced as soon as possible in order for the vote to be conducted on time in April.

Ibrahim indicated the election would take place in the second half of April and by 3 May 2018  a week before Ramadan begins  Egypt will have elected a president.

Informed sources say candidate registration has been scheduled for the first half of February. Mohamed Fahim Darwish, former head of Egypts Criminal Court and an election expert, told Al-Ahram Weekly the NEC will need to hold the 10-day registration period in February so the following month, March, can be devoted to settling election appeals and campaigning.

Ibrahim says the NEC is currently updating voter lists. An estimated 60 million Egyptians will be entitled to vote in the coming poll and the updating of voter lists will continue until the ballot day is announced by the NEC.

In an interview with the daily Al-Ahram Ibrahim said the number of polling stations will be increased to make voting easier. Electronic voting will also be allowed for the first time in the coming poll though it will be on a limited scale.

All polling stations will be under the supervision of judges.

We are committed to implementing the principle of a judge for every ballot box in the coming presidential election, said Ibrahim. In addition to judges, local and foreign civil society organisations will be able to monitor the poll.

A total of 389 public notaries across Egypt has been authorised to help citizens compile candidate recommendation forms.

Because hopeful candidates are required to collect signatures from citizens in different governorates a form has been designed to facilitate the process. Thousands of copies will be available through public notaries.

In the end we hope citizens will be keen to vote, encouraged by the necessary guarantees the poll will be fair and transparent.

The aim, says Ibrahim, is that the coming presidential poll will push Egypts democracy forwards.

The NEC will do its utmost to ensure candidates are treated on an equal footing in terms of campaigning, spending and media coverage.

According to Article 142 of the constitution, presidential candidates must secure the recommendation of at least 20 elected MPs or 25,000 eligible voters drawn from a minimum of 15 governorates, with at least 1,000 recommendations per governorate.

A ceiling of LE20 million has been set on campaign spending in the first stage of the poll, and of LE5 million in any run-off.

Commentators expect at least four presidential bids to be announced once the timetable is made public.

Although President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi has yet to give a final say on whether he will run he is expected to throw his hat into the ring once an election date is announced by the NEC, says Al-Ahram political analyst Amr Hashim Rabie.

A number of political parties and activists have already announced their backing for Al-Sisi though election rules clearly state campaigning can only begin after a final list of presidential candidates is made public by the NEC.

Political activists and parties already campaigning for President Al-Sisi are violating both the constitution and election regulations contained in legislation governing presidential elections, claims Rabie.

Darwish disagrees. Activists and parties backing Al-Sisi insist their campaigns aim only at collecting signatures from members of the public on petitions urging President Al-Sisi to run for a second term.

The pro-Al-Sisi In Order to Build It campaign said on 24 December that 13 million citizens had signed its petition urging the president to run for a second term. The campaign now intends to spread its net wider and encourage Egyptian expatriates to sign the petition.

Mohamed Al-Sewidi, head of the pro-regime Support Egypt parliamentary bloc, says the groups MPs have also been busy collecting signatures urging Al-Sisi to stand.

We support President Al-Sisi for a second term and once he takes a final decision we will coordinate with political activists on how to back his presidential campaign, said Al-Sewidi.

Rabie expects leftist lawyer and human rights advocate Khaled Ali and liberal politician Mohamed Anwar Al-Sadat to announce their candidacies once the registration door is opened, alongside former prime minister Ahmed Shafik who returned from the United Arab Emirates last month to prepare for his bid.

It is important that the poll is competitive and voters are able to see candidates from different political backgrounds who present programmes between which citizens can choose in a democratic climate.

*This story was first published in Al-Ahram Weekly

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The security situation facing Japan is the most dangerous since the Second World War because of North Korea's "unacceptable" provocations, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has said

The Japanese premier vowed to bolster Japan's defences in the face of the increased threat, but did not provide specific details.

Relations with the North have become more strained in recent months, particularly since the isolationist state conducted its sixth and largest nuclear test in September.

Recommended North Korea reopens hotline with South Korea

In November, the North said it had successfully tested a new intercontinental ballistic missile that could reach any part of the US mainland.

"It is not an exaggeration to say that the security environment surrounding Japan is at its severest since the Second World War. I will protect the people's lives and peaceful living in any situation," Mr Abe told a New Year news conference.

Japan increased its military budget last month for the sixth year in a row, increasing spending by 1.3 per cent to 5.19 trillion yen (34bn).

Around 137bn yen was earmarked for improvements to ballistic-missile defences, while 11bn yen was set aside to improve warning systems to help Japan deal with more complex threats, such as multiple missiles fired simultaneously. In March, North Korea launched four missiles simultaneously that landed in the Sea of Japan.

US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, said this week the US was hearing reports North Korea might be preparing to fire another missile, and she warned it not to.

It is absolutely unacceptable that North Korea is trampling the strong desire of Japan and the rest of the international community for peaceful resolutions and continuing with its provocative behaviour, Mr Abe said.

Mr Abe has said he wants to amend Japans pacifist constitution with the aim of loosening constraints on the military, although the public is divided over changes to the charter imposed after Japans World War Two defeat.

War-renouncing Article 9 of the constitution, if read literally, bans the existence of standing armed forces, but has long been interpreted to allow a military for exclusively defensive purposes.

Mr Abe said he wanted more debate on the issue.

I would like this to be a year in which public debate over a constitutional revision will be deepened further, he said.

North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Show all 13 1 /13 North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Pyongyang residents react after the news of the successful launch of the new intercontinental ballistic missile AFP/Getty Images North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un signing an order to test-fire the newly developed inter-continental ballistic missile KRT via AP Video North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch A news broadcast displays Kim Jong Un's signed document AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch People cheer as they watch the news broadcast announcing Kim Jong Un's order to test-fire the new inter-continental ballistic missile AFP/Getty Images North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Residents react after the document signing AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Pyongyang residents celebrate Kim Jong Un's announcement AFP/Getty North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Cheering Pyongyang residents react AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch To counter North Korea's missile test, South Korea fired missiles into the East Sea The Defence Ministry/Yonhap via REUTERS North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch The Hyunmu-2 missiles firing during the drill South Korean Defense Ministry vi North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch The exercise was carried out in an attempt to counter Kim Jong Un's order South Korea Defense Ministry via AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch The South Korean army continue to carry out military exercises AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Where K-9 self-propelled howitzers were taking part in a drill Rex Features North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch US soldiers are also present in the border city of Paju AFP/Getty Images

Mr Abes Liberal Democratic Party-led coalition retained its two-thirds super majority in parliaments lower house in a 22 October election, re-energising his push to revise the constitution.

Reuters contributed to this report
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China's leader Xi Jinping said his countrys soldiers should fear neither hardship nor death as they fulfil the tasks bestowed by the Party and the people in the new era.

Addressing a military assembly in the northern province of Hebei, he called on the approximately 7,000 service men and women to create an elite and powerful force that is always ready for the fight, capable of combat and sure to win.

The comments from the Chinese Premier, who has consolidated his grip on power by ousting rivals in recent years, were met by a prolonged and thunderous applause, according to the state run Peoples Daily tabloid, which added that they vowed to resolutely obey Chairman Xis order.

Troops had gathered in 4,000 separate locations across the country to listen to the speech, the newspaper reported.

This is the first time since the founding of the country that instructions on military training have been directly issued by the chairman of the CMC [Central Military Commission], and it shows that improving combat readiness is now a strategic mission for the Chinese military, retired Major General Xu Guangyu told The Global Times, another state run newspaper.

It is the latest in a series of high-profile military reviews on the mainland and Hong Kong.

The display comes just a month after Mr Xi became the most powerful Chinese leader since Chairman Mao Zedong.

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

At the Communist partys five-yearly Congress in October, the president had his ideas officially incorporated in the constitution  the first Chinese leader to receive such an honour since Mao.

It prompted some commentators to suggest that Mr Xi is developing a cult of personality around his leadership and will not step down after the customary 10 years in power.

The seven-man leadership committee which was unveiled at the conference had no obvious heir to follow in Mr Xis footsteps.

Typically the chosen successor to the President serves as Vice-President for several years before taking over  as Mr Xi took over from Hu Jintao in 2012.

But the current office holder, Li Yuanchao, is 66 and the party norm is for officials to retire at 68.

It has prompted some to suggest that Mr Xi, who is 64, may try to defy the unofficial retirement age and stay on in power after his second five year term is up in 2022 by building up support within the party.

He has continued to purge his rivals through his anti-corruption drive.

One of his closest rivals, Bo Xilai, was jailed for corruption and expelled from the party in 2012 after his wife was convicted of murdering British businessman Neil Heywood at a hotel in Chongqing in the south west of the country.
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Nine backpackers were taken to hospital after accidentally overdosing on a drug they mistakenly believed was cocaine.

The drug was identified by authorities in Perth, Australia, as hyoscine, a common prescription drug used to treat travel sickness.

The group of seven men and two women, all aged between 21 and 25, reportedly included people from France, Germany, Italy and Morocco.

They suffered seizures, paralysis, overheating and hallucinations. Two people, believed to be French were in critical condition when they were admitted to hospital. The rest were discharged.

Police said emergency services found people unconscious or semi-unconscious.

One Italian victim told The West Australian that the drug had arrived at their house in a package addressed to someone who did not live at the property.

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 white powder was wrapped in a piece of paper with scoop written on the outside.

Hyoscine, also known as scopolamine, is prescribed to treat extreme motion sickness to prevent vomiting, but it has been used as a date rape drug due to its ability to incapacitate people in larger doses.
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A sexism row has erupted after Brigitte Macron, wife of French President Emmanuel, was criticised for refusing to follow protocol by standing behind her husband on state visits.

Ms Macron said this week she would no longer take a back seat in her role as First Lady, choosing instead to walk beside the President during official outings as she looks to take on a more meaningful role at the Elysee Palace.

A woman today does not have to be behind, she explained, according to radio station RTL.

Her declaration prompted derision and unflattering comparisons on social media.

Its confirmed: Brigitte Macron, unelected, thinks she is the Queen of France, sneered one tweet, while another said: We elected your husband, not you, so stay where you were please, darling.

Some likened Ms Macron to Marie Antoinette, the countrys last queen before the French Revolution, while others pointed out male spouses  such as the Duke of Edinburgh  were also expected to step back during state visits.

French politicians also waded in. Gilbert Collard a far-right MP and ally of Front National leader Marine Le Pen, joked in reference to the 24-year age gap between the French President and his wife: I imagine Macron, two steps behind, sucking his presidential thumb.

 Donald Trump tells Brigitte Macron that she is in such good shape

But some accused Ms Macrons critics of lacking respect, with one telling Mr Collard: You still live in the olden days, sadly you are old-fashioned.

Tristan Bromet, Ms Macrons chief of staff, told French magazine Gala the First Ladys decision to flout convention showed her marriage was a modern union in which the woman is placed at the same level as the man.

Ms Macron is expected to take up position alongside the President when the couple visit China next week.

Last year the French leader was forced to abandon plans to give his wife an official salaried role as First Lady after more than 300,000 people signed a petition opposing the appointment, which would have required a change of the countrys constitution.

Under French tradition, the Presidents partner draws no salary but has state-funded staff and expenses.
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Emmanuel Macron has said he will overhaul media law in France this year to fight the spread of "fake news" on social media.

Since he was elected last year, the French President has criticised Russian media in particular, openly accusing TV channel RT of sowing disinformation about him via its website and social media during the presidential election.

"If we want to protect liberal democracies, we must have strong legislation," Mr Macron told a news conference on Wednesday.

Mr Macron said the legislation would concern social media platforms, especially during election periods, and deeply change the role of France's media watchdog CSA.

Websites would have to say who is financing them and the amount of money for sponsored content would be capped, the French president said.

In the case of fake news published during elections, an emergency legal action could allow French authorities to suppress that content or even block access to the website, Mr Macron said.

He claimed press freedom would not be threatened by the proposed bill because it would only apply during campaigns.

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

During last year's campaign Mr Macron was the subject of rumours about offshore banking which his party, En Marche, denounced as "fake news". He filed a legal complaint against his opponent, Marine Le Pen, for citing them publicly.

Speaking to journalists at the Elysee Palace, Mr Macron denounced the fact that "there is a financial strategy aiming at fostering doubt, forging alternative realities, that allows people to think that the media and politicians always are more or less deceptive".

He also said France and the European Union should consider "the consequences" of the recent US decision to eliminate net-neutrality protections for the internet, but did not elaborate.

"Press freedom is not only attacked by dictatorships, it is also battered in countries that are democracies" including in Europe, he said. He made a reference to Hungary and Poland and their recent crackdowns on media freedom.
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Russia has warned the United States not to interfere in what Moscow calls Irans domestic affairs.

Donald Trump has pledged great support for Iranian protesters, who have been staging rallies across Iran over the past week against the countrys clerical leadership.

Such respect for the people of Iran as they try to take back their corrupt government, the US President tweeted. You will see great support from the United States at the appropriate time!

We warn the US against attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Sergei Ryabkov, the Russian deputy foreign minister said in an interview with state news agency TASS.

Mr Ryabkov also said Washington is tempted to use the moment to raise new issues with regard to the JCPOA, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action that limits Irans nuclear programme, including restrictions on uranium enrichment for 10 years.

At least 21 people have been killed in the demonstrations, which are the largest to strike Iran since its disputed 2009 presidential election.

It is not immediately clear if the drop in reports of new demonstrations means the protests are subsiding or whether the authorities blocking of social media apps has stopped protesters from offering new images of rallies.

Iran protests  in pictures Show all 11 1 /11 Iran protests  in pictures Iran protests  in pictures University students at an anti-government protest inside Tehran University, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests  in pictures A university student at a protest inside Tehran University while a smoke grenade is thrown by anti-riot Iranian police, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests  in pictures University students at a protest inside Tehran University, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests  in pictures University students run away from the police during an anti-government protest inside Tehran University, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests  in pictures An image grab taken from a handout video released by Iran's Mehr News agency reportedly shows a group of men pulling at a fence in a street in Tehran, 30 December 2017 AFP/Getty Iran protests  in pictures Demonstrators gather to protest in Tehran, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests  in pictures Iranians chant slogans as they march in support of the government near the Imam Khomeini grand mosque in Tehran, 30 December 2017 AFP/Getty Iran protests  in pictures Iranians chant slogans as they march in support of the government near the Imam Khomeini grand mosque in Tehran, December 30 2017 Iran protests  in pictures Iranian clerics take part during a state-organized rally against anti-government protests in the country, in the holy city of Qom, south west Iran, 3 January 2018 EPA Iran protests  in pictures In this photo provided by the Iranian Students' News Agency, a clergyman takes a picture of a pro-government demonstration in the southwestern city of Ahvaz, Iran, 3 January 2018 ISNA via AP Iran protests  in pictures Pro-government demonstrators gather at the Massoumeh shrine in Iran's holy city of Qom, some 130 kilometres south of Tehran, 3 January 2018 AFP/Getty

Irans army chief said police forces had already quelled anti-government unrest, but his troops were ready to intervene if needed as thousands took to the streets in support of the government in new state-sponsored rallies.

Although this blind sedition was so small that a portion of the police force was able to nip it in the bud... you can rest assured that your comrades in the Islamic Republics army would be ready to confront the dupes of the Great Satan [United States], state media quoted Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi as saying.

Following six days of demonstrations, the Revolutionary Guard said on Wednesday it had deployed forces to quell unrest in three provinces where most of the trouble had occurred, in the clearest sign authorities were taking the protests seriously.

The Revolutionary Guard were instrumental in suppressing an uprising over alleged election fraud in 2009 in which dozens were killed.

 Pro-regime supporters in Iran take to the streets in State TV footage

In a letter to United Nations officials, the Iranian ambassador, Gholamali Khoshroo, complained Washington was intervening in a grotesque way in Irans internal affairs.

He said Mr Trump and his Vice President, Mike Pence, were personally stirring up trouble. The President and Vice President of the United States, in their numerous absurd tweets, incited Iranians to engage in disruptive acts, the ambassador wrote.

Mr Trumps UN envoy, Nikki Haley, has called for an emergency Security Council meeting on Iran, saying the UN needed to speak out in support of the protesters. A meeting is yet to be scheduled.

Russia considers the proposal for an extraordinary meeting as harmful and destructive, Mr Ryabkov said in separate comments to Russias RIA news agency.

We see no role for the United Nations Security Council in this issue, he said.
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A government body in Turkey has suggested that girls as young as nine and boys as young as 12 could marry under Islamic law, prompting the country's main opposition party to call for an investigation into child marriages.

An online glossary of Islamic terms was posted by Turkey's Directorate of Religious Affairs  or Diyanet  which is responsible for administering religious institutions and education.

The website said that, according to Islamic law, whoever had reached the age of adolescence had the right to marry.

Elsewhere, the beginning of adolescence was defined as nine and 12 for girls and boys respectively.

Although the glossary has since been removed, 30 MPs from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) have called upon the government to launch a parliamentary inquiry into child marriages.

The legal age of marriage in Turkey is 18, or 17 with parental consent. In exceptional circumstances people can marry at 16, subject to court approval.

However, child marriage in religious ceremonies is widespread in Turkey, taking place in clandestine ceremonies often conducted by a local elder and held at a family's home.

It is a problem the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) claimed it was trying to curb when it brought forward a controversial bill in 2016, which would have allowed men who sexually abused children the chance to have their convictions quashed if their married their victims.

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 cannot ignore this, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said at the time on the subject of child marriage. There are 3,800 cases and thousands of children. The children are paying the price of their parents mistakes.

Parliament approved the bill in the initial reading but it was pulled before it could reach a final vote, after thousands took to the streets in protest.

Murat Bakan, CHP's MP for Izmir and one of the 30 who called for the investigation, said: "The Turkish Civil Code clearly states that adulthood begins at the age of 18.

"Early marriages violate children's rights, women's rights, human rights. As CHP MPs we ask parliament to investigate child marriages."

Recommended Underage girls in Uganda marrying to save cost of sanitary pads

Seeking to clarify its stance Diyanet said that the glossary was merely meant as interpretation of Islamic laws.

"Forcing a young girl to marry someone before they obtain the psychological and biological maturity, and before they gain the responsibility to make a family and become a mother, would not comply with Islam, which puts consent and will as a condition in a marriage," it said in a statement. "Our directorate has never approved early marriages in the past, and it never will."

Although accurate data on the extent of the problem is difficult to come by, 15 percent of girls in Turkey are estimated to be married before their 18th birthday.
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Eleven people have been killed and dozens wounded after a suicide bomber blew himself up in the Afghan capital, Kabul.

The blast happened close to a group of security personnel who were carrying out an operation against illegal drugs and alcohol dealing, officials said.

Wahid Majroh, a spokesman for the ministry of public health, said 11 dead and 25 wounded had been brought to city hospitals after the blast in an area of the city not far from the US Embassy and other foreign missions.

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As security forces arrived, a Reuters reporter saw four police vehicles carrying dead or wounded security personnel from the scene.

A security official at the scene confirmed the explosion had been caused by a suicide attack and Kabul police spokesman Basir Mujahid said at least five police had been killed.

An official at the ministry of public said 15 wounded had been brought into city hospitals.

Police officers at the scene said the bomber had been wearing police or army uniform and had approached a group of security personnel near where the controls on illegal drugs and alcohol had been carried out, but there was no official confirmation.

"Kabul police forces were there to prevent a possible protest when a suicide bomber approached them and detonated his suicide vest," Mr Mujahid said.

Protesters demand better security in Kabul Show all 10 1 /10 Protesters demand better security in Kabul Protesters demand better security in Kabul A woman tries to stop police from firing on protesters during a demonstration in Kabul, Afghanistan, Friday, June 2, 2017. Hundreds of demonstrators demanded better security in the Afghan capital in the wake of a powerful truck bomb attack that killed scores of people. AP Protesters demand better security in Kabul Afghan security officials use a water cannon to disperse demonstrators as they protest against a suicide bomb attack in Kabul, Afghanistan, 02 June 2017. At least 90 people were killed and more than 350 wounded in a suicide bomb attack near the foreign embassies in Kabul on 31 May. AP Protesters demand better security in Kabul A policeman rests during a demonstration in Kabul, Afghanistan, Friday, June 2, 2017. Hundreds of demonstrators demanded better security in the Afghan capital in the wake of a powerful truck bomb attack that killed scores of people. AP Protesters demand better security in Kabul Protesters shout anti government slogans during a demonstration to protest against the lack of security in Kabul, Afghanistan, Friday, Jun 2, 2017. Some 500 people are demonstrating in Kabul for better security in the Afghan capital in the wake of a powerful truck bomb attack that killed 90 people. AP Protesters demand better security in Kabul Police forces run as protesters throw stones during a demonstration in Kabul, Afghanistan, Friday, June 2, 2017. Hundreds of demonstrators demanded better security in the Afghan capital in the wake of a powerful truck bomb attack that killed scores of people. AP Protesters demand better security in Kabul Protesters shout anti government slogans during a demonstration to protest against the lack of security in Kabul, Afghanistan, Friday, Jun 2, 2017. Some 500 people are demonstrating in Kabul for better security in the Afghan capital in the wake of a powerful truck bomb attack that killed 90 people. AP Protesters demand better security in Kabul Protesters throw stones toward security forces during a demonstration in Kabul, Afghanistan, Friday, June 2, 2017. Hundreds of demonstrators demanded better security in the Afghan capital in the wake of a powerful truck bomb attack that killed scores of people. ( AP Protesters demand better security in Kabul Police forces run as protesters throw stones during a demonstration in Kabul, Afghanistan, Friday, June 2, 2017. Hundreds of demonstrators demanded better security in the Afghan capital in the wake of a powerful truck bomb attack that killed scores of people. AP Protesters demand better security in Kabul Protesters throw stones toward security forces during a demonstration in Kabul, Afghanistan, Friday, June 2, 2017. Hundreds of demonstrators demanded better security in the Afghan capital in the wake of a powerful truck bomb attack that killed scores of people. AP Protesters demand better security in Kabul A boy walks past protesters during a demonstration in Kabul, Afghanistan, Friday, June 2, 2017. Hundreds of demonstrators demanded better security in the Afghan capital in the wake of a powerful truck bomb attack that killed scores of people. AP

Isis claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it had killed or injured some 80 Afghan police and security people.

While Afghan forces backed by US air strikes have claimed some success against Taliban insurgents since the US announced a stepped up military strategy last year, high profile attacks on civilian targets in Kabul have continued.

The attack happened days after a suicide bomber killed at least 41 people and wounded more than 80 at a Shi'ite cultural centre in Kabul, underlining the precarious security situation in the Afghan capital.

That attack was claimed by Isis, which has claimed responsibility for a number of similar attacks in Afghanistan over the past two years.

Reuters
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An Israeli soldier has shot dead a 17-year-old Palestinian boy in occupied territory near Ramallah in the West Bank, the Israeli army has said.

Musab Firas al-Tamimi is believed to be the first Palestinian killed by Israeli forces in 2018.

He died shortly after the occupation forces fired a bullet into his neck, Maria Aqraa, a spokesperson for the Palestinian health ministry, told Al Jazeera.

Recommended Palestinians recall US envoy

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said in an emailed statement the teenager was taking part in a violent riot in Deir Nidham, around 14 miles northwest of Ramalla, that involved dozens of Palestinians.

Troops saw a rioter that appeared to be armed with a gun, the IDF said.

In response to the threat, forces shot towards the rioter, it said, adding that the incident was being reviewed.

The 17-year-old was critically injured when he was shot in the neck, a spokesperson for the Palestinian Red Crescent told The Times of Israel.

Musab's death brings the number of Palestinians killed in unrest since Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as Israels capital in December to 14, the Palestinian health ministry said.

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 IDF said on Thursday it had launched a criminal investigation into the death of disabled Palestinian man, Ibrahim Abu Thurayeh, at a protest along Gazas security fence last month.

Palestinian medical records showed he was killed by a bullet that struck him in the head, the Associated Press reported.

The military closed its initial probe into the death of Mr Abu Thurayeh after only a day, saying forces fired at protesters, but not directly at the wheelchair-bound double amputee. It was impossible to determine the cause of his death, it said.

Palestinian officials say the paraplegic activist was killed by Israeli sniper fire, but the military denies the claim.
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Suspected Russian jets have killed at least 30 people, including 11 women and a child, and wounded dozens more in bombing raids on a besieged rebel enclave east of the Syrian capital, residents and a war monitor said.

At least four bombs flattened two buildings in the Eastern Ghouta town of Misraba, in an attack that killed around 20 and wounded more than 40 people, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and civil defence sources said.

Elsewhere in Eastern Ghouta, the last major rebel enclave near Damascus, at least ten people were killed in aerial strikes in other nearby towns, the Observatory, rescuers and residents said.

The Observatory, a war monitor based in Britain, said 11 women and a child were among the dead in the strikes in Misraba, which it said were carried out by Russian planes.

It said the death toll is expected to rise as some of the wounded are in a critical condition.

Syrian solidarity with baby who lost eye during government shelling Show all 11 1 /11 Syrian solidarity with baby who lost eye during government shelling Syrian solidarity with baby who lost eye during government shelling Karim was injured twice from bombings on Eastern al-Ghouta, rebel-held Douma, Syria. He lost an eye, as well as his mother in the government shellings. EPA Syrian solidarity with baby who lost eye during government shelling Activists worldwide launched a campaign in solidarity with Karim as a symbol for the besiegement of Eastern al-Ghouta AFP/Getty Images Syrian solidarity with baby who lost eye during government shelling After spending 10 days at a hospital Karim Abdul Rahman was discharged to his house, in which another bombing led to a shrapnel to injure his skull. EPA Syrian solidarity with baby who lost eye during government shelling Many people in the rebel-held town of Douma in Syria's besieged eastern Ghouta region, have joined in AFP/Getty Images Syrian solidarity with baby who lost eye during government shelling A manon the street poses covering one eye AFP/Getty Images Syrian solidarity with baby who lost eye during government shelling Karim's aunt has been caring for him EPA Syrian solidarity with baby who lost eye during government shelling Children in Syria have joined in the campaign AFP/Getty Syrian solidarity with baby who lost eye during government shelling A girl poses covering one eye with her hand in the rebel-held town of Douma AFP/Getty Images Syrian solidarity with baby who lost eye during government shelling A man poses covering one eye AFP/Getty Images Syrian solidarity with baby who lost eye during government shelling As part of a campaign in solidarity with a baby boy, Karim, a child poses covering one eye with his hand AFP/Getty Images Syrian solidarity with baby who lost eye during government shelling This combination of pictures shows Syrians covering one eye with their hands in the rebel-held town of Douma AFP/Getty Images

Video footage posted by activists on social media showed rescue workers pulling women and children from the rubble. The footage could not be independently confirmed.

Backed by Russian strikes, government forces have escalated military operations against Eastern Ghouta in recent months, seeking to tighten a siege that residents and aid workers say is a deliberate use of starvation as a weapon of war, a charge the government denies.

The rebel assault aims partly to relieve that pressure.

Jets have pounded rebel-held Harasta when rebels this week overran a major base in the heart of the enclave which residents say the army uses to pound residential areas.

 Vladimir Putin meets Syrian president Bashar Assad

The United Nations says about 400,000 civilians besieged in the region face "complete catastrophe" because aid deliveries by the government were blocked and hundreds of people who need urgent medical evacuation have not been allowed outside the enclave.

Russia rejects opposition and human rights groups' accusations its jets have been responsible for the deaths of thousands of civilians since its major intervention two years ago that turned the tide in favour of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Scores of hospitals and civil defence centres have been bombed in what the opposition said is a "scorched earth policy" to paralyse life in rebel-held areas.

Moscow asserts it only attacks hardline Islamists.
Female French militants arrested in Kurdish-held parts of Syria should face justice there so long as they can be guaranteed a fair trial, the French government said on Thursday.

Debate has been swirling in France over the fate of women who went to Syria to marry Islamist fighters and now find themselves in custody, following a series of defeats for the Islamic State group.

This week Emilie Konig, a 33-year-old Muslim convert from Brittany who became a notorious militants recruiter, became the latest of a string of European women to plead publicly to be repatriated.

But French government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux indicated Thursday that there were no plans to bring her home.

If "there are legal institutions capable of guaranteeing a fair trial assuring their right to a defence", women arrested in Kurdish-held Syria should be "judged there", Griveaux told RMC radio.

"Whatever crime may have been committed -- even the most despicable -- French citizens abroad must have a guaranteed right to a defence," he added. "We must have confirmation of that."

Konig, who features on UN and US blacklists of dangerous militants, was arrested in early December and is being held in a Kurdish camp with her three young children along with several other French women.

"They have been arrested, and as far as we know they did not surrender of their own accord," Griveaux said. "They were arrested in combat."

Konig's lawyer Bruno Vinay argued Wednesday that France must repatriate her under its "international commitments".

A policeman's daughter who converted after meeting her first husband, Konig set off for Syria in 2012, leaving her first two children in France to join her new partner, who was later killed.

She frequently appeared in propaganda videos and French intelligence intercepted messages to her contacts at home urging them to attack French institutions or the wives of soldiers.

Some 30 French militants, both men and women, are currently in the custody of Kurdish and Iraqi forces, according to a source close to the investigation.

In October, around 20 families wrote to President Emmanuel Macron urging him to bring their daughters home to face the courts in France, warning they could face torture or death if left in Syria or Iraq.

Of some 5,000 EU militants believed to have gone to fight, around a third have returned home, according to the Soufan Center, a US-based NGO that conducts research on global security.

So far, France, Germany and Britain have tackled returnees on a case-by-case basis.

In France, rightwing politicians have come out firmly against repatriation, saying such women chose to betray their country and should be left to their fate.

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Most of us know the extremely rare but slightly creepy feeling of driving down a road or seeing a hill or listening to a conversation and being overcome by the absolute conviction that weve seen it or heard it before. Perhaps in an earlier incarnation. Or maybe just a few years ago, though we may not be able to place the experience in a time frame. It took me quite a while before a trusted friend was able to pinpoint why I found Irans latest miniature street revolution so weird. And so familiar. And so chilling.

Lets run through the sequence of events. A large number of young, disenfranchised and poor/unemployed young people take to the streets of a Middle East nation to complain about their poverty, the corruption of the regime, their own lack of freedom  and quickly, they turn against their own leaders. Perfectly justified. But within days, guns are being used against opponents of the government which both claims the peoples right to freedom of speech but warns that those who use violence will pay the price. At least 21  two of them members of the security forces  are killed as protestors respond to the shoot-to-kill tactics of the governments armed supporters.

The most powerful leader  supported by state militias  complains that the unrest is fomented by foreigners, traitors, spies. The most senior leader in the state puts it all down to money, weapons, politics and intelligence services. America, Britain and Saudi Arabia are named as the principal suspects. And then vast pro-government crowds  dwarfing in numbers (if not in enthusiasm) the demonstrators, march in their hundreds of thousands to condemn the street protests, holding pictures of their beloved leaders above their heads. The regime calls the protests finished.

Iran protests  in pictures Show all 11 1 /11 Iran protests  in pictures Iran protests  in pictures University students at an anti-government protest inside Tehran University, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests  in pictures A university student at a protest inside Tehran University while a smoke grenade is thrown by anti-riot Iranian police, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests  in pictures University students at a protest inside Tehran University, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests  in pictures University students run away from the police during an anti-government protest inside Tehran University, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests  in pictures An image grab taken from a handout video released by Iran's Mehr News agency reportedly shows a group of men pulling at a fence in a street in Tehran, 30 December 2017 AFP/Getty Iran protests  in pictures Demonstrators gather to protest in Tehran, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests  in pictures Iranians chant slogans as they march in support of the government near the Imam Khomeini grand mosque in Tehran, 30 December 2017 AFP/Getty Iran protests  in pictures Iranians chant slogans as they march in support of the government near the Imam Khomeini grand mosque in Tehran, December 30 2017 Iran protests  in pictures Iranian clerics take part during a state-organized rally against anti-government protests in the country, in the holy city of Qom, south west Iran, 3 January 2018 EPA Iran protests  in pictures In this photo provided by the Iranian Students' News Agency, a clergyman takes a picture of a pro-government demonstration in the southwestern city of Ahvaz, Iran, 3 January 2018 ISNA via AP Iran protests  in pictures Pro-government demonstrators gather at the Massoumeh shrine in Iran's holy city of Qom, some 130 kilometres south of Tehran, 3 January 2018 AFP/Getty

The parallels are not exact  the similarities much more so  but isnt this pretty much, word for word, what happened in Syria in 2011? Isnt this the same scenario, the same stage-play, the same script? A mass of impoverished rural poor  crushed by the madcap agricultural policies of their own government  began to demonstrate against the Assad administration, then against its corruption and then  quickly  demanded its overthrow, just as demonstrators in Iran can today be seen burning posters of Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader, and President Hassan Rouhani. The security forces began to shoot down protestors. And  much earlier than we believed at the time  armed opponents of the regime in the spring of 2011 began to attack the Syrian military, along the northern Lebanese border near Homs and in Deraa.

Bashar al-Assads regime immediately claimed that a foreign hand was at work behind the terrorists  a word not used (yet) by the Iranian government about their armed opponents  and named America and Saudi Arabia as conspiring to bring civil war to Syria. Hundreds of thousands of Syrians loyal to the regime paraded through Damascus each week waving posters of Assad. Repeatedly, the Syrian government referred to the crisis as finished.

It was not. But, despite the efforts of America and Saudi Arabia (and Britains support for regime change), Assad clung on with the same tenacity as the Iranian regime crushed the 2009 protests after the very dodgy presidential election victory of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (a man who had a lot in common with Donald Trump).

Now I shall drag forth my favourite, creaking but still relevant institution, the Department of Home Truths. No, Iran is no Western-style democracy when its officials decide who may or may not stand for president. But it does have a genuinely working parliament and after the experience of Trumps triumph  not to mention a George W.Bush victory of doubtful provenance  comparing Iranian freedoms with American freedoms may not be a great idea right now.

My own concerns lie in the inherent cruelty of a regime which can send a young and innocent woman to the gallows as a prison official yells taunts at her mother on the daughters mobile phone. Ive said before that the gallows stain Iran far more than the centrifuge.

You can negotiate over a nuclear facility. You cant reboot death. Take, for example, Delara Darabi  only 23 years old  who was dragged to the gallows in 2009, screaming to her mother on her mobile phone: Oh mother, I can see the hangmans noose in front of me. They are going to execute me. Please save me.

Delara had falsely confessed to killing her fathers cousin to save her boyfriend from the hangman. As the poor girl was strung up, her male executioner grabbed her phone and sneered to her mother that nothing could save her daughter now. Then president Ahmadinejad told me the same year that he was against capital punishment. But the Iranian judiciary was independent of the government, he announced. I do not want to kill even an ant.

He did nothing, of course. Almost 700 human beings were dragged to the gibbet in 2015, another 567 in 2016. Many of the victims, to be sure, were drug dealers. But their trials were shambolic and the executions contaminate the Islamic Republic as surely as they besmirch the authority of Hassan Rouhani, the man whom we were enjoined to trust after the Tehran nuclear agreement.

But now lets return to those haunting parallels between Iran and Syria. The Israeli war with Hezbollah in Lebanon in 2006 was an attempt to destroy Syrias closest ally in Lebanon and Irans protege. It failed. The Hezbollah claimed they won. They did not, but the Israelis lost. The next target became Syria in 2011. We know only part of the mournful, atrocious story since then. But the West  and Israel  lost again. Assad survived. He has won  with the help of those pesky Russians and the Hezbollah and Iran.

And so now, is it Irans turn? Almost the same tactics. The same screenplay. The same enemies Saudi Arabia watches with delight. Britain hums and haws about human rights  that is Boriss contribution  but the Americans are gung-ho on the side of the innocent (if increasingly dangerous) protestors. The world is watching. Sure it is. But what puzzles me is that while Iran makes its usual claims of US conspiracies, the American media  and our own, for that matter  have not in this context once mentioned the name of a US intelligence official who was getting star billing only six months ago as the man appointed by Trump to run the CIAs Iran operations.

How very odd. For the New York Times, back in June, was profiling the new role of the Dark Prince  or Ayatollah Mike as he was also apparently dubbed  as one of a number of moves inside the spy agency that signal a more muscular approach to covert operations under the leadership of Mike Pompeo. Iran has been one of the hardest targets for the CIA quoth the paper that publishes all the news thats fit to print. The challenge to start carrying out President Trumps views falls to Mr DAndrea, a chain-smoking convert to Islam ... Perhaps no single CIA official is more responsible for weakening al-Qaeda ... Mr Trump has appointed to the National Security Council hawks eager to contain [sic] Iran and push regime change, the groundwork for which would most likely be laid through CIA covert action.

In the years after the 11 September attacks, the New York Times notes, DAndrea was deeply involved in the detention and interrogation programme, which resulted in the torture of a number of prisoners and was condemned in a sweeping Senate report in 2014 as inhumane and ineffective. DAndrea took over the CIAs Counterterrorism Centre in 2006 and, according to the paper, operatives under his direction played a pivotal role in 2008 in the killing of Imad Mougniyeh, one of Hezbollahs most senior officials (albeit in semi-retirement) in Damascus. DAndrea was apparently also instrumental in vastly increasing the use of pilotless drone attacks on the Pakistan-Afghan border.

A formidable adversary for the Iranians, therefore  as well as the Syrians  but its very odd we havent heard any more about him for all these months. Isnt he taking a serious interest in the latest events in Iran? Surely he is. Thats his job, isnt it? But why this silence? Are we unable to connect any threads here? Is there perhaps, maybe, by chance alone, nudge-is-as-good-as-a-wink, some link between the intelligence services about whom poor old Khamenei waffles in Tehran and the intelligence services run by Michael DAndrea, the man who must start carrying out President Trumps views? Im not at all sure that the world is watching. But it should be.
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So that, it would appear, may be that. As Iranian city streets filled with pro-regime demonstrators, the head of Irans Revolutionary Guard declared the defeat of sedition  by which he meant the past week of protests. But is what many saw  wishfully, perhaps  as the most serious threat to theocratic rule since the ayatollahs came to power really over, and was it that serious anyway?

The very use of the word sedition certainly amounted to an admission that the unrest had passed beyond a revolt against economic grievances, to acquire more than a tinge of the Green Movement protests that broke out after the 2009 presidential election. Not only that, but the complex of motivations had something of the sadly misnamed Arab Spring. Is Iran, with its overwhelmingly young population, its frustrated youth, and the double blight of Western sanctions and low oil prices, simply a decade or so behind the regional curve? If so, will the anti-regime protestors fade away, or will they regroup and return  not this week or next, perhaps, but in months or a year?

So much of history depends on where you start from and the lens you are viewing it through. And any interpretation of the latest protests in Iran is no different.

For those who came in, as it were, after 1979 when the Islamic Revolution that swept Ayatollah Khomeini to power, they can indeed be seen as the first serious threat to theocratic rule, both by virtue of the political complexion they assumed and the rapid and wide geographical spread. They were not just, as some have argued, like a reprise of the provincial food protests of early 1990s. There seems to be  or to have been  more to them than this.

My perspective, however, is a little different. I spent a summer in Iran in the early 1970s, when the Shah was still in power, American backing for the regime was visible and an Islamic uprising was (barely) on the radar. Younger city women worked and wore heels and lipstick and regarded their chador-ed sisters in the religious cities and the countryside as backward. The assumed trajectory  assumed that is by Irans urban middle class, by foreign investors and by the UK and Washington  was that Iran was rapidly modernising and would take its place as a leading, and reliably pro-Western, regional power.

 Pro-regime supporters in Iran take to the streets in State TV footage

Within the decade, that prospect was gone. And in 1978-79, watching the television footage of mass demonstrations in the south of Tehran and the triumphant return of Khomeini, I remembered some other details of my Persian summer, when I had stayed with, and been shown the country, by my formidable aunt.

Mary Isaac was headmistress of a charitable girls school in Isfahan, a character made of the same sort of determined and pioneering stuff as the solitary female travellers of earlier years. She had aspired to be a Christian missionary in China, but the missions there were being closed, and she was assigned to Persia instead. By the time the Shah nationalised education and declared that all school heads (among others) had to be civil servants, she was more educator than missionary, and was granted Iranian citizenship to continue her job.

When I visited, she was living in retirement in a flat in the precincts of her school, more Iranian in many ways than British. She even adopted an Iranian girl.

What I recalled in 1979, though, was this. She despaired of the impracticality of many of the new educated middle class, their condescension as she saw it towards their uneducated compatriots, and their refusal to become involved in politics, which left the field clear for clerics and the corrupt. She was also acutely aware of the authority wielded, largely invisibly, by the mullahs. That, she told me, nodding towards a small group of berobed and turbanned clerics conversing at the entrance to the bazaar, is where the real power lies.

She also took me into the depths of the countryside, where mores and conditions were essentially biblical. The gap between rich and poor, between those with education and without, between north Tehrans Westernised fast set and the shanty town that stretched as far as you could see on the citys southern rim  and gave Ayatollah Khomeini his mass support base  was obvious.

Iran protests  in pictures Show all 11 1 /11 Iran protests  in pictures Iran protests  in pictures University students at an anti-government protest inside Tehran University, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests  in pictures A university student at a protest inside Tehran University while a smoke grenade is thrown by anti-riot Iranian police, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests  in pictures University students at a protest inside Tehran University, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests  in pictures University students run away from the police during an anti-government protest inside Tehran University, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests  in pictures An image grab taken from a handout video released by Iran's Mehr News agency reportedly shows a group of men pulling at a fence in a street in Tehran, 30 December 2017 AFP/Getty Iran protests  in pictures Demonstrators gather to protest in Tehran, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests  in pictures Iranians chant slogans as they march in support of the government near the Imam Khomeini grand mosque in Tehran, 30 December 2017 AFP/Getty Iran protests  in pictures Iranians chant slogans as they march in support of the government near the Imam Khomeini grand mosque in Tehran, December 30 2017 Iran protests  in pictures Iranian clerics take part during a state-organized rally against anti-government protests in the country, in the holy city of Qom, south west Iran, 3 January 2018 EPA Iran protests  in pictures In this photo provided by the Iranian Students' News Agency, a clergyman takes a picture of a pro-government demonstration in the southwestern city of Ahvaz, Iran, 3 January 2018 ISNA via AP Iran protests  in pictures Pro-government demonstrators gather at the Massoumeh shrine in Iran's holy city of Qom, some 130 kilometres south of Tehran, 3 January 2018 AFP/Getty

It never occurred to me at the time, and perhaps not to my aunt either, that the process of westernising  widely seen as synonymous with modernisation  would be eclipsed, either at all or for the early four decades it has been since Irans Islamic revolution.

Nor, I would hazard, did many appreciate how much that modernisation had been fostered from the outside, and how shallow and geographically limited its roots were. The very idea that a popular revolution could be regressive, rather than progressive, was hard to grasp, even though many a revolution can be seen with the benefit of hindsight to hold back development, rather than driving it forward.

Among the lessons I took from the overthrow of the Shah and the victory of an almost mediaeval theocracy was that attempts to impose or accelerate modernisation may be doomed to fail unless there is sufficient support or understanding for what is needed and the benefits spread beyond a privileged caste. The question then is whether Irans years under the ayatollahs have created the conditions where at least some of the sharper disparities have been eroded.

This, for me, is the question posed by the protests of the past week. Do they reflect a sudden and brief upsurge of exasperation that can be quelled by a few judicious price subsidies and the continued loosening, within boundaries, of theocratic rules? Or is there now a consensus for change, that could perhaps allow Iran to pick up where it so abruptly left off, though at a slower pace and with fewer of the artificially Westernising impositions?

Any new upheaval in Iran has far-reaching implications in the short term for the nuclear deal, and in the longer term for regional stability (Syria, Lebanon and Yemen) and regional power relationships (Saudi Arabia, Iraq). At best, social ferment could herald a new discussion  at worst, it would descend into a fight: about what sort of country Iran wants to be, and how religion and the state might reach a new accommodation.

With so relatively few, either in Iran or abroad, now having a living memory of a very different Iran, the risk is of a Western lunge in pursuit of gain. Persians have always prided themselves on their long perspective. It is something the often short-termist West could usefully borrow.
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Donald Trump and his cronies, blustering about the Russian investigation, do not see what is heading their way, Steve Bannon wanted to stress. They are sitting on a beach trying to stop a Category Five. The gathering storm is likely to be even fiercer after the US Presidents spectacular falling out with his former chief strategist and close ally.

In Michael Wolffs book, Fire and Fury, about this most extraordinary of presidencies, Bannon has a clear view of the direction special counsel Robert Muellers inquiry into Trumps Moscow connections is taking. This is about money laundering. Mueller chose Weissmann and he is a money-laundering guy. Their path to f***ing Trump goes right through Paul Manafort, Don Jr and Jared Kushner ... Its as plain as a hair on your face ... Theyre going to crack Don Jr like an egg on national TV.

Those who have been following the work by Muellers team would agree with that analysis. An increasingly prevalent view is that like Al Capone, Trump will be got on money. The investigators are looking deep into allegations of funds from Russian organised crime being used by the Trump organisation, focusing on individual suspects, and on specific projects.

There is also, of course, the strand of the investigation looking at whether Trump was the Muscovite Candidate in the presidential election and the Russians helped him to get to the White House. Three people, including Trumps former campaign manager, have already been charged and, in Bannons view, others are likely to follow including the Presidents son and his son-in-law.

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 former chief strategist to Trump has described a meeting in Trump Tower, New York, between Donald Jr, Jared Kushner, Paul Manafort and a Russian lawyer, with ties to the Kremlin, as treasonous and unpatriotic. Significantly, he made a point of stressing that there was zero chance that Donald Jr did not tell his father about the meeting  which directly contradicts the Presidents claim that he knew nothing about it.

The scale of collusion between the Trump camp and the Russians and Donald Trumps own involvement is at the centre of the Mueller investigation and the special counsel would undoubtedly be keen to talk to the former White House chief strategist about what he knows.

The possibility of Bannon being questioned by Mueller has already been raised. He worked in the White House when Trumps national security advisor, Michael Flynn, left after his links with Moscow were revealed. Flynn subsequently pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI and is now cooperating on the Russia probe. Bannon had discussed the firing of FBI Director James Comey with Trump, although he was later to say it was one of the worst mistakes in modern political history as it brought in Mueller with the extensive powers of special counsel.

Former Justice Department prosecutor Peter Zeidenberg commented: Post-election, theres a story every day about some other bombshell and Bannon would have had a conversation with Trump about it. It doesnt mean Bannon has violated any law, but theres no way this investigation gets done without him being interviewed thoroughly, the chance of him not being interviewed is zero per cent.

Its not just Muellers team who want to talk to Bannon. Congressman Adam Schiff, on the House Intelligence Committee carrying out its own inquiry into Russia and Trump, stated: It will be very important at an appropriate time to bring him before the committee. There are a whole range of issues we need to talk to him about.

Bannon appears to have been following the investigation closely. The Weissman he mentions is Andrew Weissmann, who has joined Muellers team. Nineteen years ago as a prosecutor he cut a deal with Felix Sater (aka Felix Sheferovsky) a Russian-born criminal being prosecuted for his role in a $40m organised crime scam which targeted the elderly, some of them Holocaust survivors.

Sater became an informer, avoiding a possible prison sentence of 20 years and a $5m fine (he paid $25,000 instead) and went on to provide information on Russian organised crime, American mafia families, al-Qaeda and foreign intelligence services according to recently unsealed Justice Department papers.

Afterwards Sater became a business associate of Trump, working for a real estate firm called Bayrock which had a suite of offices two floors beneath the Trump Organisations headquarters in Trump Tower. The two men appeared at ribbon-cutting ceremonies for joint projects and went on business trips together. Sater used Trump Organisation business cards.

Bayrock went into partnership with Trump over a hotel project, the Trump SoHo in New York. Trump SoHo is now part of the Mueller investigation over sources of funding from Russia and Kazakhstan. Sater is back helping Federal authorities into alleged money laundering by Viktor Khrapunov, Kazakhstans former energy minister, whose family invested 3.1m in Trump SoHo properties. It is not known if any or how much of the money went to Donald Trump.

Three months ago a joint investigation by the publications ProPublica, WNYC and The New Yorker found that Manhattan District Attorneys office had, in the past, dropped a criminal case for fraud against Ivanka Trump and Donald Jr after Donald Trumps long-term personal lawyer, Marc Kasowitz, made a personal contribution to the District Attorneys campaign. Kasowitz has been representing Donald Trump in the Russia investigation.

Michael Wolffs book recounts a conversation between Bannon and Roger Ailes in which the former Fox News head asks what Trump had gotten into with the Russians. Bannon replied: Mostly he went to Russia and he thought he was going to meet Putin. But Putin couldnt give a shit about him. So hes kept trying.

Sater told his childhood friend Michael Cohen, Trumps lawyer and a former vice-president of the Trump Organisation, that Putin would help Trump get to the White House. Our boy can become president of the USA and we can engineer it... I will get Putin on this programme and we will get Trump elected.

Sater could not engineer a meeting between Trump and Putin despite trying. But he was not without influence; he managed to arrange for Ivanka to sit on Putins chair when Trump asked him to squire her and Donald Jr on a trip to Moscow. Ivanka recalls a brief tour around the Kremlin and that this may have involved sitting at Putins desk.

Bannon, who has regularly disparaged Donald Jr, Ivanka and Jared Kushner, appears to believe that Donald Jr and Kushner at least will not escape the Russia inquiry unscathed. What secret Bannon himself holds and how much of it emerges is likely to depend on how the feud between Trump and the man who used to be described as the Shadow President unfolds in the coming days and weeks.

Almost the entire senior staff at the White House at the start of the Trump presidency, with the exception of Ivanka and Jared Kushner, have now gone. As well as Bannon this includes Michael Flynn, Katie Walsh, Sean Spicer, Reince Priebus, Gary Cohn, Dina Powell, Rick Dearborn and even longtime bodyguard Keith Schiller. Some of these people too may end up talking to Muellers team.

Meanwhile, Trump said in a statement, produced after several rewrites by the White House: Steven Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency, when he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee called Wolffs book a trashy tabloid fiction filled with false and misleading account from individuals.
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Theres nothing sadder than a messy divorce. They just bring out the worst in people, and you can understand why. Divorce obliterates the foundations of all your hard-won hopes and dreams for the future. The end of a marriage can turn your world upside down, erode your sense of trust and really make you want to lash out at the person whos betrayed you.

One of the easiest ways to make your turncoat lover hurt? Plaster all of your hushed bedroom whispers far and wide for everybody to gawk at.

Those spilt secrets have the ability to bulldoze somebodys entire career. They destroy lives  and if Steve Bannon gets his way, theyve got enough power to destroy a presidency, too.

But lets backtrack for a minute: does anybody actually remember who Steve Bannon is?

In case youve already forgotten, Bannons the ominously off-kilter head of the ultra-conservative Breitbart News Network  which has this nasty habit of comparing birth control to the Holocaust.

 'Political genius': Senate Leader Mitch McConnell mocks Steve Bannon

Bannon is often prepared to deploy a good homophobic slur, apparently thinks were all at war with Islam and is treated like some sort of political messiah by the far right. Hell, Bannons own ex-wife claimed the guy made antisemitic remarks  but you get the idea. Hes totally toxic.

But to a friendless political outsider like Donald Trump, none of that mattered.

You see, nobody but Steve Bannon thought Trump had a snowballs chance in hell of beating the 17 actual Republicans vying for the partys 2016 presidential nomination. And so when Trump realised he had a firm friend in Steve, the worlds most unpleasant bromance was born.

They did everything together  attack the media, belittle women, incite religious hatred  it was just Trump and Bannon against the world.

Thats why a victorious Trump defied all logic by handing Bannon one of the most important (and made-up) jobs in the White House. As Chief Strategist, Bannon was effectively the Presidents right-hand man. He was privy to everything, and was often yelling in Trumps ear. The way most people told it, Steve Bannon was the one really calling the shots, too.

Thats ultimately why Bannon got sent to the chopping block back in August. After all, Steve was supposed to be Trumps personal cheerleader  not de facto leader. And despite publicly thanking Bannon for his service and reportedly keeping him on speed dial for months after the break-up, Trump had to move on.

But Steve Bannon couldnt move on. Donald Trump was his entire world  his ticket to eternal fame and glory. And if Steve cant have Donald, apparently neither can we.

This week, the White House has gone to Defcon One after Bannon accused Trumps son of treason for meeting with Russian operatives at Trump Tower in 2016. And ever the textbook definition of a bull in a china shop, Trump has already hit back by declaring Bannon a total failure whos lost his mind. Lawyers are getting involved, and this is definitely going to get pretty messy.

And you know what? By lashing out at Bannon, Donald Trump has tripped head over heels into his own political coffin  but not for the reason you think.

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

At this point, Americas Teflon Don has been pretty much untouchable. Accusations of sexual assault, racism or dodgy business dealings dont faze him anymore. Theres no dirt icky enough to force him to resign or convince his congressional minions to issue a pink slip  and to be honest, Steve Bannon probably hasnt got anything grimy enough to immediately rid us of Trump, either.

But in lashing out at Steve Bannon, the President has foolishly driven a sharp, bloody stake right through the heart of his own extremist support base. The voters who flocked to the couples shared banner must now choose a side, and this is going to be even more traumatic for the fans than when Brad split from Jen.

Are they going to pick the political heretic whos already flip-flopped on half his campaign promises, or do they stick with the alt-right prophet and true believer?

You can probably guess who the neo-Nazis will side with, but either way Americas most unpopular president loses. After all, by alienating the radicals and castigating Americas emphatic alt-right media scene, Donald Trump has totally squandered the biggest and loudest weapons in his arsenal. Hes just lost a huge chunk of his political capital, and theres no way to claw that power back.

Is this the end for Donald Trump? Probably not  but things are only going to get worse for the guy.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reopened a key cross-border communication channel with South Korea for the first time in nearly two years Wednesday as the rivals explored the possibility of sitting down and talking after months of acrimony and fears of war.

The sudden signs of easing hostilities, however, came as President Donald Trump threatened Kim with nuclear war in response to his threat earlier this week.

In his New Years address Monday, Kim said he was willing to send a delegation to next months Winter Olympics in South Korea. But he also said he has a nuclear button on his desk and that all U.S. territory is within striking distance of his nuclear weapons, comments Trump latched onto Tuesday when he boasted of a bigger and more powerful nuclear button than Kims.

The two leaders exchanged crude insults last year, as the North received new U.N. sanctions over its sixth and most powerful nuclear test explosion and a series of intercontinental ballistic missile launches.

The recent softening of contact between the rival Koreas may show a shared interest in improved ties, but theres no guarantee tensions will ease. There have been repeated attempts in recent years by the rivals to talk, but even when they do meet, the efforts often end in recriminations and stalemate.

Outside critics say Kim may be trying to use better ties with South Korea as a way to weaken the alliance between Washington and Seoul as the North grapples with toughened international sanctions over its nuclear and missile programs.

Kims latest announcement, which was read by a senior Pyongyang official on state TV, followed a South Korean offer on Tuesday of high-level talks with North Korea to find ways to cooperate on next months Winter Olympics in the South and discuss other inter-Korean issues.

Ri Son Gwon, chairman of the state-run Committee for the Peaceful Reunification, cited Kim as welcoming South Koreas overture and ordering officials to reopen a communication channel at the border village of Panmunjom. Ri also quoted Kim as ordering officials to promptly take substantial measures with South Korea out of a sincere stand and honest attitude, according to the Norths state TV and news agency.

South Korea quickly welcomed Kims decision and later confirmed that the two Koreas began preliminary contacts on the channel. During their 20-minute communication, liaison officials of the two Koreas exchanged their names and examined their communication lines to make sure they were working, according to Seouls Unification Ministry.

Since taking office last May, South Koreas liberal President Moon Jae-in has pushed hard to improve ties and resume stalled cooperation projects with North Korea. Pyongyang had not responded to his outreach until Kims New Years address.

Relations between the Koreas soured under Moons conservative predecessors, who responded to the Norths expanding nuclear program with hard-line measures. All major rapprochement projects were put on hold one by one, and the Panmunjom communication channel had been suspended since February 2016.

Moon has joined U.S.-led international efforts to apply more pressure and sanctions on North Korea, but he still favors dialogue as a way to resolve the nuclear standoff. The Trump administration says all options are on the table, including military measures against the North. Moon has repeatedly said he opposes any war on the Korean Peninsula.

Some observers believe these differences in views may have led Kim to think he could drive a wedge between Seoul and Washington as a way to weaken their alliance and international sanctions.

Talks could provide a temporary thaw in strained inter-Korean ties, but conservative critics worry that they may only earn the North time to perfect its nuclear weapons.

After the Olympics, inter-Korean ties could become frosty again because the North has made it clear it has no intention of accepting international calls for nuclear disarmament and instead wants to bolster its weapons arsenal in the face of what it considers increasing U.S. threats, analysts say.



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If reports are to be believed, Bollywood's favorite couple, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone will be exchanging rings on the latter's birthday.

Earlier, it was being said that Deepika will be ringing in her birthday that falls on January 5 with her beau Ranveer in Sri Lanka.

The reports turned out to be true when, Ranveer was spotted at the Sri Lanka airport last week and Dippy who was holidaying in Vienna later flew down to Sri Lanka to join her man and spend time with him.

A close source was quoted by a leading daily, "The couple is going snorkelling, and will spend time with each other. There are people in Sri Lanka who can identify them, but then it's also a country that lets people be at peace and doesn't intrude on privacy. So, they will be able to spend quality time with each other."

And now, there are strong rumors that the couple will be getting engaged tomorrow.

If all these stories turn out to be true, then January 5, 2018 will be Ranveer- Deepika's engagement day!

Meanwhile, all we can do is wait and watch!
The path to victories for white Democrats is clear  share power with the people that can put them in office. This holds true for both state and federal elections.

History has shown that while white candidates make pilgrimages to Black churches each election year like clockwork, they seldom cross the thresholds of those churches at any other time. We also know that white Democratic politicians hire smatterings of Black campaign workers for the sake of optics and to help with corralling Black support and enthusiasm. After their elections, these same politicians assign their Black campaign staffers to mostly ineffectual positions and hire precious few other people of color.

Despite our power to put Democratic candidates into office, Black folks often are no more than pawns on the political chessboard for many white Democrats. Anyone who doubts this needs to ask himself why African-Americans dont show up in the administrations of newly elected Democrats in the same proportion that we showed up for those Democrats at the polls.

Hillary Clinton was astonishingly tone deaf in her belief that she could muster Black support in a presidential election at the same levels enjoyed by Barack Obama. Claiming to carry hot sauce in her purse (a nod to a popular song by Beyonce at the time) and doing the nae nae on national TV to show she had a bond with a homogeneous Black electorate was insulting to many Black voters. Too many folks remembered her once referring to Black youth as predators. Too many people observed her campaign and saw no indication that there would be a significant improvement in the lives of African-Americans under a Clinton presidency.

While Clinton stumbled badly with Black folks (after all, she lost to the horror that was the Trump candidacy), Bernie Sanders fared no better. Sanders white campaign workers were breathtakingly tone deaf. The Bernie Bros acted as if they only had to say that Bernie marched with Dr. Martin Luther King 50 years earlier in order to gain Black support. Bernies campaign operatives in many Southern states ignored the Black political infrastructures that were already in place, thinking that white youth from out of state could parachute in and tell Black folks what to do. Never mind that local Black political activists had been working and managing local campaigns for decades.

It is a sad fact for Black folks that Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders were the best that the Democratic party had to offer us in 2016.

This same old sad song of white Democrats failing to truly embrace inclusiveness continues to hit a sour note with Black voters. This off-key tune has a long history and continues to this day. In November 2017, Democrats in Virginia celebrated the victory of Justin Fairfax, the African-American attorney who won that states lieutenant governors seat. But the support he received from the Democratic Party during his campaign was shamefully, but typically, meager. Three decades earlier, when L. Douglas Wilder announced that he would run for lieutenant governor of Virginia, top state Democrats, fearful of having a Black candidate on the statewide ticket, met secretly to try to figure out what to do about the Wilder problem. Fortunately, they could not stop Wilder. He went on to become lieutenant governor and, four years later, became the states first Black governor.

History to the contrary, too many white Democrats refuse to learn that Blacks can win elections. Less than a week after Black voters were hailed for having saved America through a record turnout in Alabama to defeat Roy Moores bid for the U.S. Senate in December, pundits were advising the Democratic Party that it should reward its Black supporters by shoving them to the back of the political bus yet again. Bill Schers Dec. 20 article in POLITICO was typical of this bad advice. He suggested that in 2018, Democrats should run candidates like Doug Jones, who won a narrow victory over Roy Moore but polled lower than Moore among white voters.

Does Scher really believe that because it takes a right-of-center candidate like Doug Jones to get elected in Alabama, Democrats nationwide should shift their politics to the right and make Alabama politics the national standard? Scher may not realize it, but he is advocating that the Democratic Party reward its African-American voters by showing them that their interests, aspirations and lives dont matter.

We now stand in 2018, another busy election year. It is time to serve notice on the Democratic Party that Black folks no longer will be mere laborers in the field of politics. Any politicians expecting our support must incorporate Black staffers in effective policy-making positions in their campaigns and in their administrations.

More than 100 Black women have announced they will run for office in 2018. We should pay close attention to how their campaigns are supported, or not, by white Democratic Party chairs and higher ups.

It is time to demand that white Democrats support Black Democratic candidates. And it is past time for white elected officials to recognize the efforts of Black voters by bringing us to the tables of governance.

Oscar H. Blayton is a former Marine Corps. combat pilot and human rights activist who practices law in Virginia.
2017 has ended and she ushered in  gave birth to  another 365 days wherein humanity can strive toward human excellence, another blessed opportunity for us to set straight our affairs and to address unfinished business.

Our greeting is Happy New Year, but our prayer is that everyone has a very successful and healthy 2018 throughout all four seasons. A new year gives us a sense of newness when many of us will rededicate our lives to what is good and wholesome in hopes of making ourselves a better person.

A new year suggests that we got a new lease on life, that somehow we made it through some difficulties. It is at this time of the year when we  despite our shortcomings  recognize that our Creator has given us more than we deserve.

The Muslim calendar is observing the year 1439 A.H. (after hegira/migration). That means it has been 1,439 years since prophet Muhammed established his community in Medina, Arabia, after suffering 13 years of oppression and torture in Mecca, the town of his birth. The last Islamic new year occurred Sept. 21, 2017.

In America, we live under the Gregorian calendar. The year 2018 A.D. (anno Domini, Latin for the year of our Lord) is based upon the Christian era, also called the Common Era  thus C.E. and A.D. are the same. The year 2018 is saying that 2,018 years have passed since the beginning of the Christian Era.

In Islam, time cannot contain our Creator, the Lord of the heavens and the earth and all that exist in between the two. We believe that our Creator Allah (G_d) is eternal, existing long before alpha and long after omega. Christians and Jews, too, believe in the eternal existence of an omnipresent masterful Creator of all that exists. New Years is observed differently on various calendars, but none can define or limit G_ds existence. Instead, each new year timestamps for mankind a mark indicating when their Creator extended His mercy upon us.

New Years in all of the worlds calendars represents a new birth in the lives of humanity. It is a chance to review the old and plan for the new as we seek to get closer to our families and communities, so that when the difficulties of life come our way, we can stand as a united family and confront what lies before us.

The new year also is a time for forgiving others as well as a time to forgive ourselves. It is a season for making all things new  a renewal that is possible only if we dont hold onto old, tired ideas and values that repeatedly failed to answer our needs. This is the happiness of this new year that the Muslim American community wishes for our city, state and nation.

Lets pray to our Creator that He bless us to keep an awareness of the time that He has given us; that we make the best of the time we have been entrusted. Time is fluid and constantly passing us by, waiting on no one. It is very important that we do not let opportunities to speak out against injustice pass us by. We are reminded in Chapter 103 of the Quran: Verily in time mankind is lost, except for those who have faith and do righteous deeds, and counsel one another truth, patience and constancy.

Hopefully  if we are blessed to live the whole year  when Dec. 31, 2018, arrives, we all can humbly say, 2018 was a very good year. However, if we do not live each and every day that our Lord loans to us throughout the entire year with gratitude and faith, then that loan may become unbearable, yielding little or no return. Lets pray for the success of everyone within and around our lives. When all people around us are good, then everyone is in a good situation. Lets pray for the goodness of everyone regardless of their respective faith or belief system. This is the Muslim American hope for a happy and prosperous new year for all people. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Michael Saahir is the imam at Nur-Allah Islamic Center. He can be reached at nur-allah@att.net.
Egypt's Minister of Interior Magdy Abdel-Ghaffar held a meeting on Thursday with top ministry officials and deputies to review plans for securing Christian places of worship for Coptic Christmas celebrations on 7 January.

Abdel-Ghaffar has ordered the highest security alert level as well as an intensified security presence around churches in coordination with the Armed Forces.

The minister also ordered an increased security presence on major streets and squares, public parks, areas of celebration and vital state facilities.

Coptic Orthodox Egyptians, who make up 90 percent of all Christians in the country, celebrate Christmas on 7 January. A minority of non-Orthodox Christians observed the holiday on 25 December.

Over the past two years, terrorist attacks targeting churches during religious holiday seasons have left dozens of Christians killed and injured.

Last week, nine people were killed and four were injured when a gunman opened fire outside the Mar Mina Church in Cairo's Helwan.

On Palm Sunday last April, 47 people were killed in two suicide bombings at the St George Cathedral in Tanta and St Mark's Cathedral in Alexandria.

In December 2016, a suicide bombing targeting Cairo's St Peter and St Paul Church killed 29 people, mostly women and children.

All four attacks were claimed by the terrorist group Daesh.

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Atef Naguib, director of the Coptic Museum in Cairo, is committed to spreading awareness about the many forgotten unknown pages of Egypts Coptic history.

It was in the mid-1960s that Naguib was set to join the Archaeology Department at Assiut University in Upper Egypt with the hope of studying Coptic history and archaeology. However, to his dismay, particularly for someone born and brought up in a Coptic environment in the Upper Egyptian city of Aswan, there was no department that specialised in Coptic archaeology and history at this or any other university in Egypt at the time.

There were only two departments; one for Pharaonic and one for Islamic history, art and archaeology, Naguib recalled.

After graduation, Naguib did not give up on his ambition to specialise in Coptic history, even though it was something that was not given serious attention in society or schoolbooks at the time. His time spent at a Coptic school meant that Naguib was allowed entry into an otherwise overlooked era of Egyptian history.

It was there that I developed a serious interest in learning more about this era, which did not receive serious attention at the time, he said.

At the Institute for Coptic Studies, which is affiliated with the Coptic Cathedral in Cairo, Naguib found a place to pursue his interest and receive a degree in Coptic archaeology. This was the beginning of a long path that led him to a PhD in the same discipline.

It was a long and revealing learning process that allowed me to find out a great deal of information about Coptic history, not only in religious terms as many might think, but also in terms of learning more about the history of Egypt. The country was introduced to Christianity in the first century CE and evolved to be predominantly Christian, essentially Coptic Orthodox, until the day [Muslim military commander] Amr Ibn Al-Aas conquered Egypt in the seventh century CE, Naguib recalled.

During these years, Naguib developed an interest in the Christian era of Nubia in particular, which he describes as a truly overlooked phase in the history of this country.

There is one narrative that is predominant in Egyptian culture about Ibn Al-Aass conquest of Egypt in 642 CE, which says that the countrys Copts were suffering from discrimination at the hands of the countrys Byzantine rulers and that the following years were marked by a general, even if interrupted, tolerance by Egypts new Muslim rulers for the Coptic population.

Naguib is not willing to contest this narrative. He merely says that it is one among other versions of what happened, and that the latter should also be examined in order to understand the history of the country.

There was discrimination against the Copts under Byzantine rule, but there were also Muslim rulers who discriminated against the Copts, Naguib said.

He added that what should not be forgotten is that for the most part people do not learn much about the history of the Copts even before, and not just after, the Arab conquest, and this is a function of a lack of general awareness.

Naguib is convinced that many Copts today might not be sufficiently informed about the history of Christianity in Egypt.

I know for a fact that not many are aware of the Christian period in Nubia, which lasted from the sixth to the 14th century CE, he argued.

We hardly even stop to think about the fact that many of todays Muslim Nubians carry what would otherwise be typical Coptic names like Dawoud, Elias and Yacoub, and of course Mariam, which is more shared by Muslims, Naguib said.

He noted that the archaeological excavations of the churches of Nubia, both Upper Nubia in todays Sudan and Lower Nubia in Egypt, are not given sufficient attention by the media, not even when the archaeological missions arrived upon the construction of the Aswan High Dam in the mid-1960s to save as many Nubian monuments as possible before the water covered what were once the lands of Nubia.

It is not really there in the newspapers or on TV, and it is not there in the history curriculum, so where are people supposed to learn about the Coptic history of Egypt? Nowhere, unless you are a Copt who attends cultural activities at your church, Naguib lamented.

This lack of communication about Coptic history is not made up for among history and archaeology students because it was only recently that universities started to give serious attention to Coptic studies.

The trouble is that we act as if Coptic history is a matter of religion that only interests followers of the Coptic faith. But this is untrue because it is part of our wider history and our culture, he said.

According to Naguib, the fact that Coptic history is not mentioned in textbooks and that there is limited interest in encouraging students to visit the Coptic Museum, not to mention the many Coptic archaeological sites, is an unfortunate situation that creates a lack of awareness in the wider population about an integral part of the history of their country and the culture of their fellow citizens who follow the Coptic faith.

Today, Naguib says, the many pages of Coptic history are essentially kept in strictly Coptic bodies. Apart from the Coptic Museum and sites such as the Hanging Church in Old Cairo, for example, Coptic history is kept by bodies such as the Coptic Cathedral, along with its associated Institute for Coptic Studies, the Association for Coptic Archaeology, the Coptic Culture Centre and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina Centre for Coptic Studies.

Today, there is a bit more awareness in the media about the celebration of Coptic feasts, especially Christmas, but beyond that there are only a few reminders of the Coptic contribution to the culture and history of the country, Naguib said. This is so even though the Copts are not living in ghettos and have never done so, even if historically there were areas of higher density.

The way out of this alienation from Egypts Coptic history is to allow people to learn about it, he said.

I know that it is hard to change long-established norms, but we could start by some obvious and uncontroversial steps, such as including the flight of the Holy Family into Egypt in history textbooks as well as prominent Coptic figures over the centuries, including under Muslim rule, Naguib said.

He added that there was no reason to believe that anyone would object to the inclusion of a few lines in the history books about the arrival of Christianity in Egypt or the establishment of the first monasteries or a biography of Pope Kyrollos IV, who started Coptic schools in Upper Egypt for girls.

It is unfair to deny people knowledge of the history of the Copts and then to blame these same people for their lack of affinity towards the Copts. I believe education is essential if we are really committed to understanding one another better, and this is why the Coptic Museum tries to make use of every opportunity to welcome more visitors of all age brackets and backgrounds, Naguib said.

*This story was first published in Al-Ahram Weekly

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SAN FRANCISCO - January 4, 2018 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Datawallet, a leading C2B blockchain-based data exchange, today announced partnerships with the first and largest blockchain-based social network Steemit, and the decentralized network for professionals Indorse. The new Datawallet app, available now for download on iOS and Android, allows users to curate an advanced data profile from social media, online commerce, and offline transactions and opt-in to share their data with companies for profit. The integration of Steemit and Indorse into the Datawallet app will provide the opportunity to further reward users, and give them another monetization stream for the data created on each respective platform.

Serafin Lion Engel, Datawallet CEO said, "With the recent re-launch of Datawallet as a blockchain-based app, we are further aligning ourselves with what's more beneficial to consumers - transparency, trust, and giving back data ownership. Steemit and Indorse have been pioneering platforms in the industry, built on the common mission of decentralizing social media and fairly incentivizing users for their engagement, making them a natural fit to be a part of Datawallet. It's a powerful next step to offer their already active and engaged userbases another avenue to earn crypto, by giving Steemit and Indorse users the ability to participate in the networks they love, and then take that data they're creating and turn it around for profit on Datawallet."

Datawallet's mission to upend the existing data ownership model aligns closely to both Steemit and Indorse's strive to put the power back into the hands of the platform users, rather than the platform providers. Datawallet is working with these companies with an aim to further reward its users, by equitably compensating them for the data that they choose to provide.

Ned Scott, Steemit CEO said, "The social media monetization model is broken, both in terms of how platform users are rewarded, and how their data is owned and distributed. Steemit is currently working to resolve part one of that equation and Datawallet are tackling the second. This partnership is a great stepping stone in the long term vision of Steemit to build a living, breathing, and growing social economy."

Gaurang Torvekar, Indorse CTO said,"The quality of the data created on Indorse is unrivaled, making it a perfect fit for us to partner with Datawallet. Our first-rate data comes as a result of our process of information-validation through peers. Indorse uses internal rewards and a reputation system to incentivize members to add their skills and accomplishments, and indorse those of others. We love the idea of being able to give our users a further method of earning, through the provision of their data with Datawallet."

The Datawallet app is available for download now in the Apple app store and Google Play. For more information, visit www.datawallet.com, read the whitepaper here, and join Datawallet's Telegram channel here.

Datawallet CEO Serafin Lion Engel is available for interview

About Datawallet:

Datawallet is headquartered in San Francisco, California. Datawallet empowers developers to leverage a completely new data universe to build the most advanced applications ever. And it provides companies with insights that will boost their operations on a never before seen scale. They believe that data should be owned and controlled by the people who create it - the users. That's why they built the Datawallet, a blockchain powered data exchange that puts people in charge of their data and empowers developers to bring to live the next generation of world-class applications.

About Indorse:

Headquartered in Singapore, Indorse, the decentralized professional network which aims to build a social network where the user is in charge of their own data, rather than a third party, incentivizes professionals verifying and endorsing the skill sets of peers. Founded in 2017 by David Moskowitz and Gaurang Torvekar, Indorse envisions a serverless, decentralized future, where the users will build their profiles and profit from their reputation and from sharing their skills and activities on the platform via reward tokens.

About Steemit:

Steemit, Inc. uses blockchain technology to develop cryptocurrencies that support, improve, and monetize social media sites and networks. It is one the primary developers of the Steem blockchain and Smart Media Tokens (SMTs), as well as steemit.com, the world's first decentralized social network with millions of unique visitors per month.

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Can Blockchain Technology Thwart Efforts from Organized Crime?

Andrew Richards, Spire Secure Logistics

January 4, 2018 (Investorideas.com Newswire) The gold rush of cannabis in California is off to a roaring start but with the glee and celebration, the rollout is not going smoothly everywhere. It may be months before the digital system designed to track and regulate sales is fully operational, and the drug is still only being sold for medical purposes in some large cities, like Los Angeles and San Francisco.

The digital system the state is using to regulate and track recreational marijuana sales just launched, and businesses have to be trained to input data before the state can make it mandatory, which could take months. Businesses are being asked to manually file invoices, which experts say is not only complicated but also risks marijuana sales slipping into the black market.

According to cannabis security expert, Andrew Richards from Spire Secure Logistics, moving from a black/grey cannabis environment into a legal recreational environment requires fail-safe, air-tight systems and processes to be effective. These systems and processes need to be tried and tested, in advance. If not, the black market and organized crime can and will continue to be able to operate in the space.

He believes organized crime looks for weak and vulnerable targets and will try and exploit them when identified breakdowns in the technological systems represent such vulnerabilities (beyond the already pre-existing human vulnerabilities the technology is designed to address!) and provide opportunities.

New Role for Blockchains

Richards states that there is ample blockchain technology available to prevent these sorts of missteps and is working with a number of companies to implement these systems into North American cannabis markets. We worry about the upcoming legalization in Canada and governments' (Federal and Provincial) abilities to implement these air-tight seed-to-sale tracking systems - this is not rocket science, it's basic systems thinking - when one interdependent sub-system in a much larger system breaks down, the entire system ceases to function in support of the over-arching aim - in this case, protecting the stakeholders in the legal adult recreational cannabis system from black market and organized crime interference, says Richards.

About Andy Richards:

Andy Richards spent thirty-four years in Canadian policing, retiring in 2015 as a Deputy Chief Constable. He specialized as an investigator, supervisor, and manager of complex covert investigations. He led many of the largest, most successful and highest-profile organized crime investigations in British Columbia, often targeting organized crime groups and prolific offenders who controlled or targeted elements of the illegal, grey, and legal medical marijuana industries. He is a court-recognized expert regarding the Hell's Angels. As Deputy Chief and member of the BC Association of Chiefs of Police, he was involved in the dialogue with Health Canada regarding marijuana regulations.

About Spire Secure Logistics:

Spire is a security and intelligence company with expertise in law enforcement training, high-risk mining security, and the cannabis sector. With services including compliance, information technology, buildout design and security program implementation, Spire aims to be the global leader in designing security programs and solutions for the legal cannabis sector.

Media Contact:

Janet Vasquez/JVPRNY 212-645-5498 jvasquez@jvprny.com

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Toronto, Ontario - January 4, 2018 (Newsfile Corp.) (Investorideas.com Newswire) Peat Resources Limited (TSXV: PET) (the "Company"), announces that the Company is increasing the size of its previously announced brokered private placement (the "Offering") of common shares of the Company led by IBK Capital Corp. The Offering will now consist of the sale of up to 15,000,000 common shares at a price of $0.05 per share for aggregate proceeds of the up to $750,000.

In connection with the Offering, the Company has agreed to pay IBK Capital Corp. a cash commission equal to 9% of the amount raised and broker warrants equal to 10% of the number of common shares issued pursuant to the Offering. Each broker warrant is exercisable into one common share at a price of $0.05 per common share for a period of five years from the date of issuance.

The securities to be issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a statutory four-month hold period from the date of issuance. The closing of the Offering remains subject to completion of formal documentation and receipt of regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

For additional information, please contact:

Peat Resources Limited

Patricia Mannard

Telephone: (416) 862-7885

Email: pmannard@peatresources.com

Website: www.peatresources.net

IBK Capital Corp.

Michael White, President & CEO

Telephone: (416) 360-4511

Email: mwhite@ibkcapital.com

Forward-Looking Information

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address future production, reserve potential, exploration drilling, exploitation activities and events or developments that the Company expects are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the statements. There are certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. These include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on the Company, investors should review registered filings at www.sedar.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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WASHINGTON, DC. - January 4, 2018 (Investorideas.com Newswire) The Trump Administration is ignoring sound science and broad public input in an exhaustive recent review, in its proposed Five-Year Plan for offshore oil and gas leasing released today. The proposed plan promises "severe and unacceptable harm" to America's publicly-owned oceans, coastal economies, public health, climate and marine life-all in a bid to pursue dubious energy sources that America does not need, according to 64 groups.

The proposed drilling plan unveiled by Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke would radically expand offshore drilling in new areas of the Atlantic, Pacific, Gulf of Mexico and Arctic waters, and auction off permanently protected areas.

The protections in the current five-year plan are based on scientific analysis and a multi-year public comment process, whereas the Trump Administration's hastily concocted proposal is rife with unsubstantiated claims, faulty economics, and runs roughshod over documented public opinion. Specifically, the proposal would expose the Arctic waters--our last undeveloped ocean-to drilling, put the Atlantic coast on the chopping block for the first time since 1983, open the Pacific coast--which has not seen federal drilling for decades, and further threaten the debilitated Gulf of Mexico.

The groups' joint statement follows:

"These ocean waters are not President Trump's personal playground. They belong to all Americans and the public wants them preserved and protected, not sold off to multinational oil companies.

The Trump Administration's plan to unleash the dangers of drilling offshore is a major, unacceptable risk to hundreds of local communities, their coastal economies, and marine life."

This extreme proposal is a shameful give-away that would sacrifice coastal communities, its economies, and our publicly-owned ocean waters.

Drilling threatens to coat our beaches with oil spills, pollute our air, decimate fisheries, interfere with military training, and keep citizens bound to the whims of foreign oil markets.

There is no need to force coastal residents to shoulder these risks. The nation can meet its energy needs and grow jobs by investing in clean, renewable domestic sources like wind and solar that never run out. We can cut pollution, and keep profits right here at home-not in the pockets of oil industry executives and foreign governments.

No community should have to live every day under the threat of an oil spill that could destroy tourism, shutter hundreds of local businesses, throw thousands out of work, and decimate traditional ways of life. We cannot afford another crippling Gulf of Mexico disaster-off the shores of Louisiana, the Carolinas, New England, Alaska, California or anywhere else.

The Trump Administration should heed the public call to preserve our ocean waters and turn back from this reckless, unnecessary expansion of offshore drilling that puts America and marine life last and the bottom lines of private oil companies first."

With the backing of science, economics, clean energy leaders, local businesses, and the vast majority of Americans, President Obama permanently protected most of the Arctic Ocean and a chain of deep sea canyons in the Atlantic Ocean, stretching from the Chesapeake Bay to Canada's border, from dirty and dangerous offshore oil drilling. He also removed the entire Arctic and Atlantic from the five-year leasing plan.

Americans have rejected the Trump Administration's move to abandon the Obama Administration's approach by expanding dirty and dangerous offshore drilling and energy exploration. That opposition includes tens of thousands of local businesses and hundreds of thousands of commercial fishing families that depend on clean coasts, the majority of Americans, over 130 coastal municipalities, many Alaska Natives, bi-partisan lawmakers at the local, state and federal levels, and a host of faith and conservation leaders.

Here is the alphabetical list of the 64 signers of the joint statement:

Alaska Wilderness League, Alliance for Climate Education, America Verde, American Littoral Society, Americans for Conservation & the Arts, Azul, Blue Frontier, Bold Alliance, California Coastkeeper Alliance, California League of Conservation Voters, Center for Biological Diversity, Checks & Balances Project, Clean Ocean Action, Clean Water Action, Climate Hawks Vote, The Climate Reality Project, Connecticut League of Conservation Voters, Conservation Law Foundation, Conservatives for Responsible Stewardship, Corazon Latino, Defenders of Wildlife, Earthjustice, Environment America, Environment California, Environment New Jersey, Environmental League of Massachusetts, Florida Conservation Voters, Friends of the Earth, Gasp, Green Latinos, Greenpeace, Gulf Restoration Network, Hands Across the Sand, Hip Hop Caucus, Inland Ocean Coalition, Institute for Ocean Conservation Science at Stony Brook University, Latino Farmers and Ranchers, League of Conservation Voters, League of Women Voters of the United States, Marine Conservation Institute, Maryland League of Conservation Voters, Massachusetts League of Conservation Voters, Natural Resources Defense Council, New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, New York League of Conservation Voters, NextGen America, North Carolina League of Conservation Voters, Oceana, Oil Change International, Oregon League of Conservation Voters, The Power Shift Network, Sachamama, Save Our Shores, Sierra Club, Surfrider Foundation, Turtle Island Restoration Network, Vermont Conservation Voters, Vermont Natural Resources Council, Virginia League of Conservation Voters, Voces Verdes, Washington Conservation Voters, Washington Environmental Council, and The Wilderness Society.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Alex Frank, (703) 276-3264 or afrank@hastingsgroup.com.

Water-Stocks.com: investing ideas in water stocks Like Water Stocks? View our Water Stocks Directory

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The difficulties inherent in commemorating the granting of votes for women must be confronted and not elided, says Linda Connolly.

Ireland is now in the throes of the decade of commemorations. A process of collective remembering and reflecting on the tumultuous events that led to the foundation and establishment of the Irish State has ignited public debate and new academic scholarship on the revolutionary period.

The outputs of the first stage in the Governments Decade of Centenaries programme, 1912-16, have been most impressive.

Access to fascinating historical sources such as the Bureau of Military History files, as well as public engagement projects such as the Women of the South Project in the Farmgate Cafe, in the English Market, in Cork city, have inspired a whole new generation of scholars and generated a new conception of public history.

The second phase of the programme, 1917-22, is, of course, going to be different.

Continued robust debate among the historical establishment, funded documentaries and commissioned articles in the media are to be expected in the coming years given the particularly prominent role history, historians and politics are generally afforded in the public sphere combined with the significance of the Civil War, the War of Independence and Partition in the States formation, North and South.

In 2018, it remains to be seen in what manner gender will take centre stage in the commemoration agenda. In February 1918, the British parliament granted the vote to Irish and British women over 30.

But, will this be remembered in a celebratory or in a critical way? Remembering and marking the centenary of votes for women in 2018 is very important, in and of itself.

Events to mark the important contribution of those women who were and are elected representatives, for

instance, have been scheduled by the Government for 2018 as part of the #Votail100 initiative.

However, the centenary of suffrage also raises many critical questions to do with both understanding the past and the present at a moment of commemoration, not least for women in Ireland.

A number of existing texts written by the historians and scholars of the Irish womens movement have long catalogued in detail the achievements, difficulties, and legacy of a long campaign fought for womens right to equal citizenship.

The complexity of how progress was made by the womens movement on the issue of the vote and in numerous other subsequent campaigns is explicated in great detail in a number of meticulously researched books that have appeared since the 1980s.

Yet womens academic labour is often eclipsed in the public arena. Ongoing research by Lucy Keaveney, for instance, demonstrates how womens historians and womens studies scholars who have typically spent years in archives doing careful research continue to have difficulty getting access to prominent television and radio shows and the national newspapers, for instance.

Women remain vastly underrepresented as media commentators, in general, as Twitter feeds like @ManelWatchIre demonstrate on a daily basis, including in areas where women are manifestly the noted experts.

The implication of this is that careful work conducted by female scholars risks being talked about in the media without credit given for that work.

Professor Diarmaid Ferriter opened the centenary of suffrage by strongly arguing in The Irish Times (December 30) that the Centenary of Votes for women should give women a high place in the councils of a free Ireland.

Prominent scholars and writers (mainly women) have, however, been arguing this for some decades now but they have not been heard. Will they be heard in 2018?

Many are also reflecting Mr Ferriters sentiment on elevating women to a higher order by actively working to generate change and address the glaring underrepresentation of women in senior academic positions in Irish universities.

The percentage of female professors of history in Ireland is, for instance, notoriously low. A survey of the 136 (non-retired) academic staff listed on Irish history department websites reveals that only three out of a total of 23 professors (at the HEA-recognised A and B professor levels) are women.

Some 87% of all professors of history in Irish universities are men. Yet women comprise a third of all the academic staff listed in these departments. Clearly, this is a problem.

Women also remain vastly under- represented in the Dail and currently suspended Northern Irish Assembly, including at cabinet level, despite the introduction of gender quotas in the

Republic to address a century-long problem of a very low percentage of women in politics.

Assessing the legacy of the vote for Irish women in 2018 should also provide an opportunity to assess the overall performance of the State in this period not least in relation to womens rights and equal citizenship.

To what extent has the granting of the vote as an unequivocal political act of inclusive citizenship and democracy served, over time, to actually change or systematically improve womens lives in Ireland?

Why has change been so slow in academia, politics and the media? And will anything concerted be done about this by those in positions of power and authority?

A key task in centennial Ireland in 2018 is therefore to assess and consider the performance of the State and society in the wider 100-year period of the vote for Irish women and the unequal position of women in Irish academia, politics and the media.

A welcome outcome of the decade of centenaries, apart from the generation of burgeoning and exciting new literature on Irish womens history and the period of revolution more generally, should include the critical reflection it can precipitate about gender issues, equal citizenship, and the kind of society Ireland is and has become in 2018.

The charge that women were relegated to the margins of public life when the Irish State was established in 1922 remains highly relevant in 2018.

As womens historians and other womens studies scholars have widely demonstrated, one of the travesties of the post-independence period of nation building was the marginal role the Church and State afforded to women as full and equal citizens in a range of arenas, despite achieving the vote in 1918.

It has been widely demonstrated that (some) women were to varying degrees afforded an active public role in the revolutionary process but women were subsequently more systematically relegated primarily to the private sphere in the decades after Independence.

Article 41.2.3 of the 1937 Constitution of Ireland reflected this by stating that women by their life (as opposed to by their work) in the home, give to the State a support without which the common good cannot be achieved.

This year will also coincide with an abortion referendum; ongoing condemnation of the States treatment of and redress to women widely incarcerated in various Catholic institutions (including Magdalene laundries and mother and baby homes, including in Tuam and Bessborough); and a proposal to fundamentally revise Article 41.2.3 of the Constitution to reflect more accurately mothers present-day role in society, including in the workforce.

Much is also being made of the difficulties that will be posed in commemorating the War of Independence and an Irish Civil War premised on brother against brother but sister against sister and indeed sister against brother also arises.

The memory of civil war and unresolved sectarian conflict runs deep in Ireland and the impact of this on women has been under-researched in a debate that has focused primarily on military men and less on civilian women.

The difficulties inherent in commemorating votes for women in 2018 must be confronted and not elided.

Those in positions of power in academia, the media, and in politics have a real opportunity to create a meaningful space for womens voice and perspective during this commemoration.

As womens history demonstrates, many suffrage campaigners in 1918 recognised the significance of achieving the vote but they quickly moved on to a range of other campaigns for women and urgent causes with unrelenting commitment.

The important task of commemorating and remembering the granting of the vote for women, in centennial Ireland, must therefore likewise consider suffragists continued desire for change beyond the vote and their unfinished cause, which is patently manifest in contemporary Ireland.

Linda Connolly is professor of sociology at Maynooth University and the author of From Revolution to Devolution: the Irish Womens Movement. She is currently working on a research project on gender based violence in the Irish revolution.
Much of Asia isnt ready for robots, for reasons that go beyond fears of unemployment. In a positive move, countries are training workers to fix machines, writes Stephen Groff.

A knitting factory in Bangladesh brings together the past, present, and future.

On one floor, workers knit by hand. On another, people and machines do the work together. And on a third floor, there are only robots.

This building might seem like an anachronism, given the accepted wisdom that robots will replace humans in textiles and many other industries. But it is actually a savvy response to how the Fourth Industrial Revolution will likely play out in Asia.

As is the case elsewhere, technological advances are rapidly transforming industries and economies, by blurring the boundaries between the physical, digital, and biological worlds.

And yet much of Asia isnt ready for robots, for reasons that go beyond fears of mass unemployment. In 2014, China had just 11 robots per 10,000 employees in non-automotive industries, and just 213 per 10,000 employees on automotive assembly lines. That is hundreds fewer than in Japan, the US, and Germany.

Although China is closing the gap by increasing its spending on robots, poorer countries face significant barriers to adopting new technologies. Moreover, the regions lower wages give firms an incentive to retain human workers.

At the factory in Bangladesh, human workers can step in if power outages or equipment failures knock the machines offline. At the same time, having a fully automated section allows production to continue if workers go on strike.

Conventional wisdom decrees that this dual-track approach isnt sustainable, and that low- to middle-skilled workers will eventually make way for robots.

A landmark 2013 study by Carl Frey and Michael Osborne of Oxford University suggests that, in the coming decades, 47% of total US employment will be at risk of automation.

Similarly, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has warned that 56% of total employment in Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam is at high risk of displacement due to technology over the next decade or two.

These grim predictions ignore the fact that most jobs comprise a bundle of tasks, some of which cannot be automated. According to a 2016 OECD study that breaks down occupations by task, only 9% of jobs on average across 21 OECD countries are really at risk.

The same logic applies to Asia. In Vietnam, for example, the share of jobs at risk falls from the ILOs predicted 70% to just 15% when the countrys large informal economy is taken into account.

Street sweepers in developing countries are arguably less threatened by automation than their counterparts in developed countries, because their jobs are less mechanised and lower paid.

Still, robots are gaining a foothold in the region, particularly in economies such as China and South Korea.

In 2015, robot sales in Asia increased by 19%  the fourth record-breaking year in a row. When less-developed Asian countries eventually join the technology bandwagon, layoffs will inevitably ensue.

To soften the blow, governments urgently need to pursue labour-market reforms and overhaul their education systems, starting with technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

Although TVET is becoming increasingly popular in Asias developing economies, its quality is often poor. Governments should ensure TVET courses focus on more relevant skills, while remaining flexible so students can study without sacrificing income.

One option is to expand the availability of modular short courses, which take less time, train for specific tasks rather than entire jobs, and are more manageable for entrants who need, first and foremost, to earn money.

In Myanmar, for example, the government has launched a pilot programme to target the countrys missing million students who drop out of school each year. The programme offers short courses on welding and other skills needed to repair rural machinery.

Competency-based assessment systems could also be particularly useful, given Asias large informal workforce. Programmes offering skilled workers a chance to earn certifications based on their work experience would allow for, say, uncertified electricians to find formal employment in robotics.

The private sector can also help produce more graduates with job-ready skills. Asian countries should take

a cue from Indias National Skill Development Corporation, which works with private training firms to match skills curricula with industry needs. So far, Indias programme has helped train more than 63,000 people.

Furthermore, governments should offer subsidies or tax incentives to companies that invest in the skills that humans master better than machines, such as communication and negotiation.

They will also have to adopt more flexible labour regulations, because firms wont hire skilled workers who cost too much.

At the end of the day, Asias developing countries need policies that support workers, rather than jobs. All parties can benefit from flexible contracts and lifelong learning and retraining opportunities.

Retraining is particularly important, because automation will create entirely new industries and occupations.

The McKinsey Global Institute estimates that automation could boost global productivity growth by 0.8-1.4% annually, generating large savings and performance gains for businesses.

Improving access to training and certification would help countries capitalise on these advances and ensure more equitable growth, by giving workers the skills needed to handle the new jobs.

That outcome would be good for workers and for Asian economies. It would mean that businesses like the factory in Bangladesh could operate solely with robots, while its former workers would be gainfully employed elsewhere, most likely in jobs that dont even exist yet.

Stephen Groff is the Asian Development Banks vice-president for east Asia, southeast Asia, and the Pacific. Copyright: Project Syndicate
Speaking to the Irish Examiner amid fresh claims he could seek to remove Mr Howlin in the coming weeks or months due to fears the party is stagnating in the polls, Mr Kelly said there is no chance of this happening.

In November, a number of councillors said they would back a leadership bid from the Tipperary TD.

However, Mr Kelly said he believes he is working well with Mr Howlin and has no plans to remove him from power.

I wanted to lead Labour ever since I was a young man. I think its good to have ambition, I respect people who have it. But I think the partys turned a corner.

Brendan and I have been working very closely on the Garda emails and other issues. I think Brendan is one of the most articulate speakers of his generation, and he has been very helpful on the Garda issue in recent months.

Mr Kelly said that for me, its never been just about my own professional personal ambition, and that Im not the kind of person who would attempt to oust a colleague.

He said he expects improvements in the polls in the first or second quarter of the year, a timescale suggesting the situation may change if there is no boost in Labour support by the summer.

Meanwhile, Mr Kelly said Labour must double its number of TDs before it even considers trying to re-enter government.

He said he wants to become justice minister to clean up the department as the job is suited to the person I am.
The Tipperary TD is adamant the job is suited to the person I am.

Mr Kelly said that former justice minister, Frances Fitzgerald, will not be vindicated by the Charleton tribunal and warned that present incumbent, Charlie Flanagan, will be in a very difficult situation, if more garda email revelations emerge.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Mr Kelly said that if he ever returns to government, he would thrive, if given the task of cleaning up the Department of Justice.

Noting his recent, central role in uncovering the Maurice McCabe garda email scandal and the garda college financial crisis, Mr Kelly said the role would be suited to his abilities.

Asked if he would be interested in becoming the justice minister, Mr Kelly declared: Do I want to serve in government again? Of course. Of course. I think I would thrive in going in to clean up the department. Its suited to the kind of person I am, and Templemores in my backyard.

Of course, if we get into government and Im re-elected, Id like to be a minister, but the Department of Justice is something Ive a particular interest in.

Id like to go in and gut it. There are plenty of people in there who are good people but, culturally, it needs to change.

Obviously, we all know the Department of Justice is dysfunctional.

It was unprecedented for the Taoiseach to stand up in the Dail in November and say it. So, that department has to be absolutely gutted.

Mr Kelly said that while Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, has hinted that ousted justice minister and tanaiste, Frances Fitzgerald, could return to frontline politics in the future, if she is cleared by the Charleton tribunal over the Maurice McCabe garda emails scandal, this will not happen.

Ive nothing personal against Frances Fitzgerald. Shes somebody Im friendly with and I think she has a contribution to make in the future.

But, in terms of her being vindicated, I dont think thats going to happen. I think her whole handling of the situation was untenable and thats not going to change, he said.

The ex-environment minister said that when the Charleton tribunal begins discussing the garda emails scandal, next week, it is likely to uncover further information about what happened, potentially putting Mr Flanagan under fresh pressure to clarify his officials actions.

If you ask me was the department hiding information, Id say theres no doubt in my mind that theres more documents, Mr Kelly said.

That whole issue hasnt been dealt with and, in the near future, in the coming months, there has to be answers. I will need an explanation and if the standard of answers over the interactions between the gardai and the Department of Justice isnt good enough, then I think thats something Charlie Flanagan will have to answer for.

I think Charlie Flanagan is in a very difficult situation, if the Department of Justice doesnt change its attitude. I expect Charlie is going to have to deal with that, and deal with it immediately, he suggested.
In correspondence sent to the Department of Justice last summer, the Legal Aid Board highlighted the reasons for its decision  later reversed after a public outcry  to restrict, to priority matters only, referrals to the family law panel of the Private Practitioner District Court Panel.

The decision raised fears of adding to already long waiting lists in sensitive family law cases.

At the time, the Legal Aid Board said it was a temporary measure and would not affect cases involving domestic violence or maintenance enforcement.

The move was reversed at the end of July and correspondence released to the Irish Examiner under Freedom of Information shows the extent of the financial stress faced by the Legal Aid Board ahead of the initial announcement  including the diverting funds linked to the Abhaile Scheme.

In a letter to the director of corporate services in the department on July 25, Legal Aid Board chief executive John McDaid said following a half-yearly financial review there is a considerable red in the column for the year to date.

Referring to the big reduction since 2013 in the number of people waiting for the boards services and falls in average waiting times, Mr McDaid said: The reality is that there has been a financial cost associated with this level of performance, and as a consequence the boards resources are under considerable pressure across a number of areas of expenditure.

He said that in order to remain within our budgetary framework for 2017, we have allocated some of the funds that were earmarked for the Abhaile Scheme to other budget lines.

This is on the basis that there is likely to be a surplus of up to 1.2m from the 2.3m given specifically for the non-pay side for Abhaile for 2017  a figure of 594,000 was also carried over into 2017 from the 2016 monies assigned to the Abhaile Scheme.

He also highlighted the rising cost of the use of expert witnesses in cases, associated with the new provisions on the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 that relate to the voice of the child.

In later correspondence, Mr McDaid said the Legal Aid Board was going to postpone the restrictions primarily on the basis of sweating down our staff numbers and probably deferring one property decision, adding there could be advantages and also a downside to those actions.

He also referred to uncertainties in relation to the Abhaile Scheme and in particular the number of PIA [Personal Insolvency Arrangement] review cases far exceeding the number contemplated when the scheme was being established.
The 18-year-old had two mobile phones and gardai are beginning the process of examining them to establish if they contain any online or text communications which might give an insight into his state of mind or what preceded his rampage.

Officers will also try and establish with whom he was in contact in recent days and weeks.

The phones would be critical, to see who he might have been in contact with and who his associates are. Also his online activity would be important, said a source.

Louth divisional officer Chief Superintendent Christy Mangan said the three attacks yesterday morning appeared to have been random and unprovoked.

He said they had not established a motive, but said that a terror attack was a line of inquiry. He said he would not comment on the suspects state or mind.

Specialist units, including Counter Terrorism International, part of the Special Detective Unit, are assisting gardai in Dundalk.

Security sources told the Irish Examiner that if international terrorism is established as a motive it would represent the first jihadist attack in Ireland.

It could have an impact on our international terrorism threat level, which is currently at moderate (the second of five levels), which means an attack is possible but not likely.

However, sources said the attack may not be linked to or inspired by international terrorism and that the youth might have acted because of other reasons, such as possible personal or psychiatric issues.

One source said that the man was highly agitated in Dundalk Garda Station following his arrest and that officers were unsure as to whether or not they would be able to interview him.

Gardai examine a sealed-off scene at Seatown, Dundalk, where the third incident took place. Picture: Colin Keegan

It is understood they waited for a doctor to pass the suspect as suitable for interview.

We have to keep an open mind and theres a bit to go yet on this. But establishing if there is a terrorist motive and if the person was acting on his own will be key, said a separate source.

He added: If it is proven it is terror-related, it is the first attack linked to international terrorism here.

We have been keeping our fingers crossed it wouldnt happen here, which is the big fear.

The source said: Until now, all the investigations and intelligence has been in relation to documentation or financing for terrorist groups abroad or recruitment to fight abroad, not attacks here.

He said there was the so-called Jihad Jane plot, involving Irish and US conspirators, which aimed to murder cartoonist Lars Vilks in Sweden in 2010.

Gardai yesterday searched a dilapidated house they suspect the Egyptian teen was using, near where he attacked the Japanese national on Avenue Road, to see if they can uncover any evidence that might assist them in their inquiries.

Chief Supt Mangan said there was a garda interaction with the suspect for the first time on New Years Day.

The scene at Seatown in Dundalk, Co Louth, where a person was hit over the head with an iron bar yesterday. Picture: Ciara Wilkinson

He said this was in relation to his immigration status and that there was nothing to indicate he was going to be involved in any criminality.

He said their information was that the youth had either applied for asylum or was about to do so.

Meanwhile, a shop assistant yesterday recounted how the suspect walked into his store at Seapoint.

The man came in here, looked around and walked out. He was here for no more than 10 seconds.

When the assistant looked out the window he saw an injured man holding his head and the other man holding what appeared to be a large stick.

I think he hit the chap holding his head, the assistant said.

The injured man, who is 23 and from just outside Dundalk, went for assistance at a nearby pharmacy, Smyths Life Pharmacy.

Its owner Anne McEntegart said: The wound was pumping, there was a lot of blood. She and her staff looked after the man and they rang the gardai as well as an ambulance.

The man is understood to have just got off a bus at Seatown when he was struck with what he thought was an iron bar or something similar.

It was totally random. He came in here afterward asking for help, said Ms McEntegart.

Gardai were yesterday in the process of contacting the family of the Japanese man.

Its very, very hard for the family to have someone working over here and get murdered in a foreign country, said Chief Supt Mangan.
Yesterday, the minister said he has no evidence to support the allegation.

Mr Skehan said that while the homelessness crisis was severe, some families were trying to game the system by wrongly registering as homeless to jump social-housing queues.

He said this was distorting the true scale of the crisis and making the homelessness rate seem worse than it was.

Mr Skehan said: We unwittingly created a problem, by prioritising self-declared homelessness above all other types of housing need, which created a distortion in the waiting list system and may have encouraged people to game the system.

The deeply controversial remark led to an immediate backlash from opposition parties and advocacy groups, while Dublin City Councils housing and community services unit outright rejected Mr Skehans claims, in a key intervention later on Tuesday.

However, asked yesterday about the controversy, during a National Emergency Co-Ordination Group media briefing, in response to the Storm Eleanor situation, Mr Murphy said there is no evidence to back up the claim.

While stopping short of saying Mr Skehan was wrong to have made the claims, the housing minister said he was not aware of any information to support what was said.

What I think Conor Skehan is saying is that it may have been an unintended consequence of previous government policy.

Homelessness is a very complex issue; people find themselves in very difficult situations in their lives, from no fault of their own, and they come to our local authorities and emergency- response services looking for help.

When they come for help, we do a detailed assessment to see how best we can help them and help them into emergency accommodation, but, ideally, put them into a permanent solution, if we can do that, as quickly as possible.

Conor Skehan is the chair of the Housing Agency. He advises on government policy.

Its not for me to criticise him for doing that. Its important that we have different voices in this debate.

Ive no evidence, in my department, of people presenting or trying to game the system.

Again, Conor was saying that may have been an unintended consequence of previous government policy, Mr Murphy said.
Levelling the criticism, it said it was gravely concerned, but not surprised at what has transpired.

This was always going to be how 2018 started in our EDs (emergency departments), a spokeswoman for the association said yesterday.

Everyone, from the minister for health (Simon Harris) to the clinician at the frontline knew it, yet little of substance was done by the DoH (Department of Health) and the HSE to address it.

This week, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation said there were 656 on hospital trolleys. Yesterday, it updated the figure to 677, with the flu epidemic yet to peak.

The IAEM said no solutions had been put forward to help the overstretched emergency departments.

No solutions seem to be in sight. HSE plans are unambitious and token and are either not implemented or are too slow or too feeble to respond. The Acute Bed Capacity Review will tell us what we have already known for years, namely that we need many more beds.

In the longer term, investment in primary care may improve our nations health, but this is currently little more than an aspiration. This winter and next need immediate solutions, said the IAEM spokeswoman, who added that prefab-type units had been suggested to deal with last years flu season, but the idea had been shot down.

Last year, we said we needed more beds. We said that, in some hospitals, modular ward units needed to be commissioned as a short-term measure, pending longer-term capital projects.

We were told that modular builds would take months. We said start now then, but it didnt happen. The number of delayed discharges needs to be reduced dramatically to free up beds, the IAEM insisted, adding that the sense of deja vu this year is overwhelming and disappointing.

The issues of children on trolleys and staff stress were also highlighted by the IAEM yesterday.

We are also seeing children, who need a hospital bed, being held overnight in EDs; [it is] a new and worrying trend that is not captured in any of the official figures. This is not just a problem today; this situation has been very challenging all through the Christmas and New Year period, said the IAEM spokeswoman.

Any extra beds created will need staff and the reality of persistently difficult working conditions is that we are haemorrhaging doctors, nurses and other staff involved in acute care.

We recognise that it is really tough being a patient in an ED currently. We are also aware just how difficult it is working in grossly crowded EDs at the moment, she added.
A total of 47 people  45 of them male  lost their lives in various incidents, but half of all of the deaths occurred on farms, making farming the deadliest occupation for the eighth year in a row.

Older farmers were most at risk as 14 of the 24 people killed on farms were over the age of 65. The Health and Safety Authority said the tragedies pointed to a need for a culture change on Irish farms.

Chief executive Martin OHalloran said: Everyone involved in farming must aim to make whatever changes are necessary to work practices, to stop these accidents occurring each year. That means safety must be paramount when carrying out any work, especially with tractors or farm machinery.

We have seen 14 elderly farmers killed this year, many of them working alone at the time of the accident. Finding supports for elderly farmers or farmers working alone is something that needs to be addressed.

Mr OHalloran said the HSA would continue to play its part but emphasised: Safe farming has to happen every day, not just after an inspection. We need to make this a fundamental part of farming culture. Until it is, we will continue to have devastation and carnage on our farms.

After agriculture, the construction and transport sectors had the highest number of fatalities with six deaths each, and accidents involving vehicles were the biggest single cause of deaths.

We have over 2m people at work and this is a positive development. However, this will lead to increased traffic and movement of vehicles in workplaces creating hazards that must be managed, Mr OHalloran said.

Regardless of the sector, where we have people and vehicles moving in close proximity, the danger is elevated. These dangers are greatly reduced when everyone is aware of the hazards and safe systems of work are implemented.

The youngest fatal accident victim was a one-year-old boy killed when he was struck by a digger on a farm in Co Kilkenny, while the oldest was a 94-year-old Co Laois man who died in a fall at a garage inspection pit.

Accidents involving vehicles caused 21 of the deaths last year while falls from height, which killed six, was the second most common cause of fatalities.

Of all those who died, 18 were self-employed, 15 were employees and seven were family workers.

The deaths include the four crew members of Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116 which crashed off Co Mayo last March.
Detectives, including specialist anti-terrorism officers, are trying to establish if there might be a jihadist motivation for the attack  which would be the first of its kind in the country.

Gardai yesterday confirmed that a terror attack was a line of inquiry.

Sources stressed that there may be personal factors involved.

Detectives had to seek clearance from a doctor to interview the 18-year-old asylum seeker because he was in such a highly agitated state and was hitting himself.

There are reports that he was shouting in Dundalk Garda Station about some dishonour he had brought to his family, thought to be in Britain, possibly regarding some relationship issue.

The teenager was disarmed and arrested by uniformed, and unarmed, gardai at 9.45am yesterday after a spree that began at 9am, when he knifed a Japanese man, aged 24, in the back.

The victim was walking on Avenue Rd on his way to work at the time.

It is thought that the suspect was staying in an abandoned house nearby and may have gone back into it after the attack.

The Garda Dog Unit and gardai at the scene of a fatal attack on Avenue Road, Dundalk, Co Louth. Picture: Colin Keegan

Gardai were alerted and arrived at the murder scene within seven minutes.

It is thought the suspect re-emerged from his house, possibly armed with a second knife and a wooden fence pole, and walked to Coes Rd, where, at 9.30am, he stabbed a local man.

Some 10 minutes later, on nearby Seatown Place, he assaulted another Irishman, aged 23, with the pole, inflicting head injuries.

The suspect was spotted by a uniformed garda and, after backup arrived, he was arrested at around 9.45am on Inner Relief Rd. It is understood he attempted to attack the gardai with the pole, but they subdued him.

The Japanese man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Gardai examine a sealed-off scene at Seatown, Dundalk, where the third incident took place. Picture: Colin Keegan

Divisional officer, Chief Superintendent Christy Mangan yesterday said they had not yet established a motive and would not comment on the suspects state of mind.

He said the attacks appeared to be random and unprovoked.

He confirmed that terrorism was being investigated as a possible cause.

A terror attack is a line of inquiry, it is certainly a line we would look at, he said.

Specialist Garda sections from Crime and Security, including Counter Terrorism International and Security and Intelligence, are assisting gardai in Dundalk.

CTI investigates jihadist terrorism and is part of the Special Detective Unit.

Security and Intelligence is the Gardas intelligence-gathering arm and is the liaison section with international security services.

The scene at Seatown in Dundalk, Co Louth, where a person was hit over the head with an iron bar yesterday. Picture: Ciara Wilkinson

Security sources told the Irish Examiner that if international terrorism is established as a motive, it would represent the first jihadist attack in Ireland.

Irelands current international terrorism threat assessment is moderate (the second of five levels), which means an attack is possible, but not likely.

Gardai yesterday began the process of examining two mobile phones that were taken off the suspect.

Sources said these phones could be critical in helping to establish possible motivation for the attack and that gardai will examine online and text communications for any clues. It would also enable investigators to establish who he had been in contact with.

Gardai are conducting a technical examination of the abandoned house for any clues. They will also try and talk to the suspects family. If they are in the UK, this would be done through British police.

One security source said it was very difficult to legislate for an attack that involved knives or poles.

Chief Supt Mangan said there was a Garda interaction with the suspect for the first time on New Years Day.

He said this was in relation to his immigration status and not an interaction that would indicate he was going to be involved in any criminality.

He said their information was that the youth had either applied for asylum or was about to do so.

He said there would be an international dimension to their inquiries to establish where this person came from and how he got to this jurisdiction.

It is understood that after local gardai in Dundalk asked the youth for his Garda National Immigration Bureau card on New Years Day, he was sent to Hatch Hall accommodation in Dublin city centre.

He must have travelled back to Dundalk and gardai are investigating why.
It comes amid fresh calls for the emergency department taskforce to be convened to address the crisis.

Independent Alliance TD and junior education minister John Halligan said the escalating situation is unacceptable.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) urged the HSE and Department of Health to convene a taskforce to tackle the national emergency and said hospitals simply cannot cope.

An all-time high of 656 people waiting on trolleys was reached on Tuesday. The figure was exceeded yesterday with 677 waiting.

While some government officials said the situation is being brought under control, Mr Halligan said the conditions and figures are outrageous and cannot be allowed to continue.

I had reason to be in the Waterford hospital many times over the Christmas period because of a family matter, he told RTE radios Today With Sean ORourke programme.

I was there twice a day for three weeks and I did see people on trolleys, and I spoke with people on trolleys, and I thought it was outrageous to be quite frank with you. What else can I say?

Labours health spokesman, Alan Kelly, said the rising trolley figures are not sustainable for patients or staff in hospitals. He said there is no point in blaming the flu outbreak for the rates as it is clear little was learned from last winter.

Solidarity-People Before Profit and the Social Democrats were also scathing, with the latters Roisin Shortall, a former junior health minister, saying the trolley crisis is predictable and avoidable  a claim also made by Sinn Fein and Fianna Fail on Tuesday.

This latest trolley crisis is a national disgrace and is intolerable for both patients and staff, but it is also absolutely predictable, said Ms Shortall.

After a summer when our health services were on a knife-edge, it was inevitable that winter flu and other seasonal illnesses would push our hospitals beyond breaking point.

While agreeing with the criticism, Mr Halligan noted a number of these parties  particularly Fianna Fail  did not take the opportunity to enter government after the last general election, and as such should limit their claims on how they can solve the health crisis.

Maybe theyll have an opportunity to do that in a few months or next year, but I doubt they will [enter government], he said.

Meanwhile, the INMO said it is seeking an immediate meeting of the emergency department taskforce to address the trolley crisis.

In a statement, new general secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha said the situation is out of control and has become a national emergency that the Government and HSE must immediately address if it wants to avoid needless loss of life.

We are very concerned at the level of planning to avoid the situation that has been engaged in some locations and we have sought to meet with the HSE as a matter of urgency, she said.

We are awaiting their confirmation that this meeting will take place, with a view to examining alternative arrangements for hospitals that are simply too overcrowded to continue to accept admissions.

It is clear that a national emergency is now in place and certain locations simply cannot cope.

While health officials are not inclined to convene the emergency department taskforce yet as the heads of hospitals need to remain at their facilities, they are concerned about the fact the backlog of patients in hospitals is causing trolley counts to surge overnight.
Newly enacted rental ordinance back on agenda The town council is considering the formation of a working group to potentially amend the ordinance that governs short-term rentals, which was passed unanimously in August. Ron Ratcliffe, serving as...

LITTLE WOMEN, BIG STAGE The Jamestown Community Theatre will perform a five-show production of the Broadway musical Little Women, a coming-of-age-story based on the classic 1868 novel by Louisa May Alcott. The story follows...

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A federal judge in Alabama has ruled that accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers inability to detect a $2.3 billion mortgage fraud contributed to the collapse of Colonial BancGroup Inc. in August 2009.

Judge Barbara Rothstein ruled Dec. 28 that the accounting firm was negligent in reviewing Colonials financial statements from 2002 to 2008, particularly as it related to the mortgage warehouse lending division where the fraud occurred.

BB&T gained $26 billion in total assets  17 percent of its total assets at that time  and $20 billion in deposits in a deal brokered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. The FDIC covered $14.3 billion of those assets in a loss-share agreement that avoided a major bank default.

Given the rise in bank failures from 2008 to 2011, it is unlikely BB&T would have agreed to take over Colonial without the agreement. The Colonial assets and deposits served as BB&Ts entrance points into Alabama and Texas.

The ruling did not include a financial penalty. Law360.com is reporting that the FDIC could receive hundreds of millions of dollars in damages from the accounting firm. An amended complaint filed in November 2011 said damages were likely to exceed $500 million.

FDIC spokesman David Barr said Wednesday that the court will set a trial date to consider the damages phase of the case.

A spokeswoman for the accounting firm said it looks forward to the damages phase where the FDIC will bear the burden of proof on what remains of their inflated damages claim. She said the firm was pleased that the judge rejected other claims by the FDIC and Colonials bankruptcy trustee.

Attorneys for the FDIC and Colonial claimed PricewaterhouseCoopers had inexperienced accountants, including an intern, reviewing the Colonial financial statements, in particular the areas where mortgage fraud occurred.

In a separate trial involving the bankruptcy trustee for Taylor, Bean and Whitaker, PricewaterhouseCoopers officials testified that their audits are not designed to detect fraud and had no obligation to look for fraud.

After the fraud was detected, a seizure of Colonial documents and those of Taylor, Bean and Whitaker by FBI and U.S. Treasury officials was conducted in August 2009  about 10 days before the FDIC took over Colonial.

Lee Farkas, who owned the mortgage company, was sentenced in 2011 to 30 years in prison after being convicted on 14 fraud and conspiracy counts. The mortgage company was accused of hiding billions of dollars in debts with phony accounting and by double- and triple-selling mortgages it held to various financial institutions.

Also in 2011, Catherine Kissick, a Colonial senior vice president, was sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank, wire and securities fraud. She was head of Colonials mortgage warehouse lending division.

Another Colonial official, as well as three with the mortgage company, were sentenced to prison terms.
N.C. borrowers gain refund from PHH Mortgage

Attorneys general from 49 states and the District of Columbia, including North Carolina, and more than 40 state mortgage regulators have reached a $45 million settlement with New Jersey-based mortgage lender and servicer PHH Mortgage Corp.

The settlement resolves allegations that PHH, the nations ninth largest non-bank residential mortgage originator and servicer, improperly serviced mortgage loans from Jan. 1, 2009, through Dec. 31, 2012.

The agreement requires PHH to follow comprehensive mortgage servicing standards, conduct audits, and provide audit results to a committee of states.

Borrowers who were subjected to PHH foreclosures during the eligible period will qualify for a minimum $840 payment. Borrowers who faced foreclosures that PHH initiated during the eligible period, but did not lose their home, will receive at least $285.

The $45 million settlement includes $30.4 million in payments to borrowers, including a combined $720,165 to 1,080 N.C. borrowers. A settlement administrator will contact eligible recipients.

The settlement also includes payments to the state attorneys general who helped lead the investigation and negotiations and to the state mortgage regulators.

The settlement does not release PHH from liability for any conduct that may have occurred since 2013.

Richard Craver

Rockwell, Panera sales ranked among top deals

Two corporate transactions involving North Carolina are among the top-15 business deals of 2017, as ranked by Zacks Equity Research.

Third on the list is the proposed $30 billion offer in August by United Technologies Corp. for Rockwell Collins Inc. The deal is projected to close in the third quarter, pending regulatory and shareholder approval.

Rockwell spent $8.6 billion in April to buy B/E Aerospace Inc., essentially to gain its airplane interior business. Rockwell gained 1,600 employees in Forsyth County in the deal.

Fifth was JAB Holdings, the parent company of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc., spending $7.5 billion to buy Panera Bread.

Topping the list was Amazon spending $13.7 billion to buy Whole Foods, followed by Intel spending $15.3 billion to purchase Mobileye.

Richard Craver

Suit faults Google for asking about prior pay

SAN FRANCISCO  A revised gender-pay lawsuit seeking class-action status against Google faults the search giant for asking new hires about their prior salary, a practice now banned in California.

The suit also adds a fourth complainant, a preschool teacher with a masters degree.

The Associated Press
Winston-Salem police are searching for a man who robbed the Wells Fargo Bank Wednesday at 4626 Country Club Road, authorities said.

The incident happened at about 12:25 p.m. when a man entered the bank and presented a teller a note demanding money, Winston-Salem police said. The suspect then ran from the bank with an undisclosed amount of money.

Video surveillance from a nearby shopping center in the 100 block of Jonestown Road showed the suspect running southeast behind the businesses toward Mar-Don Drive and U.S. 421, police said.

The suspect is described as male, 30 to 40 years old, standing 5 feet 11 inches to 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 160 to 180 pounds, police said. The suspect was wearing a black knit cap, black jacket, khaki pants, and black, heavy framed glasses. He also has a goatee and silver cosmetic front teeth.

Detectives are investigating the incident.

Anyone with information about this robbery is asked to call police at 336-773-7700 or Crime Stoppers at 336-727-2800.
A Walkertown man who had been permanently banned from providing paving and graveling services in North Carolina was convicted Wednesday on charges that he conned a 69-year-old Winston-Salem woman out of more than $3,000 to pave her driveway in 2016. And according to testimony in Forsyth Superior Court, the paving was done so poorly that it damaged the womans driveway.

Lige Bobby Boswell, 48, of the 2800 block of Martin Street entered an Alford plea Wednesday in Forsyth Superior Court to one count of obtaining property by false pretenses and one count of exploiting a disabled or elderly person. An Alford plea means Boswell didnt admit guilt but acknowledged that Forsyth County prosecutors had enough evidence to convict him if the case had gone to trial. For the purpose of sentencing, an Alford plea is treated the same way as a typical guilty plea.

Judge John O. Craig of Forsyth Superior Court consolidated the charges, as required under the plea arrangement, and sentenced Boswell to serve between six months and one year, five months in prison. The two charges are the lowest-level felonies, and Boswell has no prior felony convictions.

According to Assistant District Attorney Sara Loebner and court documents, Boswell has a long history of defrauding people through his paving business.

In November 2014, Judge Paul Ridgeway of Wake Superior Court permanently banned Boswell, his employees and his various companies from doing any paving or graveling work in North Carolina.

The N.C. Attorney Generals Office previously filed a complaint in 2011 against Boswell, alleging that he and his companies engaged in deceptive business practices. Boswell had been convicted of crimes connected to defrauding people through his paving business in Harnett, Johnston, Buncombe, Cabarrus and Alamance counties. State prosecutors said Boswell would not provide a written contract or quote a price and then after the work was done, he would pressure people to pay. Even after a temporary ban in 2011, Boswell continued to defraud people, state prosecutors said.

The allegations in those cases were similar to what he is accused of doing on May 25, 2016. Detective Scott Sluder said that on that day, Boswell, Jerome Bernard Shaw and four other men went to Mickey Reavis house and offered her a deal: They would pave her driveway for free because they had extra asphalt from another job they had just completed.

Reavis agreed, and after the work was done, the men said she would owe $6,500 for the driveway because of sealant that was used. When Reavis balked, Boswell and the other men reduced the price to $3,700, Sluder said.

Reavis, who is now 71, told the judge Wednesday that she felt she had no choice but to pay because six men were standing around her.

I thought they were going to kill me if I didnt pay, Reavis said.

Reavis said she post-dated the check until June. The men gave her conflicting information about to whom she should make out the check. She finally wrote the check to Shaw, who took it to a bank and cashed it. Loebner said an outstanding arrest warrant has been issued for Shaw, but police have not located him.

Sluder said the paving work was poorly done. He used a key and scraped up some of the asphalt on the driveway. State transportation officials inspected the driveway and concluded that the driveway had been paved with loose and substandard asphalt that wouldnt last the winter months. And even though Boswell had told Reavis that sealant had been applied to the driveway, that wasnt true, according to a news release from the Forsyth County District Attorneys Office.

Reavis said she couldnt afford the repair work. She called the Winston-Salem Police Department, which did an investigation, and she identified Boswell.

Boswell had operated under the names of Katidid Paving, AJ Paving, Absolute Paving and Skyline Paving, all with the address at 2867 Martin St. in Walkertown, which is the address on all court papers connected to his current case.

Each company received an F rating from the Better Business Bureau of Northwest N.C. In previously banning Boswell from operating in North Carolina, Ridgeway of Wake Superior Court also ordered Boswell to pay $6,100 in refunds to three consumers who had filed affidavits in the case, as well as civil penalties to the state.

His contractors license in Virginia was revoked over violations of regulations for residential paving and resurfacing jobs in that state. In 1997, he was convicted of deceptive business practices in Washington County, Penn., because of a 1996 paving transaction, according to court documents.

George Cleland, Boswells attorney, said Boswell is married and has adult children. He and his wife have custody of a 6-year-old grandson and Boswell is currently working for his brother, who is in the paving business. Boswell does office work, he said.

Paving is all he knows, Cleland said.

Boswell is also a greeter and an usher at Baux Mountain Baptist Church, he said.

Loebner urged Craig to give Boswell an active sentence, saying his history indicates that he does not obey court orders.

He has taken advantage of multiple victims, she said.
The Winston-Salem Police Department has assumed the investigation into the whereabouts of a 34-year-old woman who was last seen on Christmas Eve.

Ann Marie Carter left 1104 Salem Valley Road on Dec. 24 in an orange 2005 Chevy Cobalt. A media release says Carter has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression and schizophrenia. A Silver Alert has been issued by the N.C. Center for Missing Persons.

Carter is 5 feet, 7 inches tall and was last seen wearing blue jeans and a gray pullover with the word Florida printed on the front.

Anyone with information regarding Carters whereabouts is asked to call the Winston-Salem Police Department at 336-773-7700.
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump declared his former chief strategist Stephen K. Bannon persona non grata Wednesday, delivering a scorching rebuke to the man who had been Trumps most visible partner in his efforts to redefine the Republican Party according to their populist and nationalist vision.

Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my Presidency, Trump said in a caustic four-paragraph statement released by the White House. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind.

Trump rarely dispatches his advisers entirely, whether he fires them or they are disgraced. Bannon had tested that in recent months, however, with reported comments mocking Trump and his children and casting himself as a master strategist and political theorist.

The presidents public denunciation of Bannon came only after a report early Wednesday, based on excerpts from a forthcoming book, that quoted Bannon condemning as treasonous a June 2016 meeting in which Donald Trump Jr. and Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law, met with Kremlin-linked Russians to get dirt on Hillary Clinton.

Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad  and I happen to think its all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately, Bannon reportedly said.

His verdict on the meeting in Trump Tower  an event now at the center of a special counsels criminal investigation of Russian election meddling and potential Trump campaign complicity  was taken from a book to be released next week and obtained before publication by The Guardian newspaper. Bannons reported comment is an especially damning charge, undercutting Trumps claim that the Russia story is a Democratic hoax.

Other portions of the book, as reported by The Guardian and excerpted in New York magazine, quote other Trump aides, and overall they portray him as ill-informed, unprepared and ill-tempered and contend that neither Trump nor family members and associates expected him to win election. In a separate statement, the spokeswoman for first lady Melania Trump denied an assertion that Melania was in tears  and not of joy.

Bannon, who led Trumps campaign through most of the general election season and was a senior White House counselor for seven months, has long used the populist website he runs, Breitbart News, to war against mainstream Republicans and party leaders while giving voice to white nationalists. After his firing in August, Bannon sounded a fresh declaration of intraparty war, vowing to support challengers to Republican lawmakers insufficiently supportive of Trumps protectionist populism and hard-line immigration policies.

But even as he rankled many Trump allies and GOP congressional leaders, Bannon enjoyed a continued relationship with Trump, who praised him publicly and sought his advice. When Bannon left the White House, Trump thanked him for his service on Twitter, and said he will be a tough and smart new voice at Breitbart.

Bannons critics blamed him for encouraging Trumps most destructive instincts and for the presidents failure to appeal to voters beyond his political base. A smaller group of supporters praised Bannon for helping the president solidify that base.

Trumps disowning of Bannon immediately cheered mainstream Republicans. A political group tied to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has long been a Bannon target, summed up its glee in a Twitter message that had no words, just a short video of McConnell grinning.

Trump Jr. and Anthony Scaramucci, another banished Trump official, who had conflicted with Bannon, shared their joy on Twitter. Both cited profanity-laced comments that Scaramucci made about Bannon in an interview with The New Yorker magazine in July, accusing Bannon of trying to build his own brand off the strength of the president.

Trumps oldest son also tweeted that Bannon had turned the opportunity of working in the White House into a nightmare of backstabbing, harassing, leaking, lying & undermining the President. Steve is not a strategist, he is an opportunist.

The president apparently reached the same conclusion. In his statement he dismissed Bannon as a staffer who worked for me after I had already won the nomination.

Now that he is on his own, Steve is learning that winning isnt as easy as I make it look, Trump added.

Trump blamed Bannon for leaking to the media while in the White House and for losing an Alabama Senate seat in last months special election.

Bannon backed Roy Moore, who defeated an incumbent Republican senator that Trump supported. Bannon campaigned for Moore in Alabama and through Breitbart, sending reporters to the state in a failed effort to discredit reports in The Washington Post that Moore had molested a 14-year-old girl decades ago and made advances on other underage girls. Trump, at Bannons urging, endorsed Moore in the general election race against Democrat Doug Jones.

Steve had everything to do with the loss of a Senate seat in Alabama held for more than 30 years by Republicans, Trump said in a statement. Steve doesnt represent my base  hes only in it for himself. (Republicans had the seat for 21 years.)

Separately, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders accused Bannon of going after the presidents son in an outrageous and unprecedented way and said that the president was furious and disgusted.

Bannon is expected to testify soon in a closed hearing of the House Intelligence Committee and will be questioned about what he knew, if anything, about ties between Trump associates and Russian officials.

The June 2016 meeting in Trump Tower occurred before Bannon joined the campaign. He didnt object entirely to the meeting taking place, he reportedly recounted in the book, but said it should have been handled by lawyers and held far from Trump Tower. Any dirt on Clinton should have been passed, he said, to Breitbart or something like that, or maybe some other more legitimate publication.

Attorneys for Trump Jr. and Kushner did not respond to emails requesting comment. An attorney for Paul Manafort, the Trump campaign chairman at the time of the meeting who also attended, declined to comment.

(EDITORS: STORY CAN END HERE)

Bannons denigration of Trump and his family represents yet another unusual twist to the Trump presidency.

Though other presidents aides have, on occasions, written tell-all books or given indiscreet interviews, they have rarely done it with such gusto and abandon. A profile in Vanity Fair last month reported that Bannon had told a friend that Trump was like an 11-year-old child, and that he recalled allegations in a dropped lawsuit that Trump had raped a California teenager.

Bannon has his own platform, unlike most chiefs of staff or advisers who seek to be part of conventional politics, said Henry Olsen, a conservative author.

Olsen, however, argues that Bannons role in the populist movement has been overstated.

Bannon, he said, assumed a public persona because, in a world of reporting that focuses on personalities, he was one of the few personalities who could be ascribed to be Trump-like.



(Times staff writer Chris Megerian contributed to this report.)



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The Post reports:

Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah) will retire from the Senate at the end of this term, he announced Tuesday, a decision that will bring a decades-long congressional career to an end early next year.

After much prayer and discussion with family and friends, Ive decided to retire at the end of this term, Hatch, 83, said in a video posted on Twitter. Hatch is the president pro tempore of the Senate, as well as the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.

Hatchs retirement means an open seat race in his Republican-leaning state in this years midterm election.

This might be the most consequential Senate retirement ever involving a seat that is highly unlikely to change parties. Heres what to watch for:

First, the decision represents another Senate setback for President Trump, who wanted to keep Hatch, once a mainstream and practical Republican but more recently an unabashed apologist for Trump, in the Senate. After the announced retirements of Sens. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) and Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) as well as the Alabama debacle, Trump may face a far more confrontational Senate, even if the GOP holds onto its majority.

Second, this clears the way for Trump nemesis and former GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney to run. If elected, Romney would have instantaneous gravitas on a range of issues, including the Russia investigation. Its no exaggeration to say that he would be the leader of the #NeverTrump Republicans in the Senate and maybe the country. Current GOP senators would, to their chagrin, likely be overshadowed by a new member.

Third, Romney represents a personal and political threat to the president, so Trump and Steve Bannon may well try to persuade another crackpot lackey to run for the seat. That would make for an amusing spectacle, but in Utah, where Trump is less popular (largely due to strong opposition among Mormons) and Romney is beloved, it would likely be another defeat for Team Trump.

Fourth, Romney from the Senate perch may test whether there is a GOP worth defending. If he can organize a center-right opposition to Trump both on policy and character grounds (including financial conflicts), the GOP might still have a pulse, although he could well find himself friendless in a party that has become co-opted by Trump.

Fifth, while Romney is a strong conservative, it is very easy to see him playing deal-maker with Democrats on issues such as infrastructure, trade, job training and research and development funding. He might even have the nerve to oppose unqualified nominees. In that regard, he can do what Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) never managed to do: create a viable center. (Romney, of course, would have an easier time dominating the body if he is the deciding vote, say, in a 50-50 Senate.)

Sixth, we should rethink the math. The conventional wisdom is that Democrats need to pick up a net three seats to win the Senate majority. That would be true even if Romney were elected, but in effect it does not guarantee Trump a majority to support his agenda. To the contrary, Romney would become not unlike Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, the swing vote who matters most of all in a body divided into opposing ideological camps. On the most consequential matter  Trumps misconduct and potential impeachment  Romney could well side with Democrats.

Romney has yet to announce that he will run, and its always possible that he could lose (although he would be the runaway favorite). However, just days into the new year, 2018 has already become potentially as exciting and unpredictable as 2017.
Less than a month ago, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said: Weve said from the diplomatic side, were ready to talk anytime North Korea would like to talk. We are ready to have the first meeting without precondition.

He continued: Lets just meet, and we can talk about the weather if you want. Talk about whether its going to be a square table or a round table, if thats what you are excited about. But can we at least sit down and see each other face to face, and then we can begin to lay out a map, a road map of what we might be willing to work towards.

The very next day, the White House seemed to walk that back.

As weve noted, the aversion to talks coming from the White House is not a sentiment shared by our Asian allies, especially South Korea. Pyongyang has now cleverly sought to exploit that divide. South Korea on Tuesday offered talks with North Korea next week, amid a tense standoff over Pyongyangs nuclear and missile programs, after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said in a New Years Day speech that he was open to dialogue with Seoul, Reuters reported. Kim also said he was open to the possibility of North Korean athletes taking part in Winter Olympics South Korea hosts next month.

That prompted the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, to declare on Tuesday: We wont take any of the talks seriously if they dont do something to ban all nuclear weapons in North Korea. We consider this to be a very reckless regime. We dont think we need a Band-Aid and we dont think we need to smile and take a picture. She added: We think that we need to have them stop nuclear weapons and they need to stop it now. So North Korea can talk with anyone they want but the U.S. is not going to recognize it or acknowledge it until they agree to ban the nuclear weapons that they have.

In other words, North Korea has to capitulate before we talk to its representatives.

So which is it  we talk with no preconditions, or we demand complete surrender before we talk? Heather Nauert said at Tuesdays daily press briefing for State Department, Our policy hasnt changed. We are working toward a denuclearized Korean peninsula. Our policy remains the same. If the Republic of Korea and if the DPRK want to have a conversation, thats fine, but we arent going to necessarily believe that Kim Jong Un is sincere and is credible in his talks.

But with this president, administration policy is in the eye of the beholder. Haley, Tillerson and President Trump often have contradictory takes.

Nauert on Tuesday correctly observed that North Korea was trying to drive a wedge of some sort between South Korea and the United States. Critics of the administration agree on that point.

Then to top off all that, Trump tweeted Tuesday night, 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!

No wonder South Korea is scrambling to conduct talks of its own.

Max Bergmann, a former State Department official now with the Center for American Progress (CAP), observes: The United States is a diplomatic mess. The UN ambassador, the secretary of state, and president are all pursuing different foreign policies. And Kim Jong un is trying to take advantage by reaching out to Seoul  he wants to drive a wedge between South Korea and its incoherent American ally. He adds: Its working. The inability to speak with one voice is one of the most dangerous dynamics with North Korea right now.

Former ambassador to Turkey Eric S. Edelman tells me that it is hard to actually know what our policy actually is given all the to-ing and fro-ing. He notes that in the past it was policy that the basis of the talks should be to pursue the total and complete de-nuclearization of the Korean peninsula  something to which North Korea has signed up in the past.

And if its hard for U.S. observers to figure out what the Trump team is doing, you can imagine the confusion in the region.

The issue isnt just Trumps erratic nature and his Tweet from the hip approach to national security. Its also that key members of his own team far too often dont appear to be on the same page with him and each other, says CAPs Brian Katulis. Every administration faces major challenges in policy coordination on national security, but hardly a week has gone by in the first year of the Trump administration when there wasnt multiple voices or policy moves that seemed to contradict each other. He explains: The consequence is that countries around the world  allies and enemies alike  will conclude that the United States is not as reliable and relevant as it used to be on the key global security issues. On North Korea, the stakes are enormous  and the United States is weaker when the administration fails to speak and act in one voice.

That weakness, as we see, causes nervous allies to fend for themselves and dogged opponents to separate us from allies and sow doubt about the United States reliability. Unless and until we have a rational commander in chief willing to study up on issues, we can expect this unfortunate state of affairs to worsen as more and more foreign leaders figure out that Trump is terrifying, incompetent and dangerous, as various diplomats told Susan Glasser. (Her summary of foreign diplomats thinking on U.S. foreign policy in general should be alarming: The U.S. president was ignorant, at times massively so, about the rudiments of the international system and Americas place in it, and in general about other countries. He seemed to respond well to flattery and the lavish laying out of red carpets; he was averse to conflict in person but more or less immovable from strongly held preconceptions. And given the chance, he would respond well to anything that seemed to offer him the opportunity to flout or overturn the policies endorsed by his predecessors Barack Obama and George W. Bush.)

Given his nuclear button tweet Tuesday night, one can hardly quibble with these characterizations.
ABC News(WASHINGTON) -- In a taped message that was played Wednesday night at a reception hosted by the U.S. Mission to the United Nations to thank those countries that voted with the U.S. -- or abstained from voting -- against a U.N. measure condemning the decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, President Donald Trump said he "greatly appreciated" those nations' actions.



Countries which did not attend the vote altogether, also were invited to the New York City event.



"I want to thank all of the nations represented here tonight for standing with the United States during the recent United Nations General Assembly vote on the status of Jerusalem," Trump said in the 47-second recording, obtained by ABC News. "Rest assured that your actions on Thursday, December 21 will go down as a very important date [and] were noted and greatly appreciated."



The president continued, "The United States remains committed to achieving lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians. There's no reason that peace should not be entered into. We will continue to work with the partners like you to ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for the region, for the world. Thank you, God bless you, and have a great new year."



U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley posted photos from the reception to her Twitter and Instagram accounts, writing, "A great night with friends..."



Nine countries voted against that U.N. condemnation, including the U.S. and Israel. Another 35 countries abstained. But key American allies like the United Kingdom and France were among the 128 countries which voted to condemn.

Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
KEARNEY  Derek Rusher has been named the new president and CEO of the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, the organization announced today.

Rusher operates Impact Art, a Kearney business that mentors artists and creates public art and murals in central Nebraska. His experience also includes working as a teacher at Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Centers West Kearney High School for 10 years, according to a news release from the chamber. He previously taught in Kearney Public Schools and Wray School District RD-2 in Colorado.

Its an honor to be here. Im appreciative of the chamber board and the hiring committee  the confidence that they have in me, I am very thankful for that, Rusher said at the news conference. Im also excited about working with my chamber team. Theres a lot of experience on that team, a lot of creativity.

It was Rushers love for Kearney that drew him to the position.

We had a number of great candidates that applied for the position, said Jeff Hinrichs, past chair of the chamber board. We interviewed a number of them and just some things that stood out was Dereks love of Kearney and enthusiasm and some of his ideas that he brought to the table. We feel real good about where Derek is going to lead the chamber as we go into 2018 and beyond.

Rushers official first day as chamber president will start Friday.

One thing that were going to do at the chamber is were going to work harder than anybody else. Were going to be the hardest working chamber, Rusher said. Thats the Kearney way. Thats what Kearney is about. Were going to work on collaboration and partnerships and building relationships.

Among Rushers goals is to bring more visibility to the organization and to grow and retain membership.

We have an awesome chamber with over 850 members already and Im looking to definitely grow that and make it even stronger, Rusher said.

The Kearney businessman is a graduate of Leadership Kearney, a program that gives participants an inside look at local businesses and organizations and helps develop the next generation of leaders.

Derek is one of those guys, said Todd Gottula, chamber board chairman, who came up through the program and kind of learned how to be a leader in Kearney from Kearney leaders. ... And thats exactly what Leadership Kearney was set up to do years ago by the people who had the vision and foresight to start that program. ... Its an exciting day for our membership.

The new president follows previous CEO Max Kathol, who became president and CEO of the chamber on June 6, 2016 and resigned from the post in May 2017.

Kathol had worked three years as director of economic development for the city of Crete and from 2010-2013 as executive director of the Plattsmouth Chamber of Commerce.

During the vacancy, Executive Board Member Josh Erickson of Kearney-based Team Concepts has worked with the chamber staff to help oversee day-to-day operations.

Im definitely passionate about this community and I am ready to get to work, Rusher said.

@AmandaPush
KEARNEY  Does Buffalo County have a problem with opioid abuse? Positive Pressure aims to find out.

Positive Pressures parent organization, Buffalo County Community Partners, announced Wednesday that Positive Pressure received a grant from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to locally address opioid misuse and overdose.

Positive Pressure has begun interviews with local stakeholders including law enforcement, medical providers and social services. The team will conduct at least 12 key information interviews and compile data to guide work on opioid misuse prevention.

Its important to learn what is happening locally in order to strategically focus our efforts on preventing opioid abuse in our community,said Emily Baughman, data coordinator for Community Partners.

People interested in being involved can contact Wanda Fedorchik, Community Partners substance abuse prevention coordinator, at 865-2283.
FILE - In this Dec. 22, 2017, file photo, President Donald Trump, responds to reporters asking questions as he leaves the White House in Washington. Trump has signed an executive order disbanding his voter fraud commission. The White House in a statement blamed the decision on numerous states that have refused to provide voter information to the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)
FILE - In this Jan. 28, 2017, file photo, President Donald Trump speaks on the phone with Prime Minister of Australia Malcolm Turnbull, with then-National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, center, and then- chief strategist Steve Bannon, right, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. Trump responded to criticism leveled at him in a new book that says he never expected Ai or wanted Ai to win the White House, his victory left his wife in tears and a senior adviser thought his son's contact with a Russian lawyer during the campaign was "treasonous." (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)
Only one more contested race has emerged for the spring election in Kenosha County.

The municipalities and schools in western Kenosha County that were closed Tuesday posted an extended deadline until 5 p.m. Wednesday for interested candidates to submit nomination papers for public office. This extended deadline was officially noticed prior to Tuesday, per state statute.

The sole contested race that emerged Wednesday will be for the Lakewood School Board. Lakewood School Board incumbent Patricia Platts, 428 Burden Ave., will face challenger Nicholas Heckel, 712 Maple St., in the general election in April.

Running unopposed for re-election are:

Salem Grade School board members Shane Gerber, 24832 74th St., and Nick Pauloni, 26313 75th St.

Bristol School board candidates Melissa Heriford, 8322 190th Ave., an incumbent, and newcomer Amy George, 8229 202nd Ave.

Brighton School Board incumbent Paul Craven will run unopposed for re-election in April.

Twin Lakes Village Board incumbents Jeremy Knoll, 1201 Lance Drive; Barbara J. Andres, 3034 Richmond Park Drive; and Thomas E. Connolly, 241 Christie Lane.
Thousands of homes and businesses throughout Kenosha County were left without power for hours Wednesday night.

We Energies spokeswoman Amy Jahns described the outage as very large, at one time affecting more than 19,000 customers.

By 10:38 p.m., about 3,176 people in the area were still without power, according to the Kenosha County Sheriffs Department. Shortly before midnight officials indicated only 22 people in the county were without power.

American Transmission Company, which helps transport electricity from We Energies, faced the transmission outage in Kenosha after a major piece of equipment failed, according to spokeswoman Jackie Olson. She said crews struggled to fix it in the frigid weather.

Olson said its not clear when power will be completely restored and declined to identify the location of the equipment failure, citing security concerns.

We Energies assisted in the repair to restore power as quickly as possible, Jahns said.

The police and sheriffs departments monitored major intersections, and the Public Safety Building was on auxiliary power until late Wednesday.

City Hall was without power for hours, and Wednesdays City Council meeting was canceled as a result.

Both the water plant and the wastewater plant were without power. We have generators, so its not a problem for us, said Water Utility General Manager Ed St. Peter.

St. Peter said the outage is the largest hes ever seen.

This is the biggest area Ive seen in my life, and Ive lived here 65 years, St. Peter said. All the way out to Green Bay Road theres no power. Its unbelievable, everythings black. Theres no street lights, no stop-and-go lights anywhere.

The police and sheriffs departments reported there was not a dramatic increase in crashes due to the power outage, and that most people were driving carefully on local roads.

Still, officials issued a statement asking residents to use their best judgment and drive cautiously.

At 8:15 p.m., law enforcement agencies, in partnership with the Kenosha Unified School District, opened warming shelters at Indian Trail Academy and Tremper High School for those without heat.

Please check in on family, friends and neighbors who might be affected and please pass along this information, the police department said in a Facebook post.

The Salvation Army, 3116 75th St., also offered a warming shelter to those in need.

KUSD spokeswoman Tanya Ruder said the school district was monitoring the situation late Wednesday.

We have at least 15 buildings, including the Educational Support Center, without power right now. As for school Thursday, were just watching and monitoring the situation. As soon as we are aware the power is back on, our facilities team will inspect the affected buildings to make sure power is on at them and to look for any possible problems with heating and burst pipes, she said in a statement.

Outage lasts hours

The first outages were reported around 5:45 p.m. Wednesday.

At Lou Perrines Gas & Grocery, 5145 Sheridan Road, customers were left in the dark.

We were busy and then it went down, said owner Anthony Perrine, adding that they owe some customers money because they were unable to pump fuel and the registers were locked.

Perrine called the outage a humongous inconvenience.

Many locals took to social media to express their frustration. The area is facing a wind chill advisory, and many are concerned about heating their homes.

Too cold to be without power!!!!!, wrote one woman on the Kenosha News Facebook page.

It could very well end up deadly with these temperatures, another woman wrote on the Kenosha News website. Hope power gets restored ASAP.
Inland Fisheries Ireland has today launched its sponsorship fund for 2018, which will support angling events and initiatives across the country.

The fund supported 79 events and initiatives across 19 counties to the tune of 30,000 in 2017, with a particular focus on those which help grow Irelands angling tourism product and support novice anglers. Recreational angling is estimated to have contributed over 800 million to Irelands economy in 2017, supporting upwards of 11,000 jobs.

Inland Fisheries Irelands Sponsorship Fund aims to support large international competitions held in Ireland which showcase Irelands angling offering and contribute to local economies. The fund also contributes to novice angler events which increase participation in angling among those who want to begin, or who have recently taken up, fishing as a hobby.

Finally, it also helps initiatives which disseminate information that promote conservation and protection of the inland fisheries and sea angling resource and can include seminars, workshops and training. Support from the Sponsorship Fund can be either financial or resource support from Inland Fisheries Ireland staff members.

Angling offers rural communities the opportunity to increase the number of visitors to the area and in turn, support local business and create jobs by providing a sustainable source of income for both catering and accommodation services.

Last years Sponsorship Scheme supported 79 initiatives all over the country which had a focus on helping grow Irelands angling tourism product and supporting novice anglers," said Suzanne Campion, Head of Business Development at Inland Fisheries Ireland.

"Tourism initiatives like the Wild Atlantic Way and Irelands Ancient East are further boosting visitor numbers and our Sponsorship Fund for 2018 will support angling clubs and groups nationwide to offer local events which engage domestic anglers, overseas anglers and those who are about to cast for the first time.

With Ireland having some of the best wild fisheries in Europe, this Sponsorship Fund forms part of our National Strategy for Angling Development which aims to develop our angling tourism potential while also managing and conserving our fisheries resource.

Inland Fisheries Irelands National Strategy for Angling Development is the first comprehensive national framework which will deliver a wide-ranging set of investments, innovations and promotions over the coming five years. It aims to make angling accessible and attractive through information, infrastructure and support, to develop tourism through the promotion of the angling resource and to position angling as a key leisure and recreation pursuit.

The Strategy will deliver significant economic benefits in rural communities where much of angling takes place, while also ensuring that fish populations and habitats are protected and conserved.

Applications for funding from the Sponsorship Fund are now invited from angling clubs, associations or any local group organising an angling initiative. The scheme will remain open for applications until Monday, January 22,2018 and all applications can be made online here. Awards will be subject to budget availability and adherence to the scheme requirements.
A message of hope and understanding was delivered by two powerful speakers at an inspirational talk at St Johns Church on Wednesday evening.

Local woman, Teckie Brett shared the story of her beloved son, Neville who died by suicide in 2014. She spoke passionately about the need to speak out truthfully about suicide and added that the numbers recorded are lower than the reality.

A retired principal Mrs Brett added that early intervention is instrumental in helping young people learn the coping skills needed in life.

She remembered her kind and handsome son who loved cars and helped people out in a quiet and unassuming way delivered milk and bread to the elderly during bad weather and food to the homeless. She also praised the Aislinn Centre in Ballyragget where her son attended as a young man and found help and support.

This is the fifth annual Suicide Awareness Evening and the event touches a chord with many who have lost loved ones to suicide and also provides a lifeline to people affected by poor mental health.

Organised by Cllr Joe Malone and Aisling Keoghan the evening begins with the lighting of candles in a symbolic and poignant act of remembrance.

A group of youngsters from the Newpark Resource Centre performed a rousing rendition of Bill Withers Lean on Me.

The keynote speaker was Olympian Kenneth Egan, whose mother is orignally from Kilkenny City. The retired boxer, who considers himself half a Cat' spoke to a packed church, with almost 400 people present.

The Olympian, who won a silver medal in the Bejing Olympics told of his fall from fame and his desperate dissent into alcoholism and despair. He spoke openly of the shame he has around his behaviour at the time of his drinking and the pain and sorrow that he inflicted on his loved ones and familu

Fortunately Kenneth sought support and is sober for the past seven years. He has also returned to education and now works as an addiction counsellor helping people who find themselves in difficulty. He is also a member of the Fine Gael Party and holds a seat on South Dublin County Council.

The talkers commanded the full attention of the audience and their stories were interspered with musicial interludes.

Trish Buggy and Alan Hayes also sang on the night and Billy Carrigan also played a haunting rendition of an Irish tune, which translated roughly as 'I am sleeping now, let me be'.

Cllr Malone thanked all those present for their continued support and the speakers for delivering such powerful accounts of their own experiences.
* Vietnam's discount at $60-$65 to London's March contract

* Markets quiet after holiday

* Indonesia's coffee exports from Lampung drop 71 pct y/y in Dec

By Mi Nguyen

Jan 4 (Reuters) - Major Asian coffee markets saw little activity this week as trade resumed after the New Year holidays, while Indonesian exports declined for a fourth straight month in December.

Shipment of coffee beans from Lampung province, Indonesia's main coffee growing area, fell 71 percent year-on-year in the last month of 2017 to 8,649.1 tonnes, local government data showed. The drop in December was due to a lack of supply, Muchtar Lutfie, head of research at Indonesia's coffee exporters association (AEKI) in Lampung, said.

"There were no more beans at farmers' warehouses. There was no more trading except to fulfil some contracts," Lutfie said.

Indonesia's March robusta contract traded at a $160 premium this week, unchanged from last week. No deals were struck as some traders are still on vacation, a trader in Lampung said

Trading in Vietnam was modest as the market reopened after the new year, traders said.

The harvest in Vietnam's Central Highlands coffee belt was completed due to supportive weather, but low robusta prices in London have discouraged farmers from selling beans, said Phan Hung Anh, a deputy director at Daklak-based Anh Minh Co.

"Prices fell as this crop year started, therefore the market has been quiet. Farmers hoped that prices would go up. At the moment they will only sell beans when they need money," Anh said.

Another trader in Ho Chi Minh City said some farmers had sold beans this week at slightly higher prices tracking an uptick in the London market.

Farmers in Vietnam's major coffee-growing Daklak province quoted coffee beans at 37,000-37,300 dong per kg, slightly higher than last week's range of 36,500-37,000 dong, traders said.

The London ICE March robusta coffee settled up $2, or 0.12 percent, at $1,735 per tonne on Wednesday. Traders quoted the 5 percent black and broken grade 2 robusta at a discount of $60-$65 per tonne to the ICE March futures contract, compared with a discount of $50-$70 per tonne a week earlier.

(Reporting by Mi Nguyen, Additional reporting by Mas Alina Arifin in Bandar Lampung; Editing by Sunil Nair)
(Kitco News) - Gold and silver prices are trading moderately lower in early U.S. trading Thursday. The profit-taking pressure seen in the precious metals is not unexpected as gold hit a 3.5-month high Wednesday, while silver prices scored a five-week high. February Comex gold was last down $5.00 an ounce at $1,313.40. March Comex silver was last down $0.107 at $17.16 an ounce.

The just-released ADP national employment report for December showed a rise of 250,000, which was significantly higher than the increase of 195,000 that was expected. Gold and silver prices down-ticked on the news.

Traders and investors are looking ahead to Fridays U.S. employment report from the Labor Department. This report is arguably the most important U.S. data point of the month. The key December non-farm payrolls number is forecast to come in at up 180,000.

World stock markets were mostly firmer overnight. There was some upbeat economic data from China released Thursday, to help boost world equity markets. U.S. stock indexes are pointed toward higher openings when the New York day session begins. The U.S. indexes hit new record highs overnight. The rallying world stock markets are a bearish element for the competing asset class of precious metals.

Gold prices sold off Wednesday afternoon, right after the release of the minutes of the last Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting held on Dec. 12-13 saw the marketplace deem the minutes as favoring the hawkish camp on U.S. monetary policy. The FOMC members are still seeking a gradual rise in U.S. interest rates, with some members saying the new U.S. tax policy could raise GDP.

Tensions in Iran are still not far from the front burner of the market place. This matter is supporting some safe-haven gold and silver markets, as well as boosting the crude oil market.

The key outside markets on Thursday morning find the U.S. dollar index lower. Meantime, Nymex crude oil prices are slightly higher and hit a three-year high above $62.00 a barrel overnight.

Other U.S. economic data due for release Thursday includes the weekly jobless claims report, the Challenger job-cuts report, the U.S. services PMI, the global services PMI, monthly U.S. chain store sales data, and the weekly DOE liquid energy stocks report.

Technically, February gold futures bulls have the overall near-term technical advantage. Prices are in a three-week-old uptrend on the daily bar chart. Bulls next upside technical objective is pushing and closing prices above chart resistance at $1,350.00. Bears' next near-term downside price breakout objective is closing prices below solid technical support at $1,280.00. First support is seen at todays low of $1,307.10 and then at this weeks low of $1,304.60. First resistance is seen at todays high of $1,315.50 and then at $1,320.00. Wyckoffs Market Rating: 6.0

March silver bulls have the overall near-term technical advantage. Prices are in a three-week-old uptrend on the daily bar chart. The next upside price breakout objective is closing futures prices above solid technical resistance at the October high of $17.59 an ounce. The next downside price breakout objective for the bears is closing prices below solid support at the October low of $16.435. First resistance is seen at this weeks high of $17.265 and then at $17.37. Next support is seen at $17.00 and then at last Fridays low of $16.865. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 6.0.
LIMA, Jan 4 (Reuters) - Perus finance minister warned on Thursday that the political crisis that roiled Peru in the last days of 2017 was not over yet but said it should not have any major impact on the economy as long as it is resolved in a civilized way. In a rare press conference, Claudia Cooper maintained the ministrys previous forecasts and said that while public investments halted for two weeks as President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski narrowly averted an impeachment bid in Congress last month, they have since resumed. (Reporting By Teresa Cespedes Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)

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.
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia considers a U.S. proposal for an extraordinary meeting of the U.N. Security Council on the turmoil in Iran harmful and destructive, RIA news agency cited Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying on Thursday.

We see no role for the United Nations Security Council in this issue, he said, according to the agency. Irans domestic affairs have nothing to do with the United Nations Security Councils role.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said this week that Washington was seeking emergency sessions on Iran at the United Nations in New York and at the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Anti-government protests have swept Iranian cities and towns over the past week and 21 people have been killed in the unrest.

Commenting on the possibility of new U.S. sanctions on Iran, Ryabkov said such methods were illegitimate.

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert had suggested the U.S. government could impose sanctions against Iranian officials who repress peaceful protests.

Ryabkov said earlier on Thursday that the United States should not interfere in Irans domestic affairs, and that Moscow remained committed to the 2015 international deal to curtail Tehrans nuclear program, which U.S. President Donald Trump has challenged.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump has threatened his former chief strategist Steve Bannon with legal action over defamatory statements in a new book about a meeting Trumps son and son-in-law held with Russians during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign.

Charles Harder, Trumps personal lawyer, said on Thursday he also will seek to block Tuesdays scheduled publication of the book, Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House by author Michael Wolff, which offers a lacerating portrait of an accidental presidency and a dysfunctional White House.

Harder told Reuters that legal action is imminent regarding Bannon.

Trump cut ties with Bannon on Wednesday, saying his former adviser had lost his mind in a blistering statement issued after comments attributed to Bannon in the book were made public.

Lawyers for the president sent a cease-and-desist letter to Bannon on Wednesday asking him not to disclose any confidential information. They said in the letter, seen by Reuters, that Bannon had breached an agreement by communicating with Wolff about Trump, his family and the campaign and made disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements about Trump and his family.

Trumps lawyers told Wolff and book publisher Henry Holt and Company they were pursuing possible claims including libel, according to a legal notice Harder provided to Reuters on Thursday.

In the book, Bannon was quoted as describing a June 2016 meeting with a group of Russians at Trump Tower in New York as treasonous and unpatriotic. The meeting, held after the Russians promised damaging information on Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, was attended by Donald Trump Jr., Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort, who was Trumps campaign manager at the time.

On Thursday, the White House also said no personal devices, including cellphones, would be allowed in the West Wing beginning next week for security purposes. The moves followed the Bannon split but had been considered for some time.

Trump had relied heavily on Bannon, chairman of the right-wing Breitbart News website, for advice in the months leading up to his upset victory in the November 2016 election. He then gave Bannon a strategic role in the White House, where he became a divisive figure before being fired in August. Bannon returned to Breitbart and continued to talk with Trump.

Trumps statement also diminished Bannons role in the election victory and accused him of leaking to the media.

On Thursday, Bannon told a caller on Breitbart News radio that nothing will ever come between us and President Trump and his agenda, according to CNN.

Bradley Moss, a Washington lawyer specializing in national security and security clearance law, said any non-disclosure agreement would not apply to Bannon once he became a government employee. Because of concerns over transparency and free speech, the government has far less power to limit speech by employees than private companies, Moss said.

A lawsuit also would likely be harmful to the White House because Bannons lawyers would be entitled to interview White House officials and collect potentially damaging documents from them in his defense. It would be one more distraction, one more thing people in the administration need to hire lawyers for, Moss said.

I assume the cease-and-desist letter is aimed primarily at the public, added Michael Dorf, a professor at Cornell Law School.

The idea that he could block publication is absurd, Dorf added.

TRUMPS LINK TO BASE

Bannon helped Trump shape a populist, anti-establishment message and had been the presidents link to his hard-line conservative base of support. It was not clear if the split would push Bannon to be even more aggressive in his ongoing campaign against the Republican Party establishment, whether he would now target Trump or would emerge much weaker.

The story that triggered the Trump-Bannon split was an offshoot of the investigation into whether Trump campaign aides colluded with Russia to sway the election to Trump, allegations Trump and Moscow deny.

According to the book, Bannon expressed derision about the June 2016 meeting in which a Russian lawyer offered damaging information about Clinton. Bannon also was quoted as saying he was sure Trump Jr. would have taken the Russians to meet his father in Trump Tower.

In the book, Bannon also said he believed the investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Moscow will focus on money laundering.

Special counsel Robert Mueller, named by the Justice Department in May 2017 to lead the Russia investigation, has asked White House officials to preserve records of the Trump Tower meeting, according to a source with knowledge of the request.

Manafort and business associate Rick Gates, another campaign aide, pleaded not guilty in November to federal charges brought by Mueller including conspiracy to launder money. Manafort sued Mueller on Wednesday, alleging that his investigation exceeds its legal authority.
Editor's Note: View Kitco News' full 2018 outlook coverage

(Kitco News) - As bitcoins recognition grows around the world, here is what top central bankers think about popular digital currencies.

Federal Reserve

Fed Chair Janet Yellen was asked about bitcoin during the central banks last monetary policy meeting of the year in December.

Yellen referred to the digital currency as a highly speculative asset that doesnt constitute legal tender. She also added that it plays a very small role in the payments system and is not a stable store of value.

The Fed doesn't really play any regulatory role with respect to bitcoin, other than assuring that banking organizations that we do supervise are attentive, that they are appropriately managing any interactions they have with participants in that market, and appropriately monitoring anti-money laundering, bank secrecy act responsibilities that they have, Yellen added.

Jerome Powell, who will take over from Janet Yellen as the next Fed chair in early February, also commented on cryptocurrencies during his confirmation hearing in the end of November, stating that cryptos simply don't really matter today because they're just not big enough.

The financial risks digital currencies pose to financial markets are minimal, according to Powell.

There isn't close enough volume to matter," he said.

European Central Bank

ECB President Mario Draghi said in October that cryptocurrencies are not mature enough for the central bank to regulate.

With anything that's new, people have great expectations and also great uncertainty. Right now we think that especially as far as bitcoins and cryptocurrencies are concerned, we don't think the technology is mature for our consideration, Draghi said.

Draghi noted that instruments like bitcoin have potential benefits as well as risks and both need to be carefully weighed.

One of the lessons of the great financial crisis is that financial innovation, in this case it's financial and technology innovation... should be embraced with lots of attention to its potential risks, he said.

Bank of Canada

The Bank of Canada Governor Stephen Poloz also devoted some time to discussing the crypto craze in December, describing purchases of digital currencies as gambling rather than investing.

What their true value is may be anyones guess -- perhaps the most one can say is that buying these things means buying risk, which makes it closer to gambling than investing, Poloz said. All I will say to people intending to buy a so-called cryptocurrency is that you should read the fine print and make sure you know what you are getting into.

Poloz sees the demand for digital currencies growing in the future, adding that the Canadian central bank is looking into the idea.

Bank staff are exploring the circumstances under which it might be appropriate for the central bank to issue its own digital currency for retail transactions, he said.

Mining for exclusive info on 2018? Check out Kitco's annual outlook - #Decrypting2018 | https://t.co/OyMKYzpd0L pic.twitter.com/pWjB4VNqY1  Kitco NEWS (@KitcoNewsNOW) January 4, 2018

Reserve Bank of Australia

Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Governor Philip Lowe spoke about bitcoin in his December speech, noting that the digital currency is not being used for everyday payments and it is unlikely to be accepted as such anytime soon.

The reasons for this are bitcoins high volatility, Lowe said, pointing to limited number of payments that can be handled at the same time, high transaction and electricity costs, and governance issues.

Plus, when bitcoin is viewed solely as a payment instrument, it seems more likely to be attractive to those who want to make transactions in the black or illegal economy, rather than everyday transactions, he added.

Bank of Japan

In the end of 2017, Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda described bitcoin price swings as abnormal.

When asked about whether or not bitcoin is in a bubble, Kuroda replied: Its not my place to say, but if you look at the charts, its clear that the jump (in prices) is abnormal. If youre asking if bitcoin has the same function as currency, as a means of payment or settlement, the answer is no.
The street in Buenos Aires where Kim's passport and money were stolen / Courtesy of Kim



Traveling abroad isn't always fun. Sometimes it hurts



By Jung Min-ho



Don't be fooled by Instagram photos in which everyone appears to be enjoying every single moment of their traveling experience. In reality, traveling abroad isn't always fun. Sometimes it hurts and makes you feel like you don't want to do it ever again.



Maybe you are a careful travel planner. Maybe you are not the type of person who flirts with danger. But things happen no matter how well prepared you think you are. The Korea Times asked travel lovers about their worst travel experiences.





Being scammed in Buenos Aires



A 32-year-old graduate student, surnamed Kim, was visiting Buenos Aires during last year's summer break. Kim chose the country because he heard many good things about its people.



It didn't take long for him to realize not everyone there was "nice and kind."



"I was walking through a dark alley and suddenly something hit me in the back," Kim said. "I turned around and saw a foul-smelling fluid trickling down my backpack."



When he started to wipe it off with a tissue, a stranger came up to him and offered him help. Busy with removing the fluid, he didn't respond.



"The guy helped me anyway. But at some point, I realized that he had disappeared with one of my three bags," Kim said.



His passport, a U.S. visa and about $900 were in the bag. "Startled by what happened, I was speechless for a while. I later tried to find the guy but I couldn't," he noted.



Kim reported the crime to a local police officer, who took him to a police station. There, he spent hours struggling to explain the situation in his poor English to Spanish-speaking police officers and going through lots of paperwork.



"I was fortunate to have additional money and credit cards in the other bags. Without them, it could have been far worse," Kim said.



It took about a week to have his passport reissued. For the student visa, he had to redo all the paperwork from scratch. "It took nearly a month, which ruined the first month of my visit there. It was fortunate that I planned a three-month trip and the crime hadn't occurred in my last month."



Other tourists he later met in a hostel told him it is a common scam technique, in which swindlers usually target Asians traveling alone.



"I try to look at the positive side of it. The scammers, at least, did not target everything I had, or they could have just hurt me. I'm glad I learned a big lesson without being hurt," Kim said.





The memory of a creepy grin in Beijing / Yonhap



Public sexual harassment in Beijing



A few years ago around this time, a 34-year-old flight attendant, who declined to be named, was on her way to see her colleagues at a hotel in downtown Beijing.



"I remember I was wearing a pink jumpsuit that evening. It was freezing, so I quickened my steps to get there," she said.



All of a sudden, she heard someone running toward her from behind  and he stopped right behind her back. "When I realized what he was targeting, it was too late. The man pulled down my pants and underwear in the middle of the street. I was totally dumbfounded," she said.



But it isn't the worst part of the story. "And then, at a distance, he and other people nearby started laughing at me. No one tried to help," she said.



But she did not try to fight him. "I thought it could be a trap to kidnap me. So I did not try to chase after him. I had to remain calm and think straight. I was all alone in a foreign country," she said.



She was shocked because it happened in the middle of downtown when many people were around. Throughout her career, she has visited many countries, but that was, by far, the most unpleasant experience.



"It definitely gave me a terrible impression of China and its people. I do not go to the street anymore. I also do not wear that jumpsuit," she said.





Everything was perfect before the food / Courtesy of the Palawan traveler
Woljeongsa Temple, located in Odaesan National Park, in PyeongChang, Gangwon Province, offers various temple stay programs, enabling participants to experience traditional Buddhist living. / Courtesy of Woljeongsa



By Park Jin-hai



PYEONGCHANG _ A night's stay at a snow-covered Buddhist temple in the deep forest, distancing a person from everyday bustling life, seems an ideal place to let go of 2017 and meet the New Year.



The late Venerable Beopjeong, a revered Buddhist monk, said, "If you'd like to know who you are, you have to look thoroughly into your mind and at what's around you. If you carefully reflect on who you hang around with, what you like to do, how you affect your neighbors and what you value most in your life, you can get a sense of who you really are." Thinking about his words, hoping to rest and empty myself in order to refill, I recently visited Woljeong Temple, in the middle of a thick forest in the eastern valley of Odae Mountain in PyeongChang, Gangwon Province.



After a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Seoul, I arrived at the temple in the clear winter afternoon. Beginning by changing into loose-fitting clothes, I was given free time before dinner. Since I made a reservation for a "relaxation"-type templestay, I spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around the temple.



Unlike experiencing a templestay in other seasons, where birds might tweet and streams make little sounds, a winter templestay gives one complete silence.



Stepping on snow and facing crisp and chilly winds, there are no other sound but what little sound snow makes under foot. It adds to the feeling of complete solitude.



The one-kilometer forest trail starting from the temple's front gate Iljumun is truly beautiful, lined with 18,000 snow-covered fir trees with the oldest over 600 years. The pristine forest, famous for the filming site of the hit Korean drama "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God," offers a good 30-minute walk in contemplation through the wonders of nature.





Participants perform 108 bows at Woljeongsa Temple in PyeongChang, Gangwon Province. The 108 bows is an act of atonement for one's recognized ignorance and cravings, and the 108 kinds of afflictions that arise within. / Courtesy of Woljeongsa
By Kang Hyun-kyung





Kim Seong-kon, president of Literature Translation Institute of Korea / Korea Times
By Yi Whan-woo



The restoration of the cross-border communication channel at the truce village of Panmunjeom, Wednesday, is fueling optimism that the two Koreas may soon reopen their military hotlines as well.



The two sides reopened about 30 landlines connecting their liaison offices at Panmunjeom to discuss high-level talks in preparation for North Korea's participation in the PyeongChang Winter Olympics.



The communication channel at Panmunjeom is mainly for non-military purposes and is separate from six suspended military hotlines that connect the two sides.



The talks between the South and North Korean militaries about restoring their communication lines are seen as necessary, according to diplomatic and military sources, Thursday.






By Choi Ha-young



Five vessels that are being investigated by the United Nations for being involved in illegal oil trade with North Korean ships in international waters were found to be owned by Chinese businessmen, according to media reports, Thursday.



China denies its involvement in oil trafficking to North Korea, but the latest report suggests that it could have been providing oil in secret in violation of international sanctions.



On Dec. 29, South Korean authorities seized a Hong Kong-flagged vessel, Lighthouse Winmore, for an illicit ship-to-ship oil transfer in international waters.



Media reports have cast doubt on the vessel's nationality, apparently tied to Pyongyang or its allies. Last month, the United States called on the U.N. Security Council to blacklist six ships which it suspects have been transferring oil to the North. The U.S. effort, however, drew China's opposition to sanctions against five of them.



The Chosun Ilbo claimed the owners of the five ships  Orient Shenyu under the flag of Panama; Yu Yuan under the flag of Togo; Shinsung High under the flag of Belize, Kai Xiang under the flag of Sierra Leone and Lighthouse Winmore  are all Chinese ships, after analyzing their annual business reports.



The report claims the first three named ships are registered in Hong Kong, and the owners of the companies are all Chinese nationals. The latter two, Kai Xiang and Lighthouse Winmore, are registered in China and the companies' legal representatives are also Chinese.



Operating under flags of third countries is an easy way to evade sanctions. The Kai Xiang used to sail under the flag of Panama before operating under that of Sierra Leone. The Yu Yuan, currently under the flag of Togo, formerly sailed under the Cambodian flag. The Yu Yuan was spotted by American intelligence after exporting North Korean coal to Russia in August last year.



Only two days after the Lighthouse Winmore was seized, South Korean authorities captured the Panama-flagged oil tanker Koti transferring oil to a North Korean ship. Seoul's intelligence and maritime officials are questioning the crew, mostly from China and Myanmar.



U.S. President Donald Trump said that China was "caught red handed" on Twitter, Dec. 28. "(It is) very disappointed that China is allowing oil to go into North Korea. There will not be a friendly solution to the North Korea problem if this continues to happen."



Washington has repeatedly urged Beijing to cut off oil supplies to Pyongyang as a measure to squeeze the reclusive state, but it has refused to do so.



The Chinese government has denied the vessels were involved. Hua Chunying, a spokeswoman for the Chinese foreign ministry, was quoted as saying Dec. 29 that Beijing was "completely and strictly" complying with the sanctions.



Other than China, Russia is allegedly supporting the North as well by providing fuel oil to North Korean ships at sea in violation of international sanctions, Reuters reported Dec. 30, citing senior Western European security sources.


By Yi Whan-woo



South Korea is ready to discuss issues over high-level talks with North Korea, including timing, place and agenda, a senior Ministry of Unification official said Thursday.



Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon is expected to lead the South Korean delegation, while Ri Sun-kwon, chairman of North Korea's Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland, may represent his side, according to the official, who asked not to be named.



Ri was promoted to the head of the committee, formerly an offshoot of the North Korean Workers' Party but elevated to a government body in June 2016.



Ri took orders from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in restoring a suspended hotline with the South, Thursday, as a preparatory step for the high-level talks.



The ministry official's comments come as the two Koreas are set to hold high-level talks proposed by Cho after Kim's offer to send a delegation to the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, Monday.



"We are open to discuss timing, place, agenda and other issues related to the talks," the official said. "We are waiting for North Korea's response. We will then take them into account when we discuss with relevant ministries and jointly form our delegation for the talks."



To facilitate preparation for these, the two Koreas restored their hotline at the truce village of Panmunjeom, Wednesday, but have not begun discussions yet.






By You Soo-sun



The United Nations human rights agency called on Japan to acknowledge the country's violation of the human rights of "comfort women," or wartime sex slaves, and to implement its recommendations, according to the Japanese newspaper Sankei Shimbun, Saturday.



The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) also requested Japan to take legal responsibility and punish responsible individuals for the issue, estimated to have involved 80,000 to 200,000 women, mostly from Korea but also China, Taiwan, the Philippines, and other parts of Asia.



The report came a couple of days after the UNESCO International Advisory Committee reportedly deferred its decision on the listing of the comfort women archives on its Memory of the World Register, established to preserve documentary heritages throughout the world. Many Koreans suspect the decision was influenced by the Japanese government, a major donor for the program.



The OHCHR report will be submitted for a United Nations review on the Japanese human rights situation slated for next month in Geneva, Switzerland. The United Nations will make recommendations based on the report to the Japanese government by the end of next month.



The recommendations are not legally binding, but the international community may use them as grounds to criticize Japan, the right-wing news outlet reported.



In the report, the OHCHR defined the comfort women issue as a practice of sexual slavery. It requested Japan to own up to it and take legal and administrative steps to provide relief and compensation. And the victims, it asserted, should be at the center of this process.



The OHCHR also expressed concerns regarding the Japanese government's control over internal debate on the issue. The matter, for example, was omitted from its middle school textbooks, which it said, was an "infringement on the citizens right to know."












A Salvation Army bell ringer in raincoat sits idle in rain near a red kettle in Gwanghwamun, downtown Seoul, on Dec. 30. / Yonhap



By Park Si-soo



The spirit of giving that warms Korean society this time of the year seems to be losing its steam rapidly in the wake of the protracted economic slowdown and corruption scandals involving charities.



The number of people who seek the tax deduction given to donors has plunged in recent years, state data showed.



A total of 715,260 received the deduction in 2016, the latest data available, down 8.8 percent from a year earlier, the National Tax Service said. It was a 28.6 percent drop from 2012 when 886,617 people benefited from the tax cut.



The downturn continued in 2017. Major charities are said to be falling well short of their fundraising targets. The Community Chest of Korea, one of the biggest charities, said as of December 31 its fundraising reached 65 percent of its goal of 399.4 billion won. At the same time in previous years, the rate hovered around 70 percent, it said.



The Salvation Army of Korea, another major charity, is also wrestling with the same problem. Its provincial branch in Gangwon Province said as of December 31 it was only halfway to meeting its target of 15.8 billion won.



Such apathy toward donation is also found in a recent Statistics Korea survey. It showed only 26.7 percent of surveyed people had donated in 2017, down from 36.4 percent in 2016.



Analysts pointed to the protracted economic slowdown as one reason. They noted a bigger cause is people's distrust of charities.



The loss of public confidence could largely be blamed on several charities hitting the headlines in recent years over embezzlement and other corruption scandals.



The latest scandal was in October, in which a murder suspect had enjoyed an affluent life for years with donations of around 1 billion won given to him to treat his daughter's rare disease.



"This trend will continue unless radical measures are adopted to bolster transparency of the use of donations," social welfare professor Chung Moo-sung from Soongsil University told a local daily.


By Kim Se-jeong



Genesis BBQ has pledged to more actively counter a lawsuit filed by chicken franchiser BHC over a disputed supply contract.



One of Korea's leading fried chicken franchisers also plans to bolster communication between its headquarters and franchisees to better deal with a range of pending issues.



Yoon Kyung-joo, who became the company CEO last June, recently sent a message to franchisees explaining two major scandals involving the company in an effort to drum up support from them.



Yoon wrote, "I am sure what has recently happened disappointed you. I would like to clear up a couple of things."



One big scandal is an ongoing legal battle with BHC, a rapidly-emerging fried chicken franchiser and a former Genesis BBQ franchise. The mother company Genesis BBQ owns 12 franchise brands with more than 3,800 stores across the country.



"Bhc stole important information from us. The police investigation is under way, which is necessary to prevent the same thing from happening again," Yoon said.



In 2013, Genesis BBQ sold BHC to the Rohatyn Group, a U.S.-based investment fund management company. Separately, BBQ signed a contract with BHC in which it would provide logistics services to BBQ for 10 years. However, in April last year, BBQ unilaterally terminated the contract claiming BHC had stolen corporate secrets. BHC filed a compensation suit, demanding 236 billion and BBQ filed for a criminal investigation with the police in return.



While that was happening, no word was given to individual stores in the market from the BBQ headquarters, leaving store owners agitated and worried about the prospect of their businesses.



"Don't get panicked about the amount claimed by bhc. It is a ridiculous amount and I am telling you everything will be fine. We're reacting to the suit and we're doing this because doing nothing can jeopardize the level playing field in the fried chicken market."



Yoon also mentioned last year's unsuccessful chicken price hike attempt.



"It wasn't possible because of communication problems. Although we failed to increase the price, we are aware of dire conditions under which you operate your businesses and we will continue to work to improve conditions for each franchisee," Yoon said.



Last May and June, BBQ announced a sudden price hike of all 30 items on its menu, drawing a huge backlash from chicken suppliers and consumers. It also prompted the Fair Trade Commission investigation and local franchise stores had to suffer a decline in sales as a result.




Participants pay respects to Japan's wartime sexual slavery victims who died this year at Wednesday Demonstration near the Japanese Embassy in Seoul, Wednesday / Yonhap



By Jung Min-ho



Many people have expressed anger and frustration over the Park Geun-hye administration's "secret deal" over the Korean victims of Japan's wartime sexual slavery.



"It is such a shame the Park government excluded the victims from its talks with Japan," said a 28-year-old woman, who refused to give her name. "The government is in no position to make a deal for them unless they agree. Apparently, they never agreed."



On Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the Park government did not make adequate efforts to listen to the surviving victims before reaching the agreement.



The two nations made the "final and irreversible" deal on Dec. 28, 2015, to resolve the longstanding diplomatic issue. Japan apologized to the victims and agreed to contribute 1 billion yen ($8.9 million) to a foundation dedicated to supporting them.



But the news shocked the victims, who had no idea about the government move. They said they could not accept an agreement.



"The deal makes sense only if there were no victims still living. But many are. I do not understand why the government made a rush for it," said a 66-year-old man surnamed Jung. "I do hope the two countries will work together for a better future after resolving the issue, but not that way."



Hundreds of people gathered in front of the Japanese Embassy in Seoul for the latest "Wednesday Demonstration," which has been held there every week since January 1992.



They urged President Moon Jae-in to scrap or renegotiate the deal, saying there isn't much time left for the victims.



"This year alone, eight of the victims have passed away," lead organizer Han Kook-yeom said. "The government should not ask them to wait any longer. It should start talks with Japan now."



Despite the cold weather, about 500 students and members of civic groups participated in the rally. Some were holding flowers to pay respects to the eight women who died this year.



Baek Mi-soon, head of the Korean Women's Association United, spoke each of the eight women's names and said, "We will remember them as human rights activists who fought for the rights of women and all humans."



Japan has urged Korea to honor the agreed-upon deal. But the Moon government has said there appears to have been procedural problems.



On Tuesday, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha told reporters she would talk to the victims and civic groups before making any decision on future talks with Japan.






President Moon Jae-in hugs Park Ok-sun, one of the surviving victims of Japan's wartime sexual slavery, ahead of a luncheon meeting with nine former "comfort women" at Cheong Wa Dae, Thursday. / Yonhap



President consoles comfort women' at Cheong Wa Dae



By Jun Ji-hye



President Moon Jae-in pledged to resolve a row over Japan's wartime sex slavery "from the victim's point of view," Thursday, saying what was most important in tackling the issue was to address their feelings.



Moon also reiterated that the controversial deal Seoul reached with Tokyo in 2015 failed to respect the victims as it ignored the "principles of truth and justice."



He made the comments during a luncheon meeting with a group of nine former "comfort women" at Cheong Wa Dae.



The meeting came after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' taskforce announced Dec. 27 that the former Park Geun-hye government neglected to solicit the opinions of the victims before reaching the December 2015 agreement with Japan to "finally and irreversibly" resolve a decades-old dispute over its wartime sexual enslavement of Korean women.



The meeting highlighted Moon's objections to the controversial deal between Seoul and Tokyo, showing his willingness to modify or even cancel the agreement.



Cheong Wa Dae said President Moon had time with the victims to listen to their opinions before deciding on the government position on how to resolve the issue.



"I, as President, apologize for the agreement that was against the wishes of the victims," Moon said, according to presidential spokesman Park Soo-hyun. "The agreement was wrong and unjust. The former government unilaterally decided on procedures and content without considering the victims' opinions."



Moon continued, "I cannot deny the 2015 deal was a formal agreement between the two governments, but I declare the issue of Japan's wartime sexual enslavement of Korean women won't be resolved by it."



The luncheon followed the President's visit to 90-year-old former sex slave, Kim Bok-dong, at a local hospital, during which time he stressed his government will do its best to solve the issue.



In response, Kim said what the victims wanted was just Japan's acknowledgment of its legal responsibility.



When announcing the results of its months-long review, the ministry's taskforce said then-Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se and his counterpart Fumio Kishida did not openly share some details in 2015 during their verbal agreement. These included why Japan, despite the Park government's denial, insisted on Seoul's responsibility to remove the statues of girls  representing the victims  installed outside Japanese diplomatic missions here, according to the taskforce.



A day after the announcement, Moon said the long-simmering issue cannot be settled by the 2015 accord, calling it a "political" deal with no consultations with the victims and citizens.



For her part, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha said, during a radio appearance Thursday that the government is leaving all options open on the issue, including the cancellation of the deal. "But we should carefully think about the results that would follow," she said.



Amid the move to modify the deal, Tokyo has reiterated its view that the matter was settled finally and irreversibly, and Seoul should sincerely implement it.



As part of the deal, the Japanese government provided 1 billion yen to a Korean foundation dedicated to supporting the victims. But controversy is still abounding as the surviving victims accused the Park government of failing to obtain Japan's acknowledgment of its legal responsibility and rashly reached the deal without consulting them.


Lt. Gen. Thomas S. Vandal, commanding general of the Eighth U.S. Army, speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at Yongsan Garrison, central Seoul, Feb. 22, 2017. / Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk



The South Korean government on Thursday awarded Lt. Gen. Thomas S. Vandal, the outgoing commander of the U.S. Eighth Army, a medal of merit for his contribution to the alliance.

Defense Minister Song Young-moo gave Vandal the Gukseon Medal, the second-highest class in the Order of National Security Merit, on behalf of the government, according to the defense ministry.

The order is conferred on those who have rendered distinguished service to national security.

Gen. Jeong Kyeong-doo, chairman of South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, commander of the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), were among the dignitaries at the ceremony, which was held at the ministry's building in Seoul.

Vandal assumed the post of commanding general of the 2nd Infantry Division stationed in South Korea in June 2013. He took office as the leader of the Eighth Army in February 2016 after serving as the USFK's operations officer.

"During his service in South Korea, he contributed to the defense of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula in response to North Korea's various provocations, including three nuclear tests and dozens of missile launches," the ministry said.

In addition, he successfully handled several alliance issues, such as the deployment of the THAAD missile defense system, the creation of the allies' combined division and the relocation of USFK bases, the ministry added.

He will be replaced by Lt. Gen. Michael A. Bills in a change of command ceremony to take place at Camp Humphreys, Pyeongtaek, on Friday. (Yonhap)
Incheon International Airport / Korea Times file



By Bahk Eun-ji



Incheon International Airport's management and Singapore Airlines have been criticized over their handling of a Chinese-American suffering bipolar disorder who attempted suicide.



The man's family had asked the carrier to look after his safety.



According to Incheon International Airport Police on Thursday, the man, 52, landed at the airport from Thailand last month to transfer to a Los Angeles flight. The man had been traveling in Thailand, but decided to return home to Los Angeles when symptoms of his disorder began. The man then told his family he was returning, police said.



The family called Singapore Airlines and asked the airline to "keep an eye on him." They also emailed a prescription for drugs to treat the disease.



The man stopped at Incheon Airport at 9:58 a.m. on Dec. 18 and Singapore Airlines took him to an airport security guard.



The guard and a Singapore Airlines staff member then took the man to a hotel in the airport's transfer area instead of putting him on a plane leaving for Los Angeles at 12:30 p.m. that day.



The airport's counterterrorism office monitored the man for 24 hours, but he jumped from the fourth floor of the transit lounge to the lobby on the third floor.



He was taken to a nearby hospital in a critical condition, police said. He is still in a coma.



An airport official said the counterterrorism office monitored the American's move from the hotel to the lounge on CCTV and ordered a security guard to watch him, but it failed to stop him jumping.



The family claimed the man's symptoms worsened because he was left alone. But the airport said it was not responsible because the man was a transfer passenger and therefore an airline customer.



The family, however, claimed the airport and Singapore Airlines did not pay enough attention to the man, even though they were aware of his condition.



The family is considering filing complaints against the airport and the airline.








By Bahk Eun-ji







The father of dead girl Ko Jun-hee, whose body was found last week, denied Thursday he beat her to death.







"I did hit her but did definitely not kill her," the father, surnamed Ko, 36, said after a 40-minute police inspection at his apartment in Wanju, North Jeolla Province.







He also reenacted his abuse of the girl with a steel ruler and said he trampled her ankle in March, leaving her unable to walk.







Asked why, he said the girl gave his common-law wife, Lee, 35, a "hard time."







Police said the girl could not walk because her ankle was infected, but Ko and Lee did not take her to hospital.







Reports said the girl, 5, had to crawl until she died in April. She had also been suffering hyperthyroidism.







Police said the parents appeared to have neglected the girl and gave insufficient care for her disease.







Ko buried the girl on a hill in Gunsan on April 26, a day after she died.







The parents claimed the girl's home care allowance for six months after they buried her.







The police investigation is continuing.


By Kim Se-jeong



Prosecutors filed additional bribery charges against former President Park Geun-hye, Thursday, accusing her of receiving 3.65 billion won ($3.43 million) from the country's spy agency while she was in office.



The prosecution alleged Park was given up to 200 million ($187,600) per month between May 2013 and July 2016 from the National Intelligence Service (NIS).



The prosecution detailed how Park used the money. Approximately 1.5 billion won was used to cover expenses such as medical treatments and as bonuses to her aides, while the rest was used to conduct clandestine opinion polls during an election in 2016 and others. The prosecution added it has evidence that some of the money was given to her confidante Choi Soon-sil.



The fresh indictment brings the number of charges against the former president to 20. Others include colluding with Choi to extort money from conglomerates as "political donations" in return for business favors. Park was removed from office in March last year after being impeached and has been on trial ever since.



Thursday's indictment came without any single face-to-face questioning as Park refused to meet with prosecutors. The former president has been boycotting the entire legal procedure, even refusing to meet with her own legal representatives.



The prosecution's ongoing investigation into bribery at the NIS had already seen two former chiefs _ Nam Jae-joon and Lee Byung-kee _ indicted on charges of misappropriating the agency's budget and giving the money to Park.



Ahn Bong-geun and Lee Jae-man, two former secretaries to Park, were also arrested for receiving the NIS money and delivering the bribe to Park. Three former presidential aides _ Cho Yoon-sun, Hyun Ki-hwan and Lee Won-jong _ are currently under investigation. Last week, the prosecution unsuccessfully requested an arrest warrant for Cho.



Early Thursday, the prosecutors also arrested Rep. Choi Kyung-hwan of the Liberty Korea Party who is a member of Park's inner circle, for taking bribes from the NIS. Choi allegedly received 100 million won in 2014 in exchange for boosting the agency's budget. He was then the head of the finance ministry which manages the country's budget.



Choi became one of the first sitting lawmakers to be arrested under Moon Jae-in presidency. In approving an arrest warrant for him, the court said he could destroy evidence if was not detained.



He has strongly denied the charges. "If it is true, I will disembowel myself in front of the people," he said.



Separately, the prosecution also arrested Rep. Lee Woo-hyun, another Liberty Korea Party member Thursday for receiving 1 billion won in illegal political funds from local businessmen and politicians. He allegedly took the money in return for giving them business favors and election nominations. Lee also denied the allegations.






By Ko Dong-hwan







The "moving hospital on the sea" left Thursday to provide medical aid to residents of remote islands in South Korea's western waters.







Hospital vessel Chungnam 501 carries 18 personnel, including three doctors, three nurses, two medical technicians, eight marine fishery experts, one communications technician and a government office liaison.







The vessel travels around islands within the jurisdiction of South Chungcheong Province and regularly drops by six major cities and 29 minor cities in the region. It will serve some 3,900 residents off the coast and fishermen at sea for more than 180 days this year.







The vessel is equipped for dentistry, digital radiography, biochemistry analysis and has a bone mineral densitometer. It treats patients with chronic illnesses like hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and osteoporosis.







The vessel's regular checkup sites include Wonsan Island, Sapsi Island and Hyoja Island, a few kilometers west of the coastal city of Boryeong. More than 200,000 people are expected to be treated this year.







The vessel began operation in 1979 and travelled 9,471 kilometers last year, treating 217,245 patients over 188 days.


By Kim Hyun-bin



One man has been taken into custody and another booked without detention, for establishing a bogus cyber university and taking 1.7 billion won ($1.6 million) from 199 people.



The detained, surnamed Kim, allegedly got 199 Koreans to enroll in Templeton University, what police believe to be a fake U.S. university set up by him and his accomplice, police said Thursday.



Kim, who acted as the chairman of the bogus school, had recently been arrested for fraud and violating the higher education act, according to police.





Police also indicted another man, a suspect identified only by his surname Park, without physical detention. He allegedly acted as the dean of the College of Business Administration.



Police said the suspects falsely recruited students by emphasizing Templeton University's early graduation curriculum, ranging from undergraduate to doctorate programs.



The suspects reportedly told prospective students an undergraduate degree could be obtained in two years, a master's in 15 months and a doctorate in 21 months.



The university ran quarterly semesters and charged students 3 million won for each in the undergraduate program, 4 million won in the master's and 5 million won in the doctorate.



They also gave discounts to lower income families in the form of scholarships and early graduation for students that paid more.



The suspects told prospective students that all courses could be taken online. They also said the credits received could be used to transfer to a four-year university in Korea or enter a graduate school program here.



However, none of the Templeton University "graduates" have succeeded in transferring or entering a graduate school program.



Since July 2015, 199 students enrolled in courses and the suspects pocketed 1.7 billion won.



"The investigation has been underway for two years, but a lack of cooperation from students for fear of losing their diplomas made it difficult to arrest the suspects," a police official said.

The suspects refuted the charges, claiming the university was officially approved.



Police said Templeton University was listed as a corporate body in the state of California, but was not accredited by the U.S.



Department of Education or Korea's Ministry of Education.

Investigators have widened their probe after receiving tips on similar activities orchestrated by Kim.


President Moon Jae-in talks with Kim Bok-dong, 90, a former wartime sex slave of the Japanese military, in her room at the Severance Hospital in Seoul, Thursday. The visit was preceded by his lunch with other former "comfort women" and their supporters at the presidential office, Cheong Wa Dae. / Yonhap



President Moon Jae-in on Thursday reiterated his stance that a 2015 deal between Seoul and Tokyo on ending their longstanding dispute over former wartime sex slaves is defective but said the incumbent government may still work with the agreement to resolve the issue.

"We have said the agreement signed by the former government is defective, but there are some difficulties because it is also true the former government made an official agreement and we must resolve the issue under the existing relationship between the two countries," the president said while visiting a 90-year-old former sex slave, Kim Bok-dong, at a local hospital.

"The government will do its utmost even though we may not be able to do everything the way our grandmothers want, so I hope you will have peace of mind," the president added, according to Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Park Soo-hyun.

The remarks came shortly before the president hosted a lunch at his office Cheong Wa Dae for eight other former sex slaves.

"It was my wish to invite you all to Cheong Wa Dae, and I am very glad to have you all here at the very place today. I wish you'd see this as part of efforts by our nation to do all its duties," the president was quoted as telling those at the luncheon, which also included officials from civic activist groups supporting the aging former sex slaves.

Thursday's meeting came about a week after the government stated that the 2015 deal between the two countries failed to adequately address the so-called comfort women issue, following its months-long review of the agreement signed by the previous South Korean administration. The Moon Jae-in administration came into office in May following a presidential by-election caused by the ouster of former President Park Geun-hye.

Moon offered an apology to the former sex slaves, noting the country had failed to protect them while under Japanese colonial rule from 1910-45 and that it again failed to reflect their demands or wishes when it signed what he called the "defective" agreement with Japan in 2015.

"The previous agreement did not only go against the principle of truth and justice, it was a defective agreement both in its contents and in the procedure that was pushed by the government without listening to the opinions of the victims," the president said, according to the Cheong Wa Dae spokesman.

A Cheong Wa Dae official earlier said the meeting was partly intended to provide a chance for the president to offer his personal condolences to those who suffered years of hardship under Japanese colonial rule but was also geared toward listening to their wishes and how they wish to resolve the longstanding issue.

"As president, I cannot deny the fact that it was an official agreement between the two countries, but I have declared we cannot agree that the comfort women issue has been resolved through that agreement," Moon said. (Yonhap)





President Moon Jae-in and first lady Kim Jung-sook greet former "comfort women" and their supporters at the main entrance of the presidential office, Cheong Wa Dae, Thursday. / Yonhap





President Moon Jae-in hugs former "comfort woman" Park Ok-sun at the main entrance of the presidential office, Thursday. / Yonhap





President Moon Jae-in walks with former "comfort women" to the venue for lunch at the presidential office, Thursday. / Yonhap





President Moon Jae-in sits with former "comfort women" and their supporters for lunch at the presidential office, Thursday. / Yonhap












By Jun Ji-hye



President Moon Jae-in's approval rating rose to 72.1 percent amid high expectations for the resumption of dialogue between the two Koreas, a survey showed Thursday.



Local pollster Realmeter said its survey of 1,400 people, which took place from Tuesday to Wednesday, showed that Moon's rating increased by 3.6 percentage points compared to that of last week.



Those who were dissatisfied by President Moon's state management were 23.7 percent, down 1.3 percentage points from last week.



On Monday, North Korea leader Kim Jong-un said, during his New Year address, that his regime was willing to send a delegation to the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, scheduled for Feb. 9 to 25, suggesting a meeting between officials from the two Koreas to discuss the North's possible participation.



The conciliatory gesture toward the South came as a surprise, given the Kim regime conducted several large-scale provocations including three intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) launches last year, heightening military tension on the Korean Peninsula.






By Bahk Eun-ji



South Korean President Moon Jae-in and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to delay their regular joint military drills during the Winter Olympic Games in February, the South Korean presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said Thursday.

The agreement came in a telephone conversation on Thursday between the two leaders.

The South Korean leader requested the tentative agreement, reports said.

"I believe if you could express an intention to delay joint South Korea-U.S. military drills during the PyeongChang Olympic Games if the North does not make more provocations, it would greatly help to ensure the success of the Olympics," Moon was quoted as telling Trump.

In response to that, the U.S. president said Moon may tell North Korea that there will be no joint drills during the Olympics, Cheong Wa Dae said.

In the telephone conversation, the South Korean President said the government will consult closely with the U.S. in the process of South-North Korea dialogue and he is confident that South-North Korea dialogue helps create an atmosphere for dialogue between the U.S. and North Korea on resolving the North Korean nuclear issue.

Trump said the U.S. will provide any necessary assistance while holding dialogue with North Korea and added that his country supports President Moon 100 percent, Cheong Wa Dae said in a statement.

The call between Moon and Trump came one day after the two Koreas reopened their dialogue channel at the joint security area of Panmunjeom in a prelude to resuming government-level talks for the first time since December 2015.
By Trudy Rubin



TEL AVIV, Israel  In 2017, Donald "America First" Trump relinquished America's 70-year role as global leader, a post already diminished by his two predecessors. Nowhere is the U.S. withdrawal more evident than in the Middle East.



Even in Israel, whose government lauds Trump for his strong support and recognition of Jerusalem as its capital, the president's erratic behavior stirs caution. Trump's admirers and detractors have both reached the same conclusion: The Mideast is entering a new era where Washington is no longer the major player.



And as the United States pulls back, Russia and Iran rush in (along with Turkey and even China). Their interests contradict America's  and guarantee future problems for Washington, unless Trump reverses his retreat in 2018.



Nothing symbolizes this ongoing power shift better than Vladimir Putin's triumphant visit to Syria on Dec. 11, followed by whirlwind visits to Cairo and Ankara. Putin's victory lap stands in sharp contrast to the negative international fallout from Trump's recognition of Jerusalem the previous week.



The stunning video of Putin's arrival at Russia's Khmeimim air base in Syria rocketed around Arab social media. "Visiting Syria, Egypt and Turkey in one day, Putin establishes himself as the only world leader with real influence in the Middle East," read the headline in the Israeli paper Ha'aretz.



As the Russian president stepped onto the tarmac he was greeted not by Syrian President Bashar Assad, but by a Russian officer. Putin finally shook Assad's hand but quickly walked ahead of the Syrian president. Another Russian officer held Assad back when he tried to walk alongside Putin.



The message was clear: The new master of Syria, whose air force (along with Iranian ground forces) saved Assad, was demonstrating who was now in charge. The spoils include large and long term Russian air and sea bases near the Mediterranean Sea.



If the United States  and Israel  want to restrain Iranian expansion in Syria they must now appeal to Putin, who is far less concerned about Tehran than Trump.



"Now the feeling is that Putin is the king of Syria and the United States is in retreat," I was told by former Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon.



How can this be, you ask, when Trump was welcomed warmly in Jerusalem and lavishly in Saudi Arabia? In contrast to Obama's muffing of red lines, Trump fired missiles at a Syrian base that used chemical weapons. He also sped up Obama's war against ISIS in Iraq and Syria.



But, since then, Trump's short attention span and unsteady performance has confused Mideast allies and cheered adversaries  just as it has done in Europe and Asia. His intense focus on personal relationships with autocrats  Putin, Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Sultan, and China's Xi Jinping  has yet to deliver the rewards he seems to expect.



Having won a military "victory" over ISIS, Trump has shown little interest in a follow-on strategy to prevent a jihadi resurgence. Nor  despite his embrace of the Saudis  has he developed any clear strategy to contain Iran's expansionism in the region.



But the president has shown himself willing to betray America's Syrian and Iraqi Kurdish allies, who did much of the fighting against ISIS, in strong contrast to Putin, who stood firmly by his ally, Assad.



Such inconstancy  and Putin's toughness  have been well-noted by America's Sunni Arab friends. They sense which way the wind is blowing: Russia and Egypt have now agreed that the military aircraft of the two countries can share airspace and air bases  nearly five decades after Anwar Sadat kicked the Soviets out.



Meantime, Trump's disdain for tough diplomacy, his insults to his secretary of state, his gutting of the diplomatic corps, and tweeting taunts that undercut his team have muddied policies from Europe to the Mideast to Asia.



Indeed, in the Mideast, far from displaying a mastery of big deals, the president has given away key bargaining chips gratis. In recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital without distinguishing between Arab and Jewish sectors, he handed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a huge win, while requiring nothing in return.



At the same time, Trump squashed his own son-in-law's efforts to concoct "the peace deal of the century": The Palestinians now insist the United States can no longer act as an honest broker, and are seeking to internationalize any future peace talks.



When it comes to Russia, Syria and Iran, Trump's style has proved even more self-destructive. His obsessive belief in his (imaginary) close relationship with Putin has left him open to manipulation by the Kremlin leader who knows just how to play the president. Trump has approved "deconfliction" deals with Moscow that leave Iran free to expand its presence in Syria along the Israeli border.



Putin is on his way to becoming the major power broker in the region, the man whom leaders from Riyadh, Cairo, Libya, Ankara, Ramallah, and Jerusalem  and even Tehran  must consult to work out new geopolitical arrangements. "Obama opened the door for Russia and President Donald Trump is now keeping it wide open." writes Anshel Pfeffer in Haaretz.



Israelis, Arabs, Kurds  all are trying to calculate how to operate in a new era where the United States is no longer the main player to turn to in a dicey region. And all are wondering (without much optimism) if American policy will rebound in 2018.



Trudy Rubin (trubin@phillynews.com) is a columnist and editorial-board member for the Philadelphia Inquirer. The above article was distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.




Ambassadors should be appointed for expertise





The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' latest ambassador appointments have raised concerns about Korea's diplomacy.



The ministry announced the appointment of new heads of missions earlier this week. Among them, 16 were from outside the foreign ministry, with some affiliated with the previous administrations of Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun.



There is essentially nothing wrong with bringing in outside figures to lead Korea's overseas missions. But the appointments must be based on their career experience and expertise. We can not help but question whether these were primarily considered with the latest envoy picks. For example, the appointment of Lee Baek-man, a former top presidential secretary for public affairs for the late former President Roh, as ambassador to the Vatican is incomprehensible.



Lee previously served as vice chief of the now defunct Government Information Agency and also worked as a journalist. There is nothing in his resume that suggests that he is an acceptable pick to represent Korea at the Vatican.



Similarly, the appointment of Park Keum-ok, a former top secretary to the National Assembly's speaker, as ambassador to Norway, and former lawmaker Jung Bum-koo as ambassador to Germany are also unsuitable. Jung went to the same university as President Moon Jae-in. Even though he studied in Germany when he was young, it is uncertain whether he has sufficient diplomatic expertise required for his new post. The same goes with the appointment for the new ambassador to Hungary.



President Moon has enjoyed immense popularity since taking office in May 2017, but he has been criticized for weak diplomacy. This is partly due to his unsuitable picks for envoys. His first picks for ambassadors to the four major powers  U.S., Japan, China and Russia were also non-experts. In September 2017, Moon picked Cho Yoon-je, a visiting professor at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, as ambassador to the U.S. The President named Noh Young-min, a former three-term lawmaker, as ambassador to China and Lee Su-hoon, a professor at Kyungnam University, as ambassador to Japan. Former lawmaker Woo Yoon-keun was named ambassador to Russia. All of them had contributed to Moon's presidential campaigns.



From Moon's envoy picks so far, one cannot help but get the impression that they were based on political considerations rather than diplomatic qualifications. If this continues, it will undermine Korea's diplomacy. The morale of career diplomats will also be affected.










By Donald Kirk





Here's another term for President Trump's North Korea policy. How about "strategic ambiguity" in place of the "strategic patience" of the Obama era? The Trumpsters persist in saying they've come up with a new and bolder and better way of putting Kim Jong-un in his place, applying "maximum pressure" to force him to give up his nukes and missiles, but that's not happening.



Sure, Trump might really like the "military option," maybe a "preemptive strike" on selected targets. Or maybe not. That's why whatever he thinks or fantasizes is ambiguous, strategically speaking.



This term, "strategic ambiguity," has been around for a while. President Moon Jae-in nearly a year ago defended his acceptance of the deployment of a counter-missile battery for THAAD, Terminal Hugh Altitude Area Defense, saying it was "necessary to maintain strategic ambiguity." He was roundly criticized for what seemed like a waffling response, but one might justify this policy, strategically, as another way of saying, Keep em guessing.



I was reminded of the term in an article by Anthony Paul, an Australian journalist who once roamed Asia for the Reader's Digest and Fortune. "What's to be done," asked Paul. In an anything-can-happen mode, he noted you can't rule out a coup in Pyongyang "instigated by China" or "a strike by some still secret non-nuclear US weapon."

Realistically, though, he had to acknowledge "no recourse other than continuing diplomatic talks."



These words are timelier than ever in view of Kim Jong-un's call for North-South dialogue and hopes for North Korean participation in the PyongChang Winter Olympics. The U.S. now faces a policy dilemma. What if Kim insists on cancellation of the annual U.S. and South Korean war games? And how about those sanctions as toughened last month by the UN Security Council? No way would the U.S. want to get on the wrong side of President Moon, who has appeared quite cooperative with his American interlocutors since winning the special election as the liberal hero in the wake of the Candlelight Revolution that led to the demise of the arch-conservative Park Geun-hye.



It's that uncertainty that prompts Paul to conjure U.S. policy "drifting into a period of what may be dubbed strategic ambiguity," meaning "strategic patience at risk of becoming impatience and a consequent enhanced threat of military action." The fact is the Americans don't know what to do. They're debating among themselves how to appear broad-minded, cooperative, yet strong-willed and non-compromising.



Ok, it will be easy for Washington not to get too excited over Kim Jong-un's rhetorical flourish about that "nuclear button" on his desk. He's not going to order a nuclear strike against the U.S. It's too obvious what would happen as a result, that is, the destruction of his regime, the end of the Kim dynasty and a lot of other holy hell that no one can predict.



At the same time, Kim is not about to abandon his nuclear program. He's made that so clear, so often, in so many ways, that only a fool would think he'd abandon the whole show if given proper incentive. Granted, quite a few fools do dream of a deal whereby, yes, if only we'd stop those war games, those shows of naval and air superiority in the seas and skies so close to North Korea, then he'd surely say, fine, no more nukes and no more talk about missiles hurtling warheads toward the White House.



In the real world, though, all anyone can imagine is "freeze for freeze," a cessation of missile and nuclear testing in response to the U.S. and South Korea cancelling the annual war games that are supposed to begin while the Olympics are in full sway, but that's not a good idea either. Having won this concession, Kim would not stop there. He would also be demanding an end to sanctions while refusing, as always, to negotiate an end to his nuclear program.

In the Olympic spirit, however, relief from tensions is still possible. President Moon is so eager to bring about reconciliation and dialogue that he may be amenable to a deal that at least insures the Olympics will be free from missile testing, let alone terrorism. The Americans, anxious to preserve the alliance, may have to go along to appear cooperative and supportive.



If "strategic ambiguity" is not the final answer or solution, it's still preferable to the suffering and hardship that all sides need to avoid.



Donald Kirk, www.donaldkirk.com, has been covering war and peace in Asia for decades.


LG Electronics' new robot prototypes are set to be unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2018 next week. From left are robots that will be in use as a food server, porter and shopping cart. / Courtesy of LG Electronics



By Lee Min-hyung



LG Electronics plans to launch a robot brand at this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES), in its bid to secure a competitive edge in the potential-laden smart robot business.



The CLOi, which will make its debut next week in Las Vegas, refers to clever, clear and close operating intelligence that can blend in with people's daily lives in a smarter way, the Seoul-based tech giant said Thursday.



At the world's largest tech tradeshow, the company will also unveil three robot prototypes. They are used as a food server, porter and shopping cart.



The serving robot delivers food and drinks to customers at hotels or airport lounges around the clock, according to LG Electronics. The robot also comes with a built-in sliding tray. After the delivery, it can automatically make its way back to its station.



The porter robot features luggage delivery to guest rooms. It can also has a check-in and check-out service, enabling guests to pay for their accommodation with ease, the company said.



The shopping cart robot is designed for use at big supermarkets. By using a barcode reader on the robot, customers can get basic information, such as prices of goods. As the robot is equipped with a front display, customers can also see their shopping list. The robot can also be linked with smartphones, and guide shoppers to products they search for on their handsets.



"We will continue to develop a full-fledged robot portfolio from a customer-oriented perspective," said Ryu Hye-jung, head of the company's smart systems business division.



This came a year after the company announced its plan to identify the commercial robot business as its next growth engine. The company has since focused on developing robots featured with artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous driving technology.



They include voice-recognizing guide and floor-cleaning robots, both of which successfully finished pilot tests at Incheon International Airport last year. LG Electronics also plans to use the robots at the PyeongChang Winter Games next month.



LG Electronics has in recent years pushed for expanding its business structures into untapped areas amid toughening rivalry in the conventional home appliance business. Starting from the launch of what it calls the super-premium appliance brand, the LG SIGNATURE, in 2016, the company has sought to launch something new to differentiate itself from toughening rivalry from overseas counterparts.



At the CES 2018, the company also plans to go all-out to promote its new AI brand, ThinQ, as part of its efforts to remain agile in catching up with the emerging tech areas - such as the big data technology and the internet of things (IoT).



In a recent New Year address, LG Electronics Vice Chairman Jo Seong-jin also called for the need to rapidly embrace future tech areas to lead the ongoing tech paradigm shift.


Jeff Stute, global head of healthcare investment banking at J.P. Morgan, delivers a speech at J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in January, 2017. / Courtesy of J.P. Morgan



By Park Hyong-ki



Local biopharmaceutical companies are mobilizing their executive and research teams to take part in the biggest healthcare conference hosted by J.P. Morgan in San Francisco, California next week.



They will be introducing their research and development (R&D) projects in the pipeline this year to attract global investors to further the development and commercialization of new medicines for overseas markets.



Green Cross, the listed flu vaccine giant, said it will be attending the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference again this week, following in January last year.



But rather than presenting its case in a session, its team will mostly be meeting potential investors and partners on the sidelines for networking.



The company has numerous ongoing projects to develop drugs for the treatment of diseases related to blood and immune system enhancement that need more time and capital to make them available not only locally but also worldwide.



Green Cross has recently abbreviated its corporate name to GC as it seeks to start afresh with a focus on foraying into global markets.



"Besides Samsung BioLogics and Celltrion, local companies' operations and sales had mostly been domestically focused," a GC spokesman said.



"The industry is just starting to look overseas for more opportunities."



GC is planning to manufacture biotherapeutic drugs for the treatment of diseases related to the immune and circulatory systems in Canada beginning in 2020, it noted.



GC Holdings has a 50 percent stake in GC, whose other key shareholders include the National Pension Service and Matthews International Capital Management, a U.S. investment fund.



Like GC, an increasing number of companies here are adopting an open innovation model where they can develop drugs using external assistance from scientists and entrepreneurs beyond borders.



Such a model has been widely used by global giants such as Merck and Pfizer.



In Korea, the model is helping local companies to focus more on R&D of original consumer drugs, while moving away from producing generic ones, Hanmi Pharmaceutical said in its audit report.



The value of the local pharmaceutical market stood at around 21.7 trillion won last year, according to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.



However, about 80 percent of it came from prescription drugs from doctors and pharmacists.



This structure has only enabled drug companies to market their products to hospitals, and less directly to consumers.



The R&D of new drugs through the model is helping to reshape this aging business landscape.



Hanmi also has numerous projects to develop biotherapeutic drugs for the treatment of obesity and diabetes, some of which could be presented to investors at the conference.



Although Hanmi would not disclose details, it said meetings with potential investors will likely follow its formal presentation of its plan for this year.



Hanmi Chairman and founder Lim Sung-ki has a 34.23 percent in Hanmi Science, which holds a majority stake in Hanmi Pharmaceutical.



It has formed partnerships with Sanofi and Janssen.



The conference's keynote speakers will include Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft and co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Jamie Dimon, chairman & CEO of JPMorgan Chase.


Owners hand over management rights to non-family members



By Park Jae-hyuk



A growing number of corporate owners have started letting more professionals manage their companies in recent years.



Although there are disputes over management between owners and executives, more of the former are opting for peaceful transfers of management to businesspeople rather than handing it to their offspring.



KTB Investment & Securities is one such company having embroiled in a management dispute.



Its Chairman Kwon Sung-moon and Vice Chairman Lee Byung-cheol were in a conflict over the management of the medium-size securities firm.



Kwon, the owner of the company, was dubbed the master of M&A in the 1990s because he accomplished dozens of such deals and made 100 billion won ($93 million) in profits by selling Auction and Job Korea. After acquiring Korea Technology Banking in 1999, the nation's largest venture capital firm at that time, he established KTB Investment & Securities.



The chairman hired the vice chairman in 2016, due to the company's lingering poor performance. However, the joint managers have kept each other in check, defending their shares.



Against this backdrop, Lee recently became the preferred buyer of Kwon's 1.32 million shares, according to a contract they signed in 2016 when they agreed to jointly manage the company. If one of the joint managers decides to sell his shares the deal allows the other to be the preferred buyer of them.



Kwon said he made the decision to normalize the company, but Lee regarded the decision as a fraudulent tactic to avoid handing over the company to the vice chairman, given that Lee is having difficulty acquiring the stock at the moment.



As Kwon and Lee reached an agreement Wednesday, the former will leave the company and the latter will be the largest shareholder.



Peaceful handovers



Unlike KTB, other companies have achieved a peaceful succession of management rights.



Pulmuone, one of the nation's leading food firms, recently ended its 33-year owner management because Chairman Nam Seung-woo, who founded the company in the early 1980s, gave control to CEO Lee Hyo-yul, who is not a member of the chairman's family.



Three years ago, Nam announced he would hand over management rights to a professional manager, instead of his son. The founder retired at the beginning of the New Year and will serve as chairman of Pulmuone's board of directors, advising Lee.



Lock & Lock, the Seoul-based plastic container maker, is another Korean company setting an example.



Founder Kim Jun-il sold a 63.56 percent stake held by himself and his family to Affinity Equity Partners for 629.3 billion won ($558 million) in August last year, citing health problems and the necessity of innovation for the 39-year-old Korean company as his reasons for selling control of the company.



He had promised not to hand over the company to his sons, astonishing Korean society used to watching chaebol groups committing dubious acts for father-to-son ownership transfers.



Former Samsung SDS Vice President Kim Seong-hoon was appointed the new director of Lock & Lock in December, promising to cooperate with the founder, employees and global investors.



End of owner management?



There has yet to be a consensus on better corporate governance not only in Korea but also in other countries. Most Korean companies promoted heirs of the owners to powerful positions at the beginning of this year.



According to the Korea Economic Research Institute, a private think tank, family-owned companies show better profitability and higher investments in research and development.



"Because family members tend to feel more responsibility for their companies, family-owned enterprises can perform better and invest more," Professor Koh Yun-sung at the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies said. "Korean society should reform its mindset toward family-controlled firms."



Pulmuone founder Nam, on the other hand, said CEO management is reasonable for listed companies, while owner management is better for unlisted companies.



Industry officials expect most great-great grandchildren of chaebol founders will not succeed in their family businesses, due to the prevalence of CEO management.


By Park Jae-hyuk



The New Year will be tough for large domestic breweries because of the removal of restrictions on beer importers and craft beer brewers, according to industry officials, Thursday.



Beers imported from the United States and the European Union will be exempt from tariffs, starting from this month and July, respectively, under the terms of free trade agreements that Korea signed with each of them.



The market share of Korean beers will likely go down further because the elimination of the tariffs is expected to reduce the prices of imported beers from the U.S. and Europe.



Korean companies have already complained about the different tax rates imposed on local and foreign beers.



Under the relevant law, taxes on domestic beers are levied in accordance to their factory prices including costs for marketing. Taxes on imported beers are based on the sum of their production costs and tariffs, which do not include marketing expenses.



Officials of domestic breweries have regarded the regulation as a discriminatory measure against Korean beer, saying the importers are practically receiving special treatment.



Against this backdrop, foreign beers have attracted more and more Korean consumers, offering four cans for 10,000 won ($9.4).



Plus, as a growing number of beer drinkers prefer the taste of foreign beers to local ones, the market share of imported beers has grown rapidly over the past few years.



The Korea Customs Service noted that the import of beers was a record-high $241.5 million between January and November last year, up 45 percent from a year earlier. Beer has also maintained its position as the top selling imported alcoholic beverage since July.



Sales of imported beers topped those of Korean ones last year at discount chains. The situation is similar at convenience stores nationwide.



In addition to imported beers, deregulation of craft beers will weigh on the nation's top-tier beer makers  Oriental Brewery, Hite-Jinro and Lotte Liquor.



Craft beers have recently gained popularity among Korean beer drinkers as well, because of their distinct flavors. Seven Brau's Gangseo Beer was even served during President Moon Jae-in's meeting with business leaders last year.



According to the Fair Trade Commission, craft beer brewers will be able to double their production from August this year because they will be able to sell their products through retailers selling specific liquors. The brewers have only been able to distribute their beverages through retailers dealing with all kinds of alcohol.



As of the end of 2015, the number of retailers of specific liquors was 1,685, while that for retailers of general alcoholic beverages was 1,149.



The government will also allow each small brewer to produce up to 120 kiloliters a year beginning in February. Currently, they have a maximum production capacity of 75 kiloliters.


Crystal meth rock / Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons



By Clifford Lo





A woman was on Wednesday arrested at a border checkpoint in Hong Kong on suspicion of smuggling more than HK$400,000 worth of crystal meth into the city.

At around 4am, the suspected drug courier, 27, was intercepted by customs officers at Lok Ma Chau while returning from Shenzhen.

Sources said she left for the mainland on Tuesday night.

"Two bags carrying about 1kg of the drug Ice [or crystal meth] were found hidden in her underpants. The haul had an estimated street value of HK$430,000," a government source with knowledge of the matter said.

He said he believed the consignment was for local consumption.

"After the Christmas and New Year holidays, there may have been a shortage of illegal drugs in the underground market," the source said, suggesting the items found on the women were to resupply users.

Another source said the suspect might have thought she would come under less scrutiny when crossing the border in the early hours.

He said customs officers were investigating whether she was hired by a cross-border drug trafficking syndicate. They were also searching for her associates.

At about 8am, the woman was escorted, hooded and handcuffed, to her public housing flat in Cheung On Estate, Tsing Yi for a house search. No further seizures were made.

On Wednesday afternoon, the suspect was being held for questioning and had not been charged.

An investigation by officers from the Customs Drug Investigation Bureau is under way.

Separately, at about 1am on Wednesday, police arrested a man, 31, and seized 375 grams of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of HK$450,000 on Pok Chuen Street in Sha Tin.

Officers from the Sha Tin police district are handling the case, and the Hongkonger is being held for questioning.

In Hong Kong, trafficking in a dangerous drug carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a HK$5 million fine under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance.

According to official statistics, local authorities seized 192kg of crystal meth and 301kg of cocaine in the first 10 months of 2017. In the same period in 2016, 348kg of crystal meth and 536kg of cocaine were uncovered.

Meanwhile cannabis seizures rose by 237 per cent to 757kg in the first 10 months of 2017, compared with 224kg in the same period in 2016.
By Catherine Wong





China dismissed a report on a US news website that the Communist Party has a secret plan to provide increased aid and military support to North Korea.

Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang called the report by Washington Free Beacon "fake news" during a daily press briefing on Wednesday.

"Anyone with common sense can see that the document [cited in the report] is fake," Geng said.





China's foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang / Yonhap

In the report, the conservative website said Beijing had agreed to offer assurances that the North Korean regime would not be allowed to collapse, citing a secret five-page document in Mandarin that it claimed was from the party's Central Committee.

The document said Beijing would offer Pyongyang more aid for "daily life and infrastructure building" and a one-time 15 per cent increase in funds for 2018.

China would also provide military support to North Korea, including short and medium-range missiles, it said.

North Korea did not need to "immediately and completely give up its nuclear weapons", according to the document, but had to commit to not launching any new nuclear tests.

Washington Free Beacon said it got the document  a directive for the party's International Liaison Department  from a person who had Chinese intelligence and security ties. It was dated September 15  12 days after North Korea's last nuclear test and about a month ahead of China's twice-a-decade party congress.

Tensions have escalated on the Korean peninsula amid repeated nuclear and missile tests by the North. Relations between Beijing and Pyongyang have also deteriorated, with China backing tough United Nations sanctions imposed on the regime.

Song Tao, head of the Chinese Communist Party's liaison department, visited North Korea in November. Song briefed North Korean officials on the party congress but in what was seen as a diplomatic snub by Pyongyang, he did not meet leader Kim Jong-un.
DAMASCUS, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian government forces have captured as many as 70 towns and villages in key rebel-strongholds in northern Syria over the past 75 days, a monitor group reported Wednesday.

Intense battles have been raging since the Syrian army launched an offensive in the northern countryside of the central province of Hama and the adjacent southern countryside of the northwestern province of Idlib against the al-Qaida-linked Levant Liberation Committee (LLC) and other allied militants.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the government forces are heavily shelling the militants' positions in the southern countryside of Idlib amid bad weather conditions in that part of the country.

Syrian warplanes are also pounding the areas near the city of Khan Sheikhoun and the town of Tamana' in Idlib countryside, said the observatory.

The London-based watchdog group added that the Syrian warplanes struck a museum in the city of Marat al-Numan in southern Idlib a day earlier, leaving big destruction in the building.

Late last month, state news agency SANA said the Syrian forces were making strides in the battles in the countryside of Hama and Idlib with the aim of defeating the LLC, in a triangle of countryside region between Hama, Idlib and Aleppo province in northern Syria.

One of the military goals behind the attack on Idlib is also to capture the Abu al-Duhur Air Base, which will enable the Syrian army to gain the upper hand in carrying out airstrikes on the LLC positions in Idlib.

Idlib has emerged as the main destination of the rebel groups, which have evacuated several positions across Syria after surrendering to the Syrian army.

The area has become a home to several rebel groups from different affiliations, some of which are supported by Turkey, while others, such as the Nusra Front, are designated as terrorist groups.

Still, the area was recently included in the de-escalation zones' deal, sponsored by Russian and Turkey, with Ankara being tasked with guaranteeing the situation there.

It's not clear yet whether the Syrian government forces will launch a wide-scale offensive to recapture the entire province, or just to take some positions in the countryside.
DAMASCUS, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian army sent reinforcements on Wednesday to launch a major counter-offensive against the rebels in the Eastern Ghouta countryside of the capital Damascus, a military source told Xinhua.

The military backup forces are amassing near the city of Harasta to unleash a counter-attack against the al-Qaida-linked groups of the Levant Liberation Committee (LLC) and the allied Failaq al-Rahman and push them back from the military-run Vehicle Base in Harasta, the source said on condition of anonymity.

Tanks were seen Wednesday heading toward Harasta from Damascus.

The aim behind the counter-offensive is to defeat the al-Qaida affiliates and secure the surrounding of the base, which was attacked by the rebels late last month.

The Syrian warplanes are heavily striking the rebel positions near the facility to pave the way for the ground forces to storm the area.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 15 airstrikes targeted areas in Harasta and its surrounding on Wednesday amid intense battles between the government forces and the ultra-radical rebels.

The UK-based watchdog group said 44 government soldiers, including six officers, have been killed in the battles as well as 47 militants.

During the offensive, the militants besieged the base and captured parts of it, according to activists' reports.

The rebels have also captured areas between Harasta and Arbeen neighborhood, cutting the government forces' supply routes to the base.

The base is the largest military facility in the Eastern Ghouta region, stretching from Harasta to Arbeen.

The base contains large numbers of soldiers, including Republican Guards, as well as big weapon depots.

During the war, the base has become a major operation center and supply facility to the Syrian forces inside the Eastern Ghouta region, which contains many towns and neighborhoods.
Where is the situation on the Korean Peninsula headed? It is the biggest uncertainty of 2018. At the beginning of this year, South Korea welcomed North Korea to participate in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. The two sides established contact on a hotline on Wednesday and high-level government talks are proposed to take place on Tuesday next week in Panmunjom. This is the first contact between Seoul and Pyongyang in two years.

Another tendency on the peninsula is more dramatic. In his New Year address, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said a nuclear button was always on his desk and the entire US mainland was within range. This apparently infuriated US President Donald Trump, who tweeted Tuesday that "I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!"

The resumption of contact between North and South Korea is like pushing a new door open. But Washington seems indifferent. The US claimed that it would not take talks seriously if they did not move toward banning North Korea's nuclear weapons.

Resolving the nuclear crisis peacefully is probably the most difficult international political goal in the world today. But vying for who has a bigger, more powerful nuclear button is definitely not a solution.

If Pyongyang and Washington get used to such nuclear threats, they will poison international relations in the 21st century. Implying they can use nuclear weapons to attack each other was once quite a rare thing, even during the Cold War. It is to be hoped that both sides exercise restraint in this regard.

Is it possible for Pyongyang to stop nuclear tests, slash or suspend its missile launches for a long time in 2018? The likelihood exists. In Kim's New Year's address, he said the country had completed its nuclear weapons and would focus on the economy.

Now it's the US' turn to send a signal, even a vague one, of decreasing military drills on the Korean Peninsula. If interactions between Washington and Pyongyang can form a tendency to reduce military confrontation, a silver lining can be seen in the peninsula.

Nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles cannot feed North Korea, nor can they help Pyongyang's pursuit of international status. Nuclear weapons serve as a guarantor of a country's security, but they can't be used like tools in a strategic game. North Korea can guarantee its security through other means and that can be discussed once the peninsula situation is stabilized.

The nuclear crisis used to be addressed by a dual-track approach: confrontation and negotiation. But now only confrontation exists, and Pyongyang has acquired more advanced nuclear missile technology. With rising tensions, there is no winner of this contest.

The US is powerful but not almighty. It has to realize the limit of its strength as to whether it can crush North Korea. All sides need to break away from habitual confrontation. Long-term sanctions are difficult to bear for Pyongyang. For the US, comparing the size of its nuclear button with North Korea's is ridiculous.

There won't be a real stalemate on the peninsula. It will get better, or get worse. If there is no major turnaround, a horrible situation might not be so far away.
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PRESS RELEASE

Kim Jong-un Re-opens Communication Line to South Korea

Jan. 3, 2018 (EIRNS)Pyongyang has re-opened the communications channel between South and North. According to a report this morning in the Korea Herald, the North called the South through the Panmunjon truce center at 3:30 p.m. local time today. According to the Ministry of Unification, the call lasted 20 minutes, during which the two sides communications officers checked for possible faults in the inter-Korean connection.

North Korea broke its silence earlier in the day, when Ri Son-kwon, the head of North Koreas agency handling inter-Korean affairs, announced the plans to reconnect the line at 3:00 p.m. (North Korea time is 30 minutes behind South Korea time). Ri said that Kim welcomes President Moon Jae-ins orders given at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, to make preparations for North Koreas participation in the Winter Olympics, and added that Kim stressed that improving inter-Korean relations were up to the governments of the two Koreas, hinting at Pyongyangs concerns over U.S. involvement.

The re-opening of the phone line was welcomed in Seoul.

"Re-establishing communications is significant. It is deemed that [inter-Korean communications] is taking on a structure that allows communications at all times,"

said Yoon Young-chan, senior presidential press secretary. He added, "I believe it signals a move toward an environment where communication will be possible at all times."

South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha spoke by phone with Secretary Rex Tillerson today, explaining Seouls position regarding the opening to the North.

Nikki Haley, John Boltons protege now at the UN, typically made an ass of herself when asked about the opening of talks between the two Koreas:
PRESS RELEASE

Paul Manafort Seeks Return to Constitution; Sues Mueller et al.

Jan. 3, 2018 (EIRNS)Paul Manafort filed a civil suit on Wednesday against Rod Rosenstein, Robert Mueller, and the United States Department of Justice. The suit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, where Manaforts indictment by Mueller is also pending. It alleges that Rosenstein, Mueller, et al. have abused the Justice Department regulations governing the appointment of special counsels and their authority to investigate and criminally charge in his case, and seeks to have the actions of Mueller and Rosenstein declared ultra vires, or, without legal authority.

Although the Special Counsel statute survived a 1988 constitutional challenge in Morrison v. Olson, most legal scholars believe that Justice Antonin Scalias lone dissent in that case was constitutionally correct. Scalia argued that the law violated the separation of powers, which vests exclusive power to prosecute in the executive branch, in the Presidency, not some independent Justice Department, Special Counsel, or Congressional authority. Should the President abuse his powers, the Congress can impeach the President or the voters can defeat him, but, Scalia argues, Article II vests exclusive prosecutorial power in the President. Otherwise, the statute effectively created an unconstitutional fourth branch of government with no political accountability and unbridled prosecutorial power threatening the very foundations of the Republic, Scalia correctly warned.

According to Scalias dissent, the statute, as then operating, effectively compelled investigations that would otherwise not be opened and prosecutions that would otherwise not be brought. It encumbered the functioning of a Presidents staff and enfeebled his confrontations with Congress. Unlike other essential issues which come before the Court "clad in sheeps clothing,... this wolf comes as a wolf," Scalia famously wrote. In 1999, the Clinton Administration refused to renew the statute, citing Scalias dissent as constitutionally controlling authority. The Justice Department then adopted the present independent counsel regulation for cases in which the Department has a clear conflict of interest. The regulation requires a clear and specific statement of the offense to be investigated, while also allowing for investigation of offenses which might thwart that investigation, such as false statements, perjury, and obstruction of justice. In this case, the offense specified by Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein is links and/or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the campaign of President Donald Trump.

Manafort correctly points out that none of the charges against him involve the investigation mandated by the regulation governing the scope of Muellers investigative authority. Instead, they concern events from 2005 through 2014 involving Manaforts lobbying activities in Ukraine, payment of taxes on funds received from those activities, and filing of disclosures concerning those activities. These same activities, according to Manaforts complaint, were voluntarily disclosed by Manafort to the Department of Justice in an interview in 2014 concerning his Ukraine and Cyprus activities, an investigation which Department of Justice closed following Manaforts interview. However the court deals with this as an immediate matter, Manafort most certainly has a valid constitutional claim concerning the "wolf that comes as a wolf."
PRESS RELEASE

Neocons Planning for Regime Change in Iran

Jan. 3, 2018 (EIRNS)The neoconservatives in the United States have certainly and enthusiastically jumped onboard support of the anti-government demonstrators in Iran. This includes elements of the Trump Administration, unnamed officials of which have told the Washington Free Beacon that both President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence are watching the protests very closely. These officials further said they are working to ensure that Trump does not miss an opportunity to incubate a possible revolution that could topple Irans "hardline" ruling regime.

"With the world watching growing demonstrations across Iran, the Trump administration sees an opportunity to feed the growing protests,"

the Free Beacon reports, something that they and the neo-cons say that President Obama failed to do in 2009, when protests erupted over irregularities in the presidential election of that year.

"The Trump administrations strong and vocal support for the demonstrators is a 180 from the Obama administrations approach and its signaling to Tehran that this will not be a repeat of the 2009 demonstrations,"

the administration official said.

However, today in Iran, literally hundreds of thousands of citizens rallied on the street in support of the government, denouncing the violence instigated by some of the demonstrators. The neocons are certain to ignore this aspect.

Neo-cons in the U.S. Congress and elsewhere in Washington are enthusiastically following the lead of former U.S. Ambassador to the UN John Bolton, who told Fox News on New Years Day that the U.S. objective in Iran should be regime-change.

"The Iranian people want freedom and an end to the ayatollahs reign of terror," said Senator Ted Cruz, reported Agence France Presse.

"Iranians are looking toward America to support their struggle," Mark Dubowitz, chief executive of the neo conservative Foundation for Defense of Democracies, wrote in a Wall Street Journal op-ed, in which he urged the White House to continue condemning the regime and follow up with "sanctions targeting corruption and human-rights abuses."

Despite all of this activity, however, the White House is publicly distancing itself from regime-change. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said, yesterday,

"The United States supports the Iranian people, and we call on the regime to respect its citizens basic right to peacefully express their desire for change."

When asked if the current government should be replaced, she said that the U.S. hopes Iran begins to respect the rights of its people and ends its support for terrorist groups.
PRESS RELEASE

Saudis Back Terrorist MeK as Alternative in Iran

Jan. 3, 2018 (EIRNS)One of the striking characteristics of the past week of protests in Iran is the apparent lack of a leadership organization behind them. The Green Movement that lead the protests against the tainted presidential election of 2009, mostly made up of the reformist faction, has remained absent this time around, with the reformist leaders mostly distancing themselves from the protesters. There doesnt appear to be a government-in-waiting that those who dream of "regime-change" in Tehran can install in place of the ayatollahs. However, Al Arabiya, the Saudi-owned news network, has a suggestion: the National Council For the Resistance In Iran, the political front for the terrorist Mujahadeen e-Khalq Organization (MeK or MKO). The MeK was on the U.S. State Departments list of foreign terrorist organizations from 1997 to 2012 because of its decades- long history of violence and terrorism, including against Americans in the 1970s.

This history apparently is no obstacle to Saudi support of the MeK as an alternative political leadership for Iran, however.

"The ongoing protests in different cities against the regime reveal the explosive state of Iranian society and the peoples desire for regime change," Al Arabiya quotes NCRI president Maryam Rajavi as saying. Rajavi added that the

"Iranian people demand the overthrow of the ruling religious dictatorship. It is their right to topple this repressive regime. And I emphasize: Regime change in Iran is within reach."

Al Arabiya gushes that Rajavis ten-point plan for Iran

"is a clear blueprint for a free and democratic Iran void of nuclear weapons; in peace and harmony with its neighbors and the rest of the world; upholds womens rights and the rights of ethnic and religious minorities in the country and many more progressive plans for Iran."

Al Arabiya further reports that the MeK

"has put to use its widespread network inside Iran and its satellite TV Simay-Azadis citizen reporters are sending their video and internet messages of Irans cities to the world 24/7."

In the United States, the neo-conservatives have long seen the MeK as a tool for overthrowing the government of Iran and the religious clerics who dominate it. They waged a long campaign for the delisting of the MeK as a terrorist group, which finally succeed in 2012 when then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton issued a statement claiming that they had renounced violence. The neo-cons relationship with the MeK continues to this day, as was shown in August when three senior Republican members of the U.S. SenateRoy Blunt (Mo.), John Cornyn (Tex.), and Thom Tillis (N.C.)met with Rajavi in Tirana, Albania, in August of 2017.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani raised the issue of the MeK in a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron, yesterday. Rouhani bluntly told Macron that the MeK, which has maintained its headquarters in Paris for decades, must be shut down.

"We expect the French government to take its legal responsibility to combat terrorism and violence," said Rouhani, criticizing the allowance of a terrorist group maintaining a base in Paris, operating against the Iranian people, and provoking and persuading people to take violent actions in Iran, according to Tasnim.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, issues an order at a mobilization meeting held by the commission on Jan. 3, 2018. (Xinhua/Li Gang)

Xi Jinping on Wednesday issued military training instructions to the People's Liberation Army during a grand mobilization ceremony in front of thousands of troops, which was simultaneously broadcast to 4,000 military gatherings around China.

The Central Military Commission (CMC) of the Communist Party of China (CPC) held the ceremony and requested the military to improve its "capability to win," which analysts say is of strategic importance.

President Xi, who is also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the CMC, issued the instructions to the PLA, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

The ceremony was held at a military training base in North China under the PLA's Central Theater Command, with more than 7,000 PLA troops and 300 armed vehicles, China Central Television (CCTV) reported.

At the ceremony, Xi ordered the Chinese military to strengthen combat readiness and put military training in a strategic position, the PLA Daily, official newspaper of the PLA, reported.

Xi and other members of the CMC also inspected the troops. More than 4,000 parallel sessions were held simultaneously across China among the PLA Ground Force, Navy, Air force, Rocket Force, Strategic Support Force and the Armed Police, where the soldiers listened to Xi's speech via the live television broadcast.

"This is the first time since the founding of the country that instructions on military training have been directly issued by the chairman of the CMC, and it shows that improving combat readiness is now a strategic mission for the Chinese military," said Xu Guangyu, a retired major general and senior adviser of the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association.

The instruction from Xi shows that the chairman of the CMC is the leader of all military affairs in China, said Xu, adding that orders involving the military should be issued from the chairman of the CMC.

The ceremony demonstrated the new norm of military training after the 19th CPC National Congress and it also reminds the military that the world is not peaceful and crisis awareness for the military needs to be increased, said Song Zhongping, a military expert and TV commentator.

Gain combat capability from training

CCTV's report showed Xi and other members of the CMC watching closed circuit broadcasts of live training sessions that were conducted across the country.

The report showed Xi giving commands to numerous military outfits around the country. A Marine Corps troop conducted amphibious landing exercises at a South China naval port, an Air Force troop launched fighter jets for air combat simulations at a training base in Hebei Province, and a missile brigade under the Rocket Force conducted missile tests in South China.

"The core of improving combat readiness is to maintain and promote combat capability. China can't copy the US' measure to improve combat capability through actual combat overseas since our national defense policy is defensive rather than offensive. Therefore, military training becomes extremely important for China," Xu told the Global Times.

"Currently, one third of our defense budget is used for military training," Xu added.

Military personnel start training after Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, issued an order at a mobilization meeting held by the commission on Jan. 3, 2018. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
The book Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House by Michael Wolff has been causing such a fury itself that its publication date has been moved up to Friday.

Portions of the book, which had been scheduled for release on Jan. 9, began appearing online Wednesday. They include a portrayal of chaos and dysfunction inside Trumps White House, unflattering descriptions of the president by his advisors, tales of dissent among his staff and criticism of the Trump family by then-aide Stephen K. Bannon.

Trumps legal team sent a letter to the books publisher, Henry Holt, demanding that it immediately cease and desist from any further publication, release or dissemination of the book.

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Instead of stopping the books publication, the publisher decided to get it into readers hands earlier.

Due to unprecedented demand, we are moving the on-sale date for all formats of Fire and Fury, by Michael Wolff, to Friday, January 5, at 9 a.m. ET, from the current on-sale date of Tuesday, January 9, Henry Holt said in a statement.

The controversy has indeed whetted readers appetites for the book. It is currently No. 1 on Amazon.com, via pre-sales, both in print and as a Kindle ebook.

The book includes critiques of the president said to come from close colleagues, including Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin, former Chief of Staff Reince Priebus, chief economic advisor Gary Cohn and national security advisor H.R. McMaster.

For Steve Mnuchin and Reince Priebus, the president was an idiot. For Gary Cohn, he was dumb as sh-t. For H.R. McMaster he was a dope. The list went on, Wolff wrote.

Additionally, Trump had a longtime fear of being poisoned, Wolff wrote; one reason why he liked to eat at McDonalds  nobody knew he was coming and the food was safely premade.

If these statements are not true, Trump could move forward with legal action. But the attention from the president, even while negative, was what Peter Ginna, a New York editor, quipped on Twitter is what a publisher DREAMS OF.

Oh. my. god. Getting this much free PR from the President of the United States is what a publisher DREAMS OF. https://t.co/buAniLv1kD  Peter Ginna (@DoctorSyntax) January 4, 2018

Wolff has said that he conducted 200 interviews to write Fire and Fury. The U.S. is in the midst of the most intense political storm since Watergate, and my aim in reporting and writing this book was to see life inside the White House through the eyes of the people who are closest to the center of this hurricane, Wolff told the Guardian in November.

RELATED:

Some of the juiciest lines from Fire and Fury

Trump breaks with Bannon over his reported criticism of the president and his family

carolyn.kellogg@latimes.com

@paperhaus
Hollywood once again earned dismal marks in USC Annenbergs annual report card on the number of women and minorities in powerful positions in the entertainment industry.

Professor Stacy Smith and the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative found that women made up only 4.3% of all directors of the 1,100 top films released from 2007 to 2017. That represented a ratio of 22 males to each female director. In addition, only four black females, three Asian females and one Latina directed any of those 1,100 films.

When people think of a female director  its a Caucasian female, Smith said Thursday in an interview. There were only eight women of color directing those 1,100 films, including only one Latina  that shows something in the system is broken.

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The findings underscore the magnitude of a problem that has come into sharp focus in the last few months as the entertainment industry grapples with its treatment of women. Media companies, production firms and talent agencies are facing growing pressure to correct widespread gender imbalances, which many believe have contributed to an alpha-male culture that allowed sexual harassment to occur unchecked.

Since October, the industry has been roiled by allegations of sexual misconduct by powerful men, including mogul Harvey Weinstein, film producer Brett Ratner, former Amazon Studios chief Roy Price and veteran TV broadcasters Matt Lauer and Charlie Rose.

The USC report titled Inclusion in the Directors Chair? analyzed data on the gender, race and age of 1,223 filmmakers working on 1,100 top-grossing films over the last decade. The picture improved marginally in 2017, when women made up 7.3% of directors of the years 100 top movies, compared with 4.2% in 2016.

One of the top-grossing movies in 2017, Wonder Woman was directed by a woman, Patty Jenkins.

That movie was a home run for Warner Bros., Smith said. But there are other women waiting in the queue behind Patty to tell authentic and compelling stories about male and female protagonists.

Women faced significant hurdles, such as receiving few opportunities to direct more than one film. Nearly 84% of female directors made only one film in the 10-year period covered by the study compared with 55.3% of men.

Age also was a factor. The careers of men spanned six decades, with men beginning to direct films when they were in their 20s and continuing until they were in their 70s and 80s. Women did not enjoy that same longevity, beginning their directing careers while in their 30s and ending by the time they reached 50.

Only 15 women age 50 or older directed movies in the 10-year period, compared with more than 350 men.

Until major media companies take concrete steps to address the biases that impede hiring, nothing will change, Smith said in a statement.

Two years ago, the federal Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission launched an investigation into the plight of female film and TV directors but, so far, nothing has come of it. Meanwhile, the Weinstein and other sexual harassment scandals and the #metoo social media movement have heightened awareness of the stark gender imbalance in Hollywood.

The USC report also found that women are underrepresented in the executive ranks as well.

At seven major media companies, about 19% of the board members are female. Four companies  21st Century Fox, Sony Corp., Comcast Corp. and Lionsgate  each had only one woman on its board. Only 17.9% of the high-ranking executive jobs were held by women.

We are seeing exclusion across the board, Smith said.

The study also highlighted the small percentage of black and Asian directors working on major films. Only 5.2% of the 1,223 directors of 1,100 top films were black, and 3.2% were Asian.

meg.james@latimes.com

@MegJamesLAT

UPDATES:

3:20 p.m.: This post was updated to include comments from Smith.

2:20 p.m.: This post was updated to include additional background on the USC study.

This article was originally published at 12:25 p.m.
As Californias legal cannabis industry heats up, officials in Los Angeles and other cities say they want to make sure early players in the pot business who were selling it when it was still illegal arent pushed out of the market.

In Los Angeles and Oakland, city cannabis rules provide for so-called social-equity programs, which provide a leg up to marijuana business license applicants who either have been convicted of a marijuana crime or live in neighborhoods disproportionately affected by marijuana arrests.

But many of the entrepreneurs who might benefit from those programs would face a huge obstacle: Most banks wont open accounts for marijuana businesses, and the few institutions that are willing to do so are likely to refuse to serve businesses whose owners or managers have criminal records, even if those records are for selling marijuana.

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Though legal for recreational or medicinal use in 29 states, marijuana remains illegal under federal law, making most banks and credit unions  which answer to federal regulators  unwilling to open even basic checking accounts for marijuana growers or sellers.

Institutions that do work with the cannabis industry must follow a strict set of federal guidelines that call for extra financial reporting and research into the backgrounds of cannabis business owners. Those guidelines suggest providing a bank account to a cannabis business owned by a drug convict would be a regulatory red flag.

Being locked out of the banking system could be a big setback for those businesses, negating much of the benefit of the social-equity programs, said Virgil Grant, a local cannabis entrepreneur and one of the proponents of L.A.s program.

It puts us at a disadvantage just coming out of the gate, said Grant, who co-owns South Los Angeles medical marijuana dispensary Medex and has state and federal drug convictions on his record. Wed never be able to grow past a mom-and-pop business. Wed be stuck in that realm.

Without bank accounts, marijuana businesses are forced to handle large bundles of cash to buy supplies, pay employees and even to make tax payments. Grant and other cannabis business owners say the extra time and precautions necessary when dealing with all that cash add up to thousands of dollars in added costs.

For businesses able to get accounts, those savings amount to a big advantage, Grant said.

Its about efficiency and time, which is money, he said. A business with a bank account, they would make more money and save more money, and wed lose money because of inefficiency. It would be detrimental to us as business owners not to be able to be afforded that same opportunity.

But executives at banks and credit unions in California, Washington and Colorado that offer accounts to marijuana businesses  a stance that already puts them outside of the banking mainstream  say that even for them, a criminal record would make it more difficult to open an account.

I think it would make it tougher in an already tough environment, said Neil Zick, chief executive at Twin City Bank in Longview, Wash. It would definitely be another deterrent on the part of the bank.

Sundie Seefried, chief executive of Partner Colorado Credit Union, which openly works with cannabis businesses, said she has opened an account for a marijuana entrepreneur with a record  but that it was a judgment call that could have gone the other way.

I personally discussed the situation, assessed all the facts and made the decision to bank this company even with the history, Seefried said. However, I could have just as easily said no.  If I am placing my financial institution at risk, I am going to select very carefully.

An executive at an L.A.-area credit union that works with marijuana businesses was even more direct. The executive, who spoke to The Times on the condition that he and his institution not be named, said his credit union would under no circumstances open an account for a business owned or managed by someone with a criminal record.

They took a chance before, and they might take a chance again, the executive said. If someone has a criminal record, it doesnt give me confidence that their business is going to be run without infractions going forward.

Both the L.A. credit union executive and Seefried pointed to guidelines from the federal Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, or FinCEN, a Treasury Department bureau that combats money laundering and other illicit uses of the financial system.

While marijuana is still considered an illegal drug under federal law, those guidelines do not explicitly prohibit a bank from serving a cannabis business. However, if a bank finds that the businesss owners or managers have criminal records, it is considered a red flag that should prompt further scrutiny by the bank. Violations of the guidelines could subject the bank to fines or even stricter penalties.

Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson, a key backer of the cannabis social equity program, said he doesnt have a good solution to this issue yet, though he said hes hopeful the banking industry will come around as the cannabis industry grows.

One solution hes floated is the creation of a city-owned bank  an idea California officials also are mulling but on a statewide basis. A public bank, the thinking goes, would be able to provide basic banking services to cannabis businesses and support other public priorities with less federal oversight.

Though Grant and others in the industry are hopeful about that idea, the creation of such a bank is far from a sure thing. Whats more, adding cannabis-industry services as an institutional priority could make establishment of such a bank even trickier. But Wesson noted Wednesday that cannabis is not the only reason to create a public bank. Other purposes could include financing affordable housing.

Its kinda percolated to the top, but its not whats driving this, he said.

He also said he believes banks should not be able to deny basic services to cannabis businesses, regardless of any criminal history of their owners or managers.

What were trying to do is right a wrong, trying to create opportunities for individuals who do not have opportunities, he said. Im not going to tell you how to invest your money or who you have to make a loan to, but I dont think you should be in the position of picking and choosing who can open an account. Id make sure we have a hearing on that issue.

james.koren@latimes.com

Follow me: @jrkoren
Legal sales of recreational marijuana may have begun Monday, but dont expect big changes in the workplace or in public.

Michelle Lee Flores, partner at national law firm Cozen OConnor who specializes in labor and employment law, said that while employees may think the new law could give them a pass, thats not necessarily the case.

I think there are a lot of employees that think that now its a get out of jail free card or Now I have a right and therefore you cannot hinder that in any way and thats just not true, she said. You have a right to buy alcohol, but we all understand we dont come to work drunk.

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But can you bring marijuana on a plane? Or to sporting events? Read on to find out more about how the new law will affect workplaces and other spaces.

Does the legalization of recreational marijuana sales change drug testing policies for job applicants?

The new law specifically does not change the legal status between employers and employees when it comes to drug testing and employment, said Tamar Todd, legal affairs director for Drug Policy Alliance, a national drug law reform group that supported the 2016 passage of Proposition 64, which legalized the sale of recreational marijuana in California.

You can still be drug tested, and you could still be fired by your employer, she said.

What should employers do now in terms of employee handbooks and company rules?

Flores said employers can still enforce so-called zero-tolerance drug policies.

Those zero tolerance policies are about safety in the workplace, she said. Thats a real issue, so we want to remember that simply because California law says its legal for recreational purposes doesnt mean that safety goes out the window.

However, she said employers should be mindful of employees who use medical marijuana.

For some, they may be using cannabis for medicinal purposes and if so, then we need to be mindful of the Americans With Disabilities Act and the California component of that, Flores said. My first thought in that regard is to say, Are you taking this for a medical reason and is there a legal alternative under the federal regime?

With the exception of the medicinal use, think of it as you would with alcohol, she said. We dont want you to come to work impaired.

Could any legal issues arise by asking employees if theyre using marijuana for medical purposes?

In California, Flores said employers should preface that question with a disclaimer  Do not tell me what your condition is.

You dont want to get into a situation where you ring the bell and then someone feels that theyve been discriminated against because you know what their condition is, she said. Youre only going to ask that question if someone has a hit for cannabis on a post-offer, pre-employment [test], and youre going to make it clear that you dont want to know what that condition is.

Are there certain industries that are more likely to enforce zero-tolerance policies for marijuana?

Safety-sensitive industries that work with heavy machinery, such as construction or manufacturing, may be more likely to uphold these policies, Flores said.

Are many companies changing company policies?

Flores said many of the employers she knows are keeping their status quo on marijuana usage.

The bigger concern is managing the either lack of knowledge or misconception or impression that now its a free-for-all, she said.

Can you transport marijuana in your car?

Drivers can have marijuana in their vehicles, but it must be in a container in the trunk. Driving under the influence is still illegal and consumption in the vehicle is not allowed.

Can you bring marijuana to sporting events at venues that have explicitly prohibited illegal drugs in the past?

Todd of Drug Policy Alliance said the answer will probably depend on the venue itself. Prop. 64 prohibits public consumption of marijuana, which would include sporting events, though businesses can get a license for on-site consumption, she said. Businesses that allow on-site marijuana consumption could not also allow the consumption of alcohol or tobacco. That means you cant smoke it in a bar.

Private arenas can prohibit possession of marijuana in their own rules. For example, a Staples Center spokeswoman said cannabis and use of the drug are prohibited inside the venue. A spokeswoman for the Honda Center said the venue was nonsmoking and that marijuana was not permitted at the arena.

The Transportation Security Administration focuses on detecting security threats to aircraft and passengers, TSA spokeswoman Lorie Dankers said in an email. However, if a TSA agent came across marijuana  or any item that might violate the law  during a security bag check, the agency contacts the airports police and they handle the case.

If a passenger at Los Angeles International Airport has less than an ounce of marijuana or less than eight grams of concentrated cannabis, it is treated just as cigarettes or any tobacco product would be treated,said Rob Pedregon, a spokesman for LAX police.

But he noted that this is just within the state of California. Once passengers go into federal airspace, they are subject to federal laws, he said. And in a statement, the Federal Aviation Administration said that while a number of states have legalized marijuana for medicinal or personal use, federal law still prohibits transporting the drug on aircraft.

Does the Justice Departments decision change anything?

Not really, says Robert Mikos, a professor at Vanderbilt University Law School who studies federal, state and local marijuana laws and enforcement policies. The Justice Department on Thursday rescinded Obama-era rules that prevented federal prosecutors from targeting marijuana businesses operating legally under state laws.

By rescinding these, it looks like the attorney general is changing course, but its important to note they didnt say that he wanted local U.S. attorneys to go out and crack down on the industry, he said. Hes left it up to the discretion of local U.S. attorneys, and there are some reasons to think theyll just stay the course.

Mikos said the federal government has limited resources for this kind of enforcement and that going after the recreational marijuana industry would require pulling resources away from other tasks, such as fighting the opioid epidemic.

However, Todd of Drug Policy Alliance said removing this policy creates a lot of uncertainty and represents a direct threat to access.

samantha.masunaga@latimes.com

Twitter: @smasunaga

UPDATES:

3 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details about marijuana possession in airports and on planes.

1 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details about the Department of Justices stance on recreational marijuana.

This article was originally published at 11:15 a.m.
More than 100 Sears and Kmart stores, including five Kmarts and six Sears stores in California, will be closing between early March and early April, Sears Holdings Corp. announced Thursday.

The company will continue to close some unprofitable stores as it attempts to right-size the number and size of its physical stores to customers needs, it said in a statement.

Employees at the 64 Kmart and 39 Sears stores that close will get severance benefits and will be able to apply for open positions at other Kmart and Sears stores, but the company did not guarantee jobs for associates in the statement.

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Sears Holdings spokesman Larry Costello wouldnt say how many jobs would be cut, but noted that the majority are part-time positions. Liquidation sales will begin as early as Jan. 12.

In California, the company is closing Sears stores in Santa Clarita, Brea, Westminster, San Jose, San Rafael and Hanford. The five California Kmart stores slated for shutdown are in Cudahy, Ontario, Arroyo Grande, Redding and Taft.

Sears Holdings shares fell 4% to $3.58 on Thursday. In June, the company announced plans to close 86 Sears and Kmart stores across the country. Thats on top of the more than 1,000 stores closed in the last several years.

Last March, the company said in Securities and Exchange Commission filings that there was substantial doubt that it would survive.

Sears Holdings currently has 1,104 stores, down from 1,672 in 2016.

alejandra.reyesvelarde@latimes.com

Twitter: @r_valejandra
Southwest Airlines has agreed to pay $15 million to settle a lawsuit that accuses the nations four biggest air carriers of colluding to limit capacity to keep air fares high.

The Dallas-based airline said it continues to reject the allegations made by dozens of passengers in several lawsuits that were consolidated in 2016. Still, the carrier said it has agreed to pay the settlement to avoid spending time and money fighting the case.

While we have always had full confidence in our ability to prevail in this case, we believe this decision is in the best interest of our company, employees and shareholders by allowing us to return our focus on doing what we do best  providing friendly, reliable, and low-cost service to our customers, the airline said in a statement issued Wednesday.

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Representatives for American, Delta and United all said they plan to continue fighting the lawsuit.

Delta has built its business success through an unwavering commitment to its customers and employees, the Atlanta-based carrier said in a statement. The assertion that our success is due to anything more than the hard work of our people is not only ridiculous, it is offensive. The simple fact is that Delta has not engaged in any illegal behavior.

The accusations were made in 23 antitrust lawsuits that were consolidated and brought in 2016 before Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, a federal judge in Washington. The lawsuits contend that, starting in 2009, United, American, Southwest and Delta conspired to limit the number of new seats they added to raise airfares despite lower fuel costs.

A status conference for the lawsuit is scheduled in Kollar-Kotellys courtroom for Feb. 12.

The U.S. Department of Justice confirmed in 2015 that it was also looking into similar allegations. In a statement Thursday, the federal agency declined to comment.

The accusations were prompted when executives from several airlines used similar language at a trade group meeting in Miami in 2015, promising to stay disciplined about adding more flights and seats at a time of rising travel demand and low fuel costs.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) cited the comments by airline executives when he called for a Justice Department investigation in 2015.

In his letter to the Justice Department, Blumenthal asked for a full and thorough investigation of anti-competitive, anti-consumer conduct and misuse of market power in the airline industry, evidenced by recent pricing patterns as well as remarks made at the [International Air Transport Assn.] conference.

Shares of Southwest Airlines slipped 21 cents Thursday to $64.70.

hugo.martin@latimes.com

To read more about the travel and tourism industries, follow @hugomartin on Twitter.

UPDATES:

1:50 p.m.: This article was updated with a response from the Justice Department and the closing stock price for Southwest Airlines.

This article was originally published at 11:45 a.m.
The worlds biggest chipmakers and software companies, including Intel Corp. and Microsoft Corp., are coming to grips with a vulnerability that leaves vast numbers of computers and smartphones susceptible to hacking and performance slowdowns.

Google researchers recently discovered that a feature, present in almost all of the billions of processors that run computers and phones around the world, could give cyberattackers unauthorized access to sensitive data  and whose remedy could hinder device performance. News of the weakness, found last year and reported Tuesday by the Register technology blog, weighed on shares of Intel, the biggest semiconductor maker, while boosting rivals including Advanced Micro Devices Inc. Intels silence most of Wednesday added to investors unease.

Late Wednesday, Intel, Microsoft, Google and other tech bellwethers issued statements aimed at reassuring customers and shareholders. Intel said its chips werent the only ones affected and predicted no material effect on its business; Microsoft, the largest software maker, said it released a security update to protect users of devices running Intel and other chips. Google, which said the issue affects Intel, AMD and ARM Holdings chips, said it updated most of its systems and products with protections from attack. Amazon.com Inc., whose AWS is No. 1 in cloud computing, said most of its affected servers already have been secured.

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Hackers for decades have exploited security holes in software  for example, by inducing careless, unsuspecting users to open attachments that unleash viruses or other malware onto a device or network. The weakness uncovered by Google, by contrast, underscores the potential damage wreaked by vulnerabilities in hardware. Complex components, such as microprocessors, can be harder to fix and take longer to design from scratch if flawed.

Its a big one and its a severe one. This gives an attacker capabilities that bypass the common operating system security controls that weve relied on for 20 years, said Jeff Pollard, an analyst at Forrester Research. Theres big impact on both the consumer and enterprise.

Google said in a blog post that it privately informed Intel, ARM and AMD of these issues on June 1 last year to give them time to find remedies before the vulnerabilities became public. While the companies were working on fixes, the same vulnerabilities were independently discovered by a team of researchers affiliated with several academic institutions and computer security firms.

In research papers made public online Wednesday, this second group of researchers identified a potential cyberattack that could exploit these vulnerabilities. Calling it Meltdown, the researchers said that in their tests it affected Intel chips most seriously but could also be used against ARM and AMD processors.

The researchers said they discovered another potential attack they dubbed Spectre that would be difficult to pull off but also harder to fix. In a paper on Spectre, they said chipmakers long prioritized processing speed over security.

As the costs of insecurity rise, these design choices need to be revisited, and in many cases alternate implementations optimized for security will be required, the researchers said.

Intels stock remained under pressure even after its statement. The companys shares were down 2.2% to $44.28 early Thursday.

We struggle to believe that Intel wont face some sort of financial liability, analysts at Sanford C. Bernstein wrote in a note.

Chinas largest cloud computing services scrambled Thursday to address the issue. Domestic industry leader Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. said it planned to update its systems from 1 a.m. Jan. 12 to handle potential chip security issues. Rival Tencent Holdings Ltd. said it was in touch with Intel on possible fixes but wasnt aware of any attempted attacks.

Applying the operating system upgrades designed to remedy the flaw could hamper performance, security experts said. The Register reported that slowdowns could be as much as 30%  something Intel said would occur only in extremely unusual circumstances. Computer slowdowns will vary based on the task being performed and for the average user should not be significant and will be mitigated over time, Intel said, adding that it has begun providing software to help limit potential exploits.

Intels efforts to play down the effect resulted in a war of words with AMD. Intel said its working with chipmakers including AMD and ARM Holdings, as well as operating system makers, to develop an industrywide approach to resolving the issue. AMD was quick to retort, saying, there is near-zero risk to its own processors because of differences in the way they are designed and built.

The vulnerability doesnt just affect PCs. All modern microprocessors, including those that run smartphones, are built to essentially guess what functions theyre likely to be asked to run next. By queuing up possible executions in advance, theyre able to crunch data and run software much faster.

The problem in this case is that this predictive loading of instructions allows access to data thats normally cordoned off securely, Intel Vice President Stephen Smith said on a conference call. That means, in theory, that malicious code could find a way to access information that would otherwise be out of reach, such as passwords.

The techniques used to accelerate processors are common to the industry, said Ian Batten, a computer science lecturer at the University of Birmingham in England who specializes in computer security. The fix being proposed will definitely result in slower operating times, but reports of slowdowns of 25% to 30% are worst-case scenarios, he said.

Intel Chief Executive Brian Krzanich told CNBC that a researcher at Google made Intel aware of the issue a couple of months ago.

Our process is, if we know the process is difficult to go in and exploit and we can come up with a fix, we think were better off to get the fix in place, Krzanich said, explaining how the company responded to the issue.

Google, a unit of Alphabet Inc., identified the researcher as Jann Horn. Although many of its products already have been protected, some users of Android devices, Google laptops and Googles cloud services still need to take steps to patch security holes, the internet giant said.

On Wednesday, Microsoft released a security update for its Windows 10 operating system and older versions of the product to protect users of devices with chips from Intel, ARM and AMD, the company said. Late in the day, Microsoft said that the majority of Azure cloud infrastructure has been updated with the fix and that most customers wont see a noticeable slowdown with the update.

We have not received any information to indicate that these vulnerabilities had been used to attack our customers, Microsoft said. The fixes were originally planned for a Jan. 9 release, but they were rushed out Wednesday after the weakness was made public, according to a person familiar with the situation.

Apple Inc. didnt respond to requests for comment about how the chip issue may be affecting its operating systems.

Providers of computing power and services via the internet will have to upgrade software to work around the potential vulnerability, which will require additional lines of code, computing resources and energy to perform the same functions while maintaining security, said Frank Gillett, another analyst at Forrester.

When youre running billions of servers, a 5% hit is huge, he said.

King writes for Bloomberg.
Christopher Nolans office on the Warner Bros. lot is a stones throw from Clint Eastwoods Malpaso Productions bungalow. Nolan has never popped his head in to say hello to Eastwood (far too daunting), and, besides, he pretty much just uses the studio space to take meetings and store an inordinate number of Batmobile models of various vintages and sizes.

The 47-year-old filmmaker, clad in his familiar sartorial uniform (blue dress shirt, gray waistcoat, navy jacket), takes a seat behind his desk on a mid-November day, mug of Earl Grey tea at the ready. (Hell go through two cuppas in the course of an hourlong conversation.) His latest film, the 10th of his career, Dunkirk, took in $525 million worldwide, which would be a surprising figure if anyone else had made this blockbuster.

But Nolan has become a brand-name director by challenging audiences expectations for big-budget Hollywood fare. With Dunkirk, he did so by weaving together three narrative strands, hopping from land to sea to air and jumping back and forth in time, to tell the story of the World War II evacuation of British forces from the beaches of northern France. The movie manages to be both epic and intimate, complex in its craftsmanship but sincere in its storytelling.

Before it opened, Nolan publicly fretted that his run of blockbusters  including the Dark Knight trilogy, Inception and Interstellar  might come to an end. Now, several months later, he chuckles, thinking about people who say its success was assured from the start.

Hollywood culture absorbs everything new, Nolan says. Everything is always inevitable.

Harry Styles, from left, Aneurin Barnard and Fionn Whitehead in a scene from Dunkirk. (Warner Bros Pictures via AP)

Would you say Dunkirk is your most hopeful film?

Well  yeah. Interstellar is pretty hopeful. But then again, the whole world has ended. There is that. [Laughs] I try not to be too self-conscious about these things when Im making the film. If I could articulate everything in simple terms, I wouldnt need to make the film.

But now that I look back on the finished film, what it is for me, its about the Dunkirk experience. Its about the idea of community, what we can achieve together, as opposed to this cult of individuality that we live in right now. Whether youre talking about Silicon Valley billionaires or politicians, I think were living in an era that over-prizes individuality at the expense of community. Its the Silicon Valley billionaire as opposed to the union. Weve steered too far in one direction. We need to be reminded of the potential of what we can do together.

WATCH: Video Q&As from this seasons hottest contenders 

We had a situation recently where Disney banned Times writers from press screenings. Disney rescinded that ban after a number of film critics associations banded together, saying they wouldnt consider Disneys films for awards until the ban was lifted. And it was lifted almost immediately.

Thats outstanding. And thats the thing. Its become very fashionable in the last couple of decades to forget what good government can do, what good union organizing can do. The idea that benevolent capitalists will just take care of us and the people on top will magically distribute wealth and happiness and security to us little people  no. Its time we wised up. Strength comes from community in all things. Dunkirk is one of those stories.

Christopher Nolan (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

I cant watch Withnail and I without getting a little lump in my throat. Its a crazy comedy, but theres a beautiful melancholy to it.  Christopher Nolan, on what movie makes him cry

I was a little surprised when the movie came out to discover how few people knew that story.

When we announced we were doing it, very few people knew what it was. British people knew the story quite well, but to most Americans I talked to, it meant nothing. I think it just fell off the radar after World War II receded.

Right after the film came out, with the terrible hurricanes in Texas and Florida, I saw on the news people getting in boats to help people. And I heard people refer to the Dunkirk spirit. And I thought, OK. Thats something we slightly helped put back into the language and the culture. For me, that was one of the goals. Im not going into a film trying to  [searching for a word]

Educate?

Precisely. But I feel like this is just a great and inspiring story and the more people who know it, the better. That theres an optimism that when the chips are down, we can achieve marvelous things. In todays world where it feels like awful things are happening with great frequency, you feel very much a need to try to find hope. And Dunkirk is just the most substantial of those stories that I know of, on such a huge scale.

You were nervous before Dunkirk came out, wondering if audiences would turn up. When they did, some people wrote that the films success was inevitable 

It wasnt! I was very gratified by the response to the film and hugely relieved. I took a lot of risks and did a lot of things that were outside my comfort zone with Dunkirk. I removed a lot of my safety nets, particularly in the screenwriting area where Id become, I think, fairly proficient in the use of dialogue to express back story and character. And when I wrote this screenplay, I decided to remove all that and look at it in a different way. So I felt like I challenged myself and really tinkered with the fundamentals of large-scale filmmaking. And I was certainly nervous that the film wouldnt work in the marketplace.

Now that it did work commercially, do you feel the need to push those boundaries further with your next film?

I do. [Laughs] That in itself is daunting. You bend it until it breaks. [Laughs] But I feel the response to this film hasnt given me any reason to back off from those instincts. I always try to be sincere about it. That is to say, I didnt change things up on this film for the sake of it. For all my films, I am the audience member. With this film, as an audience member, I wanted to be thrust into a story I had so much respect for. I wanted to be in that airplane. I wanted to be on that boat. I wanted to be on the beach with those guys. So it was in the service of that.

In the past, some critics have complained your films are too heavy on the exposition. For people who had that issue, you certainly solved that here.

Yes. I went from one extreme to the other. I think when people are critical of the amount of exposition that Ive engaged in in my other films, its probably important that they take into account the complexity of the films as well. In some of those films, theres a lot Im trying to get across narratively. Exposition is very tough. Its artifice. Its theatricality. And so for me, it wasnt about trying to get rid of exposition  Kenneth Branaghs character is given a lot  but about removing the things that I know to be artificial and see what happens.

Fionn Whitehead runs toward the beach in the opening moments of Dunkirk. (Melinda Sue Gordon / Warner Bros. Pictures)

So the movie opens by dropping the audience straight into a tense situation with this desperate soldier running toward the beach.

That was the key. No words. No dialogue. No explanation of whos right, whos wrong. Just have the audience relating through physical process. Can this guy scramble over the fence before he gets shot? Its why I love suspense films. Youre both empathetic to the character but also feeling a direct relationship with the suspenseful situation. Its very visceral. Youre dodging the bullets yourself. I based all the story shot in the film on that cinematic language of suspense.

Have you seen Darkest Hour yet?

No, I havent. How is it?

It puts you on the other side of the Channel during the same time period. Your old collaborator, Gary Oldman, is splendid playing Churchill.

Interesting. Yeah 

Im not sensing youre going to run out and see it.

I love Gary. I made three movies with him and Im pretty fascinated to see the work. But Id be lying if I said having spent two years doing a film about Dunkirk that I want to go out and immediately see another.

You need a palate cleanser.

I do need a palate cleanser. What should I see in between?

Have you seen Blade Runner 2049?

I did. It was a real pleasure. I love [director] Denis [Villeneuve]. He bravely took on what he referred to as a suicide mission, following such a huge film that I was such a fan of. I thought he did a great job. Those guys really went for it. You have to admire that.

Growing up, you had a Blade Runner poster on your bedroom wall. Did you ever look into maybe making a sequel yourself?

No. There are a lot of movies that are on such a pedestal that to try and either remake them or follow them up would be too tricky. I have to find a way around things. So, like, Interstellar is very much, as people would say, in dialogue with 2001 [A Space Odyssey]. You have to find your own way around.

Strength comes from community in all things. Dunkirk is one of those stories.  Christopher Nolan on the value of the collective

Did you do that end-around with Dunkirk too? Because its not really a war film in the traditional sense.

Dunkirk couldnt be a war film for me because there are so many great war films. To address that head-on seemed impossible. But since Dunkirk is a unique story where the battle is on the perimeter, you could focus on the evacuation and the coming together of the community. Many films have expressed that idea in fiction, had their Dunkirk moment, but the real moment had not been addressed in modern movies.

Youve said your films are Rorschach tests  they either leave you cold or move you to tears. What movies make you cry?

Quite a few. [Pause] Im trying to think 

Youre trying to think of which films you want to own up to?

Exactly. The Champ. The classic tearjerker. Get up, Champ! Get up! I think our emotional responses to movies over decades are personal to our relationships with that film in other ways, not just the narrative itself. Theres definitely a meta level to that. Those things tend to be quite personal. I cant watch Withnail and I, Bruce Robinsons film, without getting a little lump in my throat. Its a crazy comedy, but theres a beautiful melancholy to it. [Pauses] Theres something really obvious Im not remembering.

Paul McGann and Richard E. Grant in Withnail and I, a movie that puts a lump in Christopher Nolans throat. (HandMade Films)

Well, I wouldnt have expected "Withnail and I, so I dont know where youre going to go. Maybe the Pixar movies? You have four kids. You must have seen those.

Ive put in my time with the Pixar movies. I had some wonderful experiences watching them with the kids. Actually, of the animated movies, it was always The Lion King" with the kids. Its amazing. Thats the real peak.

I understand you showed 2001 to your children when they were very young, like 3 or 4?

I did. I think theyre able to absorb it on the most important level at a young age. Thats what happened to me. I saw it when I was 7 years old, and thats the level I think it works the best  pure cinematic spectacle. I was extremely baffled by it, but excited by it.

When people talk about the age of people watching a film, part of what theyre asking is, How does a 7-year-old parse the content? And if you look at 2001 and you think about it, you cant parse it anyway as an adult. The experience is the thing.

Keir Dullea in Stanley Kubricks 2001: A Space Odyssey. (Turner Entertainment)

You dont know what the hell is going on. You just let the experience wash over you and maybe talk about it later.

I saw Star Wars when I was 7, and the movie changed everything for people my age. They re-released 2001 on the basis of that success and I went to see it with a bunch of my friends. We all had the same response, like you just said. We dont know what the hell that means, but its exciting. We just wanted spaceships, we wanted space, we wanted that experience of leaving the Earth.

Thats why fairy tales and movies like The Lion King, Mary Poppins, The Wizard of Oz and 2001 are not a million miles removed in terms of peoples elemental experiences of watching them when theyre young.

Youve made a movie or two that would stamp itself on a young persons mind.

Inception is the film I get the most interesting responses from young people. It sparks something about how you might see the world and what movies might do. And Interstellar, increasingly, is one where people have very interesting responses, where its meant something to them in a particular way.

Whats interesting is the later life films have. You put a film out in a very tight marketing context. You tell people, This is what the experience is. Come and see it. And for three or four weeks, if youre really lucky, its big in movie theaters. That has a very defined feel to it. Whats interesting is the life that lingers afterward. Its fascinating to me as a filmmaker.

Thats certainly true of a movie you mentioned earlier, The Wizard of Oz.

Thats one of the very famous examples. I think one of the most interesting is The Shawshank Redemption. When you think about the place that has in the culture now compared to when it came out  or Its a Wonderful Life. Thats a really extreme version of it.

Another movie that could, perhaps, make you cry.
Military personnel and hardware participate in a parade in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army. FENG YONGBIN/CHINA DAILY

Military modernization program sees mergers and restructuring

By Zhao Lei

The past 12 months have seen China make large strides toward reshaping the People's Liberation Army, strengthening its combat capability and modernizing its arsenal.

The PLA reorganized its group army-level units and cut the number of combined corps for the Ground Force from 18 to 13. It also shook up the military research system by merging some units and restructuring the three top institutes: the PLA Academy of Military Science; the PLA National Defense University; and the National University of Defense Technology.

In July, 12,000 troops and hundreds of large weapons and equipment, many of which had never been displayed in public before, participated in a grand parade, the first held at an exercise field in nearly four decades, to mark the 90th anniversary of the PLA's founding.

A number of advanced weapons were commissioned last year. The PLA Air Force began taking delivery of the J-20 stealth fighter jet, which military experts unanimously regard as one of the best combat aircraft in the world. The PLA Navy received dozens of new ships, including a Type-052D guided-missile destroyer and a Type-901 replenishment ship, the largest supply vessel in Asia.

It also launched China's first domestically designed aircraft carrier and one of the world's mightiest destroyers, both of which are expected to be commissioned in the coming years.
For a man who once earned an Academy Award nomination for playing the title role in Henry V, its somewhat startling to realize that Kenneth Branagh has spent most of the past decade behind the camera rather than in front of it. Then again, when you have hits such as Thor and Cinderella on your directing resume, perhaps you naturally focus on that aspect of your career.

Over the past year, however, Branagh has allowed his impressive acting skills back into the spotlight in both Christopher Nolans Dunkirk and as the iconic detective Hercule Poirot in Murder on the Orient Express, which he helmed himself.

Sitting in the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel only a few days after Murders surprisingly potent U.S. debut, Branagh picks up his tea and teases a slight smile.

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Sometimes people describe the way certain actors take a curtain call, Branagh says of his recent good fortune. I am surprised and delighted.

As a member of Nolans large acting ensemble in Dunkirk, Branagh found himself on the front lines of the British Navys efforts to evacuate over 300,000 soldiers stranded on the French coastline during WWII. His character, Cmdr. Bolton, is a composite of a number of naval officers who would have been on the scene, but Branagh soon learned that as a sort of harbor master they were directly responsible for the lives of these young soldiers under fire from the invading Nazi forces.

Their job was to stay there and manage the logistics, often chaotic, hectic and sometimes potentially violent and dangerous as they were both under fire and with limited spaces, Branagh says. The fight to get on the ships was not necessarily as orderly as you might imagine  for all the obvious reasons.

Nolans screenplay does not allow for significant backstory for any of the films characters. Its very much a less is more scenario, and that meant Branagh knew hed have to communicate more character depth to the audience through his performance. They would have to sense a gravity to Boltons manner and insinuate that hed experienced the heartache of warfare before. For his own research, Branagh referred to the poetry and novels of World War I knowing that given Boltons age, he would have served during that conflict.

As a military man, a naval man, he would have been [part of] the war to end all wars where 6 million were lost, a generation of kids, Branagh says. And to see that laid out on the beach before him, potentially repeating itself in a major fashion was something you wanted the audience to feel. He seemed like the epitome of the more mature form of Britishness.

Obviously, having a celebrated actor to direct is one thing, but having a celebrated actor who is also a director and screenwriter to direct is another. A rare Oscar nominee for all three capacities, Branagh acknowledges he can bring a different perspective to the set.

I think youd genuinely ask any director Ive worked with [and theyd say having been in their position] you end up being more pliable, more ready, Branagh says of his work in front of the camera. You know what is useful to bring to base camp, which is readiness in whatever form that takes. So, if its to be ready to wait forever while they make up their mind or ready to be able to go straight away. Any of the above.

WATCH: Video Q&As from this seasons hottest contenders 

Branagh says hes thrilled by the global reception for Orient Express (over $220 million globally to date) and it seems inevitable that the Death on the Nile installment teased during the films finale will eventually come to pass. But hes also encouraged that his work with Nolan has made other filmmakers reconsider his acting talents.

Im really thrilled, he says, that Dunkirk seems to have laid to rest any concerns over his value as an actor. And to let directors know that A) Im interested, and B) if Chris Nolan thinks its OK to direct somebody like me then maybe thats a good thing.

Kenneth Branagh (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times )

calendar@latimes.com
His superb studio films couldnt be more celebrated, but the filmmaker himself has been close to completely ignored. All that, however, is about to change.

After years of neglect and even scorn, Michael Curtiz, the director of Casablanca, The Adventures of Robin Hood, Mildred Pierce, Yankee Doodle Dandy, White Christmas and well over 100 more, is finally getting some respect.

Michael Curtiz: A Life in Films, a thoroughly researched, 681-page biography by Alan K. Rode, has just been published and a collection of critical essays, The Many Cinemas of Michael Curtiz, is coming later this year.

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And starting Friday night with a double bill of the justifiably beloved Casablanca (which even critic Andrew Sarris, no Curtiz partisan, admitted was the most decisive exception to the auteur theory) and Kid Galahad, the UCLA Film & Television Archive is putting on a two-month, 21-film tribute to the filmmaker at the Hammer Museums Billy Wilder Theater in Westwood.

The series runs the gamut from Curtizs acknowledged Hollywood classics (the three-strip Technicolor Robin Hood is especially gorgeous on the big screen) to the only film to survive from the directors extensive silent career in his native Hungary, the recently restored The Last Dawn (1917).

Just as exciting is a chance to see the enormously entertaining work in lesser-known films like Four Daughters, 20,000 Years in Sing Sing and The Sea Wolf that Curtiz did across the widest variety of genres.

No one understood studio filmmaking better than Curtiz, and the sheer amount of work he did was staggering. The prototypical contract director, he made 94 films during his decades at Warner Bros., earning an impressive five director nominations (he won for Casablanca) during an eight-year stretch.

That facility, the ability to bring energy and focus to westerns, horror films, swashbucklers, biblical dramas and musicals starring everyone from Bing Crosby to Elvis is key to why Curtiz isnt celebrated.

Proponents of the auteur theory  of whom Sarris was the most prominent  posited not only that the director was the author of a film but that the best ones (think Alfred Hitchcock or John Ford) had an individual style and personal philosophy that could be traced from film to film. What Curtiz, whom biographer Rode calls the anti-auteur, had instead was an unerring instinct for story and an unstoppable drive to throw himself completely into the telling.

Melodrama did not frighten this filmmaker. Unafraid of brazen emotion, he wholeheartedly embraced it. If youre too wrapped up in a film to wonder who directed it, Curtiz was likely in charge.

You never got the sense Curtiz felt some kinds of films were more important than others. Never slumming, he committed himself to standard detective yarns such as The Kennel Murder Case with William Powell as Philo Vance and The Case of the Curious Bride (King of Pre-Code Warren William as Perry Mason) as much as he did to more prestigious ventures.

Both on camera and off, Curtiz wanted things always to be moving. Hurtling cars and trains and propulsive people figure prominently in his films, even the dark factory smoke in Female moves purposefully across the screen rather than just evaporating lazily into thin air.

Someone who was likely easily bored and reportedly needed only four hours sleep, Curtiz only wanted to be doing, doing, doing, which led to difficult situations with his cast and crew. Its not just that the director believed lunch breaks were for wimps. Rode notes that Curtizs demonic work ethic approached savagery and working conditions on his sets are said to be one of the reasons the Screen Actors Guild was formed.

Even stars often had problems with Curtiz. James Cagney is quoted by Rode saying, Mike was a pompous bastard who didnt know how to treat actors, but he sure as hell knew how to treat a camera. And Curtizs quality of unquestioning belief in the unfolding story paradoxically got uniformly strong performances out of his principals.

Ten different actors received Oscar nominations for their work on his films, and two of them, Joan Crawford for Mildred Pierce and Cagney for Yankee Doodle Dandy, received the only Oscars of their long careers. If you are in a classic mood, those two films are excellent places to start on a Curtiz spree.

As an ambitious restaurant entrepreneur and the single parent of a wretch of a daughter, Crawford suffers as only Crawford can in James M. Cains Mildred Pierce, a woman, the trailer insists, who left her mark on every man she met.

Much more lighthearted, Yankee Doodle Dandy is a four-square biopic about the legendary dancer and showman George M. Cohan, animated by a hyper-energetic Cagney performance as a man who danced down the White House stairs into film history.

Of the lesser-known Curtiz films, the most fun might be Mad Genius, starring John Barrymore as a crazed ballet impresario who holds the screen effortlessly whether he is dispensing cocaine or bogus romantic advice.

In a similar pre-code frame of mind is Female. It starred Ruth Chatterton as a decisive titan of industry who used the handsome men in her company as boy toys, dismissing them with bonuses when she got bored. When a school chum asks, Is it old-fashioned to want to be decent?, the unmoved Chatterton merely shrugs. Also featuring strong acting is Jack Londons The Sea Wolf, with John Garfield squaring off against Edward G. Robinsons maniacal Wolf Larsen, whod rather reign in hell than serve in heaven.

And dont miss 20,000 Years in Sing Sing, featuring Spencer Tracy in one of the best of his young-tough roles as a charismatic con whose romance with Bette Davis gets way complicated.

Perhaps the best of the lesser-known Curtiz films showing at UCLA is the emotional Four Daughters. A dramatic romance with a rich appreciation of character, it showcases a tortured Garfield in an Oscar-nominated antihero role that launched his career.

I put all the art into my pictures the audience can stand, Curtiz, whose problems with English were legendary, once said. To see this fine series is to understand exactly what he meant.

Michael Curtiz: A Life in Films

Where: Billy Wilder Theater, Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Boulevard, Westwood.

When: Through March 17

Tickets: $9 general admission

Info: (310) 206-8013 or www.cinema.ucla.edu

All screenings at 7:30 p.m.

Friday  Casablanca, Kid Galahad

Saturday  Female, The Strange Love of Molly Louvain

Jan. 12  The Last Dawn, A Million Bid

Jan.  Doctor X, Mystery of the Wax Museum, The Kennel Murder Case

Feb. 3  20,000 Years in Sing Sing, The Mad Genius

Feb. 9  Mildred Pierce, Flamingo Road

Feb. 17  The Unsuspected, Romance On the High Seas

March 3  The Proud Rebel, Four Daughters

March 9  The Adventures of Robin Hood, The Case of the Curious Bride

March 17  Yankee Doodle Dandy, The Sea Wolf

kenneth.turan@latimes.com

Twitter: @KennethTuran
Sheikh Jackson, Egypts official Oscar entry for 2018, is an offbeat, often affecting and thoughtful drama about conservative imam Sheikh Khaled Hani (Ahmad Elfishawy), whose strict, devout life turns upside down upon the death of his onetime idol, Michael Jackson.

The well-textured script by director Amr Salama and Omar Khaled mainly flips between the adult Sheikhs tormented 2009 present and his 1991 teenage past, when the younger Khaled (Ahmed Malek) became fixated with Jackson to the chagrin of his brutish, widower father (Maged El Kedwany) and the pleasure of a pretty, musically inclined classmate.

Khaleds eventual turn toward God and away from his dubious dad spins out in credible, somewhat haunting fashion.

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But its the clerics King of Pop-inspired crisis of faith and the ways its manifested and ultimately assuaged that gives the film its unique depth. To that end, Salama gently, effectively examines the role religion can play in ones life and outlook versus how a secular, more free-thinking existence may offer greater latitude but not always better or happier choices.

That the movie features the trappings and vibe of Michael Jackson but none of his actual music may feel like a bit of a cheat. Still, the filmmaker employs some clever dream and fantasy bits, as well as a Jackson lookalike (Carlo Riley), that quirkily help channel the superstar and his work.

-------------

Shiekh Jackson

Not rated

In Arabic with English subtitles

Running time: 1 hour, 34 minutes

Playing: Laemmle Ahrya Fine Arts, Beverly Hills

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 

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Among the top travel trends for 2018 is what travel experts are calling last-chance tourism, in which many travelers are rushing to visit places that may soon be gone for good. Thanks to climate change, many attractions around the world are fading and in danger of disappearing forever. As luck would have it, not only do these spots tend to be some of the most breathtaking in the world, theyre also some of the most recognizable.

Click here for the Famous Places to Visit Before They Disappear gallery.

Its not just melting ice caps and rising sea levels that are endangering beloved tourist spots, however. Deforestation, illegal wildlife trade, urban development, and erosion due to pollution, and tourist traffic are all factors putting some great destinations at risk. Even air travel itself is a factor - according to Myclimate.org, a round-trip economy class flight from New York City to the Maldives for just one person releases nearly 6 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

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If that doesnt dissuade you from flying and youre not sure where to travel this year, we suggest you consider prioritizing the places where you may one day no longer be able to visit. The Grand Canyon isnt going anywhere, but some of the famous snowy mountains youve been dreaming of trekking might not be such a white wonderland once you get there if you wait too long. To make sure you dont miss out, check out these famous places you need to visit before they disappear.

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The earthquake that rattled the Bay Area on Thursday is another reminder of the power and danger of the Hayward Fault, which runs below the populous East Bay.

The Hayward fault, along with the San Andreas fault on the San Francisco peninsula, have long posed a twin seismic peril to the region. The San Andreas produced the devastating 1989 Loma Prieta quake and 1906 San Francisco quake.

The Hayward fault could produce a magnitude 7 or greater earthquake and is directly underneath heavily populated areas.

Damage from 1868 Hayward Fault quake (USGS)

A sleeping giant

The Hayward fault courses underneath Berkeley, Oakland, Hayward and Fremont and produces a large earthquake, on average, every 160 years, with a margin of error of about 80 years. It has been 150 years since the Hayward fault last ruptured, unleashing a huge earthquake.

The Hayward fault is considered one of the nations most dangerous faults because it is directly under the urban centers of the East Bay, including Memorial Stadium at UC Berkeley and a now-shuttered building that formerly housed Hayward City Hall, which is slowly being torn up by fault movement.

A U.S. Geological Survey scenario for a 7.0 earthquake on the Hayward fault envisions it rupturing for 52 miles from San Pablo Bay to Fremont. It would cause one side of the fault to move four feet from the other. Many buildings, including apartments, still sit directly on top of the fault line, and were built before a state law passed in 1972 prohibiting new construction or substantial renovation on top of earthquake faults.

On its website, the USGS calls the Hayward fault the regions tectonic time bomb, which could cause hundreds of deaths, leave thousands homeless and devastate the regions economy.

In 2016, David Schwartz, a USGS geologist, said in an interview that above the Hayward fault are 2 million people who directly live on top of it. It sits geographically in the center of the Bay Area. Theres a tremendous amount of infrastructure built up on it  water systems, gas, electrical, BART crosses it  so a large event on that fault is like hitting the bulls eye on a target.

Here is a simulation of the power of a 7.0 quake on the fault. And a shake map.

This curb was once flush but became offset because the Hayward fault is pulling the curb apart. (Rong-Gong Lin II / Los Angeles Times)

A rupture in 1868

The Hayward faults most memorable earthquake in recorded history was in 1868, and is estimated to have been a magnitude 6.8 earthquake  rupturing 20 miles of the faults length between San Leandro to what is now the Warm Springs neighborhood of Fremont, according to the USGS.

It killed about 30 people and caused immense property damage, including the collapse of the Alameda County Courthouses second floor and heavy damage at the historic Mission San Jose adobe church in southern Fremont.

Many faults cut across Californias coastal region. What might an earthquake look like along the Hayward Fault? This simulation depicts one scenario. For more on earthquakeswhy ...

The fault will have its revenge

Until recently, one of the places to see the power of the Hayward fault was at the corner of Rose and Prospect streets in Hayward.

Pulled apart so that it no longer aligned, the humble curb wasnt much to look at. But for earthquake scientists, it was a kind of Holy Grail, perfectly illustrating the seismic forces at work underneath this Bay Area neighborhood.

Since at least the 1970s, scientists have painstakingly photographed the curb as the Hayward fault pushed it farther and farther out of alignment. It was a sharp reminder that someday, a magnitude 7 earthquake would strike directly beneath one of the most heavily populated areas in Northern California.

Then, in 2016, a city crew decided to fix the faulty curb, destroying the marker of seismic power.

They really took it out. Wow, Schwartz told The Times. It really was an iconic location on the Hayward fault.
Nicholas Andrew Flores swatted at the flies orbiting his sweat-drenched face as he picked alongside a crew of immigrants through a cantaloupe field in Californias Central Valley.

The 21-year-old didnt speak Spanish, but he understood the essential words the foreman barked out: Puro amarillo. And rapido, rapido! Quickly, Flores picked only yellow melons and flung them onto a moving platform.

It was hard and repetitive work, and there were days under the searing sun that Flores regretted not going to a four-year college. But he liked that to get the job he just had to show up. And at $12 an hour, it paid better than slinging fast food.

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For Joe Del Bosque of Del Bosque Farms in the San Joaquin Valley, American-born pickers like Flores, though rare, are always welcome.

For generations, rural Mexico has been the primary source of hired farm labor in the U.S. According to a federal survey, nine out of 10 agricultural workers in places like California are foreign-born, and more than half are in the U.S. illegally.

But farm labor from Mexico has been on the decline in California. And under the Trump administration, many in the agricultural industry worry that deportations  and the fear of them  could further cut the supply of workers.

But try as they have to entice workers with better salaries and benefits, companies have found it impossible to attract enough U.S.-born workers to make up for a shortage from south of the border.

Del Bosque said hell hire anyone who shows up ready to work. But that rarely means someone born in the U.S.

Americans will say, You cant pay me enough to do this kind of work, Del Bosque said. They wont do it. Theyll look for something easier.

Americans will say, You cant pay me enough to do this kind of work. They wont do it. Theyll look for something easier.  Joe Del Bosque, Del Bosque Farms

For some immigrants working the fields, people like Flores are a puzzle  their sweating next to them represents a kind of squandering of an American birthright.

Its hard to be here under the sun. Its a waste of time and their talents in the fields, said Norma Felix, 58, a Mexican picker for almost three decades. They dont take advantage of their privilege and benefit of being born here. They could easily work in an office.

Most dont last long, she said.

There is always one or two who show up every season, Felix said. They show up for three or four days and turn around and leave.

Agricultures reliance on immigrant labor, especially in the American West, goes back to the late 1800s, after the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad, said J. Edward Taylor, a UC Davis rural economist.

The domestic farm workforce was simply not big enough to support the growth of labor-intensive fruit and vegetable crops, he said.

A cantaloupe picking and packing crew in the fields of Del Bosque Farms in Los Banos. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times )

With the notable exception of the Dust Bowl years in the 1930s  when American migrant workers from Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas moved out west after a severe drought devastated their livelihoods  there was never a time when mostly U.S.-born farmworkers picked in California, Taylor said.

But those workers eventually moved on to nonfarm jobs.

Now, Mexico is undergoing some of the same changes the U.S. did around the middle of the 20th century, Taylor said, with employment shifting from farms to industry and services.

According to Taylors research, the number of farmworkers coming out of rural Mexico is decreasing by an estimated 150,000 a year. That means U.S. and Mexican farmers will have to increasingly compete for a dwindling pool of labor.

Some advocates of restricting immigration see greater farm mechanization and the importation of fruits and vegetables as ways to reduce the reliance on labor from illegal immigration.

If we tighten immigration rules, there are going to be fewer farm jobs, but they will be better-paid. They will be more stable and consistent with more regular jobs, said Mark Krikorian, executive director for the Center for Immigration Studies in Washington, D.C. That should be the goal. Huge increases in individual productivity so where you now need 200 farmworkers working seasonally, a farmer would be able to employ 10 people year-round, full-time.

Taylor said theres reason to believe that technology would take over before pay increased enough to attract U.S.-born employees to the fields in large numbers.

We would develop new picking machines, including robotic harvesters, and use them out in the fields instead of paying wages that could possibly be high enough to induce some U.S.-born farmworkers out into the fields, he said.

Erick Roman waits for boxes of cantaloupe to fill so he can move them through a labeler at Del Bosque Farms in Los Banos. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times )

In California, farm wages increased 13% from 2010 to 2015, according to a Los Angeles Times analysis of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some farmers have resorted to giving field laborers benefits such as 401(k) plans, health insurance and even subsidized housing.

But theyve still struggled to recruit enough workers.

At Del Bosque Farms, about 300 workers pick during the cantaloupe season. Some of the U.S.-born laborers who show up could not get jobs in industries like fast food or retail because of criminal convictions. Others felt college was out of reach and they needed quick money.

Diego Romo, a 24-year-old American, said he grew up watching his father work the cantaloupe fields. The Los Banos resident has worked every season at Del Bosque Farms since he was 17.

When hes not in the fields, hes at a local college, studying to become a corrections officer. He harvests cantaloupe to help out his parents and to pay for his textbooks, he said.

On a recent autumn afternoon, he stacked cardboard boxes full of cantaloupe into pallets. His father, Rodrigo, worked on the same crew. He put the boxes together on a moving platform  an easier job for older workers.

He did not like that his son worked in the fields.

I want you to study hard and not work out there  like I do every year, he told him in Spanish. You need to better yourself.

Diego Romo said hes aware how unusual workers like him are. Those who show up usually end up being overcome by the heat or the sheer repetitive diligence required to do the work.

Diego Romo waits for full boxes of cantaloupe to load onto pallets at Del Bosque Farms. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times )

He takes pride in having lasted so long. But there are days when he regrets having not done better in high school. Perhaps he could have done well enough to get a full ride into college. Now Romo nags his 15-year-old brother, sounding like his father: Study hard and better yourself. You see how we have to work every year  sunrise to sunset.

Ignacio Leon, a 21-year-old from Los Banos, was on his second day on the job at Del Bosque Farms. He was happy for the work because he needed to make enough to pay off a traffic ticket so he can start his career in truck driving, he said.

Leon was born in the U.S. and graduated high school, but said he got into trouble with the law.

I do feel like I did mess up big-time. I do regret it, he said. Also, not going to college. In high school, I got too lazy.

He told a cash-strapped friend of his to join him in the fields. The friend rejected the offer, Leon said, preferring to stay home and play video games at his parents house.

The cantaloupe harvest was still weeks away from ending. But a few days after starting a job that he described to his friend as easy money, bro, Leon stopped showing up to work.

Erick Roman takes his morning break at Del Bosque Farms in Los Banos. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times )

cindy.carcamo@latimes.com

Follow Cindy Carcamo on Twitter @thecindycarcamo
The Los Angeles Unified School District is poised to start the spring semester next week amid lingering questions about when ailing Supt. Michelle King will return to the job, leaving what some see as a leadership gap in the face of daunting challenges.

Though day-to-day decision-making has been handed over to an acting superintendent, Kings long-term strategic plan has been in limbo during her four-month absence. Some efforts, including one to reduce the number of students who miss weeks of school, appear to be moving forward without King.

L.A. Unified is confronting budget deficits, labor negotiations and internal disagreements over reform strategies.

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You cant have a ship without a captain, said Victoria Castro, a school board member from 1993 to 2001. I feel that Michelle is holding the district or board members hostage by not disclosing her illness. Were all being held hostage because of her illness and of having no definite date of her return.

King has been on medical leave, for an undisclosed condition, since September. In her most recent public communication, in October, King had stated she would return after the first of the year. She was more specific in a confidential December communication to the Board of Education, saying shed be back Jan. 22, according to sources who were not authorized to speak for the district.

Earlier this week, the district was vague about when King would return. On Thursday, however, a spokeswoman said the superintendent planned to return Jan. 22.

However, several senior district leaders have privately expressed concern about whether she will be back at work by then. They spoke to The Times on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment on the matter.

King has continued to receive her full $350,000-a-year salary while on sick leave. Over her L.A. Unified career, she has accumulated more than a year of unused sick time.

Board member Nick Melvoin said he and other board members understand that the public wants more clarity about Kings future.

While I respect her privacy in this sensitive matter, it is important that our employees, families and constituents get more information soon as they put their trust in district leadership to successfully run the second-largest school district in the country, Melvoin said.

Former board member Marlene Canter said King and the board need to strike a better balance between Kings right to privacy and the openness that comes with a position of major public importance.

None of us have ever come across a situation like this, said Canter, a board member from 2001 to 2009. This is someone in the public eye, and yet you have no idea what is wrong or when she is coming back. I believe that it is the boards responsibility as public officials to always remain transparent.

In Kings place, as acting superintendent, is veteran senior administrator Vivian Ekchian, who is not afraid to assert authority. She did not hesitate to close 265 schools for two days in December because of fire threats and poor air quality.

For their part, board members have continued to approve policies and programs that require extensive oversight by senior management.

Ekchian is filling that role impressively and no leadership crisis is imminent, said board member Richard Vladovic.

The district has continued its momentum forward, Vladovic said. Im anxious because I want a friend to come back who has much more to offer.

The Board of Education selected King in January 2016. A career L.A. Unified insider, she rose with good reviews to the No. 2 leadership position, but had never led a school system. She brought to the job strong internal support but a certain discomfort in the spotlight and a degree of inaccessibility, even before her ailment, that contrasted with her predecessors.

Kings major accomplishment was pushing the graduation rate to record levels by allowing students to quickly make up credits for failed classes. Her major initiative going forward has been to expand the number of schools with special programs to offset declining enrollment caused by the growth of independently operated charter schools.

But a new school board majority, which took control last July, was elected with substantial backing from charter-school supporters. It was unclear, just before Kings departure, how well her priorities would mesh with those of the new board leadership.

Ekchian now has the complicated task of carrying out Kings vision on behalf of a board that is not united behind King. Meanwhile, the rumor mill is flooded with theories and so-called confirmed accounts about what has sidelined King.

King, 56, had difficulty moving about during her last board meeting on Sept. 12. Her medical leave began Sept. 15, though no announcement was made. On Oct. 7, she emailed senior staff that Ekchian temporarily would take over and that her doctor would reevaluate her condition at the end of the month. Two weeks later, King announced the extension of her absence until January.

As I continue to recover from my medical procedure, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for your countless well wishes and unwavering support, King wrote in an email to all district staff. To keep you updated, I anticipate returning to the office after the first of the year.

For the most part, the conduit between King and the board has been board president Monica Garcia. King also has had some contact with Ekchian, although King does not appear to be trying to run the district through Ekchian.

Kings contract guarantees only a 90-day severance, but California law provides protections for employees on medical leave. At the same time, Kings physical ability to carry out the work could factor into a performance evaluation.

Former board member Valerie Fields, who has battled health problems, is sympathetic to serious medical challenges, but she finds the L.A. Unified status quo so vexing that she overcame severe back pain to get to the phone.

I cant imagine what the board of General Motors would do if their chief executive was not on the job, said Fields, who served from 1997 to 2001. What do you think they would do? This is even more important because it deals with the lives of children.

howard.blume@latimes.com

Twitter: @howardblume
The Los Angeles man accused of placing a prank call that resulted in the fatal police shooting of an innocent man in Kansas last week was the target of an ongoing LAPD investigation into similar hoaxes and had a reputation for helping others gain revenge on online enemies, law enforcement officials told The Times.

LAPD detectives were planning to meet soon with federal prosecutors to discuss their investigation into whether Tyler Raj Barriss was responsible for several so-called swatting calls and similar hoaxes that drew large police responses in the past year, said Deputy Chief Horace Frank, who oversees the LAPDs counter-terrorism and special operations bureau. He declined to identify the incidents.

Barriss, 25, was already well known to local law enforcement. Glendale Police Sgt. Daniel Suttles said he was behind at least two dozen fake bomb threats in the area in recent years, including incidents that prompted the evacuations of television stations and an elementary school.

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In May 2016, he pleaded no contest to making a false bomb threat and was sentenced to two years and eight months in jail, according to the Los Angeles County district attorneys office. He was released on Jan. 20, 2017. A day later, he was arrested in the San Fernando Valley and spent another seven months in jail before pleading no contest to violating a protective order, according to court and jail records.

Suttles described Barriss as a manipulator who had a practiced way of convincing 911 dispatchers that his threats were credible.

He knows exactly what to say. He is very meticulous, Suttles said. He knows what a 911 operator will ask and is convincing.

Wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and keeping his eyes down, Barriss appeared briefly in a downtown Los Angeles court on Wednesday and announced he would not fight extradition to Kansas. He will be held in Los Angeles without bail until Kansas authorities take him into custody, which should occur in the next few weeks, according to a statement by Sedgwick County Dist. Atty. Marc Bennett.

Barriss is charged with one count of creating a false alarm, which is a felony, in Kansas, court records show.

Wichita authorities said they received a phone call on Dec. 28 from a person who claimed he had fatally shot his father at a home on West McCormick Street in the city. The caller also claimed he was holding his mother and younger brother at gunpoint, and that he had doused the residence in gasoline and planned to set the home ablaze.

A recording of the emergency call released by Wichita police shows that the caller told a dispatcher that he would not put the gun away.

My dad isnt breathing, the caller said at one point. Its kind of giving me anxiety and making me, like, paranoid.

SWAT officers responded and were preparing to approach the home when a man, later identified as 28-year-old Andrew Finch, exited the front door. After a brief exchange, Finch was shot after moving his hands toward his waistband, Wichita police said. He died a short time later.

Sources told the Times that the dispute that led to the call stemmed from an argument over an online matchup in Call Of Duty: World War II, a recently released first-person shooting game.

He knows what a 911 operator will ask and is convincing.  Glendale Police Sgt. Dan Suttles on the man accused of making a prank call that led to last weeks fatal police shooting in Kansas

(Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Neither Barris nor Finch were involved in the matchup, according to the sources, who spoke to The Times on the condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing. The sources said investigators believe that someone involved in the dispute contacted Barriss, who had developed a reputation for swatting  placing false emergency calls that prompt police departments to deploy SWAT officers to an address.

Swatters typically claim that an armed intruder is inside a home, and the tactic is sometimes used by enemies in the online gaming community.

A spokesman for the Sedgwick County district attorneys office said he would not release charging documents or discuss the case further until Barriss appears in a Kansas courtroom.

The FBI estimates that roughly 400 cases of swatting occur annually, with some using caller ID spoofing to disguise their number. Swatting cases that result in the death of a victim are less common, however.

Finch was unarmed when he was shot, according to Andrew Stroth, a Chicago-based civil rights attorney who is representing the victims relatives. Stroth has repeatedly blasted Wichita police for opening fire and failing to recognize the nature of the call.

Swatting is not new. Prank calling is not new. These officers should be equipped to handle these situations, he said on Wednesday. Unfortunately, you have a situation where Andy Finch was unjustifiably shot and killed by the Wichita police officer, and its tragic.

Finch is survived by two young children, according to Stroth, who said the shooting took place outside the home of Finchs mother. Stroth also claimed police handcuffed and detained Finchs relatives after the shooting.

According a timeline released by Wichita police, the caller first contacted a security officer at City Hall, then hung up. The number that appeared came from a local area code, police said.

A Wichita Police spokesman on Wednesday declined to answer questions about the incident. The officer who fired the fatal shot, identified only as a seven-year veteran of the department, has been placed on administrative leave.

In a letter made public Wednesday, Finchs mother, Lisa, heavily criticized the Wichita Police Department and other city officials, claiming she has not been allowed to claim her sons body.

It goes without saying that our family is devastated by what has happened, she wrote. What cannot go without saying is why Wichita City leadership is compounding our grief and sorrow by keeping my son from us.

Neither Barriss nor his public defender spoke with reporters on Wednesday. The 25-year-old only mumbled responses of yes or I did while being asked to confirm his identity and that he was waiving extradition.

richard.winton@latimes.com

james.queally@latimes.com

Follow @LACrimes & @JamesQueallyLAT for crime and police news in California.
President Trumps decision to award Jerusalem to Israel has emboldened the countrys right-wing government and driven Palestinians to publicly abandon cooperation with Washington, its erstwhile ally in past attempts to bring both sides to a settlement on long-standing grievances.

The president may be hoping his hardball tactics will force Palestinians back to the negotiating table, much as he has argued that making threats and talking tough helped bring him success in the business world.

But as Trump approaches his first year in office, his ability to strike what he has called the ultimate deal, a Mideast peace accord, now seems remote at best.

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Trumps Dec. 6 announcement to recognize Jerusalem as Israels capital and ultimately to relocate the U.S. Embassy there, reversing decades of U.S. policy, could spell the death of the two-state solution, the long-held international consensus that any peace deal would include creation of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.

In recent weeks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his governing partners have expanded control over lands also claimed by the Palestinians. The Israeli strategy has been bolstered by encouraging statements by the U.S. ambassador, David Friedman, Trumps former bankruptcy lawyer and a longtime supporter of right-wing Israeli causes.

Netanyahus Likud Party and members of the ruling coalition also pushed through the Israeli parliament a measure that, on paper at least, would make it harder for future Israeli governments to cede any part of Jerusalem to the Palestinians, who also claim part of the city as their capital.

Most experts think the law contains enough loopholes to make it nearly impossible to implement, but the propaganda points were unmistakable.

Netanyahu and his allies spent the end of the old year and the start of the new showing they feel liberated from the need even to pay lip service to peace with the Palestinians, Israeli historian Gershom Gorenberg wrote Wednesday in the American Prospect, a liberal magazine.

A series of Israeli declarations undermine chances for peace  and are a direct response to Trumps decision to end Americas moderating role, he added.

Netanyahu is suffering domestic political troubles and attempting to weather a corruption scandal. So tailwinds from Washington, after years of clashes with President Obama, are especially welcome as he looks toward likely elections this year.

Netanyahu has a history of overreaching and then retreating, often in response to American pressure. In this case, Washington seemingly has given him a green light. And Trump, far from reversing the Jerusalem move after international condemnation, appears determined to punish the Palestinians further.

After Palestinian leaders said they would not meet Vice President Mike Pence, who again postponed a planned trip to the region this week, Trump threatened in a tweet Tuesday to cut hundreds of millions of dollars of U.S. aid to the Palestinians because they failed to show appreciation or respect to Washington.

A congressional report in December 2016 said the United States has spent about $400 million a year to support the Palestinians since the Palestinian Authority was created in 1994.

Most of the money has gone to schools, hospitals and other projects in the West Bank and in Gaza supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development, with only a small fraction going directly to the Palestinian Authority. Last year, Washington provided about $36 million to Palestinian security forces, which work with Israel to prevent terrorist attacks.

Aaron David Miller, a former U.S. envoy to the Middle East under Republican and Democratic presidents, said Trump and Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, who also threatened to cut aid, were making good on threats to punish anyone who challenged Trumps decision on Jerusalem.

Its easy to beat up on the U.N., Miller said. Its easy to beat up on the Palestinians.

Trump has always had strong views on Israel, and once in office, he appointed his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and two of his former lawyers as point men in the effort to forge a peace deal. All have supported the Israeli movement to erect Jewish settlements in the Palestinian West Bank, an issue that traditionally has been an obstacle to a negotiated settlement.

Friedman, the U.S. ambassador, has gone further since arriving in Israel, stirring widespread controversy with comments in the Israeli press.

The Israeli Broadcast Corp. quoted him urging the State Department to stop using the word occupied to describe the Israeli military presence in lands claimed by the Palestinians but controlled by Israel since the 1967 war. The State Department has ignored his request.

Speaking to Walla, a Hebrew language website, Friedman appeared to defend settlement expansion by Israeli Jews in the West Bank, a movement much of the world considers illegal. And in an interview with the Jerusalem Post, he called Palestinian objections to Trumps Jerusalem decision anti-Semitic, a characterization no U.S. diplomat in the region previously would have used.

In Washington, Heather Nauert, the State Department spokeswoman, insisted U.S. policy had not changed on settlements and related issues but, when pressed, refused to state the Trump administration policy.

The administration says it will present a comprehensive peace plan this year, but officials wont say when or what it will include. Both Israeli and Palestinian officials say they have not seen a Trump plan.

A resumption of U.S.-brokered negotiations is difficult to envision any time soon since Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas responded to the decision on Jerusalem by declaring he would not cooperate with the Trump administration. Palestinian leaders said they would be willing to negotiate, however, under the European Union or other possible mediators.

One of the most important things for this administration is to have peace talks between the various sides to get them to a place of peace, Nauert said. That position remains the same. And those conversations and those talks will continue.

Wilkinson reported from Washington and special correspondent Tarnopolsky from Jerusalem.

tracy.wilkinson@latimes.com

For more on international affairs, follow @TracyKWilkinson on Twitter
Washingtons state attorney general sued Motel 6 on Wednesday, accusing the hotel chain of illegally giving information on thousands of guests to immigration enforcement officials who did not have warrants and who scrutinized guests with Latino-sounding names.

Motel 6 has faced scrutiny since September, when a Phoenix publication uncovered evidence that two Arizona locations had been regularly handing over guests information to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents who were on the lookout for immigrants staying in the country illegally.

Motel 6  which has more than 1,400 locations across North America  disavowed the practice and said the information exchange was limited to the local level without the knowledge of senior management.

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But on Wednesday, Atty. Gen. Bob Ferguson of Washington said his office launched its own investigation after the revelations in Arizona and discovered that disturbing and unlawful handovers were also routine at several corporate-owned Motel 6 locations in Washington state  suggesting the practice was more widespread than the company had contended.

It was not isolated to two motels in Phoenix, not by a long shot. The companys actions were methodical. They trained their new employees on how to do this, Ferguson said. Were going to find out who at Motel 6 knew what, and when they knew it.

He said the names of many thousands of Washington residents and visitors staying at Motel 6 had been turned over to the federal government without their knowledge, without their consent.

Ferguson said Motel 6 staffers told investigators that the ICE agents circled any Latino or Latina-sounding names on the guest registry, and returned to their vehicles to run background checks.

Fergusons lawsuit, filed in King County Superior Court in Seattle, accuses Motel 6 of unfair and deceptive business practices and of violating Washington state privacy laws. It also alleges discrimination based on nationality.

The complaint asks for a permanent injunction forbidding the company from continuing the practice and for civil penalties and attorney fees.

In a statement, Motel 6 said it had ordered its locations in September not to hand over lists of residents to ICE without a warrant.

Motel 6 takes this matter very seriously, and we have and will continue to fully cooperate with the Office of the State Attorney General, the company said.

ICE spokeswoman Yasmeen Pitts OKeefe said in an email that she would not disclose or discuss specific information related to the source of its enforcement leads and declined to comment on the litigation.

Its worth noting that hotels and motels have frequently been exploited by criminal organizations engaged in highly dangerous illegal enterprises, including human trafficking and human smuggling, OKeefe added.

Tim Warden-Hertz, directing attorney of the Tacoma, Wash., office of the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, a nonprofit advocacy group, called the attorney generals allegations incredibly problematic both for immigrants and on a personal level.

When I go to the hotel, or when I pick up the phone, I dont expect that that information is going to be handed over to the government, Warden-Hertz said. For a business to do this to their own customers is sort of baffling, and certainly I think should make people think twice about where they take their own business.

UPDATES:

5 p.m.: This story was updated throughout with staff reporting.

This story was originally published at 1:45 p.m.
Iran's army chief said on Thursday police forces had already quelled anti-government unrest that has killed 21 people but that his troops were ready to intervene if needed, official media reported, as new pro-government rallies were held.

The anti-government demonstrations, which seem to be spontaneous and without a clear leader, erupted a week ago in Iran's second city of Mashhad over economic hardships  mostly youth unemployment and alleged corruption.

"Although this blind sedition was so small that a portion of the police force was able to nip it in the bud... you can rest assured that your comrades in the Islamic Republic's army would be ready to confront the dupes of the Great Satan (United States)," Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi was quoted as saying.

As the unrest spread across the country, protesters said they were tired of anti-Western slogans and that it was time for both the clerical leadership and the government of President Hassan Rouhani to step down.

The demonstrators included members of the working class as well as educated Iranians from the middle class, which formed the backbone of pro-reform protests in 2009.

Following six days of demonstrations, the elite Revolutionary Guards Corps said on Wednesday that it had deployed forces to quell unrest in three provinces where most of the trouble had occurred.

The Revolutionary Guards, the sword and shield of Iran's Shi'ite theocracy was instrumental in suppressing an uprising over alleged election fraud in 2009 in which dozens were killed.

Few see these demonstrations as an existential threat to the clerical establishment that has dominated Iran since the 1979 Islamic revolution.

But protesters have become increasingly bold, calling for the downfall of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has blamed the biggest challenge to his rule in nearly a decade on foreign agents.

"I don't want to harm my country but when I see those who run this country are so corrupt, I feel like I am being suffocated. They just talk. They accuse 'the enemies' of everything," said protester Reza, 43, a father of three in the city of Isfahan.

"I am not an enemy. I am an Iranian. I love my country. Stop stealing my money, my children's money," he told Reuters by telephone.

Iranian Nobel Peace laureate Shirin Ebadi urged people to engage in civil disobedience and press on with their grievances.
The Trump administration, inviting a political backlash from coastal state leaders, on Thursday proposed to open for exploration the largest expanse of the nations offshore oil and natural gas reserves ever offered to global energy companies, including waters off the coast of California.

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said the draft five-year leasing plan would commit 90% of the nations offshore reserves to leasing, including areas off all three regions of the California coast that have been off-limits to oil and gas exploration since the Reagan administration.

The draft plan, now subject to review and debate, would allow the first new federal lease sales off California since 1984. It sparked immediate fury from Democratic leaders up and down the West Coast.

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The American people deserve smart, strong action to keep our communities healthy, clean and safe. Yet the Trump administration is racing forward with its increasingly brazen attempts to loot our environment and our planet, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) said in a statement. Americans from coast to coast will make their voices heard to oppose this blatant corporate giveaway.

California Gov. Jerry Brown joined the governors of Oregon and Washington in condemning the plan.

For more than 30 years, our shared coastline has been protected from further drilling, and well do whatever it takes to stop this reckless, shortsighted action, Brown and Govs. Kate Brown of Oregon and Jay Inslee of Washington said in a statement.

Theyve chosen to forget the utter devastation of past offshore oil spills to wildlife and to the fishing, recreation and tourism industries in our states, the governors said. Theyve chosen to ignore the science that tells us our climate is changing and we must reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.

Industry leaders, meanwhile, applauded the opportunity to expand the nations energy production at a time when global demand is projected to increase.

With 94 percent of our nations outer continental shelf currently and unnecessarily off limits to oil and gas leasing and exploration, [we] welcome the bold and broad offshore leasing proposal released today, Randall Luthi, president of the National Ocean Industries Assn., said in a statement.

The Interior Department plan, he said, requires a lengthy process of environmental review and public comment before any new drilling can begin. The process involves several rounds of public participation from stakeholders, including local communities, he said.

The proposed plan for the outer continental shelf calls for 47 lease sales to be scheduled in 25 of 26 areas off the nations coastlines between 2019 and 2024.

There are presently 23 oil platforms located in federal waters off California and four in state waters  near Santa Barbara County, Huntington Beach and Seal Beach. There are also four artificial islands used as drilling platforms off Long Beach and one off Rincon Beach in Ventura County.

In 1994, the Legislature placed the entire California coast off-limits to new leases.

The proposed federal plan suggests seven new leases in the Pacific region, including two each for Northern, Central and Southern California, as well as one for the area off the Washington and Oregon coast. Twelve leases are nominated for the Gulf of Mexico, and 19 for coastal Alaska.

This is a start on looking at American energy dominance and looking at our offshore assets and beginning a dialogue of when, how, where and how fast those offshore assets could be or should be developed, Zinke said in a conference call with reporters.

Nobody is better at producing clean, quality, responsible energy than the U.S., said Zinke.

Nick Lund, the senior manager for landscape conservation at the National Parks Conservation Assn., said the administration faces significant political opposition to the plan from coastal communities in California and other states.

For the first time in decades, the waters, wildlife and local economies of coastal parks like Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina and Channel Islands National Park in California will be at risk to the dangers of drilling, he said.

California officials have argued that expanding offshore oil production would most likely require the construction of expensive new platforms and onshore support equipment whose presence could harm the states multibillion-dollar coastal economy, including tourism, fishing and the marine ecosystem.

Brown in 2016 pushed for a permanent ban on new offshore drilling off the states coast, both because of concerns over potential oil spills and reluctance to expand the worlds reliance on fossil fuels in the face of climate change.

But the new plan instead proposes to open almost all of the nations potential offshore oil and gas reserves to exploration. The move marks yet another effort to dismantle the Obama administrations restrictions on energy development, including special protections adopted for offshore areas.

Following the massive BP oil spill related to the Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico in April 2010, the Obama administration set in place a series of offshore leasing moratoriums in the gulf and bans along other coastlines. In March 2016, the administration rescinded drilling leases along the Atlantic Coast. In December 2016, as he was preparing to leave the White House, President Obama withdrew leasing plans for the Arctic Ocean off Alaska.

Nearly all those areas are now back in play, with the exception of the northern Aleutian Islands in Alaska, which are protected under orders from former President George W. Bush. New drilling would be delayed in the eastern Gulf of Mexico until 2023 to comply with existing federal law, and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Florida) said he has introduced legislation to extend that moratorium to protect Floridas coast until 2027. Marine sanctuaries also would remain off-limits.

Federal lease sales apply to waters from 3 nautical miles offshore, with some exceptions in Texas and Florida, up to 200 nautical miles offshore.

This is the largest number of lease sales ever proposed for a national outer continental shelf program in the five-year lease schedule, Zinke said.

The 47 lease sales being proposed, he said, compare with 11 under the Obama administration and 36 under the Carter administration.

Coastal states, especially California, Alaska and Florida, are especially sensitive to proposals to open the offshore seabed to oil and gas exploration because of oil spill risks that are escalating.

A devastating, 100,000-barrel spill in Santa Barbara in 1969 killed thousands of seabirds and led to the passage of the National Environmental Policy Act, the foundation of U.S. environmental law, and the creation of the federal Environmental Protection Agency. The 260,000-barrel Exxon Valdez spill in Alaskas Prince William Sound in 1989 exposed thousands of that states residents to the beach-fouling consequences of spilled oil. The 4.9-million-barrel Deepwater Horizon disaster, the worst offshore oil spill in U.S. history, stirred new and broad opposition to offshore development.

Almost 50 years after the Santa Barbara spill, which remains the largest in the states history, Californias distaste for offshore drilling hasnt gone away.

We saw the impacts of that firsthand: oil washing up on the beach with dead seabirds and fish, along with people from the community covered in oil as they tried to save them, said Kristen Hislop, marine conservation program director with the Santa Barbara-based Environmental Defense Center. Additional offshore oil along our coast would surely lead to more spills with similarly devastating impacts to the marine environment.

A more recent reminder of the environmental perils came in a smaller 2015 oil spill near Refugio State Beach, where a ruptured oil pipeline fouled some of the same coastline.

California has not issued a new offshore oil and gas lease since the Santa Barbara spill. In a July letter to federal officials, the State Lands Commission said new offshore oil development creates undeniable peril to Californias ocean and marine environment and economy and poses an unacceptably high risk of catastrophic harm from an offshore oil spill.

Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, a commission member, has promised that the body will use every power in its toolbox to ensure that not a drop of oil or gas from new offshore drilling ever makes landfall in California.

California officials control coastal waters out to 3 miles from the shoreline and have no jurisdiction beyond that. But the state could block new drilling proposals indirectly by rejecting pipelines and other infrastructure needed to transport oil to the shore, which require state approval.

Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra said he was evaluating all options to protect the states natural resources. It should be underscored that regulatory agencies in our state will have a say in whether any offshore drilling ultimately does occur, he said.

The Trump administrations drilling plan also drew sharp criticism from the states congressional delegation.

Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara), who also backs a permanent ban on new drilling off the states coast, said new offshore exploration poses a serious threat, both in potential environmental damage and effects on tourism.

The Central Coast knows too well the damage caused by oil spills. Our local economies and fragile ocean ecosystems cannot afford another disastrous spill, Carbajal said in a statement.

Californians will never let this happen, said Rep. Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael). This reckless proposal for a new offshore drilling spree should face widespread, bipartisan opposition. Well fight them in Congress, on the beaches, in the courts and at the ballot box. Im confident well defeat this dangerous plan.

Floridas Republican Gov. Rick Scott also said the plan to open deep-ocean reserves off his states coastline is something I oppose. Scott said he requested a meeting with Zinke to discuss the concerns I have with this plan.

Though the president and his appointees have spent much of the last year clearing regulatory obstacles and promoting fossil energy production on federal holdings, the results are decidedly mixed. Coal production has ticked up slightly, largely due to a rise in exports. Onshore oil and gas lease auctions on public domain land in the West have stirred some interest in select areas, particularly in Wyoming and New Mexico, but are drawing big yawns from the energy industry in Alaska, Nevada and other states.

The scope of the administrations offshore drilling proposal is vast. But its potential to actually result in oil exploration and development is not nearly as certain. Royal Dutch Shell pulled out of its Arctic drilling campaign in 2015 after spending $7 billion because of the rising cost, significant public opposition and extreme difficulty of exploring in rough water rife with dangerous ice floes. U.S. oil production reached nearly 10 million barrels a day in October, the highest level since the start of the 1970s. All but 15% was produced onshore.

Zinke late last year put into place a number of steps to make it easier to lease and explore the onshore and offshore oil and gas reserves that are owned and managed by the federal government. One of those steps was reversing safety measures and requirements for installing safety equipment that were put in place by the Obama administration after the Deepwater Horizon explosion and resulting BP oil spill.

Offshore oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico produce about 1.5 million barrels of oil daily, or 15% of total U. S. production.

Follow Keith Schneider, Western environment and public lands correspondent, on Twitter.

keith.schneider@latimes.com

UPDATES:

4:30 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details about potential impacts on California, plus more California reaction.

1:30 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from an offshore oil industry official.

1:20 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from the three West Coast governors.

1:05 p.m.: This article was updated with information about Californias present offshore drilling activities.

11:50 a.m.: This article was updated with additional details of the proposed leasing plan, as well as initial reaction and analysis.

This article was originally published at 10:20 a.m.
Two narrow slips of paper  one bearing the name of a Democrat and the other the name of a Republican  were rolled up by Virginia election officials Thursday, inserted into film canisters and dropped into a cobalt-and-white stoneware bowl.

Dozens of officials, reporters and onlookers looked on silently as officials performed a bizarre lottery in Richmond to pick the winner of a closely contested House of Delegates district race  one that could upset Republicans long-held majority and leave the chamber evenly split between the two parties.

Sitting in the front row, Democratic candidate Shelly Simonds clasped her husbands and daughters hands as officials reached into the bowl and plucked the canisters out, one by one.

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The winner of House District 94 is David Yancey, declared the chairman of the state election board, James Alcorn, smiling tightly after unfurling the first piece of paper.

Suddenly, Virginia officials had determined a victor in the long, drawn-out race, with the GOP narrowly maintaining its razor-thin majority in the House. After a recount, a court challenge and a 11,608-vote tie, Republican incumbent Yancey was certified as the winner in the tense ceremony watched by political observers across the nation.

But the battle for power may not be entirely over: According to state law, the candidate who loses a drawing can ask for a recount, which means the Republican incumbent may not be seated by Jan. 10, the first day of the 2018 General Assembly session.

After the drawing, Simonds exited the room quickly and without conceding. In a short statement, she said her supporters will be the first to know of any next steps.

Yancey, who did not attend the event because of snowy weather, swiftly declared the race was now over.

The election is behind us, the outcome is clear, and my responsibility now is to begin the work I was re-elected to do, he said in a statement issued by the Virginias House GOP.

Voting is the civic sacrament of democracy and this election has certainly shown the importance of every vote and the power of one, single vote, Alcorn said before drawing a name in the rare lottery live-streamed across the country.

RICHMOND, VA - JANUARY 04: Slips of paper with the names of Virginia House of Delegates candidates Shelly Simonds (D-VA) and David Yancy (R-VA) are shown during a meeting of the Virginia State Board of Elections January 4, 2018 in Richmond, Virginia. The slips of paper were later placed inside old film cannisters and drawn from a bowl to decide a tied race between the two candidates. Yanceys name was pulled from the bowl and Republicans retained control of the Virginia House of Delegates, though an additional recount in the race is still possible. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Win McNamee / Getty Images)

What a way to run a democracy, huh? said Mark Rozell, dean of the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. Whats extraordinary in this case is that so much [more] was at stake than just one legislative seat. This determined, ultimately, the majority in the lower House of the General Assembly, the speakership, the committee chairs, the flow of legislation.

Rozell said he would not be surprised if Democrats asked for a recount or mounted a legal challenge over a disputed ballot.

I dont think this is the end of it, he said. The stakes are so big, and the Democrats feel quite strongly that this was not a good ballot and the judges were biased. I dont think theyre going to let it go.

The fight over the 94th District seat has been particularly intense after Democrats flipped a string of Republican-controlled House seats throughout the state in the November election, slashing the GOPs 66-34 majority in the House to 51-49.

Democrats celebrated victory after a December recount in which Simonds appeared to defeat Yancey by a single vote. But Yanceys campaign contested Simonds lead of 11,608 to 11,607, arguing that one ballot was improperly counted.

A panel of election judges then ruled that the questionable ballot should be counted in favor of Yancey and the tied race should be decided by a drawing.

Last week, the drawing was delayed after Simonds filed paperwork asking the panel to reconsider its decision to call a tie in the race. The judges denied her request Wednesday, arguing that they did not find the previous ruling on the disputed ballot to be a clear error or unjust.

The right of a citizen to cast a free vote has been secured to us by the blood of patriots shed from Lexington and Concord to Selma, Alabama, the judges wrote in a 11-page ruling. The manifest injustice against which we must always guard is the chance that a single vote may not be counted.

On Wednesday, Simonds attempted to make a pact with Yancey, offering to accept the results of the random drawing, even if she loses, if Yancey committed to the same terms by 9 a.m. Thursday.

Such an agreement would have ensured that the winner would be seated when the 2018 legislative session begins.

The people of the 94th District deserve to have representation on Jan. 10, and a second costly recount is not in their interest, Simonds said in a statement Wednesday. I have no interest in delaying this process, and I hope Delegate Yancey and House Republicans agree.

Yancey declined to agree to her proposal, saying Democrats were to blame for postponing the drawing.

I have always said I will follow the process laid out in state law, Yancey said in a statement. I am not going to deny myself or the people of the 94th District due process simply because of the unnecessary delays that have got us to this point.

The 94th District seat is not the only Virginia House race still in dispute. Last month, Democrats requested a court-ordered special election in the 28th District race in the Fredericksburg area after more than 100 voters were given wrong ballots. Republican Bob Thomas beat Democrat Joshua Cole by just 73 votes.

A federal hearing in the 28th District case is scheduled for Friday.

Despite losing the drawing, Simonds said she considered herself lucky to have benefited from a strong family and career, as well as access to healthcare and education.

Not everyone in this world, this country, and the 94th District is as lucky, she said in a statement. There are nearly 400,000 Virginians who have been denied access to affordable healthcare through Medicaid expansion. I hope our lawmakers in the House of Delegates do not leave their fate to a game of chance.

Jarvie is a special correspondent.

UPDATES:

2:55 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from David Yancey, the Republican who won the race in the drawing and other details.

11:20 a.m.: This article was updated with comments from Shelly Simonds, the Democrat who lost the race in the drawing.

9:45 a.m.: This article was updated with additional details, including comments from the chairman of the Virginia elections board.

This article was originally published at 7:55 a.m.
The U.S. Constitution requires the federal government to conduct a national census every 10 years, a tally that is used to apportion various benefits among the states, including seats in the House of Representatives. Its a difficult task, and a magnet for disputes. The first census, conducted in 1790, was done by federal marshals assigned to visit every home in their judicial district to count the numbers of free white men and white women, other free persons, and slaves. The enumerators came up with 3.9 million people (about the present-day population of the city of Los Angeles) scattered among 13 states and four territorial districts  a total that President George Washington and Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, who oversaw the count, complained was too low. So from the very get-go the decennial census has been framed by controversy over its accuracy.

Now the Department of Justice is pushing the Census Bureau to insert a question into the 2020 census asking each person for his or her citizenship status, which would ensure that the next census, too, will be controversial  and more inaccurate.

The Justice Department says it needs the question asked to help it enforce Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which protects against racial discrimination in elections  discrimination against citizens, that is. The Justice Department says it wants a count of voting-age citizens in each legislative district to help it respond when someone brings a complaint about a racial group being underrepresented in a region.

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The purpose of the census isnt to count citizens, but to count people.

But the decennial census is conducted by trying to contact every household in the country directly. Telling census takers to ask people about their citizenship status could lead those living here without permission to avoid the census out of fear that the information they provide would be used to deport them. Under law that cant happen  the Census Bureau isnt allowed to share the individual details it collects with other government departments for 72 years. But skepticism is understandable among people who rightfully fear the Trump administration is trying to throw them out.

Its also unnecessary. Voting rights advocates say the annual American Community Survey, which includes a citizenship question and is sent to 1 in 38 households, provides sufficient data for Voting Rights Act enforcement.

The Justice Departments request matters primarily because hiding from the census takers can affect representation in government. Court decisions have established that legislative districts must be apportioned based on the number of people who live there, regardless of their legal status. Undercounts in immigrant and ethnic communities could lead to less representation in Congress and state legislatures for those communities, among other problems; in Congress, such undercounts could unfairly skew the balance of power in the House away from urban areas and other regions with large concentrations of migrants.

This has particular significance for California and the other southern border states, as well as New York and Florida, all of which have sizable Latino populations. California and Washington also have sizable Asian populations, one of the fastest-growing immigrant groups in the nation. Advocates argue persuasively that undocumented residents and even those here legally would be less inclined to share personal information with a government they perceive as hostile to them.

Its hard not to see the Justice Departments request as another Republican ploy  Latinos tend to vote for Democrats  to game elections, as the GOP has done in North Carolina, Alabama, Wisconsin and elsewhere with efforts to suppress voting or gerrymander legislative districts to favor Republicans. (Not that Democrats are sinless when it comes to electoral gamesmanship.) But even if the departments leaders hearts are pure and they genuinely believe they need this data to properly enforce the Voting Rights Act, the benefit would be much less than the cost to the counts reliability. The Census Bureau reported that the 2010 census probably undercounted Latinos by 1.5%. Advocates say that would probably increase if the citizenship question is added to the 2020 list.

It would be good to have an accurate count of those living in the country without permission, rather than relying on estimates as is done now. But the purpose of the census isnt to count citizens, but to count people. If adding a question about citizenship status affects the accuracy of the count, then the Census Bureau should stick to its core mission and not add wrinkles that could imperil the reliability of data so crucial to a fundamental piece of American democracy: congressional representation.

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All 2017 had to do was go away quietly, but no. It left us a nasty New Years gift: Swatting is now officially a thing, with an innocent Wichita man shot dead by police in his own home a week ago for opening his front door, and an apparently callous Los Angeles gamer in jail pending his transfer to Kansas sometime in the next month.

You may count yourself lucky if you had never heard of swatting before this week. As most of the internet-using, television-watching nation now knows, though, the term describes the practice of calling 911 with a phony story of violence in order to mobilize an armed police SWAT team. The prankster can then watch the mayhem unfold online or on TV from the comfort of home. Some hoaxers have used swatting to harass celebrities, and there was a spate of such attacks in Los Angeles  on Rihanna, P. Diddy, Justin Bieber, Ashton Kutcher and others  in 2013. But it has also become a practice in a very narrow slice of the gaming community, where players target each other or random, innocent people.

Of course, the attack is also on police. And police, being attacked, sometimes become the attackers.

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In the case at hand, Tyler Raj Barriss, 25, is accused of making the fake emergency call that named an address in Wichita. Online news reports include the audio recording in which a man tells a dispatcher that he had killed his father, was holding his mother and brother or sister at gunpoint, and was threatening to burn the house down.

You may count yourself lucky if you had never heard of swatting before this week.

In response, police surrounded the home of 28-year-old Andrew Finch, a father of two. When Finch answered the door, an officer shot him, apparently because he thought Finch was reaching for a weapon.

For those who thrive on outrage, this story is a treasure chest. Pick your target  the self-absorbed gamer who makes fake calls for jollies, the Wichita cop who shot an unarmed man who had done nothing wrong, the police department for whatever deficiencies in training led the officer to pull the trigger. There ought to be a law, right?

In fact, there are already laws against making false police calls, and beyond criminal penalties, hoaxers can be held liable to cities for the costs their calls incurred.

U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark, a Massachusetts Democrat, is calling for more. Last year she introduced the Online Safety Modernization Act, which would impose new penalties  up to 20 years for a hoax call that results in serious bodily injury, up to life in prison for one that results in death.

Now wait a minute. Life in prison?

It is sadly all too common for lawmakers and the public generally to respond to high-profile crimes with demands for new laws or tougher sentences, the belief apparently being that some sociopath for whom law, right and wrong have no meaning will suddenly pay attention when the penalty is upped.

In a recent NPR interview, Clark argued that federal laws are needed because incidents like the one that led to Finchs death occur across state lines. And indeed there will be some delay in getting Barriss from Los Angeles to Wichita, and there will be some questions about which laws in which jurisdiction apply.

But Barriss will in fact be sent to Wichita. And the courts will determine which law to apply. A new federal law, and new life sentences, are not likely to dissuade future prank calls.

What will? If criminal pranksters are like other criminals, studies show they are more likely to be deterred by the would-be offenders knowledge that he will be caught swiftly than by any lengthening of the sentence. There were just a few hours between the alleged call and Barriss arrest.

But what about the other matter? Surely a man ought to be able to open his door without being shot dead by police, no matter how much bad information has been fed them by cold-hearted hoaxers. In cases like this there is often pressure to criminally charge the officer, but it would be precipitous to call for such action in this particular case, or to demand new laws, before knowing more. Did the officers fail to identify themselves, as Finchs mother claims? We anxiously await a full report on what the police did to verify the veracity of the call, and on the training and tactics employed.

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President Trumps precipitous decision Wednesday to shutter his election integrity commission  buried amid a slew of revelations from Michael Wolffs new tell-all book about the Trump campaign and presidency  is good news for Americans who care about fair elections in the United States. Though Trumps tweets Thursday about voter fraud and his announcement that he will shift the commissions investigation to the Department of Homeland Security means he wont let go of the issue, the greatest immediate danger to voting rights seems to have passed.

Trump has long made irresponsible and wildly unsubstantiated claims about voter fraud. Before the election, he suggested that there was a great deal of voter impersonation fraud occurring in areas full of poor and minority voters, despite incontrovertible evidence that voter impersonation fraud almost never happens.

After the election, which he lost by more than 3 million in the popular vote against Hillary Clinton, he said that 3 to 5 million illegal (presumably non-citizen) votes were cast. He told ABC interviewer David Muir: Of those [supposed 3 to 5 million fraudulent] votes cast, none of em come to me. None of em come to me. They would all be for the other side.

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Just about everyone dismissed Trumps claims  so far election officials have found about 30 possible cases of noncitizen voting in the 2016 election. The one exception was Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, who told a reporter a few weeks after the 2016 election that Trump is absolutely correct when he says the number of illegal votes cast exceeds the popular-vote margin between him and Hillary Clinton at this point.

Trump disbanded the commission because it faced resistance everywhere.

Kobach, one of the countrys leading vote suppressors, has been pushing laws to make it harder to cast a ballot  in the name of preventing phantom fraud. So far he has prosecuted few cases in Kansas, even after being granted unusual prosecutorial powers. He wants people to provide documentary proof of citizenship before voting, a measure that would prevent little fraud but potentially disenfranchise many.

And yet  or should I say of course?  Trump put Kobach and Vice President Mike Pence in charge of his election integrity group. Past commissions have been bipartisan and stocked with elder statesmen (one notable commission was headed by former President Carter, a Democrat, and former Republican Secretary of State James A. Baker III). This effort was different. It had two Republican heads. It included a rogues gallery of the countrys worst vote suppressors, more Republicans than Democrats and few election professionals.

The commission tried to get voting records from election officials across the country and use it to engage in a matching exercise to show the extent to which there was a potential for fraud. Experts worried that the exercise would be unscientific, and my expectation was that the commission would issue a report stating that even if there was no proof of significant fraud, holes in the system made it a serious possibility. The report could have been used as a basis for legislation to make it harder to register and to vote.

Trump disbanded the commission because it faced resistance everywhere. State officials were reluctant to share data with the panel. Democrats did not want to participate in a project aimed at stirring up paranoia. Republican officials saw it as an encroachment on states prerogatives to administer elections. Civil rights groups sued over the commissions shoddy privacy protections and its unwillingness to follow transparency rules. A member of the commission, Maines Democratic secretary of state, Matt Dunlap, sued over the commissions failure to share information with him.

All of these lawsuits prevented the Kobach cabal from operating in private and producing a dishonest report. Rules of transparency and evenhandedness got in the way of chicanery.

After Trumps announcement, a White House official told CNN that the commission went off the rails and Pence distanced himself from it. Kobach tried to put the best face on things Wednesday night, telling Politico: Anyone on the left needs to realize that by throwing the food in the air, they just lost a seat at the table. He said he expected Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials in the Department of Homeland Security to take up where the commission left off.

But it is not clear that ICE would be able to accomplish more than this doomed commission. Privacy rules require federal agencies to disclose the use of voter data. If the Homeland Security Department actually does something to please Trump, it will undermine its reputation, and thus its work advising state election officials about how to combat foreign hacking. There will be more lawsuits. Without a commission, there will no longer be a veneer of bipartisanship, which could be used to sell new restrictive voting legislation.

Trump will still yell about voter fraud. But the commission was bankrupt before Trump officially yanked its charter, and perhaps with its clownish demise the country can get on to the serious business of improving our election system and protecting it from external hacking and other threats. That remains a desperate need.

Richard L. Hasen, a professor at the UC Irvine School of Law, is the author of the forthcoming book, The Justice of Contradictions: Antonin Scalia and the Politics of Disruption.

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Gavin Newsom releases ad that highlights his push to allow same-sex couples to marry By Phil Willon A new ad from Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gavin Newsom features Phyllis Lyon, who with her partner, Del Martin, received the first marriage license after Newsom vowed to allow same-sex couples to marry when he was mayor of San Francisco in 2004. The current lieutenant governors push for marriage equality thrust him into the national spotlight and he has emphasized that effort to portray himself as a bold, progressive leader. Facebook

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Failed California housing bill was not a bad idea, Gov. Jerry Brown says By Liam Dillon Gov. Jerry Brown (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Earlier this month, high-profile housing legislation that would have allowed for four- to five-story apartments and condominiums near transit stops failed to advance in the state Legislature. But had it reached his desk, would Gov. Jerry Brown have signed it? Maybe. I think that was not a bad idea, Brown said of Senate Bill 827 at a meeting with business leaders from the Bay Area Council on Monday afternoon. The bill, written by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), attracted national attention and a maelstrom of opposition in part because it would have eliminated single-family zoning near transit stops in favor of apartments or condominiums. Brown said that a relative of his who lives in West Portal, a low-density neighborhood in San Francisco, told the governor he was horrified by the bill. Brown also lamented dramatically rising housing costs. He said he bought his first house in Los Angeles in 1973 for $75,000 at a time when his salary as secretary of state was $35,000. Now, he said, buying a house for a little over twice ones annual salary is virtually impossible anywhere in the state. FOR THE RECORD

May 1, 9:32 a.m.: This post originally misstated the year Brown purchased his house as 1970. It was 1973. Facebook

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John Cox begins California barnstorm with the delivery of gas tax repeal signatures By Javier Panzar GOP gubernatorial candidate John Cox strolled up to the stack of 12 boxes in front of the Los Angeles County registrar-recorders offices in Norwalk on Monday and placed his hands on top of his partys hope for success in 2018. The boxes, stacked four across and three high, contained 211,000 signatures for an initiative to repeal recent increases in Californias gas tax and vehicle fees. Cox says the effort has gathered more than 940,000 signatures from registered voters to put the measure on the ballot  far more than the 585,407 signatures that are required. The aim: to bring out the partys base to the polls this November and help candidates in tough congressional and legislative races down the ticket. A USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll in November found 54.2% of registered voters surveyed said they would repeal the tax and fee hike, but a survey a month earlier by another group said a majority would vote to keep the higher taxes. Cox was flanked by Bill Essayli, a former federal prosecutor who is challenging Democratic Assemblywoman Sabrina Cervantes of Riverside in the June primary. Cervantes voted for the gas tax and Essayli plans to use that vote against her. He even launched his campaign at a 76 gas station in Norco. This is a central issue in my campaign, he said. Cox also submitted signatures in San Diego on Monday and is headed to Bakersfield, Fresno and Sacramento, as well as Shasta and Butte counties in coming days. We are going all across the state, Cox said. The whole state is paying this tax and the whole state wants it gone. Facebook

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All Californians would be able to serve on state boards  even people in the U.S. illegally  under new bill By Jazmine Ulloa Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) State lawmakers on Monday introduced legislation that would allow all Californians to serve on state boards and commissions regardless of immigration status. Senate Bill 174, by Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) and Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles), comes as the state is locked in a broader legal battle with the Trump administration over state immigration laws and his call for mass deportations. Lawmakers point to what they say is the states own discriminatory history as their basis for introducing the legislation. The proposal would amend an 1872 provision that was first adopted to exclude Chinese immigrants and other transient aliens from holding appointed civil positions. At the time, antipathy toward the Chinese had been building in California, though, Chinese immigrants opened hundreds of businesses across the state and would play a critical role in building the transcontinental railroad. The Senate bill would delete the phrase transient aliens from the government code and make clear that any person, regardless of citizenship or immigration status, can hold an appointed civil office if they are at least 18 years old and a resident of the state. That would allow any Californian to serve on hundreds of boards and commissions that advice in an array of policy areas, including farm labor, history and employment development. Californias two million undocumented immigrants are a source of energy for our state, Lara said in a statement. It is shocking to read the words of fear and exclusion that are still in California law but belong in historys trash can. Facebook

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Tony Mendozas fundraising dries up after resignation amid harassment inquiry By Patrick McGreevy Former state Sen. Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia). (Steve Yeater / Associated Press) Political contributions to Tony Mendoza, who resigned from the state Senate under pressure amid sexual harassment allegations, have nearly dried up. New documents he filed with the state in his bid to reclaim the seat he once held show that his support has eroded. As a result, five other candidates for the 32nd District senate seat in the June 5 election have raised more than Mendoza so far this year. With the June 5 election approaching, Mendoza has reported raising just $7,750 in cash from six supporters during the nearly four-month period from Jan. 1 to April 21. Mendoza, a Democrat from Artesia, went on a leave of absence from the Senate Jan. 3 and resigned a month later under the threat of expulsion from colleagues. An investigation ordered by the Senate found a pattern of unwanted flirtatious or sexually suggestive behavior based on testimony from six women. Mendoza has denied wrongdoing. Last year, Mendozas reelection campaign raised $412,600, or an average of about $34,000 per month, from more than 350 supporters. Most of Mendozas 2018 total was contributed by the political arm of the Southern California Pipe Trades District Council 16 on Jan. 22, a month before Mendoza resigned. Mendoza also reported that his campaign loaned $125,000 this year to his legal defense fund. That left him with $446,600 in his campaign account at the end of April. Mendoza is running against eight Democrats and two Republicans. Democrat Bob J. Archuleta, a Pico Rivera city councilman, raised the most, $210,000, during the period. On Monday, Mendoza suffered another setback when the State Legislative Womens Caucus endorsed Democrat Vicky Santana, a member of the Rio Hondo College Board. Facebook

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Newsom and Villaraigosa affairs coming to TV ads in California By Phil Willon An independent political committee backing Republican John Cox for governor released an ad blasting both Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for their past sexual affairs. The California Deserves Better ad, which was first reported by Politico, criticizes Newsom for having an affair with a woman on his staff in 2005 while he served as mayor of San Francisco. It also goes after Villaraigosa for having an extramarital affair with a television reporter in 2007 while he was mayor of Los Angeles. The ad, which begins airing on Fox stations in the states top media markets Monday, links Newsom and Villaraigosa to the men accused of sexual impropriety in the #MeToo movement, including movie mogul Harvey Weinstein and disgraced Today show veteran Matt Lauer. Powerful men are finally being held to account, punished for inappropriate sexual conduct with women over whom they exercise power, the ad begins. Newsom and Villaraigosa think the rules shouldnt apply to them. The independent campaign committee, called Restore Our Values, already has raised more than $100,000, said Leigh Teece of Emeryville in Northern California, co-founder of the group. Teece, the CEO of a nonprofit that helps line up students with professional mentors, said the campaign will actively support Cox. She called him a true conservative and noted that he supports cutting taxes and opposes Californias sanctuary state policy. John is a business person who has demonstrated integrity, Teece said. Facebook

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Was that Cisneros in the voicemail? Dispute is latest espisode of Democratic infighting in crowded primary races By Christine Mai-Duc Gil Cisneros speaks during a forum at Fullerton College in January. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) With less than five weeks to go before Californias primary, insults and accusations are flying with abandon in the most crowded races Democrats hope to ultimately win. The latest example of this is in the 39th Congressional District, where a half dozen Democrats are vying for a chance to replace Rep. Ed Royce, whos retiring. Its one of several California contests where Democratic leaders are already worried that divisions could ultimately split votes and shut Democrats out of key pickup opportunities. In that race, millionaires Gil Cisneros and Andy Thorburn are going negative  about going negative. Cisneros was recently elevated to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committees Red to Blue program in hopes it would serve as a signal to Democratic activists and donors that his campaign was the most viable. But both Cisneros and Thorburn have poured millions into the race, which promises to be a knock down, drag out fight through June 5. At the center of the latest controversy is a voicemail, allegedly left by Cisneros on Thorburns home answering machine earlier this month. The recording, which the Thorburn campaign turned over to media outlet The Intercept, lasts less than 10 seconds. Hi Andy, its Gil Cisneros. Im gonna go negative on you, a mans voice is heard saying. Cisneros campaign manager Orrin Evans denied the candidate made the call, posting a cease and desist letter to The Intercept on Twitter. The letter, sent by a Cisneros campaign attorney, called the voicemail fabricated and demanded that the story be taken down, calling it defamatory. It gave the publication until 3 p.m. Friday to take down the story before they pursue all legal rights and remedies. An attorney for The Intercept, in a letter to Cisneros, said the publication confirmed with multiple sources familiar with Mr. Cisneros that his voice was on the recording, and that it stands by its reporting. Thorburns camp says it flatly rejects Cisneros denial, and that the timing of a negative website filled with unflattering background on Thorburn, released three days later, suggests it was him. Track the California races that could flip the House According to The Intercepts report, Cisneros campaign manager did not respond to initial inquiries about the voicemail, calling its questions ridiculous. In a follow-up statement Friday, Evans said called the episode a dirty, desperate trick by the Thorburn campaign and said they are readying to pursue legal action for defamation and false light against both him and the publication. It sounded like him to me! said Thorburns wife, Karen, in a statement released by the campaign. She was the one who first heard the voicemail, they said. Thorburn campaign manager Nancy Leeds called Cisneros threats Trump-like tactics and accused the candidate of trying to harass and intimidate anyone who stands in his way. Its not the first time candidates from the same party have clashed in the lead-up to the June 5 primary, and its all but certain to not be the last. Cisneros sued two of his opponents, Thorburn and Sam Jammal, over their ballot descriptions until they had to change them. Earlier this month, Democrat Bryan Caforio asked his opponent, Katie Hill, to sign a pledge rejecting the use of independent expenditure committees, entities that neither of them can legally coordinate with, in the race to unseat Rep. Steve Knight (R-Lancaster). Hill refused and called the attempt hollow and likened it to political theater, while Caforio accused her of empty campaign promises. Facebook

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California Politics Podcast: The money raised in the race for governor hints at a race thats now red hot By John Myers With less than six weeks before election day, the cash raised in the California governors race mirrors the overall dynamics: one major front-runner and a heated race for second place. This weeks podcast episode offers a glimpse into those cash reports and how the Republican field seems more settled in a new statewide poll than the battle between Democrats. We also examine the reasons why a nationally talked-about housing bill in Sacramento was killed by the Democratic authors own allies. Im joined by Times staff writers Melanie Mason and Liam Dillon. You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud and Stitcher. Facebook

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L.A. County politician sexually assaulted woman when she was 16, lawsuit claims By Dakota Smith A woman sued an unnamed politician in Los Angeles County on Friday, alleging the man sexually assaulted her when she was a teenager after he gave her an unusual-tasting drink. The politician, identified as John Doe, was in his early 40s and a public figure at the time of the 2007 assault, according to the lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court. The man is an elected official today and lives in Los Angeles, said attorney Lisa Bloom, who is representing the woman identified in the lawsuit as Jane Doe. Bloom declined to say what branch of government the man represents. Read More Facebook

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Villaraigosa touts his working-class upbringing, accomplishments as mayor in first TV ad By Phil Willon Democrat Antonio Villaraigosa released his first TV ad in the governors race Friday, touting his record and accomplishments as mayor of Los Angeles when up against the economic downturn during the recession. The 30-second television spot opens with a sweeping shot of Los Angeles and cuts to Villaraigosa sitting on a bus. In kindergarten, my sister and I took three buses to get to school. As mayor, I remembered that, Villaraigosa says into the camera. And despite the recession, we built more new schools and rail lines than any city in America, added 200,000 living wage jobs, built 20,000 units of affordable housing and nearly doubled graduation rates. Campaign spokesman Luis Vizcaino said the ad will air statewide over the next week at a cost of approximately $1 million. The commercial will being airing Saturday. Two Democratic rivals in Californias race for governor, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and state Treasurer John Chiang, also launched ads this week, signaling the biggest ramp-up of the campaign as the June 5 primary approaches. Newsom is the front-runner, while Villaraigosa is battling for second place with Republican John Cox. One recent poll has Villaraigosa trailing both Cox and Republican Assemblyman Travis Allen of Huntington Beach. Chiang has been stuck in the single digits in almost all polling in the race. Last week, an independent expenditure group called Families and Teachers for Antonio Villaraigosa for Governor, funded largely by a trio of wealthy charter school backers, launched a spot in support of the former mayor of Los Angeles. That ad campaign is focused on increasing Villaraigosas chances of coming in second in the June 5 primary and moving on to the general election. Villaraigosas ad, titled Three Buses, emphasizes the struggles he faced growing up in East Los Angeles and addresses one of his central campaign themes  that hes the candidate best suited to help working-class Californians. I know how far a bus can take you, Villaraigosa says in the ad. Facebook

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Sen. Dianne Feinstein wont participate in pre-primary debate By Sarah D. Wire California Sen. Dianne Feinstein will not participate in a proposed pre-primary debate because there are too many candidates in the race, her campaign spokesman said Thursday. Political activists with the group Indivisible Los Angeles said they had a venue and date  May 5  reserved for a debate with four of the Senate candidates. But they said if Feinstein does not participate, it will be canceled. Feinstein faces 31 primary opponents in her bid for a fifth full term representing California in the Senate. Feinstein staffers initially said she had a prior commitment on May 5 in San Francisco. When organizers offered to let her campaign pick another date, her campaign said it wasnt fair for the group to invite only some of the candidates when there is such a big field, said Tudor Popescu, volunteer community organizer with Indivisible Los Angeles. The invited candidates, all Democrats, were Feinstein, state Sen. Kevin de Leon, political action committee director Alison Hartson and lawyer Pat Harris. They were selected based on fundraising and poll numbers. There are 11 Republicans, 10 Democrats, nine independents and 2 third-party candidates running for Senate on the June ballot. Indivisible Los Angeles is still hoping Feinstein will pick another date, Popescu said. Feinstein spokesman Jeff Millman pointed to a San Francisco Chronicle endorsement of Feinstein, which indicates that she told the editorial board she would be willing to have a debate ahead of Novembers general election. Senator Feinstein looks forward to debating her opponent in the general election, Millman said in an email. Feinstein holds a substantial lead in both fundraising and in the polls. Front-runners in statewide races have routinely declined to debate their challengers, knowing that its free publicity for candidates who dont have the cash to increase their name recognition on their own. De Leon spokesman Jonathan Underland said the state senator has done candidate forums before, but planned to attend the May 5 debate only if Feinstein did. We basically said well clear his calendar 100%, well clear his calendar if Feinstein shows up, Underland said. Wed love to make it happen, but we want her to be there. Facebook

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NRA, Olympic shooter sue California over its restrictions on ammunition sales By Patrick McGreevy Olympian Kim Rhode is a plaintiff in a lawsuit filed by the NRA and its state affiliate against California. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) The National Rifle Assn. and its state affiliate have filed a fourth lawsuit against California over its gun control laws, this time challenging new restrictions on the sale and transfer of ammunition. The NRA and the California Rifle and Pistol Assn. filed a challenge in federal court to a requirement that ammunition sales and transfers be conducted face to face with California firearms dealers or licensed vendors, ending purchases made directly from out-of-state sellers on the internet. The lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California also challenged a requirement starting next year for background checks for people buying ammunition. The lawsuit was filed in the name of Kim Rhode, a six-time Olympic medal-winning shooter, and others. It challenges Californias new ammunition sales restrictions as a violation of the 2nd Amendment and the commerce clause of the United States Constitution. Restrictions on ammunition purchases were included in Proposition 63, approved by voters in 2016, and in bills approved by the Legislature. As a result of these laws, millions of constitutionally protected ammunition transfers are banned in California, Chris W. Cox, executive director of the NRAs Institute for Legislative Action, said in a statement. Californias law-abiding gun owners are sick of being treated like criminals and the NRA is proud to assist in this fight. Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is running for governor, defended his initiative and vowed to fight the NRA lawsuit. We wrote Proposition 63 on solid legal ground and principle: If youre a felon banned from possessing guns in California, then you should not be able to purchase the ammunition that makes a firearm deadly, Newsom said in a statement. California voters said loudly and clearly that guns and ammunition do not belong in the hands of dangerous individuals  but once again, the NRA has prioritized gun industry profits over the lives of law-abiding Californians. Facebook

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Republicans hope to ride a gas-tax repeal to victory By Patrick McGreevy In a Central Valley barn decked out in red, white and blue, dairyman and state Senate candidate Johnny Tacherra drew cheers from a crowd of fellow farmers when he said he opposes the California Legislatures hike on gas taxes and vehicle fees. I would not have voted for that. It is not the time to be voting on (raising) the gas tax, said Tacherra, a Republican running against Democratic Assemblywoman Anna Caballero, who voted for the tax increase last year. Three hundred miles away the same week, a campaign mailer arrived at homes in Orange County from an Assembly candidate with a message blaring from the cover in bold type: Republican Greg Haskin  tough enough to stand up to Jerry Brown and repeal the gas tax. Read More Facebook

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Treasurer John Chiang launches ad in governors race touting his record as a fiscal steward By Seema Mehta In his first television ad in the governors race, state Treasurer John Chiang touts his record on fiscal issues as California faced the recession. Some thought we were done, Chiang says in a voiceover in the 30-second spot he released Thursday, with images of him standing seriously at a lectern and complimentary headlines about his work as controller and treasurer. But I knew better. I made the tough calls. And brought California back from the brink of financial disaster because you trusted me to manage our economy. Chiangs campaign is spending about $500,000 to air the ad in Los Angeles and San Diego in coming days. That buy is dwarfed by seven-figure purchases for ads supporting Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Newsom is the front-runner, while Villaraigosa is battling for second place with Republican businessman John Cox. Chiang has been mired in the single digits in almost all polling in the race. His ad, called Quiet Storm, tries to portray Chiang as a progressive who is effective and can move policy in Sacramento. Chiang points to his work challenging Wells Fargo before arguing that he could accomplish what doubters say is impossible to improve the states healthcare, housing and schools. I say, we got this, Chiang concludes. Facebook

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Been ignoring the race for California governor? Thats OK, in some ways its just starting By Mark Z. Barabak On a recent trip to Iowa, Eric Garcetti  the mayor of Los Angeles and a possible 2020 White House contestant  raised eyebrows with a bit of exuberant outreach. Los Angeles and Iowa, Garcetti insisted, have a ton in common, and he didnt simply mean both are inhabited by carbon-based life forms needing oxygen to survive. Urban or rural, farmer or fashion plate, all of us harbor the same hopes and dreams, the mayor suggested, and if it wasnt a terribly original thought it also wasnt the most egregious sort of political pandering  like, say, ordering that every home in Los Angeles be powered by Iowa-produced ethanol. Read More Facebook

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California voters should expect to decide on an $8.9-billion water bond in November By Liam Dillon (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) A proposal to borrow $8.9 billion for improvements to Californias water quality systems and watersheds and protection of natural habitats is eligible for the statewide ballot in November, Secretary of State Alex Padilla announced in a press release Wednesday. Padilla said the measure, which is backed by agricultural interests, had exceeded the 365,800 valid signatures it needed to qualify for the general election ballot. The bond measure will appear on the ballot unless proponents withdraw it by June 28, the release said. The bond is one of many voters could decide on in 2018. A $4-billion bond for parks and water infrastructure improvements will appear on the June 5 ballot. State lawmakers approved it last year. Facebook

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They came for Darrell Issa. They stayed with their inflatable chicken, blue wall and signs for political therapy By Christine Mai-Duc (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) A mother of two turned ringleader of the resistance and more than a hundred of her faithful followers gathered on Tuesday morning outside Rep. Darrell Issas office in a northern San Diego County suburb. Across the street was her foil, a wedding DJ in a red Make American Great Again cap, setting up hefty speakers for an upcoming war of words. For about 65 weeks the deep divide in America played out along this 100-yard stretch of road in Vista. Here, at 10 a.m. every Tuesday, passersby found signs, chants, songs and, if they were lucky, sometimes a 20-foot-tall inflatable chicken with a Trump-esque coif. Theyd also glimpse the state of the body politic in 2018, a time when shock has turned to anger and post-2016 calls for reconciliation have morphed into grudging acceptance that each side might be better off in their respective corners. Or in this case, their sides of the street. On Tuesday, the anti-Issa, anti-Trump contingent fought this particular battle for the last time, declaring it their final protest at the congressmans office. They said they planned to use their energy to knock on doors and get out the vote, with an occasional protest on the side. Their pro-Trump rivals vowed to show up wherever they do. Read More Facebook

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Efforts to regulate bail companies have some unlikely allies: bail agents By Jazmine Ulloa Jane Un, chief executive and founder of Abba Bail Bonds, works with a client. ( Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) In recent years, the seriousness and number of official complaints related to the bail industry in California have significantly increased while bail agents and bounty hunters face limited oversight, putting vulnerable communities at risk of fraud, embezzlement and other forms of victimization. This year, as Gov. Jerry Brown has pledged to work with lawmakers in a push to overhaul how courts assign defendants bail and to better regulate bail agencies, even some who profit from the court practice admit its time for regulation. These bail and bail-recovery agents could become unlikely allies, saying they advocate for change because theyve seen the system abuse the poor. Read More Facebook

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California voters: Get ready for an onslaught of television ads By Seema Mehta After a sleepy campaign, California voters are now being bombarded with television advertisements in the governors race, an onslaught that is expected to ramp up in coming weeks. The ads most frequently seen on television are those promoting Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, the front-runner in the race, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who is trying to secure the second spot in the June primary. Newsoms campaign and an outside group backing Villaraigosa are spending seven figures weekly on these efforts, according to filings with the California secretary of states office and a media buyer who asked not to be identified in order to freely discuss the ads. Other gubernatorial candidates are expected to hit the airwaves soon, the media buyer said. State Treasurer John Chiang has reserved a half-million dollars in the coming days in the Los Angeles and San Diego markets, and Villaraigosas campaign has requested availability in at least five of the states biggest TV markets. The GOP candidates in the race, who will be seeking the state Republican Partys endorsement at its convention next weekend, have been much less active. Businessman John Cox in recent weeks has been spending about $90,000 per week, but doubled that this week in Los Angeles and added small buys on KFI-AM radio and cable in markets including Fresno, Bakersfield and Salinas. State Assemblyman Travis Allen of Huntington Beach, who has been scooping up Republican Party endorsements across the state, has yet to make a notable television or radio buy, though he and Cox have received some attention as commentators on Fox News. Facebook

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Republicans ready to turn in signatures for ballot measure to repeal California gas-tax increase By Patrick McGreevy A Chevron gas station in Sacramento shows prices last year. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Republican activists said Tuesday that they have collected at least 830,000 signatures for an initiative to repeal recent increases in Californias gas tax and vehicle fees, more than enough to qualify the measure for the November ballot. The activists need 585,407 signatures of registered voters to qualify the ballot measure. Because signatures are still being processed and counted by the campaign, backers hope to have 900,000 by the time they begin turning them in to the counties on Friday, according to Carl DeMaio, a former San Diego City Council member and organizer of the drive. The breadth and depth of voter anger over the car and gas tax hikes is just amazing, said DeMaio, who hosts a radio talk show. We are seeing Democrats, independents and Republicans sign the petition and volunteering to carry the petition, people from all walks of life. The initiative targets a law approved in April 2017 by the Legislature and Gov. Jerry Brown that is expected to raise $5.4 billion annually for road and bridge repairs and improvements to mass transit. The money comes from a recent 12-cents-per-gallon increase in the gas tax, a 20-cent increase in the diesel fuel excise tax and a new annual vehicle fee ranging from $25 for cars valued at under $5,000, to $175 for cars worth $60,000 or more. The petition drive raised more than $2 million with significant contributions from the California Republican Party and Republican members of Congress from California, including House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield and Reps. Ken Calvert of Corona and Mimi Walters of Irvine. Republicans hope the issue will help their candidates for office in this years election and hurt Democrats who support the higher taxes. I think this is going to put Democrats in real bad spot, DeMaio said. A spokesman for Brown declined to comment until the signatures are filed. DeMaio said there were approximately 20,000 volunteer petition circulators who brought in more than 250,000 signatures, with the rest collected by paid circulators who received $1 to $2.50 per signature. Its a pretty comfortable margin [of signatures] that we have been able to hit here, DeMaio said. Opposition will grow, he said, as more Californians get their annual vehicle registration notice. The repeal campaign hopes to raise $5 million for the campaign to pass the constitutional amendment, which would not only repeal the increase in the gas tax and vehicle fees but require future increases to be submitted to voters. We know that Gov. Brown and his cohorts are going to spend an amazing amount of money to mislead voters, DeMaio said. But I feel pretty confident that we will repeal the gas tax. Read More Facebook

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Rep. Duncan Hunter sets up trust to raise money for legal expenses amid ongoing criminal investigation By Morgan Cook Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, has filed paperwork to establish a legal expense fund amid an ongoing federal criminal investigation into misused campaign cash. Hunter filed the required paperwork March 27, seeking a rarely granted Legal Expense Fund through which members of Congress under investigation or being sued in connection with doing their jobs or running for office can raise money for their legal expenses. Such funds are administered by an independent trustee and allow donors to give above the maximum amount they can contribute a candidates campaign. Hunter has spent more than $600,000 of campaign money on lawyers. Read More Facebook

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Kamala Harris says she wont take corporate donations anymore By Sarah D. Wire (Jose Luis Magana / Associated Press) California Sen. Kamala Harris says she will no longer accept money from corporate political action committees. In an interview with WWPM-FMs The Breakfast Club, in New York that aired Monday, the senator said she wasnt expecting a question at a town hall this month about whether she would accept money for corporations or corporate lobbyists. At the time, Harris said it depends, but she said on Monday that she had reflected on the matter and changed her mind. Money has had such an outside influence on politics, and especially with the Supreme Court determining Citizens United, which basically means that big corporations can spend unlimited amounts of money influencing a campaign, right? Harris said. Were all supposed to have an equal vote, but money has now really tipped the balance between an individual having equal power in an election to a corporation. So Ive actually made a decision since I had that conversation that Im not going to accept corporate PAC checks. I just  Im not. You can watch the video of the interview here. (Harris corporate money comments come about 30 minutes in.) Harris wouldnt be on the ballot for a second Senate term until 2022, though its widely believed that she is planning a presidential bid in 2020. Other potential 2020 presidential candidates, including Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), have also ruled out taking corporate PAC money. Soon after Mondays show aired, Harris campaign sent out a fundraising request noting her new stance. As corporate PACs continue to corrupt our politics and twist Congress priorities at your expense, were going to focus on raising money from small-dollar, individual donors like you, the email says. Facebook

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With money tied up in court, California lawmakers try again with new plan to spend $2 billion on homeless housing By Liam Dillon A man sleeps on the sidewalk in front of the Union Rescue Mission in the skid row neighborhood of Los Angeles. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) A measure to spend $2 billion on housing homeless Californians could be on the November statewide ballot. State Sen. Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) is pushing the idea to deal with what he said was a burgeoning humanitarian crisis whose epicenter is here in California. De Leons new measure is a do-over for a 2016 plan passed by the Legislature to redirect $2 billion toward building homeless housing from a voter-approved 1% income tax surcharge on millionaires that funds mental health services. A Sacramento attorney sued over that decision, arguing that the move violated constitutional rules on approving loans without a public vote and that lawmakers shouldnt take money away from mental health treatment. The case remains active in Sacramento Superior Court and its unclear when, or if, the state will be able to spend the $2 billion. De Leons Senate Bill 1206 would put the $2-billion loan on the ballot in November, freeing up the money if voters approve the measure. De Leon said had he been able to predict the 2016 plan would end up in court, he would have sought a ballot measure at the time. We thought this was like apple pie and baseball and puppies, De Leon said. Who would oppose the idea of repurposing the dollars to build immediate housing as a permanent solution for homelessness? Obviously with a crystal ball, had I anticipated the litigation, I would have worked to place it on the ballot. De Leon noted that the 2016 plan had bipartisan supermajority support in the Legislature, something his new bill also will need to get on the ballot. Sen. John Moorlach (R-Costa Mesa) is a coauthor of the plan. SB 1206 is scheduled for its first hearing in the Legislature on Wednesday. Should De Leons measure be approved, it will join a crowded list of housing issues before voters in November. Californians will decide on a separate $4-billion bond to help finance new low-income housing and home loans for veterans. De Leon said hes not worried those two measures will compete against each other because voters are aware of the scale of the states housing problems and the proposed homeless housing bond redirects existing dollars instead of raising taxes. Once [voters] know that the impact on their pocketbook is not existent, Im confident that theyll join me and my colleague John Moorlach in support of this measure, De Leon said. Facebook

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California lawmakers say too many former felons are being denied professional licenses By John Myers Assemblyman David Chiu (D-San Francisco) along with supporters of bills to allow more former felons to receive professional licenses. (John Myers/Los Angeles Times) A trio of California Assembly members urged colleagues on Monday to pass legislation that would prohibit state commissions and agencies from rejecting a professional license for those who were once convicted of less serious crimes. We cant say we want to rehabilitate people, and then block them from getting the jobs that they need when theyre released, said Assemblyman David Chiu (D-San Francisco). That leads to more recidivism and to more crime. The bills, scheduled to be heard in Assembly committees Tuesday, would ban the use of arrest or conviction records as the reason for denying a professional license. The bill would not apply to Californians who served time for any of the offenses on the states list of violent crimes. The authors, all Democrats, said that a government-issued professional license is required for some 30% of all jobs in the state. Their bills would change the licensing process at the California departments of Consumer Affairs and Social Services and agencies that certify emergency medical technicians. The bills would block prior convictions from leading to the delay or denial of a license unless that crime is directly related to the profession the person intends to pursue. Two of the bills also specifically say convictions less than 5 years old could continue to play a role in licensing decisions. Last year, Gov. Jerry Brown signed a law that keeps private sector employers from inquiring about a job applicants conviction history prior to an offer of employment. Advocates joined the lawmakers at a press conference in Sacramento to point out that limits on awarding licenses should focus only on those whose prior criminal activity could pose a threat to consumers. Continuing to hold people back for crimes that are 6, 7, 8, 10, 20 years old does not actually make sense if youre looking at public safety, said Jael Myrick of the East Bay Community Law Center. One of the proposals, Assembly Bill 2293, seeks to make it easier for ex-felons to get a license allowing a job with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection  the same agency that often uses prison inmates to battle blazes around the state. If a person is good enough to risk their life fighting fires for the state of California as an inmate, said Assemblywoman Eloise Gomez Reyes (D-Grand Terrace), their previous actions should not prevent from having a job utilizing the skill set that they learned. Facebook

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Assembly speaker rebukes building trades union after it targets Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia By John Myers ( (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press)) The decision by a politically powerful labor group to openly campaign against an embattled Los Angeles-area lawmaker drew a sharp rebuke on Friday from Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon. The Lakewood Democrat lashed out hours after the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California filed paperwork for a political action committee to defeat Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia (D-Bell Gardens). Garcia, whos seeking her fourth term, took an unpaid leave of absence in February following allegations of sexual misconduct. She has denied the reports and an Assembly investigation remains underway. Rendon didnt criticize the labor group by name, insisting instead that the decision was driven by oil and gas industry interests. This is a thinly veiled attempt by Big Oil and polluters to intimidate me and my members. It is an affront to my speakership, Rendon said in a statement. We are proud of the work that the Assembly has done to increase jobs and wages while defending our environment. We will vigorously defend the members of our caucus from any ill-advised political attack. A statement from the labor group, which sparred with Garcia last year on her effort to link new climate change policies with a crackdown on air pollution, said it had decided to reverse past support for her. The Trades have thousands of hard working members in Garcias district, and we look forward to lifting up another Democrat in the 58th Assembly to better represent them and their families, said the statement. The political action committees campaign finance filing on Friday listed nonmonetary in kind contributions from Erin Lehane, a public affairs consultant aligned with the building labor group. Lehane said she had begun researching Garcia in November. In January, a former legislative staffer accused her of groping him in 2014. Lehane, who identified herself as a spokesperson for the labor groups political action committee, said on Friday that she believed Garcias hypocrisy threatened a movement that will dictate how much harassment and abuse my daughter will face in her work life. Garcia, who has been an outspoken advocate for women in the #MeToo movement, has complained that her political opponents helped fan the flames of the accusations. Through a campaign consultant, she declined to comment on Friday. Rendons critique came on the heels of a full-page ad in The Times on Friday, partly paid for by the Trades Council, that criticized well-funded ivory tower elites who push proposals that hurt the oil and gas industry. We are the real jobs that fuel the real California economy, read the advertisement. Facebook

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Legal tiff breaks out over independent committees ad backing Antonio Villaraigosa for governor By Phil Willon An attorney representing Gavin Newsoms campaign for governor is demanding that California television stations cease airing an ad by an independent political committee supporting his Democratic rival Antonio Villaraigosa. Attorney Thomas A. Willis, in a letter to the stations, said the ad is false and misleading and violates California law because it uses snippets of video footage from Villaraigosas own campaign ads. Willis called that illegal coordination between the campaign and PAC. Under California law, advertisements made by entities other than a candidate are presumed to be coordinated  and thus not independent expenditures  when the advertisement replicates, reproduces or disseminates substantial parts of a communication, including video footage, created and paid for by the candidate, the letter states. A representative for the independent expenditure committee  Families & Teachers for Antonio Villaraigosa for Governor  fired back. Attorney Brian T. Hildreth says those allegations have no merit and accused the Newsom campaign of being misleading. Hildreth sent a letter to the television stations in response, urging them to ignore the Newsom campaigns accusations. He said the Newsom camp appears to intentionally misrepresent the law and that the video use was permissible. He said only six seconds of video from Villaraigosas campaign ads was used, which is well within the legal limits. The independent committee is sponsored by the group California Charter Schools Assn. Advocates, according to the California secretary of states office. The ad is airing on broadcast and cable stations statewide. The committees ad is focused on Villaraigosas record as Assembly speaker and as mayor of Los Angeles when there was a drop in crime. Facebook

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Governors race snapshot: Californians are generally upbeat but not focused on the campaign By Mark Z. Barabak Armand Werden, a 29-year-old community college student who works the taps at Dust Bowl Brewery in Turlock, said the state is on the upswing. (Phil Willon / Los Angeles Times) As California chooses a new governor  one of just a handful in the last 40 years not named Jerry Brown  the state seems to be enjoying something unusual in these tumultuous political times: a feeling of relative contentment. Not to say things are perfect. Still, more than 100 random interviews conducted over the length and breadth of the state  from Redding in the north to Santee in the south, from the Pacific coastline to the edge of the Sierra Nevada  found most saying things are looking up, at least so far as Californias direction is concerned. Read More Facebook

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Sierra Club backs Gavin Newsom for California governor By Phil Willon Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks with members of the public following a debate at USC in January. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) The Sierra Club endorsed Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom in the race for California governor, with officials in the established environmental group praising the Democrats record on climate change and clean energy. He has a proven record for leading on environmental protection, public health and clean energy, Kathryn Phillips, director of Sierra Club California, said in a statement released by the Newsom campaign. He understands that we are feeling the effects of climate change and that California must reduce carbon emissions and reach 100% renewable energy to achieve our climate goals. Phillips said the Sierra Clubs extensive network of volunteers will campaign for Newsom as the June 5 primary approaches. Sierra Club executive director Michael Brune also praised the Democrat, saying he will protect California from Donald Trumps attacks on our clean air and water. The Sierra Club joins a series of other influential groups in California that have backed Newsom. The California Medical Assn., the powerful state doctors lobby, announced its endorsement of Newsom on Thursday. The California Nurses Assn. and the Service Employees International Union, one of the most powerful labor unions in the state, also support Newsom. Newsom is the races front-runner in polls and fundraising. A poll released earlier this month by the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California found that 26% of likely voters backed Newsom. John Cox, a Republican from Rancho Santa Fe, was favored by 15% of likely voters and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, a Democrat, by 13%. Facebook

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Californias GOP House members are taking their challengers more seriously and the numbers show it By Christine Mai-Duc For much of last year, consultants and campaign managers for some of Californias most vulnerable Republican incumbents maintained a bullish tone on the prospect that the GOP would hold the House in this years midterms. The National Republican Congressional Committee insisted that longtime Republican incumbents in California had built up reputations as effective champions of local issues that would help them weather a flood of Democratic enthusiasm. Since then Rep. Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) and Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Vista) have decided not to seek reelection and the NRCC has opened a West Coast headquarters in Orange County. Read More Facebook

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California officials say Pentagon has confirmed National Guard funding despite Trump threat By John Myers (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) The awkward dance between Gov. Jerry Brown and the federal government over the National Guard jerked back toward discord on Thursday, when Trump said he would refuse to pay for a new deployment of troops  just hours after his administration said otherwise. And a few hours later, California officials said they had received written confirmation from the Pentagon that the mission would indeed be funded. Trump had earlier called Browns decision to approve 400 troops for a mission focused on combating transnational crime and drug smuggling a charade in a tweet. We need border security and action, not words! the president wrote. Governor Jerry Brown announced he will deploy up to 400 National Guard Troops to do nothing. The crime rate in California is high enough, and the Federal Government will not be paying for Governor Browns charade. We need border security and action, not words!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 19, 2018 A spokesman for Brown pointed to a tweet written Wednesday night by Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, thanking the California governor for his efforts. Trump was meeting on Thursday with Nielsen at his Mar-a-Lago estate not long after his tweet was posted. A tweet later posted by the California National Guard said that almost three hours after Trumps comment, the state received written confirmation from the Pentagon to fund the mission as outlined by Brown the day before. In short, nothing has changed today, said a subsequent Guard tweet. Just spoke w @JerryBrownGov about deploying the @USNationalGuard in California. Final details are being worked out but we are looking forward to the support. Thank you Gov Brown!  Secretary Kirstjen M. Nielsen (@SecNielsen) April 19, 2018 Brown was the last of the nations border governors to respond to Trumps insistence earlier this month that National Guard troops were needed to assist with immigration-related duties at the U.S.-Mexico border. And he has consistently refused to allow California troops to engage in any mission related to federal immigration law. This will not be a mission to build a new wall, Brown wrote last week to Nielsen and Defense Secretary James N. Mattis. It will not be a mission to round up women and children or detain people escaping violence and seeking a better life. Exactly what the California operations will cost remains unclear, as state officials have said it will depend on decisions made once the mission begins. The funds would not be transferred to the state, but instead would be paid directly by the Department of Defense. Trump has critiqued California several times over the past few days, often writing tweets that embrace the actions by some cities and counties to join his administrations lawsuit against the states sanctuary immigration law. He made similar comments to reporters on Thursday afternoon. If you look at whats happening in California with sanctuary cities  people are really going the opposite way, Trump said. They dont want sanctuary cities. Theres a little bit of a revolution going on in California. 2:26 p.m.:This article was updated with additional information from the California National Guard and with remarks from Trump. This article was originally published at 9:51 a.m. Facebook

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Gay conversion therapy services would be banned under measure advancing in California By John Myers (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) The California Assembly voted Thursday to add gay conversion therapy to the states list of deceptive business practices, following a debate that focused on the personal experiences of several lawmakers and hinted at potential lawsuits to come. It is harmful and it is unnecessary, Assemblyman Evan Low (D-Campbell), the bills author and one of the Legislatures most vocal LGBTQ members, said of the practice. Low, who told Assembly members that he explored conversion therapy as a teenager and suffered depression over his sexual orientation, insisted that the bill would be limited to efforts that involve the exchange of money. Theres nothing wrong with me, he said in an emotional speech on the Assembly floor. Theres nothing that needs to be changed. The bill, which now heads to the Senate, has become the focal point of intense debate on social media. Some religious groups have said that such a law would be a violation of their constitutional rights, while advocates insist the provisions are narrow and theres no credible evidence that the services work. One key part of the debate centers on whether Assembly Bill 2943 would stretch beyond businesses that charge for these programs and extend to printed documents, even Bibles. An analysis by the Assembly Judiciary Committee says the bill would apply only to services that purport to change a persons sexual orientation and offered on a commercial basis, as well as the advertising and offering of such services. Lawmakers who spoke in support of AB 2943 also made clear that they believe those kinds of services have been discredited. This is fraudulent, it should not be occurring, said Assemblywoman Susan Eggman (D-Stockton). But you can still try to pray the gay away, if you like. Assemblyman James Gallagher (R-Yuba City), who said the bill addresses a difficult issue, nonetheless said that its important to ensure laws dont tamper with religious freedom. We have to think about the legitimate experience of people who have gone through conversion therapy and said this was a good thing for them, Gallagher told his colleagues. California law already bans the use of conversion therapy by mental health professionals on those under age 18. Lows bill would expand the states efforts beyond minors. It would join a list of commercial activities deemed unfair or deceptive acts or practices and therefore banned under state law. Facebook

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Gavin Newsom gets backing from doctors group, despite differences over single-payer healthcare By Melanie Mason Californias doctors are siding with Gavin Newsom in the governors race, even though they dont see eye-to-eye on a defining issue of the campaign: single-payer healthcare. The California Medical Assn., the state doctors lobby and a political heavyweight, announced its endorsement of the lieutenant governor on Thursday. Gavin is a lifelong champion for health care in California, and we know he will continue to fight for pragmatic solutions to our most crucial health care challenges, including working to achieve universal access and tackling our states physician shortage, CMA President Theodore M. Mazer said in a statement. Newsom has made his support for state-financed healthcare a centerpiece of his campaign, and he earned the early backing of the most ardent single-payer supporters, the state nurses union. The doctors, meanwhile, oppose the nurses bill, SB 562, which emerged as a flashpoint in the healthcare debate last year. The CMA said the bill would dismantle the healthcare marketplace and destabilize Californias economy. Newsom has said SB 562 should advance in the Legislature, but also said it has open-ended issues that still need to be addressed. The doctors group is also battling with another prominent Newsom endorser, the Service Employees International Union, over a new measure that would impose price caps on an array of medical services paid for by commercial health insurers in the state. The SEIU is a leading sponsor of the proposal; the doctors fiercely oppose it. Newsom and the physicians group have a history of political alignment. Newsom was the first statewide official to support Proposition 56, a 2016 tobacco tax pushed by the CMA that raised revenue in part to increase money for doctors who saw Medi-Cal patients. That year, the association also endorsed two initiatives championed by Newsom: Proposition 63, which imposed new gun control measures, and Proposition 64, which legalized recreational marijuana. Facebook

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Independent committee backing Antonio Villaraigosa for governor hits the airwaves with first ad By Phil Willon Antonio Villaraigosa speaks at the 2018 California Democratic Party Convention in San Diego in February.. (Denis Poroy / Associated Press) A well-financed independent committee backing Antonio Villaraigosas bid to be Californias next governor released its first television ad Thursday, praising his record for working with Republicans and as a candidate for all of California. The ad, which is to air statewide on broadcast and cable stations, is focused on Villaraigosas record as Assembly speaker and mayor of Los Angeles, including on education and a drop in crime while he was at City Hall. To move California forward, we need to help more Californians get ahead, the ad says. Thats why Antonio Villaraigosa brought both parties together to balance the state budget with record investments in public schools and new career training programs. The independent expenditure committee behind the ad campaign, Families & Teachers for Antonio Villaraigosa for Governor 2018, is sponsored by the California Charter Schools Assn. Advocates, according to the California secretary of states office. The committee is spending seven figures per week on the ad buy, said Josh Pulliam, a political consultant for the committee. As mayor of Los Angeles, Villaraigosa clashed with teachers unions, starting with his failed attempt to take political control of the Los Angeles Unified School District. His fight with those unions continued after he left office in 2013. Money has poured into the committee this month from wealthy charter schools supporters: Reed Hastings, chief executive of Netflix, donated $7 million, and Los Angeles billionaire and philanthropist Eli Broad donated $1.5 million. On Wednesday, former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan donated $1 million. The independent expenditure committee is expected to provide a boost to Villaraigosas campaign. Democratic front-runner Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom has a major advantage in fundraising over all other candidates in the race and has received the backing of the California Teachers Assn. and other education unions. A recent Public Policy Institute of California poll also showed Villaraigosa lagging in third place in the race, trailing Newsom and Republican businessman John Cox. The candidates who finish in the top two in the June 5 primary will advance to the November general election, regardless of their party affiliation. Facebook

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Gov. Jerry Brown says Trump administration will fund his National Guard mission  without immigration duties By John Myers (Alex Wong / Getty Images) Gov. Jerry Brown formally mobilized 400 California National Guard members Wednesday for transnational crime-fighting duties, thus preventing any effort by President Trump to have the troops focus on immigration enforcement on the Mexican border. The governor announced that federal officials have agreed to fund the plan he announced last week  a mission to combat criminal gangs, human traffickers and illegal firearm and drug smugglers in locations around California, including near the border. The order Brown signed makes clear that the troops will not be allowed to perform a broader set of duties as envisioned by Trumps recent comments. California National Guard service members shall not engage in any direct law enforcement role nor enforce immigration laws, arrest people for immigration law violations, guard people taken into custody for alleged immigration violations, or support immigration law enforcement activities, the order read. The cost of the mission, a spokesman for Brown said, will be paid directly by the federal government. No initial estimate has been made, as the exact amount will depend on exactly how the troops will be used. Though the duties of California Guard members were outlined last week, the state had been waiting for an agreement by federal officials to pay for the operations. Since that time, the president has taken Brown and the state to task over its decision to avoid any immigration-related duties at the border. On Wednesday morning, Trump tweeted, Jerry Brown is trying to back out of the National Guard at the Border, but the people of the State are not happy. Want Security & Safety NOW! There is a Revolution going on in California. Soooo many Sanctuary areas want OUT of this ridiculous, crime infested & breeding concept. Jerry Brown is trying to back out of the National Guard at the Border, but the people of the State are not happy. Want Security & Safety NOW!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 18, 2018 Looks like Jerry Brown and California are not looking for safety and security along their very porous Border. He cannot come to terms for the National Guard to patrol and protect the Border, Trump tweeted Tuesday. There was no immediate reaction from the White House to Browns announcement. On Tuesday, Brown told reporters in Washington that his plan was consistent with a safer border. That sounds to me like fighting crime, the governor said. Trying to catch some desperate mothers and children, or unaccompanied minors coming from Central America, that sounds like something else. The order Brown issued Wednesday after returning from a brief trip to talk climate change in Toronto and to speak to a national trade union and visit with reporters in Washington is set to expire at the end of September. It specifically says no Guard service member may participate in a mission that would exceed the mission scope and limitations related to transnational crime activity. It also says troops cannot help build any new border barrier. 5:27 p.m.: This article was updated with information related to the cost of the Guard mission and Browns trip to Washington. This article was originally published at 5:13 p.m. Facebook

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California bill aims to end practice that keeps workplace misconduct cases out of court By Melanie Mason A California bill would prohibit employers from requiring workers to use private arbitration to settle disputes, a practice that critics say shields improper workplace conduct from public view. The bill by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher (D-San Diego) would bar businesses from making employees, when they are hired, waive their future rights to take any harassment, discrimination or other claims to court. Arbitration can be a highly effective dispute resolution method when both parties can choose it freely, when both parties are equal, Gonzalez Fletcher said at a news conference on Wednesday. It is far less successful when the more powerful party forces the other to accept those terms, especially as a condition of employment. Forced arbitration has come under increasing scrutiny since the #MeToo movement, with high-profile figures such as former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson pointing to the practice as shielding workplace abusers from public disclosure because arbitration resolutions often include nondisclosure agreements. Last year, a bipartisan bill was introduced in Congress to end mandatory arbitration in employment agreements. Gonzalez Fletcher said she was pursuing an unusual tool to draw attention to the issue  a subpoena issued by the Legislature to compel testimony from a worker bound by a nondisclosure agreement as a result of arbitration. The Legislature has subpoena power but it is rarely used. The bills sponsors believe lawmakers last issued a subpoena in 2001 while investigating price manipulation by Enron. Gonzalez Fletcher said she has requested Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) to issue the subpoena to require Tara Zoumer, who sued the company WeWork in 2016 for overtime pay, to testify before the Assembly Judiciary Committee next week. Zoumers suit was moved to arbitration and resolved. She is now subject to a nondisclosure agreement and could face a financial penalty for speaking publicly about her case. A spokesman for Rendon said the subpoena request is under consideration. Business groups oppose the bill, AB 3080. The California Chamber of Commerce has dubbed it a job biller, claiming it would dramatically increase legal costs for businesses. Banning such agreements benefits the trial attorneys, not the employer or employee, the group said. The bill must first advance from the Assembly Labor Committee on Wednesday. Facebook

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At least 240 House lawmakers want a vote on immigration. California supporters say they arent ready to force one By Sarah D. Wire Rep. Jeff Denham says at least 240 of the 430 current House members have signed onto his resolution to hold votes on four immigration bills, and he hopes House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) and President Trump are paying attention to the show of support. But, the Republican from Turlock and his allies said Wednesday that they are not yet willing to commit to forcing Ryans hand through a little-used procedural move called a discharge petition; they acknowledged theres no guarantee that all of 47 Republicans and 193 Democrats House co-signers will back them up if they try to force the issue. Im sure that it is something that will be discussed in the coming weeks. You should not need a discharge petition. When you can show the overwhelming majority of the House, the support of it, you should not need a discharge petition, but it is something we would talk about in the future, Denham said. It is far too early to talk about next steps. Ryan said last week that he opposes Denhams effort, saying its a waste of time for the House to vote on bills the president might veto. Denhams resolution would prompt debate and votes on four very different immigration bills: one favored by the Trump administration, one preferred by Democrats, one bipartisan proposal and another immigration bill of Ryans choice. Whichever got the most votes would move forward to the Senate. All four bills would help Dreamers to differing degrees and include varying levels of border security or immigration enforcement. For example, the Trump-backed bill would also dramatically reduce legal immigration, while the Democrats would only deal with legal status for Dreamers. Democrats say they dont expect the show of support will sway Ryan. Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairwoman Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-N.M.) said Tuesday night she expects Ryan will have to be forced into allowing a vote. It doesnt matter how many signatures we get. We could have every signature, technically, except his, on the floor of the House and... if he doesnt want to, it doesnt happen, Lujan Grisham (D-N.M.) said. Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Redlands), who gathered the Democratic co-sponsors for Denham, also wouldnt give a deadline for House leaders to act, but said the co-sponsors are only willing to wait weeks not months. We do want to give them an opportunity to bring up the rule and to use whatever process they want, Aguilar said. They do have options, but I think they need to understand that we have options too. Facebook

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Billionaire Democratic activist Tom Steyer endorses Kevin de Leon in his insurgent bid against Sen. Dianne Feinstein By Seema Mehta Billionaire Democratic activist Tom Steyer is endorsing state Sen. Kevin de Leon in his insurgent challenge to Sen. Dianne Feinstein, and did not rule out funding an outside effort to boost De Leons chances. I think hes the kind of young progressive that reflects California and would be a very strong advocate for our state nationally, Steyer said in an interview on Tuesday, pointing to De Leons efforts on issues such as immigration, climate change and gun control while he was the state Senate leader. I know him well and hes a friend. We share a lot of values. Steyer, who flirted with running for the Senate seat, did not criticize Feinstein as he has in the past. Sen. Feinstein has been an outstanding public servant who has dedicated the bulk of her adult life to the service of our state and the country, he said. These are two strong, very good Democrats. I just believe Kevin is the true progressive and he reflects something we need representing California going forward. I have nothing bad to say about Dianne Feinstein. I have a lot of good to say about Kevin de Leon. De Leon faces enormous odds as he tries to oust Feinstein, who has served in the Senate for a quarter-century, is well known to the states voters and has daunting leads in polls and fundraising. But De Leon has gained notable endorsements, most recently from the 2.1-million-member California Labor Federation last week. Campaign finance reports released this week show that Feinstein has more than $10 million in the bank, while De Leon has just more than $670,000. Feinstein, a multimillionaire and one of the wealthiest members of the Senate, has already lent her campaign $5 million and could easily write another check. But Steyer, a billionaire former hedge fund manager, could write a larger one. He is among the largest Democratic donors in the nation and has already committed more than $50 million to push for the impeachment of President Trump and to register young voters. He was noncommittal when asked if he would fund an independent expenditure group on behalf of De Leon. I dont have any concrete plans for that, he said. Read More Facebook

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Californias largest pension fund sends next years invoice to state government: $6.3 billion By John Myers The California Public Employees Retirement System building (Max Whittaker / Getty Images) As part of a shift toward less optimistic expectations for investment returns to pay for government worker pensions, board members of the California Public Employees Retirement System voted Tuesday to require an almost $6.3-billion payment from the state budget in the fiscal year that begins on July 1. The action, which could receive final approval on Wednesday, reflects a gradually higher annual contribution to public employee pensions by the state and from local governments across California. In 2016, CalPERS approved a half-percentage point decrease in its official estimate of the long-term investment return on its $353.3-billion portfolio. That shift was designed to happen over several years, in hopes it would lessen the financial shock of shifting more of the costs onto government employers. The highest costs are also, in part, a reflection of increases in the size of the states payroll. The states CalPERS payment will be about $450 million more than the total paid in the current fiscal year and more than double what it was only a decade ago. CalPERS board members voted on Tuesdays staff proposal with little discussion, save for a question about the increase in contributions also required from workers hired after a pension overhaul that took effect in June. It seems like it will be a ding on peoples salaries, said Theresa Taylor, the chairwoman of CalPERS finance committee and a member of SEIU Local 1000, the union that represents some 96,000 state employees. The $6.299-billion payment required from Californias state government must now be factored into the budget crafted by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown in late June. Brown had already assumed a similarly sized payment in his budget proposal unveiled in January. In February, a coalition representing city governments warned about the effects of rising pension costs under the expectations of less money from Wall Street investments. The report issued by the League of California Cities projected an average increase of more than 50% in annual pension payments made by the states largest cities over the next seven years. A CalPERS staff report notes that the net return on all of the funds investments for the fiscal year that ended in July was 11.2%. But expectations on profits over the next 30 years remain significantly more modest, and theres long been a robust debate about how to properly set those future expectations. The lower the rate of projected investment return, the larger the share of pension costs that must be covered by taxpayers and some employees. Overall, CalPERS officials believe the system has assets to cover 71% of its long-term obligations. Facebook

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California warns legal pot sellers not to participate in unlicensed 4/20 events By Patrick McGreevy Marijuana on display at a dispensary in Los Angeles. ( (Frederic J. Brown / AFP/Getty Images)) The state issued a warning Tuesday that businesses holding licenses to sell marijuana could face penalties if they participate in unlicensed temporary events away from their stores, including on Friday, April 20, which has become an annual celebration for counterculture groups. The warning was issued ahead of 4/20 by the state Bureau of Cannabis Control. Since Jan. 1, the bureau has issued more than 700 state licenses to sell marijuana for medical or recreational use. The bureau has issued 47 temporary event licenses to groups that are limited to holding the marijuana celebrations on county fairgrounds that have authorized such events with city approval. Any bureau licensee participating in an unlicensed cannabis event may be subject to disciplinary action, the warning said, adding that lawful participation by bureau licensees in any temporary cannabis event that allows sales and/or consumption is dependent upon issuance of the appropriate licenses from the bureau. While many Californians have been issued medical approval to sell or use marijuana, the law does not allow them to participate in unlicensed events, also referred to as Proposition 215 events after the ballot measure that legalized medical pot two decades ago in the state. Participation in such events may lead to civil penalties for unlicensed commercial cannabis activity, the warning said. Meanwhile, a survey of some 1,000 marijuana users that was released Tuesday by the firm LendEDU found that the average 4/20 participant plans to spend $71 on marijuana to celebrate the unofficial holiday, and about 35% of respondents are planning to take off work Friday. Facebook

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California police groups shift position on officer discipline records, now consider support for making some of them public By Liam Dillon Los Angeles Police Department recruits at a graduation ceremony in April (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) Some major law enforcement groups signaled Tuesday they are willing to support making part of police officer disciplinary records public, a dramatic departure from their past positions. Local and national attention on police shootings and misconduct has led law enforcement organizations to reconsider their blanket opposition to proposals that would give public access to some internal disciplinary investigations of officers. Were going to be open to supporting efforts that would allow for some records to be released, said Ryan Sherman, a lobbyist with the Riverside Sheriffs Assn. Debate over secrecy provisions in officer disciplinary files came during a legislative hearing on Senate Bill 1421 from Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley). Skinners bill, which advanced out of the Senate Public Safety Committee on Tuesday, would require public disclosure of all internal officer shooting investigations and confirmed cases of sexual assault and lying while on duty. Currently, all police discipline information is confidential outside of a courtroom in California, which has some of the nations strictest standards against public disclosure. Unfortunately, the fact that we have such strict restrictions on any access to public records has affected certain communities trust towards our law enforcement, Skinner said during the hearing. Prior to Skinners effort, other have tried to loosen these rules, some of which date back 40 years. Most recently in 2016, a bid by then-Sen. Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) failed in a Senate committee. In debate two years ago, no major law enforcement groups indicated they would accept changes to state laws that would make individual internal investigations public, saying they were essential to protect officer privacy and safety. But Tuesday, Sherman and other lobbyists including those representing the states largest police labor organization, signaled they might be willing to entertain changes. They said they were negotiating with Skinner on the bills details. Law enforcement groups still have major concerns about SB 1421 as written. Ed Fishman, an attorney for the Police Officers Research Assn., told legislators that the bill would wrongfully expose police officers who acted within departmental policy to invasions of their privacy. It has unintended consequences that are extreme and will hurt the public, Fishman said. Tuesdays hearing featured testimony from many who have had relatives killed by police officers in recent years advocating for the bill. Senators on the Public Safety Committee also gave public rebukes to law enforcement lobbyists, criticizing them for a lack of diversity and insensitivity to concerns raised by communities of color. I think that you are completely and utterly out of touch with the realities of how those you are representing are perceived by major segments of California, said Sen. Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles). You are not going to be able to continue to lobby your way out of it. The bill faces at least one more committee hearing in the Senate before reaching the floor. It will have to pass both houses of the Legislature by the end of August. Facebook

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Newest member of the California Assembly arrives ready to work on criminal justice issues By John Myers Two weeks after winning a Los Angeles special election, the newest member of the California Assembly says she hopes to focus on reforms to the states criminal justice system during her time in Sacramento. Assemblywoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Los Angeles) took the oath of office on Monday, filling one of three vacant seats representing Los Angeles County in the lower house. The Democrat, a former community college trustee and legislative staffer, thanked her mentors in remarks from the Assembly rostrum. So many women, and in my life so many black women, have paid in giving me the kind of morals and integrity and grit that is required to fight on behalf of people that you know, and people that you dont know, she said. Kamlager-Dove won handily on April 3, receiving 70% of the votes cast in the 54th Assembly District which encompasses communities west of downtown Los Angeles, from Crenshaw to Culver City and as far north as Westwood. She will serve the remaining eight months of the term of former Assemblyman Sebastian Ridley-Thomas, who resigned last year citing health concerns. She has said she hopes to focus her attention on poverty issues and on reform of the states criminal justice system. I think we have an opportunity to really push the needle in terms of how we look at rehabilitation, how we look at incarceration, and how we look at changing the lives oftentimes of poor men and women of color, Kamalager-Dove said on Monday in a video released by Assembly Democrats. Facebook

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Survivors of violent crime raise their voices in California to call for a new approach to criminal justice By Jazmine Ulloa Aaliyah Smith marches with her cousins. (Jazmine Ulloa / Los Angeles Times) Her father, uncle, a cousin and two older brothers. Those are some of the family members 16-year-old Aaliyah Smith has lost to gun violence. Then there are her friends. Jermaine Jackson Jr., 27, was shot and killed in 2016 while he painted over graffiti in San Francisco. Toriano Tito Adger, 18, was shot there a year later at a bus stop. He called Smith, who was nearby, and warned her to run. She made it inside a library moments before the crack of gunfire. Last week, Smith was among hundreds who gathered in Sacramento for annual National Crime Victims Rights Week events, where calls were issued for a new approach to criminal justice and public safety in California, one that puts survivors at the center of policy. But a debate is brewing over what that entails. Read More Facebook

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California expects $14 billion in tax payments this month By John Myers State workers handle income tax returns at the California Franchise Tax Board offices. (Laura Morton / For The Times) Gov. Jerry Browns proposed state budget is built on what taxpayers might find an audacious assumption: almost $14 billion in tax payments in the month of April, an average of $83 million collected per hour on every business day of the month. Most of that money will come from the taxes Californians pay in advance of Tuesday nights filing deadline for income tax returns. If history is any guide, the rate of payment could quadruple by weeks end. While tax rules have shifted some of the payment schedules to other months, April remains a vitally important month to the fiscal health of state government. The state controllers office reports more than 15% of all personal income tax revenues in 2017 were collected in April. In the recession years of a decade ago, tax revenue predictions were frequently off the mark by hundreds of millions of dollars. The last two state budgets have seen significant windfalls of personal income tax revenue, thanks in part both to an improving economy and to the continuation of a temporary surcharge on the wealthiest taxpayers  extended by voters in 2016. In the budget plan he sent to lawmakers in January, Brown projected a $6.1-billion windfall and proposed using a sizable amount to top off Californias rainy-day fund ahead of schedule. The independent Legislative Analysts Office reports that through the end of last week, the months income tax tally stood at $3 billion, slightly ahead of projections. By the end of the current week, a single days total could be almost that large. Lawmakers began reviewing the governors $190.3-billion spending plan during the winter, but few decisions are made until they get a look at Aprils tax revenues. The governor will release a revised plan based on the new data next month; lawmakers are required to send him a completed budget no later than June 15. Facebook

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Feinstein war chest tops $10 million while Kevin de Leon struggles to keep pace By Sarah D. Wire Sen. Dianne Feinstein widened her already-massive fundraising advantage in the run-up to Junes primary, raising twice as much in the first quarter than her strongest Senate challenger has sitting in the bank. Feinstein raised $1.3 million between January and March, bringing her war chest to just over $10 million as Californias U.S. Senate race begins in earnest, according Federal Election Commission reports. Former state Senate leader Kevin De Leon, the best known of the more than 30 people who will appear with Feinstein on the June primary ballot, raised just $575,991 in that same period, bringing his cash on hand to $672,331, according to his quarterly FEC report. Read More Facebook

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Trump has met his match, says Gov. Jerry Brown in promoting climate action on a quick trip to Canada By John Myers (Rich Pedroncelli/Associated Press) Gov. Jerry Brown told a Canadian audience Monday that he believes President Trumps efforts to reverse course on climate change policy are a momentary deviation as others in the United States seek limits on greenhouse gas emissions. Thats very temporary, I can assure you, Brown said at a joint event in Toronto with Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne. The governors quick international trip, announced only late last week, comes as Wynnes Liberal Party faces a stiff challenge in Junes election from the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario and its leader, Doug Ford. Critics of Wynnes party have called for Ontario to pull out of the Western Climate Initiative, a cooperative agreement between three Canadian provinces and California on efforts to limit greenhouse gases. Brown sought to link the efforts of Canadian conservatives with Republicans in the United States who oppose existing climate change programs. In contrast, he told the audience, several GOP lawmakers voted last summer to renew Californias cap-and-trade program. I would say to the conservatives of Canada, wake up and see what your friends in California are doing, he said. The Democrat took particular notice of Trumps efforts to shift away from climate change policies from the administration of former President Obama, as well as a push by the Environmental Protection Agency to cancel Californias strict limits on automobile emissions. If Trump tries to change that, well have litigation well beyond his term in office, Brown said while also noting Chinese government efforts to produce more low-emissions vehicles. Between California and China, Trump has met his match. What hes saying is not going to happen. Many of the governors remarks, though, were aimed at the tough political situation in which Wynne finds herself with seven weeks to go before Ontarios parliamentary elections. Dangers abound, but success is right in our hands, Brown said. So dont blow it! Facebook

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California voters are getting to know the states attorney general through his aggressive stance challenging Trump By Patrick McGreevy Less than two months from his first statewide election, California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra has become adept not only at challenging President Trump but at using the bully pulpit of his office to raise his profile with voters. The aggressive effort may help boost the former Los Angeles congressmans chances at winning a full term in office this fall, almost two years after he was appointed to replace Sen. Kamala Harris in 2017. Appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown, Becerra took office as attorney general four days after Trumps inauguration. Thats afforded him an opportunity to get in front of Californians  and potential voters  on an array of issues including immigration, healthcare and the environment. Read More Facebook

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Gov. Jerry Brown forms commission for 2020 census outreach By Melanie Mason In an effort to make sure California has a strong showing in the next national census, Gov. Jerry Brown on Friday established a state commission to prepare outreach for the decennial count. It is vitally important for California to do everything it can to ensure that every Californian is counted in the upcoming census, Brown said in a prepared statement. The commissions formation comes on the heels of a Trump administration plan to ask about citizenship status as a part of the census. State officials fear that such a question, which has not been asked in a census since 1950, could chill participation among California residents. That could result in the state losing billions of dollars in federal funds and a seat in Congress. The 23-member panel, appointed largely by Brown as well as picks by legislative leaders, comes from private- and public-sector backgrounds, including civil rights groups, religious institutions and educational institutions. Facebook

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Garcetti kicks off Iowa visit with 2020 on his mind and a hardhat on his head LA Mayor - and 2020 prospect - Eric Garcetti makes his Iowa debut at the Carpenters Union Training Center. Fearlessly flaunts the never be photographed in head gear/safety glasses rule. pic.twitter.com/14bUOPXMvF  Mark Z. Barabak (@markzbarabak) April 13, 2018 Facebook

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Asm. Rocky Chavez takes the lead in race to replace Issa, while Doug Applegate slips By Joshua Stewart A new poll shows that Republican Assemblyman Rocky Chavez has taken a clear lead over 15 other candidates running to replace Rep. Darrell Issa in Congress and has overtaken Democrat Doug Applegate, the previous frontrunner. In a SurveyUSA poll by 10News and The San Diego Union-Tribune, Chavez, R-Oceanside, has support of 16 percent of likely voters, putting him ahead of Applegate, a lawyer, who was favored by 12 percent of voters and is in second place. The top two vote-getters in June, regardless of party, will proceed to a November runoff election. Competing with Applegate for the No. 2 spot is Democrat Mike Levin, also a lawyer, with support of 9 percent of voters. Several other candidates were right at his heels. Democratic Businessman Paul Kerr and Board of Equalization Member Diane Harkey, R-Dana Point, were tied for fourth at 8 percent each. Read More Facebook

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Pro-Kevin de Leon group launches ad castigating Dianne Feinstein By Seema Mehta A group that is supporting Kevin de Leons bid for the U.S. Senate launched a blistering ad against Sen. Dianne Feinstein on Thursday, questioning her progressive principles and tying her to President Trump. The ad buy from A Progressive California is minuscule  $10,000 to air it in Los Angeles for one day on CNN and MSNBC during programming such as The Rachel Maddow Show, Hardball with Chris Matthews and Anderson Cooper 360. The minute-long ad features news clips about Feinstein not getting the California Democratic Party endorsement earlier this year, as well as footage of Feinstein saying that Trump can be a good president and appearing to share a laugh with Trump. That moment actually came during a White House meeting in the aftermath of the Parkland, Fla., school shooting when the president suggested an assault weapons ban should be included in a bipartisan bill to expand gun background checks. It also features extensive clips of de Leons speech at the state partys convention. De Leon, who just ended his final term as leader of the state Senate, announced last year he would run against fellow Democrat Feinstein as she seeks her fifth full term. Feinsteins longtime political advisor dismissed the ad, noting the size of the buy. Its not really a buy, said Bill Carrick. Ten thousand dollars in cable in L.A. Poof, its gone. Still, he said he planned to have the campaigns lawyers review the ad to see if it violates campaign law that limits what outside groups like A Progressive California can do. Such groups cannot coordinate with campaigns or candidates, and are limited in how much their messages can support a candidate. Ann Ravel, the former chair of the Federal Election Commission and the California Fair Political Practices Commission, said if the ad was in a state race, she is certain that the state commission would open an investigation into potential coordination with de Leons campaign because of the messaging and the types of footage in the ad. But the bipartisan federal commission cant agree on how to enforce the federal regulations, she said. The problem is [outside groups] understand that given the lack of very strong enforcement at the federal level, theres the ability to stretch the law, she said. A spokeswoman for the FEC declined to comment. Dave Jacobson, a spokesman for A Progressive California, disputed the suggestion that the ad violated campaign law. This frivolous allegation shows that Sen. Feinstein is afraid of the public seeing an ad which showcases her own words, that Donald Trump can be a good president, he said. Facebook

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Dispute over money emerges in campaign to repeal Californias gas tax increase By Patrick McGreevy A motorist prepares to gas up her vehicle in San Rafael, Calif., in 2015. (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images) A proposed initiative to repeal hikes to Californias gas tax has been caught in the middle of a dispute involving Republican rivals in the governors race. Assemblyman Travis Allen, a Republican candidate for governor, decided in January to drop plans for his own initiative and said he would urge supporters to sign a separate petition being supported by several Republican members of Congress. Then last week, the committee Allen formed to finance his ballot measure reported a $300,000 contribution from PISF Inc., a Novato, Calif., real estate firm. Now, an organizer of the still active Give Voters a Voice committee is urging the Allen committee to immediately donate their funds in support of the ongoing signature gathering efforts. There is only one gas tax repeal measure currently in circulation and that is the measure sponsored by the Give Voters a Voice Committee, said Dave Gilliard, a consultant to the group. PISF Inc., he said, gave to repeal taxes and there is only one committee that can do that. Allen rejected the request, noting that the active initiative drive is co-chaired by wealthy businessman John Cox, a Republican also running for governor whose campaign has donated $250,000 to the initiative drive. I would be doing the gas-tax-repeal contributors a huge disservice if I was to transfer any funds to a campaign committee involving John Cox, Allen said. John Cox has spent millions of dollars campaigning for office and he has lost every single time. Cox ran unsuccessfully for three offices in Illinois before he moved to California. Allen said he will use the donations received by his ballot measure committee to campaign for approval of the gas tax 
The last time the Supreme Court took a hard look at how to impose sales taxes on home shopping, it was the era of mail-order catalogs  before Amazon was even selling books out of Jeff Bezos garage, lawyers recently told the justices.

In 1992, the high court upheld a constitutional rule that barred states from requiring mail-order sellers to collect sales taxes if the vendors had no physical presence in that state.



For the record: A previous version of this article attributed tax loss estimates to the University of Tennessee. The figures were calculated by Marketplace Fairness Coalition.

The rule was immediately seen by some as legally suspect. And with the explosion of internet sales over the decades, it costs state and local governments tens of billions of dollars in lost tax revenues.

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Now lawyers for 35 states, including California, are urging the high court to overturn the physical-presence rule as outdated and unfair to them as well as to the struggling brick and mortar retailers who must collect sales taxes.

They have on their side a crucial ally: Associate Justice Anthony M. Kennedy. Two years ago, he said the court should reexamine the 1992 Quill Corp. vs. North Dakota decision as soon as possible. The ruling was questionable at the time, he said, and it is now inflicting extreme harm and unfairness on the states.

In view of the dramatic technological and social changes that have taken place in our increasingly interconnected economy, he wrote, it is unwise to delay any longer a reconsideration of the courts holding in Quill.

That opportunity comes before the justices Friday when they meet to review dozens of pending appeals, including South Dakota vs. Wayfair, Overstock and Newegg, which calls for scrapping the physical presence rule.

If Quill was a questionable decision in 1992, it is a senseless decision in 2018, said Lisa Soronen, executive director of the State and Local Legal Center in Washington. Congress has had over two decades to correct Quill but it has failed to do so.

She was referring to the courts parting comment in its 1992 opinion that Congress may be better qualified to set a national rule on collecting sales taxes from out-of-state sellers.

Since then, Congress has tried but failed to agree on a new law. The Senate approved the Marketplace Fairness Act in 2013 to authorize states to collect sales taxes from out-of-state sellers, but the House balked. Republican leaders have been wary of imposing more taxes on consumers and new burdens on online businesses.

Supporters of small web-based businesses argue that Congress should not foist on them the duty to collect taxes that are owed to more 12,000 city and county jurisdictions across the country.

The deadlock in Congress has renewed pressure on the court to rethink its rules for deciding interstate tax disputes.

The Constitution does not directly give the Supreme Court the power to police limits on interstate commerce. It says Congress shall have the power  to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the several states. But for much of the courts history, the justices have said they may strike down state laws that restrict interstate commerce, including taxes on shipments that are unfair or too heavy. The justices refer to this doctrine  sometimes sarcastically  as the dormant or negative commerce clause because it gives the court power it was never explicitly granted.

Justice Clarence Thomas, who like Kennedy concurred in the outcome in the 1992 decision but did not sign on to the courts opinion, has been a steady skeptic of the negative commerce clause. It has no basis in the text of the Constitution and makes little sense, he wrote. And Justice Neil M. Gorsuch criticized the physical presence rule when he was an appellate judge in Colorado, calling it a sort of judicially sponsored tax shelter for online sellers.

State officials are encouraged that the court may be ready to change course.

The Supreme Courts earlier view of taxable nexus no longer makes sense in todays economy, said Nick Maduros, director of the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. The current interpretation places an unfair burden on those who pay their fair share of taxes and puts in-state retailers at a competitive disadvantage.

The California state sales tax is 7.25%, and counties and cities may add to that. Los Angeles County adds 2.25%, for a total of 9.5%.

Amazon, the largest online seller, began collecting sales taxes in California after establishing warehouses in the state. And it has since agreed to collect taxes on purchases from the 45 states that levy sales taxes.

Nonetheless, California officials estimate the state loses as much as $2 billion in annual revenue because of the courts tax rule.

In November, the Government Accountability Office estimated state and local governments are collecting 75%-80% of the taxes they are owed from remote sellers. It projected the annual loss for those governments as between $8.5 billion and $13.4 billion.

However, lawyers for the states cited much higher losses, including an analysis by the Marketplace Fairness Coalition, which estimates revenue losses of $33.9 billion this year and $211 billion from 2018 to 2022 if the physical presence rule is unchanged.

In November, 15 friend-of-the-court briefs were filed urging the justices to hear the South Dakota case. They came from groups that represent retailers, wholesalers and shopping centers as well as the National Governors Assn. and law professors and economists.

Last month, several anti-tax groups joined Internet sellers in urging the court to turn away the appeal.

I really worry about the impact on small to mid-sized businesses. This would unleash tax collectors to pursue them all over the country. And they may not to be able to absorb the compliance cost, said Carl Szabo, general counsel for NetChoice, a trade association for online businesses. He said small, web-based firms could face tax audits not just from 45 states, but from the thousands of municipalities with their own sales taxes.

The Supreme Court cited this burden in 1992, but state lawyers now say that special software makes it easy to assess proper taxes based on the ZIP Code of the buyer.

The justices will meet several times this month to vote on pending appeals. January is usually the last month for them to grant new cases that will be argued in the spring and decided by the terms end in late June.

Major questions before the Supreme Court this fall 

david.savage@latimes.com

On Twitter: DavidGSavage
President Trump declared his former chief strategist Stephen K. Bannon persona non grata on Wednesday, delivering a scorching rebuke to the man who had been Trumps most visible partner in his efforts to redefine the Republican Party according to their populist and nationalist vision.

Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my Presidency, Trump said in a caustic four-paragraph statement released by the White House. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind.

Trump rarely dispatches his advisors entirely, whether he fires them or they are disgraced. Bannon had tested that in recent months, however, with reported comments mocking Trump and his children and casting himself as a master strategist and political theorist.

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The presidents public denunciation of Bannon came only after a report early Wednesday, based on excerpts from a forthcoming book, that quoted Bannon condemning as treasonous a June 2016 meeting in which Donald Trump Jr. and Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law, met with Kremlin-linked Russians to get dirt on Hillary Clinton.

Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad ... and I happen to think its all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately, Bannon reportedly said.

His verdict on the meeting in Trump Tower  an event now at the center of a special counsels criminal investigation of Russian election meddling and potential Trump campaign complicity  was taken from a book to be released next week and obtained before publication by the Guardian newspaper. Bannons reported comment is an especially damning charge, undercutting Trumps claim that the Russia story is a Democratic hoax.

Other portions of the book, as reported by the Guardian and excerpted in New York magazine, quote other Trump aides, and overall they portray him as ill-informed, unprepared and ill-tempered and contend that neither Trump nor family members and associates expected him to win election. In a separate statement, the spokeswoman for First Lady Melania Trump denied an assertion that Melania was in tears  and not of joy.

Bannon, who led Trumps campaign through most of the general election season and was a senior White House counselor for seven months, has long used the populist website he runs, Breitbart News, to war against mainstream Republicans and party leaders while giving voice to white nationalists. After his firing in August, Bannon sounded a fresh declaration of intraparty war, vowing to support challengers to Republican lawmakers insufficiently supportive of Trumps protectionist populism and hard-line immigration policies.

But even as he rankled many Trump allies and GOP congressional leaders, Bannon enjoyed a continued relationship with Trump, who praised him publicly and sought his advice. When Bannon left the White House, Trump thanked him for his service on Twitter, and said he will be a tough and smart new voice at Breitbart.

Bannons critics blamed him for encouraging Trumps most destructive instincts and for the presidents failure to appeal to voters beyond his political base. A smaller group of supporters praised Bannon for helping the president solidify that base.

Trumps disowning of Bannon immediately cheered mainstream Republicans. A political group tied to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has long been a Bannon target, summed up its glee in a Twitter message that had no words, just a short video of McConnell grinning.

Trump Jr. and Anthony Scaramucci, another banished Trump official, whod conflicted with Bannon, shared their joy on Twitter. Both cited profanity-laced comments that Scaramucci made about Bannon in an interview with the New Yorker magazine in July, accusing Bannon of trying to build his own brand off the strength of the president.

Trumps oldest son also tweeted that Bannon had turned the opportunity of working in the White House into a nightmare of backstabbing, harassing, leaking, lying & undermining the President. Steve is not a strategist, he is an opportunist.

The president apparently reached the same conclusion. In his statement he dismissed Bannon as a staffer who worked for me after I had already won the nomination.

Now that he is on his own, Steve is learning that winning isnt as easy as I make it look, Trump added.

Trump blamed Bannon for leaking to the media while in the White House and for losing an Alabama Senate seat in last months special election.

Bannon backed Roy Moore, who defeated an incumbent Republican senator that Trump supported. Bannon campaigned for Moore in Alabama and through Breitbart, sending reporters to the state in a failed effort to discredit reports in the Washington Post that Moore had molested a 14-year-old girl decades ago and made advances on other underage girls. Trump, at Bannons urging, endorsed Moore in the general election race against Democrat Doug Jones.

Steve had everything to do with the loss of a Senate seat in Alabama held for more than thirty years by Republicans, Trumps statement said. Steve doesnt represent my base  hes only in it for himself. (Republicans had the seat for 21 years.)

Separately, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders accused Bannon of going after the presidents son in an outrageous and unprecedented way and said that the president was furious and disgusted.

Bannon is expected to testify soon in a closed hearing of the House Intelligence Committee and will be questioned about what he knew, if anything, about ties between Trump associates and Russian officials.

The June 2016 meeting in Trump Tower occurred before Bannon joined the campaign. He didnt object entirely to the meeting taking place, he reportedly recounted in the book, but said it should have been handled by lawyers and held far from Trump Tower. Any dirt on Clinton should have been passed, he said, to Breitbart or something like that, or maybe some other more legitimate publication.

Attorneys for Trump Jr. and Kushner did not respond to emails requesting comment. An attorney for Paul Manafort, the Trump campaign chairman at the time of the meeting who also attended, declined to comment.

Bannons denigration of Trump and his family represents yet another unusual twist to the Trump presidency.

Though other presidents aides have, on occasions, written tell-all books or given indiscreet interviews, they have rarely done it with such gusto and abandon. A profile in Vanity Fair last month reported that Bannon had told a friend that Trump was like an 11-year-old child, and that he recalled allegations in a dropped lawsuit that Trump had raped a California teenager.

Bannon has his own platform, unlike most chiefs of staff or advisors who seek to be part of conventional politics, said Henry Olsen, a conservative author.

Olsen, however, argues that Bannons role in the populist movement has been overstated.

Bannon, he said, assumed a public persona because, in a world of reporting that focuses on personalities, he was one of the few personalities who could be ascribed to be Trump-like.

Times staff writer Chris Megerian contributed to this report.

Steve Bannon will be a tough and smart new voice at @BreitbartNews...maybe even better than ever before. Fake News needs the competition!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 19, 2017

noah.bierman@latimes.com brian.bennett@latimes.com

Twitter: @ByBrianBennett @noahbierman
A dramatic increase in new housing near transit stations could be on its way across California under new legislation proposed by a Bay Area legislator.

Subject to some limitations, the measure would eliminate restrictions on the number of houses allowed to be built within a half-mile of train, light-rail, major bus routes and other transit stations, and block cities from imposing parking requirements. Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), the bills author, said the state needs the housing to address affordability problems, maximize recent multi-billion-dollar transit investments and help the state meet its climate change goals.

We have a severe housing shortage and part of the problem is that core areas with transit access dont allow much housing, Wiener said. That creates sprawl, huge commutes and its not sustainable.

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Developers in the state need to build roughly 100,000 more homes each year than they do now to keep pace with population growth, as home prices and rents continue to rise. State environmental officials say California wont meet its ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% below 1990 levels without a homebuilding boom in existing job centers and near transit.

A 2016 study by the McKinsey Global Institute, a private think tank, estimated that the state had the capacity to build as many as 3 million new homes within a half-mile of transit stops over the next two decades if local governments rezoned neighborhoods surrounding them, accelerated development approvals and increased public investment in such projects.

Wieners bill, SB 827, would affect neighborhoods surrounding Metro stations in Los Angeles, Bay Area Rapid Transit, Caltrain and San Francisco Muni lines in Northern California and other transit stops across the state. It would override local zoning rules in those areas, including plans under debate now.

In Los Angeles, city leaders have been working to increase the amount of housing allowed in a half-mile around five Expo Line stops between Culver City and Santa Monica. The citys current plan could add 6,000 new homes but leaves almost 90% of the area, including many single-family neighborhoods, untouched.

Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), the bills author, said the state needs the housing to address affordability problems. (Rich Pedroncelli / AP )

The city should do more to encourage people to live near Expo Line and other Metro stations, especially as the region prepares to spend $120 billion over the next four decades to expand its transit network, said Mark Vallianatos, director of LAplus, a think tank that advocates for more housing.

Allowing single-family zoning near stations is just sabotaging the potential of these lines both for ridership and for good transit-oriented development, Vallianatos said.

Opponents of Wieners legislation already are lining up. Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Koretz, who has argued for the preservation of single-family zoning in the Westside neighborhoods he represents in the Expo Line rezoning plan, called the bill devastating, insanity and the worst idea Ive ever heard.

I would have a neighborhood with little 1920s, 30s and 40s single-family homes look like Dubai 10 years later, Koretz said.

Koretz said the bill would lead to an increase in new home building that would snarl traffic and go against what his constituents want in their neighborhoods.

Better ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions would be eliminating gasoline-powered cars and even gas stations in the city over time, he said.

I dont think people want to see significant rezoning around single-family neighborhoods whether theyre near transit or not, Koretz said.

While there would be no restrictions on the number of homes that could be built in the areas affected by Wieners bill, minimum height limits would range from 45 to 85 feet depending on how close the project was to a station and whether it was located on a main road or side street. The principal supporter of SB 827 is California YIMBY, a statewide pro-housing organization.

liam.dillon@latimes.com

@dillonliam

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The record-shattering cold gripping most of the United States has been blamed for at least nine deaths in recent weeks and forecasters say the worst is yet to come.

The National Weather Service issued wind chill advisories and freeze warnings Tuesday for 40 U.S. states. "Arctic air mass will bring a prolonged period of much-below-normal temperatures and dangerously cold wind chills to the central and eastern U.S. over the next week," NWS tweeted.

Hard freeze warnings remain in effect through Wednesday in typically balmy states, including Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Temperatures fell to -13 Celsius (8.6 Fahrenheit) near Cullman, Alabama, and -7 Celsius (19.4 Fahrenheit) in Mobile, Alabama.

City officials opened warming shelters across the South as cold temperatures brought rare snow flurries as far south as Austin, Texas. In Savannah, Georgia, where the average high temperature in January is 16 Celsius (61 Fahrenheit), the temperature hovered at -1 Celsius (30.2 Fahrenheit) at noon Tuesday.

Hospitals across the U.S. are seeing a surge in emergency room visits for hypothermia and other ailments as temperatures plunge well below freezing.


Most years, the Legislatures January kickoff after a months-long break has the predictable feel of the first day back at school. But Wednesday, as lawmakers returned for a new year of work, the atmosphere was distinctly unsettled. In the months lawmakers had been gone, the national tidal wave of sexual harassment allegations made a direct hit on the Capitol dome, leading to allegations, resignations and an uncomfortable scouring of a workplace environment women say has been rife with misconduct.

Their return Wednesday was punctuated by a protracted closed-door debate on the fate of state Sen. Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia), who has been accused of inappropriate sexual advances toward staff members. Mendoza announced he would take a leave of absence for the month of January, unless an investigation into his behavior concludes earlier.



For the record: An earlier version of this article misidentified state Sen. Andy Vidak of Hanford as a Democrat. He is a Republican.

The disquiet infused the days proceedings in other, more subtle ways, from uneasy jokes and tentative hugs. Like homeowners returning from vacation to a house that was broken into, state lawmakers spent their first day back grappling with the upheaval that had occurred while they were away.

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Every conversation Ive had, it comes up, Assemblyman Todd Gloria (D-San Diego), a member of the Assembly leadership, said of the harassment controversies. Its obviously major stuff and all of us are trying to take it seriously. But weve also been taking it seriously in 80 different locations across the state. Now here we are, all together.

Female lawmakers, staffers and lobbyists speak out on pervasive harassment in Californias Capitol 

So conspicuous was the specter of controversy that Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) dedicated the bulk of his remarks during the chambers opening session to the scandals of recent months.

Every year brings us challenges, but the current year contains a challenge that is markedly different because it is within, said Rendon, adding, this Capitol community  and I speak of both houses  must build a community of active protectors.

To that end, Rendon and Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) announced on Wednesday the formation of a joint committee tasked with evaluating the Legislatures procedures in handling sexual complaints. The move marks the first time the two houses will work together in a uniform evaluation, answering critics who said the Senate and Assemblys separate human resources operations led to confusion.

In the Senate, what was planned to be a routine opening session turned into an hours-long standoff, as Sen. Andy Vidak (R-Hanford) sought to expel Mendoza for his sexual harassment allegations. Mendoza, who is currently under investigation by an outside law firm hired by the Senate, has forcefully denied allegations that he acted inappropriately with a female Senate fellow assigned to his office and with two other former aides who alleged they were made uncomfortable by his attention. He has called on his colleagues to wait for the results of the probe before seeking additional sanctions.

In closed caucus meetings, Senate Democrats urged Mendoza to take a leave of absence or face an effort to suspend him without pay. Mendoza ultimately acquiesced to a one-month leave.

The mood, at least superficially, was more jovial in the Assembly, where colleagues exchanged hugs and backslaps and new years greetings. Much of their session was dedicated to welcoming the houses newest lawmaker, Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles), who won her seat in a special election to replace Jimmy Gomez, a Los Angeles Democrat now serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Carrillo said in an interview that as the first woman elected to the Legislature since the presidential election, she was looking forward to setting a tone for women and for progressives at a time when womens issues are front and center of the conversation, especially when it comes to sexual harassment.

Still, the Assembly was reminded of the turmoil surrounding sexual harassment in the Capitol  with two colleagues accused of sexual misconduct no longer present.

Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra (D-Pacoima) stepped down in late November after seven women publicly accused him of making unwanted sexual advances toward them. Bocanegra apologized for a 2009 incident  at the time he was a legislators chief of staff  in which a legislative staffer said he reached into her blouse at a nightclub. He denied the other allegations.

Another Assembly Democrat, Matt Dababneh of Woodland Hills, resigned at the end of the year after multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, including by a lobbyist who said the legislator forced her into a bathroom and masturbated in front of her and another woman who said Dababneh had nonconsensual sex with her. Dababneh has denied all accusations of wrongdoing.

A third legislator, Assemblyman Sebastian Ridley-Thomas (D-Los Angeles), resigned his post as well, citing poor health.

The departures have reduced the Assembly Democrats ranks to 53, short of the supermajority required to pass bills that raise taxes. A special election to fill Bocanegras seat has been called for April 3, with a potential runoff on June 5. Election dates to fill the other seats have not been set.

Sexual harassment hearings come as California Capitol is roiled by accusations and a resignation 

The focus on sexual harassment has also infused policymaking, with several bills introduced at the start of the session to confront the problem. Among them are a proposal by Sen. Connie Leyva (D-Chino Hills) that would ban non-disclosure requirements in settlements for sexual harassment, discrimination and assault cases, and a measure by Assemblyman Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) that would make legislators financially liable for settlements of substantiated harassment accusations.

A long-shelved bill by Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez (R-Lake Elsinore) that would extend whistleblower protections for Capitol staff also has found new life, with more than 50 lawmakers in both parties showing support by signing on as co-authors.

Im encouraged by the fact that everyone gets that this is super serious, that the credibility of the Legislature is on the line in many ways, Gloria said. At the end of the day, we want to look at our constituents and have them feel good about who represents them. Even if youre not a participant in some of the behavior that has been discussed, were all part of an institution that can and must do better.

Staff writer Jazmine Ulloa in Sacramento contributed to this story.

melanie.mason@latimes.com

Follow @melmason on Twitter for the latest on California politics.
Allies balk at Trump administration bid to block Chinese firm from cutting-edge telecom markets By David S. Cloud Britain and Germany are balking at the Trump administrations call for a ban on equipment from Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, threatening a global U.S. campaign to thwart Chinas involvement in future mobile networks. Both countries are expected to limit Huawei and other Chinese companies from providing core components including routers. But other types of Chinese equipment for next-generation, high-speed communications could still be installed on British and German networks, officials and analysts say. The U.S. push to ban Huawei has provoked a global dispute in recent weeks, with senior U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo, publicly urging NATO allies in Europe to exclude the company and warning that the United States might limit its military presence in countries that did not do so. Read More Facebook

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Confucius Institutes: Do they improve U.S.-China ties or harbor spies? By Don Lee Hanging red lanterns welcome visitors to the University of Marylands Confucius Institute, the oldest of about 100 Chinese language and cultural centers that have popped up over the last 15 years on American campuses, subsidized by millions of dollars from Chinas central government. But last fall, when four U.S. Senate investigators walked into the Confucius offices in Maryland and spent hours questioning staff, they werent looking for an educational exchange. The committee has been seeking detailed information from the university about the program, including contracts, email exchanges and financial arrangements that school administrators have kept under wraps since it started in 2004. American colleges once viewed these jointly funded institutes as an economical way to expand their language offerings  one that could also bring warmer ties with China and, importantly, an influx of Chinese international students paying full tuition. Read More Facebook

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U.S. policy toward China shifts from engagement to confrontation By David S. Cloud For decades, China had no closer American friend than Dianne Feinstein. As San Francisco mayor in the 1970s, she forged a sister-city relationship with Shanghai, the first between American and Chinese communities. As U.S. senator, she dined with Chinese leaders at Mao Tse-tungs old Beijing residence. And in the 1990s, she championed a trade policy change that opened a floodgate of Western investment into China. Today the Democratic senator sees China as a growing threat, joining a broad array of Trump administration officials, national security strategists and business executives who once favored engagement with Beijing and now advocate a confrontational approach instead. Read More Facebook

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Mnuchins attempt to calm markets backfires as Trump takes another shot at the Federal Reserve By Jim Puzzanghera An attempt by Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin to calm plunging financial markets backfired Monday, further rattling investors with new fears about whether major U.S. banks have enough cash on top of worries about interest rates, political instability in Washington and a slowing global economy. Adding to the volatile mix was a fresh attack on the Federal Reserve by President Trump, who declared that the central bank was the U.S. economys only problem and that it didnt have a feel for the market. The Fed is like a powerful golfer who cant score because he has no touch -- he cant putt! Trump said on Twitter. Read More Facebook

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He speaks to Democratic hearts. But is Beto ORourke a serious White House contender? By Mark Z. Barabak Hes a failed U.S. Senate candidate with an undistinguished congressional record who, for the moment, is a blazing-hot 2020 presidential prospect  despite the fact that he may not run and faces long odds if he does. Beto ORourke suggests the will-he-or-wont-he speculation is something he himself cant quite fathom. I think thats a great question, he responded in a Dallas Morning News interview when asked whether his unsuccessful November Senate bid merited a promotion to the White House. I ask that question myself. Read More Facebook

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Russian disinformation teams targeted Robert S. Mueller III, says report prepared for Senate By Craig Timberg, Tony Romm, Elizabeth Dwoskin Special counsel Robert S. Mueller III. (Associated Press) Months after President Trump took office, Russias disinformation teams trained their sites on a new target: special counsel Robert S. Mueller III. Having worked to help get Trump into the White House, they now worked to neutralize the biggest threat to his staying there. The Russian operatives unloaded on Mueller through fake accounts on Facebook, Twitter and beyond, falsely claiming that the former FBI director was corrupt and that the allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 election were crackpot conspiracies. One post on Instagram  which emerged as an especially potent weapon in the Russian social media arsenal  claimed that Mueller had worked in the past with radical Islamic groups. Such tactics exemplified how Russian teams ranged nimbly across social media platforms in a shrewd online influence operation aimed squarely at American voters. The effort started earlier than commonly understood and lasted longer while relying on the strengths of different sites to manipulate distinct slices of the electorate, according to a pair of comprehensive new reports prepared for the Senate Intelligence Committee and released Monday. Read more Timberg, Romm and Dwoskin report for the Washington Post. Facebook

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President Trump announces Mick Mulvaney as acting White House chief of staff By Associated Press President Trump says budget director Mick Mulvaney will serve as acting chief of staff, replacing John F. Kelly in the new year. I am pleased to announce that Mick Mulvaney, Director of the Office of Management & Budget, will be named Acting White House Chief of Staff, replacing General John Kelly, who has served our Country with distinction. Mick has done an outstanding job while in the Administration....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 14, 2018 Facebook

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It aint over when its over: In Michigan, Wisconsin and elsewhere, losers seek to undermine election results By Mark Z. Barabak Democrat Gavin Newsom has yet to become California governor, but already a candidate for state Republican Party chairman is promoting a recall effort. In Michigan and Wisconsin, GOP lawmakers have rushed through legislation to thwart their incoming Democratic governors and hamper others in the opposing party from doing the jobs voters chose them to do. In Congress, GOP leaders have echoed President Trump and sought to undermine the legitimacy of Democrats strong midterm performance, raising unsubstantiated allegations of fraud and political malfeasance. Read More Facebook

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New CFPB Director Kathy Kraninger says she wont be a puppet of Mick Mulvaney By Jim Puzzanghera On her first full day leading the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Kathy Kraninger said she wont be a puppet of Mick Mulvaney, the controversial acting director whom she replaced in the powerful regulatory position. To underscore that point, the former White House aide said she would even reconsider a Mulvaney action that critics saw as a gratuitous jab at Democrats who championed the agencys creation: changing its name to the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. Kraningers declaration during a meeting with reporters Tuesday addressed one of the main criticisms of her selection. She is considered a protege of Mulvaney, her boss at the White House Office of Management and Budget who has executed a dramatic, industry-friendly shift at the watchdog agency. Read More Facebook

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Trumps pick for chief of staff, Nick Ayers, out of running By Associated Press Nick Ayers, right, with Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, at the funeral service for George H.W. Bush on Dec. 3. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Associated Press) President Trumps top pick to replace John F. Kelly as chief of staff, Nick Ayers, is no longer expected to fill that role. Thats according to a White House official who is not authorized to discuss the personnel issue by name and spoke on condition of anonymity. Ayers is Vice President Mike Pences chief of staff. The official says that Trump and Ayers could not agree on Ayers length of service. The father of young children, Ayers had agreed to serve in an interim capacity though the spring, but Trump wanted a two-year commitment. The official says that Ayers will instead assist the president from outside the administration. Trump announced Saturday that Kelly would be departing the White House around the end of the year. Thank you @realDonaldTrump, @VP, and my great colleagues for the honor to serve our Nation at The White House. I will be departing at the end of the year but will work with the #MAGA team to advance the cause.  #Georgia  Nick Ayers (@nick_ayers) December 9, 2018 Facebook

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U.S. hiring slows to 155,000 jobs, unemployment rate holds at 3.7% By Jim Puzzanghera Job growth slowed significantly in November but still was solid, indicating the economy remains in good shape but not expanding so quickly that it will lead to sharply higher interest rates. U.S. employers added 155,000 jobs last month, well below analyst expectations and a steep decline from Octobers strong 237,000 figure, the Labor Department reported Friday. Still, monthly job gains are averaging 206,000 this year, the best since 2015. Even the slower pace of 170,000 over the last three months is close to last years average of 182,000 and well above the amount needed to keep up with population growth. Read More Facebook

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Trump is expected to pick State Department spokeswoman for U.N. ambassador By Associated Press Heather Nauert at a briefing at the State Department on Aug. 9, 2017. (Alex Brandon / Associated Press) President Trump is expected to nominate State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert to be the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Two administration officials confirmed Trumps plans. A Republican congressional aide said the president was expected to announce his decision by tweet on Friday morning. The officials were not authorized to speak publicly before Trumps announcement. Trump has previously said Nauert was under serious consideration to replace Nikki Haley, who announced in October that she would step down at the end of this year. Trump has been known to change course on staffing decisions in the past. Nauert was a reporter for Fox News Channel before she became State Department spokeswoman under former Secretary Rex Tillerson. Facebook

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Senate confirms new consumer financial protection chief: Kathy Kraninger, protege of industry-friendly Mick Mulvaney By Jim Puzzanghera The Senate, in a party-line vote Thursday, confirmed White House aide Kathy Kraninger to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and experts predicted a continuation of the industry-friendly shift it has taken since President Trump installed an acting director last year. Kraninger is a protege of acting director and White House budget chief Mick Mulvaney, an outspoken critic of the agency that was created in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis to prevent predatory lending and other abuses that led to it. Democrats and consumer advocates have denounced him for sharply departing from the aggressive watchdog role the bureau had pursued under its first director, Obama-appointee Richard Cordray, including scaling back enforcement and moving to reassess tough new rules on payday loans and narrow the definition of abusive practices by banks and other firms. Read More Facebook

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Shutdown postponed by two weeks under plan approved by Congress By Erik Wasson Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.), shown at the Capitol on Tuesday, says President Trumps border wall is a waste of money. (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press) Congress passed a two-week stopgap spending bill that will delay the chance of a partial government shutdown until Dec. 22 as lawmakers and President Donald Trump negotiate over his demands to pay for a wall on the southern border. The House and Senate passed the measure Thursday without dissent, and Trump has indicated hell sign the bill before the current shutdown deadline of midnight Friday. Negotiations were delayed by memorial services this week for former President George H.W. Bush. The temporary measure gives Democrats and Republicans more time to find a resolution to their biggest hurdle: funding a wall on the U.S. Mexico border wall. Trump says he wants $5 billion for parts of a concrete wall on the southern border and is willing to shut down the government if he doesnt get it. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York has said Democrats will provide no more than $1.6 billion for border security, because the wall is a waste of money. The presidents demands for wall funding from Congress come after he said during the campaign that Mexico would pay for it. This week he said on Twitter that a $25 billion border wall would pay for itself in two months, without providing evidence. Most of the U.S. governments $1.2 trillion discretionary budget has been appropriated already by Congress for the fiscal year that began on Oct. 1. Departments at a risk of a partial shutdown late this month include the departments of State, Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, Justice, Treasury and Homeland Security. Talks to resolve the differences have been on hold since a meeting among Trump, Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California originally slated for Dec. 4 was postponed due to Bush memorial events. The three are scheduled to meet on Tuesday, according to a person familiar with the matter. Senate Appropriations Chairman Richard Shelby of Alabama told reporters the rest of the seven-bill spending package being negotiated is basically done. Shelby in recent weeks had tried to broker a compromise in which Trumps $5 billion request would be split over two years, but Schumer has rejected that. Some Democrats have been willing to trade border wall funding for deportation protections for young undocumented immigrants. Pelosi ruled out such a deal in remarks to reporters Thursday. The stopgap government funding measure also would extend the National Flood Insurance Program, which provides subsidized coverage for homes in flood-prone areas, to Dec. 21. Facebook

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Bipartisan Senate group wants to formally blame Saudi crown prince for journalists killing By Karoun Demirjian Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the G-20 summit in Buenos Aires. (Associated Press) A bipartisan group of senators filed a resolution Wednesday condemning Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as responsible for the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, directly challenging President Trump to do the same. This resolution -- without equivocation -- definitively states that the crown prince of Saudi Arabia was complicit in the murder of Mr. [Jamal] Khashoggi and has been a wrecking ball to the region jeopardizing our national security interests on multiple fronts, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said in a statement accompanying the release of the resolution. It will be up to Saudi Arabia as to how to deal with this matter. But it is up to the United States to firmly stand for who we are and what we believe. The resolution put forward by Graham and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), who are expected to lead the Judiciary Committee together next year, comes just one day after CIA Director Gina Haspel briefed leading senators about the details of the agencys assessment that Mohammed ordered and monitored the killing and dismemberment of Khashoggi in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. Senators emerged from that closed-door briefing furious not only with Saudi Arabia, but Trump as well for dismissing the heft of the CIAs findings. You have to be willfully blind not to come to the conclusion that this was orchestrated and organized by people under the command of MBS and that he was intricately involved in the demise of Mr. Khashoggi, Graham said following the briefing, referring to Mohammed by his initials. He added that Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and Defense Secretary James N. Mattis, who briefed senators last week, were at best being good soldiers and at worst were in the pocket of Saudi Arabia for presenting the evidence of Mohammeds involvement as inconclusive. The release of the resolution condemning Mohammed also comes as the Senate is preparing to move ahead with debate on a resolution to curtail U.S. support for the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen. Though the Yemen resolution does not directly address Khashoggis murder, its popularity is a sign of how strained the United States patience with Saudi Arabia is on multiple fronts, including its role in worsening the civilian cost of the war in Yemen, cited by the United Nations as the worlds worst humanitarian crisis. Last week, the Senate voted 63 to 37 to advance the Yemen resolution past an opening procedural hurdle. But Graham and Feinsteins resolution on the crown prince has the potential of drawing broader support, especially from Republicans, who are deeply divided about how fiercely to punish Saudi Arabia over Khashoggis killing. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), who has been an outspoken advocate for human rights and is seen as one of the more influential foreign policy voices in the GOP, did not vote for the Yemen resolution last week or sign on to a bipartisan measure last month to sanction Saudi officials and cease weapons transfers to the kingdom. But he is an original co-sponsor of the resolution condemning Mohammed over Khashoggis death. So is Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.), who represents the other end of the GOP spectrum in terms of recent Saudi-related votes and endorsements. Young was an initial co-sponsor of the bill Graham wrote with Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) to sanction Saudi officials deemed responsible for Khashoggis killing and stop the sale of anything but exclusively defensive weapons to the kingdom until it ceased hostilities in Yemen. Young also voted to advance the Yemen resolution  something Graham did as well, though Graham has signaled he will not be lending any similar support to the measure, fearing it may establish a precedent of invoking the War Powers Act too broadly. Sens. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) are listed as original co-sponsors of the resolution condemning Mohammed, which also urges Saudi Arabia to negotiate with Houthi rebels to end the Yemen war, work out a political solution to its standoff with Qatar and release political prisoners. But how much sway the resolution has probably comes down to how forcefully the administration decides to heed it -- and thus far, Trump has not shown any interest in condemning the crown prince the way the senators hope he will. Demirjian reports for the Washington Post. Facebook

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Los Angeles County offices and U.S. Postal Service closed Wednesday in honor of George H.W. Bush By Brian Park The Honor Guard carries the casket of former U.S. President George H. W. Bush following his funeral on Dec. 5 in Washington, DC. (Doug Mills - Pool/Getty Images) The U.S. Postal Service will suspend regular mail delivery Wednesday, which President Trump has declared a national day of mourning in honor of former President George H.W. Bush. All retail postal outlets will be closed, and package delivery will be limited. In Los Angeles, all nonessential county departments, offices and libraries will be closed for the day, L.A. County officials said. The Los Angeles County Library said no overdue fines will be assessed for books, and due dates will be moved forward one week. Los Angeles County Department of Public Health offices also are closed Wednesday. The Sheriffs Department, Fire Department, clinics and hospitals will continue to operate, the county said. The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health clinics are being operated with reduced staffing, and the department asked patients to confirm or reschedule any appointments. All county courts and the disaster recovery centers for the Woolsey fire in Malibu and Agoura Hills will remain open. Larger federal government operations will be closed Wednesday. To honor the life and legacy of President Bush, the Postal Service will observe the National Day of Mourning. Learn how Postal operations will be affected. https://t.co/Mffch7bPCh pic.twitter.com/vG46BsIOpm  U.S. Postal Service (@USPS) December 4, 2018 L.A. County offices and libraries will be closed tomorrow (Dec 5) in observance of the #NationalDayOfMourning for President George H. W. Bush.



The Countys Disaster Recovery Centers in Malibu & Agoura Hills will remain open from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. pic.twitter.com/Sv1J7GoJ7T  Los Angeles County (@CountyofLA) December 4, 2018 @LAPublicHealth offices will be closed tomorrow December 5 in observance of the national Day of Mourning for President George H. W. Bush. Essential Services including clinics and other services will remain open: https://t.co/tZGoGGHRlg pic.twitter.com/ypXsV6vlYY  LA Public Health (@lapublichealth) December 4, 2018 Facebook

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Former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick to skip 2020 White House race, sources say By Associated Press Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick speaks during an interview in Boston on Dec. 15, 2014. (Elise Amendola / Associated Press) Former Gov. Deval Patrick of Massachusetts will soon announce he wont launch a 2020 presidential campaign, according to three sources familiar with his plans. They did not say why the Democrat decided against a run. A formal announcement was delayed as the country observed a day of mourning for President George H.W. Bush, one source said. News of Patricks plans was first reported by Politico. Patrick, 62, served two terms as governor, from 2007 to 2015, was assistant attorney general for civil rights in the Clinton administration and since leaving the governors office has been a managing director for Bain Capital. Patrick traveled the country in support of Democratic candidates in the recent midterm election. Earlier this year, some of Patricks supporters and close advisors started the Reason to Believe political action committee, a grassroots organization dedicated to advancing a positive, progressive vision for our nation in 2018 and 2020. Reason to Believe PAC had been holding meetups across the country, including in early presidential primary states. While Patrick is opting against a 2020 run, dozens of Democrats are considering jumping in, including nearly a half-dozen members of the Senate, several House members, and other Massachusetts politicians. On Tuesday, Michael Avenatti, the attorney for adult film star Stormy Daniels and a vocal critic of President Trump, said in a statement that he would run. Patrick had previously expressed some concerns about breaking through if he sought the nomination, telling David Axelrod, a former advisor to President Obama, that he wasnt sure he could stand out in such a large field. Its hard to see how you even get noticed in such a big, broad field without being shrill, sensational or a celebrity, and Im none of those things and Im never going to be any of those things, Patrick said in a September interview with Axelrod. Facebook

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Former Trump adviser Roger Stone invokes 5th Amendment right and wont testify before Senate Judiciary Committee By Associated Press Roger Stone in 2017. (Joe Raedle / Getty Images) Roger Stone, an associate of President Trump, says he wont provide testimony or documents to the Senate Judiciary Committee. An attorney for Stone said in a letter to Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the committees top Democrat, that Stone was invoking his 5th Amendment right against self-incrimination in refusing to produce documents or appear for an interview. Stone has been entangled in investigations by Congress and special counsel Robert S. Mueller III about whether Trump aides had advance knowledge of Democratic emails published by WikiLeaks during the 2016 election. Stone has not been charged and has said he had no knowledge of the timing or specifics of WikiLeaks plans. In the letter to Feinstein, Stone said the committees requests were far too overbroad, far too overreaching and far too wide-ranging. Facebook

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Watch live: Vice President Pence and lawmakers honor George H.W. Bush at the U.S. Capitol before he lies in state Facebook

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Rebuilding crumbling infrastructure has bipartisan support. But who gets to pay for it? By Jim Puzzanghera The grades for major U.S. infrastructure would give any parent indigestion if they were on a childs report card. Roads: D; bridges: C+; dams: D; ports: C+: railways: B; airports: D; schools: D+; public transit: D-. The nations overall grade: D+, which translates to being in fair to poor condition and mostly below standards with significant deterioration and a strong risk of failure, according to an evaluation last year by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Read More Facebook

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Trump calls former lawyer Michael Cohen a weak person who is lying By Associated Press President Trump says his former lawyer Michael Cohen is lying to get a reduced sentence. The president is reacting to Cohens guilty plea Thursday to lying to Congress about work he did on a Trump real estate project in Russia. During a surprise court hearing, Cohen admitted to lying in testimony to the Senate Intelligence Committee about a plan to build a Trump Tower in Moscow. Cohen in his guilty plea said he made the false statements to be consistent with Trumps political message. Cohens lawyer says he continues to cooperate with special counsel Robert S. Mueller IIIs investigation into Russian election interference and possible coordination with Trump associates. Facebook

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As California Republicans confront a congressional wipeout, GOP leader Kevin McCarthy faces a reckoning By Mark Z. Barabak When the House voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act, Kevin McCarthy trooped with other Republican lawmakers to a splashy Rose Garden celebration, smiling alongside President Trump as they celebrated the moment. As majority leader, McCarthy had helped round up the votes to narrowly pass the hard-fought legislation, convincing 13 other California Republicans to go along, even though several faced tough reelection fights. Fewer than half will be returning in January. Read More Facebook

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As California Republicans confront a congressional wipeout, GOP leader Kevin McCarthy faces a reckoning By Sarah D. Wire When the House voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act, Kevin McCarthy trooped with other Republican lawmakers to a splashy Rose Garden celebration, smiling alongside President Trump as they celebrated the moment. As majority leader, McCarthy had helped round up the votes to narrowly pass the hard-fought legislation, convincing 13 other California Republicans to go along, even though several faced tough reelection fights. Fewer than half will be returning in January. Read More Facebook

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Michael Cohen, President Trumps ex-lawyer, pleads guilty to lying to Congress about Trump real estate project in Russia By Associated Press Michael Cohen, President Trumps former personal lawyer, pursued a Russian real estate project on candidate Trumps behalf well into the 2016 campaign, he said Thursday while pleading guilty to lying to Congress. Cohen had previously said that the project was abandoned in January 2016, but he now admits he continued to pursue a deal and says he updated Trump and members of his family about the negotiations, according to a new court document. Read More Facebook

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James Comey says acting Atty. Gen. Whitaker may not be the sharpest knife in our drawer By John Wagner Acting Atty. Gen. Matthew Whitaker speaks at the Justice Department in Washington on Nov. 14. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais / Associated Press) Former FBI Director James B. Comey apparently isnt too impressed with the mental prowess of President Trumps acting attorney general. Matthew Whitaker may not be the sharpest knife in our drawer, Comey said during a radio interview on Monday night in which he sized up the man Trump installed this month to replace ousted Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions. Comey was asked by WGBH News in Boston if he thinks Whitaker could derail the investigation of special counsel Robert S. Mueller III into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Whitaker has spoken critically of the probe, and Trump  as recently as Tuesday  continues to call it a witch hunt. I think its a worry, but to my mind not a serious worry, Comey said. The institution is too strong, and [Whitaker], frankly, is not strong enough to have that kind of impact. He may not be the sharpest knife in our drawer, but he can see his future and knows that if he acted in an extralegal way, he would go down in history for the wrong reasons, and Im sure he doesnt want that, added Comey, who was fired by Trump last year and later wrote a book that portrays the president as an ego-driven congenital liar. Whitaker, a former U.S. attorney in Iowa, was Sessions chief of staff before being picked by Trump to lead the Justice Department. Trump has called Whitaker a very smart man. Earlier this year, Trump called Comey an untruthful slime ball. Wagner writes for the Washington Post. Facebook

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Interior Department watchdog clears Zinke in investigation of Utah national monument By Juliet Eilperin Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, third from the left, and Gov. Jerry Brown tour fire damage in Paradise, Calif., on Nov. 14. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) The Interior Departments Office of Inspector General has cleared Secretary Ryan Zinke in a probe of whether he redrew boundaries of a national monument in Utah to aid the financial interests of a Republican state lawmaker and stalwart supporter of President Trump. In a Nov. 21 letter to Zinkes deputy, David Bernhardt, Deputy Inspector General Mary Kendall wrote that her office found no evidence that the secretary or his aides changed the boundaries of Utahs Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in an effort to help former Utah state representative Mike Noel, who serves as executive director of the Kane County Water Conservancy District. Last December, Trump shrank the monument, first established by President Clinton in 1996, by 46% based on Zinkes recommendation. Noel owns 40 acres that had been surrounded by the monument, but now lies outside its boundaries. The new boundaries also would make it easier to construct the proposed Lake Powell Pipeline, which would deliver water to sites in Kane County that include Noels property. Earlier this year, the Interior Department had proposed selling off 120 acres of federal land from the former monument that lay adjacent to some of Noels land holdings, but later reversed the plan. We found no evidence that Noel influenced the DOIs proposed revisions to the [monuments] boundaries, that Zinke or other DOI staff involved in the project were aware of Noels financial interest in the revised boundaries, or that they gave Noel any preferential treatment in the resulting proposed boundaries, Kendall wrote. Neither the Interior Department nor the inspector generals office would release the actual investigative report. In the letter, Kendall writes that her office will provide the report to Congress no sooner than 31 days from Nov. 21, when it is provided it to Zinkes office. The Associated Press first reported the inspector generals conclusions Monday night, but did not provide details from the report itself. Noel emailed Zinke about the effort to alter Grand Staircase-Escalante, according to emails released by Interior under the Freedom of Informational Act. But those emails do not make references to Noels land holdings. Noel also pushed to rename a Utah highway in honor of Trump, but abandoned that effort in March after some of his fellow Republicans objected to the idea. Noel did not respond to requests for comment Tuesday. The inspector generals office still has at least two ongoing probes of the secretary, including one focused on his real estate dealings in Whitefish, Mont., and another regarding his decision to deny a permit to two Connecticut tribes who were hoping to jointly run a casino after MGM Resorts International lobbied against it. Interior Department spokeswoman Heather Swift welcomed the watchdogs conclusions. The report shows exactly what the secretarys office has known all along  that the monument boundaries were adjusted in accordance with all rules, regulations and laws, she said in an email. This report is also the latest example of opponents and special interest groups ginning up fake and misleading stories, only to be proven false after expensive and time consuming inquiries by the IGs office. But Kendalls spokeswoman, Nancy DiPaolo, defended the inquiry, even though she said the report has not been publicly released and we will not be speaking specifically about the matter at this time. The OIG opens investigations based on credible allegations and reports our findings objectively and independently, DiPaolo added. Any time or resources spent investigating conduct or activity that may be a violation of law, regulation or policy is a service to the public, Congress and the Department. Rep. Raul Grijalva of Arizona, the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, said in a statement that he still intended to investigate the way Zinke and his colleague redrew the boundaries for Grand Staircase-Escalante and another Utah national monument, Bears Ears, next year. I have great respect for the inspector general, and I accept these findings, but Secretary Zinke should have known the people he listened to while destroying our national monuments had disqualifying conflicts of interest, he said. Should I chair the Natural Resources Committee in the next Congress, the process he and President Trump used to destroy Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante will be front and center in our oversight and investigations efforts. We need to know why they ignored overwhelming public expressions of support for both Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante, why they ignored Native American tribes throughout their decision-making, and why they removed protections on parcels of land with known mineral deposits. Eilperin and Rein report for the Washington Post. Facebook

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Trump advisor Larry Kudlow says China must do more to end trade war By Jim Puzzanghera Larry Kudlow, President Trumps top economic advisor, said Tuesday that Chinas response to U.S. efforts to rework the two economic superpowers trade relationship has been extremely disappointing but the planned meeting this weekend between the nations leaders is an opportunity for a breakthrough. They have to do more. They must do more, Larry Kudlow, director of the White House National Economic Council, told reporters ahead of a Saturday dinner between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Group of 20 Summit in Argentina. I think the president is exactly right  to show strong backbone when prior administrations did not, to break through these Chinese walls, Kudlow said. Theyre so resistant to change. We have to protect the country. We have to protect our technology, our inventiveness, our innovation. Read More Facebook

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Watch live: White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders holds a media briefing amid tensions at the border By Los Angeles Times Staff Facebook

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Democrat TJ Cox grabs lead over Republican David Valadao in nations last remaining undecided House race By Maya Sweedler Democrat TJ Cox slipped past Republican incumbent David Valadao on Monday to take the lead in the countrys sole remaining undecided congressional race, positioning Democrats to pick up their seventh House seat in California and 40th nationwide. Cox, who trailed by nearly 4,400 votes on election night, has steadily gained as ballot counting continues nearly three weeks after the Nov. 6 election, a pattern consistent with the states recent voting history. On Monday, he pulled ahead by 438 votes after Kern County updated its results. Read More Facebook

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Former CIA director Michael Hayden hospitalized after suffering a stroke By Deanna Paul Then-CIA Director Michael Hayden testifies before a Senate committee in 2008. (Saul Loeb / Getty Images) Former CIA Director and retired Air Force Gen. Michael Hayden has been hospitalized after suffering a stroke, his family said Friday. He is receiving expert medical care for which the family is grateful, according to a statement issued by his namesake organization. The General and his family greatly appreciate the warm wishes and prayers of his friends, colleagues, and supporters. Hayden, 73, served as director of the CIA and National Security Agency during the George W. Bush and Obama administrations. He retired from the CIA in 2009. Hayden has been a vocal critic of Donald Trumps campaign and presidency. Earlier this year, after Trump decided to revoke the security clearance of former CIA director John Brennan, Hayden was one of several former intelligence leaders who signed a statement in opposition. Criticizing the president for crossing a line, he quickly became one of the individuals whose security clearance Trump threatened to review. Deanna Paul writes for the Washington Post. Facebook

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Trump tells troops hes thankful for what hes done for the U.S. and rails against courts and migrants By Associated Press President Trump talks with troops via teleconference from his estate in Palm Beach, Fla., on Thanksgiving. (Susan Walsh / Associated Press) President Trump used his Thanksgiving Day call to troops deployed overseas to pat himself on the back and air grievances about the courts, trade and migrants heading to the U.S.-Mexico border. Trumps call, made from his opulent private Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Fla., struck an unusually political tone as he spoke with members of all five branches of the military to wish them happy holidays. Its a disgrace, Trump said of judges who have blocked his attempts to overhaul U.S. immigration law, as he linked his efforts to secure the border with military missions overseas. Trump later threatened to close the U.S. border with Mexico for an undisclosed period of time if his administration determines Mexico has lost control on its side. The call was a uniquely Trump blend of boasting, peppered questions and off-the-cuff observations as his comments veered from venting about slights to praising troops  You really are our heroes, he said  as club waiters worked to set Thanksgiving dinner tables on the outdoor terrace behind him. It was yet another show of how Trump has dramatically transformed the presidency, erasing the traditional divisions between domestic policy and military matters and efforts to keep the troops clear of politics. You probably see over the news whats happening on our southern border, Trump told one Air Force brigadier general stationed at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan, adding: I dont have to even ask you. I know what you want to do, you want to make sure that you know who were letting in. Later, Trump asked a U.S. Coast Guard commander about trade, which he noted was a very big subject for him personally. Weve been taken advantage of for many, many years by bad trade deals, Trump told the commander, who sheepishly replied, Mr. President, from our perspective on the water  we dont see any issues in terms of trade right now. And throughout, Trump congratulated himself, telling the officers that the country is doing exceptionally well on his watch. I hope that youll take solace in knowing that all of the American families you hold so close to your heart are all doing well, he said. The nations doing well economically, better than anybody in the world. He later told reporters, Nobodys done more for the military than me. Indeed, asked what he was thankful for this Thanksgiving, Trump cited his great family as well as himself. I made a tremendous difference in this country, he said. Facebook

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Trump contradicts CIA assessment that Saudi crown prince ordered Jamal Khashoggi killing By Josh Dawsey | Washington Post (Susan Walsh / Associated Press) President Trump on Thursday contradicted the CIAs assessment that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had ordered the killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, insisting that the agency had feelings but did not firmly place blame for the death. Trump, in defiant remarks to reporters from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, defended his continued support for Mohammed in the face of a CIA assessment that the crown prince had ordered the killing. He denies it vehemently, Trump said. He said his own conclusion was that maybe he did, maybe he didnt. I hate the crime .... I hate the cover-up. I will tell you this: The crown prince hates it more than I do, Trump said. Asked who should be held accountable for the death of Khashoggi, who was killed at the Saudi Consulate in Turkey, Trump refused to place blame. Maybe the world should be held accountable because the world is a very, very vicious place, the president said. He also seemed to suggest that all U.S. allies were guilty of the same behavior, declaring that if the others were held to the standard that critics have held Saudi Arabia to in recent days, we wouldnt be able to have anyone for an ally. Trumps remarks came after he held a conference call with U.S. military officers overseas, during which he repeatedly praised his administration and sought to draw the officers into discussions of domestic policy. Facebook

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Former FBI Director James Comey gets subpoena from House Republicans By Bloomberg Former FBI Director James B. Comey said he has received a subpoena from House Republicans, according to a Twitter post on Thursday. Bloomberg News reported last week that Comey would be receiving a subpoena alongside former Atty. Gen. Loretta Lynch as part of continuing probes into their handling of investigations into Hillary Clinton and Russian election meddling, according to a top House Democrat. Happy Thanksgiving. Got a subpoena from House Republicans. Im still happy to sit in the light and answer all questions. But I will resist a closed door thing because Ive seen enough of their selective leaking and distortion. Lets have a hearing and invite everyone to see.  James Comey (@Comey) November 22, 2018 Read More Facebook

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Republican David Valadaos lead slips to 447 votes over Democrat TJ Cox in still-undecided Central Valley House race By Mark Z. Barabak Rep. David Valadao (R-Hanford), right, finds himself in an increasingly harrowing cliffhanger against Democrat TJ Cox. (Bill Clark / CQ Roll Call) On election night, it looked like Rep. David Valadao had survived a close shave and was destined to return to Washington for his fourth term. But on Wednesday, when Fresno County announced its latest vote totals, the Hanford Republican found himself in an increasingly harrowing cliffhanger against Democrat TJ Cox, with his lead in the Central Valley district shrunken to 447 votes. Thousands remain to be counted. Valadao, a repeated Democratic target, finished election night with a lead of nearly 4,440 votes. Cox, an engineer and a business owner who unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 2006, has steadily gained ground in the 21st Congressional District ever since. The trend is consistent with historic patterns showing Republicans in California tend to vote early and Democrats later, meaning their mail ballots continue to stream in past election day. Under California law, ballots postmarked up to midnight on Nov. 6 will be counted. Democrats have already picked up six House seats in California. They ousted Reps. Dana Rohrabacher, Mimi Walters, Steve Knight and Jeff Denham and won the seats of retiring Reps. Ed Royce and Darrell Issa. All six represented districts that backed Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump in 2016. Valadao was the seventh California Republican in a district Clinton won, though his previous successes  he last won reelection by a 14-point margin  suggested his ouster was a longer shot for Democrats. If Cox prevails, it would give Democrats a 40-seat gain nationwide, far more than the 23 seats needed to take control when Congress reconvenes in January. Facebook

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Trump says no new punishments against Saudi Arabia in Jamal Khashoggi murder By Eli Stokols In this Oct. 25 photo, candles are lit in front of a photo of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. (Lefteris Pitarakis) President Trump made it clear on Tuesday that he does not intend to punish Saudi Arabia or Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi, an American resident killed by Saudi officials in Turkey in October. In a remarkable statement replete with exclamation points, Trump cast doubt on the CIAs reported conclusions that it has a high degree of confidence that the crown prince ordered Khashoggis murder and sent his closest allies to Saudi Arabias consulate in Istanbul to carry it out. Read MoreThis article has been updated with staff. Facebook

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Sixteen House Democrats vow to oppose Nancy Pelosi as next speaker By Mike DeBonis | Washington Post House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press) Sixteen House Democrats said Monday that they will vote to deny Rep. Nancy Pelosi another stint as House speaker, a show of defiance that puts her opponents on the cusp of forcing a seismic leadership shake-up as their party prepares to take the majority. Their pledge to oppose Pelosi (D-San Francisco), both in an internal caucus election and a Jan. 3 floor vote, delivered in a letter sent to Democratic colleagues, comes as Pelosi has marshaled a legion of supporters on and off Capitol Hill to make her case. But her opponents said Monday they are convinced it is time to select a new leader. We are thankful to Leader Pelosi for her years of service to our Country and to our Caucus, they wrote. However, we also recognize that in this recent election, Democrats ran on and won on a message of change. Pelosi has expressed complete confidence that she will retake the speakers gavel in January  eight years after she lost it following massive Republican gains in the 2010 midterms and 16 years after she was first elevated to the top Democratic leadership post in the House. Come on in, the waters fine, she said Friday about a potential leadership challenge. The signers might not be able to force Pelosi out themselves. The size of the Democratic majority remains in flux, but Democrats have already won 232 seats, according to the Associated Press, with five races still undecided. All those races have Republican incumbents, but the Democratic challenger is ahead in only one of them. If the leads hold in the uncalled races, Democrats would have won 233 seats, a 16-seat majority. That means Pelosi could lose as many as 15 Democratic votes when she stands for election as speaker on Jan. 3. Read More Facebook

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Democratic senators sue over Whitakers appointment as acting attorney general By Associated Press Acting U.S. Atty. Gen. Matthew Whitaker (Nicholas Kamm / AFP/Getty Images) Three Senate Democrats filed a lawsuit Monday arguing that Acting Atty. Gen. Matthew Whitakers appointment is unconstitutional and asking a federal judge to remove him. The suit, filed by Sens. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Mazie Hirono of Hawaii and Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, argues that Whitakers appointment violates the Constitution because he has not been confirmed by the Senate. Whitaker was chief of staff to Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions and was elevated to the top job after Sessions was ousted by President Trump on Nov. 7. The Constitutions Appointments Clause requires that the Senate confirm all principal officials before they can serve in their office. The Justice Department released a legal opinion last week that said Whitakers appointment would not violate the clause because he is serving in an acting capacity. The opinion concluded that Whitaker, even without Senate confirmation, may serve in an acting capacity because he has been at the department for more than a year at a sufficiently senior pay level. President Trump is denying senators our constitutional obligation and opportunity to do our job: scrutinizing the nomination of our nations top law enforcement official, Blumenthal said in a statement. The reason is simple: Whitaker would never pass the advice and consent test. In selecting a so-called constitutional nobody and thwarting every senators constitutional duty, Trump leaves us no choice but to seek recourse through the courts. The lawsuit comes days after a Washington lawyer challenged Whitakers appointment in a pending Supreme Court case dealing with gun rights. The attorney, Thomas Goldstein, asked the high court to find that Whitakers appointment is unconstitutional and replace him with Deputy Atty. Gen. Rod Rosenstein. Rosenstein, the second-ranking Justice Department official, has been confirmed by the Senate and had been overseeing special counsel Robert Muellers Russia investigation. Whitaker is now overseeing the investigation. The Justice Department issued a statement Monday defending Whitakers appointment as lawful and said it comports with the Appointments Clause, the Federal Vacancies Reform Act and legal precedent. There are over 160 instances in American history in which non-Senate confirmed persons performed, on a temporary basis, the duties of a Senate-confirmed position, Justice Department spokeswoman Kerri Kupec said. To suggest otherwise is to ignore centuries of practice and precedent. Facebook

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Gov. Rick Scott says Sen. Bill Nelson concedes Florida Senate race By Associated Press Republican Senate candidate Rick Scott speaks with his wife, Ann, by his side at an election watch party in Naples, Fla., on Nov. 7. (Wilfredo Lee / Associated Press) Floridas Republican Gov. Rick Scott says incumbent Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson called him to concede defeat in their extremely tight race. Scott issued a statement Sunday saying Nelson graciously conceded their Senate race shortly after the states recount ended. The final results show Scott defeated Nelson by just over 10,000 votes out of 8 million cast. Nelson is scheduled to release a videotaped statement later Sunday. The defeat ends Nelsons lengthy political career. The three-term incumbent was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2000. Before that he served six terms in the U.S. House and as state treasurer and insurance commissioner for six years. Scott spent more than $60 million of his own money on ads that portrayed Nelson as out-of-touch and ineffective. Nelson responded by questioning Scotts ethics and saying he would be under the sway of President Trump. Facebook

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Orange County goes blue, as Democrats complete historic sweep of its seven congressional seats By Michael Finnegan Gil Cisneros defeated Republican Young Kim on Saturday in the last of Orange Countys undecided House races, giving Democrats a clean sweep of the states six most fiercely fought congressional contests and marking an epochal shift in a region long synonymous with political conservatism. With Cisneros victory, Democrats will constitute the entirety of Orange Countys seven-member congressional delegation, the first time since the 1930s that the birthplace of Richard Nixon, home of John Wayne and spiritual center of the Republican Party will have no GOP representative in the House. Sitting back in the 1960s, I would never have believed this would happen, said Stuart K. Spencer, a party strategist who spent more than half a century ushering Republicans, including President Reagan, into office. Read More Facebook

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Going, going ... with midterm wipeout, California Republican Party drifts closer to irrelevance By Michael Finnegan For a party in freefall the last two decades, California Republicans learned that its possible to plunge even further. The GOP not only lost every statewide office in the midterm election  again, in blowout fashion  but Democrats reestablished their supermajority in Sacramento, allowing them to legislate however they see fit After major defeats in Orange County and the Central Valley, two longtime strongholds, Republicans will have a significantly smaller footprint on Capitol Hill. (Democrats hold both Senate seats.) When the vote-counting is finished, the GOP may not even have enough lawmakers in Californias 53-member House delegation to field a nine-person softball team. Read More Facebook

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Congresswoman-elect Katie Porter says she will support Rep. Nancy Pelosi for speaker By Maya Sweedler Democratic Rep.-elect Katie Porter is congratulated by volunteers at her campaign headquarters in Irvine. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) Congresswoman-elect Katie Porter said she plans to support Rep. Nancy Pelosis bid for speaker of the House and will make campaign finance reform her top priority when she enters the chamber in January. Im going to continue to have conversations, but so far I feel like Leader Pelosi is definitely making the things that were a priority to the families that elected me her priorities, including announcing her support for campaign finance reform and anti-corruption as HR1, Porter said in her first public appearance since being declared the winner in Californias 45th Congressional District on Thursday evening. It means a lot to me that she is a Californian. She understands our state, Porter added. When we talk about environmental protections, this is a person who understands as a Californian how fragile our environment is and whats at risk in things like drilling off our coasts. Porter, a law professor at UC Irvine, defeated two-term Republican Rep. Mimi Walters. The 45th District, covering inland Orange County, has never been represented by a Democrat. Porter became the third Democrat to claim a Republican-held seat in Orange County, following the victories of Harley Rouda in the 48th District and Mike Levin in the 49th. A fourth, Gil Cisneros, is running slightly ahead of his Republican opponent in the race for the open seat in the 39th District, which extends into Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. Porter attributed the massive political shift in the county, for decades a conservative stronghold, to increased levels of political engagement. Folks here care about education, they care about the environment, they believe climate change is real, they want healthcare that protects preexisting conditions, they want a tax system that doesnt punish California, they want our schools and places of worship to be safe from gun violence, she said. Those are the issues we campaigned on, and to the extent that Donald Trump and Mimi Walters were on the wrong side of those issues, the voters have made clear what direction they want us to go. Porter was flying back from the East Coast when her race was called, she said. She turned on her phone to find 167 text messages from friends and supporters. Among them was Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), who was one of Porters teachers in law school and with whom she has remained close. The pair spoke via FaceTime this morning, she said. Facebook

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Bitter battle for Senate seat in Florida goes to hand recount By Associated Press Employees look through damaged ballots during a recount Thursday in West Palm Beach, Fla. (Wilfredo Lee / Associated Press) Floridas acrimonious battle for the U.S. Senate headed Thursday to a legally required hand recount after an initial review by ballot-counting machines showed Republican Gov. Rick Scott and Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson separated by less than 13,000 votes. But the highly watched contest for governor between Republican Ron DeSantis and Democrat Andrew Gillum appeared to be over, with a machine recount showing DeSantis with a large enough advantage over Gillum to avoid a hand recount in that race. Gillum, who conceded the contest on election night only to retract his concession later, said in a statement that it is not over until every legally casted vote is counted. The recount so far has been fraught with problems. One large Democratic stronghold in South Florida was unable to finish its machine recount by the Thursday deadline due to machines breaking down. A federal judge rejected a request to extend the recount deadline. We gave a heroic effort, said Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher. If the county had three or four more hours, it would have made the deadline to recount ballots in the Senate race, she said. Meanwhile, election officials in another urban county in the Tampa Bay area decided against turning in the results of their machine recount, which came up with 846 fewer votes than originally counted. Media in South Florida reported that Broward County finished its machine recount but missed the deadline by a few minutes. Counties were ordered last weekend to do a machine recount of three statewide races because the margins were so tight. The next stage is a manual review of ballots that were not counted by machines to see whether there is a way to figure out voter intent. Scott called on Nelson to end the recount battle. Its time for Nelson to respect the will of the voters and graciously bring this process to an end rather than proceed with yet another count of the votes  which will yield the same result and bring more embarrassment to the state that we both love and have served, the governor said in a statement. The recount has triggered multiple lawsuits, many of them filed by Nelson and Democrats. The legal battles drew the ire of U.S. District Judge Mark E. Walker, who slammed the state for repeatedly failing to anticipate election problems. He also said the state law on recounts appears to violate the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that decided the presidency in 2000. We have been the laughingstock of the world, election after election, and we chose not to fix this, Walker said during a morning hearing. Walker vented his anger at state lawmakers and Palm Beach County officials, saying they should have made sure they had enough equipment in place to handle this kind of a recount. But he said he could not extend the recount deadline because he did not know when Palm Beach County would finish its work. This court must be able to craft a remedy with knowledge that it will not prove futile, Walker wrote in his ruling turning down the request from Democrats. It cannot do so on this record. This court does not and will not fashion a remedy in the dark. The overarching problem was created by the Florida Legislature, which Walker said passed a recount law that appears to run afoul of the 2000 Bush vs. Gore decision by locking in procedures that do not allow for potential problems. A total of six election-related lawsuits are pending in federal court in Tallahassee as well at least one lawsuit filed in state court. Walker also ordered that voters be given until 5 p.m. Saturday to show a valid identification and fix their ballots if they have not been counted due to mismatched signatures. Republicans appealed the ruling, but an appeals court turned down the request. State officials testified that nearly 4,000 mailed-in ballots were set aside because local officials decided the signatures on the envelopes did not match the signatures on file. If those voters can prove their identity, their votes will be counted and included in final official returns due from each county by noon Sunday. Walker was asked by Democrats to require local officials to provide a list of people whose ballots were rejected. But the judge appointed by President Obama refused the request, calling it inappropriate. Under state law, a hand review is required with races that have a margin of 0.25 percentage points or less. A state website put the unofficial results showing Scott ahead of Nelson by 0.15 percentage points. The margin between DeSantis and Gillum was at 0.41 points. The margin between Scott and Nelson had not changed much in the last few days, conceded Marc Elias, an attorney working for Nelsons campaign. But he said that he expected the vote tally to shrink due to the hand recount and the ruling on signatures. The developments fueled frustrations among Democrats and Republicans alike. Democrats want state officials to do whatever it takes to make sure every eligible vote is counted. Republicans, including President Trump, have argued without evidence that voter fraud threatens to steal races from the GOP. Facebook

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Democrat Gil Cisneros pulls ahead of Republican Young Kim as more votes are tallied in Orange and San Bernardino counties By Michael Finnegan Congressional candidate Gil Cisneros (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) Democrat Gil Cisneros pulled ahead of Republican Young Kim in one of Californias undecided congressional races Thursday, an ominous sign for a GOP already reeling from its loss of four House seats in the state. In updated vote counts released by the registrars for Orange and San Bernardino counties, Kim fell 941 votes behind Cisneros in the contest to succeed Republican Rep. Ed Royce in Californias 39th Congressional District. The 39th straddles Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Orange counties. In another unresolved House race, Democrat Katie Porter pulled further ahead of Republican incumbent Mimi Walters in the 45th District, which includes Mission Viejo, Tustin, Irvine, Rancho Santa Margarita and Laguna Hills. Porter, a consumer attorney and UC Irvine law professor, is now 6,203 votes ahead. The Nov. 6 midterm election has been devastating to Republicans in California. If Cisneros and Porter win, the party will have lost six of its 14 House seats in the state, essentially a wipeout in every contest that both parties spent heavily to win. The three Republicans already bounced from Congress are Reps. Dana Rohrabacher of Costa Mesa, Steve Knight of Palmdale and Jeff Denham of Turlock in the San Joaquin Valley. Democrat Mike Levin won the seat of retiring GOP Rep. Darrell Issa of Vista in the fourth district flipped so far. Facebook

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Florida Senate race likely headed to second recount By Associated Press A Palm Beach County Sheriffs deputy walks past boxes of ballots before a recount on Nov. 15 in West Palm Beach, Fla. (Wilfredo Lee) Unofficial Florida election results show that the governors race seems to be settled after a machine recount but the U.S. Senate race is likely headed to a hand recount. Republican Ron DeSantis is virtually assured of winning the nationally watched governors race over Democrat Andrew Gillum. Florida finished a machine recount Thursday that showed Gillum without enough votes to force a manual recount. Unofficial results posted on a state website show the margin between U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and Gov. Rick Scott is still thin enough to trigger a second review. State law requires a hand recount of races with a margin of 0.25 percentage point or less. Counties have until Sunday to inspect the ballots that did not record a vote when put through the machines. Those ballots are re-examined to see whether the voter skipped the race or marked the ballot in a way that the machines cannot read but can be deciphered. The election will be certified Tuesday. Read More Facebook

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Pelosi says she has the votes to become the next House speaker By John Wagner Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi speaks during a news conference in Washington on Nov. 14. (Susan Walsh) House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi insisted Thursday that she has the votes to become the chambers speaker despite solid opposition from more than a dozen Democrats who want fresh leadership when the party takes control next year. I have overwhelming support in my caucus to be speaker of the House, the San Francisco lawmaker told reporters. I happen to think at this point, Im the best person for that. A vote within the Democratic caucus is scheduled for Nov. 28. The full House votes on Jan. 3 to elect a new speaker. During her remarks, Pelosi touted the size of the Democratic victory in the midterms, which she called almost a tsunami. With a few races still to be decided, Democrats are poised to pick up close to 40 seats in the chamber. Pelosi called that the biggest victory for the Democrats since 1974, when the Watergate babies came in. Pelosis comments come as she faces solid opposition from at least 17 Democrats, setting the stage for a battle over who will ascend to one of the most powerful positions in Washington. After a campaign in which some Democrats prevailed in competitive districts by promising to oppose her, a coalition of incumbents and newly elected members has denied her a smooth path to the speakership. The defections, if they stand, would leave Pelosi, who has led the Democrats for more than 15 years, several votes short of the 218 she would need when the full House votes for speaker Jan. 3. However, no Democrat has stepped forward to run against her for a job she held from 2007 through 2010. Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio) told reporters Wednesday that shes being encouraged to stand for speaker if Pelosi doesnt have the votes. In an interview with the Washington Post on Thursday, she said she has been overwhelmed by the support from many of her colleagues for her possible entry into the race for House speaker. Over the last 12 hours, Ive been overwhelmed by the amount of support Ive received, Fudge said, adding that there are probably closer to 30" Democrats who have privately signaled that they are willing to oppose Pelosi. Things could change rapidly, Fudge said. Fudge, 66, a former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, said she is building a diverse coalition as she mulls a speaker run, talking with allies in the caucus, moderate Democrats and newly elected members. To this point, Pelosi has enjoyed the strong backing of the Congressional Black Caucus. On Thursday, Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.), one of its members, wrote a letter to colleagues praising her insight, fortitude and strategic thinking and urging support for her speakership bid. Former Atty. Gen. Eric H. Holder Jr., an African American who is contemplating a 2020 presidential bid, also voiced support for Pelosi, praising her in a tweet as an architect of the recent midterm success. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), a leader of the resistance to Pelosi, said during an interview on CNN on Thursday that Fudge is the kind of new leader that we need in this party. Shes in touch with middle America. She understands what the American people want. Shes a next-generation leader that people will look to and say, Thats the future of our party, thats the future of our country, and thats exactly the kind of leader that I want to see as our next speaker. Wagner reports for the Washington Post. The Posts Robert Costa, Erica Werner, Mike DeBonis, Paul Kane and Elise Viebeck contributed to this report. Facebook

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GOP Rep. Jeff Denham concedes to Democrat Josh Harder in Central Valley race By Maya Sweedler Rep. Jeff Denham (Bill Clark / CQ Roll Call) Republican Rep. Jeff Denham has conceded to Democrat Josh Harder in the race to represent Californias 10th Congressional District in the San Joaquin Valley. It has been an absolute honor to serve our community and represent the Central Valley in Congress over the past eight years, the 51-year-old congressman said. The enormity of the responsibility was never lost on me. My wife Sonia and I look forward to starting the next chapter of our lives. Harder said he had spoken with Denham and the two were committed to a productive transition. Denham, an Air Force veteran, previously represented the region in the state Senate for eight years and founded a company specializing in plastic packaging used in agriculture. While a member of Congress, he sat on the Transportation and Infrastructure, Veterans Affairs and Agriculture committees. First-time candidate Harder was born and raised in the district. After graduating from Stanford University, he served as vice president of a Silicon Valley venture capital firm. Since moving back, he has been teaching at Modesto Junior College. Denhams House seat is one of four in California that Republicans lost in the Nov. 6 election, with two contests in Orange County still undecided as of Thursday morning. Jeff Denham called me this morning and we had a very productive conversation. I'm honored that I've been chosen to serve our community in Congress, and we're both looking forward to a productive transition that best serves the people of District 10.  Josh Harder (@JoshHarder) November 14, 2018 Facebook

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Democrat Katie Porter now nearly 3,800 votes ahead of GOP Rep. Mimi Walters By Maya Sweedler Rep. Mimi Walters thanks all of her supporters as she watches election results in Irvine on Nov. 7, 2018. (Alex Gallardo / Associated Press) Democrat Katie Porter opened a 3,797-vote lead Wednesday over Republican Rep. Mimi Walters in Orange Countys 45th Congressional District. In the neighboring 39th, Democrat Gil Cisneros has nearly tied the race against Republican Young Kim. Cisneros now trails Kim by a razor-thin margin of 122 votes. The 39th District straddles Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties; Wednesdays updated ballot counts came from the latter two. There are more than 202,000 ballots left to count in Orange County, which includes parts of seven congressional districts. The 45th is entirely in inland Orange County. In California, the ballots counted first tend to lean Republican and those tallied later skew Democratic. In the Central Valleys 21st Congressional District, Democratic challenger TJ Cox has pulled within 2 percentage points of Rep. David Valadao, who is serving his third term. The Associated Press had projected a win for Valadao on election night, but his 4,839-vote advantage has shrunk to 2,090. Back in CA-21, Valadao (R) wins a batch of ballots from his stronghold in Kings Co., but by a considerably smaller margin (14 points) than his previous ~30-point margin in the county. We're moving to Lean R from Likely R; today a bit scary for Valadao.https://t.co/WqJVUVkqGW  Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) November 15, 2018 A spokesman for Valadao told the Fresno Bee that the changes were expected and that [s]tatistically, David Valadao has won this race. Democrats in California have already flipped four House seats, defeating three Republican incumbents and claiming an open seat previously held by the GOP. Reps. Steve Knight of Palmdale, Dana Rohrabacher of Costa Mesa and Jeff Denham of Turlock have already lost their races, and retiring Rep. Darrell Issas San Diego County seat was claimed by Democrat Mike Levin. Facebook

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Trump aide departs West Wing after rebuke from Melania Trump By Associated Press First Lady Melania Trump. (Alain Jocard / AFP-Getty Images) Deputy national security advisor Mira Ricardel is leaving the White House, one day after First Lady Melania Trumps office issued an extraordinary statement calling for her dismissal. No replacement was named. Aides said Ricardel clashed with the first ladys staff over her visit to Africa last month. Yet it is highly unusual for a first lady or her office to weigh in on personnel matters, especially the presidents national security staff. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Ricardel would have a new role in the administration. On Tuesday, Stephanie Grisham, the first ladys spokeswoman, released a statement saying, It is the position of the Office of the First Lady that she no longer deserves the honor of serving in this White House. President Trumps White House has set records for administration turnover. Ricardel was the third person to hold the post under Trump. An ally of national security advisor John Bolton, Ricardel began her service in the Trump administration as associate director in the White House Office of Presidential Personnel, then moved to the Commerce Department last year. Bolton brought her into the West Wing shortly after taking the job in April. He is traveling in Asia this week alongside Vice President Mike Pence. Facebook

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Race for House Minority Leader is Kevin McCarthys to lose By Associated Press (Bill Clark / CQ Roll Call) House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy is running to take over next years shrunken caucus in closed-door elections that will set the tone for the new Congress. The race for minority leader is McCarthys to lose Wednesday. But the California Republican, who is an ally of President Trump, must fend off a challenge from conservative Jim Jordan of Ohio. Jordan is a leader of the House Freedom Caucus. The two encountered questions and finger-pointing during a private meeting with lawmakers Tuesday night as the GOP sorted through the midterm defeat that put Democrats in the majority next year. Elections Wednesday will also determine party leadership in the Senate. Voting for the biggest race, Nancy Pelosis bid to return as the Democrats nominee for speaker, is later this month. Read More Facebook

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Melania Trump calls for the firing of deputy national security advisor By Justin Sink First Lady Melania Trump arrives at the Chateau de Versailles outside Paris on Nov. 11. (Alain Jocard / AFP/Getty Images ) First Lady Melania Trumps office said she wants Mira Ricardel, the deputy national security advisor, ousted from the White House. It is the position of the Office of the First Lady that she no longer deserves the honor of serving in this White House, Trumps spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, said in a statement in response to a question about reports the first lady had sought Ricardels removal. Ricardel is the top deputy to national security advisor John Bolton. She drew the first ladys wrath after threatening to withhold National Security Council resources during Melania Trumps trip to Africa last month unless Ricardel was included in her entourage, one person familiar with the matter said. Grishams statement comes as several media outlets have reported that President Trump is considering a broader shakeup of his administration, including ousting Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen. Sink and Jacobs report for Bloomberg. Read More Facebook

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CNN sues Trump over the suspension of Jim Acostas White House press credentials By Jim Puzzanghera CNN said Tuesday that it is suing President Trump and other administration officials over the decision to suspend the White House press credentials of correspondent Jim Acosta after a conflict at a news conference last week. The suit, to be filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, escalates an ongoing battle between Trump and the cable news outlet that he frequently accuses of disseminating fake news for its aggressive coverage of him and his administration. The wrongful revocation of these credentials violates CNN and Acostas 1st Amendment rights of freedom of the press, and their 5th Amendment rights to due process, CNN said in a written statement. If left unchallenged, the actions of the White House would create a dangerous chilling effect for any journalist who covers our elected officials. Read More Facebook

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Maxine Waters to take aim at Wells Fargo and Deutsche Bank as new head of House Financial Services Committee By Jim Puzzanghera Rep. Maxine Waters plans to zero in on two big banks  Wells Fargo & Co. and Deutsche Bank  when she becomes head of the powerful House Financial Services Committee. The Los Angeles congresswoman, now the committees top Democrat, is widely expected to gain the gavel after her party won control of the House in last weeks elections. While Waters has outlined a wide-ranging agenda, she said her focus on bank oversight will target two large institutions she has been tangling with for a while  including one, Deutsche Bank, that spills into her bitter feud with President Trump. With Trump in the White House, I know that our fight for Americas consumers and investors will continue to be challenging. But I am more than up to that fight, Waters wrote in a letter last week to her Democratic colleagues on the committee that was obtained by The Times. Read More Facebook

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Heres how a controversial voting system will decide a congressional race in Maine By Kurtis Lee For the first time in U.S. history, a controversial voting system known as ranked choice is being used to decide a federal election. Its happening in Maine, which adopted the system in 2016. Rather than marking a single candidate, each voter ranks them all, assigning a first-place vote, a second-place vote and so on down the ballot. Read More Facebook

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ACLU files suit to stop Trumps new asylum limits By Associated Press A group of Central American migrants march to the office of the U.N.'s humans rights body in Mexico City on Nov. 8. (Rebecca Blackwell / Associated Press) The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a legal challenge to President Trumps order denying asylum to migrants if they cross the U.S.-Mexico border illegally. The lawsuit was filed Friday in federal court in San Francisco and argues the new rules are against the law. Attorney Lee Gelernt said the regulations will put families in danger. The suit seeks to declare the regulations invalid and wants a judge to stop the rules from going into effect while the litigation is pending. The new rules were spurred in part by caravans of Central American migrants slowly moving north on foot, but officials say they will apply to anyone caught crossing illegally. Officials say about 70,000 people who enter the country illegally claim asylum. The order invoked the same national security powers Trump used to push through his travel ban. Read More Facebook

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Trump on new acting AG: I dont know Matt Whitaker By Associated Press President Trump talks with reporters before departing for France on the South Lawn of the White House on Nov. 9. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) President Trump is moving to distance himself from Matthew Whitaker as he faces criticism over his choice for acting attorney general. Trump told reporters Friday that I dont know Matt Whitaker and said he didnt speak with Whitaker about special counsel Robert Muellers Russia investigation. Whitaker has made public comments critical of Muellers investigation, and critics have called on Whitaker to recuse himself from oversight of the inquiry. Under former Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions, the investigation was overseen by Deputy Atty. Gen. Rod Rosenstein. Of the scrutiny Whitaker is facing, Trump said: Its a shame that no matter who I put in they go after. He also called Whitaker a very highly respected man. Whitaker was Sessions chief of staff before Trump made him Sessions interim replacement. Facebook

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Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg out of hospital after fall By Associated Press The Supreme Court says 85-year-old Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is home after being released from the hospital. She had been admitted for treatment and observation after fracturing three ribs in a fall. The court said Ginsburg was released Friday. Supreme Court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg says she is doing well and working from home. The court had previously said the justice fell in her office at the court on Wednesday evening and went to George Washington University Hospital in Washington early Thursday after experiencing discomfort overnight. Ginsburg broke two ribs in a fall in 2012. She had two prior bouts with cancer and had a stent implanted to open a blocked artery in 2014. Facebook

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Gun-control activist Lucy McBath defeats GOP Rep. Karen Handel in Georgia By Associated Press Lucy McBath speaks during a rally for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams on Nov. 2 at Morehouse College in Atlanta. (Alyssa Pointer / Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) Democratic gun-control activist Lucy McBath has defeated Republican Rep. Karen Handel of Georgia in a suburban congressional district long considered safe for the GOP. Handel had to seek reelection after winning her seat last year in a close special election race against Democrat Jon Ossoff. McBath became an advocate for stricter gun laws after her son, Jordan Davis, was fatally shot at a Florida gas station in 2012 by a man angry over loud music the teenager and his friends were playing in a car. McBaths margin of victory was narrow enough for Handel to have requested a recount. The Associated Press declared McBath the winner Thursday after Handel conceded. Handel conceded in a statement Thursday morning, stating that after reviewing all of the election data, its clear she came up a bit short in Tuesdays vote. Handel congratulated McBath, offering good thoughts and much prayer for the journey that lies ahead for her. McBath, who is African American, declared victory Wednesday. Facebook

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Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg hospitalized after fracturing 3 ribs in fall By Associated Press Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Jacquelyn Martin / Associated Press) The Supreme Court says 85-year-old Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg fractured three ribs in a fall in her office at the court and is in the hospital. The court says the justice went to George Washington University Hospital in Washington early Thursday after experiencing discomfort overnight. The court says the fall occurred Wednesday evening. Ginsburg was admitted to the hospital for treatment and observation after tests showed she fractured three ribs. Ginsburg broke two ribs in a fall in 2012. She has had two prior bouts with cancer and had a stent implanted to open a blocked artery in 2014. Facebook

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White House suspends press pass of CNNs Jim Acosta after heated exchange with Trump By Associated Press The White House on Wednesday suspended the press pass of CNN correspondent Jim Acosta after he and President Trump had a heated confrontation during a news conference. They began sparring after Acosta asked Trump about the caravan of migrants heading from Latin America to the southern U.S. border. When Acosta tried to follow up with another question, Trump said, Thats enough! and a female White House aide unsuccessfully tried to grab the microphone from Acosta. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders released a statement accusing Acosta of placing his hands on a young woman just trying to do her job as a White House intern, calling it absolutely unacceptable. The interaction between Acosta and the intern was brief, and Acosta appeared to brush her arm as she reached for the microphone and he tried to hold onto it. Pardon me, maam, he told her. Acosta tweeted that Sanders statement that he put his hands on the aide was a lie. CNN said in a statement that the White House revoked Acostas press pass in retaliation for his challenging questions Wednesday, and the network accused Sanders of lying about Acostas actions. This conduct is absolutely unacceptable. It is also completely disrespectful to the reporters colleagues not to allow them an opportunity to ask a question. President Trump has given the press more access than any President in history.  Stephanie Grisham (@PressSec) November 8, 2018 Contrary to CNNs assertions there is no greater demonstration of the Presidents support for a free press than the event he held today. Only they would attack the President for not supporting a free press in the midst of him taking 68 questions from 35 different reporters...  Stephanie Grisham (@PressSec) November 8, 2018 As a result of todays incident, the White House is suspending the hard pass of the reporter involved until further notice.  Stephanie Grisham (@PressSec) November 8, 2018 Sanders provided fraudulent accusations and cited an incident that never happened. This unprecedented decision is a threat to our democracy and the country deserves better, CNN said. Jim Acosta has our full support. Journalists assigned to cover the White House apply for passes that allow them daily access to press areas in the West Wing. White House staffers decide whether journalists are eligible, though the Secret Service determines whether their applications are approved. Facebook

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Trump spars with reporters at post-election news briefing, ordering several to sit down By Associated Press  President Trump assails CNNs Jim Acosta at a White House news conference. President Trump sparred with reporters at his post-election news conference, ordering several to sit down and telling another hes a rude, terrible person. He told another reporter hes not a fan of yours, either. The presidents mood turned sour Wednesday after reporters pressed him on why he referred to a migrant caravan making its way to the U.S. on foot through Mexico as an invasion. Trump ramped up his anti-immigrant rhetoric against the caravan in the final days of the midterm elections. Trump was also pressed on why his campaign aired an ad featuring a Mexican immigrant convicted of killing American police officers and linking the mans actions to the caravan. Several television networks pulled the ad after airing it or declined to air it at all. Facebook

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Im living one hour at a time at this point By Christine Mai-Duc Republican congressional candidate Young Kim and gubernatorial candidate John Cox campaign in Rowland Heights. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) Republican congressional candidate Young Kim greeted gubernatorial candidate John Coxs giant campaign bus, the words HELP IS ON THE WAY emblazoned across it, as it rolled into the parking lot outside her Rowland Heights field office. Standing beside Cox on Saturday, Kim predicted that a string of GOP victories Tuesday would start with voters repealing the gas tax hike. Can you imagine Gavin Newsom being our governor? Can you imagine Gil Cisneros being your representative? Kim asked the crowd, to loud boos and cries of Nooo! The former state assemblywoman who worked for retiring Rep. Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) is vying for his seat with Democrat Gil Cisneros. She led the crowd in chants of Enough is enough! and, though short-lived, Drain the swamp! Ive served you in Sacramento and Ive seen dysfunction personally, Kim continued. We cannot continue that route. She urged her supporters to stay and help make phone calls or walk neighborhoods. Lets get out there  the 72 hours is really critical. Its all going to come down to a few votes, it could be your vote, she said pointing to her left, then pivoting right, it could be your vote. So dont sit back and do nothing. Every night I go to sleep thinking, OK, how many more votes can I get or how many more people can I call tomorrow? Kim said. It can be physically exhausting but Im mentally, emotionally very energized. She listed off her events so far that day  and the next one she was heading to. Thats just what I can remember, she said. Im living one hour at a time at this point. Kims campaign invited press to two of her events on Saturday. After she was whisked away to her next event  a high tea fundraiser in Walnut, a couple dozen volunteers remained. John Freeman, a statewide field manager for the state Republican Party, tried to pump them up. This is the Super Bowl. Were not in an NFL stadium, were not getting paid millions of dollars, but you know what? Freeman said. Were walking on the field right now. This is that high-stakes-level game. Facebook

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Its going to be tough out there Democratic candidate Katie Porter speaks to volunteers in Mission Viejo. Jon Bauman, Bowzer from the band Sha Na Na, is in the background. (Victoria Kim / Los Angeles Times ) Judging from the cheers in the crowd, about half those assembled at Katie Porters campaign headquarters in Mission Viejo Sunday morning were old enough to remember 70s rock n roll star Bowzer from the band Sha Na Na. Jon Bauman, as Bowzer is known off stage, said it was her position on senior issues including retirement and social security that has him out supporting Porter over her opponent, incumbent Rep. Mimi Walters. I want you to make sure every phone is called and every door is knocked, he told the crowd of about 80 volunteers. There has never been a more important election. Both Bauman and his nephew, California Democratic Party Chairman Eric Bauman, were interrupted by yells from Trump supporters coming from an adjoining hillside. We love Trump, the voice cried out. We love him too, he makes great fodder, the younger Bauman retorted, before introducing Porter. Porter, a UC Irvine law professor and first-time candidate, acknowledged the uphill battle some of her canvassers might face in this more conservative end of the long-red Orange County district. I know its going to be tough out there, she said, motioning to the hillside. But she said the attacks meant the other side viewed her campaign as a significant threat. This election is going to be close, she said. If we dont fight all the way to the finish line, until 8 oclock on Tuesday, this could slip away. Bowzer then took to a keyboard piano to lead the crowd in a reworded rendition of the song Good Night Sweetheart: Good night, Mimi Walters, he crooned. A woman in a black tank top, jeans and flip flops holding a cup of coffee later joined the crowd with her two sons, 17 and 14, the younger one wearing a Trump 2016 T-shirt. She declined to give her name, saying she was concerned about being attacked, but said she lived up the hill and said she had been the one yelling. She said she was encouraging her sons to talk to people on both sides and make up their own minds. We need to have a government that runs the way government teachers are telling kids its supposed to be run, said the woman, a retired registered dental assistant who voted early for Mimi Walters. Referring to Democrats, she said: Theyve had control over all these years and Californias gone to crap. Among those canvassing was Stacie Campbell, 37, who was at the launch with her husband Jerome and three children, the youngest of whom was 2 months old. Campbell, a Mission Viejo resident who runs a business, had never canvassed or volunteered for campaigns before, and her husband is a French citizen and unable to vote. She said they had been talking to their children  the older ones are 5 and 2  about the presidency and the government since Trumps election. Together, they worked on homemade Katie Porter lawn signs and put them up around town. This is the first time its felt like a big deal and there isnt a president up for election, she said. Because her city is a mix of conservatives and liberals  her next-door neighbor is an NRA-supporting Republican  she the race felt m
Janina Kalk thought she had everything planned out for her childs birth.

The Burbank resident was scheduled to arrive at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center on Thursday to deliver her baby via C-section, which was what her doctors preferred.

However, that plan went out the window when she went into labor on New Years Eve and gave birth to her newborn son, Maxon Erick Perez, by way of natural birth at 2:34 a.m. on New Years Day.

My fiance was saying for the last two months that [our child] was going to be a New Years baby, Kalk said on Tuesday. I told him, No, hes not. Hes going to be on time, and we have an appointment, but he was right, and it was pretty funny.

Maxon was the first baby born at St. Josephs in 2018 and was the first child for Kalk and her fiance, Maxwell Perez.

Kalk said her doctors recommended that she have a C-section because they had concerns that her baby would be born a little underweight.

That was not the case for Maxon, who weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces and was 20 inches long. Additionally, the newborn has been passing all of his post-birth tests, Kalk said.

[My doctors] thought that he was going to be very tiny, but he ended up growing to a nice average size, she said.

Kalk said she and her fiance wanted to have their sons name be a spinoff of his fathers but still unique.

Though Maxon decided to arrive a few days earlier than planned, Kalk said the last few days have been an amazing experience for her and her fiance.

[Maxons] pretty precious, she said. Everythings been going great, and were excited to go home. Hes quite the blessing.

anthonyclark.carpio@latimes.com

Twitter: @acocarpio
Richard Johnson was angry.

But he tried to turn his anger over what happened to his girlfriend into something that would help keep her memory alive.

In May 1997, less than three months after she died, Johnson opened AAA Electra 99 in a small space on 30th Street on the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach. The art gallerys name combined AAA  a trick from his work for cab companies to secure one of the first spots in the phone book  with Electra 99, a phrase his girlfriend used to copyright her photography.

Its motto was Any art accepted, and it kept its promise, displaying works from the conventional to the grotesque. There were no framed pieces in neat rows on sanitized white walls. Instead, artwork covered every surface. Cigarette smoke filled the gallery when bands played all-ages shows.

Johnson and his girlfriend, Adrienne Sunny Sudweeks, had often discussed opening a gallery that would welcome unconventional art and artists  people whose work had been shunned at coffee shops and mainstream galleries. Johnson considered it a pipe dream, but after Adrienne died he felt compelled to make it work.

Of all the goals they had  including marriage and children  he could accomplish this one alone.

The gallery could be her legacy. People might remember her for that instead of as the victim of a brutal slaying that would go unsolved for two decades.

And maybe it could help him get over the cloud of suspicion he faced about whether he was involved.

Johnson moved the gallery across town after neighbors on the peninsula complained, and then moved it to a warehouse in Anaheim, where it remained until it closed in 2012.

Im quite proud of Electra because I think thats how Adrienne is remembered, he said. She has a semi-legacy in the form of things that came out of the gallery that still go on. Id like that to be her legacy, not the rest of this.

Nevertheless, Johnson muses about whether AAA Electra 99 would have been more successful had Adrienne lived.

A worn teddy bear that belonged to Adrienne Sunny Sudweeks sits beside a tattered copy of Alice in Wonderland in her mother Sandys house in Costa Mesas Westside. (Photo by Hannah Fry)

A worn tan teddy bear  cloud-like stuffing spilling from its arms and legs  sits beside a tattered hardback copy of Alice in Wonderland against a living room wall in Sandy Sudweeks three-bedroom house in Costa Mesas Westside.

The literary artifact is from Sandys childhood, representing an openness to new and sometimes strange experiences  a trait instilled in her at age 5 when she saw Disneys screen interpretation of Lewis Carrolls classic with her father.

Its a trait her daughter, Adrienne, inherited.

The teddy bear was Adriennes, a childhood gift from her grandmother. The display  prominently positioned for decades on the plush beige carpet beside the sliding glass door  invites questions. Its a window into a mothers worst fear  losing a child in a senseless crime.

At 73, Sandy recently retired from teaching communications at Golden West College in Huntington Beach. Her wit and warm smile draw people to her.

Though she has been divorced from Adriennes father, Alan Sudweeks, since before their daughters death, they remain close. Alan, a retired physician, lives in Arizona, but the two often travel together with their grandchildren.

Sandy, a student of Buddhism since her early 20s, has a worldly essence, and despite the pain she has endured, she says she doesnt dwell on it, preferring to see and experience as much of lifes beauty as she can.

Her 26-year-old daughter, after all, was robbed of that opportunity when she was raped and strangled to death in her Costa Mesa apartment nearly 21 years ago.

Adrienne Sunny Sudweeks, pictured around Christmas 1996, was found dead in her Costa Mesa apartment in February 1997. (Courtesy of Sandy Sudweeks)

Adrienne, a photographer, studied at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa and worked part time at a local framing and art shop. She wore retro outfits with a mix of couture items and pieces plucked from thrift shops. She loved red shoes.

Behind her horned-rimmed glasses were dazzling green eyes that had a flash of wildness and a keen artists flare. She had champagne blond hair and a beaming grin, belying her boldness and sardonic wit.

Friends remember her as kind and funny, always the life of the party.

She wasnt easily discouraged  not from rocking out at punk shows in Arizona, where she lived before moving to Costa Mesa, nor from being silly. She spoke her mind.

She dreamed of transferring from OCC to art school to study photography.

She wrote poems to inspire herself: You just be beautiful. And be yourself. And be sure of it.

Johnson met her in 1996. He was in the middle of his night shift as a cab driver when an altercation led him to pepper-spray a group of businessmen in his cab. Frustrated, he stopped for a drink at the Stag Bar, a watering hole on the Balboa Peninsula.

Adrienne was there with friends.

The tavern, now called the Stag Bar + Kitchen, was one of Adriennes haunts. She impressed friends by opening beer bottles with her teeth. She refused to stand in the winding line for the womens restroom. She would use the mens instead.

She and Johnson found themselves standing next to each other at the mahogany bar. She was a little tipsy, Johnson recalled, and seemed to like him right away. Conversation flowed. They bonded over art and music.

He mentioned that he was interested in a different woman, but Adrienne brushed off the notion.

Im much better than she is, and I like you, so you shouldnt worry about that other girl, she said.

Her bluntness was invigorating.

Within a month, Johnson had moved out of his apartment in Huntington Beach and into the three-bedroom apartment on Mission Drive in Costa Mesa that Adrienne shared with another roommate.

Adrienne Sunny Sudweeks apartment was in the area where Mission and Mendoza drives converge in Costa Mesa. (Daily Pilot)

In the late 90s, the area where Mission and Mendoza drives converge was a sketchy pocket. Gangs congregated, drug dealers peddled in alleyways and visitors were reminded to take valuables inside and lock their cars.

In September 1996, Adriennes two cameras and flash, lens and camera bag were stolen from her apartment while she slept. The door had been left unlocked after a party.

Afterward, she and Johnson decided to move. A few months later, they found a three-bedroom condominium across town on Pacific Avenue and planned to move in the following March 1.

Three days before her death, Adrienne wrote a letter to a local newspaper, imploring officials not to ignore the Mission Drive area:

Im able to move, but why cant the police or community do anything to help those who cant? If these problems are ignored now, they will become worse, degrading the city of Costa Mesa.

Dont ignore this!!

On Saturday, Feb. 22, 1997, Adriennes black 1967 Volvo was in the garage, broken down, so her mother gave her a ride to Aaron Bros. Art & Framing on 17th Street, where Adrienne worked, and agreed to pick her up after her early-evening shift.

The two discussed an upcoming doctor visit to test Adrienne for attention deficit disorder, which runs in the family. They made plans to look at a more reliable car that her dad offered to help buy.

Friends had invited Adrienne to grab a few drinks at the Stag Bar after her shift, but she opted to stay home and continue packing for the move.

At about 8:30 p.m., a female friend stopped by to pick up some computer cables. The friend, whose name is redacted in police records, drove Adrienne to the Stater Bros. supermarket down the street for groceries and then dropped her off back home.

Johnson sat in his cab outside the Shark Club on Baker Street in Costa Mesa, waiting to be dispatched to a call. He had a few minutes of calm before the Saturday night rush. The dashboard clock read 10:20 p.m.

His cellphone rang. It was Adrienne. They chatted about work and her plans for the night.

She asked him to come home and help her pack.

I dont know, honey, we are going to need the money for the new house, he said.

A dispatcher interrupted, calling Johnsons cab number over the CB.

625, where are you?

The dispatcher directed him to the Huddle, a bar just down Baker.

Johnson told Adrienne about the call. As they were about to hang up, she stopped him.

I love you, she said.

His response was quick.

I love you too, silly. Bye.

Johnson hurried to the Huddle, took a passenger to Newport Beach and continued his shift.

It was a typical night for an Orange County cab driver. He collected people heading home from bars. He drove a bride and groom from their wedding reception at Margaritaville on West Coast Highway to the Newport Beach Marriott. The wedding photographer snapped a picture of the bride in her white gown, stuffing herself into the back of the cab.

In the apartment on Mission Drive, Adrienne called a few friends before going to sleep. The front door was unlocked, a window left open.

Sometime early the next morning, police believe, a man entered the apartment, found her in bed and raped and strangled her before fleeing.

Johnson returned to the apartment about 3:30 a.m. Feb. 23.

He microwaved leftover mushroom chicken and flipped on an episode of Star Trek. His and Adriennes roommate, a cabbie named Mike Walterhouse, walked in from an overnight shift and he and Johnson chatted about their fares  who tipped well, who was drunk, where they drove.

Walterhouse, who had a fare to Los Angeles International Airport at 5 a.m., stepped into the bathroom to shower. He yelled out to Johnson that a painting that had been leaning against the wall in the hallway had fallen over.

Johnson figured Adrienne, who had never been a fan of the piece, had knocked into it. He walked into their bedroom, prepared to give her a hard time about it if she woke up.

He shut the door and began to get ready for bed. The room was dark, but light from the hallway peeked under the door, illuminating the bed.

Adrienne was lying at the foot of the mattress under a white sheet.

As soon as he touched her arm he knew something was wrong. She didnt move. Fear sucked the air from his lungs. He flipped on the light and pulled off the sheet.

She was unconscious and badly beaten. Bruises had formed on her neck. Blood trickled from the side of her mouth.

Johnson ran down the hall and pounded on the door of the bathroom where Walterhouse was showering. Walterhouse, still covered with soap, emerged with a towel around his waist. He looked at Adrienne and began screaming.

Johnson grabbed the phone off the nightstand and called 911. The dispatcher walked Johnson through an attempt to resuscitate Adrienne.

Johnson stared into his girlfiends still eyes. He knew  she was gone.

As the blare of sirens heading up the street filled the apartment, Johnson stood, looking at Adrienne. His mind raced.

How could anyone do this?

He stepped backward until his back was against the wall. He slid until he was sitting.

Police ascended the stairs. Officers separated Walterhouse and Johnson on two couches in the living room.

Johnson, suddenly sick to his stomach, vomited. He leaned back on the couch and closed his eyes.

This is the first of four parts. In Part 2, Sandy Sudweeks learns her daughter has been killed, and police set out to find who did it.

hannah.fry@latimes.com

Twitter: @HannahFryTCN
USC Verdugo Hills Hospital welcomed its first baby of the new year at 7:34 p.m. on Monday, when a 7-pound, 10-ounce baby boy was born to North Hollywood couple Heidi and Oscar Amador. The bundle of joy was greeted by the new parents  who received a gift basket filled with baby-related goods and services provided by area business members of the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce  and by stepsister Addison.

As part of a contest, now in its second year, the hospital asked members of the public to make their best guesses for when the first baby of 2018 would be born and what its birth weight would be, with $100 Amazon gift cards as prizes for each closest guess. Phaedra Walton won for time of birth, with a guess of 5:24 p.m., while Valley Sun reporter Sara Cardines contest entry came closest to the babys actual weight, with a guess of 7 pounds, 9 ounces.

Valley Sun Staff
Nearly every airline is offering free flight changes because of the giant storm rolling up the Northeast, mid-Atlantic and Southeast.

The blizzard has already caused thousands of flight cancellations. FlightAwares status map showed nearly a solid bloc of airplanes indicating issues.

The monster storm stranded passengers across the country. U.S. airlines usually are not obligated to provide hotels or food because a storm is considered an act of God and not covered by U.S. airlines contract of carriage.

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To find the website or phone number of airlines that serve LAX, check this list.

United, American and Delta are detailing the terms of their fee and flight change waivers, which differ from airline to airline.

Southwest doesnt charge change fees but offered rebooking help to its customers on it weather alert page..

United urged its passengers to use its website, instead of calling. Its phone message said, Because of severe winter weather operations affecting our operationsyour hold time may be longer than usual.

But asked the status of Thursdays Flight 717 from Boston to LAX, scheduled for 6:11 p.m., the mechanical voice quickly noted it was canceled.

A check of British Airways flights from Londons Heathrow to JFK noted some delayed, some leaving early and some canceled.

The storm has whipped itself into a blizzard, blasting as much as 3 inches of snow an hour, creating whiteouts in the New York City area, Weather.com reported. Winds gusted up to 50 mph at JFK, and lightning was reported over Long Island.

Many areas also are having to contend with flooding and power outages.

travel@latimes.com

@latimestravel
A foreign government accused of infiltrating schools, the legislature and the media, using its agents to monitor students and influence politicians.

It looked like a campaign of espionage and interference that a top intelligence official warned could cause serious harm to the nations sovereignty, the integrity of our political system, our national security capabilities, our economy and other interests.

Forget, for a moment anyway, Russia meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential race. This was China meddling in Australia.

The reports last year suggested that the Communist Party was taking extreme measures to extend influence beyond its borders. The strains between the two countries illustrate a tension many Western powers now face: how to engage with an increasingly powerful, one-party state without sacrificing their democratic interests or stirring up xenophobia.

The conflict threatens to blow up relations between China and Australia.

Heres a primer on the situation:

What happened?

In June, Fairfax Media and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, two of the countrys most influential news organizations, published a five-month investigation detailing Chinas campaign.

The stories described threats against parents in China for their sons involvement in democracy protests in Australia, the detention of a Chinese-born academic during a visit there, donations from pro-Beijing businesses to the campaigns of Australian senators, and the partys grip over Chinese-language media on the island.

The countrys domestic spy chief, Duncan Lewis, told lawmakers in June that espionage and foreign interference were occurring at an unprecedented scale and were a threat to the countrys institutions, politics and economy.

In the fallout, anti-China sentiments have blossomed.

In Australia, if youre not being strident or anti-China, your commitment to Australia is almost being questioned, said Merriden Varrall, director of the East Asia program at the Lowy Institute, a foreign policy think tank in Sydney. We havent been able to talk in the public domain.

In December, Australian Sen. Sam Dastyari resigned after reports that hed warned a political donor with Communist Party ties that his phone was likely tapped by government agencies. Dastyari also lauded Chinas efforts to build islands in the South China Sea, countering his partys position.

Are Chinas influence operations different from those of other countries?

Countries regularly try to project positive images of themselves abroad, from international broadcasts to funding for educational institutions. But under President Xi Jinping, an emboldened China appears to be setting new standards.

Beijing has spent more than $6 billion to modernize and expand its sprawling propaganda apparatus, which includes a global television channel and state-run news bureaus throughout the world.

Perhaps more importantly, the party agency known as the United Front Work Department embeds partners into community associations, universities and other institutions to promote Chinas interests, according to John Fitzgerald, a professor at the Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne who studies Chinese civil society.

The most important feature of Chinas propaganda operations is not content production or information dissemination but efforts at content control and suppression, he said.

Chinas party leadership is quite explicit that one of its enemies is liberal democracy, another, the universal values that underpin democracy, he said. It will strike down enemies when and where it can.

Researchers at the National Endowment for Democracy  a Washington nonprofit funded partly by Congress to promote democracy abroad  label Chinas methods sharp power. Such behavior seeks to influence through manipulation or distortion rather than soft power attempts to win hearts and minds.

How did China respond to the accusations?

Chinas Foreign Ministry summoned Australias ambassador last month to decry the accusations.

"We have no intention to interfere in Australia's internal affairs or exert influence through political donations, Geng Shuang, a foreign ministry spokesman, said at a news briefing.

State media called the allegations an attack on Chinese people, a standard response that immediately transforms the issue into a racial one. But the backlash also underscored Chinese concerns that global powers seek to undermine its rise.

In the past, China was always learning. Now China is saying, Can we share something? Can we contribute? and thats seen as a threat, said Wang Huiyao, founder of the Center for China and Globalization, a public policy think tank in Beijing.

Nearly 60% of Chinese polled by the Global Times, a Communist Party tabloid, now consider Australia the least-friendly country to China.

How does this affect international relations?

Australia relies on China as its largest trading partner. China is the destination for more than a third of Australias exports, and its hunger for iron ore and coal helped spare Australia from the withering effects of the 2008 global financial crisis.

The scandal comes amid uncertainty over what role the United States  Australias most important military ally  will play in the region with a Trump administration heavy on protectionist rhetoric.

This is the first time in our history that our dominant trading partner is not also a dominant security partner, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said in November.

That concern rang out clearly when he recently announced vast foreign interference legislation that the Parliament is expected to vote on later this year. The new laws would ban foreign political donations in Australia.

In his announcement, Turnbull mentioned no specific country, but he alternated between Mandarin and English and played off a phrase used by Mao Tse-tung when he founded modern China.

The Australian people, he said, have stood up.

Concerns about Chinese influence also cross into New Zealand. A University of Canterbury professor recently detailed how the party seeks to install pro-Beijing associates in community associations and steer political donations.

The Financial Times and New Zealands Newsroom revealed that a top Parliament member failed to disclose his Chinese military intelligence background when he immigrated to New Zealand. The politician, Jian Yang, acknowledged his past experience but denied spying.

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A passenger train carrying people home after the holidays slammed into a truck in rural South Africa on Thursday, killing at least 18 people and injuring about 260, authorities said.

Officials said the truck driver apparently tried to cross the tracks just ahead of the train, part of which burst into flames after the collision, trapping some passengers in carriages. Those who were able to escape with their luggage hurriedly dragged bags from the smoking wreck to a nearby road.

The truck driver was taking chances. He thought that he was going to pass through, Transport Minister Joe Maswanganyi told journalists. Little did he know that the train was going to hit him. That has cost a lot of lives.

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Some of the dead were badly burned, said Mthuthuzeli Swartz, acting chief executive of the state-owned passenger rail agency.

The train with 429 passengers aboard had been traveling from Port Elizabeth to the countrys commercial hub, Johannesburg.

Video showed part of the Shosholoza Meyl train in flames after the collision that occurred between the communities of Hennenman and Kroonstad in Free State province. The crash derailed half a dozen train cars, and power lines were damaged. A large vehicle was upside down beside a train carriage that appeared to have partly crushed a smaller vehicle.

The truck driver emerged unscathed, and the train driver and his assistant suffered minor injuries, Swartz said.

Swartz told local news outlet eNCA that the truck towing two trailers was halfway across the track when it was hit by the train and dragged for about 440 yards.

Human error caused the accident, he said.

An investigation was underway.

UPDATES:

10:20 a.m.: This article was updated with the death toll rising to 18 from 12 and additional details.

This article was originally published at 6:55 a.m.
Conservatives calling for stricter enforcement of Islamic dress codes for women staged a public protest Wednesday in Tehran, the latest hard-line assault on the government of President Hassan Rouhani.

About 500 demonstrators attended the boisterous rally, among them some women wearing head-to-toe black cloaks known as chadors. Many protesters carried placards bearing slogans such as Obey Allah and his messenger.

Traffic in the capital was tied up for two hours, drawing the ire of motorists.

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Immorality is so widespread in society, we have to do something before it is too late, said one participant, Fatemeh, 23, who wore a chador and asked that her last name not be used for privacy reasons. We Muslim women do not feel safe in the public sphere.

Under Irans imposition of Islamic law, women must cover their hair and wear loose-fitting clothing meant to preserve female modesty. The rules are widely flouted, especially during warmer months and in more upscale urban areas.

So-called morality police make periodic sweeps, however, stopping women judged to be dressed inappropriately. Offenders can face fines and even imprisonment. Many Iranians resent the restrictions and their enforcers. But the demonstrators Wednesday demanded that authorities crack down on Western-style dress.

The demonstration, near the Interior Ministry, included many seminary students, clerics and pro-government Basiji militiamen. The marchers said they did not have a permit, typically required by the government. But the demonstrators insisted they did not need one. Police did not appear to bother the marchers.

We are peaceful demonstrators, said Ali Fafaei, a broad-shouldered seminarian who was using his mobile device to exchange text messages with colleagues from the nearby Iravani religious school.

President Rouhani, a moderate cleric elected last year, boasted in his autobiography that he was among the first post-revolutionary Iranian officials to push for the imposition of an Islamic dress code for women. Yet he finds himself beset by criticism from hard-liners on that and other fronts.

Conservatives are furious about Rouhanis overtures to the West and his endorsement of a possible nuclear accord with world powers. Conservatives in the parliament this week unsuccessfully tried to censure Mohammad Javad Zarif, Rouhanis foreign minister and top nuclear negotiator, because of his refusal to deny the Nazi Holocaust against European Jews.

Wednesdays protests here ended with the familiar chant: Death to the USA!

Mostaghim is a special correspondent. Times staff writer Patrick J. McDonnell contributed from Beirut, Lebanon.
A senior Palestinian official said Wednesday the Palestinians "will not be blackmailed" by U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to cut aid funding.

Trump wrote on Twitter that the U.S. sends hundreds of millions of dollars each year and gets "no appreciation or respect."

"They dont even want to negotiate a long overdue 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?" Trump said in a series of tweets.

Palestinian official Hanan Ashrawi responded with a statement Wednesday.

"President Trump has sabotaged our search for peace, freedom and justice. Now he dares to blame the Palestinians for the consequences of his own irresponsible actions!" Ashrawi said.

Trump earlier broke with longstanding U.S. policy by recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital and setting in motion the processes of moving the U.S. embassy there from Tel Aviv.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was sharply critical of that move, saying it amounted to the U.S. abandoning the role it had played in the peace process. The U.N. General Assembly also overwhelmingly rejected Trump's declaration.


Samira Damavandi was visiting her family in Palos Verdes when protesters began marching through the streets of Iran demanding economic and social change.

Curious about what sparked the outbursts, she looked to social media, and her mother, for answers. As Damavandi scrolled through Persian-language feeds on Twitter and Telegram, her mom put the revolt in down-to-earth terms: The price of eggs and other basic foods had doubled  in some cases, tripled  throughout the country.

Like many in Southern Californias large Iranian expatriate community, the 24-year-old has less in common with those demonstrating in Iran today than with people who supported the 2009 protests known as the Green Movement. Those demonstrations were largely driven by educated, middle-class Iranians, many of whom had relatives in the U.S. The latest unrest has largely drawn out poorer workers who some experts say are less likely to have ties abroad.

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Young, working-class and fed up: Irans deadly protests driven by a new crop of dissenters 

But that hasnt quelled her desire for information  Iranian Americans throughout the diaspora are glued to their phones and TVs, hungry for updates.

We have family in Iran, and my moms cousins all live there, said Damavandi, who recently moved to Washington, D.C. We have been talking to our cousins on Telegram  a popular messaging app  and checking in with them.

She also has been in constant contact with friends currently on vacation in Iran. Neither they nor her relatives have participated in the protests, she said, but one friend described rowdy crowds in front of the University of Tehran.

They all said, No, I dont know anyone protesting, Damavandi said.

The protests began Dec. 28 in Mashhad, Irans second-largest city, and spread quickly to more than 30 other cities, showing the deep frustration among working-class Iranians coping with high unemployment, rising prices and official corruption.

One major difference is that in 2009, the working class was not as active. There was almost no demand for economic change, said Misagh Parsa, a sociology professor at Dartmouth College and author of Democracy in Iran: Why It Failed and How It Might Succeed. But many of the slogans from 2009 that are radical showed up again, like Death to the dictator.

The working class faces extreme inequality because of sanctions and corruption, Parsa said.

A new budget came out that shows clerics using money on the clerical establishment and less on universities and colleges, while demanding more taxes, he said. The poor would have to pay more.

Peyman Malaz has kept in touch with his loved ones by phone and email. He has noticed that where people once felt shy about critiquing the government, they now openly share their views.

Malaz, who moved to Los Angeles 15 years ago, sees the protests in his home country as an extension of the Green Movement.

What people are chanting in the streets is the same as during the Green Movement but more radicalized, said Malaz, 32. The people of Iran gave a chance for reform, they participated in two elections, but they dont see any fundamental changes.

Most of Malazs family lives in Tehran and Esfahan. They havent joined the protests, he said, but he found out through social media that some of his friends have.

I havent talked to them yet, he said. I didnt want to put them in danger by talking to them about it.

He has mixed feelings about the uprising. Malaz said he supports a change in government in Iran, but worries about what that would mean for Irans national security in the current political climate.

It makes me upset to see that people are shot in the street, said Malaz, manager of the Pars Equality Center, a nonprofit organization that helps Iranians integrate into American society. At the same time I feel proud that even though people know the consequences of their actions  they have seen the brutality of the regime in Iran  they still risk everything.

At his Persian rug store in Westwood, Alex Helmi pondered the outcome of the unrest. He said he hopes that it will bring about change for the working class so they can at least take food home, though he isnt sure whether it will happen.

The working class are under such economic pressure that they dont have the ability to buy things for basic life, he said.

The 61-year-old said he supports the peoples right to protest, but he cautioned against setting fires and destroying cars. If the protesters are violent, Helmi said, the police will respond in kind.

I speak with my family in Iran, and they say young people are unhappy, Helmi said. A very select few make a lot of money. Its not fair.

Each year, the Iranian publics purchasing power dwindles, he added. The price of goods skyrockets while wages are stagnant. Some have a hard time affording bread.

There has to be change in Iran, he said.

ALSO

After days of unrest in Iran, pro-government demonstrators take to the streets

Iran is seeing the biggest antigovernment protests in years. Whats driving the unrest?

Irans supreme leader blames foreign enemies for protests as death toll rises to 21

sarah.parvini@latimes.com

For more California news follow me on Twitter: @sarahparvini
North Korea on Wednesday reopened an inter-Korean hotline at the truce village of Panmunjom so the two sides can discuss its participation in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.

The North sent a message to South Korea on Wednesday afternoon, only a day after Seoul proposed reopening the communication channel but did not say whether it would accept Seoul's offer of high-level talks.

"Around 3:30 p.m., a North Korean liaison official called his South Korean counterpart on the hotline at Panmunjom," the Unification Ministry said. "They chiefly talked about communication lines."

They chatted for about 20 minutes.

The North cut the hotline two years ago in protest over Seoul's decision to shut down the joint Kaesong Industrial Complex.

Earlier, Ri Son-gwon, the chairman of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland, went on state TV to announce the decision to reopen the hotline "on behalf of leader Kim Jong-un."


Cryptocurrency exchanges are the real winners of the bitcoin craze, and despite tougher regulations in the offing they are laughing all the way to the bank.

Bithumb, Korea's biggest cryptocurrency exchange, said Wednesday it will hire 400 new staff on top of the 450 it already employs. A hundred of the new workers will handle IT, overseas marketing and legal affairs at headquarters, while the rest will man the call centers. All will be employed on full-time contracts, and 230 existing part-time staff will also be given full-time jobs within this year.

Work benefits at Bithumb rival those of major conglomerates. Workers get overtime pay, stock options and incentive payments as well as transportation expenses, food stipends, unlimited book purchase credits, fitness club memberships and even oriental medicine treatments and massages.

Bithumb CEO Jeon Soo-yong said, "We decided to hire many workers to help create more jobs for young people and expand our operations."

Established in 2014, Bithumb was a struggling start-up until 2016 with annual revenues totaling only W4.3 billion (US$1=W1,066). But it has posted phenomenal growth since then powered by the bitcoin craze. Staff numbers surged from 20 in early 2017 to 450, and last May it moved operations from a small office to an 11-story building in southern Seoul. Now it is eyeing an even larger building.


UPDATE: Suspected Route 33 bridge jumper wanted in identity theft case

Authorities investigating the report that a man may have jumped from the Route 33 bridge over the Lehigh River were unable to find the victim's body or any witnesses to confirm he jumped.

Pennsylvania State Police identified the man as 48-year-old Anthony Joseph Sisonick III, of Palmer Township.

Investigators asked any witnesses to the jump or anyone who knows of his whereabouts to immediately call state police at Belfast at 610-759-6106.

Police described Sisonick as a "missing person-endangered."

Authorities were called to the reported jump about 12:30 p.m. Wednesday on the northbound side of the 150-foot-bridge over the frozen river in Bethlehem Township.

Sisonick "was upset and in contact with family" and "apparently parked" his gray 2013 Volkswagen Passat sedan on the right shoulder along the northbound lanes of the bridge, Trooper Christopher Smith Jr. said in a news release.

A Pennsylvania Department of Transportation crew was conducting a bridge inspection nearby at the time, according to police.

"It is suspected that (Sisonick) may have jumped off the bridge into the Lehigh River," Smith wrote.

A search-and-rescue operation unfolded utilizing a hovercraft to traverse the ice, courtesy of Lower Saucon Township's Steel City Fire Co. Also assisting were Bethlehem Township fire and EMS, Pennsylvania Water Rescue, and the Lower Saucon Township, Nancy Run and Palmer Township fire departments.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Bethlehem City Councilman Eric Evans was named city business administrator Wednesday, one day after being sworn-in to his third four-year term.

Eric Evans is seen in a 2009 campaign photo. (Lehighvalleylive.com file photo)

Mayor Bob Donchez announced his appointment of Evans to succeed retiring Business Administrator Dave Brong, who was Donchez's choice for the top administrative appointment when he took office in January 2014. Brong had been city director of water and sewer resources for 10 years prior.

"I appreciate all the hard work Dave has put forth during his tenure as business administrator and as director of water and sewer resources," Donchez said in a statement from his office. "Eric is respected by his colleagues and I am looking forward to working with him in his new position as business administrator."

Evans says in the statement: "Dave Brong has done a great job, and I'll work very hard to continue his success. Council and the administration have worked well together, and the result has been positive. I thank Mayor Donchez for this opportunity, and plan to build on the progress we've made in Bethlehem."

A member of council since 2010, Evans won re-election last year as the second-leading vote-getter in the council race, behind fellow incumbent Olga Negron.

Both were sworn-in Tuesday night to their new terms, along with returning Councilmen Bryan Callahan and Adam Waldron.

Waldron, who had been vice president, was elected council president, succeeding Councilman J. William Reynolds. Negron was elected vice president.

All seven council members and Donchez are Democrats. The council members ran unopposed on last year's general election ballot, as did Donchez in securing his second four-year term.

Evans is expected to transition to business administrator in early February. Following his resignation, council will have 30 days to appoint a successor.

Council will take applications from city Democrats to fill an unexpired two-year term, and voters will then elect someone to council in 2019 to finish out the last two years of the term, Waldron said.

Evans has previously served as council president, as well as chairman of council's safety and recreation committees. He teaches American history at East Hills Middle School in the Bethlehem Area School District.

Prior to that, he worked in the corporate lending division at PNC Bank and managed consumer operations at Norwest Financial. He has a degree in finance from the University of Pittsburgh and a master's in business administration from the University of Scranton.

The business administrator position pays $107,550.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
UPDATE: Reported Route 33 bridge jumper considered a fugitive

A man whose family reported he jumped from the Route 33 bridge on Wednesday was wanted on forgery and identity theft charges, court records show.

Palmer Township police filed the charges against Anthony Sisonick III in December for a case stemming from an August investigation, and a warrant was issued.

The 47-year-old Sisonick, who lives in Palmer, faces five counts of identity theft, three counts of forgery and a single count of theft in the case.

Authorities were called for the reported jump Wednesday afternoon on the northbound side of the 150-foot bridge over the frozen Lehigh River in Bethlehem Township.

Sisonick's family reported he "was upset and in contact with family" and parked his gray 2013 Volkswagen Passat sedan on the right shoulder along the northbound lanes of the bridge.

Crews used a hovercraft to search the water, but did not find Sisonick.

Investigators ask any witnesses to the jump or anyone who knows of his whereabouts to immediately call state police at Belfast at 610-759-6106.

Sisonick pleaded guilty in 2011 to to felony theft for taking more than $130,000 in deposits and payments made to the Sweet Water Country Club in Montgomery County, The Delaware County Daily Times reported.

He was sentenced to one to two years in jail, followed by five years of probation.

Siconick faced new charges in 2014 in Northampton County, and he pleaded guilty to three counts of theft and a single count of receiving stolen property in two cases.

Sisonick was sentenced to six to 23 months in county jail, followed by five years of probation. A review of his probation was requested Dec. 8 by the Northampton County probation department, records show.

Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
A man known for carrying a large white cross around the Lehigh Valley to spread the gospel was rightfully jailed for illegally recording a custody conference, the Pennsylvania Superior Court ruled.

Patrick Cline was charged following the 2014 hearing with a custody master in Allentown, where he surreptitiously recorded the custody conference with his cellphone and posted it to his Facebook page.

Cline fled before his preliminary hearing the following year, and claimed on his Facebook page that he went to Maui, and then Los Angeles. Cline was eventually arrested by Allentown police in 2016, then tried and convicted by a Lehigh County jury on charges of intercepting communications and failing to disclose the recording.

Prosecutors argued there was an expectation of privacy at the custody conference with a custody master, held in 2014 in a private room behind a closed door.

Cline did not inform anyone at the beginning that he was recording the meeting on his cellphone, and didn't ask during the meeting.

Cline and his wife had an acrimonious battle over custody of their three children, and Cline "felt he wasn't being treated right," defense attorney John Baurkot said at Cline's sentencing hearing.

Cline was sentenced in August 2016 by Judge James Anthony to 11 1/2 months to 23 months in Lehigh County Jail.

In his appeal, the 43-year-old Cline argued the county posted signs stating "No cell phones," but that he was unaware it was illegal to record the hearing and post it online.

He also claimed not allowing him to record the hearings and post them online violated his right to due process. Specifically, Cline said legal proceedings should be public, and information from that custody conference was used at a subsequent custody hearing.

The Superior Court ruled that Cline's ignorance of the law was not a defense against the wiretapping charge and upheld his sentence.

Cline was paroled Sept. 8, records show. Efforts to reach him were unsuccessful.

In a previous interview, Cline said he carries the cross around in an attempt to spread the word of Jesus Christ as part of his Jesus is God's Ministry.

Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
A Bethlehem medical marijuana dispensary is Pennsylvania's first to earn final approval to begin serving patients, as soon as the inaugural crop is available from growers.

Gov. Tom Wolf said Thursday that Keystone Canna Remedies will be able to sell medical marijuana to Pennsylvanians with medical marijuana identification cards once grower/processors begin distribution, sometime in the next four months.

The announcement comes the same day The Associated Press reports U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is rescinding the Obama-era policy that had paved the way for legalized marijuana to flourish in states across the country.

President Donald Trump's attorney general will instead let federal prosecutors where pot is legal decide how aggressively to enforce federal marijuana law, the AP reports, citing two people with knowledge of the decision.

Keystone Canna Remedies plans to open its medical marijuana dispensary the third week of January 2018 at 1309 Stefko Blvd. in Bethlehem seen Jan. 4,2018, according to its parent company, GuadCo LLC. (Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com)

Steve Schain, senior attorney with the Hoban Law Group and a specialist in cannabis law, told lehighvalleylive.com Sessions' move is largely symbolic -- especially when it comes to medical marijuana.

"Even under a worst-case scenario, the entirety of Jeff Sessions' efforts are aimed at adult-use marijuana," said Schain, whose clients include Keystone Canna Remedies. "Beyond being totally safe, Pennsylvania's medical marijuana program has body armor provided by Gov. Tom Wolf and the Legislature."

According to the AP:

Sessions' move likely will add to confusion about whether it's OK to grow, buy or use marijuana in states where pot is legal, since long-standing federal law prohibits it. It comes days after pot shops opened in California, launching what is expected to become the world's largest market for legal recreational marijuana and as polls show a solid majority of Americans believe the drug should be legal.

While Sessions has been carrying out a Justice Department agenda that follows Trump's top priorities on such issues as immigration and opioids, the changes to pot policy reflect his own concerns. Trump's personal views on marijuana remain largely unknown.

Sessions, who has assailed marijuana as comparable to heroin and has blamed it for spikes in violence, had been expected to ramp up enforcement. Pot advocates argue that legalizing the drug eliminates the need for a black market and would likely reduce violence, since criminals would no longer control the marijuana trade.

The Obama administration in 2013 announced it would not stand in the way of states that legalize marijuana, so long as officials acted to keep it from migrating to places where it remained outlawed and out of the hands of criminal gangs and children. Sessions is rescinding that memo, written by then-Deputy Attorney General James M. Cole, which had cleared up some of the uncertainty about how the federal government would respond as states began allowing sales for recreational and medical purposes.

The people with whom the AP spoke on Sessions' decision are familiar with the plan but spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss it before an announcement expected Thursday.

Sessions' policy will let U.S. attorneys across the country decide what kinds of federal resources to devote to marijuana enforcement based on what they see as priorities in their districts, the people familiar with the decision said.

If the Cole Memorandum, as it is known, is rescinded, nothing will change, according to Schain.

"The $7. 2 billion legalized marijuana industry spanning 30 states, generating millions in taxes and providing 10 of thousands of jobs will continue and the federal government will lack both the congressional mandate and funding to use federal resources to derail state programs," Schain said in a statement. "If the Cole Memorandum is rescinded, Congress may be forced to strengthen the spending restrictions governing the Justice Department surrounding cannabis when its enacts its new budget.

"While not necessarily changing the status quo necessarily, it may increase the ambiguity as to what comprises full compliance with state laws."

New Jersey officials are closely watching the federal approach to marijuana enforcement, as well. A bill to legalize pot has been sitting in the state Legislature since May and incoming Gov. Phil Murphy supports legalization, nj.com reports. New Jersey lawmakers are expected to hold the marijuana legalization debate in the coming months.

A wave of legalization that began in Colorado in 2004 has now spread to the entire West Coast, following California's start of recreational marijuana to adults on New Year's Day. Massachusetts and Maine could open the nation's first recreational marijuana stores east of the Mississippi River later this year.

In Pennsylvania, Keystone Canna Remedies plans to open its dispensary the third week of January at 1309 Stefko Blvd. in Bethlehem. Its parent company, GuadCo LLC, had considered opening its primary dispensary at 2467 Baglyos Circle in Bethlehem Township. But because its dispensary application listed its address as 1309 Stefko Blvd., the state required the dispensary to be located there, co-founder Victor Guadagnino Jr. said.

Following the grand opening, the exact date of which was not set as of Thursday, the dispensary will be open for educational classes and patient assistance. Guadagnino said he hopes to begin patient consultations and dispensing cannabis products in February.

This sign, and the surveillance cameras themselves, are about all that suggest a former Tru-Comfort Inc. HVAC business at 1309 Stefko Blvd. has become Keystone Canna Remedies, a medical marijuana dispensary scheduled to open the third week of January 2018. (Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com)

A 2016 state law legalized medical marijuana products, but not plant material itself, for people suffering from one of 17 qualifying conditions, including AIDS, autism, cancer, epilepsy, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain and Crohn's disease.

"This is tremendous news for patients and the people who care for them," Wolf said in a statement on Keystone's approval to open. "We are one step closer to providing medical marijuana to patients with serious medical conditions who desperately need this medication.

"Once the growing process is completed and the dispensary receives medication, patients with medical marijuana identification cards will be able to purchase medication at Keystone Canna Remedies."

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has approved these nine grower/processors to begin operations:

Cresco Yeltrah

Franklin Labs, Berks County.

GTI Pennsylvania, Montour County.

Ilera Healthcare, Fulton County.

Pennsylvania Medical Solutions, Lackawanna County.

Prime Wellness, LLC, Berks County.

PurePenn LLC, Allegheny County.

Standard Farms, Luzerne County.

Terrapin Investment Fund 1, Clinton County.

To begin accepting seeds and clones to grow medical marijuana, grower/processors needed several inspections from the Department of Heath, in addition to integrating their facilities with the state's approved seed-to-sale tracking system.

"Our team is working to make sure that all of the remaining grower/processors are ready to operate safely and according to the law," Acting Health Secretary and Physician General Dr. Rachel Levine said in a statement Thursday. "We anticipate more dispensaries to be able to open their doors in the coming weeks.

"Our medical marijuana program will be ready for full operation within the 18 to 24-month time-frame Governor Wolf set out when he signed the legislation into law."

Physicians also continue to register to participate in the program, according to Thursday's announcement by Wolf. To date, 573 have registered and of those, nearly 250 have completed the training to become certified practitioners.

"Physicians play a critical role in this medically focused program," the governor stated. "The response has been encouraging from the medical community as more doctors are becoming educated on how medical marijuana can help their patients."

Editor's note: This article has been updated from its original version to correct the location of Keystone Canna Remedies' dispensary.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Kristin Eberhardt was a dedicated, hard working employee for more than a decade at Morristown, New Jersey-based Porzio Life Sciences LLC, the firm's managing partner said Wednesday.

Kristin Eberhardt (Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com)

Eberhardt, 42, a native of Toms River, New Jersey, was found dead Tuesday night, the victim of a murder-suicide at her family's home in the 300 block of West 27th Street in Northampton. Authorities said her husband, Matthew Eberhardt, 45, shot her before turning the gun on himself.

The mother of two young children was remembered Wednesday as having a driven personality, but at the same time being very outgoing and kind, said Vito A. Gagliardi Jr. He is managing partner of the Porzio, Bromberg & Newman PC law firm, parent company of Porzio Life Sciences.

She had a bright future, graduating from Toms River High School and going on to earn a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and her paralegal certification from Ocean County College, Gagliardi said.

"She was a very dedicated, wonderful young woman," he said.

Eberhardt began her career around 2001 as an assistant coordinator of paralegal services at Porzio, Bromberg & Newman. About 12 years later, she joined Porzio Life Sciences as a regulatory analyst and was later promoted to senior regulatory analyst.

At Life Sciences, Eberhardt was a member of a core team responsible for developing and maintaining what is known as the "transparency and limitations database." Her main duties were tracking pending and current state and federal regulations and legislation affecting the sales and marketing practices of the life sciences industry.

The firm's 250 clients worldwide depended on her, as did her colleagues, whom she quickly befriended upon joining the company, said Gagliardi said.

Prior to joining the firm, Eberhardt spent nine years performing management responsibilities and litigation paralegal work for other law firms.

She gave birth to a daughter and son while employed by Porzio Life Sciences and brought both children into the office following each maternity leave. As the children grew, they continued to visit the firm on many occasions, Gagliardi said.

"As you can imagine, it's been a very sad day," Gagliardi said Wednesday. "At just about every level, she's going to be missed. Passing on the information to people today was very difficult."

The company brought in counseling services for grieving employees throughout Wednesday, as well as set up a fund the public can contribute to for Eberhardt's children. More information was expected to be on the company's website Thursday.

"Our heart breaks for the family, but particularly for those two children," Gagliardi said.

Eberhardt died of multiple gunshot wounds, Northampton County Coroner Zachary Lysek said. Matthew Eberhardt died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound and his death was ruled a suicide, according to Lysek.

Neighbors of the Eberhardts told The Morning Call that Matthew Eberhardt operated an excavator for a local construction company.

Borough police were called to the scene at 9:44 p.m. Tuesday. Yellow police tape was wrapped around the home Wednesday morning. What led to the shooting remained unclear.

Borough police and the Northampton County Division of Children, Youth and Families were able to place the two children with relatives, Lysek said. The children were in the home at the time of the shooting but were unhurt, Lysek said.

A neighbor on Wednesday expressed shock, calling the Eberhardts a great couple.

The violent incident marked Northampton County's second murder-suicide in less than two weeks. Dec. 22, Bethlehem Township resident Justin Kephart, 36, killed his 62-year-old mother, Marylouise Meixell-Moyer, and fired at police during an eight-hour standoff before he was found to have shot himself.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
A Portarlington woman who drove with her child not properly restrained in the car has had a driving disqualification lifted on appeal at Portlaoise Circuit Court.

Lisa Harty (33), Woodlands Park, Portarlington, was convicted in Portlaoise District Court of failing to restrain a child under five years of age in a child restraint in her car, at Cooltaderry, Portarlington, on March 21, 2016.

When the case came before the district court last November, solicitor, Mr Declan Breen said his client was a married woman with six children.

Mr Breen said that she was frustrated on the day and made a feeble attempt to secure the child, while other children in the car were secured.

She had no previous convictions of this nature, said Mr Breen, adding that her husband does not drive.

In ruling, Judge Catherine Staines told the accused: Maybe Ill be able to save your childrens lives.

The judge convicted and fined her 100 and disqualified her from driving for three months, with recognisance fixed in the event of an appeal.

At the recent appeal in Portlaoise, barrister, Ms Louise Troy said that on the day there had been a three-year-old and a seven-year-old child in the back seat of the car. The appellant got flustered on the day and didnt realise the seat belt was across the child.

Ms Troy said that her clients partner does not drive.

Judge Keenan Johnson said that if there had been an accident, not alone would the child have been injured but others could have been too, as the child would have become a projectile.

He said that in fairness to Judge Staines, the district court judge had been trying to highlight how serious the matter was.

Judge Johnson agreed to lift the driving disqualification.
Laois county councillors recently refused to back a nationwide campaign for free third level education, until they had time to think about it over Christmas.

Their decision came despite the urging of two Vice Presidents from the Union of Students of Ireland, who came to Laois County Councils December meeting to explain why they are asking the government to fund free third level education.

The two student union representatives outlined their concerns at the possible introduction of student loans in Ireland.

Those are loans that would be paid back only after the student graduates and begins working. It is one of three options suggested in the 2016 Cassells report on future financing of third level education in Ireland. The other options are for the government to either further subsidise costs, or to make third level education completely free.

The loan system would mean students would have to pay 5,000 per year for college fees, or 20,000 for a four year degree, but that would rise, the USI representatives warned.

That goes up and up. Should loans come in, SUSI may end, and less and less people would go to college, Jimmy McGovern, USI Vice President for the Midlands, Border and West told the Laois councillors.

He said that the seven Irish university presidents are advocating for the loan system.

They know more money would come in to them, but SIPTU, IMPACT, the TUI and INTO are all members of our coalition, which is campaigning for the publically funded model, he said.

Mr McGovern said the loans would make third level education a privilege rather than a right.

Education is an investment, for every 1 the government would spent, it would get 4 back in taxes, because third level graduates in Ireland are likely to earn three times as much, he said.

Amy Kelly, USI Vice President for Campaigns told them that Ireland already has the second highest third level fees in Europe.

The system needs an immediate investment by 2021 or our education system will collapse. Grant payments have fallen by 20.4 percent but there is a 30 percent increase in numbers attending third level. Ten out of 14 ITs are in chronic financial difficulty, she said.

The pair outlined how in Germany third level education costs students just 250 per annum in fees, but it has the lowest unemployment rate. They suggest that multinational corporations based in Ireland should pay more tax to cover Irish education costs.

We should be collecting 150m per year from corporations, their taxes should be higher, said Ms Kelly.

The union was formally asking Laois County councillors to pass a motion calling on the government to affirm its commitment to free education for all citizens, and to reject any income contingent loans.

Cllr Jerry Lodge suggested a middle ground.

I would like to discuss this further and tease it out. It would be reasonable to expect a graduate would pay back some of the cost, for a more equitable solution, he said.

The Cathaoirleach Cllr Padraig Fleming proposed that it be submitted as a motion at their January meeting, because the normal procedure for motions is to be given two weeks notice.

Mr McGovern urged them not to delay.

Tipperary, Longford, Waterford and Limerick county councils have all passed this motion. The Cassells report is out since July 2016. The Oireachtas is split on it, but their decision could be made at any point. Mr Varadkar said he would not see students in an enormous amount of debt, but that could mean a small debt. We are happy to return again but if it goes past January it could come to an Oireachtas vote, the union rep said.

M7 roadworks to slow commuter traffic
Imelda Tynan of Tynan's at The Storeyard is celebrating another fantastic achievement this week to kick off the new year.

Earlier this week there were celebrations as Imelda Tynans Rhubarb Tart was chosen as the McKenna's Guides 2017 Pudding of the Year.

As the popular Laois restaurant re-opens after Christmas on January 4, it is also celebrating making it into Georgina Campbell's ireland-guide.com Ireland The Best of the Best.

Taking to Facebook to share her delight Imelda said it is a great start to the year.

"I'm absolutely delighted and it was a lovely surprise for us on our prep day for reopening tomorrow. I couldn't do it without the fabulous team I have working with me. Three days in and 2018 keeps getting better!" she said.

The review by Georgina Campbell refers to Tynan's as a "hidden gem" that is "definitely worth a detour" and a destination for "good home cooking".

Congratulations again to all at Tynan's at The Storeyard.

Read more: Busy schools road in Portlaoise is closed for water leak repairs.

Met Eireann issues new wind warning to Laois.
The global environment in 2018 is the most dangerous since the 2008 financial crisis, a risk assessment firm has warned.

Risk consultancy Eurasia Group warned Wednesday that disastrous geopolitical event loom this year. "In the 20 years since we started Eurasia Group, the global environment has had its ups and downs. But if we had to pick one year for a big unexpected crisis -- the geopolitical equivalent of the 2008 financial meltdown -- it feels like 2018," Eurasia president Ian Bremmer said.

The firm's annual report warns of cyber terror threats, accidental clashes triggered by North Korean missiles, a technology Cold War and deteriorating relations between the U.S. and Iran among the top 10 threats.

"'America First' and the policies that flow from it have eroded the U.S.-led order and its guardrails, while no other country or set of countries stands ready or interested in rebuilding it... significantly increasing global risk," it said.


The National Lottery today revealed a small independent store in the north Co Dublin seaside town of Malahide sold last Fridays winning 38.9m EuroMillions Jackpot.

The owner of the Village Shop in Malahide Shopping Centre, Amy Cong, said she is overjoyed at selling the golden ticket to a lucky customer.

This is unbelievable. I am delighted for the winner and the area. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would sell a big winning jackpot ticket.

Ms Cong who is originally from the Shandong province of Eastern China has lived in Ireland for over 20 years and has been running the shop in the Malahide Shopping centre with her husband Ken since 2013. The shop previously sold a Lotto Plus 1 winning ticket worth 300,000.

This is a small shop in the centre of Malahide but we are busy and we have a lot of regular customers. We have been barely able to contain our excitement since we were told by the National Lottery yesterday that we sold the ticket. We had absolutely no idea! There is an amazing buzz here today. We have no idea who the lucky winner is but we wish them the best of luck in the future.

My husband and I have been running the Village Shop for over five years now but weve never experienced anything like this. At the moment, we have just one employee working in the shop but todays exciting announcement could make us a whole lot busier in the coming months as one of Irelands lucky Euromillions winning retailers, she said.

Meanwhile, the National Lottery has confirmed that the winner of the golden ticket has made contact and arrangements are being made for the claim to be made. A spokesperson said that will be sometime in the next few weeks.

We have verified the winning ticket and the ticket holder is understandably delighted at their good fortune. They are getting independent legal and financial advice and we look forward to having them come to the winners room to collect their cheque in the near future. This is a life-changing amount.

Malahide had a very lucky EuroMillions Christmas. On Friday, December 22 Donnybrook Fair in the village sold a winning EuroMillions Plus ticket worth a cool 500,000 to a retired Florida-based Mayo priest Msgr John Delaney. He was home on holidays for Christmas.

National Lottery CEO, Dermot Griffin, today congratulated Amy and her team on being the sellers of the lucky EuroMillions ticket. He confirmed the shop gets a 25,000 bonus as a result.

This is fantastic news and we are delighted for Amy and everybody involved with the store in Malahide. And of course for the lucky winner. This was the third EuroMillions jackpot won in Ireland in 2017 and the 12th since EuroMillions began in 2004. 2017 was also an amazing year for our EuroMillions Plus players with 31 wins of 500,000 each.

Here is the roll call of the lucky 12 Irish Euromillions winners to date:

July 2005: Dolores McNamara from Limerick was Irelands first and biggest EuroMillions winner scooping over 115 million.

July 2008: A lucky ticket bought in Carrick-on-Suir in Co Tipperary won a player 15 million.

June 2009: A family syndicate shared the jackpot with a British winner, taking home over 29.4 million.

June 2013: A winning ticket sold in Beaumont, Dublin, shared a jackpot worth over 93 million.

September 2013: A young man from the southeast shared a jackpot of over 25 million with a player in Spain, taking home over 12.8 million.

April 2014: A jackpot prize worth 15 million was claimed on a ticket sold in Castlebar, Co Mayo.

September 2014: An 86.7 million jackpot was won by a syndicate from Dublin. The ticket was sold in Centra, Ballybrack, Co Dublin.

January 2016: A syndicate of friends won over 66 million, splitting the jackpot of 132,376,632. The ticket was sold in Easons store, Fairgreen Shopping Centre, Carlow.

July 2016: 22 colleagues from Dublin Bus won 23.8 million. The ticket was sold in OHanlons in Portarlington.

January 2017: A Dublin work syndicate claimed the 88.5 million EuroMillions jackpot . The winning ticket was sold at the Applegreen Service Station on the M1 Northbound in Lusk, Co Dublin.

July 2017: A lucky West of Ireland syndicate scooped almost 29 million

December 2017: A 38.9 million EuroMillions Jackpot ticket sold in Ireland!

Fridays EuroMillions jackpot is an estimated 30 million.
Laois Homes and Businesses will be forced to wait to 2023 for connections under National Broadband Plan according to Sean Flemng TD.

The Laois TD has described as disgraceful the fact that it will be 2023 before the Government manages to connect 12,674 rural homes and businesses in Co. Laois to broadband under the National Broadband Plan.

In response to a Parliamentary Question from Fianna Fail, the Communications Minister Denis Naughten confirms that network rollout will take 3-5 years following contract award under the NBP.

The contract is expected to be awarded in 2018, meaning it will take up until 2023 to connect over half a million homes and businesses covered by State intervention.

Its almost impossible to believe that thousands of premises in rural Ireland will still not have a high speed broadband connection and almost one third of all homes and businesses in Co. Laois will have to wait up until 2023 to be connected.

This Government has failed to address broadband wastelands and continued to shift the goalposts on delivery. These blackspots are costing jobs, threatening rural sustainability and creating a digital divide between urban and rural Ireland. This Governments neglect of rural counties must not continue, Deputy Fleming said.

The High Speed Broadband Map is colour coded and searchable by address/Eircode:

- The AMBER areas represent the target areas for the proposed State led Intervention under the NBP and are the subject of an ongoing procurement process.

- The BLUE represent those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services.

- The Light BLUE areas represent eir's commercial rural deployment plans to rollout high speed broadband to 300,000 premises by the end of 2018 as part of an Agreement signed with me in April.

Read more: Family of Mountmellick boy Ben Connolly request prayers as he fights for life.

Portlaoise water mains pipe under repair was leaking millions of litres a month.
A total of 1,123 new homes were provided in Kildare last year with 442 buildings were under construction in the county in December 2017.

The latest GeoView Residential Buildings Report, published by GeoDirectory, reveals 3.1% of the national total of new addresses were in the Lilywhite county.

New dwellings accounted for 26.9% of all residential property transactions in Kildare  higher than the national average of 18%.

The average residential property price in Kildare in 2017 was 262,543. The average property price outside Dublin was 187,623

The vacancy rate in Kildare in December 2017 was 2%, which was lower than the national average of 4.8%.

Construction activity may have increased, but the level of demand is still far greater than supply.

The report finds that 36,218 new dwellings were added to the GeoDirectory database in 2017, 1.8% of the total residential stock. Of these new addresses, the overwhelming majority were located in the capital and surrounding counties, with Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow accounting for 77.4% of the overall total.

According to CSO figures, 50,597 residential properties were purchased over the twelve months to October 2017, with new properties making up 18% of the total.

Urban areas and commuter counties accounted for the vast majority of these transactions, with the most occurring in Dublin (17,171), Cork (5,642) and Kildare (2,587). Meath (32.6%) was the county with the highest proportion of new dwelling transactions, emphasising the growing demand for housing on the commuter belt.

Combining data from the GeoDirectory database and CSO figures, the GeoView Residential Buildings Report estimates the average rate of housing turnover.

The national average housing turnover rate to October 2017 was 2.5%, an increase on the 2016 rate which was 2.1%. Kildare recorded the highest turnover rate in the country (3.24%), followed by Dublin (3.17%), Westmeath (3.01%), Meath (2.85%) and Wicklow (2.83%). These five counties, all located in the Leinster region, were the only counties to exceed the national turnover average.

Within the capital, Dublin 4 recorded the highest average property price at 735,768, while the average property price in Dublin 10 was the lowest at 196,639 and the only Dublin postcode with an average price below 200,000.

Outside Dublin, Longford had the lowest average property price at 94,792. Longford was also the only county in the country to record an average price lower than 100,000.

Dara Keogh, CEO, GeoDirectory said, The findings of the latest GeoView report suggest that residential construction increased sharply in 2017, with over 36,000 new addresses entered into the GeoDirectory database and a 52% increase in residential construction activity compared to this time last year. However, building is heavily concentrated around Dublin and surrounding counties, while demand for housing stock remains at a high level. While progress has been made, there is still work to do in order to meet demand.

Annette Hughes, Director of DKM Economic Consultants said, It is interesting to note that, based on GeoDirectory and CSO figures, the average turnover rate of housing stock has increased from 2.1% to 2.5% in 2017, with new dwelling transactions jumping from 8% to 18%. Despite the notable increase in new buildings, house prices have continued to rise in Dublin and throughout the country.
Eighteen year-old Shan Tynan, whose mother Leona is from Newbridge, remains very positive about her ongoing treatment as she continues to battle a rare form of cancer at the Texas Childrens Hospital in the USA.

The Carlow teenager gave an update on her condition on her facebook page yesterday.

Hey guys, its Shan here! I know youve all been eager for a detailed update but the last few months my appointments have been filled with lots of different opinions as my team of doctors have grown, Dr McClain is still my head doctor and sees me every week and will stay as my main oncologist but we are happy to have other doctors joining the team who are interested in histio and want to learn about it so they can take on patients too, she said.

She pointed out that Dr McClain has been trying his best to find the chemo that will work best for her. They have made the decision to continue with Clofarabine, but unfortunately certain areas like Shans gastro system and lesions have been harder to clear.

Although I still have affected areas, I also have improved drastically from arriving here last February, we have found a good medication regime for pain and although its a lot of meds for now, they are definitely helping to keep my pain at ease and keep me as comfortable as possible and as soon as we can cut out meds that I dont need we will start that process too throughout the rest of my treatment plan and active histio & neuropathy, she said.

Shan went to Houston for treatment at an estimated cost of 500,000. Following a massive national fundraising appeal, over 735,000 was generated to give her a chance at life. Many fundraisers were organised throughout the country with some taking place in Co. Kildare.

SEE ALSO: Shan Tynan rescued and taken to hospital despite Texan floods

Shan has been through such a tough time but this weeks blood results were the best she has had in a long time.

She said the chemo delay helped her body recover a bit more than the usual week of chemo every three weeks.

Weve some mixed news and thought we wouldve been able to go back home by now as we approach a year in Texas, but this year has shown just how much of a complex and rare case I have! We are trying together as a family to stay as positive as we can, this week has been good as my aunt sue is here and my dad is coming here on Thursday, she said.

We still have some worries approaching the new year as we will still need fundraisers done if anyone is interested! Unfortunately in the medical world, you can never really keep up with the bills but are still extremely grateful for every person to help, donate or host an event! The love and support youve given from the start is so overwhelming but we are so thankful for each one of you, she said.
The family of Kilcullen teen Sarah Swaine, who died aged 19 years from cancer, are hosting a 5k/10k fun run in her memory this Sunday, January 7, 2017, the second anniversary of her passing.

The run/walk will take place in Kilcullen to raise funds for CanTeen Ireland which is a nationwide support group for young people between the ages of 12 and 25 years who have or have had cancer.

According to Sarahs aunt Carrie, the support group was of enormous help to Sarah and her family and gave them many treasured memories to look back on.

The support group was founded by a group of dedicated health professionals in May 1990 and have since grown from strength to strength, with its aim to support, empower and develop young people who have or have had cancer as well as providing an meet up in a relaxed and informal setting. Membership is free and members are only asked to make a small contribution towards the cost of weekends away with the group currently having over 260+ members.

The late Sarah who was described as bubbly and a warm, generous girl was just 19 years old when she died, following a courageous battle with cancer, in 2016.

The fun run, from the Parish Centre, will take place at 1pm at the traffic lights in Kilcullen but people can register on the day at 11am, and further information can be found online at www.popupraces.ie.

Volunteers are asked to help with managing the event on Thursday. Food such as sandwiches and cakes would also be appreciated. Contact Carrie at 086 074 3259.
MOURNERS attending the funeral of Limerick murder victim Willie Lynch have been asked to wear Liverpool jerseys or Bon Jovi t-shirts in celebration of his favourite band and favourite team.

The close-knit community of Pallaskenry has been left reeling following the murder of the young man in the village last weekend.

Willie Lynch, 35, was found dead in suspicious circumstances at his home on Main Street at 5pm on Saturday evening.

A post-mortem over the weekend confirmed that he died violently.

His brother, Gerard Lynch, 29, of Main Street, Pallaskenry appeared before Newcastle West District Court last Tuesday morning charged with his murder.

The court heard that when the accused was charged with the murder of his older brother, he responded: Sorry, I didn't mean it.

Mr Lynch is remanded in custody until Tuesday, January 9, when he will appear at Limerick District Court via video link.

Solicitor for the accused, Michael ODonnell, has applied for the provision of any medical assistance while the man is in custody.

Mr Lynch's funeral takes place in Ballybrown this Friday. He will be laid to rest in the village of Clarina where he grew up.

He is survived by his mother Helen (Susie), her partner Joe, his brothers Gerard and Danny, his grandfather Liam, his aunt Brigid, as well as cousins, relatives and friends, his death notice states.

A devoted Liverpool supporter, those attending his funeral have been asked to either don the teams jersey or wear a Bon Jovi T-shirt. The rock group were Mr Lynchs favourite band.

Within hours of Mr Lynchs death, more than 2,500 had been raised in donations through an online fundraising campaign set up by friends to help pay for his funeral.

The campaign has been shared across Facebook more than 500 times so far, with individuals leaving donations between 20 and 100. One anonymous person made a donation of 500.

He certainly touched the lives of everyone that knew him, the page states.

Hopefully we can all show how much we cared about him by donating to the funeral fund for him.

R.I.P. You'll Never Walk Alone.

Such a nice fellow, rest in peace Willie, one person donating to the campaign wrote before signing off: You will be missed.

In all so far, members of the local community have raised more than 11,000 via the online fundraising campaign.

Mr Lynch was described as a "gentleman by his close friend Brian Barry, 26.

He was a great friend, Mr Barry said. Brilliant at every sport. A gentleman, and he will be sorely missed by everyone that knew him.

A very likeable guy, Independent councillor Emmett OBrien, who is from the Pallaskenry area, told the Leader.

He was a very nice guy. Always around the village, always around for a chat. The circumstances are very tragic, and my thoughts and wishes are with his family and his extended family.

Reposing at Downeys Funeral Home, Pallaskenry on Thursday evening from 5pm to 7pm, followed by removal to St Josephs Church, Ballybrown.

Funeral Mass will take place on Friday morning at 11.30am, with burial afterwards in Kilkeedy Cemetery.
VANDALS have ransacked a Limerick city church, stealing flowers and causing damage to the Christmas crib at the altar.

The burglary from St Josephs Church in OConnell Avenue was discovered this week by the distraught sacristan Una McCarthy, who said she is shocked and horrified at the incident.

Gardai at Roxboro Road have launched a probe into the vandalism, which took place last Friday afternoon, and are studying closed-circuit television (CCTV).

Four flower arrangements at the back altar were strewn across the floor, while another large floral display was stolen.

These included roses, chrysanthemums and other greenery.

The vandals also attacked the Christmas crib, removing the straw and throwing it around.

Ms McCarthy said from looking at the camera footage, it appears that it was two teenagers, and three adults who entered the church and did the damage.

Its just horrific, she said, I was coming into receive the remains of a funeral, and the next thing was I came across all this. I was shocked and horrified to be honest with you. I didnt think anyone would come into a church and destroy things like this. The effort we go to arrange the church at Christmas, and then to see this.

Senator Maria Byrne, who lives in the local area, said it is soul destroying to see the destruction in the building.

It just shows people have no respect for anything. For a long time, some churches were afraid to open their doors, but St Josephs kept its doors opened all the time to allow people to come in, worship God and say their prayers, Ms Byrne added.

Ms McCarthy is hoping that they will be able to keep the church open, despite this incident.

The people who did this must be very sick of mind. What other kind of person would do a thing like this, she asked.

Jerry OConnell, of the Limerick South City Residents Association, also condemned the vandalism, adding: In our group we have different people from different religions. But we all respect each other.

Anyone with any information should ring Roxboro gardai are investigating, and are available at 061-214340
U.S. President Donald Trump responded to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's offer of inter-Korean dialogue by tweeting, "Perhaps that is good news, perhaps not -- we will see!" But that was before he was apparently belatedly briefed about Kim's New Year's address and flew into a tizzy over Kim's boast of a "nuclear button" in his office.

His own nuclear button, Trump boasted, is "much bigger & more powerful." So much for harmony between the allies after President Moon Jae-in here said he "welcomes" Kim's offer of talks.

A U.S. State Department spokesperson also distanced his government from any talks with North Korea, saying "it is their choice" if North and South Korea wish to hold them.

Earlier, Unification Minister Cho Myung-gyon claimed Seoul is in "close consultation" with Washington over Pyongyang's proposal, but somehow that failed to manifest itself in any coordination of their public pronouncements. That sort of shambles is exactly what Kim wanted to achieve. His New Year's address was carefully calibrated as a noisy threat to the U.S., whose "entire mainland" he claimed is in reach of his nuclear weapons, and cozying up to South Korea, with the aim of driving a wedge between the allies.

But the government is too giddy over Kim's offer to send athletes to the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang to worry about the threat of nuclear war he uttered in almost the same breath.

It is just as the high-level North Korean defector Thae Yong-ho warned. North Korea is seeking to get out from under international sanctions by threatening the U.S., paying respect to China, and throwing a carrot at South Korea, the weakest link in the chain. Kim has no intention of giving up his nuclear program. All he wants is to buy time so he can complete his nuclear arms development, and his strategy is to sow a rift among the allies.

Things seem to be going just as he planned. Moon has talked about being "in the driver's seat" in inter-Korean affairs. But it seems obvious who is leading whom by the nose.


GARDAI have launched an investigation after vandals smashed up a life-saving defibrillator in Limerick city centre.

Officers at Roxboro Road are studying CCTV after the front glass of the machine which provides immediate first aid to heart-attack victims was smashed and the device damaged as a result.

Members of the Limerick South City Residents Association raised thousands of euro in order to have the defibrillator fitted to the exterior of the OSullivans pharmacy in the area, and since its was installed, it has provided life-support to a number of people.

But residents have been left stunned after the overnight vandalism on the defibrillator, with local Senator Maria Byrne condemning it as a cowardly act.

Jerry OConnell, who chairs the South City Residents Association, confirmed the glass of the front of the defibrillator was smashed, after the assailant was unable to gain access to it.

We had a lock put on it, and local residents know the number in case anything happens. They were not able to get the defibrillator out, so they broke the glass, he explained.

This meant the whole box needed to be replaced, and the defibrillator itself is being sent to engineers to see if it can be salvaged.

Mr OConnell said: I have had open heart surgery myself, so I recognise the importance of this device.

I am shocked someone could do this.

If you look at it another way, whoever did this has a father and mother. If something happened to them, if they were local people, where would it leave them?

Ms Byrne, who lives a stones throw from where the defibrillator is located, added: People go out and do stupid things, but to interfere with life-saving equipment is very sad, and somebody must have been in a very bad place to have to do this.

As well as vandalising the defibrillator, the wing mirrors of a car parked on St Josephs Street were also smashed.

The residents association held a variety of fundraising events, including table quizzes and coffee mornings to pay for the defibrillator back in 2013, the only one in the area which is located on a public street.

On average, the machines cost in the region of 2,000.

Gardai at Roxboro Road are investigating, and can be contacted at 061-214340.
INDEPENDENT Limerick councillor Frankie Daly has renewed his appeal for the safe return of Limericks mayoral chain.

The Limerick Leader revealed two weeks ago the theft of the 10,000 chain  leaving Cllr Daly, who was deputising for metropolitan mayor Sean Lynch distraught.

Now, the northside councillor has urged anyone who may have the gold-and-silver chain to return it to a neutral space, suggesting St Marys Cathedral.

Nothing would be said, wed just like to move on. Id just like to see the chain returned, and have some closure on this. Its of no use to anybody. It would be a great start for the New Year for everyone in the city to get it back on board, he told the Limerick Leader.

Spokespersons for both Limerick City and County Council, and An Garda Siochana have confirmed the chain has yet to be recovered.

The mayoral chain was stolen from the glove-box of Cllr Dalys 2003 Toyota Avensis parked outside his home in the Irish Estates, Corbally.

At the time, Cllr Lynch said it was an act of desperation so close to Christmas.

Cllr Daly said he believed his car key was cloned, and this is how the culprit gained access to the symbol.

Its unbelievable. My heart sank into my boots when I realised it was gone. I was in total shock.

This chain belongs to the people: its an attack on the people of Limerick, added Cllr Daly.
THE PETER McVerry Trust has exceeded its goal in housing 30 people since opening its Limerick city offices 12 months ago.

The national homeless and charity service, which provides long-term accommodation to people seriously affected by the homeless crisis, launched its OConnell Street service in late 2016.

The service works directly with Limerick City and County Council to provide housing and supports for those exiting homelessness.

Peter McVerry Trust CEO, Pat Doyle praised the charity for reaching its target in its inaugural year in Limerick.

When we began providing housing and housing supports in Limerick last December our goal was to deliver homes for 30 people. We have now exceeded that number and have provided homes to individuals, couples and families in Limerick in the last 12 months.

Our goal now is to ensure that we continue to work to increase housing options for people in Limerick so that we can continue to work with the City and County Councils to secure as many exits as possible out of homelessness in 2018, Mr Doyle stated.

And to mark its first year in Limerick, the charity launched a video campaign in which members of the public shared their concerns over the local homeless crisis.

The people of Limerick were asked in the vox-pop: What do you think of the homeless crisis?

One woman responded: I think its dreadfully sad. One doesnt know what to do, really. Its very sad. They are all ages.

One man said: I see it in the mornings when Im coming in. Theres a lot of people on the street. There could be eight, to 10, or 12, just out on OConnell Street. Thats between four, five, or six in the morning. And it is increasing.

A young man said: Even if you go out to Shannon Banks in the mornings at half six, youll see. My dad knows a man who used to work for Bank of Ireland, and he lost his job and he fell on hard times and hes living in a tent up the road. Its an absolute joke.
GARDAI in Limerick are seeking information about a smash and grab at a restaurant that saw a quantity of cash stolen, along with the staff's Christmas tips jar.

Gardai are investigating the break-in at a restaurant in the Castletroy area.

The premises, which was closed at the time, was targeted between midnight and 10am on Sunday  New Years Eve.

According to investigating gardai, the culprits gained entry to the restaurant by smashing a front window of the premises.

Once inside the culprits took a quantity of cash from the premises along with the contents of the staff tip jar.

"There was a quantity of cash taken from the premises along with the staff tip jar they worked so hard for all Christmas. From information received we know that the culprits left on foot," said a garda spokesperson.

The scene of the burglary has since been forensically examined by members of the divisional scene of crime unit and anyone with information is asked to contact Henry Street garda station at 061-212400.
Business 6 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR CREDIT SCORE INTACT



04.01.2018 08:38:12 - A credit score is extremely important for the owners of SMEs and proprietors looking for finance in the form of small business loans.



(live-PR.com) - Credit score is extremely important for the owners of SMEs and proprietors looking for finance in the form of small business loans. It is an objective score that defines your financial ability to repay debt based on your past transactions and payment history. The absence of or poor credit score can greatly reduce your chances of getting a loan. However, - Credit score is extremely important for the owners of SMEs and proprietors looking for finance in the form of small business loans. It is an objective score that defines your financial ability to repay debt based on your past transactions and payment history. The absence of or poor credit score can greatly reduce your chances of getting a loan. However, you should not worry as there are ways to rebuild and maintain a healthy credit score.



Avoid Defaults



Your bid for a quick business loan can take a beating on account of payment defaults so make sure that all your monthly bills are paid by due date. Remember that even if the default is not because of a cash crunch, it shows up on your credit report and reflects in credit score. You do not want to lose out on a loan because you forgot the due date!



Stay Updated



Do not make the mistake of checking your credit score right at the time when you are in need of small business loans. This adds to unnecessary inquiries in your report. Keep yourself updated by reviewing your credit score every six months. The advantage of this exercise is that in case there is any negative remark, you can find it easily and counter it if it is not correct. Also, if you find the score going down, then steps can be taken in time to strengthen it.



Reduce Credit Card Utilisation



When it comes to credit score, there is a simple rule to follow- always keep your utilization percentage limited to thirty percent of the total limit. Follow this rule for every card you have. Also, it is advisable that you do not use all credit cards as it reflects that you do not have enough amount to meet your monthly expenditures. It also showcases spending habits, something you would want to keep to yourself. To enforce discipline, you can ask your credit card company to send an alert when you breach the utilization limit.



Mind Your Loan Applications



While it is a common practice to make multiple loan applications to various lenders, this seemingly gullible practice might be hurting your financial credibility. Multiple loan applications show up in your credit report and are not viewed kindly by lenders. If there are too many rejections, chances of getting a quick business loan get slimmer.



Joint Application Trap



A joint application of loan helps in increasing the chances of getting a loan, but it can prove detrimental to your credit score. If there is a default owing to a mistake by the joint borrower, the lack of credibility will affect your future capability of getting a loan as well.



Apply for Unsecured Loans



You can improve your credit score by availing collateral free loans from online financing platforms such as FlexiLoans. When you take secured loans, you not only mortgage your assets but also increase the risk of default on repayment. However, it is easier and quicker to pay off collateral-free loans, as a result of which your credibility as a borrower increases.



Since creating a favourable credit score is a long process, the ideal way to keep your credit score intact is to follow financial discipline.

you should not worry as there are ways to rebuild and maintain a healthy credit score.Avoid DefaultsYour bid for a quick business loan can take a beating on account of payment defaults so make sure that all your monthly bills are paid by due date. Remember that even if the default is not because of a cash crunch, it shows up on your credit report and reflects in credit score. You do not want to lose out on a loan because you forgot the due date!Stay UpdatedDo not make the mistake of checking your credit score right at the time when you are in need of small business loans. This adds to unnecessary inquiries in your report. Keep yourself updated by reviewing your credit score every six months. The advantage of this exercise is that in case there is any negative remark, you can find it easily and counter it if it is not correct. Also, if you find the score going down, then steps can be taken in time to strengthen it.Reduce Credit Card UtilisationWhen it comes to credit score, there is a simple rule to follow- always keep your utilization percentage limited to thirty percent of the total limit. Follow this rule for every card you have. Also, it is advisable that you do not use all credit cards as it reflects that you do not have enough amount to meet your monthly expenditures. It also showcases spending habits, something you would want to keep to yourself. To enforce discipline, you can ask your credit card company to send an alert when you breach the utilization limit.Mind Your Loan ApplicationsWhile it is a common practice to make multiple loan applications to various lenders, this seemingly gullible practice might be hurting your financial credibility. Multiple loan applications show up in your credit report and are not viewed kindly by lenders. If there are too many rejections, chances of getting a quick business loan get slimmer.Joint Application TrapA joint application of loan helps in increasing the chances of getting a loan, but it can prove detrimental to your credit score. If there is a default owing to a mistake by the joint borrower, the lack of credibility will affect your future capability of getting a loan as well.Apply for Unsecured LoansYou can improve your credit score by availing collateral free loans from online financing platforms such as FlexiLoans. When you take secured loans, you not only mortgage your assets but also increase the risk of default on repayment. However, it is easier and quicker to pay off collateral-free loans, as a result of which your credibility as a borrower increases.Since creating a favourable credit score is a long process, the ideal way to keep your credit score intact is to follow financial discipline. Press Information:

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In just 22 years, every new car sold in California would have to be a zero-emission vehicle, under a bill introduced Wednesday by San Francisco Assemblyman Phil Ting.

Tings bill would require every new passsenger vehicle sold after Jan. 1, 2040, to be zero-emission, in line  he says  with a goal Gov. Jerry Brown has set for 1.5 million zero-emission vehicles in the state by 2025.

Its all part of Californias climate change policies.

California has nearly 300,000 electric vehicles registered, but theres a long way to go before all cars sold are emission-free. In 2016, 2.1 million new cars were sold and just 1.9 percent were zero-emission vehicles.

Were at an inflection point: Weve got to address the harmful emissions that cause climate change, Ting said in a statement. Achieving the goal of electrification of transportation is crucial for the health of our people and the planet. Vehicles run on fossil fuels are responsible for nearly 40 percent of Californias greenhouse gas emissions.

As defined in the bill, zero-emission vehicles cannot produce exhaust emissions of any pollutant or greenhouse gas under any operational mode or condition. The bill applies only to passenger vehicles, not to commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds. It does not apply to vehicles owned by people moving into California from other states.

Supporters of Tings proposed legislation, which he calls Clean Cars 2040, said its needed.

Dirty vehicles are the largest source of carbon emissions in California, polluting the air and water for millions across the state, so we must take action to accelerate the transition to 100 percent clean vehicles, said Tom Steyer, a billionaire, Democratic party donor and president of NextGen America, which promotes a clean energy economy.

With this legislation, California will be taking combustion-polluting vehicles off the road and advancing zero emission vehicles, helping us to finally address air pollution and better equipping us to combat climate change, said Adrian Martinez, staff attorney for Earthjustice, a non-profit environmental law organization.

Michael Cabanatuan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mcabanatuan@sfchronicle

.com Twitter: @ctuan
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Hayden Properties has purchased the 216-unit Stoneleigh on Spring Cypress apartments at 7215 Spring Cypress Road in Spring. Joey Rippel, Todd Marix, Chris Curry, Chris Young and Connor Phillips of HFF marketed the property for the seller, Seneca Investments. The property consists of 11 three-story residential buildings with units averaging 881 square feet. Tyler Ford of HFF arranged acquisition financing. It is 94.4 percent leased.

Cimeda Three has purchased a 46,000-square-foot office/warehouse facility at 15135 Jacintoport. Marc Drumwright with Southwest Realty Advisors represented the seller, ELGM. Chris Klein with Colliers International represented the buyer.
A BART police officer was involved in a shooting outside the West Oakland Station Wednesday evening that killed one man and sent another to the hospital with serious injuries, authorities said.

What happened at Seventh and Chester streets, across from the West Oakland BART Station and in front of the Upperkutz barbershop, remains unclear, and Oakland police said they wouldnt offer any more details before Thursday morning.

But one witness told The Chronicle she saw two men arguing before shots rang out. Another said she saw one man shoot the other in the leg, prompting a BART police officer to run across the street from the station and shoot him.

A video posted on Facebook, apparently from someone inside the barbershop, shows the chaotic aftermath of the shooting with two bodies on the sidewalk and people wandering through the crime scene, talking to and approaching the victims.

The shooting took place at 4:41 p.m. across Seventh Street from the station entrance, Oakland police said. Officer Johnna Watson, Oakland Police Department spokeswoman, said in a statement that BART police reported that one of their officers had been involved in a shooting and requested Oaklands assistance.

Upon arrival, Oakland police officers learned that an on-duty BART PD officer, dressed in full police uniform, discharged their service firearm and two adult males were transported to a local hospital for medical attention, Watson said.

At about 6:30 p.m., Watson reported that one of the two men had died at the hospital. The other was in stable condition.

A handgun was found on the ground at the scene, she said.

A witness who identified herself only as Quinn, 32, of Oakland, said she was eating in a Mexican restaurant on Seventh Street when she witnessed an argument between a man in his 20s and another in his late 30s as they walked in and out of the business.

The younger man was shooting video of the older one on his phone as they argued. Maybe a minute after they exited the restaurant, Quinn said, she heard one gunshot and then, after a brief pause, five or six more.

Quinn said she hid in the rear of the restaurant and then emerged moments later and saw the younger man on the ground, obviously shot.

Everybody was standing around, and I yelled, Is anybody going to do CPR? Nobody did anything, she said.

She attempted CPR, Quinn said, and BART police pushed her away. It seemed to her that the younger man was dead, she said. The older man was on the ground 2 feet away, handcuffed, she said.

Another witness, Laquisha Stanley said she was at a nearby doughnut shop when she noticed a friend get into a dispute with a man he knew. The pair walked down the street, arguing, she said, and the other man shot her friend in the leg.

A BART police officer who was watching from the stations parking lot ran over and shot the man who fired the gun, Stanley said.

Its a sad situation, because its the third of the year, she said. We havent even finished the first week and we have another killing. ... They both lost today.

BART said the West Oakland Station remained open and that train service was not affected. Some commuters, however, were unable to get to their cars during the investigation.

Kimberly Veklerov and Michael Cabanatuan are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: kveklerov@sfchronicle.com, mcabanatuan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @KVeklerov, @ctuan
Among the many things he's been called - "blunt," "pathetic," "calculating" - the one thing Michael Wolff has never been described as is boring.

A provocateur and media polemicist, Wolff has a penchant for stirring up an argument and pushing the facts as far as they'll go, and sometimes further than they can tolerate, according to his critics. He has been accused of not just re-creating scenes in his books and columns, but of creating them wholesale.

That's some context for Wolff's most explosive bit of reporting to date: A scathing new book, "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House," describing dysfunction and infighting in Donald Trump's presidential campaign and the first year of his presidency, replete with damning criticism of Trump from within his inner circle.

According to an unauthorized report in the Guardian newspaper and a lengthy excerpt in New York magazine, Wolff portrays Trump and his closest aides as astonished by his electoral victory in 2016, and wholly unprepared for office. Trump, he reports, had no idea who former House Speaker John Boehner was when Roger Ailes, a campaign adviser, recommended him as chief of staff. Top advisers and allies doubted the president's intelligence and openly mocked him.

But Wolff's sharpest revelations concern comments attributed to Steve Bannon, Trump's campaign chairman and former White House chief strategist. In on-the-record interviews with Wolff, Bannon called a meeting between the Trump campaign's top advisers and Russian representatives in mid-2016 "treasonous" and "unpatriotic" - furthering the narrative of Trump's harshest critics.

Bannon also warned that Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into alleged Russian collusion will focus on money laundering and the Trump family's dealings with Deutsche Bank. Bannon, according to Wolff, predicted: "They're going to crack Don Jr. like an egg on national TV. ... They're sitting on a beach trying to stop a Category Five."

Trump isn't exactly disputing Wolff's reporting, nor has Bannon backed down from them. In a statement issued Wednesday, Trump blasted his former top adviser, saying in part, "Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind. ... Steve pretends to be at war with the media, which he calls the opposition party, yet he spent his time at the White House leaking false information to make himself seem far more important than he was. It is the only thing he does well."

The fireworks almost certainly guarantee that the book will become a bestseller. But the second-guessing of Wolff's work has already begun.

Wolff, for example, writes that Thomas Barrack Jr., a billionaire friend of Trump's, told a friend that Trump is "not only crazy, he's stupid." Barrack on Wednesday denied to a New York Times reporter that he ever said such a thing.

Katie Walsh, a former White House adviser, has also disputed a comment attributed to her by Wolff, that dealing with Trump was "like trying to figure out what a child wants."

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders added her own skepticism during her daily briefing on Wednesday. "We know the book has a lot of things, so far that we've seen, that are completely untrue," she said.

She was not specific, but Sanders added that Wolff's characterizations of White House operations were "the opposite of what I saw."

Wolff, 64, has said his book was based on 200 interviews with White House and campaign staffers, including Bannon. He didn't respond to multiple requests for comment.

His reliability has been challenged before - over quotes, descriptions and general accounts he's provided in his many newspaper and magazine columns and in several books. Wolff has even acknowledged that he can be unreliable: As he recounted in "Burn Rate" - his best-selling book about his time as an early Internet entrepreneur - Wolff kept his bankers at bay by fabricating a story about his father-in-law having open-heart surgery.

"How many fairly grievous lies had I told?" he wrote. "How many moral lapses had I committed? How many ethical breaches had I fallen into? . . . Like many another financial conniver, I was in a short-term mode." Wolff's business collapsed in 1997.

"Burn Rate" came under siege from critics who challenged its credibility, including the long verbatim conversations that Wolff recounted despite taking scant notes. Brill's Content, a now-defunct media-review publication, cited a dozen people who disputed quotes attributed to them in the book.

Wolff followed up "Burn Rate" by taking over the media column at New York magazine, where he almost immediately ran into trouble. Judith Regan, then a hotshot book editor who had been a classmate of Wolff's at Vassar, vigorously disputed almost every paragraph of Wolff's column about her. She said she hadn't had a personal conversation with Wolff in 30 years.

Wolff's response: "She doesn't speak to me. ... I suppose the world is full of people who no longer speak to me."

New Republic columnist Andrew Sullivan accused Wolff of putting words in his mouth when Wolff wrote in 2001 that Sullivan "believes that he is the most significant gay public intellectual in America today." Sullivan said he never made any such claim.

In a 2004 cover story for the New Republic, Michelle Cottle wrote that Wolff had become the "It Boy" of New York media after winning two National Magazine Awards for his commentary: "His quick wit, dizzying writing style, and willingness to say absolutely anything about anybody made his column a must-read," she wrote.

But she added, "Much to the annoyance of Wolff's critics, the scenes in his columns aren't recreated so much as created - springing from Wolff's imagination rather than from actual knowledge of events. Even Wolff acknowledges that conventional reporting isn't his bag." An editor who worked with Wolff told Cottle, "He is adroit at making the reader think that he has spent hours and days with his subject, when in fact he may have spent no time at all."

Even Wolff's anecdote about Trump being unaware of who Boehner was last year seems a bit suspect. The reason? Trump had tweeted about Boehner multiple times since 2011. In September 2015, for example, Trump tweeted this: "Wacky @glennbeck who always seems to be crying (worse than Boehner) speaks badly of me only because I refuse to do his show - a real nut job!"
Anthony Anderson's piercing wail kicks off the new Freeform series "Grownish," a spinoff of ABC's "Blackish" that premiered Wednesday and centers on the college experience of the Johnson family's oldest child. Zoey (Yara Shahidi) has been at the fictional California University for just three days, but to her father, Dre, it feels like a lifetime.

"It hurts so bad," he screeches on the phone. An exasperated Zoey asks for clarification and, clutching his chest, Dre replies, "My soul."

Dre's parental woes are familiar to many viewers, as is the overall premise of "Grownish." With any series fortunate enough to be renewed for multiple seasons - R.I.P. "Freaks and Geeks," you are missed - the teenage characters inevitably grow up and, often, go to college. Some land their own spinoffs, while others inexplicably remain major figures in the original shows. Here's how several popular comedies have dealt with the transition.

"Blackish" (2014-present) and its spinoff, "Grownish" (2018-present)

Character: Zoey Johnson (Yara Shahidi)

What happened: Much to the distress of her father, Zoey is now navigating an increasingly political world on her own at Cal U. But "Blackish" fans, fret not. The actress recently confirmed that she would still appear on the ABC series from time to time, and her TV parents might show up on Freeform, too. A few of Shahidi's "Grownish" co-stars include famed Selena Gomez kidney donor Francia Raisa and both halves of the Beyonce-approved R&B duo Chloe x Halle.

"The Cosby Show" (1984-1992) and its spinoff, "A Different World" (1987-1993)

Character: Denise Huxtable (Lisa Bonet)

What happened: "A Different World" is the most obvious precursor to "Grownish," as each series - at least initially - focuses on the college experience of the oldest daughter in a middle-class black family. Denise figures prominently into the first season of "A Different World," which takes place at the fictional HBCU Hillman College, but her character was written out around the same time that hippie-chic icon Bonet, newly married to Lenny Kravitz, announced her pregnancy. The series went on to have five more seasons, and Denise eventually returned full-time to "The Cosby Show" with a husband and stepdaughter, played by Raven-Symone, in tow.

"Saved by the Bell" (1989-1992) and its spinoff, "Saved by the Bell: The College Years" (1993-1994)

Characters: Kelly Kapowski (Tiffani Thiessen), Zack Morris (Mark-Paul Gosselaar), Screech Powers (Dustin Diamond) and A.C. Slater (Mario Lopez)

What happened: California University appears to be quite popular in the TV universe, as half of Bayside High's lovable troublemakers go on to attend the school in the ill-fated "Saved by the Bell" follow-up, "The College Years." Zack, Screech and A.C. move in with three female students in the pilot, one of whom is swapped out in the second episode to make room for Kelly's return to the franchise.

"Boy Meets World" (1993-2000)

Characters: Shawn Hunter (Rider Strong), Topanga Lawrence (Danielle Fishel) and Cory Matthews (Ben Savage)

What happened: The final two seasons of ABC's TGIF hit take place at Pennbrook University, where the trio join Cory's goofy brother, Eric (Will Friedle), and Shawn's soon-to-be-revealed half brother, Jack (Matthew Lawrence). Of course, no school in "Boy Meets World" is complete without the sagacious Mr. Feeny - or "Fee-hee-hee-heenay," as Eric would yell - who ends up teaching at Pennbrook. Cory and Topanga get hitched, Shawn deals with even more family issues and, thankfully, the Matthews parents (Betsy Randle and William Russ) show up in almost every episode.

"Arrested Development" (2003-present)

Character: George Michael Bluth (Michael Cera)

What happened: George Michael's transition to college coincided with the series' Netflix revival, in which each episode centers on a different character, and the show's trademark style of interlocking story lines didn't allow for an absence from Bluth family shenanigans. Though he drives off to UC-Irvine in the infamous stair car and then studies abroad in Spain for a year, George Michael is eventually forced to live with his father again upon his return to campus. The two even (unknowingly) date the same woman.

"Glee" (2009-2015)

Character: Rachel Berry (Lea Michele)

What happened: While multiple members of the New Directions family move away from Lima, Ohio, after graduating from McKinley High in Season 3, Rachel's college journey is the most closely followed. The Barbra Streisand superfan attends the New York Academy of Dramatic Arts - or "NYADA," as they seem to utter in every sentence - to pursue her Broadway dreams and faces a reality check while working with her intense dance instructor, Cassandra July (Kate Hudson). The latter three seasons of "Glee" split their focus between Lima and New York.

"Modern Family" (2009-present)

Characters: Alex Dunphy (Ariel Winter) and Haley Dunphy (Sarah Hyland)

What happened: Haley, portrayed as the family airhead, finally goes to college in the fourth season of "Modern Family," only to get kicked out for drinking and the (accidental) battery of a police officer. She ends up living at home and sporadically attending community college - a clever tactic to keep her in the show - while her nerdy sister, Alex, later goes to Cal Tech, but somehow almost always has a reason to stay with her family, like a case of mono that renders her homebound for months.
An Uncommon Reader: A Life of Edward Garnett, Mentor and Editor of Literary Genius

By Helen Smith

Farrar Straus Giroux. 440 pp. $35

---

In 1893, the young John Galsworthy booked passage on the clipper Torrens, then sailing from the South Seas to England. During this voyage the future author of "The Forsyte Saga" happened to become friendly with the ship's first mate. In a letter home he described this "capital chap"- of Polish origin - as "a man of travel and experience in many parts of the world," with "a fund of yarns." Seven years after their shipboard conversations, Joseph Conrad - who else could it have been? - would dedicate his most famous novel, "Lord Jim," to Galsworthy. In 1932 Galsworthy would be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature; Conrad, of course, is now universally regarded as one of the greatest novelists of all time.

Both these writers counted themselves proteges of Edward Garnett (1868-1937), the subject of Helen Smith's prizeworthy literary biography, "An Uncommon Reader." No ordinary acquisitions editor or publisher's reader, Garnett devoted his life to fostering, with tough love, the work of many young, and now famous, authors. Besides Galsworthy and Conrad, who became his close friends, he championed Stephen Crane, helped D.H. Lawrence reconfigure "Sons and Lovers," urged T.E. Lawrence to publish "Seven Pillars of Wisdom," lent moral and financial support to Edward Thomas - "the finest poet of his generation" - and produced the first major essay on Thomas' American friend Robert Frost. Like Scribner's Max Perkins, Garnett was, in all senses of the phrase, an editor of genius.

But that name, Garnett, doesn't it ring a bell? Possibly more than one. Edward's wife, Constance, is still rightly honored as the pioneering translator of Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Turgenev and Chekhov. His father, Richard, was not just the Keeper of Printed Books at the British Museum but also the author of that minor masterpiece "The Twilight of the Gods," a collection of learnedly witty fantasies in the style of Voltaire or Anatole France. (It's one of my favorite books.) Smith also regularly quotes from "The Golden Echo" and "The Flowers of the Forest," two exceptional memoirs by Edward and Constance's son, David, best known for that amusing, yet unsettling 1922 jeu d'esprit "Lady Into Fox," in which the protagonist's wife literally becomes a vixen, with all the impulses of a wild animal.

Oddly enough, given the fantastic imaginations of his father and his son, Edward Garnett was staunchly, even narrowly, realistic in his approach to fiction: Literature, he felt, should focus on and reveal life as it is. Consequently, he turned down the chance to publish H.G. Wells' "The Time Machine" and would doubtless be surprised that his author May Sinclair is now mainly remembered for her uncanny stories, such as the harrowing "Where Their Fire Is Not Quenched."

Halfway through "An Uncommon Reader," Smith sums up what Garnett looked for in serious literary fiction: "The ability to suggest the intangible from the palpable, a willingness to shake the reader out of his or her settled perceptions, and the facility to make a small, apparently insignificant detail reveal the depths of a situation." She adds that he especially valued "'veracity,' originality and an unflinching readiness to show people what they are." In particular, Garnett thoroughly scorned "commercialism, the insularity of the English, their demand that literature should merely endorse prevailing social norms and conformities, the expectation of 'healthy optimism' and a happy ending." A true artist, Garnett proclaimed, should "never give the public what it wants." Needless to say, his authors seldom earned out their advances.

In structure, "An Uncommon Reader" might be likened to a portrait gallery. As the book progresses, Smith - who teaches literature at Britain's University of East Anglia - introduces us to Garnett's various "discoveries" and literary confidants. Alas, too few readers these days will be able to identify W.H. Hudson ("Green Mansions"), R.B. Cunninghame Graham ("Mogreb-el-Acksa: A Journey in Morocco"), or Liam O'Flaherty ("The Informer"). In general, Garnett worked closely with his writers on their early books, but would gradually lose interest once their careers were successfully launched. Or might it be that his disciples felt that they needed to escape his somewhat restrictive view of what and how they should write? When breaking with her "literary godfather," the Scottish novelist Naomi Mitchison declared, "I must finally go my own way." Nonetheless, Garnett's stable of authors could always count on his unfailing moral support and would deeply revere his memory, even if most of them produced their greatest works without his help.

As Smith writes, Garnett's general advice to aspiring novelists was always to be wary of anything flowery: "Don't overwrite, avoid laboured metaphors and too many adjectives, make sure dialogue sounds ordinary and natural, condense and cut." Good advice, yet some radically innovative works, such as James Joyce's "Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" and Henry Green's "Living," ignored it: As a result, Garnett turned down both these books, disliking their stylistic peculiarities (Green's sentences, for instance, avoid using the word "the"). Instead he regularly urged learning from the great Russians that Constance was busily translating, especially the more polished and Europeanized Turgenev.

While periodically strapped for cash, Edward Garnett never seems to have lacked for anything. He traveled widely in England and Europe, set up - without any fuss from Constance - a separate household with his mistress Nellie Heath and resolutely refused all honors from universities and the government. He also wrote some lackluster plays, but mainly supplemented his income through literary journalism, being properly enthusiastic about Arnold Bennett and the young E.M. Forster.

Though "An Uncommon Reader" is Helen Smith's first book, one would never know it: She delivers uncommonly good reading, and anyone interested in Edwardian fiction, the history of publishing or literary biography will find it a treat.
1 Human trafficking lawsuit: Two Indonesian fishermen who say they were enslaved on an American fishing boat have settled their lawsuit against the vessels owner seven years after escaping and receiving special U.S. visas as victims of human trafficking, their lawyers said Wednesday. The attorneys said Sorihin, who uses just one name, and Abdul Fatah settled their lawsuit against Thoai Van Nguyen, the California-based boat owner. The settlement does not disclose a financial award. The boat owner denies all allegations of abuse or human trafficking, his lawyer said. The lawsuit filed in San Francisco claimed the men were trafficked through Hawaii and forced to work on the boat around Hawaii and off the shores of California. The case highlights concerns about foreign workers with no visas, who are confined to their vessels in Hawaii for one or two years at a time.

2 Red Cross visits: The American Red Cross of Wisconsin is facing accusations of racism and favoring the wealthy because of a new policy in Milwaukee that forces predominantly black and Latino fire victims from low-income areas to travel to receive the organizations volunteer assistance. The decision to have fire victims go to their nearest police station or Red Cross office rather than for volunteers to visit them at home is due to a staff shortage, the organizations Milwaukee chapter said.
Over a billion Indian citizens may be vulnerable to identity theft and intrusions of privacy after a newspaper sting uncovered a security breach in the country's vast biometric database, which contains the personal data of almost every citizen.

The Tribune newspaper said its reporters were able to access names, email addresses, phone numbers and postal codes by typing in 12-digit unique identification numbers of people in the government's database, after paying an individual about $8. For another $5, the newspaper said, the individual offered reporters software to print out unique identification cards, called Aadhaar cards, that can be used to access various government services including fuel subsidies and free school meals.

The individual was part of a group that had gained access to the database through former workers who were initially tasked with making the cards, the Tribune reported. Several groups were part of this scheme, the newspaper said. The Washington Post has not independently verified the report.

Extending the biometric ID program, known as Aadhaar - meaning foundation - to every citizen is one of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flagship policies in his crusade against corruption. Campaigners say that an Aadhaar card is a way for citizens to prove their identity and access government and financial services. It also is a way to prevent fraud - corrupt officials often add fake names in welfare databases and steal money meant for the poor, they allege.

The Tribune's finding is the latest in reported privacy breaches, raising concerns about the Indian government's ability to protect its citizens from hackers. In the past, government websites have accidentally leaked the data of thousands of citizens.

India's Unique Identification Authority, which oversees the Aadhaar program, said in a statement that "Claims of bypassing or duping the Aadhaar enrollment system are totally unfounded. Aadhaar data is fully safe and secure and has robust, uncompromised security." Modi's governing Bharatiya Janata Party tweeted from its official account that the Tribune's report was "fake news."

The program has faced criticism in India, and the latest development stokes growing privacy fears. Internet campaigner Nikhil Pahwa said in a tweet that campaigners had warned against potential breaches of data for years. "As the usage and linkage of Aadhaar grows, this is going to increase. Bad, bad design," he wrote.

In August, the Supreme Court ruled that privacy is a fundamental right for Indian citizens. The ruling may affect the government's efforts to extend the Aadhaar program to cover every citizen.

For months, government officials in India set up registration centers in cities and villages, snapping photographs and taking iris and fingerprint scans of citizens for a single, centrally secured database. In some hospitals, officials say, babies are given 12-digit registration numbers within minutes of being born.

According to Nandan Nilekani, the tech titan who designed the program, enrolling India's citizens has saved the government billions of dollars. It has won Modi praise from foreign dignitaries. Bill Gates, on a recent visit to India, hailed it as a "12-digit lie detector," and the World Bank's chief economist Paul Romer said "it could be good for the world if this became widely adopted." Delegations from Tanzania, Bangladesh and Afghanistan have visited India to talk about how it could be replicated in their own countries.

Although signing up isn't mandatory, the Indian government has made Aadhaar registration mandatory for access to many crucial government services. Banks have threatened to freeze accounts if they are not linked with Aadhaar numbers.

In a news report, relatives of a woman said she died after being turned away from a hospital because her family did not have her Aadhaar card. In another case, activists said an 11-year-old girl died because food rations were denied to her because she did not have an Aadhaar card.
After a year-long court battle, details of Kirbyville school superintendent Tommy Wallis' contentious tenure and forced departure from his previous district will be made public, a Travis County judge ruled late last month.

Wallis, who was forced to resign from Bryan ISD last fall, sued the district and the Texas Attorney General's Office to block the release of information related to his time at the district in response to records requests from Bryan-College Station area media.

> > MORE: Judge says Bryan officials not in contempt for Wallis document leak

He was hired by Kirbyville CISD in March 2017. Wallis' history was called into question after high school principal Dennis Reeves killed himself in the school's parking lot on May 23 after he was confronted by Wallis and an assistant superintendent about an alleged affair with a secretary.

A document leaked after Reeves' death accused Wallis of more than a dozen alleged ethics violations while in Bryan.

> > TIMELINE: Tensions in Kirbyville

In a ruling issued on Dec. 20, Judge Tim Sulak ordered that most documents requested from Bryan ISD by local media are not confidential and must be released after the ruling becomes final and after parties have had time to appeal.

He ordered that 26 pages of documents and an additional exhibit be kept confidential

under a section of the Texas Education Code that protects educators' performance evaluations from public release.

All other documents requested under the Texas Public Information Act and approved for release by Attorney General Ken Paxton in open records letter rulings must be released, according to Sulak.

Those requests included emails related to alleged misconduct and complaints and information related to an unnamed employee's request for leave and resignation.

The district also received requests for self-evaluation forms and a recording of a meeting related to a personnel matter.

In four letter rulings in December 2016 and January 2017, Paxton ruled that some of the requested information could be withheld under rules including those governing educator evaluations, contact information and intimate and embarrassing information that is not of public interest.

Paxton said the remaining information should be released.

Wallis' lawyers declined to comment until the ruling is final.

The Attorney General's Office and Bryan ISD's attorneys could not be reached for comment.

According to a recording of a Sept. 19 meeting published by The Eagle, the Bryan-College Station newspaper, former Bryan ISD board president Doug Wunneburger told Wallis that he needed to resign. When Wallis argued, Wunneburger suggested he accept the offer to resign and receive his full salary through the academic year "to preserve your reputation and Bryan ISD's."

He had applied for at least 17 jobs outside the district at the time, according to the recording, and was accused of prioritizing his own interests over the district's.

As part of his separation agreement, he was paid $83,000 and given a letter of reference saying he "commendably served" the district and calling him "an accomplished leader, dedicated to children and learning."

According to the document leaked to Bryan media in violation of an injunction issued after Wallis filed suit, he was accused of more than a dozen violations of Bryan ISD's code of ethics, including trying to circumvent policy to alter salaries, using district resources to apply for jobs, making inappropriate comments about staff members and students and interfering with the process for choosing an insurance vendor.

The document was produced by a Bryan ISD administrator at the direction of the Bryan ISD board of trustees in September 2016, one month before they signed the separation agreement.

The complaint was given to The Eagle in June by two district employees, who asked to remain anonymous to protect their jobs. They said they released it in light of Reeves' death.

Kirbyville CISD board president Joe Brecht said in February, when Wallis was named the lone finalist for the position, that he was chosen from 31 candidates and had been thoroughly vetted.

LTeitz@BeaumontEnterprise.comTwitter.com/LizTeitz
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You can't fight fire with ice. That's a frozen fact that public safety officials are grappling with as extreme cold continues to grip much of the country this week. Broken water mains make fire hydrants weak. The water that firefighters carry on their trucks can freeze. Pumps lock up. Firefighters fall down.

"You see people trip on hose lines during sunny days, much less add ice, too," said northern Virginia firefighter Chris Kamienski.

Plumbers have their own low-temp truisms (pipes burst), as do drivers (batteries fail), engineers (metal breaks) and doctors (joints ache from cold, bones crack from falls). It's all the toll of the cold. When the air gets down near zero, parts fail and people despair. From freight rails to frost bite, a deep freeze can mean deep trouble for a city - and a species - built to operate at more temperate temperatures.

Meteorology has become a doomsday science. Bomb cyclone? Polar vortex? Wind chills below zero? What happened to scattered flurries?

"When things get very cold, things change," John Jarrell, president of Materials Science Associates in Rhode Island said. "The nature of materials change, and the systems we've designed to operate at normal temperatures are stressed."

The evidence is everywhere. Crews are struggling to keep up with a record number of fractured water mains, with dozens reported in the Maryland suburbs. D.C. Water was working to fix 77 others while fielding more than 200 emergency calls a day tied to the frigid temperatures. Plumbers reported hundreds of calls for broken pipes at homes, apartments and office buildings, including a burst hot-water supply line earlier this week that spawned a small sidewalk glacier in downtown Washington.

More than 5,000 motorists in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia called for help before the worst cold weather even hit, mostly for dead batteries, flat tires and getting locked out of their vehicles, probably from leaving keys in their cars while warming them up, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic.

School systems in the area in Washington metro area struggled to get their buses on the road, and nearly all, closed on Thursday. Two districts announced a two-hour delay Friday, while one said it would remain closed.

In Fairfax, Virginia, about 200 of the district's nearly 9,000 bus routes had been delayed Wednesday or affected by buses with faulty batteries, freezing brake lines or other weather-related damage, officials said.

The cold played its winter wiles on bodies too. Sometimes the bodies were complicit, such as the young people in Loudoun County, Virginia, who found themselves in hypothermic waters earlier this week after driving their SUV on the ice, or the skater who broke her wrist on the frozen C&O Canal.

But some bystanders were also felled by the freeze. Joints, particularly arthritic ones, grow achy in the extreme cold, possibly because the low barometric pressure causes tissues to swell. Sufferers of cold urticaria disorder get an itchy allergic reaction to cold air, and Raynaud's disease causes fingers and toes to go numb at times like these.

The deep cold literally takes the body outside its comfort zone, that core ideal around 98.6 degrees.

"The body is constantly trying to maintain the narrow range of temperatures where everything works optimally," said Ranit Mishori, professor of family medicine at Georgetown University School of Medicine. "When the body starts to lose heat, there is a cascade of responses."

The muscles contract and relax spasmodically - shiver - to generate heat, which requires increased glucose usage. Blood vessels constrict, helping to trigger an inflammatory response in the nostril lining that doctors call cold induced rhinorrhea and to the rest of us describe as a runny nose.

The heart, too, has to work harder to keep a body warm, increasing the chance of a heart attack for those at risk, said Bradley Boyd an orthopedic physician on call for Virginia Hospital Center's emergency room.

It was a remarkable bill of physical breakdown and cracked routines in a week without significant snow or high winds. It was pure cold air snapping bits off the built environment and the human psyche, even before the bomb cyclone detonated and the most frigid air of the season rushed into the region Thursday night. This winter, still in its infancy, was already wearing on the local spirit.

"I am so tired of being cold - already!," lamented Julie Ann Pixler, a former C-SPAN producer, on The Post's Facebook page.

The main cold weather culprits, according to Jarrell, are the facts of physics. Extreme cold causes most materials - such as plastic pipes and metal parts - to become less flexible and more brittle. If your subway car has to single track around a cracked rail, you can impress your fellow passengers by blaming the dreaded "ductile to brittle transition."

Water, on the other hand, swells when it freezes, forming a perfect pipe-breaking scenario, especially when the temperatures are cold enough to penetrate deep into the ground where the usually snug pipes are buried.

Chemical reactions, meanwhile, tend to slow in the cold, weakening car batteries. Oil becomes thicker and frozen metal parts shrink at different rates - think about aluminum pistons sitting in tight iron cylinders - making engines harder to budge for those already feeble batteries. Nothing is quite normal.

Think of a Milky Way bar, Jarrell suggests. Break it in two at room temperature and its various layers will stretch and ooze at different delicious viscosities. But pull it from the freezer and "you can snap it like a candy cane," said Jarrell. "At low temperatures, things begin to act in ways contrary to what we're used to."

Kamienski, along with firefighters across the region, know how tricky it gets with winter and water. He points to the "pump shift" knob below the steering wheel of Engine 101, the controls he'll use to keep the water moving through the truck's 750-gallon tank and 30-gallon pump to keep it fluid. Elsewhere, the truck's cold weather kit includes a plastic sled to pull injured people over frozen ground, snow shovels and cat litter to spread over slippery patches.

Ice can lock firefighters' extension ladders up. Frozen hoses refuse to coil. But the calls keep coming. An overhead screen flashed the details of a medical call. In his rush to respond, Kamienski almost left his new insulated Yeti mug behind.

"Don't want to forget my Christmas gift," he said.

At the Washington Aqueduct, workers battled the freezing Potomac by hand, like ancient whalers, using steel rods to punch through ice two inches thick near the intake pipes that supply the District and parts of northern Virginia with drinking water.

Crews had scrambled to break up the bergs Sunday after ice began to block the pipes and the reservoir level dropped, said Thomas Jacobus, the aqueduct's general manager. "Ice eater" machines churned the water with propellers to keep more ice from forming, he said.

With even colder temperatures forecast, the aqueduct had a crane and wrecking ball standing by to break up large chunks that could overwhelm the intake.

Jacobus said aqueduct officials couldn't remember another stretch when night temperatures dipped into the single digits and daytime temperatures didn't reach above freezing. "This is what you expect in Iowa for goodness sakes," Jacobus said. "Nothing has a chance to warm up to defrost itself."

Workers have wrapped black plastic around equipment to try to trap in heat and brought in portable heaters to keep smaller pipes from freezing. The extreme cold also makes chemical reactions in the water-treatment process sluggish. Crews are adding more coagulants to get dirt to settle and keeping an eye on chlorine levels to make sure the chlorine has enough time to kill bacteria.

"Our systems are taxed," Jacobus said. "We'll be OK, but we are right at the edge of the capabilities of our heating systems. They're not built for this."

And neither are we.

---

The Washington Post's Katherine Shaver, Luz Lazo, Debbie Truong, Perry Stein, Lori Aratani, Michael E. Ruane and Dana Hedgpeth contributed to this report.
Newly returned search warrants reveal a harrowing scene inside a home in Reston, Virginia, where police say a couple were shot and killed in late December by a 17-year-old who they believed was espousing neo-Nazi views to their daughter.

Investigators wrote that they recovered 10 cartridge cases, a knife and hammer from the home of Scott Fricker, 48, and Buckley Kuhn-Fricker, 43. They also found what appeared to be blood stains on a hallway wall, on a bedroom wall, on a bedroom door and on a hallway floor, among other locations.

One search warrant states bullet fragments and holes were found in an office, in a ceiling and in a hallway.

One search warrant also states the suspect in the case was a juvenile offender, but does not detail his conviction or convictions. The Washington Post generally does not name juveniles charged with crimes, unless they are charged as adults.

The details are some of many in the documents, which shed light on the slaying that has generated national attention in recent weeks. The documents also broadly confirm an account of the killings provided by family and friends to The Washington Post.

One of the new search warrants states the investigation revealed the homeowners were opposed to their daughter's relationship with a teenager and recently told her to stop dating him.

Friends and family have said Buckley Kuhn-Fricker grew alarmed after discovering a Twitter account she believed was tied to the teen and that had retweeted numerous tweets that were anti-Semitic, anti-gay, and that praised Hitler and called for a "white revolution."

The family staged an intervention with the daughter in the days before the killing, family and friends said, telling her she could no longer see the teen because of his views. They said the girl had agreed and broke off the relationship.

The search warrants state officers were called to the Fricker home on Black Fir Court around 5 a.m. on Dec. 22 for a report of a person shot. Investigations revealed the suspect and family had a confrontation inside the home.

"The suspect was observed in a verbal confrontation with the homeowners," one search warrant reads. "The confrontation turned violent and the suspect shot and killed the homeowners."

A family member said detectives had told them that the Frickers possibly heard a sound inside the home and found the suspect inside their daughter's bedroom.

The couple confronted the teen and told him to leave, according to the account. He then opened fire on the couple, before shooting himself in the head, the family said. Fairfax County police said the teen remains hospitalized in critical condition and has not been served with the charges yet.

One of the search warrants states there was communication between Buckley Kuhn-Fricker and the suspect's family. A friend of the family's told The Washington Post that Buckley had texted the mother of the suspect in the days before the killings to tell her that the teens could no longer date.

Investigators also found a phone they believed might be the suspect's sister's phone inside the Fricker's home. The search warrant states the suspect often takes it and uses it.

Investigators recovered gun parts, ammunition and a gun box from the suspect's Lorton home, according to a search warrant.

Neighbors of the suspect reported he had mowed a large swastika into a community lot in their neighborhood in October.
WASHINGTON - Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Thursday made it easier for U.S. prosecutors to enforce federal marijuana laws in states that had legalized the substance - drawing swift criticism from jurisdictions that have approved pot use and stirring confusion among entrepreneurs in the burgeoning billion-dollar industry.

Whether Sessions' Justice Department actually busts dispensaries or others involved in state-approved pot production remains to be seen, but his decision to undo previous guidance and possibly put a federal crackdown on the table riled business people, legislators and civil liberties advocates across the country.

Though marijuana already was illegal under federal law, the Justice Department during the Obama administration had issued guidance - which Sessions revoked - discouraging enforcement of the law in states where it was legal.

Eight states and the District of Columbia have laws allowing for recreational marijuana consumption, according to NORML, a group that advocates legalization and tracks pot-related legislation. Many more permit the use of medical marijuana.

Those opposing federal pot laws said they felt Sessions was trying to stop the country's momentum toward full legalization of marijuana - which just days earlier had become legal to some fanfare in California. They warned that Sessions wants to impose his view that the country should return to the war on drugs. Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., a member of Sessions' political party, even threatened to hold up the confirmation of nominees for key Justice Department leadership posts in response.

Sessions countered that he was merely enforcing federal law, which prohibits marijuana use, and giving discretion to U.S. attorneys.

"It is the mission of the Department of Justice to enforce the laws of the United States, and the previous issuance of guidance undermines the rule of law and the ability of our local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement partners to carry out this mission," the attorney general said in a statement. "Therefore, today's memo on federal marijuana enforcement simply directs all U.S. Attorneys to use previously established prosecutorial principles that provide them all the necessary tools to disrupt criminal organizations, tackle the growing drug crisis, and thwart violent crime across our country."

Sessions announced his decision in a memo sent to U.S. attorneys. He said prosecutors should disregard the old guidance and instead use their discretion - taking into consideration the department's limited resources, the seriousness of the crime, and the deterrent effect that they could impose - in weighing whether charges were appropriate.

Soon after the decision became public, Gardner wrote on Twitter the move "directly contradicts what Attorney General Sessions told me prior to his confirmation," and he was "prepared to take all steps necessary, including holding DOJ nominees, until the Attorney General lives up to the commitment he made to me prior to his confirmation."

The Department of Justice still lacks leaders in several key spots, including heads of the national security, criminal and civil rights divisions. In an interview, Gardner said that while he personally opposed marijuana legalization, his state voted otherwise.

"I talked to Jeff Sessions today, and we are going to have a conversation next week," Gardner said. "Let's just say, there was no reconciliation of differences."

Even President Donald Trump had said in 2016 that he would not use federal authority to shut down sales of recreational marijuana and instead believed the matter should be left "up to the states."

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Thursday, though, that Trump "strongly believes that we should enforce federal law" and the Justice Department's move "simply gives prosecutors the tools to take on large-scale distributors."

In a briefing with reporters, a senior Justice Department official said it was unclear whether the new directive would lead to more prosecutions, because that will be up to individual U.S. attorneys across the country. But the official said previous guidance "created a safe harbor for the marijuana industry to operate in these states," and that was inconsistent with federal law.

There are 93 U.S. attorney slots across the country, and so far, Trump has nominated 58 people, 46 of whom have been confirmed by the Senate. On Wednesday, Sessions picked 17 more to serve in interim posts, including in Nevada, California and Washington, where marijuana is legal.

The U.S. attorney in Colorado, where marijuana also is legal, issued a statement saying his prosecutors had already been guided by the principles Sessions outlined and would, "consistent with the Attorney General's latest guidance, continue to take this approach in all of our work with our law enforcement partners throughout Colorado."

Cannabis entrepreneurs in the Mountain West and West Coast said they were left with even more uncertainty after waking up to the news that Sessions was changing the state of play.

"Everyone was calling and texting and asking for guidance. I think it certainly makes everyone insecure and adds a layer of confusion to an already complex landscape," said Krista Whitley, founder and CEO of Las Vegas-based Altitude Products, which sells recreational and medicinal cannabis products. "What we're looking for in this industry is some level of confidence in where the future lies, and some level of security."

She said the Sessions decision could scare away some investors who had been eager to participate in what has been dubbed the "green rush."

Andrew Freedman, former director of marijuana coordination for the Colorado governor - he was known as the state's "marijuana czar" - said he wasn't surprised by the news from Washington because "Sessions always wanted to create chaos in the industry."

He said that under the Obama-era guidance, there remained tension between federal and state law but there was at least guidance about how states and the federal government could align their priorities.

Sessions' Justice Department has taken a hard line against marijuana. He has said in the past he did not believe marijuana should be legalized, suggesting at an appearance last year that medical marijuana had been "hyped, maybe too much." His department also has effectively blocked the Drug Enforcement Administration from taking action on more than two dozen requests to grow marijuana for use in research.

Sessions and top Justice officials had long been reviewing the 2013 guidance from then-Deputy Attorney General James Cole and related memos directing federal prosecutors to effectively back off marijuana enforcement in states that had legalized the substance and had a system in place to regulate it. His new directive also ostensibly affects medical marijuana, though other guidelines might dissuade prosecutors from actually bringing a case against someone using the substance for medical purposes.

In practice, the previous guidance meant U.S. attorneys in jurisdictions that had legalized marijuana at the state level were often reluctant to bring marijuana cases. They might now be more willing to consider such prosecutions - though they will still potentially have to contend with jurors sympathetic to defendants whose conduct would not be illegal under state law.

John Moscow, a former New York county prosecutor, said, though, they might have another option under laws that allow federal authorities to seize money or property apart from bringing criminal charges.

"Prosecutors may not want to bring criminal charges involving marijuana because juries are not necessarily sympathetic to the claim that this is a crime to which people should be prosecuted. But prosecutors can avoid the risk of loss by seeking to forfeit all the money and all the property involved in the sale of marijuana under civil forfeiture laws," he said.

The DEA does not necessarily consider marijuana its highest priority in every jurisdiction, an official said, though agents do feel it is problematic in some areas, including in states where it is legal.The Fraternal Order of Police issued a news release praising the directive as good for public safety and health.

"Our members don't make law or policy - we enforce it," FOP National President Chuck Canterbury said. "If our citizens want to change the existing law, they should do so. As law enforcement officers, we cannot pick and choose what laws will be enforced."

- - -

The Washington Post's Karen Tumulty contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON - The Trump administration will suspend most security assistance to Pakistan, the State Department said on Thursday, expanding its retribution over militant safe havens that U.S. officials blame for ongoing violence in Afghanistan.

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert, speaking to reporters, said the suspension would allow the administration, which will freeze the aid payments but not allocate the money elsewhere, to reassess in the coming year.
Steve Bannon pledged his continued support of Donald Trump after the president's forceful denunciation of his former chief strategist finalized a political divorce that is forcing a reckoning within the Republican Party.

"Nothing will ever come between us and President Trump and his agenda," Bannon told a caller on Breitbart radio Thursday morning, adding "we're tight on this agenda as we've ever been."

The rift between the former political partners was sparked by comments Bannon made in a forthcoming book about the Trump White House, calling meetings between Trump's family members and Russian operatives "treasonous," among other statements. Trump's lawyer sent Bannon a cease-and-desist letter alleging he broke a confidentiality agreement by "making disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements" about Trump and his family to the book's author.

Trump told reporters at the White House Thursday that Bannon's more complimentary comments Wednesday evening and Thursday show his former aide "obviously changed his tune very quick." He added that he is no longer in regular touch with Bannon, saying "I don't talk to him. That's just a misnomer."

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ALSO Mercer issues rare public rebuke of former ally Bannon

The breakup between the two is primed to benefit establishment Republicans led by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who's long argued that Bannon's promotion of fringe candidates hurts Republican chances to retain control of Congress. McConnell's allies openly cheered Trump's break with Bannon, after excerpts from the book emerged Wednesday.

Candidates, donors and party leaders will likely be forced to choose sides -- between Bannon, the blustery face of far-right populist nationalism, and the president who elevated that ideology to the Oval Office.

The book, "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House" portrays the president as paranoid, erratic and often inept and his administration as riven by petty rivalries that often made accomplishing anything impossible. At the heart of it is Bannon, whom author Michael Wolff quotes discussing his concern that any attempt by Trump to fire special counsel Robert Mueller over his Russia investigation "just brings the impeachment quicker," according to a copy of the book obtained by Bloomberg.

In the book, Bannon recounts telling Trump that not only would Attorney General Jeff Sessions leave but also other Trump Justice Department appointees. "We'll be digging down into Obama career guys. An Obama guy will be acting attorney general," Bannon says. He calls one member of Mueller's team, Andrew Weissmann, "the LeBron James of money laundering investigations," a sign to Bannon that was a primary focus of the probe. He also makes clear that he considers Trump's son at risk of indictment -- saying Mueller will "crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV" over his meeting with a Russian lawyer at Trump Tower in June 2016. Bannon called the meeting "treasonous" and "unpatriotic." He also considers son-in-law Jared Kushner at risk for "greasy" deals.

Wolff asserts that Trump had to be talked out of appointing Kushner to be White House chief of staff and elevating Rudy Giuliani, the former New York mayor and an early supporter, to the Supreme Court.

Bannon declined to comment but he pledged to continue supporting Trump on radio broadcasts.

"The president of the United States is a great man," Bannon said late Wednesday on Breitbart News Tonight, a radio broadcast on Sirius XM. "You know I support him day in and day out."

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders denounced the book as "tabloid fiction."

Republican strategists see Bannon's removal from Trump's orbit as improving the odds the president takes a more traditional role in helping congressional Republican leaders to protect their majorities in the House and Senate, and hope he'll be less likely to resort to his more combative instincts.

"That outside antagonist is now gone, making it more likely we'll see a Republican president do what he can to protect the Republican majorities that he has worked with to deliver tax reform, judges, regulatory reform," said Scott Jennings, a Republican operative close to McConnell.

The Senate leader's campaign staff tweeted a GIF video of the Republican leader sitting silently at his desk, grinning, after the White House released Trump's statement on Bannon.

Still, Trump has regularly turned to his populist base when under political pressure, working to avoid any erosion among his most loyal followers while his popularity sits at historic lows for a first-year president, ending the year with a 40 percent job approval in Gallup's daily tracking poll. Mueller's ongoing investigation presents a constant peril.

Bannon and his allies view the Breitbart News chief as the keeper of promises Trump made to the white working-class voters who helped elect him and believe the president was already falling victim to the establishment he vowed to overturn -- for example, by abandoning his promise to force Mexico to pay for a border wall and by signaling a willingness to protect undocumented immigrants brought to the country as children from deportation.

Bannon joined Trump's presidential campaign late but steered it through its critical final months, taking over as chief executive in mid-August 2016, when Trump trailed opponent Hillary Clinton by 7 percentage points in national polls. He was the president's chief strategist and perhaps most visible adviser in the frenzied opening months of the Trump administration. Bannon was fired in August, weeks after John Kelly took over as White House chief of staff.

The split with Bannon provides an opportunity for Trump, but not without risk. Breaking from the strategist, who boasted privately in September that he still spoke with the president two to three times a week, could help Trump reset his presidency with a symbolic division from the fringe elements of his base that dragged down his approval rating among moderates.

But the president has also lost a fall guy for devastating political miscalculations, like his decision to criticize "both sides" after last summer's violence at a white supremacist demonstration in Charlottesville, Virginia.

"Bannon provided Trump with one of his convenient shields that could be discarded in case of emergency," Republican strategist Doug Watts said.

The divide between the two men began after Bannon endorsed former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore for the Senate over Trump's preferred candidate, incumbent Luther Strange. Moore defeated Strange, but lost to Democrat Doug Jones in December after several women alleged that the Republican had engaged in sexual misconduct with them while they were teenagers and he was an adult.

Trump has said he always expected Moore to lose, despite endorsing him before the election, and blamed Bannon for the defeat in his statement on Wednesday.

The president aligned himself more closely to McConnell after the December passage of a sweeping tax overhaul that represented Trump's last shot to sign major legislation in his first year in office.

"I would like to congratulate @SenateMajLdr on having done a fantastic job both strategically & politically on the passing in the Senate of the MASSIVE TAX CUT & Reform Bill," Trump tweeted Dec. 20, using McConnell's Twitter handle, after the bill passed the Senate. "I could have not asked for a better or more talented partner."

The break with Bannon will present a high-stakes conundrum for Republicans such as investor Robert Mercer, who has bankrolled both Trump's campaign and Bannon's media projects. A spokesman for Mercer's political operation didn't respond to a request for comment. Far-right Republican candidates hoping to harness both Bannon's political operation and Trump's coattails in elections this year also must recalibrate.

In Arizona, a spokesman for Senate candidate Kelli Ward issued a statement distancing herself from Bannon, a featured guest at the October kickoff for her campaign to replace retiring incumbent Sen. Jeff Flake. Bannon was "only one of many high-profile endorsements" she had received, Ward said.

Quotes in Wolff's book also raised questions about the future of Katie Walsh, a former White House deputy chief of staff. She left the administration last summer to start America First Policies -- an outside nonprofit organization supporting Trump.

Some top Republicans see the Bannon breakup as bolstering that group's prospects, with the group no longer competing with Bannon for the money and loyalty of Trump supporters.

Others say that critical comments on Trump attributed to Walsh in Wolff's book -- she said that working for him was "like trying to figure out what a child wants," Wolff reported -- could mean her exile from the president. Walsh denied making the remarks.

Four Republicans close to the White House said on Wednesday that Walsh remains in good standing with the Trump team and in her job at the Republican National Committee.

---

Bloomberg's David Voreacos and Andrew Martin contributed.
Governor Khan also asserted that his job is to see that the business of the government is transacted in accordance with the law.
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A 10-day hunger strike over prison conditions at a North Texas lock-up has come to an end, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

The action, which prison officials said was driven by complaints over recreational time and food portions and temperature, started with more than 45 administrative segregation prisoners on Christmas Day at the Allred Unit.

By Wednesday morning, 37 inmates were still turning down meals at the Iowa Park facility. Just before 6 p.m., TDCJ spokesman Robert Hurst said all the men had accepted meal trays.

Now Playing: The United States has one of the highest incarceration rates in the world, Particularity in the South. Nick Cardona has the story Video: Brandpoint

"I have not heard anything to support that," said Jennifer Erschabek of Texas Inmate Families Association. When word of the strike first broke, Erchabek questioned whether the cause could be a lack of heat in cells or a food complaint of some kind. Hurst later clarified it was not heat-related, and stressed that the prison was monitoring the situation.

"Most of the offenders have items purchased in the commissary in their cells," he said about a week into the strike. "The department is closely monitoring their food intake and will take appropriate action as needed."

When asked why the hunger strike ended, Hurst said: "It ended because they accepted meals." He did not specify whether any of the prisoners' concerns were addressed.

A day later, another prison spokesman clarified that "there was no stated reason" for ending it.

"Their complaints varied but regional and unit administrators met with offenders and continue to have an ongoing dialogue," said spokesman Jason Clark.

The 3,722-inmate facility just south of the Oklahoma border typically houses one of the system's largest populations of administrative segregation, a non-punitive form of isolation for inmates deemed a security risk or danger to others.

Earlier this year, TDCJ quietly put an end to the use of punitive solitary confinement. Thousands of inmates are still in administrative segregation, but that number has markedly decreased in recent years.

As of late July, 573 segregated inmates - roughly 15 percent of the system's entire administrative segregation population - were housed at Allred.
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SAVANNAH, Ga. - A brutal winter storm smacked the coastal Southeast with a rare blast of snow and ice Wednesday, hitting parts of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina with their heaviest snowfall in nearly three decades.

Forecasters warned that the same system could soon strengthen into a "bomb cyclone" as it rolls up the East Coast, bringing hurricane-force winds, coastal flooding and up to a foot of snow.

At least 17 deaths were blamed on dangerously cold temperatures that for days have gripped wide swaths of the U.S. from Texas to New England.

24-foot waves

A winter storm warning extended from the Gulf Coast of Florida's "Big Bend" region all the way up the Atlantic coast. Forecasters said hurricane-force winds blowing offshore on Thursday could generate 24-foot seas.

Schools in the Southeast called off classes just months after being shut down because of hurricane threats, and police urged drivers to stay off the roads.

In Savannah, snow blanketed the city's lush downtown squares and collected on branches of burly oaks for the first time in nearly eight years. William Shaw, a Savannah native, used baby steps to shuffle along a frozen road from his home to the post office.

"It almost seems the town is deserted just like in the last hurricane," said Shaw, 65. "There's no one on the street. It's got a little eerie feeling."

Dump trucks spread sand on major streets in Savannah ahead of the storm, and police closed several bridges, overpasses and a major causeway because of ice.

By the time the morning's dreary sleet and rain turned to fluffy snow, Savannah came out to play. Families with children flocked to Forsyth Park near the downtown historic district for snowball fights. The National Weather Service recorded 1.2 inches of snow - Savannah's first measurable snowfall since February 2010 and the first that exceeded an inch in 28 years.

Many flights canceled

Airports shut down in Savannah, Charleston and elsewhere as airlines canceled 500 flights Wednesday, and at least 1,700 more were canceled Thursday. Interstate 95 was nearly an icy parking lot for almost all of its 200 miles in South Carolina. Troopers couldn't keep up with the number of reported wrecks which numbered in the hundreds.

In Tallahassee, Fla., Michigan transplant Laura Donaven built a snowman 6 inches tall. The city tweeted that snow fell there for the first time in 28 years.

"I made a snowball and threw it at my dad," said Donaven, a 41-year-old hair salon owner.

The weather service said the winter storm will probably intensify into a "bomb cyclone" that could dump more than 8 inches of snow on the Boston area on Thursday and at least half a foot of snow in the New York City region.

Meteorologists have been using the term "bomb" for storms for decades, but the phrase went viral on social media on Wednesday. A storm is a bomb - or bombogensis happens - when it drops 24 millibars of pressure in 24 hours. This storm looks like it will intensify twice that rate, said Bob Oravec, lead forecaster at the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center.

Blizzard warnings were issued from Rhode Island to Maine. Oravec said he expects they could be extended as far south as parts of New York.

"It's sort of akin to a hurricane traveling up the coast," says Ryan Maue, a meteorologist at the private firm Weather.US.

Making the most of the South's bitter cold snap, the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro offered discounted tickets for those willing to brave the cold to see polar bears frolic in their kind of weather, along with Arctic foxes and elk.

As the cold pushed farther northward, Jerry Gorans found himself stunned by the frigid temperatures as he walked along the waterfront City Dock of Annapolis, Md., where birds stood still on icy water.

"This is the coldest I've been in probably 50 years," said Gorens, who lives in Fresno, Calif., and was visiting his wife's family in Maryland. "I mean, this is freezing cold. My feet hurt, my ears hurt."
TEHRAN, Iran - When they stepped through the gates of Tehran University last week, the student protesters had every expectation of igniting an impassioned rally against the government. After all, the university grounds had long been a flash point for demonstrations in the capital.

But this time, their exhortations went unheeded. "Proud Iranians, support us," they shouted, only to find pedestrians walking by, looking to see what the commotion was about but declining to join the protesters.

The protests that broke out a week ago in other parts of Iran - but never gained traction in the capital - have shown some signs of abating, though demonstrators are still taking to the streets after dark in many outlying provinces. Elite forces with the Revolutionary Guards Corps were deployed to three of them Wednesday - Hamadan, Isfahan and Lorestan - to help quell uprisings there.

The government took another step Wednesday to tamp down the uprising, staging pro-government rallies throughout the country and affording them generous coverage on state-controlled media.

But little of the action, either for or against the government, has found its way to the capital.

That stands in sharp contrast to 2009, when millions of middle-class people in Tehran erupted in anger over an election they saw as rigged.

Some say the difference may reflect a divide between Iran's urban and rural populations, with more sophisticated city dwellers dismissing the leaderless provincial protests as too violent and undisciplined.

Others see the chaos and violence in nearby Syria and worry about what could happen if Iran suffered a similar breakdown in authority. Still others, having gone through the 2009 protests and the brutal repression that finally contained the uprising, say they are willing to work patiently to wring economic and political concessions from the clerical government.

"Maybe it's the presence of security forces," said Farhad, a 33-year cybersecurity expert who refused to give his surname for fear of reprisals by authorities. "Or maybe Tehranis are just not interested."
WASHINGTON - Two new senators - Doug Jones, D-Ala., and Tina Smith, D-Minn. - were sworn in Wednesday, in a history-laden ceremony attended by three current and former vice presidents.

"Very humbling for me to be a part of it," Vice President Mike Pence said, after he presided over the swearing-in, in his role as president of the Senate.

In the swearing in of Smith and Jones, the Republican majority is narrowed to 51-49, but senators in both parties likely could see bright sides. For Republicans, Jones meant there would be no Sen. Roy Moore, an accused child molester whose election would have been hung around each of their necks. For Democrats, Smith's ascent ended a painful period when a popular but tarnished colleague, Al Franken, was dogged by charges of sexual improprieties that blemished the Democrats' efforts to capitalize on a tide of misconduct and harassment accusations.

Moments after the prayer and after the Pledge of Allegiance, the new senators readied themselves to walk down the aisle of the grand chamber. Former Vice President Joe Biden escorted Jones while former Vice President Walter Mondale and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., escorted Smith.

Smith, 59, the former lieutenant governor of Minnesota, was appointed by that state's governor to fill the seat left vacant by the departure of Franken.

She becomes the 22nd woman in a chamber that remains heavily lopsided in favor of men. Smith has already said she will run in a special election this November to claim the seat in her own right.

Jones replaces Sen. Luther Strange, a Republican who was appointed to fill the seat vacated by Jeff Sessions when Sessions became President Donald Trump's attorney general.

Black voters turned out in droves to support Jones, and he vowed in return to hire a diverse staff. He has already started to make good on that promise; on Tuesday, he named Dana Gresham, an African-American who previously served as an assistant secretary of transportation under former President Barack Obama, as his chief of staff.
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More than 1,100 Texas families have moved into FEMA-funded temporary housing four months after Hurricane Harvey, a pace Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush said on Thursday could be improved.

"We can always do better," Bush said in League City, where he appeared with a resident who had recently moved into a recreational vehicle paid for by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
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Properties / Hotels

Its going to be an exciting year for new hotel openings in 2018. Here are a few of the hottest hotel openings to look out for.

Jan 03, 2018 | By LUXUO

Some of the worlds most iconic hotels have gone through extensive renovations and after a much-anticipated wait, the properties are ready to re-open this year, while new properties will change the landscape at some of the most popular tourist destinations.



Hotel openings to watch out for in 2018

Hotel Lutetia, Paris

After going through a major facelift in 2014, Hotel Lutetia is ready to reopen next spring. All 184 rooms, including 47 suites and two penthouses will be updated with contemporary designs. Originally built as a luxury sister property to Pariss oldest department store, Le Bon Marche in 1910, the hotel boasts a fabled past with clients that include Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Josephine Baker. The Lutetia Brasserie will also reopen under the supervision of three Michelin-starred chef Gerald Passedat.

The NoMad, Los Angeles

When New Yorks buzzy NoMad hotel opens in January, it will bring in a huge culinary talent: chef Daniel Humm of Eleven Madison Park fame (the restaurant currently occupies the top spot in the influential Worlds 50 Best Restaurants 2017 ranking). All 241 rooms, including 31 suites are designed by Jacques Garcia and draw inspiration from the lobbys fully restored gold and blue Italianate ceiling. The hotel will also add another rooftop pool destination and gathering space to the citys booming downtown renaissance.

The Retreat at Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is one of Icelands signature tourist attractions that is set to open its first on-site luxury hotel in April 2018, which will offer its guests a more exclusive and private spa experience. Built into an 800-year-old lava flow, all 62 rooms at The Retreat will feature floor-to-ceiling windows, offering sweeping views of the geothermally-heated, milky-blue, mineral-rich waters and Icelands dramatic landscape and ever-changing skies. Guests will also have access to a new subterranean spa, and seven-course dining destination that will serve Icelandic cuisine with local ingredients.

Raffles Singapore

Declared a National Monument by the Singapore government a century after its opening in 1887, the iconic Raffles Singapore will re-open with new suite categories for short and long stays, modernised amenities, and refreshed dining concepts and meeting spaces. The hotel will also offer a range of new experiential packages that include master classes on how to make Singapore Sling cocktail (Singapores national drink), epicurean classes, wine workshops and wellness classes. The Raffles Singapore is slated to re-open in the second half of 2018.
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Lycoming College will host Pedro A. Rivera, Pennsylvania education secretary, and Noe Ortega, deputy secretary for the Office of Postsecondary and Higher Education at the Pennsylvania Department of Education, for a community discussion, Jan. 18 at 4 p.m., in the Mary Lindsay Welch Honors Hall on the corner of Fourth and Basin streets. The event is free and open to the public.

While on campus, Rivera and Ortega will meet separately with Lycoming College administrators and students to discuss improving education for all students in the state of Pennsylvania. In addition, they will speak to IU17 school superintendents from schools in Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan and Tioga counties.

Amy Rogers, associate professor of education and director of teacher education, said The education department at Lycoming College is excited for the opportunity to host the secretary of education and the deputy secretary for Pennsylvanias office of postsecondary and higher education on our campus for the day. What a wonderful way for our teacher candidates to learn about the current state of education in Pennsylvania! In addition to the community event, future teachers from Lycoming will have the chance to personally meet with the Secretary and his team of professionals.

Rivera has served in his current role since June 2015, and brings extensive public education experience to Harrisburg. He previously served as the superintendent of the School District of Lancaster, as well as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal and executive director.

Ortega comes the University of Michigan, where he served in several academic and administrative roles, including assistant director and senior research associate at the National Center for Institutional Diversity, and managing director of the National Forum on Higher Education.
MARTINSVILLE  A program designed to help local entrepreneurs be successful will be split in two this year, to try and better serve participants by customizing assistance they need.

Startup Martinsville-Henry County, Virginia, as the program has been called since it was launched two years ago, will focus this year on helping people bring to fruition ideas for new businesses. Classes will be held from 6-9 p.m. on Thursdays from Feb. 8 through April 5.

The new program, Grow Martinsville-Henry County, Virginia, will be held during the same hours on Tuesdays from Feb. 27 to March 20. It will be designed to help people who already have established businesses take their ventures to the next level, such as by expanding product lines and/or buying and installing new equipment that will enable them to add jobs, according to Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce President Lisa Fultz.

Patrick Henry Community College (PHCC) President Angeline Godwin, who has a professional background in economic development as well as higher education, will lead both programs.

With help from the college, the chamber started the boot camp-style program as Startup Martinsville, Virginia, in 2016 initially to help people establish businesses uptown. The program was expanded last year to help people interested in launching firms throughout the community.

Participants are eligible to take part in a business plan competition in which they can earn funds to put toward expenses such as rent and utility fees and business supplies. In May 2017, a total of $61,430 was awarded to seven entrepreneurial groups.

Funding is provided by the Chambers Partnership for Economic Growth (C-PEG), an independent affiliate that supports and helps fund economic development initiatives, as well as the West Piedmont Workforce Development Board, the Campbell Family Foundation and local developer George Lester.

More than 40 entrepreneurs initially participated in last years program. Godwin said that number makes her believe the community has really embraced our entrepreneurial culture.

Still, the number of participants made it hard for her to provide them individualized attention.

Dr. Godwin does an excellent job of teaching the participants, Fultz said, but it was hard to address the different levels (of attention that different participants needed) in one workshop.

With two smaller groups instead of one large group, Godwin will be able to provide each participant more face time, Fultz added.

Godwin said that during the holiday season, she shopped at businesses that already participated in Startup Martinsville-Henry County and saw up close how it benefited them. She said that seeing their successes energized her for taking part in this years effort.

I love, love, love, love this program, she said excitedly. I think it will really be a turning point for our community, having these dual tracks.

The more individual assistance that businesses can receive, the more likely they will be able to succeed, she and Fultz reasoned.

Although she leads the instruction, Godwin emphasized that I dont do this alone.

Its a team effort among her and other administrators at PHCC, she said.

This year, that team will include Rhonda Hodges, the colleges vice president of workforce, economic and community development; Tiffani Underwood, its coordinator of community development programs; and Matt Ratliff, its coordinator of corporate and donor relations.

Like in the past, this years programs will include presentations by people who have successfully started businesses locally, Godwin said.

So far, eight applications have been received for this years programs, and Fultz said she is aware of three other people who definitely plan to enroll  they just have not completed their applications yet. She said she expects the number of enrollees to substantially increase as the Jan. 23 deadline nears.

More information about the programs is on the chambers website at www.martinsville.com.

C-PEG workshop

Interested in starting a local franchise of a popular store or restaurant chain?

At noon Jan. 10, the Chambers Partnership for Economic Growth (C-PEG) will host a workshop to convey information on potential franchise opportunities in Martinsville and Henry County. The event will be held at The Heritage Conference and Events Center in Bassett.

C-PEG is an independent affiliate of the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce that supports and helps fund efforts to boost the local economy. It is partnering with Lester Properties and Retail Strategies, an Alabama firm working with the chamber to attract stores and restaurants to the community, to sponsor the workshop.

The workshop will provide information on minimum franchisee qualifications, incentives offered by franchisors, opportunities for military veterans to own and run businesses and contacts for retailers who may want a presence in the community, said chamber President/C-PEG Executive Director Lisa Fultz.

It is exciting to know some of these well-known regional and national franchises are interested in being part of our community and are looking for franchisee partners to make it happen, said Donna Morrison, vice president of Lester Properties.

Registration for the workshop is required, and lunch will be provided for $5. Anyone interested in attending can register via e-mail at info@mhcchamber.com or by calling the chamber at 632-6401.
Americas longest war has ended in abject shame and humiliation for US imperialism. Twenty years after the invasion of Afghanistan, the most powerful military force the world has ever known has been dealt total defeat at the hands of a band of primitive religious zealots.
After sitting out the last two games with the Boston Bruins as a healthy scratch, Anders Bjork will attempt to get back on track down at the AHL level.

The Bruins announced Wednesday evening that Bjork has been assigned to the Providence Bruins after tallying just two assists in his last nine games.

Bjork has appeared in 28 games with Boston this season, scoring four goals and adding eight assists with a plus-2 rating.

The former Notre Dame forward signed his entry-level contract with Boston back on May 30, 2017, and opened the 2017-18 season skating on Boston's top line with players such as Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron.

Bjork's season took a big hit early in November, as the speedy winger missed seven games due to injury. Bjork has only posted three total points (one goal, two assists) since returning to the lineup on Dec. 2.
BOSTON -- The office of Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey took credit Thursday now that Eversource is asking for less money in a rate increase from its Western Massachusetts customers.

Eversource said Wednesday it would seek less of a electricity rate increase in Western Massachusetts than planned because it will pay less in federal taxes under a new tax law passed in late December.

And Eversource customers in the eastern part of Massachusetts could see a rate cut, Eversource said.

The impact on individual rate payers, both commercial and homeowners, won't be known until later this month when the state Department of Public utilities issues a further ruling.

In a press release Thursday, Healey said she was the first attorney general in the country to publicly call for across-the-board cuts in electric, gas, and water rates, following the passage of the new law.

"This tax bill is being paid for by the people of Massachusetts, so the money should go back in their pockets," Healey in a news release. "Our office filed this action to ensure that these savings go to customers. We are glad that Eversource has done the right thing by agreeing to lower its rates and we call on all our state regulated utilities to do the same."

Healey represents utility rate payers in rate hike cases before the Department of Public Utilities in her capacity as a public advocate.

She filed her most recent challenge to Eversource's rate plans in December.

According to Eversource's announcement Wednesday, in Western Massachusetts, the former Western Massachusetts Electric Co. territory, the tax cut works out to a savings of $8.3 million a year. State regulators in November authorized Eversource to increase the total amount it intends to raise from customers by $24.8 million a year. Eversource now plans an increase of only $16.5 million a year.

In other parts of the state, the former NStar service territory, the tax savings is $47.6 million a year and a requested $35.4 million-a-year increase would change to a $12.2 million-a-year decrease.

Eversource spokeswoman Priscilla Ress said Wednesday that the rate reduction was voluntary on Eversource's part and not a reaction to Healey's filing.

The federal tax rate for corporations like Eversource will go from 35 percent to 21 percent, effective when new rates go into effect in February.

Eversource said the changes will be reflected in February bills.
SPRINGFIELD -- Job seekers looking to get trained for table-game jobs at the new MGM Springfield casino are invited to attend a series of information sessions and Massachusetts Casino Career Training Institute registration dates over then next few months.

The first session is set for Friday at the Quaboag Region Workforce Training and Community College Center, 79 Main St., Ware.

See a full list below.

Classes begin Feb. 26 at the Career Training Institute, according to a news release from Springfield Technical Community College.

STCC, Holyoke Community College and MGM are cooperating on the training school, which will be located in a building MGM owns at 95 State St. in Springfield. Students who complete two courses are guaranteed a tryout with MGM.

Prices for the training courses vary, from up to $199 for a four-week course, like for mini-baccarat, to as much as $599 for the 10-week course required for craps. Students will need good math and English skills and must be well versed in customer service. Those lacking basic skills will be referred to available basic skills training.

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

The school's goal is to run two cohorts of students through a 15- to 20-week program before the $960 million MGM Springfield casino opens for business in September.

MGM Springfield has promised the state that it is creating 3,000 permanent jobs. A rough breakdown of those jobs calls for MGM Springfield to hire at least 1,000 workers for the casino floor including dealers, pit managers, slot machine technicians and the like. The casino also will need 800 food, beverage and culinary workers and 115 hotel workers.

MGM expects to hire 55 for engineering and maintenance, 500 for general administration and 80 for valet parking, bus greeters and similar jobs.

The upcoming information sessions are designed to provide more information for anyone interested in careers at MGM Springfield. They will take place on the following dates and times at the MGM Springfield Career Center, 1259 East Columbus Ave., Springfield.

Saturday, Jan. 6

Wednesday, Jan. 10

Saturday, Jan. 20

Wednesday, Jan. 24

Saturday, Feb. 3

Wednesday, Feb. 7

Wednesday, Feb. 14

Friday, Feb. 16

In addition, the Career Training Institute offers several enrollment and registration events for those interested in game training. The institute will provide information and help in selecting classes, enrolling, filling out forms and more. Information sessions will be held on the following dates and times at various locations.

Friday, Jan. 5

Tuesday, Jan. 9

Thursday, Jan. 11

Tuesday, Jan. 16

Thursday, Jan. 18

Monday, Jan. 22

Tuesday, Jan. 30

Wednesday, Jan. 31

Monday, Feb. 5

Tuesday, Feb. 6

Registration also is available online for those who do not wish to attend one of the events. Visit mccti.org/school.html for more information.
CBS News has fired Steve Chaggaris, its political director, after allegations of "inappropriate behavior" surfaced.

Chaggaris, a native of Lynn, is a 1994 graduate of Ithaca College and began his journalism career at WMUR-TV in Manchester, N.H. in 1994.

"In the last two weeks, accounts of inappropriate behavior by Steve Chaggaris were brought to our attention and were immediately investigated," CBS said in a statement provided to Variety and CNN. "As a result, CBS News has severed ties with Mr. Chaggaris for violating company policy, effective immediately."

Chaggaris worked at CBS News for several years, having joined the network in 1999.

He left CBS News in 2010, but rejoined in 2012 to become its senior political editor. He was named its political director last March.

The decision to axe Chaggaris came six weeks after CBS fired Charlie Rose, the co-host of its morning show, after the Washington Post published detailed allegations of sexual misconduct by Rose.

Chaggris has not commented on his firing and his Twitter account has been deleted.
Open since late last year, Fogueira Portuguese Brazilian Steakhouse has brought the rodizio experience to East Longmeadow.

Located in a North Main Street space that previously housed a nightclub, the establishment features a grotto-like dining environment, complete with stacked wine barrels and flickering torchlight.

The menu at Fogueira incorporates a number of grilled seafood options such as Bachhau (salt cod -- $21), Polvo a Lagareiro (grilled octopus -- $21), and Camarao a Casa (spicy shrimp - $21).

Meat-based entrees like Febras de Porco (grilled pork loin - $17) and Bife a Casa (beef sirloin garnished with egg, ham, and wine sauce - $21) are available as well.

Starter choices at the restaurant range from Coxinhas (Brazilian Chicken Croquettes -- $8) and Steamed Mussels ($11) to Forgueira's own version of Chicken Wings ($10).

We sampled Frango No Churrasco (barbecued chicken -- $13 a half order, $22 a full order). Presented in hacked-into-chunk form, the herb-rubbed chicken was both savory and moist.

A ramekin of Brazilian barbecue sauce accompanied the chicken, but it wasn't the tomato-based mop-on we associate with "barbecue sauce." Instead, the chimichurri-style concoction was flavored with sweet red peppers, garlic, and herbs. The mild version we ordered proved to be spicy enough for our taste, so we'd guess the "hot" iteration packs a wallop.

Entrees at Fogueira come with two sides -- seasoned rice and Portuguese style fries. The latter, potato chip wannabes, are likable nonetheless.

A dish of garlicky, oil-cured olives is brought to the table along with menus.

The main attraction at Fogureira is rodizio. An all-you-care-to-eat style of service popularized in South American churrascarias (steakhouses), it's an experience involving skewered meats dished up tableside. Patrons can indulge in as much as they chose for one fixed charge.

At Fogureira the Rodizio is priced at $33 per person, with a kids' portion discounted to $15. The culinary choreography is standardized, so once Roidizio is ordered an oven-toasted loaf of bread that's been slashed and stuffed with garlic-laced cheese is delivered to the table.

Next comes a trip up to the hot and cold buffet, which typically displays rice, beans, side dishes, and several hot entrees.

The evening we visited chicken cooked in a red pepper sauce was being offered in addition to sides that included fried banana, a medley of carrot and cubed pumpkin, and sliced mango accented with chilies.

The buffet's cold area displayed salad greens, various vegetable enhancements, and an assortment of dressings.

Not long after we returned from the buffet the skewers of roasted meats started to arrive - individual lamb chops, sliced-tableside roast sirloin of beef, and sausage links in both sweet Italian and chourica-style variations.

Cubed beef filet, chunks of chicken and pork, both of which were bacon-wrapped, and beef short rib meat sliced off the bone were offered to us as well, as were chicken wings. We got a chance to try chicken hearts, a chewy and gamy-tasting nod to Brazilian tradition.

The end of the rodizio experience was signaled by the arrival of a skewer of grilled pineapple, slices of which served to cleanse the palate.

Our assessment of the experience was an enthusiastic thumbs up. Everything we sampled had been skillfully prepared, and our only complaint, if the comment that follows could be so characterized, was that the rodizio experience delivered too much of a good thing.

Forueira is fully licensed, offering a wine list with labels from California, South America, and Portugal. Bottle prices are typically around $30.

At the end of dinner the service staff brings around a dessert tray that displays a selection of cakes, house-made chocolate mousse, and pastel de nata, a Portuguese pastry.

We indulged in a wedge of Puddin Flan ($6.50) and appreciated its smooth dense texture. A pleasing hint of burnt sugar bitterness kept the caramel custard's inherent sweetness in check.

Offering a unique, all-you'd-like dining experience, Fogueira Portuguese Brazilian Steakhouse will definitely make meat enthusiasts happy.



Name: Fogueira Portuguese Brazilian Steakhouse

Address: 621 North Main Street, East Longmeadow

Telephone: (413) 733-7290

Website: fogueirasteakhouse.com

Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 3 to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Last call for rodizio is one hour before the kitchen closes.

Entree prices: $13 -$33

Credit cards: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Handicapped access: Accessible, with rest rooms equipped for wheelchairs

Reservations: Accepted






Matt Lauer, who was fired by NBC News in November after being accused of sexual misconduct, has been firing off advice to "Today" show producers.

The New York Post reported that the disgraced former co-host has been unable to emotionally let go of his job of 20 years, offering unsolicited feedback on the latest episodes.

One note from Lauer was was critical of the music used to open a segment.

Lauer's input has not been warmly welcomed by producers, the newspaper reported. However, a NBC spokesperson declined to comment on the matter.

Lauer's replacement, Hoda Kotb, told E! News on Tuesday that Lauer had been among the first to text her and offer his congratulations after she was officially appointed the new co-host of the "Today" show.

"It meant the world to me to hear from him," Kotb said. "It was really nice."
Prosper Portland has created the Affordable Commercial Tenanting Program to address a recent dramatic increase in retail rents and decrease in vacancy rates in the city of Portland, which have resulted in the displacement of small businesses from Portlands urban neighborhoods. The program seeks to:

reduce barriers to entry for underrepresented businesses

preserve the vitality of small businesses

provide business development opportunities that in turn offer needed goods and services to the community

advance our goal to build an equitable economy
Less than a decade after Google launched the age of the self-driving car, most of the main players have made some long-term commitmentsnot in the name of love, but to ensure success. With few exceptions, the companies eager to turn robots loose on our streets cant go through life alone. None have the particular combination of manufacturing, software, and customer-facing expertise this work demands.

The hookups between the software whiz kids and the folks with the factories are especially hot and heavy. In 2016, General Motors bought startup Cruise. Last year Ford invested $1 billion in Argo AI, and industry supplier Delphi went home with MIT spinoff Nutonomy. Now one of the last significant startups without a manufacturer to call its own has found its beloved.

Alex Davies

https://www.wired.com/story/aurora-urmson-volkswagen-hyundai/
The University of Montana will have just one woman as a permanent dean leading its 14 academic units.

Last month, Roberta Evans stepped down as dean of the Phyllis J. Washington College of Education and Health Sciences in order to do more research and teaching. And Shannon OBrien took a buyout as dean of Missoula College.

Their departures leave Dean of Libraries Shali Zhang as the only woman serving as a permanent dean, although Bitterroot College lists a female director on its website.

KEILA SZPALLER [email protected]

http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/university-of-montana-will-have-just-one-woman-as-a/article_01604439-8b44-55ff-a6eb-9a0a7cd4e81a.html#tracking-source=home-the-latest
California Needs a Housing-First Agenda: My 2018 Housing Package

Last year, California began a pivot from a housing-last policy to a housing-first policy. After a half century of bad housing policypolicy designed to make it incredibly hard and expensive to create housingwe began the long process of righting the ship and recognizing that housing must be a top priority.

Yet, even with last years fantastic housing package 15 strong pro-housing bills, including my housing streamlining bill, SB 35  much work remains, and we must continue our momentum toward a better housing future for the residents of our state. Whether in transit-rich city centers, suburbs, or rural areas, people throughout California need better access to housing. Californias housing shortage is statewide  with far too many people struggling with housing costs  and we need statewide housing solutions.

Scott Wiener

California State Senator. Urbanist. Environmentalist. Advocate for transit, housing, parks, and education. Democrat. #Resist http://www.scottwiener.com

https://medium.com/@Scott_Wiener/california-needs-a-housing-first-agenda-my-2018-housing-package-1b6fe95e41da
COLUMBUS, Ohio

Jan. 4, 2018

Robert Sprague

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December 28, 2017

Ohio

Brian Burger

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/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- House Bill 456, sponsored by Representative(R-), aims to makethe 19state to outlaw nurse mandatory overtime  a potentially dangerous practice occurring acrossthat can jeopardize safe patient care. The bill was introduced onIn 2011, the Joint Commission issued an alert that called for hospitals to intensify their efforts to monitor and address health care workers' risk for fatigue caused by extended shifts. Even after this alert, it is still common place into mandate RNs to work beyond their regularly scheduled hours. This practice is used to staff health care facilities on a regular basis and leads to nurse fatigue and burnout.Fatigue can affect nurses' ability to deliver optimal patient care. Research demonstrates that fatigue causes an increased risk in errors, decline in memory, reduced ability to learn, and impaired mood and communication skills. Further, scientific evidence links long working hours to many health effects, including cardiovascular disease and cancer.House Bill 456 would give nurses the right to refuse overtime if they feel too fatigued to continue to provide safe patient care without fear of termination or licensure sanctions."Nurses are professionals who are ethically-bound to assess their ability to care for their patients. If a nurse is too fatigued to provide the safe care his/her patient deserves, the nurse should have the right to refuse overtime without fear of discipline," states, president of the Ohio Nurses Association. "Prioritizing safe nurse staffing benefits everyone: nurses, patients and healthcare facilities. Research points to dissatisfied patients, increased errors and higher patient readmissions when nurses are not safely staffed. Furthermore, nurse burnout increases with regular extended shifts, leading to costly nurse-turnover for healthcare facilities," continued Burger. "The needs and safety of the patient and nurse need to be put first instead of trying to cut initial costs by using mandatory overtime to plug nurse staffing holes."Federal laws prohibit the amount of hours worked by pilots, train engineers and truck drivers because of the dangerous consequences of fatigue. Because there is a not a federal law protecting patients and nurses to this degree, 18 other states have passed laws prohibiting nurse mandatory overtime. Those states includeand"House Bill 456 stands up fornurses, which play a crucial and influential role in the treatment of patients," said Rep. Sprague. "This bill makes patient safety the highest priority, and no one should have their nursing license or employment threatened for declining unscheduled overtime after a scheduled shift."The Ohio Nurses Association helped pass the current RN Staffing Law in 2008  the foundation to begin addressingnurse staffing concerns. The staffing law requires hospital have nursing care committees who are tasked with creating, evaluating and adjusting the facility's nurse staffing plan.ONA also helped pass a budget amendment in 2017 that requires hospitals submit their nurse staffing plans to the Ohio Department of Health to increase hospital transparency."House Bill 456 is another much needed step innurses' quest for safe nurse staffing and quality patient care," Burger stated.About ONA: Formed in 1904, the Ohio Nurses Association is a powerful network of registered nurses who are committed to advancing nursing through education, political action and workplace advocacy. ONA is the leading voice of the approximately 190,000 professional registered nurses in. To become a member of the Ohio Nurses Association, visit www.ohnurses.org.

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ohio-nurses-association-applauds-introduction-of-house-bill-456--prohibit-requiring-nurses-to-work-overtime-300577663.html



SOURCE Ohio Nurses Association






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Zaidi has been involved with the Yoga Foundation at Mazar-e-Sharif, once the hub of the anti-Taliban Northern Alliance, set up by the Afghanistan Olympic Committee's zonal unit in collaboration with the Indian consulate there.Zaidi said in a telephonic interview that people in Afghanistan, particularly youths, were most enthusiastic about yoga."The reason is they find it beneficial in so many ways. People have been attracted to yoga because of the health benefits they can get from it as well as spiritual well-being," he said."Some are also interested in teaching and promoting yoga in other countries," he added. "And with all the conflict and war around them, they find yoga soothing."Zaidi's yoga classes are held mostly within the premises of the Indian consulate at Mazar-e-Sharif. Some are held in selected school classrooms."The classes attract both male and female students of all age groups," he said. "Some students are from women's organisations. Others are sportspersons or the physically challenged. There are a lot of children as well."A post-graduate in yoga from Dev Sanskriti Vishwa Vidyalaya (DSVV) in Haridwar and an Assistant Professor at its yoga department, Zaidi interacts with the Afghans learning yoga in English, Farsi and Urdu.While initially he found some hesitation amongst some Afghans in learning yoga as they felt it was linked to Hinduism, their understanding has radically changed now, he said.One reason for this, he felt, was the influence of the Indian media in Afghanistan. More and more Afghans realised that although an ancient Indian science, yoga was about mind control and having better health through systematic and regular practice.Zaidi admitted there were some problems too."While the environment in Afghanistan is generally favourable for yoga, there are certain constraints arising mostly from issues related to security," he said."These hinder free movement and classes outside the consulate complex have to be held under tight security."Afghan women in particular, both young and the not-so-young, prefer to learn yoga in classrooms instead of in the open, Zaidi said. "But it is safe to say that yoga has got a firm footing in Afghanistan."Two more yoga students from the Dev Sanskriti Vishwa Vidyalaya here are likely to be sent on similar deputations by the ICCR, said Pro Vice Chancellor Chinmay Pandya.Source: IANS
The National Weather Service has provided final snowfall totals from the noreaster that smacked the Northeast on Thursday.

Highest totals in the region were on Long Island where 16.4 inches fell in Suffolk County. The highest total in Rhode Island, eastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod was 17.5 inches.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - More than three months after he claims to have hidden a prize worth $1 million somewhere in Kent County, ArtPrize protestor Gurmej Singh says it has still gone undiscovered.

Singh, a Kalamazoo resident who calls himself Artist SinGh, announced the contest at the outset of 2017's ArtPrize Nine, saying he has hidden $100,000 in cash and $900,000 worth of his artwork somewhere in Kent County.

So far, it remains undiscovered, he said.

"The prize is still out there waiting to be found," said Singh in an interview on Thursday, Jan. 4. "There are a lot of people out there that are following this." A geo-locating device attached to the prize will notify him when the prize is found, Singh said.

Singh said he published a poem containing more clues to the treasure's location in late November. But that has not yet yielded a prize winner. The onset of winter and snow should not affect the public's ability to find the prize or damage the prize, he said.

Click here to read "The Message," Singh's poem with clues for finding his prize.

The main clues for the contest can be found in a 125-page code book Singh is selling for $39.99. "X the ArtPrize: Clue Book to Finding Treasure Worth 1 million dollars." Based on his book sales, Singh estimated about 6,000 persons are looking for the treasure.

Singh, who bills himself as "Michigan's Most Renowned Artist," was banned from ArtPrize in 2014 after bumping heads with ArtPrize officials over his performances and art placements.

In 2012, Singh's entry depicting Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein hanging from a noose was removed from the display area owned by Greg Gilmore, the proprietor of The B.O.B. night club.

In 2013, Singh ran afoul of ArtPrize and city officials when he expanded what was supposed to be a 40-foot-long mural in the Sixth Street Park into the "world's longest painting," a 3-mile-long piece that interfered with riverfront pedestrians and a foot race along the riverfront.

In 2014, he was banned for life when he bypassed the ArtPrize organization and hung 100 drawings on the windows of downtown restaurants and businesses during ArtPrize.

Frustrated by media accounts of his battles, Singh published his account of his ArtPrize battles in his book. Filled with clues to the whereabouts of his hidden prize, Singh said the code book has found eager readers who still text him photos of their treasure-hunting exploits.

Meanwhile, Singh said he has been place in the Guiness Book of World Records for singlehandedly producing the "Largest Professional Oil Painting" in the world.

Singh said he also plans to stage a treasure hunt similar to his Grand Rapids entry in the Middle Eastern city of Dubai, the city in the United Arab Emirates where he grew up and where members of his family live.

Last summer, Singh staged a treasure hunt in Detroit by placing 100 works of art in random locations around the city during its Great Lakes Food Art and Music Festival.

Singh, who valued each of the paintings at $10,000, hung upside down from a crane while creating his paintings during the festival.
In a letter to dealers concerning a March 2017 recall, Ford says it will also repair any coolant leaks found in some 200,000 vehicles recalled for an increased fire risk.

The Associated Press notes that the Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker originally said 10 months ago it would install a coolant level sensor with no mention of fixing any leaks. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said as recently as December 2017 that Ford's remedy included hardware and software updates.

In Ford's letter to dealers last month, it said: "localized overheating of the engine cylinder head may cause the cylinder head to crack, causing a pressurized oil leak that may result in a fire in the engine compartment."

When the recall was announced in late March, Ford said it was aware of 29 North American fires related to the recall, but no injuries.

The recall covers 208,584 2014 Ford Escapes, 2014 and 2015 Fiesta ST, 2013 and 2014 Fusion, and the 2013 through 2015 Transit Connect models equipped with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine.

"In the affected vehicles, a lack of coolant circulation could cause an engine to overheat, resulting in a crack in the cylinder head," Ford reported. "A cracked cylinder head can result in a pressurized oil leak. Oil that comes into contact with a hot engine surface increases the risk of a fire in the engine compartment."

Ford said in the letter to dealers that remedy parts are available for the affected Escape models, but the others will not be ready until later this month or next.
Mobile World finishes acquisition of Tran Anh Digital

The Gioi Di Dong (Mobile World) Co. Ltd. on January 3 officially finished the acquisition of Dien May Tran Anh (Tran Anh Digital), giving it the ownership of an over-90-percent stake at Tran Anh.













A store of Dien May Tran Anh









The combined market share of the two major electronics retailers in Vietnam is more than 30 percent at the time of the merger.

A representative of The Gioi Di Dong said the merger will help strengthen both companies. Dien May Xanh, a retail chain of The Gioi Di Dong, is reaping successes nationwide but still needs to increase its presence in the northern region, especially in inner Hanoi and neighbouring cities.

Meanwhile, Dien May Tran Anh is a big retail brand widely known in the north. As 34 supermarkets of Tran Anh have big scale and ideal locations, the tie-up can diversify their products for sale.

In the first nine months of 2017, Dien May Tran Anh earned over 2.4 trillion VND (105.3 million USD) in revenue. It targets more than 4 trillion VND in revenue (175.6 million USD) in 2018.-VNA
YPSILANTI, MI - Jermaine Dickerson has always had a talent for graphic design, but his true passion after graduating from Eastern Michigan in 2014 became social justice.

Two years later, the Ypsilanti resident found the perfect way to combine them.

Dickerson, 26, is founder of Hero Nation, an organization that believes everyone has a hero inside of them deserving to be celebrated.

Through his work helping residents of different backgrounds find self-empowerment through his many workshops, conventions and other activities, Dickerson is being awarded The Tamara Real Emerging Leader Award from the The Arts Alliance in Washtenaw County.

Dickerson said he uses super heroes as a symbol for how ordinary people can do great things.

"I've worked with a variety of different organizations. Non-profits, business institutions, workshops that all focus on self-empowerment, art and creativity," he said. "I'm a huge super hero fan. I love super heroes and social justice."

Dickerson will receive his award at The Arts Alliance's signature benefit, "THE pARTy! 2018." The event is a celebration of excellence in arts, sciences, and humanities across the Ann Arbor area.

Dickerson said he felt like he didn't deserve the award, but was excited for the recognition it would bring to his program.

"I was very humbled and very happy, but I don't do these things for the recognition," he said. "I am honored to have an opportunity to receive the award."

Dickerson, who was born in Detroit, said he hopes to expand Hero Nation to the metro area in the future.

The Tamara Real Emerging Leader Award is named for the late Tamara Real who served as The Arts Alliance's first executive director from 2002 - 2011. Among her many initiatives, she championed young leadership development.

Real died on Nov. 17, 2017 of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In her honor, the Emerging Leader Award is presented to an individual or team with the promising potential to advance the arts, sciences and humanities in Washtenaw County for many years to come.

"THE pARTy! 2018" takes place on Jan. 29 at Melange Bistro in Ann Arbor. Festivities begin at 5:15 p.m. with a private reception for honorees and sponsors followed by "THE pARTy! 2018" at 6:15 p.m.

In addition to Dickerson's Emerging Leader Award, The Arts Alliance's Medals for the Arts, Sciences and Humanities will be presented at "THE pARTy! 2018" to:

Outstanding Service Medal 2018

Philanthropic Excellence Medal 2018 -

Lifetime Achievement Medal 2018 -

For more information about "THE pARTY! 2018" and The Arts Alliance, call 734.213.2733 or email info@A3Arts.org.
Former state Trooper Mark Bessner, Wayne County Jail photo

A Detroit judge on Thursday, Jan. 4, denied a request made by attorneys for a Michigan state trooper charged with murder to allow the defendant's release on a personal bond.

Former state Trooper Mark Bessner is currently jailed on a $1 million bond, set by Wayne County 36th District Judge William McConico, who also denied the bond reduction request at a probable cause hearing Thursday.

The bond was referred to pretrial services for review and could still be reduced when Bessner appears for a pretrial examination on Jan. 24.

The Detroit Coalition Against Police Brutality issued a statement praising McConico's decision to maintain the bond.

"People like Bessner cannot be treated with a cavalier attitude by the judicial system, and Judge McConico's strong position draws a line in the sand for those law enforcement personnel that would devalue human life by taking unnecessary and dangerous risks under color of law," spokeswoman Sandra Hines said.

Bessner is charged with second-degree murder and two counts of involuntary manslaughter in connection with a fatal police chase that killed 15-year-old Damon Grimes of Detroit on Aug. 26.

Bessner was the passenger in a state police patrol vehicle driven by Trooper Ethan Berger. The duo attempted to stop Grimes, who was driving an ATV illegally in a Detroit neighborhood. Grimes disobeyed orders and fled. According to Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, Bessner fired a Taser at Grimes through his open passenger window during the chase.

Struck and disabled by the Taser while traveling at up to 40 mph, Grimes lost control, struck a pickup and died.

Worthy said the Taser was deployed "unnecessarily" and without "legal justification."

Because Bessner's actions created a situation that a reasonable person should know would likely result in great bodily harm or death, the crime falls within the definition of second-degree murder, Worthy says.

State police officials indicate there may have been actions taken to try and cover up some circumstances of Grimes' death. The Taser wire that struck Grimes was removed from the scene and later discarded and recovered from a trash can at state police headquarters, state police officials said when charges were announced.

The investigation into Grimes' death led to Bessner's resignation, and the suspensions of Berger and at least one other trooper.

This isn't the first time Bessner has been accused of using excessive force.

Bessner has been sued in two lawsuits, one federal and one in Wayne County, over allegations of excessive force.

Bessner was one of four troopers named in the federal case filed in 2013. Martin McCurtis claims Bessner and other troopers tackled him while he stood outside Sinai Grace Hospital in Detroit.

One trooper shot him with three times with a Taser and Bessner "repeatedly struck (him in the) body and gratuitously kneed him in his face and head multiple times as (McCurtis) was lying defenseless on the ground, the lawsuit says.

The case was dismissed in 2014 as part of a settlement, the amount of which is not listed in federal court records. MLive has requested the amount paid by state police and is awaiting response.

McCurtis was never charged with any crimes.

Michael Crittle filed another excessive force lawsuit against Bessner and other troopers in 2015 related to at 2014 arrest during which Crittle said his arm was broken.

According to records reviewed by the Detroit News, Bessner admitted firing his Taser at Crittle during the arrest, including once after Crittle was handcuffed.

That case was dismissed in 2016 for non-service of parties, according to Wayne County online court records.

In addition to the criminal case against Bessner, Grimes' mother has filed a $50 million civil lawsuit.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The state Court of Appeals said a woman's harvested marijuana, in the drying process, is not 'usable' marijuana under Michigan's medical marijuana law.

Alenna Marie Rocafort, who intended to make hash oil out of the plants, was earlier convicted of charges because the weight of the plants exceeded the limit for medical marijuana caregivers.

An appellate panel, in a 2-1 ruling issued Wednesday, Jan. 3, said that Rocafort had immunity under the state's medical marijuana law.

She was convicted in Kent County Circuit Court of unlawful manufacture and possession of marijuana and maintaining a drug house after police in 2012 seized 5.6 pounds of marijuana from of her Kentwood home.

An appellate panel earlier upheld the convictions in a 2-1 decision.

In a similar case, "People v Manuel," however, the state Supreme Court upheld another appellate panel's finding that marijuana in the processing stage is not usable marijuana.

It directed an appeals court panel to reconsider Rocafort's case in light of the Manuel ruling.

As a registered caregiver, Rocafort could possess a total of 15 ounces of marijuana for five patients and herself. She argued at trial that her harvested plants, while largely dried, were not completely dried.

"The question posed to us concerns the treatment of marijuana possession for purposes of immunity where marijuana leaves are seized by the police during the process of transforming the leaves into 'usable' marijuana by drying them," appeals judges William Murphy and Cynthia Stephens wrote in the Rocafort ruling.

Stephens, who was part of the panel that affirmed convictions in Rocafort's original appeal, issued a dissenting opinion at that time.

The judges in the Manuel case "held that 'usable' marijuana only encompasses marijuana that has completed the drying process and not marijuana that is still in the process of being dried."

Expert witnesses said that harvested marijuana would lose moisture, and weight, during the drying process.

"Put simply, the marijuana was 'drying,' not 'dried,' and therefore was not usable under the statutory definition," the Manuel panel said.

In the Rocafort case, the judges said: "Here ... defendant was still in the process of drying the marijuana when it was seized by police; it was only largely dried and did not constitute 'usable' marijuana. Under the analysis in Manuel and given that all of the charges against the defendant were based on marijuana that was still in the process of being dried, defendant was entitled to immunity under (the medical marijuana law) and the trial court, therefore, erred in failing to dismiss all of the charges."

The panel vacated Rocafort's convictions and remanded the case to the trial court for dismissal of charges.

Judge Jane Markey dissented.

She said the Manuel ruling is in conflict with another case, and that even if the trial court erred in finding that all of Rocafort's marijuana to be usable, it was "well in excess of the 15 ounces permitted ... ."
WYOMING, MI - Kelloggsville High School will host an open house of the new shared library with Kent District Library on Jan. 17.

The open house for the new Kelloggsville Branch of the district library system will give students, families and community members the chance to tour the former school media center turned library for students and the community.

The new center for the high school, 4787 Division Ave. SW, was funded with a portion of a school improvement bond. The Steelcase Foundation awarded the 2,235-student district a three-year, $250,000 grant to move the library project forward.

KDL will manage the facility, which will also be open to community members after hours, on Saturdays and during the summer starting Jan. 8.

KDL will supply the Kelloggsville library collection with a focus on popular materials and the school's curriculum. There will be access to all KDL materials available system-wide, including books, e-books, music, movies, databases and more via a KDL library card.

Lindsey Dorfman, Kent District Library director of branch services and operations, said in a previous interview that KDL anticipates an annual cost of about $75,000 to operate the branch.

The community will be welcome to use the 6,500-square-foot facility at specified times, including:

Three evenings a week from 3 to 8 p.m. during the school year

Every other Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the school year.

Additional hours during summer months when school is not in session, including evening and weekend hours. More information can be found on the KDL

Community card holders will be able to access all KDL materials available for loan or online, including the KDL's entire digital collection, eight networked personal computers, a public printing station, KDL databases and more.
CROCKERY TOWNSHIP, MI - An Ottawa County man charged with open murder and using a firearm in commission of a felony confessed to killing his neighbor after he saw her snowblowing the driveway in front of his home, court records show.

Ottawa County Sheriff's detective Ann Koster said Wendell Earl Popejoy, 63, confessed in an interview to shooting his neighbor, Sheila Bonge, 59, according to an arrest affidavit.

Wendell said when he saw Bonge outside on Tuesday, Dec. 26, he made the decision to kill her. He told police he grabbed a gun from his home and went out to the driveway easement in front of his home where she was snowblowing, the affidavit shows.

Wendell said he went up behind Bonge, shot her in the back of the head and disposed of her body behind his residence on the 14000 block of 104th Avenue, according to the affidavit.

Police found Bonge's body Thursday, Dec. 28. She had been reported missing by family that week after she was last seen by relatives on Christmas Eve at her home.

Investigators with the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office ruled the death suspicious before arresting Popejoy the following day.

Popejoy was denied bail and remains in Ottawa County Jail.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Criminal charges will not be filed against a Grand Rapids bar for kicking out a West Michigan veteran during Veterans Day weekend because he was accompanied by a service dog.

That's based on the determination of Kent County's prosecutor, who issued an official legal opinion Thursday, Jan. 4.

Christopher Becker, Kent County prosecuting attorney, wrote that Jerome Smith and his dog JoJo did have the legal right to be in the bar, but only if JoJo was tethered.

In summing up the two-page opinion letter, Becker wrote that although the bar was "clearly wrong" in denying entry to JoJo, Smith and his dog also weren't in compliance with the law so no criminal charges will be issued.

The incident occurred on Nov. 10 when Smith was out with a group of about 10 Marines to celebrate the U.S. Marine Corps birthday, which falls on the eve of Veterans Day.

He was told by the Holiday Bar's general manager that JoJo would have to leave because of concerns the dog could get stepped on in the crowded bar and might bite a patron in response.

In his legal opinion, Becker wrote that those concerns aren't valid reasons for a business to exclude a service dog. According to Michigan law, a service animal and its handler cannot be denied admission to a place of public accommodation based on a general concern about the well-being of the animal or how the patrons will react to the presence of the animal.

However, there are several requirements before a service animal and its handler are entitled to the statute's protection, Becker wrote.

To fall under the protection of the statute, the service animal must be under the control of its handler and have a harness, leash or other tether, unless the handler is unable to use one because of a disability or the tether would interfere with the service animal's safe and effective performance of work or tasks, he wrote in the letter.

Becker wrote in the letter that JoJo, who was dressed in a tuxedo outfit for the occasion, was not on a harness or tether during the incident, as seen by video from the bar and by Smith's admission.

Smith did indicate to police he had an electric shock collar on JoJo with a remote control in his pocket used to control the dog, but this is not sufficient to meet the requirements of the statute, according to Becker's letter.

"... to file criminal charges in this incident, Mr. Smith and his dog also need to fit within the statute's parameters," Becker said. "Because Mr. Smith and his dog were not in compliance with the requirements of the statute, this office is unable to file any criminal charges in this matter. No charges will issue out of this incident."

The veteran depended on JoJo to help him deal with post-traumatic stress disorder brought on by three tours of duty as a heavy machine gunner in Iraq from 2003 to 2006.

The Holiday Bar responded to the incident with an apology on its Facebook page and a pledge to make amends by donating revenues from the sales on Nov. 12 to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans.

Holiday Bar donated $2,613.50 and made offers of future help including providing meals, according to a spokesman for the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans.

In his opinion letter, Becker pointed out that Smith agreed to leave at the time of the incident, but he requested that an investigation be completed to determine if the general manager violated Michigan law.

Smith's 6-year-old German Shepherd-mix dog fell ill in December and later died, according to Smith's Facebook page.
Air India

State-owned Air India has tied up with UAE-based First Abu Dhabi Bank as well as Standard Chartered Bank and Mashreq Bank to avail short-term loans for acquiring three Boeing 777 aircraft, Union minister Jayant Singh said on Thursday.

Two of the aircraft are to be used for ferrying VVIPs, the minister of state for civil aviation said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

The delivery of the three B777-300 ER planes is scheduled to be completed next month - two in January and one in February.

"Air India has signed a short-term buyers credit facility agreement with First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC jointly with Standard Chartered Bank and Mashreq Bank PSC for acquisition of three B777-300ER aircraft," the minister said.

In early November, the disinvestment-bound airline issued a revised tender (after first floating it in October), soliciting interest from lenders for a loan worth up to USD 535 million (around Rs 3,460 crore).

Last month, the airline also floated tenders for securing loans worth over Rs 1,100 crore for modification of two Boeing aircraft for ferrying VVIPs -- the president, vice-president and prime minister.

In 2006, Air India placed orders with Boeing for 68 aircraft  27 Dreamliners, 15 B777-300 ERs, eight B777-200 LRs and 18 B737-800s.

Of these, the state-run carrier has already taken the delivery of 65 planes, including 12 B777-300ERs.

Following the downturn in the global aviation sector, the delivery of three B777-300ERs was postponed in 2010 as there was no "cancellation" clause in the original purchase agreement with Boeing Company.

Then, in September 2015, the carrier decided to take delivery of the remaining three planes as per the 2006 purchase agreement.
Government bonds (G-Secs) eased on the selling pressure from banks and corporates, while the overnight call money turned higher due to good demand from borrowing banks amid tight liquidity in the banking system. The 6.79 percent government security maturing in 2027 slipped to Rs 96.3650 from Rs 96.43 previously, while its yield inched up to 7.33 percent from 7.32 percent.

The 6.68 percent government security maturing in 2031 were dipped to Rs 93.3850 from Rs 93.59, while its yield edged up to 7.46 percent from 7.43 percent.

The 6.84 percent government security maturing in 2022 were slid to Rs 98.5250 from Rs 98.62, while its yield moved up to 7.20 percent from 7.17 percent.

The 8.15 percent government security maturing in 2026, the 7.16 percent government security maturing in 2023 and the 8.24 percent government security maturing in 2033 were also quoted lower at Rs 103.8450, Rs 99.7050 and Rs 105.10 respectively.

The overnight call money rates finished slightly higher at 5.80 percent from Wednesday's level of 5.78 percent. Its resumed higher at 5.95 percent and moving in a range of 6.00 percent and 5.75 percent.

Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India, under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility, purchased securities worth Rs 31.95 billion in 5-bids at the overnight repo operation at a fixed rate of 6.00 percent as on today, while it sold securities worth Rs 366.79 billion in 73-bids at the overnight reverse repo auction at a fixed rate of 5.75 percent as on January 03.
Chandan Taparia of Motilal Oswal Securities told CNBC-TV18, "Broader indices are quite choppy and moving in a range but selective stocks are likely to do well. First trade is on Bata India. The stock has seen open interest addition of around 18-19 percent. It formed a bullish candle and jump in the delivery volume is also visible. It formed a positive price pattern and surpassed immediate hurdle of Rs 763. So, recommending to buy with a stop loss of Rs 760 and looking for an upside target towards Rs 796-800 zone."

"Second trade is from the IT pack. KPIT Technologies was recommended last week; it did well. Now we are betting on Hexaware. This stock is on verge of fresh breakout and fresh momentum, so, expecting the stock to rally towards Rs 364. One can buy with a stop loss of Rs 343. It also added open interest near to 8-9 percent, so, clearly indicates that longs are even adding at the higher levels," he said.

"Last trade is on Jubilant Foodworks. After a long consolidation, it has formed a triangle pattern and given the breakout of the same. Longs are adding and volume breakout also visible. So, one can buy for an upside target towards Rs 1,925 and putting the stop loss of Rs 1,810 is advisable on the counter."

"Those who are interested for the option, can look at the metal counter. I will select Tata Steel where I am looking positive to range-bound move, so recommending to buy 740 Call, sell one lot of 760 and 780 Call. The risk is only Rs 1.7. If it moves higher, we will get profit of around Rs 7,000-10,000 in this strategy," he added.
Mitessh Thakkar of miteshthacker.com told CNBC-TV18, "IDBI Bank is a buy with a stop loss of Rs 62, target of Rs 68 and JSW Steel is also a buy with a stop loss of Rs 269 for target of Rs 288."

"Buy Hindustan Zinc with a stop loss of Rs 314.5 for target of Rs 322 and REC is also a buy with a stop loss of Rs 158.50 for target of Rs 169," he said.
CA Rudramurthy BV, Research Head at Vachana Investments told CNBC-TV18, "Stock specific lot of good counters are there to buy in F&O segment. For me Jain Irrigation Systems looks really good, lot of open interest addition is seen on the positive side with lot of delivery based buying. I expect even more a populistic with agricultural focused Budget and this is one stock which can do wonders from current level."

"I expect a huge target of Rs 175 on Jain Irrigation. One can even roll over their future contract for a month or two and have a stop loss of Rs 120. A very good risk reward trade and one can definitely look at going long on Jain Irrigation."

"I have a second buy call on Fortis Healthcare. Huge accumulation has been seen yesterday with delivery based buying. This stock added towards Rs 185, have a stop loss of Rs 155 and one can go long on Fortis Healthcare."

"I have a buy call on Hindalco Industries , today the stock has given clear cut breakout above levels of Rs 208 and lot of open interest addition is seen today and charts are looking very bullish. Hindalco can hit towards levels of Rs 300 in the short term, have a stop loss of Rs 275 for this long trade," he said..
NBCC (India) is in focus as the company saw healthy order inflows in the month of December worth over Rs 300 crore. In an interview to CNBC-TV18, Anoop Kumar Mittal, Chairman of NBCC spoke at length about the order wins and gave his outlook for the future.

Mittal said we have got three orders. One is border fencing and road work along Indo-Bangla border in Mizoram and Meghalaya area of Rs 215 crore. Second, there are two government orders of Rs 50 crore each in Chennai and Mangalore.

He further said that the Meghalaya border project needs to be completed in 18 months.

Margin in the three orders received in December will be close to 7 percent, he added.

Our total orderbook stands at Rs 78,000 crore, said Mittal.

Talking about growth, he said we expect 25-30 percent year-on-year (YoY) growth in revenue in Q3.

We expect FY19 to be a significantly strong year, he mentioned.

Pragati Maidan order is in full swing, he added.
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Power Grid Corporation of India and Uttar Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation will form an equal joint venture company to strengthen the intra-state transmission network, two officials familiar with the development told Moneycontrol. The central ministry of power and NITI Aayog are facilitating the joint venture, that is expected to come to fruition by the end of the ongoing financial year.

The joint venture with UP will be on the same lines as that with Bihar. A JV company helps the state by reducing its own capital commitment, getting top expertise from a company like PGCIL and securing loans from multilateral agencies like World Bank and Asian Development Bank as PGCIL enjoys high credit rating, one of the officials said.

The joint venture company will have to secure a transmission licence from the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission.

Besides Bihar, PGCIL has a similar joint venture in Odisha though no business has been undertaken by that company so far.

The Yogi Adityanath governments initiative to form a JV with PGCIL is one of the many it has taken, including some that could be called bold, to improve the health of the states power sector. The power sector is among the poorest in the country with aggregate technical and commercial losses still hovering around 28 per cent.

Rural consumers now pay a fixed charge of Rs 300 per kilowatt per month as against Rs 180 earlier. This will become Rs 400 from April 1.

Central government-owned generation utility NLC India and Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam recently achieved financial closure for funding of the Rs. 17,237.80-crore, 1,980 MW capacity project which they jointly plan to set up at Ghatampur in the northern state.
EarlySalary.Com, a fintech startup that offers personal loans, today said it has raised Rs 100 crore in latest round of funding led by Eight Roads Ventures India.

Existing investors, IDG Ventures India, Dewan Housing Finance Corp Ltd (DHFL), and seed investor Ashok Agarwal also participated in the series B round.

In May last year, Early Salary had raised USD 4 million (Rs 27 crore) from IDG Ventures India and DHFL. In total, it has raised USD 20.5 million till date.

"We will use the funding to accelerate our growth. By end of the year, we are aiming at 100,000 loan disbursements per month (from about 14,000 loans a month now)," Early Salary co-founder and CEO Akshay Mehrotra told PTI.

He added that the company is witnessing strong traction from cities like Bengaluru and Pune as well as smaller cities like Mysore.

Early Salary offers cash loans for a tenure ranging from 7 days up to 30 days and for amounts of Rs 8,000 to Rs 2 lakh.

"We have been able to offer access to short-term loans to young working professionals, who don't have a credit bureau rating. We use social algorithm and artificial machine intelligence for risk assessment. Deploying machine learning has helped us in faster loans approvals," he explained.

Mehrotra said the funds will be used to further improve the technology stack and work on improving machine learning systems for better, faster and more prudent risk management.

Besides, the company is also looking at building additional products and tenure options to customers.

Mehrotra said the company also expects to be profitable by the end of the year.

"The key to our success will be helping more and more people without any human interface. Right now, we are about 70 per cent automated and we want to take this to 90-95 per cent," he added.

As a part of the transaction, Dhyanesh Shah, Principal at Eight Roads Ventures, will join the board of EarlySalary.

"The company has cleverly leveraged data and technology to provide instant affordable loans to an otherwise excluded customer segment. We look forward to working closely with Akshay, Ashish and the management team at Early Salary," Shah said.
While replying to a query by Ritabrata Banerjee of CPI (M) on the impact of the Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill (FRDI), Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday clarified that depositors will be given preferential treatment over the government due and other unsecured creditors in the event of a liquidation of a bank.

He also said that the Bill will not only provide additional protection to the depositors but will also require prior consent of the depositors for bail-in for saving the bank.

The finance minister also explained that public sector banks will remain out of the bail-in clause as they are indirectly guaranteed by the Centre. The bail-in provision would be the last resort in the case of a private bank, where a merger or acquisition is not viable.

Currently, under the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation Act, 1961, deposits are insured up to Rs 1 lakh which is likely to increase under the FRDI Act, the Resolution Corporation has been given power to increase the deposit insurance amount at a higher level.

As per the provisions of the FRDI Bill, the claims of uninsured depositors, in the case of liquidation of a bank, will be higher than those of the unsecured creditors and Government dues.



FRDI Bill will replace the existing resolution regime by providing a comprehensive resolution regime that will help ensure that, in the rare event of failure of a financial service provider, there is a system of quick, orderly and efficient resolution in favour of depositors.

 Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) January 2, 2018

FM Jaitley further said that the Bill will strengthen the system by adding a comprehensive resolution regime to ensure that in the event of a failure of a bank, there is a system in place for quick, orderly and efficient resolution in favour of depositors.

Department of Economic Affairs, secretary Subhash Chandra Garg tweeted on Tuesday clarifying government stance on FRDI Bill. Depositors existing protections will be enhanced. Bail in will be only sparingly used. Public sectors banks will effectively be not subject to bail in provisions. Depositors need not have any apprehensions.



Government clarifies provisions of FRDI bill. Depositors existing protections will be enhanced. Bail in will be only sparingly used. Public sectors banks will effectively be not subject to bail in provisions. Depositors need not have any apprehensions.  Subhash Chandra Garg (@SecretaryDEA) January 2, 2018





Attempts to create scare regarding bail in were totally unfounded. 70% deposits are in PSBs. Most remaining deposits are in well capitalised and sound private banks. No likelihood of bail in for over 98% of depositors. Remaining also subject to bail in if the depositors consent.

 Subhash Chandra Garg (@SecretaryDEA) January 3, 2018

He further tweeted yesterday that attempts to create scare regarding bail in were totally unfounded. 70% deposits are in PSBs. Most remaining deposits are in well capitalised and sound private banks. No likelihood of bail in for over 98% of depositors. Remaining also subject to bail in if the depositors consent.
The first unit of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNP) was shut down in June 2015 for refuelling for the first time after generating about 6,875 million units of electricity, the government said.

Minister of State for Atomic Energy and Space Jitendra Singh in a written reply to question in the Lok Sabha also said, "During the first refuelling shutdown, in parallel with refuelling, detailed inspections, surveillance tests, mandatory checks and routine maintenance works were carried out."

Thereafter, the unit was reconnected to the grid in January 2016, he said.

"Apart from the long refuelling shutdown of Unit-1, there have been some instances of unit trips. Each of these instances have been investigated, the root causes determined and necessary measures taken in consultation with the Russian experts and the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).

"In none of these instances, the safety of plants was challenged," Singh said.

In reply to another question, the minister said, as per International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), India presently ranks third in number of reactors under construction after China and Russia Federation (based on the placement of first pour of concrete) and seventh in number of reactors in operation.

"Some of the suppliers/contractors of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) had reported financial difficulties, as a result of which there was a delay in supplies of equipment and execution of Kakrapar Atomic Power Project (KAPP) 3&4 (2x700 MW) and Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (RAPP) 7&8 (2x700 MW) projects.

"The issue of financial difficulty of vendors and contractors was appropriately addressed by NPCIL," he said.

In reply to another question, Singh said, the government proposes to set up India-based Neutrino Observatory (NO) at Bodi West Hills in Theni district of Tamil Nadu.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is going to issue new Rs 10 notes under the Mahatma Gandhi series with chocolate brown colour as the base. The new note will bear the picture of the Konark Sun Temple.

The apex bank has already printed around 1 billion pieces of the new note, according to people familiar with the matter.

The design was approved by the government last week. The change in design in the old Rs 10 note was last made in 2005. In August last year, RBI had introduced the new Rs 200 and Rs 50 notes under the Mahatma Gandhi series.

The move to reintroduce lower denomination notes in a new design comes after the governments plan to get rid of counterfeiting.

On 8 November 2016, the government announced demonetisation to withdraw Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currency notes, amounting to around 86% of the currency in circulation of Rs 17.9 trillion. Since then, RBI has replaced these with the new Rs 2000 notes and redesigned Rs 500 notes.

RBI has printed 16.96 billion pieces of Rs 500 notes and 3.6 billion pieces of Rs 2,000 notes as on December 8, according to information given by the finance ministry in Lok Sabha. The total value of such notes translates into Rs 15.79 trillion.

RBI data show currency in circulation was Rs 16.71 trillion as on December 22. This is about 94.4% of the Rs 17.7 trillion that was in circulation on 4 November 2016.
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Leading auto ancillary player Greaves Cotton has entered into an agreement with Italian two and three-wheeler maker Piaggio Vehicles India to develop new diesel and clean energy engines.

The new engines to be developed will be meeting the BS-VI emission norms and will be run on diesel and alternative fuels in the clean energy space, the company said today.

Greaves Cotton's engines is the market leader with close to 78 percent market share in the diesel-driven 3- wheeler market and has recently crossed the 5-million engines powering various cargo and passenger vehicles in a three-wheeler and micro four-wheeler space.

Piaggio India started its association with Greaves Cotton in 1998-99 and has since then sold over 5 million engines to Italian major, which is also into four-wheelers with its micro-trucks in the under- 1,000 kg load capacity.

Greaves has automotive engines plants in Aurangabad and Ranipet near Chennai while its R&D centres are in Aurangabad and Pune.

It can be noted that the three-wheeler segment has been down till the third quarter of this financial year. Greaves offers single cylinder diesel and CNG engines to the three-wheeler space.

Speaking on the tie-up, Nagesh Basavanhalli, managing director and chief executive of Greaves Cotton said his company is investing in new technologies and building capabilities to meet the demand for fuel-agnostic, future-ready solutions serving the last mile transportation market.

"Our new solutions will cover a range of fuels from diesel, petrol, CNG to electric which will continue to leverage our strengths," he said.

The company had recently tied up with California based Pinnacle Technology to offer opposed-piston CNG engines which have since shown impressive results. With these BS-VI engines, the company hopes to revolutionise the autorickshaw market by reducing substantial fuel cost and total cost of ownership.

The Rs 1,800-crore Greaves has sold over 3 lakh engines in fiscal 2017 before successfully transiting to BS-IV compliant engines from April 2017.

Greaves is a leading engineering company with core competencies in diesel/petrol engines, farm-focused generator sets and light construction equipment.
Man speaks on his mobile phone as he sits in front of a shop displaying the Idea Cellular Ltd's logo on its shutter in Mumbai

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The Idea Cellular board today approved raising about Rs 3,250 crore from the entities under the promoter Aditya Birla Group by issuing 32.66 crore equity shares on a preferential basis.

Idea Cellular Board forms a panel to evaluate potential routes for raising further capital of up to Rs 3,500 crore.

"The Board of Directors of Idea Cellular Limited (Idea), today approved issuance of about 326.6 million equity shares, face value of Rs 10 per share, at a price of Rs 99.50 per share (in accordance with SEBI ICDR Regulations) on preferential basis," the statement said.

The shares will be issued to entities under Aditya Birla Group -- Birla TMT Holdings Private Limited, Elaine Investments Pte Ltd (Singapore), Oriana Investments Pte Ltd (Singapore), Surya Kiran Investments Pte Ltd (Singapore), the statement said.

"The aggregate capital infusion will be of Rs 32,500 million," the statement said.

The issue is expected to complete by early February, 2018, subject to regulatory approvals, post which the shareholding of Promoter group in Idea will increase to about 47.2 per cent from existing level of around 42.4 per cent.

"The Aditya Birla Group remains committed towards the telecom business. The group is in the process of creating a large digital infrastructure...At a time when the telecom industry is going through a challenging environment, this equity infusion by the Group in Idea is another step towards reinforcing the group's commitment," Idea Cellular Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla said.

Idea will further explore potential ways of raising additional fund to the tune of around Rs 3,500 crore which would include further preferential issue, qualified institutional placement (QIP), rights issue etc.

Idea will also explore potential monetisation of company's 11.15 per cent stake in Indus Towers -- its joint venture with Bharti Airtel and Vodafone.

During the first nine months of the financial year 2017- 18, Idea has added over 33,500 wireless broadband sites and currently it has about 143,500 broadband sites, as per the statement.

Idea also has plans to launch its VoLTE (Voice over 4G network) services in 2018.
More and more Indian IT companies are using Singapore's financial ecosystem to launch their products and services into ASEAN markets, according to an industry expert.

"Incentives offered by Singapore's Economic Development Board (EDB) excites and prompts large and midsize companies to consolidate their treasury operations in the city state and venture across the South East Asian region," said Deep Singhania, who has spent over 30 years in the IT industry.

EDB, a trade promotion state agency, offers Finance and Treasury Center (FTC) incentive, while Singapore has emerged as a regional risk management and treasury hub, he said of the city state which is now an acclaimed asset and wealth management centre.

Singhanias Singapore advisory and consultancy company AugmentSol, is already leading a number of Indian companies to expand in SouthEast Asia using Singapore as the base.

AugmentSols latest venture is with IBSFintech, the recent winner of reputed Adam Smith award in the world of corporate finance and treasury.

In 2017, IBSFintech took charge of Maruti-Suzuki's treasury and trade finance, starting with investment tracking.

It also took charge of forex treasury operations of Olam Agro India, subsidiary of Singapore-headquartered Olam International. It will be marketing the same product across the region.

Another leading Indian IT group venturing out of Singapore to the global market is MindLogicx, a knowledge engineering and R&D company from Bengaluru.

Mindlogicx is establishing a global headquarter in Singapore and has globally launched its anti-fraud examination system, IntelliPAD a month ago in Singapore for the global examination world.

Designed to stop leakage of examination papers, Singhania sees IntelliPAD reaching out to the world's top universities with its 'Just in Time' question paper delivery on specially designed devices as a most secured way in managing high-stake examinations.

Singapore's strong financial risk management and patent protection along with the strong ecosystem of incubators and VCs, gives comfort to these "highly IT sensitive" fintech and technology companies to bloom their incubated innovations for multinational corporations seeking the latest in advanced technologies to guard their data and assets, he said.
The bulls will be more confident to conquer the top of 10552 going forward going by the price behaviour seen in the last three days. Few momentum oscillators on lower time frame charts generated buy signals whereas Daily MACDs behaviour is very interesting as it has turned away from its signal line without generating a sell signal, Mazhar Mohammad, Chief Strategist  Technical Research & Trading Advisory, Chartviewindia.in told Moneycontrol.

Usually, this kind of action on the part of this indicator is considered as very bullish. Hence, as long as Nifty sustains above 10400 levels trade will remain on long side, he said.

Also Read - What changed for the market while you were sleeping? 12 things you should know

India VIX fell down by 1.51 percent at 13.42. VIX has to hold below 13-12.50 zones to support the overall Bullish bias of the market.

We have collated the top fifteen data points to help you spot profitable trade:

Key Support & Resistance Level for Nifty

The Nifty closed at 10,504.8 on Thursday. According to Pivot charts, the key support level is placed at 10,459.87, followed by 10,414.93. If the index starts to move higher, key resistance levels to watch out are 10,531.37 and 10,557.93.

Nifty Bank

The Nifty Bank closed at 25,462.6. Important Pivot level, which will act as crucial support for the index, is placed at 25,351.84, followed by 25,241.07. On the upside, key resistance levels are 25,531.84, followed by 25,601.07.

Call Options Data

Maximum Call open interest (OI) of 44.01 lakh contracts stands at strike price 11,000, which will act as a crucial resistance level for the index in the January series, followed by 10,700, which now holds 35.7 lakh contracts in open interest, and 10,600, which has accumulated 35.6 lakh contracts in OI.

Call writing was seen at a strike price of 10,400, which saw the addition of 1.79 lakh contracts, followed by 10,800, which saw the addition of 0.81 lakh contracts and 10,900, which saw the addition of 0.74 lakh contracts.

Call unwinding was seen at strike prices of 10,500, which saw 4.22 lakh contracts being shed, followed by 10,600, which shed 2.62 lakh contracts and 10,200, which shed 0.64 lakh contracts.

Maximum put OI of 54.01 lakh contracts was seen at strike price 10,400, which will act as a crucial base for the index in January series; followed by 10,300, which now holds 51.59 lakh contracts and 10,200 which has now accumulated 46.37 lakh contracts in open interest.

Put writing seen at 10,400, which saw the addition of 7.05 lakh contracts, followed by 5.75 lakh contracts at the strike price of 10,200 and 10,500, which saw the addition of 3.58 lakh contracts.

Put unwinding was seen at the strike price of 11,000, which saw shedding of 0.61 lakh contracts.

FII & DII Data

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) bought shares worth Rs 212.05 crore, while domestic institutional investors bought shares worth Rs 325.24 crore in the Indian equity market on Thursday, as per provisional data available on the NSE.

Fund Flow Picture:
20:51 That's all for today, readers. Thanks for staying on with our coverage of the day's action. Your enthusiasm encourages us to better our coverage every day. Do come back tomorrow for more news, views and insights.

20:13 BSE & NSE ask members to trade cautiously in 200 illiquid stocks

With an aim to safeguard investors'

NSE

interest, leading stock exchanges  BSE and have advised their members to take extra caution while trading in over 200 illiquid stocks.

Illiquid stocks are those that cannot be sold easily because they see limited trading. These stocks pose higher risks to investors because it is difficult to find buyers for them as compared to frequently traded shares.

In similar-worded circulars, both the exchanges advised their trading members "to exercise additional due diligence while trading in these securities either on own account or on behalf of their clients".

20:46 Haryana govt to give subsidy of Rs 2 per unit in power bills of micro units

The Haryana government on Thursday issued a notification to give subsidy of Rs 2 per unit on electricity bills to industries falling in the micro and small enterprises category.

The subsidy to be given under Enterprises Promotion Policy-2015 will continue for three years from the date of release of power connection, Industries and Commerce Minister, Vipul Goel said here.

He said the state government had implemented the Enterprises Promotion Policy-2015 for balanced industrial development.

20:44 Harassment at workplace: SC seeks reply from Centre, states

The Supreme Court today sought response from the Centre and state governments on a plea for the protection of women from sexual harassment at workplace, cases of which the petitioner claimed were on the rise.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra was hearing a PIL which has sought immediate and proper implementation of the provisions of the Sexual Harassment At Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition) Act and for setting up redressal mechanism.

The bench, which also comprised justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, was told by the petitioner that even the local district officers and complaints committees were not being appointed and the victims did not have a forum to file complaints even as such cases were on the rise.

20:42 Mergers to leave 15% of GTL towers idle, company seeks Rs 2,000 cr compensation from tenants

Leading independent telecom tower operator GTL Infra on Thursday said the ongoing mergers in the industry will lead to an idling of over 15 percent of its masts in use, for which it has sought Rs 2,000 crore from the telcos for early exits of tenancies.

It has sought Rs 2,000 crore in compensation for exiting or reducing their tenancies before the tenor following mergers, GTL told exchanges in a regulatory filing on Thursday.

In an exchange filing, the city-headquartered company fighting a debt overhang said the Rs 2,000 crore will be used to pare its debt by half to Rs 2,000 crore and will also lead to a gain of Rs 150 crore towards debt servicing annually.

20:39 ATM operators see Rs 120 cr bounty in Rs 200-note recalibration

Banks have started recalibrating the cash vending machines (ATMs) to dispense the new Rs 200 banknotes which were introduced last August.

There are nearly 2.4 lakh automatic teller machines (ATMs), which includes around 30,000 cash recyclers. A cash recycler machine can dispense and accept cash.

According to industry experts, the overall recalibration process may cost banks Rs 100-120 crore.

20:37 BMW Group India posts 25% sales growth in 2017 at 9,800 units

BMW Group India on Thursday reported 24.66 percent increase in car sales at 9,800 units in 2017 as against 7,861 units in the previous year.

The BMW brand sold 9,379 units last year as against 7,500 units in 2016, a growth of 25 percent, while Mini posted a growth of 17 percent at 421 units as compared to 361 units in the previous year, BMW Group India said in a statement.

The group's motorcycle division, BMW Motorrad India sold 252 units last year, it added.

20:34 Apparel and textiles park to come up near Patna: Sushil Modi

An apparel and textiles park will be set up on the outskirts of the state capital for which a land tract spread over more than 100 acres has been earmarked,

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi said here on Thursday.

Speaking after the inauguration of a three-day fair organized by the Bihar Readymade Garments Association, Sushil Modi said 115 acres of land have been earmarked in Bihta for the proposed park.

The park will be set up as part of the state government's policy to promote textiles, leather, Information Technology and food processing, he said.

20:32 Punjab National Bank's total business crosses Rs 11-lakh crore

Public sector lender Punjab National Bank (PNB) said it has crossed a total business turnover of Rs 11 lakh crore and going forward profit will be the main focus of the bank.

"Punjab National Bank, the 123-year-old largest nationalised bank, has achieved another milestone by crossing its total business of Rs 11 lakh crore," the bank said in a regulatory filing.

The country's second-largest public sector lender said that in line with the rationalisation call by the government, the bank is in the process of rationalisation of some of its branches.

20:30 Parliamentary panel proposes a cap on airfares

The parliamentary panel on aviation has recommended a cap on the airline fares. Apart from the upper limit on airfares, the panel has proposed that airlines must not be allowed to charge more than 50 percent of the base fare on cancellation, and that fare must be refunded to passengers.

The panel said that the air ticket pricing mechanism of developed countries must not be applicable in India, according to CNBC-TV18, and that the reduction in the aviation turbine fuel (ATF) is not being passed on the consumers in the form of reduced airfare.

The panel particularly pointed out the likes of budget airlines such as IndiGo for not doing so. It also put Jet Airways under the scanner, citing customer complaints.

20:29 India vs South Africa first Test preview: Virat Kohlis men have a chance to make history

With confidence sky-high and a team rich in form, expectations are high from Virat Kohlis team to clinch its first Test series win against the Proteas as the first Test of the three match series starts on Friday.

They start the series without the best pre-match preparation, heading straight into the first Test match without playing a match practice but coach Ravi Shastri has shrugged off this fear, saying that the Indian team is professional enough to adjust to any situation.

The first Test is going to be held at Cape Town - one of the most scenic venues in world cricket - but Indias record at this venue is nothing to write home about. They have played four games, losing two and drawing two.

Read the full report here.

20:27 No proposal to review 'Most Favoured Nation' status to Pakistan: Government

There is no proposal to review the 'Most Favoured Nation' (MFN) status to Pakistan, the government said on Thursday.

In a written reply to a question, Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar said India has accorded MFN status to all WTO members, including Pakistan, in accordance with the provisions of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.

"It is unfortunate that Pakistan has not fulfilled its international obligations in this regard, so far," the minister told the Rajya Sabha in his reply.

20:25 Delhi BJP to launch city-wide campaign to show AAP's 'failure'

Delhi BJP has decided to launch a city-wide campaign against alleged failures of the Arvind Kejriwal-led government by galvanising its local teams at ward levels.

The core committee of the party chaired by Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari which also included party MPs from Delhi and other senior leaders, discussed the issues in a meeting held at Union minister Harsh Vardhan's residence last night.

20:23 Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj discusses connectivity, security issues with Thai counterpart

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday discussed a range of issues of connectivity, security and cultural cooperation with her Thai counterpart here to keep up with the growing momentum of bilateral ties.

Swaraj is on a two-day visit to Thailand. During the first day of her visit she held extensive talks with Thailand Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai.

20:21 Pune-startup EarlySalary raises Rs 100 crore led by Eight Roads Ventures

Pune-based lending startup EarlySalary on Thursday said it has raised Rs 100 crore in a round led by Fidelity owned Eight Roads Ventures and existing investors including IDG Ventures India and Dewan Housing Finance Corp. Ltd. (DHFL).

The company competes with other startups in the small ticket loans space such as Capital Float, Lending Kart, LoanTap, MoneyTap, BillionLoans besides others.

Founded in 2015 by Akshay Mehrotra (ex-BigBazaar) and Ashish Goyal (ex-bajaj Allianz), EarlySalary allows salaried individuals to avail instant loans for an average tenure of 30 days or till the next salary cycle.

Read the full story here.

20:19 Supreme Court asks Centre to file status report in Aircel-Maxis deal case

The Supreme Court today directed the Centre to file a status report on the probe conducted by Enforcement Directorate officer Rajeshwar Singh in the Aircel-Maxis deal case.

The apex court said the Centre should apprise it about the stage of the pending investigation in the case and what needed to be done.

"Let a status report be filed by the Union of India before us with respect to the further investigation that has been made. List the matter, as prayed, on January 23," a bench of justices Arun Mishra and MM Shantanagoudar said.

20:04 Yes Bank, Nearby Tech bring cardless-pinless ATM service

Fintech startup Nearby Technologies has tied up with Yes Bank to provide Aadhaar- enabled cardless and pinless ATM service by which customers can deposit or withdraw money at retailers place.

Using the PayNEARBY mobile application on a smart phone, a retailer can become an Aadhaar ATM/Aadhaar Bank branch for cash withdrawals and deposits by a customer, Yes Bank said in a release.

Yes Bank and Nearby worked closely with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to launch this service.

The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission ( MSHRC ) asked on Thursday the city civic body to submit a report on the last month's devastating fire at the Kamala Mills Compound here that killed 14 people.

The panel directed Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Ajoy Mehta to submit the report on the December 29 tragedy on or before January 29.

The commission was hearing a complaint filed by

advocate Vivekanand Gupta, seeking a direction to the BMC to carry out an extensive inquiry into the incident.

19:53 Rahul Gandhi mocks government over 'Make in India' initiative

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday used figures of declining investments to taunt the Narendra Modi government over its 'Make in India' initiative, terming the numbers an update on the "Fake in India programme".

"Guys a quick update on the Fake in India program," he tweeted, using the hashtag "#FakeinIndia" with it.

He also tagged a news report with his tweet that claimed fresh investments in India plunged to a 13-year low as the number of stalled projects rose in the December quarter.

19:49 RFP floated for assembly, testing of satellites: Centre

A Request for Proposal has been floated for assembling, integration and testing of satellites after an evaluation of the responses of the expression of interest for the purpose, involving the private sector, Union minister Jitendra Singh informed the Rajya Sabha today.

The reply from the minister of state in the PMO, Atomic Energy and Space came after he was asked whether the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has issued any tender for assembly, integration and testing of 30-35 satellites.

"An Expression of Interest (EOI) was floated for assembling, integration and testing of satellites involving private sector for building satellites of different mass," he said.

19:41 Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan praises Kim Jong-un's 'tough' anti-US stand

Veteran CPIM leader and Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has lavished praise on North Korean leader Kim Jong-un for putting up 'tough' resistance against 'imperialist' America better than the Communist-ruled China.

Addressing a CPI(M) district committee meet at Kozhikode yesterday, he said North Korea was showcasing a better example in defending 'imperialist' forces.

The CPI(M) polit bureau member also said there was a general criticism that China's fight against imperialist forces was not living up to the expectations of the people.

Jaypee

24K

The debt-ridden Jaypee group is targeting to complete the construction of pending 24,000 flats in Noida by 2020 at a cost of about Rs 8,000 crore and deliver it to home buyers, a senior company official said today.

Crisis-hit Jaypee group needs Rs 8,000 crore to complete incomplete flats, of which Rs 6,000 crore would come from home buyers while another Rs 2,000-2,500 crore needs to be infused, Jaypee advisor Ajit Kumar said.

In 2007, Jaypee group started the development of 32,000 flats and plots in its township Wish Town at Noida, of which nearly 8,000 units have been delivered so far.

19:31 RBI asks banks to refrain from filing Jaiprakash Associates in the insolvency court for now

The insolvency process against Jaiprakash Associates to be initiated by banks has been put on hold on the Reserve Bank of Indias instructions.

Currently, financially troubled Jaypee Infratech, subsidiary of Jaiprakash Associates, has been battling lenders in the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) but reached the Supreme Court after being dragged by the

homebuyers impacted by the insolvency proceedings.

Jaypee Infratech is among 12 large stressed companies in the first list referred to banks by RBI to start bankruptcy proceedings in June 2017.

Read the full report here.

19:28 India probes report on breach of Aadhaar database

India on Thursday began investigating a report that access to its database of the identity details of more than 1 billion citizens was being sold for just USD 8 on social media, in what could be one of the giant programmes biggest security breaches.

The Tribune newspaper said it had been able to buy login credentials to the Aadhaar database, allowing it to acquire information such as the names, telephone numbers and home addresses of millions of people.

The paper said it bought access for as little as 500 rupees (USD 7.89) from someone on a WhatsApp social media group.

19:27 File complaint against Mamata Banerjee in SC: BJP to NRC authorities

The BJP on Thursday urged the authorities involved with the National Register of Citizens in Assam to file a complaint in the Supreme Court against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for alleging that the Centre was hatching a conspiracy to drive out Bengalis from the northeastern state.

Assam BJP chief Ranjeet Kumar Dass claimed Banerjee made the comment to lure Bengali-speaking people towards the Trinamool Congress, as the saffron party was strengthening foothold in West Bengal.

We appeal to the NRC authorities to register a case of contempt of the Supreme Court, he told a press conference here.

19:23 Andhra Pradesh govt gears up to present Rs 2 lakh crore FY19 mega budget

With an eye on the 2019 general elections, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led government in Andhra Pradesh is gearing up to present a jumbo budget for Rs 2 lakh crore in 2018-19, a staggering rise of over Rs 43,000 crore compared to the ongoing fiscal, the highest probable jump in one year.

Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu announced in Amalapuram this afternoon that they were preparing budget proposals for Rs 2 lakh crore for the next financial year despite reduction in state revenue owing to GST.

The budget for the next fiscal is expected to be presented in February. The Lok Sabha polls are due in the first half of 2019, a year in which Andhra Pradesh also faces assembly elections.

Lok

Sabha

A bill to hike the salaries of judges of the Supreme Court and the 24 high courts by over two folds was passed by the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

Once the bill is cleared by Parliament and becomes a law, the Chief Justice of India will get a monthly salary of Rs 2.80 lakh from the present Rs one lakh. Similarly, judges of the Supreme Court and chief justices of the high courts will draw a monthly salary of Rs 2.50 lakh from the current Rs 90,000.

The country has the potential to grow at an average of 6.7 percent per annum over the next five years and will be the fastest growing large economies, global ratings agency Fitch has said.

Even though this rate of growth is lower than the potential and what policymakers have been aspiring for, it is ahead of the 5.5 percent growth estimated for China and Indonesia, who are joined at the second fastest rank.

Demographic factors, where India is among the youngest countries in the world with a maximum number of people in the working age group, and investment rates will be aiding the country, it said in a report on Thursday.

18:48 ED attaches assets worth Rs. 11.28 crores under PMLA of M/s AKR Construction Ltd. in connection with Commonwealth Games scam, All India Radio tweets.

19:04 IPL 2018 Retention Today, here is an update

Mumbai Indians retain Rohit Sharma, CSK retain MS Dhoni Indian Premier League (IPL) teams announced the list of players they have retained for the 2018 season. The IPL auction is slated to happen on January 27 and 28 in Bangalore.

Here's a list of players retained by team:

Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer and Chris MorrisRohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik PandyaMS Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Ravindra JadejaVirat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, AB de VilliersSunil Narine and Andre Russell.David Warner and Bhuvneshwar KumarSteve SmithAxar PatelAccording to the rules, a franchise can use maximum of either 3 retentions or 3 RTM.

If there is no retention before player auction then franchises can have up to 3 Right to Match (RTM). Earlier, Delhi Daredevils also announced that former Australian captain Ricky Ponting will take over as their Head Coach.

18:40 Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting appointed as Delhi Daredevils head coach, reports the Times of India.

18:36 Just In| A fire was reported in Prime Mall, Ville Parle, Mumbai at 3 pm. No casualties were reported.

18:14 Air India ties up with three banks for loans for 3 B777 planes

State-owned Air India has tied up with UAE-based First Abu Dhabi Bank as well as Standard Chartered Bank and Mashreq Bank to avail short-term loans for acquiring three Boeing 777 aircraft, Union minister Jayant Singh said today.

Two of the aircraft are to be used for ferrying VVIPs, the minister of state for civil aviation said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

The delivery of the three B777-300 ER planes is scheduled to be completed next month  two in January and one in February.

17:58 I&B received 700 complaints of misleading ads from 2015-17: MoS Rajyavardhan Rathore

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting received over 700 complaints against misleading advertisements in the last three years, the Lok Sabha was informed on Thursday.

In a written reply, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore said as many as 190 complaints were received in 2017, 371 complaints in 2016 and 147 complaints in 2015.

He said all the complaints received in 2015 and 2016 were disposed of.

17:55 Triple Talaq debate update: Rajya Sabha adjourns discussion to 11 am tomorrow

15 opposition parties want the Bill to be deferred. The Opposition wants the Triple Talaq Bill to be reviewed by a Select Committee. Like yesterday, there was an uproar in Rajya Sabha today which caused Rajya Sabha to adjourn the meeting to tomorrow. By the looks of it, the government may defer the Bill to the next session. FM Jaitley blamed the Congress for "sabotaging the Bill," as the Congress demands the removal of anti-women clause.

17:28 FM Jaitley reports India's state of economy in Rajya Sabha

FM Jaitley today at the Rajya Sabha batted for the revival plan of recapitalising the PSU banks. On the current state of the economy, he pointed that GST is a structural reform and it will have near-term disruptions and said that the structural reforms may affect upcoming quarters but will bring in long-term benefits. He said that there was only a marginal slippage from the fiscal deficit in the year which passed.

On infrastructure, he said that the investment in physical and social infrastructure is only increasing. India's report card on growth was tabled, slamming the opposition on their past comments on India's state of economy.

17:17 Vijay Mallya declared proclaimed offender by Delhi court

A Delhi court today declared businessman Vijay Mallya a proclaimed offender for evading summons in a FERA violation case.

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Deepak Shehrawat passed the order after noting that Mallya failed to appear before it despite repeated summonses.

"In view that Vijay Mallya failed to appear before this court within 30 days, and no representation was made on his behalf, he is declared as proclaimed offender," the court said.

17:15 Mumbai Protests update: Over 30 policemen sustained injuries in the city yesterday during the protest called by various Dalit groups, a senior police official said today.

17:12 Fodder Scam: Lalu Yadav's sentencing deferred, judge says he received calls from RJD chief's 'well-wishers'

A special court on Thursday deferred the sentencing of Lalu Prasad Yadav in a fodder scam case till tomorrow when it is likely to decide whether to pronounce the quantum of punishment over video conference or in court with the judge saying he also received phone calls from the RJD chief's well- wishers. The case relates to fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 89.27 lakh from Deoghar treasury 21 years ago.

Deferring the sentencing for the second day in a row, CBI judge Shiv Pal Singh said he would decide tomorrow whether the sentence would be given over video conference or in the court.To this, Prasad said he was for personal appearance and assured that there would be no slogans raised in the courtroom by his supporters.The judge also said he had received phone calls from well-wishers of the RJD boss but did not elaborate.

16:59 Kulbhushan Jadhav case update: India slams Pakistan over Jadhav video

MEA's Official Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted India's response to the Kulbhushan Jadhav video released by Pakistan. The response, as quoted, said, "This does not come as a surprise. Pakistan is simply continuing its practice of putting out coerced statements on video. It is time for them to realise that such propagandistic exercises simply carry no credibility. The absurdity of a captive under duress certifying his own welfare while mouthing allegations of his captors clearly merits no comment. Pakistan is advised to fulfil its international obligations, whether it pertains to consular relations or UNSC resolutions 1267 or 1373 on terrorism and to desist from continuing violations of human rights of an Indian national."

16:38 Housing ministry likely to seek increased funding for its flagship schemes in the Budget

The ministry of housing and urban affairs is likely to seek an almost four-fold increase in budgets for its flagship programmes  Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (PMAY) and Smart City Mission, ministry sources say.

The ministry has so far sanctioned 3.7 million houses under the PMAY scheme, which is almost 33 percent of the total shortfall of 11 million. Now if we move from 33 percent to the remaining one, obviously we will need more money but we will need the money as we go along, Hardeep Puri, union minister of housing and urban affairs told Moneycontrol on the sidelines of a workshop on Global Housing Construction Technology Challenge held in the Capital on Thursday.

Read our full story here

16:32 ONGC may have to pay a premium to acquire government's stake in HPCL

ONGC will have to pay a premium to acquire Centres 51.1 percent stake in oil marketing company Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) under the proposed deal.

Financial Express reports that ONGC may have to pay the government approximately Rs 45,000 crore for taking controlling stake in the latter firm that is Rs 14,500 crore more than the estimated Rs 31,000-31,500 crore at the present valuation and a 45 percent premium over its current market capitalisation.

BoE

British consumers increased their borrowing by the smallest amount since mid-2015 in the three months to November, suggesting households are slowly reining in spending, Bank of England figures showed on Thursday. Britains economy saw lacklustre growth for most of 2017 - especially compared to its faster-growing neighbours - and Thursdays BoE data suggest this pattern continued toward the end of the year.

The central bank said unsecured consumer lending in the three months to November grew at an annualised rate of 8.5%, down from 9.3% in the three months to October and its weakest since June 2015. The BoE has played down any suggestion of a debt bubble, though it has acknowledged pockets of risk and required banks to set aside more money against the risk of bad loans, reports Reuters.

India may have to give freer rein to the rupee this year to avoid triggering US accusations that theyre manipulating their currencies to support exports, reports Bloomberg. The Reserve Bank of India has already exceeded a key threshold on how much it can intervene to curb the rupees gains that the US monitors, according to Nomura Holdings.

Should Indias central bank seek to assuage US concerns - and avoid a range of possible penalties - it would likely lead to the rupee gaining, potentially reducing its export competitiveness. For all the efforts of policy makers last year, the rupee climbed 6.4% against the dollar.

15:50 Hindalco

Aleris

Hindalco Industries is among the potential buyers that submitted bids for US aluminum producer Aleris Corporation, sources told Bloomberg. This even as billionaire owner Kumar Mangalam Birla moves ahead with plans to expand his overseas operations. The company made a non-binding offer through its US unit, Novelis, and will now conduct due diligence, sources said. A deal could value Aleris at around $2.5 billion including debt, sources said.

Ohio-based Aleris, which is owned by Oaktree Capital Group and Apollo Global Management, had earlier agreed to sell itself to Zhongwang USA for an enterprise value of $2.3 billion. The transaction, left in limbo after US officials raised national-security concerns about the Chinese-backed bidder, was called off in November after multiple extensions.

Jadhav

Pakistan released another video of Indian death row prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav purportedly confessing that he was a commissioned officer of the Indian Navy and that the diplomat who was accompanying his family for the meeting yelled at his mother. However, the veracity of the video which was released by the Pakistan Foreign Office could not be ascertained.

The video was released days after India had hit out at Pakistan for violating understandings for the Jadhav-family meet and raised questions about the 47-year-old Indian national's well-being. India had also asserted that Jadhav appeared coerced and under considerable stress during the tightly-controlled interaction on December 25 in the Pakistan Foreign Office.

In the purported video, Jadhav said, "I saw fear in her (mother's) eyes, the Indian diplomat was shouting at my mother the moment she stepped out. I saw him shouting, yelling at her. This [meeting] was a positive gesture, so that she [my mother] could be happy and I could be happy." However, it was not clear how Jadhav saw the diplomat shouting at his mother once she stepped out. The diplomat accompanying Jadhav's family was India's Deputy High Commissioner in Islamabad.

NPA

FY18

Icra

Moody's Investors Service said the government's Rs 2.11 lakh crore capital infusion in state-run banks would narrow the gap between the capital profiles of public and private sector banks. Besides, gross non-performing assets (NPAs) could peak in current fiscal, but elevated levels of provisioning on these NPAs will continue to negatively affect the banks during fiscals 2018 and 2019, Moody's Indian affiliate ICRA said.

Growth in Germanys services accelerated at the fastest pace in two years in December, a survey showed on Thursday, suggesting Europes largest economy ended 2017 on a highly positive note. Markits final services index rose to 55.8 from 54.3 in November, helped by a sharper increase in new business in all sections of the sector.

Markits final composite Purchasing Managers Index (PMI), which tracks the activity in manufacturing and services that together account for more than two-thirds of the economy, rose to 58.9 from 57.3 in November to reach an 80-month high. The flash composite reading was 58.7. Markits final PMI for manufacturing showed on Tuesday that factory growth jumped to an all-time high of 63.3 in December from 62.5 in November.

The security situation facing Japan is the most perilous since World War II because of North Koreas unacceptable provocations, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said and he vowed to bolster defences to protect the Japanese people. It is not an exaggeration to say that the security environment surrounding Japan is at its severest since World War II. I will protect the peoples lives and peaceful living in any situation, Abe told Reuters. Abe said Japan would take new steps to strengthen its defence posture but he did not go to specifics.

Nagar

bypoll

Kamal

Haasan

Actor Kamal Haasan alleged that money power was behind TTV Dhinakaran's win in the December 21 RK Nagar bypoll, drawing sharp rebuke from the sidelined AIADMK leader who accused the star of maligning voters, reports PTI. In a stinging article as part of his weekly series in the latest issue of Tamil magazine 'Ananda Vikatan,' the veteran star described the bypoll, held due to the demise of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, as a "stain" on Indian democracy.

Responding to Haasan's salvo, Dhinakaran hit back saying the actor was making such allegations as he could not digest his win in the bypoll. Amidst accusations of money distribution by rival sides -the AIADMK and the Dhinakaran camp - the former Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MP, contesting as an independent, had trounced the ruling party candidate E Madhusudhanan. He won by a margin of 40,000 votes, giving a jolt to the Chief Minister K Palaniswami led dispensation.

14:46 Glenmark

biosimilar

Adalimumab

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals announced the launch of Adalimumab's biosimilar under a licensing pact with Zydus group firm Cadila Healthcare, for treatment of plaque psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis in the country. The biosimilar product, developed by researchers at the Zydus Research Centre, was first launched by Zydus in 2014 and is manufactured at Zydus Biologics, Glenmark said in a statement.

The biosimilar will be marketed by Glenmark under the brand name ADALY, it added. ADALY will be available to patients in India at a fraction of the global cost, it said without disclosing the exact price at which the product will be sold in the country.

The Congress accused the government of not passing on to consumers the benefits of revenue it has earned by hiking excise duty on oil products, saying it garnered over Rs 5.5 lakh crore and should tell the people what it has done with the money, reports PTI.

Party leader Mallikarjun Kharge raised the issue in the Lok Sabha, noting that the price of crude was $110 per barrel in March 2014, two months before the BJP came to power, which had come down to $40 in June 2016. It was $60 on Wednesday, he said. He said petrol and diesel prices were not reduced in line with the falling price and instead, excise duty on diesel was hiked by 386% and on petrol by 126%.

14:32 Bhima

Koregaon

Mevani

An FIR was filed against Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student leader Umar Khalid for their alleged "provocative" speeches during an event in Pune on December 31, an official said. Both were charged for allegedly creating a rift and spreading disharmony between the Maratha and Dalit communities.

Mevani, the newly elected MLA from Gujarat, and Khalid had attended the "Elgar Parishad", an event organised to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the battle of Bhima-Koregaon, at Shaniwar Wada in the city on December 31. According to a complaint filed by city resident Akshay Bikkad, Mevani and Khalid allegedly made "provocative" speeches at the event and their remarks were aimed at creating disharmony and rift between the communities, which led to the violence in Bhima Koregaon on January 1.

Sabarimala

An authentic age proof document is now a must for women visiting the famed Lord Ayyappa Temple in Sabarimala in Kerala, where the entry of female devotees in the age group of 10-50 is banned, reports PTI. The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the shrine, has decided to make the age proof mandatory during the ongoing pilgrim season in view of the increasing instances of women devotees trying to trek to the hillock shrine defying the restrictions.

The final leg of the three-month-long annual pilgrim season will end on January 14, with the Makaravilakku festival. Women in the menstruating age group are restricted from offering prayers at Sabarimala because the presiding deity, Lord Ayyappa is considered to be a 'naishtika brahmachari' (perennial celibate). TDB President A Padmakumar said any authentic document or certificate including Aadhaar card is acceptable during the routine checks at the foothills of Sabarimala temple.

Skills and talent development firm NIIT said it has acquired Eagle International Institute (EII) for $8.1 million. The acquisition will help NIIT expand its training capability for global rollout of cloud-based enterprise applications in the pharmaceutical and life sciences industry, NIIT said in a statement.

"The total consideration payable for the acquisition (comprising equity, goodwill and assumption of debt obligation) is $8.1 million...The deal - in cash -includes upfront and deferred payments over five years," NIIT said in a BSE filing. Eagle was incorporated in 1988 and is engaged in the business of providing technology training and work process consulting.

EII - which operates as Eagle Productivity Solutions - is headquartered in Rochester, US. Its consolidated turnover (provisional) for the financial year ended December 2017 stood at $10.7 million.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley may raise tax breaks offered on money parked in a slew of products including bank fixed deposits, insurance premium and mutual funds from Rs 150,000 to Rs 200,000 a year under the popular Section 80C scheme, reports Moneycontrol News Gaurav Choudhury. The move, if implemented, could be part of a broader strategy to encourage people to save more in financial instruments and wean them away from locking up surplus funds in unproductive physical assets such as gold.

The Philippines has fined Sanofi $2,000 and suspended clearance for the French drug maker's controversial dengue vaccine Dengvaxia, citing violations on product registration and marketing, its health secretary said on Thursday. Concerns over the dengue immunisation of nearly 734,000 children aged nine and above resulted in two Philippine congressional inquiries and a criminal investigation as to how the danger to public health came about.

The country ordered Sanofi to stop the sale, distribution and marketing of Dengvaxia after the company last month warned the vaccine could worsen the disease in some cases."They were fined and their certificate of product registration was suspended," Health Secretary Francisco Duque said told Reuters. The Food and Drugs Administration of Philippines found Sanofi violating post-marketing surveillance requirements, he added.

Sanofi was not immediately available for comment. The government spent 3.5 billion pesos ($70.2 million) for the Dengvaxia public immunisation programme in 2016 to reduce the 200,000 dengue cases reported every year.

13:52 Economy on revival mode amid sprouts of green shoots in many sectors; all eyes on FY18 GDP estimates on Friday

How do you spot an economic revival? The earliest signs are visible on the highways. Are there more lorries on expressways ferrying goods across states? Latest data show truck sales grew at a robust pace in December, a sign that transport companies are buying more vehicles to rapidly move goods to meet growing consumer demand.

Read our full story here

NCLT

The Reserve Bank of India has ordered banks not to initiate bankruptcy proceedings against Jaiprakash Associates, reports The Economic Times. The move is possibly in anticipation of legal complications after a Supreme Court ruling barred its promoters from selling or transferring assets, bankers said. The ruling was aimed at safeguarding the interests of buyers of homes being built by the company.

Jaiprakash Associates is among 28 companies that banks were directed to refer to bankruptcy court if debt resolution plans weren't in place by the end of 2017. It is the only company in the list that has received a special dispensation from RBI in this regard, bankers said.

"The regulator has told us to 'keep on hold' the move to refer Jaiprakash Associates to the NCLT (National Company Law Tribunal)," a senior bank official said. "The regulator also indicated the move to keep it on hold was 'with reference to the recent Supreme Court ruling' that prevents the promoters from selling their assets," he said.

An investigation by The Tribune has found that details of any of the about billion Aadhaar numbers issued in India can be accessed for as little as Rs 500. The report says that that the racket could have started six months ago over anonymous Whatsapp groups.

For Rs 500, The Tribune purchased a service being offered over Whatsapp. The newspaper's reporters claim that within 10 minutes, they had access to all details any individual had provided to the UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India). An agent provided them a login and password to a portal with all the data.

The report added that for another Rs 300, the agent had given them a software that facilitates printing of Aadhaar cards with just the Aadhaar number. The matter has been taken up with the UIDAI technical consultants in Bengaluru.

The government has notified a new 7.75% taxable bond scheme to replace the earlier 8% scheme for retail investors. These bonds with seven-year maturity would open for subscription from January 10, a Finance Ministry statement said. "7.75% Savings Bonds Scheme notified. Would replace 8% Scheme. Will be effective from 10th January. This sequenced notifications and gap of a week was necessary to avoid overlap in cheque realisations," Economic Affairs Secretary SC Garg said in a tweet. The interest would be payable half-yearly and the cumulative value of Rs 1,000 at the end of seven years will be Rs 1,703.

Mevani

Police denied permission to a summit scheduled to be addressed by Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani and JNU student leader Umar Khalid and detained students gathered outside a hall in Mumbai for the event, reports PTI. A police official said the number of students and activists detained outside the Bhaidas Hall in suburban Vile Parle was not yet available.

The action came after police denied permission for the 'All India Students Summit 2018', which was scheduled to be held today, in which Mevani and Khalid were invited. The police denied permission in the wake of protests and bandh in the state on Wednesday following violence on the anniversary of a battle fought 200 years ago at Bhima Koregaon in Pune, a senior police official said.

12:35 FinMin

000cr

PSB

The Finance Ministry is seeking Parliament nod for its Rs 80,000 crore public sector banks recapitalisation programme. It is seeking the additional expenditure via the third batch of supplementary demands.

12:31 Niti

Aayog

blockchain

Niti Aayog is exploring the use of blockchain technology in legally approved areas such as education, health and agriculture, reports The Economic Times. A 'proof of concept' is being prepared at the Aayog to leverage the use of this technology in key sectors, a senior government official said. "It is a safe system for document verification and hence can be adopted in sectors like education, health and agriculture," the official said.

A blockchain is a decentralised and distributed digital ledger that is used to record transactions across many computers so that the record cannot be altered retroactively without the alteration of all subsequent blocks. This allows the participants to verify and audit transactions inexpensively.

12:12 Maha

bandh

FIRs

The Mumbai Police registered 16 FIRs and detained over 300 people in connection with protests by Dalit groups during the day-long bandh on Wednesday against the Bhima Koregaon caste clashes, while Internet services were suspended in Kolhapur following tension in the district, reports PTI.

Over 200 buses of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation were damaged in attacks by protesters across the state during the bandh, MSRTC officials said. In Mumbai, 16 FIRs were registered at various police stations and more than 300 people detained, police said. In Kolhapur, the home district of social reformist late Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, the protesters attacked 13 buses of the civic corporation, an official said.

12:08 Sena

Fadnavis

Bhima-Koregaon

The Shiv Sena tore into the Devendra Fadnavis government over the Bhima-Koregaon violence in Maharashtra, alleging it had no work except to fight elections using the state machinery and police, reports PTI. The BJP's bickering ally said it was time the government geared up to fight enemies. "Incidents that raise questions on the ability and the stand of the Fadnavis government are happening every day. The chief minister has ordered a judicial inquiry into the Bhima-Koregaon incident but every government does the same thing. What is new in that?" an editorial in the party mouthpiece 'Saamana' read.

The Sena said the government should have had the knowledge about mischief mongers working behind the curtains to cause social unrest and the people coming from other states to create tension. "The state is bearing the brunt of the BJP having control of the Home department and politics in the police department. When the only work left is to fight elections using the government machinery and the police, violent incidents take place," it alleged.

The Indian services sector returned to marginal growth in December as new orders broadly stabilised, says a monthly survey. Even as there was a turnaround, business activity growth in December was slight and remained well below the average recorded for the survey history as a whole.

The seasonally adjusted Business Activity Index improved to 50.9 in December from 48.5 in November, signalling a renewed increase in business activity. Meanwhile, production growth at Indian manufacturers quickened to the fastest in five years in December and accordingly, the headline seasonally adjusted Nikkei India Composite PMI Output Index rose from 50.3 in November to 53.0 in December, the highest since October 2016.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe voiced confidence that the economy was steadily heading toward an end to deflation, reports Reuters. With a domestic demand-led recovery taking hold, Japan is making steady progress toward emerging from 20 years of deflation, Abe said. He also said his administration would focus on labour market reforms that would boost productivity and address a shrinking working-age population amid a rapidly aging society.

11:48 CNBC-TV18 reports that the government is likely to make an announcement on recapitalisation of public sector banks later today.

bandh

000cr

The day-long Maharashtra shut-down called by various Dalit parties may have caused an estimated loss of Rs 700 crore to Rs 1,000 crore, trade bodies told The Daily News & Analysis. Shops and establishments, malls, hotels and restaurants, cinema houses and multiplexes were impacted the most.

From the estimated 35 lakh licence holders in the country, 15 lakh are in Mumbai alone and they bore the brunt of Wednesday's bandh. "If you calculate their daily turnover of Rs 2,000, the loss is estimated at Rs 700 crore," says Viren Shah, President of Federation of Retail Trade Welfare Association.

The Indian Merchants Chamber (IMC) estimated the loss to be around Rs 1,000 crore. Vijay Jatia, CMD of Modern India, also projected the loss to be in the range of Rs 800 crore to Rs 1,000 crore.

The government is considering a proposal to split GAIL (India), with the marketing operations spun off into a separate company, sources told The Times of India. The plan is being discussed in the Petroleum Ministry as the Centre is unhappy with the state-run player's performance in building a pipeline network in addition to a possible conflict of interest in its role as the infrastructure provider as well as a carrier. The plan to split the company, which was set up mainly to develop gas sector infrastructure in the country, has been discussed in the past too, including by Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, but it did not materialise.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday blasted former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon as having lost his mind in the fallout over damaging comments Bannon made about Trumps son Donald Trump Jr in excerpts from a new book, reports Reuters.

Trump, who had continued to speak privately with Bannon after firing him in August, essentially cut ties with Bannon at least for now in a blistering statement issued after Bannons comments came to light, reports Reuters. Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind, Trump said.

According to excerpts from Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House by Michael Wolff, to be released on Tuesday, Bannon described a June 2016 meeting with a group of Russians at Trump Tower in New York arranged by the presidents son and attended by top Trump campaign officials as treasonous and unpatriotic.

10:18 HDFC

575cr

HDFC

Housing Development and Finance Corporation (HDFC) said it will make a special provision of Rs 1,575 crore, using part of the proceeds from the initial public offering (IPO) of HDFC Standard Life Insurance. The additional provision is being made to create a buffer for any unexpected risks in future, it said in an exchange filing. Indias oldest and largest housing finance company said the firm had garnered Rs 5,250 crore profit from its life insurance subsidiary IPO in November.

A Health Ministry panel has raised concerns about the safety of painkiller injection diclofenac marketed by drug maker Novartis India and manufactured by Themis Medicare. This after Troikaa Pharmaceuticals alleged that the painkiller injection contains Transcutol, which damages kidneys.

09:54 Flipkart

600cr

eKart

Indias largest online retailer Flipkart, which raised nearly $3 billion in 2017 from investors such as Japans SoftBank Group Corp, Chinas Tencent Holdings, eBay and Microsoft Corporation, has invested over $400 million in four separate tranches in its logistics arm eKart over the past four months, according to filings with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

Instakart Services Pvt received four separate tranches of investment from Flipkart, amounting to roughly Rs 2,600 crore (about $408 million) since September. The latest tranche of Rs 1,200 crore was the largest infusion that Flipkart made in eKart over the past six months, according to documents filed on December 19.

eKart, controlled by Instakart Services, was started by Flipkart as an in-house logistics business and later spun off due to regulatory hurdles. Flipkarts eKart arm is responsible for order fulfilment, post-delivery and seller services. It is a key business for Flipkart, employing more than 20,000 workers who deliver smartphones, clothes, shoes, TVs and other products to customers. Flipkart also separately allocated nearly $460 million towards eKart for investments and acquisitions earlier in 2017, according to filings from October.

Rajinikant's

DMK working president MK Stalin said Tamil Nadu was the cradle of the Dravidian movement, where there was no place for spiritual politics as enunciated by top star Rajinikant, reports PTI. He made the remark on Wednesday just after the superstar called on his father and DMK chief M Karunanidhi at his residence in Chennai, days after announcing his entry into politics.

Citing Rajinikanth's assertion of "spiritual politics" Stalin said Tamil Nadu was the cradle of the Dravidian movement. "Some are creating an impression that Rajinikanth is to launch a party at the instigation of people who intend to decimate the Dravidian movement in Tamil Nadu. Let me tell you this is the land of Periyar Anna (Dravidar Kazhagam founder EV Ramasamy Periyar) and Kalaignar (Karunanidhi)... such efforts in the past have ended in a fiasco."

Announcing his political debut on December 31 last year, Rajinikanth batted for honesty in politics and good governance. He said "everything needs to be changed" and declared that "spiritual politics" needs to be ushered in, sans shades of any caste or religion with transparency.

DGCA

licence

Aviation regulator DGCA on Wednesday suspended the flying licence of a senior Jet Airways pilot who allegedly slapped a female commander of the airline's London-Mumbai flight on January 1, reports PTI. The pilot's flying licence has been suspended pending investigation, a senior official of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said. The two senior pilots have been grounded by Jet Airways since the incident.

Besides physically assaulting the woman commander, the pilot also left the cockpit unattended twice, which is in violation of the safety norms leading to the suspension of his licence, according to the official. The aircraft was in the Iran-Pakistan airspace and was 2.45 hours away from its destination when the incident took place, an airline source said.

When contacted, a Jet Airways spokesperson said there was a "misunderstanding" between the cockpit crew and the same was "resolved amicably" and "quickly".

Infosys CEO Salil Parekh will be paid a fixed salary of Rs 6.5 crore and would be eligible for variable pay of Rs 9.75 crore at the end of the FY19, according to a top company executive. "Infosys CEO Salil Parekh will be paid a fixed salary of Rs 6.5 crore. He would be eligible for variable pay of Rs 9.75 crore at the end of the fiscal year," independent board member at Infosys Kiran Mazumdar Shaw told PTI.

Former CEO Vishal Sikka earned $6.75 million in FY17 much to disliking of Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy. Wipro CEO Abidali Neemuchwala is getting a bit over $2 million. Shaw, who is part of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC), said Parekh will also receive Rs 3.25 crore in restricted stock units. "He will also get Rs 13 crore in annual performance equity grants," she said. Parekh will also get a one-time equity grant of Rs 9.75 crore, Shaw said.

The Reserve Bank is going to issue new Rs 10 notes under the Mahatma Gandhi series with chocolate brown colour as the base, reports Reuters. The new note will bear the picture of the Konark Sun Temple. The apex bank has already printed around 1 billion pieces of the new note, sources said.

The design was approved by the government last week. The change in design in the old Rs 10 note was last made in 2005. In August last year, RBI had introduced the new Rs 200 and Rs 50 notes under the Mahatma Gandhi series. The move to reintroduce lower denomination notes in a new design comes after the governments plan to get rid of counterfeiting.

Four people, including two children died and five were seriously injured after an upper floor of a residential building in suburban Marol caught fire here today, an official told PTI. "Mumbai Fire Brigade got call at 2.10 am about fire at the fourth floor of Ground plus Mamoon Manzil building at Marol in Andheri East.

Our fire brigade personnel along with the fire-fighting system and ambulance reached at the spot at 2.34 am and swung into action to douse the fire," said an official from Disaster Management Unit of BMC.

"Firemen covered the fire from all side at 4.20 am. A total of nine people were injured of which four were declared brought dead by the nearby hospital," said an official from Disaster Management Unit of BMC. He said that five people have received burn injuries and are admitted in Holy Spirit hospital.

Public sector Allahabad Bank said the Reserve Bank has put the lender under prompt corrective action framework post an on-site inspection of high NPAs and negative return of assets for FY17. "We have to inform you that the Reserve Bank of India vide letter dated January 2, 2018 received by the bank on date has placed the bank under Prompt Corrective Action Framework, consequent to the on-site inspection under the Risk Based Supervision Model carried out for the year ended March, 2017," the bank said in a regulatory filing.

The RBI inspection has revealed high net NPAs (non-performing assets) and negative RoA (return on assets) for two consecutive years, it said further. "The action will contribute to the overall improvement in risk management, asset quality, profitability, efficiency of the bank," the lender said.

For the FY17, the bank had trimmed its net losses to Rs 313.51 crore against Rs 743.31 crore in FY16. The RBI has initiated similar action against other public sector banks, including IDBI Bank, Indian Overseas Bank and UCO Bank.

The computer industry is scrambling to patch a massive security vulnerability that's present in the processors used on almost all the computers in the world, reports CNBC. The vulnerabilities could allow a hacker to steal information stored in the memory of a wide range of computer chips running on personal devices  not just computers and phones, but also the servers in data centers, including those used to run cloud computing services.

The widespread vulnerability could allow a hacker to steal information stored in the memory of the chip itself, including things such as passwords and cached files. It could also pave the way for attackers to weaken other security features. One of the vulnerabilities, dubbed Meltdown, is known to affect Intel chips. Another, Spectre, could affect chips from many vendors, including Intel as well as AMD and Arm. Intel and AMD chips power nearly all personal computers and the computers used in data centers, including those that power online services and cloud computing services, while Arm chips power many smartphones.

Caixin

Growth in Chinas manufacturing sector unexpectedly picked up to a four-month high in December as factories cranked up production to meet a surge in new orders, a private business survey showed. The Caixin/Markit Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) rose to 51.5 last month, from 50.8 in November.

Japanese manufacturing activity expanded at the fastest pace in almost four years in December as new orders accelerated, a revised survey showed on Thursday, in a sign that steady economic growth will continue into the new year. The Markit/Nikkei Japan Manufacturing Final Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) was a seasonally adjusted 54.0 in December, slightly below the preliminary reading of 54.2 but still above a final reading of 53.6 in November. Even after the slight downward revision, the index was at the highest since February 2014.

Asian shares scaled a 10-year high on Thursday as solid economic data from the United States and Germany reinforced investors optimism while oil prices hovered at 2.5-year high with unrest in Iran stoking supply disruption concerns. MSCIs broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan ticked up 0.1%, coming near its 2007 peak, with Australian shares hitting a decade high. The SGX Nifty is trading mildly higher at 10,499.50.

Oil prices on Thursday remained near levels last seen in late 2014-2015, with markets tightening amid tensions in Iran and due to ongoing OPEC-led production cuts, reports Reuters. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $61.76 a barrel at 06:40am, up 13 cents from their last close and not far off the $61.97 May, 2015 high reached the previous day. Brent crude futures - the international benchmark for oil prices - were at $67.82 a barrel, down 2 cents but still not far off the $68.03 May 2015 high from the day before.

07:22 BoA-ML

Silbert

Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BoA-ML) banned clients from investing in one of bitcoin mogul Barry Silberts top funds last month, according to a memo seen by Reuters. As of December 8, the Wall Street brokerage stopped approving new orders for the Bitcoin Investment Trust due to concerns about the suitability and eligibility standards of this product, according to the memo sent to roughly 17,000 brokers at Merrill Lynch and Merrill Edge, a unit for clients who manage their own trades. Bitcoin Investment Trust is run by Grayscale Investments, which is led by Silbert, a former Wall Street investment banker and prominent supporter of cryptocurrencies.

US President Donald Trumps administration has been informing members of Congress that it will announce as soon as Thursday plans to cut off security assistance to Pakistan, congressional aides said, a day after the White House warned Islamabad it would have to do more to maintain US aid. Aides in two congressional offices said the State Department called on Wednesday to inform them that it would announce on Wednesday or Thursday that aid was being cut off, although it was not clear how much, what type or for how long, reports Reuters.

The White House on Wednesday defended Donald Trumps tweet about the size of his nuclear button, saying Americans should be concerned about the North Korean leaders mental fitness, not their presidents, reports Reuters. On Tuesday, Trump responded to a New Years Day speech in which North Korean leader Kim Jong Un warned he had a nuclear button on his desk by saying that his nuclear button is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!

The tweet provoked strong criticism, especially from Trumps Democratic opponents, and former Vice President Joe Biden called it dangerously cavalier. Asked whether Americans should be concerned about the presidents mental fitness after he appeared to be speaking so lightly about nuclear threats, White House spokeswoman Sara Sanders said:

The president and the people of this country should be concerned about the mental fitness of the leader of North Korea. Hes made repeated threats, hes tested missiles time and time again for years, and this is a president whos not going to cower down and whos not going to be weak and is going to make sure that he does what hes promised to do and that is stand up and protect the American people.
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The insolvency process against Jaiprakash Associates to be initiated by banks has been put on hold on the Reserve Bank of Indias instructions.

Currently, financially troubled Jaypee Infratech , subsidiary of Jaiprakash Associates, has been battling lenders in the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) but reached the Supreme Court after being dragged by the

homebuyers impacted by the insolvency proceedings.

Jaypee Infratech is among 12 large stressed companies in the first list referred to banks by RBI to start bankruptcy proceedings in June 2017.

The apex court has ruled that the promoters of the company would not be allowed to sell their personal assets or property without its permission.

Jaiprakash Associates, with a debt of nearly Rs 29,000 crore, is part of Jaypee Group, promoted by Manoj Gaur and his family and features in RBIs second list of 28-30 companies to be taken to NCLT. It has deposited Rs 425 crore so far.

In order to avoid legal complications, the RBI asked banks and the lead banker, ICICI Bank, to exempt Jaiprakash Associates from being filed at the NCLT for now, said a banking source aware of the matter.

The SC will hear the matter next on February 1 once the company make the deposits before January 25.

While the second list of companies were to be sent to the NCLTs before December end, any resolution plan on selling of its assets could violate the SC ruling, a senior banker said.

Bankers had sought to extend time from the RBI to allow an out-of-court settlement, which was rejected.

Moreover, a delay in initiating insolvency proceedings will limit the provisioning hit for banks in the near-term.

It seems to be a reasonable approach given the fact that Supreme Court is already apprised of the matter. If any process had gone to a lower court (NCLT), it could have had the potential of upsetting the Apex court, something that had happened in case of Unitech case recently, says an insolvency expert, adding ultimately if the company is not able to satisfy the lenders, they may find a way to restart the process.

On August 9 last year, the Allahabad bench of the NCLT had accepted lender IDBI Banks plea and admitted Jaypee Infratech as a case under insolvency resolution for defaulting Rs 526 crore. It appointed Anuj Jain as the insolvency resolution professional from BSSR & Co.

The SC ruling came after around 30,000 home buyers in the Jaypee Infratechs projects raised concerns of not getting back their money as the first right of dues would go to the banks and other operational creditors. While some buyers have paid the full amount to the company, there are others who may have paid either 60 percent or perhaps 90 percent of the amount.

The total gross debt of Jaiprakash Associates stood at Rs 67,977.9 crore.
The ministry of housing and urban affairs is likely to seek an almost four-fold increase in budgets for its flagship programmes  Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (PMAY) and Smart City Mission, ministry sources say.

The ministry has so far sanctioned 3.7 million houses under the PMAY scheme, which is almost 33 percent of the total shortfall of 11 million. Now if we move from 33 percent to the remaining one, obviously we will need more money but we will need the money as we go along, Hardeep Puri, union minister of housing and urban affairs told Moneycontrol on the sidelines of a workshop on Global Housing Construction Technology Challenge held in the Capital on Thursday.

The government is also working on creating a housing fund to augment funding under these schemes, he said.

If you succeed, you will need more. First of all the targets in PMAY, which the prime minister gave, was housing for every Indian citizen by 2022. We made an estimate, there was a 2011 study which said that there is a shortage of 18 million units but we had surplus in some areas. We made a calculation that probably the shortfall was about 10-11 million units. Our assessment of funds requirement is based on what we assess to be the housing requirement, Puri said.

The government is also acutely conscious of the fact that large schemes like this cannot be based on funding only coming from the government. We need to devise innovative ways  maybe create a housing fund we are already working on that and lot of advance work has been done, he said.

For smart cities, the minister said that the total number of cities in the country is 4041 but smart cities are only 90 till date after three rounds, the list of remaining 10 will be announced by January 26. 100 cities will require funds but more than that how can you have a situation in a democracy where the city next to yours is a smart city and you are not. There will be demands. We will have to incentivise that. If you want to be a smart city, then you have to prepare your own plans and your own infrastructure because these smart cities are also selected based on applications. We did not confer the status. The answer is clearly that we will need much more funds, Puri said.

He also said that these funds will have to be raised by urban local bodies themselves. My belief is that if you follow the Swachh Bharat Mission strictly and urban local bodies are able to leverage the land they have got etc, raising municipal bonds is not a problem. If Pune can raise Rs 1000 crore or Hyderabad can talk of raising funds, municipal bodies have to get their act together and we will have to find ways and means of incentivising them, he said.

PMAY/Housing for All - Urban is a mission to provide housing for all by 2022 and is being implemented since 2015. It provides central assistance to Urban Local Bodies and other implementing agencies through States/UTs for in-situ rehabilitation of existing slum dwellers using land as a resource through private participation, credit linked subsidy, affordable housing in partnership and subsidy for beneficiary-led individual house construction/enhancement.

Under the PMAY(U), the total investment from the Centre and States/UTs is approved for Rs 2.03 lakh crore. Out of the approved total central assistance of Rs 57,669 crore, Rs 12,916 crores (approx) have already been released to States/UTs. Interest subsidy of Rs 1,646 crore on housing loans has been credited directly to 81,597 beneficiaries under CLSS (Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme).

So far, 37.5 lakh houses have been approved for funding under the mission. A number of 17.32 lakh houses have been grounded of which construction of 4.68 lakh houses has been completed since the launch of the mission.

To fast-track the construction of sanctioned houses, the housing ministry has also identified 16 new technologies for mass housing construction and further issued a schedule of rates for eight new construction technologies and building materials for adoption among States/UTs.

Under the Smart City Mission (SCM), 90 smart cities have been selected in three rounds based on an All-India competition. The process is on for the selection of the remaining 10 cities. Out of the 90 smart cities selected so far, 77 have incorporated Special Purpose Vehicle.

Under SCM, 2,864 projects worth Rs 1.35 lakh crore are in various stages of implementation. 148 projects worth Rs 1,872 crore have been completed; work is underway for 407 projects with a cost of Rs 15,600 crore. Further, tendering has started for 237 projects with a cost of Rs 13,514 crore and DPRs are being prepared for 2,025 projects worth Rs 1.02 crore.
Ashwani Gujral of ashwanigujral.com told CNBC-TV18, "Reliance Naval is a sell with a stop loss of Rs 59 and target of Rs 50. Eicher Motors is sell with a stop loss of Rs 29,000 and target of Rs 28,350. Prestige Estates is buy with a stop loss of Rs 335 and target of Rs 360."

"Coal India has held on to its 200-day moving average and so maybe can move towards Rs 280-300. However that is kind of one off type of play. I think the big issue would remain as to how financials react to all of this macro changing and that will determine what happens to our market," he said.

"Future Lifestyle is a buy with a stop loss of Rs 375 and target of Rs 403. Tata Steel is a buy with a stop loss of Rs 743 and target of Rs 770. Mahindra and Mahindra is a sell with a stop loss of Rs 760 and target of Rs 735."

"Commodity is going up in price, so all paper companies are going up. Orient Paper and Industries come back to Rs 72 if the cycle turns. So, keep Rs 130-135 type of stop loss and may you can expect Rs 200 but keep an eye on the commodity also."
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Share price of Allahabad Bank slipped nearly 3 percent intraday Thursday as RBI has put the company under the PCA framework.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has placed the bank under prompt corrective action (PCA) framework, consequent to the onsite inspection under the risk based supervision model carried out for the year ended March 2017, and the report issued thereof, company said in release.

The RBI inspection has revealed high net NPA and negative ROA for two consecutive years.

This action will contribute to the overall improvement in risk management, asset quality, profitability, efficiency, etc of the bank.

Recently, the bank had successfully raised additional tier I capital of bank through private placement of AT 1 perpetual bonds series IV aggregating to Rs 500 crore at an annual coupon of 10% per annum.

At 10:03 hrs Allahabad Bank was quoting at Rs 71.05, down Rs 1.30, or 1.80 percent on the BSE.

Posted by Rakesh Patil
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According to Credit Suisse the suspension of mining operation in Odisha will takes out 10 percent of India's output.

It believes that with the output cut, India will turn iron ore importer again.

The broking house expects the iron ore prices may rise if India turns the net-importer.

Meanwhile, the cost-push steel price hike is good for Tata Steel, it added.

At 14:16 hrs Tata Steel was quoting at Rs 757.30, up Rs 24.00, or 3.27 percent.

It has touched a 52-week high of Rs 758.50.
Tata Motors | Company sold 49,650 vehicles in November 2020 against 41,124 units in November 2020. (Image: Reuters)

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The country's largest truck and bus-maker Tata Motors announced a six-year warranty for its entire range of medium and heavy vehicles range of commercial vehicles.

Tata Motors is the first auto-maker in the country to introduce a standard driveline warranty of six years on the entire M&HCV range including tractor-trailers, and multi-axel trucks & tippers," the company said in a statement.

Additionally, the drivelines (engine, gearbox & rear axle) comes as a standard offer, while the warranty on the overall vehicle has been enhanced from 24 months to 36 months.

Commenting on this offer, Girish Wagh, head of commercial vehicle business unit said, "the 6-year warranty is another industry first. We are pleased to offer the new warranty on our medium & heavy commercial vehicles. With this we also assure customers of greater benefits and hassle free business on availing long-term annual maintenance contracts."

The six-year standard driveline warranty is based on the study of operation in lifecycle of over 20 lakh Tata trucks and tippers operating all over the country and the warranty is transferable on resale for balance period to second owner subject to vehicle transfer or hand change being intimated to Tata Motors.
The government has rescued from Kenya three Indian and seven Nepalese girls, who were victims of an organised crime syndicate that indulged in human trafficking, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said today.

The girls have been flown back, the minister said.



We have rescued three Indian girls from Kenya. The girls were victims of an organised crime syndicate that indulged in trafficking of girls. Seven Nepalese girls were also rescued. Their Passports and phones were taken and they were held captive in Mombasa. /1

 Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) January 4, 2018

In a series of tweets, Swaraj said, "We have rescued three Indian girls from Kenya. The girls were victims of an organised crime syndicate that indulged in trafficking of girls. Seven Nepalese girls were also rescued. Their Passports and phones were taken and they were held captive in Mombasa."

The ministry is sharing details with the Punjab government so that a case is registered against the agents and people involved, she said.



We have flown our girls back to India. We are sharing details with Government of Punjab so that a case is registered against the agents and people involved. /2  Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) January 4, 2018





I appreciate the efforts of Ms.Suchitra Durai, Indian High Commissioner in Kenya. Our First Secretary Karan Yadav deserves a special mention. We thank the Kenyan Police for their help./3 @IndiainKenya @capt_amarinder

 Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) January 4, 2018

The minister also appreciated the efforts of Indian High Commissioner in Kenya Suchitra Durai and first secretary Karan Yadav in rescuing the girls.

The minister also thanked the Kenyan Police for their help.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will present a special gift - the Gal-Mobile water desalinisation and purification jeep - to his friend Narendra Modi during his visit to India starting January 14, according to sources here.

Netanyahu and Modi waded into the Mediterranean Sea and rode the "buggy" jeep on the coast during the latter's visit to Israel in July last year.

Now Netanyahu is going to gift the same jeep to Modi, informed sources said.

As Netanyahu prepares for his four day visit to India, sources confirmed that the jeep has "indeed" left for India and "would be arriving on time" to be presented by the Israeli Prime Minister to Modi.

The jeep is said to cost around 390,000 shekels (approximately USD 111,000).

Modi and Netanyahu had witnessed the demonstration of sea water purification technology pioneered by Israel at a water desalination unit on the Olga Beach during the Indian Prime Minister's visit to Israel.

"I am thankful to Bibi (Netanyahu) because the vehicle which I saw today, particularly during a natural calamity when people are suffering (shortage of) drinking water...Can provide drinking water," Modi had said after the demonstration.

Gal-Mobile is an independent, integrated water purification vehicle, designed to produce high-quality drinking water. It can be useful in natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, military use in difficult terrain and rural areas to provide drinkable water.

It can purify up to 20,000 litres per day of sea water and 80,000 litres per day of brackish/muddy or contaminated river water and bring it to WHO standards.

The camaraderie between the two leaders was on full display as they spent some time on the beach and had a long chat standing ankle deep in the waters with waves hitting their feet.

"There's nothing like going to the beach with friends!," the Israeli leader had later tweeted.

The two leaders later drove together in the mobile water desalination unit, which looked like a dune buggy, and sipped desalinated water from wine glasses, raising a toast with others present there.
Police and fire men at a charred shop following the violence during celebrations of 200th anniversary of the Battle of Bhima Koregaon, near Pune on Tuesday.(PTI)

The district police are yet to make any headway into the death of a 28-year-old man during the violence that erupted near Bhima Koregaon village on January 1 during the bicentennial event to commemorate a war.

Rahul Phatangale, a resident of Kanur Mesai village, was the lone casualty in the Monday's violence that sparked angry protests by Dalit groups across Maharashtra for the next two days.

"We are investigating the case (death of Phatangale) and there is a little progress in the investigation. We have received some conclusive clues. However, to come to a conclusion, we need to strengthen the evidence as well as (understand) the circumstances," said Suvez Haque, Superintendent of Police, Pune Rural Police.

However, the circumstances surrounding Phatangale's death are not clear yet.

Phatangale's family had claimed that he was no way related to the violence and had stepped out of his house to buy some vegetables when he was attacked.

Police have arrested 18 people in connection with the violence post the Vadhu Budruk village incident, where a board near a 'tomb' of a dalit was allegedly damaged.

The damage caused to the board near the structure, which dalits claim is the tomb of one Govind Gopal Mahar, was the trigger behind the clashes between Dalits and Marathas.

Dalits believe that it was Mahar who performed the last rites of Sambhaji Maharaj, son of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji, who was tortured to death by Aurangzeb.

Haque said the police are assessing the footages of the Bhima Koregaon violence and will identify the miscreants accordingly.

The SP said a total of seven people were arrested in connection with the Vadhu Budruk incident and were booked under the Prevention of Atrocities Act.

Family members of Phatangale have appealed for peace.

Locals belonging to different communities from Koregaon, Vadhu Budruk, Sanaswadi and other adjoining villages have also announced resolution of their differences.

"We have resolved our differences. All our differences are over. We appeal to everybody not to capitalise on the issue anymore as we have decided to maintain cordial relations and also maintain social harmony among us," a Vadhu Budruk resident said.
The government may soon clear the air around the treatment of transactions in benami properties that took place before 1988.

The Centre is planning to tweak the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amendment Act, 2016, and will introduce the amendment in the Parliament during the Budget session, sources told Moneycontrol.

The Benami Transaction Act was first introduced in 1988, amendment to which was proposed in May 2015. The amendment bill was passed in 2016. Both movable and immovable properties come under the ambit of the Act.

The Central Board of Direct Tax (CBDT) may propose increasing the number of days, for which a benami property can be held by the Initiating Officer after sending a notice, from 90 days to 180 days.

As per the Act, if an Initiating Officer believes that a person is a benamidar, he may issue a notice to that person, subject to permission from Approving Authority.

A senior official of income tax department told Moneycontrol: A large number of properties were registered before 1988 before the Act came into force. So to clarify certain issues, field officers of the income tax department gave feedback to CBDT in a meeting last month.

Field officers have said that 90 days are less for initiating the process against the holding property, he said.

CBDT had internally set a target of identifying 1,000 benami properties in FY18 across the country.

As of now, more than 600 movable and immovable properties have already been attached and the remaining 400 may be attached before March, another senior official of IT department said.

Out of 600, only around 120 properties have been attached to Mumbai under the Benami Properties Transaction Act.
A man stands at Marine Drive during high tide in Mumbai on Tuesday.(PTI)

Cyclone Ockhi was the first severe cyclonic storm to have travelled about 2,400 kilometres in almost 40 years from the Bay of Bengal to as far as the Gujarat coast, a senior Met Department official said on Thursday.

Ockhi, which formed as a depression over southwest Bay of Bengal on November 29 last year, intensified into a cyclone off the Kanyakumari coast in Tamil Nadu on November 30 and travelled up to the Gujarat coast before it dissipated on December 6 after weakening into a low pressure area.

"In over three decades, this is the first severe cyclonic storm to have travelled more than 2,000 kilometres - forming over the Bay of Bengal, emerging into the Arabian Sea and travelling up to the Gujarat coast," Regional Meteorological Centre director S Balachandran told PTI.

On storms that travelled similar or longer distances than Ockhi, he referred to one that occurred nearly a century ago. In December, 1922, a cyclone that originated in the Bay of Bengal travelled about 4,000km up to the Coast of Yemen, he said.

Balachandran said cyclones in November, 1966, November, 1977, and November, 1978, which formed over the Bay of Bengal, emerged into the Arabian sea and covered a distance of over 3,000km.

However, these cyclones did not affect Kanyakumari as they traversed across Tamil Nadu, north of 10N latitude, before emerging into the Arabian sea.

Ockhi was also significant in the sense that it led to copious rainfall especially in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu with Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari getting 42 per cent and 23 per cent of excess rainfall respectively during the North- East monsoon season, he said.

Asked about the intensity and other physical parameters of the cyclone from its formation till the end, he said a report on this was expected soon.

He also said it was not possible yet to send out storm alerts at least a month in advance, as demanded by the fishermen's community.

"Meteorological science as of now is not developed enough to do that. We cannot have such a long lead forecast now," he said.

Balachandran explained there were other ocean-specific challenges in giving long lead forecasts over the Indian seas.

Cyclone Ockhi left a trail of destruction in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu, apart from devastating coastal areas in Kerala and Lakshadweep.

Hundreds of fishermen, who had gone out to the sea for fishing well ahead of Ockhi's formation, could not access information on the cyclone. Many were killed and scores are still missing.
FPT University students create smartphone-controlled barista

VietNamNet Bridge - Impressed by the effectiveness of Barista, a drink dispenser created by a group of FPT University students, Do Cong Hung, a lecturer in software technology, said he wanted to buy the smart bartender at the thesis defending ceremony.









The authors of Barista at the thesis defending ceremony













I will buy the product, Hung said after enjoying a cocktail prepared by Barista developed by Nguyen Thai Duong, Nghe Le Thu Hien, Cao Hoang Anh and Phung Tien Dat.



The Barista was inspired by the students hobby of enjoying good drinks. A cocktail prepared by a professional bartender is expensive for students but it is cheaper and more interesting to prepare cocktails themselves.



Batista has two major parts, including hardware, or a mixer, and software run on Android smartphones. The two systems connect via Bluetooth, allowing users to make orders for the drinks they want or drinks to be prepared accordingly to existing formulas.



Hardware is an important part of the kit. Made from mica and clear plastic, it looks friendly and approachable.



According to Hoang Anh, the students used five main types of components to make the hardware: microcontrollers, six mini pumps with a speed of 1.5 to 2 liters per minute which connect with six material storage tanks, 8-channel relays module, a bluetooth module and power adapter.

Users can regulate the hardware via an app run on an Android operating system.

Users can regulate the hardware via an app run on an Android operating system.



You can order cocktails to be prepared with formulas in the app, or create specific drinks for yourself by mixing materials at different proportions, Thai Duong said.



Via a microprocessor, the requests from users will be sent to the hardware. If the hardware cannot satisfy requirements, the machine will send messages to users, Duong explained.



Android apps interface of Barista has a simple design which saves power and memory when using smartphones. The screen has six buttons for users to regulate six material pumps as they want.



The percentage of materials to be decided by users will create different drinks. If users order clean water, the machine will turn into a pump to clean itself.



The app also can keep watch over the volume of materials in storage tanks and send an alarm to users if the materials are about to run out.



It takes a professional bartender three minutes to prepare a cocktail of alcoholic drinks and fizzy drinks. Barista spends less than 10 seconds.



However, the machine still has some weak points. It can mix all kinds of materials to create drinks, but it cannot create works of arts with colored layers as bartenders can.



The students said they may consider changing the pump speed and re-install the feed pipe to improve the machines features.





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Lalu Prasad Yadav

A special court on Thursday deferred the sentencing of Lalu Prasad Yadav in a fodder scam case till tomorrow when it is likely to decide whether to pronounce the quantum of punishment over video conference or in court with the judge saying he also received phone calls from the RJD chief's well- wishers.

The case relates to fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 89.27 lakh from Deoghar treasury 21 years ago.

Deferring the sentencing for the second day in a row, CBI judge Shiv Pal Singh said he would decide tomorrow whether the sentence would be given over video conference or in the court.

To this, Prasad said he was for personal appearance and assured that there would be no slogans raised in the courtroom by his supporters.

The judge also said he had received phone calls from well-wishers of the RJD boss but did not elaborate.

With the court room packed, the judge asked the advocates not connected with the fodder scam case to leave.

Fifteen others who were convicted in the scam and were to be sentenced along with Prasad waited in the court, while the RJD chief was whisked away to Birsa Munda jail after this.

The court had yesterday served contempt notices to senior leaders of the RJD and the Congress for criticising in TV channels the December 23 conviction of Prasad in the fodder scam case.

It had on December 23 convicted Prasad and 15 others in this fodder scam case and acquitted six others including another former Bihar chief minister Jagannath Mishra.

The case pertains to fraudulent withdrawal of the money from the Deoghar treasury between 1991 and 1994. The court had convicted Prasad for offences of cheating with criminal conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act. Under the sections, Prasad can be sentenced a minimum jail term of one year and maximum of seven years, his advocate Chittaranjan Prasad had said.

In 1996, the Patna High Court had ordered an inquiry into the fodder scam cases and a charge sheet in the Deogarh treasury case was filed against 38 people on October 27, 1997. Eleven of them died and three turned approvers while two other accused confessed and were convicted in 2006-07, a CBI official said.

On September 30, 2013, Yadav, Jagannath Mishra and several others had been convicted in another case pertaining to illegal withdrawal of Rs 37.7 crore from Chaibasa Treasury in the early 1990s. The conviction on December 23 last is the second in the scam.

Yadav faces another three fodder scam cases for illegal withdrawal of Rs 3.97 crore from the Dumka Treasury, Rs 36 crore from the Chaibasa Treasury and Rs 184 crore from the Doranda treasury.
An investigation by The Tribune has found that details of any of the about billion Aadhaar numbers issued in India can be accessed for as little as Rs 500. The report says that that the racket could have started six months ago over anonymous WhatsApp groups.

For Rs 500, The Tribune purchased a service being offered over Whatsapp. The newspaper's reporters claim that within 10 minutes, they had access to all details any individual had provided to the UIDAI. An agent provided them a login and password to a portal with all the data.

The report added that for another Rs 300, the agent had given them a software that facilitates printing of Aadhaar cards with just the Aadhaar number.

In a statement, the UIDAI dubbed the report as a case of misreporting and said individuals Aadhaar data, including biometric information, was fully safe and secure.

The UIDAI said that it provides a grievance redressal search facility to designated personnel, which gives only limited access to name and other details but not to crucial data such as biometric details.

"The reported case appears to be instance of misuse of the grievance redressal search facility. As UIDAI maintains complete log and traceability of the facility, the legal action including lodging of FIR against the persons involved in the instant case is being done."

The UIDAI also said that the Aadhaar number is not a secret number and is meant to be shared with authorized agencies. Also, mere availability of Aadhaar number will not be a security threat or will not lead to financial/other fraud, as for a successful authentication fingerprint or iris of individual is also required.

However, The Tribune report quoted Sanjay Jindal, Additional Director-General, UIDAI Regional Centre, Chandigarh, as saying that login access to the official Aadhaar portal is provided to only top-ranking officials and that any illegal access could be a major national security breach.

The official added that the matter had been taken up with the UIDAI technical consultants in Bengaluru.

The report comes amid a government drive to have citizens link their Aadhaar numbers to virtually all government documents and produce it to obtain services.

This even as the government has been under pressure from both courts -- a number of cases have been against the government's decision to make Aadhaar mandatory for various use cases -- and members of civil society.
The Lok Sabha on Wednesday witnessed a heated exchange between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, over Hindi being an official language for India in the United Nations, as reported by Economic Times.

Sushma Swaraj explained that the procedure is long and requires two-thirds of the 193 member countries of the UN to vote in favour of Hindi being an official language in the UN, and also share the resulting financial expenditure in the process.

Swaraj said India was attempting to get the support of countries like Fiji, Mauritius, Surinam, where there are non-resident Indians. When we get that kind of support and the economically weaker countries are also ready to bear the financial burden, it will become an official language," she added.

When Shashi Tharoor challenged her on why it needs to be pushed, the Minister dismissed his remark as ignorant.

Swaraj said the government would readily spend even Rs 400 crore on this, when pointed out the process of making Hindi an official language would incur an expenditure of Rs 40 crores. She added, money would, however, not serve the purpose.

She stressed on the fact that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and she spoke at the UN in Hindi. As far as glory of the language is concerned, the External Affairs Ministry never had so much work done in Hindi as now," she said.

Shashi Tharoor, against this move, asked why Hindi had to be pushed as the official language when it was not even the national language of India. He demanded to know why we needed an official language at the UN at all.

Seeking to promote Hindi raises an important question. Arabic does not have more speakers than Hindi, but Arabic is spoken by 22 countries, whereas Hindi is only used as an official language by one country -- us," he said.

He further added that any future Foreign Ministers and Prime Ministers who did not prefer to communicate in Hindi, would be put in a difficult spot and that would be unfair.

"If indeed we have a Prime Minister or Foreign Minister who prefers to speak Hindi, they can do so and we can pay to get that speech to be translated," he explained.

"The government has to defend its position. I understand the pride of Hindi-speaking people, but people of this country who do not speak in Hindi also take pride in being Indian," he said.

The statement did not go well with several members of the treasury benches who raised the pitch in protest.

Sushma Swaraj said Hindi was spoken in several other countries as well as by the Indian diaspora abroad. "Saying Hindi is spoken only in India is your ignorance."

In a written reply, she said India was in touch with 129 countries to make this happen.
Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday urged members to act responsibly to ensure smooth proceedings and assured them that whatever decision he takes including on the Triple Talaq Bill would be to enhance the image of the House.

During a meeting with members of various parties on the functioning of the House, the Triple Talaq Bill was discussed and the Chairman asked both the opposition and the treasury benches to sort out the issue between them, sources said.

Naidu asked the parties to introspect if it is appropriate to cause frequent disruptions and adjournments of the House in order to press their political agenda.

The sources said some members have also complained to the Chairman that smaller parties are deprived of their chance to raise matters of public importance in the Upper House as the main parties try to push their agenda and cause disruption.

Naidu, the sources said, has waived the time limit for moving a proposed amendment by Congress leader Anand Sharma on the Triple Talaq Bill.

"Whatever decision I take will be guided by the aim to enhance the image of the House," he told the members, the sources said, adding that he urged the MPs to also follow this principle.

The business advisory committee had fixed a time limit of four hours for the debate on the Triple Talaq Bill, but members wanted more time and the Chairman said he was open to the idea, the sources said.
The Mumbai Police registered 16 FIRs and detained over 300 people in connection with protests by Dalit groups during the day-long bandh yesterday against the Bhima Koregaon caste clashes, while Internet services were suspended in Kolhapur following tension in the district.

Over 200 buses of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation were damaged in attacks by protesters across the state during the bandh, MSRTC officials said.

In Mumbai, 16 FIRs were registered at various police stations and more than 300 people detained, police said.

In Kolhapur, the home district of social reformist late Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, the protesters yesterday attacked 13 buses of the civic corporation, an official said.

The Kolhapur district police has suspended Internet services till midnight today as a precautionary measure, an official said.

Protests by Dalit groups were held in the district yesterday followed by counter-rallies led by Shiv Sena MLA Rajesh Kshirsagar.

In Parbhani district of Marathwada region, an office of the RSS was attacked yesterday, police said.

The agitators raised anti-RSS slogans, the Parbhani police said, adding no major damage to property was reported.

In Nilanga, the home town of state labour minister Sambhaji Patil Nilangekar in Latur district, around 40 two-wheelers and 10 to 12 four-wheelers were damaged by a mob, police said.

The bandh was called yesterday following violence in Pune district on January 1 when Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in which the forces of the British East India Company defeated the Peshwa's Army.

Dalit leaders commemorate the British victory, as it is believed that soldiers from the Mahar community were part of the East India Company's forces. The Peshwas were Brahmins, and the victory is seen as a symbol of assertiveness by Dalits.

The battle has come to be seen as a symbol of Dalit pride because a large number of soldiers in the Company force were Mahar Dalits. Since the Peshwas, who were Brahmins, were seen as oppressors of Dalits, the victory of the Mahar soldiers over Peshwa force is seen as Dalit assertion.PTI ND GK .
Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to New Delhi next week.

Parrikar would attend the third meeting of the Council for Trade Development and Promotion (CTDA) on January 8 in the national capital. The meeting will be chaired by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu.

"During my visit to New Delhi, I will be meeting many people, including the Prime Minister," the chief minister told reporters here today.

Parrikar said the CTDA meeting would discuss ways to boost the country's exports.

Prabhu was recently in Goa to invite the chief minister for the meeting.
Jignesh Mevani

Police today denied permission to a summit scheduled to be addressed by Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani and JNU student leader Umar Khalid and detained students gathered outside a hall here for the event.

A police official said the number of students and activists detained outside the Bhaidas Hall in suburban Vile Parle was not yet available.

The action came after police denied permission for the 'All India Students Summit 2018', which was scheduled to be held today, in which Mevani and Khalid were invited.

The police denied permission in the wake of protests and bandh in the state yesterday following violence on the anniversary of a battle fought 200 years ago at Bhima Koregaon in Pune, a senior police official said.

The police has not given permission for the programme, Datta Daghe, the president of Chhatra Bharati, the organiser of the event, told PTI.

"Despite this we plan to go ahead with the programme. Mevani, Khalid and other invitees are coming after 11 am," he said.

Daghe said there was a huge police presence at the hall and the students were not being allowed to go inside.

Pune Police had earlier said that they had received a complaint against Gujarat MLA and Dalit leader Mevani and Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University's (JNU) student leader Khalid for their "provocative" speeches at an event in Pune on December 31.

Mevani and Khalid had attended the "Elgar Parishad", an event organised to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the battle of Bhima-Koregaon, at Shaniwar Wada in Pune. Violence erupted in Pune district when Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in which the forces of the British East India Company defeated the Peshwa's Army.
Rahul Gandhi will next week embark on a visit to Bahrain, his first foreign trip after becoming Congress president, during which he will address a convention of NRIs and is likely to meet the country's prime minister.

According to party sources, Gandhi will be the state guest of the Kingdom of Bahrain and will address NRIs settled there on January 8.

He will leave for Bahrain on January 7 and is likely to return on January 9. The NRIs settled there have invited him.

Gandhi is also likely to meet Bahrain's Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and the members of the royal family, the sources said.

They said that he was to also address NRIs in Dubai but that visit has been postponed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to visit the UAE later this month.

Party sources say Gandhi's visit to Bahrain will be on the lines of his US trip last year.

Rahul Gandhi was in Goa on New Year along with his mother Sonia Gandhi.
Water Resources Minister Nitin Gadkari today urged the Odisha government to settle the Mahanadi water sharing dispute with Chhattisgarh through dialogue, saying records show that moving a tribunal only delays a solution.

Responding to a series of supplementaries from BJD members in the Lok Sabha during Question Hour, Gadkari said while the Centre is bound by law to set up a tribunal to settle inter-state water disputes, it would be better if the state government approached the Centre for a dialogue.

He said if the state government is not satisfied, it can meet the Prime Minister.

While Odisha is free to move a tribunal or the Supreme Court, records show that water disputes are not resolved for 20 to 30 years, Gadkari said.

The minister said only yesterday, he has written to Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik to meet him to discuss the dispute.

But BJD members said as the Centre was not restraining Chhattisgarh from constructing irrigation projects on river Mahanadi, it wants a tribunal to be formed so that the quasi- judicial body can direct Chhattisgarh to stop further construction.

Gadkari said the Centre refrains from restraining states from constructing small projects.

As questions and answers between BJD and Gadkari continued, a BJP member from Chhattisgarh accused the BJD of politicising the issue, leading to a war of words between the BJP and BJD members.

While Odisha has a BJD government, Chhattisgarh is ruled by BJP.

BJD's B Mahtab claimed that the Speaker should not have said that his party was politicising the issue. Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said she never made such remarks and such allegations should not be levelled against her.

A Bill which seeks to create a single tribunal for all inter-state water disputes is pending approval of the Lok Sabha. Currently, various water disputes are handled by separate tribunals as per law.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

The Shiv Sena today tore into the Devendra Fadnavis government over the Bhima-Koregaon violence in Maharashtra, alleging it had no work except to fight elections using the state machinery and police.

The BJP's bickering ally said it was time the government geared up to fight enemies.

"Incidents that raise questions on the ability and the stand of the Fadnavis government are happening everyday. The chief minister has ordered a judicial inquiry into the Bhima-Koregaon incident but every government does the same thing. What is new in that?" an editorial in the party mouthpiece 'Saamana' read.

The Sena said the government should have had the knowledge about mischief mongers working behind the curtains to cause social unrest and the people coming from other states to create tension.

"The state is bearing the brunt of the BJP having control of the Home department and politics in the police department. When the only work left is to fight elections using the government machinery and the police, violent incidents take place," it alleged.

The party said the government should bring its feet on the ground, and that there was a whole life to fight the Sena.

"You can try all your might to politically finish the Sena later. For now, this might should be used to fight the enemies," said the party, which has frequently criticised the Maharashtra government and the Centre though it is a constituent of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Violence erupted in Pune on January 1 when Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in which the British defeated the Peshwas of Maharashtra.

Dalit leaders commemorate the British victory as it is believed soldiers from the Mahar community were part of the East India Company's forces. The Peshwas were Brahmins and the victory is seen as a symbol of Dalit assertiveness.

Angry over the violence on the anniversary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle, protesters yesterday attacked buses, stopped suburban trains and blocked roads at various places in Mumbai as normal life was hit in the city and other parts of Maharashtra during a bandh called by Dalit groups.
Samsung Electronics' Galaxy S8 smartphone is displayed during a media event in Seoul, South Korea, April 13, 2017. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji - RTX35C1B

Samsungs woes into the new year continue with some users of Galaxy S8 reportedly complaining about an issue where their phone would wake itself up after the screen is turned off. The issue has been reported not only by the users of Galaxy S8 but also of its larger sibling Galaxy S8+.

The issue has resulted in problems ranging from draining of batteries due to constantly-lit screens to serious issues like opening up of an app or placing a call due to accidental touches while the screen is awake. Some users also reported issues where their phone was locked down after repeated input of wrong pattern/password.

Samsung is yet to officially acknowledge the issue or whether it has received any complaints over it. While the issue does seem to be limited to any particular update or changes on the phone, some users said they the issue cropped up after installing a software update.

Some Galaxy Note 8 users too have reported to be facing the issue. An affected user uploaded the below video YouTube describing the issue.

In the last week of 2017, Galaxy Note 8, Samsungs flagship mobile, ran into trouble after users started reporting an issue where the phone would not switch on after the battery loses its charge completely. This, even after the phone is put on charge. Though Samsung acknowledged receiving numerous complaints by users, the company is yet to come out with a solution for the same.

The new issue is the latest that has plagued phones in Samsung's famous Galaxy series. The most infamous, Note 7's exploding battery fiasco in 2016, cost Samsung billions of dollars and led to the company losing pole position in many markets, including India.


Members of the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) ride their camels during rehearsals for the Republic Day parade on a winter morning in New Delhi, India (REUTERS)

Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (L) and Vice Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache address a news conference after a two-day cabinet meeting in Seggau, Austria (REUTERS)

A sculpture and a park bench are flooded by the river Rhine as the town of Linz is seen in the background, Germany (REUTERS)



Cricket - India v South Africa - First Test cricket match - Newlands Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa - 05/01/2018. India's cricket players celebrate the dismissal of South Africa's AB de Villiers. (REUTERS)

A sale sign is seen at dawn on the outside of the Harrods store in Knightsbridge in London (REUTERS)



Australia's Steve Smith plays at a high ball during the second day of their Ashes cricket test match against England in Sydney (AP)

Indian Captain Virat Kohli, left, and South African Captain Faf du Plessis arrive at Newlands cricket stadium for the coin toss ahead of the first day of their first day test between South Africa and India in Cape Town, South Africa (AP)

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama addresses his disciples during an event in Kalchakra Maidan, in Bodh Gaya (PTI)

Athletes in a ski-competition at Oberstdorf, Germany (AP)
A businessman in China bought a BMW and paid the first instalment in coins. The car dealer employed several employees to count CNY 70,000 in the coins of five maos which took hours.

The BMW which costs CNY 400,000 was bought by an unnamed businessman on December 18 who insisted that he would pay the first instalment in denomination five mao coins.

Mr Gu, sales manager of BMW in Putian, Fujian Province, told Pear Video that the salesmen and women had to go to the customers house and fetch 10 boxes full of coins.

"They (the coins) were all five maos that the client had been saving over the years. There were worth about 70,000 yuan (7,954) in total," said Mr Gu.

One Yuan is equal to 10 maos. That means as the first instalment, the man paid the dealer in 1,40,000 coins.

In the video by Pear Video, a group of salesmen and women can be seen counting coins and stacking them.

In a similar incident back in 2015, a Chinese car buyer bought a car worth 70,000 pounds through 1320 bundles of Chinese currency coins wrapped in brown paper. As per a Daily Mail report , It took over an hour for 10 staffers of the car dealership in Liaoning province to unload and stack the coins, which weighed four tonnes, from the back of a lorry.
Donald Trump did not want to be the president of the US and the First Lady Melania was in tears  not of joy  on knowing about the surprising electoral victory last year, according to a new book by an American journalist.

The book "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House" written by Michael Wolff, claims that the ultimate goal of Trump was never to win.

"His ultimate goal, after all, had never been to win. I can be the most famous man in the world," he had told his aide Sam Nunberg at the outset of the race.

"His longtime friend Roger Ailes, the former head of Fox News, liked to say that if you want a career in television, first run for president," according to the excerpts of the book.

"Shortly after Trump's inauguration, Wolff said, he was able to take up "something like a semi-permanent seat on a couch in the West Wing"  an idea encouraged by the president himself. Because no one was in a position to either officially approve or formally deny such access, Wolff became "more a constant interloper than an invited guest."

"There were no ground rules placed on his access, and he was required to make no promises about how he would report on what he witnessed," the book said.

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders has however denied this after excerpts from the book were published by New York Magazine with the title "Donald Trump Did Not Want to be President."

"There was one brief conversation that had nothing to do, originally, with the book. It was, I think, around five to seven minutes in total since the President has taken office. And that's the only interaction that he's had," she said.

According to Wolff, after entering the White House, Trump, while proposing the most radical departure from governing and policy norms in several generations, had few specific ideas about how to turn his themes and vitriol into policy.

"And making suggestions to him was deeply complicated. Here, arguably, was the central issue of the Trump presidency, informing every aspect of Trumpian policy and leadership: He didn't process information in any conventional sense. He didnt read. He didn't really even skim. Some believed that for all practical purposes he was no more than semi-literate. He trusted his own expertise  no matter how paltry or irrelevant  more than anyone else's," the author claimed.

"Shortly after 8 PM on election night, when the unexpected trend  Trump might actually win  seemed confirmed, Don Jr. told a friend that his father, or DJT, as he calls him, looked as if he had seen a ghost. Melania was in tears  and not of joy," the book said.

"There was, in the space of little more than an hour, in Steve Bannon's not unamused observation, a befuddled Trump morphing into a disbelieving Trump and then into a horrified Trump. But still to come was the final transformation: Suddenly, Donald Trump became a man who believed that he deserved to be, and was wholly capable of being, the president of the United States," according to the book.

Wolf claims that from the moment of victory, the Trump administration became a looking-glass presidency: Every inverse assumption about how to assemble and run a White House was enacted and compounded, many times over.

"The decisions that Trump and his top advisers made in those first few months  from the slapdash transition to the disarray in the West Wing  set the stage for the chaos and dysfunction that have persisted throughout his first year in office," Wolf said in his book.

"This was a real-life version of Mel Brookss The Producers, where the mistaken outcome trusted by everyone in Trumps inner circle  that they would lose the election  wound up exposing them for who they really were," Wolff said.

According to New York Magazine, Wolff, who chronicles the administration from Election Day to this past October, conducted conversations and interviews over a period of 18 months with the president, most members of his senior staff, and many people to whom they in turn spoke.

"Nothing contributed to the chaos and dysfunction of the White House as much as Trump's own behavior. The big deal of being president was just not apparent to him," Wolff said.

"Most victorious candidates, arriving in the White House from ordinary political life, could not help but be reminded of their transformed circumstances by their sudden elevation to a mansion with palace like servants and security, a plane at constant readiness, and downstairs a retinue of courtiers and advisers. But this wasn't that different from Trumps former life in Trump Tower, which was actually more commodious and to his taste than the White House," said the author.

The White House has ridiculed the contents of the book, which will hit the stores next week, and described it as a fiction.

"This book is filled with false and misleading accounts from individuals who have no access or influence with the White House," Sanders said.

"Participating in a book that can only be described as trashy tabloid fiction exposes their sad desperate attempts at relevancy," she said.

The White House has described the book as "trashy tabloid fiction."

"The author did not get any access from the White for this book. He never actually sat down with the President, just to be very clear," Sanders told reporters at her daily news conference.

"I know that the book has a lot of things, so far of what we've seen, that are completely untrue. You have many people that have quotes that are sourced to them that are now coming out publicly and saying that those things are not true," she said in response to a question.

The book also says that US President Donald Trump was sympathetic to the issues of Silicon Valley including H-1B visa issue.

This appears to be contrary to the tough stand he has taken on H-1B visa now. After a meeting with a delegation of Silicon Valley leaders at the Trump Towers on December 14, 2016.

Trump then as president-elect is quoted as saying that the tech industry needs help as there are too much of a regulation.

"Take this H-1B visa issue. They really need these H-1B visas," Trump is quoted as telling Rupert Murdoch over phone after the meeting, according to the book .

"The president-elect enjoyed being courted. On December 14, a high-level delegation from Silicon Valley came to Trump Tower to meet him. Later that afternoon, according to a source privy to details of the conversation, Trump called Rupert Murdoch, who asked him how the meeting had gone," Wolff writes in the book.

"Oh, great, just great," said Trump. "These guys really need my help. Obama was not very favorable to them, too much regulation. This is really an opportunity for me to help them," the book said.

"Donald," said Murdoch, "for eight years these guys had Obama in their pocket. They practically ran the administration. They don't need your help. Take this H-1B visa issue. They really need these H-1B visas," Trump said, according to the book.

"Murdoch suggested that taking a liberal approach to H-1B visas, which open Americas doors to select immigrants, might be hard to square with his promises to build a wall and close the borders. But Trump seemed unconcerned, assuring Murdoch, "We'll figure it out," Wolff writes.

"What a fucking idiot," said Murdoch, shrugging, as he got off the phone, the author claims.

The sympathetic view of Trump towards H-1B visa appears contrary to his public views on this popular work visa. Even during his election days, he had called for his strict review and described it as eating away with American jobs.

After becoming the president, Trump has ordered for review of H-1B visas. His administration has come out with strict policies on issuing H-1B visas, the book said.
The European Union will "survive" Britain's Brexit departure and will remain strong, the bloc's foreign policy chief has said.

"Many believed that the referendum in the United Kingdom (on leaving the EU) was going to be the beginning of the end of the European Union," Federica Mogherini said during a two- day visit to Cuba.

"I'm very positive on the fact that the Union is not only going to survive, but it's going to go deeper," Mogherini said.

"The world needs the European Unions to stay strong, and so, this is what are we are going to do," she said.

Britons voted 52 to 48 percent in June 2016 in favor of quitting the EU, putting their country on track to become the first to leave the bloc.

Britain began what is expected to be two years of difficult divorce negotiations with a formal notification by letter to the EU president in March 2017.

The talks between London and Brussels are set to move on to transition arrangements, trade and security as Britain prepares to leave the European Union in March 2019.
A family member of a passenger aboard Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 which went missing in 2014 reacts during a protest outside the Chinese foreign ministry in Beijing, July 29, 2016. The hat reads "Pray for MH370" REUTERS/Thomas Peter - S1BETSHOHBAA

The efforts to solve one of the greatest mystery of aviation industrythe disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370is going to restart.

US-based exploration firm Ocean Infinity will lead the search mission. A high-tech vessel armed with autonomous submarines will look for the doomed plane in the month of January and February.

Here is the timeline of the search for missing Malaysian jet:

March 8, 2014: The Boeing 777-200ER aircraft operating as flight MH370 disappears from air traffic control radar after taking off from Kuala Lumpur, en-route to Beijing, China with 227 passengers and 12 crew on board.

Two men from Austria and Italy, listed among the passengers on a missing Malaysia Airlines flight, are not in fact on board. They say their passports were stolen.

March 10, 2014: As dozens of ships and aircraft from seven countries scour the seas around Malaysia and south of Vietnam, questions mounts over whether a bomb or hijacking could have brought down the Boeing airliner.

March 11, 2014: Interpol Secretary General Ronald Noble names the two men who boarded the jet with stolen passports as Iranians, aged 18 and 29, who had entered Malaysia using their real passports. "The more information we get, the more we are inclined to conclude it is not a terrorist incident," Noble said.

Malaysian police chief said the younger man appears to be an illegal immigrant. His mother was waiting for him in Frankfurt and has been in contact with authorities, he said.

Source: Andrew Haneen/Wikimedia Commons

March 24, 2014: Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak announces that Flight 370 is presumed to have gone down in the southern Indian Ocean with no survivors. The announcement is followed by a rare protest in China next day in front of the Malaysian embassy.

March 31, 2014: Following an extensive sea and air search, the Malaysian government accepts the Australian governments offer to take the lead in the search and recovery operation in the southern Indian Ocean in support of the Malaysian accident investigation.

Earlier China had criticised the handling of search operations by the Malaysian government.

Source: Andrew Haneen/Wikimedia Commons

October 6, 2014: Underwater search for the debris of the plane commences. A bathymetric survey is conducted which provides critical information on the topography of the seafloor.

January 2015: The ongoing search by vessels Go Phoenix, FugroDiscovery, Fugro Equator and Fugro Supporter covers 18,600 square kilometre sea area. Malaysia declares flight MH370 an accident in accordance with the Chicago Convention.

July 2015: Debris of the plane found on Reunion Islands. The object is confirmed to be a flaperon from a Boeing 777.

December 2015-February 2016: Two pieces of debris recovered from beaches in Mozambique -- one found in December and the other in February -- almost certainly came from missing Malaysia Airlines flight 370, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau said.

March 2016: Second possible MH370 plane part found in Reunion. The find came three days after the debris in Mozambique, some 2,100 kilometres west of Reunion, were found.

Source: Andrew Haneen/Wikimedia Commons

March 2016-December 2016: Multiple debris were reportedly found in Pemba Island and Rodriguesan autonomous island in Mauritius. They were later confirmed by Malaysia to be almost certainly of MH370.

After a meeting, the governments of Australia, Malaysia and China suspended the search of the plane.
A Taiwanese court has ordered a man to pay his mother the amount she spent for raising him and funding his education. As per the order, the man who is a dentist will have to pay his mother approximately Rs 6.4 crore.

While it is the responsibility of adult offsprings to provide for their elderly parents under Taiwan's civil code, the entire proceeding was unusual as parents rarely sue children for failing to take care of them.

As per a BBC report, the divorced mother, identified only by her surname Luo, signed a contract with her son in 1997, when he was 20 years old, stating that he would pay her 60 percent of his monthly income after finishing his dentistry training.

She had also reportedly made her elder son also sign a similar contract. In all, the contracts stipulated that her sons will have to pay her a portion of their earnings as repayments for the school fees, that amounted to around Rs 11 crore.

While her elder son reached an agreement with her and settled the contract for a smaller amount, the younger son, identified as Chu declined to make the payment. Arguing that he was very young when he signed the agreement, Chu said that the contract should be considered invalid as it was wrong to demand a financial return for raising a child.

Chu also claimed that he had worked in his mother's dental clinic for years after graduating and had helped her make more than the amount he was now ordered to pay her.

However, Taiwan's Supreme Court ruled in the mother's favour and ordered him to pay her along with interest. According to a Supreme Court spokeswoman who was quoted in the report, the judges had made the decision mainly because they thought the contract was valid since the son was an adult when he signed it and was not forced to do so.
US President Donald Trump today credited himself for the move on talks between North and South Korea, asserting that it would not have happened but for his firm and strong policy against Pyongyang.

"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 wasn't firm, strong and willing to commit our total 'might' against the North. Fools, but talks are a good thing!" Trump tweeted.

Trump's tweet on North and South Korea comes amidst news reports that the two neighbours tested a special hotline in almost two years.

In his new year message, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had indicated he was willing to talk with South Korea.

South Korea has proposed face-to-face talk with the North Koreans next week on the possibility of the latter participating in the Winter Olympics.

Trump's tweet comes a day after, in response to the latest rhetoric of Kim, he had said he too has a nuclear button which is not only much bigger and powerful, but also works.

"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!" Trump had tweeted on Tuesday night.

Trump has been criticised by several analyst and political opponents for raising the nuclear button issue.

US Vice President Mike Pence strongly defended the nuclear button tweet of Trump.

"President Trump has provided the kind of clear leadership on the world stage that's made measurable progress, particularly with regard to North Korea," he told Voice of America.
5. US, UK, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, Norway and Netherlands | Visa-free score: 160

US President Donald Trump's attorney has sent a cease and desist letter to former White House chief strategist Stephen Bannon demanding him to refrain from making "disparaging" comments against him and his family.

Trump's attorney has sent Bannon the letter for his critical comments against the president and his family in a book, 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House' written by Michael Wolff, which claims that the ultimate goal of Trump was never to win.

The White House has dismissed the book as "fiction", noting that it is filled with false and misleading accounts from individuals who have no access or influence with the White House.

Trump's attorney Charles Harder said a legal notice was issued on Thursday to Bannon that his "actions of communicating with author Michael Wolff regarding an upcoming book give rise to numerous legal claims, including defamation by libel and slander, and breach of his written confidentiality and non- disparagement agreement with our clients. Legal action is imminent".

The letter to 64-year-old Bannon also states that "remedies for your breach of the agreement include but are not limited to monetary damages", ABC News reported.

In his letter, Harder accused Bannon of breaching the agreement with Trump.

"You have breached the agreement by, among other things, communicating with author Michael Wolff about Trump, his family members, and the company (the Trump campaign), disclosing confidential information to Wolff, and making disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements to Wolff about Trump, his family members, and the company," Harder wrote to Bannon.

In the letter, Harder asks Bannon to cease publishing defamatory or confidential information and immediately begin preserving relevant documents in support of his allegations.

Bannon, known for his right-wing views, in his first comment later in the night described Trump as a great man.

"The President of the United States is a great man. You know I support him day in and day out, whether going through the country giving the Trump miracle speech or on the show or on the website," told a caller on Brietbart News Tonight show in Sirius XM.

He reiterated his support to Trump this morning in a radio show.

"Nothing will ever come between us and President Trump and his agenda we're tight on this agenda as we've ever been,"

However, Bannon has not responded yet on his critical remarks against the president and the first family in the book, which is set to be released next week.

Soon after excerpts of the book were published by the New York Magazine, Trump slammed Bannon in a statement.

"Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind," Trump said in a statement.

Bannon was the top manager of the Trump campaign and the White House chief strategist in the first seven months of the Trump administration. He was fired on August 18.

Trump asserted that Bannon was rarely in a one-on-one meeting with him and only pretends to have had influence to fool a few people with no access and no clue, whom he helped write phony books.
The White House has questioned the mental health of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un after his repeated threats to the US that he has "nuclear button on his desk."

"I think the President and the people of this country should be concerned about the mental fitness of the leader of North Korea. He's made repeated threats. He's tested missiles time and time again for years," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters at her daily news conference.

Sanders was responding to questions on Trump's nuclear button tweet, after which some political analysts in the US have been questioning his mental fitness.

"This is a President who's not going to cower down and he's not going to be weak, and is going to make sure that he does what he's promised to do, and that's stand up and protect the American people," Sanders said.

A day earlier, Trump, responding to the latest rhetoric of North Korean leader Kim Jong un, said that he too has a nuclear button which is not only much bigger and powerful, but also works.

"North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un had said 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!" Trump said in a tweet on Tuesday.

Trump was apparently responding to a statement of Kim Jong Un that North Korea is a now a nuclear country and that he has a nuclear button at his desk.

"The US should know that the button for nuclear weapons is on my table. The entire area of the US mainland is within our nuclear strike range. The US can never start a war against me and our country," he said in a televised address to the nation.

"We need to mass-produce nuclear warheads and ballistic missiles and accelerate their deployment," the North Korean leader had said.

Trump is concerned about the continued threats that this individual has made towards the US and others, Sanders said.

Trump is not going to allow him to continue doing that without saying something and standing up for the people of the country, the White House spokesperson said.

Sanders told reporters that it's extremely clear what Trump's position is.

"Our position on North Korea hasn't changed since the beginning. This is a President who is committed to protecting Americans and protecting the people of this country, and he's not going to back down from that," she said.

The white House defended Trump's tweet.

"Has there been any consideration that tweets like the one on North Korea actually don't advance the agenda, meaning working with other partners in the region?" she was asked.

"I think what didn't help was the complacency and the silence of the previous administration. This is a President who leads through strength, and he's going to do that and he's going to focus on everything that he can do in order to keep Americans safe, and he's not going to be pushed around by the leader of North Korea," Sanders said.

America's policy with North Korea has not changed, she asserted.

"We're fully committed to continuing to apply maximum pressure and working with all of our partners in the region including South Korea, who we have a better relationship now than ever before. We're going to keep working with them and keep pushing forward, and hopefully North Korea will start making better decisions, Sanders said.

The White House Press Secretary refuted allegations that by his tweet, Trump was taunting the North Korean leader.

"I don't think that it's taunting to stand up for the people of this country. I think what's dangerous is to ignore the continued threats, "she said.

"If the previous administration had done anything and dealt with North Korea, dealt with Iran, instead of sitting by and doing nothing, we wouldn't have to clean up their mess now," she added.
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK - JULY 10: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during his meeting with Danish Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen at the PM's Office on July 10, 2017 in Copenhagen, Denmark. The two heads of state discussed the situation on the Korean peninsula and how Japan and Denmark could enhance their strategic partnership further. The Japanese PM said during their joint press conference that North Korea undermines the international order seriously. (Photo by Ole Jensen - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Thursday North Korea was engaging in continued provocations that were "absolutely unacceptable" and said he would work with the international community to counter its nuclear and missiles development.

"It is not an exaggeration to say that the security environment surrounding Japan is at its severest since World War Two," Abe told a New Year news conference.

"By raising pressure on North Korea together with the international community, I intend to do my utmost to solve North Korea's nuclear, missiles and abduction issues."
Education

Montgomery County Community College will present the spring installment of the interview/talk show program Issues and Insights April 20 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in Science Center room 214, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The programs will be simulcast to the Colleges West Campus in South Hall room 216, 101 College Drive, Pottstown. Dr. Kolsky will offer a humorous presentation, Carrots, Sticks and Politics: A State of the Nation and the World Message. In this speech, he will provide his interpretation of domestic and international politics and then welcome questions from the audience for discussion. Issues and Insights, is free and open to the public. For information, contact Dr. Thomas Kolsky, professor of political science, at 215-641-6380 or tkolsky@mc3.edu.

Montgomery County Community Colleges STEM Scholars Program will host a STEM Jam! open house April 25 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Advanced Technology Center at the Colleges Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The drop-in event is designed for students interested in learning more about careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Activities will include STEM program information and career advising, STEM speakers throughout the day from industry and academia, micro-helicopter and robotics competitive obstacle courses and demonstrations and static models of STEM student and faculty work. For more information about STEM Jam! or STEM programs at MCCC, contact William Brownlowe at wbrownlowe@mc3.edu or 215-641-6644, or Robin Zuhlke at 215-619-7440 or rzuhlke@mc3.edu.

Temple Ambler, located at 580 Meetinghouse Road, presents the following events:

International Club Global Bazaar April 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. The Ambler Campus International Club invites all students, faculty, staff and the community to celebrate a multitude of diverse cultures, which will be showcased at the organizations Global Bazaar. This family friendly event will highlight cultural traditions and celebrations in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, South American, North America and Africa through music, entertainment, food and informative displays developed and presented by students at the Ambler Campus. Young visitors will be provided with passports, which they may get stamped at each country they visit. Prizes will be awarded to world travelers who talk to cultural representatives, answer questions about the countries theyve visited and take part in fun-filled activities designed to help them learn about the rich diversity of cultures found throughout the world. Refreshments will be served. The event is free. For more information, call 267-468-8108 or e-mail tuc36466@temple.edu.

EarthFest 2011 April 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. More than 75 exhibitors, including the Philadelphia Zoo, The Franklin Institute, the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Elmwood Park Zoo and the Insectarium, will take part in EarthFest 2011. School students of all ages are invited to attend and develop displays of their own. EarthFest partner the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society also offers its Kids Grow Expo, featuring the Junior Flower Show, as part of the event. For more information, call 267-468-8108 or e-mail duffyj@temple.edu.

Annual Spring Plant Sale May 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The plant sale  an Ambler Campus tradition dating back to the early 1900s  will feature woody plants and perennials in portable sizes, hardy trees, shrubs, and vines, native plants that are attractive to wildlife, herbs, and hanging baskets. There will also be numerous special plants for sale to highlight Amblers special anniversary year. Garden books and garden tools will also be available for sale. Students, staff, and volunteers from the Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture and the Ambler Arboretum Advisory Committee will be available to answer questions. All proceeds from the Spring Plant Sale will support the Ambler Arboretum Fund and the Pi Alpha Xi National Honor Society. Information: 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary.

June Homecoming/Louise Bush-Brown Garden Dedication June 5 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. (June Homecoming), Bright Hall Lounge; 2 p.m. (Garden Dedication), Ambler Campus Formal Perennial Gardens. Tickets  June Homecoming: Participant  $18 per person; Sustainer  $25 per person; Benefactor  $40 per person. The 2011 June Homecoming, sponsored by the School of Environmental Design Alumni Association, will include the Alumni Association annual meeting and luncheon. June Homecoming will be followed by the formal dedication of Temple University Amblers Formal Perennial Gardens as the Louise Bush-Brown Formal Gardens. During this 100th anniversary of the campus, Temple University Ambler and the Ambler Arboretum of the Temple University is honoring Louise Bush-Browns many contributions to the history of the campus by formally dedicating the gardens in her honor. During the program, campus Executive William Parshall will welcome guests, Ambler Arboretum Director Jenny Rose Carey will speak about the Bush-Browns and the history of the garden, and an official ribbon cutting will be held for the Louise Bush-Brown Formal Garden. Following the ribbon cutting, guests are invited to take a tour of the gardens, which will wend their way to the Campus Greenhouse for the School of Environmental Designs annual Plant Auction. Information (Garden Dedication): 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Information (June Homecoming): 215-482-0722. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary.

Northview Garden Tour and Fundraiser for the Ambler Arboretum June 12 from noon to 5 p.m. Call for reservations. Tickets: $15 per person or $20 at the door. In addition to the gardens of the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University, Arboretum Director Jenny Rose Carey has a garden oasis all her own right in Ambler  Northview. Visitors will have the opportunity to take self-guided tours throughout the many gardens, where garden experts will be available to answer questions about the various designs. The Ambler Keystone Chapter of the Womans National Farm and Garden Association will also provide tea and refreshments. All proceeds from the tours will support the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University. Information or to register: 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary.

The Senior Adult Activities Center of Montgomery County, 536 George Street, Norristown, will hold the following events:

SAAC Adult Day Care, an alternative to Nursing Home Care is available  for information call 610-275-1960

Volunteers are needed for Meals on Wheels Program (call the number above)

SAACs Fifth Avenue Boutique opens Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Exercise with Theresa will be held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1 p.m.

Dance class is held every Monday at 10 a.m.

Tai Chi is held every Monday at 10 a.m.

Yoga is held every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.

Line Dancing is held every Thursday at 10:30 a.m.

Dancing with Joan is held every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.

Sculpture Class is held Wednesdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Why Should I Learn Spanish? will be held Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

Generations On-Line computer classes for seniors will be held Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.  4 p.m.  computers are available during those hours.

Health Living will be held every Tuesday at 1 p.m.

Boomer U will hold the following events. Boomer U is located at 45 Forest Avenue, Ambler. Registration & payment is required for all events: 215-619-8863.

Pilates Class is held Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. First class is free; please bring a mat. For information call 610-291-5376.

Blue Bell School of Dance, 921 Penllyn Blue Bell Pike, Blue Bell, hosts Argentine Tango Classes and a Milonga dance party every Friday evening. Lessons start at 8:30 p.m. followed by dancing at 9:30 p.m. Andrew Conway, master Argentine Tango dancer, instructor and performer and his partner Linda Chase will instruct. All levels welcome and no partner is needed. Refreshments will be served. Fee is $12 per person and includes lesson and dancing. Information: 215-634-1101 or www.amoretango.com.

The Montgomery Hospital Medical Center will offer the following classes:

Childbirth Education Class- all parents are invited to participate, including those who are delivering at

other hospitals. For more information on maternity services or classes, call 610-270-2020.

CPR and First Aid Courses are offered for beginners to experiences health care providers. Call 610-270-2313.

The Ambler SAAC (Senior Adult Activities Center), located at 45 Forest Ave in Ambler will hold the following events:

Tai Chi every Monday and Thursday at 11 a.m.

Yoga is every Tuesday at 1 p.m. and Friday at 10:30 a.m.

Strength and balance training every Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Armchair Aerobics is held every Monday at 10 a.m.

Gourmet Weight Wise every Thursday at 12:30.

Fitness Center and Pool Room open daily 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Diabetes Education Center will offer day and evening classes each month. Health insurance pays for diabetes education classes. Preregistration is required. Call 610-270-2301.

For Kids & Families

The Ambler Kiwanis Club will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt April 26 at 10 a.m. in Ambler Borough Park, located just off of the intersection of Hendricks Street and Valley Brook Road. Members of the Wissahickon Key Club will assist Kiwanians in hiding thousands of wrapped chocolate eggs in a designated area of the park. Also hidden will be plastic colored eggs, which are redeemed for prizes. Elementary school children are separated by age.

Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation will hold its 21st annual Storybook Egg-Stravaganza April 15 fom 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Upper Dublin Township Building. Toddlers and preschoolers love this annual event where photo opportunities with favorite friends abound! Treasures are collected from UDP&Rs assortment of lifesize cutouts of favorite cartoon characters from Disney, Sesame Street, Nickelodeon and other well-known animation. Children can have their picture taken with Bugsy OHare; bring your own camera. And dont forget a basket for goodies! $7 for UD residents; $12 for non-residents. Pre-register at 215-643-1600 ext. 3443.

Splash Week is a free week-long program that teaches children and families basic swimming skills and water safety practices. All YMCA branches will host multiple classes each day from April 11 to 15. For more information, contact the Ambler Area YMCA at 215-628-9950.

Healthy Kids Day is April 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The day is filled with fun, engaging and artistic activities that cultivate healthy living as part of the YMCAs larger efforts to help more kids and families become physically active. All activities are free and open to the community. For more information, contact the Ambler YMCA at 215-628-9950. No reservation is required.

The Ambler Area YMCA has added several new programs for area youngsters. Classes are held late afternoons or evenings on various weekdays. For more information, visit philaymca.org or call 215-628-9950.

Basic Beading: Ages: 10+. Wednesdays 7 to 7:45 p.m. This class will teach you the fundamentals of wiring and stringing along with how color can be used to create unique and vibrant beadwork design. You will create various jewelry including earrings, bracelets, charm pendants and much more! Supplies will be provided. Bringing your own jewelry pliers or tools would be a plus.

Messin with the Masters: Ages: 8-12. Thursdays 7 to 7:45 p.m. Learn about some of the worlds greatest artists. You will be inspired to create your own Starry Night with oil pastels and tempera paints, a tissue paper painted Monet garden, a Picasso head using scraps of paper, a Georgia OKeeffe clay flower bowl and a Rousseau jungle collage.

Super Scientist: Ages: 5-7. Mondays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Well be concocting chemistry experiments such as making slime, mixing potions and having fun with magnet magic. Your budding little scientist will enhance his/her creative thinking and motor skills and to top it off will learn that science can be serious fun.

Wacky Junk Art: Ages: 8-12. Thursdays 6 to 6:45 p.m. Why throw it away! Instead join us to make household junk into aliens from outer space, wacky specs, crazy hats, body masks or a recycled train.

Globe Trotters: Ages: 4-6. Tuesdays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Youre never too young to start thinking globally. Each week, we explore a new country through crafts, games, music, stories and even some taste-testing. A perfect introduction to our great big world!

Crazy about Crafts: Ages: 5-7, Thursdays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Let your childs creative juices flow with our fun arts and crafts projects each week. Fine motor skills and creative thinking skills will be enhanced with this crafty class.

Come out and join the Ambler Area YMCAs Teen and Junior Leaders Club. Participants are given the freedom to plan community service projects year round and truly make a difference in the lives of people in need. Those in Teen and Junior Leaders also attend leadership retreats all along the East Coast three times a year and meet other leaders who are doing the same great work in their respective areas. Dont miss out on this inspiring opportunity. Teen Leaders, ages 13-17, meet every Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Junior Leaders, ages 10-12, will begin in the spring and will meet every Monday. For more information, contact Mike Miles, Teen Director, 215- 628-9950 x 1540 or mmiles@philaymca.org.

Did you know that the new Ambler Area YMCA holds childrens birthday parties at its site for members and non members as well. The Ambler Y does all the work from start to finish and birthday parties include a personalized cake, ice cream, beverage and paper products. Parties are held on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and include two party hosts to lead activities, set-up, clean-up and assist with serving. You can have a Splash Party for children ages six to 12 in the new zero depth entry pool with water slide and spray fountains. Up to 25 children have exclusive use of the pool area with 30 minutes in the party room. Sports Parties are offered for kids ages four to 12 with age appropriate activities and games, and sports such as floor hockey, soccer, basketball or dodge ball. Children ages three to five years of age will enjoy parties in the Family Active Center with use of the Moon Bounce and organized activities, such as parachute play and songs. For information, 215-628-9950 ext. 1583.

Community Events at the Ambler Y:

-YAchievers YMCA Achievers is a developmentally based, extracurricular, educational and team mentoring program designed to help students in grades five through 12 prepare for fulfilled livelihoods in college and beyond. Participation is free and all students in this program receive a free YMCA membership. Registration for the 2009 program begins now. You do not need to be a YMCA member to utilize these special services. Call 215-628-9950 to register.

Greater Norristown Art Leagues Childrens Weeklong Summer Art Camps will be held at 800 West Germantown Pike in East Norriton, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday throughout the summer. The cost per session is $125 per student for ages 6 and up. Jo Ann Cooksey Bono teaches an introduction to basic drawing skills and techniques from 10 a.m. until the lunch break each day. In the afternoon sessions, Mary Vogel Lozinak involves the students in hands on projects such as collage, papermaking, T-shirt printing, 3D design and sculpy clay. Fridays Graduation Day includes an art show, awards ceremony and reception for parents, siblings, grandparents and friends. All supplies are included. Students provide their own lunch. A refrigerator is available and the building is air-conditioned. This is the 15th year to run this successful program. Both instructors are professional artists with State Police and Child Abuse Clearances. To register, call Jo Ann at 610-279-1008, or register on-line at www.gnal.org.

Health

Dresher Physical Therapy is hosting an interactive seminar discussing its Golf Assessment Progam April 30 from 10 a.m. to noon at Dresher Physical Therapy, 1075 Virginia Drive, Suite 200, Fort Washington. Physical therapist Chris Miller, certified through the Titleist Performance Institute, will discuss why your body may be the most important piece of golf equipment you invest in and how this can drastically improve your game. $10 in advance; $15 at the door. Call 215-619-4545 to reserve your spot.

The Chestnut Hill Center for Enrichment, Center on the Hill and Chestnut Hill Hospital will host a Senior Health and Resource Fair April 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Chestnut Hill Presbyterian Church, 8855 Germantown Ave. The event is free. For more information, call 215-248-0180 or e-mail chseniors@cavtel.net.

The Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center is hosting Help Yourself to Health, a new six-week workshop for older adults with ongoing health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety, heart disease and others. The free workshop will take place at the Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center, 45 Forest Ave. on six Thursdays, May 12 through June 16 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Although there is no charge to participate, registration is required. To register, call 215-619-8863.

The Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center is sponsoring an eight-week program called A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls. Presented by the Montgomery County Health Department, this workshop will be held on Tuesdays, May 3 to June 21 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Ambler Center, 45 Forest Ave. If you pre-register by April 27, the fee is only $5! Registration at the first class is $10. (Checks should be payable to SAAC and will benefit our Meals on Wheels program that serves homebound seniors.) A workbook will be provided and refreshments will be served. Call 215-619-8863 to register or for more information.

Fort Washington Wellness Center classes are ongoing. There are several offered during lunch or right after work, for your convenience: Boot Camp from noon to 1 p.m. on Monday; Zumba is MWF from 11 a.m. to noon and Friday at 4 p.m.; there are 25 cycling classes; Ashtanga and Vinyasana Yoga and Pilates; and a group Womens Strength Training class M-F from 10 to 11 a.m. Questions, call Cathy DeMarco at 215-641-1245.

Following the success of other local area programs, Impact Sports and Upper Dublin Parks and Recreation are delighted to team up again to offer a spring program for the 2011 season! Upper Dublin area children ages 3-5 years old can attend a Sports Program featuring their favorite sports games; soccer, rugby, hockey, track and field, basketball, and more. The program will start on April 27 and run through June 1. Cost for the program is $85 for the six weeks. The classes will be running 12- 1 p.m.; 1- 2 p.m.; 2- 3 p.m. For more info or to register, call Upper Dublin Township on 215 643 1600 or visit their website a http://www.upperdublin.net.

Spring Aquatic Programs  UDHS Pool:

-Summer is just around the corner  Community Aquatic Programs at the UDHS Pool can help get you into shape! Programs begin in March; preregistration is required.

 Shallow Water Aerobics  Two 5-week programs, Wednesday nights, 8-8:45 p.m., $40R/$50NR.

 Adult Swim Instructions  Two 5-week programs, Wednesday nights, 7-8 p.m., $50R/$60NR

-Open Rec Swims are fun for the whole family! Come out on Fridays from 7-9 p.m. or Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. and enjoy use of the pool and diving area. Fridays are offered through June 17; Saturdays are offered March 12-May 21.

-Join a growing group of adult lap swimmers and water walkers. Lanes are set aside evenings and weekends for use; lanes are shared. Monday  Thursday from 7:30-9:30 p.m.; Fridays from 7-9 p.m. and Saturdays (March 12-May 21) from 1-4 p.m.

-Private Swimming & Diving Lessons for ages 3-adult are offered at the UDHS Pool through a partnership with the Upper Dublin Aquatic Club (UDAC). Visit the UDAC website for more information, www.udac.us, and click the link to UDHS Private Lessons.

-Looking for local programs for US Masters Swimming (adults) or Water Polo (all ages)? UDAC and UDSD are working together to develop programs that will be offered at the UDHS Pool. Add your name to Interest Lists by emailing slohoefer@upperdublin.net. emails will be sent about clinics and program start dates.

Questions about Community Aquatic Programs at the UDHS Pool, group use of the pool or pool rental? Contact Susan Lohoefer, Facility & Community Affairs Manager at slohoefer@upperdublin.net or call 215-643-8800 x8994.

SilverSneakers Fitness Program. The Healthyways SilverSneakers Fitness Program is a result-oriented program that enables older adults to take charge of their health. The program is an innovative blend of physical activity, healthy lifestyle and socially oriented programing. Members of the program are eligible for a free YMCA membership, with use of the pool and exercise equipment, along with customized classes designed for older adults who want to improve their strength, flexibility, balance and endurance. If you are a subscriber to Independence Blue Cross (Personal Choice 65 PPO) or Keystone 65 HMO, Bravo Health, or Health Options Programs (HOP), call the Ambler Area YMCA, 215-628-9950 or Hatboro Area YMCA, 215-674-4545. You can also visit www.silversneakers.com.

Zumba Fitness offers Zumba dance/fitness classes at Academy of Dance and Music/BBAD Studio located at 1524 DeKalb Pike in Blue Bell (behind Sherwin Williams). Classes are offered three times a week: Tuesdays at 6 p.m., Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 8 a.m. For a free trial pass for your first class, email us at info@danceandmusic.biz or call 610-277-2557. For more info, visit our site at www.academyofdanceandmusic.org.

Chestnut Hill Health Systems presents the following Health Education Programs:

FITNESS CLASSES

Golden Yoga: A Breathing, Stretching and Relaxation Class. Fridays, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Lea Auditorium, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. Registration for four classes at a time required. Golden Yoga is Classical Yoga, adapted by the SKY Foundation, to accommodate those who have difficulty getting up and down from the floor. The program includes postures, breathing, relaxation and meditation techniques, all performed while sitting in a chair and standing. Registration required. Call 215-247-3029. Cost: $20 for 4 classes per month.

Tai Chi: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:30  9:30 a.m. Springfield Residence, 8601 Stenton Ave. Classes, for the novice or beginner/intermediate student, are designed to improve balance, power, posture, coordination, flexibility and mental focus. Slow, gentle movements are modified to most everyones abilities. For more information or to sign up for a free introductory class, call 215-882-2804. Cost: $8 per class/paid monthly.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Weight Loss Surgery Support Group: Fourth Wednesday of the month, 7-8 p.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia. Join us for a monthly get-together where well share information for those interested in weight loss surgery, learn from guest speakers discussing current news on issues including lifestyle modification, nutrition and exercise and provide ongoing support for those who have completed surgery. Registration required. Call 215-753-2000.

Breast Cancer Networking Group: Fourth Tuesday of the month 5:30  7 p.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia. A free, confidential support group for women living with a diagnosis of breast cancer designed to provide a forum for sharing information, feelings and concerns associated with breast cancer. Facilitated by Tish Wakefield, LCSW, Oncology Social Worker. Registration required. To register or for more information, call 215-248-8047.

New Moms Support Groups Tuesdays 10:30 a.m.  12 p.m.; contact Jeanine ORourke, MSW or 2:30  4 p.m.; contact Susan Schack, Ph.D Volunteer Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. The Center for Postpartum Depression at Chestnut Hill Hospital is pleased to offer two new support groups to support new moms. Both groups will be run by experienced mental health professionals who really get it when it comes to new motherhood and juggling relationships, extended family, work/family balance and self-care. If you are experiencing new mom challenges that often heighten anxiety and involve hormonally driven depression, join us for an informative and supportive forum to connect with other moms. Infants are welcome. $30 per session (flexible based on need). Registration is required. Call Dr. Schack, 646-265-2484, or Ms. ORourke, 215-206-2931.

Man to Man Prostate Cancer Support Group Third Thursday of the month 8-9 a.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. A networking group for men diagnosed with prostate cancer designed to provide education, support and encouragement. Spouses and partners welcome. Harry M. Baer, MD, Chief, Urology Division, will host Ask the Doctor. Registration required. Call 215-248-8325.

Contact the Senior Center by phone 215-248-0180 or email (chseniors@cavtel.net) with your questions about these programs or any of our on-going activities and classes.

Holy Redeemer HomeCare and Hospice seeks compassionate and emotionally mature volunteers to provide support to local hospice patients and their families in Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. Volunteers may also assist with pet therapy and administrative work within the hospice department and are requested to have daytime availability. Hospice patient care volunteers visit with patients in their homes or nursing facilities once a week for two to three hours. They provide emotional support and companionship to patients and family members, assist with errands or provide respite for caregivers. Bereavement volunteers support the families of hospice patients following the loss of a loved one, while administrative volunteers assist with typing, mailings and/or filing. Hospice care workers provide a great service to families and loved ones of hospice patients. Many volunteers also report a great deal of personal satisfaction as a result of their services. Patient care and bereavement volunteers complete an application and attend an 18-hour volunteer training program that covers the medical, psychological and spiritual aspects of hospice volunteering. Day and evening training programs are offered. To sign up for volunteer opportunities in Pennsylvania, contact Holy Redeemer Volunteer Coordinator Jean Francis at 215-698-3737 or email jfrancis@holyredeemer.com.

Librarytalk

Upper Dublin Public Library, 805 Loch Alsh Avenue, Ft. Washington, 215-628-8744

www.upperdublinlibrary.org

APRIL CHILDRENS PROGRAMS:

Storytimes: Please register in the library.

o Wee Ones: 0 to 23 months Thursdays and Fridays 10:30 to 10:50 a.m.

o Tiny Tots: age 2. Wednesdays 10:30 to 10:50 a.m. and Fridays 11 to 11:20 a.m.

o Jr. Book Lovers: ages 3 to 6. Tuesdays 10:30 to 11 a.m.

o Bedtime Storytimes: 7 to 7:30 p.m. April 20 and 27. Wear your jammies, bring your teddy & hear Miss Barbara read bedtime stories! For ages 3 to 6.

APRIL TEEN PROGRAMS:

North Hills Library Teens April 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. Movie Matinee

APRIL UDPL ADULT PROGRAMS:

NEW! ESL Conversation Group. Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. Interested in practicing your English in a safe and caring environment? Come to our conversation group and improve your skills! Please register with Kay Klocko at 215-628-8744 or kklocko@mclinc.org.

One-on-One Computer Mentoring. Get personalized assistance from experienced computer volunteers! Sign-up for a one-hour session. Limit one session per month. Please register  contact info above.

Book Groups Please register with Kay Klocko 215-628-8744.

o Daytimers: April 21 at 1:30 p.m. Tired of book groups where you all read the same book? Read any fiction or non-fiction book on this months theme: Explorers. Please register.

Meetings:

Annual Meeting of the Friends of UDPL: April 14 at 1 p.m.

Board of Directors: April 20 at 7 p.m.

Blue Bell Library www.wvpl.org Upcoming Events: The Wissahickon Valley Public Library, 650 Skippack Pike (Route 73) in Blue Bell, is diagonally across from the Blue Bell Inn. Call 215-643-1320 or visit their website at www.wvpl.org.

For children and teens at Blue Bell:

* Story times with guitar music by Miss Michelle, the singing librarian.

* Mondays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages.

* Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. for all ages.

* Fridays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages.

* Family Movies, new releases, second Saturdays of the month at 1:30 p.m.

* May 14  Despicable Me

* June 11  Alpha and Omega

* Special Events

* April  watch for date of spring/Easter events

* April 14 at 4:30 p.m.  Junior Lego Club for children ages 3 through 5. Parents and caregivers need to stay with children.

* April 14 at 7 p.m.  Jeopardy for ages 11 to 18. Test your book and library knowledge for prizes. Sign up to be a contestant. No sign up to be in the audience. Snacks provided.

* April 16 at 1 p.m.  Adult Mystery Book Group discussing The Beekeepers Apprentice by Laurie King.

* April 16 at 1:30 p.m.  Childrens event for One Book, Every Young Child celebration. Story and craft for book Whose Shoes?

* April 19 at 7 p.m. and April 26 at 1:30 p.m.- Adult book group discusses The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester. Group led by Adam Button.

* April 30 through May 3  Friends book sale with about 10,000 items for sale for children, teens and adults.

* May  sign up for Science in the Summer

* June  sign up for Enrichment Programs for Elementary-Age children

* June  sign up for Summer Reading, all ages

For adults at Blue Bell:

* Daytime Book Discussion Group  fourth Tuesday, Jan  April at 1:30 p.m.

* April 26  The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester

* Night-time Book Discussion Group  third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.

o April 19  The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester

* Art Series with Dr. Sheldon Weintraub, docent at The Barnes and speaker at local colleges

o April 27 at 2 p.m. The Art of Looking at Art-Is She Nude or Is She Naked?

*Mystery Book Discussion Group, third Saturday of the month at 1 p.m.; new mystery theme each month; www.wvpl.org/programs

* Yoga on Mondays at 1:30 p.m. $20 for eight classes; $5 per drop-in class.

* Tai Chi on Mondays at 3 p.m. with Dr. Kurt Findeisen. $20 for eight classes; $5 per drop in class.

* Philadelphia Museum of Art presents class on their Marc Chagall exhibit, April 13 at 2 p.m.

* Giant Book Sale, April 29  May 3

o Starts with almost 10,000 items for children and adults!

o Held during library hours.

o Preview for members of the Friends of the Library, April 28 at 7 p.m.

o Join the Friends and attend the preview sale. Modest fee to join.

* Blooms at Blue Bell Gardening Series

o May 11 at 1 p.m.  Summer Bulbs by PA Horticultural Society

* Knitting group Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Work on your project or observe and learn. The groups continue year-round in the community room.

* Socrates Cafe discussion group every Monday at 7 p.m. You pick the topic to discuss each week. No sign-up, nothing to read.

* Bridge every Friday at 12:30 p.m. New players welcome.

* Mah Jong every Wednesday at 1 p.m. New players welcome.

*Chess every Wednesday at 7p.m. for adults and teens 14 and older.

* Movie Matinee showing recent releases every Thursday at 2 p.m. April 14: Maos Last Dancer; April 21: Welcome to the Rileys; April 28: Conviction; May 5: Inception; May 12: Inside Job; May 19 The Kings Speech; May 26 The Fighter; June 2 Rabbit Hole; June 9 Black Swan; June 16 127 Hours

* Ongoing like-new, year-round book sale for adults & children during library hours

* Library opening at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday!

Ambler Library, a branch of the Wissahickon Valley Public Library, 209 Race St., 215-646-1072. www.wvpl.org. All the following events occur at the Ambler Library.

* Story times with guitar music by Miss Michelle, the singing librarian.

* Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages.

* Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. for all ages.

* For adults:

* Beading Group meets the first and third Monday of every month at 1 p.m. Work on your own projects or come to watch and learn.

* Free Family History Lookup with Connie Briggs. Email Connie for an appointment at the Ambler Library. conniebriggs@comcast.net

* Special Events:

* April 14 at 1:30 p.m.  Book Group discusses Skeletons at the Feast by Chris Bohjalian.

* April 19 at 7 p.m.  Travel to Paris with world traveler Harry Balin. Tea and scones at 6:30 p.m.

* April 21 at 7 p.m.  Art with Sara for children in fourth through seventh grades.

*May 2 at 6:30 p.m.  Discuss the movie Lone Star with Temple Professor Lisa Hawkins. Watch the movie ahead of time.

*May 10  Robert Capucci discusses Art into Fashion. Tea and scones served at 6:30 p.m. Program at 7 p.m.

*May 12 at 1:30p.m.  Book Group discusses The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman.

*May 17  Tour the gardens of Devon and Southwest England with Lois McMullen. Tea and Scones at 6:30 p.m. Program at 7 p.m.

*June 13 at 6:30 p.m.  Discuss the movie Blade Runner with Temple Professor Lisa Hawkins. Watch the movie ahead of time.

Meetings and Lectures

The Unisys Blue Bell Retiree Group will meet in the Church on the Mall in the Plymouth Meeting Mall April 14 at 1:30 p.m. Kathy Sacket Young, director/trainer with the North Penn YMCA, will speak on Keeping Fit in Retirement. For more information, contact Membership Committee Chairperson Jerry Feldscher at 610-275-3538 or President Al Rollin at 215-368-4833.

The next FWBA meeting will be April 28 at the Hilton Garden Inn Fort Washington. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m.; meeting from noon to 1 p.m. Leon Singletary, Principal, First Contact HR and FWBA Executive Board, will present: Social Media: How to Use It To Get More Business. Lunch is provided courtesy of the Hilton Garden Inn Fort Washington. Members are welcome to bring a guest. An RSVP is requested by return email or 215-628-0313.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern PA is hosting a information sessions over the next few weeks on how to become a Big Brother. The information sessions will take place: April 16 at noon, April 19 at 8 a.m. and April 28 at 6 p.m. All sessions will be held at the groups Norristown Office,t 530 DeKalb St., Norristown. For more information, call 610-277-2200.

The North Penn Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) normally meets on the third Tuesday of each month from now until May. Meetings are held at the William Penn Inn on Route 202 and Sumneytown Pike, Upper Gwynedd, PA. Social hour starts at 5:30 p.m., dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., and the technical program begins at 7 p.m. Cost with reservation is $28 for members. Members without reservations and guests pay $30. Students with reservations pay $15. Reservations may be made by noon on the Monday preceding the meeting by phoning 215-371-1854 or emailing the reservation to northpennima@yahoo.com northpennima@yahoo.com. Information about the North Penn Chapter is available at http://northpenn.imanet.org/.

LeTip, a professional organization of men and women who are dedicated to the highest standards of competence and service meets every Tuesday at Cedar Brook Country Club, 180 Penllyn Pike, Blue Bell at 7 a.m. -meeting officially starts at 7:16 a.m. and ends at 8:31 a.m. Our purpose is the exchange of business tips, leads, and referrals. Each business category is represented by one member and conflicts of interest are disallowed. Guests are welcome to visit any of our breakfast meetings.

Every third Thursday of month, Sunrise Assisted Living of Blue Bell (795 Penllyn Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422, 215-619-2777) serves as a satellite site to 148th Legislative district PA congressman Mike Gerber from 10 a.m. to noon. Stop by for help needed with things such as disability placards and license plates, vehicle registration, utilities issues, birth/death certificates,property tax/rent rebates, etc. Notary services arranged by appointment.

The Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is an action-oriented organization dedicated to promoting its members and the economic health of eastern Montgomery county. The Chamber is committed to serving as a catalyst by uniting business, community agencies, government and education to make our county a great place to live and work. For information, call 215-887-5122 or visit www.emccc.org.

Do you have a fear of public speaking? Blue Bell Toastmasters Club can help. We meet from 7 to 9 p.m., on the second and fourth Tuesday at the Marriott Courtyard, located on Route 202, directly across from the Montgomeryville Mall. Learn how to improve communication and leadership skills in a friendly and supportive environment. Guests are welcome. Admission fee: $5. For more info, visit www.bbtoast.org.

The PennSuburban Chamber of Commerce will hold the following meetings (for reservations to any of the following, email info@PennSuburban.org)

-Breakfast News Network, 7:30-8:45 a.m. at Normandy Farm Hotel (1401 Morris Road, Blue Bell, PA 19422) $15 members, includes full buffet breakfast. Join us for a networking program at Normandy Farm Hotel every Thursday morning for breakfast, business news, informative speakers, and plenty of networking. The cost includes a full breakfast buffet. Copies of the business cards will be made available to those who would like them.

The BNI, Fort Washington Chapter meets every Monday at The Hilton Garden Inn, 520 Pennsylvania Ave., Fort Washington for a networking meeting. Meetings are from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Visitors are welcome. The only cost to attend is the cost of your meal. For information or a reservation to attend, please call Luanne Cram at 215-947-7784, or visit our Internet site at: http://www.BNIDVR.Com and click on the menu item Find a Chapter.

For the past seven years, people have enjoyed participating in WVWAs Adopt-a-Tree program. Individuals can support the Association in its reforestation efforts by purchasing native trees to be planted. Supporters can plant their adopted tree or have WVWA volunteers will plant it. Trees cost $30 each. If you would like to volunteer or purchase a tree(s), please contact: Bob Adams at Bob@wvwa.org or call: 215-646-8866 for more information. Check www.WVWA.org for directions and maps.

Sustainable Upper Dublin, http://sustainableupperdublin.org, meets the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at the Upper Dublin Township Building, 801 Loch Alsh Avenue, Fort Washington, PA 19034. Please send any questions to suec@sustainableupperdublin.org or call 610-996-6316. To learn more about Sustainable Upper Dublin, view or join the discussion at http://googlegroups.com/group/sustainableupperdublin.

Special Events

The Mattie N. Dixon Community Cupboard will hold its first nutrition class April 19 at 10 a.m. at the Community Cupboard, 150 N. Main St., Ambler. Lynne Sinclair, a nutritionist from Abington Memorial Hospital specializing in diabetic nutrition, will conduct the class. Topics will include healthy eating, beneficial foods, recipes, making meals with every day foods, and how to use unfamiliar produce. A healthy snack will be provided.The class is is open to all residents in Montgomery County.

The Historical Society of Fort Washington presents The History of Conshohocken April 19 at 8 p.m. at the Clifton House, 473 Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington. Jack Coll will present an illustrated program on the history of the Borough of Conshohocken. Coll is a longtime resident of Conshohocken and a member of the Conshohocken Historical Society. He is co-author with his son, Brian, of the Arcadia Then and Now Series book Conshohocken. He has also done books Conshohocken and West Conshohocken Sports and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Italian Feast. He has taken many photos for the Conshohocken Record and the Norristown Times Herald. This program is free. Refreshments will be served. For additional information, call 215-646-6065.

Taste of the White House Soiree featuring former White House Chef Walter Scheib will take place April 29 at 6 p.m. at Manufacturers Golf & Country Club in Fort Washington to celebrate HealthLinks 10th anniversary and honor its founders, the Eugene Jackson Family. The evening will heat up with a Chef Meet & Greet, followed by a specially selected presidential menu. Gala tickets are $150 per person. Proceeds benefit HealthLink, a free clinic providing compassionate, quality medical and dental care to uninsured, working adults in Bucks and Montgomery counties who fall in between the health care cracks. Go to http://tasteofthewhitehouse.charityhappenings.org to make reservations online or lend support through sponsorship. For event information, call 267-699-0124 or email jmarushak@healthlinkmedical.org.

The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association will hold an open house at the Evans-Mumbower Mill April 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. The Mill is at the corner of Swedesford and Township Line Roads in Upper Gwynedd. The open house is free but donations are welcome. For more information, call 215-646-8866 o email info@wvwa.org.

The Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce will host Breakfast With Your County Commissioners and State Representatives April 21 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Fort Washington, 432 W. Pennasylvania Ave. Commissioners: James R. Matthews (Chairman), Joseph M. Hoeffel (Vice Chair), State Representatives: Todd Stephens (District 151) and Josh Shapiro (District 153). Register onlineat www.emccc.org. $10 for EMCCC member; $20 for non-members.

Upper Dublins Districtwide Allied Art Show will be held April 27 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in the Upper Dublin High School Athletic Complex.

The Rev. Alfred Muli, chaplain at Fort Washington Estates, will be the featured speaker at the Kiwanis sponsored breakfast observing the National Day of Prayer May 5 at 7 a.m. at the William Penn Inn. The breakfast is open to the public ($15). Reservations can be made by calling 215-646-4356 or by emailing georgesaurman@Juno.com.

The Upper Dublin Shade Tree Commission invites people to participate in its spring bare root planting events, sponsored in part by Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation and Friends of Robbins Park. On April 9, zix trees will be planted at the Evelyn B. Wright Park & Community Pool, 401 Logan Ave., North Hills, at 9 a.m., followed by the planting of 10 trees at Sheeleigh Park, Loch Alsh Avenue and Douglas Street, Ambler, at 10:15 a.m. On April 29, students from Upper Dublin High School will join the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society to plant 16 trees in Robbins Park, Butler Pike and Meetinghouse Road, Ambler, to help launch the societys Million Trees campaign. This event will occur in conjunction with Temple Amblers EarthFest. Experienced tree-tenders are sought to assist the students. For more information,contact Ron Ayres at 215-653-0421 or 215-483-4348.

The Friends of the Wissahickon and the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association are teaming up once again to clean the Wissahickon Creek from top to bottom April 30 from 9 a.m. to noon. This spring marks the 41st anniversary of Wissahickon Valley Watershed Associations annual Creek Clean Up, and the second year that FOW has teamed up with WVWA. Volunteers of all ages will clean the creek, the surrounding trails and the many tributaries of the Wissahickon Creek. Armed with bags, volunteers will be assigned to sections of the creek. Following the clean up, all volunteers are invited to WVWAs Talkin Trash picnic in Fort Washington State Park, with food provided by Whole Foods Market of North Wales. The pavilion is located on Mill Road in Flourtown. To help out in Montgomery County, all volunteers must be pre-assigned a section of the Wissahickon Creek to clean. Please contact Bob Adams, WVWA director of stewardship, at 215-646-8866 ext. 14 or bob@wvwa.org. To work with the Friends of the Wissahickon in Philadelphia, meet at the pavilion along Forbidden Drive, a short distance south of the intersection of Forbidden Drive and Northwestern Avenue. Limited parking is available along Northwestern Avenue and other nearby streets. Volunteers are encouraged to bike or carpool to the event. To participate, register at www.fow.org. Contact Kevin Groves with questions at 215-247-0417 ext. 105 or groves@fow.org.

Montgomery County Community Colleges International Club invites the community to the second annual International Festival April 20 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The rain date is April 26. The International Club will transform the outside quad area into multicultural celebration with various performances by dancers, singers and musicians. Artists will share their artwork at various display tables. Activities include games, raffles, Easter egg decorating and henna tattoos. Students will have samples of international cuisine at tables representing different countries and will serve food from various local ethnic restaurants. Throughout the evening, volunteers will accept donations and will raffle gift baskets and prizes to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity. Donations of food, international clothes and prizes are needed. Volunteers, including artists and performers, are welcome. For more information or to sponsor an activity, contact Gillian Nel, International Club president, at gnel9277@students.mc3.edu or 267-974-0163.

The Arts and Humanities Division at Montgomery County Community College is partnering with the Philadelphia Writers Conference to host Memoirs Matter: How Life Stories (Including Yours) Can Transform Your Relationship to Literature April 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Advanced Technology Center room 101, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The event is free and open to the public. In the first part of this two-hour seminar, professor and author Robert Waxler will explain how writing his two memoirs affected his life as well as his relationship to literature. In the second part, blogger and workshop leader Jerry Waxler will present a sequence of steps to help writers find their own story. For information, contact Dana Resente at dresente@mc3.edu.

The Maple Glen Garden Club will hold its fourth annual Plant Sale on May 7 from 8 to 11 a.m. Perennials, shrubs, vegetables and native plants grown by the club members will be sold. The club uses the plant sale proceeds to fund community projects, a college scholarship and community plantings. The sale will be held in the 500 block of Coach Road, Horsham, as part of a neighborhood garage sale. Plants will be sold at bargain prices. For more information, email MapleGlenGardenClub@gmail.com.

The Relay for Life Craft Show is looking for local crafters to participate in show, which will be May 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Wissahickon High School track, 521 Houston Road, Ambler. There is a $10 entry fee, and 20 percent of sales are donated to the American Cancer Society. Participants will receive a 6-foot table under a tent. For information, contact Joanne at joannescoles@comcast.net or Mindy at mcamsilver@comcast.net.

Spring House Estates is hosting its annual book fair on April 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. and April 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Included will be hardback and paperback used books. Spring House Estates is located at 728 Norristown Road, Lower Gwynedd.

The PennSuburban Chamber of Commerce will present the Penn Suburban/Hatfield Joint Business Card Exchange April 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Univest Bank Lansdale Area Financial Service Center, 120 Forty Foot Road, Hatfield. The event is free. To make reservations, visit PennSuburban.org/Events. Join Univest National Bank and Trust Co. for a spring-inspired Business Card Exchange at its newest office in the Hatfield Pointe Shopping Center. Come out and meet members of Univests executive management team while enjoying fine food and beverages.

13th Annual Community Reading Day Kick-off Breakfast Get Together April 26 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the North Wales Area Library, 233 Swartley St., North Wales. The event is free. To make reservations, visit PennSuburban.org/Events. For more information, contact the chamber office at 215-362-9200 or info@pennsuburban.org. Join presenting sponsor Verizon, chamber staff and fellow members for the Community Reading Day volunteer get together. The Community Reading Day program allows volunteers to read a designated book to second-grade students throughout 38 area public and private schools and present the book as a gift to each class. Even if you are not a volunteer, you are cordially invited to stop by to network, enjoy coffee and pastries.

Ambler Mennonite Church is hosting a Spring Craft Show and Flea Market May 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rain date will be May 28. The community is invited to shop the great craft booths, find some gifts and deals, as well as enjoy home baked goods and tasty lunch specials. Childrens activities are planned. All vendors are encouraged to contact the church at 215-643-4876 or AmblerMennonite@verizon.net. Advertising, signage, customer parking and a shuttle to auxiliary parking at nearby lots for vendors will be provided. 10 foot by 10 foot spaces can be rented for $5 each and tables for an additional $5 each. All proceeds from space and table rentals go toward school kits for children around the world. The church is located at the corner of East Mt. Pleasant Avenue and North Spring Garden Street, Ambler.

The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association presents The Life & Times of Aquatic Insects in the Wissahickon Creek April 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. Join WVWA for a hands-on program. RSVP required: www.wvwa.org or 215-646-8866. WVWA member fee: $5 per person / $15 per family. Non-WVWA member fee: $10 per person / $20 per family.

The photography exhibition Natures Palette by photo-artist Judy Miller will run March 18 to May 19 at the Art in the Storefront gallery, 41 E. Butler Pike, Ambler.

JPRN  Networking For People in Transition & People Who Can Help Them  Unemployment remains high. JPRN, the Jarrettown Professional Relationship Network can help. Are you trying to network your way to a new job? Do you have expertise or contacts that can help people in transition? Is your company or organization looking for people in the area? This is a free outreach program to support those seeking work, involve people with contacts and networking know how, and involve local companies. Meetings held monthly at Jarrettown United Methodist Church, Limekiln Pike.

Pennsylvanias Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) grant program is now open for the 2010-11 heating season. Grants are based on income, family size, type of heating fuel and region. Additional information, such as specific income limits, and applications for LIHEAP grants are available online via the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services (COMPASS) website at www.compass.state.pa.us. Applications are available at most public officals district offices, county assistance offices, local utility companies and community service agencies, such as Area Agencies on Aging or community action agencies.

Begin your holiday shopping at Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation! Entertainment books for 2011, Philadelphia North, are now on sale at $30 each. Regal/United Artists movie tickets are on sale for just $7.50 each, and tickets to the Adventure Aquarium, Baltimore Aquarium, and the Philadelphia Zoo are also available. Discounted ski vouchers to area mountains will be arriving in December; call 215-643-1600 x3443 for more information. Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

RSVP of Montgomery County and the Wissahickon Valley Public Library have partnered again to offer the public their popular free mock interview sessions. The mock interviews are conducted by RSVP volunteers who are retired professionals, some of whom were in hiring positions themselves. Packets of information which include a sample employment application and interviewing tips with mock interview questions are available at the library to pick up prior to a scheduled mock interview or will be sent via email once the interview is scheduled. To schedule your interview, please contact Janis Glusman at RSVP 610-834-1040, ext. 16. The library is also offering a free resume review service. Bring in your current resume and the professional reference staff will assist you with hints and tips on capturing your work history accurately.

Registration for Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation summer playgrounds, Camp B.I.G. and Small Folks, X-Zone, and sports camps has began. Register online at www.upperdublin.net/store, or at the UDP&R office, 801 Loch Alsh Avenue, Fort Washington. Call 215-643-1600 x3443 for more information.

Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation and Danielles Espresso Cafe presents Mornings at Mondaug Bark Park April 16 and May 21 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Meet fellow dog lovers. These events include complimentary coffee, treats for people and pups and raffles/giveaways.

Upper Dublins Annual Spring Flea Market will be held June 4 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reserve a table, or come and shop. Tables are $15 for UD residents, $20 for non-residents. This successful event occurs rain or shine. Refreshments available. Call 215-643-1600 ext. 3443 to register for a table.

Regal movie tickets available for purchase at Upper Dublin Township Parks & Recreation. Reduced rate: $7.50 per ticket. Some restrictions apply. Call 215-643-1600 x3443.

Whitpain Township Parks & Recreation movie tickets $7.50 Regal Cinemas, United Artist & Edwards Cinemas on sale throughout the year Monday  Friday from 9 a.m.  4 p.m.

Whitpain Township Parks & Recreation Camp Sign-ups for Stony Creek Day Camp  Stony Creek Tracers and Park n Tots. Register on-line at www.whitpaintownship.org OrCome to Township Building with check or Visa MasterCard Monday  Friday from 9 a.m.  4 p.m. For additional information call 610.277-2400 ext. 374

Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation offers exciting new programs for the fall:

-Returning favorites include UK Elite Petite Soccer, Tiny Dancers, Kiddie Tennis, Fun-nastics, Messy Playtime, Little Chefs, and more. Babysitters Training will be offered in November and December. Continuing Adult Fitness Classes include Cardio Circuit, Core & More, Yoga, Boxing, and Adult G.Y.M. For more information call 215-643-1600 x3443. Register for programs online at www.upperdublin.net/store.

Music and Theater

The community is invited to a Cantors Concert April 16 at 8 p.m. Congregation Beth Or, 239 Welsh Road, Maple Glen. Listen and hum-along to the Yiddish, pop tunes and classical music performed by Congregation Beth Ors own Cantor David Green and his special guest, Cantor Irvin Bell, from Temple Beth Israel in Deerfield Beach, Fla. The cantors will be accompanied by Mark Sobol and his Klezmer musicians. Tickets are $18 in advance and $25 at the door. RSVP with payment to Barb Murtha, 239 Welsh Road, Maple Glen, PA 19002, or call 215-646-5806 ext. 220.

Gwynedd Friends Coffeehouse will host the Jameson Sisters May 14. Doors open at 7:30 pm, performance at 8:00 pm. Gwynedd Friends Coffeehouse is located at the corner of Rte. 202 & Sumneytown Pike, Gwynedd. $5 suggested donation. Light refreshment available at a modest cost. For further information, call 215-393-9576 or visit gwyneddmeeting.org/coffeehouse.html.

Celebrate patriotism through song with Gwynedd-Mercy Colleges choir, the Voices of Gwynedd, as it presents Hear America Singing April 15 at 8 p.m. The choir will perform song selections from all over the country, including Georgia on My Mind, New York State of Mind, and a medley including Philadelphia Freedom and Allentown. The performance will end with When the Saints Go Marching In to acknowledge the choirs upcoming tour in New Orleans. Hear America Singing will take place in the Julia Ball Auditorium, located in St. Bernard Hall. Parking is available in lots A, C and D. Admission is free.

The Choristers will present Anton Dvoraks Stabat Mater April 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Upper Dublin Lutheran Church in Ambler. The choir will be accompanied by a 41-piece orchestra. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for senior citizens, $10 for students and children are free. Tickets will be sold in advance or at the door. For more information, call 215-542-7871 or visit TheChoristers.org

Religious News

The Staircase Gallery at Or Hadash: A Reconstructionist Congregation in Fort Washington will feature the work of Emily Ennuat-Lustine. The artist will be showing paintings and graphics inspired by her own personal spiritual journey and quest for meaning. Some of the works to be shown have been inspired by Biblical Psalms and writings. Her work has been shown at Abington Art Center, Cheltenham Arts Center and Old City Gallery of Jewish Art among others. The exhibition is open Friday evenings starting Feb. 18 after Shabbat services. Gallery hours are: Mondays through Thursdays 10-4:30, Fridays 10-3 and following Shabbat Services and Sundays 10-1. The synagogue is located at 190 Camp Hill Road in Fort Washington. For additional information contact the synagogue office at 215-283-0276.

Reunions

St. Matthews High School Conshohocken Class of 1961 is looking for classmates. For details, contact Greg Marincola at 215-646-2239, 215-740-1296 or gregcola@comcast.net.

Olney High School Class of 1971 is Lloking for classmates for a 40th reunion Oct. 28. For details, contact Judy at ohsclassof71@yahoo.com or 215-870-7572.

Abington High School Class of 1961 is seeking classmates for a 50-year reunion to be held Oct. 14-15, 2011.Visit the website, www.abington61.com, for details or call 215-947-1779.

Overbrook High School class of January 1956 is having a 55 year reunion on May 22, 2011 at the Bala Golf Club in Philadelphia. For information please contact overbrookreunion56@comcast.net

Germantown High School Class Of January 1961 is looking for classmates for 50th year reunion to take place in May of 2011. Please contact: 215-362-9148, 856-577-0659 or samdelcomo@comcast.net

The June 1961 class of Germantown High School is holding their 50th reunion on May 15, which will be a brunch. For further details please contact Linda Dorfman Alten at lindaalten@yahoo.com or call 215-441-8411.

Support

New Life Presbyterian Church in Dresher, will host GriefShare, a special seminar and support group which will run on Monday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m., from March 7 through June 6. At each meeting there will be a DVD about the grief process, discussion and reference to a grief workbook. Preregistration is required to secure a place in the group and to purchase a GriefShare notebook (for a one-time fee of $15). The notebook goes along with the 13-week schedule covering such topics as: living with grief, the effects of grief, and stuck in grief. For more information or to register, call: Sandy Elder at 215-884-5149.

PUPS (People Understanding Parkinsons) A self-help group for those adjusting to a new diagnosis or dealing with the early stages of Parkinsons Disease. Meets fourth Tuesday of the month from 1 to 2:30 p.m., at Abington Health Center, Schilling Campus, Willowood Building, 2510 Maryland Road, Suite 251, Willow Grove. For more information or to RSVP, contact Lorna at 215-542-2931.

The North Penn Visiting Nurse Associations Meals on Wheels program is looking for volunteers to pack or deliver meals to the elderly and infirmed. Meals are packed and delivered mornings, Monday through Friday. You can volunteer for as many days per week or month as you would like. Packaging meals requires approximately 2-1/2 hours of your time each day and involves making sandwiches, packaging food into individual serving containers and packing coolers with the meals. Delivering meals requires approximately 1-1/2 hours of your time each day and involves loading coolers into your car and delivering a route of approximately 10 to 15 stops. The Meals on Wheels program is also in need of emergency, winter-weather volunteers to pack and deliver meals in bad weather. North Penn VNA is located at 51 Medical Campus Drive in Lansdale and delivers meals in the Lansdale, North Wales and Blue Bell areas. For more information or to volunteer, please call Bridget, North Penn VNA Meals on Wheels coordinator at 215-855-8296.

Elkins Park Area CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) meets the first Tuesday of every month, 7- 8:30 p.m., at Einstein at Elkins Park Hospital in Elkins Park. For information on CHADD or ADHD, please see our website www.chadd.net/249 or call Claire Noyes at: 215-779-6656.

Center for Loss and Bereavement, 3847 Skippack Pike, Skippack (610-222-4110) www.bereavementcenter.org Offers professional counseling for individuals, couples, children and families dealing with issues of loss and bereavement. Six-week adult support groups: Newly forming young adult grief support group  every other Wednesday, 7  8:15 p.m. (free of charge); Monthly loss of child support  second Mondays, 7-8:15 p.m.; Six-week young loss of spouse/partner  Thursdays, 10-11:15 a.m.; Other groups scheduled as interest is shown for suicide loss support, adult loss of parent, motherless daughters, adult loss of sibling, coping with chronic illness and disability and mens loss of spouse. Nellos Corner Family Bereavement program offers peer grief support groups for ages 4 through teen and their caregivers  Every other Tuesday or Wednesday (free of charge) Local chapter of Parents of Murdered Children also meets at the Center. Registration required. Call for further information.

CHADD is a national organization for children & adults with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder, providing education, advocacy and support for individuals and their families with AD/HD. Einstein at Elkins Park Hospital, 60 Township Line Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027, will host children & adults with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder on the First Tuesday of each month 7  8:30 p.m. Free, no childcare provided.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphias Kehillah of Old York Road is sponsoring a free Caregiver Support Group for individuals who care for an elderly person with cognitive and/or physical impairments. The group meets at SarahCare Adult Day Care Center, 101 Washington Lane, Suite G-6, Jenkintown, Pa., on the first Wednesday of each month. Patty Rich,
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Child Advocates of Silicon Valley is in need of more Morgan Hill and Gilroy community volunteers to serve as friends, mentors and advocates for children in foster care.

Three Information sessions are scheduled in Morgan Hill over the next three months for those interested in learning about what it takes to participate in the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program. All three will be from 5-6pm at the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road, on Jan. 9, Feb. 7 and March 6.

Child Advocates recruits, trains and supports Court Appointed Special Advocates, known as CASAs, to work one-on-one with children in foster care. A training session for new volunteers will take place in April.

CASAs provide critical emotional and educational support, ensuring that each childs needs are met and their voice is heard while they navigate the court dependency system, according to Child Advocates.

We know CASAs make a tremendous difference in a foster childs life, said Karen Scussel, executive director of Child Advocates. Scussel noted that only 58 percent of all foster youth in California complete high school. But with the support of a CASA, foster teens fare much better. Last year, 95 percent of Child Advocates teens completed their high school requirements.

We need CASAs in South County now more than ever, Scussel added. A growing number of children in the dependency system are being placed in foster homes in Morgan Hill and Gilroy. It really helps these children to have a CASA from the community to help them make connections and settle in.

Child Advocates has an ambitious strategic plan to provide a CASA for every child in the county foster care system by year-end 2021. Currently, there are more than 1,500 children in the countys dependency system1,200 of whom would benefit from a CASA. This year, Child Advocates hopes to serve more than 900 children, according to a Jan. 3 press release.

Laura Fulda, Child Advocates Director of Community Development, said the organization is particularly interested in recruiting male and Latino advocates.

Half the children in foster care are boys and 70 percent are Latino. Fulda explained. Its important that these children have role models and mentors that reflect their cultural background. Teenage boys, in particular, need male role models.

Currently, Child Advocates has more than 150 foster children waiting to be matched with a CASA. No legal experience is necessaryjust a willingness to reach out to a child when they are feeling most vulnerable. The time commitment is 10 to 12 hours per month, and volunteers must be 21 years or older to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate.

Individuals interested in becoming a CASA volunteer can visit Child Advocates BeMyAdvocate.org to sign up to attend an information session to learn more about the role and requirements of becoming a CASA volunteer.

We need CASAs in South County now more than ever. A growing number of children in the dependency system are being placed in foster homes in Morgan Hill and Gilroy. It really helps these children to have a CASA from the community to help them make connections and settle-in.
Fewer strong earthquakes in Oklahoma thus far in 2017

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP)  Regulators and scientists say the number of 3.0 magnitude or stronger earthquakes in Oklahoma is declining.

The Oklahoma Geological Survey reports the number of quakes of at least that magnitude during 2017 was 294 through mid-December, compared to 624 total during 2016.

The geological survey has said the number began declining in mid-2015 after the state Corporation Commission began directing oil and gas producers to close some wells and reduce injection volumes in others.

The directive came after the quakes were linked to the underground injection of wastewater from their operations.

Geological Survey hydrogeologist Kyle Murray told The Oklahoman that researchers are learning a "trifecta" of injecting wastewater too quickly, injecting too much and too close to basement rock makes injection wells more prone to causing earthquakes.

Oil, gas drilling picks up in western Colorado in 2017

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (AP)  Figures show oil and gas drilling activity in western Colorado is at its highest pace in several years, with no signs of slowing down in 2018.

The Daily Sentinel reports Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission data through Dec. 8 shows drilling had begun on 113 wells so far this year in Mesa County, the most since 225 well starts there in 2008, the peak year of drilling activity in western Colorado's Piceance (PEE'-ants) Basin.

Garfield County has had 277 well starts this year through Dec. 8, up from 161 for all of last year.

Garfield and Mesa rank second and third statewide in drilling activity, far behind the 1,203 well starts so far this year in Weld County. Colorado has seen 1,741 well starts through Dec. 8 of this year

Wyoming's lease revenue climbs by 800 percent this year

CASPER, Wyo. (AP)  Wyoming's revenue from leasing land to oil and gas companies grew by more than 800 percent this year.

The Casper Star-Tribune reports the state netted about $146 million this year from leasing more than a half million acres of federal and state land.

State lands alone brought in $60 million this year  much higher than the typical revenue that stayed between $5 million and $7 million in past years.

The revenue from lease sales from the Bureau of Land Management and the auctions from the Office of State Lands added up to about $16 million last year when oil and gas activity was still in a downturn.

State officials say the Wyoming's decision to switch to an online auctioning system may have played a role in increasing revenue.

Alaska approves expansion plan for Point Thomson gas field

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP)  The state has approved ExxonMobil's plan to expand a gas field in far northern Alaska, ending months of negotiations after a previous plan was rejected.

Gov. Bill Walker's administration gave approval on Friday for the project that would expand development of the Point Thomson gas field east of Prudhoe Bay, Alaska's Energy Desk reported.

The field currently produces a diesel-like fluid, but it's located on a natural gas reserve that could play a crucial role for the state's liquefied natural gas project.

In a statement, Walker said the expansion project would add momentum to the pipeline project as it would demonstrate the commitment to move the gas.

ExxonMobil and the state have been battling over the field's development for years, but they reached a settlement in 2012. The settlement established the initial plan for the field, which came online last year.

The state in August rejected ExxonMobil's expansion plan, which aimed to increase natural gas production with the possibility of piping it to Prudhoe Bay if the state's pipeline project was not approved by 2019.

Under the approved plan, the two-year expansion includes ExxonMobil negotiating a commercial agreement to send gas to Prudhoe Bay as well as the engineering and design work for the necessary infrastructure.

The company said it's seeking to develop the field through a major gas sale. But if that doesn't work out, the company would consider selling it to Prudhoe Bay instead.
Luxe Energy LLC is celebrating a fatter bank account as the new year gets underway.

The Austin-based company has successfully closed an upsize in total combined available capital commitment to $820 million, with the funds coming from co-investors and the existing commitment from Natural Gas Partners through its NGP Natural Resources XI LP.

Our dry equity commitment from NGP was $500 million last year, and NGP has given us additional capital, bringing the commitment to $820 million, which is the largest dry equity commitment in the history of NGP, Lance Langford said in a phone interview from his Austin office.

The additional capital means were back in the Permian Basin, buying mineral and royalty interests through Luxe Minerals LLC and buying E&P properties through Luxe Energy LLC, said Langford, who owns the company with Jeff Larson.

The Permian Basin is an area the company team knows very well, said Michael Voss, chief financial officer.

Though the company is headquartered in Austin, it recently opened a Midland office, and Langford said he makes regular visits to his old hometown.

The company -- squeezed out by its inability to compete with the larger public companies entering the market -- had divested its Delaware Basin assets in a $560 million sale to Diamondback Energy in the summer of 2016.

Whats changed is the public companies are no longer in the acquisition and divestiture market, said Langford.

He said the markets are no longer supporting public companies seeking to make acquisitions because investors are now more interested in seeing returns on their investments.

This opened the door for his company to return to the oil basin where he was raised. Langfords father, Al, was the first president of Midland College and was also active in the oil and gas business. One of his companies was named Luxe Energy.

Langford said the additional funding will give the company the opportunity to seek larger acquisition opportunities and show what we can do operationally and in execution.

The change in the markets have opened up opportunities over the last six months, and he said he hopes those opportunities will continue.

Public companies are looking at their inventories and spinning off what may be their best opportunities but are still good opportunities for smaller companies like Luxe, he said. Plus, private equity-backed companies may be looking to cash in on their investments by selling, he said.

This will give us the opportunity to get back into the Permian Basin in a big way, he said.

Langford said he plans to use the capital commitment to begin acquiring multiple companies and combining them into a larger entity. He said he also plans to focus on horizontal drilling to develop any producing properties it acquires.

I actually worked these fields. When I was at Brigham Exploration, Jeff and I worked West Texas, he said. Ive spent my career with horizontal drilling, at Burlington resources, at Brigham, then at Statoil. Ive been in the horizontal world since the 1990s.

He said he expects to incorporate technical advancements in Luxes operations. Thats just who we are as an industry -- were always trying to improve.
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Of all the new laws going into effect Monday (legal cannabis in California, higher minimum wages in several states, and many more), you may be surprised about which one drew the most backlash online. It appears to be Oregon House Bill 2482, which allows people who live in counties with 40,000 residents or less to pump their own gas.

Oregonians aired their frustrations on Facebook over the new law. And just about everyone else in the country made fun of them.

"I don't even know HOW to pump gas and I am 62, native Oregonian.....I say NO THANKS!" said Sandy Franklin on Facebook, in response to a post by local news station KTVL that asked for viewers' opinions on the new law.

"Many people are not capable of knowing how to pump gas and the hazards of not doing it correctly. Besides I don't want to go to work smelling of gas when I get it on my hands or clothes," wrote Tina Good.

Mike Perrone said he's been living in Oregon his whole life and refuses to pump his own gas. The reason?

"I had to do it once in California while visiting my brother and almost died doing it."

Read some of the most popular reactions in the slideshow below.

Commenters from around the country responded to Oregonians' concerns, making fun of their innocence (or ignorance, depending on how you look at it) and calming their fears of a Zoolander-style catastrophe.

"I cannot believe 2018 is gonna be the year I make a fortune moving to Oregon to teach people how to pump gas," wrote one person on Twitter.

To be clear, the new law only applies to the 15 least-dense of Oregon's 36 counties and it doesn't even force residents in those areas to pump their own gas. It simply gives them the option to.

Some gas station managers told the Bulletin their attendants would continue servicing patrons' cars just as they've been doing in the state since 1951.

RELATED VIDEO: Odd laws of San Francisco

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"Our regular, longtime customers love coming here and talking to us while we pump their gas," said Shelby Perkins, a cashier at a 76 gas station in Prineville.

She added that she wasn't sure regular customers even knew how to operate the pumps. It appears she was, at least in some cases, right.

Oregon is one of two states that doesn't allow self-service gas stations (aside from this newly passed exception). The other is New Jersey.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Read Alix Martichoux's latest stories and send her news tips at amartichoux@sfchronicle.com.
The two children who went missing after their mother was found dead were safely located Wednesday night, according to Round Rock Police Chief Allen Banks. Authorities had been searching for the children since New Year's Eve.

Terry Allen Miles, the deceased mother's roommate, was a person of interest in the case. He was caught in Colorado without incident, Banks tweeted out late Wednesday.
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A man who was found dead in the waters of Padre Island National Seashore was identified as a New Braunfels resident Monday, according to a report from the Corpus Christi Caller-Times.

Visitors found the man's body in the surf on Friday evening south of the Malaquite Beach Visitor Center, according to the report.



The man was identified as Kevin Francis O'Toole, 60, the report states.

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Park rangers called on the Kleberg County Sheriff's Office to investigate the death after they found that O'Toole had severe head trauma.



Though an investigation is underway, the case did not close off any area of the area's popular tourist spots to visitors.

The sheriff's office is reportedly investigating the incident as a suspicious death and have not ruled it a homicide as of Monday.

The man was identified as Kevin Francis O'Toole, 60, the report states.

READ ALSO: Teen detained in San Antonio Walmart shoplifting case arrested on heroin charges

Park rangers called on the Kleberg County Sheriff's Office to investigate the death after they found that O'Toole had severe head trauma.

Though an investigation is underway, the case did not close off any area of the popular tourist spot to vistors.

The sheriff's office are reportedly investigating the incident as a suspicious death and have not ruled it a homicide as of Monday.

Fares Sabawi covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County for mySA.com. Read more of his stories here. | fsabawi@mysa.com | Twitter: @FaresInSA
#FIFA World Cup Ghana coach 'happy' to see old pupil Son Heung-min in Qatar When South Korea and Ghana square off in their second Group H match of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar later this month, it will also set up a reunion for a coach and a former player o...
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The weather system that ushered in cold weather to Central Florida is also creating problems at the beach.

Cold weather system causing debris to wash up on beaches

Officials warn that large debris is difficult to see in water

RELATED: Volusia County Beach Safety issues debris warning

Rough surf and winds are washing up a lot of debris and forced officials to close beaches in Volusia County. No one is allowed on any part of Volusia County beaches.

Beach Safety officials warned that large debris cannot be seen very easily in the water and is dangerous.

"Volusia County Beach Safety was severely impacted by this weather," said Capt. Tamra Malphurs in a statement. "We will be utilizing all of our resources for cleanup. We lost all of our conservation poles, which need to be installed before we can open to driving."

One visitor from out of town even found a military flare that washed up on shore Tuesday night. Its unclear where it came from, but luckily a bomb squad took it away before anyone got hurt.

Other people staying at the beach are trying to make the most of what was supposed to be a break from the cold temperatures up north.

Im disappointed about not sitting in the shade under a palm tree, but its nice to have the ocean and the beach to walk on, said Barbara Pierce from Maine.

People are still allowed to walk on the beach, but Volusia County Beach Safety said it will likely be several more days before they can allow driving on the countys beaches.

Three boaters had a scary and cold Wednesday morning when their boat capsized on the Intracoastal Waterway near New Smyrna Beach. The Volusia County Sheriffs Office says the men were rescued and are expected to be okay.
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order disbanding his controversial voter fraud commission amid infighting, legal threats and information denials.

The White House blamed the decision, announced Wednesday evening, on a refusal by more than a dozen states to comply with the commission request for reams of personal voter data, including voters names, voting histories and party affiliations.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders says that,Rather than engage in endless legal battles at taxpayer expense, today President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order to dissolve the Commission, and he has asked the Department of Homeland Security to review its initial findings and determine next courses of action."

Critics saw the commission as part of a conservative campaign to make it harder for poor people and minority voters to access the ballot box, and to justify unfounded claims made by Trump that voter fraud cost him the popular vote in 2016.

Trump has repeatedly alleged, without evidence, that 3 million to 5 million people voted illegally in the 2016 election, delivering the popular vote to his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton.

Past studies have found voter fraud to be exceptionally rare.

Critics also viewed the commission as an attempt to distract from the ongoing investigations into Russian election meddling and potential collusion between Moscow and Trump campaign aides. The intelligence community concluded that the Russian government mounted a campaign to help Trump win.

At least a dozen states, plus Washington, D.C., had rebuffed the commissions request for voter data, citing privacy concerns and a fear that complying would legitimize the idea that voter fraud is widespread.

While there have been isolated cases of people voting illegally, and many voter rolls often contain outdated data, there is no evidence voter fraud is a widespread problem in the United States or has impacted election results.

A study by a Loyola Law School professor found that out of 1 billion votes cast in all American elections between 2000 and 2014, there were only 31 known cases of impersonation fraud.

Trump, during the commissions first meeting, questioned the motives of states that refused to comply with the commissions requests, suggesting they had something to hide.

Voter advocacy groups and Democrats applauded the development.

President Trump created his sham voting commission to substantiate a lie he told about voter fraud in the 2016 election. When he couldnt come up with any fake evidence, and under relentless pressure, he had no choice but to disband his un-American commission, said Let America Vote President Jason Kander in a statement.

Kander added, Good riddance.
The Trump administration on Thursday moved to vastly expand offshore drilling from the Atlantic to the Arctic oceans.

Five year drilling plan allows oil, gas exploration off large coastal tracts

Would include Atlantic, Pacific coast, Gulf of Mexico

Trump administration also proposed killing regulations put in place after Deepwater Horizon explosion

Gov. Scott, Sen. Bill Nelson oppose this plan

RELATED: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management site for public participation

The new five-year drilling plan also could open new areas of oil and gas exploration in areas off the East Coast from Georgia to Maine, where drilling has been blocked for decades, and would open up federal waters off the California coast for the first time in more than three decades.

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced the plan Thursday, saying that responsible development of offshore energy resources would boost jobs and economic security while providing billions of dollars to fund conservation along U.S. coastlines.

Among governors opposed to the plan is Florida Gov. Rick Scott, a Republican. He issued this statement Thursday:

Based on media reports, it is likely that the Department of the Interior will consider Florida as a potential state for offshore oil drilling  which is something I oppose in Florida. I have already asked to immediately meet with Secretary Zinke to discuss the concerns I have with this plan and the crucial need to remove Florida from consideration. My top priority is to ensure that Floridas natural resources are protected."

Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Florida, also vowed to fight the proposal:

This plan is an assault on Floridas economy, our national security, the will of the public, and the environment. This proposal defies all common sense and I will do everything I can to defeat it. https://t.co/tYe10AgNbY  Bill Nelson (@SenBillNelson) January 4, 2018

The five-year plan would open 90 percent of the nation's offshore reserves to development by private companies, Zinke said, with 47 leases proposed off the nation's coastlines between 2019 and 2024. Nineteen sales would be off the coast of Alaska, 12 in the Gulf of Mexico, nine in the Atlantic and seven in the Pacific, including six off California's coast.

"This is a draft program," Zinke said in a conference call with reporters. "Nothing is final yet, and our department is continuing to engage the American people to get to our final product."

Industry groups praised the announcement, which would be the most expansive offshore drilling proposal in decades. The proposal follows President Donald Trump's executive order in April encouraging more drilling rights in federal waters, part of the administration's strategy to help the U.S. achieve "energy dominance" in the global market.

"To kick off a national discussion, you need a national plan -- something that has been lacking the past several years," said Randall Luthi, president of the National Ocean Industries Association. Former President Barack Obama blocked Atlantic and Pacific drilling under a five-year plan finalized in 2016.

A coalition of more than 60 environmental groups denounced the plan, saying in a joint statement that it would impose "severe and unacceptable harm" to America's oceans, coastal economies, public health and marine life.

"These ocean waters are not President Trump's personal playground. They belong to all Americans and the public wants them preserved and protected, not sold off to multinational oil companies," read the statement, which was signed by leaders of the Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council, League of Conservation Voters and other environmental groups.

"This extreme proposal is a shameful giveaway" to the oil and gas industry, which supported Trump in the election campaign, the groups said.

The proposal comes less than a week after the Trump administration proposed to rewrite or kill rules on offshore oil and gas drilling imposed after the deadly 2010 rig explosion and oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The accident on BP's Deepwater Horizon rig killed 11 workers and triggered the biggest offshore oil spill in U.S. history.

The Trump administration called the rules an unnecessary burden on industry and said rolling them back will encourage more energy production. Environmentalists said Trump was raising the risk of more deadly oil spills.

The Obama administration imposed tougher rules in response to the BP spill. The rules targeted blowout preventers, massive valve-like devices designed to prevent spills from wells on the ocean floor. The preventer used by BP failed. The rules require more frequent inspections of those and other devices and dictate that experts onshore monitor drilling of highly complex wells in real time.

Nearly eight years after the BP spill, the Gulf of Mexico is still recovering, said Diane Hoskins, campaign director for the marine conservation group Oceana.

"Americans have seen the devastation that comes from offshore drilling," she said. "Will we allow Florida's white beaches or the popular and pristine Outer Banks to share a similar fate? What about the scenic Pacific coast or even remote Arctic waters?"

Zinke's announcement "ignores widespread and bipartisan opposition to offshore drilling," including from more than 150 municipalities nationwide and 1,200 local, state and federal officials, Hoskins said.
Disney World is again offering Florida residents a discount on multi-day park tickets.

Disney offers 3-, 4-day ticket discount for Florida residents

'Florida Resident Discover Disney' ticket available till June 20



The three- and four-day "Florida Resident Discover Disney" ticket is now available.

The tickets allow guests to visit one of the four Disney World theme parks per day.

The three-day ticket costs $159, while the four-day ticket costs $179.

It's an increase from previous years, when the ticket cost $139.

The "Park Hopper" option can be added to either ticket at an additional cost and allows visits to multiple parks per day.

Tickets can be purchased now through June 20 and are valid through June 24.Tickets can be used on nonconsecutive days.

Proof of Florida residency is required to purchase the tickets.

For more information, visit the official Disney World website.

CHECK OUT ATTRACTIONS INSIDER: Your all-in-one source for news, pictures and video from Floridas theme parks. Just go to our Attractions Insider page. Sign up to get breaking theme park news alerts and subscribe to our newsletter, Theme Park Roundup, delivered to your inbox or mobile phone.
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Six women, formerly or currently incarcerated at Alameda Countys Santa Rita Jail, have charged in a legal complaint filed Thursday morning that pregnant women are abused and discriminated against in the Dublin jail.

The federal complaint was filed against the Alameda County Sheriffs Office. It asks for a temporary restraining order and motion for a preliminary injunction.

The alleged abuses detailed in the complaint are extreme. In their declarations, women describe feeling coerced by guards to have abortions rather than carrying their pregnancies to term. They said they were given inadequate clothing and food. One woman said she was forced to give birth while in solitary confinement, with no medical assistance.

Sgt. Ray Kelly, a spokesman for the sheriffs office, said the agency had not been served with the lawsuit so he could not reply to specific allegations.

Kelly said that the alleged abuses would all be in violation of the agencys policies, and that he was unaware of any formal complaints filed by female inmates for abuses by the department.

Kelly confirmed that a woman did give birth in solitary confinement after returning from the hospital, but said that she was immediately given medical care and that there were no lasting medical effects.

Christina Zepeda, one of the plaintiffs, was about three and a half months pregnant when she was arrested in San Leandro last August for a probation violation. She told the sheriffs deputies she was pregnant, she says, and requested to be handcuffed in the front. Though this is policy, deputies allegedly ignored her and handcuffed her in the back.

Upon arriving at Santa Rita, I told them I was not feeling well, Zepeda said in her declaration. They placed me in a holding cell that was filthy. The walls had human secretions on the walls, there was decaying food in my cell.

Four days after her arrest, she suffered a miscarriage. Zepeda, who was released after 90 days, said she believes the jail is at least partially responsible, since she had no prior issues with her pregnancy.

By state law, jails and prisons are required to provide prenatal and postpartum care.

The women are represented by attorneys Yolanda Huang and Dennis Cunningham. Huang said that the jail is failing to meet basic standards of this law for pregnant women.

Theyre given a peanut butter and jelly sandwich twice a day, and milk, then maybe some protein, like beans or an unadulterated hamburger and a potato, Huang said. No fruits or vegetables. You cant have a healthy pregnancy like that.

The women in jail reached out to Huang in early December with descriptions of mistreatment after reading about another complaint shed filed against Santa Rita Jail. Huang met with the women several times, but is barred from meeting with three who are incarcerated, the lawsuit alleges.

What were asking for is fairly simple, Huang said. We want them to stop abusing these women, we want a qualified OB/GYN to be able to go in there and design a plan of care and we want to be able to see our clients.

Huang said that they are seeking to be heard by a judge before Monday, because she views this as an emergency.

A fetus is so delicate, Huang said. Certain times are essential and we need this to stop immediately.

Sophie Haigney is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sophie.haigney@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SophieHaigney
Petrobras, Brazil's state-controlled oil company, said Wednesday that it had agreed to pay nearly $3 billion to settle a shareholder lawsuit in the United States over a corruption scandal that has ensnared dozens of politicians and corporate executives, including two former Brazilian presidents.

Prosecutors, in a long-running investigation known as Operation Carwash, have claimed that a small number of top officials at the company conspired with a group of other companies to overcharge Petrobras for construction and service work, receiving bribes in return.

The ensuing scandal and vast investigation has implicated dozens of high-level figures like former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his successor, Dilma Rousseff.

Corruption allegations have also dogged the current president, Michel Temer, and several of his close allies.

Petrobras officials believe nearly $3 billion in bribes were paid as part of the scheme, which allegedly included gifts of Rolex watches, $3,000 bottles of wine, yachts, helicopters and prostitutes.

The company said this week that it was a victim of the bribery scheme and had already recovered about $449 million in restitution.

Petrobras said it would "continue to pursue all available legal remedies from culpable companies and individuals."

"The agreement is in the company's best interest and that of its shareholders, given the risks of a verdict advised by a jury, particularities of U.S. procedure and securities laws, as well its assessment of the status of the class action and the nature of such litigation in the United States," Petrobras said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Wednesday.

The deal would resolve all pending and prospective claims by purchasers of Petrobras securities in the United States and by purchasers of Petrobras securities that are listed for trading in the United States, the company said. The settlement still has to be approved by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

In a statement, the lead counsel for the plaintiffs in the class-action lawsuit said it was "very pleased with this historic settlement."

"Simply put, this litigation and its ultimate resolution have yielded an excellent result for the class," said Jeremy Lieberman, co-managing partner of the law firm Pomerantz.

Under chief executive Pedro Parente, a former chief executive of the commodities trading firm Bunge Brasil, Petrobras has tried to clean up its image in the aftermath of the scandal.
WASHINGTON  The next fight over the national debt limit could happen earlier than expected.

The Republican tax law could force Congress to act sooner to raise the nations $20.5 trillion borrowing ceiling because less money is expected to flow into the Treasury in coming weeks.

On top of that, the possibility of increased federal aid for victims of California wildfires and other disasters, and a budget deal that could boost military spending, would drain the Treasury faster than expected.

Lawmakers might have to accelerate their timetable to begin the debt-limit debate. They have been operating under a still-vague deadline  known as the X date  of sometime in March or early April when the Treasury would run out of cash and risk a federal government default.

I think this is the most uncertainty theres ever been in projecting an X date given that there are so many policy levers in flux right now, said Shai Akabas, director of economic policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center, a think thank that has done extensive work on the debt limit.

He estimated Wednesday that the X date would still be in March, but now could be earlier in the month.

The debt limit  a statutory restriction on the federal governments borrowing  has existed since 1939 and for decades was raised routinely with little controversy. But starting in the 1980s, both parties began using the need to raise the limit as political leverage.

In recent years, as government borrowing soared, some Republicans have sought to tie debt-limit increases to spending cuts. Democrats have argued that is inappropriate because the borrowing is simply for spending Congress already has authorized.

A 2011 standoff over the debt limit, which was raised at the last minute, led Standard & Poors to downgrade the nations AAA credit rating for the first time. Two years later, another showdown, which also was resolved shortly before a possible default, caused investors to avoid buying some government bonds and led to higher government borrowing costs.

Congress Joint Economic Committee has estimated that the tax law would reduce federal revenue by $136 billion this year. Even when taking into account a possible economic boost from tax cuts, the committee estimated that federal revenue would decline by $104 billion this year.

How much of that reduction will take place in the coming weeks is not known. As of Friday, the Treasury had $229 billion in cash.

The estimates of when the government would run out of enough money to pay all its bills in full are based on the existing federal budget. But lawmakers could pass a new budget that boosts defense spending, as Republicans advocate. And the budget also could include $81 billion in disaster aid to deal with wildfires in California and other Western states, and damage from major hurricanes last fall.

Even just a few weeks of more-than-expected federal spending could affect when the Treasury risks a default if the debt limit is not raised and borrowing can resume.

While none of these in and of themselves is a game-changer, it just creates a lot of uncertainty about exactly what those cash flows will be given that were only two months out from the deadline, Akabas said.

The nation technically hit the debt limit on Dec. 8, but Treasury officials have been using what they call extraordinary measures to stave off default by temporarily creating more borrowing authority through the juggling of some government investments.

Congressional leaders could try to include a debt limit increase in a government spending bill that must be passed by Jan. 19. Failure to pass the spending bill would lead to a partial federal government shutdown.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin believes that the measures can fund the government at least until the end of January, a Treasury spokesperson said Wednesday. Treasury is constantly reviewing the data but is not in a position to give a more precise estimate at this point, the spokesperson said.

Declining to give a more detailed projection could add to the pressure for Congress to act. In the past, Treasury projections have lined up with those by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office and the Bipartisan Policy Center, but so far the departments vague estimate is more conservative.

The budget office estimated on Nov. 30 that Treasury officials would exhaust their extraordinary measures and the federal government would run out of money to pay all its bills by late March or early April.

Early last month, the Bipartisan Policy Center projected that Treasury would hit that X date sometime in March. But that was before Congress passed the Republican tax bill, which the he think tank warned could lower federal revenue as individuals and corporations reduced their withholdings in response to lower rates.

Another reduction in federal revenue could come because of the tax bills new $10,000 annual limit on the amount of state and local taxes that Americans can deduct.

Some homeowners in California and other high-tax states rushed to pay 2018 property tax bills before the end of last year so they could deduct them before the laws changes kicked in. Those extra deductions could further reduce federal tax revenue as Americans file their tax returns in the coming weeks, Akabas said.
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WASHINGTON  The Trump administration freed federal prosecutors Thursday to more aggressively enforce marijuana laws, effectively threatening to undermine the legalization movement that has spread to six states, most recently California.

In a move that raised doubts about the viability and growth of the burgeoning commercial marijuana industry, Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded an Obama-era policy that had discouraged federal prosecutors from bringing charges of marijuana-related crimes in states that have legalized sales of the drug.

In a statement, Sessions said the Obama-era guidance undermined the rule of law and the Justice Departments mission to enforce federal statutes.

Todays memo on federal marijuana enforcement simply directs all U.S. attorneys to use previously established prosecutorial principles that provide them all the necessary tools to disrupt criminal organizations, tackle the growing drug crisis, and thwart violent crime across our country, he said.

In a briefing with reporters, Justice Department officials refused to say whether they intended for federal prosecutors to carry out a federal crackdown on marijuana dispensaries, or whether the Trump administration was merely creating ambiguity to chill growth of the semi-legal commercial marijuana industry.

But the move seemed certain to increase the confusion surrounding whether it is legal to sell, buy or possess marijuana in the United States. Federal law has long prohibited those activities, and in 2013, after voters in Colorado and Washington state voted to decriminalize marijuana for recreational use, the Justice Department deliberated about how to handle the resulting disconnect between state and federal law.

California began allowing the sale of recreational marijuana Monday, joining Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Alaska and Nevada. Massachusetts and possibly Maine are expected to begin sales this year.

Several lawmakers representing states that have legalized marijuana reacted angrily to the news. Among them, Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., accused Sessions of violating promises had made and threatened retaliation.

This reported action directly contradicts what Attorney General Sessions told me prior to his confirmation. With no prior notice to Congress, the Justice Department has trampled on the will of the voters in CO and other states, Gardner wrote on Twitter, adding: I am prepared to take all steps necessary, including holding DOJ nominees, until the Attorney General lives up to the commitment he made to me prior to his confirmation.
SAN FRANCISCO  Between breaking into the email accounts of U.S. government officials, political dissidents and international human rights organizations, Iranian hackers liked to joke about their slow internet service, poor pay and lack of skilled colleagues.

In conversations obtained by security researchers, the hackers groused like any other startup employees, often frustrated by their lack of progress and inability to carry out more grandiose schemes.

But the work being discussed had global ramifications, and painted a picture of how Iranian hackers have matured over the last decade from defacing websites with crude photos and slogans. Now, they appear to be an organized workforce, starting systematic cyberespionage campaigns aimed at promoting Irans interests around the world and on curbing dissent within the Islamic Republic.

In a report published Thursday, two independent cybersecurity researchers, Collin Anderson and Karim Sadjadpour, followed nearly a decade of the day-to-day activities of Iranian hackers.

The hackers appeared to be testing malicious software on themselves or accidentally clicked on malware they were developing. Either way, they exposed activity on their own computers.

One six-month chat log between two Iranian hackers gave particular insight into how they ran their day-to-day operation. By tracing where and how web domains were registered, as well as other data found online, Anderson concluded that the aliases mb1986 and ArYaIeIrAN, represented two Iranian men whose real names were Mojtaba Borhani and Behrouz Keshvari.

Over time, the two become more sophisticated, developing malware as they moved between Iranian hacking groups. Recently, the men have been tied to a group known as Charming Kitten by security companies. The group is believed to be responsible for a range of attacks, including targeting aviation companies in the United States.

Earlier this year, the first reports surfaced that Iranian hackers had developed malware targeting Macs. The malware stole victims passwords, and it has been used to target Iranian dissidents as well as the defense contractors in the United States, according to Andersons report.

In the year since President Donald Trump took office, Iran has focused its efforts on infiltrating the computers of anyone associated with the president, Anderson said.

They are clearly trying to gain any insight they can as to what this administration is going to do vis a vis Iran, he said. They are very persistent, but we dont know their level of success.
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It's a "y'all come" event - Texas lingo for everyone's invited. Really.

Dayton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Paula Moorhaj wanted to make it clear. This event is for the entire community and sponsored by the chamber.

The annual awards banquet is set for Saturday, Jan. 20 and begins with a mixer at 6 p.m. that is open to all. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. and is catered by Marsala's.

"Our awards banquet is our community awards, not necessarily chamber members only," Moorhaj said.

"That's where the public is invited in because these reflect the members of our community," she said.

Awards such as the Volunteer of the Year, come from balloting across the community and chamber. While it's possible that it would be a chamber member, it's not always the case, the chamber director said.

"It doesn't mean Chamber Member of the Year, it's any volunteer in the community who has given of their time to volunteer and make a difference in the community," Moorhaj said.

Last year's winner was Caroline Wadzeck, former educator, author, and co-curator of Dayton's Old School Museum.

Other awards given include a Senior of the Year, Fireman of the Year, Policeman of the Year, EMT of the Year and others.

More Information Dayton Hall of Fame members John Otto Bob Edwards John Simmons Gene Touchstone Boyd Arnold See More Collapse

"It is open to the public because we want to recognize our community and the good work they have done," she said.

Voting is already underway for all awards including Service Business of the Year, Retail Business of the Year, and the Volunteer of the Year at the chamber office.

New members will also be inducted into the Dayton Hall of Fame for their life-long contributions to the community.

The decorations are Mardi Gras themed and there will be Zydeco music for dancing following the awards.

Tickets are $40 each or a table of 10 for $350.

Moorhaj said the Champagne and Diamond Ring raffle is back. Tickets for the raffle are $20 and each person receives a glass of champagne and a diamond attached.

"One of those diamonds will be real and last year's winner was Aaron Holbrook," she said.

Sterling Funeral Home is the main sponsor and Post Oak Bank and Thrif-Tee Food Center are also sponsors for the night.

"We still have award sponsorships available for $100 and a $250 decorations sponsor left so there are still opportunities for local businesses to have their name included in our program and recognition at the banquet in front of a lot of people," the director said.

The money raised at the banquet does help with chamber operating expenses throughout the year.

"We can't operate on membership dues alone," Moorhaj said, "but we also have a limited number of fundraisers throughout the year to help meet our budget."

She also explained that the chamber is completely involved in the development of the community, promoting new business in the area, and supporting those existing businesses that are the bedrock of the community.

"We are working well with the city and the Dayton Community Development Corporation to attract new business to the area and support our base members who offer so much," she said. She's appreciative of the good relationship shared by the three entities.

The chamber offers more than just taking membership dues, but finding ways to promote those member businesses.

Moorhaj, a former business owner herself, believed so much in the chamber that at times of her ownership, she was spending as much time on chamber activities as she was her own business.

"I believe so deeply in what the chamber stands for and how they can help local business and pair them with a wanting community looking for good service and value," she said.

The membership has grown in memberships, services to those members, and has a clear focus of where their future lies in the next 5 years, 10 years, and beyond.

"We continue to develop for our future with our Junior Ambassadors, a select group of high school students who participate in the chamber events and planning, and a Young Professionals group that is growing," she said.

Moorhaj said it was important to pass on the knowledge to the young crowd so they understand their role in the community and the legacy of the city.

"It's a good night for our community to come out and recognize those who have stepped up and done good work for Dayton during the last year," she said.

Voting can be done at the chamber office at 801 S. Cleveland St., Suite B, or by submitting names by emailing the chamber office at paula@daytontxchamber.com.
NEW HAVEN  Scott Bates, chairman of the Connecticut Port Authority, is betting on New Haven.

Our position is that we advocate for the maritime economy of the state and that means properties in the (New Haven) port area we hope would be put to maritime use, Bates said.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation took over several parcels in the citys port to accommodate construction of the massive Interstate 95 Harbor Crossing Corridor.

The immediate concern for the New Haven Port Authority is a parcel in the heart of the port. Bound by Stiles, Waterfront and Alabama streets, the local authority owns a little less than an acre of this four-acre piece.

It was scheduled to automatically revert back to the port once the corridor was finished, which occured last spring.

The state DOT was using the property as a waste stock pile for dredged material. An easement on the property, signed with the state in 2006, stipulated that it be returned in its original condition.

The DOT is now looking to keep it longer, potentially for other projects, or taking it by eminent domain.

We want those properties to be used for maritime use, Bates. We are focused like a laser beam driving this to resolution, Bates said of the property issue.

He said the state authoritys most recent conversations with the DOT are going in a positive direction.

The chairman said there also will be a study of the best place to put additional rail lines in the New Haven port to move freight here.

New Haven is the busiest port in Connecticut so we have got to move product quickly down there. It is not optimal just yet. Our mission is to make sure that this is an active port, that this port is filled up to capacity with work, Bates said.

The chairman said some improvements have been made to rail travel as far as moving passengers, but investments also need to be made in freight delivery.

In the Northeast, Connecticut needs to be able to move people and goods quicker than anyone else, he said.

This truly is the gateway to New England and we are going to do all we can to make sure that that remains the case and we improve our competitive status. You look at Connecticut and the logical place for real investment is New Haven, he said.

Bates commented on the issue after a special meeting of the Connecticut Port Authority, which this month was held in New Haven City Hall.

New Haven Mayor Toni Harp said she greeted the authority and emphazied the importance of the port to the city.

She said she told the members that the reason that John Davenport founded New Haven was because of our great rivers and our port and that our port has been a part of the life of this community for thousands of years.

Harp told them of the importance of the upcoming dredging project that will allow more ships to come to the New Haven port and she was happy with the rail expansion.
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NORWALK  Three dozen Democrats from around the county took shelter from the freezing winter weather in Norwalks Silver Star Diner on Wednesday evening to discuss the future of the party with Democracy for Connecticut.

People from Norwalk, Stamford, Westport, Bridgeport, Fairfield and Brookfield gathered over burgers, fries and chocolate ice cream for the discussion. Among them were former Norwalk Mayor Bill Collins and newly elected Stamford representative Nina Sherwood, a prominent figure in the Reform Stamford movement, as well as people spurred to political action by the most recent election.

Jim Dean, Democracy for America chairman and Fairfield resident, spoke of groundswell of such Democratic participation. The organization has already endorsed 30 candidates this year.

Its amazing. My ballot  I had never seen a two-page ballot in an off year in Fairfield, Dean said. But it was happening because of all of these offices that I didnt even know existed were being contested for the first time.

Bill Curry, two-time Democratic nominee for the governor of Connecticut and a political columnist for Salon, said he had seen this type of momentum once before, following an event that shook the country at the time of his own entree into politics: Watergate.

After the scandal, a flood of reform candidates were elected to what became known as the Watergate Class.

All over the country, people like Toby Moffett here in Connecticut and Tom Downey in Long Island and George Miller in California, Rick Nolan out in Minnesota, a whole slew of people came in. None of them were recruited by the party. All of them were discouraged. They formed what was then famous for being the first real reform class in a generation or more, he said. And what were seeing right now is the same thing happening  people are coming out of the woodwork.

Curry believed the most important thing was for people to think deeply about their positions on issues.

When people ask me if Im a liberal, I say, What about? Why dont you instead ask me what I want to do? ... I dont want to fight you over abstract categories, I want to fight you over concrete actions. 

He said the same was necessary of parties as a whole. Genuine unity requires consensus, and consensus requires debate  something that cannot happen without voters who have thought about their positions and enough candidates running to have meaningful primaries.

Andrew Tillett-Saks, an organizer for Unite Here who helped hotel workers at the Stamford Hilton unionize in December, also spoke about the need for people to think about whats in their best interests and then act politically.

Its no surprise that someone like Donald Trump gets elected when working people are at an all-time low in terms of organization, Tillett-Saks said. When working-class people are in a group of their own, are organized amongst themselves, have weekly meetings about what their interests are, they arent going to get duped.

He said Unite Here has plans to unionize many more hotels and cafeterias in the area, but declined to specify which ones for fear that owners will take anti-union action.

As the question-and-answer session with the speakers wound down, many continued to linger around diner tables, continuing the conversation in their vinyl seats and exchanging business cards as they finished off tall mugs of coffee.

I thought it was inspiring and uplifting, Collins reflected as Norwalk resident Mark McCrate came over to introduce himself.

McCrate described himself as politically dormant until he heard about Bernie Sanders this election. He attended a phone bank and then realized it would be easy to organize phone banks on his own; a year later, he has been attending Norwalk district meetings and was looking for ways to stay up-to-date and involved with what was happening in the city.

Thats the type kind of organization we want! Collins said.

rschuetz@hearstmediact.com; @raschuetz
Iceland may be a popular stopover destination for travelers flying to the United States, but when it comes to the gender pay gap, it's worlds away. Whereas American women were paid 18 percent less than their male colleagues doing similar work in 2013, according to the last comparable study, the "unexplained pay gap" was just 5.7 percent in Iceland - and it's about to shrink further.

On Monday, a new law took effect in the country which is designed to publicly shame companies seen as discriminating against women in terms of pay. Companies with more than 25 employees will now need to obtain governmental certification that female employees are paid equally for the same work their male colleagues are performing. The law comes after previous legislation prohibiting discrimination by employers failed to close the pay gap - though it did decrease it by over 2 percentage points since 2008.

Potential job applicants could check to see if a company is certified before applying and those not could also be exposed in the media or on social media.

U.S. Democratic Sen. Bernie Sanders took to Facebook this week to demand the introduction of a similar mechanism in the United States. "We must follow the example of our brothers and sisters in Iceland and demand equal pay for equal work now, regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexuality or nationality," wrote Sanders. "As we fight back Republican efforts to revert women's rights to second class, it is important to not lose sight that our real goal is to move forward and expand women's rights," he concluded.

Iceland's then-social affairs minister Thorsteinn Viglundsson sounded similarly excited when the law was proposed early last year. "The time is right to do something radical about this issue," Viglundsson told the AP at the time.

But how much of a role model is Iceland's latest attempt to eradicate the gender pay gap?

While the measures may be unprecedented, they probably won't be a silver bullet, either.

Passed by parliament last summer, the new law has been in the works for several years. Researchers created a complicated model to make salaries comparable, even if official job requirements or work schedules may differ on paper. Governmental auditors will examine all companies with more than 25 employees over the next four years, even though it remains unclear whether companies that fail to obtain the certification - known as "Jafnlaunavottun" - will face any sanctions, aside from public opprobrium.

Rather than outlawing gender pay gaps, the new law is conceived as a mandatory and government-enforced version of other public shaming efforts already introduced in other countries, as my colleague Jena McGregor wrote last spring when the law was first proposed:

"British companies with more than 250 employees will be required by law to publish four figures each year on their web sites and on a government site, but they will provide the information on their own, without providing certification. Each company will have to share its gender pay gap, gender bonus gap, the proportion of men and women receiving bonuses, and how men and women rank in terms of pay within the organization.

"In Switzerland, companies can apply to have their equal pay 'certified' by an outside party without disclosing confidential information, but it is not mandatory. In Minnesota, after a law was signed in 2014, certain state contractors must obtain an 'Equal Pay Certificate' from the state before executing a contract.

"While a growing number of states have strengthened their protections for employees with new equal-pay laws, with California even requiring companies to prove they pay men and women equally for similar jobs, companies don't have to disclose the information publicly. Companies that want to become federal contractors have to share summaries of their pay data with the government, but again, the data isn't published."

Even if Iceland's new law succeeds at closing or significantly narrowing the gender pay gap, critics have pointed out that other factors are still holding women back. While though both men and women in Iceland are granted three days of non-transferable childcare leave, only few men opt to actually take it. And women are still far more likely to interrupt their careers to dedicate more time to their families than men.

"(The) certification requirement might help root out the 'unexplained gender pay gap,' but is unlikely to reduce the larger 'explainable pay gap' (for example due to differing working hours in paid work)," concluded Stefan Olafsson, a researcher with the University of Iceland, in a summer 2017 report for the European Commission. In total, women still earn 22 percent less in Iceland than men, even though those number also include women working part-time or not at all.

Mandatory childcare leave for both men and women would be a more radical step, critics of existing legislation say, even in a country like Iceland which regularly tops equality rankings. Already about four decades ago, women made gender equality a political priority in Iceland by going on strikes. Today, many of their former demands are considered to be self-evident as schools offer Gender Studies classes which attempt to make students more aware of everyday discrimination and prevailing stereotypes. The country's prime minister, Katrin Jakobsdottir, is an avowed feminist who has been pushing for tougher legislation since coming to power last November.

But Jakobsdottir's government may be an outlier for a global movement that has recently suffered new setbacks. Since 2006, the World Economic Forum has attempted to measure whether women are facing more or less inequality in the world. And last year, for the first time, it said that things were getting worse again.

The report's authors concluded that fewer women were participating in the workforce than in previous years, and that salaries were growing less equal again. Whereas Iceland's deadline for companies to comply with their regulations runs out in 2021, it will likely take more than two centuries to close the pay gap globally, the researchers calculated.
Donald Trump's desire to squeeze Kim Jong Un's regime risks being undermined by the furtive maneuvers of oil tankers at sea.

The enforcement of international measures limiting sales to North Korea -- part of an effort to force Kim to abandon nuclear weapons -- is becoming nearly impossible because suppliers of illicit fuel are using an old oil-trading practice that helps obscure its origin and destination.

Ship-to-ship transfers, when cargoes are pumped from one tanker to another in the ocean, are legal and typically used to break up large oil shipments into parcels on smaller vessels. But they can also be used as a trick that makes it difficult to track supplies, and have been barred by the United Nations for sales to North Korea.

And even if the tankers can be identified, seized and inspected, culprits are hidden under layers of ownership. A controversy that erupted last week over a shipment of fuel to the rogue nation has so far entangled the world's third-biggest independent oil trader, a Hong Kong-based commodity company and mysterious shipping firms in Taiwan and the Marshall Islands. South Korean authorities have failed to identify the perpetrator and on Thursday said they are still investing who owned the cargo.

"These STS transfers can happen 200 nautical miles or more out at sea, as long as conditions are calm, where no one's looking," said Rahul Kapoor, an analyst with Bloomberg Intelligence in Singapore. "It's very easy to black out a ship and hide it."

All ocean-going ships are equipped with a beacon that broadcasts their location around the world, so if a vessel tried to directly load or discharge oil in a sanctioned country, it could be identified. To get around that, two tankers can turn off their transmitters, known as the automatic identification system, rendezvous in secret and transfer the cargo, masking the true origin and destination of the shipment.

A vessel, the Lighthouse Winmore, is said to have transferred 600 tons -- about 4,000 barrels -- to a North Korean vessel, the Sam Jong 2, on Oct. 19.

Ship-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg showed Lighthouse Winmore making trips between Kaohsiung in Taiwan and Yeosu in South Korea during September and October.

The vessel data, which are broadcast by ships voluntarily and cannot be independently verified, showed it south of Yeosu, with its destination listed as Taichung, Taiwan, on Oct. 15. The ship stopped reporting its location for the next 10 days, virtually disappearing during the period of the alleged transfer. The next transmission was Oct. 25, further to the south near Jeju Island.

While STS transfers are an integral part of the oil and fuel-trading business, "when in the wrong hands, this every-day operation can be misused," said Den Syahril, an analyst at industry consultant FGE in Singapore. "During past sanctions, there's a possibility that ships with Iranian fuel turned off their trackers and conducted these operations in the Middle East gulf, only to have the cargo labeled as Middle East origin afterwards."

Now that the practice is in the spotlight, it may become harder to get away with it. Reports that U.S. satellites have been capturing Chinese ships transferring fuel to North Korean vessels could deter perpetrators while major oil trading companies may take additional precautions not to be involved in the controversial transactions.

On Tuesday, South Korea's foreign ministry said Trafigura Group owned the Lighthouse Winmore cargo and authorities were investigating whether it ordered the transfer to North Korea. Within a few hours, the trading house denied it was involved in the illicit transaction, saying it neither owns nor chartered the ship.

Trafigura added that it originally sold the cargo to Hong Kong-based Global Commodities Consultants Ltd., which in turn said it sold the shipment to another company called Oceanic Enterprise Ltd. Both Trafigura and GCC said their contracts stipulated that any resale of the supply must abide by international sanctions.

No contact information was immediately available for Oceanic Enterprise. South Korea identified Lighthouse Winmore's charterer as Taiwan-based Billions Bunker Group. The company is incorporated in the Marshall Islands, according to Taiwan's Maritime and Port Bureau.

Taiwan is investigating if the head of Kao Yang Fishery Co. has any connection with the Lighthouse Winmore, according to a Kaohsiung District Prosecutors Office statement on Jan. 3. Kao Yang allegedly sold oil products in international waters instead of Hong Kong, which was identified in export declaration as its destination, according to the statement.

"Trading houses have full teams that are involved in risk management," said Bloomberg Intelligence's Kapoor. "Ideally, these teams will screen through counterparties, and it's unlikely that they'll dabble in a one-off illegitimate dealing for a small profit as there's so much risk to reputation involved."

China refused to designate Lighthouse Winmore and Sam Jong 2, among other ships, as sanctions violators in a disagreement with the U.S., the Wall Street Journal reported last week. While American officials shared with the UN declassified intelligence reports that they said supported Washington's position that 10 vessels be formally declared as breaching measures, China successfully got the list whittled down to just four tankers, the newspaper said, citing unidentified diplomats.

U.S. President Trump last week tweeted: "Caught RED HANDED - very disappointed that China is allowing oil to go into North Korea. There will never be a friendly solution to the North Korea problem if this continues to happen!"

American spy satellites had observed Chinese vessels allegedly transferring oil to North Korean ships in the sea between the two countries about 30 times since October, Seoul-based newspaper Chosun Ilbo reported Dec. 26, citing unidentified South Korean government officials. China has denied the reports.

The vast majority of ship-to-ship transfers are legal. Most of them take place in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, where the practice is also known as lightering. It's cheaper to ship oil on larger vessels, so oil traders tend to book the biggest vessel they can find for long haul journeys such as from Saudi Arabia to Texas.

U.S. ports aren't deep enough to handle the massive tankers, so they stop a few miles from shore and parcel out the oil to smaller ships that are able to dock. The transfers are common enough that most merchant seamen can do them, said Kapoor, who spent five years working on an oil tanker.

But "even with mounting international sanctions on countries such as North Korea, these operations are often attempted as a way to get around them," FGE's Den said.

---

Bloomberg's Hannah Dormido and Adela Lin contributed.
Seoul, South Korea

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reopened a key cross-border communication channel with South Korea for the first time in nearly two years Wednesday as the rivals explored the possibility of sitting down and talking after months of acrimony and fears of war.

The sudden signs of easing hostilities, however, came as President Donald Trump threatened Kim with nuclear war in response to his threat earlier this week.

In his New Year's address Monday, Kim said he was willing to send a delegation to next month's Winter Olympics in South Korea. But he also said he has a "nuclear button" on his desk and that all U.S. territory is within striking distance of his nuclear weapons, comments Trump latched onto Tuesday when he boasted of a bigger and more powerful "nuclear button" than Kim's.

The two leaders exchanged crude insults last year, as the North received new U.N. sanctions over its sixth and most powerful nuclear test explosion and a series of intercontinental ballistic missile launches.

The recent softening of contact between the rival Koreas may show a shared interest in improved ties, but there's no guarantee tensions will ease. There have been repeated attempts in recent years by the rivals to talk, but even when they do meet, the efforts often end in recriminations and stalemate.

Outside critics say Kim may be trying to use better ties with South Korea as a way to weaken the alliance between Washington and Seoul as the North grapples with toughened international sanctions over its nuclear and missile programs.

Kim's latest announcement, which was read by a senior Pyongyang official on state TV, followed a South Korean offer on Tuesday of high-level talks with North Korea to find ways to cooperate on next month's Winter Olympics in the South and discuss other inter-Korean issues.

Ri Son Gwon, chairman of the state-run Committee for the Peaceful Reunification, cited Kim as welcoming South Korea's overture and ordering officials to reopen a communication channel at the border village of Panmunjom. Ri also quoted Kim as ordering officials to promptly take substantial measures with South Korea out of a "sincere stand and honest attitude," according to the North's state TV and news agency.

South Korea quickly welcomed Kim's decision and later confirmed that the two Koreas began preliminary contacts on the channel. During their 20-minute communication, liaison officials of the two Koreas exchanged their names and examined their communication lines to make sure they were working, according to Seoul's Unification Ministry.

Since taking office last May, South Korea's liberal President Moon Jae-in has pushed hard to improve ties and resume stalled cooperation projects with North Korea. Pyongyang had not responded to his outreach until Kim's New Year's address.

Relations between the Koreas soured under Moon's conservative predecessors, who responded to the North's expanding nuclear program with hard-line measures. All major rapprochement projects were put on hold one by one, and the Panmunjom communication channel had been suspended since February 2016.

Moon has joined U.S.-led international efforts to apply more pressure and sanctions on North Korea, but he still favors dialogue as a way to resolve the nuclear standoff. The Trump administration says all options are on the table, including military measures against the North. Moon has repeatedly said he opposes any war on the Korean Peninsula.

Some observers believe these differences in views may have led Kim to think he could drive a wedge between Seoul and Washington as a way to weaken their alliance.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced Thursday the repeal of Obama-era rules that set a federal policy of noninterference with state-legal marijuana businesses, setting up a potential clash between the federal government and state authorities backing an increasingly entrenched and popular industry.

Currently, eight states plus the District of Columbia have voted to legalize marijuana within their borders. The change in policy would allow U.S. attorneys in those jurisdictions to pursue prosecutions against state-legal marijuana growers, sellers and even users.

Under federal law, marijuana remains a Schedule 1 controlled substance, akin to heroin. But during President Barack Obama's administration, the Department of Justice pursued a policy of noninterference with state-legal marijuana markets provided the states take reasonable steps to prevent underage use and keep pot from flowing across state borders, among other conditions.

Rolling back that policy is likely to cause political headaches for the Trump administration given the widespread public support for legalization, the economic clout of the marijuana industry and the supporters legal marijuana businesses have won over in Congress.

An October Gallup poll, for instance, found a record-high 64 percent of Americans saying they supported marijuana legalization.

That number included, for the first time, a majority (51 percent) of Republicans saying they supported legalization.

Support for legalization is particularly robust among the young voters whom Democrats are trying to mobilize for the 2018 congressional elections. An April CBS News poll found that over three-quarters of Americans between the ages of 18 and 34 support legalization.

Regardless of their stance on legalization, an overwhelming majority of voters of all political persuasions say that the federal government should not interfere with state-level legalization efforts. A July Quinnipiac poll found that 75 percent of Americans, including 59 percent of Republicans, said that they oppose the enforcement of federal marijuana laws in states that have legalized it.

Beyond public opinion, the burgeoning marijuana industry has become a potent economic force in the states where it has a foothold. Marijuana Business Daily, an industry trade publication, estimated last year that legal marijuana employed between 165,000 and 230,000 workers, or between two and three times as many people as the coal mining industry.

Last year a market research firm for the marijuana industry, Arcview Research, estimated that it generated $6.7 billion in revenue in 2016, and projected sales to climb to $21 billion by 2021.

Those sales are generating significant tax revenue in states with legal recreational pot. In Colorado, for instance, marijuana sales between 2014 and 2017 brought in roughly $500 million in taxes, roughly half of which has gone to the state's public school system. Washington state collected about $280 million in marijuana taxes in fiscal year 2017, with half of that money going to fund health-care services for people without insurance coverage.

Those jobs, sales and taxes could all be put in jeopardy by the Jan. 4 Justice Department move. Lawmakers from both parties are already crying foul.

"Going against the majority of Americans - including a majority of Republican voters - who want the federal government to stay out of the way is perhaps one of the stupidest decisions the attorney general has made," said Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., in a statement. "It's time for anyone who cares about this issue to mobilize and push back strongly against this decision."

Republican Sen. Cory Gardner of Colorado wrote on Twitter that "the Justice Department has trampled on the will of the voters in CO and other states. ... I am prepared to take all steps necessary, including holding DOJ nominees, until the Attorney General lives up to the commitment he made to me prior to his confirmation."
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Starr Lamare said her face was so severely burned her kids were afraid of her after her boyfriend set her on fire over an argument at a coin laundry in San Francisco.

Some justice came on Thursday. After five years of pain and horror, her attacker, 27-year-old Dexter Oliver, was sentenced to 27 years in state prison for the Jan. 6, 2013, attack.

You turned my world upside down, Lamare, a 30-year-old mother of three, wrote in a victim impact statement before the sentencing. My kids were afraid of me. It took two months for my baby to come to me. I was afraid to go outside, afraid to be around people.

Lamare sat quietly in Judge Rene Navarros San Francisco courtroom, wiping away tears as Karima Baptiste of the district attorneys Victim Services Division read the statement to Oliver. Most of Lamares face and hands remain scarred from the attack, scars she will have for the rest of her life.

Life has been a struggle, Lamare wrote. I have to take medication every day. Im afraid to pump my gas. The flick of a lighter makes me flinch. I cant trust. I cant live properly. You robbed me of those things.

Oliver, who has three prior domestic violence convictions involving two other women, said nothing. He smiled as he walked into court and only looked over at his victim once, and without expression. He had pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of Lamare last November.

Hell have a long time to reflect on his heinous act, Assistant District Attorney Sam Totah said after the hearing.

Prosecutors said Oliver attacked Lamare after an argument about clothes at a coin-operated laundry near their home in the Bayview.

Oliver filled up two baby bottles with gasoline, doused her and set her on fire. Police found Lamare screaming in the street at Hollister Avenue and Jennings Street, with life-threatening burns on her face and upper body.

Oliver was arrested in Oakland the day after the attack and charged with attempted murder and arson.

While she was treated at the Bothin Burn Center at St. Francis Memorial Hospital, Lamares case drew attention from Bay Area domestic violence victims advocates.

Its heinous. Were lucky she survived, said Beverly Upton of the San Francisco Domestic Violence Consortium. Were glad to see some justice in this case.

Inspector John Keane with the San Francisco Police Departments Special Victims Unit has been working closely with Lamare over the past half-decade. He called the attack one of the worst incidents of domestic violence I have seen in over 25 years.

Lamare is still recovering from this incident and is incredibly strong and determined, he said Thursday.

Lamare said shes ready to move on.

You will no longer have power over me, she wrote to her attacker. All my hate I put in Gods hands.

Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky
A new law that took effect this week in Oregon will allow residents in rural counties to pump their own gas - a divergence from the state's decades-long history of having attendants pump gas for drivers.

Under House Bill 2482, which took effect Monday, retailers in counties with a population of less than 40,000 are allowed to have self-service gas pumps. Drivers in 15 counties can now pump their own gas any time of day, while those in three other rural counties can do so after business hours, between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.

The Internet machine roared, fueled by a local TV station's now-viral Facebook post last week asking people to react to the new law. Some were angry and perturbed by the possibility of having to pump their own gas in the cold, while those from other states scoffed.

"I don't even know HOW to pump gas and I am 62, native Oregonian . . . I say NO THANKS! I don't like to smell like gasoline!" one woman wrote.

"No! Disabled, seniors, people with young children in the car need help. Not to mention getting out of your car with transients around and not feeling safe. This is a very bad idea. Grrr," another woman wrote.

"I've lived in this state all my life and I REFUSE to pump my own gas . . . This [is] a service only qualified people should perform. I will literally park at the pump and wait until someone pumps my gas."

By the time the law took effect, Oregon had become a virtual laughingstock among social media users who seemed to have visualized an entire state filled with hapless drivers.

"FEAR NOT OREGON!!! I've decided to move to Oregon to open a school to teach people how to pump their gas. Short-term business you say?" a man wrote and then listed a list of menial tasks he wants to teach people do. His Facebook comment has been liked 61,000 times.

"I'm in Wisconsin and with the wind chill it's currently -17. You know what I did this morning?! Had to pump my own flipping gas!! It's not that hard people!!" one woman wrote.

"It's official. Oregon is full of mentally defective, full grown children, incapable of the most mundane adult tasks," another man wrote.

Lost in the online chatter, however, is that the law does not impose wide-ranging changes, meaning many Oregonians who don't want to fill their own tanks won't have to. HB 2482 does not require all gas stations in the state to have self-service pumps at all hours of the day. It simply gives retailers in sparsely populated communities, or about half of the states' counties, the option to do so - and some have said they will continue their business practices regardless of the law.

It will also not eliminate jobs because gas stations with convenience stores are still required to have attendants during business hours. Moreover, self-service pumps are not new in Oregon. In at least one rural county, co-op members are issued cards that allow them to pump their own gas any time of day.

Also lost in the hysteria is that the bill, which was passed in the state legislature with only one "no" vote and was signed into law in May, was favored by some stakeholders, including gas station owners.

Proponents of the bill argued that it's impractical for businesses in rural counties to have staff available to fuel vehicles 24 hours a day, so drivers in need of fuel after business hours usually have to call state police for assistance. Police would then bring a small amount of fuel and ask the operator of the closest gas station to open.

Thomas Downs, who owns a small restaurant and gas station in Harney County in southeast Oregon, testified during a committee hearing last year that the bill would allow him to focus on other services his business provides. He said his is the only reliable source of fuel within 85 miles, meaning his staff sometimes gets swamped.

"Our experience after almost 13 years is that out-of-state residents are very capable of dispensing [their] fuel and the majority of Oregonians delight in being able to if we are swamped," Downs said.

Dan Jones, who operates a Chevron station in Malheur County in eastern Oregon, said the law would have no economic impact on his business and would allow him to promote from within.

Disability Rights Oregon, however, raised concerns that the law would have unintended consequences for people with disabilities in rural counties. The organization noted that the Americans With Disabilities Act requires self-serve gas stations to provide assistance to customers with disabilities.

Kale Williams, a columnist for the Oregonian, slammed the Internet and some publications for poking fun at Oregon and making the state "look like either a collection of feeble-handed troglodytes too dumb or lazy to do the deed themselves or an assemblage of elitists who turn their noses up at the plebeian pump."

"The Internet's content farms fired up their harvesting machines and cherry-picked some of the worst comments and laid into Oregon," Williams wrote, adding later: "Could it be the rest of the country is mad they don't have access to the fine-dining equivalent of gasoline?"

Oregon and New Jersey are the only states that require gas stations to have attendants.
WASHINGTON - Top federal law enforcement officials huddled Wednesday afternoon with House Speaker Paul Ryan to discuss a request from congressional investigators for documents related to a dossier alleging connections between President Donald Trump and Russia, according to people familiar with the meeting.

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and FBI Director Christopher Wray requested the meeting, according to Ryan spokeswoman AshLee Strong. A spokeswoman for the Justice Department declined to comment.

The meeting in Ryan's offices took place just hours before a deadline Wednesday that House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes, R-Calif., set for the FBI and DOJ to turn over documents related to how the agencies used information in a now-famous dossier as part of an investigation into alleged ties between Trump's campaign and Russian officials. The dossier, compiled by former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele, details Trump's alleged connections to Russian officials and financiers and exploits in Moscow.

House and Senate Republicans defensive of the president have pointed to the fact that the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton's campaign paid for research that ended up in the dossier as reason to discredit it. Scrutiny of the dossier and the government's reliance on it are also part of a wider GOP effort to look at whether political bias affected the FBI's and DOJ's conduct in a series of Obama-era investigations, including the Clinton email probe.

In the House, Nunes has threatened to issue contempt citations against Wray and Rosenstein for failing to produce documents related to the dossier, which he first subpoenaed in August. In a letter obtained by Fox News last week, Nunes wrote to Rosenstein that the DOJ's and FBI's "intransigence" on those subpoenas "can no longer be tolerated," accusing both agencies of being "disingenuous at best" with the intelligence committee about the existence of documents they had requested.

A spokeswoman for Ryan, R-Wis., would not say Wednesday whether the speaker had reached an agreement with Wray and Rosenstein about the production of the requested documents. Rosenstein left the meeting Wednesday evening, refusing to answer questions from reporters as they followed him down a long hall from Ryan's suite to a door exiting the building.

Other Republicans have criticized Nunes' past threats to issue contempt citations. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Rep. Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., whose panel is investigating whether allegations of bias at the FBI affected the Clinton email probe, said last month that he was "interested in getting access to the information and not the drama" when asked about Nunes' contempt threats. Gowdy strongly suggested that Ryan was also critical of Nunes' efforts.

In the Senate, South Carolina Republican Lindsey Graham last week reissued his call for a second special counsel to investigate the FBI's reliance on the dossier, telling Fox News that after reviewing "background" materials, he was "very disturbed about what the Department of Justice did with this dossier."

"After having looked at the history of the dossier and how it was used by the Department of Justice, I'm really very concerned," Graham said, stressing that Congress had to focus on the dossier because it was outside the purview of special counsel Robert Mueller's probe.

Graham is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, where Chairman Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, has long expressed concern about how the dossier was compiled and the role it played in the FBI's investigation of alleged ties between Trump and Russian officials. Grassley and Graham jointly requested information in June about Steele's contacts with the FBI. Grassley has also said that his staff members are also in close touch with Nunes's staff about the progression of their parallel investigations.

Nunes and Grassley have also focused considerable scrutiny on Fusion GPS, the firm behind the dossier. Nunes has subpoenaed the firm's bank records - that demand is now caught up in a court battle.

On Tuesday, the founders of Fusion GPS wrote an op-ed in the New York Times pushing back on accusations that the dossier had prompted the DOJ's and FBI's scrutiny of Trump's alleged Russia ties, and accusing Republicans in Congress of perpetuating "fake investigations" into their activities.

Grassley and Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr, R-N.C., responded to the publication of that op-ed by inviting the founders to come back to Capitol Hill to testify publicly. Fusion officials have spoken to both committees behind closed doors.

- Tom Hamburger and Josh Dawsey contributed to this report.
President Donald Trump's angry break with his former chief strategist Steve Bannon escalated Wednesday night with a threat of a "imminent" legal action.

A private lawyer representing Trump sent a cease-and-desist letter to Bannon, arguing he violated an employment agreement with the Trump Organization when he spoke to author Michael Wolff for a new scathing book about the presidency.

Bannon is quoted describing, among other things, a Trump Tower meeting during the campaign between Donald Trump Jr.; Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law; and a Russian lawyer as "treasonous" and "unpatriotic."

Bannon's comments to the writer "give rise to numerous legal claims including defamation by libel and slander, and breach of his written confidentiality and non-disparagement agreement with our clients," Trump's lawyer wrote in the letter. "Legal action is imminent."

It all sounds so tough. But in this case, it probably isn't.

A cease and desist letter doesn't actually carry any legal weight - it is simply a warning letter asking someone to stop certain behavior or else the sender will pursue legal action. It is often a form of intimidation, or simply an attempt to settle an issue outside of litigation, said Orly Lobel, a law professor at the University of San Diego School of Law whose research has often focused on employment issues.

It can be effective against someone who can't afford a pitched legal battle and gets scared off. But for a recipient who can afford a fight-like Bannon-it's another story.

Without legal action, specifically a lawsuit, such a letter is just a piece of paper. So should Bannon refuse to comply with the letter, Trump would have to sue.

But would Trump really want to start a court fight with Bannon? Suing Bannon would potentially require Trump to testify under oath, and would open them both up to discovery, in which all sorts of explosive revelations could come tumbling out. The president's critics would probably welcome that. These things can get ugly.

But, experts say, it seems unlikely that the feud would reach that stage.

Trump is a public figure. So suing for defamation, as the letter threatens, could require Trump to prove that a statement made by Bannon was false, damaging and delivered with actual malice, meaning that Bannon knew his comments were false and made them anyway.

Suing Bannon for breaking an employment contract would be even more difficult, said Lobel, who described the move as a "desperate" attempt by Trump to silence his former confidant.

Arguing that Bannon breached a contract would potentially "signal that there's some truth there in what he's saying," Lobel said, a thought also raised by other legal experts on social media.

More importantly, Lobel and other legal experts said Bannon's speech stemming from his time in the White House would likely be protected. A government employee's free-speech rights are protected by the Constitution's First Amendment insofar as they pertain to matters of public concern, the Supreme Court ruled in 2006 in a case called Garcetti v. Ceballos. Lobel argued that the behavior of the president - and especially his campaign's involvement with the Russians - are undoubtedly a matter of public concern.

So Trump's lawyers would likely need to draw a difficult distinction between quotes Bannon made as a campaign employee or private citizen versus those he made while employed by the White House.

And even if Bannon revealed information that drew from his time as a private citizen during the campaign, his speech could still be protected, Lobel said. The Defend Trade Secrets Act, signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2016, provides immunity to whistleblower employees who report suspected illegal activity. That might or might not apply to Bannon. But either way, his lawyers would argue that it did.

In the cease and desist letter, Trump's lawyer wrote that Bannon breached three sections of his employment agreement with the Trump Organization by communicating with Wolff, disclosing confidential information and making disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements about Trump, his family and the campaign.

Bannon has not revealed the exact terms of the contract he signed. But according to Trump's lawyer, Bannon promised in his employment agreement not to disclose confidential information, not to demean or publicly disparage Trump, his family, or the campaign, and not to communicate with any member of the news media on behalf of, or about the campaign, without express written authorization from the campaign or Trump.

Confidential information, according to the letter sent to Bannon, included "all information . . . of a private, proprietary or confidential nature or that Mr. Trump insists remain private or confidential, including, but not limited to, any information with respect to the personal life, political affairs, and/or business affairs of Mr. Trump or of any Family Member. . ."

The letter demands that Bannon stop communicating either confidential and or disparaging information, and preserve all records in preparation for "imminent" legal action.

During the presidential campaign, other staffers described how Trump forced their silence through such restrictive agreements, which are highly unusual in political campaigns. One such document, obtained by The Post, includes a "no-disparagement" clause that requires staffers to promise "during the term of your service and at all time thereafter" not to "demean or disparage publicly" Trump, his business ventures or any of his family members or their business ventures "and to prevent your employees from doing so."

Essentially, he approached his campaign staff much as he did the employees of his business ventures - demanding control over what they can and can't say. As he transitioned to the White House, some wondered if he would enforce a similar silence from his administration - raising concerns about government transparency.

During the campaign, he was asked by The Washington Post's Robert Costa if he would make employees of the federal government sign nondisclosure agreements.

"I think they should," he said. ". . . when people are chosen by a man to go into government at high levels and then they leave government and they write a book about a man and say a lot of things that were really guarded and personal, I don't like that. I mean, I'll be honest. And people would say, oh, that's terrible, you're taking away his right to free speech . . . I would say . . . I do have nondisclosure deals."

He said his then-campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, press secretary Hope Hicks and senior adviser for policy Stephen Miller all signed such nondisclosure agreements.

"I don't like people that take your money and then say bad things about you," he said. "But I will say that in the federal government it's a different thing. So it's something I would think about. But you know, I do right now - I have thousands and thousands of employees, many thousands, and every one of them has an agreement. . ."

As a candidate and a businessman Trump used litigation and threats to silence his critics.

"He deploys an array of tactics to fight back - countersuits, threats and personal insults, among others - while using stringent confidentiality agreements to guard against insider accounts from employees, business partners, his former spouses and now his campaign staffers," The Post's Frances Stead Sellers wrote in July 2016.

That same week, court filings revealed that he had sought $10 million in damages from fired campaign consultant Samuel Nunberg, alleging that he violated a nondisclosure agreement by leaking confidential information to the press.

"He was used to being able to do this in his private life," Lobel said. And as a president, he has continued to use angry threats in attempts to silence critics - particularly on Twitter and in cease and desist letters.

"It's hard to see how it helps him here," said Orin Kerr, a law professor at the University of Southern California.

Other lawyers and critics of the president expressed similar views on Twitter.

"This reeks of desperation," one post read.

---

The Washington Post's Carol Leonnig and Frances Stead Sellers contributed to this report.
The White House on Wednesday dismissed criticism of President Trump's taunt that his "Nuclear Button" is larger and more effective than North Korea's arsenal, arguing he will respond strongly to provocations from Pyongyang rather than "cower down."

Democrats and some security analysts warned that the tweet sent Tuesday night by Trump risked needlessly provoking North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at a time when concerns over a nuclear altercation, once seen as remote, have grown more plausible and as North and South Korea have engaged in talks to ease tensions on the peninsula.

"He's made repeated threats. He's tested missiles time and time again for years," White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said of Kim. "This is a president who is not going cower down and is not going to be weak and is going to make sure he does what he's promised to do, and that's stand up and protect the American people."

Trump's tweet Tuesday was highly unusual for its open reference to the vast U.S. nuclear arsenal at Trump's disposal and its playground allusion -- critics said juvenile -- to the size and power of Trump's warfighting abilities.

"North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the 'Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times,' " Trump tweeted. "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!"

Trump was responding to a New Year's message from Kim that included an offer to talk with his enemy South Korea -- a U.S. ally -- and a threat that he has a "nuclear button" on his desk and could threaten the United States.

Democrats were quick to condemn Trump's tweet and called on him to stop ratcheting up tensions with the rogue nation.

"A nuclear conflict on the Korean Peninsula would be a catastrophe, leading to the deaths of potentially millions of people, including American servicemembers and families stationed there," Sen. Edward Markey, D-Mass., said in a statement, adding that the tweet "borders on presidential malpractice."

"We cannot let this war of words result in an actual war," Markey said.

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said Wednesday that Trump's recent Twitter outbursts presented "a very poor representation of the United States" and may represent "a new low point."

The North Korea threat came on top of Trump tweets over the past few days levying threats of cutting aid to Palestinians and Pakistan, as well as tweets taking credit for civilian aviation safety, attacking the press and suggesting an aide to his Democratic former rival Hillary Clinton should be jailed.

"President Trump's foreign-policy-by-tweet is doing serious damage to the country," Schumer said in an address on the Senate floor. "Where we have serious issues to address abroad, President Trump seems happy with macho boasts and belligerent threats that get us nowhere."

Schumer suggested that congressional Republicans are complicit if they do not speak up, but most Republican lawmakers remained silent or downplayed the seriousness of Trump's tweet.

"I just took it as him basically pushing back on Kim Jong Un and saying: 'You've been trying to have this bravado because you have a weapon that may be able to reach us. Understand we have a lot more force,' " said Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla. "We should actually have some sort of negotiations on this rather than just have bravado on this."

Vice President Mike Pence, interviewed Wednesday on Voice of America, touted Trump's record in encouraging greater cooperation from China, North Korea's most important ally and economic lifeline, to apply economic pressure on the isolated regime.

"President Trump has provided the kind of clear leadership on the world stage that's made measurable progress," Pence argued.

"President Trump made it clear," Pence added. "America will not be bullied. America will not be threatened."

Reaction was muted overseas, with close U.S. allies South Korea and Japan making no public mention of the tweet.

A senior State Department official said Secretary of State Rex Tillerson had a routine diplomatic phone conversation with his South Korean counterpart late Tuesday.

"Diplomacy remains our preferred approach. That has not changed," the official said. "But we recognize that diplomacy has to be backed up by credible force."

South Korea and North Korea held their own call hours after Trump's message -- the first such use of a cross-border hotline in two years.

The State Department official, who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive diplomacy, welcomed the contact, perhaps as a means to ease tension ahead of South Korea's hosting of the Winter Olympics in a few weeks.

The North Korean offer of some kind of talks with Seoul has been widely interpreted as a play to drive a wedge between the United States and the new, less hawkish South Korean government.

"We are in close contact" with South Korea, the official said. "We are on the same page and coordinating closely," but "extremely skeptical" that North Korea is serious bout embarking on talks aimed at giving up its nuclear weapons, the official said.

Some foreign policy analysts and Trump critics said Trump's tweet raised questions about whether he is creating a foreign policy crisis -- and about his fitness for the job.

"If there are any adults at the WH: please disable the @realDonaldTrump smartphone immediately," tweeted Daryl Kimball, executive director of the nonprofit Arms Control Association. "Nuclear diplomacy shouldn't be conducted as if its a junior high school argument about penis size. Such reckless tweeting diminishes U.S. credibility and can lead to catastrophe."

Sanders rejected such criticisms.

"I think the people of this country should be concerned about the mental fitness of the leader of North Korea," she said at the White House daily briefing.

She also argued that the Trump administration is being forced to "clean up" former President Barack Obama's international messes.

"This is not a game. This is not about, can I puff my chest out bigger than your chest,'" former Vice President Joe Biden told CNN when asked about Trump's tweet. "This is just not," Biden continued, his voice trailing off. "It's not presidential."

- Karoun Demirjian contributed to this report.
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The two children who went missing after their mother was found dead were safely located Wednesday night, according to Round Rock Police Chief Allen Banks. Authorities had been searching for the children since New Year's Eve.

Terry Allen Miles, the deceased mother's roommate, was a person of interest in the case. He was caught in Colorado without incident, Banks said at a press conference late Wednesday evening.

"It wasn't if the girls came home, it has always been when the girls came home," said Banks. "That just goes to tell you the passion in returning these girls home safe."

Banks said a Los Animas County sheriff in Colorado located Miles after receiving a tip that he and the girls were in the area. The sheriff found the vehicle and trailed behind Miles, who started driving erratically.

A traffic stop was initiated on the car after the sheriff called for back-up. The two girls were found safe inside the vehicle and Miles was taken into custody.

Two detectives from the Round Rock police department will fly Thursday morning to Colorado to conduct interviews.

A number of tips from the southern Colorado region has led law enforcement to focus on that area, Banks said. A surveillance video showing the deceased mother's roommate, 44-year-old Terry Allen Miles, at an unidentified local business on Dec. 30 in Trinidad, Colorado had also caused authorities to search the surrounding area.

Authorities called off the Texas Amber Alert earlier on Wednesday and issued one for Colorado instead.

"Somebody out there is going to recognize Terry Miles," said Banks during a press conference Wednesday afternoon. "Someone out there is going to recognize our two sisters, Lily and Lulu. We want somebody to call us. We want to bring those girls home safely."

Authorities launched a search for the children after responding to a welfare concern in the 2600 block of Leslie Court on New Year's Eve, only to find 44-year-old Tonya Bates dead and the two children missing, according to a police press release.

Police initially said they believed Lilianais Victoria Cake Griffith, 14, and Luluvioletta Mariposo Bandera-Magret, 7, were in "grave or immediate danger" after an abduction.

Miles has been wanted both in connection with the missing girls and as a person of interest in their mother's "suspicious" death.

READ ALSO: Baby found safe after mom's car stolen from gas station with child inside

Now Playing: A single Round Rock police patrol unit was parked, Monday, in front of a duplex on Leslie Court. On the other side of the crime scene tape, James Reid and his family live next door. Video: Fox7

Banks said the two girls were not seen in the surveillance video. He noted that agencies across the country have been working with Round Rock Police Department to locate the two missing girls.

Miles is described as a 6-foot-2-inch, 200-pound white male with hazel eyes, glasses and a beard. He is driving a 2017 Hyundai Accent with a Texas license plate "JGH9845," police said. He was last heard from in Round Rock, a northern suburb of Austin, though police said he could be en route to Louisiana.

READ ALSO: Things to know about the Houston woman accused of murder and kidnapping baby

Griffith is 5 feet tall and 100 pounds, with light brown hair, brown eyes, braces and a stud on the right side of her nose. Bandera-Magret is 4 feet 5 inches tall and 75 pounds, with curly brown hair and brown eyes.

The initial alert covered the Amarillo, Lubbock, El Paso, Midland/Odessa, Austin/San Antonio, Brownsville, Corpus Christi, San Angelo, Fort Worth and Houston-Galveston regions, as well as Norman, Okla. and Shreveport and Lake Charles, La.

Anyone with information about the abduction is asked to call the Round Rock Police Department at (512) 218-5516.
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The 75-year-old man who died Tuesday morning in a house fire on the East Side has been identified by the Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office.

Arnold Hilton Gibbons died around 9 a.m. at his home in the 200 block of Belmont Avenue, according to the medical examiner's office.

San Antonio Fire Department officials said he was apparently either trying to heat his home with his stove or battling a toaster fire when his shirt ignited.

RELATED: 1 man, 5 pets killed in string of fires in San Antonio

A neighbor noticed smoke rising from Gibbons' home and went to check on him. After the neighbor broke through burglar bars, he saw Gibbons smoldering in the front room of the home, officials said.

The neighbor pulled Gibbons to the doorway of the home, sustaining minor burns to his own hand in the process, and then put out the fire using flour.

It was too late. Gibbons had already sustained severe third-degree burns all over his body and paramedics later pronounced him dead at the scene.

The fire was one of at least 17 San Antonio firefighters resopnded to in the first days of 2017 as area residents attempted to take unusual measures to heat their homes.

Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com

Caleb Downs is a crime reporter for mySA.com. Read more of his stories here.| cdowns@mysa.com | Twitter: @calebjdowns
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 5 1 of 5 Courtesy Austin Fire Department Show More Show Less 2 of 5 Courtesy Austin Fire Department Show More Show Less 3 of 5 4 of 5 Courtesy Austin Fire Department Show More Show Less 5 of 5









Austin firefighters on Tuesday showed they don't just have a heart for people, but for animals too.

A crew was sent to rescue a dog who managed to get stuck in a deep concrete structure, according to a Facebook post from the department.
Eight Los Aztecas cartel members were apprehended by Mexican law enforcement officials in December 2017 in connection with 16 killings, El Blog del Narco reported.

The rash of killings reportedly occurred in in the Mexican city of Juarez occurring over a three-month period beginning on October 2017.
A woman being booked into the Bexar County Jail tried making a run for it, though she didn't get very far, according to deputies.

Rosemary Hernandez, 39, was arrested Wednesday afternoon in the 100 block of Alta Sita street after she was accused of stabbing her boyfriend in the neck. She was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
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A Frisco man learned his fate Wednesday, almost four months after he pleaded guilty to assaulting and robbing men because they were gay, officials said.

Nigel Garrett, 21, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, according to a news release from the Department of Justice.

According to the plea deal, Garrett admitted to targeting gay men through the dating app Grindr.

RELATED: BCSO: Woman accused of stabbing boyfriend in the neck escaped jail

Garrett, along with three other conspirators, faced charges of hate crimes, kidnappings, carjackings and the use of firearms to commit violent crimes. The indictment also charged them with conspiring to cause bodily injury because of the victim's sexual orientation.

According to the press release, the four defendants would use the app to arrange meet-ups with gay men. When they'd enter the victims' homes, they would tie them up, assault them, rob them and make derogatory statements about their sexual orientation, authorities said.

The four defendants were responsible for four home invasions in Plano, Frisco and Aubrey, the release says.

"Violence, in any form, is an affront to the American principles of freedom and safety that our communities are entitled to," said Acting U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston. "The Department of Justice has made prosecution of violent crime a priority. The Eastern District of Texas, in prosecuting this case and others like it, intends to demonstrate that this priority is something more than just a slogan."

The three other suspects, Anthony Shelton, Chancler Encalade and Cameron Ajiduah, are still awaiting sentencing, according to the release.

Fares Sabawi covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County for mySA.com. Read more of his stories here. | fsabawi@mysa.com | Twitter: @FaresInSA
Police on Wednesday arrested a 31-year-old woman who allegedly rented out her Southwest Side home to smugglers who used it to house undocumented immigrants.

Crystal Perez, was charged with smuggling of persons and an unspecified felony charge. She was booked into the Bexar County Jail on a $30,000 bond.
TEHRAN - Members of Iran's ruling establishment took turns on Thursday assigning blame for what they regard as an embarrassing outbreak of protests this week in more than 80 cities across the country.

Iran's chief prosecutor elaborated on the government's claims that the United States and its allies were responsible for stirring up the violent protests.

The United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia planned the "riots," the prosecutor, Mohammad Jafar Montazeri, said on state television, in an effort to "subvert the Iranian government."

"The U.S., the Zionist regime and the Al Sauds were the three sides of this subversive plan, and Saudi Arabia committed to provide money for it," Montazeri said.

Iran's mission to the United Nations also sent a letter to the Security Council on Wednesday complaining about "acts of intervention" by the Trump administration, citing as evidence the president's Twitter posts in support of the protests.

"The president and vice president of the United States, in their numerous absurd tweets, incited Iranians to engage in disruptive acts," the letter read.

The Islamic State - an odd bedfellow for the United States - also played a role, Montazeri said without explaining precisely how. He also called on clerics in the holy city of Qom to support the judiciary in a permanent ban on the messenger app Telegram, now closed in Iran. "It's a disaster," Montazeri said of the social media tool.

Government officials also blamed internal enemies for instigating the protests, with the leader of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps seeming to imply that a former hard-line president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, was involved.

More Information U.S. threatens Iran with sanctions The Trump administration condemned Iran's government Thursday for cracking down on protests across the country and warned that the United States has "ample authorities" to impose sanctions in response. At the same time, the United States imposed new sanctions on five Iranian entities over their involvement in developing ballistic missiles. Those sanctions were unrelated to the ongoing protests. Associated Press See More Collapse

Whatever Ahmadinejad's role, Iran's reformist faction has accused hard-liners in the city of Mashhad of organizing the first protests to create political problems for Iran's moderate president, Hassan Rouhani. And hard-liners have, in turn, accused Rouhani of publicizing sensitive parts of his proposed budget in a calculated move to turn ordinary people against religious institutions.

"They all blame each other," said Nader Karimi Joni, a reformist journalist. "What else can they do?"

The protests, meanwhile, seemed to be winding down, though there is no sure way to tell.

Fewer videos of purported demonstrations appeared on social media Thursday. But many sites have been blocked, possibly obscuring the true extent of the protests.
SEOUL, South Korea - North Korea reopened a border hotline with South Korea on Wednesday, restoring a channel of direct dialogue and signaling a possible thaw in relations between the two Koreas after years of hair-trigger tensions.

The return of the telephone hotline at the village of Panmunjom, which straddles the Demilitarized Zone, the world's most heavily guarded border, came two days after North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, made a rare overture to the South.

In his New Year's Day speech Monday, Kim continued his nuclear threat against Washington, saying he had a "nuclear button" ready to launch a weapon against any target in the United States. President Donald Trump replied in a Twitter post, boasting of a bigger and more powerful "nuclear button" than Kim's.

But Kim also proposed negotiations with South Korea to discuss easing military tensions on the divided Korean Peninsula and his country's possible participation in the Winter Olympics, which are being held in the South Korean town of Pyeongchang next month.

The fast-moving political developments have given new hope for a warming of ties between the two long-standing enemies.

On Tuesday, South Korea's president, Moon Jae-in, who has called for dialogue with the North since his inauguration in May, quickly embraced Kim's offer of talks.

His government proposed that high-level negotiators from both Koreas meet at Panmunjom next Tuesday to discuss the North's Olympic participation.

Seizing on Kim's outreach, South Korea also urged the North on Tuesday to reopen the Panmunjom hotline so that both sides could start preparations for high-level talks, a proposal the North embraced Wednesday.

"We will connect with the South with a sincere and diligent attitude," Ri Son Kwon, a senior North Korean official, said Wednesday in a statement on state-run television, announcing the hotline's reopening. "We once again express our sincere hope that the Pyeongchang Olympics will be successful."

On Tuesday, when South Korea proposed high-level talks, there was no way to deliver its proposal directly to the North. So, Cho Myoung-gyon, a South Korean Cabinet minister in charge of relations with the North, held a news conference to read out the South's proposal.

Ri's television appearance was the North's response to Cho's news conference. Ri is chairman of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland, a North Korean agency that handles relations with the South.
Sometimes we forget how tough a job pilots actually have.

As Storm Eleanor ravaged across Ireland and the UK yesterday, many flights were delayed or cancelled but a fortunate (or unfortunate, depending on your viewpoint) few managed to reach their destination despite the high winds, although it wasn't exactly a drama free flight.

Graham Kirk was flying from Edinburgh to London City Airport when the pilot had to abort their landing at the last minute, and he caught the moment on camera.

Kirk accompanied the video with the tweet: "LCY: where each flight today comes with a free rollercoaster ride. Very sporting go-around on todays BA8705 from EDI. Someone buy that captain a beer!"
My hope for the new year is that the United States doesnt bluster and blunder its way into a tragic, needless war.

My fear is that the Trump administration is capable of doing just that.

I confess to having paid less attention than I should to the increasingly apocalyptic rhetoric from the administration about the nuclear threat from North Korea. Im not talking about President Donald Trumps juvenile tweets calling Kim Jong Un Little Rocket Man and making fun of his weight. I mean statements by officials such as H.R. McMaster, Trumps national security adviser, who  unlike the president  is not known for meaningless blather.

The potential for war with North Korea is increasing every day, McMaster said last month at a defense forum. Time is running out for a peaceful solution, he declared in another public appearance. I dont think we can tolerate that risk of a nuclear-armed North Korea with advanced ballistic missiles, he told CBS in an interview.

What is alarming is that the situation McMaster describes as intolerable is the situation that exists today. And while he warns that time is running out for a peaceful end to the standoff, he has also said that there cant be negotiations under these current conditions.

I worry that with such absolutist rhetoric, the United States is ruling out the realistic options for peace  and putting us on a path that may lead inexorably to war.

No amount of threatening is likely to make Kim surrender his nuclear weapons, because he sees them as an insurance policy. In a New Years declaration, Kim said his country was moving toward mass production of nuclear weapons and created an opening with direct dialogue with South Korea, potentially driving a wedge between South Korea and and the U.S.

The North Koreans watched as Libyas Moammar Gadhafi and Iraqs Saddam Hussein gave up their nuclear ambitions  and ended up being deposed and killed. Kim has no intention of making the same mistake.

North Korea conducted its first nuclear weapons test while George W. Bush was president, four more while Barack Obama was president, and another under Trump. U.S. policy throughout has been remarkably consistent  warnings, sanctions, more warnings, more sanctions, attempts at multiparty talks  and remarkably futile.

What good does it do for McMaster to say the United States cannot tolerate what it is tolerating? If the United States launches an attack to try to destroy those weapons or take them away, the North Korean regime almost surely would be able to fire off a response that kills many thousands or even millions.

I understand why no U.S. administration wants to be the one to accept the fact that North Korea has joined the exclusive club of nations with nuclear arsenals. But this is, indeed, a fact.

McMaster and others should frame the North Korea situation as a threat to be ameliorated and stop speaking in terms that should be reserved for a full-blown crisis. A threat can be dealt with over time. A crisis, however, requires urgent action.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, to his credit, has been trying to cool things down. He even offered to begin talks with the North Koreans with no preconditions, though this was quickly nixed by the White House.

The obvious solution is some sort of negotiated deal that freezes the North Korean nuclear and missile programs at certain levels. That would mean accepting what the administration now describes as unacceptable, but it would avoid the unthinkable: a bloodbath that could leave not just Pyongyang but much of Seoul, and perhaps Tokyo, in smoking ruins.

Someone should remind Trump that he campaigned on a pledge to end the nations role as the worlds policeman. Since taking office, he has mostly allowed himself to be guided by the generals who surround him  McMaster, chief of staff John Kelly, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis. On balance, this has been a good thing. But Im increasingly worried by the way the generals talk about North Korea.

Everybody needs to lower the temperature and begin talking in reasonable terms about achievable goals. Something is wrong when the rhetoric from Pyongyang is no more belligerent than what we hear around Washington.

eugenerobinson@washpost.com
President Trump has reprised his demand for border-wall funding in return for his signature on legislation lifting the threat of deportation on immigrants brought here without documents when they were children. And other demands, according to a recent New York Times report, include defunding so-called sanctuary cities and reclassifying visa overstays as criminal, not civil, offenses.

Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle should stand firm in not caving in to his demands. But they should pass permanent legislation for Dreamers this month.

When President Trump scrapped the Deferred Deportation for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in September, he gave Congress six months to come up with a solution. That means deportations of Dreamers could theoretically begin in March, but, realistically, if Dreamers are allowed to stay, the federal government will need plenty of lead time to process paperwork, why legislation is crucial this month.

EDITORIAL: Be wary of border 'takings' for wall

But funding for a border wall, defunding sanctuary cities and criminalizing visa overstays are too high a price to pay for such legislation.

The border wall has cost estimates ranging from $12 billion to $25 billion. But there is simply no wall that will stop people desperate enough to come here. The border already has some 650 miles of wall or fence along its 2,000-mile length and the entire border is already more secure and better resourced than at any time in its history.

Defund sanctuary cities? These are defined as municipalities that refuse to let their police officers and sheriffs deputies essentially become immigration agents. This would undermine the relationships local authorities have with immigrants  crimes will go unreported, witnesses will not step forward and an already vulnerable community will become more so.

Criminalizing visa overstays would be similarly counterproductive. It would further clog the judicial system  some 40 percent of undocumented immigrants are here because of overstays.

COMMENTARY: Immigration is a larger issue than Dreamers

Some Democrats also are offering a lose-lose proposition. They are threatening to not agree to any measure to fund the federal government past a Jan. 19 deadline if no Dreamer solution is included. In other words, they are threatening government shutdown. This, too, is too high a price.

The solution lies in a clean bipartisan DREAM Act  passed before March. There is time. Members on both sides of the aisle should approve such an act and dare the president to refuse to sign it. But, if the president is serious about his stated admiration of and sympathy for Dreamers, he should forego these demands altogether.
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Two events occurred toward the end of 2017 that bring into question how the appointments of two employees from Sheryl Sculleys office came about. They were both appointed to high-level positions in departments with boards that were supposed to have oversight responsibility. Its obvious those boards failed their due diligence.

The first was the appointment of Edward Benavides to chair the Tricentennial Commission; he resigned, apparently because he was incapable of handling such a large responsibility. The second involved Centro San Antonio CEO Pat DiGiovanni, who resigned when it was alleged that an employee embezzled what is now estimated at $260,000.

We have a new City Council, a new mayor and a new day. Now, new methods must be implemented to assure the best individuals are appointed to oversee large organizations in which the city has a say or taxpayer dollars are being used. Appointing city employees because it is convenient should not be the criteria.

Eleanor Sprowl

Make us proud

The Celebrate 300 Tricentennial kickoff on New Years Eve never lived up to the hype. Just what were the planners thinking? REO Speed Wagon, Pat Benatar and Neil Geraldo. Really? These were very poor choices who failed to represent our diverse homegrown talent in San Antonio and Texas.

Did anyone on the Planning Committee think of looking at entertainers like Vikki Carr, Tish Hinojosa, Rick Cavender or any number of locals with impressive credentials and the ability to represent San Antonio with style and grace?

Let us hope as the 300th birthday celebration moves forward, we will see the diverse artistic, cultural and ethnic contributions San Antonio has to offer. It is time for the planning committee to get real and do something we can all be proud of.

Carolyn Pinc

Fighting Amazon

So Donald Trump is giving all corporations a big tax break and trying to deregulate any safeguards but thinks Amazon should be charged much more for mail service, even though the one bright spot at the postal service is the increased revenue from package deliveries due to e-commerce growth.

And how will Trump accomplish that? I guess he can fire the postmaster general and the secretary of commerce, while demanding a special investigation into postal rates. Or he could build a great big, beautiful wall around Amazon and have Puerto Rico pay for it, now that a full 50 percent of the island has power again.

Reagin McAllister

Inform yourself

To Rep. Nancy Pelosi: You have to read the new tax bill to find out what is in it.

Evidently, you have not done so.

Jim Stultz

Language patrol

Re: Resolve to never utter these words, John Eubanks, Another View, Dec. 30:

Applause for John Eubanks for pointing out 10 words or phrases that should be eliminated from modern oral English. Words such as like, as in, I was, like, going downtown, grate on those of us who value clear speech.

I would add another phrase, yuh know, to his list. Almost all radio interviewees and TV talking heads insert this phrase at random places every sentence or so. Reminds me of my Navy days 60 years ago, when sailors inserted a certain other word in their conversations.

So, my friends, observe Eubanks plea. Please clean up your speech.

Paul A. Foerster
Bridgewater House in Carrick-on-Suir town centre has re-opened as a residential centre for people seeking asylum in Ireland and currently accommodates 112 people from Eastern Europe and Africa.

Asylum seekers and their children based at the former Mercy Convent and boarding school complex off Main Street were visited by Santa just before Christmas. They were delighted with the hospitality shown to them. The children received presents and had their photos taken with Santa.

Bridgewater House operated as a "direct provision" centre for asylum seekers and refugees for 15 years before its closure in 2016. At the time, the Department of Justice cited a fall in the number of asylum seekers entering the country as the reason for Bridgewater House's closure.

It re-opened its doors as a residential centre for refugees and asylum seekers on November 24 last. Its residents include asylum seekers, both adults and children, from Albania, Nigeria, Pakistan, The Congo and South Africa.

The property is owned by Millstreet Equestrian Services Ltd., a company run by Cork entrepreneurs Noel C Duggan and his brother Thomas Anthony Duggan. It is leased to the Department of Justice & Equality.

Martina Cronin, Community Liaison representative for Bridgewater House said it was decided to re-open Bridgewater House as other residential centres for asylum seekers around the country were reaching capacity. Alongside this, the shortage of housing nationwide has led to in a delay in people granted asylum in Ireland being able to move out of direct provision centres to permanent accommodation in houses and apartments.

She said the return of asylum seekers to Carrick-on-Suir will greatly benefit businesses in the form of regular orders for food and related services from Bridgewater House.
The increase in the number of cars driving into St. Patrick's Cemetery in Clonmel is damaging graves and causing the road surface to deteriorate, it has been claimed.

District Engineer Eamon Lonergan also told a meeting of Clonmel Borough District that a review of access arrangements to the cemetery needs to take place in 2018.

He added that in his view the provision of a caretaker isn't the solution, considering that two council staff are already employed there on a rotation basis.

Mr. Lonergan made his remarks when he responded to a request by Cllr. Siobhan Ambrose to have the position of cemetery caretaker re-instated, which she said would mean there would be a full-time staff presence there.

Mr. Lonergan stated there were many times when most of the lanes were blocked with cars. This caused issues for council staff trying to maintain the cemetery, not only effectively but safely.

"Undertakers are also finding it difficult to access areas of the cemetery with their hearses during burials", he said.

In the summer of 2015 a plan by the council to ban private vehicles from the cemetery, and restrict access to hearses and vehicles operated by council staff and those erecting headstones, was eventually abandoned after it was met with strong opposition by local people with family and friends buried there.

The District Engineer also told the recent council meeting that Clonmel town had its full allocation of council general operatives employed at present.

For the past five years two members of staff were based in the cemetery on a rotation basis, with a foreman planning and overseeing works there.

Additional council operatives were also present in the cemetery for burial-related works.

"Reports from the foreman and council staff indicate that damage to the graves, headstones and kerbs is mostly occurring at weekends and at night.

Having a caretaker wouldn't prevent these out-of-hours incidents", Mr. Lonergan added.

Cllr. Siobhan Ambrose (pictured above) suggested that, as an interim measure, bollards should be placed at the corners of the lanes where graves were in danger of being damaged.

The cemetery had expanded significantly since 1993, when they last had a caretaker employed there.

She said that a caretaker would oversee the maintenance of the graveyard and ensure that grave kerbstones weren't damaged by negligent drivers.

Cllr. Richie Molloy sad that a caretaker would assist with safety in the cemetery.

Cllr. Pat English said the cemetery operated very well when they had a caretaker.
Aishik Chanda By

Express News Service

KOLKATA: Speaking out for the first time against National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee called the exercise to determine original inhabitants of Assam a conspiracy to expel Bengalis out of Assam and compared NRC with the 1960s ethnic cleansing Bongal Kheda movement.

Addressing a public rally at Amodpur in Birbhum district of West Bengal on Wednesday, the Trinamool Congress supremo warned that ethnic problems in Assam would invariably have effects in West Bengal. I urge BJP not to play with fire. People are being removed from their native land with this conspiracy of NRC. If Bengalis are attacked or expelled from Assam, we would not keep quiet, she warned resulting in a huge applause.

ALSO READ: Conspiracy to axe Bengali-speaking people from Assam, alleges Opposition

She drew comparisons of NRC with the 1960s Bongal Kheda or Expel Bengalis ethnic cleansing movement in Assam when nearly 50,000 Bengalis of Assam had to flee the state and take shelter in West Bengal. Another 14,000 Bengalis fled to West Bengal during the 1972-73 Language Riots in Assam. If Bengalis chose to stay in Assam, they have to be embraced, she said.

Names of more than 70 per cent of Bengali speakers have reportedly not come up in the first draft of NRC, the most affected being Bengali-dominated Barak Valley in south Assam. The CM urged Trinamool Congress MPs to stage a protest at the Parliament on Thursday against NRC.

The West Bengal chief minister also took potshots at the Centre over the Triple Talaaq Bill saying that the bill would deteriorate the condition of Muslim women. The motive behind the bill was political. I warn BJP not to interfere in religious matters, she said. The TMC supremo even went on to claim that only her party could provide security to women.

She also did not miss the opportunity to attack the Centre on Financial Regulatory and Deposit Insurance (FRDI) Bill. They want us to link Adhaar number with the bank account. I would do that only if the Centre promises that the money in my account will be safe and not stolen in the name of FRDI Bill, she said.

KOLKATA: Speaking out for the first time against National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee called the exercise to determine original inhabitants of Assam a conspiracy to expel Bengalis out of Assam and compared NRC with the 1960s ethnic cleansing Bongal Kheda movement. Addressing a public rally at Amodpur in Birbhum district of West Bengal on Wednesday, the Trinamool Congress supremo warned that ethnic problems in Assam would invariably have effects in West Bengal. I urge BJP not to play with fire. People are being removed from their native land with this conspiracy of NRC. If Bengalis are attacked or expelled from Assam, we would not keep quiet, she warned resulting in a huge applause. ALSO READ: Conspiracy to axe Bengali-speaking people from Assam, alleges Opposition She drew comparisons of NRC with the 1960s Bongal Kheda or Expel Bengalis ethnic cleansing movement in Assam when nearly 50,000 Bengalis of Assam had to flee the state and take shelter in West Bengal. Another 14,000 Bengalis fled to West Bengal during the 1972-73 Language Riots in Assam. If Bengalis chose to stay in Assam, they have to be embraced, she said. Names of more than 70 per cent of Bengali speakers have reportedly not come up in the first draft of NRC, the most affected being Bengali-dominated Barak Valley in south Assam. The CM urged Trinamool Congress MPs to stage a protest at the Parliament on Thursday against NRC. The West Bengal chief minister also took potshots at the Centre over the Triple Talaaq Bill saying that the bill would deteriorate the condition of Muslim women. The motive behind the bill was political. I warn BJP not to interfere in religious matters, she said. The TMC supremo even went on to claim that only her party could provide security to women. She also did not miss the opportunity to attack the Centre on Financial Regulatory and Deposit Insurance (FRDI) Bill. They want us to link Adhaar number with the bank account. I would do that only if the Centre promises that the money in my account will be safe and not stolen in the name of FRDI Bill, she said.
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy this afternoon. High 29F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 17F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph.
New Delhi: State-run lenders Bank of Maharashtra, Central Bank of India and UCO Bank on Wednesday received board approvals to raise a total of Rs 2,348 crore by selling shares to the government, said the banks in a stock exchange filing.

The government on November 28, had informed each of these banks that it has allocated capital to them.

Banks, especially state-owned lenders, are needed in of capital to not only meet regulatory requirements under the so-called Basel III norms, which will be fully implemented from April 2019 but also to clean up their stressed balance sheets. Indian banks are sitting on a stressed asset pool of over Rs 10 trillion.

With these three banks, the government has now allotted a total of Rs 7,577 crore to six public sector banks, all of whom are under the Reserve Bank of Indias prompt corrective action (PCA). The other three banks are IDBI Bank, Dena Bank and Bank of India. Of these, IDBI Bank has got the highest allocation of Rs 2,729 crore.

The central bank has put lenders under PCA owing to their weak financial health as bad loans soared and return on assets turned negative. Fall in capital levels below the regulatory prescription can also lead to the initiation of PCA.

PCA forces banks to step up recoveries of bad loans, reduce risky loans, strengthen capital base and restrict branch expansion, among other measures, in order to improve balance sheet health.

The capital allocation comes at a time when the government is yet to announce the final details of the recapitalisation bonds. In October, finance minister Arun Jaitley had announced a Rs 2.11 trillion bank recapitalisation plan for state-owned lenders weighed down by bad loans, seeking to stimulate the flow of credit to spur private investment.

Out of the total commitment, Rs 1.35 trillion is expected to come from the sale of so-called recapitalisation bonds. The remaining Rs76,000 crore will be through budgetary allocation and fundraising from the markets.
New Delhi: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is going to issue new Rs 10 notes under the Mahatma Gandhi series with chocolate brown colour as the base. The new note will bear the picture of the Konark Sun Temple.

The apex bank has already printed around 1 billion pieces of the new note, according to people familiar with the matter.

RBI said the new denomination has motif of Sun Temple, Konark, on the reverse, depicting the country's cultural heritage. The note has other designs, geometric patterns aligning with the overall colour scheme, both at the obverse and reverse, it said.

The design was approved by the government last week. The change in design in the old Rs 10 note was last made in 2005. In August last year, RBI had introduced the new Rs 200 and Rs 50 notes under the Mahatma Gandhi series.

The move to reintroduce lower denomination notes in a new design comes after the governments plan to get rid of counterfeiting.

On 8 November 2016, the government announced demonetisation to withdraw Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currency notes, amounting to around 86% of the currency in circulation of Rs 17.9 trillion. Since then, RBI has replaced these with the new Rs 2000 notes and redesigned Rs 500 notes.

RBI has printed 16.96 billion pieces of Rs 500 notes and 3.6 billion pieces of Rs 2,000 notes as on December 8, according to information given by the finance ministry in Lok Sabha. The total value of such notes translates into Rs 15.79 trillion.

RBI data show currency in circulation was Rs 16.71 trillion as on December 22. This is about 94.4% of the Rs 17.7 trillion that was in circulation on 4 November 2016.

RBIs annual report for fiscal 2016-17 also showed that the volume of banknotes increased by 11.1% mainly due to higher infusion of banknotes of lower denomination following demonetisation. The governments rationale behind the move is to check fake notes which had seen a significant jump since 2008. From 195,000 pieces in fiscal year 2008, the number of counterfeit notes increased to 632,000 pieces in 2015-16.
If you ever wonder about the power of the Right To Information (RTI) Act, this should be the answer.

It was just one RTI application, which has demolished the central governments entire case in support of pictorial health warnings to cover 85 percent of cigarette boxes and other tobacco products.

The RTI application, filed in August 2016, had asked the Union Health Ministry three questions:

 Whether the pictorial warning is a real image of a human being or a representational one?

 Who provided the images to the department for the purpose of prescribing the pictorial warning?

 How many medically approved cases have been detected in India where the patients with mouth cancer have suffered the damage equal

to the damage shown in the pictorial warning?

The ministry had a common answer: No such specific information/data is available.

The RTI reply from the government convinced the Karnataka High Court that the ministry lacked reasons why the pictorial health warning should cover 85% and not 40%, as it was before the 2014 regulation, and hence the regulations were quashed.

The aforesaid answers clearly establish that there was no scientific approach adopted while choosing 85% as the size of the warning. No material has been placed before this court by the respondents to establish that if the size of the warning is 85%, it would have the effect of dissuading smokers or potential smokers from using/consuming tobacco products, held the HC division bench.

Both the judges on the bench, Justice BS Patil and Justice BV Nagarathna, felt persuaded that the RTI response has disclosed that no methodical or reasoned approach was followed by the Health Ministry before prescribing the 85% pictorial health warning norm under The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labelling) Amendment Rules, 2014 (COTPA).

This regulation, which has now been quashed by the HC, had come into effect from April 1 last year following a spate of protests from tobacco industries.

Citing the RTI application, Justice Nagarathna held: It becomes clear that neither was there any basis nor any application of mind to prescribe specified health warning to be 85% of the principal display area on both sides of the package. In the absence of there being any material, which has been considered by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, I find prescription of 85% of the principal display area of the package containing the specified warning is arbitrary and in violation of Article 14 of the Constitution.

Writing a separate but concurring judgment, Justice Patil also relied upon the RTI reply to hold that the amendment rule was bad in law and could not be sustained.

As is evident from the reply dated 27.09.2016 given pursuant to an RTI Application dated 26.08.2016, there was no concrete material available before the Health Ministry based on which decision was taken to prescribe the pictorial warning. This amply demonstrates that uniform prescription of 85% specified warning in respect of all these tobacco products was devoid of any basis, said Justice Patil.

The bench also dismissed the governments argument that the size of the warning was a matter of policy, in which courts may not interfere.

The judges pointed out that a balance would have to be struck between the right to advertise on the package -- as a right under Article 19(1) (g) for the freedom to carry on trade and commerce -- and the reasonable restriction on exercise of this right.

Deciding a bunch of petitions, the HC has recently quashed the new regulation which required the tobacco packets to have 85% pictorial health warning on them. Appeal against this order has been moved in the Supreme Court, which will take up the matter on January 8.
Vidisha: Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad activists clashed with police in Vidisha of Madhya Pradesh after they refused to back down from reciting Bharat Mata aarti inside a missionary college here.

For the last fortnight, activists of the right-wing student organisation have been visiting schools and colleges in the state reciting Bharat Mata aarti to instil a sense of patriotism among students.

As part of that campaign, the student workers reached St Marys PG College in Vidisha where they were denied permission by the college director, Father Shaju Devassy. The college was already given police protection to stop ABVP from storming in as the organisation had made their intentions clear in advance.

ABVP activists, however, refused to budge from their demand and tried reciting the aarti on the college gate. This led to police force present there to lathicharge them. Clashes continued for some hours after and some protesters were detained by the police.

Heavy police force was deployed at the college as ABVP has given prior intimation of forcefully entering the college for reciting the aarti.

ABVP leader Surendra Singh Chauhan, who led the agitation, said that as part of their campaign, they reached St Marys PG College but were denied permission to sing the aarti by the administration which was insult to nationalism. The college director connived with police and administration to put pressure on us, he alleged.

Anil Suchari, district collector, Vidisha, told the media that its a minority institution and no event could take place inside the college campus without the permission of the institute.

ABVP national executive member Ankit Garg told News18 that their activists reached the college after getting complaints that the college was denying permission to sing Vande Matarm, Bharat Mata aarti and other such songs.

Is it a crime to sing Bharat Mata aarti anywhere in India? he said.

No ABVP worker was detained, he said, adding that those detained by the police were not ABVP workers.
New Delhi: The latest statistics on pendency of cases, at all levels of courts across the country, makes it evident that a lot requires to be done to fulfil the mandate of speedy justice.

The data, collated from the web-portal of National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) and the court websites, indicates not much has changed in the last few years although the huge pendency of cases have taken the centre stage in several deliberations between the judiciary and the government.

Over 30% of cases in the Supreme Court are more than five-year-old

As per the information made available by the Supreme Court of India to the Union Ministry of Law and Justice, the total number of pending cases in the apex court as on December 18 was 54,719.

The number of cases pending in the court for more than 5 years was 15,929, which is more than 29 per cent of the cases. Those waiting for disposal for more than 10 years constituted 1,550 cases.

If the data were compiled separately for cases pending for more than 5 years and more than 10 years respectively, over 32 per cent cases i.e. around one-third of total cases in the top court have been hanging fire for more than 5 years.

Recently, Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra has written to chief justices of all 24 high courts to have benches even in the vacation to expedite criminal appeals and decide cases on a fast-track basis. There is also an Arrears Committee in the Supreme Court to formulate steps for reducing pendency of cases in high courts and district courts.

But in the Supreme Court, the CJI happens to be the first among the equals in his judicial powers. Therefore, a consultative and collaborative approach would be the need of the hour to make an appeal to the brother and sister judges in the apex court for speeding up the disposal of old cases. Moreover, there are six vacancies of judges in the apex court and filling them up would definitely be helpful in tacking the pendency.

On average,1.65 lakh cases pending in every high court

According to the statistics available on NJDG, as on December 26, more than 34.27 lakh cases were pending in high courts, excluding High Courts of Allahabad and Jammu & Kashmir. Data available on the Uttar Pradesh governments law departments website disclosed pendency of more than 3.2 lakh.

Thus, a total of 37.47 lakh cases are pending in 23 high courts, with an average of around 1.65 lakh each.

The data further showed that out of 34.27 lakh pending cases, 7.46 lakh cases  almost 22 per cent, were 5 to 10 years old. Another 6.42 lakh cases, which constituted around 19 per cent were more than 10 years old. Combined together, 40 per cent pending cases in the high courts have been waiting disposal for at least 5 years now.

A look at the working strength of the high courts may indicate one of the chief reasons for this whopping pendency. At present, the high courts are working with less than two-third of their approved strength.

There is a staggering vacancy of 395 judges against the approved strength of 1,079 across the 24 high courts  a shortage of more than 36 per cent. There are certain high courts, such as Calcutta HC, Karnataka HC, Chhattisgarh HC, Manipur HC and Meghalaya HC where the vacancy is almost 50 per cent of the approved strength of judges. Further, nine high courts do not have the regular chief justices appointed for want of recommendation from the Supreme Court collegium, headed by the CJI.

2.6 crore cases pending in subordinate courts across country

Showing no sign of improvement from the previous three years, the pendency in subordinate courts remains at an alarming figure of 2.6 crore as on December 26. This figure does not include cases pending in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Puducherry and Lakshadweep,

The backlog has remained between 2.2 to 2.8 crore in the last three years and despite all the measures adopted, it has shown no sign of decline for the year 2017.

Uttar Pradesh topped this list with 61.58 lakh pending cases  almost one-fourth of the total number. This is followed by Maharashtra (33.22 lakh), West Bengal (17.59 lakh), Bihar (16.58 lakh) and Gujarat (16.45 lakh). This has been the trend in the last three years and the top five states with enormous pendency have just maintained their position.

Subordinate judiciary, unfortunately, suffers from the same handicap that has been plaguing the functioning of high courts  acute shortage of judicial officers.

According to the information made available by the high courts and respective state governments, as on November 30, the sanctioned strength of Judicial Officers of District and Subordinate Courts was 22,677, and the vacant posts was 5,984 (26.38%).

Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Gujarat, three states among the five with maximum pendency, also figured in the list of top five states with highest vacancy of judicial officers.

The statistics are a testimony of the fact that an improvised methodology will have to be resorted to for unclogging the judicial system. There have been conferences, letters and projects between the government and the judiciary but the momentum is still lacking while the backlog soars.

With increase in awareness, litigations are bound to go up and thus, it is trite that a multi-pronged approach is required to simultaneously reduce the pendency with promptitude.

Filling up of vacancies in subordinate judiciary and the manner of their functioning is primarily the responsibility of the high court concerned and the state governments, whereas it is the Supreme Court Collegium that makes the recommendation for appointment of judges in high courts and the apex court.

All the stakeholders ought to put their heads together, ignoring the technicalities and turf, if access to justice becomes a realisation and not just a distant goal after six decades of independence. And the justice must come when it matters the most, for justice delayed is justice denied.
Guwahati/Kolkata: The Assam Police on Thursday registered an FIR against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on complaints over her allegation that the Centre was conspiring to drive Bengalis out of Assam with the state's National Register of Citizens (NRC) that is being updated.

The police FIR sparked an angry response from the Trinamool Congress(TMC) which said such an action would not stop her from fighting for the cause of the Bengalis, while the BJP accused Banerjee of trying to make an "issue out of a non-issue" for reaping political dividends.

The BJP government in Assam condemned Banerjee's statement, saying it was "derogatory, insulting to the people of Assam and against the Constitution as well as the spirit of the Supreme Court."

Numerous groups staged protests across Assam condemning the statement by the TMC chief. At several places, including in Tinsukia and Biswanath, Banerjee's effigies were burnt.

At a meeting in Ahmedpur in West Bengal yesterday, Banerjee accused the NDA government at the Centre of "hatching a conspiracy" to drive out Bengalis from Assam by "excluding" their names from the first draft of the NRC, which was published on the midnight of December 31.

"I warn the BJP government at the Centre not to play with fire... This is a conspiracy of the Centre to drive out around 1.80 crore people from the state," she had said. The NRC of 1951 is being updated in Assam under the supervision of the Supreme Court to identify original residents of the state in order to check illegal migration.

Deputy Commissioner (Central) of Guwahati Police Ranjan Bhuyan told PTI, "Latasil police station received a complaint regarding an alleged speech of the West Bengal chief minister.

We have registered the complaint and will carry out the investigation as per law."

The complaint was filed by Gauhati High Court advocate Tailendra Nath Das and the police have registered an FIR under Section 153(A) of the Indian Penal Code, he added.

The section pertains to promoting enmity among groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony.

Das also accused Banerjee of contempt of the apex court as the update of the NRC is being done under the direct supervision of the Supreme Court.

A similar complaint was filed by another person and it would be merged with the registered FIR, the police said.

Yet another complaint was filed at the Dispur police station in the city by Krishak Shramik Unnayan Parishad President Pradeep Kalita alleging that the chief minister was spreading enmity between people through her speech.

"We have received the complaint at Dispur, but have not registered a case as yet...The police are looking into the matter before registering a case as the place of occurrence is outside the state," said Deputy Commissioner(East) of Guwahati Police Mohneesh Mishra.

Assam government spokesperson and cabinet minister Chandra Mohan Patowary termed her speech against the NRC update as "politically motivated" and made to "appease her vote bank".

"We condemn the statement of Mamata Banerjee. It is derogatory and insulting to people of Assam. It is against the Constitution and the spirit of the Supreme Court," Patowary told a press conference in Guwahati.

Responding to Banerjee's allegation of a conspiracy to drive Bengali speaking people out of Assam, Patowary asked her to submit evidence to the Supreme Court.

TMC secretary general Partha Chatterjee said if the BJP and Assam government think that they can stop the party and Banerjee from fighting for the cause of Muslims then they are living in a "fool's paradise".

"Such police cases and FIRs won't be able to stop Mamata Banerjee and TMC from fighting for the cause of Bengalis. We have seen such tactics to drive out Bengalis from Assam. If the Bengalis are in danger then Mamata Banerjee and TMC won't sit idle," said Chatterjee, who is also the state parliamentary affairs minister.

The West Bengal BJP unit slammed Banerjee for her statement.

"The allegations made by the chief minister are completely baseless. Nothing of that sort is being done. Such allegations are made just to get political dividends out of it," its president Dilip Ghosh said.

The TMC is trying to make an issue out of a non-issue, just like they had done in the case of demonetisation and GST, Ghosh said.

Assam BJP unit urged the NRC authorities to file a complaint in the Supreme Court against Banerjee for her comments.

Another senior state BJP leader, who did not want to be identified, said that Banerjee instead of making a hue and cry should take lessons from Assam.

"We very well know that West Bengal has turned into a safe haven for Jihadis under TMC regime. So instead of shouting over the NRC, the TMC should take lessons from it," the BJP leader said.
New Delhi: In September 2016, in the aftermath of the Uri terror attacks, he was leading the planning and execution of the Indian Armys surgical strikes against terror pads in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. Over a year since the 2016 strikes and hours after the BSF avenged the killing of a BSF jawan and destroying three Pakistan Army posts, Lt Gen (retired) DS Hooda, the man behind one of Indias most decisive military missions, speaks to News18s Uday Singh Rana about the sustainability of cross-border strikes.

You led Indias surgical strikes in September 2016. What was the difference and similarity between that strike and the one late on Wednesday night, in which BSF killed 15 Pakistan Rangers?

There are many options that the Army has while responding to such attacks. I dont think the terminology is very important here. The fact is that the action has been taken. We say there is a certain sanctity to the Line of Control. But if we have people from Pakistan coming in every day, with ceasefire violations taking place every day, then that sanctity is completely lost.

It was said that cross-border strikes would be an exception rather than the rule. Why, then, are they happening more often from both sides?

Im not sure if we can say its happening more often. It has happened in the past. It isnt the first time that the Pakistanis have crossed over to our side. As far as learning lessons are concerned, I dont think the aim was to stop Pakistan from supporting terrorism in Kashmir. The intention was to tell them that there are terrorists on your side and they shouldnt feel secure. We also needed to send across a message to our own countrymen. If something happens on our side that does not mean that the Army would sit quietly.

Lt Gen (retd) Panag compared Indias military strategy of cross-border strikes to a Kabaddi match. Do you think thats a fair comparison to make?

What should be the response to actions like this? What is expected from us? Will the Indian Army sit on its hands? The Army should take a call on what they can do and when they can do it. We cant keep sitting in our own territory and not respond to actions that are clearly sponsored by the Pakistani army. The responsibility of bringing calm to the LoC lies with Pakistan. We have always told them that if they want things to calm down, they should keep a check on things that are happening on their side.

Can this be a long-term strategy? Can India sustain it?

To me, it should carry on as long as there is a need to put pressure on Pakistan. It is definitely sustainable, we have enough capability and enough troops on the ground. Do we want to continue this? Well, the ball is in Pakistans court. The Indian Army is not happy that there is violence because the people who are dying are our comrades.

So we cant even say when this confrontation will end?

Absolutely not. The prerogative lies with Pakistan, not India.
New Delhi: The judge trying RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav in a fodder scam case in Ranchi revealed on Thursday that he had got several phone calls from his party loyalists.

CBI Judge Shiv Pal Singh said he got phone calls from Yadav's men but didn't specify what was said to him.

"I got many references for you but don't worry, I will follow only law," he told Yadav.

The comment was made after the court deferred the pronouncement of quantum of punishment in the Deogarh treasury case to Friday.

When Singh asked if he had any problem with his decision to defer pronouncement of sentencing, Yadav said, No, sir I will come whenever you want. I will happily come. Dont direct to produce me through video conferencing.

Responding, the judge said, Dont worry. Nobody will know the timing when I will summon you.

The case relates to fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 89.27 lakh from Deoghar treasury 21 years ago.

While the sentencing of Prasad was deferred, the arguments on quantum of sentence of IAS officer Beck Julius, political leader Jagdish Sharma, former treasury officer Krishna Kumar Prasad, fodder transporter/suppliers Gopinath Das and Jyoti Kumar Jha, ended on Thursday.

On a plea by three former IAS officers  Julius, Phoolchand Singh and Mahesh Prasad  the court directed to lodge them in the higher division of Birsa Munda jail where Yadav is.

In all, 16 people along with Yadav were convicted in the case on December 23 while six others, including former Bihar chief minister Jagannath Mishra, were acquitted in the case.
New Delhi: Lack of numbers and consensus in the Rajya Sabha may force the Centre to send the Triple Talaq Bill to a Select Committee of the House.

The Bill, which criminalises instant divorce among Muslims with a three year penal provision, was passed by the Lok Sabha last week. Most of the opposition parties, including the Congress, had supported the passage of the Bill in the lower house with some reservations.

BJPs absolute majority in the Lok Sabha helped the ruling dispensation in the easy passage of legislation. The statute when brought to the Rajya Sabha faced some stiff resistance on Wednesday when a collective opposition insisted on sending the Bill to the Select Committee.

A motion to this effect was moved by Anand Sharma of the Congress and Sukhendu Shekhar Roy of the Trinamool Congress.

The governments position on the issue was articulated by Leader of the House and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, and Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. The BJP accused the opposition of impeding a progressive legislation which was passed and supported by the Congress in the LS. The government accused the opposition of showing double standards.

"The Bill should not be referred to a select committee because two of the SC judges who said it was not unconsitutional but held it to be unfair, used their extraordinary power to suspend this practice for six months and the period would be over in February. It was suspended under Article 142. The court beseeched all political parties and asked a law to be brought in", Jaitley said in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

But with smaller regional parties like DMK, NCP, BJD, TMC and SP joining hands in seeking larger consultations, the government may, it seems, finally concede.

The Select Committee with members from all major parties may delve into the legislation and present its report in the Budget Session of Parliament.

Based on the recommendation of the committee, the government may amend the Bill in its attempt to seek larger consensus on the issue.
Jammu: A day after a BSF jawan was killed in Jammu in unprovoked firing by Pakistan, India hit back, destroying three Pakistan Army posts. According to sources, over 10 Pakistan Rangers were killed in the BSF action that took place late on Wednesday night.

"Post injury to BSF trooper Head Constable R P Hazra from unprovoked fire by Pak forces on Jammu IB in Samba sector yesterday, the retaliation continued till late night," the BSF said in a statement.

BSF Jammu (IG) refused to confirm the number of Pakistan Rangers killed. We have inflicted heavy damage to both infrastructure and life in Pakistan. At least four of their BoPs have been destroyed," he said.

The BSF statement said that Pak mortar positions were located, targeted and destroyed by BSF troopers.

Intelligence agencies suspect that the recent round of firing could be a tactic by Pakistan to provide cover fire to intruding terrorists. "This morning, despite dense fog in the R S Pura area troopers detected an intrusion attempt around 5:45am. The intruder was neutralized around 7am. Complete area is cordoned off. Search will commence after fog gets clear," BSF said.

Responding to the incident, the Pakistani Army issued a statement, saying, "Indian Army fired unprovoked in the Zafarwal Sector. They targeted innocent civilians and three people were injured. In response, Pakistan targeted an Indian post, killing one soldier and injuring two. The post was neutralised."
Washington: An Indian doctor has been sentenced to 10 months behind bars in the US for groping two teenage female patients and faces deportation to India after the completion of his jail term.

Arun Aggarwal, 40, was sentenced on Thursday after pleading guilty to four counts of gross sexual imposition. Aggarwal, formerly a doctor at Dayton Children's Hospital in Ohio, inappropriately touched two teens during medical examination between 2013 and 2015, the government attorney said.

Designated as a Tier I sex offender, Aggarwal was arrested when he was allegedly trying to flee the country.

In a statement, the Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Leon Daidone alleged that the local hospital did not report the incident to the police.

Aggarwal now faces deportation to India.
Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will present a special gift - the Gal-Mobile water desalinisation and purification jeep - to his friend Narendra Modi during his visit to India starting January 14, according to sources here.

Netanyahu and Modi waded into the Mediterranean Sea and rode the "buggy" jeep on the coast during the latter's visit to Israel in July last year.

Now Netanyahu is going to gift the same jeep to Modi, informed sources said.

As Netanyahu prepares for his four-day visit to India, sources confirmed that the jeep has "indeed" left for India and "would be arriving on time" to be presented by the Israeli Prime Minister to Modi.

The jeep is said to cost around 390,000 shekels (approximately $111,000).

Modi and Netanyahu had witnessed the demonstration of sea water purification technology pioneered by Israel at a water desalination unit on the Olga Beach during the Indian Prime Minister's visit to Israel.

"I am thankful to Bibi (Netanyahu) because the vehicle which I saw today, particularly during a natural calamity when people are suffering (shortage of) drinking water...Can provide drinking water," Modi had said after the demonstration.

Gal-Mobile is an independent, integrated water purification vehicle, designed to produce high-quality drinking water. It can be useful in natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, military use in difficult terrain and rural areas to provide drinkable water.

It can purify up to 20,000 litres per day of seawater and 80,000 litres per day of brackish/muddy or contaminated river water and bring it to WHO standards.

The camaraderie between the two leaders was on full display as they spent some time on the beach and had a long chat standing ankle deep in the waters with waves hitting their feet.

"There's nothing like going to the beach with friends!," the Israeli leader had later tweeted.

The two leaders later drove together in the mobile water desalination unit, which looked like a dune buggy, and sipped desalinated water from wine glasses, raising a toast with others present there.
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has deployed additional police in Mangaluru area after a 28-year-old youth was hacked to death on Wednesday. The deceased, Deepak Rao was found at around 1pm at Katipalla in Dakshina Kannada district, about 14 kms from Mangaluru. The situation remained tense in the area following the incident. The local RSS group had claimed that Deepak was an active volunteer for their organisations.

We have senior police officers in the area to monitor the situation. The situation is under control now, Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy told media on Thursday.

Three people were injured in violence that followed the incident and two among them were hospitalised. Shops remained closed in the area after the incident came to light.

The youth was on his bike when he was hacked to death by four unidentified men near his office. He had grievous injuries on his body, the police said. Within hours after his death, four men were arrested by the Mangaluru police in connection with the murder from Moodbidri, around 30 kms from Katipalla, where Deepaks body was found. Deepak worked with a SIM card/currency recharge retailer.

Although he was not a member, Deepak was an active volunteer for all our programmes, said Surya Narayan, state co-ordinator, Bajrang Dal. The RSS and Bajrang Dal have accused the PFI to be behind the murder.

Deepak's family stated that he was not associated with any organisation and maintained a good relationship with everyone.

However, the police are yet to ascertain the allegiance of the deceased and the accused to any organisation.

The BJP has accused the Congress government of providing support to the party/elements involved in heinous crimes and terror organisations.

Hours after the murder, BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje tweeted, One more Hindu hacked to death near Mangaluru. No value for a Hindus life. Jihadi forces operating without any fear. Where are you Mr CM @siddaramaiah?

The brutal murder of Deepak comes less than a month after the body of 21-year-old Paresh Mesta was found from a lake in Honnavara, days after he went missing following communal tension in the area. The BJP had claimed that he too was their activist.
New Delhi: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan lauded the efforts of North Korea and its dictator Kim Jong Un for not bowing down to the pressure being imposed by the United States.

"North Korea has been following a tough anti-US agenda. North Korea has successfully defended the pressure imposed by US," Vijayan said at the CPI(M) Kozhikode district committee meeting, reported ANI.

It was only last month that the Leftist party in Kerala was left red-faced after posters in Keralas Nedumkandam, Idukki district, announced a party gathering with a massive image of Kim Jong.

The posters were removed soon after it started drawing the attention of many, including the BJP.

Earlier, a bitter war of words had started between Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump when the formers said on Monday that the United States should be aware that his country's nuclear forces are now a reality, not a threat.

"The US should know that the button for nuclear weapons is on my table," he said during a speech.

To this Trump retaliated in a tweet and said, 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!

Trump launched the highly personal missive on Twitter hours after his ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley described a proposed dialogue between the two Koreas as a "band-aid" and said Washington would never accept a nuclear-armed Pyongyang.
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has ordered closure of a controversial private school in Ernakulam district for teaching objectionable and extremist content to children.

Peace International school allegedly taught their students extremist ideology, encouraging their students to give up their lives for Islam.

A case was registered against the school in 2016 for teaching objectionable content to the students and for promoting enmity among different groups on the basis of religion.

The school first came under the scanner after 21 people went missing from the state to reportedly Join ISIS. Abdul Rasheed, one of the 21 missing, is suspected to be the person who lead this group and co-ordinated them. He was working with the Peace International School and his wife Yasmin Ahmad, also missing, had earlier taught at the school.

For instance, in a second class textbook, students are asked if they are willing to give their life for Islam. M M Akbar, an Islamic preacher and MD of the school, is currently in Qatar. Police are trying to bring him back to the state.

The textbook was compiled by Burooj Realization, an Islamic education institution based in Mumbai, and police have arrested two publishers in the case. There are also allegations that the organisation has links with controversial preacher Zakir Naik.

The governments move came after the police department and the education department submitted reports stating that objectionable content is being taught to students and that the school should be closed.

Apart from this, the investigation found that the school did not follow NCERT, CBSE OR SCERT textbooks.
Bokaro: Binod Kumar, an executive engineer with Bokaro Steel Plant, was abducted from Mokama and forced to marry a girl against his will on the gun point which is popularly known as Pakadua Vivah in Bihar.

A month after the incident, the victims family approached Patna Senior Superintendent of Police Manu Maharaj for protection as they fear reprisal from strongman Surendra Yadav who allegedly played the key role in this forced marriage.

The incident came to light when the video of the marriage surfaced after which the girls family approached Binod for settlement and accept the marriage.

Narrating the sequence of events Binods brother Sanjay told News18, My brother boarded Hatia-Patna express from Bokaro as he had to attend a wedding function near Patna on December 3. Surendra Yadav persuaded him to come to Mokama and he agreed. He was abducted there and taken to Pandarak where my brother was forced to marry a girl.

Binod can be seen wailing in the video pleading for help to free him amid few women performing marriage rituals. He was thrashed and forced to apply vermillion on brides head.

Screen-grab from the viral video

However, girls brother Umesh Prasad denied that it was a forced marriage saying, We know Binod for a long time and even had initiated talks with his father and extended marriage proposal. After his fathers death Binod was ready for marriage and it was a planned event.

However, he became evasive when asked about the marriage video in which the groom was being thrashed. I do not know about any video. He is now opposing this marriage at the behest of his brother. I wish they live a happy married life.

The role of the local police has also come under the scanner. Sanjay lodged a complaint with Pandarak police station when his brother did not reach home as planned and instead got a call from an unknown number who informed about the marriage.

Pandarak police told us that Pakadua Vivah is common among Ahirs and tried to force upon a compromise formula under pressure from Surendra Yadav who boasts his link with jailed RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav, Sanjay said.

Then he approached Patna SSP Manu Maharaj on whose direction Pandarak Police freed Binod from the village where he was kept after the forced marriage.

After a month of the incident, Binod and his brother are getting threat calls to accept the girl and take her along. On Wednesday, Binod approached Patna city SP Amarkesh to seek protection.

We are looking into it and will take action against the culprits. We are also probing the role of the local police, Amarkesh told News18.

According to an official report, a total of 2,877 incidents of kidnapping for marriages were reported in 2016, 3,001 incidents in 2015, 2,533 in 2014 and 2,922 in 2013. The districts notorious for such forced marriages include Begusarai, Patna, Lakhisarai, Munger, Jehanabad, Gaya, Nawada, Sheikhpura and Arwal.
New Delhi: Kulbhushan Jadhav was kidnapped from near Chabahar port in Iran by Jaish-ul-Adl, a terror outfit which allegedly has close links with the Pakistan Army. This revelation punches holes in Pakistans stand that Jadhav is an Indian spy.

According to sources in the Indian security establishment, Jadhav was kidnapped by Mullah Omar Irani of Jaish-ul-Adl from Sarbaz city, around 52km from Chabahar. Irani then handed over Jadhav to the Pakistan Army.

Jaish-ul-Adl is believed to be fighting against Baloch insurgents along with the Pakistan Army and commanders of the terror outfit visit Islamabad frequently.

The sources added that Jaish-ul-Adl collects money from Pakistans embassies in Iran and Bahrain. The terrorist organisation works closely with Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Lashkar-e-Khurasan.

This revelation comes on a day when the Pakistan Foreign Office released a new video of Jadhav on wherein he is purportedly seen thanking the Pakistan government for allowing him to meet his mother and wife.

The video has been released just a few days after the Pakistan Foreign Office released photos of Jadhav meeting his wife and mother in Islamabad. In the video, Jadhav appears to be saying that his mother and wife were happy to meet him.

She was satisfied with my health. I am okay here and they dont harm me, Jadhav is heard saying. Questions are being raised on the authenticity and timing of the video.

While there has been no statement from Jadhavs family, a friend of the former Navy officer told News18 that Jadhav is under pressure. The last time the family met him, the photos showed that he had injuries. So, now they are on a back foot. This video looks like Pakistan is putting pressure on him to make a statement. This is an old game of our neighbour, said Sachin Suresh Kale, Jadhavs friend.

Earlier, Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Pakistan military court. The issue has become yet another point of contention between the two countries. Arrested on March 3 last year by Pakistani security forces in Balochistan, Jadhav was termed as a spy of Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) and serving officer in the Indian Navy by Pakistan.

The claim has been refuted by the Indian government, which has stated that Jadhav was a former Navy officer, who had nothing to do with the government. Reacting strongly to Jadhavs sentencing, India has said that if the ruling was carried out, the government and people of India will regard it as a case of premeditated murder.

The issue recently echoed in both Houses of Indian Parliament where all parties came together to condemn the indefensible verdict of Pakistan military court. India has also raised the issue in International Court of Justice.
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said oppositions demand to send the triple talaq bill to a select committee is invalid. The Congress says it is in favour of bill, but wants to know who will pay maintainance when the husband is in jail. The Bill, which criminalises instant divorce among Muslims with a three year penal provision, was passed by the Lok Sabha last week. Most of the opposition parties, including the Congress, had supported the passage of the Bill in the lower house with some reservations.

Stay tuned as Huma Tabassum brings you the LIVE updates:

Read all the Latest News , Breaking News , watch Top Videos and Live TV here.
Mumbai: In a fresh development, Mumbai Police have cancelled an event that was to be attended by newly-elected Gujarat MLA and Dalit crusader Jignesh Mevani and JNU student leader Umar Khalid, amid massive protests at the venue.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra police have also registered an FIR against the two under Sections 153(a) (punish persons who indulge in wanton vilification or attacks upon the religion, race, etc), 505 (whoever makes, publishes or circulates any statement, rumour or report with an intent to cause hurt) and 117 (abetting commission of offence by the public) at the Vishrambaug police station in Pune.

Police have detained several students from the event venue in Mumbai and imposed Section 149 of IPC to prevent unlawful assembly. High voltage drama followed the event cancellation and students took to the streets and launched a massive protest outside the college. The All India Students Summit event was scheduled at the Mithibai College in Vile Parle for Thursday morning.

Organisers have alleged that despite taking prior permission, the police did not allow the event to take place.

Police denied permission in the wake of protests and bandh in the state on Tuesday-Wednesday following violence on the anniversary of a battle fought 200 years ago at Bhima Koregaon in Pune, a senior police official said.

Mevani was present at the 200th anniversary event to commemorate the battle of Bhima-Koregaon that saw attacks on Dalits and led to violence in Pune and other parts of Maharashtra and an ensuing bandh. A complaint was filed against both Mevani and Khalid for making alleged provocative speeches at the event.

Violence erupted in Pune district when Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in which the forces of the British East India Company defeated the Peshwa's Army.
New Delhi: Members in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday condemned the spate of caste violence in Maharashtra and demanded an impartial and speedy judicial inquiry to punish the culprits.

The House, which had witnessed disruption of proceedings over the issue yesterday, today held a brief discussion when several members appealed for peace and unity among the various sections of the society.

Initiating the discussion, Rajani Patil of Congress alleged that atrocities against Dalits had taken place under the watch of the Maharashtra government and demanded setting up of a commission to investigate the entire incident.

She also alleged that people behind the violence were associated with "Hinduwadi" outfits and demanded action against them.

Earlier, Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu had asked the members to help bring the situation under control and not say anything which may escalate tension.

"Our approach should be to see that tempers come down and the situation is brought back to normalcy. We should not accelerate the tension. After all, it is a social conflict," he said.

A Navaneethakrishnan (AIADMK) said the country should concentrate on development instead of caste and religious issues.

Nadimul Haque (TMC) said the Maharashtra matter is not an isolated incident and a pattern is emerging. "This political lynching should immediately stop," he said while demanding an impartial judicial inquiry.

Dilip Kumar Tirkey (BJD) demanded immediate action those involved in the violence against Dalits.

CPI-M leader T K Rangarajan alleged "tactical" support of the Maharashtra administration, ruling party and the police for the incident.

He said an inquiry into the incident should be conducted by a sitting Supreme Court judge.

Veer Singh (BSP) blamed "bhagwa jhandadhari" (saffron flag bearers) for the violence and seconded the demand of Rangarajan for a judicial inquiry by a sitting judge of the apex court.

NCP chief and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Sharad Pawar apprised the House about the history of the Bhima- Koregaon event and the sentiments of Dalits associated with it.

The veteran leader said he could recall that in the past 50 years, no violent incident has taken place, but this time, unfortunately, stone-pelting was done on a massive gathering.

Pawar said the state administration should have been more vigilant as a large gathering was expected in Pune and asked people to forget the incident and move one.

He suggested that everyone should cooperate to bring about peace and harmony among the different sections of the society, amid thumping of desks by members of both ruling and opposition parties.

DMK member Kanimozhi said the violence should not be looked as an "isolated incident" and efforts should be made to find a "long-term solution" for safety and security of Dalits.

BJP's alliance partner Shiv Sena too termed the incident as unfortunate and appreciated the state government's "patience" in dealing with the situation.

Sanjay Raut (SS) said all such incidents should be not linked with Hindu organisations and alleged that an "invisible hand" is working to divide and rule the society.

D Raja (CPI), Ramdas Athavale (RPI), Amar Shankar (BJP), B S Bhunder (SAD) and Sambaji Chhatrapati (BJP) also expressed their views.

On Wednesday, protesters had attacked buses, stopped trains and blocked roads at various places in Mumbai as normal life was hit in the city and other parts of Maharashtra during a bandh called by Dalit groups to protest the violence on the anniversary of a battle fought 200 years ago.

Violence had erupted in Pune on January 1 when Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in which the British defeated the Peshwas of Maharashtra.
Lucknow: The Ministry of Excise and Prohibition, UP Government, slapped a fine of Rs 53 crore 91 lakh on Accurate Foods and Beverages Private Ltd., a company owned by the family of liquor baron Ponty Chadha, who was killed in Delhi on November 17, 2012.

The Excise Minister Jai Pratap Singh has cracked the whip 453 shops owned by the company in the Meerut zone for not depositing the installment and has given time till January 6, 2018 to do the same.

Speaking exclusively to News18, Minister Jai Pratap Singh said, The Excise department has reviewed the entire matter since 2009 and found that 453 shops are being operated in the zone, where people are consuming liquor in some form or the other.

So, the company cannot say that shops are not running. Further investigation has revealed that the company owes Rs 53 crore 91 lakh to the department, which will have to be paid.

Speaking on the issue, the minister said, There are 453 domestic liquor contracts inside the Meerut Zone. According to the rate of 226 per bulk litre, almost Rs 53 crore 91 lakh is due on the company. The notice has also been sent to the company on December 30, 2017. If the company fails to deposit the amount then the government will have to take further action.

Also, the Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government in the state is all set to announce a new liquor policy for the state next month in order to check illegal liquor trade and smuggling. In a bid to curb the states illicit liquor mafia, the Uttar Pradesh government had decided to add a section in the Excise Act to provide for death penalty or life imprisonment for those responsible for hooch-related deaths.
Patna: Convicted in the second fodder scam case, RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav on Thursday tried to put arguments for his case himself before the special CBI judge.

While CBI Judge Shiv Pal Singh warned him about his supporters sloganeering outside the courtroom in the beginning, the conversation soon took a lighter note.

The court burst into laughter after Lalu, while complaining of severe cold inside the jail, urged the court to decide his fate with a cool mind.

Lalu, known for his funny liners, said in the court,"It is very cold here (in jail)". Singh, was quick to reply, "Then, play tabla (musical instrument)," he said.

That was not the only light moment. When Singh reminded Lalu that his party leaders used caste factors while publicly discussing the courts verdict, Lalu pipped, Sir, this is the era of inter-caste marriage.

The court will pronounce quantum of punishment in Deogarh treasury case on Friday.

When Singh asked if he had any problem with his decision to defer pronouncement of sentencing, Lalu said, No, sir I will come whenever you want. I will happily come. Dont direct to produce me through video conferencing.

Responding, the judge said, Dont worry. Nobody will know the timing when I will summon you.

Lalu also pleaded to withdraw contempt petitions against some leaders but the judge declined it saying, Manish Tewari, Tejashwi Yadav, Raghuvansh Prasad and Shivanand Tiwari have stated against the court's order in public, I have also heard them on TV. Let them appear on Jan 23.

Lalu told the court that he was himself a registered lawyer in the High Court and Supreme Court. Seeking leniency, he argued that he was not holding any post in 1990. This prompted the judge to remind him that he became the chief minister and kept finance ministry also in the same year.

After postponing the sentencing, Singh said he "got phone calls from Lalu's men" but didn't specify what was said to him. "I got many references for you but don't worry, I will follow only law", he told Lalu.
New Delhi: Former Telecom Minister A Raja has written a letter to his ex-boss Manmohan Singh - first since his acquittal in the 2G scam case, which was considered one of the biggest corruption scandals in the UPA regime - stating that perhaps the latter would now come forward to support him.

A special CBI court on December 21 acquitted all the 19 accused in the 2G spectrum allocation scam case. Judge OP Saini in a verdict running over 1,500 pages said that the DMK leader A Raja was not the mother lode of conspiracy and the quality of the prosecution totally deteriorated and became directionless towards the end.

In the the letter, a copy of which is in possession of News18, Raja writes: "I understand the compulsions that prevented you from openly supporting me. Today, I stand vindicated. I hope you will acknowledge that I remained loyal and faithful to you... and ensured that you did not suffer personal embarrassment in the trial proceeding."

The letter further notes: "Now that the truth about 2G is out in the open, perhaps you too would come forward in my support, which you could not earlier."

"It cost you the UPA government, and it took seven years of my life, including 15 months in jail," reads the letter. The letter was written on 26 December 2017.

Acknowledging Raja's letter, Manmohan Singh, in a letter on January 2, 2017, said he was happy that "you stand vindicated in the 2G case".

Manmohan Singh then also sent his "greetings and best wishes for the new year".
For the purpose of developing analytic thought and reducing mistaken alterations in data received by children with sight disabilities, a group of students in Mexico City designed a multi-sensory system that includes stories, jigsaw puzzles and stuffed tos.

"Mati Mati: Makes Visible the Invisible", is a system that reduces the difficulties of learning by developing analytic thought in blind children, said the creators, students at the Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM).

The work focuses on a strategy of sensory instruction that reduces the reception of data in a mistakenly altered form due to the lack of sight, reports Efe news.

"The solution we propose offers information to each of the senses, since it is based on hearing, touch, haptics (related to touch) and smell," according to the system's developers.

The bases of the project are two stories written by the students about endangered species in Mexico: the ajolotl salamander that lives in Xochimilco and the quetzal bird indigenous to the forests of Chiapas.

The system consists of stuffed animals that can be taken apart, two 3D jigsaw puzzles and stories with visual information printed in ink, whose editorial design was executed according to the needs of youngsters either blind or with very limited vision, and includes a series of watercolour illustrations that complement each story.

The stories include haptic images and the Braille system, which correspond to the sense of touch, while each one has its own audiobook so that users can hear the story narrated by the characters in the story, and whose soundtrack enriches the project, the inventors said.

Both the stuffed animals, with textures and materials that simulate the real feeling of the species, plus the odours related to the story and the jigsaw puzzles are all calculated to strengthen the analytic thought processes of blind youngsters as they try to dismantle and assemble each object without anybody helping them.

The jigsaw puzzles were designed and cut with a laser beam, possess geometric forms identifiable to the touch, and present textures through which users can identify each part of the animal through active feeling.
Ryanair flew a record-high 129 million passengers last year, the Irish no-frills airline said Wednesday, despite cancelling thousands of flights because of a pilots shortage.

Ryanair increased by 10 percent the number of passengers flown mainly across Europe compared with 2016, the Dublin-based carrier said in a brief statement.

It flew 9.3 million passengers in December, up three percent compared with 12 months earlier.

Ryanair suffered a turbulent end to 2017, with it was forced to cancel 20,000 flights through to March this year, mainly because of botched holiday scheduling for pilots.

The fiasco triggered pilots' demands for better working conditions and representation, with some departing for other carriers.

The discontent also saw Ryanair hit by its first-ever strike by pilots, with German staff staging a short stoppage ahead of Christmas.

This despite Ryanair finally making moves to formally recognise pilots' unions.

Ryanair has meanwhile set itself the goal of transporting 200 million passengers annually by 2024.
Japan has emerged the world leader in air travel punctuality, boasting titles to the most punctual airlines and most on-time airport in the world.

In the OAG's annual Punctuality League 2018 report, Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways took the top two spots in the mega airline category -- airlines which operate the most flights globally.

Flyers traveling on one of the two carriers and flying out of Tokyo Haneda Airport also improve their odds of getting to their destination in time, as the Japanese hub posted an on-time performance of 87 percent in the category of world's biggest airports.

The mega airports category includes hubs that see more than 30 million annual departing seats.

Rounding out the podium for most punctual airports in the world is Madrid Barajas International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

South Korea's Incheon Airport also made its debut on the list squeezing itself in at 20th spot.

Overall, seven of the most punctual airports are in North America, six in Asia-Pacific, six in Europe, and Dubai the lone representative for the Middle East.

For the report, an on-time performance was defined as arrivals and departures operating under 15 minutes of their scheduled arrival and departure times.

- Busiest routes -

Meanwhile, the report also identified Hong Kong to Taipei the busiest international route in the world, with nearly 29,500 flights shuttling travelers to and from the Asian destinations in 2017.

In fact, the world's busiest international routes are mostly located in busy Asian corridors, with Kuala Lumpur-Singapore and Jakarta-Singapore rounding out the top three spots.

With 17,116 flights recorded in 2017, New York's Laguardia airport and Toronto's Pearson International Airport was the busiest air travel corridor outside Asia.

Meanwhile, at nearly 65,000 flights a year -- which averages out to nearly 180 flights a day -- the busiest domestic route in the world is the resort island of Jeju in South Korea, and Seoul's Gimpo International Airport.

Here are the most punctual airports in the world, according to UK-based flight information company OAG:

1. Tokyo Haneda HND

2. Madrid MAD

3. Atlanta ATL

4. Denver DEN

5. Dallas/Fort Wort DFW

6. Singapore Changi SIN

7. Chicago O'Hare ORD

8. Amsterdam AMS

9. Frankfurt FRA

10. London Heathrow LHR

Here are the busiest international routes:

1. Hong Kong-Taipei

2. Kuala Lumpur-Singapore

3. Jakarta-Singapore

4. Jakarta-Kuala Lumpur

5. Hong Kong-Shanghai

6. New York LaGuardia-Toronto YYZ

7. Hong Kong-Seoul Incheon

8. Beijing-Hong Kong

9. Dublin-London Heathrow

10. Bangkok-Singapore
Mumbai: After two successful outings with Salman Khan in Sultan and Tiger Zinda Hai, director Ali Abbas Zafar is looking forward to their third collaboration in Bharat.

Zafar said the offer to direct the movie, which is a remake of the 2014 South Korean film Ode To My Father, came to him from Salman himself.

"That film came to me from Salman himself. He gave me the film and said he really likes it and asked me to watch it. I saw it and really liked it.

"(But) You can't make the film exactly how it is in the original. The socio-political scenario affects your story and the character. But I liked the basic crux of the film. Salman said after 'Tiger...', you do this," Zafar said.

Ode to My Father was directed by Yoon Je-kyoon and revolves around a young boy's promise made during the chaos of the Korean War.

The film's remake rights have been bought by Salman's brother-in-law Atul Agnihotri.

The Hindi film will reportedly be set during India-Pakistan partition. Ali is, however, tight-lipped about the basic plot.

When asked if anyone apart from Salman has been cast yet, Ali said currently the film is at an early stage.

"We will begin March onwards. I want to sleep for a month. We are at the elementary stage," Zafar said.

The film will go on floors this year.
The makers of Bigg Boss 11 are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that everyone outside talks about the show. With just six contestants remaining in the house, the grand finale is on the horizon leaving the whole country in suspense as to who will be the finalists.

After a shocking nomination task, Hina Khan, Shilpa Shinde, Vikas Gupta and Luv Tyagi have found themselves in the danger zone and will soon be battling it out for maximum audience votes. Well, let us tell you this year the controversial reality show is giving the audience a chance to save their favourite contestant with LIVE and in-person voting. Yup, you read that right!

The four nominated contestants will travel to Inorbit Mall in Vashi, Mumbai, and appeal to the people on ground on why they should be saved from this weeks eviction. Through a ballot box, the people will decide the fate of these four gharwale. And, the contestant with the least number of votes will be ousted from the Bigg Boss 11 house by host Salman Khan in this weeks Weekend Ka Vaar.

Vikas' brother Siddharth Gupta, former Bigg Boss winner Prince Narula and actor Kamya Punjabi took to Twitter to ask fans to "reach out for Vikas in large numbers and support him."

Come on lost souls! Lets make this happen!!!!! Time to give back! And show the love he has earned!!!! pic.twitter.com/iWOvQF6Rvj Siddharth Gupta (@scorp_sid) January 3, 2018

Everyone support & vote for @lostboy54 #Vikas tomorrow at inorbit mall vashi. Prince Narula (@princenarula88) January 3, 2018
Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma have been making headlines ever since they tied the knot in a hush-hush ceremony in Tuscany, Italy on December 11, 2017. Be it their fancy venues for receptions or their dreamy ensembles by designer Sabyasachi, their wedding festivities have caught immense media and fans' attention.

The newlyweds, who are currently in South Africa on a vacation, were recently spotted outside a store that was offering huge discounts. While Virat was seen holding a shopping bag, Anushka was busy checking the stock.

Soon after the picture of the two shopping at a 50% off sale went viral on the internet, the couple became the butt of jokes on social media.

Check out a few tweets here:

*Virat looking at the bill from wedding planner*Anushka: Baby lets go shopping.Virat: I know just the right place. pic.twitter.com/1Pqs3cT04m Amit (@Goddamittt) December 31, 2017

Virat to Anushka : Ab itne receptions pe kharcha karne ke baad sale main hi shopping karna padega, darling!! pic.twitter.com/QYsnh4hNqX Cherry Dimple (@shailimore) December 31, 2017

Net worth of virat kohli: 7.1$ millionNet worth of anushka sharma: 3.2$ millionStill shopping on 50% discount pic.twitter.com/m1ohHwHHAf Ganesh Parmar (@SarcasmSeekar) December 31, 2017

A Woman by any other name is still a woman A 50% discount sale like any other woman will still attract likes of AnushkaA man by another name will still be ...Virat Kohli has to carry Shopping bags of his Wife like any other husband No Exceptions to the Rule Women Empowerment pic.twitter.com/xtZEjEvbTH #Friend for Friends (@hari141250) January 3, 2018

No matter if your husband is virat kohli, 50% sale will still be more orgasmic for a woman. pic.twitter.com/0vB3ag0IYP Aditii (@Sassy_Soul_) December 31, 2017
Bhopal: A woman district collector carrying Adi Shankaracharyas charanpadukas (wooden sandal) and her counterpart in other district holding the saffron flag as part of Ekatm Yatra has left opposition Congress fuming in Madhya Pradesh.

Mandla collector Sufia Faruquis pictures carrying charanpadukas of Shankaracharya on her head during the Yatra had gone viral on Wednesday. Soon after, the BJP state media in-charge Lokendra Parashar shared Faruquis pictures on Twitter applauding her gesture as an example of communal harmony.

Faruqui carried the sacred footwear for around one km while welcoming the yatra in Mandla on Tuesday. The collectors act, however, did not go down well with the Congress.

Sufiya ji, this yatra is nothing but pure politics. Collectors and officers are best advised to stay away from politics and maintain a respectable distance from such over involvement. Not good for their careers, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha tweeted.

Shocking state of affairs of bureaucracy in MP. No wonder the state is on verge of administrative collapse. Politicisation of state machinery lethal for fair governance. These IAS officers work as Returning Officers in elections. EC will hv to post them out https://t.co/XaciDjnHVC Vivek Tankha (@VTankha) January 3, 2018

The leader of Opposition Ajay Singh alleged that the Collector did so for exhibiting proximity to the ruling party which was in violation of civil service rules. I would write a letter to Chief Secretary asking whether such an act was allowed for bureaucrats.

While misusing respected Adi Shankaracharya jis name, the state government was splurging hard earned public money on the political campaign, he alleged.

The controversy was fuelled further as a video surfaced by evening in which another Collector Srinivas Sharma was seen holding the saffron flag in hand during Ekatm Yatra in Damoh district while others in the procession chanted Jai Sri Ram slogans.

Politicisation of state machinery is lethal for fair governance. These IAS officers work as Returning Officers in elections. EC will have to post them out, Tankha reacted on Twitter.

The state government has launched Ekatm Yatra aiming to collect metal pieces to install 108-feet tall statue of Adi Shankaracharya at Omkareshwar in Khandwa district in the state. It covers a distance of 2,175 kms while crossing 12 districts.
New Delhi: Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani has taken a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the attacks on Dalits in Maharashtra and questioned the PMs stand on such issues.

In August last year, PM Modi had said, If you want to shoot, shoot me, but not my Dalit brothers. The PM was reacting to attacks on Dalits by cow vigilantes.

Mevani, an MLA in the Gujarat Assembly, tweeted,Nostradamus predicted that in 21st century worlds best actor will be from India.

Mevani was present at the event to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the battle of Bhima-Koregaon that saw attacks on Dalits and led to violence in Mumbai and a Maharashtra bandh.

The Maharashtra bandh called by Dalit and left organisations against caste violence in Pune district on bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle was called after the police booked two persons accused of instigating the clash.

Police have booked two right-wing activists, Sambhaji Bhide and Milind Ekbote, for orchestrating the violence during the event on Monday.

Following this, Prakash Ambedkar, grandson of BR Ambedkar and leader of the Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh, called off the bandh.
The sudden flare up of caste tensions in Maharashtra has raised questions of whether the state is becoming a 'fertile ground' for caste conflict as a resulting effect of a staggering number of farmer suicides.

The concern is only natural as the state  known for its all-round development and progressive ideas  is witnessing caste tensions, especially between Dalits and upper castes, which could spread across the state in no time if not handled with patience and maturity.

While Vidarbha and Marathawada have emerged as regions replete with farmer suicides, western Maharashtra is emerging as a fertile ground for caste conflicts despite being the most prosperous region in the state.

The fact is that though Maharashtra has been ruled by coalition governments since 1995, first by the Shiv Sena-BJP, then the Congress-NCP and now BJP-Shiv Sena with the help of smaller parties, the state has by and large been a peaceful state. Political instability or absence of a single party-rule has not disturbed the socio-political balance in the past two decades.

However, the growing agrarian distress has slowly and steadily been putting a stress on the prevailing equilibrium. This has led to the demand of reservation by the Marathas, the dominant and politically aggressive land holding community in the state. It is a fact that the widening difference in development amid growing aspirations and unemployment has led to significant tension between urban and rural areas of the state.

Growing urbanisation and unemployment has made the youth assertive and aggressive in the name of castes. Multiple organisations catering to these sentiments have mushroomed in the past five years across the state. Political parties are becoming less ideological and more professional in their functioning and thus losing control over such assertive groups.

The violence at Vandu Budruk village near Bhima-Koregaon over who had performed the last rites of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj  after he was killed on the orders of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb  could not have seen a lesser worse reason for a fight. But it has become an issue in the state evoking strong reactions from Dalits and upper castes (Marathas, Brahmins and others).

Blame game and a show of strength by the interested parties/persons has started and this will only fuel an atmosphere of instability and insecurity in the state.

A senior political leader and the sitting member of parliament from Maharashtra, blames the Marathi movie 'Sairat' for the social unrest in the state. The highest grossing Marathi film of in 2016 showed a lower caste boy falling in love with an upper caste girl and the struggles they are faced with.

The problem being witnessed in Maharashtra in recent times is that people have started to fight over icons, confining national personalities to their castes, daring each other, smelling conspiracy where there is nothing. Then they become ultra-sensitive about their leaders and symbols and political leaders, organizations sympathetic to them add fuel to the burning sentiments.

Identity politics had its roots in Maharashtra much before the wave of social reforms hit north India. The state, however, did not witness intense caste conflicts in its initial days thanks to the reformist nature of the movements led by social reformers like Jyotiba Phule, Dr BR Ambedkar, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, Gadge Maharaj, Gopal Ganesh Agarkar and Sane Guruji.

The formation of Dalit Panther in the 1970s was a turning point in the Dalit movement with poet Namdeo Dhasal giving a militant tinge to his outfit.

The renaming of Marathawada University after Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar in 1978-79 did trigger caste violence, but was confined to some districts in the Marathawada region.

Political parties, though they played the caste card, sought to neutralise militant tendencies by the accommodated Dalits and their organisations in power structures by bringing them into the political mainstream.

The Congress made Dalit leaders  Sushilkumar Shinde, Nashikrao Tirpude  the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of the state while another backward (Vazara) leader Vasantrao Naik held the CMs post for the longest period.

Dalit leaders Prakash Ambedkar, Jogendra Kawade and even Sushilkumar Shinde have won Lok Sabha elections from the non- reserved seats.

 Author is a senior journalist.
The mango people are bitter, feeling let down by the King Alphonso himself: Arvind Kejriwal.

In the 24 hours after he nominated a billionaire 'dal badlu' to the Rajya Sabha, bypassing worthier candidates, the Aam Aadmi Party supremo has weathered a Twitter tornado of booing, as his patented clean politics rhetoric rebounded to bite him sharply in the fundament.

The question du jour on social media was: has Muffler Man been co-opted by the system against which he fought?

Arguably, all parties routinely accommodate moneyed men, regardless of their political provenance.

They can do so boldly, because the expectation gap between politicians sanctimonious bombast and venal conduct is small. Citizens are realists and dont expect their public representatives to walk the talk.

With regard to AAP, which sprang from a citizens movement  India Against Corruption (IAC)  the expectation gap is huge, as Kejriwal & Co are held to higher standards of behaviour. For voters, AAPs USP was volunteerism, crowdfunding and transparency, which set it apart from the political establishment.

Money and influence distort democracy by giving more weightage to the rich and powerful than the aam aadmi. Kejriwal, the great white hope of civil society and centrist politics, was supposed to remedy that. Politics-as-we-know-it, with all the deal-making, vested interests, exchange of favours and money mobilisation, was to give way to transparency and moral behaviour.

Did Kejriwal not commit to vyavastha parivartan, participatory governance, decentralisation of power and all good things Gandhian  as described in his 2012 manifesto, Swaraj? Did he not symbolise the hope factor in politics?

Why then, did he unilaterally pick Sushil Gupta, who fought against AAP on a Congress ticket in 2013, over dedicated workers who have paid their dues and helped build the party? He also chose to go with khaas aadmi and chartered accountant N D Gupta, rather than journalist Ashutosh or poet Kumar Vishwas, who would have proved far more effective in the Rajya Sabha.

In endorsing Gupta & Gupta, the Aam Aadmi Party has, in the eyes of many supporters, effectively reduced itself to an Aam Party.

Like other political parties born of popular causes  independence, social justice, etc  AAP owes its origins to a mass movement against corruption. Lawyer Prashant Bhushan provided the fodder for the campaign. Anna Hazare brought his moral authority to bear and Yogendra Yadav his intellectual input. Kejriwal, with his history of activism, was the public face.

After sweeping the Delhi assembly elections in 2015, he was expected to emerge as the first among equals. But political organizations are typically personality-driven and no party since Independence has been guilty of internal democracy. Kejriwal proved equally immune, evicting Bhushan and Yadav soon after assuming office. His authoritarian tendency established, he has now shown himself open to compromise.

AAP held the promise of infusing fresh blood into politics. Kejriwal himself is an outsider in Lutyens Delhi. Bypassing the opportunity to showcase unimpeachable and talented individuals in the Rajya Sabha is another aspect of yesterdays #Vishwasghat.

To make matters worse, AAPs political management was poor. Word got out that eminent personalities, like former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan, IT magnate N R Narayana Murthy and lawyer Gopal Subramaniam had turned down AAPs offer of a Rajya Sabha seat. This accentuated the impression that people who enjoyed public esteem were no longer keen on associating themselves with AAP.

Economist Mohan Guruswamy was so enchanted by AAP that in 2015, he marked his 70th birthday by donating Rs one lakh. A diminishing regard for the party was evident in the fact that in 2017, he donated just Rs 1,000!

Arvind Kejriwal seems to be running out of ideas. Perhaps because much of his tenure has been consumed in a bitter exchange with the BJP, which has spared no attempt to undermine him. The debacle in Gurdaspur, where the AAP lost its deposit despite being the principal opposition party in Punjab and having four sitting MPs from the state, is an indication that it is flagging outside of Delhi. A comedown for a party which had cast its eyes on Goa, Gujarat and Uttarakhand.

AAP has not lost its hold over Delhi, where the single-minded focus on health and education and the exemplary conduct of leaders like Manish Sisodia, is paying dividends. None of that masks the fact that AAP is no longer an inspirational force. It has lost the moral high ground and expended much of its goodwill among opinion-makers.

From a glass half-full perspective, the political mainstreaming of AAP can do one of two things: catalyse a course correction or create space for something new. Hopefully, a vigorous grassroots movement that celebrates Swaraj, rather than Gupta & Gupta.

(The writer is a senior journalist. Views are personal)
New Delhi: Smelling some success in Gujarat election, the Congress  in a stock-taking meeting  has decided to continue with its soft Hindutva strategy in the upcoming Assembly elections in Karnataka, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

Deviating from its usual strategy, the Congress President Rahul Gandhi visited at least 14 temples during his extensive campaign in Gujarat. And with some key elections scheduled for the coming months, Team Rahul is not willing to part ways with the successful soft Hindutva strategy.

Sources told News18, the state units of these poll-bound states have been asked to draw up a list of temples and mutts for Rahul to continue his temple run with. The temples would have to be important ones and those with political significance in the region.

These are states where Congress hopes to do well and the party believes it is required to devise a strategy that can counter BJPs appeal to the Hindutva brigade and what better than temple hopping, which would directly appeal to the Hindu sentiments.

Congress, however, has strictly maintained that Rahul visits both temples and mosques and doesnt indulge in politics over religion. Yet, several Congress leaders, including the man himself has asserted that he is a shiv bhakt. Senior Congress leader Raj Babbar too has called Rahul a shiv bhakt underlining the fact that the party is appealing the majority Hindu vote. The rethink within the Congress is that if it has to beat the BJP in its game, it has to join it.

In fact, in an internal assessment, Congress had concluded that the pro-Hindutva line of the BJP had worked very well for it in both the 2014 Lok Sabha election as well as the UP state elections. Congress fascination with minority appeasement seems to have boomeranged on it and added to the reasons behind BJPs massive rise.

This also explains the changed strategy of the Congress even outside electoral politics. The party has been extremely careful in not attacking Hindu groups, even to the extent of hurting its core Muslim support. Many old allies like AIMIMs Asaduddin Owaisi have accused Rahul of indulging in janeyu politics.

But having seen victory from up close in Gujarat, Rahul wont give up his temple run.

Some of the temples that Rahul Gandhi is likely to visit in Rajasthan are the famous Brahma temple in Pushkar and Chamunda Mata temple in Jodhpur. The entire list is yet to be finalised. In Karnataka, too, Rahul will be visiting some key mutts and in fact backroom talks and meetings over these visits have already started.

A senior member from Rahul Gandhis strategy team said, "Its important for us to win in some states so that we can put up a fight in 2019 and if chanting the Ram and Shiva Naam helps, then why not!"

A beleaguered party, which has yet to record its big electoral win in several years, is now looking up for some divine help.
Optiemus Infracom Limited, today announced its entry into the Bangladesh market with the launch of BlackBerry KEYone limited edition black. Optiemus signed a licensing deal with BlackBerry in February 2017 to design, manufacture and distribute BlackBerry branded smartphones in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal. After launching the BlackBerry KEYone limited edition black in India and Sri Lanka, Optiemus has partnered with CPL, the concern of Union Group, a business conglomerate in Bangladesh, to handle the distribution and retail operations of BlackBerry smartphones.

BlackBerry KEYone limited edition black is the first BlackBerry-branded device locally manufactured by Optiemus Infracom under the licensing agreement. The device will be available for Pre-booking starting 4th to 21st January.

In terms of specs, Blackberry KEYone runs the latest Android Nougat and comes with a special Spacebar which doubles as a fingerprint scanner. It offers a 4.5-inch display in 3:2 aspect ratio. The BlackBerry KEYone Android phone is also powered by the DTEK app, which was first released with the Priv. The KEYone comes with BlackBerry Hub. All messages are unified in one inbox. BlackBerry KEYone comes with the latest version of Android Nougat.

BlackBerry KEYOne specs:

Android 7.1 Nougat

4.5-inch scratch-resistant IPS LCD display (1620 x 1080p)

Qualcomm Snapdragon 625

3 GB RAM

12MP rear, Sony IMX378 sensor, 4K video, f/2.0

8MP front camera

32 GB + microSD

3,505 mAh (non-removable)

Quick Charge 3.0

Watch: Xiaomi Redmi 5A Review | Raises the Bar for Entry-Level Smartphones
Washington: President Donald Trump on Wednesday blasted former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon as having "lost his mind" in the fallout over damaging comments Bannon made about Trump's son Donald Trump Jr. in excerpts from a new book.

Trump, who had continued to speak privately with Bannon after firing him in August, essentially cut ties with Bannon at least for now in a blistering statement issued after Bannon's comments came to light.

"Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind," Trump said.

Trump had relied heavily on Bannon, chairman of the right-wing Breitbart News website, for advice in the months leading up to his upset victory in the November 2016 election.

Bannon helped Trump shape a populist, anti-establishment message and has been the president's link to his conservative base of support. It was not clear if the split would push Bannon to be even more aggressive in his campaign against the Republican establishment and whether he now would also target Trump, or whether he would emerge much weaker.

According to excerpts from "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House" by Michael Wolff, to be released on Tuesday, Bannon described a June 2016 meeting with a group of Russians at Trump Tower in New York arranged by the president's son and attended by top Trump campaign officials as "treasonous" and "unpatriotic."

While Trump in the past praised Bannon for his friendship, the president said in his statement on Wednesday that Bannon had little to do with his election victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton, calling him "a staffer who worked for me" after he had already won the Republican nomination.

Trump said Bannon was to blame for the loss of a Republican-held U.S. Senate seat in Alabama in December when Republican Roy Moore, whose campaign was derailed by accusations of sexual misconduct with teenage girls, lost to Democrat Doug Jones. During the campaign, Trump joined Bannon in backing Moore.

"Now that he is on his own, Steve is learning that winning isn't as easy as I make it look. Steve had very little to do with our historic victory, which was delivered by the forgotten men and women of this country. Yet Steve had everything to do with the loss of a Senate seat in Alabama held for more than thirty years by Republicans," Trump said.

'NIGHTMARE OF BACKSTABBING, HARASSING'

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who had been upset over Trump's backing of Moore at the urging of Bannon, was clearly pleased Trump was willing to rid himself of the former aide. McConnell's campaign organization tweeted an image of the normally taciturn senator with a beaming smile.

Donald Trump Jr. attacked Bannon in a tweet.

"Steve had the honour of working in the White House & serving the country. Unfortunately, he squandered that privilege & turned that opportunity into a nightmare of backstabbing, harassing, leaking, lying & undermining the President. Steve is not a strategist, he is an opportunist," he said.

The president, an expert at self-promotion, said Bannon was trying to promote himself by "leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was."

"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," said Trump, who famously values loyalty in associates and employees.

With elections looming in November that could cost Republicans control of Congress, Trump praised Republican lawmakers and candidates, words likely to be welcomed by McConnell and House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan.

"Like me, they love the United States of America and are helping to finally take our country back and build it up, rather than simply seeking to burn it all down," Trump said.

'BRAIN TRUST'

As with much in the Trump White House, the story that triggered the harsh back-and-forth was an offshoot of the investigation into whether Trump campaign aides colluded with Russia to sway the election to Trump, allegations Trump and Moscow deny.

Bannon expressed derision about the June 2016 meeting in which a Russian lawyer was said to be offering damaging information about Clinton, according to the book.

The meeting was attended by Trump's son, his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and then-campaign chairman Paul Manafort. Bannon also was quoted as saying he was sure Trump Jr. would have taken the Russians who took part in the meeting to meet his father in Trump Tower.

"The three senior guys in the campaign thought it was a good idea to meet with a foreign government inside Trump Tower in the conference room on the 25th floor - with no lawyers. They didn't have any lawyers," Bannon said in the book in excerpts seen by Reuters.

"Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad shit, and I happen to think it's all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately."

When an intermediary proposed the meeting, saying the Russians were offering damaging information about Clinton, Trump Jr. responded in an email: "I love it."

Bannon was incredulous about the meeting shortly after it was revealed, according to the book, concluding sarcastically: "That's the brain trust they had."

The Wolff book, parts of which were published by New York magazine, portrayed Trump as shocked that he won the election and said his wife, Melania Trump, was in tears, and "not of joy."

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders called the book "trashy tabloid fiction."

The first lady's spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, added: "The book is clearly going to be sold in the bargain fiction section. Mrs. Trump supported her husband's decision to run for President and in fact, encouraged him to do so. She was confident he would win and was very happy when he did."
Washington: Donald Trump did not want to be the president of the US and the First Lady Melania was in tears not of joy on knowing about the surprising electoral victory last year, according to a new book by an American journalist.

The book "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House" written by Michael Wolff, claims that the ultimate goal of Trump was never to win.

"His ultimate goal, after all, had never been to win. I can be the most famous man in the world," he had told his aide Sam Nunberg at the outset of the race.

"His longtime friend Roger Ailes, the former head of Fox News, liked to say that if you want a career in television, first run for president," according to the excerpts of the book.

"Shortly after Trump's inauguration, Wolff said, he was able to take up "something like a semi-permanent seat on a couch in the West Wing" an idea encouraged by the president himself. Because no one was in a position to either officially approve or formally deny such access, Wolff became "more a constant interloper than an invited guest."

"There were no ground rules placed on his access, and he was required to make no promises about how he would report on what he witnessed," the book said.

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders has however denied this after excerpts from the book were published by New York Magazine with the title "Donald Trump Did Not Want to be President."

"There was one brief conversation that had nothing to do, originally, with the book. It was, I think, around five to seven minutes in total since the President has taken office. And that's the only interaction that he's had," she said.

According to Wolff, after entering the White House, Trump, while proposing the most radical departure from governing and policy norms in several generations, had few specific ideas about how to turn his themes and vitriol into policy.

"And making suggestions to him was deeply complicated.

Here, arguably, was the central issue of the Trump presidency, informing every aspect of Trumpian policy and leadership: He didn't process information in any conventional sense. He didn t read. He didn't really even skim. Some believed that for all practical purposes he was no more than semi- literate.

He trusted his own expertise no matter how paltry or irrelevant more than anyone else's," the author claimed.

"Shortly after 8 PM on election night, when the unexpected trend Trump might actually win seemed confirmed, Don Jr. told a friend that his father, or DJT, as he calls him, looked as if he had seen a ghost. Melania was in tears and not of joy," the book said.

"There was, in the space of little more than an hour, in Steve Bannon's not unamused observation, a befuddled Trump morphing into a disbelieving Trump and then into a horrified Trump. But still to come was the final transformation: Suddenly, Donald Trump became a man who believed that he deserved to be, and was wholly capable of being, the president of the United States," according to the book.

Wolf claims that from the moment of victory, the Trump administration became a looking-glass presidency: Every inverse assumption about how to assemble and run a White House was enacted and compounded, many times over.

"The decisions that Trump and his top advisers made in those first few months from the slapdash transition to the disarray in the West Wing set the stage for the chaos and dysfunction that have persisted throughout his first year in office," Wolf said in his book.

"This was a real-life version of Mel Brooks s The Producers, where the mistaken outcome trusted by everyone in Trump s inner circle that they would lose the election wound up exposing them for who they really were," Wolff said.

According to New York Magazine, Wolff, who chronicles the administration from Election Day to this past October, conducted conversations and interviews over a period of 18 months with the president, most members of his senior staff, and many people to whom they in turn spoke.

"Nothing contributed to the chaos and dysfunction of the White House as much as Trump's own behavior. The big deal of being president was just not apparent to him," Wolff said.

"Most victorious candidates, arriving in the White House from ordinary political life, could not help but be reminded of their transformed circumstances by their sudden elevation to a mansion with palace like servants and security, a plane at constant readiness, and downstairs a retinue of courtiers and advisers. But this wasn't that different from Trump s former life in Trump Tower, which was actually more commodious and to his taste than the White House," said the author.

The White House has ridiculed the contents of the book, which will hit the stores next week, and described it as a fiction.

"This book is filled with false and misleading accounts from individuals who have no access or influence with the White House," Sanders said.

"Participating in a book that can only be described as trashy tabloid fiction exposes their sad desperate attempts at relevancy," she said.

The White House has described the book as "trashy tabloid fiction."

"The author did not get any access from the White for this book. He never actually sat down with the President, just to be very clear," Sanders told reporters at her daily news conference.

"I know that the book has a lot of things, so far of what we've seen, that are completely untrue. You have many people that have quotes that are sourced to them that are now coming out publicly and saying that those things are not true," she said in response to a question.

The book also says that US President Donald Trump was sympathetic to the issues of Silicon Valley including H-1B visa issue.

This appears to be contrary to the tough stand he has taken on H-1B visa now. After a meeting with a delegation of Silicon Valley leaders at the Trump Towers on December 14, 2016.

Trump then as president-elect is quoted as saying that the tech industry needs help as there are too much of a regulation.

"Take this H-1B visa issue. They really need these H-1B visas," Trump is quoted as telling Rupert Murdoch over phone after the meeting, according to the book .

"The president-elect enjoyed being courted. On December 14, a high-level delegation from Silicon Valley came to Trump Tower to meet him. Later that afternoon, according to a source privy to details of the conversation, Trump called Rupert Murdoch, who asked him how the meeting had gone," Wolff writes in the book.

"Oh, great, just great," said Trump. "These guys really need my help. Obama was not very favorable to them, too much regulation. This is really an opportunity for me to help them," the book said.

"Donald," said Murdoch, "for eight years these guys had Obama in their pocket. They practically ran the administration. They don't need your help. Take this H-1B visa issue. They really need these H-1B visas," Trump said, according to the book.

"Murdoch suggested that taking a liberal approach to H-1B visas, which open America s doors to select immigrants, might be hard to square with his promises to build a wall and close the borders. But Trump seemed unconcerned, assuring Murdoch, "We'll figure it out," Wolff writes.

"What a fucking idiot," said Murdoch, shrugging, as he got off the phone, the author claims.

The sympathetic view of Trump towards H-1B visa appears contrary to his public views on this popular work visa. Even during his election days, he had called for his strict review and described it as eating away with American jobs.

After becoming the president, Trump has ordered for review of H-1B visas. His administration has come out with strict policies on issuing H-1B visas, the book said.
United Nations: Iran today charged that the US "has crossed every limit" in international relations by expressing support for Iran's anti-government protesters and said President Donald Trump's "absurd tweets" have encouraged disruption.

In a letter to UN officials, Iranian Ambassador Gholamali Khoshroo complained that Washington was intervening "in a grotesque way in Iran's internal affairs."

He said Trump and Vice President Mike Pence were personally stirring up trouble.

"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 UN Security Council president and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

The US didn't 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.

"Such respect for the people of Iran as they try to take back their corrupt government," he tweeted yesterday. "You will see great support from the United States at the appropriate time!" Trump's UN envoy, Ambassador Nikki Haley, called Tuesday for an emergency Security Council meeting on Iran, saying the UN needed to speak out in support of the protesters.
Baghdad: Under pressure from allies in the West, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi is staking his career on reining in the Shi'ite militias that helped him defeat Islamic State.

The task will not be easy. The paramilitaries, or Popular Mobilisation Forces, are mostly trained and backed by Iran, so Abadi risks angering his most powerful regional backer.

Iraq's Shi'ite majority also see the PMF's 150,000 fighters as their saviours. Several militia commanders plan to run against Abadi in parliamentary elections in May and some have warned they will resist attempts to dismantle them.

Abadi's plan envisages taking back the militias' heavy weapons and cutting their strength by half, according to military and intelligence sources.

The army is already taking an inventory of PMF weaponry, such as the armoured vehicles and tanks the government gave them to fight Islamic State.

Next, Abadi will order his military and police commanders to take back those heavy weapons under the pretext of repairing them. The defence ministry will then remove over-age or physically unfit fighters, two military sources said.

"The plan will be implemented with extreme caution and precision in order to prevent a negative backlash from the PMF commanders," said an army colonel who was briefed on it by his commander. "We can't keep a second army within one state; this is the key objective of the plan."

The plan will be closely followed by Iran and the United States. The groups are one of Iran's many levers of influence in Iraq, while for Washington they are a reminder of Tehran's growing reach in the Middle East.

Lawmakers close to Abadi and one of his political advisers say he is coming under "tremendous pressure" from the West and Sunni regional allies to dissolve the PMF now that Islamic State, or Daesh, is no longer a major threat.

"Prime Minister Abadi is getting messages from allies in the war against Daesh encouraging him to dismantle the PMF as a condition to keeping their support flowing in future," the adviser said on condition of anonymity.

In a phone call last month, French President Emmanuel Macron encouraged Abadi to dismantle the PMF, said the adviser, who was briefed on the call.

With Islamic State crushed in Iraq, Abadi will find it harder to avoid clamping down on the militia, according to a lawmaker from his Dawa Party.

"Abadi would respond to pressure from his Western and Gulf allies to dissolve the PMF by saying he needs them to fight Daesh, but now Daesh is finished and there are no more excuses to keep the PMF," the lawmaker said.

In any case Abadi does not trust the Iranians, whose militia allies act like a state within a state, said a Shi'ite lawmaker close to the prime minister.

"Abadi sees the support of the West, the United States and regional Arab states as indispensable in making Iraq more stable in future," the lawmaker said.

But militia commanders, such as Ali al-Hussaini from the Imam Ali Brigades, say the PMF played a major part in defeating Islamic State and dismantling them would be a "big mistake".

"We have millions of followers who will defend our rights against any attempt to target us," he said.

Nonetheless, a joint committee from the army, police, and intelligence services will review the number of PMF fighters and make recommendations to Abadi, who will decide who will stay and who will be retired, said a military intelligence colonel who is close to the military chief of staff's office.

Abadi would also order his commanders to restructure their own forces.

Another army colonel said taking heavy weapons from the militias would not be easy, as they control hundreds of headquarters, arms stockpiles, camps, and even small rocket factories.

IRANIAN INFLUENCE

Disarming the militias is one of Abadi's most delicate challenges. They are generally more effective than the Iraqi security forces and often defy Baghdad with the support of Tehran.

They also have the blessing of Iraq's most influential Shi'ite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani.

Iraqi Shi'ite militia commanders are openly loyal to Tehran, Iranian advisers are seen on Iraqi battlefields, and Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned Abadi in June against weakening the militias.

The PMF gained prominence after Sistani called on Iraqis to take up arms against Islamic State when it seized a third of the country in 2014.

Since then the militias have become more assertive, riding around cities in vehicles flying their own flags. They are accused of terrorising minority Sunnis, which they deny.

Security sources and analysts say any attempt by Abadi to muzzle the PMF could invite a backlash from Shi'ites, who expect the militias to protect them in the event of renewed sectarian conflict in Iraq.

Any backlash could lead to the election of an alliance of Iranian-backed political parties to enough seats in parliament to end Abadi's bid for a second term.

Abadi's success against Islamic State and in quashing a Kurdish bid for independence in Iraq may tempt him into over-confidence in acting against the militias, said Jasim al-Bahadli, a Baghdad-based expert on Shi'ite armed groups.

"Playing hard with the PMF could be a double-edged sword; they have broad popularity that Abadi should not underestimate."

FIERY CLERIC

To counter the PMF's popularity, Abadi has turned to the cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, who once led an armed rebellion against U.S. occupation forces and was named the most dangerous man in Iraq by the Pentagon.

The pair held a secret meeting in the holy Shi'ite city of Karbala on Nov. 11 to discuss Sadr helping the government disarm the militias, accoording to aides for both men who attended the meeting.

Sadr sees the militias as a threat to his role as a kingmaker in Iraq's turbulent politics.

During their meeting, Abadi asked Sadr to support him in his bid to "cleanse the country" of corrupt politicians and those who might try to use armed groups to influence the election, an adviser to Sadr said.

"They talked about putting an end to the militias operating above the law, fighting corruption, and of course supporting Abadi's bid to be prime minister for a second term," he said.

Several lawmakers close to Abadi and sources close to Sadr said the prime minister had secured the cleric's support to stop the PMF interfering in the election.

"Sadr can put hundreds of thousands on the streets in solidarity with Abadi with one call, he would make Abadi's opponents think twice before challenging him," said a senior Shi'ite politician close to Sadr.

Indeed, Sadr plans to do just that in the very near future, another source close to him said.

STRONG CHALLENGER

Sources close to Sadr said he also promised to persuade Sistani to support Abadi's plans to restrain the militias.

That could give Abadi an edge over the militias, which comprise more than 66 groups, over 40 of which are backed by Iran, according to security sources and analysts.

It would also put Abadi in a strong position against one of his main challengers, Hadi al-Amiri, who commands Iraq's largest Iranian-backed Shi'ite militia, the Badr Organisation.

"Badr will lead the PMF list in next election under the leadership of Hadi al-Amiri," said Ameer al-Kinani, a Sadrist adviser to Iraqi President Fuad Masum. "This is known to all."
Jerusalem: The Israeli military said on Thursday it would further investigate the death of a wheechair-bound Palestinian who was killed in clashes over U S President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

The Dec. 15 death of Ibrahim Abu Thurayeh was denounced by the Palestinians and decried by U N High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein, who said the a 29-year-old amputee was shot in the head by Israeli troops close to the Gaza-Israel border fence.

The Israeli military said its own operational investigation, carried out shortly after the incident, had found that it was not possible to say what had killed Abu Thurayeh. It said no live fire had been directed at him during the dispersal of the demonstration, in which protesters hurled explosive devices and rocks and set tyres alight.

"In order to further examine the case, including information received from organizations operating in the Gaza Strip, it was decided that the circumstances of Thurayeh's death will also be examined by a Military Police investigation," the army said in a statement.

Trump's announcement on Jerusalem infuriated the Arab world and upset Western allies. It has sparked violent protests on a weekly basis along the Israel-Gaza border and in the occupied West Bank.

Abu Thurayeh was a regular at such demonstrations. In media interviews, he had said he had lost both his legs in a 2008 Israeli missile strike in Gaza.

The status of Jerusalem has been one of the biggest obstacles to a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians for generations.

Israel considers all of Jerusalem to be its capital. Palestinians want the eastern part of the city as the capital of a future independent state of their own.
Islamabad: Pakistan on Thursday rejected as "propaganda" reports that China was going to establish a military base near the strategic Gwadar port in southern Balochistan province.

"There is no proposal of building any Chinese military base near Gwadar. This is all propaganda against the development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and strengthening of relations between Pakistan and China," Foreign Office (FO) spokesman Mohammad Faisal said.

The nearly USD 50 billion CPEC - a flagship project of China's prestigious One Belt One Road - passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

It links China's restive Xinjiang region with Pakistan's Balochistan province. India has objected to CPEC as it traverses through PoK.

Responding to a question about India test-firing an interceptor missile, Faisal said Pakistan always maintained that anti-ballistic missile systems entail destabilising effects, especially in the regional context and can provoke an arms race.

"We have proposed several missile and nuclear restraint measures to India that include the commitment not to deploy ballistic missile defence systems. Pakistan will continue to follow a policy of restraint and responsibility while taking all necessary measures to ensure our national security," he said.

Faisal said India's attempts to attribute ulterior motives to the basic security protocol for Indian death row prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav are "testament to their double standards".
New Delhi: Amid US President Donald Trumps ongoing tirade against Pakistan, Khawaja Asif, Pakistan Foreign Minister, sounded the alarm that the countrys history has ample reasons for it to not trust the United States.

In a series of tweets, Asif wrote on Wednesday, The history teaches us not to blindly trust the US.

The statement comes even as US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said on Tuesday that Washington would withhold $255 million in assistance to Pakistan. Her statement followed an angry tweet from Trump on Monday that the United States had been rewarded with "nothing but lies and deceit" for giving Pakistan billions in aid.

A Geo TV report cited Asifs tweet on Wednesday: We are upset that you are not pleased [with us], but we will not compromise our honour.

In a strongly worded message in his first tweet of the year, Trump said that the US has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, but in return Pakistan has given nothing but lies and deceit. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more! he wrote.

Asif countered saying Pakistan has seen the worst bloodbath due to US attacks on Afghanistan that were carried out from their bases in Pakistan. Your forces were supplied arms and explosives through our soil, thousands of our civilians and soldiers became victims of the war initiated by you, The Dawn quoted Asif.

President Trump quoted the figure of $33 billion given to Pakistan over 15 years, he can hire a US-based audit firm on our expense to verify this figure and let the world know who is lying and deceiving, Asif said in another tweet.

Pakistan civilian and military chiefs rejected what they termed "incomprehensible" US comments and summoned US Ambassador David Hale to explain Trump's tweet.

Relations between Islamabad and Washington have been strained for years over Islamabad's alleged support for Haqqani network militants, who are allied with the Afghan Taliban.

In November, the US had strongly condemned the release of the Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed by Pakistan and had demanded his immediate re-arrest and prosecution, warning that there would be "repercussions" for bilateral ties if Islamabad fails to take "decisive action" against the JuD chief.
An emergency service vehicle exits the New York State Thruway, which was closed following a major traffic incident due to blizzard-like conditions, near Buffalo, New York. (Image: Reuters)
Since Christmas Day, the eastern two-thirds of the United States has been stuck in an increasingly stubborn deep freeze. Mass after mass of cold Arctic air has pushed down into the nation from Canada, the North Pole, Greenland and Siberia. Low-temperature records, some that go back a century or more, have tumbled across the country.

Snow has fallen in such places as Houston and Tallahassee, Fla. The eastern portions of states from Maine down to Florida were placed under winter storm advisories and warnings earlier this week, as a hurricane-like storm sat off the coast, gathering strength and preparing to dump moisture into the cold gripping the country.

As the old adage goes, its been weather not fit for man nor beast.

And yet, there are public servants and volunteers, whose jobs are more a calling to public service than a mere paycheck, who are out in this frozen hell, protecting us, serving us and keeping society up and running.

Theyre the firefighters who turn out to fight blazes that threaten innocent life, the police officers and sheriffs deputies who patrol the streets at all hours and in all conditions to protect the citizenry, the municipal employees we rarely think about who are out in the cold their entire shifts collecting garbage or repairing vital infrastructure that crumpled under the weathers weight.

We owe them ... a lot.

Just consider what the public servants, both paid and volunteer, have endured here in Central Virginia the past several days.

In Lynchburg, workers with the citys water resources department have had to deal with close to a dozen water main breaks caused by the extreme temperatures. Two downtown occurred on Christmas, forcing crews to leave their families on the holiday.

On Tuesday, two houses in the Forest and Goode areas of Bedford County went up in flames within hours of each other. Between the two fires, 75 firefighters from Bedford and Campbell counties, both volunteers and paid, turned out in the bitter cold.

And we shouldnt forget the public servants who spend their entire shifts laboring in the elements, folks like the Lynchburg sanitation workers who keep to their appointed rounds regardless of conditions.

Neither the pay to public employees nor the thanks to volunteers can express how much each and every one of us owes these men and women. Still, we need to be reminded, every now and then, of those who labor on our behalf, often out of sight and out of mind.

Thank you, each and everyone.
Politicians gutting Medicare

Are you aware of the high increase of Medicare premiums? It started last Jan. 1, 2017, again this Jan. 1 and January 2019.

When I got my benefit statement for 2018, my husband still had not gotten his, so we called Social Security. To our surprise, the agent said the set amount of for Medicare premium is $134 a month!

Well! We still were under $134. The agent said that until everyone reaches the uniform amount, no increases per month will happen.

Now, as your New Benefit Amount Statement states, Your Social Security benefits will increase by 2.0% in 2018 because of a rise in the cost of living. What they didnt tell you is that it all is going into an increase of Medicare premiums ... last year, this year, next year, etc.

It certainly seems to me that our representatives in Congress have forgotten to mention the fact about cutting Medicare in the amount of $120 billion. This I found from The News & Advance and the total amount set for Medicare premium of $134 from the agent at the Social Security office.

Surprise, surprise!

Where is all the Medicare money going, if its to be cut $120 billion? Why put such a big increase on the Medicare premium? People on Social Security are on fixed incomes. How many years will it be the same fixed income?

Call your representative and U.S. senators and ask them What is going on and where is the money going? Whose idea was this?

No member of Congress has mentioned this. Shame, shame on the government.

BETTY KNIGHT

Forest

Keep up the fight

Rep. Bob Goodlatte sits in a gerrymandered seat and therefore feels comfortable aiding and abetting the right wings scurrilous attack on the FBI because they did not get the results they wanted. Never mind not a shred of evidence was presented to support this idiotic idea of bias in favor of Hillary Clinton.

These same congressional Republicans, including Goodlatte, have not said a word about a president violating the Emoluments Clause of the Constitution, the questionable mission in Niger killing four American soldiers, the administrations pathetic response to Puerto Rico after two major hurricanes or his Cabinet secretaries use of taxpayer dollars to fly to vacation.

It is my hope that the courts will resolve the gerrymander issue, and Democrats will mount an effective campaign in the Sixth Congressional District with a strong candidate. Let us continue the 2017 revolution in Virginia.

GUY LINN

Lynchburg
Gov.-elect Ralph Northam has chosen a top official for Virginias community colleges as his chief workforce adviser, a new Cabinet-level position created by the General Assembly last year to address the states top economic development concern.

Megan Healy, assistant vice chancellor for academic services and employer partnerships at the Virginia Community College System, will fill the new job as part of a push to upgrade the states workforce development programs to improve its national business ranking and compete for new or expanding businesses.

Northam, speaking on Wednesday to union leaders at an electricians apprenticeship academy near Ashland, said the new adviser will help coordinate an array of state programs to prepare Virginians with the skills required by employers for new technical fields, as well as more traditional jobs the state currently isnt keeping pace to fill with qualified workers.

There are jobs out there were not filling because were not training individuals quickly enough, the governor-elect said at the Richmond Electricians Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee center in the Hanover Airpark.

Northam said his administration, scheduled to begin with his inauguration on Jan. 13, would make a priority of initiatives to train people for no collar jobs from an array of community college, credentialing and apprenticeship programs.

I need help from the unions on how we can work to keep the pipeline open for our youth to workforce, he told the group, which included union representatives for boilermakers, painters, sheet metalworkers, laborers, and elevator technicians, as well as electrical workers.

Union leaders welcomed the creation of a workforce adviser with direct access to the new governor. I think this can be the glue, said Virginia AFL-CIO President Doris Crouse-Mays, who is a co-chair of Northams transition team. For us, its having that one person to go to who can maneuver for us with all the other agencies.

Healy is married to David Hallock, a lobbyist who is one of the transition teams leaders.

Healys appointment comes amid a push on numerous fronts to improve Virginias ability to supply skilled and trained workers for new, cutting-edge industries  from cybersecurity and unmanned vehicles to data processing and advanced manufacturing.

Earlier on Wednesday, U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, both Virginia Democrats and former governors, announced a $3.15 million federal grant to a new apprentice academy at the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing in Prince George, which also is part of a wider program proposed by the GO Virginia council for the greater Richmond region.

On Thursday, Gov. Terry McAuliffe will speak to the Virginia Board of Workforce Development, which is meeting in Glen Allen. McAuliffe made workforce development a priority in the 2018-2020 state budget he proposed last month to the General Assemblys money committees.

The centerpiece of his request for an additional $30 million in economic development funding is a proposal to spend $7.5 million to develop a customized, turnkey program to assure prospective employers of an adequate supply of trained workers for the jobs they need filled.

The program is modeled on the FastStart program created in Louisiana under the leadership of then-Secretary of Economic Development Stephen Moret, who now is president and CEO of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.

It will help us in a huge way, Moret said in an interview Wednesday.

The foundation of the program is education  both at the K-12 and higher education levels, he said. That is what has the biggest impact on the production of talented employees.

Healy, whose twin sister Anna Healy James previously served as policy director for McAuliffe, oversees transfer, career and technical programs at Virginias 23 community colleges. Previously, Healy served as the first director of STEM-H for science, technology, engineering, math and health care education.

Her mother, Diane Healy, attended Northams announcement on Wednesday. Im four times as proud  Ive got four daughters, said her mother, a retired school teacher in Chesterfield County.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to meet the countrys 282 traditional leaders in Gweru next week. In a statement yesterday, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Mr George Charamba, who is also the Presidential spokesperson, said the meeting was part of the Presidents ongoing engagements with different stakeholders in the country.



As part of his ongoing programme to connect and acquaint himself with the thinking of different echelons, interests and players of our nation, His Excellency the President, Cde Emerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, is scheduled to hold a day-long indaba with the countrys 282 chiefs in Gweru on Friday 12th January 2018, said Mr Charamba.



He said President Mnangagwa is expected to engage with the chiefs on their expectations on the new Governments performance and services.





Mr Charamba said the President will also take the opportunity to share his vision as far as rural communities are concerned, as they are home to the majority of Zimbabweans.





The President is expected to take advantage of the meeting to get the views and expectations of different communities on Governments performance and services, while also briefing our traditional leaders on the vision, programmes and expectations of his new Administration as these relate to rural areas where the majority of Zimbabweans live, said Mr Charamba.





He said Governments focus on reviving an agricultural-led economy makes chiefs an important player in mobilising and coordinating national development.





Governments emphasis on an agricultural-led economic recovery makes national traditional leaders key players in mobilising and orchestrating national development through community involvement and empowerment, and within the framework of progressive national value system, said Mr Charamba.





He said the meeting will also address welfare issues for chiefs and their respective communities.

The President recently met captains of industry in Harare. Herald
Police in Harare are investigating an incident in which street vendors and cellphone dealers on Tuesday evening clashed with alleged criminals, who were in the habit of terrorising them and stealing their wares.



The incident occurred along Angwa Street around the former Ximex Mall. Two suspected criminals were later arrested and police are still looking for their accomplices.



Shops in the CBD were forced to close early due running battles between the vendors and the alleged criminals, who were pelting each other with stones.





Police yesterday heavily deployed in the city to thwart further disturbances. Trucks carrying policemen could be seen patrolling around the area. On Tuesday night, national police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident.





It is believed that there are some criminals who target vendors at Ximex Mall, taking their wares and today (Tuesday) they went to the area where they clashed with the vendors, he said.





He said the vendors refused to surrender their wares, resulting in clashes. He said investigations suggested some of the alleged criminals were coming from the direction of Harvest House, the MDC-T headquarters.





Investigations to ascertain the motive behind this (attack) are still in progress, Chief Supt Nyathi said.





Roads near the area were temporarily closed as stones were strewn everywhere. The glazing at Harvest House was damaged during the clashes. OK First Street and shops nearby were temporarily closed for fear property damage and looting.

The Police Reaction Group (PRG) was later deployed to restore law and order.

There were also messages circulating on social media claiming Zanu-PF Harare Province youth chairman Cde Goodwin Gomwe was behind the disturbances.





Cde Gomwe dismissed the allegations as false and malicious and meant to tarnish his image and that of the ruling party.





I would like to categorically state that I was not either involved or associated with the MDC-T headquarters violent disturbances, whether directly or indirectly. Furthermore, I had no knowledge of the disturbances. I got the shock of my life when I came across a message on social media suggesting that I was gun totting and leading in the violent acts, he said in a statement.





Such messages are being fuelled by malice and mischief. Let me warn those behind the falsehoods that it is illegal and unacceptable to falsely accuse someone.





He said investigations he carried out revealed that the clashes were between MDC-T youths and cellphone dealers that trade at the former Ximex Mall.





It is said that the MDC-T youths had looted phones from the dealers a couple of days ago. Its further stated that the rowdy MDC youths usually raid the dealers of their wares and use Harvest House as their hideout. When they returned today (Tuesday) to carry out their illegal activities as their culture had been, Ximex dealers are said to have resisted them and retaliated, resulting in the violence, Cde Gomwe said.





He called on the law enforcement agents to thoroughly investigate and bring to book those that thrive on violence. Herald
Government is working on three agricultural policy initiatives to boost productivity and increase the sectors foreign currency generation. This was disclosed by Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement Minister Chief Air Marshal (Retired) Perrance Shiri, while officiating at a horticulture stakeholders conference in Harare yesterday.





You may be aware that my ministry is already working on an agriculture marketing and trade policy, the horticulture development policy and the mechanisation and irrigation development policy and has its foot on the ease of doing business peddle, Chief Air Marshal (Rtd) Shiri said.





He added that agriculture was not only necessary to Zimbabwes economic recovery but for economic growth and foreign currency generation.





I share with you the common view that agriculture is not only necessary for Zimbabwes economic recovery but is sufficient to contribute between 16 percent to 20 percent of the GDP (gross domestic product) and 40 percent of exports while providing a solid source of livelihood to about 67 percent of the population, Chief Air Marshal (Rtd) Shiri said.





Failure to penetrate foreign markets, lack of irrigation and mechanisation and a decline in the horticultural sector had affected the agricultural sectors contribution to the Minister Shiri said revival of the horticultural sector as a top foreign currency earner was a top priority for Government.





Today we witness tobacco being the leading contributor to agricultural growth. I am convinced that horticulture is a sleeping giant. It is strategic in that it would be a direct attack on poverty, hunger and malnutrition in addition to generating foreign currency and creating high employment opportunities down the value chain.





Historically, the horticulture industry grew rapidly during the 80s and 90s. The industry used to contribute between 3,5 to 4,5 percent to GDP and was second to tobacco in foreign currency earnings. Horticultural exports grew from $3,5 million in 1986 to $32 million in 1991 and reached its peak of $143 million in 1999, he said.





The major reason for growth then, he said, was better coordination through the Horticulture Promotion Council (HPC), minimum regulation, a market-driven production strategy, high profile image on the international markets and good infrastructure and abundant land.





As we gather here today, these conditions are no longer prevailing in the industry. The horticulture sector is now dominated by small-scale production outfits that are dotted across the country and are saddled with technological and skills challenges, inadequate credit lines to finance production hence from a peak of $143 million in 1999, horticulture exports fell to about $72 million in 2005 and $40 million in 2009, Chief Air Marshal (Rtd) Shiri said.





He added that Government was willing to partner the private sector in reviving the sector and provide the requisite incentives for its growth. HPC chief executive officer Mr Basilio Sandamu said the sector was critical in generating export earnings, especially if challenges facing new entrants into the sector were addressed.





He said challenges faced by farmers included lack of funds, specialised transport and other equipment. At its peak, Zimbabwe produced 18 400 metric tonnes of cut flowers, 14 200 tonnes of vegetables and 45 000 metric tonnes of fruits.





Last year, Germany expressed interest to import 15 horticultural crops from Zimbabwe, a development likely to earn the country millions of dollars in foreign currency, as the demand for organic crops and Biotech-free cotton increases on the international market. Zimbabwe is known for producing uncontaminated crops that are in high demand on the international market.





This is expected to boost Command Irrigation and infrastructural development, with farmers having an opportunity to be trained in production and processing of the high-value crops. The crops include high quality okra, peas, beans, cucumbers, chillies, celery, broccoli and lettuce.





China has also expressed interest to import citrus from Zimbabwe, and a quarantine delegation was recently in the country to inspect citrus farms to see if they meet the phytosanitary requirements.





Phytosanitary relates to the health of plants, especially with respect to the requirements of international trade. The country used to be one of the largest exporters of a wide range of horticultural products in Africa, supplying markets in Europe and the Middle East.




This State's Road Signs

Were Too Much for the Feds
Firefighters responded to Bill and Hillary Clinton's home outside New York City after a small fire in a building on the property, the AP reports. New Castle Police say a call came in around 2:50pm Wednesday about a fire in Chappaqua. The fire was out by 3:15pm. Clinton spokesperson Nick Merrill tweeted that the fire was in a building used by the Secret Service, not in the Clintons' residence. He said the Clintons were not home at the time and "all is OK!" The Clintons bought the Westchester County home in 1999. (Read more Hillary Clinton stories.)
President Trump's controversial voter fraud commission is history after holding a grand total of two meetings. The White House says the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrityset up last year to investigate Trump's claims that millions of people illegally voted for Hillary Clinton in 2016is being disbanded because many states defied its requests for voter data, reports CNN. "Rather than engage in endless legal battles at taxpayer expense, today I signed an executive order to dissolve the Commission," Trump said in a statement Wednesday. While it was in operation, the commission faced multiple lawsuits and accusations that it had broken the law with its requests for information.

Officials say the Department of Homeland Security might now take over the commission's work. The commissionwhich Democrats called a "sham" perpetuating "baseless claims" of fraudwas chaired by Vice President Mike Pence and run by Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, though Pence eventually distanced himself from its work, the Washington Post reports. The commission also suffered setbacks including a lawsuit from Maine Secretary of State Matt Dunlap, one of its members, who claimed he was being denied access to its records, and the arrest of a commission researcher on child pornography charges. White House sources tell Politico that the commission was something Steve Bannon pushed for and it "should've never been in place." (Read more voter fraud stories.)
Tobacco giant Philip Morris says it is giving up cigarettesand its customers should, too. In full-page ads placed in British newspapers, the Marlboro maker says its New Year's resolution for 2018 is to work toward stopping selling cigarettes in Britain and to replace them with products like e-cigarettes and heated tobacco, Business Insider reports. But the company isn't going cold turkey. When asked by the BBC why it's not going to simply stop making cigarettes, a company spokesman said: "We are trying to go smoke free as fast as we can. If we just stopped selling cigarettes tomorrow, others would sell them in our place."

"No cigarette company has done anything like this before. You might wonder if we really mean it," said the company's ads, which promised Philip Morris will take anti-smoking steps including launching a campaign to give smokers information on quitting or switching to smoke-free alternatives. The company also promised to support stop-smoking services in areas with the highest smoking rates. Critics called the move a PR stunt, reports USA Today, which notes that the World Health Organization has accused the tobacco industry of misleading the public about the risks associated with other tobacco products. (In the US, a court has ordered Big Tobacco to run anti-smoking ads on TV.)
A San Diego man banned from Alaska Airlines for touching a flight attendant says he's a victim of discrimination against men. Mike Timon, angry over his treatment by the airline, tells the San Diego Union-Tribune that he was banned for touching the female flight attendant on the buttocks as he sat in first class on a flight from Oregon to San Diego on Dec. 26. Timon says he touched the woman politely on her back to get her attention so he could order a drink. Timon, who owns a medical equipment company and frequently flies first class, said that when no drink came, he pressed his call button, and a male flight attendant came to say he had been cut off. Timon said he had only had a single drink and was sober. He says his gesture was misunderstood as sexual harassment, and he was met by police who escorted him off the plane.

Police took statements from Timon and others but there was no further action. "For me to be accused of this, and for me to be escorted off the plane by police? This is it. I'm blowing up," Timon says. "It's unnecessary. It's discrimination toward me." He says widespread concern over sexual harassment has hurt men like him. "It's out of control and I am pissed," he says. Alaska spokeswoman Ann Johnson confirmed that Timon cannot fly on the airline pending the outcome of an investigation but said she could not provide specifics about his case, the AP reports. "Alaska Airlines will not tolerate any type of sexual misconduct that creates an unsafe environment for our guests and crew members and we are fully committed to do our part to address this serious issue," Johnson said.

(Read more Alaska Airlines stories.)
Thieves stole precious Indian jewels from the famed Al Thani Collection that were on show in a Venetian palace Wednesday, making off with a brooch and a pair of earrings by mixing in with the crowd on the final day of the exhibition, police say. The stolen jewels were not the top highlights of the Al Thani Collection, which includes gems dating from the time of the Mughal Empire. But police said they were made of gold, platinum, and diamonds and their value is estimated to be in the millions of dollars, the AP reports. Police say the security alarm went off at around 10am at Venice's Doge's Palace and police immediately sealed the area.

But the thieves had already made their escape from the museum, known as the Palazzo Ducale and one of Venice's top tourist destinations on the edge of St. Mark's Square. Venice police chief Vito Gagliardi told the ANSA news agency the thieves managed to delay the triggering of the alarm system, allowing them to escape. The Al Thani Collection is a renowned collection of 270 pieces of Indian and Indian-inspired jewelry and precious stones, spanning 400 years from the Mughal period to the present and assembled by Qatar's Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani. Forbes magazine has said "there is no comparable collection on the planet." (This Paris jewel thief was tracked down after he kissed a hostage.)
"Embarrassing backside exposure" may soon be a thing of the pastat least when it comes to hospital gowns. "The current patient gown, with the ties in the back, reinforces a power imbalance between patients and caregivers," Dr. Mark Smith, head of the MedStar Institute for Innovation, tells the New York Times, which details a new incarnation of hospital attire created by Care+Wear. The company, which worked with Parsons School of Design students, found itself faced with a challenging task: Design a comfortable hospital gown that provides more coverage for the patient while still allowing medical staff easy access to insert IVs and check vitals.

The result, which retails for $45 on the Care+Wear website, is a cotton-polyester innovation that opens in the front and comes together via a system of snaps and ties that allows different parts of the body to be exposed when needed. Perhaps surprisingly, the hospital gown niche is a relatively untapped market for designers, and it's a big one: CDC stats note 140 million people ended up in the ER in 2014, and hospitals need up to five times that number of gowns for an adequate supply, says Care+Wear CEO Chaitenya Razdan. The gown's backside box pleat (image here) is especially catching people's attention, functioning "like a giant skirt slit that you can open up to have full access," per the company's products chief. The new gown will see an initial test run at one of MedStar Health's Maryland hospitals, expanding to its other nine locations if the gown is a hit. (Read more hospital gown stories.)
daboost/iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) -- The Trump administration will announce plans to "cancel" security assistance to Pakistan, a congressional source confirms to ABC News after State Department officials called Capitol Hill Wednesday morning to inform members of Congress.



The move comes as President Trump has ramped up his criticism of the unsteady American ally in tweets that blasted the country for giving the U.S. "nothing but lies & deceit."



Pakistan is a key partner in the fight against terrorism, but the U.S. has also accused it of supporting terror groups like the Haqqani Network, an independent division of the Taliban responsible for multiple attacks in neighboring Afghanistan.



The State Department declined to comment, as did White House spokesperson Sarah Huckabee Sanders during her briefing Wednesday, saying, "We'll continue to keep you posted as those decisions are finalized."



In a tweet Monday, Trump accused Pakistan of taking "more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years" and in return providing "safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help."



"No more!" he vowed.



The comments stirred angry reaction from Pakistan, where protesters burned Trump's image and American flags. The Prime Minister's office issued a long statement condemning Trump's "completely incomprehensible" statement that "contradicted facts manifestly, struck with great insensitivity at the trust between two nations built over generations, and negated the decades of sacrifices made by the Pakistani nation."



The statement went on to defend Pakistan's record on terrorism, but did not preview any changes in the U.S.-Pakistani relationship: "Despite all unwarranted allegations, Pakistan cannot act in haste and will remain committed to playing a constructive role towards an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process."



The State Department did not specify to Congress what kind of security assistance was being "canceled," how much money it would be, and whether it was temporary or permanent, except to say that, "This is what we're doing," according to the congressional source.



The move will include the $255 million the administration withheld from Pakistan at the end of August as part of the administration's new South Asia strategy, which called on Pakistan to do more to take out terrorists.



"We have been paying Pakistan billions and billions of dollars at the same time they are housing the very terrorists that we are fighting, but that will have to change, and that will change immediately," Trump said in a major address of the new strategy on August 21. "It is time for Pakistan to demonstrate its commitment to civilization, order, and to peace."



That $255 million in funds, called foreign military financing, was put on hold so that it did not expire with the new fiscal year, but would not be given to Pakistan either -- until the country started "delivering results," the State Department said at the time.



What's also unclear is how much more funding will now be withheld, if any. The State Department had told Congress the announcement would come Wednesday, but there was no word by the end of the day.



"The action they have taken to date is not insubstantial, but its not complete. Pakistan must ultimately decide for itself the degree to which groups like the Taliban and Haqqani Network threaten its place in the international community," the State Department said August 31.



Since then, relations seemed to improve. In the fall, both Tillerson and Defense Secretary James Mattis had trips to the country regarded as improvements. Even Trump's criticism softened, with him striking a more conciliatory tone in an October 13 tweet.



"Starting to develop a much better relationship with Pakistan and its leaders. I want to thank them for their cooperation on many fronts," he wrote after Pakistani security forces helped secure the release of American Caitlan Coleman, her Canadian husband Joshua Boyle, and their three children from Taliban captivity.



It's unclear what specifically changed the president's mind this week, but Trump has a history of bashing Pakistan and blaming it for "sheltering" Osama bin Laden -- a charge Pakistan has long denied.



"When will Pakistan apologize to us for providing safe sanctuary to Osama Bin Laden for 6 years?! Some 'ally,'" he tweeted on July 5, 2012.



Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Australian actress and anti-sexual harassment campaigner Cate Blanchett will head this year's Cannes film festival jury, becoming only the 12th woman in its 71-year history to do so, per the AP and Variety. In a statement Thursday, top Cannes officials Pierre Lescure and Thierry Fremaux expressed their delight in welcoming "such a rare and unique artist whose talent and convictions enrich both screen and stage." A two-time Academy award winner, Blanchett follows Spanish director Pedro Almodovar, who headed the 70th edition of the festival last year. The appointment of Blanchett, 48, comes months after she came out in support of the dozens of women who came forward with allegations of sexual assault and harassment against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein.

More recently, she joined the Time's Up initiative alongside other high-profile actresses. Cannes organizers did not mention the Weinstein scandal or Blanchett's commitment to the fight against sexual harassment. "I have been to Cannes in many guises over the years; as an actress, producer, in the marketplace, the gala-sphere, and in competition," Blanchett said. "But never solely for the sheer pleasure of watching the cornucopia of films this great festival harbors. I am humbled by the privilege and responsibility of presiding over this year's jury." This year's star-studded event on the French Riviera will take place from May 8-19. (2017 juror Jessica Chastain previously called out Cannes.)
Yale University psychiatry professor Dr. Bandy X. Lee has President Trump's mind on her mind. She entered the spotlight in the fall with the October release of The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump, a book she edited that collected assessments from 27 psychiatrists and mental health experts on the president's mental healthor lack thereof. Her name and the subject are coming to the fore again, via a Politico article that reports she was summoned to Washington for private meetings with lawmakers over two days to discuss Trump's mental state. Lee says she spoke with more than a dozen unnamed members of Congressthe group included a single Republicanover Dec. 5 and 6, and she summarizes her message: "He's going to unravel, and we are seeing the signs."

She details those "signs": espousing conspiracy theories, the retweeting of violent videos, his recent tweets on North Korea. She says she was surprised by the interest level among the lawmakers she met with; "one senator said that it was the meeting he most looked forward to in 11 years." And per Lee, her face time with them isn't ending: She says she has appearances on the books for this month that were arranged by Democratic Reps. Rosa DeLauro and Jamie Raskin of Connecticut and Maryland, respectively. Politico uses the Lee meetings to recap the rumblings about the 25th Amendment and whether Trump could be removed from office. More on that here. The Hill reports Trump's first physical exam as presidentwhose results will be publicizedis scheduled for next Friday. (Read more President Trump stories.)
The White House has a new policy banning personal cellphones at work, but aides tell Bloomberg it has nothing to do with unauthorized leaks to the media. Beginning next week, both staffers and guests will be limited to government-issued devices in the West Wing in response to cybersecurity concerns, press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Thursday, describing "the security and integrity of the technology systems at the White House" as "a top priority." Bloomberg anticipated such a move in November, reporting the idea was pushed by White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, whose own phone was reportedly compromised for months before suspicions were raised. (Read more White House stories.)
In a move environmental groups are calling "absolutely radical" and "beyond reckless," the Trump administration is planning the largest sale on leases for offshore drilling in US history. CNBC reports the proposal, announced Thursday by Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, would open 90% of the US' outer continental shelfoff both coasts and Alaskato oil drilling. It overturns an Obama-era plan that would have allowed drilling in only 6% of the same area, according to the Wall Street Journal. The only area spared from possible drilling under the five-year plan, which would begin in 2019, is the North Aleutians Basin in Alaska. Zinke says the goal is "to become the strongest energy super power" in the world.

The plan is already facing opposition from environmentalists, tourism groups, and even some Republicans. The deputy legislative director at the League of Conservation Voters says the plan poses a "grave threat" to seaside communities, the climate, and local economies, the Hill reports. And a campaign director at Oceana says there is "widespread" opposition at the local level to drilling expansion. Florida Gov. Rick Scott says he will fight to stop drilling off the coast of his state. The plan still faces a year or so of public comments and revisions, during which time areas can be removed from consideration for drilling. The plan could also be taken to court as it overturns bans on drilling in the Arctic and parts of the Atlantic enacted by the Obama administration. (Read more offshore drilling stories.)
A 63-year-old Pennsylvania man is suing for false imprisonment, negligence, assault, and more after he says he was arrested and injected with drugs because neither police nor a hospital bothered to check his identity, the BBC reports. Eugene Wright filed suit Wednesday. The lawsuitas per the Meadville Tribuneclaims Wright was arrested June 15 by two police officers and the executive director of Stairways Behavioral Health after another man with the same name made threats against himself and others at a doctor's office that morning. The lawsuit states Wright tried to explain they had the wrong person, but they refused to check the ID and Social Security card in his wallet or call his employer to confirm that he was working when the threats were made.

The lawsuit states Wright was taken to Meadville Medical Center, where employees also failed to confirm his identity despite him having been a patient there in the past. Against his protestations, Wright was injected with anti-psychotic medication and another chemical used for anxiety disorders, according to the lawsuit. The mix-up came to light when Wright's daughter showed up. Since the incident, Wright says he's had trouble sleeping and has dropped weight, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. By way of apology, he says he received a $50 gift certificate to Montana's Rib and Chop House and $25 to Walmart. "The experience that I went through, this should never happen to anybody. It's very simple to check ID," he says. "These people need to be held responsible." The lawsuit names police, Meadville Medical Center, and Stairways Behavioral Health. (Read more mistaken identity stories.)
Japan launched the world's lowest orbiting satellite. If the altitude of the satellite is low, you can see the ground better. The Japanese government said it was a cost of disaster, but analysts said it could be used to reconnaissance North Korea's missile base.

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) announced that it succeeded in launching the Earth Observation Satellite "Tsubame" on H2A rocket at 10:26 am on the 23rd at the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima.

Tsubame, which means swallowing in Japanese, was developed to test very low altitude satellite technology. Earth observing satellites such as Korea's multi-use satellite (Arirang satellite) usually travel around the earth at an altitude of 600 to 800 km, but Tsubame orbit around 180 to 268 km. Until now, it was the very low record that the GOCE satellite of the European Space Agency (ESA) orbit the altitude of 224 km between 2012 and 2013. The Tsubame plans to enter the 480km orbit first, then lower the altitude to 180km over the next two years.

Very low altitude satellites can more closely observe the surface of the earth. European solid satellites were able to detect even the sound waves from the earthquake. However, there is a high risk of falling if you go to very low altitudes. The closer to the surface, the higher the atmospheric density. Because of this, ultra-low satellites receive 1000 times more air resistance than ordinary satellites. It is very likely to lose speed and crash.

Japanese researchers have overcome the shortcomings of ultra-low satellites with a new engine. Tsubame's ion engine uses xenon gas as fuel. Xenon collides with the electrons emitted from the electrodes and emits their electrons. Then Xenon is (+) energized. At this time, if you apply the opposite electricity from the side of the engine nozzle, Xenon will accelerate to 100,000 km per hour. The satellite goes forward with this force. The electricity required for xenon acceleration is made by solar panels.

Ion engines are 10 times more efficient than conventional satellite engines that use liquid or solid fuels. It is also possible to put less fuel. It was also thanks to Ion Engine that Japan's asteroid probe Hayabusa, who returned to Earth in 2010, was able to fly for seven years.

The Japanese government said it would use Tsubame for scientific research such as investigation of disaster damage area and oxygen concentration measurement. But Japanese media reported that it could be used for military and security purposes. By using the Tsubame, it is possible to efficiently scout North Korea's missile base.
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New Delhi:

The Delhi Polices licensing branch has suspended the license of a pub in south Delhis Greater Kailash where a man was shot at last month, officials said on Wednesday.

The 30-year-old man was shot at by another person inside the pub on December 30. Initially, it was suspected that the incident was a fallout of an argument at the pub.

Later, it emerged that the victim was shot at since he had an argument with the accused over a parking issue in November.

An inquiry was ordered into the shooting incident since the pub was open beyond 1 am, a senior police officer said.

After findings by district vigilance, five beat officers of M Block Market, GK-I were sent to district lines. They were asked to explain the reason for their misconduct, said Romil Baaniya, Deputy Commissioner of Police (South).

A show-cause notice has been issued to the Station House Officer of the Greater Kailash police station and division staff for explaining their misconduct, he said.
New Delhi:

While social media is still finding it hard to get over Virushka's dreamy wedding in Italy, the buzz around Disha Patani and Tiger Shroff's marriage is doing rounds on social networking sites.

The alleged lovebirds, who were busy showcasing their hot bodies on the pristine beaches of Sri Lanka, are under spotlight yet again.

Social Media is going bonkers as a certain leaked video of the duo exchanging Jaimalas at an unknown place made fans' hearts skip a beat.But before you start dreaming about another Anushka Sharma-Virat Kohli story, let us reveal the truth.The video has been taken from their forthcoming flick 'Baaghi 2'.

Besides this, the video contains a bunch of breathtaking chase scenes from the Ahmed Khan directorial. In one of the scenes, Tiger is seen jumping off the buses and zips through the streets of Goa at a very high speed.

Though fans are waiting eagerly to watch the wedding scene in real life as well, the much sought after couple chose to remain tight-lipped on their affairs.

Meanwhile, amidst this ongoing rumours about their marriage, both the actors took to micro-blogging site Twitter to share the poster and release date of Baaghi 2.

"Get Ready To Fight guys as Rebels For Love are all geared up to arrive soon! #SajidNadiadwalaas #Baaghi2 to release on March 3, 2018. @khan_ahmedasas @DishPatani @NGEMovies @FoxStarHindi #Baaghi2onMarch30,a Tiger wrote.

aRebels For Love are all set to meet you! #SajidNadiadwalaas Baaghi2 to release on March 30 2018,a Disha tweeted.

Also starring Prateik Babbar, Randeep Hooda and Manoj Bajpayee in key roles, the action thriller is scheduled to hit screens on March 30, 2018.

Video Courtesy: Bollywood Fan

Son of a Y A post shared by Tiger Shroff (@tigerjackieshroff) on Jan 1, 2018 at 1:19am PST

Heavenai A post shared by disha patani (paatni) (@dishapatani) on Jan 1, 2018 at 8:18pm PST

aiYS A post shared by disha patani (paatni) (@dishapatani) on Dec 29, 2017 at 10:31pm PST

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Guwahati/Kolkata,:

The Assam Police on Thursday registered an FIR against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on complaints over her allegation that the Centre was conspiring to drive Bengalis out of Assam with the state's National Register of Citizens (NRC) that is being updated.

The police FIR sparked an angry response from the Trinamool Congress(TMC) which said such an action would not stop her from fighting for the cause of the Bengalis while the BJP accused Banerjee of trying to make an "issue out of an non-issue" for reaping political dividends.

The BJP government in Assam condemned Banerjee's statement, saying it was "derogatory, insulting to the people of Assam and against the Constitution as well as the spirit of the Supreme Court."

Numerous groups staged protests across Assam condemning the statement by the TMC chief. At several places, including in Tinsukia and Biswanath, Banerjee's effigies were burnt.

At a meeting in Ahmedpur in West Bengal on Wednesday, Banerjee accused the NDA government at the Centre of "hatching a conspiracy" to drive out Bengalis from Assam by "excluding" their names from the first draft of the NRC, which was published on the midnight of December 31.

"I warn the BJP government at the Centre not to play with fire... This is a conspiracy of the Centre to drive out around 1.80 crore people from the state," she had said. The NRC of 1951 is being updated in Assam under the supervision of the Supreme Court to identify original residents of the state in order to check illegal migration.

Deputy Commissioner (Central) of Guwahati Police Ranjan Bhuyan told PTI, "Latasil police station received a complaint regarding an alleged speech of the West Bengal chief minister. We have registered the complaint and will carry out the investigation as per law."

The complaint was filed by Gauhati High Court advocate Tailendra Nath Das and the police have registered an FIR under Section 153(A) of the Indian Penal Code, he added.

The section pertains to promoting enmity among groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony.

Das also accused Banerjee of contempt of the apex court as the update of the NRC is being done under the direct the supervision of the Supreme Court.

A similar complaint was filed by another person and it would be merged with the registered FIR, the police said.

Also Read: Veteran Bengali actor Partha Mukhopadhyay dies at 70, WB CM Mamata Banerjee expresses grief

Yet another complaint was filed at the Dispur police station in the city by Krishak Shramik Unnayan Parishad President Pradeep Kalita alleging that the chief minister was spreading enmity between people through her speech.

"We have received the complaint at Dispur, but have not registered a case as yet...The police are looking into the matter before registering a case as the place of occurrence is outside the state," said Deputy Commissioner(East) of Guwahati Police Mohneesh Mishra.

Assam government spokesperson and cabinet minister Chandra Mohan Patowary termed her speech against the NRC update as "politically motivated" and made to "appease her vote bank".

"We condemn the statement of Mamata Banerjee. It is derogatory and insulting to people of Assam. It is against the Constitution and the spirit of the Supreme Court," Patowary told a press conference in Guwahati.

Responding to Banerjee's allegation of a conspiracy to drive Bengali speaking people out of Assam, Patowary asked her to submit evidence to the Supreme Court.

TMC secretary general Partha Chatterjee said if the BJP and Assam government think that they can stop the party and Banerjee from fighting for the cause of Muslims then they are living in a "fool's paradise".

"Such police cases and FIRs won't be able to stop Mamata Banerjee and TMC from fighting for the cause of Bengalis. We have seen such tactics to drive out Bengalis from Assam. If the Bengalis are in danger then Mamata Banerjee and TMC won't sit idle," said Chatterjee, who is also the state parliamentary affairs minister.

The West Bengal BJP unit slammed Banerjee for her statement.

"The allegations made by the chief minister are completely baseless. Nothing of that sort is being done. Such allegations are made just to get political dividends out of it," its president Dilip Ghosh said.

Also Read| Gujarat Election Results 2017: Gujarat numbers a face-saving win for BJP, says Mamata Banerjee

The TMC is trying to make an issue out of a non-issue, just like they had done in the case of demonetisation and GST, Ghosh said.

Assam BJP unit urged the NRC authorities to file a complaint in the Supreme Court against Banerjee for her comments.

Another senior state BJP leader, who did not want to be identified, said that Banerjee instead of making a hue and cry should take lessons from Assam.

"We very well know that West Bengal has turned into a safe haven for Jihadis under TMC regime. So instead of shouting over the NRC, the TMC should take lessons from it," the BJP leader said.

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New Delhi:

A blanket of dense fog enveloped the national capital on Thursday, delaying 14 flights and 60 trains. The visibility was recorded at 300 meters at 5.30 AM which improved to 500 meters at 8.30 AM.

"The minimum temperature recorded at 8.30 AM was 5 degrees Celsius, two notches below normal while the humidity was recorded at 100 per cent," a MeT official said.

The weatherman has predicted a clear afternoon with the possibility of maximum temperature settling around 19 degrees Celsius.

Airport officials said 14 flights were delayed due to fog.

According to a Railway official, 60 trains were running late due to fog, 18 trains had to be rescheduled and 14 cancelled.

On Wednesday, the maximum and minimum temperatures were recorded at 18.4 and 7.4 degrees Celsius, respectively.

# Cold wave conditions continue unabated in Uttar Pradesh, trains delayed due to fog: Visuals from Gorakhpur pic.twitter.com/poeYJYaIrV a ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 4, 2018

# Intense cold wave continues to grip Uttar Pradesh: Visuals from Allahabad and Kanpur pic.twitter.com/Mkbh3GstzI a ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 4, 2018

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New Delhi:

In a build up to the forthcoming ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit, which marks the silver jubilee of Dialogue Partnership between India and ASEAN, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will undertake her first visit of the year to three southeast Asian countries  Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore  from January 4 to 8.

On the first leg of the visit, Swaraj will be in Thailand on January 4 and 5, where she will hold an official meeting with Thailands Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai, who will also host a dinner.

All aspects of bilateral relations with Thailand will be discussed with particular focus on political, defence and economic ties and on further enhancing Indias engagement with ASEAN countries, a Ministry of External Affairs official said. Thailand will assume the role of coordinator country for India-ASEAN relations in the middle of 2018.

During the visit to Indonesia on January 5-6, Swaraj will co-chair the 5th meeting of the India-Indonesia Joint Commission with her Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi. The Indonesian Foreign Minister will also host a banquet.

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New Delhi:

Political parties on Thursday indulged in a slugfest both inside and outside Parliament as a bill to ban instant triple talaq was tabled in the Rajya Sabha, amid uncertainty over its fate with only two days of the winter session being left.

While the Government wanted to debate on the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill in the Rajya Sabha, the opposition wanted it to be sent to a Select Committee for scrutiny before it is a made a law.

This bill gives power to the victim to approach a magistrate seeking "subsistence allowance" for herself and minor children in the case of instant triple talaq or talaq-e- biddat.

A victim can also seek the custody of her minor children from the magistrate. Under the law, instant triple talaq in any form -- spoken, in writing or by electronic means such as email, SMS and WhatsApp -- would be illegal and void.

The bill could get stalled in the Rajya Sabha where government lacks a majority and it may be referred to a parliamentary committee for its review.

Here are the Live Updates:

# Sudhanshu Trivedi, BJP:A The duplicity of Congress is quite clear, it has become typical characteristic of Congress.

#Smriti Irani:A Double standards of congress led opposition are exposed today and I think it is a shame on them that they are trying to obstruct this path of justice for Indian muslim women.

# Smriti Irani:A Opposition stands exposed in RS, for past 2 days repeatedly it has been said that if there are any issues need to be spoken onA Triple Talaq Bill, those issues need to be put out on the floor of the House. Why is congress -led opposition running away from discussion?

# Kapil Sibal:A The government is isolated, the Opposition is one. The bill should be sent to the select committee.

# TMC MP Derek 0 Brein:A Today BJP has been exposed, they don't have the guts to empower women.

# Rajya Sabha adjourned till Friday 11 am following ruckus over triple talaq bill.

#A Congress's Ghulam Nabi Azad: The select committee has to be one which represents the character of the house. We only have an issue about the allowance which we have repeatedly raised. We are for the bill.

#A Arun Jaitley: Congress wants to destroy the Triple Talaq Bill.

# Uproar in Rajya Sabha after opposition's motion on Triple Talaq Bill.A

#Opposition demands Triple Talaq Bill be sent to select committee

# Maharashtra #BhimaKoregaonViolence raised in Rajya Sabha by Congress MP Rajni Patil; SP's Naresh Agarwal also demands action and constitution of a Commission for a report on the matter



Congress MP Rajni Patil gives notice in Rajya Sabha under rule 267 over #BhimaKoregaonViolence a ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018

# 10:40AM

# 10:35AM

Delhi: BJP leaders stage protest in front of Gandhi statue in Parliament against murder of party worker Deepak Rao in Karnataka's Mangalore, demand case to be transferred to CBI pic.twitter.com/V3tT4HQtcg a ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday expressed his happiness over former Telecom Minister A Raja's vindication in the alleged 2G spectrum allocation case.

In a reply to A Raja's emotional letter, Manmohan wrote, "I am very happy that you stand vindicated in the 2G case."

Singh added, "You and your family have suffered greatly in this process but all your friends are greatly relieved that truth has prevailed."

Raja, following his acquittal in the case had written a letter to the former prime minister, recalling his past communication and assurance that he had done nothing wrong.

The DMK leader in his letter date December 26, 2017 wrote, A decade ago, on this very day, I wrote a letter to you on the subject of issuance of new UAS licenses and allocation of 2G spectrum. Neither of us could imagined the twists and turns in our political and personal lives over the next ten years.

Also read: Did CBI mess up the 2G case intentionally? Arvind Kejriwal asks PM Modi, Jaitley



Former Telecom minister A. Raja wrote to former PM Manmohan Singh saying, 'I assured you that I had done nothing wrong but rather acted in national interest & that I'd prove this.' Singh replied saying, 'I'm very happy that you stand vindicated.' #2GScamVerdict pic.twitter.com/E73IA2cnym  ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018

He further added,  A few powerful individuals launched a propaganda machine, magnified a thousand times by a complicit and pliable media, and were able to misled even Parliament and the apex judiciary. It cost you and UPA government, and it took seven years of my life, including fifteen months in jail.

The DMK leader also wrote, You will recall that I assured you several times that I had done nothing wrong but rather acted in national interest and that I would prove this.

Also read: CBI court finds no scam in 2G spectrum allocation, acquits all accused; Congress demands Modis apology for 'propaganda'



I also understand the compulsions that prevented you from openly supporting me. Today, I stand vindicated. I hope you will acknowledge that I remained loyal and faithful to you  unlike some senior Cabinet colleagues  and ensured that you did not suffer personal embarrassment in the trial proceedings. Now that the truth about 2G is out in the open, perhaps you too could come forward in my support, which you could not earlier, wrote Raja.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

Space debris or old satellites falling back down on Earth is something we all are aware of as hundreds of junk land on our planet each year. But, what will happen if a 19,000-pound heavy space station will fall on Earth?



Well, scientists are worried too as an out of control Chinese space station has gone off the route and can crash anywhere into Earth. Scientists are unable to figure out where on Earth it is going to crash, reports CBS Denver.



Tiangong-1, an unmanned space lab, is expected to crash on Earth in March. China lost control of the space station around two years ago in June 2016.



The Chinese government had earlier estimated that the Tiangong-1 would come down back to Earth in late 2017. Experts have now come to this conclusion that the Chinese space agency has lost all the ability to direct Tiangong-1s course or even know its crash landing site.



European Space Agency (ESA)s November analysis suggests that the orbit of the spacecraft "will inevitably decay sometime between January and March 2018, when it will make an uncontrolled reentry."

"Even a couple of days before it re-enters we probably won't know better than six or seven hours, plus or minus, when it's going to come down," Harvard astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell told The Guardian in 2016. "Not knowing when it's going to come down translates as not knowing where its going to come down."



According to ESA experts, much of the spacecraft would likely burn up in the atmosphere, however, portions of it could reach the surface of the Earth.



Reports say that there is only a 1-in-10,000 chance that the Tiangong-1 will actually crash in a populated area and cause damage to buildings and establishments.



"The date, time and geographic footprint of the reentry can only be predicted with large uncertainties. Even shortly before reentry, only a very large time and geographical window can be estimated," said Holger Krag, head of ESA's Space Debris Office.

For all the Latest Science News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Miami:

Its called snow, something residents of North Florida hadnt seen in almost three decades until on Wednesday, and it is part of a deep-freeze striking the entire US East Coast.

The US National Weather Service warned that a major winter storm would bring heavy snow and ice, from Florida in the southeast up to New England and the Northeast on Wednesday and Thursday.

New York City was under a winter storm watch, with between three and six inches (8-15 centimeters) of snow expected from Wednesday night through Thursday.

Tallahassee, Floridas capital in the far north of the Sunshine State, awoke Wednesday to a dusting of 0.1 inches of snow, the first significant measurement since 1989, according to the Weather Channel.

Floridians, more accustomed to hurricanes than this odd white substance, rushed to publish on social media their photos of snow covering their warm-weather flip-flop footwear and outdoor swimming pools.

#snowmageddon, they called it on Twitter.

The storm has already led to the closure of roads in northern Florida and southeastern Georgia, where governor Nathan Deal declared a state of emergency in the coastal area.

Floridas governor Rick Scott urged people in the northern part of his state to prepare for extreme cold weather conditions, including potential snow, sleet or ice accumulations.

Forecasters said the night-time temperature would fall below freezing in Tallahassee this week.

The National Weather Service said the rapidly deepening area of low pressure off Floridas east coast will move northeastward bringing snow to the southern mid-Atlantic coast and then to New England as it moves towards the Canadian Maritimes by Friday.

The potential exists for dangerous travel, scattered power outages, tidal flooding, and very cold wind chills, the Weather Service said on its website.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Beirut:

The head of Lebanons powerful Tehran-backed Hezbollah movement has said he was confident protests in Iran would be brought under control and leave US President Donald Trump disappointed.

"There is nothing to worry about and what happened in Iran is well contained," Hassan Nasrallah said in an interview to Al-Mayadeen, a TV channel close to his movement.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards chief proclaimed the "end of the sedition" on Wednesday as tens of thousands of people rallied in a show of solidarity with the regime.

Protests over economic problems broke out in Iran's second city Mashhad last week and quickly spread across the country, turning against the regime as a whole.

The rare protests drew vocal support from Trump, who on Wednesday vowed to back demonstrators and called the Iranian "brutal and corrupt".

Also Read: 12 killed in Iran protests, security personnel attacked, says Iran state TV

"Trumps hopes have been disappointed," Nasrallah said, as will the hopes of "all those who bet that the protests would grow and lead to the fall of the regime and chaos in Iran."

He said he saw no risk of a change in Tehrans policy of support for movements such as his but when asked about Irans financial contributions to Hezbollah, he replied "no comment".

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Washington:

The US has placed Pakistan on a 'Special Watch List' for "severe violations" of religious freedom, the State Department on Thursday said, making it the only country to be put under the newly-formed list.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson announced re-designation of 10 countries as 'Countries of Particular Concern' (CPC).

"The secretary also placed Pakistan on a Special Watch List for severe violations of religious freedom," State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said.

This is for the first time, that the State Department announced its 'Special Watch List', a new category created by the Frank R Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2016. The department placed only Pakistan on this list.

The Special Watch List is for countries that engage in or tolerate severe violations of religious freedom but may not rise to the level of the CPC.

In far too many places around the globe, people continue to be persecuted, unjustly prosecuted, or imprisoned for exercising their right to freedom of religion or belief, Nauert said in a statement.

"Today, a number of governments infringe upon individuals' ability to adopt, change, or renounce their religion or belief, worship in accordance with their religion or beliefs, or be free from coercion to practice a particular religion or belief," she said.

In accordance with the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, she said Secretary of State annually designates governments that have engaged in or tolerated systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom as 'Countries of Particular Concern'.

"Today, the Department of State announces that the Secretary of State re-designated Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan as Countries of Particular Concern on December 22, 2017," she said.

Noting that the protection of religious freedom is vital to peace, stability, and prosperity, Nauert said these designations are aimed at improving the respect for religious freedom in these countries.

"We recognise that several designated countries are working to improve their respect for religious freedom; we welcome these initiatives and look forward to continued dialogue," Nauert said.

The US remains committed to working with governments, civil society organisations, and religious leaders to advance religious freedom around the world, she added.

Also Read: US not enjoying dealing with Pakistan, ties have drifted over the years, says Rex Tillerson

The US Commission for International Religious Freedom which has been seeking to designate Pakistan as CPS however expressed its disappointment with the decision of Tillerson in this regard.

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has been advocating for designating Pakistan as a CPC since 2002.

It has argued that the government of Pakistan continues "to perpetrate and tolerate systematic, ongoing, and egregious religious freedom violations. Religiously discriminatory constitutional provisions and legislation, such as the country's blasphemy and anti-Ahmadiyya laws, continue to result in prosecutions and imprisonments".

"Pakistan continues to harass its religious minorities, has state-sanctioned discrimination against groups such as the Ahmadis, and tolerates extra-judicial violence in the guise of opposing blasphemy," USCIRF Chairman Daniel Mark said.

Also Read: US ready for talks with North Korea without preconditions: Rex Tillerson

"As USCIRF has said for many years, Pakistan should be designated by the State Department as a CPC. Given the strong stance that President Trump has taken on Pakistan recently, the failure to designate Pakistan as a CPC this year comes as a surprise and disappointment," Mark said.

In November, Congressmen Randy Hultgren and James P McGovern, Co-Chairs of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, in a letter to Tillerson had urged him to designate Pakistan as CPC alleging it has engaged in systematic, ongoing, egregious violations of religious freedom.

In a report last year, the Pew Research Center determined that over an eight-year period Pakistan is one of a small group of countries that "stand out as having the most restrictions on religion...when both government restrictions and religious hostilities are taken into account".

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
A Japanese man was stabbed to death and two other men were injured in separate attacks on the streets of Ireland Wednesday. Police investigating the incidents said terrorism is one line of inquiry.

Police said an 18-year-old Egyptian national has been arrested and detained at the Dundalk Police Station in the Republic of Ireland just south of the border with Northern Ireland.

The suspect has not been identified or charged. Police believe he had been seeking asylum in the Republic of Ireland in recent days.

Police did not release the name of the stabbing victim, but said he is a 24-year-old Japanese man who had been living in Ireland for the past year.

An autopsy is underway, police said.

The victim was attacked on the street and stabbed in the back Wednesday morning in Dundalk. He died at the scene. Media reports say the other injuries took place in other parts of Dundalk, with one person being stabbed and another attacked with an iron post.

Chief Superintendent Christy Mangan said police received emergency calls from three separate locations in the Dundalk area and were able to quickly apprehend the suspect, who was carrying a large fence post when taken into custody.

He added that the first attack was reported at about 9 a.m. local time, and the attacks were spread out over 40 minutes.

He said no motive has been established and that terrorism is being seen as one possibility.

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At the Greenwich Historical Societys latest exhibit, two stories important to Greenwichs roots intersect.

While researching and putting together An American Odyssey: The Jewish Experience in Greenwich, curator Ann Meyerson discovered the role some Jewish families played in cultivating key commercial districts, such as Greenwich Avenue and The Hub in Cos Cob.

Among her unexpected findings, she told a crowd during a recent exhibit tour, was how early Jewish immigrants began settling in Greenwich. The revelation that they came during the first decade of the 20th century is really surprising because, given what we know about discrimination and all the restrictions in place, to find out they came that long ago and had established roots for such a long time was pretty eye-opening.

The exhibit debuted in November and will run through mid-April. Already, crowds of attendees have toured An American Odyssey, prompting discussions about Greenwich residents experiences and family stories, according to Meyerson.

Some start talking about anti-Semitism in a way that maybe they didnt feel comfortable talking about before, she said. Jewish descendents (attending the exhibit) are just so grateful that this story is being told, and theyre very moved.

Delving into new ventures

An American Odyssey, includes informational materials describing broad concepts related to Jews settling and growing in Greenwich. But the central portion of the exhibit focuses on six Jewish families who established businesses in town.

Together, the Bennett, Cohen, Marks, Taylor, Tunick and Weiss families reflect a common narrative of families arriving in Greenwich and supporting themselves through developing businesses, often without any previous experience.

According to Meyerson, a quote from Jennie Marks Levine, the first Jewish child born in Greenwich, exemplifies that entrepreneurial spirit: There was this business in Greenwich for sale, and my father bought it, Marks said during a 1974 interview recorded as part of the Greenwich Library Oral History Project. This newspaper business. He knew nothing about it. ... My father just stumbled into the business and from then on, you know, if a Jewish person has a little business, they get a bigger one  so we opened up a stationery store.

Her family owned Marks Bros. Newspapers and she described how they worked together to fold and deliver the papers.

Many of the families stories are illustrated by surviving items from businesses Meyerson features in the exhibit, as well as selected interview recordings from the oral history project available for listening or reading.

A Taylor family descendant also told of his father opening a newspaper business without experience.

Alex Taylor, whose father came to Cos Cob to work a paper route and ultimately cast the vision for The Hub, told how his father was walking along lower Broadway in New York City and met someone whose father he had known in Russia. According to Alex Taylors 1974 oral history interview, that man suggested to his father that he buy a paper route in the country, which meant the Cos Cob section of Greenwich.

Well, Father was starving in the city, so it didnt make too much difference whether he came to the country and starved up there, Taylor said. That evolved into Taylors General Store in The Hub, which sold stationery, toys, cards, cigars, cameras, film and served as a lending library for some time. The Taylors built up The Hub around their shop by buying property, building stores and renting them to other merchants.

From accountants to wallpaper

Jewish merchants launched a wide variety of businesses including accountants, cleaners, drug stores and optometry, as well as dealers in auto parts, clothing, curtains, flowers, furniture, insurance, liquor, paint and wallpaper and real estate.

A map displayed on one exhibit wall denotes the location and type of business of tens of Jewish-run establishments. Some still exist while others, some after decades in business, have been turned into new stores. What was once Marks Bros. Newspapers on Greenwich Avenue is now an AT&T store and the Weiss familys Favorite Shoe Store houses a Lilly Pulitzer boutique.

An American Odyssey: The Jewish Experience in Greenwich can be toured until April 15 at the Greenwich Historical Society, 39 Strickland Road, Cos Cob.

Contact the writer at mbennett@greenwichtime.com; Twitter @Macaela_\
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DANBURY  The Board of Directors approved fare increases and reduced services to Brewster at Wednesdays Housatonic Area Regional Transit meeting.

Under the changes, the base fare for a fixed route goes from $1.50 to $1.75 and other fare classes increase proportionately. The fare for ADA Paratransit increases from $2.50 to $3, and the fare for same day SweetHART dial-a-ride trips go from $3 to $4.

The ADA rates were last raised in 2011, and the last fixed rate increase was in 2013, said Eric Bergstraesser, HARTransits chief executive officer.

We cant go any longer, he said, adding HARTransit has the lowest fares in the state for both ADA and fixed rates.

He said the driver for this increase was the state budget problems and the lack of money expected for the state Department of Transportation and associated road projects. He said fiscal year 2019 looks even worse with the state talking about increasing bus fares by 15 percent and cutting its contract with HARTransit by 15 percent.

Were hoping for the best and preparing for the worst, he said.

Jeff Doyle, a rider who has nerve damage, said the fare increase was difficult for those with disabilities. He said he moved from Ridgefield to Danbury to use the bus, but still had limited ADA services on the bus. He said these limited services are forcing riders to find alternative travel methods.

More Information HARTransit Fares: A sample CASH FARE: Previous: Fixed route: Full fare $1.50 Student (K-12) $1.10 Senior/Disabled $0.75 ADA Paratransit ADA eligible $2.50 SweetHART Dial-A-Ride Eligible $1.00 SweetHART Dial-A-Ride Same day $3.00 New: Full fare $1.75 Student (K-12) $1.40 Senior/Disabled $0.85 ADA Paratransit ADA eligible $3.00 SweetHART Dial-A-Ride Eligible $1.00 SweetHART Dial-A-Ride Same day $4.00 See More Collapse

Dan Honan, of Newtown, and one of three representatives on the board, said he doesnt like to raise the rates, but acknowledged it had to be done.

Both he and Chairman Leonard Russell, of New Fairfield, asked if they could delay the vote until more of the board could be there, but the timeline to enact the new rates prevented them from doing that.

Each town that uses HARTransit gets at least one seat on the Board of Directors, but only Danbury, Newtown and New Fairfield have appointed representatives. Newtown just approved its second appointee who starts at the next meeting.

Oswaldo Chin, the union president who represents HARTransits employees, is also asking the board to create two advisory spots to represent employees and riders.

Honan and Russell also approved reducing services on the 3 line, eliminating the rides between Trader Joes in Danbury and Brewster between noon and 2 p.m. This doesnt affect the Brewster shuttle, which goes to the train station.

Rick Schreiner, HARTransits service development director, said this was to prevent the buses from getting backed up due to congestion on Interstate 84, which causes drivers to go on the side roads, which affects the bus times. By eliminating the middle times, the later buses can get back on schedule.

As soon as traffic backs up, it backs up to Mill Plain Road, and that dominoes into the system," he said.

He said removing these services allows them to reinstate some of the Mill Ridge stops  which serve a public housing area  that were removed when the Brewster rides were extended.

Noreen Mangan, a Danbury resident who rides the Brewster shuttle, encouraged the board to keep the 3 line as is because it serves those in Brewster who work or shop in Danbury. She said cutting services could make Danbury a transportation desert.

We shouldnt be talking about cutting public transportation in Danbury where we are the fastest growing city in Connecticut, she said.

HARTransit isnt making changes to the 7 Link bus, which travels between Norwalk and Danbury. Beginning later this month, Norwalk Transit will no longer offer its two inbound and outbound buses that travel this line, and its 9:05 a.m. bus will only run to Wilton Center. HARTransit will continue to offer its five inbound and outbound 7 Link buses, which travel from 6:35 a.m. to 5:25 p.m.

The directors didnt discuss what the reduced Norwalk services were and if HARTransit would assume those trips.
NEW MILFORD  Mayor Pete Bass this week apologized on behalf of former Mayor David Gronbach in a news release and letters to town families.

Bass, in the release, said Gronbach disclosed residents personal information when he criticized a local nonprofit last summer. Bass said an apology was needed.
There is an ongoing discussion about the benefits of traditional branding versus modern strategies of branding. In the past, marketers used to think that all you needed was a quality product, strong logo, mission statement or a catchy tagline in order to establish a brand. Big brands thought that having an effective website or buying a Super Bowl commercial became what separated their marketing efforts from smaller competitors.

Related: Online Sales and the Importance of Branding Your Business From Day 1

Nowadays, most of these things are still important (apart from the Super Bowl commercial), but they work to support your other branding efforts. Traditional branding is all about consistency, while modern branding is about authenticity combined with consistency.

Leverage tech for branding.

Technology enables a brand and its content to have a greater reach. There are 7 billion people on Earth and approximately 3.6 billion of them are using the internet.

As an individual among these billions, you might not have the name recognition, but now there are several opportunities, provided by technology, to help connect you with consumers. We have the ability to access information from individuals as well as to communicate with them, and the number of options is increasing faster than ever.

Related: Why You Should Hire One of These People to Tell Your Brand's Story

Be social.

Social media is an essential facet of branding in today's business culture. By effectively utilizing social media, it can be an inexpensive tool to showcase yourself to an audience of billions. It is important for you to learn how to promote your brand across multiple mediums and make sure to focus on the metrics of each of those audiences.

Crawl before you walk, before you run. By doing so, and evaluating the mediums that your audience prefers to use, you will be able to better distribute the information that you convey. Listen to the people who are already listening to you and learn what content they want, and enjoy.

Related: These 13 Skills Will Improve Your Branding Efforts

Be ready to mix it up.

We still need traditional marketing, such as logos, websites and missions, to combine with the other branding tools provided by technology today. In order to be the most effective, do your own branding experimentation to help you decide where to best allocate your time, as well as your money.

Try using different mediums to communicate, focusing on those that provide the greatest returns for you and the best value for your target market. Learn where your brand (and its content) gets the most engagement.

Related: 20 Tips to Organically Market Your Brand on Instagram (Infographic)

Put podcasts on blast.

For example, podcasts are one of the go-to mediums for helping to elevate an individual brand or even a company's profile in 2017 (or 2018). In fact, studies show that the number of people who listen to podcasts monthly is increasing among men and women. This is something that many are trying to capitalize on, especially since the studies also report that podcast listeners tend to have a higher household income, in general.

A podcast gives the opportunity to create fantastic and easily digestible audio content and gives you the opportunity to incorporate video for marketing purposes, as well. You need to focus on branding something unique in this increasingly competitive medium, so play to your strengths. Know your message or mission.

Brand your expertise.

Make the most of your situational knowledge and relationship capital in order to find your own niche and share the value that you have. Sharing the valuable insights that you possess will allow your brand to make the greatest impact on your audience.

Related Video: The 8 Laws of Branding

Related:

Today's Savvy Branding Mixes Traditional and Modern Brand Strategies

5 Reasons Personal Branding is Non-Negotiable for 2018

These Key Approaches are Quintessential for Successful Brand-building



Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved



This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com


VANCOUVER, Jan. 3, 2018 /CNW/ - MYM Nutraceuticals Inc., (CSE: MYM) (CSE:MYM.CN) (MYM.CN) (the "Company" or "MYM") is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement of up to 3,571,000 units at a price of CAD$2.80 per unit.

Each unit will consist of one common share and one transferable common share purchase warrant. Each warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one additional common share for a period of 24 months following the closing of the private placement at a price of CAD$4.00 per warrant share.

In the event that, after the date that is six months and one day following the closing of the offering, the closing volume-weighted average price of the common shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange, or such other exchange on which the common shares may primarily trade, is greater than or equal to CAD$5.50 for a period of ten consecutive trading days, the Company may, at its sole option, accelerate the expiry date of the warrants by giving notice to the holders thereof, and in such case, the warrants will expire on the 30th day after the date on which such notice is given by the Company.

The offering was priced in the context of the market based on a price reservation made by the Company with the Canadian Securities Exchange. The private placement is subject to the approval of the CSE and the securities will be subject to a four-month hold period under securities laws. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the private placement for general working capital and corporate purposes.

About MYM Nutraceuticals Inc.

MYM Nutraceuticals Inc. is an innovative company focused on acquiring Health Canada licenses to produce and sell high-end organic medicinal cannabis supplements and topical products. MYM has two production projects in Quebec that when completed will have over 1.5 million square feet of production space. MYM is also a partner in a 1.2 million square-foot production project (the Northern Rivers Project) in New South Wales, Australia. Australia is an exciting new market that has recently legalized medicinal cannabis. To ensure a strong presence and growth potential within the industry, MYM is actively looking to acquire complementary businesses and assets in the technology, nutraceuticals and CBD sectors. MYM shares trade in Canada, Germany and the USA under the following symbols: (CSE: MYM) (OTC:MYMMF) (FRA:0MY) (DEU:0MY) (MUN:0MY) (STU:0MY).

This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on assumptions and judgments of management regarding future events or results, including with respect to a non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") and the use of proceeds therefrom. In making the forward-looking statements, the Company has applied several material assumptions including, but not limited to, the assumptions that: the Offering will proceed and be completed as planned and required regulatory approvals will be obtained. These forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Such factors include, among others and in addition to those described elsewhere in this release, inability to obtain regulatory approvals of the Offering, inability to complete the Offering on the proposed terms or at all and delays in obtaining or inability to obtain required government or other regulatory approvals. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to revise or update such statements, except as required by applicable securities legislation. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis and other disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulators, which are posted on http://www.sedar.com.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE or CNSX Markets), nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in policies of the CSE), accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein in the United States. The securities described herein have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities law and may not be offered or sold in the "United States", as such term is defined in Regulation S promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act, unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration requirements is available.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Rob Gietl, CEO

MYM Nutraceuticals Inc.

http://www.mymarijuana.ca

Keep up to date with MYM on our social media channels:

Twitter: @MYM_Nutra

Facebook: @mymcanada

Instagram: @MYM_Nutra

SOURCE MYM Nutraceuticals Inc.

For further information: Investor Relations: Terry Brown, +1-855-696-2261, [email protected]

Related Links

http://www.mymarijuana.ca/


THUNDER BAY, ON, Jan. 2, 2018 /CNW/ - Wolfden Resources Corporation (TSX-V:WLF) is pleased to announce that Mr. Ronald Little has agreed to join the Wolfden Team as a lead director of the Corporation. Mr. Little is a professional engineer that brings a successful track record of exploration, corporate and mine development and mining operations. As an active director of the Board, he will assist in advancing Wolfden's new Pickett Mountain high-grade base metal project in Maine, USA as well assessing other opportunities.

Mr. Little's previous experience includes over 30 years of progressive leadership and executive management of publicly traded mining companies. In 1996, he was the founder of Orezone Resources Inc., a company that went on to develop the largest gold mine in Burkina Faso that was taken over in a deal worth $350M by Iamgold in 2008. In addition to extensive marketing and project finance experience, Mr. Little has a broad technical background that includes the management of underground and surface mining operations, permitting and feasibility studies all of which will be valuable attributes in moving Wolfden towards mine development. Mr. Little also sits on the boards of Premier Gold Mines and Northern Graphite Corp.

"Having worked with Ron for a number of years, I am confident in his ability to advance projects to development and build shareholder value" commented Ewan Downie, Chairman. "His diverse world-wide experience and strong exploration and underground operational experience will complement our existing Board and team as we advance our key assets and assess additional opportunities."

In connection with his appointment as a director, Mr. Little has agreed subscribe for 500,000 common shares of the Corporation at a price of $0.29 per share on a private placement basis pursuant to applicable exemptions. The common shares to be issued pursuant to the private placement will be subject to a four month hold period pursuant to applicable securities laws. The completion of the private placement is subject to receipt of required regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange and is expected to close on or about January 6, 2018.

In addition, the Corporation has granted Mr. Little options to acquire up to 600,000 common shares at an exercise price of $0.53 per share and expiring five years from the date of grant, with 500,000 of such options subject to specific vesting conditions.

About Wolfden:

Wolfden is a Canadian junior mining exploration company who's core asset is the Pickett Mountain high-grade base metal in Maine, USA. With a recently updated mining code in Maine, the Company is focused on advancing to property to an underground mine development scenario through an aggressive program of definition and expansion drilling followed by technical and environmental studies. Historical work demonstrates the potential to expand the current drill-defined mineralization and through the use of more modern geophysical techniques, the company hopes to identify other high priority drill targets.

This Press Release contains certain information that may constitute "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements about strategic plans, including future operations, future work programs, capital expenditures, discovery of minerals, price of base metals and currency exchange rates, timing of geological and environmental reports and corporate and technical objectives.. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including the risks inherent to the mining industry, adverse economic and market developments and the risks identified in Wolfden's continuous disclosure documents. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. All forward-looking information contained in this press release is given as of the date hereof and is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof. Wolfden disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

SOURCE Wolfden Resources Corporation

For further information: Donald Hoy, President and CEO, Tel: (807)624-1131, Email: [email protected], Web Site: www.wolfdenresources.com
MIDDLETOWN  The Common Council voted 11-0 Tuesday evening to initiate a $20,000 investigation into a gender discrimination complaint involving Mayor Dan Drew.

The council will now begin a search for a consultant or law firm to conduct the investigation. At issue is a complaint from the school departments human resource manager charging Drew interfered with and prevented her from getting a salary increase. It was filed with the citys Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity Management.

The complaint alleges the citys human resources director, Tom Tokarz, is paid a higher salary for a similar position.

Both Drew and the city attorney have denied Michele DiMauros accusation.

The middle-management employee union, which represents DiMauro, has filed a separate complaint claiming she has been bombarded with a barrage of donation requests from Drew, who is vying for the Democratic nomination for governor.

Council Majority Leader Thomas Serra said Wednesday the council must now work to find someone who has absolutely no connection to the city in any way, shape or form to handle the investigation.

Serra acknowledged that launching the investigation is uncomfortable, but added, It had to be done.

These are allegations, and I want to emphasize they are only allegations. In no way are we saying anyone is guilty of anything, Serra said during a telephone conversation. Everyone deserves due process.

He described the proposed investigation as a fact-finding mission.

This is not a witch hunt  its not supposed to be a witch hunt, said Council Minority Leader Sebastian N. Giuliano, a former three-term mayor. Our job is not to punish or to censure anyone. Our job is to find out what happened and whether the systems work the way they are supposed to, and if not, what tweaks do we have to make to ensure the system does work.

The motion adopted by the council requires a report within 60 days.

For his part, Drew said DiMauros complaint is a totally baseless accusation.

The whole thing is spurious and there is nothing to it, Drew said Wednesday afternoon.

DiMauro was one of four people who asked the Labor and Management Committee to review their jobs and pay, Giuliano said. But while the other three employees received raises, DiMauro did not, he said.

Drew offered a different interpretation of what occurred. Following a review of her complaint, Drew said DiMauro was offered a one-grade increase, which he said was the same given to the other three employees.

Drew said DiMauro and her union rejected the offer and pressed for at least a two-grade increase.

In a report on the councils proposed action, the Middletown Eye blog said DiMauro had claimed the mayor and the city attorney prevented a fair assessment on her request to have her job status re-evaluated. She also complained that the mayor made disparaging remarks about her after she filed the complaint, the Eye said.

The only ones who can do this is the Common Council, Giuliano said. Everyone who is involved in the normal complaint process is answerable directly to the mayor, he explained.

Although she is employed by the school department, DiMauro reports to the mayor, Giuliano said. Its a bit of unique situation, he said.Anyone who is not in a state-certified position is in a city classified position.

Serra said both he and Giuliano had received copies of the twin complaints made to the citys Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity Management, one from DiMauro and a second from the Local 6457 of the United Public Service Employees Union. The latter was signed by three of the unions officers, Serra said.

With the complaints in hand, Giuliano and Serra took the matter to their respective caucuses, both of which supported conducting an investigation. We need to find out the truth of the matter, Serra said.

He acknowledged the council has embarked on an uncharted course. Never in my career in local government  which Serra said dates back to 1973  has he heard of, or been involved in, an investigation of the office of the mayor.

However, Giuliano said he came under investigation 2011 when, as mayor, he ordered the director and assistant head of the Water and Sewer Department to relocate their offices to Town Hall.

Drew previously had come under general criticism from both Democrats and Republicans when it was revealed he had sent letters to the homes of town employees requesting $100 donations for his campaign.

The fact Drew sent the letters to emergency service personal  police and firefighters  was roundly condemned. By state law, those addresses are masked  kept private to protect the safety of emergency service personnel.

The state Election Enforcement Commission has begun an investigation into that matter.

Councilwoman Mary Bartolotta was absent from Tuesdays meeting due to a death in her family.

Reporter Jeff Mill covers East Hampton, Portland and Cromwell. Contact him at jeff.mill@hearstmediact.com.
NEW HAVEN  A Massachusetts man was sentenced Wednesday to 18 months in prison for his role in a heroin trafficking ring working in the city, federal authorities said in a release.

Julio Flores, 39, of Webster, Mass., pleaded guilty in October to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin, the release said. Under the sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer, Flores must also serve four years of supervised release, according to federal authorities.
Prof. Olufumilayo Adesanya-Davies

Ahead of the 2019 general elections, a professor of Language and Communication Arts at the Rivers State University of Education, Prof. Olufumilayo Adesanya-Davies, has announced his intention to contest the presidential election.

Adesanya-Davies made her intention public, on Tuesday, while addressing newsmen in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The Ira-Kwara born don said she had consulted widely before making her intention public.

She added that decision of the Federal Government to make applications forms free for women aspirants also boosted her interest in the race.

She used the occasion to counsel Nigerians to be patient with President Muhammadu Buhari, adding that the solution to current challenges in the country is in the hands of women.

Her words, I am aspiring to be the next president of Nigeria. I am out to put laughter of joy on the mouth of all.





I have discussed this with the former presidential candidate, Sarah Jubril, who incidentally is from Kwara state. Her reaction was that if a miracle like this we ever happen, we have paid the price in Kwara state and it is going to happen in the state.





She said that Nigeria has opened the ground for Nigerian women, adding that my ticket is that of Nigeria, as the presidential form is free for women.





Historically, we will recall in 2015 another woman presidential candidate came. She floated a party called the KOWA party. Her name is Prof. Remi Sonaya. She was my lecturer at the Obafemi Awolowo Univerity (OAU).





2015 was when i first thought about being a presidential aspirant. This is for the main reason that i was born October 15th and I got married at October 15th.





That time i said with President Goodluck Jonathan in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) i was going to be his running mate. I was sending text messages to him. I told him to let Vice President Nnamadi Sambo step down for him to be successful but he did not listen to me.





But delay is not denial, that is why I am staging a come back. I have done some consultations.





The first person to put a call through was Patience Jonathan. I told her that I am picking the presidential form this time around and she endorsed my decision.





Our first thanks will go to the nation- Nigeria that says the ladies could pick our forms politically at every levels. Nigeria is confident that the current challenges in the country can only be tackled by the women.





However, we are still keeping the party under which place we will aspire under close wraps.





Later on will be announcing that through the press. We dont have a platfom yet. We are just saying that officially, this is a presidential aspirant for 2019 and later we will take it to the next level.





As time goes on and we are taking counsel from the youths, the family, mothers and the children we will declare on which platform the next first female president will be coming from.





On Buhari Prof Adesanya-Davies said: The test of maturity is taking responsibility for your irresponsibility. You take a decision and you gonna allow it to sail through. A four old preganancy cannot be delivered.





You have to be patient and quietly allow for delivery for nine months. We were the one that did the voting, we accepted the change and now the change is here.





I will advise Nigerians to calm down for President Muhammadu Buhari. Also the man too is not sleeping. He is not resting. Age too is not on his side. We did all the mathematics and we saw it and opted for it.





So that he had to travel for 100 days to take care of his health is not his fault. It is age and we said we believe in him.





 Major problem with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is that it does not want to do literature review. We in the academics always build from where we are coming from for finished and unfinished projects.





Buharis governance had to take positive reminiscences to Goodluck Jonathan. An old man cannot combine minister for petroleum ministry with the presidency and it will work. We need them to work hard and get the technocrats to do their jobs again, she said.
The nationwide blackout continued Wednesday after efforts by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to restore electricity failed, following a second system collapse of transmission network at exactly 14.19 hours.

According to TCN, the second system failure occurred when the Odukpani-Ikot Ekpene 330kV transmission line tripped, cutting off electricity generation and transmission from the Odukpani power station to the grid.

A statement Wednesday by the companys General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, however, assured Nigerians that restoration of the grid had reached an advanced stage.

TCN added that it had also commenced investigations to determine the exact cause of the system disturbance.

The system disturbance happened at a time when work on the Western Gas Pipeline (Ecscavos-Lagos Pipeline System) by the Nigerian Gas Processing and Transportation Company Ltd (NGPTC), which caused a system collapse at about 21.17 hours on Tuesday was yet to be completed.

The grid would have withstood the Odukpani infraction, if generation along Lagos region was available, said TCN in the statement.

TCN explained that NGPTC, the gas supply and marketing subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), had indicated that a contractor had been mobilised to repair the affected segment of the Escravos-Lagos pipeline, so that gas supply to the Omotosho, Egbin, and Olorunsogo I and II thermal power stations could be restored.

According to NGC, work would be carried out day and night and is expected to be completed within 24 hours, TCN assured the public.

The TCN stated that with the support of the Ministries of Power and Finance it had embarked on the implementation of a Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Programme (TREP) aimed at expanding, rehabilitating and stabilising the national grid, and appealed to Nigerians to be patient with it.

The national grid had collapsed on Tuesday night following a fire incident reported by the NGPTC on its Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System near Okada, Edo State.

NNPC had attributed the incident to a bush fire, which spread from Abakila in Ondo State.

The incident led to the shutdown of the pipeline supplying gas to the 1,320MW-capacity Egbin power station in Lagos; 676MW-capacity Olorunsogo NIPP station; 338MW-capacity, Olorunsogo I power station; 450MW-capacity Omotosho NIPP station; and the 338MW-capacity, Omotosho I station.

However, THISDAY gathered that the affected stations were generating about 1,200MW at the time of the fire incident, as they were not producing at full capacity.

It was also gathered that before the Tuesday fire incident, a peak generation of 4,685.3MW was recorded and wheeled out to the grid on Monday, while the lowest generation on the same day was 3,667.5MW.

THISDAY also gathered that at exactly 06:00 hours on Tuesday a total of 3,749.90MW was generated and transmitted to the grid for distribution to the 11 distribution companies.

Investigations revealed that TCN made efforts to sustain minimal supply after the closure of the Escravos pipeline, using generation from the hydroelectric power stations and other gas-fired plants located outside South-west but these efforts failed at exactly 14.19 hours Wednesday when the country was plunged into total darkness.

A source at TCN told THISDAY that officials of the company worked hard to restore the system with generation from the hydro stations and other plants but the efforts failed.

As it stands, there is no supply to the National Control Centre (NCC), Osogbo, and no supply to the main regional control centres at Shiroro, Ikeja West and Benin.

Lagos is in total darkness and the same thing applies to the North and other parts of the South. So, the country is in darkness, he said.

A source in one of the distribution companies also told THISDAY that they would give TCN reasonable time to restore power to the grid before raising the alarm over zero electricity supply.

Any system can break down. We will give them time to restore supply. If they fail, we will inform our customers that we are getting zero supply from the grid, he said.

The Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, Tuesday night had ordered an immediate assessment of the damage caused by the fire in order to effect the necessary repairs.

According to a statement Wednesday by the Group General Manager, Public Affairs of NNPC, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, the pipeline which supplies gas to power plants in the South-west, also feeds the West Africa Gas Pipeline System.

The incineration of the ELPS, which was built in 1989, was suspected to have been caused by a bush fire on January 2, 2018 at Abakila in Ondo State, the statement said.

NNPC added that firemen from the NNPC were drafted to the scene and were able to contain the fire from the point of leakage on the pipeline, stating, however, that the fire could not be extinguished due to the high pressure on the line.

It said: To put out the fire, the line would need to be isolated and depressurised, which might lead to the complete shutdown of the pipeline segment for repair works to be carried out.

The exercise will affect gas supply to customers in Ondo, Ogun and Lagos States, with subsequent shutdown of the following power plants with a combined generating capacity of 1,143MW: Egbin, Lagos, Olorunshogo, PEL Olorunshogo, Ogun, Paras Power Plant, Ogun and Omotosho plant, Ondo State.

Before the fire incident on Tuesday, the country on December 18, 2017 had attained a new generation peak of 5,222.3 megawatts.

The feat was achieved after two electricity generation milestones of 5,155.9MW and 5,074.70MW were reached on December 8, 2017 and February 2, 2016, respectively.

TCN had explained that the gradual but steady improvement in the nations power sector was as a result of the strategy of the administration to improve the power sector.
At least 31 loggers are believed to have been abducted by Boko Haram jihadists after they went missing in northeast Nigeria, security sourc...

This screen grab image taken on January 2, 2018 from a video released on January 2, 2018 by Islamist group Boko Haram shows Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau speaking in his first video message in months amid a surge in violence casting doubt on the Nigerian governments claim that the jihadist group is defeated. Shekaus message comes during an acceleration of Boko Haram attacks and just days after the jihadists killed 25 people outside Maiduguri, the birthplace of the Islamist insurgency. / AFP PHOTO





At least 31 loggers are believed to have been abducted by Boko Haram jihadists after they went missing in northeast Nigeria, security sources said Wednesday.The alleged kidnapping took place just days after 30 troops vanished following a raid on a military base in the same region amid a surge in bloody violence.Sources told AFP the loggers, mostly in their twenties, had left the town of Gamboru on the border with Cameroon Tuesday morning to fetch firewood in a Boko Haram hotspot.All 31 have not been seen since yesterday and it is obvious they were seized by Boko Haram, said Umar Kachalla, a militia in Gamboru fighting Boko Haram alongside the military.The loggers had left for Wulgo village in nearby Marte district, 15 kilometres away, with their axes and wooden carts to collect wood to sell and raise money to buy food, Kachalla said.Two weeks ago, Boko Haram gunmen shot dead 10 loggers from Gamboru in the bush outside Wulgo while collecting firewood, said another militia Shehu Mada.We believe Boko Haram abducted them to use them as fighters, given their young age, Mada said. They (Boko Haram) abandon the bodies of their victims when they kill them but the fact that the bodies of the loggers have not been seen is clear indication they were abducted, said Mada. Boko Haram fighters still operate in hard-to-reach rural areas where military operations are minimal.In August 2014, the group seized Gamboru, a trading hub along with the neighbouring town of Ngala. Nigerian troops retook both towns in September 2015 with the help of Chadian forces following offensives lasting months. Despite the recapture of the area, Boko Haram fighters continue to launch sporadic attacks, ambushing troops and vehicles, as well as attacking and abducting farmers.Last week two farmers were shot dead by jihadists while harvesting their crops in Bugda village outside Gamboru, according to resident Nasiru Saidu. Boko Harams eight-year insurgency against the government of Nigeria has spilled into neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, killing around 20,000 people and displacing more than 2.6 million.Most of the displaced rely on food handouts from aid agencies while others have turned to felling trees in the arid region for firewood which they sell to buy food. The jihadists have increasingly targeted loggers in their armed campaign, accusing them of spying and passing information to the military and the local militia fighting them. On Christmas Day the jihadists killed 25 loggers at a logging site outside the city of Maiduguri.At least 30 soldiers remain missing following a Christmas Day Boko Haram attack on a military base in neighbouring Yobe state in which five troops were killed, according to military and militia sources. Boko Haram jihadists in eight trucks stormed the military base in Kanamma village on the border with Niger, promoting a twin hour gun battle, said the sources. The attack was repelled with aerial support.We lost five men in the attack and 30 still remain unaccounted for, a military officer told AFP. It is not yet clear whether they are missed their way in the fighting or were seized by the terrorists, said the officer who asked not to be identified. Thirty soldiers have not been heard of since the and there is fear they could have been taken by Boko Haram, said militia Grema Usman.
Mr Ebi Beredugo, Chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa, has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to reshuffle his cabinet and inject technocrats to key positions to achieve the change promised by the party.Beredugo told the Newsmen in an interview on Thursday in Yenagoa that most of the political appointees in the present administration have outlived their usefulness and must go.President BuhariHe said that it was the professional expertise of technocrats, not politicians that were required to make the much desired impact on the economic front as well as infrastructure.He said impact that would build up the goodwill that also result to political goodwill ahead the 2019 general elections.The president must tinker with his cabinet. He must bring in more technocrats. He must use technocrats to steer the country to the next level.I want to say that the politicians, who are surrounding the president, should be dropped as they are not making any positive contribution. It is time the country brings in more technocrats, Beredugo said.The legal practitioner said the notion that the politicians would work for the re-election of the president was erroneous, saying the second term of the president would depend on the impact of his administration.No, Nigerians will decide whether to bring you for second term, not those politicians who deep down have lost touch even with their grassroots.Those politicians cant deliver the president, we must get this clear because they have disconnected even from their grassroots. They cant even deliver their states.They can only use federal might to come and cause confusion because they cannot actually deliver their states.So why not bring in more of experts and technocrats, let Nigerians feel the change in their lives. Let Nigerians begin to enjoy the dividends of good governance, he counselled.Beredugo noted that the goodwill that earned the present administration the support of Nigerians in 2015 is waning.Can we actually and sincerely say if an election holds right now, today, can we actually say president Buhari will win that election?Does he still have the goodwill of Nigerians to believe in him that we are making progress?Are we making progress in the anti-corruption fight, why should we enter 2018 without reshuffling his cabinet?, Beredugo asked rhetorically.He observed that the mix up in the appointment of persons into the board of parastatals was a pointer that the Buhari team was not up to their game.He wondered why a list of appointees that was compiled since 2015 was not vetted and updated before it was finally released.Even though we support this government, sometimes we are not impressed with the things that come out from the Presidency; that mix up is avoidable, Beredugo said.
Ahead of the 2019 general elections, over 10 Arewa Youth groups have declared support for the next Nigeria President to come from the South...

Ahead of the 2019 general elections, over 10 Arewa Youth groups have declared support for the next Nigeria President to come from the South-East.

The groups, including Arewa Youth Forum, Arewa Youths Coalition for Peace, Northern Central Youth Club and Youths for One Nigeria made the declaration in Imo State yesterday during a youth summit.





Apart from the Arewa Youth groups, several Afenifere and Igbo youth groups, who were also at the summit, toed same line.





Spokesperson of the Arewa Youths, Alhaji Haruna Waziri stated that the decision would engender national unity and cohesion.





Waziri, who noted that the convener of the Nigeria Youth Summit, Mr. Iheanachor Ezeakor, an indigene of Arondizuogu in Imo State, would be backed by the Arewa Youths for the presidency, said the best Nigeria should do at the moment was to have an Igbo man as President in 2019.





Today we are making history by endorsing a youth to run for the number one sit in Nigeria. Mr. Iheanacho Ezeakor is a youth who has cut the barriers of ethnicity and religion, a youth the Northern youths believe in, a youth who is a true Nigerian, he declared.





Asked how such tall dream would come to reality, Waziri said, yes, it is a difficult task but, Insha Allah, we shall change the status quo.





We do not believe in things not working out; we believe that this is time to change the narrative in Nigeria. This community, Arondizuogu is a place where democracy started in the country and that is why we are here today to correct all that have gone wrong.





We made this statement in Enugu, Lagos and Abuja; today the climax of it all is taking place in Ezeakors village here in Arondizuogu.





We took this step because our leaders have failed us; they are old and tired; we can do it because the youths contribute the major votes.





I personally campaigned for Buhari but we are not happy with him; the entire Northern youths are not happy with him, forget all the propaganda.





On the choice of an Igbo man, the youth leader said, it is no longer about ethnicity or religion now; it is about who you have confidence in, Ezeakor is a detribalized Nigerian; we dont want fanatics; we want a true Nigerian.





His victory will not only quel the agitation for Biafra but would further unite Nigerians, bring us together, whether you are from the South or the North; if you are a Nigerian, you are a Nigerian and you can practise your religion everywhere, that is what we want.





Also speaking, leader of Igbo groups at the summit, Comrade Ogbonna Okoro said the youths would push for the project in a different political platform outside the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the All Progressives Congress, APC.





In a remark, an elated Iheanacho said Im quite humbled over these endorsements. However, I do hope that another youth will have a bigger endorsement.





My own as the convener of Nigerian Youth Summit is to make sure that we things will not remain the same because we are tired of hearing that youths are the leaders of the tomorrow.





So, Im just acting as the catalyst, to motivate the youths; we are not fighting the government but we want them to understand that we have come of age.





I think I will be considering coming out to run for presidency in 2019. I know it is not a childs play but Im giving it a consideration, seeing this volume of support, down to my village today. I will run.




There was a huge protest in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, yesterday. It was to condemn Tuesdays attacks on some farmers in Guma and ...

There was a huge protest in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, yesterday. It was to condemn Tuesdays attacks on some farmers in Guma and Logo Local Government Areas. Twenty people died and 30 others were injured in the attacks.President Muhammadu Buhari, who yesterday described the killings by suspected herdsmen as reprehensible, ordered that the perpetrators be brought to book.In a statement by his Media Adviser Garba Shehu, the President said he was saddened by the wicked and callous attacks on innocent people and children.He assured Governor Samuel Ortom and Benue people that security agencies had been directed to arrest the killers.He said: This is one attack too many; and everything must be done to provide security for the people in our rural communities.President Buhari also commiserated with the families of the victims and wished the injured speedy healing.The protesters on Makurdi streets carried placards bearing inscriptions, such as presidential intervention needed and stop this incessant bloodbath.Some of the protesters, who were screaming, said the Federal Government should intervene and stop the madness.The protesters, mostly youths, barricaded most of the routes leading in and out of the state.The protest, started by National Union of Benue State Students (NUBESS), began with a peaceful procession from the second gate of the Benue State University, Makurdi .When it got to Wurukum roundabout, some hoodlums hijacked itThey made bonfire and prevented vehicles from passing through the major roads.There was traffic gridlock in Makurdi for almost 12 hours.The leader of the protesters, Mr Angu Orngu, told newsmen that they were marching against the killings of Tiv farmers by those they called Fulani herdsmen .They vowed to remain on the streets until the arrest of the killers.Ortom was prevented from addressing the protesters. Security aides whisked him away as the protesters became unruly when he tried to speak to them.The governor has vowed to continue to implement the anti open grazing law in spite of resistance.Mr Terhemen Anum told NAN that following the killings, no one has spoken from high places.Another resident, Ruth Agba, said there was evidence that the gunmen killed some farmers, burnt down their homes and destroyed their farms, crops.Agba said the attackers mode of operation was not differ from Boko Haram terrorists.The attack is the first this year. In 2017, over 20 attacks were recorded.
Parents of three girls from Ekiti State who were allegedly given three slots to travel to Dubai but ended in a slave camp in Libya are dema...

Parents of three girls from Ekiti State who were allegedly given three slots to travel to Dubai but ended in a slave camp in Libya are demanding the safe return of their children.

They made the call on Thursday at the State Police Command where a suspect who facilitated their trip, Dada Ogundare, was paraded.





Ogundare was paraded alongside a prophetess, Omoseeke Komolafe, who collected money from their parents and gave same to the trafficking suspect.





The suspects claimed that they only assisted the young ladies, one of whom was pregnant, to seek employment outside the country not knowing that they would end up as slaves.





The victims left Nigeria on November 25 by road rather than by air as they were promised that they were going to Dubai only to be taken to Libya where they were sold as slaves.





The parents explained that they later made attempt to bring their children back home but the traffickers in Libya demanded N1.2 million from them.









One of the parents, Mrs. Margaret Olorunfemi, revealed that she and Prophetess Komolafe are members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the same ward with deputy governor in Ikere-Ekiti.





Mrs. Olorunfemi disclosed that Prophetess Komolafe told her daughter that the deputy governor has been given four slots to be given to children of party members in his ward to travel to Dubai adding that they were told to make N150,000 available to facilitate the trip.





The woman said she was worried when she did not hear from her daughter. According to her, she was able to speak with her daughter on December 10 who told her that she was in a slave camp in Libya.





Mrs Olorunfemi said: My child called that the prophetess had sold her into slavery that we should go and meet the deputy governor that we should get N1.2 million before they can be freed from slavery.









Another Ikere woman whose daughter was trapped in Libyan slave camp, Mrs. Feyisayo Adedayo, revealed that her daughter is pregnant.





She said: My daughter, Ayomiotan, spoke with me on phone that they went through the desert and not by flight as they were promised.





I dont have N1.2 million to send to them to free my daughter. (Ekiti State) Government should return my daughter to me with her pregnancy.





She (daughter) is my only girl and my last born; I reported the case at the police station in Ikere. I want my daughter back because I dont want her to die in slave camp.





Another parent of Libya slavery from Ikere, Mrs. Bukola Bamise said she was shocked to learn that her daughter had been sold as a slave.





She said: It was the deputy governor that said he wanted to use the four slots given to his ward to benefit our children but I was shocked to learn that they were camped somewhere and they had been sold as

slaves.





The suspected trafficker, Ogundare, told reporters that she contacted the prophetess to help her find girls interested in jobs in Libya. He claimed he didnt collect money from the victims.





Ogundare explained that his wife and younger sister are in Libya added that she told the prophetess to inform the girls parents of their destination.





He said: I didnt collect One Naira from anybody, I have so far taken four persons to Libya while madam (prophetess) had taken nine persons to Libya.





The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Mr Julius Okoro, warned parents against allowing their children embark on questionable trips.





He said: The girls were trafficked to Libya on the pretext that they were taking them to Dubai. Information reached their parents that they are suffering and they had been sold out in the slave camp in Libya.





One of the girls trafficked to Libya is pregnant but was rejected by those buying them because of her pregnancy. We understand that they are suffering seriously in Libya.




A prominent Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, on Wednesday, declared that the Federal Government had not been fair to the Ijaw ethnic nationality of the Niger Delta.Clark, a former Federal Commissioner for Information, lamented that the time had come for the Federal Government to address the issue of the long years of neglect to which the Ijaw had been subjected by the country.A statement by Mr. Fidelis Soriwei, the Special Adviser, Media Relations, to the Governor of Bayelsa State, said Clark made the declaration while playing host to Governor Seriake Dickson.Dickson had led a high-powered delegation of Bayelsa Government officials and Ijaw leaders to the country home of Clark in Kiagbodo, Delta State, on Wednesday.Clark prayed for the Federal Government to have the right attitude to address the Ijaw factor in the Nigerian federation in 2018.This New Year, God will touch the heart of the Federal Government that the Ijaw people have been neglected for too long. Something has to be done for them; we want actual appreciation, something has to be done for us, he said.The Ijaw leader commended Dickson for excellent leadership and efficient delivery of the dividends of democracy in Bayelsa State.Clark hailed Dickson for the construction of the 40-year-old Sagbama-Ekeremor Road, which he described as marvellous.He stressed that he had every belief in the promise made by the governor to take the critical road, which had been constructed to Aleibiri in December, to be constructed to Ekeremor in December 2018.Clark said, I listened to the governor in 2012 when he was declaring an emergency in education and I was waiting to see what that meant. Recently, he invited me to Bayelsa to see what he has done; he invited General Gowon and his wife. And what I saw in the field of education, if I dont say it publicly, I will be doing harm to myself.
Two civil society groups  Committee for the Defence of Human Rights and the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership  on Wednesday said Buhari-led Federal Government had not shown enough determination to stamp out killer herdsmen as it is doing to the Boko Haram insurgents.The CDHR President, Malachy Ugwummadu, said, These killings call for the attention of President Muhammadu Buhari and the military who is over-celebrating the measured victory over the Boko Haram insurgents.It is a call to the President and the government of the All Progressives Congress that as they are tackling insurgency in the North-East, they must also pay serious attention to other variants of violence, which are culminating in daily extra-judicial killings by ways of the herdsmens attacks.Section 33 of the Constitution, dealing with the right to life, is on a daily basis abused in this country and we have witnessed this in the most bizarre form.The Executive Director of CACOL, Debo Adeniran, said, If lives are being destroyed, it means the presence of the government has been jeopardised. If these killings continue, it means that the Federal Government is complicit.I think the people have to protect themselves. If they are exposed to such dangers, they should put their hearts together. These ethnic clashes may degenerate into ethnic cleansings such as the incident in Rwanda.Also, a security analyst, Ben Okezie, expressed surprise that the President failed to mention the killings by Fulani herdsmen.The analyst observed that Buhari had never ordered the police and other security agencies to tame the attackers, stressing that he was the President of the whole nation and not just the Fulani.Okezie stated, The President has not done enough. The police too have been sleeping on duty; they have not been doing what they are supposed to do.So, why would the President keep quiet? If he continues keeping quiet, then the constitution should be invoked against him because he has not upheld the constitution he swore to uphold.The police IG should resign for not being able to protect Nigerians. He does not know what he is supposed to do.In similar vein, a lawyer and human rights activist, Victor Giwa, expressed disappointment with the lackadaisical attitude of the Federal Government to the killings by Fulani herdsmen, noting that the issue of illegal arms possession must be frontally addressed.He said, Possession of firearms is criminal unless you have been licensed to own it, but nobody has told us that they have licensed Fulanis to bear arms and if they have been licensed, then the farmers too should be licensed so that they can carry arms too and defend themselves when necessary.
Suspected Badoo kingpin, Alhaji Alaka Abayomi, has said he is ready to submit himself to the Nigeria Police Force for investigations.Alaka, who had been declared wanted by the Lagos State Police Command, however, said he would not appear before the state Commissioner of Police, Edgal Imohimi.He alleged that investigations would be compromised if carried out under Imohimis supervision, urging the Force headquarters in Abuja to take up the matter.Alaka spoke on Wednesday on the heels of the arrest of a herbalist, Fatai Adebayo, who allegedly administered oaths on Badoo members before they went on operations.On Wednesday, the Lagos State Government also sealed off Alakas filling station and hotel on Ijebu-Ode-Itoikin Road, in the Sabo area of Ikorodu, saying the facilities violated the states Urban and Regional Planning Law of 2010.Alaka, in a telephone interview with our correspondent, said he was not apprehended and challenged the police to come up with evidence against him. He was, however, evasive when asked where exactly he was.The embattled businessman, who spoke in Yoruba, said, What evidence did the police have before calling me Badoo (kingpin)? Did any suspect mention my name? What does sealing my property have to do with this case? I applied and paid for the Certificate of Occupancy for the filling station five years ago, but I have not got it. I have evidence of payments.Since the police declared me wanted, no policeman came to my house or office to invite me. The police have my number, but they did not call me on the telephone for invitation. I dont believe I am wanted because no invitation was sent to me. Since the police said they were looking for Badoo members, they have not arrested any prime suspect.I want the government to intervene. I am ready to appear before the police or any investigative body, but not before the Lagos State Police Command and Edgal (Imohimi). A team should be set up to investigate the matter, particularly from Abuja. He (Edgal) declared me a Badoo kingpin, but what evidence does he have? About five security men guarding the filling station have been arrested.Alaka explained further that he had sued the police command and Imohimi at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, for blackmail, but the respondents had yet to appeared before the court.He alleged that the court had also delayed ruling on an injunction application filed by his lawyer, seeking that the police be restrained from arresting him (Alaka) pending the determination of the substantive suit  blackmail.The 51-year-old claimed that his issues with the police started when he declined to pay N10m bribe an Investigating Police Officer reportedly demanded from him.He said, I can no longer walk freely around Ikorodu for fear of area boys administering jungle justice on me. I have read about the herbalist that was arrested. I dont know him. Why didnt police allow him to talk to journalists? The case should be transferred from the Lagos State Command; they have dented my image. I sleep in my house in Magodo; no policeman came to arrest me.I will not show up at the Lagos State Police Command for three reasons: one, they dont have evidence against me. I was arrested and released the following day without being told to write a statement.Secondly, the CP has refused to appear in court. The case has been in court since August 2017. For three adjourned dates, the court was said to be on vacation. During the last sitting, the judge adjourned till February 2018 for ruling on the injunction, which is very suspicious.Thirdly, I will not surrender myself to the CP because he will compromise investigation. But I am ready to appear before the Inspector-General of Police and the National Assembly.The genesis of this issue was when the IPO requested that I should pay N10m to settle some police officers at the command. It was when I refused to pay the money that I was arrested. I have petitioned the National Assembly and the IG on this.When contacted for reactions to the allegations made by the suspect, the Lagos State Police Public Relations, SP Chike Oti, said he had no comment.He said, I have no comment to make because the case is under investigation. Everything concerning the subject is under investigation. The command wont bandy words with him. He is being wanted by the police and he should turn himself in.Earlier on Wednesday, the Lagos State Government sealed off Alakas filling station, hotel and event centre.The state government in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, said the outfits belonged to a suspected Badoo cult kingpin, Alhaji Alaka Abayomi Kamal.The commissioner said the structures were sealed off for violating the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning Law of 2010.The statement read in part, The police, had on December 22, 2017, declared Alaka wanted in connection with series of well-orchestrated killings and nefarious activities of the Badoo cult in the Ikorodu and Epe areas of the state.Alaka is believed to be the ringleader of the Badoo menace.The Lagos State Government is joining the Nigeria Police Force in asking Alaka to come out of hiding and submit himself to the law in his own interest.The state government has also enjoined the police to offer the public a reward for any useful information on the owner of the Alaka Filling Station, hotel and the event centre in Ikorodu.
Protesting residents booed and stoned Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state, as government drafted troops to quell the massive protest an...

Protesting residents booed and stoned Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state, as government drafted troops to quell the massive protest and to prevent mayhem.The governor had gone to placate the restive youths at Wurukum where the protest was taking place in Makurdi on Wednesday.Reports say that soldiers from 72 battalion north bank were currently engaging the protesting youths and some two protesters have been wounded.Residents early on Wednesday trooped out in their thousands to protest against the January 2, herdsmens attack on farmers in which 20 people were killed.The protesters are calling on the presidency to bring the culprits to book.The protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as Presidential Intervention needed, Why value cows to Humans, and Stop this incessant blood bath.Some of them chanted, We will not vote for the present administration again both the State and Federal level if this crises dont stop.The News Agency of Nigeria( NAN) reports that the protests involved mostly youths who barricaded major roads leading in and out of Makurdi, the state capital.The youth have vowed not to leave the streets until the presidency spoke on the killings.They were also asking government to intervene in the series of other attacks on some rural communities by armed herdsmen.Mr Terhemen Anum, told NAN on Wednesday that residents of Guma and Logo local government areas have yet to determined number of peasant farmers, women, children and the aged inclusive that were killed.Also Mrs Ruth Agba said the killing of Benue farmers, and destruction to their homes and farms was not different from Boko Haram activities in the northeast.Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue told journalists on Tuesday that 20 people were killed in the mayhem.Ortom called on the Federal Government to wade into the matter so as to avert further destruction of lives and property.Meanwhile, the Police in Benue has confirmed the arrest of eight herdsmen in connection of the New Year Days attacks in Guma and Logo Local Governments.The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. Moses Yamu, said on Wednesday in Makurdi, eight herdsmen, six in Guma and two in Logo, have been arrested in connection with the attacks.He added that the command had made additional deployments to the troubled area to forestall further occurrence and restore confidence of the people.Yamu stressed the situation in the two local government areas had been brought under control while investigation was on-going.
Eleven persons were on Wednesday killed in a suicide attack on a mosque at Gamboru town in the Gamboru-Ngala Local Government Area of Bo...

Eleven persons were on Wednesday killed in a suicide attack on a mosque at Gamboru town in the Gamboru-Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State.A member of a youth vigilante group in Gamboru, Modu Ibrahim, told our correspondent on the telephone that a suicide bomber detonated explosives strapped to his body at a mosque in Gamboru.He said the bomber, who died in the explosion, caused the death of 10 other persons.He said while nine died immediately, two other persons were later confirmed dead in the hospital.The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the attack occurred at about 5am, when a teenage male suicide bomber detonated an Improvised Explosive Device, strapped to his body in a mosque in the Yobe area of Gamboru.The Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj. Gen. Rogers Nicholas, confirmed the attack to NAN in Maiduguri.But Nicholas said five persons were killed in the attack as against the 11 earlier reported.He added that the troops neutralised a suicide bomber at Rann, the headquarters of the Kala-Balge Local Government Area.Yes, but only five were killed and another suicide bomber neutralised in Rann, he said.But a resident of Gamboru, Lawan Abba, maintained that 10 persons were killed while six others sustained varying degrees of injury in the attack.Abba disclosed that the suicide bomber sneaked into a crowded mosque while people gathered to observe the morning prayer and detonated the explosive.He revealed that the teenage suicide bomber hailed from Gamboru town, adding that the bombers father was among the 10 persons who lost their lives in the attack.The suicide bomber hailed from Gamboru town; he disowned his parents and joined the insurgents in the bush.He entered the mosque, blew up himself into pieces and killed 10 persons, including his biological father, he said.Abba added that the injured persons were referred to the clinic in the Internally Displaced Persons camp in the area for treatment.The state government had a day earlier tightened security. It announced the extension of curfew hours in the state capital, Maiduguri, after the resurgence of violence.
Suspected kingpin of the notorious cult group, Badoo, Alhaji Alaka Abayomi, has declared his readiness to submit himself to the Nigeria Po...

Suspected kingpin of the notorious cult group, Badoo, Alhaji Alaka Abayomi, has declared his readiness to submit himself to the Nigeria Police Force for investigation.

Alaka was last year declared wanted by the Lagos state police command for allegedly sponsoring the activities of members of the notorious cult groups that have reign terror upon residents of Ikorodu twon in Lagos state.





In an interview with Punch newspaper, the 51-year-old embattled businessman said he will only surrender himself to the Federal police investigation unit Abuja and not the state Commissioner of Police, Edgal Imohimi, whom he says has been compromised.









Just yesterday, the Lagos state government sealed off his filling station and hotel on Ijebu-Ode-Itoikin Road, in the Sabo area of Ikorodu, saying the properties violated the states Urban and Regional Planning Law of 2010.





In the interview, Alaka says the police has no incriminating evidence before declaring him the Badoo kingpin.





What evidence did the police have before calling me Badoo (kingpin)? Did any suspect mention my name? What does sealing my property have to do with this case? I applied and paid for the Certificate of Occupancy for the filling station five years ago, but I have not got it. I have evidence of payments. Since the police declared me wanted, no policeman came to my house or office to invite me. The police have my number, but they did not call me on the telephone for invitation. I dont believe I am wanted because no invitation was sent to me. Since the police said they were looking for Badoo members, they have not arrested any prime suspect. I want the government to intervene. I am ready to appear before the police or any investigative body, but not before the Lagos State Police Command and Edgal (Imohimi). A team should be set up to investigate the matter, particularly from Abuja. He (Edgal) declared me a Badoo kingpin, but what evidence does he have? About five security men guarding the filling station have been arrested. he said





Recall that in July 2017, the Lagos state police command discovered a shrine in Ikorodu that was being operated by Alaka. He was afterwards pronounced the leader of Badoo which he, Alaka, later denied. He said he has filed a lawsuit against the police command and Imohimi at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, for blackmail, but the respondents had yet to appeared before the court. He alleged that the court had also delayed ruling on an injunction application filed by his lawyer, seeking that the police be restrained from arresting him (Alaka) pending the determination of the substantive suit  blackmail.





The embattled businessman alleged that his issues with the police started when he declined to pay N10m bribe to an Investigating Police Officer




The war of words between the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, and the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, continued...

The war of words between the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, and the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, continued on Wednesday when the governor accused the minister of politicising security issues in the state.Wike, who spoke at the Government House in Port Harcourt, when he hosted a group of social media influencers to a state dinner, described Amaechis comment on the recent killings in Omoku as an indictment of security heads posted to the state by the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government.Amaechi had while reacting to the New Year mayhem in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, asked Wike to rise up to his responsibility and secure the state or resign.He explained that his administration never influenced the posting of any security head to the state, adding that his government had always funded and provided logistics for security agencies more than any state government in the country.But Wike said, I challenge any state government in the country to come forward to say it has provided more support for security agencies than Rivers State.When you portray the state as insecure, you are driving away investors. No good man does that. By Amaechis logic, the killings all over Nigeria are being sponsored by the President.He said that while Amaechi was the governor of Rivers State, all the leading construction companies like Julius Berger Plc fled the state because their personnel were kidnapped regularly.Wike added that Amaechi resorted to the use of unqualified contractors, which led to poorly executed projects.He said as a result of improved security in the state, first-class construction firms such as Julius Berger Plc, CCECC and RCC were working in the state.Wike added, International conferences and seminars are back to Rivers State. This is because the people now have confidence in the security architecture of Rivers State. During Amaechi, all the seminar and conferences moved to Akwa Ibom State.Wike commended social media practitioners for their support and their commitment to the promotion of Rivers State.Thanking them for working for the development of the state without gratification, the governor urged them to continue the good work.Also, Senator George Sekibo lauded the social media influencers for their contributions to the development of the state.In his remarks, the spokesman for the Social Media Influencers, Mr. Victor Jumbo, described social media as an important tool that had been effectively deployed by the influencers to promote Rivers State and support Wike administration.Reacting to Wikes claims, a former aide to the ex-governor of the state, Mr. David Iyofor, said Amaechis media office would reply him (Wike) soon.
An Atlantic County man who was one of 12 people charged in a sprawling drug-trafficking case three years ago has been sentenced to more than 19 years in federal prison, federal prosecutors said.

Tozine Tiller, 43, of Galloway, previously pleaded guilty in federal court in Camden to charges of distributing crack cocaine and possessing the drug with the intent to distribute it, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Tiller, who was sentenced Wednesday to a total of 235 months in prison, was indicted along with 11 others in December 2014, court records show. The indictment stemmed from a joint investigation by federal and local law enforcement that found the group had been purchasing heroin and cocaine from the Sinaloa cartel in Mexico for distribution in New Jersey, authorities said at the time.

Tiller and others had been using residences in Pleasantville and Absecon to store and package the drugs, prosecutors said.

Of the twelve charged in the case, 11 have been convicted and six -- including Tiller's half-brother, Kabaka Atiba -- sentenced to federal prison terms. The remaining defendant remains at large, according to federal authorities.

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The state's four major utility providers reported throughout the day Thursday that less than one percent of their customers were without power, despite a bomb cyclone whipping across the state threatening power lines with gusting winds and making travel treacherous.

The blizzard had power providers on alert and at the ready. They brought in extra personnel and hired contractors to ensure they had enough power line and tree crews to respond to outages. They took inventory of equipment, made sure they had extra poles and transformers, and filled their vehicles with fuel.

But the storm did not cause much disruption to their equipment.

Ron Morano, a spokesman for JCP&L said Thursday was "a normal day of operations" for the company, which serves 1.1 million people in New Jersey.

"The biggest concern we had was the potential for outages from winds sustained at more than 40 mph," Morano said. "Up to this point, they did not materialize."

A deep freeze expected to take hold of the state for the next few days will keep crews on call around the clock in case additional outages occur.

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"Our job is to be prepared no matter the circumstances," Morano said.

In one of the state's largest single outages Thursday, power was restored at about 2 p.m. to 780 customers of Atlantic City Electric who lost service at about 11 a.m.. when a small tree was blown over onto a primary distribution wire in Egg Harbor Township, Frank Tedesco, an ACE spokesman said.

"We're experiencing pretty high winds right now," he said at the time of the outage.

The company's system, which serves more than 500,000 customers in some of the storm's hardest hit areas of southern New Jersey, held up "rather well," Tedesco said.

"The gusty winds were along the coast where there are less trees," he said, "and the snow was very light compared to the heavy wet snow that can cause tree branches to snap."

Even PSE&G, the state's largest provider of electric service with 2.3 million customers, saw a "very low" number of outages, Karen Johnson, a company spokeswoman said.

"We had some wires come down in the strong wind gusts and some transformer failures," she said.

Orange and Rockland, which serves about 72,000 in north New Jersey, had a total of 14 outages for those customers throughout the day, Mike Donovan, a company spokesman said.

While the wind did play a role in some of the outages, others were caused by slippery travel conditions.

JCP&L workers were dispatched to Harmony Township Thursday morning after a truck took down several poles, Morano said.

"In snow, the biggest issue we face is vehicular accidents," Morano said.

He said the company trims trees around thousands of miles of power lines each year to "help reduce tree-related outages."

"Snow by itself normally doesn't cause an issue for us," Johnson said.

Allison Pries may be reached at apries@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AllisonPries. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
A preschool student who allegedly suffered abuse by a teacher trying to correct her disabilities received an $85,000 settlement from the Evesham Board of Education.

According to legal documents obtained by open records advocated John Paff, a woman identified as Jennifer O. filed a suit on her young daughter's behalf in Burlington County Superior Court, alleging that her then 3-year-old daughter's teacher had physically abused the girl during the 2012-2013 school year.

The settlement, reached last month, is not an admission of guilt on part of the school board or teacher regarding the allegations.

The suit states that the girl, identified as O.O., attended Rice Elementary School for a three-year-old inclusion preschool.

O.O. has Type 1 diabetes, and is also very quiet, rarely speaking to people outside of her family, according to the suit. Her "select muteness" and diabetic diagnosis qualify her for special education services and protections.

The girl's mother first became concerned during a parent-teacher conference, in which the teacher allegedly said she believed O.O. suffered from obsessive compulsive disorder, and was "taking the longest to break." The teacher also said she didn't understand the girl's disability, and that her pretty looks would have to "get her by," according to the suit.

The teacher allegedly told Jennifer O. that her daughter also used the bathroom too often, which Jennifer O. explained was a symptom of the girl's diabetes. Still, The teacher said she planned to potty train the girl, which Jennifer O. objected to, according to the suit.

Not long after, a nurse assigned to O.O. stated that the teacher had grabbed the girl when she refused to speak and "forcefully shook" her, according to the claim. The nurse also said the girl's teacher had continued attempts to potty train O.O. and said she "uses her disease as an excuse and chooses to be stubborn," the suit states.

Jennifer O. reported the allegations to school officials, including then school board president Sandy Student, according to the suit. When officials allegedly denied any wrongdoing on the part of the teacher, Jennifer O. removed her daughter from the school.

The suit alleges that the teacher's actions and negligence on part of the school board constituted discrimination, inflicted emotional distress on O.O. and resulted in assault and battery of the young girl.

At the time of the suit, O.O. continued to have difficulty trusting adults or speaking to those outside of her family, the claim states. She suffered from anxiety and stress.

On December 11, the board reached the $85,000 settlement with Jennifer O. on behalf of her daughter.

A clause in the settlement noted that the board of education "vigorously and wholly denies each and every allegation made by plaintiffs, and enter into this settlement for reasons other than the merits of plantiffs' claims, including to avoid the cost of litigation."

The teacher is no longer listed on the Rice Elementary School online directory. A student handbook from as recent as the 2014-2015 school year lists her as a teacher.

Attempts to reach the teacher by phone Tuesday morning were not successful. JoAnne Harmon, president of the school board, said she could not comment on litigation matters.

Amanda Hoover can be reached at ahoover@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @amandahoovernj. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Your commute to work Thursday will likely be slowed if you take a PATCO train, as the rail line will operate on a limited snow schedule starting at midnight Thursday due to the snowstorm bearing down on Philadelphia and New Jersey.

The storm is projected to dump 3 to 8 inches of snow in the area, with coastal regions seeing blizzard-like conditions with snowfall of up to 12 inches, according to the National Weather Service.

During the snow schedule, all trains will be slowed and local, which will add time to commutes. PATCO said in a release Tuesday that a typical 26-minute trip from Lindenwold to Philadelphia will take about 30 minutes.

PATCO will resume a regular weekday schedule whenever conditions allow it.

During the morning rush hours, westbound trains will be every 6 to 10 minutes, with eastbound trains every 10 to 12 minutes. Daytime trains will operate every 15 minutes.

Afternoon rush hour trains will be every 4 to 10 minutes eastbound and every 8 to 14 minutes westbound. Evening trains will be every 12 to 20 minutes, PATCO said.

A full snow schedule is available here.

More information and updates will be available on PATCO's Twitter and Facebook accounts.

Rebecca Everett may be reached at reverett@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @rebeccajeverett. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
New Jersey's Teacher of the Year is a finalist for the national award for the first time since 1972, according to the state.

Amy T. Andersen, an American Sign Language teacher at Ocean City High School, will compete against three other educators for 2018 National Teacher of the Year, the state Department of Education announced Thursday.

"It's a huge honor," Andersen, a veteran teacher, said. "New Jersey has been at the top of the list for education and the kind of achievement that our students have had for a while, so I am just really happy to be able to represent all of that."

The winner will be announced this spring and spend the next year traveling the country to represent educators and advocate on behalf of teachers and students.

The Council of Chief State School Officers, a national nonprofit organization, has given the award since 1952, and New Jersey has participated since 1969, according to the state.

Other finalists for 2018 represent Ohio, Washington and the Department of Defense.

"On behalf of the entire education community of New Jersey, I want to congratulate Amy on this remarkable honor," state Education Commissioner Kimberley Harrington said.

Andersen began teaching in Boston, where she worked with deaf students for nine years before starting the American Sign Language program at Ocean City High School in 2004.

The program teaches sign language to hearing students, and several of Andersen's students have pursued careers related to American Sign Language, including a student who interpreted for former First Lady Michelle Obama.

Andersen single-handedly turned the program, one of the first in the state, into one of the high school's most popular, said Kathleen Taylor, superintendent of the Ocean City School District.

"Amy Andersen has devoted her professional career to creating a classroom environment that ensures that each student finds their voice, finds their passion and finds their path in making the school and community all that much better," Taylor said.

As part of the competition, Andersen will participate in a round of rigorous interviews with prominent national education groups in February, she said.

She hopes her recognition and participation in the award program will bring more attention to American Sign Language and deaf culture, she said. Specifically, she wants to increase services and support for deaf babies and children.

"I believe all children deserve to have a voice, no matter how different, whether signed or spoken, and a way to express that voice," Andersen said.

Adam Clark may be reached at adam_clark@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on twitter at @realAdamClark. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Rutgers University sent its employees and students home at 2 p.m. Thursday after the worsening blizzard conditions forced school officials to rethink an earlier plan to keep all three of its campuses open.

Some employees and students criticized the state university for announcing it would operate on a regular schedule despite Gov. Chris Christie's declaration of a State of Emergency in several New Jersey counties.

A Rutgers spokeswoman said Thursday morning that university officials planned to monitor the weather situation throughout the day.

Rutgers President Robert Barchi declared a Weather Emergency Closure at 2 p.m., allowing faculty and staff to go home. Classes for students attending Winter Session are cancelled.

All three campuses -- New Brunswick-Piscataway, Newark and Camden -- will reopen at 10 a.m. Friday, according to the university's announcement.

The university's clinical operations, including clinical offices related to the university's medical schools, will remain open, university officials said.

Kelly Heyboer may be reached at kheyboer@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KellyHeyboer. Find her at KellyHeyboerReporter on Facebook.
UPDATE: Rutgers University announced it closed all office and cancelled all classes as of 2 p.m. Thursday. Campuses are scheduled to reopen at 10 a.m. Friday.

There's no snow day at Rutgers University today.

The state university announced all three of its campuses -- New Brunswick-Piscataway, Newark and Camden -- will operate on a normal schedule Thursday.

Most students are not on campus because of the winter break. But, by staying open, most employees will be required to go to work. Some students could be required to go to winter session courses if their professors do not cancel.

The decision drew some ire from employees, students and parents on social media, who noted most area school districts were closed due to the snow and Gov. Chris Christie declared a State of Emergency for some counties.

Rutgers University is open and operating today: https://t.co/CxiAEKXqOQ  Rutgers University (@RutgersU) January 4, 2018

"Rutgers continues to actively monitor the situation. The university is open and meeting its needs to provide patient care, continue research activities and conduct the compressed winter session," said Dory Devlin, a Rutgers spokeswoman.

Caitlin West, a graduate student who works in the student center on College Avenue, said it usually takes her five minutes to commute across the river from the Livingston Campus in Piscataway. On Thursday, it took a half hour.

"They should have closed, point blank. Period. I was definitely shocked. We have student workers that come in too, so I was a little worried about the commute this morning," West said.

An Elizabeth woman working as a temporary secretary at Rutgers' Cancer Institute of New Jersey in New Brunswick said it took her 90 minutes to get to work. Then, she had to walk to the Cancer Institute because temporary workers are not given parking, she said.

"I think the hospital should be open for emergency purposes, but all (administrative) staff should remain home and safe. They should absolutely stay closed. It's a storm outside, anyone who's smart will stay indoors," said the worker, who asked that her name not be used because she feared losing her temporary job.

Other workers, including students who work in the dining halls and Rutgers information center, said they were not surprised the university remained open. The campus has operated on a normal schedule despite previous storms.

The university was criticized during Hurricane Sandy after some employees were required to come to work during the storm amid confusion over whether the campus would close. Rutgers revamped its emergency procedures after an internal task force studied how the school responded to the storm.

Many of the state's other colleges and universities were either closed or had a delayed opening today. Princeton University is closed. Kean University and Rowan University initially said they would have a delayed opening at noon, but later announced they would be closed all day.

Kelly Heyboer may be reached at kheyboer@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KellyHeyboer. Find her at KellyHeyboerReporter on Facebook.
Her given name was Deborah Kotler, but the Bayonne native forged a name for herself as Flash Silvermoon, "North Florida's favorite psychic" and an animal communicator and healer.

With long fire-red hair and an array of colorful costumes, Kotler was a flamboyant character who celebrated life. The 1967 Bayonne High School graduate died Dec. 15 at the age of 67, according to an obituary in the Gainesville (Florida) Sun.

The newspaper profile described Kotler as a metaphysical community leader who, aside from having psychic abilities, was an activist, a feminist, musician, an astrologer, tarot card reader and a wiccan.

Kotler, who lived in Melrose, hosted a weekly internet radio show called "What the Animals Tell Me" and she also co-hosted an online podcast called "Women Spirit Rising with Silvermoon," the Gainesville Sun reported.

Flash Silvermoon was an author, too, having published "The Planetary Handbook," which describes the ways that astrological signs can help people understand themselves and their relation to the world; and "Lifetime Companions: Love Never Dies," a book about her healing work with animals.

"She was definitely a force to be reckoned with," said friend Cyndie Lepori told the Gainesville Sun. "She had a larger-than-life personality. Everything she did, she did big. She never played a small game."

Kotler earned a degree from then-Trenton State College and lived in New York City before moving to Florida in 1975. While living in Manhattan, Kotler was a fixture playing music in Greenwich Village and at the historic Women's Coffee House.

A celebration of her life is being held on Jan. 13 at 3 p.m. at her home, Moonhaven, at 7603 NE 221st St., in Melrose, Florida. All are welcome.
A resident's complaint about a Hunterdon County town's post-Christmas bonfire started a seven month back-and-forth to get the state Department of Environmental Protection to allow this tradition to continue.

It took an administrative order from DEP commissioner Bob Martin to allow the 10th annual Clinton Yuletide Bonfire to go ahead. It will be held at 6 p.m. on Jan. 27 at Hunts Mill Park.

Martin's order allows municipalities across New Jersey to hold a traditional post-Christmas tree burning bonfires.

Towns previously were not allowed to do this, as DEP regulations deem burning Christmas trees as rubbish, stating open burning could compromise air quality and increases the potential of wildfires.

In past years, Clinton had no problem obtaining a permit from the local fire department, which oversees the event, Mayor Janice Kovach said. It did not seek a permit from the DEP.

"It's a feel good opportunity for people to get out in the middle of winter," she said. Martin said Clinton could have faced a $10,000 fine if they went ahead with the bonfire without DEP approval.

Offering an early compromise, Martin issued a hardwood bonfire permit, allowing for a controlled burn in a small area. Kovach said this was not enough.

Town officials then posted to a local Facebook page that the bonfire was cancelled, and urged them to call Martin's office.

"It comes down to, ultimately, when you impact residents expectations, they're going to call you out on it," Kovach said.

UPDATE! The Yuletide Bonfire is back on. January 27th..6pm @ Hunts Mill Park... Voices do matter. Posted by Town of Clinton, New Jersey on Thursday, December 21, 2017

Based on overwhelming support from residents who "inundated Bob's office with calls and emails," Kovach said, the commissioner waived regulations for all towns that traditionally host Christmas-tree burning bonfires, including Mendham Borough.

Martin's administrative order notes the one-time events "individually and in the aggregate will not have a material impact on the environment."

While Kovach said she's ecstatic about the outcome, she was disappointed it "had to rise to the level it did.

"When residents have to engage because state agency ignores elected officials, that I have a problem with. It was a waste of time for everyone," she said.

With Martin's tenure up this month, Kovach has already contacted Phil Murphy's transition team about next year's event, she said.

After the uncertainty regarding the bonfire, organizer Sean Rogan has high hopes more people will attend for the tenth year.

The bonfire will feature horse and carriage rides and refreshments, and attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for the Open Cupboard Food Pantry.

Rogan said he's grateful Clinton residents united to save the tradition.

"If something's right and good, you gotta fight for it," Rogan said. "There's power in numbers. "

Sophie Nieto-Munoz may be reached at snietomunoz@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her at @snietomunoz. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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New Orleans police said they were investigating a homicide early Sunday (Dec. 24) in New Orleans East.(Staff archive)
Pre-K students take directions from their teacher Desi DeLarge during class at Martin Luther King Jr. Charter School for Science and Technology, Thursday, September 10, 2009. King is one of the few charter schools in the city that offers pre-kindergarten programs. (Ted Jackson, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Attorney Taetrece Harrison faces a charge of aggravated assault with a firearm for allegedly pulling a gun on a parking lot attendant in September after her vehicle was booted. She qualified as a candidate Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018, for Orleans Civil District Court. (Harrison campaign photo)
A Trump Administration plan would greatly expand oil and gas leasing in the Gulf of Mexico and other federal waters. (U.S. Coast Guard)
Winds from the north are pushing Gulf waters away from shore
Cribs, or containers made from plywood, hold recycled Christmas trees away from the shoreline to break the incoming waves near Lafitte in this January 2017 file photo. (NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune archive)
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.
Its a new year and Meggan Jensen wants to help people get into homes to call their own.

Jensen is a Council Bluffs native and a graduate of Iowa State University. She attended the now-closed Glendale Elementary School, Hoover Elementary School, Kirn Middle School and Abraham Lincoln High School before college.

In 2002, Jensen got a job as a mortgage broker while living in Kansas City. She moved back to Council Bluffs with her son a few years later and took a job with Liberty Bank, which was later bought out by American National Bank. She currently serves as a mortgage banking officer at American National Banks 333 W Broadway location. She said she enjoys making peoples dreams come true by helping them become homeowners.

Its a very fulfilling career, she said. I enjoy meeting so many different people. You have first-time homebuyers that didnt think theyd ever be able to buy a house and we are able to help them. I enjoy seeing people that didnt think that homeownership was possible and have it be possible.

Jensen said that there is a big demand for homes in Council Bluffs but not a lot of houses to go around. She said she is excited for new development around the city to help fulfill housing needs.

Outside of helping homebuyers, Jensen is also active in the community, serving as president of the local Salvation Army board and a member of the Affiliate Council of the Southwest Iowa Association of Realtors.

[American National Bank] really promotes us to all be active in the community, Jensen said.

For those with home financing needs, Jensen can be reached at 712-309-3798 or mjensen@anbank.com.
The attorney for a former Council Bluffs assistant city attorney who has pleaded guilty to felony drug charges and federal prosecutors have filed objections to a pre-sentence report submitted by a probation officer, court records show.

Don Bauermeister, 44, of Omaha pleaded guilty in October 2016 to conspiring to possess and distribute 10 pounds of marijuana.

The plea was part of a deal with prosecutors, who recommended Bauermeister be sentenced to probation. Chief U.S. District Judge Laurie Smith Camp accepted Bauermeisters plea and set a sentencing date of Jan. 29. Smith Camp is not bound by the deal.

In August 2016, a grand jury charged Bauermeister with the crime, which occurred between November 2016 and Jan. 9, 2017.

Bauermeisters attorney, J. William Gallup, said prosecutors had agreed to pursue probation because of his clients unblemished record. The drug charge had nothing to do with his duties as an assistant city attorney, Gallup said.

Gallup said Bauermeister and a friend agreed the friend would go to Utah to pick up a quantity of marijuana and bring it back to Omaha for distribution. Bauermeister agreed to put up some money. Authorities caught the friend in Utah, and the marijuana never made it to Omaha. The friend was prosecuted on a misdemeanor charge in Utah, Gallup said.

This was just some old buddy of his, Gallup said. It was a stupid thing to do.

On Dec. 22, the defense filed an objection to the courts pre-sentence report.

According to the objection, the defense disputes several of the reports findings, including how much marijuana was involved in the offense and reports labeling Bauermeister as an organizer, leader or manager in the crime.

Such a label could enhance Bauermeisters sentence, Gallup wrote.

The objection states a probation officer  who was not identified by name  did not accept the amount of marijuana agreed to by the prosecution and defense, and made up a weight of 25 pounds of marijuana.

(The probation officers) addition is not supported by any evidence and is not relevant to this completely unrelated charge, the objection reads.

The defense also asserts that Bauermeister only engaged in a single drug deal.

The defense explained their reasoning through an analogy, which they admitted may sound silly:

If prostitution was a federal crime, would a business man staying in a hotel who pays the desk clerk to send him a prostitute to while away the evening, be guilty of soliciting prostitution or could his sentence be increased because he was a leader or organizer, since he paid the desk clerk for the referral? the objection stated.

U.S. Attorneys Robert Stuart and Michael Norris also filed an objection to the report.

The prosecutions objection stated the governments evidence does not support sentence enhancement. They also said no evidence was found to show that Bauermeister used his position as assistant city attorney or as a lawyer to facilitate the drug deal.

Bauermeister surrendered his law license since the charges were filed. He was a Council Bluffs employee from February 2003 until his resignation in June 2016.

On Wednesday, Gallup said the probation officer who filed the report recommended a harsher sentence  which went against what the prosecution and defense had previously agreed on.

We have both filed objections as to how the probation officer did his calculations for the sentence, Gallup said. We still believe probation will happen. I have a good feeling about it.
LINCOLN  Aubrey Trail, a person of interest in the disappearance and death of Sydney Loofe, said hes given three statements to the FBI, but that having information about a case doesnt necessarily mean youre guilty.

Did I have information? Yes, I did. Did that mean I killed someone? No, it does not, Trail said during three phone calls Friday from the Saline County Jail to The World-Herald.

Trail, 51, who has served two prison terms in Nebraska for forgery and bad checks, said that he expects to be charged in the next few weeks in connection with the death of Loofe, 24, a clerk at a Menards store in Lincoln.

Loofes body was found Dec. 4 along a country road in Clay County following an extensive search by authorities after she was reported missing in Lincoln on Nov. 16.

Trail said he also expects charges to be filed against his girlfriend, Bailey Boswell, 23, though he insisted more than once during a 30-minute conversation that she was not involved in Loofes death.

Were probably a lot more than people of interest, he said. (But) Bailey Boswell was not involved.

Trail said he would not discuss his involvement.

If we are charged, that is something that will be discussed in court, he said.

Loofe was reported missing after failing to return home following a second date with Boswell arranged via the dating app Tinder.

Trail, a native of Tennessee, said he met Boswell, a native of Leon, Iowa, in St. Joseph, Missouri. He said they have been together the past 14 to 15 months, selling and buying antiques over the Internet and at rented booths at antiques stores.

Theyve crisscrossed the country, Trail said, visiting casinos in Las Vegas and Council Bluffs, buying antique coins in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and seeing shows in Branson, Missouri.

We love Branson, he said. We always stay at the Windmill.

The two, who were living in a basement apartment in Wilber, Nebraska, were named persons of interest by the FBI two weeks after Loofe disappeared.

They were arrested on Nov. 30 near Branson, a day after they posted a bizarre video on social media denying their involvement in Loofes death.

Trail said he called Friday in response to a letter from a World-Herald reporter and because the news about him and his girlfriend has been very one-sided.

For instance, he said that while Boswell faces charges of using a bad check in Pennsylvania to buy antique coins, Trail claimed that her check bounced because an antique buyer, a doctor, failed to deposit $25,000 in her bank account.

Were getting so much negative publicity that something has to be done, Trail said.

People should have an open mind, he said. Im not a nice person. Im not innocent of a lot of things. ... I cant defend my past. I cant defend my lifestyle. But dont believe everything you hear.

I dont make excuses for what Ive done, Trail said later. Im a criminal.

He acknowledged that Loofe had been in their apartment in Wilber, and that before the discovery of her body, he and Boswell had traveled west to York, in the general area of where the body was found.

Do you have something to say to the Loofe family? he was asked.

I could say a lot of things, Trail said, but with the things going on about us, it would probably be more disrespectful for them.
IOWA CITY  Alarmed by the proliferation of false content online, state lawmakers around the country are pushing schools to put more emphasis on teaching students how to tell fact from fiction.

Lawmakers in several states have introduced or passed bills calling on public school systems to do more to teach media literacy skills that they say are critical to democracy. The effort has been bipartisan but has received little attention despite successful legislation in Washington state, Connecticut, Rhode Island and New Mexico.

Several more states are expected to consider such bills in the coming year, including Arizona, New York and Hawaii.

I dont think its a partisan issue to appreciate the importance of good information and the teaching of tools for navigating the information environment, said Hans Zeiger, a Republican state senator in Washington who co-sponsored a bill that passed in his state earlier this year. There is such a thing as an objective source versus other kinds of sources, and thats an appropriate thing for schools to be teaching.

Advocates say the K-12 curriculum has not kept pace with rapid changes in technology. Studies show many children spend hours every day online but struggle to comprehend the content that comes at them.

For years, they have pushed schools to incorporate media literacy  including the ability to evaluate and analyze sources of information  into lesson plans in civics, language arts, science and other subjects.

Their efforts started getting traction after the 2016 presidential election, which highlighted how even many adults can be fooled by false and misleading content peddled by agenda-driven domestic and foreign sources.

Five years ago, it was difficult to get people to understand what we were doing and what we wanted to see happen in education and the skills students needed to learn, said Michelle Ciulla Lipkin, executive director of the National Association for Media Literacy Education. Now there is no question about the vitalness of this in classrooms.

A study published last year by Stanford University researchers also brought the issue into focus. It warned that students from middle school to college were easily duped and ill-equipped to use reason with online information.

The researchers warned that democracy is threatened by the ease at which disinformation about civic issues is allowed to spread and flourish.

In June, Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy signed a bill establishing an advisory council to develop recommendations that will include instructing students on evaluating what they see and read online.

Jennifer Rocca, a high school librarian in Brookfield, Connecticut, was among several supporters who urged lawmakers to pass the legislation.

Her digital literacy course, a requirement for freshmen, challenges students to evaluate the credibility of online sources so they can spot falsehoods and biased information. She requires students to cite their sources when conducting research and explain why each would have the authority to be credible.

Without stronger statewide standards, Rocca said she worries that some school districts will not do enough to develop skills that are critical for students and society.

You should be expected to navigate the internet and evaluate the information no matter where you go to school, she said.

Many of the state bills are based on model legislation backed by a coalition of groups, including Media Literacy Now and the Digital Citizenship Institute. Advocates say the laws are a good first step that must be paired with updates to teacher education programs, funding for professional development and other changes throughout the education system.

The efforts have run into concerns about school funding shortfalls, and supporters say they are mindful of adding mandates on districts and teachers.

Thats why the laws have so far stopped short of dictating changes and instead called for voluntary actions.

New Mexico Rep. Antonio Moe Maestas, D-Albuquerque, said media literacy is an elective in the states secondary schools curriculum  unlike financial literacy, which is required. He said he would like to see that changed in coming years and intertwined throughout the entire curriculum regardless of what you are teaching.

Last summer, Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo signed two bills calling on state education officials to work with media literacy organizations to consider incorporating the subject into the basic education program.

The new law in Washington requires the state school superintendent to create a website with links to successful media literacy practices. The office also must conduct a survey to understand how librarians, teachers, principals and technology directors are integrating those subjects into their curriculum.

Supporters are helping lawmakers in several states draft similar bills in 2018.

The combination of social media and misinformation really captured peoples awareness and attention in the last year, said Erin McNeill, president of Media Literacy Now, a nonprofit based in Watertown, Massachusetts. It took a long time to get media literacy into the public consciousness.
Iowa Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nate Boulton focused on public safety during a rally at the Council Bluffs firefighters union hall.

The state senator from Des Moines has earned the endorsement of the states firefighters union along with the Council Bluffs firefighters of Local 15.

I am proud in this campaign to stand with public safety officers across the state, Boulton told a crowd of about 50 people on Tuesday night at the union hall on South Eighth Street.

Boulton discussed the need to fix the state budget. A nonpartisan group that reviews Iowas finances has estimated a shortfall of about $37 million in the current $7.2 billion state budget. Additionally, the Legislative Services Agency said in late December that the next state budget, set to go into effect in July, has an expected shortfall of about $65 million. Thats due to built-in increases like plans to return money to Iowas emergency reserves, which helped plug previous budget shortfalls.

That has compromised public safety. We have fewer dollars to make our streets safe, Boulton said.

The candidate said the shortfall is inexplicable during a time when the states economy is sound and unemployment is low. He blamed the trouble in large part on the overextension of corporate tax incentives.

That should be unacceptable to Iowans, Boulton said.

The state senator represents District 16, which includes the northeast side of Des Moines and the suburb of Pleasant Hill. With the Legislature set to resume next week, Boulton said, Weve got some tough fights ahead of us right now.

We will continue the work of standing up to an agenda that has done nothing but hold back and take away from working communities, he told the crowd.

Boulton criticized the 2017 legislative session, which saw a reduction in collective bargaining rights, a change to workers compensation law and set a statewide minimum wage, which Boulton noted lowered the minimum wage in five Iowa counties.

Think about the opportunity that was had with the control of state government, Boulton said, noting both houses of the Legislature plus the governors office were controlled by Republicans. The positive things that couldve been accomplished. Instead, 2017 was defined by all that could be taken away.

Seth Kolar, a 10-year veteran with the Council Bluffs Fire Department, said he supports Boulton because He gives us a voice.

Kolar criticized the legislatures collective bargaining bill  which removed the right to negotiate anything but wages for almost all public employees, excluding public safety.

After last session, what they attacked, were working to help all wokers  union and non-union, Kolar said. We want to stand together with candidates that fight for us.

Doug Irwin of Council Bluffs stopped by the event to hear Boultons take on the condition of the state and the future for Iowa. He said his top issues are education, where he said he disagreed with recent cuts affecting universities and community colleges, and mental health, another area thats seen cuts and the closure of buildings and programs.

Im trying to get all the information I can about the candidates, Irwin said.

Boulton is among a crowded Democratic field looking to earn the partys nomination for governor. Other candidates include the president of Service Employees International Union Local 199, Cathy Glasson, businessman Fred Hubbell, former Iowa Democratic Party chair Andy McGuire, former Des Moines school board member Jon Neiderbach, former chief of staff to Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, John Norris  a Red Oak native  and former Iowa City Mayor Ross Wilburn.

A poll by 20-20 Insight of Atlanta conducted in early November showed Hubbell in the lead with 22 percent of the vote, followed by Boulton at 13 percent. Forty-seven percent of voters were undecided. The company spoke with 762 Iowans and the poll had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.6 percent.

The Democratic primary will be held on June 5, with the general election set for Nov. 6.
Rep. Chris Hall of Sioux City, a Democrat and also the ranking member of the House Appropriations committee, filed a lawsuit Tuesday that contends Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds and a top aide broke the law when they transferred $13 million last fall from a reserve fund to balance the budget.

The lawsuit was filed against Reynolds and Department of Management Director Dave Roederer.

Halls lawsuit asks a court to declare that Reynolds proclamation ordering the fund transfer in September was illegal and to void all actions taken as a result.

The lawsuit notes that Reynolds and Roederer could be liable to the state for $13 million together with interest if a jury agrees that the transfer was a misuse of appropriations but stops short of asking for that result.

At issue is whether the administration acted legally in September when transferring $13 million from the State Economic Emergency Fund, which was created to cushion the blow of fiscal downturns on core services.

State law allows governors to transfer up to $50 million from the fund when certain conditions are met, including that annual general fund revenue collections be at least 0.5 percent less than estimated by the states revenue-estimating panel during the third quarter of the year. The $7.1 billion collected for the general fund in fiscal year 2017 was only 0.15 percent  or $11 million  lower than the panels March 2017 estimate, not enough to trigger the governors transfer authority, the lawsuit claims.

State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald, a Democrat, had warned Reynolds in September that the transfer would be illegal on that basis and could invite legal action. We wonder why Attorney General Tom Miller, also a Democrat, didnt weigh in on the issue.

Reynolds dismissed Fitzgeralds interpretation of the law, accusing him of playing gotcha politics.

Reynolds aides have argued the governors transfer authority was triggered when the March 2017 estimate came in 1.5 percent lower than the estimate at its prior meeting in December 2016.

Last July, two months before Reynolds transferred money from the reserve fund, legislative analysts put the budget shortfall at $100 million. Reynolds and Roederer said that step was unnecessary because the budget ended in far better shape once late tax payments and adjustments were counted and she could make the transfer to cover the remaining deficit.

Democrats have expressed skepticism about the administrations accounting, and the lawsuit gives them the opportunity to learn from officials under oath about how the budget gap shrank. That explanation, we think, will be beneficial for Iowas taxpayers.
A teen accused in an Ogallala stabbing awaits the results of an appeal, and two adults charged in connection have been convicted.

According to court records, Raylynn Garcia, 28, and Larry Derrera, 32, each pleaded no contest last month to intentional child abuse not resulting in injury.

Meanwhile, Amadeus Leroux, 16, is appealing a district judges November decision that Leroux must stand trial as an adult for second-degree murder and use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony. The Nebraska Court of Appeals could take months to make its decision, according to a Keith County District Court official.

They were charged after John Fratis, 25, died March 28 at an Ogallala residence.

Additional charges against Derrera and Garcia were dropped: being an accessory to a felony, obstructing a police officer and false reporting, according to court records.

Both will be sentenced June 1.

Fratis, Garcia and Derrera were roommates. According to reports at the time of Fratis death, they had been drinking, doing drugs and watching TV with Leroux in front of Garcias children. Fratis and Leroux got into an altercation, and Garcia later found Fratis bleeding. Fratis later died of his injuries at a local hospital.

Leroux left Ogallala and, after a brief public search, turned himself in to authorities in the Denver area March 30.
LINCOLN  A state lawmaker will take a shot  perhaps a long shot  at banning bump fire stocks and gun silencers in Nebraska.

A rare gun-control measure in a conservative state where proposals usually try to expand Second Amendment rights was among the 119 bills introduced Wednesday on the first day of the 2018 Nebraska Legislature. The 49 state senators will meet for a 60-day session scheduled to conclude April 18.

The opening day proceedings were marked by pomp, circumstance and lots of smartphone photos of senators with their families.

Its an amazing feeling. Its nice to have it be official and get started, said Sen. Theresa Thibodeau, who was appointed to her Omaha district in October to finish the term of a senator who resigned.

But it didnt take long Wednesday before a controversial proposal hit the bill hopper.

Legislative Bill 780 targets bump stocks, which gained notoriety last fall when they were used by a gunman to spray bullets into an outdoor concert crowd in Las Vegas. The massacre killed 58 and wounded hundreds.

The after-market devices allow semiautomatic rifles to be fired nearly as rapidly as automatic guns. Semiautomatics fire a single shot with each trigger pull, while depressing the trigger of an automatic allows a burst of shots to be fired.

The sponsor of the bill, Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks of Lincoln, said she believes the state would be safer if it banned a device that enables mass shooters to increase their rate of fire. The Democratic senator noted that she is entering the final year of her first term.

If Im not re-elected, I think I would walk away from here thinking, You did nothing about the proliferation of guns in your community,? she said Wednesday.

The bill calls bump stocks by their technical name: multiburst trigger activators. It also seeks to ban silencers, a different accessory attached to a guns muzzle that reduces the noise of firing.

The bill makes the manufacturing, sale, purchase or possession of bump stocks and silencers a class IV felony, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a year of post-release supervision.

Officials with two gun-rights organization said Wednesday their groups will fight both provisions of the bill. Rod Moeller with the Nebraska Firearms Owners Association said his group cannot support any attempt to regulate gun accessories.

Were opposed to it no matter what, he said.

Catherine Mortensen, spokeswoman for the National Rifle Association in Fairfax, Virginia, said her organization has called for bump stocks to be more tightly regulated. But thats a job best left to the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, she argued.

We oppose any legislation to ban bump stocks, but we believe they should be subject to additional regulation, she said.

Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon, a gun-rights advocate and a competitive shooter, said he would oppose a ban on silencers. The devices, already heavily regulated under federal law, allow target shooters and hunters to fire their guns without having to always use hearing protection.

Brewer said he wants to study the legislation, but he would not necessarily oppose greater restrictions on bump stocks. Some shooters regard bump stocks as a gimmick that reduces the ability to shoot accurately and wastes ammunition.

Another gun-related bill was introduced Wednesday by Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha.

LB 730 would impose a 10 percent excise tax on ammunition sales, with half of the proceeds going to a state wildlife conservation fund and the other half going to the violence prevention fund. Wayne said the proposal is similar to legislation in other states and could benefit both urban and rural areas.

The firearm owners group opposes that measure as well, Moeller said, regarding it as an unjust tax on law-abiding gun owners.

Gun-control measures typically face tough odds in the Nebraska Legislature, where Republicans outnumber Democrats 2-1. But in the wake of the Las Vegas massacre, bump stocks became the focus of greater regulation by state and local governments. Some national retailers also quit selling the devices after the mass killing.

The ATF recently announced that it will review its analysis of bump stocks to determine whether they should be more tightly regulated.

In November, Massachusetts became the first state in the nation to ban bump stocks since the Nevada mass shooting. A few other states either ban bump stocks or devices that allow guns to be fired automatically.
LINCOLN  The University of Nebraska Board of Regents would be required to adopt a policy guaranteeing free speech on campus under a bill introduced Wednesday in the Legislature.

Under the measure, however, the university could not allow protests and demonstrations that infringe on others rights to free speech.

Legislative Bill 718, the Higher Education Free Speech Accountability Act, would require that the university sanction students or employees who participate in such protests.

The measure was introduced by State Sen. Steve Halloran of Hastings, one of three state senators who have questioned whether the university welcomes conservative students.

The three raised concerns after an Aug. 25 incident in which a conservative student was called a neo-fascist and flipped off by a graduate student-lecturer at the Lincoln campus.

Halloran said LB 718 is not intended to micromanage university policies but to shine a spotlight on issues. The bill would require that NU create a nine-member committee to report to the public about any barriers to free speech or attempts to disrupt free speech on university campuses.

The annual reports would have to describe each incident and steps taken to deal with each.

Its a transparency issue and an accountability issue, Halloran said.

University officials said they are reviewing the legislation.
LINCOLN  Citing little improvement in reducing overcrowding in state prisons, State Sen. Bob Krist introduced a trio of bills on the first day of 2018 legislative session to accelerate progress.

Among the proposals is one requiring the release of parole-eligible inmates as of Dec. 31, 2018, if prison populations have not dropped below 140 percent of capacity.

Another bill would allow the release of inmates who are terminally ill or permanently incapacitated, to medical facilities.

A third proposal seeks to remove a roadblock in paroling more than 400 inmates by allowing parolees to complete substance abuse and other rehabilitation programs after they are released from prison, not before their release.

Why we arent doing these things, I dont know, said Krist, who is mounting a third-party run for governor and has criticized efforts by Gov. Pete Ricketts to reduce overcrowding.

Overcrowding has taken part of the blame for an increase in attacks on prison staff, two violent prison uprisings and an inability to retain corrections officers at two maximum-security prisons.

State prisons now hold about 5,200 inmates, about 1,900 more than their design capacity or about 156 percent of capacity. Nebraska has the second-most overcrowded prison system in the country, and the problem prompted a federal lawsuit by the ACLU of Nebraska last fall.

Under state law, the governor can declare an overcrowding emergency when the capacity exceeds 140 percent, but both Ricketts and former Gov. Dave Heineman have declined to do that.

Such an overcrowding emergency would allow the Board of Parole to immediately release inmates who are parole eligible and do not pose a threat to society.

Ricketts and corrections officials have said that sentencing reforms adopted by the State Legislature have acted more slowly than expected to reduce prison overcrowding. But they predict that eventually, the reforms will be effective in reducing overcrowding to less than 140 percent by the year 2020, when an overcrowding emergency would be automatic because of a recent law change.

Krist said that something needs to be done now, while the Legislature still has senators who have expertise and experience in the problems facing the state prison system.

He said that there are more than 400 inmates who are parole eligible but have been denied release because they have not been able to receive required rehabilitation programs, such as one called anger management.

His Legislative Bill 676 would remove a roadblock to their release, by allowing them to take such programs while on parole. Krist said that releasing incapacitated inmates to medical facilities would allow the state to access federal funds for their care, while also reducing overcrowding.
Munster native Tricia Schmeuser had the day off because of frozen plumbing at work Tuesday, when it was minus 11 degrees Fahrenheit in her home city of Indianapolis with a real feel of minus 24.

Her 2014 Chevy Cruze wouldn't start, so she called roadside assistance and was put on hold for two hours. Schmeuser then was told to await a text message when a driver would arrive.

"Two hours go by, no text," she said. "Call back, another 45-plus minutes on hold for them to tell me they can give me an (estimated time of arrival). Hang up, they called me back shortly after with an ETA of four hours."

It was eight hours before her car was running again.

Pummeled with below-zero temperatures in recent days, residents across the state and Region have dealt with dead batteries, flat tires, frozen fuel lines, dinged-up rims and a gamut of other issues.

Valparaiso resident Meghan Gustafson said her family has dealt with a total of four dead car batteries and a flat tire between her vehicle, her husband's, her father-in-law's and her brother-in-law's.

Herb Stepherson, also a Valparaiso resident, was stranded in the sub-zero temperatures and needed a tow to get his tire fixed.

"Because of the cold, also, we have been having strange power surges," he said.

It's been an inconvenience for many people including Whiting resident Chantene Zichterman, who has been scrambling to find alternate ways to get to doctor's appointments after Walmart didn't have her car's battery in stock, and for Hammond resident Priscilla Mejia, whose 2006 Chevrolet Impala wouldn't start and had flat tires.

"This is my only car that I take my daughter back and forth to school in, and her school is 45 minutes away," Mejia said.

In some cases, the cold's toll on cars has even been potentially life-threatening.

Valparaiso resident Manuel Rodriguez's family was stranded on Christmas Eve while trying to go to a family Christmas party.

"That night could have ended up tragic, because my muffler's exhaust fumes started to come into the car and made my kids ill," he said. "Thank God a stranger came to their aid and allowed them to heat up in his car while we drove an hour to pick them up."

Rodriguez said he is grateful a passing motorist helped out.

"I would love the opportunity to thank him," he said. "My daughter offered him some gas money but he didn't want anything. He just made sure they were warm. My car has since been stranded, but my children are OK."

Business booms

Local mechanics, and tire store and aftermarket auto parts shop employees said they've been slammed the past several days.

Hub Cap World and Tire at 6309 Indianapolis Blvd. in Hammond has been swamped with flat tires, cracked rims and bent rims. Customers have suffered the usual pothole damage and rim damage from sliding into curbs, but also many flats because tires lose pressure in freezing temperatures when they're underinflated.

"It's been an avalanche of tires," owner Bob Dinnocenzo said. "It's been crazy. It's been nonstop customers all week."

Dinnocenzo said it's been worse than usual this winter because roads were fixed throughout the Region, so drivers didn't notice wear on their treads and didn't get their tires taken care of in the fall.

"People weren't paying attention to their tires in the fall after the state repaved a lot of roads," he said. "Then it got really cold. If you have even a little bend in your rim, you'll lose tire pressure in this cold."

Levin Tire & Service Center, which has six locations across the Region, has been jam-packed. Chip LaRock, a service adviser at the Highland location, said cars are getting more dinged and banged up because there hasn't been as much snow as usual so motorists aren't slowing down on the slick ice.

The descent of Arctic temperatures also has caused a lot of damage.

"We have been very busy since after Christmas with vehicles being towed in, batteries failing, coolant lights and tire lights coming on," LaRock said. "The tires are not aired up properly; most often not enough air is put in the tire."

LaRock said since rubber hardens in the cold, it does not have the best seal on a tire rim, which can cause minor amounts of air inside the tire to escape.

Lastly, LaRock suspects most towns use inexpensive road salt, which may contain stray items that could puncture tires.

"They buy it in bulk amount," he said. "It is cheaper for towns to purchase in this manner."

Motorists also have had to replace windshield wipers, which have been tearing because they're straining to push snow or ice off the windshields, LaRock said.

"Try to clear the snow or ice from your windshield before driving away and operating them," he said.

"Windshield fluid freezing is also a common problem because people have added water to their mixture to try and extend the amount of fluid they can use. This can lead to more problems in the long run with parts freezing and breaking."

LaRock encouraged people to start winterizing their cars in the fall, before snow and cold temperatures hit.

"Check your tires, battery, fluids and any other vitals to help your car perform," he said. "If anything seems like it may not be able to function in the cold, dont risk it, and just replace it."

Lives affected

Many motorists have been left to fix their own cars, such as U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. John Wayne Reeves Jr., who drove home to Cedar Lake from Camp LeJeune in North Carolina to visit his parents for Christmas.

"In a bitter cold garage and with the help of his friends he learned and installed his own brakes," his mother, Sherryl Reeves, said. "A local mechanic had time to schedule him for the battery installation and coolant repair. With the help of mom and dad, he will return on newer and safer tires."

Sherryl Reeves said her son also helped replace a frozen battery in his sisters car.

"We have one more week before he leaves again for LeJeune to go wherever the Marine Corps may send him," she said. "We are thankful for these moments 'frozen' in time, because it warms our heart to see him, no matter the weather."

The latest Arctic blast also has been affecting people's livelihoods. Valparaiso resident Sara Port said her husband has been unable to start his semitrailer.

"Several semitrucks and trailers are suffering from frozen equipment such as trailers' bags will not expand with air or are popping, tires are freezing, batteries are dying and fuel lines are freezing, making them inoperable," she said.

Car repairs have been a financial hit for many families, since the cold spell came right after Christmas and New Year's Eve spending, Chesterton resident Stephanie Eiden said. She said car troubles also have intensified cabin fever at a time when many are hunkering inside because of the cold.

Her car won't start, and the front hood was frozen to where it wouldn't open.

"My battery died on the 1st, and I simply can't afford to do anything," she said. "I finally got in contact with a mechanic who's going to plug the battery in, but I can't drive. My boys have to do a newspaper route, and we've had to borrow vehicles from my family. It's taking all of our survival skills."
For more than 40 years, United Van Lines has been tracking which states people are moving to and from," said Melissa Sullivan, a spokeswoman for United Van Lines. "We also survey our customers to understand why they are moving from state-to-state. As the nations largest household goods mover, the data we collect is reflective of national migration trends.

The study found residents are leaving the Midwest, often moving to warmer climes west or south.

This years data reflects longer-term trends of movement to the western and southern states, especially to those where housing costs are relatively lower, climates are more temperate and job growth has been at or above the national average, among other factors, said Michael Stoll, economist and professor in the Department of Public Policy at the University of California, Los Angeles. Were also seeing continued migration to the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West as young professionals and retirees leave California.

About 70.2 percent of people moved out of Indiana for a job, 16.73 percent for family, 12.24 percent for retirement, 8.57 percent for lifestyle and 2.86 percent for health. About 52.41 percent of residents who moved to the Hoosier state came for a job, and another 27.81 percent came for family reasons.

A little more than half of Illinois residents  51 percent  said they were leaving for a career opportunity elsewhere. Retirement accounted for 21.3 percent of the moves out of Illinois, and family for 18.12 percent of the moves.
MERRILLVILLE  Four residents spoke against a proposed NIPSCO natural gas rate hike at a public hearing Wednesday, arguing the increase would benefit a profitable company unnecessarily, while harming struggling families.

The increase would add an average of about $10 per month to a regular residential customer's bill.

"If you choose to raise the rates, you will be forcing families to choose between heat and other necessities," Gary resident Corey Hagelberg said. "I implore you to spend some time thinking about those who this will affect."

Gary resident Helene Servin said utility bills were unaffordable for some residents. "There is just something humanely not right about this," she said.

Patawatomi Park resident Robert Johnson said he was suspicious of the need for an increase of more than 20 percent.

"All you really would do is raise the cost of a product people can't afford not to buy," he said. Meanwhile, he said, NIPSCO was "doing quite well" financially.

Both Johnson and Sierra Club representative Ashley Williams argued the company should be investing in renewable energy, rather than "outdated fossil fuels."

Vanessa Allen McCloud, president and CEO of the Urban League of Northwest Indiana, spoke to compliment NIPSCO and the support it provides the Urban League and community.

The $10 per month increase is based on a residential customer using an average of 69 therms per month, now paying $50. The increase would come in two phases, the first in mid-2018 and the second in early 2019.

The price increase impacts the "base rate" charged for natural gas  essentially the portion funding the gas distribution system's infrastructure and operations.

The increase would bring in an additional $143.5 million annually, according to NIPSCO. The company argues it's necessary to finance $400 million in upgrades to its distribution system as well as increased labor and material costs associated with infrastructure and service improvements.

The base rate hasn't increased in 25 years, according to NIPSCO, and was decreased slightly in 2010.

"This proposal seeks to strike the right balance of cost and service in order to continue delivering on our commitments to customers," NIPSCO Executive Vice President and President Violet Sistovaris said when the company announced its intentions in September.

Among the parties intending to file testimony are the NIPSCO Industrial Group, which includes Northwest Indiana companies ArcelorMittal USA, BP Products North America, Cargill, NLMK Indiana, Praxair, U.S. Steel and USG.

The consumer-protection group Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana and a NIPSCO Gas Supplier Group representing companies that sell gas to NIPSCO also intend to comment.

Documents related to NIPSCO's rate case are available through the IURC's electronic document system at iurc.portal.in/gov/searchlegalcase. Search for case number 44988.

For NIPSCO's description of the rate case, visit nipsco.com/rates.

The OUCC intends to file its testimony in the rate case on Jan. 24. A ruling on the case is expected this summer.
Indiana state lawmakers toured ArcelorMittal Indiana Harbor in East Chicago and ArcelorMittal Burns Harbor in Porter County to hear about how two of Northwest Indiana's largest steel mills are faring amid a time of elevated imports and what can be done to keep them competitive in an increasingly globalized sector.

State Reps. Earl Harris Jr., D-East Chicago; Hal Slager, R-Schererville; Scott Pelath, D-Michigan City; state Sen. Rick Niemeyer, R-Lowell; and other officials went on a tour this week of the No. 4 steel producing and 80-inch hot strip mill at ArcelorMittal Indiana Harbor, and the D blast furnace and the hot dip coating line at Burns Harbor.

"Talking with elected officials, providing business updates and showing them our steelmaking operations is vital to creating a culture of transparency," ArcelorMittal said in a news release. "It demonstrates our commitment to fully engage with those responsible for making decisions which can directly impact ArcelorMittals sustainability including job creation initiatives, tax assessment policy and environmental regulations."

The lawmakers met with ArcelorMittal Burns Harbor Manager of Continuous Improvement Larry Fabina and ArcelorMittal Indiana Harbor Vice President and General Manager Wendell Carter to learn about the recent consolidation of blast furnaces and finishing lines in East Chicago and the Luxembourg-based steelmaker's Action 2020 plan. They discussed a variety of issues that could affect the mills in coming years, such as job training programs to ensure a pipeline of qualified steelworkers.

"Conversation topics included how imports from China are affecting sales and questions about diversity  including how many women work in operations," ArcelorMittal said in a news release. "They also discussed Indiana's Next Level Jobs initiative, introduced by Governor Holcomb in 2017."
CROWN POINT  A criminal court judge denied a mental competency examination for Nicholas A. Pelissier, who is scheduled to appear at trial next week in the murder of Jonquell Golida.

Pelissier, 20, of Chicago, is charged with murder and attempted murder on allegations he shot Golida, 23, and wounded Timothy Fryerson on Nov. 12, 2016, near 49th Avenue and Massachusetts Street in Gary.

The shooting allegedly occurred after an argument at a nearby gas station involving Pelissier and co-defendant William Buddha Galloway, 24.

Pelissier appeared in court Thursday with defense attorney Angela Jones.

Jones filed a motion Dec. 15 requesting Pelissier be examined to determine whether he is competent to stand trial on the charges.

She said at Thursday's court hearing that her client, who is jailed, attempted suicide two weeks ago and has not received medication from the jail for an unspecified mental issue.

Pelissier appeared to undercut his defense attorney's arguments in a statement to the court. He told the judge he believed his defense attorney and the prosecutor had enough time to prepare for his trial, which is scheduled to begin Monday.

I am ready to go to trial, Pelissier said.

Vasquez denied Jones' motion, pointing out that Pelissier appeared to understand the proceedings and Jones did not present sufficient evidence to show he was unable to assist in his defense.

Deputy Prosecutor David Rooda said the trial is expected to take a week.
INDIANAPOLIS  House Democratic Leader Terry Goodin, D-Austin, demanded Wednesday the General Assembly conduct its own investigation of the Department of Child Services following last month's surprise resignation of Director Mary Beth Bonaventura.

Goodin declared in the first floor speech of the 2018 legislative session that lawmakers should not rely on the outside DCS review commissioned by Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb.

Instead, he said legislators have a duty, as a separate branch of government, to independently evaluate the shocking claims in Bonaventura's resignation letter about Holcomb-directed DCS policies and spending decisions that the former Lake County judge said "all but ensure children will die."

"If we as lawmakers simply stand by and let this mess fester without doing anything, then folks, we have failed in our mission," Goodin said.

He pointed out that the current "short session" of the General Assembly, which began Wednesday and is required by law to adjourn no later than March 14, originally was established solely to address "emergency" matters.

"What could be more dire than protecting at-risk children?" he asked.

House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, agreed there is a role for the Legislature in understanding what is going on at DCS.

But Bosma said that role will be for House and Senate leaders to review the findings of the Child Welfare Policy and Practice Group in April, and then map out any necessary remedies for potential legislative approval during the 2019 session.

The speaker explained that to take action this year would be all but impossible, because until the Holcomb-selected group publishes its report following a top-to-bottom review of DCS policies, practices and spending, lawmakers won't even know all the issues surrounding the agency.

"I think it's best to have these experts dive in, make some recommendations and then we can act on them," Bosma said.

In response, Indiana Democratic Party Chairman John Zody accused Statehouse Republicans of shirking their responsibility for Hoosier children in crisis.

"The buck stops with the Legislature, unless it means crossing Gov. Eric Holcomb, apparently," Zody said.

"It's Statehouse GOP's job to protect abused and neglected children, but they appear ready to push that responsibility off for more than a year. Vulnerable children can't wait."

Aside from the DCS issue, the legislative session began on a generally cordial note as Goodin pledged to work with Republicans wherever possible to advance good policy, and House Majority Floor Leader Matt Lehman, R-Berne, vowed the Republican supermajority will respect the Democrats.
INDIANAPOLIS  House Republicans plan to pursue a modest agenda focusing on education funding, workforce development, the opioid crisis and government efficiency during this year's 10-week legislative session.

House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, told reporters Thursday that Indiana generally is in good shape in terms of its economy and finances, but some tweaks are needed here and there to continue the state's momentum.

One of those tweaks, he explained, will be shifting a still undetermined amount of state reserve funds to cover the costs of higher-than-expected enrollment at Indiana public schools.

"We'll ensure that both this year and next year that the school funding formula is fully funded, and local schools will get the funds that they were anticipating will come their way," Bosma said. "It's a top priority for us, and it's going to happen."

At the same time, Bosma is calling for a full stop on workforce development program funding beyond June 30, 2019, to encourage lawmakers and Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb to come up with real solutions to meet the employment needs of Hoosier companies.

"Our goal here is to set a deadline, so that as of July 1, 2019, we know we have to make decisions about some of these critical programs," Bosma said.

Reform ideas in the pipeline include a new state website connecting job seekers and employers, state grants to businesses to cover the costs of training their own workers and dedicating Indiana corporate income tax revenue to worker training, he said.

Concerning the opioid crisis, Bosma indicated House Republicans want to ease the licensing process for addiction and mental health treatment professionals, as well as use existing state and federal funds to establish nine additional addiction treatment centers so no Hoosier is more than an hour's drive from one.

Finally, he said GOP representatives also will push to eliminate duplicate state and local government reporting mandates and seek to merge some 300 rural Indiana townships that have fewer than 1,200 residents.

"There are many other priorities for the House Republicans this session, but these are the ones that are front and center for us," Bosma said.
The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning Thursday morning for all of LaPorte County. A winter weather advisory has also been issued for Porter County.

The continuing freezing temperatures and snow has also resulted in the Michigan City Parks & Recreation Department issuing a shelf ice advisory.

The advisory is warning residents and visitors to stay off the self ice along Lake Michigan's shoreline because it is not solid. The ice is lightweight with air pockets. It is pushed onto and near the beach by wind and wave action. While the formations are attractive, according to the advisory, they are filled with deadly invisible holes.

Residents and travelers in LaPorte County, including the cities of Michigan City and LaPorte, can expect heavy lake effect snow throughout the day and into Thursday evening causing difficult travel conditions and a reduction in visibility.

The NWS expects LaPorte County to receive 3 inches to 6 inches of snow Thursday with localized amounts up to 8 inches.

While the winter storm warning is in effect until 7 a.m. Friday, the NWS has also issued a hazardous weather outlook for LaPorte County, counties to the east in Indiana and in Southwest Michigan, calling for lake effect snow to continue falling through the week and into the weekend, with system snow moving into the area Sunday and Monday.

A winter weather advisory is in effect until midnight Friday for Porter County. According to the NWS website, people can expect lake effect snow showers at times with new snow accumulations of 1 inch to 3 inches in the northeastern portion of the county. Little or no snow is possible across the southwestern portions of Porter County.

The NWS has also issued a hazardous weather outlook for Lake and Porter counties throughout the weekend, forecasting excessive cold risks and system snow moving into the area Sunday and Sunday night.

In addition to the snow, cold wind chills as low as 15 below to 20 below zero are expected and can cause frostbite in as little as 30 minutes to exposed skin.

Check back at nwi.com for updates.
TRAIL CREEK  A woman who was pulled from a blaze that destroyed the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 75 early Thursday morning has died.

Vicky Cummings, 60, a bartender at the lodge for about 10 years, had been transferred from Franciscan Health to the University of Chicago Medical Center with burns to about 50 percent of her body and smoke inhalation, according to her brother, Mike Elkins, a retired 35-year member of the Michigan City Police Department.

Michigan City Police Chief Mark Swistek confirmed Cummings' death Thursday night. He offered condolences to the entire family on behalf of the Police Department and the FOP Lodge No. 75.

"This is not the way any of us wanted to start 2018," Swistek said.

About 3:30 a.m., Coolspring Township firefighter Mike Lusco and Andrew Belue from the Michigan City Fire Department entered a second floor window from a ladder and removed Cummings from her apartment above the FOP at 401 Johnson Road.

She lived there with Bob Ream, who jumped from the second-floor window prior to the rescue and called 911.

Swistek commended fire crews from several departments on a "great response" under extreme cold, harsh conditions and in retrieving Cummings from the burning building.

"All the emergency responders, they worked together so diligently to get her out of the fire, but unfortunately she succumbed to her injuries," Swistek said.

As of Thursday afternoon, Ream was in the intensive care unit at Franciscan Health with smoke inhalation and other injuries, Elkins said.

"Hes coherent and talking. They expect a full recovery," Elkins said.

At the beginning, firefighters had difficulty accessing enough water because of hydrants freezing up after being opened.

Coolspring Township Assistant Fire Chief Warren Smith said the problem was solved by tapping into two hydrants fed by larger mains less prone to freezing.

Nevertheless, Smith said the building still would have been destroyed because of how fast the flames spread through the old wooden structure.

"Once it started rolling, there was no stopping it," Smith said.

LaPorte County Police fire investigator Mike Raymer said the fire appears to have started on the main level.

He said Ream was awakened by smoke detectors and, before jumping out the window, tried waking up Cummings. He escaped down a stairway, but was driven back by intense heat rising up from the floor below.

Raymer also said the cause was not known, but they do not suspect foul play.

He said locating the source of the fire was made more difficult by the damage being so extensive.

"We may never know given the building is pretty much demolished," Raymer said.

Times staff writer Lauren Cross contributed to this report.
A judge has sentenced a Muncie man to 137 years in prison for the slaying of a woman whom prosecutors say was stabbed about 70 times while being robbed of prescription pain medicine.

A Delaware County jury in October convicted 36-year-old Danny Saintignon Jr. of murder in the Christmas Eve 2009 slaying of 35-year-old mother of four Monica Brown of Muncie.

Kimberly Brown, who was 17 when she and her sister, then 11, found their mother's body, testified at the sentencing hearing Thursday the slaying has had a devastating impact on her family. She said she "will never wake up from this nightmare. This is my reality."

The Star Press reported public defender Jill Gonzalez recommended Saintignon receive a 45-year sentence. She said her client intends to appeal his convictions.
Lee County, and much of the state remain under a hard freeze warning from the National Weather Service in Birmingham until 9 a.m. Friday.

Temperatures early Friday morning will generally be in the teens in east Alabama, but could range from 12 to 22 degrees for several hours.

A hard-freeze warning cautions residents of a prolonged period of sub-freezing temperatures that could result in hypothermia and a danger for pets, livestock and sensitive vegetation. Water pipes, especially exposed ones, will be at risk of freezing and possibly bursting.

The hard freeze watch for Friday night, previously issued by the National Weather Service, has been cancelled. A few locations in the far north may see temperatures drop to near 15 degrees again Friday night, but a widespread hard freeze is not expected.

High temperatures over the weekend will be in the low to mid-40s under sunny skies, and low temperatures will moderate somewhat, rising to the mid-20s.

Monday will bring a chance of rain before high temperatures return to the 50s under clear skies on Tuesday.

Caution advised

The continued cold temperatures mean people should check on elderly neighbors to ensure they have adequate heat, and bring all pets indoors if possible, said Michael Jordan, public information representative for Alabama Power.

Make sure heating outlets and return air registers are not blocked by furniture, draperies, doors or other obstacles, Jordan said. If you use portable electric heaters, use them only in small areas. Buy models that are thermostatically controlled. Place these in well-ventilated areas away from flammable objects.

Other energy-efficient ways to keep your home as warm as possible include opening draperies and blinds during the day to allow sunlight in through the windows, then closing them at night and on the shaded side of the house; using an electric blanket in bed rather than making your heating unit work hard at night to warm the whole house; and even turning on fans.

Use a small room fan or ceiling fan to circulate and distribute heated air, Jordan said. When reversed, ceiling fans can circulate hot air trapped near the ceiling.

Although a crackling fire in the fireplace can make a room appear to be more warm and cozy, fireplaces are often a deterrent to energy efficiency because a lot of the heated air escapes up the chimney. A fireplace designed for providing heat eliminates this problem through a draft which supplies the fire with outside air, rather than air from the room.

Exposed pipes should be protected and faucets should be left dripping overnight to prevent pipes from bursting, Davis said.

Essentially, moving water is more difficult to freeze than still water, he explained.

Faucets should be set to drip anytime the area is under a hard freeze warning. The benchmark for a hard freeze differs from place to place based on average temperatures around the state, Davis said. For Lee County, a hard freeze warning is issued when temperatures dip below 20 degrees.

O-A News Digital Content Coordinator Duke Maas contributed to this report.
As 2017 was drawing to a close, Kampala and most parts of the country became very hot.

And there were lots of complaints about the weather. Some people invoked God and others quickly cited climate change. December is a hot month and usually January and February are some of the hottest months in most parts of Uganda.

Anyway, the rain eventually came down on New Year s Eve, at least in Kampala. And of course most parts of Kampala were plunged into darkness. The rain, which is the major source of our electricity as we mainly depend on hydropower, is also the biggest source of its supply disruptions.

Electric poles and wires sometimes fall down during the downpour. Before the normal supply of electricity was disrupted in some parts of Kampala, people had been engaged in a debate on the cost of electricity on social media and other platforms.

Many village homesteads would do well with solar power at the expense of hydroelectricity

The Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) had decided to increase the cost of electricity by about 33 shillings per unit starting on January 1, 2018. The domestic unit will now cost Shs 718.9. ERA always claims that the main reasons for such increments is a result of fluctuations in the US dollar exchange rates.

Though, of course, the government has been in negotiations with Bujagali Energy Power on their contractual obligations to generate power.

The East African newspaper has reported that whatever Bujagali Power asked for, including extending their contract period, the government agreed to it. So, brace yourself for more expensive electricity.

There are less than 1.5 million customers on the national electricity grid, with Umeme being the major distributor (about 1,015,000 customers). The majority of these 1.5 million customers are domestic users who actually dont need to depend on hydroelectricity for their daily needs.

Of all the power produced in Uganda, domestic users take only 30 per cent, with the rest going to manufacturing. As we complained of the heat, the power disruptions due to rainfall, and the increment in the electricity tariff, I asked myself whether the majority of domestic users actually need hydropower.

The truth is they dont. Yet a lot of money is spent on ensuring there is electricity everywhere in the country. Districts aside, electricity is the most demanded item at political rallies by people who cant afford it.

It is very common to find electric poles in villages running in peoples compounds and yet their homes are not connected to the grid. Sometimes the cost of wiring a house is much more than the house to be connected is worth.

Sometime back, electricity was extended to my grandparents home at the insistence of a powerful area member of parliament because he feared some of my relatives may run for his office.

The electric lines, which run for about three kilometres, ended in my grannies courtyard. My relatives never bothered to connect to hydroelectric power because they had solar and didnt see the need for it. Whenever there were functions at grannys, the politician would boast of how he had brought electricity to them.

On that three-kilometer stretch, very few houses have been connected to power about 10 years since the lines were installed. They are happy about electricity in their village but they cant afford it. They also didnt need it. In most homes, electricity is only used for lighting, charging phones, watching TV and ironing clothes.

The rural folks usually iron only once a week when they are going to church. So, should the country continue to pay a lot of money extending electricity to people who dont need and obviously cant afford it?

Uganda is located on the equator, which guarantees sunshine throughout the year. It is cheaper for people to use solar for their domestic needs than hydropower that we are gladly extending.

People always cite the initial cost of solar power installation yet it is the same or even cheaper than wiring your house. Once you install solar power, you only need to periodically maintain the system so that it doesnt break down.

This is something else people complain aboutsolar breakdowns. This is because we dont have a culture of maintenance; we prefer to repair or replace. And of course there might be lots of cheap fake solar power products on the market, which dont last.

I believe if you install a genuine solar power unit and maintain it as recommended, it can last for many years. And you wont have to pay monthly or weekly bills.

The country can concentrate on providing power to those who need it like manufacturers and businesses, which may reduce their unit costs, make them more profitable and employ more Ugandans.

In fact, there are now solar tiles on the market. So, instead of buying roof clay tiles or iron sheets, one can roof their house with solar tiles. This means that the owner kills two birds with one stonea beautiful roof that is also the source of all your power needs.

After installing a solar power roof, one will need a power wall which can give you power for a week. This is important because a lot of Ugandans think that solar power needs a lot of sunshine to work.

If Europe and North America are going solar, why not us who are on the equator? Companies like Tesla are already making these units and they are very powerful. Remember, we dont use as much electricity at our homes as those in America.

In Uganda, you dont even need a fridge in your home. You can buy fresh stuff from the market everyday. And if we dont ask politicians for electricity which we cant afford all the time and ask them for solar, the costs of solar will come down.

The businesspeople who need electricity will have it at a lower rate than they do today, which will create jobs and grow the economy.

The country wont have to install white elephants like the line going to my grandparents home. Only areas that have economically grown will then need to be connected to the national grid.



djjuuko@gmail.com

The writer is a media consultant and businessman.
Makerere University has setup a special committee to study the Visitation Committees report that raised several management and policy issues about the university.



The report was presented to President Yoweri Museveni, who is also the visitor of the university on December 29.



Makerere University vice chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe said a number of issues were raised in the report, and that he has been receiving many calls from different stakeholders especially the media to respond.



The report is big; talking about very many things so we must give appropriate responses, Nawangwe said.

Makerere University vice chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe

He added that after the report was presented to the president, he asked the university management to formally respond to the issues raised.



In the meeting, the president and visitor of Makerere University guided that a formal response to the report should be made by the university to the ministry of Education and Sports, Nawangwe said.



In that regard, Nawangwe appointed Prof. William Bazeyo, the acting deputy vice chancellor in charge of finance and administration as chairperson of the committee with Charles Barugahare, the university secretary, Dr Eria Hisali, Prof. John Kabasa, Dr Florence Nakayiwa, Dorothy Sennoga Zake, and Jackie Ayorekire as members.



The group has been asked to draft a response to the visitation committees report, identify areas of immediate implementation and also identify areas that may need further clarification from the ministry.



We would like to commit that management will expeditiously study the report and comment on the issues raised. We request the media to understand; a lot of issues raised are of a serious policy nature that extensively will affect our university and therefore we can only make a report after studying it. We cant just comment off the cuff, Nawangwe said.



Meanwhile, the vice chancellor revealed that they are going to continue improving on those areas that the committee said the university was doing well.



On behalf of management, I commit to continue implementing what was recognize as being done well and to focus on areas where challenges were highlighted, Nawangwe said.



Museveni appointed the Visitation Committee in November 2016 after a teaching staff strike sucked in students leading to violent clashes with security forces.



In its report, the committee that was led by Dr Abel Rwendeire [RIP] discovered several bleaches and mismanagement in Ugandas premier university. Among its recommendation was the abolition of an elected vice chancellor, in favour of one appointed by the minister of Education.



bakerbatte@observer.ug
Former agriculture minister Hope Mwesigye has said President Museveni's decision to sign into law the 'age limit bill' is an indication that he's going to end up like former Libya strongman, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.



Museveni appended his signature to the Constitutional (Amendment) Act 2017 which, among others, removes the presidential age limit caps of 35 and 75 years in the constitution.

The Act also extends the term of parliament and local government councils from five to seven years among other provisions which touch on 10 different articles of the constitution. Museveni signed the bill into law on December 27, just seven days after it was passed by the 10th parliament amidst acrimony.



Speaking in Rukiga district on Wednesday, Mwesigye who is also the former Kabale District Woman MP says that Museveni's decision to sign age limit bill into law has left many Ugandans angered.



Mwesigye says that the anger could result into war and bloodshed. Mwesigye also says that Museveni will end like Gaddafi, since he has remained inflexible to respect peaceful transition of power.

Hope Mwesigye at a earlier event

"What has happened since they have amended the Constitution against the peoples wishes and will, it has been bad, the situation is fragile and I think it can only get worse. What Im seeing which has even started now, is instability. People are not sure of what is happening, there is uncertainty and it can only get worse and it will culminate clearly into more violence and war. You can see as a result of what happened, the so much money they used in amending this Constitution, I feel frustrated.

He [Museveni] may end up like the Gaddafis of this world, the Mubaraks of this world. Let him not think that because people are quiet, Ugandans are happy. When it reaches the tip-off point Ugandans will react", Mwesigye said.



Gaddafi's 42-year-rule ended violently when an uprising led to his overthrow in August 2011. In hiding for two months after his overthrow, Gaddafi was on October 20, 2011 captured and tortured to death by the rebel forces of the National Transitional Council.



Mwesigye also says that Museveni should have respected appeals from the majority of Ugandans including religious leaders of avoiding life presidency by not signing the bill, even after Parliament had passed it.

"Already many are regretting, many have been cursing, you heard the words from the bishops, the archbishops, everywhere. Everyone is saying; why do you do it? Even before people were saying dont amend, theres no need and there was no need. You dont amend for only one person. If you must amend the law, there must be a cause, there must be a reason why it must be amended and the reason cant be to amend it for President Museveni. Thats not a reason good enough," she added.

Ironically, Mwesigye then a minister and a strong ruling NRM party bigwig, was at the centre of efforts to remove presidential term limits in 2005. She, together with former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi, who is also her brother in-law, were the face and mouth of the term limits removal.

They fell out with Museveni after Mbabazi expressed ambitions to challenge Museveni for the top seat, going on to stand in 2016 but coming a distant third in the race. In this latest amendment, the term limits have been reinstated.

Speaking to URN last week, Security minister Henry Tumukunde said that parliament passed the age limit law because the ruling NRM party is yet to identify Museveni's successor.

Tumukunde said there is no reason for Ugandans to worry that Museveni is targeting a life presidency since NRM is in the process identifying his successor.

"It is not because we cannot change the party leadership, it is just that we're not prepared. And it is not true that President Museveni wants to be a life president. We would have sat as a party and change the leadership, but we did not want to be like Kenya's former president Daniel Arap Moi who changed the KANU leadership and the party collapsed," said Tumukunde.

Jack Sabiiti, former Rukiga county MP, says that Ugandans will soon regret the age limit removal because it is not aiming at developing the country but only to satisfy President Museveni and his family. Sabiiti says that Museveni no longer has anything to add on Uganda's development.



"Museveni has been in power for over 30 years. This constitutional amendment is not intended for service delivery, it is intended only for survival and benefiting only one individual and one family.

Therefore, I'm appealing to you the young generation to take note of that. If youre not careful, institutions that we put in place are going to be useless.

Were already regretting. What value can Museveni add now? I want you to tell me. The value he has failed to add to agriculture, the value he has failed to add to education, to infrastructure, development, water systems. In 35 years what can he add on? Lets look where were coming from and where were going. My worry is the crisis which is likely to come and cause more problems. This country is heading for catastrophe," said Sabiiti.



Museveni while delivering his New Year message on Sunday evening 'saluted' the 317 legislators who supported the amendments, saying they played a great role in averting what would have been necessary 'complicated paths' if they had not voted in favour of the bill

Museveni compared the 317 MPs to the role played by the 27 fighters who started the war that brought him to power 31 years ago. He also compared them to the 232 MPs of the 7th parliament who opened up the presidential term limits in September 2005.
The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has gone to the Constitutional court to challenge the continued under-funding of the Judiciary, one of the arms of the government.

The gist of ULSs case in which the Attorney General is the respondent, is that, both the legislature and the executive, the other organs of the state, neglected their constitutional role of implementing the Judiciarys constitutional and self-accounting status through enactment of appropriate laws thus contravening Articles 128 (1), (2), (3), 150 (1), 79 (1) and 155 (2) & (3) of the Constitution.

The petition comes at the time when the national budget frame work paper 2017/18 currently before parliament indicated that the 18 institutions that form the Justice Law and Order Sector (JLOS) which include the judiciary, have been allocated Shs 1.119 trillion, translating to 5.1 per cent of the total national budget.

In comparison to the previous FY 2016/17, JLOS had a 5.4 per cent allocation of the total budget, though the actual money was slightly lower than that allocated in this years budget.

Uganda Law Society (R) president Francis Gimara

According ULS, the functions of the Judiciary which are well laid out under Chapter VIII of the Constitution, are to administer justice, exercising judicial power derived from the people in accordance with the principles stipulated under Article 126 (2) of the Constitution, which among others include not delaying justice.

In particular, the independence of the Judiciary, ULS says is guaranteed by the Constitution to the extent that Article 128 (1) stipulates that in the exercise of judicial power, the courts shall not be subject to the control or direction of any person or authority.

The lack of adequate funding according to ULS makes it impossible to expedite disposal of cases and has led to initiatives such as trial by sessions which negate the fundamental rights of a free and fair trial under Article 28 of the Constitution.

Through Victoria Advocates and legal consultants, ULS challenges sections 9 (1), (2), (5) & 11 (3) (a) of the Public Finance Management Act of 2015.

The law society contends that the above sections are in contravention and inconsistent with Article 155 (2) & (3) of the Constitution by granting the secretary to the treasury powers to issue directives and instructions to all accounting officers including self-accounting institutions such as the Judiciary.



ULS further argues that the annual practice, by which the secretary of the judiciary submits the budget estimates of the Judiciary, to the ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs is inconsistent with Article 155 (2) of the Constitution.



The Act of the minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs in approving the budgetary framework of the Judiciary contravenes Articles 128 (1) & 155 (2) of the Constitution, the petition partly reads.



The act of consistently allocating grossly inadequate budgetary allocations or resources to the Judiciary, rendering it to be unable to effectively execute its constitutional mandate contravenes Article 128 (3) of the Constitution.

In the petition which has been supported by an affidavit sworn by ULS president Francis Gimara, the society contends that subjecting of the already inadequate resources availed to the Judiciary to continuous budget cuts, the Judiciary is unable to effectively dispense the administration of justice in a fair and timely manner through speedy trials.

This, ULS says, is worsening the problem of case backlog which contravenes Articles 126 (2) (b) & 28 (1) of the Constitution.

Subsequently, ULS wants the court to issue permanent injunction restraining the secretary to the treasury from issuing budget circulars or any other related orders or requirements to the secretary to the Judiciary.

An order requiring the secretary to the Judiciary to henceforth submit the policy statements of the Judiciary directly to parliament, ULS says.

The society wants court to issue an order requiring the respondent [Attorney General] to establish formal mechanisms for submission of the budget to the president within 14 days.

dkiyonga@observer.ug
The murder of police spokesman Andrew Felix Kaweesi in March 2017 remains the most significant event of the year that we have just concluded.

This death highlighted the increasing vulnerability of Gen Yoweri Musevenis administration and its selfishness. Instead of investing in investigating the cause and perpetrators of murders, because Kaweesis was not the first one, the regime simply boosted security of its agents.

A case in point is Kinkiizi East MP, Dr Chris Baryomunsi. He was a very good commissioner in the last parliament and, because of that, he remains my friend. Upon his appointment as minister of state for Housing, he became a rabid supporter of the regime, defending it with gusto even in cases that require a simple apology.

I once asked him why he had showed up for the weekly Saturday Capital Gang radio talk show with a pickup truck full of policemen, something he despised when former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi regularly did it.

Dr Baryomunsi told me his life was under constant threat because of the constitutional change relating to land acquisition that his Lands ministry proposed. He is now escorted by at least a dozen policemen.

For the same reason, substantive Lands minister Betty Amongi, wife to UPC president Jimmy Akena, is also escorted by a pickup truck full of policemen. By the way, Amongi is my friend too. We studied political science together at Makerere University.

Besides these two, many other ministers are also escorted by trucks full of policemen in fear of being eliminated Kaweesi-style. These trucks and policemen have made parliament look like a garrison. Because of parliamentary rules, the trucks are usually parked outside the main gate.

Even ministers not known by anyone on Kampala streets have also been given a dozen policemen. Chief executives of commissions and state enterprises are all escorted by trucks full of men holding war guns. These pickups are provided by parent departments and Gen Kale Kayihura is only providing guns and personnel.

There are ministers such as Ronald Kibuule who have always wanted convoys as a way of showing power. The murder of Kaweesi was, therefore, a blessing to Kibuule and his ilk.

What has been the impact of all this? The cost of transporting public officials has skyrocketed. Before these convoys, we were spending Shs 100 billion on fuelling vehicles of public officials every year; Shs 180 billion on replacing these vehicles; and about Shs 120 billion on maintenance. The cost will obviously double.

That is what makes Kaweesis death significant. Not just because we lost a gallant policeman, but the excuse his death has given greedy politicians and public servants to buy themselves an additional car to carry their escorts.

Police is no longer providing security to persons and their property, but security to the regime and its agents. Do you then want to know why ordinary men and women are being killed in Entebbe, Nansana, Masaka, etc? This regime cares only for itself.

Do you remember a recent report by the auditor general that we are spending over Shs 200 billion on treating big people abroad?

I know I am inviting criticisms from regime henchmen who will immediately name Betty Nambooze and Francis Zaake to rationalize this crime. I hope they will not be tempted because these two were battered by Museveni guards. The money above is what we spend as a state. It is possible that private citizens are spending even more.

And all this is happening because this regime has refused to invest in health. Can you imagine the colonial administration built Mulago hospital for us and handed it to the government in 1962 when it was a modern facility?

Today, we have had to borrow over $100 million to renovate it and its CT scanning machine has not been repaired because of lack of money. Yet there is plenty of money to throw at MPs under the guise of consulting on presidential age limit removal!

And promoters of age limit removal have now each been given three police escorts. Why? They claim the opposition and part of their constituents want to harm them.

The last time I saw this kind of fortification of leaders was when I visited South Sudan. I think very soon, maids of these big people will need escorts to buy onions from local markets.

And for me, this is a turning point. Gen Museveni has never cared about Ugandans. These incidents have simply exposed him. And you can apply them to all sectors.

His administration is not about serving the population. It is about the big man, his family and clansmen. He has previously confessed to this. Agents such as Baryomunsi, Amongi or Ruhakana Rugunda are facilitated merely to work in the interest of one man.

Ugandans are now in a situation that Rodney Neely summarized in his novel Every Man for Himself, God for Us All.

Happy 2018.



semugs@yahoo.com



The author is Kira Municipality MP and opposition chief whip in parliament.
Jonathan Hirshon, a public relations professional, has managed the rather astonishing feat of staying completely anonymous online for the past 25 years. Although he is a pro at building publicity for his clients, he is dead-set against images of himself appearing online.

This is no small feat in a world of social media where major tech companies are pushing facial recognition technologies, and people are always photographing the world around them on their phones. It is easy to pop up in the background of a photo taken in a public place, but Hirshon is vigilant. He has been successful in his efforts as a google search of his name doesnt turn up a single picture of his face. So far, he has been successful in his quest to remain anonymous, as a google search of his name doesnt turn up a single picture of his face.

Photo: Jonathan Hirshon/Facebook

Hirshon is by no means a hermit, however, as he is very active on social media. He has over 3000 Facebook friends and frequently updates his status and profile with personal information from dinner plans to the state of his health.

I choose to share virtually everything about myself on social media, but my face is the essence of me individually, and this is about refusing to give up the last piece of identifiable information that I can control, Hirshon told the BBC.

When the [web] started, I decided to play a game with myself: How long could I keep my picture off the Internet, Hirshon told Daniel Terdiamn of Fast Company. Its turned into a 20-year trek.Theres only been two instances where pictures were taken of me [and posted] without my permission, and they both took them down.

Hirshons anonymity is increasingly becoming an anomaly in a data-driven world. Facebook began using facial recognition technology in 2010 to identify and tag users whenever a photo of them is uploaded, by any user, to the site. The service helps users manage when and where their picture shows up online. Credit card companies are considering the use of selfies to allow customers to pay for things, and many schools are also looking into using the technology to check attendance. Law Enforcement agencies already use it to track down offenders.

Photo: Jonathan Hirshon/Facebook

The latest Apple phone, the iPhone X, uses facial recognition to identify the owner, an idea that Hirshon is open to, telling the BBC, I trust Apple with my data. Many of the points of facial recognition are kept locally on the phone. Apple doesnt get that information.

Hirshon regularly speaks at conferences around the world, which has proven to be the biggest challenge in the quest to keep his face offline. His first slide, regardless of the topic at hand, is always of a camera with a red slash through it. He also asks the organizers of the event to remind the audience that no one is allowed to photograph him.

He regularly searches the internet for pictures that may have slipped through, but in 25 years he has only ever found two. The incidents occurred after events in Serbia and Croatia, and the pictures popped up on Twitter.

I raced to find bilingual friends in both instances to send an urgent tweet respectfully asking on my behalf to take the picture down, he told the BBC. Both were happy to do so and apologized profusely for the error. Nothing done out of malice, just language issues.

Photo: Jonathan Hirshon/Facebook

Hirshon is realistic, however, about maintaining anonymity and is aware that it could end soon. He has put into place a small hack that he hopes will extend it though, based on the 1960 film Spartacus. The slaves identity was protected in the famous scene when many of his fellow slaves stood up and declared: Im Spartacus. Hirshon has adapted the concept to the modern era by asking his friends to tag him in random photos of people and animals.

If youre so inclined, he wrote in a private Facebook post, take a moment and tag me in some random picture or image. A leaf on the wind, a howler monkey, geometry equations, George Clooney, a large steaming pile of excrementselect an image that you think best suits me or [is] based solely on your whim.

The collection of images under the tag Jonathan Hirshon could confuse Facebook and Googles algorithms and potentially bury any real photos of Hirshon that might eventually turn up. As to why he is so intent on keeping his anonymity secure, Hirshon told Fast Company, Youve probably noticed that I have a fairly decent grasp of facial recognition technology. I have worked for a number of companies in the (information and security) space. You can leave it at that, and let people draw their own conclusions.



When people ask me why I do it, I give them four options. One: I am shy. Two: I used to work as a spy. Three: I am on the witness protection programme. Four: all of the above. I refuse to confirm or deny which one is the truth.


Mark McCall

FTI Consulting promoted five staffers to the senior managing director slot in its strategic communications segment. Giles Barrie is based in London, where he is co-head of the segments UK property sector team. He most recently served as editor-in-chief of Property Week. Alex Deane, also based in London, is UK head of the segments PA practice. Previously, he served as chief of staff to David Cameron and Tim Collins during their respective periods as Shadow Secretaries of State for Education, and was a Common Councilman in the City of London. Christine DiBartolo, based in Chicago, is a senior member of the segments corporate reputation practice. She has served as an aide to former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno and spokesperson for the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. Myron Marlin, based in Washington, D.C., is a senior member of the segments PA and financial communications practices. A former practicing attorney, he has served as director of communications at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and as chief spokesman and director of PA at the U.S. Department of Justice. Robert Skeffington is head of the segments Sydney office, advising senior executives on how best to manage the interface between PA and business strategy throughout Australia. These individuals represent the vast industry expertise, interdisciplinary experience and geographical breadth that our clients seek in the face of major financial, regulatory and reputational challenges and opportunities, said Mark McCall, global segment leader of FTIs strategic communications unit.



Deborah Kostroun

Zito Partners named Deborah Kostroun managing director. Kostroun, a four-year Zito veteran, was previously a television reporter for Bloomberg. Before that, she was a PR manager with the Chicago Board of Trade. At Zito, Kostroun has been instrumental in building brand visibility for such clients as the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, CNBC, Fox Business, Financial Times, Forbes, NPR, AP, CNN Money and Reuters. She has worked with Fortune 500 companies, alternative investments, private equity and hedge funds as well as other asset managers. Deborah has done outstanding work for many of our clients and this is a well-deserved promotion, said Zito Partners founder Robert Zito.



Stephen Chavez

The Los Angeles chapter of the Hispanic Public Relations Association elected its 2018 Board of Directors. Stephen Chavez, president of ChavezPR, will serve as president of the board; Miguel Lopez, international marketing manager for Panda Express, has been named VP/president elect; Lourdes Rodriguez, communications manager for Saban Community Health Clinics, has been elected treasurer; and Cynthia Cruz, account manager at digital media company Mitu, will serve as secretary. HPRA provides its members with resources such as networking events and scholarship and college outreach programs.
Google is looking to sell Zagat, the restaurant review guide it purchased in 2011 for $151 million, a Reuters report says. The asking price is not known. The acquisition of Zagat was overseen by former Google exec Marissa Mayer, who went on to become chief executive at Yahoo. As Google began to focus on drawing traffic to its Google+ social network, Zagat appeared to have been left behind. However, Google Maps still incorporates Zagat reviews into its restaurant listings, and a team at the company maintains Zagat.com. Talks have been held between Google and several undisclosed companies about the potential sale. The move comes as Google parent Alphabet is in the midst of shedding several non-core properties. In the past the company has agreed to sell robotics firms Boston Dynamics and Tokyo-based Schaft, and announced it would sell Terra Bella, a satellite imaging business it acquired in 2014.

Vice Media has suspended president Andrew Creighton and chief digital officer Mike Germano following a report in the Dec. 23 New York Times that brought allegations of sexual harassment at the media outlet to light. Creighton is said to have paid $135,000 to a former Vice employee after she claimed she was terminated for rejecting his suggestion of having a romantic relationship. Germano allegedly told a former employee at a 2012 holiday party that he had not wanted to hire her because he wanted to have sex with her; and, in 2014 he allegedly pulled an employee onto his lap. According to the Times report, hundreds of current and former employees cited an environment at the company in which harassment toward women was common. On Tuesday, Vice COO and CFO Sarah Broderick outlined a series of initiatives that she said were designed to ensure all our employees feel respected and supported. Those include the hiring of a new head of human resources, mandatory sexual harassment training for all employees and new community efforts, including the creation of affinity groups and mentoring.



Steve Chaggaris

Steve Chaggaris, political director at CBS News, has been fired in the wake of inappropriate behavior allegations. In the last two weeks, accounts of inappropriate behavior by Steve Chaggaris were brought to our attention and were immediately investigated, CBS said in a statement. "As a result, CBS News has severed ties with Mr. Chaggaris for violating company policy, effective immediately. Chaggaris worked at CBS News from 1999 to 2010, returning in 2012 as senior political editor. He was promoted to political director in March 2017, and his responsibilities included supervising coverage of the Trump administration. CNN reported that CBS staffers were informed of Chaggaris departure Wednesday. The report also said that CBS has encouraged employees to disclose instances of harassment or other inappropriate behavior since Charlie Rose was fired from CBS This Morning in November.

Time Inc. has sold both Essence magazine and its parent lifestyle brand to a holding company owned by skin care entrepreneur Richelieu Dennis. The sale puts the 48-year-old womens lifestyle title, the majority of whose readers are black, in the hands of an entirely black-owned independent company. This acquisition of [Essence] represents the beginning of an exciting transformation of our iconic brand, said Essence president Michelle Ebanks. [W]e are excited to be able to return this culturally relevant and historically significant platform to ownership by the people and the consumers whom it serves, said Dennis. The move comes as Time Inc. continues to sell off company assets that were not part of its recent sale to Meredith.


Kara Joyce

Crosby Marketing Communications has hired Kara Joyce as integration/PR manager and Janae David as multimedia & digital marketing coordinator. They will support clients in the agencys three specialized practice areas of healthcare, government, and nonprofits & causes.

Joyce comes to Crosby from Abel Communications, where she was a senior account executive. Before that, she was an account executive at Weber Shandwick, working on such accounts as Bank of America, Verizon, Healthcare.gov, Maryland Health Connection and the U.S. Army. At Crosby, she will support the firms work for the Health Resources and Services Administrations national organ donation program, and Greenberg Gibbons, a leading real estate developer of mixed-used destinations.



Janae David

David joins Crosby from Baltimore Research Group, where she helped organize qualitative research programs. She will work with Crosbys production and connections planning team to assist with project management, digital asset management and coordinating with outside vendors.

Crosby, a top provider on the GSA Advertising and Integrated Marketing Solutions schedule, provides integrated advertising, public relations, social media and digital marketing services.


Erin Billings

Erin Billings, who was principal at the now defunct Podesta Group, is now at Global Strategy Group in the senior VP position.

During a nearly six-year stint at Podesta, Billings handled PR duties for a range of corporate, non-profit and association clients.

The journalist-by-training broke into the advocacy sector at BGR Group, where she provided media and communications counsel for US and international clients.

Billings spent a decade at Roll Call, rising to the deputy editor position, and was a staff writer at the Montana Standard.

She's based in DC.
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Aubrey Trail, a person of interest in the disappearance and death of Lincoln resident Sydney Loofe, is in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, a spokesman said Thursday.

Carlos Najera, a spokesman for the Omaha office of the Marshals Service, said he could provide no further information.

Trail was listed Friday as an inmate at the Leavenworth Detention Center, a maximum-security facility in Leavenworth, Kansas. He was transferred there Wednesday.

Trail, 51, said last month from the Saline County Jail that he had given three statements to the FBI in connection with the Loofe case. He said having information about a case doesnt necessarily mean youre guilty.

Trail has served two prison terms in Nebraska for forgery and bad checks. He said last month that he expects to be charged in the next few weeks in connection with the death of Loofe, 24, a clerk at a Menards store in Lincoln.

Loofes body was found Dec. 4 along a country road in Clay County following an extensive search after she was reported missing in Lincoln on Nov. 16.

Trail said he also expects charges to be filed against his girlfriend, Bailey Boswell, 23, though he insisted that she was not involved in Loofes death.

Trail and Boswell, who were living in a basement apartment in Wilber, Nebraska, were named persons of interest by the FBI two weeks after Loofe disappeared. They were arrested on Nov. 30 near Branson, Missouri.
The run-down former home of the Carnation Ballroom could once again become a flower in north Omahas lapel.

The vacant building at 2701 N. 24th St. shows none of the luster of its midcentury glory days, when it reportedly played host to such musical luminaries as Duke Ellington, Little Richard, Fats Domino, Chuck Berry and B.B. King.

But an idealistic young real estate developer, Ben Swan, proposes to save the building so it can be restored and put back to use.

Swan and the historic preservation group Restoration Exchange Omaha took a step in that direction Wednesday. The Omaha Planning Board voted 6-1 to recommend that the Omaha City Council approve their request for local landmark status for the building.

Swan said the designation would help him get the building redeveloped by raising its status in the public eye, and by helping it toward being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Such a listing could make a redeveloper eligible to apply for historic tax credits.

A former bakery, auto repair shop and social club, the Carnation Ballroom operated from 1948 to 1959 as a music venue and center of community life. Mildred Brown, founder of the Omaha Star newspaper, leased the building and ran the business.

From the time Mrs. Brown began operating the renovated ballroom until the late 1950s, the Carnation was the main center of musical and social activities on Omahas near north side, musician Preston Love, who also played at the ballroom, wrote in The World-Herald in 1994.

The vast majority of the musicians who performed at the Carnation were black. That not only gave black Omahans a place to see the performers, it gave black musicians somewhere to perform at a time when racial segregation limited where they could work, according to the landmark designation application.

Swan bought the building about a year ago. He said his purpose was to save the building and see it returned to the community in an authentic way. It is structurally sound, he said, but it will cost about $800,000 to restore it.

Swan said a buyer with an authentic cultural connection to north Omaha has signed a contract to buy the building and wants to put a mix of commercial uses in it. Swan declined to reveal the persons name. He said the buyer has the capital to restore the building.

They would meticulously restore and renovate the building, he said. They have a history of doing that.

Planning Board Chairman Arnold Nesbitt, who cast the lone vote against the designation, said he didnt buy the argument. He said the building had no architectural significance, and he wasnt convinced by the case for historic and cultural significance.

I dont see any African-American people behind you suggesting that what you said is what they need, Nesbitt said.

Kristine Gerber, executive director of Restoration Exchange Omaha, said City Councilman Ben Gray, Willie Barney and other African-American leaders supported the landmark designation.

The City Planning Department supported the landmark designation, which would prevent the building from being torn down.

Planning Board member David Rosacker, noting that hes a music fan, said the building meets the criteria of a local landmark on the grounds of cultural and historic significance.

In the building industry, Ive seen a lot of sows ears turned into silk purses, Rosacker said.

Also Wednesday, the Planning Board voted to approve a conditional use permit that would allow the Irvington Volunteer Fire Department to build a fire station northeast of 72nd Street and Northern Hills Drive. It would be the departments second station.

The Fire Department had received a similar permit in 2010, but it expired. Department representatives said they are still raising money for the project. They said they need the station to provide quicker responses in the northern part of their fire district.

The approval came with conditions the that Fire Department didnt like, though. The Planning Board agreed with member Mike Pates amendments requiring that the fire station be built before a planned pavilion for department picnics and other social events and also that the pavilion be built outside the runway protection zone of the North Omaha Airport.
Discount hotel chain Motel 6 has been providing guest lists to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents since 2015, leading to the detention of at least six individuals in Washington state, according to a lawsuit filed by state Attorney General Bob Ferguson.

The discount hotel chain violated state privacy and discrimination laws when it turned over 9,000 guests with "Latino-sounding names" to ICE agents, according to the complaint filed Wednesday in Seattle.

The complaint against Motel 6, acquired by the Blackstone Group in 2012, comes less than four months after the company parent G6 Hospitality dismissed similar allegations in Arizona as a "local level" practice "without the knowledge of senior management."

Ferguson said a common "lawful enforcement acknowledgment form" used in multiple Motel 6 locations in Washington state shows the practice was centrally coordinated.

G6 Hospitality directed its hotels in September to stop the behavior, company spokeswoman Raiza Rehkoff said in an emailed statement.

"In September, Motel 6 issued a directive to every one of our more than 1,400 locations, making it clear that they are prohibited from voluntarily providing daily guests lists to ICE," she said. "Motel 6 takes this matter very seriously, and we have and will continue to fully cooperate."

President Donald Trump campaigned on a promise to crack down on illegal immigration and deport "bad hombres." Congress is now debating the president's calls for faster deportations and a border wall with Mexico.

Ferguson, a Democrat, has fought against Trump's policies, including his travel restrictions on visitors from a group of mostly Muslim nations, the repeal of net neutrality and a proposed ban on transgender troops in the military.

Motel 6 allegedly trained new employees on sharing names with ICE, instruction that never required agents to produce a warrant, according to the complaint.

In one case, Ferguson found that agents were visiting the hotel in the morning, identifying Latino targets, then returning later in the day to detain individuals. From Feb. 1 to Sept. 14, that location disclosed private information to ICE 228 times over 225 days, according to the complaint.

Motel 6 has admitted to some of the accusations, including ICE's relationship with six of its branches in Washington, according to the filing. Rehkoff declined to comment on that claim.

The case is Washington v. Motel 6 Operating, 18-2-00283, King County Superior Court, Washington state (Seattle).

--Bloomberg News
UPDATED Wednesday, Jan. 10:

Two people were shot Wednesday night in Vancouver, police said.

One of them suffered what was initially considered to be a life-threatening injury, according to Vancouver police. The other suffered an injury that wasn't considered life-threatening. Each was taken to a hospital.

Police found the victims after responding to the 10400 block of Southeast 10th Street about 9:15 p.m.

The Vancouver Police Department late Thursday morning said a dispute led two armed males to shoot each other.

One man was shot in the leg and was identified as Andrew C. Morris, 22, of Vancouver. On Wednesday, police identified the other man as Devan Graham, 18, who remains in the hospital but is expected to survive.

No arrests have been made, police said.

-- The Oregonian/OregonLive
The Oregonian/OregonLive

This year, we resolve to spend more time with friends and family, enjoy the outdoors and eat even more good food. From the looks of things, 2018 will make that last part a cinch. The next six to eight months should bring five highly anticipated follow-ups from some of Portland's best-known bartenders and chefs, including restaurants obsessed with the food of Russia, France and the American South.

Don't Edit

The Oregonian/OregonLive

Bistro Agnes

What is it? This month, James Beard Award winning chefs Greg and Gabi Denton will turn their two-year-old SuperBite into a new refuge for classic French bistro cooking, with onion soup and seared foie gras, steak frites and duck cassoulet. If the Ox chefs can do for comforting French what they did for fire-grilled Argentinian, it could prove a breakout hit.

When: January

Where: 527 S.W. 12th Ave.

Don't Edit

Stephanie Yao Long | The Oregonian/OregonLive

Kachka 2.0

What is it? A bigger, badder Kachka, with room for chef and recent cookbook author Bonnie Morales to explore a growing encyclopedia of dishes from the former Soviet Union. If all goes according to plan, the restaurant will feature a Russian deli and Kachka-branded horseradish vodka shop on the mezzanine, and a choose-your-adventure dining room with a chicken-legged house for Slavic bogeywoman Baba Yaga on the main floor.

When: Spring, 2018

Where: 960 SE 11th Ave.

Don't Edit

The Oregonian/OregonLive

Mae

What is it? Chef Maya Lovelace will transport her popular Appalachian pop-up down the road, turning it into a full-fledged restaurant this spring. The new Mae -- name TBD (update: meet Yonder) -- will actually be a two-in-one, with a more casual, counter-service restaurant focused on fried chicken and other southern staples up front, and a set-price, multi-course restaurant similar to the current pop-up format in the back.

When: Spring, 2018

Where: 4636 N.E. 42nd Ave.

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The Oregonian/OregonLive

Magna

What is it? For nearly half a decade, Carlo Lamagna has hosted his Twisted Filipino pop ups at locations from Chicago to Portland. Now, after a successful Kickstarter campaign, the former Clyde Common chef plans to open a full-fledge Filipino restaurant featuring his dad's adobo, his mom's crab noodles and other traditional dishes given a modern spin.

When: Summer, 2018

Where: A TBD space in Northeast Portland, perhaps not far from the new Mae.

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Michael Russell | The Oregonian/OregonLive

Palomar

What is it? Dark winter days got you down? Just picture yourself next year, eating ropa vieja and other Cuban dishes while drinking a cornucopia of daiquiris on a sidewalk table beneath a five-story mural of a woman with a vertical garden for hair.

When: February, 2018

Where: 959 S.E. Division St.

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Michael Russell | The Oregonian/OregonLive

Read more

It'e been a rough start to 2018, with at least five restaurant representing a combined 150 years of history announced permanent closures around New Year's Day. Read about this Black Tuesday, and learn Portland's 10 biggest restaurant and bar closures of 2017.
David R. Youngstrom and Michael A. Georges have been elected to the Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Business Consultants Board of Directors effective Jan. 1.

They will serve for a two-year term.

Youngstrom, CPA, principal, is the firm's Assurance Service Line leader. He is responsible for all audits performed throughout Michigan, and provides audit services for school districts, government entities and for-profit businesses. He is a frequent presenter on audit topics at statewide conferences and also provides various consulting services. He is a member of the firm's Government Services Group, the Education Services Group and the Quality Assurance Committee. He has 22 years of public accounting experience.

In the community, Youngstrom is treasurer of Freeland Community School District and immediate past chair of the board of the United Way of Saginaw County, and serves on the board of directors of the Saginaw Valley State University Alumni Association. He is based in the firm's Saginaw office.

Georges, CPA, principal in the Ann Arbor office, joined Yeo & Yeo in 2014 and has 35 years of public accounting experience. He leads the firm's Nonprofit Services Group. His areas of expertise include audit services for nonprofit organizations, government entities and school districts, as well as tax planning and preparation for individuals, small and medium-size businesses and nonprofit organizations. He is a member of the Michigan School Business Officials and the Southern Wayne County Chamber of Commerce. Georges serves as a board member for the Grosse Ile Education Foundation, and for the Child's Hope Child Abuse Prevention Council of Out-Wayne County.
Joe and Barb Rogers had exchanged a few simple gifts on Christmas morning and were enjoying tea and coffee when their telephone rang.

It was a Midland County 911 dispatcher. An owl had been reported in distress on a roadside. Would they help?

Tea and coffee left behind, the couple, who operate a Shepherd rescue and rehabilitation sanctuary for hawks, owls, eagles and falcons, immediately gathered nets, a box, heavy gloves, winter boots, coats and hats and headed out into a snowstorm.

"Snow poured down on icy roads, giving us occasional white-out conditions," Barb told the Daily News. "We had a break in the clouds, and could see trees on the edge of a field that suddenly turned white with another blast of snow.

"Approaching the site, there was a car stopped -- the people reporting the owl had come up to meet us. A truck slowed, seeing two cars stopped, and asked if we needed help. People are kind."

The owl was there, and just as described, she was brown with a white face.

"She had snowy white feathers that could not be seen because they were covered in muck," Barb said. "Only her face was white. Muddy icicles hung from her wings, preventing her from flying. She was weighted down in muck and ice."

The Rogers couple approached the owl from each side with nets. She tried to escape by hopping across the snowy cornfield but it was an easy catch, Barb said.

"She was fortunate, as in that condition, she would not have survived the night," Barb said, adding she is thankful to Fay Konsdort who reported the owl and Midland County 911 for calling them for rescue.

Barb and Joe Rogers founded Wildlife Recovery Association in 1976. It is situated on 160 acres of dense woods and wetlands in western Midland County. The couple is licensed to keep a certain amount of eagles, and more than 30 hawks and owls at one time on their property. Some of the birds housed there are permanently injured, or termed non-releasable, and others are housed temporarily until they are healthy enough to be released back to the wild.

Barb said they were especially concerned the owl had hypothermia.

"We have received several owls in this year in the same situation," she wrote. "Their feathers are no longer able to insulate, and the body temperature drops below normal. This one seemed pretty perky, so we washed her several times with warm water and Dawn soap. After washing the owl, she was dried in soft towels, and checked for injuries. After the bath, she emerged much cleaner, whiter, and finally appeared to be what she was: a female snowy owl."

The owl was held temporarily in a warm indoor facility before she was introduced to an outdoor pen. She now perches in a heated corner of the pen and is eating well and resting.

Barb said the owl will eventually join two other snowy owls that came earlier in December to the Wildlife Recovery sanctuary in similar circumstances. They are now in one of the flight cages.

Snowy owls are easy to spot in the wild because they are active during the day, unlike the other Michigan owls, Barb said, adding it's important to keep from disturbing them but also to know if they are in trouble.

"My general rule is, that if it is in an unusual situation, such as on the ground by the road, it may need help. If it is approached and cannot fly, or just hops and flaps, or holds one wing differently, it needs help," she said. "They can look absolutely beautiful, but be starving, so often a person won't know if one needs help."

People who find injured raptors, can call the sanctuary at 989-772-1538 and leave a clear message and phone number as the couple is often outdoors caring for their animals. For other wildlife concerns, contact the DNR web page under "licensed wildlife rehabilitators."

Joe and Barb Rogers also present educational programs with live hawks and owls that cannot be released back into the wild. People who would like to schedule a school program this winter and spring or become a member can write to: Wildlife Recovery Association, 531 S. Coleman Road, Shepherd, MI 48883

Memberships and donations are always needed to care for the birds. For more information, visit wildlife recovery.org
Amid all the outsize craziness emanating from the Trump White House, it's easy to lose track of all of the smaller devolutions of norms that might seem relatively trivial, but when taken together, add up over time to produce what really is at bottom a corrupt and kleptocratic regime.

On one front after another, relentlessly and constantly, Donald Trump is turning his time into the White House into a just-in-time marketing opportunity, with no penny too small to turn down.

This past weekend at Mar-A-Lago, guests paid anything between $600 (for club members) to $750 (guests) to attend the annual New Year's Eve party hosted at the Trump-owned resort that Trump himself refers to as the "Winter White House." That was a hefty price hike for the celebrants - last year, the event cost between $500 and $575.

That's wasn't the first 2017 price increase for Mar-A-Lago. Early in the year, the club doubled its initiation fee from $100,000 to $200,000. At the time, Norm Eisen, the former White House ethics czar for the Obama administration and now the chair of the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics, told The Post that the sudden 100 percent increase could only be described as "naked profiteering."

As for Sunday's night's festivities, Eisen said on Twitter:

"admission to Mar-A-Lago party: $750. special interests ability to influence Trump administration policy: priceless."

There's no question that some of this spending by Mar-A-Lago guests is inspired by an effort to make nice to someone who could fairly be described as the most powerful person on the planet, never mind in the United States. It's hardly the first example of it.

In the wake of last year's white supremacists rally and Trump's failure to unequivocally condemn it, numerous charities who traditionally held functions at Mar-A-Lago began to cancel en masse. But then they were replaced by any number of right wing concerns, at least some of them not exactly looking to use a charity or political gala for the traditional purpose, which is to make a buck for themselves. Instead, they wanted the money to go to Trump.

"We're supporting our president," conservative activist Steve Alembik told The Post last year, admitting he didn't expect his "Truth About Israel Gala" to make much, if any money at all.

This, too, should have been a scandal. I mean, someone all but admitted they were holding an event at Mar-A-Lago that they expected to earn nothing from while the president of the United States profited. It was not widely seen as a scandal.

There's plenty more of this. Prior to Trump's election, his Washington-based hotel was projected to lose $2.1 million in the first four months of 2017. Instead, it netted a profit of $1.97 million during the same period. There is little doubt that spending by people who want to get in good with the president is partly responsible for that unexpected business bonanza.

And remember when Trump said that no, he wouldn't put his business in a blind trust but he would keep a hand's off approach to his business? The Daily Beast reported that the director of revenue management for Trump's Washington hotel sent an email to a friend discussing a meeting he'd had with the president, at which Trump asked "about banquet revenues and demographics." As president, he went on to assure his correspondent, "DJT is supposed to be out of the business and passed on to his sons, but he's definitely still involved."

The news cycle moved on. It's like it didn't happen.

Once corruption - and make no mistake, this is what this is - gains a toehold in public life, is extremely hard to dislodge. It feeds on itself, contributing to a breakdown in norms among everyone. If the guy on top sees no need to forego short-term profits in an effort to maintain appearances and, in fact, sees his time in the White House as a way to increase the amount of money he is earning in real time, why on earth should we expect anyone else to behave any more honestly or ethically?

And that is, in fact, what we are seeing happen. Companies with business pending before the United States' regulators are announcing year-end bonuses, claiming they are tied to the recent tax reform package, as transparent an effort at cozying up to power as there ever was. Any number of members of Congress who voted yes on that plan stood to benefit from it. So, too, does Donald Trump, the man who signed it into law.

The breakdown of precedent is, well, unprecedented. Howl all you want about former presidents and their family members charging Wall Street banks hundreds of thousands of dollars for a speech and a few hours of their time, but at least they had enough commitment to civic life and the public good to wait till they left the White House to put their hand out.

No longer. Thanks, Trump.

- - -

Olen is a contributor to The Post's Plum Line blog and the author of "Pound Foolish: Exposing the Dark Side of the Personal Finance Industry."
In 2008 my compulsive exploration of music's overgrown paths led me to present the first and almost certainly the only radio broadcast of a Gnawa trance ritual . This project was a collaboration with KamarStudios in Marrakech which had recorded and released commercially the two hour long black section of the twelve hour Nights of the Seven Colours- trance ritual - with which the Gnawa celebrate the creation of the universe. My overnight broadcast of the blackwas prefaced by an ambient session from two young Marrakechi DJs which mixed electronic trance and more traditional sounds, a session also released as part of the Black Album package.The Gnawa practice a folk Islam containing strong elements of animism and consider themselves descendants of Sidi Bilal , who was the first black person to convert to Islam, a companion of the Prophet and the first muezzin in Islam. The Gnawa identify with Bilal because of his colour, because he was a slave and for his conversion to Islam. Gnawa music and the associated power of trance has become something of an obsession for me ; so I have kept in touch with Philippe Lauro-Baranes at KamarStudios, and my recent visit to Morocco gave me the opportunity to catch up with him. Kamar is located in a warren of back alleys in the Kennara neighbourhood of Marrakech close to the tourist honey pot of Jemaa el-Fnaa . Philippe and his four partners founded KamarStudios in 1999 and the Gnawa musicians were recorded in the acoustically blessed courtyard outside their studio - see photo below.That is Philippe Lauro-Baranes in my header photo. He was born in Paris but has lived and worked in Marrakech for 35 years. The recording of the Gnawais his passion and thefor KamarStudios. Theis a voyage across the ocean of trance possession and each spirit invoked represents a different port of call on this journey through the night. Between 2000 and 2005 Kamar recorded the complete Nights of the Seven Colours ritual during the hours of darkness over 38 sessions, and all 12 hours of theexist as 'clean' masters. As part of the project the first-ever complete translation of thewas commissioned and included as a text disc in the Black Album package. (The translation of the 'red' segment of the ritual dedicated to Baba Hammu, the spirit of blood, is incomplete as the Gnawa were unable to provide a translatable text for this most arcane and sanguinary rite.)Although the complete Seven Colours ritual was recorded only the 'black' segment dedicated to the supernatural sons of the forest has been released. This is because Philippe has struggled without success to make the project commercially viable. In fact the financial burden of the Black Album has weighed heavily on Kamar ever since its release in 2006. It is tempting to simply dismiss this financial failure as a case of too much enthusiasm being focused on a niche market, and there is some truth in that diagnosis. But when you drill down deep into the story of the Black Album there are universal truths that apply across all music genres and markets.It may be niche music, but Gnawa is a substantial niche. It resonates with the current preoccupations with emancipation from slavery and suppression of musicians of colour . Over the past decade Gnawa fusion projects have proliferated and the annual Gnawa music festival in Essaouira is now a major fixture in the world music calendar. The twelve hours of authentic Gnawa music in the Kamar vault is a unique and valuable document in the same league as Paul Bowles' legendary field recordings of Moroccan music. Yet Kamar has been unable to achieve commercial traction with the 2 hour black, yet alone with the complete ritual.Philippe is very pessimistic about the state of the music market. He laments the decimation by digital technologies of the vital infrastructure that in the past supported independent projects such as the Black Album. Prior to the demise of bricks and mortar record stores there was high street display space available and professional merchandisers using that space to maximum effect. When it was first released 1000 copies of the Black Album were sold in just three weeks in the Virgin Superstore in the Champs-Elysees, Paris where it went on sale there through the intervention of a personal contact. But attempts to secure further physical distribution failed because the major distributors are only interested in labels with a range of titles, and Kamar currently only has one. So the Black Album CD set is now out of print; however it is available as a download or stream from iTunes, CD Baby and Spotify*.
If Steve Brown was a pilot, all the collision alarms would be going off in the cockpit right now.

This fall, Brown plans to open restaurants in Chula Vista and Barrio Logan, a catering company and a culinary internship program  all while running his weekly fine-dining pop-up dinner series known as Cosecha.

How will he pull it off?

Sleep is for the dead, said Brown, who opened the first of his new ventures, Temp by Cosecha restaurant in Chula Vista, on Sept. 19. I have ADD, so Im always going nonstop. Its just the way I am. I gotta do it while Im young. Energy-wise, its all downhill from here.

Since Brown returned to his childhood hometown of Imperial Beach from L.A. last year, hes been laying the foundation for his brand mega-launch by building relationships with local farmers, chefs, ranchers, designers and diners. Now hes ready for takeoff and hopes the turbulence that brought him back to San Diego last year is finally behind him.

Brown, 37, is an ambitious man, but 20 years ago he was a self-described lazy arrogant little s**thead. Lacking inspiration after high school in San Bernardino, he joined an overseas program where he worked as a hotel housekeeper in Germany. But when his boss found him sleeping in the rooms instead of cleaning them, he was banished to the hotels kitchen to wash dishes.

It was the worst day of my life and it changed my life, he recalled. I met my best friend in the dish pit and after a few days in the kitchen, I fell in love with it. I havent left since.

When Brown describes life in the kitchen he says its like pirates doing ballet.

You have the most crude and rude things going on but when it comes down to the food and the plate its very elegant. I love that contradiction, he said.

After two years in Germany, he moved home to L.A., where by age 22 he had both a culinary degree from Le Cordon Bleu and a newborn daughter. With a family to feed, he couldnt afford to intern in Michelin-starred restaurants, so he found a line cook job in La Quinta and gradually worked his way up the chef ladder, mostly at fine-dining restaurants in L.A.

In mid-2015, he opened his dream restaurant, Gardner Junction in West Hollywood, but it closed after just four months due to partnership troubles. Devastated, he retreated in February 2016 to Imperial Beach, where his parents had once lived and recently retired to.

But after four months, I got the fine dining itch again and my depression went away, he said, adding that he needed to find way to make fine dining pencil out financially. The answer was high-end, one-night pop-ups in borrowed restaurant space.

In July 2016, he launched Cosecha, offering prix-fixe multicourse pop-ups from San Diego to San Francisco. Cosecha means harvest in Spanish, chosen because Brown harvests all of his own produce, mostly at Wild Willow Farm & Education Center in Imperial Beach.

The concept was an instant smash in dining-centric L.A. and San Francisco, but it has taken time to build a following in San Diego. Winning the culinary competition in 2016 at KAABOO Del Mar helped (he returned as a judge in 2017). So has a recent partnership with Japans Wagyu beef farmers, who hand-picked him as a culinary representative and importer for their prized meat.

Im the only guy doing Japanese Wagyu in San Diego at this level. Im going all in, he said.

Browns first restaurant venture, Temp by Cosecha, opened last month in Chula Vista. It serves dinner and weekend brunch and is the permanent home for Cosechas local pop-ups as well as the soon-to-open Cosecha Catering Co. At the end of this year, hell open Bar Logan by Cosecha, a restaurant/bar in Barrio Logan designed by Tecture.

To control labor costs, Brown is also co-developing with Wild Willow Farm a stage program. The six-week soil to plate internships will not only teach young chefs cooking and plating techniques, but also farming and harvesting.

What else is on Browns plate? One priority is weekend time with his now-15-year-old daughter, who lives with her mom in Chino Hills. Another is feeding the insatiable appetite of his 9,500 Instagram followers with fresh food photos.

Although Brown may be brand ambassador for Cosecha, he stresses that hes just the leader of a strong team.

A chef wants to do everything himself, but Ive learned that you have to delegate and surround yourself with good people. Ive got some of the best, he said.

Up, up and away

Cosecha: Hosts weekly pop-up multicourse dinners of eight to 22 courses for $160-$300 from Chula Vista to San Francisco.

chefstevebrown.com/cosecha

Temp by Cosecha: Newly opened 40-seat farm-driven modern American restaurant at 277 Third Ave. in Chula Vista. Serves dinner Tuesdays-Saturdays and boozy brunch on weekends. Small plates menu ranges from $18-$30.

facebook.com/tempbycosecha

Cosecha Catering: Headquartered at Temp by Cosecha in Chula Vista, this company will specialize in seasonal produce and specialty meats.

chefstevebrown.com/catering

Bar Logan by Cosecha: This 60-seat restaurant/bar designed by Tecture will open at the end of 2017 at 2163 Logan Ave. in Barrio Logan.

chefstevebrown.com/bar-logan

Wild Willow Farm stage program: This fall, Cosecha will partner with nonprofit Wild Willow Farm & Education Center in Imperial Beach on a chef-training/internship program. Participants in the six-week, unpaid program will learn how to plant, grow and harvest produce and then how to prepare, cook and serve it at Browns restaurants.

sandiegoroots.org/farm/index.php
What happens when wineries, craft breweries, sake and cider producers, and restaurants all get together in the same San Diego hood? A must-visit craft hotspot called Miralani Makers District.

Located in Miramar on the corner of Camino Ruiz and Miralani Drive, the district features a variety of businesses with all craft products made onsite. Members include wineries Charlie & Echo and India Street Winery, Setting Sun Sake, Serpentine Cider, Mr. Gs Salsa, Deli Sushi & Desserts, along with craft breweries Align Brewing Company, Protector Brewery, Thunderhawk Alements and 2Kids Brewing Co.

Two district movers and shakers, Eric Van Drunen of Charlie & Echo Wine and Dan Denison of India Street Winery talked to PACIFIC about the genesis of Miralani Makers District, which San Diego wines to try, and their perfect wine and food pairing.

How did you first become involved with forming the Miralani Makers District?

ERIC VAN DRUNEN: When we moved into our new location in May, we started chatting with the other craft producers about promoting the area as a destination, since together we have all the craft beverage bases covered - beer, wine, cider, mead, sake, and hopefully soon a distiller. It wasnt really any one persons idea - weve all been collectively on board with working together to promote the district.

DAN DENISON: It wasnt hard to see that something unique was happening and I think the same light bulb went off over all the owners heads simultaneously. At the first meeting Ive never seen such cooperation and agreement. Every decision about the direction of Miralani Makers District (MMD) seems to be made so easily.

Whats the relationship between all of the businesses?

Van Drunen: We are all separate small businesses with the common bond of craft. Weve already hosted a pub crawl for a non-profit and are collaborating on the upcoming San Diego Beer Week - even though were a winery, weve got a sparkling sour thats very similar to a fruit lambic beer.

Favorite varietal?

Van Drunen: Id say Zinfandel. It was my first wine love. When its done a little lean with good pepper notes, its hard to beat, and it is Californias wine grape.

For someone whos never tried a San Diego-made wine, what would you recommend trying first?

Van Drunen: Most generally, Id say Syrah. It grows well here in San Diego County with a range of expressions, and most wineries do a good job with it. Specifically, Id say our 2015 Trinity Sparkling Sangiovese Rose. Crisp, dry, refreshing - it goes great with our weather and can really surprise people with what can be grown and made in San Diego

Denison: Henry James called Southern California Italy waiting for a history. The grapes that grow best down here are the Mediterranean varietal. We can do better Barbera and Sangiovese then anywhere in California. A couple of the best kept secrets are the quality of our Sauvignon Blanc and Cab Franc.

Perfect pairing?

Denison: I love to pair Barbera with food off the barbecue - cheeseburgers, ribs, sausages. The high acidity of the wine cleanses the palate from all the grease of the food. Its what we call a bright red - so it will be fruit forward with low tannins. I call it the beer of wines.

Van Drunen: Our 2014 The Alchemist port-style wine and N.Y. cheesecake. The orange peel and spice notes of the wine marry with cheese flavors, while the sweet and astringent textures of the wine balance out with the sweet and savory characteristics of the cheesecake.

Whats up next for the district?

Van Drunen: Many of the makers in the district are celebrating their grand openings or first years in the upcoming months. Were completing a logo for the district now, and will be getting some road signage along with poster-size directory maps for all the businesses. Well also be putting together a social media presence for the district.
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BLOOMINGTON  Glacial wind chill temperatures are keeping more Twin City residents indoors, but local delivery and care services are making the weather more bearable.

To keep customers healthy and happy, several Bloomington-Normal pharmacies offer free, in-town delivery of prescriptions.

Weve seen an increase of 25 to 30 percent in delivery requests, said Luke Stremlau, pharmacy manager at Merle Pharmacies, 203 E. Locust St. in Bloomington.

Stremlau said Merle offers free delivery of prescription drugs to homes in the Twin Cities Monday through Friday.

We have mobility issues with our elderly clients. Its also hard for parents with several children to pack everyone up and get out in the car, said Stremlau. Its tough for anyone to go out in adverse weather.

Axline Pharmacy, at 1210 Towanda Ave. in Bloomington, also offers free prescription delivery in Bloomington-Normal Monday through Friday.

Pharmacy manager Rob Bean said delivery orders are slightly higher than usual.

We find that a lot of our customers have to use public transportation to get to the pharmacy, said Bean. We encourage people with little kids or the elderly to use our delivery service instead of taking sick kids outside or going out in frigid temperatures or on icy roads.

Trips to the supermarket also can be removed from the errand list through grocery delivery services from some local grocers, including Schnucks and Hy-Vee.

Schnucks has partnered with Instacart, an on-demand grocery delivery service that expanded to Bloomington-Normal in July. Instacart, based in San Francisco, also offers delivery from Binnys Beverage Depot, Petco and CVS.

We saw a 95 percent increase in Bloomington-Normal orders, which we do think is due to the weather, said Dacyl Armendariz, communication manager for Instacart.

To have groceries delivered, customers can visit www.schnucksdelivers.com or download the Instacart app. The delivery prices start at $5.99 for a single order.

Shoppers fill a virtual shopping cart and pay online. A local Instacart employee then visits the store, purchases the items through a prepaid debit card and delivers the items to the customers home.

You can stay at home under a blanket on the couch while you do your grocery shopping, and one of our brave souls will be happy to go out in the cold to get your items and deliver them straight to your door. You can still make fresh food without leaving your home in inclement weather, said Armendariz.

Stores like Walmart and Kroger also offer online ordering with curbside pickup.

Calls to Schnucks and Hy-Vee were not returned Wednesday.

The Home Care program through McLean County YWCA is another way for local residents to complete daily tasks without braving the cold.

We can do any type of nonmedical assistance and personal care in homes, said Christy Germanis, YWCA director of marketing and public relations. We can do light cleaning, grocery shopping, run errands, take people to doctor's appointments or offer companionship care.

Germanis said the YWCA hasnt seen an increase in errand assistance due to the cold, but the program does have slots available for those looking for help.
CHICAGO  Police continue to look for two men suspected of taking thousands of dollars from video gaming terminals in Illinois truck stops, including one in Downs.

The Illinois Gaming Board released surveillance camera photos Wednesday of two men considered suspects in the burglaries in Pocahontas and Marion in southern Illinois, in Monee in northern Illinois and at Downs Travel Mart.

Gaming board spokesman Gene O'Shea said large amounts of cash have been taken by the two men who work together to remove money from the redemption device that holds the payouts for winning games.

One gaming company, J & J Ventures Gaming, is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of the suspects, said O'Shea.

Cody Clark was working as a cashier at the Downs Travel Mart on New Year's Eve when two men came into the store and left 20 minutes later with more than $2,000 from the video gaming device.

"They were definitely professionals. They were very quick about it," said Clark.

Clark said one of the suspects distracted him with the purchase of lottery tickets and small talk while an accomplice burglarized the gaming device.

McLean County Sheriff Jon Sandage said his department is handling the Downs incident.

"We've reached out to other agencies throughout Illinois that had the same type of incidents to see if we can come up with more information," said Sandage.

A burglary also was reported from gaming terminals in a Chenoa store on New Year's Eve afternoon.

Similarities between the burglaries became apparent after several were reported starting in November, said O'Shea.

Both suspects are white males seen in what appears to be a silver Pontiac Grand Prix, manufactured between 2004 and 2008. Anyone with information may call the IGB hotline at 855-494-0237. Callers may remain anonymous.
NORMAL  Hobby Lobby is moving right across the street.

The company will vacate its 301 S. Veterans Parkway location in the Shoppes at College Hills and take over the former Gordmans at 306 S. Towanda Ave. in the same shopping center.

"An opening date has not been set. Until then, we will continue to provide super saving and super selection to our customers at our location at 301 S. Veterans Parkway," said Communications Director Bob Miller.

"Our Normal store opened in 1999. Over the years, we have established great relationships with many loyal customers. We look forward to providing an even better shopping experience at the new location."

The Oklahoma City-based company sells arts and crafts materials, party supplies, fabric and home decor items in large retail stores nationwide.

Miller did not comment on whether the company will add square footage, employees or products in the move.

The current Hobby Lobby building, a former department store, is 88,800 square feet, including 65,000 square feet of showroom space. The former Gordmans is 60,000 square feet.

A Hobby Lobby representative told The Pantagraph when the current store opened that it requires at least 40,000 to 50,000 square feet.

"In most relocations like this, our associates move to the new location," said Miller of whether the store's employee count will change.

Gordmans, an Omaha, Neb.-based clothing retailer, vacated its Normal location last year. The company built the building in 2005, and it became the first at the re-branded Shoppes at College Hills, at the site of the former College Hills Mall.

Gordmans still operates stores in Champaign, East Peoria, Peoria, Springfield and Fairview Heights.

"We are in discussion with multiple tenants in the fashion, discount apparel, and health and beauty categories to occupy the space once Hobby Lobby relocates," said Darcy Kennelly Rutzen, vice president of marketing at M & J Wilkow, the Chicago real estate company that manages the Shoppes.
GIBSON CITY  Two women were killed Thursday after an accident on Illinois 9 east of Gibson City and north of Saybrook.

Illinois State Police identified the victims as Kelsey R. Fottler Bridgwater, 21, of Saybrook, and her passenger, Charly J. Jesse, 24, of Jacksonville, Fla.

Police said Bridgwater was driving east on Illinois 9 at 1300 East Road when she lost control of her Mitsubishi convertible and hit a semi head-on. Bridgwater and Jesse were pronounced dead at the scene.

The semi driver was identified as Floyd P. Smith, 53, of Fairborn, Ohio. Police did not say whether he was injured.

The road was shut down for about five hours after the accident, which occurred in Drummer Township in Ford County.
Cancellations and closings

The following weather-related cancellations and postponements have been reported to The Pantagraph newsroom. To submit a cancellation or postponement, visit Pantagraph.com/cancel. Cancellations are subject to verification and will only be accepted online.

Travel

The parking ban in Normal has been lifted.

A parking ban along snow routes in Bloomington began at 5 p.m. Thursday. All residents are encouraged to park off the street, even if the street is not a snow route.

Schools

Businesses/groups/organizations

Henson Disposal garbage/recycle pick up, McLean County; Thursday and Friday routes are one day behind

If you have questions about cancellations, contact newsroom@pantagraph.com or call 309-820-3241.
BLOOMINGTON  Those attending the monthly Stand Up for Social Justice Vigil on Tuesday will call on Congress to pass a permanent Childrens Health Insurance Program funding bill and to assure that Medicaid will not be cut.

The vigil will be 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. on the lawn in front of the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts in downtown.

Organizers say Stand Up for Social Justice is a grassroots, nonpartisan coalition that is supported by Not in Our Town, the YWCA of Bloomington-Normal, the Unitarian Universalist Church, New Covenant Community, and the ACLU of Central Illinois.

The vigils on the second Tuesday of each month focus on protecting civil rights and human rights, promoting social justice and safeguarding the environment.
Edward Enninful's appointment as the new editor-in-chief of British Vogue was widely celebrated as a marker of a new era in fashion  and it absolutely is  but the latest cover of his magazine shows that change rarely happens overnight, especially in publishing.

The special Hollywood February issue, shot by photographer Juergen Teller, was posted to British Vogue's Instagram account and quickly became a topic of conversation on social media for its seemingly tone-deaf cover line "Why We Need to Talk About Race" next to Margot Robbie and Nicole Kidman's faces and a list of mostly white actresses of "Hollywood's New Era."

"why we need to talk about race" pic.twitter.com/OjIkmhitCi

 laia. (@geometricsleep) January 3, 2018

The need is very much there, apparently! https://t.co/YODj3dXfuV

 Connie Wang (@conniewang) January 3, 2018

???? yt cover, all but one cover list of "hollywoods new era" but ????? idk how i feel about this this is very "fashion capitalizing on activism" pic.twitter.com/bpuP9WjwRN

 Diva Mukherji (@divamukherji) January 3, 2018

British 'Vogue' says we need to talk about race on new cover featuring Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie #NewVogue? https://t.co/DwY306JDDp pic.twitter.com/HHizZALcg9

 Mic (@mic) January 3, 2018

Hey Quick Question  What's up with this British 'Vogue' coverline?https://t.co/byD320QRZN

 Fashionista.com (@Fashionista_com) January 3, 2018

As the iconic magazine's first Black, queer male editor, Enninful is under a lot of pressure to switch things up. And there are high hopes for what he plans to do with his new title. After his appointment was announced, close friend Naomi Campbell posted a photo of British Vogue's lily-white staff under previous editor Alexandra Shulman, writing that she was looking forward to an "inclusive and diverse staff" under Enninful's leadership.

And he started his reign off strong, with his first cover featuring Model of the Year Adwoa Aboah, photographed by Stephen Meisel and stunning in a Marc Jacobs headscarf. He followed that up with a Taylor Swift cover that while disappointing to some was undeniably a big get. It's possible he's still experimenting, and trying not to get boxed in to any one corner or lane. Hopefully the next cover will be a bit  or a lot  more inclusive.
It's been a rough day for fashion photography, as two of its previously shining stars continue to implode in a blaze of sexual assault accusations, half-hearted apologies and most of all, denial.

Many of the powerful men in high profile industries accused of sexual misconduct over the past few months have been punished for their misdeeds, facing job loss, public disgrace, and in some cases police investigations. As Dave Chappelle noted during his latest Netflix special, Louis C.K., non-consensual masturbator, "lost everything."

Harvey Weinstein is being sued for sex trafficking; Kevin Spacey is under investigation by the London Police for decades of allegations. And now, "Uncle Terry" Richardson is officially being investigated by the NYPD's Special Victims Squad, according to the New York Daily News.

Richardson has been accused by several models over the years of sexual misconduct on sets, and many have reported feeling coerced into doing things they hadn't agreed to with the photographer. Richardson has always claimed his interactions were consensual, and none of the reports had ever come to much until now, as two former models say the NYPD has contacted them regarding his alleged behavior.

Famed fashion photographer Bruce Weber has also maintained his innocence in the wake of accusations by two male models that he acted inappropriately toward them on set or during casting calls, and unlike Richardson has managed so far to escape the more extreme fate of other men in similar positions.

Vanity Fair canceled its Art Basel event honoring Weber, and Grace Coddington deleted a chummy photo of Weber from Instagram, but only after immense public pressure begging her to do so. Now, he's outright denied the claims made by the two models both to the press and in a complaint to the New York State Supreme Court.

Only time will tell if Weber manages to skate through this unscathed or end up like his colleague, Richardson, who was recently blacklisted from working with Conde Nast and Valentino.

Image via BFA


Have you always longed to wear earrings that depict a couple in the throngs of passion? What about a diamond-shaped cluster of pearls that is more ear muff than earring? Or a belt you can wear around your thigh, wrist or neck?

Enter Monirath, the accessories brand that is not here to play. The brainchild of Australian designer Mollika Prak, Monirath first caught our attention with their Vivienne Westwood-esque "S-E-X" earrings  and while her brand's still relatively small, Prak has big ideas on shaking up the fashion industry.

We recently talked with Prak about all things jewelry, Japanese fashion, and what the hell ever happened to originality.

What's the concept of your brand, Monirath?

Avant-garde. Experimental. Questionable. That's what Monirath accessories are. I started to create jewelry because I was bored of the jewelry today. But if they do satisfy my tastes, they usually cost an arm and a leg. So I just decided to make my own. I always knew I was meant to be a designer  I just never knew what field. I spent a lot of time in the last few years experimenting with many things and when me and jewelry touched bases, it was a match! I see a lot of young creatives having a hard time realizing their purpose. Please note that everyone moves at different paces so it will come with due time. Trust me, trust yourself and the process.

You want us to challenge the way we traditionally approach accessories, but how difficult is it navigating both practicality and style?

This is how you navigate practicality and style  you throw away the practicality. Just stick to the theory and make it work. That's what I believe in. Anything is possible. You can go a long way with perseverance and a clear mind. Jewelry and accessories should no longer just be an after thought! They create your outfit and your fit would be nothing without it. I make myself dress around my accessories. I love a good statement piece, especially if it's made by me. Who does the shit that I do?

What jewelry trends should we leave in 2017?

No more boring studs in 2018.

What are your thoughts on the current state of the fashion industry  are we taking enough risks?

Hell no. Everyone is playing it safe. Actually, they're busier stealing from everyone else. I can't even differentiate between Balenciaga, Vetements, and Margiela now. What happened to originality? Everyone is too busy hopping on the trend bandwagon, so much supply, but not enough demand. Yes, it sells. But what happened to making art? Don't get me wrong, I love those brands and Margiela is top tier for me. It's just like being suffocated, as the consumer. However, I do love Rick Owens and Michele Lamy. The dynamic duo. Also, kudos to Japanese designers, namely Rei Kawakubo and Yohji Yamamoto. I just love their take on silhouettes. So unorthodox, I'm so in love.

What materials are most appealing to you to work with?

No materials appeal to me right now. I'm actually suffering designer's block so I'm constantly looking for new things that may spark the fire. However, I did have a pearl phase. Pearls are just so elegant, and with my budget and being poor as fuck they can make anything look expensive. My favorite kind of accessory is a good belt. Right now at least. You can wear it anywhere: on your waist, over your shoulder, on your leg, on your neck... the possibilities are endless. And of course, anything shiny.

The XXX earrings are so exciting  what's your creative process?

The XXX earrings are the first earring I've ever made actually. It had a lot of different variations until I reached the final version we all know of today. A key aspect in my creative process is to never be tainted by social media. You open your phone and there are thoughts, images and concepts everywhere. It's hard to avoid. I love being the first and the best to do something. Please kill me if I ever think of leaching off anyone else.

What will Monirath look like in 2018?

I spent a lot of time in 2017 thinking about how I was going to bring this brand forward. Honestly, a lot of day-dreaming too  it's inevitable. But in 2018, we are manifesting. Monirath is going to continue to produce questionable jewelery and shake the industry. It's what I love to do. Some personal goals of mine are to possibly collaborate with Ambush. Also, I would love Solange, FKA twigs and Rihanna in my accessories. The holy trinity. I actually have Chandelearrings saved for them. It's going to happen, if I preserve a great mind and a greater heart. Long term goals? Appear in the Museum of Modern Art. Icon shit.

Follow Monirath on Instagram here, or check out her website.
Berlin-based label GmbH has truly been doing the Lord's work since launching in 2016, with designers Benjamin Alexander Huseby and Serhat Isik supplying utilitarian must-haves for politically-conscious club kids everywhere. For their latest campaign, the two paid tribute to their heritage, selecting second-generation immigrants to model their fall '18 collection.

Benjamin Alexander Huseby shot "Endless Europe," which was conceptualized to recognize his and Isik's respective Turkish and Pakistani fathers. Every featured model is a child of immigrants, hailing from Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan and India, in a shoot that also subtly homages Richard Avedon's iconic Versace campaigns of the '80s and '90s.

"We wanted to see brown men and women like ourselves in a campaign like this, something we never saw growing up," Huseby and Isik told Dazed. "But we have no supermodels, or big budget  just our family."

The duo also said the collection itself inspired by the German expression "Gastarbeiter," which translates to "guest worker."

"As visitors, they were expected by their host countries to only stay temporarily, but they never left," the designers explained. "We, the children, are at once European, but also told we do not truly belong... In Denmark, the parliament recently declared that children of immigrants are not to be considered Danish. (This) sentiment (is) not unfamiliar to us. 'Where are you from? No, but where are you really from?'"

The brand is set to show at Paris Fashion Week on January 16.All images courtesy of GmbH
A new study from the American Psychological Association has found that compared to prior generations, college students today (millennials) are harder on themselves, more demanding of others and report higher levels of pressure to be perfect. Maybe don't push yourself too hard on those 2018 New Year's resolutions?

The study, published in the journal Psychology Bulletin, surveyed 40,000 college students between 1989 to 2016 and found that the tendency toward perfectionism  divided by psychologists into three categories  has increased significantly across the board. The biggest increase (33 percent) was found in socially-prescribed perfectionism, caused by the high standards we feel put on us by others.



There was also a 10 percent increase in self-directed perfectionism, and a 16 percent increase in the perfectionistic standards we apply to others. As we double down on our performances of perfection, we're not about to let our friends and acquaintances off the hook, either.

Some psychologists say perfectionism can be a healthy thing, leading to the kind of intense drive needed to achieve great heights. And yet, relentless perfectionism also has noted health risks, including clinical depression, anorexia, and early death.

Researchers argue that socially-prescribed perfectionism, the kind that's increased the most, is also the most dangerous kind. When the incentive to be perfect comes from an outside social force, we feel a loss of control, which can lead to a host of problems. (This mirrors the psychological locus of control concept, which has repeatedly shown that external rewards ultimately don't motivate us).

Investing your identity and self-worth in external achievements and socially-dictated barometers of success will never lead to lasting wellness or wholeness. Researchers have found that this breed of perfectionism is associated with the same types of major psychopathology that our generation has already become known for, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Sound familiar?

It's not shocking that a generation that's grown up under a microscope feels the need to keep its image clean. One of the study authors, Thomas Curran, Ph.D., of the University of Bath, agrees that the data suggests social media is partly to blame.

From the expectation disguised as a natural inclination to perform our lives for each other, to the threat that any public  or let's be real, even private  moment could go viral and be broadcast to the world, we live under the assumption that anything we say can and will be used against us in the court of public opinion. Who wouldn't be walking on eggshells?

Other potential influences are a society that values the individual over the collective, a hyper-competitive job market and the loss of traditional social roles and professions  you know, capitalism. Throw anxious and controlling parenting styles in there and the presence of hyper-perfect celebrities and "influencers" on social media, and it's a recipe for feeling like shit about yourself.

"Meritocracy places a strong need for young people to strive, perform, and achieve in modern life," Curran said in a statement. "Young people are responding by reporting increasingly unrealistic educational and professional expectations for themselves. As a result, perfectionism is rising among millennials."

"The results don't surprise me at all," Malcolm Harris, author of Kids These Days: Human Capital and the Making of Millennials, told New York Magazine. "With the disappearance of middle-class jobs and lifestyles, it actually matters more where you end up on the spectrum of income distribution. There's a big hole in the middle, and life in the American working class has gotten harder."

Fewer opportunities mean tougher competition for the ones that exist, and an increased dread of a failure, which starts to become a non-option. But the clock is ticking on the unsustainable way of life that's been both imposed on us and created by us. As we take over positions of power in every arena, we have the choice to change the culture of perfectionism that is killing us. Each generation has to define its values. What will ours be?
It didn't take long after Donald Trump's threat to wage war on North Korea on Twitter for San Francisco to unite against the platform, projecting "@jack is #complicit" to publicly condemn CEO Jack Dorsey.

The protestors, who call themselves Resistance SF, say Dorsey should ban Trump's account or resign, given the president's tendency to denigrate international relations and fuel tensions abroad. It's Trump's "latest nuclear pissing contest," that has the group particularly riled up, writing on their Facebook page that Trump is in violation of Twitter's rules.

Related | America Looks Up Meaning Of 'Complicit' After SNL's Ivanka Trump Sketch

"@Jack is #complicit," Resistance SF claimed in a statement. "He endangers the world and allows Trump to break his company's own terms of service to do it. As long as he is CEO of Twitter and Square, they cannot be considered moral tech companies, and the board of directors of both should do the right thing and insist that either Trump or Jack must go. Jack Dorsey brought 280 characters to Twitter, but what Twitter needs is a CEO with more character."

In 2017, Dorsey was forced to defend the platform's move to leave Trump's account enabled because the president's unfiltered thoughts proved newsworthy.

"I believe it's really important to have these conversations out in the open, rather than have them behind closed doors," he said. So if we're all to suddenly take these platforms away, where does it go?"

Also, you'll never guess what Dictionary.com's word of the year is.

Image via Facebook


In early December Patently Apple posted a report titled "French Group called 'Attac' Disrupts Apple Stores throughout France demanding Apple Pay their Fair Share of taxes." Today we're learning that Apple has filed a lawsuit against the Attac activist group.

France's publication 'The Local' reports that "An Apple spokesman told AFP on Thursday that while it respected the group's right to expression, its recent actions had 'put the security of our customers and employees at risk.'

It is seeking 3,000 euros ($3,600) from Attac, or the Association for the Taxation of Financial Transactions and Aid to Citizens, and a court order barring the group from staging further protests in its stores, for which they would face a penalty of 150,000 euros or $180,963.00.

The company said it had met with representatives on December 18 and asked them to refrain from further actions because of security concerns."

The Apple spokesman stated that "Even if we don't share their opinion, we fully recognize their right to express it."

The report later noted that "Dominique Plihon, a spokesman for Attac France, said the lawsuit was "an attempt to gag Attac and prevent us from holding new citizen actions to condemn tax evasion by multinationals". For more on this, read the full report here.

It's a bit odd that Apple is suing France's 'Attac' activist group and yet never sued U.S. based Black Lives Matter for staging protests in Apple Stores like the one in Philadelphia or in New York. Will Apple's new legal strategy extend to in-store protests anywhere in the world or will they exclude U.S. protests? Only time will tell.



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.
Patna: Former Bihar Minister and senior Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) leader Shahid Ali Khan died of a massive heart attack on Thursday during his visit to Ajmer Sharif in Rajasthan where the 54-year old politician had gone to pay a visit to the tomb of Khwaza Moinuddin Chishti.

Party spokesperson Danish Rizwan informed the press in Patna about the sudden passing away of Khan's death.

Khan was elected to the state Assembly for the first time in 1990 from Sitamarhi on Janata Dal ticket, the forebearer of the current Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). At the time, he was the youngest person ever to be elected to the Bihar Assembly.

He was re-elected from the same constituency in 2000 under the RJD ticket and won twice as a Nitish-led Janata Dal  U candidate in 2005 and 2010 from Pupari and Sursand constituency. He held different portfolio under Nitish administration that included the Minority Welfare, IT, and Law departments.

He later resigned from the JD-U and joined hands with former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi pledging allegiance to the HAM.

Khan leaves behind his wife and three daughters along with other family members.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, HAM President Jitan Ram Manjhi, former ministers Brishan Patel, Mahachandra Prasad, and JD-U state President Vashisht Narayan Singh were among many who expressed their condolences to the grieving members of the family calling it a huge loss for the state.

Khan had hit the headlines in 2014 when rumor of his alleged links with Indian Mujahideen terrorist outfit led to an investigation against him. He later, repeating a famous line from Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan's film 'My Name is Khan', said "I am Shahid Ali Khan and I am not a terrorist" in the state Assembly.

The so-called investigation did not go anywhere as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, at the time, called it a conspiracy by the 'communal Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)' to malign a member of the minority community and a minister in the Nitish government.

The Chief Minister has announced a state funeral for the former minister.
Ranchi: For the second day in a row, a CBI special judge in Ranchi deferred the decision on the quantum of punishment to fodder scam convict and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) President Lalu Prasad Yadav to Thursday after the former Chief Minister of Bihar asked him to think about the punishment with a cool head.

Yadav, who was accompanied by his lawyers and supporters amidst very tight security, was informed by Judge Shiv Pal Singh of the charges against. The CBI Special Court judge also told the RJD chief that he was quite familiar with his record and had the vigilance been strong during his tenure, this fodder scam would have never taken place.

The judge further informed Yadav that contempt notices were sent to his son Tejaswi Yadav, party leaders Raghuvansh Prasad Singh and Shivanand Tiwari; and Congress leader Manish Tiwari who cast aspersions on the integrity of the court following the RJD chief's conviction by the same court last month.

Yadav was heard asking the judge to drop the contempt notices against his son and others but the judge ignored his request.

The RJD chief then asked Singh to think 'with a cool head' before announcing the quantum of punishment to him to which the judge said that if he wished, he could opt for a videoconference appearance tomorrow from his jail cell.

Insisting to appear before the court in person, the judge said he would decide about it tomorrow.

The court scene on Thursday had some lighter moments as well particularly when Yadav complained about his cell being too cold.

"Try to play 'tabla' (to keep yourself warm)", the judge quipped.

As reported, the case, which is an offshoot of the much bigger fodder scam, relates to fraudulent withdrawal of Rs. 89.27 lakh from Deoghar treasury in 1997.

Altogether 16 persons were convicted in the case, including the RJD chief while six others, including former Bihar Chief Minister Jagannath Mishra were acquitted in the case.

Yadav's supporters and family members have accused the CBI court of being biased against a 'dalit' leader while letting an upper caste politician (Jagannath Mishra) go scot free.
News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism.
Iranian Leadership: Heed Warning Signs And Change Priorities

01/03/18

By Shireen T. Hunter (source: LobeLog)





Irans leadership, especially the hardliners, has attributed the latest protests in several major Iranian cities, including the capital Tehran, to plots by the enemies of Islam and the Iranian Revolution, particularly America, Israel, and Saudi Arabia. Senior officers of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have also warned that those who are dreaming of ending the revolution will take their dreams to the grave. Fighting words indeed.

Countries that have problems with Iran and its policies, especially in the Middle East, will no doubt try to take advantage of the latest disturbances. Also, the destabilization of the Iranian regime has been a goal of various US administrations with only brief interruption. Finally, the attribution of popular discontent to foreign influences is a traditional propaganda ploy by the Teheran government.

But none of this will likely distract the Iranian people from the countrys real problems-especially the inability of the leadership to make any progress in improving peoples lives.

The latest protests began in Mashhad, most probably as a ploy by Rouhanis opponents, including his defeated rival for the presidency, Ibrahim Raeisi. Mashhad is also the stronghold of Ayatollah Alam al Huda, who is the citys Friday prayer leader, a hardline and very conservative cleric. At times, he has behaved as though he is the de facto ruler of the city of Mashhad, like some Afghan warlord. For example, he has in the past forced the cancellation of concerts sanctioned by the Ministry of culture and Islamic Guidance.

During the last several months, hardliners have waged a campaign against Rouhani, claiming that many voters now say they are sorry (pashiman) that they voted for him. Even so-called reformists have not been very supportive of him. In other words, in the past several months various factions have been back to their old habits of infighting and backbiting, with no concern for the national interest or well-being.

If the protests did start as a ploy by hardliners against Rouhani, they soon got out of hand. Shocked by the way protests spread across the country and worried that they might worsen, various factions have tried to show a united front. But this show of solidarity, too, is unlikely to convince the people.

Decades of Disappointment

The fact is that the Iranian peoples patience and endurance has been sorely tested for nearly four decades. They have put up with war, international sanctions, economic hardship, a deteriorating environment, and, during 2017, natural disasters such as earthquakes. Since 1988, when the war with Iraq ended, Iranians have hoped for reform of the system, cultural and social opening, national reconciliation, economic prosperity, and international integration and respect. They have been disappointed time after time.

Meanwhile, the hardliners have continued to chase windmills in a quixotic pursuit of Islamic utopia, Islamic unity, and the liberation of Palestine. They have sacrificed Irans scant resources in such pursuits, while projects vital for the countrys development have remained unfinished, the economy has stagnated, and the people have become frustrated and angry.

According to some reports, one of the protestors chants could be loosely translated as: Leave Syria alone/Do something about our problems.

More seriously, the leaderships lack of response to the peoples changing values and needs has eroded whatever popular legitimacy it might have had. Despite periodic elections, the regime has increasingly acquired the characteristics of a religio-military junta, made up of the IRGC, various foundations, and some conservative clerics.

Again, some of the protestors chants indicate how people feel about this coalition. One reads like this: They turned Islam into a stepping stone and made people miserable.

People are aware that presidents in Iran lack any real power. They have responsibility and are blamed when things go wrong. But they are not allowed to pursue policies that could help solve the countrys problems. The experiences of the presidencies of Mohammad Khatami and now Hassan Rouhani prove this contention.

Meanwhile, the revolution has been completely hollowed out. It is no longer clear what being revolutionary means. It seems that revolutionary slogans are increasingly used to continue the stranglehold on the country by overlapping military and economic elites.

What this group does not understand is that their tactics of shouting death to America or fighting Imperialism and Zionism are no longer effective.

The most powerful groups, as they repeat the same old unending call to sacrifice and martyrdom, have nothing positive to offer to the people. In fact, the regimes serious contradictions and tensions are coming to a head, and the leadership cannot continue its old games of resorting to periodic limited easing of tensions only to turn to repression, infighting, and external adventurism.



cartoon by Sasan Khadem, Iranian daily Ghanoon



A Different Path

Vital decisions must be made if the country is to be saved. First and foremost, Irans leadership must decide who they want to serve: Iran and its people or some illusory Islamic community.

Second, they must decide what their priority should be, Irans survival or liberating Palestine.

Third, they must determine whether Irans political system will be a republic or an autocracy? They cannot have it both ways.

Fourth, they must decide whether they want to be part of the world or to turn Iran into another North Korea in order to retain a hardline minority in power. If the former, then they must become a national and Iranian government and cease being a revolutionary and Islamist movement.

In short, they must come out of their paranoid world and enter the real world of the 21st century. Iran cannot become a developed and prosperous nation and state with a cultural and political system stuck in the Middle Ages.

People will not forever remain loyal to their government if it does not make them safe and at least reasonably prosperous.

Another social convulsion is fraught with dangers for Iran. A sustained period of tension and instability could lead to the sort of foreign intervention that happened in Libya and Syria. Already, certain quarters in America and elsewhere are agitating for more direct engagement in Iranian events. Should it occur, it could jeopardize the nations survival.

However, the current situation is also untenable. Irans leaders must realize the direness of their conditions. It doesnt help to accuse those who warn of the dangers facing the country of being agents of Irans enemies. The Iranian leadership must reform and reorient its priorities towards a national rather than Islamist direction. If they fail, history and the Iranian people will not forgive them.



About the Author:



Shireen T. Hunter is a Research Professor at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. Her latest publication is God On Our Side: Religion, Foreign Policy and International Affairs (Rowman & Littlefield, December 2016).


Iranian Leaders Divided Over Protests

01/03/18

By Jamie Dettmer, VOA

Irans leaders appear to be divided about the reasons behind the anti-government protests roiling the country, who the demonstrators are and how to curtail the unrest - the most significant challenge to Irans clerical leadership since 2009, when authorities resorted to a nationwide crackdown to crush the pro-democracy "green movement."



Read related article (in Persian) by Ghanoon daily:

Political Experts Offer Suggestions on Reducing Tensions





Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused foreign enemies Tuesday of fomenting the demonstrations, which have seen police stations and the offices of Friday prayer leaders attacked. The building of the Justice Ministry was set on fire in the town of Karaj, and in Arak, the governors office was occupied.

On his official website, Khamenei wrote, "In recent days, enemies of Iran used different tools including cash, weapons, politics and intelligence apparatus to create troubles for the Islamic Republic."



Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

His aides have singled out the United States, Britain and Saudi Arabia as the culprits.

Other senior Iranian officials, however, have downplayed the alleged role of foreign powers in the protests that began in Mashhad, Irans second-largest city, and quickly spread. On Saturday, the protests reached the capital, Tehran, which saw clashes between protesters and riot police around the main university.

Reformist President Hassan Rouhani has identified economic despair as the underpinning of the unrest. We have no bigger challenge than unemployment. Our economy requires major corrective surgery, Rouhani acknowledged Monday.



Iranian President Hassan Rouhani



Deputy Interior Minister Hossein Zolfaghari noted Tuesday that 90 percent of the more than 450 protesters arrested so far were under the age of 25, and he indicated they were expressing frustration about economic woes. Silent at first on the unrest, the state-owned Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting has followed the reformists explanation for the burgeoning trouble, citing economic problems as the root cause of the confrontations that are turning increasingly deadly.

Hardliners who want to launch the kind of security crackdown that crushed the 2009 unrest dismiss the reformist line.

If people came into the streets over high prices, they should not have chanted those [anti-government] slogans and burned public property and cars, Gen. Esmail Kowsari told a state-owned media outlet Sunday.

Kowsari is a conservative politician and currently the deputy chief of an Islamic Revolutionary Guards unit responsible for maintaining security in Tehran. So far, the government has not heeded his warnings about using an "iron fist" to crush the protesters.

The latest unrest, which is on a smaller scale than that of 2009, say analysts, is being dealt with more cautiously, with authorities instead containing protests locally as they occur, without the mass deployment of Revolutionary Guards units.





Read related article by Ghanoon daily:

Interview With Two Activists On Recent Protests





Zolfaghari predicted Tuesday the protests would be short-lived, saying security forces decisively countered the saboteurs who resorted to violence. In most parts of the country, the situation is now normal and the unrest that took place in certain areas will soon end with the people's cooperation and the efforts of security forces, Zolfaghari said

Ghasem Sholeh-Saadi, a human rights activist and former Iranian lawmaker who is now an international law professor at the University of Tehran, thinks the protests have the potential to go much further. Things are getting out of hand, he told the news site IranWire, a joint venture comprising a group of exiled Iranian journalists.

I believe that this will continue because the government cannot satisfy peoples demands and, with the present structure, our rulers are not ready for change. For the moment, we are at a political impasse, Sholeh-Saadi said.

He argues the government has no effective means to suppress [the people] and, even if it could, cracking down would not solve their problem. The threat, he says, isnt just to the hardliners, but the reformists as well, who have been left behind by the people as their demands become more cohesive and more sweeping.

The accumulation of unmet demands, the complicated economic issues and the security atmosphere has made it so that in only three days and with unbelievable speed, the slogans have turned radical and are voicing open opposition to Mr. Khamenei and Mr. Rouhani, he said.

A former British ambassador to Iran, Richard Dalton, agrees that even though price increases for key commodities sparked the protests, the unrest has developed into a reflection of deep discontent with the nature of the Islamic regime. It has been fueled by despair, he says, among ordinary Iranians, who are angry that their lives have not improved since Rouhani struck a 2015 nuclear deal with foreign powers, which resulted in the lifting of some economic sanctions on the country.

Rouhani had promised the nuclear deal would usher in a more successful economy, with all enjoying the benefits. Dalton says the Iranian authorities appear surprised by how widespread the protests have become. It confirms once again a significant section of the population wants to see fundamental change, he said.

The former envoy, however, suspects that the protests arent the beginning of an Arab spring-type uprising - predicting the demonstrations will run their course as most Iranians, want evolution, not revolution, he says. Dalton concedes, though, that isnt the only possible course of events.
Filtered apps suffocate domestic businesses in Iran

01/04/18

By Haniyeh Sadat Jafariyeh, Tehran Times

Following the social unrest across Iran, starting on Thursday, the government started blocking access to social networks and messaging apps including Telegram and Instagram, while some controls were also put on Iranians' access to the Internet. As Information and Communications Technology Minister Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi announced on Monday "the restricted access to social networks in Iran amid ongoing protests against the government's economic and social policies is a temporary measure and rumors about the permanent closure of the social networks do not correspond to the reality."



Information and Communications Technology Minister Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi

(satirical artwork by Iranian daily Ghanoon)



The made restrictions, however temporary, has had some ramifications for businesses, in particular small ones, in Iran.

According to Deputy Head of New Businesses Committee of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA) Afshin Kolahi, there are 10,000 to 15,000 totally virtual businesses in Iran.

While there is not an official data about the number of Telegram channels or virtual business pages, via which domestic entrepreneurs provide services to customers, advertise, do marketing and run their businesses in general, some claim that during the past few days such businesses have been terribly damaged due to the employed intelligent filtering on web and specific social media apps, including Telegram, which is the most popular social networking platform in Iran with 40 million members.

According to unofficial reports, small virtual businesses have suffered major financial damages during the past days and a chorus of dissatisfaction is being run among their owners.

The recent demonstrations began over economic grievances, while a large number of small and medium-sized enterprises are closed or are operating with half of their capacity and 3.1 million of Iranians are still unemployed. The government's decision on putting controls on the Internet access and messaging apps, under such conditions, has unfortunately exacerbated the economic conditions of virtual Iranian businesses.

President Hassan Rouhani's government, which underlines the notion of "E-government" and electronic communication, is fully aware of the dominant economic circumstances and the consequences of its made decision on economy and does not seem to be content with the ongoing situations, though.

"One of the main targets of the government has been resolving unemployment and expansion of new businesses as well as reliance on cyberspace," Azari Jahromi Tweeted on Tuesday morning, "it is my duty to apologize hundred thousands of Iranians who suffered financial losses due to recent unrest. The government is holding talks with Supreme National Security Council to remove the made-up restrictions when peace is restored."

It seems that the government, facing a dilemma, had to choose between economic benefits and security issues.

President Rouhani, in his first comments about the protests, aired on national television on Sunday night, said "people have the right to criticize", but said the authorities would not tolerate antisocial behavior. He said criticism was "different from violence and destroying public properties".

Telegram filtration in Iran was temporarily removed on Tuesday night.
Ghanas liquid gold, Star Beer, has rewarded nine (9) customers in the on-going Star Win Gold Promotion, with 2.5g gold bars each.



The promo, which was launched earlier this month, seeks to reward loyal consumers with gold bars. The first batch of winners includes Dzutor Kosi Kente (Tema), Ali Seidu (Tema), Habil Mukhwana (Lashibi) and Price Amofa (Tema). The rest are Richard Adekomi (Amakom), Henry Mensah (Suame), Peter Arthur (Asawase), Vivian Danso (Manhyia Sarbo Zongo) and Andrews Amoah (Dichemso Manhyia District).



At a brief and colorful event held at the forecourt of Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited, Marketing Manager for Lagers at Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited (GGBL), Mr. Carsten Schemmer expressed appreciation to customers of Star Beer for their loyalty.



He explained that the promotion was one of the companys way of saying thank you to its customers for their many years of loyalty.



In line with our two consecutive years of winning the prestigious Monde Gold International award for the quality taste of Star Beer, we are using this opportunity to share this gold with Ghanaians, he said.



Mr. Schemmer indicated that there are over 190 gold bars yet to be won during the promotion.



He assured other winners outside Accra and Kumasi to be patient since their gold prices will be delivered to them through Fedex.



Speaking on the dynamics, he explained that, consumers just have to open a refreshing Star Beer, look under the crown cork and if one finds GOLD inscribed under the crown cock, all they have to do is to call the dedicated phone number on the neck label. The Gold will be delivered to the winners by our Gold partners - PMMC Jewelry.



The Star Win Gold promo which is expected to run until February 2018, offers consumers an opportunity to win over GHc3 million worth of amazing prizes including gold bars and free drinks of Star Beer.



Brewed from the finest quality of barley, malt, and hops, Star Beer does not only offer every true beer drinker the richest and most refreshing taste in beer, but also celebrates lifes journey and those uniquely Ghanaian values which help you along the way.









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.

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Pressure group, OccupyGhana, has waded into the public uproar over the controversial TV License law, saying it disagrees with the setting up of a special court to prosecute defaulters.



According to the group, the "world of televison has moved from being analogue to the digital sphere" thus the country should be "thinking of laws and policies that look into the future".



In a statement issued in Accra today following the announcement that specific courts have been established to try defaulters of TV Licence fees, the pressure group advocated the "repeal of the 1966 law and regime".



"The rules have changed. In a world of digitisation, Ghana should be thinking of laws and policies that look into the future, and seek to create the enabling smart digital environment for prosperity and opportunities for all. You cannot, in 2017, be seeking to implement laws based on obsolete and currently inapplicable 1966 technology and then seek to punish Ghanaians for not complying with it. That is why we are advocating the repeal of the 1966 law and regime, and if necessary, the enactment of new laws that take the new realities into account," the statement read.



OccupyGhana further stated that if after several years of government subvention and TV Licence Fees, the state broadcaster is "unable to be profitable", then possible, it is "time to consider selling it".



"For years, it enjoyed an absolute monopoly in television broadcasting and the income from adverts and sponsored contents. Now it has competition and is faltering. Compelling Ghanaians to pay TV Licence Fees to GBC is grossly unfair and anti-competitive. Announcing the setting up of a court for these purposes sends the wrong signal to Ghanaians, that draconian steps are being taken to use the judiciary a tool of enforcement of a grossly unpopular tax. If GBC is unable to be profitable, in spite of years of government subvention and TV Licence Fees, then it may be time to consider selling it," the group said.





Below is the full statement



4th JANUARY 2018



OCCUPYGHANA PRESS STATEMENT



OCCUPYGHANA CALLS FOR THE EXISTING TELEVISION LICENCE REGIME TO BE REPEALED AND REPLACED



OccupyGhana has followed the recent discussions regarding TV Licence Fees, particularly the announcement that specific courts have been established to try defaulters. We disagree with these moves for two reasons:



There is no constitutional or statutory basis for the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), simply as the designated licensing authority, retaining the revenue from what is essentially a tax, and then determining how to use it, outside laws passed and appropriations made by Parliament, and The entire TV Licence regime that was established in 1966 (with just a few amendments) has become obsolete. What is required is not a forcible re-implementation of it, but a root-and-stem review that repeals the existing law and regime, and, if necessary, introduces a new statute and regime that takes the current realities in broadcasting into account.



We will address these matters in turn:



UNCONSTITUTIONALITY AND ILLEGALITY



The Television Licensing Act, 1966 (NLCD 89) and the various Television Licensing Regulations passed under it, provide for the payment of TV Licence Fees for the licensing of the installation and use of television receiving sets. These are to exist and operate under the auspices of a licensing authority that would be either the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation or any other statutory corporation appointed by the Minister by legislative instrument. Every contravention of the Act (including the non-payment of the fee) is an offence punishable by up to a fine of 250 penalty units (GHS3,000) and/or up to one years imprisonment.



The TV Licence Fee is simply a tax for owning or dealing in the affected apparatus. GBC is merely the currently designated body to administer the licences and collect those taxes, as an agent of the government. We are not aware of any statute that gives GBC the power to retain the revenue derived from the tax and then use it for its operations, developing content, sharing with other broadcasters or for any other purpose.



That tax revenue is also not listed as one of the sources of funds of the GBC under section 10 of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation Act, 1968 (NLCD 226). Although that section provides that GBCs funds include moneys accruing to the Corporation in the course of the performance of its functions, tax revenue does not accrue to the GBC and does not fall under this rubric. Similarly, if the Minister were to designate another statutory corporation as the licensing authority under the Act, that entity would not have the right to use the revenue.



Further, that revenue does not constitute GBCs internally generated funds (IGF). Article 176 of the Constitution demands that all revenues or other monies raised or received for the purposes of, or on behalf of, the Government; and any other monies raised or received in trust for, or on behalf of, the Government, must be mandatorily paid into the Consolidated Fund. Exceptions, particularly retentions, are only permitted under an Act of Parliament.



That is why statutes such as the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (Retention of Funds) Act, 2007 (Act 735) and the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921) contain strict rules on the use of IGFs, and our statute books are replete with specific statutes (too many to be listed here) in which Parliament expressly allows entities to keep all or part of IGFs. We are not aware of any such statute with respect to the GBC.



It is on these bases that we believe that the automatic retention of the TV Licence Fees by the GBC for its purposes is unconstitutional and illegal and we therefore call for that practice to cease forthwith. Absent a specific enabling legislation, all TV Licence Fees collected should be immediately deposited in the Consolidated Fund.



OBSOLENCE



We further contend that both the regime and the law on TV licensing are obsolete for three main reasons:



(i) The Act defines television receiving set as an apparatus CONSTRUCTED SOLELY for the reception of pictures, with or without sound transmitted by radio [Emphasis added.] This means that if the apparatus in use, by its manufacture and technology, is not restricted to only receiving pictures (with or without radio-transmitted sound), but is capable of receiving other signals, that apparatus is not the subject of licensing and consequently the payment of the fee. We think that contrary to your expressed view, the law expressly rules out the vast majority of apparatuses (Smart TVs, phones, pads, tablets, etc.) that are currently in use, and which are manufactured to receive and process more than just pictures. Indeed what may even be called TVs today are not mere linear broadcast receivers and translators of pictures. They are also used to play games, watch movies, project presentations, display location adverts and browse the Internet. The reality is that a strict application of a law that is based on 1966 technology, to 2017 apparatuses would leave the licensing authority with precious little or almost nothing to enforce the licence against.



(ii) With over authorized 505 radio stations (392 operational) and 75 television stations, Ghanaians have a lot of media sources to consume both local/public and international content. This ensures competition that should result in producing quality content. Also, Ghana has recorded a tremendous growth in the number and diversity of media channels, with Ghanaians having countless media sources such as radio, newspaper, magazines, websites and other online platforms. Further, online platforms such as YouTube, Hulu, Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video and Google ChromeCast are redefining content broadcasting online and pointing to the future of TV broadcasting. All these are available and consumed in Ghana, driving the growth of data usage. There are also cable-TV services in Ghana who broadcast local channels through set-top boxes. Some of these have become the first choice channels for media content consumption, thereby reducing the audience share for traditional TV transmission. Evidently, GBC is not the only TV media source where public information is consumed for it to warrant an automatic right to TV Licence Fees and to be able to produce and broadcast public information. Further, not all Ghanaians or TV owners in Ghana will consume GTVs content.



(iii) GBC (managers of GTV) is a commercial broadcaster. For years, it enjoyed an absolute monopoly in television broadcasting and the income from adverts and sponsored contents. Now it has competition and is faltering. Compelling Ghanaians to pay TV Licence Fees to GBC is grossly unfair and anti-competitive. Announcing the setting up of a court for these purposes sends the wrong signal to Ghanaians, that draconian steps are being taken to use the judiciary a tool of enforcement of a grossly unpopular tax. If GBC is unable to be profitable, in spite of years of government subvention and TV Licence Fees, then it may be time to consider selling it.



CONCLUSION



In conclusion, the world of television has moved from being analogue to the digital sphere. The rules have changed. In a world of digitisation, Ghana should be thinking of laws and policies that look into the future, and seek to create the enabling smart digital environment for prosperity and opportunities for all. You cannot, in 2017, be seeking to implement laws based on obsolete and currently inapplicable 1966 technology and then seek to punish Ghanaians for not complying with it. That is why we are advocating the repeal of the 1966 law and regime, and if necessary, the enactment of new laws that take the new realities into account.



Yours in the Service of God and Country.



OccupyGhana

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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Management of Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has served notice of shutting down the Accra Desalination Plant that supplies water to Teshie, Nungua and other surrounding communities in the Greater Accra Region.



According to the GWCL, the decision has become necessary due to challenges associated with the management of the plant, which has resulted in an erratic supply of water to the beneficiary communities.



A statement signed by the Head of Communications of GWCL, Stanley Martey, said Teshie, Nungua and other communities which are served by the plant would be put on alternative sources on rationing basis.



The affected areas are Teshie, Nungua, Sakumuno, Laashibi, Communities 16, 17, and 18, Adogorno, Baatsonaa, Coastal Estates, Greda Estates, Regimanuel Estates  all along the Spintex Road  and surrounding communities.



The statement indicated that effective January 1, 2018, the affected communities will be served on Wednesdays and on weekends (Fridays to Sundays) from the alternative sources.



It said management of the company was taking adequate steps to resolve the issues and pleaded with its customers to bear with his outfit.



Management of GWCL regrets any inconvenience that this arrangement may cause to our cherished customers. Its for a good purpose, Mr Stanley Martey said.



The Accra Desalination Plant was commissioned in April 2015 under President Mahamas erstwhile National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, to process sea water into potable water for residents of the afore-mentioned areas.



The plant has been described by the Minister of Sanitation, Joseph Kofi Adda, as a white elephant due to chronic challenges facing its operations.



Ghana Water Company claims that it is incurring hefty losses in operating the plant while the private firm contracted to operate it is raking in more profit.



The situation has forced the Public Utility Workers Union of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) to call on the government to revise the contract signed with the private firm (Messrs Befessa), which requires the GWCL to pay the capacity charge of US$ 1.4 million per month to the firm.



This charge is payable, whether the plant is working or not.



Again, GWCL is obliged to pay the electricity bills of the desalination plant which stands at an average of GH3 million per month (for 2017).



Meanwhile, former Deputy Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing in the Mahama-led administration, Sampson Ahi, has indicated that Ghana Water Company Limited should be blamed for the poor state of the Teshie water processing plant.



Speaking to Joy FM, he said the plant was also built to distribute water to industries in Tema for a hefty fee and not just the local domestic consumers, but the water company took no steps to that effect.

Source: Daily Guide









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The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has put a hold on the compulsory levying of vehicle owners to get first aid kits as a prerequisite for the annual vehicle registration process.



The DVLA unilaterally imposed the sale of first aid boxes at GH108 on drivers and vehicle owners desiring to renew documents and licences, leading to mass protests.



The Ghana Private Road Transport Union described the imposition as daylight robbery and will resist its implantation.



Vice Chairman of the GPRTU, Mr. Robert Sarbah who described the imposition as a criminal act, said neither the union or its members were briefed about it and maintained that they will go to all lengths to resist implementation.



In a statement copied to peacefmonline.com, the DVLA said it had suspended and put on definite hold the sale of the kits as a result of public outcry and concern".



The Governing Board of the DVLA acknowledges that there has not been the necessary public education, discussion and sensitization with relevant stakeholders. The Board therefore would want to advised our patronizing clients/customers that the introduction of the First Aid Kit  has been suspended and put on definite hold. We unreservedly apologise to the general public for any inconvenience occasioned the statement added.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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President Nana Akufo-Addo and First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo have paid a visit to Ghanas oldest medical practitioner, Dr Emmanuel Evans-Anfom.



The president and his wife visited the veteran medical practitioner at his residence on Tuesday to wish him a happy New Year.



Dr Evans-Anfom, 98, is one of the most respected medical practitioners in Ghana, having served as a medical doctor for over three decades.



However, he has not been well in recent months, with his illness keeping him on his sick bed.



The president and first lady, therefore, deemed it fit to pay him a visit to find out how he was faring and to thank him for his service to the nation over the years.



President Akufo-Addo meets Ghanas oldest medical practitioner, one of Dr Evans-Anfoms sons, Nii Teiko Evans-Anfom, posted photos of the visit on his Facebook page while reveling in the moment.



The post was accompanied by the words: when the president and first lady dropped by to wish Ghanas oldest medical practitioner a happy New Year.



Many Ghanaians were pleased with President Akufo-Addos gesture and praised him and his wife for taking such a step. Others also thanked the president for making time for a national treasure like Evans-Anfom, while urging him to lead the way in recognising and honouring national heroes.



Dr Evans-Anfom was not only a medical practitioner but also the author of many books, which endeared him to many people around the world.

Source: yen









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Obrempong Akwasi Amo Kyeretwie, Chief of Akyem-Abirem in the Eastern Region, has lauded the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), for the relentless onslaught against illegal mining, which has led to cleaner water bodies in the country.



Our rivers are clean now and we appreciate your efforts executed through the Operation Vanguard Task Force, the Chief who is also the Acting Gyasehene of the Kotoku Traditional Area, remarked.



This was when General Obed Boamah Akwa, the CDS and Mr David Asante Apeatu, the IGP, visited personnel of the Eastern Region Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Akyem-Abirem.



The CDS and the IGP, took turns to thank the Chiefs of the Kotoku Traditional Area for their support and called for more collaboration in the fight to flush out the illegal miners to bounce back water bodies and their biodiversity.



Later at separate durbars with personnel of the Task force in the Ashanti, Western and Eastern Regions, all illegal mining areas, the CDS and IGP disclosed that more Naval personnel as well as Engineers from the Ghana Army and Marine Police would join the Taskforce to help flush out all illegal miners operating on water bodies



The upsurge in mad rush for gold over a decade ago led to thousands of illegal miners, including some foreign nationals, mostly Chinese, invading the gold deposit belt of the country to prospect for gold, giving rise to an imminent threat of Ghanas water resources running dry in a few years.



Through an illegal Chang-fa technology, an alluvial gold mining equipment, usually referred to by locals in the mining areas as toutou, involving digging for gold in the river bed, most of the water sources for millions of the citizenry, such as River Pra, Ankobra, Birim, Tano, Bia, Offin and Pra, became heavily polluted.



The pollution of water sources due to such activities also largely took a toll on potable water supply to an extent that water treatment plants had to be shut down one after the other almost every time by the Ghana Water Company Limited, in charge of the countrys water treatment and distribution.



However, through the assiduous work of a military/police task force, Operation Vanguard, about 2,044, called Chang-fa, which used to be floating on Ghanaian rivers, have been immobilized and intercepted in these three Regions.



Information from the Ghana Water Company Limited has also confirmed that, the turbidity of our water bodies has improved.



The use of more chemicals to treat water that goes to individual homes, has also been reduced.

Source: GNA









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Acting New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman, Freddie Blay says he is ready to provide legal services to individuals who risk prosecution for corruption-related activities by the yet-to-be-appointed Special Prosecutor to approach his chambers for legal representation.



He said his law firm is will provide legal representation to anyone, including former government appointees who will be wrongfully accused of causing financial loss to the state.



Speaking on Asempa FM Tuesday, the former lawmaker said he has no interest in who is prosecuted.



President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has given his assent to the Office of Special Prosecutor Bill passed by Parliament in November last year.



This kicks into action processes to fully set up the Office and to appoint the individual who will undertake the prosecution of corrupt officials.



The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has said the government's anti-corruption campaign is likely to target its members, with suspicions the prosecutor may be an NPP member.



NDC General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketia has said the appointment of an NPP member as the prosecutor will amount to a waste of the nation's "time and resources."



Responding to the claim, Mr Blay said the appointment process will be transparent to allow Parliament to thoroughly vet the nominee.



"We want to make it independent just like in other countries. We all have to work towards that to make sure it succeeds, " he said.



But the Special Prosecutor will neither be subjected to the whims or caprices of the president, he added.



It will not be subject to any control by anybody, not even the presidents office, and that is what the president has decided to happen,

Source: myjoyonline.com









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Pro-NPP Pressure group, Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG), has described as needless the decision by the Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo, to set up special courts to prosecute persons who refuse to pay the mandatory TV license.



According to the group, it was surprising that Ghana had embraced the move to fine or jail persons who default in the payment of the fees when most countries were gradually moving towards abolishing the fees.



In a release copied to citifmonline.com, AFAG said, Ghanaians will not be bullied into paying this fee adding that AFAG will resist any attempt to surcharge smartphone users with TV license fees.



It said it remained resolute in its position that the demand for TV license from Ghanaians was wrong and must not be pursued by the government.



AFAG is totally opposed to a TV license regime from an obsolete Television licensing ACT 1966 (NLCD) the statement noted.



New Patriotic Party member and former Danquah Institute Director, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko has also kicked against the use of courts to ensure payment of the fees, although he approves of the need to pay the fees.



Read the full statement below:



Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG) has learnt with mirth a move by the Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo to set up a special TV License Court to deal with people who refuse to pay the mandatory TV license.



In an era where countries across the world are either abolishing the TV license fees in countries like Finland and Iceland, or reducing it considerably (Poland, Germany) because of a high evasion rate.



Others such as China, Uganda, Canada, India, Australia, USA, Brazil and Russia are countries with no TV license fees. it is interesting to know that Ghana would rather criminalize her citizens over a system that is being abandoned all over the world.



The UK model, which the Ghanaian system is modelled after, is completely different.



This is because, unlike the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation which generates income from commercial activities like advertisements and announcements and also receives yearly subvention from the government, the local public broadcaster in the UK doesnt have advertising or subscription as part of its funding mix.



AFAGs position on the compulsory TV license remains unchanged.



We continue to maintain that Ghanaians will not be bullied into paying this fee.



The world is at a stage where the speed of broadband is going up, and ownership of devices connected to the internet has increased, with people at home possibly watching live TV on devices other than the TV, would they also be billed with a license fee? we hope not.



In the unlikely event, any attempt to charge users on mobile phone for using their devices to watch TV will also be resisted.



This TV license policy has been on the drawing board since 3 years ago.



AFAG opposed attempts to introduce it in 2015. We will oppose it on any day and indeed not now.



It is expected that revenue will be shared in percentage terms among Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), 72%, Ghana Independent Broadcasting Association (GIBA), 15%, National Media Commission (NMC), 4%, Media Development Fund, 4%, Films Fund, 2% and Management of TV Licence Fee (GBC), 3%.



Obviously, the state broadcaster is the target.



AFAG however proposed that, the ministry of information holds a stakeholder forum involving Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), National Media Commission (NMC), the Independent broadcasters association including CSOs and the ministry of finance to draw a road-map on how to charge the consolidated fund for media development.



This fund may be applied to sponsor or support media (television/radio/print/electronic) houses whose specific program promotes Ghanaian values or target minority groups development. Its a matter of priority!



Be it as it may, we expect the government to explore ways of resourcing the state broadcaster either wholly by the state as stated earlier or through all forms of public-private partnerships as we move GBC to a very independent status.



The government may also consider a private management of GBC.



GBC is endowed with land mass, infrastructure, human resources, logistics and wide coverage of its network. Why is GBC struggling financially? Mr. President if the daily graphic among its competitors remains autonomous and self-funding, then GBC can copy same in the midst of competition.



Otherwise, we blame its poor state on management and the lack of clarity for resource allocation from the state or through an appropriate funding mix involving the private sector.



AFAG is totally opposed to a TV license regime from an obsolete Television licensing ACT 1966 (NLCD).



How much is the TV license fee?

GBC officially reintroduced the collection of the TV Licence fees in 2015 after years of putting it on hold due to non-payments.



While domestic TV users are to pay between GH36 and GH60 for one or more TV sets in the same house every year, TV set repairers and sales outlets are to pay an annual sum of between GHc60 to GHc240.



For commercial TV operators, they are to pay GHc36 per annum for each TV set.



GBC had in the last two years since the re-introduction, appealed to Ghanaians to voluntarily make their payments.



Opposition to payments



Meanwhile, some Ghanaians have kicked against the payments accusing GBC of not providing compelling content to motivate them to pay the fees.



Others are paying



Despite the seeming opposition to the payment of the fees, some Ghanaians have begun its payment. Some social media users have shared photos of themselves making payment of the fees at various collection points.



Others who try to use the online and mobile portal to make payment have however said their efforts have been futile.



The GBC Director-General had earlier said the Police Service will help in the pursuit of persons who refuse to pay their TV licence fees.



Dr. Annof-Ntow said the police involvement is to help forestall further challenges with the collection of the fees.



We made a formal appeal not only to the court, but also to the IGP because we anticipated that we were going to hit a snag and some people will deliberately refuse to pay. So from where we sit, Im delighted at the fact that the Chief Justice has granted our request. What it means therefore is that, this is an encouragement for everybody to go and pay the television licence.



























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Mr James Enu, the 2016 National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary candidate for Tema West Constituency has stated that the NDC can win the 2020 polls hands down if they are able to put their acts together.



He said the President Akufo-Addos administration had been hit by corruption, nepotism and massive incompetence thereby placing regrets on the faces of Ghanaians who voted them into power in 2016.



Unless the NPP rigs the 2020 election or the impossible happens, there is no way the NDC will remain in opposition beyond 2020. Mr Enu stated at the sidelines of a New Year Party he had organised for members of his Party in Tema.



Now, the only thing that can stand between the NDC and victory in 2020 is the NDC itself  complacency, backbiting, unnecessary squabbles and lack of vigilance  these are what we should guard against, he added.



The lawyer called on the rank and file of the party to soul-search and winnow out negativities.



The party was used to commemorate Gods grace and to show appreciation to supporters and admirers for their unflinching support.



Mr Enu said the Ghanaian voters disappointment with the NPP government could be felt in the air throughout the country, adding everywhere you go, the common complaint is that life has become unbearable  Electricity, fuel and transportation have become more expensive. Rather than all the big things that the NPP promised in opposition it is this serious hardship that it has brought the people.



If there is anybody who is still singing the praises of the NPP at this stage, just do a background check on the person and you will realise that he is an NPP fanatic.



He urged Ghanaians not to give up hope, saying that even though three more years of the NPP governance looked like suicide, 2020 would surely come and bring with it the opportunity to vote out the NPP.



For members of the great NDC, I call for hard work and focus, like I said, with the unprecedented incompetence, nepotism corruption and hardship that the NPP has inflicted on Ghanaians, it will take only the NDC itself to deny itself of victory in 2020.



He said it was only the NDC that had a support base of at least 45 per cent of voters, adding that the five percent and one vote that would be required to get the party elected is already in the basket if the NDC can hold on to it.



Reacting to the claims of the 2016 Tema West NDC Parliamentary candidate in an interview with the Ghana News Agency after orgnaising a similar party for his supporters, Mr Dennis Amfo Sefa, an aspiring Tema West NPP Constituency Chairman said he was not surprised as the defeated NDC Parliamentary candidate was yet to recover from the humiliating defeat that they suffered in 2016.



I will start from his own background  Lawyer James Enu lost the Tema West seat to Mr Carlos Ahenkorah of the NPP by over 16,000 votes. On the Presidential level, John Mahama lost by almost one million votes which is unprecedented.



The question is when such losers speak and declare themselves victorious in future rather than in the present, do you take them serious? Lets not forget that these are the same people who said they were in a comfortable lead even when it was clear that they had lost the 2016 election, he said.



The aspiring NPP Constituency Chairman, popularly known as Nana Boakye said it was pre-matured to judge President Akufo-Addos government with just one year, when he had the mandate for four years, based on which it could be renewed.



It is said that it is an unwise person who judges a book by its cover. The NPP has been in power for only one year.



In this first year, all we have been doing is cleaning up the mess that you people left behind. How do you use only one year to judge a government when the mandate is for four years?



And when Lawyer Enu says that the NPP is corrupt he expects us to take him seriously, when he is a member of the NDC? This is the party that is notorious for so much corruption



Mr Sefa urged Ghanaians to disregard the NDC and their propaganda re-echoing President Akufo-Addos promise that in the coming year, Ghanaians will get to know who the real corrupt people are.



From next year, when the prosecutions begin, we will see who the real thieves and criminals are in this country, he added.

Source: GNA









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
Dr. Bawumia has given the assurance that the country will witness a major decline in the corruption indexes due to the existence of the Special Prosecutor whose mandate is to help fight corruption and ensure prudent use of the country's resources



Delivering a speech at the 86th Annual National Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission on Thursday, January 4, 2018 under the theme "Ensuring a Disciplined Society: The Role of Religion", Dr. Bawumia stated emphatically that the Special Prosecutor Act is a "significant step in the presidents determination to fight corruption in the public life of our dear nation".



To him, the Act is the antidote to corruption in the country.



"...Both past and present public officers will be under the microscope and held to account for their actions..." he said.



President Akufo-Addo on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 signed the Special Prosecutor Bill and four others into law.



The five bills into law are the office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, The Northern Development Authority Bill, Coastal Development Authority Bill, Middle Belt Development Authority Bill and the Zongo Development Fund Bill.



Dr Bawumia believes the Special Prosecutor Act will put public officersin check as government buckles up to fight against corruption.



"Signing of the Special Prosecutor Bill into law is a significant step in the presidents determination to fight corruption in the public life of our dear nation".



He further touched on the Northern Development Authority, Coastal Development Authority and Middle Belt Development Authority Acts which he emphasized "will manage the cedi equivalent of $1 million allocation to every constituency to undertake basic infrastructure projects. This is aimed at enhancing bottom-up development by increasing economic activity at the local level, and can only be achieved with significant levels of discipline and commitment".



The Akufo-Addo administration, he added, has enacted the Zongo Development Fund Bill "to utilize resources prudently to benefit deprived communities" and improve the lives of residents at Zongo communities.



"The Government of Nana Akufo-Addo is committed to building a robust economy to provide equal opportunity for all Ghanaians by rolling out some bold policy initiatives. These initiatives require high levels of collaboration, commitment and discipline to be successful", he assured.

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.

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In its desperate bid to hang on to power, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) purportedly devised various means aimed at winning the 2016 general elections.



It has emerged that in the heat of the campaign towards the general elections, the then NDC government, led by President John Dramani Mahama, almost succeeded in printing a whopping GH1 billion into the system to finance the NDC campaign.



The deal, involving the printing of GH50 notes to the tune of GH1 billion, however, failed to go through at the eleventh hour because the official printer of Ghanas currency in Europe  Crane  allegedly refused to get involved, citing criminality.



The surreptitious deal involved flooding the market with the extra cash, passing it through non-conventional means, for vote buying and other matters bordering on criminality.



The NDC operatives reportedly cooked the deal from the Flagstaff House in Accra and was said to have been done on the blind side of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), whose Governor at the time was Dr Abdul Nashiru Issahaku  a close associate of then President Mahama.



However, it is not clear whether the former Governor sanctioned the criminal idea, but according to sources, one of his deputies was neck-deep in the shady deal in collaboration with some senior appointees at the presidency at the time.



According to sources, National Security radar has picked the case for investigation.



The Flagstaff House elements at all material times were using the said deputy governor as the conduit for the alleged criminal deal and did not want it to go through the official banking processes of currency printing.



The huge amount was all supposed to be in GH50 denomination as insisted by the Flagstaff House kingpins, although the connection man, a Nigerian whose name was given as Lukman Lawal, had advised that the printing should be done in smaller denominations like GH5 to avoid detection.



DAILY GUIDE has gathered that the said Lawal met officials of Crane  a Swedish firm believed to be in-charge of printing Ghanas currency  several times in Geneva, Switzerland and London ahead of the supposed printing, but the key agent between Ghana and the printing firm refused, insisting it was a criminal action.



Later when the deputy governor was queried about the whole deal, he allegedly claimed that pressure was mounted on him from the Flagstaff House and mentioned a top Mahama aide, who is a former manager of a radio station, as one of the people behind the deal.



According to sources, the Nigerian was going to fly his private jet from Houston, Texas, United States, to meet the Crane officials and fly the money to Africa and would eventually use Ghanas presidential jet to transfer it into the country from Nigeria  without the approval of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).



More anon

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.

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The Acting National Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Freddie Blay, is optimistic President Akufo-Addo will create opportunities for Ghanaians in 2018.



Although many expectations have not been met since the party assumed power, there is the need for all and sundry to have faith in the great leader we fought to serve, according to him.



Mr Blay, in a New Year message to Ghanaians, called on the citizenry, particularly NPP faithful, to surmount the numerous challenges.



He asked Ghanaians to take consolation in the fact that the nation has a listening and working government with the spirit of servitude which puts the citizens first.



Lets brace ourselves for the greater opportunities that lie ahead of us this New Year, tap into all not just to better our lives but that of others around us, he underscored.



He thanked the party members for their sacrifices and selfless support that have strengthened the NPP.



Together, we fought our way back from eight years in opposition. Along the line, we lost soldiers of the patriotic army for change. May their selfless souls rest in perfect peace.



The NPP Chairman said the party members must protect one another, care for the sick, feed the hungry and welcome strangers no matter where they come from.



Those are the values that guide us as humans because our greatest responsibility is to serve, Mr Blay disclosed.



2018 will bring all Ghanaians joy, peace, fulfilment and above all the heart to look out for one another.

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
Both the newly-hatched baby chicks and the slide for the ducklings have been unveiled at the 2018 Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg.

The baby birds were on display at the Farm Show Complex and Expo Center on Cameron Street following a presentation with Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding, who spoke about connecting the food at the Farm Show with the food sources from Pennsylvania farms.

As in past years, there was also a chick hatch contest with a group of media personalities and public officials. The first egg to hatch was the one claimed by Matt Barcaro of TV news station WGAL, the area NBC affiliate. A donation of $1,000 was made in Barcaro's name to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.

The baby ducks and chicks will be on display in the Exposition Hall near the Food Court.

For more Farm Show updates and announcements, check out the following stories:
A sharply divided state court panel refused Thursday to grant worker's compensation to a Children & Youth Services worker who claimed she is psychologically disabled by the death of a 2-month-old child.

While horrific, the death of a child doesn't constitute an "abnormal working condition" that would justify awarding such benefits to someone in the children's services field, Judge Patricia H. McCullough found in the Commonwealth Court opinion.

The case centered on what happened to Lauren Griffin, a caseworker with Luzerne County CYS, when the baby in her care was killed in February 2014.

The night before the death, Griffin visited the infant's Nanticoke home, held the child and found the boy to be healthy. Hours later, the baby's mother closed him in a recliner and left him there to die.

On appeal to the state court, Griffin argued that the incident caused her nightmares, insomnia and post-traumatic stress disorder.

She appealed to Commonwealth Court after a worker's compensation judge and the Workers Compensation Appeals Board rejected her plea for benefits on grounds that her experience wasn't abnormal for her profession.

"There can be no dispute that the death of a child under one's care or supervision is a horrific act," McCullough wrote in backing the benefit denial. "Nor is it disputed that case workers like (Griffin) regularly encounter disturbing and sometimes life-threatening situations."

An important factor, she added, is that Griffin "did not directly experience a traumatic event at work. ... (She) was not present and did not witness the death of the baby."

Judge Joseph M. Cosgove strongly dissented, saying he would have awarded benefits.

"I believe the circumstances surrounding this tragedy constitute abnormal working conditions," he wrote. "This is a tragic case and denying (Griffin) compensation only exacerbates it."

Court records show the baby's mother, Tracey Gonda, 44, pleaded guilty to child endangerment and was sentenced to 15 months to 5 years in prison. The father, Corey Eckrote, 52, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment and received a 2- to 6-year jail term.
WILLIAMSPORT -- Officially the 1992 disappearance of Dawn Marie Miller is listed as an open case but the Lycoming County detective investigating it the past 10 years says it is solved.

Detective Kenneth L. Mains laments he was unable to get former Centre County District Attorney Stacy Parks Miller to approve charges.

"It's not up to me to approve charges or sign off on an affidavit of probable cause," said the founder of the American Investigative Society of Cold Cases and a nationally known consultant

"It isn't my job to prosecute or convict. It isn't my job to sentence someone either. It is my job to solve the case, period. That has been done."

With Parks Miller out of office, Mains said he would welcome the opportunity to discuss the case with the new District Attorney Bernie Cantorna. Cantorna declined comment on the case.

Miller, 22, of Williamsport, was last seen Oct. 24, 1992, leaving the former Bellefonte Academy Apartments in Bellefonte with two men in a 1982 Datsun 210 brown or maroon station wagon.

Her boyfriend Greg Emel, with whom she was living after an argument with her mother, became the prime suspect.

He committed suicide Oct. 15, 2008 about six months after Mains said he interviewed him.

Shortly after Emel died, a second person admitted he was present when Miller was killed, Mains said.

The man, who is no longer cooperating with authorities, identified the killer and showed where the body supposedly was buried in a shallow grave in the Jacksonville Quarry area near Bellefonte, he said.

A cadaver dog made a hit at that location but despite countless hours of searching and exhaustive digging, Miller's body has never been found.

The detective believes there is sufficient evidence to charge that individual at least with gross abuse of corpse but he said Parks Miller would not sign off.

It was her opinion the statute of limitations has expired. Mains disagrees since the charge would be linked to a homicide.

"I don't make it a habit to second guess her or any attorney about the law just as I wouldn't want them to second guess me about how to do an investigation," he said.

Mains maintains contact with Miller's mother and said, "I still walk the woods where I believe she is buried hoping to find her and bring closure to Dawn's family."

"I deeply regret we were unable to locate her body for her family," Parks Miller said.

Miller's disappearance is a Williamsport case because police there got the initial missing person report.

That was a ruse developed by the person who took her life to mislead investigators, Parks Miller said. "This is a Centre County homicide case," she said.

It had been dormant until 2007 when Mains, a Williamsport officer then, said he discovered information about it on the Internet and asked permission to look into it.

"It upset me tremendously that no one was working on the case and even more that no one even knew we had a missing person named Dawn Marie Miller."

Chief David Young said he cannot speak about procedures a decade ago but today all major unsolved cases including missing persons are reviewed every six months.

"Kenny was ruthless in this case," said Sunbury Police Chief Timothy S. Miller, the lead investigator in another cold case. The two worked together on the force in Williamsport.

Detective. Kenneth L. Mains

The Dawn Miller case is included in Mains' book released in May entitled "UNSOLVED NO MORE: A Cold Case Detective's Fight For Justice."

The book, available at www.kennethmains.com, describes the challenges and frustrations of trying to crack a cold case.

It also tells about his personal journey to where he is today that includes putting himself through college to earn a criminal justice degree after being discharged from the Marines.

He quit his job as a Williamsport police officer after being denied permission to help investigate on his own time the still-unsolved murder of a mother and daughter.

Mains took a cut in pay to become a county detective to work on that case.

His work has taken him to the West Coast where he is part of a detective team that believes it may be able to identify the "Zodiac Killer," who is blamed for a series of slayings and mystifying riddles in the late 1960s and 1970s in northern California.

The team of which Mains is a member says DNA extracted from one of the murder victim's clothing may help identify the killer who claimed as many as 37 victims.

The team's investigative work was featured in a recent five-part History Channel series called "The Hunt for the Zodiac Killer."

Cold cases like the Zodiac Killer and JFK's assassination have intrigued him since he was a young boy, Mains said.

"I am determined to be the voice of the lost and forgotten," he says.
Federal prosecutors have charged a midstate asbestos removal contractor with violating environmental protection and worker safety laws and hiring "unauthorized" aliens.

Records show Charles R. Powers Jr. already has struck a tentative agreement to plead guilty to the charges filed in U.S. Middle District Court in Harrisburg. Powers is president of York-based First Capital Insulation Inc.

The U.S. Attorney's Office accuses Powers of violating the law on jobs in Berwick and Harrisburg.

The Berwick project involved the demolition of a former weaving mill to make way for construction of an elementary school for Berwick Area School District. First Capital was hired to remove asbestos from a boiler and piping in the mill for nearly $218,000.

Federal law requires that asbestos be wetted during removal to prevent the hazardous particles from becoming airborne. The waste also is required to be carefully packaged and marked with warning labels.

Investigators, working on a tip from a union organizer, inspected the Berwick job in February 2015 found that no wetting of the asbestos was done during the removal process and that the waste was simply put into unmarked bags, charging documents state.

The feds also claim Powers hired three unauthorized immigrants from Ecuador for the Berwick job without checking to verify their bogus Social Security numbers and faked state asbestos contractor licenses.

In addition, Powers is charged with making false statements to OSHA regarding required testing of the fit of respirators for workers on an asbestos removal job in Harrisburg in 2015.

The tentative plea agreement calls for Powers to plead guilty to the charges, which carry a possible penalty of up to 10 1/2 years in prison and $504,313 in fines. The proposed deal does not contain any promise for a specific sentence.

The agreement won't become final unless it is approved by Senior Judge Sylvia H. Rambo.
The federal government has penalized 32 Pennsylvania hospitals for high rates of infections and injuries that took place in the facilities.



They are among 751 hospitals around the country being penalized by way of reduced payments from Medicare. The penalties result from a four-year-old program that's part of the Affordable Care Act and intended to prod hospitals into making reduction of such incidents a higher priority.

Seventeen of the Pennsylvania hospitals that were penalized were also penalized the previous year.

The penalty amounts to 1 percent of the money hospitals receive from Medicare. In 2015, when 39 Pennsylvania hospitals were penalized, it cost them an estimated $19 million.

Hospitals were penalized for having higher rates of infections related to certain catheters and intravenous lines, certain surgeries and MRSA and c-diff infections. They also reflect higher rates of certain hospital injuries, such as bed sores and hip fractures from falls at the hospital.



An analysis by Kaiser Health News found that hospitals which treat higher proportions of people with lower incomes were more likely to be fined than hospitals that mostly serve people who are better off.



Kaiser further wrote: "The penalties have been controversial from the beginning. The hospital industry faults them as unfairly punishing hospitals that treat sicker patients and those that do a better job of identifying infections and other patient complications. Patient advocates say that, while not perfect, the penalties have been a valuable prod to make hospital executives consider more than the bottom line."
PITTSBURGH -- Area residents covered by Highmark will have continued in-network access to some specialized UPMC facilities, including Western Psychiatric Institute and some transplant and cancer services, under an agreement announced Thursday.

The agreement also preserves continued network access for Highmark members to assorted hospitals UPMC has acquired around the state, including a cluster in the Harrisburg region and central Pennsylvania.

The agreement is one more fallout of the dispute that led UPMC to cut off in-network access to people covered by Highmark health insurance in the Pittsburgh area. In 2014, the dispute led to a state-brokered consent decree which ensured Highmark members continued access to certain specialized UPMC facilities and services.

However, the decree expires in June, 2019; the agreement announced Thursday by Gov. Tom Wolf preserves access for Highmark members after it expires.



In the Pittsburgh area, it ensures in-network access to:



Western Psychiatric Institute



UPMC Center for Assistive Technology



UPMC Center for Excellence for treatment of Cystic Fibrosis



Certain highly specialized transplant services only available through UPMC



Selected UPMC Joint Ventures with community facilities, including oncology



Highmark members also have continued access to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, although it comes by a way of an existing agreement.



The new agreement further assures continued in-network Highmark member access to assorted other hospitals acquired by UPMC around the state if the UPMC hospital is the only one in the community.



In the Harrisburg Region, that includes the former Carlisle Regional, Lancaster Regional, Heart of Lancaster Region, Hanover and York Memorial hospitals. Elsewhere, it includes hospitals in the Altoona, Bedford and Williamsport areas.

UPMC has said it had no plans to cut off access to those hospitals, including those that were part of the former PinnacleHealth System now owned by UPMC. However, Tom Fitzpatrick, Highmark's senior vice president for contracting, said Highmark members in various communities around the state had heart about the situation in Pittsburgh and worried about losing access to their local hospital.

"It's very important for those people to know they will have network access to those facilities that are the sole source of care in those communities," Fitzpatrick said in an interview Thursday.

The new agreement assures access through 2024 or 2025, depending on the hospital, he said. Now, as a result of the new agreement and already-existing contracts, people covered by Highmark have access to all UPMC hospitals in central Pennsylvania, including UPMC Pinnacle's Harrisburg, West Shore and Community General Osteopathic hospitals in the Harrisburg area, and the UPMC Susquehanna hospitals in the Williamsport area.

Note: this article was updated to clarify that people covered by Highmark now have long-term assurances of access to all UPMC Pinnacle hospitals and UPMC Susquehanna hospitals.
A middle school teacher who was fired when he flunked a drug test and admitted using cocaine has failed to convince a state appeals court to give him his job back.

Instead, in a ruling issued Thursday, the Commonwealth Court panel rejected Timothy Metz's argument that Bethlehem Area School District officials violated his rights by requiring him to submit to the testing.

Metz's drug-related downfall began in January 2016 when district officials received a copy of a letter that was addressed to a lawyer representing him in a child custody dispute.

That letter stated that a drug test Metz had taken as part of the custody process had registered positive for cocaine metabolites, Senior Judge Dan Pellegrini noted in the state court's opinion. Metz's doctor then told school officials that Metz was taking medication that would trigger a false positive for marijuana use.

Pellegrini noted that Metz, a physical education teacher at East Hills Middle School, at first refused orders by district officials to submit to another drug test. He eventually complied, however, and again registered a positive for cocaine use.

The state judge cited later testimony by Metz that he had used cocaine at a Super Bowl party. Metz denied being an addict, however, and said he was never intoxicated at work, Pellegrini wrote.

"He also admitted that he would teach his own students that cocaine is 'a dangerous drug that should not be used'," the judge added.

Metz appealed to Commonwealth Court after the state's education secretary upheld the school district's decision to fire him for "willful neglect of duty and immorality."

Metz urged the state court to void his firing and find the district's demands that he undergo drug testing violated his civil rights because there was no justification for the requests.

Pellegrini disagreed, finding there was ample reasonable suspicion to warrant the demand that Metz submit to the drug screening.
The Famous Five: Oil's key people who could define the market in 2018

Bloomberg



Khalid Al-Falih, Alexander Novak,Tim Dove , Nicolas Maduro , Elon Musk



By Christopher Sell and Grant Smith

LONDON

Petroleumworld 04 01 2018

Will Saudi Arabia and Russia maintain their grip on production, or could they succumb to another surge in U.S. shale? Is it possible for the economic collapse of a major producer to send crude prices soaring, or perhaps Silicon Valley will usher in the end of the combustion engine?

After ending 2017 at a two-year high, oil prices could go either way this year, and these five individuals could play defining roles.

The OPEC Kingpin : Khalid Al-Falih

Simon Dawson/Bloomberg

Saudi Minister of Energy and Industry Khalid Al-Falih is facing a crucial 12 months. Having defied skeptics in 2016 by reversing the kingdom's strategy and sealing the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries' first output cut in eight years, the former chairman of Aramco finished last year on another high after securing a deal to extend the curbs to the end of 2018.

Now all Al-Falih has to do is ensure fellow members maintain their pledged cuts, keep Russia invested in the deal, and hope oil prices are high enough to ensure a successful initial public offering of Aramco without spurring another wave of U.S. shale. Simple.

Putin's Oil Man : Alexander Novak

Simon Dawson/Bloomberg

If OPEC-watchers once fixated exclusively on every word of Saudi Arabia, they now obsess over a country that isn't even part of the cartel. Russia's decision last year to join OPEC in cutting oil production, after years of keeping its distance, has been critical in the success of the strategy.

Consequently, crude traders are just as likely to pore over the statements of Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak as of his Saudi counterpart. Novak, 46, has developed a clear personal bond with Al-Falih, helping the two countries to set aside years of mutual distrust and seal a historic cooperation agreement. Their partnership has been so strong that Citigroup Inc. calls it a  bromance , but it may be tested by pressure from Russian companies pushing for an early end to the cuts.

The Shale Pioneer: Tim Dove

Eddie Seal/Bloomberg



Growth in U.S. shale output is the biggest wild card for 2018, with estimates from 700,000 barrels a day to more than 1 million, depending on who you ask. At the center of the industry is the Permian in Texas, and Pioneer Natural Resources Co. is one of the biggest acreage holders in the basin.

Its CEO Tim Dove sees the area as the "lifeblood" of U.S. production for many years, forecasting production there will rise to 3.3 million barrels a day this year from about 2.85 million currently. But it's not all plain sailing. The company underperformed the S&P Energy index in the second half of 2017, possibly a victim of investors losing patience with the shale industry as a whole. Still, the company had already locked in selling prices for more than 70 percent of 2018 production as of the third quarter, according to a Bloomberg New Energy Finance survey.

The Latin Strongman: Nicolas Maduro

Carlos Becerra/Bloomberg

Crippling U.S. sanctions, overdue bond payments and dwindling crude production: Venezuela's president Nicolas Maduro has a lot on his plate heading into 2018. Promising a "new oil revolution," the increasingly authoritarian leader named a military general as the nation's chief oil supremo and embarked on a wide-reaching purge of officials at state oil company Petroleos de Venezuela SA, including two former petroleum ministers.

The Latin American nation's economic crisis has been worsened by dwindling crude output, which fell to 1.86 million barrels a day in November from more than 3 million in 2001. In 2018, the consultant Rystad Energy estimates some crude fields could decline by as much as 30 percent. That would put Venezuela's output well below its OPEC target, meaning the market could be tighter than the group intends.

The Tech Rockstar: Elon Musk

Re-usable rockets and dreams of launching manned flights to Mars have long made Elon Musk a famous name for tech enthusiasts, but 2018 could be the year the oil market really takes notice. The six-foot-two South African entrepreneur hopes that 5,000 units of Tesla Inc. 's new lower-cost Model 3 electric car will roll off the assembly line every week by April. That would be a breakthrough for battery-powered vehicles, bringing what has been a luxury technology to the mass market.

If Musk succeeds, it will surely stoke speculation that electric cars will displace the internal combustion engine faster than expected. Even OPEC has conceded that oil consumption could stagnate in coming decades if battery-powered vehicles go mainstream . For now, oil bulls can take comfort in Tesla's teething troubles -- it's burning through $8,000 a minute and Model 3 deliveries during the third quarter numbered just 260.
Extreme cold weather sinks U.S. natural gas exports to Mexico

Luke Sharrett /Bloomberg



Residential and commercial demand in the Gulf has soared. Gas prices in West Texas hit the highest level in a year

By Ryan Collins

HOUSTON

Petroleumworld 04 01 2018

The unusual frigid weather hitting the U.S. Gulf of Mexico has the region burning the most natural gas in a year to stay warm, leaving little fuel to send south of the border.

Residential and commercial demand for gas in the Gulf rose to 5 billion cubic feet a day this week, the highest since last January, according to estimates from Bloomberg New Energy Finance. Spot prices at the Waha Hub in West Texas, which usually trade at a discount to the Henry Hub benchmark in Louisiana, surged to a 69 cent premium , according to Genscape Inc. data. With demand soaring in Texas, gas exports to Mexico on Tuesday dropped to the lowest level since Hurricane Harvey hit the Gulf in August.

Frigid temperatures from Texas to New York are shaking up the U.S. gas market. The fuel usually flows to the Gulf from the Northeast, where there are ample supplies, but with demand skyrocketing in the region, flows have actually been reversed, said Het Shah, analyst at Bloomberg New Energy Finance.

"It's been so cold in the Northeast that gas has actually been flowing south to north to keep up with the demand," Shah said. "The gas is being reshuffled and moved east and north."

That means Texas is sending a lot less of the fuel out west, usually one of its prime markets. Flows from the Gulf to the Southwest dropped to 72 million cubic feet a day Wednesday, the lowest since March 2015.
Petroleumworld Top Headlines

Stories are not allways available on the Petroleumworld site after 90 days.

Top Headlines 2016

Top Headlines 2017 January/June

Top Headlines 2017 June/December

Top Headlines 2018 Jan- April

James Durbin/Reporter-Telegram



M ay 12 awaited to see if U.S. withdraws from Iran nuclear deal. WTI is up 4.6% in April, poised for a second monthly advance

By Heesu Lee



SEOUL

Petroleumworld 04 30 2018

Bloomberg



Chevron result took full advantage of crude's price rally. Exxon, in rebuilding mode, misses estimates on production - Bloomberg's Tina Davis reports on Chevron and Exxon Mobil first-quarter earnings.- Video

By Kevin Crowley



HOUSTON

Petroleumworld 04 30 2018

Trump's threat to Iran is scaring off oil traders



Uncertainty about Trump sanctions decision damps deal-making. Some buyers see shunning Iran oil to avoid U.S. legal action - Video -Trump says Iran will pay a price if U.S. is threatened.

By Anthony Dipaola



DUBAI

Petroleumworld 04 27 2018

Nile TV



U.S. crude, product exports rise to record 8.3m b/d last week. Higher prices encourage the nation to pump more: Citigroup

By Sharon Cho



SINGAPORE

Petroleumworld 04 27 2018

Bloomberg video



About 279,000 barrels a day of fuel won't be needed this year. China adds a London-sized electric bus fleet every five weeks - Video - Electric Buses Are Hurting the Oil Industry

By Jeremy Hodges



NEW YORK

Petroleumworld 04 26 2018

Shannon Stapleton/Reuters



James Prokupek (L), an engineering department process design manager for the Valero St. Charles Oil Refiner, is seen in silhouette during a tour of the refinery in Norco, Louisiana, in thi August 15, 2008

By Devika Krishna Kumar



NEW YORK

Petroleumworld 04 26 2018

Bloomberg



Shale play in Texas, New Mexico to hit record output in May. Oil patch seen overtaking Iran by the end of the year - XTO Energy President on Unlocking Permian Basin's Potential - Video

By Jessica Summers and Sheela Tobben



NEW YORK

Petroleumworld 04 25 2018

The Wall Street Journal / Source: Morgay Stanley/Bloomberg



Holders of oil company's bonds due in 2020 forming a group. Notes are at 86 cents on the dollar, well above other debt

By Katia Porzecanski and Luca Casiraghi



NEW YORK/LONDON

Petroleumworld 04 25 2018

Bloomberg



Nafta optimism overshadows potential risk from Lopez Obrador. Leftist presidential candidate maintains lead in polls. Trio of Ministers leading nafta talks meet Thursday - Video

By Michelle Davis and Liz McCormick



MEXICO CITY/NEW YORK

Petroleumworld 04 24 2018

Los Angeles Time



Chevron employees, Carlos Luis Algarra, refining expert and Rene Vasquez, procurement advisor were detained in Venezuela last week when they refused to sign a supply contract written by PDVSA executives under an emergency decree - which skips the competitive bidding process, according to a half dozen sources close to the case.

By Marianna Parraga and Alexandra Ulmer



HOUSTON/CARACAS

Petroleumworld 04 24 2018



Crude erases gains as Trump accuses group of inflating prices. OPEC, Russia show willingness to keep tightening market. - $70 Per Barrel Target 'More Realistic' for Oil Price, Says Schork -Video

By Angelina Rascouet, Wael Mahdi, Elena Mazneva, and Grant Smith



LONDON

Petroleumworld 04 23 2018

Brett Gundlock/Bloomberg



Unhappy voters. Gas taxes are far higher than in the U.S., while consumption has begun to rise against decreasing production. Will Mexico's new president have an answer?

By Justin Fox



NEW YORK

Petroleumworld 04 23 2018

Jornal do Brazil



Brazil's 15th oil & gas licensing round was consider very succesfull by the Brazilian government, oil company executives and experts who attended the event March 29.

By Marta Nogueira, Alexandra Alper



RIO DE JANEIRO

Petroleumworld 03 30 2018

CNN



Prices rise 5.4 percent in March, erasing February loss.



By Apeksha Nair



BENGALURU, India

Petroleumworld 03 30 2018

ANP



The ANP to hold Thursday, march 29, 2018, the 15th Round of Bids for the Exploration and Production of Oil and Natural Gas, under the concession regime.

By Petroleumworld



CARACAS

Petroleumworld 03 29 2018

Oil companies raise issue with contaminated crude from U.S. SPR reserve

Reuters/Richard Carson



A sign listing contents of an oil storage tank seen during a tour by the Department of Energy at the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in Freeport, Texas, U.S. June 9, 2016.

By Catherine Ngai



NEW YORK

Petroleumworld 03 29 2018

CNH



Shell, BP, Total, Repsol, Eni, Lukoil among auction winners. Mexico awards development licenses for 16 shallow-water blocks.

By Amy Stillman and Adam Williams



MEXICO CITY

Petroleumworld 03 28 2018

epmag



Twenty-one companies including Chevron, BP, Exxon, Royal Dutch Shell, Statoil, and Total have registered to bid in a round where 70 blocks are being offered.

By Marta Nogueira and Rodrigo Viga Gaier



RIO DE JANEIRO

Petroleumworld 03 28 2018

Bloomberg



China's Shanghai International Energy Exchange is launching its own crude oil future contract. Yuan-denominated contract begins trading in Shanghai Monday. Domestic futures start 25 years after idea was first mooted. - Video

By Grant Clark and Sungwoo Park



LONDON/LOS ANGELES

Petroleumworld 03 27 2018

Brazil's giant's hunger for foreign gas ebbs amid oil boom

Eddie Seal/Bloomberg



Brazil's LNG imports sank 75 percent as production jumped. Only 3 percent of U.S. LNG exports have reached Brazil

By Sabrina Valle

RIO DE JANEIRO

Petroleumworld 03 27 2018



Bolton in White House Gives New Take on Foreign Policy - video

By Andrew Dunn and Sarah Ponczek



NEW YORK

Petroleumworld 03 26 2018



Juan Mabromata/AFP



Public-private partnership seen improving Vaca Muerta access. Trains to cut fracking costs in country's answer to Permian.

By Andres R Martinez , Jonathan Gilbert , and Jorgelina Do Rosario



BUENOS AIRES

Petroleumworld 03 26 2018

China should import more U.S. Gas to cut trade gap - Wilbur Ross

Bloomberg



China is already the third-biggest importer of U.S. LNG. State-owned CNPC inked the first long-term deal with Cheniere - Video

By Ryan Collins, Scarlet Fu, and Julia Chatterley



HOUSTON/NEW YORK

Petroleumworld 03 23 2018

Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg



Energy Secretary Rick Perry says U.S.'s pass on saudi reactors benefits China, Russia. Perry asked by Senate panel about Saudi enrichment.

By Ari Natter



WASHINGTON

Petroleumworld 03 23 2018



Vienna meeting looked at potential change to inventory target. Proposal could affect how quickly deal achieves its goals

By Angelina Rascouet, Javier Blas, and Grant Smith



LONDON

Petroleumworld 03 22 2018

Luka Gonzales/AFP



Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, former Wall Street veteran brought down by corruption probes. First Vice President Martin Vizcarra to be sworn in on Friday

By John Quigley



LIMA

Petroleumworld 03 22 2018

Animal Politico



Lopez Obrador (l) Ricardo Anaya (c) and Jose Antonio Meade (r)



GEA-ISA survey has Lopez Obrador at 37%, Anaya 32%, Meade 28%

By Nacha Cattan



MEXICO CITY

Petroleumworld 03 22 2018

Martin Divisek/Bloomberg



Saudi Arabia plan for the future, called Vision 203 , is based on diversifying the Saudi economy to prepare for the day when oil and natural gas wells run dry.

By Mahmoud Habboush and Bruce Stanley



ABU DHABI

Petroleumworld 03 21 2018

With the world's second-biggest proven reserves of oil, Saudi Arabia seems an unlikely aspirant to the nuclear-energy club. Yet the largest oil exporter plans to build at least 16 nuclear reactors over the next 25 years at a cost of more than $80 billion.

lloydslist



Susan Dio will replace John Minge as chairman of BP Americas. BP is expected to invests $199.5 million in Mexican deepwater well and add up to 75 million barrels of oil equivalent in reserves.

By PW MEXICO



MEXICO CITY

Petroleumworld 03 21 2018

Simon Dawson/Bloomberg



Mohammed bin Salman

By Javier Blas



LONDON

Petroleumworld 03 20 2018

Eddie Seal/Bloomberg



Nordex working with local partner for first assembly plant. Argentina wind market booming but European sales are weak.

By Vanessa Dezem



SAO PAULO

Petroleumworld 03 20 2018

istock



Reiterates promise to review older private oil contracts. Would also halt the privatization of the electricity sector

By Justin Villamil



MEXICO CITY

Petroleumworld 03 19 2018

Mandel Ngan/AFP



Oil and gas leaders warn Trump he risks harming their industry. ndustry leaders say it provides an essential safety net.

By Jennifer A Dlouhy



WASHINGTON

Petroleumworld 03 19 2018

Statoil changes name to Equinor as it goes green

Statoil



Move follows increase in investments in renewable energy. Rebranding costs said to be as much as 250 million kroner. Video - Thank you, Statoil! It's been a pleasure.

By Joachim Dagenborg , Nerijus Adomaitis



OSLO

Petroleumworld 03 16 2018

Mexican presidential candidates' advisers face off on oil, corruption and new airport

Brett Gundlock/Bloomberg



Gerardo Esquivel, left, speaks as Luis Madrazo, center, and Salomon Chertorivsk, look on during the Bloomberg FX18 Summit in Mexico City, on March 14. Meade's adviser says AMLO's contract review sows uncertainty. Anaya adviser attacks ruling party's record on corruption

By Nacha Cattan



MEXICO CITY

Petroleumworld 03 16 2018

OPEC predicts shale growth outpacing its own oil supply

Bloomberg



Group raises non-OPEC supply growth by 260,000 barrels a day. OPEC's forecasts are catching up with those by the IEA - Video: OPEC has had limited succes increasing prices, says Daman's Al Rantisi.

By Grant Smith



LONDON

Petroleumworld 03 15 2018

Latin America's clean energy market for big boys only

Stephane De Sakutin/AFP - A solar power plant in Atacama desert, Chile on Jan. 22, 2017.



No more room for the little guys. International energy companies drive down power prices.

It has been very hard to compete with the larger companies'

By Vanessa Dezem and Mark Chediak



SAO PAULO/SAN FRANCISCO

Petroleumworld 03 15 2018

What Rex Tillerson exit really means for oil

Drew Angerer



A harder line on Iran may help Saudi Arabia for now, but rising nationalism threatens long-term demand.

By Liam Denning



NEW YORK

Petroleumworld 03 14 2018

Natural Gas prices need to be oil-linked - Gas exporters

Haidar Mohammed Ali/AFP



Industry to invest $8 trillion by 2040 to meet demand: GECF. There's no current or future glut in LNG, new GECF head says

By Mohammed Sergie



NEW YORK

Petroleumworld 03 14 2018

Alirio Parra: a true OPEC icon, dies aged 90

OPEC



Iin 2017, OPEC honoured HE Dr. Alirio Parra (seond r), with a lifetime achievement award for his distinguished career and life achievements. He was the last surviving witness of the Baghdad declaration that birthed OPEC.

By Petroleumworld



CARACAS

Petroleumworld 03 09 2018

Twitter/Ricardo Anaya



Presidential candidate vows to pursue Pena Nieto if he wins. Contrast with leftist frontrunner Amlo, who talks forgiveness.

By Nacha Cattan



SINGAPORE

Petroleumworld 03 13 2018

Reuters/Marcos Brindicci



Argentina's President Mauricio Macri waves as he arrives for the opening session of the 136th legislative term at the Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina, March 1, 2018.

By Luc Cohen



BUENOS AIRES

Petroleumworld 03 13 2018





PW DAILY BRIEF: March 5-10

Todd Peterson Day 5: Day 5: Last day; Angora-New technology, EVs, carbon capture, LNG

Todd Peterson  Day 4: Power talk: utilities, grids

Todd Peterson  Day 3: Natural gas day , Secretaries of Energy: Canada, Mexico and the USA

Todd Peterson-Day 2: Saudi Aramco, US Sec. of the Interior, Pemex, BP and Google Cloud

T odd Peterson - Day 1 : Tipping Point: Strategies for a new energy future



Todd Peterson -CERAWeek: Registration day

Nile TV



ING sees U.S. eating into producer group's Asian market share . Dutch bank forecasts Brent oil at $57/bbl in second half 2018

By Pratish Narayana



SINGAPORE

Petroleumworld 03 12 2018

Energy World



Venezuelan oil company cheated out of $5.2 billion: Boies. Long conspiracy by Helsinge Enterprise' traced in complaint

By Ben Bartenstein and Robert Burnson



NEW YORK/SAN FRANCISCO

Petroleumworld 03 12 2018

Aaron M. Sprecher



Pedro Joaquin Coldwell, Mexico's energy secretary, second left, speaks as Carlos Pascual, senior vice president of IHS Inc., left, Jim Carr, Canada's minister of natural resources, second right, and Rick Perry, U.S. secretary of energy, listen during the 2018 CERAWeek by IHS Markit conference in Houston, Texas, on Wednesday, March 7, 2018.

By Liam Denning



HOUSTON

Petroleumworld 03 09 2018

Bartolomej Tomic



Shell to invest up to $1B in new energies, but energy transition won't happen overnight | Offshore Energy Today

By Ron Bousso and Ernest Scheyder



HOUSTON

Petroleumworld 03 09 2018

Bloomberg



Pemex will bid in shallow water oil auction this month. Video: Pemex CEO Carlos Trevino says the company is trying to become "more flexible."

By Adam Williams and Lucia Kassai



HOUSTON

Petroleumworld 03 08 2018

CERAWeek: U.S. Energy Secretary blasted the 2015 agreement to limit global warming



CERAWeek by IHS Markint



U.S. energy Secretary Rick Perry opens up about the energy climate.

By Ron Bousso



HOUSTON

Petroleumworld 03 08 2018

Bloomberg



Pemex will bid in shallow water oil auction this month. Video: Pemex CEO Carlos Trevino says the company is trying to become "more flexible."

By Adam Williams and Lucia Kassai



HOUSTON

Petroleumworld 03 08 2018

CERAWeek: U.S. Energy Secretary blasted the 2015 agreement to limit global warming



CERAWeek by IHS Markint



U.S. energy Secretary Rick Perry opens up about the energy climate.

By Ron Bousso



HOUSTON

Petroleumworld 03 08 2018

CERAWeek: Big oil and electric cars, what about?

Jason Alden/Bloomberg



CEOs of oil giants BP, Aramco say EVs are not the end of oil. Meanwhile, Total CEO is already driving around an electric car.

By Tina Davies and Javier Blas



HOUSTON

Petroleumworld 03 07 2018

Reuters/Daniel Tapia



The Andean country is in a race with Latin American neighbors Argentina, Mexico, Brazil and Uruguay to attract foreign capital to their energy sectors, but the scale of Ecuador's projects is smaller.

By Marianna Parraga



HOUSTON

Petroleumworld 03 07 2018

Bloomberg



IEA sees American energy dominance squeezing OPEC into 2020s. U.S. producers will put their stamp' on market for five years. OPEC will see little increase in demand for its crude to 2021- Video - Bloomberg's Javier Blas and Julian Lee discuss an IEA report on global oil output.

By Grant Smith



LONDON

Petroleumworld 03 06 2018



Total CEO, during a conference in CERAWeek by IHS Markind in Houston, Monday. Lack of shale in portfolio no handicap to making profits. Pouyanne focusing on deep seas, LNG, traditional oil regions. - Video - Total Doesn't Need Shale to Thrive, CEO Pouyanne Says

By Tina Davis



HOUSTON

Petroleumworld 03 06 2018

Shell



Shell's deepwater Whale well strikes big pay in the Gulf of Mexico

By Ron Bousso and Marianna Parraga



LONDON/HOUSTON

Petroleumworld 03 05 2018

CERAWeek



CEOs, ministers gather in Houston for energy industry event. The OPEC rivalry with shale producers will be a hot topic.

By Carlos Caminada and Joe Carroll



HOUSTON

Petroleumworld 03 05 2018

OPEC oil output down to 10-month low

Dreamstime



Crude output falls to 32.28 million barrels a day: survey. United Arab Emirates have Das Blend fields under maintenance

By Angelina Rascouet and Wael Mahdi

LONDON

Petroleumworld 03 02 2018

Cooper Neill/Bloomberg



Report addresses risks from sustainable development scenarios. Among last oil majors to release report on potential effects

By Kevin Crowley

HOUSTON

Petroleumworld 03 02 2018

Hess



Pacora-1 well encounters approximately 65 feet of high-quality, oil-bearing sandstone. High quality resources to be integrated into giant Payara field development. Further drilling on the Stabroek Block planned in 2018.

By Petroleumworld

CARACAS

Petroleumworld 03 01 2018

ExxonMobil Corporation have announced the seventh oil discovery offshore Guyana, following drilling at the Pacora-1 exploration well.

Eddie Seal/Bloomberg



Committee says lower rates would make U.S. more competitive. Panel urges pared environmental review, faster Arctic drilling

By Jennifer A Dlouhy

WASHINGTON

Petroleumworld 03 01 2018

Oil executives urged the Trump administration to slash the rates their companies pay to harvest natural gas and crude from beneath U.S. waters.

Bloomberg/Susana Gonzalez



New refinery estimated to cost $6 billion to $10 billion. About 75 percent of Mexico's gasoline in January was imported

By Amy Stillman

MEXICO CITY

Petroleumworld 02 28 2018

Bloomberg



Restrictions would target energy sector to pressure Maduro. Tillerson is still studying possible fallout from sanctions

By Nicholas Wadhams

WASHINGTON

Petroleumworld 02 28 2018





Naphtha demand seen surging if PDVSA upgraders start failing. Costs may rise as the nation will have to buy at higher prices

By Lucia Kassai and Milana Vinn

HOUSTON/NEW YORK

Petroleumworld 02 27 2018

Bloomberg



LOOP deepwater port to simplify export logistics: Braemar ACM. Medium-sour crude exports in focus with time and cost savings

By Serene Chong

SINGAPORE

Petroleumworld 02 27 2018

Reuters/Adnan Abidi



Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih (C) talks to the media as he leaves after a meeting in New Delhi, India, February 23, 2018. Falih said OPEC was determined to translate the success of the deal to curb supply into a permanent framework with other major producers.

By Nidhi Verma and Sudarshan Varadhan NEW DELHI

Petroleumworld 02 26 2018

Bloomberg/Asim Hafeez



Revamping $2.7 billion of trades supplying half of world crude. Online ledger may mean cutting hundreds of backoffice workers

By Milana Vinn and Laura Blewitt

NEW YORK/HOUSTON

Petroleumworld 02 26 2018

Even Saudi Arabia wants in on the U.S. oil boom



U.S. oil boom tempts Saudis to consider american crude sale. Aramco said to have mulled Feb. sale via Motiva unit to Asia.State-run Saudi firm decided sale was unviable for the month. Video - U.S. Oil Supplies Hit OPEC Curbs

By Serene Cheong

SINGAPORE

Petroleumworld 02 23 2018

Wil Riera/Bloomberg



An PDVSA worker's refrigerator is bare at a home in Anzoategui State. Hungry employees are growing too weak for heavy labor, hobbling the refineries that keep the economy running.

By Fabiola Zerpa

CARACAS

Petroleumworld 02 23 2018

Kristian Helgesen/Bloomberg



Norges Bank study contradicts theory on economic impact of oil riches

By Sveinung Sleire

OSLO

Petroleumworld 02 22 2018

Alejandro Cegarra/Bloomberg



Position may steal thunder from leftist front-runner Amlo. Mexico has one of the lowest minimum wages in Latin America.

By Nacha Cattan

MEXICO CITY

Petroleumworld 02 22 2018

BP sees electric car as the future with peak oil demand in 2030s

Bloomberg



"We know a lot about these new technologies," Dudley says. "They have to be economic for our shareholders." Company had last year forecast demand would peak in 2040s. Revises down petrochemicals outlook due to plastics regulation - Video

By Anna Hirtenstein

LONDON

Petroleumworld 02 21 2018

Julio Cesar Aguilar/AFP



Business elites ignore Obrador despite his lead in polls and backs runner up Ricardo Anaya (in photo) - Video

By Nacha Cattan

MEXICO CITY

Petroleumworld 02 21 2018

Reuters



U.S. crude exporting previously made using smaller tankers

By Javier Blas and David Marino

LONDON/NEW YORK

Petroleumworld 02 20 2018

Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP



Expats hold the key to whether its big offshore oil deposits bring riches -- or ruin.

By Mac Margolis

RIO DE JANEIRO

Petroleumworld 02 20 2018

Alejandro Cegarra/Bloomberg



No more will we turn ourselves into doormats before the U.S. government the way this federal government has done, Anaya said.

By Nacha Cattan

MEXICO CITY

Petroleumworld 02 19 2018

Jewel Samad/AFP



Firm alleges associates of former minister solicited payoff. Houston-based energy company says it lost $470 million

By Peter Blumberg

HOUSTON

Petroleumworld 02 19 2018

U.S. Gulf refiners rushing for heavy U.K. crude to offset declining imports from Venezuela

wallstreetdaily.com



Gulf Coast imports of U.K. oil seen rising to seven-year high. Venezuela prioritizes Rosneft, China exports amid supply deals

By Laura Hurst and Lucia Kassai

LONDON/HOUSTON

Petroleumworld 02 16 2018

Bloomberg



BHP Billiton is gearing up for a potential bid to enter the highly promising deepwater Mexican oil exploration sector .

Reporting by David Alire Garcia

MEXICO CITY

Petroleumworld 02 16 2018

Petrobras



TAG owns 4,500 kilometers (2,800 miles) of pipelines in northeast Brazil.

By Tatiana Bautzer, Carolina Mandl

SAO PAULO

Petroleumworld 02 15 2018

Bloomberg



Russia-China investment fund shows interest: RDIF's Dmitriev. Aramco IPO is at center of Saudi plan to reboot economy

By Vivian Nereim

RIYADH

Petroleumworld 02 15 2018

OPEC almost cleared oil glut but shale risk looms - IEA



Surplus supply has shrunk dramatically,' monthly report shows. Non-OPEC output, led by U.S., is seen growing more than demand - Video - OPEC's control of the oil market is running on fumes

By Grant Smith

LONDON

Petroleumworld 02 14 2018

Bloomberg video



A conspiracy' was hatched in La Jolla, Calif., company says. Exxon says the suits are violating its free speech rights - Video - Fighting climate change, without the U.S.

By Bob Van Voris

NEW YORK

Petroleumworld 02 14 2018

Matthew Busch/Bloomberg



Machinery used to fracture shale formations stands at a Royal Dutch Shell Plc hydraulic fracking site near Mentone, Texas, U.S., on Thursday, March 2, 2017. U.S. shale won't be huge distorter' for oil market: Mazrouei. Stronger demand, compliance with oil cuts seen to buoy prices. - Video

By Mahmoud Habboush, Wael Mahdi, Salma El Wardany, and Tamim Elyan

ABU DABHI/ KUWAIT/CAIRO

Petroleumworld 02 13 2018

Caribbean News Now



The defence teams from Guyana (L) and Brazil meeting in Georgetown . The United News of Suriname on Monday reported that the Brazilian mission to Guyana pledged military support to defend Guyana in case Venezuela undertook an attempt to invade the disputed Essequibo area.

By Caribbean News Now

GEORGETOWN, Guyana

Petroleumworld 02 13 2018

Dimas Ardian





Measure of oil market volatility climbs to highest since Aug. S&P 500 Energy Index poised for biggest weekly loss since 2015

By Jessica Summers

NEW YORK

Petroleumworld 02 12 2018

Nicolo Filippo Rosso/Bloomberg



Gustavo Petro, presidential candidate for the Progressivists Movement Party, speaks during a campaign rally in Tunja, Boyaca department, Colombia, on Jan. 31, 2018.

By Matthew Bristow and Oscar Medina

BOGOTA

Petroleumworld 02 12 2018

Angola and Nigeria set to open giant fields. At what cost to OPEC deal?

Testing Commitment

Angola may exceed its cap with Kaombo's start. Nigeria will need to rein in output to comply.



- Accord commitment December volumes



Total to bring projects off Angola and Nigeria online in 2018. Field startups will add 430,000 barrels a day between them

By Angelina Rascouet



LONDON

Petroleumworld 02 08 2018

Jorge Silva/Reuters



The sun is seen setting behind Isla refinery in Willemstad on the island of Curacao June 16, 2008.

By Marianna Parraga

HOUSTON

Petroleumworld 02 08 2018

Tomohiro Ohsumi/Bloomberg



OPEC cuts lift oil, while global LNG market seen over-supplied. Shell, BP sell majority of LNG on oil price-linked contracts

By Dan Murtaugh, Perry Williams, and Stephen Stapczynski

SINGAPORE/TOKYO/SYDNEY

Petroleumworld 02 08 2018

Jamaica Gleaner



Prime Minister Andrew Holness (left) with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson at Jamaica House.



Venezuela oil sanctions more likely as Tillerson tours region. Tillerson says Trump hasn't made a decision on next steps. U.S. wants to understand possible impact on Caribbean.

By Nick Wadhams

WASHINGTON

Petroleumworld 02 08 2018

kpler



U.S. oil heads to middle east in latest sign of shale's spread. Cargo said to be condensate meant for Abu Dhabi's splitters. First U.S. oil cargo to be exported directly to U.A.E.: Census

By Sheela Tobben

NEW YORK

Petroleumworld 02 07 2018

James Durbin/Reporter-Telegram



Oil output to climb above key level in November of this year. WTI price forecasts raised for both 2018 and 2019: EIA.

By Jessica Summers and Catherine Traywick

NEW YORK / WASHINGTON

Petroleumworld 02 07 2018

The Fuse



Gas pumped from Texas to collide with Pennsylvania supplies. Evolution of Gulf Coast market to turn against shale drillers.

By Ryan Collins

HOUSTON

Petroleumworld 02 06 2018

Michelle Gustafson/Bloomberg



U.S. weighs banning oil imports from Venezuela: Tillerson. Valero, Chevron among refiners that have most to lose.

By Lucia Kassai

HOUSTON

Petroleumworld 02 06 2018

US State



Restrictions would also limit sale of U.S. refined products.

By Nick Wadhams and Jorgelina Do Rosario

BUENOS AIRES

Petroleumworld 02 05 2018



Short-sellers boost positions on WTI for a third week. WTI declines to trade near $65 after dropping last week

By Sharon Cho

SINGAPORE

Petroleumworld 02 05 2018

OPEC pact: Saudi masks venezuelan oil decline, Russia suply steady

Tight Pack





Source: Bloomberg, Russian Energy Ministry



Russia, OPEC held oil production steady in January sticking to output agreement

By Grant Smith, Dina Khrennikova, and Elena Mazneva

LONDON/MOSCOW

Petroleumworld 02 02 2018

Bloomberg



Pemex refining head looks to Mitsui-led deal to help struggling business. Company is in final stage of JV deal with Mitsui-led consortia. Pemex seeks new infrastructure to import crude for refineries.

By Amy Stillman

MEXICO CITY

Petroleumworld 02 02 2018





Shell wins rights to develop nine blocks auctioned Wednesday. 19 of Mexico's 29 deep-water oil blocks receive winning bids

By Adam Williams

MEXICO CITY

Petroleumworld 02 01 2018

The Independent



UN refers Guyana-Venezuela border dispute to International Court of Justice (ICJ). Venezuela rejects referral of border controversy to ICJ.

By Kai eter News

GEORGETOWN

Petroleumworld 02 01 2018

January

Win McNamee/Getty Images



Value of profitable assets to rise 19 percent, WoodMac says. Lower rates, enhanced expensing outweight cuts to deductions. President Trump delivered his first State of the Union speech to Congress on Tuesday night. Here are highlights. - Video

By Alex Nussbaum

BOONTON, New Jersey.

Petroleumworld 01 31 2018

Reuters



Mexico will on Wednesday hold its most important auction since a 2013 reform ended the 75-year monopoly on the energy sector held by state-run oil firm Pemex.

By Marianna Parraga and Adriana Barrera

HOUSTON/MEXICO CITY

Petroleumworld 01 31 2018



Eni CEO Claudio Descalzi discusses pricing and output in the oil market. He speaks with Bloomberg's Annmarie Hordern. - Video

By Chiara Albanese

ROME

Petroleumworld 01 30 2018

Reuters/Carlos Jasso

Juan Carlos Zepeda, head of Mexico's national hydrocarbons commission (CNH), gestures as he speaks during an interview with Reuters in Mexico City, Mexico January 22, 2018.

By Ana Isabel Martinez, Adriana Barrera

MEXICO CITY

Petroleumworld 01 30 2018

Daniel Acker/Bloomberg



Hedge funds are betting big on oil. Money managers amp up bullish wagers in New York, London

By Jessica Summers

NEW YORK

Petroleumworld 01 29 2018

Andrey Rudakov/Bloomberg





Oil rig fleet expands in U.S. as crude surges. Drillers added 12 rigs this week, most since March 2017

By Bailey Schulz

NEW YORK

Petroleumworld 01 29 2018

'Good chance' for Nafta Trump says in Davos as Montreal talks go on

Bloomberg



Mexico says pact is in much better standing than a year ago'. Three ministers will fly in for end of pivotal sixth round

By Josh Wingrove

DAVOS, Switzerland

Petroleumworld 01 26 2018

Susana Gonzalez/Bloomberg



Mexico to auction 29 deep-sea exploration zones on Jan. 31. Pemex, Exxon, Shell are among drillers contemplating bids

By Adam Williams and Sabrina Valle

MEXICO CITY

Petroleumworld 01 26 2018



Supply disruptions may climb materially this year: Citigroup. Modest 1H surplus seen turning into modest 2H deficit: IEA - Video

By Ben Sharples

HONG KONG

Petroleumworld 01 25 2018

AFP



Photo: President Nicolas Maduro.The swift timetable will challenge a divided opposition. Regime has been accused of rigging votes, repressing opponents - Video

By Andrew Rosati and Patricia Laya

CARACAS

Petroleumworld 01 25 2018

Benedikt von Loebell / World Economic Forum



My concern is that events in Venezuela could lead to a shock and prices could go to $80 per barrel this year, he told Reuters Television at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

By Dmitry Zhdannikov

DAVOS, Switzerland

Petroleumworld 01 24 2018

Oil prices make good for oil majors eyeing Mexico's deep waters auction



The potential for 4.2 billion barrels of crude is the draw. Exxon leads potential bidders lining up from the U.K. to China

By Adam Williams

MEXICO CITY

Petroleumworld 01 24 2018

Maxim Zmeyev/AFP



The Yamal LNG plant.

By Rob Verdonck and Anna Shiryaevskaya

WARSAW/LONDON

Petroleumworld 01 23 2018

Adrian Brito



The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority ( PREPA ) is the sole provider of electricity for 1.5 million customers.

By Jonathan Levin and Yalixa Rivera

MIAMI/SAN JUAN

Petroleumworld 01 23 2018

Gains in U.S., Canada will outweigh declines elsewhere: IEA. Oil trading near 3-year high is stimulating new crude supply

By Angelina Rascouet

LONDON

Petroleumworld 01 22 2018

Mexicos's 4 bid process of round 2 oil & gas auction will take place in Mexico City on Wednesday , January 31, 2018



By Dave Graham

MEXICO CITY

Petroleumworld 01 22 2018

Oil kings are under threat, U.S. crude pushing price

Crude from U.S. to Europe threatens Middle East sales in Asia. Some producers review pricing methodology in buyers' market. - Watch video

By Serene Cheong

SINGAPORE

Petroleumworld 01 19 2018

Venezuela's PDVSA has some bad news and some really bad news



The country's oil production has collapsed.

By Liam Denning

NEW YORK

Petroleumworld 01 19 2018

Derick E. Hingle/Bloomberg



U.S. East Coast may be edged out by other tempting prospects. Lawsuits and development costs will dissuade many investors

By Jennifer A Dlouhy

WASHINGTON

Petroleumworld 01 18 2018

Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg



Instead of draining it, Mexico's presidential candidate gets mired in the swamp. Candidate struggles to distance himself from PRI's problems. Meade sees support fall as new allegations against PRI surface.

By Nacha Cattan

MEXICO CITY

Petroleumworld 01 18 2018

ETH News



The petro digital currency would appear to be an extension of credit to the Venezuelan government ... (and) could therefore expose U.S. persons to legal risk, a Treasury spokesman told Reuters on Tuesday.

By Lesley Wroughton, Girish Gupta

WASHINGTON/CARACAS

Petroleumworld 01 17 2018

Kari Goodnough/Bloomberg



BP's $60 billion gulf spill tab rises as lawsuits wind down. Company expects $1.7 billion charge in fourth-quarter results. Payments from deadly accident now seen at $3 billion for 2018

By Amanda Jordan and Kelly Gilblom

LONDON

Petroleumworld 01 17 2018

Adam Berry/Bloomberg



Algeria to start shipments in February to refinery in Italy.We don't want to continue to import $2 billion of fuel': CEO

By Salah Slimani and Salma El Wardany

CAIRO

Petroleumworld 01 17 2018

LONDON

Petroleumworld 01 16 2018



Hedge funds boost bullish WTI bets to highest since 2006: CFTC. Brent in London closes Monday above $70 first time in 3 years

By Ben Sharples

HONG KONG

Petroleumworld 01 16 2018

Bloomberg



Citi, JPMorgan say less intervention possible from mid-2018.Increase in crude prices is encouraging rival supply: analysts. IEA's Birol on oil prices, Venezuela, future of oil - Video

By Grant Smith

LONDON

Petroleumworld 01 16 2018



An Iranian oil tanker collided with another ship on Saturday Jan. 6, off the coast of Shanghai. All 32 crew members on board presumed dead, Iran said earlier. - video

By Bloomberg News

HONG KONG/TEHRAN

Petroleumworld 01 15 2018



U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan . What to expect after president Trump reiterates Nafta threat - Video

By Anna Edgerton and Josh Wingrove

WASHINGTON

Petroleumworld 01 12 2018

Why rig count is not up but price of oil is



Rig count no longer enough to estimate U.S. production. Forecasters look at everything from sand use to hiring stats. OPEC's control of the oil market is running on fumes - Video

By David Wethe

HOUSTON

Petroleumworld 01 12 2018

Mauricio Moreno/GDA via AP



Sergio Fajardo in 2013. Fajardo took out dollar loans to finance education projects. Debt payments of Antioquia province soared as peso weakened.

By Matthew Bristow

BOGOTA

Petroleumworld 01 12 2018

Canada on alert U.S. could leave Nafta





Bloomberg's Josh Wingrove reports on the status of Nafta talks. Loonie, peso fall ahead of next round of talks in Montreal. U.S. bristles after Canada escalates trade fight at WTO - Video

By Josh Wingrove

OTTAWA

Petroleumworld 01 11 2018



T he first time in 60 years. 2.2 billion cubic-feet-per-day flip seen between 2016 and 2017

By Naureen S Malik

NEW YORK

Petroleumworld 01 11 2018



Matthew Busch/Bloomberg



Crude inventories slid by 11.2 million barrels last week: API. U.S. output forecast by EIA to expand above 10 million b/d

By Ben Sharples

HONG KONG

Petroleumworld 01 10 2018

Hoberman Collection/Getty Images



State's Democratic senator says politics motivated switch. Governor Scott, a Republican, expected to run for Senate seat

By Jennifer A Dlouhy

WASHINGTON

Petroleumworld 01 10 2018

Stephane De Sakutin/AFP



Production curbs and tanker oversupply crush daily earnings. Returns slumped 57 percent year-on-year in 2017, data show

By Firat Kayakiran

LONDON

Petroleumworld 01 09 2018

Reuters



The Arctic is remote and expensive, Pacific states such as California have vowed to block drilling, and other areas also harbor deep opposition from politicians, environmental groups and business interests worried about spills. The eastern Gulf of Mexico could be very attractive to industry because of the proximity to existing infrastructure in the central and western Gulf of Mexico,-NOIA

By Ernest Scheyder, Valerie Volcovici



HOUSTON/WASHINGTON

Petroleumworld 01 09 2018

CCTV via Reuters TV



Smoke and fire billow from the Panama-registered tanker Sanchi, carrying 950,000 barrels aprox. of Iranian oil, after it collided with a Chinese freighter in the East China Sea, in this still image taken from a video Sunday.

By AFP-JIJI, REUTERS

BEIJING/SEOUL/LONDON

Petroleumworld 01 08 2018



Monthly salary hikes won't do. Bonuses of food crates, vouchers, dollars have become the norm. Companies trying to prevent top employees from fleeing country. Why Venezuela is getting increasingly desperate - Video

By Noris Soto and Fabiola Zerpa

CARACAS

Petroleumworld 01 08 2018

Trump to open new offshore oil & gas drilling in most U.S. coastal wat ers

Tim Rue



Proposal includes waters off California, Florida coasts. Environmentalists have fought expanded drilling for decades

By Jennifer A Dlouhy

WASHINGTON

Petroleumworld 01 05 2018

Ricardo Moraes



Settlement ends three years of litigation over bribery scheme. Payout less than half the amount expected by Morgan Stanley - Video

By Sabrina Valle

RIO DE JANEIRO

Petroleumworld 01 01 2018

Bloomberg



Khalid Al-Falih, Alexander Novak,Tim Dove , Nicolas Maduro , Elon Musk

By Christopher Sell and Grant Smith

LONDON

Petroleumworld 04 01 2018

Luke Sharrett /Bloomberg



Residential and commercial demand in the Gulf has soared. Gas prices in West Texas hit the highest level in a year

By Ryan Collins

HOUSTON

Petroleumworld 04 01 2018

Leon Neal



A more tangible swing factor for prices is right here in the U.S.

By Liam Denning

NEW YORK

Petroleumworld 03 01 2018

Francisco Robles/AFP



Relatives and friends of mayor Arturo Gomez carry his coffin during his funeral in Petatlan, Mexico, on Dec. 29, 2017. One mayor, two mayoral aspirants murdered in less than a week.Twenty one mayors and former mayors killed last year: Alcaldes

By Nacha Cattan
In general, men are twice as likely to cheat on a spouse than women are. That frequency increases over the lifespan, peaking among the elderly. Among men 18 to 29 who have ever been married, about 1 in 10 is
Veterinarians warn of growing number of pets being sickened by marijuana in CanadaCanadian PressMore from Canadian PressPublished:January 2, 2018Updated:January 2, 2018 3:26 PM ESTIn this stock photo, an ill golden retriever lays on an operating table in a veterinarian's clinic.Getty ImagesFREDERICTON  Veterinarians say theyre seeing an increasing number of dogs sickened after ingesting marijuana, and are warning pet owners to take care as Canada prepares for cannabis legalization this year.Dr. Jeff Goodall, a veterinarian who runs the Sunnyview Animal Centre in Bedford, N.S., said hes seeing a growing number of dogs with marijuana toxicity.It profoundly affects the neurological system. It can progress to tremors and seizures, and they can go into a coma, he said Tuesday.Goodall said his Halifax-area clinic saw five cases in 2017, three in 2016, and none the year before that.Dogs are getting into people's stash, brownies or suckers, and basically they've been pretty messed up by it.Dr. Jeff GoodallHe said the tetrahydrocannabinol or THC in marijuana doesnt make dogs high. Rather, it makes them very sick.The THCs are very toxic to pets in the sense that they cause profound levels of confusion, then the dogs start to cry or vocalize and become hyperactive. They get through that period fairly quickly and then they begin to drool and become unable to walk properly, Goodall said.By the time theyre in the clinic its very clear that they have marijuana toxicity because the poor dogs have excessive or uncontrolled urination.In rare cases it can lead to death.Goodall said in four of the five cases he saw last year, the owners were upfront about the cause of their dogs illness and they were able to proceed quickly with treatment.However he said the owner in the fifth case was in denial.She was accusing us of accusing her children of using recreational medication, when that wasnt what we were saying at all. We were just saying, this is what the dog has, he said.Goodall said cannabis edibles are also harmful to dogs.One of our cases this year was cannabis-containing brownies. We also had another dog who ate a bag of suckers. The problem there wasnt the cannabis, it was the xylitol. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener often used in sugar-free gum, and it is extremely concerning to pets, he said.Giving products to your pet may have unknown side effects and unproven effectiveness.Canadian Veterinary Medical AssociationGoodall said hed like to see warnings and greater public education on what marijuana can do to pets.In Colorado, where recreational marijuana was legalized in 2012, there was a four-fold increase in reported cases of toxicity in dogs between 2010 and 2015.An article posted on the website of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association says dogs are proportionally more sensitive to the active compounds in marijuana than people, and in small dogs, excessive intake can easily result in signs of toxicity.It also says that cats are not immune to the toxic side effects but are more selective in what they eat. They also lack the sweet tooth that would make cannabis edibles as attractive as they are to dogs.Goodall said there are other components in cannabis that may eventually prove useful in treating some symptoms and illnesses in pets, but more research needs to be done.The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association says for now, marijuana is not approved for medicinal use in animals.Giving products to your pet may have unknown side effects and unproven effectiveness. Especially exposing them to THC-rich recreational marijuana could put them in a life-threatening medical crisis, its article states.
First State Bank & Trust Company will celebrate Ronald C. Weaklend on Friday with a retirement coffee from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the main location, 1005 E. 23rd St. Weaklend will be retiring after 35 years at First State Bank & Trust Company.

Weaklend started with First State Bank & Trust in 1982 as Assistant Vice President-Loan Officer. He was promoted to Vice President in 1985, Vice President-Senior Lending Officer in 1990, Senior Vice President-Senior Lending Officer in 1997, and Executive Vice President - Head of Lending in 2008. He was named to the Board of Directors in 2017. Additionally, Weaklend served as a board member of Bankers Title Insurance of Nebraska.

Weaklend has been an instructor for the American Institute of Banking. He graduated from Northwest Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education and completed the Graduate School of Banking at Boulder, Colorado.

Weaklend is a member of the Fremont Optimist Club. He has also served as chairman of the Greater Fremont Development Council and board member and past chief volunteer officer of the Fremont Family YMCA. He serves on the Fremont Family YMCA Foundation Board of Directors as the treasurer. Weaklend and his wife, Cindy, have three sons, Matt (Stacy), Jeff (Jaime) and Tom (Crystal), and five grandchildren. They belong to First Lutheran Church of Fremont.
WASHINGTON  President Trump on Wednesday announced that he is disbanding a controversial voter fraud commission launched last year in the wake of his baseless claim that he lost the popular vote to Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016 because of millions of illegally cast ballots.

The commission met only twice amid a series of lawsuits seeking to curb its authority and claims by Democrats that it was stacked to recommend voting restrictions favorable to the president's party.

In a statement, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said there is "substantial evidence of voter fraud" and blamed the ending of the commission on the refusal of many states to provide voter data sought by the commission and the cost of ongoing federal lawsuits.

The bipartisan panel, known as the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, had been nominally chaired by Vice President Pence and led by Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, a Republican who has aggressively sought to prosecute voter fraud in his state.

In the statement, Sanders said Trump had signed an executive order asking the Department of Homeland Security to review voter fraud issues and "determine next courses of action."

The 11-member commission proved a magnet for controversy from the outset and was sued by one of its own members, Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, who alleged that he has been kept in the dark about its operations, rendering his participation "essentially meaningless." A federal judge last month ruled partly in his favor.
Fearsome Foursome: This all-woman slate made history in November in Chester County as Democrats flipped many local GOP-held seats and drove the kind of high turnout that led to a Democratic surge across the Pennsylvania suburbs.(Left to Right) Patricia Maisano, Treasurer, Margaret Reif, Controller, Yolanda Van de Krol, Clerk of Courts, and Christina VandePol, M.D., Coroner, stand together for a photo after being sworn into office at West Chester University, Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018. JESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer Read more

I won't lie. This was fun.

As President Trump went to war with his former chief strategist, Steve Bannon, on Wednesday, I watched from a cushioned seat at West Chester University as four women exacted their own version of revenge on the commander-in-chief and the party that has refused to rein him in.

We were gathered inside the ballroom of Sykes Student Union as this fearsome foursome  accomplished professionals with minimal to zero political establishment credentials  were sworn in to Chester County row-office posts not held by a Democrat since before the Civil War.

Two of these barrier-breaking history makers were former Republican women who thought that their party had abandoned them over the last decade as it became a hard-right refuge of reactionary rhetoric.

All now were Democrats. And all had decided last year to fight back against Trumpism by doing more than whining. They would fight back by running for office  and they won with such a high turnout behind them that Republicans across the region still are wondering what hit them.

Some people hooted and hollered as these women, one by one, put their hands on a Bible and swore to uphold the Constitution. It was a powerful display of voter satisfaction fueled by rage. Which, in this age of I-rant-on-Facebook-and-call-that-public-service, amounts to something potent.

It was great to see this engagement level from women who, frankly, have the income and means to be comfortably inert about politics. One is a physician; two are financial professionals; the fourth was the founder of her own company with offices in 20 states.

Just like the blue-collar Trumpies who sent the real estate heir into the White House in 2016, women like this are now armed with their own fury against a president who once boasted of sexually assaulting women.

To see them win in a place like Chester County made it more remarkable, given that Republicans still have the voter registration edge there. This is the richest county in Pennsylvania  a place where not too long ago, Republicans loved voting for anyone who would, first and foremost, protect their money.

Because of them  and the moms who in November lugged kids to polling places to vote for the first time in local elections  the GOP halls of power in West Chester must now make room for an unwelcome infantry of Democrats, on whom the party hopes to build an even more enduring power infrastructure: Margaret Reif, controller; Yolanda Van de Krol, clerk of courts; Christine VandePol, coroner; and Patricia Maisano, treasurer.

The chairman of the county Republican Party was notably absent from the midday ceremony.

But Trump? Who just the night before had seemingly taunted the world with an astonishing Twitter boast over his capacity to start a nuclear war? He was there.

Without him, none of these women would have run.

"I believe this is a moment in our history where we're all going to be judged for how we responded," said Reif, 50, who got politically involved only after being terrified of Trump's victory in late 2016. She was raised Republican but decided she couldn't remain in a party that put up Sarah Palin as a vice presidential nominee. Trump only further cemented her conversion to the left.

"I do find Trump offensive, and I know a lot of other women do, too," she said.

The women of Chester County who took office Wednesday represent a movement that has Republicans nervous across the suburbs of Philadelphia. Incensed by Trump's anti-immigrant, racially inflammatory, and wealthy donor-focused policy-making, Democrats grabbed fistfuls of power from the GOP in local and county elections two months ago.

Two Democrats won Council posts in Delaware County, another history-breaking milestone for a county long considered one of the strongest Republican bastions in the United States. Democrats won four of five row offices in Bucks County, too.

"We gave them a real ass-kicking," said Brian McGinnis, the Scranton-born Democrat who for the last four years has led the Chester County Democratic Party.

Whether you're a Democrat or Republican, it's gratifying to see that boots on the ground can still make the difference in a political climate so distorted, it seems that elections and public discourse have been hijacked by big donors and nefarious bots spewing propaganda on social media.

The lesson Wednesday, even as the president threatened to bury us all under a nuclear winter and went mano-a-mano with Bannon, is: If anyone feels the system is past the point of no return, look no further than the Pennsylvania suburbs of Philadelphia.

Good old-fashioned American democracy is alive and kicking. And it should make for an interesting 2018  especially if Trump continues to offend reasonable Americans with incredible and insatiable ardor.
John Rogers Carroll, 89, of Center City, a compassionate yet forceful giant in Philadelphia's legal community whose trailblazing efforts in support of lawyers struggling with addiction saved many lives and careers, died Tuesday, Jan. 2, of heart failure at his home.

From the 1950s until his retirement in 2010, Mr. Carroll was regarded as one of the city's preeminent white-collar criminal defense lawyers. He practiced from his office in Center City. He was brilliant and fearless, his colleagues said.

What made him great, said Peter F. Vaira, former U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, was his willingness to take on cases considered unpopular, especially during the "Red Scare" of the 1950s, when some citizens were blacklisted for membership in or association with the Communist Party and others were charged under the Smith Act with advocating the violent overthrow of the government.

"He was a very scholarly guy who prepared and knew the law," said Vaira. "And he was not afraid to take an unpopular cause, such as Communist Party members who were charged under the Smith Act. In the 1950s, when there was a crazy Red Scare across the U.S., people were terrified, and many lawyers would not go anywhere near those charged. But John Rogers Carroll plunged right in."

"John embodied what is best in all of us: great skill, legal acumen, and dedication to his clients and craft," said Mark B. Sheppard, a partner in Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads LLP who knew Mr. Carroll well. "He was the recognized dean of the white-collar bar in Philadelphia and just about the smartest lawyer you could ever meet."

Mr. Carroll stood out as an innovator and assisted fellow lawyers who were struggling with alcoholism and drug addiction. A recovering alcoholic himself, he became the force behind Pennsylvania lawyers' recovery programs, and counseled those struggling with addiction at all hours.

"He would take personal calls," Vaira said. "One day, when I was the U.S. attorney, one of my troops did something goofy" related to drinking. "When he heard about it, he said, 'Why didn't you call me?'"

What started out as a help line grew into the Philadelphia Bar Association's Lawyers' and Judges' Assistance Committee, and then into a nonprofit called Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (LCL). Under Mr. Carroll's guidance, LCL became a model for lawyers' assistance programs throughout the nation, such as the leading American Bar Association's Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs.

Mary F. Platt, chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association, said she viewed Mr. Carroll as a pioneer on behalf of addicted lawyers. "He had a strong commitment to giving back and serving others," she said. "His lifelong dedication to helping addicted lawyers is an outstanding hallmark of his career for which he will always be remembered."

In 2002, taking the support process one step further, Mr. Carroll established the M. Patricia Carroll Fund in memory of his wife, whom he married in 1980. She died in 2000.

The nonprofit provides funds for the treatment of addicted lawyers, judges, and law students.

"There is not a sober lawyer in Pennsylvania that wouldn't be sober today if it wasn't for John Rogers Carroll," said Sheppard. "And he was so humble about it."

Born in Philadelphia, Mr. Carroll graduated from St. Joseph's Preparatory School, and earned a bachelor's degree from St. Joseph's University in 1949 and a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1952.

In 1953, while in private practice, Mr. Carroll was chosen to be part of an elite team of volunteer lawyers representing nine local members of the Communist Party who were accused of advocating to overthrow the government. The defendants had been unable to obtain paid defense counsel.

After a five-month federal trial, the nine were convicted, but the convictions were overturned on appeal.

During the mid- and late 1950s, Mr. Carroll represented Philadelphia public school teachers who were fired after exercising their Fifth Amendment right to silence when questioned by school officials or congressional committees about being affiliated with the Communist Party.

He also volunteered his services as vice chairman of the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, served as director of the Eagleville Foundation and Eagleville Hospital, which treats addicts, and was a member of the Pennsylvania Advisory Council on Drug and Alcohol Abuse.

Mr. Carroll received the Philadelphia Bar Association Fidelity Award, Pennsylvania Bar Association Special Achievement Award for service to Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers, St. Thomas More Society Award for service to the Bar, Philadelphia Psychiatric Society Benjamin Rush Award, and American Inns of Court Professionalism Award.

Despite the accolades, Mr. Carroll always shunned the limelight. He refused to discuss his cases with the media.

In addition to practicing law, Mr. Carroll enjoyed traveling with his wife, going to museums, and attending performances of the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Philadelphia Opera Company.

"He was a loving friend with a magnificent mind and great sensibility," his family said.

Mr. Carroll is survived by a brother, Joseph "Skip" Carroll.

Funeral services and burial will be private.

Memorial donations may be made to the M. Patricia Carroll Fund, Box 1233, Media, Pa. 19063.
Michael Christman stands amid nitrogen tanks of cell lines at Coriell Institute soon after he became president and CEO in 2007 Read more

Michael Christman, 58, a genomics expert who championed personalized medicine as president and CEO of the Coriell Institute for Medical Research in Camden, died on Christmas.

He was visiting his father, Russell, in Chapel Hill, N.C., for the holidays with his 16-year-old twins, Max and Emma. Dr. Christman was an insulin-dependent diabetic but seemed to be in good overall health, his father said.

"He went to bed about 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve. He wasn't feeling well," Russell Christman said. "We guess it was his heart."

Coriell, which collects, banks, and distributes biological samples for medical research, praised Dr. Christman for building the institute's mission "through his commitment to innovation and excellence."

"The importance of Dr. Christman's impact not only on the Coriell Institute but personalized medicine as a whole cannot be overstated," said Robert Kiep, chairman of the board of trustees. "His death is a terrible loss."

Born in Florida and raised in Chapel Hill, Dr. Christman initially followed in the footsteps of his father, a chemistry professor, by earning his bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of North Carolina and his doctorate in biochemistry from the University of California, Berkeley.

But during five years of postdoctoral research at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dr. Christman expanded into genetics, the science that underpins personalized medicine. He went on to serve as the founding chair of the department of genetics and genomics at Boston University School of Medicine, where he led an international team that used the Framingham Heart Study to find a common genetic variant associated with obesity. The findings were published in the journal Science.

"He was a person everyone liked," his father said. "He talked science at the level of whoever he was talking to. When he left Boston after founding that department, I was awfully proud of what he had done. When he told me he was going to Coriell, I said, 'What?' But he said it was a wonderful opportunity."

After becoming Coriell's chief executive in 2007, Dr. Christman created the Coriell Personalized Medicine Collaborative, a research study focused on integrating patients' genetic information into their medical care. The project now involves more than 10,000 participants in 48 states, hospital partners, and physicians, and has won more than $15 million in federal grants.

The success of the collaborative led Dr. Christman to found a for-profit spin-off company, Coriell Life Sciences. It provides a medication management tool that analyzes the patient's genetic makeup to understand individual responses to medications. The company has received honors including the IBM Entrepreneur of the Year award.

Dr. Christman remained committed to Coriell's core mission as a biobank, working to establish one of the world's largest collections of human "induced pluripotent stem cells." These cells, which are made by reprogramming skin or blood cells back to primitive stages, have become valuable tools in disease research and drug development.

"He was a genius at this," said Kiep. "If we can find someone who fills 50 percent of his shoes, we're doing good."

Besides his father and children, Dr. Christman is survived by two brothers and his ex-wife, Nikki Levin.

Coriell Institute is planning a memorial service.
The first thing to do when someone tries to choke you is to clear your airway. Photo: Joe Fiorentino

Choke. It's an ugly word for an ugly action, whether you are talking about strangling someone or letting anxiety overwhelm you. The choke attack, the instinct to "go for the throat," is as deeply imbedded in humanity's reptile brainour primitive memoryas any form of attack.

Whether it's a crude two-handed strangulation or more complicated techniques like a "guillotine" or "rear naked," a choke not only shuts down the victim's ability to get oxygen to the braineither by closing the airway or cutting off the blood supplyit also induces panic.

Like the primal instinct that motivates it, a choke is powerful but can be overcome with practically applied knowledge. There are three basic concepts to defending against a choke attack:

1. Clear the airway.

2. Come to center.

3. Follow the path of least resistance.

Knowing the basic concepts of how to defend against the choke will keep you from "choking" if the need ever arises to defend against one.

Clear the Airway

The most important thing to do when an attacker begins choking you is to clear the airway. Nothing else is as high priority. This means you must alleviate pressure on the carotid artery in a blood choke or gain space around the trachea in an air choke. Before striking or off balancing your opponentno matter how open or tempting that may beyou must first put as much weight as possible on the hands or arms that are choking you.

Hesitating to take the pressure off the choke is the difference between staying awake and going to sleep, possibly forever.

Simply hand fighting or trying to peel away the grip is not enough. Getting your hands, or in the case of a two-handed choke your forearms, on the point of contact and then "getting heavy" on that contact point as quickly as possible is imperative.

Once you have attached yourself to the choke point, drop as much of your weight as possible against it without losing your balance. Pit your weight against the attacker's grip.

You will loosen the pressure, even if only a small amount. This will allow critical oxygen flow to your brain. At the same time, getting heavy while clearing the airway wears down the strength of the attacker's hold. If you keep breathing, you keep fighting. If you keep fighting, you will prevail.

Come to Center

Once you can breathe, your next step is to regain a centered position. A powerful choke move will take the victim's head out of alignment with the rest of the body. To escape the hold, you must return your hips, back, and neck to that alignment. If you are being strangled or guillotined, continue dropping your weight against the choke while using that motion to lower your hips below your opponent's.

Step in close to your opponent using a lunging step, driving your hips toward them. Get as close as you can and then rise upward out of your lunge. This off centers your opponent and increases your structural leverage against their grip with your lower body. Your upper body must also re-establish center along with your legs and hips.

When defending against a two-handed strangle hold, one strong technique is to use a two-handed circular or clock strike from one side to the other, attacking first one arm and then the other. Photo: Joe Fiorentino

A guillotine should be countered by keeping the outside arm fighting the choke while the inside arm (the one closest to the opponent's head) is thrown over the opponent's shoulder on the opposite side of the head, landing as heavily as possiblesimilar to an overhead version of a clothesline blowand immediately pulling the opponent's torso to the side, allowing you to regain a balanced and centered position.

In the case of a rear naked choke, the motions are almost reversed from the other counters. You bridge against your opponent, pinning their head to the ground by putting the back of your head against their chin and using your legs to drive against them.

In all three cases you are now the centered, balanced combatant preparing the way for your escape.

Least Resistance

Follow the path of least resistance to escape the choke.

In the cases of all three attack counters that we have discussed, weight and pressure and leverage are all reducing the power of the chokes. Now find the way out by feeling where the pressure isn't.

In the strangle hold, one side or the other will bend under the intermittent pressure and two armed clock strikes. Isolate that side's attacker's hand with both hands and step hard and fast toward that side to escape.

In the guillotine scenario, keep stepping around the outside arm. This will isolate the arm wrapped around your head. The motion will either trap it in a bent arm lock or the attacker will clear it, giving you a clear path to either escape or make a counterattack.

In the rear naked scenario, continue bridging backward and driving away from the choking arm wrapped around your chin. Force your shoulders flat against the floor beside your opponent and then bridge toward them to take the "mount" position and complete your escape. Photo: Joe Fiorentino

While the variety of choke attacks is nearly infinite and the specific techniques to counter them just as numerous, all escapes from choke holds follow these universal principles.

You must first clear the airway. If you can't breathe, you can't fight back. Then come to center. If you don't regain a balanced position, you can't attempt an escape. Follow the path of least resistance once you have created the opening. This means you should never hesitate to go where your opponent isn't to defeat the choke and either escape or counterattack.

Training and sparring using these principles is essential to making these choke defenses part of your muscle memory. If you do train with these concepts in mind then, even when you are hurt and under an attack that makes breathing nearly impossible, you will not choke when escaping the choke.

Joe Fiorentino is a deputy with the Cook County (IL) Sheriff's Office and a certified defensive tactics instructor who lives in Chicago. He's also a Shidokan Black Belt who's been inducted into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
Photo Courtesy of Sydney Vail

Tactical medicine has come a long way in the last few decades. The concept that was once known as "battlefield medicine" and only practiced in the military is now a mainstay in law enforcement. Today, it's not uncommon for SWAT teams nationwide to deploy with emergency medical personnel. Some of those teams even arrive on scene with physicians. And a few, like the Arizona Department of Public Safety's SWAT team, roll out with a trauma surgeon.

That trauma surgeon on the Arizona DPS team is Dr. Sydney Vail, one of the nation's leading authorities on tactical medicine and the care of gunshot victims. Vail is also an outspoken advocate of all law enforcement officers, and even some members of the public, having access to and knowing how to use tourniquets to stop hemorrhage from critical injuries.

Outspoken also characterizes Vail's views on wound ballistics. His articles"9mm Vs. .40 Caliber" and "Stopping Power: Myths, Legends, and Realities"are some of the most popular and most controversial in the history of POLICE Magazine and PoliceMag.com.

Vail, who has studied the performance of handgun ammunition in both the gunshot wound patients he has operated on and in the works of researchers like Dr. Martin Fackler, is a strong believer that size of ammunition used in a handgun has much less effect on stopping a threat than shot placement.

In "Stopping Power" he wrote: "I believe the definition of stopping power should be a particular ammunition's effectiveness to render a person unable to offer resistance or remain a threat to the officer, an intended victim, or self.

"So how does ammunition accomplish this? You have two options. You can use a really large round at very high velocity like the 30mm cannon rounds from an Apache helicopter's M230 Chain Gun, which produces substantial kinetic energy, or you can place your shot where it has the most effect. Obviously, shot placement is the only realistic option for a law enforcement officer."

Vail's argument that the stopping power of handgun ammunition is not based on caliber has elicited howls of protest from members of the firearms community who are devotees of particular cartridges, especially the .45 ACP. Vail says he enjoys the debate and he reads the comments on his articles, but he stands by his conclusions about ammo performance based on his experience as a scientist, a surgeon, a shooter, and a tactical medical provider.

Dr. Sydney Vail visited the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, where he found the name of the one critically injured officer he couldnt save in surgery, Philadelphia PD Officer Robert Hayes. (Photo Courtesy of Sydney Vail)

POLICE Magazine editor David Griffith recently spoke with Vail about his career as a trauma surgeon, his experience as a tactical medical provider, his advocacy of tourniquet use, and his study of wound ballistics.

POLICE: What made you choose trauma surgeon as a specialty?

Vail: When I was going through my surgical training early on, it got routine. Trauma is anything but routine. You never know what comes in the door next. It could be a gunshot wound, a stab wound, a terrible car accident. I guess I am an adrenaline junkie. Also, I wanted to use my brain more than just knowing ahead of time what to do. With trauma you have to figure out what to do next as you operate.

POLICE: You've been working with law enforcement since 2002. What got you involved in that?

Vail: When I was a fellow in Miami, one of our faculty was the medical director for Metro Dade County police and fire, and that got me interested. Then, once I heard about tactical medicine, I thought it was a way for me to give back to law enforcement.

POLICE: When you were in Roanoke, VA, you worked on victims of the Virginia Tech active shooter

Vail: I took care of three or four patients from that. We did not get the majority of patients, but we got the worst of them.

POLICE: Did that teach you anything about what law enforcement can do in the field as far as tactical medical response to improve survivability for the victims of an active shooter?

Vail: I was already working as a tactical medical provider back then and training other tactical medics. It just reinforced for me the value of tactical medicine. One of our tactical medics actually put a tourniquet on a kid who tied a lamp plug cord around his leg to stop the hemorrhage from a femoral artery. Because he was able to go inside with the responding officers and find this patient, and get a tourniquet on him, his life was saved.

POLICE: What's the most important thing an officer can do to improve a person's chance of survival after a major trauma?

Vail: Number one is intervene. Do something. And hopefully, you have the appropriate resources to do the job, meaning have a commercial tourniquet, have combat gauze, so you can take care of a wound: Stop the bleeding.

POLICE: Can the average officer really learn how to control the bleeding of a critically injured person in the field?

Vail: Anybody can learn it. We teach the public now. We've been doing law enforcement since the late 1990s, teaching them how to do self-aid, buddy-aid. Over the last two or three years, we've been teaching the public. If they can do it, any officer can do it.

POLICE: How much training time is needed to teach officers how to use a tourniquet?

Vail: The hands-on takes about 20 minutes for wound packing, and about 20 minutes for tourniquets. That's all you need. I tell police chiefs the expense is not the training, it's the tourniquets. The investment is a little big up front, but it's minor in comparison to the expense of losing an officer's life, losing a civilian's life, even losing a bad guy's life. The lawsuits that can come from such things cost much more than tourniquets and training.

POLICE: What is the best protocol for making sure an officer has a tourniquet when needed?

Vail: Carry two, one for yourself, one for someone else. We teach our officers to use the injured officer's own tourniquet. That way you maintain your own, so it will be available if you need it.

POLICE: Why did tourniquets have such a bad reputation for so long?

Vail: The people in medicine, I think, gave it a bad rap. You know, decades ago, the thinking was that using a tourniquet will lead to the loss of a limb, it'll crush arteries, veins, nerves, and muscle. I think it really took common sense as well as practical application of tourniquets, both in the civilian world and in the military world, to change that thinking. It took until the late 1990s, early 2000s, for EMS to finally be given the approval by their medical directors to use tourniquets.

POLICE: I remember in Boy Scout training, they told us only use a tourniquet if it's the absolute last possible thing you can do. So, they scared us all from using it.

VAIL: That's right. And now, the military proved it's the first thing you do.

POLICE: What are the most important things an officer needs to know about applying a tourniquet?

Vail: Number one, how to use the damn thing. It shouldn't be in its wrapper and never been used for practice. You have to practice with it, and know how to put it on correctly. You may only get one chance, and you gotta make it right.

POLICE: You're causing pain to the injured person when you do that, so there's a reluctance to do it

Vail: Yes, that is a factor. I tell my students, "Forget about that. You're saving a life. Don't worry about the pain; we can deal with that with medication."

POLICE: What was your first experience treating a gunshot wound?

Vail: That would have been back when I was an intern in 1989. I was at a trauma center in downtown Philadelphia, it was [what we called a] "knife and gun club." I just remember being fascinated by what that bullet did inside the human body, how well the trauma team responded to it, and how (when it goes right) the patient gets to go home, even when they look like they're gonna die. Photo Courtesy of Sydney Vail

I also learned that the human body can take a lot of damage and survive, despite being shot multiple times through multiple areas of the body. Because as I've written about, if you don't hit the brain stem or make them bleed out, there's a good chance they [can stay in the fight].

POLICE: What's the highest number of rounds you've seen shot into a person who's survived?

Vail: The largest number of bullet wounds has been 22. Some were just entry, some were entry/exits. But 22, I think, was my maximum number. It's not uncommon for me to get 8 or 10 or 12 wounds and people survive.

I got involved in wound ballistics and what it really took to stop a threat during residency in Philadelphia because I had a friend on the police force who lost his job for use of excessive force by shooting somebody, I think it was, 18 times, and I always thought, maybe he needed to shoot that person 18 times to stop the threat.

As a surgeon, I saw what bullets don't do to the human body, meaning they don't kill it, they don't just stop it...which is why I wrote that article about stopping power; it's really a myth. I know that the human body can tolerate many gunshots and still function so that the person is still a threat to the police officer. So I make it known that I am willing to help defend a police officer who is accused of excessive force based on the number of shots fired. If it's a clean shoot, I'm happy to review it. If I can agree with them after that review, then I'll be there to testify for them.

POLICE: Is there really a significant difference in terms of wound ballistics between a 9mm, .40, and .45?

Vail: Other than the size of the ballistic projectile, nope. Because unless you hit something vital, it doesn't matter what you hit them with. You could hit them with a .45 in the shoulder, they're gonna survive. You hit them with a 9mm in the shoulder, they're gonna survive. You hit them with a .22 in the brain they could die. So, stopping a threat really does not come down to caliber, it is shot placement.

Handguns are lousy stoppers; it doesn't matter the caliber, they are just not great at stopping threats. Because of the ballistics profile and the amount of energy that a rifle round carries with it and dumps into the body, a rifle is a much better instrument to stop a threat.

POLICE: Can a significant temporary wound cavity be produced by a handgun bullet?

Vail: You really don't get much of a temporary cavity with a handgun. It's there, but it's minimal as compared to a rifle round and, you know, I think that's where ballistic gel [has value]. It's not my favorite substance in the world, but it demonstrates that if you fire a rifle round into it, the temporary cavity is extremely large. You don't really get much damage from the hydrostatic "pressure" of tissues ripping from a handgun.

POLICE: Can agencies learn anything about their ammo through gelatin testing?

Vail: Yes. You can look at certain characteristics of the ammo: expansion and depth of penetration. But that's all. And you're comparing those two things in gelatin. How those relate to the human body is where I argue you're getting misinformation because the bullets will not act the same in the human body as they act in gelatin.

Photo Courtesy of Sydney Vail

POLICE: What ammo do you carry in your personal defense pistol?

Vail: Well, for my SWAT team I carry a .45 with Speer Gold Dots issued. Personally I generally carry my 9mm most often because of its capacity (loaded with HST rounds).

POLICE: How do your colleagues feel about your interest in guns and wound ballistics and tactical law enforcement? We think of doctors as fairly liberal people.

Vail: Here in Phoenix, most people I know are shooters. Some of my colleagues around the country do criticize me, friends criticize me, but knowing about shooting and how bullets behave in the body makes me better at caring for people who've been shot.

POLICE: What is the biggest misconception officers have about what happens to them medically after they get shot?

Vail: I actually have a PowerPoint lecture that I give on that to police officers, because there's a lot of misconceptions. You know, they see videos of police officers getting shot who go right to the ground. No, stay in the fight. Unless something stops your brain from working, you should be able to fight. People think, "Oh, my God, I'm gonna go into shock," or, "I won't be able to function or breathe or raise my weapon or call on the radio." People kind of just emotionally lose it instead of staying in the fight, and it's all about training and mindset.

Bruce Siddle wrote a great book ("Sharpening the Warriors Edge: The Psychology & Science of Training"), and I love to quote it. He wrote: "Stress is a matter of perception, and perception is changed through the training process." He and I have spoken about this. I do believe that if officers really spent the time learning more about how stress and injury affect the body, then that apprehension and fear would diminish tremendously.

There are officers out there who get it. If they get hurt, they're going to fight until they can't fight anymore. But there are officers out there who just, "Oh my God, I'm shot, I gotta end this fight now," or, "I'm not in the fight anymore."

POLICE: How many times have you worked on a critically wounded law enforcement officer?

Vail: I have operated on 13 critically wounded police officers. I have lost one. I am very proud of that record. And the only reason we lost that one [Officer Robert Hayes of the Philadelphia Police Department in 1993], was that he was shot through the head, the chest, and the abdomen. I operated on his chest, his abdomen, his neck, and fixed all those. But we could not fix his brain, and he died of brain death, unfortunately.
Durham Museum (801 S. 10th St., Omaha): Christmas at Union Station, through Jan. Sunday. Ethnic Holiday Trees, through Sunday. The exhibition showcases how cultures from around the world celebrate the Christmas season. Bridges: Sharing our Past to Enrich the Future Exhibit, through Sunday. A Nebraska 150 Commission Signature Event, this exhibit shares photos from each of Nebraskas 93 counties capturing images of historic sites of hidden treasures from across Nebraska. Zoom Into Nano, through Sunday. The exhibit presents a variety of largescale, immersive experiences in the world of nanotechnology. Mid-Western Missions: Agents and Expeditions, through Jan. 14. A Lifetime of Objects: The Story of Byron Reed, 1829-1891, through Jan. 14. Lets Go to Town for Boys Town, through Jan. 21. Through images, documents and artifacts from the Boys Town Hall of History collection and archives, visitors to The Durham Museum will trace the development of this Omaha fixture over the last 100 years.

Admission: adults $11, seniors (62+) $8, children (3-12) $7, children under 2 free.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday and major holidays.

International Quilt Study Center & Museum (33rd and Holdrege streets, Lincoln): Against the Grain: Quilted Leather by Cathy Wiggins, through Saturday. Small Talk, through Feb. 4. Voltage: Quilts by Erica Waaser, through Feb. 25.

Admission: adults, $6; children ages 5-18, $3; children under 5, free; families, $10. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 1-4 p.m. Sunday.

Nebraska History Museum (131 Centennial Mall North, Lincoln): Looking Past Skin: Our Common Threads, Friday through May 15. The interactive exhibit explores the movement of people from the earliest Native cultures to the most recent refugee families. Imprinting the West: Manifest Destiny, Real and Imagined, through Monday. The exhibit features 48 hand-colored engravings and lithographs. Dont Touch That Dial: Kalamity Kate and the George Churley Puppets, through June 17. The exhibit features puppets created by Churley that were prominently featured on the KOLN/KGIN program, Kalamity Kates Cartoon Corral, and hundreds of live programs during the 1970s. Visitors also will be able to see the original Kalamity Kate costume worn by Leta Powell Drake, as well as film footage.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 1-4:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Admission: Free.

Omaha Childrens Museum (500 S. 20th St., Omaha): Forever Forest, through April 15. Exploring the realities of forests through play, this exhibit includes a tree top climber, a realistic mini replica of a Union Pacific engine, a kid-sized home kids can help build and more.

Admission: $12 for adults (16-59) and children (2-15), $11 for seniors (60 and older) and free for children under 24 months and members. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday.

Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum (28210 West Park Highway, Ashland): Nebraska 150 Aerospace. The exhibit highlights significant contributions of Nebraskans over 150 years of aerospace history. Admission: $12 for adults, $11 for seniors and military and $6 for children ages 4-12. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

University of Nebraska State Museum of Natural History (14th and Vine streets, Lincoln): Guts and Glory: A Parasite Story, through May 1, 2018. The exhibit explores the hidden world of parasites while showcasing the museums Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology. Admission: $6 for adults (19 and over), $3 for children (5-18 years), free for children 4 and under, and $13 for families (up to two adults and children). Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays and 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sundays.
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Having recently retired after more than 30 years of being a police officer, I look back on my experiences with pride of service to the community and having known and worked with some of the finest people in my profession. But I'll tell you that in order to keep one's sanity on the job, a sense of humor is required and indispensable.

For example, while one of the most dangerous duties a law enforcement officer must perform is to walk up to a strange car and interview the driver after having witnessed an infraction or violation, the conversations that transpire can be funny and memorable. Here are a few examples:

The Smart Mouth

While on patrol I witnessed a car traveling at well beyond the speed limit. Simply wanting to issue a warning to the driver, I stopped the car, walked up to the driver's window, and requested to see the operator's license, registration, and insurance card. I asked the driver, a female, "Do you know why I stopped you?" If she had answered something like, "Was I speeding?" I would have replied, "Yes. Slow down." And the episode would have ended there.

But her response to my initial question of do you know why I stopped you was, "What is this? Twenty questions?" Which essentially stopped the conversation; I issued a traffic citation and resumed patrol.

Card Games

At property damage and personal injury auto accidents, I used to hand out my business card telling those involved in the accident that if there is a problem with the form or if there is any way I can help to please contact me. But once I stopped a driver who was speeding and asked for his license, registration, and insurance card, and he readily offered that documentation along with a police business cardMy business card!

When I asked, "What's this?" He replied, "That's a friend of mine, Officer LoBalbo. Do you know him?"

I said, "Better than you." Then I returned to my patrol car, wrote the ticket, and brought it back to the driver along with his paperwork. When he saw the uniform traffic ticket, he asked, "There's no courtesy here?" thinking that he had leverage because of his good friend Officer LoBalbo

I looked directly at him and informed him, "I'm Officer LoBalbo."

Just like a child found with his hand in the proverbial "cookie jar," he turned beet red but then asked for my business card back, which I refused to give him.

I continued to hand out my business card. But from then on, I wrote the Mv104A number of the accident on the back along with the date.

Speed Racer

Another time I stopped the driver of a high-performance BMW. Before I had a chance to examine his license, registration, and insurance card, his comment to me was, "You know, I could have smoked you." The comment took me aback, as it can have multiple meanings.

I asked what he meant exactly, and he explained that he could have outrun me and my police cruiser. I then picked up my portable from my duty belt and asked him, "Are you faster than a radio signal? Because there's another patrol cruiser down the road about three miles who will stop you for sure."

Saying something like that to a law enforcement officer would have never occurred to me as a civilian before I became a LEO. I don't know what the BMW salesman told him, but clearly, he had been reading and believing too many of their advertisements.

The Real Deal

Once I stopped a driver who was speeding, and asked to see his license, registration, and insurance card. He replied, "How do I know that's a real badge?"

I controlled my anger and answered, "It's a real badge." I showed him my ID: "Here's my real identification." And I motioned toward my car with the flashing lights, "And that's a real police cruiser."

While he was digesting that, I added, "If you'd like, you can be brought in front of a real judge, in a real courtroom, and if the real magistrate so decides, you can be brought to a real jail."

He made no further comment about whether I was a genuine law enforcement officer.

Stating the Obvious

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A woman walked into our small sub-station to register a complaint of criminal mischief. Now there were two other officers there, one completing a report and the other processing an arrest. I am in full uniform, including badge with decorations, sidearm, and duty belt with two additional magazine cases and TASER. But her question to me was, "Are you a police officer?"

I replied with a smile, "It's not Halloween."

She glared at me and walked out the door. Of course, a personnel complaint followed the next day.

The Ammo Expert

Another time during a very busy morning riding double on the Fourth of July holiday weekend, my partner and I stopped to grab a quick lunch in between the plethora of calls we were sent on all morning. As we were eating, a man walked up to our table and sat down.

I thought he was a friend of my partner; my partner thought he was my friend. He started asking about our sidearms, which at that time were the S&W Model 686.

At my answer, he observed "Oh, Magnums."

I corrected him, stating that Magnums were too difficult to control so we use a +P round.

His comment was, "Oh, that's a weak cartridge. If you're wearing a heavy coat, they don't even go through."

Now, I don't want to get shot with a BB gun much less a +P round. So thinking he was kidding, I said to him, "Well, go home and put a heavy coat on. We'll test your theory."

Both my partner and I laughed, but not this gentleman. He got up and walked away.

When I returned to our headquarters at the end of the tour, my lieutenant called me into his office and asked, "Did you threaten to shoot someone today?"

I told him what had happened and his comment was that people do not have the same sense of humor that we have. He actually laughed but asked me not to utilize that same response should a civilian make such a silly statement to me again.

Self-Incrimination

Traffic Court and trials are another place where our sense of humor must be employed. This one gentleman would not take a disposition (pleading guilty to a lesser charge) for his speeding ticket and insisted on a trial. We were both sworn in and the defendant gave his statement. And as the issuing officer, I gave mine.

The gentleman had no questions for me, but asked the judge if he could make an additional comment, which he was allowed to do. His comment was, "Your honor, if I was speeding, I was speeding for only about five seconds."

The judge's head went down and he started writing. He then turned to me asking if I also had additional statements to make to which I replied in the negative.

The Judge's final comment was, "On the basis of the testimony given before me, I find you guilty as charged."

The defendant was livid with fury. He didn't realize he ruined his innocent plea by stating that he was speeding. He became upset, calling it a "kangaroo court, like the old Soviet Union."

It was all I could do to not burst out laughing. Which I did later in the locker room.

My Advice

When my relatives, friends, and acquaintances ask what to do when they are stopped by a police officer, I always say the same thing: "Just be nice. Keep your hands visible. Don't get out of the car unless you are directed to and make no sudden moves."

As we all know, the "just be nice" part goes a long way. As law enforcement officers we do not escape the everyday problems faced by every American. A friendly gesture, a smile, a courteous salutation, all go a long way toward making our days more pleasant and our job easier.

Anthony Charles LoBalbo is a retired police officer who served in the Town of Lewisboro (NY) Police Department for 14 years. He also served for 28 years as a Reserve Deputy with the Dutchess County (NY) Sheriff's Office.
Streamlight Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting, has introduced the MicroStream USB, a USB rechargeable version of its popular MicroStream flashlight. The compact new light is designed to provide amazing brightness and long run times for a flashlight of its size, delivering up to 250 lumens and 3.5 hours of run time, while also offering the benefits of rechargeability. It measures only 3.87 inches long, and weighs only 1.20 ounces.

"The MicroStream USB is small enough to carry in a pocket or clip to a cap, while offering extraordinary lumen output and the convenience of charging on the go at any USB port or from an AC wall adaptor," said Streamlight Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Michael F. Dineen. "It's the ideal lighting tool, whether for automotive or industrial jobs, patrol duty, hunting and other outdoor sports, or DIY jobs."

MicroStream USB flashlight (Photo: Streamlight)

Using power LED technology, the new light features two lighting modes, high and low. On high, it provides 250 lumens, 1,150 candela, a 68-meter beam distance and a run time of 1.5 hours. On low, it offers a run time of 3.5 hours, 50 lumens, 250 candela, and a beam distance of 31 meters.

The MicroStream USB includes a convenient push-button tail cap switch to provide easy, one-handed operation of the light's momentary or constant-on operation and lighting modes. It uses a 350 mAh lithium ion cell battery that can be recharged using the Micro USB charge port under the sliding sleeve. The light fully recharges in four hours, with red and green LED lights to indicate charging status.

The new light offers durable, abrasion-resistant construction, featuring a machined aluminum case with a Type II Military Spec anodized finish. The MicroStream USB is IPX4 rated for weather resistance, and is impact resistant-tested to one meter. It comes with a removable, two-way pocket/hat clip.

The MicroStream USB has an MSRP of $50.00, and comes with Streamlight's Limited Lifetime Warranty.

For more information, visit www.streamlight.com.
Photo: Rich Portwood Most law enforcement officers I know have some sort of folding knife that they carry with them off and often on duty. They mostly use these tools to cut mundane things like cords and tape and slice open evidence bags. Most probably don't even think about their knives as possible lifesaving weapons so they never practice drawing them and using them in defensive moves. And to be truthful, many of the knives carried by American law enforcement officers are not designed to be used as defensive weapons. But there are some folders on the market, like those made by Lotar Combat, that are designed to be weapons.

I stumbled upon Lotar Combat and the picture of its Akrav folder on Instagram purely by accident and was awed and a little shocked by the design. The Akrav is a fighting knife; it's designed to be the backup to your backup.

The Akrav was designed by Nir (that's the only name he gives on the company's website), a veteran of Israel's counter-terrorism units and also the Israel Border Police. Nir's covert military and law enforcement experiences led him to create a folding knife designed to be simple, rugged, and extremely deadly.

Beginning with titanium scales for ruggedness and weight savings, the user's hands benefit from the ergonomics of the design, which keeps the hands and wrist from being twisted. The ergonomics provide an ideal hold on the knife to be used as a weapon. Grip is intuitive for the index finger and thumb.

Photo: Rich Portwood The blade itself is made from hollow-ground D2 steel formed into a recurve/modified Tanto point. It looks exceptionally large for a folder blade, but it is both razor sharp and incredibly rugged. Coated with a titanium coating, this blade is all business and bad ass. The blade is deployed via a military-grade ball-bearing system that requires one hand and doesn't even require the user to flick their wrist. The blade opens smoother than any folder I have ever seen.

Even the clip on the Akrav is top of the line. It's much like those found on Parker pens. The clip holds the knife securely to a pocket, waistband, belt, MOLLE gear, or whatever else you want to attach it. The clip held my knife in place during some foot pursuits, and I even clipped it to the waistband of my shorts when I went for runs, since it's somewhat difficult to run with a concealed handgun. Even though the clip is secure, it provides lightning fast deployment, and the knife is so slim and lightweight you almost forget it's there.

And the Akrav is one tough knife. I have deliberately tried the limited lifetime warranty. I ran the knife over with my truck with no damage, pried open some crates, chopped a limb off a dogwood tree, skinned a few fish, and even used the titanium scales to bust out some windows of a junk car.

Photo: Rich Portwood Knife defense is a dying art, but I believe knife tactics and techniques should be more prevalent in police training. My academy experience included about 15 minutes on knife takeaways, and not once in the 14 years since have I had any agency training on deploying a knife as a defensive weapon. Despite the lack of training, many police departments nationwide allow their officers to carry a knife.

Which I do. I have carried a fixed-blade knife in an ankle holster for about 12 years and have worked with various defensive tactics trainers over the years on how to deploy the knife from the guard position. Even with that, I can't access the fixed-blade on my ankle easily while standing up or when facing an armed suspect three feet in front of me. Which is why I like the Akrav folder. I can easily access the Akrav that is now clipped to my pocket.

Lotar Combat Akrav Gen II Knife Blade Material: Hollow grind D2 steel blade Blade Hardness: 59-60 HRC Overall Length: 8.14 inches Blade Length: 3.5 inches Blade Thickness: 0.16 inches Blade Style: Recurve/modified Tanto point Features: ball bearing pivot system, slip-resistant flipper, titanium scales, low-profile titanium clip, titanium framelock with steel insert, BattleHarden titanium coating on blade and grip Price: $319 www.lotarcombat.com

The Akrav is not cheap. It lists for $319. But we live in dangerous times when many of our conversations revolve around officer safety. Having the right tools and training is paramount to our success as police officers. Instead of going to your local big box store and picking up a made-in-Taiwan knife with a seat belt cutter and glass breaker (have you ever actually used these?), I recommend you invest in a quality, rugged, well-designed defensive weapon like the Akrav. We won't skimp on our firearms, ammunition, or body armor, so why settle for junk for our last line of defense? Our profession dictates we be armed and ready for anything.

Rich Portwood has been a police officer for 14 years, is a competitive shooter, and is a head instructor at Blue Line Combatives.
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WASHINGTON (Reuters)  U.S. congressional Democratic leaders said Wednesday they had a productive meeting with leaders of the Republican majority and White House officials about spending issues ahead of a Jan. 19 deadline to keep the government funded.

We had a positive and productive meeting and all parties have agreed to continue discussing a path forward to quickly resolve all of the issues ahead of us, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi said in a statement.

The statement was issued after a meeting of over an hour on Capitol Hill attended by Schumer, Pelosi, House Speaker Paul Ryan, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and two White House officials  legislative director Marc Short and budget director Mick Mulvaney.

(Reporting by Susan Cornwell; Editing by Leslie Adler)
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Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA), a member of the House Intelligence Committee investigating Russia, said that investigators want to see Trumps bank records, and they want Steve Bannon to testify about Trump money laundering.

Video:

Swalwell said about the bank records on MSNBCs The Beat With Ari Melber, We want to see the bank records. We want to understand the financial transactions. A number of people have testified that theyve used financial entanglements And we know from Donald Trump Jr.s own mouth, that the Russians were heavily investing. Primarily their investments were coming from Russia I believe we should follow bank records. I think they would be illuminating for the American people to understand what investments were being made as well as what investments Donald Trump had made in the Russians.

Rep. Swalwell also said that the investigators want Bannon to testify, Absolutely, and I hope that the I hope the American people would be able to review his transcript and the transcript of every witness that has come before us.

Steve Bannon is trying to save his own skin, and would love nothing more than to take out the Trump kids and Jared Kushner along the way. If investigators talk to Steve Bannon, he is giving every signal that he is not going to protect the Trump family. Bannon had to know when he made the comments for the book that investigators were going to want to talk to him. With the very real prospect of Democrats running the investigation in a year, the situation is only going to get worse for Donald Trump.
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Former Vice President Joe Biden returned to Washington, D.C. on Wednesday to accompany Doug Jones for his official swearing-in ceremony after upsetting Roy Moore in last months special election in Alabama  but the vice president didnt leave before speaking his mind on Donald Trumps reckless North Korea tweets.

In comments to the media, Biden said Trumps loose talk on Twitter is dangerous and could lead to an unintended war.

Video via ABC News:

Former Vice Pres. Joe Biden on Pres. Trumps nuclear button tweet: This is not the stuff to be tweeting aboutthis is dangerous, to continue this kind ofalmost childs play. https://t.co/cAx3UN6Jyl pic.twitter.com/3vGFHB3j9B  ABC News (@ABC) January 3, 2018

Biden said Trumps rhetoric is dangerous and childish:

The only war thats worse than one thats intended is one thats unintended. This is not the stuff to be tweeting about. It is a very, very, very difficult problem. One of the first things we talked with the Trump team about in the transition was North Korea. He doesnt have any easy answers, but this is dangerous  to continue this almost childs play.

In different remarks to NBC News, Biden took an even tougher stance against Trumps tweets: This is not a game. This is not about can I puff my chest out bigger than yours. Its just not  its not presidential.

When the former vice president was asked whether Trumps behavior makes him more likely to mount a 2020 bid for the presidency, Biden responded with one word: No.

But as Trump continues to prove his unfitness to be president and the country seeks a course correction after allowing a dangerously unfit individual to reach the White House, Bidens stock is only likely to go up.

One opinion column published in Newsweek on Wednesday urged the former vice president to run for a single-term in 2020 with the simple slogan: Make America Normal Again.

With Trump becoming increasingly unstable and dangerous, that may not be such a bad idea.
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PARIS (Reuters)  President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday he would overhaul French media legislation this year to fight the fake news spread on social media which he said threatened liberal democracies.

Since he was elected last year, Macron has criticized Russian media in particular, openly accusing TV channel RT of sowing disinformation about him via its website and social media during the presidential election.

If we want to protect liberal democracies, we must have strong legislation, Macron told a news conference.

Macron said the legislation would concern social media platforms, especially during election periods, and deeply change the role of Frances media watchdog CSA.

(Reporting by Michel Rose; Editing by Ingrid Melander)
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While much of the political world is shocked by the more personal revelations uncovered in Michael Wolffs new book Fire and Fury, Rachel Maddow zeroed in on the legal implications and how they could turn out to be an obstruction of justice nightmare for the White House.

According to the MSNBC host, There are a couple of serious claims in this new book  that could indicate new liability we didnt know about before for the president and members of his family on obstruction of justice.

Video:

Rachel #Maddow: New Book Revelations Are An Obstruction Of Justice Nightmare For Trump pic.twitter.com/bSIPB53LZz  Sean Colarossi (@SeanColarossi) January 4, 2018

Maddow explains:

There are a couple of serious claims in this new book apparently by people in a position to know that could indicate new liability we didnt know about before for the president and members of his family on obstruction of justice. So, yes, for sure, the insults and the damning anecdotes are sort of impossible to turn away from. The former deputy chief of staff of the White House saying the president is like a child. The reported suspicion by members of the White House staff that the president may only be semi-literate. Theres a lot there, and well get to some of that stuff tonight. But this is also a White House that is in the cross hairs of the biggest criminal and counterintelligence investigation ever mounted against any U.S. president ever. And, so, watch for these newly unearthed potential legal liabilities to be triggers for upset in the White House, and potentially for renewed aggression by the White House and by Republicans who support the White House against the special counsel and the FBI.

As Maddow noted, there were some jaw-dropping revelations made in the book, some even funny, but the ones that matter most are those that raise more legal questions for the president, his family, and his inner circle.

One in particular, as Maddow showed during her program, was that a spokesman for Trumps lawyer believed he personally witnessed the president obstructing justice on Air Force One. He even quit his job over it.

Corallo (the spokesman for Trumps legal team), seeing no good outcome-and privately confiding that he believed the meeting on Air Force One represented a likely obstruction of justice-quit, the book states.

So while the new details continue to build the legal case against Trump, they also increase the likelihood that the president and his GOP apologists in Congress will escalate their war on special counsel Robert Mueller and the FBI.

With Trump and his team likely to become more desperate as the evidence continues to mount, Congress should move to protect Robert Mueller and the Russia investigation before its too late.
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Donald Trump was forced to officially shut down his failed voter fraud commission on Wednesday after most states refused to take it seriously and hand over data the administration requested.

In a typically Trump statement, the president lashed out about having to disband the commission, saying he will explore other avenues in order to get to the bottom of widespread voter fraud that exists only his unsteady mind.

The full statement:

Despite substantial evidence of voter fraud, many states have refused to provide the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity with basic information relevant to its inquiry. Rather than engage in endless legal battles at taxpayer expense, today I signed an executive order to dissolve the Commission, and have asked the Department of Homeland Security to review these issues and determine next courses of action.

Before even getting through half a sentence, the White House lied. There is no substantial evidence of voter fraud. In fact, just the opposite is true.

As the Brennan Center notes, [E]xamination after examination of voter fraud claims reveal fraud is very rare, voter impersonation is nearly non-existent, and much of the problems associated with alleged fraud relates to unintentional mistakes by voters or election administrators. Election officials and leaders of the presidents own party also agree fraud is not widespread.

Even though Trump won the presidency via the Electoral College, he has repeatedly made unsubstantiated claims that millions of undocumented immigrants cast their ballot in places like California. Just days after taking office, he told lawmakers that he believes three to five million votes were cast illegally, costing him a popular vote victory over Hillary Clinton.

In reality, this is just a story Trump tells himself to feel better about the fact that a majority of the country didnt want him to be the leader of the free world. His disastrous first year in the White House is evidence of why that was the case.

At a time when the nuclear threat with North Korea is reaching new heights  thanks largely to his loose talk on Twitter  its stunning that the President of the United States thinks this conspiracy theory should be a homeland security concern.
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By Sarah N. Lynch

WASHINGTON (Reuters)  President Donald Trumps former campaign manager Paul Manafort sued Special Counsel Robert Mueller on Wednesday, alleging that his offices wide-ranging investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia exceeded its legal authority and needed to be reined in.

Manaforts civil lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, named both Mueller and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller in May and is tasked with overseeing the special counsels operations.

It accused Rosenstein of exceeding his legal authority to grant Mr. Mueller carte blanche to investigate and pursue criminal charges in connection with anything he stumbles across.

Manafort and his business partner Rick Gates were indicted in October by Muellers office on charges including conspiracy to launder money, conspiracy against the United States and failing to register as foreign agents of Ukraines former pro-Russian government.

The indictment did not make reference to any activity related to Manaforts work on the Trump 2016 presidential campaign.

The lawsuit on Wednesday asked the court to have the case against Manafort dismissed.

A spokeswoman for the Justice Department called the lawsuit frivolous, but added that Manafort was entitled to file whatever he wants.

A spokesman for Muellers office declined to comment.

Rosenstein appointed Mueller in May, shortly after Trump fired former FBI Director James Comey.

Comey has since said he believes he was fired because Trump wanted to undermine the investigation into possible collusion between the campaign and Russia.

Trump has denied that his campaign colluded with Russia, although he has also said he fired Comey because of this Russia thing. Moscow has denied meddling in the 2016 U.S. election campaign.

Rosenstein is in charge of overseeing Muellers operations because Attorney General Jeff Session is recused from the Russia investigation.

Under the terms of Rosensteins order appointing Mueller, the special prosecutor can not only probe links or coordination between Trumps campaign and Russia but look into any matters that arose or may arise directly from the investigation.

Manaforts attorneys argued that Rosensteins order cast too wide a net for Muellers probe.

The investigation has focused on Mr. Manaforts offshore business dealings that date back to as early as 2005-about a decade before the Trump presidential campaign launched, the lawsuit said.

It also alleged that the appointment order by Rosenstein was arbitrary and capricious and needed to be set aside.

(Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch; Editing by Peter Cooney)
As children enter their elementary school years, at one time or another a parent, teacher or peer asks them what they want to be when they get older.

Some want to be firefighters, police officers, astronauts and ballerinas.

But Kenzie Wisniewski always just told those who would direct that question her way that she wanted to be a mother.

Ive always wanted to be a mom, ever since I was a little kid, Wisniewski said during a Wednesday afternoon interview with the Tribune. When they asked me what I wanted to be in school, I would always say that I wanted to be a mom, and they told me that wasnt a career and I didnt get that, because my mom was a stay-at-home mom.

On Jan. 1 at 8:56 p.m., Wisniewskis dream career was finalized when she gave birth to her daughter, Dalila Cameren Linson. At birth, Dalila weighed 7 lbs. 2 oz., and measured 18  inches.

She was the first child born at Fremont Health Medical Center in 2018.

While sitting inside of a maternity room Wednesday afternoon, Wisniewski and Al/Jay Linson, Dalilas father and Wisniewskis fiance, spent a few minutes chatting about their new bundle of joy, who already is sprouting a full head of dark black hair.

Originally, Wisniewski was projected to give birth Jan. 11 or 13, and once doctors knew the baby was fully developed and ready to be delivered it was decided that labor would be induced on Jan. 5.

With Dalilas mother having Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease, the decision was made to deliver Dalila as soon as she was ready because toward the end of pregnancy, as Wisniewski said somebody with Lupus can start having adverse reactions.

They (doctors) said that with Lupus, your body in the last trimester can get really funky, she said. Your body just starts doing weird things. They didnt want her to be super early, but they also wanted to get her out as soon as they thought she would be ready.

Ultimately, Dalila made the decision herself when her mother started having contractions around the time the New Year was being rung in at Times Square in New York City.

Arriving at Fremont Health at approximately 2:30 a.m., a little more than 18 hours later Dalila took her first breath. While giving birth there were a few complications, but ultimately Dalila was born a healthy child.

After the doctors tended to the child for approximately 15 minutes, Dalilas parents were able to visit with their child.

I was trying to support her (Wisniewski) and also see her (the baby), too, Linson said.  Pretty soon she (Dalila) caught my eyes and thats just when I was just overwhelmed. I just started crying I was so happy  it was crazy. Its something Id never experienced, and I dont think its something you can experience until you have your own child. I was always excited to be a dad, but I didnt know the feeling I was going to feel when she locked eyes with me.
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Former Bush ethics lawyer Richard Painter said that Trump is off his rocker, the US is in a dangerous situation, and that Congress needs to explore the 25th Amendment or impeachment of Trump.

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Painter said, We are in a very dangerous situation. The president does not understand the First Amendment of the Constitution when he continually attacks the press and is taking concrete actions against the press, including retaliatory action against the parent company of CNN and now we have his lawyers who think theyre going to go into court and stop publication of a book critical of the president. As I say, this is not Russia, this is the United States. He is not a dictator. He doesnt get that. And he also doesnt get that he needs to control his anger, particularly when hes talking about nuclear weapons. And we have reached a point where the cabinet and the House and the Senate need to look both at the 25th amendment and impeachment provisions of the Constitution because were in a situation where we do not have a safe person in the Oval Office, and despite all my disagreements with Mike Pence on a range of issues, at least he would calm things down and we would feel a little safer at night. This book is just one more piece of evidence that this president is not fit for office. Its just one. As I said, he has done tweets just 48 hours ago that convinced many of us that hes off his rocker.

This is a Republican calling for Trump to be impeached or removed from office. Painter is one of the first Republicans to make such a clear statement about Trumps mental state, but he is unlikely to be the last. It has become obvious to all but the willingly blinded by partisanship that Donald Trumps mental state is getting worse by the day. The safety of the country is increasingly in jeopardy. Its not a partisan issue.

Trump has derailed the entire federal government for days because he is upset about a book that is being released.

If Republicans dont remove or impeach Trump, voters will elect a Democratic Congress who will.
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Gallery of Snowday2018  click to enlarge:

By Scott Malone and Gina Cherelus

BOSTON/NEW YORK (Reuters)  High winds and heavy snow barreled into the U.S. Northeast on Thursday, shutting schools and government offices, leaving tens of thousands without power and snarling travel as New Yorks JFK Airport halted flights due to whiteout conditions.

Thousands of flights were canceled, snow plows and salt trucks were omnipresent on roads and highways, and commuters who braved the storm to head in to their jobs hoped they would be able to make it home safely as the storm intensified later in the day.

Blizzard warnings were in place along the coast from North Carolina to Maine, with the National Weather Service forecasting winds as high as 70 miles per hour (113 km per hour) that may bring down tree limbs and knock out power.

More than a foot (30 cm) of snow was forecast for Boston and coastal areas in northern New England.

The storm is the product of a rapid plunge in barometric pressure that some weather forecasters are referring to as bombogenesis or a bomb cyclone, which brings fast, heavy snowfall and high winds.

The wintry weather has been blamed for at least 13 deaths over the past few days, including three fatalities in North Carolina traffic accidents and three in Texas due to cold.

More than 3,300 U.S. airline flights were canceled ahead of the storms arrival in the Northeast on Thursday. At New Yorks three major airports and Bostons Logan International, as many as three out of four flights were called off, according to tracking service FlightAware.com.

New Yorks John F. Kennedy International Airport temporarily halted all flights due to whiteout conditions, it said on its Twitter feed.

Passenger train operator Amtrak was running reduced service in the Northeast, while mass-transit systems in major metropolitan areas, including New York and Boston, remained open.

I have a big meeting today, so I had to go in. If I didnt, I probably would have stayed home, Ann Gillard, 24, said as she waited for a subway in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to take her into the downtown Boston office where she works as a consultant.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority invested extensively in equipment to remove snow and keep tracks from freezing after extensive disruptions during the winter of 2015, when Boston got about 9 feet (2.74 meters) of snow. But Gillard said her commute typically goes not that well in inclement weather.

My plan is to leave at 4, right after my meeting, and, hopefully, it will be OK, she said, adding that her backup plan was to walk home, probably. Its not that cold, itll just be snow.

In the Southeast, historic cities saw their heaviest snowfall in nearly 30 years on Wednesday, according to AccuWeather.com senior meteorologist Alan Reppert. Charleston, South Carolina, received 5.3 inches (13.46 cm) of accumulation, within an inch of its record, while Tallahassee, Florida saw its first measurable snow since 1989.

WIND WORRIES

Federal government offices delayed opening for two hours on Thursday, while state officials in Connecticut, New Jersey and Massachusetts ordered nonessential workers to stay home. In Maine, Governor Paul LePage ordered state offices closed for the day.

The snowstorm brought a break in extremely cold weather that has gripped much of the region since Christmas, frozen part of Niagara Falls, played havoc with public works and impeded firefighting in places where temperatures barely broke 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6.7 Celsius).

Some 65,000 homes and businesses in the Northeast were without power early on Thursday, though that number was expected to rise as the storm intensifies across the region.

That raised fears that people would be left without power and heat on Friday and during the weekend when temperatures are forecast to drop sharply.

We can handle snow, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said at a news conference. Its snow plus the wind which is going to cause the trouble today. The wind is going to be high all through the day.

Schools were ordered closed in New York, many parts of New Jersey, Boston and elsewhere throughout the region.

The bombogenesis phenomenon occurs when a storms barometric pressure drops 24 millibars in 24 hours. As a result, the accumulation of snow and winds intensifies, which can cause property damage and power outages.

Part of U.S. 13 at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel in Virginia was closed due to high winds early on Thursday, while state transportation departments throughout the region reported dozens of delays due to deteriorating road conditions.

(Additional reporting by Colleen Jenkins in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Brendan OBrien in Milwaukee and Scott DiSavino in New York; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Jonathan Oatis)
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Rep. Adan Schiff (D-CA) who is the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee sent a clear signal that if Democrats win back the House, they will be investigating Trump for obstruction of justice.

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Andrea Mitchell asked Schiff about the obstruction of justice issue, and he answered, I think the obstruction of justice is a real issue that bears investigation by us and by Bob Mueller. We are trying to get to the bottom of what took place on that plane as well. I asked Donald Trump Jr. About the conversation he had with his father after that meeting became public, and he refused to answer, invoking a nonexistent attorney-client privilege between his father. It remains to be seen whether we can get the majority support to compel him to come back and answer those questions as we need to to get to the bottom of this.

Schiff thinks that the House should be investigating Trump for obstruction of justice, which is a huge bit of foreshadowing of what is likely to happen if Democrats win back the House and the California Democrat because the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee.

Things are falling apart for Donald Trump, and his situation is going to get even worse in the future. A Democratic House is going to investigate all of the aspects of the Russia scandal that the Republican majority is intentionally ignoring.

Welcome to hell, Donald Trump. Adam Schiff is the determined former prosecuter who is going to torture this president with a Russia investigation until he gets to the truth.
Rochester Mayor Ardell Brede announced Wednesday he will not seek a fifth term in November.

"While I will continue to give 100 percent to representing this great city, I will not be seeking re-election in 2018," he said during his State of the City Address, acknowledging he had been encourage to seek a record 20 years in office.

"There have been many respected members in the community that strongly encourage me to run again, but of course there are those that not so quietly or via social media state or predict the opposite with some negativity," he said. "It is humbling to have people I respect deeply say the city needs a steady and respected mayor, especially at a time we are losing so many outstanding staff to retirement."

Prior to his announcement, Brede noted Police Chief Roger Peterson, Fire Chief Greg Martin, City Attorney Terry Adkins, Assistant City Administrator Gary Neumann and Public Works Director Richard Freese plan to retire this year.

Brede beat incumbent Mayor Chuck Canfield to become mayor in 2003, the same year he retired from Mayo Clinic.

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While the city's charter attempts to limit current elected officials to three consecutive terms, Brede was able to seek his fourth term in 2014 after the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that term limits are unconstitutional.

So far, only one candidate has stepped up to seek what will be an open seat.

Jordan Glynn announced the start of his campaign in April. The 29-year-old Rochester native is a local musician said he decided to run after reflecting on what he's seen in other cities and what is happening in his hometown.

Since declaring his candidacy, Glynn has been attending council meeting and other forums while also talking with area residents. He said last week he's forming campaign task forces to dig deeper into specific topics.

Several other potential candidates have said they are pondering potential runs for the mayor's seat but indicated they need more time before making a final decision.

The state's official filing period for local election is May 22 to June 5. If more than two candidates file for mayor, a primary election will be held Aug. 14 to narrow the field to two candidates for the Nov. 6 election.
Is the City of Rochester giving rooftop igloos the cold shoulder?

La Vetta, a seventh-floor bar in downtown Rochester, announced Wednesday that they are ending the use of their popular heated "igloo" dome tents on their rooftop patio due to conflicts with city rules.

The bar, which is a sibling of the restaurant Terza, in November started using five heated igloo structures to allow diners to brave the winter temperatures and eat on the rooftop patio at 30 Third St. SE.

The unconventional option soon became popular and attracted many reservations from groups eager for the novelty of eating outside in winter with a view of downtown Rochester.

"This is literally breaking our hearts to post, but we will not be allowed to have igloos on our roof," reads a statement posted on Facebook by La Vetta general manager Bruce Paine. "Our rooftop is twenty feet too high in elevation to have these types of structures on it.

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"I am so sorry, as we have a few hundred reservations over the next couple months that we have to disappoint. Unfortunately, there is no turning back this time. We did everything we could."

Dozens of fans of the igloos immediately began heating up social media, saying that city rules are hurting innovation and keeping Rochester from having something other cities allow.

An online petition in support of the igloos attracted more than 700 signatures in a few hours.

The petition states, "By some obscure city code, membrane structures (La Vetta's igloos) are not allowed on rooftops that are above 55 feet above ground.  Not only are people not able to enjoy this unique experience, but without the business that the igloos bring in, some employees will be forced to look for other sources of income as they rely on this job to put bread on the table for their loved ones."

Rochester Building Safety Director Randy Johnson said the city has been working with the owners of the H3 Plaza building to determine if the structures are safe. While no official order to halt the use of the structures has been issued, a letter is being written, he said.

"We were not aware of them until right before New Year's Eve," he said. "We're trying to work with them on this."

The primary concern, according to Johnson, is whether the transparent tents meet fire codes, particularly with propane heaters inside them. The Rochester Fire Dept. has asked La Vetta to provide proof that the igloos are flame retardant.

Johnson said La Vetta had already replaced large propane tanks, which are not allowed in buildings, with much smaller ones at the request of the fire department. There is also concern about having enough room for people to exit, in case of fire.

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On the height issue, Johnson said his department is researching that, because the regulation is not absolutely clear. However, his department does believe the building height could be a safety issue.

"If you get a stiff wind blowing those off a seven-story building, it would cause problems," he said.

The inspiration for the new concept was watching the elaborate La Vetta rooftop patio go unused during Minnesota's long winters. The general manager looked for options and found a restaurant in New York City using "igloos."

Terza and La Vetta, which opened in 2015, both are part of the Nova Restaurant Group. Nova is led by Chef Scott Foster and Pat Woodring, who also are the minds behind the popular downtown restaurants Chester's Kitchen & Bar and Pescara.

The building is owned by Titan Development and Investments, of Rochester.
Rochester City Council President Randy Staver said he will be stepping down from the Rochester Convention and Visitors Bureau board after the council voted 4-3 to limit voting privileges for council members who serve on private boards.

"I will be resigning from the RCVB board because I certainly will not want to relinquish my ability to vote on your behalf at the city council," he said, noting he was addressing the council audience.

Council Member Nick Campion suggested the change Wednesday evening following a council discussion earlier in the day, citing potential conflicts and limited access to information.

"Think the council operates best when all council members have an equal set of information with which to make their decisions," he said. "I continue to have significant concerns about individual council members being responsible for and executing the oversight of large organizations."

The change takes an earlier council decision a step further.

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In presenting potential committee assignments, Staver noted several committees require council member appointments, but others are voluntary. In the past, members volunteering to serve on boards or committees of private agencies that receive significant public funding  either 60 percent of their budget or not less than $100,000  have been able to vote on the committee and the council without a cited conflict.

Council Member Michael Wojcik said he thinks a conflict of interest exists when someone sits on a private board and votes as a council member when the board's funding could be at stake.

"It really is, except we're saying it's not," he said of past practice.

Wednesday's decision reversed that opinion for the council.

Campion said he wants to find a way to improve oversight of private agencies that receive public funds, noting several have faced financial shortfalls recently.

He said having a single council member on a board offers limited insight, since other council members may not have a full understanding of how public funds are being used. Instead, he suggested finding alternate ways to oversee how funds are used.

"This is not about the people in these positions for me," he said. "It's about how we get that oversight."

Staver said he thinks the oversight of a council member is important for a body like the RCVB board.

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"We're talking about significant lodging tax," he said. "Usually, you will have an elected official  taxpayers will usually demand that their elected officials are part and parcel of decisions that involve taxpayer dollars."

The local convention and visitors bureau is a private agency but operates on a budget funded by a portion of the 7 percent lodging tax collected by the city. This year the agency expects to receive $2.6 million in tax dollars.

Wojcik noted City Administrator Steve Rymer is a non-voting member of the board and can report the agency's actions to the council.

Additionally, the council is preparing to create a new committee designed to oversee the various private agencies that receive public funds, which would include the RCVB, as well as the Rochester Art Center, Rochester Civic Theatre and similar groups.



Council committees

While no members were named to voluntary committees Wednesday, the council approved committee assignments that largely mirror the 2017 membership.

The assignments are:

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 Airport Commission: Randy Staver and Mayor Ardell Brede

 Board of Equalization: Mark Hickey, Mark Bilderback and Ed Hruska

 Destination Medical Center Corporation: Hickey and Brede

 Energy Commission: Michael Wojcik

 Personnel Advisory Committee: Hruska, Hickey, Wojcik and Annalissa Johnson

 Planning and Administrative Services Committee: Bilderback and Nick Campion

 Public Utility Board: Wojcik

 Rochester Olmsted Council of Governments: Wojcik, Bilderback, Campion, Staver and Brede

 Rochester Amateur Sports Commission: Hickey

 South Zumbro Watershed Joint Powers Board: Bilderback, Staver and Johnson
WABASHA  The Wabasha City Council is hoping fewer full-time and part-time employees on the city's ambulance service will lead to better coverage for the city and Saint Elizabeth's Medical Center.

On Tuesday night, the council voted to restructure the ambulance service, reducing the number of staff positions and increasing the number of volunteer members of the service, said City Administrator Chad Springer.

The city's plan for the ambulance service is to eliminate the two part-time positions and eliminate one of three full-time positions. Previously, the ambulance service had a director, two full-time EMTs, two part-time EMTs and about 20 volunteers who were either certified EMTs or first responders.

The new structure will have a full-time director and assistant director who are both EMTs, but a larger number of volunteers. The new director is Gene Jensen, a former volunteer EMT, and a volunteer firefighter in Wabasha. Interim director Amanda Murphy is the new assistant director, Springer said.

The increased number of volunteers will come from increasing the on-call and service pay for the volunteers, Springer said. When on-call, EMTs will earn $6 per hour and first responders $4. Previously, they earned $2.75 an hour on-call. When a call comes in, that pay jumps to $15 for EMTs and $11 for first responders.

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"The new director has already brought some EMTs back, and we have a new first responder class of about 15," Springer said.

The hope is this new structure will allow for a second crew when the first crew is conducting a patient transport or answering an emergency call. Right now, Murphy said, the ability to cover transport calls from Saint Elizabeth's is about 50 percent. While the goal is to be able to take 100 percent of transport calls, a realistic number is closer to about 80 percent.

Murphy added that transportation calls are "the moneymaker for the service."

"We have struggled making that goal (of 50 percent)," Springer said. "Rural ambulance is changing all over the board, and we're looking to change with it."

Kurt Henn, medical staff liaison and director of pharmacy at St. Elizabeth's, said the hospital is very hopeful the city's new plan will lead to better coverage for the hospital. Currently, Saint Elizebeth's sends between eight and 12 transport calls a week to other hospitals.

Without reliable transportation from Wabasha Ambulance, the hospital would suffer, he said. "Most rural facilities around the state, there's a limit on what we can do," he said. "We need to get them to the next level of care."

The city and hospital are trying to work together to create an ambulance service that not only serves the greater Wabasha area but the needs of Saint Elizabeth's as well, said Saint Elizabeth's spokeswoman Jenny Schlagenhaft

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The process of upgrading or replacing the Winona County Jail will begin in full force in 2018. County commissioners have been working to put together a task force that will make recommendations for upgrading or replacing the existing 1978 jail.

In September 2016, the Minnesota Department of Corrections downgraded the jail from a Class III facility to a Class II facility. That resulted in the county being forced to house many inmates in jails of neighboring counties. For example, the Winona jail can no longer house female prisoners. Prisoners who needed long-term incarceration were shipped out after 90 days. And some inmates were removed for security reasons.

The downgraded status for the jail has cost Winona County money for transporting prisoners and paying daily rates at other jails. County Administrator Ken Fritz said the county would spend more than $250,000 annually shuffling prisoners around under the current setup. A new jail would likely eliminate that cost.

Elsewhere around the region:

 A new dredge material management plan is due from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers this summer. Since the new plan will likely have been pre-vetted by many of the stakeholders and communities, the subsequent 30-day public comment period should be filled more with "atta boys" rather than "how dare you" comments.

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 School districts that suffered failed referendums in 2017 will likely trot out new measures. Expect a huge slate of them in November. The Winona and Red Wing districts have already announced they will try again.

Red Wing is looking for operating levy money. Winona will likely create another elaborate plan to reset its district infrastructure. Don't be surprised if St. Charles again asks voters to approve work at the high school, including an expanded gym space, a measure that has failed twice.

 The owners of Circle K Family Farm will likely break ground on their new hog facility northeast of Zumbrota. The project was fought by neighbors and the Land Stewardship Project all through 2017, including a case that went to the Minnesota Court of Appeals. But with legal challenges exhausted, the Kohlnhofer brothers just need a building permit to start construction.

 One of the biggest changes in Minnesota might be brewing behind the scenes. With cost-shifts from the state onto county governments growing each year, county administrators and commissioners across the region have said something has to give.

From the rising costs taken on by counties in social services such as out-of-home placements for children, mental health hospitalizations, administration of MNsure sign-ups, and enforcement of buffer strip policies, county budgets are getting eaten up by mandates from St. Paul and the federal government.

"The cost shifting that the county has faced, especially in areas such as Health and Human Services, has been detrimental to budgets," said Goodhue County Administrator Scott Arneson.
I have viewed President Trump as bridging the divide in the Republicans party between its establishment and populist-nationalist wings. Trump attempted to play that role in 2017. For example, he supported the establishment candidate in the Alabama Senate primary, but then bucked the establishment by backing the populist candidate in the general election even after that candidate found himself in severe difficulty.

Trump also bridged the gap in the realm of foreign policy. For example, he took a restrained position regarding Syria, limiting our engagement there largely to fighting ISIS as the nationalists desire. However, he bucked the nationalists by upping our presence in Afghanistan in a victory for the internationalists.

I figured that Trump would continue to play this bridging role to some extent in 2018. But after todays finalizing of the Trump-Bannon divorce, I wonder whether the role has become obsolete. That is, I wonder whether the populist wing, as an entity independent of Trump, will collapse as a force during Trumps presidency.

Steve Bannon is its champion. At the beginning of the Trump administration, he was its representative in the administration. Trumps bridging function consisted largely of mediating disputes between Bannon and his enemies in the White House.

After Bannons departure, he set out his stall as an independent power broker. Bannon scored a victory in that capacity when Roy Moore defeated Sen. Luther Strange, whom Trump supported. However, Moores ignominious defeat in the general election gave Bannon a black eye.

Through it all, Trump and Bannon remained on decent terms, at least outwardly. The presidents conciliatory statement about Bannon that appears in this post reflected the formal state of their relationship.

But Bannons attack on members of Trumps family put an end to that relationship. Bannon can no longer be the bad cop (or the good one, depending on ones ideology) in Trump World. Hes off the Trump beat.

The question becomes whether there now will be a meaningful populist-nationalist wing in the GOP that is at all independent of Trumps policy preferences. I suspect there wont be, not during the Trump presidency. For unless Bannon can remain viable notwithstanding the enmity of Trump  or unless someone becomes a new, more effective Bannon  the populist-nationalist wing now will be whatever Trump finds expedient to say it is.

I dont see Bannon surviving the wrath of Trump. It was Trump who galvanized the populist-nationalist wing, not Bannon. Members of that wing are too heavily invested in Trump to tilt towards Bannon in a war, even though Bannon has become the more pure champion of populist-nationalist causes. When its purity vs. power, bet on power almost every time.

Im neither a fan of Bannon nor a populist-nationalist in the Bannon-Trump sense. However, I will regret the loss of Bannons wing as an influence on the president, if thats what is in store.

The absence of that independent wing would leave too much influence in the hands of the New Yorkers and the Generals. The New Yorkers  Jared Kushner, Ivanka Trump, and Gary Cohn  dont seem conservative. The Generals  Kelly, McMaster, and Mattis  seem mostly indifferent to large swaths of conservatism.

I dont think this will matter much on high profile issues. Trump probably will sort through them without being unduly swayed. However, theres plenty of under the radar stuff that Trump simply doesnt have the time or the temperament to sort through.

Last year, these matters might have produced a stalemate between the two factions for Trump to mediate. This year, they likely will be resolved by the New Yorkers or the Generals with no mediation required.
Early yesterday I wrote briefly about the New York Times op-ed column by Fusion GPS principals Glenn Simpson and Peter Fritsch. I appended the dossier itself to my comments to let readers see the disparity between the columns claims and their description of it.

NROs Andrew McCarthy explicitly exposes the deep duplicity of the Simpson/Fritsch column and of the Times itself in Beating a hasty retreat from the Steele dossier. McCarthy demonstrates that Simpson and Fritsch are on a mission akin to that of their man Christopher Steele with his dossier. That is, they are peddling disinformation.

Simpson is of course a former Wall Street Journal reporter. The Journals Kim Strassel has seen through Simpsons game for some time, as she did in her November 2017 column Lifting the Steele curtain (The dossier amounts to one of the dirtiest tricks in U.S. political history)(behind the Journals paywall). Today the Journal comments editorially on the Simpson/Fritsch column in Fusions Russia fog (behind the Journal paywall). It nicely complements McCarthys column. It calls out the sob story spun by Fusion GPS founders Glenn Simpson and Peter Fritsch Wednesday in a New York Times op-ed that matches the Steele dossier for disinformation. I hear the voice of Strassel singing in the editorial:

The Fusion duo portray themselves as valiantly working to highlight Mr. Trumps Russia ties by providing the FBI with intelligence reports that corroborated credible allegations of collusion between the Trump camp and Russia. For exercising their right under the First Amendment, Fusion laments that it has been subject to Congressional harassment and a succession of mendacious conspiracy theories, including by us. Oh my. Fusion is talented at producing dirt for hire, including for Russians to smear human-rights activist Bill Browder. The problem is the veracity of its work, and the cofounders dont name a single example in their op-ed of something that proves the dossiers claim of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. Eighteen months after the dossier hit Washington, the FBI, special counsel Robert Mueller and Congress have also offered no public validation of its collusion allegations. The Fusion boys pat themselves on the back for having handed over our relevant bank records, but the firm stonewalled Congressional committees for most of 2017, refusing to divulge the names of its clients (the Clinton campaign and the Democratic National Committee) and even suing to prevent access to its bank records. In court documents, Fusion has also admitted to paying journalists during the election, though it refuses to disclose the names, amounts or purposes of the payments. As Mr. Browder notes on Twitter, the Fusion op-ed also conveniently omits that it worked for Russian govt interests trying to repeal Magnitsky Act [sanctions] at the same time [it] was working on the dossier. Mr. Simpson met with his Russian client, Kremlin-connected lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya, before and after she sat with Donald Trump Jr. in Trump Tower in June 2016. Mr. Simpson continues to claim he knew nothing about her Trump meeting and that she knew nothing of his Steele dossier workthough youll have to take his word for the coincidence. As for Fusions deep concern about an attack on our country by a hostile foreign power, the firms concern about Russiaand its human-rights abuses, for which the Magnitsky sanctions were imposedwould seem to stop at its bank account.

The Daily Callers Chuck Ross reports on the response of the congressional panels impugned by Simpson and Fritsch in Senate panel hits back at Fusion GPS over op-ed claims. Rosss report adds valuable context to the Simpson/Fritsch claim. Ross, for example, quotes a House Intelligence Committee source: Its hard to believe Fusion GPS representatives really want these transcripts made public, especially since two of them pleaded the fifth, said the source, referring to Fritsch and fellow Fusion partner Thomas Catans decision to take the fifth during a closed-door interview in October.
Yesterday Paul Manafort filed a lawsuit against the Department of Justice, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, and Special Counsel Robert Mueller. In the lawsuit, among other things, Manafort seeks to have the actions taken against him by Mueller set aside as beyond his authority. Politico has posted a copy of Manaforts Complaint here.

I wont comment on the merits of the lawsuit before the defendants respond and its substance is in any event beyond any expertise I have. Here I want briefly to note for readers some background on the issues raised by Manaforts lawsuit and provide links to the materials necessary to understand them.

The legal authority of the Attorney General or his surrogate to appoint Special Counsel is governed by regulations promulgated by the Department of Justice. The relations are codified in 28 C.F.R. Part 600 (General Powers of Special Counsel). For my purposes here sections 600.1 (Grounds for appointing a Special Counsel) and 600.4 (Jurisdiction) are the operative regulations.

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein appointed Mueller as Special Counsel by order dated May 17, 2017. The New York Times has posted the order here.

Andrew McCarthy discussed the legal issues raised by Muellers appointment in the NRO columns Mend, dont end. Muellers investigation (June 14, 2017) and Rosenstein fails to defend his failure to limit Muellers investigation (August 7, 2017). The two paragraphs below draw from the first of these two columns. Both are must reading.

McCarthy has stressed the fundamental point that a Special Counsel may only be appointed when the Attorney General or his surrogate determines that criminal investigation of a person or matter is warranted. However, the investigation of Russias interference in the 2016 presidential campaign has not been denominated a criminal investigation. It is a counterintelligence investigation.

Section 600.1 requires the identification of a criminal investigation of a person or matter that the Special Counsel is appointed to conduct. Rosensteins appointment of Mueller, however, cited the investigation that was described by then-FBI director Comey in his March 20 congressional testimony. McCarthy emphasizes that the Russia investigation described by Comey is a counterintelligence investigation; it is not a criminal investigation of a person or matter. (McCarthy has therefore proposed that Rosenstein should issue a directive superseding his original appointment of Mueller in order to more tightly and appropriately define Muellers jurisdiction. The new directive should describe, in writing, the potential crimes that have been uncovered in the Russia investigation.)

Whereas McCarthy has focused on Rosensteins failure to establish the predicate for the appointment of Special Counsel under section 600.1, Manaforts complaint does not take up this point. It implicitly concedes that Muellers investigation has a legal predicate under section 600.1. Rather, Manafort challenges the unbounded scope of Muellers investigation beyond the legal predicate and therefore in excess of Muellers jurisdiction under section 600.4. In paragraph 8 Manafort alleges (emphasis in original):

Consistent with DOJs special counsel regulations, the Appointment Order gives Mr. Mueller authority to investigate a specific matter: links and/or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the campaign of President Donald Trump. But the Appointment Order then purports to grant Mr. Mueller the additional authority to pursue any matters that arose or may arise directly from that investigation. As explained below, that exceeds the scope of Mr. Rosensteins authority to appoint special counsel as well as specific restrictions on the scope of such appointments. Indeed, the Appointment Order in effect purports to grant Mr. Mueller carte blanche to investigate and pursue criminal charges in connection with anything he stumbles across while investigating, no matter how remote from the specific matter identified as the subject of the Appointment Order [emphasis in original].

See also Complaint paragraphs 22-24.

i urge readers interested in the issues to read the materials linked above. As I say, I make no claim to expertise and am not even sure that I am reading Manaforts Complaint correctly. Until Andrew McCarthy himself weighs in, I would like to leave this here for now.

UPDATE: The post above is obviously focused on the substance of the argument rather than its form as a lawsuit. My friend Mr. McCarthy finds the lawsuit frivolous. The issue should be raised by a motion to dismiss the indictment rather than by this lawsuit: Manaforts underlying complaint is a serious one, aimed at Muellers jurisdiction to prosecute crimes beyond the scope of the so-called Russia investigation. But his counsel undermine their colorable claim, and no doubt damage their standing with the judge in Manaforts criminal case, by pulling this stunt.

He also restates his contention regarding the impropriety of the investigation: Under my theory, Muellers appointment is improper. Theoretically, then, any charge he filed could be attacked as invalid. My point is not that the charges against Manafort exceed the special counsels proper authority; I contend that, by failing to comply with the regulations, the Justice Department did not give the special counsel proper authority in the first place. o Here I think the difference is, as I suggests above, between section 600.1 and section 600.4.

He states in his final paragraph: Manafort is not challenging the special counsels appointment  at least, not at this point. His claim is not that Mueller should not be permitted to file any charges but that the charges Mueller has filed fall outside the scope of the jurisdiction granted to him by Rosenstein. Even if we assume there is merit in this claim, the Justice Department could easily fix the problem by formally expanding Muellers jurisdiction. If Rosenstein did that, there would be no basis to dismiss the indictment.
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Jaipur International Film Festival is going to begin from 6th January [Saturday, 5pm at Golcha Cinema].Across the entire world, 136 Films would be screened; 20 Workshops with 300 Film Makers and Actors and much more would happen.Seminars and Special Sessions would be conducted, which would be enriching for Film  Enthusiasts.Interestingly, this year, JIFF would include Symposium and other varied aspects.The Research in the sector of Cinema is going to reach and benefit people accordingly.Films appreciated / liked by people, would be declared on 9th January.Much awaited Co  Production Meets would take place for Film  Lovers.On the last day of JIFF [10th January,6pm at Tivoli-Golcha Cinema], 47 Awards would be declared. It would be the Award Night.4th January - Its a moment of absolute delight for Film  Fans; as JIFF is going to screen all the loved and awaited National / International Films. The Fest would take place at the very popular GOLCHA Cinema [Chaura Rasta, Jaipur] in order to bring Film Makers, Artists and Films Lovers on one platform. Its a moment of immense pride for JIFF; because this is the 10th Year of the Fest. With this year, JIFF would accomplish the journey of a decade.Celebrating the moment, JIFF would begin with a super  grand opening! Each and every person at the Fest would be welcomed as a Guest by JIFF.JIFF is dedicated to the State of RAJASTHAN this year. 13 Films have been chosen from Rajasthan. Surendra Bohra [From Jodhpur, Rajasthan] would be awarded with LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD. Its mentionable that Bohra had produced Rajasthani Film Maa Manne Kyu Parnaayi and directed Hindi Film Saajan Ka Ghar; which starred Rishi Kapoor and Juhi Chawla. Since then, Bohra made many splendid Films hitherto.Isnt it great to know that 136 Films have been chosen to be shown at JIFF; out of received 2019 Films from 101 Countries! It includes 24 Feature Films; 9 Documentary Feature Films; 9 Short Documentary Feature Films; 73 Short Fictions; 9 Animation Films; 5 Mobile Films and 7 Web Series.JIFF would provide a platform to all Research Scholars associated with Cinema and Film Enthusiasts to be collected altogether; where CINEMA would be discussed / talked about.A wide  scaled SURVEY is going to be conducted by JIFF. The selected Films [Appreciated by People] through the Survey; would be declared on 9th January at JIFF.Apparently, Co  PRODUCTION MEET would be the biggest success of JIFF. Entire world longs for these Meets; and 150 Film Makers / Producers would participate hereby. It would be organized at MANIPAL UNIVERSITY, at 5 PM on 8th January.SYMPOSIUM would begin with the Dialogue on Hasrat Jaipuri: His Life and Time at 11 AM on 7th January. Ish Madhu Talwar would do the Talk. Art activities and Art Camp would start from 2 PM, where Era Tak would make the dialogue with Senior Painter Surendra Pal Joshi and Dr Ashwin Dalwi [Chairman of Lalit Kala Academy] about Cinema and Visual Art.Dora Elek [Director of Lend Me Your Eyes] from Hungry would talk to people at 1 PM; in Tivoli Hall of GOLCHA Cinema. Sunita Mishra [Director ofBirds in Flight, and Sister of Famous Director Sudhir Mishra] would talk to people at 2 PM. Star Cast, Producer, Editor and Director Vedanti Dani, associated with the Film Inkbolt would talk to people. Gorune APRIKIAN [Director of Just a Fling] would do the talk at 4:30 PM.On 8th January  Dr. Sudesh Batra, Ranveer Singh, Prabodh Govil, Shyam Mathur, Bhim Prakash Sharma and several other guests would discuss upon Freedom of Expressions V/S Norms of Society. On the same day, Rajiv Arora, K. C. Maloo, Rajendra Gupta and Sagar Shravan would talk upon Rajasthani Cinema: Kal Aaj aur Kal.At 3:15 PM, Katrina Philippou [Director of Film Marriage] from England; and star cast of Code Name Abdul [From USA] would have a Dialogue with the spectators; at 7:30 PM. In NILE Hall [GOLCHA Cinema] Roope Olenius from Finland [Director of Tuftland] and Producer Hiski Himalnen would do the Discussion at 4:15 PM. Phillipa Frisby [Director of The Circle] from England would make the Dialogue at Manipal University.On 9th January 11am  There would be a Symposium upon Why Film Festivals; in which Dora Elek, Katrina Philippou, Nand Bhadwaj, Farooq Afridi, Rajendra Bohra, Dr Sanjeev Bhanavat, Dr Anita Nayar and Dr Urvashi Sharma would participate.On the same day; star cast of Hindi Feature Film Tikli and Lakshmi Bomb would introduce themselves to public at 6:30 PM [at Tivoli Hall, GOLCHA Cinema]. On the other; Angela Robinson [Director of Courtesy] would meet people at Manipal University.On 10th January  Research Scholar Dr Rakesh Raipuria [From Rajasthan University] would express his Views upon Marginalized Society and Indian Cinema. Balram Kanwat [From Delhi University] would present his Findings upon Cinema of Vishal Bhardwaj.Hindi Film Angrezi Mein Kahte Hain is chosen as the OPENING FILM of JIFF; and CLOSING FILM would be Lies We Tell! Its an American Film, starring popular Hollywood Actors! Harish Vyas has directed 105 Minutes long Film Angrezi Mein Kahte Hain, starring Sanjay Mishra, Eklavya Khanna, Pankaj Tripathi, Brijendra Kala and Anshuman Jha.Lies We Tell is a 101 minutes long English Film; directed by Mitu Misra; starring Harvey Keitel, Gabriel Byrne and Sibylla Deen.On the Closing day of JIFF; 47 Awards would be given in 8 distinguished categories.
TRENTON  For the first time since 1972, a New Jersey Teacher of the Year has become a finalist for the national title  and she is from South Jersey.

Ocean City High Schools Amy Andersen, who was named local and county teacher of the year in 2017, was named New Jersey Teacher of the Year in the fall. On Thursday, in the midst of a snowstorm paralyzing South Jersey, Andersen was named one of four national finalists by the Council of Chief State School Officers.

I believe all children deserve to have a voice, no matter how different, whether signed or spoken, and a way to express that voice. I am excited to have this opportunity to bring attention to American Sign Language, deaf culture and the global benefits of being bilingual, Andersen said.

Andersen, 45, of Cape May Court House, has been teaching American Sign Language at Ocean City High School since its program began in 2004. Prior to that, she was a teacher of the deaf in Boston.

She thanked the students, the Board of Education and the district administration, especially Superintendent Kathleen Taylor, for their support of her and the American Sign Language program at Ocean City.

Every day when I go to work, I love what I do. I tell my students all the time if I won the lottery tomorrow I would still be coming in, Andersen said. Its just a strong part of my identity.

Andersen said she is excited to possibly be able to share what she does with teachers and administrators across the nation.

I feel like nothing thrives in isolation. I think its really true when an honor like this is given because theres no way I could do any of this by myself, she said.

Taylor  who received her own recognition when she was named the New Jersey Superintendent of the Year this fall  said Andersens passion for teaching sign language can be seen both inside and outside her classroom.

Ms. Andersen has single-handedly grown the American Sign Language program into both one of the most popular Ocean City High School academic programs and into an exemplary world language program for the region and state, Taylor said. She has empowered many of our Ocean City students to discover how they will make their own difference in the world. Now, Amy has the opportunity to reach and inspire students across the nation.

New Jersey Education Commissioner Kimberley Harrington commended Andersens accomplishments.

Amy is receiving national acclaim for the life-changing impact she has had on her students and her dedication to not only teach but empower children in her community, she said.

One of the four finalists will be named the 2018 National Teacher of the Year this spring and will spend the next year traveling the country to represent educators and advocate on behalf of teachers and students.

Ms. Andersens relentless passion for her students is infectious, and her work is profoundly moving. This prestigious honor could be bestowed upon no better person and certainly no better teacher, said New Jersey Education Association President Marie Blistan.

Andersen said she hopes the recognition she has received helps other teachers be mindful of teaching acceptance and tolerance.

In addition to teaching our content area, teachers, we need to be mindful of the impact we have on students and how much they care about what our opinions are, Andersen said. We should be welcoming and celebrating diversity in everyone for how it makes each of us stronger.
ATLANTIC CITY  A 20-year-old male city resident was arrested Wednesday after robbing, assaulting and shooting at another male, according to police.

Matthew Sturdivant, 20, was charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, robbery, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, police said.

Sturdivant was sent to the Atlantic County Jail, police said.

At 2:09 p.m., police officers responded to the 400 block of New Jersey Avenue between Wabash and Caspian avenues for a ShotSpotter alert and a report of a person shot, police said.

Detectives Howard Mason and Jaimee Moore arrived on the scene and located the victim, a 40-year-old city man. The victim had been pistol-whipped by the suspect, Sturdivant, police said.

The victim and Sturdivant engaged in an argument in the street when Sturdivant pulled out a handgun, started to strike the victim in the head and stole his money, police said. The victim, who was not shot, was transported to the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, City Division, with non-life threatening injuries.

Officers went to Sturdivant's residence on the same block and spoke with a family member, who refused officer's access to the residence. It was believed that Sturdivant was inside, police said.

The department's SWAT and Crisis Negotiation Teams were requested to the scene. Contact was made with Sturdivant's family member, and she agreed that she and Sturdivant would exit the residence and surrender to police, police said.

Shortly after 3 p.m., they both exited the residence, and Sturdivant was taken into custody without further incident, police said.

Officers located a handgun believed to be used in the incident in the rear of Sturdivant's residence, police said.

By 4 p.m., police had reopened the street to through traffic. Police put up the yellow and black caution tape in front of a bullet-ridden house, but not at the home where the suspect surrendered.

The house that was hit by gunfire was one block from the Edith Donaldson Playground, and children coming home from school were greeted by police blocking off New Jersey Avenue at its intersections with Caspian and Wabash avenues.
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.
Gov. Chris Christie, whose term ends in less than two weeks, is making some last-minute moves to fund opioid and addiction treatment in New Jersey.

The governor announced Tuesday the state is awarding more than $35 million to providers and services for those with severe opioid-use disorders, and pregnant and postpartum mothers and older adults dependent on opioid painkillers.

Among the dozen or so providers getting money is Oaks Integrated Care, an addiction-treatment and recovery support provider based in Burlington County that also serves people in Atlantic, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties.

Expanding our mission and continuum of care through addiction programs gives individuals and families in our communities increased access to critical services, Oaks CEO Derry Holland said in a statement.

Oaks and Beacon Health Options of Boston, which serves Central and North Jersey, will each get $10 million to run emergency care management programs, which provide services for people with severe opioid disorders and people who have experienced an overdose.

Emergency care management programs provide services for people discharged from licensed treatment facilities, New Jersey State Prison treatment programs, state psychiatric hospitals, acute-care hospitals and Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals.

People admitted to opioid maintenance outpatient and intensive outpatient services also will be eligible.

Oaks officials said the funding will bring 80 new jobs to South Jersey with sites in Camden, Atlantic and Cumberland counties as well as in-community mobile response teams.

Middle Township to use state funds to research establishing an addiction recovery high school TRENTON  The Middle Township School District has received a grant that could lead to it cre

The distribution of funding is part of Christies $200 million plan announced in September that detailed how the state could better tackle opioid addiction and improve prevention, treatment and recovery support.

The state Department of Health will give an additional $8.6 million to emergency care management providers in performance-based incentive grants. These providers are expected to treat 1,800 people who are Medicare- and Medicaid-eligible, with priority in Camden, Essex and Ocean counties.

The Health Department will also award $5 million in new contracts to expand integrated substance abuse treatment and medical care for pregnant women and new mothers addicted to heroin and other opioids.

State officials said they expect the contracts to provide residential treatment for at least 882 women.

Between 500 and 630 babies have been born each year since 2011 with neonatal abstinence syndrome, state data show. Within hours of birth, babies born to addicted mothers can experience severe withdrawal symptoms.

Among the five providers awarded contracts were Robins Nest ($635,286), which has locations in Egg Harbor Township, Atlantic City, Vineland, and Barnegat and Stafford townships, and Cooper Health System ($1.5 million).

The state Department of Health also recently awarded $275,000 in federal Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration grants to five providers to educate older adults about the dangers of continued opioid use and the availability of alternative pain management.

We owe it to our older residents to help them explore better, healthier means toward pain management, Christie said.
Good morning South Jersey! Here's what you need to know today.

A blizzard warning has brought heavy snow to the area since Wednesday night, which has led to the closing of many area schools. Press meteorologist Joe Martucci is also here to answer your questions about the storm.

TODAY'S TOP STORIES

Due to a blizzard warning in multiple counties that includes as much as 9 inches of snow coming to coastal South Jersey late Wednesday and early Thursday, several schools, government bodies and other services have either been canceled or postponed Thursday. Email closings to newstips@pressofac.com.

Plowable snow and winds up to 45 mph are ready to take the stage across South Jersey through the afternoon. Three pieces of energy merged in the Bahamas, becoming hurricane-esque as it moves up the Atlantic Ocean and brushes by. Heres what you need to know.

State Police said they are investigating a stabbing overnight Wednesday at a Ravenwood Drive home.

Three men were arrested Tuesday after attempting to break into a wholesale distributors facility, police said.

Last year, the Middle Township High School wrestling team was run out of its own gym by Holy Spirit. This time around, the Panthers walked off with the win.

A city man was arrested Monday night and charged with driving while intoxicated after leaving the scene of a car crash.
As South Jersey geared up Wednesday for an impending snowstorm, shoppers flocked to stores for food, shovels and rock salt.

The Somers Point ShopRite looked more like a busy summer Saturday afternoon.

Its three times busier than it was yesterday said Chris Conners, of Ventnor Heights.

Conners was picking up a few items from the grocery store, after doing her weekly shopping Tuesday. We picked a bad day, she said. Shoppers waited in line to buy groceries.

The National Weather Service put a blizzard warning into effect Wednesday for Atlantic, Cape May and Ocean counties, and portions of bordering Burlington and Monmouth counties. With snow accumulation expected to begin overnight, South Jersey is predicted to see 5 to 9 inches of snow Thursday morning, along with low temperatures, strong winds and the potential for coastal flooding.

If I dont have to, Im not going anywhere tomorrow Conners said.

Atlantic County began storm preparation early Wednesday with road brining and preparing salt trucks with 1,500 tons of rock salt.

We continue to monitor this storm very closely and encourage residents to do the same said Linda Gilmore, Atlantic County spokeswoman.

Shamain Morris, of Egg Harbor Township, was running errands to prepare for the storm.

After a trip to the bank and before heading to the grocery store, Morris stopped at the Ace Hardware on Ocean Heights Avenue in Egg Harbor Township.

Morris said she was already prepared with multiple snow shovels and ice but was replacing a broken broom used to sweep the snow from the last winter storm.

We are prepared. We have water and batteries, said Morris. In this area, you have to worry about power outages.

Manager Betty Freeman said the hardware store saw high demand Wednesday morning for snow essentials.

We have the people who are thinking ahead, then once the snow starts, well have the second wave of people looking for supplies.

Freeman said that along with salt and shovels, many customers were picking up small area heaters and pipe insulation, as the weeklong cold snap continues.

During the height of the storm, were asking people not travel if possible, said Director of the Cape May County Office of Emergency Management Martin Pagliughi.

Pagliughi said Cape May County isnt expecting major snowfall but anticipates 40 to 50 mph winds forecasted to be the cause of any storm-related damage.

Weve instructed the local municipalities to keep an eye on the power situation, Pagliughi said. The local municipalities will handle sheltering plans for power outages, and the county shelters will open if widespread and prolonged power outages occur.

Pagliughi said Atlantic City Electric has already set up pre-staging crews within the county.

At this time of year, were concerned for the cold; if the power goes out, people dont have heat, and we want them to be safe Pagliughi said.

Right now, its a wait and see type situation, he said.

The Atlantic County Office of Emergency Management extended its Code Blue Alert until Monday.

Atlantic Citys Office of Emergency Management and the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority authorized free parking for residents and visitors at the Wave Garage at Mississippi and Fairmount avenues until 8 a.m. Friday.

The Delaware River and Bay Authority announced Cape May-Lewes Ferry service would be suspended Thursday, due to icy conditions in the bay and strong winds.
ATLANTIC CITY  Three men were arrested Tuesday after attempting to break into a wholesale distributors facility, police said.

At 11:30 p.m., officers responded to Starkman Distributors in the 1000 block of New York Avenue for a report of a burglary in process.

According to the corporate website, Starkman is a wholesale distributor of candy, snacks, cigarettes, cigars, beverages and health and beauty aids in southern New Jersey.

Police said detectives found three men trying to enter the building. Police said the men had already breached one door and were attempting to open another.

A screwdriver and pry bar were found at the scene, police said. The men attempted to run, but were apprehended by police.

Tyrone Montague, 52, of Egg Harbor Township, and Wayne Anderson, 56, and Harry Woodall, 54, both of Atlantic City, were charged with burglary, conspiracy, burglary tools, criminal mischief and resisting arrest.

Police said the three also had active warrants for their arrests and were taken to the Atlantic County jail in Mays Landing.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Atlantic City Police Department Criminal Investigations Section at 609-347-5766. Information can be texted anonymously to TIP411 (847411) beginning the text with ACPD.

 Lauren Carroll
OPRA update should benefit town clerks too

The New Jersey Foundation for Open Government wishes to respond to the Nov. 8 letter, OPRA update mustnt overly burden municipal clerks, by Kevin Galland, first vice president of the Municipal Clerks Association of New Jersey.

The clerks associations opposition to the legislative reform sponsored by Sen. Loretta Weinberg seems misguided because the legislation doesnt significantly alter the duties of clerks but does make their job easier in several important ways.

S1045 and S1046 modernize the Open Public Meetings and Records Acts, respectively. A new requirement that many public documents be posted online may dramatically reduce the number of OPRA requests. In fact, an article touting Bloomfield Townships online records portal states that it has already reduced the number of OPRA requests submitted for resolutions and ordinances by 15 percent.

Today, over 99 percent of the states municipalities have a website.

The legislation also clarifies what information is public, which should greatly benefit clerks by reducing the number of disputes. We agree with Galland that better training of municipal clerks  also public officials and agency attorneys  is needed to ensure proper handling of requests.

Galland expresses concern about a clerks personal liability if an error is made. However, fines are rarely assessed because they are meant to discourage intentional denials of access, not to penalize clerks when a challenge arises from a good faith effort to fill a request.

Linda Baum

Middletown Township, Monmouth County, Vice President, NJFOG

Legislature should pass abuse awareness bill

In the uproar over numerous sexual assault and harassment accusations in Hollywood, I am appalled that S2145 has been pending in the New Jersey Senate since May 2016. Sponsored by Sen. Anthony Bucco, R-Morris, Somerset, the bill would require each school district to incorporate age-appropriate sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention education in grades preschool through 12  similar to Erins Laws adopted by other states. Sadly, it has been turned down twice.

Children are little people with rights. I and others throughout New Jersey are on the list to testify in support of S2145. Federal funding would be available for every county to make its requirements part of New Jerseys Core Curriculum.

Valeria Marcus

Atlantic City
Geekologie has shut down.

Thank you to everybody.

Now go be happy.
Despite a long recovery and record streak of job growth, the share of Americans moving to a new location continued a steady decline in 2017, reaching a new post-World War II low, an indicator of a less mobile workforce that reflects both an aging society and economic problems facing younger workers.

The decline marked the fifth straight year in which the share of the population moving dropped. In 2017, the number fell to 11 percent, according to the Census Bureau. The level was nearly twice as high in 1985, 20 percent, but has fallen steadily, except for occasional cyclical zigzags, for the last three decades.

For decades, high rates of mobility sharply distinguished the U.S. from other developed economies in Europe and Japan. The decline in mobility is due partly to what has become a less-dynamic and fluid American labor market, some economists believe.

The decline also reflects social and demographic factors such as an aging population and declining birth rates; older people tend to stay put more and starting families often motivates people to go out on their own.

But economics has pushed the trend: Even though the job fortunes of young adults have improved after several difficult years following the Great Recession, many are still living in their parents' homes or stuck in apartments with multiple roommates.

Stricter requirements for mortgages and large student debts may be keeping some from homeownership. But high prices, particularly in larger urban centers favored by young adults, also play a role. Builders have tended to bank on more-profitable, higher-priced houses or luxury apartments, and that's helped exacerbate a shortage of affordable homes in many cities.

"I've been waiting for now a long time for these young people to get out of their parents' basement," said William Frey, a Brookings Institution demographer who compiled and analyzed the census statistics, which cover the period between March 2016 and March 2017 and also include a sliver of foreign migration in the U.S.

Part of the slowing mobility could be a lifestyle issue, Frey said. "Maybe a little bit of inertia based on having not followed the norm of earlier generations." Still, given all the economic improvements, he added, "it's stunning to see the overall mobility the lowest ever."

There was, however, an encouraging sign in the data: Even as local moves, that is within counties, fell to a record low, pushing down total domestic migration, the percentage of the population relocating from one state to another picked up slightly over the last year. Those long-distance moves are driven largely by job changes, and the last year saw noticeable mobility gains on the part of adults 25 to 34 years old, those with college degrees and older people, according to Frey.

In recent decades, the rate at which firms create new jobs has fallen; so has the rate at which they eliminate positions, said Steven J. Davis, a professor at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and senior fellow at the Hoover Institution. Both trends discourage workers from moving.

"Lower gross job destruction rates mean less impetus from one's labor market experience to pick up and move locations," he said. "At the same time, lower gross job creation rates mean less opportunity to find a job in a new location."

Some analysts say the recently signed GOP tax overhaul, and President Trump's efforts to reduce government regulations on business, could help strengthen the "creative destruction" in the American economy and spur migration. The tax bill, which mostly benefits corporations, is expected to increase economic growth next year. That could give a boost to mobility and in turn a lift to the housing market.

"My sense is that we are on the verge of a little boomlet coming," said Los Angeles housing economist G.U. Krueger, principal of Krueger Economics. "With that and some of the baby boomers exiting the labor market, there will be a lot of young people who will be moving around."

Just how much people will pull up stakes and relocate as a result of economic growth remains to be seen, however. No one expects a major reversal of the long-running trend of lower mobility, in part because of strong demographic trends that include slower overall population growth.

Separate census data released last week showed that as of July, the U.S. population rose by 2.3 million from the prior year to 325.7 million. That's an annual growth rate of 0.72 percent  the second lowest since 1937.

California's population increased by 0.61 percent from the prior year, slightly lower than the year before. Western states including Idaho, Nevada, Utah and Washington saw the fastest growth, while four states saw an overall decline in population, Illinois plus three states heavily dependent on declining energy industries  Wyoming, West Virginia and Alaska.

The slowing growth of the U.S. population reflects a steady decline in births and growing numbers of deaths. The resulting natural increase over the year was 1.2 million, the smallest in at least 17 years.

Kenneth Johnson, a senior demographer at the University of New Hampshire's Carsey School, estimates that the Great Recession resulted in 4 million fewer births than what otherwise might have been. With the economy growing, some women who are in their 30s and who put off having children earlier could do so now and give a bump to the natural increase in the population.

Still, lingering effects from the recession and demographics suggest that many people will remain tethered to where they are. Young people account for the bulk of moves, and the U.S., like other developed countries, is aging, Johnson pointed out.
TOKYO and LONDON, January 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Publication in Nature highlights opportunities to target C5a receptor with selective small molecules via novel mechanism of action

Sosei Group Corporation ("Sosei"); TSE Mothers Index:4565) announces that scientists at its wholly owned subsidiary, Heptares Therapeutics, have published the first high-resolution X-ray crystal structure of the complement C5a receptor (a G protein-coupled receptor, GPCR) binding a small molecule allosteric antagonist.

The findings, published in Nature today, reveal the location of a new allosteric binding site outside the transmembrane helical bundle and provide insights to the mechanisms by which small molecules interact with and modulate the receptor. This research further emphasises the potential importance and value of structure-based methods to enable the design of selective and optimised small molecules targeting GPCRs for treating a range of diseases.

The C5a receptor (C5a anaphylatoxin chemotactic receptor 1, also known as CD88) plays a key role in the innate immune response. It is part of the complement system, a crucial component of the host response to infection and tissue damage. Activation of the complement cascade generates anaphylatoxins, including the glycoprotein C5a, which exerts a pro-inflammatory effect via the C5a receptor.

Inhibitors of the complement system are of interest as potential drugs for treating diseases including sepsis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Crohn's disease and ischaemia-reperfusion injuries. More recently a role of C5a in neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease has been identified. C5a also plays a role in cancer through actions on tumour cells, angiogenesis and regulation of the immune cells in the tumour microenvironment. Peptide antagonists based on the C5a ligand have been evaluated in clinical trials in psoriasis and RA, however these peptides exhibited problems with off target activity, production costs, potential immunogenicity and poor oral bioavailability.

Fiona Marshall, Chief Scientific Officer of Heptares and Sosei, said: "Our ability to determine the structures of GPCRs with high definition alongside our other structure-based drug design technologies and expertise provides a unique opportunity to tackle high value but difficult targets. With the C5a receptor, these capabilities and the insights they generate provide opportunities to design novel and selective therapeutics to address areas of clear medical need."

Reference

Robertson, N et al. Structure of the complement C5a receptor bound to the extra-helical antagonist NDT9513727 (2018) Nature 553, 111-114 (doi:10.1038/nature25025)

Notes to Editors

About Sosei

Sosei Group Corporation is an international biopharmaceutical company originating from Japan that discovers and develops innovative biopharmaceuticals for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, cancer, migraine, addiction, metabolic disease, and other indications. By utilizing its GPCR structure-based drug design platform technology, Sosei has established a product pipeline with first/best in class potential. Through development and commercialization partnerships, Sosei has already delivered two bronchodilators for COPD which generate significant and stable revenue streams that enable further growth. Sosei partners include Novartis, Allergan, AstraZeneca, MedImmune, MorphoSys, Teva, and Pfizer and we are actively looking for new partnerships to enhance the development of our products and help us deliver them to patients worldwide.

For further information about Sosei, please visit http://www.sosei.com/en/.

Sosei Group Corporate Forward-looking statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements about the discovery, development and commercialisation of products. Various risks may cause Sosei's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including: adverse results in clinical development programs; failure to obtain patent protection for inventions; commercial limitations imposed by patents owned or controlled by third parties; dependence upon strategic alliance partners to develop and commercialise products and services; difficulties or delays in obtaining regulatory approvals to market products and services resulting from development efforts; the requirement for substantial funding to conduct research and development and to expand commercialisation activities; and product initiatives by competitors. As a result of these factors, prospective investors are cautioned not to rely on any forward-looking statements. We disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Heptares Therapeutics and Sosei
BENGALURU, India, January 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Please find enclosed the press release titled "Infosys Partners with ValGenesis to Further Enable Digitisation in Life Sciences".

This will also be made available on the Company's website at www.infosys.com.

This is for your information and records.

You may download the PR from: http://www.bseindia.com/xml-data/corpfiling/AttachLive/e8984a99-bd58-48b7-90f7-f06bf52923ce.pdf

This is a disclosure announcement from PR Newswire.

SOURCE Infosys Limited
LAUSANNE, Switzerland, January 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Oculis (www.oculis.com), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development of breakthrough non-invasive topical treatment for back-of-the-eye diseases, announced it has successfully closed a Series B financing round of CHF 20 million (USD 20.3 million). The financing was led by a syndicate of leading international life science investors including Bay City Capital, Novartis Venture Fund and Pivotal bioVenture Partners. Existing investors, including Brunnur Ventures and Silfurberg, also participated in the financing.

The funds will be used to advance the clinical development of the Company's lead program OC-118, a proprietary topical product currently in a Phase IIb clinical trial for the treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), the leading cause of blindness in young adults in developed countries. In prior pilot studies, OC-118 demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement of visual acuity and reduction of central macular thickness of DME patients.

OC-118 has been developed using Oculis' novel Solubilizing Nanoparticle (SNP) technology platform, which improves both the ability to formulate drugs as eye drops and their bioavailability in the eye tissues including anterior and posterior segments. Existing pre-clinical and clinical data suggest that the SNP technology can open the way for formulating drugs as effective and well-tolerated topical treatments of retinal conditions with unmet need, including DME. Significant improvement of tolerability and dosing frequency for anterior segment conditions may also be expected.

In addition to the Phase IIb DME program, Oculis is advancing OC-118 in other ophthalmic indications and is developing other drug candidates using SNP technology to the clinical stage. The Series B financing will allow further development of these candidates.

In conjunction with the financing, Oculis is re-locating its corporate headquarters to Lausanne, Switzerland, while its R&D remains in Reykjavik, Iceland. Dr. Riad Sherif, formerly Area President Europe, Middle East & Africa at Alcon and formerly a senior executive at Novartis, has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Oculis, with Pall Ragnar Johannesson, becoming Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director of Oculis in Iceland. Dr. Sabri Markabi, previously Senior VP, Head of R&D and Chief Medical Officer at Alcon, will join as Chief Scientific Officer, and the Company's founders, Prof. Einar Stefansson and Prof. Thorsteinn Loftsson becoming Chief Innovation Officer and Chief Research and Technology Officer, respectively. Florent Gros (Novartis Venture Fund) will be joining the Board as Chairman, in addition of Arni Blondal (Brunnur Ventures) and Stefan J. Sveinsson (formerly Global EVP RD at Actavis), Lionel Carnot (Bay City Capital) and Rob Hopfner (Pivotal Bioventure Partners).

Commenting on Oculis' future, Dr. Riad Sherif, CEO of Oculis, stated: "I am extremely pleased to be joining such a great team to develop what could be the next generation of ophthalmic treatments. Oculis founders have meticulously developed the novel SNP technology that improves both the ability to formulate drugs as eye drops and their bioavailability in eye tissues including the posterior segment. This technology opens a new era of breakthrough ophthalmic therapies that could provide important benefits to patients. Our goal with the lead program OC-118 is truly to transform the way DME is treated and managed today."

Florent Gros, chairman of Oculis' board of directors, and Managing Director at Novartis Venture Fund, said: "Considering both the lead clinical program and the breadth and depth of possible applications, the commercial potential of Oculis is clearly very exciting."

Prof. Einar Stefansson, MD PhD, Chief Innovation Officer and co-founder of Oculis commented: "We are transforming eye drop technology and improving drug delivery to all parts of the eye. Treating retinal diseases with eye drops instead of injecting the eye with a needle provides comfortable and accessible treatment options for potentially tens of millions of patients with retinal disease."

About Oculis

Oculis is leading the way in non-invasive topical drug delivery for eye diseases, advancing several drug programs and a pivotal clinical study in Diabetic Macular Edema patients. The Company has demonstrated the clinical potential of its drug delivery technology in two pilot trials with OC-118 in DME patients and several studies in uveitis, glaucoma and post-operative care. Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, with research operations in Reykjavik, Iceland, Oculis was founded by two leading scientists, Prof. Einar Stefansson and Prof. Thorsteinn Loftsson, who have over a course of 25 years made step-wise inventions to solve the obstacles of efficient ocular drug delivery. To learn more visit www.oculis.com.

About Novartis Venture Fund

Novartis Venture Fund is a financially driven corporate life science fund whose purpose is to foster innovation, drive significant patient benefit and generate superior returns by creating and investing in innovative life sciences companies at various stages of their development. To learn more, visit www.nvfund.com.

About Pivotal bioVenture Partners

Pivotal bioVenture Partners is a $300MM venture capital fund established in 2017. Based in San Francisco, California, the fund invests in US and European companies with a primary focus on innovative therapeutic solutions to major unmet medical needs. To learn more, visit www.pivotalbiovp.com .

About Bay City Capital GF Xinde International Life Sciences Fund

Bay City Capital GF Xinde is a cross-border life sciences venture capital fund with a global diversified strategy ranging from seed stage to public companies, and including innovation, restructuring opportunities, and growth investing.

To learn more, visit www.baycitycapital.com or www.gf.com.cn.

About Brunnur Ventures

Brunnur Ventures was established in 2015. The Fund invests in Icelandic start-up companies with innovative, scalable business models, extraordinary entrepreneurial talent and a strong competitive edge generated by patentable technology or exclusive, proprietary know-how. To learn more, visit www.brunnurventures.com .

Contacts:

Oculis

Riad Sherif | CEO | riad.sherif@oculis.com

Pall Ragnar Johannesson | CFO | pall.johannesson@oculis.com

Tel: +41-21-711-3970 (CH) or +354-546-4440 (IS)

Media relations

Marine Perrier, Mark Swallow,

Citigate Dewe Rogerson

oculis@citigatedewerogerson.com

Tel: +44-207-638-9571

SOURCE Oculis
LONDON, January 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

UST Global is a Strategic Testing Partner for Schroders

Schroders, a global investment management firm based in London, recently won the 'European Software Testing Award of the Year' and 'Prodapt Testing Management Team of the Year' Awards. UST Global, a leading digital technology services company, is a strategic Testing Partner for Schroders.

(Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/540539/UST_Global_Logo.jpg )



The European Software Testing Awards is a unique platform that celebrates the testing success stories across Europe.

As the awardee of the main 'The European Software Testing Award', Schroders has been recognized for excelling in all the areas and surpassing every other individual, project, or organization within the industry. The 'Prodapt Testing Management Team of the Year' emphasizes the success of transformation programme that Schroders' Global QA Practice team undertook back in 2016 with the objective of making technology agile, economical, robust and resilient to market disruptors. The transformation is focused on implementing Scaled Agile Framework across the enterprise. UST Global has played a key role in Schroders testing transformation journey.

Stewart Carmichael, Chief Technology Officer, Schroders, said, "Schroders works in partnership with UST Global, enabling us to deliver leading test services to projects around the world. Winning the European Software Testing Award was a huge honour for Schroders, and we are very grateful to UST Global for their contribution towards this accolade."

Arun Narayanan, COO, UST Global, said, "Hearty congratulations to the Schroders team and UST team for winning the awards. This is indeed a testimony to the hard work the QA team at Schroders has put in towards the transformation programme. UST Global is truly proud to be the strategic testing partner for Schroders."

About Schroders plc

As a global investment manager, we help institutions, intermediaries and individuals across the planet meet their goals, fulfil their ambitions, and prepare for the future. But as the world changes, so do our clients' needs. That's why we have a long history of adapting to suit the times and keeping our focus on what matters most to our clients.

Doing this takes experience and expertise. We bring together people and data to spot the trends that will shape the future. This provides a unique perspective which allows us to always invest with conviction. We are responsible for 430.3 billion (493.9 billion/US$577.3 billion)* of assets for our clients who trust us to deliver sustainable returns. We remain determined to build future prosperity for them, and for all of society.

Further information about Schroders can be found at http://www.schroders.com

*Source: Schroders, all data as at 30 June 2017.

About UST Global

UST Global is a leading digital technology company that provides advanced computing and digital services to large private and public enterprises around the world. Driven by a larger purpose of Transforming Lives and the philosophy of "fewer clients, more attention", we bring in the entrepreneurial spirit that seeks the fastest path to value in today's digital economy. Our innovative technology services and pioneering social programs make us unique. UST Global is headquartered in Aliso Viejo, California and operates in 21 countries. Our clients include Fortune 500 companies in Banking and Financial Services, Healthcare, Insurance, Retail, High Technology, Manufacturing, Shipping, and Telecom. UST Global believes in building long-lasting, strategic business relationships through agile and client-centric global engagement models that combines local experts & resources with cost, scale, and quality advantages of global operations.

For more information, please visit: http://www.ust-global.com

Media Contact:

Divya Singh

Media.Relations@ust-global.com

+91-8552944004



SOURCE UST Global
Washington, Dec 29 : US President Donald Trump will undergo a customary physical on January 12, 2018, the White House has announced.

The White House on Thursday confirmed the date, reports Xinhua news agency.

"The President's doctor will give a readout of the exam after it's completed," the statement said.

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders had previously announced that Trump will be examined by a doctor at Walter Reed, a military medical centre.

The President's predecessors typically underwent annual physical examinations with a military doctor and had details of their examination results released to the public.

Trump, 71, is the oldest US president at this point in his tenure and has faced questions about his health.

Trump drew scrutiny after he appeared to get a dry mouth and slurred his words when delivering remarks, but Sanders said it was because his throat was dry.

Last year, Trump released a bill of health but some pointed out that the record lacked details and had an over-the-top portrait of the President's health condition.
London, Dec 30 : The British police chief in charge of child protection says an estimated 20,000 men have shown an interest in sexually abusing children, the media reported.

Officer Simon Bailey, the National Police Chiefs' Council lead on child protection, on Friday said investigators monitoring a single online chatroom in 2017 identified 4,000 men using it from the UK alone, the Guardian reported.

Bailey estimated the number of men interested in sexually abusing children at more than 20,000.

He added that limited resources meant not all perpetrators could be tackled, with the police forced to focus on the most dangerous offenders.

"We are having to prioritise the threat... Some lower-level offenders cannot be arrested and taken to court. There is just not the capacity."

Bailey warned that a growing threat to children came from live streaming and said the police wanted a fresh crackdown from tech companies on the use of platforms including Periscope, which is owned by Twitter, and Facebook Live.

His warning follows reports that abusive behaviour is on the rise.

Earlier this month, the NSPCC child protection charity said there had been a 31 per cent increase in the number of reported cases of child sexual abuse in the UK in the previous year.

In the first 11 months of 2017, the National Crime Agency received 72,000 referrals about online child sexual abuse imagery, up from 6,000 in 2010, the Guardian reported.

The police chief said the children being targeted were not just those from homes where the parents or the adults in charge were neglectful.

"The victims have included children of very capable and very caring parents. It does not recognise social status. The victims include children of middle-class, educated parents who think they are internet-savvy," he said.

On the emerging issue of live streaming, Bailey urged tech companies to do more.

"Software providers have a critical role in policing the environment they create... They have a social and moral responsibility to make their platforms safe for children to use."
Tehran, Dec 31 : Iran will use funds from the Eximbank of Russia to implement some infrastructure projects, media reports said on Sunday.

The Central Bank of Iran and the Export Insurance Agency of Russia signed a deal recently to pave the way for Russian banks to fund Iranian projects, reported Xinhua, citing Iran's Financial Tribune daily.

Four Iranian banks, including Bank Sepah, Export Development Bank of Iran, Parsian Bank and Bank Pasargad, signed last week an "unlimited finance deal" with the Eximbank of Russia, the report said.

Under the deal, Eximbank will provide loans "without a ceiling" to the four lenders to finance development projects in Iran.

But it is not yet known which projects will be eligible to get the funds, said Deputy Economy Minister Mohammad Khaza, also director of the Organization for Investment, Economic and Technical Assistance of Iran.

"Several projects have already applied for the funds, but their applications need to be assessed in the Central Bank of Iran and the Economy Ministry. In case of approval, they will be introduced to Russia's Eximbank for undergoing the final stage," Khaza said.

This is the first interbank loan from Russia to Iran and "will be an effective step toward expansion of the economic ties between the two countries," he added.

Based on the agreement, Russian exporters can also use the loans to export technical and engineering services to Iran.
Houston, Jan 1 : Police have seized a stash of guns, including an AR-15, from a Houston hotel room, an US official said.

The police were called on Sunday to the Hyatt Regency Houston to help deal with Russell Ziemba, 49, who in a drunken state allegedly got into a confrontation with an off-duty officer.

A search of Ziemba's room led to the discovery of the semiautomatic weapon, a shotgun, a handgun and ammunition, the New York Post quoted the authorities as saying.

Ziemba reportedly told the police he was at the hotel to celebrate New Year's Eve and had brought the weapons so they would not get stolen.

The Houston Police said they did not believe he intended to use them unlawfully.

Ziemba was charged with assaulting a peace officer and trespassing.

The hotel's New Year's Eve bash is one of the largest in the city with about 2,000 people attending.

At least 59 people were killed on October 1, 2017, when a gunman opened fire on an open-air music festival from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel and casino on the Las Vegas strip.

It was one of the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history.
New Delhi, Jan 3 : The AAP on Wednesday named veteran leader Sanjay Singh, businessman Sushil Gupta and chartered accountant Narain Dass Gupta as its debutants for the Rajya Sabha, sparking criticism from founding member Kumar Vishwas and other political parties.

The decision was finalised at a meeting of the Political Affairs Committee (PAC), the AAP's highest decision making body, at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence. The meeting was attended by an overwhelming majority of Aam Aadmi Party MLAs.

Three Rajya Sabha seats from Delhi will fall vacant by the end of this month when the tenure of Congress members Janardhan Dwivedi, Parvez Hashmi and Karan Singh end.

It would be for the first time that the AAP, which officially has 66 members in the 70-member Delhi Assembly including some dissidents, will elect members to the upper house. The Congress has no presence in the House.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, announcing the names of the three nominees, said party convenor Kejriwal wanted a "mix" of people from outside and those already associated with the party.

He said Kejriwal wanted to nominate people who have contributed in the field of media, economics, law and academics and thus "18 such big names were considered".

"Sanjay Singh has not only been working for the party since the very beginning but has also had a contribution in the fight against corruption," he said.

Sisodia said Narain Gupta, a former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, was an expert on taxation who had been keeping a "close eye" on how the Narendra Modi government hastily implemented the Goods and Services Tax.

An alumnus of Delhi University's Shri Ram College of Commerce, Narain Gupta has been on the Board of International Federation of Accountants -- an amalgam of 164 regulatory accounting bodies in 116 countries.

Sisodia said Sushil Gupta had contributed in the education and health sectors in Delhi and Haryana. "He provides free education to 15,000 children."

The selection of the nominees, particularly businessman Sushil Gupta, did not well with Vishwas, who expressed his disappointment over not being considered for the Upper House of Parliament and said he was being "punished" for speaking the truth.

"I congratulate (Sushil) Gupta for working with Sisodia for the last 40 years, with Kejriwal for 12 years, with party workers for seven years and for party legislators for the last five years, "For the last one-and-a-half years, be it the PAC or my elder brother Arvind's decision on issues like surgical strike, taking a soft stand on terrorists, his silence on ticket distribution and JNU...whatever truth I spoke, I have been punished today," he said.

Vishwas' supporters had picketed the party office demanding that he be sent to Parliament.

Clearly blaming Kejriwal for the decision not to nominate him, he said nothing happens in the AAP without Kejriwal's consent. "It is impossible for anyone to survive in the party by speaking against you."

Sisodia, however, said there was no discussion in the party over Vishwas' nomination. "There were discussions in the media, not among the party members," said Sisodia, whose personal friendship with poet-activist Vishwas goes a long way back.

The Congress, the BJP and the Swaraj Abhiyan of former AAP leader Yogendra Yadav too criticized the AAP.

Delhi Congress President Ajay Maken said Sushil Gupta resigned from the Congress because the AAP promised him a Rajya Sabha nomination.

"On November 28, Sushil Gupta came to submit his resignation. Less than 40 days. Less said the better! Otherwise, Sushil is a good man known for his charity," he said.

Sushil Gupta's nomination also triggered an angry reaction from Yogendra Yadav. "Speechless, ashamed and numb," he tweeted.

Delhi BJP President Manoj Tiwari hit out at Kejriwal, saying he had "betrayed" the people of Delhi. "Kejriwal came to power seeking to fight corruption. Now, he is sending two businessmen to the Rajya Sabha. He has betrayed not only Delhi but also the whole country."
Amman, Jan 4 : Arab foreign ministers will meet in the Jordanian capital Amman on Saturday to discuss crisis arising from US recognition of Jerusalem as Israeli capital, official source said.

Six Arab Foreign ministers of Jordan, Egypt, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Morocco are expected to attend the meeting along with Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

Arab foreign ministers of these six countries are members of a ministerial delegation formed by the Arab League during its emergency meeting in December last year, Xinhua news agency reported.

The ministers will look into the consequences of the US decision and Arab actions to find a solution regarding Trump's decision that affect Jerusalem and its historic and legal status, the soured added.

At their meeting in December in Cairo, the Arab foreign ministers slammed the U.S. decision and discussed a unified response to Trump's decision.
Cairo, Jan 4 : Israeli Knesset (parliament) vote on the "unified Jerusalem law" breaches the international resolutions relating to the disputed city, spokesman for Egyptian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

"The vote violates the international legitimacy on Jerusalem as a city under occupation," Xinhua quoted ministry's spokesman Ahmed Abu Zaid as saying.

He added that the bill stands as an obstacle against the Palestinian-Israeli peace process as well as reaching a just solution to the prolonged conflict.

On Monday, Israeli Knesset approved the "unified Jerusalem" bill provided for separating Palestinian neighbourhoods from Jerusalem.

It requires the approval of 80 of its members for any decision to hand over parts of Jerusalem to the Palestinian authority in the future.

The Knesset approval came a day after Israel's ruling Likud party overwhelmingly approved a draft resolution that calls on Israeli lawmakers to agree on annexing Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and occupied Jerusalem, which was officially condemned by the Palestinians.
New York, Jan 4 : Jihadis are spreading chilling selfies of a man brandishing the Islamic State (IS) logo while posing on New York City streets, according to new reports.

The photos were spotted in pro-Islamic State channels on instant messaging app Telegram, according to terror watchdog group Memri.

One shows a man wearing an IS-branded scarf over his face outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art - and right near an New York Police Department (NYPD) security camera. Pedestrians can be seen walking by on the snow-dusted street, New York Post reported.

Another is of someone holding a smartphone with the terror group's logo on its screen in front of the World Trade Centre. The phone-holder appears to be standing near the corner of Houston Street and the West Side Highway.

The NYPD said it was aware of the images and is investigating, but "at this time there are no credible threats related to New York City".

The department would not answer questions about whether it was looking at security footage or what else it was doing to establish whether there was a credible threat, the Post said.

Police see these kinds of photos all the time and they often end up being fakes, law enforcement sources said.

The photos come just weeks after an IS-inspired bomber tried to blow himself up at the Port Authority Bus Terminal during rush hour.

Suspect Akayed Ullah told investigators that he was radicalised through online propaganda.
Washington, Jan 4 : The Republican majority in the US Senate got narrower with the entry of two new Democratic senators, a situation that may further complicate enacting President Donald Trump's legislative agenda in 2018.

The Senate opened a new working session on Wednesday with the swearing in of Doug Jones, the Democrat who in December defeated controversial Republican candidate Roy Moore in a special election in Alabama and Tina Smith, who temporarily replaces Democrat Al Franken of Minnesota after he resigned on Tuesday following accusations of sexual misconduct, reports Efe news.

Their arrival reduces the Republican majority in the upper house by one seat to 51, the other 49 seats being held by Democrats, 11 months before the mid-term elections in November.

All 435 seats in the House of Representatives will be up for grabs, along with a third of the 100 Senate seats, in the upcoming election and the Democratic opposition hopes to be able to retake control of both houses, although the Republicans currently hold a 24-seat majority in the House.

Jones, who became the first Democrat to be elected to the Senate from Alabama in more than a quarter century, took the oath of office accompanied by Joe Biden, who served for more than three decades in the Senate before becoming Vice President from 2009-2017.

The 63-year-old Jones will serve until 2024 after defeating Moore, a former judge who was accused by several women of having sexually abused them when they were minors during the 1970s.

Smith, a former lieutenant governor of Minnesota was appointed to the Senate seat on an interim basis when Franken announced his resignation a month ago after being accused by up to eight women of sexual misconduct.

She will hold the seat until November, when her state will hold a special election to find a permanent replacement for Franken.

Smith is expected to run in that contest, but she may face other Democratic challengers and the Republicans may try to win that seat, given that Trump lost the state in 2016 by just 2 percentage points.

Vice President Mike Pence presided at the brief inauguration ceremony for Jones and Smith, which was also attended by former Democratic Vice President Walter Mondale, who served under Jimmy Carter from 1977-1981.
New Delhi : Book: A House for Mr Misra; Author Jaishree Misra; Publisher: Westland Publications; Price: Rs 399, Pages: 199 "My Home! I would spare a thousand houses on you and prefer never leave your door."

Throughout our lives, we try hard to build a house of our choice so that we can find the essence of living in a family. We invest time, money and resources -- a process that consumes everybody, yet there is a strange satisfaction one finds in sharing that personal space with the family.

However, when one is away, the longing to be there is so intense that words can hardly express it. Perhaps the homeless can better explain. But is it the limitations you face -- or your situation, where life takes you -- that define whether you'll accomplish your dreams? And how does the entire process work, from dreaming of a house to attempts at converting it into a reality -- and where does it eventually take you?

For author Jaishree Misra, who spent most of her time watching films as an examiner at the British Board of Film Classification, it was the recession that blew in from America and hit British shores that set the stage for her new book, "A House for Mr Misra". The attempt at non-fiction is the author's first; she is otherwise known for her eight fiction novels and an anthology she edited for Save the Children India.

The theme around which she writes is why Malayalis (Misra is the great-niece of the late Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai -- famous Malayalam writer and Jnanpith awardee) generally foresee the consequences of an action before doing something, which also applies to her.

"It is my belief that the typical Malayali brain has an overdeveloped fear/anxiety centre in the amygdala, which is why, when presented with a decision as innocent as say, whether to buy an ice-cream cone, it's the worst case scenario that I always consider first, e.g., Hepatitis B, typhoid, gastroenteritis and sore throat, roughly that order -- until I finally succumb to temptation," she writes in the first chapter.

This amygdala, for the author, is also the reason why the sea in Kerala is respected and feared the most, unlike in Western countries where beaches are the places for "relaxation and pleasure".

Her husband, who appears as Mr M in this book, was 18 when he moved to London from India for a "decent education and job". Following the recession, the prospects of Mr M's freelance job as a consultant to Deloitte also faded away.

That's when they decided it was time to take a break, and travel to India. The idea of taking such a step, Misra writes, was also that Mr M would begin work on his longheld dream of a house on a beach, while she wrote a book or two.

This is how the story goes, with Misra noting the experience of homecoming after years amidst post-demonetisation India. She details how they decided to buy a plot of land at Veli, in the vicinity of Kerala's capital Thiruvananthapuram, and then contracted a builder to construct the house near the shore -- and the issues that cropped up.

Along the way, the couple faced trouble from different quarters. There were issues such as mistreatment by, and social reluctance of, the locals, including government officials, largely due to the notion: "Those who left India are second-generation foreigners for whom the Malayali culture and language are distant."

Misra repeatedly faced situations which made her realise that for most Malayalis, she and her husband were outsiders -- ones who "spoke funny, wore funny and had a weird attitude".

Despite the shortcomings, the couple remains determined -- even when it is discovered that the builder has swindled them. This eventually led to their parting ways with him midway through the project.

Later, another builder was located but issues like environmental clearance came up. Official intervention, however, came in handy. There was also a stay on the project but this hurdle too was overcome.

The house is eventually completed -- but they end up living in it for only one year before they vacate it for a prolonged period. The reason? "Due to the ever-changing circumstances of our lives."

Throughout the book's 22 chapters, the author touches on -- with humour and sarcasm -- the major problems people in India face due to corruption, nepotism, pollution, gender bias, mad traffic jams and alcoholism.

Thus, her take at the bottom line: "When a clever Malayali tells me he is thinking, I know enough to retire silently."

(Umer Rashid can be contacted at umer.r@ians.in)
FOREST CITY | Tom Montgomery, Forest City's assistant police chief, will succeed Doug Jenson as chief after Jenson retires in May.

The City Council appointed Montgomery to the post during their meeting Monday night.

Montgomery has been with the Forest City Police Department for more than 30 years. He was a chief master sergeant with the Air National Guard.

City officials decided to look for internal candidates to succeed Jenson before accepting applications from others.

Forest City police chief to retire in May FOREST CITY | Forest City Police Chief Doug Jenson is retiring this spring.

City Administrator Barb Smith said the transition will be smooth because Montgomery is already on the police department.

Smith said city officials haven't decided if someone currently in the department will be promoted to assistant chief or if outside candidates will be sought.

Jenson's last day as chief is May 18.

 Mary Pieper
Goalpara (Assam), Jan 4 : Amidst lush greenery and sal trees reaching out to the heavens, an annual theatre festival with an eco-friendly agenda does away with microphones, acoustics, control systems, drapery or any fancy stage equipment.

"It is a meditation of theatre expressions," the organisers say.

Conceived in 2008 to provide a unique platform to develop a trajectory of eco-theatre, the 10th edition of "Under The Sal Tree" that was held at Baddungduppa Kalakendra in Rampur village here explored the performative dimension of ethnic cultures by bringing together theatre artists from across the country.

It was organised by the Baddungduppa, the only theatre group of Assam's Rabha tribe.

"The festival is yet to mark its presence in the world cartography. We are committed to decipher the strings which once bound man and nature in an organic unity and which in the face of the intrusion of materialistic tendencies now, remains relegated to a forgotten sphere," Festival Director Sukracharjya Rabha told IANS.

He said the festival is an untiring effort towards developing new aesthetics of theatre and performing arts.

There were three performances on each day of the three-day festival, followed by discussions moderated by journalists and noted theatre artists.

What stood apart was certainly the natural atmosphere created, with audiences sitting on environment-friendly benches made of betel nut trees and bamboo, and trees all around the venue. There was live music during performances.

Rabha said no trees were cut to make space for the shows. "The space is given to us by nature."

The festival kicked off with a performance by the Baddungduppa group. The play was conceptualised and directed by the festival director himself.

He presented an adaptation of "Rather Rashi", in which Rabindranath Tagore foretold that only Dalits could lead the polity and the Ratha (chariot) will move ahead only when the reins are in the hands of untouchables.

Been presented in Assamese and Bengali, it was certainly not comprehensible to all, but the direction and the thematic development of the plot impressed everyone.

It was one of the best productions of the festival.

The last play on the first day was another performance to look forward to. An alumnus of the National School of Drama, Savita Rani, involved the audience in her solo act -- an impressive critique of the patriarchal, sexist society that expects women to behave in a certain way.

A part of her recital touched upon the right-wing Hindu nationalists' campaign of saffronisation. "I am against injustice of any kind; that is why I thought of addressing multiple issues through my act," Rani told IANS.

She deliberately took up an Italian accent as she presented the play in English. "My English is not that fluent. So, I thought I would take up a different accent so my language doesn't come between me and my audience," she explained.

Another play that stood out was an adaptation of American playwright David Henry Hwang's "The Dance and the Railroad".

Staged by the Manipuri Inter-Cultural Theatre Company, the play, through a stylised form of martial arts, depicts a strike in a railroad labour camp in the mid-19th century.

(The writer's trip was at the invitation of the organisers of the Under The Sal Tree festival. Mudita Girotra can be contacted at mudita.g@ians.in)
New Delhi, Jan 4 : Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on Thursday denied breach or leak of Aadhaar data after a newspaper reported it bought unrestricted access to the details of over one billion Aadhaar numbers -- for just Rs 500.

"The Aadhaar data, including biometric information, is fully safe and secure," the authority said in a statement, calling the report in The Tribune "a case of misreporting".

"UIDAI assures that there has not been any Aadhaar data breach," the statement said, adding that the data was secure with a "robust uncompromised security".

The authority said it had given search facility for the purpose of grievance redressal to designated personnel and state government officials to help residents only by entering their 12-digit Aadhaar numbers.

The grievance redressal search facility, the statement said, "gives only limited access to name and other details and has no access to biometric details".

It said the authority maintains complete log and traceability of its search facility and any misuse was traceable.

"The reported case appears to be instance of misuse of the grievance redressal search facility. As UIDAI maintains complete log and traceability of the facility, the legal action including lodging of FIR against the persons involved in the instant case is being done."

The Aadhaar database "remains fully safe and secure with highest encryption at UIDAI and mere display of demographic information cannot be misused without biometrics".

It said 12-digit ID number was not secret and had to be shared with authorized agencies whenever an Aadhaar holder wishes to avail certain service or benefit of government welfare schemes.

"That does not mean that the proper use of Aadhaar number poses a security or financial threat. Also, mere availability of Aadhaar number will not be a security threat (and) will not lead to financial (or) other fraud, as for a successful authentication fingerprint or iris of individual is also required.

"Claims of bypassing or duping the Aadhaar enrolment system are totally unfounded. The UIDAI Data Centres are infrastructure of critical importance and is protected accordingly with high technology conforming to the best standards of security and also by legal provisions."

The Tribune report, which was widely shared on social media sites, claimed that it took just Rs 500 and 10 minutes for the newspaper to get an access through an "agent" to every detail of any individual submitted to the UIDAI, including name, address, postal code (PIN), photo, phone number and email.

The newspaper said it paid another Rs 300, for which the "agent" provided "software" to facilitate the printing of the Aadhaar card after entering the Aadhaar number of any individual.

The Tribune also claimed to have found in its investigation that the racket may have started around six months ago when some anonymous groups were created on WhatsApp.

These groups targeted over three lakh village-level enterprise operators hired by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (ME&IT) under the Common Service Centres Scheme (CSCS) across India, offering them access to UIDAI data.

CSCS operators were initially entrusted with the task of making Aadhaar cards across the country but were withdrawn later. The service was restricted to post offices and designated banks to avoid any security breach in November last year.
Bangkok, Jan 4 : External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj arrived here on Thursday on the first leg of a three-nation tour that will also take her to Indonesia and Singapore.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted that the Minister got a "warm welcome" in Thailand -- "our geographic, historic and cultural neighbour".

During her two-day visit to Thailand, Sushma Swaraj will meet Don Pramudwinai, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

According to the External Affairs Ministry, all aspects of bilateral relations will be discussed with particular focus on political, defence and economic ties and on further enhance India's engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) countries.

Thailand will take over from Vietnam the role of coordinator country for India-Asean relations from the middle of this year.

Sushma Swaraj will also share with her interlocutors information about the upcoming Asean-India Commemorative Summit that marks 25 years since the establishment of Dialogue Partnership between India and the regional bloc.

In a unique first, the leaders of the Asean countries are expected to attend this year's Republic Day celebrations collectively as chief guests. After Thailand, Sushma Swaraj will visit Indonesia and Singapore.
Bengaluru, Jan 4 : Global software major Infosys on Thursday said it entered into a partnership with paperless validation company ValGenesis to enhance compliance and quality management for its customers in the healthcare and life sciences sectors.

Under the partnership, Infosys will integrate ValGenesis' "Validation Lifecycle Management System" (VLMS) within its suite of services for the pharmaceutical and biotech industry which will be delivered in secure Cloud environment, Infosys said in a statement.

South San Francisco, California-headquartered ValGenesis is a major paperless validation lifecycle management solution in the life sciences industry that allows customers to automate the validation process fully, eliminate inefficiencies found in paper-based manual processes, while also reducing costs and validation cycle times.

The ValGenesis Validation Lifecycle Management System (VLMS) manages all types of validation activities such as equipment, computer systems, cleaning, analytical methods, and process validation.

The system delivers technology solutions that are fully configurable and rapidly deployable onsite or by way of a secured Cloud environment.

Through this partnership, Infosys said it would help biopharma and medical devices customers transform to next generation of automation driven quality and compliance services which will help organisations generate significant efficiencies and allow them to focus on their core business.

"Healthcare is potentially the world's most stringently-regulated industry. The huge volumes of highly-sensitive information that biotech and life sciences firms generate is subject to incredibly strict standards -- for example, recording the outcomes from clinical trials," said Sangita Singh, Executive Vice President and Head, Healthcare & Lifesciences, Infosys.

"The digitisation of the industry to ensure better data and document accuracy is incredibly important for many ethical, legal and business reasons," Singh added.

In general, the validation systems are still almost entirely manual, paper-based process, resulting in significant inefficiencies, higher costs and more significant opportunity for errors to creep in.

They can also result in delays to life-saving medicines and procedures to patients.

"ValGenesis is pioneering paperless validation, and our new partnership will bring significant savings and much better compliance to our customers," Singh said.

ValGenesis' VLMS includes a regulatory framework allowing validation requirements to be specified in advance.

Leveraging its capabilities and experience in the life sciences space, Infosys plans to deliver VLMS to its customers as a single "paperless" system that manages every activity in the entire validation lifecycle.
Gurugram, Jan 4 : Three sharpshooters of a gang have been arrested for opening fire at a Gurugram bakery after failing to extort Rs 50 lakh from its owners, police said on Thursday.

Those arrested were identified as Surender alias Sunder and Dharmender, both from Islampur village on Sohna Road, and Neeraj alias Baba, who hails from Mundia Khera village in Haryana's Rewari district, police said.

The men were arrested by Gurugram police Crime Branch from near Rajiv Chowk on the Delhi-Gurugram Expressway.

"They had opened fire at Harish Bakery in the New Colony area of the city on December 13. The incident was carried out by them at the behest of a jailed gangster Ashok Rathi," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sumit Kumar.

No one was killed or injured in the incident.

The accused would threaten businessmen to extort money under instructions from jailed gangsters.

They also shot at two people in Malpura area of Agra last month during a motorcycle snatching incident, killing one person on the spot, Kumar said.

The two are said to be involved in several cases of ransom and extortion demand. They opened fire at the office of a trader in Rajasthan's Dholpur area last year after demanding Rs 10 lakh.

"Two pistols and cartridges were recovered from the arrested criminals," Kumar added.
New Delhi, Jan 4 : With a major focus on environment and climate change, the 45th edition of New Delhi World Book Fair is all set to begin from Saturday.

To be held at Pragati Maidan and co-organised by the National Book Trust (NBT) and ITPO, the Theme Pavilion will highlight various environment-related issues like climate change, global warming, water pollution and other relevant matters.

"Environment is a topic which needs to be given more attention. We need to focus more on this subject, generate more awareness for our better future. A especially designed Theme Pavilion has been made this year from environmental-friendly material like bamboo, cane, jute and others," NBT Chairperson Baldeo Bhai Sharma said at a press conference.

The fair also marks the return of a publisher from Pakistan as last year only one distributor had set up a stall. However, Sharma sought to downplay this, stating that there are many other international publishers participating in the book fair and urged visitors to show equal interest on them.

"Why focus only on Pakistan? There are so many publishers from India who have good books in Urdu; there many publishers from abroad who have good offerings. The focus should be on all the publishers participating at the book fair," Sharma said.

The annual book fair will see around 800 publishers from across the country in different languages. The event, spread over 30,000 sq m, will have more than 1,500 stalls.

However, NBT Director Rita Chowdhary told IANS that number of stalls have marginally reduced because of the renovation work at the Pragati Maidan.

"We have received large number of applications for participation this year, but we couldn't allot stalls to all. The space has reduced compared to last year because of the construction work. This has certainly affected us," Chowdhary stated.

This edition will see the European Union as the Guest of Honour. The especially designed EU pavilion will showcase the rich and dynamic European culture and literature. The EU member states will exhibit select publications in English and other European languages and will organise panel discussions, talks, workshops, children's activities, screening of short films, special photo exhibits as well as cultural and musical performances.

Apart from the European Union, the fair will also see participation from other countries like Egypt, Mexico, Nepal, Sri Lanka, UAE, Britain and others.

The book fair will also have a pavilion dedicated to reading material for children. The pavilion will have a number of activities like seminars, panel discussions, storytelling sessions, workshops on creative writing and illustrations among others will be organised by the National Centre for Children's Literature, a wing of NBT.

The author's corner will feature prominent literary faces like Ruskin Bond, Rakshanda Jalil, Jairam Ramesh, Seema Mustafa, Jerry Pinto, Michael Creighton, Paro Anand, Bulbul Sharma, Prerna Bindra, Ranjit Lal, Gillian Wright and many others.

FAQs:

Entry fee: Rs 20 (children) Rs 30 (adults)

Timing: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Tickets: Available at Pragati Maidan Gate Nos 1 and 10; Online; At select Metro Stations.
New Delhi, Jan 4 : In a bid to make 4G smartphones affordable to consumers, telecom services provider Bharti Airtel and Vodafone on Thursday announced cashback offers worth up to Rs 1,500 on Samsung's J series devices.

"Four models from Samsung's Galaxy J-series including J2 (2017), J5 Prime, J7 Prime and J7 Pro will be available with cashback offers, bringing down their effective prices," Airtel said in a statement.

Samsung Galaxy J2 (2017) will now be available for Rs 5,490 (earlier price Rs 6,990), J5 Prime will cost Rs 10,490 (earlier price Rs 11,990), J7 Prime will cost Rs 12,400 (earlier price Rs 13,900) while J7 Pro will be available at Rs 18,400 (earlier price Rs 19,900).

The cashback amount will be given to users over a period of 24 months.

"Users who make recharges worth Rs 2,500 over a period of 12 months, will be eligible for the first cashback of Rs 300," Airtel added.

These devices will come bundled with Airtel's recharge pack worth Rs 199 that offers 1GB data per day and unlimited calling.

Meanwhile, Vodafone also tied up with Samsung and announced a cashback offer worth Rs 1,500 on Galaxy J2 Pro, Galaxy J7 Nxt and Galaxy J7 Max smartphones.

"Prepaid customers have to simply recharge with Rs 198 per month for a period of 24 months. Postpaid users can opt for any Vodafone "Red Plan" to become eligible for a cashback of Rs 600 after first 12 months. After another 12 months, they will get a cashback of Rs 900 in their Vodafone M-Pesa wallets," Vodafone said in a statement.
New Delhi, Jan 4 : For all those who are passionate about dance, fascinated with stories and want to be a part of the prestigious play 'Mughal-e-Azam: The Musical, here's a golden opportunity.

The second season of 'Mughal-e-Azam: The Musical' will be staged at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Delhi from February 1 to 11 which will also mark the 100th show of this world-class theatrical production.

Towards this, the production team is searching for best Kathak dancers from Delhi and Mumbai. Any female Kathak dancer, aged between 18-30 can participate in the auditions to be held in New Delhi and Mumbai on Jan 6.

"The stage at the Jawaharlal Nehru Auditorium (JNA) in Delhi is double in size than that of the Mumbai stage and would require more number of dancers for the show which is why, they are looking out for the best female Kathak dancers to be a part of "Mughal-e-Azam: The Musical'," lead choreographer Mayuri Upadhya, who will be conducting the dance auditions, said in a statement.

"The dancers have the most fascinating and the most demanding role in Mughal-e-Azam. At one point they speak the madness of the emporer Akbar with just the sound of their 'ghungroo's 'and at another the free loving spirit of Anarkali is brought out. They are the one's who take the journey forward connecting the audience with sheer poetry of classical movement," she added.

The auditions will be held on January 6 at Rapid Waters Private Ltd in Mumbai and Saraswati Music College in Delhi.
Singapore, Jan 4 : Ravi Menon, the Managing Director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), has been named the best central bank governor in Asia-Pacific for 2018 by UK-based magazine The Banker.

The finance publication said that under Menon's leadership, the MAS pursued a "cutting-edge regulatory approach to fintech while maintaining macroeconomic stability".

The annual award by The Banker, is based on a selection process involving a survey of bankers and economists, the Strait times reported, citing the magazine as saying.

"You can only encourage technology to the extent that you can also contain and manage its risks. A smart financial centre must be a safe financial centre as well," Menon said in an interview to the magazine.

The Menon-led MAS banned high-profile bankers including Tim Leissner, formerly Goldman Sachs' man in southeast Asia, as well as Swiss banker Jens Sturzenegger, who was the branch manager of Falcon Private Bank when it was shut down over 1MDB dealings last year, reports said.

More recently, Menon and MAS sought to cool demand in Asia for cryptocurrencies, warning that investors should weigh up the significant risks before pouring money in.

Singapore's Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat was also given this award in 2011 when he was then MAS' Managing Director. Over the last three years, the award went to the central bankers of Vietnam, India and Bangladesh.

The magazine said that the MAS was among the first regulators to set up a dedicated fintech group that focuses on understanding technology's risks and benefits.
Guwahati, Jan 4 : Five young men, including a student, were found dead inside a vehicle in a village in Assam's Nalbari district on Thursday, police said.

Police said a group of 24 people had gone for a picnic from Bordighala village on Wednesday morning and returned at night.

"The five youths spent the night inside the vehicle they had hired for the picnic. However, on Thursday morning, we saw all of them were unconscious," a police officer quoted locals as saying.

They were rushed to a hospital where they were declared dead.

Police said that there were no visible injury marks on the bodies and believe they may have been suffocated inside the vehicle.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 03, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ORD MOUNTAIN RESOURCES CORP. (Ord or the Company) (TSX-V:OMR.H), a capital pool company, announces that, further to its news release of August 4, 2017, it has sent a formal notice to Penta 5 Packaging Inc. (Penta 5) to terminate the business combination agreement with Penta 5 as the completion of the transactions contemplated under the business combination agreement had not occurred by the completion deadline.



The transactions contemplated under the business combination agreement with Penta 5 were intended to be the Companys Qualifying Transaction. The Company will now be actively exploring other opportunities for the Companys new Qualifying Transaction. The Company will also be applying to the regulators to lift the trading halt currently in place on its common shares.

For further information please contact:

Ord Mountain Resources Corp.

Gong (Michael) Chen, CEO

(604) 643-1738

Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements. These statements reflect managements current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations; they are not guarantees of future performance. Ord cautions that all forward looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond Ords control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Ords ability to identify a new Qualifying Transaction; and other risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Ord undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.
Shimla, Jan 4 : The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet on Thursday approved settling over half a century old electricity arrears with Punjab and Haryana in three Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) projects in compliance with a Supreme Court order in terms of differential energy return.

The differential energy quantum of 13,066 million units would fetch Rs 3,266 crore to the state at an average rate of Rs 2.50 per unit, an official statement said.

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur presided over the cabinet meeting which also approved negotiations with both the neighbouring states for payment of the entire differential energy within 10 to 12 years.

It also agreed for negotiations towards payment of liability of Rs 111.53 crore as computed by the Central government in its affidavit in equal annual instalments during the period of return of power.

In case Punjab and Haryana insist for repayment with interest, Himachal Pradesh will go in for return of power with a premium of six per cent and with no further additional liability for receiving this differential energy of 13,066 million units, said the statement.

The Cabinet approved the proposal of Punjab and Haryana on return of differential power from October 1 to March 31 owing to their constraints of paddy harvest season and also the requirement of Himachal Pradesh during winter months in public interest.

The Supreme Court had raised Himachal's share to 7.19 per cent of the power generated by the projects -- Bhakra, Beas (Dehar) and Beas (Pong) -- against the 2.5 per cent it was earlier getting.

In its order on September 27, 2011, it had upheld the hills state's claim and directed compensation for denial of the state's legitimate share from November 1, 1966.
Bangkok, Jan 4 : External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday held a meeting with Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs Don Pramudwinai and discussed a range of bilateral issues.

In a tweet, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said: "Keeping up with the growing momentum of bilateral relationship, Sushma Swaraj discussed issues of connectivity, security and cultural cooperation with Pramudwinai".

Earlier in the day, Sushma Swaraj arrived here on the first leg of a three-nation tour that will also take her to Indonesia and Singapore.

During her two-day visit to Thailand, Sushma Swaraj will also hold delegation-level talks with Pramudwinai.

According to the External Affairs Ministry, all aspects of bilateral relations will be discussed with particular focus on political, defence and economic ties and on further enhancing India's engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) countries.

Thailand will take over from Vietnam the role of coordinator country for India-Asean relations from the middle of this year.

Sushma Swaraj will also share with her interlocutors information about the upcoming Asean-India Commemorative Summit that marks 25 years since the establishment of Dialogue Partnership between India and the regional bloc.

In a unique first, the leaders of the Asean countries are expected to attend this year's Republic Day celebrations collectively as chief guests.
Washington, Jan 4 : An attorney for US President Donald Trump has sent a cease-and-desist notice to a former chief adviser to the US President, warning him that legal action is imminent over information he provided to an author of a forthcoming tell-all book.

Trump attorney Charles J. Harder said in a statement that the letter, sent late on Wednesday and cited by Efe news agency on Thursday, states that Steve Bannon's actions in communicating with journalist and author Michael Wolff about a soon-to-be published book that purports to provide an inside peek into Trump's White House "give rise to numerous legal claims".

It said those claims include "defamation by libel and slander, and breach of his written confidentiality and non-disparagement agreement with our clients (Trump and Donald J. Trump for President, Inc.)", Harder's statement read, adding that "legal action is imminent".

The notice was delivered after British daily The Guardian published an extract of Wolff's forthcoming book, "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House".

In it, Bannon said, among other things, that a June 2016 New York meeting in which Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya sat down with Donald Trump Jr.; the President's son-in-law, Jared Kushner; and his then-campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, who were seeking damaging information on Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, was "treasonous" and "unpatriotic".

"You have breached the (confidentiality) Agreement by, among other things, communicating with author Michael Wolff about Mr. Trump, his family members, and the Company (Trump Organisation), disclosing Confidential Information to Mr. Wolff, and making disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements to Mr. Wolff about Mr. Trump, his family members, and the Company," the cease-and-desist letter reads.

On Wednesday, Trump accused Bannon of having "lost his mind" after he was fired from the White House staff, saying that the latter currently has "nothing to do" with him or his presidency.

The President's statement constituted an abrupt break with Bannon, who was a prominent member of his campaign and then became a key strategy adviser after Trump's January 2017 inauguration.

Bannon served in the White House from January until August 2017, when he was fired in a shakeup after John Kelly was appointed Chief of Staff; Bannon subsequently returned as executive chairman of Breitbart News, a Trump-supporting online news outlet.

After Bannon's departure from the White House, he remained an informal adviser frequently consulted by Trump, who continued to publicly defend him.

Trump on Wednesday also lambasted Bannon over the recent special Senate election in Alabama, saying that "Steve had everything to do with the loss of a Senate seat in Alabama held for more than 30 years by Republicans".

Bannon was instrumental in controversial GOP candidate Roy Moore's surprise primary win over the Trump-backed establishment hopeful and continued to support him even after he was accused of decades-old sexual misconduct by several women, including individuals who were teenagers when the alleged incidents occurred.

Moore, who Bannon contended would be a loyal supporter of Trump's "America First" agenda, vehemently denied the accusations.

Trump eventually threw his support behind Moore as well, although the candidate went down to a narrow defeat to Democrat Doug Jones.
Moscow, Jan 4 : Russia considers a US proposal to hold an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council over recent protests in Iran as "harmful", Sputnik news agency reported on Thursday, citing Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.

The Security Council is responsible for maintaining global peace and security, and Iran's internal issues have nothing to do with its mission, Ryabkov said.

"Iran's domestic affairs have nothing to do with the United Nations Security Council's role," he said.

He said Russia will roll out its own position, which is in line with the norms of international law.

Earlier this week, US envoy to UN Nikki Haley said Washington sought to convene emergency meetings at the UN headquarters and human rights council in Geneva.

Over the past week, riots broke out in some Iranian cities in protest against price hikes and economic woes.

US President Donald Trump and a number of other US officials, including Vice President Mike Pence, have sided with the protesters.

Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations Gholamali Khoshroo has slammed the US government's recent attempts to intervene in the domestic affairs of the Islamic Republic.
Bengaluru, Jan 4 : Karnataka Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Thursday rejected the opposition BJP's demand for a National Investigation Agency inquiry into the murder of a "Hindu activist".

"There is no need to entrust the inquiry to the NIA, as police have already arrested four suspects allegedly involved in the murder of Deepak Rao and are investigating the case from all angles," he told reporters.

Reddy was responding to a NIA probe demand by BJP's state unit leaders, including its MPs B.S. Yeddyurappa, Shoba Karandlaje, Pralhad Joshi and Naleen Kumar Kateel, who represents Dakshina Kannada district.

Rao, 32, a sales executive with a mobile phones distributor at Katipalli in Suratkal town, 20 km from Mangaluru, was allegedly waylaid by the accused and assaulted with a machete on Wednesday when he was going home for lunch.

Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police S.K. Reddy told IANS that the accused were trying to escape in a car after attacking Rao when they were chased and nabbed on the outskirts of Suratkal.

Rao was taken to hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

The four arrested were identified as Mulky Naushad, Rizwan, Pinky Nawaz and Nirshan.

Right wing outfit Bajrang Dal also claimed that Rao was one of its members in the coastal district.

"The inquiry into Rao's alleged murder is being supervised by Additional Director General of Police Kamal Panth. Till the investigation is completed, the unfortunate death of Rao should not be politicised and vitiate the atmosphere," said the Home Minister.

He also accused the BJP leaders of claiming victims like Rao and others in the past to be its members or belonging to organisations like the Bajrang Dal to polarise the situation in the poll-bound southern state, where elections are due in April.

"Our government or party does not support or oppose any particular community. We are working to book those who transgress the law," asserted Reddy.

He also announced Rs 10 lakh compensation to Rao's family, including Rs 5 lakh from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.

Deputy Commissioner S. Sasikanth Senthil said Rs 5 lakh would be paid to the victim's family by Friday.

Security was stepped up and additional forces were deployed in the town to prevent any untoward incident during the funeral procession and last rites of Rao.

A day-long shutdown was observed at Mangaluru and Surathkal in protest against Rao's murder in response to a call by the BJP and Bajrang Dal.

Condemning the shocking murder in daylight, Yeddyurappa blamed the Congress and the district in-charge minister Ramanath Rai for Rao's death and about 20 killings there over the last two years.
New Delhi, Jan 4 : A delegation of BJP MPs on Thursday met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to demand a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the killing of a Hindu activist in Karnataka and other such deaths in the state.

Lead by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Shobha Karandlaje, the delegation requested the Home Minister to intervene in the matter and ensure a probe by the counter-terrorism agency into the murder of Deepak Rao, who is reportedly 21st person to be killed in Karnataka in the recent past.

According to police, Rao was hacked to death in the Dakshina Kannada district on Wednesday when he was returning after collecting some documents from his shop owner Abdul Majid. He was riding a motorbike on his way to work when four assailants came in a car, waylaid him and attacked with a sharp-edged weapon.

Karandlaje alleged involvement of radical Islamist outfit Popular Front of India (PFI) in most of the killings.

"This is the 21st murder in Karnataka. Of these, 12 were committed by 'jihadis'. The organisation is active in Karnataka because the state government is supporting it. It should be linked to national security and terrorism. The cases should be probed by the NIA," Karandlaje told reporters after the meeting.

She accused the Congress-led Siddaramaiah state government of trying to hush up the cases and not disclosing the forensic report of another slain activist, Paresh Mesta.

Mesta was killed in Uttara Kannada district's Honnavar town in December 2017.

She also charged the state government with supporting the Islamist group for "vote bank politics".

"Siddaramaiah himself called the PFI and its political body, and asked them to support the Congress in the next elections," she claimed.

BJP MP Pralhad Joshi also demanded on Thursday in the Lok Sabha a probe into the murder of Rao by the NIA while raising the issue during the Zero Hour.

He accused the Congress government in Karnataka of turning a blind eye to the killings as it "wants to adopt the Kerala model" of governance where BJP members "are being targeted".

"I demand an NIA inquiry into all these cases," Joshi said.
New Delhi, Jan 4 : The Congress on Thursday alleged that Narendra Modi government is not serious of getting the triple talaq bill passed in Rajya Sabha and was running from debate, and its only policy was to "divide the society".

Noting that the established tradition of Rajya Sabha is if any motion is left unfinished, it is taken up the next day for discussion from there, party leader Pramod Tiwari said: "When the House got adjourned yesterday (Wednesday), all the 18 opposition parties including Congress were demanding that there be voting on sending the bill to the Select Committee."

"Today they (the government) should have started the proceedings with triple talaq. They did not do it. BJP has neither the policy nor the intention to get the triple talaq bill passed in Parliament," he told reporters here.

Tiwari said even BJP's allies like the AIADMK, the Telugu Desam Party and other independent parties like the Biju Janata Dal and the Indian National Lok Dal are not with them on the issue.

The deadlock on the triple talaq bill in the Rajya Sabha continued on Thursday with the government rejecting the opposition's insistence on sending the bill to a Select Committee for detailed scrutiny.

With no agreement, the government placed the bill in the bottom in the list of business, which the opposition strongly objected to and demanded that its motions for referring the bill to a Select Committee be taken up immediately.

Senior Congress leader P. L. Punia alleged that the BJP and the RSS ignited violence in Maharashtra's Pune district on January 1.

"The Maharashtra government failed to control the violence there. We demand immediate arrest of the two accused named in the FIR for allegedly instigating violence in Pune," he said, asking why the government was protecting the accused linked to Hindutva outfits.

"We demand legal action against those who were trying to disturb harmony," he said, adding that the violence was spreading to other states like Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.
The Ranches at Belt Creek is a luxury second home resort outside of Great Falls, Montana and is now accepting Bitcoins for 5, 10, or 25 acre properties. Real estate developer, Mark C. Hawn says,

I want to make buying a ranch easy for future ranch owners. Bitcoin allows for large transactions to be done quickly and securely. Bitcoin is the future of real estate transactions.

Bitcoins can now be cashed in to live the life of the rich and famous. At the Ranches at Belt Creek, the Ranch Concierge can schedule fly fishing guides, horseback rides and even private dining with a gourmet chef. Having a ranch in Montana like Ted Turner is the ultimate dream of some. Now Bitcoin is making dreams come true.

Apple, Uber, and VRBO are some of the companies that have disrupted their respective industries. It is not the technology or innovation that disrupts a market; it is customer adoption. When a large number of customers adopt a product or service in a short period of time, a need is being fulfilled. A market is being disrupted and that is what is happening with Bitcoin and the blockchain technology. Now the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) and the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) have created a futures market for Bitcoin. This is the beginning of billions of dollars flooding into a technology with limited supply. Increased demand with a limited supply drives the price higher and that is evident in the astronomic rise of Bitcoin in 2017.

As Bitcoin continues to rise, more fortunes will be created for those holding lots of Bitcoins. At the end of the day, Bitcoins need to be traded for hard assets that the holder wants. Taking some Bitcoins off the table is wise and moving Bitcoins into a hard asset like real estate is the goal for certain investors. Parlaying your Bitcoins value into another asset that will grow in value and can be enjoyed today is now an option.

This is the opportunity that the Ranches at Belt Creek created for cryptomillionaires. Those rich in Bitcoin can use their cryptocurrency to experience the dream of owning a luxury ranch in Montana. A luxury ranch with mountain views and fly fishing rivers. For those who grew up experiencing the great outdoors and want to create that experience for their family can do so in this luxury ranch setting.

Find more information at http://www.RanchesAtBeltCreek.com/Bitcoin. For those who want to experience Montana ask about the Discovery Weekend and receive details on this limited time luxury ranch experience.
CSG Government Solutions, a national leader in government program modernization, today announced it has been selected by the New England Medicaid Information Technology Architecture(MITA) Collaborative to assist in developing three MITA 3.0 State Self-Assessments (SS-A).

The New England MITA Collaborative is comprised of the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services, and the New England States Consortium Systems Organization(NESCSO). The Collaborative was established in 2014 to share resources and lower the cost of developing each states MITA 3.0 SS-A.

For each state, CSG is facilitating the completion of a MITA 3.0 SS-A, providing MITA training to agency staff, and developing a five year plan and roadmap to improve MITA maturity levels across the Medicaid Enterprise.

CSG is proud to be partnering with the New England MITA Collaborative on this initiative, says Robin Dufresne, Director of CSGs Healthcare and Human Services practice. This is the first time MITA 3.0 SS-As will be collaboratively conducted across multiple states. By leveraging our teams expertise in the MITA 3.0 Framework, CSG will help assure each states goals are achieved.

CSG Government Solutions deploys highly experienced teams and innovative methods, knowledge, and tools to help governments modernize complex program enterprises. CSG clients include 43 state governments, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Labor, and large municipal governments.

CONTACT:

Robin Dufresne

Director, Healthcare and Human Services Practice

CSG Government Solutions

180 N. Stetson Ave

Suite 3200

Chicago, IL 60601

Office: 312.444.2760 Fax: 312.938.2191

rdufresne(at)csgdelivers.com

About CSG Government Solutions:

CSG Government Solutions is a leading government operations consulting firm helping states modernize critical program enterprises. We help governments leverage innovative technology and processes to meet the challenges of administering complex programs. Founded in 1997, CSG has established itself as a trusted adviser to government agencies across the U.S. For more information, visit http://www.csgdelivers.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Sacred Rest We have made rest synonymous with laziness when in reality its the key to more energy, greater productivity, better creativity, increased happiness, and a thriving life.

We are a society that praises being busy, the more you can cram into a day and the fewer hours you need for sleep, the more productive and successful you seem, but are you and at what cost? More than 18,000 people from 134 countries took part in a recent survey on rest which reported 68 percent of those surveyed would like more rest (BBC Sept 2016). One physician says most people do not know what type of rest they need and miss some of their best opportunities to improve their health and wellbeing.

Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, a top 100 medical expert in Good Housekeeping Doctors Secrets, says We have made rest synonymous with laziness when in reality its the key to more energy, greater productivity, better creativity, increased happiness, and a thriving life.

In her book Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity, Dalton-Smith shares seven types of rest she found lacking in many patients and how rest impacts every part of our lives:



Physical: The chance to use the body in restorative ways to decrease muscle tension, reduce headaches, and promote higher quality sleep.

Mental: The ability to quiet cerebral chatter and focus on things that matter.

Spiritual: The capacity to experience God in all things and recline in the knowledge of the Holy.

Emotional: The freedom to authentically express feelings and eliminate people-pleasing behaviors.

Social: The wisdom to recognize relationships which revive from ones that exhaust and how to limit exposure to toxic people.

Sensory: The opportunity to downgrade the endless onslaught of sensory input received from electronics, fragrances, and background noise.

Creative: The experience of allowing beauty to inspire awe and liberate wonder.

A deficiency in any one of these types of rest can have unfavorable effects on your health, happiness, relationships, creativity, and productivity. Dalton-Smith offers a free resource at http://www.RestQuiz.com. This comprehensive quiz scores you on all seven types of rest and identifies the rest deficits affecting your wellbeing.

Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith is a board-certified internal medicine physician and has an active medical practice near Birmingham, Alabama. She received her B.S. in Biochemistry at the University of Georgia and graduated with honors from Meharry Medical College in Nashville. She has been an adjunct faculty member at Baker College and Davenport University in Michigan teaching courses on health, nutrition, and disease progression. She is an international media resource on the mind, body, spirit connection and featured in Prevention, MSNBC, Women's Day, Redbook, First For Women, and numerous other media outlets.

Sacred Rest ($20.00, ISBN: 9781478921677), a 240-page hardcover published by FaithWords/Hachette Book Group, is available at most major online book retailers, in bookstores, and at http://www.ichoosemybestlife.com/sacred-rest.

CONTACT: Saundra Dalton-Smith, 256-405-9765, DrDaltonSmith(at)IChooseMyBestLife.com
BW Offshore will host a presentation with main focus on the company's field development activities through the joint venture company BW Energy and the planned development of the Dussafu field offshore Gabon.

The presentation will be held 8 January 2018 at 13:00 CET at The Thief, Landgangen 1 in Oslo, Norway and will be hosted by CEO Carl K. Arnet and Lin Espey, Managing Director of BW Energy.

The presentation will be broadcasted via webcast, and will also be available for replay. Please visit www.bwoffshore.com for details.

For further information, please contact:

IR@bwoffshore.com

About BW Offshore:

BW Offshore is a leading global provider of floating production services to the oil and gas industry. BW Offshore has a fleet of 15 owned FPSOs and one FSO represented in all major oil & gas regions world-wide. BW Offshore has a long track record on project execution and operations. In more than 30 years of production, BW Offshore has executed 38 FPSO and FSO projects. The company is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. Further information is available on www.bwoffshore.com.

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5 -12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
Micheal Lane, CEO, Meyers Meyers has maintained a leadership position in custom labels and retail marketing and merchandising by listening to what our customers  some of Americas leading consumer brands  want and need and responding with one-of-a-kind solutions.

Meyers, a national leader in brand marketing and high-end commercial printing, announced today that Micheal Lane has been named CEO of the nearly 70-year-old, family owned company. Lane will serve as CEO over all divisions of Meyers, underscoring the companys approach to providing seamless, start-to-finish solutions for national retailers and retail brands who are facing increased competition from online sales and continued market fragmentation. David Dillon, current CEO and co-owner, and Chris Dillon Sr., co-owner of Meyers, will transition to the companys board of directors.

Headquartered in Minneapolis, Meyers was established in 1949 with a single piece of printing equipment. Under the guidance of founder, Gerry Dillon and two generations of the Dillon family, Meyers has grown to over $60 million in revenue and currently operates a 250,000-square-foot facility featuring advanced, one-of-a-kind commercial printing presses.

Lane joined Meyers in 2016 as president of Meyers Retail Marketing Solutions Division. Prior to joining Meyers, Lane served as CEO of Lofton Label, a label, flexible packaging, and labeling equipment company in Inver Grove Heights, MN. Lane has a wealth of experience in corporate leadership, having worked for Cargill, Inc. for 27 years, most recently as vice president of sales and marketing for the Salt Division and senior chair of the Cargill Foods corporate marketing initiative. Lane also served on the board of directors for TLMI for three years and remains active in industry leadership.

Mikes experience at a very senior level in one of the worlds largest privately held companies, along with his discipline and experience building effective sales, marketing, and production operations made him an ideal choice to fill the position of CEO, said David Dillon. We are confident Mike will continue to lead and position Meyers for future success, while paving the way for the next generation of the Dillon family to grow into more senior leadership positions within the organization.

Meyers provides complete retail marketing solutions  from strategy to creative concepting and execution, custom-engineered packaging and display solutions, printing and assembly, and distribution and installation logistics. The company works with brands and retailers across the United States in a wide variety of industries, including category leaders like Aveda, Ulta, Target, Starbucks, Hormel, Verizon, and more.

Meyers has maintained a leadership position in custom labels and retail marketing and merchandising by listening to what our customers  some of Americas leading consumer brands  want and need and responding with one-of-a-kind solutions, said Lane. As CEO of Meyers, I am confident we will continue to build on this legacy and that our commitment to excellence and collaboration will produce possibilities for our customers and employees for years to come.

According to Lane, Meyers will continue its focus on technology that allows the company to deliver completely customized solutions for customers. By removing silos within its corporate reporting structure, Lane said the highly skilled professionals across Meyers departments, from research and creative strategy to distribution and fulfillment, will be able to work as a cohesive team to support the business goals of its customers.

Originally from Western KS, Lane currently lives in Victoria, MN. He holds a bachelors degree in business from Friends University, Wichita, and an Executive MBA from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. Lane has had extensive training in business strategy from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, Chicago. In addition to his corporate track record, Lane is the author of a novel called, The Wisdom of Yawdy Rum. Outside the office, Lane is an active supporter and volunteer for Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity, and the Sweet Home New Orleans rebuilding efforts in New Orleans.

To learn more about Meyers, visit meyers.com or follow on Twitter or LinkedIn.

For more information:

Barbara Tabor, APR / tabor PR for Meyers / 651-450-1342 / Barbara(at)taborpr(dot)com

###

About Meyers

Meyers designs and manufactures innovative large-format graphics, displays, cards, labels and signage solutions for retail marketing. Their products can be found paired with the nations top brands at virtually every retail outlet in the country. Meyers commitment to collaboration, innovation, creative problem solving, and exceptional design allows the company to engineer solutions that keep clients one step ahead of their competition in the retail marketing space. To learn more, visit meyers.com or follow on LinkedIn and Twitter.
God Loves Mad Dogs And Greyhounds: a collection of free verse poems and poetic rhymes based on author James Olivers war experiences and the power of Gods love. God Loves Mad Dogs And Greyhounds is the creation of published author, James Oliver. James was born in Hazard, Kentucky. Shortly after his birth, his parents, James and Clarice Oliver moved their young family to Ashland, KY. As the towns motto suggests, Where Coal Meets Iron, Ashland is a small town known for its steel mills and sits on the banks of the mighty Ohio River. In 1966, James was hired by Armco Steel. Although he was well paid, he decided to serve his country and joined the US Army in 1967. He arrived in Vietnam on September 2, 1968. Oliver was a door gunner serving with the 240th Assault Helicopter Company. After leaving the Army, he resumed his career in 1971 with Armco Steel where he was a dedicated employee for a total of thirty-six years. In addition to his love of writing and reading, James has been a lifelong fan of the martial arts. He completed his black belt in Karate. James draws strength and inspiration from his daily readings of the Holy Bible. He still resides in Ashland, Kentucky on the same street that he spent his youth.

The Maddogs were the gun ships. The Greyhounds were the slicks that flew the infantry into their appointed destinations, evacuating men from harms way and getting fellow soldiers back to a safe land zone. --James Oliver

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, James Olivers new book is a collection of free verse poems and poetic rhymes based on the authors experiences during the Vietnam War.

James was only twenty-one years old when he received his orders to report to Vietnam. Oliver was proud to have served his country. He was a soldier and helicopter door gunner during the Vietnam War. He saw combat on a daily basis. He went on numerous day and late-night classified missions with the 240th Assault Helicopter Company.

It was during one of these missions that James Henry Oliver Jr. had a life-changing combat experience. Oliver felt the presence of an angel as the hand of God shifted his helicopter out of harms way. It was this moment that changed his life forever and inspired his love of God. This and other experiences inspired the free verse poems and poetic rhymes featured in God Loves Mad Dogs And Greyhounds.

View a synopsis of God Loves Mad Dogs And Greyhounds on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase God Loves Mad Dogs And Greyhounds at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, Kobo or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about God Loves Mad Dogs And Greyhounds, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
Orasi Software, a quality-focused, Atlanta-based software reseller and professional services company, today announced that software testing industry veteran Hardik Parekh has joined the Quality Management System (QMS) team and will be serving in the newly created role of Manager, Mobile & Internet of Things (IoT) Automation. Parekh has specialized expertise in developing customized mobile testing and cloud solutions that deliver high-quality mobile apps and provide a superior user experience (UE). He initially worked for Orasi as an independent contractor before being hired to the new position.

As the market for mobile and IoT software accelerates rapidly, the importance of quality and the UE continue to be paramount, said Nick Kavadellas, president and CEO, Orasi. Hardik will fill an important role in our organization as we continue to promote our mission of software quality assurance, no matter what the platform or device might be.

With more than six years of technical and management experience in the IT industry, Parekh formerly worked as an Automation Lead / Scrum Master at Verizon Telematics. There, he led the firms end-to-end (E2E) testing efforts for web, mobile, and IoT devices, including connected cars. During his professional career, he has served in numerous, progressively responsible roles including Mobile QA Lead (and Subject Matter Expert), Technical Architect, and Automation Engineer. He has worked on projects for client companies ranging from AT&T and Cox Media to Capital Group, Autotrader, and Food Lion.

Originally from India, Parekh moved to the U.S. to pursue an advanced degree and seek additional career opportunities. The trilingual software expert holds a Bachelor of Technology from Nirma University (Ahmedabad, India) and a Master of Science from North Carolina State University (Raleigh, North Carolina). He is a certified Professional Scrum Master and holds certifications in Security Awareness for Mobile Applications, System Administration for Mobile Devices, Mobile Automation Testing (Perfecto Mobile), and Automated Testing (UFT and Perfecto framework).

Mobile devices have become nearly ubiquitous in the market, but to build software that works flawlessly across various manufacturers, models and operating systems is a major challenge, said Parekh. Orasi is a solid company with a great background and reputation in the market, and I look forward to helping them further develop and expand their mobile and IoT practices to help clients achieve their goals.

About Orasi Software, Inc.

For more than 15 years, Orasi has been an industry-leading provider of software quality assurance services, helping customers achieve excellence with market-leading test management, test automation, enterprise testing, environment hosting, and mobile testing technologies. Orasi offers on-site training and a three-tier consulting services model to provide the right mix of personnel and services, at the right price, for every company. Additionally, Orasi has established strategic sales and support services partnerships with Micro Focus (formerly HPE), SAP, XebiaLabs, AppDynamics, and others. Orasi continues to expand its offerings across the entire software delivery spectrum, from data analytics and visualization services to end-to-end continuous delivery and open source tooling. For more information, please visit the Orasi company website: http://www.orasi.com.

Orasi is a trademark of Orasi Software, Inc. All other product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Educators Can Share Their Journey and Enter to Win a New Dodge Journey from California Casualty We have been proud to serve educators for more than 66 years, and were there to protect them through the good times and when there are a few bumps in the road.

California Casualty, provider of the NEA Auto & Home Insurance Program, is offering educators the chance to win a new Dodge Journey SUV in the Wherever Your Journey Takes YouWell be There sweepstakes.

The giveaway kicks off the new Life is a Journey campaign, reminding educators of the importance of having the right insurance coverage for their stage in life. Whether theyre an excited new teacher or one who is retiring, NEA members can explore the various insurance solutions available through California Casualty.

The journey begins when a member enters to win at http://www.winajourney.com.

There is a very important concept behind the sweepstakes. A new insurance industry survey estimates that 42 percent of consumers have not taken steps to check their coverages. Having adequate insurance is essential; in fact, this summers hurricanes and fires left many people unable to rebuild because they purchased policies that left them severely underinsured.

The Journey initiative hopes to reinforce the importance of comprehensive, personalized and proactive auto, home and renters insurance that protects policyholders in their greatest time of need. While the definition of insurance may vary by company, California Casualty helps educate and guide consumers to the best approach for their individual insurance needs.

California Casualty has partnered with the NEA to offer auto and home insurance with unique benefits for educators that include:



Waived or reduced deductibles for damage to vehicles parked at school

Personal property protection for non-electronic property, including instructional materials stolen from a vehicle

Excess liability coverage that follows into the classroom

$500 fundraising money coverage

Flexible payment plans including summer or holiday skips

We have been proud to serve educators for more than 66 years, said Sr. VP Mike McCormick. Were there to protect them through the good times and when there are a few bumps in the road.

Educators  active and retired  can share their journey and enter to win by visiting http://www.winajourney.com.

Headquartered in San Mateo, CA, with Service Centers in Arizona, Colorado and Kansas, California Casualty provides auto and home insurance to educators, firefighters, law enforcement and nurses across the country. Founded in 1914, California Casualty has been led by four generations of the Brown family. To learn more about California Casualty, or to request an auto insurance quote, please visit http://www.calcas.com or call 1.800.800.9410.
Allegro Development Corp., a global leader in commodity trading and risk management (CTRM) software, today announced that Manila Electric Company (Meralco), the Philippines largest electric distribution company, has chosen Allegros cloud-compatible energy trading and risk management (ETRM) solution, Allegro Horizon, to manage market risk exposure in the Philippine Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM).

Recently, Meralco identified the need for a single platform that would streamline their energy trading and risk management processes and provide real-time data on electricity trading in the Philippines. This initiative was driven by Meralcos mission to continue providing cost effective electricity to its customers while maintaining compliance with its Power Supply Agreement, as well as the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and Department of Energy (DOE) rules and guidelines. Additionally, Meralco wanted to strategically position itself to be better prepared for new WESM electricity spot market rules and technologies, including the forthcoming shortening of trading intervals from one hour to five minutes, as well as the planned inclusion of renewable energy and ancillary services to the market.

With guidance from Indra, a highly reputable global consulting and technology company, Meralco evaluated many energy trading and risk management solutions and determined Allegros platform would best suit their needs for efficient deal capture, accurate settlements, and robust risk management.

Prior to selecting Allegros solution, Meralco was utilizing a mix of in-house systems, including Microsoft Excel, to manage its trading and risk management processes. Moving forward, Allegros cloud-compatible software, Allegro Horizon, will be implemented along with an Indra interface in order to provide Meralco with a trading dashboard of clear reporting and custom view reports in the WESM.

Frank Brienzi, CEO, Allegro Development:

The joint effort between Allegro and Indra to create a solution specific to Meralcos needs is a testament not only to our software extensibility and scalability, but also to our strong partnership with Indra. We look forward to the continued strengthening of these relationships throughout the implementation process.

Ronnie L. Aperocho, Senior Vice President and Network Head, Meralco:

Meralcos need for increased accuracy and efficiency in all our supply sourcing processes  including planning, trading, settlements, and risk management  requires a comprehensive and extensible platform. Our partnering with Allegro and Indra through this project will provide us with the necessary expertise and tools to help us streamline and improve our energy trading and risk management processes. This software solution will not only aid us in continuing to deliver cost efficient electricity to our customers while complying with our Power Supply Agreement, ERC, and DOE, but also prepare us for future regulatory rules and guidelines.

Maria Vidoeira, CEO, Indra Philippines:

For years, Indra has been working with Meralco on various projects in order to improve the companys efficiency. The implementation of the Allegro solution for Meralcos energy sourcing and risk management system will strengthen the partnership between Indra and Meralco. Indras comprehensive and deep project experience with Allegro will help Meralco achieve its aim to consistently supply cost efficient electricity to its customers while maintaining compliance to market rules and policies."

About Manila Electric Company:

Founded in 1895, Manila Electric Company (Meralco) is the largest electrical distribution company in the Philippines. Meralco serves 6 million customers in 36 cities and 75 municipalities, including Metro Manila. For additional information about Meralco, visit http://www.meralco.com.ph/.

About Indra:

Indra is a highly reputable consulting and technology companies, the top IT firm in Spain, and the technology partner for the core operations of its clients' businesses worldwide. The multinational company offers a comprehensive range of proprietary solutions and cutting-edge services with a high added value in technology, which adds to a unique culture that is reliable, flexible and adaptable to its clients needs.

Indra is a world leader in the development of end-to-end technology solutions in fields such as defense and security, transport and traffic, telecommunications and media, financial services, electoral processes, public administrations and healthcare, and energy. Through its Minsait unit, Indra addresses the challenges of digital transformation. To learn more about Indra, visit http://www.indracompany.com.

About Allegro Development:

Allegro Development Corp. is a global leader in commodity trading and risk management (CTRM) software for power and gas utilities, crude oil refiners, chemical manufacturers, oil and gas producers, agriculture companies, traders, and commodity consumers. Allegros software is built to provide users with position visibility, risk management, comprehensive controls, and regulatory compliance. With more than three decades of industry experience, Allegros enterprise platform drives profitability and efficiency across front, middle, and back offices while managing complex logistics associated with physical commodities.

Headquartered in Dallas, Allegro also has offices in London, Singapore, Calgary, Dubai, Houston, Jakarta and Zurich, along with a global network of partners. For additional information about Allegro and its capabilities, visit our home page at http://www.allegrodev.com.
Animal Supply Company Logo (ASC) 2017 Bark to Basics is a great addition to the ASC family, furthering our ability to serve our existing customers, welcome new customers, and allow ASC to provide a key brand, Champion Petfoods, makers of ORIJEN and ACANA Dog and Cat Foods, to the Midwest and Texas, states Don McIntyre, CEO of ASC.

Animal Supply Company (ASC), the national leader in pet food and supplies distribution, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Bark to Basics, a family-owned business serving independent retailers, day care/kennels, vet hospitals, and groomers in six states (KS, MO, OK, AR, TX, LA) with two distribution centers in Kansas City (Olathe) and Houston.

Bark to Basics is a great addition to the ASC family, as it furthers our ability to serve our existing customers, welcome new customers, and allow ASC to provide a key brand, Champion Petfoods, makers of ORIJEN and ACANA Dog and Cat Foods, to the Midwest and Texas, states Don McIntyre, Chief Executive Officer of ASC. This strategic acquisition also brings additional sales resources to support our delivery of Champion to customers and continue our commitment to providing exceptional service.

With the missions of both companies focused on improving the lives of cats and dogs, promoting a world where pets are happy, healthy and safe, the two companies also share an alignment of values focused on: Honesty (Integrity), Enthusiasm (Passion), Success (Results Oriented).

This is an exciting opportunity for two great companies, said Terry Garberg, Owner of Bark to Basics. Bark to Basics and ASC both share an unwavering commitment to service, a passion for pets and a focus on strong relationships with both customers and vendors.

For more information, please visit http://www.animalsupply.com or contact Ken Fish, EVP of Corporate Development at Ken.Fish(at)animalsupply(dot)com.

About Animal Supply Company

Animal Supply Company is the national leader in Local Everywhere pet food and supplies distribution serving retailers throughout the United States and the Caribbean. Animal Supply Companys mission is to share our passion for animals through trusted partnerships that connect the brands and customers we serve to those who love pets. We envision a world where every pet is happy, healthy, and safe, and we work through our employees, customers, and vendors to realize this goal. Animal Supply Company operates 22 facilities and employs approximately 1,300 people. The company has nearly 10,000 independent retail customers who operate more than 15,000 retail outlets distributing pet food and supplies. http://www.animalsupply.com
Green Applications, one of the largest printers and distributors of textile merchandise and heat applied graphics on the East Coast, announced today that Governor Terry McAuliffe will cut the ribbon at a celebration for the new 860kW roof mount solar energy system atop their Gordonsville facility. The array will produce an estimated 1,026,446kWh per year, offsetting the buildings carbon footprint by 842 tons of CO2 annually. The system represents the largest net metered system in the state, the largest behind-the-meter Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) in Virginia since Dominion started the PPA pilot program, and a shift toward more of Virginias manufacturers embracing solar.

Green Applications opened its 170,000 sq. ft. facility with a visit from the Governor in 2014, creating more than 300 new jobs for Orange County, VA. With environmental sustainability as one of its core values, Green Applications had always planned to incorporate renewable energy into the facility.

Green Applications started our operations in Orange County, Virginia by making a commitment to this community to make a positive impact, said Dave Kilgore, COO of Green Applications. That meant creating jobs and being a responsible neighbor with respect to the environment. Working with Sun Tribe Solar, we were able to find a way to do that by incorporating solar, which also saves us money in utility costs. We are proud to have the solar array on our facility and to be part of the sustainability movement taking place in the Commonwealth.

Green Applications partnered with Charlottesville-based Sun Tribe Solar to find the optimal solution for both their sustainability and financial goals. Working with the VirginiaSAVES program, Sun Tribe Solar was able to help secure investors to move the project forward as a PPA. Established as a result of Governor McAuliffes Executive Order 36, the VirginiaSAVES program is sponsored by the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy (DMME) and provides subsidized financing for renewable energy systems and other qualified conservation purposes for private commercial, non-profit institutional, and local government entities in the Commonwealth.

The Green Applications array consists of over 2,500 panels and will provide almost 50% of the facilitys energy usage. The system was also designed, engineered, and installed entirely by Virginians who work for Sun Tribe Solar.

It is always great to be part of a ground-breaking solar project in Virginia, said Taylor Brown of Sun Tribe Solar. But it is even better when we are able to help a company like Green Applications that really wants to improve the environment and help the community to figure out the best technical and financial situation to make it happen. Its also great to see that the PPA program is finally gaining traction in Virginia, and we hope this will move other manufacturers to look into this as an option for making the transition to solar.

Although Dominions pilot PPA program has been in effect for three years, Green Applications is the first large-scale commercial entity to subscribe to it and has the largest behind-the-meter solar PPA system in the state to date. The official ribbon cutting and celebration with Governor McAuliffe will be on January 4th at a private ceremony at the facility.

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About Sun Tribe Solar

Sun Tribe Solar is a leading solar energy company based in Charlottesville, VA. The Sun Tribe team has over 550MW of renewable energy design and installation experience and has worked with organizations such as the University of Virginia, Carilion Health System, and Northrop Grumman to help them achieve their renewable energy goals. Sun Tribe Solar is one of the fastest growing private solar energy companies in Virginia and is a fully insured, Class A Alternative Energy Systems contractor licensed in the Commonwealth. For more information on how Sun Tribe Solar can help strengthen your financial operations while reinforcing your brands commitment to sustainability, please visit http://www.suntribesolar.com.

Sun Tribe Solar Contact:

Angela Batten

Director of Marketing

434.981.1500 (c)

angela(at)suntribesolar.com

http://www.suntribesolar.com
The greatest benefit of a 9-axis machine, Tsugami/Rem Sales Vice President Michael Mugno said, is that it has three cutting tools, all cutting the part simultaneously. All three tools have independent feed rates meaning shorter cycle times, allowing operators to produce more parts, faster.

Tsugami/Rem Sales, the exclusive North American importer of Precision Tsugami machine tools, announced today that it will demonstrate the Tsugami BW129Z and the Tsugami SS207-5AX LaserSwiss at the MD&M West Expo in Anaheim, California February 6-8, 2018.

For the first time ever, Rem Sales will exhibit the Tsugami BW129Z at MD&M West this coming February. The Tsugami BW129Z is a 12 mm 9-axis Split-slide Lathe with a simultaneous 3-path control system and dual independent gang slides. This machine can house 28 tools and is equipped with a Fanuc 31i-B CNC.

The greatest benefit of a 9-axis machine, Tsugami/Rem Sales Vice President Michael Mugno said, is that it has three cutting tools, all cutting the part simultaneously. All three tools have independent feed rates meaning shorter cycle times, allowing operators to produce more parts, faster. The BW129Z is perfect for pinch turning and pinch milling jobs.

Rem Sales will also demonstrate the Tsugami SS207-5AX LaserSwiss - a 7-axis Swiss Turn with a Servo-driven B-axis that combines Swiss style machining with laser cutting on one machine, allowing manufacturers to perform Swiss turning and laser cutting operations with a single setup. All operations are programmed and driven from the machines Fanuc 31i-B5 control. The laser nozzle standoff adjustment is NC controlled, and the lasers power level, frequency, pulse width, and lens focus are all immediately adjustable. The SS207-5AX LaserSwiss holds 33 tools, plus the SPI Fiber Laser, which is available in 250W or 400W configurations.

The addition of a second laser head for welding provides enormous flexibility for end users, Tsugami Automation Vice President Graham Noake said. This allows operators to reflow a swaged tube end, and they can weld two pieces together, then machine them.

To see live cutting demos of these machines at MD&M West, visit the Tsugami/Rem Sales booth, #1605. The show runs February 6-8 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA.

Manufacturers unable to attend the show are invited to schedule private machine tool demonstrations at the Tsugami Technical Center in Fullerton, CA, or at Tsugami/Rem Sales distribution partner Ellison Technologies California facilities in Santa Fe Springs and Fremont.

About Ellison Technologies

Ellison Technologies (http://www.ellisontechnologies.com) is the largest machine tool integrator in North America, representing 70% of the metal cutting market. With 16 locations across the U.S., Ellison is committed to the survival and growth of the manufacturing industry. In addition to distributing the latest CNC machine tool technology, Ellison provides engineering solutions, service and parts support, turnkey solutions, robotic automation and machine financing.

About Tsugami/Rem Sales

Tsugami/Rem Sales (http://www.remsales.com) has been the exclusive North American importer of Precision Tsugami machine tools since 1978. A division of Morris Group, Inc. of Windsor, Connecticut, Rem Sales sells new Tsugami machine tools via national distribution channels and direct sales agents. The company also provides application engineering, service and customer training.

About Morris Group, Inc.

Morris Group, Inc. (http://www.morrisgroupinc.com), one of North Americas largest machine tool supply networks, owns fifteen independently operated business units. It supplies CNC machine tools and related technology and services to manufacturers representing virtually every industry segment. Morris Group, Inc. is headquartered in Windsor, Connecticut, home of its founding company, The Robert E. Morris Company, which has served the manufacturing industry since 1941.
Dickinson Wright PLLC is pleased to announce that Marki Stewart, a Member in our Phoenix office, has been elected to serve as Secretary/Treasurer on the Board of Directors of the Arizona Society of Healthcare Attorneys (AzSHA).

This is a great opportunity and I look forward to working with the Board members, all of whom are outstanding attorneys and exceptional people, said Stewart. Im proud to be a part of this organization and its educational focus.

Stewarts practice focuses on healthcare regulatory and transactional law. She is a member of the Steering Committee of Planned Parenthood Arizona Advocates for Reproductive Health and Justice (ARHJ) and serves as a Representative on the Phoenix Art Museum Corporate Council.

Formed in 1992, AzSHA provides an opportunity for lawyers in the healthcare field to meet and exchange information and ideas and to attend legal seminars of interest. With a membership of almost 200 attorneys, AzSHA provides a central agency for the exchange of legal information in the healthcare field.

About Dickinson Wright PLLC

Dickinson Wright PLLC is a general practice business law firm with more than 450 attorneys among more than 40 practice areas and 16 industry groups. Headquartered in Detroit and founded in 1878, the firm has 18 offices, including six in Michigan (Detroit, Troy, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Saginaw) and 11 other domestic offices in Austin and El Paso, Texas; Columbus, Ohio; Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; Lexington, Ky.; Nashville and Music Row, Tenn.; Las Vegas and Reno, Nev.; Phoenix, Ariz.; and Washington, D.C. The firms Canadian office is located in Toronto.

Dickinson Wright offers our clients a distinctive combination of superb client service, exceptional quality, value for fees, industry expertise and business acumen. As one of the few law firms with ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification, Dickinson Wright has built state-of-the-art, independently-verified risk management controls and security processes for our commercial transactions. Dickinson Wright lawyers are known for delivering commercially-oriented advice on sophisticated transactions and have a remarkable record of wins in high-stakes litigation. Dickinson Wright lawyers are regularly cited for their expertise and experience by Chambers, Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and other leading independent law firm evaluating organizations.
Woolpert has been contracted by BHDP Architecture to provide integrated design services for the newest CareSource building at First and Jefferson streets in downtown Dayton, Ohio. The building recently hit its topping out milestone, which signifies when the steel frame of a building reaches its maximum height.

Woolpert has been contracted by BHDP Architecture to provide integrated design services for the newest CareSource building at First and Jefferson streets in downtown Dayton. These integrated services include civil, structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) engineering, and landscape design.

CareSource, a nonprofit managed care company headquartered in Dayton, provides health care coverage to more than 1.8 million customers across five states. It has a workforce of more than 3,100 at multiple sites.

This new 205,000-square-foot, six-story building is at the site of the former Patterson Co-op High School. The building recently hit its topping out milestone, which signifies when the steel frame of a building reaches its maximum height. When finished, it will house 800 current and future employees to meet projected growth forecasts. In addition to office and collaborative work spaces, the facility will provide employee amenities, including a cafeteria, a fitness center, locker rooms and training rooms.

Frank Monastra, Woolpert project manager, said the building will utilize a geothermal heating and cooling system like the one used at the nearby CareSource headquarters. The city of Dayton is located above the Great Miami Buried Valley Aquifer, which is one of the most productive groundwater sources in the U.S.

Monastra lauded the relationship Woolpert has with BHDP and the firms collaborative effort over the past two-and-a-half years. He said this relationship enables Woolpert to provide integrated design services, and allows the design team to support a fast-track project delivery method and compress the construction schedule.

The CareSource building is expected to open in the spring of 2019.

About Woolpert

Woolpert is a national architecture, engineering and geospatial (AEG) firm that delivers value to clients by strategically blending engineering excellence with leading-edge technology and geospatial applications. With a dynamic R&D department, Woolpert works with inventive business partners like Google and Esri; operates a fleet of planes, sensors and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS); and continually pushes industry boundaries by working with advanced water technologies, asset management, building information modeling (BIM) and sustainable design. Woolperts mission is to help its clients progress and become more progressive. For over 100 years and with 25 offices across the United States, Woolpert serves the needs of federal, state and local governments; private and public companies and universities; energy and transportation departments; and the United States Armed Forces. The firm currently is doing business in all 50 states and in six countries. For more information, visit woolpert.com or call 937-531-1258.


January 4, 2018: Oslo, Norway, PGS routinely releases information about 3D vessel utilization after the end of each quarter.

Summary of vessel utilization:

Approximate allocation of PGS operated 3D towed streamer capacity



Quarter ended

December 31, Quarter ended September 31, 2017 2016 2017 Contract seismic 23% 25% 28% MultiClient seismic 23% 27% 53% Steaming 15% 15% 5% Yard 7% 4% 2% Stacked/Standby 32% 29% 12%



The Q4 2017 vessel statistics includes eight vessels for the full quarter, as well as Ramform Vanguard for one month before it was cold-stacked. The high share of Stacked/Standby is primarily due to winter warm-stacking* of two vessels, in accordance with PGS' current vessel operation plan. All cold-stacked* vessels are excluded from the statistics from the time of stacking.

PGS will release its Q4 and preliminary full year 2017 results on Thursday February 1, 2018, at approximately 07:00 am Central European Time (CET). A corresponding presentation is scheduled for 09:00 am CET the same day.

*The term "cold-stacked" is used when a vessel is taken out of operation for an extended period of time. Costs are reduced to a minimum, with the vessel preserved for a long idle time, all or most in-sea seismic equipment removed from the vessel, and typically the crew required to operate the vessel is terminated. Use of the term "warm-stacked" means that the vessel is temporarily taken out of operation with streamers and all other equipment necessary to perform seismic operation still onboard the vessel and the crew required to operate the vessel can be sourced with some delay.





FOR DETAILS, CONTACT:



Bard Stenberg, VP IR & Corporate Communications

Phone: +47 67 51 43 16

Mobile: +47 99 24 52 35





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Petroleum Geo-Services is a focused marine geophysical company providing a broad range of seismic and reservoir services, including acquisition, imaging, interpretation, and field evaluation. The Company's MultiClient data library is among the largest in the seismic industry, with modern 3D coverage in all significant offshore hydrocarbon provinces of the world. PGS operates on a worldwide basis with headquarters at Lilleaker, Oslo, Norway.

For more information on Petroleum Geo-Services visit www.pgs.com.

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The information included herein contains certain forward-looking statements that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, projects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future. These statements are based on various assumptions made by the Company, which are beyond its control and are subject to certain additional risks and uncertainties. The Company is subject to a large number of risk factors including but not limited to the demand for seismic services, the demand for data from our multi-client data library, the attractiveness of our technology, unpredictable changes in governmental regulations affecting our markets and extreme weather conditions. For a further description of other relevant risk factors we refer to our Annual Report for 2016. As a result of these and other risk factors, actual events and our actual results may differ materially from those indicated in or implied by such forward-looking statements. The reservation is also made that inaccuracies or mistakes may occur in the information given above about current status of the Company or its business. Any reliance on the information above is at the risk of the reader, and PGS disclaims any and all liability in this respect.


Edison Partners, the growth equity investment firm, today announced leading a new $42 million growth investment in digital personal finance platform MoneyLion. The company will use the funds to expand its product line.

Edison invested $15 million of the $42 million follow-on investment. In total, Edison has now invested $27 million in MoneyLion and the company has raised over $67 million in equity financing. MoneyLion has experienced nearly 100 percent compound annual growth since Edisons initial investment in November 2016.

Financially underserved consumers spend an unthinkable $173 billion annually to manage their day-to-day financial lives, including $97 billion on short-term credit products, according to the Center for Financial Services Innovation (CFSI). MoneyLion provides an AI-powered consumer finance platform that broadens consumer access to low-interest credit, automated savings and affordable investment opportunities. More than 1.5 million consumers now turn to MoneyLion to manage unexpected expenses and achieve their financial goals.

Many traditional financial institutions and fintech platforms cater to super-prime, mass affluent consumers, which is only a small part of the U.S. market. In fact, more than 75 percent of Americas consumers remain underserved by financial services providers, says Chris Sugden, Managing Partner at Edison Partners who led the investment. MoneyLion brings consumer credit and savings to the financial middle class. By delivering both a liability and wealth management digital solution on the same platform, MoneyLion brings a complete financial toolkit for consumers who earn less than $100,000.

With MoneyLions free mobile app, customers can monitor their credit, track bank balances, and receive personalized advice based on their spending patterns and credit profile. The company has provided 250,000 personal loans. On November 6th, MoneyLion announced the expansion of its product set with MoneyLion Plus, a subscription offering that uniquely bundles automated savings, fully managed investing and low-cost credit.

Edison Partners and the Edison Director Network have helped us build a superior, profitable platform that simultaneously tackles both sides of the balance sheet for our customers, said Diwakar Choubey, CEO and co-founder of MoneyLion. Were excited by todays milestone and the continued support of our investors and customers for our platform.

Sugden adds: Everyone at Edison and members of the Edison Director Network who have spent time with MoneyLion are impressed. Theyve shown strong loan growth and high customer adoption, and have made smart investments across product, user acquisition, risk selection and customer engagement to manage their growth. They are a game-changer in the digital lending, investing and financial advisory space.

Edison Partners has financed and guided more than 200 private companies, including 40 financial technology companies. Noteworthy fintech exits include EdgeTrade, FolioDynamix, GAIN Capital, Liberty Tax, OptionsCity and Princeton Financial. Current growth equity investments include: Axial, BFS Capital, Billtrust, Clearpool Group, ComplySci, GAN Integrity, Predata, Scivantage, Solovis and TraderTools. The latest growth equity investment in MoneyLion is the 5th fintech investment from Edison Partners fund VIII.

About MoneyLion

MoneyLion is a leading mobile finance platform that empowers consumers to take control of their financial lives through better products for borrowing, saving, and investing. Founded in 2013 by a team of leading technologists and financiers, MoneyLion uses superior analytics and machine learning-based technology to gain a 360-degree view of its users personal finances, enabling uniquely personalized advice and underwriting. With its built-in system of rewards, points, and incentives, MoneyLion encourages good financial behavior and better financial outcomes. MoneyLion is headquartered in New York with offices in San Francisco, Salt Lake City and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. For more information, visit http://www.moneylion.com or download the app here.

About Edison Partners

For more than 30 years, Edison Partners has been helping CEOs and their executive teams navigate the entrepreneurial journey and build successful companies. Through the unique combination of growth capital and the Edison Edge platform, consisting of operating leverage, the Edison Director Network, and executive education, Edison employs a holistic approach to accelerating growth and creating value for businesses ($5 to $20 million in revenue) in financial, healthcare, enterprise and marketing technology sectors. Edison investment objectives also include: buyouts, recapitalizations, spinouts and secondary stock purchases. Edisons active portfolio has created aggregate market value exceeding $10 billion. Its long-tenured team based in Princeton, NJ manages more than $1 billion in assets throughout the eastern United States.
MOLSI - Pulsating Heart's Cover Art

On New Years Day, 2018, the multi-media company MOLSI Productions released its debut musical concept album: MOLSI  Pulsating Heart. Pulsating Heart compliments the avant-pop and indie soft-rock musical genres. Thematically, MOLSIs Pulsating Heart explores the vast range of human emotions experienced by those who have fallen in and out of love. Pulsating Heart offers in-depth commentary on both the positive and negative aspects of romantic love and the mind games that can come along with it. Throughout the albums musical journey, the protagonist at the center of Pulsating Hearts story undergoes happiness, intrigue, fascination, over-idealization, desperation, rejection, dark despair, and ultimately achieves a sense of closure over a romantic relationship that begins with great promise but falls apart in the end. The albums songs tell the emotionally-charged story of the protagonist meeting a romantic interest, falling deeply in love with that person, but then undergoing extreme personal hardship as he pursues his love interest. The album also touches on the theme of rampant materialism and how it can disrupt the potential for genuine love in our modern society and cause unrealistic expectations to exist in the minds of both sexes.

Sonically, Pulsating Heart is quite dynamic in scope. The albums songs range from romantic piano-based love ballads with densely layered vocal harmonies to dark alternative Rock songs intricately layered with effects-heavy electric guitar and baroque synthesizer phrasings. The album also contains high-brow avant-garde instrumental passages. Throughout the album, obscure and highly modified samples are woven into the fabric of instrumentation present in the albums 13 songs. The albums songs range from minimalist expressions lasting only 30 seconds (theatrical skits that appear between songs) to ambitious and complex anthems lasting nearly 7 minutes.

Considering Pulsating Hearts dynamic sonic character, it may surprise the listener to learn that the entire album was developed and produced through the efforts of a single individual (Jack Molsi, who also goes by MOLSI) doing all of the writing, instrumentation, as well as the recording, mixing, and mastering of the albums content. Pulsating Heart was entirely written and recorded in a 450-square foot one-bedroom apartment/hotel in Coconut Grove, Florida. No professional or industrial help was sought out by MOLSI throughout the production process. MOLSI used inexpensive, bottom-of-the-barrel, musical equipment to create the work. MOLSI himself describes the LO-FI Pulsating Heart as an audiophiles worst nightmare and when asked about the presence of hiss in some of the albums recorded tracks, MOLSI responded by saying: Whats the big deal about the hiss? Listen to the air outdoors. The wind is Gods hiss. Life is noisy and erratic and yet according to industry standards, musical recordings are supposed to sound entirely pristine. Art should not be bleached to the point that it becomes devoid of personality or out of touch with reality.

A 29-minute preview of MOLSIs Pulsating Heart is available for free on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGLfSB2bFlY) and the full album can be downloaded at http://www.molsi.net by way of MOLSI Productions partnership with independent music distributor CD Baby.
Morrison & Foerster, a leading global law firm, is pleased to announce the election of 10 lawyers to the firms partnership, effective January 1, 2018. The class of 2018 includes six women and four men across multiple practice groups and nine different offices in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

Im delighted to welcome this highly impressive and diverse group of attorneys to the partnership at Morrison & Foerster, Larren Nashelsky, chair of Morrison & Foerster, said. Our new partners have demonstrated a strong commitment to exceptional client service and legal excellence. Im confident that each of these lawyers will contribute to the firm, its clients and the profession for many years to come.

The following lawyers have been elected partners:



Megan Jennings, a member of the Environment & Energy Group, is based in the San Francisco office. Her practice focuses on land use and environmental permitting, transactional matters, and compliance. Ms. Jennings counsels project developers throughout the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review and land use entitlement process. She has particular experience advising on complex development issues for renewable energy projects, hospitals, corporate campuses, and multifamily/mixed-use facilities. In addition to land use matters, Ms. Jennings counsels clients on compliance with state and federal environmental regulations, including water quality, endangered species, and climate change-related laws, and on environmental and land use aspects of real estate, financing, and corporate transactions. Ms. Jennings received her J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law and her B.A. from the University of Montana.

Ryan Malloy, a member of the Intellectual Property Group, is based in the Los Angeles office. He has represented plaintiffs and defendants in numerous high-profile IP cases. He is experienced with litigation in dozens of U.S. district courts, the International Trade Commission (ITC), the Federal Circuit, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, and Japanese courts. He received his J.D. from Harvard Law School, his M.S. in electrical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and his B.S. from the University of Florida.

Eric Pai, a member of the Intellectual Property Group, is based in the Palo Alto office. He represents clients in patent litigation involving a wide range of technologies, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, smartphones, GPS systems, wireless telecommunications, software, and semiconductors. Mr. Pai has also represented technology and life sciences companies in complex commercial litigation and licensing disputes. He has examined witnesses and presented closing arguments at trial and successfully argued Markman and summary judgment hearings. Mr. Pai received his J.D. from Yale Law School and his B.A. from Stanford University.

Karen Potter Ph.D., a member of the Patent Group, is based in the San Diego office. Dr. Potter provides strategic patent portfolio management for clients in the life sciences industry, including services related to patent preparation, prosecution, freedom of operation, and other forms of IP assessment and due diligence review. Dr. Potter has experience in a variety of biotechnology-related areas, including in the fields of cell-based and protein immunotherapies, other antibody and protein therapeutics, and diagnostic assays. Dr. Potter earned her Ph.D. in cellular and molecular biology from Duke University and was a postdoctoral fellow at The La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology. Dr. Potter received her J.D. from California Western School of Law and her B.S. from the University of California, San Diego.

Sean Ruff, a member of the Financial Services Group and co-head of the FinTech Group, is based in the Washington, D.C. office. Mr. Ruffs practice focuses on advising clients from the rapidly developing FinTech sector. He represents both emerging and established FinTech organizations, including non-bank and traditional banking institutions, with respect to complex regulatory and transactional matters. Mr. Ruff has particular experience with funds transmission and related compliance initiatives, Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering regulation, alternative lending structures, traditional and non-traditional electronic payments and payment cards, and consumer financial services. In the money transmission area, Mr. Ruff has focused on the laws and regulations affecting non-bank money transmitters. In this regard, he represents funds transmitters, stored value issuers, Internet funds transmitters and others with regard to licensing and compliance matters, including Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money-Laundering Program compliance. In addition, Mr. Ruff handles matters relating to other financial services issues, including National Bank Act issues; consumer lending issues under the Truth in Lending Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act; state lending and usury laws; the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act; and stored value laws. Mr. Ruff received his J.D. from the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law and his B.A. from the College of Charleston.

Wolfgang Schonig, a member of the Technology Transactions Group, is based in the Berlin office. His practice specialty is advising on intellectual property aspects relative to transactions in the fields of high tech, life sciences, and pharmaceuticals, as well as on disputes involving IP assets. Mr. Schonig is specialized in research and development collaborations, the drafting of licensing agreements, technology acquisitions, know-how protection, employee invention law, and patent infringement proceedings. His expertise also covers litigation in the areas of trademark law and competition law. Mr. Schonig received his M.B.A. from European University and his LL.M. from Fordham University School of Law.

Nicole Serfoss, a member of the Litigation Department, is based in the Denver office. She has more than a decade of experience representing clients in SEC and DOJ enforcement matters, corporate internal investigations, securities class actions, derivative suits, and mergers and acquisitions litigation. Ms. Serfoss represents companies, officers, directors, and auditors in a wide range of matters involving accounting and disclosure issues. Ms. Serfoss has also assisted clients in regulatory inquiries regarding cybersecurity, including SEC investigations following high-profile data security incidents. She received her J.D. from the University of Colorado School of Law and her B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Yuka Teraguchi, a member of the Litigation Department, is based in the Tokyo office. Ms. Teraguchi focuses her practice on intellectual property litigation and counseling, and she represents clients in complex technology matters in state and federal courts and before the U.S. International Trade Commission. The technology at issue in these matters has covered areas such as computer hardware and software, communications networks, consumer electronics, semiconductor devices, and medical devices. Before joining the firm, she clerked for the Honorable Randall R. Rader, Chief Judge at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Ms. Teraguchi received her J.D. from The George Washington University Law School and her B.S. from Stanford University.

Sarah Thomas, a member of the Litigation Department, is based in the Hong Kong office. Her practice focuses on international arbitration, internal investigations and commercial litigation throughout the Asia-Pacific region, and she has particular experience in matters relating to China, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, Malaysia and Japan. She regularly advises clients on complex disputes and investigations across a wide range of industries, including technology, engineering, manufacturing, healthcare/pharmaceuticals, automotive, insurance and telecoms. Ms. Thomas is qualified in New York, England & Wales and Hong Kong. Ms. Thomas received her LL.B. from the London School of Economics and her J.D. from Columbia Law School.

Claudia Vetesi, a member of the Litigation Department, is based in the San Francisco office. Ms. Vetesi focuses her practice on the defense of consumer class actions and on complex commercial litigation, including unfair competition, false advertising, privacy issues, contract and licensing disputes, financial services litigation, and trade secrets misappropriation. She regularly counsels clients in the food, retail, financial, and technology industries. She also represents companies in false advertising disputes before the National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus. Ms. Vetesi is active in the firms pro bono efforts and has appeared in federal court numerous times on behalf of clients in various criminal matters. She is a member of the American Inns of Court and a recipient of the State Bar of Californias Wiley W. Manuel Award for public service. She received her J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law and her B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley.

ABOUT MOFO

We are Morrison & Foerster  a global firm of exceptional credentials. Our clients include some of the largest financial institutions, investment banks, Fortune 100, and technology and life sciences companies. The Financial Times has named the firm to its lists of most innovative law firms in Northern America and Asia every year that it has published its Innovative Lawyers Reports in those regions. In the past few years, Chambers USA has honored MoFos Privacy and Data Security, Bankruptcy, and IP teams with Firm of the Year awards, the Corporate/M&A team with a client service award, and the firm as a whole as Global USA Firm of the Year. Our lawyers are committed to achieving innovative and business-minded results for our clients, while preserving the differences that make us stronger. The firm also has a long history of commitment to the community through providing pro bono legal services, including litigating for civil rights and civil liberties, improving public education for poor children, advocating for veterans, promoting international human rights, winning asylum for the persecuted, and safeguarding the environment.
K4Connect The integration of TheWorxHub and K4Connect presents a powerful opportunity for senior living communities to offer the best care to their residents.

K4Connect, a mission-centered technology company creating solutions that serve and empower older adults and individuals living with disabilities, today announced real-time work order integration with TheWorxHub by Dude Solutions, the leading provider of cloud-based operations management solutions. This strategic partnership enables senior living communities to streamline the management of resident maintenance requests, improving operational efficiencies and resident satisfaction.

TheWorxHub by Dude Solutions will be integrated into K4Connects flagship product, K4Community, specifically designed for the residents and operators of senior living communities. This integration simplifies how residents submit maintenance requests, while helping communities streamline their operations. Through the K4Community resident application, residents are  for the first time  able to directly submit and track their maintenance requests as well as view request history.

K4Community brings together smart home automation products, wellness devices, software applications and even (previously) standalone systems such as TheWorxHub, into a single system, accessible to the residents via the K4Community resident application and to the staff by way of the K4Community staff dashboards. The integration of TheWorxHub and K4Community saves staff time and money, while providing a convenient interface and timely information to residents.

Were excited to be working with an industry-leading company, such as Dude Solutions, to help our customers provide the best service possible to their residents, said Ben Armstrong, VP Product Management at K4Connect. Through this partnership, community members can submit and track maintenance requests directly from their K4Community resident application on their tablet, smartphone or computer, while staff can access and efficiently manage requests from TheWorxHub.

From routine maintenance to ad hoc cleaning and repairs, work order requests submitted through K4Community are transferred to TheWorxHub operations platform to be processed in real-time. Operators are able to act on requests immediately, reducing time to completion and eliminating the need to manually provide status updates to residents.

The integration of TheWorxHub and K4Connect presents a powerful opportunity for senior living communities to offer the best care to their residents, said Nick Mirisis, vice president of marketing, Dude Solutions. By providing a seamless experience for requesting and checking the status of work, our unified solutions offer residents the ability to live more independent, connected lives.

TheWorxHub integration will be available via an automatic upgrade in 1Q 2018.

To learn more about K4Community, please visit K4Connect.com.

About K4Connect

K4Connect is a mission- centered technology company creating solutions that serve and empower older adults and individuals living with disabilities. K4Connects products enable simpler, smarter living environments and healthier lives, while fostering connections among members, family and staff. The Companys first product, K4Community, is specifically designed for the residents and operators of senior living communities and is currently serving thousands of older adults across the U.S. For more information, please visit http://www.k4connect.com.

About Dude Solutions

Dude Solutions, parent company of SchoolDude, FacilityDude and TheWorxHub, is a leading software-as-a-service (SaaS) provider of operations management solutions to education, government, healthcare, manufacturing and membership-based organizations. The company combines innovative technology with operational insight to transform the places people learn, live, heal, work, and play. Today, more than 9,000 organizations are using Dude Solutions award-winning software for facilities, energy, safety, IT and a growing suite of related enterprise applications to increase efficiencies, improve service and save money. For more information, please visit dudesolutions.com.
Ernstings family becomes a member of the Centric family After the long and intensive selection process, we became convinced that Centric Software could best meet both our specialist and technical requirements.

Ernstings family, a successful supplier of apparel, home and living ranges, selected Centric Softwares Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software solution. Centric Software provides the most innovative enterprise solutions to fashion, retail, footwear, outdoor, luxury and consumer goods companies to achieve strategic and operational digital transformation goals.

Kurt Ernsting, the founder of Ernstings family, had the goal of offering high-quality but inexpensive clothing for families when opening his first shop in Westphalia in 1968. Just a few years later, the company evolved into a multi-store retailer with a rapidly growing number of locations. Today, Ernstings family has over 1,800 branches with sales of more than 1 billion. The company offers a wide selection of clothing, underwear, accessories, home and lifestyle products as well as toys and fashion for the whole family.

Markus Kramer, Head of Assortment Process and Project Management at Ernstings family, explains that the growth of the company was the most important factor when looking for a PLM system.

In view of our steady growth, we must continually optimize our internal and external processes, explains Kramer. We have a large and tight-knit purchasing team and suppliers around the world. Improving communication and collaboration between all stakeholders is therefore essential. We realized that we needed a PLM system for this.

The first meeting of Ernstings family with Centric Software took place in 2013 at an event organized by Centric. The companies stayed in contact. When Ernstings family started the careful selection process a year ago, Centric was among the candidates.

After the long and intensive selection process, we became convinced that Centric Software could best meet both our specialist and technical requirements, explains Kramer. In addition, Centric specializes in the fashion sector and we knew, that with Centric Software, we would have a partner by our side who is well versed in the specifics of the fashion business. Centric Software shows itself to be a very flexible and technically competent partner. The high level of understanding of our processes and the willingness to meet special program requirements ultimately contributed to our decision.

Ernstings family will use Centric PLM in all departments and product groups. The company expects multi-layered results from the implementation of the software.

We expect our collection development process to become even more transparent and efficient with the help of the Centric 8. The increased process quality, the improved system-supported networking between the departments involved and the avoidance of redundant data maintenance will help us to focus even more intensively on what is important to us-our lovingly designed and perfectly combinable collections, concludes Kramer.

We are delighted to welcome Ernstings family as our newest German customer, says Chris Groves, President and CEO of Centric Software. The cross-channel provider has grown significantly in recent years and we are proud of the confidence that the company places in us. Centric will accompany and support Ernstings family in the next phase of growth. We look forward to a closely collaborating with them as their business moves into the future

Ernstings Family (http://www.ernstings-family.de)

Ernstings family, with approximately 1,800 branches, has a successful online presence and more than 12,000 employees making us one of the largest cross-channel providers in the German textile retail sector. Based in Coesfeld, the company was founded in 1968 by Kurt Ernsting and offers clothing, linen, accessories and home and lifestyle products for the whole family.

Centric Software (http://www.centricsoftware.com)

From its headquarters in Silicon Valley and offices in trend capitals around the world, Centric Software provides a Digital Transformation Platform for the most prestigious names in fashion, retail, footwear, luxury, outdoor and consumer goods. Centric Visual Innovation Platform (VIP) is a visual, fully digital collection of boards for touch-based devices like iPad, iPhone and large-scale, touch-screen televisions. Centric VIP transforms decision making and automates execution to truly collapse time to market and distance to trend. Centrics flagship product lifecycle management (PLM) platform, Centric 8, delivers enterprise-class merchandise planning, product development, sourcing, business planning, quality, and collection management functionality tailored for fast-moving consumer industries. Centric SMB packages extended PLM including innovative technology and key industry learnings tailored for small businesses.

Centric Software has received multiple industry awards, including the Frost & Sullivan Global Product Differentiation Excellence Award in Retail, Fashion, and Apparel PLM in 2016 and Frost & Sullivans Global Retail, Fashion, and Apparel PLM Product Differentiation Excellence Award in 2012. Red Herring named Centric to its Top 100 Global list in 2013, 2015, and 2016.

Centric is a registered trademark of Centric Software. All other brands and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

(end)

Media Contacts:

Centric Software

Americas: Jennifer Forsythe, jforsythe@centricsoftware.com

Europe: Kristen Salaun Batby, ksalaun-batby@centricsoftware.com

Asia: Lily Dong, lily.dong@centricsoftware.com
We have worked with Jim Freedman for over 20 years and he and his team at Intrepid skillfully helped us negotiate this transaction with American Woodmark. We couldnt be more excited and optimistic about the future potential for RSI and its loyal employee associates, said Ron Simon, RSIs Founder.

Intrepid today announced the $1.075 billion sale of its client, RSI Home Products, Inc. (RSI), a leading manufacturer of kitchen and bath cabinetry and home storage products, to American Woodmark Corporation, which manufactures and distributes kitchen cabinets and vanities for the remodeling and new home construction markets. The deal is valued at approximately $1.075 billion comprised of cash, stock and assumed debt. The transaction closed on December 29, 2017.

Entrepreneur Ron Simon founded RSI in 1989 to offer high-quality, low-cost, value-based kitchen, bath and home organization products. RSI has a strong reputation in the industry and is known for delivering quality products and unsurpassed value to customers. We are thrilled to have advised Ron and his team on this exciting merger as we feel it positions RSI to deliver growth and enhance shareholder value, said Intrepids Chairman and Managing Director Jim Freedman.

We have worked with Jim Freedman for over 20 years, and he and his team at Intrepid skillfully helped us negotiate this transaction with American Woodmark. We couldnt be more excited and optimistic about the future potential for RSI and its loyal employee associates, said Ron Simon, RSIs Founder and current Director. This merger creates a company that will be a stronger competitor in the kitchen and bath industry than RSI could be on its own.

RSI is one of the largest in-stock and value-based cabinet makers in North America providing kitchen, bathroom, home and garage organization cabinetry, countertops and accessories with over 100 styles and finishes to home centers, builders, dealers and remodeling contractors. The company employs more than 4,200 employees and has manufacturing and distribution facilities in California, North Carolina, Texas and Mexico.

RSI will operate as a subsidiary of American Woodmark following the transaction with its existing brands, channel strategy and operational philosophy remaining. The combined company will be managed by American Woodmarks management team, which is led by Chairman and CEO Cary Dunston.

Deal Team Contacts

Jim Freedman, Chairman and Managing Director

Gary Rabishaw, Managing Director

Jeremiah Mann, Managing Director

Brian Levin, Vice President

About Intrepid Investment Bankers

Intrepid provides M&A, capital raising and strategic advisory services to entrepreneurs and middle-market companies in various industry sectors. Our heritage, rooted in our founders successful 35-year history, breeds a culture that embraces teamwork, tenacity, and creativity to win big for our clients. We believe that every company has an entrepreneurial passion that drives it and a story that defines it. Our team delivers results through skillful positioning and relentless execution. Based in Los Angeles, Intrepid augments its international capabilities through its active participation in Oaklins, an exclusive global alliance of M&A advisory firms.
Japan Center Garage

Nagle Energy Solutions (NES) announced today its patent-pending garage-ventilation control system is cutting by more than 1.2 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) a year the baseline of consumable energy by a new and sizeable mechanical ventilation system at the City of San Franciscos Japan Center Garage. By doing so, the NES system provides a recurring operational-cost savings in excess of $250,000 per year  not including future utility rate increases.

Real-time data logging shows that, in the 10 months since NES system commissioning (early March 2017), the energy consumed by 45, new electric motors running 20 hours per day and possessing a combined 225 horsepower amounts to just 31,900 kWh. That correlates to just 38,300 kWh consumed annually  a 97% reduction from the 1.25 million kWh per year the same mechanical system would otherwise consume with no means of fan-motor control in place.

Post installation operating hours for the new mechanical ventilation system increased by more than 500% from the prior 12-month period with the original system, so we fully anticipated our monthly / annual energy bill would increase. But with the NES system controlling it, the garages kilowatt (kW) demand has decreased considerably, said Rich Hashimoto, corporate manager of the Japan Center Garage Corporation and president of the Japantown Merchants Association. Our estimates show the NES system will actually reduce our building operation costs by more than $5,000 from the prior year. For any system to achieve that kind of results is remarkable.

Recent updates to the California Energy Code (Title 24) required the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) to upgrade the mechanical ventilation systems of some of the Citys aging garages, including the Japan Center, Golden Gateway and Sutter Stockton garages, each of which now deploys the NES digital, demand-control ventilation (DCV) system.

With NES technology, the quality of air in the garage has improved substantially with the fans running seven days a week, so the Japan Center gains both financially and from improved surroundings assuring the health and safety of garage staff and visitors, noted Mr. Hashimoto.

The Japan Center Garage, which includes a Main and an Annex facility encompassing a combined 300,000 square feet, was constructed in 1968. Retrofit plans included the replacement (by third-party vendors) of the original 45, 5-horsepower (HP) fan-motor units dispersed throughout the respective garages with new, equivalent-size motor units. Plans also included the utilization of variable frequency drive (VFD) technology in conjunction with the operation of each, new motor.

The NES garage DCV system controls the rate of ventilation in the Main and Annex garages based on carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations at a given juncture. BACnet-communicating NES carbon monoxide (CO) sensors provide instantaneous feedback to NES controllers, which then relay speed commands  via VFDs  to the garages exhaust and supply fan motors, increasing and decreasing motor speeds in proportion to CO readings.

This approach, when deployed in conjunction with proprietary NES controller sequencing logic, routinely captures kWh and peak kW demand savings in the range of 95% and, in the case of the Japan Center, greater.

NES technology enables the City & County of San Francisco adhere to stricter energy efficiency and health and safety standards imposed in California for enclosed, commercial garages. Energy savings at the Sutter-Stockton Garage has been steady a 96% since NES commissioned its system there in August 2016. At Golden Gateway Garage, which NES commissioned in July 2016, energy savings have consistently fallen in the range of 90% to 93%.

About Nagle Energy Solutions: Based in Menlo Park, CA, Nagle Energy Solutions, LLC (http://www.nagle-energy.com) develops, manufactures, distributes and installs a patent-pending demand-control ventilation (DCV) system for commercial garages that markedly reduces energy consumption by increasing operational efficiencies  all while the garage fans run continuously.
Rick Hall

Legendary music producer and FAME Studios founder Rick Hall has died at the age of 85. Hall died this morning at his home in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, not far from his world famous recording studio.

The family has issued the following statement:

"It is with the deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of our father, husband and beloved grandfather, Rick Hall. His spirit will live on forever through the massive amount of legendary music that he so tirelessly produced. Music was his life and because of him, Fame Studios and Muscle Shoals will always be shooting for the stars!" We hope the band in Heaven is ready. If not, theres going to be a problem."

Rick Hall made music history when he founded FAME Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals. Hall went on to earn international fame and eventually a Grammy for Lifetime Achievement. In the days when Martin Luther King Jr. was marching for freedom, Hall proved to be a civil rights pioneer through his music. His open collaboration among black and white artists was a revolutionary cultural standard not only to deep south Alabama, but to the nation at large. FAMEs color blind atmosphere, and the raw music it produced, would help shape American culture during its most troubled and tumultuous time.

Considered the Father of the Muscle Shoals Sound, Hall helped define a generation by pioneering a new sound that would inspire artists, give birth to new kinds of music and launch the careers of hundreds of superstars, songwriters, musicians and music executives. Record executives literally flocked to Muscle Shoals for Hall to produce and engineer a mind-boggling array of major artists, including Aretha Franklin, Clarence Carter, Mac Davis, Wilson Pickett, Etta James, Alabama, Tom Jones, Allman Brothers, The Osmonds, Shenandoah, Wayne Newton, TG Sheppard, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Little Richard, Lou Rawls and so many more. With more than 300 hit singles to his credit, and more than 40 Gold and Platinum records, Hall was one of the top producers of Pop, Rock, R&B and Country records in the world.

Hall was featured in the 2013 Grammy Award-winning documentary "Muscle Shoals, and in 2015 he released his autobiography, "The Man from Muscle Shoals: My Journey from Shame to Fame, with a foreword by famed music historian Peter Guralnick. A television series centered around Hall and FAME Studios is currently in development.

Hall is survived by his wife Linda, sons Rick Jr., Mark and Rodney, as well as his 5 grandchildren, Rebecca, Mary Elizabeth, Jackson, Sara and Sam.

Halls family requests privacy at this time. All media requests should be directed to Brian Mayes at Nashville Publicity Group, brian(at)nashvillepublicity(dot)com or 615-771-2040.
Photo by Casey Dunn. This will allow us to continue offering support to our ever-expanding teams nationwide and aid in increasing the local appeal of our fast-growing company," said Dr. Stephen Hadley, a veterinarian and CEO of Pathway.

Pathway, a leading national veterinary management group serving pets and their parents in the U.S., announced the relocation during December of its support team to a 15,500 square-foot, open-style office space within the historic Seaholm Power Plant in downtown Austin, Texas.

The new space is over four times larger than Pathways previous office and will accommodate the rapid growth the company experienced throughout 2017 and the projected growth for 2018.

"Having our offices in Austins dynamic downtown will enable us to foster and grow the vibrant culture we've created, said Dr. Stephen Hadley, a veterinarian and CEO of Pathway. This will allow us to continue offering support to our ever-expanding teams nationwide and aid in increasing the local appeal of our fast-growing company."

In 2017, Pathway grew organically and by acquisition, adding nearly 100 hospitals for a total of more than 125 locations throughout the U.S. Additionally, the company added over 800 employees, growing to over 2,500 employees in total.

Pathways new office is located at 800 West Cesar Chavez Street in Austin, Texas, between Lady Bird Lake and downtown Austin, and next to the recently opened Austin Public Central Library.

The support team is currently located in about half of the new space, while additional renovations take place. The remaining renovations, which include outfitting the space with new offices, collaboration areas and additional customizations, are expected to be completed early in 2018.

According to Pathways co-founder and chief culture officer, Shawn McVey, the new location will better support what the company represents.

Pathway prides itself on being like Austin. We reward innovation and imagination. We love quirky, McVey said.

Additionally, by moving closer in proximity to the downtown area, Pathway plans to better leverage the citys diverse, highly-skilled talent pool. Pathway expects to hire more than 45 new employees to add to their support team throughout the year.

Some of the many reasons Pathway is a great place to work include benefits like health and wellness programs, collaborative spaces, flexible work hours, Austin casual attire, a pet friendly office and discounted pet care. Pathway employees are also given the opportunity to grow within the organization.

Whether a team member starts out working at the front desk, as a veterinary technician or as a veterinarian, they will have an opportunity to grow with the company. Our growing national footprint, currently in 26 states, allows us to recruit the best talent so we can mentor them into becoming leaders at Pathway and in the veterinary industry, Hadley said.

The Seaholm Power Plant was a functioning power station until 1989. The building sat dormant for over 10 years before being redeveloped into a mixture of office, retail, and restaurant space. Tenants began occupying the facility beginning in 2015.

We thought it was the perfect mix of old and new, said McVey. The new building truly embodies the spirit of what Pathway is, which began as a traditional model of hospital management, but has turned into something thats new, disruptive and exciting.

Growth-related moves have become somewhat routine for the Pathway team. In 2012, the team moved into a 200 square-foot office above Westlake Animal Hospital, one of Pathways original hospitals. After an investment from Morgan Stanley Global Private Equity in August of 2016, the support team relocated across town to a 3,500 square-foot office in Hyde Park.

About Pathway

Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, Pathway has grown from a single veterinary practice to more than 125 locations in 26 states. Pathway believes that veterinary practices can be successfully operated by a team of values-driven professionals who want the benefits of management support without losing the heart and passion of the owner and community that built the practice. Pathway looks for practices and doctors seeking opportunities to grow. Pathway has differentiated itself by focusing on the unique needs of each practice and partnering with the local team to implement their vision and work with their values. Learn more at http://www.pathwayvets.com.

For photos and more visit: http://pathwayvets.com/fastest-growing-veterinary-hospital-group-u-s-relocates-headquarters-austins-iconic-seaholm-power-plant/
Tom Girardi of Girardi & Keese is being recognized as Lawyer of the Decade by the IAOTP for his 50 years of service as a practicing attorney, and for his endless list of professional accomplishments, academic achievements, leadership abilities, his dynamic and charismatic personality and his contribution to society.

Stephanie Cirami, President of IAOTP states, Choosing Mr. Girardi for this award was an easy decision for our panel to make. He is hands down one of the best trial lawyers of all time and he continues to wow us and the public every step of the way with his career achievements. There is no one in the world like Tom. His continued support and generosity has a significant impact on peoples lives and he leaves his mark on whomever or whatever he is involved with. He is an extraordinary human being and a one-of-a-kind successful, brilliant, gracious, charming man who couldnt be more deserving of this award. We cannot thank him enough for what he has done for the organization and we are so honored to have him with us. We cannot wait to spend time with him during his NY stay for the Award Gala.

While inclusion with the International Association of Top Professionals is an honor in itself, only one person is chosen for this special distinction. Mr. Girardi will be presented with the Crystal Tower at the 2017 IAOTPs Annual Award Gala being held at the Ritz Carlton in Battery Park, New York City.

Girardi has proved himself as an accomplished professional and expert litigator and has become a household name over the years. From being the trial lawyer on the famous Erin Brockovich case to his solid victories against Vioxx, Merck and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Mr. Girardi is regarded by his peers as one of the nations top trial lawyers of all time. He has obtained more than 30 verdicts of $1 million or more and has handled more than 100 settlements of $1 million or more. He has tried more than 100 jury cases, winning the first California medical malpractice verdict of $1 million or more, back in the 1970s and he has had a few billion-dollar settlements under his belt.

In 2003, he received the most prestigious honor of being inducted into the Trial Lawyer Hall of Fame by the California State Bar. Mr. Girardi is also the first trial lawyer to be appointed to the California Judicial Council, the policymaking body of the state courts. From 2006 to the present Mr. Girardi is a radio show host called, Champions of Justice on KRLA 870AM in Southern California, which is a radio show that discusses relevant legal issues facing Americans today. He has been featured in Lawdragon Magazine, Los Angeles Daily Journal, The National Law Journal, ICE Magazine, Texas Bar Journal, California Law Business, and New Times Los Angeles, just to name a few.

Mr. Girardi is a Member of the Board of Directors and former President of the prestigious International Academy of Trial Lawyers, an invitation-only worldwide organization, limited to 500 trial lawyers. He is President of the Litigation Counsel of America, member of the Inner Circle of Advocates, American Board of Professional Liability Lawyers, Consumer Attorneys of California, and the International Society of Barristers. He has an AV preeminent rating with Martindale Hubble and has been selected as Top Attorney of the Year, Top Attorney of the Month, SuperLawyers, Best Lawyers in America, Top 100 Lawyers in California, Trial Lawyer of the Year with many organizations for multiple years in a row. For 2017 he was named Man of the Year and was also presented the Citizen of the Year Award by the International Association of Top Professionals where he was featured on the Thomas Reuters Building in Times Square numerous times throughout the year.

For more information on Thomas Girardi, please visit: http://www.thomasvgirardi.com

To watch the video regarding his award selection, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MA-kbMkPSw

For More information of IAOTP, please visit: http://www.iaotp.com
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Medgold Resources Corp. (TSX-V:MED) (the Company) announces that in accordance with the Companys agreement to issue common shares to Dan James in part consideration for his ongoing services as the Companys President, an installment of 58,108 shares has been issued to Mr. James for services rendered during the three months ended December 31, 2017. The shares have a resale restriction which expires on May 4, 2018.



About Medgold

Medgold is a European-focused, TSX-V listed, exploration and development company targeting gold properties in Serbia. Run by a highly experienced management team with a successful track record of building value in resource companies, Medgold is aiming to become a leading European gold exploration company.

Additional information on Medgold can be found on the Companys website at www.medgoldresources.com and by reviewing the Companys page on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Simon Ridgway, Chief Executive Officer

For Further Information, Contact:

President

Dan James (UK)

dj@medgoldresources.com

www.medgoldresources.com

+44 7972 579188

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking statements

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, these forward looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as estimate, estimates, estimated, potential, open, future, assumed, projected, used, detailed, has been, gain, upgraded, offset, limited, contained, reflecting, containing, remaining, to be, periodically, or statements that events, could or should occur or be achieved and similar expressions, including negative variations.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Such uncertainties and factors may include, among others, risks associated with the results of the Companys exploration and development activities, estimation of mineral resources and the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; unanticipated costs and expenses; and such other risks detailed from time to time in the Companys quarterly and annual filings with securities regulators and available under the Companys profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended.

Forward-looking statements contained herein are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management, including but not limited to: that the Companys stated goals and planned exploration and development activities will be achieved; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; and such other assumptions as set out herein. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by law. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
CME Outfitters (CMEO), a leading accredited provider in continuing medical education, is excited to have had posters accepted for presentation at the 2017 CNS Summit in November as well as the 2018 North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) meeting in January. The posters highlight results from a predictive modeling analysis of outcomes data from an activity on intrathecal pain management and are entitled, Factors Influencing Best Practices in Intrathecal Pain Management: Results from a Predictive Modeling Analysis.

Supported by an educational grant from Jazz Pharmaceuticals, CMEO conducted an educational activity focusing on educating healthcare providers (HCPs) treating patients with chronic pain on the updated Polyanalgesic Consensus Conference (PACC) guidelines regarding intrathecal drug delivery (IDD). The educational outcomes study demonstrated the success of the activity. However, we like to take it a step further by using predictive modeling to determine what factors influence practice behaviors, which will help guide needs assessments for future activities and ensure the appropriate topics, formats, questions, and audiences are targeted, stated Jamie Reiter, PhD, Director of Educational Outcomes at CMEO.

At the 2017 CNS Summit and 2018 NANS meetings, CMEO will present findings from its PredictCME analysis, CMEOs latest offering for adding value and dimension to its outcomes studies. PredictCME is based on a form of predictive modeling, known as CHAID (chi-square automatic interaction detection). It is often used in data mining, but CMEO is the first provider to use it in medical education. PredictCME has advantages over linear and logistic regression, including the ability to incorporate both continuous and categorical data, as well as tree-based output, which enables visual and more user-friendly interpretation of results.

In this particular study, outcomes data from 127 HCPs were analyzed using PredictCME. Surveys assessing knowledge, confidence, and behavior were administered before and immediately following the activity. Data from two behavior questions were converted to a single behavior score and used as the response variable; demographics, knowledge, confidence, barriers to practice, and evaluation data were entered as predictors. Findings revealing that barriers to practice was the strongest predictor of behavior, with those indicating unfamiliarity with PACC guidelines as a barrier least likely to perform behaviors related to PACC guidelines. Detailed results will be shared at the meeting.

The results from the PredictCME analysis make intuitive sense and provide support for driving behavior change in HCPs treating patients with chronic pain simply through education, stated Reiter. These findings demonstrate that predictive modeling is not just pretty but shows real value and can be used to design educational activities that actually improve clinician behavior and eventually patient outcomes.

About CME Outfitters, LLC

CME Outfitters develops and distributes live, recorded and web-based, outcomes- and evidence-based educational activities to thousands of clinicians each year and offers expert accreditation and outcome services for non-accredited organizations. CME Outfitters focuses on delivering education to specialty audiences, with strong expertise in neuroscience, inflammatory, infectious, and autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular disease. For a complete list of certified activities and more information, visit http://www.cmeoutfitters.com or call 877.CME.PROS (877.263.7767).

CME Outfitters 

Improving Clinical Behavior  One Change at a Time
Our agreement with BEH and repayment of the debt that was owed settles this financial obligation and allows us to look ahead with confidence," said Jay Abbasi, chief executive officer of Plain Green.

Plain Green, LLC, the premier online resource for the short-term financial needs of underbanked and subprime consumers, today announces a successful settlement with BEH Gaming Ltd related to loans to the Chippewa Cree Tribe and Chippewa Cree Tribe Development Corporation. Plain Greens settlement and payment of the debt to BEH releases the Chippewa Cree Tribe and Chippewa Cree Tribe Development Corporation from all liability. The settlement amount is under seal of court order.

We are pleased to have this matter finally resolved. It has been a dark cloud hanging over our community for some time and this settlement marks the end of a troubling era in our history, said Harlan Baker, chairman of the Chippewa Cree Tribe. There was a very difficult period when we were unable to operate financially because our assets were frozen due to legal maneuvering associated with this lawsuit. The suit was a burden on all in the community who relied on government jobs and services to care for their families.

The agreement settles a lawsuit filed by Florida-based BEH Gaming Ltd in 2014 (Case # DV-14-142 in the 12th Judicial District Court in Hill County, Montana) to repay loans to expand Northern Winz Hotel and Casino.

Baker continued, The future of the community and our financial stability depends on the creation of new businesses though our economic development arm. Plain Green provides a wonderful example of one of our business units supporting the tribe using their financial strength to help us pay our debt. Were now able to bring closure to the matter and focus on future opportunities for our community.

Jay Abbasi, chief executive officer of Plain Green, said, Our agreement with BEH and repayment of the debt that was owed settles this financial obligation and allows us to look ahead with confidence. As a wholly-owned business of the Chippewa Cree Tribe, Plain Green is proud to provide financial support to our community. We are working with tribal leaders to continue business development and programs that deliver the greatest economic and social impact to the Chippewa Cree Tribe.

Beau Mitchell, Chippewa Cree Tribe Business Committee member, added, As we continue to address and remedy liabilities, each step forward we take will have positive ripple effects on future generations.

About Plain Green

Plain Green, LLC is the premier online resource for the short-term financial needs of underbanked and subprime consumers. By offering bi-weekly and monthly installment loans, Plain Green helps consumers meet their emergency and cash-flow needs quickly and easily online. Led by a strong management team with extensive experience in the financial services industry, Plain Green markets, underwrites, and services its own portfolio and is well-positioned to maximize the economic and social impact to the Chippewa Cree Tribe.
Davis, Giardino & Hrivnak, P.A. Funds raised will help rebuild the devastated islands through the British Virgin Islands Recovery Fund, which raises monies to rebuild entire structures and homes. Past News Releases RSS

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) suffered widespread destruction after Hurricane Irma, and were then hit by Hurricane Maria. On Wednesday, January 10, 2018, at 6 p.m. at the International Polo Club Palm Beach, 3667 120th Ave. S, Wellington, FL, Davis, Giardino & Hrivnak, P.A. will be co-hosting a fundraiser with British Virgin Island Tourism and Palm Beach Travel to benefit victims of the hurricanes.

Funds raised will help rebuild the devastated islands through the British Virgin Islands Recovery Fund, which raises monies to rebuild entire structures and homes, said Richard A. Giardino, managing partner of Davis, Giardino & Hrivnak, P.A., a boutique law firm with two Florida offices. The goal of the event is to also help restore the tourism industry on the islands, which provides employment and stability to many BVI residents.

During the BVI event, guests will have the opportunity to experience an exclusive sneak peek of the hottest new Lamborghini Huracan model, and will have a chance to toy around town in it. Attendees will also be able to bid on incredible auction items, including two roundtrip business class tickets on Etihad, a one-week stay at Rosewood Little Dix, a four-night stay at Peter Island, a one-week Iceland vacation, a two-night stay at Eau Palm Beach, a two-night stay at the Brazilian Court Hotel, and much more.

Tickets for the event are $75 and can be purchased by visiting http://www.travelcares.org. To purchase tickets or donate directly to the British Virgin Islands Recovery Fund, please visit http://www.travelcares.eventbrite.com.

About Davis, Giardino & Hrivnak, P.A.

Davis, Giardino & Hrivnak, P.A. focuses on negligence defense, defamation defense, commercial litigation defense, employment discrimination defense and business transactions. For more information, please call the South Florida office, 201 Arkona Court, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, at (561) 514-0305, the West/Central Florida office, 9040 Town Center Parkway, Bradenton, FL 34202, at (941) 388-8234, or visit http://www.davis-giardino.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.
VaporFi We are thrilled to further establish ourselves as the market leader by expanding to reach more customers as we know this industry is experiencing double digit annual growth and is expected to reach nearly $50 billion by 2025, Molina said.

Reaffirming its role as the leader in the rapidly expanding vaping industry, VaporFi today announced it will be carrying vaping devices from other leading vape manufacturers in addition to their own innovative proprietary devices. The expansion of its offerings comes as the expanding industry is driving more consumers to search for greater product variety and price points.

VaporFi is committed to offering quality, variety and value, so it was a natural decision for us to carry third-party vaping devices to complement our own, said CEO Nick Molina. We now boast an impressive and diverse hardware offering that goes hand in hand with the most robust juice blend portfolio in the industry with over 30,000 flavors.

The move to add more products to its in-store and online offerings comes just months after VaporFi expanded overseas with stores in Latin America, an online presence in Australia and an eye on the vital United Kingdom markets to follow, the second largest vape market in the world.

Having more than 70 stores nationwide and a passionate online community of vaping enthusiasts has allowed us to listen closely to our customers and curate the very best vaping hardware brands under one roof with the aim of providing hardware for nearly every vaping taste, Molina said. We recognize brands like ELeaf and SMOK are, like VaporFi, highly respected for their reliability and craftsmanship and we are confident our wide selection will position VaporFi to better serve the market.

We are thrilled to further establish ourselves as the market leader by expanding to reach more customers as we know this industry is experiencing double digit annual growth and is expected to reach nearly $50 billion by 2025, Molina said.

When you consider the opportunity for vaping to surpass cigarette sales and the growing appetite for an alternative to traditional tobacco, we are excited to continue to evolve to reach more customers.

Brand loyalists who purchase VaporFi items from VaporFi.com or one of VaporFis brick and mortar locations will still enjoy best-in-class warranty protection as well as the peace of mind that comes with 24-hour customer service.

Initial rollout will include devices from:

SMOK

Eleaf

Vaporesso

Wismec

Sigelei

SX Mini

Innokin

Joyetech

Aspire

Kanger

And much more!

For more information on VaporFis new assortment and pricing, visit them online or a local VaporFi store near you or follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About VaporFi

VaporFi is an electronic cigarette/vapor products manufacturer that couples its strong presence in the online e-commerce vapor market with U.S. and international retail locations. Having launched to immediate success and experienced rapid expansion through franchising, VaporFi remains the most exciting brand of electronic cigarette, e-liquid and vapor products around. For more information on the brand, products and locations, visit http://www.VaporFi.com.
The new Stoney Island range hood uses wireless sensor technology to detect activity on the cooktop and constantly monitors temperature and moisture to operate automatically. When Stoney Island is paired with our new Elica Golden induction cooktop, it detects the temperature and moisture in the air, then adjusts the blower speed to achieve the best air quality.

Elica, the global leader in kitchen ventilation hoods, will unveil new vent hood technology at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Orlando, Florida, from Jan. 9 to 11 in booth W670. Elicas new Stoney Island vent hood uses wireless sensor technology to constantly monitor cooking vapors and temperature, automatically adjusting to maintain optimal settings.

When Stoney Island is paired with our new Elica Golden induction cooktop, it detects the temperature and moisture in the air, then adjusts the blower speed to achieve the best air quality, said Francesco Casoli, Elica President and Chairman. Its just one example of how we use the most advanced technology in the industry coupled with Italian design to create elegant and innovative appliances.

TWEET THIS: New #venthood technology introduced at @KBIS by @elicaspa in booth W670. The new Stoney Island hood uses wireless sensor technology to pair with the Golden induction cooktop, detecting temperature & moisture, then adjusting automatically https://elica.com/US-en #KBIS2018

Stoney Island features a gently tapered stainless steel canopy that measures only 5-inches high, as well as a streamlined front rim, which fuses polished stainless steel and black glass to discreetly hide electronic touch controls until activated. Available in 36- and 42-inch widths, its design blends into any kitchen aesthetic.

As the authority on vent hoods, Elica will introduce Stoney Island during the exclusive KBIS DesignBites presentation on January 9 at 12:30 p.m. at the KBISNeXT Stage located in the south hall.

Elica will be displaying its full suite of hoods and cooktops at the show, including:



NikolaTesla: Part of the new Air Cooking series, NikolaTesla is Elicas first aspirating induction cooktop, which combines the functions of two appliancescooktop and hoodinto one single product.

Varna Black: As the newest addition to Elica's Techne series, Varna Black features a black stainless steel finish and combines inspirational, classic Italian designs with the latest functional technology to deliver convenience and high performance.

Leone: The new Leone range hood from Elica blends Italian style with the durability and performance of a professional style hood. As part of the Elica PRO series, Leone has the extra depth and power needed to support professional ranges and cooktops.

For more information about Elicas products, please visit elica.com.

About Elica

Elica Corporation has been leading the kitchen ventilation hood market since the 1970s, growing to become the global leader in the industry with seven factories around the world and nearly 4,000 employees. The Elica Americas division is located in Queretaro, Mexico, and started operations in 2006 with the goal of elevating ventilation hood design and technology in the American markets. For more information about Elica ventilation hoods, induction cooktops, or any of its innovative technologies, visit elica.com.
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OAKVILLE, Ontario, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canadian Cannabis Corp ("CCAN" or the "Company") (OTC PINK:CCAN) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Revised Settlement Agreement (the Agreement) resulting in the settlement of certain outstanding debts and other financial obligations of the Company and its affiliates (collectively, the Debts) owed to certain creditors.

As contemplated by the Agreement, in partial consideration for the satisfaction of the Debts, CCAN has assigned certain assets of its wholly owned subsidiary, The Clinic Network Inc. (TCN). As additional consideration, CCAN and TCN will also enter into restrictive covenant agreements preventing it from competing with the business represented by the assigned TCN assets. The Agreement also places other obligations on CCAN in regard to its reporting obligations with the Securities and Exchange Commission and performing a successful financing for a Canadian entity as required by the creditors. The satisfaction of the Debts, termination of associated agreements, and release of the Company from the claims of the creditor are conditional on the Company successfully performing the financing for the Canadian entity.

Under the Agreement, upon closing 1,750,000 shares of Cura-Can Health Corp. (Cura Can) shall be deposited with the Escrow Agent as consideration, at which time one of two closings of the Agreement will occur and the assignment of the TCN assets consummated. After required payments and associated, estimated costs under the Agreement it is anticipated that TCN may realise net proceeds from sale of the Cura Can shares of approximately CAD $250,000.

Additionally, CCAN has been granted an option from Cura Can to purchase up to an additional 3,000,000 Common Shares of Cura Can at $1.00 per Common Share up until February 28, 2018.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (The "Act"). When used in the preceding discussion, words such as potential, "pleased," "will," "conditional," "anticipated," "option," or "affords us," and similar conditional expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Act and are subject to the safe harbor created by the Act. Such statements are neither historical facts nor assurance of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions and, therefore, subject to certain risks and uncertainties and actual results could differ materially from those expressed in any of the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, market conditions, competitive factors, the ability to successfully complete additional financing and other risks described in the Company's SEC reports and filings. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements

Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

About Canadian Cannabis Corp.

Canadian Cannabis Corp ("CCAN") (OTC PINK:CCAN) is pursuing a business plan focused on entering strategic transactions in the distribution chain of medical marijuana. The Company believes its business model of engaging in strategic transactions to solidify the distribution chain by matching suppliers with a consistent demand source and providing suppliers with expert production consulting will bring a strategic advantage to the marketplace.

Investors Relations Contact:

Wall Street Media Group

1-866-465-6551 or info@Wallstreetmediagroup.com
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Big Oil Decreases Exploration Expenses for a Fifth Consecutive Year

WoodMac: Global Investment in Exploration Will Fall by 7% Down to $37 billion

AUTHOR: publics.bg



 Bureau of Land Management California, flickr.com



Despite the strongest start for oil prices in four years, the worlds top oil companies are hesitating to accelerate the search for new resources as a determination to retain capital discipline trumps the hope of making bonanza discoveries, Reuters reported.

Exxon Mobil, Royal Dutch Shell, Total and their peers are set to cut spending on oil and gas exploration for a fifth year in a row in 2018, according to consultancy Wood Mackenzie (WoodMac), despite a growing urgency to replenish reserves after years of reining back investment.

Global investment in exploration, vital to increase output and offset the natural decline of existing fields, will reach $37 billion in 2018, down 7 percent from a year earlier and over 60 percent below the 2014 peak, according to WoodMac.

For majors, spending will collectively drop by around 4 percent this year to represent about a tenth of investment in oil and gas production, known as upstream. This could be the new normal, with the days of one dollar in six or seven going to exploration forever in the past, WoodMac said in a report.

The declines, however, mask a modest uptick in drilling activity as lower rig rates and a focused approach on well-charted basins allow firms to do more with their money, according to WoodMac analyst Andrew Latham. Investment will be down year-on year but activity will be flat to slightly higher, he told Reuters in an interview.

The collapse in oil prices in 2014 led to a deep retrenchment in spending for the sector, but companies still need to increase their resources as reserves dwindle. As crude prices and profits recover - prices are currently above $65 a barrel, the highest since mid-2015 - the push to beef up reserves will only increase.

The exploration success rate has dropped from 40 percent to 35 percent over the past decade, highlighting the importance of acquisitions as an alternative, albeit generally more expensive, to build resources.

Exploration spending (is) to remain low ... implying the need for more merger and acquisition activity, analysts at RBC Capital Markets said. After spending more than $30 billion on acquisitions in 2017, oil Majors are expected to continue to make bolt-on purchases in areas where they already operate, even though the upstream M&A window is starting to close, RBC said, alluding to higher asset valuations and fewer distressed sellers.

Exploration is expected to focus on deepwater basins such as Mexico, Brazil and Guyana where large discoveries have been made in recent years, offering more confidence that additional resources could be found, Latham said.

The most watched exploration wells include BP and Kosmos Energy in Senegal, Total and Petrobras in Brazil, Exxon in Guyana, Total and Pemex in Mexico and Eni in Cyprus, according to WoodMac.

The growing appetite for exploration was made clear last October when the top oil companies vied for blocks in Brazils first deepwater oil auction for foreign operators, where Shell was awarded half of the blocks.
The global outcry might actually turn out to be bad for Africa if the White House makes good on the threat made to the countries opposing the move.

The US lost on that bid which makes Jerusalem officially recognized as the capital of Israel.

Jerusalem has long been considered a bargaining chip between Israel and Palestine, dating back to Israels military occupation of the historic city during the Six-Day War.

Authorities in the United States says it would be taking note of the countries that disrespected America by voting in favour of the resolution, and President Trump said bluntly that the countries who dont vote with the U.S. will have their funding cut.

Here are the African countries that voted against the U.S., listed alphabetically, along with Americas 2016 financial obligation to each country:

Algeria  $17,807,222

Angola  $64,489,547

Botswana  $57,252,922

Burkina Faso  $74,469,144

Burundi  $70,507,528

Cape Verde  $5,044,716

Chad  $117,425,683

Congo  $8,439,457

Cote dIvoire  $161,860,737

Djibouti  $24,299,878

Egypt  $1,239,291,240

Eritrea  $119,364

Ethiopia  $1,111,152,703

Gabon  $31,442,404

Gambia  $3,197,858

Ghana  $724,133,065

Guinea  $87,630,410

Liberia  $473,677,614

Libya  $26,612,087

Madagascar  $102,823,791

Mali  $257,152,020

Mauritania  $12,743,363

Mauritius  $791,133

Morocco  $82,023,514

Mozambique  $514,007,619

Namibia  $53,691,093

Niger  $144,122,239

Nigeria  $718,236,917

Senegal  $99,599,642

Seychelles  $223,002

Somalia  $274,784,535

South Africa  $597,218,298

Sudan  $137,878,835

Tunisia  $117,490,639

United Republic of Tanzania  $628,785,614

Zimbabwe  $261,181,770
I feel like I write this all the time but, the White House is in chaos.

Currently, the Trump administration is being completely thrown by the forthcoming publication of Michael Wolff's book "The Fire and The Fury: Inside the Trump White House".

The excerpts, until now jealously guarded at select media outlets like New York Magazine and NBC for weeks, tell of a shockingly incompetent president and the in-over-their-heads aids who openly disrespect him. It is chaos, and someone let Wolff take a front seat and watch it all.

That person, by all accounts, was former White House adviser Steve Bannon. While Trump may have simply known that the biographer of his idol Rupert Murdoch biographer was on site, it was Bannon who ensured Wolff had access.

Why? Consider it one part self-aggrandizement, another part a desire for acceptance, and wholly and completely a continuation of Bannon's desperate search for ideological allies.

That was clear to me last August  during what we can now call Michael Wolff's artist residency at the White House  when I was invited to dinner with him at the Hay Adams Hotel where he stayed.

I kept waiting for that cal... @ Michael Wolff

What exactly do you do here?

I got the invitation to dinner from Alexandra Preate. After everyone gets the book you'll know her name. In it, Wolff describes her as a "witty conservative socialite" (a fair assessment) who enjoys her champagne. Her personality is equally bubbly. Over the year-and-some in which she'd been working with Steve Bannon, that personality contrast well with his dark Breitbart stars. So when Trump won, her work moved from New York City to Washington.

Now, what Wolff makes clear in a small excerpt of his book that I've seen, is that Preate had a presence in the White House, but she worked for Bannon.

But what's harder to do is give what she did for Bannon a name  it ranged from general assistance with media, to introductions, to handling this and that important thing. There are people who do such things in various capacities and levels of importance hanging around this White House like barnacles, adding to its confusion. What they do for whom or when is unclear.

Through all that chaos, though, it was Bannon who ensured that Wolff was on hand. The AP's White House reporter, Zeke Miller, said that every time he saw Wolff there it was with an "appointment" badge rather than a "press" badge.

Not only did Wolff roam fairly freely, it seems, he listened rather freely too. It was Preate, in some part, who made sure Wolff had the access he needed, and at dinner she made sure he was abreast of Bannon's meetings. It was comfortable and familiar. She spoke candidly about White House comings and goings. The Russia investigation was a "nothing burger" (a phrase we should surely ban), and Trump was an amazing "accidental" president.

In what is current White House fashion, Preate loyally conveyed that her boss  above others  had the true flame of Trumpism inside of him.

At Breitbart, Bannon is used to commanding a pack of ideological drones disguised as reporters, deploying them to write this or that for the good of his cause. Through Preate and through this entire process he was trying to form a version of the truth, just like he does on Breitbart and has done with films and other media in the past.

The problem, though was that Bannon was too focused on his truth to accept another: Wolff is not a soldier in his army, he's a writer. And as Joan Didion said, "writers are always selling someone out."

So I was one of the 6 guest... @ Janice Min

Tabloids are real too, sometimes

In an effort to dismiss Wolff's book, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders called it "tabloid gossip" and "trash" from an author that "no one has ever heard of." Wolff didn't even interview Trump, she pointed out.

But of course, this book isn't about Trump  it's about his White House.

And there is no doubt that Steve Bannon had heard of Michael Wolff before this book was conceived. Wolff is the part of the type of New York City media cabal both he and Trump court and manipulate while professing to detest. Wolff is establishment. Like I said, Wolff wrote a Murdoch book and there's no faster way to make Trump happy than by putting on the same level as his idols. It's a very simple seduction.

Bannon's is a bit more complicated but not necessarily less transparent. Leading up to the inauguration, Wolff gave Bannon a platform for his ideas beyond the Breitbart circle. Wolff is the reason Wall Street read The Hollywood Reporter last November, and cringed as Bannon described his 1930s fever dream of a money-squandering infrastructure project where America would just "throw it up against a wall and see if it sticks."

We've seen Bannon go open kimono for presumed ideological allies before too. Perhaps you'll recall his interview with Robert Kuttner at The American Prospect last August. The one where he bragged about his power in the White House and called for economic war with China. It's part of what got him fired.

Bannon reached out to Kuttner because Kuttner shared some of his economic views on China. He thought that alone gave him and Kuttner common ground. Everything else, he thought, could be forgotten for that one cause. Bannon was desperately searching for allies then, and he needs them even more now.

Wolff wore a guest badge because as far as Bannon was concerned he wasn't the press, he was an ally. Bannon extended the Medici like the relationship he has (or maybe had, according to certain reports) with the Mercers to the media in order to achieve his political ends. He was commissioning media for the Trump administration the way an Austrian nobleman might commission a symphony in C.

And yes, this was also for Bannon's own aggrandizement. He's been criticized for that in this White House  a pristine example of a dozen pots calling a kettle black.
Tony Blair told President Donald Trump shortly after his inauguration that British intelligence services may have spied on him, alleges an explosive new book about life inside the White House by journalist Michael Wolff.

A spokesperson for the former British Prime Minister denied the story, calling it "categorically absurd" and "simply untrue."

Wolff's book, "Fire and Fury," is based on 200 interviews with White House staffers and months of reporting, and ahead of its publication later this month, news outlets are publishing excerpts and highlighting noteworthy allegations from it.

The claim about Blair was published as a short excerpt in The Times of London. Wolff alleges that Blair wanted to help with the Middle East initiatives of Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and senior aide to the new president, and shared a "juicy rumour" he had heard.

"In February Blair visited Kushner in the White House. On this trip the new freelance diplomat, perhaps seeking to prove his usefulness to this new White House, mentioned a juicy rumour: the possibility that the British had had the Trump campaign staff under surveillance, monitoring its telephone calls and other communications and possibly even Trump himself," Wolff wrote.

The implication is that "although the Obama administration would not have asked the British to spy on the Trump campaign," it may have been hinted at that it would be helpful if did.

A month after the purported meeting, in March 2017, Trump sent a tweet alleging, without evidence, that Obama had wiretapped Trump Tower during the 2016 presidential election, a claim denied by a spokesperson for Obama.

Then-White House press secretary Sean Spicer subsequently defended Trump's tweets by citing comments from Fox News commentator Andrew Napolitano, who alleged that Obama had enlisted UK intelligence agency GCHQ to help surveil Trump and his associates.

GCHQ denied the allegations, saying in a statement: "Recent allegations made by media commentator judge Andrew Napolitano about GCHQ being asked to conduct 'wiretapping' against the then president-elect are nonsense. They are utterly ridiculous and should be ignored."

Reached for comment, a spokesperson for Tony Blair told Business Insider: "The allegations printed in The Times are categorically absurd. They are a complete fabrication, have no basis in reality and are simply untrue."
Fox News host Tucker Carlson was reportedly offered the White House press secretary job.

In an excerpt of his upcoming book " target="_blank"Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House," journalist Michael Wolff reported that several current Fox News and Fox Business network personalities including Laura Ingraham, Maria Bartiromo, and regular guest Ann Coulter were considered for the job.

Wolff also wrote that Carlson was offered the job, which eventually went to Sean Spicer, but turned it down.

Though not as brazenly outspoken and supportive as other Fox News hosts like Sean Hannity, Carlson has repeatedly defended the president by criticizing journalists and the left. He's been an outspoken opponent of embarrassing leaks about the administration, and deflected criticism of the administration's positions on immigration and the Russia investigation.

For its part, Wolff's book stirred controversy, primarily over the veracity of its contents.

The book  written after Wolff garnered months of high-level, exclusive access to the administration  has sparked infighting between Trump and former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon, who is quoted repeatedly in the book trashing Trump family members including Donald Trump Jr. and Ivanka Trump.

Still, a number of reporters and journalists have cautioned against taking all of Wolff's claims at face value, arguing he has a history of appearing to embellish claims in past works.

For its part, many Republicans, including Trump and the Republican National Committee, have blasted the book.

The president's legal team sent a cease and desist letter to Wolff and his publisher, saying the book contained libelous claims about Trump.
You couldn't pay most people to relive their high school experiences.

But that's exactly what seven young adults did for the new A&E documentary series "Undercover High," which premieres Tuesday.

The show follows the seven participants, ages 21 to 26, as they pose as students at Highland Park High School in Topeka, Kansas, during the spring 2017 semester.

The goal of the program is to expose the challenges of students and school staff, as well as provide administrators details students would ordinarily never share with them.

"I always wonder, what is a student not telling us that they will only tell a peer?" Tiffany Anderson, the superintendent of Topeka Public Schools, said in an early episode.

Over the semester, the young adults were exposed to bullying, sexual harassment, poverty, violence, and drug addiction, among other issues. And in some cases, administrators did not realize the extent of the problems.

"All of those topics are discussed at some level at school, but between students, the insight is just much deeper than what we would have gained otherwise," Anderson told Business Insider.

The participants tried to look like convincing high-school students. The men shaved to look younger, while one woman, a 25-year-old named Erin, was even fitted with braces. They took a full course load and did assignments like the rest of the students.

Although the group received psychological training before the semester, nothing could prepare them for what they experienced.

As early episodes of the show indicate, cellphone use is rampant among students at the school, and social media became a greater source of pressure and stress than it had been for participants who graduated as recently as five years ago.

"The kinds of challenges that I experienced in high school along with my peers are now 24/7 issues because of technology, computers, cellphones, and social media," Shane Feldman, an undercover student who graduated from high school in 2012, told Business Insider. "There's no real escape."

Issues involving social media arose quickly for the participants. One woman, a 22-year-old named Lina, caught wind of a group text in which more than 20 male students were making alarming sexual remarks about her soon after she arrived at the school.

"I think my heart kind of stopped for a minute," she said.

She later informed the school's principal, who discovered that some of the people in the group text weren't even students in the school district.

"Undercover High" is an effort between A&E and Lucky 8 productions. The companies previously collaborated on the show "60 Days In," which follows citizens who go undercover as inmates in an Atlanta jail and is now in its fourth season.

The first episode of "Undercover High" airs Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET, followed by a segment featuring a psychotherapist and an adolescent psychologist who were advisers on the show, as well as a member of a crisis text line and some of the undercover students.

Watch a preview of the series:
He said he is already in touch with some Ghanaian producers and actors and discussing movies he could co-produce.

READ MORE: Boris Kodjoe praises Mahama for women empowerment

Speaking to the media at the Movenpick Hotel, the Ghanaian-German actor, who is in the country to host the CAF Awards said "Ghana has great actors and with my experience, I will be more than glad to work with these actors and producers. I have some scripts ready for some Ghanaian actors I personally admire."

Boris is known for his role in television series, The Boris and Nicole Show, Real Husbands of Hollywood, Soul Food and movies like Addicted, Madeas Family Reunion, Resident Evil, The Gospel, Baggage Claim among others.

The Hollywood actor also revealed that Eugene Kuami and Kidi are his favourite musicians.

According to him, although these musicians are young, their talents cannot be underestimated and he believes they will go far.

He added that he is happy to be back home to partly reconnect with his family in Ghana, as well as let his children experience Ghana for the first time.

READ ALSO: Hollywood actor of Ghanaian decent spotted at Makola ahead of CAF Awards
Despite the failure and the amount of money he put, he never allowed that to bother him as he decided to focus on the two which was doing fine and that is farming and animal husbandry.

Disclosing part of his 2017 success story, he wrote, 2017 has been amazing. Emotionally Im calmer, politically Im wiser, business-wise Im smarter. I started 3 new businesses in 2017, one failed but the two others are doing wonderfully well. My passion for agriculture has taught me a lot. You reap what you sow. This applies in life. Put in maximum effort in all that you do. Love more, give more and pray more. The results are awesome! I fell down 9 times but rose up 10! My dear beloved, whatever you lost in 2017, you shall recover 10 times in 2018! You shall walk with grace in 2018.
GHAMRO filed the lawsuit immediately after the Chief Justice set up specialised courts across the ten regions of Ghana to prosecute persons who default in the payment of mandatory TV license fees, which is being demanded by the state broadcaster.

In its statement of claim captured in the suit by Citifmonline, GHAMRO argued that, the state broadcaster had defaulted in the payment of royalties for over five years in spite of promptings to do so.

READ MORE: Ruff Money Records unveils 4 promising new artistes

The royalties-indebtedness of the defendant for the whole of 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, remains unpaid by the defendant, GHAMRO stated in the suit.

GHAMRO further argued that GBC had failed to obtain licenses for the use, communication and/or public performance of musical works to the public in spite of promptings.
The launch was to announce their emergence in the Ghanaian music industry. Sleek Media Group is a multimedia firm with a wide range of expertise including, creative arts, Public Relation, Branding and Communication, Events, Audio-Visual Production, Innovation and Marketing.

The launch was well attended by various media houses such as UTV, Graphic Showbiz, Okay FM, YFM Ghana, Pulse Ghana, Talk Media Ghana, George Britton, Fiesta GH, Ameyaw Debrah, Zion Felix, and the general public.

READ MORE: 10 best Ghanaian music videos of 2017

The new signees were outdoored at the launch. The CEO and founder of SMG, Mr Kenneth Andam made it clear that all the signees have been contracted to Ruff Money Records.

The General Manager, Edwin Elikem Amenyeawu mentioned that Ruff Money Records should not be regarded as a mere Artistes Management but instead a full record label.

READ MORE: Nominations open for 19th Vodafone Ghana music awards

Going back into the past, Ruff Money Records has managed renowned Music Duo Ruff & Smooth (Bullet & Akhan). About seven years ago, Sleek Media Group partnered Big Events Ghana for its maiden Radio & Television Personality Awards (RTP) in Ghana.
Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected!
The Alaska airlines Flight 915 was grounded and the airport spokeswoman, Keonnis Taylor is reported by the San Jose Mercury News to have said "An Alaska Airlines aircraft departing Oakland International Airport was cancelled today due to reports of a mouse in the cockpit of the aircraft.

READ MORE: Witch doctor commits suicide over decline in patronage

She added that "The flight's 110 passengers are being accommodated as appropriate by Alaska Airlines flights from San Francisco and San Jose airports."

Meanwhile, according to UPI.com, Alaska airline whose plane was involved said it was a big rat and not mouse as earlier stated by the airport.

Alaska further asserted that it was about 8:30 a.m. "when a rat was spotted jumping from the jet way to inside the aircraft," and "Any passengers onboard the aircraft were deplaned."

As of Wednesday, the said plane was out of service," but Alaska said "It will be returned to operations once it's certified rodent-free by a professional exterminator. The aircraft will also be thoroughly inspected to ensure no damage has been done."

READ ALSO: Landlord pours buckets of human waste in houses to evict defiant tenants

One of the passengers, Ginger Hintz went on twitter to voice out her frustration.
A statement issued by GIPC on December 20, 2017, said the cases involve falsification of Registrar Generals documents and forgery of GIPC Certificates as well as forged Bank of Ghana foreign equity confirmation letters.

The forgery of Registrar Generals Department documents and GIPC Certificates involves two (2) companies, one is currently being prosecuted by the GIPC in Court while the second company is being investigated by the Police.

The statement said in the case of submission of forged Bank of Ghana equity confirmation letters, the three companies involved mentioned in their caution statements to the Police that a member of staff of the GIPC assisted them in preparing the documents.

The said staff member, who is yet to be identified has been invited by the Police and is assisting with the investigations.

Two (2) of the companies involved in the forged Bank of Ghana equity confirmation letters are also among four (4) Companies which have cases pending before the Court for failure to register with the GIPC.
In an interview with Accra-based Citi FM, Dr Annor-Ntow said the current focus is to educate Ghanaians to voluntarily pay the fees.

His comments come as the 11 courts set up to deal with TV license defaulters begin work today [Thursday].

READ ALSO: This is how your TV License fees will be distributed

Dr Annor-Ntow said the courts are not expected to start work immediately because the States objective is not to punish people needlessly.

We are not prosecuting anybody [today, Thursday]. The first option is to allow people to go and pay voluntarily. To the extent that it is a law, its enforcement will include that people will default and in the event of deliberate defaults the possibility exists that you will be prosecuted but that is not our preference.

He argued that if the corporation takes the punishment position they may fail since it is very early in the year to begin prosecuting defaulters.

If a person is supposed to paying a TV license for the whole year, why do you arrest such a person on January 4 because a court has been established? It simply doesnt wash You can even pay GHc 3 for 12 months. So if I am able to pay GHc 3 and you come and I show you the GHc 3 payment, you cant effect an arrest because I have paid for the month.

If you want people to pay voluntarily, you want to advise them and convince them and bring them along that is the route we want to adopt. To the extent that it is a law, we want to see it through to the end and to remind the general public that the possibility of prosecution exists Dr Anoff-Ntow added.

The Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo, has set a court in all 10 regions to prosecute TV licence defaulters.

A memo dated December 11 said the courts will sit every Thursday effective January 4, 2018, until otherwise directed.

GBC officially reintroduced the collection of the TV Licence fees in 2015 after years of putting it on hold due to non-payments.
TORONTO, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The day after four actresses filed claims against Albert Schultz and Soulpepper Theatre Company, Ted Dykstra, Stuart Hughes, Michelle Monteith, and Rick Roberts have announced their resignation from Soulpepper.



These artists support and stand with the brave women who have come forward to end the culture of silence that has existed at Soulpepper under Mr. Schultz. They believe the allegations made by these women, said Alexi Wood of St. Lawrence Barristers LLP, counsel to the artists.

Mr. Dykstra, Mr. Hughes, Ms. Monteith, and Mr. Roberts are aware that Mr. Schultz has been asked to step down during an investigation into the allegations. The four artists support the choice of Alan Dilworth as Acting Artistic Director, but until Mr. Schultz has no role with the Company, they will not work there.

My clients look forward to a Soulpepper that provides a safe space to create ground breaking theatre, Ms. Wood said.

The four artists will join the plaintiff actresses at a press conference on 4 January 2018 at co-counsel Tatha Swanns office at Levitt LLP, 130 Adelaide St W, Suite 801, Toronto, ON at 11:00 am.
"We extend our deepest condolences to all those affected by the Bronx apartment fire. We honor the sacrifice of Pfc. Emmanuel Mensah, who entered the burning building several times to rescue others. May he and all the victims of this tragic fire rest in peace.

READ ALSO: Here are the top 10 skyscrapers in Ghana

"Private Emmanuel Mensah was a first generation immigrant, a soldier, and a New Yorker. He gave his life rescuing his neighbors in the Bronx fire. His heroism exemplifies the best of our city. Rest in peace," New York City Mayor William DeBlasio has said.

Background of Private Emmanuel Mensah

Private Emmanuel Mensah went off to serve in the Army National Guard, but it was back home where he made the ultimate sacrifice.

Mensah died trying to rescue people from his burning apartment building last week in the Bronx, New York, in the citys deadliest fire in more than 25 years, Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

As Mensahs father tells it, he went back into the building twice to rescue neighbors. But he did not make it out alive.

"Private Emmanuel Mensah was a first-generation immigrant, a soldier and a New Yorker. He gave his life rescuing his neighbors in the Bronx fire. His heroism exemplifies the best of our city. Rest in peace," the mayor added.

A child playing with a kitchen stove started the fire, which quickly spread through the 29-unit building. The fire killed at least 12 people, including four children.

Emmanuel Mensah, 28, was stationed in Virginia, his father said.

A private first class in the New York National Guard, he had just graduated from boot camp after starting basic training in the fall, spokesman Eric Durr said. He was slated to go to advanced individual training in 2018.

He was training to be a military police officer, a role that offers a variety of potential responsibilities, from garrison law enforcement to security in the field.
The two other men, however, managed to escape and the police have launched a manhunt for them.

In an interview with the Daily Graphic, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Accra Regional Police Command, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mrs Effia Tenge, said the policeman was arrested after his attempt to snatch a car from its owner at the Nkrumah Flat around the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

The policeman, Sandoh, who was wielding a pistol, allegedly demanded the ignition keys from the driver of a red Hyundai Matiz which was being used for Uber services.

Sandoh was said to have sprayed pepper into the drivers eyes when he refused to hand over the keys.

ASP Tenge said that the driver raised an alarm right after and this attracted some residents to the scene.

Sandoh was not lucky as he was caught by the residents and beaten mercilessly until a police patrol team arrived at the scene.

His two other accomplices, however, managed to escape.
Others from the United Peoples Party (UPP), All Peoples Congress (APC), Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP), United Front Party (UFP), and the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) were not left out.

The meeting, which lasted for over three hours centered on the creation of new regions, the commemoration of the Silver Jubilee of the 4th Republic, on Sunday, January 7, 2018, the election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, and so on.
Johnson Asiedu Nketia argued that Ghanaians have realised that the governing NPP lied to win power and cannot fulfil the promises they made during the campaign.

Speaking on Accra-based Asempa FM, he said this has caused Ghanaians to lose hope in the NPP and would overwhelmingly vote for the NDC.

READ ALSO: Nana Addo and Chief of Staff show their dancing skills

What NPP government has done is making Ghanaians lose hope in them. So I am of the hope that even if elections are conducted today, NDC would win. I do know that some NPP members are unhappy with the current state of the country.

During the campaign, they made a lot of false promises, including promising heaven saying everything will be free. There are a lot of people in the NPP that would vote for NDC if elections were conducted today because they now know that NDC told them the truth. For the NPP government when prices of fuel go up, they say it has gone down. If you lie for power, this will be your end, he added.
Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said three children and 11 women were among those killed.

Victims were taken to a hospital in Douma, where an AFP correspondent saw rescuers bringing in mostly women and children.

Medical staff tried to revive an infant who had been pulled from the rubble, but without success. A young girl among the wounded received stitches for a serious injury to her face.

A medical source at the hospital told AFP that "among the wounded were two women in their twenties. One of them lost both eyes and the other lost one eye."

The war in Syria has killed more than 340,000 people and displaced millions from their homes since it began in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

Eastern Ghouta, a small enclave east of the capital Damascus, is controlled mostly by rebels from the Jaish al-Islam group.

Russia first launched bombing raids in 2015 in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's beleaguered forces. The strikes have helped Assad regain control over much of the war-ravaged country.

The Observatory relies on a network of sources inside Syria and says it determines whose planes carry out raids according to type, location, flight patterns and munitions used.

The latest raids came after at least seven civilians, including five children, were killed Tuesday by air strikes in northwestern Idlib province, the last outside government control, the Observatory said.

Government and allied forces backed by Russian warplanes have been battling jihadist fighters and rebels for more than a week in an area straddling the boundary between Idlib and Hama provinces.

Government push on Idlib

The government push on the edge of Idlib province follows two months of sporadic fighting that the United Nations says has displaced more than 60,000 people.

Idlib province, held by Tahrir al-Sham, was one of four "de-escalation zones" agreed to help halt fighting around Syria by regime backers Russia and Iran and rebel supporter Turkey.

Observers say government forces first aim to take control of the southeast of Idlib province, allowing the regime to have full control of a road that links the capital Damascus to the government-held second city of Aleppo.

Earlier Wednesday Moscow's defence ministry said a Russian helicopter crashed in Syria on New Year's Eve killing both pilots following a technical fault.

The Mi-24 military helicopter was flying to Hama, northwestern Syria, and there was no firing from the ground, agencies quoted the ministry as saying.

"Both pilots died in a hard landing 15 km (nine miles) from the air base," the ministry said, adding that a technician had been injured and taken to another air base at for emergency treatment.

Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu last month said the military had completed the partial withdrawal from Syria ordered by President Vladimir Putin, but Moscow would maintain a presence in the country, including three battalions and two bases.
BROOKFIELD, NEWS, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brookfield Business Partners L.P. (NYSE:BBU) (TSX:BBU.UN) ("Brookfield Business Partners"), together with institutional partners (collectively "Brookfield"), announced today that it has entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of Westinghouse Electric Company (Westinghouse or the Company), a leading global provider of infrastructure services to the power generation industry, which is currently owned by Toshiba Corp.



The transaction provides for a purchase price of approximately $4.6 billion, expected to be funded with approximately $1 billion of equity, approximately $3 billion of long-term debt financing and the balance by the assumption of certain pension, environmental and other operating obligations.

Westinghouse is a high-quality business that has established itself as a leader in its field, with a long-term customer base and a reputation for innovation, said Cyrus Madon, CEO of Brookfield Business Partners. We look forward to bringing our significant expertise and reputation as a long-term owner and operator of critical infrastructure in the U.S. and globally, as well as our deep facilities management capabilities, to enhance the Companys position as a leading global infrastructure services provider to the power generation industry.

Business Overview:

Westinghouse is among the worlds leading suppliers of infrastructure services to nuclear power generating facilities. The Company provides sophisticated engineering, maintenance, facilities management and repair services to its global customer base.



Business highlights:

Strong market position. Westinghouse is a leader in its field, as the largest service provider to the worlds nuclear power facilities. The Company operates within a complex regulatory and licensing environment requiring depth of expertise and capability.



Westinghouse is a leader in its field, as the largest service provider to the worlds nuclear power facilities. The Company operates within a complex regulatory and licensing environment requiring depth of expertise and capability. Global, diversified customer base. Westinghouse has a well-established installed base of long-term customers globally.



Westinghouse has a well-established installed base of long-term customers globally. Attractive revenue and cash flow profile. The majority of the Companys profitability is delivered through regularly scheduled services which are provided under long-term contracts. Westinghouses core business has generated stable margins and consistent free cash flow.



The majority of the Companys profitability is delivered through regularly scheduled services which are provided under long-term contracts. Westinghouses core business has generated stable margins and consistent free cash flow. Strong reputation driven by focus on innovation. An iconic American company, Westinghouse offers a full suite of specialized parts and components, many of which are licensed or patented, as well as industry-leading engineering and other services that enhance the safety, efficiency and reliability of its customers facilities.

Funding

Brookfield Business Partners will commit to fund approximately 50% of the equity on closing using existing liquidity. Prior to or following closing, a portion of Brookfield Business Partners' investment may be syndicated to other institutional investors.

Transaction Process

Closing of the transaction remains subject to Bankruptcy Court approval and customary closing conditions including, among others, regulatory approvals. Closing is expected to occur in the third quarter of 2018.



Brookfield Business Partners is a business services and industrials company focused on owning and operating high-quality businesses that benefit from barriers to entry and/or low production costs. Brookfield Business Partners is listed on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges. Important information may be disseminated exclusively via the website; investors should consult the site to access this information.

Brookfield Business Partners is the flagship listed business services and industrials company of Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (NYSE:BAM) (TSX:BAM.A) (EURONEXT:BAMA), a leading global alternative asset manager with over $265 billion of assets under management, of which approximately $141 billion are in the U.S. For more information, please visit our website at https://bbu.brookfield.com.

Media contact:

Suzanne Fleming

Tel: (212) 417-2421

Email: suzanne.fleming@brookfield.com Investor contact:

Courtney Burke

Tel: (416) 369-2629

Email: courtney.burke@brookfield.com



CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND INFORMATION

Note: This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian provincial securities laws and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and in any applicable Canadian securities regulations. The words "will," "expect," assume, enhance, provide, generate, "may," derivatives thereof and other expressions which are predictions of or indicate future events, trends or prospects and which do not relate to historical matters will tend to identify forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the expected completion of the transaction described herein and the anticipated timing thereof, and the future performance and operation of the acquired business.

Although we believe that the forward-looking statements we make are based upon reasonable assumptions and expectations, the reader should not place undue reliance on them or any other forward-looking statements or information in this news release. The future performance and prospects of Brookfield Business Partners are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated or implied by forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to: the impact or unanticipated impact of general economic, political and market factors in the countries in which we do business; the behavior of financial markets, including fluctuations in interest and foreign exchange rates; global equity and capital markets and the availability of equity and debt financing and refinancing within these markets; strategic actions including acquisitions and dispositions; the ability to complete and effectively integrate acquisitions into existing operations and the ability to attain expected benefits and in particular completion of the acquisition referred to in this news release, which cannot be assured; changes in accounting policies and methods used to report financial condition (including uncertainties associated with critical accounting assumptions and estimates); the ability to appropriately manage human capital; the effect of applying future accounting changes; business competition; operational and reputational risks; technological change; changes in government regulation and legislation within the countries in which we operate; governmental investigations; litigation; changes in tax laws; ability to collect amounts owed; catastrophic events, such as earthquakes and hurricanes; the possible impact of international conflicts and other developments including terrorist acts and cyber terrorism; and other risks and factors detailed from time to time in our documents filed with the securities regulators in Canada and the United States.

We caution that the foregoing list of important factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. When relying on our forward-looking statements, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Except as required by law, Brookfield Business Partners undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether written or oral, that may be as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Theresa May's government announced last week that Young will sit on the board of the newly-established Office for Students.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson defended the decision on Wednesday morning. Johnson, who once worked with Young at The Spectator, tweeted:

Ridiculous outcry over Toby... @ Boris Johnson

However, Labour has urged May to reverse the appointment, citing a series of tweets Young has now deleted which have been described as sexist, homophobic and insulting to a number of groups.

Dawn Butler, shadow minister for women and equalities, tweeted: "Theresa May cannot allow this appointment to stand. She must also explain what exactly made them appointment him in the first place. Transparency is key to changing attitudes and outcomes."

Young is perhaps best-known for setting up a number of free schools in West London. Free schools are state-funded but not fully-controlled by local authorities. They are usually created by groups including charities, religious bodies, businesses and parent groups, and are exempt from sticking completely to the national curriculum.

Young has in the past claimed that working-class students at Oxford University were "universally unattractive" and "small, vaguely deformed undergraduates." He also described wheelchair ramps being installed in British schools as a symptom of "ghastly inclusivity."

He described a gay celebrity as looking "queer as a coot" and recalled visiting a bar containing "hardcore dykes."

He also made a series of apparently sexist remarks about women.

Young has denied holding any prejudices: "Im neither misogynistic nor homophobic. Im a strong supporter of both womens rights and LGBT rights," he said.

He also posted a 40 tweet thread responding to the allegations.

Here are the tweets about women that Young has deleted:

Questions have also been asked about Young's suitability for the role.

The Department for Education had previously claimed that he had held teaching posts at two of the world's most prestigious universities, Harvard and Cambridge.
Wednesday was just the third day of 2018. But three days were all that was needed for the first major US political war of the new year to break out.

On one side is the former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon, who was quoted in excerpts of Michael Wolff's book "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House," set to be released Tuesday, as eviscerating President Donald Trump, his son Donald Trump Jr., his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and his daughter Ivanka Trump.

On the other side are Trump and his allies. Trump lambasted Bannon in one of his most scathing statements as president, suggesting Bannon had "lost his mind" and was "only in it for himself."

"Steve pretends to be at war with the media, which he calls the opposition party, yet he spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was," Trump said. "It is the only thing he does well. 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."

It became clear very quickly in the hours after Trump's scorched-earth statement who would come out on top: the president.

Almost immediately, Republican Senate candidates whom Bannon has endorsed in their primary races to unseat establishment hopefuls backed away from the mercurial media executive turned political strategist.

A representative for one of those candidates, Kelli Ward of Arizona, said that Bannon's was just "one of many high-profile endorsements" Ward had received and that she was focusing on "helping President Trump advance an America First agenda."

Meanwhile, in West Virginia, Rep. Evan Jenkins, who's running for a US Senate seat, called on his GOP primary opponent, Patrick Morrisey, to disavow Bannon's endorsement.

For the most part, Morrisey obliged.

"Attorney General Morrisey does not support these attacks on President Trump and his family, and was proud to stand with President Trump in 2016 when they were both overwhelmingly elected in West Virginia and when he cast his vote for Trump in the Electoral College," a representative for his campaign said.

Bannon has no contingent

Meanwhile, Bannon's more-establishment nemeses were thrilled with Trump's scorching condemnation.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell  who in September went toe to toe with Bannon in the Alabama Republican Senate primary that ended with the candidate Bannon backed, Roy Moore, winning the nomination  told Trump his statement was "perfect" and that he "wouldn't change a word," The Washington Post reported.

Trump's allies were even more forceful in their condemnation of a man who was once the CEO of his presidential campaign and held one of the most prominent positions in the White House. Bannon left the White House in August and resumed his role as the executive chairman of Breitbart News.

"Bannon has no contingent," the former House Speaker Newt Gingrich told April Ryan, a White House correspondent. "There's a Trump wing of the Republican Party. There's not a Bannon wing."

Anthony Scaramucci, the White House communications director who was fired over the summer after blasting Bannon in a conversation with a New Yorker reporter, took what amounted to a daylong victory lap. He made multiple TV appearances and fired off several tweets to proclaim that he was right.

"I said what I said in the Summer take out the expletives and pay closer attention," Scaramucci tweeted, adding that Trump was "doing a great job."

Trump Jr., who was at the center of Bannon's most forceful criticism in the book's excerpts, unloaded on him as well.

He said Bannon had "no ideology" other "than what's good for Steve" and mocked him for backing Moore, who was defeated last month in the special election by the Democrat Doug Jones.

Trump, however, had also enthusiastically supported Moore, whom several women have accused of sexual misconduct, in the campaign's final days.

"It would be amazing if there would have been a nice simple path to keeping this seat with a nice 30 point margin... #thankssteve," Trump Jr. tweeted.

The New York Times reported on Wednesday that Trump and Bannon had become "increasingly estranged" in the weeks after what was an embarrassing loss for the Republican Party in the Alabama race.

Trump was enraged by Bannon's interview with Vanity Fair in which he blasted Kushner, the Times report says, and it appears as if the release of excerpts from Wolff's book this week was the final straw.

Trump's lawyers have sent cease-and-desist letters to Bannon, Wolff, and his publisher. Some parts of the book have already been challenged, though Wolff says he has hours of tapes from his time in the White House  which, The Times reported, was frequently spent in Bannon's office.

Clearly, the pathway is even more complicated after today

The disintegration of Trump's relationship with Bannon could lead to further changes in the political and policy landscape  particularly as the 2018 primaries near.

Bannon's seeking to barnstorm the country campaigning for hard-right challengers this year could hit a snag in light of the recent feud that has caused some of his preferred candidates to distance themselves from him.

And the White House on Wednesday night moved to disband its controversial voter-fraud commission, laying blame on the former chief strategist and calling it a "blundered Bannon rollout" that "should've never been in place."

Trump's breaking up with Bannon was "not too surprising" to Alex Conant, who was Sen. Marco Rubio's communications director during his 2016 presidential campaign.

"Bannon has long overstated his role in Trump's election," Conant told Business Insider. "Trump's response will probably give Bannon even more media attention, at least in the short term. At the end of the day, it's bad for both men."

Conant added that candidates "who tied themselves to Bannon were already facing a very different pathway to victory."

"Clearly, the pathway is even more complicated after today," he said.

Rick Tyler, the communications director for Sen. Ted Cruz's 2016 presidential campaign, told Business Insider that the fallout between Trump and Bannon "was bound to happen" because there were "too many egos for one stage."

But he was less bullish on the episode's effect on the coming primaries because, he said, "neither has shown to be a deciding factor in winning races."

Bannon, sensing where the winds were blowing, spoke glowingly of Trump on his Breitbart radio program on Wednesday. But it may be too late.

"The president of the United States is a great man," he said. "You know I support him day in and day out, whether going through the country giving the 'Trump miracle' speech, or on the show, or on the website. So you don't have to worry about that."

Trump took notice. He told members of the press in a White House meeting on Thursday that Bannon "called me a great man last night."
Health insurance for millions of children is still on the line as Congress remains divided over how to fund the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), a crucial government program that has provided healthcare to millions of Americans and helped to drastically reduce the uninsured rate of children since its implementation in 1997.

Before breaking for the holiday recess month, Congress passed a short-term funding measure that allocated close to $3 billion to CHIP. It's estimated that this additional funding will allow the program to run through March.

"This alleged extension until March doesnt cut it as states freeze enrollment & send out letters warning that coverage will end," former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton tweeted on Tuesday. "This is frightening to parents & wreaks havoc for states."

"Enough is enough," added Clinton, who played a significant role in getting CHIP passed back in the '90s while serving as first lady.

A lack of long-term funding could result in roughly 2 million children losing coverage and becoming uninsured, according to a recent report from Georgetown University's Center for Children and Families.

"These are families making $8, $10, or $12 an hour that don't have insurance. And they're going to get letters saying 'your insurance is canceled,'" Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown said during a debate on the Senate floor November 30. "How can we let that happen?"

The reauthorization deadline for CHIP passed September 30 without Congress agreeing to an extension, making it the longest lapse in funding since the program was first introduced.

"The politics are ugly. This should not be a Republican or Democratic issue," Colorado Lt. Gov. Donna Lynne told Business Insider. "There's never been any talk of it not making sense."

"I feel like there's a little hostage taking with kids and pregnant women in the middle," she added.

Time is running out

Now that Congress is back in session after the holiday recess, CHIP proponents are holding out hope that both parties can come together to secure a 5-year funding extension.

Such a move would be the quickest way to end concerns families may have about the future of their coverage, said Tricia Brooks, a healthcare policy expert and former CHIP director for New Hampshire.

"We are guardedly hopeful because unlike all of the other health policy initiatives Congress has tackled this year, CHIP actually has bipartisan agreement in the House and Senate," Brooks told Business Insider.

"The fact that states had leftover funds and that there was emergency money distributed to states gave Congress the feeling that were wasn't as much urgency," she added. "But that cushion is getting extremely thin. Congress needs to act."

The only other time Congress failed to reauthorize it was in 2007, when then-President George W. Bush vetoed reauthorization because he believed the Democrats' proposal to spend billions more on the program would encourage families to leave the private insurance market. After just five days, lawmakers compromised and funding was quickly reissued.

Today's gap in funding has forced states around the country to rely on leftover funds and emergency government grants to maintain coverage for the millions of people who might otherwise be uninsured. But those temporary funds are quickly disappearing.

"We're concerned about the cost to the people and the magnitude of the anxiety it is producing," Lynne said. "Imagine if you're a pregnant woman and you're going to lose your insurance?"

We dont have any money anymore

CHIP itself is not controversial. It has wide bipartisan support as Brooks says.

But exactly how the annual $15.6 billion program should be paid for is the issue under dispute.

Republicans have proposed cutting back the Affordable Care Act to pay for CHIP while Democrats have proposed tying the program's reauthorization in with measures to stabilize the law, more commonly known as Obamacare.

"We're going to do CHIP. There's no doubt about it in my mind, " said Sen. Orin Hatch of Utah, who helped craft the program with Sen. Ed Kennedy of Massachusetts in the 1990s. "But the reason CHIP is having trouble is because we don't have any money anymore."

CHIP currently provides health insurance for roughly 9 million children nationwide who come from families with incomes just above Medicaid eligibility levels.

The program also includes coverage for more than 327,000 pregnant women through the "unborn child option." Technically, these recipients are classified as children even though the women are the ones who are actually being treated.

How states can respond to a loss of federal funds depends on how they implemented CHIP in the first place.

For states that used the money to expand Medicaid to insure more children, they will still have to cover those recipients, albeit with some other source of funding, even if the government no longer helps.

For states that created separate CHIP programs, those recipients are likely to lose coverage completely, or at best, receive more expensive coverage through employer-sponsored or marketplace exchange alternatives if their families can afford those options.

Some states have a combination of CHIP-funded Medicaid expansion and separate CHIP programs, complicating the situation even further.

States plan emergency measures

Late night host Jimmy Kimmel brought his newborn son on stage in December to make an emotional plea for Congress to restore CHIP funding.

"Now CHIP  [it] has become a bargaining chip," Kimmel said, cradling his son Billy, who received life-saving open heart surgery just hours after birth earlier this year.

"It's on the back burner while they work out the new tax plans," he continued. "Parents of children with cancer, diabetes and heart problems are about to get letters saying their coverage could be cut off next month. Merry Christmas, right?"

A handful of states are on the brink of running out of money, some as soon as next month.

Carrie Williams, a spokesperson for Texas' Health and Human Services Commission, told Business Insider last month that without Congressional action, the Lone Star State would be forced to end CHIP coverage by February 1 for more than 450,000 children.

But on December 15, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which administers CHIP, guaranteed Texas $135 million in funds to continue coverage until March.

Under state law, HHSC must notify families that their plans are being canceled at least 30 days before termination.

Texas' situation is especially dire because of the damage caused by Hurricane Harvey. After the disaster struck, the government waived co-pays and enrollment fees for CHIP recipients. That meant the state would be collecting less money, which is why they're relying on the federal government for additional grants. Texas has the most CHIP recipients in the country after California.

Other states continue to weigh their options in light of the roughly $3 billion in funding Congress allocated to states last month.

Officials overseeing the West Virginia Children's Health Insurance Program (WVCHIP) have gone so far as to already approve a plan to close its program  which covers 21,321 children  by February 28.

But the plan won't be finalized until the program's board members know how much of the $3 billion in funding the state will receive. For now, West Virginia's Department of Health and Human Resources will delay sending termination notifications to families and providers, according to communications director Allison Adler.

Weve never had to do this before

The longer Congress delays funding, the more states like West Virginia will prepare contingency plans in the event that money is not restored.

But it's hard for medical officials to gauge exactly when they should take action  such as sending out notice letters to families and doubling up on call center staffing for the inevitable barrage of inquiries  since they have to rely on Congress to make the next move.

"They [states] are trying to hold off on taking action as long as possible because they don't want to cause concern among families," Samantha Artigo, an analyst at the Kaiser Family Foundation, told Business Insider. "But as we get further along, they are really going to be bumping up against difficult deadlines where they will need to begin taking action. It cannot be done overnight."

Medical officials in Colorado have already sent notice letters to the families of the roughly 75,000 children and 800 pregnant women who might lose coverage in that state. Last month, state lawmakers approved a $9.6 million stopgap measure to allow CHIP to survive an extra month, according to The Denver Post. Previous estimates predicted coverage would end January 31.

Shelisha Coleman, a spokesperson for Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration, told Business Insider in December that the state had enough funding to last until the beginning of February. The healthcare of 198,605 children in Florida is on the line.

On December 1, Nevada received a nearly $5.6 million grant to provide coverage through the end of the year and into the new year. Utah also warned recipients that it will exhaust funds by the end of of this month.

The Department of Social Services in Connecticut announced that it has enough money to last through February 28. Officials in Virginia and Pennsylvania began notifying families last month that they could lose coverage if Congress continues to stall.

"We've never had to do this before," Linda Nablo, an official with Virginia's Department of Medical Assistant Services, told Kaiser Health News. "How do you write the very best letter saying, 'Your child might lose coverage, but it's not certain yet. But in the meantime, these are some things you need to think about'?"

Families are preparing, too.

Myra Gregory is the mother of 11-year-old Roland, who has a rare form of lung cancer. In November, Gregory wrote an op-ed in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch asking Congress to get its act together.

"If Congress forces Missouri to drop Roland's coverage, our family will be in an impossible situation. I don't have the savings to pay for Roland's care out of pocket," Gregory said. "I don't have family and friends  much less a bank  who will loan us tens of thousands of dollars for Roland's treatment."

Gregory created a GoFundMe page to raise money for her son.

A lose-lose for the taxpayer

The kicker is that states will still lose money even if Congress restores funding.

Writing, printing, and mailing termination notices to families requires time and money. So does notifying insurance providers and other stakeholders, submitting paperwork to the CMS, and paying call center staff overtime for helping concerned parents figure out how to proceed in the absence of CHIP.

A Georgetown University study estimated that ending CHIP will cost Colorado, for example, at least $300,000.

"Inaction by Congress costs states time and money as officials grapple with various 'what if' scenarios," the study's authors wrote.

In early November, the House passed a bill that would provide funding for CHIP for five years. That bill stalled in the Senate. Subsequent proposals, meanwhile, have been few and far between, leaving state budgets in limbo and families fearing the worst.
South Korea has been calling North Korea through a communications hotline every day for two years, and on Wednesday finally someone answered.

South Korean officials at the border made contact with North Korea over the phone at 3:30 p.m. local time Wednesday and spoke for 20 minutes, according to Reuters, although the details of the call have not been disclosed.

The North previously cut off its communications with South Korea after the two countries last spoke on the hotline in late 2015 BBC reported citing South Korean officials. The line went silent shortly after, the report said.

North Korea announced on its state TV that it was reopening its direct telephone line after its leader Kim Jong Un expressed willingness to reestablish a dialogue with South Korea and discuss sending a delegation to next month's Winter Olympic games in Pyeongchang.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in welcomed Kim's calls for dialogue, and urged his government to move quickly to organize a North Korean Olympic delegation.

South Korea's government suggested holding inter-Korean talks at the border village of Panmunjom next week, according to Bloomberg, which could be the first official face-to-face meeting between the two sides since 2015.

What we know about the hotline

Today, there are 33 communication lines between the two Koreas, according to the BBC citing the South Korean Unification ministry. The lines include daily communication, air-traffic control, and joint economic issues.

The channel used on Tuesday is located in the uninhabited village of Panmunjom, which sits in the Demilitarized Zone.

The hotline in Panmunjom was put in place to create official dialogue between the North and South Korean Red Cross in 1971 and is now reportedly referred to as the "Red Cross" channel.

The two phones, a green phone for outgoing calls and a red phone for receiving calls, are housed inside a building called "House of Freedom," located only about 100 feet from North Korea's communication line in Panmungak.

More communication lines were established in the 1990s according to the BBC, when there were increased talks of reunification.

A former South Korean communications officer who worked in Pamunjom in the early 1990s told Yonhap news agency that each day officers would make a call at 9:00 a.m. and again at 4:00 p.m. before leaving for the day.

"We called them on odd dates, and North Korea called us on even dates," he added.

According to the BBC, a South Korean ministry spokeswoman confirmed the information, but added that North Korea had dropped communication in February 2016, after Seoul closed a joint commercial project in response to the North's provocative rocket launches.
Excerpts of Wolff's "Fire and Fury," reportedly sourced from over 200 interviews during an 18-month time span, were distributed to various publications and have since painted a sometimes embarrassing picture of current and former White House officials and life in the West Wing.

Some of the wilder tales have raised eyebrows. Skeptics have gone so far to as to question their validity, including the New York Times White House correspondent Maggie Haberman who on Wednesday called some of the book's claims "thin but readable."

"Well written. Several things that are true and several that are not. Light in fact-checking and copy-editing," Haberman wrote on Twitter.

Following the release of some of the more tantalizing details, Trump, his family, and White House officials went on the offensive by casting doubt on the book's legitimacy and railed against some of Trump's critics who were quoted in the book.

"This book is clearly going to be sold in the bargain fiction section," Stephanie Grisham, communications director for the first lady Melania Trump, said in reference to the claim that she burst into tears  "not of joy"  when Trump was poised to win the 2016 presidential election.

Here are some of the wildest portions of the book so far:

Bannon called the infamous Trump Tower meeting between Donald Trump Jr., Jared Kushner, a Russia-linked lawyer, and others "treasonous" and "unpatriotic."

Bannon's tirade against the Trump family did not end with Ivanka.

According to Wolff, he was also quoted as saying that the controversial meeting between Jared Kushner, a White House senior adviser and Trump's son-in-law; Donald Trump Jr.; and Russian lobbyists in June 2016 was "treasonous" and "unpatriotic."

"The three senior guys in the campaign thought it was a good idea to meet with a foreign government inside Trump Tower in the conference room on the 25th floor  with no lawyers," Bannon reportedly said in the book, according to The Guardian.

"They didn't have any lawyers. Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad shit, and I happen to think it's all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately," Bannon continued.

Bannon reportedly suggested that Trump Jr. may have taken "these jumos up to his father's office on the 26th floor."

Bannon went on and reportedly said that special counsel Robert Mueller, who is investigating possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia during the 2016 presidential election, would "crack Don Jr. like an egg on national TV."

Trump passed on nominating an official because of his mustache.

Bannon also appeared to confirm previous rumors that Trump passed on nominating former UN ambassador John Bolton as national security adviser, according to Wolff.

"Bolton's mustache is a problem. Trump doesn't think he looks the part," Bannon reportedly said. "You know Bolton is an acquired taste."

Bolton served as US ambassador to the UN between 2005 and 2006.

Amid reports that he was left out of the running for secretary of state when Trump was assembling his Cabinet, Bolton shaved off rumors of a tweet in December: "I appreciate the grooming advice from the totally unbiased mainstream media, but I will not be shaving my #mustache," Bolton said.

Steve Bannon called Ivanka Trump "dumb as a brick."

Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon, whose relationship with some of Trump's members was apparently strained in the waning days of his tenure in the White, called White House senior adviser and first daughter Ivanka Trump "dumb as a brick," according to Wolff's book.

Bannon was eventually fired from the administration, shortly after White House chief of staff John Kelly began regulating traffic in the West Wing. Bannon has since embarked on a personal crusade to support antiestablishment congressional candidates for the upcoming midterm elections.

After Ivanka publicly criticized Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore amid a ballooning controversy over his sexual-misconduct scandal, Bannon quipped and referenced her previous remarks: "There's a special place in hell for Republicans who should know better."

"Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my Presidency," Trump said, following the release of the book's excerpts. "When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind."

Kellyanne Conway went job-hunting because she thought Trump would lose the election.

Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway reportedly was looking into high-profile on-air media jobs during the last days of the 2016 election because she thought Trump would lose.

While the book claims that Conway was prepared to blame Trump's expected loss on former Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus, she was also interviewing for jobs on news outlets, according to Wolff's book.

Trump eats McDonald's because he fears being poisoned.

Trump's love for fast food was linked to a his fear of being poisoned, according to Wolff.

"Trump 'had a longtime fear of being poisoned, one reason why he liked to eat at McDonald's  nobody knew he was coming and the food was safely premade,'" Wolff wrote.
The Trump administration has dissolved the commission investigating alleged voter fraud that it said occurred during the 2016 US election.

President Donald Trump announced the decision on Wednesday but still made the unsubstantiated claim that fraudulent activity occurred during the election.

Despite substantial evidence of voter fraud, many states have refused to provide the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity with basic information relevant to its inquiry. Rather than engage in endless legal battles at taxpayer expense, today President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order to dissolve the Commission, and have asked the Department of Homeland Security to review these issues and determine next courses of action.

As of October 2017, 15 states had refused to supply the commission with their respective residents' voter data.

The administration formed the commission, headed by Vice President Mike Pence, in May 2017 and instructed it to investigate "improper voting, fraudulent voter registrations, and fraudulent voting."

Concerned that this was an attempt to suppress certain demographics of registered voters, liberal advocacy groups launched eight lawsuits against the commission, essentially grinding it to a halt after its second meeting in September.

Since then, multiple members on the commission have heard nothing  with several of their emails going unanswered.

In October, the Government Accountability Office, a federal watchdog, announced it would investigate the commission's funding in early 2018.

Democratic lawmakers quickly weighed in after the committee was disbanded. Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer said the commission "never had anything to do with election integrity." Schumer, who has been a frequent critic of Trump and his Republican allies in Congress called the commission an excuse to "suppress the vote" and "perpetrate dangerous and baseless claims.

Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey called the commission's efforts "an offense, based on a lie, blatantly seeking to suppress votes."
President Donald Trump defended White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders in a tweet on Monday, saying that a restaurant that had asked her to leave over the weekend looked dirty.

Sanders said on Saturday that she was asked to leave The Red Hen, a restaurant in Lexington, Virginia,because she worked for Trump. One of the owners told the Washington Post that it was Trump's policies, which she called "inhumane and unethical," that had prompted them to deny service to Sanders.

"The Red Hen Restaurant should focus more on cleaning its filthy canopies, doors and windows (badly needs a paint job) rather than refusing to serve a fine person like Sarah Huckabee Sanders. I always had a rule, if a restaurant is dirty on the outside, it is dirty on the inside!"Trump tweeted on Monday.

Trump's concerns about restaurant cleanliness have been well-documented. His longstanding love for fast food is tied to a fear of being poisoned, Michael Wolff writes in "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House."

Trump "had a longtime fear of being poisoned, one reason why he liked to eat at McDonalds  nobody knew he was coming and the food was safely premade," Wolff reports.

The president's go-to McDonald's order was two Big Macs, two Filet-o-Fish sandwiches, and a large chocolate shake, according to former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski and top Trump campaign aide David Bossie.

"Like an amazing professional athlete who has a routine that they do all the time when they're ready for a big game," Trump "would consistently do the same things," Lewandowski told Business Insider's Allan Smith.

Trump has previously applauded fast-food chains for their cleanliness.
Hope Hicks has become one of the most powerful figures in American politics. Now, she's leaving the White House.

Hicks will resign from her position as

On Tuesday, Hicks testified before the

Unlike many in the often bombastic Trump administration, Hicks rarely speaks to the media on the record. However, as a former model with experience in fashion PR, Hicks knows how to make a statement with her appearance without saying a word.

Here's a look at how Hicks' public presentation has changed  and how it could reveal how the communications director made herself invaluable to the White House.

Hope Hicks began working for Ivanka Trump's fashion brand in 2014, four years after she graduated from Southern Methodist University.

"Hicks grew close to Ivanka and began dressing like the heiress, who seemed worthy of the emulation," GQ reported. "Ivanka was that rare female corporate leader who is also kind to other women, and she affected an air of competence that seemed to temper the boorishness of the Trump brand."

Source:

When Hicks began working on Donald Trump's presidential campaign, she mimicked Ivanka's accessible style  lots of business-casual dresses in pale shades or florals, with heels and long, straight hair.

As Ivanka campaigned for her father, her role was to convince Americans  especially more progressive ones  that he was a worthwhile political pick.

As she continues to attempt to win over skeptics, Ivanka has donned primarily accessible styles that most Americans could buy or replicate, including her own line and fast-fashion brands like Zara.

Hicks seemed prepared to fulfill the same role behind the scenes. The president, early advisers like Corey Lewandowski and Roger Stone, and some supporters are known for their over-the-top antics.

Meanwhile, Hicks is private and has avoided making enemies. "I have always found Hope to be great to deal with, especially given the volume of requests she must be getting," Maggie Haberman of The New York Times told GQ.

Source:

Hicks is especially deferential to the president, calling him only "sir" or "Mr. Trump."

Source:

The only public crack in Hicks' facade was a public screaming match with Lewandowski in May 2016. However, even after being fired from the campaign, Lewandowski described Hicks as "smart and private, with a nearly photographic memory."

Source: ,

While Hicks rarely gives interviews on the record, her polished, Ivanka-inspired fashion tells a story of its own. She fashioned herself as a reasonable outlier in the bombastic and scandal-prone Trump campaign and administration.

However, in recent months, Hicks seems to be undergoing a fashion pivot that could signify bigger factors at play behind the scenes.

While Ivanka was once a conservative darling, the first daughter has fallen out of favor with much of the right.

Ivanka's brand popularity has dropped among Republicans as she has increasingly been seen as a moderating force. And similar dramas seem to be playing out inside the White House.

Source:

The president was reportedly frustrated in November when Ivanka criticized Roy Moore, the former US Senate candidate in Alabama whom multiple women have accused of sexual misconduct.

Source: , ,

The first daughter and Kushner have also dealt with legal problems. Late last year, federal investigators began looking into Kushner's meetings with foreign leaders, as well as whether he played a role in convincing the president to fire James Comey as FBI director.

Source:

"As telling, with his daughter and son-in-law sidelined by their legal problems, Hope Hicks, Trump's 29-year-old personal aide and confidant, became, practically speaking, his most powerful White House advisor," Wolff wrote in a recent column based on reporting from his book.

Source:

Over the same period, Hicks has apparently stopped taking fashion cues from Ivanka  and moved on to Melania Trump.

Hicks debuted the new fashion strategy at a state dinner in November in Tokyo. Instead of the soft dresses that Ivanka is known for wearing, the communications director showed up in a sleek suit that could have come straight from Melania's closet.

As Ivanka's brand popularity has tanked, the public's perception of Melania has only gotten better. A recent CNN poll found that the first lady had a 47% approval rating, compared with the president's 40%.

Source:

So it shouldn't be that surprising that Hicks' new wardrobe is filled with Melania-inspired, high-fashion looks. The first lady's fashion sense is sleeker than Ivanka's, with more makeup and sharper angles.

Hicks seems to have picked up on the intricacies of each woman's taste. The outfit she wore while waiting to board Air Force One in Beijing seems identical to some of the first lady's favorite travel looks.

For reference, here's a photo of the president and Melania arriving in Texas, soon after she faced backlash for wearing stilettos as she ventured into an area that had been devastated by Hurricane Harvey.

That isn't necessarily to say that Hicks is clashing with Ivanka. Instead, she may have realized the importance of adjusting her public appearance to fit with what Trump and his supporters are looking for.

In fact, Ivanka recently spoke out to defend Hicks following the Rob Porter controversy, telling The New York Times in an unsolicited interview that Hicks was a "team player."

Source:

"Most importantly," Ivanka said, "the president has deep respect for her, cares about her greatly, and listens to her. Thats not true of everyone. Shes earned that."

While many in the White House reportedly get swept up in power struggles within the administration, Hicks appears to have stayed in most staffers' good graces. Most importantly, Trump continues to vocally support Hicks.

As other members of the Trump administration fell by the wayside, Hicks rose through the ranks. She knows how to evolve to stay in the good graces of the president  and right now, that looks like trying to copy Melania, not Ivanka.
The Noreaster is expected to threaten the area with close-to-zero temperatures until Sunday, when it will make its way to

M"bombogenesis," target="_blank" meaning rapid atmospheric pressure has fallen below 24 millibars in less than 24 hours. In other words, the low air pressure is creating an especially strong storm.

Take a look at how New York City is coping.

A frigid storm has hit cities, including New York City, along the Eastern seaboard.

Temperatures will drop close to zero on on Friday evening in New York City. When you factor in the windchill, New York will feel as cold as -11 on Saturday.

Source:

Both New York City and Philadelphia were under a winter storm warning from Thursday at 1 a.m. through Friday at 1 a.m., according to the National Weather Service.

Around 10 inches of snow blanketed the city.

Wind gusts topped 40 mph in the city and almost hit 60 mph on Long Island.

1,500 plows and 693 salt spreaders tried to contain the snow.

Source:

On Thursday, the snow and strong winds stopped flights at La Guardia and Kennedy Airports.

Across the US, the flight-tracking site FlightAware reported nearly 5,000 canceled flights. That figure includes more than two-thirds of flights in and out of New York City and Boston airports.

It also closed schools and slowed down commutes.

Snow migrated from the ground level to some underground subway platforms.

A number of public housing developments have lost heat and hot water.

City officials and residents worry that frozen pipes will burst when they completely thaw.

A burst pipe damaged more than 750 books at the Greenlight bookstore in Brooklyn, AM New York reports.

On Wednesday, the water in a fountain in Manhattan's Bryant Park turned into icicles and ice shards.

This is a serious, serious storm, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio said at a news conference on Thursday. We expect tough conditions for days to come, particularly in terms of cold.

Bitter temperatures have followed the storm.

The city should return to above-freezing levels during the daytime next week.
Step up to the auction block, oil companies.

In an announcement on Thursday, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke unveiled a new proposal to lease huge new sections of US waters to oil and gas companies for offshore drilling  a move unlike anything seen in decades.

The new plan would make "more than 98%" of the waters off the United States available for oil and gas leasing over the next five years, the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management wrote in a report released Thursday.

There are a few notable exceptions. That other 2% of US waters includes an area of the Aleutian basin next to Alaska, as well as 12 coastal "marine sanctuaries" (those dot the shoreline in places like Monterey Bay in California and Stellwagen Bank at the mouth of the Massachusetts Bay). There's also a temporary hold on a section of the Gulf of Mexico that Congress has put a moratorium on until 2022.

But many other protected areas of water could be up for grabs. The National Parks Conservation association said the shores bordering 88 other protected areas, like the waters off Acadia National Park and along the Santa Monica mountains could all be sold off. The last offshore oil sales on either coast of the continental US occurred in the 1980s, according to Reuters.

President Donald Trump already re-wrote some of the rules that former President Barack Obama put in place to protect waters in the Atlantic and Arctic oceans with his "America First Offshore Energy Strategy" in April 2017.

Oil and gas industry leaders voiced their approval for that move, as well as this new plan.

"I think the default should be that all of our offshore areas should be available," Thomas Pyle, president of the American Energy Alliance, told The New York Times.

The Governors of Alaska and Alabama, along with the Department of Natural Resources in Louisiana and Georgia support the idea too, as does the lieutenant governor in North Carolina.

But Sierra Club director Michael Brune doesn't see it that way.

"

Leaders of many coastal states up and down the East and West coasts, including California, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Delaware, Virginia and New York are against it. New York officials are also concerned that the plan might interfere with their intentions to build more offshore wind farms. Even Florida Governor Rick Scott quickly voiced his opposition.

"

In addition to lawmakers and environmentalists, the Pentagon is also worried about the move, according to The Washington Post.
Austin, Texas, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Campus Advantage, a leader in student housing, providing property management, consulting, acquisitions, and development services, today announced it has hired student housing industry expert, David Timmerman, as Vice President of Operations. In this new role, Timmerman will oversee several Campus Advantage third-party managed student housing properties.



Timmerman brings to Campus Advantage more than 23 years of leadership experience in the student housing industry. Most recently, Timmerman served as Regional Vice President at Asset Campus Housing where he was responsible for managing operations of a multi-state portfolio of 6,175 units. Prior to his tenure at Asset Campus Housing, David served in leadership roles with American Campus Communities and Campus Living Villages. His experience includes multi-million dollar budget development and implementation, the creation of and execution on ever-changing marketing campaigns and initiatives, as well as an extensive history of operations management.



I am extremely excited to join the Campus Advantage team and contribute to the companys operations excellence, said Timmerman. I feel very fortunate to be able to work with this dynamic team and to apply my breadth of operations and leadership skills to the Companys industry-leading operational practices.



Davids experience in operations management, along with his strong leadership skills, makes him a perfect fit for the role of Vice President of Operations, said Mike Peter, President and CEO at Campus Advantage. I have no doubt that David will greatly serve Campus Advantage and help us continue to maintain and enhance the level of service we provide our clients.



Timmerman received a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University and a masters degree in Student Personnel in Higher Education from the University of Georgia.



About Campus Advantage

Campus Advantage is an Austin-based real estate firm fostering financially prosperous higher education student housing communities through its management, development, acquisition, and consulting services. Since its founding in 2003, Campus Advantage has been creating successful communities that provide rewarding living, learning, and career experiences, and as a result has become one of the fastest growing private student housing companies in the nation. The companys asset acquisition and management strategies combined with its dedication to residence life and student development has made Campus Advantage the 6th largest student housing owner and 7th largest manager in the United States. Learn more at www.campusadv.com.

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1572fedb-58f8-477e-b69e-380fb6284560
Chang wrote that the events, in which women can feel pressured to participate yet be stigmatized for doing so, are common enough that they're not much of a secret.

MDMA  also known as Ecstasy or Molly  has been a party drug since the psychopharmacologist Alexander "Sasha" Shulgin synthesized and tested it on himself in the 1970s.

Shulgin, known as the "godfather of Ecstasy," was entranced by his testing. He began to advocate MDMA's use in clinical settings, but it soon started turning up in clubs, leading to a widespread ban in 1985.

Once Ecstasy developed a reputation for being adulterated with more dangerous chemicals, people starting asking for "Molly," something they saw as a pure form of the drug.

Here's what we know about what MDMA does to your body and brain.

MDMA was created by the pharmaceutical company Merck in 1912 and is considered an illegal substance in the US with no medical benefit and a high potential for abuse.

Contrary to legend, MDMA was not the first part of an experiment in suppressing the appetites of soldiers in the German army. Merck scientists created the chemical while trying to make a drug that would prevent blood clotting. It was abandoned for a while but had been considered promising because of its similarity to adrenaline.

According to Merck records, it was most likely first tested on humans in 1959 and then started to appear every so often in the 1960s and '70s until Shulgin recreated it and began to push for its use in therapy sessions. The drug's popularity spread.

Nevertheless, the drug remains popular. In the short term, Ecstasy can make you feel good.

In the brain, MDMA amps up the activity of three chemical messengers involved in mood regulation: serotonin, norepinephrine, and, to a lesser extent, dopamine.

Most of our conclusions about the effects of MDMA have focused on serotonin, one of the most widely studied neurotransmitters. In addition to acutely affecting mood, it's thought to affect how we sleep and experience pain.

Small neuroscientific studies of the drug suggest it may help blunt negative feelings about the past while enhancing positive ones  a conclusion that would make sense given its reputation as a "love drug."

For one such study published in the International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, women were alternately given MDMA and a placebo (without knowing which was which) and asked to recall their favorite and least favorite memories of themselves.

When given the MDMA, the women rated their favorite memories as "significantly more vivid, emotionally intense, and positive" and their worst ones as "less negative," the study's authors wrote.

You may also feel more energetic.

While some components of MDMA have psychedelic or sensory-enhancing effects, it also has stimulant properties that users say gives them the energy to dance or engage in vigorous physical activity for hours.

MDMA is at least in part a derivative of amphetamines, giving it those energy-boosting properties.

Your heart rate will increase.

Just like with other stimulants, a dose of MDMA boosts heart rate and can increase blood pressure. Dangerous side effects are much more likely when unknown chemicals (like amphetamines) have been mixed into the pills.

And it might also cause you to feel hot or give you the chills.

Those same energizing effects that boost heart rate and blood pressure also raise body temperature. Some people experience hot flashes or chills on MDMA.

It's possible that people who have taken Ecstasy in a warm place (like a packed club) and spent hours doing vigorous activity without taking time to cool down can experience hyperthermia, a rare side effect that requires medical attention. MDMA use does increase the risk of heat stroke, however.

Dehydration is also a concern in these settings, though some people who use MDMA have harmed themselves by drinking too much water to prevent this  something that can also be dangerous.

Ecstasy enhances sensory experiences, which is why it's often associated with music events and sex.

MDMA not only provides prolonged euphoria, but it enhances sensory experiences like music and physical sensations like touch, people who use it say.

Users may be more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, one small study found.

Ecstasy can amplify what you see, feel, and hear.

Ecstasy is both a stimulant and a psychedelic, meaning it has both energy-raising and hallucinogenic properties.

While it may not induce hallucinations outright, MDMA can seem to amplify or enhance what you see, feel, and hear. Activities like dancing, talking, and touching may appear to further intensify these feelings.

Scientists are studying MDMA's potential to help treat post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychiatric diseases.

Despite MDMA's reputation as a party drug, neuroscientists and psychologists are hard at work studying its potential to help treat psychiatric diseases like post-traumatic stress disorder.

The drug may help people put experiences such as violence or war into perspective, enabling them to move on with their lives in a positive way.

One arm of this research involves studying MDMA use in veterans with PTSD. Study participants are given small doses of the drug alongside traditional talk therapy.

Together, the treatments could help produce faster and more measurable results, people involved in the research say.

"Psychotherapy is painful. It's slow. It's fits and starts; you start to get to something important, and then the patient disappears for a month," Julie Holland, a New York-based psychiatrist who monitors one of these studies, told Business Insider at a recent psychedelic-research conference in London.

"MDMA can act as a catalyst to make the therapy go faster and deeper," Holland said.

But more research is needed before it could be deemed safe by the Food and Drug Administration.

The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies is leading the charge to get MDMA approved for medical use.

The group's efforts passed a major hurdle last summer when the US Food and Drug Administration granted the drug a special designation that could fast-track its approval to treat PTSD.

Because it's still illegal, the Ecstasy bought and sold on the black market is unregulated, meaning it can be adulterated  or mixed with other, cheaper drugs  resulting in a dangerous product that can produce unwanted side effects.

Many case reports cited in the 1990s warning of the drug's producing "holes in your brain," for example, most likely involved adulterated forms instead of pure MDMA.

The effects of a common dose of MDMA can last for up to six hours.

A typical dose of MDMA  80 to 125 milligrams  lasts for three to six hours.

Some people who use it say report having nausea as an MDMA high comes on, but most say they feel relaxation and clarity within about 45 minutes.

The peak high, often referred to as "rolling," comes on within about an hour to 90 minutes after taking the drug.

Most effects subside after three to five hours, but some people can feel the effects for a bit longer.

Your pupils will dilate, and you may become sensitive to light.

Like with other drugs, especially those with psychedelic properties, MDMA often causes pupils to dilate, and people who us it may become sensitive to light.

This effect is caused by the drug rapidly increasing serotonin levels in the brain.

MDMA has also been linked with jaw clenching and teeth grinding.

And like other drugs with stimulant properties, MDMA use can cause people who use it to clench their jaw or grind their teeth, along with increasing their heart rate. This effect is likely worsened by taking adulterated pills.

Your muscles may also feel tense, and some people can faint while on Ecstasy.

While MDMA can make people more likely to engage in physical activity, the stimulant's effects on muscles and perception are varied. Most people's reactions are impaired, some experience restless legs or stiff muscles, and, in rare cases, some have reported fainting.

Some people who use it say that coming down from the drug is accompanied by feelings of sadness or depression.

Preclinical studies suggest that using Molly may temporarily deplete the brain's serotonin stores.

Some people who use MDMA say that after the initial high wears off, they have intense feelings of sadness, anxiety, or even depression that can last from one to three days. Others say it affects their sleeping patterns and appetite as well.
We are taking you through the times when pastors, both foreign and Nigerian, declared their intentions to go into politics.

Here are seven pastors that have run for political office, in no particular order.

Pastor Tunde Bakare

2018 started with a bang when Pastor Tunde Bakare of the Latter Rain Assembly announced his plans to contest for the presidency.

The declaration was made even more interesting by the fact that it came from the pulpit during the new year eves service in Ogba, Lagos.

Bakare said, I heard the Lord say, politics is not over for you, run for president. And (the lord) said to me, Ill work it out myself and make it happen in due course.

Please trust me, I lie not in the Holy Ghost. This is not easy for me to share with you. I share this with you so that you can pray along with me.

It appears destiny is calling and the time is at hand, but who is sufficient for these things? As I hear more, Youd be the first to know by the grace of God.

This declaration got interesting reactions from Nigerians.

Pastor Chris Okotie

Before Bakare, there was Reverend Christopher Oghenebriore Okotie of the Household of God in Oregun, Lagos.

In 2003, he came with the original God said I would be president message, Sadly, this did not work out so well.

Another attempt was made in 2007. Unfortunately, he lost again, this time to the late Yaradua.

Yemi Osinbajo

Oluyemi Oluleke Yemi Osinbajo is currently the vice president of this country.

Before this, he was the Pastor in charge of the Lagos Province 48 (Olive Tree provincial headquarter) of The Redeemed Christian Church of God in Ikoyi.

He insists that he still handles both positions, saying, Just like Pastor Ibitayo has said we are on loan. I am still the pastor-in-charge of Province 48 in Lagos and my wife remains wife of the pastor-in-charge and wife of the Vice President.

This was confirmed again in 2016 after new claims that he has resigned as an RCCG Pastor.

His Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, issued a statement debunking the claim.

After calling this claim misleading and completely baseless, the statement added that Osinbajo is, in fact, the Pastor-in-Charge of RCCG Lagos Province 48, a position he has held in the past three years and in which he continues to serve.

Jesse Jackson

He got into politics when he became active in local civil rights protests in 1966. Jacksons next step was getting ordained as a minister in 1968.

This did not stop him from announcing his campaign for President of the United States on November 3, 1983. Sadly, he lost.

He tried again in 1988, captured 6.9 million votes and won 11 contests.

Pat Robertson

Pat was born Marion Gordon Robertson. As a young man, he was ordained as a minister of the Southern Baptist Convention in 1961.

Years later, he decided to switch paths by running for the presidency in September 1986.

During his campaign, he handed over his ministerial credentials. He eventually lost to George H. W. Bush.

He dabbled in politics again in 2012 when he gave a prophecy concerning the presidential elections.

On January 4, 2012, Robertson said he had received a revelation from God saying He showed me the next president.

President Obama ended up winning even though Robertson had said that God told him Obamas views were at odds with the majority.

Walter E. Fauntroy

Fauntroy is an interesting character. Like Osinbajo, he actually succeeded in having both a religious and political career.

He was a pastor of the New Bethel Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., a candidate for the 1972 and 1976 Democratic presidential nominations.

Fauntroy was also a Democratic delegate to the House of Representatives. He gave up his seat in Congress to run for mayor of Washington in 1990.

When he failed, he simply returned to full-time ministry after telling the Washington Post: I put together a very careful and thorough plan, but unfortunately that never got over. But I believe that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord.

Canaan Banana

Unlike most people on this list, Banana actually succeeded in becoming a president. He served as the first President of Zimbabwe from 18 April 1980 until 31 December 1987.
It was a nationwide agitation that brought the National Union of Nigeria Students (NUNS) into an open confrontation with the Olusegun Obasanjo led Military government and the stern looking men of the Nigerian Army.

The bloody episode which popularized the power of Nigerian students started in April 1978, when the government asked the students to make more contributions by adding 50K to their cost of meal per day.

The increment meant that their cost of meal would rise from N1.50 to N2.00.

The then Minister of Education, Ahmadu Ali was at the centre of the matter until everything collapsed on his head.

Following the announcement, which didn't go down well with the National Union of Nigeria Students, Segun Okeowo, the then president of the union made a move to address the issue.

The students held a meeting in Maiduguri, Ilorin and finally in Calabar before taking a bold step to challenge the military government on the increment.

All along, Ali was trying to make the students believe that the increment was made by the Supreme Military Council and not by the Ministry of Education.

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However, when the NUNS realized the government was not willing to reverse its decision, they resorted to demonstration and that was the moment things began to fall apart.

And the Police fired the first shot

The first day of the protest brought the students and the Police face to face at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). A student was fired in the leg and bled to death because Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and Orthopedic hospital, Igbobi refused to treat him.

That infuriated Okeowo, the national students union president who immediately sent a message to his counterparts at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and the University of Ibadan and other Federal Universities.

The students' protests escalated and for over a week, they engaged themselves in an open confrontation with the Police and the Army.

Touched by the incident the student shot dead by the police in UNILAG, the students, went on a rampage and about eight other students were reportedly gunned down in Zaria by Nigerian soldiers.

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The murder of the students caused more problems for the government as the students refused to be cowed by the gun-wielding murderers sent to put the situation under control.

The protest slogan, ALI MUST GO rent the air as the Minister of Education was believed to be the cause of the crisis that led to the students' deaths.

After one week of the nationwide protest, the Federal Government shut down all universities and students were advised to leave the campus.

The Segun Okeowo led students union and the ALI MUST GO saga remains a notable students led aluta in Nigeria.

In fact, the history of students unionism in Nigeria will largely be incomplete without mentioning Segun Okeowo and the infamous protest that demonstrated the strength of Nigerian students.
A video shared by AFP News revealed adherents of the doctrine display some dancing rites before their leaders got down to the business of disclosing what to be expected.

The gathering which saw a mixture of people of African and Hispanic origins also offered cheerful choruses to stir up the mood.

"The 'babalawos' write a 'Letter of the Year' containing prophesies for their followers," a report by AFP revealed.

In the visuals, a group of men mostly dressed in white-coloured outfits spoke about their intentions concerning the anticipated predictions.

ALSO READ: Pastor Adeboye says this year will bring rays of hope

A black man named Lazaro Cuesta held out a paper and offered these comments:

"The Letter of the Year is not political. It does not take sides,

"The Letter of the Year doesn't speak to one person in particular. It speaks to everyone," he said.

Cuesta, who is the Vice-President of the Cultural Association Yoruba of Cuba (CAYC), talked about anticipated challenges in Agriculture due to low soil fertility.

"In the ruling sign this year, Osa She is very serious problem of mother earth by low soil fertility, low call human resources to this sector and the rush that is introduced into the ecology level world."

Speaking concerning the rising horrors in respect to a declining environment, he added, "the abundance of today will become tomorrow's shortage."

What is Santeria?

The religion Santeria, also known as La Regla de Ifa, is a doctrine that started in Spanish territories among people of West African origin.

According to Wikipedia, it means "worship of saints" and is connected with Roman Catholicism.

Its sacred language referred to as Lumini, is a variety of Yoruba.

The belief system of the doctrine entails a fusion of Yoruba religion which was introduced by enslaved Yoruba people, combined with Christianity and the practices of the native Americans.

Santeria was born based on a desire to protect the traditions of the races involved in a new cultural environment which happened to be Cuba at the time.
The community influencer quit a 27-year-old job as a secretary at a school located in Zomba, a southern Malawi district.

A report published by Al Jazeera described her as one who is invested in nurturing her hospitable personality - a factor that will have her demand that her visitors enjoy a meal before discussing the purpose of their journey.

Based on this incredible image, a position that will ensure an end to a social worm that have seen young girls submit to early marriages was perhaps the most ideal for her and that is what she got according to Al Jazeera.

Her Monkey Bay community had appointed her a chief because she was "good with people". It seemed like an impossible and unbelievable privilege for Kachindamoto who was the least favourite to assume that position among her siblings.

After going through the traditional rites that accompanies such a role, the woman resumed to her leadership post to the shock of child marriages.

According to reports, she discovered girls as young as 12 years old having babies as well as their teenage husbands.

This prompted her to take measures aimed at eradicating a problem which had her announcing to the subjects that she wasn't going to allow their lifestyle to continue.

"I told them: 'Whether you like it or not, I want these marriages to be terminated.'," Kachindamoto was reported to have said.

Her intense pursuit of the cause has the support of the government whose parliament had passed a law discouraging Malawi girls from marrying before the age of 18.

In the year 2012, a survey conducted by the United Nations ranked "Malawi 8th out of 20 countries thought to have the highest child-marriage rates in the world", Al Jazeera mentioned in its report.

A member of a mothers group in the village of Chimoya, located in Dedza district, Emilida Misomali, thinks the motivation behind the early marriages in the community is based on the weak financial strength of its residents.

This has made most parents in the environment insist on giving out their daughters.

The long arm of the law has failed to reach those in rural communities who appeared to have gladly indulged themselves in the oversight.

"Most of them say 'It's better that she gets married. We can't afford to keep her ... she will make us poorer'," says Misomali while describing the mentality of the parents.

Child marriage in Nigeria

The child bride pandemic appears to be an Africa-wide affair.

Some cultures in Nigeria are known for supporting unions between an older man and a child.

A civil Nigerian society however has no love for such a relationship.

The desire to have it removed introduced the #ChildNotBride campaign which saw public protests against the practice.

Part of the demands of the participants included ensuring that the Nigerian Senate make a law that will make it punishable to marry a girl who has not clocked 18.
PROVO, Utah, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Daplie; on a mission to challenge the status quo for centralized cloud storage services and take back citizens Internet privacy, digital ownership, and control of personal information, today announced the worldwide debut of Daplie Connect, the world's first home server for everyone at CES 2018. Daplie will be on-display in booth #52342 in Eureka Park throughout CES, which takes place January 7-12, 2018 in Las Vegas.



Daplie allows consumers to take back their Internet privacy, digital ownership, and control of their personal data and information and keep it secure and private on servers they control and manage in their home or office and share with people and devices, including smart home devices, without relinquishing ownership, control, or privacy  a true industry first. Daplie executives will be onsite to discuss Connect and other new Daplie hardware solutions for homes, businesses, smart devices, and emerging distributed technologies such as blockchain.

CES LOGISTICS:

1. CES Unveiled Shorelines Exhibit Hall, Mandalay Bay Sunday, January 7, 2018 5 p.m.  8:30 p.m. 2. CES 2018  Eureka Park Sands Convention Center Tuesday, January 9  Friday, January 12, 2018 Hall G Booth #: 52342

MEET DAPLIE CONNECT:

Daplie Connect is an at-home, plug-and-play omnipresent home server and cloud storage system allowing users to host websites, apps, and email; store documents, music, videos, and photos; ensure social privacy; manage smart home and IoT and more  all with one upfront investment and no monthly fees.

Out of the box, Daplie is ready to go in a matter of minutes with one simple plug and an automated setup process handled by its companion app. Users can easily grant and revoke data access to family and friends at will, and with Daplies end-to-end encryption, users are better protected from hacks and threats against their digital assets. With its stackable Daplie Storage drives, users can store up to 8TB of data without the hassle of extra cords. Daplie takes the power away from behemoth corporations like Google, Apple, Verizon, and Amazon and gives it back to freedom fighters who want to own and control their digital lives.

Daplie executives will also be discussing the Companys soon-to-close second funding campaign via Wefunder. The Companys first round was oversubscribed having to turn away over 300 investors. Both accredited and non-accredited investors may participate in the current Wefunder campaign through January 19, 2018. For more information on how to invest visit https://wefunder.com/daplie.

PRODUCTS & PRICING

Daplie Connect: 2GB RAM, Multi-Core ARM CPU, 2X USB ports, 2X Ethernet, 5v power (20 w max.). Dimensions: 140mm wide x 30mm tall, 23 ounces. MSRP $295.

Daplie Life Storage Drive: 2TB capacity. MSRP $149.

Daplie Connect + Life: Daplie Connect server + (1) 2TB Daplie Life drive. Max of 4 stackable storage drivers per server (8 TB total). MSRP $399.

AVAILABILITY

Daplie will begin product shipments of its Daplie Connect home server system to its pre-order customers starting in April 2018. The Company also reiterated its Q3 2018 ship date guidance for general availability worldwide.

ABOUT DAPLIE CONNECT

Daplie Connect downloads all your digital content from your phone, tablet, computer, and other cloud storage services to a physical unit you keep at home, or even a network of Daplie Connect devices you trust. Through the app or using a private domain name (i.e. smithfamily.net); you have access to all your content, on any device, on any platform, from anywhere. No monthly fees, no restrictions, just the freedom to use the Internet on your terms, not somebody elses. Now in the final stages of development and testing, the flagship product Connect is affordable, simpler to use than Dropbox, and fully automated.

DAPLIE IS INTERNET FREEDOM

With Daplie you are free from surveillance. Free to safely and conveniently file share. Free to access your data from any device across any platform. Free from monthly rent and the hassles of multiple clouds. Free from the restrictions of big cloud dictatorship. Free to imagine: your own social network, a family shared system, small business solutions, hosting your own website, decentralized applications. With Daplie, the possibilities are endless. For more information please visit www.daplie.com.

Media Contact:

Susan Donahue for Daplie

Skyya

Susan.Donahue@skyya.com

646-454-9378
As is the norm at Pulse, we took a fine tooth-comb to the president's January, 1, 2018 address and found the following flaws....

1. Buhari didnt take responsibility for the petrol queues

Supply gaps in the petrol value chain first became queues in the first week of December 2017. The governments immediate reaction was to dismiss the crisis as panic buying.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its GMD, Maikanti Baru, blamed panic buying for the apparent petrol shortages across the country.

As December tapered into Christmas, the queues grew even longer and petrol became unavailable at most gas stations.

Buhari is substantive minister of petroleum. The buck stops on his desk and he should be shouldering the blame for the scarcity of petrol during the yuletide.

In his New Year message, the president deflected blame to marketers and refused to take responsibility.

According to the President; I am saddened to acknowledge that for many, this Christmas and New Year holidays have been anything but merry and happy. Instead of showing love, companionship and charity, some of our compatriots chose this period to inflict severe hardship on us all by creating unnecessary fuel scarcity across the country.

"The consequence was that not many could travel and the few who did had to pay exorbitant transport fares. This is unacceptable given that NNPC had taken measures to ensure availability at all depots. I am determined to get to the root of this collective blackmail of all Nigerians and ensure that whichever groups are behind this manipulated hardship will be prevented from doing so again.

Such unpatriotism will not divert the administration from the course we have set ourselves.

Who were these compatriots who chose to inflict severe hardship on us all? Who were these unpatriotic Nigerians so powerful they held a whole nation to ransom during the festive season?

If Buhari couldn't tackle these nameless guys before the crisis went into overdrive; if the petroleum minister sat pretty whilst a bunch of marketers messed up his ministry and his people and ruined their Christmas for good, of what use is he?

Buhari was supposed to be the tough guy who wouldnt allow anyone hold him to ransom.

And how come the administration didnt tackle the crisis headlong until Nigerians could no longer find petrol to buy?

What if Buharis New Year script had contained the following words: As Petroleum Resources Minister and C-in-C, I take full responsibility for the petrol scarcity which ensured that this Christmas and New Year holidays have been anything but merry and happy for Nigerians. We promise that this wont happen again under my watch.

What if he had muttered those lines passionately while looking directly into the cameras?

Well, he didnt.

In his New Year message to millions of Nigerians, the president missed a golden opportunity to earn another leadership epaulet.

2. Buhari shouldnt have called Nigerians impatient

There are no people on earth as patient and tolerant of inept leadership as Nigerians.

For years, Nigerians have endured poor and rudderless leadership from the elite; for years; Nigerians have been pushed to walls and scorned; for years, Nigerians have had no decent road surfaces to drive on; for decades, Nigerians have taken suffering and economic hardship on the chin, mouthing the religious cliche one day, e go beta, while flocking to churches to seek for a change in their fortunes.

The average Nigerian is the very definition of patience. He's been bruised and battered by government, but he trudges on with his hustle no less.

However, his president doesnt think so. He gives him no props for his longsuffering.

We Nigerians can be very impatient and want to improve our conditions faster than may be possible considering our resources and capabilities. When all the aggregates of nationwide opinions are considered, my firm view is that our problems are more to do with process than structure, Buhari said on New Years day.

It was a most insensitive and tone-deaf thing to say in whatever context, on the first day of the year.

3. No mention of ghost employees in federal agencies

President Buhari addressed the nation just hours after his administration was pilloried and bashed for appointing as many as eight dead persons into federal agencies.

Yet there was no space in Buharis speech for a gaffe that should thoroughly embarrass the presidency.

The president could have used the opportunity of his nationwide broadcast to apologise for the error and explain why it happened.

But he didnt.

4. Buhari doesnt believe in restructuring and that's sad

Hopes of restructuring the Nigerian federation under Buhari, perished on January 1, 2018.

Long live restructuring as a concept or policy proposition while Buhari remains the nations number one citizen.

In Buharis words: In respect of political developments, I have kept a close watch on the on-going debate about Restructuring.

When all the aggregates of nationwide opinions are considered, my firm view is that our problems are more to do with process than structure.

"We tried the parliamentary system: we jettisoned it. Now there are shrill cries for a return to the parliamentary structure. In older democracies, these systems took centuries to evolve so we cannot expect a copied system to fit neatly our purposes.

Exactly how not to kill an idea whose time has come.
The governor made the appeal at the launch of Emblem for the Appeal Week in commemoration of the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day held in Ibadan on Thursday.

Ajimobi, who was represented by his Deputy, Chief Moses Adeyemo, said the state government would continue to support activities of the Nigerian Legion.

He added that our administration will continue to support activities of Nigerian Legion, especially in those viable projects meant for the dependants of fallen heroes.

Nigeria, being a prominent member of the global body, found herself involved in many peace keeping missions within and beyond the borders of Africa.

It is on record that many of our soldiers lost their lives in these exercises, leaving a lot of responsibilities for their unprepared families.

I appeal to public-spirited individuals, industrialists, commercial firms, organisations, philanthropists and all to donate generously to the Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem Appeal Week Fund.

The gesture will assist people living with disabilities, less privileged ex-servicemen and women. Nothing is too little for the families of our fallen heroes and heroines.

Ajimobi applauded the efforts of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari and the military in combating insurgency in the North East of the country.

The governor also commended the legion in the state for imitating various relief packages designed to make legionnaires and their dependants self-sustaining.

Mrs Folake Oshunkoya, the states Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, appealed to Nigerians to spare a thought for the widows and dependants of the fallen heroes.

She also applauded the efforts of the Nigerian Legion and the widows for keeping their family together.

Earlier, Deacon Michael Fajimi, the state Chairman, Nigerian Legion, said the celebration was a day for sober reflection by all and sundry.

Fajimi said any amount given to the veterans and fallen heroes should be seen as a wise spending in the right direction.

He appreciated the state government for its untiring support to the Nigerian Legion in the state.
The anti-graft agency often comes in for plenty of stick from opposition elements and pundits alike; for making a mess of its anti-corruption cases in courts and embarking on 'witch-hunts' in the name of reining in allegedly corrupt persons.

However, in a tweet posted on January 4, 2018, the EFCC claims its 189 convictions secured in a calendar year, is a milestone in the war against corruption in Nigeria.

The breakdown was given as follows:

Abuja - 43

Enugu - 13

Gombe - 10

Kaduna - 1

Kano - 33

Lagos - 61

Maiduguri - 1

Port-Harcourt - 27
The petition signed by the President of the CSO, Abubakar Abdulsalam, alleged that the officer, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, committed the offence on Nov. 23, 2017.

It indicated that the police officer, while in charge of Safer Highways Patrol Team, arrested the farmers who were working on their farms at the outskirts of Gombi town, tied and shot them to death.

The petition further alleged that the same officer had on April 30, 2016, while in charge of a police outpost in Kem village, Shelleng Local Government area of the state, killed four people suspected of committing robbery.

We as a concerned organization consider the act of the suspect (policeman) as an act against the provision of the Constitution and infringement on the fundamental rights of the people in question.

If such act is not checked it will continue to spread like wild fire and eventually Nigeria will be unsafe for its citizens, it added.
Ogbeh condoled with the deceased families across the country in a statement issued by Mrs Oluwakemi Ogunmakinwa, on behalf of the Director of Information in the ministry, on Thursday in Abuja.

The minister described the killings as extremely disturbing.

According to him, we entered the New Year with hope, prayers but it has turned out now that across the country from Kaduna, Rivers, Benue, and Kwara states is nothing but a harvest of deaths.

We believe that some of the killings have to do with clashes between herdsmen and farmers.

This is just to express sadness at the continued spate of killings across the country.

The killings are extremely disturbing and we do not know how a country can hope to enjoy happiness and fruits of Gods blessings when people engage so violently in hurting each other.

I express condolences to those who have lost their beloved ones.

The minister expressed optimism that current efforts by the government to grow the economy of the country, would help to reduce the clashes.

We do hope, however, that as the economy grows and people get busier, this degree of desperation, anger and venom will definitely decline.

We are sad and we do pray that every Nigerian will continue to pray to God to bring us freedom and relief from this situation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that gunmen suspected to be herdsmen invaded Guma and Logo Local Government Areas of Benue on Jan.1, and attacked members of the communities.

Gov. Samuel Ortom had on Jan. 2, told newsmen that no fewer than 20 persons were killed in the mayhem.
The Head, Press and Public Relations of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mr Josiah Emerole, made this known in a statement in Abuja.

Emerole explained that the delegation was led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama.

Others members are the Director-General, NAPTIP, Julie Okah-Donli, and Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Senior Special Assistant to the President of Diaspora Matters, he said.

He said that the delegation departed the Presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Wednesday at 9:20a.m on-board the Nigeria Air Force Flight N5FGS.

He said that they would also engage the Libyan Authorities, Nigerian officials and Nigeria citizens living there, as well as International organisations working on migration issues in Libya.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that following reports of the enslavement of Nigerian Migrants in Libya, President Muhammadu Buhari ordered the evacuation of all Nigerians trapped in the country back home.

The President also set up a team led by the Foreign Affairs Minister to work out modalities for carrying out the mass evacuation.

Since then, some high level meetings have been held among various Federal Government Agencies with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, presiding.

Emerole quoted the NAPTIPs Director-General as saying that, the Agency is ready to assist victims of human trafficking who will be returning to Nigeria to get properly reintegrated back into the Nigerian Society.

Our Counsellors are fully ready to receive the returnees and give them the needed psycho-social assistance for proper reintegration into the society.

We will also help them with all the necessary tools to sustain themselves including vocational training and education assistance.

This will be done with assistance from Government, Corporate bodies and the international organisations.
The acting Governor of the state, Malam Ibrahim Wakkala, made the call at the opening ceremony of the 21st State Annual Quran Recitation Competition in Gusau on Thursday.

Wakkala, who described Zamfara as the best state in Quran tajjawid and memorisation in the country and even beyond, stressed that the Holy Quran was not a book that people could toy with anyhow.

He said it was a book that contained complete way and ways of mans life and everything on earth as ordained by Almighty Allah and as such, the Holy Quran should be securely kept at a clean place.

He said the state recently emerged overall winner at the international Quran recitation competition held in Saudi Arabia.

He, therefore, urged scholars to educate people on the importance of glorifying the Holy Quran.

He urged the recitation contestants to be God fearing and hard working so that both their locality and state would be proud of them.
North and South Korea earlier Wednesday reopened the communication channel that had been shut since 2016, following an offer from North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un to send a team to next month's Winter Olympics in South Korea.

"It is always a positive development to have a dialogue between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea," said UN spokesman Farhan Haq.

Guterres "welcomes the reopening of the inter-Korean communication channel," he added.

UN Security Council resolutions call for the de-nuclearization of the Korean peninsula and "we hope that enhanced diplomatic initiatives will help to achieve that goal," said Haq.

South Korea has offered to hold talks with the North on January 9 to discuss "matters of mutual interest" including the North's Olympic participation.

Guterres' support for inter-Korean dialogue stood in contrast to remarks from US Ambassador Nikki Haley, who on Tuesday dismissed the overtures between Pyongyang and Seoul as a "Band-Aid".

The United States, backed by Japan, is pushing for sanctions and total isolation of Kim's regime in response to a series of missile launches and nuclear tests.

Russia, and North Korea's sole major ally China, have repeatedly called for talks to de-escalate tensions, but the United States has been adamant that Pyongyang must first freeze its military programs.

Haley warned on Tuesday that if Pyongyang carries out another missile test, it would face the likelihood of even more sanctions.
The electricity payments have been a key issue in ongoing efforts at reconciliation between Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip, and Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas's Fatah.

A cut in PA payments to Israel to supply power to Gaza in June reduced the amount being delivered to the Palestinian territory by some 50 megawatts. Many residents had been left with around four hours of electricity per day as a result.

The restoration of the 50 megawatts will return the Gaza Strip to the situation it faced before June, when public mains electricity was supplied to residents in eight-hour cycles.

Businesses and residents in the Gaza Strip who can afford them use generators to supplement electricity supply.

Announcing the reversal, the PA government said Wednesday it "took this decision to ease the hardships faced by Gaza residents."

The cut came as part of measures taken by Abbas to pressure Hamas after the Islamist movement created what was seen as a shadow government in the Gaza Strip.

Israel had not commented on the PA's decision or confirmed when it could begin restoring the power cut.

The UN envoy for the Middle East peace process, Nickolay Mladenov, called the PA's decision "a positive development that should ease the humanitarian situation in Gaza and increase the chances of returning the strip under the control of the Palestinian Authority."

Israeli NGO Gisha, which monitors humanitarian conditions in Gaza, also welcomed the PA decision, but said more must be done.

"Even if supply is restored, much more needs to be done to meet actual demand for electricity," it said.

"Israel must cooperate to solve the ongoing electricity crisis in the strip."

Hamas and Fatah signed a landmark reconciliation accord in Cairo in October aiming to end their decade-long feud and hand power in the Gaza Strip back to the Palestinian Authority.

Reconciliation efforts however later stalled and the rival factions missed a December deadline to transfer power in Gaza.
English French

Bureau Veritas acquires

Lubrication Management SL from IK4-TEKNIKER in Spain

The acquisition further expands the Group's global footprint of

oil condition monitoring laboratories

Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, January 4, 2018 - Bureau Veritas, a global leader in testing, inspection and certification services, announced today that it has acquired a majority shareholding in Lubrication Management SL (previously the industrial oil analysis Business Unit of IK4-TEKNIKER), a European oil analysis leader. The laboratory, near Bilbao, Spain, will form the European hub for Bureau Veritas' global network of oil condition monitoring laboratories.

Founded in 1981, IK4-Tekniker has built a world renowned reputation for lubrication services in industrial markets. The Lubrication Management division has 26 employees and generated around EUR 4 million revenues in 2017.

The experience and platforms developed by Lubrication Management SL for the wind turbine oil, transformer oil and grease analysis markets complement well Bureau Veritas' existing expertise in oil condition monitoring. Bureau Veritas and IK4-Tekniker plan to continue a strategic partnership focused on research and development for machinery condition monitoring.

"Bureau Veritas' ambition is to be recognized as a global leading player for oil condition monitoring by 2020. This acquisition is an important milestone in the development of our OPEX strategy", said Didier Michaud-Daniel, Chief Executive Officer of Bureau Veritas. "Lubrication Management reinforces our focus on the development of value added services and data management aimed at maximizing customers' operational performance."

"This is an exciting new phase for Lubrication Management as our core values of quality, service excellence and technical expertise are shared by both companies," said Jesus Terradillos, Director of Technological Services at Lubrication Management SL - IK4-TEKNIKER. "Our customers can look forward to continued expertise and excellent customer service, supported by a global company that is synonymous with high quality, professionalism and integrity."

About Bureau Veritas Bureau Veritas is a world leader in laboratory testing, inspection and certification services. Created in 1828, the Group has 74,000 employees located in 1,400 offices and laboratories around the globe. Bureau Veritas helps its clients improve their performance by offering services and innovative solutions in order to ensure that their assets, products, infrastructure and processes meet standards and regulations in terms of quality, health and safety, environmental protection and social responsibility.

Bureau Veritas is listed on Euronext Paris and belongs to the Next 20 index.

Compartment A, ISIN code FR 0006174348, stock symbol: BVI.

For more information, visit www.bureauveritas.com
TVGE, the official news channel in the tiny west African nation, said security forces had killed "a mercenary... and used gunfire to disperse them (others) in the forests along the border".

The report did not mention how many "mercenaries" were involved or for how long clashes lasted.

Hours earlier, Security Minister Nicolas Obama Nchama told public radio that the country had thwarted a "coup" in December that was aimed at toppling Obiang, Africa's longest serving president.

"Mercenaries... were recruited by Equatorial Guinean militants from certain radical opposition parties with the support of certain powers," he said.

The plot had been prevented thanks to an operation carried out "in collaboration with the Cameroon security services", Obama said.

The announcement came after Cameroon on December 27 arrested 38 heavily-armed men on the border with the tiny state.

Two days later, Equatorial Guinea's ambassador to France, Miguel Oyono Ndong Mifumu, referred to the incident as an "invasion and destabilisation attempt".

The suspects, taken into custody in a bus on the border, had rocket launchers, rifles and a stockpile of ammunition, according to his office.

On Saturday, the 75-year-old Obiang said "a war" was being prepared against his regime, "because they say I have spent a lot of time in power".

Obiang has been president for more than 38 years.

He took power in a coup on August 3, 1979, ousting his own uncle, Francisco Macias Nguema, who was shot by firing squad. He was re-elected to a fifth seven-year term in 2016.

Equatorial Guinea is one of sub-Sahara's biggest oil producers but a large proportion of its 1.2 million population still lives in poverty.
"There were a maximum of 1,500 people in each place and the number of trouble-makers did not exceed 15,000 people nationwide," he said on the Guards' website.

"A large number of the trouble-makers at the centre of the sedition, who received training from counter-revolutionaries... have been arrested and there will be firm action against them."

Jafari said the Guards, a parallel security force directly loyal to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, only intervened "in a limited way" in the provinces of Isfahan, Lorestan and Hamedan.

Protests over economic problems broke out in second city Mashhad on December 28 and quickly spread across the country, turning against the regime as a whole.

A total of 21 people have died in the unrest, with protesters attacking government buildings and police stations in some areas.

"The counter-revolutionaries intervened massively on social media," Jafari said.

He said thousands were based abroad and trained by the United States, while internal "monarchists" and supporters of the exiled People's Mujahideen opposition group were also involved.

"The lack of action" by Iranian officials to shut down online supporters of the unrest had "reinforced the troubles", he said.
A jury found Mehmet Hakan Atilla, deputy chief executive of Turkish lender Halkbank, guilty of five counts of bank fraud and conspiracy.

The federal trial hinged on the testimony of well-connected Turkish-Iranian businessman Reza Zarrab, who became a government witness after admitting his involvement in the multi-billion-dollar gold-for-oil scheme to subvert US economic sanctions against Iran.

His testimony implicated former Turkish ministers and even President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the scheme, and identified 47-year-old Atilla as a key organizer

Zarrab, a prominent gold trader, agreed to testify after striking a deal to plead guilty to violating US sanctions.

Before the trial, Erdogan reportedly pressed US President Donald Trump to quell the investigation and strongly criticized Washington, calling the case a "plot" aimed at hurting Turkey.

Acting US Attorney Joon Kim said the case was a warning to anyone who would violate US sanctions.

"Foreign banks and bankers have a choice: You can choose willfully to help Iran and other sanctioned nations evade US law, or you can choose to be part of the international banking community transacting in US dollars. But you can't do both," Kim said in a statement.
Diego Nieto's departure, confirmed to AFP by a ministry official, comes after the culture minister Salvador del Solar resigned. The head of the country's public broadcaster has also quit.

The political turmoil follows street protests triggered by Kuczynski's December 24 pardon.

Fujimori, 79, had been imprisoned for more than a decade, serving a 25-year sentence for commanding death squads and other brutality during his 1990-2000 rule.

He is currently in a clinic, where he was transferred after suffering low blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat. His family posted a video of him pleading for forgiveness from the Peruvian people.

The pardon is being viewed by many in Peru as a reward by Kuczynski to Fujimori's family, after Fujimori's son Kenji, a lawmaker, drained votes away from an impeachment vote in Congress against the president, who is being investigated for possible corruption.

Kuczynski barely survived the impeachment vote, but the center-right leader, a former Wall Street banker, remains weakened in power, with the opposition in charge of congress.

Nieto's resignation had been rumored for days, with he and Kuczynski said to be at odds over the pardon.

The defense minister was absent at the swearing-in of the country's new interior minister a week ago, with his explanation that we was unwell unconvincing to some.

Nieto, a leftwing politician, had previously been culture minister.

Lawmakers had scrutinized the president for allegedly lying to cover up his ties to Odebrecht, a giant Brazilian construction company that has admitted to paying bribes to officials across Latin America to secure public works contracts.

After initial denials, Kuczynski in December admitted he had taken money from Odebrecht for what he and the Brazilian company insisted were legitimate consulting fees. He denies any wrongdoing.

The money was received between 2004 and 2013, a period during part of which Kuczynski was economy minister and head of cabinet for then-president Alejandro Toledo.
"As darkness fell, the Hmeimim air base was subjected to sudden mortar shelling from a mobile group of militants. As a result of the shelling, two servicemen were killed," the defence ministry said in a statement to Russian news agencies.

Security around the Hmeimim base was being stepped up after the mortar attack, the ministry added.

The Kommersant business daily reported seven military planes had been "practically destroyed" in the attack, citing two military-diplomatic sources, but the ministry said the report was "fake".

The news comes a day after the ministry announced a Russian helicopter crash in Syria that killed two pilots following a technical fault, also on 31 December.

Russian President Vladimir Putin made a surprise visit to Syria last month where he ordered the start of a pullout of Russian troops, saying their task in the war-torn country had been largely completed.

Three battalions of military police and officers from the Russian Center for Reconciliation would remain in Syria, as well as two Russian bases, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on a subsequent trip.

Russia became involved in the multi-front conflict in September 2015, when it began an aerial campaign in support of President Bashar al-Assad's military.
European leaders have largely stuck to bland expressions of concern as the demonstrations have spiralled into unrest that has left at least 21 people dead -- far from Trump's outspoken tweets against a "brutal and corrupt" regime.

Trump, who considers the Islamic Republic his enemy number one in the Middle East, on Wednesday promised unspecified support for Iranians trying to "take back" their government -- ignoring warnings that his intervention could backfire.

In contrast, the European Union -- which has been normalising ties with Tehran since the nuclear deal sealed in 2015 -- issued a carefully worded statement mourning the loss of life and calling for "all concerned to refrain from violence".

Berlin called for the regime to respond to the protests "through dialogue", urging Tehran to "respect freedom of assembly and expression".

French President Emmanuel Macron, a key defender of the historic Iranian nuclear deal in the face of Trump's opposition, telephoned his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani calling for "restraint".

A visit by French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian to Tehran was due in the coming days but has been put back due to the delicacy of the situation.

Britain's reaction, meanwhile, has been limited to a call for "meaningful debate" over the protesters' complaints, with Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson saying: "The UK is watching events in Iran closely."

Protests over high living costs and other economic problems started on December 28 before turning against the regime as a whole.

But on Wednesday, as tens of thousands of regime supporters rallied, analysts said Europe was banking on the anti-government protests coming to little.

"The European position is certainly less advantageous in terms of public opinion, but it is wiser," said Francois Nicoullaud, a former French ambassador to Iran.

"What is happening in Iran is an expression of deep suffering but without a structure or programme, its chances of success are very limited," he added.

"In a serious clash with the regime, it would be crushed."

'Oil on the fire'

The EU regards the hard-won nuclear deal as the best chance of stopping Tehran from getting its hands on a nuclear bomb -- unlike Trump, who has left the accord's fate up to Congress.

Some have warned his rhetoric on the protests could backfire by lending ammunition to Iranian hardliners looking for evidence that the West is out to get them.

"It would be unwise for the West, and especially for President Trump, to egg on the protesters, as this could rally the hardliners," Britain's Times newspaper wrote on Monday.

"Better to wait and watch a flawed regime unravel in its own contradictions."

Thierry Coville, an Iran specialist at French think-tank Iris, said Europe's business interests were at play, as well as concerns that Tehran should be handled carefully due to its involvement in Syria, Yemen and beyond.

"Before the economic sanctions against Iran, the EU was this country's most important commercial partner," he said.

"And on a diplomatic level, Iran is a key player in multiple regional crises. All this contributes to the idea in Europe that we need to maintain normalised relations with Tehran," he added.

"The European reaction must be seen in this context."
It added that he had undergone medical examinations to guarantee his health was "stable" for the transfer.

He was handed over to Mexican agents in a hangar in Panama's Tocumen international airport after being brought there in a bus from where he had been kept at police headquarters. Mexico dispatched a government plane to fly him out.

Borge, 38, had exhausted legal efforts in Panama to slow the extradition process as he was kept in custody. He was arrested June 4 in Panama when he tried to board a flight to Paris.

The Panamanian government on December 14 gave final approval to his extradition, three days after the Supreme Court dismissed his final appeal.

He is accused in Mexico of selling state-owned real estate at one percent of its market value. The charges against him include corruption, fraud, money laundering and involvement in organized crime.

He governed Quintana Roo, which features many of Mexico's most famous Caribbean beaches, from 2011 to 2016 for Mexico's ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI).
He was apparently referring to the PMOI, also known as the Mojahedin-e-Khalq, which for years was designated a "terrorist" group by the West.

Emergence in Iran

The PMOI was founded in 1965 after a split within the nationalist Liberation Movement of Iran (LMI), led by Mehdi Bazargan, who became the first prime minister after the Iranian revolution.

It was founded to fight Iran's royalist regime and most of its founding members died in the prisons of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

With Marxist leanings and describing itself as belonging to "democratic and secular Islam," the group has subsequently sought to overthrow the country's current Islamic republic.

After a brief period as a legal organisation with the Islamic revolution of 1979, the group was outlawed by Iran in 1981 after a severe crackdown on one of its demonstrations, which it says was peaceful.

In June of that year, a bomb attack in Iran which killed 74 people including Ayatollah Beheshti, the regime's number two, was blamed on the Mojahedin by the authorities. The group never claimed the attack, while it had claimed others.

Driven into exile

The Mojahedin took on the regime, which responded with repression, with thousands of its members being killed. Those who survived were chased from Iran.

They found refuge throughout the world, particularly in France, where leader Massoud Rajavi created the National Council of Resistance of Iran.

He was expelled from France in 1986 under a policy of rapprochement with Iran.

The Mojahedin then set up in Iraq at the height of the war with Iran, fighting alongside Saddam Hussein's troops, which led to them being declared "traitors" by Tehran.

The Council in France has been led since 1989 by Rajavi's wife Maryam Rajavi.

The organisation has often been compared by detractors to a sect, with the leading couple its gurus. Maryam Rajavi was officially named the Council's leader in 1993.

Its fighters claimed several operations in Iran, including against oil installations in 1993, and they were blamed for dozens of murders.

Driven from Iraq

In Iraq, after Saddam was toppled in 2003 the Mojahedin were officially disarmed and regrouped in the Ashraf camp to the northeast of Baghdad.

It became the PMOI's biggest base in exile housing up to 3,500 people.

In February 2012 they accepted to leave the camp to settle near to Baghdad before leaving Iraq for Albania at the request of the US and UN in May 2013.

In 2003 Maryam Rajavi was among 160 people arrested and then freed in France after two weeks of protests by her supporters, marked by two people setting themselves on fire.

A vast judicial probe into suspected terrorist activities was ended without charges in September 2014.

The European Union in January 2009 struck the Mojahedin from its list of terrorist organisations, where it had been since May 2002. The United States did the same in September 2012.
Washington, D.C., Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ambassador John Bolton announced today that the John Bolton SuperPAC will launch the first phase of a projected million-dollar advertisement campaign in support of Kevin Nicholson for U.S. Senate in Wisconsin. The ad campaign - which will be on television, online and radio - will run in the Green Bay, Wisconsin, market and last roughly three weeks, from January 4th to January 19th.

The four ads, which vary from 6 to 90 seconds and can be seen here, highlight Nicholsons military experience serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and the bravery he displayed while facing suicide bombers and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) daily. Ambassador Bolton emphasizes in the ad that, its time to send a Marine to the U.S. Senate.

Kevin Nicholson is the most qualified candidate running for Wisconsins seat in the U.S. Senate this year, said Ambassador Bolton. Following my endorsement and PAC contribution to his campaign in 2017, I have decided to run an independent expenditure (IE), through my SuperPAC. This significant ad buy is a testament to my dedication to ensuring Republicans maintain the majority in the Senate this year. Kevin has my full support and I look forward to his leadership in Congress.

This is the first independent expenditure that the John Bolton SuperPAC has made in the 2018 election cycle. In 2016, the John Bolton SuperPAC produced three major independent expenditures for a total of nearly $5,000,000. Ambassador Bolton looks to increase those contributions for the 2018 midterm elections and is identifying races in which his SuperPAC can make a difference. In addition to the Bolton SuperPAC, Ambassador Boltons PAC previously contributed $10,000 to Nicholsons campaign in 2017.

###

About John Bolton Super PAC (www.boltonsuperpac.com): The John Bolton Super PAC will aim to make America's defense and national security significant factors in federal elections through independent expenditures, campaigns, and issue-oriented education. The Super PAC will not make contributions to candidates, parties, or PACs.

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7d724b93-2dd7-4fe7-bba0-d8807761aae1
Alstom pleaded guilty and agreed to pay a $US 772.29m fine in December 2014 to resolve two charges brought under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). The widespread scheme uncovered through an extensive FBI investigation involved tens of millions of dollars in bribes that took place over a decade in countries including Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Egypt, Taiwan and the Bahamas.

In total, the DOJ says Alstom paid more than $US 75m to secure $US 4bn in projects around the world, with a profit to the company of approximately $US 300m. Executives and employees from Alstom, and its subsidiary companies, Alstom Grid and Alstom Power, which were sold to GE in 2015, and Alstom Prom, were involved in illicit practices concerning power, grid and transport projects for state-owned companies.

At the time of the verdict, deputy US attorney general Mr James M Cole said the corruption scheme was astounding in its breadth, its brazenness, and its worldwide consequences.

Alstom cites the companys efforts and close cooperation with the Department of Justice for its success in meeting the demands of the three-year reporting period. The company says it remains committed to the highest level of integrity in all of its activities and will continue to develop its compliance programme, which it says respects laws and regulations in force in all countries in which the group operates.

Alstom says its efforts to fight corruption are reflected in it becoming one of the first companies in the world to obtain the AFAQ ISO 37001 certification awarded by AFNOR Certification, the French national standardisation organisation, following an audit carried out between March and May 2017.

This result is just another step in the development of our ethics and compliance culture and we take this opportunity to renew our commitment to uphold our high standards of integrity in all of our activities, says Mr Pierre Le Goff, general counsel at Alstom.
The new stations name will remain Hamburg Altona and will be built on the site of the existing two-track S-Bahn station Hamburg-Diebsteich. The project includes construction of an eight-platform station, with two platforms remaining in use for S-Bahn services and the other six for regional and long-distance trains. The new station is scheduled to open in December 2023.

Hamburg Altona is currently the starting point for almost all southbound long-distance services originating in Hamburg and is also served by regional trains to Itzehoe and Westerland (Sylt). Under current operations, empty ICE trains have to reverse at Altona after leaving the stabling depot at Hamburg Langenfelde, located just north of the new station site. The relocated station eliminates this problem, enabling trains to simply call at the new station before continuing their journey into central Hamburg.

The new station will feature office accommodation in two large towers and an architectural competition will be held in 2018 to finalise the design. Around 25km of new track will be laid along with 48 points all of which will be controlled by new signalling.

The existing Altona site was sold by DB to the Hamburg city government for 38.8m in June 2015. The site will be cleared of all railway infrastructure and redeveloped with 1900 new apartments and a new park planned. DB estimates that only 60% of the land area is currently in use with extensive areas of waste ground. The underground Hamburg Altona S-Bahn station and the lines serving it will remain open after the closure of the mainline station.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) to study options that would bring a subway to Brooklyn's Red Hook neighborhood.

Cuomo said Red Hook is full of untapped potential and asked PANYNJ to consider relocating maritime activities that would free up the waterfront for community use. The governor suggested relocating Red Hook Container Terminal activities to the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal.

In addition to relocating maritime activities, the governor is calling on MTA to study options for improving transportation access to the Red Hook area and surrounding communities, including the potential extension of subway service from lower Manhattan to a new station in Red Hook through a tunnel under the East River.

Recent speculation about Red Hooks future have envisioned development of thousands of new housing units a short ride away from Manhattans Financial District.

The governor explains that once a plan for how to potentially relocate consolidated and improved maritime activities becomes clear and the MTA study is completed, a community-based planning process with key participation by elected representatives and interested stakeholders would be expected to recommend the appropriate redevelopment alternatives for any PANYNJ land no longer needed for maritime activities.

The proposal is one of the 22 introduced as part of the governors 2018 State of the State agenda.
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IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nonprofit management in the 21st century is a promising, challenging career that requires professionals skilled in organization, management and relationship building. University of California, Irvine Division of Continuing Education (DCE) has developed a new Specialized Studies Program in Nonprofit Management available now. The Specialized Studies Program in Nonprofit Management covers aspects of organizational goals, fundraising models and initiatives, financial management and leadership strategies unique to the field of nonprofits.



Having a thorough understanding of how internal and external factors can affect the day-to-day operations is necessary to navigate around the complexities of managing a nonprofit, said Angela Jeantet, director of education and business programs at UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education. This online specialized studies program is ideal for individuals new to or early on in a nonprofit management role as well as those who are considering a career change, and even experienced industry professionals who would like to obtain further coursework credentials.



The program is for individuals involved in development roles in large and small nonprofit organizations who want to take a more proactive approach to organizational needs and activities. After completion of the program, participants will have the knowledge base and skills to contribute in high-functioning nonprofit teams and productive fundraising operations. The primary learning objective for all participants completing the program is high proficiency and knowledge of fundraising for nonprofit organizations, in addition to the following:

Identify and define organizational goals, and how those align to mission, vision, organizational ethics and deliverables for success;

Define various fundraising models and formulate plans for identification of funding streams and sources;

Implement strategic financial management practices germane to non-profit resource administration and reporting;

Analyze the viability of a new fundraising initiatives and the potential for success; and

Implement leadership strategies specific to fundraising and nonprofit teams.

The required coursework for the Specialized Studies Program in Nonprofit Management includes: Nonprofit Management Fundamentals, Fundraising Models & Resource Development, Nonprofit Financial Management, Stakeholder & Board Management, Nonprofit Strategy, Nonprofit HR and Operations and Nonprofit Marketing & Communications. The Nonprofit Management Specialized Studies program is offered fully online.



For more information on the Specialized Studies Program in Nonprofit Management, please visit here or call (949) 824-5592.

About UCI Division of Continuing Education : The University of California, Irvine Division of Continuing Education (DCE) provides lifelong learning opportunities to thousands of students worldwide each year  fulfilling the schools 60-year curriculum platform to connect degree programs to the world of work and achievement after graduation. The Division offers a broad range of certificate programs, specialized studies, and sequential courses to local, regional and global markets through online, on-campus and on-site delivery. A leader in the open education movement, the Division offers free Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) and content through the UCI Open initiative. For more information about UCI Division of Continuing Education, visit here.

About the University of California, Irvine : Founded in 1965, UCI is the youngest member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. The campus has produced three Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UCI has more than 28,000 students and offers 192 degree programs. Located in one of the worlds safest and most economically vibrant communities, its Orange Countys second-largest employer, contributing $4.8 billion annually to the local economy.

CONTACT: Vivian Slater

(714) 573-0899 x 235

vivian@echomediateam.com
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Leawood, Kan., Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On the heels of its announcement of expansion into Houston, Texas, and its hiring of former Lockton CEO Glenn Spencer, Qualified Plan Advisors (QPA) continues to make significant moves to advance its aggressive growth agenda. QPA announces that it has entered into a strategic partnership with the retirement plan practice of Ascende Wealth Advisers Inc., a Division of EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants. Under this agreement, Qualified Plan Advisors is assuming servicing responsibilities for AWAI retirement clients and hiring its retirement practice employees as of January 1, 2018.

We are thrilled to kick off the new year and launch our Houston operations with such a tenured team. QPA focuses on its retirement clients plan health and driving significant results in positively impacting their participant outcomes, which aligns with Ascendes client-centered mission and values, said Scott Colangelo, chairman of Prime Capital Investment Advisors, the parent firm of QPA.

Joining QPA is a team of highly credentialed retirement professionals including Robert Massa, who will serve as managing director and head of Houston operations. The agreement will add approximately $4 billion in assets under advisement to QPA, as well as a West Coast presence in northern California.

The agreement was effective Jan. 1, 2018, and the new team has been diligently contacting clients to answer questions and address concerns. Clients are also invited to attend a Jan. 17 event sponsored by QPA to learn more about the firm and the breadth of services to which they will have access. Details of the event can be found at http://www.qualifiedplanadvisors.com/hfsd.

EPIC is one of the countrys top 20 and fastest-growing privately held insurance brokers.

Inquiries to the Houston QPA office can be directed to:

Robert Massa, Managing Director: rmassa@qualifiedplanadvisors.com

Jeffrey Dorfman, Managing Principal: jdorfman@qualifiedplanadvisors.com

Rich Eagar, Vice President: reagar@qualifiedplanadvisors.com

Brandon Smith, Vice President: bsmith@qualifiedplanadvisors.com

About Qualified Plan Advisors

Qualified Plan Advisors (QPA) is independent, results-driven and staffed with a team of ERISA attorneys and has over 70 advisors and 50 staff. QPA provides consulting services that are designed to provide an a la carte approach for plan sponsors with single or multiple needs. We are your fiduciary partner.

Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., Cambridge, a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Prime Capital Investment Advisors, LLC. Prime Capital, a Registered Investment Advisor. Prime Capital doing business as Qualified Plan Advisors, QPA, 6201 College Blvd., 7th Floor | Overland Park, KS 66211 | p: 913.491.6226 | f: 913.491.3214 | primecap-ia.com | Cambridge and Prime Capital are not affiliated.

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0125f4f8-39fc-4d7a-b9cd-07aef788ba60
'Indian agriculture requires the active involvement of the private sector right from extension and seed to post harvest value addition, to move it to the next stage of development,' says Ramesh Chand.





IMAGE: Small-scale agricultural holdings, Thirukkazhukundram , Tamil Nadu. Photograph: Lisa Davis/Wikimedia Commons.

The agriculture sector is facing formidable challenges while it is targeted to double farmers income in the next six years.

IMAGE: Wholesale vegetable market, Chandigarh. Photograph: Ajay Verma/Reuters.

A road map prepared by NITI Aayog titled 'Doubling Farmers' Income' envisages a 16.7 per cent increase each in productivity, efficiency in use of farm input and operations, and area shift in favour of higher value crops and improvement in price realisation in real terms by farmers by 9 per cent by 2022-2023 over the base year of 2015-16.

IMAGE: Burning paddy stubble, Gujarat. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters.

Three most important challenges to achieve Doubling Farmers' Income are: Poor state of science and technology in agriculture, inefficient and exploitative markets for farm produce, and viability of low-scale small holders.





IMAGE: Paddy farmer, Bamuni village, Nagaon district, Assam. Photograph: Anuwar Hazarika/Reuters.

Our agricultural production systems are decades behind many other sectors in adopting technology innovation. Low yielding varieties and traditional practices still dominate the sector.

Age-old methods of farming such as flood irrigation, broadcasting fertiliser, indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals dominate the agriculture scene, leading to low efficiency, high cost and low quality produce, besides adverse implications for sustainability.

IMAGE: Wheat winnowing, Gujarat. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters.

Second, the marketing scene is characterised by large price spreads with depressed prices during harvest periods and high prices in lean period. In a short period, a price crash for the same commodity is followed by a price spike. Despite progress in transport and communication network, markets for farm produce show poor integration. With the rise in commercialisation of agriculture, incidents of farmers forced to sell at throwaway prices and consumers forced to pay abnormal prices are becoming frequent.

IMAGE: Sugarcane harvest, Motisir village, Rajasthan. Photograph: Himanshu Sharma/Reuters.

Third, more than two-thirds of farmers cultivate less than one hectare of land, with an average land holding of less than one acre. In big states such as Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Bihar, 80 to 92 per cent land holdings are of marginal category. Scale disadvantage and low bargaining power of such tiny land holders make them unviable despite their much higher productivity per unit of land compared to medium and large farmers.

IMAGE: Wheat farmer from Stok, Ladakh. Photograph: Cathal McNaughton/Reuters.

The private sector can play a significant role in addressing all these challenges. They need to look at agriculture beyond market for their inputs and link innovation with supply of inputs. In a few cases where corporates are taking innovation to farmers with inputs, wonderful results have been achieved.

IMAGE: Fertiliser for paddy near Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters.

One such case is the banana revolution in Jalgaon district of Maharashtra where farmers are using tissue-cultured banana saplings supplied by a private tissue culture lab for disease-free banana cultivation and getting much higher yield and better quality fruit. The lab is now expanding the same technology to other states and fruits. If such experience is replicated in other fruits and vegetables, India can become a global hub for horticulture production.

IMAGE: Banana trees at Chinawal village, Jalgaon, Maharashtra. Photograph: Rsika/Wikimedia Commons.

Similarly, the supply of seeds with seed treatment with suitable inoculum and rhizobium can protect seed and plant against diseases and result in better growth. Many private enterprises are now promoting protected agriculture and precision farming which are multiplying the incomes of farmers.





IMAGE: Harvest at Mayong village, Morigaon district, Assam. Photograph: Anuwar Hazarika/Reuters.

The second major challenge in agriculture relates to inefficient, fragmented, traditional and often unfair system of marketing thriving under the protection of regulation. Market regulation such as Agricultural Produce Market Committee and Essential Commodities Act favour small-sized, traditional traders and middle men and inhibits entry of modern capital into the system which can bring innovative method, competition, e-commerce, investments and integration of value chain.

IMAGE: Vegetable market Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters.

A few cases where corporate players have entered into marketing, farmers received huge benefits such as procurement of apple in Himachal Pradesh and corn in north Bihar.

IMAGE: Nandigram, West Bengal. Photograph: Parth Sanyal/Reuters/Reuters.

The private sector can improve viability and income of small holders in many ways:

IMAGE: Sugarcane farmer, Junnar, 165 km southeast of Mumbai. Photograph: Punit Paranjpe/Reuters.

One, through supply of services, as owning machines and equipment are uneconomical and also beyond the capacity of small holders. Last few years have seen some growth in number of private sector service providers, particularly for farm machinery rental services. Besides reducing costs, modern and sophisticated machines improve efficiency. Some service providers have even started using mobile apps. A large number of farmers are now using laser-guided land levelling technology on rental basis, which brings large benefit in terms of saving in irrigation water, reduction in irrigation cost and time and increase in yield.

IMAGE: Fodder heads to the market in Surajpur, Bihar. Photograph: PBEAHUMWDDA/Reuters.

Second, the private sector has a huge scope to raise the income of small holders through contract farming. Small holders have great advantage in terms of labour and supervision, much needed for quality, specific traits, and timely supply of farm produce. If private firms -- modern retailers, processors, or traders, etc -- provide quality seed and plant material, technical advice, financial support and assured price it can lead to a win-win situation for all. There are success stories of contract farming in almost all the regions of the county but coverage and penetration remains small.





IMAGE: Winnowing paddy outside Srinagar, Kashmir. Photograph: Danish Ismail/Reuters.

During the recent years, start-ups have shown a lot of interest in agriculture and they are riding on state-of-the-art technology and modern value chains. Some of these start-ups are led by highly motivated well-qualified entrepreneurs who aspire to change the face of agriculture. This is also putting pressure on traditional agri-business corporates to rethink their strategy of sale of input to partner with farmers. Promising start-ups in agriculture should be given required policy support.





IMAGE: Sorting apples, Chatla village, Himachal Pradesh. Photograph: Anil Dayal/Reuters.

Central Statistics Office data for 2015-2016 shows that the private corporate sector constitutes only 2 per cent of annual investments in the agriculture sector. The public sector constitutes 18.6 per cent and farmers (termed as private sector in CSO parlance) constitute the remaining 79.4 per cent share.

IMAGE: Banana wholesale market, Kochi, Kerala. Photograph: Sivaram V/Reuters.

Of their total investments in Indian economy, the private corporate sector invested 0.43 per cent in agriculture and allied sectors. These figures show awfully low investments by private corporations in the agriculture sector. This should be at least doubled to help achieve the goal of doubling farmers income.





IMAGE: Orissa paddy field. Photograph: Stringer/Reuters.

Indian agriculture requires the active involvement of the private sector right from extension and seed to post harvest value addition, to move it to the next stage of development. Therefore both, states as well as the Centre need to attract and facilitate the private sector involvement in agriculture.



Ramesh Chand is a member, NITI Aayog and the 15th Finance Commission. He has a PhD in Agricultural Economics from Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Views expressed are personal.
Infosys CEO Salil Parekh will be paid a fixed salary of Rs 6.5 crores and be eligible for variable pay of Rs 9.75 crores at the end of the 2018-19 fiscal year, according to a top company executive.

"Infosys CEO Salil Parekh will be paid a fixed salary of Rs 6.5 crores. He would be eligible for a variable pay of Rs 9.75 crores at the end of the fiscal year," independent board member at Infosys, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, told PTI in Bengaluru.

Former CEO Vishal Sikka earned USD 6.75 million in FY17, much to the dislike of Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy.

Wipro CEO Abidali Neemuchwala is getting a little over USD 2 million.

Shaw, who is part of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC), said Parekh will also receive Rs 3.25 crores in restricted stock units.

"He will also get Rs 13 crores in annual performance equity grants," she said.

Parekh will also get a one-time equity grant of Rs 9.75 crores, Shaw said.

The stock compensation will vest at different points over Parekh's term. He has been appointed for a 5-year term,

Parekh's employment contract also comes with a non-compete clause, Shaw said, and specifies the amount he will be paid should he fail to meet minimum performance targets, Shaw said.

Parekh will not work with named competitors for six months from the day he leaves the company. He will also not work with or for a client to whom he has rendered service for the last 12 months, Infosys said.

Photograph: Kind courtesy, Capgemini/Instagram.
'To all those then who talk about ending Brahminical hegemony, my advice is: Get the Brahmins on your side,' says Syed Firdaus Ashraf.

IMAGE: Dalits block a highway during the Maharashtra bandh, January 3, 2018. Photograph: Danish Siddiqui/Reuters

As a student of journalism in the early 1990s, I once attended a Dalit rally where speaker after speaker spoke about the atrocities Brahmins had unleashed against the Dalit community.

After the rally, I called on my journalism guru, the venerable M V Kamath, who happened to be a Brahmin, but that fact didn't strike me till we started discussing the rally.

'Sir, is there Brahminical hegemony in the Indian political system?' I asked. 'And is it true that Brahmins made Dalits suffer for 2,000 years?'

I told him about the Dalit rally where every speaker had denounced the Brahminical hegemony.

'Do you know who the biggest enemy of the Brahminical order is and who can defeat it?' Mr Kamath asked.

His answer shocked me.

'Only Brahmins can defeat Brahminical hegemony. No one else,' Mr Kamath pointed out.

Illustrating his point, he provided the example of Kerala, of E M S Namboodiripad, its first Communist chief minister, a Brahmin, who, Mr Kamath, argued, had successfully defeated Brahminical hegemony in the southern state.

'Look at Kerala today. Where is Brahminical hegemony in the state?' Mr Kamath asked, adding, 'It is dead.'

'Namboodripad systematically killed the caste hierarchy in the state. Today, Brahmins are more or less restricted to temples,' Mr Kamath explained.

'Mark my words, Firdaus,' Mr Kamath, who once edited The Illustrated Weekly of India, Asia's oldest English magazine, asserted. 'Nobody in India can defeat Brahminical hegemony, only Brahmins can do it.'

As events later unfolded in my life, I realised how prophetic Mr Kamath's words were.

In today's India, Jawaharlal Nehru is often ridiculed by the Hindu Right for his secular beliefs, but his adversaries forget that India's first prime minister was a Brahmin who wanted to lead India into the modern age with a unique vision.

Nehru wanted to build India as a democratic, secular, State. Few dared to question Nehru then. Is it because he was a Brahmin, I wonder.

During the 2017 Gujarat election campaign, his great-grandson's supporters declared that Rahul Gandhi was a 'sacred thread-wearing' Hindu, as if it was enough qualification to rule India, that assertion clearly negating his mother's Christian antecedents.

When I witnessed the Bahujan Samaj Party's ascendance, first under Kanshi Ram and then Mayawati, I felt the Brahminical order in India would soon end and Mr Kamath's prophecy would be proven wrong.

But the anti-upper caste BSP formed the government in Uttar Pradesh in 1995 with the Bharatiya Janata Party's help. A party perceived to be a party of the upper castes and the trader community.

And guess who helped the BSP and BJP strike a deal?

A veteran journalist who was a Brahmin.

I realised how prophetic Mr Kamath was about Brahmins. Here was the Brahminical BJP stepping aside from power and handing the reins over to the BSP, a Dalit party, with a Brahmin's help.

In 2007, Mayawati donned a new avatar. This time she spoke about Dalit-Brahmin unity and portrayed herself as a messiah of the Brahmins.

BSP MP Satish Chandra Mishra, a Brahmin, did a wonderful job winning sections of his community to his party's side.

For the first time, a Dalit woman became chief minister of Uttar Pradesh -- India's most significant political state -- and formed a government on her own -- but with the help of Brahmins.

If you think all this is mere coincidence, read Audrey Truschke's controversial book, Aurangzeb, The Man and The Myth.

Emperor Aurangzeb in 1679, Truschke notes, levied the jiziya (the tax on non-Muslims living under Muslim rule) on most non-Muslims in his empire.

The Rajputs and Marathas didn't have to pay jiziya as they provided military services to Aurangzeb's army.

One other community did not pay jiziya in Aurangzeb's time -- Brahmin religious leaders!

Disappointingly, Truschke does not reveal why Brahmins were exempted from jiziya, while Jains, Sikhs and all other non-Muslims were obliged to pay the levy.

Once again, I thought about how right Mr Kamath was about Brahmins.

'If you want to rule India,' he had told me, 'then you have to make peace with Brahmins, even Aurangzeb knew this.'

To all those then who talk about ending Brahminical hegemony, my advice is: Get the Brahmins on your side.
'This government wants to keep control of everything in its hands.'

'If they have their stooges sitting on the National Medical Commission, they will do only the government's bidding.'

'Imagine a scary situation where people who have no knowledge about medicine sit on a commission that will take decisions on matters related to medical education, doctors and medical ethics.'

Dr Shivkumar Shankar Utture, president, Maharashtra Medical Council, tells Rediff.com's Prasanna D Zore why the Medical Council of India, the Indian Medical Association and Maharashtra Medical Council are vociferously opposing certain provisions of the National Medical Commission Bill.

The Bill, Dr Utture, below, left, will allow doctors practicing alternative medicine to practice allopathic medicine.

What clauses of the National Medical Commission Bill are you opposed to?

The fundamental opposition is to the dissolution of the Medical Council of India and bringing the National Medical Commission in its place.

In a democracy we expect representation of elected members. Now, what has happened over here is out of the 25 NMC members only five will be elected by the doctors from the medical fraternity all over India. And even they will be part-time members.

There are almost 800,000 doctors in India and the NMC will have just five elected representatives from the medical profession.

Strangely, there will be just five doctors from five different states that will be representatives of 29 states of India.

Health and medical education being a concurrent (list) subject, all states should also have a say in its composition and decision-making is what we feel.

But what will happen because of the NMC is that a big state like Maharashtra, with over 100,000 doctors and 33 medical colleges, will get its turn (to be a member of the NMC) once in 24 years.

So, this composition will not get proper representation of states and is hence fundamentally flawed.

Even among the rest 20 members (out of the 25 in the NMC), 15 will not necessarily be from the medical fraternity. At least, that is what the NMC Bill says.

That is like saying that the Bar Council should be made up of doctors!

Imagine a scary situation where people who have no knowledge about medicine sit on a commission that will take decisions on matters related to medical education, doctors and medical ethics.

Given these critical issues raised by the Indian Medical Council, why is the government trying to enact a legislation that is as controversial as you state it is?

Somehow, this government wants to keep control of everything in its hands.

If they have their stooges sitting on the NMC, they will do only the government's bidding.

Today, under the Constitution, the Medical Council of India is supposed to be a statutory and autonomous body.

This means, it is not necessary that today the MCI is listening to everything that the government is saying or wants it to do. But this will change only if the government will have its own stooges on the NMC.

'Majority of the private medical colleges belong to politicians and because of the Supreme Court judgment their source of income has dried up as they cannot charge capitation fees because of the law against it.'

The other thing that we are opposed to is that as far as the admissions (to medical colleges) are concerned, we at the IMA (Indian Medical Association) have fought for years against the practice of capitation fees, which would be in lakhs of rupees, for getting admissions into private and deemed medical colleges and we got a Supreme Court judgment just last year saying that admissions to these colleges should be based on the NEET (National Eligibility and Entrance Test) scores.

What the NMC Bill says is that up to 40 per cent seats should be controlled by the government.

Mark this clause 'up to 40'; it doesn't even say exactly 40!

This effectively means that private medical colleges and deemed medical universities will have the right to charge whatever fees they want for 60 per cent or more medical seats.

Tomorrow, how could a candidate from the economically lower or middle class family afford Rs 16 lakh to Rs 20 lakh fees that these private colleges charge per year?

For the remaining seats, the government may decide the fees, say Rs 4 lakh per year, or whatever it deems fit.

That is what we are doing today for the 85 per cent of the seats coming the government's way and only 15 per cent seats going to private medical colleges.

These 85 per cent admissions are decided as per NEET merit and the government has put a moratorium on how much fees they can charge because we have got a committee that decides the fee structure.

The biggest losers of this provision will be meritorious students who will not be able to pay such astronomical fees.

So, what we are asking is that the government should keep this 85:15 quota intact and not replace it with 'up to 40 per cent with the government and more than 60 per cent with the private colleges' structure.

Why should the government allot more than 60 per cent seats to private medical colleges and allow them to charge whatever fees they want?

The entire course fee for the five-and-a-half year MBBS course would run upwards of Rs 1 crore.

Do you think meritorious students who are not financially strong will be able to afford such high cost of medical education?

Why is the government trying to enact such a law?

You will have to ask the government (about this).

Majority of the private medical colleges belong to politicians and because of the Supreme Court judgment their source of income has dried up as they cannot charge capitation fees because of the law against it.

'This is like saying that a truck driver after a few months of flight training is allowed to fly aeroplanes.'

The other way (source of income of private medical colleges) is to go on increasing tuition fees in these colleges.

Are you suggesting that the private medical college lobby is behind the NMC Bill?

Obviously.

There is also a provision in the NMC Bill to allow people who practice alternative medicine, like yoga or ayurveda, to practice allopathy after doing a 'bridge course'. What do you think are the dangers of this provision?

Today, an MBBS candidate studies a five-and-a-half year curriculum and then goes for training and then practices allopathic medicine.

Imagine someone who has not understood modern medicine and studied ayurvedic medicine or homeopathy, prescribing allopathic medicines. Also, see the contradictions here.

The homeopaths do not believe in immunisation therapy; ayurveda believes only in herbal therapy.

Suppose these people after they study homeopathy and ayurveda, doing a small 'bridge course' of six months or one year we do not know, are allowed to prescribe allopathic medicines.

Imagine what havoc they will create as far as the health of the common man is concerned.

Just to give you an example, this is like saying that a truck driver after a few months of flight training is allowed to fly aeroplanes.

With a license to drive a light motor vehicle, can I drive a truck?

Shouldn't I get adequate training, pass certified exams and then be allowed to drive a truck?

When you are treating a patient, isn't the patient's life in your hands?

Modiji, on one hand is saying ayurveda is a great medicine practice; we too respect ayurveda.

He is asking them to do research in ayurveda and now he will be passing a bill that will allow these ayurvedic doctors to practice allopathy.

In that case, what is going to happen to your (Prime Minister Darendra D Modi's) emphasis on ayurveda?

This bill, if it becomes a law, will deliver a death-knell to alternative medicine.

Do you have any idea what syllabus will a student be taught in this 'bridge course' and how will it make these students proficient in prescribing allopathic medicines?

No idea whatsoever. The (NMC) Bill just talks about this 'bridge course'. There are no details.

The Bill only says 'as prescribed', which means it is left for the government to decide.

Will patients risk their lives going to such medical practitioners who prescribe or deliver allopathic medical treatment after doing just a 'bridge course'?

If I just write 'clinic of Dr Utture', will the patient coming to me have any idea about what type of doctor I am -- if I am an allopathic, homeopathic or ayurvedic doctor.

But that's how medical services are delivered in rural India, aren't they?

Don't you think these doctors also form an important part of an ecosystem that delivers medical services to inaccessible rural India?

They do form an important link. But let them practice their system of medicine and if they have a problem they can always refer these cases to doctors who have studied modern medicine or who they think can better handle a case.

All we are asking this government is if you are that much interested (in allowing alternative medicine doctors to prescribe allopathic medicine) then you convert all the homeopathic and ayurvedic colleges into MBBS colleges, so that doctors who come out of these colleges are properly trained in that system of medicine.

Why doesn't the government do that?

'We were afraid of the brute majority of the ruling party in the Lok Sabha because of which it can pass anything and everything they want.'

Here too there is a huge scam because hundred per cent of the homeopathic colleges and 90 per cent of the ayurvedic colleges are again owned by private entities and that means by politicians.

In Maharashtra, only four ayurvedic colleges are owned by the government and the rest 28 to 30 colleges are owned by the politicians.

Not even one homeopathic college is owned by the Maharashtra government.

There is a hidden agenda somewhere in all this happening, but the ultimate sufferers will not be practitioners of allopathic medicine today, but the public who will have to go these half-trained doctors.

The simple solution (to overcome the problem of shortage of trained doctors) would be to increase the number of medical seats; give proper training to these doctors and then give them the license to practice medicine.

Don't let loose half-baked doctors on the public; don't take people for granted.

Union Health Minister J P Nadda maintains that 'the NMC Bill is beneficial to the medical profession'. What do you make of this statement given the reasons you have cited for opposing the NMC Bill in its current form?

If this was so beneficial for the medical profession, then are we fools to fight against it? We would have welcomed it.

We are not bothered about medical professionals; we are bothered about the citizens and the future generation of (medical) students.

If you (doctors who have studied alternative medicine) could practice allopathic medicine by just doing this 'bridge course' then why do you think anybody will enrol for MBBS courses?

Ultimately, it (enacting the NMC law) is a loss to the nation.

Now that the NMC Bill has been referred to a Select Committee of Parliament, do you hope any positives will come out of this exercise?

We were afraid of the brute majority of the ruling party in Lok Sabha because of which it can pass anything and everything they want. That is the big problem now.

The Select Committee will at least have members of the other (political) parties and there will be deliberations on the contentious issues of the NMC Bill.

These issues will be questioned, discussed and take all sides into consideration before making its own recommendations.

But what purpose will it serve, since, as you have said, this government has a brute majority in the Lok Sabha?

At least, if the Select Committee makes some recommendations, then the Bill will have to be tabled (in the Lok Sabha) with these recommendations. They cannot table the original bill.

Will these recommendations be binding on the government of the day?

Yes, if they have to get it passed or they will not table the (NMC) Bill with its recommendations at all.

This will be like many other Bills that go to the Select Committee where recommendations are made and if they are not as per the government's liking they just bury that Bill.

Do you think the NMC Bill will also meet the same fate?

We all want progress. We are not saying the whole NMC Bill is bad. Only some of the provisions of this Bill are bad.

Was the Medical Council of India consulted while drafting this Bill?

We've had discussions for almost an year with the central government and highlighted all these contentious issues during our discussions.

Unfortunately, the government completely ignored our suggestions and tabled the Bill in its original format in the Lok Sabha.

It was not an overnight decision to go on a strike (the nationwide strike by Indian Medical Association doctors lasted 12 hours after which it was called of when the NMC Bill was referred to a Select Committee of Parliament).

What logic makes the government ignore suggestions that are for public good?

Do you think the many things that the government does have any logic? They do it because they want to do it.

Photograph: Sahil Salvi
The Mumbai police refused permission for an event to be attended by Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani and student leader Umar Khalid on Thursday, as their Pune counterparts booked the duo for making provocative speeches that led to caste clashes and violence in Maharashtra.

The police action came a day after a bandh called by Prakash Ambedkars Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh, and supported by some other organisations, crippled normal life in Mumbai and several other places.

The bandh, called to protest alleged violence targeting Dalits during a rally to mark the the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle on January 1, left a trail of destruction in Mumbai and in some other places, where 200 government-run buses were vandalised, roads blocked and train services disrupted.

Alleged provocative speeches by Mevani and Khalid at Pune have been blamed for the subsequent violence, which claimed two lives.

As Mumbaikars struggled to return to normalcy, police denied permission for holding an event in the city which Mevani, now an independent MLA in Gujarat, and Khalid, were to attend, and rounded up 112 students and activists.

Those detained included Datta Daghe, president of Chhatra Bharati, the organiser of the event, MLC Kapil Patil, Allahabad University student leader Richa Singh and Jawaharlal Nehru University student leader Pradip Narwal, police said.

Before being detained, Richa Singh told reporters outside the Bhaidas Hall that the police action against the event was dictatorship and that it was an Emergency-like situation. We will take this fight to Parliament, she said.

There was heavy police deployment in and around the Bhaidas auditorium.

In a related development, Pune police registered an FIR against Mevani and Khalid for their alleged provocative speeches at an event on December 31.

Mevani and Khalid had attended the Elgar Parishad, an event organised in connection with the commemoration of the Bhima-Koregaon battle.

A day later, clashes between Dalit groups and supporters of right-wing Hindu organisations during the celebrations left a man dead. Another person died during Wednesdays bandh.

Cases were registered by the Pimpri police against Milind Ekbote and Sambhaji Bhide, who head the Hindu Ekta Aghadi and Shivraj Pratishthan respectively, for allegedly inciting the violence. The two organisations had opposed the celebration of British victory in the battle.

Dalits commemorate the British victory, as it is believed that soldiers from the Mahar community - then considered untouchable - were part of the East India Companys forces.

The Peshwas were Brahmins, and the victory was seen as a symbol of assertiveness by Dalits.

Prakash Ambedkar, grandson of the architect of Indian Constitution B R Ambedkar, met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday and raised the issue of police denying permission for the youth leaders event.

It was discussed with Fadnavis. He told us it was not the right time to hold such an event. I think such an event can be organised some time later, Ambedkar said.

The issue of caste clashes in Maharashtra resonated in the Rajya Sabha, with members condemning the violence and demanding a speedy judicial inquiry and punishment for culprits.

Rajani Patil of the Congress alleged that atrocities against Dalits had taken place under the watch of the Maharashtra government, and demanded setting up of a commission to investigate the entire series of violent incidents.

Nationalist Congress Party chief and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Sharad Pawar apprised the House of the history of the Bhima-Koregaon event and Dalit sentiments attached to it.

The veteran leader said he could recall that in the past 50 years no violent incident took place during the commemoration, but unfortunately a massive gathering was

pelted with stones this time.

Pawar said the state administration should have been more vigilant as a large gathering was expected in Pune, and urged people to forget the incident and move on.

Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena said Hindu organisations should not be blamed for all such incidents, and claimed an invisible hand was working to divide and rule the society.

Photograph: Jignesh Mevani/Facebook
Sambhaji Bhide and Milind Ekbote -- the right-wing Hindu activists from Maharashtra  are no strangers to controversy.

IMAGE: Milind Ekbote (left) and Sambhaji Bhide have come under fire for caste violence in Maharashtra over the bicentenary celebration of the Bhima-Koregaon battle fought 200 years ago.



Sambhaji Bhide and Milind Ekbote  the right-wing Hindu activists from western Maharashtra, under fire for caste violence in Maharashtra over the bicentenary celebration of the Bhima-Koregaon battle fought 200 years ago, are no strangers to controversy.

Violence erupted when Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the battle recently. It was followed by protests, thus exposing the simmering caste tensions even as a bandh disrupted life in Mumbai on Thursday.

Dalit organisations have sought arrest of the duo, accusing them of orchestrating the violence.

--------------------------------------------

Bhide, 85, is known among his followers as Bhide Guruji. He is a staunch right-wing Hindu activist and an ardent admirer of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He has a sizeable following in western Maharashtra.

A gold medallist in Chemistry, Bhide has worked as a professor in Pune-based SirParshuramCollege. A former Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh member, Bhide founded the Shiv Pratishthan Hindustan outfit, which is mostly active in Sangli, Satara and Kolhapur districts in western Maharashtra.

Bhide attracted national media spotlight when at an election rally in Sangli district in October, 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he had come to seek blessings of `Bhide Guruji, whom he said had been an inspiration during the early days of the PMs life.

Bhides outfit also works for the conservation of forts in Maharashtra. In June last year, Pune police had registered a case against Bhide and his followers for obstructing waari, a procession of varkaris (pilgrims) to Pandharpur.

Bhide uses a bicycle to travel and remains barefooted, no matter where he goes. He travels in state-run buses and does not own a house.

--------------------------------------------

Milind Ekbote heads the Samast Hindu Aghadi. He has been involved in activities like intercepting vehicles on suspicion of carrying beef.

He contested the 2014 assembly election on a Shiv Sena ticket from Shivajinagar constituency in Pune.

His election affidavit said he has 12 cases registered against him, including rioting, unlawful assembly and disobedience of order duly promulgated by a public servant.

The charges also include promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language and criminal intimidation.
VANCOUVER, B.C., Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. (TSX Venture:PEX) ("Pacific Ridge" or the "Company") reports that it has received a $300,000 option payment from BMC Minerals (No. 1) Ltd. ("BMC") on its Fyre Lake Cu-Au-Co massive sulphide deposit. In order to exercise the option and earn a 100% interest in Fyre Lake, BMC must now make a final $2,420,000 payment in January 2019. In addition, a bonus payment of $1,000,000 is payable to the Company if the option is exercised and if and when BMC's Kudz Ze Kayah property has reached commercial production for one year.



The Company also announces the resignation of Lei Wang as Chief Financial Officer, effective December 31, 2017, and the appointment of her successor, Salvador Miranda.

Mr. Mirandas career working with public companies in administrative and financial roles has spanned over 20 years. He is currently CFO of GFM Resources Limited and NWM Mining Corporation. He has also served as CFO for EnWave Corporation, Newstrike Capital Inc. and Exmin Resources Inc. He is past President and Treasurer of the BC Chapter of the Canadian Council for the Americas and past President of the Mexican Business Association of Canada.

The board would like to thank Ms. Wang for her dedication and hard work as the Companys CFO for the past nine years.

The Company would also like to announce that it has terminated its option to earn an interest in the OGI zinc project, Yukon.

About Pacific Ridge

Pacific Ridge has assembled a portfolio of highly-prospective gold and base metal projects located in the Yukon, where its board and management team have a track record of success. Its holdings include the Mariposa, Eureka Dome and Gold Cap gold exploration projects in the Klondike-White Gold District, RC Gold in the Tintina Gold Belt and Fyre Lake in the Finlayson District.

About BMC

BMC Minerals (No.1) Limited is the Canadian subsidiary of BMC (UK) Limited, a London based mining development company. It was created as the result of a strategic relationship between a team of established mine developers and a major natural resources private equity group focused on advancing superior base metals assets into development. The BMC executive team has a strong track record of discovery, development and operation of independent zinc, copper and other base metals projects worldwide. BMC seeks to identify, acquire and develop a portfolio of high quality base metal mining development projects in stable mining jurisdictions with existing support infrastructure.

BMC is the owner of the Kudz Ze Kayah (KZK) project in the southeast Yukon nearby the Fyre Lake Cu-Au-Co project. The company identified the KZK Project as having the potential for full mine development due to its size, grade, metallurgical properties and the opportunity for resource growth. BMC has engaged in a program of assessing historical work, extensive seasonal resource drilling, economic assessment, baseline environmental studies and extensive community engagement. A Project Proposal was submitted to the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board (YESAB) in March 2017 and is currently progressing through Adequacy Stage of the YESAB assessment process.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Gerald G. Carlson

Gerald G. Carlson

President & CEO

Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd.

For further information, contact:

Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd.

Gerald G. Carlson

President & CEO

Tel: (604)687-4951

www.pacificridgeexploration.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

The technical information contained within this News Release has been reviewed and approved by Gerald G. Carlson, Ph.D., P.Eng., President and CEO of Pacific Ridge and Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 policy.

Forward-Looking Information: This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address exploration drilling and other activities and events or developments that Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. ("Pacific Ridge") expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the exercise of the options and future exploration plans and expenditures. Although Pacific Ridge believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include market prices, exploration successes, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. These statements are based on a number of assumptions including, among other things, assumptions regarding general business and economic conditions, that one of the options will be exercised, the ability of Pacific Ridge and other parties to satisfy stock exchange and other regulatory requirements in a timely manner, the availability of financing for Pacific Ridges proposed programs on reasonable terms, and the ability of third party service providers to deliver services in a timely manner. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Pacific Ridge does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Unconfirmed: Halla Barakat

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Unconfirmed: Halla Barakat, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33764.html [accessed 18 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.

Orient Net | Killed in Istanbul, Turkey | Body found on September 21, 2017

Syrian-American journalist Halla Barakat and her mother, Syrian opposition activist Orouba Barakat, were found dead in their Istanbul apartment on September 22, 2017, the Turkish news agency DHA reported.

Their bodies were discovered after friends alerted the police when Halla Barakat, 23, did not show up for her reporting job at the Syrian opposition website Orient Net, according to The Associated Press.

Istanbul police said they found the women's bodies on their living room floor covered in blankets with an unidentified powder poured over them, according to the DHA report. The bodies showed signs of strangulation, and both women's throats had been cut with a large knife approximately three days before they were found, according to the news report.

Investigators were inspecting two cellphones, a computer, and hard drives confiscated from the apartment, DHA said.

DHA reported that police said nothing appeared to be missing from the women's apartment, leading investigators to believe that burglary was an unlikely motive. The apartment door was undamaged, police said, which leading them to believe there was no forced entry.

Barakat and her mother had received threats on social media and email from supporters of the Syrian government, but never paid them much attention, a reporter who knew Halla Barakat, and who has not been named for safety reasons, told CPJ.

Istanbul's Anti-Terrorism and Public Order police units said Orouba Barakat had received a threat via Twitter 10 days prior to her death from a user who "wrote with a Tunisian accent." Barakat did not alert the police to the threat, DHA reported, citing the police investigative units.

On September 30, 2017, Turkish police detained a man they suspect in the Barakats' murder, the daily Hurriyet reported. According to the Hurriyet, police identified Ahmet Barakat, a distant relative to the mother and daughter, on security camera footage as someone who left the area around the Barakats' Istanbul apartment around the time of the murder and went on to a bus station. They then found and detained Ahmet Barakat in the western province of Bursa, according to the Hurriyet report.

Separately, Halla Barakat's aunt said on October 3, 2017, that she suspects Islamic State militants in her niece and sister's murder, the daily Haberturk reported.

Maen Barakat told the Haberturk that Ouroba Barakat had received death threats after participating in protests relating to the ongoing conflict in Syria.

Ouroba Barakat also received threats relating to content that she frequently shared on social media sites that expressed views against both Syrian President Bashar Assad's government and the Islamic State militant group, Maen Barakat told Haberturk.

Four or five months before the murder, someone claiming to be a member of the Islamic State group phoned Ouroba Barakat and made threats in Arabic with a Moroccan or Tunisian accent, Maen Barakat told Haberturk.

"My sister was threatened again on Facebook 10 days before the murder: 'Shut your mouth, we will kill you,' [they wrote]" Maen Barakat said, according to Haberturk.

Motive Unconfirmed: CPJ is investigating to determine whether the death was work-related.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Unconfirmed: Edwin Rivera Paz

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Unconfirmed: Edwin Rivera Paz, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33784.html [accessed 18 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.

Freelance | Killed in Acayucan, Mexico | July 09, 2017

Two unidentified assailants on a motorcycle shot dead Edwin Rivera Paz on the afternoon of July 9, 2017, in the city of Acayucan in Mexico's Veracruz state, according to news reports that cited an anonymous witness.

The journalist died from multiple gunshot wounds, the reports said. Rivera Paz's half-brother Pablo Rivera Cabrera, who was living with him at the time of this death, identified the body, the daily El Universal reported.

Rivera Paz fled his native Honduras in late January 2017, after his colleague, Igor Padilla, was murdered in San Pedro Sula, Univision reported. According to website InSight Crime , which researches organized crime in Latin America, San Pedro Sula is wracked by gang violence.

Rivera Paz and Padilla worked together at the television station HCH (Hable Como Habla or Speak as You Speak). Rivera Paz was the lead cameraperson for Padilla's comedy program "Los Verduleros" (the Greengrocers), and worked on other journalistic projects with the station.

While in Mexico, Rivera Paz was working on an independent reporting project about the challenges faced by Central American migrants in Mexico, including violence from organized crime groups, according to the Mexican political news website La Silla Rota, which cited an anonymous source.

At the time of his murder, Rivera Paz had been living in the southern part of Veracruz for several months, and was seeking political asylum in Mexico, according to Rivera Cabrera, who was quoted in El Universal, and a report on the news website Animal Politico.

On July 10, 2017, the Veracruz state prosecutor's office released a statement saying that it was investigating Rivera Paz's murder.

Ricardo Sanchez Perez del Pozo, the Federal Special Prosecutor for Attention to Crimes against Freedom of Expression, told CPJ in July 2017 that his office had opened a case file for the murder to determine whether it was related to the victim's work as a journalist.

Jorge Morales Vazquez, executive secretary of the Veracruz State Commission for the Care and Protection of Journalists, told CPJ in July 2017 that the commission was investigating Rivera Paz's reporting as a possible motive but could not provide additional information.

Neither Mexican state nor federal authorities had provided further information as to possible suspects or a possible motive as of late 2017.

Motive Unconfirmed: CPJ is investigating to determine whether the death was work-related.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Unconfirmed: Carlos William Flores

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Unconfirmed: Carlos William Flores, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e337c3.html [accessed 18 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.

Canal 22 | Killed in Tegucigalpita, Honduras | September 13, 2017

Carlos William Flores was shot dead on September 13 as he and a colleague were returning home from a reporting trip in northern Honduras.

According to news reports, unidentified individuals on a motorcycle shot at the pair while they were in the town of Tegucigalpita in the northern state of Cortes.

Flores was taken to a nearby medical center where he was pronounced dead. The woman, who was identified only by an alias in news reports, was injured.

Flores and his colleague had been reporting on a story related to agriculture in Corinto, a town near the border with Guatemala, for the local Canal 22 television station.

Flores worked for Canal 22 in Cuyamel in the northern state of Cortes near the Guatemalan border, and directed a news program, "Sin pelos en la lengua" (Without Mincing Words), which reported on regional news, according to reports.

The Honduran Committee for Free Expression (C-Libre) reported that Flores had been critical of agricultural and mining companies operating around Cuyamel.

Deputy commissioner Luis Osavas, a police spokesperson, identified the journalist in a statement as Carlos William Juarez, but local media outlets as well as international entities, including UNESCO and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, have reported his last name as Flores.

According to the Honduran newspaper La Prensa, Flores also owned a pool hall where a police officer was killed two months ago. Osavas told AFP on September 13 that authorities are investigating if there is any connection between Flores' murder and the police killing at his business.

Honduran police did not immediately announce any official line of investigation or publicly discount his work as a possible motive.

CPJ did not find reports that Flores had received threats for his reporting.

Motive Unconfirmed: CPJ is investigating to determine whether the death was work-related.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Unconfirmed: Carlos Oveniel Lara Dominguez

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Unconfirmed: Carlos Oveniel Lara Dominguez, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e337da.html [accessed 18 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.

Canal 12 Telemaya | Killed in Unknown, Honduras | October 23, 2017

At least one unidentified person shot television reporter and cameraperson Carlos Oveniel Lara Dominguez outside his home in the city of La Entrada in western Honduras on October 23, 2017, according to news reports.

Lara, 23, worked as a reporter and camera operator for Canal 12 Telemaya, a local TV station in the Honduran province of Copan on the border with Guatemala.

According to the news reports, at least one person drove up to Lara's home, got out of the car, shot the journalist, took his cellphone, and drove away around 6 a.m. CPJ was unable to determine how many people were involved in the shooting.

Lara died at the scene, according to a video released by Canal 12 Telemaya.

El Pais wrote that witnesses reported seeing a vehicle that looked similar to the shooter's vehicle in Lara's neighborhood the day before the journalist was murdered.

Canal 12 Telemaya's news director, Carlos Chinchilla, said in an interview on the HRN radio station that Lara had worked in media for eight years, and began working at Canal 12 three years before he was killed.

Chinchilla said Lara had reported receiving death threats via phone a few months earlier from an unidentified man, according to the news site El Nuevo Diario. The site did not give further details about the nature of the threats.

Lara's brother and Canal 12 did not return CPJ's repeated requests for comment.

In the days immediately following the murder, Honduran police did not comment publicly on the case or identify any lines of investigation.

The national attorney general's office did not respond to CPJ's emailed request for comment.

Motive Unconfirmed: CPJ is investigating to determine whether the death was work-related.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Unconfirmed: Candido Rios Vazquez

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Unconfirmed: Candido Rios Vazquez, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e337f11.html [accessed 18 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.

La Voz de Hueyapan | Killed in Veracruz, Mexico | August 22, 2017

Unknown gunmen on August 22 attacked Candido Rios Vazquez in a drive-by shooting outside a convenience store in Juan Diaz Covarrubias, a town in the eastern Mexican state of Veracruz, according to news reports. The journalist died en route to the hospital.

The Veracruz attorney general's office said in a statement that two other men were with Rios at the time of the shooting, and news reports identified one of them as a former policeman. Both of the other men died at the scene, according to local media.

Rios, 59, founded a local newspaper La Voz de Hueyapan and covered crime in the Hueyapan de Ocampo municipality, located south of Veracruz's regional capital of Xalapa, for a regional paper, El Diario de Acayucan.

Federal authorities enrolled Rios in a government protection program in 2013, according to the federal Mechanism for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders and Journalists. As part of the program, the journalist had police protection, a mobile panic button, and security cameras at his residence.

According to Veracruz media outlets, Rios had drawn the ire of Gaspar Gomez Jimenez, a former mayor of Hueyapan, for his reporting of local issues.

AGN Veracruz, a local news website based in the city of Puerto de Veracruz, reported on August 22 that Gomez Jimenez released a video earlier this month on social media sites in which he threatened to beat up Rios. In the video, which was since republished on YouTube, Gomez Jimenez also references accusations that he was said to have hired people to beat up Rios. CPJ was unable to reach the former mayor for comment.

Jorge Ruiz, a spokesperson for Mexico's National Human Rights Commission (CNDH), told CPJ the victim reported having received threats in the past from several local politicians over his political coverage. In the days and weeks leading up the attack, however, the victim had not reported any threats, Ruiz said.

A Veracruz state-run group that provides reporters with protection confirmed to CPJ that Rios had received death threats, but was not enrolled in programs the Veracruz State Commission for Attention and Protection provides to at-risk journalists. The group's executive secretary Jorge Morales said their representatives are working with Rios' family to determine if they will need protection in the future.

The federal undersecretary for Human Rights Roberto Campa said he believed the attack to be unrelated to Rios' work as a journalist, and that the incident was most likely related to Rios' companions who also died at the scene. Campa said during a press conference August 23 in Xalapa that his comments were based on information from the Veracruz state attorney general.

Ricardo Sanchez Perez del Pozo, the federal Special Prosecutor for Attention to Crimes Committed Against Freedom of Expression, told CPJ on August 24 that his office had opened an investigation into Rios' death. Sanchez said the special prosecutor's office has not ruled out the victim's work as a reporter as a possible motive in the shooting.

Motive Unconfirmed: CPJ is investigating to determine whether the death was work-related.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Unconfirmed: Bakhsheesh Elahi

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Unconfirmed: Bakhsheesh Elahi, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e3381a.html [accessed 18 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.

K2 | Killed in Haripur, Pakistan | June 11, 2017

Elahi, the Haripur bureau chief for the daily newspaper K2, was fatally shot in Haripur, about 80km (50 miles) north of Islamabad, on June 11, according to police, news reports, and his employer.

Elahi was on his way to work when unknown assailants on a motorcycle shot him repeatedly, Shuraiz Khan, of the Haripur police department, told CPJ. The Pakistani daily newspaper Dawn reported that Elahi sustained bullets to his head, neck, and chest. The journalist was alone when he was killed, and no one else was injured, Khan said, adding that he could not give any details regarding potential motives or suspects in an ongoing investigation.

A K2 journalist who gave his name only as Zakirullah told CPJ that Elahi, as the Haripur bureau chief, covered general news, and that he was unaware of any particular story that might have provoked his murder. He said that journalists were in danger in Pakistan, but that he could not speculate as to the killers' motives. Elahi had worked at K2 for only one month before his murder, and was a reporter for the Aaj media group's Haripur bureau before joining K2, Dawn reported.

Motive Unconfirmed: CPJ is investigating to determine whether the death was work-related.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Yameen Rasheed

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Yameen Rasheed, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e3383a.html [accessed 18 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 Daily Panic | Killed in Male, Maldives | April 23, 2017

Job: Columnist/Commentator, Publisher/Owner Medium: Internet Beats Covered: Corruption, Politics Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Murder Suspected Source of Fire: Criminal Group Impunity: Complete Impunity Taken Captive: No Tortured: No Threatened: Yes

Yameen Rasheed died at the Indira Gandhi Hospital in Male, after he was stabbed multiple times in the stairwell of his apartment building on April 23, 2017 around 3 a.m. He was 29.

Rasheed was a prominent blogger and satirist who commented on local politics in the Maldives on his blog The Daily Panic. He had received and reported several death threats prior to his murder and complained on social media about lack of action from the police. In a past interview, Rasheed told The New York Times he had been targeted by radical groups because he spoke out against extremism.

Rasheed also led the "Find Moyameeha" campaign for his friend and Minivan reporter Ahmed Rilwan Abdulla, who was abducted in 2014 and remains missing.

In August 2017, police said that religious extremists had killed Rasheed. The same month, the state charged seven individuals in connection with the murder. Authorities charged Hussain Ziyad, Ismail Haisham Rasheed, Ismail Rasheed, Hassan Shifaz, Mohamed Dhifran, and Ahmed Zihan Ismail with first-degree murder, according to Raajje TV. A seventh suspect, Mohamed Yashfau Rasheed, was charged with aiding and abetting murder, according to the Maldives Independent. The hearings in the trial have been closed to the public at the prosecutor general's request, Raajje TV reported. Under Maldives law, the prosecutor general can request secret proceedings "if they believe a circumstance that obstructs justice could arise in an open hearing," according to the Maldives Independent.

Rasheed's family released a statement on April 25, 2017, requesting an independent investigation into their son's death, citing lack of faith in achieving justice for their son.

"Having failed our son in life, we appeal to the police not to fail him in death," Rasheed's parents said in the statement.

In early May, the family sued police for negligence, according to local reports. In September, a civil court dismissed the lawsuit, and said that investigating police misconduct falls under the National Integrity Commission's jurisdiction, according to the Maldives Independent. As of late 2017 the commission had not publicly issued a response.

Maldives police did not respond to an email CPJ sent April 24, 2017.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Wael al-Absi

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Wael al-Absi, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e3385a.html [accessed 18 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.

Yemen TV | Killed in Taiz, Yemen | May 26, 2017

Job: Camera Operator, Photographer Medium: Television Beats Covered: War, Human Rights Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: Yes Type of Death: Crossfire Suspected Source of Fire: Political Group Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:

Wael al-Absi was killed while covering fighting between Gulf-monarchy-backed forces loyal to President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi and forces loyal to the Houthi militia and former president Ali Abdullah Saleh on the eastern outskirts of the central Yemeni city of Taiz, according to local officials, news reports, and the Yemeni Journalists Syndicate. Takieddin al-Hudhaifi was also killed in the same incident. Two other cameramen, Salahuddin al-Wahbani and Walid al-Qadasi, were injured, according to reports.

According to another journalist who spoke on condition of anonymity because he travels between areas controlled by the rival parties to the conflict, a shell hit the building where al-Absi and others had taken cover from crossfire near the front line, killing al-Absi and al-Hudhaifi and wounding al-Wahbani and al-Qadasi. It was unclear whether the building was targeted because the journalists were inside. The same journalist added that al-Absi had also been injured while covering fighting last year.

Al-Absi freelanced for Yemen's official satellite TV channel, and was a student at Taiz University, studying mass communication.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
CHICAGO, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. (NCSBN), www.ncsbn.org, marks reaching its 40th anniversary milestone in 2018 with the inspiring theme of Regulatory Excellence Surging Toward the Future. Founded March 15, 1978, as an independent not-for-profit organization, NCSBN was initially created to lessen the burdens of state governments and bring together boards of nursing (BONs) to act and counsel together on matters of common interest. It has evolved into one of the leading voices of regulation across the world.



This year we celebrate 40 years of regulatory excellence and anticipate a future of transforming nursing regulation and embracing innovations to further our mission of public protection, comments NCSBN Board of Directors President Katherine Thomas, MN, RN, FAAN, executive director, Texas Board of Nursing.

Throughout its 40-year history, NCSBN has been a groundbreaker. Some of its many accomplishments include:

Being the first organization to implement computerized adaptive testing (CAT) for nationwide licensure examination in 1994. Since then, more than 5 million candidates for nurse licensure have taken the NCLEX exam via CAT.



In 2014, NCLEX-RN Examination became the licensure/registration exam for Canadian nurses (for all provinces except for Quebec), marking the first time that the test was utilized for the purpose of licensure in another country.



Conducting the landmark, award-winning, multisite National Simulation Study examining the use of simulation in prelicensure nursing programs.



BONs were the first health care provider regulatory bodies to develop a model for interstate practice with the original adoption of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) in 1997 and its implementation in 2000. The enhanced NLC will be implemented Jan. 19, 2018, with a membership of 27 states*.

NCSBN CEO David Benton, RGN, PhD, FFNF, FRCN, FAAN, remarked, Forty years is a major milestone. It is a time to reflect, a time to celebrate but also a time to look to the future. 2018 will be a year where we look to build on our successes, learn from our failures and recommit to advancing public safety and regulatory excellence as we move forward.

In the coming year, NCSBN will unveil a seminal Global Regulatory Atlas; publish, in cooperation with The National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers, the 2017 National Nursing Workforce Survey; reveal a new logo; launch a new website; and distribute a booklet for new nurses with the goal of providing one to every newly licensed nurse in the U.S.

About NCSBN

NCSBNs membership is comprised of the boards of nursing (BONs) in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and four U.S. territories  American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands. There are also 30 associate members that are either nursing regulatory bodies or empowered regulatory authorities from other countries or territories.

NCSBN Member Boards protect the public by ensuring that safe and competent nursing care is provided by licensed nurses. These BONs regulate more than 4.5 million licensed nurses.

Mission: NCSBN provides education, service and research through collaborative leadership to promote evidence-based regulatory excellence for patient safety and public protection.

The statements and opinions expressed are those of NCSBN and not the individual member state or territorial boards of nursing.

*eNLC states include: Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Contact: Dawn M. Kappel

Director, Marketing and Communications

312.525.3667 direct

312.279.1034 fax

dkappel@ncsbn.org
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Veronique Robert

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Veronique Robert, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e338734.html [accessed 18 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.

#5BisProduction | Killed in Mosul, Iraq | June 24, 2017

Job: Camera Operator, Photographer Medium: Television, Internet Beats Covered: War, Human Rights Gender: Female Local or Foreign: Foreign Freelance: No Type of Death: Crossfire Suspected Source of Fire: Political Group Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:

Veronique Robert, who held French and Swiss nationalities, died in Paris on June 24, 2017, of wounds she sustained on June 19 while reporting on elite Iraqi soldiers' battle to retake central Mosul from militants from the Islamic State group. Robert, her colleague from the production house #5BisProductions Stephane Villeneuve, and Iraqi fixer Bakhtiyar Haddad, all died of injuries they sustained when an improvised explosive device exploded as they traveled by foot through Mosul's old city with Iraqi Special Forces, according to news reports. French freelance journalist Samuel Forey was also embedded with the group but was only lightly injured, Forey wrote on social media.

Alex Kay Potter  a nurse who was on the initial treatment team and who acts as director of communications for Global Response Management (GRM), an international nonprofit that provides medical care on the frontlines of conflicts  told CPJ that Robert, Haddad, Villeneuve, and Forey were initially treated at a trauma stabilization point run by GRM and Iraqi Special Operations Forces. Robert, Villeneuve, and Forey were then transported to a nearby military medical facility for further treatment, Potter said.

Robert and Villeneuve were subsequently flown to a medical facility in Al-Qayyara, some 76 kilometers (47 miles) south of Mosul, and then to Baghdad for further treatment. According to news reports, Robert underwent surgery in Baghdad and was flown to Paris for further treatment on June 23, 2017. She died of her wounds a day later.

Robert was an experienced conflict journalist, having covered conflicts in Afghanistan, Kosovo, and Iraq for clients such as Paris Match and Marianne. She and Villeneuve were filming a report for the public broadcaster France 2 when they were killed.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Takieddin al-Hudhaifi

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Takieddin al-Hudhaifi, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e338910f.html [accessed 18 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.

Al-Akhbariya | Killed in Taiz, Yemen | May 26, 2017

Job: Camera Operator, Photographer Medium: Television Beats Covered: War Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: Yes Type of Death: Crossfire Suspected Source of Fire: Political Group Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:

Freelance cameraman Takieddin al-Hudhaifi was killed on May 26, 2017, in the Yemeni city of Taiz while covering fighting between Gulf-monarchy-backed forces loyal to President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi and forces loyal to the Houthi militia and former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, according to local officials, news reports, and the Yemeni Journalists Syndicate.

According to the website Elmaam.net, Al-Hudhaifi, 19, was on assignment for the Saudi government news channel Al-Akhbariya when he was killed, but had previously contributed to many media outlets, including the Qatari satellite channel Al Jazeera, according to his colleagues.

According to Takieddin's father, Mohammed al-Hudhaifi, Takieddin was filming fighting near the front line in the eastern part of the city with several other freelance journalists when he was killed. Mohammed al-Hudhaifi quoted witnesses as saying that the group ran into a nearby building to take cover after being caught in crossfire, and that the building was subsequently hit by a shell. Al-Hudhaifi died at the scene, alongside Wael al-Absi, who was on assignment for Yemen's official satellite TV channel.

Al-Hudhaifi, 19, was also injured while covering the country's conflict in 2016, establishing a reputation among his colleagues for bravery. The young journalist, who was in his first year at Taiz University studying business administration, started taking video in 2011 with the uprising that forced Saleh from power when he just 13 years old, Aden News reported. According to Aden News, Al-Hudhaifi continued taking video after a Saudi-led coalition began a military campaign against Houthi militiamen and Saleh loyalists in 2015, though his father, who is also a journalist, discouraged it.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Taimoor Khan

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Taimoor Khan, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e338ba.html [accessed 18 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.

Samaa TV | Killed in Karachi, Pakistan | February 12, 2017

Job: Camera Operator Medium: Television Beats Covered: Crime, Politics Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Dangerous Assignment Suspected Source of Fire: Political Group Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:

Taimoor Khan, a cameraman for the privately owned broadcaster Samaa TV, was fatally shot on February 12, 2017, while covering the aftermath of an attack on a police vehicle in Karachi. He was 22.

Khan, also called Taimur Abbas in press reports, and colleagues from Samaa TV were arriving to cover the aftermath of a grenade attack on a police vehicle in the North Nazimabad district of Karachi that hurt no one when gunmen on a motorcycle began shooting at their van, according to press reports. Abbas was shot in the head and chest, and died while being treated in a nearby hospital, according to news reports.

The group Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for the attack both on the police vehicle and on the Samaa TV van, according to news reports. Militants in Pakistan have repeatedly staged secondary attacks to target people rushing to the scene of a first attack. Such secondary attacks put journalists, who often cover the aftermath of bombings, at special risk.

Police chief Muqaddas Haier told the English-language newspaper Dawn that police suspect that the gunmen, likely more than two people, attacked the police vehicle to attract the media's attention. Police arrested some 30 suspects during raids across Karachi following the attack, according to press reports. Monetary rewards were offered for information leading to the capture of the perpetuators, according to Dawn. Officials from the highest level of the Pakistani government, including Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, condemned Khan's murder and vowed to safeguard journalists.

Khan had worked for Samaa TV for 18 months, and was the sole breadwinner in his family, according to Dawn.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Suhaib al-Heeti

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Suhaib al-Heeti, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e338d6.html [accessed 18 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.

Asiasat | Killed in Heet, Iraq | May 30, 2017

Job: Broadcast Reporter Medium: Television Beats Covered: Politics, War, Human Rights, Culture Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: Yes Type of Death: Dangerous Assignment Suspected Source of Fire: Political Group Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:

Suhaib al-Heeti, a freelance reporter for the TV network Asiasat, was killed on May 30, 2017, in a suicide attack in Iraq's western Anbar province while covering a candlelight vigil for the victims of a truck bomb that had killed dozens of people the day prior, according to news reports, his employer, and the Iraq Observatory for Press Freedoms.

Ruba Gamiyya, senior news producer at Asiasat TV's Beirut office, said Al-Heeti was killed covering a candlelight vigil in central Heet for the victims of a truck bomb that exploded near a popular ice cream shop in Baghdad's Karrada district the night before. The journalist was killed when a man detonated explosives strapped to his body at a checkpoint near a school, killing himself, Al-Heeti, and at least 16 other people, according to news reports. No group claimed responsibility for the attack, media reports said.

Al-Heeti covered general news in Anbar province, reporting on teachers' protests, snow storms, and the plight of street children, for example. He also worked as a freelancer for the private satellite channel Al-Fallujah TV, according to the manager of the broadcaster's Facebook account.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Sudip Dutta Bhaumik

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Sudip Dutta Bhaumik, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e338f4.html [accessed 18 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.

Syandan Patrika | Killed in West Tripura district, India | November 21, 2017

Job: Print Reporter Medium: Print Beats Covered: Politics, Corruption Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Murder Suspected Source of Fire: Government Officials Impunity: Complete Impunity Taken Captive: No Tortured: No Threatened: No

Sudip Dutta Bhaumik, an investigative reporter at the Bengali-language daily Syandan Patrika, was shot outside the office of Tapan Debbarma, a commandant in Tripura State Rifles paramilitary force, according to media reports. A guard allegedly shot the journalist, according to reports.

Debbarma had invited the journalist to his office to speak with him about a clarification that the commandant wanted for a November 13, 2017 story Bhaumik wrote, alleging financial irregularities in the paramilitary force, according to a report in The Hindu. Subal Kumar Dey, editor of Syandan Patrika, told CPJ that witnesses told him that the journalist and commandant argued.

Abhijit Saptarishi, the police superintendent of West Tripura district, which has jurisdiction over the paramilitary, said that Nanda Reang, the guard who allegedly shot Bhaumik, has been detained, according to The Indian Express.

Police arrested Debbarma on November 22, 2017, according to the news website NDTV.

Subal Kumar Dey told CPJ in late November 2017 that Debbarma was charged with murder and criminal conspiracy.

Akhil Kumar Shukla, director-general of Tripura police, which has jurisdiction over the paramilitary told CPJ that he would not comment on the telephone about Debbarma's status, saying only that the incident is under investigation.

Abhijit Saptarishi, police superintendent of West Tripura district, did not immediately respond to CPJ's calls and messages seeking comment about the guard who allegedly shot the journalist.

On November 24, police arrested Head Constable Amit Debbarma and Rifleman Dharmendra Kumar Singh, and charged them with criminal conspiracy, according to a report on the Press Trust of India news agency website. A judicial magistrate's court ordered Amit Debbarma and Dharmendra to be held in custody for seven days, pending the investigation, according to report on News18.

Dey told CPJ that Bhaumik had worked as an investigative journalist for the last 20 years, and specialized in exposing corruption in the police force. Previously he had written for local Bengali-language newspapers including Dainik Sambad and Aajker Fariad.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Sudad Faris

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Sudad Faris, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33914.html [accessed 18 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.

Salaheddin TV | Killed in Imam Gharbi, near Mosul, Iraq | July 07, 2017

Job: Camera Operator, Producer Medium: Television Beats Covered: Corruption, Culture, Human Rights, War Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Crossfire Suspected Source of Fire: Political Group Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:

Sudad Faris, a cameraman for Salaheddin TV, was shot dead by a sniper from the Islamic State group, as he covered a July 7 Iraqi military operation to retake the village of Imam Gharbi from the militants, according to the pro-government channel.

Faris was trapped in a building alongside Iraqi security forces and several other reporters when fighters from the Islamic State group launched a counteroffensive to retake the village of Imam Gharbi, south of Mosul, a spokesman for Salaheddin TV told CPJ. Faris was hit immediately, he said. Harb Hazza al-Duleimi, a reporter for the broadcaster Hona Salaheddin, was killed in the same attack.

On July 17, Salaheddin TV published a special report on its YouTube channel that said the bodies of al-Duleimi and Faris had not been recovered because of Islamic State attacks in the village. For several days, the channel posted videos of the journalists' colleagues and family members calling on military and government officials for help in recovering the bodies.

On July 20, military officials said that they had found the bodies of the journalists, according to news reports. On the same day, Salaheddin TV posted a video to its Facebook page showing the journalists' remains arriving in Tikrit, wrapped in the Iraqi flag in preparation for their burial.

Faris worked for Salaheddin TV for more than a year, the spokesman said. The journalist covered a range of news and features, from literary events at universities to interviews with survivors of militant attacks in Tikrit.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Stephane Villeneuve

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Stephane Villeneuve, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33934.html [accessed 18 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.

#5BisProduction | Killed in Mosul, Iraq | June 19, 2017

Job: Camera Operator Medium: Television, Internet Beats Covered: War Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Foreign Freelance: Yes Type of Death: Crossfire Suspected Source of Fire: Political Group Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:

French cameraman Stephane Villeneuve was killed, along with Iraqi fixer Bakhtiyar Haddad and Veronique Robert as they covered Iraqi soldiers' efforts to retake control of the old city of Mosul, according to news reports.

Villeneuve was embedded with elite Iraqi soldiers, traveling on foot through Mosul when an improvised explosive device exploded, news reports said. Alex Kay Potter  a nurse who was on the initial treatment team and who acts as director of communications for Global Response Management (GRM), an international nonprofit that provides medical care on the frontlines of conflicts  told CPJ that Haddad, Forey, Villeneuve, and Robert were initially treated at a trauma stabilization point run by GRM and Iraqi Special Operations Forces. Villeneuve, Robert, and Forey were then transported to a nearby military medical facility for further treatment, Potter said.

Villeneuve and his colleagues were then flown to a medical facility in Al-Qayyara, some 76 kilometers (47 miles) south of Mosul, and then to Baghdad for further treatment. Villeneuve died of his injuries hours later, according to news reports and the Metro Center for Journalists' Rights, a northern Iraqi press freedom group.

Villeneuve was an experienced conflict journalist. He covered the wars in Syria, Iraq, and Libya for French media including France 24, Canal+, and BFM video. At the time of his death, Stephan was filming a report for the French public TV station France 2.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Shifa Zikri Ibrahim (Shifa Gardi)

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Shifa Zikri Ibrahim (Shifa Gardi), 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33954.html [accessed 18 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.

Rudaw TV | Killed in Mosul, Iraq | February 25, 2017

Job: Broadcast Reporter Medium: Television Beats Covered: War Gender: Female Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Crossfire Suspected Source of Fire: Political Group Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:

Iraqi-Kurdish reporter and Kurdish-language Rudaw TV news anchor Shifa Zikri Ibrahim, known professionally as Shifa Gardi, was killed on February 25, 2017, by a roadside bomb while covering the Iraqi Army's offensive against the Islamic State group in western Mosul, according to the network and news reports.

Gardi and her team were on a mission to investigate a mass grave where it was alleged that ISIS militants had killed and buried hundreds of civilians in Mosul, Rudaw's Ranja Jamal said in an account of the incident published on Rudaw's website. Rudaw's team were trying to film the grave when the bomb exploded, killing Gardi and five members of a paramilitary force who had led her to the site, Jamal said.

Another eight people, including Rudaw TV cameraman Yunis Mustafa, were injured, according to Rudaw TV and news reports. Mustafa was airlifted to the northern Iraqi city of Erbil, where he was hospitalized. Rudaw TV said his injuries were not life-threatening.

According to the channel, Gardi presented a daily special program on the Mosul offensive on Rudaw TV, and had reported on the campaign from inside Mosul, continuing her coverage until an hour before she was killed.

Gardi, 30, was born a refugee in Iran in 1986 and graduated from Erbil's Salahaddin University with a journalism degree. She started her career as a journalist in 2006, and joined the Rudaw Media Network since 2013, according the station and CNN.

Rudaw TV Executive Director Ako Mohamm told a crowd of Gardi's colleagues and ordinary people gathered to pay respect to her body outside the network's headquarters. "She was one of the very dedicated employees. She was an example of dedication," Ako continued. He said the network has always instructed its journalists "to be behind the frontlines of the war."

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Shantanu Bhowmik

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Shantanu Bhowmik, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33974.html [accessed 18 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.

Dinraat | Killed in West Tripura district, India | September 20, 2017

Job: Broadcast Reporter Medium: Television Beats Covered: Politics Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Dangerous Assignment Suspected Source of Fire: Mob Violence Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:

Shantanu Bhowmik, a reporter for the local Bengali-language news channel Dinraat, was beaten to death on September 20, 2017, while he covered clashes between members of the separatist Indigenous People's Front of Tripura and the ruling Tripura Rajya Upajati Ganamukti Parishad party in the northeastern Tripura state near the border with Bangladesh, according to media reports.

A mob used sticks to hit him on his head and legs, according to a report in the English-language Indian Express that quoted an unnamed journalist who was also covering the clashes.

According to the Indian Express, Bhowmik was taking pictures with his mobile phone when members of the crowd attacked him. Swapan Chakraborty, an editor at Dinraat, told CPJ that the last image the station received from Bhowmik was sent at 1:15 p.m.

Later that day, the police found Bhowmik's body near a stadium, according to media reports.

Akhil Kumar Shukla, director general of Tripura state police said that three people were arrested and are being held in police custody on court order in relation to the journalist's death, according to a September 28, 2017 report in The Times of India.

When CPJ spoke with Chakraborty in early December 2017, the editor said that four people were now in custody in relation to Bhowmik's death. The editor described the suspects as belonging to or being supporters of the Indigenous People's Front of Tripura, and he said no charges had been filed.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Salvador Adame Pardo

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Salvador Adame Pardo, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33994.html [accessed 18 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.

6TV | Killed in Between May 18 and June 26, 2017, Mexico | June 01, 2017

Job: Broadcast Reporter, Publisher/Owner Medium: Television Beats Covered: Corruption, Politics Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Murder Suspected Source of Fire: Criminal Group, Government Officials Impunity: Complete Impunity Taken Captive: Yes Tortured: No Threatened: No

Gunmen abducted Salvador Adame Pardo, director of the television station 6TV, on May 18, 2017, from the central Mexican town of Nueva Italia in Michoacan state, according to media reports. On June 26, 2017, state authorities told Mexican media that they had found the burned remains of Adame on June 14, 2017, in the town of Gabriel Zamora.

Authorities have not publicly identified any suspects and no arrests had been made as of mid-December, 2017.

Witnesses told local media they saw armed men abduct Adame shortly before 8 p.m. near a water purifying plant on Nueva Italia's Lazaro Cardenas Avenue. The attackers forced him into their black SUV and fled the scene in the direction of Nuevo Corondiro, northwest of Nueva Italia, according to the same witness reports.

In a brief statement, the Michoacan State Attorney General's Office said authorities opened an investigation hours after Adame's abduction, and that the federal attorney general's office had been notified, because Adame is a journalist.

Adame covered general news and local politics for two decades from the Mugica municipality in southern Michoacan, and was an owner and director of 6TV.

A friend and colleague who did not want to be named for safety reasons told CPJ that Adame had been a frequent critic of municipal officials.

On April 12, 2016, CPJ reported that police briefly detained Adame and his wife, Frida Pardo, a co-owner of 6TV, while the couple was covering a sit-in at the Mugica municipal building by women protesting changes in a local social program.

After this incident, Adame told CPJ that he believed the order to detain him and his wife may have come from a government official. "That we were filming the removal of the women may have angered someone, but we were just doing our job," he told CPJ. He said at the time that he was considering leaving the state.

In a statement on May 30, 2017, Michoacan Attorney General Jose Martin Godoy Castro said Adame's kidnapping might have been motivated by debts or personal problems, though he did not elaborate further.

Other journalists, as well as Adame's family, have criticized these statements as an attempt to criminalize Adame, and have called for a full investigation into his death.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
CLEARWATER, Fla., Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On December 31st, a family of four from New York City vacationing in Clearwater stopped by the Scientology Information Center  thus breaking the 27,000 visitor mark to the Center.



We saw the sign, Church of Scientology Information Center  All are welcome and decided to come in and look around, said Chuck, the father of the family. We heard about the Church of Scientologys spiritual headquarters in Clearwater, and since we know nothing about Scientology, we wanted to look around. During the visit their questions about Scientologys beliefs were answered and they received a photo brochure of the Church of Scientology of New York as a keepsake.

Its amazing the diversity of people that come through these doors every day who are curious about Scientology, added Amber. One visitor, a life-long Clearwater resident, Michael Fitzsimmons, visited the Information Center for the fist time in 2016. Now he frequently comes by to say hello, learn more and have a cup of coffee.

Its always nice to have someone to talk to and answer questions about Scientology, said Mr. Fitzsimmons.

Since its opening in July 2015, the Scientology Information Center has hosted visitors from across the U.S., and visitors from 25 countries, from as far away as Argentina and Vietnam. Over 100 community events have taken place in the Center. They highlight special days including Earth Day, International Day of Happiness, Mothers Day and Fathers Day.

The Center houses a gallery of information panels, 4 audiovisual displays containing some 400 videos. These displays allow anyone to learn what are Dianetics, Scientology and its founder, Mr. L. Ron Hubbard for themselves, said Amber Skjelset, Manager of the Scientology Information Center.

For more information about the Scientology Information Center and its regular events please call the manager at 727-467-6966 or via e-mail amber@cos.flag.org.

The Scientology Information Center:

The Scientology Information Center, located in the Historic Clearwater Building in downtown Clearwater, opened on July 11, 2015, and currently houses a gallery of audiovisual displays with some 400 videos. The Center is open to all provides a self-guided tour showing basic Scientology beliefs, Churches around the world, ongoing social programs and the life of L. Ron Hubbard, Scientologys founder. For more information please visit www.scientology-fso.org .

Contact Amber Skjelset

(727) 467-6966

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/602cfa60-424c-4205-b612-9c0661ab4ba4
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Qais al-Jazar (Qais al-Qadhi)

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Qais al-Jazar (Qais al-Qadhi), 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e339b4.html [accessed 18 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.

Al-Jisr TV | Killed in Homouria, Syria | October 29, 2017

Job: Camera Operator, Editor, Broadcast Reporter Medium: Television Beats Covered: War Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Crossfire Suspected Source of Fire: Military Officials Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:

Al-Jisr TV reporter Qais al-Jazar, known professionally as Qais al-Qadhi, was killed during a shelling attack in the eastern suburbs of Damascus on October 29, 2017, according to reports from his employer and AFP.

Al-Qadhi, who was the director of al-Jisr's Damascus office, was on a farm in the town of Homouria in eastern Damascus reporting on shelling by Syrian forces in the area [EB1] when an artillery shell landed on the farm, according to an al-Jisr report. Al-Jisr cameraman Omar al-Dimashqi, who was reporting with al-Qadhi, suffered a foot injury in the same attack, their employer reported.

Eight civilians also died in the attack and many more were injured, according to the same al-Jisr report, which was presented by the channel's correspondent Mohammad al-Rifai. CPJ was unable to determine if the journalist was among the number of dead.

In the AFP report, a photo of al-Qadhi's bloodied corpse shows him wearing a clearly visible press card.

In the same al-Jisr report, al-Rifai said that the Syrian military had previously targeted the channel's Damascus office, as well as its correspondents working in the eastern Damascus suburbs, without providing specific examples.

CPJ could not verify al-Rifai's claim.

Al-Jisr had also come under fire from Islamic State group militants. The Syrian Journalists Association, a secular pro-opposition press advocacy group, reported that a shell fired by IS militants injured the director of al-Jisr's Daraa office in southern Syria while he was covering clashes between the group and a faction of the FSA on October 12, 2017, in rural Daraa Province.

Al-Qadhi was born in 1994 in Arbin, the next town over from Homouria in the Ghouta area of eastern Damascus, and had been director of Al-Jisr's Damascus office since it opened two years earlier.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Osama Nasr al-Zoabi

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Osama Nasr al-Zoabi, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e339d4.html [accessed 18 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.

Syrian Media Organization (SMO) | Killed in Daraa, Syria | August 21, 2017

Job: Broadcast Reporter, Camera Operator Medium: Internet, Television Beats Covered: War Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Crossfire Suspected Source of Fire: Military Officials Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:

Osama Nasr al-Zoabi, correspondent for the Syrian Media Organization (SMO) and director of the SMO office in Daraa, was killed August 21 in a roadside bombing in the southwestern province of Daraa, according to the SMO executive director Abu al-Majd al-Zoabi.

Al-Zoabi was on his way to report on the humanitarian effects of a Syrian government bombing campaign that took place in the Daraa region in June, Abu al-Majd al-Zoabi told CPJ.

The car he was driving hit an improvised explosive device. In a statement on Twitter, the Syrian Media Organization reported that al-Zoabi's brother and a nephew were also killed in the explosion.

The news organization is affiliated with the Western-approved Southern Front rebel group.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Nikolai Andrushchenko

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Nikolai Andrushchenko, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e339f4.html [accessed 18 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.

Novy Peterburg | Killed in St. Petersburg, Russia | April 19, 2017

Job: Internet Reporter, Print Reporter Medium: Print, Internet Beats Covered: Corruption, Politics Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Murder Suspected Source of Fire: Unknown Fire Impunity: Complete Impunity Taken Captive: No Tortured: No Threatened: Yes

Nikolai Andrushchenko, a veteran journalist known for his reporting on corruption and police brutality, died in a St. Petersburg hospital on April 19, 2017, of injuries sustained in a beating six weeks earlier. His murder was the first of a journalist in Russia since 2013, according to CPJ research.

Andrushchenko, 73, was on his way to a business meeting on March 9 when unknown assailants severely beat him, according to press reports. Andrushchenko's colleague, Alevtina Ageyeva, told CPJ that she was not aware of any witnesses to the attack. He was found unconscious several hours later and taken to a hospital where doctors performed brain surgery and left him in a medically induced coma, Ageyeva said. He died April 19 without regaining consciousness, she said, adding that recently "his state [had been] improving; he had started breathing on his own."

Andrushchenko was known for his criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his investigative reports alleging corruption and human rights abuses, including by local police. Ageyeva, who co-founded Novy Peterburg with Andrushchenko in 1990, told CPJ that the journalist was a "constant irritant for the authorities," and added that she had "no doubt that he was killed for his journalism."

Denis Usov, who also worked with Andrushchenko at Novy Peterburg, told CPJ on May 17, 2017, that the police had not contacted the newspaper since initially opening a preliminary probe into the March 9 beating, and that the newspaper had not been informed of any progress in the investigation.

Ageyeva told CPJ that Andrushchenko had suffered physical attacks in the past. In November 2016, she said, several assailants beat him on his doorstep. Ageyeva said that his attackers couldn't "finish the job" because the journalist's neighbors interfered.

He was also beaten in November 2007, weeks before police raided the newspaper's office and a court jailed him for two months' pretrial detention on charges of defamation and obstruction of justice stemming from his reporting on a murder investigation, CPJ reported at the time.

"He endured many physical attacks and made it through every time," Ageyeva told CPJ. "But not this time."

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Mohamed Abazied (George Samara)

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Mohamed Abazied (George Samara), 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33a14.html [accessed 18 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.

Nabd Syria Satellite Station/ Syria Media Organization (SMO) | Killed in Daraa, Syria | March 12, 2017

Job: Broadcast Reporter Medium: Television, Internet Beats Covered: War Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Crossfire Suspected Source of Fire: Military Officials Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:

Mohamed Abazied was killed by a rocket fired at the southwestern Syrian city of Daraa while reporting on Russian and Syrian military airstrikes on the city, according to his employers and other news reports.

Abazied, also known professionally as George Samara, contributed to the pro-opposition satellite station Nabd Syria and the Syria Media Organization (SMO), which also is sympathetic to the Syrian opposition. Both reported that he was covering the airstrikes at the time of his death, and the journalist posted live video of the attacks on his Facebook page just before his death.

In the video he posted to Facebook just before his death, Abazied appears in an abandoned building and describes what he says are the sounds of Russian and Syrian planes bombing civilians in the area. Another person briefly appears in the video to warn him of an approaching fighter plane ready to attack.

"Let them go ahead," he responds. "Death is better than humiliation."

Shrapnel hit Abazied in the head, killing him instantly, Ziad Al-Rayes, a spokesman for the channel told the Committee to Protect Journalists.

Abazied, 40, had lived in Daraa for six years prior to his death. His own home was destroyed in an airstrike last year, according to local news reports. In his reports for SMO and Nabd Syria, he covered civilian casualties, the destruction of residential buildings and infrastructure, and the plight of those forced to flee the conflict in Daraa.

On March 10, Lt. Gen. Sergei Rudskoy, chief of the Russian General Staff Main Operational Directorate, told reporters in a press briefing that Russian aircraft had carried out 452 airstrikes to support the Syrian government's push to retake eastern Aleppo province the previous week alone.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Miroslava Breach Velducea

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Miroslava Breach Velducea, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33a34.html [accessed 18 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.

La Jornada | Killed in Chihuahua, Mexico | March 23, 2017

Job: Print Reporter, Internet Reporter Medium: Print, Internet Beats Covered: Crime, Politics Gender: Female Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Murder Suspected Source of Fire: Criminal Group Impunity: Complete Impunity Taken Captive: No Tortured: No Threatened: Yes

Miroslava Breach Velducea, a correspondent for the national newspaper La Jornada from the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua, was murdered on the morning of March 23, 2017, in the eponymous state capital.

An unknown assailant shot Breach, 54, eight times as she was leaving home in her car, accompanied by one of her three children, shortly after 7 a.m., according to press reports. The child was not injured, but Breach died while being transported to the hospital.

Breach covered, among other subjects, politics, crime, and the intersection of the two. Since January 2017 she had also headed her own news agency, MIR, and had long been a contributor to the Chihuahua news website Norte, which announced after her murder that it was closing.

La Jornada reported that a note was found at the scene of the murder that read: "For being a snitch. You're next, governor.  The 80." Police say The 80 is Arturo Quintana, who allegedly leads a criminal gang associated with the organized crime syndicate known as La Linea, which operates in the Western half of the state, according to news reports.

On March 4, 2016, Breach reported on alleged links between organized crime and mayoral candidates in several small towns in the mountainous region of western Chihuahua. The story mentioned "The 80" as supporting candidates for mayor in at least two towns, including the alleged gang leader's mother-in-law. According to one journalist who knew the victim well and who asked not to be identified for fear of reprisal, Breach had received threats on at least three occasions for her reporting alleging links between politicians and alleged organized crime figures.

Nahum Pedro Zarate, deputy general director of the federal Special Prosecutor for Attention to Crimes against Freedom of Expression (FEADLE) told CPJ on the day of the murder that a federal investigation had begun. Cesar Augusto Peniche Espejel, Chihuahua's state attorney general, told CPJ during a visit to Chihuahua on April 4 that the victim's work as a journalist has not been discarded as a possible motive. He said he could not provide more details, citing the ongoing investigation.

The governor of Chihuahua, Javier Corral Jurado, said that Breach had told him about threats she had received two years ago, when he was a senator, but that she had not told him about any more recent threats, according to the news website Sin Embargo. The Free Journalism Network of Chihuahua issued a statement saying that Breach met with officials from the Federal Mechanism for Journalists and Human Rights Defenders in October 2016 and had told them then that she had been threatened for her work.

Chihuahua Attorney General Cesar Augusto Peniche on March 30 said that two suspects had been identified in the shooting, according to La Jornada. Peniche said that Breach was killed because her reporting affected the interests of organized crime, the newspaper reported.

An unknown assailant shot Breach, 54, eight times as she was leaving home in her car, accompanied by one of her three children, shortly after 7 a.m., according to press reports. The child was not injured, but Breach died while being transported to the hospital.

Breach covered, among other subjects, politics, crime, and the intersection of the two. Since January 2017 she had also headed her own news agency, MIR, and had long been a contributor to the Chihuahua news website Norte, which announced after her murder that it was closing.

La Jornada reported that a note was found at the scene of the murder that read: "For being a snitch. You're next, governor.  The 80." Police say The 80 is Arturo Quintana, who allegedly leads a criminal gang associated with the organized crime syndicate known as La Linea, which operates in the Western half of the state, according to news reports.

On March 4, 2016, Breach reported on alleged links between organized crime and mayoral candidates in several small towns in the mountainous region of western Chihuahua. The story mentioned "The 80" as supporting candidates for mayor in at least two towns, including the alleged gang leader's mother-in-law. According to one journalist who knew the victim well and who asked CPJ to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal, Breach had received threats on at least three occasions for her reporting alleging links between politicians and alleged organized crime figures.

Nahum Pedro Zarate, deputy general director of the federal Special Prosecutor for Attention to Crimes against Freedom of Expression (FEADLE) told CPJ on the day of the murder that a federal investigation had begun. Cesar Augusto Peniche Espejel, Chihuahua's state attorney general, told CPJ during a visit to Chihuahua on April 4 that the victim's work as a journalist has not been discarded as a possible motive. He said he could not provide more details, citing the ongoing investigation.

The governor of Chihuahua, Javier Corral Jurado, said that Breach had told him about threats she had received two years ago, when he was a senator, but that she had not told him about any more recent threats, according to the news website Sin Embargo. The Free Journalism Network of Chihuahua issued a statement saying that Breach met with officials from the Federal Mechanism for Journalists and Human Rights Defenders in October 2016 and had told them then that she had been threatened for her work.

Chihuahua Attorney General Cesar Augusto Peniche on March 30 said that two suspects had been identified in the shooting, according to La Jornada. Peniche said that Breach was killed because her reporting affected the interests of organized crime, the newspaper reported.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Maximino Rodriguez

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Maximino Rodriguez, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33a54.html [accessed 18 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.

Freelance | Killed in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico | April 14, 2017

Job: Columnist / Commentator, Internet Reporter Medium: Internet Beats Covered: Corruption, Crime, Politics Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: Yes Type of Death: Murder Suspected Source of Fire: Criminal Group Impunity: Complete Impunity Taken Captive: No Tortured: No Threatened: Yes

Unknown assailants shot and killed crime reporter Rodriguez on April 14, 2017 in the northern Mexican city of La Paz, according to his employer.

Rodriguez, 73, reported on crime and the police on Colectivo Pericu, a blog that covers current events in the northern Mexican state of Baja California Sur and that allows readers to denounce crime, corruption, and other grievances. He wrote a regular column for the website Es Mi Opinion (It's My Opinion), in which he commented on crime, politics, corruption, and other topics.

An initial report from Colectivo Pericu said that Rodriguez was attacked at around noon just after he and his wife entered their vehicle in a parking lot. An unknown number of attackers opened fire at the victim at close range from within a white SUV, the website reported, adding that the weapons used were "apparently high-powered," a term commonly used in Mexico for assault rifles. Rodriguez was killed instantly. His wife was not harmed.

In a statement published on its website on April 16, 2017, the Baja California Sur state prosecutor's office (PGJ) said it had identified one of the weapons in the Rodriguez murder as having been used in an April 5, 2017 shooting of a police officer in La Paz. Several attempts by CPJ to reach the PGJ by telephone for further comment in mid-April 2017 were unsuccessful.

According to the same statement, state authorities are collaborating with the federal Special Prosecutor for Crimes Against Freedom of Expression (FEADLE), which investigates attacks on journalists, by request of Governor Carlos Mendoza Davis. Nahum Pedro Zarate, the deputy general director of FEADLE, confirmed to CPJ on April 17, 2017 that federal authorities are considering the victim's work as a journalist as a possible motive.

In his April 11 column, Rodriguez commented on police officers' operations against a local criminal gang in La Paz. In the article, he was dismissive of the gang and its alleged leader, whom he accused of using violence to spread panic among the city's population.

The article provoked an angry reaction from a commenter using a pseudonym, in which the commenter threatened to kill Rodriguez and accused the journalist of being on the payroll of a rival gang.

Rodriguez had received other threats in the past, he said in a December 6, 2016, interview with the news website Culco, adding that he was not afraid to continue his work.

Rodriguez was a veteran journalist, and fellow journalists from the area spoke highly of him to CPJ. He had worked as a reporter for a number of national and regional media outlets, including as a correspondent covering the civil wars in Honduras and El Salvador in the 1980s, before completing his career of full-time work as a spokesperson for the Baja California Sur state prosecutor's office and the state Supreme Court. He began working on the crime beat for Colectivo Pericu in November 2014 after his retirement from full-time work.

"I spoke with him almost every day," the website's co-founder, Cuauthemoc Morgan, told CPJ. "Max covered high-impact crimes in La Paz, and because the state is suffering a wave of violence since the summer of 2014, he published his stories very regularly."

Morgan also said that in November 2016, unknown individuals left a banner with a threat against the website at its office in Los Cabos, south of La Paz. He added that he and others involved with Colectivo Pericu are currently considering requesting safety measures with the federal Protection Mechanism for Journalists.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Maria Efigenia Vasquez Astudillo

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Maria Efigenia Vasquez Astudillo, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33a7a.html [accessed 18 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.

Renacer Kokonuko | Killed in Unknown, Colombia | October 08, 2017

Job: Broadcast Reporter Medium: Radio Beats Covered: Culture Gender: Female Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Crossfire Suspected Source of Fire: Local Residents, Military Officials Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:

Radio reporter Maria Efigenia Vasquez Astudillo was shot on October 8, 2017, while reporting on clashes between indigenous community members and riot police in the department of Cauca in southwestern Colombia, according to news reports. Vasquez, 31, who worked at an indigenous community radio station, Renacer Kokonuko 90.7 FM, was taken to a hospital in Popayan, the capital of Cauca, where she died a few hours later from injuries.

According to the official forensics report, it is unclear what kind of object was shot at, injured, and killed Vasquez.

Vasquez was participating in and reporting on a protest organized by members of the Kokonuko indigenous community against the presence of a private company on land they view as ancestral territory, according to news reports. The community members set up a roadblock, where they were met by riot police. About 40 indigenous civilians were injured in the clashes, Isneldo Avirama, the community's governor, told the Bogota-based press freedom organization Fundacion para la Libertad de Prensa (FLIP).

During the confrontation, Vasquez was injured by a homemade weapon that could have come from either side, according to news reports. An official at the national Attorney General's office told CPJ the case is still under investigation and that authorities were investigating multiple hypotheses.

According to FLIP, Vasquez was attending the protest as a community member, but was also documenting the event, which is common practice among the station's staff.

"She had the same mission as the rest of us: to document [what was happening]," Emildre Avirama, a colleague at Renacer Kokonuko, told FLIP.

Renacer Kokonuko, which broadcasts from a small house in the indigenous territory, is the only official news outlet in the municipality of Purace, according to FLIP.

Vasquez began attending media training in 2003, at age 17, according to a statement released by the Cauca Regional Indigenous Council. She contributed to Renacer Kokonuko's news program "Amanecer Indigena" and "Minga," a cultural program, and was acting coordinator of a regional communications program in 2014. Family members told FLIP she alternated her work at the radio station with farming strawberries, and had taken breaks from the station over the past two years to focus on supporting her three children.

CPJ did not find any evidence that Vasquez had previously received any threats for her reporting. A colleague at Renacer Kokonuko told FLIP that several unidentified people stopped by the radio station's office two days after Vasquez was killed, asking for the names of other staff at the station.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Louay Sadiq Meshaal

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Louay Sadiq Meshaal, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33ab127.html [accessed 18 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.

Al-Nujaba TV | Killed in Salman, Iraq | October 01, 2017

Job: Photographer, Camera Operator Medium: Internet, Television Beats Covered: War Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Crossfire Suspected Source of Fire: Political Group Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:

Iraqi cameraman and war photographer Louay Sadiq Meshaal died in a car bomb attack in Iraq's central Kirkuk province while he was embedded with a local fighting unit, according to Sadiq's employer al-Nujaba TV, which is affiliated with the Iranian-backed militia Harakat al-Nujaba.

At the time of the explosion, Sadiq was with the Iraqi state-sponsored 12th Brigade of the Popular Mobilization Units, which consists mainly of Shiite militias, in the village of Salman in Kirkuk's Makhoul mountain range, according to a statement al-Nujaba issued to CPJ via email.

According to al-Nujaba TV and the local press freedom group Press Freedom Advocacy Association in Iraq, Sadiq was covering military operations to retake Salman's al-Hawija district from the militant group Islamic State group.

Sadiq's friend and war correspondent for Harakat al-Nujaba, Muntazir al-Shara, was with Sadiq at the time of his death, and posted an account of the car bomb blast on his Facebook feed along with a picture the two had taken moments before the explosion.

Al-Shara wrote on Facebook that he met up with Sadiq in Salman with the intent of replacing his colleague on the frontlines. The car bomb explosion occurred when Sadiq went to retrieve a camera from Al-Shara and rejoin the advancing troops, according to al-Shara's post.

"He was screaming loudly 'heir, heir, heir,'" al-Nujaba wrote, a likely reference to a Quaranic verse that can, idiomatically, be translated as "God keep us healthy for as long as possible."

According to al-Shara, Sadiq died from shrapnel wounds not far from the scene of the explosion.

An employee of Al-Nujaba TV who refused to give his name told CPJ that Sadiq had worked as a cameraman and war photographer since 2014, and covered clashes in the Iraqi cities of Baghdad, Samarra, Tikrit, Beiji and Mosul. According to the employee, Sadiq also covered clashes between the Harakat al-Nujaba militia group and the Islamic State group in the Syrian cities of Aleppo, Tel Al-Aish, and Khanazir.

Harakat al-Nujaba is part of the Islamic Resistance Movement in Iraq, and is one of the most prominent units within the Popular Mobilization Units, also known as Hashd al-Shaabi. It operates in Syria and Iraq under the leadership of Qassem Soleimani, the head of the Iranian Islamic Revolution Guards Corps' Quds Force, and has close ties to Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Kim Wall

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Kim Wall, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33ada.html [accessed 18 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.

Freelance | Killed in Copenhagen, Denmark | August 10, 2017

Job: Print Reporter Medium: Print Beats Covered: Culture, Human Rights, Politics Gender: Female Local or Foreign: Foreign Freelance: Yes Type of Death: Dangerous Assignment Suspected Source of Fire: Local Residents Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:

Swedish freelance journalist Kim Wall, 30, disappeared off the coast of Copenhagen, Denmark, on August 10, 2017 after boarding an amateur-built submarine to interview its owner, Peter Madsen, according to reports.

When Madsen, a Danish citizen, was rescued unharmed and alone from the submarine after it sank that night, he told police that he had dropped Wall off on an island.

Copenhagen police said on August 13 that Madsen deliberately sank the vessel. On August 21, while in custody, Madsen told police that Wall died in an accident on board the submarine and said that he buried her at sea, press reports said.

On August 23, 2017, Danish police confirmed that a torso found off Copenhagen was that of Wall. The body was weighted down in an apparent attempt to prevent it from surfacing, a police chief investigator said at a press conference.

Madsen was initially charged with manslaughter and abuse of corpse, according to reports. He denies killing Wall. A Danish court ordered the inventor detained until September 5, 2017, pending further inquiries, Reuters reported.

On September 5, a judge upgraded the initial involuntary manslaughter charges against Madsen to murder charges, Jakob Buch-Jepsen, special prosecutor with the Copenhagen Police, told The Washington Post. At a court hearing that day, Madsen said he did not kill Wall but that she had died as a result of an accident where she was hit in the head by the submarine's heavy hatch, according to press reports.

In November, Danish police said divers had recovered Wall's missing arms from the sea, which police said had been weighted down the same way the journalist's torso, which was recovered earlier, had been, The Associated Press reported. Though Madsen initially denied dismembering Wall's body, he later admitted to it, the AP said. In December 2017, authorities extended Madsen's detention to March 8, 2018, when the first hearing is scheduled to take place, according to reports.

Wall, a graduate of the London School of Economics and New York's Columbia Journalism School was based in New York and Beijing, and wrote for publications including The New York Times, Harper's magazine, The Guardian, The Atlantic, Foreign Policy, Slate, TIME, and Vice.

She often chose to cover underreported stories including the life of marginalized subcultures, according to colleagues. Her brother Tom Wall told CPJ in an email that she also covered stories on gender, social issues, and foreign policy. She worked in several countries including Sri Lanka, Haiti, Cuba, and Uganda. In 2016, Wall was awarded the Hanzel Mieth digital award for her reporting in the Marshall Islands on climate change and the impact of U.S. nuclear weapons testing in the region.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Khaled al-Khateb

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Khaled al-Khateb, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33afa.html [accessed 18 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.

RT | Killed in Sukhna, Syria | July 30, 2017

Job: Broadcast Reporter, Camera Operator Medium: Television Beats Covered: War Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: Yes Type of Death: Crossfire Suspected Source of Fire: Political Group Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:

Khaled al-Khateb, a 25-year-old freelance reporter for the Russian-government-funded broadcaster RT Arabic, was killed on July 30, 2017, by a rocket fired by fighters from the Islamic State group as he traveled in a Syrian Army convoy near the village of Sukhna in eastern Homs province, RT Arabic reported. An employee of RT Arabic who asked that CPJ not use his name because he was not authorized to speak on behalf of the station told CPJ that "several" Syrian soldiers were also killed in the attack and that RT cameraman Muutaz Yaqoub was injured.

In an email to CPJ, RT said that al-Khateb had started working for the channel as an on-air reporter at the end of April 2017, and was part of the channel's team covering the Syrian military's battles against the Islamic State group in Homs province. Al-Khateb also interviewed family members of victims of the country's ongoing conflict, as well as refugees fleeing fighting in Raqqa and elsewhere in Syria.

The Russian-government-funded website Sputnik also reported that al-Khateb had previously worked for its Arabic-language service and for the Syrian-government-funded broadcaster Al-Ikhbaria before beginning work with RT. His last piece for RT focused on civilian casualties from the U.S.-led coalition's bombing campaign in support of a rebel offensive to retake Raqqa from the Islamic State group.

RT head Margarita Simonyan said in a statement that al-Khateb's death was the first time that one of the network's journalists had been killed in a conflict zone.

The RT Arabic employee told CPJ that Al-Khateb's colleagues in Damascus described him as eager to pursue new stories, even if they were potentially dangerous or if there was little time to plan beforehand. Though he usually traveled with a cameraman and reported on-air, al-Khateb also liked shooting video himself in order to experiment with new techniques, the employee added.

Al-Khateb was born in the town of Salamiyah in neighboring Hama province, the employee said.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Freedom Leaf, Inc. does not handle, grow, sell, or dispense marijuana; our European activities are in full compliance with relevant EU laws



LAS VEGAS, NV, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Freedom Leaf, Inc. (OTCQB: FRLF), The Marijuana Legalization Company, a group of diversified, international, vertically-integrated Cannabis/Hemp businesses and media companies, announced yesterday the continuation of retiring outstanding convertible debt. On December 15, 2017, a convertible note of $38,000 was retired through a payment made to the lender. Currently, Freedom Leaf, Inc. has 3 other convertible notes on our books that we intend to retire prior to their 6-month anniversaries just as we did with the aforementioned convertible note.



Clifford Perry, CEO, stated, "We are committed to a program of enhancing shareholder value by focusing on generating revenue with our merchandising projects derived from our wholly owned subsidiary Leafceuticals, Inc, and eliminating toxic convertible securities that could dilute shareholder value. Currently, our Hempology products, Vapes, CBD Oil and CBD Dog Treats are available at MyHempology.com Also in conjunction with Reliable Steel and Harris Farms, Ltd, a licensed Nevada Hemp grower, Leafceuticals, Inc is using the NuAxon Supercritical CO2 Extractor to process the hemp flower and we plan on using the extracted oil in our product line, as well as selling CBD Oil to manufacturers."



About Freedom Leaf



Freedom Leaf, Inc., The Marijuana Legalization Company, is a fully reporting and audited, publicly traded company trading under the symbol (OTCQB:FRLF). Freedom Leaf, Inc. is a leading go-to resource in the cannabis, medical marijuana, and industrial hemp industry. It is involved in mergers and acquisitions and business consulting in the marijuana industry, including incubation/acceleration and spin offs of new marijuana/hemp related companies.



Freedom Leaf, Inc.'s flagship publication is Freedom Leaf Magazine, "The Good News in Marijuana Reform." The company produces a portfolio of news, print and digital multi-media verticals, websites, blogs and web advertising, for the ever-changing emerging cannabis, medical marijuana and industrial hemp industry.



Freedom Leaf, Inc. does not handle, grow, sell, or dispense marijuana. All of our European activities are in full compliance with relevant EU laws.



Corporate Website and Investor Relations: http://www.FreedomLeafInc.com



Safe Harbor Statement



Statements in this press release that are not strictly historical are "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. These forward-looking statements, including any financial projections above, generally can be identified by phrases such as Freedom Leaf, Inc. or its management "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "foresees," "forecasts," "estimates" "projections" or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements herein that describe the Company's business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions or goals also are forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to differences include the uncertainty regarding viability and market acceptance of the Company's products and services, changes in relationships with third parties, and other factors described in the Company's most recent periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K dated June 30, 2017 and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.






Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Javier Valdez Cardenas

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Javier Valdez Cardenas, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33b334.html [accessed 18 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.

Riodoce | Killed in Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico | May 15, 2017

Job: Internet Reporter, Print Reporter Medium: Print, Internet Beats Covered: Corruption, Crime, Politics Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Murder Suspected Source of Fire: Criminal Group Impunity: Complete Impunity Taken Captive: No Tortured: No Threatened: Yes

Investigative reporter and editor Javier Valdez Cardenas was fatally shot on May 15, 2017, near the editorial offices of Riodoce, the investigative weekly he co-founded in 2003 in the northern Mexican city of Culiacan. He was 50 years old.

According to news reports and statements by Sinaloa state Attorney General Juan Jose Rios, Valdez was shot around noon, shortly after he left the offices of Riodoce. Unknown assailants blocked his way, dragged him out of his car and shot him at least 12 times. Valdez died shortly after. The attackers fled in his vehicle, which was later found abandoned not far from the scene of the crime, state and federal authorities told CPJ in the days following the murder. They also told CPJ that Valdez's laptop computer and mobile phone had been taken.

Riodoce magazine focuses mostly on organized crime, corruption, and regional politics.

Valdez was also the correspondent in Sinaloa for La Jornada, a Mexico City-based newspaper, and gained widespread national recognition for authoring a series of books that chronicle the Mexican underworld and the victims of Mexico's drug war. He was a 2011 recipient of CPJ's International Press Freedom Award.

As one of the few investigative magazines in the state of Sinaloa, Riodoce and its reporters have been a frequent target of threats and sometimes of violence, according to news reports and its reporters. Sinaloa is the home state of some of Mexico's most notorious drug lords and the base of operations of Sinaloa Cartel, one of Mexico's oldest and most powerful drug trafficking organizations. Since its inception, the magazine's fearless reporting, has often placed it at odds with powerful criminal and political interests, according to media reports. In 2009, a grenade was thrown at one of its editorial offices, but no one was hurt, according to news reports.

Javier Valdez told CPJ in March 2017 that he was concerned for his safety. His newspaper La Jornada reported one day after his murder that he had received anonymous death threats since February, without specifying their nature. Several reporters who knew the victim well and who spoke with CPJ on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation could not confirm the threats. They did, however, say that the situation in the state had become "tense" after the January 2016 arrest and extradition to the United States of Joaquin Guzman Loera, the alleged founder of the Sinaloa Cartel. Guzman's extradition has been widely cited in media reports as the immediate cause of a surge in violence in the state in recent months.

Ricardo Sanchez Perez del Pozo, the Special Prosecutor for Crimes against Freedom of Expression (FEADLE) told CPJ in May that his office had taken charge of the investigation, with support from the Sinaloa state prosecutor's office. He emphasized to CPJ on several occasions over the past two months that investigators had not discarded any possible motives, but that the victim's work as a journalist was the principal line of investigation. Investigators had released no further details as to the suspected identity of the killers or their motives by mid-July 2017.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Hussain Nazari

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Hussain Nazari, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33b5a.html [accessed 18 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.

Rah-E-Farda Radio and Television | Killed in Kabul, Afghanistan | November 17, 2017

Job: Camera Operator Medium: Radio, Television Beats Covered: Politics Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Dangerous Assignment Suspected Source of Fire: Political Group Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:

Hussain Nazari, a cameraman with Rah-e-Farda Radio and Television, died on November 17, 2017 from injuries sustained during a suicide attack in Kabul the day before, Ilias Alami, operations manager at the Afghan Journalist Safety Committee, told CPJ.

On November 16, a suicide bomber detonated an explosive vest in front of a meeting hall where Nazari and his colleague Taqi Sadid were covering a political meeting attended by several governors, according to Alami and a report from the New York Times.

Afghanistan's Tolo news site reported that Nazari died in the Kabul emergency hospital the next day.

At least 14 others died in the attack, and at least 18, including Sadid, were injured, according to The New York Times and Alami.

The extremist group Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, according to Terrormonitor, a social media site that tracks terrorist attacks. A Taliban spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, said his group did not carry out the attack, the New York Times reported.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Hawker Faisal Mohammed

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Hawker Faisal Mohammed, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33b7a.html [accessed 18 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.

Hawar News Agency (ANHA) | Killed in Abu Fas Village, Syria | October 13, 2017

Job: Broadcast Reporter, Camera Operator Medium: Television, Internet Beats Covered: War Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Crossfire Suspected Source of Fire: Political Group Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:

Kurdish reporter Hawker Faisal Mohammed died from injuries sustained during an October 12 suicide car bomb attack that occurred in the eastern Syrian village of Abu Fas, where he was covering civilian displacement, according to his employer, Hawar News Agency, and the Syrian Journalists Association.

Mohammed died the next day at a hospital in the city of Qamishli of severe head injuries sustained during the blasts, Hassan Ramo, editor-in-chief of the Hawar News Agency, told CPJ.

His colleague Dilshan Ibash, died at the scene of the attack on the Al-Kharafi road that links the Syrian cities of Al-Hasaka and Deir Ezzor.

Another of Mohammed's colleagues, Rizgar Deniz, who was also traveling with Mohammed and Ibash, was injured in the blast.

Two people affiliated with the militant group Islamic State carried out two car bomb attacks, which left at least 15 civilians dead, not including the two journalists, and at least 100 injured, the Hawar News Agency, which is affiliated with the Syrian Democratic Forces, reported.

Ramo told CPJ that the suicide bombers targeted a gathering of civilians.

Mohammed had been working for the agency for two months at the time of his death, and covered clashes between the Syrian Democratic Forces and ISIS in Deir Ezzor.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Habibollah Hosseinzadeh

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Habibollah Hosseinzadeh, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33bc3.html [accessed 18 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.

Press TV | Killed in Kabul, Afghanistan | May 31, 2017

Job: Camera Operator Medium: Television Beats Covered: War Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Dangerous Assignment Suspected Source of Fire: Political Group Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:

Habibollah Hosseinzadeh, a cameraman for the Iranian-government-owned broadcaster Press TV, was among at least 150 people killed when a massive truck bomb exploded in Kabul's diplomatic quarter on May 31, PressTV reported. He was on his way to work at Press TV's office, which was not far from the blast site, the broadcaster reported.

In a statement, PressTV offered its condolences to Hosseinzadeh's family and said his death would not "weaken its serious resolve and commitment to fully cover international events."

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the Kabul attack. Afghan intelligence officials said they believe the Haqqani network, a Pakistani group aligned with the Taliban, was behind the attack, according to the U.S. broadcaster CNN. In an audio message sent June 11, Sirajuddin Haqqani condemned the bombing and denied that his group or the Taliban were responsible, according to media reports.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Gauri Lankesh

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Gauri Lankesh, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33be3.html [accessed 18 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.

Gauri Lankesh Patrike | Killed in Bangalore, India | September 05, 2017

Job: Publisher / Owner, Columnist / Commentator Medium: Print, Internet Beats Covered: Corruption, Human Rights, Politics Gender: Female Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Murder Suspected Source of Fire: Political Group Impunity: Complete Impunity Taken Captive: No Tortured: No Threatened: Yes

At least three unidentified assailants fired at Gauri Lankesh outside her home in Bangalore as she returned home from work on September 5, 2017, according to reports that cited witnesses. She was shot in the head and chest and died immediately, according to a report in the Hindustan Times.

Lankesh published and edited Gauri Lankesh Patrike, a Kannada-language weekly tabloid known for its criticism of right-wing extremism and the establishment, according to media reports. The newspaper covered issues including communal violence and the caste system.

Lankesh was part of a government panel involved in shaping a Maoist surrender to state police, according to reports. According to the BBC, the journalist was sympathetic to the Maoist rebels and was involved in the reintegration of former rebels.

K. Siddaramiah, the chief minister of Karnataka state, has ordered a 21-member special investigation team from the police to investigate Lankesh's killing, according to the Indian Express. Inderjit Lankesh, the journalist's brother, said in an interview with NDTV that India's national agency, the Central Bureau of Investigation, should examine her case. He said that Gauri Lankesh received a lot of hate mail from those who sympathised with the Maoist rebels and said that the investigation should investigate whether Hindu extremists or Maoist rebels are behind the killing, according to India Today. B.T. Venkatesh, a lawyer who represented Gauri Lankesh, alleged in an interview with the media watchdog The Hoot that her murder "was a pre-planned and sinister attack by Hindu terror units."

The radical right-wing Hindu group Sanatan Sanstha condemned Lankesh's killing, according to reports. The group said that the journalist was a Maoist sympathiser who it had nothing to do with, according to reports.

Lankesh started her career in the 1980s, working as a reporter for English-language dailies including Mid-Day and The Times of India, and the weekly magazine, Sunday. In 2000, after the death of their father, P. Lankesh, Gauri and Indrajit ran Lankesh Patrike, the Kannada-language tabloid their father founded in 1980, according to a profile in Mint. In 2004, she started Gauri Lankesh Patrike.

Lankesh said in an interview with the website NewsLaundry in November 2016, that she had been criticized for her reporting and work. Lankesh said, "Unfortunately, today anybody talking in support of human rights and against fake encounters is branded a Maoist supporter.... Along with that, my criticism of Hindutva politics and the caste system, which is part and parcel of what is considered 'Hindu dharma' [Hindu duty] makes my critics brand me as a 'Hindu hater.'"

Lankesh had previously faced legal action over her critical reporting. At the time of her death, she was appealing a six-month prison sentence and fine of 10,000 Indian rupee (US$155) for criminal defamation. The November 2016 conviction was over a 2008 article, according to a report on The Wire. A magistrate granted Lankesh bail and allowed her to appeal the sentence in a higher court, according to a report in The Indian Express. Her lawyer said he didn't think the killing was related to a defamation case, according to reports.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Edgar Daniel Esqueda Castro

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Edgar Daniel Esqueda Castro, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33c04.html [accessed 18 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.

Freelance | Killed in San Luis Potosi, Mexico | October 5- 6, 2017

Job: Photographer Medium: Internet Beats Covered: Crime, Culture Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: Yes Type of Death: Murder Suspected Source of Fire: Criminal Group, Government Officials Impunity: Complete Impunity Taken Captive: Yes Tortured: Yes Threatened: Yes

State authorities on the morning of October 6, 2017, found photographer Edgar Daniel Esqueda Castro dead near the airport in the city of San Luis Potosi, a spokesperson from the state attorney general's office, Ivan Ojeda, told CPJ. His body had three gunshot wounds, the office said.

Federico Garza, the state attorney general, told CPJ on October 19, 2017, that the gunshots were the cause of Esqueda Castro's death, and that the journalist's body showed signs of torture.

On October 20, 2017, Esqueda Castro's mother, Veronica Castro, and his widow, Xitlali Ramirez, told CPJ that armed men broke into the home the three shared in San Luis Potosi in the early morning of October 5, 2017. The men identified themselves as policias ministeriales (state investigative police), but were dressed in civilian clothing, according to Ramirez.

Ramirez said the group of men, armed with pistols and at least one automatic rifle, broke the window of the front door of the home and stormed into the room where she and her husband were asleep. The attackers then collected the couple's cellphones and took Esqueda Castro away at gunpoint.

The state's attorney general, Federico Garza, told CPJ on October 19, 2017 that the authorities are investigating the murder, and that the victim's work as a journalist is one of the lines of investigation. He said there was no arrest warrant against Esqueda Castro.

Ricardo Sanchez Perez del Pozo, the federal special prosecutor for crimes committed against freedom of expression, told CPJ on October 7, 2017, that his agency had opened a separate investigation.

Esqueda Castro worked as a freelance photographer for the local news websites Metropoli San Luis and Vox Populi, and edited a personal website, Informate San Luis. According to Esqueda Castro's editor at Vox Populi, Gerardo Guillermo Almendariz, Esqueda mostly covered society events, as well as crime stories. He was also a professional rescue worker, his wife and colleagues Gerardo Almendariz and Carlos Garrigos, both of Vox Populi told CPJ.

In the months prior to his death, local police had threatened Esqueda Castro while he was reporting, according to both the journalist's wife and Guillermo Almendariz. On July 13, 2017, police officers threatened Esqueda Castro verbally, took pictures of his identification card, which included his address, and told him they were watching his home.

Separately, several police officers on July 4, 2017, beat Esqueda Castro and threatened to take his camera while the journalist was photographing a shootout scene. Esqueda Castro reported both incidents to state authorities, and filed a complaint with the State Human Rights Commission, which confirmed both incidents to CPJ on October 20, 2017. The human rights commission said it issued a recommendation to state authorities that investigative police should stop harassing the journalist, and state authorities accepted the recommendation.

In a statement released on October 6, 2017, the Federal Mechanism for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders and Journalists, a government body that provides protective measures to reporters under threat of violence, confirmed the threats against Esqueda Castro, and stated that it had offered him protective measures. According to the group, Esqueda Castro refused protection, and said that the journalist had not reported any further threats to the mechanism after the July incidents.

In the October 20 interview, the journalist's family confirmed to CPJ that Esqueda Castro had not enrolled in a protection scheme.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Dmitry Popkov

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Dmitry Popkov, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33c24.html [accessed 18 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.

Ton-M | Killed in Minusinsk, Russia | May 24, 2017

Job: Editor, Print Reporter Medium: Print, Internet Beats Covered: Corruption, Politics Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Murder Suspected Source of Fire: Government Officials Impunity: Complete Impunity Taken Captive: No Tortured: No Threatened: Yes

Dmitry Popkov, chief editor of the independent local newspaper Ton-M in Siberia, was murdered on May 24, 2017. The journalist's body was found with five bullet wounds in his backyard in the city of Minusinsk, in the Siberian region of Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russian and international media reported.

Popkov, 42, helped found Ton-M in 2014, and was known for his investigative reports alleging abuse of power and corruption, as well as his criticism of officials of the ruling United Russia party. The newspaper, published under the motto, "We write what other people stay silent about," was well-known in Krasnoyarsk Krai, and had been subject to threats and pressure from authorities, including police raids, according to media reports.

In an August 2016 editorial, Popkov wrote that Ton-M was "accustomed to being a pain in the neck for many officials who are trying to [silence us] in every possible way," through "phone threats, intimidating searches, and interrogations." He added that the authorities were concerned about the "corruption incidents that we reveal."

Sergei Shishov, editor of the Minusinsk-based independent news website Sreda24, said in a May 25 interview with the Russian daily Komsomolskaya Pravda that he believed that Popkov was killed for his journalism, particularly for his recent reports about a federal parliamentary audit that revealed corruption in the local administration.

The regional branch of Russia's Investigative Committee  the government agency tasked with investigating major crimes  said in a May 25 statement that a probe had been launched into the killing, and that the journalist's work was being treated as a potential motive for the murder.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Dilshan Ibash

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Dilshan Ibash, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33c44.html [accessed 18 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.

Hawar News Agency (ANHA) | Killed in Abu Fas Village, Syria | October 12, 2017

Job: Broadcast Reporter, Internet Reporter Medium: Television, Internet Beats Covered: War Gender: Female Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Crossfire Suspected Source of Fire: Political Group Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:

Kurdish journalist Dilshan Ibash died from injuries sustained during an October 12 suicide car bomb attack that occurred in the eastern Syrian village of Abu Fas, where she was covering civilian displacement, according to her employer, Hawar News Agency, and the Syrian Journalists Association.

Ibash died at the scene of the attack on the Al-Kharafi road that links the Syrian cities of Al-Hasaka and Deir Ezzor, according to Hawar News Agency, which is affiliated with the Syrian Democratic Forces.

Her colleagues Hawker Faisal Mohammed and Rizgar Deniz were also injured in the blast. Mohammed died the next day at a hospital in the city of Qamishli of severe head injuries sustained during the blast, Hassan Ramo, editor-in-chief of the Hawar News Agency, told CPJ.

Two people affiliated with the militant group Islamic State carried out two car bomb attacks, which left at least 15 civilians dead, not including the two journalists, and at least 100 injured, the Hawar News Agency reported.

Ramo told CPJ that the suicide bombers targeted a gathering of civilians.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Daphne Caruana Galizia

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Daphne Caruana Galizia, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33c64.html [accessed 18 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.

Running Commentary | Killed in Unknown, Malta | October 16, 2017

Job: Internet Reporter Medium: Internet Beats Covered: Business, Corruption, Crime, Human Rights, Politics Gender: Female Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: Yes Type of Death: Murder Suspected Source of Fire: Criminal Group Impunity: Complete Impunity Taken Captive: No Tortured: No Threatened: Yes

Caruana Galizia, a prominent investigative journalist and blogger, was killed on October 16, 2017. The car that she was driving exploded near to her house in Bidnija, in the north of the island, media reported.

Caruana Galizia, who reported on government corruption and the Panama Papers, told police two weeks prior her death that she had received death threats, according to Malta's national broadcaster TVM, which did not provide further detail. The journalist's blog, Running Commentary, which included investigative reports and commentary on politicians, was one of the most widely read websites in Malta, according to reports.

A forensic expert was cited in local media as saying that preliminary investigations suggest that explosives were not placed inside the car, and that a remote control could have been used to set the bomb off. Malta's Prime Minister Joseph Muscat announced that the FBI had agreed to assist local police in the investigation, according to Reuters.

Muscat condemned the attack, which he described as an "attack on press freedom." The Prime Minister added in a statement, "Everyone knows Ms. Caruana Galizia was a harsh critic of mine, both politically and personally but nobody can justify this barbaric act in any way."

Caruana Galizia's reports about Muscat's alleged connection to the Panama Papers scandal forced him to call early elections in June 2017, after harsh criticism from members of the European Parliament. The journalist alleged that Muscat and his wife were behind an offshore company that received over US$1 million in payments from a Dubai company allegedly owned by Leyla Aliyeva, daughter of Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev. Muscat denied the allegations, according to reports.

Caruana Galizia's last blog, which was critical of the country's opposition party, was posted at 2:35 p.m. local time, just a few minutes before she left her house, according to local reports.

The journalist's critical coverage led to several legal battles. The most recent came in August, when Malta's opposition leader Adrian Delia filed four lawsuits against Caruana Galizia, and accused her of libel for reports she published on her blog. Caruana Galizia's articles claimed that Delia laundered a total of A1 mln (U.S.$1.3 million) from prostitution in London through offshore accounts in his name, according to British and local media.

Delia denied the allegations, and said the account belonged to his client. According to media reports, Delia also said he had resigned from the company that owned the property where the prostitution was allegedly taking place after becoming aware of the way in which it was being used.

CPJ documented in February how a court ordered Caruana Galizia's bank accounts to be frozen until a verdict was reached in a libel case that two government officials had filed against her. A public fundraising campaign later raised enough cash to satisfy the court's demands, according to EuroNews.

On December 4, 2017, Maltese police, armed forces, and security services arrested 10 suspects in connection with the murder, Prime Minister Muscat announced.

Seven were released on bail and three  Vince Muscat and two brothers named George and Alfredo Degiorgio  were charged with murder, criminal use of explosives, being involved in organized crime, and criminal conspiracy, according to reports. The three pleaded not guilty when they appeared before a judge in December 2017, Maltese media reported.

In a statement, the Caruana Galizia family criticized the lack of communication from Maltese authorities regarding the arrests, saying that they were not contacted in advance and learned about the developments at the same time as the press. The manner in which the arrests were communicated, the family said, indicated "serious institutional deficiencies which are cause for general public concern."

Further, the family has taken legal action against the Maltese police, alleging that the investigation cannot be impartial because Caruana Galizia wrote critical articles about the chief investigator and the government minister to whom he is married, according to news reports. Members of the European Parliament who visited Malta in late November 2017 criticized the country's rule of law and noted a "perception of impunity" among government officials, according to reports.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
TUCSON, Ariz., Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Forcing doctors to electronically prescribe all controlled drugs, as in Oklahoma proposed bill Req. No. 8141, is a flawed and misguided idea that will not reduce opioid abuse, writes Albert L. Fisher, M.D., president of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS), in a letter to Representative Charles McCall, Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Dr. Fisher is a family physician in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.



The main effect it will have on patients is to make it impossible to shop for the best price for their prescriptions, Dr. Fisher notes. Prices vary widely, but an e-prescription can be used at only one pharmacy. One pharmacy may offer a better price for one prescription but not another.

The Oklahoma bill would cover all controlled substances, of which there are hundreds, not just potent pain remedies like OxyContin that are widely diverted or abused. That includes cough syrup, sedatives, anti-anxiety medications, and testosterone.

New Yorks I-STOP law requires e-prescribing for all drugs, with very narrow exceptions. The opioid overdose rate continues to rise in New York, writes Lawrence Huntoon, M.D., Ph.D., a neurologist practicing in upstate New York. Pharmacists strongly supported the law as it locks in their customers. Dr. Huntoon points out that electronic health records generally only allow a single pharmacy to be listed for the patient.

The differences in medication prices vary shockingly from pharmacy to pharmacy, he writes. A 90-day supply of a generic medication (that has been around for decades) costs $9.99 at one pharmacy and $1,500.00 at another local pharmacy. For a patient who has a high-deductible plan or who is paying out of pocket, the financial consequences can be devastating, he adds.

E-prescribing increases busy work for doctors, Dr. Fisher states, taking time from patient care. And some physicians in small practices are not at present capable of doing it but would have to buy computer equipment. Yet the majority of abusers dont even obtain a prescription, he writes.

An AAPS action alert to Oklahoma physicians states that Interfering with the patient-physician relationship with more rules and regulations is the wrong solution. In fact, policies that impede physicians ability to appropriately prescribe end up exacerbating the opioid abuse epidemic.

The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) represents physicians in virtually all specialties and every state. Founded in 1943, AAPS has the motto omnia pro aegroto, which means all for the patient.

Association of American Physicians and Surgeons

1601 N. Tucson Blvd. Suite 9

Tucson, AZ 85716

(800) 635-1196

www.aapsonline.org
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Christopher Iban Lozada

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Christopher Iban Lozada, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33c84.html [accessed 18 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.

DBXF Prime Broadcasting Network | Killed in Unknown, Philippines | October 24, 2017

Job: Broadcast Reporter Medium: Radio Beats Covered: Corruption, Politics Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Murder Suspected Source of Fire: Government Officials Impunity: Complete Impunity Taken Captive: No Tortured: No Threatened: No

Unidentified gunman shot and killed Christopher Iban Lozada, a radio broadcaster with the privately owned DBXF Prime Broadcasting Network news station in the southern Philippines, on October 24, 2017.

Lozda and his girlfriend were driving home in his car when unidentified men in a van ambushed them around 9 p.m. in the city of Bisling in Surigao del Sur province, according to news reports.

The journalist was declared dead on the spot from multiple gunshot wounds to his chest, the reports said. His girlfriend, Honey Faith Indog, was wounded in the shoulder during the attack, and was treated for injuries at a local hospital, local news reports said.

According to the reports, police recovered 7.62 and 5.56 millimeter cartridges from the crime scene.

Lozada, known by his broadcast name Chris Rapido, hosted DBXF Prime's "Kuskos Batikos" public affairs program and served as vice president of Bislig City's media association, according to Rona Omo, a colleague at the station who was quoted by the news website Inquirer.

Prior to his death, Lozada had posted to his Facebook page several anonymous death threats he received via SMS on his mobile phone, the online news agency Rappler reported. On October 12 and 19, Lozada reported the threatening messages to local police, the reports said.

The Presidential Task Force on Media Killings, established in October 2016 by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to protect media workers and investigate unsolved journalist murders, said in a statement that it considered Lozada's death as a media killing.

On November 7, Bislig City police arrested a suspect in the killing, according to the task force statement, which did not mention the detainee's name. The statement named Bislig City Mayor Librado Navarro as a person of interest in the case. The task force also said in the statement that the local government barred investigators from taking hold of the van allegedly used in Lozada's murder.

The national ombudsman office dismissed Navarro from his position in September this year for "grave misconduct" in the anomalous procurement of a hydraulic excavator on July 18, 2012, according to the news website Minda News.

Reports said that Lozada was involved in filing charges against Navarro and 11 other local officials who were dismissed in connection with the hydraulic excavator procurement, the Minda News report said. CPJ could not determine when the charges were filed.

According to the local news website News Courier, Lozada also braodcast scatching commentary about the mayor on his "Kuskos Batikos" show.

Navarro, who had previously sued Lozada for libel over his radio reporting in 2013, has denied any involvement in Lozada's murder, according to news reports.

The Presidential Task Force on Media Killings said that Navarro had sent threatening text messages to Lozada telling him, "to leave Bislig if you do not want to die" and that "he would step down [from office] with Lozada who will go to the cemetery since his days are numbered," according to a CNN report.

Agence France-Presse reported that Lozada had filed reports about the threats he received from Navarro with the presidential task force in October. Jay de Castro, a task force member familiar with the situation, said it had offered Lozada police protection in response to the threats but he declined it, the report said.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Christopher Allen

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Christopher Allen, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33ca4.html [accessed 18 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.

Freelance | Killed in Kaya, South Sudan | August 26, 2017

Job: Photographer, Internet Reporter, Print Reporter Medium: Print, Internet Beats Covered: War, Corruption, Politics Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Foreign Freelance: Yes Type of Death: Crossfire Suspected Source of Fire: Military Officials Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:

Christopher Allen, an American freelance journalist, was shot dead in Kaya, South Sudan, near the country's borders with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, spokesmen with the country's army and opposition forces told CPJ.

Allen, 26, had been embedded with the opposition forces for two weeks at the time of his death, Lam Paul Gabriel, a spokesperson for the opposition, told CPJ.

He was one of 19 people killed when fighting broke out between government and rebel forces on the morning of August 26, according to media reports. South Sudan has been embroiled in a civil war since 2013, which has displaced at least 3.9 million people, according to U.N. figures. Tens of thousands of people have been killed, according to media reports.

Gabriel, who has spoken with people who were present when Allen died, told CPJ that the journalist was deliberately targeted by government forces. South Sudanese army spokesperson Lul Ruai Koang denied that in an interview with CPJ.

Koang said that the army had no way of identifying Allen as a journalist until after he had been killed. Reuters quoted a rebel fighter who said that Allen was wearing a jacket marked "Press" at the time of his death. CPJ was unable to independently verify this.

Information minister Michael Makuei Lueth told Voice of America on August 28 that Allen was a "white rebel" who had come into South Sudan illegally. Lueth said that Allen had previously been denied entry into South Sudan on account of his "hostile reports . "

When he spoke with CPJ, Lueth did not specify what reports he was referring to in the VOA interview and referred CPJ to the government-run South Sudan Media Authority, which handles journalist visa request. Elijah Alier, Managing Director of the Media Authority, told CPJ that the authority has no records on Allen.

On August 30, Lueth said that Allen's death on the "course of his duty" had been "regrettable", according to Voice of America.

Bloomberg reported that authorities have ruled out an investigation into Allen's death. The army's deputy spokesperson Domic Chol Santo told CPJ on August 28 that investigations were "none of our business."

A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Leiden University in the Netherlands, Allen's work was published by outlets including the BBC, Vice, The Telegraph, and Al-Jazeera.

His mother, Joyce Krajian, told Voice of America that Allen "chose to bear witness" through his journalism. He "chose to look unflinchingly at what was painful and see the humanity within it," she said. Prior to covering South Sudan, Allen had covered the conflict in Ukraine.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Cecilio Pineda Birto

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Cecilio Pineda Birto, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33cc4.html [accessed 18 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.

Freelance | Killed in Ciudad Altamirano, Guerrero, Mexico | March 02, 2017

Job: Internet Reporter, Print Reporter Medium: Print, Internet Beats Covered: Crime, Corruption Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: Yes Type of Death: Murder Suspected Source of Fire: Unknown Fire Impunity: Complete Impunity Taken Captive: No Tortured: No Threatened: Yes

Cecilio Pineda Birto, a freelance journalist who contributed to several newspaper and published crime stories on social media, was shot dead in the municipality of Ciudad Altamirano, in Guerrero state, on March 2, 2017, according to press reports and a colleague of the journalist.

At the time of the attack, Pineda, 38, was in a hammock at a car wash waiting for his vehicle, according to press reports. At around 7 p.m. at least two gunmen on a motorcycle stopped at the car wash and shot Pineda repeatedly, the Mexican daily El Universal reported.

Pineda died while receiving first aid, Agence France-Presse said. A colleague of Pineda's who spoke with CPJ on condition of anonymity for security reasons said that Pineda was shot at least 10 times, including once in his neck.

Pineda contributed to El Universal and La Jornada de Guerrero, and had founded the weekly publication La Voz de la Tierra Caliente a few years before his death. The publication went out of circulation in 2016, his colleague said. The journalist continued to cover crime, social issues, and corruption through posts to his Facebook page, Cecilio Pineda, Las Noticias al Instante. His reporting attracted weekly threats sent via social media, his colleague told CPJ, without elaborating.

In September 2015, attackers attempted to shoot Pineda outside his house, according to AFP. The colleague told CPJ that attack appeared to be connected to his reporting, and that Pineda survived because an assailant's gun misfired.

Patricia Corchero  head of the Federal Mechanism for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders and Journalists, a government body  told CPJ that the agency knew Pineda to be at risk. She said that the agency offered to relocate him and his family, including his two young daughters, but Pineda told them he wanted to stay in Ciudad Altamirano.

Roberto Alvarez, a spokesman for the Guerrero Coordination Group, which is comprised of federal and state security, military, and governmental bodies wrote Twitter the day after the killing that the state attorney general's office was investigating the murder. Federal Special Prosecutor for Crimes Against Freedom of Expression Ricardo Najera Herrera told CPJ the same day that his office will investigate the case.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Arkan Sharifi

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Arkan Sharifi, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33ce4.html [accessed 18 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.

Kurdistan TV | Killed in Daquq, Iraq | October 30, 2017

Job: Camera Operator Medium: Television Beats Covered: Politics, War Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Murder Suspected Source of Fire: Political Group, Paramilitary Group Impunity: Complete Impunity Taken Captive: No Tortured: Yes Threatened: No

On the morning of October 30, 2017, eight masked men forced their way into the home of Arkan Sharifi, a cameraman for Kurdistan TV, and stabbed the journalist to death in front of his family in the city of Daquq in north central Iraq, his employer and other local media reported.

Sharifi had returned to Daquq four days before he was killed, having fled the area when the Iraqi-led Popular Mobilization Forces seized Daquq, according to Kurdistan TV. On October 20, the Iraqi Army and the Popular Mobilization Forces, an umbrella group consisting of mainly Shiite militias, retook Kirkuk and other disputed areas under de facto Kurdish control following a Kurdish independence referendum in northern Iraq that the Iraqi government said was unconstitutional.

Halo Jabary, a Kurdistan TV reporter and Sharifi's distant relative, told CPJ that the eight assailants, who were masked and wore military fatigues, stormed into Sharifi's house and identified themselves as members of the Popular Mobilization Forces.

"They asked him if he worked as cameraman in the district of Daquq, He said that he did, but that he had never harmed anybody. The gunmen, who spoke Turkmen, took Sharifi's wife and children to another room and locked them in," Jabary said, recounting what a witness to the incident who wished to remain anonymous for safety reasons told him.

"The gunmen then stabbed Sharifi to death. His body had more than 40 stab wounds. The assailants subsequently went out and started firing their guns in front of the house to terrify the neighbors and prevent them from coming to help Arkan's wife and children."

Jabary said that the men allowed the wife and children out of the house at around 7 a.m. at which time neighbors and relatives moved Sharifi's body to the morgue.

Pictures widely shared on social media show the body lying in a pool of blood, with multiple stab wounds in the torso and a knife sticking out of the mouth.

Kurdistan TV, which is affiliated with the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), had been covering clashes between Kurdish Peshmerga forces and the Popular Mobilization Front in northeastern Iraq, as well as killings and kidnappings allegedly carreid out by the Popular Mobilization Front in Kirkuk. The Front denies allegations of human rights violations, according to news reports.

Sharifi, who was 54 years old, was married and had three children. He had worked as a cameraman for Kurdistan TV since 2004, and was also a village school's head teacher.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Ali Nur Siad

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Ali Nur Siad, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33d04.html [accessed 18 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.

Voice of America | Killed in Mogadishu, Somalia | October 14, 2017

Job: Camera Operator Medium: Television Beats Covered: Politics, Culture, Human Rights, Sports, Business Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: Yes Type of Death: Dangerous Assignment Suspected Source of Fire: Political Group Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:

Somali freelance cameraman Ali Nur Siad died on October 14, 2017, after a suicide attacker detonated a truck bomb at a busy intersection in the capital, Mogadishu, the journalist's brother, Bakar Hassan Abdi, told CPJ.

Over 358 people died in the bomb attack, which is the deadliest in Somalia's history, according to Reuters, which cited both Somalia's news agency and internal security ministers.

At the time of the attack, 31-year-old Ali Nur was on assignment with Voice of America (VOA) reporter Adulkadir Mohamed Abdulle, the broadcaster said in a statement on October 17.

Earlier on the day of the attack, the two journalists had interviewed Somali Justice Minister Hassan Hussein Haji at the Central Prison in Mogadishu, VOA told CPJ. The pair then went to an office at the Somali Red Crescent Society building near the site of the attack to process the interview footage.

Ali Nur was inside the Red Crescent building at the time of the explosion, according to journalists who spoke to CPJ and a statement from the Broadcasting Board of Governors, a United States federal agency that oversees the VOA.

The cameraman died on site from blast debris, Bakar Hassan told CPJ.

Ali Nur was buried on Sunday, October 15, 2017, according to Bakar Hassan.

Abdulkadir, the reporter, had gone to retrieve a laptop charger from his car at the time of the explosion, and sustained serious injures including a broken hand, burns, and shrapnel wounds, according to VOA.

Ali Nur had worked as a freelance cameraman since 2004, according to a statement from the Broadcasting Board of Governors, a United States federal agency that oversees the VOA.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the car bombing. Most media reports speculated that it was the work of Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Alaa Kraym (Mohammed al-Qabouni)

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Alaa Kraym (Mohammed al-Qabouni), 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33d27.html [accessed 18 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.

Qaboun Media Center | Killed in Qaboun, Syria | May 04, 2017

Job: Camera Operator, Photographer, Internet Reporter Medium: Internet Beats Covered: War, Human Rights Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: Yes Type of Death: Crossfire Suspected Source of Fire: Military Officials Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:

Journalist and media activist Alaa Kraym, also known as Mohammed al-Qabouni, was killed on May 4, 2017, in Qaboun, a suburb east of Damascus, according to the Qaboun Media Center and the Syrian Media Organization. There were conflicting reports as to how the 22-year-old journalist died: The Qaboun Media Center told CPJ in an email that Kraym was killed by a tank shell fired by the Syrian army, while the Syrian Media Organization reported on its website that he was killed in a Russian airstrike.

The Qaboun Media Center said Kraym had worked for the office as a reporter since mid-2013 and had also worked for the Syrian Media Observatory and the Syrian Revolutionary Forces' media office since the beginning of 2014. All of the outlets are sympathetic to or affiliated with rebels battling Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Kraym had also, under the name Mohammed al-Qabouni, reported for media outlets on conditions east of Damascus during the government's push to drive rebels out of the capital's suburbs.

The Syrian Media Observatory highlighted Kraym's video work after his death. Kraym's work ranged from footage of combat in Qaboun to the hardships civilians faced as a result. In one segment in which he is interviewed on camera, Kraym described media as "the greatest weapon against the Assad regime."

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Abdullahi Osman Moalim

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Abdullahi Osman Moalim, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33d44.html [accessed 18 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.

Jubbaland TV, Codka Hiraan | Killed in Beledweyne, Somalia | September 13, 2017

Job: Broadcast reporter Medium: Radio, Television Beats Covered: Politics Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Murder Suspected Source of Fire: Political Group Impunity: Complete Impunity Taken Captive: No Tortured: No Threatened: No

Abdullahi Osman Moalim died on September 13 from injuries sustained during a September 10 suicide bomb attack in a cafe in Beldeweyne, a city in southcentral Somalia, his colleagues at Jubbaland TV and Somalia's minister of information, Abdirahman Omar Osman, told CPJ.

Abdullahi, who worked for the privately owned Radio Codka Hiiraan and the state-owned Jubbaland TV, suffered head injuries after being struck by shrapnel in the attack, Hassan Aweis, the director of the Mogadishu section of Jubbaland TV, told CPJ. He was taken to Mogadishu for treatment where he died on the morning of September 13 at the Erdogan Hospital.

A spokesperson for the militant group Al Shabaab released a statement claiming responsibility for the attack, which he said targeted Hiiraan administration employees, according to Reuters.

The cafe that came under attack, which is adjacent to the offices of Hiiraan regional governor Omar Adan Ibrahim, is a popular meeting place among journalists and politicians, Mohamed Maolimuu, a Somali journalist, told CPJ. He added that Abdullahi and his colleagues had been waiting for a press conference in the governor's office at the time of the attack.

The information minister told CPJ he did not believe that journalists were the intended target of the attack. However, according to CPJ research, Al-Shabaab has long considered journalists, as servants of the Somali government and targeted venues where they congregate.

Media reports indicate that at least three people were killed and 10 injured in the attack. Among those injured were two other journalists who also worked for Radio Codka Hiiraan, Abdi Shakur Mohamed Hassan and Abdulkadir Omar Ibrahim.

Hassan told CPJ that Abdullahi is survived by a wife and a one-year-old daughter.

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Abdul Hakim Shimul

Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Abdul Hakim Shimul, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33d64.html [accessed 18 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.

Samakal | Killed in Shahjadpur, Bangladesh | February 03, 2017

Job: Print Reporter Medium: Print Beats Covered: Politics Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Dangerous Assignment Suspected Source of Fire: Government Officials Impunity: Complete Impunity Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:

Abdul Hakim Shimul, a reporter for the Bangladeshi national daily Samakal newspaper, died on February 3, 2017, from gunshot wounds sustained while covering political unrest in the northern Bangladeshi city of Shahjadpur the previous day. He was 42.

Violence broke out between rival factions of the ruling Awami League, namely supporters of Halimul Haque Miru, mayor of Shahjadpur, and his opponents from another faction of the party, according to news reports. Witnesses said that Miru opened fire in the confrontation, despite police instructions not to do so, according to media reports. A bullet entered Shimul's skull after piercing one of his eyes, according to news reports. Shimul was first treated at a local clinic, but succumbed to his injuries on the way to a hospital in the capital Dhaka the following day.

Police arrested Miru on February 5 on suspicion of being responsible for Shimul's death. Miru admitted to firing his gun, but claimed he fired a shot in the air in response to shots fired by his rivals. Police said only Miru's gun was fired, according to the Bangladeshi news website bdnews24.com.

A court on February 6 ordered Miru jailed in connection with Shimul's death, and said it would decide on the question of bail later. Police sought to hold Miru for at least seven days for questioning, according to news reports.

According to media reports, Shimul's maternal grandmother, Rokeya Begum, died of a stroke when she heard of his death. The journalist left behind a wife and two young children. His colleagues remembered Shimul as "honest journalist."

Copyright notice:  Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
English French

MONTREAL, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Velan Inc. (TSX:VLN) today announced that on Thursday, January 11, 2018, it will release 3rd Quarter results ended November 30, 2017.



The company will hold an analyst call on Thursday, January 11, 2018, at 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) to discuss the results. The call may be accessed by dialing 800-672-0241, and quoting the reservation number 21879256. There will be a PostView available for 7 days following this conference call. The numbers are as follows: 416-626-4100 or 800-558-5253 Enter Reservation number 21879256 then follow system prompts.



For further information contact John D. Ball, CFO at 514-748-7743, ext. 5537.

For further information please contact:



Yves Leduc, President & CEO

or

John D. Ball, Chief Financial Officer

Tel: (514) 748-7743 ext. 5537

Fax: (514) 748-8635

Web: www.velan.com
TORRINGTON  A Nigerian man pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges issued in connection with scamming a Torrington company out of more than $500,000, according to the office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut.

Adeyemi Odufuye, 31, and others involved in the fraudulent activity sent dozens of emails to the comptroller of a Torrington company in late 2015, prompting them to transfer more than $500,000 from company accounts, according to a release from John H. Durham, U.S. attorney for Connecticut, and Patricia M. Ferrick, special agent in charge of the New Haven Division of the FBI.

The Torrington company is not specified in the release.

In the e-mails, (Odufuye) posed (as) the real CEO of the victim company and instructed the controller to send multiple wire transfers exceeding a total of $1 million from the companys accounts to various individuals and purported entities, according to the release. The company then sent five wire transfers totaling more than $500,000 to accounts in Virginia, Florida, Washington, D.C., and Hong Kong.

This was done as part of a larger criminal endeavor in which (Odufuye) and others targeted CEOs, CFOs, controllers and others at U.S. businesses using sophisticated cyber techniques to defraud the businesses of millions of dollars.

To date, the FBI has identified 36 wire confirmations in e-mail accounts utilized by (Odufuye) and others from September 2015 to May 2016, totaling more than $1.6 million, according to the release. This does not include the funds drawn from the Torrington company.

Odufuye, also known as Micky, Micky Bricks, Yemi, GMB, Bawz, and Jefe, was extradited from the United Kingdom, where he was studying at Sheffield Hallam University, and arrested in December 2016.

He pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and aggravated identity theft in federal court Wednesday, according to the release. The latter charge requires a two-year mandatory minimum sentence, the U.S. attorneys office said.

The matter is still under investigation by the FBI and Connecticut Cyber Task Force, according to the release.

Odufuye was scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in New Haven for sentencing on March 28.

Reach Ben Lambert at william.lambert@hearstmediact.com.
NEW YORK, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP announces that a federal securities class action lawsuit has been filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California on behalf of persons and entities that acquired securities of The Crypto Company (OTCMKTS:CRCW) from August 21, 2017 through December 18, 2017, inclusive (the Class Period).



Investors who have incurred losses in The Crypto Company are urged to contact the firm immediately at classmember@whafh.com or (800) 575-0735 or (212) 545-4774. You may obtain additional information concerning the action on our website, www.whafh.com.

If you have incurred losses in the shares of The Crypto Company and would like to assist with the litigation process as a lead plaintiff, you may, no later than February 20, 2018, request that the Court appoint you lead plaintiff of the proposed class. Please contact Wolf Haldenstein to learn more about your rights as an investor in The Crypto Company.

According to the filed lawsuit, defendants during the Class Period made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that:

The Crypto Company unlawfully engaged in a scheme to promote and manipulate the companys stock; and



as a result, The Crypto Companys public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

On December 19, 2017, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) temporarily suspended trading in the securities of The Crypto Company after shares had risen more than 17,000% in less than three months. The SEC stated there were concerns regarding the accuracy and adequacy of information in the marketplace about compensation paid for promotion of the company and statements in SEC filings about plans of company insiders to sell their shares of The Crypto Companys common stock. The SEC also announced that questions have arisen concerning potentially manipulative transactions in The Crypto Companys stock in November 2017.

Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP has extensive experience in the prosecution of securities class actions and derivative litigation in state and federal trial and appellate courts across the country. The firm has attorneys in various practice areas; and offices in New York, Chicago and San Diego. The reputation and expertise of this firm in shareholder and other class litigation has been repeatedly recognized by the courts, which have appointed it to major positions in complex securities multi-district and consolidated litigation.

If you wish to discuss this action or have any questions regarding your rights and interests in this case, please immediately contact Wolf Haldenstein by telephone at (800) 575-0735, via e-mail at classmember@whafh.com, or visit our website at www.whafh.com.

## Follow the firm and learn about newly filed cases on Twitter and Facebook. ##

Contact:

Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP

Kevin Cooper, Esq.

Gregory Stone, Director of Case and Financial Analysis

Email: gstone@whafh.com, kcooper@whafh.com or classmember@whafh.com

Tel: (800) 575-0735 or (212) 545-4774

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome.
Archbold, OH -- (ReleaseWire) -- 01/04/2018 --Given the differences between owning and renting, it's an important practice among homeowners to protect their property from the unexpected. With little updates and experience in the industry, it won't be easy for one to understand the coverage. Reading policy is not enough, one should also know about one's rights. Beck Insurance is one agency that helps clients identify their rights.



The reason homeowners are recommended to buy a homeowner insurance is that it covers five or six coverage rather than any specific policy for specific coverage. The professionals at Beck Insurance Agency understand individual concerns, and they work closely with multiple carriers to protect their respective clients.



As far as homeowners insurance in Bryan and Waterville, Ohio is concerned, it includes five coverage including dwelling, personal property coverage, liability, medical payments coverage, and loss of use. While dwelling coverage will pay one in case of damage to one's outstanding building like garage or storage sheds and one's home, personal property coverage will pay when household items such as furniture, television, freeze or clothing are stolen, damaged, or destroyed. Liability coverage, on the other hand, protects an individual in case that person is responsible for someone else's injury or property damage. Medical payments coverage pays all medical bills if someone gets injured even in the premises of the property. The homeowner insurance policy also pays the living expenses in condition when one's house is damaged due to any reason, and one has nowhere to live in.



At Beck Insurance, the experts will explain all the coverage to their respective clients before it's too late. Those who are in need of additional coverage can also get the same from them. The professional will be delighted to carry out a no-cost policy review. Apart from homeowner insurance, one can call them for life insurance in Perrysburg and Toledo, Ohio.



For more information, call: 877-446-2325 (toll-free) or local: 419-446-2777.



About Beck Insurance Agency

Beck Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agency that offers a wide range of insurance solutions. From homeowners insurance in Bryan and Waterville OH to life insurance in Toledo and Perrysburg, they also offer auto insurance, health insurance, business insurance as well as farms & livestock insurance.
VICTORIA ISLAND, Nigeria, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Primewaterview Limited (www.primewaterviewng.com), a Nigerian based Real Estate development & Investment company, announced today that the Company is planning to build the largest hospital in West Africa. Primewaterview Medical City (PMC) will have a total of 2000 beds. It will create a total of 4000 jobs and will be a state of the art Medical City with a technology that surpasses anything that West Africa has ever seen. PMC construction will begin at the end of the first quarter of 2018, it will be done in 5 phases and the first phase of 250 beds will be completed within a space of 12 months, of which is expected to be in operation in 15 months, whereas the entire project will be completed in June 2020.



Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi, Chairman and CEO of Primewaterview, stated: ...hmmm what can I say unto the Lord, All I have to say is thank you GOD....,To be able to get the assistance and much needed support to help the sick and the needy its a rare opportunity and abiding grace from our GOD, this medical center will serve everybody and all individuals from all walks of life our intentions and hope is to cater for all and heal the sick and bring to focus and to fruition our dreams of healing and to engage fully into medical research and training at the best level that exists in the world. Thank You Milost.

Solly Asibey, Senior Partner & President of Milost Global Africa, said, Nigeria loses over $1 billion to medical tourism annually, therefore establishing a state of the art Medical City in Nigeria which has a population of over 186 million was the most logical thing to do. This facility will also serve the entire west African region, taking into consideration the cutting-edge technologies that will be deployed, as well as world class operations and management to the highest International Standards.

About Primewaterview Limited

Primewaterview Limited is a wholly owned Nigerian Company incorporated in 2005 and a subsidiary of Primewaterview Holdings Limited. The Company is a property and infrastructure development company, which uses its local knowledge and skills combined with its global expertise, to design and build residential communities of high international standard. Its passion to provide excellent housing shelter has driven it to the pinnacle of Real Estate in Nigeria and Africa. Its track record includes the development of various residential and commercial properties in highbrow areas in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.

In line with its goal to be one of the top Real Estate and infrastructure companies in Africa, the Company is planning to construct hotels, office complexes, shopping malls and business parks in Lagos, Abuja, Africa and other parts of the world.

Our Board of Directors, together with the Management team is a strong, balanced blend of Industry & Professional leaders whose exceptional knowledge and experience guides and supports the delivery of long-term value to the Company.

For more information

info@palewateradvisory.com
Archbold, OH -- (ReleaseWire) -- 01/04/2018 --When it comes to life insurance, it is a practice among people to find rates that are not going to hurt their budget. With lack of experience in the industry, it is indeed challenging for many to find the lowest rates. This is where Beck Insurance comes into the scene. Being an independent insurance agency, they deal with a vast network of insurance carriers. With years of experience in the industry, they have earned trust and confidence of their customers by finding the best rates they are looking for. Unlike captive agency that offers policies only from one insurance carrier, they provide the flexibility of opting for multiple quotes. This means there are lots of options from other insurance carriers available to them.



They are not restrictive to their offers since they work as an independent insurance agency. Dealing with multiple insurance carriers, they enjoy the independence to work in the best interests of their clients. With access to some top-rated, financially strong and respected insurance carriers, they strive to ensure one of the best coverage at an attractive price tag.



As far as life insurance in Perrysburg and Toledo, Ohio from Beck Insurance Agency is concerned, the agents will discuss with their respective clients and then offer a policy. There is a simple rule to life insurance, and that is they are sought for different purposes. One of the most common benefits of life insurance is that it will look after one's family after one's demise. Besides, it also helps one's family in handling an outstanding debt, if any. People also seek life insurance to attain long-term goals like planning one's retirement or buying a home. Moreover, it also offers one with different investment options.



Apart from life insurance, one can call them for homeowners insurance in Bryan and Waterville, Ohio. For more information, call: 877-446-2325 (toll-free) or local: 419-446-2777.



About Beck Insurance Agency

Beck Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agency that offers a wide range of insurance solutions. From homeowners insurance in Bryan and Waterville OH to life insurance in Toledo and Perrysburg, they also offer auto insurance, health insurance, business insurance as well as farms & livestock insurance.
Brazoria, TX -- (ReleaseWire) -- 01/04/2018 --For every homeowner, the size of the property always does not matter. What matters is the security. A house is an asset, and a lot of hard work, money, and sweat goes in bringing it up. That is why it makes sense to protect it at any cost. Opting for a home insurance is the wisest thing to do. With a home insurance in place, one does not have to worry about handling the financial burden in the event of anything happening to the house. A natural calamity or human error can bring down the house at any point in time. Without home insurance covering for the expenses to get it back in shape, one will surely enter into a financial black hole emerging from which will be difficult. Rick Tinker Insurance helps in getting a home insurance that safeguards the interests of homeowners and restores their peace of mind.



Home insurance is not a simple thing. There are many terms and clauses, and every homeowner should have a clear idea of the same. For example, home insurance will include Property Damage Coverage that is designed to help pay for damages to one's home and personal property. Then there is Personal Property Floater which as part of the homeowners insurance policy provides limited coverage for furs, jewelry, and collectibles. It might also be necessary for one to insure the valuables with a Personal Property Floater. Home insurance can also include a personal liability coverage that helps to protect one against a non-auto claim in which one was at fault. With proper liability coverage, one can be assured of being covered for both the cost of defending oneself and the damages the court orders one to pay. There are many other terms and clauses and talking it out with an insurance agency makes sense.



Rick Tinker Insurance offers assistance at every step to their clients regarding getting the insurance. They also offer condo insurance for Houston and Webster Texas residence apart from auto and boat insurance, wind, hail and flood insurance and more.



About Rick Tinker Insurance

Rick Tinker Insurance has many years of experience in serving both residential and business clients for many years. The offer home insurance in Galveston and Houston Texas, along with condo insurance, auto and boat insurance and more.
Lewisville, TX -- (ReleaseWire) -- 01/04/2018 --There is one company that offers high-quality truck wraps in Carrollton and Plano Texas at the most reasonable rates. There is no better way to get new business and create a long-lasting effect. Titan Wraps has been doing business for many years, and they know what the need is to get seen. The more a company is seen, the more it is remembered. Advertising is important from the perspective of the company as that is the normal way of reaching out to the targeted audience. It is common to spend a lot on advertising, but it does not guarantee one sale or a long- term result. At the same time, all business owners might not have the finances to spend on advertisements. Titan Wraps believes in catering to all business owners. That is why they offer truck wraps which are a cost-effective method of putting one's commercial vehicle to good use.



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Get in touch with Titan Wraps today. Call 214-901-6703 for more details.



About Titan Wraps

Titan Wraps is an experienced company that offers high-quality car graphics in Dallas Texas. They also offer a wide range of other services that includes retail graphics, branding, vehicle graphics and more.
During the American Revolution many local state militia units were created to help defend the rights of the colonies. The Bakers Company of Volunteer (1777), a militia unit from New Hampshire, fought in support of the American cause.

Source(s): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_militia_units_in_the_American_Revolutionary_War
Japan will continue to provide electoral aid to Cambodia in the lead up to Senate elections next month and a general ballot in July, a Japanese diplomat in Phnom Penh said Thursday, despite recent announcements by the U.S. and EU that they will withdraw their support amid restrictions on democracy.



Prime Minister Hun Sens government arrested opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) chief Kem Sokha in September on charges of treason, and two months later the Supreme Court ruled to disband his party for allegedly planning a rebellion with backing from Washington, essentially eliminating any challenge to the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) ahead of votes this year.



In recent statements, the U.S. and EU said the moves against the oppositionas well as a months-long crackdown on NGOs and the mediahad called the legitimacy of Cambodias upcoming elections into question, and cited them as the basis for withdrawing electoral support and placing trade agreements with Cambodia under review.



But Japan, which along with the EU is the largest funder of Cambodias 2018 elections, told RFAs Khmer Service Thursday that it has no intention to pull its electoral aid ahead of the votes.



It is of utmost importance to have [this] year's national election reflect the will of Cambodian people, Kaori Tanabe, first secretary of Japans embassy in Phnom Penh, said in an email.



Japan will keep dialogue with RGC [the Royal Government of Cambodia], will monitor the development of the situation closely with strong interest, and will continue to provide electoral reform assistance.



Japan has already provided Cambodias National Election Commission (NEC) with computers to assist with the ballots and has faced criticism of its continued support from observers, such as New York-based Human Rights Watch.



The worlds fourth largest foreign aid donor with an annual budget of nearly U.S. $10 billion, Japan donated 17.3 billion yen (U.S. $153 million) in loans, 8 billion yen (U.S. $71 million) in grants, and 3.4 billion yen (U.S. $30 million) in technical cooperation to Cambodia in 2015.



In addition to electoral support, Japan also provides Cambodia with a variety of aid for projects including infrastructure improvement, humanitarian assistance, and business development.



Hun Sen has repeatedly stressed that his country does not need foreign governments to fund its elections, or international recognition of their legitimacy, saying acceptance by Cambodians is sufficient.



He has also said that he will continue to welcome aid from China, which is poised to overtake the U.S. as the worlds top foreign donor, and which is currently Cambodias largest international aid provider.



China typically offers aid to countries without many of the prerequisites that the U.S. and EU place on donations, such as improvements to human rights.



President of Cambodian rights group Adhoc Thun Saray told RFA Thursday that Japans reluctance to tie electoral support to a reversal of the ongoing political crackdown is likely part of a bid to shore up its waning influence in Cambodia, as Hun Sen improves ties with China.



Japan used to have much influence in Cambodia in the early 1990s, but that is no longer the case, thanks to recently strengthened Cambodia-China relations, he said.



Satisfying the Cambodian people



Also on Thursday, Chinese vice foreign minister Kong Xuanyou told a briefing in Beijing that China believes upcoming elections in the Southeast Asian nation will be free and fair.



China respects and supports the development path chosen by the Cambodian people, and believes Cambodias future election can, under all sides supervision, reflect its fairness and select a party and leader that satisfies the Cambodian people, Reuters news agency reported, quoting Kong ahead of a Jan. 10-11 visit by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Cambodia, to attend a regional forum.



Kong said China had offered Cambodia election support, but did not specify what kind. Cambodia has said China will provide various equipment for the July election, including ballot boxes and booths.



According to the vice foreign ministerin addition to being its largest source of international aidChina is also Cambodias largest source of foreign investment, its largest trade partner, and its largest source of foreign tourists.



Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Nareth Muong. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
The family of a young Cambodian missing since police fired on striking garment workers four years ago still hopes for answers to his fate, fearing he may have been killed and his body destroyed by authorities seeking to cover up evidence of his death.



Khem Sophath was reported by witnesses to have been shot after Cambodian police fired at and killed at least four people and wounded nearly 40 others as they broke up the strike in the Veng Sreng factory district of the capital Phnom Penh.



Video of the Jan. 3, 2014 violence captured by RFAs Khmer Service showed police firing at a group of people scrambling from the scene, with one person falling in a pool of blood and surrounded by weeping colleagues and relatives.



The violence came as the now-banned opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party, which had backed workers unions in their campaign for a higher minimum wage, held daily protests demanding that Prime Minister Hun Sen step down following accusations of voter fraud in national elections the year before.



Speaking to RFAs Khmer Service, Sophaths mother In Leakhena said she still seeks closure as she and other family members conduct Buddhist prayers in memory of her missing son on the fourth anniversary of what may have been his death.



He has been missing all this time, Leakhena told RFA.



We could have a sense of closure if his body were returned to us so that we could conduct a proper funeral, but the authorities may have dumped his body, she said, adding, They may have even given it to a crocodile for food.

Hard-working, dutiful son



Sophath had been a hard-working and dutiful son who regularly sent money home that he had earned at his factory, Leakhena said.



We are poor and desperate, and thats why we allowed him to work in Phnom Penh, she said.



If we had known that the authorities were this barbaric, we would never have allowed him to go to work there.



Also speaking to RFA, Sophaths father Khem Soeun said he still seeks justice for his son.



I want to see him again. Even if he is dead, I want to see his body, he said.



Soeun said he had been told by witnesses to the police crackdown that Sophath had been shot in the chest and left to die before being tossed into a vehicle and taken away.



His friend, who was shot in the arm, said that this was what happened, he said, adding that the friend would also have been killed if co-workers had not hidden him from police who were chasing him.



Cambodian authorities have long since closed their investigation into the Veng Sreng shootings, saying no one is now unaccounted for and blaming the unrest on rioters trying to topple the government.



Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Nareth Muong. Written in English by Richard Finney.
A letter written by former Chinese Communist Party school professor Zi Su calls for President Xi Jinping's resignation as head of the party, Dec. 28, 2017.

Authorities in the southwestern province of Sichuan are moving try a former professor at a ruling Chinese Communist Party school for "subversion of state power," after he called for President Xi Jinping's resignation, his lawyer said.

Zi Su was taken away from his home in Sichuan's provincial capital Chengdu on April 28 after he posted an open letter online calling on Xi to step down as head of the party in favor of Hu Deping, son of late ousted Premier Hu Yaobang, whose death in 1989 sparked the Tiananmen Square democracy movement.

He was initially held on suspicion of "incitement to subvert state power," but the charge has now been changed to the more serious "subversion of state power," paving the way for his trial at the Chengdu Intermediate People's Court, his defense lawyer Ran Tong told RFA.

"The prosecutor said it was subversion, but I haven't yet seen the indictment," Ran said. "Actually, I felt that the prosecutor himself felt that the whole thing was very tenuous."

Ran said the defense would argue that Zi, as a member of the ruling Chinese Communist Party, should enjoy the right to voice his opinion, as laid down in the party's constitution.

He said he planned to cite the words of late supreme leader Deng Xiaoping, who said that a revolutionary political party should always be able to hear the voices of the people.

"But all they want to hear is how great they are, and how well everyone's doing," Ran said. "They turn a deaf ear to any kind of discontent."

Zi's sister Zi Ping told RFA on Thursday that her brother, 62, is in poor health and suffers from low blood sugar.

She said the case has already been delayed by more than a month, during which time Zi has remained in the Chengdu No. 2 Detention Center.

"They were originally going to send it to the prosecution on Dec. 13 or 14, but it was postponed by more than two weeks," Zi Ping said. "The lawyer told me it was finally sent to the court on Dec. 28."

"So it seems that there will be a trial ... but it looks as if it will be a show trial on a trumped-up charge," she said.



Spirit of patriotism



A friend of Zi's surnamed Luo said the charges are likely linked to two open letters penned by his friend containing suggestions, and written in a spirit of patriotism.

"Zi Su is a very straightforward person, and a Communist Party member," Luo said. "I think that he genuinely sees things from the party's point of view."

"[His suggestions] were objective, in the spirit of seeking truth from facts. All he did was make some suggestions to the President, which I don't think amounts to a criminal act," he said. "They are trampling on the law."

Li Shuangde, a constitutional scholar based in Sichuan, agreed, but said a not guilty verdict was highly unlikely.

"If they admit that Zi Su committed no crime, then he would be eligible for compensation from the government ... so they will definitely find him guilty," Li said.

In one of Zi's letters, he hits out at a "personality cult" around President Xi, likening the president's leadership to that of late supreme leader Mao Zedong.

"He serves as the head of a dozen groups or committees, which goes against the democratic constitutional orientation of reforms to the political system, and he has launched an unbridled attack on human rights lawyers and democracy activists, as well as increasingly clamped down on online free speech," the letter, posted on the Weiquanwang rights website, said.

"His anticorruption campaign has been waged under a one-party dictatorship ... and he has made use of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection to ... carry out selective anticorruption work," it said.

"But his biggest mistake of all has been to institute the "seven taboos," comprehensively restoring the ideology of the Mao era, which was openly opposed by Deng Xiaoping, Hu Yaobang, Zhao Ziyang and other party leaders who advocated reform," Zi wrote.

"Many people inside and outside the party believe that Xi Jinping is unsuitable to continue in the post of general secretary," he said. "I suggest ... that Hu Deping takes over. Those who agree can add their signatures to my proposal."

Within hours of posting the letter, Zi had been taken away, posting a photo on Sunday to WeChat to let people know he was safe, sources close to him told RFA at the time.

"Subversion of state power" carries a minimum jail term of 10 years in cases where the person is judged to have played a leading role.



Reported by Wen Yuqing for RFA's Cantonese Service, and by Qiao Long for the Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
NEW YORK, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ABM (NYSE:ABM), a leading provider of facility solutions, today announced that it will host its Investor Day on Thursday, January 18, 2018 in New York City, beginning at approximately 9:00 a.m. ET and concluding at approximately 12:00 p.m. ET.

The event will be comprised of formal presentations by members of ABMs Executive Team, who will discuss the Companys business fundamentals, strategy, and financials.

A live audio webcast of the event, including presentation slides, will be available to the public through the "Investors" section of the Company's website, located at www.abm.com.

An archived replay of the webcast will be available shortly after the live event is completed.

ABOUT ABM

ABM (NYSE:ABM) is a leading provider of facility solutions with revenues of approximately $5.5 billion and approximately 140,000 employees in 350+ offices throughout the United States and various international locations. ABM's comprehensive capabilities include janitorial, electrical & lighting, energy solutions, facilities engineering, HVAC & mechanical, landscape & turf, mission critical solutions and parking, provided through stand-alone or integrated solutions. ABM provides custom facility solutions in urban, suburban and rural areas to properties of all sizes - from schools and commercial buildings to hospitals, data centers, manufacturing plants and airports. ABM Industries Incorporated, which operates through its subsidiaries, was founded in 1909. For more information, visit www.abm.com.
Online Chinese news platform Toutiao is recruiting some 2,000 editors to oversee content delivered to its smartphone app, after being sanctioned last week for alleged breaches of regulations and for spreading "pornographic and vulgar content."



The app has begun recruiting content editors, whose job will be to filter out "illegal" stories from among the pool that the app sends to its users in a tailored news feed.



Members of the ruling Chinese Communist Party are particularly encouraged to apply for the job, which offers full health coverage and pension benefits and paid leave, on a salary of up to 6,000 yuan per month, according to an advertisement on the recruitment platform Lagou.com.



Successful candidates will be responsible for "reviewing and monitoring whether the content of the premier news platform of the day is illegal or not," the ad says.



They also be charged with handling user reports and tip-offs of illegal content, it says.



Applicants who are Communist Party members will be prioritized, but all applicants must be college graduates, preferably majoring in journalism, with "a passion for news and current affairs and good political sensitivity and discrimination."



They must also possess "an excellent grasp of the mobile internet and internet-related laws and regulations."



'Serious problems'



Last Friday, Beijing's Cyberspace Administration temporarily suspended both Toutiao and Phoenix News for carrying pornographic content. Both were also accused of "having serious problems in guiding public opinion," suggesting a political aspect to the closures.



Both companies promised to tighten up controls on content and management of staff after they were summoned to a meeting with internet supervision officials.



Online activist Wang Fazhan said the recruitment exercise is likely a bid to limit the political risk to the app's parent company, startup Bytedance.



"By hiring people to screen content, they can say in the event of further issues that the content was screened by party members," Wang said. "It's a form of risk management."



The ousted former editor of Baixing magazine, Huang Liangtian, said the Chinese government under President Xi Jinping is constantly reviewing its notion of what constitutes undesirable content, meaning that few in the media know exactly where the lines are drawn.



"Content reviewers won't necessarily be able to do the job even when they're hired," Huang said. "The problem we have right now is that ... people can cross a red line without realizing it."



"What are our censorship criteria exactly? There isn't a set of standards; they are whatever those in power say they are," he said. "And their idea of those criteria keeps changing the whole time, so that we are in a constant state of transition where nobody has chance to get used to it."



"I don't really believe that rank-and-file party members are going to be able to act as watchdogs and effective gatekeepers for the government," Huang said.



A wider fear



Hong Kong political commentator Cai Yongmei said Toutiao isn't well-known for its political content, and the current clampdown on its operations is symptomatic of a wider fear that nearly 700 million people who access the internet by mobile device will get politically sensitive news of the wider world channeled to their inboxes by "gossipy" apps.



"The thing the authorities fear most of all right now is that overseas popular movements will spread to mainland China," Cai said. "That's why they are being more and more selective and controlling about content."



Author and Independent Chinese PEN member Liang Taiping said Toutiao's recruitment drive is likely more aimed at sending a reassuring signal to the government.



"I think it may be attempt to refine controls of content, not make them stricter," Liang said. "Of course any dissenting content is still tightly controlled, but they will also be looking to ... create a false impression that people still have a channel for their views."



"Otherwise, they may lose their audience entirely," he said.



The suspension of Toutiao's service was aimed to "better promote mainstream values and the spirit of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China," according to the Global Times newspaper, a tabloid run by the mouthpiece of the ruling Chinese Communist Party, reported.



Reported by Yang Fan for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by Wen Yuqing for the Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un presides over a meeting of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea in Pyongyang, Oct. 7, 2017.

North Korean authorities are stirring up anti-China sentiment among ordinary citizens through conferences and lecture sessions as the closed, authoritarian countrys economy bears the brunt of tough new economic sanctions supported by its longtime ally, sources inside the country said.

The United Nations, with backing from China, unanimously approved new sanctions against North Korea in December as punishment for its latest launch of a ballistic missile that Pyongyang says is capable of striking the U.S. mainland.

The latest round of sanctions places caps on the import of crude oil and refined oil products, such as diesel and kerosene that are crucial to North Koreas economy. A ban has also been placed on the export of a range of products, including food, machinery, electrical equipment, wood, earth, and stones, to other countries.

The U.N. measures also call for the expulsion by 2019 of North Korean workers who go abroad to earn cash for the regime and a clampdown on ships smuggling banned items such as oil and coal in and out of the county. The December sanctions package also added 15 North Korean individuals and entities to the U.N.s sanctions blacklist.

With North Koreans complaining about the hardships they have been experiencing under the sanctions and blaming the countrys Central Committee, authorities are trying to deflect the criticism by telling them that China has betrayed the country, sources said.

The Central Committee ordered authorities to raise awareness about China at the Socialist Womens Union of Korea conference in Chongjin city in December, said a source from North Hamgyong province, speaking to RFAs Korean Service on condition of anonymity.

As the chief policymaking body of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, the Central Committee approves political and ideological campaigns and deliberates and advises on government policies.

The Central Committee emphasized this message during the Socialist Womens Union of Korea conference because women are seen as influential forces both at home and in the wider society in North Korea, sources said.

A high-level executive from Songpyong district stood on the podium and said that although Japan is a century-old enemy [of North Korea], China is a thousand-year-old enemy, and it stirred up the attendees, the source from North Hamgyong province said.

Authorities also held lectures about the countrys domestic and international situation during an educational program after the conference in Chongjin, he said.

The high-level executive on the podium criticized China while he was lecturing about the current domestic and international situation, the source said.

Authorities have fomented an openly shared deeply rooted anti-Chinese sentiment by saying that China has been an enemy of North Korea for 1,000 years, he said.



Chinese money and necessities

Most North Koreans use daily necessities that are made in China and use Chinese money at black markets, the source said.

It is becoming more difficult for residents to make a living, so the Central Committee is trying to avoid complaints coming from them, he said.

In the past, authorities would infuse ordinary North Koreans with anti-Chinese sentiment, but they were very cautious and passive about it, the source from North Hamgyong province told RFA.

When they used to give information about the countrys domestic and international situations to soldiers and residents near the border area at meetings, they criticized China with subtle comments, he said. But when the Central Committee openly criticized China by calling it a thousand-year-old enemy, there were mixed responses inside North Korea.

Some ask what we can do if we push China away because the country has the power to shift North Koreas economy, while others say we should keep our guard up against China while asserting North Koreas independence, he said.

A second source from North Hamgyong province confirmed that anti-Chinese sentiment among North Koreans has recently become more acute than anti-Japanese sentiment.

It is because the Central Committee is intentionally spreading anti-Chinese sentiment, said the source who declined to be named for fear of retribution.

The residents are tired of continued financial difficulties, he said. They are very discontent with reality, and some even say that the time during which the Japanese ruled Korea [1910-1945] was better than the present situation, he said.

They are calling China a pig with darkness inside, which means China only wants to take North Koreas difficult situation and turn it into an opportunity from which it will benefit, the source said.

Reported by Jieun Kim for RFAs Korean Service. Translated by Leejin Jun. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
A Rohingya man and children walk through a field in the Jamtoli refugee camp in Ukhia, Bangladesh, Nov. 27, 2017.

Bangladesh has the necessary forms to begin the process of repatriating hundreds of thousands of Rohingya to Myanmar and will start collecting data next week, the nations refugee relief commissioner said on Wednesday.

Commissioner Mohammad Abul Kalam said he had received the forms earlier this week and would lead a committee collecting the information required by Myanmar.

In late November, the two neighboring nations agreed to begin the voluntary repatriation process of Rohingya refugees to their home state of Rakhine, in Myanmar, by Jan. 22.

Hopefully, we can start collecting data sought in the repatriation form beginning after Sunday, Kalam, told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service.

His office will employ staff to collect the data, he said, adding that the forms would not be distributed among the refugees.

We have already formed a nine-member technical committee to collect the data about the potential returnees. The committee includes members from the home ministry, disaster management ministry, bureau of statics and other relevant departments of the government, said Kalam, leader of the technical committee.

We maintain a database of the Myanmar nationals entering Bangladesh. We will match the data collected with the database before handing the filled forms over to the Myanmar, he said.

Actual repatriation will begin after the Myanmar government verifies data including name, age, gender, parents, children and home village. Bangladesh officials expect to hand over about 100,000 Rohingya in the first phase.

Kalam responded to questions from BenarNews after a Myanmar official said that his government was waiting for Bangladesh to send the completed forms to start the verification process before repatriation can begin.

We have sent the forms for the refugees to fill out, but we havent received any of the [completed] ones from Bangladesh yet, Myint Kyaing, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Labor, Immigration, and Population under Myanmars civilian-led government, told Radio Free Asia (RFA), a sister entity of BenarNews, this week.

We are ready to accept them back, he added. We will begin doing so on the day we receive the forms from Bangladesh.

Repatriation agreement

On Nov. 23, Bangladesh and Myanmar signed the agreement stipulating that repatriation would begin within two months (Jan. 22). At that time, the governments agreed to form a 30-member joint working group, headed by their foreign secretaries, to oversee the process.

The working group has not held its first meeting.

Myanmar has proposed holding it on Jan. 9, but Bangladesh officials have not responded to the proposal, a Bangladesh foreign ministry official told BenarNews on condition of anonymity.

Possibly, we cannot hold the meeting on Jan. 9 because the foreign secretary may not be available that day to lead the Bangladeshi delegation, he said.

Shahriar Alam, Bangladeshs state minister for foreign affairs, told BenarNews that the first meeting could take place by Jan. 15, a week before the first Rohingya are due to leave for Myanmar.

The joint working group meeting can take place either in Bangladesh or Myanmar. In case of their inability to come here, we can go to Myanmar to hold the meeting, Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury, the director general in-charge of the Southeast Asia desk at the foreign ministry, told BenarNews.

More than 655,000 Rohingya entered Bangladesh since Aug. 25, 2017, amid a brutal crackdown by Myanmars military that followed coordinated attacks carried out by Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) insurgents on security posts in Rakhine state.

Human rights groups and Rohingya refugees have accused Myanmar military personnel and Buddhist militia of committing widespread atrocities against Rohingya civilians during the crackdown. The United Nations and United States have described the situation as ethnic cleansing, but Myanmar officials have denied that its forces committed atrocities.

The repatriation agreement includes tens of thousands of Rohingya who fled Myanmar following an outbreak in violence in October 2016 as well, driving the number of refugees who are eligible to return home to as many as 700,000.

In all, about one million Rohingya are sheltering in southeastern Bangladesh, where they are mostly concentrated in refugee camps in and around Coxs Bazar district.

Repatriation does not happen overnight; it is time consuming. We will provide Myanmar necessary data from here. They can return only when the Myanmar government gives green light after verification, said Chowdhury, a member of the joint committee.

Abdul Masood, a Rohingya who fled to Bangladesh with his wife and three children late last year, told BenarNews that he would not return to Myanmar, and feared being forced to do so.

If we are sent back, there is no hope for us. We will all be killed, or worse, tortured to death. Ask any Rohingya, and they will tell you they dont want to go back, no matter the promises the Myanmar government makes regarding our safety, Masood, 28, told BenarNews last week.

Curfew: To ensure peoples safety

Last week, Myanmar authorities announced they would process returning refugees during daylight hours only because of an extended curfew in the Rakhine state.

Returning refugees who will be processed at the two reception centers in Taung Pyo Let Wae and Nga Khu Ya villages must adhere to the curfew, meaning they cannot go out after 6 p.m., Win Myat Aye, Myanmars minister of social welfare, relief, and resettlement, told RFA.

Authorities did it to ensure peoples safety, he said.

Kalam, the refugee relief commissioner in Bangladesh, told BenarNews that his government likely would not oppose the curfew enforced on the other side of the border.

The repatriation is our focus, no matter whether it takes place by day or at night. We will discuss the proposal at the joint working group and decide, Kalam said.

Meanwhile, some Rohingya refugees expressed mixed views over the issue.

I do not see any problem. Daytime is better. Risks of snake and insect bites are there. Besides, women and children may go missing at night, Mohammad Hafez told BenarNews in a phone call from Ukhia, a subdistrict of Coxs Bazar.

A Rohingya who was repatriated at night in 1993 and asked to remain anonymous, gave a different opinion.

Myanmar wants to limit the number of returnees. A lesser number of people will go if repatriation only takes place by daytime. This is their strategy to delay our return, he told BenarNews.

In Myanmar, officials said on Wednesday they were moving to close a camp for internally displaced Rohingya refugees made homeless in 2012, when communal violence between Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state left more than 200 dead and displaced 140,000 people. The Thatkepyin Muslim IDP (internally displaced persons) camp in Sittwe, the state capital, houses more than 6,000 people from 1,000 households.

I met state government members and Thatkepyin IDP camp officials. We talked about how it is not good to have an IDP camp for a long time, so we discussed closing the camp and working on resettlement, Win Myat Aye, who also serves as chairman of Myanmar's Committee for the Implementation of the Recommendations on Rakhine State, told RFAs Myanmar service.

Shwe Maung, an official from the Thatkepyin camp, said many refuges remain wary of government resettlement plans, fearing theyll be cut off from arable land and left at the mercy of a government that might cut off food supplies.

Some like this plan, but some dont. Some people are worried they might lose their lands of their (former) houses that were burned down when they move to the places that government is building for them, Shwe Maung told RFA.

The government could cut our food supplies. They are worried that they wont get food supplies from international NGOs.

Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service and by Thiri Min Zin and Khin Khin Ei for RFA's Myanmar Service.


While Myanmar prepares to begin repatriating Rohingya Muslim refugees who fled to neighboring Bangladesh to escape violence during military crackdowns in northern Rakhine state in 2016 and 2017, government officials are continuing with a plan to close internally displaced persons (IDP) camps at home. Win Myat Aye, Myanmars minister for social welfare, relief, and resettlement, is overseeing the effort. He chairs a government committee created in September 2017 to implement the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, a group led by former Unirted Nations chief Kofi Annan. The commission called for reviews of the countrys 1982 Citizenship Law, which prevents the Rohingya from becoming citizens, the closure of IDP camps, and an end to restrictions on the Rohingya minority to prevent further violence in the region. Last April, the Rakhine state government said it would shutter three camps housing Kaman Muslims, ethnic Rakhine people, and Rohingya Muslims who have been living in them since 2012 when they were displaced by communal violence. In an interview with Khin Khin Ei of RFAs Myanmar Service, Win Myat Aye discusses plans to close additional IDP camps.

RFA: Why have authorities decided to close the Thetkaepyin Muslim IDP camp?

Win Myat Aye: These camps have been in existence since 2012. Since the NLD [National League for Democracy] government took power [in April 2016], it has planned to close these camps because peoples access to education and health care and their participation in the economy have been blocked because they are residing in these camps. The Kofi Annan Commissions report also suggested closing the IDP camps.

We have closed some camps, but our plans were halted because of the attacks [by Muslim militants in northern Rakhine state] in August 2017. We have begun this plan now. Thetkaepyin is the big camp in [Rakhines capital] Sittwe. I have talked with government and camp officials to close this camp, and we have agreed to do it. We will continue the discussions to hammer out the details. We went to Myebon [township] and talked with officials to close a camp there as well. They are working with us to close it.

RFA: We have heard something about this plan, but some people dont like the idea of closing the camp. What will you do about that?

Win Myat Aye: We are doing it for the good of all, and it is what we should do. I am surprised to learn that some people dont like it and wonder who those people could be.

RFA: Where will you let them resettle?

Win Myat Aye: We have the Disaster Management Law [under which the president can declare a state of emergency in an area for a period of time if peoples' lives and property as well as the natural environment are dramatically affected and if rehabilitation will be needed]. We have been choosing places where they will have job opportunities.

RFA: What kind of jobs can be created for them?

Win Myat Aye: There are many development plans and projects in Rakhine state. Even after the Aug. 25 attacks, we created the Union Enterprise for Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement and Development in Rakhine State (UEHRD), so there will be many job opportunities available under it. We will create jobs in the fishing industry and in industrial zones. Something important for them is to be able to travel freely. According to law, they will be recognized as people who live in Myanmar if they hold national verification cards.

RFA: Do you think there will be problems with closing the IDP camps as long as the Buddhist ethnic Rakhine people and the Muslims dont completely trust each other?

Win Myat Aye: It is very important to think about the time when we will have trust in each other. When we work on solving a problem, we have to strike a balance between stability and development. If we have stability, we will have development. Also, if we have development, we will have more stability. For development to be fruitful, we must work on what we are doing now. Working towards development, especially in education, is very important. If people are not educated, they can become extremists, and they can easily be persuaded by others.

Reported by Khin Khin Ei for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
A wealthy Vietnamese property developer wanted in Vietnam on charges of espionage was flown back to Hanoi on Thursday after being briefly detained in Singapore, RFA has learned.



Phan Van Anh Vu, 42, had applied to Germany for asylum before his forced return to Vietnam, where he faces a possible death sentence for revealing state secrets under Article 263 of Vietnams penal code.



Speaking to RFAs Vietnamese Service on Thursday, Remy Chooone of Vus lawyers in Singaporeconfirmed that his client had been sent back, while media sources reported that Vu arrived at Hanois Noi Bai Airport at around 3:30 p.m.



I am disappointed that, despite our best efforts for our client, he was deported without our knowledge [and was not given] an opportunity to contest the allegations made against him, Choo said in a Jan. 4 Yahoo News Singapore report.



Fleeing a Dec. 20 order for his prosecution, Vu was arrested in Singapore at the end of December while attempting to cross the border into Malaysia on a passport that had been canceled by Vietnamese authorities, media reports said.



He was then held by Singapore authorities for committing offenses under the Immigration Act.



The Reuters news agency quoted a lawyer engaged by Vus family as saying he had hoped to travel to Germany, where former Vietnamese oil executive Trinh Xuan Thanh had been kidnapped by Vietnamese security agents in a park in Berlin last July.



Vu, a former senior intelligence officer, had enjoyed close ties to former Communist Party Central Committee member Nguyen Xuan Anh, who was removed from his post in October 2017 amid an ongoing crackdown on corruption in Vietnams banking and energy sectors.



Reported by RFAs Vietnamese Service. Translated by Emily Peyman. Written in English by Richard Finney.
GERMANTOWN, Md., Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Orgenesis Inc., (OTCQB:ORGS), a vertically-integrated biopharmaceutical company with expertise and unique experience in gene and cell therapy and regenerative medicine, today announced that it will be presenting at the Biotech Showcase in San Francisco, CA being held on January 8-10, 2018. Vered Caplan, Chief Executive Officer of Orgenesis, will be giving a presentation and meeting with investors.



Event: Biotech Showcase

Presentation Date: Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Presentation Time: 3:00pm PT

Location: Hilton San Francisco Union Square, San Francisco, CA

For investors attending the Biotech Showcase, please contact Orgenesis' Investor Relations at tpatel@edisongroup.com to schedule a meeting with management.

The presentation will be webcast live and remain available for 90 days following the presentation. To access the webcast, please visit the Investors presentations tab of the Investors section of the Orgenesis website at www.orgenesis.com.

About Orgenesis Inc.

Orgenesis is a vertically-integrated biopharmaceutical company with expertise and unique experience in cell therapy development and manufacturing. Through its Israeli subsidiary, Orgenesis Ltd., Orgenesis is a pioneer in the development of technology designed to successfully reprogram human liver cells into glucose-responsive, fully functional, Insulin Producing Cells (IPCs). Orgenesis believes that converting the diabetic patient's own tissue into insulin-producing cells has the potential to overcome the significant issues of donor shortage, cost and exposure to chronic immunosuppressive therapy associated with islet cell transplantation. Through its Belgian subsidiary, MaSTherCell S.A., a global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), Orgenesis is able to deliver optimized process industrialization capacities to cell therapy organizations, and speed up the arrival of their therapies onto the market. From technology selection to business modeling, GMP manufacturing, process development, quality management and assay development, MaSTherCell's teams are fully committed to helping their clients fulfill their objective of providing sustainable and affordable therapies to their patients. MaSTherCell operates in a validated and flexible facility located in the strategic center of Europe within the Walloon healthcare cluster, Biowin. This integrated approach supports the Company's business philosophy of bringing to market significant life-improving medical treatments. For more information, visit www.orgenesis.com.

Contacts

Edison Advisors (investors)

Tirth Patel

(646) 653-7035

tpatel@edisongroup.com
A longtime Federal Reserve Bank executive who stepped in as interim chief executive officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond in April has announced plans to retire.

Mark Mullinix, who joined the Richmond Fed as the banks first vice president and chief operating officer in June 2013, will retire in June, the bank announced Thursday.

Mullinix was named interim president and CEO in April when Jeffrey M. Lacker, the Richmond Feds president and CEO for 13 years, resigned after admitting his role in the leak of confidential, market-sensitive information to a Wall Street newsletter. Lacker had previously announced plans to retire later in 2017.

In early December, Thomas I. Barkin, a senior executive at the global consulting firm McKinsey & Co., was chosen as the next president and chief executive officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. He started Monday.

The Richmond Fed has more than 2,700 employees.

It has been my privilege and an honor to serve the central bank of the United States for more than 30 years, the last five of those in great RVA. Im proud to have worked alongside my Fed colleagues in support of our public mission to promote a healthy economy, Mullinix said in a statement.

Mullinix served eight years as a Marine Corps infantry commander before starting his career with the Federal Reserve at the Kansas City Fed in 1986, where he had leadership roles in payment services, corporate support services and discount window operations.

Before joining the Richmond Fed, he worked at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco as chief financial officer and executive-in-charge of Fed services covering Southern California, Arizona and southern Nevada. Later, he became that banks executive vice president.

I am grateful for Marks long and distinguished service to the Federal Reserve, Janet Yellen, chair of the board of governors of the Federal Reserve System, said in a statement. Mark has made enormous contributions to our public mission, and I have enjoyed working with him both in San Francisco and at the FOMC. I wish him the very best in his future endeavors.

Mullinix currently serves as co-chair of the Capital Region Collaborative organizing council, the Greater Richmond and Petersburg United Way, and the executive advisory council of the University of Richmonds Robins School of Business.
Nearly 1,100 Virginia residents are eligible for payments from a settlement involving improper servicing of mortgage loans, Virginias attorney generals office said.

The borrowers are expected to receive compensation totaling more than $630,000 as part of a $45 million settlement with New Jersey-based mortgage lender and servicer PHH Mortgage Corp., Attorney General Mark R. Herrings office said.

Federal prosecutors alleged PHH violated standards for underwriting government-backed mortgages, submitting defective loans for government insurance. PHH said it settled without admitting liability to avoid the distraction and expense of litigation.

The borrowers who were subject to PHH foreclosures from 2009 through 2012 qualify for a minimum $840 payment. Those who faced foreclosure but didnt lose their home will get a minimum of $285.
Chesterfield County police said they have charged a Richmond man who is accused of robbing an ABC store this week.

About 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, police said a man entered the business at 5722 Hopkins Road, picked out a bottle of liquor and approached the clerk. The man demanded cash and indicated he had a weapon, though no weapon was displayed, police said.

Upon receiving cash, the man fled in a gold Lexus SUV. No one was injured.

Police charged Courtney A. Matthews, 29, with robbery and use of a firearm while committing a felony.

Matthews is being held at the Richmond City Justice Center on charges involving alleged crimes in Richmond.
A man convicted of distributing large amounts of heroin from the parking lots of Whole Foods, Target and other Short Pump businesses will serve 10 years in prison.

Shawn Lamont Bailey, a 46-year-old Glen Allen man, received that sentence in Henrico County Circuit Court on Dec. 13 after pleading guilty that day to a charge of conspiracy to distribute heroin and a second charge of possession with intent to distribute heroin as a second offense, said Matthew C. Ackley, a deputy commonwealths attorney for Henrico.

His operation was a very significant distribution scheme involving a lot of people in Henrico and the Richmond area, Ackley said Wednesday.

Prosecutors said Bailey took dozens of trips to New York City to secure the heroin for distribution back in the Richmond area. Ackley has said that, using a conservative estimate, Bailey brought 25 to 30 kilograms of heroin to Richmond area.

Bailey first pleaded guilty to drug distribution charges a year ago under a plea deal that called for him serving eight to 10 years in prison. But in July, Henrico Circuit Judge Richard S. Wallerstein Jr. rejected that plea deal, finding that it didnt provide sufficient punishment.

The case was transferred to Henrico Circuit Judge Gary Hicks, who sentenced Bailey to the 10-year sentence.

A dozen of Baileys co-conspirators have been convicted and sentenced in the case. Almost all of them faced sentences ranging from one to 10 years in prison, Ackley said.
Artist and sculptor Chase Spilman Decker had an enormous impact on his students appreciation of art and the world.

I was within a year of graduating from college and had never had a course in art appreciation until I enrolled in Chase Deckers course at Radford University (then the Womens Division of VPI), Betty M. Nelson, dean of students emerita at Purdue University, wrote in an email.

It was the most exciting cultural experience I ever had  his color slides of masterpieces, the stories that accompanied the paintings, the world history that provided the context for the paintings, etc.

More than a half-century later, I still have my spiral notebooks with the sketches and notes from two semesters of courses with Chase Decker, and my passion for art and its place in our society has never diminished.

The life of Mr. Decker, who died Tuesday at age 93, will be celebrated at a funeral at 1 p.m. on Jan. 12 at Hollywood Cemetery, 412 S. Cherry St., in the Palmer Chapel.

Over the course of a teaching career that spanned more than five decades, he taught oil painting, sculpture, drawing and art history in Virginia, Hawaii and Wisconsin.

In December 2003, he launched Remembrances of Paintings Past, a retrospective of about 15 of his paintings at the Richmond Public Library, including one titled Goodbye Professor Decker. In a critique at the time, Kate Bredimus on Richmond.com noted that the painting showed a man ... entering the side door of a great old house, which seems to lean forward as if to greet him. Bright blues, greens and russets draw the eye to different parts of the composition  the eaves of the roof, a watering can left on the mossy grass.

The painting, whose title references Paul Gauguins Bonjour Monsieur Gauguin, is a touching look into Deckers recent retirement from teaching for the past 25 years at J. Sargeant Reynolds (Community College). The house is his own 18th-century plantation home near Aylett  one of his best muses. It also was the place where he baked excellent bread, raised and milked goats, made goat cheese and occasionally had a goat barbecue by the pond, friends remembered.

His work, informed by post-impressionists like Vincent van Gogh and Edvard Munch, found its way around the nation and abroad, to cities from Chicago and Manhattan to Florence and Rome. He had several one-man shows in venues from Florence to Fredericksburg. He exhibited his work in Richmond on a regular basis.

One of his most noted creations was a bronze bust of a former Virginia governor and University of Virginia president, Colgate Darden Jr., which students pass daily on the grounds of the Darden School of Business at U.Va.

Born Dec. 15, 1924, in Shanghai, China, to medical missionary parents, Mr. Decker grew up on Patterson Avenue in Richmonds Museum District. He was a World War II Marine Corps veteran who participated in the invasion of Okinawa in the Pacific theater.

His father, Dr. Henry Walker Decker, who had lost his son Frank Walker Decker at sea during World War II, was a founder of Richmond Memorial Hospital. At Dr. Deckers suggestion, the city made the new hospital a living memorial to Richmonds World War II war dead. His mother, Florence Decker, was an early female member of the Richmond School Board.

After study at the University of Richmond, Chase Decker earned his bachelors and masters degrees of fine arts at the University of Pennsylvania. He also studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, where he won every prize and fellowship the academy had to offer.

When he arrived at Radford College in the late 1950s as a bachelor teacher at a girls school, he created something of a sensation, recalled another of his Radford students, Nancy St. Clair Finch, who retired as a writer with the Richmond Times-Dispatch. That was novel: a young, attractive, arty single man. His classes filled. And most novel, he drove something few, if any of us, had ever seen  a Volkswagen!

Between teaching at Radford and Reynolds, Mr. Decker took a two-year break and lived on a fellowship from the Academia di Belle Arti di Roma in Italy. There, he said in the Richmond.com interview, it was terrific. I photographed and took slides (of art masterpieces), and that really helped my classes. It helps so much to be able to walk into the Pantheon and see things in person.

Finch noted in an email, When he taught me in 1958 (art history) and sculpture (1960), he made art come alive. He had a great sense of humor, could make learning about art fun.

I love his paintings and have two  one of the old hotel in Ashland where he often took students to paint when he was teaching at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College  but I especially admire his sculpture.

The bust I did in his class is the only artwork I have ever done. It has traveled with me for years, is in our living room now. But, the important part was, I learned how sculpture is created, the process  which makes a visit to the Terracotta Warriors (at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts) even more mind-boggling. I thought of Chase when I saw them and how appreciative he would be.

Mr. Decker spent his last few years at the Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center in Richmond.
Indianapolis, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lumina Foundation has announced the election of Morgan State University President David Wilson, Ed.D. to serve on its Board of Directors.

Wilson has served as president of Marylands public urban university since July of 2010 and has a record of accomplishment during his more than 30 years of experience in higher education administration.

David is a nationally regarded leader in higher education, and his broad background will add a welcome voice to our work toward the attainment agenda, said Jamie Merisotis, president and CEO of Lumina Foundation.

Wilson holds four academic degrees: a bachelor of science in political science; a master of science in education from Tuskegee University; a masters in educational planning and administration from Harvard University; and a doctorate in administration, planning and social policy, also from Harvard. He came to Morgan from the University of Wisconsin, where he was chancellor of the University of Wisconsin Colleges and the University of WisconsinExtension. Before that, he held several administrative posts in academia, including: vice president for university outreach and associate provost at Auburn University, and associate provost of Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey.

The U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology appointed Wilson to a three-year term on the National Institute of Standards and Technologys Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology. He also is president of The HBCU-China Scholarship Network. In addition, he serves on the boards of the Maryland Cybersecurity Council, the Maryland Longitudinal Data System Center, The Greater Baltimore Committee, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, and the Association of American Colleges & Universities. In February 2010, President Barack Obama appointed Wilson to the Presidents Board of Advisors on HBCUs.

Since Wilson's arrival at Morgan State in 2010, the university's progress has continued unabated. Among the many highlights of Wilsons tenure to date are: increasing a second-year retention rate above 70 percent for the seventh consecutive year; growing enrollment to nearly 8,000 students; procuring the universitys largest-ever research contract; overseeing a 183 percent increase in alumni participation in giving since 2010; creating a new West Campus; guiding $271 million of campus construction; founding a School of Global Journalism and Communication; establishing Morgan States first online degree program; winning designation of the university as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation; and receiving an General Assemblys designation of Morgan State as Marylands preeminent public urban research university.

Wilson grew up with 10 siblings on a tenant farm outside of McKinley, Ala. Through hard work, tenacity, and the encouragement of his father and teachers, he became the first person in his family to attend college.

Im truly honored and humbled to have been elected to serve in this capacity and I look forward to joining the voices of the other members of the Board in offering creative insights to Lumina Foundation on how best to achieve its goal of ensuring that sixty percent of Americans receive a high-quality college degree, certificate or credential by 2025, said Wilson.

See a complete list of Luminas board members.

# # #

About Lumina Foundation: Lumina Foundation is an independent, private foundation in Indianapolis that is committed to making opportunities for learning beyond high school available to all. Lumina envisions a system that is easy to navigate, delivers fair results, and meets the nations need for talent through a broad range of credentials. The Foundations goal is to prepare people for informed citizenship and for success in a global economy.

About Morgan

Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is celebrating its 150th year of excellence in higher education. A Carnegie-classified doctoral research institution, Morgan offers more than 100 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Marylands Preeminent Public Urban Research University, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.

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Sometimes, when Gary Trice reads the morning paper or watches the nightly news, he feels surrounded by bad news.

Then he thinks about whats happened in his own life in the past 20 months, from a massive heart attack that almost killed him in April 2016 to his heart transplant on July 4, 2017. He gained a new appreciation for his independence that day, when he was able to get back some of his life, thanks to a donor hell never know.

Ive seen the good in people, said Trice, whos never liked to talk about himself, but cant do so these days without reaching for a handkerchief to dab tear-filled eyes. It blows me away. For all the negativity we hear and see, I can vouch for the inherent good nature of people.

Trice, 57, thought hed have to close his mom-and-pop business, Homestead Hardware, after the heart attack leveled him that night in spring 2016. He was working alone at the shop, off U.S. 1 in Caroline County, when he passed out and a customer happened to see the light on and called Trices brother.

The type of attack he had usually causes such massive damage to the organ that pumps blood throughout the body, doctors call it the widowmaker.

Trice spent 2 months in intensive care at VCU Medical Center in Richmond, wired to machines that kept him alive.

The store owner and active outdoorsman had always been the one to help teams or school groups raise money or to reach out when he heard of a need or somebody hurting, said Gerald Castlebury, pastor of Carmel Baptist Church.

When the roles reversed, people turned out in droves to help Trice. They unloaded trucks, delivered feed or assembled equipment to keep the business going. Concerned customers also stopped by the store daily to check on his progress.

Trice showed his appreciation with an event in November 2016, when he and the Homestead crew served up chili, cornbread and their undying gratitude.

Doctors had told Trices family he had about a 4 percent chance of surviving, and the group celebrated that one of their own had beaten the odds.

A lot of people were praying for that man, Rebekah Wales said at the lunch, and there he stands.

***

Even though he survived the heart attack, Trice wasnt firing on all four cylinders afterward.

Doctors said he might get some function back, that the severely damaged portion of his heart might be able to start pumping blood again, in time, but tests in March 2017 showed otherwise.

The bottom half of my heart was not doing anything at all, he said.

Doctors suggested surgery to implant a left ventricular assist device, or LVAD.

Trice started the battery of tests needed for the surgery, considered a bridge to a heart transplant.

He was overwhelmed.

Hed had a heart valve replaced while hospitalized, and the pain from the procedure, and the attack before it, was fresh in his mind. So were the weeks of being stuck in a bed  a horrible situation for a man who worked like a bear.

If theres such a thing as hell on earth, that was it, he said. My family and friends and church were the only way I could get through it.

An LVAD is a mechanical pump attached to the heart. A tube routes blood from the left ventricle to the aorta while a cable goes out through the skin and connects to a power source outside the body. The accompanying equipment has to be worn in a belt around the body and from each shoulder.

Trice got a second opinion  and a third and a fourth  about whether he was a good candidate for the surgery. He took it as a bad omen the day he sat in a medical office, spinning an LVAD around in his hand, and the device fell apart.

A clinician assured him that wouldnt be the actual one used.

I was kinda like a jug on a fence at that point, said Trice, suggesting he could go either way. It was really just a dark period. I knew death was imminent.

Then he chuckled a little and said, I guess it is for all of us, but for me, it was a little bit closer.

Three days before surgery to implant the device, Trice told doctors he didnt want it. Hed wait for a heart.

One member of the transplant team told his siblings  Trice is divorced and has no children  that he hoped Trice hadnt signed his death warrant. He said it might take four or five years for an eligible heart.

One became available less than four months later.

Trice was watching a Christian drama called Gods Not Dead when the transplant team called and told him to get ready. He was on the operating table early the next morning, on July Fourth of all days, he said.

There was no guarantee the doctor would even do the surgery, if he didnt like what he saw once he opened up Trice and the donor.

When Trice awakened, the nurse gave him a thumbs-up.

The pain of having his chest cut open and his heart removed to make way for a transplanted one was minimal. Within five days, he was on a treadmill; after two weeks, he was back home on the farm, behind the hardware store.

Compared to the heart attack, which was a show-stopper, Trice said the heart transplant was easy.

That surgery was like a hangnail, he said.

***

Trice isnt totally out of the woods. He takes medicine three times a day to keep his body from rejecting the heart, and he also needs insulin because the heart problems brought on diabetes. His kidneys have been damaged.

Hes not to the point that all four cylinders are firing, but he estimates hes about 80 percent there. Before the heart transplant, he was winded constantly, to the point he had to take a break every few minutes and rest.

Slowly, hes getting away from the office work he despises and back into lifting, hauling and working on equipment. He said it feels good to take care of things for himself again.

Ive been self-sufficient. My whole life, I never depended on anyone, he said. Its humbling to have to rely on other people for even the smallest thing.

In the November 2016 Free Lance-Star story, Trice encouraged people to see a doctor if they had any health concerns, no matter how benign they might seem. He held himself up as an example. He was active and seemingly in good shape; he even ran 3 miles daily before the heart attack.
Republican Del. David E. Yancey won a random drawing Thursday to break a tie in a critical House of Delegates election, putting Republicans on track to keep a 51-49 majority and avoid a power-sharing deal with Democrats.

In front of a packed room at the Capitol and a live TV audience via C-SPAN, State Board of Elections Chairman James Alcorn drew a film canister from a bowl and pulled out a strip of paper with Yanceys name on it.

Yanceys Democratic challenger in the Newport News-based 94th District, Shelly Simonds, sat stoically in the front row with her husband and daughter as she learned the shake of the bowl hadnt gone in her favor. The elections board pulled a second canister and revealed Simonds name to assure the audience there had been no skullduggery in the bowl.

Yancey did not attend the drawing, leaving empty seats in an area reserved for the Republican side.

In a prepared statement, Yancey congratulated Simonds on a race that could not have been any closer.

The election is behind us, the outcome is clear and my responsibility now is to begin the work I was re-elected to do, Yancey said.

Though the drawing brought a dose of finality to a long-running electoral drama, state law appears to allow Simonds to ask for a new recount even though election officials and judges already conducted a recount in Newport News last month.

Speaking to reporters after the drawing, Simonds said she was keeping all options open and would not concede the race, but she did not specify whether she intends to seek a new recount.

It does seem like a sad ending to the story to have to end on a game of chance, Simonds said.

The elections board signed paperwork certifying Yancey as the winner, but board members said it will be up to others to figure out if a second recount is legally possible.

Thats above my pay grade, Alcorn said.

After learning theyd undoubtedly be heading into the legislative session that starts Jan. 10 with a slight majority instead of a 50-50 split with Democrats, Republican leaders said during a news conference that they believe Simonds has the legal right to ask for a second recount. But they said they hoped she wouldnt, to allow voters in the 94th District to have representation as the House moves forward with business.

We wouldnt be in this position if it werent for weeks of intentional delays and unnecessary legal filings by Ms. Simonds campaign, said Del. M. Kirkland Cox, a Colonial Heights Republican who, after Thursdays drawing, is a virtual shoo-in to be elected House speaker next week to replace retiring Speaker William J. Howell, R-Stafford.

Prior to the Nov. 7 election, Republicans had a 66-34 majority in the House, but Democrats flipped 15 GOP-held seats while winning statewide races for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general.

Del. C. Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah, said that even with the GOP getting the luck of the draw Thursday, the caucus is still preparing for a new era of collaboration with the reinvigorated Democrats.

Weve seen some poisoning of the well, these last few days especially, where weve been accused of stealing this particular election, said Gilbert, his partys pick to succeed Cox as House majority leader. We think this is an opportunity to heal those divides.

Cox had said the House would not seat the winner of the drawing if a recount was pending. He repeated that position Thursday, saying the House wont seat Yancey if Simonds pursues a recount. Republicans still expect to have the 50 votes theyd need to organize the House.

In a fundraising appeal Thursday afternoon, the House Democratic Caucus said Republicans seemed really excited to have gotten lucky in one final contest after Democrats were swept to massive victories by the voters.

On Friday, a federal court will hold a hearing on a lawsuit in the 28th House District that asks the court to throw out what appeared to be a Republican victory because nearly 150 voters in the Fredericksburg area cast ballots in the wrong House race. Cox said Thursday that Republicans are very confident that lawsuit will be resolved in their favor, which would allow his party to avoid a special election and confirm Republican Bob Thomas as the 28th District winner over Democrat Joshua Cole.

In the 94th District, its not clear a new recount would produce a different result, but it could give Simonds a chance to get a different set of judges to look at the controversial ballot that created the tie.

Yancey held a 10-vote lead over Simonds in unofficial results tallied on election night, but the Dec. 19 recount showed Simonds squeaking out a one-vote win. Republicans appeared to concede the seat but went into a final court hearing Dec. 20 armed with a surprise letter from a Yancey-aligned recount official suggesting a ballot that had been discarded should have been counted for Yancey. On the ballot in question, the voter filled in bubbles for both Simonds and Yancey but drew a line through Simonds bubble.

Simonds lawyers argued the ballot was an impermissible overvote and should be tossed out because the voters intentions werent clear. The judges sided with Yancey, saying the ballot met the criteria for an exception that allows voters to scratch out erroneous votes to clarify their choice.

An earlier tiebreaking drawing scheduled for Dec. 27 was postponed after Simonds filed a new legal motion asking the three-judge recount court to reverse itself. In a ruling issued Wednesday, the judges stood by their decision, saying they applied the law correctly.

The blue-and-white, handcrafted bowl was provided by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, where it had been sitting on a shelf since its creation last month by the VMFAs resident potter, ceramic artist Steven Glass. Before Thursdays drawing, a VMFA representative relayed a quote from the artist about having his work selected for the momentous event.

Clay vessels, like boats, carry cargo. The cargo of ideas and opportunities, Glass said. Therefore, I feel it is a very fitting vessel to select the winner of this election.

As an experienced local politician who serves on the Newport News School Board, Simonds said she was emotionally prepared for any outcome Thursday. But the result goes beyond personal disappointment, she said, because of the impact it will have on what policies can pass the House.
Outspoken white nationalist Christopher Cantwell is suing two people for nearly $1 million to seek relief for what he calls malicious prosecution.

Cantwell, 36, currently faces charges of illegally using pepper spray at a torch-lit white nationalist march on University of Virginia Grounds on Aug. 11. Now, he is suing Emily Gorcenski and Kristopher Goad  the two accusers in the charges against him.

In the complaint filed in federal court in Danville, Cantwell said diverse groups and individuals  referred to as Monumentals in the lawsuit  came together on Aug. 11 to hold a political rally at UVa when counter-protesters, called ANTIFA, confronted them.

The lawsuit then claims two of the ANTIFAs  Gorcenski and Goad  subsequently swore out false and fraudulent criminal warrants against Plaintiff  in an effort to stop his exercise of his rights guaranteed by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and the Constitution of Virginia, also maliciously punish, discredit, vex and harass him.

In the complaint, Gorcenski is referred to as Edward, and is subsequently described as pretend[ing] to be a transgender woman of color, according to the document. Goad is referred to as a violent political activist, supporter, and adherent of ANTIFA.

At about 10 p.m. Aug. 11, ANTIFA individuals had gathered around the base of the Thomas Jefferson statue in front of the Rotunda, according to the document. Goad, Gorcenski, and an unidentified man  named Undersleeves in the complaint  were reportedly standing near one of the corners of the statue when the Monumentals began arriving.

While a group of ANTIFA linked arms around the statue, the Monumentals then formed a circle around them, according to the complaint. At that point, the lawsuit alleges that Undersleeves attacked someone who was filming him. Goad was reportedly standing near Undersleeves when he and another unidentified individual, nicknamed Beanyman, allegedly charged toward Cantwell.

Claiming self-defense, Cantwell used pepper spray against Beanyman, from about 12 inches away, the document states. Goad reportedly pointed at Cantwell and identified him as the person with pepper spray.

A few seconds later, an arm with a dragon tattoo belonging to an unidentified individual, nicknamed Dragonarm, sprayed more pepper spray at Goad, the complaint states. The document states that it was this man, and not Cantwell, who sprayed Goad.

The suit also argues Goad was standing with his hands in a curious praying mantis position, according to the document. The document does not define the position.

Gorcenski filmed the incident on her phone while standing near an alleged member of ANTIFA who is holding a stick, the document states. At that point, the suit claims Cantwell attempted to disarm the woman with the stick when he himself was reportedly pepper sprayed by Beanyman.

According to the complaint, Gorcenski was not affected by Cantwells pepper spray, but by a later spray from someone else.

The next day, on Aug. 12, the complaint states that Gorcenski contacted UVa police to report that she had experienced symptoms of pepper spray and said Cantwell was the person who sprayed it at her.

In a recent interview with The Daily Progress, Gorcenski said her accusation was never that Cantwell approached her directly with deliberate intent to injure her. Rather, she said her accusation was that Cantwell used the spray in a public space in such a way that it affected her and others around her.

Based on Gorcenskis false information, the complaint asserts, Goad met with police on Aug. 17 to swear out a warrant against Cantwell, testifying that he, too, was affected by Cantwells spray. In his statement, Goad swore his statements were true to the best of his knowledge, according to the document.

On Aug. 21, Cantwell turned himself in to Lynchburg police after learning about the warrants for his arrest.

Then, according to the document, Goad met with Albemarle County Commonwealths Attorney Robert Tracci and said he was no longer sure it was Cantwells spray that affected him. At Cantwells preliminary hearing, Goad testified that he learned there were other people using pepper spray on Aug. 11, and he was no longer certain Cantwell sprayed him.

Because of Goads testimony, a judge did not certify one of the charges against Cantwell to a grand jury. He also did not certify a charge that claimed Cantwell directly targeted Gorcenski.

Highlighting three causes of action  malicious prosecution, abuse of process and false imprisonment  Cantwells suit claims there is no probable cause for the charges against him and that they were brought with actual malice from Goad and Gorcenski.

Plaintiff has had to expend monies to defend against Defendants claims, has had direct injury in the loss of present and future earnings and profits in his business, and has suffered injury to his reputation and good name, the document states.

The suit also alleges Gorcenski and Goad misused prosecution proceedings in an effort to prevent Cantwell from speaking and to punish, vex and harass a political opponent, according to the complaint.

By making these statements, the suit alleges that Gorcenski and Goad caused the illegal detention of Cantwell.

Cantwells suit asks for damages in the amount of $107,000 each from Gorcenski and Goad, as well as an additional $350,000 each in punitive damages. The total amount of damages sought is $914,000. However, on another document attached to the suit, $214,000 was reported as the demanded damages.

When asked for clarification, Cantwells attorney, Elmer Woodard, replied in an email, Im not going to give you any information.

Neither Gorcenski nor Goad could be reached for comment Wednesday.

Cantwell is scheduled for a jury trial on Feb. 12. He is currently free on bond, but is restricted to home incarceration.
Disagree, but

do so respectfully

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

Last month, the citizen volunteers on the State Water Control Board considered whether to certify that two large pipeline projects would not violate the commonwealths water quality standards.

The proceedings were interrupted and delayed by schoolyard behavior  taunts, bullying, and threats. Cursing, shouting, interrupting, and disruptive and rude behavior are not substitutes for facts and evidence. Anonymous pipeline opponents placed literature in the mailboxes of Water Board members and their neighbors that said things like his corruption would kill. They trespassed to hang a banner in the yard of a members home. After one vote did not go as some hoped, a young man shouted, We know where you (expletive) live.

In neither a career of almost three decades at the Environmental Protection Agency nor a previous term on the Water Board did I ever see a substantial number of hearing attendees become disruptive. Unfortunately, in recent years political attack ads have filled the airwaves and national political figures use social media to disparage their opponents. Virginians can and should hold ourselves to the standards of dignity and thoughtful discourse that have made our commonwealth great.

Some people apparently misunderstand the role of the board, which was not to vote on whether the pipelines are a good idea. I am personally sympathetic to several concerns about the pipelines  the impacts of fracking on groundwater, methane emissions, perpetuating fossil fuel use, the use of eminent domain to acquire right-of-way, and forest fragmentation  but those matters are not under the purview of the Water Board.

The very essence of a functioning democracy and civil society is respect for the rights of others to hold and express their views. One can remain civil while forcefully presenting strongly held opinions and arguments. Those who did so in the case of the pipelines were effective in leading the Water Board to adopt additional safeguards for aquatic resources.

Bob Wayland.
Road conditions will be dangerous Friday morning after an expected refreeze overnight, transportation and public works officials across the Richmond region warned Thursday.

The storm that hit late Wednesday dropped 2 to 3 inches of powdery snow across much of the Richmond metro area, with higher amounts falling just to the east. The storm was much more severe in coastal Virginia  some parts of Hampton Roads received more than a foot of snow. In addition, the bitter cold is expected to last through the weekend.

Authorities from Richmond, Henrico County and Chesterfield County said they responded to a lower-than-typical number of crashes Thursday, but a child in Chester was killed when she was hit by a truck while sledding. It appears to be the only weather-related fatality in the Richmond metro area.

Crews with the Virginia Department of Transportation and public works departments in Richmond and Henrico have been treating roads since before snowfall began and clearing interstates and main thoroughfares in two 12-hour shifts. Later Thursday, the focus turned to secondary roads, but officials said they wouldnt get far.

Low temperatures overnight  forecasts called for them to drop into the single digits Friday morning  have officials concerned about refreeze and hazardous conditions that will draw their attention back to major roadways. The outlook caused the school systems in Richmond, Hopewell and Petersburg, as well as Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover counties, to close Friday.

With the anticipation of refreeze overnight, driving conditions will deteriorate, said Jessica Cowardin, spokeswoman for VDOT, which services interstates and roads in most counties like Chesterfield and Hanover.

Richmond and Henrico maintain their own roads.

Weve been clearing primary and secondary roads today, Steven Yob, Henricos director of public works, said Thursday afternoon. But neighborhood roads would have to wait as crews planned to treat those main roads again overnight and early Friday.

We will get to them as soon as we can, Yob said of neighborhoods.

While the snowfall was heavier and lasted longer than predicted, Yob said the county was prepared to handle it.

Sharon North, spokeswoman for the Department of Public Works in Richmond, asked city residents to avoid parking in areas that signs designate as snow routes. They are used by police, fire and emergency personnel to get around in these conditions.

Be vigilant, she said as a warning to drivers Friday morning.

Despite the snowstorm, police departments in Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield said they responded to fewer crashes Thursday than expected.

Richmonds Department of Emergency Communications said that between 11 p.m. Wednesday and 3 p.m. Thursday, it received 796 calls for service. Karen Gill, the departments spokeswoman, said to keep in mind that total doesnt translate into the number of actual incidents because authorities might receive more than one call for a single incident.

But compared with the same period last year  Jan. 4, 2017, had a high of 63 degrees and a low of 38 degrees and was dry  the department received only about 20 more calls.

Fifty-four of those service calls were for traffic accidents, most occurring early Thursday morning, Gill said.

It really didnt sound that busy, said Henrico police Lt. Chris Garrett.

Garrett said he thought that because schools were closed and many workplaces delayed opening, far fewer drivers were on the streets, which allowed plows to get the roads cleared more easily.

Virginia State Police stayed busy Thursday responding to disabled vehicles and crashes. Between 8 p.m. Wednesday and 4:30 p.m. Thursday, troopers in the Richmond division, which covers an area that includes the Northern Neck and the Tri-Cities, responded to 229 crashes and 122 disabled vehicles. Police received 429 calls for service.

Throughout the day, Dominion Energy dealt with outages and downed power lines, but by 7 p.m., the company reported power had been restored to nearly every customer in the Richmond metro and Tri-Cities area.

Crews were still working in Hampton Roads, which faced heavier snow and higher winds, to restore power to 6,500 customers.
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The Taubman Museum of Arts new executive director has been a familiar face at the museum for seven years.

Hired in 2011 to head the museums education programs, Cindy Petersen starts the new year as the Taubman board of trustees pick for the top job.

I think she will be a great director, said board member Jenny Taubman. We were very lucky to have her right there in the museum.

Its wonderful to be able to promote from within, said Taubman board chairman Leon Harris.

Its an honor to serve the museum and the community, Petersen said. Its an important set of responsibilities.

Petersen, 48, replaces Della Watkins, who left in September to become director for the Columbia Museum of Art in South Carolina. From one angle, Petersen looked like the obvious candidate to take Watkins place. She has been the interim director of the museum since Watkins departure.

There were seven candidates for the job, from as far away as Washington state, Harris said. The board winnowed that down to three strong contenders, including Petersen, Jenny Taubman said. Weighing what would best serve Roanoke and the surrounding region, she came in stronger than everyone else, Taubman said.

Petersen made her first mark with the museum in the spring of 2011, when then-executive director David Mickenberg hired her as a consultant to thoroughly revamp Art Venture, the Taubmans activity center for children. By March 2012, when Art Venture had its grand reopening, Petersen was working full time for the museum. Her jobs eventual title was deputy director of education and visitor engagement.

The version of Art Venture that had debuted after the Taubmans 2008 opening was criticized for being confusing rather than user-friendly. Petersen can point to Art Venture now as a reason why visitors stay longer.

Recently, the museum launched a Learning Lab for Leaders program that takes place while the museum is closed, offering Art Venture as a site for business retreats that encourage creativity.

Im a proponent of a visitor-centered approach, Petersen said, designing everything with a goal toward meeting the community where they are and drawing them in.

Petersen also helped forge long-lasting partnerships with other arts organizations in the region. In November, Roanoke Symphony Orchestra music director David Stewart Wiley, Center in the Square president and general manager Jim Sears and former Southwest Virginia Ballet director Karen Kalbfleisch sent a combined letter to Taubman trustees endorsing Petersen.

From another angle, viewing Petersens resume, her early career path doesnt suggest she was destined to become an art museum director. A native of Omaha, Nebraska, she moved to Germany after college to work for pharmaceutical giant Bristol-Myers Squibb as a business analyst. She returned to the United States to earn a masters degree in education from Harvard University and then went back to Germany to work as an organizational change management consultant for software maker Oracle.

In 2006, her family moved to the Roanoke region. Her husband, Robert Borneff, a German native with a background in forestry, took a job in Rocky Mount, and Petersen became regional director of Young Audiences of Virginia, a Norfolk-based nonprofit focused on arts education.

Ive always been involved in the arts, Petersen said. Not only has she run many arts workshops, shes a master tap dancer.

While with Young Audiences of Virginia, Petersen helped coordinate Center in the Squares 25th-anniversary celebration in 2008.

Petersens broad business and arts experience, and her education background, all worked in her favor, Harris said.

In financial terms, the museum is much healthier than it was in 2013, when Della Watkins came on board. Della has left the museum on solid footing, Petersen said.

The museum recently completed its next five-year strategic plan. Petersen emphasized that she intends to continue the museums free general admission.

The Taubmans deputy director of exhibitions and collections, Amy Moorefield, left in November to become director of a Pennsylvania art museum. Rather than hiring a new head curator and a new education director, Petersen intends to meld the jobs and the departments and hire one person to run the combined team, further embedding education components in every show.

We have a strong team in place to make that step a reality, she said. Its a good time for the Taubman to take that step and be a leader in the museum world.

The Taubman is extending an invitation to the public to come have coffee at a meet-and-greet with Petersen on Jan. 25 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Petersen hopes to hear ideas from the community about the future direction of the museum.
Roanoke radio station The Mountain has been sold to a Lynchburg radio company that plans no major format changes to the adult alternative playlist.

WVMP-FM (101.5/102.5), which broadcasts from a studio in the Patrick Henry building in downtown Roanoke, was sold to Lynchburg Radio Group in a deal that closed last month. According to documents filed with the Federal Communications Commission, the Lynchburg company paid $250,000 to the stations previous owners, Eddie and Susan Amos, who operated Community Radio Group. The Amoses bought the station in 2014 from Roanoke developer Ed Walker for $175,000.

WVMP has broadcast an adult album alternative format, known in the industry as triple-A, since going on the air in 2009 as The Valleys Music Place on 101.5. That format features many new rock, folk and independent artists such as the Killers, Manchester Orchestra, Arcade Fire, Vance Joy and others, plus classic songs by the likes of Neil Young, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.

The station also heavily promotes concerts at the Harvester Performance Center in Rocky Mount and other local venues, and plays songs and interviews with such local bands as My Radio.

Rob Ruthenburg, who will stay on in his roles as general manager, program director and disc jockey, said that the station will continue to play the triple-A format.

Were not trying to reinvent the wheel, Ruthenburg said. For our listeners, were not changing anything.

Last year, WVMP rebranded itself as The Mountain, shortly after adding the 102.5 frequency that increased the stations coverage area from Roanoke to the New River Valley. The station has simulcast its programming on 101.5 and 102.5 ever since.

Ruthenburg said one possible change in the future would be to add a new format to 101.5, but keep The Mountain on the stronger 102.5 signal. However, no decisions have been made about bringing in new formats or programming, Ruthenburg said. For now, The Mountain is still being carried on both frequencies.

Lynchburg Radio Group owns classic rock station The Planet (97.9 FM), adult contemporary KHF (93.7 FM) and Oldies WHTU/WZZI (103.9/106.9 FM). Those stations mostly cover the eastern side of the Roanoke-Lynchburg radio market.
CHRISTIANSBURG  Information from David Edmond Eisenhauers cellphone can be used as evidence when he stands trial for the murder of Blacksburg 13-year-old Nicole Lovell, a judge ruled Thursday.

Eisenhauer, 20, of Columbia, Maryland, is charged with first-degree murder, abduction, and concealing a body in connection with the Jan. 27, 2016 disappearance and death of Lovell. Prosecutors say that Eisenhauer, a Virginia Tech engineering freshman at the time, formed a relationship with Lovell, then planned her death with another Tech freshman, Natalie Marie Keepers, also 20, of Laurel, Maryland.

Eisenhauer allegedly lured Lovell from her home, stabbed her to death and covered her body in a wooded area in Montgomery County, then retrieved her body, and with Keepers, hid it again in Surry County, N.C.

Keepers is accused of being an accessory before the fact to the murder and with concealing a body.

She and Eisenhauer are scheduled for separate jury trials next month. As of Thursday , both trials were scheduled to begin Feb. 5 and run until Feb. 16.

In a Thursday hearing and in two orders filed afterward, Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge Robert Turk dealt with motions that Eisenhauers defense team began arguing in October. Turk denied a motion to exclude from evidence Eisenhauers cell phone, which the defense had argued was unlawfully seized by police during questioning.

Turk said that he would not rule until Feb. 5 on a defense motion to bar statements Eisenhauer made to police after invoking his right to have an attorney present. Turk said that he would wait on notice from prosecutors about which of Eisenhauers statements were likely to be used at trial.

Turk also denied defense motions in Keepers case this week. In an order entered Wednesday, the judge denied a defense motion to reconsider his March decision to allow into evidence incriminating statements that Keepers made to investigators. Turk also refused to bar most physical evidence connected to those statements.

However, Turk did say that a timeline of events that Keepers wrote out for investigators could not be used in a trial, because it was created during a time period he had already blocked from evidence.

Last year, Turk reviewed about 27 hours of recordings documenting interactions with police on Jan. 30 and Jan. 31, 2016. Asked by the defense to throw out everything investigators gained on those two days, Turk ruled that he would allow only about three hours of questioning from Jan. 30 because after a certain point, police should have read Keepers her Miranda rights, which officially notify a defendant of their Constitutional rights to remain silent or to consult an attorney.

But Turk ruled last year that he would allow the entire second day of Keepers questioning because officers read the Miranda rights to her at the start of that session, and she signed a waiver of those rights and continued talking to investigators.

Turks ruling left a number of incriminating statements as potential evidence against Keepers. In recordings played during hearings last year, Keepers said that she helped choose a spot for Lovells murder and assisted in taking the girls body to North Carolina.
Thirty years ago, the Child Health Investment Partnership formed in the Roanoke Valley with the goal of improving the health of children born into poverty so that they stood a better chance of growing up to become educated, contributing adults.

The goal was the see to their health and school readiness, said board member Dr. Molly ODell, who was among the group that founded CHIP. What we didnt know specifically was what it would take to make that happen.

To prepare for its 30th anniversary in 2018, CHIPs leadership spent the better part of last year taking stock of its successes in helping to eliminate the health disparities that children living in poverty often face, and of its shortcomings in not reaching its goal of having CHIP kids just as ready to start kindergarten as any other 5-year-old.

The nonprofit spent about $1.7 million last year working with about 1,000 children from 700 families. It is funded mostly through grants and donations and is sometimes confused with the government-funded insurance program for children whose families earn too much to qualify for Medicaid. CHIP of Roanoke Valley is not an insurance program; it sends nurses and case managers into the homes of children whose families are among the poorest in the community.

The goal is to help the children be healthy and ready for school.

CEO Robin Haldiman said they are falling short as CHIP kids often dont have a way to get to preschool and score lower on readiness exams than their peers who attended Head Start, Smart Beginnings and Roanoke City Public Schools preschool.

Transportation problems, substandard housing and food uncertainty are three of the barriers CHIP leaders identified as standing between disadvantaged preschoolers and school readiness.

So the agency on Thursday invited peers from agencies and business that serve the same population to its Roanoke office so they could learn from each other about existing resources and look for ways to fill unmet needs.

Several participants said shame and fear keep parents from accepting help even when they do not have food to feed all of their children every day.

Liz Quintana of Feeding America Southwest Virginia said she was hired as program services representative for childrens programs a year ago to increase the number of children served hot lunches from a food truck during the summer.

Quintana said some housing developments have turned her away, saying the families dont need or want the service. Others have welcomed her, but the families initially didnt.

At Ashton Heights in northwest Roanoke, the staff could not have been more encouraging, she said. But the individual residents were not, she said. I went door to door. I told them Im not here from the police or immigration. Im just here literally to serve your kids. I just want to feed your kids.

Quintana said the door-knocking campaign worked and she ended up with 100 kids.

Greg Johnston, who runs elementary instruction for Roanoke City Public Schools, said hes found door-knocking to be an effective way to reach parents of soon-to-be 4-year-olds to let them know to register for the public schools preschool program, which provides transportation.

It was a lesson learned over time. Johnston said theyve also found that if they open a school for lunch during a snow day, only the kids who attend that school show up. Kids living nearby dont cross attendance zones.

Quintana sees the same with the food truck.

The other challenge that CHIP has with young children is that so many of them have asthma. Though nurses and case managers work with parents to understand how to use inhalers and to develop asthma plans, often the homes have mold and pests.

Marla Robertson, education and outreach coordinator with Lead Safe Roanoke, said they should call the citys code enforcement office to inspect the home in those cases.

If there is any lead in the home  and nearly 87 percent of city houses have it  Robertson said her program can then address mold and other contaminants as long as a child is in the home at least six hours a week. The program just received a $3.1 million grant so funding isnt a problem, she said.

Helen Ferguson of the Roanoke Rescue Mission said she has one family that had to leave its home while such work was going on. The landlord then raised the rent, and now the family needs to find new housing, with much of it in worse shape than what they had, she said.

Robertson said that the landlord cannot raise the rent for three years under the citys contract, and that she would welcome more information from Ferguson.

ODell said after the meeting that she had hoped those types of connections would occur.

My hope was we would have what we got, a granular conversation on how to step forward and address the needs of the community, ODell said.
NATURAL BRIDGE  The number of candidates jostling to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte doubled this week.

Three first-time candidates announced theyre seeking the Republican nomination for the 6th Congressional District at a press event Wednesday and join three current or former elected officials vying for the same seat.

New candidates include Kathryn Lewis, a small business owner in Bedford County; Dr. Chan Park, a physician in Henry County; and Ed Justo, a Harrisonburg lawyer.

Cynthia Dunbar of Bedford County; Del. Ben Cline, R-Rockbridge; and Chaz Haywood from the Harrisonburg area launched their campaigns shortly after Goodlatte announced last year that he would retire.

A graduate of Lynchburg College, Lewis, 27, has owned and operated the cleaning company Polished to Perfection for the past three years.

Originally from Halifax County, Lewis said she understands the needs of small business owners and plans to hold public forums during her campaign so she can hear from business owners and other 6th District constituents.

Local Democrats routinely criticized Goodlatte for not holding town hall meetings. Instead, he prefers to hold telephone town halls or similar question-and-answer sessions on Facebook.

I feel like the people in this district deserve more than weve given them in the past, and it is definitely time for people in the 6th District to have someone in Washington who really cares about their needs and holds public forums, she said.

Park, 48, has worked as a family practitioner in Ridgeway for 17 years. He has residences in Henry County and Roanoke and splits his time between both homes.

Park runs his own practice and received degrees from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque and the University of California at Los Angeles.

An Asian-American, Park said he hopes his candidacy will bring more diversity to national politics.

Theres no Asian Republican in Congress right now and I think its an opportunity to bring minorities into the Republican Party, he said. A lot of them have traditional values and, I think, are a natural fit to the party.

Originally from Puerto Rico, Justo, 44, has lived in Virginia for more than 15 years and works as a lawyer in Harrisonburg.

Justos legal work inspired him to run. An immigration lawyer, Justo said he frequently sees clients who are struggling to meet federal regulations in their personal lives or businesses.

Many of the laws federal legislators pass are confusing and a waste of money, Justo said. Lawmakers are chiefly looking out for their own self-interests or those of their party, he said.

Im running on a campaign that Im going to represent the people first and the party second, he said.

Dunbar also attended the meet-and-greet.

Insisting she has no desire to become a career politician, Dunbar pledged Wednesday to limit herself to three congressional terms if elected.

When first seeking office, Goodlatte promised to serve no more than six terms. He is finishing out his 13th term before he retires at the end of the year.

I just personally feel its not healthy to have elected officials who continue to stay in office for an entire generation, she said.

Its much harder to keep your pulse on the people within your district if you no longer are part of the district but become part of the, for lack of a better word, swamp.

The National Committee member from Bedford County has also said she will join the House Freedom Caucus if elected.

Haywood and Cline were absent from the event. Both have been traveling the district and meeting with members of local party chapters to drum up support.

The candidates also made appearances at the Republican Party of Virginias annual retreat in Hot Springs last month.

Sergio Coppola of Harrisonburg and Peter Volosin of Roanoke are seeking the Democratic nod in the 6th District. Democrats will select their nominee in a June primary.

But the 6th District leans Republican, which means the fight for the GOP nomination for the open seat could be the most heated challenge in Southwest Virginia this year.

The 6th District GOP Committee will meet Saturday to decide how to select its nominee.
Its taken 60 years and billions of dollars, but mass transit is finally coming to Dulles International Airport outside the nations capital. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority is ready to open the second and final phase of its Silver Line Metrorail extension on Nov. 15. The six new stations will for the first time connect the airport and the outer suburbs of Loudoun County to the regions flagship mass transit system. But the Silver Line extension comes at a time when ridership on Metro remains at roughly half of what it was before the COVID-19 pandemic. Metro officials say the long-term vision of those who pushed for the line will be vindicated as riders return.
A 46-year-old Helena man is accused of trying to start fights in a bar and then fighting police officers as they attempted to arrest him.

Daniel James Troupe is being charged with assault on a peace officer, obstructing a peace officer and resisting arrest.

Early Wednesday morning, police officers were dispatched to a Helena bar regarding two disorderly males. When the officers arrived, a bar employee told them that Troupe and another man were attempting to start fights with other customers, according to court documents.

An officer made contact with Troupe and told him he was being banned from the bar. Troupe refused to provide identification or his last name and attempted to leave the bar, according to court documents.

The officer then placed Troupe under arrest and Troupe became aggressive, fighting both the officers until he was subdued, according to court documents.
art

Thrive: Art class for adults

Theresa Cardiello and Sue Kronenberger will again be offering the adult art class, Thrive. This discussion/art class will meet on Sunday afternoons in January and February from 1 to 3 p.m., starting Jan. 7.

The bulk of the class is devoted to creating art. Many different art styles and art mediums will be explored. No previous art experience is needed. The cost is $240 for the eight-week class, which includes the two- hour class as well as open studio time. For more information, check out the web page: cardielloartgarage.com.

To register, call Theresa Cardiello at 442-8165 or email cardielloartcamp@gmail.com

books

Lewis and Clark Library

January kid events at Lewis & Clark Library, 120 S. Last Chance Gulch.

Dear author program: Read a Book, Write a Letter! For grades four and five. Submit one-page entries to Marissa Bazan, Childrens Services Librarian between Jan. 8-12 to be judged by Lewis & Clark Librarys panel of judges. Visit https://www.lclibrary.org/191/Dear-Author for exact guidelines.

Books & babies: For babies, toddlers, and their grownups. Mondays at 10:30 a.m. in the Large Meeting Room.

Movers & shakers: Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. in the Large Meeting Room. This 30-minute early literacy program consists of music and movement activities and stories. For 2- and 3-year-old children, with an adult.

Preschool story time: Wednesday and Thursday mornings 10:30-11 a.m. on the Story Steps. Preschool Story Time helps reinforce a lifelong love of learning in children as well as offers parents and caregivers reading techniques. Geared for preschool age, this 30-minute program will emphasize early literacy skills for caregivers and their children.

Yoga story time for preschoolers: Friday, Jan. 19, at 10:30 a.m. in the Large Meeting Room. This 30-minute program will offer safe, simple and fun yoga poses through stories. Yoga enhances childrens ability to concentrate and it works out those wiggles. This is a parent and child event. Bring a large bath towel or yoga mat with you and wear comfortable clothes.

Crafternoon for kids, grades pre-K-5: Friday, Jan. 19, at 2 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room. Drop by the library and make a craft while you search for books, audio books or movies. We've got paper crafts, beading crafts and more fun projects for the whole family.

Read to a dog or a cat: Saturday, Jan. 20, at 10:30 a.m. in the Large Meeting Room. For kids, pre-K and up. Bring a favorite book or choose from an assortment of books, and read aloud to a furry friend. Therapy dogs and cats are registered with Intermountain Therapy Animals. Registration required.

Visit https://www.lclibrary.org/ for a full list of events at your Lewis and Clark Library during the month of January. Other kids events include: Builders Bonanza, Minecraft for kids in grades two-five and STEAM Palooza.

January adult library events

Spanish conversation: Saturday, Jan, 6, at 10 a.m. in the Small Meeting Room. Como esta? Practice your Spanish in this casual conversational setting. We'll discuss easy topics to encourage simple and interesting conversation.

Letterpress printing with Aaron Parrett: Wednesday, Jan. 10, at 7 p.m. Artist and musician Aaron Parrett will talk about the art and delicacy of letterpress printing. Learn how he made his latest book, Maple & Lead. Call 447-6681 for more information.

Artist Cleo Anderson opening reception: Artist Cleo Anderson will be exhibiting at the Lewis & Clark Library January-February. Opening reception on Thursday, Jan. 11, at 6 p.m. There will be light refreshments. Call 447-6681 for more information.

Yoga for healthy aging: Thursday, Jan. 18, 12:10-12:50 p.m., Small Meeting Room. Bring your own lunch and discuss yoga for healthy aging. This is a drop-in discussion group (no physical yoga), and is free and open to everyone. January's topic is Yoga for the Brain. We can train our brain by using it in new ways to engage attention, changing our routines, and engage multiple senses at once. For more information, call 447-6681.

Ukulele jam sessions: The Helena Ukulele Club will continue meeting at the library for 2018. Everyone 12 years old and up is welcome to join. Song books are available at the Information Desk at the Main Helena Library during open hours. The HUC meets on the last Monday of every month from 6-8 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room of the Lewis & Clark Library (except February 2018).

Game night: Tuesday, Jan. 23 from 6-8 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room at the Lewis & Clark Library. Open to all ages.

Library computer classes: Lewis & Clark Library offers a variety of computer classes. January classes include: Introduction to Email, Introduction to Facebook: The Starter Class and Introduction to Excel. Seating is limited for all the classes, stop by the Information Desk or call 447-1690 to register.

music

Carrie Krause and friends

Joining Carrie Krause again this year is Davina from London, Nate from Portland and John from Seattle, the same international group whose music filled the house last January. The group will play at the home of Jean and Steve Krause in West Helena Valley on Sunday, Jan. 7 at 4 p.m. A donation of $25 is required, and light refreshments will be served.

There is a limit of 40 seats so please reserve early. RSVP to simplystrings1@gmail.com to reserve your seat immediately. To secure your booking online go to https://www.brownpapertickets.com, or send a check made out to BAROQUE MUSIC MONTANA. For the address, contact Jean Krause at 907-687-3932 or simplystrings1@gmail.com.

science

Meet your telescope

Did a new telescope arrive at your house at Christmas?

If so, bring your new telescope and join the Helena Astronomical Society for "Meet Your Telescope" on Saturday, Jan. 20, at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium of Montana Wild, 2668 Broadwater Ave.

Youll learn how to assemble your telescope, how to align the finder scope, what eyepieces to use and which ones not to use, how to know if you need to collimate your telescope and if you do how to use simple tools to achieve its optimal viewing.

If there are clear skies, we'll go outside and view the moon nearing first quarter, the Pleiades and possibly Orion's Nebula and the Andromeda Galaxy.

For more information, visit the Helena Astronomical Society's website at https://helena-astronomical-society.org or call Jeff Ross at 980-0533.
The National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association (NRC) has announced its board election results, adding two new members to the NRC board in 2018.

The new appointees are George Caric, vice president of marketing, Stella-Jones Corporation (Stella-Jones), and Dave Landreth, vice president and general manager, Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. (Kiewit).

The NRC also re-elected two incumbents who ran to continue their service to the board: Marc Hackett, director, Loram Maintenance of Way, Inc., and Scott Norman, senior vice president, Herzog Contracting Corp.

Carics railroading career began in 1985 when he started as a sales manager for Koppers Inc. Between 1999 and 2010, he served as the vice president of business development for RailWorks Corporation, which took place from 1999 to 2005, and Tangent Rail, from 2005 to 2010.

Caric has served as the vice president of marketing at Stella Jones since 2010. The NRC also notes that he is a past president of the Railway Tie Association and serves as a current board member of the Canadian Association of Railway Suppliers.

My role as a member of the NRC Board will be to listen to our members for input on perfecting our product offerings to the industry as railroads and transits look more to the construction and supply industries for innovation to improve their infrastructure to meet the increasing demands of a growing freight and transit market, Caric said. I look forward to working to continue the growth and success of the NRC.

Landreth brings with him four decades of railroad industry experience, the NRC said. He has held a leadership role since being promoted from laborer to foreman in 1980. His duties as a leader have expanded to include managing numerous projects and subsequently various railroad construction companies throughout the western U.S. and Eastern Canada.

Landreth recently joined Kiewit and is involved with multiple projects across North America, the NRC notes.

I want to thank Larry Laurello for nominating me to sit on the NRC Board and Jim Hansen for his support, Landreth said. I consider this an honor.

Hackett, who was re-elected, thanked all members who participated in the recent election.

I appreciate the support as we continue our efforts to create opportunities for our member companies and work to engage the next generation of railroaders, Hackett said.

Norman, also a re-elected member, said he has been honored to sit on the NRC Board for the past six years, representing both the railroad industry and Herzog Contracting Corp.

I would like to thank the NRC members for electing me to serve for my final three-year term, Norman said.

NRC membership overwhelmingly voted in favor of the slate put forward by the nominating committee, said Mike Choat, president of Railroad Control Limited and incoming NRC Chairman, in an email to NRC members. Id like to thank all of those who submitted statements this year for their continued dedication to the success of the NRC and the entire rail construction and maintenance industry.

Chris Daloisio, vice president of Railroad Construction Co. of South Jersey, Inc., and outgoing NRC Chairman, said he was happy to see so much interest from members in joining the NRC Board.

The nominating committee did a fantastic job putting together the slate, Daloisio said. Id like to welcome George and Dave to our board and thank Marc and Scott for continuing their service.

The 2018 NRC Board of Directors are listed below:

 Mike Choat, Railroad Controls Limited (Incoming chair)

 Chris Daloisio, Railroad Construction Co. of South Jersey (Outgoing chair)

 Jim Hansen, Herzog Railroad Services (Incoming vice chair)

 Steve Bolte, Danella (Incoming secretary-treasurer)

 Bill Dorris, J-Track (Past chair)

 Dave Bergstrom, Ragnar Benson

 Danny Brown, CTE Rail

 George Caric, Stella-Jones

 Joe Daloisio, Railroad Construction Company

 Russ Gehl, Holland

 Scott Goehri, HDR

 Marc Hackett, Loram Maintenance of Way

 Nate Henderson, RJ Corman Railroad Group

 Dave Landreth, Kiewit

 Scott Norman, Herzog Contracting Corp.

 Bill Reimer, R&R Contracting

 Kevin Riddett, RailWorks

 Wiggie Shell, GREX

 Jody Sims, Stacy and Witbeck

 Daniel Stout, STX Railroad Construction services

 Kirk Bastyr, Progressive Railroading, Board observer

 Mischa Wanek-Libman, RT&S/Simmons-Boardman Publishing, Board observer
House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.), chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, will not seek re-election in 2018.

Rep. Shuster took office in 2001 and is serving his third, two-year term as chair of the House T&I Committee. Per House GOP rules, he would not be able to serve as leader of the committee again.

The focus in his final year will be getting an infrastructure bill passed.

Rep. Shuster issued a statement on Jan. 2, It was a difficult decision because of my love of this Nation and the people I serve. Rather than focusing on a re-election campaign, I thought it wiser to spend my last year as Chairman focusing 100 percent on working with President Trump and my Republican and Democratic colleagues in both Chambers to pass a much needed infrastructure bill to rebuild America.

Rep. Shusters colleagues, including House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.) and Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Calif.), all applauded his work on the House T&I Committee.

American Public Transportation Association (APTA) President and CEO Paul Skoutelas said, There has been no stronger voice than Chairman Shusters on the critical need for predictable and dedicated funding for surface transportation. We owe him a debt of gratitude and look forward to working with him this year on the upcoming infrastructure bill.

Rep. Shuster was recognized among the industry for his advocacy including APTAs Distinguished Service Award in 2016 and the Association of American Railroads (AAR) and GoRails Railroad Achievement Award in December 2017.

AAR President and CEO Edward R. Hamberger said, Throughout his congressional career, Chairman Shuster has been a staunch advocate for preserving and modernizing Americas infrastructure. As the leader of the House T&I Committee, he has consistently demonstrated a keen understanding of the nations freight and passenger rail networks and the value they provide. Chairman Shuster guided numerous pieces of bipartisan legislation through the House including the comprehensive surface transportation bill  the Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act in 2015  which included numerous freight rail provisions and Amtrak reauthorization. We look forward to working with him for the rest of his time in Congress and wish him the best on his future endeavors.
China will on Thursday see December results for the services and composite PMIs from Caixin, highlighting a modest day for Asia-Pacific economic activity.

The services PMI is expected to show a score of 51.8, down marginally from 51.9 in November. The composite PMI showed a score of 51.6 in the previous month.

Japan will see final December figures for the manufacturing PMI from Nikkei; the previous reading showed a score of 54.2.

Australia will provide December results for the Performance of Service Index from AiG; in November, the index score was 51.7.

The Philippines will release December numbers for consumer and producer prices. In November, consumer prices were up 0.5 percent on month and 3.3 percent on year, while producer prices added 0.4 percent on month and 0.3 percent on year.

Hong Kong and Singapore will see December results for their private sector PMIs from Nikkei; in November, their scores were 50.7 and 55.4, respectively.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Economic News

What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
Novartis (NVS) announced Thursday that the US Food and Drug Administration has granted Breakthrough Therapy designation to Promacta (eltrombopag) for use in combination with standard immunosuppressive therapy for the treatment of patients with severe aplastic anemia or SAA as a first-line therapy.

The company expects regulatory filings of the first-line indication in US and EU in 2018.



The company noted that Promacta is the only TPO receptor agonist indicated for the treatment of patients with SAA, currently in the refractory setting.

Eltrombopag, marketed as Promacta in the United States and Revolade in countries outside the US, is already approved as a second-line therapy in the refractory setting in SAA. Promacta is also approved for adults and children with chronic immune thrombocytopenia or ITP, for patients who are refractory to other treatments.

SAA is a rare blood disorder in which a patient's bone marrow fails to produce enough red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. As a result, people living with this serious disease may experience debilitating symptoms and complications, such as fatigue, trouble breathing, recurring infections and abnormal bruising or bleeding that can limit their daily activities.

Samit Hirawat, Head, Novartis Oncology Global Drug Development, said, "Promacta is a promising medicine that, if approved for first-line use in severe aplastic anemia, may redefine the standard of care for patients with this rare and serious bone marrow condition. We will continue to work closely with the FDA to make Promacta available to patients with SAA who are new to treatment as soon

as possible."

According to FDA guidelines, treatments that receive Breakthrough Therapy designation are those that treat a serious or life threatening disease or condition and demonstrate a substantial improvement over existing therapies on one or more clinically significant endpoints based on preliminary clinical evidence.

Eltrombopag, marketed as Promacta in the United States and Revolade in countries outside the US, is approved in more than 100 countries worldwide for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in adult patients with chronic immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), approved in over 45 countries worldwide for the treatment of patients with SAA, and also approved in more than 50 countries for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Report: Army kills Saudi soldiers, mercenaries in attacks over 24 hours



SANAA, Jan 3 (Saba)  Army launched military operations, including artillery, missiles and snipping attacks to frustrate US-backed Saudi-led aggression coalition mercenaries and soldiers infiltration attempts over the past 24 hours, military officials told Saba on Wednesday.



In Nehm frontline, the artillery forces fired a ballistic missile, Zilzal 2, upon gatherings of mercenaries and hit the targets accurately, leaving heavy casualties.



Also in Nehm district, numbers of mercenaries were wounded in an attack operation in south of Qarn area.



In the province of Jawf, dozens of mercenaries were killed and wounded in an unique attack upon their sites in Abied area of Motn district.



In central province of Taiz, ten enemys military vehicles were destroyed in north of Yakhtel.



In Asir border province, units of the army and popular forces found 13 bodies of Saudi soldiers killed in the military clashes in Majaza village.



Also in Asir, the army artillery fired at Saudi soldiers gatherings in Masna area of Raboah district, Sabahtal mountain, Raqabt-Hanjar, and Majaza area.



In Najran border province, Snipers unit shot dead four Saudi soldiers in Dokhan mountain, east of Moaneq site, and Kars sites, and two mercenaries shot dead in Tabat-Khashbaa.



Meanwhile, the army and popular forces shelled Saudi soldiers gatherings in Raqabat-Nahoqah, Ras-Hebra, Maatan camp and Qiwa village.



Also in Najran, gatherings of mercenaries were shelled in front of Khadhra crossing point.



Finally, in Lahj province, the military heroes and popular committees repulsed an attempt by Saudi-paid mercenaries to infiltrate towards Tawr Albahaa district, inflicting heavy casualties among the enemies.





Sameera H.-zak

Saba

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[04/January/2018]
A group of employees at five Montana hospitals have gone to court to make sure they are not overpaying for health insurance after their hospitals reached what they call a "highly unusual'' deal with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana.

In a complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Great Falls on Dec. 2, the group of employees say the hospitals each signed an agreement with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana in 2012 to give the insurance company their employee health plan business, including administrative services and possibly reinsurance coverage, for six years. In exchange, Blue Cross and Blue Shield gave the hospitals more than $20 million.

The group of employees say they only found out about the arrangement within the last year and that Blue Cross and the hospitals have been secretive about the terms of the agreement.

The complaint also says a full accounting of the relationship and payments between Blue Cross and the hospitals in regards to the employee benefit plan has not been provided.

The hospitals are Northern Montana Hospital in Havre, St. Peters Hospital in Helena, Bozeman Deaconess Health Services, Community Medical Center in Missoula and Billings Clinic.

The employees who filed the complaints are Audrey Turner, of Hill County; Vicky Byrd, of Lewis and Clark County; Jennifer Tanner, of Jefferson County; Linda Larsen, of Gallatin County; Paul Lee, of Lewis and Clark County; Brandi Breth, of Missoula County; Kate Houlihan, of Missoula County; and Barb Moser, of Yellowstone County. All participate in employee benefit health plans at the hospitals they work for.

It is highly unusual for an employer to receive payments from the health insurer/administrator of its health plan, the complaint states.

Blue Cross said Wednesday it does not comment on ongoing litigation.

The group of employees claim the hospitals they work for entered into the long-term contract at such an excessive rate that Blue Cross was willing to pay substantial sums back to the hospitals in exchange for the contracts.

That resulted in employees who participate in the health insurance plan paying more than fair market value for services, the complaint says.

The group of employees are asking the court to order an accounting of transfers, transactions and payments between the hospitals, Blue Cross and the employee benefit plan.

According to the complaint, the hospitals told employees during bargaining sessions that health insurance was not subject to negotiations because of the six-year commitment to Blue Cross.

The group of employees said in the complaint the hospitals may have received lucrative payments from Blue Cross in exchange for committing to such a long agreement and may have committed to paying inflated rates for coverage or administrative services.

It appears (the hospitals) did so in exchange for lucrative payments from (Blue Cross) which, in whole or part, benefited (the hospitals) at the expense of the plaintiffs and other participants in the plan, the complaint reads.

The complaint also claims the hospitals used some or all of the $20 million from Blue Cross for their own benefit and argues the money belongs to the health insurance plan and should have been preserved in the plan or distributed to plan participants, including those who filed the complaint.
On the first day of the New Year, Samoa committed everything to God in prayer.

At the first prayer service of the year, the Head of State, His Highness Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II and the Masiofo, Her Highness Faamausili Leinafo, were among officials who attended.

Samoa was one of the first countries to welcome the New Year and like everything in Samoa, 2018 was welcomed with a prayer.

The annual service was held at the Matafele Methodist Church and was led by Reverend Ioane Tolai. Also present at the church service were Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi, Cabinet Ministers and government employees.

Thanksgiving prayer was conducted by Siufaga Catholic Catechist, Mafutaga Iosefo, forgiveness segment was prayed by Father Henry Bryce and Reverend Toeaina Fiti Aloalii of the Congregational Church of Jesus in Samoa (C.C.J.S.).

During the sermon, Reverend Tolai says the theme of this years service is Wake up Call.

He spoke about one of Samoas heartbreaking days, 29 September, 2009, when a Tsunami struck and took numerous lives.

Many lives were taken; this led the government to host awareness programs for the public on what to do when a disaster strikes."

When alarm bell rings throughout all of Samoa, its an indication that you need to move to high grounds."

This is one of the bells that you cannot ignore, if you want to live.

Reverend Tolai reminded the government officials the importance of heeding Gods commands and living by it.

If you dont obey and do what youre told, it will not end well, youll encounter predicaments, said Reverend Tolai.

He reminded that Gods call is very important, quoting the Bible verse: For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son and whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life."

The love of God is not just words, but he acted upon it and it was evident at the cross where he called out that it has been done, said Reverend Tolai.

According to Reverend Tolai, the first week of the New Year will not be easy; however nothing is impossible with God.

There will be tribulations and trials on our pathway, however listen on for Gods calling and let him lead the way, he said.
The call to legalise the use of marijuana in Samoa for medicinal purposes will win a lot of support and applause from liberal online pundits but thats as far as it is likely to go.

The truth is that it is unlikely to progress very far in conservative Samoa for reasons that are easy enough to understand.

For instance, on the front page of the newspaper you are reading today, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has already made the governments position quite clear.

The reason most countries ban this stuff is because of the impact it has on the lives of the general public, especially young children, he said.

Its the same reason ice is illegal because it has caused a lot of mental problems for young kids. There have been cases where some people who were high on this stuff only find out after theyre high that they had killed someone. And yet they couldnt recognise that when they were high.

Tuilaepa said he does not want anything like that to happen to Samoa.

Some families have been broken up because of this stuff. The problem is people cant get enough of it. They become addicted and they dont want to end that high? Would you like (to live with) someone like that who is always high and can never get enough? he said.

This is the stuff you dont joke about. So anyone who says that this stuff should be legalised, that is no different from saying we should also legalise people to kill other people.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa has got a point and he makes a lot of sense.

And we dont expect anything different from the Churches either who will no doubt strongly object.

In the villages where they are already struggling to deal with social and criminal problems created by marijuana use, the very idea is likely to be laughed at. It would be unheard of.

But thats okay.

This is one of the beautiful things in this country we call home. It is the very fact that citizens have the freedom express their views on issues they strongly believe in.

The view might not necessarily be correct  and strongly supported - but the fact people have the opportunity to air them is a great thing. Which is what we want to see. Here at the Samoa Observer, we dont necessarily agree with a number of views being expressed about certain issues but we exist to provide a forum for those views to be heard.

When it comes to the issue in question, its not a new topic. It has been debated to an extent on a number of international forums and in the age of social media, the question of whether Samoa would entertain legalising marijuana is not new at all.

Now senior lawyer, Unasa Iuni Sapolu, has only become the face of making the call public in Samoa this time. She is brave and kudos to her for having the courage to say what some people have been quietly talking about for many years and yet lacked the guts to vocalize it.

In Unasas view, legalising marijuana will help Samoas economy through the export of medicinal products. She also believes this will help reduce the number of inmates housed at Tafaigata Prison.

It will save costs to Samoa when all those imprisoned for possession of marijuana etc. are no longer fed in jail, no longer accommodated in jail and there are no more criminal offenses relating to marijuana, she said.

For health reasons, those with cystic fibrosis, epilepsy, cancer, depression and other health problems can be treated with marijuana.

Well, these claims need to be substantiated, backed by statistics and research from cases similar to Samoa.

It will certainly be very interesting to hear from the medical sector in Samoa about their views on the issue.

But if our humble opinion is sought, our advice will be very simple.

Lets just stick to taro, bananas, coconuts and other proven crops for exports.

Given the growing crime rate in Samoa  with many cases related to the abuse of marijuana  we should stay far, far away from the idea of telling those unemployed village boys and loafers in town that they can smoke weed to make their troubles go away.

The last thing we want  on top of all our problems today  is to wake up to a bunch of zombies along Beach Road who will claim they are merely trying to heal their gout with a tinnie or four.

Thats what we think anyway. What about you?

Share your thoughts with us.

Have a fabulous Friday Samoa, God bless!
Dear Editor,

I wish to reply to Samoa Observers publication of Iuni Sapolu and her hope for the legalisation of Marijuana in Samoa. E manaia lou manao ae lavelave ma tele ona aafiaga.

I disagree with your wish on many levels and I am also unclear to the real basis of your wish and claims. But I wish for you Unasa Iuni to give us some statistics and practical budget estimation or forecast of government savings if we legalise marijuana. Now did N.Z., Australia or even U.S.A. have any economic effect since their legalization of marijuana, if any?

I want you Unasa to give us stats and do a research about the real need by our people to use marijuana for medicinal purpose. How many people in this country that really need marijuana for medicinal purposes other than inmates?

What does the Health department say about the need for medicinal purpose?

Is it a must in Samoa?

Then cross reference that to some stats from those countries who went through this legalization process and their Heath department experienced?

What were health benefits and health need in those countries? And do we have the same type of needs?

Gives us stats and proof that jail inmates in Samoa will be reduced if we legalise marijuana.

I dont think the population in Californias jails have been reduced since marijuana legalization has come to effect.

Im interested to see the experience of those countries you are referring to Unasa.

E tatau foi ona manatua o Samoa o se atunuu laititi e faigata ona control nei ituaiga mataupu. You cant automatically assume what is good in California system with more than 4 million population to be readily acceptable or safe and sound here in Samoamasalo ai ua akili solo ai i kua olaga o kupulaga o na atunuu.

And please Unasa Iuni Sapolu give us stats, research and proof that all those addiction-related problems you mentioned will be eradicated completely if we legalise marijuana.

I think there will always be a problem in this country faced by our youth and it will probably escalate to worse cases if we introduce marijuana. Ua akili ai ga kele faafikauli.

Please Unasa dont just predict and cast baseless hopes and analysis without solid proof. If you can answer those questions with solid proof then we the people of Samoa will believe you.

In the meantime I honestly think there are other priorities and more pressing problems that need much attention than allowing people to get high.

Pei a ua kakau ga siaki oe pe le o e high.

Faafetai

Fale J Galuefa.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has confirmed his governments wish for a possible direct flight from China to Samoa, as part of the governments plans to develop the tourism industry.

Tuilaepa confirmed this during an interview with the Samoa Observer yesterday.

The government has been longing for a Chinese Airline to invest in Samoa, Tuilaepa said.

So when the time does permit for a Chinese airline to enter Samoa, we will get a share of a huge tourism market.

Tuilaepa said nothing has been finalised.

Now, that it is our hope for a Chinese Airline to invest in Samoa, he said.

Tuilaepa said the government is looking at the recent investment by a Chinese group who have purchased the Sheraton Samoa Aggie Greys Hotel on Beach Road.

He said the transaction presents a huge opportunity for Samoa.

Besides, the talks about flights from China have been in the works for a very long time, he said.

We must also remember that these people are great business people in a sense that they will only invest in this avenue once they know that its profitable, he said of the Chinese.

There are other ways to do these things, such as chartering, this is the idea thats been floating around for a long time and Im certain it will work.

What I mean is, you charter the plane and fly over 400 passengers, the plane returns and gets another 400 and then on the way back the first 400 fly back, thats the idea behind chartering.

Once that happens we will have a booming economy, said Tuilaepa.

This will alleviate the concern by hoteliers that there are not enough tourists. This is why we are trying to promote Samoa overseas.

And that is why we have the open sky policy with the intention this will attract more airlines, but so far that hasnt happened.

These are all commercial decisions, said Tuilaepa.

Asked when the government anticipates this will happen, Tuilaepa said it can happen anytime.

There are business people who are prepared to take the risk and those are the types of businesses that we can only pray will come and invest in Samoa.

He says Samoa has so much to offer the tourism industry.

Our biggest asset is the fact that we are Samoans.

Our genuineness and friendliness is what makes us unique.

Tuilaepa also emphasized why its important to keep Samoa clean.

Whenever an investor wants to visit, we ask them to come because once they land here their perception of Samoa will completely change.

They will be completely overwhelmed, especially driving from Faleolo, its the ocean on your left and the beautiful villages on your right, with the mountains in the background.

They will see the beauty and greenish of our landscape.

They would say this is the best drive ever.

When they see how beautiful our villages are and that is why its vital for the village councils to continue with the beautification of their villages as it attracts tourists, he said.

In October 2016, China and Samoa signed off on an Air Service Agreement (A.S.A.) for direct flights between Beijing and Faleolo.

The agreement was signed by the Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure, Papaliitele Niko Lee Hang and the Ambassador of China to Samoa, Wang Xuefeng at the T.A.T.T.E Building.

The deal opens the door for any carrier interested in servicing the route. But its not just China that the government is looking to. Singapore is also on the list.

Minister Papalii said there were airlines that had showed interest in servicing the route, but the A.S.A. had to be signed first.

There are companies who have showed interest to come to Samoa, not only from China, but also other investors who are in partnerships with people in China, he said.

And now that we have signed the agreement, we are now open for market to whoever is interested. The market is now open. If Chinese airlines want to start coming in now then we are now opening it up for them.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi has flatly rejected a call for the government to consider legalising marijuana for medicinal purposes.

Speaking during his weekly media session yesterday, Tuilaepa said the government would never entertain the idea because they cared about the welfare of Samoans, especially innocent young children.

The reason most countries ban this stuff is because of the impact it has on the lives of the general public, especially young children. This is why this stuff is illegal, Tuilaepa said.

Its the same reason 'ice' is illegal because it has caused a lot of mental problems for young kids. There have been cases where some people who were high on this stuff only find out after theyre high that they had killed someone. And yet they couldnt recognise that when they were high.

Tuilaepa said he does not want anything like that to happen to Samoa.

The Prime Minister was asked for a comment on the call by senior lawyer, Unasa Iuni Sapolu, who said the legalising cannabis would help Samoas economy through the export of medicinal marijuana.

She also believes this will help reduce the number of inmates housed at Tafaigata Prison.

Furthermore it will save costs to Samoa when all those imprisoned for possession of marijuana etc. are no longer fed in jail, no longer accommodated in jail and there are no more criminal offenses relating to marijuana, she said.

For health reasons, those with cystic fibrosis, epilepsy, cancer, depression and other health problems can be treated with marijuana.

She told the Samoa Observer the government is wasting money and the Courts time on dealing with marijuana offenses.

Stop listening to white agendas, colonized minds, it's just a plant, legalize it and reduce government indebtedness.

But Tuilaepa would not budge. He says the call reflects badly on Unasa and everyone who took part during the recent Samoa Solidarity International protest march.

Thats why I feel sorry for everyone who marched during the protest, Tuilaepa said.

It appeared that they had a good reason to march, which was to protect customary lands. But now this has followed, asking to legalise marijuana, its only people who are not well in the head who talk about such things.

The Prime Minister added the government places peoples safety first and foremost.

For that reason, the global thinking about this issue is leaning more towards prevention and safety, he said.

Some families have been broken up because of this stuff. The problem is people cant get enough of it.

They become addicted and they dont want to end that high?

Would you like (to live with) someone like that who is always high and can never get enough?

This is the stuff you dont joke about. So anyone who says that this stuff should be legalised, that is no different from saying we should also legalise people to kill other people.

Told that there are some countries that see the value in medicinal cannabis, Tuilaepa said he is not convinced.

He said he is only aware of some countries where only cops are allowed to grow the stuff so that they can take it straight to the lab for medical use.

But there is no country where this is legalized outright, he said, adding that drug use and abuse is creating so much chaos in the world and Samoa will not be led down that path under his watch.
Members of Assemblies of God Church in Samoa and all over the world are mourning the loss of a pioneer and a leading figure of the church.

The Chairman and Superintendent of the World Samoa Assemblies of God, Reverend Elder Siaosi Mageo, passed away at the beginning of the week.

Reverend Elder Mageo was also the Superintendent of A.O.G. American Samoa District.

Since his passing, hundreds of church members all over the world have taken to social media to express their sadness at the news.

The SoCal Church out of California U.S.A. quoted Psalms 116 vs 15 in their tribute.

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants," their tribute reads. Rev. Siaosi Mageo will be remembered as a father in the faith, a pioneer of the Kingdom and a Bold Servant of the Word of God.

We had the pleasure of having him speak in numerous services across Southern California over the years, from individual churches to seminars to conferences.

He never ceased to speak with boldness and always shared his heart about ministry like no one else. His distinct voice could be heard preaching the Word in a calm manner, yet piercing in the hearts of many.

Our condolences to his children, grandchildren and families. On behalf of our SoCal Pulega Leadership Committee as well as all Pastors and Faletuas and all churches included, we send our prayers and love for such a time as this.

The General Council of the Samoan Assemblies of God in New Zealand also paid tribute to Rev. Mageo.

The Right Reverend, Elder Siaosi Mageo was a preacher unlike any other, their tribute reads.

After 53 years serving as a full time Senior Pastor, one of the messages that he shared at the International Pastors Network was The longer I serve Him, the sweeter it gets.

His life became the standard of a life dedicated to the Work of the Master. There was no compromising whatsoever; Gods Word had the final say.

His boldness to deliver prophetic messages even gave him the ability to call out Pastors who were not living right.

One of his well known phrases was if you want to play games, go to the shop and buy a ball, but dont ever play with God.

We will forever cherish his teachings, and we pray that God will raise up another person to carry on the work he has left behind. Thank you Elder Mageo for never allowing the fear of a man get in the way. You were truly an Ambassador of Christ.
Despite heated debate over climate change, we can build trust and find common ground. Many see a choice between environmental quality and greater monetary wealth. But climate change brings economic risk, and not only for coastal or vulnerable communities. Analysis by Power Consulting predicts Montana will lose about 67,000 jobs in recreation, tourism, and agriculture due to warmer temperatures, drought, wildfire, and other consequences by mid-century. These losses would cost us $1.8 billion in lost income. With such figures, environmentalists no longer are the only ones concerned.

But theres reason for optimism. Were already reducing emissions largely responsible for global warming. Were shifting from coal-fired electricity to cheaper and less polluting natural gas and renewable sources. Gasoline consumption for transportation has also grown slower than forecast (3.5 percent rather than 15 percent since 2006). So despite adding 20 million people, along with millions of buildings and vehicles, U.S. emissions were 14 percent below 2005 levels in 2016.

These shifts reflect a changing economy and will continue despite the Trump administration's deregulatory fervor. As the federal government steps away, local governments, states and businesses are reducing their fossil fuel consumption, reflecting citizens changing will.

The Clean Power Plan was a top-down approach developed by the Obama administration to reduce global warming emissions from electricity generation. It was vulnerable to legal delay and has been nullified readily by Trumps political appointees. Ironically, eliminating the Clean Power Plan (a primary focus of federal deregulation) may do more harm than good for coal workers. Well wave goodbye to job training and economic assistance for coal communities without necessarily easing economic pressures.

More effective approaches include congressional action, such as proposed by the Citizens' Climate Lobby: Energy would be taxed in proportion to the pollution it generates. That revenue would return to households in equal monthly dividends, increasing income and purchasing power for two-thirds of Americans, which would grow the economy, and create 2.8 million jobs.

Regional Economic Models, Inc. predicts emissions will be 52 percent below 1990 levels in 20 years, meeting international targets for avoiding the worst effects of global warming. Most economists support taxing carbon as practical and transparent policy, as do many small business advocates. Jeff Milchen of the American Independent Business Alliance says a carbon tax would be a boon to their constituents. The price of goods transported across the country or planet should reflect the costs of pollution instead of pushing these costs onto citizens. If we stop subsidizing transportation costs, more local economies and community-serving businesses will flourish.

In a time where bi-partisanship feels like an empty slogan, the House Climate Solutions Caucus (CSC) is showing promise. Founded in 2016, the group of 31 Republican and 31 Democratic representatives meet regularly "to educate members on economically-viable options to reduce climate risk and to explore bipartisan policy options that address the impacts, causes, and challenges of our changing climate."

A month after founding the CSC, Republican co-chair Carlos Curbelo of Florida hitched a ride on Air Force One, visiting the Everglades with then-President Obama to call attention to climate change. I share the presidents concerns about sea-level rise, and its effects on our drinking supplies, our economy, and our way of life, said Curbello. I am committed to finding common ground to mitigate the effects of climate change.

In July 2017, 46 Republicans (mostly CSC members) joined Democrats to defeat a bill that would have ended military recognition and research of climate change impacts on national security. This was a great start to rebuilding trust across political divisions and constructively working to solve this and other pressing problems.
A Brazilian and an Italian walked into an open fale in Samoa and decided that this was a side of Samoa that they wanted to experience.

Inara is a native of Brazil and her boyfriend, Ramon is an Italian. Both are living in New Zealand, but when the chance to travel popped up again, they came to Samoa in search of an experience as close to authentic Samoan living as possible.

Sao Paulo in Brazil is like 24 million people no one knows anyone and its very different from this lifestyle, said Inara.

There is a reason they are so security focused there and they keep to themselves and who they know because it can be dangerous. Samoa is like Bahia in the northeast where people are more open.

Inara listed all the places they visited and they were very particular about what they wanted.

When we came, we stayed in Apia for two nights and then we went to Lalomanu so we could stop and see all the waterfalls we could, she said.

At Lalomanu, we spent two nights and from there we saw the other waterfalls at the To Sua trench and we stayed at Le Vasa which was nice, but it was not what we wanted. We really like more to have family around and we didnt feel the openness.

Inara loved being right in and among the village finding her bliss in several of her now favourite spots.

We went to Savaia because one of our favourite villages is near there. Its just so beautiful there and the village itself, I just want to sit there for 10 years just sitting and looking, it was a feeling of bliss.

The couple also travelled around Savaii and found another favourite place in the big island.

We also went to Savaii and the first night we spent at Tanu beach fales which we really liked. Its more about family and open fales which was really good. From there we went to Vaisala, it was beautiful snorkeling there, but it was too big for what we wanted and we still wanted the fale family style by the beach experience.

But then we went to Satiatua and for us, it was our absolute favourite, like ever. That family and the girls there are so beautiful and powerful. And we spent New Years there; it was the grandmothers birthday on New Year. They were the best. We went to the church on the 31st and we were celebrating and it was beautiful.

Spending the last few days in Upolu, both Inara and her partner have been reflecting on their time so far and they believe they will return, but next time they will know where to go for the open fale holiday they desire.

Last night we spent at Lusias, it was nice, but again we were looking more for open fale style housing. So next time we come back we want to stay in Satiatua and Manono because its more for us. In Manono it was more like a house there, but still it was perfect because it was in a high place so we could see the ocean and the sunset.

The intrepid travelers are happy with their travels through Samoa and they will return to New Zealand on a high from such a fabulous trip.

We are so happy we came here and we will come back. We loved the place like the food is amazing; everything tastes like grandmas food. The nature is impressive but its sad that with all the cyclone and tsunami that the coral are destroyed.

Our favourite thing here is Samoa were the people. The kids they were beautiful and they are so genuine, even the people who are so serious, when you wave to them they open up and smile to you. It was really great and I think this is one of our best trips. You know sometimes you are sad to go home, but we are not even sad because it was such a good trip.
Christmas and New Years maybe over, but for the Burns Family from Sydney, Australia, the holiday season has just begun.

Ben Burns is in Samoa with his family to have a feel of the island life and what our paradise has to offer.

They arrived on Wednesday morning and are staying at the Aggie Greys Sheraton Hotel at Vasigano.

And their two weeks here already looks like a fun-filled learning experience.

Dear Tourist met the family in front of the Mulivai Cathedral heading to the Savalalo Market yesterday.

We are heading to the market just to have a look around because we have been told that it is the best place for us to buy Samoan handicrafts and t-shirts and other local made products, which are good souvenirs for us to remember our trip here, Ben said.

In the next couple of days, were planning to have a tour around the island and to have a view of the island.

Asked why they chose Samoa as their holiday destination, he said: We have been to other countries such as England and the United States of America, but this time Samoa is on our list because it is a beautiful tropical island.

It was supposed to be a big family vacation, however when we got to the airport, other members of our family had issues with their passport so that made them stay back, Ben said.

Speaking on behalf of his family, the 13-year-old boy said: We are also looking forward to visit the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum sometimes this week. I personally looked up the place and I am eager to see it for myself.

I havent tried out any local food because we just got here; I am hoping to actually have a taste of Samoan food that are locally cooked and served.

Well see during our stay if we are able to visit some other places but we will not be able to visit Savaii. It will definitely be on our list for our next trip here.

So far, it is a great place, friendly people and a beautiful tropical weather.

Because of their experience, the Burns family has already decided to return to our shores.
The Asau Village Council has a zero tolerance for violence against women.

To prove they are serious, they have recently approved policies that will see men who assault their wives ban from the village.

This was confirmed by the villages Member of Parliament and Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Lopaoo Natanielu Mua, who is also a chief in the village of Asau.

The females are the most precious beings on this earth, he said.

They are gentle and at the same time, they get things done.

That is why for Asau Village, our women are special. We will do everything within our authority to assure that our women are protected, even from their husbands, said Lopaoo.

He says the policy is fairly new and it coincides with the campaign by the Ministry of Women Community and Social Development to stop the violence against women and children.

The fact that this has been preached in every corner of our country, its about time that our concerns are addressed in the villages and that something is done about it.

It all comes down to us, men who are the head of the families and chiefs in our villages.

We see the issue and we step in to fix it. Asau does not condone violence against their women.

Women from Asau and women who are married into our village, are all protected, he said.

The Asau chief points out the impact of violence equates up to a range of impacts.

Sometimes the consequences results in death, all because women feel worthless when their husband continue to do this nonsense of beating her and saying demeaning things.

It negatively affects womens well-being and prevents women from fully participating in society.

We are at the time and age for men to realize that women should not put up with any type of attack, whether its physical or verbal.

Violence not only has negative consequences for women, but also their families, the community and the country at large, he said.

According to Lopaoo, they will also ban men and women who are convicted of sexual offenses.

We will not tolerate such behavior in Asau.

He adds Samoan women do not need experts from off island telling them that we need to empower our women.

No, I dont agree with that, Samoan women were born empowered.

As a Samoan girl, they have roles to play in the homes, churches and villages and by the time they are of age, their responsibilities changes and they are tasked to see through many projects that the Aualuma are assigned with in terms of developments in the village such as weaving fine mats and other projects.

In Asau, we have the village council and we also have the Aualuma Womens Group.

We meet and they meet and if they have issues, the leaders of the Aualuma meet our Village Council.

So you see our women play a huge role in what happens in Asau.

Our women also have a voice in the decision making of issues within the village.

Women are treated equally, said Lopaoo.

And I am proud of what Asau has so far in terms of eliminating the mentality of men that they can treat women differently.

The Minister hopes other villages will follow the example that Asau has put in place.

One can only wish that this initiative will be considered by other villages.

I am not telling anyone what to do, but merely asking that they consider the need for this issue to be addressed in the villages.

An issue that will be discussed and the Village Council must act on it, not just talk about it and not take any action.

This issue should be addressed to the families in the villages and in the churches, we must act on the right away, said Lopaoo.

In May 2017, the C.E.O. of the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development, Fuimapoao Beth Onesemo-Tuilaepa, said the government was looking to work with village councils to ensure men who beat their wives were held accountable and punished as a village offense.

The concern by the C.E.O. follows the result of the Family Safety Strategy survey which shows that incidences of domestic violence where women are physically, emotionally and sexually abused have increased by 20 per cent in Samoa since the last survey in 2000.

Fuimapoao said the survey showed 60 per cent of women surveyed were abused was scary and very critical. The figure in domestic violence should come as a wakeup call to all of us.

This recent survey has the numbers increased (from 40) to 60 percent and the problem continues to happen so long as the mentality remains that men are pule (owners) of the family.

She recalled that during the 11th Commonwealth Womens Affairs Ministerial Meeting held in Samoa last year, it was revealed that 60 percent of young women who were surveyed said it was okay for a man to beat his wife.

They held that belief and they will grow up with that understanding.

Even the countrywide survey that came through showed that a lot of men and women have the belief that a man is justified to discipline his wife including beating her in some way or manner for at least one reason.

According to the C.E.O., there have been awareness campaigns, but if the mentality is still the same way, the problem will continue.

She gave an example of how difficult it is to get it across to the country that domestic violence is wrong.

All of us know that you actually need to eat less and exercise more to live healthy, so how many of us actually do that? Thats how hard it is to get this across.

Its not a matter of government coming along and preaching to people, that is easy but to change the mindset as a father, young man, chief, and a woman. That is the hard part.

And it starts within families, this is where you are nurtured how to behave, how to live life.

This is where we teach our children the importance of respecting one another. As our sons get ready to have their families, they should be directed on how they carry out their relationship with their wives.

You being the head of the household do not mean that you have the right to beat someone elses daughter or sister. We are supposed to be a Christian nation, and were supposed to live by what the Bible teaches.

She also mentioned the misinterpretation regarding what the Bible says.

The Bible says that fathers are the head of the family and it was interpreted as owner-pule and therefore, this pule can discipline.

Is that really what the Bible says and then also because its been repeated over the years that this is how Samoan families have been operated for the longest time.

We need to accept the fact that it is not what the Bible says and that it is not the Samoan culture. Its the total opposite. So thats the conversations we need to have.

She told Samoa Observer at the time that one of the steps taken was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (M.O.U.) with the National Council of Churches where they will make it a priority for the church Ministers to remind their members that domestic violence is wrong.

She said another avenue was using the village councils.

If the villages can penalize anyone for theft, rape, they should also penalize those who abuse their wives, she said.

This matter is not only a government problem in terms of enforcement, but it should also be addressed in churches and in the villages.

We know that our chiefs are highly regarded and this message coming directly from them, Im sure there will be changes, as these numbers are very scary.
La Jolla and Rancho Santa Fe continued to be the place for the most expensive home sales in San Diego County in 2017.

The most expensive house to sell in the county was a beach front property in La Jolla for $12 million.

Built in 1993, 6106 Camino de la Costa features panoramic ocean views and its own private sandpit on the water. Property records say it was purchased by Neil Smit, former CEO of Comcast.

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Real estate agent Russ Clark said the home is on a peninsula lot that maximized views of the ocean.

You had views of Point Loma and Mission Beach, he said, so at night you could see lights reflecting on the water.

The top five home sales in 2017 equaled $54.5 million. Thats down from $79.9 million total for the top five the previous year.

One of the most expensive homes to sell last year, 16568 La Gracia in Rancho Santa Fe, sold twice. Real estate agent Megan Luce said her clients bought the property in April but realized they werent there as much as their other properties so they decided to sell.

I couldnt believe they were selling so soon, she said. But, the property is breathtaking and I was excited to go into it again.

Luce did not want to give the buyers names, and it is unclear from property records who they were. The home was purchased by Florida-based limited liability company, Covenant RJC, in April for $10.6 million. It was then sold to the Greenfield Trust out of Washington state for $10.85 million in December.

Another home in Rancho Santa Fe made the top five most expensive sales. In June, 6883 Alydar Corte sold for $11 million. The 12,500-square-foot property was on the market for 258 days, the longest of any of the sales.

Another La Jolla home also made the list, 8470 El Paseo Grande, which sold for $10.1 million. It featured a private courtyard, guest house and ocean views throughout.

Rounding out the list was 106 13th St. in Del Mar that sold for $10 million. The 2,300-square-foot remodeled cottage on the bluffs of Del Mar has three bathrooms and two bedrooms and was built in 1948.

The most expensive homes to sell in 2017 were much less than the top sales in 2016. The top seller in 2016, an ocean front home in Del Mar, went for $18 million.

Clark, the agent that sold 2017s most expensive home, said the luxury market wasnt slowing down, but just had a lack of inventory last year. Like some other agents, he believes affluent buyers will have more money to spend on real estate in the new year following tax changes recently approved in Congress  despite caps on property tax deductions.

Their overall net income is going to go up dramatically under the new tax plan, Clark said.

On the other end of the housing market, the cheapest home to sell in 2017 was a 924-square-foot house in Jacumba for $27,000. Built in 1945, it was in severe disrepair and the buyer was warned they would responsible for the removal of unusable property. One room on the property included old laundry, broken computers and abandoned Christmas decorations.

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phillip.molnar@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1891 Twitter: @phillipmolnar

ALSO

The vanishing San Diego single-family home
San Diego County property taxpayers, rushing to beat a Dec. 31 deadline, wrote checks for $642 million in early payments, more than double last years total, county Treasurer-Tax Collector Dan McAllister said Wednesday.

The payments covered 255,407 properties, about 25 percent of all bills that didnt have to be paid until this coming spring.

I dont think thats ever happened, he said.

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The total paid was $312 million more than what was collected by this time last year and will earn the county investment pool about $1.5 million in extra interest income, based on a 1.35 percent rate for four months.

The county expects to collect just over $6 billion for the first time in property taxes during 2017-18.

I think San Diegans came through in a big way and stepped up and took advantage, and that will likely result in big benefits to those who paid, he said.

He was referring to the recently passed federal tax cut measure that capped at $10,000 how much can be deducted in state and local taxes on federal income taxes starting this year.

By paying taxes early, property owners will be able to deduct an extra tax amount from their 2017 federal and state returns and reduce their income tax accordingly.

The IRS had issued a last-minute ruling last week that such taxes could only be paid early if they had been billed. In California, property taxes are typically due in two equal payments by Dec. 10 and the following April 10.

So those taxpayers who had acted in time will be able to deduct three property tax bills on this years return the payment due last April 10 and the two billed in 2017.

When they get around to filling out their 2018 tax forms in 2019, theyll have just one payment to account for, the one due next Dec. 10.

If the same rush-to-pay took place in other states, the result will be a win-win-lose  a win for local agencies in the form of unexpected interest earnings; a win for property owners who wont have to pay more in federal income taxes; and a loss for the federal Treasury, which wont receive all the extra taxes expected by capping the state and local tax deductions.

McAllister said the total received will likely grow a bit as bills sent in by mail trickle in this week from absentee property owner who live in other states and nations.

But he acknowledged there may be a few people whose checks were not postmarked by midnight Sunday and technically cannot be counted to have been paid by the deadline.

They probably wont get the tax benefit, he said.

If they claim on their tax returns that they paid in 2017, it will be up to the IRS to audit the return and demand proof.

My hunch is there will be a lot of confusion and a lot of vigilance on the part of the IRS  whos been naughty and whos been nice  to keep people honest, he said.

McAllister had expected 40,000 checks and $140 million in early payments.

Instead we got 72,000 and $312 million, he said. Its pretty incredible.

About 60 percent of bills were paid by electronic check, about 4 percentage points higher than normal, he said.

Other taxpayers sent in payments normally handled by their mortgage servicers and lenders through impound accounts.

McAllister said he spoke with several such companies who will automatically refund overpayments now that their customers have prepaid whats due.

However, he advised those taxpayers to check with their lenders.

Taxpayers lined up at the tax collectors offices up until 5 p.m. closing time Friday and nobody was banging on the door to be let in, McAllister said.

If they arrived after business hours, they could deposit their payments in mailboxes at the front door of the offices in San Marcos, Kearny Mesa, downtown, Chula Vista and El Cajon.

McAllisters staff picked up deposits on Tuesday morning. If taxpayers forgot to indicate what the check was for, he said staff will attempt to contact the payers.

He said they can contact his office at (877) 829-4732 and confirm the check was received. Other information is available at his office website, sdttc.com.

The burden of proof is on the taxpayer, he said. We make it very clear as to whats expected and how to get accurate credit for the bill being paid.

The good news, he said, is taxpayers who missed the federal deadline still have until April 10 to pay the second bill without incurring a county penalty. But they will miss out on the federal tax benefit.

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roger.showley@sduniontribune.com; (619) 293-1286; Twitter: @rogershowley
El Cajons plan for connecting homeless persons to housing opportunities has taken root.

Crisis House employee Karina Hernandez, whose business card reads El Cajon Housing Connections, Housing Navigator, was hired by the city several months ago at the urging of the City Council.

Crisis House partners with the city to provide Housing Connections. Hernandez will remain employed by Crisis House during the 12-month program.

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El Cajons housing navigator position is similar to a recent pilot program that was a success in Encinitas.

Hernandez, 32, has already placed one needy family in housing and is closing in on finding a suitable rental for a homeless man. She has been out with the El Cajon Polices Homeless Outreach Team and handed out her card to several individuals.

The goal of the City Council is for the navigator to find homes for 25 individuals by June 30, 2018.

Hernandez is a 2004 Eastlake alum with bachelors and masters degrees in social work from Cal State Los Angeles. She said she has known since age 15 that she wanted to be a social worker.

Hernandez has been employed since 2015 by Crisis House, a community resource center based in El Cajon. The nonprofit has been helping people become self-sufficient and gain access to social services in East County since 1970.

Ive been working with the individuals and families through Crisis House for two years, Hernandez said, and one of the main things they ask about is housing. Im very happy I can finally help them in that way, to help them get off the streets, even if its just a room to rent for a little bit of time. A lot of them are just asking for a place to lay their head.

In her job for the city, Hernandez will focus on establishing relationships with persons who are homeless, match those persons with suitable housing, and guide them toward programs and services.

Mary Case, executive director of Crisis House, said Hernandez has already established relationships and built trust with many homeless people in the city. That connection will make her job less complicated than it would have been for someone from outside Crisis House, Case said.

Hernandez will be paid $37,440 for the year, plus have use of a cell phone, laptop computer and other perks.

The council earlier this year dedicated up to $150,000 for the position, $80,000 of that for housing assistance funds.

In May, pushed by City Councilmen Steve Goble and Gary Kendrick, the city decided to take a more hands-on approach to the homeless situation in El Cajon.

Kendrick and Goble said they were concerned that El Cajons most recent homeless numbers showed a 21 percent increase in the past year.

The annual point in time count of homeless persons in 2017 showed 65 people in sheltered housing and 323 living unsheltered in the city, for a total of 388. That number was 321 last year.

Mayor Bill Wells said homelessness is a top priority and top concern for citizens in the city of nearly 100,000.

Obviously, there is no one simple solution to this, Wells said. The housing navigator is one piece of the puzzle. Its easy to be discouraged because to really do enough would cost millions of dollars. A city does what it can with enforcement, with helping people access the system and opening up opportunities to get off the street.

All those things working in combination start the process of working toward more solutions.

Case said she is glad the city is funding the position and that Crisis House can help.

She acknowledged that the effort will be a challenge, but that just providing the opportunity for Crisis House is a big dea.

We cant wait to really get going, Case said.

Hernandez said she is just excited to be part of this project and finally being able to be a housing resource for everyday clients.

The city is also working with several other partners, including the San Diego Regional Task Force on the Homeless, the County of San Diego, the East County Homeless Task Force and Crisis House in an effort to decrease the number of people living on the streets or in their cars.

karen.pearlman@sduniontribune.com
CARLSBAD

Two-part workshop on starting business

The North San Diego Small Business Development Center offers a free two-part workshop, Entrepreneurship Academy, from 8:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Tuesday and 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday at 2075 Las Palmas Drive. This workshop gives an overview of what to consider before starting a business. Topics include marketing basics, financing options, taxes, business entities/legal structures and franchising/business models. Register by Tuesday at https://www.sdivsbdc.org/workshops-events-2. After signing up, complete the survey at https://frannetpfa.com/cq/assessmenten/start/?rst=1 at least two business days before the workshop. Bring a printed copy of the results with you. Call (760) 795-8740 or visit sandiegosmallbiz.com.

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FALLBROOK

Chambers wine event rescheduled to Jan. 19

The Fallbrook Chamber of Commerces Dec. 8 Wine & A Bite has been rescheduled to 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 19. Tickets for the Dec. 8 event are good for this rescheduled date. Check in at the chamber office, 111 S. Main Ave., from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Stroll the downtown district, stopping at several venues for wine and a bite of food or dessert, and an art experience. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Foundation for Senior Care. If you would prefer a refund, call the chamber at (760) 728-5845. Visit fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org.

First SunUpper set for Jan. 11

The Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce offers its January SunUpper from 8 to 9 a.m. Jan. 11, hosted by the Fallbrook Historical Society in the barn at 1730 S. Hill Ave. Bring business cards and a friend; enjoy treats and coffee. Call (760) 728-5845 or visit fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org.

VALLEY CENTER

Sunriser networking mixer Friday morning

Valley Center Happenings hosts a Sunriser networking mixer from 8 to 10 a.m. Friday at the Valley Center Chamber of Commerce office, 29115 Valley Center Road, Suite I3. Visit vcchamber.com.

Free street tacos, sale at supply store

Armstrong Feed & Supply offers $1 off hay and big bags of feed on Saturday, plus free street tacos from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., as part of its Street Taco Super Saturday. The store is at 28520 Cole Grade Road. Call (760) 749-2223 or email info@armstrongfeed.com.

VISTA

San Diego County treasurer to speak

The public is invited to hear a housing update from San Diego County Treasurer Dan McAllister at the Vista Chamber of Commerces Government Affairs Committee meeting from noon to 1:30 p.m. today at the chamber office, 127 Main St. The meeting is free; optional lunch available for $7. Call (760) 726-1122 or visit vistachamber.org.

Business mixer to feature food, music

The Vista Chamber of Commerce and Classic Chariots invite the public to an evening of networking, food, fun and music from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Classic Chariots, 1611 W. Vista Way. The event will feature free hors doeuvres and a no-host bar. No reservations are required. Cost is $5 for members and $20 for prospective members. Call (760) 726-1122, email info@vistachamber.org or visit vistachamber.org.

Please send items to laura.groch@sduniontribune.com at least 10 days before events.

laura.groch@sduniontribune.com
2018: State of our Beer Union

The New Year brings a new president to the San Diego Brewers Guild: Paul Sangster, co-owner of San Marcos Rip Current Brewing. His perspective on the year ahead:

Q. So, hows the local beer scene doing?

A. It is amazing to see how many new breweries have joined the fold during 2017 and are adding to our culture, bringing excitement and engaging new customers. Its hard to believe well soon have 160 breweries. When Rip Current Brewing opened in late 2012, there were only 70 breweries.

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Q. What are the Brewers Guilds priorities this year?

A. Were launching programs to help consumers identify products from small and independent breweries. We believe they have the right to know, so they can decide where their hard-earned dollars are going -- Belgium, South America or right down the street in San Diego. Today, this is challenging with so many brands served around town.

Q. But given all those choices, why should consumers make an effort to buy beer from Guild members?

A. Many craft beer drinkers want their dollars to support neighbors and friends in their own communities, rather than stockholders abroad.

Independent San Diego breweries make the best beer around. We want to give the buyer every chance to identify it on the shelf and revel in being part of the Capital of Crafts amazing beer community.

Beerijuana?

Not coming soon to a tap handle near you: weed-infused beer.

While the sale of marijuana became legal in California on Jan. 1, weed is still illegal under federal law. Thats a key distinction for brewers, as beer ingredients are regulated by a federal agency: the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.

All breweries need a federal permit to manufacture alcohol, said Candace Moon, a San Diego lawyer who represents craft breweries. Pot-laced beer is not going to be legal until its legal federally.

For decades, though, brewers have worked within the law to develop beers that mimic marijuanas aromas and flavors. Pizza Ports Chronic Ale, for instance, was originally brewed with toasted hemp seeds, hemp being a member of the cannabis family.

Hops, the vine-grown flowers that add aroma and flavor to beer, contain terpenes  a chemical compound  identical to those found in marijuana. Thorn Streets O.G. HighPA took advantage of that fact.

We used some of the terpenes found in cannabis, said Thomas Kiely, Thorn Streets director of sales and marketing. There was nothing psychoactive or medicinal about them. It pretty much mimicked the flavor, but with none of the fun stuff.

Kings of Beer

North Island IPA (7.5 percent alcohol by volume) defies two popular assumptions  1.) the haze craze celebrating juicy New England-style IPAs is fading away, and 2.) these unfiltered ales are too delicate to be bottled or canned.

Coronado Brewings canned foray into New Englands territory triumphantly blows away those assumptions. It opens with a big pineapple/mango bouquet whose promise of mouth-filling tropical fruit flavors is amply fulfilled. The finish is clean and crisp, buoyed by a blast of prickly West Coast-style hoppiness. Freshness counts, though, so dont let these cans get stale in your fridge.

This weeks King, North Island gingerly replaces last weeks ruler, Ommegangs Winter is Here (8.3 percent), a Belgian-style strong white ale in the Game of Thrones series. While the terrifying Night King glowers from the label, this friendly, approachable beer will not turn you into a zombie-like white walker.

Best of the Week, Local

Beer bellies are so 2017. In 18, resolve to shape up and Train Like a Brewer.

Saturday morning, certified CrossFit instructor Joe Craig will lead a workout at Council Brewings tasting room, 7705 Convoy Court, San Diego. Check-in is at 9:45 a.m.; muscles will start to flex at 10; and the post-exercise party at the bar will convene at 10:45.

The tickets, $15 at the door or online at store.councilbrew.com, includes workout and a glass of beer or kombucha.

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Twitter: @peterroweut

peter.rowe@sduniontribune.com
A Hologram for the King Rated: R When: Opens today Where: Wide release Running time: 1 hour, 37 minutes Rating: 2.5 stars

The German filmmaker Tom Tykwer has had his greatest successes with films that dont follow traditional timelines. He burst onto the international scene in 1998 with Run Lola Run, a vibrant and kinetic film that spilled over with immediacy. He also had a hand in Cloud Atlas, along with the Wachowskis, and while that film certainly has its faults, it is nothing if not ambitious and visually impressive.

He hasnt fared quite as well with movies that could be considered more linear. Neither Perfume: Story of a Murderer nor The International, his big-budget spy thriller, was anything out of the ordinary.

Tom Hanks in A Hologram for the King. Siffedine Elamine (Siffedine Elamine)

Though his new movie, A Hologram for the King, is certainly linear in its storytelling, it often feels nontraditional. Thats probably due to the source matter, the 2012 novel from Dave Eggers, whose own masterpiece, A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, toyed with the readers own experience through his wondrous prose and a winding descriptive nature.

A Hologram for the King is at its best when it feels unconventional, a narrative oasis of sorts in the brutal sandstorm of todays studio films. At the same time, it has sections that feel completely rote, where you know precisely whats going to happen next.

In that way, the movie can be as confounding for the audience as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is to Alan Clay. Hes played here by Tom Hanks, and without his performance, his charisma, his all-around Tom Hanks-ness, the movie just wouldnt succeed.

Alan is something of a failure. He is estranged from his ex-wife, and hes known for taking a once successful American company, outsourcing it to China, and seeing it collapse in the wake of lost American jobs.

Hes not a pariah, exactly, but things arent going his way, as we see in the movies beginning, in which he sings a metaphor-infused version of the Talking Heads Once in a Lifetime. You immediately know that youre in for something offbeat, and the movie is nicely intriguing when it is exactly that.

Sarita Choudhury and Tom Hanks in A Hologram for the King. Siffedine Elamine (Siffedine Elamine)

Alan, who needs to pay for his daughters tuition, has taken a job that involves trying to sell a new IT system to the Saudi monarchy for a futuristic, high-tech city that is barely in its construction infancy. On day one, his jet lag is so brutal that he oversleeps, misses his shuttle, and has to rely on local taxi driver Yousef (Alexander Black) to take him to the citys foundations, where he finds his team in an un-air-conditioned tent, unable to get online.

He discovers his main contact is out of town, and the likelihood of the monarch actually showing up to see their demo seems remote at best. The same thing happens the next day. And the next, and there is no reason to think anything will change, no matter how long they stay.

This is actually intriguing, something of a Waiting for Godot fish-out-of-water story. Because, in that scenario, anything can happen. And some of it does.

Alan gets hammered on illicit booze provided by Hanne (Sidse Babett Knudsen), a Danish Saudi employee who takes him to an embassy party that is out of control. He tries to lance a lump on his back with a hot knife, which lands him in the examination room of Zahra (Sarita Choudhury), one of the Kingdoms few female doctors. He gets into trouble with Yousef and his relatives, out in the desert.

Its this side of the movie that you really dont want to end. But it must, because the story must be told, and when it finally is, its a bit of a disappointment, including an epilogue that, while pleasant enough, feels tacked on.

This image released by the Roadside Attractions shows Alexander Black, left, and Tom Hanks in a scene from A Hologram for the King, a film being featured at the Tribeca Film Festival. Frederic Batier (Frederic Batier)

What is lost from Eggers work, in many ways, is the notion of Americas place in the changing global economy, and how Alan Clay serves as an allegory for us as a nation, bewildered and overtaken by other economies. Thats in Tykwers film, but its so subtle that it may easily be overlooked.

Instead, it is less about a clash of cultures than it is about a single man who has lost his way in the world and is trying to find a path out of both literal and figurative deserts. Lucky for all of us, that man is Tom Hanks.

Wright writes about movies for The San Diego Union-Tribune. Email him at anderswright@gmail.com.
Congratulations to the Missoulian and its partners at the University of Montana School of Journalism for out-reporting almost every major news organization in America in the series Addicted and expecting. (The series was also published in the Independent Record.)

In one of the stories, Dr. Kenneth Cairns laments the failure of so many of his fellow physicians to provide the right kind of help to mothers suffering from addiction. The doctors cant get past their own feelings of contempt for the mothers.

They are not alone. Contempt for parents who use drugs, or parents who simply are poor and whose poverty is confused with neglect, runs so deep that Montana now has a dubious distinction: It is the child removal capital of America. Montana is tearing apart families more often than any other state  a rate nearly triple the national average.

Montana loves to take a swing at bad mothers. But an earlier drug plague  crack cocaine  should have taught us that the blow almost always lands on the children.

University of Florida researchers studied two groups of children born with cocaine in their systems; one group was placed in foster care, another left with birth mothers able to care for them. After six months, the babies were tested using all the usual measures of infant development. Typically, the children left with their birth mothers did better. For the foster children, the separation from their mothers was more toxic than the cocaine.

Similarly, Kalispell Regional Medical Center is proving that keeping families together leads to better outcomes for the children.

That doesnt mean we can simply leave children with hopelessly addicted parents. But it does mean that, in most cases, drug treatment for the mother is a better option than foster care for the child.

The typical cases that dominate the caseloads of child welfare workers are nothing like the horror stories. So its no wonder two massive studies involving more than 15,000 typical cases found that children left in their own homes fared better even than comparably maltreated children placed in foster care.

That harm occurs even when the foster home is a good one. The majority are. But the rate of abuse in foster care is far higher than generally realized and far higher than in the general population. Multiple studies have found abuse in one-quarter to one-third of foster homes. The rate of abuse in group homes and institutions is even worse.

And the more that workers are overwhelmed with children who dont need to be in foster care, the less time they have to find children in real danger.

None of this means no child ever should be taken from her or his parents. But foster care is an extremely toxic intervention that should be used sparingly and in small doses. Instead, Montana is prescribing mega-doses of foster care at the highest rate in America.

Other states are doing better. Arkansas blamed its own surge in foster care on opioids  until consultants hired by the state itself said the problem was needless removal of children. Connecticut is emphasizing in-home drug treatment. And counties in opioid-plagued Ohio are taking another look at cases that dont involve drug abuse and finding safe alternatives to foster care.

Those infants in that Florida study are trying to tell us something. We owe it to them to listen. Or, as Dr. Cairns put it, if you're interested in healthier babies, its just a no-brainer.
At Miramar National Cemetery, the headstones speak of battles: Afghanistan, Vietnam. Bronze Star, Purple Heart.

But who speaks of the love stories these veterans leave behind?

Every day, Jenn Budenz goes to the grave of her late husband, Maj. Andrew Budenz, a Marine C-130 pilot killed in a September motorcycle accident.

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She was 12 weeks pregnant when he died. As the baby grew inside of her, she came daily to lie on the grave.

Now that Andrew Jr. has arrived, they go together. She brings a blanket for comfort and props her husbands Marine Corps photograph against the marble headstone.

Every single day.

People who visit Miramar National Cemetery everyday

This is the place I feel him the most, said Jenn Budenz, 32. His buddies fly over us every day.

A small group of widows and widowers, parents and children, are daily or weekly visitors to the veterans cemetery, located at the end of the Miramar Marine Corps Air Station flight path.

They find peace there, they say, surrounded by headstones that place their loved ones in the long line of Marines, sailors, soldiers and airmen who put on the uniform.

They also bolster each other, in their mutual grief.

We all have the same disease  Were mourning, said Ray Moody, 87, whose wife died in October.

The daily pilgrimage might sound odd. But people heal at their own pace, said retired Navy chaplain Jim Mowry.

Grieving is helped by people who have grieved themselves. Sometimes, people want to hurry you through your grief, said Mowry, an ordained United Methodist minister.

People who are going through grief -- they have time to talk with other people about it.

Every day, just after noon, Moody totes a folding chair across the thick cemetery grass to his wifes grave.

I have no choice. Shes here. The closest I am to her is right now, he said.

1 / 13 Jenn Budenz lies on a blanket with her 2-month-old son AJ as she looks at the headstone of her husband Major Andrew Budenz, who was a Marine C-130 pilot in Iraq and Afghanistan, as she visits her husbands grave at the Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego. (Hayne Palmour IV / UT San Diego) 2 / 13 Raymond Moody, who served in the Navy in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, places his hand on the headstone of his wife Barbara Moody, who also served in the Navy, at the Miramar National Cemetery. (Hayne Palmour IV / UT San Diego) 3 / 13 Navy veterans Raymond Moody, left, and Bob Browne, who both visit their wives graves most everyday, talk at the Miramar National Cemetery. (Hayne Palmour IV / UT San Diego) 4 / 13 photo (Hayne Palmour IV / UT San Diego) 5 / 13 Raymond Moody, who served in the Navy in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, sits next to the grave of his wife Barbara Moody, who also served in the Navy. (Hayne Palmour IV / UT San Diego) 6 / 13 Navy veteran Raymond Moody, left, sits next to the grave of his wife Barbara as Bob Browne, also a Navy vet, sits next to the grave of his wife Catherine. (Hayne Palmour IV / UT San Diego) 7 / 13 Jenn Budenz lies on a blanket with her 2-month-old son AJ as they visit the grave of her husband and father of her child Marine Major Andrew Budenz at the Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego (Hayne Palmour IV / UT San Diego) 8 / 13 Jenn Budenz kisses her 2-month-old son AJ as she makes her daily visit to the grave of her husband Marine Major Andrew Budenz at the Miramar National Cemetery. (Hayne Palmour IV / UT San Diego) 9 / 13 Jenn Budenz holds her 2-month-old son AJ as she writes in a journal during her daily visit to the grave of her husband Major Andrew Budenz, who was a Marine C-130 pilot in Iraq and Afghanistan. (Hayne Palmour IV / UT San Diego) 10 / 13 Jenn Budenz holds her 2-month-old son AJ during her daily visit to the grave of her husband Major Andrew Budenz, who was a Marine C-130 pilot in Iraq and Afghanistan. (Hayne Palmour IV / UT San Diego) 11 / 13 Jenn Budenz holds her 2-month-old son AJ during her daily visit to the grave of her husband Major Andrew Budenz, who was a Marine C-130 pilot in Iraq and Afghanistan. (Hayne Palmour IV / UT San Diego) 12 / 13 Navy veterans Raymond Moody, left, and Bob Browne, who both visit their wives graves most everyday, talk at the Miramar National Cemetery. (Hayne Palmour IV / UT San Diego) 13 / 13 Navy veteran Raymond Moody, who came to visit his wife Barbaras grave, says hello to Jenn Budenz, holding her 2-month-old son AJ, as she visits the grave of her husband and father of her child Marine Major Andrew Budenz. (Hayne Palmour IV / UT San Diego)

Barbara Moody served as a Navy pharmacists mate during World War II. Ray Moody met her in 1946, after both mustered out of the Navy following the end of the war.

He offered her a lift in his car. It was love from the moment their legs accidentally brushed in the front seat.

They married three months later. He was 20. She was 22.

Barbara told Ray she would only marry him if he reenlisted in the Navy  even going to the recruiters office to ensure he honored the promise.

It made a man of him. He retired as a chief boatswains mate 20 years later, after serving in both the Korean and Vietnam wars.

They were married 67 years when she suddenly developed terrible back pain. She faded away over a few weeks, her small body unable to handle the mystery malady.

Memorial Day salute

Ray Moody weeps as he recounts the story, twisting the wedding bands on his left hand.

I know when Im put down there, Ill be close to her, he said, pointing to the empty place next to her grave.

When he dies, their headstones will sit exactly 18 inches apart. He has checked. A career Navy man, he likes certainty.

Its the same distance apart that their bed pillows were for all those years. The idea comforts him.

I want so much to be here beside her, so much. But I know its not Gods will that I do that, Ray Moody said. Because I do some good out here.

He means the small family that has formed at Miramar.

Ray Moody stops by Andrew Budenzs grave on his way to Barbara. He chats with Jenn, checking on how the mother and her two-month-old baby are faring.

When she is absent, he leaves a penny on Andrew Budenzs headstone -- to let her know he was there. Jenn returns the penny when she departs for the day.

The only ones who can help us are right here, Moody said, referring to the other grieving visitors at the cemetery.

Besides Jenn Budenz  who is unusual because of her youth  he knows the other frequent visitors by name. He also knows their stories, just as they know his and Barbaras.

A couple rows away, Bob Brown runs his fingers over the beads of a rosary. Brown comes to his wifes grave every day. He unfolds a chair and sits facing her headstone.

Kitty Brown died in October during surgery. She was 79.

One-time childhood sweethearts, they were married for more than 50 years. After Bob Brown got out of the Navy in the 1950s, he managed to woo her finally into the wedding chapel.

Now, he acts as a patient sentinel at her grave. Tucked in a flower vase is a plasticized card with the Bible verse, My soul is sad, even unto death. Wait here and watch.

His eight children visit their mother from time to time. But Bob Brown is there every afternoon.

It just makes me feel better, he said.

Jenn Budenz had an old-fashioned courtship with her Marine.

They met long-distance, through a mutual friend, and struck up a correspondence in 2008 just before he deployed to Iraq for seven months.

They fell in love through letters, emails and the occasional web camera chat.

She finally saw him in person three weeks after he returned to Miramar. It was their first real date. Six months later, they were engaged.

Andrew Budenz survived three combat tours to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Ironically, it was a Saturday morning motorcycle ride that ended his life -- despite his history as an ultra-careful driver, the instructor of a base motorcycle safety class.

His wife has found some solace in writing.

She sits by his grave each day, writing to him in her journal. On their anniversary date, the 21st, she writes him a love letter that she shares with family and friends on the Internet.

Andrew Jr.  she calls him A.J. -- sits with her. She shades his car seat with an umbrella on warm afternoons. He has his dads blue eyes.

Sometimes a Marine C-130 rumbles overhead. When F/A-18 jets scream across the sky, Jenn Budenz places baby-sized headphones over AJs ears to protect them.

Andrew Budenz loved being a pilot, his wife said. Its why he joined the Marine Corps after graduating from San Diego State with an engineering degree.

He planned to make a career of the Marines. His widow wants their son to feel close to his fathers profession.

Someday, Jenn Budenz may choose to stop visiting daily. As the baby grows, his needs will become more complex.

She doesnt yet know when that time might come.

Its therapy for me to be here with him, Budenz said. Its peaceful, and now I have my own little family here.
Officials say a student has died after being rushed to the hospital from a fraternity house at Cal State Fresno.

Fresno police say they are investigating at the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity house. They say a call came from there at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, and a man was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Cal State Fresno said it was a student who died, and the university offered the condolences of its president in a statement.

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It wasnt clear, however, whether the student was a member of the fraternity.

Police gave no further details on what may have led to the death.
A convicted felon suspected of fatally assaulting a San Bernardino County sheriffs deputy after a minor off-duty crash on New Years Eve has been charged with murder, authorities said Wednesday.

The deputy, Lawrence Larry Falce, 70, was involved in a collision Sunday with Alonzo Leron Smith, San Bernardino Police Chief Jarrod Burguan said at an afternoon news conference. Smith punched Falce in the head, knocking him unconscious, Burguan said.

The deputy never woke up and died at a hospital after being removed from life support just after 8 p.m. Tuesday.

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Smith, 30, of San Bernardino has a lengthy criminal history. San Bernardino County Dist. Atty. Michael Ramos said he would seek sentencing enhancements because of Smiths previous convictions.

This person needs to spend the rest of his life in prison, Ramos said. We need to get this career criminal off the streets whos been in prisons and jails ever since he was able to be tried as an adult.

Ramos said Smith had served time in state prison for selling marijuana and for gang activity. Court records show myriad past charges, including extortion, robbery and criminal street gang participation.

Smith pleaded not guilty to murder on Wednesday, records show.

Falce was driving his red Chevrolet pickup through the intersection of Kendall Drive and University Parkway in San Bernardino on Sunday when he stopped or had applied his brakes to avoid hitting a dog in the roadway, Burguan said.

Smith was driving a 2002 Ford Explorer behind the off-duty deputy and rear-ended his vehicle, according to police.

The men pulled over to the curb and, for reasons that are unknown, Smith punched Falce once in the face, Burguan said.

Grainy surveillance video from a nearby business shows a man swinging his arm back and striking Falce, who falls to the ground. The man got back in his sport-utility vehicle; the video shows apparent witnesses unsuccessfully trying to stop him from leaving. One driver even tried to ram his vehicle from behind to try to prevent him from driving off, authorities said.

Smith was arrested later that night at a girlfriends residence in San Bernardino after witnesses provided police with descriptions of the attacker, his vehicle and license plate number, Burguan said.

At one point, Smiths brother was arrested because his name was associated with the vehicle and because he matched witness descriptions, Burguan said.

Police, Burguan said, are trying to determine whether Falce and Smith knew each other. Falce was a 36-year veteran of the Sheriffs Department, and Smith had been arrested by San Bernardino police and sheriffs deputies numerous times, authorities said.

At Wednesdays news conference, the district attorney decried legislative efforts to reduce penalties for nonviolent drug crimes. Ramos predicted that his attempt to seek a prior-conviction sentencing enhancement for Smith would be thwarted because people would argue his previous convictions were nonviolent felonies. Ramos blamed all the liberals up in Sacramento.

I am sick of  having to deal with these people, especially when they take the life of one of our community members, our deputy. And were going to fight like hell to make sure that enhancement sticks, he said.

San Bernardino County Sheriff John McMahon said Falce should be remembered as an honorable man who dedicated his entire adult life to his country. Falce, an Army veteran, worked patrol at the departments Central Station for 32 years and had coordinated a search and rescue team for several years.

McMahon said he spoke this week with a relatively new janitor in the department who was devastated by news of Falces death. The janitor saw the deputy getting coffee every morning and had asked Falce why, at his age, he was still driving a patrol car.

Thats because I love doing what I do, McMahon said Falce told the janitor.

He was a very productive, proactive deputy sheriff that loved his job and was committed to helping the citizens of this county, McMahon said.

hailey.branson@latimes.com

Twitter: @haileybranson

Times editorial library director Cary Schneider contributed to this report.
L.A. County officials said Thursday that a woman had been infected with the Zika virus by her partner in the first case of sexually transmitted Zika virus in the county.

A man who lives in L.A. County traveled to Mexico and became infected with the Zika virus in early November, and shortly afterward his female partner, who didnt travel to Mexico, also developed the infection, officials said.

This case is a reminder to take precautions during sex or avoid sex if you or your partner have traveled to an area with risk of Zika, said Dr. Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, L.A. Countys interim health officer.

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Zika virus, which has caused hundreds of babies to be born with birth defects in Brazil, is most commonly transmitted by mosquitoes. The virus can also be transmitted through sex, though thats much rarer.

Since 2015, there have been 122 cases of Zika infection in L.A. County, 121 of which were acquired while traveling to countries where the virus is spreading, such as Mexico and Brazil. There are no mosquitoes carrying the virus in L.A. County or elsewhere in California.

In California overall, there have been 619 cases of Zika virus since 2015, eight of which were sexually transmitted.

Health officials warned that people who travel to countries where Zika is a risk should wear mosquito repellent as well as long sleeves and pants. A couple in which one partner might have been exposed should follow national health guidelines for condom usage to prevent transmission to the other partner.

The virus can cause birth defects in pregnant women, so pregnant women should use condoms or abstain from sex for the length of their pregnancy if their male partner has been exposed to Zika virus, officials said.

Most people who are infected with Zika virus dont have symptoms. Those that do have symptoms might experience a fever, a rash or muscle pain that lasts for about a week.

soumya.karlamangla@latimes.com

Twitter: @skarlamangla

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Across a span of 11,500 years, a baby is speaking to us.

Although she was just an infant when she died, her diminutive remains are helping researchers understand how ancient people first entered and then moved around the Americas.

The little girl recently was given the name Xachiteeaaneh Teede Gaay (Sunrise Girl-Child) by indigenous people in the Alaskan interior who live close to the place where her body was found.

Archaeological evidence suggests her family buried her with care in a pit beneath the central hearth in their temporary home. They laid her to rest on a bed of ocher and placed offerings of weapons around her makeshift grave.

Centuries later, her tiny skeleton was unearthed during an archaeological dig, and, with the permission of local indigenous tribes, samples of her bones were sent off for DNA analysis.

Scientists were stunned by what they revealed: This little girl was born into a previously unknown population of pioneers who were among the first to arrive in North America.

The discovery, reported Wednesday in Nature, has both complicated the story of how humans spread throughout the Americas and brought it into clearer focus, said Ben Potter, an anthropologist at the University of Alaska Fairbanks who worked on the new study.

No one can deny that this makes our picture of the history of Native Americans more complex and more accurate than ever before, he said.

David Reich, a geneticist at Harvard Medical School, hailed the new work as a crucial step toward better understanding how the earliest migrants to the New World diversified once they got here.

This is an important finding, as it constrains possible scenarios for the early peopling of the Americas in significant ways, he said.

The babys grave was discovered in 2013 in an archaeological site known as Upward Sun River in Alaskas Tanana River Valley. It appears to have been a residential base camp where men, women and children remained for several weeks at a time, primarily in the summer months. The site was occupied multiple times, beginning about 13,000 years ago.

An artists reconstruction shows the Upward Sun River base camp around the time when the infants were born. (Eric S. Carlson in collaboration with Ben Potter)

The remains of Xachiteeaaneh Teede Gaay date back to about 11,500 years ago. She was buried along with another female infant who appears to be a close relative, but not a sister, the researchers said. Genetic analysis shows that the two had different mothers.

Its never easy to get usable DNA from ancient bones. But with Sunrise Girl-Child, the research team got lucky. Her DNA was well-preserved in deep sediments, which made it easier for modern scientists to decode it.

Things didnt go as well for the second infant. The research team was able to analyze enough of her nuclear DNA to confirm that the two girls were related. However, a previous study found that their mitochondrial DNA, which is inherited only from ones mother, was different.

Next the authors compared the more complete genetic sequence from Sunrise Girl-Child with that of other ancient genomes, as well as a panel of DNA profiles from 167 populations around the world. The babys DNA was more closely related to present-day Native Americans than to any other tested populations, followed by Siberians and East Asians.

That didnt come as much of a surprise. There is broad agreement among anthropologists and archaeologists that the first people who came to America traveled over Beringia, a strip of land that connected northeast Asia with northwestern North America during the last ice age, when sea levels were lower.

The part that was shocking was the discovery that the baby girl was equally related to both groups of present-day Native Americans  those who live in northern North America, including Athabaskan and Algonkian speakers, and those who live farther south.

For this to be true, she must have belonged to a third group of people who lived before the northern and southern Native Americans split into genetically distinct groups, the researchers said. They dubbed the newly identified group the Ancient Beringians.

This was brand-new, Potter said. Scientists simply didnt have this population on the radar.

The Upward Sun River discovery site uncovered the remains of ancient infants. (Ben Potter)

Further genetic analysis suggested that the Ancient Beringians split from the ancestors of all other Native Americans about 20,000 years ago, well before Sunrise Girl-Child was born. It is likely that the Ancient Beringians stayed in the north, while the ancestors of all other Native Americans moved south before splitting into two other groups around 15,000 years ago.

Potter said it is still unclear what ultimately happened to the Ancient Beringians. Perhaps they were absorbed by other Native Americans who moved back into their region about 6,000 years ago and intermarried. It is also possible they were killed off or out-competed by their neighbors to the south.

We are still at a very early stage of understanding, he said. The simple answer is we dont know.

However, the story of how people came to the Americas in the first place is becoming clearer.

Thanks to the additional genetic data provided by Xachiteeaaneh Teede Gaay, the authors say they have the first evidence of a single founding Native American population, which split from East Asians about 35,000 years ago.

Finding a single individual that connects both north and south Native Americans genetically is a significant finding because it gives evidence of a single early migration, said John Lindo, an anthropologist at Emory University in Atlanta who was not involved in the work.

He added that the study also gives credence to an earlier theory: that the original migrants to the New World stayed in Beringia long enough to become genetically distinct from people in East Asia.

But Potter said it is still up for debate whether a single group crossed the Beringian land bridge and split afterward, or if the groups already were distinct before coming to the Americas.

We have too little data to firmly reject any of the major ideas for the route that people took into the New World, he said.

He said future discoveries of ancient remains could help answer some of these questions, but those findings tend to be few and far between.

In the meantime, the DNA evidence embedded in Xachiteeaaneh Teede Gaays small bones will enable researchers to craft better hypotheses about how people first came to the Americas that can be tested in other ways  such as archaeology and paleoecology.

The awesomeness of this study is that it gives us a new line of questions to explore, Potter said.

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A man visiting his girlfriend for the holidays after his first semester as a transfer student at UC Berkeley was arrested by Border Patrol agents at an immigration checkpoint in Jamul.

Luis Mora, 20, and his girlfriend Jaleen Udarbe, 21, were on their way home from a party around 10 p.m. on Saturday when they missed a turn and ended up at the checkpoint. Mora has been detained in a temporary holding cell in a Border Patrol station since then.

Luis Mora was found in violation of his visa condition, said Tekae Michael, a spokeswoman for Border Patrol in the San Diego sector. Currently, Luis Mora is listed in DHS custody. This is all the information I have on the subject at this time.

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Mora became an unauthorized immigrant after he came to the U.S. from Colombia as a child and overstayed his visa, Udarbe said.

He grew up in the San Diego area and went to Otay Ranch High School. He met Udarbe in an honors society at Southwestern College, and theyve been together for almost a year.

In December, he told her about his immigration status. It didnt bother her, she said, but it did make her worry about him.

He said its really hard to be a U.S. citizen here, Udarbe said. Hes been trying, but they just wont let him.

Neither knew that there is a checkpoint along Campo Road between Jamul and Dulzura. They passed it after they knew that theyd missed the turn home.

Once they realized they would have to go back through the checkpoint to make it home, they were in shock, she said.

He said, This is it for me. Im sorry, she said.

After Moras arrest, she called her mother in tears. Then, she started trying to figure out how to contact Moras mother, who is in Ecuador. The two had never spoken before.

Udarbe spent New Years Eve making more phone calls to find a way to help Mora. Assisted by a student organization at UC Berkeley called Rising Immigrant Scholars through Education, she rallied friends and community members on social media to campaign for Mora with the hashtag #FreeLuis.

Because of the campaign, Prerna Lal of the East Bay Community Law Center, a lawyer who represents unauthorized immigrant students at UC Berkeley, is now working on Moras case.

Since Mora is still in Border Patrol custody, its more difficult for her to communicate with her client, Lal said. She didnt want to comment on details of his case before meeting with him in person.

The Union-Tribune was unable to interview Mora because he is in Border Patrol custody.

He will eventually be transferred to a longer-term detention facility by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the federal agency responsible for carrying out deportations.

Lal doesnt know why Mora hasnt been transferred to such a facility. Mora told Udarbe that more than 60 people are detained with him at the Border Patrol station, slowing down processing.

Lal hopes that ICE officers will agree to release Mora while his case is pending so that he can return to UC Berkeley in time for the semester starting in mid-January. By law, ICE can only hold people if the agency believes that they wont show up for their court dates or that they are dangerous to society.

Neither applies to Mora, Lal said.

If ICE will give him a bond, the university will help pay it, she said.

It should be simple, Lal said. It doesnt serve anyones interest to keep him for longer.

Mora is studying political science and has dreams of going to law school. In 2016, he was selected for the Young Latino Champion award given out by the San Diego Union-Tribune.

At the time, he told the Union-Tribune that for him, a successful life would mean helping as many people as possible.

I like to show that you can make an impact in your community no matter who you are, Mora said. What inspires me is seeing how little things can make a big change.

Moras mother is in Ecuador, and his father died a few years ago, Udarbe said.

After the two began dating, her family became his family. He calls Udarbes mother, Mom.

Udarbe took the Union-Tribune to see where she shouldve turned from Campo Road onto Otay Lakes Road. In the process, she had to drive through the checkpoint again. Though she is a U.S. citizen, she tensed as she looked for her ID before driving up to the agent.

Im traumatized, she said. Its a scary process to be in.

Udarbe hopes that sharing Moras story will not only help him, but also other young unauthorized immigrants, known as dreamers, who are hoping Congress will pass legislation giving them a pathway to citizenship.

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Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions ended an Obama-era federal policy that provided legal shelter for marijuana sales in California and five other states that have allowed recreational pot, placing at risk thousands of marijuana businesses operating legally under state laws.

The Justice Department move on Thursday plunged Californias fledgling recreational pot market into further uncertainty, and was met with a bipartisan backlash from lawmakers in states where marijuana is now sold legally to any adult who wants to buy it.

It is the mission of the Department of Justice to enforce the laws of the United States, Sessions said in a statement, which added that the Obama-era policy that directed federal prosecutors not to target state marijuana businesses undermines the rule of law and the ability of our local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement partners to carry out this mission.

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States that have legalized girded to fight.

In California, we decided it was best to regulate, not criminalize, cannabis. Unlike others, we embrace, not fear, change, Atty. Gen Xavier Becerra said. After all, this is 2018 not the 20th century. At the California Department of Justice we intend to vigorously enforce our states laws and protect our states interests.

Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom tweeted on Thursday: Have no doubt  California will pursue all options to protect our reforms and rights.

With the California industry expected to generate up to $7 billion eventually, the Justice Department announcement was likely to chill potential investors in the states pot market, industry leaders predicted.

But Californias state Bureau of Cannabis Control, which on Monday began processing hundreds of applications for businesses seeking to legally grow, transport and sell marijuana. showed no sign of slowing after Sessions announcement.

The bureaus chief, Lori Ajax, vowed to continue issuing permits while defending our states laws to the fullest extent.

Legally, California and other states cant prevent the federal government from enforcing federal drug laws. There is nothing that I can see the state attorney general could possibly do to preclude a marijuana prosecution under federal law, said industry attorney Aaron Herzberg. He said the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled on the matter. The federal supremacy clause governs.

Politically, however, officials in states that have legalized pot feel theyre on stronger ground, given the growing public acceptance of legalized marijuana and the sheer scale of the rapidly expanding legalized industry.

Sessions notably did not order federal prosecutors to begin a stepped-up assault on marijuana, instead saying he would leave the decision up to each of the countrys 93 U.S. attorneys. That approach could lead to vastly different federal law enforcement from state to state or even within larger states that have several U.S. attorneys offices. California, for example, has four.

The attorney general has, however, expressed specific concerns about marijuana policies in California. In a remark after a news conference last month, for example, he said he was disturbed about Californias role as a pot-exporting state, noting that much of the states crop ends up on the black market.

Whether federal prosecutors have the resources, or even interest, to thwart the national movement toward more permissive cannabis regulation remains to be seen. The move on Thursday to rescind the Justice Departments so-called safe-harbor policy, however, is certain to spread anxiety throughout the multibillion-dollar pot business.

In California, a spokesperson for the U.S. attorney in Sacramento said the office will evaluate violations of [federal] laws in accordance with our districts federal law enforcement priorities and resources. A spokesman for the U.S. attorney in San Francisco largely echoed that statement, adding that the office will work with state, local, and federal law enforcement and allocate resources accordingly.

The U.S. attorneys office in San Diego went a step further, issuing a statement saying Sessions decision returns trust and local control to federal prosecutors in each district when it comes to enforcing the Controlled Substances Act.

Thom Mrozek, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney in Los Angeles, said he did not have any specific comment about whether the office would change its policy toward marijuana prosecutions.

Six states have legalized recreational use of marijuana: California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Colorado and Alaska. Voters in Maine and Massachusetts have also approved legalization measures, but they have not taken effect.

A much larger group, 29 plus the District of Columbia, have legalized marijuana for medical purposes. The new Justice Department policy does not put medical marijuana at risk in the same way as recreational pot, at least for now.

A law passed by Congress strictly limits the federal government from interfering with medical marijuana sales. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which has jurisdiction over federal cases in California and eight other western states, has interpreted that law to bar any prosecutions in medical pot cases.

Sessions has sought to have the federal ban lifted, and Justice Department officials suggested their new policy could be extended to threaten medical pot, as well, if the law changes or if the 9th Circuits interpretation is overturned. They left unclear whether they might pursue prosecutions of medical pot in states outside the 9th Circuits jurisdiction.

One of the authors of the federal law, Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Costa Mesa), said Thursday that Sessions has just delivered an extravagant holiday gift to the drug cartels.

By attacking the will of the American people, who overwhelmingly favor marijuana legalization, Jeff Sessions has shown a preference for allowing all commerce in marijuana to take place in the black market, which will inevitably bring the spike in violence he mistakenly attributes to marijuana itself, Rohrabacher said.

Justice Department officials said the policy reversal wont necessarily mean a rush of new marijuana prosecutions. But they made clear their intent was to end the safe harbor for the industry to operate in and increase the level of unease for growers and dispensary owners  along with anyone who does business with them.

When asked whether the new policy could mean trouble for banks that deal with marijuana businesses, for example, a senior Justice Department official who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity said: Its clear  that certain banking activities that relate to marijuana are against federal law.

I cant say where it will or wont lead to more prosecutions, the official said, referring to the new policy. We believe that the U.S. attorneys offices should be opened up to bring all the cases that need to be brought.

Hilary Bricken, an attorney who represents a range of businesses in the marijuana industry, said that leaving the policy up to each U.S. attorney had eliminated any clarity on the law. As the marijuana industry braces for varied and selective enforcement, business owners would need to learn where their local U.S. attorney stands on marijuana issues, she said.

Some of them are going to be drug warriors. Others are not going to be concerned with this, Bricken said.

The picture will be even more complicated in many areas because Trump has not yet nominated U.S. attorneys in many districts. So far, 46 U.S. attorneys have been nominated and confirmed, meaning that about half the offices nationwide are led by interim appointees.

One leading Republican senator threatened Thursday that confirmation of future nominees will be at risk if Sessions persists in his anti-marijuana effort.

What happened today was a trampling of Colorados rights, its voters, Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) said in a Senate floor speech in which he angrily accused Sessions of going back on commitments to respect the will of voters in states that have chosen to legalize.

I will be putting today a hold on every single nomination from the Department of Justice until Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions lives up to the commitment he made to me, declared Gardner, who is a member of the Senates Republican leadership.

The top federal prosecutor in his state, U.S. Atty. Bob Troyer, said Thursday that his office wont be changing its approach to pot cases. He would continue to focus on identifying and prosecuting those who create the greatest safety threats to our communities around the state, Troyer said.

The Obama administration put its policy in place in response to the legalization of recreational marijuana in Colorado and Washington state. Those rules had prevented federal prosecutors from targeting marijuana businesses operating legally under state law and allowed the recreational cannabis trade to bloom in the states where voters have legalized.

Sessions began signaling long ago that a crackdown was coming, but pro-marijuana lawmakers and regulators had responded with defiance, declaring that legalization was so far along that there was little the Department of Justice could do to stop it.

His anti-pot crusade, however, has been at odds with the more laissez-faire stance of President Trump. Trump said unequivocally during his presidential campaign that he opposes a crackdown on recreational marijuana, saying the issue of legalization should be left to individual states.

Gardner posted on social media Thursday the segment of a news interview in which Trump said as much.

The difference in positions raises the question of whether the White House would back the Justice Department if federal marijuana prosecutions ramp up dramatically.

Marijuana legalization is more popular than it has ever been, with a recent Gallup poll finding it is favored by 64% of Americans. It has majority support across party lines, even among Republicans for the first time ever, the polling indicates.

Yet the announcement by Sessions puts the fledgling marijuana industry in a defensive crouch. Marijuana businesses were already struggling to navigate untested state regulations and the challenge of finding insurance and banking businesses willing to risk working with them.

While dismantling the industry will prove impossible, the move by Sessions will create more uncertainty in an industry that already has its fair share of risks and unknowns, said Chris Walsh, vice president of Marijuana Business Daily. We certainly could see some types of regional crackdowns.

Groups that oppose legalization agreed that the Justice Department was unlikely to shut down the commercial pot trade. But they welcomed the prospect of creating new problems for it. Kevin A. Sabet, head of the anti-legalization group Smart Approaches to Marijuana, expressed hope the policy change will slow down the rise of Big Marijuana and stop the massive infusion of money going to fund pot candies, cookies, ice creams, and other kid-friendly pot edibles. Investor, banker, funder beware.

Civil rights groups had a different take. The ACLU warned federal prosecutions will have a disproportionate and disastrous impact on people of color, who use pot at similar rates than whites, but have historically been far more likely to be prosecuted for it.

Sarah Armstrong, director of industry affairs for Americans for Safe Access, which advocates for legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research, said the Justice Department announcement was really very upsetting and scary for patients who dont know, when they walk in the door, if theres going to be a raid.

Even a crackdown solely on recreational marijuana could jeopardize medical users, Armstrong said, because many dispensaries will be serving both patients and other customers.

The 2013 policy which Sessions will rescind is known as the Cole memorandum, named after former deputy attorney general James Cole. It had provided clarity not just to marijuana businesses and users, but also to state and local law enforcement agencies, which now could find themselves working at cross purposes with their federal counterparts.

Halper and Tanfani reported from Washington and McGreevy from Sacramento. Times staff writer Emily Alpert Reyes in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

evan.halper@latimes.com

Follow me: @evanhalper

UPDATES:

4:43 p.m.: This article was updated to include a statement from the U.S. attorneys office in Californias Southern District.

4:10 p.m.: This article was updated to include a statement from the U.S. attorneys office in Californias Northern District.

3:35 p.m.: This article was updated with a statement from the U.S. attorneys office in Californias Eastern District.

2:45 p.m.: This article was updated with information on the status of legalization in two additional states.

2:00 p.m.: This article was updated with additional reaction from state officials and U.S. Attorneys offices.

10:14 a.m.: This article was updated with statements from Justice Department officials, additional details on the new policy and reaction from state officials and outside experts.

This article was originally published at 8:05 a.m.
One cellblock in the Maekelawi prison in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, is known as the Dark House. Its chilly, dank cells are underground, including four pitch-black cells too narrow for inmates to sit or stretch their arms or legs.

It has a second nickname: Siberia.

Maekelawi is one of Ethiopias most notorious prisons, where dissidents, journalists, bloggers and protesters have been held for speaking out. According to a 2013 Human Rights Watch report, political prisoners and others have been tortured in Maekelawi through beatings, prolonged stress positions and exposure to severe cold.

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The government has always denied the allegations. But on Wednesday, Ethiopias prime minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, stunned local activists and international human rights observers when he announced that the government would release all political prisoners and turn the Maekelawi prison into a museum.

Desalegns announcement was momentous because it marked the first time the government has admitted to holding political prisoners, often referring to them as criminals or terrorists in the past.

It seemed too good to be true, and many immediately doubted how sweeping the reform may turn out to be.

I didnt believe it at first, said Felix Horne, a Human Rights Watch expert on Ethiopia. For many, Maekelawi is a symbol of the abusive nature of the security forces. Its hard to imagine a museum that could take place that would not be a propaganda effort against the previous government.

Ethiopias government already has established another museum in Addis Ababa  the Red Terror Martyrs Museum  which exposes the horrors of the torture carried out in 17 years of the communist Derg administration before it was overthrown in 1991, giving way to the current government.

The museums slogan: Never ever again.

Rights groups have been exposing the torture of political prisoners in Maekelawi and other Ethiopian prisons since the 1990s.

Desalegn said the measure was designed to create a space for national dialogue and consensus, according to the Addis Standard magazine.

Politicians currently under prosecution and those previously sentenced will either have their cases annulled or be pardoned, Desalegn said at a news conference. He said another detention center would be built to parliaments human rights guidelines and international standards.

But the prime minister offered no time frame nor any indication of how many would be released. And he left open a major question: Will the new leniency encompass only a handful of prominent jailed politicians, such as opposition leaders Bekele Gerba and Merera Gudina, or the many thousands arrested for exercising their political views or doing their jobs?

Like many, Horne suspects that change, when it comes, will be limited.

Looking at their past behavior, it seems that it will likely not be as broad as people think it should be, he said. What needs to happen is that torture across the country needs to stop and the government needs to make a clear announcement that it will hold security officials responsible for abuses.

One prominent activist, Blena Sahilu, questioned in a tweet how serious the governments announcement was.

For this to be meaningful:



1. Define political prisoners - charged under which legislation?

2. State the conditions for release, if any.

3. Set a clear time line for when this will start and be completed.  Blena (@BlenaSahilu) January 3, 2018

Almost as soon as the announcement was made, there were reports in Ethiopia that the prime ministers office had begun to retreat on its admission that there were political prisoners in its jails.

The government of Ethiopia is a closed, opaque and authoritarian organization, which jails and harasses local journalists and bloggers and denies foreign journalists access to report on protests that have wracked the country in recent years or on a severe hunger emergency caused by the worst drought in half a century.

According to Human Rights Watch, Ethiopia uses spyware and malware to monitor and hack Ethiopian activists and critics abroad. It reports that security agents pursue and abduct opposition figures who flee to neighboring countries, taking them back to Ethiopia to be jailed.

The government does not tolerate demonstrations. Security forces killed at least 800 protesters in 2015 and 2016, according to Amnesty International. The protests were initially sparked in 2015 by the expansion of a municipal boundary in the Oromia region, the nations largest, with farmers afraid they would be forced off their land. But thousands later took part in protests against the government.

According to Amnesty International, authorities used torture and arbitrary arrests to crush the protests, with more than 11,000 demonstrators arrested and detained. The heavy-handed actions led to tensions in the governing Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front coalition, which might explain the timing of the move to release prisoners. Ethiopia has also been under intense international pressure to do so.

Then-U.S. President Obama was criticized by some for visiting Ethiopia in 2015, given its poor record on human rights. However the nation is a staunch U.S. ally in the counter-terrorism battle in the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia released five jailed journalists and bloggers just weeks before Obama arrived. But thousands more dissidents would later be arrested.

The Addis Standard, an independent local magazine, called for the closure of the Maekelawi prison in a June 2016 editorial, saying: It is, by any definition, a state-run Torture Chamber built by an extinct repressive government but preserved and run by a government which proclaims itself democratic.

The editorial added that the prison was, above all, a symbol of a regime that acts contrary to the values, principles, and rules of the constitution it championed.

Some former prisoners cited in the 2013 Human Rights Watch report recalled being suspended from their wrists with their toes barely reaching the ground, or being bent with their hands tied to their feet. Some were beaten on the soles of their feet or doused with cold water and whipped.

Many political prisoners were arrested under Ethiopias 2009 Anti-Terrorism Proclamation, used to stifle dissent and to hold them for extended periods without trial.

Amnesty International spokesman Fisseha Tekle said the release of political prisoners was long overdue and called on the government to move swiftly.

Todays announcement could signal the end of an era of bloody repression in Ethiopia. For prisoners who have spent years incarcerated on politically motivated and trumped-up charges, this is long overdue.

Most have been detained solely for peacefully exercising their human rights, and should never have been in jail in the first place. We are calling on the Ethiopian authorities to implement todays decision as quickly as possible by immediately and unconditionally releasing them.

robyn.dixon@latimes.com

Twitter: @RobynDixon_LAT

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In response to a new federal Department of Justice guideline, District Attorney Summer Stephan said shes pushing crime labs to test their entire inventory of rape kits and is going as far as adjusting her own budget to help pay for the analyses.

This is such a priority for me that Ive asked my fiscal team to look at where can we cut from our budget and re-resource it to help pay for subcontracts, or to help with whatever is needed to assist the labs in clearing the inventory, Stephan said in an interview at her office.

Her hope is to bring the number of untested rape kits at the San Diego city and county crime labs from about 2,300 to zero.

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While Stephan wants DNA samples in all of the rape kits analyzed, the two labs both said that public safety has not been hurt because of the untested kits. And while the Justice Department now recommends testing all kits when possible, an earlier study conducted on the the departments behalf recommended otherwise after researchers found that in one case study comprehensive testing is expensive and produced limited results that could be used to fight crime.

Rape kits are used to gather and preserve evidence in cases of sexual assault. Proponents of universal testing say even one solved crime is worth the effort. Opponents say tests are skipped in many cases for legitimate reasons  such as a victim not wanting to proceed with a case, or when the issue is consent as opposed to identity of assailant.

Stephans opponent in this years election, Genevieve Jones-Wright, also wants all kits tested. She questioned why Stephan, the former head of a sex crimes unit, hasnt made this type of push earlier.

I think that if the DAs office was really serious about this, they would have done this years ago, Jones-Wright, a public defender, said by telephone. All of a sudden, now she cares about testing every single rape kit.

The 2011 study by the Justice Department of 4,763 untested rape kits in Los Angeles County resulted in two prosecutions, neither of which depended on DNA evidence. The tests cost $4.5 million, and the studys authors recommended that police should focus on analyzing kits from stranger-cases and recommended against testing all kits.

Disagreements between politicians and police over rape kits is an ongoing issue. In May the San Diego City Council put $500,000 earmarked for tests into the police departments budget, but the police department cautioned that the money and additional lab work was unlikely to help solve any crimes. Police called the funding well-intentioned but misguided.

Stephans push comes after the Justice Department published non-binding guidelines in August that, for the first time and contrary to the recommendations from the Los Angeles County study, encouraged police departments across the country to test DNA samples in every rape kit collected.

The kits and tests are the responsibility of crime labs  San Diego Police and the Sheriffs Department have about 1,900 and 400 untested kits respectively  but Stephan said that prosecutors can push to have them all analyzed.

It was extremely timely and a great way to move forward, at a faster speed, my priority of encouraging the testing of the rape kits, Stephan said.

The guideline set a standard that bolsters applications for grants to test rape kits, reallocate existing resources and outsource DNA analysis to qualified private labs, Stephan said.

In the fall California legislators passed a new law that requires law enforcement agencies to report to the state the number of untested kits in their inventory and an explanation for why they have not been tested.

The Sheriffs Department said it is reducing its cache of untested kits but that the ones in its inventory are not prosecutable. The San Diego Police Department says that their current policy is effective  focusing on stranger rape, or cases in which DNA evidence might identify an unknown assailant.

The Justice Departments new guideline encourages law enforcement to test samples and, when legally permissible, to put DNA profiles into a federal database.

The feds say kits should always be tested, even beyond the expiration of statutes of limitations, because its possible that the statute could be extended or the information used for civil commitments under sexual predator laws. The test results could also be used to determine prior illegal behavior and be considered in parole hearings and criminal sentencings. It might also provide the victim with closure.

Testing of old kits has helped prosecutors elsewhere. The Detroit Free Press reported that in 2009, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy analyzed more than 11,000 untested kits found during a tour of a storage warehouse, including some that were collected as long ago as 1984. Analysis found 817 serial rapists who had attacked more than one person and resulted in 1,947 cases investigated. Of those 817, more than 50 had 10 to 15 hits each in a database.

Its unclear why the Wayne County kits were not tested or if policies in San Diego labs are similar to the ones in Michigan. The California Coalition Against Sexual Assault says that some police agencies across the country did not have all the resources to test all the kits they wanted to test, but that San Diego was not one of those places. Labs here said they have the money and the staff to do the lab work they need to do.

At the San Diego Police Department, the protocol is to omit kits that are very unlikely to shed new light in a case, to help prevent more crime or to play a role at trial, said Jennifer Shen, a lab manager.

We have categories of kits we purposely dont test, she said by telephone. We dont test kits when we have a person who has been arrested. When you know who your perpetrator is  they have been arrested, plead guilty, or been convicted  that doesnt make sense.

The Sheriffs Department said it has contracted with a private laboratory and increased staffing at its own crime lab to reduce its inventory of 400 rape kits in response to a bill state lawmakers passed last year.

That legislation requires departments to report to the state the number of kits it has collected, whether the kits have been tested, and  if a sample is not tested  a reason why. Stephan said the new rule further supported the validity of my priority.

In an email, Sheriffs Department spokeswoman Lt. Karen Stubkjaer said the untested kits have not prohibited or delayed the pursuance of any prosecutable cases.

The county does not test in situations in which a victim does not want to work with police or if the perpetrators profile is already in the federal database  or if a report turns out to be unfounded.

Tests cost $1,000 to $1,500, and it would be inefficient to analyze DNA samples in which the results would not shed new light on a case, Shen said, and the lab has all the resources it needs for necessary tests.

Further, she said, testing a kit can have unintended consequences if police dont reasonably believe a crime occurred, as DNA from an innocent person could be entered into a database reserved for suspected criminals.

We need to be concerned about the civil rights of our citizens, Shen said, all of them.

While there is an inventory of untested kits, the lab has reviewed each case and made sure there was a sound justification for each one that has been left untested, she said.

Twitter: @jptstewart

joshua.stewart@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-1841
In the first presidential election in which she was old enough to vote, Sara Jacobs cast a ballot for Barack Obama.

Some two years later, in 2010, she was working in the White House doing case work on behalf of Americans whod lost their homes.

Seven years later, at 28, Jacobs -- granddaughter of Qualcomm founder and landmark philanthropist Irwin Jacobs; daughter of Gary Jacobs, Irwin Jacobs oldest son, former Qualcomm executive and founder of High Tech High -- is running to represent the 49th Congressional District, one of four Democrats hoping to unseat Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista.

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And you know what?

This millennial to the high-tech manner born has better than a fighting chance to become the youngest congresswoman in history.

Too radical a New Years prediction?

Maybe, but after talking with Jacobs for an hour over coffee, heres what I took away:

Discount the knee-jerk snark about an entitled princess whos had it easy. The slur doesnt stick.

Early on, Jacobs was encouraged to be a master of the meritocratic digital universe, not a glad-handing pol.

After graduating from Torrey Pines High School, she was accepted to MIT but, wanting to embrace the chaotic human world, chose to study political science at Columbia where she earned two degrees in five years. (She did take one engineering class at Columbia. Though she was the only non-engineering major, she earned the top grade, she says with a self-satisfied smile.)

At Columbia, she nailed 10 internships to her resume as well as independent study in Ghana.

After graduation, she served policy roles at UNICEF, the United Nations and the State Department. In the Clinton campaign, she worked on foreign policy. (Yes, she benefited from influential mentors. But who in Washington doesnt?)

Joining a wave of women running for office in 2018, Jacobs aspires to hold President Trump accountable while correcting the roughly 80-to-20 ratio of elected men to women in Congress.

In her own congressional district, which extends from Dana Point to UC San Diego, Jacobs concluded the challengers are fine people, but a differently pitched voice was missing.

Last summer, Emilys List, the organization that supports pro-choice women candidates, gave Jacobs a supportive nudge to run.

She sought advice from Democratic Congresswoman Susan Davis and Congressman Scott Peters. By November she was all in.

Come June, Issa will receive somewhere between 42 and 52 percent of the vote.

After his scare in 16, almost losing to Doug Applegate, Issa has been hewing toward the middle when possible, voting against the GOP tax bill, for example, when its passage was certain.

Issa, a lion of incumbency, will get his primary share. That leaves a pool of some 58 to 48 percent. With four Democratic candidates in the race, the winner (i.e., second-place finisher) could score less than 20 percent and earn the right to go against Issa in November. Jacobs (or a friendly PAC) will have the financial means to press the message in two media markets that her rising generation, her under-represented gender, her remarkable family background and her nuts-and-bolts experience in government, though all vulnerable to negative attack, are appealing reasons to vote for her.

It should be noted that San Diego has an admirable history of electing women with moxie.

From Lucy Killea, Dede Alpert and Maureen OConnor to Lynn Schenk and Susan Golding, from Toni Atkins, Bonnie Dumanis, Dianne Jacob, Pam Slater-Price and Chris Kehoe to Susan Davis and Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, San Diego women have whacked the proverbial ceiling.

Will this product of Del Mars public schools, young as she is, be the next San Diego woman to shatter glass in this #MeToo era of national reckoning?

Barring another woman entering the race, Jacobs will have a lane to herself.

If she holds her own in June, if youth is served, an ambitious millennial who passed on MIT for a career in public service could end the 18-year Issa Age.
A 52-year-old man was gravely injured in a Clairemont shooting Wednesday night and homicide detectives are investigating the incident.

Someone in a home on Sauk Avenue east of Genesee Avenue called 911 to report the incident about 7 p.m., San Diego homicide Lt. Mike Holden said.

When officers arrived, they found a man with a serious head wound in the front yard of the residence, Holden said. Officers and paramedics performed life-saving measures and the man was rushed to a hospital.

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Doctors there told police the man isnt expected to survive.

The man lived in the house he was found in front of, the lieutenant said. Homicide detectives are speaking with people who were inside when the shooting happened to determine if they witnessed anything.

At this time, its unclear what led to the shooting or who might be responsible.

The man has been identified, but his name will not be released until family members have been notified.

There were several robberies in the area Wednesday night. Investigators dont believe the killing was related.

Twitter: @LAWinkley

(619) 293-1546

lyndsay.winkley@sduniontribune.com
The victim who was fatally stabbed at his Gaslamp Quarter apartment on New Years Day was a Navy man, authorities said Wednesday.

James Hearn, 28, was an active-duty sailor married to the man suspected of killing him, San Diego police said.

A Navy spokesman said Hearn was a student with a local detachment from Navy Medical Training Support Center in Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

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Police got a 911 call shortly before 3:30 a.m. Monday about an assault victim in the hallway of Market Street Village Apartments on 14th Street. Officers found him on the fifth floor, bleeding from stab wounds.

Officers started CPR on Hearn until medics arrived, but he died before he could be taken to a hospital, police homicide Lt. Todd Griffin said.

Terry Benson, 27, was detained at the apartments for questioning, then arrested on suspicion of murder. Griffin said the men married in Washington, D.C. in 2015 and shared the apartment on 14th Street.

pauline.repard@sduniontribune

Twitter: @pdrepard
Three days after recreational marijuana went on sale in California, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has issued confusing signals about whether the government will crack down on sale of legal cannabis.

The Associated Press reports that Sessions will repeal an Obama-era law that made it easier for the sale of medical and recreational marijuana to take hold in many states.

But the AP also says that Sessions will leave it up to US Attorneys to decide whether to aggressively crack down on weed sales.

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The sale of cannabis remains against federal law. But nearly 30 states and Washington, D.C. have legalized medical marijuana, and eight states and D.C. have legalized recreational marijuana.

California voters overwhelming approved recreational marijuana in November 2016. The new law allows people to possess marijuana and grow a small amount of it. The law also made it legal to sell cannabis in licensed stores.

Stores began selling adult cannabis on Monday, and things got off to a very brisk start start in places like San Diego, which has almost a dozen legal pot shops.

Urbn Leaf in Bay Park says it served roughly 1,000 customers on Monday about triple the number it usually sees on a week day.

A Green Alternative in Otay Mesa attracted about 400 customers on Monday, or five times what it usually gets.

The stores co-founder, Zach Lazarus, told the Union-Tribune on Thursday morning,  Were going to stand behind Gov. Jerry Brown and Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who support the sale of marijuana in California.

Were going to ask them to help retailers navigate through these issues. I feel that the matter has been decided; marijuana is legal. Its here to stay, medically and recreationally. The people of California cant be wrong.

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Twitter: @grobbins

gary.robbins@sduniontribune.com
The top Democrat on the U.S. Senate committee that oversees Customs and Border Protection is raising concerns over a nearly $300 million contract the agency recently inked with a private company to help it hire thousands of new agents and officers.

The letter from Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Missouri, to acting CBP Commissioner Kevin McAleenan demands details of the contracts and the decision-making process at the agency, as well as answers to a handful of questions about costs and the need to hire a private company to help CBPs own personnel department.

The letter comes three weeks after The San Diego Union-Tribune published a story on the contract, which was awarded on Nov. 17 to a division of Accenture, an international professional services corporation.

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If the contract runs its full five-year course, Accenture would be paid $297 million to assist CBP to hire 7,500 new employees, including 5,000 Border Patrol agents, 2,000 customs officers and 500 Air and Marine officers. The company will be paid $42.6 million in the first year, according to federal contracting records.

That works out to about $40,000 per new hire  about the starting pay for a customs officer.

McCaskill said in a statement that she was concerned about the sky-high costs in this contract and questioned if the payout would actually hurt efforts to staff up the agencies.

Any dollar wasted on an unnecessary recruiting contract is a dollar that cannot be spent on additional badly needed boots on the ground, she said.

A CBP spokeswoman said via email that the agency will respond to McCaskills letter, and said it was committed to hiring qualified workers to fulfill its mission:

We are committed to making the best use of our available resources and working with all of our stakeholders to address the challenges of our growing and changing mission, the statement said.

Previously the agency said that the $40,000 estimate was erroneous because the total contract amount includes one time start-up costs for recruiting measures and other steps to capture applicants.

In a statement CBP, said that the contract was a proactive response to previous hiring woes.

The agency hasnt met minimum staffing levels for Border Patrol, takes months to hire one applicant and has more agents leave annually than it hires. In bid documents for the contract CBP said that it has to recruit 133 applicants to fill just a single Border Patrol agent position.

Not unlike other major companies and organizations, we are expanding our recruiting and hiring efforts to find better, more effective ways to recruit, hire and retain frontline personnel, a CBP spokeswoman said in December when asked about the need for the contract.

McCaskill also noted in her letter that while Accenture will be responsible for helping recruit applicants and move them through various steps in the hiring process  from entrance exams to physical fitness tests, background investigations and more  CBP officials will still be involved in making final decisions at various stages.

Despite the high cost, she wrote, that amount will still not cover all the expenses of hiring.

She requested CBP provide not only the contract and backup documents, but also wanted answers to several specific questions.

Why does CBP, which has its own Office of Human Resource Management, need help from a private contractor to hire additional personnel?

Whats the per capita cost for new employees and how did the agency determine the cost was reasonable?

Has CBP requested money for the contract in its budget? If not, what programs will be cut?

Why did CBP already obligate money for the contract before Congress appropriated any funds for additional CBP personnel?

A year ago President Donald Trump in an executive order called for hiring 5,000 more Border Patrol agents as a key part in his immigration crackdown. Congress has not appropriated any money yet for additional hires.

McCaskill said she wanted responses to her question by Jan. 24, and a briefing for committee staff to follow that.

Twitter: @gregmoran

greg.moran@sduniontribune.com
UPDATE: Chinese museum re-secures web address

People interested in learning about the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum can no longer look to the charitys website for information  at least until officials regain control of the domain name.

The museums website has been taken over by Baidu, a Chinese firm that operates one of the largest search engines in Asia and provides a host of other web services such as transactions, research, video and artificial intelligence.

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A spokeswoman for the museum said the loss of the domain name  sdchm.org  is temporary.

Essentially we are in the process of resolving the domain name, said Olivia Stafford of Focuscom Inc., a San Diego public relations firm. The website will be up as soon as our external host processes our request.

The charity lost control of the domain name on Dec. 21, Stafford said, after the organization neglected to properly renew the identity.

The website itself is free. We just need to renew it, she said. In the meantime, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram are all active and obviously the phone number still works. Soon enough, the website will be up in exactly the same way it was.

The San Diego Chinese Historical Museum has been in the news for other reasons in recent months.

In November, the organization was sued by its former executive director, Tiffany Beres, who accused charity officials of terminating her employment after she raised questions about the museums business and investment practices.

Among other things, Beres alleged that her former employers mishandled county grant funds and inflated the value of donations to the nonprofit in order to generate greater tax deductions for donors.

Earlier in the same month, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that two plaques outside the downtown museum improperly credited county Supervisor Ron Roberts, who directed almost $100,000 in county funds to the charity. County rules prohibit individual supervisors from being publicly credited for awarding taxpayer dollars to nonprofit groups.

Baidu did not immediately respond to a request for comment submitted through its website.

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jeff.mcdonald@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1708 @sdutMcDonald
When it comes to our democracy, there will always be forces that will try to weaken it for political gain. Consider the recent lawsuit filed against the city of Poway that also challenges the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA), a landmark law that expands on the federal Voting Rights Act.

Earlier this year, Poways former mayor, Don Higginson, sued the city because of its decision to elect council members by neighborhood districts rather than citywide.

Poway did away with its at-large elections system  a system notorious for diluting the voting power of people of color, such as Latinos, Asians and African-Americans. In its place, it implemented the fairer, more representative district-based elections, which help underrepresented groups of people elect folks from their communities who better understand their wants and needs.

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Related: Poway election changes bring unintended consequences

The lawsuit also targets the constitutionality of the CVRA. That challenge should be of concern to all Californians because it seeks to make it easier to disenfranchise voters.

Enacted in 2001, the CVRA seeks to shield voters from having their votes diluted in one-size-fits-all electoral systems.

In recent years, dozens of cities and school boards have opted to switch to district-based elections. Some jurisdictions have done so in response to legal action.

Others have done so because local officials understand that district-based elections provide better representation for diverse neighborhoods and ensure all residents have a voice in local government.

The change from at-large to district-based elections has historically led to an uptick in voter registration. That means more eligible voters have faith their vote counts.

Politics aside, we can all agree that our democracy is better off when more people participate in the civic process, as well as when our elected officials are more accountable to the residents they represent.

The lawsuit is also bad news for Poway, where years of at-large local elections have resulted in South Poway being historically underrepresented on the City Council compared to the wealthier north side of town.

Unbalanced political representation weakens the relationship between the government and its citizens, creates voter apathy and disenfranchises voters.

District-based elections, however, would be an important step in ensuring that voters of all races in smaller, unrepresented neighborhoods would have someone from their community on the council. This helps level the political playing field, strengthens our civic process and gets more people involved in our democracy.

The CVRA has yielded just this effect in other cities. In Merced, the at-large City Council included no one who lived south of the railroad tracks that bisect the city. After converting to district-based elections following the threat of a CVRA lawsuit, Merceds council now has multiple districts with a majority of their population south of the tracks, ensuring representation on the council from a previously unrepresented, large portion of Merced.

Poway is a great place to live and one that is growing more diverse by the day.

Recently, a supermarket that is catering to Middle Eastern and Asian taste buds opened next to a Target store. That supermarket is one of several businesses that serve residents of diverse backgrounds. If the business community can be more representative of the changing demographics of Poway, why shouldnt our government?

Unfortunately, some Poway politicians oppose the changes that will help ensure that our electoral system is truly representative of the people that live here.

Fortunately, civil rights organizations such as MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund) are willing to step in and protect voters from being disenfranchised, and I am more than willing to join them to help protect our democracy.

I am seeking to join the lawsuit as an intervenor to make sure the voices of all Poway residents are heard and considered. As this legal process moves forward, its vital that we have different perspectives on issues that can influence the civic process for generations to come, in Poway and beyond.

This is the moment to step up and protect my right to have my vote count, as well as that of others who benefit from the CVRA.

We need to make our democracy stronger, not weaker.

Soto, a staffer at Alliance San Diego, is a Poway resident.
CLINTON  The developers of a proposed wind farm project near Clinton plan to submit a formal proposal to DeWitt County in the late spring, but an opposition group is already airing concerns.

Officials with Trade Winds Energy of Lenexa, Kansas, have been meeting with DeWitt County leaders over the past several months and have opened an office in downtown Clinton in the former Magill Hotel.

Tom Swierczewski, a development director with the company, said the company plans to apply for a special-use permit with DeWitt County, and if approved, construction is expected to start in 2019 with the project going online in 2020.

We have been very active in the last nine months with leasing land and finalizing our project footprint, he said.

According to the Trade Winds Energy website, the project would cover about 24,000 acres and involve about 200 individual landowners northwest of Clinton. The company said it would pay an estimated $3 million per year in new property taxes.

This latest proposal joins other projects in Central Illinois, including newly erected Radford's Run Wind Farm. Radford's Run has 139 turbines west of Maroa in Macon County and is operated by E.ON, the American unit of Germanys largest utility company.

But several residents are launching a campaign to stop the DeWitt County project before it gets started.

Andrea Rhoades of rural Kenney said she is concerned about the potential property value decline of homes near turbines, the noise and shadow flicker that turbines can cause leading to health issues, the decommissioning process for when the turbines are no longer operational, wildlife factors and the industrial feel that the machines bring to a rural, country setting.

A lot has been learned through the experiences of counties who have lived with wind turbines and the policies that have been put in place that help protect the safety, well-being and quality of life of their residences, she said.

Waynesville resident Ken Shaffer appeared before the countys Land Use Committee in December to request the board readdress the current zoning ordinances for wind farms. Shaffer said the county should require shadow flicker studies, allowing setbacks from structures at a distance of six times the structure height and reducing the tower height limit.

But that doesnt go far enough, Rhoades said, who lives directly south of the heart of the proposed wind farm.

We just built our dream home and had no idea that this wind farm project had been proposed, she said. We may have reconsidered had we known ahead of time.

Swierczewski said he understands that local residents have concerns and encourages anyone with questions to visit with him at the Clinton office.

One of our real focal points is community involvement, he said.

Northern DeWitt County is a great location for a wind farm, one of the best Ive seen in Illinois. It is windy and relatively flat with few water features, trees or other natural areas that would affect wildlife.

He said that the rural population also is ideal for a wind farm, and transmission lines running north and east are available to generate electricity to Chicago and eastern locations.

Still, Rhoades said there are many more negatives than positives for DeWitt County, and she vowed to fight the proposed project. She started a Facebook group which already has more than 1,000 members, most of whom are opposing the wind farm.

This project has been in the works for quite a while, yet most DeWitt County residents, even those that live close to the footprint of the project are unaware, she said.
If this years top goal out of the Poway City Hall sound familiar, it is.

For the second consecutive year, officials are saying that undergrounding utility lines along Espola Road is at the top of their to-do list.

Construction was supposed to start last year, but the project got snagged due to delays in multi-utility company planning and in the city acquiring needed construction easements, according to city officials. San Diego Gas & Electric, AT&T and Cox Communications are involved in project planning.

The opening of construction bids is set for next Tuesday, City Manager Tina White said. Contracts are expected to be awarded at the Jan. 23 council meeting.

Overhead lines will be buried along Espola Road, from Mountain Road to Northcrest Lane. A 6-foot-wide decomposed granite pathway, intended largely to protect students walking to and from schools, will stretch from the existing sidewalk south of Mountain Road to the one south of Willow Ranch Road. A split rail fence will run alongside the pathway.

There are two parts to the project, but all work will be done at the same time. The first undergrounding district will encompass 2,000 lineal feet. It will likely cost $1.9 million and will be paid for through the citys allocation of 20A fees collected by San Diego Gas & Electric Co. The city currently has only $1.25 million available in its account and plans to borrow the balance for five years worth of future annual allocations.

The second undergrounding district involves 2,200 lineal feet and will cost about $2.6 million. It will be paid for through general fund reserves.

The total cost of the pathway, including design and construction, is pegged at $1.5 million, which will paid for by an existing city general fund appropriation.

Officials estimate the project will take at least nine months  maybe longer  to complete. White said there will be a concerted effort not to shut down lanes during the morning and afternoon peak traffic periods and to keep parents driving their kids to and from Poway High School, Twin Peaks Middle School and Tierra Bonita Elementary School in the information loop.

As to other 2018 priorities, again, its more of the same.

White said making progress on planning for a new community center in Community Park and on upgrading properties along Poway Road remain high-priority items.

The council will devote most of its Jan. 23 meeting to hashing out how large the new center should be and where to find the extra money needed to construct it. The council chambers will likely be filled with senior citizens asking that the city construct the largest possible building so not to impact current classes and activities. A related issue is how best to continue senior-related programming and city classes during the construction period, as both the existing senior center and community center will be torn down.

The first six months of 2018 will see key city staffers meet with Meridian Communities, LLC and Sudberry Properties, who have been awarded an exclusive negotiating agreement to develop eight city-owned properties along Poway Road, between Pomerado and Carriage roads. The partnership has been given at least six months to refine a development proposal.

Email: editor@pomeradonews.com
Poway Unified School District officials say the district will be entering the new year with a stability in leadership that was missing in 2017.

Dr. Marian Kim-Phelps, who was hired as the districts new superintendent in March, said that having several key positions filled, including her own, as well as the new Associate Superintendent of Technology and Innovation Jennifer Burks, Associate Superintendent of Personnel Support Services James Jimenez and Associate Superintendent of Business Support Services Ron Little, will help the district move forward in 2018.

The last few years were a difficult time for the district as it was going through many changes, said Kim-Phelps in a late December statement. However, weve been working really hard to rebuild trust and confidence in our staff and community. We have been focused on bringing in new and innovative programs, building leadership capacity at all levels, and building a stronger, more collaborative governance team.  As we address some of the district challenges, my hope is to bring focused and stable leadership to the district, ensuring that Poway Unified School District remains one of the highest ranked in the state.

The fall elections could see changes on the Board of Education, as three of the five board members will be up for re-election. If the County Board of Education approves the map selected by the PUSD board members, the election could see board members T.J. Zane and Charles Sellers facing off for a single seat on the board, Michelle OConnor-Ratcliff up for re-election of another and a newcomer elected to fill the third seat.

Kim-Phelps said she has also worked to build strong relationships with the members of the Board of Education as well as staff and community leaders to forge positive partnerships in order to move the district to a better future, according to a statement.

The district is also looking to bring equity, access and opportunities to every student in 2018. PUSD has already been offering opportunities for teachers and staff to engage in professional learning in educational technology and technology integration, according to the statement. These experiences included a Google Roadshow, Tech Cafes and Tech Campalooza trainings for staff.

Many teachers expressed to me that this was some of the best training theyve received and theyre excited about the support theyre receiving from the district to implement more technology in their classrooms, said Kim-Phelps. We need to ensure that we are leveraging our best practices and developing new educational programs and initiatives that support our ability to ensure that every child is college and career ready and successful for life. We must expand the way our students learn and the way our teachers teach, and creatively use our resources for maximum impact.

The district will also be focusing on dealing with its budget shortfall, which has a $16.3 million projected deficit. This will require creative budget solutions, including community and business partnerships to make sure our students still have access to innovative programs, Kim-Phelps said.

Some of these partnerships include Adobe Bluffs Elementary Schools new Mandarin Chinese dual-language immersion program, which involves San Diego State Universitys Confucius Institute donating resources. Design 39 Campus will also be offering Korean culture and language electives, thanks to The Korean Education Center in Los Angeles and the Foundation for Korean Language and Culture, who have committed funding to make this possible, according to a statement.

Kim-Phelps said that the district will also be continuing its dedication to fiscal responsibility in 2018. The district is working to address the issues found in the internal controls assessment done by Moss Adams and will continue to engage its stakeholders in various aspects of district operations.

We all have a vested interest in our districts continued success, said Kim-Phelps. It is important that we all work together to ensure that Poway Unified doesnt lose sight of its mission of serving our students to give them the best educational experience possible.

Email: news@pomeradonews.com
One woman was found dead in a home in the 24400 block of Del Amo Road on Jan. 3 in an apparent murder-suicide, said San Diego County Sheriffs Homicide Lt. Rich Williams.

An adult male in the home with serious injuries was taken to a hospital, said Williams. Deputies did not find anyone else in the home after a search of the property.

Williams said a deputy found a handgun in the home, but the sheriffs department is seeking a search warrant to locate other evidence.

Sheriffs officers and Cal Fire responded to a call about noon from an unidentified person who said there had been a murder-suicide at the residence, Williams said. On arriving, they did not have to use force to enter the home, he added.

A Del Amo resident who requested anonymity said she believes the residents of the home were a younger couple with a son in high school.

Neighbors on Rutherford Road heard glass breaking and arguing this morning, she said. A couple of other neighbors heard altercations and gunshots.
PHILADELPHIA  La Salle University is selling nearly 50 pieces of art from its museum collection which it thinks could raise millions as it deals with financial struggles that have led to layoffs.

The sale includes a wide range of styles and genres, including paintings by American realist Thomas Eakins and early 17th century Italian Bartolomeo Manfredi, as well as an ink-on-paper by Henri Matisse.

The five most valuable works alone could bring in between $2.3 and $3.45 million, university spokeswoman Jaine Lucas said. They include Elisabeth Frink's "Walking Madonna" bronze statue and Georges Rouault's oil painting "The Last Romantic," Christies has told the school.

The school will sell 46 pieces of art that could bring $4 million to $7 million, and possibly much more, Lucas said.

Christie's auction house has been selected to handle the auction, which is tentatively set for March.

Some members of the Philadelphia art community have criticized La Salle's decision.

"This sort of feels like they're robbing Peter to pay Paul, and it's going to change the museum," Ron Rumford, director of Dolan/Maxwell, private art dealers in Philadelphia, told The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The university, which has about 3,200 students, has been trying to bounce back from a deficit and layoffs. It also has slashed tuition to battle an enrollment decline.

Public opposition has sunk similar plans at other universities to sell cherished art collections.

Brandeis University near Boston announced plans in 2009 to close its Rose Art Museum and sell $350 million in artwork in response to a budget crisis. But museum supporters filed a lawsuit, and the idea was dropped.

Randolph College sold an important piece of its art collection  "Men of the Docks" by George Bellows  to Britain's National Gallery for $25.5 million in 2014 after years of opposition.

"Men of the Docks" was one of four valuable paintings in the Randolph collection that the college planned to sell in 2007 to boost its endowment.

Some outraged Randolph employees resigned in protest of the plan, and opponents obtained an injunction blocking the sale, but the lawsuit was eventually dropped.
DECATUR  Yoga4Cats announced that the organization is now a licensed foster-based rescue organization by the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

Officially, we have been licensed since Dec. 15, but we wanted to wait until the new year to announce it, said Jeanette Skaluba, president of Yoga4Cats.

So far, they have four licensed foster families and would be happy to get more. Prospective fosters must go through an application process, with forms available on the website, www.yoga4cats.com, on their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/Yoga4Cats, and by email, teamyoga4cats@gmail.com.

Five cats are already in the program, and as the weather improves, Skaluba anticipates more, especially feral kittens that need to be socialized so they can be adopted.

The organization's WeTNR (We Educate, Trap, Neuter, Return) program focuses on reducing the feral cat population in Macon County. With a grant from the Young Philanthropists Giving Circle, Yoga4Cats traps feral or stray cats, provides medical care and alteration through a licensed vet, then assesses each cat for adoptability.

Feral cats are returned to their colony and adoptable cats are placed in the foster homes on their way to adoption.
Genetic analysis of DNA from a female infant found at the Upward Sun River archaeological site in Alaska has revealed a previously unknown Native American population, whom scientists have named Ancient Beringians. The research appears in the journal Nature.

It is widely accepted that the earliest settlers crossed from Eurasia into Alaska via an ancient land bridge spanning the Bering Strait which was submerged at the end of the last Ice Age.

Issues such as whether there was one founding group or several, when they arrived, and what happened next, are the subject of debate, however.

In the new study, researchers sequenced the full genome of an infant  a girl named Xachiteeaanenh Teede Gaay (Sunrise Child-girl) by the local Native community  whose remains were found at the Upward Sun River site in 2013.

To their surprise, the scientists found that although Xachiteeaanenh Teede Gaay had lived around 11,500 years ago, long after people first arrived in the region, her genetic information did not match either of the two recognized branches of early Native Americans, which are referred to as Northern and Southern.

Instead, she appeared to have belonged to an entirely distinct Native American population, which they called Ancient Beringians.

We didnt know this population existed, said co-author Professor Ben Potter, from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

These data also provide the first direct evidence of the initial founding Native American population, which sheds new light on how these early populations were migrating and settling throughout North America.

The DNA from Xachiteeaanenh Teede Gaay has provided an unprecedented window into the history of her people, he said.

She and a younger female infant found at the Upward Sun River site in 2013 lived about 11,500 years ago and were closely related, likely first cousins. The younger infant has been named Yekaanenh Teede Gaay (Dawn Twilight Girl-child).

It would be difficult to overstate the importance of this newly revealed people to our understanding of how ancient populations came to inhabit the Americas. This new information will allow us a more accurate picture of Native American prehistory. It is markedly more complex than we thought.

The Ancient Beringians diversified from other Native Americans before any ancient or living Native American population sequenced to date. Its basically a relict population of an ancestral group which was common to all Native Americans, so the sequenced genetic data gave us enormous potential in terms of answering questions relating to the early peopling of the Americas, said study senior author Professor Eske Willerslev, from St Johns College at the University of Cambridge, UK, and the University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

We were able to show that people probably entered Alaska before 20,000 years ago. Its the first time that we have had direct genomic evidence that all Native Americans can be traced back to one source population, via a single, founding migration event.

The researchers compared data from the Upward Sun River remains with both ancient genomes, and those of numerous present-day populations.

This allowed the team first to establish that the Ancient Beringian group was more closely related to early Native Americans than their Asian and Eurasian ancestors, and then to determine the precise nature of that relationship and how, over time, they split into distinct populations.

Until now, the existence of two separate Northern and Southern branches has divided academic opinion regarding how the continent was populated. Researchers have disagreed over whether these two branches split after humans entered Alaska, or whether they represent separate migrations.

The genome of Xachiteeaanenh Teede Gaay shows that Ancient Beringians were isolated from the common, ancestral Native American population, both before the Northern and Southern divide, and after the ancestral source population was itself isolated from other groups in Asia.

This means it is likely there was one wave of migration into the Americas, with all subdivisions taking place thereafter, the authors explained.

According to the teams timeline, the ancestral population first emerged as a separate group around 36,000 years ago, probably somewhere in northeast Asia.

Constant contact with Asian populations continued until around 25,000 years ago, when the gene flow between the two groups ceased. This cessation was probably caused by brutal changes in the climate, which isolated the Native American ancestors.

It therefore probably indicates the point when people first started moving into Alaska, Professor Willerslev said.

Around the same time, there was a level of genetic exchange with an ancient North Eurasian population.

Previous research has shown that a relatively specific, localized level of contact between this group, and East Asians, led to the emergence of a distinctive ancestral Native American population.

Ancient Beringians themselves then separated from the ancestral group earlier than either the Northern or Southern branches around 20,000 years ago. Genetic contact continued with their Native American cousins, however, at least until Xachiteeaanenh Teede Gaay was born in Alaska around 8,500 years later.

The geographical proximity required for ongoing contact of this sort led the scientists to conclude that the initial migration into the Americas had probably already taken place when the Ancient Beringians broke away from the main ancestral line.

It looks as though this Ancient Beringian population was up there, in Alaska, from 20,000 years ago until 11,500 years ago, but they were already distinct from the wider Native American group, said study first author Dr. Jos Victor Moreno-Mayar, from the University of Copenhagen.

Finally, the team established that the Northern and Southern Native American branches only split between 17,000 and 14,000 years ago which, based on the wider evidence, indicates that they must have already been on the American continent south of the glacial ice.

The divide probably occurred after their ancestors had passed through, or around, the Laurentide and Cordilleran ice sheets  two vast glaciers which covered what is now Canada and parts of the northern United States, but began to thaw at around this time.

The continued existence of this ice sheet across much of the north of the continent would have isolated the southbound travelers from the Ancient Beringians in Alaska, who were eventually replaced or absorbed by other Native American populations.

Although modern populations in both Alaska and northern Canada belong to the Northern Native American branch, the analysis shows that these derive from a later back migration north, long after the initial migration events.

One significant aspect of this research is that some people have claimed the presence of humans in the Americas dates back earlier  to 30,000 years, 40,000 years, or even more, Professor Willerslev said.

We cannot prove that those claims are not true, but what we are saying, is that if they are correct, they could not possibly have been the direct ancestors to contemporary Native Americans.

_____

J. Victor Moreno-Mayar et al. Terminal Pleistocene Alaskan genome reveals first founding population of Native Americans. Nature, published online January 3, 2018; doi: 10.1038/nature25173
FLORENCE, S.C.  Dangerously low temperatures Thursday night ensured treacherous road conditions again this morning.

A wind-chill advisory was posted for the Pee Dee and Grand Strand as temperatures were forecast to dip into the mid-teens with wind chills in the single digits overnight.

Temperatures also will be in the teens on Saturday and Sunday morning.

"Temperatures will quickly fall well below freezing this (Thursday) evening maintaining snow and ice across many area roadways," Steven Pfaff, the warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Wilmington, North Carolina, wrote in a briefing on the storm.

"In areas where melting did occur this afternoon, the liquid will refreeze, leading to areas of black ice on some roadways.

It was a different story Thursday, though, as the weather worked in favor of crews working to help the area recover from Wednesday's snow storm.

Daytime highs pushing 40 degrees and full sun combined with the work of South Carolina Department of Transportation crews  many transferred in from the Upstate and midlands  had many Pee Dee roads on the way to passable.

The improvements, though, would disappear as the sun set and temperatures dropped.

"Roads are expected to refreeze this evening, creating hazardous conditions tonight and Friday morning," SCDOT spokesman Robert Kudelka wrote in a briefing.

Cpl. Sonny Collins of the South Carolina Highway Patrol echoed the refreeze warning and cautioned that travel conditions could be icy for the next couple of mornings until temperatures warm up early next week.

Interstate 95 in Florence and Dillon counties was in good condition with no travel problems, while Interstate 20 in Darlington County was in passable condition and crews were working to improve it Thursday afternoon. Interstate 95 south of Florence County continued to have ice and snow problems, according to the briefing.

"Most primary routes are fair to good, but the pavement is still wet, and we anticipate any lingering moisture will refreeze tonight, Kudelka wrote. Most secondary routes in (the Pee Dee and Grand Strand) are still covered with snow and ice."

Overnight lows forecast to be in the teens probably will keep crews working 24 hours to keep roads open to traffic, according to the briefing.

Florence County officials closed a portion of Third Loop Road near South Irby Street following a crash Wednesday night that backed up traffic for miles in both directions.

Florence Fire Chief Randall Osterman said that at one point the ice was so bad on Third Loop Road that firefighters working a crash in a curve watched as the department's crash truck, which was parked, started to slide down the slope of the curve toward a ditch. The truck stopped before it reached the ditch.

Battalion Chief Robert Holland said at one point it took firefighters more than an hour to travel from the South Irby Street and Cherokee Road intersection to one of the department's stations on Redbud Lane  a trip that usually takes about 15 minutes.

The city of Florence on Wednesday closed both of its underpasses and the MLK overpass that crosses the CSX railyard between Lucas and Church streets. State crews cleared the Palmetto Street underpass about noon.

Collins and a convoy of Highway Patrol vehicles drove U.S. 52 from Lake City to Florence Thursday morning and managed to keep a 30-35 mile an hour speed along the way, he said.

The veteran trooper said the agency understands that some people need to be at work despite the weather but encouraged those who didn't have to be at work and drivers who might be out sightseeing to stay off the roads until they're cleared.

At the height of the storm Wednesday evening, first responders were slammed as they rolled from one incident to the next. Throughout Thursday, agencies responded to crashes. Some of them had already been dealt with but were reported again by passersby and were responded to again.

"Dont let the roads fool you, Florence County Council member Roger Poston posted to his Facebook page Thursday afternoon. Florence County has had 161 accidents since the snow started. A normal number for this time frame is below 10. Please be safe,"

While the sun, temperatures above freezing and transportation crews will work on roads by day, there will be no relief by night.

"Dangerously cold temperatures will continue with lows each night through Sunday morning, in the teens most areas," Pfaff wrote in his briefing.

"Snow/black ice is likely to continue on many roadways across the area tonight into the Friday morning commute, creating hazardous travel conditions," Pfaff said.

The Pee Dee finally will get weather relief Sunday as temperatures climb into the mid-40s and fall only into the upper-20s overnight. Monday temperatures are forecast to climb into the mid-50s as clouds and rain move into the area.
CHICAGO  Chicago Public Schools employees stole or misappropriated thousands of dollars worth of school-purchased gift cards that were intended to be used as incentives for students and families, according to an annual report from the districts inspector general.

In one case, a principal of a school for vulnerable students stole presents of at least $500 in gift cards that were donated to the students and were intended to help address their specialized needs, Inspector General Nicholas Schulers office found. The same principal gave to an acquaintance 30 new backpacks filled with school supplies that had been donated, according to Schuler.

The misuse of gift cards was among a long list of alleged wrongdoing by teachers, principals and district families in the IGs annual report, which was released Wednesday. Among other findings of the report, which does not identify schools or employees by name:

An elementary school principal spent at least $22,000 in school funds for personal purchases at Costco and Apple stores.

A district agricultural program employee used his meat processing company to sell eggs produced at the school for a profit.

A principal used school funds to fund a teachers lunch club featuring lobster, shrimp and steaks.

Families continued to use false addresses to get their children into highly competitive selective-enrollment programs.

The report covers investigations completed between July 2016 and the end of last June. It also summarized investigations that led to the ouster of district CEO Forrest Claypool, who resigned in December after being accused of trying to undermine an ethics investigation; found irregularities at a high school program for Cook County Jail inmates; and questioned the ability of blacklisted CPS employees to find work at independently operated district schools.

But a primary focus of this years report was the wasteful practice of purchasing gift cards that are intended to be used as incentives for students and families. The findings prompted the IG to demand changes in how the district supervises the widespread practice of buying gift or cash cards.

Dozens of CPS schools, offices and departments spent slightly more than $250,000 on 7,462 gift or cash cards between January 2013 and December 2016, according to Schulers office. Employees at five schools examined by the IG used some of those cards to make more than $10,200 in personal purchases, Schuler said.

According to the report, a principal and clerk at a program for vulnerable students used cards to spend more than $3,000 on items that at best, were only somewhat related to educational purposes or, at worst, were clearly for personal reasons. That included wedding favors, several purchases from an Iowa casino and repeated expenditures at restaurants.

Schuler said his office also discovered the schools principal and other employees stole hundreds of dollars worth of gift cards that were donated to students, as well as hundreds of dollars in school funds. The former employees also tried to intimidate a teacher at the school into lying to investigators, Schuler said.

The principal and clerk resigned in light of the investigation, Schuler said. Two additional employees were fired.

Staff members at four other buildings used school-purchased gift cards to pay for a range of expenses that included telephone bills, car detailing at a BMW dealership, Kmart layaway payments and meals.

Schools sometimes used the gift cards after the district banned petty cash funds and stopped giving schools credit cards for some purchases, Schulers office found.

In addition to the misuse of the gift cards, Schuler criticized the extra expense the district incurs because of the processing and service fees.

Schulers office asked the Chicago Board of Education to create a new policy that specifies when schools can use gift cards, sets out how the cards would be tracked and limits their purchase to one competitively selected vendor. CPS on Wednesday said it was developing a broader policy to govern the purchase and use of gift cards.

During the year covered by the report, the inspector generals office received 1,457 complaints. Schuler said his team opened investigations into 276 cases, a low rate that has previously been blamed on the IGs limited resources compared to the sheer size of the school districts workforce and budget.

Those investigations included more routine examinations of residency cases, purchasing or improper uses of sick time.

One less-routine case concerned an employee of a high school program that specializes in agricultural sciences. Schulers office concluded the employee violated district ethics codes by using his meat processing company to sell the school $800 worth of frozen turkeys, and purchase eggs produced at the school before selling them for a profit of roughly $130.

Also, the employee donated two mares to a school horse breeding program but was eligible to receive breeders awards if horses foaled at the school eventually won races.

CPS said the employee and two other members of the schools staff accused in this case were reprimanded, and the meat processing company was barred from doing any additional business with the district.

Serious theft cases Schuler summarized included a one in which an elementary school principal allegedly stole at least $22,461 of school funds over a four-year period to purchase large amounts of alcohol, food and high-end electronics for his and his familys personal use.

That principal left the district before any discipline could be carried out, though Schuler said the matter was referred to the Cook County states attorneys office.

In a statement, CPS spokesman Michael Passman said the district has worked to address the incidents outlined in the report, and we are reviewing the Inspector Generals recommendations to determine whether they will strengthen district operations and prevent misconduct.
JOHNSONVILLE, S.C.  The city of Johnsonville had its vehicles gassed and equipment ready to tackle Wednesdays winter storm. As of Wednesday afternoon, the city had not had to use its resources, but was in contact with the South Carolina Department of Transportation.

There isnt much were going to do, said Johnsonville Administrator Jim Smith. The police department is bringing in some extra people, extra officers to maintain the roads.

Smith said more officers were expected to patrol the back and side roads in Johnsonville because residents arent used to driving in snow.

The Johnsonville area was expected to see three inches of snow Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service office in Wilmington, N.C. And as of Wednesday afternoon, highways 41-51, 341 and 378 in the Johnsonville and Hemingway areas were covered in snow.

At 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Hemingway Mayor Grady Richardson said snow was still falling.

The county has been placed under a curfew from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., I believe. Were honoring that curfew, Richardson said. Of course the police department is still on duty.

Richardson said the towns water and sewer department was on standby.

Basically, its wait and see, Richardson said. Probably tomorrow, well see what we need to do to get things back up and running.

Public schools in Hemingway and Johnsonville will be closed Thursday.
Democratic governor candidate Chris Kennedy on Wednesday accused Mayor Rahm Emanuel of leading a "strategic gentrification plan" aimed at forcing African-Americans and other minorities out of Chicago to make the city "whiter" and wealthier.

"I believe that black people are being pushed out of Chicago intentionally by a strategy that involves disinvestment in communities being implemented by the city administration, and I believe Rahm Emanuel is the head of the city administration and therefore needs to be held responsible for those outcomes," Kennedy said during a news conference about gun violence in North Lawndale.

"This is involuntary. That we're cutting off funding for schools, cutting off funding for police, allowing people to be forced to live in food deserts, closing hospitals, closing access to mental health facilities. What choice do people have but to move, to leave?" Kennedy added. "And I think that's part of a strategic gentrification plan being implemented by the city of Chicago to push people of color out of the city. The city is becoming smaller, and as it becomes smaller, it's become whiter."

The mayor's office responded by trying to link Kennedy to two Republican politicians who enjoy little popularity in Chicago -- President Donald Trump and Gov. Bruce Rauner, whom Kennedy wants to replace.

"It's sad to see Chris Kennedy joining President Trump and Gov. Rauner in using cynical, politically motivated attacks about Chicago's communities for his own personal gain," Emanuel spokesman Matt McGrath said in a statement. "His divisive comments today are a direct assault on one of this city's greatest strengths -- our diversity."

McGrath also said Kennedy's attack on Emanuel "ignored work being done in neighborhoods across the city" to "improve the quality of life for everyone who calls Chicago home."

Kennedy, an heir to the iconic Massachusetts political family, has sought to appeal to African-American voters, focusing on the issue of gun violence and questioning the fairness of educational opportunities and property taxation in black neighborhoods. The names of his uncle, the late President John F. Kennedy, and father, the late U.S. Sen. Robert Kennedy, still carry resonance among older black voters from the family's leadership in the struggle for civil rights during the 1960s.

Kennedy, who has had a tough time raising campaign money, is searching for a path to victory in the March 20 Democratic governor primary. He has ramped up his critiques of the Democratic establishment at a time when rival J.B. Pritzker has consolidated support from traditional Democratic organizations and spent tens of millions of dollars on TV advertising.

Previously, Kennedy has attacked House Speaker Michael Madigan, the state's Democratic chairman, and Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios, the county's Democratic chairman.

Kennedy has called for Berrios' ouster after the Chicago Tribune and ProPublica Illinois published "The Tax Divide," an investigation that found Berrios' office's assessments were so riddled with errors that they created deep inequities favoring owners of expensive commercial properties and homes at the expense of owners of smaller business properties and less-expensive homes.

Kennedy wants to ban elected officials from also holding outside jobs as property tax appeal lawyers. Madigan, for example, has a property tax appeals business.

On Wednesday, Kennedy added Emanuel to the list of top Democrats he's criticizing, saying the mayor shouldn't claim credit for a reduction in homicides last year compared with 2016.

"Not to the people of North Lawndale he can't (claim credit). Not to the people in lots of neighborhoods in this city where crime continues to increase, not decrease; where funds have been removed; where schools are being closed; where community police officers don't exist; where training of cops is diminished; where an entire generation of police officers are retiring early, leaving no one to mentor the younger officers; where crime is the result of that cataclysmic combination of forces," Kennedy said.

The candidate contended Chicago was "using a strategy of selective containment where we're allowing violence to continue as long as it only continues in certain neighborhoods."

Those remarks drew a response from Chicago police Superintendent Eddie Johnson, who portrayed Kennedy as out of touch with the city's crime-fighting efforts. Johnson also said "no one is spiking the ball" on reducing violence.

"I've never heard from Chris Kennedy. I've never even met him. He's never visited a police station or asked me or my team for any kind of briefing on what we are doing in Chicago to address the gang violence and ongoing infusion of illegal guns on our streets," Johnson said in a statement. "I'm not a politician, but I do take issue with the hard work our men and women are doing to beat back this violence is used to score political points."

Kennedy said adequate funding for the city's public schools and for better law enforcement "isn't available because the mayor allows the Cook County assessor to continue to underassess the downtown buildings owned by corporate America -- people who make donations to Rahm Emanuel, folks he's now protecting."

The logic behind that attack, however, isn't entirely accurate. Even if downtown buildings were assessed at a higher value, more money would not be available for schools and other government services because the overall tax burden would not be increased, but simply shifted more toward the commercial buildings and away from other taxpayers.

Kennedy said Emanuel's predecessor, Richard M. Daley, filed "undervaluation complaints" about large commercial properties "until the assessor walked a straight line." In 2003, the city Law Department said it had successfully fought $27 million in reductions that had been granted to assessments of business property.

"That's not happening anymore. And as a result, we're underfunding our schools and we're underfunding our Police Department, and the result is violence," Kennedy said.

Following the Tribune's reports that raised questions about the assessment system, Emanuel was asked last month if he would start sending city attorneys to challenge assessment appeals filed on behalf of major commercial property owners, some of which are filed by law firms owned by Madigan and Ald. Ed Burke.

"I'm not going to speak to that at this point," said Emanuel, dodging the question. "I appreciate that."

Kennedy cited as an example of the "strategic gentrification plan" a move by CPS to close four South Side high schools for a year before a new school opens in 2019.

"I don't know what you can say when the strategic plan for Chicago Public Schools suggest that the entire community of Englewood can go an entire year without access to a high school," he said.

"What are you saying to the people there? No one's going to move there who's got a high school kid. And anybody with a high school kid has to think about what they're going to do. It's just a device to empty out the community," he said.

Emanuel's office did not directly respond to the schools criticism but cast Kennedy's comments as little more than campaign season rhetoric.

"The noise of this particular election will come and go," said McGrath, Emanuel's spokesman. "And when it does, we'll still be focusing on boosting neighborhood small businesses, investing in our schools and improving public safety."

The accusations Kennedy lobbed Wednesday, while Emanuel remained out of town on vacation, took aim at a political weakness for the mayor: support among African-Americans.

As for Kennedy and Emanuel, there is not much of a public history between the two. Kennedy has supported Emanuel before, contributing $5,000 to the mayor's campaign in September 2014, records show.
The Decatur police department welcomed 10 new recruits  nine men, one woman  to its ranks in a swearing-in ceremony on Thursday.

Four other stories you should read are Mount Zion is under a boil order, ice sailing on Lake Decatur, Rauner staying at veterans home with Legionnaires' disease history and DeWitt County wind farm proposal faces opposition.

Decatur police welcome 10 new recruits

As a kid growing up in Decatur, Philip Ganley admired police officers.

They were like superheroes to me, he said . As a little kid youd see them driving around in fast cars and you think of the gun and the badge and the fun stuff like that.

"Later you really learn what the work is like, and I was lucky enough to get an internship with the Decatur Police Department while in college.

Older and wiser at 22, his admiration for the police never dimmed, and Thursday Ganley was one of 10 recruits  nine men, one woman  sworn in as new officers in the city council chambers in the Decatur Civic Center.

Mount Zion boil order cancels school

Mount Zion issued a boil order after a water main break at Mount Zion Grade School Thursday also resulted in classes being canceled.

Students districtwide were sent home Thursday morning. Assistant Superintendent Brian Rhoades said classes are expected to be in session Friday.

What wind chill? Ice boaters set sail on Lake Decatur

While Wednesday's frigid temperatures kept many indoors, a quartet of ice boaters set out to take advantage of what the frozen Lake Decatur had to offer.

They had a good time, according to expert boater Pete Johns, but the snow sitting on top of the lake made the conditions less than ideal.

"It's just sitting out there like Styrofoam," said Johns, of Decatur. "It's best to go out with clear ice and no snow, and while we were sailing, the wind was not out at a good direction. But it was OK."

Rauner staying at veterans home during Legionnaires' crisis

Gov. Bruce Rauner is responding in an unconventional way to criticism of his administration's handling of outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease at a veterans home that have left 13 dead. His office says the Republican has moved into the home for several days to get a better idea of how it operates.

Rauner spokeswoman Rachel Bold said the Republican arrived at the home in Quincy on Wednesday night and plans to stay several days.

DeWitt County wind farm developers face opposition

The developers of a proposed wind farm project near Clinton plan to submit a formal proposal to DeWitt County in the late spring, but an opposition group is already airing concerns.

Officials with Trade Winds Energy of Lenexa, Kansas, have been meeting with DeWitt County leaders over the past several months.

Tom Swierczewski, a development director with the company, said the company plans to apply for a special-use permit with DeWitt County, and if approved, construction is expected to start in 2019 with the project going online in 2020.
From the firehouse to the kitchen, former Highland Park fireman opens BBQ spot in Utica
The auto-safety manufacturer Autoliv is consolidating its operations in Southfield into one facility and is expecting to create 384 jobs over five years boosted by a $2.6 million grant approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund.



"It was a cost-saving move to consolidate all four of our electronics-based employees under one roof for our employees to better collaborate and efficiently serve our customers," the company tells Metromode.



In October, the company broke ground for its 180,000-square-foot Electronics Technical Center. Construction is expected to be completed in the first half of 2019.



Jonna Construction, Harley Ellis Devereaux, and Signature Associates have all been tapped with work on the new facility. Autoliv's hiring plans will mainly be in engineering, research, design, and development in sensor and radar technology, brake systems, and camera technology, according to the company.



Autoliv is a leading automotive safety supplier of airbags, seat belts, steering wheels, and more. With autonomous driving the engine for the future of mobility, the company says Autoliv is "fortunate to be among the leading companies providing technology to help save more lives."



"We are unique in that our products must work as designed because they have only one change to get it right," the company tells Metromode. "From airbags, seat belts, steering wheels, to night vision, radar, stereo vision cameras, safety is our business, and we trust that our customers and the end costumers will rely on us to keep them safe on the journey. "



Also, Autoliv's Auburn Hills Technology Center is undergoing what the company describes as a "refresh" over the next year and a half. Among the upgrades include workspaces, cafeteria, and conference rooms. Progress is underway on an estimated $1 million expansion, according to the City of Auburn Hills. The additional 124 spaces will bring the total number of parking spaces to 589, according to the city.



Autoliv has 70,000 employees across 80 facilities in 27 countries.
DECATUR  Congressman Rodney Davis said the new tax law will create new opportunities for giving, despite concerns raised by local and national nonprofits that provisions in the new law will make giving to charities less beneficial.

Speaking to the Herald & Review Editorial Board on Wednesday, the Taylorville Republican said he believes that efforts to explain the law, passed late last year, will make people more aware of the ability to itemize charitable donations. Republicans plan to promote charitable giving on a "postcard" to make people aware of their options under the new law. 

On top of that, Davis said having more money in their pockets could make people and companies more willing to give.

I also believe that the majority of people, companies and their foundations give to charity when the economy is good, because they have disposable income to give to charitable organizations, Davis said. Because of our tax changes ... Youre going to see them have more to give to charity.

A major component of the new tax law doubles the standard deduction used by two-thirds of Americans, to $12,000 for individuals and $24,000 for married couples. Charitable groups have expressed concern that this will mean fewer people will take deductions for charitable givings, a perk of itemizing deductions on ones tax returns.

Some estimates project that as few as 10 percent of taxpayers will continue to itemize deductions on their returns. That number would be down from around 30 percent who did as of 2013, according to the Tax Foundation, a think tank that collects data and publishes research studies on U.S. tax policies

While high-income families and corporations are expected to continue to give to charities, analysts suggest it is those in the middle-class who make smaller donations that will no longer see a financial benefit to give.

People who typically itemize deductions and include charitable giving, many will no longer have that benefit with the tax law, Wegi Stewart, president of the Community Foundation of Macon County, told the Herald & Review last month.

But Davis said that only a quarter of his constituents took advantage of itemizing donations under the old tax plan. He hopes awareness for charitable givings will increase under the new tax law.

Under the current law, if youre taking the standard deduction, youre not messing with the itemization, youre not even going to the schedule that will tell you how much you can gain if you give a little bit more to charity, he said.

Davis comments came on the same day top White House officials and congressional leaders from both parties met in Washington with little more than two weeks before the next threatened government shutdown. Topping the agenda was an effort to spare both the Pentagon and domestic Cabinet agencies from spending cuts.

Unlike the recently passed tax bill and the GOP's failed efforts to repeal the Obama-era health care law, the upcoming agenda will require votes from Democrats. But bipartisanship has been in scarce supply under President Donald Trump, and heading into the session, spokesmen for neither House

Speaker Paul Ryan, a Republican, nor top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer of New York were banking on a breakthrough.

Democrats say they won't go along with any deal on the budget until Dreamers are guaranteed protections. That has sparked pushback from GOP leaders who have refused to cede leverage to Democrats and insist on dealing with politically nettlesome immigration issues on a separate track.

"The president has been very clear that this is an important issue that he wants Congress to deal with," Rep. Tom Graves, R-Ga., said of immigration. "Our leadership's made it clear, and I agree with them, that this is not something that is negotiated as part of a spending package, but it is a separate issue that should merit debate and discussion aside from the spending discussion."

With the difficulties of getting anything passed in an election year and with Republicans having a razor-thin 51-49 advantage in the Senate, Davis said his legislative focus in the new year would be infrastructure.

He did not go into specifics about how to fund the projects, instead saying that economic growth from the newly passed tax law will help create a sustainable highway trust fund, which funds highways, bridges and mass transit programs. He said an infrastructure proposal should have bipartisan approval, though he added he was not sure whether Democrats would be willing to go along with any plan supported by Trump.

Davis is also gearing up for another election, as he seeks his fourth term in office. With Democrats pulling off statewide victories in Alabama, New Jersey and Virginia, Trump's unfavorable polling numbers and the historical trend of the minority party doing well in non-presidential years, there is talk from election handicappers like Cook Political Report that a Democratic wave could be possible this November.

According to filings with the Federal Elections Commission, four Democrats vying to run against Davis have already raised more money than Davis 2016 challenger, Decaturs Mark Wicklund, raised during his campaign.

Those Democratic candidates are University of Illinois professor Jonathan Ebel; David Gill, a Bloomington physician who sought the seat five times previously; Betsy Dirksen Londrigan, a self-employed fundraiser from Springfield; Erik Jones, an Edwardsville attorney. Angel Sides, a Springfield resident and self-described teacher and activist, is also seeking the office as a Democrat but has not filed contributions with the FEC.

Davis was unconcerned about national trends, saying it was more important to look at local trends. He pointed to the 2016 election, in which Davis defeated Wicklund by 19 percentage points. Trump defeated Hillary Clinton by five percentage points in the 13th Congressional District, a 14-county district that goes from Champaign-Urbana to Springfield and down to the Metro East area in southern Illinois.

Cook Political Report, a nonpartisan election analysis newsletter, has the district as "likely Republican" headed into this year's election.

Davis said he is willing to put his record up for a vote against any challenger.

Ill run on my record of living up to the promises Ive made, he said.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.
Press Release

January 4, 2018 Sen. Leila M. de Lima's Statement on PDEA's Admission about the Resurgence of Illegal Drug Trade in New Bilibid Prison, Muntinlupa City Suspicious events bordering on the maleficent continue to hound President Duterte's all-out war on drugs. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) recently confirmed that illegal drug trading inside the National Bilibid Prison has been rejuvenated and that one of the inmates allegedly managed to facilitate the entry of at least one (1) ton of shabu into the country last November. How can this government succeed in its "unrelenting" campaign to end illegal drugs menace when it could not even stop convicted drug lords under its custody from conducting their business? As Justice Secretary, I knew that these high profile inmates should be stripped of the luxuries and logistics they obtained through bribery and should be segregated from the rest of the Bilibid inmate population, thus, the raids on their "kubols" and their eventual transfer to a more isolated and secure compound late 2014 up to 2015. We in the past administration also jumpstarted the plan to transfer Bilibid from its current severely congested and dilapidated site to a modern prison facility which we believe would come a long way in addressing the pestering problem of prison-based criminality. But instead of pursuing or building on these initiatives, this administration, desperate in its fabricated charges against me, struck a deal with these convicted drug lords - their testimonies of lies in exchange for the restoration of their privileges which enabled them to resume their illegal drug operations. It was a perfect pact with the devil which was instrumental in my unjust detention. It also exposed this regime's war on drugs as fraud with only the powerless and competitors as targets, while allies and those willing to "cooperate" remain scot-free and given posts in government. Just last month, Duterte asked the public to give him another year to solve the illegal drugs problem. That was the fourth deadline he set for him to deliver on his key campaign promise and "save" the nation from what he considers the root cause of Philippine society's troubles. However, the resurgence of drug trading in the National Penitentiary and the 6.4 billion shabu smuggling controversy are two major indicators that we are being taken for a ride, big time, and at a very high cost for the more than 13,000 Filipinos killed and their kin. It is insulting for political leaders to hide behind such obvious deceit but it is also equally alarming if their constituents believe and cheer their lies.
On reported scenarios involving Charter change

https://pinglacson.net/2018/01/04/on-reported-scenarios-involving-charter-change/

The opposition need not invent the best antidote to Charter change. No less than the two leaders of both houses of Congress have started campaigning against it, albeit subliminally.

Floating a no-el and term extension scenario, as recent history would suggest, won't help their advocacy to shift to a federal form of government, inevitably via an amendment of the Constitution.
Press Release

January 4, 2018 El Nido in 5th Episode of Protected Areas Series On the fifth week of the docu-series Our Fragile Earth: Protected Areas of the Philippines, Senator Loren Legarda invites everyone to watch the episode on the El Nido Managed Resource Protected Area. "El Nido has been described by tourists as a rustic, romantic and pristine area. Tourism has changed the economic landscape of this paradise. It has become a secret hideaway for many scuba divers. And as more visitors check it off their list of must-see places, the need to implement greater environmental protection has become more crucial," Legarda said. Through this episode on the El Nido Managed Resource Protected Area, Legarda hopes to encourage people to protect and conserve the area's rich biodiversity. The protected areas documentary series was narrated and conceptualized by Legarda, directed by Brillante Mendoza and produced by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). "This series aims to educate citizens on our protected areas, which are critical in conserving our biodiversity that is essential to our existence and survival. Through this documentary series, Filipinos will learn more about our protected areas-the richness of these areas and the challenges in conservation. We want Filipinos to appreciate the unique natural heritage that we have and enjoin everyone to protect them," said Legarda. Protected areas are identified portions of land and water set aside by reasons of their unique physical and biological significance, managed to enhance biological diversity and protected against destructive human exploitation. There are 240 identified protected areas in the country. Our Fragile Earth: Protected Areas of the Philippines airs every Saturday, 7:45 a.m., on the ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), with replays every Sunday, 1:45 p.m.
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After nearly 70 years on the air and on the brink, Berkeley-based KPFA-FM could be facing the end of its run as a pioneering, proudly left-wing radio outlet.

There is some irony in the fact that after labor disputes, strikes and other controversies in the years since its founding in 1949, the station whose motto is Vigilant as Always faces demise because of the financial woes of a radio station in New York City.

A New York judge has ruled that KPFAs sister station, WBAI, is liable for $1.8 million in back rent for its transmission tower atop the Empire State Building. The judge also ruled that the landlord, Empire State Realty Trust, may pursue seizure of the assets of WBAIs parent, Pacifica Foundation, of which KPFA is the flagship station.

Pacifica does not have $1.8 million, and as soon as Monday, Empire State could begin procedures to seize the companys bank accounts along with the sprawling downtown Berkeley complex owned by Pacifica and housing KPFA. Empire State has not indicated that it will pursue a seizure, but it has filed with the state to do so and the 30-day waiting period ends Monday. Pacifica management is hoping its landlord will agree to leave the property alone while a solution is explored. Empire State Realty Trust did not respond to a request for comment.

Until we can get a written agreement from Empire State, we are at their mercy, said Bill Crosier, interim executive director of the Pacifica Foundation, in an interview Thursday on the KPFA program Up Front.

The imminent danger is a judgment against KPFAs parent company, the Pacifica Foundation, that could drain KPFA of its operating funds and take the Bay Areas only truly progressive radio station off the air, read a Tuesday posting, signed by KPFA management and attributed to General Manager Quincy McCoy, on the KPFA website..

Crosier said he and his staff had recommended that Pacifica file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in order to stave off the seizure while Pacifica reorganizes. But the notoriously acrimonious Pacifica national board has thus far rejected that strategy and has not authorized staff to begin bankruptcy preparations.

The governance structure of Pacifica, our historic culture of the usual political infighting has led to disagreement and paralysis, McCoy wrote. Unless action is taken pretty immediately we may cease to exist.

Bankruptcies are common in commercial radio these days. The nations largest radio conglomerate, iHeartMedia, is facing Chapter 11 any day now, buried under a $15 billion debt. Its rival, Cumulus Media, which owns KGO-AM radio, among other Bay Area stations, filed for Chapter 11 in November, with a $2.4 billion debt.

But bankruptcy is rare for a public radio station, and a Chapter 11 filing would be the first in the long, death-defying history of listener-funded Pacifica, which operates stations in Berkeley, Los Angeles, New York, and Houston and Washington, D.C.

There is a stigma to bankruptcy, Crosier said in an earlier on-air interview. There is also a cost of up to $1 million, but a Chapter 11 filing would halt the action by Empire State.

The New York tower lease, which dates to 2005, costs about $60,000 per month and runs through 2020 with annual increases of 9 percent. In bankruptcy court, the judgment could be reduced and increases capped, Crosier told the host. Pacifica could also be put into receivership.

We owe them a lot of money, and we have to pay it, and we plan to pay it, said Crosier. We hope they will be patient while we figure out how to pay them.

A second option  one favored by the board but opposed by management  is to take out a $2 million loan to pay off the judgment. Pacifica has assets of approximately $10 million in real estate and licenses worth $100 million. But cash flow is negative. Pacifica is $8 million in debt and has operated at a deficit for 15 consecutive years. It also has accrued three years in unpaid pension obligations.

It has been a toxic brew of bad management, poor internal political mechanisms for selecting the boards and exclusion of listener participation that has led to this low point, said former general manager and retired national correspondent Larry Bensky.

Another option is to sell assets or swap signals with another station in order to raise capital. This could weaken KPFA, which is probably the most solvent of the five stations, thanks to the generosity of its listeners who support fund drives.

Its been a consistent progressive voice and bulletin board for just short of 70 years, said Ben Fong-Torres, who writes the Radio Waves column for The Chronicle. Although its never gotten sizable ratings, its got a passionate audience.

According to its unaudited financial statement, KPFA took in $3,337,510 in income against operating expenses of $2,964,973 in 2016, the most recent year available. KPFA business manager Maria Negret reports that the holiday 2017 pledge drive raised $511,000, well over the goal of $450,000.

But Bensky counters that those numbers hide the fact that listener support has been eroding over the years. To make it worse, because of its governance structure, KPFA has to support its sister stations, as made evident by the situation in New York.

KPFA has been bled dry to pay for the other stations, especially New York, which has been sucking away money for years, Bensky said. It has no listeners.

Negret said Pacifica should not be saddled with an additional loan, which WBAI has no ability to pay.

Many of us feel that Chapter 11 is the best way to go. It would give us a chance to breathe and re-organize the network, she said in an email.

All I can be sure of is that KPFA is strong. We are here, ready to keep going, she wrote. In this national political climate, we need KPFA and Pacifica more than ever before.

KPFA went on the air at 3 p.m. April 15, 1949, when a group of Berkeley anarchic pacifists led by Lewis Hill commandeered an unused frequency. Because almost nobody had heard of FM, they distributed shoebox-size tube radios with the dial set to 94.1 to potential listeners. Hill was seen as too controlling and was dumped by his own board in a political coup in 1953. A year later, Hill staged his own coup, reclaimed power and drove out the board.

It has been that way ever since, only with additional stations and a national governing board atop the KPFA board, increasing the ever-present potential of infighting.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

This was made clear at the 50th anniversary in 1999, marked by Pacificas firing of popular KPFA general manager Nicole Sawaya. That was followed by the firing of Bensky, who had broken a company gag rule for speaking on air against Sawayas firing.

Some 10,000 people took to the streets in protest. A planned 50th anniversary celebration was canceled, people were arrested and the station was seized by Pacifica, which aired syndicated programming for about a month. The coup was overcome, but some say the spirit was lost, along with Benskys position as national affairs correspondent.

There has been diminished and now nonexistent national programming since then, said Bensky, who had to sue Pacifica to get back his job, which he held until 2007.

Ten years later, he sees the station as a ghost of its former self and a sad remnant and relic of what once was. KPFA is much weaker, and the Pacifica national network is nonexistent.

Crosier said the board spends too much time fighting and not enough trying to get listeners. He has been warned that some board members plan to sue the board if it caves to Empire State.

But the music shows continue in the evenings and weekends, year after year and decade after decade. There is Dead to the World, formerly The Grateful Dead Hour, hosted by Tim Lynch on Wednesdays at 8 p.m., and The Bonnie Simmons Show at 8 p.m. Thursdays followed by Derk Richardson with The Hear and Now at 10 p.m.

Saturday mornings bring Blues by the Bay, with Tom Mazzolini. Sunday afternoons have the doubleheader of Americas Back 40, hosted by Mary Tilson, and Panhandle Country with Tom Diamant.

The program hosts have given us as close to free-form radio as we can get on terrestrial radio, said Fong-Torres.

Listen now. By next weekend they could all be off the air, though legal delays are a possibility.

Still, General Manager McCoy is acting as if the locks will be changed on Monday. According to a staff member, he sent employees an email warning, We will cease broadcasting because we will be unable to operate the station. At that point, our building and our bank account will no longer be under our control.

Sam Whiting is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: swhiting@sfchronicle.com Instagram: @sfchronicle_art
On a dark December night, with a chilly breeze blowing from the west, a dozen bicyclists parked their rides on the sidewalks of Market Street at Octavia Street, pulled bright-yellow T-shirts over their work apparel and grabbed glow sticks and signs.

Then they wandered into the street, placing themselves in a line between evening commute traffic and a steady stream of cyclists pedaling home in a bike lane separated by a slender white, painted stripe.

Join us, they yelled, as portable speakers boomed The Safety Dance, a 1983 pop hit. Protect the bike lanes. The group quickly grew to about 70 people.

This was the latest rendition of People Protected Bike Lane, an amalgam of performance art, political protest, street party and community organizing event that was born in San Francisco and has quickly spread to cities across the country and around the world. The goal is to get local governments moving on building barriers to separate bike lanes from vehicle traffic on some of the citys most dangerous streets.

What you see with People Protected Bike Lane is folks who care so passionately about bicyclists dying or getting injured on our streets that they are willing to literally put their bodies in between people driving too fast and people riding their bikes, said Brian Wiedenmeier, executive director of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition.

They seem to be getting their message across.

A day after the Dec. 4 event, Ed Reiskin, the Municipal Transportation Agencys transportation director, announced that a compromise had been reached between the agency and the Fire Department for construction of a protected bike lane on upper Market Street that would begin early this year. It had been stalled since it was approved by the agency in May by Fire Department concerns over the ability of ladder trucks to maneuver in the area.

Similarly, after a pair of People Protected Bike Lane appearances on busy Valencia Street last spring, the Board of Supervisors, meeting as the San Francisco County Transportation Authority board, approved funding for a study of protected bike lanes on the street.

Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

It does work, said Maureen Persico, 53, an avid bicyclist, San Francisco mother and grocery store management trainee who came up with the idea for People Protected Bike Lane. Whoever makes the loudest noise gets the attention. When we get hit by a car, were often alone and may not even report it. Were isolated, but this brings us together.

Persico said she thought of the idea last spring, considering it an updated version of Hands Across America, a 1986 event in which 6.5 million people held hands in a line across the country to combat hunger and homelessness.

I was thinking of the symbolism of us taking care of ourselves, she said. We cannot rely on our national government nor can we rely on our local government.

The people behind People Protected Bike Lane are an informal group that determines its targets on an as-needed basis, and doesnt maintain a list or schedule. However, their next event is likely to pop up along the Embarcadero, which Persico regards as a dangerous mess for cyclists.

Ben Jose, an MTA spokesman, said the agency agrees with the need for protected lanes and other bike-safety improvements, but said crucial streetscape transformations take time.

In 2010, he said, protected bike lanes were nonexistent in San Francisco. The city now has 16 miles of them integrated into a bike-lane network that covers 447 miles.

We definitely appreciate and hear the advocacy and concern this group is raising, he said. Were always looking for opportunities to do more.

Persico was also moved to act, she said, by her 15-year-old son, who feels unsafe riding his bike on city streets. Using social media, she bounced her idea off Matt Brezina, another San Francisco bike advocate, and the People Protected Bike Lane idea was born. It was inaugurated during the morning commute on Valencia Street in May.

Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

When she told me the concept, I thought it was brilliant, Brezina said. It has become a powerful tool to transform our streets.

Since then, the People Protected Bike Lane concept has spread into a bit of an international movement. Events have been held in New York, where 300 people lined streets in Manhattan, Boston, Boise, Dublin and Berlin. And there have been four more San Francisco events.

What makes the concept work, Persico said, is that anyone can participate, even for 10 or 15 minutes  on their ride home from work or school or en route to the grocery store. In addition to veteran bike activists, the December event at Market and Octavia streets drew homeward-bound commuters, families and politicians, including state Sen. Scott Wiener and Supervisor Jeff Sheehy, who said his first job was as a bicycle messenger.

So I know how important it is to have safe places to bike, Sheehy said. We need an integrated system of protected bike lanes.

David Gouldin, 36, a software developer who lives in Hayes Valley, was also part of the event. He said he often bikes with his children, Eden, 3, and Alana, 1, tagging along in a trailer. Theyve had some close calls, he said, with ride-hailing cars pulling over to disgorge passengers in front of them, and drivers using the green-painted bike lane as a traffic lane.

We came here tonight, he said, because separating bikes and cars is the safest way to handle traffic.

Wiedenmeier agrees, and said he expects the People Protected Bike Lane movement to keep rolling, in tandem with a clandestine group, the San Francisco Municipal Transformation Agency, which surreptitiously installs unsanctioned posts, barricades and markers overnight where it believes safety improvements are needed. The city typically is quick to remove them.

As long as people are being hit and injured on the streets, there will be a need for urgent action to call on the city to make the streets safer more quickly, Wiedenmeier said. Until biking is safe and pleasant all over the city of San Francisco, I think people will be willing to get out there and put their bodies on the line to get quality improvements quickly.

Michael Cabanatuan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mcabanatuan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ctuan
Jacom Stephens/Getty Images

A sedan crashed into a guardrail on an on-ramp to Interstate 680 in Walnut Creek Wednesday morning, leaving the driver dead and sending the passenger to the hospital with major injuries, the California Highway Patrol reported.

The car, a grey Toyota sedan, was traveling on the North Main Street on-ramp to northbound I-680 when it veered to the right for unknown reasons, according to the CHP. The car slammed into the guardrail bordering the freeway, killing the driver.
Peninsula Rep. Jackie Speier poured cold water Wednesday on talk of her making a late entry into the California governors race, needling former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown for pushing a rumor that she was considering the idea.

I still have a lot of work to do in Washington, the fifth-term congresswoman said.

In his column in The Chronicle on Sunday, Brown said his phone had been lighting up with messages that Speier was spending the New Years weekend in Palm Springs with her advisers and mulling a possible run for governor.

After talk of a potential Speier candidacy percolated over the next couple of days, the Hillsborough Democrat issued a statement saying, Im not sure who Willies source is, but the only thing accurate about the post was that I was in Palm Springs with my family. Willie was smoking something before it became legal on January 1st.

Brown, who wrote that he had been unable to reach Speier, could not be reached for comment.

Speier ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor in 2006, two years before she was first elected to the House. In Washington, she has garnered attention both as a member of the House Select Intelligence Committee investigating Russian attempts to influence the 2016 election and as a congressional leader of the MeToo anti-sexual-harassment movement.

Several candidates have been campaigning for governor for months, including four Democrats  Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, state Treasurer John Chiang and former state schools chief Delaine Eastin  and Republican businessman John Cox and GOP Assemblyman Travis Allen.

Backing Breed: A big rally is being planned Thursday on the steps of City Hall by a group of women seeking to keep acting Mayor London Breed seated in Room 200 until June, when voters will go to the polls to pick a replacement for the late Mayor Ed Lee.

Im upset by the organizing to kick her out of the role when ... she was unanimously selected by the Board of Supervisors to serve as board president for a second term, said Debbie Mesloh, president of the city Commission on the Status Women and a longtime political operative for Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif.

On Wednesday, Christine Pelosi, chairwoman of the California Democratic Party Womens Caucus, and East Bay BART Director Lateefah Simon also weighed in with an op-ed piece in The Chronicle, blasting efforts by some supervisors to install a caretaker interim mayor and tear down a strong female leader who is African American.

Sadly, it comes as no surprise that most of the names floated to supplant acting Mayor Breed have been white men, Pelosi and Simon wrote, in a not-at-all-veiled attempt to shame progressives who back state Sen. Mark Leno or other June candidates from booting Breed out of the mayors office.

Progressives fear is that Breed will build up the advantages of incumbency if she is made interim mayor. She is expected to soon announce that she will be a candidate in June, though Pelosi, for one, has not endorsed her in the election.

But we see this as turning back the clock, Pelosi and Simon wrote. This type of backroom deal is a power grab that voters and our representatives on the Board of Supervisors should reject.

Among those expected to be at the 4 p.m. rally are Sunny Schwartz, a progressive leader active in criminal justice work; Janice Mirikitani, a co-founder of Glide Memorial United Methodist Church; and Andrea Shorter, a city consultant to Larkin Street Youth Services and a member of the Commission on the Status of Women.

S an Francisco Chronicle columnists Phillip Matier and Andrew Ross appear Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays. Matier can be seen on the KPIX TV morning and evening news. He can also be heard on KCBS radio Monday through Friday at 7:50 a.m. and 5:50 p.m. Got a tip? Call (415) 777-8815, or email matierandross@ sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @matierandross
Californias income tax collections in December came in a whopping $4 billion or 32 percent above expectations  and some of the surprise came not from growth in the economy but from people speeding up their final 2017 state income tax payments before federal tax law changes took effect Jan. 1.

The Legislative Analysts Office reported Wednesday that personal and corporate income tax revenue in December totaled $16.3 billion, far above the $12.4 billion target reflected in last Junes state budget plan.

In the first five months of the fiscal year, July through November, tax collections were running only 1.5 percent ahead of the forecast, according to the California Department of Finance.

County tax collectors are also reporting a wave of last-minute property tax payments, as homeowners rushed to pay the second installment of their 2017-18 bill before Dec. 31 rather than waiting until the April 10 due date.

San Francisco has already received 82,595 second-half payments totaling $419.3 million. At this time last year, it had received only 46,549 second-half payments totaling $183.6 million.

Santa Clara County is still processing second-half payments that came in between Dec. 18 and 31, but so far it has processed more than $500 million, 18 percent of the $2.8 billion billed for the second half. During the same period last year, it collected only $50 million in second-half payments.

Alameda County is also still processing its backlog of last-minute payments. It was unbelievable. There were huge lines (of people waiting to pay their taxes) that we were completely unprepared for, said Hank Levy, Alameda Countys treasurer-tax collector.

Counties know how much they ultimately should receive in property taxes this year, but the challenge for state government is figuring out how much of the December rise in income taxes came from an underlying increase in income and capital gains, versus people simply accelerating their 2017 income tax payments.

Of the nearly $4 billion difference in December, about $2.7 billion came from personal income tax payments received by the Franchise Tax Board. Only $175 million came from an increase in payroll tax withholding.

The positive December personal income tax results could be partially offset by softer January and April collections, as some taxpayers may have made final 2017 tax payments a few months early in order to maximize deductions under the recently passed federal tax plan, the Legislative Analysts Office said on its website.

People who itemize deductions on their federal return can deduct all of their state and local income and property taxes in 2017, but starting with tax year 2018, they can deduct a total of $10,000 in all state and local taxes combined. (Property tax on rental homes is still deductible as a rental expense.)

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After the tax bill was signed on Dec. 22, many taxpayers in California scrambled to pay the second installment of their 2017 property tax payment that is not due (without penalty) until April 10. The Internal Revenue Service clarified that property taxes could be deducted in 2017 as long as they were assessed and paid in 2017.

Likewise, people who expected to owe additional state income taxes for 2017 could pay them before the end of last year and deduct them on their 2017 federal tax returns. If they waited until January or April to make the payment, its not deductible on 2017 returns. (Jan. 16 is the deadline this year for making the fourth quarter 2017 estimated state income tax payment and April 17 is the deadline for paying any remaining 2017 taxes due. Thats why prepayments could steal tax revenue from January and April.)

H.D. Palmer, a spokesman for the California Department of Finance, said its too soon to be popping any Champagne corks. Its likely that some of this positive development for December may be related to timing and taxpayer payment behavior and not growth in underlying tax liability, he said.

The proposed 2018-19 state budget that Gov. Jerry Brown will unveil on Wednesday was put together before the federal tax bill passed and does not incorporate any direct or indirect effect it may have on state finances, Palmer added. The state will know more about its impact as we get further into 2018.

Kathleen Pender is a San Francisco Chronicle columnist. Email: kpender@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kathpender
When Pattar Dilmurat left Dubai, where he lived for five years selling fragrances and makeup, he told his wife he would be back in a year. So far, it has been two.

Dilmurat, Akbar Amat and Aikelamu Ainiwaer own Sama Uyghur Cuisine in Union City, and are the only members of their families in the United States. Amats parents and younger sister are in China. Dilmurats 3-year-old son lives in Xinjiang Province with his father-in-law. His wife has remained in Dubai with their 5-year-old daughter, and the distance is starting to wear thin. Neither Dilmurat nor Amat have returned home since arriving.

Life separated from their families is hard. Im alone here for the moment, Dilmurat says. Far from family and the familiar, food has become a home away from home.

Dilmurat, 34, came to the United States two years ago for school. He found a part-time job at a restaurant, working in the kitchen. His mother back in China heard the news. She was not happy. She said, Why are you working in a restaurant? Do other jobs. Its difficult, Dilmurat says.

But he found comfort in making barbecue and hand-pulled noodles at Eden Silk Road in Fremont, which serves Uighur (sometimes spelled Uyghur) and Chinese halal food. Its the food he grew up with. At least I can eat my own food, he says.

At work, he moved into management and met Akbar Amat, a 26-year-old chef who is also Uighur. Like Dilmurat, Amat had come from China to America to study. He lived first in Los Angeles, where he supported himself by cutting grass, then painting homes, and eventually working in restaurants.

The Uighur community in the United States is small, and Amat soon received an invitation to move to Northern California to work at Eden Silk Road as a chef, even though he didnt know how to cook. He had grown up in a restaurant, though, the son of a chef. His father had sold kebabs from a street cart for many years before opening a small eatery in Tianjin, east of Beijing, which grew into a 500-seat restaurant.

Amat learned to cook on the job at Eden Silk Road and ruminated on his familys food. How could he make food that tasted like his memories of home?

Now Dilmurat and Amat, along with third partner Aikelamu Ainiwaer, have made a new home. In June 2017, they opened Sama Uyghur Cuisine in a nondescript strip mall in Union City. Named for a traditional Uighur folk dance, the restaurant is tastefully decorated with handsome Scandinavian-style chairs and colorful rugs on the walls. The restaurant is small, with just nine tables, but it is a proud declaration of who they are  and, they hope, an introduction of their culture to others.

People ask, Where are you from? When I say, Im from China, they dont believe me from how I look, says Dilmurat, who has a closely cut beard and, when working at the restaurant, wears shirts with intricately patterned textiles on the collar and cuffs.

I say, Im Uighur. Nobody knows Uighur. They dont know us.

Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle 2017

The Uighurs are an ethnic minority from the Xinjiang autonomous region in northwest China. They are a mostly Muslim people who speak a Turkic language. In recent years, they have made global headlines as violence has flared in the region in the form of clashes between separatist and government forces.

Dilmurat describes Uighur food as a mix between Central Asian and Chinese cuisines. I say its Chinese first because we use Chinese recipes, like the spices. On the menu are their own versions of chow mein and spicy chicken, he points out. But Uighur dishes are also similar to the cuisines of Arab countries, he says. For example: they have kebabs. The difference, though, is that they marinate the meat in spices for six hours before putting them on skewers. (You can feast on a whole lamb kebab  more than 25 pounds of meat  for $338. Please order one day ahead.)

The recipes come from Amats father, but it took some convincing to get him to share them. Like Dilmurats mother, Amats family objected to his opening a restaurant, he says in Mandarin. They said it would be too difficult.

It certainly has been harder than the three owners anticipated. They ran into unexpected delays with the process: permits, taxes, signage, health inspections. Everything took longer and cost more than expected. Food costs, especially for halal meat, are high. During the first month, they sometimes slept just two hours a night before coming back to work. Sometimes I wanted to cry, Dilmurat says.

Its still tough now, he says, but getting better. They work 11- or 12-hour days at the restaurant six days a week.

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Amat, in a T-shirt and bowl haircut, speaks haltingly in English, which he is learning. He takes classes at Ohlone College in Fremont on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, he says. His classes end at 10:40 a.m, and the restaurant opens at 11 a.m. for lunch. Dilmurat was also taking college classes, but recently dropped them. He had no time to do his homework. Maybe it will take him 10 years to graduate, he says with a shrug.

When asked if he does his homework, Amat just laughs.

How fortunate it is to come to a country where you dont know anybody and find people you can build something with together. Within an hour of meeting Ainiwaer, the third partner who is Uighur from Sweden, he agreed to open a restaurant with Dilmurat and Amat. They just trusted each other, Dilmurat says. When he met Amat, he felt the same. Theres some feeling. I can tell he is a nice guy. I dont know if hes feeling the same way.

Sitting next to him, Amat doesnt say anything, but he smiles.

Melissa Hung is a freelance journalist in San Francisco. Email: food@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @fluffysharp

Sama: 1719 Decoto Road, Union City, (510) 431-3865, www.samauyghurcuisine.com. Open 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-9:30 p.m. Mon., Wed.-Sun.
Bay Area public health officials have begun receiving shipments of naloxone  the drug that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose  in the first state-funded effort to get the emergency antidote to local health departments across California.

The distribution of the drug, funded by a one-time $3 million grant approved by state legislators in 2016, marks a ramp-up in the states response to deadly overdoses of prescription painkillers, heroin and the synthetic opioid fentanyl.

While the number of people dying from opioid overdoses in California has held relatively steady over the past several years  between 1,900 and 2,000 people each year  the number of deaths related to fentanyl is rising quickly. The number of Californians who died from fentanyl overdoses nearly tripled between 2013 and 2016, from 81 to 234, according to data from state health officials. Heroin-related deaths also rose during the same period, from 483 to 565, about 17 percent.

The overdose epidemic is really staggering, and California has not escaped it, said Katie Burk of the San Francisco Department of Public Health, who manages the citys contract for the DOPE Project, an overdose prevention program funded by the city and run by the Harm Reduction Coalition. The coalition provides training and assistance to drug users and service providers such as homeless shelters and methadone counselors.

jb/Journal Register Co.

Naloxone, which is sold under the brand name Narcan, can be administered as a nasal spray or an auto-injector. The drug works by knocking opioids off receptors in the brain that suppress breathing during an overdose, thus reversing the effects of the overdose immediately. The state grant is funding the distribution of Narcan spray to 56 of the states 61 local health departments, according to the California Department of Public Health.

All nine Bay Area counties, as well as the city of Berkeley, are slated to receive thousands of doses of Narcan, collectively, by the end of the year. Many local health departments already help coordinate naloxone distribution in their communities, often by making auto-injector naloxone kits available at needle exchange programs, but this marks the first state-financed effort to expand the availability of naloxone to health departments across the state.

How municipalities distribute the drug is up to them. In Marin County, police officers have undergone training on how to administer Narcan and recently saved three lives in Novato, Fairfax and Mill Valley by reversing overdoses, said Matt Willis, the countys public health officer.

In Alameda County, police officers in several law enforcement agencies  the county sheriffs department and the police departments for Fremont, Newark and Pleasanton  will begin carrying Narcan once they have completed training, said Karl Sporer, medical director of Alamada County emergency medical services.

Doses of Narcan have been allocated to local organizations that already distribute the drug, including HIV Education and Prevention Project of Alameda County (HEPPAC), a nonprofit that operates syringe-exchange programs; Health Care for the Homeless; and detention health services providers that work with people leaving jails and treatment centers who are at risk of overdosing or relapsing.

San Francisco will use the grant to expand overdose prevention efforts to try to reach more people who seek treatment through methadone programs.

San Francisco has long been a pioneer in making naloxone accessible to drug users and family and friends who are most likely to witness an overdose and take action outside of a medical setting. In 2002, the city and the Harm Reduction Coalition began one of the nations earliest pilot programs to get naloxone to those most at risk of overdosing  at supportive housing units, addiction recovery centers, jails and through syringe access programs. In San Francisco, the number of naloxone overdose reversals administered by members of the community has risen steadily each year, from about 62 in 2005 to 883 in 2016.

The California Department of Public Health and the Harm Reduction Coalition plan to train local law enforcement agencies and treatment centers over the next six months on how to recognize overdoses and administer naloxone, said a spokeswoman for the state public health agency.

Naloxone is not a cure-all for opioid abuse, experts said, and drug users also benefit from long-term therapies such as methadone, a pain relief drug taken under the supervision of a physician that eases the symptoms of withdrawal and blocks the feeling of euphoria triggered by addictive opioids.

Its just one more tool in our public health tool belt, said Jessica Osorio, interim director of Contra Costa County Health Departments HIV/AIDS and STD program. It fits in with treatment, syringe exchange and empowering family members and friends  theyre the easiest people to be helping with harm reduction.

Catherine Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer.

Email: cho@sfchronicle.com

Twitter: @Cat_Ho
WASHINGTON  Two new senators  Doug Jones, D-Ala., and Tina Smith, D-Minn.  were sworn in Wednesday, in a history-laden ceremony attended by three current and former vice presidents.

Very humbling for me to be a part of it, Vice President Mike Pence said, after he presided over the swearing-in, in his role as president of the Senate.

Rare are the moments of bipartisan comity in the Senate, but Wednesdays ceremony offered one, however fleeting. It was the senators first day back at work after their holiday break  a time of fresh start and tender mercies, as the Senate chaplain, Barry Black, said in his opening prayer at noon.

But in the swearing in of Smith and Jones, senators in both parties likely could see bright sides. For Republicans, Jones meant there would be no Sen. Roy Moore, an accused child molester whose election would have been hung around each of their necks. For Democrats, Smiths ascent ended a painful period when a popular but tarnished colleague, Al Franken, was dogged by charges of sexual improprieties that blemished the Democrats efforts to capitalize on a tide of misconduct and harassment accusations.

Moments after the prayer and after the Pledge of Allegiance, the new senators readied themselves to walk down the center aisle of the grand chamber, where Pence sat high on the dais. Former Vice President Joe Biden escorted Jones while former Vice President Walter Mondale and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., escorted Smith.

Both former vice presidents also served as senators. As they milled about after Pence administered the oath of office, the gregarious Biden greeted former colleagues with a hearty clap on the shoulder.

Hes a good guy, the former vice president told Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, referring to Jones.

In a sense, the #MeToo movement played a hand in the arrival of both Jones and Smith. Jones, 63, comes to Washington after a raucous special election in which his Republican opponent, Moore, was accused of assault and molestation of girls as young as 14.

Smith, 59, the former lieutenant governor of Minnesota, was appointed by that states governor to fill the seat left vacant by the departure of Franken, who resigned amid allegations he had forcibly kissed one woman and groped several others.

She becomes the 22nd woman in a chamber that remains heavily lopsided in favor of men. Nonetheless, there are more women senators now  17 Democrats and five Republicans  than at any time in U.S. history. Smith has already said she will run in a special election this November to claim the seat in her own right.

Sheryl Gay Stolberg is a New York Times writer.
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U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions urged the nations federal prosecutors Thursday to override state marijuana laws and file criminal charges in those, such as California, that have legalized sale and use of the drug.

Federal laws banning the cultivation, distribution and possession of marijuana reflect Congress determination that marijuana is a dangerous drug and that marijuana activity is a serious crime, Sessions said in a memo to U.S. attorneys. He said he was withdrawing an Obama administration policy that was intended to defer to state cannabis laws.

But its far from clear that his action will have much of an impact on the nations steadily expanding marijuana industry or its millions of users.

Since 2014, Congress has attached amendments to the Justice Department budget forbidding interference with laws in states that allow medical marijuana, a list that began with California in 1996 and has grown to 29 states and the District of Columbia, with a combined 60 percent of the U.S. population. A federal appeals court has ruled that the amendments prohibit prosecution or other government legal action against medical marijuana suppliers who follow state laws.

Congressional supporters want to expand that protection to cover nonmedical sale and use of marijuana by adults, now legal in eight states, including California, along with Washington, D.C. They plan to add that proposal to a spending bill that is needed by Jan. 19 to keep the government operating, and said Sessions may have unintentionally helped their cause.

The (Sessions) memo will mobilize us, mobilize the people around the country who support legalization, Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, a Costa Mesa (Orange County) Republican who has sponsored the budget amendments, said in a conference call by the House Cannabis Caucus. He said the federal government must respect all of the decisions of the states when it comes to cannabis.

We want to let Jeff Sessions know he cannot undercut, undermine the will of the American people, said Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, another caucus member.

Rohrabacher wasnt the only Republican taking on Sessions. Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said Sessions announcement was disruptive to state regulatory regimes. Sen. Cory Gardner of Colorado, which like Alaska and California has legalized adult recreational use of marijuana, said he was prepared to hold up the confirmation of Justice Department nominees if Sessions pursued his policy.

And Colorados U.S. attorney, Bob Troyer, who was appointed to his office by Sessions in November, said Thursday that the attorney generals directive would not change his policy to prosecute only marijuana operations that create the greatest safety threats to our communities.

Lori Ajax, chief of Californias Bureau of Cannabis Control, which oversees the states regulation of the marijuana industry, said California was conferring with other states to respond to Sessions action.

We expect the federal government to respect the rights of states and the votes of millions of people across America and if they wont, Congress should act, she said in a statement.

Sessions is a longtime crusader against marijuana, a drug he has likened to heroin. In his memo to prosecutors, he said they should file charges in marijuana cases based on the seriousness of the crime, the deterrent effect of criminal prosecution, and the cumulative impact of particular crimes in the community  appearing to leave the door open to charging individual users as well as suppliers.

President Trump, who in other contexts has advocated states rights, provided a degree of support for his attorney general through spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

The president believes in enforcing federal law, Sanders said at Thursdays press briefing. She said Sessions directive simply gives prosecutors the tools to take on large-scale distributors and enforce federal law. She did not elaborate.

But Henry Wykowski, a San Francisco attorney who represents leaders in the marijuana industry, said Sessions action would encourage lawlessness.

If they close down regulated access to cannabis, all they are doing is opening it up to the cartels and the black market, he said.

Hezekiah Allen, executive director of the California Growers Association, an advocacy group for marijuana producers, sellers and customers, said a crackdown would prompt businesses to focus on medical marijuana and move some recreational pot sales underground.

The memo that Sessions withdrew, issued in 2013 by James Cole, a deputy attorney general in President Barack Obamas Justice Department, advised federal prosecutors to let states enforce their own marijuana laws.

U.S. attorneys in California paid little heed, continuing a campaign they had begun in 2012 to shut down medical marijuana dispensaries by suing their landlords. They had closed down several hundred before Congress intervened with budget restrictions that halted the lawsuits  one of them targeting Harborside Health Center in Oakland, the nations largest licensed cannabis dispensary  as well as most federal criminal prosecutions.

Marijuana advocates said the Obama administration policy hadnt had a long-lasting effect on use or regulation of the drug, and the Trump administration probably wont either.

Marijuana has been under a prohibition regime entirely in the time that the industry has expanded to where it is today, said Aaron Smith, executive director of the National Cannabis Industry Association, representing more than 1,500 marijuana-related businesses. The biggest growth phase was during the (George W.) Bush administration, when we were facing SWAT team raids, and prosecutions on a nearly weekly basis in California.

Arcview Group, an Oakland investment and market research firm that studies the cannabis industry, forecast an $11 billion U.S. market for legal marijuana this year  just over 60 percent for medical use, the rest for recreational use  and said it would continue to expand.

Wykowski said the fear of prosecution could make investors more concerned about putting money into the industry. But Arcviews leader, Troy Dayton, said the industry was resilient.

No matter what the (Trump) administration does, states will continue to hand out licenses to a long line of businesses clamoring for them, Dayton said. The likely impact of (Sessions action) is that it will inspire advocates and businesses and state governments like California to provide more protection for legal cannabis businesses.

San Francisco Chronicle staff writer Joe Garofoli contributed to this report.

Bob Egelko and Peter Fimrite are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email:

begelko@sfchronicle.com, pfimrite@sfchronicle.com

Twitter: @egelko, @pfimrite
In 2017, new Bay Area restaurants skewed largely casual and market-friendly, with a few ambitious ventures sprinkled throughout the year  China Live, International Smoke and that $13 million restaurant and cafe atop the Oakland Zoo.

That pattern may continue in 2018.

Similar to how China Live on Broadway was arguably the past years most notable opening, 2018s early contender for headliner may be another food emporium of epic proportions. The project called Manufactory Food Hall will open mid-year at San Francisco International Airport, near boarding area A in the International Terminal. Filling the 3,200-square-foot space will be airport versions of critically acclaimed restaurants Kin Khao, Cala and Tartine Manufactory.

In the vein of large-scale efforts, San Mateos Wursthall (310 Baldwin Ave.) is speeding toward its opening. Guiding the 10,000-square-foot beer hall is J. Kenji Lopez-Alt, author of The Food Lab, who plans to bring his methodical, scientific food approach to the restaurant world. Based on early details, sausages are the backbone of the food menu and Lopez-Alt seems excited about the technical aspects of it all.

Michelin-starred Saison joins the cadre of food folks with big dreams in 2018. Chef Joshua Skenes and wine director Mark Bright are opening Angler, a raw bar and grill with a menu based around fire-focused cooking in the waterfront Chaya space (132 the Embarcadero).

Speaking of Michelin-starred moves, Michael and Lindsay Tusk of Quince recently applied for a liquor license at 528-550 Washington Street, an address with a lengthy history in the food world, having been the former home of Chiaroscuro, Tartare and Elisabeth Daniel. Details are scarce, but the Tusks acknowledged theres a project coming down the pike and have said it will be an interesting departure from their current offerings.

Mourad Lahlous seminal Moroccan restaurant Aziza (5800 Geary Blvd.) might be gone for good in San Francisco, but its spirit may live on in the chefs upcoming project, Amara, slated to open early this year in the former Aziza space. The restaurant will be a Moroccan-Mexican spot, which Lahlou has said will serve as an evolution of Aziza. Lahlous close friend and longtime chef de cuisine Louis Maldonado will lead the kitchen.

Another notable space seeing new life this year is the onetime SoMa home of AQ (1085 Mission St.). There, industry veteran Chris Bleidorn who has worked in the kitchens of Saison, Benu and Atelier Crenn, is opening Birdsong, a fine-dining venture with a 12-course tasting menu influenced by the Pacific Northwest; an a la carte menu also will be available.

At some point this year, Divisadero may welcome its long-awaited rustic Italian project from chef David Nayfield and Matt Brewer, to be named Che Fico.

While Che Fico (838 Divisadero) comes together, downstairs in the same space theres also Theorita, a counter-style, pie-focused restaurant from lauded pastry chef Angela Pinkerton taking shape.

In East Bay restaurant news, Oaklands own Marshawn Lynch is eyeing the restaurant world. Lynch recently took over Emeryvilles familiar soul food establishment, Scends (3627 San Pablo Ave.), with plans to turn it into his own concept. There are few details out about what he has planned, but what we know at this point is the space will be called Rob Bens, referencing his childhood friend Robert Benjamin, who was shot and killed in Oakland in 2007.

Not far from Scends is the well-known Oakland Jamaican spot, Kingston 11. The restaurant is expanding, in a sense. Chef-owner Nigel Jones is partnering with Michelin-starred chef Daniel Patterson to open Kaya this month in San Francisco; Kaya will be a Caribbean restaurant that will replace Pattersons Alta in San Francisco (1420 Market St.).

The years upcoming openings make for a 2018 steeped in familiarity as a volatile marketplace continues to dictate the size and scope of new projects. But its also possible that two years removed from a 2016 that saw a fair amount of high-profile restaurants fold in short order, the more casual pace could be the new normal.

Justin Phillips is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jphillips@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JustMrPhillips
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump on Thursday called on Congress to deliver a bipartisan deal protecting younger undocumented immigrants from deportation, but he maintained his demand for a border wall and cuts to legal immigration that Democrats have opposed.

"I think it can be bipartisan," Trump said at the White House ahead of a meeting with Republican senators on immigration. "I hope it can be bipartisan. It can take care of a lot of problems; it would be really nice to do it in a bipartisan way."

Lawmakers are facing a March 5 deadline to pass legislation to help "dreamers," immigrants brought to the country illegally as children, after Trump announced in September he would terminate an Obama-era program called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) that has provided two-year work permits to hundreds of thousands of them. Nearly 700,000 DACA recipients are enrolled in the program; after March 5, nearly 1,000 per day will lose their work permits unless Congress acts.

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Trump would play host to a bipartisan group of Congress members next week to continue the negotiations. That gathering comes as a Jan. 19 deadline looms to enact a new spending bill to keep the government open. Democrats are pushing to complete a deal on DACA by then and add it to the spending legislation - an effort that, if it fails, could force a government shutdown.

"This must be done now," Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said Thursday. He told reporters later that Democrats are continuing to push for "an agreement to enshrine DACA protections alongside additional border security" in the next spending agreement.

Republicans are resisting attempts to tie the two issues together.

"Our deadline is not two weeks from now. Our deadline wasn't Christmas. Our deadline is by the first week of March," said Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., who attended the meeting with Trump on Friday.

While Lankford and others would prefer to take a slower approach, other Republicans including Sen. Jeff Flake, Ariz., as well as dozens of moderate Republicans in the House insisted that the issue must be resolved quickly.

To earn his support for the GOP's tax reform plan, Flake said he was assured by Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., that a bill addressing the fate of DACA recipients would be given an up-or-down vote this month.

"The promise we have is for a bill on the floor by the end of January," Flake told reporters. He called ongoing meetings among Republicans "counterproductive" because any resolution to the issue "has to be a bipartisan bill."

Trump said that Democratic support on a DACA fix "would be terrific." But he emphasized that "any legislation on DACA must secure our border with a wall. It must give our immigration officers the resources they need to stop illegal immigration."

He also reiterated previous calls to end a diversity visa lottery that provides 50,000 green cards a year to immigrants from countries with low immigration rates to the United States. "The lottery system has to be laughed at by people outside our country," Trump said.

After the meeting at the White House, Lankford and Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said in a joint statement that the lawmakers and Trump are "on the same page" when it comes to striking a deal that would bolster border security and resolve the years-long fight over how to protect young immigrants from deportation.

Immigrant rights groups, including those representing DACA recipients, have called for a "clean" DACA bill that is not attached to the spending bill and does not contain other border security provisions.

Congressional Democrats have signaled they are open to some security measures, but they have steadfastly refused to support Trump's border wall, saying such a barrier is costly and unnecessary at a time when illegal crossings at the Mexican border are at records lows. Some moderate Republicans are also wary of supporting a wall.

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In comments to reporters, Lankford, Tillis and Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, who all attended the meeting, tried to redefine Trump's campaign commitment to build a border wall along the roughly 2,100-mile stretch between the United States and Mexico.

"People want to paint his definition - people want to paint that it's some 2,000-mile long, 30-foot high wall of concrete. That's not what he means and that's not what he's tried to say but I think that's what people are portraying it as," Lankford told reporters. "The issue has always been there's going to be border fencing in some areas, there's going to be vehicular barricades, there's going to be technology, there's going to be greater manpower in some areas."

Cornyn and Tillis said they expect any agreement to include language authorizing a years-long project to fortify the border with funding for the new security measures to be doled out in future appropriations bills.

Ultimately, the plan would result in "probably a net increase of 600 miles of wall," Tillis said. "That will be varying barriers based on where you are along the border, but that's the long-term view."

Left unclear Thursday is how the GOP-controlled House might respond to an emerging bipartisan immigration deal crafted by senators. A bipartisan immigration reform plan passed the Senate in 2013 only to be shelved by the more conservative House amid growing political pressure to reject the idea.

Rep. Will Hurd, R-Texas, who is helping negotiate a potential immigration agreement in the House, warned Thursday in an interview with CBSN that any agreement coupling a solution to the fate of dreamers with changes in border security "needs to be narrow, because when you start adding on this other stuff, you start building coalitions of opposition."

"We need to solve this problem quickly and if we solve it this month, that'd be great," Hurd said.
One of the most pressing questions ahead of the 2018 elections is whether the states will be able to guard their voting infrastructure from computer hackers, foreign espionage and other security breaches.

Unfortunately, many states may not have enough time to get the assistance they need.

State officials and some congressional lawmakers are deeply concerned about long wait times for the Department of Homeland Securitys most thorough security screening. Some states are reporting estimated wait times of up to nine months.

The service is an intensive, multiweek probe of the entire system required to run an election. If some of the states that have requested it wont be able to get it until just weeks before this Novembers elections, they wont be able to fix flaws that could allow cybervandals to hijack everything from election offices computer systems to voter registration databases.

The office of Californias secretary of state, Alex Padilla, says it has received security assistance from the Department of Homeland Security and isnt affected by the nine-month wait.

Thats something (the wait) that has to be improved heading into 2018, said Sam Mahood, Padillas press secretary.

Adding that Padilla had been frustrated in the past by the failure of DHS to share information about the 2016 elections cybersecurity problems, Mahood said that California has been working on securing its own systems.

We continue to conduct regular security assessments, following industrywide best practices, Mahood said. And because Congress has failed to pass funding for new voting systems, weve asked the Legislature to pass a bond for new voting systems in our counties.

Should that bill, AB668, pass the state Senate, it will ask voters on the June ballot to approve $450 million in bonds to modernize Californias voting technology and equipment.

Of course, all of this would be unnecessary if Congress would pass long-overdue funding for the nations voting infrastructure. But federal dysfunction is a large part of the reason for this mess.

The Department of Homeland Security is still waiting for President Trump to appoint a full staff of cybersecurity leaders to its bureau in order to properly allocate the bureaus technical resources in response to the needs of the states.

The department is also still waiting for Congress to pass a bill specifically addressing election security in the wake of the 2016 election hacking.

Part of that missing bill needs to be congressional funding for the extra DHS personnel who could reduce the states wait times for security assistance. Another part of it should be funding for new voting technology.

As the Department of Homeland Security itself has recognized, the voting process is a critical part of the countrys safety infrastructure. Its a mystery as to why the rest of Washington doesnt agree.

This commentary is from The Chronicles editorial board. We invite you to express your views in a letter to the editor. Please submit your letter via our online form: SFChronicle.com/letters.
YANA PASKOVA/NYT

Its deadline time for 800,000 young people, most of them in California. Theyre the Dreamers, brought here as children by undocumented immigrant parents. Whether they stay or go is at a turning point.

Their status is both a human and political test for Washington. Sweeping deportations would stain the nation deeply, but would please President Trumps border-hawk base. Democrats are digging in to make protections of Dreamers more lasting as a condition of avoiding a budget shutdown of the federal government.
San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera on Wednesday pulled candidates papers for the race to succeed Ed Lee in June.

A veteran city politician, Herrera has held his current seat since 2002. Before he was elected city attorney he was president of the citys Police Commission.

Herrera is widely seen as a front-runner in the race against progressives Mark Leno and Jane Kim and moderate acting Mayor London Breed, who vaulted to the executive branch after Lees death on Dec. 12.

Although Herrera has vacillated between the progressive and moderate camps in the citys political sphere, hes recently tacked left, defending the citys regulations against Airbnb and other short-term rental companies, and challenging President Trumps order to block funding to sanctuary cities.

In December, Herrera joined city attorneys from Philadelphia and New York in a sweeping federal lawsuit against the Department of Defense. The cities accused the Defense Deparment, Army, Navy, Air Force and several high-ranking Pentagon officials of failing to notify the FBI about convictions and dishonorable discharges that would bar members of the military from purchasing firearms.

Herrera describes himself as a classic liberal. He said Wednesday that he is seriously considering a run, but keeping all options open. He would have to return the filing to the citys Department of Elections by Tuesday to become an official candidate.

 Rachel Swan

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Different look: Supporters of San Francisco acting Mayor London Breed, who will likely run to fill the rest of Ed Lees term in the June election, have brought identity politics to the foreground of a tightly contested race.

Breed would be the first African American woman to hold the job, which her allies say is noteworthy in an era of heightened discourse around sexual harassment and resistance to the policies of President Trump.

But there could be a lot of firsts, depending on who wins the June 5 election. Veteran San Francisco Democrat Mark Leno would be the first openly gay mayor. Supervisor Jane Kim would be the first Asian American woman to take the seat. Should City Attorney Dennis Herrera, who entered the race Wednesday, win he would be the first Latino to lead the city.

Putting any of those people in office would be very significant to the communities they represent, said former Supervisor David Campos, chairman of the San Francisco Democratic Party.

We have to find a respectful way of talking about this and recognizing the importance of each group without undermining the others, said Campos, who is gay and came to the United States as an undocumented teenager from Guatemala. He has not endorsed a candidate in the race.

The range of potential firsts has become a topic of discussion in City Hall, where some of Breeds opponents grumbled privately when her campaign began using the first African American woman mayor phrase as a talking point.

The push to appoint a new interim mayor to serve until June began almost immediately, with two of Breeds progressive colleagues  Supervisors Hillary Ronen and Aaron Peskin  arguing that Breed, a moderate, should not serve simultaneously as a supervisor and acting mayor.

Over the past week, a group called the San Francisco Progressive Alliance has snowed the 11 supervisors, and their aids, with emails urging the board to install a caretaker mayor who wouldnt be a candidate in June.

The effort to block Breed offended BART board director Lateefah Simon, who is a friend of Kims but who stresses the historical magnitude of having an African American woman in the citys highest office.

My understanding is that London (Breed) was voted into the (board) presidency, meaning her colleagues understood that if something were to happen to our mayor, she would step into this role, Simon wrote in a recent email.

So why the switch up right now? Simon demanded. Power is one hell of a drug.

 Rachel Swan

Email: cityinsider@

sfchronicle.com, rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfcityinsider @rachelswan
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On top of Moon Mountain, at the Gilfillan Vineyard, Scott Knippelmeir kneels to the ground, pulls off the outer layers of a grape vines loose wood, and cuts into its trunk. Hes checking for signs of life. If the trunk is green, thats good: The vine is still alive. If its dry and coffee-brown, that means the vine is dead.

Sounds simple enough, except that there are nearly 12,000 individual grape vines at this 6.5-acre vineyard, and each one appears to have suffered a different fate in Octobers Nuns Fire. The destruction just seems so  random, says Knippelmeir, Gilfillans vineyard manager.

Indeed, on this late December afternoon, Gilfillan, which is owned by Lambert Bridge Winery, looks simultaneously normal and macabre. Green grass has sprouted between vineyard rows, and the plants have shed their leaves, now bare and ready for winters hibernation. But next to healthy-looking vines are pockets of charred chaparral, blackened manzanitas, collapsed sheds. Melted irrigation hoses droop misshapenly toward the ground, as if in a Salvador Dali painting.

Three months after the fires, Knippelmeir and Lambert Bridge winemaker Jennifer Higgins are still trying to assess the damage to Gilfillan  and today, they are also trying to form a plan to rehabilitate the burned vines.

It took a week after the Nuns Fire had passed through Moon Mountain before surrounding roads were re-opened; Higgins and Knippelmeir rushed up as soon as they were allowed. (All of the vineyards fruit was harvested before the fires.)

Michael Short/Special to The Chronicle

We were expecting the worst, Higgins says. As they approached, all they could see was burned vegetation.

As soon as we saw that, we knew we were in trouble, Knippelmeir says.

But it turned out that Gilfillan was largely spared: Only about four percent of the vines died, Higgins estimates.

When we first got in here, we were going through the rows, Higgins says. We were looking at the vines  green, green, green, then brown  saying, Is there a reason for this?

Adjacent vines here look completely different: In some cases, a vines rootstock is dead, but the canes at its top still have moist green tissue. Singed leaves dont necessarily mean a singed plant. One wooden shed at Gilfillan burned; nearby, another stands intact. The most flammable spot in the entire vineyard  where a gas grill and propane tank stand underneath a huge pine tree  is, miraculously, unmarred.

What saved Gilfillan? The cover crop had been mowed, for one thing, so there wasnt much brush between the vine rows to catch fire. There werent weeds growing around the base of each plant. The posts bookending the trellises are metal, not wood.

Ultimately, though, no one has a good answer for why one vine burned and another didnt. The aftermath of the North Bay Fires has exposed how little we understand about the nexus of fire and vines.

No one knows whats the real threshold for heat damage, says Rhonda Smith, the Sonoma County-based viticulture farm adviser for the University of California, who has come to Gilfillan to consult on its rehabilitation.

Much of the conventional wisdom about how fires interact with vines  that vines cant burn, because of their high water content, for instance  didnt turn out to be true for every vineyard, she says.

In 99 percent of cases, vines were fire breaks, says Smith. But if there was dry vegetation, if there was wood mulch on the ground, if the soil was especially dry  if, if, if  then they werent.

Michael Short/Special to The Chronicle

Now Higgins and Knippelmeir have some decisions to make. Which vines are not salvageable, and have to be replanted entirely? That full replant is the worst-case scenario. Its expensive, potentially costing hundreds of dollars per plant  more, if the underground risers that support the irrigation system need to be replaced  and it could be five more years before a vine is producing fruit.

Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more.

Are there some cases in which the plant looks dead, but the rootstock could be alive? If so, they could leave the rootstock in the ground and simply re-graft in the spring. And wed get fruit from that vine again in 2021, Higgins says.

If only the canes are dead, Knippelmeir says, the problem could be fixed with simple pruning  by cutting off the canes and leaving only spurs. That way, youd lose one year of fruit production.

Or the big question: do you treat the vine normally and just hope for the best? Higgins says. Wondering how its going to wake up  thats the hardest part.

Fortunately, Lambert Bridge has insurance on Gilfillan  not only crop insurance, which is commonplace and reimburses a grower for the value of its fruit, but also insurance on the vineyard infrastructure itself. That should help with replanting costs.

The damage could have been much worse. Even so, this is farming, Higgins says. You plan for good years and bad years.

And while some might find the randomness of the fires destruction frustrating, Rhonda Smith finds it astounding. This is an amazing plant, she says, pointing at a charred vine. It could be injured on one side and fine on the other side, and still do exactly what you need it to do.

Esther Mobley is The San Francisco Chronicles wine, beer and spirits writer. Email: emobley@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Esther_mobley Instagram: @esthermob
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If Thursday morning's 4.4 or 4.5 magnitude quake centered Berkeley seems familiar, it should be.

Just about 10 years ago, a similar sized quake hit in a similar area, at a similar time.

This is the original story filed in 2007 after the last moderate quake hit Berkeley.

ORIGINAL REPORT:

2007-07-20 11:47:00 PDT OAKLAND -- The 4.2 magnitude earthquake that rattled the Bay Area early today broke a few windows, swept merchandise off shelves and photos off walls and temporarily cut power to thousands of people in Oakland, but it caused no major damage or injuries, officials said.

Some grocery stores and other businesses in Oakland and Berkeley reported minor damage this morning and workers were busy putting fallen items back on the shelves.

At the Safeway on Shattuck Avenue and Rose Street in North Berkeley, employees had to delay opening while they cleaned up and replaced two panes of glass that broke during the quake.

At UC Berkeley's Boalt Hall library, there was also damage to some 19th century Swiss law books, which had their bindings ripped off when they fell alongside a few hundred other books on the sixth floor. The Louisiana state law section took a big hit as well.

And Dream Fluff Donuts in the city's Elmwood District had a large, oval shaped piece of glass fall out of their display window, but remained open for business.

"It was all pretty minor," said U.S. Geological Survey spokeswoman Leslie Gordon. "It didn't interrupt doughnut production."

Alex Sieu, who has owned the shop for 20 years, said the quake seemed worse than the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, which registered a 6.9 magnitude. He was standing near the front of the popular bakery when the window broke, he said.

"I thought somebody threw a cinderblock," he said, adding that he does not have earthquake insurance and will have to pay out-of-pocket to replace the pane. "You know it won't be cheap."

Sieu did have to trash more than 100 donuts that had been sitting in the display case and were covered in glass. But customers were there all morning, purchasing the newly baked pastries.

Electricity failed for about 4,600 people in Oakland after the 4:42 a.m. temblor hit, said Pacific Gas and Electric Co. spokesman David Eisenhauer. Only two customers remained without power at 10 a.m. - including the KTVU television studio in Jack London Square.

The outages were caused when an underground switch was damaged by the initial jolt, he said.

"The jolt shook the switch and caused it to fail. That set off a chain of events in our protective equipments -- fuses and circuit breakers that shut off to protect the rest of the system," he said, adding that the switch needs to be replaced, so the television station will remain without power for a while and will have to continue running on a generator. "The switch was in their backyard."

Gordon said the quake was centered about 2 miles northeast of downtown Oakland on the Hayward fault. The actual epicenter was in the Oakland Hills near Joaquin Miller Park and the Mormon Temple, according to an online topographic mapping service that works with the USGS. The area is called Butters Canyon.

The quake awakened Carol Bernau, who lives in Butters Canyon.

"My husband and I were jolted awake. It was almost like somebody was trying to move the bed," she said.

Still, USGS's Gordon said, "We consider that a light earthquake. It's not unusual. I know it was felt fairly widely, as far north as Sonoma. There was weak to light shaking in most areas."

Dale Risden and his partner also were awakened by the quake. The couple live on Crane Way, just off Joaquin Miller Road and only steps from the quake's epicenter.

They checked their house carefully to see if there was any damage and found none.

"It felt like it was right under me," said Risden. "I normally don't get startled by an earthquake but that one startled me. It just really shook me. It woke us out of our sleep."

Three-year-old Maddy Cometa, who lives in Montclair, also was sleeping soundly when the rattler hit.

"Something woke me up -- my mirror shook," said Maddy as she and her tired father, Tom, walked to Starbucks this morning.

Cometa said it was the worst quake he could recall in his 15 years in the Bay Area, adding that it knocked down pictures and knickknacks in their Oakland home.

Karen Toloui said several bricks fell from the chimney of her Scenic Avenue home in Berkeley, and her neighbor's fireplace now just 2 inches from the wall.

"It seemed stronger than a 4.2," she said.

Other Oakland residents reported less than five seconds of shaking, but said the initial jolt was strong.

"Anytime the earth moves beneath you it's a little unsettling, no matter who you are," said USGS seismologist Rufus Catchings, who felt the temblor. "This is the biggest (quake) we've had in a while."

Catchings noted that the Loma Prieta earthquake lasted a whopping 15 seconds. He said it would be normal for residents to feel this morning's rattler for a few seconds, but that it wasn't strong enough to last much longer.

He did not know the exact duration of the quake.

"This was a strike-slip mechanism," he said. "These give very strong, if you're nearby, initial jolts from the (primary) wave and then rattling for a couple seconds from the (secondary) wave."

It's possible that the temblor was a foreshock that could be followed by stronger seismic events, said Catchings.

"To be very honest, we can't tell, but we do look at that kind of thing, and it's not unheard of for something like this to be followed by something larger," he said.

Several business owners in the Montclair District, about 2 miles from the epicenter, arrived at work today to find their merchandise in shambles.

The Toyhouse Montclair Store had a few inches of toys strewn across its aisles, including the casualties of a stuffed yellow duck and a tricycle that fell from the top shelf. A.G. Ferrari Foods nearby lost several bottles of wine to the quake as well.

The shelves at Sullivan's Montclair Pharmacy were emptied of their shampoo and sunscreen bottles, and drugs littered the floor behind the counter. Owner Joe Sullivan assured customers, however, that his boxes of Harry Potter books -- which go on sale at midnight -- were untouched.

"Harry survived," he said.

Sullivan is convinced that the Hayward Fault runs through his store, and pointed to a crack down the middle of the property as proof. The floor on one side of the crack is about a half-inch below the other side.

Sullivan said he learned of the rattler when his adult son, Ryan, woke up and yelled "earthquake." He ran in and told him it was a bad dream and to go back to sleep.

"At this point, yes, (I believe him)," Joe Sullivan said.

Gordon said about 5,500 people registered this morning to access a map on the USGS Web site, which allows the public to report where the earthquake was felt and how strongly. The map shows weak to light shaking in the East Bay and North Bay, as well as San Francisco and the northern area of the Peninsula.

"They didn't feel it in San Jose. ... Most areas reported weak to light shaking and those closest epicenter reported moderate shaking," she said.

Gordon said the quake was not unusual, but she and Catchings warned that Bay Area residents need to prepare for the "big one."

"I want to tell people that it was both figuratively and literally a wake-up call this morning," she said. "Just be ready -- this is totally normal."

Risden, the resident who lives near the epicenter, said the quake will prompt him to prepare.

"Keeping things from falling on you is key," added Catchings. "Something much bigger could happen, and people should take this as a lesson to prepare, figure out what your plan is going to be, make sure you have stuff to survive the really big one."

Oakland City Councilwoman Jean Quan, who represents the district that includes most of the Oakland Hills and straddles the Hayward Fault, said she had just been researching the damage from the recent Japan earthquake to see if the city could offer any gestures of aid or friendship.

"I was thinking about earthquakes when I went to bed and then a quake woke me up," Quan said.

This summer, she successfully sponsored legislation that encourages homeowners to retrofit their dwellings.

The measure lowered the price of a retrofitting permit to a flat $250 -- a fee that formerly could cost more than $1,000. Her legislation also allows home buyers to get a rebate of up to $5,000 on their city transfer tax if they retrofit their homes. Also starting next year, some homeowners can get grants for retrofitting. Only 15 percent of Oakland homes have been retrofitted, Quan said.

"I've been thinking about and planning of earthquakes for a very long time," Quan said. "We know an earthquake is coming."
Jacom Stephens/Getty Images

A pedestrian was killed in San Jose when he was struck twice by passing cars early Thursday morning, police said.

The 64-year-old man was crossing Brokaw Road near First Street around 5:30 a.m. when he was clipped by the passenger side mirror of a 2003 Toyota Corolla and knocked to the ground. Police said the victim was crossing in a dark area outside of a designated crosswalk.
Ron Chapple/Getty Image

A big rig truck overturned on the connector ramp between westbound Interstate 80 and eastbound Interstate 780 near Vallejo, blocking off traffic, the California Highway Patrol reported.

The overturned truck was reported at 1:40 p.m. and was blocking the the connector ramp. No injuries were reported in the crash, the CHP said.
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U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen became the first Cabinet-level official in the Trump administration to tour Northern Californias wildfire devastation, saying Wednesday that the White House would fully back recovery efforts.

Nielsens visit to Santa Rosa didnt come with any new financial commitments, but it marked a show of support for California as the state muscles for a share of billions of dollars in federal aid being earmarked for states and U.S. territories devastated by hurricanes and other disasters in 2017.

Nielsens department oversees the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which has been working with state and local officials to find shelter for fire victims and clear remnants of the more than 8,000 buildings that burned last year. Nielsen said crews have so far removed debris weighing nearly as much as the Golden Gate Bridge.

The fires left many Californians with the daunting task of recovery, she said at a news conference in the fire-ravaged Coffey Park neighborhood. We will be here with arms locked with state and community officials.

Before the briefing, Nielsen toured the badly burned Fountaingrove neighborhood and met privately with a handful of local leaders.

It was very important for me to come here and see for myself what the needs are, she said.

A day earlier, Nielsen surveyed the burn zone of the Thomas Fire, which continues to smolder in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties after becoming the states largest wildfire ever at 282,000 acres. More than 1,000 buildings have burned.

The stop in Southern California coincided with the Trump administrations disaster declaration for the area, which frees up federal funds for reducing hazards related to the fire and guarantees reimbursement for at least some portion of the recovery.

The administration issued a similar declaration for Northern California last year after fires in Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino and other counties burned close to 250,000 acres, killed 44 people and destroyed more than 5,500 homes. State officials estimate that insured damage tops $9 billion.

Californias congressional Democrats have been critical of President Trump for not acting more quickly to ensure wildfire relief. An $81 billion disaster bill that would provide housing and recovery aid to California as well as hurricane-wracked Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands was approved by the House last month but has stalled in the Senate.

Senate leaders have not been able to agree on how to fund the legislation, which would lift last years disaster spending to a staggering $133 billion. The Senate is expected to revisit the bill this month.

Nielsen said her agency has been in constant communication with Gov. Jerry Brown about funding issues. The director of the Governors Office of Emergency Services, who toured Santa Rosa with Nielsen on Wednesday, said he was pleased that the secretary was engaged with Californias recovery.

This effort has really been a one-team, one-fight effort, said Mark Ghilarducci.

Kurtis Alexander is a Chronicle Staff Writer. Email kalexander@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kurtisalexander
Before Alex Jones, there was John Trochmann. With an impressive white beard that softened his hawkish face, Trochmann ran a group in the 1990s that encouraged people to form militias to resist what he promised was an imminent attack from the New World Order. Mostly, though, he spent his time spreading conspiracies through a mail-order catalog from his home in Montana.

Trochmann claimed that the government controlled the weather through a secret radar installation in the Arctic, that the feds had orchestrated the Oklahoma City bombing and that FEMA had built concentration camps to hold conservative gun owners. (The conservatives would be rounded up by members of the Bloods and Crips, who would swoop down in black helicopters because ... well, why not?)

David Neiwert, the author of several previous books on the radical right, first met Trochmann in November 1994. He was not unlikable, but his personality had a brittle quality that made him seem volatile, so I chose not to push him too hard that day with questions, Neiwert writes in Alt-America: The Rise of the Radical Right in the Age of Trump. Over sandwiches at a local diner, Trochmann noted that CNN was reporting that Hurricane Gordon had just hit Florida. The government was behind Gordon, naturally.

Welcome to the world of the paranoid, racist, conspiratorial and unhinged. Welcome, too, to the world of Neiwert, an investigative journalist who has immersed himself in the study of right-wing extremism for more than two decades. Its not an enviable occupation, but the result deserves careful attention, providing a crash course on the far right, from the patriot movement of the 1990s to the alt-right surge that was behind the ugliness in Charlottesville, Va. If you think our country was relatively healthy until Donald Trump took office, this book is for you.

Lesson one: In the world of the conspiracist, there is no consequence for getting it wrong, no need to apologize. In the run up to Y2K  remember that?  the radio show host Alex Jones warned that the U.S. military was heading into his hometown of Austin, Texas, to imprison locals in the airport.

Were seeing the New World Order really come out in full force, he told his listeners. More wars than have been in the past 50 years are going on right now. Nothing happened on Y2K in Austin, of course, or elsewhere. But that didnt stop Jones, who would go on to claim that 9/11 was orchestrated by the government and call the Sandy Hook school shooting a hoax.

Trochmann was a crank with a mail-order catalog; Jones is a crank with a national platform. In Alt-America, Neiwert tracks the spread of this rot from the margins to the center. Your reputations amazing, Trump told Jones in 2015. I will not let you down.

Neiwerts book is well-paced  brisk but not rushed, comprehensive but not encyclopedic. He covers the twists and turns of the various movements, which tend to gain speed and then implode under the weight of their inept or criminal leadership. The anti-immigrant surge in the mid-2000s led armed citizens, who called themselves Minutemen, to mass at the U.S.-Mexico border to search for invaders. They were media darlings for a minute, though caught only sunburns. Today, one of the Minutemen leaders is serving 20 years for molesting his daughter; another was convicted of murder and has been sentenced to death in Arizona.

The Minutemen effort echoed an earlier campaign by the Ku Klux Klan. In 1977, David Duke and a handful of others organized a Klan Border Watch in California. It, too, quickly fell apart, but the effort highlights the racism that has been a central feature  sometimes unspoken, always present  among the extreme right.

One of the inspirations for the Tea Party, Ron Paul, was often characterized as an eccentric old man with some goofy ideas. He was instead a far-right extremist, as was revealed after old issues of his newsletter  filled with vile race-baiting, anti-Semitism, and Patriot-style conspiracy theories, writes Neiwert  surfaced. Rather quietly and under the radar, Paul managed to unite nearly the entire radical right behind himself, more than any presidential candidate since George Wallace in 1968. ... Even though Pauls candidacy received no institutional support from within the GOP, it reflected not just a resurgence of right-wing populism but a dramatic weaving of extremist beliefs into the national conversation. This should sound familiar.

Into this environment came the prospect of a black president. Suddenly a vast ocean of dubious information was available to all, and it quickly filled with anonymous and phony smears, a floating island of garbage, writes Neiwert. Obama was called a Muslim, a terrorist and a foreigner; he faced so many death threats that he was assigned Secret Service protection at an earlier stage than any other candidate in history. The day after the election, Stormfront, a neo-Nazi website, gained 2,000 new members. They would have gained more, but traffic crashed the site.

The final third of the book covers the emergence of Trump on the political stage. If youve been paying attention during the past two years, this material will be more familiar: the rise in hate crimes, the claim of fake news when unfavorable news is broken, the scapegoating of Mexicans, the neo-Nazis marching in the streets. But after reading Alt-America, youll see these developments in a new light  not as a dramatic detour into the wilderness, but as the widening of a path that was plowed decades ago.

Gabriel Thompson is the author of Americas Social Arsonist: Fred Ross and Grassroots Organizing in the Twentieth Century and Working in the Shadows: A Year of Doing the Jobs (Most) Americans Wont Do. Email: books@sfchronicle.com

Alt-America

The Rise of the Radical Right in the Age of Trump

By David Neiwert

(Verso; 456 pages; $29.95)
A department store is closing. Again.

In the latest round of closures, the Novato Macys Furniture Store and the Macys in the Stonestown Galleria will shut their doors. Sears will shutter stores in San Jose and San Rafael, the company told employees. The department store chains announced the closures Thursday. The stores will close in March and April.

Like many department stores across the country, Macys and Sears have been struggling in the era of Amazon. But there are still people like 62-year-old Dennis La Chapelle who refuse to shop online, and instead prefer the simplicity of walking into a store and coming out with what they need.

If I need something, Ill come and get it, La Chapelle said, as he browsed the Stonestown Macys for a new topcoat . I hate to see it go. ... M y wife and I have shopped here for years.

In 2016, Macys announced a multiyear plan to close 100 stores; at least 68 shuttered in 2017. In addition to the Bay Area stores that are closing, Macys said Thursday that nine other stores will shut their doors this year, in California, Florida, Idaho, Vermont, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan. Sears Holdings is closing 100 additional Sears and Kmart stores nationwide.

The Stonestown closure has been a long time coming. Last January, the department store chain sold its building to General Growth Properties, the owner of the rest of the Stonestown complex. In July, the owner filed a plan with the city to replace the Macys with a mix of smaller retail stores, restaurants and a multiplex movie theater.

On Thursday morning, few people browsed the aisles of the sprawling Stonestown Macys  thumbing through racks of clothes or stopping to look at watches or try on shoes. While the closure will impact the stores regulars, District 7 Supervisor Norman Yee said he supports turning the space into something more people will use.

If people still desired going to Macys, then they wouldve gone there. ... The fact that they were losing their sales there, it probably was a good thing to get rid of, Yee said. Stonestown was able to quickly turn around and say, Well, what other areas do they need, and what would benefit the community around there?

As Amazon and other retailers make online shopping ever more seamless through different payment options and shorter delivery windows, department stores like Macys, Sears and J.C. Penney have announced sweeping store closures this year. At the same time, some online-only stores are opening up physical spaces.

Clothing brand Everlane, a company known for chic and simple clothing, recently opened up a physical store in New York, and has plans for another one in San Francisco. Eyewear company Warby Parker has also opened up several stores. Amazon, of course, shook up the grocery store industry this year with its monumental purchase of Whole Foods. And with the closure of many rival booksellers, Amazon now operates the fourth-largest chain of bookstores in the U.S., including locations in Walnut Creek and San Jose.

Analysts say this trend is more about stores wanting to create a brand experience for their customers, rather than push more sales.

Especially with apparel retailers, physical stores are a great means of introducing a shopper to the styles, quality and fit of their clothes, Doug Stephens, founder of the Retail Prophet, previously told T he Chronicle. From there, they can shop more confidently online.

As Macys focuses on improving its online services  its Macys.com division is headquartered in San Francisco  and highlighting exclusive offerings, the company reported Thursday that it experienced some growth over the holiday season, according to the Associated Press. But those gains are still not enough to save all of its current stores.

The closures are having major consequences for jobs  a broad concern as the traditional retail industry bleeds across the board. The total impact of Macys closures is unclear at this point, but last year, an estimated 3,900 employees lost jobs as a result of stores shutting down.

In a statement, Macys spokeswoman Monica Gubrud wrote that store associates had been told of the decision and the retailer will move regular non-seasonal employees to nearby locations or offer them severance.

Were all pretty flipped, said one longtime Macys employee, who declined to give her name because she was not authorized to speak to the media. This employee said she has built her life around working at the Stonestown store.

It is what it is, the employee said. Lets face it, no one wants to come in here. Everyone just shops online now.

Trisha Thadani and Sophie Haigney are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: tthadani@sfchronicle.com, sophie.haigney@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @TrishaThadani, @SophieHaigney
President Trump boasted Tuesday evening that he had a nuclear button that is much bigger and more powerful than North Koreas, again prompting fears that an errant tweet could lead to a nuclear conflict. (It is worth noting that there is no nuclear button.)

The remark led to an immediate debate over whether Trump had broken Twitters rules and whether the service should bar him from posting.

A company spokeswoman said in an interview Wednesday that the tweet had not violated its terms of service.

The services policy says that only specific threats of violence or wishing for serious physical harm, death, or disease to an individual or group of people constitute violations.

Is there any situation that would cause Twitter to suspend or ban Trump? In theory, yes. The San Francisco company has insisted that there are no exceptions to its rules and that all individuals using the service must adhere to them, or risk disciplinary action or permanent suspension.

But the company refuses to entertain hypothetical scenarios about suspending high-profile accounts, including that of Trump. It remains to be seen whether, in practice, the president could violate its rules in a way that would get him suspended.

Questioned about the president in a Wired interview last year, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey said that all users would be held to the same standard. But he pointed out that Twitters policies made an exception for newsworthiness, a factor that must be considered in regard to any and all of the presidents tweets.

I think its really important that we maintain open channels to our leaders, whether we like what theyre saying or not, he said.

Has a Trump tweet raised these questions in the past? Yes, including on Sept. 23, when another threat toward North Korea led to a similar outcry.

Just heard Foreign Minister of North Korea speak at U.N., Trump tweeted. If he echoes thoughts of Little Rocket Man, they wont be around much longer!

Twitter declined to take the tweet down.

We hold all accounts to the same rules, and consider a number of factors when assessing whether Tweets violate our rules. Among the considerations is newsworthiness and whether a Tweet is of public interest, the company said. This has long been internal policy and well soon update our public-facing rules to reflect it. We need to do better on this, and will.

Does Twitter treat the president differently from other users? Twitter bans what it calls abusive behavior, or behavior that harasses, intimidates or uses fear to silence another users voice. For example, writer Milo Yiannopoulos was barred in 2016 amid coordinated harassment of comedian Leslie Jones.

But there are caveats, including that passage, in the rules about tweets that are deemed in the legitimate public interest.

That language suggests that in some, if not many cases, a user whose tweets fit that definition  like the president  would have more leeway than others when engaging in abusive behavior.

Twitter acknowledges that decisions about policing newsworthy accounts can be difficult.

But its spokeswoman pointed out that the company had taken recent action against other accounts that fit the definition. This week the service temporarily suspended former Milwaukee sheriff David Clarke Jr., who was reported by other users for violating Twitters terms of service.

Jonah Engel Bromwich and Johanna Barr are New York Times writers.
An Antioch man convicted in the 2013 killings of two store clerks at a South of Market jewelry shop and the attempted murder of the store owner over a price dispute was sentenced to 266 years in prison on Wednesday, the San Francisco district attorney said.

A judge sentenced 27-year-old Barry White Jr. to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole in addition to a third life sentence with the possibility of parole.

The fact that this man took two lives and attempted to take others over a piece of jewelry demonstrates a disturbing disregard for human life, District Attorney George Gascon said. No sentence can undo the damage this man did to the victims families, but San Franciscans are safer with this man behind bars for the rest of his life.

A jury in July found White guilty on 16 charges, including murder and attempted murder, stemming from a deadly 2013 altercation inside the San Francisco Gift Center and Jewelry Mart on Brannan Street.

According to court records, White cut the throats of both 51-year-old Lina Lim and 35-year-old Khin Min. He also shot Lim and Vic Hung, the shops owner, with a revolver. Only Hung survived the attack.

The killings were prompted by a dispute over the price of a gold chain White ordered from Hungs shop, Victoga, in May 2013. White ordered the piece for $5,573.43 and received it in June, but he was dissatisfied with the necklace.

White said the necklace was lighter than he expected and made an appointment to discuss the sale with Hung. Hung initially offered White a $700 refund, but White asked for $1,000 repeatedly and declined Hungs offer, telling the shopkeeper, I will make you pay.

The killings occurred when White returned to the store on July 12, 2013, according to court records. After waiting for other customers to leave the store, White again asked for $1,000, which Hung refused. White then pulled out a gun and shot Hung before killing Lim and Min.

White then left the store and reloaded his gun, firing at responding officers before ducking into a nearby taqueria. He surrendered when he ran out of ammunition.

Police found an assault weapon in the back seat of Whites car after he was apprehended. White was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the killings, the district attorney said.

Annie Ma is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ama@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @anniema15
The man shot and killed by a BART Police officer has been identified by police as a 28-year-old Oakland man.

Oakland police provided additional details on a Wednesday evening officer-involved shooting across from the West Oakland BART Station, confirming that an on-duty BART police officer was responding to a shooting in the area when he later fired at and killed Shaleem Tindle.

Tindles relatives mourned his death on social media, including Karim Mayfield, a boxer who has fought across the country and won the WBO NABO super lightweight title in 2011.

My Heart Is broken, I lost my little brother Shaleem last night. Please don't ask me I'm I ok, becoase (sic) I'm obviously not, he posted to Facebook.

The BART officer was inside the station when he heard shots about 4:40 p.m., according to the Oakland Police Department.

The officer found two men in a struggle with each other at Seventh and Chester streets. One man was armed with a handgun, police said.

After several commands were given, the officer discharged his firearm striking the man who was in possession of the handgun, the department said. He later succumbed to his injuries.

Authorities said a gun was found at the scene.

Witness accounts of the incident were similar. One witness told The Chronicle that two men were arguing before shots rang out. Another said she saw one man shoot the other in the leg, which led a BART police officer to run across the street from the station and shoot him.

Police are investigating how the second man was injured. The BART officers body camera recorded the incident.

A nearly 10-minute video of the aftermath of the incident posted to Facebook shows no clear perimeter established at the scene as one man lies on the ground handcuffed and held by a police officer and another man lies motionless.

Before officers begin life-saving measures, one woman rushes over to the body, tries to perform CPR and is shooed away. Officers begin CPR about two minutes into the video.

The identity of the BART officer has not been released.

The Oakland Police Departments homicide section is investigating the initial shooting and subsequent officer-involved shooting. Anyone with information is asked to call the Oakland Police Department Homicide Section at (510) 238-3821.

Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno
The Writers Guild of America on Thursday, Feb. 4, announced its nominations for its 2018 awards with most of the predicted usual suspects receiving nods.

Those nominated for original screenplay are The Big Sick, Get Out, I, Tonya, Lady Bird and The Shape of Water. Those competing for the adapted screenplay honor are Call Me by Your Name, The Disaster Artist, Logan, Mollys Game and Mudbound. The documentary entries are Betting on Zero, Jane, No Stone Unturned and Oklahoma City.
The U.S. Embassy in Yerevan has warned Syrian refugees in Armenia about a scam promising them travel documents to the United States.

The warning, appearing on the embassys Facebook page reads:

The U.S. Embassy Yerevan wishes to alert Syrian refugees in Armenia of an ongoing attempted immigration fraud. Several Syrian families seeking to relocate to the United States from Armenia have fallen victim to a scam which consists of an individual promising relocation and refugee travel document services from U.S. Embassy Yerevan in return for a fee paid to this U.S.-based individual.

The embassy notes that it does not process any refugee travel documents.

The perpetrators of this fraud may provide official-looking documentation, but it is fraudulent. We urge anyone interested in relocating to the United States to be vigilant for such immigration scams, the warning says.

The embassy encourages potential fraud victims to approach UNHCR. In addition, report any suspected fraud cases to the U.S. Embassy at [email protected] For additional information and counseling on refugee protection or documentation in Armenian, contact UNHCR Armenia. UNHCR has drop in hours every Monday and Thursday, from 3-5pm at 14 Petros Adamyan Street, Yerevan. For more information contact UNHCR via phone: 37410 56 47 71 or email: [email protected]

For more information on proper immigration processes to the U.S., please use the following resources:

U.S. Citizen and Immigration Service Website:https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-asylum/asylum

U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs:https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html

U.S. Refugee Admissions Program:https://www.state.gov/j/prm/ra/admissions/

U.S. Embassy Yerevan Website:https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html
BOSTON  A massive winter storm roared into the East Coast on Thursday, dumping as much as 17 inches of snow in some areas and unleashing hurricane-force winds and historic flooding that closed schools and offices and halted transportation from the Carolinas to Maine.

Forecasters expected the storm to be followed immediately by a blast of face-stinging cold that could break records in more than two dozen cities and bring wind chills as low as minus 40 degrees this weekend.

Blizzard warnings and states of emergency were in wide effect, and wind gusts hit more than 70 mph in places. In parts of New England, snow fell as fast as 3 inches per hour.

Four people were killed in North and South Carolina after their vehicles ran off snow-covered roads, authorities said. Another fatality was reported near Philadelphia when a car could not stop at the bottom of a steep, snow-covered hill and slammed into a commuter train. A passenger in the vehicle was killed. No one on the train was hurt.

More than 100,000 homes and businesses lost power at some point Thursday. Though many outages were restored by the days end, officials from the mid-Atlantic to New England warned that those numbers might climb again as strong wind gusts and frigid temperatures continue through Saturday.

In New England, the powerful winds brought coastal flooding that reached historic levels in areas. The frigid waters overwhelmed fishing piers, streets and restaurants, and stranded people in homes and cars, prompting dozens of evacuations and rescues.

In Portland, Maine, the high tide nearly matched the 14.17-feet reported during the infamous Blizzard of 1978 that walloped the Northeast.

In Boston, icy harbor waters poured into downtown streets near popular tourist and business areas. The National Weather Service said the waters reached within a few tenths of an inch of record levels and local officials across coastal Massachusetts braced for further tidal surges.

Mayor Marty Walsh said some of the areas hadnt seen flooding in 30 years.

If anyone wants to question global warming, just see where the flood zones are, the Democrat remarked.

The flight-tracking site FlightAware reported more than 5,000 canceled flights across the United States. Those included more than two-thirds of flights in and out of New York City and Boston airports.

Rail service was affected, too. Amtrak operated a modified schedule between New York and Boston. Northeast Regional Service between Washington, D.C., and Newport News/Norfolk, Virginia, was canceled.

In Florida, it was so cold iguanas fell from their tree perches in suburban Miami. The reptiles became immobile when temperatures dipped below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius).

Philip Marcelo and Dave Collins are Associated Press writers.
A two-room Chinese space station called Tiangong-1, which the country lost contact with in 2016, is headed for a fiery plunge back to Earth. It might even land in San Francisco, as current projections suggest. Northern California is in the region of "higher probability" for debris landing.

But don't worry just yet.

Scientists aren't sure where the space station will land after it make its "uncontrolled reentry" back to Earth around March. But Earthlings can rest a bit easier knowing there is only a small chance  1 in 10,000 odds  that whatever debris does make it through the atmosphere will crash into a populated area.

It's even less likely that it will strike a human.

"The probability that a specific person (i.e., you) will be struck by Tiangong-1 debris is about one million times smaller than the odds of winning the Powerball jackpot," reads a report from the Aerospace Corporation, a California nonprofit and federally-funded research organization. "In the history of spaceflight, no known person has ever been harmed by reentering space debris. Only one person has ever been recorded as being hit by a piece of space debris and, fortunately, she was not injured."

More for you Video captures 3-car crash as California drivers apparently watch SpaceX rocket

There is, however, some cause for concern. Tiangong-1 is "potentially" carrying an unknown amount of hydrazine, a chemical used in propellant. Hydrazine is "highly toxic and corrosive," according to Aerospace, and could potentially make it through the reentry process.

There's no way to know how much hydrazine is on board, but the group advises that in the event Tiangong-1 crashes into land and not in a body of water, people should stay away from the debris.

"For your safety, do not touch any debris you may find on the ground nor inhale vapors it may emit," Aerospace writes.

Ultimately, debris from the space station could actually prove useful for research purposes. As Business Insider points out, NASA discovered a working flight computer after the Columbia space shuttle crashed in 2003, which helped identify what went wrong.

Alyssa Pereira is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at apereira@sfchronicle.com or find her on Twitter at @alyspereira.


SACRAMENTO  State Sen. Tony Mendoza, a Los Angeles County Democrat facing multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, said Wednesday that he will take a one-month leave of absence from the Senate.

Mendozas departure comes despite the senators attempts to fight back against efforts by his fellow Democrats to push him out. Last month, state Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon asked Mendoza  his colleague and ex-roommate  to take a leave of absence as investigators probed allegations that Mendoza sexually harassed several women. Mendoza was previously stripped of his committee chairmanship following the allegations.

In a statement from the Senate floor, Mendoza made it clear that he plans to return Feb. 1 or sooner if the investigation concludes before then. Mendozas pay will continue during his leave.

They really want me to give the opportunity for this investigation to move forward, and I understand that, Mendoza said. They feel its better if I just step back a little bit. To accommodate that and to take away any type of appearance of impropriety or any type of appearance of giving special influence, I have decided I will take a leave of absence during this month of January.

The Legislature returned from recess Wednesday to begin the 2018 legislative session, but discussion of how to handle the Mendoza allegations dominated the day. Democrats met in a private caucus for four hours, mostly discussing Mendoza. His absence comes after two Assemblymen resigned following allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse.

The Senate said it opened an investigation into allegations against Mendoza in October. That investigation is now being handled by an outside firm. Mendoza is accused by three women of sexual misconduct. He denies any wrongdoing.

In one case, Mendoza is accused of inappropriately and repeatedly inviting a 23-year-old Cal State Sacramento fellow to his home when she went to him looking for a permanent job. He is accused of also suggesting the same woman stay in his hotel during a fundraiser.

A second employee alleged that in 2008, when she was a 19-year-old intern in Mendozas office, he singled her out by flying her to San Jose for the state Democratic convention and asked her to have a drink at a minibar in his hotel suite, where he booked her an adjoining room. The woman, Jennifer Kwart, said Mendozas behavior made her so uncomfortable that she made up a reason to fly home.

A third woman accused Mendoza of sexual harassment that she said occurred when she worked as a legislative aide.

Melody Gutierrez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mgutierrez@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @MelodyGutierrez
Nearly all U.S. waters, including the long-protected California coast, would be opened to new offshore oil- and gas-drilling rigs under a sweeping proposal that the Trump administration unveiled Thursday.

Administration officials said the plan to vastly increase the number of drilling leases offered in the Pacific and other oceans would boost the nations energy independence. But the proposal was met with widespread concern from California and other coastal states that the economic benefits would not justify the risk of an environmentally disastrous oil spill.

No oil or gas lease has been issued for the California coast since 1984, and both Democratic and Republican lawmakers in the state have generally supported limiting drilling operations to the few dozen rigs that have long operated in Southern California.

But the administrations new proposal calls for overturning the moratorium on additional Pacific exploration and auctioning off six new drilling leases in California waters  two apiece off the northern, central and southern parts of the state  as well as one off either Oregon or Washington. The leases would be in federal waters, running from about 3 miles to 200 miles offshore.

The plan, which must undergo months of public review before it becomes policy, did not detail specific sites for drilling but could open up several spots that oil companies have long coveted, including waters off La Jolla in San Diego County, Malibu near Los Angeles and Cambria in San Luis Obispo County, industry experts say.

Farther north, much of the ocean in U.S. waters lies within national marine sanctuaries, which are protected from oil and gas exploration. However, the Trump administration is reviewing marine sanctuaries that have been added within the past decade for possible downsizing, including the 2015 expansion of Californias Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. Should administration officials choose to roll back this sanctuary, areas off Sonoma County and Mendocino County could be opened to drilling as well.

This goes way too far, said Richard Charter, a Bodega Bay resident and senior fellow of the marine conservation group Ocean Foundation. Ive never seen anything like this in the last 40 years.

California officeholders were also quick to criticize the plan. Gov. Jerry Brown as well as Democratic Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris called it short-sighted and not in the interest of West Coast residents, including the tourism and fishing sectors. State Attorney General Xavier Becerra said he would look into legal options to halt new oil operations.

The days of drilling for oil are numbered, Feinstein said in an email. We have clean energy alternatives that can grow our economy faster without jeopardizing our coastal economies and natural resources.

Beyond California, several governors, including those in Oregon and Washington as well as Florida Republican Rick Scott, were also critical. Scott, a supporter of the president, said he had asked to meet with Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, who released the proposal Thursday, to explain the crucial need to remove Florida from consideration.

At a news conference in Washington, D.C., Zinke said he would listen to states concerns. But he added, This is a start at looking at energy dominance and looking at our offshore assets.

The proposal is the latest to fulfill President Trumps commitment to reduce regulations on businesses and support new energy production. It stems from an executive order signed by Trump in April that directed the Interior Department to rewrite former President Barack Obamas five-year offshore drilling plan.

The order also called for reconsideration of safety rules put in place after BPs Deepwater Horizon oil-rig disaster killed 11 people and spilled millions of gallons of crude into the Gulf of Mexico in 2010. In response, the administration last month proposed loosening the standards.

The plan released Thursday calls for selling 47 new oil and gas leases between 2019 and 2024 in the Arctic, Atlantic and Pacific oceans as well as in the Gulf of Mexico  the most that have ever been proposed in a five-year program. The effort replaces the Obama administrations plan to offer 11 new leases through 2022, 10 in the Gulf of Mexico and one off the coast of Alaska.

Under the proposal, parts of the East Coast that have been off-limits to oil drilling for decades would be opened up, including Maine and Florida waters, as well as the Arctics Beaufort and Chukchi seas.

Nobody is better at producing clean, responsible energy than the United States, Zinke said. He added, As far as the economy goes, clean and reliable and affordable energy is whats driving the economy.

The oil industry applauded the new plan while committing to make sure environmental concerns would be addressed if new drilling begins.

This announcement could help California increase our domestic energy production, said Catherine Reheis-Boyd, president of the Western States Petroleum Association, an industry group. Currently, we import over 1 million barrels of oil in supertankers from overseas locations each and every day, a practice that she noted poses ecological hazards of its own.

Even if the administration moves forward with the drilling plan, however, several hurdles remain for oil companies seeking new business on the West Coast. For one, oil prices remain low and wont likely cover the cost of adding new rigs, at least at the present time.

Also, several California policies make it difficult for new drills to start operating. The State Lands Commission, which oversees the state-governed waters within 3 miles of the coast, has resolved to pursue regulations blocking any new drilling efforts. For example, the agency could seek to prohibit new pipelines that carry oil from federal waters to shore. In addition, several cities and counties have laws barring construction of new oil infrastructure.

There are a lot of avenues available for the public and the state to fight this proposal, said Linda Krop, chief counsel for the Environmental Defense Center in Santa Barbara, where memories of the states largest oil spill in 1969 remain fresh. After more than 30 years without any new offshore oil and gas leases, this is an irresponsible move that we adamantly oppose and will face head on.

Kurtis Alexander is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kalexander@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kurtisalexander
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.
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OAKLAND (BCN)

A man has been charged with murder for allegedly killing his wife by shooting her at least three times at their home in East Oakland on New Year's Day, prosecutors said.

Enrique Sandoval, 44, was charged and arraigned on Wednesday for the death of Francisca Martinez Ramirez, 38, who was shot inside their home in the 5400 block of Crittenden Street at about 7:30 a.m. Monday.

Oakland police Officer Timothy Watermulder wrote in a probable cause statement that Sandoval, who is also known as Anastacio Sandoval Marin, called his brother after the shooting and told him he had just shot his wife.

Watermulder wrote that when he arrived at the residence, Sandoval was attempting to leave the scene carrying firearms and ammunition that matched the bullet casings found inside the home.

Watermulder wrote that when he investigated the residence, he determined that Sandoval had shot his wife "at least three times."

Martinez Ramirez succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

ALSO Oakland cops investigating fatal shooting by BART police officer

Officers found two pounds of suspected cocaine on Sandoval when they arrested him but the Alameda County District Attorney's Office elected not to file any illegal drug charges against him, Watermulder wrote.

Sandoval, who is being held without bail at Santa Rita Jail in Dublin, is scheduled to return to court today to be assigned an attorney and possibly enter a plea.
January 3, 2018

President Trump, in his tweet about Pakistan, called a spade a spade. Since 9/11, Pakistan has consistently played a double game, providing just enough sporadic assistance in capturing members of Al Qaeda and logistical support for our forces to give an impression of helpfulness, while at the same time harboring, training, and assisting violent extremist groups such as the Taliban and the Haqqani network that have killed thousands of American, Coalition, and Afghan soldiers and an even greater number of innocent Afghan civilians.





Islamabad's duplicitous policy has been the single most important factor preventing success in Afghanistan. Ending Pakistani support for terrorists and insurgents is essential if we hope to reduce the terrorist threat in and from the region, contain the pernicious violence and achieve the negotiated settlement of the conflict in Afghanistan that will finally bring relief to the people of that country and allow our troops to come home.





After the Coalition toppled the Taliban in late 2001, there was a key momenta golden hour when the United States could have achieved the conditions to win the War on Terror in the Afghanistan-Pakistan theater. President Bush declared that countries needed to choose whether they were with us or against us, which in the case of Pakistan meant that we required them to support Operation Enduring Freedom, which targeted Islamabads Taliban proteges, and cooperate in the hunt for Al Qaeda leaders.





But soon Pakistan concocted a complex strategy of cooperating on logistics and occasional help with hunting Al Qaeda leaders in exchange for massive U.S. aid, while simultaneously building out a clandestine program to reconstitute the Taliban. Yet, when evidence began to emerge that Pakistan was providing sanctuary and active support to the Taliban, the Bush administration did not follow through on its earlier "with us or against us" dictate but instead gave Islamabad what amounted to a pass.

The situation grew worse under President Obama. The administration enhanced U.S. diplomatic engagement and significantly increased the already generous economic and military assistance to Pakistan. The Pakistanis had indicated that, with enhanced military capability and economic inducements, they would move against the Afghan insurgents based on their territory. Thencontinuing their earlier patternthey took the aid but continued with sanctuary and support for the insurgents.





U.S. commanders developed a northern logistical route to reduce dependence on Pakistan for logistical access to landlocked Afghanistan, but the Obama administration did not confront Pakistan about its conduct. At the end of the day, Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Michael Mullen openly stated that the Haqqani Group acted as a veritable arm of Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence agency, the ISI, which is the intelligence service that operates support programs to the Afghan insurgent groups. The network not only carries out deadly attacks but also holds Americans and others as hostages in Pakistan.





With welcome clarity, in his speech announcing a new strategy for Central and South Asia, President Trump said that:





And the administration provided a list of actions that Pakistan should take.

Trump Has Unveiled a Strong National Security Strategy

Pakistan has also sheltered the same organizations that try every single day to kill our people. We have been paying Pakistan billions and billions of dollars at the same time they are housing the very terrorists that we are fighting. But that will have to change, and that will change immediately. No partnership can survive a countrys harboring of militants and terrorists who target U.S. service members and officials. It is time for Pakistan to demonstrate its commitment to civilization, order, and to peace.
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Raiders cornerback Sean Smith was arraigned Wednesday on felony charges of assault and battery stemming from an incident last July 4 in Pasadena.

Smith was charged with assault by means of force to produce great bodily injury and battery with serious bodily injury, according to the Los Angeles County Superior Court. He pleaded not guilty to both charges and is due back in court Feb. 13 for a pre-trial hearing.
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Kenley Jansen, closer for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has closed on a new home base in Palos Verdes Estates, CA. The house with views of the sparkling ocean and city was scored last month for $6.5 million, the Los Angeles Times reports.

The 30-year-old pitcher snagged a deal on the Spanish-style estate with five bedrooms, 6.5 baths, and 6,900 square feet. The listing first came on the market in July for $7.2 million, according to the property records. The price was reduced to $6.9 million before changing hands for $6.5 million.
The ocean floor is likely sinking due to climate change, rendering sea level rise measurements over the last 20 years grossly inaccurate, Dutch scientists claim.

Researchers from the Delft University of Technology say the sea has risen four percent higher than previously estimated over the past two decades. They published their findings in the journal Geophysical Research Letters late last month.
The Delta SkyMiles program is known for being stingy, tricky to maximize and hard to understand since the airline doesnt publish award charts and uses variable, revenue-based pricing. Nevertheless, the it does offer some solid redemption optionsespecially in domestic markets where it competes with Alaska Airlines. It also offers some nice bargains on intra-Latin-America and intra-Asia flights.

Here are five Delta SkyMiles redemption sweet spots to consider:

Travel Tips with Chris McGinnis is sponsored by See More Collapse

1. Continental US to Alaska

SkyMiles can be a great deal on flights to Alaska depending on where youre flying from. Standard pricing on flights from anywhere in the Continental US to anywhere in Alaska starts at 25,000 miles round trip. If youre flying from a city where Delta competes with Alaska Airlines, it might be even less  flights from California to Alaska start at just 19,000 miles. If youre starting from the Pacific Northwest, flights could be as little as 15,000 miles round trip. For comparison, American Airlines charges 30,000 miles round trip and United charges 35,000 miles round trip, even though both have significantly less service than Delta. Delta is a clear winner here.

2. Short-haul Domestic Flights

Deltas revenue-based award pricing algorithms offer some very compelling deals for economy flights within the US. Theres no transparency, but depending on the route, short-haul flights (for example, up and down the West Coast) can be available for as little as 10,000-15,000 miles round trip. Like flights to Alaska, youre particularly likely to find great deals on routes where Delta competes with its rival Alaska Airlines.

3. Intra-South America

Flights between countries in South America can be notoriously expensive, especially if you need a one way ticket  for example, Santiago, Chile to Buenos Aires, Argentina for a random weekday next August costs over $500 one way, and Santiago to Sao Paulo, Brazil costs over $700! Delta miles can offer a better solution than even booking a round trip ticket  their partners Aerolineas Argentinas and Gol Linhas Aereas tend to have excellent award availability, and a one-way flight is only 12,500 SkyMiles in economy (or 25,000 in business class) plus a nominal amount of taxes and fees (around $30 one-way for the cities mentioned).

4. Intra-Asia

Delta has a lot of partners in East Asia  China Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, Garuda Indonesia, Korean Air, Vietnam Airlines, and Xiamen Air  and even operates a handful of its own flights between Tokyo and other major cities. This means that SkyMiles give you a lot of flexibility for flights within Asia, and some of the options available can actually be pretty solid. A one-way flight from Tokyo to Seoul only costs 7,500 SkyMiles in economy or 15,000 in business class, plus $26 in fees; longer trips like Tokyo to Bali will run you 22,500 in economy or 40,000 in business. These flights can be a great deal  especially if youre able to snag a seat in business class on Garuda Indonesia.

5. US to Europe

Between Delta, Air France, Alitalia, KLM, and Virgin Atlantic, SkyMiles give you a good number of options for getting across the pond. Delta flights start at 60,000 miles roundtrip in economy; Air France, KLM, and Virgin Atlantic flights start at 75,000 miles roundtrip. Comfort Plus adds another 20,000 miles if you want slightly more legroom (yes, please!), and business class goes for 140,000. While these prices are slightly higher than most of the competition, availability tends to be pretty good and it still makes for a great use of SkyMiles. If you book a one way flight, try to book US>Europe because one-ways originating in Europe have extra fees.

No matter where you decide to go, the sweetest spot with SkyMiles is having a low balance  Delta has a long history of raising prices with zero notice, so holding onto SkyMiles for a long time is almost guaranteed to make them lose value.

Where will your SkyMiles take you in 2018? Orwhat was the best SkyMiles redemption to took recently? Please leave your comments below.

Chris McGinnis is a travel blogger and editor of TravelSkills.com. The author is solely responsible for the content above, and it is used here by permission. You can reach Chris at chris@travelskills.com or on Twitter @cjmcginnis.
Now Playing: Rain is expected in the Bay Area Wednesday through Friday. Video: KTVU

It's been a dry winter so far, and it seems many San Franciscans were hoping this week's weather would change that and steer us away from another season of drought.

Even though rain totals were dismal around the Bay Area  0.02 inches in Santa Rosa and Oakland, 0.03 in San Jose, and nothing even measurable in San Francisco by 2 p.m., according to the National Weather Service  San Franciscans were relentlessly optimistic on social media.
1 No arms: Norway said Wednesday it has suspended exports of munitions and arms to the United Arab Emirates as a precautionary line, based on its assessment of the situation in Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition has been fighting Shiite rebels for the past three years. The UAE is part of the coalition. The coalition has made little progress amid a bloody stalemate, with the Iran-allied rebels known as the Houthis still in control of the capital, Sanaa, and much of the north. The fighting has killed more than 10,000 people, displaced 3 million and fueled a cholera epidemic in the Arab worlds poorest country. Line Hegna, of Norways chapter of the international aid group Save the Children, said the decision was important and the right thing to do.

2 Palestinian killed: A Palestinian hospital official says a teenage boy was killed in clashes with the Israeli army, which says troops fired at an armed protester. Fathi Abu Mughli, director of Istishari Hospital, said Musab Tamemi, 17, was shot in the neck. Residents of the village of Dir Nizam, near the West Bank city of Ramallah, said protesters were clashing with Israeli forces. Israels military said soldiers opened fire at a protester with a gun during clashes. It says it is reviewing the incident. There has been in spike in violence since President Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israels capital last month and said he would move the U.S. Embassy to the contested city. The move sparked outrage among the Palestinians and across the Muslim world.
New Zealand shares gained, led higher by Ryman Healthcare and Stride Property, as Plexure Group dropped following a price enquiry.

The S&P/NZX50 Index rose 18.59 points, or 0.2 percent, to 8,443.5. Within the index, 26 stocks rose, 19 fell and five were unchanged. Turnover was a light $89 million.

"The market has had a positive start to the year with good leads from offshore," said Greg Easton, adviser at Craigs Investment Partners. "There's quite a lot of optimism coming out of the US - the tax changes, the economy is growing, jobs news has been good."

Ryman Healthcare led the index higher, up 2.5 percent to $10.91. Stride Property rose 2.3 percent to $1.79, with Auckland International Airport gaining 1.7 percent to $6.69.

Synlait Milk was the worst performer, down 2.7 percent to $6.91, with Air New Zealand falling 1.6 percent to $3.16 and Sky Network Television dropping 1.4 percent to $2.80.

Outside the benchmark index, Tower gained 2.3 percent to 68 cents. A substantial product holder notice filed yesterday shows National Australia Bank ceased to be a substantial shareholder on Dec. 28, when it sold down half its stake in the general insurer, leaving it with 3.7 percent.

Plexure Group plunged 21 percent, or 5 cents, to 19 cents. The company today said it continues to comply with NZX disclosure rules after a price enquiry from the stockmarket operator. The NZX enquiry came after Plexure shares jumped 55 percent, or 8.6 cents, to 24 cents over the course of yesterday.

(BusinessDesk)

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Middleton-based Spectrum Brands Holdings said Wednesday it will explore strategic options for selling its batteries and appliances businesses in 2018, a move that could sell off the Rayovac battery business that started in Madison more than 100 years ago and was the legacy core of the global consumer products company that Spectrum Brands has become.

If that happens, a lot of jobs could be affected, in one way or another.

Spectrum Brands, with 18,000 employees worldwide, has 1,200 employees in Wisconsin: 670 at its Middleton headquarters, including 400 in the batteries and appliances division, and more than 500, in total, at two battery plants.

Spectrum Brands spokesman Dave Prichard said its too soon to speculate about the potential impact on jobs.

We dont have a contract with a buyer; we are in exploratory discussions. The impact might vary depending on who the buyer is, Prichard said.

He said, though, employees in Middleton may be among those affected. There, potentially, could be (an impact), but its premature to be able to comment on that with any specificity.

Tom Pyle, the Madison-area businessman credited with recharging Rayovac in the 1980s and early 1990s when he and his then-wife, Judy, were majority owners, said he hopes the business stays in the state.

If it is sold, I would hope that  whoever buys it has a headquarters in Wisconsin, Pyle said.

Sales of the divisions products  including batteries, shavers and George Foreman grills  are steady but slow, Spectrum Brands said.

Executive chairman David Maura said the company can pump money instead into the faster-growing and higher-margin divisions it has acquired since 2005: pest and weed sprays, pet supplies, auto care products, locks and plumbing products.

We believe this strategy is aligned with investors interests and will drive shareholder value to the next level, Maura said. With greatly increased financial flexibility from these planned divestitures, we intend to reduce debt, reinvest in our core businesses both organically and through acquisitions, and repurchase shares.

Prichard said the Spectrum Brands board voted in late 2017 to look into the possibility of selling the division.

We have received multiple inquiries from prospective buyers and are in active discussions with several, CEO Andreas Rouve said. Given their attractiveness and upside potential, we believe these businesses can have accelerated success in the hands of new owners.

Wall Street reacted favorably to the news. Spectrum Brands stock closed Wednesday at $118.94 a share, up $9.58, or 8.8 percent, from its close Tuesday at $109.36.

At least two research analysts applauded the move in notes issued Wednesday.

Such a sale should improve (sales) margins and sharpen focus, analyst Joseph Altobello, of Raymond James, titled a research note.

The strategy is long overdue, headlined a note by Ian Zaffino, of Oppenheimer & Co.

The global batteries and appliances division brought in just under $2 billion for the 2017 fiscal year, or 40 percent of Spectrum Brands $5 billion revenue in fiscal 2017.

Starting with financial results for the fiscal 2018 first quarter that ended Dec. 31, that division will be reclassified as held for sale and reported as discontinued operations.

Long history in Madison

Rayovac got its start as the French Battery Co., founded in Madison in 1906.

In its early years, there were two battery plants in Madison and later, the company added factories in cities including Appleton and Wonewoc. Those plants eventually closed; the last battery manufacturing in Madison ended in 1998.

Rayovac has two remaining factories in Wisconsin. In Fennimore, nearly 300 employees make AA and AAA alkaline batteries. In Portage, 225 employees produce hearing aid batteries.

In fact, even as Spectrum Brands announced the prospect of selling the battery business, the company said it is introducing a new line of hearing aid batteries, called PRO LINE Advanced, that will last longer and be easier to handle. They will be made in Portage.

It wasnt until the early 2000s that Rayovac diversified into other industries, beyond batteries and flashlights.

The company bought Remington Products, with electric shavers and hair care appliances, in 2003, then added United Industries Corp., a lawn care and pet supplies company, in 2005 and changed its name to Spectrum Brands. The George Foreman and Black & Decker small kitchen appliances were acquired in 2010, hardware businesses came on board in 2012 and 2014, and Armored AutoGroup joined Spectrum Brands in 2015.

The company, housed for decades on Madisons West Side, moved into new offices at 3001 Deming Way, Middleton, in 2013 and the building was expanded by 30,000 square feet last year.

Spectrum Brands stock is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange, but its majority owner, HRG Group, a publicly traded New York diversified portfolio holding group, owns 59.6 percent of the shares, according to a December 2017 filing with federal regulators.

Raymond James analyst Altobello said he thinks the batteries and appliances divisions could sell for $3.1 billion to $3.5 billion, and parts would likely go to separate buyers, possibly competitors or private equity investors.

I think Rayovac has kept up in terms of technology, but its a tough industry to differentiate, Altobello said.

Oppenheimers Zaffino said he thinks the deal could bring Spectrum Brands $2.9 billion to $3.2 billion and will let management focus growth efforts on its better businesses.

Pyle, chairman of The Pyle Group, said he is not interested in buying back the company.

Spectrums Prichard said the division is valuable to the company. Everyone is very mindful of the long, long history of Rayovac and the battery business in Madison ... and its steady contribution to the companys growth, he said.
Darrick Anderson, who was convicted of stabbing a man to death in a Downtown apartment in March, will spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of release, a Dane County judge said Thursday.

Circuit Judge John Hyland said that the brutality of Andersons killing of Andrew Nesbitt, along with the steps he took to avoid responsibility for the crime, persuaded him that Anderson should never be free again.

In October, a jury found Anderson, 24, guilty of first-degree intentional homicide, and found that he was not suffering from a mental disease or defect at the time of the March 27 homicide.

Andersons lawyer, Tim Kiefer, asked that Anderson be eligible to seek release after 20 years in prison, because it isnt known what Anderson will be like at that time, after hes received mental health treatment in prison. Deputy District Attorney Matthew Moeser asked that Anderson never be made eligible for release.

Hyland said that instead of having a mental illness, he was more persuaded that Anderson is malingering, based in part on Andersons ability to conduct himself accordingly when he needs to, his apparent disposal of the murder weapon and the clothing he wore the night he killed Nesbitt and the level of slyness he showed during police interviews to avoid implicating himself in Nesbitts death.

Hyland said he didnt believe as Andersons mother, Thelma Wilson, had said, that Anderson still suffers aftereffects from a 2009 car crash.

Before he was sentenced Thursday, Anderson said he didnt have much to say, because theres a lot going on in my head at this point. What I did wasnt right or justified, and hopefully I get the help I need. And thats all Ive got to say.

According to testimony at Andersons trial, Nesbitt was celebrating his 46th birthday by going out alone. After leaving Club 5 at bar-closing time, he walked to a West Washington Avenue convenience store where he met Anderson, and the two walked back to Nesbitts apartment on North Butler Street.

Nesbitts roommate, Rachel Bauer, testified that she found Nesbitt dead on his bed the following afternoon. Police used surveillance video from businesses and city street cameras to determine that Nesbitt had been with Anderson.

Nesbitt had been stabbed and slashed 76 times.
A sandwich shop employee did not take kindly to a man demanding money on Wednesday as the employee yelled at the man to leave, and he did, empty-handed, police reported.

The attempted robbery was reported at about 10:45 a.m. at the Subway sandwich shop, 951 S. Park St., Madison police said.

Police said the employee saw no weapon, and the robber didn't imply he had a weapon, so when the demand was made, the employee said no.

"The employee told him to get out of here, and that's what he did," said police spokesman Joel DeSpain.

The suspect is a white male, 20-25 years old, 5 feet, 10 inches tall, slender build, scruffy beard, wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, pulled up to partially cover his face, and light-colored pants.
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In bitter cold, Lori Fleury and others meticulously picked through the huge brown dumpster filled with personal letters, childhood photos, birth certificates, medical and veterans records, books, clothing and shoes.

The 20-yard container held the possessions of hundreds of homeless people that had previously been stored in labeled bins stacked in a worn set of rooms at the Social Justice Center on the Near East Side.

The storage facility, one of the few places in the city where the homeless could keep belongings for long periods, had been operated by a group of homeless or formerly homeless volunteers with city funding for space at the Social Justice Center since 2014.

But the lease for space at the center expired Sunday. The operators, with no new city funds or space options, tried with mixed success to reach users to retrieve their belongings, decided against going through items and emptied bins into the dumpster behind the building, 1202 Williamson St., with the contents to be taken to the landfill.

Then, advocates for the homeless got involved and mobilized to save important belongings, including irreplaceable documents, personal treasures and clothing.

On Dec. 28, when operators began to fill the dumpster, Brenda Konkel, a homeless advocate and executive director of the Tenant Resource Center located at the Social Justice Center, started to post images on social media.

Karen Andro, director of outreach ministries for First United Methodist Church Downtown, saw Konkels images on Facebook, went to see the dumpster on Tuesday, and called for volunteers to save the belongings.

Andro and Konkel also acted to save a final 75 bins labeled with names from being thrown away.

On Wednesday, about 20 volunteers sifted through the dumpster, carefully separating birth certificates, personal letters, childrens school artwork, documents, medications, keys and other important items and placed identifiable ones in folders labeled with the owners name.

They even found a photo album filled with childhood and family photos, a military certificate and news clippings, and have begun efforts to find the owner.

This is the kind of stuff you dont throw away, Andro said.

The volunteers separated clothing, shoes, boots, crutches, books, suitcases, backpacks and more, with some items to be redistributed to the homeless and more than 200 large trash bags of salvageable but unidentified items to be taken to St. Vincent de Paul.

Its just a passion I have for underserved people, said Krystal Sanchez, who was one of the first to volunteer and helped organize Wednesdays efforts. Its just so overwhelming.

Through the day, the volunteers drank donated coffee from Mother Fools coffee shop, sipped donated homemade soups, and munched donated pizza from Falbos on the North Side.

The effort, Andro said, was like a community rallying around a family who has suffered a house fire, but in this case with hundreds facing the potential of losing their belongings.

On Thursday, the identifiable items retrieved from the dumpster and the 75 bins will be taken to safe storage at another location, with funding to cover space there for six months provided by Madison Area Urban Ministry, the Tenant Resource Center and First United Methodist Church.

The new space, which is not intended for the homeless to store additional belongings, will give volunteers time to find the owners of saved items and for the community to provide a more permanent solution for storage, Andro said.

Well communicate with people in a way thats respectful and personal, she said.

The storage space at the Social Justice Center was always envisioned as an interim measure as the city and Dane County planned to open a homeless day resource center, said Jim OKeefe, city community development director. The city provided about $20,000 annually to a grassroots organization called Sanctuary to operate the storage with most of the money used to lease space at the one-story building, he said.

At its peak, about 300 homeless people were using the service, with users signing contracts that their belongings could be disposed of after three months, said Sarah Lim, a city community development specialist.

The city and Sanctuary hoped for consistent hours of operation, policies and procedures and maintenance of records, but occassionally that didnt happen, and over the years there were sporadic reports of people sleeping overnight, drinking and bad language, OKeefe said.

In the summer of 2017, there were reports of inappropriate offsite actions by a Sanctuary volunteer against a female user, he said.

In September of 2017, the Social Justice Center informed the city it had concerns about the operation and possible non-renewal of the lease, OKeefe said.

By then, about 200 people were storing items at the facility.

The city issued a request for proposals to continue the service but did not receive any complete applications and followed with an assessment of needs, Lim said.

In the fall, Sanctuary tried with mixed results to notify users of an impending Dec. 11 closure, Lim said.

The operators didnt want to go through personal belongings, and the deadline was extended to Dec. 28 with the lease for the space ending Dec. 31.

In the meantime, the city and Sanctuary attempted notice through fliers that also offered information on possible storage alternatives.

The city will continue to explore possibilities for long-term storage, which isnt among the services offered at The Beacon, the countys new homeless day resource center at 615 E. Washington Ave., OKeefe said.

For more information about items saved from the landfill, contact Andro at 608-338-0320.
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The Phoenix has risen from the ashes more than once in the pub's 25 years inside the iconic Sydney building in Canberra. It's survived fire, wild weather, even eviction.

But now the owners of the popular music venue warn it could be facing its final curtain.

Last drinks? Phoenix on East Row publican Netti Vonthethoff. Credit:Sitthixay Ditthavong

On Wednesday night, the Phoenix launched a last-ditch fundraising push to save the East Row bar, revealing details of a long-running battle with its property manager.

Phoenix publican Netti Vonthethoff believes the original venue has been virtually unusable since the East Row fire tore through the Sydney building in February 2014, but said its property manager, LJ Hooker's commercial branch in Canberra, had continued to charge the pub thousands in rent.
The grass roots social media campaign that persuaded the ACT government to reverse a ban on cars in Braddon over the main nights of Summernats had come as a pleasant surprise, event co-owner Andy Lopez says.

Mr Lopez, who was in Civic for Thursday's City Cruise, said the surge of community and business support for street legal cars to circulate in the centre of Canberra indicated people had taken the event to their hearts.

While not as big as last year's 30th anniversary Summernats, 2018's celebration of burning rubber, V8 engines and high octane fuel is expected to be the second largest ever.

Mr Lopez, who described the City Cruise as Summernat's opening ceremony, said between 25,000 and 30,000 people had been expected to watch the 300 cars taking part on Thursday.

"The city cruise represents what Summernats does for Canberra," he said. "It brings life, colour and movement. Summernats will bring about $25 million into the city in January. It also keeps young people in jobs over the summer which is fantastic."
A house in Canberra's north has been destroyed by fire after it was engulfed by flames in the early hours of Friday morning.

ACT Policing are investigating what they say was a suspicious blaze at the property.

Emergency services were called to the property on Antill Street in Watson just after 3am. Credit:karleen minney

Emergency services were called to the house on Antill Street in Watson just after 3am.

It took firefighters more than three hours to extinguish the flames.
The two Republican U.S. Senate candidates signed a unity pledge Wednesday, saying they would support the other in the 2018 general election. But the comity was short-lived and the GOP contenders were sparring again hours later.

The bickering illustrated what some party insiders fear  a contentious primary could fracture the Republican grassroots.

The pledge signed by state Sen. Leah Vukmir and businessman Kevin Nicholson calls for candidates to support the GOP nominee in the race and run a campaign focused on defeating Sen. Tammy Baldwin, the Democratic incumbent.

Hours later, Vukmir, R-Brookfield, called on Nicholson, R-Delafield, to renounce the support of President Donald Trumps controversial former strategist, Steve Bannon. Vukmir cited remarks attributed to Bannon in a new book.

Nicholson spokesman Brandon Moody responded that its disappointing that hours after Wisconsin Republicans joined together to sign a GOP unity pledge, that Leah Vukmir would take this moment to attack another Republican for an endorsement she herself aggressively sought.

Leah spent a great deal of time and energy seeking Steve Bannons endorsement and was unsuccessful. Its easy to see why she is frustrated, Moody said.

The exchange underscored the bitter nature of their contest. Vukmir and Nicholson, and their allies, previously traded blows on Vukmirs voting record and Nicholsons past as a former College Democrat and his support from out-of-state groups, including a super PAC tied to Bannon.

On Wednesday another national super PAC  this one aligned with John Bolton, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations  announced it was launching a $1 million ad campaign in Wisconsin on Nicholsons behalf.

And U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who won the Wisconsin Republican presidential primary in 2016, endorsed Nicholson on Wednesday.

Should be worried

Paul Nolette, a political science professor at Marquette University, said Wednesdays developments come amid what he said has been an unusually contentious primary contest. The fault lines in the race mirror a national GOP divide between those allied with the political establishment, such as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, and outsiders such as Bannon, Nolette said.

Republicans should be worried about a really nasty primary hurting their chances to beat Tammy Baldwin, Nolette said.

U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson announced Wednesday that hell oversee the partys endorsement process. In a statement, Johnson, R-Oshkosh, said winning the partys endorsement was key to the upset election win in 2010 that sent him to the U.S. Senate.

Johnson also warned against letting national outsiders meddle with Wisconsin Republicans proven record of success.

Here in Wisconsin, the grassroots have a track record of nominating candidates who reflect our values  not Washingtons  and we can do it again, Johnson said.

Johnsons comments about national outsiders ... seem like a pretty clear shot at Nicholson, Nolette said.

Supporters line up

Nicholson, an Iraq War veteran and political newcomer, has won key support from several out-of-state sources, including a group aligned with Bannon and the national conservative group Club for Growth. Illinois businessman Dick Uihlein also has donated $3.5 million to a pro-Nicholson super PAC that has been airing TV ads on his behalf.

Vukmir, meanwhile, has sought to be the candidate of Wisconsins conservative grassroots. She has won praise from influential conservative talk radio hosts in southeastern Wisconsin and endorsements from a long list of Wisconsin GOP elected officials, including state Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau. Vukmir also has her own corps of deep-pocketed donors, including Afton billionaire Diane Hendricks.

In addition to Nicholson and Vukmir, a potential third Republican, Madison businessman Eric Hovde, has said he may join the U.S. Senate race. Hovde said Wednesday he would sign the pledge.

In return for signing the pledge, candidates will gain access to the list of about 2,500 delegates who will make the partys U.S. Senate endorsement at the 2018 state party convention.

A date has not yet been set for the convention. It will be held prior to the Aug. 14 primary election, which will determine which Republican will face Baldwin in November.

Wisconsin Republicans did not endorse a U.S. Senate candidate in 2012 because none of the four candidates reached the 60 percent threshold of delegate support required to secure it. Former Gov. Tommy Thompson won the GOP primary that year, before going on to lose in the general election to Baldwin.

Wisconsin Democrats said the pledge shows the GOP primary is dividing the party.

The fact that Wisconsin Republicans need a unity pledge shows how nasty their primary has become, said Democratic spokesman Brad Bainum.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The distinctive smell of burning tyres in Canberra on Thursday could mean only one thing: Summernats has arrived.

Thousands from across Australia flocked to EPIC for day one of the country's ultimate car festival.

Warren Gersekowski from Toowoomba competes in the Summernats burnout competition with his Holden ute 1TUFHG. Credit:Sitthixay Ditthavong

The highlight of day one was the wildcard last chance shoot out round of the burnouts competition.

Crowds roared as they watched drivers put on the ultimate show for the chance at a few coveted spots in the main draw.
My New Year resolution to attempt to always default to kindness came asunder very quickly, with a bank email informing me that my credit card details had been hacked.

I needed to get rid of the card, the bank said, and wait five business days until a new one could be dispensed.

Credit card fraud has a huge affect on trust. Credit:Illustration by Karl Hilzinger

While that move has helped this weeks family budget, it brings into focus the amount of trust we put in others, and how misplaced it has become.

My credit card details were compromised when I made an online purchase overseas, but the bank would not provide more information or be more specific.
NBN Cos business model has been slammed by major telecommunications providers, which say the government needs to reconsider whether the company should have to fully recoup its investment costs.

In public submissions made in response to an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission review of the communications sector, Optus, Telstra and other leading retail service providers said a review of NBN's costs and pricing was needed sooner rather than later.

The National Broadband Network's financial viability was a major point of contention in submissions made to the regulator.

The government requires the $49 billion NBN to recover the cost of its rollout around Australia, which directly affects the prices it charges telcos for access to its network, which they pass on to consumers.

The ACCC's draft report, released in October, included a proposed recommendation that the government consider whether the NBN should continue to be obliged to recover these costs.
In a remarkable development late last year, the world's biggest miner made the momentous declaration that it would quit the World Coal Association, citing "material differences" on climate and energy policy.

Following its months-long internal review, BHP also put the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) on notice, declaring that it would no longer tolerate the MCA running campaigns that sabotaged sensible climate change and energy policy.

There are some troubling omissions in the position adopted by BHP. Credit:Belinda Pratten

BHP declared that if the MCA continued to advocate on policies that departed from BHP's own commitment to climate policy  that is, technology-neutral climate policy that seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions  it too could expect to see BHP's departure.

Given the disproportionate influence of the mining industry lobby in Australian politics, this is an outcome to be welcomed. But the question remains: Why didn't BHP simply sack the Minerals Council?
One of the most limiting aspects of partisan political debate is it forces you to see things in black and white terms that aren't up to the task of conveying the mess of reality. This can be seen in the current debate about violent African gangs in Victoria, in which apparently contradictory claims are true.

It's true that community fears around gang violence exist. It's true that in many cases they are legitimate, based on real experiences of violent criminal behaviour as reported in the media. It's also true that the level of gang activity is being overstated.

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has blasted the Victorian government over street crime. Credit:Fairfax media

Perhaps the most significant truth, though, is that real fears are being manipulated for political gain. What we are seeing is the most shameless opportunism dressed up as leadership.

I know this for a fact because more than a year ago I was in Canberra and found myself in a private conversation with a senior minister in the Turnbull government. He said, out of the blue, that he was concerned about African violence in Victoria. He said people were terrified and the Andrews government was failing to handle the problem.
Ken Inglis, one of Australia's most original and admired historians, died on December 1 at his home in Melbourne after a short illness. In a career of exceptional range and productivity, he wrote groundbreaking histories of health, religion, the media and Australian nationalism, and of the subject he made his own, the Anzac Legend.

Through his writings for the press, and his histories of the ABC, he strengthened Australia's public culture. He was, besides, a delightful man whose imagination, humanity and integrity inspired students, friends and fellow historians in Australia and beyond.

Ken Inglis, historian and author

Kenneth Stanley Inglis was born in Melbourne in 1929. When his father Stan, a timber merchant, nearly went bust in the Great Depression, the family moved from a fine brick house on the brow of the hill at Heidelberg to a rented State Bank house in Reservoir. There, the Inglises acquired their first radio receiver and Ken's lifelong devotion to the ABC began. The family was Presbyterian and Ken attended church and Sunday School, but memories of the "oppressive, moving, strange and unique atmosphere" of Anzac Day ceremonies at his primary school, North Preston State, stayed with him longer.

At Northcote High, English and history teacher John Forster encouraged him to believe that writing might be "something worth doing". His first article on Anzac Day, written as a 16-year-old, appeared in the Preston Post.
The frequency of severe coral bleaching events has increased fivefold in four decades because of climate change, a pace already exceeding the time needed for some species to recover, a new global study has found.

Of 100 reefs examined worldwide, just six have escaped severe bleaching since 1980.

Coral reefs are bleaching at shorter intervals around the world. Credit:AAP

The bleaching, which was initially restricted to years with El Nino events in the Pacific, can now occur in any year. It may become an annual event "in coming decades", according to the study, published in the journal Science on Friday.

"Before 1982-83 [a year with a strong El Nino], there was no bleaching on a regional or global scale," said Terry Hughes, director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies at James Cook University, and the paper's lead author.
Amid the soul-searching about Sudanese gangs and organised crime, many commentators and observers have been left scratching their heads about why it seems to so hard to deport criminal non-citizens.

A narrative has formed in which the courts and crafty lawyers regularly stymie the efforts of the federal government and police to rid the streets of thugs.

Three such cases have recently come to light. One involves a 25-year-old South Sudanese armed robber who came to Australia on a refugee visa - he had his deportation order put on hold by a Federal Court judge because his siblings might be negatively affected.

An apparent Apex gang leader, Isaac Gatkuoth, served 16 months in jail for a violent carjacking while high on ice and is now fighting his deportation order. In another example, a South Sudanese criminal was granted a reprieve because he wasn't given adequate notice of his visa cancellation.
Australia's race discrimination commissioner, Tim Soutphommasane, has weighed in on the debate over African street crime in Victoria, calling for calm and warning that "sowing fear and whipping hysteria" will divide suburbs.

A day after Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton claimed people were afraid to go out at night for fear of being targeted by violent youths, Dr Soutphommasane told Fairfax Media there had been "too much panic and not enough perspective".

"People are understandably concerned about youth crime. But it's important to cool down some of the commentary," Dr Soutphommasane said on Thursday.

"It is concerning that African communities are being blamed for a supposed gang crisis. Crime statistics in Victoria don't appear to support this assessment. Youth crime within certain communities is also complex. A lot of it reflects social and economic disadvantage. It shouldn't be reduced to race and ethnicity.
Two issues into his editorship and British Vogue chief Edward Enninful has already raised eyebrows over his third cover.

Promising to bring more diversity to the tome than his predecessor, Alexandra Shulman, Enninful, who is black, won praise for putting model and activist Adwoa Aboah on the cover of the December issue, his first in the editor's chair.

But preview photos of the February issue, which goes on sale on Friday, have led to comments on social media that the magazine had already dropped the ball on diversity.

Starring Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie, the photo is accompanied by the coverline, "Hollywood's new era", and lists underneath the names of four other actresses  Emma Stone, Gal Gadot, Saoirse Ronan and Hong Chau.




Not Hype.

Not a Hurricane.

Definitely historic!









From Florida to Maine.

We're all dealing with Winter Weather!





You can call it BombCyclone or Winter Storm Grayson but it will be remembered as one of the deepest winter storms we have been able to enjoy watching on satellite imagery that is this precise. Look at that eye! Mike from www.spaghettimodels.com likes calling it a WinterCane and I agree. Way better name than #BombCyclone...





Cold everywhere. Even Florida.

But the Carolinas are in a Deep Freeze.









Oddly it was colder here than Boston.

Feels like 10...

NYC beat us at sunrise by 1 degree.

Though wind chill here was crazy!





Such a photogenic storm!









I'm in a bit of a snow bubble here in Raleigh as it snowed just enough for me to feel I got snow! A nice heavy dusting in my area (means more than an inch) though snow totals are vastly different from one neighborhood to another. And down in Southern Pines that was not supposed to be slammed got slammed. OBX had winds up to 77 MPH (hurricane force) and Charleston looks like a winter wonderland! I'd be jealous, but it's not my style and it's still early in the winter so I'm expecting another winter event in the Carolinas as the trend continues. In Wilmington the kids are using surfboards to sled down the hill near the Cape Fear River.













In NYC my daughter who lives in Brooklyn took Uber to her job near where she lives and my son-in-law is out and about driving around Brooklyn somewhere. Looks like a heavy snow fall and to be honest no where looks as beautiful as Brooklyn does in a snow storm. The snow against the brownstones and the maze of winter bare branches across the streets make it look like a scene in a movie always! Out on the island the winds are blowing the snow in from a different direction than usual and it definitely looks like a WinterCane more than a snow storm. Sure looks like an eye to me ;)

















Stay happy.

Rock Steady.

I love snow!





Besos BobbiStorm

@bobbistorm on Twitter





Ps... I can see palm trees swaying in the breeze anytime but can't see snow that often!





In the Carolinas we love seeing snow ... so yeah. I'm happy.





But it's a dangerous storm. A friend was driving from NY to Miami and they said they were find until they hit Georgia. Trucks were over turned, pulled over and traffic crawled for hours. They are in Florida now. But... to be safe... if you can...stay home and stay off the roads. Luckily I am home and enjoying the best Snow Day and having waffles and eggs for breakfast (my husband is cooking ...can you tell?) and then maybe I'll go out and take some pictures. The wind was crazy this morning in Raleigh so most of the snow flew off the trees looking much like it was snowing. Haha .. Fake Snow!
It's not made any easier by our politicians, either. Just recently, Tony Abbott expressed his disdain for the Australian republic movement: "We don't need to dump the Queen to be a great country," he tweeted on Sunday.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, right, wait for their car following the traditional Christmas Day church service, at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, England, Monday, Dec. 25, 2017. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant) Credit:Alastair Grant

But it's time to face it. The royals are bad. They're racist, they're outdated - and yet we do nothing about it. We tolerate - even love! - them despite every piece of evidence that suggests we should be more critical.

Don't get me wrong. I love Harry and Meghan as much as the next person. I teared up watching their engagement interview. I laughed when Prince George gave his first royal wave in Canada. I read articles on Kate Middleton's latest outfits with religious zeal.

Of course, Abbott isn't without opposition - as Turnbull showed on Monday, reaffirming his support for a republic referendum following the Queen's death. But statements such as these are merely empty gestures, relegated to the domain of future speculation (who knows how long it'll be before Elizabeth II is laid to rest?) without any concern for what's happening now.

The 96-year-old Prince Philip stepped down from his official royal duties this week. Credit:CP

Take, for example, the recent stir caused by Prince Phillip's unsavoury remarks on New Year's Eve.

The 'joke' in question  asking "is that a terrorist?" in relation to a man with a significant amount of facial hair  is the latest in a long string of racist comments. Before this, there was "do you still throw spears at each other?" aimed at an Indigenous elder in 2002. Before that, there was 1998's "you managed to not get eaten?" to a tourist in Papua New Guinea. Before that...you get the point.

And he's not the only one. Who can forget Princess Michael of Kent and the blackamoor brooch she wore to lunch with Meghan last December? Or that time in 2004 when she told black restaurant patrons to "go back to the colonies" before explaining later that she had only the best intentions - in fact, she was so non-racist that she had once even "pretended to be...a half-caste African."
For two Sydney girls, scoring a perfect mark in their final year 12 exams also means they are the top students in the world.

Ravenswood student Ashley Masters, and St Paul's Grammar School student, Sarah Bakker, join a very select group of students around the world who achieved the highest possible result - 45 out of 45 - in their International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) results, released in Australia on Thursday.

Redlands students Lori Zhou, 17, and Charlie Rogers, 18, both received 44 in the International Baccalaureate, or an equivalent ATAR of 99.85. Credit:Nick Moir

Ashley and Sarah's mark equates to an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 99.95 - the highest possible rank.

Sarah hopes to study law at Cambridge University and was in the United Kingdom last month for the highly competitive interviews, while Ashley is tossing up between medicine and medicinal chemistry at the University of NSW.
A boys' trip away to bring in New Years' Eve in far north Queensland has turned into a frantic search for answers after a NSW man vanished from the side of a main highway.

Queensland police have kicked off a land and air search just outside Charters Towers for Newcastle man Jayden Penno-Tompsett, 22, who has not been seen since he left friends in the early hours of Sunday.

Jayden Penno-Tompsett was captured on CCTV at a Charters Towers roadhouse. Credit:Qld Police

He was not reported missing to police until Wednesday.

Jayden had been planning the trip for months before a group of mates set out from Newcastle to travel the 2300km in time to celebrate New Years' Eve in Cairns.
From the outside, Katharina Grosse's monumental artwork looks like a paint-splattered drop sheet that tradesmen have left hanging from the roof of Carriageworks.

But stepping inside the German artist's The Horse Trotted Another Couple of Metres, Then it Stopped is to enter a psychedelic world that contrasts dramatically with the industrial architecture of the former Eveleigh Rail Yards.

Katharina Grosse's The Horse Trotted Another Couple of Metres, Then it Stopped features more than 8000 square metres of fabric draped in the foyer of Carriageworks. Credit:Louise Kennerley

Great swathes and swirls of colour adorn more than 8000 square metres of fabric that swells from the floor like waves to fill the cavernous foyer.

The work, with a title evocative if obscure, wrinkles on the floor in folds and clumps that change with the feet that trample across it.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau will release a preliminary report into the fatal Hawkesbury River seaplane crash within 30 days, after an operation began to bring the plane's wreckage to the surface.

A salvage operation began at 6am on Thursday to retrieve the plane from under 13 metres of water at Jerusalem Bay, where it has been since it crashed at about 3.15pm on New Year's Eve.

Police divers secured slings under parts of the wreckage, which were then lifted with a crane and placed on a barge.

The plane's fuselage, one wing and its floats had been recovered on Thursday afternoon, with crews working to recover the rest.
Brisbane has been slugged with the most expensive unleaded petrol prices in more than three years.

The latest data released by the states peak motoring body revealed the average unleaded petrol price for December in Brisbane was 141.9 cents per litre (cpl), making Brisbane the most expensive capital city in Australia to fill up.

Brisbane recorded its highest average fuel price in more than three years in December 2017. Credit:Marina Neil

RACQ spokeswoman Renee Smith said Brisbanes petrol price was outrageous.

Not only was Brisbane the most expensive for fuel out of all Australias major capital cities, it had dearer fuel than 28 of the 33 regional Queensland towns and cities we monitor, she said.
A woman has faced court on the Gold Coast over the shooting murder of her partner.

Paanice Frauline Lawrence, 39, is alleged to have fatally shot her 46-year-old partner at her Southport home about 2am on Wednesday.

The house on Waverley Streetm Southport, that was the scene of Wednesday's alleged shooting. Credit:Ed Jackson/AAP

New Zealand-born Ms Lawrence faced Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday charged with murder and unlawful possession of a weapon.

She showed no emotion during the brief appearance and was remanded in custody and her matter adjourned until January 12.
The faces of customers at Sydney's Bahista Cafe are scanned by an iPad as they approach the barista at the coffee machine.

Instantly the customer's name, favourite order and whether they are due for a loyalty reward flashes up on another iPad facing staff.

It's a high-tech facial recognition system that works using cafe owner Geoff Cropley's own technology, which he's dubbed NoahFace.

"I bought this cafe 3 years ago and from day one I wanted to remember my customers names as I thought it was a way to have a better relationship with them," Cropley says.
A blaze which tore through an abandoned house in Melbourne's north-west this morning has been deemed suspicious.

The vacant property on five acres of land in Highland Road, Keilor North caught alight about 6.30am on Friday morning.

Firefighters bringing the Highland Road blaze under control. Credit:Darrian Traynor

The Metropolitan Fire Brigade has deemed the fire suspicious.

Thirty MFB and CFA crews battled the blaze and brought it under control in 40 minutes.
Thousands of Melbourne tram trips are being abruptly cut short and commuters left stranded, as Yarra Trams tries to dodge tough penalties for delays, leaked internal data reveals.

Monthly performance tram data obtained by The Age reveals there were about 10,670 short shunts in November last year, an average of about 356 times a day.

Short-shunting is leaving thousands of passengers stranded. Credit:Pat Scala

This was up from about 7670 short shunts the year before, marking a 33 per cent decline in performance over the year.

A short shunt occurs when a tram is stopped before it has reached the end of the line and turned back. This enables the tram to collect passengers travelling in the opposite direction and return on time.
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A 24-year-old man has faced court accused of a string of burglary offences after being subdued by a police dog that bit him on the arm.

Police said the Cloverdale man was arrested by Joondalup detectives investigating a number of alleged offences that occurred in Beldon in Perth's northern suburbs early on Thursday morning.

Police dog Bucky bit the alleged burglar on the arm. Credit:WA police

About 1.30am police said they were alerted to an alleged burglary and the stealing of a car on Coyle Road, with the 24-year-old allegedly crashing the vehicle as he tried to get away.
They use the address of a virtual office at the Subiaco Business Centre in Hay Street, a three-month arrangement which expired in September 2017.

Apart from going door to door, the company also advertises its services on Gumtree and Quokka and distributes pamphlets in mail boxes.

The tradies, who are working for Quality Home Care and Maintenance and sole director William Joseph Delaney, are breaking door to door trading laws by ignoring a required cooling off period.

Consumer Protection has issued a warning to Perth homeowners after a Kardinya couple were woken by tradies undertaking repairs on their roof without permission.

Two complaints have been lodged with Consumer Protection by residents in Kardinya and Floreat, but it's believed many more may have been approached with five phone enquiries also being received from consumers.

In the Kardinya case, a couple received a verbal quote for roof repairs and restoration when they were approached uninvited at their home by a man with a Scottish accent offering roof repairs. The quote for $2000 included roof cleaning, ridge capping gaps filled, roof tiles re-sealed and a clean-up.

The couple were not given a written quote and said they would call the trader the following week after considering the quote and to set a date for commencement. Three days later the couple were unexpectedly awoken at 7am with the workers already starting work on their roof without proper authority.

The couple allowed the work to continue and paid the money in cash after a brief inspection indicated that they had completed the work. However, a closer look afterwards revealed not all the work agreed to had been carried out and the work completed was of poor quality. Several attempts to have the workmen return to finish the job were unsuccessful.

In the Floreat case, a home owner was approached uninvited and given a $4000 verbal quote for roof repairs and restoration. They later began the job without authority, but the workmen stopped work and left after the home owner said he had called Consumer Protection.
American author Joyce Carol Oates wrote "the regional voice is the universal voice".

And with WA authors tackling subjects ranging from how to best "read" a dress to love and loss in the shadow of family legacy, the 2018 Perth Writers Festival has curated a rich list of literary talent who tell local stories with universal appeal.

Will Yeoman is curating this year's Perth Writers Festival. Credit:PIAF

There are of course international writers and interstate writers like Helen Garner, Sofie Laguna, Alan Hollinghurst, Rachel Khong and AC Grayling who will bring their local voices to the festival.

But the Guest Curator of the Festival's writers program Will Yeoman has aimed to bring WA voices to the fore, saying "in all arts festivals you're bringing the world to the local audience, but you also want the local audience to come and see the world."
Tehran: When they stepped through the gates of Tehran University last week, the student protesters had every expectation of igniting an impassioned rally against the government. After all, the university grounds had long been a flash point for demonstrations in the capital.

But this time, their exhortations went unheeded. "Proud Iranians, support us," they shouted, only to find pedestrians walking by, looking to see what the commotion was about but declining to join the protesters.

The protests that broke out a week ago in other parts of Iran - but never gained traction in the capital - have shown some signs of abating, though demonstrators are still taking to the streets after dark in many outlying provinces. Elite forces with the Revolutionary Guards Corps were deployed to three of them Wednesday -Hamadan, Isfahan and Lorestan - to help quell uprisings there. The Guards commander, Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari, said he had dispatched forces to tackle "the new sedition".

The protests, which began out of frustration over economic hardships suffered by the youth and working class, have evolved into a rising against the powers and privileges of a remote elite especially Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Videos carried by social media showed protesters in the northern town of Nowshahr shouted "death to the dictator" - an apparent reference to Khamenei.
Washington: President Donald Trump on Wednesday abruptly shut down a White House commission he had charged with investigating voter fraud. It ends a brief quest for evidence of election theft that generated lawsuits, outrage and some scholarly testimony, but no real evidence that American elections are at all corrupt.

Mr Trump did not acknowledge the commission's inability to find evidence of fraud, but cast the closing as a result of continuing legal challenges.

Kris Kobach had headed the commission on voter fraud. Credit:AP

"Despite substantial evidence of voter fraud, many states have refused to provide the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity with basic information relevant to its inquiry," Trump said in a White House statement.

"Rather than engage in endless legal battles at taxpayer expense, today I signed an executive order to dissolve the commission, and have asked the Department of Homeland Security to review these issues and determine next courses of action."
Paris: President Emmanuel Macron has an overhaul of French media legislation this year to fight the spread of "fake news" on social media which he said was a threat to liberal democracies.

Macron has said he and his team were victims of fake news and a major data hack during the presidential election campaign last year.

French President Emmanuel Macron delivers his New Year address to the press at the Elysee Palace in Paris on Wednesday. Credit:Ludovic Marin

Since coming to office in May 2017, he has particularly pointed the finger at Russian media, accusing TV channel RT of sowing disinformation about him via its website and social media.

"If we want to protect liberal democracies, we must have strong legislation," Macron said in a New Year's address to journalists, adding that the reform he envisaged would also change the role of France's media watchdog CSA.
"It is the only thing he does well. 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." A private lawyer representing Trump later sent Bannon a letter directing him to cease and desist making derogatory comments about the President and his family and threatening a defamation lawsuit. "Legal action is imminent," said the letter, first reported by ABC News and confirmed by a person close to the President. Trump 'a great man': Bannon On his radio show, Bannon called President Trump "a great man" and said he supported him. "The president is a great man," said Bannon, in response to a caller's question about the extraordinary rift that developed between the two men. "You know I support him day in and day out."

It was apparently the only reference in a two-hour show, otherwise devoted to immigration, to the release of the searing book excerpts that quoted Bannon. Bannon issued no denials pertaining to the quotes during the radio broadcast. Nor did he say anything about the cease and desist letter. Breitbart News reported the contretemps, but did not return fire against Trump. People close to Bannon said that he believed that the President would eventually come around because Trump would need help with his base at a moment when his political muscle appeared to be on the wane. In the book, Bannon was quoted suggesting that Donald Trump Jr.; Jared Kushner, his brother-in-law; and Paul Manafort, then the campaign chairman, had been "treasonous" and "unpatriotic" for meeting with Russians after being promised incriminating information on Hillary Clinton during a June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower in Manhattan.

"The three senior guys in the campaign thought it was a good idea to meet with a foreign government inside Trump Tower in the conference room on the 25th floor - with no lawyers. They didn't have any lawyers," Bannon said after The Times revealed the meeting in July 2017, according to Wolff's book. "Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad shit, and I happen to think it's all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately," Bannon continued, according to the book. He also said that the chance that Trump Jr. did not introduce the Russians to his father "is zero," a supposition rather than an assertion but one that would contradict the President's insistence that he knew nothing about the meeting at the time. According to Wolff, Bannon also predicted that a special counsel investigation into Russia's interference in the 2016 election and any coordination with Trump aides would ultimately centre on money laundering, an assessment that could lend credibility to an investigation the President has repeatedly called a witch hunt. "They're going to crack Don Jr. like an egg on national TV," Bannon was quoted as saying.

Book is 'trashy tabloid fiction': White House Trump grew more upset about an interview Bannon gave to Vanity Fair that criticised Kushner's contacts with Russians. During his Christmas break in Florida, Trump stewed and consulted aides and relatives, according to advisers, but ultimately opted against responding publicly to avoid drawing more attention to Bannon's remarks. But accusing the President's eldest son of treason crossed the line. "Going after the President's son in an absolutely outrageous and unprecedented way is probably not the best way to curry favour with anybody," said Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the White House press secretary. The book presents Trump as an ill-informed and thoroughly unserious candidate and President, engaged mainly in satisfying his own ego and presiding over a dysfunctional White House. It reports that early in the 2016 campaign, one aide, Sam Nunberg, was sent to explain the Constitution to the candidate. "I got as far as the Fourth Amendment," it quotes Nunberg as saying, "before his finger is pulling down on his lip and his eyes are rolling back in his head."

The book cites an email from an unnamed White House aide offering a harsh assessment of Trump's operation that was said to reflect the view of Gary D. Cohn, the President's national economics adviser: "It's worse than you can imagine. An idiot surrounded by clowns. Trump won't read anything - not one-page memos, not the brief policy papers; nothing. He gets up halfway through meetings with world leaders because he is bored." The book also asserts that Cohn and other advisers and associates of Trump deride him in private, calling him an "idiot," a "dope" or "dumb" as dirt. Thomas J. Barrack, a friend and adviser to Trump, was quoted telling a friend that the President is "not only crazy, he's stupid." Reached by telephone, Barrack said that account was "totally false." Barrack added, "It's clear to anyone who knows me that those aren't my words and inconsistent with anything I've ever said." He said that Wolff never ran that quotation by him to ask whether it was accurate. A longtime media columnist and author, Wolff brings a high profile, vivid writing style and years of experience but sometimes mixed reviews to the task of chronicling Trump's White House. Interview subjects have complained in the past that he took comments meant to be off the record and used them. Wolff clearly benefited from close cooperation from Bannon and the book is infused with his views. The author was frequently seen in Bannon's office while Bannon was working in the White House.
Sometime around the start of northern spring, a 9.4-ton Chinese space station is expected to come hurtling back to Earth. One reentry path would bring it towards Australia.

The space station, Tiangong 1, is predicted to make that return trip in mid-March, give or take a few weeks, according to an analysis by the Aerospace Corp., a federally funded research and development centre in California. But don't worry: Odds are no one will be hurt.

China's Tiangong-1 is heading back to Earth. Credit:CMSA

"It most probably will not harm anyone," said Andrew Abraham, a member of the team behind the analysis. "The odds of being struck by a piece of this space station as it's re-entering are exceptionally tiny."

While the researchers are confident that humanity will likely be spared, their ability to precisely forecast the re-entry is limited.
Washington: A lawyer representing President Donald Trump has sought to stop the publication of a new behind-the-scenes book about the White House that has already led Trump to angrily decry his former chief strategist and one-time ally Stephen Bannon.

The legal notice - addressed to author Michael Wolff and the president of the book's publisher - said Trump's lawyers were pursuing possible charges including defamation in connection with the forthcoming book, Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House.

The letter demanded the publisher, Henry Holt and Co., "immediately cease and desist from any further publication, release or dissemination of the book" or excerpts and summaries of its contents. The lawyers also seek a full copy of the book as part of their investigation.

However, several copies of the book have been obtained by reporters and pre-sales have propelled it to the top of Amazon's best seller list.
Some are relatively small businesses, like banks that have a couple hundred employees... but it's remarkable how many big companies have jumped on the bonus bandwagon too. For example:

What we haven't heard about over the past week or so is how the list of companies has grown. (compliments to the good folks at Americans for Tax Reform for committing to build a running list online).

We've all heard the stories about how several big companies decided to give bonuses immediately after the December 2017 tax reform was passed... but the mainstream media quickly dropped the story.

The list is up to about a hundred so far, and that's just of the known, publicized companies joining this bandwagon. Obviously, lots of companies wouldn't issue press releases about it, for various reasons, so we can assume the real impact is broadly distributed nationwide, below the PR surface.

Another interesting aspect of the story is some of the other ways that companies have chosen to implement their response. It's not all about $1000 one-time bonuses for employees: For example:

Associated Bank raised their starting wage from $10/hour to $15/hour.

AFLAC raised their corporate 401K match from their usual 50% to 100% on the first 4% of compensation.

Wells Fargo announced $400 million in charitable donations.

Boeing announced increased domestic infrastructure and facilities investment of $100 million.

As we review the list (which ATR is publishing with revealing, parenthetical quotes from the companies announcements), we see that a number of important conservative predictions have rung true:

Over the years, conservative pundits and politicians who advocate for tax cuts are most commonly assailed by Leftists who insist but the fat cats will just keep it to themselves!

We always respond that, yes, some probably will which still helps the economy, because the rich guy still has to do something with his money, whether to invest it, or buy stuff, or put it in the bank, or spend it on vacation and parties, all of which helps the economy, all of which creates jobs.

But most will not. Most companies receiving a tax rate reduction will put it into their businesses and communities in some way, either by increasing salaries and bonuses, by funding local charities, by expanding their facilities, by increasing their staff, or by broadening R&D or product offerings.

The Left will demand that they promise which of these things theyll do  or even mandate that it be done in certain ways, or they dont get the tax cut! They simply cannot, will not, accept the fact that if we offer the private sector the freedom to operate, they will do the right thing, according to their situations.

Some companies already have a good pay range; for them a one-time bonus might make more sense. Another company might have an uncompetitive base salary range; for them the across-the-board increase in starting pay is more logical. Some companies already have competitive pay ranges for their area, so helping the community by sponsoring kids sporting leagues or funding a center for the disabled might be the best thing they can do.

The key is this: the companies will find a wide array of ways to put their money to use, now that the federal government is taking less from them. And all these ways  in salary, in R&D, in expansion, in charity, and so many more  are good for the community, and good for the country.

We dont need to micromanage the business community; theyve been micromanaged way too long already, to tragically deleterious effect. We need to let the private sector decide for themselves what to do with their own money; whatever method they choose, it will always be better than sending it to Washington, where the politicians will just light a match to it by the pallet-load.

It is a joy to be able to say to the Left that We Told You So but more importantly, it is good to have this real-world set of examples  growing by the day  that show the immediate results of conservative tax policies.

The longer term results are even more important, but harder to capture in numbers. Consider the future for those receiving these benefits:

Bonuses:

Some of the recipients will use the bonuses to take their families out to dinner more. This benefits not only the families enjoying those meals, but also the restaurants and the individual servers who benefit from additional customers and tips.

Some will use the bonuses to catch up on bills. A thousand dollars in credit card debt, paid down, might really be a savings of $2000 for him, if it would otherwise have taken him a few years to pay it off.

Some will use the bonuses to visit family, perhaps a rare trip to visit a far-off parent, uncle or aunt whom they couldnt otherwise afford to visit. A grand might cover a round way airfare for one, or the gas, hotel and meals for a family drive.

401K Matching:

The companies who use the money to increase their 401K contribution matches have probably created the biggest long term help to their employees, as that $500 or $1000 contribution today might double, quadruple, or even multiply tenfold, depending on the time between today and each employees retirement. Another grand in your account at 50 is great but how about another grand in your retirement account when youre 40? Or 30? Or even 22? There are young people just starting out, with a low salary, for whom their three or four percent 401K withholding plan moves at a snails pace: this one-time injection into that account might light the fire of the savings mentality for a lot of young families, and change their trajectory toward a much healthier eventual retirement.

Charities:

With real wages largely flat for the past 20 years, especially for the lower-to-middle middle class, certain types of charitable giving have really suffered. Many charities have become more and more dependent on the donations of big national companies and generous local companies. The infusion of billions of new dollars in one sudden burst could literally save a lot of places on the verge of shutting down, and will make a real difference in the quality of care that hundreds of facilities provide to their charges, from children to seniors, from the poor to the disabled.

Capital Investment:

The announcements of infrastructure commitments have been especially welcome. As Comcast, Boeing, Regions Financial, and so many more are promising to spend hundreds of millions more in facilities expansions, this is not only a longtime commitment to their existing employees, its an investment in their communities. What we see today is the company that commits to expansion, but what we wont see  in the newspapers  is how that money will be spent in the years to come, as this expansion takes shape. Theyll be hiring architects, builders, construction crews buying desks and chairs and computers hiring landscapers and janitorial services... installing new equipment and hiring new employees to operate it, buying more materials to transform and sell. Think of all these others who will be employed, by other companies who dont make the news, because of these public commitments.

Base Salaries:

Before we leave this review  which only touches on a few points of a wide-ranging, almost unlimited panorama of positive economic effects  lets consider the companies that are raising their entry level salaries. The left has spent years and years  and countless money and effort and political capital  in trying to force companies to increase their pay through a mandated minimum wage. When the companies cannot afford to pay $15/hour, they just fire employees, or move away, or shut down entirely. But when we reduce their tax burden, we see that companies will increase their pay scales willingly, without coercion. This issue alone shows the lie of modern liberalism: the Left tells us that people will only do good if they are forced to; the Right proves that people will do good if we just allow them the freedom to do so.

We have only scratched the surface here. The story on the 2017 tax reform is yet to be told, since its effects are only beginning to be felt.

But there can be no doubt: as Steve Allen said in the song that made Steve and Eydies career, back in the days of John F. Kennedys successful tax cut, This could be the start of something big!

Copyright 2017 John F. Di Leo

John F. Di Leo is a Chicagoland-based Customs broker, writer, and actor. His columns are regularly found in Illinois Review.

Permission is hereby granted to forward freely, provided it is uncut and the IR URL and byline are included.
Ives strongly rejected Rauner's comments. The reason Illinois families are punished by the $10,000 cap on State and Local Tax Deductions is because the guy who ran on reform in 2014 didnt do anything about Illinois tax burden. He actually made it worse.

On Wednesday, Governor Rauner criticized the GOP's tax reform plan's $10,000 cap on deducting state and local taxes, saying the plan was "punishing." More on the story HERE.

WHEATON - Republican Governor Bruce Rauner is mounting a #NeverTrump campaign along with Democrat J.B. Pritzker by criticizing the new tax reform plan, GOP gubernatorial primary challenger Jeanne Ives said in a statement Thursday.

Families in this state pay the highest property taxes in the nation, Ives said, and Governor Rauner did nothing about it.

"If Illinois put hard cap on property taxes, like Indiana, then more Illinois families would qualify to keep more of their income under House Republicans tax reform plan. Further, more of those same Illinois families could afford more home and expect a real rate of return on their investment," she said. "This prospect is virtually eliminated in Illinois where the median property tax rates as a percentage of home value is nearly 2.5 times that of Indiana."

Governor Rauner is talking about freezing property taxes, but that will not correct the situation, but could aggravate it, the state representative for Illinois' 42nd House District said.

"Again, Illinoisans pay the highest property taxes in the nation. Why would you want to lock that in by freezing them? We need to lower property taxes," Ives said. She has proposed a property tax cap that will force state government to remove itself from initiatives it has proven poor at managing, and to properly fund K-12 education.

According to the left-leaning Tax Policy Center, 80% of American families will see federal tax relief from the GOP tax cuts.

"Rauner is simply trying to out-#NeverTrump J.B. Pritzker. In substance and in rhetoric, Rauner is once again allied with Rahm, Pelosi and Schumer and against the Illinois GOP congressional delegation and Illinois GOP families. Another betrayal," Ives said.

Ives then contrasted Rauner with the President.

The truth is, Governor Rauner failed to hold the Illinois Republican caucus together, and 15 Republicans voted to inflict a massive income tax hike on the already struggling families and businesses of this state," Ives said. "In Washington D.C., President Trump unified the Congressional Republican caucus to pass tax reform that will provide relief to most Americans. I may not agree with everything President Trump does, but I do want to see him succeed. Bruce Rauner is out trying to sell a success as failure, and failure as success. It is little wonder Illinois Republicans can feel they can no longer trust the man they elected in 2014.
Alien megastructure not the cause of dimming of the 'most mysterious star in the universe'







University Park PA (SPX) Jan 03, 2018





A team of more than 200 researchers, including Penn State Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics Assistant Professor Jason Wright and led by Louisiana State University's Tabetha Boyajian, is one step closer to solving the mystery behind the "most mysterious star in the universe." KIC 8462852, or "Tabby's Star," nicknamed after Boyajian, is otherwise an ordinary star, about 50 percent bigger and 1,000 degrees hotter than the Sun, and about than 1,000 light-years away. However, it has been inexpli ... read more
Are women the most frequent victims of sexual harassment? It seems they are with all the recent daily accusations and revelations from women. However, there are varying opinions about this issue, such as those by journalist Rebecca Hagelin , who questions whether women are the most frequent victims. She provides reasons in her opinion piece printed in the December 10 issue of the Washington Times .

While it is essential we stand with victims of abuse and expose those who engage in sexual harassment, it is equally important to establish exactly what defines sexual harassment and determine a reasonable amount of time in which an incident must be reported. Unlike some countries, the American justice system protects the innocent by following established rules and regulations. The accused is considered innocent until proven guilty. Americans despise unfairness and shudder at the thought that an innocent person could be punished for a crime he/she did not commit.

American Children as Victims of Sexual Harassment

This issue of sexual harassment is important, but Hageling exposes another important issue that is somewhat related but deserves far more attention. Americas children have become victims in classrooms across the United States, as they are exposed to graphic sexual material, brainwashed into accepting all manner of sexual activity as normal, and placed into situations that invite abuse.

The foundation for this perverted childhood teaching and abuse was set forth by Alfred Kinsey in the 1940s and 1950s under the guise of science. Kinsey  now known as one of historys most prolific pedophiles who sexually abused countless children and babies -- encouraged his followers likewise to do so, and then Kinsey wrote about these experiences. Kinsey persuaded liberal educators of his day to develop and distribute a genre of sex education reflecting his own gross, disturbing practices and conclusions.

Todays progressive movement, which still worships Kinseys suppositions, has expanded our children's former basic school sex education class and incorporated Kinsey's warped conclusions into our childrens school experience.

Public Unawareness of Sex Education

The American public is largely unaware of how blatantly graphic our sex education classes have become in most schools. Much of this was incorporated into the controversial Common Core curriculum, which has proved to be exceedingly descriptive regarding a variety of explicit sexual issues. The material does more to entice childrens curiosity and sexual experimentation than prevent it. This questionable curriculum often begins as early as kindergarten and is incorporated every grade thereafter. Our colleges have sex classes today that would shock students' parents.

We cannot blame young teens for being curious and certainly they need to know the basics of the body changes they are or soon will be experiencing. However, the goals parents expect is not what is happening in schools today. Children are being fed doses of sexually based material that has been incorporated into more subjects than just health classes, much of which parents would consider highly inappropriate for the grade level, such as middle school students learning about different sexual techniques and how they are practiced. The fact is public schools are teaching our children far more than what is age appropriate and are doing so without their parents permission or even awareness. Children today are being enticed to engage in massive sexual experimentation under the umbrella of our public education system.

Advocates claim graphic sex education is necessary to prevent sexual intimacy among teens, but common sense, as well as statistics, prove when young students are given explicit information about sex, taught how to put on a condom, provided with condoms, and given examples of various sexual positions, that is encouraging not discouraging sexual experimentation.

Pubic Schools as Supporters of Planned Parenthood

Our schools have become advertisers for Planned Parenthood, which, of course, schools and Planned Parenthood deny. However, consider this analogy: a teacher spoke to a class about how to make a cake. She explains various types you can choose; she provides you with specific steps to follow for success and how to avoid a misstate. She then gives each person the basic ingredients needed as they exit the class. How can any rational person believe this teacher has discouraged a student from trying to bake what sounds wonderful?

Students are told in sex education classes even more details as to what they can/should do if they make a mistake and a pregnancy occurs. The options are made to sound so simple, not unlike if you have a headache. Just take a few pills and if taken soon enough, a pregnancy will not occur. If one waits too long there are abortion clinics in most every large city and a quick procedure will end the pregnancy. If you need help, students are told they can receive information from school authorities and their parents need not be informed.

What schools, Planned Parenthood, and media sources avoid mentioning is that there were 500 abortion related deaths in the U.S. from 1973 to 2013. It seems that would be a strong deterrent for any woman to consider before engaging in sexual activities. There are also emotional consequences that often appear later in life and those do not go away with a pill.

Jay Middle School in Jay, Oklahoma, is one of many under fire from some parents who say the school took a sex education class way too far. Parent Mandy Callihan posted on Facebook that her 12-year-old daughter came to her in tears after she was too embarrassed to complete a sex education assignment she considered highly inappropriate. As soon as the mother read her childs school worksheet she understood her daughter's concern. The questions asked of these 12 and 13-year-old students alluded to sexual acts that would be repulsive to many adults.

Lack of Common Sense prevails

There has been an increase of sexual assaults on college campuses which may in part be due to the graphic sex education classes described above or to the even more sexually graphic classes in our colleges, such as ones in which teachers assign students to engage in and then make a report regarding a sex related activity they have not yet tried. If they want extra credit they can also explain their experience to the class for extra credit. This seems to fit in with the mentality of our exceedingly liberal colleges that have incorporated integrated male/female dorms and thus common shared use of bathroom and showering facilities. The administration is shocked when a rape occurs.

What has happened to basic, elementary, rational thinking? Why would our schools and colleges want to make it exceptionally easy for sexual encounters to occur? They must certainly know that hormones are raging among this specific age group. Yet sex is blatantly advertised in a variety of ways that entice young adults to experiment and become prime targets for inappropriate, irresponsible, and often regrettable sexual encounters that can ruin their lives.

This invitation to immorality is ignored with a bevy of excuses. Students are told it is rare for anyone to remain a virgin until marriage, but what part do our schools and society play even if that is true? Throughout history and up until about the 1970s, most people managed self-control and refrained from premarital sex and thus pregnancies. If we are following the correct course, the question becomes why are there are so many more pregnancies? Have we become so accustomed to thinking everyone does it that this issue is no longer open for discussion? Why are we ignoring the horrendous fact that over sixty (60) million aborted infant lives have been terminated since Roe vs. Wade?

Woodstock introduced free love and society accepted it without realizing nothing in life is free. This immorality has led to a deterioration of Americas culture. Couples are not marrying; they choose instead to live together. If and when things dont work out, individuals leave their relationship with ease and move on to someone else. Sadly, even our churches remain silent on this issue, making one wonder who among us is strong enough to stand up and say this must stop.

Without Morality a Nation is Doomed

According to the 2010 Census data, over 7.5 million unmarried couples live together (which translates into 15 million people). This is a whopping 138% increase since 1990 and a 13% increase just from 2009. Sadly, 40 percent of unmarried households have children. On average, researchers concluded that couples who lived together before they tied the knot saw a 33 percent higher rate of divorce than those who waited to live together until after they were married. Many, if not most of these couples, have children who will likely repeat their parents social habits, even if their experience proven to be detrimental.

This immoral trend is unhealthy for our Country. Our forefathers knew that without morality a nation is doomed. President George Washington stated: Religion and morality are the essential pillars of a civil society. Benjamin Franklin confirmed that saying Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters."

How can we stop this immoral landslide when the pillars of our society are unwilling or unable to do so? Some believe it must be the leaders of our churches who call attention to this escalating problem. Others insist our schools are the major problem as they hijacked the responsibilities of parents and in the process made things worse for our children and society. Our churches have sadly remained silent on this issue.

No matter who has been at fault, each of us who remain silent contributes to the problem. Our silence has been taken as acceptance. Each of us who sees these negatives must stand up and speak out to facilitate needed changes. Only then can we pass on to future generations the positives our forefathers gave us. We have made many important discoveries that have physically enhanced our lives, but we are guilty of allowing greater immorality issues to infiltrate our families and/or society. For the sake of our children and grandchildren we all must speak out against the immorality which has infected our society.
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BRIDGEPORT  Mayor Joe Ganim did not outrun the law Wednesday, but he wound up with a sympathetic state trooper when pulled over for speeding on Interstate 84.

The incident  the mayors driver, Bridgeport Police Detective Ramon Garcia, received a verbal warning  caused an embarrassing distraction on a day when Ganim was formally filing paperwork in Hartford for a gubernatorial run.

Another politician who thinks he is above the law. The law is to control the common people, not the elites, was typical of some of the criticism Hearst Connecticut Media readers posted online of both Ganim and the Connecticut State Police.

Ganim already has an image problem. He ran Bridgeport in the 1990s, was convicted of running a pay-to-play scheme out of City Hall in 2003, then successfully asked Bridgeport residents for a second chance in 2015.

More News Joe Ganim campaign across state clocked at 100 mph

Wednesdays traffic stop also exacerbated criticism back home of the mayors already controversial use of a taxpayer funded city cop as a driver on the campaign trail. As previously reported, Garcia, another detective and a lieutenant earned nearly $70,000 in overtime guarding Ganim this year, even as the undermanned police department is under pressure to cut overtime costs.

He is a city employee. If he gets in an accident, the citys liable, said freshman Bridgeport Councilman Marcus Brown after learning about Wednesdays traffic stop, which took place in the Southington area. Brown is not related to a barber shop owner of the same name that Ganim met in Hartford Wednesday.

At least Garcia was not at the wheel of a city vehicle, which the mayor has sometimes also used over the past year while exploring whether to run for governor. Instead he was riding in a rented Ford Expedition with Pennsylvania plates.

A Hearst Connecticut reporter accompanied Ganim before and during the traffic stop and witnessed the vehicle hit 100 mph  and regularly exceed 90 mph.

But, according to a statement by the State Police, Garcia was clocked by laser at 87 mph.

After running the operators license and vehicle registration and confirming there were no other issues, the Trooper issued the operator a verbal warning consistent with the discretion afforded to law enforcement by department policy and state law, which is independent of the occupants of a vehicle, said State Police Public Information Officer Trooper Kelly Grant in an email.

So its ok to speed if you are (a) police officer and you are with (a) politician, wrote another Hearst reader.

And such discretion was not used in 2014 when then-Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Foley of Greenwich was pulled over on Route 9 for driving 80 mph. He received a ticket, according to the Middletown Press.

Andrew Matthews, head of the state police union, acknowledged that sometimes troopers extend such professional courtesy to fellow law enforcers during a traffic stop.

But Matthews insisted that it depends on the circumstances, and that Connecticut troopers have stopped members of the public and done the same.

People have emergencies. They might be having a bad day. They cant afford it (the ticket), Matthews said. Our people are very compassionate.

Brown was glad a Bridgeport municipal vehicle was not involved, but said something needs to be done about Ganims use of police drivers on the campaign trail.

Ganim has said his gubernatorial campaign is obligated to reimburse Bridgeport mileage if he uses a municipal car, but not for the costs of his drivers.

If were only getting reimbursed for the usage of the vehicle but not the city employee who travels with him, maybe we dont need a detective with him, said Brown. And if he needs one, pay us back for it.

Asked if the city would have been liable had Garcia caused an accident Wednesday, even if he was driving a car rented by Ganims campaign, Bridgeport City Attorney R. Christopher Meyer said: Its all hypothetical.

Meyer added, I always encourage everybody to drive safe.

Garcias boss, Bridgeport Police Chief Armando Perez, could not be reached for comment.
Every company needs a home. Even the towering giants of online commerce desire a cozy place to hang their virtual hats (and sometimes more than one cozy place, as attested by the current bidding war for Amazon's HQ2). While many a corporate mythology might dwell nostalgically on the "we started in our garage" trope, no startup wants to linger in the carport for very long. Once your business gets sure footing, you're going to need digs.

Related: How the Color of Your Office Impacts Productivity (Infographic)

Choosing a location for a growing enterprise is no small matter, even in today's everything-online-all-the-time climate. Factors to consider include foot traffic, accessibility, infrastructure and much more. As the editors of Entrepreneur remind us, your address speaks volumes about your company, declaring loud and clear what matters most to you and your brand.

As you consider where to hang your startup shingle -- uptown or down, suburbs or exurbs -- let me encourage you to borrow a little wisdom from the playbook of America's greatest advocate for urban design, Jane Jacobs. In her classic work The Death and Life of Great American Cities (1961), Jacobs famously wrote, "Old ideas can sometimes use new buildings. New ideas must use old buildings" (emphasis mine).

Before you think I'm advocating that you build your brand in a chintz-covered B&B or some derelict warehouse without windows or running water, let me clarify what is meant by "old buildings." For most of the 20th century, historic preservation was associated with ladies-who-lunch and house museums, where the childhood homes of local icons, say, were restored just as they were in the distant past, for tours at $5 a head, to keep the lights on.

Related: How This Open Office Boosts Company Creativity and Productivity

I am not talking about those kinds of old buildings.

I'm talking about the newer, more progressive, more sustainable sort of historic preservation -- known as "adaptive reuse" or "adaptive new use" -- where an organization adapts a beautiful historic property for a contemporary purpose, retaining the most distinctive ornamental elements and the durable bones of the building, while reshaping the interior with surprising art and human-centered design.

The rehabilitation of a historic property might seem a chore. After all, you're knee-deep in the work of building your company. But before you consider new construction out on the edge of town or leasing a storefront in an empty shopping center, consider these three reasons why adaptive reuse might be exactly what your new company needs.

1. Adaptive reuse generates more jobs than new construction.

Entrepreneurs are naturally civically minded citizens. You know that your business is both good for you and also for your community, helping increase the tax base and raise the quality of living for others through salaries, profits and investment.

Related: WeWork's Headquarters Is the Ultimate Co-Working Space

If economic impact matters to you, consider that while $1 million spent on new construction generates 30.6 jobs, the same investment in adaptive reuse actually generates 35.4 jobs. Why? During a talk to the Preservation Council of San Jose (California), preservationist Donovan Rypkema explained: "As a rule of thumb, new construction will be half materials and half labor. Rehabilitation, on the other hand, will be 60 to 70 percent labor with the balance being materials." In other words, with adaptive reuse, more money stays home. Historic preservation is no charity. When done well, it's a potent economic generator.

2. Adaptive reuse demonstrates your company's concern for sustainability.

As I have advocated elsewhere, "The greenest building is the one that already exists." Like an Omega Speedmaster or a Tom Beckbe field jacket -- products designed to be worn for decades and passed down to the next generation -- historic structures were built to endure through many different owners and purposes.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About the Apple Campus

The reality is, contemporary architecture is not built for the long haul. In a 2015 TEDx talk ("Our Disposable Architecture"), urban designer Jennifer Bevan warns, "Whereas a century ago, it was reasonable to expect new buildings to span multiple generations, today, disposable architecture is the new normal." According to the EPA, the U.S. produces over twice as much construction and demolition debris as everyday garbage.

The solution? Use the buildings we already have. So many American cities are filled with hearty and proud structures from the 19th and early 20th centuries, handsome buildings of brick and iron, timber and stone. Reuse. Repurpose. Reimagine.

3. Adaptive reuse promotes mental and physical wellness.

From recent iGen college graduates, to the ubiquitous millennial herd, to the diaspora of gen X, Americans want to move back to cities. In a letter to The New York Times, Stephanie Meeks, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, explains why: "[N]eighborhoods that include older, smaller buildings house significantly greater concentrations of jobs in the 'innovation economy' than do areas with only larger, newer construction."

Related: Seeing is Believing: Step Inside Warby Parker's Headquarters

But, it's more than that, because living in cities allows young professionals to live a kind of childhood idyll of walking or riding their bike everywhere. A study by Arup actually reports that the privilege of walking to work, compared to a long commute, increases someone's happiness "as much as if they'd fallen in love." Find a historic building to call yours, and your company can anchor this joyous urban migration.

And just in case you're wondering, this is not gentrification we're talking about here; adaptive reuse fosters a diversity of human activity across economic strata, creating a community with thriving churches, schools, playgrounds, grocery stores and growing companies, including yours. If your new company is to have a long and happy life, bringing joy and value to clients and customers across the years, then consider taking the long view and finding a historic property to call headquarters.

The great revolution in heritage conservation and adaptive reuse has only just begun. I've spent four decades living out this philosophy at the university I founded in 1978, and I encourage you to do the same. When it comes time to leave the "startup" garage and spread your wings, I say: Go downtown.

Related Video: This Media Company Started in a Garage, but Team Members Say the Current Space Is 'Mind-Blowing'

Related:

Why Your New Company Needs an Old Building

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Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved



This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com


Judicial Watch: At Least 18 Classified Emails Found on Weiner's Laptop

Contact: Jill Farrell, Judicial Watch , 202-646-5172WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2018 / Standard Newswire / -- Judicial Watch revealed today that there are at least 18 classified emails in the 798 documents recently produced by the State Department from the FBI's investigation into former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's elicit email system. The emails were found on the laptop of Anthony Weiner, who is the estranged husband of former Clinton aide Huma Abedin.Abedin was Clinton's deputy chief of staff. Weiner is a disgraced former congressman and New York mayoral candidate who pleaded guilty to transferring obscene material to a minor. Abedin kept a non-State.gov email account on Hillary Clinton's notorious email server that she used repeatedly for government business.There are five new classified emails among 147 new Abedin work-related documents released by the State Department on Friday, December 29, 2017. Thirteen emails containing classified information were also found on the Weiner laptop computer that had already been released to the public. This classified material includes discussions about Saudi Arabia, The Hague, Egypt, South Africa, Zimbabwe, the identity of a CIA official, Malawi, the war in Syria, Lebanon, Hamas, and the PLO.On two occasions, classified material was sent by Abedin on her clintonemail.com account to Weiner's laptop (sent to "Anthony Campaign") on November 25, 2010 . The email discusses an upcoming call with Prince Saud of "expected WikiLeaks leaks." Abedin sent classified information the following day to Weiner's laptop concerning a call that "Jeff" (presumably then- US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey Feltman) had with United Arab Emirates Prime Minister Abdullah bin Zayed.The Weiner laptop also contains classified material from Abedin's Blackberry. A July 9, 2011 , email contained classified information regarding a then-upcoming call between Clinton and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. On November 25, 2011 , classified information was sent regarding Feltman's notes on the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs impression of the Hamas- Palestine Liberation Organization talks. On May 4, 2012 , additional classified material from the BlackBerry backup was sent."Judicial Watch's work in federal court holding the government accountable to the rule of law has forced the State Department to finally release these documents," said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. "The classified information on Weiner's laptop is part of a pattern of the mishandling national security by Clinton and her aides. The Weiner emails emphasize the need for the Justice Department to conduct a fresh, serious investigation of Hillary Clinton's and Huma Abedin's obvious violations of law. That's why we are pleased to learn that the Justice Department has reportedly at least begun asking questions about the Clinton classified material. Judicial Watch has no doubt that the Justice Department is taking these steps due to the ongoing disclosures of Clinton email misconduct from Judicial Watch's lawsuits."In September 2017 Judicial Watch made public Abedin's use of the unsecure Clinton email system for the transmission of sensitive passwords.MORE: www.judicialwatch.org/press-room/press-releases/judicial-watch-least-18-classified-emails-found-weiners-laptop/
Dominique Bryant became homeless when she was 17.

Now 23, Bryant was placed in foster care in New York immediately after she was born. She was adopted when she was 10 and moved to Charlottesville with her adoptive mother. But when Bryant was 17, the mother terminated her parental rights.

Bryant went to a foster family and then to a psychiatric clinic to be treated for depression. After that, she said, the foster family didnt want to take her back.

Because I was right on the cusp of 18, there werent many options for me, Bryant said. I was placed in a sobriety house, even though I wasnt an alcoholic.

Residency in the home was contingent on attending regular meetings. Bryant missed one, because she couldnt get transportation. She lost her place and spent four months homeless in the Charlottesville area. The outcome that Bryant faced as a result of aging out of foster care without achieving permanencybeing adopted or finding a permanent foster placementis common.

According to the results of a national survey conducted by Child Trends for the Childrens Home Society of Virginia and Better Housing Coalition, 20 percent of the people who age out of foster care are homeless within two years. Twenty-five percent are incarcerated, 42 percent drop out of school and 71 percent of the women are pregnant by age 21.

The report estimates that if this population graduated from high school at the same rate as the general population, they would earn $1.8 billion more over their working lifetimes and contribute $430 million in additional taxes.

The results of the survey, released Nov. 14, also show that Virginia has one of the highest percentages of youth exiting foster care due to aging out20 percent compared to 9 percent nationally.

YOUNG AND HOMELESS

Meghann Cotter, executive director of Micah Ecumenical Ministries, a faith-based nonprofit that supports the Fredericksburg areas homeless population, said she has seen the number of homeless youth increase in the 10 years shes worked at Micah.

When I started, the faces of those we were seeing were drastically older and sickermore what you think of when you think of homeless on the street,? she said. But in the last three or four years, the faces have become drastically younger.

Between July 1, 2015, and July 1, 2016, the homeless services system in Planning District 16, which includes Fredericksburg and Stafford, Spotsylvania, Caroline and King George counties, served 162 clients between the ages of 18 and 2412 percent of the total population served.

Cotter said she sees former foster care kids either age out of the system or emancipate themselves at age 18.

They bounce around with friends or whatever and theyre OK for a while, she said.

But she said research shows that 85 percent of former foster-care youth have experienced some kind of trauma.

So not only are they lacking the life skills that all 18-year-olds lack, but theyre also dealing with a lessened amount of coping skills as a result of trauma experience and they have no social support system to wrestle with that, Cotter said.

Though 18 is the age of legal adulthood, research quoted in the CHS report shows that the brain continues to develop through age 25. Todays young people tend to rely on their parents for emotional and financial support well into their 20s. When kids dont have a built-in support system, bridging the gap between adolescence and adulthood is that much harder.

For a lot of kids, the first year of college is tough, said Gail Crooks, director of the Spotsylvania Department of Social Services. But you bounce back to mom and dad. When you dont have a safe place where you can go to come back from tough spots, they just have a cumulative effect.

In 2016, 464 foster-care youth aged out of the system in Virginia. Those figures have the potential to grow, as the number of children in foster care nationally grew by 8 percent between 2011 and 2015, possibly due to the opioid epidemicwhich was declared a national public health emergency in October.

Bruin Richardson, chief advancement officer at Childrens Home Society, said there are a number of reasons why Virginia has higher numbers of youth leaving foster care without being adopted.

One is that were a county-administered system and that creates some barriers that make it more difficult to get kids adopted, he said in a phone interview. Also, kids tend to be older when they come into the system in Virginia than the national average. What that results in is they may have more significant trauma and then they really are teenagers before they become eligible to be adopted. And its harder to place those kids.

In 2014, the proportion of older childrenages 16 to 20in Virginias foster care system was larger than it was for the nation as a whole, the CHS report shows.

Crooks said that, anecdotally, kids tend to be 10 or 11 years old when they come into foster care in Spotsylvania.

In Virginia, we try very hard to maintain children in their home, she said. We try to support the family to stabilize it. So when we do come in, weve exhausted a whole lot of options, and kids are coming in with higher levels of need.

We try to prepare our kids, because we know there might be challenges to permanency, she added.

EXTENDING HELP

Virginia is one of 36 states that elected to extend foster care services beyond the age of 18. Last year, the state introduced a new program, Fostering Futures, which went into effect July 1, 2016, for people who turned 18 on or after that date. It uses federal Title IV-E funds to extend care past the age of 18, so youth in successful foster home placements can stay there. They can stay in contact with their case managers or receive stipends for rent and groceries.

However, Fostering Futures is an opt-in program, and young people often dont choose to opt in, leaving the system before the mandated cut-off age.

Richardson said this was one of the most surprising findings of the CHS report.

Maybe it shouldnt have been a surprise to us, but even in states where there are programs for youth through the age of 21, in the vast majority of those states, the majority of youth are opting out of those programs at 18 or 19, he said. And that was eye-opening.

Crooks said that many kids who have been in the foster care system for years choose emancipation as soon as they are able because they just dont want to be connected to social services anymore.

Sometimes, all they want is distance, she said.

She thinks it would help those kids to hear from their peers.

They need to hear from someone else the value of it, she said. They need someone to help them see down the road and see how staying associated with us can help them get to their tomorrow.

Crooks said she would love to set up a body of mentors from the local community to act as cool, caring aunts or uncles to older foster care kids.

It would be like Big Brothers/Big Sisters, for anyone who wants to sign up to be a mentor or who has something these kids respect, she said. Like the mom of your best friend that you can talk to when you cant talk to your mom.

Another way to fight the problem of youth aging out of foster care is to find more families willing to foster or adopt teenagers, and adequately supporting those who do.

Cotter said shes seen kids at Micahs cold-weather homeless shelter who were dropped there by their adoptive parents.

The parents are just done, for whatever reason, she said.

Crooks said it is very difficult to place teenagers in adoptive homes, especially when the teens have years of traumatic experiences behind them.

So thats building block number onebeefing up resources for families willing to take older kids, she said.

Richardson said another crucial step is improving access to affordable housing.

Its very difficult to take advantage of those programs that may exist if youre trying to figure out where your next meal is coming from and whether you will have a roof over your head tomorrow night, he said. These are young people who have almost uniformly been victims of trauma. Theyre already in survival mode and then when we dont do things that will help provide housing, they lack the stability to get beyond that.

TAPPING POTENTIAL

Taylor Landrie, director of the Great Expectations program at Germanna Community Collegea statewide, grant-funded program that helps current and former foster youth transition into collegesaid supporting former foster care kids can be as simple as giving them lots of pep talks.

These kids are just the most resilient, intelligent, tough individuals Ive ever met, Landrie said. They have this huge amount of potential to be incredibly successful. They already have the life skills, they already have the grit and tenacity that they need to be successful in college, but in some cases, no one has ever told them that theyre smart or ever told them they were college material or that they can do anything they want to.

When we support these students, theyre able to reach their own academic goals and support themselves and their families, she continued.

Tiffani Beissel, 21, is one student who benefited from Great Expectations. She was placed in foster care at age 14 in her birth state of Missouri, and though she was adopted by a friends family when she was 15, that situation didnt work out, she said. She moved in with a boyfriend, but he was abusive, and she moved to Virginia to get away from him.

There have been so many times when I wanted to give up, Beissel said. When you dont have anybody to love or care for you, its easy to just give up.

But Beissel knew the statistics about former foster youth and didnt want to become one of them. She said her resilience saw her through. She now lives with her aunt and uncle in Caroline County and will graduate from Germanna in May with an associate degree and a specialization in psychology.

Bryant also has benefited from Great Expectations. Shes now pursuing an associate degree in early childhood education and has found a stable home in Locust Grove with a member of her church.

CHS has put together a task force made up of experts in affordable housing, foster care, child welfare and education, as well as Virginia delegates and senators and aged-out foster youth, to make policy recommendations for improving access and services to youth aging out of foster care.

The task force aims to complete its work in mid-2018.
Growing up, Micah Schroeder always envisioned himself serving in the military someday.

The military has always interested me, he said. Ive always had a lot of respect for our military, and I thought it would be great to be part of it.

Schroeder had several family members who were in the military. His grandpa on his fathers side was in the Army, and his grandpa on his mothers side was in the Navy. He also has an uncle who retired from the Air Force.

So theres a little bit of family history there, he said. I always liked the idea of being involved in it myself.

It wasnt surprising then that Schroeder, who grew up in Gibbon, decided to enlist in the National Guard the first year he was eligible  when he turned 17 years old in 2007. He attended basic combat training the summer between his junior and seniors years at Gibbon High School.

When I was a freshman in high school, I was pretty dead set on joining the military as soon as I could, he said. I had talked to my parents about it, and I had also talked to some recruiters, and it made me feel more comfortable about joining the National Guard [when he was 17]. Thats what I wanted to do with my life.

After attending basic combat training, Schroeder finished his senior year at Gibbon High School, graduating in 2008, and then he returned to the National Guard in the Kearney unit to complete his advanced individual training. He then became military occupationally skill qualified as an all-wheeled vehicle mechanic.

His training didnt stop there, though.

In 2009, a guy I knew from my unit was talking to me and asked me if I would be interested in doing military funeral honors, he said. I was like, Yes, definitely. So I started doing that, and eventually they had an opening for a zone leader in Kearney. I applied for it and got it. Then I got certified as an instructor in it.

In addition to being in the National Guard and also working part-time at Cabelas in Kearney, Schroeder took classes at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Although he enjoyed being in the National Guard and wanted to stay involved in it, he also thought it would be fun to be a physical therapist. So he started taking classes to pursue a degree in exercise science.

I had some injuries when I was playing sports, so I had gone through physical therapy and knew what it was like, he said. Thats a big reason I became so interested in it.

But after taking some classes for his exercise science degree, Schroeder began losing interest in becoming a physical therapist.

It just seemed like the job was a little too routine  more than what I wanted, he said. Youll have someone come in and say, I have this injury, and then theyll look at a chart and say, OK, this is what you have to go through. It just seemed like it was too much of a routine for me. I dont like having the same routine. I like to do different things when Im working.

About that time, Schroeder, who was involved in the reserved officer training program in Kearney, was asked by an instructor in the program if he had ever considered working in law enforcement.

Schroder nodded his head yes.

We talked for a little bit, and by the end of our conversation, I decided that I did want to pursue law enforcement as a career, especially since he told me that I could be involved in both law enforcement and the National Guard, he said.

Schroder stopped taking classes at UNK and instead began searching for a job in law enforcement. Since his fiance, Breanna Johnson, had gotten a job in Scottsbluff as a juvenile probation officer, Schroeder decided to see if any law enforcement jobs were open in the Gering/Scottsbluff area.

Fortunately, the Gering Police Department was looking to hire a patrol officer. He applied and ended up getting the job in October 2015.

It worked out really, really well, he said.

Schroeder said his two-plus years working in Gerings police department have been enjoyable.

You always get to see something different, and youre always involved with stuff thats challenging, so youre always learning something new, he said. I like that, and I also enjoy working with people. Granted, if I see someone, its generally not when its their best day, but I get to help them out with problems theyre having. People dont always come to us with stuff thats necessarily law enforcement issues, but we do what we can to help them the best we can.

Schroeder said he feels fortunate to have a job that he calls rewarding.

There hasnt been one day since I started here when I was like, Man, I want to do something else, he said. Honestly, when it comes to work, I cant see myself doing anything else just because I enjoy it so much.

Its definitely a very rewarding job.

Actually, Schroeder feels like he has two rewarding jobs  his patrol officer job and his work with the National Guard. Hes currently a sergeant with the Scottsbluff unit. Hes in the process of reclassing from a wheeled vehicle mechanic to military police.

I love being in the National Guard. You meet some of the greatest people you could meet, he said. Im glad I have the ability to serve my country, my state, and my community.

When Schroeder started working for the Gering Police Department, he knew he would have a lot to learn. He wasnt worried about it, though, because he knew he would be surrounded by good people.

Luckily, theres a lot of people within this department who are very experienced in law enforcement, and they are easy to work with, he said. Theyve been great with helping me out whenever I need it.

He said the skills and experiences he had in the National Guard and while working for Cabelas have helped him in his patrol job in Gering.

Being in the National Guard has helped me understand law enforcement better, he said. Some of the stuff we do is military related like active shooter training, firearms training, defensive tactics, and stuff like that. Also, working in retail gave me some experience in dealing with people. You dont always deal with people who are in the best of moods when they come in. Maybe they bought something that doesnt work, or theyre just not quite happy with the service theyve been receiving. It definitely taught me that the vast majority of the time, if youre dealing with someone who is upset with you, just try to talk to them calmly and youll work things out.

The best part of his patrol job, he said, is helping people.

Ive always enjoyed helping people, he said. Nothing makes me happier than when were able to help someone. Maybe someone has something stolen and were able to return it to them, or maybe someone has something going on in their life thats just nasty, but were able to help them out and point them in the right direction. Theres a lot of positives working in law enforcement.

His desire to help people, he said, is due to how his parents raised him.

I give a lot of credit to my parents, he said. My parents are definitely positive role models for me. They taught me to do the right thing. They always said, Just because no one is looking doesnt mean its OK to do something wrong. You need to maintain that character and that integrity at all times. That stuck with me.

Schroeder said he knows some people in some areas of the country have a negative image of police officers. However, he said he and his fellow officers feel appreciated by the residents in Gering.

Theres a lot of pro-law enforcement people here, he said. Thats one of the reasons I like this town so much. Its a very positive and friendly community. Its one of those places where when youre walking down the street and you say Hi to someone, theyre going to say Hi back, whether youre in uniform or not.

Before starting his job in Gering, Schroeder said he didnt know how well he would enjoy living in Gering. After living here for about two years now, he has nothing but good things to say about living in this area.

I like Gering, he said. I didnt know much about Gering before I moved out here, being that Im from central Nebraska. A lot of people told me that theres nothing out here and theres nothing to do here. But theres plenty to do out here, and theres a lot of great people out here. Its a very supportive community of law enforcement. I know I made the right choice coming out here.

He said he and his fiancee have no plans to move away from Gering anytime soon. He said he looks forward to expanding his role in the Gering Police Department. In October, he got accepted into one of two county SWAT positions, and this month he went to the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center to become certified as a defensive tactics instructor.

Im looking at other areas, too, that I could expand into to make myself more of a resource for this department, he said.

Outside of his duties with the Gering Police Department and the National Guard, Schroeder said he enjoys doing outdoor activities.

Backpacking is something that Ive started getting into, he said. I also go deer hunting once a year with my dad. I also like to go dove hunting with some friends that I know back around Kearney. Theyve got some land around there that we always go dove hunting at. Ive also started getting into archery. I started getting into that about a year ago.

He added, I wouldnt mind hunting around here more, but a lot of places youll have to pay a decent price to go hunt on that property. But Ive found a lot of other things to do around here. My fiancee and I have been up the Monument a few times, and we definitely enjoy that. Its always a beautiful view from up top, and its always a beautiful view walking up and down it.

Schroeder said his other hobbies include playing video games, exercising, and watching movies.

Something else that will keep Schroeder busy the next few months is helping his fiancee plan for their wedding in October in Kearney.

Im definitely super excited for it, he said. Im very lucky that shes been doing most of the planning and has taken care of most everything. I havent had to do much other than pick out who Im going to have as my groomsmen.

Micah Schroeder File

* What is your favorite food?: I like a really good steak or burger.

* What is your favorite restaurant around here?: I really like Steel Grills steak nachos.

* Favorite candy bar?: Probably almond Snickers.

* Favorite video games?: Probably Fallout 4.  I like a lot of first-person shooter games, like the Call of Duty series and the Assassins Creed series.

* Whats the last book that you read?: I cant remember the author, but it was Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement. It was a book that was recommended by one of the instructors at the Law Enforcement Training Center.

* Favorite sports team?: Huskers.

* What is something that most people dont know about you?: Thats a tough one. I dont really hide things.

* What annoys you the most?: That would probably be people who chew with their mouth open.

* What do think is your worst habit?: If you asked my fiancee, it would be that I snore.

* Whats the last concert that you attended?: I went to Eric Church with my fiancee for her birthday.

* Do you have any pets?: Yes, we just got a 4-month-old kitten.

* Favorite type of car?: Ive always been a huge fan of Jeep Wranglers.

* If you could go on a shopping spree at Cabelas and get anything you wanted, what would you choose?: Well, theres definitely quite a few rifles, shotguns and pistols Id get.
By Michael Boyd, jr. STE. GENEVIEVE HERALD While Ste. Genevieve County residents voted no to Amendment 3, the rest of the Show-Me State said yes to legalize marijuana, passing the measure on Tuesday (Nov. 8), according to unofficial results from the 2022 midterm elections. Missouri now is one of the 21 states, along with Washington,
Sears Holdings Corp. said on Thursday it was shuttering 103 unprofitable Kmart and Sears stores as it continues to assess the viability of its operations.

The department store operator, which has racked up 24 straight quarters of sales declines, said 64 Kmart stores and 39 Sears stores would be closed between early March and early April this year.

Liquidation sales will begin as early as Jan. 12 at the closing stores, Sears said.

None of the stores is located in the immediate St. Louis area, according to a list provided by Sears.

In Illinois, Kmart stores are being closed in West Frankfort, Mt. Vernon and Rockford. Also in Illinois, Sears will be closed in Orland Park, Marion and Bourbonnais.

No stores are being closed in Missouri.

Reuters and the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.
When Mike Haynes went to work as usual Wednesday at the Walgreens store in Clayton, he had no reason to expect a telephone call from a television star and a big chunk of cash.

But that's exactly what he got.

In a live broadcast from the store during Wednesday's episode that aired at 4 p.m. on KSDK (Channel 5), Haynes was presented with more than $16,000 and VIP tickets to DeGeneres' birthday show on Jan. 26.

"Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God," was Haynes' basic reaction to the surprise phone call from DeGeneres, and then the surprise appearance by show staffer Jeanie Klisiewicz.

Along with Klisiewicz, about 80 customers led by Stacy Tasman also entered the store to congratulate their favorite clerk.

Tasman led a drive that raised $6,350 from about 280 customers and gave it to Haynes as a holiday gift and to help him take care of his mother. For her efforts, Tasman also scored VIP tickets to DeGeneres' birthday show.

Tasman told DeGeneres that Haynes "is just so genuine and warm and kind. We just love him to death."

Degeneres' show then presented Haynes with another check, for $10,000.

"We're all so happy for Mike," said Amber Nichols, a manager. "He always makes your day better. If you're feeling down, he'll turn it around and put a smile on your face."

And what kind of excellent week was Haynes having?

He was unavailable for comment Thursday because he had just started a vacation, a respite that had been scheduled before the show aired.
ST. LOUIS  Police are searching for a man who shot a would-be car thief Wednesday night.

The shooting victim, 38, was in critical but stable condition at a hospital Thursday after being shot in the right arm and left leg. The shooting was at about 8 p.m. Wednesday near West Florissant and Thrush avenues.

He was shot after trying to steal a vehicle, police say. A man  believed to be the car's owner  spotted the would-be thief inside the car, grabbed a handgun and ordered him out of the vehicle, police said.

The thief tried to run but was shot by the vehicle owner, police say. The owner then drove away.

Police say the gunman is black and 20 to 30 years old with a medium complexion. He wore a gray hooded sweatshirt, black pants and black shoes. His vehicle was an older model four-door silver Saturn with black bumpers and rims.
The massive East Coast winter storm forced the cancellation Thursday of about 50 flights to and from St. Louis Lambert International Airport.

Many of the canceled flights were going to or coming from New York LaGuardia, Newark, N.J., Boston and Philadelphia, the Lambert website indicated.

At least one flight from Chicago O'Hare and at least one to Detroit also were canceled.

They were among more than 4,900 canceled flights across the United States, according to the FlightAware flight tracking site. More than two-thirds of flights in and out of New York City and Boston airports were called off.

Rail service was affected as well. Amtrak planned to operate a modified schedule between New York and Boston on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Northeast Regional Service between Washington, D.C., and the Newport News-Norfolk, Va., area was canceled for Thursday.
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In their commentary Should city aldermen stir the pot? (Jan. 2), David Roland and Michael A. Wolff overlooked all of the reasons why recreational marijuana should not be legalized. The number one reason many Americans continue to give for not using marijuana is because it is illegal.

We dont have to look far to see the consequences of legal pot. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, marijuana use among youth ages 12-17 in the U.S. is just over 7 percent. In Denver, where recreational use is legal for those 21 and older, youth ages 12-17 are using marijuana at the rate of more than 12 percent. Can anyone argue that this is a good thing for our society? Marijuanas potency is higher than ever. When older Americans used weed in the 1970s, there was a THC level of about 10 percent. Today, its close to 30 percent.

Why is marijuana use higher in Colorado among their youth? Just look to their parents and take a trip to Denver. The constant smell of marijuana wafting through public areas is disturbing. This is coming from the same state that was a leader in the anti-tobacco movement. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Colorado Department of Transportation, traffic deaths related to marijuana use have risen from 6.1 percent in 2006 to 20.2 percent just 10 years later.

For many years, we have heard of the large number of people incarcerated in our jails for possession of marijuana. In my 34 years in law enforcement, the only people I ever saw imprisoned for marijuana was when they were selling great quantities of it or possessed many pounds of it. Many times, it was interaction with law enforcement that caused users to seek treatment for their addiction. Yes, marijuana addiction is real; just ask anyone who works in a drug treatment center.

One of the other great myths of legalized weed is that it can be taxed and controlled, thus eliminating the need for drug traffickers. My law enforcement peers in Colorado and other Western states know the opposite is true. Drug traffickers in these states continue to flourish, as theyll always be able to sell their product cheaper than government-controlled operations.

Some states have enticed their voters with the promise of additional tax revenue. This is laughable. The social costs in Colorado continue to climb. In 2014, when retail marijuana businesses became operational, there was a 38 percent increase in the number of marijuana-related hospitalizations in only one year.

Pro-marijuana groups have often criticized law enforcement for continuing to enforce pot laws, claiming there is a vested interest in police jobs and revenue/fines associated with such enforcement. Most police chiefs would gladly disband drug enforcement operations if they truly believed it would stem the violence associated with drug traffickers. They know that legalizing pot and other illegal drugs will not stop the violence. However, with that said, I would support all fines for drug possession convictions to be transferred to drug treatment programs instead of to government coffers.

As the focus on enforcement, prosecution and incarceration has diminished, drug use and violent crime rates have risen. The new ideas being considered by the St. Louis Board of Aldermen will not work to reduce drug use or related problems.
The world needs to unite against overt and covert terrorism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the 'No Money for Terror ministerial conference on Counter-Terrorism Financing in New Delhi on Friday. "Uprooting terrorism needs a larger, proactive, systemic response, If we want our citizens to be safe, we cannot wait until terror comes to our homes. We must pursue terrorists, break their support networks and hit their finances," he said while delivering the inaugural address.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Civil Defence teams continue to monitor weather updates following last nights rainfall in the Bay of Plenty.

From 4pm today to 6am on Friday, the region is now forecast to receive 100-150mm about the ranges and 70-100mm elsewhere.

Council flood manager Peter Blackwood says the regions catchments had up to 100mm rain last night, particularly those in the east, so they are no longer dry.

Rainfall in the Rangitaiki catchment over the past 24 hours ranged from 13-68mm and averaged 45-50mm. Similarly we have had up to 100mm in the Waioeka and Otara catchments, with only very small rises in river levels and flows.

It would be prudent for farmers beside the Rangitaiki River and all other Eastern Bay rivers to move their stock to higher ground before nightfall, as the first level warnings may be given during the night, Peter says.

People camping in low-lying coastal areas or near rivers and streams should also be aware there may be coastal inundation.

In response to the rain in the Rangitaiki catchment and forecast heavy rain tonight TrustPower is spilling a small amount of water from the Matahina Dam. The total outflows of 160 cubic metres per second are no greater than the flow under full generation, but the generation flow is currently restricted.

Therefore, this spill will not flood additional land and there is absolutely no flood risk to Edgecumbe, Peter says.

The spillway was opened at 11am today and is releasing 30cu m per second, to reach a lake level of 73.15m by 3.55am tomorrow.

Prior warning will be given if the spill flow needs to be increased later.

MetService Update

A rapidly-deepening low pressure system in the Tasman Sea northwest of the country is set to move towards the North Island today, before moving over central New Zealand during Friday.

This system  the first significant system to affect the country since mid-September 2017  is already bringing rain and wind to central and northern areas of the North Island.

There are Severe Weather Warnings and Watches in place for heavy rain and strong wind for a number of areas in the North and South Island, with rainfall accumulations in excess of 100mm in some places and severe northeasterly gales gusting 120km/h in exposed places.

Persistent rain will spread south over the North Island this morning, reaching as far south as Christchurch by Thursday evening.

Rain will then spread further south over the South Island on Friday, and become patchy in Northland, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay and Wairarapa.

Significant accumulations are expected on Thursday over the upper North Island where areas like the Bay of Plenty could see up to 150mm of rain accumulate about the ranges.

"Auckland could see as much as 90mm, especially about the Hibiscus Coast and the Waitakere and Hunua Ranges. The upper South Island will see its heaviest rain from tonight, where up to 180mm may accumulate about the ranges of Nelson and Marlborough, says MetService Meteorologist Ciaran Doolin.

The strongest winds associated with the system will be across the upper North Island with severe gale northeasterlies forecast in exposed places during Thursday. When the low crosses the country on Friday, a period of severe west to northwest gales will affect central parts of New Zealand.

With the strong winds come large swells about the east coast of the upper North Island, from Northland to the Bay of Plenty. In combination with king tides, this may lead to coastal inundation in low lying areas, where waves could push further inland than normal and cover coastal roads, tracks and campsites.

"This risk is most elevated on Thursday evening and Friday morning but should ease by Friday evening.

People need to take extra care this holiday period as heavy rain and severe gales have the potential to have a major impact on peoples plans. Make sure to stay up to date with the latest forecasts and Severe Weather Warnings and Watches.

Rain and gale southwesterlies will gradually ease Saturday as the low moves away southeast of the country.

A ridge spreads onto the country on Sunday, making for a mostly fine day across the country, although a short-lived front makes landfall in the far south bringing rainy spells.

Coromandel Update

MetService is forecasting heavy rain and gale north-easterlies for the Coromandel from early this afternoon into tomorrow morning.

The Thames Coromandel District Councils Emergency Operations Centre has been set up to monitor this weather event and keep an eye out for flooding and slips.

A rapidly deepening low approaching New Zealand is expected to drop 100-150mm of rain over the Coromandel between 1pm today and 1am tomorrow, with peak intensities of 20-30mm/h, especially from the evening.

North-easterly winds are expected to become severe from this evening until dawn tomorrow, gusting to 120km/h in exposed places.

The council is monitoring reports of various drains filling and flooding due to the rainfall and high tide this morning.

The Kauaeranga River level is expected to be super-high and we also expect higher than normal sea levels around our wharfs due to king tides.

This combination of strong winds and king high tides in conjunction with the heavy rain may also cause coastal flooding at streams and rivers, including in the Firth of Thames.

Surface flooding is expected across the Coromandel in the usual areas that flood, so please take care and try to stay clear of low-lying areas if youre camping.

Kauaeranga Visitor Centre has advised us due to weather warnings they have closed the Pinnacles Hut and are strongly advising customers and campers to vacate the Kauaeranga Valley.

The high tides are due at:

Whitianga Thursday 4 Jan at 21:33 Friday 5 Jan at 10:10 and 22:28

Thames Thursday 4 Jan at 22:03 Friday 5 Jan at 10:37 and 22:57

Check MetService for the latest weather forecasts as this weather system develops.

"This is looking like it will be a short, sharp weather event that will pack a punch," says Garry Towler, our Civil Defence Controller.

A video update Mr Towler is available here.

Waikato Regional Council has set up an online hub for rainfall and flood related information to help people more easily keep up to date with severe weather events in the region.

It can be found at waikatoregion.govt.nz/flood-room

We will post regular updates on our Councils Facebook page as well as on our website and email newsletters.

"Well also include updates on known local Council road closures here. If you see a Council road that is impassable due to flooding or a debris, call us on 07 868 0200.

"If the issue is with a State Highway (eg, the Thames Coast Road, Kopu-Hikuai Road) please tell NZ Transport Agency on 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) to speak to the call centre team who can also provide traffic and travel information."

Check NZTAs website before you travel for the latest information about road closures or work underway. You can also use their journey-planning website www.onthemove.govt.nz to plan the best route for your journey, taking into account known issues and traffic on state highways.

To report a power outage, contact Powerco.

"And, although were in for heavy rain, we still have a Total Fire Ban in place until at least 8 February, which includes bonfires and fireworks. See www.tcdc.govt.nz/fire for more information.

"The rain should help replenish reservoirs and water tanks, but were still facing water restrictions due to high use and also filtering sediment and silt that will be coming through from this weather event. We will be reassessing the reservoir levels within the next 24 hours to see if restrictions need to be changed. See what restrictions apply on our website www.tcdc.govt.nz/water."

Events

Sol3 Mio is moving by one day to tomorrow to Friday 5 January. The venue and timings otherwise remain the same and all tickets issued for todays show are valid for the new date. Gates open at 5pm, show starts at 6pm and concludes at 8.45pm. If patrons are unable to attend the new date they should contact the ticketer from whom tickets were purchased in order to apply for a refund.

The Colour Splash in Whangamata has been cancelled as well as the Matarangi Beach summer festival events for today and tomorrow.

Pauanui Summer Series, The King of Tangi will now be held Sunday 7 January instead of tomorrow.

All other events are going ahead as scheduled at this stage and MetService is forecasting finer weather after the low passes on Friday.

Check our Whats on in the Coromandel listing for updates on events.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand has announced the selection of two surf boat crews representing New Zealand at the 2018 Trans-Tasman Surf Boat Challenge.

They were selected on Tuesday following the second round of the New Zealand Surf Boat Series, the Whangamata Surf Boat Spectacular.

The crews join the Muriwai Meerkats (Open Women) and Orewa Aces (Under 23 Women) which were selected following the New Zealand Surf Boat Trials held at Mt Maunganui on Saturday November 11.

Together, the four crews will represent New Zealand at the 2018 Trans-Tasman Surf Boat

Challenge which will take place on February 17 at Elouera Beach in New South Wales and will be incorporated into a full weekend of Surf Boat action as part of the ASRL Open event.

The Trans-Tasman Surf Boat Challenge consists of a three race series for the mens crews, and same for the womens with combined points accumulating to a champion nation which will be presented with the Trans-Tasman Surf Boat Challenge trophy.

The three races will be made up of two long course events and one short course event. The

Open crews will also be accompanied by two New Zealand Under 23 crews who will race against the Open crews in the three race series, and whose results count towards an overall Under 23 points table.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand thanks selectors Neil Watts, Brett Hamer, Bruce Matheson and also the volunteer officials that assisted in running the Whangamata Surf Boat Spectacular.

Open Men- Red Beach

Jed Wright

Chris Carew

Hayden Smith

Shamus OHalloran

Shane OHalloran (Sweep)

Under 23 Men- Whangamata

Brandon Dromgool

Josh Kerridge

Lyndon Vickers

Sam Stockley

Andrew Jujnovich (Sweep)
People are waking up this morning to survey any damage that last nights storm may have left.

Apart from a few tree branches scattered around and some sand higher than it normally would be, Pilot Bay looks relatively untouched.

A reporter down there this morning says she spoke with a council contractor who was checking on the status of the Pilot Bay boat ramp.

"He was digging small squares at the Pilot Bay boatramp at 6.15am to see how much sand was on it.

"I think it was 500 tonnes?? of sand put down in Pilot Bay before Christmas, further along by the Waka Ama area. Nature does what nature does and the sand has moved along the beach and now moving off the beach.

"The contractor reckons its not too bad on the ramp, with most of the sand near the bottom of the ramp. He says its probably caused more from the recent king tides than the storm last night and that the ramp is firm enough for boats and trailers."

Temporary fencing around a house in Princess Ave was also blown over with last nights wind.

Photos emailed in from a SunLive reader shows a boat moored closer than normal to Memorial Park this morning.

In the Coromandel, Thames Coromandel District Council says the water supply to Hikutaia is out after the storm.

"We are working on getting this restored as soon as possible.

"There have been no reports of significant issues, or large volumes of incidednts, as a consequence of the weather event.

"All roads are open with no reports of flooding or slips at this stage."

The MetService still has a severe weather warning in place for both the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel.

A deep low is forecast to move southeastwards across central New Zealand on Friday delivering heavy rain and strong winds to northern and central New Zealand.

The heaviest rain is expected in Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty, northern Gisborne, Mount Taranaki, Tongariro National Park, the Tararua Range, Marlborough, and Nelson.



The strongest winds are expected across the upper North Island, from Taranaki and Taihape to Bay of Plenty northwards, and a warning for severe gale northeasterlies is in force for these areas.

The deep low crosses central New Zealand on Friday bringing a period of west to northwest severe gales to the central and upper North Island, and gale southwesterlies across the lower North Island and eastern areas of the upper South Island.

The low is then forecast to move away to the southeast of the country on Saturday, and the winds and rain should ease.



People should keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case other areas are added to the WARNING.



Note, the Warning for heavy rain in Northland is now lifted.

The scene at Pilot Bay this morning. Photos: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

The scene at Mount Main Beach this morning.

Its high tide in #Tauranga- I used to have a beach here & room between the water and the bridge. @WeatherWatchNZ pic.twitter.com/L6QkONODOY  annikakes (@annikakes) January 4, 2018

Heavy Rain Warning

Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.

Area: Auckland including Great Barrier Island

Valid: 3 hours from 9:00pm Thursday to 12:00am Friday

Forecast: Widespread heavy rain should ease tonight. A further 20-40mm rain may accumulate by midnight tonight, especially about the Waitakere and Hunua Ranges. Peak intensities of 15 to 25mm/hr possible.



Note, further bursts of heavy rain are possible during Friday.

Area: Coromandel Peninsula

Valid: 5 hours from 9pm Thursday to 2am Friday

Forecast: Heavy rain should ease in the early hours of Friday morning. A further 40-80mm of rain may accumulate, especially about the ranges. Peak intensities of 20 to 30mm/hr.



Note, further bursts of heavy rain are possible during Friday.

Area: Bay Of Plenty, Rotorua, Gisborne north of Ruatoria

Valid: 13 hours from 9pm Thursday to 10am Friday

Forecast: Heavy rain should ease west of Opotiki around 6am Friday, and further east by 10am. Expect 100-150mm of rain to accumulate about the ranges, while 70-100mm of rain may accumulate elsewhere. Peak intensities of 20 to 30mm/hr possible.



Note, further bursts of heavy rain are possible during Friday.

Area: Tongariro National Park

Valid: 27 hours from 9pm Thursday to 12am Saturday

Forecast: Periods of rain with heavy falls are expected from this evening (Thursday) through to Friday night. Expect 120-150mm of rain to accumulate during this time. Peak intensities of 15 to 25mm/hr.

Area: Mount Taranaki

Valid: 24 hours from 9pm Thursday to 9pm Friday

Forecast: Periods of rain with heavy falls are expected to continue through to Friday evening, then ease. Expect a further 100-150mm of rain to accumulate during this time. Peak intensities of 20 to 30mm/hr, and thunderstorms possible Friday afternoon and evening.

Area: Nelson

Valid: 12 hours from 9pm Thursday to 9am Friday

Forecast: Rain is expected to become heavy at times from this evening (Thursday) to mid-morning Friday. Expect 120-180mm of rain to accumulate about the ranges west of Motueka, while 50-80mm of rain may accumulate elsewhere. Peak intensities of 25-35mm/hr, especially about the western ranges.

Area: Marlborough including the Kaikoura Coast

Valid: 27 hours from 9pm Thursday to 12am Saturday

Forecast: Rain is expected to become heavy at times from this evening to midnight Friday. Expect 120-160mm of rain to accumulate about the Kaikoura Ranges, while 80-110mm may accumulate elsewhere, especially the Richmond Range. Peak intensities of 20 to 30mm/hr possible.

Area: Tararua Range

Valid: 24 hours from 9pm Thursday to 9pm Friday

Forecast: Rain is expected to become heavy at times from this (Thursday) evening to Friday evening, and 50mm may accumulate in 6 hours at times during this period.

Strong Wind Warning

Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.

Area: Northland

Valid: 18 hours from 9pm Thursday to 3m Friday

Forecast: Severe gale northeasterlies gusting 120 km/h in exposed places should ease tonight (Thursday). However, northerlies are expected to rise to severe gale gusting 130 km/h in exposed places by dawn Friday.



The winds should change westerly around midday, possibly rising to severe gale gusting 120 km/h for a time, then winds ease Friday afternoon.



The combination of strong winds and high tides may also cause coastal inundation, especially in the east.

Area: Auckland including Great Barrier Island

Valid: 21 hours from 9pm Thursday to 6pm Friday

Forecast: From this (Thursday) evening, northeasterlies are expected to rise to severe gale gusting 120 km/h in exposed places, then turning northerly by dawn Friday and rising to severe gale gusting 130 km/h in exposed places.



The winds should change westerly around midday, possibly rising to severe gale gusting 120 km/h for a time, then winds ease Friday afternoon.



The combination of strong winds and high tides may also cause coastal inundation, especially in the east including the Firth of Thames.

Area: Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, Bay Of Plenty, Rotorua, Taupo, Taranaki, Taihape

Valid: 21 hours from 9pm Thursday to 6pm Friday

Forecast: From this (Thursday) evening until around dawn Friday, northeasterlies are expected to become severe gusting 120 km/h in exposed places, then from mid-morning Friday, winds turn north to northwesterly, severe gusting 120 km/h in exposed places. Winds should then ease Friday evening.



The combination of strong winds and high tides may also cause coastal inundation, especially in the east including the Firth of Thames.

Warnings no longer in force

Heavy rain warning lifted for: Northland: Further widespread heavy rain is no longer expected and the Warning is now lifted. However, showers are expected through to Friday afternoon, some possibly heavy especially in the west.
By PTI: Kolkata, Jan 4 (PTI) Ten French companies will take part in the upcoming Bengal Global Business Summit here, French Consul General in Kolkata Damien Syed said today.

The summit will be held on January 16-17.

"Ten French companies will be attending the conference and the area of special interest will be urban development and infrastructure," Syed said at a press conference here to announce the programmes of Bonjour India, aimed at cementing Indo-French cultural ties.

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To a question, he said the companies include "big names".

"France has cultural and economic ties with Bengal and the two are interlinked," Syed added. PTI SUS RBT

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: (EDS: Updating with details, ministers reax)

Chennai, Jan 3 (PTI) Amid rebel leader T T V Dhinakaran flexing his muscles following the R K Nagar bypoll win, the ruling AIADMK today convened a meeting of party MLAs ahead of next weeks Assembly session and advised them to maintain decorum even if there was "any kind of provocation."

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Top AIADMK leaders O Panneerselvam and K Palaniswami convened the meeting in which 103 MLAs attended, party sources said.

Seven other MLAs, including three ministers, had "excused" citing personal and official reasons, they said.

This will be the first time that the assembly is meeting since the disqualification of 18 pro-Dhinakaran legislators in September last year.

The session, being convened on January 8, will see Dhinakaran making his debut in the assembly after having won the December 21 bypoll by a thumping margin of over 40,000 votes against ruling party candidate E Madhusudhanan.

Fresh from the bypoll win, Dhinakaran has said "5-6" senior ministers, including Palaniswami, should step aside for the continuance of the AIADMK government.

Senior party leader and Fisheries minister D Jayakumar said the ministers could not attend due to official engagements, while the others could not make it due to reasons such as pilgrimage and illness.

They had given letters in this regard, he added.

At the meeting, the legislators were advised to maintain decorum at any given situation and abide by the party whip, the sources said.

"They were advised (by the top two leaders) to maintain decorum even if there was any kind of provocation," they added.

While chief minister Palaniswami is the AIADMK co-coordinator, his deputy Panneerselvam is the coordinator.

The meeting also discussed the prospects of the ruling party launching its own TV channel and daily, especially in the absence of a dedicated mouthpiece following differences with the family of deposed leader, VK Sasikala.

AIADMK organs-- Jaya TV and Tamil vernacular Dr Namadhu MGR, controlled by Sasikalas family, were earlier party mouthpieces but have been openly critical of the Palaniswami camp after it sidelined Dhinakaran, her nephew.

Next weeks assembly session would commence with the customary address by Governor Banwarilal Purohit, his first after assuming charge in November 2017.

Speaker P Dhanapal had disqualified the 18 MLAs for revolting against Palaniswami in August last year.

These MLAs had met the then governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao and said they had lost confidence in the chief minister, a day after the formal merger of the two factions led by Palaniswami and then rebel leader and Panneerselvam on August 21.

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The High Court, while not granting any stay on the disqualification, has restrained the Election Commission from conducting bypolls to the 18 constituencies and the assembly from holding a trust vote.

Meanwhile, the party today announced 12 leaders, including former ministers C Ponnaiyan, P Valaramthi, S Gokula Indira and Vaigaiselvan as AIADMK spokespersons.

According to a release from Panneerselvam and Palaniswami, the others in the panel include former MP KC Palanisamy and former MLA JCD Prabhakar. PTI SA BN

--- ENDS ---
In a mega purchase, army plans to buy more than three lakh advanced assault rifles. Proposal to be processed via fast track procurement.

By Ajit Kumar Dubey: Seeking to equip its soldiers with advanced weapons to combat terrorists, the Indian Army is planning to buy more than three lakh assault rifles and close quarter carbines at a cost of around Rs 10,000 crore from global vendors.

"Two separate proposals for buying more than two lakh assault rifles and over one lakh close quarter carbines for infantrymen who will use them along the Line of Control (LoC) and in counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir and Northeastern states are being moved before the defence ministry for clearance in the coming weeks," a government source told MAIL TODAY

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The proposal, which will be processed through the fast track procurement route by the Army, would be considered at a high level meeting of the defence ministry which will take a final call on how to proceed on the ambitious Army project, the source said.

The Army has been looking to buy these guns after several failed attempts but is hopeful that the project would finally go through in the coming times. Sources said the Army earlier had a requirement of more than eight lakh such assault rifles but due to the high cost of procurement involved, the plan was shelved and the requirement for foreign-made rifles was cut down.

"It has now been decided that more than two lakh rifles would be procured from foreign vendors while the rest would be acquired from Indian manufacturers who would build the gun based on DRDO designs," a source said.

The logic behind curtailing the requirement is that not all troops are engaged in battle at one point of time and therefore, only the infantry and Rashtriya Rifles troops would get the imported and advanced assault rifles while other troops in the rear would get the locally-made rifles.

The new assault rifles of 7.62 mm caliber would replace the indigenously manufactured INSAS-1B1 rifles manufactured by the Ordnance Factory Board as the Army has not been happy with them. Army sources said the 5.56mm caliber INSAS rifles were not proving to be very effective against terrorists and troops fighting in Kashmir and Northeast had to rely majorly on Kalashinikovs acquired from Russia and East European countries.

Once approved, international companies manufacturing rifles, including the Israeli Weapon Industry (IWI), American Berretta, Colt, Swiss Sig Sauer and Czech Bren would be contacted. During an earlier attempt to buy the rifles, the tender had to be scrapped due to stringent requirements as it had asked vendors to submit proposals about guns with twin-barrels, including one for close combat terror and the other for carrying out duties in peaceful areas.

The procurement of close quarter carbines is also important as they will be used to equip troops for close combat scenarios with terrorists or enemy troops. The effort to buy carbines from foreign vendors have not yielded any result since 2008 as a case was scrapped by the defence ministry in 2016 due to a single vendor situation whereas the contract had started with as many as 27 vendors.

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In the final round, one of the contenders was eliminated due to a very minor and inconsequential issue and the then defence minister decided against going forward with the project.

The hunt for close quarter carbines will be relaunched now with the Army already having rejected the DRDO designed and developed excalibur rifle. The Army has to replace the British-origin Sterling 1A1 submachine guns

--- ENDS ---
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ACCEPT
Three years ago, the NIH prohibited the funding of a project that aimed at creating enhanced viruses to make them more dangerous and to study them further. The ban came a few months after 2 deadly pathogens, the Anthrax and the Avian flu, escaped from the government labs that were handling them. The Ebola outbreak that followed shortly after the anthrax and avian flu incidents only reinforced the concern about handling such deadly creations. However, it seems now that the government has found solutions to handle the new man-made viruses.

The experiments that led to the creation of the enhanced viruses are called gain-of-function, which means that the goal of such experiments is to study how the changes that occur inside those viruses could change their lethality. Some of the viruses being enhanced are the bird flu, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). Apparently, scientists are very much interested in what makes those viruses more transmissible from person to person.

No matter how many justifications the NIH gives for lifting the ban, many can't help but worry about the uses or consequences of the said experiments. Molecular biologist Richard Ebright, who has previously warned the government about the gain-of-function experiments, said in an interview with State News that he couldn't see how the benefits of those experiments would surpass the harm that comes with it.

Epidemiologist Marc Lipsitch, however, said that he is not worried about the engineering.

"A human is better at spreading viruses than an aerosol," says Lipsitch.

The U.S Department of Health and Human Services attempted to calm the critics by putting together a framework, but the said document serves only to guide the funding decisions about the proposed research involving enhanced potential pandemic pathogens (PPPs). Even though the document insists that research involving PPPs is important to ensure public security and health, it is critical to note that the document does not actually offer extensive measures in case the viruses escape from the lab, like what happened with Anthrax. The guide is essentially about how to organize the funding and which entities are allowed to participate. However, there was a small part where all parties agreed to stop all activities in case of an accident related to those super viruses occurs.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Back in August, Amazon and Microsoft promised an integration between Alexa and Cortana sometime in 2017.

Fast-forward to 2018, the two smart assistants still aren't playing nice with each other yet, or in other words, the two companies missed their deadline.

Alexa Can't Open Cortana And Vice Versa Yet

As first spotted by Thurrott, both Amazon and Microsoft still haven't announced any updates regarding the Alexa and Cortana integration.

That's despite the commitment the two CEOs  Amazon's Jeff Bezos and Microsoft's Satya Nadella  of the companies showed in an interview with The New York Times in August.

"I want them to have access to as many of those A.I.s as possible," Bezos said.

Nadella also sounded positive regarding the partnership.

"The personality and expertise of each one will be such that if they interoperated, the user will get more out of it. That resonated for me and for him, and then that's what led to the teams working," he said.

Why The Delay?

However, even though the anticipation has been built up to such a degree, things apparently didn't work out on time.

It's unclear why the smart assistants' integration was pushed back, but a Microsoft spokesperson did assure Thurrott that the company will announce something soon, and an Amazon spokesperson also sung in the same tune, saying that the company is "working on it" and that it's safe to expect for a rollout soon.

What Could've Been But Didn't - Yet

If this pushed through, then owners of Alexa-enabled devices can call Cortana, while users of Cortana-powered platforms such as Windows 10 can call Alexa.

According to The New York Times report, a user can ask Alexa for Cortana by saying "Alexa, open Cortana." Meanwhile, a user can also ask Cortana for Alexa by saying "Cortana, open Alexa."

The Bottom Line

Long story short, Amazon and Microsoft are working together to bring their respective smart assistants to each other's platforms. That means Amazon devices such as the Echo Dot, which is the retailer's top-selling device in Christmas, will support Cortana, and Microsoft devices including PCs will support Alexa in the foreseeable future.

It's worth mentioning that the relationship between the two is a far cry from what Amazon and Google have, where the two have been more or less at each other's throats over the removal of YouTube on the Echo Show and the removal of Chromecast products on the Amazon website. However, the two are in talks to settle the feud.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
By PTI: Guwahati, Jan 4 (PTI) The Assam Police today registered an FIR against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee following multiple complaints alleging she made inflammatory speech over the updating of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the northeastern state.

Banerjee had in a meeting at Ahmedpur in West Bengal yesterday accused the BJP-led government at the Centre of "hatching a conspiracy" to drive out Bengalis from Assam by "excluding" their names from the first draft of the NRC, which was published on the midnight of December 31.

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"I warn the BJP government at the Centre not to play with fire... This is a conspiracy of the Centre to drive out around 1.80 crore people from the state," she had said.

Deputy Commissioner (Central) of Guwahati Police Ranjan Bhuyan told PTI, "Latasil police station received a complaint regarding an alleged speech of the West Bengal Chief Minister. We have registered the complaint and will carry out the investigation as per law."

The complaint was filed by Gauhati High Court advocate Tailendra Nath Das and the police have registered an FIR under Section 153(A) of the Indian Penal Code, he added.

The section pertains to promoting enmity among groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony.

Das also accused Banerjee of contempt of the apex court as the update of the NRC is being done under the direct the supervision of the Supreme Court.

A similar complaint was filed by another person and it would be merged with the registered FIR, the police said.

Yet another complaint was filed at the Dispur police station in the city by Krishak Shramik Unnayan Parishad President Pradeep Kalita alleging that the Chief Minister was spreading enmity between people through her speech.

"We have received the complaint at Dispur, but have not registered a case as yet...The police are looking into the matter before registering a case as the place of occurrence is outside the state," Deputy Commissioner(East) of Guwahati Police Mohneesh Mishra said.

Numerous groups staged protests across Assam today condemning her statement.

At several places, including in Tinsukia and Biswanath, Banerjees effigies were burnt. PTI TR KK TIR

--- ENDS ---
Microsoft already pulled the plug on its motion-sensing peripheral Kinect back in October 2017 upon announcing that it's no longer manufacturing any more of them. However, the company just pounded the final nail on the coffin.

Microsoft is officially halting production of adapters needed to plug Kinect into newer Xbox models such as Xbox One, Xbox One S, and Xbox One X. This means owners of those consoles who don't have the aforementioned adapters won't be able to use Kinect at all. Windows 10 users are affected as well, since it also requires that adapter.

Microsoft Kinect

Kinect was introduced in 2010, a time when motion-based gaming was still all the rage. The Nintendo Wii was of course responsible for popularizing this gaming method, and it lead to over 100 million units sold. Naturally, both Sony and Microsoft wanted a piece of that pie, so they made their own versions: Sony unveiled the PlayStation Move and Microsoft released the Kinect.

Both weren't able to replicate the Wii's success, however. It was evident that Sony and Microsoft wanted to capture some of Nintendo's core audience. But it's clear they weren't able to do so, particularly because the gaming community has moved on from motion-based gaming. Nintendo's latest Switch console still uses it, though not as frequently as the Wii.

Microsoft originally bundled the Kinect adapter to every Xbox One S for free so players could easily hook up their Kinect to the newer version of the console. That promotion lasted for eight months. When the Xbox One X was released last November, there wasn't a similar offer, which should have been an indication that the company was getting ready to phase out the adapters.

In a statement to Polygon, a spokesperson said Microsoft is going to focus on manufacturing accessories that are more requested than the Kinect adapter.

"After careful consideration, we decided to stop manufacturing the Xbox Kinect Adapter to focus attention on launching new, higher fan-requested gaming accessories across Xbox One and Windows 10."

Kinect Adapter Is Hard To Find

It's been hard to locate the Kinect adapter recently. Big retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, and GameStop have listed it as out of stock for months, which fueled speculation that the company was going to discontinue it.

It seems that's indeed the case. There are Kinect adapters being sold in third-party markets but they're incredibly expensive, going up to $300 at times, which is more expensive than an Xbox One S.

So long, Kinect. Here's hoping you're in video game heaven.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
How can humans tell when another person is sick? There are obvious signs, surely. If they're coughing, wheezing, or doing something out of the ordinary that suggests they're in pain, they might be sick.

As it turns out, humans are also actually adept at detecting sickness just by looking at people's faces.

"We use a number of facial cues from other people, and we probably judge the health in other people all the time," said John Axelsson, coauthor of a new research published Tuesday, Jan. 2, in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

You Look Sick

Unlike humans, other species have other ways of detecting sickness. For instance, some species rely on their sense of smell to determine sickness in another animal. For humans, facial cues are key. It's the primary source for "social information for communication," according to Axelsson.

Axelsson's team, which includes psychologists and neuroscientists from Germany and Sweden, gathered 16 subjects, half of which were white men and the other half being white women. They injected them with lipopolysaccharide, a molecule found in bacterial membranes. It didn't actually make them sick. It simply triggered their immune systems, which then brought feelings of sickness  a natural response of the body when it thinks it's under attack.

The researchers took photos of the participants hours after injecting them with the bacteria, when they felt most unwell. They also took pictures of them at some other time after the subjects were injected with a placebo.

The team then took in 60 students to look at the photos. They asked them to determine which ones looks sick and which ones don't, with each person given a mere five seconds to observe the photo.

The students correctly identified someone as being unwell 52 percent of the time. Conversely, they were able to identify which ones were healthy 70 percent of time.

They brought another set of observers and asked them to rate different facial cues, such as pale lips, redder eyes, drooping mouths, hanging eyelids, and other features potentially indicative of a health problem.

"The change of skin color seemed to be the most robust," according to Axelsson. They also considered heavy eyelids as a strong determining factor of illness based on looking at a person's face alone.

Ben Jones, a professor from the University of Glasgow's Face Research Lab, praised the study but noted that it might not accurately replicate real-life scenarios. That's because faces can show many types of variation, even if it's the same person.

Is This Useful?

If a person is indeed able to recognize if a person is sick just by looking at their face, it might help them avoid risks of infection, especially if the other person has a contagious disease.

The researchers are currently trying to look at other ways for sickness detection in faces to be more accurate. Axelsson said the next step is to find out whether doctors and medical personnel are better at detecting sickness in people than regular folks.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A major music publisher has filed a lawsuit against Spotify in California federal court, seeking $1.6 billion in damages for allegedly using songs without acquiring the necessary licenses and failing to provide proper compensation.

The legal action comes at a bad time for Spotify, which is expected to go public later this year.

Wixen Sues Spotify For $1.6 Billion

Wixen Music Publishing, which holds the rights to songs of major artists that include The Doors, Santana, Neil Young, Tom Petty, Zach De La Rocha and Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, Steely Dan's Donald Fagen, and Stevie Nicks, among many others, claimed that Spotify is streaming tens of thousands of tracks without licenses and compensation.

"While Spotify has become a multibillion dollar company, songwriters and their publishers, such as Wixen, have not been able to fairly and rightfully share in Spotify's success, as Spotify has in many cases used their music without a license and without compensation," the lawsuit said.

The lawsuit added that while Spotify initially tried to work with the record labels, the streaming service cut corners in the interest of being the first to market.

Wixen questioned the permission for Spotify to stream a total of 10,784 songs. The music publisher is seeking the maximum of $150,000 in copyright damages for each song, leading to the sought award of $1.6 billion.

Wixen's lawsuit follows Spotify's agreement in May to an over $43 million settlement to a proposed class action lawsuit from songwriters over the same issue. Wixen said that the settlement was "grossly insufficient."

The music publisher was also spurred to launch the lawsuit after the Music Modernization Act was introduced in mid-December. The bill will make it simpler for music streaming services to acquire licenses and improve royalty payments to song copyright owners, but Wixen believes that it will prevent the collection of past due payments.

Spotify To Go Public This Year

Spotify, which has 60 million subscribers, may be valued as high as $20 billion once it goes public later this year. The music streaming service, however, will take the route of a planned direct listing on the New York Stock Exchange instead of the usual IPO.

In advance of going public, Spotify has publicly prioritized finalizing contracts with record labels. The music streaming service has also moved to improve its relationship with the industry's three major labels, namely Sony, Universal, and Warner, and entered a deal with the rights agency Merlin, which handles most independent record label licensing.

With the massive lawsuit from Wixen, Spotify has another hurdle to clear if it wants the company to go public without any major issues chasing it.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A number of Samsung Galaxy S8 owners have reported an annoying bug that inadvertently turns on the device screen and, in the process, swiftly drains its battery.

The so-called wake-up bug has been plaguing both the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus, but there were reports that claimed the Galaxy Note 8 was hit by the same anomaly. As of writing, Samsung Mobile has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

In Reddit, one user reported a problematic Galaxy S8 that will "randomly wake up while charging." The problem appeared to have started following the handset's November firmware update that was rolled out by AT&T.

Similarly, another Samsung Galaxy user with the S8 Plus took to the official Samsung community site and complained of a "new S8+ phone [that] has started waking up from lock screen every 10 [seconds] or so." The same user also stated that a factory reset was performed on the malfunctioning device, but the fix did not work.

A site moderator advised the user to do a soft reset, but the problem persisted.

"I tried soft reset before but it did not help. I did factory reset several times and cleaned cache. I also disabled as many apps as possible. But the problem persists," the community member reported.

With no quick fix in sight, the same user said the S8 Plus now suffers from battery drain and loses up to 60 percent of its energy overnight. This happens with or without the proprietary Samsung flip case.

Same Case With Galaxy Note 8

Likewise, the bug has reportedly reached some Galaxy Note 8 users, but Samsung has yet to acknowledge a potentially serious problem. It is understood, though, that the problem is mostly confined to the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus for now. It is unclear too if Samsung plans to issue a software update soon to resolve the matter.

What's apparent at the moment is that users are completely clueless on what to do, as the workarounds discussed on both Reddit and Samsung's U.S. community site so far failed. While it is hoped that an immediate firmware update will quash the bug, with Samsung's silence, such a resolution remains up in the air.

What's Causing The Bug?

To date, it remains a mystery how and why the wake-up bug suddenly surfaced. As suggested in the Reddit discussion, the firmware update is the likely culprit, but without confirmation from Samsung and AT&T, it all boils down to baseless speculations.

It's possible too that the bug was triggered by Bixby, Samsung's in-house digital assistant, but to be clear, this was a suggestion unsupported by facts. The only consolation for now is that the bug does not appear to pose security risk.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
PCs with Intel processors could get significantly lower in the coming weeks. The slowdown is a side effect of a fix for a severe security flaw.

It seems that Intel processors made in the past 10 years come with a significant design flaw and fixing it could deal a heavy blow to the device's performance, making it up to 30 percent slower.

The performance slowdown is most likely inevitable and there's nothing that users can do to avoid it. Details of the design flaw are scarce, as Intel is being very secretive until all patches roll out and the flaw is fixed. Windows, Linux, and macOS systems will all need such patches, which means that they could all get notably slower.

Intel CPU Design Flaw

As The Register first reported, the Intel CPUs flaw could open up protected kernel memory areas to user programs. For those unfamiliar with the concept, the kernel is the backbone of the operating system, controlling what runs on it. Since the kernel can host extremely sensitive information, it's paramount that a system's kernel memory is safe.

The security flaw is believed to be severe enough to enable any user program to access and compromise data from the protected kernel memory. Such data could include login keys, passwords, and any other sensitive files, which could be compromised by the simplest of software.

Intel CPU Fix Will Slow Down PCs

As previously mentioned, patching the security vulnerability from this CPU flaw will translate in a notable performance drop by up to 30 percent for some tasks. For systems with Intel CPUs from the past decade, there's reportedly no way to avoid this.

Rumor has it that some newer processors could be unaffected or could deal with the flaw without such a significant drop in performance. However, it all remains unconfirmed until Intel offers more specific information.

Microsoft is expected to roll out kernel patches for Intel-powered Windows systems with a Patch Tuesday release. It already seeded the changes to fast-ring Windows Insider beta testers in November and December, and they should be ready for public release anytime now. Linux kernel fixes, meanwhile, are already available.

Depending on the PC's processor model and the task, the fix will have varying slowdown effects. PCID and other more recent Intel chips can minimize the performance drop, but exact benchmarks will paint a clearer picture once all the patches are released. The embargo on the details of this Intel CPU flaw is due to expire in a few days, so more specifics should become available soon enough.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella was formerly Microsoft's head of cloud and enterprise group. Recent purchases by the company make that clear.

Since he took over in 2014, Microsoft bought cloud monitoring startup Cloudyn and the development team behind Deis. Microsoft took another leap into improving their cloud software by acquiring hybrid tech storage company Avere Systems.

Heads In The Cloud

Microsoft cited the importance of cloud computing in the current economy for the reason to keep up with cloud technology. It signed an agreement to acquire Avere System, a Pittsburgh-based hybrid tech storage company.

Avere Systems is a leading provider of high-performance NFS and SMB file-based storage for Linux and Windows clients in the cloud, hybrid, and on-premises environments. Avere was founded in 2008 and raised $97 million in investment. Last year, Google invested $14 million during Series E funding.

This move could allow Microsoft to keep data-transfer in-house, increasing the speed of the transfer. It could also offer greater privacy since it would all be handled by one company.

Amazon Web Services and Google's Cloud Platform are also partners with Avere Systems. A spokesperson from Microsoft said that the company will continue to support third-party cloud partners.

Microsoft hopes that Avere's expertise will be able to improve on their cloud storage system, Microsoft Azure.

Storage Wars

Cloud storage faces a great deal of competition. The leader in the cloud storage market is Amazon, offering the best deals for file storage. Microsoft offers OneDrive and hopes to beef up Azure with its purchase of Avere.

It's curious that Microsoft will continue to support rivals Amazon and Google's service after the acquisition of Avere. CNBC suggests that the move could better serve Azure customers who want to use cloud computing but want to keep data in their facilities.

Avere previously stated it would have tools to assist with Azure but primarily advertised its services with Amazon and Google clouds. Google's investment into Avere was rare, as it was a direct investment into a company. Google's parent company, Alphabet, usually makes investments through its own venture capital companies such as GV.

This move is also beneficial in bringing more big-name companies into contact with Microsoft. Companies that are being served by Avere include Sony Pictures Imageworks, the Library of Congress, John Hopkins University, Moving Picture Company, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Office of Infectious Diseases, Turner Broadcasting, and animation studio Illumination Mac Guff.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
DNA taken from the skull of a baby girl unearthed in Alaska has provided a glimpse into the origins of the first people that populated the Americas.

The six-week-old girl, whose remains were untouched for 11,500 years in a burial pit, was named by the local indigenous community as "Xach'itee'aanenh t'eede gay" or "sunrise girl-child," an appropriate name for the light that she has shed upon ancient history.

Alaska's 'Sunrise' Girl Unearthed In 2013

In 2010, a team of archaeologists led by University of Alaska Fairbanks' Ben Potter discovered the ancient cremated remains of a three-year-old child at the Upward Sun River site in the Tanana River Valley of central Alaska.

Digging into the hearth, the archaeologists unearthed the remains of a pair of infants. One of these babies is "sunrise girl-child," and the other, possibly a fetus, was named "Yelkaanenh T'eede Gaa" or "dawn twilight girl-child."

An international team of scientists have now retrieved the genome of "sunrise girl-child" from her remains, which is the second-oldest human genome that has ever been acquired in North America.

What Does The Alaskan Baby's Genome Reveal?

The analysis on the infant's genome, published in the Nature journal, revealed that she belonged to a previously unknown population of Native Americans who were the descendants of the single wave of migrants who crossed a land bridge to travel from Siberia to Alaska during the Ice Age. The bridge, which is now submerged, spanned the Bering Strait.

"The study provides the first direct genomic evidence that all Native American ancestry can be traced back to the same source population during the last Ice Age," Potter explained.

The group that the baby belonged to, named the Ancient Beringians, is believed to have branched out from the original family tree about 20,000 years ago. While the Ancient Beringians lived in the north and later disappeared, the other branch moved south and split again about 15,000 years ago to form the populations of North and South America.

The analysis of the infant's genome debunked theories that the Ancient Beringian population split from the original population while still in Siberia. This would have meant that the two populations migrated separately across the land bridge into the Americas.

The findings brought about by the genome of "sunrise girl-child" show how even just one genome can provide a glimpse into ancient human history.

"It shows the power of ancient DNA - how much of our history is written in our DNA," said Princeton University evolutionary genomics professor Joshua Akey, who was not a participant in the study.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Nostalgic fans of Nintendo's Miiverse, a social media service that was canceled in November 2017, can now visit it through the Archiverse online collection.

Drastic Actions, a Twitter user, along with his team of enthusiasts took action to save what they consider as a digital heritage for gamers. Thanks to their efforts, millions of drawings, posts, and screenshots were recovered, which would later be made available again for everyone to access.

Unbelievable Amount Of Content

The 17 terabytes of Miiverse data gathered by the team apparently contains around 133,003,599 posts. It is followed by 216,901,986 replies from different users.

Next comes 75,955,135 screenshots and 72,135,190 drawings. The remaining items are 8,278,693 user profiles, 30,600,505 avatars, 2,238,830 hidden or deleted posts, and 5,128 game communities.

Incomplete Data

At first glance, the information available appears to be the entire history of Miiverse from launch to shutdown is included. Nintendo launched the social media feature on Nov. 18, 2012, for the Wii U.

It was made available for the 3DS on Dec. 9, 2013, but the service was eventually shut down in November 2017. The Archiverse team did their best to salvage what they could before it ended.

Unfortunately, not everything was saved due to several reasons. Data deleted by system administrators, hidden profiles, communities created during the service's shutdown, and information lost during stability issues was sadly lost.

Okay, everyone, I have now launched https://t.co/K3Hy7fLwKp, your guide into the Miiverse Archives! 216,901,986 Replies

133,003,599 Posts

75,955,135 Screenshots

72,135,190 Drawings

8,278,693 User Profiles That's nearly 17 terabytes of data saved by @archiveteam! pic.twitter.com/K0oFtuIIKn  Drastic "MAGfest" Actions (@drasticactionSA) January 3, 2018

Nintendo's Help

The Archiverse group believes that all the missing data are still with Nintendo. All of the assets and database related to the social media service are supposedly kept by the video game company. The only way the archive can be completed is if the Japanese corporation will donate the data for posterity.

For now, the company has not issued an official statement about any data retrieval requests from its fans.

Reason For Shutdown

Fans were reportedly displeased when Nintendo announced the discontinuation of Miiverse. Furthermore, it failed to specify the reasons for its closure thereby upsetting its player community.

Subsequently, Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America president, shared the company's reason for the shutdown.

"Miiverse was a great community, it was something we thought would be integral to the Wii U proposition along with Nintendo TVii. Unfortunately, the Wii U didn't scale the way we hoped it would, which makes continuing those services financially challenging," Fils-Aime explained.

Fans are actually quite lucky that there are some individuals who want to preserve a chunk of video game history. Gamers who want to relive a bit of nostalgia can always visit Archiverse to get their fix.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Kesarkar commended the job done by Mumbai and state police during the violence and protest.

By Mayuresh Ganapatye: In am exclusive interview with TV Today, Maharashtra Mos Home, Deepak Kesarkar said, police will investigate the role of outsiders who allegedly instigated Bhima-Koregaon violence.

It was Maharahstra CM Devendra Fadnavis, who first made the comment that outsiders are trying to instigate violence in the state. Thus the suspicion pointed towards Gujarat MLA Jignesh Mewani and JNU student leader Umar Khalid. As both of them had visited Pune and made speeches on the ocassion of 'Elgar Parishad'.

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Kesarkar also said, "There are 3 different FIRs filed in this matter. Out of which the two FIRs named Sambhaji Bhide and Milind Ekbote, and the third one was filed today against Jignesh Mewani and Umar Khalid. The police will be investigating the role of all these people. We don't want to punish any innocent person, but yes we will not be sparing the guilty."

Kesarkar has also asked cyber team of Maharashtra Police to check all the messages which went viral on social media.

On Thursday there was a commotion by students in Parle area of Mumbai, where Jignesh Mewani and Umar Khalid were supposed to make their speech at an event organised by a student organisation. However, Mumbai Police denied the permission to it citing law and order.

On this issue, Ksearkar said, "Granting or declining permission to any event is prerogative of police department, we don't interfere in this. The permission denied to today's event was not a political decision. Also, police will analyse the Mumbai program permission application of Sambhaji Bhide which will be happening in coming week. If they find it to be a law and order hindrance, then they may also deny permission to it."

Kesarkar commended the job done by Mumbai and state police during the violence and protest.

He said, "Police could have resorted to much a stringent action as they were equipped with all the necessary gears. but it would have sent a wrong message and violence could have intensified. Police handled the situation perfectly and there was no intelligence failure on their part."

Watch: FIR registered against Jignesh Mevani and Umar Khalid

--- ENDS ---
During a discussion on Bhima Koregaon violence in the Rajya Sabha, the Opposition members blamed the BJP for violence in Pune.

The Rajya Sabha took up a discussion on Bhima Koregaon violence in Maharashtra. (Screenshot: Rajya Sabha TV)

By India Today Web Desk: The Rajya Sabha is holding a discussion on the violence in Maharashtra's Pune district that followed a rally called by various Dalit groups including those led by Dr BR Ambedkar's grandson Prakash Ambedkar and Jignesh Mevani.

The Rajya Sabha took up the discussion on Bhima Koregaon violence after Congress MP Rajni Patil gave a notice in Upper House under rule 267 over the incident.

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BHIMA KOREGAON DISCUSSION: WHAT ALL HAPPENED IN RAJYA SABHA

Rajani Patil of the Congress started the discussion on Bhima Koregaon violence blaming the BJP government for violence against Dalits in Maharashtra and other parts of the country.

Samajwadi Party leader Naresh Agrawal said that the Maharashtra government failed to provide security to people. He demanded that a report on the Bhima Koregaon violence should be tabled in the Rajya Sabha.

BJP MP leader Amar Shankar Sable blamed Dalit leader and recently elected Gujarat MLA Jignesh Mevani and JNU PhD student Umar Khalid for the violence in Bhima Koregaon. Sable accused Jignesh Mevani and Umar Khalid of making inflammatory speeches that led to violence in Maharashtra.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar appealed to bring peace in Maharastra, where several districts have witnessed pro-Dalit protests and counter-protests leading to tension in the region. Pawar urged the Devendra Fadnavis government of Maharashtra to bring normalcy in the state as soon as possible.

BJP's ally and the Republican Party of India leader Ramdas Athawale demanded tough action against those who instigated and carried out the violence in Bhima Koregaon.

DMK leader Kanimozhi said that the anti-Dalit violence was deplorable. She asked the government to seek long-term solution for ending atrocities and violence against Dalits in the name of caste.

TMC MP Nadimul Haque accused the right wing parties of encouraging "political lynching" of Dalits. He blamed the BJP for violence against Dalits in Maharashtra and other parts of the country.

CPI MP D Raja made an appeal to all political parties to address the issues related to Dalit community. BJP leader Dilip Tirkey sought an independent probe into various incidents of violence against Dalits across the country.

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Lack of adequate incentives, insufficient rainfall and frequent droughts have hit the Maratha farming community.

Violent protests erupted in Mumbai and across Maharashtra after Pune clashes. Photo: Reuters.

By India Today Web Desk: The clashes in Pune on the 200th anniversary of the Bhima-Koregaon Battle and the subsequent protests across Maharashtra have exposed the rift between Dalits and Marathas.

At the heart of the simmering discontent among Marathas is an agrarian crisis that has also prompted the Patels to protest in Gujarat and the Jats to take to streets in the Hindi heartland.

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Marathas have been traditionally a farmer-community and have enjoyed social and economic mobility in the rural India of the 1970s and 1980s. But, with the focus now shifting to a services-driven economy, farmers are feeling the heat.

Lack of adequate incentives, insufficient rainfall and frequent droughts have hit the farming community in Maharashtra as well as in other states. More than 29,000 villages in Maharashtra, particularly in Marathwada and Vidarbha regions, were declared drought-hit in May 2016.

In neighbouring Gujarat too, agrarian crisis has pushed Patidar farmers, traditionally a well-off community, to the edge. Saurashtra, which has a large Patidar population, has been regularly hit by drought-like conditions.

In Haryana and Rajasthan, Jats, a powerful farming community, have also seen returns from the occupation dwindling.

With agriculture no longer a sustainable profession, and services sector offering security and upward mobility in society, Jats, Patidars and recently Marathas have taken to streets, demanding reservation in government jobs and educational institutes.

The Maratha community has organised silent rallies across Maharashtra over the last year demanding reservation in jobs and colleges.

The Patidar quota agitation, spearheaded by Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leader Hardik Patel, has been demanding OBC (Other Backward Class) status for the community.

Jats in Haryana, through a series of protests, have asked for inclusion in the OBC category, which in turn, would ensure them job reservation.

As successive governments are struggling to address the agrarian crisis, the discontent among the farming community will only increase.

WATCH: Bhima Koregaon caste violence: Bandh or display of goondaism?

--- ENDS ---
The Shiv Sena, in its mouthpiece Saamana, accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government for the sorry state of affairs and loss of property.

By Saurabh Vaktania: The Shiv Sena on Thursday slammed the state and the central government for the bandh in Maharashtra by the Dalit outfits against the Bhima-Koregaon violence.

The Shiv Sena, in its mouthpiece Saamana, accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government for the sorry state of affairs and loss of property.

The editorial targeted the Maharashtra police saying, "The state is suffering because of the politics of the state police department and the BJP-led central government, which controls the Ministry of Home Affairs", read the editorial.

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In its daily column, the editorial questioned the capability of the Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis government, which is "not able to control the ongoing chaos in the state".

Enraged over the protests that took place, the editorial, in typical Shiv Sena style, said that people coming from other states are damaging Maharashtra and asked what the state government doing about it.

The editorial also accused the Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh president and the grandson of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, Prakash Ambedkar, of inciting the violence. It read that Prakash Ambedkar should have made efforts to bring back peace and normalcy in the state. The editorial said that a true leader is the one "who gives direction to the crowd and not the one who instigates the violence."

The violence, which took place during the 200th anniversary celebrations of the Koregaon-Bhima battle, saw Mumbai, Pune and Aurangabad paralysed as Dalit groups took to the streets to protest Monday's death.

Mumbai felt the heat on the streets rising as mobs carried several protests in different places,bringing the city to a standstill. Buses were vandalised, stones were pelted and shops were shut as the Bhima Koregaon violence took a slightly political turn with politicians of all hues commenting on Monday's riots or its aftermath.

--- ENDS ---
The million customers of Entergy Louisiana could see their monthly bills drop by about $4 per month if the Public Service Commission heeds the request of Gov. John Bel Edwards and lowers rates to match savings from the federal tax rewrite.

Hes right, PSC Commissioner Foster Campbell said of fellow Democrat Edwards letter released Thursday. If these investor-owned companies get a break, they need to pass it down.

Edwards pointed out that Dominion Energy announced plans to lower rates in South Carolina partially because of the new federal tax law and suggested that Louisiana utilities follow suit. (Based in Richmond, Va., Dominion is trying to purchase SCANA's South Carolina Electric & Gas Company for $7.9 billion and included rate reductions as part of that package.)

Businesses would receive about a 14 percent reduction in tax rates under the recently signed federal Tax Cut and Jobs Act, a savings that should translate in Louisiana utility customers paying less, Edwards wrote.

The five elected commissioners on the PSC determine how much privately owned utilities can charge their customers because the companies operate as monopolies within set service areas. Generally, base rates are computed using a complex formula that includes the costs of making and delivering electricity plus a profit. Taxes are part of that calculation.

When asked for comment, Entergy Louisianas press office released a statement saying the corporation is working with the PSC to analyze how the new tax law would affect customer rates.

"We look forward to working with our regulators to implement the benefits of these lower tax rates," the statement said. Entergy believes that the tax reform legislation will benefit our customers by lowering the tax costs that they otherwise would pay in rates. These lower tax costs come at a time when our utility is making significant investments to modernize our electric infrastructure in order to better serve our customers, and they will help us keep rates down."

Entergy Louisiana LLC is one of a dozen utility companies regulated by the PSC that would also pay less federal taxes. But Entergy is the largest by far, providing electric service to more than 1 million customers  roughly half the state  in 58 parishes, including the greater Baton Rouge area, the New Orleans suburbs and much of Acadiana.

A typical Baton Rouge residential customer using 1,500 kilowatt hours of electricity each month paid $130.63 in December, according to PSC filings. Of that figure, the base rate was $61.38. The rest was fees, surcharges to pay for storm recoveries, and the cost of fuel to run the generators that make the electricity.

Louisiana had the lowest average residential electricity rates in the nation and the 12th lowest commercial rates, based on August and September data, according to Choose Energy Inc., a Plano, Texas-based online marketplace for electricity and natural gas.

Entergy customers will see another reduction in October of between $4.73 and $6.80 each month, depending on where they live, when the surcharge for restoring service after hurricanes Katrina and Rita roll off. The money was used to secure a loan that repaid Entergy for the work.

About half of the energy that Entergy Louisiana sells is made in generators fueled with natural gas. Over the past three years, natural gas prices have dropped by approximately 38 percent, compared to 2014, and have been modestly lower during the second half of 2017. Customers pay Entergys costs for generator fuel but the company adds no profit.

PSC Commissioner Craig Greene, R-Baton Rouge, said all the PSC members agree that the federal tax savings need to find their way to the utility companies customers. The key issue is deciding how the savings fit into the formula that decides the rates.

We didnt expect this much to go into the formula, Greene said. Its a good problem to have.

Campbell, D-Bossier Parish, said the estimates are that Entergy, alone, would save about $100 million annually in taxes. That translates to a reduction of about $4 a month for the typical residential customer. The other utilities, though much smaller than Entergy, also will realize significant savings and will have to reduce their rates as well, he said.

PSC Chairman Eric Skrmetta, R-Metairie, responded Thursday in a letter to Edwards that he instructed the commissions staff to analyze the situation and report at the Feb. 21 monthly meeting.

Once all the data is collected, the commission will order that all necessary and legal rate modifications are enacted and refunds in the forms of credits and that future rate reductions are put into effect, Skrmetta wrote.
Prosecutors are asking Louisiana's top court to reinstate a St. Landry Parish man's vehicular homicide conviction and eight-year prison term in a fiery 2011 road rage-related crash that killed five Ascension Parish residents, including three children.

The 1st Circuit Court of Appeal in November reduced David Leger's conviction to negligent homicide and ordered him to be resentenced, saying that nothing pointed to his intoxication as a contributing factor in the horrific wreck on Interstate 10 in Baton Rouge.

The East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney's Office disagrees with that conclusion and has filed documents at the state Supreme Court urging the justices to reverse the appellate court, and reinstate Leger's conviction and sentence on five counts of vehicular homicide.

+5 St. Landry man sentenced in 2011 I-10 crash in Baton Rouge that killed 5 Saying the St. Landry Parish man cut short the lives of two young Ascension Parish women and three boys by an estimated 322 years, a state jud

"The evidence presented at trial supports the jury's finding that defendant's unlawful blood alcohol concentration combined with his operation of a vehicle caused the death of five human beings," Assistant District Attorneys Christopher Casler and Ron Gathe argue in their filing.

Leger's blood alcohol level after the crash was was 0.10 percent. A blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent is considered presumptive evidence of drunken driving in Louisiana for those 21 and older. A partially empty bottle of rum was found inside Leger's truck after the crash.

Casler and Gathe claim the 1st Circuit erred by substituting its appreciation of the evidence and credibility of witnesses for that of the jury, and disregarded the deference that is to be given "to the good sense and fair-mindedness of jurors."

+9 Jury convicts Leger of vehicular homicide Karen Stagg knows a St. Landry Parish mans five vehicular homicide convictions wont bring back her 19-year-old daughter, her daughters frie

Rachel Conner, who represents Leger, said Thursday she will file a response at the Supreme Court in the next few days.

Killed in the March 13, 2011, crash were Effie Fontenot, 29, of Prairieville, and her sons  Austin and Keagan Fontenot, 3 and 11, respectively, and Hunter Johnson, 7. Her front seat passenger, Kimberly Stagg, 19, of Prairieville, also died.

A Baton Rouge woman, Kelsye Hall, was found guilty by state District Judge Trudy White of five counts of negligent homicide in the crash and sentenced to two years in prison. She was not intoxicated at the time of the wreck.

Witnesses testified Leger, 35, and Hall, 28, were engaged in a high-speed game of "cat and mouse" on I-10 West when Leger's pickup, after trying to pass Hall's sport utility vehicle on the right shoulder, spun out of control and crossed the grassy median. His truck smashed into Effie Fontenot's car on I-10 East between the Highland Road exit and Bluff Road overpass.

Convicted drivers in alleged road rage-related fatal crash point fingers at each other The convicted drivers in a fiery crash allegedly the result of a road-rage chase on Interstate 10 in Baton Rouge that killed five Ascension Pa

"The state did not merely prove that defendant's alcohol consumption coincided with the accident," Casler and Gathe contend. "The evidence proves that defendant's blood alcohol concentration was 0.08 percent or more  and that his operation of his vehicle while in that condition ultimately resulted in defendant losing control of his vehicle and colliding with the victims."

The 1st Circuit had no basis to disregard the jury's verdict, they added.

Michael Gillen, an expert in accident reconstruction, testified for the defense at Leger's trial and suggested that Hall's SUV was moving to the right and pushing against Leger's truck, which caused an unavoidable change of direction for the truck.

"The guilty verdict indicates that the jury rejected the theory that Hall was exclusively responsible for the incident and also rejected defendant's contention that his intoxication was not a direct, proximate cause of the deaths of the victims," the prosecutors claim. "The jury was not obligated to accept the testimony of a particular witness, including experts."

Hall was found guilty in 2013. Leger was convicted in 2014.

In 2016, state District Judge William Morvant awarded nearly $5.5 million to the victims' families in a lawsuit they filed against Leger, Hall and their auto insurance carrier. The judge found Leger and Hall equally at fault for the crash and the damages. At the trial of the suit, Leger and Hall blamed each other.
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A year into an OPEC-led push to rein in a global oil glut and buoy prices, U.S. crude oil ended 2017 at $60 a barrel, the highest year-end pri
Boil water advisories in the Baton Rouge area

The following communities in the Baton Rouge area were under boil water advisories as of Wednesday afternoon:

 Iberville Parish Water District No. 3

 Parish Utilities of Ascension customers in the Donaldsonville area

 West Baton Rouge residents south of the Intracoastal Canal

 Town of Livingston

 French Settlement Water Company customers in Lower Livingston (Maurepas, Gunboat Island and Bear Island) and in Tangipahoa Parish from Hammond to Tickfaw

 Colyell Community Water Company customers along Highway 42
India Today has found out that the Pakistan side suffered a heavy casualty with a minimum of 10 soldiers being killed.

By Kamaljit Kaur Sandhu: In less than 24 hours after Pakistani Rangers had sniped and killed a BSF trooper in an unprovoked firing across the international border, the Border Security Force (BSF) taught Pakistan a lesson in a heavy round of retaliation.

BSF achieved success by destroying two mortar positions in Sukhmal area of Pakistan Rangers. India Today has found out that the Pakistan side suffered a heavy casualty with a minimum of 10 soldiers being killed.

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Confirming heavy damage, IG Ram Avatar said, "we have destroyed at least four borders outposts. We have inflicted a heavy damage on them for unprovoked Pakistan action at the border."

Ram, however, declined to give an official figure on the number of Pakistani Rangers killed. No official complaint has come forward from Pakistan's side.

The incident occurred around 4 p.m. on Wednesday when BSF began inflicting damage on Pakistan's side with a continuous exchange of fire between the two sides continuing up to midnight.

Martyred trooper Head Constable Radha Pad Hazra had put in 27 years of service. A resident of West Bengal's Murshidabad, the jawan breathed his last on his birthday.

Constable Hazra is survived by his 21 year old daughter and his 18 year old son.

Despite best efforts, Hazra was evacuated immediately to a nearby medical facility but succumbed to his injuries later.

The unprovoked fire from Pakistan started first from small arms which was later coupled with mortar shelling.

BSF troopers consolidated their positions, located and marked Pakistan firing spots and started with precision targeted firing.

Two Pakistan mortar positions were targeted and destroyed by BSF troopers on Wednesday night. The coordinated precision fire of BSF troopers silenced Pakistan guns.

Since the beginning of New Year, the BSF has maintained extra vigil on Jammu international border to foil infiltration attempts by miscreants which are aided by Pakistani forces from across the border.

"Firing across international border is most of the time a diversionary tactic to facilitate intrusion," said BSF personnel.

During winters, once snow covers the passes in Kashmir valley, Pakistan shifts attention to the LoC and international border in Jammu sector indulging in unprovoked firing.

Keeping in mind Pakistan's tactics as terrorists attacked Pathankot airbase in January 2015 entering from BSF manned border area in Punjab, the force has not let it's guards down.

On Thursday, despite dense fog in RS Pura area troopers detected an intrusion attempt around 5:45am.The intruder was later neutralized as per BSF

--- ENDS ---
Two Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office deputies were arrested Wednesday and accused of failing to react when an inmate used his metal shackles to beat two other men during a van ride to a state prison in St. Gabriel.

Authorities booked deputies Michael Lee, 34, and Thomas Sutherland, 33, on counts of malfeasance in office, or failing to perform the duties required of them by law.

In the last several weeks, four Sheriff's Office deputies have been arrested in three separate incidents.

According to investigators, Lee and Sutherland were driving a van transporting inmates to the Elayn Hunt Correctional Facility on Aug. 17 when prisoner Jamie Massey somehow "began to remove his belly chain restraint." The Sheriff's Office sends some inmates to Hunt for mental health treatment.

For 22 minutes, Massey hit inmate Corey Simmons with the padlock on the chain and choked him with the restraint, "causing multiple facial injuries and (spraying) blood throughout the van," officials said.

Massey then struck another inmate, Steven Oliver, several times and used his thumb to poke him in the rectum through his pants, officials alleged. Oliver also suffered facial injuries.

The assault ended three minutes before the van arrived at Hunt. Officials said Lee and Sutherland failed to stop the vehicle or help the injured prisoners. They also didn't call their commanders to report the attack or ask for help from any other agencies along the way.

Massey was in jail at the time on a 2013 charge of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Two weeks after the attack, he was deemed incompetent to stand trial and was sent to the state's mental hospital. It does not appear that authorities have charged him in connection with the alleged beatings.

The Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the deputies' arrest.

Criminal District Court Magistrate Commissioner Robert Blackburn ordered Lee and Sutherland released from jail on $5,000 recognizance bonds.

In Louisiana, malfeasance in office can carry up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000.

Earlier this month, New Orleans police arrested Deputy Dernisha Harvey for pulling out her Sheriff's Office badge and threatening to arrest two customers who had refused to pay for shots while she worked at her second job at a Bourbon Street daiquiri shop.

The Sheriff's Office also fired jail guard Oshen Heilman after she allegedly admitted to having sexual contact with a murder suspect and to bringing drugs and cigarettes into the lockup.

New Orleans jail guard allegedly admits to sexual contact with murder defendant, smuggling in contraband A New Orleans jail guard this week admitted to having sexual contact with one murder suspect and bringing contraband such as drugs and cigaret
Bruce Mansfield was a gentleman but more significantly he was a gentle man, not given to shouting or swearing or losing his temper. He started his teaching career at Sydney University in 1949 as a temporary lecturer and soon progressed to associate professor. In 1965, when the family was in the United States where Mansfield was on a Fulbright Scholarship at Yale University, he received an appointment as the first professor (he disliked the term "foundation professor") of history at Sydney's third university, Macquarie, which was to be his academic home for 20 years. Mansfield was passionate about the innovations introduced at Macquarie including supplementing lectures with small-group teaching, enrolling students who were not straight from high school, thus broadening access to higher education, especially for women, and Macquarie's inter-disciplinary approach. He believed that it was vital for students to be exposed to different academic philosophies and approaches, in order that they might become broad-minded, open-minded, tolerant Australian and world citizens. Emeritus Professor Bruce Mansfield believed he should use his skills and experiences in a variety of educational contexts. During his first decade at Macquarie, Mansfield taught undergraduate courses including "The West in Early Modern Times", which introduced thousands of first-year students to the study of history at university, supervised many postgraduate students, and led the School of Historical, Philosophical and Political Studies. Then, from 1976 to 1985, he was deputy vice-chancellor (academic) with responsibility for the overall academic life of the university. Mansfield's time at Macquarie was not an easy period to be an academic leader but he never wavered in his commitment to a broad pluralistic education and to the frank and honest contest of sincerely-held ideas and values. His involvement at Macquarie was the start of a family tradition. His three sons, a daughter-in-law and a granddaughter have all studied and taught at the university. After retiring from Macquarie, Mansfield returned to his alma mater, Sydney University, to continue history teaching and research.

Mansfield's historical research and writing initially focused on Australian history and culminated in his first book, on the life of the NSW politician Edward O'Sullivan. He also researched the British socialist William Morris while on a Nuffield Fellowship in England in 1953. But increasingly, in both research and teaching, the Reformation was becoming his predominant passion. He became a world authority, perhaps the world authority, on the life and work of the Renaissance humanist philosopher and theologian, Desiderius Erasmus. He wrote a three-part study of the widely divergent reactions to Erasmus and his ideas, starting with Phoenix of His Age, Interpretations of Erasmus circa 1550-1750. He also wrote a history of the first 50 years of Knox Grammar School, and co-wrote Liberality of Opportunity, the history of the first 25 years of Macquarie University. He founded the Journal of Religious History and edited it from 1959 to 1987. Mansfield always believed that he should use his skills and experiences in a variety of educational contexts. He served on the Council of Mitchell College of Advanced Education at Bathurst including as chairman, and when Mitchell became part of the new Charles Sturt University, he was appointed deputy chancellor. He was a member of the NSW Higher Education Board, and chairman of a review of art and design education in NSW, which produced the Mansfield Report and became the subject of some political controversy. He was president of the Australian Historical Association and chairman of the Council of the United Theological College at the Uniting Church Centre for Ministry. And as chairman of the Police Education Advisory Council, he worked with Commissioner John Avery to reform police education culminating in the introduction of university-level qualifications for police officers. Mansfield was a humble person and never went looking for honours but his various contributions have been recognised in many ways. He was awarded honorary doctoral degrees at three universities: Macquarie, Sydney and Charles Sturt. He received the History Council of NSW's Annual History Citation in 2005, and a Centenary of Federation Medal. And in 2009 he was made a Member of the Order of Australia "for service to education as an administrator and academic in the fields of theology and history". Mansfield had an amazingly wide range of interests outside work. He loved reading (he read a Dickens novel every year), music, art, travel, nature and bushwalking especially in the Blue Mountains. For many years, he and Joan had subscriptions to the opera, the symphony, the theatre, the philharmonia choir and the ballet.
After more than 140 years of being stabbed to death on stage, the gypsy heroine of the opera Carmen gets her own revenge in a new Italian production  shooting her thwarted lover instead.

The globally popular opera by French composer Georges Bizet  most recently staged in Sydney last year  will have a new ending when it opens next week in Florence to highlight the ongoing battle against violence against women in Italy.

Italian mezzo soprano Jose Maria Lo Monaco starred in Opera Australia's most recent production of Carmen, on Sydney Harbour. Credit:James Brickwood

In the latest version, written by Italian director Leo Muscato, the flirtatious, fiery Carmen no longer dies at the hand of her rejected lover Don Jose but pulls a gun on him.

The head of Florence's Teatro del Maggio Musicale Foundation, Cristiano Chiarot, said he discussed changing the opera with Muscato to give it a more modern ending.
A young boy shot in what police believe was a tragic accident is in an induced coma as surgeons wait to finish removing the rest of a bullet lodged in his face.

Cameron Calvisi, 5, underwent emergency surgery on Wednesday afternoon, about 24 hours after he was shot in the cheek by his cousin, who was playing with a rifle on the family farm in southern Queensland.

A photo of Cottonvale accidental shooting victim Cameron Calvisi and his mother, posted to Facebook. Credit:Facebook.

Grandfather Tony Calvisi, who said his .22 rifle had been left in the back of a ute on the Cottonvale property, near Stanthorpe on the Queensland border, said doctors would look at the boy again on Friday.

Camerons father, Robert Calvisi, rushed him to Stanthorpe Hospital on Tuesday afternoon, before he was airlifted to Brisbane.
The view from the planned store's balcony. As minister responsible for the arts, Mr Foley has key stakeholders at Federation Square including the Ian Potter Centre, which houses the National Gallery of Victoria's Australian collection. Both Mr Foley and Mr Wynne are also under challenge from the Greens in their inner-city seats of Albert Park and Richmond. The view of the store and Federation Square from Princes Bridge. Both are acutely aware, in an election year, of the potential political fallout from the perceived commercialisation of a public space like Federation Square.

The Age also understands Aboriginal Affairs Minister Natalie Hutchins opposed the Apple deal but that the death of her husband Steve in late November precluded her from being present when Cabinet finally made its decision. The deal, struck after two years of negotiations, was spruiked within government by Tourism Minister John Eren and Digital Economy Minister Philip Dalidakis. Ultimately it was supported by Premier Andrews and Treasurer Tim Pallas despite repeated warnings of a community backlash. The announcement was made just days before Christmas  a classic manoeuvre by governments conscious of ensuing controversy  by Mr Eren. The Premier, who had been in Carrum the day before promoting a level crossing removal, did not appear at the announcement.

The move was supported by one of Federation Square's original architects, Donald Bates, who has argued the inclusion of an "Apple Global Flagship" store would be "an affirmation of the original intent and aspiration of Fed Square  to be the centre of action in Melbourne". On Thursday, Professor Bates said opponents of the plan missed the point that this was "not just another Apple store". He said it would offer a "retail experience that is not a shopping centre". The proposed store will create nearly 500 square metres of new public space within Federation Square and, the government argues, make it easier for people to move between the Yarra and Birrarung Marr. Well-placed property industry sources said the deal was very lucrative for Federation Square, which has struggled with annual losses.

Despite support from one of the original architects of the square, multiple Labor MPs said the intensity of community response against the announcement had been far greater than expected. Senior government figures were also scathing in anonymous comments to The Age about the deal, slamming the store's design and warning it would cheapen Melbourne's primary civic space. Apple refused offers made by the government to establish in other prime locations, including in Swanston Street next to the Young & Jackson pub, as part of the area's Metro Tunnel rail redevelopment. The deal has riled the city council, the state's partner in the development and funding of Federation Square since the mid-1990s, seriously souring the usual cordial relations between the government and Town Hall. Only Lord Mayor Robert Doyle was briefed about the Apple deal and is understood to have agreed to appear with Mr Eren at the announcement of the deal. He did not appear, having stood aside three days before over sexual harassment allegations made against him.

Multiple Town Hall sources told The Age that no other councillors and key council staff were consulted about the Apple deal and Mr Wynne's approval. Those left out of the loop include the council's planning chairman and former ALP state secretary Nicholas Reece, who is believed to be furious, and celebrated urban design guru Rob Adams. Announcing the Apple deal late last month Mr Eren declared: "Our Christmases have come all at once  Apple have decided to build their global flagship store right here in Melbourne at the famous Fed Square." Three separate online petitions demanding the Andrews government dump the Apple plan quickly emerged, and have now topped 77,000 signatures. The most-signed petition describes the loss of the Yarra building "for the sake of corporate business [as] a perversion of what Federation Square and Melbourne stands for". Since the announcement, senior political, planning and architectural figures have lined up to criticise the deal and the lack of transparency around it, including associations representing architects, planners and landscape designers.
Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has been grilled over the veracity of his controversial claims that Victorians are "scared to go out to restaurants of a night time because they are followed home by these gangs".

When challenged on radio station 3AW to provide evidence, Mr Dutton said he had spoken to a "number of people" and parliamentary colleagues, but only specified fellow federal MP Jason Wood.

Mr Dutton again attacked the Andrews government for its handling of youth crime but in the evening interview, he was repeatedly challenged to back up his claims with evidence.

When Mr Dutton repeated comments made on Sydney station 2GB on Wednesday that he did not want to see people get hurt or "followed home from restaurants", he was rebuked by 3AW presenter Nick McCallum, who accused Mr Dutton of trying to score "political points" during an election year in Victoria.
Police are searching for a pedestrian who was hit by a car in Melbourne's east this week, only to crawl towards the passenger door and get in.

The unidentified man was walking along Canterbury Road, Kilsyth about 4pm on Wednesday when he was struck by a white Toyota Corolla.

The force of the impact sent the man flying through the air and he landed on the nature strip.

In an unexpected twist he then crawled towards the car, opened the passenger door and got in before the car drove off.
Two Fremantle jokesters have stopped an alleged burglar in his tracks after stealing the keys to his car.

Bevan Duncan and Nathan Cugley told 9 News Perth they were out having drinks when they heard a window being smashed at around 10.30pm.

The two mates said they initially caused the thief some grief for a laugh. Credit:Hannah Barry

A man had broken into the Stand Up Surf Shop on Stirling Highway, and both Mr Duncan and Mr Cugley watched as he rifled through the store's merchandise.

When the pair realised what they were witnessing, they made their way over to the man's SUV parked outside the store, and stole the keys from the ignition while he was looking the other way.
A Perth woman has died after sustaining serious injuries during a violent incident in Cloverdale on Wednesday evening.

Police were called to a Cloverdale home about 7.50pm after neighbours became concerned about a "commotion" at the house.

Police are investigating a serious incident in Cloverdale on Wednesday evening. Credit:Angela Clutterbuck.

An ambulance took the 38-year-old woman to hospital after finding her unresponsive, but she died a short time later.

Officers have cordoned off the Hardey Road property with homicide detectives at the scene.
By Mail Today Bureau: The Centre has paved way for constructing the strategically significant Zojila pass tunnel project in Jammu and Kashmir to provide all-weather connectivity with Srinagar, Kargil and Leh that remain disconnected from the rest part of world during extreme snowfall.

The project is targeted to be completed in seven years at an estimated cost of `6,809 crore. Zojila pass is situated at an altitude of 11,578 feet on Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway which remains closed during winters (December to April) due to heavy snowfall and avalanches.

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This cuts off Leh-Ladakh region from Kashmir and other parts of the country. Sources said the road link between Kashmir and Leh-Ladakh region remains operation only for six months while during the rest of the year the route is completely closed.

"The main objective of the project is to provide allweather connectivity to strategically important Leh region in Jammu and Kashmir," said a senior transport ministry official.

The cabinet committee on economic affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave its approval to the project. The tunnel will be a bidirectional single tube tunnel with a parallel escape (egress) tunnel approaching on Srinagar-Leh section.

The project, officials said, will also bring about all round economic and socio-cultural integration of these regions. The project has strategic and socio-economic importance and shall be an instrument for the development of the economically backward districts in Jammu and Kashmir.

The construction period of the project is seven years. The civil construction cost of the project is `4,899.42 crore while the total capital cost of the project is `6,808.69 crore.

It includes the cost towards land acquisition, resettlement and rehabilitation and other pre-construction activities as well as maintenance and operation cost of tunnel for four years, officials said.

The project aims at construction of 14.15-km-long two- lane bi-directional single tube tunnel with a parallel 14.2-km-long egress tunnel excluding approaches between Baltal and Minamarg in the state.

The project will be implemented by the ministry of road transport and highways through the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited.

--- ENDS ---
Police are hunting a masked gunman who shot a man in Perth's south east on Thursday night.

Gun shots were fired at the 48-year-old man outside his house on Kenwick Road at about 9.30pm, sparking an investigation by Armadale detectives.

The male perpetrator of the attack, who had his face covered, fled the scene in a vehicle and is now being hunted by police.

The victim suffered a wound to his hip and was conveyed by ambulance to Royal Perth Hospital where he was set to undergo surgery on Friday.
Delhi: A court ruling that was hailed as a victory for Indian Muslim women  banning the practice by some husbands of "instant divorce" or triple talaq  has turned just a few months later into a hot potato, with the opposition ranged against the government in parliament.

The government has drafted a law that makes "triple talaq"  saying the word talaq three times in one go, dissolving the marriage on the spot  a criminal offence. It provides for three years in jail and no bail for any Muslim husband accused of it.

Indian Muslim women walk at a market area in Delhi, India. Credit:Tsering Topgyal

Apart from his wife, any third party can accuse him of the offence. He can be arrested without a warrant.

The opposition parties, while supporting the bill in principle, believe these provisions are too severe. They want the draft law to be diluted.
Monday 05 September, 2016 Reliable information reaching Biafra writers desk has it that the life of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indi...
MASTER'S SALE C/A#2016CP4003664 BY VIRTUE of a decree heretofore granted in the case of: U. S. Bank National Association, as trustee, on behalf of the holders of the First Franklin ...

SUMMONS AND NOTICE (Non-Jury) QUIET TITLE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF RICHLAND IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS C/A NO.: 2022-CP-40-05529 John W. Sandel and Diana Horn Sandel, Plaintiff, ...

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATES All persons having claims against the following estates are required to deliver or mail their claims to the indicated Personal Representatives, appointed to administer these...
By PTI: (EDS: With a change in intro)

Chandigarh, Jan 4 (PTI) With barely days left for the Mayoral election here, the Chandigarh unit of the BJP faces a revolt within after its outgoing Mayor Asha Kumari Jaswal filed nomination papers as an Independent candidate against the partys official nominee.

The BJP leadership here yesterday announced the name of Davesh Moudgil, who is considered close to former MP Satya Pal Jain, ignoring the camp led by Chandigarh BJP President Sanjay Tandon, which was backing Councillor Arun Sood.

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The saffron party has an overwhelming majority in the MC House and the election is scheduled to be held on January 9.

Cracks surfaced within the Chandigarh unit of the party after senior leader and in-charge of the unit, Prabhat Jha announced Moudgils name as the partys official mayoral candidate.

Moudgil filed his nomination at the MC office here while Jaswal, who is also the BJPs Mahila Morcha Vice president, filed her nomination for the Mayors post as an Independent candidate.

When contacted, Jaswal said that out of 20 BJP members in the MC House, 14 were not in favour of the present candidature.

"We had been requesting our party that they can field anyone for Mayors post minus Moudgil. Yesterday at last moment, we told Mr Jha to announce anyone elses name except him. However, we were ignored and Moudgils name was announced," she said.

Asked why were they opposing Moudgil, Jaswal said: "he has been going against partys interests at various forums..there are other issues involving him".

Making it clear that she has not resigned from the BJP, Jaswal said the party is free to take any action against her.

"I am pained to do so, but then what is the choice. My ideology will remain that of the BJP whether I am in it or outside, if they feel I have done anything wrong, they can take action.

"But I will remain Modi jis fan and continue to respect Amit Shah ji," Jaswal said.

When asked to comment on the development, Chandigarh BJP President Sanjay Tandon said the issue could have been handled in a better way.

"Even I was not taken into confidence when his (Moudgils) name was decided. There are many things against him (Moudgil). Majority of our Councillors were in favour of anyone except him...," Tandon said.

Without naming anyone, Tandon in a veiled attack on his detractors within the partys Chandigarh unit, said, "some people want to destabilise me."

Meanwhile Jain came to Moudgils defence, saying he had never done anything against partys interests.

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About the current developments, Jain said he hopes that the issue will be resolved amicably.

"There is still time till January 9 morning for the withdrawals," he said, indicating that Jaswal will be prevailed upon to exit from the race. PTI SUN VSD MG MG

--- ENDS ---
According to reports, around 1 billion pieces of the new 10 rupee note has already been printed by the apex bank.

By India Today Web Desk: After the big Indian notes, now it's time for 10 rupee note to get a new makeover. According to reports, the Reserve Bank of India is all set to issue new Rs 10 notes under the Mahatma Gandhi series with chocolate brown colour as the base.

According to News18, around 1 billion pieces of the new 10 rupee note has already been printed by the apex bank. Last week itself the new design was approved by the government, the report further said. The old Rs 10 note was last redesigned in 2005.

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In August, 2017, new Rs 50 and Rs 200 notes were introduced in the Mahatma Gandhi series. In order to get rid of counterfeiting and promote a less-cash economy, the move to reintroduce lower denomination notes in a new design was made.

At 10 pm on November 8, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that on the stroke of midnight, all 500 and 1,000 rupee notes -- 86 per cent of the currency in circulation -- would cease to become legal tender.

Up to that point, upwards of 95 per cent of all transactions in India were conducted in cash and 90 per cent of vendors didn't have the means to accept anything. On top of this, 85 per cent of workers were paid exclusively in cash and almost half of the population didn't even have bank accounts.

Demonetisation proved to be a major disruption in the Indian economy and brought great hardship to people who spent hours in the serpentine queue to get Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes exchanged or deposited in their bank accounts.

Later, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said in its Annual Report for 2016-17 that 99 per cent of the junked Rs 500 and 1,000 notes were returned to the banking system. This led many, including Opposition leaders. questioning the very logic of demonetisation.

An estimated Rs 15.4 lakh crore worth old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes had been demonetised on November 8. But, return of about 99 per cent demonetised currency to banks does not necessarily makes demonetisation a failure.

However, beyond the political statements, even those made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ministers, there are several effects of demonetisation that may augur well for the economy in the long run.

--- ENDS ---
With the aim of training doctors about the early signs of cancer, India's health ministry has launched the first online oncology tutorial series.

By PTI, India Today Web Desk: As a part of a national programme to train doctors about early signs of cancer , the union health ministry launched its first online Oncology Tutorial Services.

It is designed in collaboration with Tata Memorial Centre and will be available across the country with the help of state governments.

The course duration is of seven months and is intended for physicians, gynecologists, dentists and all such medical professionals who are not oncologists. The aim of the project is to detect and diagnose the early signs of cancer.

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The course has different modules based on various sites and sub sites of cancer. There are also online video lectures to inform and update oncologists with the evidence based guidelines and skills for management of cancer.

In its 14 hours of comprehensive e-learning, it offers 40 video lectures, case studies, questionnaires and webinar sessions with professional consultants of Tata memorial hospital.

At the launch, Health Secretary Preeti Sudan said that this was a "visionary step" that would leverage advances in information technology to strengthen health outreach and health services in the country.

"This initiative will help the doctors upgrade their knowledge and skills and help them save many precious lives," she added.

The main reason why the course has been made available online, is to reach out to the millions of doctors who may not have time to attend conferences in person.

After the completion of the course, the doctors will be assessed as well.

--- ENDS ---
Brazos County Commissioners approved at their weekly meeting locations and hours for early voting for the March 2018 Democratic and Republican primaries.

Among the changes approved Tuesday are earlier voting hours and a new location.

Early voting will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 20-23; from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 24; between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Feb. 25; and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 26-March 2.

Voters can cast their ballots at any of the following locations:

Brazos County Election Administrator Office -- 300 E. William J. Bryan Parkway, Suite 100, in Bryan

Arena Hall -- 2906 Tabor Road, Tabor Road and North Earl Rudder Freeway in Bryan

Galilee Baptist Church -- 804 N. Logan Ave., in Bryan

College Station Utilities Meeting & Training Facility -- 1603 Graham Road in College Station

Memorial Student Center (MSC) -- Texas A&M University, Room L526 in College Station

Brazos County Judge Duane Peters said county officials switched a polling location from the Brazos County Administration Building on South Texas Avenue to the new Brazos County Elections Administration Ruth McLeod Training Room, located just 0.2 miles away in Suite 100 at 300 E .William J. Bryan Parkway.

Peters said that the county planned on inserting a space in which polling could be held when they remodeled that building and created an area for the elections administrator.

"It's a fairly good-sized area," Peters said of the new polling location, though he said it may not be big enough for the next presidential election in 2020, when more people turn out to vote than in state, local or Congressional elections.

Brazos County Elections Administrator Trudy Hancock said early voting hours were changed during the second week -- from Feb. 26 to March 2 -- because voters asked the county to open voting booths at 7 a.m. so they could vote on their way into work.

Hancock said early voting is open to all eligible voters who want to cast their ballots before the primary election day on March 6.

If you are already registered and are looking for your registration card, go to 300 E. William J. Bryan Parkway, Suite 100. Hancock said those prospective voters who are not registered will need to know general information, such as their address and social security number.

The deadline for voter registration is Feb. 5, 30 days before the March 6 primary election.

For a complete list of candidates, go to http://bit.ly/primarycandidates.
A district judge has ruled that the Bryan school administration will be required to release some documents related to BISDs former superintendent Tommy Wallis, but not all the materials requested by local media under the Texas Public Information Act will be disclosed.

Within days of his departure in September 2016, The Eagle and other media requested documents relating to his performance evaluations and potential complaints filed against Wallis. Bryan officials declined to release the information, instead asking the Texas Attorney Generals Office to decide what the public had the right to know.

The AGs office ruled that hundreds of pages were public record and should be released, however, Wallis opted to fight the decision and obtained a court-ordered temporary injunction to prevent the information from getting to the public.

In the meantime, The Eagle and KBTX separately obtained and published a key document secured through anonymous sources that detailed alarming complaints and allegations made against Wallis. The evaluations were not included in those official documents.

Two weeks later, during a hearing before a district judge in Austin, his lawyers argued that all of the material being requested was protected from being released because it related to the evaluation of Wallis as an employee.

According to the most recent ruling, which was signed Dec. 20 by Austin-based District Judge Tim Sulak, that argument carried some weight. In his three-page decision, he wrote that the Bryan school district is barred from making a fraction of the documents public since those records relate to evaluations, which is confidential information under the Texas Education Code.

Sulak did, however, rule that the district must release more than 240 pages of documents related to Wallis departure. The ruling does not specify which documents are to be made public.

As of late Wednesday, the documents had not been released by the district. Calls made early Wednesday evening to Bryan school officials, Wallis lawyers and the Attorney Generals Office were not returned.

Early on, the district released Wallis separation agreement, which showed that trustees gave Wallis a $83,047 payout and a letter of recommendation when he abruptly left at the start of the school year. The agreement, signed by Wallis and then-school board president Doug Wunneburger, also prohibited Wallis, the board and top administrators from discussing all facts and allegations surrounding Wallis employment and resignation.

The detailed list of alleged ethical violations against Wallis that was obtained by the newspaper and television station over the summer outlined accusations that Wallis violated several school board policies, including giving preferential treatment to a vendor competing for district business, misusing tax dollars, giving a raise without trustees approval and verbally abusing employees. The 10 1/2-page document was submitted to the school board in September 2016 by Wallis top four administrators. None would speak to The Eagle or KBTX about the allegations.

Wallis sued the district when the reports were published in June, but the Austin judge ruled that neither the district nor the administrators could be held responsible for the release of the documents. That ruling followed testimony by administrators and school board members, all of whom testified that they did not know how the information was procured by the media.

Wallis has not granted The Eagle an interview since he left Bryan and ultimately landed a job as superintendent for Kirbyville schools, which is in east Texas. He got the job after a brief time working as interim principal of a school in Fort Bend school district. He is paid around $130,000, which is $108,000 less than what he made annually as superintendent in Bryan.
October 7, 1952 - January 1, 2018

David Owen Berry, age 65, ascended from this Earth on January 1, 2018 after a lengthy illness. Born in Tyler, Texas, David graduated from Tyler Public Schools and then joined the military. Dave served as a photographer with Special Forces in Germany, after which he brought his photographic skills to College Station. He worked as a professional photographer and camera store manager for several decades, then finished his working career with Lowe's Home Improvement store.

Dave will be remembered by his numerous friends as one always ready to help. His sense of humor and kindness garnered the admiration of all those who knew him.

David is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Mike Bell of Bullard; two granddaughters, Katie and Reagan Bell also of Bullard; brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Kathy Berry of Cypress; and his long-time companion, Yvonne Becker of Houston.

A time of visitation for friends and family will be held from 6 to 8 pm, Thursday, January 4, 2017 at Callaway-Jones Funeral Center, 3001 S. College Ave in Bryan, Texas. His life will be honored with a graveside ceremony at 2 p.m. Friday, January 5, at the Athens City Cemetery, in Athens, Texas.

Express condolences at CallawayJones.com
March 25, 1928 - December 29, 2017

Howard Binford Weaver, 89, of Navasota, died Friday evening, December 29, 2017 at A Cedar Park Personal Care Home.

A gathering of family and friends will take place Friday, January 5, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, at BeeGoods Mercantile, 16481 CR 319 in Navasota. Graveside services will be held 11:00 am Saturday, January 6, 2018, in Oakland Cemetery. A memorial service will follow at 12:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Navasota.

Howard Binford Weaver was born March 25, 1928 to Roy Stanley and Lela Binford Weaver in Lynn Grove, south of Navasota. He was known the rest of his life by his mother's maiden name. Growing up a child of the Great Depression, he attended school at Binford Corner, donated to Grimes County by his mother's family. He grew up in the Lynn Grove Methodist Church, established by his grandfather and others across the road from his home.. The importance of family and his deep religious convictions were evident in his lifetime of service to his fellow man and devotion to family.

He graduated from Navasota High School during World War II at 15. Because of the important role of apiculture in the war effort, Binford assumed full-time responsibility for queen rearing and beekeeping at Weaver Apiaries for the duration of the War. Later he attended Southwestern University and graduated from Texas Christian University.

He served in the U.S. Army after the conclusion of World War II, where he reached the rank of Sergeant Major. His most important duty was managing the quartermaster depot at Desert Rock, Nevada, where he was exposed at close range to the effects of multiple blasts from the first atomic bomb tests involving US troops.

After service and college, he rejoined Weaver Apiaries and became an expert beekeeper of vast knowledge and experience. He was respected by all and loved by many, especially the proteges he mentored. His apicultural talents were recognized around the world, receiving honors from organizations in the US, Australia, Europe, Central America and South America. Binford's service to the beekeeping industry remains legendary. His political skills, industry respect and influence with Congress benefited beekeepers in the US; with those programs he helped build here impelling similar efforts abroad.

He was as a Trustee of Lynn Grove Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday School and sometimes preached; and was an Elder of the First Presbyterian Church, Navasota, where he sang in the choir and often provided lay ministry services. He was a member and President of the Navasota School Board. He was a founding Director and Chairman of the Bank of Navasota, and a former Director of the Security State Bank. He served as President and member of the Executive Committee and Director of the American Beekeeping Federation for many years, he had been a member since its inception 75 years ago. He was Chairman a member of the Board and an organizer of the National Honey Board. He served on multiple councils, task forces and special committees advising the Secretaries of US Congressional Committees, State Governors and Foreign Governments.

Among his notable apicultural accomplishments, he founded Kona Queen Company in Hawaii with partners, and established Bee Weaver Apiaries, the successor to Weaver Apiaries, with his son Daniel. While at Bee Weaver, he helped surmount the challenges of the Africanized bee invasion and the introduction of Varroa mites. Binford helped select and breed the first managed population of honey bees naturally able to survive and thrive despite Varroa mites and the viruses they vector.

Binford was preceded in death by his adored wife, Bennie Lou Franks Weaver; his son, Robert Roy Weaver; and brothers, Roy Stanley Weaver, Jr. and James Nevin Weaver. He is survived by his son, Daniel Weaver and wife, Laura Gregory Weaver; his grandsons, Travis Binford, Dylan Gregory and Stone Barnett Weaver, all of Austin; his sisters, Lynette Allen of San Antonio, Reba Lou Campbell of Waco and many nieces, nephews, cousins and their families.

God Showed Binford what was required of him, and he did it. Micah 6:8

In lieu of usual remembrance, please consider a memorial in Binford's name to one of the following: United Methodist Committee on Relief at UMCOR.org or 458 Ponce De Leon Ave., NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees at preservationofhoneybees.org or 3525 Piedmont Rd., Bldg. 5, STE 300, Atlanta, GA 30305 or Bee Research, Education and Apiculture Development Foundation, a charitable organization to be established pursuant to Binford's wishes in furtherance of those aims, C/O Daniel Weaver, 6301 Highland Hills Dr., Austin, TX 78731.

You are invited to sign the guestbook and leave condolences for the family at www.lindleyrobertsonholt.com.
All national elections are hyped as seminal. The midterms of 2018 are the real deal.

If Democrats win at least one branch of Congress, there will be an investigative feast  with rich targets  of the ethically challenged administration of President Donald Trump, plus a check on presidential actions. If Republicans retain full control, expect renewed attacks on Obamacare, efforts to cut Medicare and Social Security, and one or two more right-wing Supreme Court justices.

Equally significant will be gubernatorial and state legislative contests. These will serve either to complement or counter national policies, and will set the table for redistricting following the 2020 census.

The early line is good for Democrats. As the year commences, heres how it looks.

 House of Representatives  Most polls suggest that Democrats will gain the two dozen seats theyd need to take control. Im even more taken by this assessment by Mark Gersh, who has tracked House races for Democrats for 40 years and is respected for prescience and caution. Our chances are very solid, he said in an interview last week. The number 24 is not daunting.

Democrats start with an advantage in contests for 14 Republican-held seats in the deep-blue states of California, New York and New Jersey. They expect to win most of those. They see promising opportunities in more than a dozen other states, multiple ones in a couple. In Iowa, for example, the reliable Iowa poll earlier this month showed Democrats running ahead of two Republican incumbents, one by a huge margin, and within striking distance of a third.

If a blue wave rolls through the electorate, Democrats could win even more, including supposedly safe Republican seats in states as diverse as Florida, Utah, Michigan and Virginia.

Republicans expect to lose seats, but think theyll keep a narrow majority thanks to strong incumbents and lots of money. They also anticipate winning several seats held by Democrats in politically divided purple states such as Minnesota.

 Senate  The electoral map is daunting for Democrats when it comes to senators. They have to defend 26 seats, the Republicans only eight. To take over, Democrats need a net gain of two.

At the moment, six Democratic incumbents face difficult challenges, though two of them  Montanas Jon Tester and West Virginias Joe Manchin  appear to be in good shape. Three Republican seats look competitive, and Democrats think at least one more will be in play either because a right-wing challenger supported by the Steve Bannon wing of the Republican Party will rough up a safe incumbent, or because of a surprise in Texas or some other demographically fluid state.

Even if all those factors break in the Democrats favor, theyd still be at a disadvantage. Theyd have to win eight of the 10 competitive races  all but one (Nevada) in states carried by Trump last year. A must-win for Democrats is Tennessee, where former Governor Phil Bredesen will mount a strong challenge in a heavily Republican state. (Incumbent Sen. Bob Corker is retiring.) Republicans would be concerned if they cant unseat Sen. Claire McCaskill in Republican-friendly Missouri.

 Governors  There are 35 gubernatorial offices up for grabs, with 26 held by Republicans and one, in Alaska, by an independent. For Democrats, theres a Big Five: Ohio, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. All but Pennsylvania are now in Republican hands.

What happens in these states can influence national politics. For one thing, theyre all battleground venues in presidential elections. But the biggest factor is the influence they will have on redistricting after the 2020 census.

In all five of these states, governors have veto power over any redrawn district map. After the 2010 census, Republicans reshaped congressional and state legislative districts through effective, partisan gerrymandering.

 Statehouses  State legislatures are even more important than governors when it comes to redistricting. Republicans now enjoy overwhelming statehouse majorities in states where the 2016 presidential vote was close. Democrats will mount a major effort to cut into these margins with help from former President Barack Obama, who was asleep at the switch in the last redistricting fight, and are hoping to take over a couple of chambers. They will announce top targets in a few weeks.

Beyond the Big Five states, a fierce battle is brewing in North Carolina, where gerrymandering has given Republicans almost a 2-to-1 majority in the legislature and 10 of 13 U.S. House seats. In moves Vladimir Putin would admire, Tar Heel Republicans ruthlessly changed rules and procedures in 2016 after voters elected a Democratic governor, stripping him of many executive powers.

The nationwide outcome will be affected by legal rulings on challenges to the way many states draw legislative districts and a Supreme Court decision this session on gerrymandering cases from Wisconsin and Maryland. There are also efforts underway to set up ballot referendums in Michigan and, less likely, Ohio to create nonpartisan redistricting commissions.

Albert R. Hunt is a Bloomberg View columnist. He was the executive editor of Bloomberg News, before which he was a reporter, bureau chief and executive Washington editor at The Wall Street Journal.
When he was in office, President Barack Obama spent a lot of time demeaning police, contending they were systemically racist, another way of saying, hey, watch out, black folks, they are after you. He thereby fed a narrative making police less effective and contributing to a significant homicide rise in our largest cities. President Donald Trump is helping to fix that. Killings are down.

It was horrendous, this particular crime rise, but many social scientists passed it off as nothing much, just an uptick following decades of homicides decreasing, not nearly as high as once upon a time and likely to go down. So we dismiss the 2008 recession because it was not as bad as the Great Depression and followed by a recovery?

Our 30 largest cities saw an average increase in homicides of 13.2 percent in 2015, and of 14 percent in 2016. That is a lot of blood in the street, a lot of dead men, women and children.

This was mostly black people killing other black people. There must be an explanation, and one of the most convincing was suggested by Heather MacDonald, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute think tank. She observed that violent crime increased markedly following the 2014 Ferguson, Missouri, shooting in which a policeman killed a young black man who could otherwise have gotten his gun and killed the cop. But false stories were out there, leading to fierce anger in black communities that intensified as still more police shootings of blacks occurred.

Obviously, there are bad, racist cops who do horrible things, but most police are good men and women putting their own lives at risk to serve the rest of us. As we learn from MacDonald, cops actually shoot more whites than blacks, even though blacks commit a greater number of the nations violent crimes. It is the case, too, that shootings almost always occur when an officer is being threatened by firearms or in some other situation in which an officer is far more likely to be shot by a suspect than vice versa.

Still, the demonstrations, riots and rhetoric exhibited a fist-waving hostility toward police. The hostility made it harder for police to work in black neighborhoods, and it was lent legitimacy by Obama when he would talk, for instance, about the innocent being found guilty of walking while black. He would also have his Justice Department intervene incessantly with local police forces.

Beleaguered cops became less proactive, as in not checking out a gathered group on a corner where drugs often were sold. The practice was pretty much eliminated in Baltimore, and, as MacDonald tells us, drug dealers spread their wares like never before. Another proactive practice had been stop and frisk. The National Academy of Sciences, which earlier could find no evidence for gun control measures working, found this particular one did. MacDonald believes it was important in helping to save large numbers of lives.

In short, less proactive police meant more crime, but then came Trump, someone who supported police, who spoke out in their favor.

I myself saw how this could work when I went to see a Trump campaign speech in Denver. Police were there to safeguard the audience and speakers from shouting, teeth-baring demonstrators, and they kept saying thank you and other nice things to the ticket holders. One black cop even jokingly volunteered to give me a sandwich for lunch.

Not in all cities, but in many of the largest ones, homicides and crime generally have gone down in 2017. While some of the cities themselves have taken important steps, dont leave Trump out of the equation, especially considering his support for going after gangsters engaged in human trafficking, for grants for more police and for supplying police with needed equipment.

The biggest beneficiaries are the communities that have been ravaged by homicide.

Jay Ambrose is an op-ed columnist for Tribune News Service. Email him at speaktojay@aol.com.
By PTI: Kottayam (Ker), Jan 4 (PTI) A court here today directed the Kerala Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau to register a case against former state minister Thomas Chandy for allegedly violating rules in laying a road through paddy fields to a lake resort owned by him in Alappuzha district. AAA

Kottayam Special Vigilance Court judge V Dileep gave the direction after perusing a Quick Verification report submitted by the VACB.

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The court posted the matter to January 18 for further hearing.

Chandy had resigned as minister on November 15 last year over land grabbing allegations related to his resort.

Acting on a petition by a lawyer, the court had on November 4 directed VACB to undertake a quick verification into the complaint that he had violated rules in constructing the road to his resort and file its report.

Chandy, a businessman-turned politician, is likely to be charged under various sections of the Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act, VACB sources said. AAA

Petitioner Subhash has alleged that Chandy illegally carried out land filling in a one km stretch through the middle of a paddy field to construct the road to the lake palace resort owned by the Water World Company, headed by him. AAA

He had also submitted in the court a report of Alappuzha District Collector T V Anupama which stated that the lake resort owned by Chandy had violated rules. AA

Chandy, who was the lone NCP nominee in the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government, had resigned from the cabinet on November 15 last after the Kerala High Court rapped him over the adverse report by Alappuzha district collector. AAA

He had joined the ministry in April last year following the resignation of party colleague A K Saseendran over allegations of sexual misconduct. PTI COR TGB VS RT

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Michael Cummo / Hearst Connecticut Media

Webster Financial got in line with other companies boosting pay for employees after the federal tax cuts, pledging to raise its minimum wage to $15 an hour by the end of 2018, also awarding $1,000 cash bonuses to non-executive employees representing about 70 percent of its workforce.

The Waterbury company runs Webster Bank and its HSA Bank division that administers health savings accounts, with more than 30 branches in southwestern Connecticut, a fifth of its total branch network. As of September, Webster reported having nearly 3,300 employees, up more than 100 from the start of the year, in a Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. filing.
Bond was set at $4 million Thursday morning for Herbey V. Portillo, who is accused of fatally shooting Trevor Sok early Monday morning at 1303 W. Charles St.

In order to be released from jail, Portillo must post 10 percent of the bond amount, or $400,000.

Portillo, 24, is charged with first-degree murder and use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony.

The first charge, a Class 1A felony, is punishable by life imprisonment.

The second charge, which is a Class 1C felony, accuses Portillo of using a firearm to commit a felony. Hall County Judge Alfred Corey explained the offense carries a minimum mandatory penalty of five years, extending up to 50 years.

Portillo did not appear in court in person. He made a video appearance from the Hall County Jail.

More than 20 people showed up for Portillos arraignment. The crowd included 18 young adults and Soks mother, Heather Neeley. The young adults included Soks sister, Brittany, and his girlfriend, Bailey Morton.

Deputy Hall County Attorney David Medlin said the state requested a high bond in the case. Medlin noted that Portillo is a flight risk and has no current address. The defendant skipped out on a pending burglary charge in Kansas, Medlin said.

The state asked Corey to set no bond in the case. But if the court wanted to set a bond, We ask that it be at least $4 million, Medlin said.

Portillo asked for a court-appointed attorney. In discussing his income level, Portillo said he has a job at JBS.

Corey scheduled Portillos preliminary hearing for 10:30 a.m. Jan. 29.

During the appearance, Portillo pleaded guilty in two other cases from 2017, both of which involved possession of an open alcohol container in a vehicle. In each case, Portillo was fined $75 and ordered to pay court costs. After bond money was applied, he owes $33.22. Corey gave him a month to pay that amount.

Police were called to the scene of the murder at about 3:45 a.m. Monday. Sok, who turned 19 on Dec. 15, was pronounced dead at CHI Health St. Francis.

After a warrant was issued for Portillos arrest, the suspect was located in a garage on East 10th Street shortly after 5 p.m. Tuesday. He offered no resistance.

Following Thursdays arraignment, Soks friends and family spoke to the media in the courthouse rotunda.

Darrion Chang, who was at the New Years Eve party, said four or five shots were fired.

He and Junior Nevarez, another friend of Soks, said Portillo pulled a gun on a girl. The girl pushed Portillo out of the bathroom, they said.

Sok started pushing him out of the house, Chang said. When Portillo got to the door, thats when he turned around on all three of us. And he just started shooting, said Chang, 21.

The shooting of Sok happened inside the house, Chang said.

Nevarez, 18, said he knew Portillo before the party. He does not speak highly of him.

Brittany Sok, 22, said her brother was her whole world. I lived for that man. I did everything for him. I raised him. He was the greatest person Ive ever met in my life. He was taken from me way too soon, in front of my eyes.

She said she saw the whole thing.

She said her brother took a bullet for everybody in that house. He risked his life for all of us that were there.

He ran after Herbey. He ran after him to get him out of his house, she said.

Trevor Sok knew the possible repercussions of his actions, she said. He knew what was happening. She believes whole-heartedly that he earned his wings, she said. He was always the first to go, she said.

Chang and Nevarez were also heroic that night, she said.

Sok lived with Morton at 1303 W. Charles St. He had all intentions of marrying Bailey, Brittany Sok said.

Brittany Sok would like to see the defendant receive the death penalty. She hopes for a speedy, speedy trial.

Morton, 19, doesnt want to see Portillo experience freedom. I hope he never gets out, and I hope theres no mercy on you. You deserve this, Herbey. So does your family, she said, speaking as if he she were talking to Portillo directly.

He took so much from us, so much from this community  so many friends are left without him, that this is just something that nobody should ever have to go through. Ever, Neeley said.

Brittany referred to her brother as Baby Sok. The family plans to produce memorial sweatshirts carrying that term.
Barr Middle School Principal Brian Kort will have a new role starting Jan. 22.

Grand Island Public Schools announced that Kort accepted the position of recruitment and retention coordinator.

Mr. Kort has a long history as an educator and administrator in our district, working with our staff and on behalf of our students. As a principal he understood the importance of finding and hiring the right teachers to fit our culture, Superintendent Tawana Grover said. We look forward to Mr. Kort working year round to recruit the best educators to our district for our kids.

The recruitment and retention coordinator is a new position for the district. Previously, GIPS has used retired school administrators to assist seasonally during the spring to help recruit teachers and fill open positions.

Beyond recruiting and interviewing, every January through June, the position will work to strengthen district relationships with colleges and universities, selling the GIPS brand and increasing the numbers of quality teachers-in-training who can experience the district through field experiences, practicums and student teaching.

Kort will also work to develop and mobilize retention efforts, focused on recently hired teachers to support their transition into the district and community.

This position is an exciting move for me, Kort said. Ive loved my time with the Barr students, staff and families. I look forward to helping the entire district achieve our goals through the recruitment and hiring of great teachers.

Kort started with GIPS in 2001 and has been principal at Barr since 2010. He will now work in the Human Resources Department under Executive Director Wayne Stelk.

The need for this position has been growing, Stelk said.

We have felt the importance of maintaining and improving our recruitment efforts for some time, he said. This need was anticipated and budgeted for during the 2017-2018 staffing plan process.

Current Barr Assistant Principal Tim Hekrdle will be the interim principal for the rest of the year. A full-time principal will be hired to start this summer.
Indian police men patrol on railway tracks during a strike called by Dalit groups in Mumbai, India, Wednesday, Jan 3, 2018. A statewide strike was called by several Dalit groups on Wednesday following the death of a 28-year-old Dalit in Pune district duri

By Divyesh Singh: A day after the Maharashtra Bandh was called off by Dalit community leader Prakash Ambedkar, grandson of Late Dr B R Ambedkar, another fringe Dalit community group staged a rail roko at Thane railway station on Thursday afternoon.

Members from the Dalit youth panther party, who were in comparatively small number as compared to the protesting groups that protested on Tuesday and Wednesday across Mumbai, entered the Thane station at around 11:30 am.

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Citing slogans against the ruling NDA government, the group headed by the party president Bhai Saheb Jadhav reached platform number 4 on Thane railway station and got down on the tracks while a local train headed towards Mumbai was about to arrive.

Railway Protection Force (RPF) officials along with railway police tried stopping the activists but they didn't budge and remained on tracks for around five minutes disrupting rail services towards Mumbai.

The rail roko went on for five minutes while the members of the party threatened that the protests would go on till prime suspects involved in inciting violence at Bhima Koregaon in Pune against Dalit community members were arrested.

Somehow, RPF and police officials managed to pull the protestors off the tracks after which train services resumed.

Police officials have detained five members of the protesting party and procedure for registering a case against them has been initiated.

ALSO WATCH | Bhima Koregaon violence: Prakash Ambedkar calls off Maharashtra bandh

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Groups of four to six Grand Island firefighters went out on the ice at Sucks Lake Wednesday afternoon to perform a mock rescue.

With one person in the water beneath the ice, a firefighter walked out onto the ice to rescue the person. As he came from behind, the firefighter lifted up the person trapped in the water, while the other firefighters near the shore pulled back on a rope to bring the pair safely ashore.

The ice rescue was part of an annual training conducted by the Grand Island Fire Department Wednesday. A total of 20 fire personnel from all three shifts and all four fire stations participated in the ice rescue training.

Shift Commander Bryan Stutzman said the purpose of the training was to allow Fire Department personnel to be prepared for a real-life ice rescue situation so that if it occurs, it becomes second nature for them. He added the department does this training twice a year and also practices in its stations.

We get somebody in the water and we walk out to them so far, Stutzman said of the rescue procedure. We get out and spread our weight out. If you distribute your weight more, you are not going to break that ice. When somebody is out there on the ice, they are usually hanging onto the ice. If you break that ledge away from them, there is a chance of them drowning you. You want to come in from behind them and you do not want the break the ice away from them.

Prior to performing the ice rescue training, Stutzman said, the firefighters put on what is called a dry suit. They step into the suit with their clothes on, zip it up and the suit seals to keep them dry. Stutzman added the dry suit also serves as a flotation device.

Its almost impossible to go underwater with these suits on, he said. We just get them out there on the ice and teach them how to roll into the victim. We have a rope strap that theyll carry that goes around their waist and hooks back into that strap. From there, they just pull them out.

Stutzman added that in a real-life ice rescue situation, fire personnel will already be equipped with a dry suit. Every fire truck is equipped with dry suits and ropes to perform an ice rescue.

Firefighter Todd Lechner said any training, including Wednesdays ice rescue training, is valuable to him and his fellow firefighters.

This is one of those trainings where it is life or death for the guy that has been out on the water, Lechner said. By the time we get there, the person is already fighting hypothermia, is already panic stricken and cannot get out. This is one of them where time is truly of the essence. For any training that we do, it is just about the repetitiveness so it is almost committed to memory.

He added the training is similar to what happens in an actual ice rescue situation. The sole exception is that in an actual situation, fire personnel come in behind the victim to avoid having them drown them.

You come in behind them, but you are talking to them the whole time as you approach, Lechner said. Here (in the training), we are flipping each other a hard time as we are walking up to the waters edge. In the real deal, you are trying to talk them down, talk them through. You say, Hey, I am coming in behind you. I am going to help.

When asked how common ice rescue situations are for the Fire Department, Stutzman said it tends to be called for situations where dogs have gone onto a lake and sometimes people try to rescue them.

Last year, we went out about four or five times. We only had one that was a person, he said. A lot of people want to go out and save their dog. Call us. We can do it safely.
Hall County Sheriff Jerry Watson is seeking re-election.

Watson filed to run for another four-year term late Tuesday afternoon. He touted his 29 years of law enforcement experience  10 with the Grand Island Police Department and 19 with the Hall County Sheriffs Department  as the reason he decided to seek another term as sheriff.

I just feel like I got some stuff left to contribute, so I am excited about that, Watson said. I have another year in this (current) term. I am 61 years old, so one more term will put me at 66. That should be about right. That would let somebody come in and take over.

Watson said his key accomplishments include the formation of the Central Nebraska Drug Court that has had hundreds of graduates and an 87 percent success rate. He added this has enabled people to get their lives back, their loved ones lives back and improved the quality of life in Hall County.

Another accomplishment, he said, is the formation of South Central Area Law Enforcement Services (SCALES), which consists of 14 member law enforcement agencies.

We save a lot of taxpayer dollars just in the trainings that we bring in, Watson said. But we help each other out when we have incidents that need outside investigations. That has been a real big benefit to the region.

After 19 years as the Hall County sheriff, Watson said, he would like to say he knows almost everything, but he is constantly learning new things.

It just seems that happens when youve got over 400 staff that pertain directly to the office of sheriff, he said. I enjoy it. I enjoy serving the community and the people I work with in the law enforcement community ... I think it (Hall County) is a great place to live and I love what I do.

Watson said his goal is to do his job to the best of his ability and to meet the expectations Hall County citizens place on him. He also wants to continue to build relationships with those he serves.

I think that is a big thing  not just locally, but across the region and state, he said. That is how you are going to get the most done. When you get more voices you get involved, the more you can accomplish.

When asked why the people of Hall County should re-elect him as sheriff, Watson cited his passion for his job, his community and the people he serves.

If you look at my 29 years of serving the community, I think that is pretty demonstrative of the impact Ive had, he said.

Hall County Assessor/Register of Deeds Kristi Wold also filed to run for election Tuesday afternoon. Despite being an incumbent, this will be the first time Wold runs for the office. She was appointed to the position last September after former Assessor/Register of Deeds Jan Pelland announced her retirement. Wold was sworn in as assessor/register of deeds in December.

Wold cited her years of experience working in county assessors offices in Greeley, Hall and Howard counties as reasons for seeking election.

I have been working with all sorts of different things, doing market studies and trying to equalize values  which are important, she said. Customer service is a huge thing for me. You always want to leave the taxpayers feeling good about you. A nice conversation and a smile is always good.

Wold said the biggest aspects facing the Hall County assessor/register of deeds office is learning how to do things, such as the equalization of value. She added she is just getting started in her position and wants to continue to build on her early success.

Her goal for her office, she said, is to make sure her team of front office staff and field appraisers are cross-trained.

Cross-training is a huge thing as far as my team is concerned. I want everybody to know everything, Wold said. Training is a huge thing for me. In that office, there is a lot of free training out there that I think was overlooked in the past. We are focusing on training we do not have to pay for. The state is a great source for that.

She said the voters of Hall County should elect her as assessor/register of deeds due to her experience and knowledge needed in order to fulfill the duties required of the office.

I am trying to have an open-door policy, Wold said. I want taxpayers to come with questions and let us help them. Lets talk about what is going on. I am trying to keep the public informed on what is going on. I feel like I would be an asset.

The filing deadline is Feb. 15 for incumbents and March 1 for non-incumbents. The primary election is May 15.
It was momentous, an achievement beyond belief: The inevitable election of Hillary Clinton as president had been averted, leftism was down on its knees and the issue was whether President Donald Trump could follow through. A year has passed, and he absolutely has, but a question lingers.

This is no longer America, or is it?

Trump is kooky, after all, and someone who has given fresh meaning to the cliche of being ones own worst enemy. By way of alienation, he is rife with insults, vulgarity, juvenilia and narcissism. He has given us a disgraceful White House reality show, and, by way of supposed rescue, weve had some politicians, bureaucrats and others behaving just as bad in different ways, dropping every pretense of old standards or honesty to fulfill impeachment ambitions.

Even being a successful president when everyone is cooing sweet tunes in ones direction is tough. Crazy Trump has been successful when the cooing has been replaced by cursing, and the biggie, of course, was getting Neil Gorsuch on the Supreme Court. The issue here was not so much rounding up the votes  the GOP Senate majority had them  but picking a man of solid integrity, deep intellect and, astonishingly enough in this day and age, respect for the Constitution.

The court long ago began discovering rights where there were none while rewriting American culture. Progressive justices have tended to see the Constitution as a weary, old, out-of-tune document. Yes, it could be brought up to date by amendments, but legitimacy of that kind didnt happen often. So they resorted to their own moral intuitions, using obscure legalese to explain how their decisions somehow related to hints of broad principles maybe in the document that they were slowly destroying.

Other Trump victories?

Getting record numbers of appellate judges appointed to the relief of a federal system beleaguered by justices with progressive handicaps. A tax reform that could render all kinds of economic benefits. Repealing the Obamacare individual mandate. Getting the toughest U.N. sanctions ever against North Korea. Vitalizing our energy markets by approving pipelines and other moves. Facilitating the defeat of the Islamic State through affording generals more say in combat. Taking important steps to obstruct Irans imperial dreams emboldened by Obamas deal. Getting tough with Russia on Ukraine.

Often called an autocrat, Trump has contrarily helped defeat autocracy of the past through dismantling economically harmful regulations, insisting young illegal immigrants be legalized constitutionally and negating much of the Clean Power Plan that would illegally wipe out state laws.

He has delivered more support to beleaguered Israel, one of our greatest allies, which was as much as betrayed by the Obama administration. Through support of police and other steps, he has helped achieve a crime decrease after President Barack Obama helped a crime upsurge by calling police systemically racist and making them less proactive. By refusing to spur gun sales with threats of purchasing impediments, he has presided over a drop in gun sales far greater than any proposed new law could achieve.

A list of embarrassments could go on longer than this, but overall, on policy terms, the first Trump year has been a significant boost to this country of ours, something far better than the debilitation likely under Hillary Clinton. His low approval ratings, however, reflect his misconduct, something foreign to what this country has seen in its presidents, and for that and other reasons, we could see Republicans lose control of the Senate or House or both. That could mean impeachment. It would certainly mean an end to any legislative advantages.

The call then is for Trump to try self-improvement, which he wont, but more importantly to work with Congress to ameliorate the debt, reform welfare to actually help the poor, end mass incarceration through better crime deterrence policies and maybe pursue an infrastructure plan. There are serious foreign challenges, and what is finally required is firm determination to do whats needed.
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With the new year in full swing, the Edwardsville Police Department is readying for two upcoming retirements.

Both Deputy Chief Jeff Mills and Sergeant Todd Ramirez are set to retire this weekend. Saturday, Jan. 6th will mark 26 years of service with the EPD for Mills; Sunday, Jan. 7 will mark 30 years of service for Ramirez.

Mills, born and raised in Granite City, first began his career by serving in the Navy for four years. On January 6th, 1992, he joined the EPD. During the stretch of his 26 years with the department, he began working his way up the ladder. In 1997, Mills was promoted to sergeant; in 2002, he was appointed to lieutenant and major in 2014.

Soon after, Edwardsville Police Chief Jay Keeven appointed Mills current position as Deputy Chief, which was also approved by Edwardsville Mayor Hal Patton.

Mills said with his current position as deputy chief, hes responsible for checking in on local businesses and writing policies for the EPD.

I pretty much just oversee the lieutenants that work directly for me and I also write policy and general orders for the police department, Mills said.

Similar to Mills, Ramirez, of Alton, also served in the Navy from 1982 to 1986. In addition, he worked as a reserve police officer in New Jersey while being stationed in Philadelphia.

Ramirez said it wasnt until after he got out of the Navy that he realized he wanted to join a police department full-time.

(The reserve police officer position was) a non-paying position. It was kind of like the fire department that we have here  they have explorers and stuff. So they had sort of like the same thing. So I started doing that when I was currently serving in the navy. Then when I got out, I decided thats what I wanted to do, Ramirez said. So I started looking for openingsI just started testing around the area and I Found out from a friend that Edwardsville as testing. I took that test also and ultimately got hired in Edwardsville.

Part of Ramirezs current responsibilities include managing a squad within the department.

Im a squad leader. The patrol department is divided into four squads. Im in charge of a patrol sergeant for a particular squad, he said.

With just a few days left in his career, Mills said overall, he will miss his interactions with the citizens and within the department.

I will miss my weekly walks downtown to meet with business owners and walking in and saying hey and seeing how things are going. Ill miss seeing the guys every day and the comradery weve built and the relationships that I built with the guys here from the police department and the gals, Mills said.

Ramirez said he, like Mills, will also miss the interactions with fellow staff members and Edwardsville citizens.

(Ill miss) working with the group of guys and women. We all seem to work together as a team, as a family. Ill just miss being part of the city. When you walk through City Park and people are walking up, saying hi, shaking your hand and just the community contacts you make, Ramirez said.

Following his retirement, Mills said he plans to start fresh in a new town with his wife.

My wife and I  weve decided were moving to Tennessee. Were going to be closer to her family, Mills said. Were going to move down there and just take a break for a while and see how everything plays out. May take a part-time job but right now I really dont have much in the works.

Ramirez said he plans to take time to relax and enjoy the down time that comes with retirement.

Im going to relax for a while. Do a lot of home projects and just spend some time resting for a short time, Ramirez said.

Keeven confirmed he does have individuals in mind to fill both Mills and Ramirezs spots in the department, and after receiving recent City Council approval, the departments personnel ordinance can now account for up to 45 officers total  this will account for an additional two probationary officers to join the EPD if needed.

Looking forward, Ramirez said he does have some words of wisdom for any newcomers who may join the ranks of the EPD.

Just stay close to the public because theyre who you work for but theyre also there for you. Good communication is the number one thing and if youre out, always get out of your car and meet with people because theyre your best allies, Ramirez said. Its a great city to work for and the people are always there. They always have your back. Make contacts, talk to people and just get to know the people you work with  work with and work for.

Mills said he is grateful for his career thus far and he looks forward to seeing the department expand and grow with the city.

I just want to thank the citizens of the city of Edwardsville for giving me a fine career and I hope that the city continues to grow and the police department continues to grow. I was just happy to be an employee, Mills said.

Ramirez was in agreement and said overall, its been a memorable experience working with the EPD and the city.

I appreciate everything that the city has given me and the police department has given me, Ramirez said. Its been a fun ride.
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Linkedin EDITORIAL (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, January 4, 2018 08:11 1779 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2fd4f63 4 Editorial #Editorial,Tourism-Ministry,customs-and-excise,Airport,travel,#travel Free

Indonesians traveling overseas can now buy more oleh-oleh (souvenirs) for their relatives after the Finance Ministry decided last week to double the maximum value of goods that can be brought in without duty to US$500 per person, much higher than the $125 imposed in Malaysia and $285 in Thailand.

The new regulation, which replaces the 2010 customs rule and became effective early this week, also expedites the customs check for durable goods, such as cameras and other electronics, brought in by travelers who intend to take them out of the country on departure. Customs tariffs have also been significantly eased with only a single, flat tariff of 10 percent  not different tariffs for different items  now imposed on the excess value of non-dutiable goods brought in by travelers.

The new regulation is further proof of the effectiveness of social media in prompting the government to quickly address peoples complaints about the quality of public services and arduous bureaucratic procedures.

The issue exploded a few months ago after viral videos and media stories covered Indonesian travelers returning from overseas, strongly protesting what they considered exorbitant customs duties and tariffs being slapped on goods they had brought home for personal use.

Most travelers seem to understand that everyone arriving at Indonesias ports of entry would be subject to customs checks on importing goods in excess of individual travelers allowances or on goods prohibited from entering the country. That is simply the border-crossing norm around the world.

But travelers considered the $250 ceiling for duty-free import goods per passenger as insensible, given the current per capita income of about $3,800, or even as high as $10,000, on the basis of purchasing power parity (PPP)  the exchange rate of the rupiah to the US dollar for buying the same amount of goods and services in the respective countries. The government also seemed more aware of the strong propensity of todays Indonesian travelers to bring home a wide variety of souvenirs for relatives.

A number of travelers have indeed tried to abuse the limited duty-free facility for importing goods, notably high-ticket items like designer handbags and luxury watches without paying the compulsory tariff and luxury sales tax. But still, the root of the public grievances aired last September was the too-low $250 ceiling.

According to the Tourism Ministry, more than 9 million Indonesians traveled overseas last year, notably to the free trade areas of Singapore and Hong Kong, and such travelers were well known for their high propensity for buying souvenirs for relatives at home and luxury fashion items.

The increased duty-free allowance for travelers will only have a negligible impact on state revenues. After all, the main objective of the customs service is not to raise revenues, but to prevent the smuggling of dutiable and excisable goods to protect the domestic manufacturing industry from unfair competition, as well as to facilitate export clearance.
Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh look all set to follow in the footsteps of Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma and get married this year.

By India Today Web Desk: Seems like Tinsel Town is all set to see yet another big Bollywood wedding. After Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma tying the knot in December last year, buzz has it that Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh too are taking the leap soon. If reports are to be believed, Ranveer and Deepika are getting engaged on Padukone's birthday, this Friday.

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Deepika, who turns 32 on January 5 this year, is apparently exchanging rings with her boyfriend of five years, Ranveer Singh. The couple is expected to be in Sri Lanka for the engagement, following in the footsteps of the country's other power couple, Virat and Anushka.

It is a known fact now that Virat and Anushka zeroed in on their wedding date last August, when the couple was in Sri Lanka. The Sharma family priest was in Sri Lanka to decide the dates for Virat and Anushka's wedding.

Deepika and Ranveer, who rang in the New Year at a luxury resort in Maldives with their respective families, are expected to fly to Sri Lanka for Deepika's birthday. After that, the engagement is supposed to take place in the island country, if the grapevine is to be believed.

The couple, who began dating on the sets of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 2013 film Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram Leela, have been together for about five years now. Several rumours of their break-up, followed by those of their patch-up, have made it to gossip columns over the last few years.

Deepika and Ranveer have had a tumultuous 2017 professionally, what with their film Padmavati not being allowed to release thanks to the controversy it created, but 2018 looks better for the couple.

While the CBFC has recently green-signalled the Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed Padmavati for release, after some modifications, Deepika and Ranveer now seem ready to take their relationship too to the next level.

A few months ago, Ranveer professed his love for Deepika, and that too on in public. In a video that was aired on a chat show, Ranveer said to Deepika, "There is nobody like you, god bless you. Love you a lot."

If Ranveer and Deepika are indeed tying the knot this year, we need to get over the gorgeous wedding that Virat and Anushka just had, and warm up for the next!

ALSO WATCH: Ranveer says his outlook on romantic relationships has evolved

--- ENDS ---
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Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Beijing  Thu, January 4, 2018 08:08 1779 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2fd416e 2 Environment Beijing,#beijing,air-pollution,#pollution,#airpollution Free

Air quality in China's notoriously smog-ridden capital in 2017 was the best since pollution control measures were implemented five years ago, the Beijing government announced Wednesday.

The city met its targets with year-on-year "improvement of regional air quality and overall favorable meteorological conditions", a statement posted on the Beijing Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau's website, said.

According to the bureau, the average PM2.5 level in 2017 was 58 micrograms per cubic meter -- down 20.5 percent from the year before.

PM2.5 is a measure of the density of hazardous particulate in the air. The World Health Organization recommends an annual PM2.5 level of 10 micrograms per cubic meter.

Beijing also recorded improvements in the density of other major pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and PM10, the latter also 20 percent lower than in 2016.

Read also: Car Free Day ineffective in reducing air pollution: Committee

And while the number of heavy pollution days decreased from 58 in 2013 to 23, Beijing also enjoyed 226 "good air" days last year -- 28 more than in 2016, the bureau said.

Li Xiang, a bureau employee, told the official Xinhua news agency that "demolition of coal-fired boilers, phasing out vehicles with high emission and upgrading of industrial structure" have all contributed to smog reduction.

In the last five years, she said, Beijing has shut down six cement plants and closed or upgraded nearly 2,000 companies in printing, casting, furniture manufacturing and other sectors.

The capital has experienced an unusual streak of clear air this winter, a season that is historically the worst for smog. In November, PM2.5 levels dropped 54 percent year-on-year.

Notably there has been absence of coal in at least three million homes surrounding Beijing, with many towns and cities newly equipped with gas or electric heaters.

However, some residents have complained of inconsistent or unaffordable heating in designated "no coal" zones in northern Hebei province.
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Linkedin Luh De Suriyani (The Jakarta Post) Denpasar  Thu, January 4, 2018 09:17 1779 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2fd6c0e 4 Lifestyle bali,disability,disability-equality,people-with-disabilities,disabled-people,disabled-workers Free

Remember, we may be healthy now and sit in a wheelchair the next moment.

Joyce Bender, the president and CEO of Bender Consulting Services, an internationally recognized leader in disability employment, reminded us about the possibility that we might become a part of the disabled community in the future.



She believes that everyone is now temporarily able. There could be an accident or illness that might cause the loss of physical abilities or lead to physical handicaps, forcing one to use a wheelchair, for example. That is why people should join forces to eradicate the stigma associated with the disability community.



Stigma is the big problem. People are looking down on them. They feel different. We dont want pity, we want paychecks, we want work, she said.



Through her consulting firm, Bender has over 20 years of experience channeling disabled people to the public and private sectors. She was in Denpasar, Bali, last year, to talk at a forum attended by companies and institutions in Bali that had employed people with disabilities.

Joyce Bender, the president and CEO of Bender Consulting Services, an internationally recognized leader in disability employment, reminded us about the possibility that we might become a part of the disabled community in the future. (JP/Luh De Suriyani)

Facilitated by the Consulate General of the United States, Surabaya, the forum, which was attended by 15 companies, was held at the Annika Linden Center, a community empowerment center for social entrepreneurs and NGOs in Denpasar.



Bender called people who hired people with disabilities champions for having freed them from the stigma of being unproductive.



You are a champion, she said during the session.



Bender shared her story of how she worked towards creating a bridge between employers and disabled job seekers. In 1985, she had a cerebral hemorrhage, brought on by epilepsy, which required brain surgery. It left her with 60 percent hearing in one ear and the awareness that she had epilepsy.



The incident happened when she was watching a film at home. The movie was long and after taking a break she decided to buy popcorn. She had convulsions, fell down and fainted, which resulted in a severe head injury.



I was in a coma and had to undergo surgery or die, she recalled.



After recovering, Bender has since strived to ensure that people with disabilities find work in all sectors, including elite institutions in the US such as the National Security Agency (NSA).



In 1999, she received the Presidents Award from former president Bill Clinton and in 2003 she was given the Bush administrations New Freedom Initiative Award.



You cannot be discriminative because of disabilities. Epilepsy is only part of my identity, said the host of Disability Matters with Joyce Bender, a weekly internet talk radio show on voiceamerica.com.

Stronger: President and CEO of Bender Consulting Services Joyce Bender (center right, second row) poses with participants of the sharing session at the Annika Linden Center in Denpasar, Bali. (JP/Luh De Suriyani)

During the sharing session with Bender, a representative from the Alila Seminyak hotel chain shared videos of how Sudi Arsana, a deaf employee, interacted with his co-workers. His peers are now learning sign language.



Bagus Jelantik, Alila Seminyaks room division manager, said for a year Sudi had worked in a sales unit store and made headway as a room attendant. We do not have a lot of difficulties. We share love, texting with paper.

In Bali, there are communities and platforms that help people with disabilities to gain access to the workplace. The Dnetwork organization, for example, provides a platform for prospective employers and businesses to inform the community about job opportunities.



Two physically disabled Alfamart workers in Bali, Ketut Santiyara and July, were proud to share how they joined the company.



I followed the usual work procedure like an interview, briefing, psychological test and job training, Santiyara said.



There were also many other heartwarming stories from other employees.



Adi, a deaf waiter at the Fairmont Hotel in Sanur, said he was working in the breakfast room one day when a guest asked for some fruit. Because the guest did not realize he was deaf, Adi took a piece of paper and pen and asked the guest to draw the requested fruit. The guest got his fruit, felt happy and respected the way Adi worked.



The sharing experience with Bender boosted the spirit to break the stigma of disability.



All business representatives, who attended the forum, stated that their disabled workers had been doing their jobs with good manners, completed their work on time and took part in providing solutions.
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Linkedin Sohn Ji-young (The Korea Herald/Asia News Network)  Thu, January 4, 2018 14:01 1779 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2fe478e 2 Health WHO,gaming,addiction,South-Korea,health,mental-health,#health Free

The World Health Organizations latest decision to classify gaming addiction as an official mental health disorder this year has ignited an international controversy.

The issue is gaining particular attention in South Korea -- home to a strong gaming industry and an avid gaming population -- which has long been caught between the responsibility to fight adolescent game addiction and the need to promote the countrys thriving gaming sector.

Last week, the WHO revealed plans to recognize gaming disorder as a mental health condition in its next revision of the International Classification of Diseases to be finalized in May this year.

As a result, it will place addiction to video games -- both online and offline games -- in the same category as substance abuse and gambling addiction.

A beta draft of the WHOs 11th ICD describes gaming disorder as a pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming behavior that is so severe that gaming takes precedence over other life interests and daily activities.

It also stipulates that the condition involves a continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences and results in significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning.

Read also: Chinese teen internet addict dies after rehab

For a diagnosis to be assigned, the behaviors and features of gaming addiction are normally evident for a period of at least 12 months, though the required duration may be shortened if the symptoms are severe, it said.

This is not the first time that gaming addiction has been identified as a major public health issue and governments around the world have made formal and informal moves to address it.

In the case of Korea, the government has placed a law that bans children under the age of 16 from accessing online games between midnight and 6 a.m., though its effectiveness has been challenged.

Initiated in November 2011, the so-called shutdown law mandates online game companies to program their games to automatically shut out minors during the designated six-hour timeframe.

Its proponents argue that the law protects minors from an environment that is more likely to lead to game addiction, while critics say the law breaches the freedom of choice, unjustly vilifies games as a whole, and brings more losses than gains.

The law has caused economic damages as well. According to a 2015 report from the Korea Economic Research Institute, the shutdown law led the Korean gaming market to shrink by roughly 1.16 trillion won (US$1.09 billion).

And although the KERI report concluded that the law would save 37 billion won in societal costs, it estimated that these savings would be five times larger if a selective approach was used  meaning the shutdown is not applied unilaterally, but enforced only when a parent requests it.

While recognizing the problems of gaming addiction and the need for solutions, the Korean gaming sector cited concerns over a medical labeling of the condition and its potential to cast all video games in a negative light.

Read also: Does playing action video games change your brain?

Its worrisome that the WHO is pushing to medicalize game addiction as a formal mental disorder while the medical community believes there is still a lack of objective evidence to define and diagnose gaming addiction, an official from the Korea Association of Game Industry told The Korea Herald.

If the WHO decides to incorporate gaming addiction (into its ICD revisions), it will bolster negative perceptions toward online video games, he said. Its particularly concerning as games are part of a cultural content business that is sensitive to public opinion.

An official from a local gaming company, who declined to be named, said that the change has the potential to blur the line between enthusiastic gamers and gaming addicts, particularly in the view of concerned parents.

If gaming addiction does get included in the revised ICD in May, the change is most likely to be reflected in the disease categorization systems of countries worldwide including Korea.

Right now, the medical community does not recognize gaming addiction as a formal disorder. The latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published in 2013 and referred to by many psychiatrists, lists internet gaming disorder as a condition for further study.

Topics :

This article appeared on The Korea Herald newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, January 4, 2018 10:08 1779 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2fd7a7e 2 City AssaultCase,smartphone,workplace,North-Jakarta Free

Restaurant staff members Reski, 19, and Praguna, 18, were arrested by Kelapa Gading Police in North Jakarta for allegedly attacking their manager who scolded them for playing games on their phones during work hours.

The victim, Tedy Taniwan, 35, confiscated the phones from the suspects and refused to give them back. Irked, Reski took a meat cleaver from the kitchen and attempted to slash the victim but he managed to dodge it.

During work on Monday, the two suspects were playing games on their phones. The victim then took their phones and refused to give them back despite repeated requests from the suspects, Kelapa Gading Police chief Comr. Arif Fazlurrahman said on Wednesday, as quoted by tribunnews.com.

Reski swung the knife, which nearly hit the victims head. Praguna then hit him with a plastic chair injuring the victims hands, Arif added.

The scuffle ended after security officers led the perpetrators and the victim out of the restaurant. The suspects then allegedly proceeded to launch another attack on the victim outside the restaurant.

The victim reported the case to the police who arrested the suspects on Wednesday.

The police took the knife and the chair in as evidence. (fac/wit)
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Linkedin Ni Komang Erviani (The Jakarta Post) Denpasar, Bali  Thu, January 4, 2018 17:00 1779 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2febccd 2 National Australian-citizen,bali,Volcano,Mount-Agung Free

Two Australian citizens were questioned after they attempted to hike up Mount Agung in Bali on Thursday.

Ricky Tonacia, 34, and Jack Dennaro, 26, were stopped by authorities when they started to hike the rumbling volcano despite warnings.

My intention was to see the top of the volcano, Tonacia said in a statement.

Karangasem Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Wayan Gede Ardana said the Australian men had started to climb the mountain at 1 a.m. local time.

They had traveled to Karangasem from Canggu, in South Bali. It was reported that their driver had warned them.

They knew people had been banned from hiking the volcano. But they insisted on doing so, Ardana said.

He further said that they were caught when their driver and guide picked them up at around 10 a.m. We only interrogated them and warned them not to do it again, Ardana said.

Both men were questioned for about an hour and then released.

They failed to reach the summit. At the halfway point, they decided to go back down because of bad weather. They were not able to see anything because of thick fog," said Gede Pawana, chairman of Pasebaya, a community comprising leaders of 28 villages dedicated to Mt. Agung mitigation works. (ebf)

Australians Ricky Tonacia, 34, and Jack Dennaro, 26, explain why they decided to climb Mount Agung in a handwritten statement. (Courtesy of Pasebaya/File)
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Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Sydney, Australia  Thu, January 4, 2018 13:28 1779 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2fe39dd 2 World Australia,travel,backpackers,drugs Free

Nine foreign backpackers, including five from France, were rushed to hospital in various states of "agitated delirium" after ingesting a travel sickness drug they mistook for cocaine and falling seriously ill, Australian authorities and reports said.

Three of them -- two French and one German -- remained in hospital Thursday after paramedics were called to a house in the Perth suburb of Victoria Park Tuesday night.

The seven men and two women aged between 21-25 took the drug Hyoscine and fell into an unconscious or semi-conscious state, Western Australia Police said.

Royal Perth Hospital emergency doctor David McCutcheon said late Wednesday the trio were "still in a critical condition".

"Several of these people would have died I'm pretty sure without medical intervention," he told the West Australian newspaper, adding that the nine were brought to hospital "in a state of agitated delirium".

"They were hallucinating, their hearts were racing, several of them had to be put in a medically induced coma for their own protection and I really need to emphasise how seriously unwell they were."

Backpackers leaving a mass drug overdose home in Victoria Park on Tuesday night refuse to speak to the media and have nothing to say. #abcperth #perthnews #wanews pic.twitter.com/d7TiM9gGiG  Graeme Powell (@GraemePowell3) January 3, 2018

WA Police said the prescription drug Hyoscine -- also known as Scopolamine, which is used in low doses as a sedative and for the treatment of travel sickness -- was the only identifiable drug detected in the samples taken from the patients.

The drug has gained notoriety internationally from its use as a truth serum.

One victim, an Italian who gave his name as Simone, told the West Australian the drug arrived at the house in a package addressed to a person who did not live there anymore.

When the residents opened the package, they found some white powder wrapped in a piece of paper with the word "scoop" written on it.

Thinking it was cocaine, they divided the powder up and snorted the substance, Simone said, telling the newspaper that he then became paralysed and could not scream for help.

"We were powerless, we couldn't do anything," he added.

A neighbour told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation the nine were suffering from seizures and had glassed eyes when they were taken from the house on stretchers.

"It was so scary to look at... A lot of them were shaking and trying to get out of the bed, but I don't think they knew they were doing it", Sophie Barnet said.

Topics : Australia travel backpackers drugs
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Bekasi  Thu, January 4, 2018 19:57 1778 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2ff4e40 1 City #Bekasi,#lung,#diseases,#hospital Free

The Bekasi administration has disbursed Rp 70 billion (US$4.9 million) to build a hospital that specializes in treating patients with lung disease.

We started building it in December, said Bekasi Housing, Settlements and Land Agencys construction and building department head, Inryd Arieswaty, on Thursday as quoted by tempo.co.

The four-story hospital will be located on Jl. Mayor Oking, East Bekasi. The administration aims to complete its construction by the end of the year to start serving patients in 2019.

Built on a 1,533-square-meter plot of land, the hospital can accommodate up to 100 inpatients.

Separately, the Bekasi Health Agencys disease prevention and control department head, Dezi Syukrawati, said the number of Tuberculosis (TB) patients remained high in the area.

The agency recorded 11,960 TB patients in 2016, a slight decrease from 12,831 patients in 2015.

Separately, Bekasi General Hospital director Kusnanto Saidi said it was about time Bekasi had a special hospital for lung disease patients, as more than 100 people sought treatment in the pulmonary clinic in his hospital every day. (wnd)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, January 4, 2018 17:06 1779 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2fed788 1 Politics Democratic-party,Susilo-Bambang-Yudhoyono,SBY,Hinca-Pandjaitan,2018-regional-election,Sylviana-Murni,Jakarta-gubernatorial-election,#2018RegionalElections Free

The Democratic Party called a meeting on Wednesday led by party chairman Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to discuss matters concerning the partys contenders in regional elections.

There has been arbitrary and unfair treatment of [the Democratic Party] and its cadres who have or will contest elections, Democratic Party secretary-general Hinca Panjaitan said.

He mentioned as an example Sylviana Murni, who was backed by the Democratic Party to be the running mate of Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, who ran for Jakarta governor last year.

Sylviana was questioned regarding a graft case just before the election.

Hinca said in the latest incident, which prompted the party to hold the meeting, Syaharie Jaang and Rizal Effendi, a candidate pair supported by the Democratic Party in the 2018 North Kalimantan gubernatorial election, had been summoned by the police in connection with a different graft case.

Hinca said the summons was sent after Syaharie declined an offer by a political party to be the running mate of North Kalimantan Police chief Insp. Gen. Safaruddin in a regional election.

This is unfair treatment. Pak Syaharie was asked several times to pair with [Safaruddin] and it was implied that if he rejected the offer, there could be a legal case against him.

A couple of days later, Syaharie and Rizal were summoned by the National Polices Criminal Investigation Department for questioning. This can be regarded as intervention by law enforcers, Hinca said. (nmn/ebf)
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Linkedin Arya Dipa (The Jakarta Post) Bandung, West Java  Thu, January 4, 2018 21:45 1778 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2ff6fbc 1 Politics Golkar,GolkarParty,Democratic-party,Deddy-Mizwar,West-Java,2018-West-Java-gubernatorial-election,#2018RegionalElections Free

MQ Iswara, the Golkar Partys West Java campaign manager, said the party would declare on Jan. 9 its candidates for the West Java gubernatorial election.

We will declare it at Sasana Budaya Ganesha [Sabuga] before we register them with the General Elections Commission [KPU] in the afternoon, Iswara said in Bandung on Thursday.

The Golkar Party and the Democratic Party have formed a coalition and reportedly intend to support the candidacy of West Java Deputy Governor Deddy Mizwar and Purwakarta Regent Dedi Mulyadi in the election. Iswara did not respond to a question about whether Deddy or Dedi would be the governor candidate.

Iswara said the coalition was ready to support the ticket in the race against other candidates, such as Bandung Mayor Ridwan Kamil, who has reportedly started communicating with the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P).

Ridwan reportedly will be paired with former West Java Police chief Anton Charliyan.

We are promoting our candidates commitments and capabilities. I believe that people in West Java are smart enough to judge and choose the best people to lead the province for the next five years, he said.

Candidate registration will be open from Jan.8 to 10. (vla/ebf)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, January 4, 2018 11:08 1779 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2fdaa41 4 Business poverty-alleviation,bambang-brodjonegoro,poverty-rate,target,2018 Free

National Development Planning Minister Bambang Brodjonegoro has said that the government plans to lower the poverty rate to below 10 percent this year, from the 10.2 percent recorded late last year.

"[A poverty rate of] 10.12 percent is the lowest [recorded] in Indonesian history. We hope it will fall below 10 percent this year," said Bambang on Wednesday, after attending a plenary Cabinet meeting at the State Palace in Jakarta, Antara reported .

On Tuesday, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) announced that the number of people living below the poverty line was 26.58 million in September 2017, or 10.12 percent of the total population.

The Indonesian poverty rate was 11.13 percent in September 2015 and 10.70 percent in September 2016.

Bambang, who is also head of the National Development Planning Board (Bappenas), said he had spoken to members of the House of Representatives about the government's poverty eradication target.

He added that although the poverty rate could be lowered, the government was still addressing the problems faced by people living in extreme poverty.

"We must improve their living standards by ensuring that social assistance reaches them this year," he stressed. (bbn)
According to the bill, websites would have to say who is financing them and the amount of money for sponsored content would be capped.

By India Today Web Desk: French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a bill to combat fake news.

President Macron said that during elections, tougher rules will be put on content shared on social media. President Macron said that lies are being propagated over social media at a cost of few thousand euros.

"Thousands of propaganda accounts on social networks are spreading all over the world, in all languages, lies invented to tarnish political officials, personalities, public figures, journalists," he said.

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He came out strongly in support of press freedom and said that it is the "highest expression of freedom". "Journalists are the first threatened by propaganda," he said.

"Press freedom is not only attacked by dictatorships, it is also battered in countries that are democracies including in Europe," he added.

According to the new law, websites would have to say who is financing them and the amount of money for sponsored content would be capped.

In the case of fake news, an emergency legal action could allow French authorities to suppress that content or even block access to the website, Macron said.

He said that deliberate attempts were being made to blur lines between truth and lies and undermine people's faith in liberal democracy.

Talking about net neutrality, President Macron said France and European Union should consider "the consequences" of US' recent decision to eliminate net neutrality protections for the internet.

Macron has also urged his ministers to rapidly push on with measures to reform France's economy, security apparatus and immigration policies.

Topping his agenda in the first half of 2018 is a bill to address France's high unemployment through better training of jobless workers.

Macron's government is also planning a strategic review of the French military, a bill to better understand immigration into the country and measures to combat violence against women.

--- ENDS ---
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, January 4 2018

Restaurant staff members Reski, 19, and Praguna, 18, were arrested by Kelapa Gading Police in North Jakarta for allegedly attacking their manager who scolded them for playing games on their phones during work hours.

The victim, Tedy Taniwan, 35, confiscated the phones from the suspects and refused to give them back.

Irked, Reski took a meat cleaver from the kitchen and attempted to slash the victim but he managed to dodge it.

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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, January 4 2018

A man was arrested on Tuesday night in Grogol, West Jakarta, for allegedly attempting to burn his wife alive during a domestic dispute.

According to West Jakarta Police general crimes head Comr. Adj. Rulian Syauri, the domestic dispute occurred after the man, identified as IA, accused his wife of cheating.

Rulian said IA believed that his wife, NI, was having an affair and became furious when she denied the accusation.

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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, January 4 2018

Thousand Islands regency has proposed the procurement of 12 boats to be included in the 2018 city budget to support mobility in the area.

Regent Irmansyah said the regency needed two hearse boats to ease funeral transportation, while five boats had been proposed by the water transportation unit of the transportation agency and four had been proposed by the regency administration. The education agency had also asked for a boat.

We will hold a limited meeting soon to ensure that the boats procured are up to standard, he said as quoted by beritajakarta.id, adding that he expected the boats to be available before the commencement of the Asian Games.

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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, January 4 2018

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is set to appeal a Jakarta Corruption Court verdict in a graft case involving businessman Andi Agustinus, also known as Andi Narogong.

KPK prosecutors have demanded that the court include information that was reportedly missing from the verdict read out on Dec. 21, according to KPK spokesman Febri Diansyah.

The sentence matched the demand [of eight years imprisonment], but we demand the court include in the verdict the results of our investigation, which found the possible involvement of several other parties in the e-ID case, he said on Tuesday.

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Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Jerusalem  Thu, January 4, 2018 18:26 1779 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2ff1b54 2 World Israel,Palestine,protest,probe Free

Israel's military said Thursday it was opening an investigation into the death of a wheelchair-bound Gazan man, with Palestinian officials saying he was shot by a sniper during clashes with Israeli forces.

Ibrahim Abu Thurayeh, a 29-year-old whose family said had lost his legs in a 2008 Israeli strike, was shot in the head by a sniper during protests and clashes along the Gaza border on December 15, according to the health ministry in Gaza.

The United Nations' human rights chief said he was "truly shocked" by Abu Thurayeh's death and demanded an "independent and impartial investigation".

Read also: UN slams 'shocking' killing of disabled Palestinian protester

On Thursday, Israel's military announced it was opening a probe into his death, after previously saying it was not able to determine whether he had been killed by its soldiers' fire.

"As stated previously, the IDF's (Israel Defence Forces) operational review concluded that no live fire was aimed at Abu Thurayeh," it said in a statement.

"Based on the information gathered during the review, it was not possible to determine whether Abu Thurayeh was injured as a result of riot dispersal means or what caused his death.

"In order to further examine the case, including information received from organisations operating in the Gaza Strip, it was decided that the circumstances of (Abu) Thurayeh's death will also be examined by a military police investigation."

AFP photographers have seen Abu Thurayeh at multiple demonstrations in recent years.

In video footage recorded the day he was killed, Abu Thurayeh could be seen carrying the Palestinian flag and waving the victory sign at Israeli soldiers across the border.

The protest on December 15 was part of unrest that has occurred in the Palestinian territories since US President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

Fourteen Palestinians have been killed since Trump's December 6 announcement, most of them in clashes with Israeli forces.

Topics : Israel Palestine protest probe
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, January 4, 2018 16:57 1779 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2fe9db3 1 Business capital-city-relocation,bambang-brodjonegoro,Jokowi Free

National Development Planning (Bappenas) Board head Bambang Brodjoneoro said on Thursday that he had handed over the concept plan for the capital city relocation project to President Joko Jokowi Widodo.

As previously reported, President Jokowi had assigned Bappenas to carry out an initial study on the relocation project. The President said the capital relocation was needed as Jakarta was overcrowded. The plan, however, has been met with criticism, with opposition saying there are more urgent projects that require government attention. Bambang said the President had yet to comment on the concept.

Bambang was reluctant to disclose the budget for the capital relocation. He only said that it was more than Rp 1 trillion (US$70 million).

He stressed that the funds would not only come from the state budget but also from private companies. We have been in talks with private companies about their interest in cooperating with the government in the project, Bambang said as reported by kontan.co.id.

Several cities in Kalimantan, such as Palangka Raya and Balik Papan, are among cities reportedly being considered. (bbn)
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Linkedin Gemma Holliani Cahya (The Jakarta Post) Bogor, West Java  Thu, January 4, 2018 18:56 1779 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2ff27ce 1 National Jokowi,Joko-Widodo,Cultural,cultural-heritage,CulturalHeritage,CulturalPreservation Free

More than 80 tribal rulers and sultans from areas across the archipelago met President Joko Jokowi Widodo at Bogor Palace on Thursday.

I will not say anything, I just want to listen to the honorable rulers, sultans, princes and princesses who are present today about problems that they face in their respective regions, the President said.

Tribal leaders and heads of kingdoms attending the event praised Jokowis initiative to meet with them, saying it showed his commitment to preserving cultural heritage.

We highly appreciate this move, said Edward Syah Pernong, the sultan of Kepaksian Skala Brak in Lampung.

From September to January, we have met Pak Jokowi four times. We met him in Cirebon [West Java], Medan [North Sumatra] and twice at this palace. The President not only respects us, he truly loves our culture and us.

After listening to the leaders insights, Jokowi promised he would find solutions to the problems they faced, including allocating funds to revitalize damaged palaces.

I want the palaces totally renovated. Maybe we can fix three or five palaces every year. I will estimate the budget first, he said.

Jokowi said he would hold a limited meeting to discuss fund allocation and the issuance of the palaces land certificates. (ebf)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, January 4, 2018 19:28 1779 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2ff46cb 1 National KontraS,Maluku,Papua,human-rights,human-rights-abuse,persecution Free

The Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) has called on the government to speed up the legal process of two persecution cases allegedly committed by military and police officers against civilians in Maluku and Papua.

On Thursday, Kontras said it had assisted in the legal process of the cases involving La Gode in Taliabu, South Maluku, and Isak in Kimaam, Merauke in Papua. Both were reportedly tortured to death by security officers.

In La Godes case, the police have named 10 people as suspects but they have not yet revealed who they are, whether they have been detained and which law they have been charged with, said the commissions coordinator, Yati Andriyani.

The activist further added that three members of the Yalet 755 Infantry Battalion had allegedly tortured Isak to death in November 2017 in Merauke, Papua. Kontras investigation revealed that the military had not taken immediate action to tackle the problem or named a suspect in the case.

Instead, the military gave the victims family condolence money to hold a funeral procession, Yati said.

She added that the police, as a law enforcement institution, had also abandoned the case.

Yati raised concerns that the military and police officers in remote areas often failed to do their job of providing security and safety to people. She was disappointed that the personnel chose to hand out an amount of money to the victims family instead of taking full responsibility. (vla/ebf)
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Linkedin Winda A. Charmila (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, January 4, 2018 14:37 1779 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2fe53ea 1 City #Police,#LBH,#Jakarta,#AssaultCase,#LBHJakarta Free

Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH Jakarta) has filed a legal petition after the South Jakarta Police stopped its investigation into a 2016 case that allegedly involved police and public order agency (Satpol PP) officers assaulting one of its lawyers, Alldo Fellix Januardy.

LBH Jakarta filed the petition on Jan. 3 along with the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute (YLBHI), the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) and the Ciliwung Merdeka community, which is grouped under the Advocacy for Human Rights Defenders (TAP-HAM).

Alldo, a public lawyer, represented the Bukit Duri residents who were beaten during the Jan.12, 2016 forced eviction of the area.

LBH Jakarta lawyer Nelson Simamora said Alldo had asked the police and Satpol PP officers to respect the legal process that the Bukit Duri residents were pursuing at the time, a lawsuit they had filed with the Jakarta Administrative Court.

Instead of respecting the legal process, five officers from Satpol PP and the police assaulted him. [] Alldo was also dragged about 20 meters, which was witnessed by several people on the scene, Nelson said recently in a statement.

Alldo suffered severe bruising from the incident, and his glasses and mobile phone were destroyed. He was also threatened with arrest, if he tried to block the eviction.

Alldo filed a report with the Jakarta Police on the same day and the case was delegated to the South Jakarta Police, but faced undue delays in its investigation.

Nelson said that the investigation into the assault had not moved forward by December 2016, and Alldo received an offer to settle the case out of court and withdraw his report.

TAP-HAM is calling for a judicial panel to reexamine the case and order the Jakarta Police to continue with its investigation.

We also urge the Jakarta Police to proceed objectively and transparently in the legal process. We call upon the Indonesian police to protect human rights defenders and respect public lawyers in performing their duties, Nelson said.
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Linkedin Jon Afrizal (The Jakarta Post) Jambi  Thu, January 4, 2018 21:01 1778 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2ff67c5 1 National embezzlement,Jambi,Jambi-Police,Trade Free

The Tanjungjabung Barat Police in Jambi are on the hunt for a Malaysian businessman who allegedly embezzled Rp 22 billion (US$1.5 million) from local betel nut traders.

The police had contacted immigration authorities to prevent Harjid Singh, the embezzlement suspect and president director of betel nut processing company PT Sari Nurto, from traveling overseas, Tanjungjabung Barat Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. ADG Sinaga said, adding that the police had yet to locate him.

The police were digging deeper into the case. We had questioned 12 people who filed reports, he said on Wednesday.

A warehouse owned by the company was sealed by the police in Sungai Sare village, Bram Itam district, as a security measure.

The first reports of alleged embezzlement were filed in late December, when traders reported they had not been paid by the company.

One trader, Andi Nawir, said he suffered Rp 350 million in losses as he had sold betel nuts to the company for the past six months.

He said he was interested in selling the nuts to Singh as his company bought them at high prices. The company offered to pay traders Rp 20,000 to Rp 22,000 per kilogram of betel nut, higher than the average market price of Rp 16,000 per kilogram.

The company usually paid after three deliveries. Up to 10 tons for each delivery [were allowed], Andi said, adding that, after he and other traders received no payments, they filed reports to the police. (vla/rin)
The family alleged repeated surgeries led to complications and the 22-year-old patient, Sunil Kumar, was put on life support in the hospital.The hospital has charged over Rs 84 lakh so far.

By PTI, Press Trust of India: The family of a patient admitted to a private hospital in Gurgaon has accused the facility of medical negligence and charging exorbitant amount for its services.

The family has lodged a complaint with the Haryana chief ministers office and also written to state health minister Anil Vij, seeking action against the upscale Paras Hospital.

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The hospital has denied the charges.

According to the family, Sunil Kumar, 22, was admitted to the hospital in June last year with head and spine injuries, which he had suffered during a dive into a canal in Hisar.

He was first operated upon at a private hospital in Hisar, but Kumar remained unconscious after the surgery there, the family said.

"Upon recommendation of doctors in Hisar, we admitted Kumar at Paras Hospital in Gurgaon for consultancy in the neurology department on June 16, 2017. The doctors of Paras Hospital insisted on transferring the case to ENT department," said Jagbir Singh, maternal uncle of Kumar.

The doctors recommended for surgery in spine again in the same area, but Kumar's family objected to the advice.

"We have objected the surgery of spine in neck area and repeatedly asked for the treatment of neurology. Our request was turned down, citing the treatment done in other hospital was irrelevant and they (Paras Hospital) would treat patient from the beginning," Singh said.

"The doctors have done the surgery of the same neck area and planted an iron rod to support the spinal cord," he said, adding that even after the surgery for the second time Kumar's condition deteriorated due to internal wounds.

"The doctors then decided to remove the metal rod from the neck. They operated again for it," Singh said.

The family alleged repeated surgeries led to complications and Kumar was now on life support in the hospital.

They have also accused the hospital of charging huge money. As per the bill, the hospital has charged more than Rs 83 lakh so far, and the family has deposited Rs nine lakh.

When contacted, Dr Neeraj Bishnoi, Facility Director of Paras Hospital, Gurgaon, said in a statement: "The patient Sunil Kumar (22) has been admitted in the hospital since 16th June 2017, more than 6 months. He came to the hospital with spine injury operated at a hospital in Hisar and was operated upon by super specialists in our hospital.

"The treatment has been given in consent with the attendants and the health condition and outcomes have been regularly updated to them. The hospital is regularly in touch with the authorities from the CMO Office and has shared all relevant documents," Bishnoi said.

He also added, hospital has waived off Rs 42 lakh from the actual bill.

--- ENDS ---
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Linkedin Joanna CHIU / Ryan MCMORROW (AFP) Beijing  Thu, January 4, 2018 11:25 1779 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2fdc1f6 2 World migrant-workers,Beijing,economy Free

They fuelled their nation's dramatic economic rise, toiling in jobs far from home, but China's migrant workers are now finding themselves increasingly unwelcome as authorities try to cap the population explosions in key cities.

Lin Huiqing moved to Beijing to look for work when his children were still in diapers.

For the last eighteen years, he has seen his family just once a year, the rest spent doing the hard labor most Beijingers would prefer to avoid.

The 50-year-old is one of hundreds of millions of migrants who moved from the countryside to the cities, a colossal demographic shift that made China's ascent possible.

But last month Lin was evicted from the village where he lived on the capital's outskirts, another victim of a city-wide demolition plan to limit Beijing's population to 23 million by 2020 -- a target that could come at the cost of its economy.

"If I go home, I have no way to support my wife and kids," Lin lamented.

According to the Communist Party mouthpiece People's Daily, the city plans to demolish 40 million square meters of "illegal" structures.

Many are the homes and shops of low-income migrants like Lin.

When he first arrived in Beijing, Lin and his friends pooled their money and took out loans to purchase delivery trucks.

He made a living hauling the wares of small-scale shopkeepers and traders, but the moving business has taken a hit as the city condemns buildings en masse, evicting tens of thousands into the winter cold.

"Our customers are commoners like us," he said. "With their small businesses shut down, there's no stock for us to move. We're basically unemployed now."

- 'Can't make it here anymore' -

Authorities say the campaign, which kicked into high gear after a fire in an illegal structure killed 19 in November, is needed to clean the city up once and for all.

But it is also removing vibrant chunks of Beijing's economy, such as retail and small-scale manufacturing, and throwing into chaos other sectors like delivery, the bedrock of the booming e-commerce trade.

Relegated to the periphery, migrants have kept China's economy humming, handling the difficult, dirty and sometimes dangerous work that the city's permanent residents won't do.

Urban industries like construction, domestic work and sanitation are almost completely staffed by migrants.

Eli Friedman, an associate professor of international and comparative labor at Cornell University, said China's biggest cities "simply cannot function without migrant workers".

"If every non-local were to actually be removed from cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, these economic engines for the whole country would completely collapse," he told AFP.

But that is exactly what is happening, said Li Ning, one of the 60,000 delivery drivers who criss-cross Beijing's streets.

Li was recently evicted from a village on the city's outskirts, forcing him into an apartment where the rent quadrupled.

Then authorities came for his delivery company's warehouse, forcing staff to sort packages on the sidewalk and sending his income plummeting.

"In Beijing all the migrants are leaving. We can't make it here anymore," he said, adding he plans to leave for good during the upcoming spring festival.

Another delivery franchise owner surnamed Wang said she will "give up" if authorities knock down her current warehouse, which they marked in black paint with the character "chai" -- (demolish) -- in mid-December.

She had just moved in December 1, after she had to close two other delivery hubs this year, forcing her to cut her work force from 240 couriers to 60.

"There's no stability. I don't know what I'll be facing tomorrow," she said, tears welling in her eyes.

- 'Now we have to start over' -

The demolitions have also hit Beijing's retail sector, decimating once affordable mom and pop shops and pushing consumers online or into high-end malls.

Two years ago, Ge Guoxiang moved with his wife from their home province of Jiangsu to take over his brother's textiles stall.

It had thrived for over 20 years in Beijing's Tuanjiehu Tianyu market. But three months ago, they received notice that authorities will shutter the market.

Dozens of small-scale community markets have been forced to shut down this year -- including the iconic Beijing Zoo market, where hundreds of merchants organized rare street protests against the evictions.

Officials said they have designated certain areas in the neighboring Hebei province where merchants can move their businesses to.

But Ge is unconvinced.

"It takes years for businesses like ours to build up clientele. Now we have to start over," he said.

"Our clients are mostly older people who don't know how to shop online. Where will they go?"
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Linkedin Rachmadea Aisyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, January 4, 2018 16:55 1779 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2fe9296 1 Business capital-city-relocation,land-acquisition,bambang-brodjonegoro Free

The government is pressing ahead with its plan to relocate the capital city, but it has not prepared funds for land acquisition to minimize spending, said National Development Planning Minister Bambang Brodjonegoro on Thursday.

"[Among criteria for the new capital city] is the availability of cleared land," Bambang told reporters on the sidelines of an event in Jakarta.

Bambang handed over the capital city relocation plan to President Joko Jokowi Widodo on Wednesday, however, he said the President had yet to comment on the plan.

Once the President approved the concept, the relocation team would assess the technical details of the plan, said Bambang.

Bambang, who is also head of the National Development Planning Board (Bappenas), said the government would seek support from the House of Representatives.

"We will also require political support from the House because we will need a law to support the establishment of a new capital city."

He reasserted that the new capital would be located outside of Java, but refused to provide details on the possible new capitals or when the relocation would take place. (bbn)
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Linkedin Rizal Harahap (The Jakarta Post) Pekanbaru, Riau  Thu, January 4, 2018 19:13 1779 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2ff39a8 1 National #animal-attack,#SumatranTiger,Sumatran-tiger,Riau,#Riau Free

A farmer named Jumiati, 30, was mauled to death by a tiger on Wednesday morning while working in an oil palm plantation in Pelangiran district, Indragiri Hilir regency, Riau.



Pelangiran Police chief First Insp. Muhammad Rafi said that the tiger, believed to be a Sumatran tiger, appeared without warning at around 10 a.m. in an area where Jumiati and two other workers, Yusmawati and Fitriyanti, were pruning weeds and recording data on oil palm trees.

The plantation is owned by PT Tabung Haji Indo Plantation (THIP).



Upon spotting the animal, the three immediately fled the scene, but the tiger was still able to corner them.



"To save themselves, they climbed the 2-meter-high oil palm trees. But the tiger caught Jumiati by the leg and she fell out of her tree," Rafi said. "According to [Yusmawati and Fitriyanti], Jumiati wrestled with the tiger until it bit her in the neck."

The two waited in the trees for two hours until a truck carrying workers passed by during their lunch break.



They later reported the incident to the Pelangiran Police.



"But the tiger had gone [by the time officers arrived]. We found [Jumiatis] body in the bushes, Rafi said.



Several days before the incident, several Pelangiran residents reported about a tiger wandering into their neighborhood.



Riau Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) spokesperson Dian Indriati said the BKSDA was still unable to confirm whether it was a Sumatran tiger that attacked Jumiati, pending an ongoing assessment. (vla/ipa)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, January 4, 2018 09:00 1779 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2fd6185 4 Business OJK,Mount-Agung,business,treatment Free

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has issued a regulation to provide special treatment for businesses in Karangasem regency, Bali, who were affected most by the recent eruption of Mount Agung.

The OJK believes special treatment is needed to help the businesses recover.

The policy includes loan restructuring for debtors who were affected by the natural disaster, Anton Prabowo, OJK commissioner for strategic management and logistics affairs, said in Jakarta on Wednesday as reported by kompas.com.

The policy, which is stipulated in the Council of OJK Commissioners Decision No. 20/KDK.03/2017, was issued on Dec. 29, 2017 and will be effective for three years.

According to the OJK, eight districts in Karangasem regency were affected by Mt. Agungs eruption in November 2017, namely Abang, Bebandem, Karangasem, Kubu, Manggis, Rendang, Sidemen and Selat.

Karangasem Regent I Gusti Ayu Mas Sumantri has previously said that many debtors in the regency were hoping to restructure their debts to ease their financial burden following the eruption.

Tourist arrivals in Bali has dropped to 2,000 visitors per day from the usual 15,000 since Mt. Agung began showing volcanic activity, according to Tourism Minister Arief Yahya. (bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, January 4, 2018 21:00 1778 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2ff5f1a 2 Business exports,trade-agreement,FTA,CEPA,Trade-Ministry Free

Indonesia seeks to initiate negotiations on trade agreements under both bilateral and regional schemes this year to help jack up the countrys exports.

Southeast Asias largest economy will kick off talks with five partners, namely Peru, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa and Morocco, and on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) with the Gulf Cooperation Council, according to a statement from the Trade Ministry. In addition, it will also begin negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with Canada, along with fellow members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Trade Ministry Director General of Export Development Arlinda Imbang Jaya said on Thursday that the partners had been chosen based on their strategic importance to help boost Indonesias exports. Kenya, for example, could become Indonesias trading hub to other African countries thanks to its membership in the East African Community.

The same goes for Peru. We already have an agreement with Chile, so we can further expand our markets in South America, said Arlinda.

Read also: Indonesia, Chile sign CEPA

Indonesia has ongoing trade negotiations with various partners, including Australia, Iran, the European Union (EU) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries.

The agreements are expected to boost particularly non-oil and gas exports.

The ministry targets to increase non-oil and gas exports in 2018 by 5 to 7 percent from the estimated US$ 154.8 billion achieved in 2017.

From January to November, non-oil and gas exports reached $139.68 billion, up 16.89 percent from a year earlier. (jlm/lnd)
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Linkedin Rachmadea Aisyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, January 4 2018

Indonesias oldest retailer, PT Sarinah, is seeking to expand its retail and property business in 2018, which will include establishing an overseas presence.

The state-owned company plans to open two stores in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and Tokyo, which will sell home decorations, handicrafts and Indonesian traditional textiles, among others.

Sarinah had established stores in New York, the United States, and Singapore in the early 2000s, but was forced to shut them down due to financial constraints and lack of competitiveness, according to Sarinah president director GNP Sugiarta Yasa.

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Linkedin Andrew Beatty and Chris Lefkow (Agence France-Presse) Washington, United States  Thu, January 4, 2018 10:29 1779 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2fd9c13 2 World trump,White-House,insult Free

US President Donald Trump unleashed a spectacular denunciation of one of his closest political allies Wednesday, describing former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon as insane and irrelevant.

After the release of explosive excerpts from a new book in which Bannon reportedly described Trump's eldest son's meeting with a Kremlin-connected lawyer as "treasonous" and "unpatriotic," Trump wasted no time firing back.

The embattled Republican president issued a response that was searing even by his combative standards.

"Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind," Trump said in a written statement.

Trump said Bannon -- who engineered the New York real estate mogul's link to the nationalist far right and helped create a pro-Trump media ecosystem -- was "only in it for himself."

Trump's fury appeared to have been provoked by the publication of startling extracts from "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House" by author Michael Wolff.

Passages published by The Guardian and New York magazine quoted Bannon being highly critical of Trump's son Donald Junior and daughter Ivanka.

Bannon, who left the White House in August, is also quoted as saying that the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller into Russian interference in the 2016 election will focus on money laundering.

The investigation by Mueller, a former FBI director, is looking into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia to get him elected -- a charge the president has repeatedly and vehemently denied.

'You should have called the FBI'

Donald Junior took a meeting with Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya in June 2016 after an intermediary promised material that would incriminate Trump's Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.

Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and then campaign chairman Paul Manafort also attended the meeting at Trump Tower in New York.

"The three senior guys in the campaign thought it was a good idea to meet with a foreign government inside Trump Tower in the conference room on the 25th floor -- with no lawyers," Bannon was quoted as saying in the book.

"They didn't have any lawyers.

"Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad shit, and I happen to think it's all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately," he said.

'Little to do' with election win -

Trump responded quickly and cuttingly to the reported comments by Bannon, a former investment banker and the executive chairman of influential ultraconservative outlet Breitbart News.

"Now that he is on his own, Steve is learning that winning isn't as easy as I make it look. Steve had very little to do with our historic victory, which was delivered by the forgotten men and women of this country," Trump said.

"Steve pretends to be at war with the media, which he calls the opposition party, yet he spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was," he added.

"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."

Disbelief over victory

Wolff's book -- which he says is based on interviews with Trump, his senior aides and others -- also mentions that Trump did not initially know who former House speaker John Boehner was, that he eats food from McDonald's because he believes it to be safe from poison, and that his team did not believe he was capable of winning the election.

"Shortly after 8 p.m. on Election Night, when the unexpected trend -- Trump might actually win -- seemed confirmed, Don Jr. told a friend that his father, or DJT, as he calls him, looked as if he had seen a ghost. Melania was in tears -- and not of joy," it said.

The book even deals with the subject of Trump's infamous coiffe, citing Ivanka as telling friends it was the result of a comb-over from the front and sides of his head, stiffened by hair spray.

"The color, she would point out to comical effect, was from a product called Just for Men  the longer it was left on, the darker it got. Impatience resulted in Trump's orange-blond hair color."

Trump's press secretary Sarah Sanders hit back.

"This book is filled with false and misleading accounts from individuals who have no access or influence with the White House," she told a briefing.

Stephanie Grisham, a spokeswoman for First Lady Melania Trump, denied allegations that she had cried tears of sadness.

"The book is clearly going to be sold in the bargain fiction section. Mrs. Trump supported her husband's decision to run for President and in fact, encouraged him to do so. She was confident he would win and was very happy when he did," Grisham said in a statement.
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Linkedin (AFP) United Nations  Thu, January 4, 2018 06:04 1779 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2fd2404 2 Politics Iran,violence,United-Nations Free

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday deplored the loss of life in anti-government protests in Iran that have so far left 21 people dead, and said further violence must be avoided.

The UN chief is "following with concern recent developments" in Iran and "urges respect for the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression," Guterres said in a statement.

"Further violence must be avoided," he added.

Protests over economic problems broke out in Iran's second city Mashhad on December 28 and quickly spread across the country, turning against the regime as a whole.

A total of 21 people have died in the unrest, with protesters attacking government buildings and police stations in some areas.

Tens of thousands of Iranians took to the streets in several cities on Wednesday for pro-regime rallies.

Guterres appealed for demonstrations to be carried out in a peaceful manner.

UN rights chief Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein separately urged Iranian authorities "to handle the wave of protests that have taken place around the country with great care so as not to further inflame violence and unrest."

Hussein, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, called for independent and impartial investigations of the violence and said Iran's authorities must "ensure that all security forces respond in a manner that is proportionate and strictly necessary."

After hundreds of protesters were reportedly arrested, the UN rights chief said "peaceful protests must not be criminalized. They are a legitimate part of the democratic process."

The UN statements came as US Ambassador Nikki Haley has called for an emergency Security Council meeting to discuss the violence in Iran. No meeting however was immediately scheduled.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, January 4, 2018 15:45 1779 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2fe712e 1 City #DrugSmuggling,#drugs-trafficking,#Jakarta,#Police,#Aceh Free

West Jakarta Police foiled an attempt to smuggle 1.3 tons of marijuana from Aceh to Jakarta, which allegedly involved an inter-provincial syndicate, at the end of 2017.

We received a tip-off that marijuana would be smuggled from Aceh to Jakarta, Narcotics Division chief of the West Jakarta Police Adj. Sr. Comr. Suhermanto said, as quoted by kompas.com on Thursday.

The police put a man -- whom they identified as Franky Alexandro -- and his friends under surveillance after they departed Jakarta for Aceh to allegedly pick up the packages.

In Aceh, Franky and his friends took possession of the packages and loaded it onto a truck. They then drove it back to Jakarta.

On Dec. 31, 2017 around 10 p.m., the police stopped the truck at the Bakauheni Port entrance in Lampung, Suhermanto said.

They found 1,300 marijuana packages, which each weighed a kilogram, inside the truck.

Two people identified as Rocky and Rizky, allegedly members of the syndicate, were nabbed at different locations on Monday.

Rocky was arrested in West Cikarang, Bekasi, West Java, and Rizky was nabbed in Jagakarsa, South Jakarta.

After questioning the suspects, the police revealed that the marijuana was destined for a man identified as Gardawan, a resident of Tebet, South Jakarta, and a supplier in Aceh named Irwan. The police added that a man identified as Ilham Maulana was the alleged head of the syndicate.

This syndicate allegedly distributed meth and marijuana across provinces, Suhermanto said.

The suspects face multiple charges of Articles 114, 111 and 132 of Law 35/2009 on Narcotics with a maximum sentence of life in prison. (gis)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, January 4, 2018 12:34 1779 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2fe114e 1 City #births,#Police,#Jakarta,#roadpatrol Free

A woman named Sriyati, 35, gave birth in a police patrol car, which was on the way to take her to the nearest hospital in East Jakarta on Thursday morning.

Sriyati, who was with her husband Hasanudin, 42, was on a bus from Kampung Rambutan bus terminal, East Jakarta en route to Pekalongan, Central Java.

However, at around 9.15 a.m. the bus driver stopped on Cikunir 3 toll road and approached a police patrol car, saying there was a woman inside the bus who was about to have a baby, said Jakarta road patrol unit head Adj. Sr. Comr. Slamet Widodo.

The woman was moved to the patrol car and was taken to the nearest hospital, RS Islam Pondok Kopi, but on the way, she gave birth [inside the patrol car], Slamet said in a statement.

Sriyati gave birth to a baby boy and is currently being treated in the hospital. (wnd)
US travel sites are asking patrons not to visit the Taj Mahal because of overcrowding and misbehaved staff.

Numerous American travel portals have issued their own advisories for tourists, advising them against visiting the Taj Mahal in 2018. (File photo)

By Siraj Qureshi: Although the Union government is gearing up for damage control the die may already have been cast.

Media reports of mismanagement of crowds - especially during the Christmas-New Year holidays - and the rude behaviour of security agencies towards visitors is likely to have an adverse effect on tourist flows.

Although there has been no official advisory issued by the US government, numerous American travel portals have issued their own advisories for tourists, advising them against visiting the Taj Mahal in 2018.

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The travel websites have based their recommendation on media reports of year-long maintenance work at the monument, as well as extreme mismanagement and ill-behaviour with tourists.

These travel portals have advised tourists to visit any other monument in India, but skip the Taj as its main dome will remain under cover because of a year-long mud-pack cleansing progject.

Popular American travel portal Fodor's said that in 2018, the Taj Mahal's dome will get its first thorough cleaning since the monument was built 369 years ago.

"Unless your dream Taj Mahal visit involves being photographed standing in front of a mud-caked and to-be-scaffolded dome, maybe give it until 2019 at the earliest," says Fodor's.

Reviews by tourists on the travel website Tripadvisor about the recent mismanagement at the Taj are no less dismaying. A tourist even goes to saying that the "Taj Mahal should be the last on your bucket list."

Another tourist says "Would not recommend to go all the way to Agra for this. If they really want to preserve this building would recommend they stop the thousands of people going their daily and limit to much lower numbers (sic)."

However, secretary of the Agra Tourist Welfare Chamber Vishal Sharma contends that these advisories are based on half-baked information and not on real fact.

He says that his association has requested the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to clean the historical monument between April and August so that the 2018-19 tourist season can resume from October.

Sharma goes on to add that British and American tourist constitute the bulk of those visiting India - at 15 and 17 per cent respectively.

As many of these travellers base their decisions on peer reviews, tourist inflows to Agra can take a hit.

Though he said recent media reports on poor crowd management was not correct, they could still have an impact on foreign travellers visiting the Taj.

Meanwhile, approving the price hike of entry tickets to the Taj, Ashok Jain, chairman, Ashok Oswal Group said that although it may appear a bit steep at first glance, the increased ticket price for Indian tourists had become a necessity.

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Ashok Oswal Group has interests in the tourism sector and runs resorts and curio shops among others.

One of the benefits of higher ticket prices is that visitor load to India's most-visited monument will come down.

"Taj is a monument worth preserving for centuries and it becomes the responsibility of the present generation to hand it over in good shape to the next generation," Jain added.

ALSO WATCH | Yogi Adityanath visits Taj Mahal, says committed to conserve rich historical identity of Agra

--- ENDS ---
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, January 5 2018

The South Jakarta Police arrested on Wednesday a motorcyclist who was found to be carrying more than 4 grams of marijuana in the course of stopping him for driving in the busway lane.

The man hit a police officer with his motorcycle as he tried to evade their instructions to stop, tempo.co reported on Thursday.

The South Jakarta Polices traffic unit chief, Sr. Adj. Cmr. Edi Surasa, said Rihadus Solihin was driving his motorcycle in the Transjakarta bus lane along Jl. Mampang Prapatan in South Jakarta when Adj.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, January 4, 2018 11:50 1779 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2fdef4b 4 Activities soekarno-hatta-airport,Soekarno-Hatta-airport-train,airport-train,guideline Free

The newly-inaugurated airport train has attracted many passengers, although some might not be fully informed about the route, departing stations and more.

If youre going to give the airport train a go, here are some tips to get you started as reported by kompas.com:

Check your departing station

The train to Soekarno-Hatta airport passes Manggarai, Sudirman Baru, Duri, Batu Ceper and Soekarno-Hatta stations. For the time being, the train does not depart from Manggarai and Duri stations as the construction process is still ongoing. Passengers can depart from the Sudirman Baru and Batu Ceper stations to the airport.

Be mindful of rush hours

PT Railink has prepared 10 trains to transport 33,000 passengers per day (at full capacity). Each train has a capacity of 272 passengers. The first train departs from Sudirman Baru station at 03:21 a.m. and the last train departs at 10:51 p.m. From the airport, the first train departs at 04:40 a.m. and the last one departs at 00:40 a.m.

The airport train has a total of 80 trips daily with pickup times at 15-minute intervals and 30-minute intervals at rush hours. You can check the departure schedule at https://reservation.railink.co.id or follow @RailinkARS on Twitter.

Read also: Jokowi wants cheaper fare for airport train service

Estimate your departure time

The average travel time from Sudirman Baru station to the airport is 54 minutes, therefore please consider this and the 3 hours prior to departure rule before leaving home so you will not miss your flight.

How to buy your tickets

There are two ways to buy your airport train tickets: buy them at the ticket machines in the stations or through the app. If you decide to buy your ticket at the station, you will have to provide your debit or credit card as all transactions are cashless.

Firstly, you will be required to input your itinerary and the number of tickets required, along with personal data such as your name, mobile phone number and e-mail address. For purchases made via the ticket machine, only your mobile phone number is required. The total transaction time is one to two minutes.

Meanwhile, those who are always on the go and tech-savvy may want to check Google Play Store or Apples App Store and install the Railink app. The ticket can also be purchased via https//reservation.railink.co.id and payment can be completed using internet banking or Doku Wallet.

The price of the airport train ticket is Rp 70,000 (US$5.10) per trip. Tickets cannot be bought within 20 minutes prior to departure or if the train is full. Gates are opened 20 minutes before the train arrives and passengers may board the train as long as the doors are still open.

Read also: Three new airport trains to operate this year: Minister

How to get to the stations

To get to Sudirman Baru station, you can board the Transjakarta and commuter line. For Transjakarta users, two routes are prepared by the company. The first route is Sudirman Baru - Gambir (corridor 1) passing Hotel Indonesia - Sarinah - Bank Indonesia - Horse statue - Gambir station - Monas and back to Bank Indonesia - Sarinah - Hotel Indonesia off to Blora lane - Sudirman Baru station.

Another route is Sudirman Baru - Menteng (corridor 9) from Sudirman Baru - Hotel Indonesia roundabout - Tosari - Dukuh Atas - Karet - Semanggi - on to corridor 9 route Kuningan - Menteng - Hotel Indonesia off to Blora lane - Sudirman Baru station.

Those taking the commuter line can disembark at Sudirman station, go out the station and use the exit door on the platform that heads to Tanah Abang or the one downstairs facing Blora street. Then continue to walk through the 20-meter-long tunnel.

What to do once you get to the airport

Soekarno-Hatta airport is also connected with the APMS/Skytrain. Once you arrive at the airport, you can move between terminals using the Sky Train which operates 20 hours a day starting from 04.27 a.m. to 00.17 a.m. (asw)
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Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Madrid  Thu, January 4, 2018 20:07 1778 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2ff511f 2 News Ryanair,passenger,Airlines,#airlines Free

The passenger of a Ryanair flight from London to Malaga in southern Spain, apparently tired of waiting inside the plane on arrival, got out and sat on the wing, a witness and the airline said Wednesday.

"We had been waiting around half-an-hour to get out of the plane," Fernando del Valle, another passenger, told AFP of the incident on Monday evening.

"The man calmly went to the emergency exit, pulled the mechanism to open the door, looked out, came back to get his backpack and went out on the wing."

Del Valle filmed the incident and posted it on his Facebook page. His footage reveals a man walking on the wing, putting his backpack down and sitting next to the bag.

Read also: Lion Air attendant reportedly slaps passenger

"The captain was stunned... he asked who had got out on the wing," said del Valle, a Spaniard who was coming back from London on the flight which left an hour late but arrived around 20 minutes after the planned time late on Monday.

The man, whose age and identity have not been revealed, was immediately arrested, Ryanair said in a statement.

A spokesman for Spain's Guardia Civil police force, meanwhile, said the captain had asked them to intervene, adding they had reported the passenger to air safety authorities.
By PTI: Karachi, Jan 4 (PTI) A girl and her fiance were gunned down today, allegedly by the girls maternal uncle after spotting them chatting in Pakistans Sindh province, in the latest case of honour killing, a media report said.

The girl, identified as Nazeeran, was speaking with her husband-to-be Shahid in Nayi Wahi village in the suburbs of Ghotki town when her uncle spotted them.

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The uncle opened fire on them out of anger, Express News reported.

According to police, the victims were each others cousins and the incident was a case of honour killing.

Two suspects, both of whom happen to be the girls uncles, have been arrested so far.

Honour killings are pandemic in Pakistan, and women are its predominant victims.

An angry Pakistani youth allegedly shot dead his sister and her husband in Rawalpindi last month for marrying without the familys consent.

In November, a newly-wed couple in Sindh province who married without the consent of their elders were killed allegedly on the orders of a jirga (village elders).

More Pakistani women are murdered at the hands of close family members for supposed immoral behaviour than Pakistani civilians are killed by terrorism, the report said.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has reported an average of 650 honour killings annually over the past decade. But since most go unreported, the real number is likely to be much higher, the report said. PTI AKJ AKJ

--- ENDS ---
It may have felt like 2017 was a pretty terrible year, with most things in the media not being the most heartwarming and hopeful, however, there were some things that went well. Here are 10 moments that filled us with hope in 2017 that you probably didnt hear about.

1. Scientists found a way to rebreed sections of the Great Barrier Reef

A dive team of international scientists found a sample of living coral that survived a recent die-off. The overall goal is to find the corals with the best genes, breed them, and return them to the ocean where they will continue to breed. Hopefully, this will create tougher reefs that can handle global warming and other man-made environmental issues.

2. Amazon built a new headquarters which included space to shelter over 200 homeless people

In Seattle, Washington, Amazon created a new headquarters was created that included 65 rooms that could house more than 200 homeless people each night. They are partnering with Marys Place, a local nonprofit. This is not the first time Amazon has partnered up with the nonprofit for a project like this, last year they temporarily housed 200 homeless people in one of its empty buildings on its Seattle campus.

3. The snow leopard has been taken off the endangered species list

The Snow Leopard was first listed as endangered in 1972 by the IUCN, and as of 2017 has been finally taken off and is now regarded as vulnerable". Although this is an improvement from endangered, scientist want to emphasize that they still need support and could go back to the endangered list without help.

4. HIV/AIDs is no longer the leading cause of death in Africa

According to The World Health Organization, fewer people are dying of HIV/AIDS and malaria in Africa. In 2010 there were 1 million deaths, and in 2015 it went down to 760,000 deaths. The decrease in these deaths signify a huge step forward, and we can only grow from here.

5. The Amazon rainforest is getting replanted

The project in the Brazilian Amazon plans to fill 70,000 acres of new forest using a new technique that creates stronger plants. This is the largest reforestation effort ever and is set to take place over the course of six years to help lessen global warming.

6. Crime decreased by 2.7% this year

Although popular media makes it seem like crime is rampant around us, the reality is that it is decreased. According to The Brennan Center for Justice, average crime rates dropped by 2.7% when comparing to 2016. It was also found that average violent crime rate has decreased by 1.1% and the average murder rate has decreased by 5.6%.

7. Child labour has declined a third since 2000

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), the global number of child labourers has decreased by a third since 2000. This is an outstanding improvement of 246 million children to 168 million children. This shows the progress that has been made and is a positive outlook for the change that is to come.

8. Saudi Arabia let women drive

It was announced in 2017 that in June 2018, woman will be allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia. This is a good step forward in eradicating the gender equality. Not only is this great social change, but it also will help fuel Saudi Arabias economy by allowing more woman to enter the workforce.

9. People came together in the face of tragedy

In the U.S there were many natural disasters that occured, and although they were heartbreaking, there was also an amazing amount of support that came through in this time of need. From civilians taking their boats out to help to store owners opening shop for the people who lost their homes.

10. Women took to the streets in protest

2017 will be noted for sex scandals, such as Donald Trump's remarks about woman, or the revelations of the sexual assaults. However, the courage and support shown by so many people through the marches, protest, and the recent #MeToo movement, show the strength and resilience of people.
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Has Kumar Vishwas been sidelined in the AAP for speaking against Arvind Kejriwal? Is he right in saying that anyone, who disagrees with Kejriwal cannot survive in the AAP?

AAP convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is at the receiving end from disgruntled partymen and former party leaders. (Photo: Reuters)

By Prabhash K Dutta: Calling himself a "martyr" and mocking the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) nominees for Rajya Sabha elections as "great revolutionaries", disgruntled party leader Kumar Vishwas said that anyone who disagrees with party convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal could not survive in the party that came up as a by-product of an anti-corruption movement.

Kumar Vishwas has supporters in the likes of Yogendra Yadav, Prashant Bhushan, Mayank Gandhi and Kapil Mishra - all came to the forefront of politics following anti-graft movement led by activist Anna Hazare under the banner of India Against Corruption in 2011-12.

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Kapil Mishra too said that Kejriwal betrayed the common man by nominating two croreparti businessmen for the Rajya Sabha polls from Delhi.

Kejriwal has been repeatedly accused by many including senior functionaries in the Aam Aadmi Party of acting like a dictator in party affairs. Even in the case of the Rajya Sabha nominations, many party leaders said that the names were finalised by Kejriwal and Co while the legislature party and the political affairs committee (PAC) were only asked to ratify his decisions.

AAP'S GLORIOUS DEBUT

Breaking away from the India Against Corruption movement, Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh, Prashant Bhushan, Yogendra Yadav, Kumar Vishwas and their supporters launched the Aam Aadmi Party on November 26, 2012. The date was chosen to coincide with the Constitution Day or the National Law Day celebrated every year on November 26 to mark the anniversary of the adoption of India's Constitution on the day in 1949.

Kejiriwal was the undisputed leader of the party, which made an astounding debut in the 2013 election when the three-term Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit was stunned by the AAP convener. The AAP stood second after the BJP winning 28 of 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly. Kejriwal became the CM with support from the Congress as the BJP decided not to form government despite winning 31 seats.

Kejriwal government survived for only 49 days. But it created deep fissures in the party on the issue of functioning and offering a political alternative. By February 2015, when elections were held which the AAP swept by winning more than 95 per cent seats, the divide in the party was complete.

FIRST REVOLT IN AAP

Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan wrote a joint letter in February 2015 to the National Executive of the AAP raising objections to what they alleged was the unilateral decision-making by Kejriwal. They accused him of deviating from the core principle of the AAP - Swaraj (self rule).

Both Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan alleged that Kejriwal was acting in an autocratic manner. Kerjiwal supporters responded by throwing them out of the party in two months after securing brute majority in the Delhi Assembly.

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Founding members of the AAP Anand Kumar and Ajit Jha were also expelled from the party after the National Council of the party voted against them. They all were accused of trying to engineer a defeat of the AAP in February 2015 Delhi polls.

After Yadav and Bhushan were thrown out of the party, Kejriwal emerged as the unchallenged leader of the AAP. The strongest opposition to his authority had been dealt with decisively in the party.

Kumar Vishwas was among those who opposed the expulsion of Yadav and Bhushan. Vishwas even recently suggested that the AAP should start talks with Yadav and Bhushan to bring them back in the party.

MAYANK GANDHI WENT DOWN WITHOUT FIGHTING

Before joining the India Against Corruption in 2011, Mayank Gandhi was into activism for more than five years. He was one of the founding members of the AAP in 2012.

Gandhi was the Maharashtra AAP chief and a member of the national executive till 2015, when he parted ways with the party over differences with Kejriwal. The AAP convener had disbanded the Maharashtra unit by then.

Gandhi accused Kejriwal of "using and throwing" party leaders and volunteers. He alleged nepotism in the party saying that Kejriwal had deviated from honest politics for which the AAP was founded. When he quit the AAP, Gandhi said he had lost interest in politics.

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He has now alleged that the AAP sold Rajya Sabha tickets to businessmen who were announced as party's nominees for the election to the Upper House of Parliament.

KAPIL MISHRA'S REBELLION

Kapil Mishra is a suspended MLA of the AAP. In May last year, Kapil Mishra revolted against Kejriwal alleging that he was involved in corruption.

He alleged that Kejriwal hid information about donations made to the AAP, lied to the Election Commission on the matter and laundered money using more than a dozen shell companies.

Mishra's allegations followed his sacking from Kejriwal government over issues related to alleged non-performance. He also accused Kejriwal of shielding former Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit and Satyendra Jain, a minister in the AAP government.

AND, THERE IS A KUMAR VISHWAS

All through these rebellions, Kumar Vishwas was seen as on the other side of Arvind Kejriwal. Vishwas batted for Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan before extending support to Mayank Gandhi and Kapil Mishra.

In the meantime, he was accused of attempting a change in leadership in the AAP. Kejriwal supporters accused Vishwas of trying to unseat Kejriwal as party chief and become convener of the AAP.

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Vishwas has taken to social media criticising Kejriwal alleging that internal democracy was being compromised in the AAP under his leadership. After the AAP declared its Rajya Sabha election candidates, Vishwas said that loyalty did not matter for Kejriwal.

Vishwas is said to have a large number of sympathisers in the AAP - both at various levels of party organisation and among the 67 MLAs in Delhi Assembly. Around 22-25 MLAs are said to be on the side of Kumar Vishwas in his internal battle with Kejriwal.

It is said that because of the sizeable hold of Vishwas among the cadres and elected members of the AAP Kejriwal has shied away from taking action against the poet-politician. Many in the AAP support Vishwas stating that the party should not become a private political affairs outfit of a few, with Arvind Kejriwal as their high command.

WATCH: After Rajya Sabha snub, Kumar Vishwas takes a dig at Arvind Kejriwal

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By PTI: New Delhi, Jan 4 (PTI) India has initiated an anti- dumping probe into import of a Chinese chemical used in detergents following complaints from some domestic companies.

Gujarat Credo Mineral Industries and Chemicals India have filed an application before the Directorate General of Anti- dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD) for initiation of an investigation into import of Zeolite 4A (Detergent Grade) from China.

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In a notification, the DGAD said prima facie it has found sufficient evidence of dumping of the chemical.

The anti-dumping duty, if imposed, would help guard domestic players in the sector against cheap imports of the product.

"The authority hereby initiates an investigation into the alleged dumping, and consequent injury to the domestic industry," it said.

In the probe, it would determine the existence and effect of the alleged dumping and recommend the amount of anti- dumping duty, which if levied, would be adequate to remove the injury to the domestic industry.

The period from April 2016 to June 2017 (15 months) will be taken for the probe.

Countries carry out anti-dumping probe to determine whether their domestic industries have been hurt because of a surge in cheap imports.

As a counter measure, they impose duties under the multilateral regime of WTO.

The duty is aimed at ensuring fair trading practises and creating a level-playing field for domestic producers with regard to foreign producers and exporters.

India has already imposed anti-dumping duty on several products to tackle cheap imports, including from China.

The country has imposed the duty on as many as 98 products, as on December 27 last year, imported from China. PTI RR ANU

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Whether you use traditional chulhas or modern gas stoves, you are causing air pollution.

By India Today Web Desk: In countries like our own, there is no one way to cook. The traditional chulhas, fired by wood, dung or charcoal, are still popular in rural areas. In cities, most homes have gas stoves. Most outdoor vendors have gas stoves or tandoors.

But whichever means of cooking we use, we are contributing to the air pollution levels. It's true, believe it or not.

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Also Read: Delhi NCR citizens might soon need 5 oxygen cylinders a day to survive the pollution

Image for representative purpose. Picture courtesy: Pexels

Traditional cook-stoves

A recent study by a team at the Washington University has revealed that the smoke emitting from the traditional Indian cook-stoves used in rural parts of India is having a detrimental impact of the environment and public health.

"Traditional cook-stove burning is one of the largest source of pollutants in India. We found it's a really big problem; this is revising what people knew for decades," said Professor Rajan Chakrabarty, who led the study.

Image for representative purpose. Picture courtesy: Instagram/snehalkhomane Image for representative purpose. Picture courtesy: Instagram/snehalkhomane

The cheap biofuels used in these stoves or chulhas--crop chaff, gobar gas or dung, wood, and in some cases, charcoal--have very high levels of particulate emissions, much more than earlier thought. This underlines our need to improve this traditional and cheap process, so that air pollution levels can be reduced.

Also Read: Stove cooking to floor cleaning: 7 everyday activities that are leading to indoor pollution

Gas stoves no good?

The gas stoves we are so used to in the cities have a similar problem. You might not believe it readily, but gas stoves we use indoors also emit harmful gases. Cooking, be it of any kind, is an act of controlled combustion, and emissions are inevitable.

Cooking on gas stoves particularly leads to exposure to unsafe levels of nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide. A study led by the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in the USA also found that gas stove emissions include formaldehyde.

Image for representative purpose. Picture courtesy: Pinterest

Clearly, there is nothing natural about the particulate emissions from natural gas. The primary component in natural gas is methane, and if there are leaks in your gas line or cylinder, it can be even more hazardous.

Also Read: Delhi government issues health advisory over pollution

All the emissions from cook-stoves, whether they're chulhas, tandoors or gas stoves, can potentially poison us--and that's apart from being a major contributor to air pollution levels. It makes all of us, whether we live in cities or villages, prone to a number of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

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While modern technology, with the advent of induction cook-tops and electrical ovens, has made less-polluting options available, they are by no means cheap or viable throughout the nation (especially in rural pockets). What this leaves us in is nothing short of a grave situation.

With inputs from IANS

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By PTI: By Shirish B Pradhan

Kathmandu, Jan 4 (PTI) A 50-year-old Indian national has died after a fire gutted a private residential building on the outskirts of the city, police said today.

Birval Majhi was seriously injured when the fire engulfed the first floor of the K L Residence building in Sanogauchar area yesterday.

He was rushed to the Bir Hospital where he died during treatment, the police said.

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Property worth Rs one lakh (in local currency) was also damaged in the incident, they added. PTI SBP SMJ SMJ

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Book: A House for Mr Misra

Author: Jaishree Misra

Publisher: Westland Publications

Price: Rs 399

Pages: 199

My Home! I would spare a thousand houses on you and prefer never leave your door.

Throughout our lives, we try hard to build a house of our choice so that we can find the essence of living in a family. We invest time, money and resources  a process that consumes everybody, yet there is a strange satisfaction one finds in sharing that personal space with the family.

However, when one is away, the longing to be there is so intense that words can hardly express it. Perhaps the homeless can better explain. But is it the limitations you face  or your situation, where life takes you  that define whether youll accomplish your dreams? And how does the entire process work, from dreaming of a house to attempts at converting it into a reality  and where does it eventually take you?

For author Jaishree Misra, who spent most of her time watching films as an examiner at the British Board of Film Classification, it was the recession that blew in from America and hit British shores that set the stage for her new book, A House for Mr Misra. The attempt at non-fiction is the authors first; she is otherwise known for her eight fiction novels and an anthology she edited for Save the Children India.

The theme around which she writes is why Malayalis (Misra is the great-niece of the late Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai  famous Malayalam writer and Jnanpith awardee) generally foresee the consequences of an action before doing something, which also applies to her.

It is my belief that the typical Malayali brain has an overdeveloped fear/anxiety centre in the amygdala, which is why, when presented with a decision as innocent as say, whether to buy an ice-cream cone, its the worst case scenario that I always consider first, e.g., Hepatitis B, typhoid, gastroenteritis and sore throat, roughly that order  until I finally succumb to temptation, she writes in the first chapter.

This amygdala, for the author, is also the reason why the sea in Kerala is respected and feared the most, unlike in Western countries where beaches are the places for relaxation and pleasure.

Her husband, who appears as Mr M in this book, was 18 when he moved to London from India for a decent education and job. Following the recession, the prospects of Mr Ms freelance job as a consultant to Deloitte also faded away.

Thats when they decided it was time to take a break, and travel to India. The idea of taking such a step, Misra writes, was also that Mr M would begin work on his longheld dream of a house on a beach, while she wrote a book or two.

This is how the story goes, with Misra noting the experience of homecoming after years amidst post-demonetisation India. She details how they decided to buy a plot of land at Veli, in the vicinity of Keralas capital Thiruvananthapuram, and then contracted a builder to construct the house near the shore  and the issues that cropped up.

Along the way, the couple faced trouble from different quarters. There were issues such as mistreatment by, and social reluctance of, the locals, including government officials, largely due to the notion: Those who left India are second-generation foreigners for whom the Malayali culture and language are distant.

Misra repeatedly faced situations which made her realise that for most Malayalis, she and her husband were outsiders  ones who spoke funny, wore funny and had a weird attitude.

Despite the shortcomings, the couple remains determined  even when it is discovered that the builder has swindled them. This eventually led to their parting ways with him midway through the project.

Later, another builder was located but issues like environmental clearance came up. Official intervention, however, came in handy. There was also a stay on the project but this hurdle too was overcome.

The house is eventually completed  but they end up living in it for only one year before they vacate it for a prolonged period. The reason? Due to the ever-changing circumstances of our lives.

Throughout the books 22 chapters, the author touches on  with humour and sarcasm  the major problems people in India face due to corruption, nepotism, pollution, gender bias, mad traffic jams and alcoholism.

Thus, her take at the bottom line: When a clever Malayali tells me he is thinking, I know enough to retire silently.
In the wake of the killing of a head constable of the Border Security Force (BSF) in sniper firing by Pakistan Rangers on Wednesday evening, the BSF destroyed two mortar positions across the International Border in the Samba sector of Jammu division.

The BSF killed a Pakistani intruder in the Ranbirsinghpura sector early on Thursday when taking advantage of the thick fog he had climbed the border fence.

BSF head constable Radha Pada Hazara was hit by a sniper bullet in his abdomen and died in hospital.

Top police and BSF officers, including the J&K DGP SP Vaid and IG BSF Ram Awtar, laid wreaths on his body in the headquarters of the Jammu frontier of BSF this morning.

Thereafter, Hazaras body was flown to his native village Hat-Para in Murshidabad district of West Bengal.

A BSF officer said late on Wednesday evening mortar positions of Pakistan were identified and destroyed.

The BSF is maintaining extra vigil on Jammu border to negate intrusion attempts by miscreants aided by Pakistani forces. Firing across the IB is most of the time a diversionary tactic for facilitating intrusion of terrorists.
The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union (JNUSU) on Thursday approached Vice Chancellor M. Jagadesh Kumar with a memorandum signed by more than 2,000 students denouncing the decision making attendance compulsory in classes.

A mass delegation led by the union demonstrated outside the office of Vice Chancellor, who, however, could not receive the memo as he was away, said the students, citing the Chief Proctor.

The students refused to give the memorandum to the Chief Proctor and insisting on meeting the VC, for which they secured an appointment on Monday.

JNUSU President Geeta Kumari told IANS that the move to make attendance compulsory during lectures was a diktat and was never passed through the statutory bodies.

They are lying that the decision was passed by the 144 Academic Council meeting on December 1. It did not. Now a committee has been formed to finalise the decision by the administration. We do not know when it will submit its report, she said.

Attendance has never been mandatory for students during lectures and even now the administration hasnt clarified how much attendance is required to be qualified to sit in exams, she said.

In a circular dated December 21, the Jawaharlal Nehru University administration informed the students of attendance being made compulsory from the upcoming winter session, saying the decision was taken as per a resolution passed in the 144th Academic Council meeting held on December 1.

Geeta Kumari said that they have secured signatures of over 2,000 students against the move despite many being away during semester break, and the number will only increase by Monday.
The Eastern Army Command has organised a National Integration Tour for school children from Tuting Valley and Yinkiong district of Arunachal Pradesh, with the aim to acquaint them with the rich cultural heritage of our country. On Wednesday the children got the opportunity to interact with Lt Gen Abhay Krishna, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, who shared his thoughts on Unity in Diversity with them.

The tour that is underway from 1 Jan to 6 Jan has evoked keen interest amongst the 25 students from Tuting Valley and 26 students from Yinkiong District. As part of the tour, the children were provided with glimpses of cultural heritage of Kolkata through their visits to Fort William, Howrah Bridge, Victoria Memorial and Indian Museum. Army routinely undertakes such national integration tours for children in various parts of the country.

This initiative is an effort towards giving opportunity to students of NE to integrate with rest of the country and in turn contribute towards Nation Building and increasing opportunities available due to developing economy of the nation.
The Delhi High Court on Thursday warned the founder of an ashram, where girls and women were allegedly being kept in illegal confinement in the name of religious preaching, that it will issue a warrant against him if he doesnt appear before it.

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C. Hari Shankar also said it will direct the CBI to register kidnapping cases against Virendra Dev Dixit, the founder of the Rohini-based ashram Adhyatmik Vishwa Vidyalaya, if the girls rescued from there are found to be minors.

Contain yourself (referring to Dixit) within the four corners of the law. Dont resort to misuse of law. We will direct the CBI to register kidnapping cases if the children are found to be minor, said the court.

The bench said the conduct of Dixit was extremely suspicious and asked the Central Bureau of Investigation to give a report on his whereabouts within two weeks.

The court said: We cant believe in 21st Century, you (Dixit) will keep some human beings in such an inhuman condition

The committee appointed by the court to inspect the ashram said that Dixit and other ashram members were making the girls housed there lodge false complaints against their family members.

These complaints appear to have been lodged to dissuade the family members from pursuing cases against the ashram and Dixit, said the court.

Deepak Anthony DSilva, a close aide of Dixit, appeared before the court and said that he has no clue about the present location of the Ashrams founder. Earlier, when the bench sought whereabouts of Dixit, his counsel had told the court that he would get DSilva before the court.

The CBI told the court that on Wednesday it has registered three cases against Dixit for allegedly keeping several women and minor girls hostage at his ashram here.

The court also asked the committee to file its response in the case before February 5, the next date of the hearing.

Earlier, the high court had transferred the case from the police to the CBI and asked the agency to forthwith set up a special investigation team to probe various FIRs of girls and women being allegedly lured into the ashram on the pretext of spiritual guidance but then being raped.

The committee had earlier told the court that the girls and women were kept in the ashram in unhygienic and animal-like conditions with no privacy even for bathing.

The courts order came on a plea filed by NGO Foundation for Social Empowerment.
Seth Meyers, who will host the 75th annual Golden Globe Awards this Sunday, plans to address the sexual harassment scandals that have rocked Hollywood in recent months.

Meyers, 44, told People magazine that his focus would be more on the film industry than Trump, who has been a favourite subject of Hollywood comedians so far.

With the monologue, as far as talking about anything in the news right now, it seems like this year more than ever Hollywood has its own internal politics that obviously deserve to be talked about, he said.

Going into it our focus is far more on the worlds that make these films and less on anything thats happening in Washington.

But Trump is also going to get the mention even though Meyers admits there are times where I wish we were talking about other things.

He holds the keys to us not talking about him, which would to be to just behave differently. But while he continues on this path, well continue on ours.

The 2018 Golden Globes are set to air Sunday, January 7.
By PTI: By Lalit K Jha

Washington, Jan 4 (PTI) A former top American diplomat ? who served as the US envoy to Afghanistan, Iraq and the UN ? today suggested a series of steps against Pakistan including slapping sanctions against the spy agency ISI and unilateral strikes inside its territory to end Islamabads double game.

Afghan-born Zalmay Khalilzad who has emerged as one of the vocal critic of Pakistan and has accused it of being a state sponsor of terrorism made the remarks ahead of the announcement of White House actions to pressurise Pakistan.

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In an op-ed in National Interest magazine, he recommended taking a series of steps against Pakistan to end its double game including slapping sanctions against ISI and individuals who are involved in supporting insurgents and terrorists; and undertake unilateral strikes inside Pakistani territory.

"Prepare to designate Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism unless it changes course and abandons support for terrorists. Such a designation will impose ongoing restrictions to assistance, bans on defense exports and sales, limitations on exports of dual use items, and other financial restrictions," Khalilzad said.

The former diplomat who hosted Trump as the candidate for his first major foreign policy speech called for suspension of economic assistance to Pakistan, holding Pakistan accountable before regional and international organizations in association with India and Afghanistan.

He also suggested reaching out to the people of Pakistan and document its support for terrorists and extremists.

"Patience, positive incentives, and occasional feeble pressure have not induced Pakistan to end its double game. Yet, success against terrorism and extremism in Afghanistan and the region requires a change in Pakistan?s policy of support for such groups," he said.

"To bring about such a change, the time has come to embrace a strategy that dramatically increase the cost to Pakistan of its current approach," Khalilzad said.

A day earlier, the White House had said it would announce specific actions against Pakistan this week to force it to crackdown on terrorists on its soil, reflecting president Donald Trumps tough stance against over the issue.

The remarks by White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders came after Trump accused Pakistan of giving nothing to the US but "lies and deceit" and providing "safe haven" to terrorists in return for $33 billion aid over the last 15 years. PTI LKJ ZH

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Actor Christian Bale, who played Batman in the famous Christopher Nolan series, has said that he not a fan of the superhero genre.

The 43-year-old actor starred as the iconic caped crusader in Nolans Batman Begins, The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises.

During an interview on MTVs Happy Sad Confused podcast, Bale said he has not seen the performance of Ben Affleck as Batman but will certainly see it at some point.

I have not seen (Ben Afflecks Batman). Yes Im interested (in seeing it), my son seemed like he was really interested but then I realised he just wanted to see the trailer. I tend to go see films that (my kids) want to see, Bale said.

I have to confess Im not a huge superhero film fan.

People seem surprised at that, I dont know why. Ive not seen any of the Avengers films or any of those films at all. I hear theyre very good, but Im quite happy just hearing theyre very good, he added.

Bale also confirmed the reports that he was approached for a role in Solo: A Star Wars Story that ultimately went to Woody Harrelson.

Yes, (it was) very tempting. I not only love the films going back to my childhood but also have a very long relationship with Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall because they did Empire of the Sun many years back. There was discussion, (and) I hope there will be future discussions, Bale said.
Film: All The Money In The World

Director: Ridley Scott

Cast: Michelle Williams, Christopher Plummer, Mark Wahlberg, Romain Duris, Timothy Hutton, Charlie Plummer, Charlie Shotwell, Andrew Buchan, Marco Leonardi, Giuseppe Bonifati, Nicolas Vaporidis

Rating: ****

In the backdrop of a kidnap drama, All The Money In The World is an interesting portrait of J Paul Getty, the richest man in the history of the world during his time.

Based on the 1995 book titled Painfully Rich: The Outrageous Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Heirs of J. Paul Getty by John Pearson, the film dramatises the 1973 abduction of John Paul Getty III, the grandson of J. Paul Getty.

Without much ado the opening scene, in black-and-white frames, plunges into the abduction of the boyish, long-haired young Getty, who is out on the streets of Rome sparring good-naturedly with some wanton ladies.

After the abduction, we are regularly reminded about the young boys rich grandfather and at the same time are provided with insights into the old mans eccentricities and his relationships with others in the family and society. His miserly attitude  and he has his reasons for every action of his  sharply chisels his character making him interesting as well as despicable.

He famously states: If you can count your money then you are not a billionaire. But after the boys mother, Abigail Harris, who is estranged from her husband, gets the ransom call demanding $17 billion for his release, Getty Sr. refuses to pay. He cites that paying the ransom would risk the lives of his other 14 grandchildren too.

Instead he appoints Fletcher Chase, a former CIA agent and his chief of security to negotiate.

As the clock ticks, how the haplessly penniless mother and Chase negotiate not only with the kidnappers to reduce the ransom but with Getty, too, to pay the amount, forms the crux of the tale.

Taking a few liberties with the historical records, scriptwriter David Scarpa blends the narrative of the kidnapping thriller into a character-driven plot astutely. He keeps you glued to the screen throughout its two hours twenty minutes run-time. Every character is well-etched and the actors deliver efficiently.

While the kidnapping and the escape scenes are straightforward, the plot delves on the characters of Getty Sr and Abigail Harris and they are naturally the stars of the show. Christopher Plummer essays the role of Getty Sr. and Michelle Williams plays Abigail Harris. Slipping into the skin of their characters, they both enrapture you with their fascinating performances.

Mark Wahlberg does not leave an impression. As Gettys smooth-talking fixer Fletcher Chase he is serviceable. He underplays his role and probably thats why the others shine.

Charlie Plummer, as the kidnapped Paul, is perfunctorily amiable. You do feel sorry for him, when he cant understand as to why it is taking his family so long to get him released and especially after his ear is sliced and sent to the local dailys office. Romain Duris, as the Italian ruffian named Cinquanta, has his moments of onscreen glory.

On the production front, director Ridley Scott deploys a few borrowed flourishes to make this film look interesting. The black and white scenes remind you of Federico Fellinis La Dolce Vita, and in the later scenes where the lonesome Getty in his ornate mansion is seen distressed, brings to mind Orson Welles Citizen Kane.

The locations, the production designs by Arthur Max, the costumes by designer Janty Yates reflect the era perfectly and this is dexterously captured by Dariusz Wolskis cinematography. His frames along with Daniel Pembertons fine score are seamlessly layered by editor Claire Simpson.

Overall, the film is an ingeniously crafted, tension filled, kidnapping drama that wont disappoint you.
Three Indian girls along with seven Nepalese girls who were a victim of human trafficking have been rescued from Kenya, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Thursday.

The 10 girls were rescued from the clutches of a crime syndicate in Mombasa which was involved in trafficking of girls.

We have rescued three Indian girls from Kenya. The girls were victims of an organised crime syndicate that indulged in trafficking of girls. Seven Nepalese girls were also rescued. Their Passports and phones were taken and they were held captive in Mombasa, Swaraj tweeted.

We have rescued three Indian girls from Kenya. The girls were victims of an organised crime syndicate that indulged in trafficking of girls. Seven Nepalese girls were also rescued. Their Passports and phones were taken and they were held captive in Mombasa. /1  Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) January 4, 2018

We have flown our girls back to India, she added.

The minister further said that the Punjab government has been informed so that a case is registered against the agents and the people involved.

We have flown our girls back to India. We are sharing details with Government of Punjab so that a case is registered against the agents and people involved. /2  Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) January 4, 2018

She also appreciated the efforts of the Indian High Commissioner in Kenya, Suchitra Dura and thanked the local police for their help.

I appreciate the efforts of Ms.Suchitra Durai, Indian High Commissioner in Kenya. Our First Secretary Karan Yadav deserves a special mention. We thank the Kenyan Police for their help, she added.
The Sri Lankan Navy today arrested 13 Tamil Nadu fishermen for allegedly fishing in their territorial waters off Katchatheevu islet.

They also damaged a few boats and fishing equipment belonging to others using iron rods, before chasing them away.

Assistant Director of Fisheries, A Manikandan said, more than 2,000 fishermen from Thangachimadam had ventured into the sea yesterday in 523 boats and were fishing near Katchatheevu when the Lankan naval men came to the spot and arrested 13 fishermen.

They also snapped the fishing nets of 50 boats and damaged some boats using iron rods, he said.

The arrested fishermen were taken to Kangesanthurai port along with two boats.

On December 31, 13 fishermen from this island town were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly fishing near Neduntheevu close to the island nations coast.

A total of 89 fishermen from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry had been released by Sri Lankan authorities last year.
According to party sources, Gandhi will be the state guest of the Kingdom of Bahrain and will address NRIs settled there on January 8.

He will leave for Bahrain on January 7 and is likely to return on January 9. The NRIs settled there have invited him.

Gandhi is also likely to meet Bahrains Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and the members of the royal family, the sources said.

They said that he was to also address NRIs in Dubai but that visit has been postponed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to visit the UAE later this month.

Party sources say Gandhis visit to Bahrain will be on the lines of his US trip last year.

Rahul Gandhi was in Goa on New Year along with his mother Sonia Gandhi.
The sentencing of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav in a case of fodder scam is likely to take place on Thursday, a day after a special CBI court in Ranchi deferred the pronouncement of the quantum of punishment.

The special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) judge Shivpal Singh delayed the sentencing of the former Bihar chief minister along with 15 others due to a condolence meet for an advocate which was held in the court premises in the afternoon.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief, who was lodged in the Birsa Munda jail in Ranchi after being convicted on December 23, was brought to the court in the morning on Wednesday and was present inside when the hearing was on.

He was taken away at around 12 noon.

Lalus lawyer had on Tuesday said that they would urge the court for minimum punishment owing to the RJD chiefs age.

Lalu is likely to get three to seven years punishment, as per reports. If he is awarded three years sentence, he will be able to get bail soon.

His co-accused and former Bihar Chief Minister Jagannath Mishra was let off in the case pertaining to embezzlement of over Rs. 85 lakh from the Deoghar Treasury between 1991 and 1994.

A total of 17 accused including Lalu were pronounced guilty by the court while six were let off.

The RJD chief has already been convicted in another fodder scam case that cost him his Lok Sabha seat and disqualified him from contesting elections. Both Lalu and Jagannath Mishra are out on bail in the case.

Hearing in the multi-million fodder scam case was completed on December 13 in a special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court of Ranchi.

In all, there were 34 accused in the case, out of which 11 died during the course of the trial, while one turned CBI approver and admitted the crime.
External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj on Thursday left for a 5-day visit to Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore as India marks 25 years of its partnership with Asean in keeping with its Act East Policy.

EAM @ SushmaSwaraj embarks on her first visit of 2018 to Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore. # ActEastPolicy, tweeted EAM spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.

EAM @SushmaSwaraj embarks on her first visit of 2018 to Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore. #ActEastPolicy. pic.twitter.com/05GvJGMgMv  Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) January 4, 2018

Sushma Swarajs first stop will be Thailand (Jan 4-5) followed during the course of which she will hold a meeting with Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs Don Pramudwinai.

She will the head to Indonesia (Jan 5-6) where the minister will co-chair the fifth meeting of the India-Indonesia Joint Commission with her Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi.

The Ministers will also inaugurate the second meeting of the Asean-India Network of Think Tanks. She will also call on Indonesian President Joko Widodo and have other official engagements, including an interaction with representatives of the Indian community.

It said the Joint Commission meeting and other engagements of Sushma Swaraj would enable the two countries to chart out the course of partnership during the year 2018.

Her last stop will be Singapore (Jan 6-8) during which she will inaugurate the Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) of Asean countries on January 7.

The theme of this years event is Ancient Route, New Journey: Diaspora in the Dynamic Asean-India Partnership.

Sushma Swaraj will have bilateral meetings with the leaders in Singapore and also interact with PIO delegations from Asean countries, who will be participating in the PBD.

On all three legs of her visit, Sushma Swaraj will share with her interlocutors relevant information about the forthcoming Asean-India Commemorative Summit in New Delhi on January 25 which marks 25 years of the establishment of Dialogue Partnership between India and the 10-nation regional bloc.

A series of events have been organized by the External Affairs Ministry over the last year to celebrate this jubilee in different Indian cities and also Asean countries, which will culminate with the Summit in New Delhi. India has also invited the leaders of the Asean countries for the Republic Day parade this year.

(With inputs from agencies)
The Border Security Force (BSF) on Thursday successfully thwarted an infiltration bid along the Line of Control (LoC) by killing a militant who was trying to intrude into India.

According to reports, the incident took place in the morning in Arnia area of RS Pura sector of Jammu and Kashmir when Indian troops observed movement of two to three people along the border.

The troopers opened fire resulting in the death of one of the intruders while the others managed to escape.

This comes a day after a BSF head constable was killed by Pakistan Rangers indiscriminately targeting Indian posts in the Samba sector.

On Wednesday, Pakistan Rangers opened sniper fire at Indian positions at 4.15 pm injuring a head constable identified as RP Hazara, who was a resident of Tamara in Murshidabad, West Bengal.

The BSF also destroyed two Pakistani posts in retaliation to the killing of its jawan in the unprovoked firing.
Israeli Knesset (parliament) vote on the unified Jerusalem law breaches the international resolutions relating to the disputed city, spokesman for Egyptian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

The vote violates the international legitimacy on Jerusalem as a city under occupation, Xinhua quoted ministrys spokesman Ahmed Abu Zaid as saying.

He added that the bill stands as an obstacle against the Palestinian-Israeli peace process as well as reaching a just solution to the prolonged conflict.

On Monday, Israeli Knesset approved the unified Jerusalem bill provided for separating Palestinian neighbourhoods from Jerusalem.

It requires the approval of 80 of its members for any decision to hand over parts of Jerusalem to the Palestinian authority in the future.

The Knesset approval came a day after Israels ruling Likud party overwhelmingly approved a draft resolution that calls on Israeli lawmakers to agree on annexing Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and occupied Jerusalem, which was officially condemned by the Palestinians.
Montreal, CA (H4T1V6)

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Light snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. High 33F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 90%..

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Variable clouds with snow showers. Low 26F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 40%.
According to news agency ANI, the organisers had booked the Bhaidas Hall for the summit in Mumbai.

By India Today Web Desk: After the bandh call by Dalit outfits in parts of Maharashtra, reports now suggest that the Mumbai Police have denied permission to All India National Students' Summit where Dalit leader Jignesh Mewani and student leader Umar Khalid were expected to speak.

According to news agency ANI, the organisers had booked the Bhaidas Hall for the summit in Mumbai.

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They said that the police cited the controversy surrounding the two leaders for denying permission to the event. Sources said that after the police denied permission, massive protests took place in Vile Parle locality.

In another development, Mewani and Khalid have been booked by Pune Police on charges of creating communal disharmony.

According to the complaint, the duo made provocative statements that incited violence in Pune on Monday during the 200 th anniversary celebrations of Bhima Koregaon Battle.

Following the clashes in Pune in which one person was killed, violent protests erupted across Maharashtra, including Mumbai.

HERE ARE THE LIVE UPDATES:

Madhya Pradesh: 12 buses vandalised at Pushpak Bus Stand in Burhanpur during bandh, injured driver admitted in district hospital.

Madhya Pradesh: 12 buses vandalised at Pushpak Bus Stand in Burhanpur during bandh over #BhimaKoregaonViolence, injured driver admitted in district hospital pic.twitter.com/PuZZpHfeYw- ANI (@ANI) 4 January 2018

Agitating over Bhima Koregaon violence, protesters block Madhuram by-pass road in Junagarh, traffic affected.

Members of Chhatra Bharti stage protest outside Juhu Police Station after some members were detained by Police. They have been denied permission for their event at Bhaidas Hall, where Umar Khalid and Jignesh Mevani were also invited.

Bhima Koregaon violence raised in Rajya Sabha by Congress MP Rajni Patil; SP's Naresh Agarwal also demands action and constitution of a Commission for a report on the matter.

Buses in Junagarh shifted from depots to a division workshop in order to prevent damage, in the wake of protests spreading to Gujarat.

Buses in Junagarh shifted from depots to a division workshop in order to prevent damage, in the wake of protests spreading to Gujarat #MaharashtraBhimaKoregaonViolence pic.twitter.com/QlCzbQ4iup- ANI (@ANI) 4 January 2018

Watch: FIR registered against Jignesh Mevani and Umar Khalid

--- ENDS ---
It started off as a joke. A website Something Awful announced a 'make your own mythical creature contest', asking participants to photoshop paranormal objects into innocent photographs. Thus was born the 'Slenderman', a pale, faceless, slender creature, portrayed standing amongst crowds of children. The creepypasta meme went viral online, spawning millions of impressions and a backstory that came to involve a lot of blood and gore. It became instant hits within internet forums like 4chan.

However, the meme entered the mainstream with a jolt when two US teens stabbed and attempted to murder their classmate in what they claimed was a sacrifice to Slenderman. It became ubiquitous, and its rising popularity even gave rise to games on various platforms like Android. The premise was simple: Wander through a dark, creepy surroundings but don't let the 'Slenderman' catch you.

Now, in a tribute to the most millennial bogeyman ever, director Sylvan White has dedicated a movie to the internet phenomenon, the trailer of which was released on Thursday. In a small town in Massachusetts, four high school girls perform a ritual in an attempt to debunk the lore of Slenderman. When one of the girls goes mysteriously missing, they begin to suspect that she is, in fact, his latest victim, reads the summary of the trailer, which is a visual smorgasboard of screams, maggots, missing girls and gives an overall impression of violence-porn.



The movie is scheduled to be released in the summer of 2018.


By Pooja Shali: The Aam Aadmi Party on Wednesday nominated a Delhi-based businessman with past links to the Congress and a veteran chartered accountant as its Rajya Sabha nominees apart from party leader Sanjay Singh.

But, the decision prompted senior AAP leader Kumar Vishwas to go public with his battle against party chief and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, saying he has been 'punished for speaking the truth.'

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Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia declared the names of Sanjay Singh, chartered accountant ND Gupta and philanthropist businessman Sushil Gupta on Wednesday afternoon. The last two were fairly unknown till the announcement.

Social media went into a tizzy, questioning the background of the two unexpected names while congratulations poured in primarily for Sanjay Singh.

People asked why founder-member Vishwas and an experienced former journalist, Ashutosh, were denied the opportunity.

Sources close to Kumar Vishwas maintained he was angry and disappointed. Since the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, he was seen as a close associate of Kejriwal.

Sources said it was believed that he was assured by the AAP chief of a Rajya Sabha pick.

However, over the past year, the friendship has developed cracks. Sources said while Vishwas harboured the ambition of becoming a Member of Parliament, Kejriwal was beginning to grow suspicious of him.

Vishwas' support to the Union government's surgical strike and demonetisation move and his constant expression of personal views on controversial issues did not go down well with the Party's top leadership.

The differences emerged in public when Vishwas was conspicuous by his absence during the Punjab assembly elections, where the poet was not invited to campaign for a single day.

Not taking a stand against Delhi minister Kapil Mishra, who rebelled and was also accused of conspiring with the BJP, seemed like the final nail in the coffin for Vishwas, who got isolated from party leaders.

Sisodia, usually smiling through press briefings, had a solemn tone on Wednesday, often looking down to read through the credentials of the party's two chosen candidates.

Vishwas was one of the few members since the India Against Corruption (IAC) movement, who strolled into the Kejriwal camp from the Ramlila Ground straight into politics.

However, he did not always restrict his opinions to the party line. He maintained in public interactions that Arvind Kejriwal was a friend, not a boss, and his personal beliefs remained paramount.

When Vishwas walked out of his residence on Wednesday, he flashed a smile but the comments were scathing though sugarcoated with sarcasm.

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For the first time since the formation of the Aam Aadmi Party, Vishwas hit out openly at Kejriwal.

"I have been punished for speaking the truth on various issues. I was told by Arvind Kejriwal at a meeting that you have died, but we will not let you become a martyr," he said.

"Today, I can say that I accept martyrdom, but want to add that every battle has a norm; do not dishonour the martyr's body," he added.

Vishwas officially remains the party's in-charge of the Rajasthan elections but likely will not work through the cadre, any more.

The three AAP picks will file their nomination on Thursday and send out separate statements pledging support to support to the party's ideals.

"I am associated with health and education sector and manage charities. Delhi government schools and hospitals are giving their private counterparts a run for their money. In the upper house, I am going to relay the party's ideology and concerns of Delhi citizens," said Sushil.

Chartered accountant ND Gupta, said, "I will raise the major issues which the nation is facing today, like the after-effects of demonetisation and the faulty implementation of GST. Every businessman is troubled because of these, and it is impacting their businesses negatively. This has led to reduction in job opportunities and inflated unemployment. I will strongly raise these issues in the Rajya Sabha."

--- ENDS ---
One of Bollywood's most iconic villains, Prem Chopra, has completed 60 years in the film industry. On the eve of the release of his latest film Udanchhoo, Chopra talks about his journey so far and fond memories, at his home at Nibbana, Pali Hill, Mumbai.

Chopra started his career in Mumbai with the circulation department of Times Of India in the sixties. Since his job would mostly keep him outdoors, it was easy for him to meet producers and directors while he was out for work. Initially he didnt get much response but his first Punjabi film Chaudhary Karnail Singh did well and he thought it better to take up whatever acting assignments he gets. Dr. Vidya and Mud Mud Ke Na Dekh were another assignments which didn't bring him much good. During this time, Chopra met Mehboob Khan who promised to launch him after Son of India but that, too, didnt really work out. He continued his struggle and in 1964, he played a negative character in Woh Kaun Thi?. This is what got him the much-needed attention. The good part was Chopra befriended director Raj Khosla who repeated him in many films like Do Raaste.

After Shaheed in which Chopra played the role of Sukhdev, he was offered Upkar and this was the turning point in his life says Chopra. After this, he resigned from his regular job. By this time actor Manoj Kumar had become a close friend and Chopra ended up doing 16 films with him.

With Dev Anand

Chopra feels lucky that he had the chance to work with four generation of Kapoors from Prithviraj Kapoor to Kareena. Working with Shammi Kapoor was fun in Latt Saheb, Pagla Kahin Ka and Teesri Manzil which was a super hit, Chopra recalled .Incidentally he is also related to Kapoors as his wife Uma is the younger sister of Krishna Raj Kapoor.

Chopra feels indebted to Manoj Kumar whom he met early in his career, who gave him such roles which established him as a versatile actor. Films like Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, Kranti went on to become huge hits.

Chopra insists the key to his success is his dedication, determination, discipline, devotion and desire to be the best. The other reason is he doesnt believe in camps. Actor Dev Anand with whom he worked in 10 films gave him a mantrano amount of friendship will help you, so concentrate on your hard work only. I stuck to his advice says Chopra.

Talking about his journey Chopra says it would be incomplete without mentioning Dilip Kumar with whom he did four films. I was a great admirer of Dilip Kumar and would watch every film of his. When my father finally gave me the permission to become an actor he said now that you have decided to be an actor then make sure you model yourself on Dilip Kumar. Chopra fondly remembers the days he worked with Dharmendra with whom he did almost 30 films, and Rajesh Khanna with whom he worked in 17 films. Amitabh Bachchan's contribution to the film industry is immense. We worked in 24 films, he says.

In his latest outing, Udanchhoo, a comedy entertainer, Chopra plays the role of a godman whom everyone worships. He feels his dialogue will become really popular where he says: Saalon, nikammon mujhe 48 saal lag gaye Prem Chopra se swamy banne main aur tum mujhe phir se Prem Chopra bana dena chahte ho?
Tamil movie actor Rajinikanth, who recently announced his political plunge, on Wednesday met DMK president M. Karunanidhi to seek his blessings.

Speaking to reporters here after meeting Karunanidhi, he said he had informed the DMK patriarch about his starting a political party and got his blessings.

The actor said he greeted Karunanidhi for the New Year and also enquired about his health.

On December 31, 2017, Rajinikanth had announced his plans to float a political party and follow spiritual politics.

Speaking to reporters, DMK leader M.K. Stalin termed the meeting between his father and the actor as nothing surprising.

Stalin said Rajinikanth had requested a meeting with Karunanidhi and as per the tradition of this land, his request was acceded to.

He added that Rajinikanth also met Dayalu Ammal, Karunanidhi's wife.

According to Stalin, even DMDK leader A. Vijayakant had sought Karunanidhi's blessings when he floated his party.

He said support for Rajinikanth's party would be decided at the time of elections.

The DMK leader, citing the view that Rajinikanth has been asked to float a political party to wipe out the Dravidian parties, asserted that the Dravidian culture cannot be wiped out of this land.
The Chinese intrusions into the Indian territory in Arunachal Pradesh is not a break from the past, rather it is part of a pattern that has developed over the years.

In the latest such incident, an Indian army patrol on December 26, detected a road leveling exercise undertaken by the Chinese side that had entered into the Indian territory, possibly two to four hundred metres, near the border village in the Upper Siang district in Arunachal Pradesh. The army immediately stopped the Chinese party from carrying out any further activity and seized their road construction equipments.

The equipment is still lying there and a flag meeting over the issue, sought by the Indian side, is yet to take place, sources said.

The incident happened four months after the stand-off at Doklam, near the strategic India-Bhutan-China tri-junction. The Indian and Chinese armies were locked in one of the longest stand-off in recent times, with troops deployed eyeball to eyeball for over two months in Doklam Plateau in Bhutan. The stand-off ended after China agreed not to construct a road through the Doklam plateau and both troops decided to pull back on September 28 last year  a few days before the BRICS Summit.

The fresh incident has set off speculation as to whether the Chinese are making a concerted effort to build roads at key strategic locations that may be worrisome from the Indian strategic security point of view.

Sources in the security establishment also said, the Chinese army will keep doing little incursions, especially in those areas which it considers disputed to keep alive its claim over it.

However, they said there is a well established mechanism between the two forces to deal with the stand-offs. Around 300 to 350 such face-offs take place between the troops of the two countries every year at Line of Actual Control or LAC, the de-facto border between the two countries.

But what worries the Indian security establishment the most is that some of these stand-offs are getting intense and growing longer in duration.

In August last year, the ITBP troops and the Chinese army personnel were involved in a nasty scuffle in Pangong lake area of Ladakh region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is arriving in India for a three-day visit on January 14 to give a further boost to existing India-Israel relations.

And New Delhi is all set to give him a rousing welcome, as a reciprocal act for the reception given to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Tel Aviv in July. As both leaders are expected to discuss several important bilateral issues, talks on some defence agreements between the two nation will also figure in meetings.

Though Israel has been one of the largest suppliers of military hardware to India in recent decades, in the past three years, some of the defence deals with Tel Aviv have not gone on expected lines.

A recent such deal was the $500 million deal for Spike anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) with an Israeli firm.

The Indian Army, which is facing a shortage of such fire-and-forget missile systems, will also be losing its edge over the Pakistan Army, which has equipped its infantry soldiers with systems that can strike Indian tanks and bunkers from a distance of 3-4km, compared with India's equivalent missiles that have a range of just 2km.

Last month, the ministry of defence decided to nix the deal to procure 1,600 Spike ATGMs, when it was to be inked shortly, in order to make way for an indigenously produced missile system from the DRDO. This was done with the aim of reducing India's dependence on defence imports, in line with Modi's 'Make in India' policy. Experts believe that it was a reversal from a strong trend to push for privatisation of the defence sector.

In fact, this was to be the first private missile subsystems unit in India, as the Israeli firm Rafael had tied up for a joint venture with India's Kalyani Group and set up a missile subsystems facility in Hyderabad in August 2017. Now, DRDO has been given four years time to develop the man-portable anti-tank guided missile (MPATGM) to meet the Indian Army's requirement. Insiders claim that expensive transfer of technology by the Israeli firm was one of the key reasons for derailment of the negotiations.

Similarly, Indo-Israeli defence relations took a hit when a tender for 44,600 close-quarter carbines (rifles), in which an Israeli firm was in competition, was junked by the ministry of defence.

Carbines were to be provided to the infantry units for combating terrorists in close fights. And the tender for procuring these carbines, which was issued in 2010, was cancelled last year by the then defence minister Manohar Parrikar.

The carbine deal, valued at Rs. 1,000 crore, went off track after the then junior minister of defence Rao Inderjit Singh raised doubts about the trials by the Army favouring a particular vendor. Here again, an Israeli firm was short-listed by the Army after trials. Eventually, the MoD decided to cancel the process to start a fresh purchase.

Another critical project was the short-range surface to air missile (SRSAM), in which the Israeli SPYDER system emerged as the frontrunner for an Army requirement for a fast-reaction air defence system against enemy aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles. This project is also on the verge of collapse.

The Army's SRSAM programme was started in 2011 and is valued at over Rs 18,000 crore.

Notwithstanding these missile deals and carbines programme, defence ministry officials are hopeful of a key acquisition to procure Israeli Heron TP armed drones, capable of hitting enemy targets with air-to-ground missiles after tracking them down.

Though Modi, during his July visit to Tel Aviv, gave some shape to the project, things are moving at the right pace for its conclusion. The project code-named Cheetah, to acquire 10 weaponised drones from Israel for $400 million is expected to get a push during Netanyahu's visit.

And after the US denied a request to sell its Predator armed drones to India, Israel has come forward to give new heights to the strategic partnership between both countries under the Modi regime.

The Indian Army has been proposing to buy these armed drones since 2011, but the proposal did not get political backing during the previous Congress-led UPA-2 government. Till date, Indian security agencies use UAVs or drones only for surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The Integrated Defence Staff, a tri-services body, wanted to upgrade nearly 40 UAV platforms into weaponised versions.

"We have seen some ups and down in the defence cooperation between India and Israel. But, Israel has always been India's key partner when it comes to procuring military hardware. Moreover, military-to-military engagement for training between the two nations has also increased manifold in the recent past. And Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit will further boost existing ties," said a defence official.
Police on Thursday denied permission to a summit scheduled to be addressed by dalit leader Jignesh Mevani and JNU student leader Umar Khalid and detained students gathered outside a hall in Mumbai for the event.

A police official said the number of students and activists detained outside the Bhaidas Hall in suburban Vile Parle was not yet available.

Those detained included Datta Daghe, the president of Chhatra Bharati, the organiser of the event, other organisers, MLC Kapil Patil, Allahabad University student leader Richa Singh and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student leader Pradip Narwal.

A detained student leader dubbed the police action as "dictatorship" and said they will take their fight to Parliament.

The action came after police denied permission for the 'All India Students Summit 2018', which was scheduled to be held on Thursday, in which Mevani, the newly elected MLA from Gujarat, and Khalid were invited.

The police denied permission in the wake of protests and bandh in the state on Wednesday following violence on the anniversary of a battle fought 200 years ago at Bhima Koregaon in Pune, a senior police official said.

Daghe earlier said the police had not given permission for the programme.

He said there was a huge police presence at the hall and the students were not being allowed to go inside.

All those detained were taken to the Juhu police station.

Before being detained, Richa Singh told reporters outside the Bhaidas Hall that the police action against the event was "dictatorship" and that it was "an Emergency-like situation".

"We will take this fight to Parliament," she said.

Police have barricaded the Bhaidas auditorium and heavy security has been deployed around the premises.

In a related development, the Pune Police registered an FIR against Mevani and Khalid for their alleged "provocative" speeches at an event in Pune on December 31.

Mevani and Khalid had attended the "Elgar Parishad", an event organised to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the battle of Bhima-Koregaon, at Shaniwar Wada in Pune.

Violence erupted in Pune district when dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in which the forces of the British East India Company defeated the Peshwa's Army.
Anticipating the forced entry of women activists into the Sabarimala Temple's sanctum sanctorum, the shrine's custodian, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), has requested police chiefs of all states to be on alert to avoid any untoward incidents.

The temple, for the first time, has also appointed its own women staff, apart from additional women police officers, to screen and block any woman activist who is trying to enter the temple covertly.

The Sabarimala Temple, which is thronged by as many as 3 crore pilgrims every year during the pilgrimage seasonwhich is usually in December and Januaryhad been in controversy for quite some years, courtesy its ban on women.

The temple, which is open to all irrespective of their religion, shuts its doors to females aged between 10 and 50. The intention is to ban menstruating women from entering the sanctum sanctorum where the deity is believed to be a Naishtika Brahmachari (in a celibate disposition).

Many activists claim this ban on women is a violation of human rights and have approached the Supreme Court seeking remediation. The matter is at present in the Supreme Court, which has in turn referred it to a constitutional bench.

Even as the matter is being considered by the Supreme Court, many women activists, including Trupti Desai of the Bhumata Brigade who had secured entry into Shani Shignapur Temple in Maharashtra and Haji Ali Dargah in Mumbai, have vowed to enter the temple. It is in this background the TDB has decided to take extra measures.

The TDB has taken all precautions to stop the entry of women into the sanctum sanctorum. We are constantly in touch with all state police chiefs to avoid any untoward incidents,'' TDB chief A. Padmakumar told THE WEEK.

According to him, as many as many as 174 women, who are in the menstruating age group, who were trying to enter the sanctum sanctorum had been blocked in this season alone.

When asked whether these women were activists or believers, he said some were pilgrims who were not aware of the the ban on women while some came deliberately to violate the unwritten rule, which has been in existence for ages.

Taking all these into consideration, we have also deputed our own women staff above 50 years of age, apart from the women police officers, to screen the women pilgrims,'' he said.

The TDB chief said that it is the duty of the board to see to it that the traditions and customs are followed until a decision is taken by the Supreme Court.

Padmakumar insisted that the restrictions regarding the entry of women into the Sabarimala shrine is not a feminist issue.

Women devotees are allowed in all other Ayyappa temples, except Sabarimala. And this ban is only because the deity in Sabarimala is a Naishtika Brahmachari. All believers must show the conviction to accept this truth,'' he said.
Even in the midst of proceedings to decide the quantum of sentence in a fodder scam involving RJD chief Lalu Prasad, the leader did not miss to crack a funny when he told the judge that "it was very cold in jail" to which the judge replied play tabla.

By Press Trust of India: RJD chief Lalu Prasad, who is currently in the midst of proceedings to decide the quantum of sentence in a fodder scam told the judge that "it was very cold in jail" to which the judge replied play tabla.

A special court earlier deferred the sentencing of Prasad in the fodder scam case till tomorrow when it is likely to decide whether to pronounce the quantum of punishment over video conference or in court.

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Prasad, known for his funny liners, said in the court, "It is very cold here (in jail)."

CBI Special Court Judge Shiv Pal Singh, hearing the case, was quick to reply, "Then, play tabla (musical instrument)."

During the course of proceedings in the packed court room, the judge told Prasad that he had read the latter's record and had vigilance remained tight, such a thing (fodder scam) would not have happened.

The judge further commented that the RJD chief did not act promptly on which Prasad in his characteristic style said "I am also an advocate."

Prasad is an LLB from Patna University.

The judge also informed Prasad about the contempt notices to RJD leader Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, Prasads son and former Bihar deputy chief minister Tejaswi Yadav, Congress leader Manish Tiwari and RJD leader Shivanand Tiwari.

On this, the RJD chief requested him to drop the notices.

Before being taken away from the court room, Prasad urged the judge to think with a "cool mind".

When the judge said he could opt for video conferencing for hearing on arguments on the quantum of sentence tomorrow, Prasad requested for personal appearance. The judge said he would decide tomorrow about it.

The fodder scam relates to fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 89.27 lakh from Deoghar treasury 21 years ago.

While the sentencing of Prasad was deferred for tomorrow, the arguments on quantum of sentence of IAS officer Beck Julius, political leader Jagdish Sharma, former treasury officer Krishna Kumar Prasad, fodder transporter/suppliers Gopinath Das and Jyoti Kumar Jha, ended today.

On a plea by three former IAS officers---Beck Julius, Phoolchand Singh and Mahesh Prasad----the court directed to lodge them in the higher division of Birsa Munda jail where RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav is given.

In all, 16 persons along with Yadav were convicted in the case on December 23 while six others, including former Bihar chief minister Jagannath Mishra, were acquitted in the case.

ALSO WATCH | Lalu Yadav to India Today: Murder accused Nitish shouldn't have become CM

--- ENDS ---
Pakistan has been playing this game of duplicity for several years now. On the one hand, the country proclaims to side with those fighting against terrorism and thereby amasses the maximum benefits for itself. On the other, it uses the very same benefits to help terrorists and thus fosters terrorism.

Pakistans downright duplicity is being deplored all over the world, and US President Donald shared this sentiment in his first tweet this year: 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!

President Trump was reiterating in strong words what India, Afghanistan, Iran and even the United States have kept saying about Pakistans deceitfulness. Following his blistering remarks, Trump blocked the $25.5-crore (about 1,658 crore Indian rupees) military aid that was to be given to Pakistan this year. As usual, China has sided with Pakistan.

After the 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre, the US has been giving large-scale assistance to Pakistan meant for anti-terrorist activities. In its fight against the Al-Qaeda and the Taliban, the US needed Pakistans geographical and strategic help. Pakistan exploited this situation to get the maximum financial aid from the US, which it used to foster terrorism. Attacks by Pakistan-based terror outfits have increased significantly since 2001, especially attacks against India.

Anne Patterson, who was the US ambassador to Pakistan in 2007-2009, had, in a secret report, recommended that the US administration stop the huge aid being given to Pakistan. India, on its part, had earlier officially informed the US that Pakistan was using the US dollars against India and that the money was reaching the terrorists. In December 2017, India had brought up in the United Nations the subject of Pakistan allowing terrorist outfits to be based on its soil.

The US had, two months ago, handed over to Pakistan a list of 20 Pak-based terrorist organisations fighting against India and Afghanistan. This list included Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Harkat-ul-Mujahieen. Pervez Musharraf, former president and former military chief of Pakistan, revealed in 2010 that the Pakistan military had given training to terrorists to conduct attacks in Kashmir against India. Musharraf had also stated that Pakistan had no merit at the global level and that worldwide views on Pakistan were formed in accordance with Indias stand.

Despite having a lawful system of governance in place, Pakistan is the country that promotes terrorism most. The best example for this is Pakistan letting loose Hafiz Saeedmastermind of the Mumbai terror attack and on whose head the US has placed a price of $1 crore (65 crore Indian rupees)to go about freely with his vitriolic invectives. Saeed has now been freed after having been under nominal house arrest for some time.

The other day, Pakistan put Palestine in a fix by making the Palestine envoy to Islamabad share a stage with Hafiz Saeed. As a result of Indias strong condemnation of the incident, Palestine recalled its envoy in Islamabad and asserted that it stood firmly with India in the battle against terrorism.

Donald Trump has exposed the two-facedness of Pakistan and has acted firmly to put an end to it. Will Pakistan, even at this juncture, realise that the duty and mission of a government is to root out terrorists and not facilitate its soil to be their base?

This article was originally published in the editorial page of Malayala Manorama.
Coronary angioplasty/stenting is quite a common procedure in India and is being performed widely.

Meanwhile, Ahmedabad-based Apex Heart Institute, headed by Padma Shree awardee Dr Tejas Patel, has pioneered in the vascular robotic technology to perform coronary angioplasty/stenting, outside the United States.

Dr Patel and his colleague, cardiologist Dr Sanjay Shah, claimed in Ahmedabad on Thursday that the institute has become the first in the world, outside the US, to introduce this technique wherein a robot performs angioplasty/stenting. The robotic arm is guided by doctors through computers. The doctors are seated in an interventional cockpit, about five feet away from the procedure area.

He said that vascular robotics system, CorPath GRX, approved by the US FDA, is being used in the USA for the last one year and the system has been introduced at the Apex Heart Institute about a month ago.

In a month's time, the team at the institute has performed 57 robotic surgeries and they had to shift to manual procedure only in six cases. The decisions are taken considering the respective patient's condition and interest, Dr Patel said.

He said that, while the human hand has a precision ranging from 5 mm to 10 mm, the robot assisted surgery can get a precision of 1 mm.

The facility has been installed at a cost of $1.5 million, Dr Patel said, adding that the cost was equivalent to buying three cath labs.

The institute's first robotic assisted stenting was performed via right dorsal transradial access by Dr Patel within three weeks of Vascular Robotics Installation at the Centre.

Replying to a question, Dr Patel said that in addition to the normal cost of procedure, robotic assisted procedure costs anywhere between Rs 50,000 and Rs 1.50 lakh more.

He, however, said that currently they were not charging extra money and that they also had a Foundation, which would chip in with the differential money, if the patient cannot afford the treatment. Consent of the relatives and patients are taken before taking a decision on the kind of procedure to be performed.

The robotic procedure takes as much time like a normal procedure.

The Apex Heart Institute will also train interventional cardiologists from India and all over the world on robotic assisted percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI).
Jihadis are spreading chilling selfies of a man brandishing the Islamic State (IS) logo while posing on New York City streets, according to new reports.



The photos were spotted in pro-Islamic State channels on instant messaging app Telegram, according to terror watchdog group Memri.



One shows a man wearing an IS-branded scarf over his face outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art  and right near an New York Police Department (NYPD) security camera. Pedestrians can be seen walking by on the snow-dusted street, New York Post reported.



Another is of someone holding a smartphone with the terror group's logo on its screen in front of the World Trade Centre. The phone-holder appears to be standing near the corner of Houston Street and the West Side Highway.



The NYPD said it was aware of the images and is investigating, but "at this time there are no credible threats related to New York City".



The department would not answer questions about whether it was looking at security footage or what else it was doing to establish whether there was a credible threat, the Post said.



Police see these kinds of photos all the time and they often end up being fakes, law enforcement sources said.



The photos come just weeks after an IS-inspired bomber tried to blow himself up at the Port Authority Bus Terminal during rush hour.



Suspect Akayed Ullah told investigators that he was radicalised through online propaganda.

"Trump you failed to protect your nation," accused Ullah wrote on Facebook right before he detonated the bomb at Port Authority subway station. The suspect posted a statement indicating allegiance to ISIS on Facebook before the attack.

Post the blast, Trump demanded that Congress should end chain migration, the process by which relatives of immigrants can be sponsored for immigration by their relatives, and can, in turn, sponsor other relatives.

Sayfullo Habibullaevich Saipov, 29, who carried out the truck attack before this on Thankgiving day at Times Square had come to the US through the lottery system that allows people from some countries like Uzbekistan and Bangladesh to immigrate without sponsorship or professional qualification.

He also claimed allegiance to the IS. Ullah, who came to the US in 2011, had recently worked as an electrician at a building site and for a while had been a driver.

"America must fix its lax immigration system, which allows far too many dangerous, inadequately vetted people to access our country," Trump said.
The Israeli military said on January 4 it would further investigate the death of a wheechair-bound Palestinian who was killed in clashes over US President Donald Trumps recognition of Jerusalem as Israels capital.

The December 15 death of Ibrahim Abu Thurayeh was denounced by the Palestinians and decried by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad al-Hussein, who said the a 29-year-old amputee was shot in the head by Israeli troops close to the Gaza-Israel border fence.

The Israeli military said its own operational investigation, carried out shortly after the incident, had found that it was not possible to say what had killed Abu Thurayeh. It said no live fire had been directed at him during the dispersal of the demonstration, in which protesters hurled explosive devices and rocks and set tyres alight.

In order to further examine the case, including information received from organizations operating in the Gaza Strip, it was decided that the circumstances of Thurayehs death will also be examined by a Military Police investigation, the army said in a statement.

Trumps announcement on Jerusalem infuriated the Arab world and upset Western allies. It has sparked violent protests on a weekly basis along the Israel-Gaza border and in the occupied West Bank.

Abu Thurayeh was a regular at such demonstrations. In media interviews, he had said he had lost both his legs in a 2008 Israeli missile strike in Gaza.

The status of Jerusalem has been one of the biggest obstacles to a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians for generations.

Israel considers all of Jerusalem to be its capital. Palestinians want the eastern part of the city as the capital of a future independent state of their own.
A senior Pakistan Army official said on Wednesday that no amount of coercion could dictate Pakistan on how to conduct its policies and affairs.

"No amount of coercion can dictate us how to continue. We wish to move forward through cooperative engagement but we will not compromise on self-respect and dignity," Director-General (DG) Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Asif Ghafoor was quoted by the media.

Responding to a question regarding the US drone attacks in Pakistan, Ghafoor said the country would respond to such acts according to the aspiration of its people.

The army spokespersons reaction came as the US withheld $255 million in aid to Pakistan following United States President Donald Trumps tweet castigating Islamabad for providing safe havens to terrorists.

"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!" Trump said on twitter on Monday.

Outraged over Trump's tweet, Pakistan had summoned the US ambassador David Hale to lodge its protest against the tweet.



Read more: Trump will 'go to great lengths' to stop Pakistan aid

Ghafoor said the US had only reimbursed the expenditure which Pakistan had incurred while supporting coalition forces in Afghanistan.

He further said better relations with India were not possible till pending issues were resolved between the two sides.

Ghafoor emphasised that Pakistan needed to remain united in order to tackle the challenges it faces.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's permanent representative to the United Nations Maleeha Lodhi said Islamabad's cooperation with Washington was not based on any aid consideration, but on our national interests and principles.

She added that Pakistan could review its cooperation with the US if it is not appreciated.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in on January 4 met women who were forced to work in Japanese wartime brothels, days after their plight again cast a shadow over relations with Japan.

A South Korean panel set up to investigate a 2015 agreement with Japan on the thousands of girls and women forced to work in Japans military brothels, euphemistically termed comfort women by Japan, said the deal failed to meet their needs.

Moon said the 2015 deal, under which Japan apologised to victims and provided 1 billion yen ($8.8 million) to a fund to help them, was seriously flawed. Japan said any attempt to revise it could damage relations.

Eight of the women met Moon for lunch at the presidential compound, known as the Blue House, in Seoul, the presidents office said in a statement.

We told you the previous governments agreement was wrong and this issue hasnt been resolved, Moon told one of the women before the lunch.

Its still not an easy situation to handle within our bilateral relationship.

Moon wanted to gauge the womens reaction to his governments position on the deal, the Blue House said.

Moon visited one of the women, Kim Bok-dong, separately in the morning as she was ill and unable to attend the lunch.

We survived when bullets were raining down and well be able to get through this, Kim told Moon, the Blue House said.



Read more: S Korean prez calls deal with Japan over World War 2 sex slaves flawed

The women want Japan to take legal, binding responsibility for its actions and Kim was scornful of the 2015 pay-out.

The money should be sent back to Japan, she said.

South Korean activists estimate that there may have been as many as 200,000 Korean women forced to work in the brothels.

As of December, there are at least 32 surviving, according to a South Korean civic group set up to look after their rights.

It was the second time former comfort women visited the Blue House during Moons presidency after one was invited to a dinner when US President Donald Trump visited in November.

Moons announcement on the Japanese deal last week raised consternation in Japan, where media reported said Prime Minister Shinzo Abe may decide not to visit South Korea for the Winter Olympics there next month.

South Koreas foreign ministry said on January 4 it would seek final measures on the issue as quickly as possible while one ministry official told the media that the measures could be finalised as early as next week.

Strained ties come as the US allies are trying to cooperate on security in the face of North Koreas nuclear and missile development.

But their bitter history, including Japanese colonisation of the Korean peninsula and the issue of the women, has regularly been a source of rancour between them.

Moon came to power in May after the removal of his disgraced predecessor, Park Geun-hye, whose conservative government was criticised for failing to fully consult victims over the 2015 settlement.

 Reuters




United States President Donald Trump has criticised his former chief strategist Steve Bannon, saying that the latter not only lost his job, he lost his mind too after being fired from the White House.

Trump was responding to a media report, which, by citing a book, has stated that Bannon had described the meeting between the presidents son and a group of Russians at Trump Tower in New York during the 2016 election campaign as treasonous and unpatriotic.

According to the report, the book, "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House" by Michael Wolff, is based on hundreds of interviews, including the ones from Trumps courtiers.

Read more: Russia investigation is waste of time: Steve Bannon

Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my Presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind, Trump said in a statement.

Steve was a staffer who worked for me after I had already won the nomination by defeating seventeen candidates, often described as the most talented field ever assembled in the Republican party. Now that he is on his own, Steve is learning that winning isn't as easy as I make it look. Steve had very little to do with our historic victory, which was delivered by the forgotten men and women of this country, he added.

Trump also blamed Bannon for the loss of a Senate seat in Alabama held for more than 30 years by Republicans.



Read more: Trump says Russia inquiry will be fair, but timeline unclear

Steve doesn't represent my basehe's only in it for himself, Trump said.

Bannon also reportedly told Wolff that investigation into the Trump campaign's potential ties to Russia is centered on money laundering and claimed that theyre going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV.

Bannon was the chief executive of the Trump campaign in its final three months and also the White House chief strategist for seven months before he was fired off from his position.

Three congressional committees and special counsel Robert Mueller are investigating the Russia's interference in the presidential election and possible collusion with Trump associates.
US President Donald Trumps administration has been informing members of Congress that it will announce as soon as January 3 plans to cut off 'security assistance' to Pakistan, congressional aides said on January 3, a day after the White House warned Islamabad it would have to do more to maintain US aid.

Aides in two congressional offices said the State Department called on January 3 to inform them that it would announce on January 3 or 4th that aid was being cut off, although it was not clear how much, what type or for how long.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders declined to say whether an announcement was imminent. The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The calls to Capitol Hill came a day after Washington accused Pakistan of playing a 'double game' on fighting terrorism and warned Islamabad it would have to do more if it wanted to maintain US aid.



Read more: No amount of coercion can dictate Islamabad

US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said on January 2 that Washington would withhold $255 million in assistance to Pakistan. Her statement followed an angry tweet from Trump on January 1 that the United States had been rewarded with nothing but lies and deceit for giving Pakistan billions in aid.

Pakistan civilian and military chiefs rejected what they termed incomprehensible US comments and summoned US Ambassador David Hale to explain Trumps tweet.

Relations between Islamabad and Washington have been strained for years over Islamabads alleged support for Haqqani network militants, who are allied with the Afghan Taliban.

The United States also alleges that senior Afghan Taliban commanders live on Pakistani soil and has signalled it will cut aid and take other steps if Islamabad does not stop helping or turning a blind eye to Haqqani militants crossing the border to carry out attacks in Afghanistan.

Many members of the US Congress, particularly Republicans, who control both houses of the legislature, have been critical of the Pakistani government and called for cuts in military and other aid.

Reuters
By PTI: New Delhi, Jan 4 (PTI) Lok Sabha members today pitched for greater transparency in judicial appointments and asserted that Parliament has supremacy in framing laws, even as Law Minster Ravi Shankar Prasad said there was a need to "reflect" upon the collegium system of judges appointing judges.

Participating in a discussion before passing a bill to hike the salary of Supreme Court and high court judges, several members spoke about accountability of judges and raised concerns over judiciary transgressing into the legislatures jurisdiction.

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A law setting up the National Judicial Appointments Commission passed by both Houses of Parliament unanimously was struck down as "unconstitutional" by the Supreme Court in 2016. The law sought to overturn the over two decade old collegium system.

Urging members to pass the bill, the law minister said perhaps time has come to "reflect" upon the collegium system and recalled that recently a sitting judge of a high court was sentenced six months jail for contempt of court.

"If the polity of the country decide to speak in one voice, well find a way out...I am getting the sense of the House," he said referring to views that the collegium system should be overturned.

He said before 1993, when government had a greater say in judicial appointments, the system had produced some of the finest judges of India.

While supporting the High Court and the Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill, 2017, members asserted the supremacy of Parliament over judiciary. Kalyan Banerjee (TMC) demanded that members of Parliament across political spectrum should approach the Supreme Court and say that "it is not your function" to legislate. "Legislation should be left to Parliament...Day by day the conflict is coming up and unless it is stopped by the judiciary, in 10-15 years there will be a direct conflict between judiciary and Parliament," Banerjee said. Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai, who was in the Chair, too said that the function of judiciary is to implement the law. "They cant legislate the law".

Referring to the issue of separation of power between the organs of the state, Prasad said, "I would like to convey to the court that if the separation of power is for us, it is for them also."

Responding to questions raised by members regarding the memorandum of procedure -- a document to guide appointment and postings of judges of the apex court and the 24 high courts -- Prasad said it is "a work in progress" where the government is pressing for greater screening and scrutiny of candidates being considered fr appointment as judges.

Members also demanded that the salary of MPs too should be hiked as well as MPLAD funds as they are accountable to the people of the country. Tathagata Satpathy (BJD) demanded that MPLAD funds should be hiked from Rs 5 crore and a hike in salary commensurate with Cabinet Secretary rank officer. P Ravindra Babu (TDP) too demanded that the salary of MPs should be hiked. PTI RR JD SID DP NAB ZMN

--- ENDS ---
A breakthrough gene therapy designed by GlaxoSmithKline to treat 'bubble baby syndrome' has been backed by UK healthcare regulators.

Strimvelis is the most expensive medicine ever approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice), costing about 525,000.

It was developed by GSK to treat ADA-SCID, an extremely rare, inherited condition that leaves children without a properly functioning immune system. About three babies are born in England with ADA-SCID every year.

GSK's new medicine means more children suffering from ADA-SCID will be able to get help.

It means they are at high risk of infection and so must usually live in isolation.

Sufferers were dubbed 'bubble babies' following a 1976 film The Boy in a Plastic Bubble, starring John Travolta, which depicted the condition.

Previously, it could only be treated with risky stem cell transplants, for which it can be difficult to find matching donors. But GSK's new medicine means more children will be able to get help.

Nice said that it could be life-changing, allowing youngsters afflicted with the condition to go to school and socialise with friends, without fear of catching deadly infections.

The treatment involves removing the patient's bone marrow cells, modifying them and then returning them via drip. Currently it can only be administered at a hospital in Milan, which means patients have to travel to Italy.

Professor Carole Longson, of Nice, added: 'Strimvelis represents an important development, offering the potential to cure the immune aspects of the condition and avoid some of the disadvantages of current treatments.

'This means that children born with ADA-SCID will now have a better chance of being able to lead as near normal a life as possible.'

Under the new draft guidance which has been published by Nice, the GSK treatment will be recommended when no matched stem cell donor is available.
By PTI: says Assam govt

Guwahati, Jan 4 (PTI) Slamming West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her statement on the update of National Register of Citizens (NRC), the Assam government today said her words were "derogatory, insulting to Assamese and against constitution as well as the spirit of Supreme Court".

Assam minister Chandra Mohan Patowary termed Mamatas speech against the NRC update "politically motivated" and made to "appease her vote bank".

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"We condemn the statement of Mamata Banerjee. It is derogatory and insulting to people of Assam. It is against the Constitution of India and the spirit of Supreme Court," he said at a press conference here.

Mamata had in a meeting in West Bengal yesterday accused the Centre of "hatching a conspiracy" to drive out Bengalis from Assam by "excluding" their names from the first draft of the NRC, which was published on the midnight of December 31.

"People have gone there (Assam) to work. In the name of NRC, they are planning to drive them out. I warn the BJP government at the Centre not to play with fire. It should not follow a divide and rule policy...this is a conspiracy of the Centre to drive out around 1.8 crore people from the state (Assam)," she had said.

Patowary said Assam was like a "mini-India" and all sections of the society live in the state peacefully.

"She is making such emotional statements to appease her vote bank. She is unhappy that there was no disturbance after the first draft of the NRC was published and could not gain any advantage," the state industry minister said.

Responding to Mamatas allegations of a conspiracy to drive Bengali-speaking people out of Assam, Patowary asked her to submit evidence to the Supreme Court, which is monitoring the updating process of the NRC.

"She should not make such statements without knowing all facts. Both our states enjoy good relations," he added.

The much-awaited first draft of the NRC contains 19 million names, out of the 32.9 million applicants, as citizens of India, in a massive exercise aimed at identifying illegal immigrants in the state that borders Bangladesh.

The Registrar General of India has said that the rest of the applications are at various stages of verification. PTI TR KK SRY

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: Karachi, Jan 4 (PTI) A Pakistani man today shot dead his niece and her fiance after catching them chatting with each other in Pakistans Sindh province, in an apparent case of honour killing.

The incident occurred in Nayi Waha village in Ghotki district when the womans maternal uncle saw her chatting with her fiance.

He and two other relatives chased the couple - Nazreen and Shahid - and shot them dead, police said.

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"It is a most tragic case of honour killing. Normally such killings are carried out if a girl or boy have an affair, elope or get married against the wishes of their families. But in this case families of the boy and girl had got them engaged recently," Daud Bhutto, a senior police official in Ghotki said.

Their bodies have been handed over to the family.

The two suspects, both of whom happen to be the girls uncles, have been arrested, the police said, adding that further investigations into the matter was underway.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has reported an average of 650 honour killings annually over the past decade. But since most go unreported, the real number is likely to be much higher.

Last year in Pakistans biggest city, Karachi there were at least three cases of honour killing where tribal elders ordered couples to be killed for insulting and bringing shame to their families. PTI CORR UZM

--- ENDS ---
Intelligence inputs said the new organisation doesn't just function as JeM's new source of funding, but is used by the outfit to gain entry into university and college campuses in Pakistan.

India Today has accessed documentary evidence which shows that Masood Azhar is using this new identity to organise speech and debate competitions in schools and colleges across Pakistan. (Photo courtesy: Ankit Kumar)

By Ankit Kumar: The terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) has quietly changed its name in Pakistan, even as India lobbies hard at the UN for global sanctions against its leader, Masood Azhar. Its new identity? "Al Murabitoon."

According to intelligence inputs, this new organisation isn't just functioning as the JeM's new source of funding, but is also being used by the terrorist group to secure entry into campuses of universities and colleges across Pakistan.

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India Today has accessed documentary evidence which shows that Masood Azhar is using this new identity to organise speech and debate competitions on behalf of the JeM, in schools and colleges in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore and Rawalakot.

WHY A CHANGE OF NAME?

Intelligence agencies believe that the name change is a well-planned move which serves several purposes.

It gives the JeM freedom from any possible sanctions that India or the US could impose on it, intelligence sources said.

Securing their funds and second-level leadership is an added benefit, the sources explained. But that's not all.

Intelligence agencies believe that one of the biggest reasons for the new identity is related to the expansion of the Jaish-e-Mohammed in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Intelligence sources told India Today that of late, the JeM has been finding it difficult to increase its numbers as it faces tough competition from other organisations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Taliban.

These sources explained that while Shariyat-seeking hardcore recruits prefer the Taliban and its associates, the LeT has been able to establish its presence across Pakistan due to abundant resources and the extensive use of social media.

JeM, the sources said, has been looking for another identity for quite some time - one that could be popular with a new generation of recruits.

DEBATE CONTESTS

India Today has accessed pamphlets about a debate competition, which were issued in the name of "Al Murabitoon."

At first glance, there's nothing unusual about them. But the chilling truth is that these contests are organised by JeM leaders, who also attend them as guests.

Topics vary from Islamic teachings to political issues, and recording or filming is strictly prohibited.

The highlight of these contests is the prize distribution ceremony. Winners and runners-up don't get medals and trophies, but special swords.

The highlight of these contests is the prize distribution ceremony. Winners and runners-up don't get medals and trophies but special swords.

These are given out by Masood Azhar himself, or on his behalf.

The largest sword is meant for the winner of the first prize, and bears the name of Masood Azhar as the "Ameer of Mujahedeens."

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FREE RUN

Soon after last year's Pathankot attacks, Pakistan's National Security Advisor said Azhar had been put under house arrest.

Now, India Today has accessed evidence which proves that Pakistan's top leadership were lying through their teeth the whole time.

This documentary evidence has details of Azhar's movements. Not only was he free, but he was organising public meetings and recruitment drives across Pakistan in the name of Kashmir conferences, intelligence sources told India Today.

The only condition imposed by the ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence) was that Azhar shouldn't be filmed, the sources added.

For example, on February 5, Azhar was at a Kashmir Solidarity Conference in Ghori Town in Islamabad.

On November 19, he was at a Ghazwa e Hind conference in Lahore. His most recent public appearance, according to the documents accessed by India Today, was at the Hilltop Hotel in Rawalkot, in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. That happened on December 2.

Watch: Masood Azhar's Jaish-e-Mohammad renamed to 'Al Murabitoon'

--- ENDS ---
WASHINGTON - The long and winding road to restoring legal status for youthful immigrant Dreamers and heading off a government shutdown began in earnest Wednesday, as congressional leaders including Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, met with Trump administration officials to negotiate an elusive compromise.

For the 800,000 or so Dreamers, who were brought here as children by their families illegally, their future in the U.S. is very much at stake. About 42,000 Dreamers live in New York, many with little connection to homelands they barely remember.

Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., met with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wisc., at Ryans office. White House Office of Management & Budget Director Mick Mulvaney and legislative director Marc Short were there for the Trump administration.

We had a positive and productive meeting and all parties have agreed to continue discussing a path forward to quickly resolve all of the issues ahead of us, Schumer and Pelosi said in a statement that conveyed little of the fireworks that might have been exchanged.

For their part, Trump, McConnell and Ryan said in a joint statement: It is important that we achieve a two-year agreement that funds our troops and provides for our national security and other critical functions of the federal government. It also remains important that members of Congress do not hold funding for our troops hostage for immigration policy.

Absent a new spending agreement, the government will shut down Jan. 19. Schumer and Pelosi have tried to leverage in a DACA deal in addition to lifting caps on spending for domestic programs as well as the military. So far, the negotiations have yielded only agreements to further extend current spending levels.

But this time may be different. If Congress continues to kick the can down the road and pass yet another temporary spending package, the result could be the triggering of so-called sequestration -- the 2011 law that mandates automatic cuts if Congress fails to raise its caps.

Trump needs Democratic votes in the Senate to get any deal passed. But he also faces pressure on his right flank from his base and Freedom Caucus conservatives in the House not to give ground on DACA.

Then President Obama issued the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals order in 2012, which gave the Dreamers legal status if they registered. President Trump ordered an end to the program in September and, absent congressional action, it is set to expire in March.

In return for a DACA extension, Trump is demanding not only construction of his long-promised U.S.-Mexico border wall but an end to the visa lottery and chain migration -- the practice of letting in relatives of foreign-born U.S. citizens and green-card holders.

The wall in particular is a non-starter for Schumer.

Were ready to negotiate a reasonable border security package to pass alongside DACA, Schumer said Wednesday on the Senate floor. We believe in border security.

But Schumer denounced the wall as absurdly expensive and ineffective, a project that publicly many Republicans oppose and privately many more do.

Among those Republicans who support DACA renewal but exhibit little appetite for the border wall are Reps. Elise Stefanik and John Faso.

Late last month, protesters staged a sit-in at Fasos Kinderhook office and about nine were arrested.

In a Dec. 30 letter to the Columbia Paper in Columbia county, Faso said he supports legal status for DACA recipients who have clean records and who are in the military, getting an education or working.

Faso said he also supports improved border security, but this doesnt mean a 'wall' along the entire southern border.

Stefaniks North Country district encompasses long stretches of the sparsely patrolled U.S.-Canada border.

The second-term lawmaker supports increased funding for border security personnel as well as using proven technology to increase awareness and control over our Southern border, said her spokesman, Tom Flanagin.

However, as a Representative of a Northern border district, Congresswoman Stefanik believes any border security proposals should not be a one size fits all for the Southern and Northern border, he added.
Colonie

The Capital Region Chamber of Commerce has put lowering the cost of energy among its top legislative concerns for 2018.

In its "2018 Capital Region Advocacy Agenda for Prosperity," the chamber says it supports investment in both electric and natural gas transmission upgrades.

The chamber, however, does not support a proposal being considered by the Legislature to give itself oversight of utility rate case decisions by the state Public Service Commission.

"New York state consumers pay some of the highest energy prices in the nation," the chamber document states. "Physical limitations in bringing electricity to the Capital Region from power producers outside of our region are creating congestion that is driving up costs significantly. The chamber supports policies that promote access to affordable and reliable energy."

High wholesale electricity costs are a major issue for the Capital Region, which has some of the highest power prices in the state.

For instance, day-ahead auction prices for wholesale electricity in the Capital Region on Wednesday were $139 per megawatt hour, compared to about $85 across the rest of upstate, according to pricing data from the New York Independent System Operator in North Greenbush.

In the Capital Region, about $50 of that cost comes from so-called congestion pricing that charges more for getting energy to areas that have transmission line bottlenecks. The New York City area also has similar transmission congestion issues, making electricity similarly expensive.

Capital Region Chamber CEO Mark Eagan said Wednesday that while renewable energy sources will one day help drive the state's energy markets, traditional power plants are vital until that day, and more transmission lines and more natural gas pipelines are needed to keep that fossil fuel electricity affordable.

"The transition to get there (a renewable energy future) is still natural gas," Eagan said. "We have to address the congestion. Really it's about access and it's about affordability."

The state and the Capital Region also must get more natural gas supply from additional pipelines in order to serve manufacturers and power plants that increasingly rely on natural gas. Without the additional supply, power prices in the region will continue to remain high, and new gas transmission line extensions through the Capital Region have faced fierce local opposition, leading to some being canceled.

"The Capital Region is faced with critical natural gas supply constraints and these

constraints are becoming more serious as demand has outstripped supply," the chamber report states. "A consequence of these limitations in bringing electricity to the Capital Region from power producers outside of our region is higher energy prices. As demand for energy continues to grow, natural gas is becoming increasingly important for New York consumers and businesses."

In an email sent to members Wednesday morning Eagan said that the chamber's legislative policies are geared toward job creation and making the area more competitive for business growth and expansion.

"While we have a broad legislative agenda, our top priorities are centered around improving the state's business climate, reforming the burdensome and costly Scaffold Law, and advocating for energy policies that promote upgrades to the state's electric transmission system and increase access to natural gas," Eagan wrote.

The chamber legislative agenda was released the same day that Gov. Andrew Cuomo gave his State of the State address in Albany and unveiled his budget plans for the upcoming legislative session.

In his interview after Cuomo's talk, Eagan says New York's Scaffold Law makes public projects from those at local schools to the Tappan Zee bridge replacement more expensive than they would be in other states. The state's Scaffold Law essentially imposes total liability for construction worker falls on contractors and property owners, making insurance coverage for construction projects extremely expensive. Business groups have been trying to get the law repealed for years.

"It increases costs for every New Yorker," Eagan said.

Cuomo has an ambitious energy plan that focuses on expanding electric transmission through adding energy storage infrastructure in the state. Energy storage helps to reduce congestion on the state's high voltage grid while enhancing clean energy generation such as wind and solar that is variable in nature and needs to be stored for use when the grid has the highest demand.

Cuomo wants to have the NY Green Bank invest at least $200 million in electricity storage technologies and for NYSERDA, the state's renewable energy agency, to spend $60 million on energy storage technology pilot projects to get energy storage infrastructure such as large batteries onto the grid as quickly as possible. NYSERDA oversees the NY Green Bank, which uses capital to attract traditional banks to lend money to renewable energy projects.

Cuomo wants New York to reach 1,500 megawatts in energy storage by 2025, which the governor claims would be the largest energy storage investment per capita by any state and would create 30,000 jobs.
By PTI: Srinagar, Jan 4 (PTI) Moderate Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq today condemned the killing of a 25-year-old man by unknown gunmen in Sopore area of north Kashmir Baramulla district.

"(I am) deeply saddened and strongly condemn the killing of 25-year-old Arif Ahmed Sofi of Sopore by unknown assailants," Mirwaiz wrote on his Twitter handle.

"Killing human beings in every form is cowardly and against humanity," the separatist leader said.

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Arif Ahmed Sofi, a resident of Wahipora-Younsoo in Handwara, was shot dead by the gunmen at Harwan-Bomai in Sopore last night. PTI MIJ MG

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The Orchard Tavern in Albany, a neighborhood watering hole since 1903, has been sold, according to The Business Review. The new owner, Kris Monforte, previously was in medical sales. He tells the paper that he will renovate bathrooms, freshen the paint and upgrade televisions but will keep the food, in particular the Orchard's beloved pizza, the same. The sellers, Mike and Karen Noonan, ran it for 20 years.

The tavern is at 68 N. Manning Blvd. It is open for lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday and from 4:30 p.m. Sunday.
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Colonie

The more than 300 people aboard a Norwegian Air jet that was diverted to Albany International Airport because of the winter storm Thursday cleared customs and immigration at Albany Thursday afternoon and then boarded buses that would take them to New York City's Kennedy International Airport, the flight's intended destination.

Airport spokesman Doug Myers said buses would leave the Albany airport by Thursday evening with the passengers. The plane, with 304 passengers and 12 crew members, landed at Albany at 10:17 a.m.

The crew operating the aircraft had "timed out" by mid-day Thursday, and a replacement crew wasn't immediately available. The plane, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner with an oversize portrait of the late Danish-American comedian and pianist Victor Borge on its tailfin, was expected to spend the night at Albany.

Passengers who checked their baggage will have to wait until the plane arrives at JFK. Luggage aboard the wide-body 787 is placed in containers that are then loaded into the jet's belly. Albany doesn't have the equipment to unload those containers.

The airport has handled diversions of larger aircraft, including a Boeing 777 from Beijing, Myers said. But those diversions typically have occurred during warmer weather, and the planes have been able to complete their journeys after the storms cleared.

The airport on Thursday also had another diversion, American Airlines Flight 18 from San Francisco, also bound for JFK.

The Albany airport continued operating throughout the storm. Airports up and down the East Coast are dealing with high winds, blowing and drifting snow, and in some cases blizzard conditions. Earlier Thursday, New York City was in a state of emergency. But conditions were expected to improve by the evening, allowing the buses to make the trip.

Norwegian Air offers service to Europe from Stewart International Airport in Newburgh, but doesn't serve Albany.

This is believed to be the first 787 Dreamliner to land at Albany, as well as the first Norwegian Air flight.

The airline has highlighted famous Scandinavians on the tail fins of its aircraft. "It felt only natural for us to adorn the tails of our aircraft with personalities who have pushed the boundaries, challenged the established and inspired others," the carrier explained.
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Los Angeles

The protesters arrived two by two, wearing black suits and face masks that bore the face of the museum's curator of 20th century art.

It was the summer of 1981 and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art was celebrating a trio of exhibitions marking the city's bicentennial with a Champagne reception interrupted by more than 100 protesters carrying gray and pink balloons that read: "Where are the Women and Minorities?"

Standing out from the black-clad protesters in masks bearing the visage of LACMA curator Maurice Tuchman, were six women in pink cowgirl outfits. They unfurled a banner that read "The Los Angeles County Museum of White Male Art." One of the bicentennial shows, "Seventeen Artists of the Sixties," included neither women nor people of color. Another included only two women and no artists of color.

The present: It's like the past  only different.

In 2017 there was no shortage of questioning  not just of institutions but of individual artists and the subjects they aim to present.

Stoked by the dissemination powers of the internet, this year was a maelstrom of debate about who wields power, how gender is represented and how artists contend with that third rail of American society: race. It was a reckoning for institutions that have been slow to contend with issues of diversity. But it's a pendulum swing that also threatened to limit the freedom with which artists and writers conceive and experiment.

In March, at the 2017 Whitney Biennial in New York City, protests broke out over "Open Casket," a Dana Schutz abstraction painting inspired by the infamous 1955 coffin photo of Emmett Till, the 14-year-old African American boy who was brutally lynched after a white woman falsely accused him of flirting with her.

One protester at the biennial's opening stood before the work in a T-shirt that read "Black Death Spectacle." British artist Hannah Black posted a letter online that demanded the work be removed and destroyed.

"It is not acceptable for a white person to transmute black suffering into profit and fun," she wrote.

Many supported Black's call. Others, such as artist and critic Coco Fusco, argued against it on censorship grounds.

"We may understand artworks to be indicators of racial, gender, and class privilege  I do, often," she wrote in Hyperallergic. "But presuming that calls for censorship and destruction constitute a legitimate response to perceived injustice leads us down a very dark path."

A similar controversy erupted around "Scaffold," an outdoor sculpture by Sam Durant presented at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. The Los Angeles-based artist's work served as a representation of seven gallows used in historic U.S. government executions, including that of 38 Dakota men in Mankato, Minn., in 1862.

Native American activists protested, stating that "Scaffold" trivialized a brutal episode in indigenous history. "It's not art to us," one activist told the Minneapolis Star Tribune. After a meeting with Dakota elders in June, Durant agreed to remove the work and sign over intellectual rights to the piece. The wood employed in the sculpture was later buried in a secret location.

Protests in other cities and online have demanded the removal of other works too.

In September, the Guggenheim Museum withdrew three pieces from a show on 1990s Chinese art over concerns about animal cruelty. This included a 2003 video of fighting dogs strapped to treadmills futilely attempting to attack each other and Huang Yong Ping's "Theater of the World," a caged arena featuring lizards, insects and snakes. During the exhibition, some of the animals would die as they were consumed by larger species.

In the wake of sexual harassment allegations dominating the news, a pair of artworks  one in L.A., another in New York  also ended up on the firing lines.

Erika Rothenberg's "The Road to Hollywood" installation at the Hollywood and Highland Center, had a chaise element removed by mall management after the piece was erroneously described as a "casting couch." (It was later returned.)

This month, an online petition was launched to remove a painting by Balthus  "Therese Dreaming," 1938, which shows a girl sitting with her open legs, revealing some underwear  from the galleries of the Metropolitan Museum of Art on the grounds that the painting romanticizes "voyeurism and the objectification of children." The Met declined to remove the painting, stating that its presence provides an opportunity for reflection "on both the past and the present."

A number of these cases have raised questions of censorship. Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei, for example, decried the Guggenheim's decision to withdraw its pieces. "When anyone uses a moral high ground to judge an art exhibition and to demand the withdrawal of contents that may or may not violate those rights," he told this paper's Deborah Vankin, "it presents a potential danger of violating the freedom of speech."

Also concerning is that social media outrage, delivered in 140 (now 280) character increments, seems to flatten all nuance.

Schutz's painting of Till, described as a vehicle for a white artist's fame and fortune? It was never for sale.

The animals that would eat each other at the Guggenheim? They were bred for pet consumption  which means their fate at the museum would have been no different from what they faced in a suburban kid's boa tank.

And the "casting couch" in Rothenberg's "Road to Hollywood"? It was not intended as a tool of "rape culture," as one offended viewer alleged online, but as a place groups of people could gather for a photo before the Hollywood sign in the distance. (Rothenberg discussed its purpose in a 2010 lecture at Otis College of Art and Design.)

The debate surrounding the French Polish surrealist Balthus has likewise stripped context from the artist's admittedly controversial work. Balthus painted a lot of prepubescent girls. He also painted his wife to look prepubescent. And he painted portraits and landscapes.

Was his work featuring girls disconcerting? Yes. Balthus cast a male gaze on girls in the fit of life's changes. But he also succeeded in conveying what it meant to be in the thrust of those changes. In "Therese Dreaming" I've always seen a bit of myself: a young girl relentlessly told to "sit like a lady" enjoys a private moment in which she doesn't have to conform to the rules that govern her body.

A painting can have more than one meaning.

The debate that fills me with the greatest ambivalence centers on the frequently posited idea that only certain artists should be allowed to tackle certain subjects. A sign protesting Durant's work at the Walker read "Not Your Story."

These critiques rise from issues of inequity that have long plagued museums. White artists and white curators, usually male, are historically the ones who have told the story of art. Much like that 1981 LACMA exhibition that purported to outline the turbulent 1960s entirely through the lens of white men.

Inequity undoubtedly persists  less than a third of solo shows at major museums in the U.S. go to women. But the nature of the debate on these issues threatens to constrain artists at a time when a multiplicity of voices and subjects is what's needed. If white artists should stick to whiteness, should black artists stick to blackness? As a Latina, should I write only about Latinos? These are constraints I fiercely resist. Race and culture intersect in ways that are blurry and difficult to define. As a writer I am here to engage a full palette of concepts and ideas, not just the ones that pertain to my identity. Artists of all colors and genders should demand the same.
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Thieves on Wednesday stole precious Indian jewels from the famed Al Thani Collection that were on show in a Venetian palace, making off with a brooch and a pair of earrings by mixing in with the crowd on the final day of the exhibition, police said.

The stolen jewels were not the top highlights of the Al Thani Collection, which includes gems dating from the time of the Mughal Empire. But police said they were made of gold, platinum and diamonds and news reports estimated their value in the millions of euros.

Venice police said the security alarm went off at around 10 a.m. at Venice's Doge's Palace and police immediately sealed the area. But the thieves had already made their escape from the museum, known as the Palazzo Ducale and one of Venice's top tourist destinations on the edge of St. Mark's Square.

 Associated Press

Sony Pictures plans "Slender Man" movie

Sony Pictures plans to release a "Slender Man" movie this spring, featuring the horror character that inspired two Wisconsin girls to nearly kill their classmate.

The movie is set for a May 18 release. Slender Man has appeared in video games and online stories, but the Sony production marks the first full-length feature built around the character. The picture is directed by Sylvain White, who also helmed 2007's "Stomp the Yard," and stars Javier Botet as Slender Man.

The studio released a trailer Wednesday. It's unclear from the preview whether the movie will include any elements from the Wisconsin case, but in one scene a wall is covered with drawings of Slender Man that resemble sketches one of the girls, Morgan Geyser, drew. Other scenes show Slender Man stalking a girl in the woods and a girl stabbing herself in the head with a scalpel in school, showering a classmate with blood.

Geyser and Anissa Weier lured classmate Payton Leutner to a wooded Waukesha park in 2014. There Geyser stabbed Leutner 19 times, narrowly missing her heart, while Weier urged her on. Leutner managed to crawl out of the woods to a path where a passing bicyclist found her. She survived the attack.

Geyser and Weier told detectives they had to kill Leutner to prove to Slender Man that they were worthy of being his servants as well as protect their families from him. All three girls were 12 years old at the time of the attack.

Geyser, now 15, pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree intentional homicide in a deal with prosecutors, who have asked she get at least 40 years in a mental hospital when she's sentenced in February. Weier, now 16, was sentenced to 25 years in a mental institution last month after pleading guilty to attempted second-degree intentional homicide.

Geyser and Weier's attorneys didn't immediately reply to emails seeking comment about the movie. Neither did a spokesman for Leutner's family.

Slender Man was created online by Eric Knudson in 2009 as a mysterious specter photo-edited into everyday images of children at play.

He's typically depicted as a slim, spidery figure in a black suit with a featureless white face that preys on children.

No one immediately replied to an email sent Wednesday to Sony's general inbox for media inquiries.

 Associated Press

Munn to host Critics' Choice Awards

Organizers said Wednesday that Olivia Munn will host the 2018 Critics' Choice Awards to be broadcast Jan. 11 on the CW.

Munn follows T.J. Miller, who has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman when he was in college. Munn is among Brett Ratner's sexual harassment accusers and has been fighting for reforms in Hollywood.

Joey Berlin, president of the Broadcast Film Critics Association, said in a statement that Munn's work as an actress along with her activism give her a powerful voice, making her the perfect candidate to lead the night.

Munn's next film will be the action thriller "Hummingbird."

 Associated Press

Fed-up passenger hops on Ryanair wing

A Ryanair passenger who apparently got fed up waiting to get off a plane surprised fellow passengers by using the emergency exit to jump onto a wing.

The incident on New Year's Day took place 30 minutes after the flight landed in the southern Spanish city of Malaga from London's Stansted Airport, where it had also been delayed.

The man was coaxed back into the plane while police were called.

 Associated Press
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ALBANY  Gov. Andrew Cuomo's commentary on the decor of the Oval Office is an agenda setter.

Cuomo ended his election-year State of the State speech Wednesday with a dart aimed at President Donald Trump, charging that the words "e pluribus unum" stitched onto the flag bearing the U.S. seal behind the president's desk is an antidote to divisive politics that could unite the country.

In doing so  and in laying out a progressive agenda that includes criminal reform, anti-sexual harassment measures and an aggressive response to federal Republican policies  Cuomo set the tone for his 2018 re-election effort. He may also have potentially laid the groundwork for a 2020 presidential bid.

"(He) is trying to lay out a progressive agenda because this is a progressive state," Siena College pollster Steven Greenberg said. "He's going to face those voters ... in a state with more than twice as many Democrats as Republicans. So he is going to be all over those Democratic and progressive themes."

Aside from rhetorical shots at GOP-controlled Washington, Cuomo's speech was heavy on accomplishments. They include passing marriage equality, a $15 minimum wage, a statewide paid family leave program and raising the age of criminal responsibility.

In sum, he laid in front of voters the accomplishments he believes show that he deserves a third term.

However, Republicans found much to pounce on as they continue working out who will be their most viable gubernatorial challenger.

"In the end, (the election) will be a referendum on Gov. Cuomo and his record, which is a record of failure in the economic area and with respect to corruption," state GOP Chairman Ed Cox said.

Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb has entered the race, and former Erie County Executive Joel Giambra has made clear he is ready to run. State Senate Deputy Republican Majority Leader John DeFrancisco and Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro, both of whom were in attendance on Wednesday, are also mulling bids.

"I think the governor today was being divisive himself, basically blaming the federal government for all of New York's problems," Kolb said. "Well, we lost a million people out of this state long before there was any tax bill changes that came out of Washington."

Some Democrats have considered whether to primary the governor, and it's unlikely Wednesday's speech changes that. Progressive agenda aside, Cuomo has taken lumps from the far left of the party over what they see as his lack of action to mend a divide among Democrats in the state Senate.

"It's different when you have a core of progressivism than when you're putting on a cloak because it's popular," said New York City Councilman Jumaane Williams, a Brooklyn Democrat discussed as a potential Cuomo challenger. "Obviously that's the concern: who he is depending on the political winds."

But if he can fend off challengers this year, Cuomo's 2018 agenda may serve as a base for things to come.

"He will never publicly, for the next 10 months at least, talk about (running for) president," Greenberg said. "He doesn't have to. What he has to do is focus on his re-election in 2018. The things that he's talking about, this progressive agenda that he's touting, appeals to 2020 Democratic primary voters."

mhamilton@timesunion.com  518-454-5449  @matt_hamilton10
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ALBANY  Acting U.S. Attorney Grant Jaquith will remain the region's top federal prosecutor for the foreseeable future.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions officially appointed Jaquith, 60, as interim U.S. Attorney for the Northern District on Wednesday in a news release that offered abundant praise for the prosecutor.

Jaquith, a former Army colonel, has a "well-deserved reputation for determination and toughness as an attorney," Sessions said.

"Over the last 28 years, he has prosecuted drug dealers, cop killers, and violent criminals. That work has had a major impact on the community," Sessions said. "With Grant as interim United States attorney for the Northern District of New York, I believe that New Yorkers are in good hands."

The 32-county district extends from Albany to Syracuse and Binghamton to the Canadian border.

Jaquith, a member of the office since 1989, served since 2010 as first assistant to former U.S. Attorney Richard Hartunian before Hartunian left office on June 30, more than three months after the Trump administration removed dozens of U.S. Attorneys who were holdovers from Barack Obama's administration. The most high-profile of those ousted was Preet Bharara of the Southern District, who President-elect Donald Trump had earlier asked to stay on the job.

Bharara's office has handled several prosecutions, including those of former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and ex-state Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, that shook Albany. The same office is currently preparing for trials of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's former top aide Joe Percoco and SUNY Polytechnic Institute founder and president Alain Kaloyeros.

Hartunian, appointed by President Barack Obama, a fellow Democrat, left as expected under the Republican-led administration of President Donald Trump.

Also Wednesday, Sessions appointed Geoffrey S. Berman interim U.S. attorney in the Manhattan-based Southern District and Richard P. Donoghue interim U.S. attorney in the Brooklyn-based Eastern District.

Sessions previously appointed James P. Kennedy Jr. as U.S. attorney in the Buffalo-based Western District.
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HALFMOON  Even though the Town of Halfmoon's Highway Department has gas pumps at its Route 146 depot, the town's 43 trucks often pay more to fuel up across the street at a Sunoco station owned by local developer Bruce Tanski.

It's also not uncommon for town trucks to fuel up at Stewart's or Speedway, "all of which are local businesses in the Town of Halfmoon," Supervisor Kevin Tollisen pointed out in an email. "We have pumps that are located at the Highway Department and continue to use them, however the pumps are older and more antiquated," Tollisen said.

Still, the cost of fueling up at local gas stations is generally 60 cents to 70 cents per gallon more than the state rate.

At Tanski's Sunoco on Wednesday, the cost of diesel was $2.95 per gallon while the state rate was $2.26. The station's gas rate, for the lowest octane, was $2.55 per gallon. The state rate was $1.92 per gallon.

Town vehicles "have been seen at my place," said Tanski, a Halfmoon builder and generous political donor who in 2014 pleaded guilty to violating election laws. "But they also buy at Stewart's."

The price is even higher at the Stewart's. At the shop on Route 9, diesel was $3.09 per gallon and regular gas cost $2.59 per gallon.

In his email, Tollisen further explained that the Town Board passed a resolution in 2016 to enter into the New York State Fuel Card Program. "This was a program initiated by the State of New York and has been used by the Sheriff's Department and local Fire Departments. The goal of this is to provide an efficient way for Town vehicles to get gas," he stated.

"We now also have the ability to utilize fuel and gas from all the local vendors," Highway Superintendent John Pingelski said. "This saves vehicles from having to return to the highway garage to refuel, increasing efficiency and providing a source should our pumps go down."

Even when Halfmoon's vehicles do fill up at the town depot, the cost still might not be the cheapest option.

Pingelski said the town doesn't use the state's Office of General Services system to provide lower-cost, tax-free fuel for municipalities. He said the town seeks bids from local fuel vendors to fill up its depot tanks. Pingelski said the town never bought from the state program. He also said the state "doesn't necessarily" have the lowest prices.

According to Pingelski, Halfmoon purchases fuel for its own pumps from the Binghamton-based distributor Mirabito, which has a rate of $2.79 per gallon for diesel and $2.49 gallon for gasoline, also higher than the state rate.

Pingelski said the town's system, approved by the state Office of General Services, "allows us to go to any vendor, and removes the tax from the bill."

Tanski was charged with using "straw donors" to funnel money to the campaign of former Halfmoon Supervisor Melinda Wormuth, who was convicted on unrelated federal corruption charges. Under a plea agreement, Tanski was sentenced to three years on probation, 200 hours of community service and a $1,000 fine.

The businessman said he doesn't give the town any discounts. "I stay right out of that," Tanski said. "It's too much to manage."

Neighboring Clifton Park does use the state as its fuel supplier, allowing them to get their gas and diesel tax-free and at a lower rate. At their highway department's pump, all town trucks and cars fill their tanks. Clifton Park and Ballston Lake EMS, the Clifton Park Fire Department, the Saratoga County Sheriff's Department and the Saratoga County Water Authority also fuel up at Clifton Park's pumps.

"We don't pay any taxes," Supervisor Phil Barrett said. "The prices fluctuate weekly. There is a cost associated with maintaining the pumps; it's like any equipment. But the state system works for us. We wouldn't be changing our current structure."
A recent aide to Gov. Andrew Cuomo has formed a campaign committee to raise money for a potential Democratic primary against Bronx Sen. Jeff Klein, the leader of the breakaway eight-member conference that's aligned with Republicans.

Board of Elections records show that Alessandra Biaggi has formed a campaign committee to raise money for a run in Klein's district. The Daily News had previously reported Queens Sen. Mike Gianaris  the leader of the mainline Senate Democrats  had met with Biaggi about running a primary against Klein.

Biaggi was until recently a counsel in Cuomo's office and was previously deputy national operations director for Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign. She is also the granddaughter of the late U.S. Rep. Mario Biaggi.

Cuomo spokesman Rich Azzopardi said Biaggi left the governor's office a few weeks ago, and the administration had "no idea" about her political plans.

Biaggi could not be immediately reached for comment. Attorney Lewis Kaminski has already announced he is taking on Klein in a primary. Although there may be liberal-activist anger towards Klein for the alignment with Republicans, he has major advantages including a record of accomplishment and established fundraising.

A tenuous Cuomo-led deal has been struck for the IDC and Senate Democrats to reunify  and for the two sides not to fund primaries against one another in 2018. A Senate Democratic spokesman said the conference is not supporting primaries against the IDC.

But the deal requires Senate Democrats to hold the majority sometime during the 2018 session, which itself requires Democrats to win two special elections and woo Brooklyn Democratic Sen. Simcha Felder to rejoin their ranks.

A number of IDC members are facing primaries in the face of backlash against President Donald Trump, despite the deal between the IDC and Senate Democrats.

Though Biaggi's LinkedIn profile says she worked as a counsel in Cuomo's Executive Chamber, records from SeeThroughNY.net indicate her salary was paid by the Housing Trust Fund Corp. As reported by the Times Union, the FBI is investigating the Cuomo administration's practice of retaining employees to work for the Executive Chamber while paying them through state agency and public authority budgets.

Biaggi's LinkedIn profile says she was hired by the Cuomo administration in April, a month after Cuomo's office announced the hiring of a number of other former Clinton 2016 officials.
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Albany

During his State of the State address on Wednesday, Governor Andrew Cuomo said he will launch a campaign to repeal and replace the new Republican tax plan  including exploring "a plan to restructure the current income and payroll tax system," a move that would significantly alter the state's tax system.

The governor announced the effort while railing against federal tax reform, which he said would raise New Yorkers' property taxes and income taxes because of alterations to state and local tax deductions (SALT). Cuomo said his administration plans to sue the federal government over the law, arguing that it is unconstitutional because it targets left-leaning states that did not vote for President Donald Trump.

Details about the possible changes to New York's tax code are expected to emerge when Cuomo proposes his state budget, likely on Jan. 16.

Both the payroll and income tax approaches are based on an employee's earnings, but one of the main points of difference is who pays the taxes. Employers are at least partially responsible for paying a payroll tax, while employees pay income taxes, which are withheld from their earnings. Under the new tax bill, income taxes are not fully deductible, while payroll taxes are deductible.

A New York Times article suggested that governors and lawmakers in New York and other states are searching for revenue sources that are not punished under the tax bill.

"They are considering changing their state tax codes to allow residents to take advantage of other federal tax breaks  in effect, restoring deductions that the tax law scaled back," reporter Ben Casselman wrote in the article.

Payroll taxes at the federal, state and local levels are levied at a flat rate, but New York's current personal income tax system places steeper tax rates on higher incomes, research director E.J. McMahon explained in a blog post for the Empire Center for Public Policy.

"On closer inspection, even taken on its own terms, the payroll tax idea is not nearly as simple as it sounds," McMahon wrote. "In fact, any attempt to broadly displace the (personal income tax) with a payroll tax would be fraught with mind-bending complications and virtually impossible to implement."

Under a payroll tax system, employees would be subjected to a range of rates not based on factors like marital status or family makeup and employers would have to make up the difference, McMahon wrote. Employees would be hit by "what amounts to a gross pay cut, trusting that their take-home pay would not change during the crucial transition point," among other issues with changing the system.

"The harder you think about it, the less sense it makes," McMahon said in an interview.

There are several notable boons to states if they increase revenue via payroll taxes instead of person income taxes, University of Chicago assistant professor Daniel Hemel wrote in a blog post. They include decreasing Social Security and Medicare taxes for paid employees, excluding state taxes for employees that use the standard deduction and dodging the alternative minimum tax and the impacts of the Internal Revenue Service's Pease provision that lowers the value of a high-income taxpayer's itemized deductions.

"Take away the SALT deduction for income taxes, though, and suddenly the motivation to shift away from a state income tax and toward a state payroll tax becomes much more powerful," Hemel wrote.

Business organizations in New York are largely concerned about the possible shift.

Heather Briccetti, president and CEO of the Business Council of New York State, said the organization is committed to working with Cuomo on restructuring the tax system under the new federal tax law.

However, "we have major concerns with a new payroll tax, and with increasing business taxes to offset reductions in federal taxes," particularly because the state's corporate tax reform legislation in 2014 helped make the business community's tax atmosphere more competitive, she said.

"We believe that the prudent path is a comprehensive response to address our budget deficit and federal tax changes," Briccetti said.

Small businesses in New York are already struggling with new labor rules and increasing costs, Mike Durant, New York director for the National Federation of Independent Business, said in a statement. The organization is a fiscally conservative group that represents small businesses.

"Overhauling our tax code should include a thorough examination of our existing unsustainable spending, not imposing a potentially complicated payroll tax on employers," Durant said. "We look forward to learning specific details on these proposals in the upcoming state budget address and working with lawmakers to ensure the viability of small business in New York."

Kathryn Wilde, president and CEO of the Partnership for New York City, said in a statement that the state's business community "is prepared to offer its cooperation and expertise to help explore how any negative impact on the state and its resident taxpayers might be offset, through such measures as a payroll tax or a public charitable fund."
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TROY  Nassau Supervisor David Fleming spoke strongly in support of a Rensselaer County law to protect groundwater from a suspected carcinogen around the Dewey Loeffel Landfill Superfund Site on Wednesday at County Executive Steven McLaughlins first public meeting.

McLaughlin, who took office Monday, signed the law setting a limit of 0.35 parts per billion for 1,4-dioxane, the suspected carcinogen, and filling a gap in controlling discharges into local waterways at the conclusion of the public hearing.

Fleming has joined other town officials in fighting pollution problems at the landfill. Dewey Loeffel was named a federal Superfund site in 2011. From 1952 until 1968, an estimated 46,000 tons of toxic industrial was were dumped in the landfill. Fleming said 1,000 acres is contaminated by the plume from the spread of the contaminated materials.

It hurts families in my community. It hurts economic development in the town of Nassau. It hurts economic development in Rensselaer County, said Fleming, who just started his sixth term as Nassau town supervisor.

County Legislator Bob Loveridge, R-Schodack, also spoke in support of the local law. The County Legislature approved the law in December, sending it to the county executive to sign.

The law requires at least weekly testing for 1,4-dioxane; establishes a fine of $1,000 each time the limit is violated by the wastewater plant; and sets the limit of 0.35 parts per billion of the chemical. In the past, officials said there have been readings as high as 9 parts per billion of 1,4 dioxane flowing out of the site.

Were going to do whatever we can to protect our residents, McLaughlin said shortly before signing the law.

Public safety issues are among the first tasks McLaughlin is addressing in the opening days of his administration. The county executive said he is working to fill the vacancies for director of public safety and supervising the county STOP-DWI Program.

McLaughlin said he plans to name an Opioid Czar to battle problems with heroin and other opioids that are leading to addiction and deaths. McLaughlin said he plans to work with Albany County Executive Dan McCoy and leaders of other counties in confronting the crisis.

Rensselaer County also will complete work on its new emergency communications system and a new fire tower, he said.
The Narendra Modi government ruled out sending the controversial Bill outlawing instant triple talaq to a Select Committee. With two days to go in the Winter Session, what next?

By Rahul Shrivastava: The Bill outlawing instant triple talaq, or the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017, has driven relations between the Narendra Modi government and the Opposition to a point of zero chances of reconciliation.

The government moved to introduce the Bill in the Rajya Sabha today. There were sharp exchanges between top leaders from both sides, and the Upper House of Parliament was adjourned till Thursday morning.

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United behind the Congress, the Opposition sang in a loud chorus: Send the bill to a Select Committee (a parliamentary panel which looks specifically at a particular legislation).

The Opposition expected that the Modi government, which didn't have enough numbers to pass the Bill, would give in. But the NDA administration had different plans.

As nearly 50 Muslim women in the House's guest gallery watched on, the government rejected the Opposition's truce offer.

MASSIVE UPROAR

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley categorically told Opposition MPs that the Bill couldn't be referred to a Select Committee for review. A massive uproar ensued.

Jaitley's explanation: Two Supreme Court judges said the practice of instant triple talaq was unfair, and suspended it for six months - a period which ends on February 22.

Jaitley said the judges had asked parties to come up with appropriate legislation, and that the nation expected "urgency" from its Parliament.

Congress leader and former Union Minister Kapil Sibal instantly challenged Jaitley's remarks. "What Jaitley said about the Supreme Court's judgement was said in context of the minority judgement," he said.

NAKED POLITICS

The battle over the Bill is now the most naked form of politics.

The BJP wants it, as it hurts the political constituency of its rivals, led by the Congress. The Grand Old Party, alongwith the Samajwadi Party, the Trinamool Congress, the Rashtriya Janata Dal and others, oppose the Bill as it faces stiff Opposition from the Muslim clergy, considered 'shepherds' of minority vote banks.

"Let the country know the Congress' hypocrisy and double standards," said Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.

But both groups are camouflaging their political intent. Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, "Let the country know [the] Congress' hypocrisy and double standard[s]. It supported the Bill in the Lok Sabha, but it has taken a completely divergent view in the Rajya Sabha. It supports a bill on a House where it doesn't have the numbers, but opposes it in another House [in] which it has better numbers. It's clear that the party has not learnt any lessons from the Shah Bano case of 1986."

Opposition leaders said at the onset that they weren't rubber stamps who would endorse every legislation moved by the government, and that wider consultations were the only acceptable solution

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The turmoil in the House deepened when Congress leader Anand Sharma said his party had been in "regular talks with [the] Chairman, government and parties in [the] Rajya Sabha."

This is the first time since 1952 that a motion for a panel has been moved without a single member of the ruling party, said Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley

"We had conveyed that this be referred to [a] Select Committee but it was clear from their adamant attitude that they are playing politics, by selectively misquoting and misreporting [the] Supreme Court's judgement, even by [the] Leader of [the] House today."

Sharma also read out a motion for the Bill to be sent to a parliamentary panel, with a proposed list of members. A furious Jaitley replied, "This is the first time since 1952 that a motion for a panel has been moved without a single member of the ruling party."

Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien adjourned proceedings, realising that the issue was beyond closure.

'NO POSSIBILITY OF A CHANGE OF STAND'

Top government sources say there is no possibility of a change of stand on the issue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet top ministers on Thursday morning to thrash out the next strategy before start of proceedings.

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Top sources say the government, having realised the Congress' discomfort, isn't planning to relent - as each moment spent demanding that the Bill to be sent to a select panel will go down as opposition to a Bill whose mandate is welfare and justice for Muslim women victims of instant triple talaq.

A senior BJP leader's words reflected the party's aggressive intent. "It's not the end of the road. The Opposition may send the Bill to a panel but the government has other constitutional means. A joint session to pass the bill is something the government may explore if the Opposition doesn't back down," this leader said.

STALLING TACTIC

The Congress-led Opposition is ready to continue to demand that the Bill be sent for wider consultations to a panel. Congress leaders say the committee can be taken up in the Budget Session, which is just a few weeks away.

But this is a stalling tactic.

The Budget Session is likely to start at the end of January. It will first feature the President's address, then the debate on it in the two Houses, then the Budget and the debate on it. Top ministers say that if the triple talaq Bill is referred to a panel, there's little likelihood of its being taken up before the second half of the Budget session.

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The big point of contention is the clause which declares instant triple talaq a criminal act punishable by up to three years in prison. On Tuesday a delegation of the Muslim Personal Law Board met Opposition leaders, and conveyed their clear opposition to it.

WHAT BJP ALLIES / FRIENDS ARE SAYING

The Shiv Sena, the BJP's 'frenemy', is backing the Opposition's demand.The Akali Dal, the saffron party's ally in Punjab, supports the Bill.Parties like the Biju Janata Dal, which are equidistant from the BJP and the Congress, have opposed it.While the Congress and other parties want the Bill to be sent to cold storage for a while, the Modi government is saying a firm no to any dilution - especially the clause which criminalises instant triple talaq.

Only two working days remain in this short, delayed Winter Session. A deadlock will hurt the government, which has to pass the crucial compensation for states GST Bill and other legislations.

Watch: Will instant Triple Talaq legislation ever see the light of day?

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TROY  Rensselaer County District Attorney Joel Abelove took unusual legal steps Thursday to keep two men accused of slaying four people in a Lansingburgh apartment locked up after an anticipated grand jury indictment was hamstrung by what sources described as a potentially improper police interrogation.

Without indictments in hand, Abelove didnt press ahead with the scheduled preliminary hearings on multiple murder counts against Justin C. Mann, 24, and James W. White, 38, both of Schenectady. Instead, White was charged with a new count of first-degree murder, while a parole violation hold was placed on Mann. After appearing before City Court Judge Christopher Maier, both were sent back to Rensselaer County Jail without bail.

Theres nothing preventing the district attorney from going forward with the preliminary hearing. They dont want to, said attorney Greg Cholakis, who represents White.

State Police filed the new first-degree murder charge against White on Thursday morning. Cholakis said the last-minute maneuvers by police and prosecutor didnt pass the laugh test.

Abelove has used parole holds before in homicide cases to give police up to a year to complete their investigations before going to a grand jury. He declined to speak to the media on Thursday.

Cholakis and Joseph Ahearn, who represents Mann, said they had never seen a prosecutor take such action to keep defendants in jail when he wasnt able to proceed with a preliminary hearing.

Cholakis challenged the new murder charge as an attempt to ignore Whites rights against being held in jail without hearing the evidence. Abelove responded that the new charge was filed on a different theory of what occurred on the evening of Dec. 21 in the basement apartment at 158 Second Ave., where Brandi Mells, 22, Shanta Myers, 36, Jeremiah Myers, 11, and 5-year-old Shanise Myers were killed.

The new count accuses White of killing the 11-year-old boy while allegedly burglarizing 158 Second Ave. People familiar with the case who spoke on condition of anonymity said the boy was dropped off at the family's home while the attacks were under way, and was killed when he walked in.

The arrival of the boy at the apartment was used to set the time of the slayings, the sources said.

Cholakis said in court Thursday that legal questions have been raised about the evidence used to support the initial murder charges police filed against Mann on Saturday. This in turn impacted the charges against White.

At issue is a statement Mann made to a State Police investigator and a Troy detective during questioning, officials familiar with the interview said. The interactions between the three during the interrogation was recorded on video.

The questioning could be ruled inadmissible if it continued after Mann made a verbal refusal to respond to questions or explicitly asked for the services of an attorney.

With questions hanging over the statement, the grand jury did not take action. Court officials had expected the two preliminary hearings to be canceled Thursday as an indictment was expected to be handed up Friday. Instead, the two court appearances were pushed from Thursday morning while prosecutors and police scrambled to confront problems.

The police have video of Mann and White riding a CDTA bus, according to sources familiar with the case. CDTA officials said the video was turned over to Troy police for their investigation. Police also have acquired video from the area around 158 Second Ave.

Police from Troy and Schenectady as well as other agencies began focusing on White and Mann, in part, after reviewing footage from security cameras in Troy, sources said.

Officials familiar with the investigation said a video surveillance camera in Schenectady captured the pair returning to the city on a public bus in the hours after the slayings.

The initial charges of one count of first-degree murder and four counts of second-degree murder filed Dec. 30 against Mann and White remain in force.

Ahearn refused to waive a preliminary hearing for Mann, though the defense attorney said he couldnt seek to have his client released due to the parole hold.

Cholakis filed a writ of habeas corpus Thursday afternoon in Rensselaer County Court seeking White's release. Judge Debra Young will hold a hearing on the motion Friday at the Rensselaer County Court House.

The new count against White is expected to give prosecutors more time to prepare for a preliminary hearing. Maier set a preliminary hearing on the new first-degree murder count for Tuesday.

They now have another six days, Cholakis said about the prosecutions action to buy time to prepare.

The two women, who were a couple, and the two children were found dead on Dec. 26. The victims were bound and their throats were cut, authorities said. Police have not given a possible motive for the killings.

Mann was released from prison in June after being convicted in 2014 of committing an armed robbery in Queens. White pleaded guilty to manslaughter in 2001 for his part in the stabbing death of a Bronx man, and served nearly nine years in prison before being paroled.

A memorial service is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Saturday in Troy Middle School's auditorium for Myers and her two children.

A fund has been established at McLoughlin and Mason funeral home for Myers' eldest son, Isiah Smith, who was not in the apartment at the time of the killings.

Mells' family has said they want to hold memorial services for her at various locations where she has lived, such as Syracuse and New Jersey.

The four victims were discovered in the basement apartment on Second Avenue by the apartment's property manager. He had been contacted by the mother of one of the victims, who had not heard from her daughter since before Christmas.
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ALBANY  A Capital Region food truck as notable for its controversial name as for its fusion barbecue fare scored a significant victory at the end of a years-long legal battle with Gov. Andrew Cuomo's administration, which had banned the Wandering Dago from serving its offerings on the Empire State Plaza.

A Wednesday decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit concluded that a lower court erred in granting summary judgment to the defendants, including several top officials at the state Office of General Services, which oversees the program that licenses food vendors to park on the Plaza during the warm months.

Instead, the three-judge panel said summary judgment should have gone to the Wandering Dago.

"It is undisputed that defendants denied WD's applications solely because of its ethnicslur branding," the court said in a 32-page decision that called the state's action unconstitutional "viewpoint discrimination."

The owners of the Wandering Dago, run at the time by Andrea Loguidice and Brendan Snooks, filed suit in August 2013 against employees and leaders of OGS, including Commissioner RoAnn Destito and Executive Deputy Commissioner Joe Rabito, as well as the New York Racing Association, which ejected the truck from the Saratoga Race Course in July of that year. NYRA, which at the time of the Wandering Dago's ouster was under state control, quietly reached a $68,500 settlement with the truck's owners in January 2015.

While "dago" is generally understood to be a slur on Italians, Loguidice insists it is nothing more than a tribute to her ancestors, laborers who were paid "as the day goes."

A spokeswoman for OGS said the agency was reviewing the decision.

As predicted by plaintiffs' attorney George Carpinello of Boies Schiller Flexner, the Second Circuit's decision was based in large part on the U.S. Supreme Court's June 2017 decision in Matal v. Tam, in which the leader of an Asian-American rock group called The Slants was initially denied the chance to register the band's name with the U.S. Trademark Office due to its ironic use of an offensive epithet.

The top court, however, concluded that the federal office's decision similarly amounted to unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination.

"We thought we had a winner even without the (Matal) decision," said Carpinello on Wednesday. " ... We really feel vindicated."

While the plaintiffs dropped their claim seeking damages from the state, Carpinello said they would seek attorneys' fees from the official defendants.

The Second Circuit reversed a March 2016 decision by U.S. District Judge Mae D'Agostino, who concluded that OGS officials had imposed appropriate limits on speech when they twice rejected the Wandering Dago's application.

"Given the nature of the Summer Outdoor Lunch Program and the fact that it is sponsored and promoted by OGS, it is reasonable for the State to want to avoid the perception that it condones the use of racial epithets," D'Agostino wrote.

Loguidice, who is now the sole operator of the truck, filed a separate lawsuit in late 2014, claiming that she was fired from her job as an attorney for the state Department of Environmental Conservation due to her connection to the truck.

DEC officials dismissed her after it came to light that the truck had been hired by a General Electric contractor to cater an event on GE's Niskayuna campus; agency officials said DEC's work on GE's PCB dredging project on the Hudson should have raised a red flag for Loguidice.

The DEC-Loguidice suit is currently bogged down in legal wrangling about the scope of the questions state attorneys are obligated to answer in depositions.

Carpinello said he didn't know if Loguidice would apply to do business on the Plaza this summer.
What do Albany's South End and Sheridan Hollow communities have in common? They are communities of color and the poor, yes. Most glaring is that at a time of environmental scholarship, grassroots advocacy, and the global climate change agendas these communities are the last to realize any advances toward environmental justice.

The Capital District's environmental hotspots have again become a center of controversy. In the South End, interstate trucks spew exhaust onto streets and into homes. Gov. Andrew Cuomo is proposing reopening Sheridan Hollow's old ANSWERS plant to burn fracked gas piped in from Pennsylvania to heat, cool, and provide energy to the Empire State Plaza complex across town.

Targeting black, brown, and poor communities for toxic dumps and processing facilities is a practice that has been identified as environmental racism by Robert Bullard, a professor and father of the environmental justice movement.

Charlene Benton an activist, resident and former president of the Ezra Prentice Tenants Association, died battling cancer in May of 2017. Since 2011, Benson and Willie White, executive director of AVillage, along with coalitions of environmental groups, have organized to ask Albany's municipalities to intercede with the federal government to stop local company Global Partners from transporting the lighter but more explosive North Dakota Bakken crude oil to their South End of Albany refinery. A pending 2016 lawsuit was filed by Benson and a coalition of environmental groups against Global Partners. The lawsuit states that Global Partners violated the Clean Air Act with increased train shipments, which also amounts to an increase in the emission of toxic chemicals like benzene, methane, toluene, and xylene. Ezra Prentice residents report an inordinate amount of cases of asthma and other respiratory ailments, as well as cancer.

The environmental injustices to Ezra Prentice residents also include interstate trucks spewing exhaust with no relief. The onslaught of noise from trucks and trains along with toxic emissions amounts to abusive and dangerous living conditions for this community. This is environmental racism at its worst.

Across town, Sheridan Hollow is reliving a 1994 ANSWERS plant nightmare that the community believes was responsible for parents, children, and other family members dying of cancer. Former Gov. Mario Cuomo's decided to close the refuse-to-fuel processing plant after two days of black soot covered the Capitol.

The Sheridan Hollow Alliance for Renewable Energy coalition, which consists of over 100 environmental and community groups, launched their campaign for a clean renewable energy solution this summer. According to geothermal expert Jay Egg, a geothermal solution would accommodate the need to heat, cool, and provide energy to the Empire State Plaza. Geothermal solutions are already in use at facilities such as St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City, a heavily populated urban metropolis. The geothermal solution would afford clean air to the Sheridan Hollow and its neighbor Arbor Hill, two communities greatly impacted by the operations at the ANSWERS facility in the past.

Communities of color and the poor continue to hope that the next bomb train will not derail in their neighborhood, spilling its toxic cargo near homes and playgroundsas has happened in Virginia, North Dakota, and Canada. They ask that the emissions from interstate trucks and the energy needs of Empire State Plaza will not exacerbate their asthma, COPD, leukemia, bronchitis, and cancers. And that they will not die a premature death, leaving their children and families to fend for themselves.

Sign up for the Observation Deck newsletter Read the latest Times Union opinion, perspective and letters to the editor on Mondays by signing up for our Observation Deck newsletter.

It begs the question, "Is anyone listening?"

Rita Ogburn-McCall is a member of Citizen Action New York.
The new president of ICMSA, Tipperarys Pat McCormack, has said that his organisation welcomes a new measure allowing recipients of welfare to work part-time for dairy farmers without losing their social protection entitlements.

However, despite this, he confirmed that the availability of labour was fast becoming a critical challenge for Irish agriculture.

His comments came after an independent survey commissioned by Dairygold has revealed that 25 per cent of its members singled out labour as a main obstacle to their future dairy farming plans.

Some 35 per cent see land as a significant constraint to expansion.

ICMSA has already highlighted the issues where casual or seasonal work overlapped with the complexities of the social welfare system, said Mr McCormack.

He said that ICMSA had identified the problems around getting trained labour on to dairy farms, particularly for the really intensive periods such as the upcoming spring calving.

Quite aside from the need for the labour itself and the merits of training people up to the required standard and integrating them into a dynamic and skilled sector, there was a health and safety aspect to this, he said.

Where we have single-person dairying operations we are seeing enormous workloads and punishing working weeks of 85 or 90 hours. That kind of workload can mean physical and mental fatigue and that in turn can lead to accidents as concentration levels fall, said the farm leader.

ICMSA wants to see a focus on this area where social protection and proper part-time work overlap that facilitates temporary and permanent labour.

Mr McCormack said that there were long-standing issues around the difficulties social welfare recipients experience when they try and reactivate their benefits after a period of seasonal work.

We met Taoiseach Varadkar in his previous position as Minister for Social Protection and he was emphatic that there was a real drive on within that Department to streamline that process of leaving the welfare system for a short period for seasonal work, he said.

ICMSA also asked them to look at moving that part-time work stipulation for Job-seekers Allowance and see if it couldnt be moved to a number of hours each day as opposed to the three-fixed days.

That would certainly make the situation more attractive to people thinking about part-time work on a dairy farm, for instance, said Mr McCormack.

Meanwhile, the results of the Dairygold survey show that at least 530 job opportunities are available in Munster.

The national shortage of farm labour poses a significant threat to the future growth of dairy farming in Ireland.

Dairygold commissioned the independent research survey, carried out among a cross section of its members from all regions and scale of milk supply, to inform of the plans and needs of its suppliers in the years ahead.

The survey indicated that over 60 per cent of suppliers intended to increase their milk supply, indicating that the dairy industry in Ireland will continue to expand at a rapid rate, with members expecting to increase their milk supplies by over 16 per cent between 2018 and 2022.

Unsurprisingly, labour continues to be a significant on-farm challenge. Our milk supplier members have indicated that they intend to use more paid labour which again demonstrates that there are real job opportunities in rural Ireland  the equivalent to at least 530 in our catchment area, according to James Lynch, chairman of Dairygold.

Teagasc research officer Paidi Kelly said the addition of 350,000 cows following the scrapping of milk quotas had created a huge amount of extra work on farms.

Meanwhile, Dutch agri-bank Rabobank is warning of an unpredictable outlook for milk prices in 2018 as global supply increases.

The bank's analysts say that European milk supply in the next six month will decide the fate of global markets, and while global supply has increased since last spring, they warn that it is not over yet.

Growth in the global exportable dairy surpluses will continue to expand in the coming period, pressuring global markets, said Rabobanks senior dairy analyst Michael Harvey.

However, the bank stops short of predicting a price crash, as they expect milk price signals and some processors efforts to curb production.
By PTI: New Delhi, Jan 4 (PTI) A special court today granted bail to Delhi-based businessman Gagan Dhawan, arrested in a Rs 5,000-crore money laundering case.

Additional Sessions judge Sidharth Sharma granted the relief to Dhawan on a personal bond of Rs two lakh and a surety of same amount.

Dhawan, arrested on November 1, 2017, was sent to judicial custody on November 15 by the court after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had said he was not needed for further custodial interrogation.

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The ED alleged that Dhawan had facilitated the directors of Gujarat-based pharma firm Sterling Biotech Ltd. (SBL) in the purchase of several properties and helped in misuse and diversion of credit facilities of several bank totalling Rs 5,000 crore.

"Rs 1.5 crore was received by the accused from SBL group. Prior to that, the amount of bank loans was rotated in various group companies of SBL group," the agency said.

The lower court had on November 14 issued non-bailable warrants against two other persons ? SBL directors Nitin and Chetan Sandesara. The agency told the court that Chetan might have left the country.

In his application, the accused has sought the relief, saying he was not required for further investigation and no purpose would be served by keeping him in custody.

Dhawan was arrested in an alleged bank fraud case involving SBL under sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The firm and Dhawan were also being probed by the ED for allegedly bribing senior income tax department officials in an earlier criminal complaint.

The CBI had recently booked Sterling Biotech, its directors Chetan Jayantilal Sandesara, Dipti Chetan Sandesara, Rajbhushan Omprakash Dixit, Nitin Jayantilal Sandesara and Vilas Joshi, chartered accountant Hemant Hathi, former director of Andhra Bank Anup Garg and some unidentified persons in connection with the alleged bank fraud case.

It had alleged that the company had taken loans of over Rs 5,000 crore from a consortium led by Andhra Bank which had turned into non-performing assets.

The FIR had also alleged that the total pending dues of the group companies were Rs 5,383 crore as on December 31, 2016. The ED had taken a cognisance of this FIR to file a money laundering case against them. PTI UK PKS SMN

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Farming remains the most dangerous occupation in Ireland, with 24 deaths in the sector last year, according to figures released by the Health and Safety Authority.

Among those killed was Tom Kennedy, Clogheraily, Loughmore, who died in May.

Mr Kennedy, who was 74, was father of All-Ireland winning Tipperary hurler David Kennedy.

He had been working on land reclamation on his farm at Ballycahill / Holycross when the accident happened.

It is the eight year in a row that farming has recorded the highest number of workplace deaths.

There were 14 men over 65 killed in the agriculture sector, and one child.

Altogether, 47 people died in workplace fatailies in 2017.

The construction and transport sectors had the next highest number of fatalities with six each.

Across all sectors, accidents involving vehicles accounted for 21 of all fatalities in 2017

Falls from height (six) was the next most common cause.

Most fatalities (28) involved 18-65 years old males..

Dublin Cork and Mayo were the counties with the highest number of fatalities in 2017, with six each.

Of 47 fatalities reported, 18 were self-employed persons, 15 were employees, seven non-workers and seven family workers.

HSA chief executive Martin OHalloran said that a collective effort was required to reduce the high level of farm accidents.

Everyone involved in farming must aim to make whatever changes are necessary, to work practices, to stop these accidents occurring each year. That means safety must be paramount when carrying out any work, especially with tractors or farm machinery, he said.

We have seen 14 elderly farmers killed this year, many of them working alone at the time of the accident, said Mr O'Halloran.

He said that finding supports for elderly farmers or farmers working alone was something that needed to be addressed.

The Health and Safety Authority will continue to do its part through inspection, awareness raising and education but safe farming had to happen every day, not just after an inspection, he said.

We need to make this a fundamental part of farming culture, until it is we will continue to have devastation and carnage on our farms, said Mr O'Halloran.
[January 04, 2018] Georgia's ProLogic ITS Tapped to Mitigate Network Virus Outbreak in NC School District

ATLANTA, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the ProLogic ITS Corporate Office confirms they are working with Rockingham County School District in North Carolina on a recent widespread Emotet virus attack, which crippled the district's network infrastructure including Servers, Storage, and End-User Computing Devices. The Emotet Virus is a sophisticated, polymorphic virus that can avoid detection multiple ways. Although there is no full-proof solution to stop such an attack, following industry standard processes and the installation of anti-virus software on each system will help mitigate the spread of the virus. Stopping this virus requires each machine on an infected network to be protected with Anti-Virus Software; it is also critical that you are following Industry Standard best practices relating to network protection. "Schools are a prime target for nefarious hackers considering most districts operate on a shoe string budget, thus having outdated technology and are almost always understaffed," says Paul Sprayberry a Managing Partner with ProLogic ITS. The company was first contacted by the services organization of Dell EMC on Thursday, December 21, 2017 at 9:12am. Shortly thereafter ProLogic engagedRockingham County Schools IT Department and was debriefed on the situation. At that time, they quickly pulled together an Incident Response Team to further evaluate the situation and wait for board approval of the $314,000.00 contract.



As part of the contract, ProLogic ITS is providing up to 10 Onsite and Offsite Technical Resources on a daily basis to function as an extension of the Districts in-house IT Department to contain and remove the widespread Emotet virus. Furthermore, ProLogic will temporarily provide 200 Dell Latitude Laptops, and a 30-day Managed Detection and Response Service. This service integrates the best of signature, behavioral, and anomaly detection capabilities with a rich suite of forensic investigation tools that enable security analyst to block threats in real time. Over the course of the next few weeks, ProLogic will recommend to the district a go forward plan to help prevent this type of situation from occurring in the future. Such a plan will likely be focused on bringing the district's technology up to current industry standards.

If you have any further questions related to this matter please contact [email protected] About Us:

ProLogic ITS, LLC is known across the country as an end-to-end solution provider. We design and build solutions based on industry-standard technology platforms and related value-added services. Our turn-key business model meets the specific needs of our customers while providing cost-effective solutions designed to provide excellent performance with a lower overall cost of ownership. Media Contact: Paul Sprayberry

(886) 923-0513

[email protected] View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/georgias-prologic-its-tapped-to-mitigate-network-virus-outbreak-in-nc-school-district-300577503.html SOURCE ProLogic ITS

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[January 04, 2018] Sunrise Senior Living Saves Antique Barn in Connecticut, Donates Structure to the Wilton Historical Society

With construction efforts set to begin for a new assisted living community in Wilton, Connecticut, Sunrise Senior Living has announced that it will save the historic barn on the old Young's Nursery grounds, located at 211 Danbury Road, and donate the structure to the Wilton Historical Society. "This was simply the right thing to do, and we are excited to help preserve such a special part of Wilton's history," said Philip Kroskin, senior vice president of Real Estate for Sunrise. "Sunrise is committed to thoughtful, sustainable design of our communities, which includes being compatible with the surrounding land. We respect the important aspects of neighborhood life that came before us, while also looking ahead to our new Sunrise community, which will become home for area seniors." Sunrise has agreed to cover the cost of disassembling the structure in order to save it. Connecticut's barns are vanishing treasures, and according to Lee Wilson, an emeritus trustee and co-vice president of Buildings and Grounds at the Society, "The Wilton Historical Society is eager to preserve this dairy barn, an antique structure that is an essential piece of Wilton's history. In this age of tear-downs, and scant appreciation or understanding of our past, it is refreshing to see Sunrise's commitment to historic preservation." The Wilton Historical Society plans to store the 19th-century structure and commence fundraising to restore and repurpose it. According to the Society, the barn will most likely be rebuilt as a dwelling on the Cannondale campus, where, similar to most of the other historical structures the Society has preserved, it will be rented out to pay for ongoing preservation maintenance. "It's a win-win for Wilton, that's for sure," said Allison Sanders, Director, Communications of the Wilton Historicl Society. "This is a very generous gift to the community and we are enormously grateful to Sunrise for their contribution and for having the foresight to save an historic structure for future generations."



Sunrise's commitment to local historic preservation extends to another one of its new senior living communities, Sunrise at Silas Burke House, opening in late January in a suburb of Washington, DC. Built on the grounds of the Silas Burke House (c.1842) in Burke, Virginia, Sunrise's new community was carefully designed to preserve the physical structure of the nearby historic home. Sunrise agreed to help maintain the 193-year-old house indefinitely and open it up for various neighborhood groups to use. Sunrise's new senior living community in Wilton, Connecticut, is tentatively scheduled for completion in mid-2019.

About Sunrise Senior Living Sunrise Senior Living, a McLean, Va.-based company, employs approximately 32,000 people. As of December 1, 2017, Sunrise operated 322 communities in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, including 7 Sunrise Villa communities and 20 Gracewell Healthcare homes, with a total unit capacity of approximately 28,800. Sunrise offers a full range of personalized senior living services, including independent living, assisted living, care for individuals with Alzheimer's and other forms of memory loss, as well as nursing and rehabilitative services. Sunrise's senior living services are delivered by team members who are trained to encourage independence, preserve dignity, enable freedom of choice and protect the privacy of residents. For ongoing information about Sunrise communities and senior-related topics, read The Sunrise Blog and follow us on Facebook. To learn more about Sunrise, please visit SunriseSeniorLiving.com. About The Wilton Historical Society Since its founding in 1938, the Wilton Historical Society has championed the preservation of historic buildings, preserving and restoring 18 of Wilton's diverse 18th and 19th-century structures, which otherwise would have been demolished. The Society offers history for everyone with youth programs, school field trips, family activities, lectures, exhibitions, a book group and annual events such as the Great Trains Holiday Exhibit. To learn more, please visit www.wiltonhistorical.org. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180104005034/en/

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[January 03, 2018] eRelevance Named to Entrepreneur 360 List of America's Best Privately Owned Companies

AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- eRelevance Corp., the leading customer marketing service for small- to medium-size businesses, has been named one of the "Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America" by Entrepreneur magazine's Entrepreneur 360 list. The list recognizes the top private, high-growth U.S. companies expertly managing balance, impact, innovation, growth and leadership. "We are honored to be recognized as one of the best private companies driving innovation that delivers superior value to our customers while maintaining exponential top- and bottom-line business growth," says eRelevance Co-founder and CEO Bob Fabbio. "Courageous and thoughtful innovation is the key to far-reaching and lasting positive impact, and it's what drives our team and helps grow our business every day." Honorees were identified based on the results from a comprehensive study of independently owned companies, using a proprietary algorithm and other advanced analytics. The algorithm was built on a balanced scorecard designed to measure four metrics reflecting major pillars of entrepreneurshipinnovation, growth, leadership and impact. "Our annual evaluation is a 360-degree analysis of top privately held companies representing and serving a variety of industries," explains Lisa Murray, Chief Insights Officer of Entrepreneur Media, Inc. "Every year, we review a new batch of entries that reflect great entrepreneurial strides. The ones that make the list have implemented visionary initiatives impacting their communities for the better, innovtive ideas redefining industry standards, leadership practices fostering enviable company cultures, and creative growth strategies launching their brands to new heights.



"With its game-changing customer marketing service, eRelevance is delivering to small businesses a level of marketing sophistication previously only available to enterprise-level companiesat a price point small businesses can afford." To learn more about eRelevance, visit www.erelevancecorp.com.

For additional details on the E360 List and the companies recognized, visit: entrepreneur.com/360. About eRelevance CorporationeRelevance powers its clients' growth with a game-changing customer marketing service that increases the lifetime value of their customers. Pioneering the category of customer marketing automation as a service, the company provides to its customers sophisticated customer marketing done by marketing experts equipped with advanced, proprietary technology. By simplifying sophisticated customer marketing and making it available at an affordable price, eRelevance has earned the trust of over 1,100 small businesses, with a focus on delivering consistent and measurable business impact. Privately funded and based in Austin, Texas, eRelevance is a Red Herring Global 100 winner, one of BuiltInAustin's Top 50 Startups to Watch, Austin Inno's 50 on Fire, and a member of the Forbes Agency Council. For more information, visit erelevancecorp.com. About Entrepreneur Media Inc.

For nearly 40 years, Entrepreneur Media Inc. has been serving the entrepreneurial community providing comprehensive coverage of business and personal success through original content and events. Entrepreneur magazine, Entrepreneur.com, and publishing imprint Entrepreneur Press provide solutions, information, inspiration and education read by millions of entrepreneurs and small business owners worldwide. To learn more, visit entrepreneur.com. Follow us on Twitter at @Entrepreneur and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/entmagazine. Media Contact:

Cassady Nordeen

[email protected]

(718) 644-0273 PRLog ID: www.prlog.org/12684561 View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/erelevance-named-to-entrepreneur-360-list-of-americas-best-privately-owned-companies-300577269.html SOURCE eRelevance

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[January 03, 2018] Shaw Communications Announces the Death of Jim Shaw

CALGARY, Alberta, Jan. 03, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Shaw Communications Inc. (TSX:SJR.B) (TSX:SJR.PR.A) (TSX:SJR.PR.B) (NYSE:SJR) (TSXV:SJR.A) announced that, following a brief illness, Jim Shaw, Vice-Chairman and former Chief Executive Officer, passed away peacefully earlier today at the age of 60. As a family, our hearts are heavy with sadness, said Brad Shaw, Chief Executive Officer, Shaw Communications. I have not only lost a brother, but a great friend and mentor. Our lives will not be as complete without hearing Jims laughter or getting the benefit of his counsel or his insight. Jim Shaw served as the second CEO of Shaw Communications from 1998 to 2010 and led a senior management team known for its longevity, discipline, stability and cohesiveness; a tribute to his consultative style, trust, leadership skills and his willingness to delegate responsibility and reward success. During Jims tenure as CEO, he established himself as a master company builder, leading strategic acquisitions that would fuel the companys growth for the future. Incredibly, during the 12 years of Jims leadership, the companys revenue grew from $646 million in 1998 to $3.7 billion in 2010. Under Jims guidance, the company reinforced its leadership position in Western Canada by concluding an asset swap with Rogers Communications for territory in Vancouver and lower mainland, and began building the platform for its Internet services, inclding an extensive build out and upgrade of infrastructure, including fibre-optic networks, digital service expansion, DOCSIS 2.0 internet upgrades, and upgraded IT services.



Jims countless contributions to our company are integral to Shaws long-term strength and growth as a Canadian industry leader, Brad Shaw said. As an operator, a deal maker and a strategist, Jim continued building the foundation started by our father, JR, to create a Canadian business leader and household brand across Western Canada. Jim Shaw joined Shaw Communications in 1982 as a construction worker and cable installer, the front line of customer service and the foundation of all Shaws business. He gained the trust and respect of co-workers and customers alike as he moved up to more senior positions at Shaw Communications Inc. on Vancouver Island. After promotions to increasingly responsible positions across Western Canada, Mr. Shaw was appointed VP, Operations in 1987, President in 1995, CEO in 1998, a director in 2002 and elected Vice Chair of the Board in 2008.

In addition to his significant contribution to the growth of Shaw Communications and to Canadian business, Jim Shaw was an ardent supporter of several charitable organizations and causes committed to making Canadian communities better places to work and live. He donated generously to several causes and served on the boards of the University of Alberta, Shawnigan Lake School and Strathmore Tweedsmuir School. The Board of Directors and all employees of Shaw Communications express their deepest condolences and sympathy to the Shaw family for their loss. About Shaw

Shaw Communications Inc. is an enhanced connectivity provider. Our Consumer division serves consumers with broadband Internet, Shaw Go WiFi, Video and digital phone. Our Wireless division provides wireless voice and data services through an expanding and improving mobile wireless network infrastructure. The Business Network Services division provides business customers with Internet, data, WiFi, telephony, and Video services. Shaw is traded on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges and is included in the S&P/TSX 60 Index (Symbol: TSX - SJR.B, SJR.PR.A, SJR.PR.B, NYSE  SJR, and TSXV  SJR.A). For more information, please visit www.shaw.ca For media inquiries, please contact:

Shaw Communications Inc.

Chethan Lakshman, VP, External Affairs

(403) 930-8448

[email protected]

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[January 04, 2018] Manupatra Introduces its Latest Functionality 'Legal Analytics' That Aims to Further Make Legal Research Simple, Relevant and Fast

NOIDA, India, January 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Manupatra, the leading legal search, analytics and visualization platform since 2001, introduced its latest functionality, 'Legal Analytics' that aims to further make legal research simple, relevant and fast. Manupatra is committed to offering next-generation legal research solutions to help legal professionals work more efficiently, make more informed decisions and drive success for their clients. Doing good legal research is the crux of advocacy. It is the method of finding answer to a legal query or examining precedents that can be cited to the facts of a litigating case. Legal Analytics on the other hand involves pulling out data contained in case documents and summarizing it to provide new discernments and awareness into the pattern of conduct of the judges, lawyers, courts, and the subjects of lawsuits. Legal analytics presents facts-based answers to key questions that emerge during litigation. Legal Analytics does not replace legal research but supplements. It demonstrates a blueprint of past litigation alongside its direction and leaning. Legal Analytics makes use of machine learning and natural languages processing based on advanced technologies, to structure, analyse and interpret raw data from a whole slew of case documents. This new and ingenious feature incorporated by Manupatra, delivers an unmatched new competence to the counsels over his adversary by providing data-driven examination of judgments. It reveals trends and patterns in the judgments by showing how judges and advocates have acted in similar cases in the past, and how they are likely to act in such cases in the future. Lawyers can build up on their litigation plan with the help of the analytic tool. Legal Analytics takes legal research to a new level, ad lawyers can now focus on time, cost and performance in one integrated process.



Key Features: - Search Analytics: It helps in searching and sorting out case laws by keywords, and topics. It covers cases from Supreme Court and High Courts. On a click of a button you can see the citing references, that is number of times a case has been cited as well as the number of times it has cited judgments from related cases. Besides this significant keywords and applied legislations are also displayed.

- Judge Analytics: This presents an expansive insight on every Supreme Court and High Court judge in the country, covering the cases that they have adjudicated along with the case citations. It graphically details year wise and subject wise pronounced judgments, number of judgments written and number of judgments cited in. Besides this, it also entails the names of the attorneys and number of times they have appeared before a particular judge. - Interactive Timeline: A visually rich interactive timeline that represents connected cases in chronological order. - Case Mapping: This displays the geographic spread of lawsuits, including case profiling. Summaries of the proceedings, along with information on the issues involved, legislations exercised and dates are provided for an effortless research. It allows filtering and tailor search results by these measures. Legal Analytics is a handy tool for lawyers to explore the best strategy and line of approach before they file a lawsuit or argue a motion before a judge. It can also be a helpful guide for law students to do research for their term papers or law firms' to prepare a more cost-effective representation for their clients and compete with their opponents. Mr. Deepak Kapoor, CEO & Founder of Manupatra Information Solutions Private Limited says, "Putting today's best of technology to a good use, Legal Analytics aims to discover speedy answers to complicated questions. Legal representatives can now apply legal analytics to their work and customize their proficiency by exploring different legal scenario s, frame subsequent strategies, and build a more competitive legal ecosystem." About Manupatra:

Manupatra, a pioneer in online legal research in India since 2001, is India's premier legal information resource. It is the largest content aggregator of Indian and International cases, which links primary information with secondary material and proprietary analytical content. In December 2016, Manupatra was presented with an award for the Best Online Legal Research Tool, 2016 in Mumbai, in the presence of eminent jurists, legal luminaries and in-house counsels. This marked the first occasion in which an award was presented to an online legal research company. It is with these honors and acclaims that Manupatra aims to move forward and enter this unchartered territory of the legal world and make legal help and knowledge accessible to all. For more details, visit: www.manupatra.com .

Media Contact:

Chitesh Kumar Bhat

[email protected]

+91-9811044910

Manupatra



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[January 04, 2018] Global Brands Magazine Honors First Investment Bank (Fibank) With two Prestigious Awards - 'The Best Consumer Banking Brand' and 'The Best SME Banking Brand' in Bulgaria for the Year 2017

SOFIA, Bulgaria, January 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Fibank was awarded by a professional panel and research team of the magazine, based on the following criteria: Asset Quality, Governance Structure, ROE, Tier 1 Capital Ratio, Corporate Social Responsibility and Customer Service. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160518/369255LOGO )

Jay Reddy, Head of branding at Global Brands Magazine commented, "I would like to congratulate First Investment Bank (Fibank) on winning the awards. These awards are a true testament on the bank's efforts in developing and improving the internal bank structures and systems, the service models and product positioning, and at creating prerequisites for future sustainable growth." Fibank is known as the biggest Bulgarian bank, a growing, innovative, customer-oriented ban that offers outstanding products and services to their customers. With over 3100 employees, they have the largest branch network in Bulgaria and are first rated when it comes to investments for advertising in financial sector in Bulgaria. In terms of the coefficient of the marketing power of the brand, they are the most rapidly increasing. They are also the biggest corporate donor part of the long-term strategy for CSR. All these and more can be attributed to why they are very much successful when it comes to their area of specialization.



About Global Brand Magazine Headquartered in the United Kingdom, Global Brands Magazine is a leading brands magazine providing opinions and news related to various brands across the world. Content includes news, opinions, discussions, highlights and features sourced by expert analysts on various brands across the world.

About Global Brands Awards Global Brands Awards was established with the aim of honoring excellence in performance and rewarding companies across different sectors. The awards honor companies who have performed extraordinarily well in the field of Finance, Education, Hospitality, Lifestyle, Automobiles, & Technology. The awards are given to acknowledge key players who strive for distinction and reward their performance with the ultimate global recognition. They also aim to identify and create awareness about the significance of exceptional solutions and service delivery in different segments. Find out more about Global Brands Awards here http://www.globalbrandsmagazine.com/about-the-awards/



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[January 04, 2018]

Bitcoin Mining Can Power Neuroscience, Says Matrix Chief AI Scientist

SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- At this year's BlockShow Asia, Yangdong Deng, chief AI scientist of Blockchain startup Matrix, explained how inserting Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the Blockchain ecosystem would make it possible to use Bitcoin mining computational power for scientific innovation.

According to Deng, the current computing power being used in Bitcoin mining operations is 8.23x1022 floating point operations per second (FLOPS), while the total computing power in the world is 1.2x1023 FLOPS. According to these calculations, Bitcoin mining is consuming 17 percent of total global computing power, justifying the frequent accusations that Bitcoin mining i wasteful.







Matrix is seeking to reinvent mining algorithms by including AI into the equation through a Bayesian mining system that utilizes a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm (MCMC). Because these computations function similarly to traditional mining functions, they work well for Bitcoin mining.

As Deng argues, using AI, the computing power used to verify transactions on the Bitcoin network can be leveraged for other uses outside the world of cryptocurrencies.

One example he gave his scientific research -- a brain network simulation requires approximately 1018 FLOPS, while a complete human metabolic network simulation requires 1025 FLOPS.

According to Deng, other important non-crypto use cases that require massive computing power are chemical reaction simulations, medical diagnoses and complex finance modeling.

Intel recently filed a patent for a Blockchain-based system that also works to harness the energy used in cryptocurrency mining for scientific development - in this case particularly for genetic sequencing.

The BlockShow Asia conference this November included a number of innovative projects in addition to Matrix; 1,500 entrepreneurs and experts gathered at the event in Singapore to share and discover the latest developments in the industry.

SOURCE Matrix
[January 04, 2018] Lithuania: Creating the Best Conditions for Life Science Sector Growth

VILNIUS, Lithuania, January 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The small Baltic nation of Lithuania is fast emerging as a hub for Life Sciences that is punching well above its weight. With a year on year increase of sector revenue by 25%, the country has the fastest growing Life Sciences sector in the EU. Biotech currently accounts for 1% of GDP, ranking it alongside Ireland and Singapore in terms of sector strength. Companies like Thermo Fisher Scientific, Teva, and most recently Hollister, have established significant operations in the country, cementing its position as the leading regional destination for Life Sciences. To celebrate this burgeoning sector and share information on the opportunities the country has to offer, the Lithuanian Minister of the Economy, Virginijus Sinkevicius, alongside Arminas Ragauskas, EU inventor of the year for his work of neurological devices, will be hosting a spotlight event on Sunday 8th January as part of the 36th annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference. This invitation only event will include a keynote speech from Mr Arminas Ragauskas, widely renowned for his groundbreaking work on brain research and device measuring intracranial pressure - enabling fast and safe diagnosis of traumatic brain injury, strokes, glaucoma and brain tumours. There will also be a panel discussion led by the Minister of the Economy, Mr Virginijus Sinkevicius on why Lithuania is set to further expand on its position as regional leader for Life Sciences. Appearing on the panel will be the the VP of Tx and Treasurer of Thermo Fisher Scientific, Mr Anthony Smith, as well as Chairman of the Council at State Public Health Improvement Fund, ex-adviser to the President of Lithuania, Mr Sarunas Narbutas, Founder of Vapogenix and Board Member of Baltic American Freedom Foundation, Mrs. Danguole Altman.



Thermo Fisher Scientific's Lithuanian operation, which has 760 employees including 100 research scientists, is currently the Baltic region's largest private R&D centre, and a beacon for the qualities that make Lithuania a perfect fit for Life Sciences. In the words of Alan Malus, Executive VP at Thermo Fisher Scientific, "Thermo Fisher's investment in Lithuania is our symbol of confidence in the biotechnology talent within Lithuania and its potential impact worldwide." The country's well educated talent lays at the heart of its Life Science growth. As 1st in CEE for university-industry collaboration in R&D, and the most extensive and supportive network for Life Science companies in Europe, the country is investing in creating the right conditions for nurturing the right talent. Its network of education institutions and three technical valleys are focused on delivering the kind of Life Science growth that will elevate the country's profile on the global stage. To date, the country has already invested almost 400 million EUR, and has committed to 679 million EUR in investment until 2020. Moreover, with financial incentives that enable R&D expenses to be fully deductible 3 times, the country is doing its utmost to facilitate sector growth.

The country is not limiting the scope of its horizons - the range of product areasSinke that Lithuania is able to offer a competitive edge is truly wide: from devices for aerosol therapy, anesthesia and resuscitation; infusion pumps applied in anesthesia, neonatology, oncology and surgery; noninvasive ultrasound technologies for diagnostics; 3D scanning devices for human body parts; through to custom-made orthopedic implants; dental instruments and supplies, and robotic patient positioning systems, amongst many more. The government affiliated foreign direct investment agency, Invest Lithuania, meanwhile, is also a strong supporter of sector growth. The main priority on its agenda is to promote Lithuania and its ambition to attract several more big names in Life Sciences sector. It has not been saturated yet and several more players in the market would easily fit and find a perfect place for their business to thrive. Lithuania is more than ready to take its Life Sciences sector to the next level and position itself as a go to destination for top companies looking to innovate and expand. Attendees of the reception can learn how they too can be a part of and benefit from the sector's growth. Join us at Lithuania's Life Sciences reception on Monday, 8th January: http://bit.ly/2iEBEfa

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Four people - all from the same family - died after a fire broke out on the third storey of a building in Mumbai's Marol.

By India Today Web Desk: Four people, including an eight-year-old boy, died in a fire that broke out in an apartment building in Mumbai's Marol. The fire broke out on the third storey of the Maimoon building in Marol, Andheri.

Most of the building's residents managed to escape the blaze, but four - all from the same family - could not be rescued. Eye-witnesses spoke about hearing cries of "help-help", but said they could not be saved.

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Eight fire tenders were sent to the spot and the fire was contained soon after it first broke out.

The fire, which broke out on the third floor of, is believed to have been caused by a short-circuit; detailed investigation into the cause of the blaze is yet to be carried out.

Of the four who died, two were children - a 15-year-old girl and an 8-year-old boy. Seven other people were critically injured in the fire; they were taken to Mumbai's Cooper and Mukund hospitals.

Some of the eye-witnesses to the fire said the Mumbai Fire Brigade did not arrive at the spot on time.

Watch: Mumbai: Fire in Andheri building kills four people

--- ENDS ---
[January 04, 2018] Tauriga Sciences, Inc. Establishes Wholly Owned Subsidiary to Acquire Interest(s) in Intellectual Property Pertaining to Blockchain Technology; Company Allocates up to $300,000 of its Balance Sheet Cash for this Initiative

NEW YORK, NY, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tauriga Sciences, Inc. (OTC PINK:TAUG) ("Tauriga" or the "Company"), engaged in building its business through the development, distribution, and licensing of proprietary products as well as the evaluation of potential acquisition opportunities and equity investments, today announced that the Company has established a wholly-owned subsidiary to acquire interest(s) in patents and other intellectual property pertaining to Blockchain technology (Blockchain). The Companys Board of Directors has decided to fund up to $300,000 towards this corporate initiative; these funds will come from the Companys available cash position. While Tauriga has already disclosed one relatively small diversification into a specific cryptocurrency (Groestlcoin), the Company believes that the acquisition of patents or interests in intellectual property relating to Blockchain, with an aim towards commercialization, provides shareholders with the best opportunity for long-term and accretive exposure to this market sector. The Company has yet to definitively identify any specific patents or technologies that may qualify for investment from the above-mentioned initiative. There can also be no guarantees that the Company will determine that any intellectual property under evaluation is worthy of acquisition or investment, or that the Company will ultimately acquire Blockchain technologies at all. Taurigas Chief Executive Officer, Seth M. Shaw, expressed, The Company believes that there is a potentially significant opportunity for its shareholders in acquiring patent interests that cover certain aspects of Blockchain technology. The Company has worked hard the past 2  years and built the financial strength to execute on these compelling types of potential opportunities. A rigorous due diligenceprocess would precede any future prospective investment(s). Tauriga is pleased to have available, as much as $300,000 in cash to put towards meaningful exposure to this burgeoning field.



The Subsidiary has been named Tauriga IP Acquisition Corp. and the initial legal work will be completed by the international law firm of Nixon Peabody LLP. This new subsidiary has been incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware. Lastly, the Board of Directors of the Company voted unanimously in favor of the formation of the above-referenced corporate initiative.

ABOUT TAURIGA SCIENCES, INC. Tauriga Sciences, Inc. (OTC PINK:TAUG) is engaged in building business through the development, distribution, and licensing of proprietary products as well as the evaluation of potential acquisition opportunities/equity investments. The Company is presently focused on its upcoming contemplated launch of a Cupacu Butter based lip balm product branded under the name: Herman. The Company believes that one of its most important strengths is its access to and relationships with potentially substantial distribution systems and networks. The Company intends to capitalize on distribution opportunities and will continually update shareholders on such developments. Please visit our corporate website at www.tauriga.com

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 which represent managements beliefs and assumptions concerning future events. These forward-looking statements are often indicated by using words such as may, will, expects, anticipates, believes, hopes, believes, or plans, and may include statements regarding corporate objectives as well as the attainment of certain corporate goals and milestones. Forward-looking statements are based on present circumstances and on managements present beliefs with respect to events that have not occurred, that may not occur, or that may occur with different consequences or timing than those now assumed or anticipated. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in forward looking statements due to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, such as are not guarantees of general economic and business conditions, the ability to successfully develop and market products, consumer and business consumption habits, the ability to consummate successful acquisition and licensing transactions, fluctuations in exchange rates, and other factors over which Tauriga has little or no control. Many of these risks and uncertainties are discussed in greater detail in the Risk Factors section of Taurigas Form 10-K and other filings made from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this release, and Tauriga assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

CONTACT INFORMATION Tauriga Sciences, Inc. 555 Madison Avenue, 5th Floor New York, NY 10022 Chief Executive Officer Mr. Seth M. Shaw Email: [email protected] cell # (917) 796 9926 www.tauriga.com

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[January 04, 2018] Glance Partially Owned Subsidiary Cannapay Signs $4 Million Revenue Deal Combining Blockchain With Big Data and Cannabis - Glance to Receive $1 Million for Sublicense

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Glance Technologies Inc. (CSE:GET:CN) (CSE:GET.WT) (OTCQB:GLNNF) (FKT:GJT) announces that its partially owned subsidiary Cannapay Financial Inc. (Cannapay) has signed a definitive agreement to receive $4 million for licensing and product pre sales with Cannabis Big Data Holdings Inc. (Cannabis Big Data). Pursuant to the agreement, Glance Technologies will receive a $1 million fee for the sublicense of Glances mobile payment app technology.

The agreement is entered into between Fobisuite Technologies Inc. (Fobisuite), Cannapay, Cannabis Big Data and Cannapay wholly owned subsidiary Juve Wellness Inc. (Juve). Fobisuite has architected a multi-faceted parallel, usb serial interface that is a bilateral communicative hardware device for the purpose of enabling the authentication and transaction of cryptocurrency in a retail point of sale environment. Further, it has data collection, analysis, analytics and encryption technology built on blockchain technology. Cannabis Big Data will combine the technology licensed from Cannapay and big data analytics hardware and software from Fobisuite to provide insights for cannabis retailers and producers and allow retail partners to transact in cryptocurrencies like bitcoin. Further, through its license with Juve it will offer a white label solution for 12 wellness products with customized branding for dispensaries in North America. "Cannabis Big Data will offer big data analytics for the cannabis industry. Our value prop is in merging customer purchase and basket history with social media and mobile data to create highly personalized customer journeys. The Fobisuite technology can analyze and process online, in-store and mobile commerce to provide valuable insights to retailers, dispensaries, and manufacturers, and allows retailers to transact in cryptocurrencies," says Rob Anson, CEO of Cannabis Big Data, "By partnering with Cannapay we will be able to offer a full circle digital media and mobile strategy for our industry partners. Weve found an effective way of combining blockchain with big data and cannabis. The following are the material terms of the agreement: Fobisuite will license all of its technology to Cannabis Big Data for $4,000,000, payable $200K in cash and $3,800,000 in stock for 15,200,000 shares at $0.25 for a 10 year licence, and renewable for $10,000 per year.



Cannapay will sublicense the Glance Pay mobile payment platform technology to Cannabis Big Data for $2,000,000 for a one year license, payable in stock at $0.25 per share for 8,000,000 shares, of which 4,000,000 shares will be payable to Glance Technologies as a sublicense royalty, and the sublicense renewable for $10,000 per year.



Cannapay subsidiary Juve Wellness will grant to Cannabis Big Dat the non exclusive right to distribute 12 products (including massage oils, soaps, lip balm and bath bombs) (the Products) to cannabis dispensaries in North America, with a $200,000 advance order for products, at wholesale prices, payable by Cannabis Big Data in cash within 2 weeks of Cannabis Big Data completing financing of $1,000,000.







Juve will license for $1,800,000 (payable all in stock of Cannabis Big Data at $0.25 per share for 7,200,000 shares), the non exclusive license to the formulas of the Products and rights to create a white label manufacturing service to provide customized branded versions of the Products for dispensaries in North America, which may only be licensed, produced and sold in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. About Glance Technologies Inc. Glance Technologies owns and operates Glance Pay, a streamlined payment system that revolutionizes how smartphone users choose where to shop, order goods and services, make payments, access digital receipts, redeem digital deals, earn great rewards & interact with merchants. Glance offers targeted in-app marketing, geo targeted digital coupons, customer feedback, in-merchant messaging and custom rewards programs. The Glance Pay mobile payment system consists of proprietary technology, which includes user apps available for free downloads in IOS (Apple) and Android formats, merchant manager apps, a large scale technology hosting environment with sophisticated anti-fraud technology and lightning fast payment processing. Glance Pay has entered into significant licensing agreements with Active Pay Distribution Inc., Cannapay Financial Inc. and Euro Asia Pay Holdings Inc. It also owns an end to end blockchain solution for a rewards based cryptocurrency which is currently being integrated into the Glance Pay app.

For more information about Glance, please go to www.glance.tech. About Cannapay Financial Inc.

Cannapay is a partially owned subsidiary of Glance Technologies. Glance owns 12,000,000 shares in Cannapay. Cannapay has licensed the right to use and the right to sublicense the Glance Pay mobile payment technology for use in the cannabis industry. Its wholly owned subsidiary, Juve Wellness Inc., is a wellness company which is using the Glance Pay mobile payment technology to develop a robust, personalized modern wellness platform. Juve has also developed several lines of Cannabis inspired wellness products which will be available for sale to consumers with the Juve brand and are also available as a white labelled product offering to businesses. Juve is building an international distribution network for the sale of its own and other products. About Cannabis Big Data Holdings Inc.

Cannabis Big Data is newly formed company to be principally owned by Cannapay Financial Inc. and Fobisuite Technologies Inc. It is licensing the technologies of Fobisuite and Glance Technologies Inc. to create a cannabis industry specific solution that uses proprietary hardware and software to bridge the gap between online and in-person customer data through WIFI, social media, and purchase/check-out basket history. Cannabis Big Data's tech will enable state-of-the-art consumer engagement, education, commerce, and CRM solutions that will accelerate and optimize adoption through appropriate education focused on measurable data gathered from comprehensive consumer touch points and sales channels, as well as providing cryptocurrency and mobile payment processing. This powerful combination of technologies allows for significantly more granular demographic detail and individualization of customers for the supply side of the Cannabis industry, and more convenient and secure transactions for the demand side. Further, Cannabis Big Data will leverage its consumer engagement software to sell additional products to customers and has a white label selection of cannabis inspired wellness products. For more information, contact: Christina Rao

Vice President, Investor Relations

(604) 723-7480 [email protected] Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (collectively "forward- looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward- looking information is typically identified by words such as: "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "potentially" and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Glance cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by Glance is not a guarantee of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects which may be accessed through the Glance's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

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[January 04, 2018] Dashlane Unveils Plan To Kill The Password In 2018; Announces Project Mirror

NEW YORK, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Dashlane announces its plan to kill the password in 2018 with the launch of Project Mirror. Passwords are the backbone of virtually every digital service on the Internet today, and given their pervasive nature as the only widespread 'standard' in the market, it's unlikely they will be going away anytime soon. However, users of Dashlane will break their dependency on this onerous standard as Dashlane sets its sites on automating and personalizing the process for them with Project Mirror. Click here to see the pre-release in action: http://blog.dashlane.com/kill-the-password/ Putting You (Effortlessly) In Control The primary goal of Project Mirror is to put Internet users in control of their login and digital data, and allow them to control their identities with ease. Passwords have widespread adoption and could exist well into the future with current technologies, so Dashlane has launched Project Mirror as a year-long effort to eliminate users' dependence on managing passwords while working universally with sites that require passwords, biometrics, multi-factor authentication steps, and more. Project Mirror will eliminate the need to manage multiple logins by instead facilitating just one source of identity  your Dashlane app  which will ensure automatic and secure on-demand access to every digital account. Building Upon Early Innovation Dashlane set the standard for innovation early on with its exclusive, fully automated Password Changer, the free tool that allows users to change, store, and secure hundreds of passwords with a single click. In April 2015 Dashlane released a second major innovation, the proprietary Inbox Scan technology, which automatically and securely identified login credentials and passwords living within users' email inboxes. Inbox Scan also generates a personal identity threat report to help users understand their online account risks and the path to protecting their identity. Dashlane's commitment to innovation has not gone unnoticed, as the company was honored with a Webby Award in the Mobile Sies and App Services & Utilities category in 2017.



Protecting Critical Accounts to Start The first release of Project Mirror will be available in Q1 2018. The feature combines improvements to Dashlane's one-of-a-kind Password Changer and a significant evolution of its Inbox Scan capabilities to deliver an entirely new feature called Critical Account Protection.

Critical Account Protection will apply one-click convenience to importing and securing users' most important passwords in Dashlane by identifying high-risk accounts and automatically resetting and securing those credentials. In seconds, Critical Account Protection will allow a user to link their email accounts, scan and view a detailed critical account report, and lock down accounts where users want complete protection. How Password Pain Points Made Project Mirror Necessary Even though security and privacy are top of mind in the wake of the innumerable data breaches and hacks exposed this last year, consumers often don't know if there are accounts they should be worried about, or what actions they should take to protect themselves properly. In fact, according to recent Dashlane research, increased awareness of these threats has made hardly a dent in the majority of the public's password behavior. While 84% of people say they are concerned after the Equifax and Yahoo breaches, roughly the same percentage (8 in 10) admit to reusing passwords across accounts. Furthermore, many people don't dedicate any time to making sure their data is safe  instead they assume the systems already in place are sufficient, believe that security is too much effort, or feel helpless and mistakenly believe there are no options available to protect themselves. Dashlane suspects this problem will only get worse as people increasingly turn to their mobile devices for apps and logins, lacking a convenient way to secure mobile accounts. "Most people know they should be careful about their online identity, but many are overwhelmed about where to start. With Project Mirror, we're embarking on a year-long initiative to give consumers total control of their digital identity," said Emmanuel Schalit, CEO at Dashlane. "In 2018, peace of mind, convenience, and security will be a reality for everyone." About Dashlane Dashlane, one of the world's most trusted digital security companies, takes the pain out of passwords with its password manager and secure digital wallet app. Dashlane allows users to securely manage passwords, credit cards, IDs, and other important information via advanced encryption and local storage. With so many devices, the line between home and work no longer exists. Thankfully, Dashlane works everywhere, for everyone. The company has helped 9 million consumers manage and secure their digital identity and enabled over $10 billion in e-commerce transactions. Dashlane Business is trusted by 7,000+ companies to create, enforce, and track effective access management, and features the only patented security architecture in the industry. The Dashlane app is available on PC, Mac, Android, and iOS, and has won critical acclaim by top publications including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and USA Today. Dashlane is free to use on your favorite device for life, and costs $39.99/year to sync between an unlimited number of devices. Dashlane was founded by Bernard Liautaud and co-founders Alexis Fogel, Guillaume Maron and Jean Guillou. The company has offices in New York City and Paris, and has received $54 million in funding from TransUnion, Rho Ventures, FirstMark Capital and Bessemer Venture Partners. Learn more at Dashlane.com. View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dashlane-unveils-plan-to-kill-the-password-in-2018-announces-project-mirror-300577288.html SOURCE Dashlane

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[January 04, 2018] FlitWays Bolsters Transparency with Expanded Shareholder Engagement Program and Investor Conference Call

In addition to first-ever conference call to update investors and answer questions, FlitWays is launching new Email Alert system for more direct communication with shareholders

CULVER CITY, CA, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FlitWays Technology Inc. (OTC Pink: FTWS), a leading ground travel technology company, today announced an expanded shareholder engagement program designed to foster more effective, direct communication with stockholders and even greater transparency. As part of the effort, FlitWays is asking all shareholders to submit an email address to [email protected], so they can be added to the companys Email Alert system. Subscribers will receive notices of filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, press releases after they cross the newswire, periodic newsletters, and other information about FlitWays business that management believes will be of interest to holders of the companys stock. Consistent with increased transparency, FlitWays will host a live investor update conference call at 2:00pm PST on January 23, 2018. CEO Tobi Mac will make a presentation with slides updating the companys progress and plans for 2018. After the completion of the prepared remarks, he will take questions from participants via an online submission forum. Additional details will be provided as the date of the conference call approaches. The Email Alerts sign-up and the investor conference call are being done in tandem with an expanded Investor Relations section of the FlitWays website. The IR section will also include links to SEC filings, updated stock quote and market data, access to company news and media coverage, and Investor Relations contact information. Given the significant revenue growth FlitWays has experienced over the last two quarters and the fact that management expects 2018 to be an even more successful year, we want to make sure that all of our shareholders have the opportunity to access the most up-to-date and complete information about the company, said Tobi Mac. As a fully reporting company, transparency will remain amon our highest priorities. Management also believes in engaging directly with our stockholders through email, SMS, social media, and other available communication channels, whenever possible. We want to speak directly to our shareholders and provide opportunities for them to ask questions about our current business and plans for future growth.



We hope all FTWS investors share our enthusiasm about the companys future and will provide an email address to be included in the FlitWays mailing list. Our goal is to include every shareholder as well as any potential future shareholders who are following our growth as a public company. The company also plans to hold an annual shareholder meeting in the near future, which will provide another opportunity for stockholders to hear directly from the company, as well as ask any questions they may have.



About FlitWays: FlitWays Technology Inc. ( www.FlitWays.com ), traded under the stock symbol FTWS, is an innovative, disruptive travel technology company that offers a convenient, cost-effective ground transportation solution for corporate travelers and a new source of revenue for travel businesses. While companies like Uber and Lyft focus on individual consumers, FlitWays serves the massive enterprise market, including industry leaders Amazon, Samsung, Xerox, and others. The company also provides travel businesses  including the worlds largest airlines, online travel agents and travel distributors  a new source of revenue and an attractive add-on service for their clients. FlitWays growing network of ground travel providers currently covers 220 major cities and 400 airports worldwide, and the company is projecting continued expansion in both enterprise (corporate) and travel business segments. Catching the eye of business and travel industry media, FlitWays has been featured in outlets such as CNN, FORTUNE, Fast Company, Reuters, New York Magazine, Skift, VentureBurn, Digital Journal, Travel Pulse, and many others.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information: This press release may contain certain "forward-looking statements" relating to the business of FlitWays Technology Inc. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein are "forward-looking statements," including, but not limited to; the proposed corporate name change; and any other statements of non-historical information. These forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes," "expects" or similar expressions, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including those discussed in the Company's periodic reports that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available on its website ( www.sec.gov ). All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Other than as required under the securities laws, the Company does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements.

FlitWays IR  Media +18557100915 Ext. 5 [email protected]

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[January 04, 2018] Tektronix 5 Series MSO Named Product of the Year by Electronic Products Magazine

BEAVERTON, Ore., Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Tektronix, a leading worldwide provider of measurement solutions, today announced that its 5 Series MSO Mixed Signal Oscilloscope has won Product of the Year honors from Electronic Products. This prestigious award recognizes the innovative design and advancement in test and measurement technology delivered by the 5 Series MSO as determined by the editors of Electronic Products, a leading publication for electronic design engineers. The result of the largest single development effort in Tektronix history, the 5 Series MSO redefines the mid-range oscilloscope and delivers a host of innovations, including the industry's first FlexChannel technology that allows 4, 6 or 8 analog channels and up to 64 digital channels, integrated protocol analysis and signal generator, a new 12-bit signal acquisition system, a massive high-definition capacitive touch display, and a highly intuitive Direct Access user interface. These innovations give designers unprecedented flexibility and unmatched visibility into complex embedded systems. "The electronics industry is changing rapidly, driven by an insatiable demand for more electronics content in military, automotive, consumer and industrial products and systems, as well as improved power efficiency. And the importance of fast time-to-market cannot be overstated," said Chris Witt, vice presidnt and general manager, Time Domain Business Unit at Tektronix. "We recognized several years ago that the only way forward was with a completely new platform with today's market requirements in mind. We are honored to receive Product of the Year honors, which we believe validates the important role the 5 Series MSO will play in enabling innovation going forward."



Electronic Products, which is owned by the media group AspenCore, selected the winners of the 42nd annual Product of the Year Award based on a rigorous evaluation of products launched in the past year. The winning products were selected on the basis of innovative design, significant advancement in technology or application, and substantial achievement in price and performance. The winners were announced in the January 2018 issue of Electronic Products with a cover feature and a brief description of each product. Additionally, the winning products appear on Electronic Products' website at: http://www.electronicproducts.com/ProductYear.aspx.

Wondering what else Tektronix is up to? Check out the Tektronix Bandwidth Banter blog and stay up to date on the latest news from Tektronix on Twitter and Facebook. About Tektronix Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Tektronix delivers innovative, precise and easy-to-operate test, measurement and monitoring solutions that solve problems, unlock insights and drive discovery. Tektronix has been at the forefront of the digital age for over 70 years. Join us on the journey of innovation at TEK.COM. Tektronix is a registered trademark of Tektronix, Inc. All other trade names referenced are the service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tektronix-5-series-mso-named-product-of-the-year-by-electronic-products-magazine-300577388.html SOURCE Tektronix, Inc.

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[January 04, 2018] Sling TV Partners with comScore to Offer First Ever Cross-Platform Addressable Advertising Measurement

RESTON, Va., Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- comScore today announced that it is partnering with Sling TV, the top skinny bundle provider by household penetration and viewing time*, to offer cross-platform addressable advertising measurement for campaigns that joins the live OTT service's impressions and DISH set-top box impressions. comScore is the first company to offer services that measure addressable television impressions across all platforms, including over-the-top (OTT). As the inaugural user of this new service, Sling TV brings comScore verified addressable TV impressions and OTT impressions together. This gives Sling TV advertisers a fluid view of their campaign's performance across the OTT service's connected TV, mobile and desktop impressions, as well as linear TV impressions on DISH. DISH Media Sales, which oversees ad sales for DISH and Sling TV, first introduced addressable advertising on its satellite TV platform in 2012 and opened cross-platform addressable advertising across both platforms earlier this fall. Cross-platform advertising enables brands to reach DISH and Sling TV viewers in a premium, brand-safe environment with a single buy. Using anonymized data, ads are delivered during live and Video-On-Demand content with pinpoint accuracy across any device, while the viewer watches TV. With the introduction of comScore's new service, advertisers can now validate the performance of these campaigns with addressable advertising metrics across platforms, using consistent third-party measurement. "Bringing Sling TV's impressions into the measurement fold gives advertisers an apples-to-apples view of their campaign across platform, device and even alongside traditional TV," said Adam Lowy, head of Sling TV advertising sales. "We've partnered with comScore to offer advertisers a single, trusted metric to validate their campaigns and bridge these targeted, addressable TV impressions, regardless of where they run." comScore's linear TV addressable advertising measurement has been used by major agencies and brands for more than five years. This new offering will operate similarly, but extends measurement of addressable campaign deliery to multiple platforms.



"Addressable advertising for television content is projected to grow 66 percent this year to $1.3 billion in media spend**," said Cathy Hetzel, comScore executive vice president. "As more addressable TV inventory becomes available in OTT, there's a growing desire among advertisers to take advantage of the premium quality of television with the benefits of greater addressability. At the same time, it's important that this inventory can be valued alongside traditional linear formats with consistent independent measurement." Additionally, comprehensive cross-platform campaign measurement will be available for all Sling TV campaigns via comScore validated Campaign Essentials (vCE), which offers advertisers insight into ad and audience delivery and allows Sling TV to offer brands complete coverage of its inventory with independent third-party verification.

*Source: comScore OTT Intelligence, U.S., As of November 2017

**Source: eMarketer, U.S. Addressable TV Ad Spending Estimates, 2015-2019 About comScore

comScore is a leading cross-platform measurement company that measures audiences, brands and consumer behavior everywhere. comScore completed its merger with Rentrak Corporation in January 2016, to create the new model for a dynamic, cross-platform world. Built on precision and innovation, comScore's data footprint combines proprietary digital, TV and movie intelligence with vast demographic details to quantify consumers' multiscreen behavior at massive scale. This approach helps media companies monetize their complete audiences and allows marketers to reach these audiences more effectively. With more than 3,200 clients and a global footprint in more than 75 countries, comScore is delivering the future of measurement. Shares of comScore stock are currently traded on the OTC Market (OTC:SCOR). For more information on comScore, please visit comscore.com. About DISH Media Sales

DISH Media Sales provides advertising sales for leading pay-TV provider DISH Network L.L.C. and its over-the-top television service Sling TV. Through innovative platforms like addressable and programmatic, viewer measurement tools and access to custom audiences on DISH and Sling TV, advertisers are equipped to employ strategically positioned, demographically targeted buys that enhance their national media campaigns. Visit www.dishmediasales.com. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including, without limitation, comScore's expectations as to the impact of comScore Viewability, validated Campaign Essentials (vCE) and comScore's entire suite of advertising products. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from expectations, including, but not limited to, comScore's ability to achieve its expected financial and operational results. For additional discussion of risk factors, please refer to comScore's respective Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and other filings that comScore makes from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), which are available on the SEC's website (www.sec.gov). Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date such statements are made. comScore does not intend or undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances or new information after the date of this press release, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sling-tv-partners-with-comscore-to-offer-first-ever-cross-platform-addressable-advertising-measurement-300577409.html SOURCE comScore

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[January 04, 2018] Einstein Bros. Bagels Replaces Traditional Alarm Clock Sounds with Breakfast-Themed Wake-Up Tones

LAKEWOOD, Colo., Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Einstein Bros. Bagels announced today the launch of Wake-Up Tones, four limited-edition, downloadable alarm tones that mimic morning breakfast essentials, to help people wake up on the right side of the bed in time for the most important meal of the day  breakfast. Guests who visit www.EinsteinBros.com/WakeUp can download the free MP3 alarm tones directly to their mobile device and receive a coupon for a free egg sandwich with any purchase at an Einstein Bros. Bagels location. The downloadable Wake-Up Tones are available in four essential morning sounds that start the day off right: Bacon Sizzling  Nothing gets you out of bed faster than the sound of sizzling bacon in the morning. Start the day off with a sound so delicious, you can almost taste it

 Nothing gets you out of bed faster than the sound of sizzling bacon in the morning. Start the day off with a sound so delicious, you can almost taste it Coffee Brewing  Wake up and hear the coffee. The comforting hum of coffee brewing will make anyone a morning person

 Wake up and hear the coffee. The comforting hum of coffee brewing will make anyone a morning person Eggs Frying  Start your day sunny-side up with the sizzle of fresh-cracked eggs in the skillet

 Start your day sunny-side up with the sizzle of fresh-cracked eggs in the skillet Rooster Crowing  A rooster's crow signifies sunrise and, more importantly, breakfast! Wake up to the rooster's song each morning to prepare for the day ahead "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but so many of us allow it to become ordinary and mundane, repeating the same meal day in and out or, worse, skipping it altogether," said Kerry Coyne, Einstein Bros. Bagels SVP of Marketing, Product and R&D. "These alarms tones offer delicious motivation to get up on the right side of the bed and set your day up for success with a nutritious breakfast, made fresh and covenient."



In conjunction with the launch of Wake-Up Tones, Einstein Bros. Bagels is rolling out two new flavor-packed breakfast sandwiches at participating stores including: Cheesy Wakin' Bacon  Choice of one or two Cage-Free Eggs, Thick-Cut Bacon, and Cheddar on a Six-Cheese Gourmet Bagel

 Choice of one or two Cage-Free Eggs, Thick-Cut Bacon, and Cheddar on a Six-Cheese Gourmet Bagel No Yolk  Cage-Free Egg Whites, Turkey -Bacon, Tomato, Avocado and Roasted Tomato Spread on an Ancient Grain Thintastic Bagel Einstein Bros. Bagels is also testing new Wake-Cups at participating stores in Los Angeles, San Diego and Dallas. The protein-packed egg cups are the perfect option for breakfast on-the-go and are available in two delicious varieties:

Turkey-Bacon Egg White Wake-Cup  Cage-Free Egg Whites with Spinach, Mushrooms and Turkey -Bacon  with 12 grams of protein and 120 calories

Cage-Free Egg Whites with Spinach, Mushrooms and -Bacon  with 12 grams of protein and 120 calories Bacon, Ham & Cheese Wake-Cup  Cage-Free Eggs with Ham and Thick-Cut Bacon  with 18 grams of protein and 180 calories Shareable social media images and backgrounds with inspirational and motivational sayings and tips to brighten mornings can also be downloaded at www.EinsteinBros.com. The alarm tones, social media images and new lineup of limited-time menu offerings are available from January 4  May 2, 2018. For additional information on Einstein Bros. Bagels, to become a Shmear Society member or find the nearest restaurant, please visit www.EinsteinBros.com. Follow Einstein Bros. Bagels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. About Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, Inc. Einstein Bros. Bagels is part of the Coffee & Bagel Brands family, a leading quick-casual company also known for Caribou Coffee, Bruegger's Bagels, Noah's New York Bagels and Manhattan Bagel brands. Einstein Bros. Bagels is a neighborhood bagelry that's always cooking up a new way to bagel. Known for its fresh-baked bagels available in a variety of flavors and premium double-whipped shmears, Einstein Bros. Bagels also serves gourmet bagel sandwiches, coffee, espresso, sweets and snacks. Einstein Bros. Bagels is proud to be the largest bagel retail company in America with more than 700 locations in 40 states and the District of Columbia. To learn more, visit www.EinsteinBros.com. View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/einstein-bros-bagels-replaces-traditional-alarm-clock-sounds-with-breakfast-themed-wake-up-tones-300577592.html SOURCE Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, Inc.

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[January 04, 2018] Quartet Kicks Off 2018 with $40 Million More in Funding and Three Industry Leaders Join the Board

Quartet, the technology company bridging physical and mental healthcare, announced that it has raised $40 million in a Series C round to fuel the nationwide expansion of its proven model. The financing was led by F-Prime Capital Partners and Polaris Partners with all existing investors participating, including Oak HC/FT and GV (formerly Google (News - Alert) Ventures), and new investor Deerfield Management. This brings the total amount of capital raised to date by Quartet to $87 million. Quartet will use the new capital to expand its core engineering and product capabilities across its primary care, behavioral health and patient platforms, scale its machine learning team, and continue to build out its provider network, partner success and new business development functions. "Making collaboration between primary care physicians and behavioral health specialists work is a must if we are ever going to improve the overall health of our country," said Arun Gupta, founder and chief executive officer of Quartet. "The bridge between mental and physical health is being built with technology leading the charge. We have experienced tremendous growth coming into 2018, and are excited to have the best of the healthcare and technology worlds supporting us as we scale." Quartet is separately adding three industry-leading executives to its board of directors: Carl Byers, eecutive partner at F-Prime Capital and previously longtime athenahealth chief financial officer and founding team member

Ken Goulet, former executive vice president and president of commercial and specialties businesses at Anthem Inc.

Lanham Napier, former chief executive officer of Rackspace (News - Alert) and co-founder at BuildGroup



Ken Goulet said, "Quartet is showing very compelling results in an area of our healthcare system that so needs innovation. For insurers nationwide today, it's all about finding opportunities to enhance the member experience, better collaborate with providers and improve the healthcare quality and cost dynamic. Quartet is one of the most promising companies I've seen that is winning on all three of those fronts."

"Our healthcare system is so in need of what I know we can do with great technology. Quartet is really proving that technology can help this dysfunctional healthcare system of ours. That's what drew me in," said Napier. Quartet also announced today it's launching in New Jersey, which marks the Company's sixth major market and first statewide implementation. Teaming up with Horizon BCBS, Quartet is helping improve the total health of residents in New Jersey. Quartet is building a collaborative health ecosystem by curating effective care team networks and combining their expertise with data-driven insights and innovation. By ensuring care is personalized and tailored to individual patient needs, Quartet strives to significantly improve patient outcomes and overall well-being. About Quartet Quartet is a pioneering technology company connecting physical and mental care to improve people's health and quality of life. We are building a collaborative technology platform that brings together physicians, mental health providers, and insurance companies to effectively improve patient outcomes and drive down healthcare costs. Our data-driven platform identifies high-need patients and facilitates access to personalized care. Backed by $87 million in venture funding from top investors including F-Prime Capital Partners, Polaris Partners, GV (formerly Google Ventures), Oak HC/FT and Deerfield Management, Quartet is headquartered in New York City and is currently operating in several markets across the US -- Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Louisiana, Washington, Northern California, and New Jersey. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180104005757/en/

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[January 04, 2018] Monnit ALTA Wireless Sensor Solutions Now Available for Immediate Shipment from Digi-Key

THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn., Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Monnit Corporation's portfolio of ALTA wireless sensor solutions is now available through Digi-Key Electronics, a global electronic components distributor, thanks to Digi-Key joining Monnit's new IoTvantage Premier Internet of Things (IoT) Partner Program. ALTA is the only wireless sensor platform available today that offers 1,000+ feet wireless range (non-line-of-sight), 10+ year battery life, and integrated bank-level security. "We are excited to be working with Digi-Key as a distribution partner," said Brad Walters, CEO of Monnit Corporation. "Digi-Key's expertise and presence in the electronics industry combined with Monnit's award winning ALTA wireless sensing solutions will make the Internet of Things more accessible than ever before." Monnit's solutions will be available to Digi-Key customers via ten market-specific application kits with either cellular or Ethernet connectivity. Current application kits include; Commercial Refrigeration, Remote Real Estate, HVAC, Pharmacy/Lab, IT Server Room, Corporate Property, Agriculture, Mobile Refrigeration, Industrial Manufacturing and Small Business. Each kit includes everything needed to get started and requires less than 5 minutes to set up. "We are eager to partner with Monnit and assist them in bringing the Internet of Things to companies all over the world," said David Stein, VP, Global Semiconductors at Digi-Key. "Partnering with Monnit will allow us to provide their easy-to-use, industry-leading ALTA wireless ensing solutions to our customers, helping them realize efficiencies and cost savings for their businesses."



For more information about Monnit's ALTA products and to view their entire product listing, visit their Supplier Center page on the Digi-Key website. About Monnit Corp.

Monnit leads the Internet of Things by empowering businesses with easy-to-use, low-cost remote monitoring solutions. Monnit solutions can be used to: remotely monitor a variety of "Things" (i.e. temperature, motion, humidity, vibration, etc.); alerting you via text, email, and/or phone call when something goes wrong. More at www.monnit.com. About Digi-Key Electronics Digi-Key Electronics, headquartered in Thief River Falls, Minn., USA, is an authorized global, full-service distributor of electronic components, offering more than six million products, with over 1.3 million in stock and available for immediate shipment, from over 650 quality name-brand manufacturers. Digi-Key also offers a wide variety of online resources such as EDA and design tools, datasheets, reference designs, instructional articles and videos, multimedia libraries, and much more. Technical support is available 24/7 via email, phone and webchat. Additional information and access to Digi-Key's broad product offering can be found by visiting www.digikey.com. Editorial Contact for Digi-Key Electronics Kayla Krosschell

PR & Marketing Communications Specialist

1.800.338.4105 x1098

[email protected]

[email protected] View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/monnit-alta-wireless-sensor-solutions-now-available-for-immediate-shipment-from-digi-key-300577656.html SOURCE Digi-Key Electronics

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Top 5 Vendors in the Global Automotive Body Control Module Market - Technavio

Technavio has announced the top five leading vendors in their recent global automotive body control module (BCM) market report from 2017-2021. This market research report also lists 10 other prominent vendors that are expected to impact the market during the forecast period.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180104005523/en/

Technavio has published a new market research report on the global automotive body control module market 2017-2021 under their automotive library. (Graphic: Business Wire)

Competitive vendor landscape

The global automotive BCM market is facing intense competition due to the presence of large players in the market. The major reason for the increasing rivalry between the players is the increasing cost pressure because of the increasing electronic content in vehicles. The increasing electronic content in vehicles demands the integration of various sensors in a module.

According to Amey Vikram, a lead analyst at Technavio for automotive electronics research, "The increasing demand for auto electronics increases the need for automotive BCM. The use of multiple BCMs in luxury cars is increasing competition among players. During the forecast period, the auto electronics manufacturers that make automotive ECUs are anticipated to enter the manufacture of automotive BCM, which is also a type of ECU."

Avail Technavio's Year-End Special offer: Get 50% of on this report and all other reports covering industries like ICT; energy; food and beverage; healthcare and life sciences; automotive; industrial automation; education; and many more. Offer valid only from Dec 18 - Jan 7.







Technavio market research analysts identify the following key vendors:

Bosch

Bosch is the world's largest supplier of automotive components. The core products offered by the company include automotive components, industrial products, and building products. Automotive components contribute to 60% of the total revenue. The BCM provided by Bosch acts as the integration platform for several applications such as internal lighting applications and external lighting applications.

Continental

Continental offers products and services for the automotive and rubber industries. The company engages in the manufacture of soft rubber products, rubberized fabrics, solid tires for carriages and bicycles, and automotive electronics. The BCM or central BCM offered by the company has several functions such as external lighting, interior lighting, windshield wipers, windshield washer systems, and central locking systems.

Delphi (News - Alert)

Delphi is a global technology company that provides a wide range of products and solutions for the automotive and commercial vehicle sectors. The company's products help in making vehicles safe, eco-friendly, and cost-effective. Delphi BCM links its inputs and outputs with powerful microprocessors. Delphi BCM uses ASIC and surface mounted devices (SMD) to make the body electronic components to be small and reliable.

DENSO (News - Alert)

DENSO supplies advanced automotive technologies, systems, and components to established players in the automotive industry. DENSO offers a variety of automotive products and technologies such as powertrain control systems, electronic systems, thermal systems, information and safety systems, and small motors. Inverter power conditioning unit (PCU) offered by the company consists of an inverter and other devices that regulate the current flow from the battery to the electric motor.

HELLA

HELLA is an internationally operating automotive supplier operating out of Germany. The company develops and manufactures lighting and electronic components and systems for the automotive industry. The company offers automotive EMS components, such as actuators, body electronics, driver assistance systems, and sensors.

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With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 10,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

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View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180104005523/en/
By PTI: By Harinder Mishra

Jerusalem, Jan 4 (PTI) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will present a special gift - the Gal-Mobile water desalinisation and purification jeep - to his friend Narendra Modi during his visit to India starting January 14, according to sources here.

Netanyahu and Modi waded into the Mediterranean Sea and rode the "buggy" jeep on the coast during the latters visit to Israel in July last year.

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Now Netanyahu is going to gift the same jeep to Modi, informed sources said.

As Netanyahu prepares for his four day visit to India, sources confirmed that the jeep has "indeed" left for India and "would be arriving on time" to be presented by the Israeli Prime Minister to Modi.

The jeep is said to cost around 390,000 shekels (approximately USD 111,000).

Modi and Netanyahu hadAwitnessed the demonstration of sea water purification technology pioneered by Israel at a water desalination unit on the Olga Beach during the Indian Prime Ministers visit to Israel.

"I am thankful to Bibi (Netanyahu) because the vehicle which I saw today, particularly during a natural calamity when people are suffering (shortage of) drinking water...Can provide drinking water," Modi had said after the demonstration.

Gal-Mobile is an independent, integrated water purification vehicle, designed to produce high-quality drinking water. It can be useful in natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, military use in difficult terrain and rural areas to provide drinkable water.

It can purify up to 20,000 litres per day of sea water and 80,000 litres per day of brackish/muddy or contaminated river water and bring it to WHO standards.

The camaraderie between the two leaders was on full display as they spent some time on the beach and had a long chat standing ankle deep in the waters with waves hitting their feet.

"Theres nothing like going to the beach with friends!," the Israeli leader had later tweeted.

The two leaders later drove together in the mobile water desalination unit, which looked like a dune buggy, and sipped desalinated water from wine glasses, raising a toast with others present there. PTI HM NSA

--- ENDS ---
[January 04, 2018] Worldwide Debut of Daplie Connect Home Server is Coming to CES 2018

PROVO, Utah, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Daplie; on a mission to challenge the status quo for centralized cloud storage services and take back citizens Internet privacy, digital ownership, and control of personal information, today announced the worldwide debut of Daplie Connect, the world's first home server for everyone at CES 2018. Daplie will be on-display in booth #52342 in Eureka Park throughout CES, which takes place January 7-12, 2018 in Las Vegas.

Daplie allows consumers to take back their Internet privacy, digital ownership, and control of their personal data and information and keep it secure and private on servers they control and manage in their home or office and share with people and devices, including smart home devices, without relinquishing ownership, control, or privacy  a true industry first. Daplie executives will be onsite to discuss Connect and other new Daplie hardware solutions for homes, businesses, smart devices, and emerging distributed technologies such as blockchain. CES LOGISTICS:

1. CES Unveiled Shorelines Exhibit Hall, Mandalay Bay Sunday, January 7, 2018 5 p.m.  8:30 p.m. 2. CES 2018  Eureka Park Sands Convention Center Tuesday, January 9  Friday, January 12, 2018 Hall G Booth #: 52342



MEET DAPLIE CONNECT: Daplie Connect is an at-home, plug-and-play omnipresent home server and cloud storage system allowing users to host websites, apps, and email; store documents, music, videos, and photos; ensure social privacy; manage smart home and IoT and more  all with one upfront investment and no monthly fees.

Out of the box, Daplie is ready to go in a matter of minutes with one simple plug and an automated setup process handled by its companion app. Users can easily grant and revoke data access to family and friends at will, and with Daplies end-to-end encryption, users are better protected from hacks and threats against their digital assets. With its stackable Daplie Storage drives, users can store up to 8TB of data without the hassle of extra cords. Daplie takes the power away from behemoth corporations like Google, Apple, Verizon, and Amazon and gives it back to freedom fighters who want to own and control their digital lives. Daplie executives will also be discussing the Companys soon-to-close second funding campaign via Wefunder. The Companys first round was oversubscribed having to turn away over 300 investors. Both accredited and non-accredited investors may participate in the current Wefunder campaign through January 19, 2018. For more information on how to invest visit https://wefunder.com/daplie. PRODUCTS & PRICING

Daplie Connect: 2GB RAM, Multi-Core ARM CPU, 2X USB ports, 2X Ethernet, 5v power (20 w max.). Dimensions: 140mm wide x 30mm tall, 23 ounces. MSRP $295.

Daplie Life Storage Drive: 2TB capacity. MSRP $149.

Daplie Connect + Life: Daplie Connect server + (1) 2TB Daplie Life drive. Max of 4 stackable storage drivers per server (8 TB total). MSPR $399. AVAILABILITY

Daplie will begin product shipments of its Daplie Connect home server system to its pre-order customers starting in April 2018. The Company also reiterated its Q3 2018 ship date guidance for general availability worldwide. ABOUT DAPLIE CONNECT

Daplie Connect downloads all your digital content from your phone, tablet, computer, and other cloud storage services to a physical unit you keep at home, or even a network of Daplie Connect devices you trust. Through the app or using a private domain name (i.e. smithfamily.net); you have access to all your content, on any device, on any platform, from anywhere. No monthly fees, no restrictions, just the freedom to use the Internet on your terms, not somebody elses. Now in the final stages of development and testing, the flagship product Connect is affordable, simpler to use than Dropbox, and fully automated. DAPLIE IS INTERNET FREEDOM

With Daplie you are free from surveillance. Free to safely and conveniently file share. Free to access your data from any device across any platform. Free from monthly rent and the hassles of multiple clouds. Free from the restrictions of big cloud dictatorship. Free to imagine: your own social network, a family shared system, small business solutions, hosting your own website, decentralized applications. With Daplie, the possibilities are endless. For more information please visit www.daplie.com. Media Contact:

Susan Donahue for Daplie

Skyya

[email protected]

646-454-9378

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[January 04, 2018] 2018 INFORMS Franz Edelman Award finalists selected from leading analytics teams around the world

CATONSVILLE, Md., Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- INFORMS, the leading international association for professionals in operations research and analytics, has selected six finalists for the 47th annual Franz Edelman Award for Achievements in Operations Research and Management Science, the world's most prestigious award for achievement in the practice of analytics and O.R. For more than four decades, winners of the Edelman Award have been recognized for transforming how we approach some of the world's most complex problems. This year's finalists are no exception, with revolutionary contributions to the broadcasting, health, communication, inventory management, vehicle fleet management, and alternative energy industries. In all, finalists for the Edelman Award have contributed to a cumulative impact of over $250 billion since the award's inception. The finalists for the 2018 Edelman Award are: China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC). China's natural gas consumption has nearly doubled over the past five years. To better meet demand, CNPC, China's largest oil and natural gas producer and supplier, partnered with researchers from the University of California, Berkeley and Tsinghua University to develop and implement a new software that optimized the country's natural gas pipeline. Previously, all annual planning for CNPC, which controls 75 percent of the country's natural gas resources and pipeline network, was manually conducted using spreadsheets. However, the increasing complexity and size of China's natural gas pipeline meant the previous method had large measures of error, increasing costs and wasting resources. Since implementing its new systems at the end of 2014, CNPC has realized approximately $330 million in direct savings for CNPC, and the increased efficiency of the pipeline has enabled it to delay further pipeline expansions saving billions of additional dollars. Europcar, the leading European car rental company that provides rental services to more than 5 million drivers annually, partnered with ACT Operations Research to create Opticar  an advanced logistics management solutions for tackling the many factors that impact the car rental industry each day, such as the need for vehicles at airports and hotels and customer requests for vehicle upgrades. The system can also anticipate future demand for Europcar's fleet of vehicles, up to six months in advance, improving capacity management. In addition, the Opticar system enabled Europcar to optimize its approach to revenue management, providing a new, more stable pricing system for its vehicle rentals that takes into account competitor pricing, what vehicles are currently available, and expected demand for vehicles. The Federal Communications Commission recently completed the world's first two-sided auction of valuable low-band electromagnetic spectrum, reclaiming channels from TV broadcasters to meet the exploding demand for wireless services. The Commission purchased spectrum from TV broadcasters, sold the acquired spectum to wireless providers, and assigned the remaining broadcasters to new channels in a smaller TV band. Operations research tools, including optimization software and satisfiability solvers, were essential to the spectrum clearing target calculations, auction winner determinations, and final TV channel assignments. The auction repurposed 84 MHz of TV spectrum for wireless use, raised nearly $20 billion in revenue, paid over $10 billion to winning broadcasters, provided nearly $2 billion for relocation costs for non-winning broadcasters, and contributed over $7 billion to reduce the federal deficit. The final channel assignments, which included all 2,900 U.S. and Canadian TV stations, enabled 78 percent of the stations to remain on their existing channels, providing an estimated savings of more than $200 million in relocation costs.



Intel, which employs more than 100,000 people in over 70 countries around the world and has an annual revenue of $60 billion, implemented a fully automated Multi-Echelon Inventory Optimization (MEIO) based inventory target-setting system managing $1 billion daily in finished goods inventory representing over $40 billion a year in sales. Algorithm-derived inventory targets at Intel are accepted by planners +99.5 percent of the time and have simultaneously driven higher customer service and lower inventory levels resulting in over $1.3 billion in gross profit since 2014. In addition, customers are delighted: since MEIO was implemented at all of Intel's vendor managed inventory hubs in 2012, customer satisfaction has never been higher and Intel has landed in the top-10 of Gartner's Supply Chain Top-25 every year. Faculty in the department of Business Analytics and Statistics at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and the supply chain software company Logility also contributed to this project. The Pediatric Heart Network enlisted researchers with the Georgia Institute of Technology to create clinical practice guidelines (CPG) for pre-, intra-, and post-surgical care of patients with congenital heart defects (CHDs), the most common birth defect, impacting nearly 1 million children and 1.4 million adults in the U.S. Substantial variances in surgical practices to treat patients with CHDs among different healthcare centers were reflected in inconsistent surgical outcomes, some of which resulted in negative consequences for patients. By studying the nine leading U.S. pediatric centers, the researchers identified seven significant factors for influencing surgical outcome, and implemented a CPG that enables patients to be removed from breathing apparatuses earlier, lowered the rate of reintubation, and decreased the time patients need to remain in the intensive care unit. These guidelines also realized a cost savings of 27 percent, which translates to $13,500 per patient.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a division of TimeWarner that manages multiple popular television networks including CNN, TBS, and the Cartoon Network, developed two television audience targeting solutions that simultaneously created advertiser and sales efficiencies. TargetingNOW and AudienceNOW, released in 2014 and 2015, respectively, revolutionized media industry standards and processes by implementing integrated forecasting and optimization models to increase the demographics and reach of advertising opportunities. Currently, more than 130 advertisement deals have been executed under these new solutions representing significant ad revenue. Turner anticipates that by 2020, half its advertising inventory will be purchased through TargetingNOW and AudienceNOW, realizing ad revenue in the billions. Based on the current success of these systems, Turner is currently expanding its use of these methods to optimize other areas of media revenue management, including its programing schedules, as well as its Latin American markets. About the Franz Edelman Award

First awarded in 1972, the prize is named in honor of Franz Edelman, who founded the Operations Research division within RCA, one of the first corporations to embed operations research as a business imperative. Previous winners of the Franz Edelman Award include the 2017 winner Holiday Retirement, as well as UPS, IBM, Syngenta, The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Hewlett-Packard, and General Motors, among others. The 2018 Edelman Award will be presented at the INFORMS Conference on Business Analytics and Operations Research in Baltimore, MD on April 15-17. For more information on the Franz Edelman award, watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lq0B6wnAbk0&feature=youtu.be. About INFORMS With 12,500 members from nearly 90 countries, INFORMS is the largest international association of operations research (O.R.) and analytics professionals and students. INFORMS provides unique networking and learning opportunities for individual professionals, and organizations of all types and sizes, to better understand and use O.R. and analytics tools and methods to transform strategic visions and achieve better outcomes. Visit www.informs.org or @informs. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2018-informs-franz-edelman-award-finalists-selected-from-leading-analytics-teams-around-the-world-300577705.html SOURCE INFORMS

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[January 04, 2018] 24th Annual Venture Capital & Private Equity Conference at Harvard Business School Announces Keynote Speakers and Agenda

The Venture Capital & Private Equity Club, a student club at Harvard Business School, will hold its 24th annual Venture Capital & Private Equity Conference on Saturday, January 27, 2018, on the Harvard Business School campus in Boston. One of Harvard Business School's most anticipated student-run conferences, the one-day event will bring together several hundred venture capital and private equity professionals, academics, and students to discuss the most prominent issues in today's alternative investing space. Several new and exciting panel topics will be introduced this year, including infrastructure, energy, oil, renewables and gas and growth equity. Also on the agenda are several of last year's popular topics, including cross border investing, diversity in private equity, turnarounds, operational value creation, healthcare, technology, consumer, and more. Over 60 panelists and moderators with extensive experience in venture capital and private equity will help cultivate engaging and informative discussions around each topic. A selection of distinguished keynote speakers are slated to present at the VCPE conference this year, including: Kewsong Lee, Co-Chief Executive Officer, The Carlyle Group

Sean Klimczak, Global Head of Infrastructure, Blackstone

Paul Maeder, Co-Founder, Highland Capital Partners (News - Alert)

Holly McConnell, Managing Director, General Catalyst Conference panels will comprise a wide variety of leading alternative investment professionals, including general partners, limited partners, intermediaries, and industry consultants, among others. To view the full schedule of speakers and events, and to regiter to attend the conference, please visit: www.thevcpeconference.com.



"We are very pleased to once again bring together talented financial professionals and the next generation of leaders in private equity and venture capital in a knowledge sharing and interactive atmosphere at the 2018 VCPE conference," said Pete Suberlak, Harvard Business School MBA Class of 2018 and co-chair of the Venture Capital & Private Equity Conference. "We have worked diligently to develop thought-provoking panels that will address the latest topics, trends and issues in the alternative investment space. It is a pleasure to be a part of such a prominent and longstanding event here at Harvard Business School, and we look forward to a day filled with insightful information and terrific networking opportunities." "As one of the largest and most popular events on campus, the VCPE conference has played a critical role for our student body from a career advisory and developmental standpoint," said Rashard Green, Harvard Business School MBA Class of 2018 and co-chair of the Venture Capital & Private Equity Conference. "Harvard Business School students are fortunate to have the opportunity to connect with so many passionate and seasoned professionals from various asset classes within the financial world. It is a privilege and honor to host such an impactful event, and we sincerely thank the speakers, panelists, moderators, sponsors, organizers and attendees who make this conference successful year after year."

Sponsoring the conference are esteemed members of the financial community, including Ernst & Young, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Dechert LLP, Preqin, First Republic Bank, and BackBay Communications. About the Venture Capital & Private Equity Club

The Venture Capital & Private Equity (VCPE) Club is a student-run club at Harvard Business School. The Club is committed to providing its members with career and educational opportunities focused on the venture capital and private equity sectors. The VCPE Club's goal is to provide members with an opportunity to learn about venture capital and private equity, interact with some of the industry's leading players, and meet fellow students who share similar interests. The Annual Venture Capital & Private Equity Conference is the Club's marquee event and is one of the largest student-run conferences on campus. Each year the VCPE Club brings in high-profile venture capitalists as well as LBO and private equity investors from around the world. Additional Information

The Harvard name and the VERITAS shield are trademarks of the President and Fellows of Harvard College and are used by permission of Harvard University. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180104005778/en/

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[January 04, 2018] NCSBN Kicks off Yearlong 40th Anniversary Celebration

CHICAGO, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. (NCSBN), www.ncsbn.org, marks reaching its 40th anniversary milestone in 2018 with the inspiring theme of Regulatory Excellence Surging Toward the Future. Founded March 15, 1978, as an independent not-for-profit organization, NCSBN was initially created to lessen the burdens of state governments and bring together boards of nursing (BONs) to act and counsel together on matters of common interest. It has evolved into one of the leading voices of regulation across the world.

This year we celebrate 40 years of regulatory excellence and anticipate a future of transforming nursing regulation and embracing innovations to further our mission of public protection, comments NCSBN Board of Directors President Katherine Thomas, MN, RN, FAAN, executive director, Texas Board of Nursing. Throughout its 40-year history, NCSBN has been a groundbreaker. Some of its many accomplishments include: Being the first organization to implement computerized adaptive testing (CAT) for nationwide licensure examination in 1994. Since then, more than 5 million candidates for nurse licensure have taken the NCLEX exam via CAT.



In 2014, NCLEX-RN Examination became the licensure/registration exam for Canadian nurses (for all provices except for Quebec), marking the first time that the test was utilized for the purpose of licensure in another country.







Conducting the landmark, award-winning, multisite National Simulation Study examining the use of simulation in prelicensure nursing programs.



BONs were the first health care provider regulatory bodies to develop a model for interstate practice with the original adoption of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) in 1997 and its implementation in 2000. The enhanced NLC will be implemented Jan. 19, 2018, with a membership of 27 states*. NCSBN CEO David Benton, RGN, PhD, FFNF, FRCN, FAAN, remarked, Forty years is a major milestone. It is a time to reflect, a time to celebrate but also a time to look to the future. 2018 will be a year where we look to build on our successes, learn from our failures and recommit to advancing public safety and regulatory excellence as we move forward. In the coming year, NCSBN will unveil a seminal Global Regulatory Atlas; publish, in cooperation with The National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers, the 2017 National Nursing Workforce Survey; reveal a new logo; launch a new website; and distribute a booklet for new nurses with the goal of providing one to every newly licensed nurse in the U.S.

About NCSBN

NCSBNs membership is comprised of the boards of nursing (BONs) in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and four U.S. territories  American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands. There are also 30 associate members that are either nursing regulatory bodies or empowered regulatory authorities from other countries or territories. NCSBN Member Boards protect the public by ensuring that safe and competent nursing care is provided by licensed nurses. These BONs regulate more than 4.5 million licensed nurses. Mission: NCSBN provides education, service and research through collaborative leadership to promote evidence-based regulatory excellence for patient safety and public protection. The statements and opinions expressed are those of NCSBN and not the individual member state or territorial boards of nursing. *eNLC states include: Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Contact: Dawn M. Kappel

Director, Marketing and Communications

312.525.3667 direct

312.279.1034 fax

[email protected]

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By PTI: New Delhi, Jan 4 (PTI) There is no proposal to review the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to Pakistan, the government said today.

In a written reply to a question, Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar said India has accorded MFN status to all WTO members, including Pakistan, in accordance with the provisions of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.

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"It is unfortunate that Pakistan has not fulfilled its international obligations in this regard, so far," the minister told the Rajya Sabha in his reply.

He also said that presently, no proposal to review the MFN status to Pakistan was under consideration.

Replying to separate question, Akbar said SAARC has been unable to achieve its potential as key initiatives, including in the important area of connectivity, were held back due to "lack of response and/or obstructionist" approach of Pakistan.

Several SAARC member states expressed their inability to participate in the 19th SAARC Summit that was scheduled to be held in November 2016 in Pakistan due to concerns arising from increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in the region and growing interference in the internal affairs of member states by that country, the minister said.

He also said that India remains steadfast in its commitment to regional cooperation, connectivity and contacts but believes that these can only go forward in an atmosphere free from terror. PTI PYK ASK ASK

--- ENDS ---
After two days of whirlwind developments, we finally have more of a complete picture of the new vulnerabilities that impact processors from the leading vendors. Reports initially surfaced two days ago that Intel's processors are susceptible to a new hardware-based bug that cannot be patched with a mere microcode update. A report from The Register, based in part on a blog post, said that incoming Windows and Linux patches would correct the vulnerability but come with a 5-30% performance loss depending on the workload.

The industry remained silent due to NDAs that were scheduled to expire on January 9, the same date as a round of patches were scheduled to appear. After a day of silence while its stock slumped, Intel issued a statement and claimed the issue is not a hardware bug. Intel also announced that it's working with other titans of the industry, such as AMD and ARM Holdings, to "develop an industry-wide approach to resolve this issue promptly and constructively." AMD has since released a statement and claimed that it has minimal exposure to the primary vulnerability.

The root issues behind the vulnerabilities weren't clearly defined at the time, but a slew of releases from several of the parties involved, along with Google's Project Zero team, have shed light on two new exploits that have served as the catalyst for the recent developments. We'll cover the new exploits below; then we'll get to the updates from Intel, ARM, AMD, and Nvidia.

Performance First

Before we dive into the nuts and bolts, recent tests indicate the patch does not impart a cataclysmic performance loss in most workloads. Phoronix tested the Linux patch, and Computerbase.de tested a patched Windows Insider build.

The good news? Most desktop applications appear to be safe in both Windows 10 and Linux. That includes most workloads that are largely confined to the user space, such as gaming and normal productivity applications. There does appear to be a slowdown to storage I/O operations (2-7%), but for now it's hard to ascertain if that is due to the patch or other kernel updates. The Windows 10 patch was rolled out to the Windows Insider builds in November, and there haven't been reports of performance issues.

The bad news? The patch does incur a performance overhead to some enterprise applications. Phoronix recorded significant performance regressions in the object-relational PostgreSQL database. Redis also suffers a performance loss. Many industry analysts feel the real impacts will come in virtualized environments, but we have yet to see benchmarks. Google has already updated all its cloud infrastructure, which includes its cloud computing services, and we haven't yet heard of significant user backlash due to reduced performance.

Meet Meltdown & Spectre

Google's Project Zero touched off the vulnerability scare when it discovered that it could access data held in the protected kernel memory through two exploits that are now known as Meltdown and Spectre. Google does not believe these exploits have ever been used in the wild, but it's impossible to tell if they have or not.

Meltdown is both easy to execute and easy to fix. This exploit allows applications to read from the protected kernel memory. That ability can allow hackers to read passwords, encryption keys, or other data from the memory. Intel's statement specifically noted that the exploits cannot corrupt, modify, or delete data, but those points are moot if the attacker can access passwords and encryption keys. The biggest concern for data centers and cloud service providers is that the exploit also allows an application resident in one virtual machine to access the memory of another remote virtual machine. This means an attacker could rent an instance on a public cloud and collect information from other virtual machines on the same server.

Researchers have been able to execute a Meltdown exploit only on Intel processors, although ARM has submitted patches to protect itself from the same method of attack. In fact, the attack exploits Intel's out-of-order execution implementation that is present on every Intel processor made since 1995. Researchers discovered Meltdown last year. The exploit is reportedly simple enough that a script kiddie could execute the attack, so a fix is of utmost importance.

Apple already patched this exploit in the MacOS December OSX patch (10.13.2). Windows is also pushing emergency patches out immediately. The Linux kernel has also been patched. These patches do have performance impacts, as we noted above, that largely revolve around how frequently the application issues kernel calls.

The Spectre exploit is much more nefarious and impacts Intel, AMD, and ARM. This exploit can access kernel memory or data from other applications. Researchers contend that fixing this exploit would require a fundamental re-tooling of all processor architectures, so we'll live with the threat of this vulnerability for the foreseeable future. Fortunately, this exploit is extremely hard to execute and requires an elevated level of knowledge of the interior workings of the target processor.

These two exploits are categorized into three variants. Variants 1 and 2 are Spectre, whereas Variant 3 is Meltdown. Intel is vulnerable to all three.

Variant 1: bounds check bypass (CVE-2017-5753) Variant 2: branch target injection (CVE-2017-5715) Variant 3: rogue data cache load (CVE-2017-5754)

Levels Of Exposure

We reached out to AMD, and the company responded with the following information, which has since been publicly released.

Most notably, AMD claims that is has zero vulnerability to Variant 3 (Meltdown), stating that the patches that are currently being issued for Meltdown do not apply to its processors due to "architectural differences." This is excellent news for AMD, as it therefore has no exposure to the current round of potentially performance-sapping patches. That bodes very well for the company as it reenters the data center with a competitive line of EPYC processors.

The Ryzen desktop processors are also not susceptible to Meltdown. Linus Torvalds has also granted AMD an exemption to the performance penalties incurred by the Linux patch for Meltdown.

AMD is vulnerable to Variant 1, which is a Spectre exploit. As noted above, many contend that Spectre is not likely to see an effective patch any time soon, and some researchers claim the vulnerability exists in every modern processor architecture in existence. They also claim that fixing the issues could require a redesign of fundamental processor architectures. AMD said it has a patch that can mitigate Variant 1 with minimal performance impact and further stated that it has a "near zero risk of exploitation" from Variant 2, which is also a Spectre exploit.

Nvidia also issued a statement regarding the vulnerabilities:

Nvidias core business is GPU computing. We believe our GPU hardware is immune to the reported security issue and are updating our GPU drivers to help mitigate the CPU security issue. As for our SoCs with ARM CPUs, we have analyzed them to determine which are affected and are preparing appropriate mitigations.

ARM Holdings has added a security update to its website that outlines its exposure to the vulnerabilities, and like Intel, it is susceptible to all three variants.

The legal ramifications of these developments could be troublesome. The Law Offices of Howard G. Smith has already announced an investigation on behalf of Intel Corporation investors, and there will likely be more similar developments in the coming weeks. Intel has a history of establishing a reserve to cover pending large-scale hardware replacements, but the company has not disclosed a new fund to deal with the vulnerabilities. The company has also stated that it does not expect any impact to its business.

Intel's statement on the matter specifically says that the exploits are not caused by a "bug" or a "flaw" that is unique to Intel products. Intel also noted that the exploits can "gather sensitive data from computing devices that are operating as designed." These statements likely indicate Intel will defend any potential claims because "the hardware is working correctly." Depending on when these vulnerabilities became known (some claim that Meltdown-type attacks have been a known entity since 2010), these points may be challenged in court. ARM and other vendors may also face similar challenges.

Intel's CEO, Brian Krzanich, also sold $39 million in stocks in November 2017 (this doesn't include the amount he paid for the stock options). These transaction initially appeared innocuous (and they may be) because Krzanich sold the stock under a 10b5-1(c) plan, which is a pre-planned sale of stocks intended to prevent claims of insider trading. The sale left Krzanich with the Intel-mandated minimum of 250,000 stocks. The sale was pre-planned on October 30. Now, though, MarketWatch claims Intel was made aware of the vulnerability on June 1, which may draw attention to the matter from regulatory officials. Business Insider said a representative for the Securities and Exchange Commission declined to comment on the matter.

Considering the lengthy preparation period, we imagine there will not be any major service disruptions to the cloud service providers. However, we expect more details to come to light concerning performance impacts of the new patches on various workloads. Stay tuned.
By PTI: (Eds: Recasting overnight story)

New Delhi, Jan 4 (PTI) Rahul Gandhi will next week embark on a visit to Bahrain, his first foreign trip after becoming Congress president, during which he will address a convention of NRIs and is likely to meet the countrys prime minister.

According to party sources, Gandhi will be the state guest of the Kingdom of Bahrain and will address NRIs settled there on January 8.

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He will leave for Bahrain on January 7 and is likely to return on January 9. The NRIs settled there have invited him.

Gandhi is also likely to meet Bahrains Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and the members of the royal family, the sources said.

They said that he was to also address NRIs in Dubai but that visit has been postponed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to visit the UAE later this month.

Party sources say Gandhis visit to Bahrain will be on the lines of his US trip last year.

Rahul Gandhi was in Goa on New Year along with his mother Sonia Gandhi. PTI SKC ASK GVS

--- ENDS ---
Police: Kansas City Taco Bell robbed at gunpoint by 4 men Police in Kansas City are searching for four men who robbed a Taco Bell at gunpoint on Wednesday.

In today's guide to local overkill . . . No word on the ensuing fight on how to best split the 38 dollars . . . It happened at about 8:49 p.m. at the restaurant in the 1300 block of Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard. Read more:
TKC EXCLUSIVE REAL TALK: Any elected official would be wise to avoid the courthouse like the plague. Mayor Sly's office is now slow to answer Team Frank's cries for help and this message to Jeff City is also likely to go unheard . . .

- Jackson County Exec Frank White calls the recent actions of the Legislature "unlawful" and has lashed out at them publicly in writing.





- The Legislature has stripped away the COMBAT anti-crime funding, moved the emergency preparedness work to the Sheriffs office and frozen budget funds for top ranking employees in the White Administration.





- The Legislature isn't afraid of input from the Auditor and has welcomed outside review of the their opposition against Exec White.

Jackson County Executive recommends Missouri State Auditors Office inspect Countys fiscal policies

The latest cry for help from Jackson County looks to statewide authorities for guidance given a historic impasse that has effecitvely rendered him powerless.The sitch right now . . .And so, here's the latest communication as this fight heads to court . . .KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Despite the Jackson County Legislatures FY2018 budget calling for the elimination of several positions, Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. has taken the necessary steps to ensure no one lost their job at the start of the new year.We have worked within the budget and within my authority to ensure adequate funds are available to keep hardworking staff members employed. They are dedicated to serving taxpayers and some of them have been here decades, White said. As I said before, I did not agree with many provisions in the Legislatures budget. But, it was in the best interest of the County and our associates that I approve it in order to keep our government running. Now its time for us to move forward.Both White and the Legislature have raised concerns about the Countys fiscal and procurement policies and procedures. As such, the County Executive is recommending that the Legislature immediately request the office of Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway conduct a comprehensive audit of all aspects of these processes.There is nothing more important to the integrity of the County than the responsible use of taxpayer dollars. I firmly believe that conducting an independent evaluation of our current fiscal policies is critical to operating a transparent, efficient and effective government that the people can trust, White said.White is asking the Legislature to call upon the Missouri State Auditors Office to conduct the audit to avoid the perception of potential bias. The audit will examine all fiscal and procurement processes, including the role of the executive and legislative branch in the awarding of contracts and expenditures relating to COMBAT, Rock Island Rail Corridor and the direct funding of outside agencies.The County Executive will work with the Legislature to ensure funding is immediately available for the audit, should they support his recommendation and the state auditors office accepts the request. A copy of his letter to the state auditors office notifying it of his request is attached.###You decide . . .












A middle-aged man dies at the hospital after sustaining deadly gunfire injuries early this morning . . .Check the news roundup of the fatal spate of shooting near Whittier Elementary School . . .Developing . . .
The closing of the commission was a blow for Kris Kobach, the secretary of state of Kansas and the panels vice chairman. Mr. Kobach was one of a few state officials to support Mr. Trumps contention of widespread fraud.





But Mr. Kobach insisted in an interview that the commissions work would not end but rather would be transferred to the Department of Homeland Security, one of the federal agencies charged with ensuring election integrity and one that he said critics would find more difficult to tar

The Kansas official said he expects officials from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and political appointees overseeing that agency to take over the commission's work and begin efforts to match state voter rolls to federal databases of noncitizens. He insisted he was not disappointed with the president's decision.





"Its the right move," Kobach said. "It's a shifting in tactics from having the investigation be done by a federal commission to having it be done by a federal agency. The agency has a greater ability to move quickly to get the investigation done."





Kobach acknowledged that ICE has little expertise in other types of potential voter fraud, such as multiple voting or voting by felons who've been disenfranchised, but he noted DHS has a broad mandate to address election security issues as critical U.S. infrastructure.

New York Times: Trump Disbands Commission on Voter Fraud





Fox News: Trump dissolves voter fraud commission after states balk at data requests













Amid widespread GOP resistance from other states and lackluster results . . . Yet another high-profile gig for the top politico in Kansas has gone astray.Check links and description from both sides of the aisle . . .get.Moreon the move from the top GOP contender for Kansas Guv . . .Check the links . . .You decide . . .
Old & Busted Water Infrastructure Irony Continues @ 12th & Oak

KCMO City Hall to be closed Thursday after water main break KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City's City Hall will be closed again Thursday. The building was closed Wednesday, as well, after a water main break caused problems with power to the building. According to a press release, a two-inch pipe for the fire suppression system broke causing significant flooding between the lobby and basement.

Kansas City Star Snuff Clip

Body camera video shows fatal police shooting of armed woman after standoff in Olathe A 26-minute body camera video shows police entering an Olathe home to arrest Ciara Howard and then fatally shooting her. 0:00 -- Officers gather in force outside the front door. 6:44 -- Officers enter the home. 12:30 -- Howard and officers discuss potential bond and her fear of going to the county jail.

KCMO Shooting Tonight

2 injured in shooting at 10th, Kensington in Kansas City Police in Kansas City are investigating a double-shooting at 10th Street and Kensington Avenue. The victims suffered non-life threatening injuries in the shooting, according to police. The shooting happened just before 6 p.m. Copyright 2018 KCTV (Meredith Corp.) All rights reserved.

More Deets On Ousted Mayor Goodbye Note

Report: KCK paid more than $900,000 to firefighters for time not worked Report: KCK paid more than $900 to firefighters for time not worked

Kansas City Foodie Report

Recipe | Megan Garrelts' Lemon Meringue Pie You may cheat with a cookie exchange or a bit of peppermint bark, but if you want to bring the whole family to the table during the holidays, it's time you learned to bake a pie. In order to get a pie right, you've got to have a pie mentor, someone who can navigate the crust like Hilary Swank in "The Core."

Freeze Frame From El Bryan

Kansas City Warmup Coming Soon

First Alert Forecast: Warmer temps heading toward Kansas City First Alert Forecast: Warmer temps heading toward Kansas City

inspires this look at some of the top midweek local links for right now . . .And this is thefor right now . . .
This message speaks more more to KCMO waste management administration from the City Manager's office or lack thereof . . .

"The 400 block of west 68th streets trash was not picked up last week despite calls to 311 and promises that it would be picked up.





"As you recall, Brookside was left to fend for itself during the summer of 2016 when the city manager, Mayor and council was unwilling and/or unable to pick up the trash south of 63rd street."





"The city government is wholly focused on downtown development. This is another example of the city unable to walk and chew gum at the same time. Despite the mayors delusional belief in being able to do both."





"Please let me know when to expect the trash pickup. Or let me know if I need to intervene if you are still unable to provide this service . . ."

First off . . . Let's get it straight that- They're doing hard work in horrific conditions and they deserve respect and outright admiration . . .A note put on blast to City Council and Mayor depicts a trashy scene one of Kansas City's nicest middle-class neighborhoods.Take a look:Developing . . .
Turkey is one of the main Mediterranean competitors of the Greek tourism industry and has been hit strongly by terrorism and political instability culminating in numerous coup attempts during recent years

ATHENS  The main opposition New Democracy,, disputing government claims, said Prime Minister and Radical Left SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras wants to return eight military members who fled a failed coup to Turkey to satisfy President Recep Tayyip Erdogans demands.

Greeces highest court ruled against extradition and one of the men received asylum, prompting Tsipras Administration, which ironically includes the pro-austerity, marginal, jingoistic, anti-Turkey Independent Greeks (ANEL) of Defense Minister Panos Kammenos to demand it be revoked.

Elements in SYRIZA said after the eight men landed in a helicopter in northern Greece in July, 2016  who said they had taken no part in the coup attempt and feared for their lives  suggested they should be be promptly returned and unnamed government officials told Kathimerini coup plotters werent welcome.

That has led New Democracy to reject SYRIZA claims it wont push for extradition, saying the government is laying the groundwork for their return and is interfering with justice.

The government has for weeks failed to dismiss Erdogans claims that Tsipras promised to prepare the ground for the extradition of the eight Turkish servicemen, New Democracy spokeswoman Maria Spyraki said.

The eight servicemen who fled to Greece cannot be extradited to Turkey under the present circumstances. The Supreme Court has irrevocably ruled on this (issue,), Spyraki said.

The procedure for granting asylum to the servicemen has not been finalized, but the government has shown its intent, she added.

The procedure for granting asylum to the servicemen has not been finalized but the government has shown its intent, said Maria Spyraki.

Government spokesman Dimitris Tzanakopoulos said the decision by the Supreme Court last January not to extradite the eight servicemen is irrevocable and tried to separate it from asylum even though trying to revoke it would send the cases back to the courts that the government said its not interfering with, trying to obstruct justice.

They cannot be extradited, regardless of the outcome of their asylum applications, he said. There is nothing secret here.

In an interview with Real FM, Tsipras said that a session of the Greek-Turkish High-Level Cooperation Council scheduled to take place in the first half of this year should go ahead despite disagreements between the two countries.

The worst thing one can do is not communicate, not have channels of communication and contact, not try and tackle existing problems, Tsipras said.

We do not have this kind of logic, we have proven this and I believe it is good that we have opened up channels of communication despite our existing differences, he added.

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: Mstyslav Chernov License: CC-BY-SA

Source: thenationalherald.com
Hailing from the Beijing Foreign Studies University, 23 students are the first ever group of Chinese students to attend the Athens university, to learn the Greek language, history and culture, China.org reports.

The students are studying at the National University of Athens, as part of cooperative efforts between Greece and China to develop closer cultural relations.

The degree of dedication of the Chinese students is impressive, as they all speak Greek already. Its a difficult language, but we are doing well, said Song Xunghui, 22, who has studied Greek at the University of Ioannina in western Greece and in Athens.

Besides ancient Greek history, philosophy and art, the Chinese students also find Greece a beautiful country.

We came to find the truth. Now we can have the correct opinion about Greek people, Wang Jinyao told China.org, referring to the negative stereotypes blaming the Greek people for the debt crisis.

I feel its a great honour to be here in Greece to live and study. I will tell my parents and friends that Greek people are good and hospitable. It is important to strengthen student and program exchanges, Wang noted.

The Chinese students disclosed that the faculty staff and students of the School of Philosophy of the Athens university welcomed them with warmth when they arrived at the university, with scholarships that were awarded under a cooperation agreement reached with the Beijing university.

The 23 Chinese students are among the 700, or so, who are expected to receive certification in Modern Greek Studies next summer.

After a successful cooperation with the Beijing Foreign Studies University, the Greek university is exploring more opportunities to expand and deepen ties with other Chinese universities, the China.org report concludes.

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: greekreporter.com
Cyprus is one of the main Mediterranean competitors of the Greek tourism industry

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia  Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades, making a first visit to saudi Arabia by a Head of State from the island, was to meet King Salman for consultations and prospective agreements on deals ranging from energy to tourism.

The King had invited Anastasiades, who this month faces a re-election campaign after last year failing to reach an agreement with Turkish-Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci to reunify the island divided and occupied since an unlawful 1974 invasion.

Delegations from the two countries were also involved with Anastasiades being accompanied by the ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defense, Transport and Energy, and the government spokesman, the Cyprus Mail reported.

The Cypriot President was also scheduled to meet with the Saudi Arabian crown prince, as well as the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council and visit the facilities of J&P, a Cypriot-owned company.

In an interview with the Arabic international newspaper Asharq al-Awsat on Monday, Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides said that Cyprus looks forward to bolstering cooperation with Saudi Arabia in order to achieve security and stability in the region.

He added that bilateral ties between the two countries have taken an important step forward after Riyadh appointed its Athens ambassador as the charge daffaires in Nicosia.

I believe there are great opportunities for cooperation between us in many fields, such as economy, business and tourism, he told the paper, highlighting the significance Saudi Arabia has.

Saudi Arabia is an important country and a leader in the Arab and Muslim worlds and King Salman is custodian of the two holy mosques, he said, adding that Riyadh could play a role in reuniting Cyprus.

Many people believe that the problem lies between the Cypriot people. We are prepared to share the country with the Turkish-Cypriot population within a Cypriot union the main problem that will remain is Turkey, which is still following a strange policy towards the Arab world, he said.

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: European People's Party License: CC-BY-SA

Source: thenationalherald.com
Oman has approved a state budget that envisages a total public expenditure of OR12.5 billion ($32.51 billion) for 2018, an increase of OR800 million from the estimated expenditure for 2017.

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said issued a Royal Decree approving Oman's budget for 2018 on Monday, said a Times of Oman report.

The total revenues are expected to reach OR9.5 billion, an increase of 3 per cent over the actual expected revenues for 2017. The budget is calculated on the basis of an oil price of $50 per barrel.

The budget statement estimated a deficit of OR3 billion, or 10 percent of GDP during the year.

An Oman New Agency report said 84 percent of the estimated budget deficit of OR2.5 billion will be financed through external and domestic borrowing.

According to the statement issued by the Ministry of Finance, the budget for the fiscal year 2018 aims to maintain the financial and economic stability of the state. Furthermore, it aims to raise the rate of economic growth and stability of the standard of living of citizens, said a Times of Oman report.

About OR3.88 billion were allocated in the 2018 budget for education, health, housing and welfare sectors, which represent the largest share of the budget, the statement said.

The Omani economy is projected to grow 3 per cent in 2018, buoyed by gradually rebounding oil prices, intensifying economic diversification efforts, and a reinvigorated investment environment, another report said.

No new taxes are envisioned in the 2018 budget, although a selective tax (Excise Tax) will be levied on certain products, such as tobacco, alcohol and fizzy drinks, said the Oman Daily Observer report.

An integrated service fee for municipal services will also be introduced, it said.
By PTI: New Delhi, Jan 4 (PTI) Railway Minister Piyush Goyal today urged senior officials to not go back to the colonial- era practice of having railway employees working at their homes.

Soon after taking over as minister, Goyal had instructed all the rail employees working at officers homes to return to their primary jobs.

Officials say that around 10,000 Group-D railway employees, including gangmen and track men, have since been relieved from the houses of senior officers and put back into safety and maintenance work.

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Speaking at the 5th R K Vir Memorial Event here, Goyal said that times have changed and that the railways cannot forever live in the "colonial era of the British".

"Is our mind going to be more bothered about bungalow peons and linesmen that we can get to work in our homes?

"...The first decision that I made, I hope it is being implemented. I hope its not gone back to the good old days," he said.

Turning to Ghanshyam Singh, a Railway Board member, the minister said, "I am talking about the 8000-10,000 people who worked in bungalows."

Singh said that the men had gone back to work "then and there".

"It should be sustained, even when I am no longer the Rail Minister," Goyal said.

The facility of bungalow peons began during the British era, and was for officers who were posted in the field.

However, over the years, the people who could employ a bungalow peon expanded to staff in the headquarters.

Subsequently, this facility was expanded to include a large number of Railway Board officials.

Many a time, these officers were treated as domestic helps and not railway staffers as they dealt with the family of the senior official they were attached to.

"Are we doing justice to the people of India? Can we justify this..." said Goyal, urging the railway officials to do away with the practice completely. PTI ASG ASK ASK

--- ENDS ---
Two cruise ships carrying more than 5,600 visitors made a stop over in Bahrain on January 3, marking the start of the kingdom's cruise season.



Italian ship MSC Splendida and German cruise line Aida docked at the Khalifa Bin Salman Port yesterday morning.



A tour around the kingdom was organized, offering more than 4,000 visitors the chance to visit some of Bahrains tourist attractions and learn about its civilization, historical sites and old markets.



We are happy to welcome the first two cruise ships for 2018 and are committed to providing all the facilities necessary to ensure their safe arrival into the kingdom. We look forward to receiving more cruise ships over the next few months. This comes as part of the BTEAs focus to revitalize the tourism sector which will further contribute towards the national economy, said Shaikh Khaled bin Humood Al Khalifa, chief executive officer of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA).



During the current cruise season which runs between November and May, Bahrain is expected to receive 33 cruise vessel calls and almost 80,000 visitors from prestigious cruise lines including the world-renowned Crystal Cruises, he added.



Hosting the cruise ships comes as part of the BTEAs long term strategy to further develop the kingdoms tourism sector under the slogan of Ours.Yours., which contributes towards the kingdoms economy and the 2030 Economic Vision. - TradeArabia News Service


Maverick Trading Approves Bitcoin Trading for Firm's Traders

Maverick Trading, a proprietary trading firm, recently approved Bitcoin as a trading instrument for its traders. Traders in the firm's Options division are now approved to trade Bitcoin options as well as Bitcoin futures.

Maverick Trading's management will be outlining approved trading techniques and risk management procedures for its traders during an upcoming presentation to the entire firm. This special presentation will highlight several stable, defined risk techniques for the firm's traders to profitably trade Bitcoin. Bitcoin options will be approved for all traders and Bitcoin futures will be approved on a case-by-case basis.

The firm made this decision after careful consideration, responding to both inquiries from the general public as well as requests from the firm's existing traders. Prior to this move, Maverick's management had demurred, citing a lack of price discovery, liquidity, and safety. Bitcoin's recent acceptance at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the Chicago Board Options Exchange was the final factor that led management to approving Bitcoin for Maverick Trading's traders.

In an e-mail to the firm, Robb Reinhold, CEO and Head Trader at Maverick Trading outlined the reasons behind the firm's initial reticence as well as the reasons for the change in policy. In part, the e-mail stated:

Price discovery is everything in the world of trading. Unless a trader knows exactly where they can exit the trade, risk management and proper trading techniques are not possible. In those conditions, a trade becomes a gamble. The crash of 2007-08 has probably the best example of what not having price discovery can do. In the early 2000's, companies sold new products called MBS (Mortgage Backed Securities) and CDO (Collateralized Debt Obligations) that didn't trade on any exchanges. Prices were negotiated brokerage desk to brokerage desk whenever someone wanted to buy or sell, creating a gray market. In order to "find out" what your MBS or CDO was worth, you would have to call around to find a buyer and the price they were willing to pay. Once the real estate and stock markets crashed, MBS and CDO sellers found out there were no buyers and technically these assets were worth $0 at the time. Price discovery is the most important thing which is why we focus on trading on major exchanges.

Liquidity goes hand in hand with Price Discovery. Price discovery shows you the current market price but liquidity is about how many market participants there are. You need both to be able to move in and out of a position. One of the early things (still a smaller problem today) that plagued cryptocurrency buyers and sellers was the delay between the transaction on the screen and delivery of the product. The futures market gives us a great way to trade Bitcoin since futures are a derivative product where there is technically no transfer of ownership of the security. Because of this, we only have to worry about the entry and exit price of the trade and not on any delays for the delivery of the product. The Chicago Board of Options (CBOE) and Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) are both publicly traded exchanges with a very long and stable history of a fair marketplace. I expect the volume on the futures contract to be comparable to the volume on the Bitcoin itself.

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Israeli Regulator Looks to Ban Bitcoin Trading

Is this the first salvo of bitcoin backlash?

Has the eponymous cryptocurrency and standard bearer of the worlds newest and most talked about asset class finally hit a snag? One exchange operator is looking to ban trading in the highly risky yet profitable cryptocurrency.

According to a report on Reuters, Israel's stock market regulator said earlier this week that it will propose regulation to ban companies based on bitcoin and other digital currencies from trading on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE).

Shmuel Hauser, the chairman of the Israel Securities Authority (ISA), told a business conference he will bring the proposal to the ISA board next week. If approved, it would be subject to a public hearing and then the TASE bylaws would need to be amended.

"If we have a company that their main business is digital currencies we would not allow it. If already listed, its trading will be suspended," Hauser said, adding the ISA must find the appropriate regulation for such companies. "We feel that the prices of bitcoin behave like bubbles and we don't want investors to be subject to that volatility and uncertainty," Hauser said. "There is an importance to signal to the market where things are... Investors should know where we stand."

Reuters added that Hauser had also said bitcoin-based companies would not be included in TASE indexes and that there was a need for a suitable regulatory framework for such instruments given that the global market value of all digital currencies grew in 2017 to $300 billion from $18 billion.

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By PTI: (Eds: Updating with more quotes)

Mumbai, Jan 3 (PTI) The regional media is facing challenges but it will continue to remain relevant and robust as Indians are rooted to their culture, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said today.

Speaking at a function organised to release a souvenir of the Mumbai Hindi Patrakar Sangh here, he said the regional media played an important role in the freedom struggle.

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The regional media will remain relevant because Indians are always rooted to their culture no matter how successful they become in their professional life, he said.

Fadnavis admitted the regional media faces challenges related to information and technology since English dominates the medium of knowledge, but content remains the key for growth of newspapers.

However, the regional media has accepted these challenges and is working on overcoming them. More than technology, content of a newspaper is important, the chief minister added.

"Currently, the main source of knowledge in our country is English, while in China, it is Chinese (Mandarin). But with the passage of time and better utilisation of IT, regional languages are set to disseminate knowledge at a great speed," Fadnavis said.

On the occasion, a discussion on the topic "Relevance of Vernacular Journalism" was organised.

Speaking on the issue, Santosh Bhartiya, Editor of `Chauthi Dunia, said, "Now a days, Hindi reports have more inputs than English ones.

"I find that Hindi journalists have deeper knowledge that the reporters from other languages. Therefore, the vernacular journalism continues to be relevant.

Anil Tiwari, Executive Editor of `Dopahar Ka Samanaa said, "Vernacular journalists are generally considered `backbenchers. But the truth is these backbenchers are the one who feel the pulse of the society."

Hemant Tiwari, a senior journalist from Lucknow and president of the Uttar Pradesh Manyata Prapt Patrakar Samiti, said vernacular journalists should not feel inferior to their counterparts in English journalism.

"The reach of mainstream (English) journalism is very limited, while the impact of the vernacular journalism is far and wide," Tiwari said.

Prasad Kathe, Editor of News18 Lokmat, said the people in Maharashtra tend to follow the mainstream media instead of the Marathi media.

"So, the answer to the question of what is the future of the vernacular journalism depends on how seriously we tackle this challenge." PTI MR/APM RSY

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: Chennai, Jan 4 (PTI) Actor Kamal Haasan today alleged that money power was behind TTV Dhinakarans win in the December 21 RK Nagar bypoll, drawing sharp rebuke from the sidelined AIADMK leader who accused the star of maligning voters.

In a stinging article as part of his weekly series in the latest issue of Tamil magazine Ananda Vikatan, the veteran star described the bypoll, held due to the demise of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, as a "stain" on Indian democracy.

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Responding to Haasans salvo, Dhinakaran hit back saying the actor was making such allegations as he could not digest his win in the bypoll.

Amidst accusations of money distribution by rival sides --the AIADMK and the Dhinakaran camp-- the former Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MP, contesting as an independent, had trounced the ruling party candidate E Madhusudhanan.

He won by a margin of 40,000 votes, giving a jolt to the Chief Minister K Palaniswami led dispensation.

Both Dhinakaran as well as the ruling party have denied charges of money distribution during the hustings.

In his article, without naming Dhinakaran, Haasan said the RK Nagar bypoll win was a "purchased" one, alluding to alleged money distribution by the rebel camp.

"RK Nagar bypoll is a big stain on Tamil Nadu politics; it is a big stain on Indian democracy. I wont call this purchased win even a scam....this is a day light crime," Haasan charged.

He recalled Election Commission rescinding the bypoll for this city segment when it was to be held in April last year following complaints of money distribution.

Dhinakaran was the ruling party candidate then but was later sidelined by the Palaniswami and his cabinet colleagues.

The chief minister and deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, who was then a rebel leader, merged their respective factions in August last year.

Dhinakaran contested last months election as an independent candidate and polled over 89,000 votes.

Haasan charged that both the "independent" and the "ruling side fixed rates" for voters.

Alleging that people had voted for money, Haasan, in the article, said "you have been sold out."

Dhinakaran, responding to Haasans allegations, hit out at the award-winning star, saying he had "insulted" and "hurt" the RK Nagar voters by making such allegations.

Haasans charge was "strongly condemnable," he told reporters here.

"This doesnt befit his age and experience. Under the garb of attacking the winner, he is attacking the people, who are mainly from poorer sections, saying they voted for money," Dhinakaran said.

He denied bribing the voters, saying, if at all money would have played a role in the electoral outcome, "Two Leaves (AIADMK) would have won."

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"Whether you accept or not, people of RK Nagar have voted for me. Dont hurt those loveable people (by making such allegations)," Dhinakaran said.

Questioning whether Kamal Haasan was a judge or God, Dhinakaran said the actor should have contested the bypoll to face the reality.

Apparently hitting out at the actors political ambitions, Dhinakaran asked "can such people survive in politics."

"Politics is not some scripted movie where one can mouth dialogues written by someone else," he said.

On his victory, he said RK Nagar voters have "recognised we are Ammas (Jayalalithaa) successors. Those who are apprehensive due to this are saying such things (of bribing the voters)".

Dhinakaran dared those making such allegations to reiterate them by holding a public meeting at RK Nagar.

Haasan, who has announced his intentions of entering politics, has been vocal on a number of issues ranging from corruption to right wing extremism. PTI SA TVS DV

--- ENDS ---
Actor Salman Khan appeared in Jodhpur's Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Rural Court today in connection with the 1998 Black Bucks case.

By Dev Ankur Wadhawan: Actor Salman Khan appeared in Jodhpur's Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Rural Court today in connection with the 1998 Black Bucks case.

Final arguments in the case are yet to be completed. Today, the Defence put forth its arguments in the Court.

While Salman was in the Court, a CD of an eyewitness, Poonamchand, was played in his presence, by the Defence counsel. Salman, as per information, got visibly emotional while the CD was being played inside the Courtroom.

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Salman appeared a bit uneasy during his Court appearance today. Salman stayed inside the Court for close to 35 minutes. After his Court appearance, Salman left for hotel.

There was significant police presence in the Court premises while Salman appeared inside the Courtroom.

Barricades were put up by the Jodhpur police to ensure that the security measures were not found lacking.

Several fans of Salman thronged the Court premises to see their favourite actor. Salman Khan had reached Jodhpur to take part in a private programme.

Salman reached the CJM Court directly from the Jodhpur Airport.

Present alongwith Salman Khan during his Court appearance was his bodyguard Shera. Salman was wearing a black coloured Shirt, grey coloured jacket and blue coloured jeans.

Salman is accused of killing two black bucks in October, 1998 in Jodhpur's Kankani area.

Other actors of the movie, Hum Saath Saath Hain, including Sonali Bendre, Saif Ali Khan, Tabu and Neelam were allegedly present with him.

Salman Khan had appeared in Jodhpur Court last year on August 4 to present a bail bond of 20,000 Rupees in the Arms Act case.

--- ENDS ---
Tribune News Service

Amritsar, January 4

The Government Medical College (GMC) has banned the entry of medical representatives (salesmen) of private pharmaceutical companies to the outpatient department (OPD) chambers of doctors during duty hours.

Medical representatives can be seen roaming in the hospital and meeting doctors during working hours every day. The salesmen of the private pharmaceutical companies cajole and also lure doctors into prescribing their brands.

A source in the hospital said pharmaceutical companies gave hefty commission and lavish gifts to government doctors. The practice has increased to such an extent that private persons keep on sitting next to doctors as the latter examine patients, he said.

It has also been seen that while patients in long queues are waiting outside, doctors carry on with their meet with medical representatives to know their brands. The medicines of private companies are not available at the government pharmacies at the hospital. These are available only at private medical stores outside the hospital.

The patients often complain of not getting medicines from government pharmacies and doctors prescribing medicines which are available only with a few chemists. The instances of private lab employees collecting samples from inside the wards have already been highlighted by the media. The patients hope that the new order would set the things in order.

College Principal Dr Tejbir Singh said, We hope that the practice will come to an end with the new orders. The duty hours of the doctors are meant only for patients. Meeting with a private salesman during OPD hours is unethical. Action will be taken if such a practice is seen.
Tribune News Service

Bathinda, January 4

The last rights of Jyoti, who was brutally killed at Surat in Gujarat two days ago, took place at the cremation centre near DAV College around 6.30 pm today.

Her kin reached Bathinda with the body from Surat around 6 pm.

None from the family talked much to the media, but only demanded hard imprisonment against alleged killer Pritesh Patel.

Jyoti was killed in Timba town near Surat on Thursday at the farm house of the accused with a sharp-edged weapon. Her head was separated from her body in the attack.

The accused was arrested by the Surat police and he accepted his crime.

According to sources, Jyoti worked in a dance bar in Mumbai and she had a relation with Pritesh Patel. Both were celebrating Priteshs birthday in Timba on December 27 and went to Mumbai the next day for New Year celebrations.

On January 1, both came back to Timba and went to the farm house where the incident happened.

After his arrest, he told the police that he had also divorced his wife. But he had doubt that Jyoti had relation with another person of Bathinda. Due to this, both had a dispute after which he killed her. Jyoti is survived by her 6-year-old daughter Angel and her husband died a few years ago.
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 4

Four vehicle thieves, including a juvenile, have been arrested by the Chandigarh Police and 10 motorcycles have been recovered from their possession. The accused used to steal motorcycles for joyrides.

A team of the Palsora police post arrested the accused, identified as Prabhjot Singh, Mahesh, alias Blackberry, and Ryat, all residents of Bad Majra, and a juvenile, who is a resident of Phase I, Mohali. Inspector Rajdeep Singh, SHO, Sector 39 police station, said the accused were held on the basis of a tip-off.

As many as 10 two-wheelers have been recovered from the accused of which five theft cases were registered in the city, he said.

The police said the accused were active in the city for the past few months. Their background is being verified by the police. The four accused were produced in a court and sent to judicial custody.
Rajeev Jayaswal

Rajeev Jayaswal

Naive is the politician who accepts cash donations. Shrewd politicians  that constitute the majority of the political tribe  thrive on cashless and trackless barters and favours sans any digital footprints. The promiscuous relationship between the corporate and political elites is well entrenched and it thrives on the implicit principle of quid pro quo. No electoral bond can break this time-tested, age-old bond between the politician and the businessman.

The nexus is part of our political culture. The modern political history is full of many scrupulous leaders who had been identified with corporate honchos or business houses. They enjoyed their hospitality and had no qualms in admitting it publicly.

This trend continues even today. It is quite possible that some corporate-friendly politicians never did any direct favour to their hosts. Caesars wife must, however, be above suspicion. Undeniably, there are some indirect influences  the rub-off effect, of such promiscuous relationships. No taxman would dare raid a businessman who is friend of a prominent leader or a powerful minister. Power corridors would lay the red carpet for such influential businessmen. Rules would be bent, regulations tweaked to benefit their ventures.

There are several suspects. Naming them in particular would be libelous until the jury is out. But one case can be cited with easily  the disgraced absconder, Vijay Mallya. Until recently, he enjoyed the tag of the King of Good Times because of his lavish yacht parties, mostly attended by politicians across the party line. This proximity helped him borrow thousands of crores of rupees from public sector banks without adequate collaterals. Obliged politicians and bureaucrats allowed him to flee the country after duping the money of the taxpayer. Such is the power of crony capitalism. Political donation or contribution to party funds is merely a tip of the iceberg.

A new beginning

The Modi government has, however, made a beginning by officially acknowledging corruption within the political system. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley notified the electoral bond on the second day of the New Year. According to the notification, these bonds are bearer instruments in the nature of promissory notes and an interest-free banking instrument. These bonds are available in Rs 1,000, Rs 10,000, Rs 1 lakh, Rs10 lakh and Rs 1 crore denominations. They are issued from specified branches of the State Bank of India. The bonds will be encashed by the political party only through a designated bank account.

Any citizen of India or a corporate house can purchase these bonds through their bank accounts after meeting know-your-customer requirements. They can purchase bonds of any value and donate any sum to any political party that is registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the Peoples Act, 1951 and has secured not less than one per cent of the votes polled in the last parliamentary or assembly election. These bonds would have a life of only 15 days. The bonds will be available for purchase for a period of 10 days each in the months of January, April, July and October. An additional period of 30 days shall be specified by the Central government in the year of the General Election.

Anonymity not absolute....

The Finance Ministry has underscored anonymity as one of the most remarkable features of the electoral bond. The statement issued by the ministry said: It (the bonds) will not carry the name of payee. This will certainly safeguard a businessman who would like to keep both the ruling party and other oppositions in good humour. But, their anonymity is not absolute. Nothing is secret in the era of Aadhaar and KYC. Neither businessmen nor the opposition could escape the big brothers gaze.

The introduction of electoral bonds in national politics is, however, a good optics of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government. It is an attempt of the party to give credence to its so-called anti-corruption image, which did not cut much ice with the common man after the failed demonetisation that swelled banks coffers with all kinds of money.

The BJP will try to capitalise the recent move as an important addition to its anti-corruption narrative, especially in the forthcoming Assembly polls and the crucial General Election. It has already set the stage by saying that the bonds have been brought in to cleanse the system of political funding in the country. It is, however, common knowledge that cash is only one component of political funding. The much-needed assistance comes in other forms, such as support for organising rallies, distributing gifts before elections and providing private planes for the use of leaders.

rajeevj.tribune@gmail.com
Houston, January 3

The much-awaited autopsy report in the death of 3-year-old Sherin Mathews says she died of homicidal violence, US media reported today, nearly three months after the adopted Indian girl was found dead in a culvert in suburban Dallas. Sherin went missing from her home in Richardson on October 7 and her body was found on October 22 in a culvert in suburban Dallas.

Sherin died of homicidal violence, a law enforcement official in Dallas, Texas, confirmed to WFAA TV station, indicating manner of death for the girl. A cause of death could not be determined due to extensive decomposition, the official said.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

An earlier report had said the autopsy report of Sherin has been handed over to the attorneys for the adoptive Indian-American parents of Sherin - Wesley Mathews and Sini Mathews. During a child custody hearing in late November, a doctor testified before a court that Sherin, who was adopted from India, had broken bones and had injuries in various stages of healing, indicating abuse.

Initially, Sherins foster father Wesley told police that he put her outside their home at 3 am to discipline her for not drinking her milk. His story changed after her body was found in a culvert, telling police that he physically assisted with pouring the milk down Sherins throat and then moved her body after he realised she had choked and died.

Wesley also admitted to police that he removed Sherins body from the home after changing his story multiple times on the events leading up to her death. Wesley and his wife Sini also left Sherin home alone the night before her disappearance, according to an arrest warrant affidavit. Wesley, 37, is charged with injury to a child, while the adoptive mother, Sini, 35, is charged with abandoning or endangering a child. Both are currently lodged in a Dallas jail.

The attorney representing Sini Mathews said, There is nothing in the autopsy results that indicate Sini Mathews had anything to do with the death of Sherin Mathews, Mitch Nolte told WFAA in a statement.  PTI
By PTI: (Eds: Recasting overnight story)

Chennai, Jan 4 (PTI) DMK working president M K Stalin has said Tamil Nadu was the cradle of the Dravidian movement, where there was no place for spiritual politics as enunciated by superstar Rajinikanth.

He made the remark just after the top star called on his father and DMK chief M Karunanidhi at his residence here, days after announcing his entry into politics.

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Citing Rajinikanths assertion of "spiritual politics", Stalin told reporters here yesterday that Tamil Nadu was the cradle of the Dravidian movement. "Some are creating an impression that Rajinikanth is to launch a party at the instigation of people who intend to decimate the Dravidian movement in Tamil Nadu. "Let me tell you this is the land of Periyar Anna (Dravidar Kazhagam founder E V Ramasamy Periyar) and Kalaignar (Karunanidhi)... such efforts in the past have ended in a fiasco," he said.

Asked if Rajinikanth sought the DMKs support, he said such things could be decided only during elections.

Announcing his political debut on December 31 last year, Rajinikanth batted for honesty in politics and good governance. He said "everything needs to be changed" and declared that "spiritual politics" needs to be ushered in with transparency, sans shades of any caste or religion. Stalin said the actor calling on Karunanidhi was nothing new and that he had called on the nonagenarian leader some months ago to enquire about his health. Actor Vijayakanth too had called on Karunanidhi and sought his blessings before launching his party, the DMK leader said. "Rajinikanth visiting Kalaignar is nothing new...It is no surprise.. It was political decency.. We gave him a warm welcome." He said the actor also enquired about the health of his mother Dayalu Ammal. Just prior to Rajinikanths meeting with the DMK leader, former Union minister and Karunanidhis elder son M K Alagiri called on his father.

Rajinikanth during his meeting with Karunanidhi, extended his new year greetings to him and apprised the DMK president and his aides of his political plunge. The 67-year-old Kabaali star also enquired about the veteran leaders health. PTI VGN APR ROH GVS

--- ENDS ---
Washington, January 3

The US is considering new regulations to prevent the extension of H-1B visas as part of President Donald Trumps Buy American, Hire American initiative, a move which could hit tech firms and hundreds of thousands of Indian IT professionals, a media report said.

The move could directly stop hundreds of thousands of foreign workers from keeping their H-1B visas while their green card applications are pending.

The proposal which is being shared between the Department of Homeland Security Department (DHS) heads is part of Trumps Buy American, Hire American initiative promised during the 2016 campaign, US-based news agency McClatchy DC Bureau reported.

It aims to impose new restrictions to prevent abuse and misuse of H-1B visas, besides ending the provision of granting extension for those who already have a green card.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

The act currently allows the administration to extend the H-1B visas for thousands of immigrants, predominantly Indian immigrants, beyond the allowed two three-year terms if a green card is pending, the report said.

The idea is to create a sort of self-deportation of hundreds of thousands of Indian tech workers in the United States to open up those jobs for Americans, it said, quoting a source briefed by Homeland Security officials.

The agency is considering a number of policy and regulatory changes to carry out the Presidents Buy American, Hire American Executive Order, including a thorough review of employment-based visa programmes, said Jonathan Withington, chief of media relations for United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

It is typically issued for three to six years to employers to hire a foreign worker. But H-1B holders who have begun the green card process can often renew their work visas indefinitely.

The technology companies depend on H-1B to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

The proposed changes would have a dramatic effect, particularly on Indian visa holders considering more than half of all H-1B visas had been awarded to Indian nationals, the report said, quoting the Pew Research Centre report.

This would be a major catastrophic development as many people have been waiting in line for green cards for over a decade, have US citizen children, own a home, Leon Fresco, who served as a deputy assistant attorney general for the Justice Department in the Obama administration who now represent H-1B workers, was quoted as saying in the report.

Fresco estimates more than 1 million H1-B visa holders in the country are waiting for green cards, many of whom are from India and have been waiting for more than a decade.

Trump had made the alleged abuse and fraud in H-1B visa system a major election issue during his campaign.

After becoming the President, he signed an executive order aimed at tightening the process of issuing the H-1B visas.

Trump had said the order was the first step to initiate long overdue reforms to end visa abuses. PTI
Deepender Deswal

Tribune News Service

Hisar, January 4

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has urged the district administration to raze 201 structures, mostly houses, in Rakhigarhi village so that the protected land is cleared of encroachments.

Residents have been served eviction notices. In protest, they have started a dharna, demanding that the land be de-notified.

The ASI has carried out a fresh survey in the village to identify the protected area on Harappan-era mounds and found out that houses have been built on mound numbers 2, 3, 4 and 5. The excavation carried out by the ASI and Deccan College, Pune, have brought out Rakhigarhi was a site of the Indus Valley Civilisation.

Sources say the district administration has served notices on 201 house owners, directing them to remove their structures and clear the ASI-protected land.

The authorities are likely to arrive with the police in the village later this week. The administration has also deployed a Duty Magistrate in the village ahead of its anti-encroachment move.

Villagers say they cannot vacate their houses where they have been living for long. We have constructed houses with our hard-earned money, and even got water and power connections. We have no alternative place to shift, said Om Pati. She is part of the dharna that started on Wednesday.

The Jan Chetna Manch, a social organisation that is supporting the residents, urged the administration to first come up with a plan to rehabilitate the affected villagers and then provide them with compensation before razing their houses.

Umed Lohan, convener of the manch, said: The villagers have meagre resources and earn their livelihood by working in fields. They cannot afford to shift to a new place overnight. They need to be provided compensation and alternative housing before the authorities evict them.

INLD MP Dushyant Chautala has raised the matter in the Lok Sabha, alleging that instead of developing Rakhigarhi as a tourist hub, the government is bent upon snatching the adobe of the poor.
Tribune News Service

Shimla, January 4

The Cabinet on Thursday approved settling over half a century old electricity arrears with Punjab in Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) projects in compliance with a Supreme Court orderof September 27, 2011, in terms of differential energy return.

The government has decided to accept Punjabs settlement offer on the arrears by selling 13,066 million units of power which will fetch Rs 3,266 crore to the hill state over 10 to 12 years.

The decision was taken by the Cabinet at its meeting, presided over by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, held here. Himachal had sought Rs 4,200 crore as arrears from Punjab but the arrears were yet to be paid. Though Punjab had kept the term period for returning power over 20 years, the Cabinet has agreed to 10 to 12 years. The differential energy quantum of 13,066 million units will fetch Rs 3,266 crore to the state by selling power at a rate of Rs 2.50 per unit.

Himachal will go in for return of power with premium of 6 per cent and with no further additional liability for receiving this differential energy of 13,066 million units. The Cabinet agreed and approved the proposal of Punjab and Haryana to return differential power during October 1 to March 31 owing to their constraints of paddy harvest season and also the requirement of Himachal during winter months.

It gave its approval to the Governors address to be delivered during the first session of the Vidhan Sabha at Dharamsala from January 9. In a significant move, the Cabinet reviewed the decision taken by the Congress regime at a meeting held on August 5, 2017, regarding withdrawing benefits given to ex-servicemen in the Himachal Government services. The decision of deletion of Rule-5 (1) of the Demobilised Armed Forces Personnel (Reservation of Vacancies in Himachal State Non Technical Services) Rules, 1972 and Rule -5 (1) of the Ex-Servicemen (Reservation of Vacancies in Himachal Pradesh Technical Services) Rules 1985 was reviewed to restore benefits to the extent of pay fixation in civil employment to the ex-servicemen.

The Cabinet gave its nod to fell a few trees on private land transferred/ acquired by the National Highways Authority of India for the construction of four-laning of NH-22 from Kandaghat to Kaithlighat in relaxation of the ban imposed by the government on felling of trees.

The Cabinet decided to execute work on the widening of the Theog-Kotkhai-Kharapathar road.

A detailed presentation on state financial resources was also made by the Secretary Finance. Liabilities due to reckless opening of government institutions during the previous government were also discussed. Suggestions were invited for expenditure compression, besides the Cabinet directed for quality of works and services, timely completion of projects without time and cost overrun.

Govt invites suggestions on Budget

The state government has invited suggestions from the general public, industry, trade and farmer associations on the Budget. It has started the formulation of the Budget for 2018-19. In order to make the Budget more people centric, participative and reflective of the views of various stakeholders in the society, suggestions have been invited. A spokesperson of the state government said the suggestions could be sent by e-mail to finsecy-hp@nic.in web portal of the Finance Budget or by letter to the office of Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) by February 10, 2018. The suggestions can be provided on increasing revenue receipt, expenditure control and other related matters. It will promote transparency, openness, responsiveness and participatory approach in the Budget preparation.

Decision on Kullu temple reversed

Reversing the decision of the prior Congress regime, the Cabinet decided to exclude Raghunath temple in Kullu from Schedule-I of the Hindu Public Religious Institution and Charitable Endowment Act 1984. With todays decision, the temple will now not be under the government control. Scion of the erstwhile Kullu royal family and former MLA Maheshwar Singh had challenged the matter in the court.
Our Correspondent

Palampur, December 4

The state government will start land acquisition for the 219-km Pathankot-Mandi four-lane project from April.

The project has been approved by the Government of India and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). A letter of intent was submitted to the state government last month.

The NHAI has asked the state government to complete the land acquisition exercise under a time-bound plan so that the project could be completed on time.

Sources today said the government had asked the Deputy Commissioners of Kangra and Mandi districts to form teams of revenue officials for the purpose.

According to Joint Ventures and Infrastructure Casta Limited, which has prepared a DPR, the project is estimated to cost Rs 8,000 crore. The NHAI will float global tenders in May. The construction work is likely to start later in the year. Since road alignment has completely changed between Pathankot and Joginder Nagar, the land will be acquired for the construction of eight bypasses, three tunnels, three railway overbridges and three flyovers, which would take six to nine months. During this period, the NHAI will finalise the tendering process and allocation of jobs.

Under the new road alignment, the distance between Pathankot and Mandi will be reduced from 219 km to 171 km. A major chunk of land is required for the construction of a 33-km bypass between Paror and Chauntra along the Pathankot-Jogindernagar railway line, where more than 10 bridges will be constructed.

Besides, the state government will have to seek approval for acquiring land for the construction of a 5,100-metre tunnel between Kotla and Draman, a 7,200-metre tunnel between Mataur and Kachhyari and a 3,500-metre tunnel between Bijni and Mandi. The tunnels will be constructed in reserve forest areas notified by the Government of India. Approval for land acquisition will be given by the Ministry of Forest and Environment.

Project estimated to cost Rs 8,000 crore
Tribune News Service

Shimla, January 4

The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) today adopted a single-line resolution, authorising All-India Congress Committee (AICC) president Rahul Gandhi to take the final call on appointing the CLP leader from among the 21 party MLAs.

AICC general secretary Sushil Kumar Shinde, in-charge of the Congress affairs in Himachal, along with Bala Sahib Thorat, former Maharashtra minister, arrived here to for the selection of the CLP leader. The winter session of the Vidhan Sabha will commence at Dharamsala from January 9, so the final decision will be taken by the Congress high command before that.

The resolution, leaving the decision on Rahul Gandhi, was moved by former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and seconded by state Congress president Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu. Shinde, however, took the individual opinion of each of the 20 MLAs by meeting them separately. Former minister and MLA Sujan Singh Pathania, who represents the Fatehpur segment in Kangra, could not be present due to ill health.

The Congress has 21 legislators as against 44 of the BJP in the 68-member Vidhan Sabha.

With consensus on a single name for the post of CLP leader eluding the party, the decision has been left to the Congress president. Former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh tried to give a show of strength as about 12 MLAs assembled at his residence Holly Lodge to signal that he enjoys the support of a majority legislators. Shinde, while addressing the newly elected legislators, said he had been assigned the task of taking the opinion of the MLAs so that the CLP leader could be selected. He said he would convey the opinion of the MLAs to the AICC president who would take the final call.

Shinde drove to the residence of Virbhadra to meet him before the meeting. It was after the meeting that he, along with the former CM and his loyalists, drove to the Congress office for the meeting.

Virbhadra the front-runner

Virbhadra still remains the front-runner for the post, considering his stature and contribution to the party. However, in case the high command decides to entrust the responsibility to a younger leader, then the names of AICC secretary Asha Kumari, Sukhu, Ram Lal Thakur, Harshwardhan Chauhan and Mukesh Agnihotri are doing the rounds as they are the seniormost among the newly elected MLAs.
Tribune News Service

Mandi, January 4

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said he would speed up the work on four-lane projects and resolve the issue of those affected by these.

Interacting with mediapersons here today, he said, Roads are the lifeline and we will focus to complete the road projects under construction in a stipulated time. I am aware of the grievances of those affected by the four-lane projects, who are struggling for rehabilitation and compensation.

Those affected by the project in Mandi and Kullu districts are demanding rehabilitation and compensation according to the Land Acquisition Act 2013. They have been struggling for their rights for the past two years.

The CM stated that he would take stock of the situation after consulting the officials concerned and take action accordingly.

A delegation of the Keshav Madhav Market, Aut, met the Chief Minister to apprise him of their grievances, who lost their livelihood because the market was removed by the district administration after the Himachal Pradesh High Court directions. As many as 32 shopkeepers had been running their business in the market since 1992. The National Highways Authority of India had raised the matter in the High Court that the market was set up on an encroached land. As a result the High Court directed the shopkeepers to vacate the market premises before December 23.

The Chief Minister assured the affected shopkeepers that efforts would be made to rehabilitate them, as a result they called off the hunger strike after 13 days.

Affected shopkeepers meet Chief Minister
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 4

The state government has been caught on the wrong foot after it claimed in the legislature that work on the artificial lake in Jammu was in progress and it was targeted to be completed by March-end this year.

On the ground, however, things are different. There is no machinery or construction material at the project site, belying the government claim.

The work on the project was abandoned about 2.5 ago. It has jumped several deadlines and the chances of its completion within the fresh deadline look bleak.

The Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) Department has undertaken construction of design and construction of auto-mechanically operated barrage across the Tawi under which creation of artificial lake was one of the components of the project. Further, work on the construction of design and construction of barrage is targeted to be completed by March-end and the work is in progress, Tassaduq Hussain Mufti, Tourism Minister, said in a written reply to a query of BJP legislator Ramesh Arora in the Legislative Council on Wednesday.

Official sources, however, mocked at the government claim, saying that the I&FC Department had failed to convince the executing agency GVR Infra Project Limited to resume work on the abandoned project.

Although some progress was recently made in this regard after the I&FC Department signed a fresh agreement with the agency, there are remote chances that work will be completed within the fresh deadline, sources said.

Irrigation Minister Sham Lal Choudhary had earlier set January 2018 as the deadline for the project.

During the floods in 2014, one of the piers of the barrage was damaged and got tilted. Another pier also suffered some damage during the floods. The repairing of piers will take time, sources said.

The project was started in 2010 and was scheduled to be completed in 2013. Of Rs 70 crore sanctioned for the project, the government has spent Rs 58 crore. It claimed that about 90 per cent work on the project had been completed.
Dinesh Manhotra

Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 4

Already facing the allegations of bulldozing the democratic institutions of the state, the PDP-BJP government today undermined the sanctity of the Legislative Assembly by giving wrong information in the House.

In a written reply to the question of Ali Mohammad Sagar, National Conference member, the government informed the House that Rs 2,000 crore had been approved under the Prime Ministers Development Package for one-time settlement of 36,384 displaced families from PoK and Chhamb. The government said not even a single penny had been sanctioned so far from the approved fund of Rs 2,000 crore by the Centre.

Out of the 36,384 displaced families from PoK and Chhamb, over 6,600 families have already received relief to the tune of Rs 5.5 lakh per family.

On December 12, 2016, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had started disbursement of relief to the refugee families. She had handed over cheques worth Rs. 5.5 lakh each to 25 PoK refugees families.

The information is completely wrong. To hide its mistake in the release of relief to refugees and displaced persons, the state government has misinformed the Assembly that the Centre has not released any fund so far, Narendra Singh, BJP general secretary and a refugee leader, told The Tribune.

Rajiv Chunni, another refugee leader, expressed surprise over the misleading information provided in the Legislative Assembly. As of now, all relief cases up to August 2017 have been cleared, he said.

Official data also revealed that relief under the PMs package had already been disbursed to over 6,600 families.

In response to an RTI application filed by Rohit Choudhary, a Jammu-based activist, Ram Krishna Swarnakar, Central Public Information Officer, J&K Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, said Rs 308 crore had been released to 6,601 families till date through direct benefit transfer mode in their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.

Sagars question was about the details of the expenditure incurred on various development works in different sectors under PMs Rs 80,000-crore package.

Pawan Gupta, Independent MLA from Udhampur, also alleged that wrong reply was given to his question in the Assembly. He alleged that misleading reply was given to his question pertaining to two roads of the Udhampur constituency under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF).

Gupta said the government had mentioned that two roads would be taken up under the RIDF in the Udhampur constituency, but both the roads, named in the reply, were not part of his segment. He also announced to move breach of privilege motion against the government for furnishing a wrong reply to him on the floor of the Assembly.

What it claimed

The government informed the House that Rs 2,000 crore had been approved under the PMs Development Package for one-time settlement of 36,384 displaced families from PoK and Chhamb. It said not even a single penny had been sanctioned by the Centre.

Relief to 6,600 families

Of the 36,384 displaced families from PoK and Chhamb, over 6,600 families have already received relief to the tune of Rs 5.5 lakh per family. On December 12, 2016, the CM started disbursement of relief to the refugee families. She had handed over cheques worth Rs 5.5 lakh each to 25 PoK refugees families.
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 4

The issue of Aadhaar data breach after an exclusive story by The Tribune found a mention in Parliament on Thursday.

A news report published with the title, Rs 500, 10 minutes, and you have access to billion Aadhaar details, had reported how a service was being offered by anonymous sellers over WhatsApp that provided unrestricted access to details for any of the more than 1 billion Aadhaar numbers created in India thus far for as little as Rs 500.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

Punjab Congress MP Sunil Jakhar tried to raise the issue in the Lok Sabha during Zero Hour but Speaker Sumitra Mahajan did not allow it.

(Read: Rs 500, 10 minutes, and you have access to billion Aadhaar details)

(Aadhaar data breach finds mention in Parliament)

(Aadhaar data breach shocks Twitterati, top trend for the day)

Jakhar was seen waiving a copy of The Tribune drawing attention of the Speaker to the news.

Responding to a media question relating to breach of Aadhaar data, CPI(M) said no one is safe in the BJP regime.

Deputy leader of CPI(M) Mohammad Salim questioned the BJP government for its earlier assertions that Aadaar-related data of the public is safe and secure.
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 4

After an exclusive story by The Tribune on the breach of Aadhaar data, hashtags Aadhaar and Rs 500 were the top trends on Twitter with many prominent users expressing their opinion on the issue.

A news report published with the title, Rs 500, 10 minutes, and you have access to billion Aadhaar details, had reported how a service was being offered by anonymous sellers over WhatsApp that provided unrestricted access to details for any of the more than 1 billion Aadhaar numbers created in India thus far for as little as Rs 500.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

However, the UIDAIs official Twitter handle denied any data breach of biometric details and said it was a case of misreporting.

(Read: Rs 500, 10 minutes, and you have access to billion Aadhaar details)

(Aadhaar data breach finds mention in Parliament)

(Aadhaar data breach shocks Twitterati, top trend for the day)

The official party handle of the Congress party, MP Shashi Tharoor, CPIs Sitaram Yechury and journalist Pankaj Pachauri among others tweeted on The Tribune story.

How 500 is all it takes to buy you unauthorized access to the #Aadhar database: https://t.co/Q2ksbElnT7  Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) January 4, 2018

UIDAI officials in Chandigarh expressed shock over full data being accessed... Someone tell UIDAI it needs to to stop being shocked each time theres a breach & actually improve security if they expect us to entrust our lives to them. #Aadhaar #privacy https://t.co/PTuWUgnfBu  Maya Mirchandani (@maya206) January 4, 2018

ITS BREACHED!

Ur #Aadhaar are for sale!!



Get shocked reading this investigation done by the @thetribunechd journalist Rachna Khaira#THREAD  https://t.co/mevtDxLcXS  James Wilson (@jamewils) January 4, 2018

Went to the ATM to withdraw 500 bucks ! Got one billion Aadhar Deatils instead #Aadhar  Aniket Dharamdasani (@iamaniketmd) January 4, 2018

Rs 500. That's all it takes for someone to steal the data of a billion citizens. Envisioned by UPA as a tool for inclusion, #Aadhaar has become an identity theft nightmare under the NDA. https://t.co/bj5AWLR9JU  Congress (@INCIndia) January 4, 2018

Govt. swings into damage control mode - days @thetribunechd report is 'misleading'

So who's wrong ? The 100 year old newspaper or the Govt???

Here are the shocking details that the paper uncovered on #Aadhaar via its reporter - firsthand. https://t.co/vmkkeTMwsJ pic.twitter.com/wqJ9ng5OMf  Akash Banerjee (@akashbanerjee) January 4, 2018

All #AADHAAR data is now toxic. It has been accessed for Rs 500 by an unknown number of people, agencies and countries.

Our reporter authenticated the story by calling up sellers.



Congratulations @thetribunechd for excellent journalistic work. https://t.co/OcVk8f2Tx7  Pankaj Pachauri (@PankajPachauri) January 4, 2018

The most startling story of this year yet? Needs investigation to determine how bad this #Aadhaar breach is. https://t.co/cKWp23WBNA  Manu Pubby (@manupubby) January 4, 2018

The perils of making Aadhaar mandatory and linking it to bank accounts, as insisted upon by Modi govt, are visible here. Do we need more proof to stop this madness? https://t.co/9OEbitCmDO  Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) January 4, 2018

AADHAR data breached yet again!



As every citizens personal information is exposed to hackers everyday & Right to Privacy is mocked and flouted with impunity, Modi Govt remains immune.



Is anyone listening?https://t.co/UDSfOlSWv9  Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) January 4, 2018

This is dangerous and criminal negligence of data security. Kudos to the reporter for unveiling the racket. A crackdown on the culprits& a corrective step is imperative: Rs 500, 10 minutes, and you have access to billion Aadhaar details https://t.co/XiYWrzs04H via @thetribunechd  Nitin A. Gokhale (@nitingokhale) January 4, 2018
By PTI: Los Angeles, Jan 4 (PTI) Simone Garcia Johnson says it was a "surreal" moment when she found out that she has been chosen as the 2018 Golden Globes Ambassador.

Simone, who is the daughter of wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne Johnson and producer Dany Garcia, said she got the good news on her 16th birthday last year.

"It was surreal and I was immediately so excited. The first person I told was my best friend...

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"Theyve (parents) been so supportive, which Im extremely thankful for. My mom has always told me to be the most authentic version of myself and always be a strong woman," she told E! News.

A student, an IMG model and an activist, Simone said the biggest social issue the youth faces today is that their opinions are often considered "invalid".

"I think some of the older generation has this idea that because were young and the world is evolving so quickly, we have a false sense of real social issues, which isnt true.

"My advice to my generation would be to continue to fight for things youre passionate about and want to change about the world," she said.

The Golden Globes are to be held on January 7 and will be hosted by TV presenter Seth Meyers. PTI RDS RDS

--- ENDS ---
New Delhi, January 4

The Union Home Ministry has received a factual report from the Maharashtra government on the prevailing situation in the state in the wake of caste- based violence there, a ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

The home ministry and the Maharashtra government are in constant touch over the situation in the state.

The ministry has also received a factual report from the state government on the prevailing situation, the spokesperson said.

Another official said the Centre had assured the state government all necessary assistance to deal with the violence and protests and bring back normalcy to the state.

On Wednesday, protesters attacked buses, stopped suburban trains and blocked roads at various places in Mumbai as normal life was hit in the city and other parts of Maharashtra during a bandh called by Dalit groups to protest the violence on the anniversary of a battle fought 200 years ago.

Violence erupted in Pune on January 1 when Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in which the British defeated the Peshwas of Maharashtra.

Dalit leaders commemorate the British victory, as it is believed that soldiers from the Mahar community were part of the East India Company's forces.

The Peshwas were Brahmins, and the victory is seen as a symbol of assertiveness by Dalits.  PTI.
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 4

Noting that India is sitting on top of a volcano that is about to burst, both legal and technical experts believe that the government can do more to make sure that Aadhaar data become more safe and secure.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

Reacting to The Tribunes newsbreak on how Aadhaar data of a billion Indians are compromised, internationally-acclaimed cyber law expert Pawan Duggal said, Notwithstanding the governments claim that Aadhaar data is safe and secure in its custody, such breach is always possible, as the entire architecture  legal and technical  is faulty and a very little has been done on cyber-security to make the ever expanding ecosystem robust to nullify possible misuse.

Even as Aadhaar number of each individual has become integral to almost every aspect of life, Duggal said, The Aadhaar Act 2016 hardly does anything to protect the data and the individuals, whose details are compromised. Such instances of breach to data is a wake-up call for the government, otherwise India would continue sitting on top of a volcano that is about to burst.

Read

Rs 500, 10 minutes, and you have access to billion Aadhaar details

Aadhaar data breach finds mention in Parliament

Aadhaar data breach shocks Twitterati, top trend for the day

Meanwhile, co-founder and CEO of Lucideus Tech, which provides cyber security to multiple Fortune 500 banks around the world, Saket Modi, while talking to The Tribune, said, Aadhaar is today one of the largest ever revolution to touch over a billion people, a first of its kind in the world. In order to make it work, different people have to be given access to different levels of information. In this case, it looks like the access given to officials to be able to search the database in case of redressal was taken over by unauthorised personnel resulting to the access to the physical data (data available on the physical Aadhaar card) of all the Aadhaar users.

Modi added, Technically, this data is of extremely low use to anyone as you cannot make payments/open a bank account of even a single user of the billion plus user base as it doesnt give an access to the biometric details of the users. The integrity of biometric data has never ever been breached till date. However, the government can make more efforts to make sure that even the physical data (although of less importance) is further safeguarded.

In a parallel, you can actually see our IT Minister frequently showing his Aadhaar card in the public. If you zoom in, you can easily see the physical details like his Aadhaar number, address, DOB etc. Hence, its not something super secret in the first place and technically I dont see this as a major breach, he added.
Pune, January 4

Police have registered an FIR against Gujarat Dalit leader and MLA Jignesh Mevani and JNU student leader Umar Khalid for allegedly inciting passions between communities, an official said on Thursday.

The FIR was lodged late on Wednesday following a complaint by a 22-year-old student, Akshay G Bikkad, of Pune who took objections to the speeches by Mevani and Khalid at Shaniwarwada on December 31.

In his complaint, Bikkad said that at a Yalgar Parishad held that day, the two speakers made inflammatory speeches that could create misunderstanding between communities.

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The complainant added excerpts from the speech by Mevani: The (January 1, 1881) battle of Koregaon-Bhima can be a war of tomorrow. If they attack, it is time to retaliate, and winning this war will be a tribute to the martyrs. Crushing the new Peshwai can be a homage to the heroes of the Koregaon-Bhima battle.

The alleged excerpt from Khalids speech: If we want to win this war against the new Peshwai, we must carry forward the battle of Koregaon-Bhima. If we want to carry ahead the struggle, it cannot be achieved merely by electoral politics.

I believe that people who fight for the public causes must find a place in the legislatures in Gujarat and Maharashtra, and also in Parliament. However, caste system can be uprooted only by taking the fight to the streets. The dominance of one caste over the other can only be destroyed by battling it out on the streets, Khalid allegedly said.

The complainant said such inflammatory speeches could create a wedge and enmity between communities and that provoked by these utterances some unknown miscreants attacked the Victory Pillar (Vijay Stambh) in Koregaon-Bhima, resulting in riots and arson on January 1.

Hours after the FIR by the Pune police, the Mumbai police denied permission for a Chhatra Bharati-sponsored All India National Students Summit scheduled in Vile Parle on Thursday morning.

The developments came in the wake of a series of disturbances in Maharashtra starting with the desecration of a monument in Vadhu Budruk on December 29, followed by the riots in Koregaon-Bhima that left one dead on January 1, the Maharashtra Shutdown that killed a boy and left a trail of destruction across the state. IANS
Ranchi, January 4

Even in the midst of proceedings to decide the quantum of sentence in a fodder scam involving RJD chief Lalu Prasad, the leader did not miss to crack a funny joke when he told the judge that it was very cold in jail to which the judge replied play tabla.

A special court earlier deferred the sentencing of Prasad in the fodder scam case till tomorrow when it is likely to decide whether to pronounce the quantum of punishment over video conference or in court.

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Prasad, known for his funny liners, said in the court, It is very cold here (in jail).

CBI Special Court Judge Shiv Pal Singh, hearing the case, was quick to reply, Then, play tabla (musical instrument).

During the course of proceedings in the packed court room, the judge told Prasad that he had read the latters record and had vigilance remained tight, such a thing (fodder scam) would not have happened.

The judge further commented that the RJD chief did not act promptly on which Prasad in his characteristic style said I am also an advocate.

Prasad is an LLB from Patna University.

The judge also informed Prasad about the contempt notices to RJD leader Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, Prasads son and former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav, Congress leader Manish Tiwari and RJD leader Shivanand Tiwari.

On this, the RJD chief requested him to drop the notices.

Before being taken away from the court room, Prasad urged the judge to think with a cool mind.

When the judge said he could opt for video conferencing for hearing on arguments on the quantum of sentence tomorrow, Prasad requested for personal appearance. The judge said he would decide tomorrow about it.

The fodder scam relates to fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 89.27 lakh from Deoghar treasury 21 years ago.

While the sentencing of Prasad was deferred for tomorrow, the arguments on quantum of sentence of IAS officer Beck Julius, political leader Jagdish Sharma, former treasury officer Krishna Kumar Prasad, fodder transporter/suppliers Gopinath Das and Jyoti Kumar Jha, ended today.

On a plea by three former IAS officersBeck Julius, Phoolchand Singh and Mahesh Prasadthe court directed to lodge them in the higher division of Birsa Munda jail where RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav is given.

In all, 16 persons along with Yadav were convicted in the case on December 23 while six others, including former Bihar Chief Minister Jagannath Mishra, were acquitted in the case.  PTI
Mumbai, January 4

The Mumbai police registered 16 FIRs and detained over 300 people in connection with protests by Dalit groups during the day-long bandh on Wednesday against the Bhima Koregaon caste clashes, while Internet services were suspended in Kolhapur following tension in the district.

Over 200 buses of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation were damaged in attacks by protesters across the state during the bandh, MSRTC officials said.

In Mumbai, 16 FIRs were registered at various police stations and more than 300 people detained, police said.

In Kolhapur, the home district of social reformist late Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, the protesters on Wednesday attacked 13 buses of the civic corporation, an official said.

The Kolhapur district police had suspended Internet services till Wednesday midnight as a precautionary measure, an official said.

Protests by Dalit groups were held in the district on Wednesday, followed by counter-rallies led by Shiv Sena MLA Rajesh Kshirsagar.

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In Parbhani district of Marathwada region, an office of the RSS was attacked, police said.

The agitators raised anti-RSS slogans, the Parbhani police said, adding that no major damage to property was reported.

In Nilanga in Latur district, the home town of state labour minister Sambhaji Patil Nilangekar, around 40 two-wheelers and 10 to 12 four-wheelers were damaged by a mob, police said.

The bandh was called following violence in Pune district on January 1 when Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in which the forces of the British East India Company had defeated the Peshwas Army.

Dalit leaders commemorate the British victory, as it is believed that soldiers from the Mahar community were part of the East India Companys forces. The Peshwas were Brahmins, and the victory is seen as a symbol of assertiveness by Dalits.

The battle has come to be seen as a symbol of Dalit pride because a large number of soldiers in the Company force were Mahar Dalits. Since the Peshwas, who were Brahmins, were seen as oppressors of Dalits, the victory of the Mahar soldiers over Peshwa force is seen as Dalit assertion. PTI
Bijay Sankar Bora

Tribune News Service

Guwahati, January 4

There have been sharp reactions in Assam to the reported comment made by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that ongoing process of updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam was meant to drive out Bengalis staying in Assam while addressing a public meeting at Birbhum in West Bengal on Wednesday.

The Assam Police registered an FIR against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on complaints over her allegation that the Centre was conspiring to drive Bengalis out of Assam with the state's National Register of Citizens (NRC) that is being updated.

The police FIR sparked an angry response from the Trinamool Congress(TMC) which said such an action would not stop her from fighting for the cause of the Bengalis while the BJP accused Banerjee of trying to make an "issue out of an non-issue" for reaping political dividends.

A local organisation called Krishak Shramik Kalyan Parishad, has filed an FIR at Dispur police station here against Mamata Banerjee for her alleged inflammatory remarks regarding the NRC updating process in Assam where effigies of the West Bengal CM were burnt in many places by several organisations.

The ruling BJP in Assam has accused Mamata Banerjee of trying to play divisive politics over NRC updating process and thereby exposed her total lack of knowledge about the entire process which is meant for only to segregate illegal foreigners residing in Assam.

The general secretary of All Assam Students Union Lurin Jyoti Gogoi said the comment made by the West Bengal CM smacked of design to create communal divide in Assam and amounted to contempt of Supreme Court which is supervising the NRC updating process in Assam.

The AASU leader hoped that the apex court would act against Banerjee over such unwarranted comment on a matter under its constant supervision.

Meanwhile, the state president of the ruling BJP in Assam, Ranjeet Dass, today condemned Mamata Banerjees inflammatory and provocative statement on updated NRC in Assam, warning her against playing divisive politics with the emotions of the people of the state.

Dass said, We have observed her comment with concern. She has exposed her total lack of understanding of the updating process of NRC for Assam.

Her eyes are set on West Bengal Assembly elections. Alarmed at BJPs inroads into that state and her eroding base, she is seeking to play with the emotions of the people, he added. Dass warned Banarjee against playing politics on linguistic lines.

Dass pointed that since the NRC updating process was under Supreme Courts direct supervision, the apex court could itself take case against Banerjee.

The first part draft of the updated NRC was published at midnight of December 31 last, which included the names of 1.90 crore Indian citizens in Assam out of total 3.29 crore applicants. The rest of the applications are under various stages of verification and a second draft would be published shortly.  With agency inputs
Pune, January 4

An FIR was filed against Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student leader Umar Khalid for their alleged provocative speeches during an event here on December 31, an official said today.

Both were charged for allegedly creating a rift and spreading disharmony between the Maratha and Dalit communities.

Mevani, the newly elected MLA from Gujarat, and Khalid had attended the Elgar Parishad, an event organised to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the battle of Bhima-Koregaon, at Shaniwar Wada in the city on December 31.

According to a complaint filed by city resident Akshay Bikkad, Mevani and Khalid allegedly made provocative speeches at the event and their remarks were aimed at creating disharmony and rift between the communities, which led to violence in Bhima Koregaon on January 1.

The Vishrambaug police registered the FIR against the two leaders yesterday, the official said. According to the complaint, Mevani at the Pune event said: If we want to win over this new Peshwai, the battle of Bhima Koregaon needs to be taken ahead. He said it was right that people fighting the battle needed to be in assemblies and Parliament, but if one had to endcasteism, it would happen only by taking to the streets.

According to the complaint, Khalid also said the battle of Bhima Koregaon had to be taken ahead. They had attacked. It is time to retaliate and we will fight this battle and we will win and this victory over new Peshwai will be the true homage to the martyrs of Bhima Koregaon battle, the complaint quoted Khalid as saying. Based on the complaint, Mevani and Khalid were booked under Sections 153 (a)(delivering speech to create disharmony), 505 (giving statement conducing to public mischief) and 117 (abetting commission of offence by the public or by more than 10 persons) of the IPC.

Violence erupted in Pune on January 1 while Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in which the British defeated the Peshwas of Maharashtra.

MP bandh takes violent turn

A bandh called in Burhanpur town of Madhya Pradesh in protest against Bhima Koregaon caste clashes in Pune took a violent turn today with a mob allegedly damaging 12 vehicles and stoning trucks plying on Ichhapur-Indore state highway. The shutdown, called by the Buddhist Society, Bhim Sena and other outfits, affected normal life in Burhanpur district.

Sena flays Fadnavis govt

Incidents that raise questions on the ability and the stand of the Fadnavis government are happening everyday. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a judicial inquiry into the Bhima-Koregaon incident, but every government does the same thing. What is new in that? said Saamana, Shiv Sena mouthpiece.  PTI/TNS

Permission for student event cancelled
Mumbai, January 4

Angry protests erupted and anti-government slogans were raised here on Thursday as the police abruptly refused permission for a convention to be attended by Gujarat Dalit legislator Jignesh Mevani and JNU student leader Umar Khalid.

Confirming the development, a Mumbai police spokesperson said the permission had been denied for the Chhatra Bharatis All India National Students Summit scheduled in Vile Parle, but declined to assign any reasons.

Official sources said the refusal for the Left-oriented student body meet came in the wake of prohibitory orders imposed in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra after Wednesdays shutdown, which left one student dead in Nanded and many more injured.

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Opposing the police move, Chhatra Bharati members attempted to squat outside the Bhaidas Hall (venue) and many were seen running on the main road outside.

Defying police action, some members attempted to enter the auditorium, but were evicted by the police and several were bundled into a police van and detained.

Chhatra Bharati Vice President Sagar Bhalerao said the day-long event was planned long ago in which both Mevani, Khalid and other prominent personalities were invited to speak.

They accused the police of acting at the behest of the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena government in the state to crush the voice of the students who raised uncomfortable questions, but vowed they would continue their struggle. IANS
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 4

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday said three Indian and seven Nepalese girls, who were victims of trafficking, had been rescued from Kenya.

We have rescued three Indian girls from Kenya. The girls were victims of an organised crime syndicate that indulged in trafficking...Seven Nepalese girls were also rescued. Their passports and phones were taken and they were held captive in Mombasa, the minister tweeted.

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We have flown our girls back to India. We are sharing details with the Punjab government so that a case is registered against the agents and people involved.

I appreciate the efforts of Indian High Commissioner in Kenya Suchitra Durai...We thank the Kenyan Police for their help, she said. With IANS
Thane, January 4

Two people were booked last night for allegedly abducting a 16-year old girl on the pretext of taking her to an educational camp organised by her college.

According to police, the girl's father got a call from one of the accused, who was posing as a teacher at the college, informing him about the camp.

"The girl's father in his complaint stated that on the night of December 30, he received a call from one Vinay Kunte informing him about a two-day educational camp organized at Karjat starting on January 1 for which the girl had to pay Rs 850," police said.

Police said that the girl's father went to leave his daughter at the college at 6am on January 1 only to be called again by Kunte who informed that the departure time had been rescheduled for 10am.

"The girl and her father returned home and the daughter went back to college at 10am to proceed for the camp," police said.

Police added that the truth of the non-existent camp dawned on the father when he inquired with the girl's friends about such a camp.

"He was told that no such camp was organised. The father called up Kunte again who told him that he was not a teacher. Kunte also told the father that another person Bhushan Pawar had abducted his daughter," police said.

Calls made by the father to the girl went unanswered as the latter's phone was switched off, police said.

The girl's father filed a complaint with police last night and a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code was registered with Kalyan's Bazarpeth police station, officials said.

Police said that Kunte, a resident of Murbad, and Bhushan Pawar from Dombivali have been named as accused in the case.

A search is on to rescue the abducted girl and also to nab the two accused, said police.  PTI.
Now, Sangh Parivar has demanded a ban on PFI whom they blame for the murder.

By Nolan Pinto: A day after Deepak Rao was brutally hacked to death in broad daylight , thousands attended his cremation that took place in a Hindu burial group in Katipalla near Surathkal in Dakshina Kannada district.

Initially the plan was to take his mortal remains in a procession from the private hospital in Mangaluru to his home but the police anticipating trouble, secretly moved his body in the early hours of Thursday.

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The government also stationed 12 KSRP platoons across Katipalla town so that no violence breaks out.

When the body was brought in an ambulance, the local residents protested against this decision. They also wanted a huge compensation be paid to the deceased mother to look after her younger son who is not in the best of health.

Sasikanth Senthil S, Deputy Commissioner, Dakshina Kannada district arrived to placate the angry residents. He assured them that a sum of Rs 10 lakh will be paid immediately to the victim's mother from the government.

"Rs 5 lakh from the communal riots victims fund and another 5 lakh from the CM's own fund has been released," he told India Today. He added that more money can be provided if needed in future.

Mangaluru: Huge crowd gathered at the residence of BJP worker Deepak Rao in Surathkal's Katipalla where his mortal remains are kept; he was hacked to death by four men yesterday #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/vTxrOu3hZ7- ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018

The scenes at the victim's home were heart-rending. His mother was only informed of his demise on Thursday morning when the body was brought to his home town.

Captain Brijesh Chowta, General Secretary, BJP Dakshina Kannada district says that attacks on Hindu youth has been going on every since Siddaramaiah became the CM of the state.

"We have been constantly harping on the issue that the PFI and KFD have taken over control of entire coastal Karnataka, from Bhatkal to down south Kadargod and have been involved in all illegal activities," he told India Today.

Chowta added what happened to Deepak in broad daylight does not even happen in places like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh today.

On the demand of the local residents, the mortal remains of Deepak were taken in a procession in his village before finally reaching the burial grounds.

The police made sure all measures were put in place so that the volatile situation remains under control.

T R Suresh, Mangaluru police Commissioner said 4 people were detained and were produced before the magistrate for police custody for detailed investigation. The accused were identified as Naushad Ullanje of Mulki, Rizwan, Pinky Nawaz and Nirshan.

Jagadish Shenova, VHP President, DK district blames the CM and his appeasement policies of a minority community for attacks on Hindus. "This Jihadi mentality is being used by a community to create panic among Hindus and their ultimate goal is an Islamic state," he added.

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Likewise, Ganesh Karnik, BJP MLC said this is the 24th Hindu activist being murdered. He blames the government for not seriously looking into why these attacks are taking place.

He said these attacks are to scare others from supporting Hindu activities, a particular political party and a particular political ideology.

"This government is thick skinned, they are least bothered and they have no commitment of taking care of the majority community," said Karnik.

ALSO WATCH | BJP calls for bandh in Mangaluru after Hindu activist is hacked to death

--- ENDS ---
Vikramdeep Johal

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 4

Love can build bridges, even between places as disparate and distant as Sahnewal and Baku. In a moving tribute to his childhood hero, Azerbaijani journalist-filmmaker Namig Gurban (50) has made a 47-minute documentary, Dharmendra  The Messenger of Love. The movie was screened last week in the former Soviet republic.

Gurban recalls, I was 13 when I saw him for the first time on the big screen. I loved his battle scenes and funny jokes. I was charmed by him from the first movie

Amrit Jeet Singh, a Belarus-based handicraft trader who hails from New Delhi, was involved with the project as a translator and coordinator. He first met the director at a trade expo in Azerbaijan. Gurban told me how fascinated he was by Dharmendra. Being the Bollywood icons fan myself, I was able to appreciate his sentiments, says Amrit Jeet, who translated lines from Hindi, Punjabi and English into Russian.

As per AzerNews newspaper, the December 27 screening was dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and India. Those who attended the event included Indias Ambassador to Azerbaijan Sanjay Rana. This film will serve as a bridge that connects the two countries, the diplomat said.

Dharmendra (82) wasnt able to make it, reportedly due to ill health, but he interacted with the audience through video conferencing. In the documentary, he tells Gurban, People must take care of each other, help each other. Thats why we come into this world.

The filmmaker considers the evergreen matinee idol, who starred in Indo-USSR production Alibaba Aur 40 Chor back in 1980, a real messenger of love who gives his heart and soul to people.

The Azerbaijani films Russian and English versions are ready, while it will also be available in Hindi and Arabic soon.
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 4

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) today claimed that Congress legislators were looting the exchequer by preparing lists of beneficiaries of the farm loan waiver scheme at their residences and ignoring genuine recipients.

Former Akali minister Bikram Singh Majithia said Congress MLAs and halqa incharges had hijacked the scheme and were instrumental in booting out small and marginal farmers.

Majithia said, There should be an independent inquiry into the scam to ensure that the perpetrators who are making money out of the misery of indebted farmers are brought to book. The SAD will also start a protest movement in support of the farming community.

He said only a comprehensive loan waiver of Rs 90,000 crore, covering cooperative and nationalised banks as well as private money lenders, would be acceptable to the farmers.

The Akali leader said the government should scrap the present scheme and implement one which encompassed all indebted farmers, as promised by the Congress.

The current scheme is a fraud as the government reduced the number of beneficiaries from 10 lakh to 2 lakh, he added.
Ravi S Singh

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 4

The reported ban imposed by Sikh gurdwara committees in Canada on entry of Indian government officials in gurdwaras operated by them found its echo in the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

Congress MP from Ludhiana Ravneet Singh Bittu raised the issue during the Zero Hour drawing governments attention to the development in Canada.

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The gurdwara committees have collectively barred entry of Indian authorities, including diplomats, in the religious premises controlled by them.

Khalistani elements are behind the decision, he said, and added that these elements are maligning the image of the entire Sikh community which will not be tolerated.

He cautioned the gurdwara committees concerned that by indulging in such uncalled for acts, they will forfeit the chance of any help from India.

Government of India and state government of Punjab will not tolerate this, he said.

A group of 14 gurdwara management committees in Canada reportedly barred entry of officials representing India, its diplomats and others in the religious premises at a meeting of their functionaries held in Ontario province on December 30.
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 4

The Punjab Police will recruit about 4,000 men and women in the force this year.

Announcing this at a press conference here today, DGP Suresh Arora said henceforth police recruitment would be held every year.

The DGP said solving the target killings of religio-political leaders and maintaining harmony was the highlight of the past year and investigation in remaining cases, especially the Maur blast case, was close to a breakthrough. We have made positive progress in the Maur blast case investigation, he said.

On action against gangsters, he said the police had arrested 408 gangsters last year. He defended the police action against UK national Jagtar Singh Johal held as the main conspirator in the target killings case.

The police busted eight terrorist modules with the arrest of 47 persons and seizure of 43 weapons. Nearly 21 foreign handlers involved in providing logistical and financial support to these terrorist modules had also been identified. These modules were mainly being networked and financed by operatives based in Europe, North America and Middle East.

He said upgrade of its counter-terrorism capacity and to operationalise a crack force, Special Operation Group (SOG), were high priority this year.

Also on the anvil was the implementation of the National Emergency Response System project, with the adoption of Centralised Call Taking and Distributed Dispatch, with a single Emergency Response No 112. The entire call taking would be at a Public Safety Answering Point (P-SAP) in Mohali with 60 workstations, 12 Police Control Rooms with 900 emergency vehicles, which was expected to be operational in April 2018.

On growing threat of radicalisation on social media, the police intended to have its Facebook, Twitter and YouTube accounts to interact with the citizens. The police would continue its focus on women, with holding zonal women conferences at regular intervals.
Washington, January 4

Donald Trump did not want to be the president of the US and the First Lady Melania was in tears  not of joy  on knowing about the surprising electoral victory last year, according to a new book by an American journalist.

The book "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House" written by Michael Wolff, claims that the ultimate goal of Trump was never to win.

"His ultimate goal, after all, had never been to win. I can be the most famous man in the world," he had told his aide Sam Nunberg at the outset of the race.

"His longtime friend Roger Ailes, the former head of Fox News, liked to say that if you want a career in television, first run for president," according to the excerpts of the book.

"Shortly after Trump's inauguration, Wolff said, he was able to take up "something like a semi-permanent seat on a couch in the West Wing"  an idea encouraged by the president himself. Because no one was in a position to either officially approve or formally deny such access, Wolff became "more a constant interloper than an invited guest."

"There were no ground rules placed on his access, and he was required to make no promises about how he would report on what he witnessed," the book said.

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders has however denied this after excerpts from the book were published by New York Magazine with the title "Donald Trump Did Not Want to be President."

"There was one brief conversation that had nothing to do, originally, with the book. It was, I think, around five to seven minutes in total since the President has taken office. And that's the only interaction that he's had," she said.

According to Wolff, after entering the White House, Trump, while proposing the most radical departure from governing and policy norms in several generations, had few specific ideas about how to turn his themes and vitriol into policy.

"And making suggestions to him was deeply complicated.

Here, arguably, was the central issue of the Trump presidency, informing every aspect of Trumpian policy and leadership: He didn't process information in any conventional sense. He didn't read. He didn't really even skim.

Some believed that for all practical purposes he was no more than semi  literate.

He trusted his own expertise  no matter how paltry or irrelevant  more than anyone else's," the author claimed.

"Shortly after 8 PM on election night, when the unexpected trend  Trump might actually win  seemed confirmed, Don Jr. told a friend that his father, or DJT, as he calls him, looked as if he had seen a ghost. Melania was in tears  and not of joy," the book said.

"There was, in the space of little more than an hour, in Steve Bannon's not unamused observation, a befuddled Trump morphing into a disbelieving Trump and then into a horrified Trump. But still to come was the final transformation: Suddenly, Donald Trump became a man who believed that he deserved to be, and was wholly capable of being, the president of the United States," according to the book.

Wolf claims that from the moment of victory, the Trump administration became a looking-glass presidency: Every inverse assumption about how to assemble and run a White House was enacted and compounded, many times over.

"The decisions that Trump and his top advisers made in those first few months  from the slapdash transition to the disarray in the West Wing  set the stage for the chaos and dysfunction that have persisted throughout his first year in office," Wolf said in his book.

"This was a real-life version of Mel Brooks's The Producers, where the mistaken outcome trusted by everyone in Trump's inner circle  that they would lose the election  wound up exposing them for who they really were," Wolff said.

According to New York Magazine, Wolff, who chronicles the administration from Election Day to this past October, conducted conversations and interviews over a period of 18 months with the president, most members of his senior staff, and many people to whom they in turn spoke.

"Nothing contributed to the chaos and dysfunction of the White House as much as Trump's own behavior. The big deal of being president was just not apparent to him," Wolff said.

"Most victorious candidates, arriving in the White House from ordinary political life, could not help but be reminded of their transformed circumstances by their sudden elevation to a mansion with palace like servants and security, a plane at constant readiness, and downstairs a retinue of courtiers and advisers. But this wasn't that different from Trump's former life in Trump Tower, which was actually more commodious and to his taste than the White House," said the author.

The White House has ridiculed the contents of the book, which will hit the stores next week, and described it as a fiction.

"This book is filled with false and misleading accounts from individuals who have no access or influence with the White House," Sanders said.

"Participating in a book that can only be described as trashy tabloid fiction exposes their sad desperate attempts at relevancy," she said.

The White House has described the book as "trashy tabloid fiction."

"The author did not get any access from the White for this book. He never actually sat down with the President, just to be very clear," Sanders told reporters at her daily news conference.

"I know that the book has a lot of things, so far of what we've seen, that are completely untrue. You have many people that have quotes that are sourced to them that are now coming out publicly and saying that those things are not true," she said in response to a question.

The book also says that US President Donald Trump was sympathetic to the issues of Silicon Valley including H-1B visa issue.

This appears to be contrary to the tough stand he has taken on H-1B visa now.

After a meeting with a delegation of Silicon Valley leaders at the Trump Towers on December 14, 2016.

Trump then as president-elect is quoted as saying that the tech industry needs help as there are too much of a regulation.

"Take this H-1B visa issue. They really need these H-1B visas," Trump is quoted as telling Rupert Murdoch over phone after the meeting, according to the book.

"The president-elect enjoyed being courted. On December 14, a high-level delegation from Silicon Valley came to Trump Tower to meet him. Later that afternoon, according to a source privy to details of the conversation, Trump called Rupert Murdoch, who asked him how the meeting had gone," Wolff writes in the book.

"Oh, great, just great," said Trump. "These guys really need my help. Obama was not very favorable to them, too much regulation. This is really an opportunity for me to help them," the book said.

"Donald," said Murdoch, "for eight years these guys had Obama in their pocket. They practically ran the administration. They don't need your help. Take this H-1B visa issue. They really need these H-1B visas," Trump said, according to the book.

"Murdoch suggested that taking a liberal approach to H-1B visas, which open America's doors to select immigrants, might be hard to square with his promises to build a wall and close the borders. But Trump seemed unconcerned, assuring Murdoch, "We'll figure it out," Wolff writes.

"What an idiot," said Murdoch, shrugging, as he got off the phone, the author claims.

The sympathetic view of Trump towards H-1B visa appears contrary to his public views on this popular work visa. Even during his election days, he had called for his strict review and described it as eating away with American jobs.

After becoming the president, Trump has ordered for review of H-1B visas. His administration has come out with strict policies on issuing H-1B visas, the book said.  PTI.
Washington, January 4

The White House has said it would announce specific actions against Pakistan this week to force it to crack down on terrorists on its soil, reflecting President Donald Trumps tough stance against the country over the issue.

The remarks by White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders came after Trump accused Pakistan of giving nothing to the US but lies and deceit and providing safe haven to terrorists in return for USD 33 billion aid over the last 15 years.

They can do more to stop terrorism and we want them to do that, Sanders said.

The White House said it would likely announce actions to pressure Pakistan within days.

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Well continue to keep you posted as those decisions are finalised, Sanders said.

In terms of specific actions, I think youll see some more details come out on that in the next 24 to 48 hours... Sanders told reporters on Tuesday during a news conference in which she asked Pakistan to step up its actions against terrorists and militant groups operating from its soil.

Fox News reported that the announcement in this regard is expected on Thursday.

However, there was no response from the White House on the timing and nature of such an announcement.

On Monday, in his first tweet of the year, Trump said the US had foolishly given Pakistan more than USD 33 billion in aid over the last 15 years.

A day later, the White House said it had suspended USD 255 million financial security assistance to Pakistan as mandated by Congress in its 2016 budget.

US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley also accused Pakistan of playing a double game by claiming to support the US-led war against terrorism while providing a haven to terrorist groups.

Pakistan has expressed deep disappointment over the US statements, saying the accusations strike with great insensitivity at the trust between the two countries.

Pakistans Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif in a tweet challenged President Trumps claim that the US had given Pakistan more than USD 33 billion dollars as aid over the last 15 years, saying verification by an audit firm would prove the US President wrong. PTI
San Francisco, January 4

Twitter is not blocking US President Donald Trump for his "nuclear button" tweet that stormed the social media, and many thought raised prospect of nuclear war with North Korea.

Trump declared that his nuclear button was "much bigger" and "more powerful" than North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's after the latter threatened the US about Pyongyang's nuclear capabilities.

"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 and more powerful one than his, and my Button works!" Trump tweeted on Tuesday.

A number of users reported the tweet to Twitter, with the expectation that threatening a war one is capable of starting should violate Twitter's revised "Terms of Service", given the company's recent crackdown on violent threats, TechCrunch reported on Wednesday.

In December, Twitter began enforcing new rules around violent and hateful content posted to its platform to reduce the amount of online abuse, hate speech, violent threats, and harassment associated with its service.

"You may not make specific threats of violence or wish for the serious physical harm, death, or disease of an individual or group of people," as per Twitter's rule about violent threats.

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) 3 January 2018

But in response to Trump's threat on Twitter, the company said that it reviewed the case and "found that there was no violation of the Twitter Rules against abusive behaviour." Twitter pointed out that tweets can sometimes appear to be abusive when viewed in isolation, but not when they are seen as part of a larger conversation taking place.

Moreover, Twitter's rules do not apply to whatever Trump posts because of who he is and the "newsworthiness" of his statements. This, combined with another exception Twitter recently carved out for governments and military, allows Twitter to wash its hands of the matter, TechCrunch said.  IANS.
Lahore, January 4

The JuD has said it will serve a legal notice to Pakistans defence minister for defaming it, days after the government banned the Hafiz Saeed-led outfit from collecting donations following US President Donald Trumps outburst against Islamabads sheltering of terrorists.

Taking exception to Khurram Dastgirs statement that action against the Jamaat-ud Dawa was not taken due to mounting pressure from the US, JuD spokesman Yahya Mujahid said Dastgir is speaking the language of US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He also criticised the minister for saying that the action was taken against JuD, FIF and other organisations so that terrorists cannot open fire on schoolchildren anymore.

This is outrageous, Mujahid said, adding, We are serving legal notice to the minister for his outrageous remarks.

Pakistan banned Mumbai attack mastermind Saeed-led JuD and Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) from collecting donations on Monday, after Trump accused Islamabad of giving nothing to the US except lies and deceit and providing safe haven to terrorists.

In a statement, the JuD spokesman said, World knows who is behind the steps against JuD and FIF. Our rulers are reluctant to mention the involvement of India in terrorist activities in Pakistan. Efforts are being made to please external lords by propagating against those forces that have actively played role in Pakistans defence, he said.

Those trying to malign Pakistans national security institutions through conspiracies such as Dawn Leaks have finally met their fate (a reference to ousted premier Nawaz Sharif) but still they seem to have learnt no lesson. Now, when America is openly threatening us and inciting India to take action against Pakistan, Pakistani rulers are engaged in the sycophancy of India and America, Mujahid said.

On Wednesday, Dastgir had said Pakistan acted against JuD and FIF not under pressure from the US but after serious deliberations, as part of the militarys operation to disarm and eliminate hidden terrorist sleeper cells across the country with support of local law-enforcement agencies.

The government has banned companies and individuals from making donations to the JuD, the FIF and other organisations on the UN Security Council sanctions list.

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) issued a notification prohibiting the collection of donations by the JuD, the front organisation of banned terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, as well as several other such organisations named in a list of banned outfits by the UN Security Council. PTI
ELDs make it easier to manage a fleet where drivers may transition between different sets of hours of service rules. Photo: Cal Freight

No dispatcher wants to admit they didnt know where their drivers were and how many hours they have left, says Paul Hamilton, director of transportation for California Freight (Cal Freight for short). But we know the truth  with that many drivers its impossible to know how much time each driver has.

Electronic logging devices, which the fleet phased in over 2017 in time for the mandate that went into effect Dec. 18, means that now they truly know.

Cal Freight provides transportation for industries such as port drayage and food-grade (milk) tankers, as well as some power-only services for Amazon, running out of Ripon, California, in the San Joaquin Valley.

Being able to not have to rely on their own memory or taking someones word for it or digging through time sheets, its leaps and bounds in the direction toward efficiency once they learn how to use the dashboard, Hamilton says of how the new ELDs are affecting operations. Just to click on a driver and be able to see everything hes done for the last umpteen days. You can dispatch them properly and plan out the rest of the week, seeing when they need to take their 34-hour [restart] off again.

Cal Freight had been using a company for GPS since early 2016, and in early 2017 they started discussing how they would meet the ELD mandate. At that time they switched to Fleet Complete (part of AT&T) to do GPS and electronic logs.

The company believed the effort by some owner-operator and small-fleet organizations to derail the implementation of the ELD deadline wasnt going to stand up, so we might as well comply instead of fight it, Hamilton says, and were glad we got started in March.

There were some delays as Fleet Complete integrated its acquisition of Big Road, but the companys happy overall with the result.

Dispatchers might like to think they know how many hours each driver has left, but it's not that easy without e-logs. Photo: Cal Freight

Some drivers embrace it happily and appreciate not having to draw their lines every day, Hamilton says. Then you have drivers that would rather use paper. They fight anything technological and use terms like Big Brother.

One frustration, he explains, is that there are frequent software updates coming from the provider. The tablets Cal Freight uses are locked down so drivers cant update them unless theyre enabled in kiosk mode, which makes updating applications a bit more of a headache.

The logbook application itself, Hamilton says, is pretty straightforward, although theres still a learning curve for drivers. I remind every driver that the application is drawing a line every minute of the day. All youre telling it is where to move the pencil to.

"I remind every driver that the application is drawing a line every minute of the day. All youre telling it is where to move the pencil to.

The fleet has roughly 130 trucks running on ELDs. Even though many are operating under agriculture or farm rules where they could be exempt, the ELD actually helps managing and monitoring those drivers time limits.

A lot of times, if you had someone switch over and take an interstate load, you had to switch over their week and meet the 70-hour/eight-day work week, and that would pose problems on paper, he explains. You dont know what you dont know sometimes, till they turn in their log book and you go back and look. With e-logs you can be a little more proactive and see what drivers have what hours remaining for the day and the workweek  instead of guessing and getting yourself in trouble following the paper trail later.

Of course, they arent without headaches, Hamilton admits, calling the e-logs a double-edged sword. One run, for instance, takes 11 hours of drive time out and back, with the driver meeting another truck coming from Oregon  assuming there arent traffic problems.

So the driver says he cant make the run because hes hitting traffic, Hamilton says. Before he would just make it all the way back. It wasnt legal then and its not legal now, but it was never questioned on paper. The drivers would get away with it; the dispatchers wouldnt even know.

Its been an education for drivers and dispatchers alike, he says. They are gaining a new appreciation for the hours of service rules they may not fully have understood before. Drivers are educating me on different rules that might have worked on paper, but not on the e-logs, he says. It might not be a real rule.

And then, of course, there are shipper/receiver delays. There are rules that allow for traffic delays and natural disaster delays for drivers, he says. It would be nice to see a load delay [provision] of some sort.
Hitting back via a formal White House statement rather than a more-typical Twitter volley, Trump insisted Bannon had little to do with his victorious campaign and "has nothing to do with me or my Presidency."

By AP: US President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on former top adviser Steve Bannon, responding to a new book that portrays Trump as an undisciplined man-child who didn't actually want to win the White House and quotes Bannon as calling his son's contact with a Russian lawyer "treasonous."

Hitting back via a formal White House statement rather than a more-typical Twitter volley, Trump insisted Bannon had little to do with his victorious campaign and "has nothing to do with me or my Presidency."

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"When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind," Trump said on Wednesday.

It was a blistering attack against the man who helped deliver the presidency to Trump. It was spurred by an unflattering new book by writer Michael Wolff that paints Trump as a leader who doesn't understand the weight of the presidency and spends his evenings eating cheeseburgers in bed, watching television and talking on the phone to old friends.

Later on Wednesday, Trump attorney Charles Harder threatened legal action against Bannon over "disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements."

Harder sent a letter to Bannon saying the former Trump aide violated confidentiality agreements by speaking with Wolff. The letter demanded Bannon "cease and desist" any further disclosure of confidential information. Bannon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

White House aides were blindsided when early excerpts from "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House" were published online by New York magazine and other media outlets ahead of the January 9 publication date.

The release left Trump "furious" and "disgusted," said White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who complained that the book contained "outrageous" and "completely false claims against the president, his administration and his family."

Asked what specifically had prompted the president's fury with Bannon, she said: "I would certainly think that going after the president's son in an absolutely outrageous and unprecedented way is probably not the best way to curry favor with anybody."

In the book, an advance copy of which was provided to The Associated Press, Bannon is quoted as describing a June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower between Donald Trump Jr., Trump campaign aides and a Russian lawyer as "treasonous" and "unpatriotic." The meeting has become a focus of federal and congressional investigators.

Bannon also told Wolff the investigations into potential collusion between Russia and Trump campaign officials would likely focus on money laundering."They're going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV," Bannon was quoted as saying in one section that was first reported by The Guardian.

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A spokeswoman for Bannon did not immediately respond to a request for a comment. Trump Jr. lashed out in a series of tweets, including one that said Andrew Breitbart, the founder of the Breitbart News site that Bannon now runs, "would be ashamed of the division and lies Steve Bannon is spreading!"

Bannon, who was forced out of his White House job last summer, was not surprised or particularly bothered by the blowback, according to a person familiar with his thinking but not authorized to speak publicly on the matter. That person said Bannon vowed on Wednesday to continue his war on the Republican establishment and also predicted that, after a cooling-off period, he'd continue to speak with Trump, who likes to maintain contact with former advisers even after he fires and sometimes disparages them.

CNN reported Bannon said on his satellite radio program on Wednesday night that Trump was a "great man" after the president had blasted Bannon earlier in the day.

Sanders said Bannon and Trump last spoke in the first part of last month.

The former-and-current Breitbart News head has told associates that he believes Trump has been ill-served by some his closest allies, including eldest son Don Jr. and Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law. Bannon believes they have exposed Trump to the Russia probe that could topple his presidency and that Trump would be able to accomplish more without them.

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So far, there is no indication that Bannon is being investigated by special counsel Robert Mueller. But the House intelligence committee has invited him, along with former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, for a closed-door interview as a part of the panel's investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election, according to a person familiar with the invitation.

Trump, up until Wednesday, had been complimentary of Bannon, saying in October that the two "have a very good relationship" and had been friends for "a long time."

In the book, Bannon also speaks critically of Trump's daughter and White House adviser, Ivanka, calling her "dumb as a brick.""A little marketing savvy and has a look but as far as understanding actually how the world works and what politics is and what it means - nothing," he is quoted saying.

New York magazine also published a lengthy adaptation of the book on Wednesday, in which Wolff writes that Trump believed his presidential nomination would boost his brand and deliver "untold opportunities" - but that he never expected to win.

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It says Trump Jr. told a friend that his father looked as if he'd seen a ghost when it became clear he might win. The younger Trump described Melania Trump as "in tears - and not of joy."

The first lady's spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, disputed that, saying Mrs. Trump supported her husband's decision to run, encouraged him to do so and was happy when he won.

"The book is clearly going to be sold in the bargain fiction section," Grisham said in a statement.

Wolff was generally granted access to the White House with a 'blue badge" instead of the traditional press badge, giving him wide access to the West Wing, according to officials who spoke on condition of anonymity in order to discuss internal protocol.

One former White House official said Wolff was known to camp out for hours in the West Wing lobby after meetings, sitting on a sofa as he waited to talk to staffers passing by.

Wolff said in an author's note that the book was based on more than 200 interviews, including multiple conversations with the president and senior staff. But Sanders said Wolff "never actually sat down with the president" and had spoken with him just once, briefly, by phone, since Trump had taken office.

She also said the vast majority of interviews Wolff conducted with other White House officials were done at Bannon's request.

Bannon's comments in the book are just his latest published criticism of the president and his family. In a Vanity Fair piece late last year, he was quoted telling friends and advisers that Trump had "lost a step" since his swearing-in and was "like an 11-year-old child."

ALSO WATCH | US President Donald Trump tears into 'liar' Pakistan, revokes aid

--- ENDS ---
Winter Storm Grayson Photo: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

A massive winter storm has slammed the East Coast from Florida to Maine, bringing with it snow, high winds, and frigid temperatures that are creating difficult traveling conditions across a wide swath of the Northeast.

Commonly referred to as a Bomb Cyclone type of weather event, Winter Storm Grayson quickly grew into one of the most powerful East Coast winter weather phenomenons in recent history. It includes a dangerous mix of snow, thunderstorms, and winds of up to 80 miles per hour, and states up and down the Eastern Seaboard have braced for blizzard conditions.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency for parts of the state in advance of the storm's main impact, with predictions of up to 11 inches of snow in some portions of the state. Up to two thirds of the flights out of the main airports in the New York region were being cancelled on Jan. 4, according to a New York Daily News report. Road traffic and public transit were also being affected, though not to the same degree.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie also declared a state of emergency for portions of the state and closed all government offices for the day.

Southern states were also affected, with unseasonal deep freezes in places like Charleston, S.C., and Savannah, Ga. Georgia Governor Nathan Deal issued a state of emergency for coastal communities on Jan. 3. In Florida, areas that had not seen snow in nearly 30 years were given a light dusting of powder, bringing with it the specter of snow-covered palm trees.

Some seaports have also taken winter weather precautions with the Port of Virginia closing terminal gates on Jan. 4 until Friday afternoon at the earliest. The Coast Guard has also blocked incoming ships to the Chesapeake Bay area, affecting traffic to the Port of Baltimore. Terminals however, will remain open to trucks carrying goods in and out of the complex.

While the storm is fast moving and will likely be gone by Friday, it will leave extremely cold temperatures in its wake. Below zero temperatures are being forecast as far south as Jacksonville, Fla., with some East Coast cities approaching -40 degrees Fahrenheit. So far,12 deaths have been reported across the country as a result of the cold weather, according to CNN.com.

Originally posted on Automotive Fleet
U.S.-NAFTA freight value percent change from previous year, October 2017. Graphic: U.S. DOT

The value of freight moved between the U.S. and its North American Free Trade Agreement partners posted its 12th consecutive year-over-year increase in October, according to newly released Transportation Department figures.

The 7.9% increase from October 2016 put the value at $100.6 billion as all five major transportation modes carried more freight by value with NAFTA partners Canada and Mexico. The hike is the biggest since May and compares to a 3.6% drop in October 2016 versus the same month in 2015.

The value of commodities moving by vessel increased 32.6%, pipeline by 9.3%, air by 6.1%, truck by 5.7%, and rail by 3.3%. The large percentage increase in the value of goods moving by vessel was due in part to an increase in the unit value and an 18% increase in the tonnage of mineral fuels traded, according to the department.

Trucks carried 64% of U.S.-NAFTA freight and continued to be the most utilized mode for moving goods to and from both Canada and Mexico. Trucks accounted for $33.4 billion of the $54.5 billion of imports, or 61.2%, and $31 billion of the $46.1 billion of exports, or 67.3%.

Rail remained the second largest mode by value, moving 15.1% of all U.S.-NAFTA freight, followed by vessel, 6.6%; pipeline, 5%; and air, 3.8%. The surface transportation modes of truck, rail and pipeline carried 84.1% of the total value of U.S.-NAFTA freight flows

U.S.-Canada Freight Flows Jump 6.8%

Comparing October 2016 to October 2017, the value of U.S.-Canada freight flows increased by 6.8% to $49.7 billion as the value of freight on all five major modes increased from a year earlier.

The value of freight carried on vessel increased by 61.9% due in part to an increase in the unit value and a 29.8% increase in the tonnage of mineral fuels traded. Pipeline increased by 11.6%, air by 8.9%, rail by 7.2%, and truck by 1.4%.

Trucks carried 57.7% of the value of the freight to and from Canada. Rail carried 16.2% followed by pipeline, 9.6%; air, 4.7%; and vessel, 4.4%. The surface transportation modes of truck, rail and pipeline carried 83.4% of the value of total U.S.-Canada freight flows.

In October 2017, the top commodity category transported between the U.S. and Canada was vehicles and parts, of which $4.7 billion, or 54%, moved by truck and $3.7 billion, or 43.1% by rail.

U.S.-Mexico Freight Increases Even More

The value of U.S.-Mexico freight flows increased by 9% in October from a year earlier to $50.8 billion as the value of freight on three major modes also increased from a year earlier.

The value of freight carried on vessel increased by 21.8% due in part to an increase in the unit value and an 11.7% increase in the tonnage of mineral fuels traded. The value of commodities moved by truck increased by 9.5%, largely due to a 26% increase in the value of motor vehicles moved by truck. The value of goods moved by air increased by 1.9%. Rail decreased by 0.9%, and pipeline by 17.7%.

Trucks carried 70.2% of the value of freight to and from Mexico. Rail carried 14% followed by vessel, 8.8%; air, 2.9%; and pipeline, 0.6%. The surface transportation modes of truck, rail and pipeline carried 84.7% of the value of total U.S.-Mexico freight flows.

The top commodity category transported between the U.S. and Mexico in October 2017 was vehicles and parts, of which $5 billion, or 49.6%, moved by truck and $4 billion, or 40%, moved by rail.
Oklahoma Central Credit Union is celebrating the opening of its newest branch, this one located in Owasso.

This is the tenth full-service branch in the Tulsa area.

A grand-opening celebration is set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

The 4,700 square-foot branch, at the northeast corner of 116th Street North and 129th East Avenue, offers four drive-thru lanes, a walk-up ATM, safe deposit boxes and an open, free-flowing design.

Through our Shared Branch Service Center in Owasso weve monitored activity to determine feasibility of adding a full-service branch, said Gina Wilson, president and CEO. We are delighted to extend the reach of the Oklahoma Central brand, along with our competitive products and services, to the residents and business owners of this community.

Oklahoma Central Credit Union is headquartered in Tulsa and wholly owned by its more than 40,000 members.

The credit union is open to anyone who is a member of another credit union, a family member of a current member or employee of its more than 1,100 local business partners.
A Bixby man was sentenced Wednesday to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree manslaughter in a 2016 alcohol-related crash that killed a motorcyclist.

Timothy Daniel Harris, 57, was charged in the death of 37-year-old Gabriel Stone.

Authorities said Harris was drunkenly driving a Chevrolet Corvette that rear-ended Stones motorcycle on Oct. 15, 2016, in the 1300 block of North Memorial Drive.

District Judge James Caputo imposed a 15-year sentence under Oklahoma Department of Corrections supervision and ordered 10 of those years to be served in prison, according to court records.

Police said Harris was driving south on Memorial Drive when he crashed into Stones motorcycle near Newton Place, with the Corvette veering off the road and hitting a utility pole. Investigators determined Harris was driving more than 40 mph over the speed limit, authorities said.

Stone, whom police said was not wearing a helmet, died at the scene.

Harris was hospitalized and charged with manslaughter in January 2017, at which time the Tulsa Police Department named him as its Most Wanted fugitive.

He was arrested in Florida in May but had been free on $50,000 bond until his plea Wednesday.
A Tulsa man who police say is a serial rapist will learn next week whether he will stand trial on charges related to allegations leveled by two women about incidents they said occurred in 2016 and 2017.

Victor Willard Hursh, 60, so far faces nine counts including first- and second-degree rape, forcible sodomy, kidnapping and possession of a firearm while committing a felony.

Three other charges involving a third woman were dropped by prosecutors last month after they learned she had left Oklahoma and has not been responsive to requests to appear in court to testify.

A 22-year-old woman testified against Hursh during a preliminary hearing Wednesday afternoon, saying she was forced to leave a north Tulsa business in Hurshs van and held hostage inside his residence on North Columbia Avenue for about two months before she managed to escape at a convenience store in August 2017.

During proceedings last month, another woman spoke about incidents of assault and rape that she said Hursh committed against her on Dec. 29, 2016.

When asked Wednesday why she wanted to testify, the 22-year-old woman said, I never want another woman to go through what I went through.

Both women in the current case alleged that while being held captive by Hursh  who reportedly called himself The Reaper  threatened to harm them further if they did not comply with his demands to perform sex acts. They also said he injected them with drugs so they would stay awake while he used a series of sex toys, and that they did not try to flee because they were afraid.

He said if I ever tried to leave or ever tried to testify against him, he would kill my dad, my brother and my son, the 22-year-old woman told Assistant District Attorney Katy Hamstra on Wednesday.

During cross-examination from defense attorney Brian Boeheim, she said she had a brief encounter with Hursh at the same north Tulsa business before June 2017 but, citing a feeling there were red flags, managed to get away from him before he was able to take her to his home.

Boeheim has said there are multiple inconsistencies between what has been presented in court and what the women told police.

The 22-year-old woman told Hamstra that Hursh would burn her arms and legs with cigarettes on multiple occasions during her time in his home and showed those in the courtroom the associated scars on her right arm. She also said Hursh at one point dumped chemicals into his bathtub to show her how the other girls went down the drain, but did not know whether to truly believe he killed anyone.

The 22-year-old woman said that during her last day with Hursh, she was able to escape his van through the drivers-side door while he made a purchase at a convenience store. According to her testimony, she first approached a customer at a gas pump for help but was unsuccessful so instead took refuge in the womens bathroom and subsequently told a store employee she needed help.

The employee retrieved a security officer who helped the woman receive medical assistance, and she subsequently received a sexual assault exam at a Tulsa hospital. Hursh was found shortly afterward and arrested on multiple complaints.

Hursh was arrested on a rape complaint in Tulsa in 1998 based on claims from a woman that are substantially similar to those he now faces, but that matter was not pursued in state court.

However, allegations about Hursh committing sex offenses in the late 1990s played a role in sentencing proceedings for an unrelated 2000 federal drug and firearms possession case for which a judge imposed a nearly four-year prison term  the maximum available in federal sentencing guidelines. His counsel at the time contested the inclusion of those claims, calling it highly prejudicial information because at the time they had not resulted in criminal prosecution.

Special Judge James Keeley is expected to rule Jan. 10 on whether Hursh could face a jury trial in the case, as well as whether prosecutors can add charges as a result of witness testimony.

The state asked for a one-week delay so it could present adequate evidence of Hursh having a history in the federal system, which would increase the statutory minimum punishment he could receive if he is convicted.
A Tulsa County judge on Wednesday ordered a man to face trial over an alleged gang-related shooting in south Tulsa that killed a 21-year-old man in May.

Javonta Levander Williams, 26, is charged with first-degree murder and committing a gang-related offense in the death of Odean Johnson on May 11.

The charge alleges he caused Johnsons death in concert with a man identified in a preliminary hearing Wednesday as Terrance Gaines. Court records show Gaines pleaded guilty last month to multiple unrelated charges of shooting with intent to kill and intimidation of a witness. He was sentenced to 33 years in prison.

Williams was initially arrested in July for his reported role in the shooting of a woman near Helmerich Park that left her severely injured, and he has been jailed since then.

Gaines and Williams, whom Tulsa Police said are members of the Hoover Crips street gang, had a dispute with Johnson  a member of a subset of the Bloods street gang  shortly before Johnson was shot in the head inside a Hyundai sedan, police said.

A Tulsa World newspaper carrier found Johnsons body lying in the 1500 block of East 60th Street, but Cpl. Nathan Schilling testified Wednesday that it appeared Johnson had been dumped there after being shot inside the car.

Williams girlfriend, Telisha Williams, is charged in the case as an accessory based on allegations she knowingly lied to officers about Javonta Williams whereabouts the night of Johnsons death.

Assistant District Attorney Isaac Shields successfully moved for Special Judge Deborrah Ludi-Leitch to add a count of witness intimidation against Javonta Williams, saying testimony from a past girlfriend revealed he threatened to have her killed if she told police he was involved in shooting Mookie, which was Johnsons street name.

The past girlfriend said Williams borrowed her car and returned it in poor condition, telling Shields it smelled like wet dog and had a red and white spot. She testified that Williams told her he spilled bleach there while cleaning clothes, but that she later deduced there was blood because he told her he wanted the vehicle burned and mentioned he said him and this guy were tussling over a gun.

Schilling, in his testimony, said he spoke with Williams a total of three times about Johnsons death. He told Shields that Williams initially denied involvement before eventually telling him after his arrest that he and Gaines were inside the vehicle when Johnson was shot.

Williams attorney, Phillip Peak, said there is uncertainty as to who fired the fatal shot at Johnson because of the location of the gunshot wound on Johnsons head. However, Schilling said his investigation  including interviews from others with knowledge of the case  led him to conclude Williams is responsible for Johnsons death.

In the June shooting case, authorities contend Williams drove an Impala to an area just north of Helmerich Park and shot her while sitting inside it, as they found the Impala had holes in the windshield. Detectives reported that Williams admitted shooting at one of the two men who accompanied the woman while she was walking in the area.

Williams also has a pending drug possession case that stems from claims he had marijuana and a loaded handgun at the parking lot of the River Spirit Casino after having a felony conviction.

A previous Tulsa World story indicates he was arrested in March 2014 on complaints of abducting a 4-year-old girl at knifepoint from an apartment complex, but the case was dropped due to the failure of a witness to appear for his preliminary hearing.
Planning for the 360-mile Wind Catcher Energy Connection line from the giant proposed wind farm in the Oklahoma Panhandle to a substation at Tulsa is nearing completion, save for three sections, one of which is the final approach into Tulsa.

The site of the substation is part of that mix, according to Stan Whiteford, a spokesman for American Electric Power-Public Service Company of Oklahoma.

Our original plan has it being in north Tulsa (County) near (U.S.) 75, but thats not in stone, depending on the route of approach, he said.

Multiple alignments and segments have been studied since October, and the line now generally takes a more northerly path among the routes first considered.

The company held 11 public meetings in the fall and posted a virtual open house on its website through which people could offer comments until the end of 2017.

One of the sections still in question is east of Pawnee and passes between Cleveland and Hominy on its way to the Tulsa area. Letters went out to affected landowners on Wednesday that included notification of an open house set for 4-7 p.m. Jan. 29 at the Pawnee County Fairgrounds.

What we learn there will help us really determine how that last segment will look, and here it will need to tie into a new substation, so thats the last piece of the puzzle, Whiteford said.

The meeting is necessary because some of the landowners along the newly considered route were not contacted during the earlier round of public meetings.

The 360-mile line, which would originate in Cimarron County at the proposed Wind Catcher wind farm, is the largest and longest PSO has undertaken, Whiteford said.

I can think of ones that are 50, 60, 80  but 350 or 360 miles, thats definitely unusual, he said.

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission is scheduled to begin hearing public comments on the wind farm Thursday in Oklahoma City.

The $4.5 billion wind farm, connection lines and substations are projected to be operational before Jan. 1, 2021.

Other sections of the line that are being discussed further include a stretch north of Woodward and another northwest of Enid.

The lines structure itself will be composed of 1,400 to 1,750 towers placed every 1,000 to 1,500 feet along the route. Each tower is 140 feet tall with a base that is 40 to 50 feet across. The right of way will be 200 feet wide.

The lattice structures are similar to others in the area, only slightly taller, Whiteford said.

If youve been up around Oologah and seen the lines that come from the power plant and come across the country from there, they would be very similar in look, just slightly taller, he said.

Right-of-way acquisition for the route is subject to eminent domain, but Whiteford said that is a last-resort measure in working with landowners and setting a route.

We do everything in our power to avoid getting to that point, he said. We have some pretty experienced folks in negotiating right of way with landowners. Yes, its possible it can happen, but we really have a philosophy that we make sure, No. 1, we are aware and take in all environmental concerns and, two, that we make sure landowners are treated fairly.

The project promises to bring low-cost renewable energy and jobs to the state and provide new tax revenue, according to PSO.

The project, a joint effort between PSO and Southwestern Electric Power Co., is intended to deliver power to customers in eastern and southwestern Oklahoma, as well as parts of Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana.

At PSO we are committed to working with landowners and the community to bring the benefits of Wind Catcher to customers, John Harper, PSO vice president for external affairs said in a news release. In addition to bringing customers some of the lowest-cost power available, the communities along the line route will see approximately $300 million in additional property taxes over the next 25 years.
Uncertainty hangs over the fate of the instant triple talaq Bill that was passed by the Lok Sabha last week. There are indications that the government may agree to sending the triple talaq Bill to a select committee.

Triple talaq Bill is likely to be sent to the select committee after Opposition parties oppose it in the Rajya Sabha.

By India Today Web Desk: With Opposition showing no sign of relenting on the instant triple talaq Bill, the government is likely to refer it to a select committee. The Bill has already been cleared by the Lok Sabha.

This is a major win for the Opposition parties, which presented a united front in the Rajya Sabha. They had not raised too many objections in the Lok Sabha, where the BJP enjoys a majority.

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Many parties said that it was their strategic decision to oppose the Bill in the Rajya Sabha and force the government to send it to a select committee. Now uncertainty looms over the fate of the instant triple talaq Bill with only a day is left in the ongoing winter session of Parliament.

WHAT HAPPENED IN RAJYA SABHA

Earlier, political parties indulged in a slugfest both inside and outside the Parliament as a Bill to ban instant triple talaq was tabled in the Rajya Sabha. While the government wanted a debate on the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill in the Rajya Sabha, the Opposition wanted it to be sent to a select committee for scrutiny before it is a made a law.

The BJP accused the Congress and other parties of running away from a debate and stalling the Bill that ensures gender justice to Muslim women. The Congress charged the ruling party with doing "politics" over the issue, saying it has nothing to offer to the hapless women.

Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said the Opposition wanted the Bill to be sent to a select committee that would help make it strong by offering support to Muslim women and by removing the criminality clause.

JAITLEY SLAMS OPPOSITION

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley lashed out at the Congress for "indirectly" opposing the triple talaq Bill in the Rajya Sabha and said Muslim women would continue to face injustice due to its attitude.

He, however, exuded confidence that the Congress and other opposition parties would have to support the Bill considering public opinion in the country.

"It has become clear that the Congress party is indirectly opposing the triple talaq Bill. It was a mere sham that they gave a statement and supported the Bill. They tried their best to ensure that this Bill is not passed in the Rajya Sabha," Jaitley told reporters outside Parliament yesterday.

In the Upper House, opposition parties such as the Congress, TMC, CPI (M), CPI, SP, BSP, DMK, AIADMK and BJD, along with the BJP's ally TDP moved a motion asking the Bill to be sent to a select committee. The government seems to have given in to the demands made by a united Opposition.

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(With PTI inputs)

Watch: Will instant triple talaq legislation ever see the light of day?

--- ENDS ---
The Cherokee Nation is attempting to implement a provision in its removal treaty, signed in 1835 and ratified by the U.S. Senate the following year, that promises the Cherokees a House delegate "whenever Congress shall make provision for the same."
WASHINGTON - You can't fight fire with ice. That's a frozen fact that public safety officials are grappling with as extreme cold continues to grip much of the country this week. Broken water mains make fire hydrants weak. The water that firefighters carry on their trucks can freeze. Pumps lock up. Firefighters fall down.

"You see people trip on hose lines during sunny days, much less add ice, too," said Northern Virginia firefighter Chris Kamienski at Arlington, Virginia's Station 1 Wednesday.

Plumbers have their own low-temp truisms (pipes burst), as do drivers (batteries fail), engineers (metal breaks) and doctors (joints ache from cold, bones crack from falls). It's all the toll of the cold. When the air gets down near zero, parts fail and people despair. From freight rails to frost bite, a deep freeze can mean deep trouble for a city - and a species - built to operate at more temperate temperatures.

Meteorology has become a doomsday science. Bomb cyclone? Polar vortex? What happened to scattered flurries?

"When things get very cold, things change," John Jarrell, president of Materials Science Associates in Rhode Island. "The nature of materials change, and the systems we've designed to operate at normal temperatures are stressed."

The evidence is everywhere. Crews are struggling to keep up with a record number of fractured water mains, with almost 80 reported in the Maryland suburbs Wednesday. DC Water was working to fix 50 others while fielding more than 200 emergency calls a day tied to the frigid temperatures. Plumbers reported hundreds of calls for broken pipes at homes, apartments and office buildings, including a burst hot water supply line that spawned a small sidewalk glacier in downtown Washington.

More than 5,000 motorists in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia called for help Tuesday, mostly for dead batteries, flat tires and getting locked out of their vehicles, probably from leaving keys in their cars while warming them up, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic.

The cold played its winter wiles on bodies too. Sometimes the bodies were complicit, such as the young people in Loudoun County, Virginia, who found themselves in hypothermic waters earlier this week after driving their SUV on the ice, or the skater who broke her wrist on the frozen C&O Canal.

But some bystanders were also felled by the freeze. Joints, particularly arthritic ones, grow achy in the extreme cold, possibly because the low barometric pressure causes tissues to swell. Sufferers of cold urticaria disorder have an itchy allergic reaction to cold air, and Raynaud's disease causes fingers and toes to go numb at times like these.

It was a remarkable bill of physical breakdown and cracked routines in a week without significant snow or high winds. It was pure cold air snapping bits off the built environment, even before the bomb cyclone detonated in the form of a monster winter storm forecast for Thursday. This winter, still in its infancy, was already wearing on the local spirit.

"I am so tired of being cold - already!," lamented Julie Ann Pixler, a former C-SPAN producer, on The Post's Facebook page.

"Same," seconded reader Arielle K. Masters.

The main cold weather culprits, according to Jarrell, are the facts of physics. Extreme cold causes most materials - such as plastic pipes and metal parts - to become less flexible and more brittle.

Water, on the other hand, swells when it freezes, forming a perfect pipe-breaking scenario, especially when the temperatures are cold enough to penetrate deep into the ground where the usually snug pipes are buried.

Chemical reactions, meanwhile, tend to slow in the cold, weakening car batteries. Oil becomes thicker and frozen metal parts shrink at different rates - think about aluminum pistons sitting in tight iron cylinders - making engines harder to budge for those already feeble batteries. Nothing is quite normal.

Think of a Milky Way bar, Jarrell suggests. Break it in two at room temperature and its various layers will stretch and ooze at different delicious viscosities. But pull it from the freezer and "you can snap it like a candy cane," said Jarrell. "At low temperatures, things begin to act in ways contrary to what we're used to."

Kamienski, along with firefighters across the D.C. region, know how tricky it gets with winter and water. He points to the "pump shift" knob below the steering wheel of Engine 101, the controls he'll use to keep the water moving through the truck's 750-gallon tank and 30-gallon pump in order to keep it fluid. Elsewhere, the truck's cold weather kit includes a plastic sled to pull injured people over frozen ground, snow shovels and cat litter to spread over slippery patches.

Ice can lock their extension ladders up. Frozen hoses refuse to coil. But the calls keep coming. An overhead screen flashed the details of a medical call. In his rush to respond, Kamienski almost left his new insulated Yeti mug behind.

"Don't want to forget my Christmas gift," he said.

At the Washington Aqueduct, workers battled the freezing Potomac by hand, like ancient whalers, using steel rods to punch through ice two inches thick near the intake pipes that supply the District of Columbia and parts of Northern Virginia with drinking water.

Crews had scrambled to break up the bergs Sunday after ice began to block the pipes and the reservoir level dropped, said Thomas Jacobus, the aqueduct's general manager. "Ice eater" machines churned the water with propellers to keep more ice from forming, he said.

By Wednesday, with even colder temperatures forecast, the aquaduct had a crane and wrecking ball standing by to break up large chunks that could overwhelm the intake.

Jacobus said aqueduct officials couldn't remember another stretch when night temperatures dipped into the single digits and daytime temperatures didn't reach above freezing. "This is what you expect in Iowa for goodness sakes," Jacobus said. "Nothing has a chance to warm up to defrost itself."

Workers have wrapped black plastic around equipment to try to trap in heat and brought in portable heaters to keep smaller pipes from freezing. The extreme cold also makes chemical reactions in the water-treatment process sluggish. Crews are adding more coagulants to get dirt to settle and keeping an eye on chlorine levels to make sure the chlorine has enough time to kill bacteria.

"Our systems are taxed," Jacobus said. "We'll be okay, but we are right at the edge of the capabilities of our heating systems. They're not built for this."

And neither are we.
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Published January 3, 2018

The Living Well Foundation has awarded a total of $73,295 to three University of Louisiana Monroe programs that serve the northeast Louisiana community.

The money, awarded by the foundation during its fall grant cycle, expands Living Wells commitment to the university. It already provides ongoing funding to ULMs dental hygiene clinic and Autism Center.

The new funding was awarded to ULMs Autism Center, Literacy Clinic and Occupational Therapy Clinic.



Alice Prophit, president and CEO of the Living Well Foundation, said the three programs fit within the foundations mission.



Living Well Foundation was established in 2006 with proceeds of more than $44 million obtained when Hospital Service District No. 1 sold Glenwood Regional Medical Center to IASIS Healthcare. At the time, the foundation was named Ward Five Healthcare Foundation but changed its name in 2010 to better reflect the foundations impact on the community.



Because we were created from a sold public entity, what we support is clearly defined, Prophit said. We support projects and services that are health and well-being based, and our constituents are eight parishes  Ouachita and the contiguous parishes.



Living Well provided:



 A $10,500 grant to ULMs Literacy Clinic.

 A $30,599 grant to ULMs Occupational Therapy Clinic.

 A $32,196 grant to the Autism Clinic, the third time Living Well provided funding to the program.



The concentration on health care by these programs is very much in sync with our mission, Prophit said. First, the curricula settings develop professionals to serve this region. And the programs provide direct services to the community.



Dr. John Sutherlin, Executive Director of the Research Corporation of Louisiana and an associate professor of political science at ULM, said the grants serve as an affirmation of ULMs service to the community and will only make the programs stronger.



Perhaps nothing reflects the commitment our faculty and staff have made to make our community better than these grants. The Living Well Foundation has provided our faculty with an opportunity to expand efforts into making the community stronger, he said.



Funding for the Occupational Therapy Clinic will expand services provided, said Dr. Patti Calk, associate director of ULMs School of Health Professions.



The grant, she said, will specifically be used to hire an occupational therapist to work in our OT on-campus clinic and purchase therapeutic equipment to enhance the services that we provide. The focus of the grant is to provide OT services to children and adolescents to improve their ability to participate in their daily activities and educational environments.



In the summer of 2016, ULM opened the on-campus clinic to provide services to people in the community who are unable to receive services elsewhere or who need additional services. The on-campus clinic also provides an opportunity for occupational therapy assistant students to learn through observation and providing direct services. Currently, the number of clients served is limited by the number of hours faculty members are able to donate to the clinic.



The receipt of this grant is extremely important and will increase the number of patients and quality of services that we are able to provide, Calk said.



Money awarded to the Autism Center will provide direct evaluation and treatment services for children up to age 18 and their families, said Dr. David Irwin, professor, and director of the Speech-Language Pathology Program and the Autism Center.



The professionals at the Autism Center at ULM provide diagnostic evaluation services for anyone referred in northeast Louisiana, Irwin said. This involves specially trained professionals administering the gold standard instruments for the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Irwin said.



The funds from Living Well will allow licensed and certified professionals to provide direct and consultative treatment services. The faculty supervises graduate students in speech-language pathology to work with a variety of treatment approaches for children and youth diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.



The individuals need access to quality health care without traveling long distances, Irwin said. Prior to the opening of the AC-ULM, families were traveling to New Orleans, Little Rock, Arkansas, and Jackson, Mississippi, for evaluation services. Northeast Louisiana has many families who are underserved or unserved because of many variables. The funds from the LWF have been the sole source of support at this time to support the AC-ULM, he said.



Prophit said the money granted to the Literacy Clinic will further develop client communication skills, including speech pathology.



The Literacy Clinic provides an intensive reading and writing experience in both individual and group settings. This program strives to address the needs of children who may have experienced a prolonged and significant lack of success in reading and writing.



The clinic works to improve speaking and thinking processes, Prophit said, skills necessary in the workplace.
| By Alex Likowski

The White House announced Jan. 3 that President Trump will nominate Jody Olsen, PhD, MSW, a visiting professor at the University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW), senior faculty advisor of the Center for Global Education Initiatives, and senior lecturer at the Graduate School, to be director of the Peace Corps. A letter on the White House web page noted that Olsen was deputy and acting director of the Peace Corps from 2001 to 2009.

Jody Olsen, left, helped inaugurate two new Peace Corps buildings in Lome, Togo, in 2007 for the 45th anniversary of the Peace Corps Togo program.

Olsen began her work at the agency as a volunteer in Tunisia and later became country director in the West African nation of Togo, the regional director for North Africa, the Near East, Asia, and the Pacific, and agency chief of staff.

Between tours of duty with the Peace Corps, Olsen was senior vice president of the Academy of Educational Development (AED), a large nonprofit focused on education and economic development in the United States and 150 countries around the world.

In 2015, UMB named Olsen a Champion of Excellence, honoring her global impact. Jody Olsen is a tireless champion for developing the campus infrastructure and faculty and student competencies to ensure that we can effectively and safely deliver great global education, said Richard P. Barth, PhD, MSW, UMSSW dean. She is a terrific communicator, relentlessly optimistic and affirming, and exceptionally knowledgeable about all things international.

A presidential appointment to director of the Peace Corps must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
By PTI: Muzaffarnagar (UP), Jan 4 (PTI) A police constable, who recently sustained bullet injuries in an encounter, died in a hospital in Noida, police said today.

Ankit Tomar, who hailed from Wajidpur village in Baghpat district, succumbed to bullet injuries last night, they said.

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced a financial aid of Rs 50 lakh for Tomars family.

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Tomar was injured during the police encounter on January 2, which saw the killing of an alleged criminal Sabir near Jandhedi village in Shamli district.

"The constable sustained bullet injuries in his head. He was rushed to the hospital in a serious condition," Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Jagdish Sharma said.

Tomar, who joined the police department in 2011, was posted in Uttar Pradeshs Kairana police station. PTI CORR MG

--- ENDS ---
Teenager Irahoze Diello is quietly confident about todays maths test. Even without books, shoes, a safe place to study or a morning meal, he has worked hard to prepare for this moment. He just hopes the rain will hold off long enough for him to complete it.

When it rains everything gets wet, says Irahoze, 14, who fled Burundi and now studies beneath the trees in Tanzanias Nduta refugee camp. When its windy, the branches fall and when the sun is strong its too hot. Sometimes we have to stop classes.

He is one of about 200 refugee children who attend Furaha Primary School, where a lack of funding means classes are held in the open air. Benches and blackboards are dotted among the trees, creating makeshift classrooms. For every three boys who attend, there is just one girl, and with little food to eat at home many pupils struggle to concentrate.

"Sometimes we have to stop classes.

Bad weather can bring classes to a halt altogether.

When its windy our papers fly away and when its raining my books are ruined, says Tuyishemele Kenilde, 15, from Burundi, who has already been held back a year. She sighs: its much more complicated to work here when it is raining and wet.

We have quite a few classes with no desks, adds Hafashimana Euphrasie, 14, whose prized workbook is torn. We really need some more so we dont have to sit on the floor.

The teachers, also refugees from Burundi, do what they can. Sometimes, when branches fall, students are injured, and classes have to stop while the teachers take them to hospital, says head teacher Ndayisenga Aimable, 34. They havent eaten when they come to school because the food rations are so low and many are too hungry to learn.

Lack of funding means lessons under the trees for some young refugees. (William Davies, producer)

Furaha (joy) school is one of nine primary schools in Nduta camp, where a quarter of children aged between six and 14 do not attend school. Fifty-five per cent of the camp population are under the age of 17 and there is just one secondary school with an enrolment rate of just eight per cent. Empty stomachs, an often-exhausting trek to school and no diplomas mean that many teenagers opt out.

In Nyarugusu camp, 19-year-old Claude Nahilma has been studying at Hope Secondary School since he arrived from Burundi two years ago. He worries about the future. It is difficult when you complete your studies to access university, he says. This is a dead end. I want to go home to continue my studies. Its very muddy here and we really need rain boots.

Enrolment is much higher in Nyarugusu, topping 80 per cent at primary level, although several schools there still lack permanent buildings and learning materials. Many children learn in flimsy tents that collapse in the wind and bake in the midday sun.

For every three boys who attend Furaha Primary School, there is just one girl.  UNHCR/Georgina Goodwin

Bad weather can bring classes at Furaha Primary School to a halt.  UNHCR/Georgina Goodwin

Around 200 refugee children attend Furaha Primary School.  UNHCR/Georgina Goodwin

"When it's windy, the branches fall and when the sun is strong it's too hot," says Irahoze, 14, who fled Burundi. "Sometimes we have to stop classes."  UNHCR/Georgina Goodwin

Over 70 per cent of students in Nduta, Nyarugusu and Mtendeli refugee camps have to study outdoors.  UNHCR/Georgina Goodwin

Burundi refugee student Richard Nduwimana, 13, writes on the blackboard.  UNHCR/Georgina Goodwin

Partially-sighted Samwel (right) learns in classes of more than 100, without special materials.  UNHCR/Georgina Goodwin

Moutaka Bahininwa is a refugee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the head teacher of Sifa Primary School, where more than 2,300 children from the DRC come to learn. Here we have a serious problem, he says. When it rains, we cant hear a thing. If there is wind, then this area becomes a wind corridor. The environment is not safe for the children.

Just yesterday, a gust of wind almost blew down 12-year-old Geny Naboys classroom. We were scared, she says. We need more permanent structures.

For Samwel Falliala, who is 10 and partially sighted, learning in classes of more than 100 in the howling wind, without special materials such as books in braille, is impossible.

"I want to go home to continue my studies."

When I write on the blackboard I have to call him forward, says his teacher, Sweddy Bikyeombe Byondo, 28. When I write, I write in big letters.

The challenges faced by students in Nduta and Nyarugusu camps are unfortunately all too common for child refugees worldwide. While globally, 91 per cent of children attend primary school, for refugees, that figure is far lower at only 61 per cent  and in low-income countries it is less than 50 per cent, according to a recent UNHCR report Left Behind: Refugee Education in Crisis.

As refugee children get older, the obstacles increase: only 23 per cent of refugee adolescents are enrolled in secondary school, compared to 84 per cent globally. In low-income countries a mere 9 per cent of refugees are able to go to secondary school, the study found.

A huge funding shortfall means that UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and its partners have been able to build only 137 classrooms in Tanzanias three refugee camps between 2016 and April 2017. More than 70 per cent of students in the Nduta, Nyarugusu and Mtendeli refugee camps have to study outdoors, with just 193 permanent classrooms for about 9,600 children. A high student-teacher ratio adds to the difficulties.

About 638 additional classrooms need to be built across all three camps, but funding is a serious problem. The Regional Refugee Response Plan to assist Burundian refugees in Tanzania is grossly underfunded, with just 25 per cent of funding received.

See also: Saplings take root and transform lives in Tanzania

According to James Onyango, UNHCRs Education Officer in Kibondo, it costs US$12,000 to build a classroom, each exam costs US$250, a teachers allowance costs US$27 per month and sending one child to school for a year costs US$35. That is the bare minimum required so that a teacher can write on a board and students can learn something.

UNHCR continues to work towards inclusion of refugee education into the national education system in recognition that the national system provides access to accredited, supervised and accountable education services. At the same time, UNHCR's Tanzania operation continues to seek more cost-effective alternatives for classroom construction to address the acute shortage, as crowded classrooms weaken access to equitable quality education in the refugee camps.

At Furaha Primary School in Nduta, students are excited to be moving into new, mud-brick buildings soon. Built by Save the Children, one of the UNHCRs education partners in Nduta camp, they will comprise nine classrooms, a staff room, a head teachers office and latrines. At last, children will be able to focus on their studies.

Im so happy because, when we move, the classes will have walls, says Hafashimana with a smile. When Ive finished my studies, I want to become a teacher.
United Nations, Jan 4 (UNI) The head of the new United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti, known as MINUJUSTH, has said the operation will carry out its work in an innovative in the island nation  complete with an unusually tight timeframe and a bench-marking exit strategy.

Describing what is unique about the mission, the Special Representative and Head of MINUJUSTH, Susan Page, underscored that it focusses exclusively on the rule of law.

The new mandate by the [UN] Security Council is to work with the Government of Haiti to strengthen its rule of law intuitions. It's also to continue to support the HNP, the Haitian National Police, and to work on justice and human rights  and that includes human rights reporting, monitoring and analysis, she told UN News.

MINUJUSTH is also unique in that its mandate calls for a benchmarking exit strategy.

Within two years, we can figure out how we [will exit the country] but with benchmarks for progress that can be measured, she stressed.

The mission head stated that the country team created a framework with a focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which, along with SDG 16  to promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies  is working in conjunction with the Haitian Government.

This is a way of bringing the entire country team together, along with the peacekeeping mission, to attain those goals, she continued, adding that the Government has already signed up to be a partner in trying to accomplish this for its own development.

Ms Page explained that while MINUJUSTH is almost exclusively based in the capital, Port-au-Prince, it will also have a 'mobile approach' that will take teams into the field  reaching the greatest number of people.

The mission chief told UN News that the teams will focus on peace, justice and rule of law, to help the people figure out their needs, and then connect them with top-level political figures to see how the UN can help the Government address those needs.

Once they have a baseline of what the people are looking for, what they need knowledge about, we hope that this bottom-up and top-down approach will help Haiti to strengthen its own institutions with a bit of push from us, she explained.

Ms Page sees this new approach as a possible new peacekeeping model, commenting that with the aim of doing more with less, one of the ways we can reach people is by being more flexible and being more mobile.

Turning to the situation on the ground, Ms. Page noted that while Haiti's political system had been less than stable, now, all of that is settled.

Now that Haiti has its elected officials at all levels, including at the lowest levels in the communes, we have something to work with, she said.

The police will continue to work with the Haitian National Police on their strategic development plan, but they also have a programme that is strengthening the mid-level to upper level cadres of the National Police, she added

As for the ongoing combat against cholera in the country, Ms. Page expressed hope to get to zero transmission.

One of the ways we continue to work is through the country team, she said, mentioning the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), which are working to strengthen sanitation and water systems.

It's really a whole of UN approach; and with the Government's strategic vision and roadmap of how they intend to get there. And we can help them with that, she said reassuringly.

UNi XC-SNU 0806
Dhaka, Jan 3 (UNI) The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Wednesday decided to mount pressure on the Myanmar government to take back the Rohingyas, who took shelter in Bangladesh.

The organisation is also concerned about the rights of citizenship of this neglected population, representative of the OIC Human Rights Organisation (IPHRC) Dr Rashid al-Balusi told reporters here, following a meeting with State Minister Md Shahriar Alam.

A 12-member IPHRC delegation team came to Bangladesh on Wednesday morning to inspect the humanitarian crisis of Rohingya refugees in the camps.
Fisheries minister Appalaraju slams Naidu for spreading canards 18 Nov 2022 | 6:01 PM Vijayawada, Nov 17 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Seediri Appala Raju warned the TDP that it would cease to exist after 2024 elections.

Addressing media here on Thursday, the Fisheries Minister said having lost hopes on his son Lokesh, the TDP Chief has been trying to gain sympathy of people by spreading falsehood and even bringing his wifes name in road shows. Coming down heavily on the TDP President, the Minister said Naidu conducted the Kurnool road show to block the attempts of the Government to make Visakhapatnam the executive capital. see more..

India tops in cannabis seizure in South Asia: UN official 18 Nov 2022 | 5:55 PM Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 18 (UNI) With an effective law enforcement mechanism in place, India tops in seizure of cannabis among South Asian countries, according to Mr Billy Batware, Program Officer of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

India is one of the top countries in seizing cannabis. So, this is good news for the youth in India. This is good news for the UNODC as well. This shows the effectiveness of law enforcement, Mr Batware said at a panel discussion on the concluding day of the international forum on drug-free childhood, here on Friday. see more..

Sikkim Reform Call to begin statewide march from Monday 18 Nov 2022 | 5:55 PM Gangtok, Nov 18 (UNI) Social justice platform Sikkim Reform Call chief Ganesh Rai on Friday announced a march across the state from November 21 ahead of the 2024 Assembly polls and

said he would launch a formal party soon. see more..

SIU Kulgam conducts raids during the investigation of killing of a school teacher 18 Nov 2022 | 5:40 PM Srinagar, Nov 18 (UNI) J&K Polices Special Investigation Unit (SIU) on Friday conducted raids in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir during the probe of killing of a lady school teacher in May this year. see more..
By PTI: freedom

By Lalit K Jha

Washington, Jan 4 (PTI) The US has placed Pakistan on a Special Watch List for "severe violations" of religious freedom, the State Department today said, making it the only country to be put under the newly-formed list.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson announced re-designation of 10 countries as Countries of Particular Concern (CPC).

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"The secretary also placed Pakistan on a Special Watch List for severe violations of religious freedom," State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said.

The Special Watch List is for countries that engage in or tolerate severe violations of religious freedom but may not rise to the level of the CPC.

The Special Watch List designation is being seen as a step below designating it as Country of Particular Concern, which would have automatically kicked in economic and political sanctions.

Pakistan, notably, is the first ever country to be placed in this list, which is a new category created by the Frank R Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2016.

The 2016 Frank R Wolf International Religious Freedom Act amended the IRF Act to require the President to designate a Special Watch List of countries deemed not to meet all of the CPC criteria but who engaged in or tolerated severe violations of religious freedom. IRF stands for International Religious Freedom.

The US Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCIS) which has been seeking to designate Pakistan as CPC, however, expressed its disappointment with the decision of Tillerson in this regard.

"Pakistan continues to harass its religious minorities, has state-sanctioned discrimination against groups such as the Ahmadis, and tolerates extra-judicial violence in the guise of opposing blasphemy," USCIRF Chairman Daniel Mark said.

"As USCIRF has said for many years, Pakistan should be designated by the State Department as a CPC.Given the strong stance that President Trump has taken on Pakistan recently, the failure to designate Pakistan as a CPC this year comes as a surprise and disappointment," Mark said.

The State Department defended its decision.

"The Secretary of State takes into consideration all of the information available in conducting his review. His most recent assessment is that Pakistan does not meet the criteria for CPC designation, but meets the Special Watch List criteria," a State Department Spokesperson told PTI.

"We strongly urge Pakistan to protect religious freedom for all individuals. CPC designations can be made at any time, as conditions warrant," the spokesperson said, leaving the door option for Pakistan.

"The governments that have been designated as CPCs are subject to Presidential Actions, such as sanctions, which may include economic or political measures directed against a government to encourage it to improve the state of religious freedom in its country," the spokesperson said in response to a question.

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A former member of Pakistani Parliament Farahnaz Ispahani, welcomed the State Departments decision to place her country on a Special Watch List.

"Today, the Special Watch List designation status given to Pakistan by the US Secretary of State to Pakistan may help Pakistans religious minorities. For too long no one has really cared within the country. Perhaps its time for external pressure to help safeguard those Pakistani citizens who are persecuted solely on the basis of their faith," Ispahani said.

Earlier in the day, Tillerson in accordance with the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, announced his designation of governments that have engaged in or tolerated systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom as Countries of Particular Concern.

"Today, the Department of State announces that the Secretary of State re-designated Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan as Countries of Particular Concern on December 22, 2017," she said.

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Noting that the protection of religious freedom is vital to peace, stability, and prosperity, Nauert said these designations are aimed at improving the respect for religious freedom in these countries.

"We recognise that several designated countries are working to improve their respect for religious freedom; we welcome these initiatives and look forward to continued dialogue," Nauert said.

The US remains committed to working with governments, civil society organisations, and religious leaders to advance religious freedom around the world, she added.

In November, Congressmen Randy Hultgren and James P McGovern, Co-Chairs of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, in a letter to Tillerson had urged him to designate Pakistan as CPC alleging it has engaged in systematic, ongoing, egregious violations of religious freedom.

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has been advocating for designating Pakistan as a CPC since 2002. PTI LKJ UZM

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UTSA President Taylor Eighmy

(Jan. 4, 2017) -- The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is planning a ceremony to formally celebrate the selection of its sixth president. The San Antonio community is invited to the inauguration of UTSA President Taylor Eighmy on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at Convocation Center on the UTSA Main Campus.

The ceremony will begin at 2:30 p.m. with a prelude and processional, followed by the ceremony at 3 p.m. University of Texas System Chancellor William H. McRaven will deliver special remarks.

Eighmy began his service as the sixth president of UTSA on September 1, after serving in various higher education administration roles. His career includes positions as the chief research officer at the University of New Hampshire, Texas Tech University and, more recently, at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He has developed a strong track record of advancing top-tier research universities through strategic government collaborations, public-private partnerships and community engagement.

Shortly after beginning his role as UTSA President, Eighmy unveiled a long-term strategy to make UTSA San Antonios university of the future and to help it earn National Research University Fund (NRUF) eligibility and R1 (highest research activity) classification from the Carnegie Commission. The vision leverages UTSAs strengths as a great multicultural discovery enterprise, an exemplary urban serving university of the future, a world-engaged institution and a university that fosters exceptional student experiences.
SBDC Webinar Series to Help Self-Employed with Tax Considerations

Self-employed business owners in Wyoming can get the tax help they need.

A Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) business fitness webinar series, titled Tax Considerations for the Self-Employed, is scheduled Feb. 1, 8 and 15, from 2-3 p.m.

The SBDC is a partnership among the University of Wyoming, the Wyoming Business Council and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBDC focuses on educating small-business owners and potential owners on how to successfully start and operate small businesses. The SBDCs main office is located at UW.

Keith Hall, a CPA and National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) tax expert, offers personalized tax consulting on incorporation, automobile expenses, and home office and travel expense deductions to thousands of small-business owners. Hall, president and CEO of NASE, will present three hourlong webinars to help the self-employed with their 2017 taxes. He will discuss recent tax changes and tips, and answer questions.

The Feb. 1 webinar will cover the top five tax questions that small-business owners ask. For those new to self-employment, the webinar will cover business entity formation, estimated taxes, and automobile and travel deductions. On Feb. 8, attendees will learn how to audit-proof their tax returns. The Feb. 15 program will provide attendees with tips on how to maximize tax savings by hiring your children; taking the home office deduction; using retirement contributions and more.

The fee for all three programs is $15, and attendees can register at www.wyomingsbdc.org. This program will be recorded and available to registered attendees who are unable to attend.

Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least two weeks in advance. Language assistance services for clients with limited English proficiency will be provided. For more information, call Peggy Baker at 1-800-348-5194.

The Wyoming SBDC Network is a business advising group of the Wyoming SBDC, Procurement Technical Assistance Center, Market Research Center and SBIR/STTR Initiative. The networks mission is to help Wyoming entrepreneurs succeed. Advising and most market research activities are free of charge to Wyoming residents.

The SBDC is funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. SBA. Additional support is provided by the Wyoming Business Council and UW.

For more information, go to www.wyomingsbdc.org.
By PTI: (Eds: repeating after recasting intro, correcting slug)

By Lalit K Jha

Washington, Jan 3 (PTI) President Donald Trump is ready to stop all aid to Pakistan as the country continues to harbour terrorists, US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has said.

Haleys comment came a day after Trump accused Pakistan of giving nothing to the US but "lies and deceit" and providing "safe haven" to terrorists in return for USD 33 billion aid over the last 15 years.

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Speaking to reporters at a news conference at the UN headquarters in New York, Haley alleged Pakistan of playing "double-game" with the US for years.

"The president is willing to go to great lengths to stop all funding for Pakistan as they continue to harbour and support terrorism," said Haley.

"Pakistan has played a double game for years. They work with us at times, and they also harbour the terrorists that attack our troops in Afghanistan. That game is not acceptable to this administration," she said.

The US has also announced that it is withholding its USD 255 million military aid to Pakistan.

"The decision to block aid is connected to Pakistans harbouring of terrorists," the top American diplomat said.

Pakistan has expressed "deep disappointment" over the allegations, saying the accusations strike with "great insensitivity" at the "trust" between the two countries.

Pakistans Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif in a tweet challenged Trumps claim that the US has given Pakistan more than USD 33 billion dollars as aid over the last 15 years, saying verification by an audit firm would prove the US president wrong. PTI LKJ CHT MRJ

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Complaint against the former minister alleges that he misappropriated government funds to construct a road leading to his resort in Alappuzha.

By P S Gopikrishnan Unnithan: Amidst desperate efforts to return to the cabinet former Kerala minister Thomas Chandy seems to be slipping into more trouble with the vigilance court ordering a detailed probe against the NCP MLA from Kuttanad.

The Vigilance Court in Kottayam accepted the quick verification report submitted by the vigilance team. The court directed the vigilance team to register an FIR and conduct a detailed probe against the minister and other government officials involved in the allegation.

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In the complaint filed by Subash, a worker, it is alleged that the MLA misused government funds for personal benefit. Thomas Chandy, who is a businessman turned politician, constructed a road to his resort in Alappuzha using government funds. Over an acre of paddy field was levelled for constructing this road.

Chandy managed to arrange local amenities from development funds under MPs and MLAs to construct this road. The project funded by the government however ended in front of Thomas Chandy's Lake Palace Resort.

A detailed probe report by the district collector has revealed that the road was beneficial only for the resort as there were only a few settlements in the paddy field stretch. The report also confirmed the allegations of land encroachment by the resort management for constructing a parking lot.

Thomas Chandy will now be charged with sections including violation of 'wetlands and paddy field protection act' and conspiracy. The investigation team will also probe potential involvement of government officials including the then district collectors.

ALSO WATCH | Better for Minister Thomas Chandy to step down himself: Kerala High Court on land grab scam

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Real ingredients. Real risotto. Real amazing. BRIO Tuscan Grille locations at Tivoli Village and Town Center are celebrating this time-honored dish with a special Its a Risotto Celebration menu, available Tuesday, Jan. 9  Sunday, March 25. This limited-time selection includes four chef-inspired risotto entrees, which all feature high-quality ingredients and are made from scratch.

In addition, the menu includes three original cocktails, created to complement BRIOs new risotto dishes, and a decadent dessert.

The menus four delicious risotto entrees are:

Sea Scallop Risotto: pan seared sea scallops, ratatouille vegetables, basil, and red peppers ($24.95)

Salmon Risotto: grilled salmon, mushrooms, red peppers, asparagus, and basil ($22.95)

Sweet Potato & Chicken Risotto: oven roasted chicken, pancetta, asparagus, and toasted pine nuts ($19.95)

Shrimp Risotto & Broiled Lobster Tail: mushrooms, red peppers, asparagus, and basil ($26.95)

Perfect accompaniments to any of the featured risotto dishes, the following distinctive cocktails are also included on BRIOs Its a Risotto Celebration menu:

Maple Bourbon Smash: Makers Mark, Monin Maple, lemon juice, rosemary simple syrup, dash of bitters, orange garnish ($9)

Grapefruit Gin Smash: Beefeater Gin, grapefruit juice, rosemary simple syrup, lime garnish ($8)

Bulleit Rosa: Bulleit Rye whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, 19 Crimes Red Blend, lemon twist garnish ($8)

For dessert, BRIOs Molten Chocolate Cake with mascarpone cream and white chocolate raspberry gelato ($7.95), rounds out the menu as the perfect end-of-meal indulgence.

With our special Its a Risotto Celebration menu, we are pleased to offer our take on a much-loved Italian dish, says BRIO Culinary Director & Chef Alison Peters. Our chefs have carefully created these made-from-scratch risotto dishes with the best ingredients and we are excited to treat our guests to this very special offer.


In honor of National Spaghetti Day, Bratalian Neopolitan Restaurant by Chef Carla Pellegrino, is featuring signature spaghetti dishes with a wide variety of savory sauces to the classic dish (Photo credit: Denise Truscello / WireImage).

The award-winning Italian restaurant is known for its fresh ingredients and authentic cooking, with menu items appealing to all its guests. Specialty Spaghetti dishes include:

Spaghetti & Meatballs (on special in celebration of this day, for $15.00)  Spaghetti noodles in marinara sauce served with one six ounces traditional Grandmas meatballs

(on special in celebration of this day, for $15.00)  Spaghetti noodles in marinara sauce served with one six ounces traditional Grandmas meatballs Spaghetti In Garlic, Olive Oil & Crushed Red Peppers ($16.00)  Spaghetti noodles in Olive Oil, Thinly Sliced Garlic and Crushed Red Pepper sauce

Bratalians guests are family and I love cooking for them said Carla Pellegrino, owner and executive chef of Bratalian Neapolitan Restaurant. Our family owned restaurant is grateful to our many loyal customers, and we were pleased to offer signature Italian favorite dishes, like spaghetti, as well as a full bar and Naples inspired ambience, to enhance customer enjoyment and experience.

Chef Carla Pellegrino is known around the world for her culinary expertise. Covering both coasts, Pellegrino is currently the Executive Chef at the Miami hot spot, Touche, and Executive Chef and Owner of Bratalian Neapolitan Cantina in Las Vegas. The dynamic chef, who was previously the Executive Chef and owner of Raos Las Vegas at Caesars Palace, has been featured in numerous national media outlets, including: The Today Show, CBS This Morning, Fox News, Bon Appetit and Food & Wine magazine.

Pellegrinos restaurant, Bratalian, was named Best New Restaurant, while her restaurant, Bacio, was named Best Italian Restaurant, by the Las Vegas Review-Journals Best of Las Vegas awards in 2011. Pellegrino has been recognized multiple times by the esteemed James Beard Foundation as the host of the organizations Spring in Italy and Women in Food events.


Nevada went green this holiday season as The+Source, with dispensaries in Henderson and Las Vegas, hosted the largest food drive for Three Square in 2017.

The holiday promotion offered customers store credit for each non-perishable food item donated. The+Source experienced an overwhelming amount of success, receiving 156,112 pounds of food donated in an effort to assist local families in need, the largest food drive on behalf of Three Square in 2017.

While we always knew that the cannabis community was a generous one, even we were astounded by the deluge of donations received from our customers, said Brandon Wiegand, director of operations at The+Source. These donations will provide several thousand food-insecure families in our community with the nutrition they so desperately need.

Three Square Food Bank is Southern Nevadas primary food bank, providing food assistance to the residents of Lincoln, Nye, Esmeralda and Clark counties. Three Square combines food banking, food rescue and ready-to-eat meals to be the most complete food solution for Southern Nevada. In 2017, the organization distributed more than 36 million wholesome meals to families in need through a service network of more than 1,600 community partners.


TREVI Italian Restaurant, located in The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, will welcome attendees of the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) with a featured dish, short rib and Maine lobster ravioli, from Tuesday, Jan. 9 through Friday, Jan. 12 (Pictured: TREVI Short Rib and Maine Lobster Ravioli Doppio  Photo credit: Executive Chef Jose Navarro).

Executive Chef Jose Navarro will prepare short rib and Maine lobster ravioli doppio, an Italian twist on surf and turf. House-made pasta will be filled with tender 12-hour braised short rib and Maine lobster, glazed with lobster sauce and braising jus, priced at $34.
MoSTs startup engine is seeking to give local startups the investment boost they need

The seven-storey building of the Ministry of Science and Technologys National Agency for Science and Technology Information lies at the end of Hanois Ly Thuong Kiet street looking shabby, in need of renovation after decades of neglect.

However, on the buildings top floor sits a large incubator for those turning their novel ideas into brilliant business. The floor greets visitors with a banner reading Welcome to the home of angels, running along the upward staircase.

Here you will find the base of Can Thi Thanh Hiens startup enterprise. Hien, only 22, is the co-founder of Fresh Deli, a firm established in September 2016, operating with only five team members.

Fresh Deli uses an app to connect itself with its customers and stay-at-home cooks for lunchtime meals.

We make different menus and send them to housewives, who in turn use fresh ingredients to cook homemade lunch meals according to the menus. Then our staff will deliver the portions directly to customers, Hien told VIR. We pay the housewives for their work.

Fresh Deli has already been recognised for their unique efforts. The startup received an investment of $20,000 by the Vietnam Silicon Valley Accelerator (VSVA), which implements the Vietnam Silicon Valley (VSV) project initiated by the government and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) in 2013.

Developing ideas into businesses

Initially, when Hien was studying at university, she thought about creating a company that uses software to provide fresh lunches to office employees.

This early idea snowballed, leading Hien and a friend to establish Fresh Deli. Such a novel idea, a rarity among local firms, won her First Prize at the 2017 US Ambassadors Entrepreneurship Challenge launched early this year.

Currently the Fresh Deli app has about 3,000 users, 50 cooks, and a solid team of delivery drivers. Its monthly revenue is VND100 million ($4,545).

Tran Hoang Thang, VSVAs accelerator programme manager, told VIR that Fresh Deli is among the 50 startups that VSV has successfully invested in since the accelerator programme was established in 2014.

When it comes to high-tech breakthroughs, Silicon Valley has long been the dominant model for the rest of the world. Following the lead of China, Japan, and the Asian tigers, the government and MoST launched the ambitious VSV in 2014.

VSV seeks to create an ecosystem of innovation and technology commercialisation within Vietnam by combining the local entrepreneurial spirit with the most successful practices that the US has to offer in startup development and mentoring, accelerators, and venture capital funding and investment.

VSV annually raises funds from angel investors to invest in batches of early-stage startups in Vietnam. Each batch will include eight to 20 startups, and each startup will receive $10,000 to $20,000.

From 2014 to 2017, VSV has invested in 50 startups operating across a variety of sectors such as IT, logistics, drone technology, and foodstuffs.

Many of the startups aided by VSV have successfully achieved the next round of investment with multi-million US dollar valuations, such as TechElite, Lozi, SchoolBus, and Ship60.

In 2014, student Nguyen Hoang Trung and friends established Lozi.vn, a page for food and foodies. Right after the launch, the page attracted around 5,000 users. After 12 months, the figure rose to 200,000 users, while the website traffic also saw an increase from 500,000 to over two million views per month.

Lozi.vn also received a VSV investment of $10,000. Currently, the websites monthly revenue is about $10,000.

In 2015, Lozi.vn inked a $500,000 venture capital agreement with Golden Gate Ventures in Singapore and DesignOne Japan, which both value the page at $2 million.

Journey to Silicon Valley

The Ministry of Planning and Investment is seeking comment and feedback from enterprises for a governmental draft decree on details for investment in innovative startups. Under the draft, individual investors can establish startup investment firms and funds only when they have an average income of at least VND200 million ($9,000)  measured during the last two consecutive years from their application. Alternatively, they can also set up these funds and firms if they have total assets of at least VND500 million ($22,727), excluding debts. For organisations, they must have total assets in their financial report of at least VND1 billion ($45,454) within the latest year of operation. Investors with innovative startup investment funds can invest into startups with a capital capacity not exceeding 50 per cent of the startups charter capital.

Everyone is talking about startups now, and many people are trying to do something as a startup, Dang Xuan Truong, founder and CEO of Hachi Vietnam, told VIR. Funds and companies are paying attention to not only the development of startups, but they are interested in investing in them as well.

Hachi provides IT solutions for farmers to help them manage their agricultural activities via their smartphones.

With investment from VSV, I have weathered several difficulties by gradually expanding my customer base with higher-quality products. As such, my revenue from selling vegetables is about $5,000 for 1,000 square metres, Truong said.

Currently Hachi has several vegetable farms covering more than 20,000sq.m and employing over 100 farmers.

In a bid to support Vietnams startup ecosystem, various sites across the nation have developed models to assist these newly-established businesses. For example, in Ho Chi Minh City, a $38.5 million, 52-hectare Saigon Silicon Valley was created based on the same model in the US.

This centre aims to attract overseas Vietnamese firms and corporations in high-tech and supporting industries, research, innovation, and transfer applications.

Recently, an advanced-tech startup cluster was also established in the central city of Danang.

Truong Ly Hoang Phi, CEO of the Business Startup Support Centre in Ho Chi Minh City, said that many investors see Vietnam as a location of great potential for developing startups and venture funds due to the innovative nature of its people.

Phi is also a founder of the Ho Chi Minh City Startup and Innovation Fund (HSIF), which has mobilised investment capital from several investors. HSIF was launched in May 2016 with an initial sum of VND30 billion ($1.36 million) in investment capital. It is expected that the figure will rise to about VND50 billion ($2.27 million) in 2017, and VND100 billion ($4.54 million) in 2020. This capital will be invested into startups in Vietnam.

However, Thang of VSVA said that despite great zeal and passion from entrepreneurs like Hien, Huy, Truong, and hundreds of others, Vietnams startup ecosystem remains in its infancy and has limited resources. For one, there is a significant lack of co-working spaces and startup programmes.

In order to further the domestic startup ecosystem, and for Vietnam to develop its own Silicon Valley, the government would need to do much more  especially in terms of policies and incentives, he said. Currently, Vietnam may be considered an incubator, full of potential for startups.

VSVA is currently planning its next call for investments from local and foreign funds, expecting to raise an estimate of $30-50 million for startups.

Fresh Delis Hien also dreams about further expanding her firms business.

We are planning to turn each of our cooks into an individual distributor by launching another multi-functional app, Hien said. We are seeking further investment capital, and trying to increase our number of users from the existing 3,000 to 10,000 by late 2018.

According to Hien, while government investments and incentives are important, you will find greater success if you go beyond such support, and firmly stand on your own two feet.

VSVAs Thang said, We are eager to develop and stand ready to invest in any startups with innovative and realistic ideas. Welcome to the home of angels!

By Thanh Tung
By PTI: New Delhi, Jan 4 (PTI) The Aam Aadmi Party today hit back at rebel leader Kumar Vishwas, alleging he was at the "centre" of conspiracies hatched to topple the Arvind Kejriwal government in Delhi after the municipal polls.

The poet-politician was at the receiving end of the stinging attack a day after he gave vent to his ire against Kejriwal over being denied a Rajya Sabha ticket.

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AAPs Delhi convenor Gopal Rai claimed that after the MCD polls in April last year, "there were attempts to bring down the government and Kumar Vishwas was the principal mover and at the centre of those conspiracies".

"Most of the meetings in this regard involving a few MLAs were held at his residence. Kapil Mishra was a part of it and later he was removed from the cabinet," he said during a Facebook Live session.

Vishwas did not react to Rais allegations. The disgruntled AAP leader had yesterday alleged that he was punished for saying the truth about Kejriwals decisions and that he accepted his "martyrdom".

During the social media session, Rai referred to a video that Vishwas had released indirectly attacking the Kejriwal government on the issue of corruption.

Rai said that through the video, Vishwas sought to scuttle the AAPs chances in the municipal polls, which the party eventually lost to the BJP.

"He is a person who attacks the party from every possible public platform. Can such a person be sent to the Rajya Sabha?" Rai asked.

Earlier in the day, Vishwas had tweeted that he will never rethink the stance on various issues that he took in the video.

"The voice of this video was, is and will remain on top for me, despite the cost I had to pay recently. I will never compromise on any stand in this video, even if more sacrifices are needed in future, because its not just me, its We, The Nation!" he tweeted. PTI SBR RT

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Firms are advised to get their paperwork in order before jumping into cross border trade

Two grey cloths, one brown cloth, 10 pounds of pepper, five pairs of mens gloves and two vessels of vinegar.



These are what the king and his chieftains ordered that merchants were to present to the sovereign twice a year. This is also considered by some to be one of the first modern British customs duties enacted in 979 A.D.



Customs duties are certainly not unique to Vietnam nor are they a particularly new invention. Despite the recent proliferation of free trade agreements, clearly they are something that will be with us for some time to come.



These days more than ever, customs duties should not be overlooked especially as by some accounts, over half of world trade is now being carried out under preferential trade agreements such as the well known North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). In such an environment, effective customs planning as well as a comprehensive tax and customs strategy is no longer just an attractive option, but for many companies, it has become a necessity to remain competitive.



On the Asian front, ASEAN member countries are sharing information and best practices more than ever, and member countries national rules and regulations are evolving and taking on a distinctly international flavour.



In terms of bilateral agreements, Vietnam has signed the Vietnam-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (VJEPA) on October, 2009. In terms of multilateral agreements, Vietnam is member to a number of free trade agreements, as shown in Table 1.



This article is intended to illustrate the importance for companies involved in cross border trade to carefully design, implement and maintain an integrated customs strategy. To be most effective, such a strategy should combine both a wide range of customs considerations and also an integrated transfer pricing strategy.



There is a broad legal framework in place governing international customs rules and practices. This framework includes such guidance as the multilateral World Trade Organizations (WTO) Valuation Agreement and the guidance of the World Customs Organization. There are also specific bilateral agreements as we noted earlier. Thus, there are many sources of rules a company operating cross-border in Vietnam needs to consult to assure their customs strategy is sound.



On the Asian front, it is notable that Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) has set up a sub-committee on customs procedures and this committee has compiled the APEC Customs Best Practices Handbook, which provides summary information on customs practices across the APEC region.



Besides the basic laws relating to customs issues mentioned in Table 2, there are a number of decrees, circulars and decisions that are regularly updated on Vietnam Customs website.



Customs values

Customs valuations in Vietnam are regulated by Decree 40 (from 2007) and Circular 40 (from 2008). Based on this guidance, the transaction value of imported goods is subject to upward adjustments. For example, this may include royalties or commissions in the customs value of an imported item.



To determine the customs duty rate, it is necessary to first determine the applicable tariff code, then the country of origin. The certificate of origin has become an area of keen interest with the authorities in recent years. There are also a range of different rates including the normal rate, the free trade association rate and the Most Favoured Nation rate (MFN) applied between members of the WTO.



The transactional valuation method is generally the preferred valuation basis as the adoption of alternative methods can lead to uncertainty over customs duties and potential penalties.



It is worth noting that there are a number of conditions which must be satisfied in order to adopt the transactional value method. These mainly focus on price restrictions. For instance, to apply the transactional value method there should be no restrictions on the purchasers right to dispose of goods after they are imported.



The price should not be dependent on conditions or payments based on a value that cannot be determined. The purchaser should not be required to pay any additional amount after reselling or using the imported goods. In addition, there should be no special relationship between the purchaser and seller.

Documentation



To minimise risks, companies should prepare a customs dossier including all required documents. Normally a customs officer would expect to see the following documents: customs declaration dossiers, sales contracts (both Vietnamese and English versions), commercial invoices, import licences, packing lists, bill of lading or cargo manifest and certificate of origin.



It is also necessary to prepare documentation for any special relationship between the purchaser and seller. The authorities require importers to retain other documents relevant to the dutiable value determination.



To avoid falling foul of this very broad clause, it is prudent to retain as much supporting documentation as possible. The costs of archiving papers will be far lower than the potential penalties and administrative headaches that could result from a customs audit.



Monitoring

The Vietnamese authorities have a variety of methods to audit for customs compliance. Post-customs clearance audits may be completed at the border gate or at the customs department. In some instances, the division in charge of anti-smuggling investigations at the customs department may also perform such an audit. A regular customs audit will either take place at the companys office or will be undertaken at the customs office.



There is a growing trend among customs officials towards increased scrutiny of royalties and licence fees in relation to customs values. In recent years, the focus of this scrutiny has often been foreign-owned trading companies and foreign-invested service companies.



Generally, penalties for basic non-compliance with customs procedures are capped at VND70 million for administration matters. Penalties for serious violations of customs duties mirror those applicable for tax violations (one to three times the under-paid duties and interest of 0.05 per cent, per day on late payments).



Planning opportunities

A key issue facing businesses today is the lack of planning and the resulting missed opportunities to lower customs cost. This lack of planning can also cause problems with insufficient documentation and also lead to potential non-compliance with regulations.



Vietnam customs rules are often complex, frequently amended and subject to varying interpretations. Post-entry audits are often aggressively conducted by the customs authorities. As noted earlier, recent trends include a focus on royalties and licence fees added to customs value. Other risks include a lack of consistency in application of the rules for different locations and onerous documentation requirements.



The fast changing customs rules bring many difficulties for businesses. It is important for businesses to keep up to date with changing practices and legislation but there are occasionally situations where the authorities themselves may not be completely up to date and reliance can be placed on outdated methods.



Strategies and solutions

As mentioned earlier, good planning is essential when considering setting up a business in Vietnam. In addition, companies need transparent financial reporting systems, good compliance practices and a consistent approach to prepare for audit defense later. Beyond the basics, an integrated approach to tax, legal and customs planning and can help companies manage risk and improve cash flow.



Thus, when considering customs, there are many issues and pitfalls. As mentioned earlier, these include royalties for the use of brands, procedural non compliance, the use of wrong values, and lack of documentation. The key point to note is the importance of timely planning and proper documentation. The best approach is to be pro-active in customs planning and have an integrated strategy that combines customs, tax and transfer pricing considerations.



Please feel free to contact Grant Thornton Vietnam (GTV) tax partner Ronald Parks, or tax consultant Mr. Nguyen Truong Hiep, at #Ronald.Parks@gt.com.vn and Hiep.Nguyen@gt.com.vn respectively, should you have any questions about this article.
Accordingly, the French lender has offloaded over 74 million (74,705,347 to be exact) OCB shares, equivalent to 18.68 per cent of the lenders charter capital, on December 26, following almost a decade of investment in OCB.

OCB is now seeking for a new strategic shareholder

While the value of the deal has yet to be disclosed, the OCB shares are currently traded at around VND15,000 on the OTC market.

Late last month, some 18.9 million OCB stakes were on auction at the Hanoi Stock Exchange (HNX), as per Vietcombanks attempt to divest its holdings. Merely 13.2 million stakes found buyers, at prices of VND13,000-14,500 ($0.59-0.65), leaving some 30 per cent of the stakes unsold.

OCB, in the same month, issued a statement that it has been approved by the central bank to raise its charter capital from VND4 trillion ($181.81 million) to VND5 trillion ($227.27 million) through a private placement.

In a separate announcement on December 27, OCB also confirmed its foreign ownership limit of 4.98 per cent of its charter capital.

BNP Paribas was not alone in divesting, as a couple of foreign banks such as HSBC Holdings Plc. or Standard Chartered Plc. also decided to sell. After over a decade of being strategic investors of Techcombank and Asia Commercial Bank, in 2017, HSBC Holdings Plc. divested 19.41 per cent of its holdings in the former. Similarly, Standard Chartered Plc. offloaded 15.69 per cent of its stakes in the latter.

These moves raised some questions as to whether these UK banks were reformulating their modus operandi.

Pham Hong Hai, CEO of HSBC Vietnam once told VIR that foreign banks may not pay attention to mergers and acquisitions (M&A) or become strategic partners of local banks as they did in the past, but focus more on the development of their own local branches.

There is a clear tendency among foreign lenders not to spread out investments but focus on developing the markets where they hold a competitive advantage and markets that have the scale and potential to generate growth in line with the parent banks, said Hai.

BNP Paribas is among the first international banks to establish its presence in Vietnam in 1989 and obtained a full branch banking license in 1992.

As a leader in project financing, BNP Paribas continuously supports the development of the country in terms of infrastructure, communication, and energy. Multinational companies enjoy one-stop corporate and institutional banking services, covering working capital financing, cash management, supply chain, trade, and fixed income with significant positions both in local and foreign currencies. With BNP Paribas, local and international exporters benefit from one of the largest trade centre networks in the world.

BNP Paribas is present in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi and manages a joint venture between Cardif and Vietcombank for its insurance business.

The groups revenue as of September 2017 was down 1.8 per cent compared to the same period in 2016, which contributed to the unfavourable foreign exchange effect in the third quarter.

OCB to become first in Vietnam to successfully apply Basel II In late November, Orient Commercial Joint Stock Bank (OCB) successfully applied Basel II standards after two years of implementation, enabling the commercial bank to progress towards being one of the top ten best-performing financial institutions in Vietnam.

OCB successfully deploys IBMs QRadar solution Orient Commercial Bank has become Vietnams first bank to apply IBM Companys QRadar information security solution.
Overseas investors can look forward to another record-breaking year, Photo: Le Toan

Spotlight on consumer goods, retail, and banking

The past twelve months have been a busy period for foreign investors in Vietnam. Major state divestments continued to take place, most notably the share sales of Sabeco last month and Vinamilk in November, both of which garnered significant attention from overseas investors. The two sales together earned $5.41 billion for the state budget, and introduced Thai Beverage and Jardine Cycle & Carriage as Sabeco and Vinamilks major shareholders, respectively.

In the past year, foreign investors have also been active in share sales of leading private firms. One attractive sector is retail, which is poised for growth thanks to Vietnams expanding middle class and stronger consumption power. In October, Vincom Retail, Vietnams largest operator of shopping malls, conducted the largest initial public offering (IPO) ever in the country, raising $740 million from a slew of investment funds. Notable buyers include Templeton Investments, HSBC Global Asset Management, Dragon Capital, Singapores sovereign fund GIC, and Genesis Investment Management.

FPT Retail, another leading retailer of consumer electronics, sold 30 per cent of its shares to Dragon Capital and VinaCapital. The size of this deal was not disclosed. At the same time, Dragon Capital also spent another $10 million on 10 per cent of Mobile World Corporation, another major electronics retailer.

The banking sector is also shining bright. In August, leading commercial bank VPBank conducted its pre-IPO private sale for 78 foreign investors, adding $1.2 billion to its charter capital. After the sale and its subsequent IPO, VPBank is 22.34 per cent foreign-owned.

In the last two months of 2017, three major deals took place in the financial sector. First, PYN Elite Fund forked out $40 million for 4.99 per cent of TPBanks shares, marking its first investment in a Vietnamese bank. VinaCapital, after years of staying away from the banking sector, also bought the same amount of shares for $11 million at Oriental Commercial Bank.

HDBank, a yet-to-be-listed commercial bank, held its share sale near the end of December and collected $300 million from 76 foreign investors, who altogether own 21.5 per cent of shares. Major names include investment funds and banks such as Credit Saison, Deutsche Bank AG, CAM Bank, Macquarie Bank, JPMorgan Vietnam Opportunities Fund, and RWC Frontier Markets Opportunity Master Fund.

Andy Ho, chief investment officer of VinaCapital, pointed out that Vietnam stands apart from other markets thanks to a stable macro-economy, a focus on global integration, and a sound monetary policy. According to the financier, these and other factors helped the benchmark gauge VN-Index rise by more than 43 per cent in the year through November.

During this period, foreign investors have been net buyers of $1.2 billion of Vietnamese equities, spurred on by new listings from private companies, as well as an accelerated pace of equitisations of state-owned enterprises and the sale of government stakes in equitised companies, Ho said.

Looking forward

After a successful 2017, investment funds are anticipating another landmark year for Vietnamese equities. A common theme is a continued focus on state divestments, major IPOs, and other private offerings. Funds, however, differ in strategy.

Vu Huu Dien, fund manager of Dragon Capital, stated that divestments and private listings will offer once in a lifetime investment opportunities for funds. In particular, the government is looking to raise up to $18 billion from earmarked divestment projects and IPOs, while private listings can offer another $2 billion worth of shares to investors.

The pipeline suggests that banks and property companies will dominate upcoming listings and divestments, said Dien. He viewed this move as positive, as these sectors fit well with Dragon Capitals investment themes of Vietnams growing middle-class and rapid urbanisation.

In a recent note, Dien also expressed his hope that the foreign ownership limit at listed firms would be lifted soon, providing a strong catalyst for inbound capital and Vietnams upgrade to the emerging market status.

Analysts from Viet Dragon Securities highlighted that there will be 181 divestments and IPOs of state-owned firms in 2018, offering ample supply to foreign investors. The analysts believed that major state sales such as Airports Corporation of Vietnam, Petrolimex, and PetroVietnam Gas JSC will produce good results this year, as the government has gained experience from the large-scale Sabeco and Vinamilk sales last year.

Andy Ho from VinaCapital, meanwhile, said that the firms flagship fund Vietnam Opportunity Fund (VOF) will increase its exposure to private companies in Vietnam. In particular, VOF will boost its percentage of private equity from 8.1 per cent at present to 20 per cent over the next two years. The fund is currently reviewing a dozen transactions worth of $150 million, according to Ho.

The opportunities in the market are exciting, and investors keen to participate in a high-growth market should certainly put Vietnam at the top of their lists to consider, he added.

Vietnam Holding, another player in the Vietnamese market, wrote in a recent investors note that it will look closely at 70 mid-cap firms on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange, which are usually neglected in favour of blue-chip stocks. According to fund managers, these mid-cap stocks will offer the highest gains in the next three-to-five years.

Mid-cap stocks are 37 per cent less expensive than the 30 largest Vietnamese stocks, trading at only 11 or 12 times over their projected earnings. Investing in mid-caps is also a suitable option for a relatively modest investment fund like the $213 million Vietnam Holding, said the fund managers.

By Nam Phuong
Uber Vietnam has no legal standing to file a lawsuit on behalf of Uber B.V

Tran Ngoc Tam, director of the tax department, told Tuoitre that according to the courts decision, Uber Vietnam JSCthe petitioner in the lawsuitdoes not have legal standing, thus, the city court decided to suspend the lawsuit.

Notably, on December 20, Chu Xuan Binh, the legal representative of Uber Vietnam JSC, signed and stamped the petition to send to the court. However, according to the certificated proxy published on January 7, 2016, there is no content showing that Uber B.V authorised Uber Vietnam to raise lawsuits.

The court also added that Uber B.V, instead of Uber Vietnam, still has the right to turn to the court and press the lawsuit. Besides, Uber B.V can also appeal within seven days of receiving the courts decision.

Along with the decision to suspend the lawsuit, the court allowed the tax department to continue to enforce payments from Uber B.V.

With this decision, the tax department will resume the enforcement of payments until it recovers the VND53 billion ($2.33 million) in missed tax arrears, the director of the tax department stated.

Previously, by the December 23 deadline, Uber only paid VND13.3 billion ($585,665) of the VND66.68 billion ($2.94 million) of tax arrears, thus the department decided to take enforcement measures.

Accordingly, the tax department requested five banksVietcombank, Eximbank, Sacombank, ACB, and VietinBankto facilitate enforcement. Notably, the fares paid to Uber via bank account would be sent to the tax departments account instead of being transferred to Uber International Holding B.V. The duration of the coercion would have lasted for ten days.

After receiving the tax departments decision to take measures to recover its tax arrears, Uber officially took the department to court.

As a result, on December 29, the Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Court, after considering Ubers petition, asked the tax department to suspend enforcement measures until the final judgment of the court.
Bitcoin burst out of the shadows in 2017, seducing Wall Street and individual investors alike even though many still struggle to understand precisely what it is. The cryptocurrency's rise is also pushing regulators to consider taking action after years of simply urging caution. (Photo: AFP/Karen Bleier)

"One ought to apply what the basic rule is in any other financial transaction: everyone involved should reveal their identity," ECB governing council member Ewald Nowotny told the German daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung.

"We need a value-added tax on bitcoin, since it's not a currency," said Nowotny, who is head of Austria's central bank.

Nowotny's comments echo those by other ECB officials, who regard the bitcoin's spectacular surge in value as a bubble, rather than a sign it could be a digital competitor to the euro single currency used by its 19 member nations.

Nevertheless, the "digital gold" is a concern for central bankers as it can allow money launderers to dodge around increasingly strict rules in the traditional financial system.

"It can't be allowed that we've just decided to stop printing 500-euro notes to fight money laundering, that we've slapped strict rules on every tiny savings club, and then have to watch people blithely laundering money around the globe with bitcoin," Nowotny said.

Bitcoin, launched in 2009, is a virtual currency created from computer code. It and other virtual currencies use blockchain, which records transactions that are updated in real time on an online ledger and maintained by a network of computers.

Bitcoin is perhaps the best known and most popular virtual currency and its value surged as high as US$19,500 in December from around US$1,000 in January, but has slipped back after a series of warnings from governments and analysts about the risk and volatility associated with cryptocurrencies.

While blasting the cryptocurrency's bubble-like characteristics, Nowotny acknowledged the topic had "reached the heart of society," with people now asking him on the Vienna metro whether they should buy bitcoin, rather than gold as in the past.

But "the central bank would only have to intervene if (bitcoin) were to change people's behaviour. There are no signs of that yet," he said, noting that wild gyrations in bitcoin's value and slow transaction speeds made it hard to use for everyday payments.
EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini in Havana during a two-day visit aimed at strengthening ties with Cuba AFP/Jorge Luis BANOS

HAVANA: Blockading Cuba is not the solution, the European Union's foreign policy chief said Wednesday (Jan 4) on a trip aimed at strengthening ties with Havana, after Washington tightened restrictions on the island.

Much of the half-century-old US economic embargo against Cuba remains entrenched in law, but under former president Barack Obama federal authorities began to loosen some rules - something his successor Donald Trump vowed to reverse.

"The blockade (of Cuba) is not the solution. The Europeans have told our American friends many times; we have affirmed it in the United Nations," Federica Mogherini said during a presentation to students and teachers in Havana.

"We know well that the sole effect of the blockade is to worsen the quality of life of women, men and children," she said.

"The blockade is obsolete, it is illegal," Mogherini said.

Mogherini's remarks came on the first of a two-day visit to Cuba that will include meetings with officials with the aim of a "swift joint implementation of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA) between the EU and Cuba," according to an EU statement.

The agreement covers dialogue and cooperation on issues such as human rights, migration and drugs and governance, and commercial exchanges.

US-Cuba ties began to warm when Obama was in office, with the countries exchanging ambassadors in 2015 for the first time since 1961, but Trump has taken a different approach.

In June, Trump appeared in Miami before a cheering crowd of Cuban-Americans, including veterans of the failed CIA-backed Bay of Pigs invasion, to vow to reverse Obama's measures.

In November, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin laid out a series of revived rules.

Under the directives, Americans will be forbidden from doing business with entities on a State Department list headed by the Cuban defense and interior ministries.

Also on the list are five major holding companies with ties to Raul Castro's government or military, and which between them control much of the organized tourism sector.

The list goes on to list dozens of major hotels in Havana and several resorts, along with five Caribbean marinas, ten stores in touristy Old Havana and industries serving the military.
ANZs signature blue trademark at its 14 Le Thai To branch in Hanoi has now been replaced with Shinhans logo Photo: Huy Pham

In September, Singapores United Overseas Bank was given full licence to operate as the ninth wholly foreign-owned bank in Vietnam, and is now able to cater to the financial needs of Singaporean investors in the country, as well as help boost economic trade between the two nations.

That could be the selling point of the Southeast Asian lender over the course of the year. For its Australian counterparts, such as Australia and New Zealand Bank (ANZ) or Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), downsizing their business operations  namely the formers retail arm and the latters Ho Chi Minh City branch  may not prove as easy as it sounds.

An insider account

2018 marks the 25th local anniversary of ANZ, which is based out of Melbourne. 2017, meanwhile, constituted a landmark year, as the lender recently completed the handover of its retail business in the country to Shinhan Bank, a subsidiary of the Seoul-headquartered Shinhan Financial Group. It has been merely a couple of weeks since the signature blue trademark at some ANZ outlets was replaced with Shinhans logo.

A business reshuffle now sees ANZ focusing primarily on institutional banking, yet Dennis Hussey, Greater Mekong region head and CEO of ANZ Vietnam, stressed in an interview in Ho Chi Minh City last month, Id like to reassure you that this doesnt change our commitment to Vietnam. We remain focused as always in bringing innovations here, targeting multinational companies as well as major Vietnamese corporates and Vietnamese banks.

Retail, as the CEO explained, has been an extremely profitable and high-growth business for ANZ in Vietnam, so parting with the arm will necessarily have an impact on the bank  but with confidence, that will be overcome. The most important thing is that retail has been associated with the ANZ brand in Vietnam  so yes there are worries that we can be less visible after selling the retail business, but our focus right now is to serve our corporate clients and well make sure we do that well, Hussey said.

He added, For Vietnamese corporates, wed like to help major ones that are successful and want to invest overseas [with the laws they will encounter]. Im excited about that. For the first time, were seeing significant outbound mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in Vietnam, and this trend will continue as Vietnam companies grow bigger and feel the need to expand overseas.

Forecast for growth

The commitment that ANZ has for Vietnam may have arrived from the business prospects it sees here. For others, it boils down to the countrys impressive economic growth that promises a business for life.

A 145-year presence in the local market is definitely enough to prove the commitment of a foreign bank. For UK-backed HSBC, it may be the entry into a longer journey with the emerging economy. Pham Hong Hai, CEO of the banks Vietnam subsidiary, said in an interview with VIR that the lender has grown with the development of the country over the years, and will continue to contribute toward a stronger banking industry in the years to come.

HSBCs commitment with Vietnam, according to Hai, stems from the openness of the country, the growth of its economy, and the stability of the political system. He said, Its GDP growth has been one of the highest in the region, at 5-6.5 per cent a year. FDI investors have often viewed Vietnam as one of the preferred investment destinations, given its stable macro and political environment.

Vietnam also has a high-potential retail market, valued at $158 billion in 2016, and a sizable domestic market with the countrys population ranking third in ASEAN and 13th in the world. Domestic demand has been resilient, especially for sophisticated products and services.

For these reasons, Vietnam has been an important part of HSBCs ASEAN business strategy and footprint, and the lender will keep strengthening its focus on growing the local franchise. We continue the mission to be a bank of choice for foreign investors who want to build their business in Vietnam, and for Vietnamese corporates that want to expand internationally. Our vision is to become the best international bank in Vietnam, Hai said.

If it is the market potential that keeps HSBC here, Standard Chartered Vietnam sees Vietnam as the market that offers the lender the opportunity to achieve its ambition  that of becoming an international network bank that ensures prosperity through diversity.

CEO Nirukt Sapru of Standard Chartered Vietnam, ASEAN and South Asia Cluster Markets, said, Standard Chartered Bank sees Vietnam as an exciting market for all business segments: corporate, retail, and SME clients. We are committed to continuing to serve Vietnamese people and companies by providing them access to world class financial services, including digital innovations that make banking more convenient and secure. We have been in Vietnam for over 110 years, and those deep local roots combined with our unparalleled international network puts us in a unique position to serve the needs of Vietnamese people and companies.

Our strategy is to continue to provide a superior product and a superior level of service to our clients in Vietnam, while using our international network to help Vietnamese connect with global markets and supply chains, he added.

Strategy on the horizon

After over a decade of being strategic investors with Techcombank and Asia Commercial Bank, respectively, in 2017 HSBC Holdings Plc. divested 19.41 per cent of its holdings at the former, and Standard Chartered Plc. offloaded 15.69 per cent of the stakes it had with the latter. Such moves did raise some questions as to whether these UK banks are reformulating their missions.

Hai of HSBC noted that foreign banks may no longer pay attention to M&A or to becoming strategic partners of local banks, and rather focus more on self-development  or in this case, on their local units.

Weve seen a tendency of foreign lenders not spreading their investment on the horizon, but rather focusing on developing the markets in which they have the competitive advantage, and in those with scale and capability to generate growth in line with parent banks, said Hai.

While foreign banks may no longer be interested in taking up stakes at local banks, foreign investment funds would likely invest in those with potential and healthy corporate management.

Meanwhile, as a new member of the pack of local firms, United Overseas Bank Vietnam has set its strategy on lending to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as it has significant experience working with them in other markets.

Fred Lim, the Vietnam branchs executive director and retail head, noted, We know what it takes for small businesses to grow, and well bring this expertise to Vietnam. We have a dedicated banking business service for SMEs.

By Trang Nguyen and Nam Phuong
Nawaplastic Industries (Saraburi) has wrapped up the sale of 21.27 million NTP shares of Thieu Nien Tien Phong Plastics, or 23.84 percent of charter capital of the company, after five years of investment.



Analysts said the Thai investor earns roughly VND1.5 trillion, or three times higher than the initial investment capital. Prior to that, it received hundreds of billions of dong worth of dividends from Thieu Nien Tien Phong Plastics.



Pyn Elite Fund announced its net asset value has reached 420 million euros, an increase of 80 million euros compared to the beginning of the year.



The fund has made big money so far this year because the prices of the shares it is holding, including The Gioi Di Dong (MWG), Hoa Binh (HBC), DIC Corp (DIG), Khang Dien (KDH) and Vinaconex (VCG), have been increasing sharply.

Some foreign funds are leaving Vietnam after making huge profits from their investment deals, while others are entering the country to seek new opportunities.

Just after nine months of investment, the fund from Finland (which was initially named Mutual Fund Elite) has earned VND2 trillion from the Vietnamese stock market.



After re-assessing the investment item, Singaporean beverage group F&N reported the profit of $1 billion from Vinamilk shares.



Prior to that, F&N Dairy Investments earned VND460 billion in dividends from Vinamilk which advanced 2017 dividend in the first campaign (VND2,000 per share).



Meanwhile, Military Banks share price soared by 70 percent in the first nine months of the year. With the current price of VND23,000 per share, the 10 million MBB shares held by Composite Capital Master Fund LP are worth VND230 billion.



Pyn, Dragon Capital and VinaCapital, the three investment funds with largest investment capital in Vietnam, all have been doing well since the beginning of the year. They have been selling shares for profit and pouring money into other shares to optimize profit.



The profits in Vietnam have encouraged more foreign funds to come to Vietnam.



Soon after Nawaplastic withdrew capital from Tien Phong Plastics, another foreign investor poured money into it. The investor, who successfully bought 9 million shares worth VND700 million on October 12, was from Japan.



In 2016-2017 fiscal year, VOF, managed by VinaCapital, injected $220 million into private, listed companies and bonds after withdrawing capital from foreign markets.



Sixty percent of investments in VOFs portfolio are listed shares, including ones with very high price increases such as HPG (+50 percent) and VNM (+40 percent).



Analysts noted that some Japanese institutions are eyeing the shares of oil & gas companies. A subsidiary of Tokyo Gas spent VND1.3 trillion to acquire 24.9 percent of PGD. Meanwhile, JX Nippon Oil & Energy is a strategic shareholder of Petrolimex.
An aircraft takes off from Tan Son Nhat international airport, Ho Chi Minh City

The project aims to develop an international air route network connecting Vietnam and countries and areas such as the US, China, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Russia, Germany, Australia, France, the UK and India, as well as potential markets like the United Arab Emirates and South Africa, which will be run by both domestic and foreign airlines.

It will also focus on how to link aviation activities and tourism development, towards attracting more foreign visitors to Vietnam.

The project is hoped to make it easy for foreign airlines to increase the frequency of flights from international airports to those of Vietnam.



Regarding Vietnams airline development with China, the Ministry of Transport will work with Chinese authorities in charge of airline affairs to remove difficulties facing Vietnamese airlines in running routes to China.



By 2020, Vietnamese carriers will open new routes from several economic hubs and tourism cities of Vietnam to Chinese localities.



Vietnam and Russia will also consider signing more agreements to expand air routes connecting the two countries and routes from Vietnam to third countries through Russian airports.



New air routes will be opened to connect Vietnam and Russias Yekaterinburg and Vladivostok cities, while the number of flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Moscow will be increased.



Vietnam will also develop direct air routes to the cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles of the US in 2018.
People pause in front of candles and messages set up in front of floral tributes in Albert Square in Manchester on May 23, 2017. (Photo: AFP/Ben Stansall)

CCTV footage played in court showed Chris Parker wandering between victims bleeding on the floor after the bombing outside a pop concert in the northern English city in which 22 people were killed.

Parker, 33, was seen in the footage taking a purse from the handbag of Pauline Healey, whose 14-year-old granddaughter lay dying nearby, and he later used her bank card at a local McDonald's, the court heard.

He was interviewed by British media in the aftermath of the attack carried out by Salman Abedi, saying he had been begging outside the concert arena when the bomb went off.

A tearful Parker told the Press Association news agency at the time: "I heard a bang and within a split second I saw a white flash, then smoke and then I heard screaming."

"It knocked me to the floor and then I got up and instead of running away my gut instinct was to run back and try and help," he said.

"There was people lying on the floor everywhere," he recounted, adding that a woman had died in his arms and he had come to the rescue of a little girl whose mother had been killed.

Parker was also accused of stealing a mobile phone from a teenage girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, at the scene of the explosion.

Parker has a string of previous convictions, including shoplifting and burglary.

He had failed to appear in court on Tuesday and was found hiding in the loft of a house in Halifax in West Yorkshire, where he was arrested.
Bibek Debroy and Sadanand Dhume sparred over job creation under Narendra Modi government following reports of proposed curbs on H1B visas in the US.

By India Today Web Desk: A day after reports suggested that the Donald Trump administration of the US was considering new regulations to prevent the extension of H-1B visas, two noted economists sparred over promised jobs under the Narendra Modi government.

Chairman of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Economic Advisory Committee Bibek Debroy and noted economist and columnist Sadanand Dhume played 'a rhyming game' of arguments on Twitter as they exchanged views on job creation in India and the proposed regulations in the US.

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It all began with Bibek Debroy commenting on H1B visa policy review of the US. "If H-1B rules are given a tweak/Some futures may turn downright bleak/Waiting for the card to turn green/They will have to deport the scene/Without a paddle and up the creek," Debroy wrote on Twitter this morning.

The H1B visa rules are being reviewed by the US as part of President Donald Trump's "Buy American, Hire American" push. This move is likely to hit tech firms affecting lakhs of Indian professionals working in the US.

The proposed move of the US government may prevent hundreds of thousands of foreign workers from keeping their H-1B visas while their green card applications are pending. The proposal has been put forth by the Department of Homeland Security Department (DHS).

Responding to Bibek Debroy's post, Sadanand Dhume said, "Amidst the sobs/About looming H-1B probs/I have a query/That we should not bury/Why hasn't Modi sarkar created jobs?"

Dhume raised the question that many have been asking from the Modi government. As prime ministerial candidate of the BJP, Narendra Modi had promised to create 2 crore jobs every year. However, Debroy termed the Dhume's inference of lack of job creation as his "deduction".

Debroy said, "That deduction/Is your construction/I thought you knew/That data are askew/But what can one do about your self-induction?" This was followed a series of poetic formations by the two economists.

"Let's not blame the data/On a rather pressing matter/Hard to make the case/That jobs have grown apace/As promised by dear neta," Dhume wrote prompting Debroy to reject his argument saying, "You are the one who made a case/Admit you lost some face/If you desert/What you did assert/You have tripped on your own shoelace."

Before Dhume and Debroy put an end to their engaging exchange on the micro-blogging site, the former said, "This is not about you or me/We're discussing the economy/But thanks for your time/Always fun to rhyme/Even if we don't agree."

Debroy agreed to call it a truce with these words: "Indeed not about you and me/But as analysts we should agree/When data are old/It is best not to be bold/And yes, enjoyed the wit and repartee."

ALSO WATCH | Centre needs to fix crashing job market before 2019 polls

--- ENDS ---
The move of storm Bolaven (Source: nchmf.gov.vn)

At 4am on January 4, the tropical pressure systems centre was at 11.7 degrees north latitude and 111.8 degrees east longitude, about 300km from the shore of south central provinces of Phu Yen and Ninh Thuan provinces.

The strongest wind near the systems centre was about 40-60 km per hour.

It is forecast to move west in the next 12 hours, and then likely to change direction to west-southwest at a speed of 20 km per hour, further weakening into a low pressure system.

By 4pm on January 4, the low pressure system is forecast to be at 11.3 degrees north latitude and 109.3 degrees east longitude, in the waters of provinces from Ninh Thuan southwards to Ben Tre.

Strong rain and wind are forecast for the western area in the middle of the East Sea, including the northwest area of Truong Sa archipelago.

Central Highlands and Southern localities have been directed to take measures to cope with the storm.

They have been asked to monitor the movements of storm, thus warning owners of ships operating offshore, advising them to seek safe harbours. They were also required to check the safety of dyke systems and infrastructure works in coastal areas.

Last year a record 16 storms and six tropical depressions formed in the East Sea, of which five storms and three tropical depressions directly hit Vietnam.

Two of the storms were severe: storm No. 10 (Doksuri) struck the north central region in mid-September and storm No. 12 (Damrey) hit the south central region in November.

Damrey is the heaviest storm in the last 30 years. After nine hours raging the south central provinces of Phu Yen and Khanh Hoa at 133km per hour, the storm killed 44 people, damaged 114,000 houses in Khanh Hoa province and caused landslides.

The storm circulation and cold air led to heavy downpours from Thua ThienHue province to Binh Thuan province as well as in the Central Highlands, affecting the lives of 4.3 million people. The total loss caused by Damrey was estimated at 22,680 billion VND (1 billion USD).
Inter-korean dialogue is always "a positive development," says Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres, pictured on Dec 21, 2017. (AFP/Robin UTRECHT)

UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday (Jan 3) welcomed the reopening of a hotline between North and South Korea, and voiced hope for more diplomatic initiatives to end the peninsula's nuclear standoff.

North and South Korea earlier on Wednesday reopened the communication channel that had been shut since 2016, following an offer from North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un to send a team to next month's Winter Olympics in South Korea.

"It is always a positive development to have a dialogue between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea," said UN spokesman Farhan Haq.

Guterres "welcomes the reopening of the inter-Korean communication channel," he added.

UN Security Council resolutions call for the de-nuclearisation of the Korean peninsula and "we hope that enhanced diplomatic initiatives will help to achieve that goal," said Haq.

South Korea has offered to hold talks with the North on Jan 9 to discuss "matters of mutual interest" including the North's Olympic participation.

Guterres' support for inter-Korean dialogue stood in contrast to remarks from US Ambassador Nikki Haley, who on Tuesday dismissed the overtures between Pyongyang and Seoul as a "Band-Aid".

The United States, backed by Japan, is pushing for sanctions and total isolation of Kim's regime in response to a series of missile launches and nuclear tests.

Russia, and North Korea's sole major ally China, have repeatedly called for talks to de-escalate tensions, but the United States has been adamant that Pyongyang must first freeze its military programmes.

Haley warned on Tuesday that if Pyongyang carries out another missile test, it would face the likelihood of even more sanctions.

The Security Council adopted a new raft of sanctions on Dec 22 to restrict oil supplies to North Korea - the third set of measures imposed on Pyongyang in a year.
In the afternoon of January 4, aviation security entering the immigration area of Noi Bai International Airport for the arrest

Extradition from Singapore

MoPS announced having taken defendant Phan Van Anh Vu into custody after he was deported from Singapore. A Vietnamese airline confirmed a passenger named Phan Van Anh Vu (born on November 2, 1975) on the flight from Singapore to Noi Bai International Airport at 3.37 PM today. At the time of his arrival, aviation security personnel and cars were waiting for him at the immigration area and outside the airport.

On January 2, 2018, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore announced that Phan Van Anh Vu was arrested on December 28, 2017 for committing offences under the Immigration Act.

According to the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Agreement signed in November 2004 between Vietnam, Singapore, and six ASEAN members, member states "must provide each other with the widest possible judicial assistance in investigation, prosecution, and subsequent proceedings."

MoPS released the arrest warrant on December 21, 2017 because Vu was absent from his house at 82 Tran Quoc Toan Street, Hai Chau 1 Ward, Hai Chau District, Danang since December 20, 2017. He was accused of deliberately committing an offense according to Article 263 of the Penal Code (1999).

Phan Van Anh Vu

A deliberate offense

Phan Van Anh Vu is chairman of Bac Nam 79 Construction JSC former chairman of Nova Bac Nam 79 JSC (now Chan Phong Development and Investment JSC).

He has been known as the owner of many land plots in prime locations in Danang, most of which used to be public land.

In the middle of 2017, it was said that some projects in Danang showed signs of violations, including the sale of houses in public ownership.

MoPS requested the leaders of Danang to provide documents related to nine projects selling or renting out 31 such houses in the central city.

The nine projects include An Don Park (2010), Harbour Ville managed by Mega Investment Company (2008), Phu Gia Compoud in Thanh Khe District (2007), a cafe, bar, and restaurant tourism and marina area in front of Vietnam Television Broadcasting in Danang (2015), Da Phuoc international urban area (based on 181 hectares, 2008), No. 12-B4.1 in the An Cu residential area expansion in Son Tra District (2009), Ecopark Phu Gia Riverside in Cam Le District (2010), and a coastal tourism area at Truong Sa Street in Ngu Hanh Son dDstrict (2007).

Of these projects, five were related to Vu Nhom.

Before prosecuted, he had divested of the companies under his ownership. As stated in the registration certificate of Bac Nam 79 Construction JSC revised on April 26, 2017, Phan Van Anh Vu divested VND650 billion ($28.6 million), equivalent to 92.86 per cent of the companys charter capital.

According to the registration certificate of Phu Gia Compound revised on April 7, 2017, Phan Van Anh Vu divested a total VND40 billion ($1.8 million), equaling 80 per cent of the companys charter capital.

He only owns 12.75 per cent of Dong A Banks charter capital, equivalent to VND637 billion ($28 million).

The case is being investigated by MoPS.
The Russo-Baltique bottle was made of gold, silver and a diamond-studded cap.

By Asian News International: The reportedly world's most expensive vodka bottle has been stolen from a bar in Danish capital of Copenhagen, according to a media report.

The Russo-Baltique bottle with a price tag of USD 1.3 million (Rs 8.2 crore) was made of gold and silver, 3 kg each, and had a diamond-studded cap.

According to Brian Engberg, owner of the Cafe 33 bar, where the theft happened, the bottle had been loaned from a Russian businessman.

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Also Read: How to grow your own onions, since they're so expensive now

In the CCTV footage, a man wearing a cap and a balaclava on his face can be seen entering the bar and taking the bottle.

According to initial investigation, only the Russo-Baltique bottle has been stolen and some 1,200 vodka bottles have been left untouched in the bar.

Police said they were yet to confirm whether the thief broke into the bar.

--- ENDS ---
Short-Stay Parking Bays for Alameda Estate

As part of Zone 1 Residential Parking Scheme, 2 short stay drop off / loading and unloading bays will be established on Red Sands Road directly outside both Red Sands House and Alameda House.

These bays, located centrally within the Alameda Housing Estate, will cater for those in need of gaining access to their homes with shopping and heavy items, for helpers, friends and family who do not reside within the Scheme boundaries wishing to assist persons getting to their homes or for the delivery of essentials, such as food. These bays will also provide small businesses with very short-term parking for deliveries of groceries and other heavy goods.

As from Monday 15th January 2018, the short-stay bays will have a maximum parking time of 30 minutes and will be operational between the hours of 8am and 7pm daily, outside of which they will revert to regular parking for Residents Permit holders only.

Longer-term Pay & Display parking facilities are available at Grand Parade and on Rosia Road for non-residents and those without a Residents Permit for the area.

The Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Paul Balban, said, I am greatly encouraged that the Residential Parking Scheme for Zone 1 has now settled well among the residents of the area and seems to be working as expected. The Scheme has greatly improved the parking provision for residents of the area. These new tweaks will now help improve facilities for those requiring very short-term parking facilities to assist or access persons in need or to deliver groceries or other items to them.
British Airways Announces New London Gatwick  Gibraltar Service

British Airways have announced the launch of a new seasonal route from London Gatwick to Gibraltar which will commence on Monday 28th May, in time for the peak summer season.

The route will operate 6 times weekly, daily except Tuesday, and will run until Saturday 29th September. Over 2,000 additional return seats will be offered per week, with a total of 37,000 seats for the period of operation. This is in addition to the 11 weekly flights from Heathrow during the summer.

Minister for Tourism and Commercial Aviation, the Hon Gilbert Licudi, said: This is fantastic news for Gibraltar, with much needed capacity left behind by Monarch Airlines being filled up by British Airways. London Gatwick is Gibraltars busiest route and these additional weekly services highlight the demand on this route, and will complement the British Airways existing London Heathrow services. This shows British Airways confidence in the Gibraltar market. In addition, with easyJet increasing capacity by upgrading to larger aircraft and the charter services from various UK regional departure points in the UK being offered by Super Break, this will undoubtedly boost the tourism industry as well as providing further vital links to major UK airports to all business and leisure travellers.

The new British Airways London Gatwick flights are now available to book on www.ba.com
Photo: Universal Pictures

Writing-directing partners James Wan and Leigh Whannell helped mainstream torture-centric horror in the United States with the Saw movies back in mid-aughts. A few years later, they veered sharply away from their violent beginnings to lead a sort of supernatural horror boom with the Insidious franchise and then The Conjuring. Though Wan has stepped into a producing role, Whannell is still writing ghost stories: This weekend, Insidious: The Last Key will commemorate eight years of Insidious living squarely in the center of our horror consciousness.

This time around, Lin Shayes Elise Rainier has, at long last, become the center of the film, which feels more and more like a long apology to fans for killing her character off in the first Insidious. (They can keep apologizing. Thats fine!) Since its been so long since we started on this journey, lets take a look back at the Insidious mythology, reminding you which ghosts mattered the most, and where the hell we are in the timeline of this series.

Insidious (2010)

Stylistically, the first Insidious wrote the visual playbook for the floating-eye camera style that came to define James Wans ghost movies. As the franchise that snapped us out of the gore-sploitation era, its a practically quaint little haunting story. For the first go-round, its all about the Lambert family: Josh (Patrick Wilson), Renai (Rose Byrne), their sons Dalton (Ty Simpkins) and Foster (Andrew Astor), and a little baby. After Dalton falls into a coma that medical science has no explanation for  and their home becomes extremely haunted  Josh and Renai are forced to consider alternate solutions. Joshs mom, Lorraine (Barbara Hershey), has a hunch this is all supernatural  because she confronted a similar problem with Josh when he was a boy. It turns out that Dalton and Josh share an ability to astrally project from their bodies and interact with the spirit dimension. For Josh, that resulted in his being exposed to a spirit that followed him back to the corporeal plane and could be seen only in photographs, and for Dalton that meant getting trapped in an alternate dimension inhabited by ghosts, some of which want to keep his soul prisoner so they can possess his empty human body and walk among the living again. Rude!

This is how we meet Elise Rainier, whom Lorraine enlisted to help Josh when he was a young. She shows up with her Spectral Sightings assistants, Specs and Tucker, and together they run a semi-high-tech spirit intervention business. Elise explains the shared abilities of Josh and Dalton, and tells them about the spirit realm she calls the Further, where Daltons soul is being held captive by a red-faced demon with hooves. Happens to the best of us. If Daltons body is left for too long, a spirit will find its way in, so Josh and Elise have to enter the Further and pull him out before its too late. They succeed, but before celebratory drinks are over, Elise senses that Josh isnt quite himself  and shes right. A spontaneous photo of him captures an image of a woman shrouded in black (the same one who latched onto him as a child), who followed Josh back from the Further and possessed his body before his soul could return. The movie ends right after Josh  now inhabited by the Bride in Black  strangles Elise to death. Renai finds the body in the living room.

Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013)

Chapter 2 picks up right where one left off, with Renai being questioned by police after Elises death. Obviously, since Josh is possessed by the Bride in Black, the Lambert family is still totally being haunted, and the remaining good guys need to find out the origin of the entity so they can banish it for good. Without Elise, they enlist the help of another medium named Carl, who was friends with Elise and also helped Josh when he was a young boy, which is where the story opens: In 1986, Lorraine called in Elise and Carl to help free her son from the infamous Bride in Black. The two mediums repressed little Joshs ability to enter the Further, which kept the malevolent force at bay, but it turns out the Bride stayed waiting in the Lambert family basement until it could strike again. With Josh, Renai, and the kids staying at Lorraines house while the cops clear the crime scene in their front room, that puts them in the line of Angry Spirit Fire.

The second movie gets deep in the weeds, revealing more about the Further and the origin of the Bride, who, in life, was a man named Parker Crane. It turns out Crane was a patient at the hospital where Lorraine Lambert worked as a doctor. He was admitted after trying to castrate himself, and eventually jumped to his death from the roof of the building. Before dying, Crane managed to murder 15 women as a serial killer known as  you guessed it!  the Black Bride, because he wore a black wedding dress when slaughtering his victims. He did so on the orders of his mother, who raised him as a girl  and whose ghost is also now also haunting the Lamberts, ordering her sons spirit (which, as youll recall, is inhabiting the body of Josh) to kill the entire family.

Because Joshs body is possessed, it means his spirit is in the Further. After being attacked by Bride Josh, Carl enters the Further to find Spirit Josh so they can try to contact Elises ghost and enlist her help to vanquish the Bride once and for all. On this mission, Spirit Josh realizes hes experiencing time out of order, and we see callback events to the first film  and its revealed that some of the spooky occurrences in the first Insidious were actually spirit Josh traveling through Further time to try and warn his family about threatening demons! Spirit Josh even visits little 1986 Josh to find out where The Brides Further HQ is, so he can finally destroy her. (The Cranes had a home of their own, but for some reason, in the afterlife, they live in Lorraines basement.)

The three good guys end up in a confrontation with mother Crane. While shes trying to choke Spirit Josh to death, Elise comes in with the surprise attack, beating mother Crane to death (as much as ghosts can die again) with a rocking horse. This proves to be the final liberating act, as the Bride in Black is sucked from Joshs body and into Further oblivion. As Joshs spirit finally returns to his body, we see ghost Elise fade into the black. Its surprisingly sad to say goodbye to Elise again, but fortunately, the movie ends with Specs and Tucker doing a cold call on a house because a friend of theirs said a woman who lives there is in trouble. As the Spectral Sightings boys talk to the family at the door, ghost Elise enters the house to talk to a catatonic girl whos probably on the receiving end of some asshole ghost thats trying to claim her. A mediums work is never done!!! Not even in death.

Insidious: Chapter 3 (2015)

Chapter 3 is the first prequel in the Insidious franchise, and it takes place a few years before the Lambert haunting. The third movie shows us how Elise came to use her gifts again after swearing them off for a time, as well as how she built the Spectral Sightings business with Tucker and Specs. Most important to the mythology, though, is what we learn about the heroic mediums eventual murder.

The ghost of the week in Chapter 3 is a withered man in an oxygen mask that keeps living things as pets; when we enter Chapter 3, he has claimed young Quinn Brenner, a teen girl who thinks the ghost of her dead mother has been communicating with her when its really been a lonely malevolent spirit beckoning her to the dark side. (Although her mom has also been trying to send her a hail.) Desperate and afraid, Quinns dad Sean (Dermot Mulroney) finds Elise and pleads with her to take up Quinns case, and in explaining to him why she retired, Elise actually maps out how she will eventually die (in the first Insidious).

After her husband committed suicide, Elise projected into the spirit world to find him, and an entity, the Bride in Black, followed her back. She tells Sean, A woman. I could hear her in my head screaming over and over that shes going to kill me. I think no; I know. If I continue with this work, shes going to kill me. (Based on what we know from the first and second movies, the Bride has probably been pissed at Elise since 1986, and was only able to latch onto her after the death of her husband.) She relays the same story to Carl, whos popping up again after Chapter 2 to give her council; when Elise says that she truly does believe she will die by the hand of the Bride  and thats why she can no longer use her gift to help others  Carl says, Youre stronger than her. Youre alive.

Elise obviously does decide to help Quinn, regardless of the personal risk to herself, and when she goes into the Further to guide Quinn back to this world she encounters the Bride, who leaps forward and strangles her and says, This is how you die. Elise replies, Not today it isnt, before overpowering her and forcing her into retreat. That showdown, however, was in the Further, where Elise was alive and the Bride was a ghost. In the first Insidious, the demon possesses the body of Josh Lambert, making it a human-on-human murder, meaning the Brides threats were actually prophecy.

But this movie ends with a (very temporary) happily-ever-after, with Elise rescuing Quinn, putting her in touch with her mothers spirit, and striking up a business partnership with Tucker and Specs.

Insidious: The Last Key

The latest effort to rectify the death of Elise Rainier, the heart of the Insidious franchise, is The Last Key, in which fans will learn the origin story of their favorite interdimensional traveler. Its a sequel to a prequel (taking place after Chapter 3 but before the original Insidious) and the fourth installment of a horror franchise  but the ascendance of Shaye to full-on leading lady, along with the introduction of murder-mystery elements and some new Rainier family drama (welcome aboard, Bruce Davison!), helps set Last Key apart from the first three movies, and keeps it from veering into total Scooby and the Gang spooky serials territory.

One of the charming things about Insidious has always been that its demons look  a little bit silly, giving them an old-fashioned haunted-house-movie feel, especially when theyre not human-based. That red-faced demon from the first movie was pretty goofy, but the new super-specter is actually really creepy-looking, and a big gray skin sack with keys for fingers that can lock your voice inside your throat forever is almost del Toroesque. Whether or not a fifth Insidious goes into production is likely dependent on the box-office performance of Last Key, but Shaye is as good as ever in the latest chapter of this saga. And even though you know shes destined to die, its always a joy to watch Elise Rainier work.
Barry Jenkins. Photo: Kris Connor/Getty Images for The Academy of

On Wednesday night, Barry Jenkins and a few sips of Woodford Reserve were on a plane headed to LAX. The result of that flight, to the rest of the internets glee: 35 blissful tweets chronicling Jenkinss peering over another passengers shoulder to dip into the ever-delightful Notting Hill. (Secondhand watching movies on planes is a favorite Vulture pastime, of course.) For the uncultured swine among us: The British rom-com has Julia Roberts turning in the second-best performance of her career as the jaded movie star that falls for a humble travel-bookshop owner, Hugh Grant. Theres also a Mischa Barton cameo, and important lines about being just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her. Jenkins goes through the gamut of human emotions on this watch: from praising Grants English cat game to stanning Rhys Ifans to being blinded by Robertss smile. Enjoy:

In other news, the woman next to me is watching NOTTING HILL. A few choice folks will get the irony of this happening on my last flight of this sojourn. Also... Julia Roberts is STUNNING in this film. And holy shit Lester Freamon is in this?!  Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018

After peeping these dolly/zoom combos in this dinner scene I looked up the director and OF COURSE its Roger Michell!!! a G and a Gent, was a Telluride regular for quite some time.  Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018

And this really is THE primo soundtrack for a NOTTING HILL watch, fyi pic.twitter.com/VAGoyPUUXo  Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018

Okay so I cant actually hear the movie, somebody help me, whats up with Hughs character? He just made out with Julia Roberts and Im like... HUH? Julia just looks waaaaaaaay too much for his character in this! But I cant hear it so maybe he got game? Like English cat game???  Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018

Okay somebody tweeted me that Hugh owns a bookstore, but... on their first date Julia had that braid AND that onesie body suit tucked into jeans and flat heel boots, she was basically Jay-Lo on IN LIVING COLOR! Translation: TEW MUCH FOR HUGH!!!  Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018

And my ITunes is starting to actually sync with the movie. They seemed to break up and now Julia is in a space suit (?!) and THIS just came on!!! pic.twitter.com/FF2LTL0s5d  Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018

Yoooooooo is that wild lookin English cat I aint seem him in forever!!! The dude with the crazy hair, he got jokes I remember that dude!!!!!  Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018

(For the record, hes talking about Rhys Ifans.)

Okay I maybe should stop drinking I had NO IDEA that woman was in a wheelchair. Like... is that a reveal or did I just miss it??? I mean, obviously this thread is being helped along by our friend Woodford Reserve   Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018

WHY IS THERE A SCENE OF HUGH GRANT SHAVING?! Everybody knows HUGH GRANT DONT SHAVE!!!! That dude aint NEVER NOT BEEN CLEAN SHAVEN!!! I doth protest!!! English cat game means HUGH AINT TO SHAVE BRUH!!!!! Flag on the play Coach Michell!!!  Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018

Clearly a period piece BTW: what kind of bookstore owner has a flat like THAT in NOTTING HILL? This one actually isnt a joke, what weve done to our neighborhoods, to property values and the VALUE of certain jobs is so damn sobering, depressing  Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018

(Another aside: For the record, your crush Barry Jenkinss first film, Medicine for Melancholy, movingly addresses gentrification in San Francisco, so maybe check it out.)

Okay: Julia Roberts on a roof in Notting Hill. In Hugh Grants sweatshirt on a roof in Notting Hill. Little to no makeup. Reebok trainers. Wow. If I were Julia and I saw myself in the mirorr, SAW MYSELF looking that way, FEELING that comfortable? Okay THEN... then I would get it.  Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018

Oh god oh god watching a quasi love making scene between Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts over someones shoulder is like CRAZY AWKWARD!!!!  Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018

But wait, did I miss it??? Like, she walked in this Oxford two-sizes too big a weeeeeeee bit PRETTY WOMAN but I didnt say that  And then there was a circle dolly and a dissolve and his hand on her back...  Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018

Or was it HER hand on HIS back?!?!?!?  Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018

Wow and now she is PISSED!!! Because I was looking at my phone figuring out how to do a poll I have no idea why she is pissed   Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018

Random thought: the makeup artist working with Julia on this film is SUPERB. At first I thought it was too cute a tell to reduce her makeup as she grew comfortable with him but they stuck to it and its subtle and just superb. Hats off to script sup and make up artist there   Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018

Okay so Hugh is in his bookstore now and as a lover of books and a believer of miracles I can see, I can FINALLY FULLY see how Julia Roberts as Jenny From The Block fell for this English Cat Game, I salute you book slinging grey Oxford wearing remnants of shaving Hugh Grant   Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018

Fuuuuuuuuuug JULIA ROBERTS IS LIKE... Julia Roberts is a lamp you find in some antique shop in Novia Scotia. A bulb rather. With infinite lumens and a millionwatt range. She looked at him and I felt his loss. There was a time when this womans smile could literally replenish you  Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018

The Wi-Fi is finally getting spotty. But I think were near the end? I just lost a tweet when the Wi-Fi gave out. But thats fine. I should get back to my actual writing.  Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018

But... all I can think as I watch this is... I love that I get to do this for a living. And I have no idea what hes saying but he better be spitting some SERIOUS English Cat Game because thats JULIA FUGGIN ROBERTS bruh and she is SHO NUFF in this flick!  Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018

SHE LEFT?! SHE WALKED OUT THE DOOR!!!!!!! THIS MOVIE IS THE SHIT!!!!!   Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018

Shes not coming back, right?! Tell me theres no epilogue?! And now hes at an AA meeting?!?!?  Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018

Hes at the... bookstore? And everybody just got into one tiny ass car, Im shooketh!!!!  Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018

THATS RIGHT HUGH HUMBLE YOSELF!!! Thats Julia Roberts bruh, chase you must!!!!  Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018

Then again he didnt have Waze or GPS so this runaround is understandable English Cat Game can only overcome so much. Also... I need a coffee, like... yeah   Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018

Oh LORD this just transitioned into PTSD thats a press junket! Thats a junket, right?! Look I got love for the press but oh LORDT that wide shot sent a shiver down my spine   Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018

Oh hes gonna ask a question!!!!  Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018

YAAAAAAASSSSS!!!!!  Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018

Julia shot him that brow!!! Them eyebrows was like ANNNNNNND SAY SUMTHIN!!!!!!!!  Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018

BUT WHAT DOES HE SAY?!?!?!? What does SHE say?! Damnit shes smiling. His ass had better had EARNT THAT! What did he say?!  Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018

Okay and now EVERYBODYS KISSING except English Cat Game Number One Hugh Grant?  Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018

Okay I has whiplash they got married she had a premiere the woman in the wheelchair got a FANTASTIC bob and now... theres kids running around an English park with Hugh reading.... what on earth was he reading to her???  Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018

Its over?!  Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018

Its over, yall.



I hope this isnt embarsssing tomorrow....



Two hours closer to LA though, theres joy in THAT   Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018

And FYI, I have no idea what the next film is but it stars Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. Im going to drink some coffee and abstain from tweeting THAT   Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018

Fin! Same time next week? A polite request: Youve Got Mail.
Photo: Josiah Kamau/BuzzFoto via Getty Images

Nearly six years after the tragic movie theater shooting in Aurora, Colorado, Christian Bale cant bring himself to watch The Dark Knight Rises. Fanfare around the final Christopher Nolan Batman installment became somber when a gunman opened fire during a midnight screening of the film. Very sadly, I have not been able to watch that film since because of the whole tragedy of Aurora, Bale told MTVs Happy Sad Confused podcast. I have not been able to sit down and see it without thinking of that. Id love to be able to, one day. If Sufjan Stevenss Call Me by Your Name song hasnt already made you cry today, that Bale quote definitely did.
Photo: Film Movement

In Between, in theaters Friday, is Palestinian director Maysaloun Hamouds very first film  and shes already receiving death threats for it. Earlier this year, Islamists issued a fatwa against her, declaring the film haram, or forbidden, for promoting ill morals and debauchery. Why has this particular film  a candid story about women in Palestine from a 36-year-old Palestinian  triggered so much anger, despite earning rave reviews and awards at film festivals worldwide? Because, according to Hamoud, it unveils the hypocrisies of a male-centric Arabic society trapped in repressive, antiquated gender roles that a new generation is desperate to overturn.

The movie follows three young Palestinian women sharing a Tel Aviv apartment and struggling to find work, love, and freedom from their strict environments. Laila (Mouna Hawa), a fearless lawyer with a taste for miniskirts, cigarettes, handsome men, and recreational drugs, is the leader of the trio. Her friend Salma (Sana Jammelieh), a DJ, works in Israeli-run restaurants and bars, where she deals with regular racism. Nour (Shaden Kanboura), a student who wears the veil, has just moved in from the ultrareligious village of Umm al-Fahm. Amid her roommates joyous carelessness, she strives to maintain the respectable behavior required by her fiance, who pressures her to abandon her career aspirations and marry him.

Laila, Salma, and Nour are imprisoned in an infernal huis clos between the walls of the modest apartment. They are Palestinians in an Israeli city, women in a world run by men. Trouble strikes as they attempt to liberate themselves from their situation: Lailas new lover criticizes her for her bold behavior, partying habits, and chain-smoking; Salma falls in love with a woman; Nour is raped by her fiance and breaks off the engagement  an almost-impossible feat in some Arabic societies, where honor crime is still widely practiced.

In parts of the Middle East, where a womans prime role is to become a wife and a mother, the three womens rebellion marks something of a deep taboo. And while Laila, Salma, and Nour succeed in shattering some walls, Hamoud ultimately implies that theyre forever trapped, both in their repressive environment and in a city that is not theirs. In advance of the films American premiere, Vulture caught up with Hamoud to ask her about the risks and rewards of making such a polarizing, complex film.

Death threats. A fatwa. Are you scared?

I dont get scared. If these people want to do something against me, theyll do it. Some people never take action in their lives. Im doing what I need to do, and I cant be scared.

Becoming a filmmaker in Palestine is challenging, especially as a woman  the arts scene is very weak, and women are still prohibited from pursuing their own careers. How did you achieve this?

I was born in Galilee in the north and studied Middle Eastern Studies in Jerusalem. I always had a passion for writing and making plays at school. For us as Palestinians, its a privilege to think of art as a profession, because we are mostly concerned with surviving. But this desire was stronger than me. I had a surgery that changed my perspective on life and I decided to pursue my dreams and study cinema.

My parents were in Canada. I applied without telling anyone; I studied cinema in Tel Aviv at the Minshar School of Art, which has an activist, avant-garde approach. I met my producer Shlomi Elkabetz there  he was my teacher. I started filming my final project and writing a script for In Between while at school. I graduated in 2011. Then Shlomi and I founded our company, Deux Beaux Garcons Films, with his partner. They are pro-Palestinian, gay Israelis and we are activists in the film industry. We are underdogs.

Your film was partially funded by the state, which was controversial in Palestine.

Palestinians must demand to obtain our rights as citizens. The governmental funds for the movie come from the taxes we pay, and we usually dont get what we deserve. Its a very low-budget production anyway, lower than most low budgets in the world. There is no funding for us as artists in Palestine.

How did you come up with these specific characters? Are they based on women you know?

The personalities I created were inspired by the women we know in the Arab world, by a generation that I am part of. I started thinking about the stories I wanted to tell, about representing the issues that are silenced but important to the lives of women. The setup of three characters is interesting, dynamic-wise. I liked the idea of having a complex story that evolves. These stories are also mine  my ideas, my emotions, my community. For example, Laila resembles me. Over 75 percent of Palestinian women living in big cities are single. In terms of Selmas homosexuality, we havent addressed it in cinema at all, though for example, the band Mashrou Leila has tackled these issues at a global scale.

As a woman filmmaker, how does your perspective depart from that of the male pioneers of Palestinian and Arabic cinema?

Womens stories havent been told before, because female directors are only starting to make films now. Palestinian cinema is usually very nationalistic  a mirror to the processes in society at every level. After the Nakba [the mass exodus that followed the 1948 Palestine war], and because of the daily realities of the occupation, many filmmakers feel they need to reflect on identity politics before looking at personal stories, and these are mens movies and mens stories  where the characters are heroes of the resistance or victims of the occupation.

I want to tell these stories as a Palestinian woman from the inside. Our generation doesnt have a representation outside of these mainstream narratives. [Now] the narratives are moving away from the conflict. Now were in a phase that is more mature, though were a small society. We have more women making films, such as Maha Haj and Suha Arraf in Palestine, and Annemarie Jacir, Najwa Najjar, and May Masri in the diaspora. In Palestine, there are even more women filmmakers than in other countries in the region. Its a positive thing and I hope theres more. But of 33 Israeli films this year, only two were Palestinian directors. In terms of quantity, our production is still low.

How have the Arab uprisings affected the movie?

I started writing in 2011, at the time of the Arab Spring and its naivete. This spirit has really affected the movie, because it was a moment where we rose for the need to change, start something new, get away [from] dictatorships, reveal taboos, and get rid of fear. At first, during the revolts, men and women were equal together. But the protests were repressed and women were discriminated against. There is an awareness and deep change happening. Conscience only moves forward. But the outcomes havent become clear for the region. And Palestine is still in darkness; its very weak. Women have to change the men in leadership, or else the situation will never change.

Youre vocal about your role as a feminist and activist. How has Arab feminism inspired you?

I love the Egyptian activist Nawal El Saadawi, her writings have been very important in my life. As a radical feminist, she is a guru, in the lineage of Simone de Beauvoir. She is a pioneer who has sacrificed for her thought and for the cause. For other women to imagine themselves living a different life, you have to suffer. Im also inspired by Linda Sarsour in the United States  without women like her, there wont be a change. And Ahed Tamimi  she grew up within this struggle. Shes a new icon for young womens struggle, which is excellent.

At the moment, we are in a global regression, but there are movements of change. There are more and more independent, educated women. Many women have worked hard for this, and now we see the difference. Ive even seen the effect of the movie within Palestine, and abroad where younger audiences are attending. Its slow but still, I see change.

Your story is very intimate, and yet connects with the political in a powerful way. How do you find that balance?

Cinema is powerful when you can make the personal universal for people to connect with. Im telling a particular story that represents authentic stories for women in the region, but these issues are the same everywhere else in the world. Everything is political. The air you breathe is political. Feminism is political. When we say we want to change the system and we want women to rule  this is very political. The movie says there needs to be a change, and change is political. In terms of the [films] conflict, its more social than political, but the political is there  being set in Tel Aviv, its [from] the point of view of Palestinians living under the occupation. The ending is open  its sweet and sour, because these women are very empowered and free because they refused to compromise, but they are ruined. They chose their lives. They took responsibility and paid the price for it.

This interview has been edited and condensed.
Photo: Manuel Romano/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The Metropolitan Museum of Art was open for business today, not just for visitors but for a last-minute press conference to announce a major policy change  the first since the resignation of its last director, Tom Campbell, led to questions about its financial stability.

The news? Beginning in March, for the first time since its pay-as-you-wish policy was set in 1970, the Met will charge mandatory admission $25, which is currently the suggested fee  for all out-of-state visitors. Those guests will get tickets valid for three full days at the Met or its satellite museums, the Breuer and the Cloisters. New York state residents, who represent a little more than a third of all visitors, can still pay as or if they wish.

The wheels began turning on the policy change shortly after Campbell, who fell victim to a growing deficit fueled partly by his ambitious plan to build a new contemporary-art wing, resigned under pressure from the museums board. His temporary replacement, then-CFO Daniel Weiss, was a former college president with a head for numbers. (The search for a permanent new director continues.) Weiss immediately set to work righting the financial ship.

After several city officials vouched for the new policy this morning (including city council member Keith Powers, making his first public appearance on his fourth day in office), Weiss gave a stat-heavy PowerPoint presentation explaining the change. Though a prior agreement with the city made its $29 million of annual support contingent on pay as you wish (and the museum only recently settled a lawsuit by changing recommended admissions to suggested), the government gamely renegotiated the terms. In return, the city will incrementally reduce its funding as revenues from admissions rise, but by no more than roughly $3 million. Weiss estimated the new policy will earn the museum between $6 million and $11 million more per year. Admissions, which topped 7 million for the second time in 2017, currently account for only 14 percent of the museums operating budget; the new policy should get that up to 17 percent.

One journalist brought up the Mets recent budget crunch, and Weiss acknowledged it as a factor in the change. But this is not a silver bullet, he said. It does not allow the Met to sit back and relax. The high-seven-figure revenue increase will be meaningful and important but not determining.

Besides, Weiss said, the pay-as-you-wish policy was long overdue for a review. The Met is unique in the nation and possibly the world for being both barely funded by the government (8 percent) and completely reliant on voluntary entry fees. Meanwhile, visitors have become increasingly stingy over the last dozen years. In 2004, 63 percent of visitors paid the full suggested price; last year, 15 percent did. Effectively the policy has been failing, Weiss said. If we had the same rate today as in 2004, we would not be having this announcement.

Weiss neglected to mention that the Mets suggested admission in 2004 was $12. Perhaps lower payments forced the price hike. More likely, it was a matter of keeping up with private institutions like MoMA, which went up to a mandatory $20 in 2004, and being able to continue satisfying increasing visitor expectations. The city will happily pay up to $3 million less, and has promised the difference to underfunded institutions around the five boroughs. And per another figure on Weisss PowerPoint deck: 80 percent of out-of-town visitors to the Met are in the city for several days, spending an average of $1,200 each. We dont believe that visitors are not going to come to the institution because were asking them to contribute their fair share to having this experience, said Weiss. In other words, pay up, cheapskates; you can afford it.
Milan was (sort of) fun and all, but back in Jersey, Joe Gorga is annoyed Melissa left the country the week before the grand opening of his  I mean, their  new restaurant. Hes right: Shame on her for lacking a passion to wait tables at a restaurant she did not have any say in buying, alongside her husband and sister-in-law, both of whom have been prickly to her throughout this process! The Joe who carped endlessly about having to spend more time with his children when his wife was opening her boutique has apparently been replaced by a pod person with the exact opposite beliefs and values. Thats not fair, he whines in a talking-head interview. Were a team. If I need your help, we focus together. I have reached the inevitable conclusion that this story line was scripted to give me, personally, an aneurysm.

At a photo shoot for the cover of her new book, Teresa does yoga poses in a black glitter halter-neck backless jumpsuit amid spaghetti and meatballs, kids drawings, and scattered shoes. Glamorous and relatable. Shell soon pay a visit to Joe in prison for the first time since her mom passed away. Then theres the fact that he still hasnt apologized or taken responsibility for the whole, you know, them both being incarcerated thing, a lapse in marital decorum thats really starting to bother her. Siggy stops by (she did not get the backless-jumpsuit-dress-code memo, sadly) to announce that she is once again ready to let bygones be bygones with Margaret, a woman she is severely emotionally allergic to. Life is short! she says, which is funny, because life with Siggy and Margaret feels awfully long.

Meanwhile, Frank and Dolores take Frank Jr. to tour Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Frankie is looking for an aggressive finance program, which sounds to me like he should consider the Patrick Bateman School of Business. Theyre even escorted to an impeccably vacuumed male room in the dorms, which I guarantee that no living college student has ever actually entered, given the pairs of shoes arrayed hilariously neatly by the door and a distinct lack of forgotten, months-old pizza crusts anywhere in sight. Frankie loves the school, and to Doloress great pleasure, its only a 90-minute drive away from home.

Dolores is fretting over her soon-to-be-empty nest, but at least she has her ex-husband to share it with. Where does platonic co-parenting stop and romantic cohabitation begin? Dolores continues to date Dr. David, but hes never not on call, a source of tension between them. Do you think David appreciates you? Frank  who, by the way, is still on a break from his girlfriend  asks her. Because I made the mistake of not appreciating you and I regret it. No one deserves to live this particular best-of-both-worlds Nancy Meyers fantasy more than my girl Dolores. Speaking of exes, Margarets first husband, Jan, comes to see her, with bagels. (I like him already.) She invited him over so they could talk about his kids, the ones she raised as a young stepmom, but who have kept her at a chilly distance ever since she left their father. Margaret wants to know if he thinks theyll ever speak to her again. He isnt so sure, but shes resolved never to give up.

Teresa follows through on a promise she made to Danielle at Siggys retreat, after she revealed how hurt her now-young-adult daughters were by what they witnessed Teresa say to their mom years ago. (Prostitution whore. She called her a prostitution whore.) She drives to Danielles house to apologize to 19-year-old Jillian in person. Christine, now 23, wants no part of this. Thats more than fair, Christine. Over tea, Jillian and Danielle describe the harassment and bullying their family has withstood since that confrontation. Teresa begins to cry imagining her daughters in the same situation. I dont know why things happen in life, she says, which is such a bad apology it doesnt even qualify as a non-apology, before offering a more meaningful sorry later. Jillian accepts, and is altogether too good for this television program.

Siggy fills in her father, Mordecai (a Holocaust survivor and scholar), about her ongoing tension with Margaret, including Marges Kim D.Hitler analogy, which has so far caused drama on two continents and counting. Witnessing how kookoo-bananas Margaret drives his daughter, Mordecai offers Siggy the sanest advice possible: Avoid her. This also happens to be the only advice Siggy cant actionably take, given that both of these women are on this damn show. We are all suffering together.

Joe may be freaking out over the restaurant opening, but he nevertheless managed to set up a step-and-repeat backdrop in their extremely glamorous strip-mall-parking-lot environs, so Id consider this a success. I designed this cheeseburger pizza, Joe says, proudly, and I feel a wave of affection for him, like hes the obvious underdog contestant on an episode of Chopped Junior. (But hot.) Teresa and Joe continue to harass Melissa about the degree to which they can guilt her into being involved with this business, but when she watches Joe emotionally pay tribute to his late mom in a toast, all is forgiven. Melissas heart is as warm, if not quite as greasy, as her husbands cheeseburger pizza.

A no-doubt fire-code-violating number of guests crowd into the restaurant by the time Siggy arrives with Jennifer, perhaps the 19th person that Siggy has identified as her best friend in the last 24 hours. (Dont worry: Dolores is still her best friend, too.) Though Margaret has lulled herself into thinking things are, at last, copacetic between herself and the Sig, she is wrong. Obviously. Horror movies must end with a final scare. Siggy conspicuously snubs Margaret and Marge Sr. throughout the event, which is quite an achievement in quarters as tight as these. Even Dolores admits that Siggys misbehavior is unnecessarily rude to Margarets mother. (Im so proud of you, Dolores!) Eventually, Danielle gamely volunteers to fetch Siggy to introduce her to Marge Sr. She outrights refuses, then flees. Really? Come on. If Margaret didnt acknowledge Siggys own beloved mother  or worse, if one of Joshuas frenemies didnt acknowledge her  Siggy would in that very moment develop rage-fueled pyrokinetic abilities and burn the whole place to the ground.
Photo: John Sciulli/Getty Images for Louis XIII

On Wednesday, director Robert Rodriguez released a statement responding to new claims Rose McGowan made about him and the movie they worked on together, Grindhouse, in Vanity Fair. Rodriguez claims that the publication did not reach out for comment and writes, There are some key factual errors in the piece. He offers his version of a few key details from the story, and writes:

These inaccuracies may appear to put me at odds with Rose, but I have no quarrel with her. Its when publications dont fact check these basic things, you end up with something inaccurate that then has to be disqualified.

In the Vanity Fair article detailing McGowans upcoming memoir, the actor claims that Rodriguez, whom she was dating at the time, used his knowledge that she was allegedly raped by producer Harvey Weinstein as a tool for mind games while filming Grindhouse. In her memoir, she reportedly points to the scene where Quentin Tarantino, playing a character, attacks her character. She writes of the experience, I was losing my grip on sanity. The article mentions that McGowan was ultimately betrayed by Rodriguez when he sold our film to my monster. The movie was released by Bob Weinsteins Dimension Films.

Rodriguez previously released a statement that painted a different picture. In October, he claimed that he knew about the alleged rape, and he cast McGowan as a way to spite the producer. He said that he never spoke openly about Weinstein because McGowan had signed an NDA, but he still believed that Weinstein found a way to bury the movie anyway.

He is sticking by those claims now, and adds that he couldnt have betrayed McGowan with the sale of the film to Bob Weinstein, because the Weinsteins were already attached to fund it before McGowan started shooting her scenes. Though McGowan didnt start filming until late March 2006, in Rodriguezs account, the Weinsteins began funding the project in November of 2005. There was certainly ample time for Rose to decide not to be in a film funded by the Weinsteins and reject the movie and the script before shooting ever began, he argued.

He also writes that the Tarantino character was in every draft of the script dating back to one he sent the cast and crew on January 24, 2006, and the scene wasnt filmed until five months after that. If there was any objection to the scene there was plenty of time to address it, Rodriguez states. It was never brought up as being an issue. In fact, the point of the scene was always to be empowering because its when her character turns the tables against her oppressors.

McGowans memoir, Brave, which details how the alleged rape in 1997 affected her life and career, including working on Grindhouse, is due to be released at the end of January.
Photo: Getty Images

Oh, Jason Mendoza, you sweet, beautiful idiot. As played by actor Manny Jacinto, The Good Places resident aspiring DJ marks a significant moment in the very short history of dumb, hot Asian bros on television (see also: Chan, Josh on Crazy Ex-Girlfriend). Jason seems to have been specifically engineered to resist stereotype, first starting the show as a Buddhist monk named Jianyu who took a vow of silence only to reveal himself as the sweet but stupid screwup from Jacksonville, Florida, that he is. (Bortles!) Ahead of The Good Place mid-season premiere, we spoke with Manny Jacinto on developing Jasons voice, his love triangle with Janet and Tahani, and the grossest gag that Ted Danson has pulled on set.

Id like to start at the beginning. DArcy Carden said that the audition sides were really unusual. What were yours like?

Wow, this is taking me back. Im sure DArcy mentioned that the sides were dummy sides, so it gave us a glimpse into our character but it didnt necessarily give us a glimpse into the actual story line of the show. My particular character was a bit different because when youre introduced to Jianyu/Jason, hes a silent monk. But for the actual audition, I was given sides as Jason Mendoza, so you can imagine that they werent the most intelligent. It was two scenes. The first scene was a job interview. It was to be, like, chief executive operations manager, and you can obviously tell from that I have no clue what Im talking about. I go on to rant about my favorite subjects in school and all of these quirky little Jason Mendoza stories. In the second scene, the audition involved me and my buddy Pillboi, who you see in some of the flashbacks of season one. Its me pitching him a product about an energy drink/deodorant idea. I actually wish that they could have incorporated those into the show, but who knows?

Was Jason Mendoza fully formed when you auditioned?

He was definitely tweaked. When I first got the audition sides, he was very bro-ish so I played it towards that line. Then when I went in for the callback, they were like, We want him to still have that dim-wittedness, but also make sure to have this sweet side of him. Thats a very big part of who Jason is, that he has this innocence and sweetness about him, which makes him more likable.

How did you develop the voice? He speaks in a way thats idiotic and endearing at the same time.

The only thing I can say, because I dont want to reveal it yet, is I got the voice from a YouTube video that I saw. I cant reveal any more because I just dont want people to define him for being that, but it was definitely just through coincidence that I saw this video and then I tweaked it to give him a bit more maturity, a tad bit more intelligence.

Or at least some emotional intelligence.

At the end of the day, he wants to do good. Thats his primary motive. Although hes oblivious to other peoples motivations, he wants to do good and he wants to be better, but obviously its just a bit hard for him in those terms. And a big part of Jason is how he carries himself. Once I embodied how he moves, the voice started to come out.

Was it freeing when you finally got to talk?

It was all of the feelings. It was intimidating; it was fun. I remember our first table read, and I remember Jameela [Jamil] and DArcy just staring at me because theyd never heard me talk as that character. And they just could not stop laughing during the table read. Obviously, Id like to think that I talk as a normal person in real life, and when they heard me talk as Jason Mendoza, they just could not believe it. So that was a really sweet moment when I saw their reactions.

Do you think Jason subverts stereotypes?

Definitely. I think when they were coming up with Jason/Jianyu, they were trying to figure out something different and one of the things that popped up was that you dont really see a lot of dumb Asian guys on mainstream television. Hes usually intelligent or the model minority. Im not saying playing Jason is pioneering, but its so great for me to do because its not a stereotype. Getting to put a bit of a twist on that and showing a different dynamic towards an Asian character is really cool. And I feel that the fans like the fact that Im not some super-smart student.

Youre not the IT guy.

Exactly. And Ive had my fair share of those, so I guess you just have to go through the ranks before you get to be Jason Mendoza.

Did you have to deal with stereotyping when you were going out for auditions?

I cant say that I completely avoided it. There were definitely auditions and even bookings and jobs where I played your typical Asian model minority, an IT tech guy or something of that nature. Its tough sometimes, especially when youre starting out, because they make these roles sound as if they wont be a typical nerd. I remember getting an audition the other day, but they described him as first of all being an outsider. He was intelligent. Its a positive spin on basically what they were describing as being a nerd. It was almost like they were trying to trick you to do this. It was interesting because they make it sound like its a role thats inspiring or different, but at the end of the day, if you really analyze it, its a bullied nerd. Ive definitely had my fair share of auditions for those kinds of roles, but I think if you can stick it out and you can create your own roles, you can bypass those. But it also depends on if youre broke or not. That can also be a measure as to whether or not you take certain roles.

Did you go out for that part?

It was given to me by my agent, and I was like, No, I cant. This is exactly what I dont want to do. So I passed on it. Luckily, Im at the position where I can do that. But five, six years ago, I wouldnt be so quick on saying no. Id have to really consider it.

Yeah, youve got to pay your bills.

Which is the unfortunate part. Thats why creating roles is really important, especially for the Asian community on both sides.

The other great thing about Jason is that hes a total babe.

[Laughs.] I wouldnt say that. Oh man, I always get embarrassed when thats mentioned. Ive always been not comfortable being viewed like that, but its a nice compliment to have. I remember one of our executive producers assistants was like, Hey Manny, how much are you paying the writers to write all of this stuff about you? Because it was always complimenting Jason as the hot guy or the attractive guy. And Im just like, Oh, you know, Im paying them 15 percent of my paycheck just to get those statements in to make me look good. But yeah, its a compliment Im trying to take more warmly now.

You dont really see the Asian guy as the hot one whos in a love triangle on TV.

Yeah. If you want to be incredibly specific, you rarely see the Asian guy kissing the Caucasian girl or even dynamics between Janet and Jason, where the females a bit taller. Theres always these ideas that you dont want to date someone thats taller than you. I dont know. Maybe Im overthinking it.

I think youre right.

Yeah, its like in Mikes [Schur] world, anything goes and nothing is wrong, just as long as we have the feeling behind it. We dont have to play towards certain stereotypes and images that were constantly bombarded by. Thats what I love about this show.

Are you Team Janet or Team Tahani?

Oh, geez! As me, not as Jason?

Either and/or both.

Ummm, I dont know. At the end of the day, as Manny, Im just happy to be loved. And maybe Jason Mendoza would say, Im just happy to be pounding it out. I dont know. I cant say what team Im on.

You also eat a lot on the show. I feel like you eat more than anyone else.

Thats a really good observation. Yeah, I remember when I got caught by Tahani, I was eating cheesy puffs. When I was introduced to Chidi, I was eating some popcorn. In one of the last few episodes, I was eating a lollipop that Kristen [Bell] slapped out of my mouth. I think its just the kid in him. Hes constantly hungry and always needs a snack or some sort of junk food. Thats super cool that you noticed that. I didnt even notice that.

How did you get into acting? I saw that you majored in civil engineering, so youre actually super smart.

I dont know if Im super smart. If anything, I just worked my butt off. But thank you. In terms of my childhood, it was normal. You go through school, do well in school, and then I went to university. The performance arts aspect was never really an option because it was never in my family. Nobody was there to teach me anything about that. It wasnt until maybe my second year of university that I got inspired to dance. It was because of the show Americas Best Dance Crew.

Jabbawockeez, man!

Exactly! Aww, man. You dont understand how big of an impact thats actually made in my life, seeing those Asian guys on TV doing their thing. I was like, Hey, these guys look like me and I love to dance too, so maybe I should try it out. Only a few weeks after, I went out to try dance class and I sucked. It was horrible, but I absolutely loved it so I just kept going and tried to get better and better. From there, I just found this thing that people kept talking about, which is your passion. I wanted to explore different aspects of performing, and I fell into acting. It just started to move forward from that point, and then engineering fell through the cracks because I did not want to do that. I had a bit of a taste of it, and I was like, No, I cant. This isnt for me.

I assume well get to see you dance more on the show.

Yeah, I can hint a bit more dancing later on in this season. I think with the writers, they try to incorporate that aspect of Jason as much as they can, as long as it fits the story.

Do you have a favorite Fast and Furious movie?

Tokyo Drift, no doubt. So many reasons: Justin Lin, Sung Kang. That is definitely my number one, even though I know its the last with so many people. Even the soundtrack, I remember how it goes. The soundtrack was just killer.

That is the correct answer.

Is it? You agree with me?

Its my favorite! Justin Lin saved the franchise, lets be real.

Thats exactly true. The thing is, Im a big fan of Justin Lin as well. I dont know if you know the movie Better Luck Tomorrow.

I do. I love it.

It was a movie that subconsciously inspired me to do this. I watched the movie when I was in high school. It was the first time that you saw Asian-American kids, Asian-American teenagers acting in a movie. They didnt have accents and the story line didnt pertain anything towards their culture. It was just them being teenagers. So Justin Lin is definitely a big reason why Tokyo Drift is my number one.

Also, Better Luck Tomorrow was about bad Asians, which is what Jason is.

Yes. It comes full circle, which is amazing.

I know they filmed your reaction to Mike Schur telling you about the major twist in season one. What was going through your head when you heard about it?

Well, Mike was very formal about it. After episode eight, he was like, Guys, after were done shooting, were going to gather you all into the common area in the cafeteria and were going to sit you down. And I panicked. I was like, Uh, am I getting fired? This has never happened before. Weve never had a meeting. And he seemed very serious about it. So my mind just went to worst-case scenario. But then he started recounting the story and Kristen had her camera out. So now it wasnt, Am I going to get fired? It was, Are we getting punked? Then Mike came out with that twist, and I was like, Holy crap, this guy is a genius. All of the feelings started flooding in, like gratitude for being able to be a part of this, and excitement for other people to witness and to hear what Id just heard.

Do you think Jason deserves to be in the Bad Place?

Umm, no. Id like to think not. Id like to think that he has a good heart. But because of maybe how he was raised, hes just misguided. He needs a proper guide. No, I dont think he deserves to be in the Bad Place. But, then again, the villain in all of the stories never thinks that theyre the bad guy. So maybe I have that syndrome.

What is Ted Danson like behind the scenes?

Ted, when you meet him, he is legitimately the nicest man on the planet. And he doesnt have to be. He is a veteran in this industry. He can do whatever he wants. I remember there was one time he was eating Swedish Fish and all of the sudden he just paused. I dont know if this was a party trick or if it just came to him on the spot, but he was able to eat the Swedish Fish through his mouth, take a piece of it, and then snort it through his nose like a booger. All of us freaked out. William Jackson Harper ran across the stage. I ran for my life. We just didnt know what was going on. Witnessing that moment right there was like, Oh my goodness, if anything, Ted Danson is Jason Mendoza. Hes just the biggest child out of all of us. I just remember that, and I dont think Ill ever forget that moment, Ted Danson taking a booger out of his nose.

This interview has been edited and condensed.
The second shoe of the 25-year retrospectives of the Branch Davidian raid. siege and fire drops Thursday night with ABC's two-hour "Truth and Lies" episode at 8 p.m.

The trailer for the special focuses on survivors' accounts of life under David Koresh at the Davidian compound at Mount Carmel. I'm guessing the failed AFT raid and FBI-led siege will take up a good portion of the two-hour program, too.

CBS' "48 Hours: Secrets of Waco" aired last Friday and drew a sizable audience, winning its time slot with nearly 5 million viewers.

Later this month comes the six-part "Waco" mini-series on the Paramount Network beginning Jan. 24. It stars Taylor Kitsch as David Koresh and Michael Shannon as FBI negotiator Gary Noesner.

The second trailer (at the above link) seems sympathetic to Koresh, but I've seen the first few episodes and it doesn't dance around his sleeping with other Davidians' wives.

It would be nice to see a movie set in Central Texas to look that way, but "Waco" plants Mount Carmel in a flat, dusty plain with (in an opening tracking shot) blue mountains on the horizon. Reviews are embargoed until several days before the mini-series starts, so more later . . .
Theres controversy at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Thousands of people have signed an online petition demanding that the museum remove from display a 1938 painting in its collection called Therese Dreaming by a French painter known as Balthus. Those who want it removed call the painting of a young girl sexually suggestive in an inappropriate way. The Museum has responded by saying its not going to remove the work, but that the affair represents an opportunity for conversation.

The New Yorker magazines Peter Schjeldahl, one of the most perceptive critics writing today, while acknowledging Balthus unquestionable skill as an artist admits that he can see both sides of the issue. Because there are in essence two valid frames of reference involved, he correctly notes that at this point any decisive resolution, one way or another, can be neither moral nor aesthetic, only political.

Theres a great deal of insight in that remark. The point is that our reactions to art can often (correctly but perhaps surprisingly) be classified as political in nature, and reactions of this sort are often more visceral than our either educated or intuitive impressions of artistic validity.

Visceral because it goes to the root of who we are. Aristotle tells us that man is by nature a political animal: no one except the lawless are beyond that identity. His remark means that we only exist in community with each other and that the highest order of questions we face are those that address the way of reaching the greatest good for the greatest number of those in the community.

Furthermore, the largest communities (Im thinking here of countries like the United State, China, France) arrange their politics toward the greatest good that the members regard as being the foundation for others. For some countries, order is the most important characteristic to a society, and in those places individual freedoms are relegated to a much lower value.

In the United States, by contrast, freedom has long been understood to be our primary way of attaining the good life and so is the idea around which we shape our politics. Art can either contribute to, or detract from, that basic of life.

As if to underscore the point, New Yorks Galerie St. Etienne currently has an exhibit up called All Art is Political featuring the works of two women, Kathe Kollwitz and Sue Coe. Kollwitz was born in Prussia in 1867, lived through two World Wars, was threatened by the Gestapo in 1936 and died just before World War II ended. Much of her work highlights the plight of workers, peasants, and those ravaged by war: in short, her work is naturally political. Sue Coe by contrast was born in England in 1951. But in highlighting both workers rights and societys cruelty to animals, her work is no less political.

You neednt share Coes opinions to be moved by her art. Schjeldahl recently noted he was, as he put it, tumbled into empathy with views that are alien to my own.

Such empathy is a wonderful byproduct of the freedom the artist enjoys in our society to create, and of the freedom of the curator to display the art that he or she reasons most needs to be shown. One doesnt have to try too hard to find a political lesson here  it illustrates a point to make in todays political landscape marked by politicians all too eager to pit an Us against a Them.

Empathy is a critical component of a society built on freedom. Like few other things, art can give us a simultaneous exercise in both.
Editors note: Nibbles is Access Wacos bi-weekly mini-profile of Waco-area restaurants and food trucks that are new or have had a major change in menu or operations.

Past Nibbles run weekly with the latest Nibbles added and the oldest deleted.

Mi Jalisco Grill #2

800 S. Seventh St., Suite 1

339-1226

On Facebook and at mijaliscogrill2.com

Hours: 6 a.m.-9 p.m. weekdays, 7 a.m.-9 p.m. weekends

Price: $

Takeout: Yes. Drive-through service also available.

Alcohol: No.

On the menu: Enchiladas, fajitas, tacos, quesadillas, burritos, gorditas, seafood.

Good to know: Customer favorites include huevos rancheros and the parrillada mix.

Restaurant origin: Owner Salvador Leon, who uses family recipes in his restaurants, opened his second Mi Jalisco Grill in November.

Amo La Pizza

Mary Avenue Market, 324 S. Sixth St. (weekdays)

Valley Mills Vineyards, 8532 N. State Highway 6 (Saturdays)

On Facebook

Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays, 6-10 p.m. Saturdays

Price: $

Takeout: Yes.

Alcohol: No.

On the menu: Personal-sized pizzas (8-9) with standard toppings, plus flatbread.

Good to know: Hand-stretched pizza using the same dough as 900 Degrees Wood Fired Pizzeria, cooked in a gas oven.

Restaurant origin: Owners Caleb and Laury Duty debuted their food truck during the recent Waco Wonderland at Heritage Square.

The Clay Pot

416 Franklin Ave.

254-756-2721

Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays

Price: $-$$

Takeout: Yes.

Alcohol: BYOB, but beer and wine permit applied for.

On the menu: Vietnamese cuisine, including pho and bun nuoc (Vietnamese soups), clay pot dishes, noodle dishes, spring rolls. Beverages include bubble tea and Vietnamese coffee

Good to know: The Clay Pots new location has a spring roll bar and an outdoor patio complete with fountain.

Restaurant origin: Owners Thanh Le and Phong Le relocated their restaurant from its longtime Interstate 35 location near Baylor University to downtown, opening in October with a grand opening on Nov. 6.

Brown House Cafe

9110 Jordan Lane, Woodway

254-235-1251

On Facebook

Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays and Saturdays, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Fridays. Breakfast menu served 8-11 a.m., full menu after 11 a.m.

Price: $-$$

Takeout: Yes.

Alcohol: No. BYOB.

On the menu: Steaks, seafood, soups, sandwiches, salads. Desserts made fresh daily.

Good to know: Family home recipes used for many menu items, including chicken-fried steak, a customer favorite, and pies. Grilled salmon and catfish popular items on Fridays as is handmade chicken salad.

Restaurant origin: Owners Danny and Laurie Brown, who started with a cafe in McGregor in 2015, opened their Woodway location in July 2017.

Hecho En Waco

300 S. Sixth St., Suite B

254-732-0147

On Facebook

Hours: 7 a.m.- 10 p.m. daily.

Price: $$ (see below)

Takeout: Yes

Alcohol: Yes. Full bar available.

On the menu: Regional Mexican cuisine including enchiladas, carnitas, fajitas, quesadillas and moles.

Good to know: Dishes prepared with an eye to healthy eating with more vegetables, less fat. Specialty margaritas featuring cucumber, jalapenos, pineapple or avocado.

Restaurant origin: Owners Lupita and Pedro Leon opened their restaurant on Sept. 9.

Butter My Biscuit

1427 S. Valley Mills Drive (inside Kings Landing Games)

254-752-2333

On Facebook and Instagram

Hours: Full menu available 4-9 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-9 p.m. Saturdays; partial menu served during Kings Landing hours, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and noon-6 p.m. Sundays.

Price: $ (see below)

Takeout: Yes. Curbside pickup, catering also available.

Alcohol: Craft beer on tap with domestics, wine.

On the menu: Scratch-made biscuits with meal toppings or sandwich fillings, baked potatoes, soups, salads. 18 different add-ons for biscuits and potatoes.

Good to know: Buttermilk and Texas jalapeno biscuits served daily with other flavors including garlic parmesan, Guinness Irish tenor and sweet biscuits. Bacon pimento tomato sandwich on biscuit or sourdough bread is a customer favorite as are Saturday morning breakfast specials.

Restaurant origin: Owner and head chef Lee Bankston opened Butter My Biscuit in December 2016.

Pie Peddlers

300 S. Sixth St.

254-396-0767

Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays.

Price: $-$$

Takeout: Yes. Special orders also accepted.

Alcohol: No

On the menu: Pies in 16 flavors and styles including fruit (apple, cherry, blackberry, strawberry/rhubarb), chocolate, pecan, key lime, buttermilk and coconut.

Good to know: Sold by the slice, whole pie and mini pies (single). Crusts are handmade daily. Strawberry/rhubarb and raspberry/rhubarb are customer favorites.

Restaurant origin: The original Pie Peddlers opened in Glen Rose 15 years ago. Owners Summer and Wade Redwine opened the Waco location at Mary Avenue Market on June 23.
A new year stretches ahead, but for three WACO-FM radio personalities, its prefaced by 25 years at the same station.

Zack Owen, Jim Cody and John Elliott start their 26th year on the air at country WACO-FM (100 FM) in 2018, a remarkable achievement given the seismic changes in the music and radio industries over that time.

That period saw considerable consolidation in radio, with a handful of radio groups coming to dominate the industry; technological advances that allow radio personalities to extend their reach far beyond a single stations signal; and new challenges presented by digitization, with the internet and cell phones new competitors for audience attention and time.

Some things have been constant over that time, however.

Ill get a call (after a song) that says, John  Finally, a country song. Ive been hearing that for 20 years, Elliott chuckled.

The Waco radio market was different when Owen, Cody and Elliott signed up with WACO. Four stations broadcast country music: KJNE, KNFO and WACO-AM and its FM counterpart KHOO. Listener contests and giveaways often drove ratings from book to book. CDs were replacing vinyl and cassette tapes, but digital music hadnt transformed consumer listening habits yet. Television cable channels were counted by the dozens, not the scores, and video games were starting to gain a foothold in homes more than arcades.

Within a few years, WACO moved to the top of the country music pack, shedding its separate FM call letters and AM country programming. Its been Wacos No. 1 station in terms of audience for most of the last two decades, a dominance built on its success with its target demographic of persons 25 to 54 years old. When the three joined WACO, two stations operated out of its studio; now, eight Waco and two Killeen stations share their iHeart Media office and studio space.

What are the secrets to on-air longevity? An ability to connect with listeners, for one thing. You need to be yourself and communicate on a one-to-one level. You have to speak to them and only to them, said Elliott. Thanks to technology and industry consolidation, the 58-year-old Elliott connects with listeners not only in Waco during his afternoon on-air shift, but in other markets in College Station and Texarkana as well as Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado.

Part of that is providing what listeners want. For many, thats more than the music, whether its the banter between personalities, the commercials aired, the weather and traffic information provided.

Trust me. (Listeners) call and let me know any time theres a mishap on the interstate, Elliott commented. Interstate 35: Its the quickest way to anywhere  or the slowest way to anywhere. Elliott said.

Theres also the discipline, for the morning crew at least, of waking up at 4:15 a.m. every morning to start listeners with the music, weather, news and humor needed to start the day. Our jokes are just as bad as when we started, but its hard to come up with new jokes after 25 years, quipped Cody, who teams with Owen for the Zack and Jim Morning Show, which marks its 25th year this month.

Part lies in helping the community, whether by fundraisers, or in the case of Zack and Jim, their work with the military in visits abroad to connect with family and friends at home. Zack and Jims annual Anniversary Blowout country concert raises thousands of dollars for local charities, but theyve done wackier things, just not every year. The two rode a Ferris wheel for more than 100 hours for a good cause while Jim endured 48 hours in a block of ice for another. The two also sky-dived in tandem. It was fun, but I wouldnt do that again, Cody recalled. I jumped on time and I landed. Thats good enough for me.

Part lies in the money. Connecting with listeners and community, combined with the work of their iHeart Media colleagues and staff, means solid ratings that, in turn, mean profit, the bottom line for any commercial venture.

We make a lot of money for this sized market for the company, said Owen, who should know how Waco stacks up: Hes senior vice president of programming not only for iHearts Waco and Killeen stations, but their stations in Bryan, Beaumont, Corpus Christi and McAllen.

Waco and WACO has become home for the three radio veterans. Elliott gravitated into radio from his contact with rodeos as the son of a livestock inspector and found a place where he could work without having to move or change jobs. Cody, 53, remembers playing with turntables and a microphone as a kid, dreaming of a radio career, and finding in Waco the place where he met his wife Melanie and where they raised their kids. Owen, 62, cant argue with a job with rewards from both community and corporation that doesnt feel like work.

Its been a crazy 25 years, but most of (those listeners) are still listening today and were getting new listeners, Owen said. The country music fan base is the most loyal one I know of.
The Heart O Texas Fair & Rodeo, presented by H-E-B, is looking to fill its 2018-19 Sweetheart roster with young women from Waco and surrounding areas with a heart to serve the community.

The selection of the Sweethearts is based on personal interviews, personality, congeniality, poise and communications skills. Eligible Sweetheart contestants can also compete for the title of Miss Heart O Texas Fair & Rodeo.

Applications can be picked up from a local high school counselor, online at hotfair.com or in the Heart O Texas Fair & Rodeo Office at 4601 Bosque Blvd. All applications are due to the Heart O Texas Fair & Rodeo Office on or before noon on Feb. 2.

Square dancing

Waco Stars Square Dance Club will begin New Dancer Mainstream Square Dance Lessons on Jan. 15, 2018 at 7 p.m. at Allemande Hall, 106 Westlake Drive in Speegleville.

There is no cost for the first two lessons and the cost for remaining lessons is $3.

Please call or text 715-2749 or email Wendellmr662@gmail.com for additional information.

Into the Woods Jr.

Be careful what you wish for as Stephen Sondheims and James Lapines cockeyed fairy tale comes to life in this adaptation of their ground-breaking, Tony Award-winning musical. Into the Woods Jr. features all of your favorite characters  Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his bean stalk) and the Witch in this lyrically rich retelling of classic Brothers Grimm fables.

The musical centers on a baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the Kings festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a witchs curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse and wind up changed forever.

The performances take place at Lee Lockwood Library and Museum, 2801 W. Waco Drive. Tickets are $5 for the Thursday matinee, $10 standard, $8 child/military/senior, $12 at-door sales.

Performance times are:

Feb. 1, 9:15 a.m.; Feb. 1, 12:30 p.m.; Feb. 2, 6 p.m.; Feb. 3, 2:00 p.m.; Feb. 3, 6:00 p.m.; and Feb. 4, p.m.

42 tournament

A 42 domino tournament is planned for Sunday at Friedens Church in Riesel. Play begins at 1 p.m.

For more information, call 896-7961 or 447-7723.
City crews attempting to repair a water line in the 3200 block of North 32nd Street clipped a gas line nearby, causing a small water and gas leak Wednesday afternoon.

Fire crews were called to the leak shortly before 3:30 p.m. During the repair to the residential water line, workers struck a gas line, which led to natural gas forcing water to bubble through the utility hole and onto the street.

City of Waco spokesman Larry Holze said utility crews were working throughout the day on various utility line repairs. Atmos Energy assisted the city in getting the lines shut off for a quick repair, Holze said.

No injuries were reported. Residents may have experienced a slight inconvenience as repairs were made, but the error was correctly quickly, he said.
A senior judge granted a motion Wednesday to remove 54th State District Judge Matt Johnson from presiding over the case of a biker indicted in the May 2015 Twin Peaks shootout in Waco.

Senior Judge Jeff Walker, a former state district judge from Tarrant County, approved a request from William Chance Aikin to recuse Johnson, saying there is a possibility that McLennan County District Attorney Abel Reyna, Johnsons former law partner, could be called as a witness in Aikins case.

Aikin, 27, a member of the Cossacks motorcycle group, is a diesel mechanic from Talco in East Texas. His attorney, Robert Callahan, argued at the hearing that the law required Walker to recuse Johnson because he said Reyna will be a material witness in Aikins case.

Regional Administrative Judge Billy Ray Stubblefield now will appoint another judge to hear Aikins case.

Johnson agreed to recuse himself in October in another Twin Peaks case involving former Scimitars group member Matthew Clendennen after a motion by Clendennens attorney, Clint Broden.

According to Brodens motion, the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure state a judge must recuse in any proceeding in which  the judge or a lawyer with whom the judge previously practiced law has been a material witness concerning the proceeding.

Reyna testified at a hearing 18 months ago in which Broden was seeking to disqualify Reyna from prosecuting Clendennens case. Reyna since has agreed to remove his office from prosecuting Clendennen.

Prosecutors Michael Jarrett and Brody Burks said Wednesday that while there are certain similarities in all the Twin Peaks cases, each case stands on its own. They argued that, while Johnson and Reyna removed themselves in Clendennens case because of Reynas previous testimony, Reyna has not testified in Aikins case. They also argued there is reason to believe that Reynas testimony is not relevant or admissible in upcoming proceedings and that subsequent subpoenas for him will be quashed.

Much of the argument presented to Walker on Wednesday centered around testimony from a 2016 pretrial hearing in Clendennens case in which Reyna, former Waco Police Chief Brent Stroman and other top-ranking Waco police officials spoke about the decision-making process that preceded the mass arrests of 177 bikers on identical warrants after the deadly shootout.

Broden, Callahan and other Twin Peaks attorneys have alleged Reyna hijacked the investigation, usurping the authority of seasoned police officials and making the call to arrest all bikers with ties to the warring Bandidos and Cossacks, despite testimony at the hearing that said the final decision was made by Stroman after consultation with Reyna and others.

Burks and Jarrett argued it is not unusual for prosecutors to discuss the law and charging information with police before arrests and that the entire discussion after the shootout about how to proceed and whether there was sufficient probable cause to arrest the bikers was made irrelevant by the grand jurys decision to indict most of them.

In making his ruling, Walker said the recusal law is driven by the necessity that citizens of Texas believe judges are going to be fair and impartial, not only in fact, but free from innuendo.

The people who promulgated this particular rule put former law partners in the same category as a judges spouse. The only issue is whether that former law partner is going to potentially be a material witness in a proceeding involving this case, Walker said. As I understand it, that is the basis of a prior lawsuit in another case arising out of the same fact issue that I am dealing with here today, the one where the judge voluntarily recused himself. Quite frankly, I think that was the right thing to do. All those same factors apply here today.

Jarrett and Burks declined comment after the hearing.

Callahan said he is pleased with the ruling.

Mr. Reyna is a material witness, and therefore, Judge Johnson was in the untenable position of having to preside over this case, which would have been a violation of the law, Callahan said. This is good for Judge Johnson as well as for our side of the case. This judge was very learned. He understood the law. He apparently does this on a regular basis, and we very much appreciated him considering all the evidence.

There is no trial date set for Aikin, but he has a hearing scheduled for Jan. 19 in Johnsons court on a motion to compel the district attorney to provide previously withheld discovery. Callahan said he is unsure if that hearing will be postponed now.
Marjean Greene Mitchell, 82, of Hewitt, Texas, passed away on Friday, December 29, 2017.Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 5, 2018, officiated by Brother Dick Wooten, in the Mausoleum Chapel at Waco Memorial Park, interment will follow. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, January 4, 2018 in the Mausoleum Chapel at Waco Memorial Park.
Rose Swank

Jan 29, 1947 - Jan 2, 2018

Rose Marie Swank, passed away Tuesday, January 2, 2018.Services will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 5, 2018, at Bellmead Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Terry Wilkerson officiating. Burial will be at Waco Memorial Park. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, January 4, 2018, at the funeral home.

Rose was born January 29, 1947 in West, Texas to Robert and Albina (Koval) Middlebrook. She graduated from West High School in 1965 and married Jerry Swank on April 6, 1968. She was a Teacher Aide at La Vega Primary for 25 years. She always had a smile on her face and never met a stranger. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and traveling with the Tejas Travelers. She worked with her daughter on Frosty's Tumblebus.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Bobby Middlebrook.

Survivors include her husband, Jerry Swank; daughter, Jeannie Frost and husband, Melvin; son, Kenneth John Swank and wife, Dianne; brothers, Ervin Middlebrook and wife, Margie, and James Middlebrook; grandchildren, Mykenzie, Jonathan, Kason, Cade, Morgan and Marissa; several brothers and sisters-in-law including, Janet Schuetz and husband, Alfred; and many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be, Jonathan Swank, Kason Frost, Cade Frost, Jason Schuetz, Kevin Pitts and Ervin Middlebrook, Jr.The family would like to express a special thank you to the nurses and staff of West Rest Haven for their care and support.
In his recent opinion commentary published in the Washington Post and Waco Tribune-Herald, former Whitewater independent counsel Kenneth W. Starr proposed a reset of the Russia investigation in which Congress steps up to establish a bipartisan investigative panel and the executive branchs approach changes from criminal law enforcement to some kind of nebulous fact-finding. Despite its bland profession of respect for the probe, Starrs column was really just a subtler version of suddenly pervasive efforts by Trump apologists to undermine the investigation into Russian tampering in the 2016 election.

The reasons given for Starrs reset are wholly specious: There is ostensibly a drumbeat of criticism aimed at special counsel Robert Mueller which has become deafening, including cascading revelations of anti-Trump bias. This is true only on Fox News, in President Donald Trumps tweets and in the shoepounding of the Freedom Caucus at legislative hearings.

The claims of bias amount to some private comments of an FBI official criticizing candidate Trump (and other candidates). Despite the fact government employees are entitled to have political opinions (so long as they do not interfere with their work, and there was no evidence of this), Mueller promptly removed this official. Also, Mueller has chosen poorly by having smart but deeply politicized senior aides who have virulently anti-Trump political leanings. The evidence for this? Some of his staff have made past political contributions to Democratic candidates. Also, the FBI deputy director, not even on Muellers team, has a wife who ran for a state legislative seat in 2015 with financial support from a friend of the Clintons, after the deputy director (who was not then deputy director) disclosed and cleared this internally at the FBI.

Thin gruel indeed, since current leadership of the Justice Department has contributed heavily to Republican candidates and since Starr himself, when appointed to investigate a Democratic president, had been a Republican donor and had given assistance to a conservative group filing a friend-of-the-court in a case involving President Clinton. Starr decries the heavy overreliance on the criminal-justice system in investigating the problem of Russian meddling in the U.S. electoral process and advocates for moving toward decriminalizing presidential politics. For those of us who lived through the five-year Starr pursuit of Clinton, this calls to mind Oscar Wildes comment on Dickens depiction of the death of Little Nell in The Old Curiosity Shop: One must have a heart of stone to read the death of Little Nell without laughing. The Starr investigation was the paradigm of criminalizing presidential politics.

More important, the proposed Watergate solution ignores the fact that in January, U.S. intelligence agencies, through the director of national intelligence, made public a formal assessment with high confidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an influence campaign in 2016 aimed at the U.S. presidential election whose goals were to undermine public faith in the U.S. democratic process, denigrate Secretary [Hillary] Clinton and harm her electability and potential presidency, while favoring candidate Trump. Much of the fact-finding that Starr calls for has been done.

This Russian tampering is a fundamental threat to our democracy and must be addressed in two ways: (1) by improving our safeguards against foreign manipulation of our electoral process and (2) by investigating, publicizing and prosecuting past criminal conduct involving this meddling. The former must be addressed by Congress and the Trump administration, but the latter is properly the province of the independent investigation led by Mueller  a decorated Marine combat veteran, a Republican and a highly esteemed, long-serving law-enforcement professional.

Starrs misleading call for a Watergate model ignores the work of the Watergate Special Prosecution Force. It is true the investigations of the Senate Watergate Committee in 1973 and of the House Judiciary Committee in 1974 were generally bipartisan and produced valuable information. But equally important was the work of the Watergate special prosecutor, first Archibald Cox and then Leon Jaworski, who fairly and thoroughly investigated criminal wrongdoing by President Nixon and many of his top officials. It was that offices successful pursuit of the Nixon White House tape recordings all the way through the Supreme Court, and its successful prosecution of several Nixon officials, that finally revealed the facts about Watergate.

So while a thorough, public, fair and bipartisan congressional investigation of Russian tampering would be terrific, good luck with that. Benghazi hearings anyone? The House and Senate intelligence committees have for months been conducting hearings on these issues, but these have been, particularly in the House, partisan, meandering, contentious and closed-door.

And calling for a vague fundamental . . . reset within the halls of the executive branch on the part of the Trump administration is also utterly unrealistic. Firing the special counsel and all his staff would be the most likely reset by this White House.

The real Watergate model here is to hope for the best from Congress but protect and continue the work of the special counsel. In five months, it has obtained two convictions and two indictments. It has worked in secret and without leaks. It should be left to finish the work it has so ably begun: investigating thoroughly, prosecuting when the evidence justifies it and closing up shop when prosecution is not warranted.
Social medias dark side has transcended the psyche of individuals and companies to taint our nations democratic institutions. When political ads appear on Facebook from sources called _american.made or Being Patriotic but are actually from Russian troll farms, its something to take seriously in our sacred democracy. At the same time, were learning that social media can influence society more than we think. Historically, media have changed politics. This, however, is a game-changer.

The recently disclosed slew of ads that were bought by Russian troll farms on our biggest digital and social-media networks reflected an attempt to influence voters, sow discontent and even inspire Americans to fight one another. The Russian efforts reached an estimated 126 million people on Facebook alone but also targeted Twitter, Googles YouTube and other networks. Typically, social-media ads target users based on geography, demographics or lifestyle. These ads, however, centered on immigration, race, religion and gun control.

Its clear that the Russian-bought ads strategically focused on controversial or divisive topics for a reason. The public release of just a sample of the 3,000 ads shows a sophisticated influence campaign on the 2016 presidential election via social-media advertising content. We now can see some ways in which the nations democratic process was under attack. What is less clear is how we will mount an effective defense against future attacks. Only a concerted effort from the worlds biggest tech companies, the government and the American public will give us a fighting chance.

There needs to be a greater sense of corporate social responsibility and higher standards. In the age of digital news consumption, the tech giants that own these platforms are media companies for all intents and purposes, and they share a large part of the responsibility for misinformation. Representatives from the companies have told lawmakers that they are conducting internal investigations, though they arent complete. The companies have also been removing advertisements and other content that Russian troll farms have created, though they rightly fear that legitimate content could be squelched.

Some of the most effective Russian content came in the form of Facebook groups and events that are not paid for and are open to anyone who uses Facebook. All media platforms, including newspapers, have struggled with whether and how to control user-generated content such as comments. Comments sections represent another form of social influence that may have been compromised.

Lawmakers, including Sen. Dianne Feinstein, whose home state of California includes the headquarters for these tech firms, have warned the companies that they must do more. Congress move to disclose the social media ads is a great step toward public awareness, though lawmakers should tread carefully before passing laws that stifle free speech and freedom of the press. Again, these companies are media companies. It would be a dangerous precedent to shut down content through legislation.

The public ultimately holds the key to combating political cyberattacks. More than two-thirds of Americans get at least some of their news through social media, according to the Pew Research Center. We now know there is indeed fake news, though its not necessarily about information that is in opposition to your politics. News and advertisements need to be consumed through a critical, thoughtful lens. Before hitting that share button, question the source of the material. Is it from a trustworthy, well-known organization? Are you sharing content or joining a questionable cause just because it fits your political ideology? The Russian efforts had hit both sides of the political aisle.

With midterm elections a year away, tech companies, lawmakers and the public all have a responsibility to fight back. All Americans, regardless of political persuasion, should want fair elections that are not intruded upon by a foreign power.
Australian Federal Police at Perth Airport were forced to remove a man from a plane bound for Queensland on Wednesday after it was alleged he became abusive and aggressive.

The 45-year-old man was offloaded from a Perth to Brisbane flight after staff alerted police of his alleged disturbance on board an aircraft.

The man, 45, was escorted from the plane by Australian Federal Police. Credit:SHUTTERSTOCK

Police say he was intoxicated and refused to leave the airport. He continued to swear and abuse police officers following the incident.

He was later charged with obstructing a public officer, disorderly behaviour in a public place and trespassing.
Dylan Voller, who was thrust into the public spotlight last year in a youth detention scandal, says he would be willing to work with Australian corrections authorities in an effort to help young people in custody.

And he has a message for young WA men currently caught up in juvenile detention: "There is no such thing as failing, there is always an opportunity to try again."

The image of Dylan Voller in a spit-hood at the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre that helped trigger the royal commission. Credit:ABC

Voller, 20, made international headlines last year when disturbing images of him being mistreated in Darwin's Don Dale Youth Detention Centre came to light.

The images, which first appeared on Four Corners, showed him strapped to a chair with his head covered in a spit hood.
Paris, Jan 3, 2018 (AFP) - Winter storm Eleanor swept into France, Belgium and the Netherlands on Wednesday after tearing through England and Northern Ireland, cutting power to tens of thousands of people and forcing airports and train services to halt operations. A skiier was killed by a falling tree at Morillon in the French Alps while 15 others have been injured by the storm across the country, four of them seriously, civil defence spokesman Michael Bernier told AFP. Another person was hurt by a falling tree in the southern Dutch village of Heesch. Heavy winds led the airports in Strasbourg and Basel-Mulhouse on France's border with Germany and Switzerland to close before they were reopened shortly after midday. At Paris's Charles de Gaulle airport, 60 percent of departures were delayed Wednesday morning, as were a third of arrivals, while a handful of flights had to be rerouted before the winds eased back a bit. The winds were also wreaking havoc with train services in several French regions. About 200,000 homes across northern France were without electricity, while "particularly intense" flooding was expected on the Atlantic coasts. The Eiffel Tower, which attracts six million visitors a year, was closed until at least Wednesday afternoon, while worries about falling tree branches prompted Paris officials to close all city parks for the day.

Eleanor barrelled into continental Europe after whipping across England, Northern Ireland and Ireland, with the Thames Barrier, one of the largest movable flood barriers in the world, closed as a precautionary measure to protect London from swelling tides. "We have seen some heavy showers push through across the south of the UK along with hail, loud thunder and lightning, which has woken people up," said meteorologist Becky Mitchell. Gusts of 160 kilometres per hour (100 mph) were recorded at Great Dun Fell in Westmorland, northwest England, while overturned vehicles and trees caused closures of major motorways. In Ireland, power supply company ESB said electricity had been restored to 123,000 customers, while 27,000 remained without power. Streets around the docks in Galway on the west coast were flooded after high tides breached the sea defences, prompting the deployment of about two dozen troops to support flood defence efforts.

Belgium and parts of Spain were also put on "orange" alert, the third of four warning levels, with officials urging people to exercise caution when venturing out. Although the winds eased toward midday, rescue workers in Brussels were kept busy with about 70 calls across the city, mainly after trees were knocked down, and several parks were closed. In the Netherlands, 252 of about 1,200 flights were cancelled at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport, a key European hub, as weather alerts were issued for several regions. Several main roads and train lines were also closed as officials rushed to prepare flooding defences. Flights were also disrupted at Frankfurt's airport in Germany, where the storm has been baptised Burglind, and at Zurich airport, as Swiss officials urged hikers to avoid forest walks. RTS television reported that about 14,000 homes were without power in several Swiss cantons. Eleanor is the fourth major storm to hit Europe since December. The storm is now heading for the French Mediterranean island of Corsica, where meteorologists are warning of violent gusts that could reach 200 kilometres per hour. Austria is also in its path, where the avalanche risk was expected to be raised to four on a scale of five in several areas Wednesday afternoon.

bur-js-kjl/cb/txw


By West Kentucky Star Staff Jan. 03, 2018 | 06:12 PM | METROPOLIS, IL





Two men were arrested on theft charges last week after two incidents on the same day.According to a Wednesday press release from Metropolis Police Department, officers were called Dec. 26 to Walgreens on West 10th Street, and were told that numerous bottles of cologne had been taken from the store. Although the suspects were gone, the theft was captured on video, and police filed a report.A short time later, police were called to a home on Ferry Street, where the victim said she awoke to the sound of people talking outside her window. She and her husband saw two men carrying tires and rims from their yard, and the husband confronted them and tried to turn off the van they were in. Police were told a struggle ensued and the driver tried to leave with the husband still in the van. The second suspect was left behind but fled on foot.Police found the van near Ferry and 7th Streets and pulled it over, and also learned the male victim was back at his home. Police say the men in the van were recognized as the theft suspects from Walgreens, and the stolen cologne was recovered.Police arrested 35-year-old Daniel Sledd and 35-year-old Kevin Sommers, both of Metropolis. They are charged with retail theft, robbery, unlawful restraint and theft. They were taken to Massac County Detention Center.
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By West Kentucky Star Staff

Jan. 03, 2018 | MAYFIELD, KY

By West Kentucky Star Staff Jan. 03, 2018 | 03:01 PM | MAYFIELD, KY

A Paducah man is facing multiple charges after a reported hit-and-run involving a pedestrian in a parking lot.



According to the Graves County Sheriff's Department, deputies responded at 7:40 am Wednesday to Pilgrim's Pride in Hickory, and learned that 62-year-old Susan Crain of Mayfield had been struck from behind by a vehicle. She was taken to Jackson Purchase Medical Center for treatment of what were called non-life-threatening injuries.



Witnesses told deputies 54-year-old Tony Proctor of Paducah tried to leave the parking lot after hitting Crain, and one of the security guards at the plant said he was almost hit while trying to get Proctor to stop.



Proctor was interviewed by deputies and then arrested. He faces charges of assault 2nd degree, wanton endangerment 1st degree, DUI 2nd offense, leaving the scene of an accident, and failure to maintain insurance.



Proctor was taken to Graves County Jail.
THERE ARE MANY BENEFITS FOR THE WHOLE REGION IN THE NEW HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER

FROM CAROLINA PUBLIC PRESS & THE GOLDEN LEAF FOUNDATION

Western North Carolina benefits from new health sciences center

JANUARY 3, 2018, BY STAFF REPORTS

A unique partnership between Blue Ridge Community College, Wingate University, Pardee Hospital, Henderson County and Hendersonville worked to design a multidisciplinary Health Sciences Center to improve the lives of Western North Carolina residents. The center serves a unique blend of learners, professionals, patients and community.

Surgical technology students at Blue Ridge Community College in Hendersonville.

Surgical technology students at Blue Ridge Community College in Hendersonville learn proper procedures and techniques by working with a simulation cadaver. Courtesy of Golden LEAF

For any large endeavor to be successful, strong partnerships are needed, said Dr. Kurt Wargo, Regional Dean and Associate Professor of Pharmacy at Wingate Universitys Hendersonville Health Sciences Center.

We were lucky enough to enter the project of the Health Sciences Center with four of our greatest partners: Pardee Hospital, Blue Ridge Community College, Henderson County, and the City of Hendersonville. Without even one of these key partners, this project would have been exceedingly difficult for us.

The 100,000 square-foot Health Sciences Center was completed in the fall of 2016 and features a state-of-the-art clinical simulation laboratory.

The Health Sciences Center allows healthcare students and professionals to develop and apply practical skills in a simulated environment. The enhanced training opportunities prepares students for the industrys high paying jobs, which helps boost the local economy and encourages future investment in the region.

Golden LEAF provided a $1,087,500 grant to BRCC for simulation lab equipment to support the Health Sciences Center.

With the expanded space, the community college was able to add new programs, grow existing programs and house all health-related fields under one roof. Enrollment has grown as interest in the community has increased.

The Health Sciences facility is beyond the hopes and dreams of a small community, said Jay Alley, Dean of Health Sciences and Emergency Services at BRCC.

Our state-of-the-art Simlab is drawing in more students as well as fostering community interest. The Simlab helps us create real health scenarios students may never see during hospital clinical sessions. The result is we are turning out more students ready for work.

In both programs, students have clinical experiences at Pardee Hospital, including within the Cancer Treatment facility in the Health Sciences Center, said Wargo. Upon graduation, our students have had the experiences necessary in order to compete for positions available at Pardee Hospital.

The Pardee Cancer Center and Pardee Surgical Associates are located in the Health Sciences Center.

Pardee is actively recruiting graduates of these programs, collaborating on staff development and evaluating research opportunities, said Johnna Reed, Chief Administrative Officer at Pardee UNC Health Care. Pardee provides clinical rotations (for the partnering programs) and hopes to create future community programs targeting population health.

The partnerships success in just a years time is a strong foundation for future collaboration, Wargo said.

We are actively working with BRCC to determine ways in which we can continue to partner in educational opportunities, he said. We look forward to ways in which we can improve the education of our students to make our graduates even more appealing to employers like Pardee.

BRCC reports most of its health care students are hired locally. Wingate graduates are finding jobs in the region as well.

The bottom line is this partnership was embarked upon to improve the lives of the citizens of Western North Carolina, Wargo said. Over 50 percent of our pharmacy graduates, and nearly 100 percent of our PA graduates have accepted working positions in western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and upstate South Carolina. These numbers speak volumes to the impact we are having on the lives of the people of Appalachia.

Editors note: Golden LEAF Communications Officer Jenny Tinklepaugh originally wrote this article for the organizations newsletter. Carolina Public Press uses it with Golden LEAFs permission
CHARLESTON (JG-TC) -- A couple of Monday traffic stops yielded four arrests for meth possession among other offenses, according to the Charleston police.

Larry D. Lang, 65, Jessica L. Lovall, 37, and Richard D. Smith, 59, all of Charleston were arrested following a stop at 9:55 a.m. that day.

According to a news release from the Charleston police, a K-9 dog was alerted on the 2003 Chrysler they were in during the stop. A search of the vehicle led to evidence of meth possession, police reported.

Tony West, Charleston police detective, said evidence of suspected methamphetamine was found in a baggie that was hidden in a drink container.

The three were arrested for meth possession and obstructing justice and later sent to the Coles County jail, according to police. Charleston police also seized the vehicle driven by Smith pending a property seizure hearing.

Also, Charleston police also arrested Caleb S. Hackler, 31, of Charleston during a separate traffic stop at 8:47 p.m. Monday.

According to police, Hackler was in the front passenger seat of the vehicle at the time of the stop at the intersection of Division Street and Madison Avenue.

During the traffic stop, a Charleston Police K-9 dog alerted on the vehicle, which resulted in a search of the vehicle, police say. Evidence of meth possession was found underneath the front passenger seat, where he was sitting, the report read.

West said drug paraphernalia including syringes, spoons and tubing were found under the seat as well.

Hackler was arrested for possession of controlled substance and methamphetamine with intent to deliver. Hackler was sent to the Coles County jail.
100 years ago, Jan. 4, 1918

MATTOON -- The pension department of the Illinois Central Railroad has inaugurated a change, according to a bulletin posted by Superintendent Roth of the Indiana Division here. The minimum monthly pension for retired men will be $20. If a retired man had 40 years with the company, and if he received an average of $50 monthly during the last 10 years of his service, his pension will be 40 percent of $50, or $20 a month. Retired men state that the change in the pension regulations benefits them materially... MATTOON -- The thrift stamp campaign was continued to the rural schools of the west side of the county. Schools visited by the delegation of Mattoon men were those in Lafayette, Paradise, Pleasant Grove and Mattoon townships. Pupils of the various schools greeted the visitors enthusiastically and after the matter of buying thrift stamps so their country might carry on the war against German autocracy had been carefully presented to them, both boys and girls promised to lay aside every penny they could get hold of so the little thrift stamp could be bought and the money given to the federal government as their bit toward winning the great war.

50 years ago, 1968

MATTOON -- Drawings and a scale model of the buildings proposed for the campus of Lake Land College were unveiled last night. Forrest Phillips, partner in the architectural firm of Phillips, Swager and Associates of Peoria, drawings of four classroom buildings, a physical education building, a resource center and two shop buildings. The buildings, grounds and parking areas will encompass an estimated 50 acres of the 150-acre site southeast of the Interstate 57 and U.S. Route 45-Illinois 121 intersection. The plan is laid out in roughly circular dimensions... MATTOON -- Visiting patients at Mattoon Memorial Hospital has been closed to everyone except relatives of critically ill patients. The curtailment of visitations was announced today by Dr. Robert Swengel, chief of the hospital medical staff, and by William Hurlburt, administrator. They said the action was taken to minimize the risk of patients contracting the flu which is currently widespread in the area... MATTOON -- Michael Ramage of Mattoon, who is serving in Vietnam, had a recent experience that comes to few people. Ramage twice got to shake hands with President Johnson while the president was at Cam Ranh Bay on his recent tour.

25 years ago, 1993

MATTOON -- The three children whose parents were killed in an accident Saturday have been transferred from Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center. The three, a 12-year-old girl and two brothers, ages 9 and 14, were transferred to a hospital in LaGrange, Ill., to be closer to relatives. Their parents were two of four people killed when a car crossed the median and smashed into the family van on Interstate 57 near the U.S. Route 45 exit near Lake Land College MATTOON -- Sometime early Saturday, someone broke into Spankys tavern, 1920 Oak Ave., and took an undetermined number of items. The burglary was reported Saturday morning. Police said the north door had been forced open CHARLESTON  The Charleston Food Pantry recently received a couple sizable donations. The Volunteer Firefighters Association of the Lincoln Fire Protection District donated $500 to V. Carolyn Smith, chairwoman of the Food Pantry. Members of the Eastern Illinois University Botany Club donated $800 to the Charleston Food Pantry. The Botany Club raised the money through the sale of cookbooks containing recipes from EIU staff and students. The food pantry served 1,741 families in 1992.

100 years ago, Jan. 5, 1918

CHARLESTON -- Dale Portlock, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Portlock of Charleston, has suddenly disappeared again, and it is thought that he has gone to Jefferson Barracks at St. Louis, again to join the Army. A short time ago the young man disappeared from Charleston and his father trailed him to Omaha, Neb., where he was found preparing to enlist in the Army. His father brought him home to his prostrated mother and told the boy he wanted him to finish the school year and then he might join Uncle Sam's ranks. The son seemed willing to abide with this agreement, until Thursday morning when he disappeared again... MATTOON -- In local Big Four Railroad happenings, Carlton Schlicher, a clerk in the office of Car Foreman J.P. Earner, has been promoted to piece work inspector, succeeding W.C. Buckler, who enlisted for service in the quartermaster corps of the U.S. Army. The office force of yardmaster Baker has adopted a stray cat which is making itself feel at home, especially at lunch time. The cat was untied from the tail of a dog, which had dragged it almost the full length of the railroad yards.

50 years ago, 1968

MATTOON -- The doors of Mattoon High School are locked today and only exterminators walk its halls after the building was found to be "saturated" with Brown Recluse spiders. The extermination of the poisonous spiders, found by the hundreds, if not by the thousands, in the building this week, forced the closing of the school today.John Wargo, superintendent of schools, said that, tentatively, the high school also would be closed on Monday. The remainder of the district schools also will be inspected for presence of the spider. David Murphy, a biology teacher at MHS, found one of the spiders in a cabinet drawer in his room... OAKLAND -- The largest single shipment of corn ever to leave a rural elevator in Illinois will leave the Miller Grain Co. elevators here today. The shipment, totaling 143,500 bushels of shelled corn, will fill 42 Norfolk and Western Railroad cars. The railroad will take the corn to Norfolk, Va., and then overseas. The corn, consigned to Cargill and Continental Grain Elevator at Norfolk, is valued at $167,840. Miller Grain Co. is operated by Fred and Max Miller. Reese Kite is the elevator manager.

25 years ago, 1993

MATTOON -- Coles County is getting what may be its first congressional office in what generally is considered a politically correct location. U.S. Rep. Glenn Poshard, D-Marion, is renting space at Coles County Memorial Airport to serve constituents in five counties. Coles County is a logical place for an office in the new 19th District, which goes from Decatur to the southernmost areas of Illinois, Poshard said. Finding space available at the airport helped pick the location. Officials in both Mattoon and Charleston had petitioned us to locate his congressional office in their communities, Poshard said. The congressman said he was not familiar with any rivalry between the two Coles County communities CHARLESTON -- John Kilgore, formerly a member of the English department at Eastern Illinois University, has completed training as a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Information Agency and has been assigned to the American Embassy in Seoul, Korea. Kilgore taught at EIU from 1979 to 1992, earning tenure in 1984 and promotion to full professor in 1988. He was a Fulbright Scholar in Korea in 1984 and in the Philippines 1988-89. Following further training, he will be director of the American Cultural Center in Taegu, Korea.
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The first show at the newly revitalized Royal Grove will be a big one  the return of Darude, the Finnish EDM producer known for his song Sandstorm who had 400 people dancing along with him at Vega a year ago.

That show will happen on Jan. 25 and a lot more than 400 people will be able to dance in the venerable venue at 340 Cornhusker Highway.

The same things should hold true for Lancaster Ghettoblaster, who regularly packed Vega and will perform on Jan. 27, the Saturday night of the three-day Royal Grove Grand Opening week.

The Friday night performer will be Back Forty, booked on Thursday as Vega owners Eli and Carrie Mardock and Elis brother, Luther, work at getting the Grove ready to come back in less than a month.

Weve got basically a couple weeks to get the place ready, said Carrie Mardock. Its exciting.

Plans are to have the Grove open only on weekends through February.

Well be fully ready to roll by the beginning of March, Eli Mardock said. We want to get some shows in there now. Well have these sort of soft-opening parties for February as we get things honed in.

The Mardocks operated Vega at 350 Canopy St. on the second floor of the Railyard for four years, closing the venue on New Years Eve. There, they booked local bands and mid-level touring artists in a room that officially holds 350 people.

The Royal Grove, which is four times bigger than Vega in square footage, will have a capacity thats proportionately larger.

Itll be different, Eli Mardock said. We have more flexibility with cap (capacity). When you have a 350 cap, its a lot riskier ... This will allow us to do more established, bigger names.

He plans to book the up-and-coming artists, too.

I loved doing those shows  LeButchettes worked in the same studio Ive been working in in Hamburg (Germany). Those arent the kind of shows that bring in a ton of money. But thats something cool to bring to Lincoln. Well still be able to do that.

The relatively small capacity at Vega, he said, made bringing more expensive artists like Young Fathers, Built to Spill and Mark Kozelek a tricky proposition.

Every show was a complete financial gamble, Mardock said. We did everything we could to make a venue work in that space. But because of budgetary and capacity matters there, its amazing we got any cool shows. Were ready to move on. But were thankful for the opportunity we had there.

While booking for the revitalized venue is just starting, the Mardocks said they plan to have events, whether touring artists or local evenings, aimed at bringing back those who frequented the Grove in the '70s and '80s.

There are so many bands who have history there, Mardock said. Wed love to have bands who have played there in the past. Were not focused on a particular demographic. Its all about the bands youre booking and that night. Thats the event business. We expect to have all kinds of audiences in.

One thing that will remain at the Grove is its look. In fact, the Mardocks are planning to really 70s-up the place, using some of the graphic design, color schemes and even the large indoor plants that typified the decade.

Thats in keeping with their desire to make the Royal Grove what it was before.

The Grove is such a beloved venue and name ... The biggest thing for us is to make sure it stays beloved," Eli Mardock said.

The first tasks, however, are far more down to earth.

Youre looking at the cleaning crew, Carrie Mardock said Wednesday morning. Weve got to get out there and get to work. Its going to look good and its going to be clean.
The countdown begins.

Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard dropped his proposal for a billion dollars in property tax relief into the legislative hopper Thursday, as supporters of a backup plan prepared to launch a petition drive to place the issue on the November general election ballot.

Next week, Gov. Pete Ricketts will come before the Legislature to outline an alternative tax plan that would combine property tax relief with personal and corporate income tax reductions.

"Here we go," Erdman said as he left his desk to present his bill for introduction on the second day of the 2018 legislative session.

And so the stage is set for an election-year tax reduction debate.

Erdman's bill (LB829) provides for property tax relief distributed through a state income tax credit or refund equal to 50 percent of local school property taxes paid by Nebraska taxpayers.

Erdman has estimated that will provide about $1.1 billion in property tax relief, beginning in 2019.

As the western Nebraska senator formally introduced his proposal, Trent Fellers of Lincoln completed preparations with the secretary of state for circulation of initiative petitions that would place the property tax issue on the November ballot for voter consideration if the Legislature does not act.

Fellers, who is executive director of Reform for Nebraska's Future, said he expects to begin circulating petitions within the next few weeks and gathering signatures.

Ricketts is planning to unveil some details about a renegotiated tax proposal that would add more property tax relief to a stalled bill (LB461) that is weighted more to personal and corporate income tax reduction.

That measure, as it now is framed, centers its property tax reduction feature on a new method of ag land valuation.

While raising strong concerns last week about the cost of the Erdman proposal, Ricketts has been engaged in negotiations to add more property tax relief to the pending legislation that he supported last year.

Sen. Jim Smith of Papillion, chairman of the Legislature's Revenue Committee, suggested this week that, although he is encouraged, the revised proposal appears to have "a very, very narrow path" to legislative approval.

Erdman said Thursday he has been encouraged by expressions of increasing support from urban homeowners for his own proposal.
The first  and at that time the only  law enforcement officer in this area was Joshua L Taylor, the U. S. Marshall for the territory of Minnesota, who held office in the late 1840s.

Although the present site of the city of Winona was in the area under Taylors jurisdiction, it is doubtful whether he ever visited this territory.

It wasnt until 1853 that the first sheriff was appointed for this area. In that year Gov. Alexander Ramsey appointed John Iams to serve as sheriff for the recently created Fillmore County which had been carved out of Wabasha County.

Well-liked by the pioneer residents, Sheriff Iams lived at the former Fillmore County seat at Chatfield, but had no jail for the holding of her prisoners.

In 1855, Charles Eaton was elected sheriff of Winona County and his most celebrated case was the investigation of the first murder here in the city of Winona.

The procedures of the investigation Sheriff Eaton carried on with Marshall E. A. Batchelder were notable for those early years.

The sheriff entered the case after the body of a man identified as John Burkett, Homer, was found floating in the Mississippi river on the morning of Sept. 28, 1857.

Examinations indicated that Burkett had been severely beaten and his body dragged to the river and tossed in.

A coroners jury was probably impaneled and ruled that Henry Theisen had beaten the Homer man to death with a club.

The promptness of the investigation, the information obtained and the manner in which witnesses were assembled and interrogated were unique for those times.

Witnesses who were summoned before the coroners jury testified that Burkett had visited an East Sanborn Street saloon with a man named Diorks, and that shortly after Burkett left the saloon about midnight, a stick was thrown through the window.

Patrons rushed outside to see who had thrown the stick, but found no one outside and returned to the saloon. Several of the patrons, however, recalled that Theisen had remained outside for 45 minutes after the stick crashed through the window. He returned to the saloon with a bloody shirt the witness recalled, and this testimony was corroborated by a laundress who told of Theisen bringing the bloody shirt to her that morning for washing.

A large club was found on Sanborn Street and the marks of where a body had been dragged to the river.

With this information,the sheriff arraigned Theisen in court and he was bound over to District Court and Diorks was held as a material witness.

When he was unable to raise a $1,000 bail, Diorks offered to relate his story of Burketts death if the court could guarantee him protection.

Diorks said that after closing time at the saloon he had gone to the kitchen and found Theisen and a man named Peterson eating there. Theisen remarked that he had struck a man with a club and would like to go out and see how he was. The three all went out, looked at the body and then returned to the saloon.

Another man name Stahl came in a short time later and before the group went to bed Stahl, Theisen and Peterson left the saloon again for about 45 minutes. It was believed that it was during this period that the body was dragged to the river.

After hearing Diorks statement, Stahl confessed that when the stick was thrown through the window Theisen followed Burkett. Stahl said that he struck at Burkett, but missed and Theisen hit the Homer man with the club.

Theisen and Stahl were taken to Stillwater prison to await trial, but in November of that year they picked a hole through the wall and escaped.
The great political question of the moment is what to make of the rise of populism  both in the U.S. and in Europe. Few things matter more than containing and turning back this surges excesses, but doing so will be far more difficult if its causes go unexamined. Three books published this year made invaluable contributions to this essential endeavor.

The populist campaigns that elected Donald Trump, started the countdown to Brexit, and put far-right political parties in or close to power in much of Europe are essentially protest movements  and in every case, the white working class has been the driving force.

These movements, preoccupied with immigration, scoop up every narrow-minded xenophobe and outright racist. But there are far too few of those to explain what has happened. If bigotry were the whole story, populism couldnt have scored so many victories. Why did millions of decent members of the white working class  hard workers, good neighbors, proud citizens  turn against centrist mainstream politics?

The answer suggested by all three books is that Trump supporters, Brexiteers and the rest didnt so much abandon centrist mainstream politics. Centrist mainstream politics abandoned them.

In White Working Class: Overcoming Class Cluelessness in America, Joan C. Williams takes the countrys professional-managerial elite to task for its moral complacency and failure to understand the values of the white working class. The book offers countless telling examples of this cultural blindness.

For instance, the PME, as she calls it, is either perplexed or just amused by the fact that many working-class voters support tax cuts for the rich while opposing more generous benefits for the poor. How dumb can those suckers be? Well, many of them take the view that lower taxes are good for the economy, and that whats good for the economy is good for jobs. They dont resent rich people if they think their wealth has been earned  and they do resent paying benefits, financed out of their taxes, to people who wont work. None of that is dumb.

Theres a widening empathy gap, no doubt, between the professional-managerial elite and the white working class in both the U.S. and Europe, but Williams is right that the telling deficit is not in empathy but in respect. The elite is capable of empathizing with the working class  generously allowing that its pathologies are understandable under the circumstances  but it rarely any longer grants respect. The best the mainstream center-left can do is swallow its disgust now and then, and offer condescension instead. To many working-class voters, thats worse. Hence Trump.

David Goodharts The Road to Somewhere: The New Tribes Shaping British Politics is mainly concerned with Europe and especially Brexit. Instead of Williamss professional-managerial elite and white working class, he looks at what he calls Anywheres and Somewheres, but the categories are closely aligned. Anywheres are well educated and economically mobile, with portable, achieved identities. Somewheres are more rooted, and usually have ascribed identities  Scottish farmer, working-class Geordie, Cornish housewife  based on group belonging and particular places.

Educated and affluent people, Goodhart observes, used to be more nationalistic than the rest, because they had a bigger stake in the country. Now its the reverse. The richer and better educated you are, the more global your attachments are likely to be. So Anywheres feel less solidarity with Somewheres, their fellow citizens. In general, the Anywhere worldview has little time for citizenship. Its universalist and post-nationalist  not much interested in borders. Mass immigration is an unalloyed blessing: The more the better. And you think its a problem that the European Court of Justice is the U.K.s highest legal authority? I mean, did you go to university?

The hardening of class and cultural divisions between the professional-managerial Anywheres and the working-class Somewheres is stressing democratic politics in much of the West. Whats the answer? Williams urges the elite to think harder and more open-mindedly about the values of decent working-class people. Goodhart calls for a new political settlement between Anywheres and Somewheres  a liberal agenda, but one thats cautious on immigration and recognizes the centrality of citizenship.

Both prescriptions are consistent with the advice of the third book, Mark Lillas The Once and Future Liberal: After Identity Politics. Lilla  like Williams and Goodhart, a progressive  emphasizes the role that identity politics has played in undermining support for the liberal project. First, he says, the current preoccupation with race, gender and sexuality has encouraged a style of politics that is less concerned with seizing power than with protesting it. Second, he argues that identity politics, as practiced lately, is apt to divide rather than unite people.

This neednt be so. And historically, it hasnt been. The civil-rights movement was an identity-politics project  but it couched its demand for justice in terms of rights the U.S. had promised to all its people. This approach presupposed the goal of a country united in justice, and that a demand expressed that way would have moral purchase. The current mode of identity politics often suggests that no such conversation is even possible. So what if we are fellow citizens? If Im straight, I can have nothing useful to say about gay rights. If Im white, I can have nothing useful to say about race. My role, it seems, is to shut up and feel ashamed.

The protest vote that elected Trump, ejected Britain from Europe and advanced far-right politics in Germany and elsewhere was reckless and unwise. But these studies show why it should have come as no surprise.
Drain the swamp! Remember Trumps campaign bullroar?

Well, the swamps risen so close to our noses we hope, no waves, please. Trump-White House flotsam is 10 feet high and risin.

Besides Trump-ity jetsam, citizens got a second Congressional grease-job t he fantasy-laden, trickle-down, bet-on-the-come, Republican tax gambit.

Talk about stone throwing in a glass house. This latest act clearly explains conservative politics  jeopardize end-game success to win a tactical battle. Then, declare that a victory? It all makes zero sense.

Maybe Republicans gamed us dodgers  but for the last time. To parahrase a rare but prescient comment by Senate leader McConnell, if were wrong, Republicans should be in another line of work.

Bingo.

Our elected just passed what is called  and ya gotta love it  the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) legislation; which, by the way, very few voting politicians have read.

And for more GOP bullroar: The bills passage is a victory. Since when is a majority, party-line Republican vote a victory?

Way back when, our civics teacher insisted, government does for those who cannot do for themselves. Thats not so today, unless youre a major contributor or corporation.

In the last election we avoided Clintons distasteful politics and got Trump and his selfish minority tyranny of phonies who think glitz is substance. These clowns have ridden expensive show-cars into swamp-town, but dont you expect more as promised. The phrase generous conservative is plainly oxymoronic.

A rude awakening awaits and youll not be happy. Is America great? We started sliding under Duh-bya Bush and the Trump Republicans add grease. We are doomed.

Jobs? For who? Doing what? Where? In another Reaganite service economy?

Making American great might be best served by basic debt-service. Why not remove American debt, yet maintain public spending levels? Whittle debt via five tax brackets; zero deductions. No games. No politics. Its not difficult.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act increases Americas debt and gambles our future with the conservative trickle-down fantasy. Ask Laffler if his theory works; then ask Kansas.

Punts dont win games.

A society requires governance. Governance costs moola. Governance includes fixing stuff; requires police and firemen to keep order and security; requires jails to house bozos; requires fixing government screw-ups; and so on  including wars. We play, we pay.

But not according to the whack-jobs gambling with our future, when a sure-thing is at hand. Stupid always hurts. Believe it.

If simple is usually best in the beginning and always later is true, then it is also true that simple means consequent glitches would be much easier to fix.

If this Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is devised to demolish the Affordable Care Act, whats provoking is that this legislation does the opposite. It doesnt keep the money-wheel spinning.

Either by mandate or private billing, creditors get paid. Healthy people spend. So, what happens when the money is gone?

Debt is real.

Mad-hatters prefer a complicated tax exception-system, skewed to assist a small population segment. The elected US Congress just gave up the ball on third down  woefully dumb politics.

Our taxes and debt define our living standards. High, real debt and interest undermine the needful in American society. To wit: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act raises debt by a trillion dollars  at minimum  over 10 years. If the plans corporate tax cut was four points lower, the debt decreases by a trillion scoots.

Employment isnt going to rise. Glitter and more people arent growth. Republicans manufacture fantasies and citizens suffer. Diminishing returns rules. Economic growth needs U.S. labor. Growth has flat-lined and betting-on-the-come is dangerous.

What would lying politicians and President Hyperbole do if Americas majority decided not to play along? Give us more bullroar?

I hope Im wrong. Say it aint it so.
Sen. Paul Schumacher of Columbus on Thursday introduced an imaginative, out-of-the box legislative proposal designed to attempt to spur major economic development in western Nebraska.

Schumacher's resolution (LR269CA) proposes a constitutional amendment that would allow the Legislature to delegate complete or partial sovereignty over a designated, limited and sparsely-settled area of the state for not to exceed 99 years.

That could tempt major enterprises that might be attracted by the prospect of no city or state taxes and no local or state regulations, Schumacher said.

"A major global company or coalition could have their own development in the center of the country," he said.

"If I were a major business, I would not want Omaha or Lincoln or Des Moines (Iowa) telling me what to do," he said.

Economic development opportunities in Nebraska outside of Omaha and Lincoln have become limited, Schumacher said, especially in smaller towns and sparsely-settled counties that are experiencing population and economic decline.

His proposal would confine the grant of sovereignty to one area of the state not to exceed 36 square miles in area and a population density of 10 persons per square mile.

Schumacher sees possibilities in western Nebraska, where there are nearby rail lines, transmission lines, fiber-optic cable connections, recreation sites and an array of transportation options.

"We're talking about Nebraska's future," he said.

"To build out here, you do not have to tear down something. And property is the ultimate economic tool."

This presents an opportunity, he said, to essentially "have your own state."

And, Schumacher said, "nobody else has done it."

If the Legislature approves the resolution, voters would decide whether to adopt the constitutional amendment.
The WSU Retiree Centers Senior University program will host The Glory of Ancient Greece?: Homers Iliad and Odyssey and Hesiods Theogony from 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 16-Feb. 27 in Maxwell Hall, room 257.

Myths as stories are vital to how we see the world. Homers "Iliad" and "Odyssey" are considered classics and they continue to exert an important cultural influence. This course will examine these two major works in light of the creation myth established by Hesiod who wrote his work, Theogony, at about the time Homers epic works were finding literary expression.

Emilio DeGrazia, a long-time resident of Winona, began publishing poetry and creative prose in 1973 and founded Great River Review, the states most enduring small press literary magazine in 1977. In 2012, he was named to a two-year term as official Poet Laureate of Winona. Emilio has a special interest in mythology and has taught several courses that center on mythological themes.

Cost to attend this course is $40, and registration is online at winona.edu/retiree/senioruni.asp.

Senior University is open to all adult learners in the Winona community, not just WSU retirees. The program is a series of non-credit short courses that are peer-led by WSU faculty, retirees and community members. The goal is to provide intellectual and cultural stimulation and growth for lifelong learners. Courses cover current events, history, philosophy, science, art, poetry, wellness, nature, politics, literature and much more.

For more information contact the WSU Retiree Center at 507-457-5565 or visit the center website at winona.edu/retiree/senioruni.asp
The spring election for the Columbus City Council will have one primary and one seat with no names on the ballot after candidacy deadlines passed in the city and other municipalities on Wednesday.

In the citys third district, incumbent Andrew Traxler and challengers Paula M. Steiner and Ben Davis will square off in a three-way primary on Feb. 20 to determine the two candidates who will be on the April 3 ballot.

Incumbent Regan Rule is not seeking re-election and no one filed papers to run in his district. City Clerk Megan Moen said there could be several options to fill the seat, including write-in candidates, an appointment or a special election.

District two has two candidates, Chris Roelke and Jason Theilen, after incumbent Rod Melotte opted not to run for re-election.

The Juneau City Council currently has an opening in Ward 2 and there is no one on the ballot for the ward. The seat had been filled by an appointment, but the person appointed stepped down before his first meeting. Mayor Dan Wegener, Kay Marose in Ward 1 and Clarence Chase in Ward 3 will be unopposed on the April ballot.

There are no contested races for Horicon School Board. Meredith Strieff is running for the open town of Hubbard/Oak Grove seat after incumbent Kim Ketchem filed non-candidacy paperwork. Incumbents Eric Krause-Emerick, Amanda White and David Westimayer are running unopposed.

In Mayville, where voters narrowly passed a school referendum last year, there are three contested races for school board. Zone One North seat incumbent John Westphal faces challenger Sue Steele. In Zone Three South, incumbent James Congdon faces challenger Patrick OToole. In Zone Four City, incumbent Laangela Davis faces challenger Ronald Andes.
A Mauston woman faces criminal charges for smuggling a glass pipe with methamphetamine residue into the Juneau County Jail.

Michelle Dettman, 47, is charged with felony bail jumping, deliver illegal articles to inmate, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to the criminal complaint:

After being pulled over and arrested for a previous offense, Dettman arrived at the Juneau County Jail in Mauston at approximately 6 a.m. on Dec. 20. Dettman was patted down, booked, and walked into the changeover room. All of her clothing items were searched and placed in a property bag.

Dettman was given an orange jail uniform. After showering, she was moved to the A pod at the Jail.

About two hours later a deputy was advised by an inmate that she needed to speak with her right away. The inmate stated Michelle had shown and offered an inmate methamphetamine and showed her the pipe she had brought in. The inmate stated Dettman was keeping the pipe in the front pocket of her jail uniform.

The deputy observed Dettman walk into the upstairs bathroom. While Dettman was sitting on the toilet, the deputy asked her to show what was in her pocket. Dettman refused repeated requests to reveal the contents of her pocket.

The deputy secured her arms and informed her to hand over what she had in her pocket. Dettman pulled out a glass pipe with white residue on the inside and a part of the glass appeared to be burnt. Dettman stated she had gone to the bathroom to place the pipe in a feminine napkin, crush it and flush it in the toilet.

The deputy asked Dettman where she had had the pipe. Dettman stated when she was pulled over, she knew there was methamphetamine in a pipe in the vehicle and did not want to get in trouble, so she inserted the pipe into her anus.

The deputy escorted Dettman out of the A pod and placed her in a cell in booking. The deputy then requested contact of a captain and asked for permission to perform a strip search on Dettman.

The deputy stated she would need a NARC test kit.

A detective arrived and tested a sample of the white residue inside the pipe using the Narcotics Analysis Reagent Kit. The sample tested positive for Methamphetamine.

The detective and deputy observed a blue colored pill stuffed into the other end of the pipe. The pill was determined to be Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine 5 mg, which is considered a schedule II narcotic.

The pipe was sealed in an evidence bag and placed with the pill in the evidence room.

The strip search of Dettman yielded an SD media card. The contents of the card were not revealed in the criminal complaint.

Dettman is not currently in the Juneau County Jail. She was released on a signature bond of $7,500 on Dec. 21. Her initial appearance in court is scheduled for Feb. 14.
Middleton-based Spectrum Brands Holdings said Wednesday it will explore strategic options for selling its batteries and appliances businesses in 2018, a move that could sell off the Rayovac battery business that started in Madison more than 100 years ago and was the legacy core of the global consumer products company that Spectrum Brands has become.

If that happens, a lot of jobs could be affected, in one way or another.

Spectrum Brands, with 18,000 employees worldwide, has 1,200 employees in Wisconsin: 670 at its Middleton headquarters, including 400 in the batteries and appliances division, and more than 500, in total, at two battery plants.

Spectrum Brands spokesman Dave Prichard said its too soon to speculate about the potential impact on jobs.

We dont have a contract with a buyer; we are in exploratory discussions. The impact might vary depending on who the buyer is, Prichard said.

He said, though, employees in Middleton may be among those affected. There, potentially, could be (an impact), but its premature to be able to comment on that with any specificity.

Tom Pyle, the Madison-area businessman credited with recharging Rayovac in the 1980s and early 1990s when he and his then-wife, Judy, were majority owners, said he hopes the business stays in the state.

If it is sold, I would hope that  whoever buys it has a headquarters in Wisconsin, Pyle said.

Sales of the divisions products  including batteries, shavers and George Foreman grills  are steady but slow, Spectrum Brands said.

Executive chairman David Maura said the company can pump money instead into the faster-growing and higher-margin divisions it has acquired since 2005: pest and weed sprays, pet supplies, auto care products, locks and plumbing products.

We believe this strategy is aligned with investors interests and will drive shareholder value to the next level, Maura said. With greatly increased financial flexibility from these planned divestitures, we intend to reduce debt, reinvest in our core businesses both organically and through acquisitions, and repurchase shares.

Prichard said the Spectrum Brands board voted in late 2017 to look into the possibility of selling the division.

We have received multiple inquiries from prospective buyers and are in active discussions with several, CEO Andreas Rouve said. Given their attractiveness and upside potential, we believe these businesses can have accelerated success in the hands of new owners.

Wall Street reacted favorably to the news. Spectrum Brands stock closed Wednesday at $118.94 a share, up $9.58, or 8.8 percent, from its close Tuesday at $109.36.

At least two research analysts applauded the move in notes issued Wednesday.

Such a sale should improve (sales) margins and sharpen focus, analyst Joseph Altobello, of Raymond James, titled a research note.

The strategy is long overdue, headlined a note by Ian Zaffino, of Oppenheimer & Co.

The global batteries and appliances division brought in just under $2 billion for the 2017 fiscal year, or 40 percent of Spectrum Brands $5 billion revenue in fiscal 2017.

Starting with financial results for the fiscal 2018 first quarter that ended Dec. 31, that division will be reclassified as held for sale and reported as discontinued operations.

Long history in Madison

Rayovac got its start as the French Battery Co., founded in Madison in 1906.

In its early years, there were two battery plants in Madison and later, the company added factories in cities including Appleton and Wonewoc. Those plants eventually closed; the last battery manufacturing in Madison ended in 1998.

Rayovac has two remaining factories in Wisconsin. In Fennimore, nearly 300 employees make AA and AAA alkaline batteries. In Portage, 225 employees produce hearing aid batteries.

In fact, even as Spectrum Brands announced the prospect of selling the battery business, the company said it is introducing a new line of hearing aid batteries, called PRO LINE Advanced, that will last longer and be easier to handle. They will be made in Portage.

It wasnt until the early 2000s that Rayovac diversified into other industries, beyond batteries and flashlights.

The company bought Remington Products, with electric shavers and hair care appliances, in 2003, then added United Industries Corp., a lawn care and pet supplies company, in 2005 and changed its name to Spectrum Brands. The George Foreman and Black & Decker small kitchen appliances were acquired in 2010, hardware businesses came on board in 2012 and 2014, and Armored AutoGroup joined Spectrum Brands in 2015.

The company, housed for decades on Madisons West Side, moved into new offices at 3001 Deming Way, Middleton, in 2013 and the building was expanded by 30,000 square feet last year.

Spectrum Brands stock is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange, but its majority owner, HRG Group, a publicly traded New York diversified portfolio holding group, owns 59.6 percent of the shares, according to a December 2017 filing with federal regulators.

Raymond James analyst Altobello said he thinks the batteries and appliances divisions could sell for $3.1 billion to $3.5 billion, and parts would likely go to separate buyers, possibly competitors or private equity investors.

I think Rayovac has kept up in terms of technology, but its a tough industry to differentiate, Altobello said.

Oppenheimers Zaffino said he thinks the deal could bring Spectrum Brands $2.9 billion to $3.2 billion and will let management focus growth efforts on its better businesses.

Pyle, chairman of The Pyle Group, said he is not interested in buying back the company.

Spectrums Prichard said the division is valuable to the company. Everyone is very mindful of the long, long history of Rayovac and the battery business in Madison ... and its steady contribution to the companys growth, he said.

Prichard said theres no timetable for a decision on the possible sale.
There are four people who want the Columbia County Circuit Court judges seat formerly held by Alan White, and the field will be narrowed to two with a February primary.

The candidate slate is not the same as the list of those seeking an appointment to fill the remainder of Whites term after his September retirement.

Columbia County Assistant Corporation Counsel Krista Miller is not a candidate for judge, and Portage attorney Steve Sarbacker is on the February 20 primary ballot.

All four of the judicial candidates  Sarbacker, Brenda Yaskal, Troy Cross and Clifford Burdon  either work, or have worked, in the Columbia County district attorneys office. Cross and Burdon are both current assistant district attorneys, as Yaskal was from 2006 until 2016, when she became assistant corporation counsel in Sauk County. Sarbacker was an assistant district attorney in Columbia County from 1998 to 2005, when he resigned.

A four-way judicial race is not unprecedented in Columbia County. With the 2011 retirement of Judge James Miller in Branch 2, four candidates  Cross, W. Andrew Voigt, Tim Henney and Mark Lawton  vied for the seat, with Voigt and Henney advancing in the primary and Voigt winning the election.

According to the Wisconsin Elections Commission website, Sarbacker turned in his candidacy documents  campaign registration statement, declaration of candidacy and nomination papers  on Tuesday, the deadline for filing. His ballot status is listed as pending, and the website indicates his statement of economic interest documents have not been filed as of Wednesday.

Cross registered his campaign Dec. 26, but turned in the last of the required candidacy documents Tuesday. Burdon declared his candidacy in September, filed most of his papers Dec. 7 and turned in his statement of economic interest Tuesday. Yaskal filed the last of her papers Dec. 22.

Eleven years ago, Sarbacker was a finalist for the Branch 3 judicial appointment that then-Gov. Jim Doyle eventually gave to White. The bench became open in August 2006 when Judge Richard Rehm resigned.

In September 2008, Sarbacker attempted an 11th-hour write-in campaign to be the Democratic Partys nominee for district attorney. Jane Kohlwey, a Republican, was re-elected.

Burdon, Cross, Yaskal and Miller had applied for an appointment to fill the remaining months of Whites term following his September retirement. But Gov. Scott Walker decided not to appoint a judge, and left the bench vacant until the election.

A circuit court judges term of office is six years.
A national survey of legislators ethics statements shows the broad scope of a problem only too familiar to Pennsylvanians: Across the country, many lawmakers have outside sources of income that expose them to conflicts of interest and raise questions about who theyre truly serving.

The Center for Public Integrity and The Associated Press examined the ethics statements for 6,933 legislators serving in various states in 2015 and found that at least 76 percent had outside sources of income. They reported their findings in December.

In a series on legislative ethics in 2015, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that at least 54 percent of Pennsylvania lawmakers had outside sources of income ranging from natural gas leases to small businesses. Efforts to curtail legislators moonlighting here have failed time and again. Thats because lawmakers would have to vote to limit themselves, and that isnt likely to happen absent a sustained public outcry.

But an outcry is warranted here and around the country. When they have other jobs, legislators can be distracted from serving their constituents. Thats especially true in the small number of states, including Pennsylvania, with full-time legislatures paying full-time salaries and generous benefits.

More concerning are the conflicts of interest that arise when a lawmakers personal financial interests and public work collide. The Center for Public Integrity/AP story featured some doozies of examples, including an Iowa senator who promoted a tax change that benefited manufacturing concerns like the one he owned, a Louisiana representative with a rare coin business who pushed a tax cut for those in that line of work, two Utah lawmakers who draw paychecks from Utahs bond adviser and voted for a bond issue of up to $1 billion and a North Dakota representative who voted for funding bills for colleges that included two clients of his insurance business.

Pennsylvania lawmakers who believe they may have a conflict of interest are required to ask their chambers presiding officer whether they should vote, the center and AP reported. In 30 instances in the Senate over a recent three-year period, every inquiry received the green light.

The Post-Gazettes 2015 series raised questions about similar scenarios, including lawmakers with gas leases who vote on fracking-related legislation, and the Legislatures reluctance to recuse members from voting even when they raise the possibility of conflicts themselves. Clearly, little has changed.

Legislative bodies around the country should do a better job of keeping lawmakers from voting on legislation in which they have a direct financial benefit. That kind of reform should begin in Pennsylvania, but it wont happen unless voters send the message that theyre tired of business as usual.
We, the staff and board of directors at River Haven, would like to thank all those who contributed to yet another successful year serving the homeless and less fortunate in our county.

We are grateful for the continued support of our community, especially the gregarious financial contributions received from area churches, businesses, groups and individuals like you. The Portage chapter of the Knights of Columbus has been especially generous with its time and resources in support of the shelter, as well as the community at large in its support of River Havens various fundraisers this past year.

Thank you to all who have kept River Haven in their prayers. Without the combined effort of all, we could not continue operating. We were able to provide housing for 115 people this year and we were able to replace windows in the shelter, most of which were original to the structure. Our next goal, God willing and with your support, is to replace the roof.

Again, a sincere thank you and may you all be richly blessed this Christmas season.

Cindy LeGrand, Executive Director of River Haven
Even though it may not feel like it outside, spring election season has begun. Since Mayor Brian Landers is not running for reelection following his third term, a new mayor will be elected this spring. The candidates are current Alderman Ed Wojnicz, Caesar Smolinski and Louis Kutzke, said Nancy Holzem, the Wisconsin Dells city clerk and administrative coordinator.

Terry Marshall, Ed Fox and Alderman Brian Holzem are running unopposed for Wisconsin Dells City Council. Fox is running to fill Wojniczs seat since he entered the mayoral race. Alderman Dar Mor is not seeking reelection, so Marshall is running for his spot.

Incumbents Les Bremer, Jeff Morris and Andy Waterman are running for the Lake Delton Board of Trustees, said Kay Mackesey, the village clerk, treasurer and coordinator.

Two board of education members from The Wisconsin Dells School District are up for reelection this spring, Jennifer Gavinski and Robert McClyman. Jim Rodwell is running against Gavinski and McClyman is unopposed, said Brenda Gurgel, the administrative assistant in the district administrators office.
has been accused of playing a

"double game" and harbouring "terrorists" by

Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the UN, as the war of words continues between the two countries over military aid.





Haley's comments come a day after President Donald Trump

to cut aid to Pakistan for allegedly lying to the US and offering "little help" in hunting "terrorists" in neighbouring

.





"There are clear reasons for this. Pakistan has played a double game for years,"

Haley told reporters at the UN headquarters in New York.





"They work with us at times, and they also harbour the terrorists that attack our troops in Afghanistan," Haley told reporters at the UN headquarters in New York. That game is not acceptable to this administration."




State senators introduced a number of criminal justice-themed and Department of Correctional Services-related bills Wednesday. They included proposals on prison overcrowding emergency requirements, medical release of inmates and reasonable rates for phone calls from county and city jails.

* OVERCROWDING EMERGENCY: Omaha Sen. Bob Krist introduced a bill (LB675) that would require, beginning July 1, that the governor declare a prison overcrowding emergency whenever the prisons director certifies the inmate population is more than 140 percent of design capacity. Upon certification, the director would have to provide a list of the parole-eligible inmates.

In October, the average daily population of Nebraska's prisons was slightly more than 155 percent of design capacity.

During a correctional system overcrowding emergency, the parole board would immediately consider or reconsider inmates eligible for parole.

* SUBSTANCE-ABUSE PROGRAM: A bill (LB676) also introduced by Krist would authorize the director of the Department of Corrections to allow a prisoner, when it would benefit the inmate and society, to get substance-abuse evaluations or treatment, attend rehabilitative programming or treatment, seek residency or employment, or participate in structured programming.

* MEDICAL RELEASE OF INMATES: Another of Krist's bills (LB672) would allow a terminally ill or permanently incapacitated inmate to be considered for medical release by the Corrections Department.

The department could grant the release only after a review of the inmate's medical, institutional and criminal records, and additional medical evidence from examinations or investigations. The decision about medical release would be within the sole discretion of the department.

The inmate would have to agree to placement for medical treatment in a hospital, hospice or other housing, including his or her family's home.

If the inmate's condition improved, or if the inmate violated conditions of the release, he or she could be returned to prison custody for a hearing on whether the medical release should be overturned.

* ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS: A bill (LB716) introduced by Omaha Sen. Sara Howard would appropriate $500,000 from the state general fund to the Department of Corrections in the next fiscal year to implement an electronic health records management system for inmates.

* JAIL PHONE CHARGES: Omaha Sen. John McCollister introduced a bill (LB776) that would help county and city jail inmates who must pay high prices to make phone calls to their families or attorneys.

The bill would require a county or city jail to make available a prepaid or collect telephone call system, or a combination of that, without receiving money from contractors in excess of reasonable operating costs.

The provider of the inmate telephone services would also have to allow inmates to make calls to their attorneys without charge and without monitoring or recording by the county jail or law enforcement.

More than half of Nebraskans in county and city jails have not been convicted of a crime and are unable to post the required bond. While they are held, they need to be able to communicate regularly with their attorneys, McCollister's bill says.

For-profit prison telephone service companies provide inmate telephone service for most local jails. Their contracts are awarded on a monopoly basis, and rates are not subject to regulation or oversight. Many of the providers return a portion of the income or profit to the county or city on a commission basis and result in arbitrarily high costs borne by the inmates and their families, the bill says.
Aubrey Trail, who is a person of interest in the death and disappearance of Sydney Loofe, has been transferred from the jail where he was being held on unrelated federal charges.

Trail, 51, was transferred to Leavenworth Detention Center, a maximum-security facility in Leavenworth, Kansas, on Wednesday evening, according to the Saline County Sheriff's Office and the prison.

But Saline County Sheriff's Office officials declined to provide further details on why Trail was moved.

A spokesman for the U.S. Marshals Service confirmed Trail remains in its custody but wouldn't provide further information.

"The U.S. Marshals Service does not disclose any personal information, location held, court scheduling, transportation details or other inmate information, other than to verify an inmate is in federal custody," Deputy U.S. Marshal Carlos Najera said in an email.

Trail's attorney, Korey Reiman, said it's not uncommon for the federal agency to transfer people in its custody between jails where it houses federal detainees.

A spokesman for the FBI, which is leading the investigation, referred questions to the U.S. Marshals Service.

Trail's girlfriend, 24-year-old Bailey Boswell, remained at the Saline County jail in Wilber on the same charges.

Both had been held there since Nov. 30 on pretrial detention on federal charges accusing them of transporting stolen property from Hiawatha, Kansas, to Beatrice.

Investigators believe Trail and Boswell were the last two people to have seen the 24-year-old Loofe alive on Nov. 15.

Loofe went on a date with Boswell, whom she met on the dating application Tinder, that night.

She was reported missing by her family Nov. 16 after she failed to show up for work.

Her body was found off a country road southeast of Clay Center on Dec. 4.

Investigators suspect foul play in her death but haven't provided further detail in the case since a Dec. 5 news conference.

Boswell and Trail remain persons of interest in the case, though no charges have been filed against them in Loofe's death or disappearance, according to an FBI spokesman.
A Lancaster County jury this week heard the case of a 31-year-old Lincoln man accused of assaulting a Uber driver.

Prosecutors originally charged James Danahay with a hate crime, making the third-degree assault a felony. But the Lancaster County Attorney's office later dropped the enhancement and refiled it as a misdemeanor.

"It was the right thing to do based on the evidence and circumstances as we now know them," Deputy Lancaster County Attorney Steven Schmidt told the Journal Star on Wednesday.

Lincoln police said the 26-year-old driver, who is Arabic, said he picked up Danahay just before midnight Oct. 3, 2016, in the Haymarket and headed to the Pla Mor Ballroom, with Danahay in the front seat.

The driver told police his passenger began asking him personal questions about his family and ethnicity and started yelling racial insults at him and calling him an "illegal alien" when he declined to answer.

The Uber driver pulled over at the Lancaster County jail and called 911. That's when, the driver said, Danahay punched him in the face as he tried to push him away.

Police found the driver with cuts on his head and arms and Danahay in a nearby field with blood on him. He was cited and taken to detox.

Danahay said it was self defense.

"You don't know what happened," Danahay's attorney, Deputy Lancaster County Public Defender Yohance Christie, told the jury during closing arguments.

He argued the evidence and testimony left open to question who was the aggressor that night.

But Jason Mitchell, Nebraska senior certified law student, told jurors it was clear who attacked whom that night.

"In this case, one person ran away, and one person sought help," Mitchell said.

The jury got the case Wednesday and returned late in the afternoon with a guilty verdict. Danahay faces up to a year in jail at his sentencing in March.
Brookfield to buy Westinghouse for $4.6 billion

04 January 2018

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Brookfield Business Partners, together with institutional partners - collectively known as Brookfield - has agreed to acquire 100% of Westinghouse Electric Company from Toshiba Corporation for total of about $4.6 billion, the companies announced today.

Westinghouse, which filed with the US courts for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March 2017 to enable it to undergo strategic restructuring, said the purchase price covers "substantially all" of Westinghouse's global business and its affiliated debtors and debtors-in-possession. The purchase price excludes cash: Brookfield expects to fund the purchase with about $1 billion of equity, $3 billion of long-term debt financing, and the balance by the assumption of certain pension, environmental and other operating obligations.

Brookfield highlighted Westinghouse's "strong market position" as the "largest service provider" to the world's nuclear facilities; its well-established global base of long-term customers; its "attractive" revenue and cash flow profile, with regularly scheduled services provided under long-term contracts; and its "strong reputation", driven by focus on innovation.

"Westinghouse is a high-quality business that has established itself as a leader in its field, with a long-term customer base and a reputation for innovation," Brookfield Business Partners CEO Cyrus Madon said. "We look forward to bringing our significant expertise and reputation as a long-term owner and operator of critical infrastructure in the US and globally, as well as our deep facilities management capabilities, to enhance the company's position as a leading global infrastructure services provider to the power generation industry."

Westinghouse president and CEO Jose Emeterio Gutierrez said Brookfield's acquisition of Westinghouse reaffirmed the company's position as the "leader" of the global nuclear industry. "Our transformation and strategic restructuring process is creating a stronger, stable, and more streamlined global Westinghouse business, for the benefit of our customers and employees," he said.

The acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter of 2018, subject to bankruptcy court approval and other closing conditions including regulatory approvals. Throughout the process, Westinghouse will continue to operate in the ordinary course of business under its existing senior management, the company said.

Westinghouse's bankruptcy filing affected only its US operations, including projects to construct a total of four AP1000 reactors at two projects, Vogtle in Georgia, and VC Summer in South Carolina. Toshiba, who bought Westinghouse in 2006, has since then paid $3.68 billion in parental guarantees to the owners of the Vogtle project, and agreed to pay up to $2.168 to the owners of the Summer project. Construction has continued uninterrupted at Vogtle - co-owned by Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power, MEAG Power and Dalton Utilities - following Westinghouse's bankruptcy, with Southern Nuclear taking over as project manager at the site and Bechtel managing construction. The owners of the Summer project - Scana subsidiary South Carolina Electric & Gas and Santee Cooper decided to cease construction of the South Carolina plant.

Brookfield Business Partners is a business services and industrials company listed on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges. It is a company of Toronto-headquartered Brookfield Asset Management, a global alternative asset manager with over $265 billion of assets under management, about $141 billion of which are in the USA.

Researched and written

by World Nuclear News

Related topics
No information about Nebraska voters was shared with a commission formed by President Donald Trump to investigate claims that millions of illegal votes were cast in the 2016 election before the president disbanded the panel Wednesday, the Nebraska Secretary of State's office said.

Led by Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, the bipartisan Presidential Commission on Election Integrity met only twice before its work was bogged down in a series of lawsuits from states across the country.

Trump signed an executive order Wednesday asking the Department of Homeland Security to review the commission's findings, essentially dissolving the panel, before casting blame onto his political opponents through Twitter.

"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 to see their records or methods because they know that many people are voting illegally. System is rigged, must go to Voter I.D.," Trump tweeted.

In July 2016, Nebraska Secretary of State John Gale  a Republican  said he planned to comply with the request if the commission could offer assurances that data turned over as part of the request would be stored and used in compliance with Nebraska state law.

Most states had issued full or partial denials to the commission's request, which including obtaining voters' names, addresses, birth dates, political party registration and voter history, while also seeking more clarification about how the information would be used.

Much of that information is public record in Nebraska, Gale said last summer, but a request for the Social Security numbers of Nebraskans was not, and would not have been included in the request.

Gale told The Associated Press in September he still had not received the assurances he sought from the commission after its work had been put on hold following several lawsuits from states and civil-rights organizations. Gale also sought information on the status of those lawsuits.

Thursday, a spokeswoman from the Secretary of State's office said no voter information had been released before the commission disbanded.
A man from California will no longer be able to get on an Alaska Airlines flight after being accused of sexually assaulting a flight attendant.

53-year-old Mike Timon of San Diego announced that Alaska Airlines was engaging in areverse discrimination against men.a

Timon, who owns a medical equipment company, frequently flies first class.

On Tuesday, Timon was on the Alaska Airlines flight from Portland, Oregon, to San Diego we the incident occurred.

Timon was served just one alcoholic beverage when he was cut off from getting more drinks.

Timon claims that he then politely tapped a female flight attendant on her back to ask for another drink.

However, the flight attendant claimed that Timon inappropriately touched her behind.

When the flight landed in San Diego, Timon was greeted by the San Diego Harbor police.

The police officers took statements from both parties and no arrests were made.

Timon claimed he was sober the entire time but Alaska Airlines officials announced that they will not tolerate sexual assaults and banned the businessman from ever flying on its planes.
The FBI says an armed 26-year-old Missouri man who breached a secured area to stop an Amtrak train in southwest Nebraska in October has links to a white supremacist group and expressed an interest in "killing black people," according to court documents unsealed Wednesday.

Taylor Michael Wilson, of St. Charles, Missouri, is charged in U.S. District Court in Lincoln with terrorism attacks and other violence against railroad carriers and mass transportation systems.

In an affidavit attached to the criminal complaint, FBI Special Agent Monte Czaplewski said there was probable cause to believe that electronic devices possessed by Wilson and firearms owned by him "have been used for or obtained in anticipation of engaging in or planning to engage in criminal offenses against the United States."

Just before 2 a.m. on Oct. 22, an assistant conductor felt the train braking, searched for what was causing it and found Wilson in the engineer's seat of the follow engine "playing with the controls," Czaplewski wrote.

The conductor, and others, subdued Wilson, then held him and waited for deputies from Furnas and Harlan counties to arrive in Oxford, 23 miles southwest of Holdrege, where the eastbound California Zephyr with about 175 people aboard stopped.

No injuries were reported.

Czaplewski said Wilson, who has a permit in Missouri to carry a concealed handgun, had a loaded .38-caliber handgun in his waistband, a speed loader in his pocket and a National Socialist Movement business card on him when he was arrested.

He also had a backpack with three more speed loaders, a box of ammunition, a knife, tin snips, scissors and a ventilation mask inside.

Wilson, who was traveling from Sacramento, California, to St. Louis, later was charged in Furnas County with felony criminal mischief and use of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony.

In late October, a judge ordered Wilson to undergo a competency evaluation at his attorney's request. He later was found competent to proceed, according to court records.

His $100,000 bond was posted on Dec. 11 and he was released.

Two days later, according to the federal case, FBI agents searched Wilson's home in Missouri and found a hidden compartment with a handmade shield, as well as: "a tactical vest, 11 AR-15 (rifle) ammunition magazines with approximately 190 rounds of .223 ammunition, one drum-style ammunition magazine for a rifle, firearms tactical accessories (lights), 100 rounds of 9 mm ammunition, approximately 840 rounds of 5.45x39 rifle ammunition, white supremacy documents and paperwork, several additional handgun and rifle magazines, gunpowder, ammunition-reloading supplies, and a pressure plate."

Czaplewski said they also found 15 firearms, including a fully-automatic rifle, ammunition and firearms magazines, and a tactical body armor carrier with ceramic ballistic plates.

In the newly unsealed federal case, Czaplewski wrote that investigators had found videos and PDF files on Wilson's phone of a white supremacist banner over a highway, other alt-right postings and documents related to how to kill people.

He said an acquaintance contacted by the FBI said that Wilson had been acting strange since June and had joined an "alt-right" neo-Nazi group that he found while researching white supremacy forums online.

Czaplewski said agents believe Wilson had traveled with members of the group to the Unite the Right rally at Charlottesville, Virginia, in August, where a woman was killed and 19 injured when a man used his vehicle to ram a crowd of counter-protesters.

An informant told the FBI that Wilson has expressed an interest in "killing black people" and others besides whites, and they suspect Wilson was responsible for a road rage incident in April 2016 in St. Charles where a man pointed a gun at a black woman for no apparent reason while driving on Interstate 70, Czaplewski said.

Wilson now is in federal custody. He was arrested Dec. 23, a day after the complaint was filed under seal in federal court in Nebraska.
Mitt Romney: Your country needs you.

The 2012 Republican presidential nominee has been reluctant to announce a primary challenge to retiring Sen. Orrin G. Hatch of Utah, the longest-serving Republican senator in history. But America needs Romney to step up, to restore dignity to the Senate -- and to save the country from the embarrassment Hatch has become.

Hatch, long the picture of conservative rectitude, was once a conscientious legislator, even partnering with Ted Kennedy when he thought poor kids were getting a raw deal. But Hatch, the Senate president pro tempore, has undergone a grotesque transformation this year, his 84th on earth and 42nd in the Senate. He has become chief enabler of and cheerleader for President Trump.

"You're one heck of a leader," Hatch gushed to Trump on the White House lawn this month, hailing "all the things that he's been able to get done -- by sheer will, in many ways." Hatch, declaring Trump a man "I love and appreciate so much," urged his colleagues to "get behind him every way we can" and vowed: "We're going to make this the greatest presidency that we've seen, not only in generations, but maybe ever."

Yep, that's Trump: topping not just Ronald Reagan but Abraham Lincoln and George Washington.

And Hatch wants colleagues to "get behind him in every way we can." That would include backing Trump's defense of white supremacists, his vulgar tweets, his endless attacks on the rule of law and the institutions of democracy, and, yes, his embrace of a credibly accused child molester for the Senate. Hatch, after enjoying a ride on Air Force One this month, excused Trump's endorsement of Roy Moore and said the alleged offenses "were decades ago."

Trump will be Trump, and that won't change. The nation's fate depends on previously upstanding public servants such as Hatch insisting on some semblance of decency.

Hatch's hometown Salt Lake Tribune recently called for Hatch to step aside, citing "his utter lack of integrity that rises from his unquenchable thirst for power." Hatch, who saw that the paper had named him "Utahn of the Year" but apparently missed the explanatory editorial, tweeted that he was "grateful for this great Christmas honor."

The paper's editorial page editor, George Pyle, cited the tax cut Hatch authored and other policy differences. But his problem with Hatch was more one of character. Romney would vote the way Hatch does most of the time, Pyle told MSNBC, but, with Romney, "we would be spared the embarrassment of his sucking up to the president."

Exactly. This isn't about ideology.

The trouble is Hatch's slavish devotion to Trump, kowtowing even when the likes of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan express misgivings. Yes, Romney briefly had kind words for Trump when Trump was considering him for secretary of state. But Hatch's nonstop adulation of Trump legitimizes the president's vulgarity and attacks on democratic institutions.

Consider Hatch's applause for Matthew Petersen, one of three Trump judicial nominees who withdrew this month amid doubts about their credentials. The patently unqualified Petersen, who has never prosecuted or defended a case, was humiliated during questioning by Sen. John Neely Kennedy, R-La., who exposed his ignorance of basic courtroom procedures. And Hatch? He scolded his fellow Judiciary Committee members for being "unfair."

Contrast that with Hatch's silence last year when Todd Edelman, nominated to the same seat as Petersen in the U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia, waited eight months without even getting a hearing -- an insult endured by many nominees, right on up to Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland. Edelman had spent six years presiding over some 400 cases as a judge on the D.C. Superior Court, served eight years as a public defender and taught law at Georgetown.

Hatch for many years has been the compassionate champion of the CHIP health-care program for poor kids and the importance of legislating protections for the "dreamers," immigrants brought to the country illegally as children. But those sensibilities faded in the Trump era.

The lapsed CHIP program now hangs by a thread, and, while Hatch says he favors renewing the program, he frets that "we don't have money anymore." This as he helped push through a $1.5 trillion tax cut paid for with debt.

And the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program for dreamers? He urged Trump not to end the program, and, when the administration set in motion plans to do just that, Hatch didn't join GOP Sen. Lindsey O. Graham's bipartisan effort to codify it, instead signing on to a GOP-only alternative.

Trump obviously prefers the obsequious Hatch to Romney, who, though as conservative as Hatch, would be no puppet. That's why Mitt must run.
The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), the national union umbrella organisation, has said it will campaign in 2018 for changes to industrial legislation, with the purported aim of reversing the dramatic growth of casual employment.

This campaign, announced last month, forms part of a broader strategy, initiated by ACTU secretary Sally McManus, to present the unions as opponents of social inequality, corporate tax cuts and mounting poverty.

Confronted by rising social and class tensions, the ACTUs posturing is aimed at channeling the widespread disaffection among workers and young people back behind the unions and the Labor Party, of which McManus is a prominent member. It is also an attempt to head-off a deepening crisis of the unions, whose membership in the private sector is estimated to have fallen to a record low of 10 percent of the workforce.

Announcing the campaign, McManus cited official figures indicating that at least 2.5 million workers are employed on a casual basis, without the rights or entitlements of permanent workers. She declared that the unions were seeking to include a definition of casual employment in the Fair Work Australia industrial legislation that would entitle casuals who work regular full-time shifts to gain permanency.

The ACTU campaign is an exercise in utter hypocrisy. McManus was silent on the fact that the last Labor government introduced the draconian Fair Work Australia regime, with the full support of the unions.

The Fair Work laws ban virtually all industrial action outside proscribed enterprise bargaining periods, and include numerous mechanisms that major companies have exploited to slash jobs and wages, and erode conditions, including through the expansion of casual employment.

The Fair Work legislation is the continuation of a three-and-a-half decade offensive against the social rights of the working class, spearheaded by successive Labor governments and the trade unions.

The dramatic increase in casual employment began under the federal Labor governments of Bob Hawke and Paul Keating, in office from 1983 to 1996.

In those years, Labor and the unions took their nationalist and pro-capitalist program to its logical conclusion. Amid the rise of globally-mobile capital, they dispensed with seeking limited reforms, and became the chief proponents of ensuring that their own national industries remained internationally competitive, through the continuous lowering of real wages and working conditions.

The Hawke and Keating governments, and the ACTU, struck a series of pro-business Accords with the major corporations, aimed at dismantling national economic regulations. These resulted in not just dramatic falls in wages and conditions, but also the destruction of entire sections of industry considered insufficiently profitable by the wealthiest shareholders. Hundreds of thousands of full-time jobs were destroyed, including in major industries such as car manufacturing, steel production, telecommunications and mining.

The job cuts went hand in hand with a dramatic increase in part-time, casual and precarious work.

The Keating government, with the full collaboration of the ACTU and all its affiliates, also introduced the enterprise bargaining system in the early 1990s, under which agreements are signed by the unions and the employers at individual workplaces. This was aimed at atomising workers, and creating the conditions for regressive company-union deals.

According to modelling by academic Barbara Pocock, casual employment grew by 4.7 percent under Hawke and 5.3 percent under Keating. Casual work as a proportion of total employment grew from a relatively static 13 percent before 1983, to over 22 percent in 1996, when Labor was ousted from office. The increase continued under John Howards Liberal-National Coalition government, and the Labor governments of Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard, reaching 25 percent by 2011.

Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics data, the statistics likely understate the shift to precarious work, because they do not include illegal cash in hand employment, which is not reported to the authorities.

The Rudd and Gillard governments broadened the pro-business agenda of Hawke, Keating and Howard, carrying out sweeping market restructuring of the health, education and welfare sectors. As a result of Labors education revolution, which was supported by the academic and teaching unions, casualisation rates at universities increased from around 40 percent in 2000, to more than half of teaching and research staff last year.

The unions have been central to the casualisation drive in every industry. From the 1990s onward, they signed innumerable enterprise agreements, providing for increased casualisation and significant cuts to casual wages.

Led by current Labor leader Bill Shorten, the Australian Workers Union (AWU), the countrys largest, struck numerous deals over a decade, beginning in 1998, slashing the pay and conditions of some of the most exploited workers.

In 1998, the AWU signed a pact with Cleanevent, eliminating penalty wages for hundreds of cleaners and placing them on a base rate of just $14.70 an hour, including for night and weekend work. The deal reportedly saved the company up to $400 million.

A 2004 agreement between the AWU and farming company Chiquita mushrooms reclassified hundreds of low-paid workers as independent contractors, effectively rendering them casual employees without any rights.

The Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA), a union that covers retail workers, has imposed dozens of wage-cutting agreements. An investigation by Fairfax Media last year reported that as many as 250,000 supermarket, retail and fast food workers were likely paid below the mandated minimum wage because of regressive SDA deals.

Last month, the Sydney Morning Herald, reported that the SDA and Woolworths, a supermarket chain, had struck a new agreement covering 400 warehouse workers. While the union and the company have sought to keep the pay rates secret, they are allegedly $1.50 less than other supermarket workers, or up to $3,000 less per year, per worker.

McManus has explicitly defended the SDAs wage-cutting agreements. Last June, she declared that casual hospitality workers, who receive as little as $10 an hour, were among the best-paid fast food workers in the world.

Every other major union, including those that posture as militant, is implicated in the expansion of casualisation. In 2015, the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) sold out industrial action by Hutchison stevedoring workers, pushing through 60 sackings. A handful of those who lost their job were rehired as casuals.

With the final closure of the Australian car industry last year, overseen by the ACTU and the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union, rates of unemployment and casualisation will grow further. Tens of thousands of flow-on sackings in the car components industry will stoke a stepped-up offensive against the working class by the corporate elite.

Underlying the perfidious actions of the unions is their transformation into an industrial police force of big business. Their record makes clear that a genuine struggle against casualisation, and other cuts to conditions, can be waged only in opposition to these thoroughly corporatised organisations.
Facebook has admitted to deleting the accounts of Palestinian activists and journalists at the behest of the Israeli government as well as the accounts used by the former leader of Chechnya at the command of Washington in an active campaign of international political censorship.

The social media company, which has more than 2 billion active users worldwide, has also been systematically removing hate speech and other illegal content from its platform in Germany.

Facebook, which has nearly 4 million active users in Israel, has been engaged in a censorship rampage against activists and journalists who oppose the illegal Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory according to the Intercepts Glenn Greenwald.

The current campaign of censorship against Palestinians began after high-level meetings in September 2016 between Facebook representatives and Israeli officials including Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked of the far-right, pro-settlement Jewish Home party. Shaked once notoriously referred to Palestinian children as little snakes.

After the meetings with Facebook, Shaked publicly bragged that the company had granted 95 percent of more than 150 requests by Tel Aviv for removal of content during a four-month period that the Israeli government declared incitement.

Following the Israel-Facebook summit, ten administrators for the Arabic- and English-language Facebook pages for the Palestinian Information Center, with more than two million followers, had their accounts suspended, seven permanently. Facebook also briefly took down the page run by Fatah, the largest faction of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, when it posted a picture of Yasser Arafat holding a rifle.

Most recently the former head of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov, had both his Facebook and Instagram accounts deleted at the behest of the US last month. According to Facebook, it had deleted the two accounts, which had approximately 4 million followers, after the Trump administration had placed Kadyrov on a financial sanctions list.

The move against Kadyrov sets the precedent that allows the US government to silence the social media accounts of any foreign politician or official who may voice opposition to US interests by placing them on a sanctions list.

Along the same lines as the US and Israeli governments censorship campaigns, the German government adopted a new law in October that bans hate speech and other illegal content on social media outlets by threatening the companies with a possible $56 million fine if they do not quickly remove offending posts.

Coinciding with the new law, Facebook opened a deletion center in Essen, Germany employing 500 censors to sort through posts and delete comments, videos and photos that violate the companys rules. The first such deletion center in Germany was opened in Berlin and now employs 700 people.

Richard Allan, Facebooks European Vice President for Public Policy, reported last year that 15,000 posts had been deleted in a single month for violating Germanys hate speech laws.

In what was reported to be the first use of the new social media hate speech ban, Beatrix von Storch, the deputy parliamentary leader for the right-wing extremists Alternative for Germany, had her Twitter and Facebook pages blocked after she posted a racist comment disparaging Muslim man. The offending post was promptly deleted by the social media companies censors.

While Facebooks campaign is justified publicly by targeting right-wing extremists and autocrats, the real aim is to use these powers against anyone who is branded an extremist, in particular political opponents of the financial oligarchy. Facebooks censorship campaign, carried out in coordination with Western governments, is of a piece with Googles efforts to block access to left-wing and antiwar web sites by demoting their pages in search results, resulting in traffic drops by as much as 75 percent.
In the run up to the New Year, the cross-party Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of MPs called homelessness a national crisis. They revealed that more than 9,000 people were rough sleepers and 78,000 families were living in temporary accommodation in England alone.

Homelessness is hitting families that previously would not have been affected.

In his report, Still No Place Like Home, Michael Kingthe local government and social care ombudsmannotes that in 2016-17 one in three complaints received about homelessness services delivered by English authorities came from outside London. A majority were from people who found themselves in a situation where they have been forced to call on their local councils help by the increasing unaffordability of private tenancies.

King said, Our cases show many preconceived ideas about the people affected by homelessness simply no longer ring true. The increasing cost of private rents has meant we have seen a shift towards more people in professions such as nursing, and their families, becoming affected.

Many families are finding themselves on the brink of homelessness due to being priced out of the housing market. One-third of cases involved councils in South-East England, often in affluent areas with high housing costs, such as Berkshire, Sussex and Kent.

People are coming to us not because they have a life crisis or a drug and alcohol problem, but because they are losing what they thought was a stable private-sector tenancy, being evicted and then being priced out of the [rental] market, King said.

In April 2004, the government introduced legislation to limit the use of bed and breakfast (B&B) accommodation for homeless familiesThe Homelessness (Suitability of Accommodation) (England) Order 2003. The law states that bed and breakfast accommodation is not suitable for families or pregnant women unless no other accommodation is available and, even then, must only be provided for a maximum of six weeks.

During 2016-17, 450 complaints were issued to the Ombudsman concerning temporary accommodation and homelessness. Of the cases investigated, a staggering 70 percent found that councils were at fault.

Theres Still No Place Like Home references the 2013 report, No Place Like Home, on the inappropriate use by councils of bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) to house families. Four years later, the same problems have worsened and there has been no coordinated response nationally in implementing recommendationsput forward by the ombudsmanto avoid people being shoved into B&Bs for months on end.

The horror stories featured in this years report reveal a situation comparable with Victorian slum housing. Living conditions for many are such that many councilsfollowing a complaint to the ombudsmanspend thousands of pounds paying compensation to residents due to the poor state of the accommodation they provided.

One family with two young children lost their home when they were evicted from their private tenancy and were placed in a B&B. They all lived in one room together and had to share washing and cooking facilities with other tenants. The shower didnt work, and cockroaches were found in their bedroom. The owner did not address these problems and they spent significantly longer than is legal in the accommodation. The council paid the 1,750 in compensation.

Other stories show the impact of welfare cuts on the most vulnerable. A single mother with a disabilityrequiring the use of crutchesand her four children were forced into B&B after they became homeless due to her welfare benefits changing.

The council placed her in an unsuitable property with steps separating key facilities. To worsen the situation, the rooms were two floors apart so Susie [the mother] would either be separated from one or more of her children, or they had to share crowded conditions. The accommodation was found to be uninhabitable due to its appalling condition. Despite this, they lived in this situation for two years and four months.

Council delays causing additional stress on the poorest are detailed in the case of Rebecca, a mother of three children, including a baby with Type 1 diabetes. They were housed in a B&B without access to cooking facilities. The council made Rebecca wait until bailiffs came to evict her before rehousing the family in temporary accommodation. She was moved on numerous occasions between different types of housing, each one unsuitable. Her baby son was hospitalized due to infections. The report concluded, The council had plenty of opportunity to secure suitable accommodation for Rebecca and her family before she became homeless, but failed to do so.

In another case, the council paid out 2,325 for the injustice caused to a family who had to live in a single room with one kitchen shared with five other families. The kitchen had only one working hob and was filthy, and bed bugs were found along with stained bedding.

Under the Conservative governments austerity programme, councils are under immense pressure due to the slashing of budgets. This is set to worsen, with councils facing a 5.8 billion overall funding shortfall by 2020.

The reduction and removal of vitally needed servicescarried out mainly by the Labour Party-led councils in urban areashas resulted in many thousands of job losses, leading to mistakes being made to the detriment of many families.

The most graphic example of the indifference of the authorities to the fate of those thrust into homelessness is that of the Grenfell fire survivors. Out of 208 households that needed homes following the tragedy, 118 are still in hotels and bed and breakfasts(B&Bs) or living with friends, including 29 families with children. The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea council has acted unlawfully by having families spend more than six weeks in B&B accommodation. When the figure is adjusted to include residents forced to leave blocks adjacent to Grenfell Tower, it is estimated that a staggering 857 people, including 303 children, spent Christmas in temporary accommodation.

The PACs figures are damning, but they are an underestimation of the true number of homeless people in one of the richest countries on the planet.

The BBC reported in December on the phenomenon of the hidden homeless. Usually young people, who are dubbed sofa surfers, find themselves sleeping in friends houses as a stop-gap before they eventually get their own accommodation. However, some youth interviewed had been doing this for over six years. This group are usually not included in official statistics, but UK-wide research commissioned by the BBC found that out of 1,000 questioned, 41% of young people had stayed with friends for at least one night and 9% did so for over a month.
The new year will see a growth of the class struggle throughout the world and within the US, as the corporate and financial elites demand more austerity from the working class even as they wallow in levels of personal wealth not seen since the Gilded Age.

After overseeing the largest tax cut for the rich in US history, the Trump administration is gearing up to destroy longstanding social benefits, including Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. It will make America, already the most unequal advanced economy in the world, far more unequal.

Trumps tax legislation will have massive implications for public education. By capping state and local tax deductions for individuals, it will likely result in the loss of up to a quarter of a million public education jobs, as municipalitieswhich provide 90 percent of school fundingare unable to raise revenues. Governors, mayors and school district officials from both parties will announce that there is no money left to maintain quality schools, let alone decent salaries, classroom conditions and pensions.

Federally-funded education programs, including Title I, Special Education and Head Start, which provide benefits to poor or disadvantaged students, will be targeted to pay for the handouts to the wealthy and giant corporations.

On the other hand, the Trump measure provides, for the first time, the ability for wealthy families to invest in tax-free plans for private K-12 schooling, and continues the lucrative policy allowing charter schools to utilize tax-free Private Activity Bonds. These changes significantly shift the education tax structure in line with the privatization policies advocated by Trumps education secretary Betsy DeVos.

A new stage of struggle is on the horizon for teachers, working-class parents and students. Past experience, however, demonstrates that spontaneous expressions of opposition are not enough. Educators need a new political strategy and organizations controlled by rank-and-file teachers and school employees themselves, to mobilize the working class to defend the right to high quality public education for all.

The period from 2007 to 2016 saw the fewest major work stoppages in the US of any decade since the Bureau of Labor Statistics began recording them in 1947. This was not the result of any complacency among workers, let alone satisfaction with the historic transfer of wealth from the bottom to the top that occurred during the Obama years.

On the contrary, it was the outcome of the deliberate policy of the AFL-CIO and other unions, which guaranteed the Obama administration labor peace in the aftermath of 2008 financial crash, giving the Democratic president a free hand to bail out the Wall Street banks, starve the states and school districts of funding, and restructure economic and social relations at the expense of the working class.

In order to maintain the political straitjacket of the Democratic Party over the working class and prevent any challenge from below to the financial oligarchy, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the National Education Association (NEA) worked overtime to smother the opposition of teachersabove all in the suppression of the powerful strikes and mass protests that exploded in Wisconsin in 2011, Chicago in 2012 and Detroit in 2015-16.

Each of these struggles expressed, in their own way, the determination of teachers to find an independent road of struggle. Their bold actions galvanized popular support among high school students, parents and broader sections of the working class and of middle-class people. To prepare the next stage of struggle, it is necessary to draw the critical political lessons from these experiences.

Lessons of Wisconsin

The struggle of Wisconsin teachers and public-sector workers nearly seven years ago was among the most the important class battles in the US in recent years. On February 14, 2011, Republican Governor Scott Walker introduced Act 10, also known as the Wisconsin Budget Repair Bill, into the state legislature, providing for sweeping cuts to public sector workers pensions and health care benefits, and outlawing strikes and collective bargaining. This included a massive $1.25 billion in cuts to school aid and local government.

The response by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC) and other unions was to acquiesce to Walkers budget-cutting demands. At the same time, the union officials organized token protests aimed solely at defending collective bargaining.

While workers interpreted this to mean protecting their right to fight for improved wages and conditions, the union bureaucracy had something very different in mind. As mass protests were beginning, WEAC President Mary Bell said, This is not about protecting our pay and our benefits. It is about protecting our right to collectively bargain. For the union apparatus collective bargaining means retaining their dues income and state-sanctioned seat at the table, where they negotiate away workers hard-earned wages and benefits.

Independently of the unions, high school students walked out of their classrooms to defend their teachers, who then followed with a campaign of sickouts. In a matter of days, the largest working class movement in the US since the 1980s erupted, with militant workers and young people occupying the state capitol in Madison, defying Walkers threats to call out the National Guard, and teachers rejecting back-to-work orders by WEAC. Support was building for a general strike.

The unions were thoroughly opposed to a general strike, which would quickly develop into a political clash not just with Walker but with the Democratic governors in Illinois, California, New York and other states, and with the Obama administration itself. The Democrats were carrying out similar austerity measures, albeit with the collusion of the unions. Wisconsin Democrats chastised Walker, boasting that his Democratic predecessor, Governor Jim Doyle, had imposed the deepest austerity cuts in state history, but had accomplished this without popular resistance, precisely because he worked with the unions.

The unions quickly shut down the mass movement and peddled the lie that the only means of opposing Walker was to support recall campaigns to replace the Republican governor and state senators with Democrats. In 2012, Walker defeated the Democratic challenger, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, a shill for big business in the mold of Hillary Clinton.

By demobilizing the working class, the unions paved the way for Walker to implement his reactionary program. Before Act 10 came into effect, the unions moved quickly to impose multi-year concession contracts on teachers and other state workers in a bid to maintain their position as bargaining agents.

For teachers, this has meant:

 40 percent of school districts have moved to performance-based pay.

 Teachers are considered free agents and are bargained for competitively by various districts, creating chaos and churn of teachers, with 75 percent of school districts saying they have lost teachers because a competitor offered a better salary or benefits.

 Two-thirds of districts have cut or ended benefits for retirees.

 Class sizes have been increased and the workday has been lengthened.

 Sixty percent of districts surveyed said teachers average annual salary growth had either slowed (50%), stopped (8%) or reversed (3%).

 The divide between better off and poorer districts has been exacerbated. Rural schools and low-income schools are routinely losing teachers and are more likely to use inexperienced teachers or those with emergency credentials.

To be continued
SNYDERWestern Texas College students will observe Martin Luther King Week with events scheduled each day to honor and evoke his message. Students, faculty, staff and the community are welcome at all events.

We have a very proactive and passionate group of students this year, noted LaVeeda Newsome, WTC MLK Week events coordinator and English Instructor.

The students strived to create events that would be meaningful and honor Dr. Kings legacy.

Starting at 11:35 a.m. on Monday, January 15, students, staff, faculty and the community can express their dreams on the Dream Board in the Student Center. Everyone is welcome to add to the Dream Board with written notes, images, or clippings. The Dream Board will be included in a time capsule called The Mountaintop with an event at 2 p.m. on Thursday. The Dream Board will remain in the Student Center until Thursday at 1:50 p.m. when students will place it in the time capsule.

On Tuesday, January 16, WTC will host the panel discussion Distinguishing Gentlemen: Looking Forward, Looking Back, in the Fine Arts Theater at 6:45 p.m. The panel includes Snyder mayor Tony Wofford and City Councilman Vernon Clay who will offer their perspectives on community, culture, and Dr. Kings legacy. WTC student Cruz DeLuna will moderate.

Students will offer their own perspectives on Dr. Kings legacy in 2018 with their own forum, Dreams Deferred, Dreams Fulfilled, on the evening of Wednesday, January 17. Beginning at 6:45 p.m. in the Fine Arts Theatre, student panelists will contemplate Dr. Kings vision for America in 2018 fifty years after his assassination. Assistant Professor Geron Scates will moderate.

Sophomore Kyra Lewis is scheduled to be on Wednesdays panel. I think part of Dr. Kings legacy is that we have to provoke the conversationwe have to converse, not argue, noted Lewis.

If one person is suffering an injustice, then everyone is.

The Mountaintop time capsule will be the focus on Thursday, January 18. At 2 p.m. in the Fine Arts Theater lobby, the Dream Board will be placed into the time capsule. Students may add items that future students can use for reflection.

The weeks events will wrap up on Friday, January 19, at 6:45 p.m. with the Stride for Solidarity March and Candlelight Vigil. The march will begin at the WTC flagpoles and end at the Student Commons with the candlelight vigil.

I think it is important what we are doing here, said DeLuna.

It can only get better.

For more information, contact LaVeeda Newsome at 325-574-7921. Western Texas College is located at 6200 College Avenue in Snyder.
RACINE  In the future, guests who stay with Airbnb hosts in the City of Racine may pay an 8 percent room tax just as they would to a hotel or motel  money the company would remit to the city.

Airbnb, an online marketplace that enables people to rent rooms and houses, has had discussions with city officials about making a room-tax agreement such as the San Francisco-based company has with Madison and Green Bay.

Airbnb also has an agreement with the State of Wisconsin to collect sales taxes and remit those to the state, instead of putting that burden on its hosts, company spokesman Ben Breit pointed out Wednesday.

In Wisconsin, Breit said, any tax that applies to a hotel also applies to a short-term lodging rental. But the vast majority of Airbnb hosts are only doing it part-time on the side, and for them to handle and process two separate tax structures would be very challenging.

City Administrator Jim Palenick said the city and Airbnb are indeed negotiating a room tax collection agreement.

Agreement coming soon

We have kind of a draft agreement in hand, Palenick said, and he is optimistic it can be ready within a month to give to a city committee and then the City Council for review.

Airbnb has about 350 agreements with U.S. cities, counties and states to collect and remit various taxes, Breit said.

The company currently has 30 hosts in the City of Racine, Breit said. They hosted about 700 guests last year and collectively took in about $120,000.

Founded in 2008, Airbnb connects people to travel experiences, at any price point, in more than 65,000 cities and 191 countries, according to its website.

Racines room tax of 8 percent, the maximum allowable, matches those of all municipalities east of Interstate 94, said Dave Blank, executive director of Real Racine, the countys tourism bureau.

However, the percentages that various municipalities share with the tourism bureau often differs. For example, Racine and Caledonia share 85 percent, Mount Pleasant 75 percent, Yorkville 90 percent and Burlington just 35 percent (an equal amount goes to its Chamber of Commerce).

Desire to renegotiate

If and when Racine comes to a room tax agreement with Airbnb, its far from certain the city will be sharing 85 percent of that revenue. Palenick said Racine has not renewed its arrangement with the tourism bureau since 1986  but has been abiding by an old agreement.

I think its our desire to negotiate a new agreement with Real Racine, he said. Its not necessarily going to be 85/15.

Although Mount Pleasant pays a lower percentage of room taxes to the tourism bureau than its neighbors, it hands over the most by far: 70 percent of the bureaus total funding. All other room taxes shared total just 16 percent of the organizations budget.

The portion of room taxes that municipalities retain can be used for general purposes, but the City of Racine has always held the position that it also go toward tourism in some way, Blank said.

Last year through October, the most recent month for which Blank had figures, the City of Racine had collected $241,322 in room taxes. Of that, $213,148 went to the tourism bureau.

Asked about the idea of Airbnb collecting the room tax to remit to the City of Racine, Blank said, I would like to see Airbnb play on a level playing field with hotels  lodging properties and bed-and-breakfasts.

Blank added, I (would) have no problem promoting Airbnb.  They would come in handy, he said, for big events and any summer weekend when other lodging is full.
RACINE COUNTY  The five-month project to rebuild 6  miles of frontage roads to accommodate the widening of north-south Interstate 94, a necessary step for Foxconn Technology Group, is scheduled to start Monday.

The State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation awarded Hoffman Construction of Black River Falls a $12.7 million contract to rebuild the I-94 frontage roads running past the future Foxconn manufacturing campus.

Work is scheduled to begin Monday with tree clearing, stump removal, traffic control and erosion control.

According to Hoffman Construction, six different project pieces were combined and bid as one project that will consist of 240,000 cubic yards of excavation, 240,000 tons of aggregate base and more than 50,000 tons of asphalt. The original contract completion date was Nov 18 of this year; however, because of the coming Foxconn manufacturing campus adjacent to the frontage-roads project, the completion date was changed to June 1.

We have a plan, stated Brian Aebly, Hoffmans vice president for operations. What would normally be a one-year job, the DOT decided to accelerate it as part of the public works to facilitate Foxconn. Our equipment, our people and subcontractors are ready to accept the challenge.

Company President James Hoffman said his crews will grind existing pavement and lay it down in one operation for the new road base, use on-road dump trucks to haul away excess and also use articulated off-road trucks within the project area.

Coordination with all the utility relocation in progress will be another challenge in addition to the schedule, stated company President James Hoffman. The DOT plans to continue to take bids for public work projects in the area to be ready for Foxconn, a planned 32-million-square-foot manufacturing campus to be built between I-94 and Highway H, and between Braun Road and Highway KR.

Hoffman said about being part of the states largest construction project ever, Foxconn coming to Wisconsin resembles when Henry Ford picked Detroit for the first automotive manufacturing facility. We look forward in utilizing Hoffman Constructions fleet of scrapers, dozers and haul trucks and especially our biggest asset, our people, to build the projects.

In 2016 Hoffman Construction marked 100 years in the highway construction and site-grading business.
(WTXL) - Tallahassee's Elder Care Services is celebrating the 100th birthday of one of their foster grandparent volunteers.

Amanda Gee has served for 20 years at George W. Munroe Elementary School in Quincy, Florida.

Gee was born in 1918 in Quincy and was the eldest of thirteen siblings.

After her retirement in 1997, Gee came to Elder Care Services, wanting to remain active, and was placed at the school where both of her grandchildren attended.

Elder Care says as a foster grandparent, Gee has mentored hundreds of children, providing consistent attention and support.

Gadsden County Schools Superintendent Roger Milton also stopped by to congratulate Gee.

Milton, who was one of Gee's students, says she is a huge inspiration for him and everyone in Gadsden County.

If you are interested in becoming a foster grandparent, please click here.
THOMASVILLE, Ga. (WTXL) - The snow amazing everyone, even a little girl from Bainbridge.

She had never seen snow before so her dad bundled her up, hopped in the car and traveled to Thomasville to play in the snow.

The snow started falling about 8:15 this morning and picked up around 8:30.

Skye Clements and her father Perry spent a few hours this morning having a snow ball fight.

He says, "Its a unique experience we don't see everyday here in south Georgia".

If you are going to be out in the cold weather, EMS officials are encouraging you to wear layers, hats, and gloves.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXl) - A woman was arrested at a Tallahassee bank following an attempt to collect $800 by the use of a forged check and another person's identification.

Lesli Marie Elixson, 34, of Jacksonville, remained in the Leon County Detention Center on Thursday after being booked there Tuesday. Her bond is $11,000.

Her charges include fraud by depositing a bank item with intent to defraud, possessing the identification of another person without consent, uttering a false instrument, and possessing a controlled substance without a prescription.

Elixson entered the drive-thru bay at Regions Bank at 3621 Appalachee Parkway on Tuesday and gave the bank a forged check, according to a probable cause affidavit completed by a Leon County Sheriff deputy.

The bank recognized the check as one on a watch list as stolen and stalled Elixson until they called law enforcement.

In Elixson's purse, the deputy found a small amount of flakka, a synthetic stimulant.

After waiving her Miranda rights and agreeing to speak to the deputy, Elixson said she passed the check and the identification did not belong to her.

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 First Alert Weather 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.
File photo by Xinhua/Zhang Baoping

ABUJA, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Ten people including the attacker's father have been confirmed killed in a suicide attack on a mosque early Wednesday in Nigeria's northeastern town of Gamboru, according to local residents and officials.

A teenage male suicide bomber sneaked into the local mosque and detonated an improvised explosive device strapped to his body during an early morning prayer in the mosque in the northeastern state of Borno, said Abba Lawan, a resident.

Lawan said the suicide bomber's biological father was among the early worshippers in the mosque.

"The suicide bomber hailed from Gamboru town, he disowned his parents and joined the terrorists in the bush," said Lawan. "Wounded persons have been referred to a clinic for treatment."

The Nigerian military, while confirming the attack to Xinhua, said another suspected suicide bomber was killed in Rann, another town located in Kala-Balge area of Borno.

Rogers Nicholas, the commander of the troops fighting the Boko Haram terror group in the northeast region of Nigeria, said only five bodies of the victims had been recovered so far by the military.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 00:55:03|Editor: yan

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- American scientists reported that tiny tube-like protrusions called primary cilia on cells of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) -- a layer of cells in the back of the eye -- are essential for the survival of the retina's light-sensing photoreceptors.

The discovery, newly released on Cell Reports, advanced efforts to make stem cell-derived RPE for transplantation into patients with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common disease for the old people in both America and China.

"We now have a better idea about how to generate and replace RPE cells, which appear to be among the first type of cells to stop working properly in AMD," said Kapil Bharti, the study's lead investigator at the National Eye Institute, part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH).

In a healthy eye, RPE cells nourish and support photoreceptors, the cells that convert light into electrical signals that travel to the brain via the optic nerve. In AMD, RPE cells die, which causes photoreceptors to degenerate, leading to vision loss.

Bharti and his colleagues are hoping to halt and reverse the progression of geographic atrophy by replacing diseased RPE with lab-made RPE. The approach involves using a patient's blood cells to generate induced-pluripotent stem cells that are capable of becoming any type of cell in the body.

But in an attempt to create functional implants, RPE cells always get developmentally stuck, Bharti said.

"The cells frequently fail to mature into functional RPE capable of supporting photoreceptors. In cases where they do mature, however, RPE maturation coincides with the emergence of primary cilia on the iPSC-RPE cells," Bharti said.

The researchers tested two drugs known to enhance cilia growth and they significantly improved RPE's structural and functional maturation and the cells performed a crucial function of mature RPE cells -- they engulfed the tips of photoreceptor outer segments, a pruning process that keeps photoreceptors working properly.

By contrast, stem cell-derived RPE cells exposed to an inhibitor of cilia growth, demonstrated severely disrupted structure and functionality.

The report suggests that primary cilia regulate the suppression of a cell signaling pathway involved in embryonic development. Suppression of the pathway called WNT instructs the cells to stop dividing and to begin differentiating into adult RPE, according to the researchers.

Bharti is leading the development of patient stem cell-derived RPE for an AMD clinical trial set to launch in 2018.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 01:00:04|Editor: yan

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CAIRO, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- An Egyptian police officer was killed on Wednesday in a bomb blast in the North Sinai, official MENA news agency reported.

A police force discovered the explosive charge weighing 50 kg that was planted by unidentified persons, according to MENA.

The bomb went off while security forces were examining it, leaving a police officer dead.

Egypt has been suffering a wave of terrorist attacks that killed hundreds of policemen and soldiers following the military removal of former Islamist President Mohamed Morsi in July 2013.

Terror attacks had been centered in restive North Sinai province bordering Israel and the Palestinian Gaza Strip, before spreading to several provinces and starting to target the Coptic minority in the most populous Arab state.

Most of the terrorist operations were claimed by the so-called Wilayat Sinai (Sinai State or Province), a Sinai-based group affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 03:05:41|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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NAIROBI, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese computer consumable firm, Anycolor Computer Consumables Co., Ltd., plans to establish a Kenyan manufacturing plant and an East African Marketing Center in 2018, an official said on Wednesday.

Anycolor is a high-tech firm which engages in research, development and production of full range computer comsumables. Arecolor is the subsidiary and premium consumables brand of Anycolor.

Arecolor Kenya General Manager Xu Huanwen told Xinhua in Nairobi that they are seeking to establish a 10 million U.S. dollars factory to produce printing consumables such as toner, ink, copy cartridges and power banks.

"We are currently looking for an ideal site in the special economic zones that has the entire necessary infrastructure," Xu said.

Arecolor currently has two factories in China and so the Kenyan facility will be the first overseas plant.

The plant is expected to provide employment to over 300 locals and produce initially over 3.6 million toners cartridges, 6 million ink cartridges and 2 million powerbanks annually.

The East African nation is a suitable location because it has lower production costs as compared to China as well as a large pool of skilled manpower.

Xu said the rising costs of production in China has made the firm to seek to establish facilities outside of the Asian nation.

He said that Africa is the future of the global manufacturing industry due to the continent's rapid economic growth.

Arecolor also wants to help Kenya achieve its goal of expanding its manufacturing base that currently contributes approximately 10 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 07:11:39|Editor: pengying

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LONDON, Jan.3 (Xinhua) -- Political pundits were Wednesday playing a guessing game as re-shuffle fever spread through Westminster with British Prime Minister Theresa May poised to make changes to reshuffle her team of ministers.

From major changes in her top team, including Brexit Secretary David Davis and Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson given new roles, to a more modest shake-up of junior ministerial ranks, speculation embraces every level at 10 Downing Street.

Dr. Andrew Crines, lecturer in British Politics at the University of Liverpool, warned it could give ammunition to critics of a government in crisis.

Meanwhile Professor Tony Travers from the London School of Economics' Department of Government told Xinhua that Brexit chief Davis and Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond appear to have the greatest risk of being moved or having their positions weakened.

"The Chancellor's autumn budget was well received, so his position is probably stronger than hitherto. David Davis is the one to watch," said Travers.

The political gossip mill has been working overtime during the festive year, guessing what surprises would be sprung early into 2018.

The Guardian claimed May is preparing a new year reshuffle that could see a number of cabinet figures losing their positions.

The Guardian claimed May is said to be considering offering Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson a move to a Brexit delivery role based in another department, but he is likely to resist such a move.

The Evening Standard in London, now edited by former Chancellor George Osborne, says May's Cabinet rejig, expected in the next couple of weeks, is an especially tough one to get right.

The government has been undergoing involuntary upheaval in recent months, losing Defense Secretary Michael Fallon and International Development Secretary Priti Patel, as well as May's de-facto deputy Damian Green, constraining May's options, says the Standard.

The Sun predicts that rather than a political earthquake, May is eyeing a "significant" reshuffle of the junior government ranks, while only making minor changes to her top team.

May, the paper says, is under pressure to bring in new talent to the government ranks to give future leadership contenders vital ministerial experience.

In the political publication The Spectator, commentator Isabel Hardman says: "Westminster wisdom has long been that it is dangerous to move your top team around, as sacked ministers make troublesome backbenchers. This does ignore the inconvenient truth that most of the trouble that May has faced over the past few months has come from within her Cabinet -- albeit with an extra helping of Brexit rebels on the Conservative backbenches too."

In an exclusive interview, Crines told Xinhua: "Whilst it is true that a reshuffle will inject life into the government, it will inevitably give critics short term ammunition to argue that it is unnecessary change and the sign of a government in crisis.

"This isn't helped by May losing three members of her government in less than ideal circumstances. She needs to get some distance from those departures and one way to do that is to reshuffle some of the junior ministers and maybe move a big name or two."

Crines said he believes it is possible some big names may be moved but are likely to remain within the government.

"This is because sacking ministers gives the appearance of difficulties. To send out the right message of leadership competence she can only replace any big names who choose to go on their own free will... Also bringing back any of the older big names would likely be a mistake as it sends the message that the Party lacks younger talent," he said.

Crines says a reshuffle at the start of the New Year tends to strengthen the party leader.

"This is because it appears fresh, new, and more likely to give the government a renewed sense of purpose. In May's case she needs to keep the Conservative Party happy. It is a question of balancing the ideological divisions, issues of competence, media profile, and social background. If she is able to put together a strong team then it will help solidify her position further. If, however she agitates the backbenchers and activists then it could make leading the party harder."

Crines said following the June election when May lost her overall majority, she was significantly weakened but not destroyed.

"Since June she has shown that her weakness doesn't mean she is at risk of a realistic challenge. Consequently she needs to keep the Party happy, and so by responding to demands she can solidify her position further. She is also safeguarded by the Fixed Term Parliament Act, which means a snap election called by a vote of no confidence is highly unlikely, as such there is little risk of a Corbyn government unless May herself calls for an election. This, therefore strengthens her position despite still being weakened by the 2017 election".

The LSE's Professor Travers said a reshuffle would probably see May benefiting from being seen to assert some authority over the government, which has been riven by splits and disagreements.

"Now may be a relatively good time to do so as there are few realistic opportunities for her opponents within the Conservative Party to react badly against any changes, for example, by rebelling on votes about the Brexit legislation," he told Xinhua.

Travers said assuming the reshuffle did not lead to a bad response among her own MPs, it should somewhat strengthen her position.

A fear of Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn becoming prime minister has a powerful impact on Conservatives, said Travers.

"It makes them very unwilling to trigger a general election. Pro-Brexit MPs want Mrs May to stay in office until the UK has left the EU. Once this has happened, everything changes."
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 07:25:58|Editor: pengying

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Pedestrians walk past metal bollards at Times Square in New York, the United States, on Jan. 3, 2018. New York City plans to install 1,500 new security barriers in high-profile locations to guard against vehicle attacks and other terror-related incidents. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 07:33:29|Editor: pengying

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Members of the French government arrive at the Elysee Palace to attend the first weekly cabinet meeting of the year 2018 in Paris, France, on Jan. 3, 2018. (Xinhua/Jack Chan)
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (C, front) attends a United Nations Security Council meeting on the situation on the Korean Peninsula at the UN headquarters in New York, on Dec. 15, 2017. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday expressed concern over risk of military confrontation on the Korean Peninsula and warned against any military action. (Xinhua/Han Fang)

UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday welcomed the reopening of a communication channel between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Republic of Korea (ROK).

In response to questions about the DPRK, Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for Guterres, said it was always a positive development to have dialogue between the two countries.

"In that context, the secretary-general welcomes the reopening of the inter-Korean communication channel," Haq told reporters. "We remain committed to ensuring the implementation of Security Council resolutions on the de-nuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and hope that enhanced diplomatic initiatives will help to achieve that goal."

The DPRK and the ROK re-opened the hotline in its truce village of Panmunjom amid rising expectations for the DPRK's participation in the PyeongChang Winter Olympics in the ROK.

In his New Year's speech, DPRK's top leader Kim Jong Un said the DPRK will take necessary measures to prepare for participating in the 2018 Winter Olympics in February.

The inter-Korean hotline was suspended after Seoul closed an industrial park in the DPRK's border town of Kaesong following Pyongyang's nuclear test in January 2016.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 08:06:52|Editor: Liangyu

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RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- China's DiDi Chuxing, the world's largest ride-hailing company, has acquired Brazil's ride-hailing leader 99, the Chinese company announced on Wednesday.

While DiDi did not specify the amount for the transaction, Brazilian media placed the figure at around 300 million U.S. dollars.

The acquisition comes a year after DiDi bought a "strategic" 10-percent stake in 99, which operates in 500 cities throughout Brazil and is considered to be the homegrown rival to Uber, a U.S. company.

"The investment builds upon the deep existing partnership between DiDi and 99 to further accelerate market growth in Latin America and bring more transportation choices to the region's citizens," the company said.

DiDi has partnerships with seven "major international players" as part of a global network that serves more than 1,000 cities and reaches over 60 percent of the world population, according to the firm.

"Globalization is a top priority for DiDi," company founder and CEO Cheng Wei said of the deal.

"With enhanced investments in AI capabilities and smart transportation solutions, we will continue to advance the transformation of global transportation and automotive industries through diversified international operations and partnerships," Cheng added.

99 CEO Peter Fernandez said "we are confident that being part of DiDi Chuxing will vastly enhance our capability to expand our services throughout Brazil to bring critical value to users, drivers and cities."

DiDi's market value is estimated at some 56 billion U.S. dollars, since buying out Uber's Chinese operations in 2016, and making other acquisitions.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 08:57:04|Editor: pengying

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ISLAMABAD, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan has successfully test-fired a surface-to-surface anti-ship missile, a statement from the Pakistan Navy said on Wednesday.

The navy tested the indigenously developed Harbah naval cruise missile by launching it from the newly commissioned Fast Attack Craft PNS Himmat.

Harbah is a word from the Urdu language, which means a robust weapon of war.

According to the statement, the missile, equipped with modern technology and also having the capability of land attack, accurately hit its target, signifying the impressive capabilities of its system.

"The successful live weapon firing has once again demonstrated the credible firepower of Pakistan Navy and the impeccable level of indigenization in high tech weaponry achieved by Pakistan's defense industry," said the navy.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi expressed his utmost satisfaction on the operational readiness of the Pakistan Navy fleet units and commended efforts of all engineers and researchers for making the weapon system project a success.

Abbasi also reaffirmed the resolve of Pakistan Navy to ensure the seaward defense of the country.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 09:57:15|Editor: pengying

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CANBERRA, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- An Australian archaeologist has debunked the myth that ancient humans were lucky to live past the age of 40, after she discovered a new way to determine the age of skeletal remains.

For decades, researchers have thought that prior to the use of modern medicine, humans had a much shorter lifespan, but PhD candidate Christine Cave from the Australian National University (ANU) has rubbished the myth after discovering a new method by which to gauge the age-of-death of ancient humans.

In a media release published on Thursday, Cave said that age-of-death could be deduced by examining how worn down a skull's teeth were compared to modern humans of a similar age.

Cave said she examined the remains of hundreds of people buried between the years 475 and 625 and found that many lived past the age of 70.

"People sometimes think that in those days if you lived to 40, that was about as good as it got. But that's not true," Cave said on Thursday.

"For people living traditional lives without modern medicine or markets, the most common age of death is about 70, and that is remarkably similar across all different cultures."

Cave said the myth surrounding the lower life expectancy of ancient humans grew because researchers were unsure of how to accurately determine older humans' age-of-death - something which could now be done with her method.

"When you are determining the age of children, you use developmental points like tooth eruption or the fusion of bones that all happen at a certain age," she said.

"Once people are fully grown, it becomes increasingly difficult to determine their age from skeletal remains, which is why most studies just have a highest age category of 40 plus or 45 plus."

"So effectively, they don't distinguish between a fit and healthy 40-year-old and a frail 95-year-old."

Cave said she hoped her research will allow other researchers and archaeologists the scope to give a "more accurate view" of past societies.
WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M.  August Rannow, son of Col. Eric and Katy Lynn Rannow of White Sands Missle Range (Racine natives), earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor in the Boy Scouts of America.

The long road to Eagle Scout began in 2014 August for Rannow when he joined Troop 1519 in Alexandria, Va.

He is a current member of Troop 180 and his scoutmaster is Andrew Taylor.

Rannow, 18, earned 22 merit badges and has held the positions of patrol leader and chaplains aide.

Rannows Eagle Scout service project centered around a number of improvements to the Main Post Chapel on White Sands Missile Range. The project included the construction of new park benches, refurbishment of existing picnic tables and painting the chapels fellowship hall.

Rannow, a senior at Centennial High School in Las Cruces, is applying to the U.S. Military Academy and Air Force Academy.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 10:37:23|Editor: pengying

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CANBERRA, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Police Minister from the Australian state of Victoria slammed on Thursday as "embarrassing" comments from the federal Home Affairs Minister that "African gangs" were running riot across Melbourne.

On Wednesday, Australia's Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton lashed out at the Victorian state government's relaxed attitude toward a growing problem with "African gangs," claiming that local residents were scared to leave their houses because of the threat of "violence."

In recent weeks, concerns have been raised about the rise in prominence of gang violence perpetrated mostly by those of an African appearance, leading some to comment that the Victorian Labor government was not doing enough to punish and deter offenders from committing crimes as part of a "gang."

But in response to the federal minister's claims that locals were scared to eat at restaurants, Victoria's Police Minister Lisa Neville said there was "no evidence" to back up Dutton's "embarrassing comments."

"That's a ridiculous comment, it's politics at its absolute worst," Neville told Macquarie radio on Thursday.

"I eat out quite a lot in Geelong and in Melbourne and people are still eating at restaurants."

The Police Minister admitted that there were some "issues" within some suburban areas, but police were "addressing" the problem swiftly. She said it was inappropriate for a federal minister to comment on an issue he knows little about.

"Do we have issues in some communities? Yes. Are police addressing it? Absolutely. Are they going to get on top of it? Completely," Neville said.

"At this moment, we have a large number of offenders in custody and they are serving time right now. So police are doing the work they need to do to get on top of this."

On Wednesday, Dutton - part of the federal Liberal coalition government - described sentences handed down to offenders of African appearance as "a joke." declaring that the state Labor government was trying to toe a "politically-correct" line.

"The state government has wrapped its police force up in this politically correct conversation ... but I think the state government's really been caught flat-footed," he said.

State Liberal MP John Pesutto said while Dutton's words were very strong, there was "clearly anxiety about the prospect of violence" in some of Melbourne's suburbs.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 10:57:27|Editor: pengying

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SYDNEY, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- A 2,000 passenger cruise liner has docked in the Australian city of Brisbane on Thursday, after an outbreak of gastro struck down travellers upon its return from New Zealand.

The Queensland State Government's Department of Health explained in a statement that testing on board the Sea Princess has confirmed the presence of norovirus.

"Around 200 people were believed to have been infected with the virus," the statement said.

"Appropriate sanitation procedures and outbreak control measures have been implemented and the vessel is expected to undergo further comprehensive cleaning while in Brisbane."

During the last 12 months, the industry has been plagued with a number of similar incidents, with three other vessels also suffering outbreaks.

One of those vessels included the Sea Princess's sister ship - the Sun Princess.

In an email, the company told passengers they will be "carrying out a comprehensive sanitation program in coordination with several international public health authorities."

"We have also arranged for the ship to undergo an additional disinfection in Brisbane," they said.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 11:12:30|Editor: pengying

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HAVANA, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU)'s representative for foreign affairs and security policy on Wednesday said the bloc stands with Cuba in its reform process regardless of recent U.S. policy changes which seek to isolate the island nation.

In a conference at the San Geronimo College in Old Havana, Federica Mogherinit, who is on a two-day official visit to Cuba, ensured her listeners that the EU will strengthen ties with Cuba.

"As Europeans want to show that we are closer than ever to you, that Cuba will not be left alone. In front of those who build walls and close doors, we want to build bridges and open doors through cooperation and dialogue," she said.

"It isn't time for demonstrations of force that lead nowhere and are really a proof of weakness ... the best way to accompany Cuba's transformation is through commitment and dialogue," she added.

Last year, U.S President Donald Trump decided to roll back the historic opening and process of normalization of ties initiated by his predecessor, Barack Obama, and imposed trade and travel restrictions on Cuba.

New possibilities arose for the EU and Cuba after a framework agreement for political dialogue and cooperation in various fields came into effect last November.

Exploring new cooperation opportunities is the objective of Mogherini's current visit, the first since the agreement was formalized, currently awaiting approval by the parliaments of the EU's 28 member states for full implementation.

"We are not afraid of change, we are not afraid of a strong, cooperative Cuba open to the world," she said.

Mogherini also said she will hold talks with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez on Thursday, when they will discuss details of the upcoming celebration of the first joint council between the two sides.

The European diplomat also visited the cultural centers in Old Havana funded by the EU.

Since 2008, Havana has signed cooperation agreements with 19 of the EU's 28 members to establish a new framework of relations with EU members.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 13:11:26|Editor: Liangyu

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Guo Weilan (L) works at the noodle shop in Pendao Village of Penghua Township in Nan'an City, southeast China's Fujian Province, Jan. 3, 2018. In order to take care of parents, 23-year-old Guo Weilan came back home and sell noodles after graduation from college. The noodle shop, which has a history of one hundred years, belongs to her parents. Guo is the fourth generation to run this noodle shop. Beside from selling noodles in the shop, she also sells them on the internet along with products of other villagers. (Xinhua/Song Weiwei)
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 13:02:48|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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YAOUNDE, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The West African state of Equatorial Guinea said Wednesday it has foiled a coup attempt by what it said were foreign mercenaries.

Reading a statement on radio, Security Minister Nicholas Obama Nchama said the coup was thwarted on Dec. 24 when armed militants were found over the border in Cameroon preparing to attack President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, who was spending New Year holidays in the border town of Mongomo.

The mercenaries, who also appeared in the capital city of Malabo and economic center Bata, were from Chad, Sudan and the Central African Republic, according to the statement.

"Mercenaries ... were recruited by Equatorial Guinean militants from certain radical opposition parties with the support of certain powers," the minister said.

The Equatorial Guinean government is cooperating with Cameroonian security services in the hunt for other militants involved in the coup, he added.

State television TVGE said clashes broke out near the border with Cameroon shortly after Nchama made the announcement. Security forces shot dead one "mercenary" and "used gunfire to disperse them in the forests along the border," the report added.

Nguema has been in office for nearly 40 years and is the longest-serving head of state in Africa now.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 13:37:56|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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HOUSTON, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Coast Guard Wednesday night searched for a small aircraft in the Gulf of Mexico.

According to local media, the plane, which is believed to be a five-seat one, took off from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

A C-130 aircraft was used to search for the missing plane in a region close to Freeport, about 100 km south of Houston, Texas.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 13:37:57|Editor: pengying

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MAIMANA, Afghanistan, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- At least five members of Taliban insurgent group were killed and three others injured during air strikes conducted by Afghan air force in Faryab province, north of Afghanistan on Wednesday night, an official said.

"Government aircraft targeted a hideout of Taliban militants in Pashton Kot district of Faryab province on Wednesday night, killing five militants and injuring three others," Nasratullah Jamshidi, spokesperson for the national army in northern region, told Xinhua.

Taliban militants haven't commented on the report.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 14:03:00|Editor: Liangyu

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BEIJING, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The year 2018 will be an important one for China as the country's new leadership charts the course for the new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Xi Jinping announced at the 19th Communist Party of China National Congress that socialism with Chinese characteristics had entered a new era. He was reelected general secretary of the CPC Central Committee at the first plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee.

In the new era, China will embark on a new journey towards its two historic centenary goals: building China into a moderately prosperous society in all respects when the CPC celebrates its centennial anniversary and a great modern socialist country by the middle of the 21st century, when the People's Republic of China celebrates its centennial anniversary.

In 2018, China will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the reform and opening up, a policy that has led to China's rise to the world's second largest economy.

Within just four decades, China managed to lift over 700 million people out of poverty, and now promises to lift all people in the country out of poverty in the coming three years.

Xi, also Chinese president, vowed in his New Year speech Sunday that China would resolutely carry out reform in 2018.

This year, China will extend pilot reform on the national supervision system, deepen supply-side structural reform and rural land ownership reform.

Xi also stressed that the fight against undesirable work styles, such as formality for formality's sake, bureaucratism, hedonism and extravagance, within the Party should continue.

In December, the Central Economic Work Conference convened, deciding to solve problems in areas such as child care and pre-school education.

It was a timely response to recent events that drew widespread public attention, reflecting a major change in the concept of development - resolving "minor issues" related to people's well-being is important to the quality development of the economy.

Support of the people is always important for any government. In his New Year speech, Xi put the people's well-being in central place, highlighting his "people first" governance principle.

An economically stronger China will also play a more active role in international affairs, gradually shifting from a participant in the international order to a provider of public products and engine of growth.

Xi's proposal to build "a community with shared future for mankind" in answer to global issues, can help build a better world, freeing people from fear, poverty and isolation.

Time will prove that "all under heaven are of one family." The national rejuvenation of China will benefit all mankind.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 14:08:01|Editor: Liangyu

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BEIJING, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Local governments in China issued less debt in 2017 amid official efforts to ease the country's debt burden, market data showed.

Local governments raised 4.36 trillion yuan (about 670 billion U.S. dollars) through 1,134 instances of debt issuance in 2017, according to data compiled by Wind, a financial information provider.

The value was almost 30 percent lower than the 6.05 trillion yuan in debt issuance in 2016.

New debt issuance stood at 1.58 trillion yuan while that issued through the debt-for-bond swap program reached 2.77 trillion yuan.

The swap program allows local governments to exchange higher-cost loans with lower-cost bonds, saving them interest costs while also giving lenders higher liquidity on their receivables.

By the end of 2017, China had swapped 10.85 trillion yuan of debt under the program, leaving 1.88 trillion yuan of such debt to be exchanged in 2018.

According to Yang Xiaojing, an analyst with credit rating agency CCXI, China is expected to complete the swap program by mid-year, and the total debt issuance this year will remain at around 4 trillion yuan.

China's local government debt soared during an investment and construction binge following the global financial crisis in 2008. Well aware of the risks, authorities have rolled out a string of measures including the debt-for-bond swap to reduce the local debt burden.

According to data released by the Ministry of Finance, by the end of November last year, the local government debt balance stood at 16.59 trillion yuan, below the government-targeted ceiling of 18.82 trillion yuan.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 14:23:04|Editor: pengying

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By Xinhua writers Zhu Dongyang, Liu Chen

WASHINGTON, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- The current U.S. administration's recent escalation of hardline rhetoric against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) reveals its attempt to maintain "maximum pressure" against the Asian nation in 2018, U.S. experts said Wednesday.

NEW-YEAR EXCHANGE OF ACCUSATIONS

The White House and the DPRK have engaged in a new round of war of words at the beginning of this year.

At a press briefing on Wednesday, White House spokesperson Sarah Huckabee Sanders challenged the "mental fitness" of the DPRK's top leader Kim Jong Un.

"He's made repeated threats. He's tested missiles time and time again for years," Sanders shifted the focus to Kim when asked to explain U.S. President Donald Trump's Tuesday tweet claiming he has a "much bigger & more powerful" nuclear button than that of Kim.

Earlier on Monday, Trump also said via Twitter that sanctions and "other" pressures are beginning to have a "big" impact on Pyongyang, tauntingly calling Kim "rocket man" again.

Defending Trump's provocative statements, Sanders argued that "what's dangerous is to ignore the continued threats."

In his New Year's speech on Monday, Kim said the DPRK is capable of striking the United States with nuclear weapons at any moment, noting "the push button of nuclear weapons is on my desk."

BEHIND "SCHOOLYARD BRAVADO"

Troy Stangarone, senior director at the Korea Economic Institute, a Washington-based non-profit policy research institution founded by the South Korean government, told Xinhua that the comments of both Kim and Trump "are more rhetorical."

"While Trump's comment ... has an element of schoolyard bravado to it, it actually serves a more important purpose," Stangarone said.

"Kim has tried to give the impression that nuclear weapons make the DPRK untouchable. But Trump is trying to remind him that the United States remains far and away the stronger military power and that its new nuclear power does not give it the ability to push Washington around."

Dan Mahaffee, senior vice president of the non-profit Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress, said the tensions between Trump and Kim reflect the divergence in both nations' interests, and that divergence is amplified by leaders willing to issue "blustery statements."

"The North Koreans see their nuclear program and missile technology as a tool to protect the survival of their regime, while the United States sees the program ... brinkmanship and blackmail -- which is all the more unacceptable when they have the means to strike at the United States," he said.

Mahaffee noted that Trump's statement about the nuclear button "is a dangerous example of this bluster between the two leaders."

"While President Trump intended to sound tough -- responding directly to Kim's statement about his nuclear capabilities and highlighting how the U.S. arsenal, conventional and nuclear, is much stronger -- this bluster is seen by many as juvenile and dangerous," he noted.

U.S. MAXIMUM PRESSURE STRATEGY

Experts argued that the Trump administration's intention underneath the current hawkish rhetoric is to maintain the current "maximum pressure" strategy against Pyongyang economically and diplomatically.

Darrell West, a senior fellow at the Washington-based think tank the Brookings Institute, said it probably is difficult for the DPRK leader to understand Trump's "unconventional" behavior.

"Trump takes quick umbrage at opponent's comments and is fast to escalate. They could lead to fundamental misunderstandings about the intentions of the other country. Taken to an extreme, that could lead to an unintended outcome," West warned.

He added that even though "Trump hopes that by talking tough on the DPRK, he can get the nation to stand down and dismantle his nuclear program; However, there is little evidence the DPRK is willing to do that so the risk of this conflict spiraling out of control is quite high."

In the eyes of Stangarone, the DPRK, faced with international sanctions that have a significant impact on its economy over time, needs to find a way to convince the international community to relieve some of the pressure.

"Trump is different than prior U.S. presidents and his rhetoric is reflective of that and his style. The heightened rhetoric is his way of signaling to North Korea the seriousness with which he takes the nuclear issue," Stangarone said.
NEW MINISTER AT OLYMPIA BROWN

The Rev. Dr. Marlene Walker begins her first Sunday as the interim minister at the 9 and 11 a.m. services Sunday, Jan. 7, at Olympia Brown Unitarian Universalist Church, 625 College Ave. Walker will reflect on Turning the Page/Burning Bowl and what it means to turn the page for the churchs future.

Walker has served as a Unitarian Universalist minister for 11 years before becoming an accredited interim minister serving more recently at churches in Deerfield, Ill., Madison, and Moscow, Idaho. An interim minister specializes in helping the congregation transition to a long-term minister to be chosen after Walkers two-year term.

The churchs Januarys Offertory Outreach will have a presentation about two of Racines schools named after founding members of the churchs congregation, Knapp and Stephen Bull Fine Arts.

TASTE OF RELIGION PROGRAM

Beth Israel Sinai Synagogue, 3009 Washington Ave., will host a program called Taste of Religion. This program begins at 6 p.m. and will run the next five consecutive weeks. Rabbi Martyn Adelberg, the Rev. Warren Williams, and Nabi will present information and discussion on these faiths: Jan. 11, Christianity; Jan. 18, Islam; Jan. 25, the Koran; Feb. 1, the New Testament, and Feb. 8, Torah. This will be an open discussion with participation from the audience. A donation of a non-perishable food items will be accepted for the Faith Works Food Pantry.

FIRST WORSHIP SERVICE

The first worship service of North Pointe United Methodist Church, 3825 Erie St., will be held at 9:15 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 7. The Rev. Dr. Don Francis will conduct the worship service. Holy Communion will be celebrated. North Pointe is the combined congregations of Faith United Methodist Church and Trinity United Methodist Church.

PROGRAMS AT SIENA RETREAT CENTER

These programs are being offered at the Siena Retreat Center, 5637 Erie St., Caledonia.

Spirit of Winter Poetry, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20. Winter carries many moods and meanings for the human soul. What is its spirit for you? Besides the poems provided, attendees might like to bring a favorite one to share. Cost to attend is $45 including $10 non-refundable deposit and noon meal.

Time Away to Honor Your Soul, 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, to 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28. This retreat is an invitation to those who companion the bereaved, whether professional or volunteer, to nurture their own souls. Participants will honor their souls through silent reflection, guided meditation, shared discussion, group prayer and ritual, and creative expression. This is a reflective retreat, not a workshop or training. Cost to attend is $175 including a $50 non-refundable deposit, accommodations and meals.

For more information or to register for a program, go to www.SienaRetreatCenter.org or call 262-898-2590.

TWO SERVICES RESUME

Yorkville United Methodist Church, 17645 Old Yorkville Road, Union Grove, will return to the normal post-holiday schedule of two worship services. A contemporary service with iWorship videos begins at 8 a.m. and the traditional worship at 10:15 a.m. The sacrament of Holy Communion is observed on the first Sunday of each month and, in the United Methodist tradition, guests are welcome to participate. For this Epiphany Sunday the chancel choir will sing Star Led and Wonder Bound at the 10:15 a.m. service. Sunday School classes for all ages will resume at 9 a.m. and student pastor Chris Van Beek will lead the adult study on Abraham.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 14:28:07|Editor: Liangyu

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BUENOS AIRES, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- A new shipment of Chinese-made locomotives arrived in the Port of Buenos Aires on Wednesday to revive Argentina's key Belgrano Cargas cargo train network.

The eight locomotives will form part of a strategic rail line that traverses northern Argentina's agricultural heartland and connects producers with the eastern exporting hub of Rosario, a port located 300 km north of the capital.

Manufactured by China's CRRC Qishuyan, a subsidiary of the CRRC Corporation Limited, the locomotives are part of a comprehensive plan to reactivate the rail system by modernizing its aging infrastructure.

The plan is financed by a 2.47-billion-U.S.-dollar credit line under an agreement with the China Machinery Engineering Corporation.

Argentina has bought 3,500 rail cars, which have already been delivered, and 107 locomotives, along with parts, machinery, tools and shipping containers.

Han Bing, deputy director of the Belgrano Railroad Rehabilitation Project, told Xinhua that upgrading the rails "has not only significantly spurred China's exports to Argentina, but also turned into a model of cooperation between the two countries within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative."

China is also involved in renovating some 1,600 km of rails in six provinces in Argentina, namely, Jujuy, Salta, Tucuman, Santiago del Estero, Chaco and Santa Fe.

Equipped with heating and air conditioning, reading lights, water heater and LED displays, the new locomotives are safer and more comfortable for conductors.

"With the arrival of the Chinese locomotives, Argentina expects a major increase in the speed of the cargo trains. The total transport time for grains and agricultural products is going to drop, which will help Argentina's economy and exports," said Zhu Li, the project's assistant deputy director.

In November 2016, Belgrano Cargas transported 121,653 tons of goods, the most it has shipped since October 2000.

Argentina is one of the world's leading producers of grains, but logistical costs eat up to 50 percent of revenue due to outdated rail infrastructure, a problem the country hopes to address with China's help.

"We are very satisfied with the locomotives and the train cars. The price is a significant advantage. The technology and electronics are also good," said German Hanacek, who works in the projects department of the state-run Belgrano Cargas and Logisticas company.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 14:48:09|Editor: Xiang Bo

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SHIJIAZHUANG, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Hebei Province, which neighbors Beijing, obtained 250 billion yuan (38 billion U.S. dollars) of funding in 2017 through the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei regional cooperation mechanism.

Sources with the provincial development and reform work meeting held earlier this week said the province drew funding from Beijing and Tianjin through 3,000 projects for the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region in transportation, ecology and industry.

The provincial development and reform commission said building transportation networks, including highways, high-speed railways and airport construction, is the basis of coordinated regional development.

The commission said Hebei should seize the opportunity of the development of the Xiongan New Area and its co-host role with Beijing for the 2022 Winter Olympics to boost the province's development.

Xiongan, 100 kilometers southwest of Beijing, covers Hebei Province's Xiongxian, Rongcheng and Anxin counties. China aims to make the area low-carbon, intelligent, livable and globally influential.

The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei integration plan initiated in 2015 has also seen a large number of technology companies and wholesale markets relocated from Beijing to Hebei and Tianjin.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 15:03:11|Editor: Xiang Bo

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URUMQI, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- More than 21.5 million passengers travelled via the biggest airport in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region last year, a record high.

The figure indicated growth of 6.45 percent compared with 2016 at Urumqi International Airport in the regional capital, the Xinjiang Airport Group announced Thursday.

The airport handled more than 167,000 flights in 2017, up 3.42 percent year on year, said the group in a statement.

Air routes have connected the airport with 75 domestic cities and 24 overseas cities.

The opening of Shache airport in southern Xinjiang and more feeder routes in the region opening in 2017 have contributed to passenger growth at Urumqi airport, according to the statement.

The airport is expected to handle 30 million passengers and 250,000 tonnes of cargo and mail by 2020, with 10 percent of the volume being international services.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 15:03:11|Editor: Xiang Bo

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SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Two men were killed Wednesday in Oakland, California, in a shooting that involved a police officer of the San Francisco rapid rail system, local media reported.

One of the victims was shot to death on the spot while the other died after being sent to hospital with serious injuries, according to the report.

Johnna Watson, spokeswoman for Oakland Police Department, said in a statement that the police of the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) in San Francisco reported that one of their officers was involved in the shooting and requested Oakland's assistance.

Oakland Police Department said via Twitter that it is assisting BART police authorities with a criminal investigation into the shooting, which took place in an area near the West Oakland BART Station, northeast of San Francisco.

The circumstances of the shooting were not immediately clear, and Oakland Police Department said that it will not provide additional information at the moment.

Police said a gun was recovered at the scene, and a female eyewitness was quoted as saying that she saw the young man arguing with an older man outside a restaurant shortly before the shooting took place.

She said she heard five or six gunshots after the two men exited the restaurant and then saw the young man lying on the ground with apparent gunshot wounds.

In 2009, a 22-year-old black young man named Oscar Grant was fatally shot by a BART police officer on an Oakland train station platform. The shooter was identified as Johannes Mehserle.

The incident spurred protests and riots in Oakland, and Mehserle was sentenced to two years in prison after being convicted of involuntary manslaughter.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 15:13:12|Editor: Xiang Bo

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LHASA, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- A national inspection has found that environmental protection work in Tibet did not meet the requirements of the central government and public.

Tibet was among eight provincial-level regions under a one-month review by inspection teams dispatched by central authorities in August.

The inspection team said Wednesday that as of Oct. 31, the region had resolved 1,020 cases highlighted by the team; a total of 882 companies and departments were ordered to make improvements; and 784 cases were given punishments with total fines of 27.9 million yuan (4.3 million U.S. dollars).

The region detained two people for environmental problems and held a total of 148 people accountable.

The local government failed to follow regional environmental protection regulations strictly, giving passes to seven counties that did not meet the requirements in 2016.

Construction of 242 rural road projects were started without acquiring environmental protection approval, and the majority of scenic spots did not have sewage treatment facilities.

In addition, construction of urban sewage treatment works and pipe networks were behind schedule, affecting water treatment efficiency in many cities. Management of hazardous solid waste was also problematic.

The inspections from August to September left 6,471 officials accountable for environmental damage, according to the Ministry of Environmental Protection last month.

The inspections were part of China's campaign to fight pollution and environmental damage, as decades of growth have left the country with smog, polluted water and contaminated soil.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 15:23:16|Editor: Xiang Bo

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SEOUL, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- There was no specific discussion through the restored inter-Korean communications channel in the truce village of Panmunjom, Seoul's unification ministry said Thursday.

South Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) reopened the cross-border hotline the previous day, resuming the line of direct dialogue between the two Koreas in almost two years.

On Wednesday, the DPRK side made a call to the South Korean side, technically checking whether the line works.

At about 9:30 a.m. Thursday (0030 GMT), the DPRK side gave its call to the South Korean side through the restored hotline in Panmunjom, which straddles the inter-Korean land border, according to Seoul's unification ministry.

The DPRK side said via the hotline that it had nothing to tell the South Korean side and it will inform the South Korean side through the line if they have anything to tell.

The border hotline between the two Koreas were reopened in nearly two years as the DPRK cut off the line following South Korea's shutdown in February 2016 of the inter-Korean industrial zone in the DPRK's border town of Kaesong in response to Pyongyang's fourth nuclear test.

The liaison office channel in Panmunjom was physically available, but the DPRK side hadn't received a call from the South Korean side.

Seoul proposed Tuesday to Pyongyang holding a senior-level, inter-governmental dialogue on Jan. 9 to discuss the DPRK's participation in the South Korea-hosted Winter Olympics scheduled for February.

Top DPRK leader Kim Jong Un said in his New Year address that his country was willing to join the Winter Olympics and talk with South Korea about it.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 15:53:20|Editor: Mengjie

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BEIJING, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese ministry has released a notice urging 46 major cities to create detailed action plans for garbage sorting, by the end of March this year.

The plans should make clear annual work targets and specific tasks, according to the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development.

In 2018, the cities must launch pilot areas for garbage sorting, and gradually expand the model to more regions, the notice said.

By 2020, the 46 cities should have basically built a treatment system for garbage and put in place laws and regulations for the sector, with the utilization rate of recyclable and corruptible organic waste reaching 35 percent.

The ministry is aiming to create an international standard garbage sorting system before 2035.

The timetable came as China's cities are facing a pile-up of household waste, with landfills and incinerators often meeting opposition from local residents.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 16:28:28|Editor: Mengjie

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FUZHOU, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chen Maozhe owns a garment dyeing factory. As the new year began, he wasted no time buying equipment that will substantially reduce waste water discharge.

Chen runs Fujian Futian Textile Printing and Dyeing Company in east China's Fujian province. Every year, close to 20,000 tonnes of textiles are dyed at his factory, which employs 300 workers. The new equipment will cost Chen almost a year's profits, but can reduce waste water discharge by 40 percent, he said.

"Starting this year, reduced emissions will be turned into tax breaks, so now is a good time for companies like us to revamp production technology and cut emissions," he said.

Starting Jan. 1, 2018, China started collecting a new type of tax -- the environment protection tax -- aimed at protecting the environment and cutting pollutant discharge.

Companies and public institutions that discharge listed pollutants directly into the environment will pay taxes for producing noise, air and water pollutants as well as solid waste.

"The new tax will benefit companies that have been committed to cutting emissions and saving energy. It will spur the companies to turn green," said Liu Jianmin, director of the local taxation bureau at Jinjiang City in Fujian.

In preparation for tax collection, taxation and environmental protection departments have established a database of companies eligible for the tax.

"Those that discharge more will pay more, and those that discharge little will pay little," said Cai Zili, an official with the State Administration of Taxation.

Tax rates are higher for pollutants that are more hazardous, Cai said. For example, the tax rate for formaldehyde is about 24 times that for smoke and dust.

According to the law, local governments will keep the tax revenue and will have the right to set tax rates. Regions that are under heavy environmental pressure, such as Beijing, Hebei and Tianjin, have adopted higher rates than others, said Cai.

"The environment protection tax is an important step to build a green taxation system in China. It is not a mere source of government revenue -- it has larger social implications," said Cai.

The introduction of the tax called an end to the "pollutant discharge fee," which China had been collecting for nearly 40 years.

On a quarterly basis, taxation and environmental protection authorities will keep track of the emissions of the companies. Those whose emissions are down may apply for tax redemption.

Despite enormous efforts in environmental protection, air, water and soil quality still need to be improved in many Chinese cities.

China has joined the Paris Agreement, aimed at tackling climate change and promising to cut emissions.

Liu Shangxi, head of the Chinese Academy of Fiscal Sciences, said the new environment tax seizes upon where the money is and will help China reduce emissions of key pollutants.

"The tax will be part of the government's package to clean up the environment and achieve green development," Liu said.

Tackling pollution has been listed as one of the "three tough battles" that China aims to win in the next three years, according to the Central Economic Work Conference held at the end of last year.

"From implementing the new environmental protection law to dispatching central inspectors to check pollution, and now collecting the tax, China has quickened its steps in environmental protection," said Zhang Zitai, a law professor in Fudan University.

Zhang said there has been a high level of consensus between the government and the public in this regard. "It is paving the way for a green future."
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 16:33:29|Editor: Mengjie

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BEIJING, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Deppon Logistics has been given the green light for an Initial Public Offering (IPO), joining a list of domestic express logistics giants that have gone public to upgrade the booming sector.

According to its IPO prospectus, the company will issue no more than 150 million shares to raise 2.98 billion yuan (458 million U.S. dollars) to build branches and buy new vehicles and equipment.

Deppon became the 7th private express logistics firms to go public, along with STO Express, YTO Express, ZTO Express, Shanghai Yunda Express,Best Inc. and SF Express, which have already debuted on Chinese and overseas exchanges.

With the help of the capital market, private courier companies can upgrade, increase investment, widen their global networks and improve services, said Xu Yong, a senior consultant for the courier industry.

China has about 19,000 courier companies, most of which are vulnerable small businesses in a fragmented market. Capital inflow is revving up competition and forcing out players.

After going public, SF Express and YTO Express saw Q3 revenue increase 23.18 percent and 17.31 percent year on year, respectively, to 17.665 billion yuan and 4.656 billion yuan.

Express delivery companies still face many challenges, including weak profitability, said Xu Yong, noting that companies should have targeted development and build a standardization system.

China's express delivery services have experienced rapid growth in recent years on the back of the country's e-commerce boom.

A total of 35.86 billion parcels were delivered in the first 11 months of 2017, up 28.6 percent year on year. The sector generated 443.74 billion yuan in revenue during the period, up 25.2 percent year on year, according to the State Post Bureau.

By 2020, China expects to become the world's largest express delivery market with a business revenue of 800 billion yuan.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 16:43:32|Editor: ZD

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MACAO, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Macao International Airport (MIA) achieved a record high traffic volume for last year, with 7.16 million arriving and departing passengers, an increase of 8 percent year-on-year, the MIA said on Thursday in a press release.

It also handled over a record of 58,000 aircraft movements, representing an increase of 2.8 percent year-on-year, the MIA said.

A total of 29 airlines operate at MIA, connecting Macao to some 46 destinations covering the Chinese mainland, China's Taiwan region, Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia.

In 2017, it added six new routes, such as Sihanoukville of Cambodia, Siem Reap of Cambodia, Jakarta of Indonesia and Johor Bahru of Malaysia. Meanwhile, it launched regular transit flight from Macao to Lisbon via Beijing.

Passengers travelling through the routes of Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia accounted for 43 percent of the total passenger volume last year, it added.
Meet Mags. Shes the colorful waitress/artist at the center of Christine B. Millers work of art titled Hi, Im Mags, Ill Be Your Waitress Today! currently on exhibit at the Wustum Museum of Fine Arts, 2519 Northwestern Ave.

Mags is a complex character  one whom Miller has created as a detailed patchwork of everything from organic shapes and everyday objects to written words, using media including ink, acrylic marker, color pencil and collage.

Yet Mags represents the average person  one whose struggles can be seen in things like the blue Band-Aids that seem to hold her face together, as she runs from one table to the next trying to make sense of the world around her, according to the artist.

She wears her heart on her sleeve and shes happy in her own skin, said Miller, a Milwaukee native who lives in Whitewater and is a member of the Racine Art Guild.

Judges choice

Mags is one of a variety of characters who can be found among the 104 works of art, by 75 different artists, that make up Wustums Watercolor Wisconsin 2017 show, running through April 21 at the museum. And she definitely caught the attention of the exhibitions judges, as they chose Millers piece to receive the First Award for the show. The Second Award was given to Lisa Englander for her Vessel Series #9, and the Third Award went to Patrick Doughman for his Meeting in Chetek.

Watercolor Wisconsin is a juried exhibition organized each year by the Racine Art Museum that draws work by a wide range of artists from throughout the state. Judges for the 2017 show were Christina Haglid, senior paper conservator and manager for the Art Conservation Department at Chicagos Joel Oppenheimer Gallery; and Tom Herzberg, a freelance illustrator for more than 30 years and a longtime member of the U.S. Air Force Art Program.

Together they considered 261 works, submitted by 148 artists, for inclusion in the exhibition, which features both two- and three-dimensional pieces, created in aqueous media such as acrylic and watercolor and focusing on a range of subject matter from animals and flowers to landscapes, figurative studies and abstracts.

Miller  who also earned the Third Award for her piece A Space-Cowboy Adventure ... Rocket Rodeo Round-up! in Watercolor Wisconsin 2016  said that just having ones work chosen for this show is an honor.

Last year, when I received the third place award, it was really exciting, she said. And this year I was just blown away.

Personal connection

Her winning piece is part of an ongoing series that Miller  who holds bachelors and masters degrees in painting and drawing from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee  said she is creating. Each piece is like a visual novelette, with its own story to tell, she said. And viewers are encouraged to look closely at the work, which offers a lot to see in its many layers of overlapping imagery.

Miller said she hopes people will see the sentiment and humor expressed in her artwork, and will feel connected to it in a personal way.

If people see more in it, thats great, too, she said.

Mags story is one of many to be explored throughout Wustums galleries in Watercolor Wisconsin 2017. Visitors will also find portraits of a variety of people, as well as everything from seasonal landscapes and city scenes, to still life paintings, social commentary pieces, artists books, assemblages and much more.

Racine County artists whose work is shown in Watercolor Wisconsin 2017 include: Gillian Graffy of Burlington; Robert W. Andersen, Sarah Andersen, Eileen Black and Doug DeVinny, all of Mount Pleasant; Regina Baker, Jerry Belland, Karen Broman, Lisa Englander, Karen Mathis, James McFarland, Nate Mortensen, Christine Patten, Lance Raichert, Suzanne Schackelman, Phil Schultz, Dina Walker and Kelly Witte, all of Racine; and Norman Abplanalp and Linda Gerard Dzik, both of Waterford.

The Wustum Museum of Fine Arts is one of two campuses of the Racine Art Museum (the other is in Downtown Racine). Wustums hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and admission is free.

For more information, go to www.ramart.org or call 262-636-9177.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 16:48:33|Editor: ZD

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JAKARTA, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Indonesian government has narrowed the dangerous zone of Mount Agung volcano in Bali resort island, allowing thousands of displaced people living outside the zone to return their home, a government official said here on Thursday.

The country's volcanology agency announced on Thursday that the evacuation zone from the crater was narrowed to 6 km radius from 8 to 10 km.

"Starting from today (Thursday) the dangerous zone of the Mount Agung was reduced to 6 km from the crater. The people who are taking shelter may return their home as long as their houses are situated outside of 6 km from the crater," Indonesian Energy and Mineral Resources Ignasius Jonan said.

The Mount Agung volcano is still at its highest alert level as its seismic activity remains high, head of the country's geology agency Rudy Suhendar said.

About 44,000 people fled home and took shelter due to eruption of Mount Agung volcano, according to the national disaster management agency.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 16:58:35|Editor: ZD

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BUENOS AIRES, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- The head of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) in Argentina hailed on Wednesday China's resolute campaign against corruption.

China's drive to clean up graft was "encouraging" and "worthy of being emulated by other governments that want to combat this crime," Marcelo Orestes De Pierro told Xinhua at his office in the northern Buenos Aires district of Palermo.

"It's important to combat corruption, especially as it often comes from the government," said De Pierro, adding that "in recent years, our government has had ample cooperation with China over political and penal matters."

This type of information exchange is "key to arresting international fugitives," he noted.

Last month, the Information Office of China's State Council published a white paper that regarded China's actions against corruption as a means of protecting the interests of the country.

"The Communist Party of China (CPC) has shown zero tolerance in the fight against corruption," said the document titled "New progress in the legal protection of human rights in China."

The CPC has issued new and more stringent ethical guidelines to prevent and punish systematic corruption.

Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), or the party's central disciplinary and ethics commission, has investigated more than 440 party members in public office at provincial and national levels.

By the end of October, 2017, a total of 3,587 Chinese fugitives were repatriated to China from more than 90 countries and regions, among whom 701 were former officials. Some 9.54 billion yuan (about 1.44 billion U.S. dollars) in stolen funds was also returned as a result, the CCDI said last month.

In April 2015, Interpol's National Central Bureau of China released a list of 100 "red notice" corruption suspects who had fled overseas.

"In Argentina we have not detected a large number of Chinese citizens who are wanted in China," said De Pierro.

However, thanks to cooperation between the security agencies of both countries, "we have arrested two and the extradition process is fully underway," he added.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 17:08:37|Editor: ZD

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ANKARA, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. court verdict sentencing Turkish banker Hakan Atilla is "unjust and unfortunate," Turkey's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday.

The U.S. ruling in the Hakan Atilla case is an "unprecedented" intervention in Turkey's internal affairs, the ministry said in a written statement.

Hakan Atilla, the former deputy chief executive officer of Turkish state lender Halkbank, was found guilty on Wednesday by a jury in New York on five charges related to conspiracy and bank fraud.

The statement slammed the trial was based on evidence which was fake and open to political exploitation.

Turkey expected the decision on the Turkish banker to be corrected, it added.

According to the ruling, Atilla's guilty counts include violating U.S. sanctions against Iran, crimes to deceive the U.S. and defrauding U.S. banks.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 17:18:43|Editor: ZD

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by Jamila Najmuddin

COLOMBO, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Several events have been planned for this year to further promote Sino-Lanka ties and spread further awareness on China's Belt and Road Initiative in Sri Lanka, a association president said here Thursday.

President of the Association for Sri Lanka-China Social and Cultural Cooperation Indrananda Abeysekera told Xinhua that his Association, along with several friendship associations in China, has been planning many events this year including a South Asian Forum and a Sri Lanka-China women entrepreneurs forum, which will be the first of its kind to be held in both countries.

These events aim to spread awareness on the cultural heritage of both Sri Lanka and China and bring the peoples of the two countries even closer, Abeysekera said.

The Association for Sri Lanka-China Social and Cultural Cooperation is one of the four friendship associations recognized by the Chinese Ambassy to Sri Lanka. Abeysekera established the association in 1997 while working for a Chinese media in Beijing and since then he has visited China more than 100 times to organize events, forum, and gatherings.

Although now back home, Abeysekera continues to travel to China at least once a month and is still actively involved in organizing events and forums to promote the development of bilateral ties.

"Last year marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and China, our Association organized more than 100 forums in Sri Lanka and China," Abeysekera said.

"Our main aim is to make the Sri Lankan people aware of China and the Chinese people aware of Sri Lanka. So we have organized many photo exhibitions, art and craft exhibitions, a professional lawyer's forum and many other events," he added.

The association which initially only consisted of 14 members, has now over 400 registered members from universities, schools etc. All of them work for the association on a voluntary basis.

Many medals and Chinese arts and crafts adorn Abeysekera's home in the heart of the capital. At the entrance is a traditional Sri Lankan oil lamp while two small pandas hung on the side to give a Chinese touch.

The medals and gifts which are displayed in his living room have been the recognition for his tireless work in promoting friendly ties between the Sri Lankan and Chinese peoples.

Abeysekera received an award for his efforts to help the earthquake victims in the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in China's Sichuan province.

"I was in Beijing when the earthquake struck the Sichuan province. When I came to know I called my friends in the Sichuan Friendship Association and discussed about the situation," Abeysekera said.

"After a few weeks, I visited some worst-hit areas with some members of the association. We tried to support some students who had been injured in the earthquake. With the help of some Sri Lankan students studying in Beijing at that time, we donated some money as well," he added.

To date, Abeysekera still visits the province to extend his association's support in every way possible.

Abeysekera himself has been closely linked to China since his childhood. His father once served as the vice president of the Sri Lanka-China Friendship Society and was also one of the co-founders of the Sri Lanka-China Friendship Society. Abeysekera hopes that his son will also follow his family's footsteps.

Abeysekera said his son has been to China for many times. "I think my boy will continue my work later as China and Sri Lanka have many more years of friendship."
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 17:23:43|Editor: ZD

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JERUSALEM, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Israel's military said Thursday it had carried out an airstrike on a main militant site in the Gaza Strip overnight, retaliating repeated mortar fire a day earlier.

The air raid was carried out by Israeli fighter jets overnight between Wednesday and Thursday.

The jets targeted "a significant terror infrastructure" in Gaza, a military spokesperson said in a statement without elaborating on the facility and what organization it was belonged to.

The strike came after three mortars were fired from Gaza at southern Israel throughout Wednesday, causing no injuries or damage.

The spokesperson warned that the military "will continue to use all means at its disposal above and below ground to thwart attempts to attack the citizens of Israel."

Israel usually retaliates each attack from the besieged Palestinian enclave by attacking Hamas targets, regardless of who fires the rockets or mortars.

The Gaza attacks are usually carried out by Islamic Jihad or other Islamist organizations that challenge Hamas, but Israel says it holds Hamas accountable for any hostility from the strip.

Rocket fire from Gaza has increased since U.S. President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital on Dec. 6, 2017.

Following Trump's announcement, Palestinians have been clashing with Israeli forces throughout the West Bank and near the fence between Gaza and Israel, protesting the decision.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 17:53:51|Editor: ZD

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JUBA, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- At least 30 people have been killed in rebel attacks on government positions across South Sudan since the beginning of the year amid continued violation of a truce warring parties signed last month, the military said on Thursday.

Lul Ruai Koang, spokesman for the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA), said in a statement that attacks by rebels loyal to former deputy president Riek Machar and those linked to former deputy army chief, Thomas Cirilo, killed at least six people in the southern parts of the country on Wednesday.

Koang said another 24 people were killed in related attacks in northern Liech state since the start of 2018.

"SPLA once again renews call for CTSAMM (Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangement Monitoring Mechanism) to investigate the latest repeated violations of the cease-fire agreement by rebels loyal to Riek Machar and Thomas Cirilo. IGAD and TROIKA (United States, Britain and Norway) should hold the rebel leaders and their field commanders accountable," he said.

The SPLA said it recorded eight violations of the cessation of hostilities agreement since it was signed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, last month.

The warring factions had previously violated several cease-fires since the conflict erupted four years ago.

Koang said the SPLA is committed to the cessation of hostilities agreement and other provisions aimed at restoring of peace and stability in the country, calling peace monitors to investigate the truce violations and hold perpetrations accountable.

On Tuesday, the main rebel group, the Sudan People's Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) denied that it violated the cease-fire and said it had set up its own team to monitor the fragile truce.

The United States, Britain and Norway on Tuesday condemned the latest truce violation and warned that any violator of the pact will be held accountable.

South Sudan has been embroiled in four years of conflict that has taken a devastating toll on the people, creating one of the fastest growing refugee crisis in the world.

A peace deal signed in August 2015 between the rival leaders under UN pressure led to the establishment of a transitional unity government in April, but was shattered by renewed fighting in July 2016.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 18:08:55|Editor: ZD

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ANKARA, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Turkey issued arrest warrants for 137 suspects allegedly linked to Gulenists on Thursday, state-run Anadolu agency reported.

Among the suspects, at least 70 people, including 58 former and active soldiers, were issued warrants by a public prosecutor in central Konya province.

Meanwhile, Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's office issued arrest warrants for 67 suspects in 12 provinces.

Some 33 people were arrested, and the rest are at large, according to police officials.

The operations were conducted as part of Turkey's nationwide crackdown on the supporters of Fethullah Gulen.

Fethullah Gulen, the U.S.-based preacher, is accused by Ankara of orchestrating a failed coup attempt on July 15, 2016. At least 250 people were killed and over 2,000 people were injured in the coup attempt.

The Turkish government declared a state of emergency and launched a massive crackdown on Gulen's supporters in the aftermath of the coup attempt.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 18:18:58|Editor: Mengjie

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MOGADISHU, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire on Thursday sacked three ministers in a mini cabinet reshuffle.

The firing, with immediate effect, involved the ministers of foreign affairs, commerce and industry, and interior, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Information, which did not provide reasons for the dismissals.

The new cabinet members would help the government to tackle its heavy workload, said the statement.

Khaire recalled Ahmed Isse Awad from his ambassadorial post in the United States to fill the vacancy left by Yusuf Garaad Omar as the foreign minister.

Interior Minister Abdi Farah Said will be succeeded by Abdi Mohamed Sabriye, a telecom business figure, while Minister of Commerce and Industry Khadra Ahmed Dualeh by member of parliament Mohamed Abdi Hayir.

Khaire formed the current cabinet in March 2017. In November, he appointed Mohamed Mursal Sheikh as the new defense minister to succeed Abdirashid Abdullahi Mohamed who resigned in October.

The new defense minister was previously the Somali ambassador to Turkey and a former minister of energy and water resources.

The first change in the Somali cabinet was made earlier when Khaire dismissed the minister of religious affairs Iman Abdullahi Ali.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 18:18:58|Editor: Xiang Bo

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SHENYANG, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- China's independently-developed underwater glider has successfully fulfilled a scientific observation in the Indian Ocean, marking the first time the country's indigenous underwater glider is used in this ocean, according to the developer.

Spearheaded by the Third Institute of Oceanography of the State Oceanic Administration, the mission, between Dec. 11, 2017 and Jan. 2, 2018, was aimed at observing interaction between global climate change and marine conditions, said Yu Jiancheng, a research fellow with the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Shenyang Institute of Automation, the developer of the glider.

Codenamed Haiyi, which means sea wings in Chinese, the underwater glider is used to monitor the deep-sea environment in vast areas, according to Yu.

After diving into the Indian Ocean on Dec. 11, 2017, Haiyi, a new concept underwater robot, obtained 190 items of data on its 705-kilometer journey, said Yu.

Haiyi reached a depth of 6,329 meters during a mission in the Mariana Trench in March 2017, breaking the previous record of 6,000 meters held by a U.S. vessel.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 18:28:59|Editor: Mengjie

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MANILA, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- A ranking Philippine government official has been sacked for making excessive foreign travels mostly at government expense, becoming the third official to fall on the cutting board for the same reason in one month, a government spokesman said on Thursday.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque announced at a news conference in Davao City in the southern Philippines that President Rodrigo Duterte has dismissed Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) administrator Marcial Quirico Amaro for frequent foreign travels with government mostly footing the bill.

Amaro was appointed by the president to the post in July 2016. According to the government documents, he made 18 official foreign travels in 2017 and six in 2016, equaling an average of four foreign trips every quarter.

The Association of MARINA Employees accused Amaro of impropriety. The employees sent a letter to Duterte last month detailing Amaro's foreign trips in 2017. Then Duterte looked into the employees' complaint.

Roque said that all Amaro's trips, except for one, are official. "But the point of the president is we must be selective on the trips that we will undertake and that definitely 24 travels are excessive," he added.

He said that only three of Amaro's trips were sponsored trips and the rest were paid by the government.

"The president has decided, therefore, to terminate his services," Roque said.

Amaro is the third government official that Duterte terminated for going on junkets.

On Dec. 12 last year, Duterte dismissed Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor chair Terry Ridon for making seven trips abroad in 15 months. After about a week, Duterte asked the president of the Development Academy of the Philippine Elba Cruz to leave her post for the reason of "excessive" trips abroad.

Duterte issued a memo on Wednesday imposing stricter rules on official foreign travels in a bid to curb "extravagant and lavish" trips abroad by government officials and employees.

Roque reiterated Duterte's order, saying that government officials and employees can only make the trip if it is related to the functions of the government.

"It must not be too pricey, it must not be too costly and the benefits to the country of the trip must be substantial," he said.
YORKVILLE  A Racine man is facing a new drunken driving charge after he reportedly nearly sideswiped a deputy squad on New Years weekend.

Alvin S. West Jr., 47, of the 2000 block of 12th Street, is charged with felony operating while intoxicated, four counts of felony bail jumping and a misdemeanor count of operating a motor vehicle while revoked.

West has been convicted of three past operating while intoxicated offenses.

According to the criminal complaint:

At approximately 10:12 p.m. Friday, a Racine County deputy stopped a vehicle on the 13000 block of Washington Avenue. His squad was partially parked on the shoulder of the road within a traffic lane with emergency lights activated to protect himself and the vehicle he stopped.

A passing GMC Envoy reportedly failed to move over, nearly sideswiping his squad vehicle.

The deputy conducted a traffic stop of the Envoy and identified the operator as West. The deputy said Wests speech was slow and slurred and both front windows in Wests vehicle were rolled down, despite it being cold and snowy.

The deputy learned Wests license was revoked due to prior OWI offenses and West was subject to a 0.02 blood alcohol concentration limit.

West reportedly showed signs of impairment during field sobriety tests, the complaint said. His preliminary breath test allegedly showed a 0.11 blood alcohol concentration.

West was transported to Ascension All Saints Hospital and provided a blood sample.

Due to a pending OWI case, West was ordered not to commit new crimes while out on bond, possess or consume alcohol or drive unless properly licensed.

West was in custody as of Wednesday afternoon on a $5,000 cash bond, online records show. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 10 at the Law Enforcement Center, 717 Wisconsin Ave.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 18:28:59|Editor: Xiang Bo

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BEIJING, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chief negotiators from China and the Republic of Korea for the six-party talks will meet in Seoul, foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang confirmed Thursday in Beijing.

China's vice foreign minister Kong Xuanyou, also the special representative of the Chinese government on Korean Peninsula affairs, will travel to Seoul from Friday to Saturday and hold consultations with Lee Do-hoon, the ROK's special representative for Korean Peninsula peace and security affairs, Geng said at a daily press briefing.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 18:44:01|Editor: Xiang Bo

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BEIJING, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- China said Thursday it welcomed the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) to make concrete efforts to mend ties.

The comments came after a cross-border communication channel in the truce village of Panmunjom was reopened Wednesday amid rising expectations for the DPRK's participation in the PyeongChang Winter Olympics in the ROK.

"China hopes the international community will support the efforts by the DPRK and ROK, and China encourages all parties involved to do things that ease tensions and increase mutual trust," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said at a press briefing.

The inter-Korean hotline was suspended after Seoul closed an industrial park in the DPRK's border town of Kaesong following Pyongyang's nuclear test in January 2016.

The ROK Tuesday proposed holding a senior-level, inter-governmental dialogue on Jan. 9 to discuss the DPRK's dispatch of its delegation to the Winter Olympics.

"It serves the interests of the DPRK and ROK to improve ties through dialogue and promote reconciliation and cooperation," Geng said. "It is also conducive to alleviating the tension on the Korean Peninsula, achieving denuclearization and maintaining peace, stability and security of the region."
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 19:04:05|Editor: Xiang Bo

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SHANGHAI, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Rescuers have found a body from a cargo ship that capsized and sank off Shanghai Tuesday night, the city's maritime search and rescue center said Thursday.

The identity of the body has not yet been confirmed, and rescuers are still searching for 9 missing sailors.

The "Changping," loaded with 5,000 tonnes of steel, collided with another freighter before sinking near the Yangtze River estuary, according to the local water traffic management center.

Thirteen sailors were on board. Three have been rescued.

Li Weilin, a survivor, told Xinhua that the collision occurred during a shift change and the ship sank in just three to four minutes.

Li and another crew member screamed for help and were rescued by a nearby boat. Another survivor, Jiang Yuzhao, successfully jumped onto another boat.

Rescue divers found a four-square-meter hole in the hull, which is believed to have directly caused the ship to sink.

But rescuers have been hindered by large waves, wind and low underwater visibility.

The city's maritime search and rescue center has dispatched seven patrol vessels, three salvage ships and five other boats to join the search.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 19:09:07|Editor: Mengjie

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ISTANBUL, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- As recent news reports suggest that Turkey may be seeking to create a Sunni-ruled area in Syria near its border, analysts warned against such a move on the grounds that it would invite trouble and lead to a confrontation with both Russia and the United States.

Should Turkey attempt such a thing, it would be forcefully driven out of Syria, cautioned Haldun Solmazturk, a former general with the Turkish military. "Russia would not accept a Sunni state-like entity under heavy Turkish sway," he told Xinhua.

Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency reported last Saturday that around 30 sub-groups of the Ankara-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) rebel group had united under the name of Syria's "national army," which has 22,000 soldiers in three corps and includes three brigades composed of Syrian Turkmens.

Jawad Abu Hatab, head of the so-called Syria's interim government, was quoted as saying that their main objective was to keep the areas captured by Turkish troops in Syria and defend people there against the Syrian government and terrorist organizations.

The Turkish military, backed by FSA rebels, launched a so-called Operation Euphrates Shield in northern Syria from August 2016 to March 2017, seizing several towns in its efforts to drive the Islamic State away and prevent the Kurdish cantons from uniting along the Turkish border.

"Turkey has neither the military nor economic or political power to keep part of Syrian territory in hand," argued Solmazturk, who chairs the Incek debates at the Ankara-based 21st Century Turkey Institute.

The indications suggest that Turkey intends to carve out a Sunni-held area in Syria and exercise control over it through the FSA, he said.

Numan Kurtulmus, then Turkish government spokesman, said about a year ago that Ankara would not hand over the territory seized by Turkish military to the Syrian government.

Roughly until the end of 2015, Turkey and the U.S. not only supported rebels in Syria, but also trained and equipped FSA militants in Turkey to topple the Syrian government.

Haitham Ofeisi, chief of General Staff of the so-called "national army," said the decision to establish the armed group was made with Ankara's support.

Syrian troops and terrorist groups would be cleared from the area and more "national army" troops would be formed in the areas to be liberated in the future, Ofeisi was quoted as saying by Anadolu.

The pro-government Yeni Safak daily said on Monday that the "national army" would also help Turkish troops drive Kurdish militia forces out of Afrin in northwestern Syria.

Top Turkish officials have repeatedly expressed Ankara's determination to cleanse the Kurdish militia, known as the People's Protection Units and seen by Turkey as terrorists, from Afrin and other areas along the Turkish border.

Turkey's move against Afrin and other cantons held by Syrian militia would face opposition not only from the Syrian government but also from both Russia and the U.S. as well, Faruk Logoglu, a former senior Turkish diplomat, told Xinhua.

For Solmazturk, a Turkish operation against Afrin with the support of the "national army" would amount to madness. "Both the U.S. and Russia would surely oppose that and clashes would break out," he said.

Until the summer of 2016, when Ankara started to mend ties with Moscow, a staunch supporter of Damascus in the Syrian civil war, Turkey supported Sunni rebel groups fighting to topple the Syrian government headed by President Bashar al-Assad.

Joining hands with Russia and Iran to broker a Syrian peace deal since last summer, Ankara has given up trying to oust al-Assad but kept saying he must leave.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan suddenly raised his voice against al-Assad last week, calling him a terrorist. Accusing al-Assad of carrying out state terrorism in the war, Erdogan said the Syrian leader should not be allowed to remain in power.

"The deeper problem is that the Turkish government still lacks a consistent, steady Syria policy of its own," said Logoglu. "It vacillates between Russia and the U.S., between its commitment to Syria's territorial integrity and its wish to exercise long-term control through proxies over parts of Syria."

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moualem accused Ankara last month of having designs on Syria's territory, while Damascus sees the presence of Turkish troops on Syrian soil as occupation.

The "al-Assad must go" attitude assumed by the ruling Justice and Development Party in Turkey is in line with the U.S. position, though Ankara says "no" to Washington's military support to the Kurdish militia in Syria.

Arguing Turkey's vacillating policy in Syria has worked to its detriment, Logoglu said, "Turkey's policy should be to support a single Syria, with one flag, one army. Otherwise, Turkey is likely to face further isolation regarding Syria."
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 19:09:08|Editor: Xiang Bo

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BEIJING, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Beijing has started compiling previously missing historical records from the 14-year Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.

The historical records will be divided into military, political, economical, cultural and social sections, as well as biographies of historic figures from 1931 to 1945, said Chen Ling, director of the office for annals of Beijing municipal government.

"Invading, looting and other crimes of Japanese troops and the resistance efforts of the Communist Party of China, Kuomintang, non-governmental forces and individuals in Beijing would be included in the historical records," she said Wednesday at a meeting marking the launch of the work.

Beijing historical records have been kept for several dynasties since the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), but there were no official historical records for World War II.

The historical records compiling project will help fill the gaps in the missing period, she said. It will have about 1 million characters and be ready for publication in 2020.

On Sept. 18, 1931, China became the first country to engage the forces of fascism when the occupying Japanese troops blew up a section of the railway near Shenyang in northeast China's Liaoning Province. The Japanese troops invaded Beijing in July 1937, attacking Chinese forces at Lugou Bridge, also known as Marco Polo Bridge.

The war lasted until Japan's unconditional surrender in 1945.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 19:14:10|Editor: Mengjie

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CAIRO, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Egyptian army killed two terrorists in central Sinai, the southern part of North Sinai province northeastern the capital Cairo, the Egyptian military spokesman said in a statement on Thursday.

"The law enforcement forces of the Third Field Army in cooperation with the air forces managed over the past few days to kill two extremely dangerous terrorists and arrest two others in central Sinai," said military spokesman Tamer al-Refaay in the statement.

He added that the forces further found and destroyed two hideouts, a four-by-four vehicle and a motorbike belonging to the terrorists.

Egypt has been facing a wave of terrorist activities since the military ousted former Islamist President Mohamed Morsi in July 2013 in response to mass protests against his one-year reign and his currently outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group.

Terrorist attacks have been centered in North Sinai and targeting policemen and soldiers over the past few years, before they expanded to other provinces and started to target civilians at places of worship.

Most of the attacks were claimed by a Sinai-based group loyal to the Islamic State regional terrorist group.

Meanwhile, the Egyptian security forces have killed hundreds of terrorists and arrested thousands of terror suspects during the country's anti-terror war declared by President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, the army chief then, following Morsi's ouster.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 19:18:50|Editor: Xiang Bo

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Liu Rui, supervisor of bridge crane team II at Guoyuan Port, talks with colleagues at the port in Chongqing, southwest China, Dec. 27, 2017. Guoyuan port, the largest inland waterways port of China, lies on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River and has developed into an important multi-mode transport hub, especially for Sino-Euro trains. Statistics reveal that the throughput of Guoyuan Port reached 6.97 million tonnes in the first half of the year of 2017. "I handle almost 30,000 containers every year." said Liu Rui.(Xinhua/Yin Gang)
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 19:44:17|Editor: Xiang Bo

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BEIJING, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Beijing municipal government will start providing financial subsidies to kindergartens this year in efforts to improve services without raising fees.

The municipal government said Wednesday that it would provide 1,000 yuan (154 U.S. dollars) per child a month to the city's first-class public kindergartens, and 700 yuan per child a month to other kindergartens.

The government will for the first time also allow private kindergartens to join the kindergarten rating held by district education commissions. In the past, only public kindergartens could join the rating, which is often related to different levels of government subsidies.

The municipal government has reinforced supervision over kindergartens after a teacher from a private kindergarten allegedly abused children.

The teacher surnamed Liu, at the RYB Education New World kindergarten in Chaoyang District, was arrested in December 2017, after the procuratorate of Beijing Chaoyang District pressed charges against Liu, accusing her of using sewing needles to "discipline" children who would not sleep.

The child abuse scandal caused widespread public outrage.

The government said it would provide incentives to both public and private kindergartens starting this year, to increase enrollment by giving 10,000 yuan for increasing the student quota by one. It will also offer rental subsidies to kindergartens, of 5 yuan per square meter per day, to increase space.

For private kindergartens to enjoy the subsidies, they must register as non-profit kindergartens and can only charge fees in accordance with the government guiding prices. The kindergartens are not allowed to raise fees to provide extra services or classes.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 19:59:21|Editor: Xiang Bo

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BEIJING, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- As a self-described gastronome, Shang Qingfang is always willing to try all kinds of delicacies the world has to offer. But when it comes to milk products, she favors domestic brands over imported ones.

"Domestically produced milk is always fresher than imported, which is the most important thing for me in choosing a diary product," said Shang, a resident of Wuhu City in central China's Hunan Province.

Like Shang, a growing number of Chinese customers are now buying domestic dairy products without having to worry about their quality, indicating the dairy industry's recovery from the infamous safety scandal 10 years ago.

In 2008, infant formula produced by Sanlu Group, then a leading dairy company, was found to contain melamine, killing six babies and leaving thousands seriously ill.

Since then, more cases have been discovered, plunging the industry into a years-long crisis and prompting Chinese consumers to turn to overseas milk products.

To revive the battered industry, Chinese authorities passed strict laws, tightened supervision, shut down unqualified dairy operations, encouraged industry consolidation, and increased policy support to improve milk quality.

Thanks to those measures, quality has improved greatly and the industry has expanded.

A report jointly released by the Dairy Association of China and the Ministry of Agriculture said the quality of domestic dairy products continued to improve in 2017, with 99.8 percent of fresh milk and 99.5 percent of dairy products-checked up to standard.

Xiujuan, a young mother from northern China's Hohhot City, has been feeding her son with domestic formula for nearly three years, and he is growing up healthily.

She had tried to feed her baby with foreign formula, but her son did not like the taste, forcing her to switch back to domestic brands.

"The quality of domestic dairy products can now be guaranteed, and they are fresher and cheaper than imported ones," Xiujuan said.

Outside the domestic market, Chinese dairy producers are even winning over overseas customers as they take steps to adapt to international quality standards while seeking global partnership.

In a 2017 list published by Dutch banking and finance group Rabobank, Chinese dairy giants Yili Group and Mengniu Diary were ranked among the world's top 10 dairy companies, and are expected to further explore the overseas market for future growth.

Both companies have enjoyed a stronger global presence with a steady upswing in market share outside China, with the establishment of plants in major diary countries such as Australia and New Zealand.

In the first half of 2017, Mengniu Dairy said its sales overseas had surged more than 40 percent year on year, compared with an 8.1 percent rise in overall sales. The company now holds the second largest dairy market share in Hong Kong and the third largest in Singapore.

The fast-expanding market dominance is only part of Chinese dairy producers' rising global reputation. Domestic producers like Modern Farming and Feihe Dairy Industry have won gold awards at the prestigious Brussels-based Monde Selection, which judges food quality.

To ensure product quality, Chinese regulators currently set more than 200 industrial standards for dairy products, and they are pushing for further consistency between domestic and international standards, according to a Dairy Association of China report.

At official spot checks, some major indicators, including nutrient content, exceeded the standards of the United States, Europe and Australia, according to the report.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 20:04:22|Editor: Mengjie

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DOHA, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Qatar's cabinet approved a draft law for non-Qatari investors so as to attract more foreign capital, Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported Thursday.

This came during the cabinet's regular meeting chaired by the Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, which was held on Wednesday.

Qatar's Minister of Economy and Commerce, Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani, stated that the new law aims to keep pace with modern development in the field of investment, through enhancing confidence and investment security in the country.

Under the provisions of this draft law, non-Qatari investors would be able to fund projects completely in Qatar.

Foreign investors are allowed to invest after getting approvals from the Council of Ministers, but prohibited from investing in commercial agencies and buying real estate.

The law also offers investment incentives including allocation of land to non-Qataris to establish investment through the use or rent in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations, in addition to exempting the project from income tax.

Qatar is trying to attract foreign direct investment and strengthen the foreign investment framework, since the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which along with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain have taken measures to isolate Qatar, and accused it of supporting terrorism.

Doha vehemently denies the accusations.
MADISON  Gov. Scott Walker announced Thursday that the state will close the troubled Lincoln Hills juvenile detention facility for boys and Copper Lake School for girls in Irma as part of a long-term plan to improve the states juvenile corrections system.

Juveniles in those facilities, which are the target of a federal investigation and the subject of multiple lawsuits alleging inmate abuse, will be relocated to five new juvenile correction facilities and one new juvenile mental health facility.

Under the reorganization plan announced by Walker, the Lincoln Hills-Copper Lake facilities will be transformed into medium security adult prisons.

Multiple sources said its possible that three of the new juvenile facilities will be located in southeastern Wisconsin, however it is unknown if any facility will be located in Racine County.

Walker also announced the expansion of a program for youths with mental health needs at the Mendota Juvenile Treatment Center.

By moving from one facility to several facilities across the state, and placing a focus on mental health and trauma-informed care, we believe this plan will improve long-term outcomes for both juveniles and our staff working at these facilities, Walker said. Republicans and Democrats alike agree this is the way forward to reform juvenile corrections, and I thank state and local elected officials and interested organizations for partnering with us to develop this plan.

As part of the overall plan, Walker announced the Department of Health Services will expand treatment for male juveniles located at the Mendota Juvenile Treatment Center and create a new facility at that center for female juveniles.

Funding will be provided in the governors 2019-21 executive budget to construct, purchase and or rehabilitate existing facilities to house juvenile inmates.

According to preliminary estimates from the Department of Corrections, construction costs for the new facilities would total about $80 million.

Officials praise the decision

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, applauded Walker and said he would support the governors efforts to change the juvenile corrections system.

Its essential that we find a workable solution that will bring about better outcomes for juvenile offenders, their families and their communities, Vos said. I look forward to the future discussions on this proposal. We must focus on how we can work with Wisconsin counties in order to make the system more effective and accountable for juvenile offenders without putting undue burden on state taxpayers.

State Sen. Van Wanggaard, R-Racine, praised Walker for going to a more regional approach but said it is only a partial solution.

This regional approach has seen success in southeastern Wisconsin through the Racine County ACE program, Wanggaard said. The renewed emphasis on mental health and drug treatment may be the key to addressing the problem of repeat juvenile offenders. I think that emphasis makes this approach somewhat unique and potentially highly successful.

Wanggaard said hes not sure if five new facilities is the right number and the state may need to add more.

Well see how those five work out, Wanggaard said. I think its going to be good for using local resources and getting families involved in part of the process to get these kids reform, rather than putting them through a revolving door.

Wanggaard said Lincoln Hills will be changed into a medium security adult prison.

They can do that modification, relatively inexpensive I believe, Wanggaard said. Plus it still keeps the staff that we have there to be able to transition into that ... so that will help that area for job expansion and retention.

Racine County open to having a facility

Before becoming Racine County executive, Jonathan Delagrave was in charge of the Racine County Juvenile Detention center and said there have been drastic changes in care since he was involved.

The needs of the juvenile are not just multiple, the service level is different with each juvenile, Delagrave said. In the past it was one size fits all.

Delagrave said it is a good move from a care factor.

I think were going to be able to handle those kids in corrections much better, he said. Now a majority of the kids are on medication, weve got to provide mental health services, weve got to provide family integrated services, school services. You can kind of see how weve transformed over the last 15 years.

He added hes not sure if any of the new facilities will be located in Racine County.

We would love for that to be possible but we dont know that yet, Delagrave said. Were certainly going to make it known that we would love to have one in Racine County.

Wanggaard said there will likely be discussions with officials in the counties in southeastern Wisconsin to determine the best places for the facilities.
Photo taken on Aug. 16, 2013 shows a hippo yelling in the Serengeti National Park, north Tanzania. (Xinhua/Zhang Ping)

ARUSHA, Tanzania, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania is set to carry out a countrywide census for hippopotamus and crocodiles in an effort to scale up conservation of the wild animals, a senior official has said.

The move comes amid reports indicating that poachers are now targeting the animals for their teeth that have a profitable market in Asia.

Director General of the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, Simon Mduma, said in an interview Wednesday that the hippos and crocodiles' population census will be held between July and August.

He said that funds for the exercise have been solicited and his institution expects to conduct the task during the dry season.

"Unfortunately we got the funds from stakeholders last year when the dry season was over and we failed because the exercise will mainly be done in rivers and it will involve aerial and land surveys," the official said.

According to Mduma, the one-month exercise will start with the hippos and crocodiles located in southern Tanzania's national parks and game reserves and will involve experts from the Tanzania National Parks and the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority.

The last countrywide census specifically for hippos was conducted in 2001 and the result showed there were 20,079 of them, according to records.

It is not known how many hippos are left across Africa, but during the past few decades the animal, with a reputation as the continent's most dangerous, more dangerous than lions, elephants, even Cape buffalo, has become increasingly threatened by hunting.

Available data shows Tanzania has a licensing system which allows hunting and sale of hippopotamus teeth collected from animals that die from natural cause.

However, issuance of permits for export of hippo teeth was suspended since 2004, meaning that no hippo teeth were exported legally except those obtained through sport hunting.

Conservationists believe with the existing regulatory mechanism and intensified anti-poaching efforts, the country's hippopotamus population was not threatened by the existing level of legal harvest.

A report dubbed 'Fighting the Underground Trade in Hippo Teeth' released in 2016 by the National Geographic, poaching cartels operating in Tanzania and elsewhere in Africa have recently turned to hippos for their teeth which are curved into ornaments which fetch millions of dollars in Asia.

Records of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora show that between 2004 and 2014, Hong Kong reported importing almost 60 tons of teeth from wild hippos in Africa for commercial purpose, the report said.

Trade figures show that the source countries are now predominantly Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 20:09:23|Editor: Mengjie

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ISLAMABAD, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Minister of State for Finance Rana Muhammad Afzal Khan said in Karachi on Thursday that the Pakistani government has no intention to ask the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for any new financial assistance.

Speaking at a press conference, Afzal said that various local and international financial institutions in the latest reports have presented a positive economic outlook for Pakistan, which is a clear indication of economic progress of the country.

Dispelling the notion that the government is facing a financial crunch, the minister clarified that his country has enough financial resources to not only meet development expenses but also pay off the local and international debts.

He further said that Pakistan carries enough foreign exchange reserves to cater to its debt obligations. "Pakistan has 19.7 billion U.S. dollars in foreign exchange reserves."

He went on to say that the government is looking to form a short-term strategy for six months to leave the country in a healthy financial condition ahead of the next general elections.

Giving a clear picture of the country's imports and exports, Afzan said that the import of unnecessary goods has been reduced while exports of the country's products have increased 17 percent in the first five months of the Financial Year 2017-18. The shaping trend will help reduce the fiscal deficit gap in the months to come, he added.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 20:24:26|Editor: Mengjie

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by Maria Spiliopoulou

ATHENS, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The eight Turkish military officers who fled to Greece a day after the failed coup attempt in Turkey in July 2016 could be tried on coup plot charges in Greek courts, Greek Justice Minister Stavros Kontonis said on Thursday.

The Greek government is examining this possibility of a trial in Greece for offences committed abroad, in accordance with the Penal Code, in case it is requested by Turkey, the Greek official told a press briefing, according to Greek national news agency AMNA.

Kontonis reiterated Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras' statements since the summer of 2016 that they must have a fair trial.

The Greek leader repeated the remarks also during the recent visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Athens in early December.

"The issue of their extradition has closed once and for all. The decision of the Supreme Court is absolutely respected by all of us," Kontonis said on Thursday referring to the January 2017 ruling of the Greek Supreme Court which rejected Ankara's request for their extradition, citing concerns for violations of human rights in Turkey.

Last week an independent administrative committee in Athens ruled to grant asylum to one of the eight Turkish servicemen.

According to the ruling, it was not proved that the man had participated in the coup attempt. All eight officers have denied any involvement in the plot.

However, a few hours later the Greek government filed an appeal against the ruling.

From day one of this judicial saga which has added strain in cooperation between Athens and Ankara the Greek government has repeatedly stated that it never provides shelter to coup plotters, but fully respects the verdicts of the independent Greek justice.

All servicemen remain in custody until rulings are issued on their asylum applications.
Two elephants walk at the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya, Aug. 28, 2017. (Xinhua/Lyu Shuai)

DAR ES SALAAM, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The government of Tanzania and conservation organizations on Wednesday hailed China's decision to end ivory trade, saying the move offered hope for the future of elephants in Africa.

Major General Gaudence Milanzi, Tanzania's Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, said "China as a country has been at the front line in fighting poaching."

Milanzi said China's efforts, including the ban on all trade in ivory and ivory products, have helped to bring down poaching levels in Tanzania, calling upon other countries across the world to follow suit.

Milanzi praised the government of China for the good move which proved to the international community that it was determined to end the business and protect the animal.

"These outcomes are very encouraging. We applaud the Chinese leadership in this," said January Makamba, Minister of State in the Vice-President's Office responsible for the Environment.

Makamba said China's decision was consistent with its leadership in climate change and other important global issues.

"We hope other countries which have been reluctant will follow suit. Concerted global effort on the demand side makes it easier for anti-poaching efforts on the supply side to succeed," said the minister in an email to Xinhua.

China has honored its commitment to ending commercial processing and sales of ivory by the end of 2017, China's State Forestry Administration has said, adding it was China's "new year gift to the elephant."

"The Chinese authorities will continue to clamp down on ivory collection as well as processing, sales, transportation and smuggling of elephant tusks," the administration said.

The move affects 34 processing enterprises and 143 designated trading venues, with all of them to close, in the world's once largest ivory market.

"China has long been one of the world's biggest markets for ivory. World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Tanzania is very delighted to see the doors of this market closed," Amani Ngusaru, the organization's country director for Tanzania said .

"We are particularly excited to see that the government of China has followed through on a great promise it made to the world, offering hope for the future of elephants in Africa," he said.

Ngusaru said it was important to realize that commercial ivory trade ban in China alone will not be sufficient deterrence for elephant poachers, adding that the same action should be taken by other nations where ivory trading is still practiced.

TRAFFIC, a wildlife trade monitoring network, said in a report in December 2017 that Japan remained one of the world's largest domestic ivory markets, and is home to an active, though shrinking, ivory manufacturing industry.

The report, compiled with the support of the World Wildlife Fund, said 2.42 tonnes of ivory, including elephant tusks, antiques and jewellery, were illegally exported from Japan between 2011 and 2016.

"The country also boasts significant stockpiles of raw tusks in private ownership, a cultural legacy from its past trade," said the report titled "Ivory Towers: An Assessment of Japan's Ivory trade and domestic market".

Co-author of the report Tomomi Kitade said earlier in a report that their findings show without doubt that Japan's largely unregulated domestic ivory market is contributing to illegal trade and it is imperative that Japan's role within international illegal ivory trade be recognized.

Attilio Tagalile, a Tanzanian veteran journalist now working with WWF Tanzania, said China's ban on ivory trade will considerably help in checking poaching, especially in Tanzania which lost 90 percent of its elephant population in the Selous game reserve, one of the largest faunal reserves of the world, located in the south of country, between 1982 and 2014.

"The ban on ivory trade in China means drastic fall of ivory prices which in turn translates into drastic fall in poaching that leads to continued existence of elephants not only in the Selous Game Reserve but in Tanzania, and in Africa in general," said Tagalile.

In January 2017, former Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa commended China for banning ivory trade and urged other countries across the world to follow suit.

"The banning of ivory trade in other countries like what China has done will lead to ending poaching in Tanzania," said Mkapa who ruled Tanzania between 1995 and 2005.

"It is better for other countries across the world to emulate what China has done in order to save the lives of elephants that are disappearing in various parts of the world," he said.

"China is not the only destination country for ivory trade, there is a number of other countries in Europe, America and the Far East, so our call is for the other destinations to ban the trade in their countries and that's where we can move on and succeed in our fight," he said.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) on Tuesday also lauded China's ban on ivory trade as a major milestone step.

UWA Executive Director Andrew Seguya told Xinhua that China's decision will go a long way in the conservation and protection of the African elephants.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 20:44:33|Editor: Mengjie

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ANKARA, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag on Thursday slammed the U.S. court verdict in a case of Turkish banker, saying it is "a case of political conspiracy."

"Turkey is a fully independent and sovereign country. No other country can adjudicate Turkey and Turkey's institutions," Bozdag stated on his Twitter account, adding this verdict was against international law as well.

On Wednesday, a jury in New York found former Halkbank deputy chief executive officer Mehmet Hakan Atilla guilty on five charges related to conspiracy and bank fraud but acquitted him of money laundering.

Commenting on the alleged involvement of foreign parties in the case, Bozdag said the case stands as an example of the politically motivated collaboration between the Fethullahist Terror Organization (FETO), the CIA, the FBI and the U.S. government.

He reiterated that all transactions in Turkey were operated in line with international agreements and UN resolutions.

Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin also criticized the U.S. ruling, describing the trial as a "legal scandal" since it is marred with Gulenists connections.

In a statement issued after the verdict, Halkbank noted that it always adheres to national and international regulations in all its business and transactions, and clarified that a U.S. court's verdict involving its former employee was not a ruling on the bank itself.

According to the ruling, Atilla's guilty counts include violating U.S. sanctions against Iran, crimes to deceive the U.S. and defrauding U.S. banks.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 20:49:33|Editor: Jiaxin

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Firefighters work at the scene of a fire in Russia's Novosibirsk region, on Jan. 4, 2018. Chinese citizens are among those killed in a fire at a shoe factory in Russia's Novosibirsk region Thursday, the Chinese Consulate General in Yekaterinburg has confirmed. (Xinhua/Sputnik)

MOSCOW, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese citizens are among those killed in a fire at a shoe factory in Russia's Novosibirsk region Thursday, the Chinese Consulate General in Yekaterinburg has confirmed.

According to preliminary information obtained by the Consulate General, seven Chinese nationals died and another was slightly injured in the fire.

Chinese consulate officials are rushing to the scene for detailed information.

The Chinese Embassy in Russia said it mourned the deceased and extended condolences to their relatives.

The embassy added that it has demanded the Russian Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Emergency Situations ask authorities in the Novosibirsk region to investigate the cause of the fire and make utmost efforts to treat the injured.
JOHANNESBURG, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- At least four people were killed and dozens injured in a train crash in South Africa's Free State on Thursday morning, according to local media and emergency services.

One Shosholoza Meyl train derailed between Hennenman and Kroonstad when hit by a truck, local media said.

Passenger Seipati Moletsane told eNCA.com that the train was travelling from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg when the truck could not brake and hit the first and second carriage.

Firefighters and medical services rushed to the scene to help the injured. Footage by passengers from the scene shows a number of carriages laid on the ground and engulfed in flames.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 20:54:34|Editor: Mengjie

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by Misbah Saba Malik

ISLAMABAD, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- A 22-percent drop in the number of terror attacks was marked in Pakistan in 2017, compared to the year of 2016, according to the Global Terrorism Index report published by the Australia-based Institute for Economics and Peace, due to collective efforts by the country's government and military.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani Army's media wing, said separately that a total of 483 terrorist incidents were averted last year, and that the country's intelligence agencies altogether issued 946 threat alerts, about 75 to 80 per month, about the possible terrorist attacks.

Mosques, shrines and other religious congregations remained the main target of suicide and planted explosions in 2017.

Pakistani security forces conducted 522 intelligence-based operations in which 475 people, including 452 militants and 22 security forces' personnel were killed and 88 others injured.

Some 1,760 suspected militants were arrested during the operations. Pakistani military courts, which formed after a terror attack on a school for speedy trials over terrorism related cases, also hanged 43 hard-core terrorists last year, according to the ISPR.

Some local experts believe that outlawed Islamic State (IS) is setting up its footprint in Afghanistan, and most of the terrorist attacks in the mosques and shrines in Pakistan were also claimed by them.

"The 'version' of the Islamic State practices contradicts with some of the Islamic practices in Pakistan, so they target mosques and shrines as to them praying in shrines and Shia mosques is sin," defence analyst Shahzad Chaudhry told Xinhua.

The military media wing also credited military operation Zarb-i-Azb, which was kicked off in mid-2014, for the improvement of law and order in the country. The operation mainly targeted safe havens of terrorists in the restive northwestern tribal region of North Waziristan and its adjoining areas to flush out local and foreign militants.

Tribal areas in northwestern part of the country, which once Pentagon called the most dangerous place on earth and the epicenter of the world's worst of global Jihadists, were cleared after the successful army operations, which bore fruit in the form of less terrorist attacks, according to the Pakistani Army.

In February 2017, the army also launched another operation "Radd-ul-Fassad" after a wave of terror attacks claimed over 100 lives in different parts of the country. The operation aims at eliminating the hidden terrorist sleeper cells from the country.

However, with all the efforts made by the Pakistan military, terrorists kept on carrying out small intensity and a few big attacks throughout the year of 2017. The United States also asked Pakistan to do more against terrorist networks inside the country to bring peace in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The ISPR, for its part, rejected the U.S. allegations that Pakistan didn't do a good job in anti-terrorism, reiterating that presently there is no organized infrastructure of terrorists in the country, and the terrorists from Afghanistan penetrate into Pakistan through the porous border between the two countries to launch attacks on Pakistani soil.

The army has started fencing at the border to avoid free movement of the Afghan militants into Pakistan.

Talking to Xinhua, defense analyst and retired Brigadier Muhammad Khan said that after Zarb-i-Azb, militants from tribal areas fled to Afghanistan, and carry out sporadic systematic attacks inside Pakistan by crossing the border.

He added that border fencing is a good strategy by the Pakistani army and up to 70 percent border infiltration is likely to be controlled upon the completion of the fencing next year.

Director General of the ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor recently said that Pakistan has controlled terrorist incidents to a great extent, though a few terrorist attacks are still happening in Pakistan.

Local watchers believe that though Pakistan continues to bear the brunt of the terrorist outfits, the tangible decrease in frequency and potential of the terrorist activities sparkles as the light at the end of the tunnel.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 20:59:35|Editor: Mengjie

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RAMALLAH, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Secretary General of the Palestine Liberation Organization Saeb Erekat slammed Thursday that the U.S. is heading to drop negotiations over final status of Jerusalem and refugees, the Palestinian news agency (WAFA) reported.

Erekat said in a statement published by WAFA that "the U.S. administration is actually embarking on to a new path, which includes dictating solutions on the Palestinian people and dropping the Jerusalem and refugee files while keeping the situation as it is so that the upper hand will be for the Israeli occupation."

"We will have nothing left as Arabs without Jerusalem," he warned, urging the Arab countries to put into effect the 1980 Arab League summit resolution that calls for cutting relations with countries that move their embassies to Jerusalem.

The coming Arab League meetings will look into activating the boycott resolution, he noted, which is expected next Saturday in Amman, Jordan.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 20:59:35|Editor: Xiang Bo

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XINING, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Northwest China's Qinghai Province announced the granting of subsidies to encourage eco-friendly funerals in the plateau region, local civil affairs authorities said.

According to the newly released guideline which will take effect on June 1, the government will grant 3,000 yuan (about 460 U.S. dollars) to people who choose cremation and scatter ashes of their deceased relatives in approved public cemeteries or bury ashes in biodegradable urns.

People who choose to scatter ashes on lawns and other environmentally friendly funerals will be subsidized.

Chinese tradition holds that the dead should be buried in urns beside their ancestors, which is seen as an obligation of filial piety.

But the custom has put a strain on the populous country's arable land, forests, grassland and other environmental resources.

To deal with the problem, Chinese authorities have promoted eco-friendly burials such as cremations and sea burials across the country in recent years.
MADISON  Congressman Mark Pocan says hes heading back to work in Washington, D.C., after a two-month hiatus during which he underwent triple bypass heart surgery.

In a wide-ranging press conference at his district office Wednesday, Pocan addressed several topics he predicted will dominate 2018. That includes a Democratic push to preserve legal protections for people brought to the U.S. illegally as children, the decision by federal regulators to repeal so-called net neutrality rules, the recently enacted Republican tax overhaul and the 2018 elections, in which Pocan predicts Democrats will win big.

Pocan, D-Town of Vermont, had surgery on Nov. 8 and has not voted in the U.S. House since Oct. 26. In that span, he missed several high-profile votes, most notably on the sweeping tax overhaul bill that President Donald Trump signed last month.

Speaking to reporters in Madison on Wednesday, Pocan, 53, said he has been recovering in Wisconsin since the surgery and is poised to go back to Congress next week. He said his recovery is progressing above schedule and hes now incorporating jogging and other exercise.

I feel really healthy, and Im looking forward to getting back to work, Pocan said.

Pocan represents Wisconsins 2nd Congressional District, which includes all of Dane County.

Topics Pocan addressed Wednesday included:

Protection from deportation for so-called Dreamers, or immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children. Last year, Trump announced an end to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program that protected such immigrants, while urging Congress to come up with a legislative fix before a March deadline. Congressional Democrats are pushing to preserve those protections and have sought to link it to their potential support for a resolution to fund the federal government and avert a government shutdown later this month. Pocan said Wednesday that should be an absolute, that we get DACA taken care of.

The Federal Communication Commissions repeal of net neutrality rules last month. In junking the Obama-era rules, the commission  at the urging of big telecom companies  scrapped the longtime principle that all web traffic must be treated equally, meaning Internet service providers would be free to slow down or block access to services they dont like. Pocan said he received 6,400 constituent contacts opposing the FCCs decision on net neutrality. No one supported what they did to the Internet, Pocan said.

The 2018 elections. Pocan predicted that Democrats will win control of the U.S. House, currently controlled by Republicans, 239-193. Pocan also predicted Republican Gov. Scott Walker will lose to the Democratic nominee for that office, with Walkers push to provide $3 billion in public incentives to Taiwanese electronics maker Foxconn playing a key role. Everyones got their own idea of how they would have spent $3 billion, and its not the way Scott Walker did  and I think its going to be bad for him, Pocan said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 21:04:36|Editor: Mengjie

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LISBON, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- "Wildfire" has been voted Portugal's Word of the Year, Porto Editora, the publishing house that promotes the contest, announced on Thursday.

Some 30,000 votes were received with "wildfire" garnering 37 percent support and "Affection" in second place with 20 percent of the vote.

Porto Editora revealed a ten-word shortlist on Dec. 1, 2017, and invited the Portuguese public to vote online throughout the month. Nominations were based on surveys of word use during the year and words searched for in the publisher's online dictionaries.

The full list was: affection; desertification; forest; gentrification; growth; independentist; pilgrim; wildfire; withholding; victor.

The word "affection" was an early favorite. It is regularly employed in relation to Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the President of Portugal, whose popular presidency has been characterized by a will to meet and greet members of the general public.

"Victor" commemorated Portugal's triumph in the Eurovision Song Contest while "gentrification" referenced the complex changes that booming tourism and foreign property investment have brought to traditional neighborhoods in Lisbon and Porto particularly.

But 2017 will live long in the memory for a series of forest fires that raged through Portugal destroying hundreds of hectares and causing more than 100 fatalities. Thus "wildfire" was deemed to be the outstanding term of 2017 for topical reasons.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 21:09:37|Editor: Mengjie

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MOSCOW, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Two Russian soldiers were killed in a mortar attack on the Hmeymim airbase in Syria last month, the Russian Defense Ministry said Thursday.

The attack was launched by "a group of mobile subversive militants" on Dec. 31, 2017, according to the statement.

It denied media reports that seven Russian military aircraft were destroyed during the mortar shelling.

The Russian air force in Syria is combat-ready and continues to fully carry out its missions, the statement added.

Moscow began military operations against terrorist groups in Syria at the request of Damascus since September 2015.

With the support of the Russian army, the Syrian government has retaken most of its territories controlled by the Islamic State group in the past two years.

Given the victory on the ground, the Russian army began a partial withdrawal of its troops in Syria early last month under the order of President Vladimir Putin.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 21:54:46|Editor: Mengjie

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DUBAI, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Dubai International Airport saw almost 7 million passengers, with a growth of 5.6 percent year on year, in November 2017, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) state news agency WAM reported Thursday.

In the first 11 months of last year, total passenger number at Dubai International Airport, known as DXB, has risen 5.8 percent to 80.39 million compared with 75.95 million during Jan.-Nov. in 2016.

The airport saw 33,421 flights in November 2017, down 3.7 percent year on year, while the average number of passengers per flight remained high at 215, up 7.3 percent year on year.

Freight volumes handled at DXB increased by 0.4 percent year on year to 235,651 tons. The total volume in Jan.-Nov. period reached 2,425,475 tons, up 2.7 percent from the first 11 months of 2016.

"In the civil aviation business, you always have to be prepared for the unexpected," Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, told Xinhua at the Dubai Airshow in November last year when asked about the impact of geopolitical tensions in the region on passenger demand at DXB.

In June, 2017, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt severed ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism, and imposed a ban on air and land connections.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 22:04:48|Editor: Xiang Bo

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by Jamila Najmuddin

COLOMBO, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's leading wildlife experts and environmentalists on Thursday welcomed China's decision to ban ivory sales, saying all countries should follow China's example in order to save tuskers globally.

Leading Environmentalist and a member of the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka, Vidya Abhayagunawardena told Xinhua that China's decision would safeguard elephants across the world.

"We invite other countries to follow China's example. Especially the East Asian countries as they believe that ivory brings prosperity," Abhayagunawardena said.

"This decision will affect Sri Lanka as our country is used as a hub by international wildlife traders. A ban in China will strongly be an advantage for us all," Abhayagunawardena added.

In January last year, Sri Lanka became the first country in South Asia to publicly destroy 356 blood ivories worth millions of U.S. dollars, which was seized in a ship at the Colombo Port in 2012.

Abhayagunawardena, who was in the forefront of organizing the event to burn the blood ivory, said the consignment had been detected by the Customs and was en-route to Dubai.

He said through the gesture, Sri Lanka has sent a strong message that it would not tolerate the killing of elephants.

Presently out of the total elephant population in Sri Lanka, only 5 percent are tuskers and these tuskers were under continuous threat from poachers and smugglers.

"December was an alarming month as there were five tuskers which were reportedly killed. There may have been some unreported cases too," Abhayagunawardena said.

A 23-year-old animal lover, Savindri Perera told Xinhua that China's decision to ban the sale of ivory was welcomed not only in the island country but also across the world.

She said China was one of the most powerful countries in the world and this sent a strong message to other countries that the killing of elephants will not be tolerated.

China closed its doors to the ivory trade on Dec. 31 when it declared it illegal to process or sell ivory and its products in China.

The current partial ban in China has already led to an 80 percent decline in seizures of ivory entering China, as well as a 65 percent decline in raw ivory prices.

Some 35,000 African elephants are killed annually to feed this illegal trade, while in the past decade alone, 75 percent of African elephants were slaughtered. Environmentalists have voiced grave concern that at this rate, elephants could face extinction by 2025.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 22:04:48|Editor: Xiang Bo

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SHANGHAI, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Ant Financial, an affiliate of Alibaba, apologized Wednesday for a checked-by-default option on Alipay's annual bills that allowed its credit scoring system to access user data.

Alipay bills and the Annual User Footprint Report that analyzes how customers have spent their money over the past year are widely shared on China's social media. People tend to show off their purchasing power, especially as the new year begins, but that joy of sharing soon turned into fear and anger.

A button checked by default on the landing page meant users looking up their bills automatically agreed to use Sesame Credit, the credit scoring system of Ant Financial, allowing Sesame to collect and analyze their data and share the analysis with partner institutions.

Users were outraged and accused the company of infringing their privacy.

In response, Sesame Credit late Wednesday apologized and immediately had the default option canceled. Users who have already unwittingly entered into the agreement can deselect the service in the Alipay app.

There were more than half a billion internet users in China by the middle of 2017, and more than 90 percent use mobile payment in brick-and-mortar stores, according to a report by China Internet Network Information Center. A large percentage of those use Alipay.

Sesame Credit claims that more than 200 million users used Alipay to pay for over 100 public services. This has put cyber security at the top of the priority list.

According to the cyber security law, companies and online services that store user data on servers must acquire authorization from the users and make all clauses clear.

Han Zheng, a professor with Tongji University, said the incident showed how Chinese people are increasingly aware of privacy issues.

"We are more willing to share our data and compare with people in other parts of the world, and it has been very easy for companies to collect user data, but that situation is changing now," Han said.

"I will be more cautious when using other online services. I will make sure my personal information is safe before clicking a button on mobile payment platforms," said Zhang Menghan, who has just unsubscribed from Sesame Credit.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 22:09:49|Editor: Yamei

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Chinese President Xi Jinping (C, front), also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with officers and soldiers during an inspection of a division of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) army in the Central Theater Command on Jan. 3, 2018. (Xinhua/Li Gang)

BAODING, Hebei, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping has ordered the creation of an elite combat force through real combat training, digitization, innovation and reform.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), made the remarks during an inspection of a division of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) ground force in the Central Theater Command Wednesday.

Xi, on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the CMC, extended New Year greetings to all personnel from the PLA, armed police, the militia and reserve forces.

During the inspection, Xi boarded China's latest self-developed main battlefield 99A tank, known as the "king of the land battle," and the Red Arrow-10 anti-tank missile launching vehicle, to learn about armaments used in the army.

He also visited a reconnaissance company to watch training conducted by snipers, and asked about the fighting system for individual soldiers.

Xi talked with new recruits who were receiving training on their scouting and combat skills, encouraging them to sharpen their skills and strive to become reconnaissance heroes.

At around 3 p.m., Xi visited a simulation training center, and met with officers of the division. He then visited the division's history exhibition center.

After hearing a report of the division, Xi urged the army to enhance military training oriented at combat readiness and focus on combat wholeheartedly while strengthening research on digitized troops.

He asked about innovating concepts and tactics of battle, and improving real combat training and war-winning capabilities.

Xi stressed the importance of coordination among various forces and systems, demanding increased efforts in the creation of an information system and data on battles.

Underscoring the importance of innovation and reform, Xi called for enhancing the sci-tech attainment of officers and soldiers by better application of sci-tech devices.

"Efforts should be made to implement the spirit of the 19th CPC National Congress and ensure the armed forces always follow the instruction of the CPC Central Committee and the CMC," Xi said.

"High attention should be paid to digitization so as to foster more high-quality military talent," he said.

Xi said officers and soldiers "should be cared for warm-heartedly while undesirable work styles and corruption should be contained resolutely."

CMC vice chairmen Xu Qiliang and Zhang Youxia, as well as other senior military officers attended the event.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 22:19:52|Editor: Mengjie

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TOKYO, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- A Japanese mayor was under fire for allegedly saying "I'll kill you" to a reporter when the reporter approached him in the city hall to ask a question.

Takeshi Imamura, 45, mayor of Nishinomiya city in Hyogo prefecture, western Japan, allegedly made the remarks to the reporter after an internal ceremony on Thursday marking the first working day of the new year.

The reporter from the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper was trying to ask the mayor to confirm what he had said earlier at the ceremony about not seeking reelection in the mayoral race in April, according to local reports.

The Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper's public relations department said that the mayor's action was extremely inappropriate and it has lodged a strong protest with the mayor to ask him to apologize.

Imamura was elected mayor of Nishinomiya in April 2014. He has also sparked controversies in the past for refusing to answer questions from media outlets which he called "biased" and for other issues.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 22:19:53|Editor: Mengjie

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by Kaswar Klasra, Muhammad Tahir

ISLAMABAD, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The gulf is widening between Pakistan and the United States, two longtime allies in anti-terrorism, after U.S. President Donald Trump's recent accusations of deception and providing a safe haven for terrorists against Pakistan.

In his first Tweet of the year on Monday, Trump accused Pakistan for lying to the United States and offering "little help" in hunting terrorists in Afghanistan. Furious Trump even threatened to cut aid to Pakistan.

"The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion USD in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies and deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools," Trump said, adding that "they give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!"

The accusations prompted Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to call a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) on the issue. The committee expressed "deep disappointment" over the U.S. president's comments.

The committee made it loud and clear that Pakistan was firmly supporting the U.S.-led international anti-terrorism effort in Afghanistan and, as a result of Pakistan's counter-terrorism cooperation, Al-Qaida had been decimated from the region.

Officials here insist that Pakistan lost around 70,000 people in the war on terror since 2001 and the country suffered over 120 billion U.S. dollars during the period.

The statement further said that it was mostly because of this endeavor, Pakistan was suffering a brutal backlash, including the killing of hundreds of its schoolchildren by terrorists based in Afghanistan, adding that Pakistan cannot be held responsible for the collective failure in Afghanistan.

"The real challenges in Afghanistan were political infighting, massive corruption, phenomenal growth of drug production and expansion of ungoverned spaces inside Afghanistan full of sanctuaries for multiple international terrorist organizations, posing a serious and direct threat to Afghanistan, its neighbors including Pakistan and the entire region," stated Pakistani Foreign office.

Aamir Ghautri, a veteran editor of Pakistan's influential daily The News told Xinhua that Trump's remarks about Pakistan showed his complete disregard of ground facts.

"On the face of it, President Trump's remarks about Pakistan show his complete disregard of ground facts and his rowdy insistence to push his foreign policy preferences through Twitter rather than the State Department on the other," Ghauri said.

"But when studied closely, the POTUS comes across as a bully who invokes threats as instruments of foreign policy against friends and foes alike thinking such barbs would work. They won't," he added.

Maria Sultan, director general of the South Asian Strategic Stability Institute, told Xinhua that Pakistan has been a U.S. front line partner in this war against terrorism. This is an unfortunate set of accusations. Pakistan will not be coerced into believing Washington's narrative on the region's security challenges or the economic future.

Mosharraf Zaidi, former advisor to the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in local reports that Pakistan's land route is still important for the U.S. operations in Afghanistan as it has opted for troops surge. "The U.S. still use Pakistan's air corridor. The U.S. still needs these facilities and Pakistan can stop it."

Thousands of U.S. and its coalition forces in Afghanistan depend mostly on ground and air routes through Pakistan for supplies of ammunition and goods. As Washington is currently at odds with both Russia and Iran, it has left the Trump administration with almost no options but to rely on Pakistani supply routes to sustain the Afghan military mission.

Just three days after Trump's Tweet, the White House has confirmed suspending 255 million U.S. dollars of military aid to Pakistan, according to local reports on Wednesday.

Pakistan's former ambassador Ayaz Wazir to Afghanistan said the use of language by Trump is not expected of a person in that high position and also of an independent and sovereign state.

"It's very unfortunate that the president of the world's most powerful nation is setting wrong principles in international relations. It will not set things right but prove counterproductive," Wazir told Xinhua recently.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 22:24:55|Editor: Xiang Bo

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HANGZHOU, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Driving around a city looking for a parking lot in vain? A parking app launched in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou on Thursday may ease the pain.

The app gathers information about empty parking spaces and displays the cost of parking.

Companies or individuals can post information about private parking spaces they own and others can book and pay for them.

The spaces are also divided into different types, for example, those in the shopping malls may be open around the clock, while in residential areas they may only be available at certain times.

The city government, public organizations and residential areas have taken lead in posting their spaces on the platform.

Li Lei, head of Hangzhou urban management commission, expects more residents to share their private spaces on the platform.

Besides convenience, sharing of parking resources can help the city save a great sum of money on new infrastructure, he said.

Hangzhou currently has 1.27 million vehicles, and only 700,000 parking spaces, 180,000 of which are public.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 22:29:56|Editor: ZD

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by Mahmoud Fouly

CAIRO, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- A recent deal to lease a Sudanese Red Sea island to Turkey for development raises Egypt's concerns amid Cairo's tense relations with Ankara and Khartoum either for political disagreement or border dispute, said Egyptian political experts.

In late December, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Sudanese counterpart Omar al-Bashir signed an agreement to temporarily lease Sudan's Suakin Red Sea island to Turkey for development by Turkish investment projects.

Located in eastern Sudan, the archeological city of Suakin has historical sites dating back to the Ottoman era and it also has a port mostly used for carrying commodities and passengers to Saudi Arabia on the opposite side of the Red Sea.

"Any movement at the Red Sea could have repercussions on the Egyptian national security, but Egypt has massive military capabilities at the Red Sea that can defend the country's borders," said Tarek Fahmy, Egyptian political science professor at Cairo University.

Fahmy believes that the Turkish-Sudanese island deal is an important development although it is unclear whether it will be for mere development or any other purposes, stressing that the Red Sea region has become "a spot of regional and international conflicts at the same time."

Relations between Egypt and Sudan have been tense over the past years on various issues.

In May 2017, the Sudanese president accused Egypt of providing military support for armed rebels in his country, which was strongly denied by the Egyptian leadership.

The two countries also have a territorial dispute over the border region of Halayeb and Shalateen, which are currently under Egyptian control.

"Suakin island is very close to the border region of Halayeb and Shalateen, so the island deal also implies a Sudanese challenging political message, especially that it was preceded by Sudanese remarks claiming rightful ownership of Halayeb and Shalateen," the professor told Xinhua.

Sudan has been annually renewing complaints at the United Nations Security Council over Halayeb and Shalateen, which it wants to settle through either dialogue with Egypt or international arbitration.

Also, Sudan and Egypt, being the two downstream partners of the Nile River, have conflicting interests regarding Ethiopia's under-construction giant dam, as Sudan sees it greatly beneficial while Egypt considers it a threat to its annual share of 55.5 billion cubic meters of the river water.

Experts believe that Sudan's island lease to Turkey is a message to other regional players including Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Israel, as Sudan reassured that it is neither part of any regional alliances nor joining one led by Turkey and expressed openness to all peace-loving states.

On the other hand, Egypt's ties with Turkey deteriorated following the military ouster of former Islamist President Mohamed Morsi in July 2013 in response to mass protests against his one-year rule and his now-outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group.

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, who led Morsi's ouster as the army chief then, accuses Turkey, besides Qatar, of supporting terrorism and interfering in Egypt's domestic affairs by hosting fleeing Brotherhood members blacklisted by Sisi's administration.

"Suakin island deal complies with the Turkish strategy to increase its presence in Africa in general and in the northeastern part of the continent in particular," said Ayman Shabana, deputy director of the African Research Institute of Cairo University.

He expressed his belief that the announced purposes of the island deal, including Turkish development projects, archeological restoration and cultural revival, are only meant to cover Turkey's real purpose of establishing its presence southern Egypt, opposite to Saudi Arabia and near the Gulf region.

Shabana said that Turkey's new strategy heads towards Africa after failing to join the European Union, seeing the deal as part of Turkish attempt to exercise pressure on Egypt that foiled the Turkish ambition of having Islamists as rulers of Arab states.

"I believe the deal is meant to pave the way for a Turkish military presence in the island, which is a threat to the Egyptian national security," the professor told Xinhua.
Russian President Vladimir Putin addresses servicemen as he visits the Hmeymim air base in Latakia Province, Syria December 11, 2017. (Sputnik Photo)

MOSCOW, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Two Russian soldiers were killed in a mortar attack on the Hmeymim airbase in Syria last month, the Russian Defense Ministry said Thursday.

The attack was launched by "a group of mobile subversive militants" on Dec. 31, 2017, according to the statement.

It denied media reports that seven Russian military aircraft were destroyed during the mortar shelling.

The Russian air force in Syria is combat-ready and continues to fully carry out its missions, the statement added.

Moscow began military operations against terrorist groups in Syria at the request of Damascus since September 2015.

With the support of the Russian army, the Syrian government has retaken most of its territories controlled by the Islamic State group in the past two years.

Given the victory on the ground, the Russian army began a partial withdrawal of its troops in Syria early last month under the order of President Vladimir Putin.
A fire engine is seen at the site of a fire at a shoe factory in the village of Chernorechensky, Novosibirsk region, Russia on Jan. 4, 2018. (Russian Emergencies Ministry)

MOSCOW, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese citizens are among those killed in a fire at a shoe factory in Russia's Novosibirsk region Thursday, the Chinese Consulate General in Yekaterinburg has confirmed.

According to preliminary information obtained by the Consulate General, seven Chinese nationals died and another was slightly injured in the fire.

Chinese consulate officials are rushing to the scene for detailed information.

The Chinese Embassy in Russia said it mourned the deceased and extended condolences to their relatives.

The embassy added that it has demanded the Russian Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Emergency Situations ask authorities in the Novosibirsk region to investigate the cause of the fire and make utmost efforts to treat the injured.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 23:05:08|Editor: yan

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MOSCOW, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to resume direct flights to Egypt after more than two years of suspension due to a plane crash, the Kremlin said Thursday.

The first flight will likely be launched in February, Russian Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov said in Moscow last month following a meeting with visiting Egyptian Civil Aviation Minister Sherif Fathy.

Russia suspended all direct flights to Egypt after a Russian airplane bound for St. Petersburg crashed on Egypt's Sinai Peninsula on Oct. 31, 2015.

Moscow said the airliner was hit by a bomb planted by terrorists after taking off from the Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh. All 224 people on board were killed.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 23:25:12|Editor: yan

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HO CHI MINH CITY, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- An international culinary festival christened "Taste of the World" will take place here from Jan. 11-14, its organizers announced Thursday.

Special dishes of many countries in the world, including Thailand, Vietnam, Italy and Argentina, will be highlighted at over 100 booths of the four-day festival in Le Van Tam Park, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

Besides food sold to hundreds of thousands of visitors, the event will also showcase artworks made from fruits and vegetables, and feature a talkshow about Vietnam's lunar new year festival and many music shows, said the municipal Department of Tourism.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 23:30:12|Editor: yan

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BERLIN, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Senior party figures in the Christian Social Union (CSU) have urged the German Social Democrats (SPD) on Thursday to remain modest with their demands during upcoming coalition negotiations.

CSU parliamentary faction leader Alexander Dobrindt told the newspaper "Bild" that the Social Democrats had to decide "whether they wanted to assume responsibility and accept the electoral result."

"However, this cannot mean that a 20-percent-party achieves 100 percent of its goals," Dobrindt added.

Official discussions over a re-launch of the "grand coalition" between the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), CSU and SPD are scheduled for Jan. 7. The CSU wants to formulate the conditions under which it will join a prospective new government by Saturday, but earlier reports that these will include cutting social benefits for refugees have already caused a row between the party and the SPD.

Speaking to "Bild" on the sidelines of the CSU's ongoing winter party conference in a Bavarian monastery, Dobrindt defended the party's tough stance on migration. He noted that "even the Greens" had accepted the joint CDU/CSU concept proposed in the policy area during previous "Jamaica" coalition negotiations. Saying that the plans included a special hardship clause demanded by the SPD, Dobrindt stressed that his party was unwilling to alter its position again.

Similarly, CSU secretary general Andreas Scheuer announced that his party would offer no further concessions and insist on limiting the inflow of refugees.

"We will not retreat beyond the lines drawn during Jamaica coalitions, including for immigration," Scheuer told the public broadcaster "ZDF".

In spite of such bellicose rhetoric, CSU party leader Horst Seehofer vowed to do everything in his power to ensure the successful formation of a new German government with the CDU and SPD.

"This project can succeed if the potential coalition partner refrains from exaggeration," Seehofer said.

Although SPD leader Martin Schulz has recently clashed with the CSU over their visions for the future of Europe, he still expressed confidence that there was a "solid foundation" on which another "grand coalition" could be built.

Previous high-level talks between the leadership of the CDU, CSU and SPD had been "very concentrated and goal-oriented", Schulz said.

The SPD leader's optimism was echoed by Dobrindt, who told "Bild" that "trust had grown" between the prospective coalition partners.

According to the magazine "SPIEGEL", the CDU, CSU and SPD have agreed to impose a news embargo on the development of coalition talks. They hereby hope to prevent that spiralling public disputes and incriminations lead to an unravelling of negotiations, as occurred during the unsuccessful "Jamaica" talks.

"SPIEGEL" further reported on Thursday that the parties want to reach a mutually-acceptable solution concerning the national use of the pesticide Glyphosate as a matter of priority. Minister for Agriculture Christian Schmidt (CSU) recently voted to support the extension of Glyphosate's license in the EU without coordinating his position with German Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) and the Minister for the Environment Barbara Hendricks (SPD).

Schmidt's controversial decision created significant tensions within the acting cabinet and has therefore been seen as posing a potential stumbling block to successful coalition negotiations.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 23:35:13|Editor: yan

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ABUJA, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Troops fighting terror group Boko Haram in Nigeria's northeast region have rescued another Chibok schoolgirl kidnapped together with more than 276 others in April 2014, the army said on Thursday.

The girl, identified as Salomi Pugo, was rescued early Thursday in a bush around Pulka, some 165 kilometers to Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, said the army.

Pugo's identity was the same as the Chibok girl on serial number 86 of the available list of the abducted Chibok girls, said Onyema Nwachukwu, a spokesman for the army.

According to Nwachukwu, the rescued Chibok girl was in the company of another 14-year-old girl identified as Jamila Adams, and a child, when the troops rescued her.

The three of them are now in custody of the military, under medical observation in Borno, the spokesman said.

A total of 276 schoolgirls were abducted by Boko Haram while writing their high school final exams at the Government Secondary School in Chibok on the night of April 14, 2014.

Fifty-seven managed to escape soon afterward, leaving behind 219.

On Oct. 13, 2016, some 21 of the girls were released by their abductors following a fruitful negotiation with the Nigerian government.

Last May, 82 other girls were released following further negotiation.

Altogether, 106 girls were admitted to a government's rehabilitation facility in Nigeria's capital city of Abuja, as two other girls were rescued and one escaped from the kidnappers' den.

Last September, the 106 schoolgirls rescued so far were sent back to school, starting with a pre-degree program specially organized for them in a university in Nigeria's northeastern state of Adamawa.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 23:40:15|Editor: yan

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MOSCOW, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Russia considers a U.S. proposal to hold an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council over recent protests in Iran as "harmful", Sputnik news agency reported Thursday, citing Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 23:45:16|Editor: yan

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The White House on Thursday posted an article of U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, saying the United States "will not be silent on Iran."

Pence said in an editorial published by The Washington Post on Wednesday that President Donald Trump "is weighing additional actions" against Iran.

Washington "is standing with" the Iranian protesters and "will continue to support them," he said, accusing the United Nations (UN) and European countries for not doing enough to press Iran on the protests.

Over the past week, protests broke out in several Iranian cities against price hikes and economic woes. Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations Gholamali Khoshroo has slammed the U.S. government's recent attempts to intervene in the domestic affairs of the Islamic Republic.

"In the past several days, the U.S. administration, led by the U.S. president, has stepped up its acts of intervention in a grotesque way in Iran's internal affairs under the pretext of providing support for sporadic protests" in the country, Khoshroo said in a Wednesday letter to the UN Security Council and to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

Khoshroo added that Iran expects all states condemn such dangerous statements and policies and urge the U.S. government to act responsibly and adhere to the principles of the UN Charter and international law.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 23:50:17|Editor: yan

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BERLIN, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The number of migrants who arrived in Germany through family reunification programs for non-European Union (EU) citizens fell last year, German media reported on Thursday.

Some 85,000 migrants joined family members in Germany between January and December 2017, compared with 114,500 during the same period in the previous year, Newspaper Rheinische Post reported, citing an official response by the German government to a parliamentary enquiry launched by the Free Democratic Party (FDP).

Published figures include refugees as well as regular non-EU migrants.

At the same time, the government's reply showed that the number of migrants who accepted government aid to leave Germany voluntarily fell from 54,000 in 2016 to 30,000 in 2017. As a consequence, 230,000 individuals who did not have a right to residence and were officially duty-bound to return to their homes remained in the country last year.

However, the official statement admitted that the real number could be higher given that no estimates existed on the "dark figure" of illegal migrants who were unknown to authorities. Stephan Tomae, vice president of the FDP parliamentary faction, complained that this answer revealed that even in 2018, the government would be unable to offer "sufficiently concrete figures on family-reunification, refugee minors and illegal migrants."

Due to a sharp overall drop in the number of refugees and their family members arriving in Germany last year, many of the specially-created accommodation centers now have a low occupancy rate. Large and populous states such as North-Rhine Westphalia and Baden-Wuerttemberg reportedly have three times more places available than currently needed. Regional authorities have begun reducing excess capacity to lower their related costs, and repeatedly expressed concerns over the unpredictability of future demand.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 00:30:23|Editor: yan

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BANGKOK, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Thailand will bring documents concerning cooperation of the six riparian countries of the Mekong River for endorsement at the 2nd Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Leaders' Meeting next Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Thursday.

The first document is the Five-year Plan of Action(2018-2022) to enforce cooperation and development projects, and the other is the Phnom Penh Declaration that underscores the countries' political wills on cooperations in various aspects, the ministry said at its first weekly press conference in this year.

According to the ministry, Thailand hopes to push forward concrete cooperation among the LMC countries under the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China.

The two documents have been endorsed by the Thai cabinet on Wednesday. Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will attend the 2nd LMC Summit on Jan.10 in Cambodia's Phnom Penh.

The LMC was initiated by China in 2015 and the first summit took place in Sanya, China in 2016. The first summit identified three pillars of cooperation: politics and security; economics and sustainable development; and society, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

The LMC comprises six countries -- Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai attended the 3rd MLC Foreign Ministers' Meeting in China's Yunnan province in last December.

In the meeting, Thailand emphasized that it attaches importance on the LMC with the main purpose of the sustainable development of the Mekong sub-region and reducing development disparity among member states, which will promote better livelihood, peace, and prosperity among the people of the region.

The LMC's goals are also consistent with Thailand's economic development policies such as Thailand 4.0, connectivity, promoting development in neighboring countries, as well as building a stronger ASEAN community, said the ministry.
MADISON  More than half of hunters treated for falls from tree stands at UW Hospital suffered one or more spinal fractures, including at least five who had paralyzing injuries, a new study says.

Properly using safety harnesses and limiting the height of tree stands to 10 feet can curb such injuries, the UW researchers said.

The study, in the Wisconsin Medical Journal, looked at the 117 patients brought to UW Hospitals Level 1 trauma center for tree stand falls from 1999 to 2013.

Sixty-five had spinal fractures, including 21 who required spinal surgery, 19 who had loss of neurological function, five with complete spinal cord injuries and five with incomplete spinal cord injuries. Two died.

Only four of the patients said they used a safety harness, and they said the harnesses malfunctioned.

Falls ranged in height from six feet to more than 30 feet, with falls from less than 10 feet associated with less severe injuries.

The study was conducted by Dr. Kimberly Hamilton and Dr. Nathaniel Brooks of UW's neurosurgery department, and Dr. Brandon Rocque of the University of Alabama, who trained at UW.

Wisconsins bow and arrow deer hunting season continues through Sunday statewide and until the end of the month in certain areas. The annual gun deer hunting seasion is in late November.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 00:35:24|Editor: yan

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ROME, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Europe's security and prosperity are at stake in Africa, Italian Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano told La Stampa newspaper Thursday.

Alfano wrote a letter from Senegal, the second leg of the minister's three-stop mission that began in Niger on Jan. 3 and ends in Guinea on Jan. 5.

In Europe, Italy must be conscious that while countries are carrying out enormous investments there, "our destiny of security and prosperity is at stake in Africa," he wrote.

Italy's Africa policy "conjugates security with solidarity" and solidarity with development. The three are strategically connected, because the only way to keep tens of thousands of people from fleeing their homelands and ending up as refugees and migrants in Italy is to provide them with better lives in their own countries, Alfano said.

In Niger, the minister on Wednesday opened Italy's new embassy in the capital of Niamey and appointed an ambassador.

Niger lies at Libya's southern border and is a key country of transit for refugees and migrants being smuggled towards Europe by human traffickers.

Italy has allocated 50 million euros (60 million U.S. dollars) to step up controls on the Niger-Libya border, causing "migratory flows to drop from 70,000 people in May 2016 to 4,000 in July 2017," Alfano said.

Italy also earmarked 31 million euros to "improving the conditions of local populations" and another 15 million to voluntary repatriations and refugee resettlement programs run by the United Nations-affiliated International Organization for Migration (IOM).

In December, the government of center-left Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni said Italian peacekeeping troops should be shifted from Iraq to Niger to help fight human traffickers and Islamist extremists.

The lucrative human trafficking business is thought to be one of the main avenues of funding for terrorist groups, along with drugs, weapons and oil smuggling.

"The Italian government has decided to deploy a training contingent to combat the threats of Islamic jihadism, organized crime, and illegal trafficking (in Niger)," Alfano wrote.

Alfano's last stop is Guinea, a country of origin of many migrants trying to reach Europe, where he will appoint a new ambassador.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 00:45:25|Editor: Yamei

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BEIJING, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's visit to Cambodia will be of great significance to Lancang-Mekong cooperation and China-Cambodia ties, a senior diplomat said on Thursday.

Li will attend the second Lancang-Mekong River Cooperation (LMC) leaders' meeting in Phnom Penh and pay an official visit to Cambodia from Jan.10 to 11.

Initiated in 2014, The Lancang-Mekong cooperation has grown rapidly with a gradually improved mechanism and a steady implementation of the fruits, Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou said at a press conference on Li's upcoming visit.

This year's meeting will focus on peace and sustainable development in the area. Leaders will review the progress and make plan for the future of Lancang-Mekong cooperation during the meeting, said Kong.

He said Li will announce China's initiatives and measures to deepen pragmatic cooperation and inject new impetus to the mechanism.

A series of files will be issued after the meeting, including a five-year action plan of the mechanism and a list of the second batch of cooperation projects, according to the vice Foreign Minister.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of China-Cambodia relations, Kong said the Premier's upcoming visit will help the two countries consolidate the traditional friendship and promote the bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperation.

"The China-Cambodia ties have become a model of country-to-country relations," he said.

During his stay in Cambodia, Li will meet with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, and hold talks with his counterpart Hun Sen. Both leaders will exchange ideas on bilateral ties and international and regional issue of common concern, so as to plan for future development of China-Cambodia relations.

According to Kong, the two sides are expected to reach consensus and sign cooperation documents on infrastructure, science, agriculture, tourism and other fields.

"We hope this visit will achieve complete success," Kong added.
People protest in Los Angeles, California, U.S., in support of anti-government protesters in Iran, Jan. 3, 2018. (Xinhua/REUTERS)

WASHINGTON, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The White House on Thursday posted an article of U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, saying the United States "will not be silent on Iran."

Pence said in an editorial published by The Washington Post on Wednesday that President Donald Trump "is weighing additional actions" against Iran.

Washington "is standing with" the Iranian protesters and "will continue to support them," he said, accusing the United Nations (UN) and European countries for not doing enough to press Iran on the protests.

Over the past week, protests broke out in several Iranian cities against price hikes and economic woes. Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations Gholamali Khoshroo has slammed the U.S. government's recent attempts to intervene in the domestic affairs of the Islamic Republic.

"In the past several days, the U.S. administration, led by the U.S. president, has stepped up its acts of intervention in a grotesque way in Iran's internal affairs under the pretext of providing support for sporadic protests" in the country, Khoshroo said in a Wednesday letter to the UN Security Council and to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

Khoshroo added that Iran expects all states condemn such dangerous statements and policies and urge the U.S. government to act responsibly and adhere to the principles of the UN Charter and international law.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 01:15:29|Editor: yan

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HARARE, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- A Zimbabwean court on Thursday set free Martha O'Donovan, an American citizen who was arrested in November last year and charged with insulting Robert Mugabe, the country's former president.

Harare Magistrate Nomsa Sabarauta removed O'Donovan from remand and ordered the State to proceed by way of summons if it intends to pursue with prosecuting the American citizen, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights whose lawyers represented O'Donovan said in a statement.

O'Donovan was arrested in November last year and charged with subverting constitutional government and insulting the president through posting an abusive, indecent and obscene message on micro blogging site Twitter.

The American citizen became the first person to be arrested and charged with abuse of social media since the Zimbabwean government established a Ministry of Cyber Security, Threat Detection and Mitigation in October.

Mugabe resigned last month following military and public pressure, ending his 37-year reign.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 01:25:30|Editor: yan

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NAIROBI, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The historic decision by China to terminate commercial processing and sale of ivory will usher a new era in protection of Africa's elephants and other iconic species, campaigners and officials have told Xinhua.

China's State Forestry Administration on December 31, 2017 announced the closure of domestic ivory market in line with a pledge made by Beijing at the end of 2016 to strengthen its role in protection of Africa's giant mammals.

The State Forestry Administration said the ivory trade ban was China's "new year gift to the elephant" and will lead to closure of 34 processing enterprises and 143 designated trading venues.

African wildlife campaigners have hailed the precedent setting move by China to ban trade in ivory products, saying it will boost protection of elephants that are facing a host of threats like poaching and shrinking habitat.

Kaddu Sebunya, the president of Nairobi-based African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), said China's ivory trade ban marked a significant milestone in protection of elephants and other giant land mammals inhabiting the world's second largest continent.

"The AWF commends China for the implementation of the ban. Already we have seen the effect by 80 percent decline in seizures of ivory entering China and a shrinking market," Sebunya said.

This is a game changer in curbing elephant poaching and illegal trade in wildlife, he added.

Sebunya noted that Beijing has consistently honored its earlier pledges to be part of global efforts aimed at eradicating the menace of poaching that has put the survival of African elephants at stake.

"China has made good on the commitment it made to the African Union and African States during the 2015 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit to work with Africa in curbing elephant poaching and illegal trade in wildlife," he said.

The closure of ivory market in China is expected to drastically reduce slaughter of African elephants whose population declined by 110,000 over the past decade based on statistics from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Kenyan officials applauded China's far-reaching move to end processing and sale of ivory products, saying it heralded a new dawn in protection of elephants.

"I think this is a positive development and people will be discouraged from carrying out poaching now that a key ivory market has been dismantled. It means poaching will reduce," remarked Paul Gathitu, the spokesman for the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).

He urged Japan and other countries where trade in ivory products is legal to emulate China's example in a bid to save the remaining population of African elephants.

"We want all nations including Japan to take up this call and close their ivory markets," said Gathitu.

China's ivory trade ban won accolades from international conservation lobby groups that have been on the frontlines to save African elephants from looming extinction linked to human actions and climatic shocks.

John Stephenson, the CEO of Stop Ivory, said the survival of African elephants is guaranteed thanks to China's landmark decision to end commercial processing and sale of ivory.

"China's ivory ban is hugely significant and has the potential if enforced to play a huge role in the reduction of poaching levels and thus halt the seemingly inexorable journey towards extinction for the African elephant," said Stephenson.

He decried failure by Japan to outlaw ivory trade despite overwhelming evidence the practice is to blame for escalating the poaching crisis in Africa.

"Japan must not be one of the few remaining countries that regard the desire to buy and sell ivory as acceptable in the face of such devastation," Stephenson added.

Iain Douglas-Hamilton, the founder of Nairobi-based conservation lobby, Save The Elephants, hailed China's enforcement of the ivory trade ban and stressed that public education should be intensified in countries that have legal ivory markets like Japan in order to end the poaching menace in Africa.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 01:35:32|Editor: yan

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CAPE TOWN, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- As a new school year is to begin later this month, tens of thousands of students from poor families are scrambling to apply for free tuition which President Jacob Zuma promised to deliver in 2018.

But where does the money come from? The Finance Ministry hasn't figured it out yet.

The ministry is not yet ready to pay the billions of rand needed to fund free tuition, spokesperson Mayihlome Tshwete acknowledged on Thursday.

The National Treasury is still looking for money to fund free education, he told Radio 702.

The Treasury is currently working on funding mechanisms, Tshwete said.

The Finance Ministry has been lukewarm after Zuma announced in December that the South African government would introduce free higher education and training for poor and working-class undergraduate students at public universities, starting in 2018.

The ministry responded by merely saying it was reviewing the details of the higher education proposals as well as possible financing options.

Zuma's announcement has caused a stir in the society, with those would-be beneficiaries hailing the move and opponents voicing concern about its practicability.

For the government, funding free education will put greater pressure on its straining budget which faces a revenue shortfall of about 50 billion rand (about 4.8 billion U.S. dollars).

At a press briefing in Johannesburg on Thursday, Higher Education and Training Minister Hlengiwe Mkhize refused to provide details on how the government will fund free education.

She said only that Zuma's announcement on free education is proof that education remains a priority of the government's pro-poor policies.

Zuma has come under fire for making the "reckless" announcement without an accompanying implementation strategy and roll-out timeline.

The announcement was ostensibly made without consulting the National Treasury or the Department of Higher Education and Training, critics claim.

There have been fears that chaos would break out once universities open for registration.

Universities have complained that their enrolment plans and targets for 2018 are already in place, and their resources can only allow them to consider applications lodged online before the end of 2017.

However, the radical Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) on Thursday called for walk-in registrations for poor students who are qualified for free tuition.

If universities did not allow walk-in registration to occur, then the EFF would prevent any access to campuses, the EFF Students Command threatened.

As anarchy is looming, the opposition parties - the Democratic Alliance (DA) called on the government to provide leadership to prevent chaos once universities open for registration.

DA Shadow Minister of Higher Education and Training Belinda Bozzoli said on Thursday that his party is concerned by the complete lack of leadership from the government on the higher education funding crisis.

After South Africa's major universities were hit by student protests in 2015 over tuition fee hikes, Zuma appointed a commission to study the feasibility of free education, an overdue promise by the ruling African National Congress (ANC).

In 2007, the party made a resolution, pledging to have free education in seven years. The ANC has been criticized for failing to deliver its promise.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 01:40:33|Editor: yan

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NAIROBI, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The global economy could withstand geopolitical tremors, climate change impacts and pockets of insecurity to record positive growth in 2018, an expert told Xinhua during a recent interview.

Lemma Senbet, the executive director of the Nairobi-based African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), said the resilience of world economy is guaranteed this year despite the onslaught by forces opposed to globalization, climatic shocks as well as political tensions.

"There are anti-globalization forces we have to grapple with that will be an impediment to the growth of world economy unless there are counteracting forces," Senbet told Xinhua in Nairobi.

"But we need to maximize opportunities and minimize challenges by tackling anti-globalization forces to accelerate growth," he added.

The Ethiopian-born scholar noted that the exit of Britain from the European Union and election of United States President Donald Trump have escalated opposition to free movement of people, goods and services that is key to revitalizing growth of world economy.

He warned that geopolitical risks like tensions in the Middle East and Korean Peninsula, terrorism, climate change, poverty, inequality and forced migration bode ill for the health of global economy this year.

Nevertheless, Senbet noted that the gloomy scenario can be reversed if the international community establishes solid measures to promote integration, harness the entrepreneur spirit of migrants, facilitate transfer of technology and skills.

"Globalization presents incredible opportunities and maximizes value on global economy. Technology transfer is a huge opportunity and we can exploit sectors like agriculture, infrastructure and women entrepreneurs to fight inequality," Senbet told Xinhua.

He added that financial innovations, mechanization of agriculture, support for small-and-medium-sized enterprises as well as youth-led start-ups could inject fresh vitality into the global economy this year.

Senbet underscored the critical role of China to help tackle challenges facing the world economy and unleash inclusive prosperity.

"China is an important payer on issues related to global trade and climate change. I am aware that China's policy is pro-globalization. In all the challenges at the global level, China should be constructively engaged and that will make a difference," Senbet said.

He noted that China's involvement will be crucial to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union (AU) agenda 2063 on shared prosperity.

At the same time, Senbet emphasized that light manufacturing, value addition and infrastructure modernization will unleash growth and prosperity in the low income economies.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 01:45:34|Editor: yan

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CAPE TOWN, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- South Africa will conduct its first integrated biological and behavioral survey on HIV in transgender women, authorities announced on Thursday.

Initiated and supported by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with funding from the South African President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the project is designed to identify the social, structural, economic and cultural factors that are related to HIV infection in transgender women, the South African Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) said.

The study will help better understand risk behaviors and practices related to HIV infection and onward transmission in transgender women, the council said in a statement.

The council will lead the survey, with support from various South African and international academic and civil society partners.

The survey will be conducted later this month in the metropolitan areas of Cape Town and Johannesburg as well as in the Buffalo City Metro in the Eastern Cape province.

"For the first time South Africa will be able to document the HIV prevalence in transgender women," HSRC's CEO Crain Soudien said.

The data can also be used to monitor the sequential stages of HIV medical care that transgender women experience from diagnosis to achieving the goal of viral suppression, according to Soudien.

"Our fight against HIV will gain traction if we continue to investigate, and understand, the significant behaviors, attitudes and perceptions which can contribute towards infection, effective treatment and support," he said.

Leigh Ann van der Merwe, CDC representative in South Africa, said that through this study the transgender community in South Africa will finally have a voice.

"We see this study as contributing towards our empowerment, especially because interventions will come from our input rather than being imposed upon us," Van der Merwe said.

The study is expected to contribute towards a deeper understanding of how this disease can be prevented, she added.

With at least 6.2 million people with HIV, South Africa has the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence in the world.

The country currently puts 4.2 million people on antiretroviral treatment, the highest treatment rate globally.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 01:50:35|Editor: yan

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GABORONE, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Wildlife authorities and experts in Botswana on Thursday hailed an ivory trade ban in China as a vital step to reducing the slaughter of the endangered animals.

In a telephone interview with Xinhua, Botswana's Environment, Natural Resources Conversation and Tourism Minister Tshekedi Khama said the move offers hope for the future of elephants in Botswana and the better part of Africa.

China closed doors to the ivory trade on Dec. 31, 2017, as it became illegal to trade in ivory and its products in the world's most populace nation.

China has taken the eradication of ivory trade upon herself and public awareness campaigns featuring celebrities have helped boost awareness of the bloody cost of ivory.

According to Khama, it is estimated that 30,000 elephants are killed by poachers in Africa every year with Botswana bearing the brunt since her economy is hinged on tourism.

He said tourism is an increasingly important industry in Botswana, accounting for almost 12 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

"It (ivory trade ban) is the greatest single step toward reducing elephant poaching and ensuring that our tourism increases the revenue to the government coffers," said Khama.

Khama hailed China for a full closure of the door on ivory trade.

Kenneth Sechele, a board member with Elephants Scents - a non-governmental organization responsible for protecting elephants from extinction - said the ban on all ivory sales has already led to an 80 percent decline in seizures of illegal ivory entering China.

"A 65 percent decline in raw ivory prices has also been realized in China. This shows that China had taken a decision that qualifies to be a historic one world over," he said.

Sechele said the ban on imports of African ivory carvings will boost the fight against wildlife crimes in Botswana and the region.

"The move by the Chinese government is a strategic decision that will rejuvenate the fight against poaching in the country and the region. China has inspired governments and individuals campaigning for the stemming of wildlife crimes," Sechele told Xinhua in a telephone interview.

Executive Director of Our Elephants, Our Pride, a non-governmental organization in Botswana, Monwametsi Mothibi, praised China's ban on ivory trade as a revolutionary stride.

Mothibi said his organization is very grateful that the Chinese government has found in its heart to stop trading in this commodity.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the population of African elephants declined by 111,000 over the past 10 years.

The overall trends in the poaching of African elephants show a decline from the 2011 peak, but are still at levels too high when viewed continent-wide.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 02:20:40|Editor: yan

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KHARTOUM, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on Thursday issued a decree to extend the ceasefire in all conflict zones for three months, the official SUNA news agency reported.

"Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir issued a Republican Decree Thursday extending the declared ceasefire at the operations zones for another three months," the report said.

In January 2017, Sudan adopted a unilateral six-month ceasefire a few days after the U.S. government decided to partially lift the economic sanctions imposed on Sudan for about 20 years.

The Sudanese government has been fighting the rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM)/northern sector in South Kordofan and Blue Nile areas since 2011, where many rounds of peace talks held in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa failed to end the conflict.

The Sudanese government has also been fighting armed groups in the Darfur region since 2003.
Nattering nabobs of negativism, is probably the most enduring of the many alliterative pronouncements of Spiro Agnew, vice president in the Nixon administration until forced to resign because of corruption. This particular phrase, penned by Nixon speechwriter William Safire, derogatively denigrated diligent reporters for placing bad news above good.

Why, Agnew asked rhetorically, did the malicious media not put priority on the positive? He attacked pusillanimous pussyfooters allegedly allergic to America.

Inspired by the positive points of the spirit of Spiro Good News Agnew, below is a list of definitive developments that definitely deserve dissemination and discussion.

First, democracy is becoming the accepted way of life for the worlds population overall, not just the privileged few. As recently as three decades ago, the people of Latin America lived almost uniformly in various degrees of authoritarian regime.

Today, Castros Cuba is literally the only remaining dictatorship in the Americas. Despite pervasive and ruthless state political control, the increasingly desperate need for foreign investment is forcing Havanas geriatric communists to loosen their iron grip. Re-establishing long-severed diplomatic ties with the U.S. is one result.

Even autocratic Hugo Chavez of Venezuela had to face the voters, and near the end of his rule lost on occasion. Tiny Costa Rica was once the beacon of freedom south of our border. Now that light spreads throughout the Americas.

Likewise, reasonably honest and contested elections are spreading in Africa, Asia, and the former Soviet Union and  at least locally  China. In global context, the dramatic, tumultuous and violent Arab Spring has been partly a manifestation of the worldwide drive toward fair representative government.

Asian stability

Japan and South Korea are somewhat overshadowed by negative nuclear news from North Korea. That is unfortunate.

Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has responded to uncertain political developments in the United States by reiterating commitment to our alliance. Japans economy continues to be one of the largest, most productive on earth.

South Korea President Moon Jae-in has impressive credentials, including military service and human rights activism. This other democratic Asia economic powerhouse remains committed to the U.S.

Indonesia is the worlds largest Islamic majority nation. The government is stable, a firm U.S. ally, effective in combating terrorism. By contrast, during the mid-1960s drift into the Soviet orbit encouraged American military escalation in Vietnam.

Second, market economics is spreading, as alternative economic systems fail. Deng Xiaopings 1992 declaration of Peoples Socialism for China has become a benchmark event for that nation and more the vast Asia region, and well beyond.

The Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement between mainland China and Taiwan is a historic result of the free market economic revolution. Major economic barriers have come down. Regionally, Taiwans role as source of capital, expertise and investment is important despite Taiwan Strait tensions.

Its getting better

Third, collectively there is extraordinary continuing growth in economic production. Yale Historian Paul Kennedy, in The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers, notes total world manufacturing rose from an assigned value of 100 in 1900 to 3041.6 by 1980. This long-term trend continues.

In industrial nations, the average human lifespan doubled in the 20th century. Stephen Moore and Julian Simon describe this transformation in quality of life in the CATO Institutes Its Getting Better All The Time.

Undeniably, free competitive economies and open competitive elections are interconnected, historically and currently. Adam Smiths classic The Wealth of Nations appeared in 1776, the year the American Revolution began.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 02:30:42|Editor: yan

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ISTANBUL, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Turkey's Interior Ministry on Thursday dismissed the mayor of Istanbul's Besiktas district from his post over a failed coup in 2016 and allegations of corruption, sparking an outcry from the main opposition.

According to the ministry's statement, Murat Hazinedar was ousted following investigations into his ties to a network accused of masterminding the coup bid and due to allegations against him, including taking unfair advantages, providing unlawful licenses to tradesmen and using public property for the benefit of private individuals.

Two municipal council members were also suspended from their duties over corruption allegations, the statement said.

Hazinedar said earlier in the day that the municipality had gone through over 180 preliminary examinations and investigations and was cleared from all the accusations.

Ankara blames the network led by Fethullah Gulen, a U.S.-based Turkish cleric, for the coup attempt in July 2016 that left 250 people dead and has listed it as a terror group.

The Republican People's Party, the main opposition from which Hazinedar comes, described the move against him as a "government plot."

Bulent Tezcan, the party's spokesman, said in a televised speech that Hazinedar will use all his legal rights against the decision. Party supporters were urged to gather in front of the municipal headquarters as a sign of solidarity.

Hazinedar was elected mayor of Besiktas in March 2014.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 02:50:45|Editor: yan

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TRIPOLI, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The total value of contracts for power plant projects in Libya is seven billion dinars (5 billion U.S. dollars), an official of the state-owned General Electricity Company said.

"The power plant construction contracts Libya signed with a number of foreign companies worth seven billion dinars. This amount represents contracts signed before 2011, as well as emergency projects signed by the company during the past few months," Ali Sasi, executive director of the General Electricity Company, told Xinhua on Thursday.

"Payments have been made for foreign companies executing a number of previous projects, while the new projects have not been funded until security and technical arrangement are made for companies to come to Libya and work on implementation of the new plants," Sasi added.

Sasi pointed out that there are projects being implemented in different parts of the country, including Sirte, Tripoli, Zwitina, and Obari, with a total capacity of 4,000 megawatts.

"If previous projects, which were supposed to be completed in 2015, were implemented, the public network would have increased by 4,000 megawatts, which means the end of any power deficit and even a large surplus," Sassi explained.

The General Electricity Company signed an agreement with Germany's Siemens in August 2017 to implement power in the country.

Most Libyan cities suffer daily power blackouts that last for as long as 12 hours, especially during the winter and summer. The power deficit exceeds 2,000 megawatts per day, while current power production does not exceed 5,500 megawatts per day.

Sasi said that power sector in Libya lost 1.5 billion dinars (1.1 billion U.S. dollars) over the past seven years. He also pointed out that the kidnapping of foreign workers at the southern Obari power plant "delayed the return of some companies, especially from South Korea."

Sasi noted final discussions will be held in mid-January with South Korea for the return of its companies to Libya.

Unknown gunmen kidnapped four foreign workers, three Turks and one German, working at a power plant in the southern city of Obari. After security agencies failed to free the workers, the remaining 300 foreign workers left Obari.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 03:00:46|Editor: Jiaxin

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KABUL, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- At least 11 people were killed and 20 others injured in a suicide bomb attack in Microryan neighborhood of Afghanistan's capital of Kabul Thursday night, a health official said.

"A suicide bomb attack ripped through a road in Microryan, Police District 9, at around 08:45 p.m. local time," a security source told Xinhua.

"The incident occurred shortly after a demonstration ended in the area and those among the casualties were anti-riot police and civilians," the source said.

Earlier, a public health official told local media that 11 people, including five police personnel, were killed and 20 others injured after the explosion in the crowded area.

He said the number of casualties was likely to change as some injured were in critical condition.

Several shops and vehicles were also damaged after the blast in the area where dozens of five-story apartment buildings are located.

Security forces have cordoned off the area for precautionary measures.

Further details about the incident are still forthcoming amid the absence of any official statement.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.

Kabul with a population of nearly 5 million has been hit by series of terror attacks over the past couple of years.

On Dec. 25, a teenage suicide bomber killed seven people and injured six others in nearby fortified Shash Darak locality.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 03:00:46|Editor: yan

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MOSUL, Iraq, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Mass killings and destruction of infrastructure were only part of the consequences of the Islamic State (IS) rule in Mosul.

There are many more hidden consequences. For instance, three years of IS rule had forced thousands of students in Nineveh Province and its capital Mosul to quit school, and they are striving to return to schools or colleges to restart academic life.

Wahid Akram, 20, who is living in the refugee camp in Khazer area, some 50 km east of Mosul, lost his dream of becoming a doctor, after the IS took control of Mosul in June 2014.

"I was in the third grade of intermediate school when Daesh (IS) group took control of my city, and I was obliged to leave school for three years," said Akram, whose house in Mosul was totally destroyed in anti-IS battles.

After the liberation, Akram tried to return to school, but he was not allowed to continue his study for free because of the age limits on the students in the government-owned schools according to the Iraqi law.

Akram has only one choice: paying about 50,000 Iraqi dinars (40 U.S. dollars) to sign up for a special examination for students outside schools.

"I was forced to sell some of my foodstuff that I received from the humanitarian agencies in the camp to get the money to sign up for the 3rd grade examination," Akram said.

He is now attending unofficial classes at a school opened by a Norwegian humanitarian agency in his camp to prepare for the examination.

"I like reading and will continue my study despite all the hurdles and I'll join Medicine College to help people and to get better life for me and my family," Akram said, showing his determination to achieve his goals.

Like Akram, there are hundreds, or even thousands more of students in other cities and towns who are struggling to return to school amid the negligence of the Iraqi government.

Um Ahmed, mother of a secondary school student, said her son Abdullah Mohammed was in the sixth grade (the last year in secondary school) in 2014, but his study was disrupted when the IS took control of Mosul just before the final examinations.

"He was the best in his class with very high marks. If not for these terrorists, he would have studied in Medicine College and I would have been waiting for him proudly to be a doctor," Um Ahmed said with sorrow and regret.

Seham Mohammed was also deprived of the right to study. She left the primary school at the sixth grade after extremist militants imposed veil on women including young girls, and introduced new textbooks preaching violence and division.

"Although my family and I are refugees in the camp, I decided to continue my education to make my dream of being a teacher come true," she said.

In Khazer refugee camp, Abdullah Younis, the principal of a school opened by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), told Xinhua that his school is opened during work days to give lessons to students in primary, intermediate and secondary schools to help them continue their study.

Younis said his school is also focusing on psychological support for students to help them forget the dark period under the IS rule.

"We are focusing on sport, drawing and other cultural activities, and if we find any talent pupil we try to support him. We are trying to provide a convenient atmosphere for the students to help them forget the previous life under the brutal IS group," he said.

Hussein al-Jubouri, an educational supervisor from the Iraqi Education Ministry, told Xinhua that the parliament should make exceptional laws for students who lost their school years when their cities and towns came under IS control.

"The Ministry of Education is an executive body, which has no right to make laws. The parliament is the legislative authority which has the power to make such exceptional laws," Jubouri explained.

Unofficial statistics show 7,600 school buildings in the areas controlled by the extremist group in the provinces of Nineveh, Salahudin, Kirkuk, Diyala and Anbar were destroyed or need repairs.

According to statistics released by the Iraqi Ministry of Planing in 2013, before the IS blitzkrieg in northern and western Iraq in 2014, up to 800,000 students were then attending schools in Nineveh Province.

The IS destroyed the education infrastructure, including burning textbooks, exploiting school buildings for other purposes, and replacing textbooks to advocate violence and apostasy.

Many of the schools buildings were used by IS militants as warehouses for weapons and explosives, or as refugee centers for their families and their supporters.
The Metrojet's Airbus A-321 with registration number EI-ETJ that crashed in Egypt's Sinai peninsula, is seen in this picture taken in Antalya, Turkey September 17, 2015. (Reuters Photo)

MOSCOW, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to resume direct flights to the Egyptian capital of Cairo after more than two years of suspension due to a plane crash, the country's official website for legal documents showed Thursday.

The first flight will likely be launched in February, Russian Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov said in Moscow last month following a meeting with visiting Egyptian Civil Aviation Minister Sherif Fathy.

Russia suspended all direct flights to Egypt after a Russian airplane bound for St. Petersburg crashed on Egypt's Sinai Peninsula on Oct. 31, 2015.

Moscow said the airliner was hit by a bomb planted by terrorists after taking off from the Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh. All 224 people on board were killed.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 03:10:48|Editor: yan

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LUSAKA, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese construction giant AVIC International on Thursday donated funds to Zambia's health ministry to help combat a cholera outbreak in Lusaka, the country's capital.

The Chinese firm presented a cheque of 100,000 Zambian Kwacha (about 10,000 U.S. dollars) to Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya during a ceremony following escalating cases of the waterborne disease.

Cui Ji, the firm's representative, said the increased cholera cases in the city were a source of concern, hence the company's decision to make a donation towards the fight.

He said this was not the first time that AVIC contributed funds towards the response to the cholera fight as it contributed 40,000 Kwacha (about 4,000 U.S. dollars) a week ago to the local authority in the city for the same purpose.

He said all stakeholders needed to work together to prevent further spread of cholera.

According to figures released by the Ministry of Health on Thursday, cumulative cholera cases have now reached 2,148 countrywide, with the country's capital accounting for 2,091 of the cases and 51 deaths.

On his part, Chilufya thanked the Chinese firm as well as other partners who were coming on board to help combat the epidemic.

The minister announced further measures to combat the disease such as enhancing inspection of food outlets in the city as well as suspending the transporting of vegetables and fruits from outside for selling in the city.

He said inspections conducted have revealed that food from some food outlets in the city was contaminated with cholera and some foot outlets have since been shut down.

The authorities, he said, have shut down three outlets belonging to a popular food takeaway, Hungry Lions, after food samples showed cholera contamination as well as other food outlets in the city.

The authorities have also demanded that all food handlers in food outlets be issued with certificates.

About 40 traders have been taken to court for failure to observe measures announced recently aimed at halting the further spread of cholera.

"We will continue to work closely with local authorities countrywide to ensure that inspection of food handlers is enhanced," he said.
Children play in front of tents in Khazir Camp, some 50 kilometers east of Mosul, Iraq, on Jan. 3, 2018. Nearly six months after the liberation of Mosul, more than 3,000 displaced civilians still live in the Khazir Camp. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)

MOSUL, Iraq, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Mass killings and destruction of infrastructure were only part of the consequences of the Islamic State (IS) rule in Mosul.

There are many more hidden consequences. For instance, three years of IS rule had forced thousands of students in Nineveh Province and its capital Mosul to quit school, and they are striving to return to schools or colleges to restart academic life.

Wahid Akram, 20, who is living in the refugee camp in Khazer area, some 50 km east of Mosul, lost his dream of becoming a doctor, after the IS took control of Mosul in June 2014.

"I was in the third grade of intermediate school when Daesh (IS) group took control of my city, and I was obliged to leave school for three years," said Akram, whose house in Mosul was totally destroyed in anti-IS battles.

After the liberation, Akram tried to return to school, but he was not allowed to continue his study for free because of the age limits on the students in the government-owned schools according to the Iraqi law.

Akram has only one choice: paying about 50,000 Iraqi dinars (40 U.S. dollars) to sign up for a special examination for students outside schools.

"I was forced to sell some of my foodstuff that I received from the humanitarian agencies in the camp to get the money to sign up for the 3rd grade examination," Akram said.

He is now attending unofficial classes at a school opened by a Norwegian humanitarian agency in his camp to prepare for the examination.

"I like reading and will continue my study despite all the hurdles and I'll join Medicine College to help people and to get better life for me and my family," Akram said, showing his determination to achieve his goals.

Like Akram, there are hundreds, or even thousands more of students in other cities and towns who are struggling to return to school amid the negligence of the Iraqi government.

Um Ahmed, mother of a secondary school student, said her son Abdullah Mohammed was in the sixth grade (the last year in secondary school) in 2014, but his study was disrupted when the IS took control of Mosul just before the final examinations.

"He was the best in his class with very high marks. If not for these terrorists, he would have studied in Medicine College and I would have been waiting for him proudly to be a doctor," Um Ahmed said with sorrow and regret.

Students attend class in a school in Khazir Camp, some 50 kilometers east of Mosul, Iraq, on Jan. 3, 2018. Nearly six months after the liberation of Mosul, more than 3,000 displaced civilians still live in the Khazir Camp. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)

Seham Mohammed was also deprived of the right to study. She left the primary school at the sixth grade after extremist militants imposed veil on women including young girls, and introduced new textbooks preaching violence and division.

"Although my family and I are refugees in the camp, I decided to continue my education to make my dream of being a teacher come true," she said.

In Khazer refugee camp, Abdullah Younis, the principal of a school opened by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), told Xinhua that his school is opened during work days to give lessons to students in primary, intermediate and secondary schools to help them continue their study.

Younis said his school is also focusing on psychological support for students to help them forget the dark period under the IS rule.

"We are focusing on sport, drawing and other cultural activities, and if we find any talent pupil we try to support him. We are trying to provide a convenient atmosphere for the students to help them forget the previous life under the brutal IS group," he said.

Students and their teacher pose for photos in a school in Khazir Camp, some 50 kilometers east of Mosul, Iraq, on Jan. 3, 2018. Nearly six months after the liberation of Mosul, more than 3,000 displaced civilians still live in the Khazir Camp. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)

Hussein al-Jubouri, an educational supervisor from the Iraqi Education Ministry, told Xinhua that the parliament should make exceptional laws for students who lost their school years when their cities and towns came under IS control.

"The Ministry of Education is an executive body, which has no right to make laws. The parliament is the legislative authority which has the power to make such exceptional laws," Jubouri explained.

Unofficial statistics show 7,600 school buildings in the areas controlled by the extremist group in the provinces of Nineveh, Salahudin, Kirkuk, Diyala and Anbar were destroyed or need repairs.

According to statistics released by the Iraqi Ministry of Planing in 2013, before the IS blitzkrieg in northern and western Iraq in 2014, up to 800,000 students were then attending schools in Nineveh Province.

The IS destroyed the education infrastructure, including burning textbooks, exploiting school buildings for other purposes, and replacing textbooks to advocate violence and apostasy.

Many of the schools buildings were used by IS militants as warehouses for weapons and explosives, or as refugee centers for their families and their supporters.
Pro-government demonstrators march in Iran's southwestern city of Ahvaz on January 3, 2018, as tens of thousands gathered across Iran in a massive show of strength for the Islamic rulers after days of deadly unrest. (AFP PHOTO)

MOSCOW, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Russia considers a U.S. proposal to hold an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council over recent protests in Iran as "harmful," Sputnik news agency reported Thursday, citing Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.

The Security Council is responsible for maintaining global peace and security, and Iran's internal issues have nothing to do with its mission, Ryabkov said.

"Iran's domestic affairs have nothing to do with the United Nations Security Council's role," he said.

He said Russia will roll out its own position, which is in line with the norms of international law.

Earlier this week, U.S. envoy to UN Nikki Haley said Washington sought to convene emergency meetings at the UN headquarters and human rights council in Geneva.

Over the past week, riots broke out in some Iranian cities in protest against price hikes and economic woes.

U.S. President Donald Trump and a number of other U.S. officials, including Vice President Mike Pence, have sided with the protesters.

Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations Gholamali Khoshroo has slammed the U.S. government's recent attempts to intervene in the domestic affairs of the Islamic Republic.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 03:45:53|Editor: yan

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LAGOS, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian police has deployed more anti-cultism, anti-kidnapping and anti-terror police personnel to Omoku area of oil rich Rivers State to fish out those who killed 16 worshipers on New Year Day.

Police chief in charge of the state Zaki Ahmed told reporters in Port Harcourt on Thursday that police presence in Omoku has been heavily increased so as to go after the suspects and provide more security in area.

Some 16 persons returning from a crossover church service were gunned down in the early hours of Monday in Omoku while 12 others were injured.

Ahmed said the police will bring the suspects to justice, noting that the suspects had come in through the creeks in a speed boat and attacked the worshipers.

The security chief, who said the Marine Police were now patrolling the creeks, appealed to residents to furnish the police with meaningful information that would lead to the arrest of the suspects.

He also advised multi-national companies doing business in the community to go about their businesses without any fear of molestation.

Omoku, the headquarters of Ogba-Egbema/Ndoni council area, recently started to enjoy relative peace after several months of cult-related violence.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 04:06:01|Editor: yan

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ANKARA, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will pay a visit to France on Friday and meet his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron amid Ankara's efforts to ease strained ties between the European Union and Turkey.

If Turkey wants "hands of a friend" to energize the long-stalled ties with the EU, Macron is the right European leader, Uluc Ozulker, a retired diplomat and Turkey's former ambassador to France, told Xinhua.

The meeting between Macron and Erdogan will be the first high-level one of the Turkish president with a prominent European leader long after Ankara engaged war of words with several European capitals and the EU over the Turkey's post-coup attempt measures.

Turkey and the EU have been engaged in a diplomatic spat since 2016 after Brussels strongly criticized Ankara for mass arrests in the country linked to the failed coup in July 2016.

The Turkish government declared a state of emergency after the coup attempt and launched a huge crackdown on state institutions. More than 55,000 have since been arrested, including journalists, lawyers, academics and opposition politicians.

For geostrategic reasons, however, Europe does not want to break away with Turkey, while France is the right choice to gain momentum in ties between Ankara and Brussels, Ozulker said.

He pointed to the strong political, economic and social ties between Turkey and France, saying Ankara was able to start accession talks with the EU in 2005 owing to the support by then French President Jacques Chirac and German Chancellor Gerard Schroder.

However, Turkey's accession negotiations did not make much progress because of the direct or indirect opposition of several member countries including France.

Ozulker noted that France was among the countries blocking four chapters of the accession talks between Turkey and the EU.

Currently, Turkey has indicated that it desires warm ties with Europe, while the French president has decided to assume a role in easing the strained ties between Turkey and the EU, according to Barcin Yinanc, a Hurriyet Daily News columnist.

"Macron himself has taken upon the task of ensuring that dialogue between the EU and Turkey is maintained, capitalizing on his good relations with Erdogan at a time when other European leaders have had problems with the Turkish president," Yinanc explained.

Macron could face potential criticism from domestic public opinion for hosting Erdogan, "who is very unpopular in Europe these days," she noted.

In fact, the criticism over the Turkish government's crackdown on the opponents, particularly journalists, has spiralled into an war of words between Ankara and Paris before Erdogan's trip.

On Wednesday, Macron expressed his views about the "problem of press freedom in Turkey" ahead of Erdogan's visit.

The French president said he will raise the issue of jailed journalists in Turkey during talks between the two leaders.

In response, Ibrahim Kalin, spokesman of Erdogan, said on Thursday that Macron's remarks on the status of press freedom in Turkey are "based on lack of information," if not made on "prejudice."

"Those who try to cast a shadow on Turkey's fight against terrorism over the rhetoric on freedom of expression should better understand the realities of Turkey," Kalin told reporters, adding that the Turkish government is fighting three terrorist organizations.

Europeans either could not understand the terror threat posed against Turkey or they are in "double standard," he said.

Erdogan will show documents to Macron to prove that those journalists are under legal prosecution not because of journalistic activities, the spokesman noted.

Loup Bureau, a French journalist, had been detained in Turkey and jailed for more than seven weeks on terror charges, before he was able to return to France in September after Macron appealed to Erdogan for his release.
During the last election, many U.S. voters wanted change after incessantly being told how bad things were. We were enduring a slow recovery from the great recession of 2008. Jobs in some industries were gone or demanded new skills. Many thought change would bring back jobs and speed up our economic recovery.

Voters ignored the winning candidates vulgarity, name calling, lying and bragging, thinking he would change. No, President Trump has not changed. He casts disdain on the FBI, the CIA and our judicial system, calling investigations into Russian meddling in our elections witch hunts.

Now he is dangerously sparring with Kim Jong Un, Pakistan and Iran, and all have nuclear weapons. He tweets childish comparisons of the size of his nuclear button, threatening to shower fire and fury, ignoring diplomacy. Yes, the economy is improving and stocks are advancing. But this might all come to a crashing halt if we ignore what is in plain sight  a president who could throw the world into nuclear turmoil to get even with someone who might insult his ego.

It is a grave mistake to ignore this president, time to call for his sanction, resignation or impeachment. We should be humble enough to admit that it was a mistake to elect him. Contact your congressmen and senators. Asking them to stop this president from endangering not just our country but the entire world.

Katie Dawson

Wind Point
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 04:16:04|Editor: yan

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LAGOS, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerian government on Thursday it has commenced mass evacuation of citizens stranded in Libya home.

Spokesperson for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Sani Datti said a government delegation led by Geoffrey Onyema, Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, had arrived the North African country to begin the process.

Datti said that the delegation arrived Tripoli, on Wednesday ahead of the actual evacuation operation expected to commence on Friday to transport stranded Nigerians with two indigenous carriers engaged for the exercises.

A total of 5,037 stranded citizens have been identified for evacuation home, he added, noting that the Nigerian mission in Libya is coordinating the identification of the Nigerian migrants with the support of the International Organization for Migration.

He said the evacuation exercises was being led by the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and coordinated by the National Emergency Management Agency with the involvement of all the relevant agencies.

The evacuation exercise was in line with the directives of President Muhammadu Buhari to evacuate all Nigerian nationals stranded in Libya and other countries.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 04:31:12|Editor: yan

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MINSK, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The efforts of Belarusian diplomacy were aimed at carrying out a balanced multi-vector foreign policy in 2017, the Belarusian Foreign Ministry said in its annual report released on Thursday.

"In the face of mistrust between Russia and the West, on the one hand, Belarus has remained committed to strategic partnership with the Russian Federation, integration within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union, and traditional interaction with members of the Collective Security Treaty Organization and the Commonwealth of Independent States," the ministry said.

On the other hand, Belarus continued to build constructive pragmatic relations with the European Union, the United States and other Western countries, it added.

According to the report, the Chinese vector of Belarus' foreign policy was filled with new content. Belarus was among the first countries in the world to join the implementation of the Silk Road Economic Belt Initiative in a number of promising areas.

In order to diversify its foreign relations, Belarus continued to build other geopolitical pillars in the so-called "distant arc" regions: Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, the report said.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 04:41:15|Editor: yan

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BAQUBA, Iraq, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi security forces Thursday killed a prominent leader of Islamic State (IS) group in Iraq's eastern province of Diyala, while Iraqi army started to withdraw from the provincial urban areas, provincial security officials told Xinhua.

Acting on intelligence reports, the Iraqi intelligence killed IS leader of Diyala province, code-named Abu Ayed, during an operation in an area in Himreen Mountain range in north of the provincial capital city Baquba, which is located some 65 km northeast of Baghdad, according to Sadiq al-Husseini, head of the provincial security committee.

"Abu Ayed is considered one of the important targets of the terrorist organization, who has been monitored and tracked in a very precise operation," Husseini said.

Meanwhile, the Iraqi army troops began Thursday to withdraw from Diyala's cities and towns to areas outside the residential areas in accordance with a government decision to transfer the security file to the police forces, according to Awad al-Rubaie, head of security committee of the town of Abu Saida.

"The army fulfilled its withdrawal from Abu Saida, some 25 km northeast of Baquba, after more than ten years," Rubaie told Xinhua.

The move is part of comprehensive plan that would include all the city and town centers in Diyala as well as in other Iraqi provinces," Rubaie said.

The Iraqi army forces will pull out from the cities and towns according to assessment of their internal security situation and after ensuring the presence of alternative forces of the police to deploy, Rubaie added.

Despite repeated military operations in Diyala province, remnants of IS militants were still hiding in rugged areas near the border with Iran in eastern the province, as well as the sprawling areas extending from western part of Diyala to Himreen mountainous area.

Dozens of IS militants fled their former bases in Salahudin province and Hawijah area in west of Kirkuk after the Iraqi forces cleared these areas from the extremist militants during anti-IS offensives in the past few months.

On December 9, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi officially declared full liberation of Iraq from IS militants after Iraqi forces recaptured all the areas once seized by the extremist group.

However, small groups of IS militants resorted to deserts and rugged areas looking for safe havens but the security forces are hunting them down from time to time.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 05:16:25|Editor: yan

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ANKARA, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The femicide cases in Turkey increased sharply by 25 percent and reached 409 in 2017, causing a public outcry for more effective measures against the major social problem.

Of the 409 women, 39 percent were killed by their husband, boyfriend, or former boyfriend and husband, 33 percent by unidentified perpetrators, and 24 percent by their father, son, stepson or other relative, according to a report released by the Stop Femicide Platform.

The report also said at least 332 women were victims of sexual violence.

According to figures published by the organization on Sunday, the number of femicide cases was 237 in 2013, 294 in 2014, 303 in 2015 and 328 in 2016.

The report pointed to the current state of emergency, imposed after the coup attempt in July 15, 2016, as the primary reason for the increase in violence against women in 2017, as new laws adopted under the state of emergency prompted the violence against women.

"The state of emergency means suspension of law. Women do not see a counterpart when they report violence to the competent authorities," said Diren Cevahir Sen from the platform.

Thousands of public officers, including security and judiciary personnel, were dismissed after the coup, leading to a vacuum in human resources.

Meanwhile, projects in the Ministry of Family and public institutions related to women and children came to a halt under the state of emergency.

The government also suspended hundreds of non-government organizations, including women's rights and humanitarian organizations.

Turkey's Family and Social Policies Ministry reported that 86 percent of women in the country have encountered physical or psychological violence from a family member in their lives.

According to the ministry, 39.3 percent of women in the country are exposed to physical violence by their spouse or former spouse.

In addition, higher education does not bring immunity for Turkish women in a patriarchal country with repressive social structures. Three out of every 10 women with higher education are exposed to physical or sexual violence by their husbands, the ministry said.

Turkish women were granted equality in law, but in reality many of them suffer as a "property" of men in the conservative social structure, as the patchy implementation of existing laws often fails to protect almost 40 million women and girls in the country.

For instance, a woman refusing to marry or get back together, seeking a divorce, and suspected of cheating may easily lead to domestic violence.

Many victims do not seek help because they do not have the economic independence to stand on their own or are afraid to call the police.

The government adopts many laws against femicide but deterrence is limited, as the sentences for convicts will be reduced due to "good conduct" during trial.

Moreover, if the perpetrator's motives involve honor or family privacy, the sentence can also easily be reduced. Many women are killed by their abusive spouses even after they have appealed for police protection, as judges would send the victims home with the perpetrators.

Statistics published by the Ministry of Justice showed that sexual offenses increased while corresponding sentences decreased in recent years.

According to the Ministry of Family and Social Policies, 300 women facing domestic violence had to change identity in 2017. This figure was 40 in 2013.

In the latest case of domestic violence, Ali Yardim, 29, committed suicide on Wednesday after killing his two daughters with a pneumatic rifle. Yardim was separated from his wife and were in process of divorce.

Ali was alcoholic and often beated his wife Dilek Yardim. Dilek filed for divorce last year. They were reconciled after a while. However, Ali did not keep his promises and stabbed his wife.

Dilek filed for divorce again, and the family court gave the guardianship of their two children to her.

"He was constantly threatening me. He was coming and beating me. I have reported to the police, but they did nothing. Nobody protected us," Dilek told reporters.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 05:21:28|Editor: yan

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KHARTOUM, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Sudan said on Thursday that it decided to recall its ambassador to Egypt for consultation.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided to recall the Sudanese ambassador in Cairo Abdul Mahmoud Abdul Haleem for consultation," official SUNA news agency quoted Foreign Ministry Spokesman Gariballah al-Khider as saying.

Relations between Egypt and Sudan have been tense over the past years on various issues.

In May 2017, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir accused Egypt of providing military support for armed rebels in his country, which was strongly denied by the Egyptian leadership.

The two countries also have a territorial dispute over the border region of Halayeb and Shalateen, which are currently under Egyptian control.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 05:36:30|Editor: yan

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NEW YORK, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Oil prices rose on Thursday as official data showed U.S. crude inventories declined last week.

U.S. commercial crude stockpiles fell by 7.4 million barrels in the week through Dec. 29, the U.S. Energy Information Administration said in its weekly report on Thursday. Economists had projected that crude in U.S. storage would decline by 5.7 million barrels.

Meanwhile, freezing weather in the United States spurred short-term demand, especially for heating oil.

The West Texas Intermediate for February delivery added 0.38 dollar to settle at 62.01 dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, while Brent crude for March delivery gained 0.23 dollar to close at 68.07 dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 05:51:33|Editor: Jiaxin

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RABAT, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Morocco and Malawi on Thursday vowed to boost bilateral cooperation.

The pledge was made during a meeting between Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita and his Malawian counterpart Emmanuel Fabiano.

The talks focused on cooperation in the fields of agriculture, tourism, transport and training, Bourita told the press following the meeting.

He stressed that political ties between Morocco and Malawi have witnessed positive developments in recent years, adding that cementing the ties is part of Morocco's policy to promote inter-African and south south cooperation.

For his part, Fabiano expressed his country's willingness to deepen cooperation between the two countries.

He also stressed the importance of private sector in enhancing Moroccan-Malawian cooperation.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 05:56:35|Editor: yan

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ANKARA, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. court verdict that convicted a Turkish banker of evading Iran sanctions will further aggravate the already trouble-plagued ties between Washington and Ankara.

On Wednesday, a jury in New York found former state-owned Halkbank deputy chief executive officer Mehmet Hakan Atilla guilty of five charges related to conspiracy and bank fraud.

According to the ruling, Atilla's counts include violating U.S. sanctions against Iran and defrauding U.S. banks.

The Turkish government identified the verdict as a "plot" against Ankara, saying it is politically motivated to intervene in the domestic affairs of Turkey.

On Thursday, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag slammed the U.S. court verdict, saying it is "a case of political conspiracy."

"Turkey is a fully independent and sovereign country. No other country can adjudicate Turkey and Turkey's institutions," Bozdag said on his Twitter account, adding that this verdict was against international law as well.

Commenting on the alleged involvement of foreign parties in the case, Bozdag said the case stands as an example of the politically motivated collaboration between the Fethullahist Terror Organization (FETO), the CIA, the FBI and the U.S. government.

Turkey's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also said the ruling was an "unprecedented" intervention in Turkey's internal affairs.

The trial was based on the testimony of Turkish-Iranian businessman Reza Zarrab, who became a witness after pleading guilty for his involvement in gold-for-oil scheme to bypass U.S. economic sanctions against Iran.

Zarrab's testimony implicated Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and former Turkish ministers in the multi-billion-dollar scheme.

Local lawyers point to the fact that the trial could pave the way for further accusations and lawsuits against other Turkish citizens.

"Some other chain trials could follow this case. Because many other names were expressed during the trial," lawyer Huseyin Ersoz said.

In his testimony, Zarrab said he was told that Erdogan and former Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan had given "instructions" to two public banks to take part in the scheme to bypass U.S. sanctions against Iran.

Zarrab said he paid tens of millions of dollars' worth of bribes to former Economy Minister Zafer Caglayan.

In a statement issued after the verdict, Halkbank said it always adheres to national and international regulations in all its business and transactions.

However, Local media suggest that the Turkish government is bracing for the possibility that Turkish banks could be hit by fines over the case.

"Turkey is integrated into the international banking system and Ankara could prefer reconciliation for not to be subject to an embargo on its international banking capacity," said Abdulkadir Selvi, a daily Hurriyet commentator.

France, Germany, the Netherlands and Britain were subject to this kind of fines for doing business with U.S.-sanctioned entities.

For instance, France's BNP Paribas agreed to a record 9-billion-dollar settlement with U.S. prosecutors over allegations of breaking U.S. sanctions against trade with Sudan, Iran and Cuba.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 06:06:38|Editor: yan

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Treasury Department on Thursday announced sanctions against five Iranian entities.

The Treasury Department said in an announcement that the five Iran-based entities are subordinate to a key element of Iran's ballistic missile program.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the nation will continue to counter Iran with "additional sanctions."
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 06:11:38|Editor: yan

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RABAT, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- A Moroccan anti-terror court has sentenced eight people to up to 15 years in prison for terror-related crimes, local media reported on Thursday.

The defendants were jailed for "forming a gang to seriously undermine public order, inciting and persuading others to commit terrorist acts, deliberately assisting those who commit terrorist acts," Alyaoum24.com news site said.

Among the convicts, three people were deported from France, and another was linked to a terror cell busted in a joint operation between Morocco and Spain, the same source pointed out.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 06:41:43|Editor: yan

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By Xinhua writer Wang Jiangang

UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- One year ago, on his first day at the helm of the United Nations, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres firmly pledged to make 2017 a year for peace. A year later, in his message for the new year of 2018, he solemnly issued a "red alert" to the world, wearing an anxious look.

Nationalism and xenophobia are on the rise, inequality is growing, climate change is accelerating and the world is seeing horrific violations of human rights, Guterres warned.

In his 2017 new year's message, the UN chief said that "one question weighs heavily on my heart. How can we help the millions of people caught up in conflict, suffering massively in wars with no end in sight?" A year later, the situation is turning even worse.

So far, conflicts have displaced 65 million people around the world, 91 million people globally need humanitarian assistance.

At a UN Security Council meeting in 2017, the Secretary-General described the situation on the Korean Peninsula as "the most tense and dangerous peace and security issue in the world today," emphasizing that "any military action would have devastating and unpredictable consequences."

In his 2018 new year's message, he reiterated that "global concerns over nuclear weapons reached the highest since the Cold War."

However, he is always more than happy to welcome any positive change in the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) recently reopened the hotline in its truce village of Panmunjom amid rising expectations for the DPRK's participation in the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in the ROK in February.

Guterres on Wednesday applauded the reopening of the communication channel between the two countries. "It is always a positive development to have dialogue between the two countries."

Also this year, Guterres highlighted the grave threat to human being from climate change, arguing that "climate change is moving faster than we are."

Relations between the United States and the UN time and again became headlines over the past year.

In June of 2017, the U.S. announced its decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord. In October, it declared to retreat from the the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and again in December the U.S. informed the UN that it would no longer participate in the Global Compact on Migration.

Nikki Haley, U.S. Ambassador to the UN, announced on the Christmas eve that the U.S. negotiated a 285-million-dollar cut in the UN's "bloated" budget for next year.

But on the other hand, an increasing number of countries and organizations have expressed explicit support to the authority of the UN and multilateralism, an ideal that helps unite all the people on earth. All this, among others, makes the UN chief delighted and contented.

The 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the Paris Climate Accord, bearing the common dreams and aspirations of the mankind, are warmly and popularly received and endorsed.

Guterres, in a joyful mood, said that "member states clearly recognized this commonality when they adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change, two landmark achievements all the more remarkable for coming in a period of stark division in international responses to other challenges."

The UN Blue Helmets, which has more than 120,000 troops, is currently carrying out 15 peacekeeping missions around the world, and peacekeeping operations have been steadily advancing in all its areas.

Whenever talking about the attainments of this special force, Guterres almost always puts on a smile.

As for China's contributions, the Secretary-General also gives thumbs-up. Highlighting China's 70 plus percent contributions to global poverty reduction effort, Guterres gave a high mark, noting that "China's great success and its achievements in poverty reduction have had a positive spillover effect on the world."

Despite escalating challenges and threats, Guterres remains convinced: "we can make our world more safe and secure. We can settle conflicts, overcome hatred and defend shared values."

In this years New Year message, the UN chief also urged "leaders everywhere to make this New Year's resolution: Narrow the gaps. Bridge the divides. Rebuild trust by bringing people together around common goals."

"Unity is the path. Our future depends on it," Guterres concluded. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 06:41:43|Editor: yan

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by Eric J. Lyman

ROME, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The taste for wine in the Russian market had an Italian accent in 2017, helping to propel Italy's wine exports to the ever highest levels ever and 7 percent higher than in the previous year.

Italian wine sector analysts told Xinhua that the country must work harder to coordinate and expand efforts to promote Italian viticultural products if it wants to continue the positive trend.

All told, wine exports value totaled 6 billion euros (7.2 billion U.S. dollars) last year, the highest single-year figure on record.

By destination country, Russia was the fastest growing market with a stunning 47 percent increase on year.

By product, the sparking variety saw the fastest growth with 15 percent yearly increase, though it was still dwarfed by French champagne in terms of sales.

Exports to other countries also saw significant gains: to Britain rose by 8 percent, to the U.S. by 6 percent, and to Germany by 3 percent. All the three markets had already been significant for Italian wine producers, meaning gains are generally harder to come by.

Exports to China leapt by a quarter, but were still much lower than exports from France, which remains to be the dominant foreign player in China's wine market.

"I think they take away from this is that the 'Made in Italy' brand when it comes to food and wine products is taking hold as a recognized standard for high quality," said Domenico Bosco, head of the wine division for Coldiretti, the Italian agricultural union that calculated the wine expert figures.

"It's the maturing of the Italian wine market," Bosco said in an interview, adding that for the market to mature further, the Italian government, trade associations, and producers had to work to coordinate promotional efforts more.

Lorenzo Tersi, a consultant on wine and commercial issues, agreed. "Wine promotional efforts not only need to be increased and coordinated across the sector, but also combined with other kinds of promotions, tying it to contemporary art, to fashion, to design, to high-end food, to any area where Italy is recognized as a leader," Tersi told Xinhua.

Bosco said Italy should stress the wine array of native wine grapes in commercial production in Italy, which is far larger than in France or other wine growing countries.

"It's easy for a casual consumer to reach for a familiar wine made from an international varietal like Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon," he said. "But as that consumer looks for new tastes then Italy has to be ready to promote different varietals."

Both Bosco and Tersi predicted Italy would have another strong year for exports this year, but there could be trouble on the horizon after that.

The following year, 2019, will be the first year of release for wines produced in 2017, a year when overall wine production levels was nearly a third below normal due to unusually dry and hot weather. That low production level will be felt over several years, as more high-end and reserve wines from 2017 will be released in 2020, 2021, and beyond.

"The saving grace in terms of the market share for Italian wines may be that other major wine production areas like France and California also had challenging vintages in 2017," Tersi said.

"We just have to hope that the left over production from 2016, which will be released starting this year, and then the early releases from the 2018 vintage will be enough to help fill the demand so that consumers accustomed to Italian wine will still be able to get the wines they want." Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 06:51:44|Editor: yan

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VALLETTA, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Armed Forces of Malta were called in Thursday evening to defuse a car bomb which seems to have been activated but failed to explode.

The car was parked in a residential area in the village of Fgura in south of the island and is believed to belong to a man known to the police.

Residents in the area are reported to have heard a loud spark coming from the car, raising suspicions that it could have had a bomb placed underneath it.

In addition to army personnel, forensic experts were also on site, searching for any evidence that could shed more light on the case.

Police sources said that the bomb was different to that which killed journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in October, but they nonetheless hope it could provide crucial information on the manner in which car bombs are made.

In a brief statement sent out on Thursday evening, the government thanked law enforcement officials investigating the case.

"The government is committed to bring those responsible for this cowardly act, which could have had grave consequences, even on third parties, irrespective of whether they were the targets, to justice," read the statement.

It added that all the resources necessary for the case to be solved would be made available to investigators.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 06:51:44|Editor: yan

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LIMA, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Passenger buses and trucks have been temporarily banished from a stretch of highway near Peru's capital Lima, to prevent a repeat of a tragic crash that claimed 53 lives earlier this week, officials said on Thursday.

In Tuesday's accident, a passenger bus collided with a tractor trailer, then plummeted some 100 meters off a steep cliff, landing upside down on a rocky shoreline. Most of the victims were crushed by the impact, others were flung from the vehicle.

The crash took place along a treacherous 22-kilometer winding tract -- called the Pasamayo Serpentine due to its 52 curves -- that hugs the Pacific coastline as it links the capital with towns farther north. The turn in the road where the two vehicles collided was known as the "Devil's Curve."

"We have temporarily suspended transit along the Pasamayo Serpentine. Now buses and trucks will have to use the alternate route, where a third lane will be built," Transport and Communications Minister Bruno Giuffra said in an interview with Radio Programas de Peru (RPP).

The alternate route, which runs parallel to the Pasamayo, but farther inland, is to be expanded by an extra lane on each side, to draw traffic away from the other, more dangerous route.

Also Thursday, rescue workers, aided by a helicopter and drone, managed to locate and retrieve two more bodies that had been dashed against the cliffside, raising the death toll to 53.

Authorities investigating the cause of the tragic accident say the tractor trailer was to blame for the crash, as the unwieldy vehicle partially invaded the oncoming lane while trying to make a turn.
Juan Eddy Orozco looks over a list of signatures in question prior to a Yakima County elections canvassing board procedure to review the signatures of several ballots in the Wapato mayors race at the elections office in Yakima, Wash., Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. Following the process, Orozco lead Hector Garza with 277 to 273 votes. (SHAWN GUST/Yakima Herald-Republic)
News

Salt Lake City, Utah - The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released the following statement Wednesday, January 3, 2018, about President Thomas S. Monson:

We, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, unitedly express our sincere sense of loss at the passing of President Thomas Spencer Monson. He was our prophet, our leader, our brother, and our dear friend.

President Monson lived an exceptional life of service. He served as an Apostle for more than 54 years, the last 10 years of which were as the President of the Church. From his earliest days of Church service to the very end of his faithful ministry, he never failed to bear witness, in word and deed, of the truth of the restored gospel and of the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ.

We will miss his wisdom, his leadership, his meaningful example, and his loving kindness. However, we rejoice in his reunion with his beloved Frances, with other family members who have gone before, and with the prophets of God who preceded him in death, with whom he now stands. As his fellow servants, we echo the words of the Master: Well done, thou good and faithful servant:  enter thou into the joy of thy lord (Matthew 25:21).
Baluawtar 5-party meet: Left leaders turn down PM's proposal

Top brass leaders of left alliance turned down PM Sher Bahadur Deuba's proposal to fix temporary provincial capital and appoint provincial chiefs during a meeting of five parties in Baluwatar on Thursday.
Arizona News

Washington, DC - U.S. Term Limits (USTL), the leader in the national movement to limit terms for elected officials, is currently gathering support from state lawmakers across the nation. Its goal is to trigger an amendment convention to propose congressional term limits. Arizona is a key state in this effort. State House Representatives Paul Boyer (HD-20), David Livingston (HD-22), Ben Toma (HD-22), David L. Cook (HD-8), Darin Mitchell (HD-13), and Paul Mosley (HD-5) all signed the Article V Term Limits Convention Pledge. Former State Senator Steve Montenegro also signed the amendment pledge prior to resigning to run for U.S. Congress.

USTL President, Philip Blumel, commented, The emerging support of the amendment convention in the Arizona Legislature shows that there are lawmakers who are willing to listen to the majority of voters who want term limits. America needs a Congress that will be served by citizen legislators, not career politicians.

The U.S. Term Limits Amendment Pledge is provided to candidates and members of the state legislatures. It reads, I pledge that as a member of the state legislature, I will support and vote for the resolution applying for an Article V convention for the limited purpose of enacting term limits on Congress.

In the 1995 case, Thornton v. U.S. Term Limits, the Supreme Court of the United States opined that only a Constitutional Amendment could limit the terms of U.S. Senators and House Representatives. According to Nick Tomboulides, Executive Director of USTL, the best chance of imposing term limits on congress is through an Article V proposal convention. The Constitution allows for amendments to be proposed by either  of Congress or  of the states. While wed like for Congress to take the high road and propose limits on itself, our goal is to trigger the latter, an amendment convention, claims Tomboulides. That is why it is important to get buy-in from state legislators, he added. Once proposed, the amendment must be ratified by 38 states.

Blumel noted, More than 75% of Americans have rejected the career politician model and want to replace it with citizen leadership. The way to achieve that goal is through a congressional term limits amendment. These Arizona legislators know this and are willing to work to make sure we reach our goal.

According to the last nationwide poll on term limits conducted by Gallup, the issue enjoys wide bipartisan support. The results demonstrate that 75% of Americans support congressional term limits. Gallups analysis states, Republicans and Independents are slightly more likely than Democrats to favor term limits; nevertheless, the vast majority of all party groups agree on the issue. Further, Gallup finds no generational differences in support for the proposal.
Living Section

Yuma, Arizona - It's the 21st Century and many of us have given up on the practice of making what we think are futile resolutions, according to the Association of Mature American Citizens. But, perhaps we should heed the words of philosopher Alex Epstein: "It is a sad irony that those who write off New Year's resolutions because so many fail reinforces the passive approach to life that causes so many resolutions-and so many other dreams-to fail.

The solution to failed New Year's resolutions is not to abandon the practice, but to supplement it with a broader resolution-a commitment to a goal-directed life."
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-03 16:17:11|Editor: Yurou

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SEOUL, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of South Koreans gathered outside the Japanese embassy in Seoul Wednesday to stage the protest against Japan's wartime sex slavery after a secret deal between the two countries was revealed last week.

About 400 South Korean citizens staged the so-called "Wednesday protest rally", which has continued for nearly 26 years, to demand the Japanese government's sincere apology and legal responsibility for Japan's wartime crime against humanity.

Around noon, some people sat on the cold mats and others were standing outside the Japanese embassy here in the cold freezing weather. People carried placards that read "Annul the 2015 Comfort Women Agreement" and "We Want Sincere Apology."

People laid yellow flowers at a girl statue, which symbolizes young women and girls who were kidnapped, forced or duped into sex servitude for Japanese military brothels during World War.

Historians say up to 200,000 young women, mostly from the Korean Peninsula, served as sex slaves for the Japanese army during the Pacific War.

The Wednesday demonstration was the first since the South Korean government under President Moon Jae-in, who took office in May 2017, revealed its review result last week over the agreement which was reached on Dec. 28, 2015 between the Park Geun-hye government and the Japanese cabinet led by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

The review result showed secret deals in the 2015 agreement, which involved Seoul's acceptance of Tokyo's demand for persuading the South Korean victims and their supporters to accept the agreement, not using the word of "sex slave" officially and helping remove the girl statue symbolizing the victims.

The secret deals were not made known to the general public as well as the victims at the time. No communications were made between then South Korean government and the "comfort women" victims before reaching the agreement in 2015.

"Comfort women" euphemistically refers to the victims of the wartime sex enslavement.

The then South Korean government under the impeached Park reached a "final and irreversible" agreement with Japan in return for receiving 1 billion yen (about 9 million U.S. dollars) dedicated to a foundation supporting the victims of South Korea.

President Moon said the comfort women issue cannot be resolved by the 2015 deal despite his burden that it was an official inter-governmental promise approved by the leaders of the two countries.

An advocacy group, which has supported the comfort women victims for almost three decades, claimed the return of the 1 billion-yen fund back to Japan and the annulment of the 2015 agreement.
District of Columbia: An attorney for President Donald Trump sought Thursday to halt publication of an upcoming bombshell book about his White House, claiming it was "libelous."

The cease and desist letter to author Michael Wolff and publisher Henry Holt and Co. claimed the book contained "numerous false and/or baseless statements" about Trump.

The book, "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House" is scheduled to be published on January 9, but excerpts appeared in several media outlets on Wednesday, prompting an angry reaction from the White House.

A copy of the letter from Trump`s attorney Charles Harder to Wolff and the publisher was obtained by AFP.
NEW DELHI: A complaint has been registered against 2008 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed's Jamaat-ud Dawa (JuD) on charges of putting up banners and requesting donations from the public recently.

After US President Donald Trump accused Islamabad of providing 'safe haven' to terrorists, the Pakistani government imposed a ban on companies and individuals from making donations to the Saed-led JuD and Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) and other organisations on the UNSC sanctions list.

Asked about a crackdown on JuD and FIF, Defence Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan told BBC Urdu that action against Saeed wasn't due to pressure from the US but under the ambit of the country's own anti-terror operations.

The PML-N government is also considering taking over the control of charities run by the JuD and the FIF. If action is taken, the JuD may lose its headquarters in Muridke, near Lahore, to the government.

The FIF is a Pakistan-based organisation that is closely connected to banned terrorist group LeT and JuD. It is also said that FIF is JuD with a new name, designed to evade scrutiny and sanctions.

The United States has labelled JuD and FIF 'terrorist fronts' for Lashkar-e-Taiba ("Army of the Pure" or LeT), a group Saeed founded in 1987 and which Washington and India blame for the 2008 attacks in Mumbai that killed 166 people.

Saeed has repeatedly denied involvement in the Mumbai attacks and a Pakistani court saw insufficient evidence to convict him.

The FATF, an international body that combats money laundering and terrorist financing, has warned Pakistan it faces inclusion on a watch list for failing to crack down on financing terrorism.

On Wednesday, the JuD and the FIF activists held a rally outside its headquarters in Muridke near Lahore in protest against the government action and also blocked a road.

Addressing the rally, JuD leader Hafiz Abdur Rehman Maki alleged that the action against the JuD and the FIF has been taken on the pressure of the US and India.

"Those trying to strangle the JuD and the FIF will soon be in the grip of Allah. We are not committing any crime to serve the humanity," he said.

Maki also said that any move by the government to take the control of 'Markaz-e-Taiba' (the JuD headquarters) and charity would not be accepted.
'7 Nepali girls rescued from Kenya'

Indian Minister for Foreign Affairs Sushma Swaraj said India rescued seven Nepali women help captive in Mombasa, Kenya.
Marzina Bibi, a Muslim woman living in Assam, is petrified she will be declared stateless. The 26-year-old`s name was not on a preliminary list of citizens that was published at midnight on Sunday, although she holds a voter identity card and had voted in state elections in 2016.

"Why are they doing this to me?" Bibi asked, sitting beside a bamboo mat she was weaving outside her mud house in Assam`s Fofonga village. "They think I am a Bangladeshi. I was born here, my parents were born here, I am an Indian."

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which came to power in Assam in the April 2016 elections, vowed during the campaign to act against illegal Muslim immigrants from neighbouring Bangladesh. But rights activists say the drive is also targeting Muslims who are Indian citizens.

Two national spokesmen for the BJP declined to comment.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi did not reply to e-mails and a telephone call seeking comment.

Citizenship and illegal migration are volatile issues in tea-growing and oil-rich Assam, home to more than 32 million people, about a third of whom are Muslims. Hundreds of people were killed in the 1980s in a violent protest by a native Assamese group against outsiders from the state taking the bulk of jobs and cornering resources, including land.

For the latest update of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), all residents of Assam had to produce documents proving that they or their families lived in the country before March 24, 1971, to be recognised as Indian citizens.

According to the preliminary list of the NRC, about 19 million people in Assam have now been verified as Indian citizens. More names will be added, and officials say the final list is likely to be published in July.

Reuters spoke to nearly two dozen Muslims, including Bibi, from paddy-growing villages around Fofonga who said their names were not on the preliminary list.

"I feel we are targeted because we are Muslims," said Bibi, who said she has already proved she was Indian - she was jailed for eight months on charges of being an illegal migrant from Bangladesh and was let off only after showing documents attesting to her nationality.

Surrounded by her neighbours in the village, she showed her voter identity card and the court order for her release from jail.

NO RELIGIOUS BIAS

The BJP has said previous governments have included many Bangladeshi immigrants on electoral rolls to buy votes.

At the local NRC office in the Muslim-majority area, only around 4,500 people had made it to the preliminary list out of nearly 11,000 who had applied.

The government officer in charge of the centre, Gautam Sharmah, said there was no religious bias against Muslims.

"That`s impossible. We only look at documents," Sharmah said at his office, as people trickled in to look for their names on the second day of the list`s publication. "The time taken in the verification process depends on what kind of documents people submit."

Reuters saw a tribal Hindu man leaving the NRC office with a smile after being told that the names of all six members of his family were on the list. Soon after, two Muslim women came with their infants, and left disappointed.

Hundreds of thousands of people fled to India from Muslim-majority Bangladesh after it declared independence from Pakistan on March 26, 1971, setting off a nine-month civil war. Most of them settled in Assam and the neighbouring state of West Bengal, where there are similar demands to send back illegal Muslim immigrants.

The migrants include many Hindus, but the federal BJP government has said they will not be deported.

Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam`s finance minister who is also in charge of the citizenship register, told Reuters that all those whose names do not figure in the final NRC list would be segregated.

"Deportation is an issue handled by the central government," Sarma said.

"Hindu Bangladeshis who had faced persecution should be given shelter in India and that is the central government`s stand."

Muslims leaders have called the NRC a tool to make them stateless, likening themselves to Myanmar`s persecuted Rohingya minority. They have also warned of unrest.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal told the Times of India daily that the "people who are declared foreigners will be barred from all constitutional rights, including fundamental and electoral. They will have only one right  human rights as guaranteed by the U.N. that include food, shelter and clothing".

In Fofonga, Bibi said she would challenge the list if it did not include her and her family as citizens.

"We are poor people, my husband is a labourer," she said, going back to weaving her mat. "But I will go to court if we are left out."
Lucknow: Defending champions Chennai Smashers went down to Delhi Dashers in an unfortunate fashion after they had to concede the last match of the tie due to an ankle injury to Gabrielle Adcock in the Vodafone Premier Badminton League here on Wednesday.

The match, which would have decided the outcome of the tie, could not be completed as Gabrielle twisted her ankle while returning a shot.

Playing in their trump match, Adcocks couple Gabrielle and Chris were trailing 5-6 in the match. Going into the match, Chennai were trailing 1-2, but a loss will erase their slate while Delhi were awarded a point and won the tie 3-0 on points.

Earlier, Korea's Sung Ji-hyun, ranked 6th in the world beat World No.3 PV Sindhu of India to give Delhi Dashers a slight advantage (2-1 on points) against Chennai Smashers.

Sung Ji, who had lost to Sindhu on both occasions in last season, exacted her revenge to disappoint the packed stadium that braved the chilly weather to see their favourite star in action.

In the marquee clash of the day, Sung Ji prevailed over Sindhu prevailed over 11-15, 15-13, 15-14. In the third match of the tie, World No.22 Tain Houwei of China beat Chennai Smashers' Tanongsak Saemsomboonsuk 15-14,15-10 to keep Delhi Dashers alive in the tie.

In the second match of the day, Hong Kong's Vincent Wong Wing Ki registered a comprehensive 15-10, 15-13 victory over France's Brice Leverdez to reduce Delhi's deficit in the tie.

In the lung-opener, the Indo-Taiwanese men's doubles combination of B Sumeeth Reddy/ Lee Yang scored a superb 15-13, 15-11 victory over the Russian trump duo of Ivan Sozonov-Vladimir Ivanov to help Chennai Smashers draw first blood.
Mumbai: Domestic carriers, including the government-owned Air India, have waived charges for ticket cancellations and no-show due to the ongoing unrest in parts of Maharashtra.

Air India, IndiGo did not charge any fee for cancellation of tickets or rescheduling of a journey to/from Mumbai on Tuesday and Wednesday. Private carrier Jet Airways too extended the waiver to its customers till Wednesday.

Several towns and cities in Maharashtra were on edge as Dalit protests against violence in Pune spilled over to capital Mumbai, with agitators damaging scores of buses, and disrupting road and rail traffic, officials said.

Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh (BBM) leader Prakash Ambedkar had called for a `Maharashtra bandh' yesterday to protest the state government's "failure" to stop the violence at Bhima Koregaon village in Pune district yesterday.

The event to mark 200th anniversary of the Bhima Koregaon battle in Pune district, in which forces of the East India Company defeated Peshwa's army, was marred by incidents of violence in which one person was killed.

With PTI Inputs
NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate the alleged illegal confinement of girls and women in several ashrams owned by Baba Virender Dikshit and has asked the accused 'baba' to appear before it on Thursday.

The court also directed the investigation agency to trace down the accused latest by January 4.

It indicated that warrant would be issued against 'godman' Dikshit if details about all his eight ashrams aren't submitted.

Taking note of the "seriousness and the sensitivity of the matter", a bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar also asked for a list of all 8 ashrams of Dikshit to be produced as soon as possible. It also questioned the meditation being taught if the inmates are being forcibly kept in prison-like conditions.

On Wednesday, the CBI registered three cases in connection with alleged illegal confinement of girls and women, and rape at an ashram in Rohini here.

Acting on the orders of the Delhi High Court, the agency has also formed a three-member special investigation team headed by a superintendent-level officer to probe these matters.

According to the procedure, the CBI has taken over the probe into the three FIRs registered by Delhi Police at Vijay Vihar police station in Rohini by re-registering them, CBI officials said.

The two cases are against Dixit for alleged rape and criminal intimidation, while one case is against unidentified people for allegedly obstructing the work of a high court-appointed committee which went to the ashram on December 19, 2017.

The Delhi High Court had on December 20 directed the CBI to investigate the alleged illegal confinement of girls and women in the ashram where they were kept in "animal-like" conditions behind metal doors in a "fortress" surrounded by barbed wire.

The bench hearing the case had asked the CBI director to forthwith constitute a special investigation team (SIT) which will take charge of all the records and documents pertaining to the matter.

The court had asked the CBI to investigate the FIRs lodged in Delhi against the Rohini-based ashram and its founder-cum-spiritual head Dixit and the daily diary entries relating to complaints of missing girls, the commission of sexual offences and even a case of suicide there.


New Delhi: The national capital continues to reel under intense cold with a thick blanket of fog affecting the road, rail and air traffic on Thursday.

According to ANI, Delhi probably experienced its coldest day of this season today as the minimum temperature recorded in the Palam this morning remained at 7 degree Celsius.

Delhi continues to be shrouded in dense fog for the fourth consecutive day, which has severely affected services at both the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport and the railway stations.

Nearly 49 trains were delayed, and at least 12 cancelled due to dense fog and zero visibility.

#Delhi: 49 trains delayed, 13 rescheduled and 12 cancelled due to prevailing fog conditions in the national capital pic.twitter.com/VjeK7T4Phz  ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018

Hundreds of passengers at several railway stations in north India have been left stranded after multiple trains have been cancelled, delayed, and rescheduled due to dense fog.

Low visibility due to the fog has disrupted flight operations at the Indira Gandhi International airport.

At least 20 flights were delayed, according to ANI.

20 flights delayed at Delhi airport due to low visibility as fog shrouded the national capital pic.twitter.com/dmYozsSEmt  ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018

Meanwhile, the armed soldiers braced the extreme weather conditions in the national capital region (NCR) to rehearse for the Republic Day parade at Rajpath in the early hours.

#Delhi: #Visuals of rehearsal for the Republic Day parade at #Rajpath, in the early morning hours, amid dense fog and intense cold wave conditions in the national capital pic.twitter.com/Vgq8I7zt8B  ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018

Heavy fog on January 1 had forced the airport authorities to suspend all flights for several hours before visibility returned.

Delhi airport has advanced technology for low-visibility landings, called CAT IIIB.

As a result, landings can take place with a visibility of 50 metres.

However, for take-offs, a minimum visibility of 125 metres is required.

Misty conditions on Wednesday evening also brought traffic to a crawl in Gurgaon.

The air quality in the national capital has been keeping under 'very poor' category as the fog has not been allowing the particulate matter to disperse.

The weather condition is likely to remain the same for the next few days, according to the India Meteorological Department.
New Delhi: A Delhi court will on Thursday hear a plea seeking registration of a sedition case against former prime minister Manmohan Singh, suspended Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar and others for allegedly hatching a conspiracy with Pakistan to destablise the Narendra Modi government and influencing the recently concluded assembly elections in Gujarat.

The plea was filed by BJP leader and advocate Ajay Agrawal, who claimed that "derogatory" words were used against Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the meeting, which was also attended by former premier Manmohan Singh and ex-vice president Hamid Ansari.

In his plea, the petitioner alleged that the meeting was held at the south Delhi residence of Aiyar which was attended among others by Pakistan's High Commissioner and an ex-foreign minister of that country.

Hosting Pakistani officials at Aiyar's residence posed a great threat to national security, he alleged.

Agrawal, who had contested the last Lok Sabha election against Sonia Gandhi from Rae Bareli, had sought the court's direction to Delhi Police to book Aiyar and others present under conspiracy and sedition charges, and investigate the matter.

The court then listed the matter for hearing today.

He said the Ministry of External Affairs and the Home Ministry were not informed about the meeting despite India's strained relations with Pakistan.

The petitioner said he had requested the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Delhi Police for a probe but in vain.
New Delhi: The government on Thursday sought parliamentary nod for additional Rs 80,000 crore bonds for the recapitalisation of public sector banks (PSBs).

This is the third supplementary demand by the government in the current fiscal.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in October had announced an unprecedented Rs 2.11 lakh crore two-year road map to strengthen PSBs, reeling under high non performing assets (NPAs) or bad loans. Their NPAs have increased to Rs 7.33 lakh crore as of June 2017, from Rs 2.75 lakh crore in March 2015.

The plan includes floating re-capitalisation bonds of Rs 1.35 lakh crore and raising Rs 58,000 crore from the market by diluting government s stake.

The government is working on the modalities for issuing the recapitalisation bonds as it aims to front-load the infusion with an aim to strengthen the state-owned banking sector, sources said, adding that the announcement in this respect, including detailed guidelines, will be made during this month.

Jaitley had also announced that banks would get about Rs 18,000 crore under the Indradhanush plan over the next two years.

Under the Indradhanush road map announced in 2015, the government had announced infusion of Rs 70,000 crore in state- owned banks over four years, while they will have to raise a further Rs 1.1 lakh crore from the market to meet their capital requirement in line with global risk norms, known as Basel-III.

In the last three-and-a-half years, the government pumped Rs 51,858 crore capital in the PSBs. The remaining Rs 18,142 crore will be injected into the banks over the next two years.

With PTI Inputs
Gurugram: Three sharpshooters of a gang have been arrested for opening fire at a Gurugram bakery after failing to extort Rs 50 lakh from its owners, police said on Thursday.



Those arrested were identified as Surender alias Sunder and Dharmender, both from Islampur village on Sohna Road, and Neeraj alias Baba, who hails from Mundia Khera village in Haryana`s Rewari district, police said.



The men were arrested by Gurugram police Crime Branch from near Rajiv Chowk on the Delhi-Gurugram Expressway.



"They had opened fire at Harish Bakery in the New Colony area of the city on December 13. The incident was carried out by them at the behest of a jailed gangster Ashok Rathi," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sumit Kumar.



No one was killed or injured in the incident.



The accused would threaten businessmen to extort money under instructions from jailed gangsters.



They also shot at two people in Malpura area of Agra last month during a motorcycle snatching incident, killing one person on the spot, Kumar said.



The two are said to be involved in several cases of ransom and extortion demand. They opened fire at the office of a trader in Rajasthan`s Dholpur area last year after demanding Rs 10 lakh.



"Two pistols and cartridges were recovered from the arrested criminals," Kumar added.
The Dalits protests that erupted in Maharashtra over killing of a youth in Bhima-Koregaon in Pune has now spread to Gujarat. A day after Maharashtra bandh, protesters took to streets in Junagarh in Gujarat.

Agitating over the killing of the Dalit youth in Pune, protesters on Thursday blocked the Madhuram bypass road in Junagarh, hitting road traffic in the region.

The administration acted swiftly to minimise any damage due to the protests. Buses stationed at Junagarh bus depot were shifted to a division workshop in the area to prevent any damage.

Buses in Junagarh shifted from depots to a division workshop in order to prevent damage, in the wake of protests spreading to Gujarat #MaharashtraBhimaKoregaonViolence pic.twitter.com/QlCzbQ4iup  ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018

This came even as an event of Gujarat MLA and Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani was cancelled by police in Mumbai. The Mumbai Police reportedly sealed the venue of Mevanis event, which was also slated to be attended by JNU student leader Umar Khalid.

Several students, who came to the venue to attend the event, were either evicted or detained by the police. The organisers of the event, Sachin Bansode and Sagar Balerao were also detained the police.

The authorities claimed that this has been done to maintain law and order in the city, a day after the Maharashtra bandh called by Dalit leaders over Bhima-Koregaon violence.

The cancellation of the event also led to minor clashes between student groups and the police.

The Mumbai Police had earlier received several complaints against Mevani and Khalid for making "provocative" speeches at an event here on December 31.

Mevani and Khalid had attended the "Elgar Parishad", an event organised to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the battle of Bhima-Koregaon, at Shaniwar Wada in the city on December 31.

According to the complainants, Akshay Bikkad and Anand Dhond, Mevani and Khalid had made "provocative" comments at the event.

Meanwhile, normalcy returned in Mumbai a day after the Maharashtra bandh called by the Dalit outfits to protest against the deadly Bhima-Koregaon violence in Pune.

The developments come three days after violent clashes between Dalit groups and supporters of right-wing Hindutva organisations during the 200th-anniversary celebrations of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in Pune district left a man dead.

The clashes broke out at Bhima-Koregaon when people were headed towards the war memorial in the village, about 30 km from Pune city, the police had said.

Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle, which the forces of the British East India Company had won over those of the Peshwa.

Dalit leaders commemorate the British victory as it is believed that soldiers from the Mahar community -- then considered untouchables -- were part of the East India Company's forces. The Peshwas were Brahmins and the victory was seen as a symbol of assertiveness by Dalits.
Border Security Force personnel on Thursday morning killed an intruder along the international border in Budhwar area of Arnia sector in Jammu and Kashmir.

The body of the intruder was recovered by the BSF and he was later identified as 35-year-old Anwar. The intruder was reportedly a resident of Sialkot in Pakistan.

Troops observed movement of two-three persons along the IB near Nikowal Border Out Post (BoP) in Arnia sector around 5.45 am, said IG BSF, Jammu frontier, Ram Awtar.

They challenged them and opened fire resulting in the death of one intruder. The other intruders managed to escape.

The force also destroyed two Pakistani posts in retaliation to the killing of its jawan in unprovoked firing.

Two Pakistani mortar positions were "located, targeted and destroyed by BSF troopers yesterday night only. The coordinated precision fire of BSF troopers silenced Pakistani guns," a BSF spokesman said.

On Wednesday, a BSF jawan was killed in unprovoked firing by Pakistan, the first this year, in Samba sector of Jammu and the force had since then launched retaliatory fire.
Arrivals hit new high but fall short of 1 million target

Arrivals to Nepal hit a new record in 2017 but remained short of the much ballyhooed target of 1 million individuals as national elections in November and December resulted in weaker-than-expected growth, the Department of Immigration said.
MEERUT: Alia Khan, who dressed as Krishna and recited a prose from Bhagwat Gita for a competition recently has urged people to not drag her into politics.

"Islam is not so weak that we will be dismissed from it just for reciting Gita or wearing a costume. They issued fatwa but will request all not to drag me into politics," Alia said.

Alia had earlier also stated that she hasn;t given up Islam by reciting shlokas from Gita. "I have not shunned Islam by reciting shlokas from Bhagwad Gita and dressing up as Krishna. These things do not affect the religious belief and identity of any person," she had said.

She had said that she read Gita for life lessons and to gain knowledge. "I do not read Gita for any religious reference. I read it to gain knowledge and we can get knowledge from anywhere," she said.

Several Muslim clerics have been condemning Alia and termed her as 'unislamic' for dressing up as Lord Krishna and reciting Gita at an event on December 30 which was attended by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Adityanath had even felicitated her and given her a prize of Rs 25,000 during the event.
New Delhi: The government continues to carefully monitor the flow of the Brahmaputra river for early detection of abnormalities and to ensure that corrective and preventive measures are taken, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Thursday.

Replying to a written question in the Rajya Sabha on whether construction of dams by China on the tributaries of the Brahmaputra has contaminated its waters, the minister said the government has noted the Chinese foreign ministry's statement denying such a link and that it was caused by an earthquake in the region and was not a manmade incident.

She also said India intends to "remain engaged with China on the issue of trans-border rivers to safeguard our interest, including through an institutionalised expert-level mechanism which was established in 2006".

"As a lower riparian state with considerable established user rights to the waters of the trans-border rivers, the government has consistently conveyed its view and concerns to the Chinese authorities, including at the highest levels, and has urged them to ensure that the interests of downstream states are not harmed by any activities in upstream areas," she said.

The minister said she also took up the issue with the Chinese foreign minister during his recent visit here in December.

The Centre was in close cooperation with various state governments, which use the waters of the Brahmaputra river, Swaraj added.
Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may gift the Gal-Mobile water desalinisation and purification jeep to PM Narendra Modi during his four-day visit to India starting January 14, 2017.

Netanyahu and PM Modi had ridden the 'buggy' jeep during the latter's visit to Israel in July 2017. Now Netanyahu is going to gift the same jeep to PM Modi, PTI quoted sources as saying.

The news agency also said that sources had confirmed that the jeep has 'indeed' left for India and "would be arriving on time" to be presented by the Israeli Prime Minister to PM Modi.

It is said to cost around 390,000 shekels (approximately USD 111,000).

PM Modi had witnessed the demonstration of sea water purification technology pioneered by Israel at a water desalination unit on the Olga Beach during his visit to Israel.

"I am thankful to Bibi (Netanyahu) because the vehicle which I saw today, particularly during a natural calamity when people are suffering (shortage of) drinking water. Can provide drinking water," he had said after the demonstration.

Visited the GAL-Mobile water desalination unit at Olga Beach. pic.twitter.com/FuirtlyLAG  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2017

     !



There's nothing like going to the beach with friends!@narendramodi pic.twitter.com/bmVNbQNdgt  Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) July 6, 2017

Thank you my friend, PM @netanyahu for the signed photo, your kind words, amazing hospitality & passion towards #IndiaIsraelFriendship. pic.twitter.com/1jUtMG3F85 July 6, 2017

During PM Modi's visit to Israel, the host nation had pulled out all stops to welcome him. Netanyahu had broken protocol to come to the Ben Gurion airport to receive him, an honour reserved only for the US President and the Pope.

Hailing PM Modi as "a great leader of India and a great world leader", Netanyahu had said, "we have been waiting for the last 70 years" for a visit by an Indian PM.

India and Israel had signed seven agreements to boost cooperation in key areas like science and technology, water, research and space during PM Modi's visit to the Jewish nation.

(With PTI inputs)
NEW DELHI: Honeypreet Insan's mother Asha Taneja has sent a legal notice to actress Rakhi Sawant asking her to apologise to her daughter for defaming her. Slapping a legal notice of Rs 5 crore on the actress, Asha's lawyers have asked Rakhi Sawant to apologise to Honeypreet within 30 days.

Asha has claimed that Rakhi Sawant tried to defame her daughter by making allegations of her links with Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan. Rakhi had claimed that she was close with Gurmeet and her closeness did not go down well with his 'adopted daughter'.

"I realised that Honeypreet was uncomfortable seeing my close proximity with Gurmeet and even feared that I may become her 'sautan' (lover's wife) by marrying him," Rakhi said.

Rakhi Sawant is currently making a film on self-styled godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim. Titled 'Ab Hoga Insaaf', Rakhi had said that her movie will expose Gurmeet. "I promise my audiences that main baba ki sab pol khol ke hi dum lungi (I will breathe only after exposing the baba)," she had said.

Gurmeet was sentenced to 20 years in jail for raping two women and has been put behind bars. His 'adopted daughter' Honeypreet is also lodged in jail in connection with widespread violence that ensued after the Dera chief's conviction.
New Delhi: Taking exception to the apex court holding National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) "unconstitutional" and instead favouring restoration of the collegium system for appointing judges, Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Thursday said he is willing to "find a way out" if there is political unanimity over the government having a say in the appointment of judges to higher judiciary.



Prasad was replying to a lively debate in the Lok Sabha on the High Court and Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill, 2017, which seeks to revise salary and pensions of the judges of these courts.



The lower House later passed the bill by a voice vote.



Many MPs who took part in the debate demanded hike in their salaries.



Prasad replied to several points raised by the members and said he "was a great supporter of (the proposal for) All India Judicial Service" on the lines of Indian Administrative Service and Indian Police Service.



He expressed his anguish at the Supreme Court stating in its judgement pertaining to the NJAC that because the Law Minister was a member of the Commission, he might not act impartially in cases against the government.



Prasad said the Law Minister was appointed by the same Prime Minister who had a say in deciding key appointments such as those of the President, Vice President and the Lok Sabha Speaker.



He pointed out that the collegium system came in 1993 and the Law Minister used to be part of the selection process before that, adding that "some of the finest judges were appointed" then.



The Minister cited the case of the jailed Calcutta High Court judge C.S. Karnan as an instance of how the Supreme Court collegium had erred. "When I examined files, it (the collegium) said he was well-versed in law."



"That 'the Law Minister is involved' is not a fair conclusion. I leave it to the House. If the polity decides to speak in one voice, we will find a way out," Prasad said.



As members expressed their support, Prasad said he was getting a sense of the House.



The Supreme Court had rejected the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act and the 99th constitutional amendment, which provided for the formation of the Commission.



Prasad began by stating that he was proud of the judiciary. "We should respect our judiciary. It is very important to salute courage, heritage of judiciary."



During the debate, several members also spoke about the encroachment of powers of the legislature.



Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee said if this was not stopped, a day would come when "there will be a direct conflict" between the legislature and the judiciary.



The bill seeks to revise the salaries, gratuity, allowances and pensions of the judges of the Supreme Court and high courts, including those who have retired.



Under its provisions, the Chief Justice of India will get a monthly salary of Rs 2.8 lakh from the present Rs 1 lakh and judges of the Supreme Court and chief justices of the high courts will draw a monthly salary of Rs 2.5 lakh from the present Rs 90,000.


JAMMU: The Border Security Force (BSF) reportedly killed six Pakistani Rangers after one Indian Army personnel was killed in ceasefire violation by Pakistan. The BSF officials also reportedly said that they destroyed two Pakistani mortar positions on Wednesday evening.

A BSF official had said that troops noticed some suspicious movement of two to three persons near the Nikowal border outpost in Arnia sector around 5.45 am.

A BSF Head Constable was killed in Pakistani sniper fire on Wednesday in Samba sector after which heavy firing exchanges started between BSF and Pakistan Rangers.

Earlier on December 25, Indian Army had crossed over the Line of Control (LoC) and killed three Pakistani soldiers in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to avenge the death of four Indian Army personnel who were killed in ceasefire violation by Pakistan on December 23.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday invited a controversy by lauding isolated nation North Korea over its dictator Kim Jong Uns tough stand against US.

Speaking at CPM district committee meeting in Kozhikode, Vijayan talked about how Kim and North Korea successfully defended the pressure imposed by US.

"North Korea has been following tough anti-USA agenda. North Korea has successfully defended the pressure imposed by US, he said addressing party workers.

The Chief Minister also reportedly said that North Korea has been more effective than China in countering US.

The statement by the Kerala Chief Minister comes amid a fierce war of words between Kim and US President Donald Trumps administration.

Even on Thursday, the White House questioned mental health of the North Korean dictator while US Vice President Mike Pence asserted that America wont be bullied or threatened.

And a day earlier, US President Donald Trump issued a fresh warning for the isolated nation, saying he had a bigger nuclear button which could destroy North Korea.

In December, the CPM had put up a poster featuring the North Korean dictator. Tweeting a photograph of the poster, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sambit Patra had said, No wonder they have converted Kerala into killing fields for their opponents.

He further took a dig at the Left party, saying hope the left is not planning to launch missiles at the RSS, BJP offices.

His tweet said, Kim Jong-un finds place in CPMs posters in Kerala!! No wonder they have converted Kerala into Killing fields for their opponents! Hope the left is not planning to launch missiles at the RSS,BJP offices as their next gruesome agenda!
New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha on Thursday expressed concern over the Bhima-Koregaon incident and the ensuing violence across Maharashtra and appealed for the restoration of peace.



The discussion on the anti-Dalit violence was taken up as soon as the House met for the day and one leader of each party was given around one minute to express their thoughts.



On Wednesday, the opposition had demanded a discussion on the violence under Rule 267, that entails suspending all the listed business of the day, but was denied permission by Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu. The opposition then had disrupted proceedings in the upper House.



On Thursday, before allowing the discussion, Naidu told the MPs to be not provocative in their statements.



"Our approach should be to see that tempers are brought down and the situation is not escalated there (in Maharashtra). After all it is a social conflict," he said.



While the members from opposition parties including the Congress, Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, Trinamool Congress, DMK, the Communist Party of India-Marxist and Nationalist Congress Party blamed communal forces and "Hindutva outfits" for the violence and demanded impartial probe and strict action against the culprits, the BJP and its ally Shiv Sena gave a clean chit to the state BJP-Sena government.



BSP member Veer Singh demanded a judicial probe by a sitting Supreme Court judge in the Bhima-Koregaon incident.



While giving a clean chit to "Hindutva elements" Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut blamed for the violence an "invisible hand" that "replicated the divide and rule policy of the British" in Koregaon.



NCP chief and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Sharad Pawar, while criticising the communal forces, appealed for maintaining peace in the state.



"What has happened, has happened. Now peace should be restored and efforts should be made to restore peace," he said.



In the riots in Bhima-Koregaon in Pune during the 200th anniversary celebrations of the Anglo-Maratha War of 1818 on January 1, more than 30 vehicles were torched or damaged and a young man was killed.



Hundreds of thousands of Dalits had assembled at the Vijay Stambh (victory pillar) erected by the British in Sanaswadi village when stone-pelting began, allegedly by some right-wing groups carrying saffron flags.



Over the next few days, the violence spread out to Mumbai and some other parts of the state.


HYDERABAD: A woman from Hyderabad has claimed that two of her sisters, Rehana and Noor, who had gone to Saudi Arabia for employment, are stuck there. She has claimed that both are being assaulted and tortured.

Rehana and Noor's sister Farhana has appealed to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to help her. "They were taken to Saudi through an agent on the promise of a beautician job, but are now forced to work as domestic help," Farzana said.

Just a few days ago, there were reports of a Ludhiana resident Kuldeep Kaur who is stuck in Saudi Arabia since past six months. Her family had claimed that she is being given death threats and is also being beaten up in Saudi Arabia. They had reached out to Sushma Swaraj for help.



A video of 46-year-old Kuldeep Kaur had gone viral where she could be heard begging to be rescued from Saudi Arabia. In a 2-minute-long video which she sent to her daughter, Kaur said that she was duped by a travel agent who took her to Saudi Arabia.

Kuldeep reportedly said in the video that she was made to work like a slave from 6 in the morning till 10 in the night.

Stating that she was working for a Saudi couple, she also said that she was not being given food by her employers.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to examine a plea of the CBI seeking a clarification on the nature of sanction needed from a state government for conducting any inquiry or investigation into an offence in the state.

The agency challenged a limited part of the order of the Delhi High Court passed in the case of former Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh on March 31, 2017, in which it had said that the consent issue will be adjudicated by the trial court.

A bench of justices R K Agrawal and A M Sapre issued notice to the former chief minister and sought his reply in four weeks.

Additional Solicitor General P S Narasimha, appearing for the Central Bureau of Investigation, said that the agency has challenged only the limited issue of consent in the high court verdict. The high court had stated that the matter be decided at the time of the trial.

The CBI has said that section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946, does not talk about the nature of consent and, therefore, it needs a clarification on the issue as it would affect its power to investigate cases.

Section 6 of DSPSE Act deals with the consent of a state government for exercising of the powers and jurisdiction by the CBI officials.

The CBI had contended before the high court that there was a general consent granted by the Himachal Pradesh government on August 24, 1990, to probe the offences of central government employees in the territory of the state.

Virbhadra Singh, on the other hand, had contended in the high court that the consent order does not take within its scope a central minister who served as a public servant at Delhi under the central government.

He had said that he was not an official "of a central government department or any other central institution located in the territory of Himachal Pradesh".

The high court had, however, said it will be for the trial court to look into the consent order aspect when the charge sheet was filed as it would then emerge as to what was the material/evidence collected by the investigating agency that was sought to be relied upon by the prosecution.

"The issue whether such consent had been obtained generally, or specifically, as well as the issue as to what is the effect of the investigation conducted, if any, without obtaining the prior consent of the government of Himachal Pradesh, cannot be determined in the present proceedings and would fall for consideration, if and when a charge sheet is filed before the learned special judge," it had said.

In the same order, the high court had refused to quash the disproportionate assets case filed by the CBI against Virbhadra Singh and his wife, saying there was no basis to claim that the FIR was the result of any "political vendetta".

It had vacated the Himachal Pradesh High Court's October 1, 2015 interim order restraining the CBI from arresting, interrogating or filing a charge sheet in the case without the court's permission.

It had also turned down the question framed by the Himachal Pradesh High Court, whether the permission of the Speaker of the state Assembly was mandatory before the registration of an FIR.
Common cause

Only time will tell if Janajatis and Madhesis will align themselves to fight for the rights of the marginalised
New Delhi: The deadlock over the triple talaq bill continued in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday with the Opposition insisting on its reference to a Select Committee for detailed scrutiny and the government rejecting the demand.

With no agreement, the government placed the bill in the bottom of priority in the list of business, which the Opposition strongly objected to and demanded that its motions for referring the bill to a Select Committee be taken up immediately.



As Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien said that the listing of business was the government's priority and decided to go ahead with a bill on GST, Opposition members created an uproar, forcing him to adjourn the House for the day.

Here's what happened in the Rajya Sabha:

Earlier, the Opposition wanted the Chair to put the motions moved by Congress leader Anand Sharma and Trinamool Congress member Sukhendu Shekar Roy for reference of the legislation to a proposed Select Committee be put to vote immediately.



They contended that before the House adjourned on Wednesday, a division was to be taken and so the Rajya Sabha should pick up the thread from where it was left. After some discussion, the two sides agreed to conduct a short-duration discussion on the economy and take up the matter regarding triple talaq bill after that.



After Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's reply to the discussion, the Opposition returned to its demand for a vote on the two motions. Jaitley raised questions over the validity of the two motions saying the statutory requirement of 24 hours advance notice was not given and that the proposed committee was not representative in character, IANS reported.



Citing earlier rulings, he said a Parliamentary panel has to represent the character of the House and be a "microcosm of the House". Jaitley, who is also Leader of the House, also said the work of a Select Committee was to improve a bill and a "saboteur" cannot be a part of the panel and as such was disqualified to be a part of it.



Intervening, Sharma said even when he had moved the resolution on Wednesday he had said in writing that the names of BJP and NDA MPs could be included in the proposed panel. Sharma demanded that under Rule 131 an unfinished business has to be finished first.

Later, slamming the Opposition, Union Minister Smriti Irani said, "Opposition stands exposed in Rajya Sabha. For past two days repeatedly it has been said that if there are any issues that need to be spoken on the bill, those issues must be put out on the floor of the House. Why is Congress-led Opposition running away from discussion?"

She added, "I think it is a shame on them that they are trying to obstruct this path of justice for Indian Muslim women," as per ANI.

On the other hand, senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal said, "The government is isolated, the Opposition is one. The bill should be sent to the select committee."

"Today BJP has been exposed, they don't have the guts to empower women," Trinamool Congress MP Derek O Brien said on the debate over the bill.

EXPOSED BJP isolated in Parliament. BJP exposed in front of the people.Anti-women. Anti-people.Stalled efforts to improve #TripleTalaqBill  Derek O'Brien (@derekobrienmp) January 4, 2018

On January 3, 2017, too, there was a face-off between the government and the Opposition over the bill in the Rajya Sabha. Amid noisy scenes, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had introduced the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2017 for discussion and passage.

It now remains to be seen whether the government lists the bill for consideration on Friday - the last day of the Winter Session.

The bill, which seeks to make instant triple talaq illegal with up to three years in jail for the husband, was passed in the Lok Sabha on December 28, 2017.

(With Agency inputs)
Amid incessant violations of ceasefire by Pakistan, people residing in villages along international border in Jammu and Kashmir have started moving to safer places.

While the local administration has advised people to stay inside their houses, the police department is simultaneously helping them move to safer places in armoured vehicles.

This is being done in order to avoid any damage to life or property due to firing by Pakistan troops from across the border.

After sniper firing from Pakistan killed an Indian soldier on Wednesday evening, continuous firing has been on from both sides of the border.

Pakistan is targeting several Indian posts in Samba and Hiranagar sector of Jammu and Kashmir and intermittent firing has been on.

One Border Security Force (BSF) head constable, RP Hazra, lost his life in firing by Pakistan on Wednesday evening.

Pakistan has continued a series unprovoked incidents of firing along the LoC throughout December. Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat had reviewed the operational preparedness of the security forces and prevailing security situation in the state last week.

On December 23, four Indian Army soldiers, including a Major, were killed in a ceasefire violation by the Pakistan Army on the LoC in J&K's Rajouri district.
Washington: The US is considering new regulations to prevent the extension of H-1B visas as part of president Donald Trump's "Buy American, Hire American" initiative, a move which could hit tech firms and hundreds of thousands of Indian IT professionals, as per media reports.

The move could directly stop hundreds of thousands of foreign workers from keeping their H-1B visas while their green card applications are pending.

The proposal which is being shared between the Department of Homeland Security Department (DHS) heads is part of Trump's "Buy American, Hire American" initiative promised during the 2016 campaign, US-based news agency McClatchy DC Bureau reported.

It aims to impose new restrictions to prevent abuse and misuse of H-1B visas, besides ending the provision of granting extension for those who already have a green card.

"The act currently allows the administration to extend the H-1B visas for thousands of immigrants, predominantly Indian immigrants, beyond the allowed two three-year terms if a green card is pending," the report said.

"The idea is to create a sort of 'self- deportation' of hundreds of thousands of Indian tech workers in the United States to open up those jobs for Americans," it said, quoting a source briefed by Homeland Security officials.

"The agency is considering a number of policy and regulatory changes to carry out the President's Buy American, Hire American Executive Order, including a thorough review of employment-based visa programmes," said Jonathan Withington, chief of media relations for United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

It is typically issued for three to six years to employers to hire a foreign worker. But H-1B holders who have begun the green card process can often renew their work visas indefinitely.

The technology companies depend on H-1B to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

The proposed changes would have a dramatic effect particularly on Indian visa holders considering more than half of all H-1B visas have been awarded to Indian nationals, the report said, quoting the Pew Research Center report.

"This would be a major catastrophic development as many people have been waiting in line for green cards for over a decade, have US citizen children, own a home," Leon Fresco, who served as a deputy assistant attorney general for the Justice Department in the Obama administration who now represent H-1B workers, was quoted as saying in the report.

Fresco estimates more than 1 million H1-B visa holders in the country are waiting for green cards, many of whom are from India and have been waiting for more than a decade.

Trump had made the alleged abuse and fraud in H-1B visa system a major election issue during his campaign.

After becoming the president, he signed an executive order aimed at tightening the process of issuing the H?1B visas.

Trump had said the order was the first step to initiate "long overdue" reforms to end "visa abuses".
JAMMU: A suspected Pakistani intruder was killed by Border Security Force (BSF) forces as they foiled an infiltration bid in Arania district during the wee hours in Thursday.

The infiltration attempt came barely a few hours after Pakistani Rangers resorted to firing along the international border in Samba and Hiranagar sectors on Wednesday evening.

As per reports, the BSF personnel noticed the movement of a group of terrorists near the barbed wire fence.

The intruders attempted to infiltrate the border while taking advantage of a thick cover of fog in the area. However, the BSF personnel opened fire killing one of them, while others managed to flee back to Pakistan side.

IG BSF, Jammu frontier, Ram Awtar confirmed the report and said, "They challenged them and opened fire resulting in the death of one intruder," he said adding, "the deceased was in his thirties."

"Other intruders managed to escape from the scene," he said.

The BSF force also destroyed two Pakistani posts in retaliation to the killing of its jawan in the unprovoked firing.

Two Pakistani mortar positions were 'located, targeted and destroyed by BSF troopers yesterday night only. The coordinated precision fire of BSF troopers silenced Pakistani guns,' a BSF spokesman said.

The area has been cordoned off and further details are awaited.

On January 3, a BSF jawan was killed in unprovoked firing by Pakistan, the first this year, in Samba sector of Jammu and the force had since then launched retaliatory fire.
New Delhi: Concerned over the killing of a Hindu activist in Karnataka, a delegation of BJP MPs on Thursday met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to seek a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the case and other such violent deaths in the state.

BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje, who led the delegation, said Deepak Rao, hacked to death in the Dakshina Kannada district yesterday, was the 21st person to be killed in Karnataka in recent times.

She alleged the involvement of the radical Islamic outfit, the Popular Front of India (PFI), in most of the killings.

"This is the 21st murder in Karnataka. Of these, 12 were committed by 'jihadis'. The organisation is active in Karnataka because the state government is supporting it," Karandlaje alleged.

The MPs' delegation requested the Union home minister to intervene in the matter and ensure a probe by the NIA into all the recent murder cases, she said.

"It should be linked to national security and terrorist issues. The cases should be probed by the NIA," Karandlaje told reporters after the meeting.

She accused the Congress-led Siddaramaiah government of trying to hush the cases up and of not disclosing the forensic report of another slain activist, Paresh Mesta.

Mesta was killed in Uttara Kannada district's Honnavar town last month.

She also charged the state government with supporting the Islamic group for "vote bank politics".

"Siddaramaiah himself called the PFI and its political body, and asked them to support the Congress in the next elections," she claimed.

Rubbishing the allegations, Karnataka Transport Minister and Congress leader H M Revanna said the saffron party had the "habit of creating unrest".

"The law will take its own course. We have given good governance without any caste politics. The BJP has the habit of creating unrest when the state is in peace. The CM and his team can handle such cases," he added.
Bhopal: The Congress in Madhya Pradesh on Thursday questioned the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat over the deaths of hundreds of cows in a shelter in the state.



The Leader of Opposition Ajay Singh said he wrote to PM Modi and Bhagwat demanding that the deaths of cows in the country's biggest shelter in Agar Malwa district's Salariya village be probed and guilty be booked for murder.



State Congress chief Arun Yadav asked why are the people who give a free hand to cow vigilantes, who kill people caught with a single cow, silent on the deaths of so many cows.



Ajay Singh said he visited the shelter with Yadav on Tuesday and saw that many cows were in a bad condition. "The cows who had died had not been buried properly and dogs were feasting on the carcasses... It was a shameful sight."



"To get votes, these people (in the Bharatiya Janata Party) do not shy away from calling the cow 'gau mata' (cow mother) and even 'rashtra mata' (mother of the nation) but once the votes are in, they forget everything."



The two Congress leaders said that in the past three months, more than 400 cows have died at the shelter but the administration is accepting only 117 deaths.



The letter was sent to Bhagwat in Ujjain where the RSS chief is currently camping with some Bharatiya Janata Party members.



Bhagwat and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan were both present at the foundation laying ceremony of this shelter, the letter said, adding Chouhan had even said the spot will be made a pilgrimage place of cows.


Mumbai: The Mumbai Police on Thursday cancelled an event which was to be attended by newly-elected Gujarat MLA and Dalit activist Jignesh Mevani and Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University's (JNU) student leader Umar Khalid in connection with their provocative speeches made earlier.

According to reports, the authorities today sealed an auditorium in the Vile Parle locality where the event was scheduled to take place. The authorities claimed that this has been done to maintain law and order in the city, a day after the Maharashtra bandh called by Dalit leaders over Bhima-Koregaon violence.

Confirming the development, Sagar Bhalerao, the vice president of Chhatra Bharati and the organiser of the event, said, ''Umar Khalid and Jignesh Mewani had been invited to this event. This had been fixed earlier, but it has now been cancelled.''

''We had booked Bhaidas Hall for All India National Students' Summit here today, but now we are being denied entry. The reason police is citing is the news doing the rounds about Umar Khalid and Jignesh Mewani for the past few days,'' Bhalerao, the organiser of the event, was quoted as saying by ANI.

Had booked Bhaidas Hall for All India National Students' Summit here today, but now we are being denied entry. Reason police is citing is the news doing the rounds about Umar Khalid and Jignesh Mewani for the past few days: Sagar Bhalerao (Chhatra Bharati,VP), Organiser #Mumbai pic.twitter.com/4Fg3mSP6wq  ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018

The authorities have also detained the organisers of the event - Sachin Bansode, president of Chhatra Bharati, his deputy Sagar Bhalerao and an MLC Kapil.

Meanwhile, Section 144 of the Indian Penal Code has also been imposed at the venue, reports said.

Section 144 restricts the assembly of more than five people at a place.

However, the cancellation of the event has triggered minor clashes between student groups and the police.

Hundreds of students had gathered outside the venue to attend the event who are now being forcibly evicted.

#Mumbai: Students gathered for Chhatra Bharati event outside Bhaidas Hall, being forcibly removed pic.twitter.com/eGT36BvQov  ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018

Several students have been taken into preventive custody by the Mumbai Police following minor clashes outside the venue of the event.

The Mumbai Police had earlier received several complaints against Mevani and Khalid for making "provocative" speeches at an event here on December 31.

Mevani and Khalid had attended the "Elgar Parishad", an event organised to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the battle of Bhima-Koregaon, at Shaniwar Wada in the city on December 31.

According to the complainants, Akshay Bikkad and Anand Dhond, Mevani and Khalid had made "provocative" comments at the event.

Bikkad and Dhond, both locals, approached the Deccan Gymkhana Police Station with an application and demanded the registration of a case against Mevani and Khalid for allegedly promoting enmity between different communities.

"Mevani provoked the people to come out on the streets and retaliate. Due to this statement, people took to the streets and tension gripped the city," according to the complaint.

A senior officer attached to the Deccan Gymkhana Police Station confirmed the receipt of the complaint application, according to PTI.

He added that it would be forwarded to the Vishrambaug Police Station, under the jurisdiction of which Shaniwar Wada fell, for further action.

ANI today reported that an FIR has been registered against Mevani and Khalid under Sections 153(A), 505 and 117 of the IPC at the Vishrambaug Police Station.

Meanwhile, normalcy returned in Mumbai a day after the Maharashtra bandh called by the Dalit outfits to protest against the deadly Bhima-Koregaon violence in Pune.

Maharashtra: Normalcy restored in Mumbai after protests over #BhimaKoregaonViolence in the state yesterday pic.twitter.com/m6XTMjZqww  ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018

The Mumbai Police today claimed that it has registered a total of 16 FIRs relating to incidents of violence during Maharashtra bandh yesterday and more than 300 miscreants have been detained.

"Total 16 FIRs registered relating to incidents during #MaharashtraBandh yesterday and more than 300 miscreants detained" says Mumbai Police #BhimaKoregaonViolence pic.twitter.com/SDfFqae9OS  ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018

The action from Mumbai Police comes three days after violent clashes between Dalit groups and supporters of right-wing Hindutva organisations during the 200th-anniversary celebrations of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in Pune district left a man dead.

The clashes broke out at Bhima-Koregaon when people were headed towards the war memorial in the village, about 30 km from Pune city, the police had said.

Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle, which the forces of the British East India Company had won over those of the Peshwa.

Dalit leaders commemorate the British victory as it is believed that soldiers from the Mahar community -- then considered untouchables -- were part of the East India Company's forces. The Peshwas were Brahmins and the victory was seen as a symbol of assertiveness by Dalits.

(With PTI inputs)
Mumbai: While the Dalit MLAs of the ruling BJP have remained tight-lipped over the recent Bhima-Koregaon violence that engulfed parts of Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray has been more vocal in attacking the Devendra Fadnavis government over its failure to contain it.

In a strongly-worded article in its mouthpiece ''Saamana'', the party said that only BJP government led by Devendra Fadnavis is to be blamed for the deadly violence that erupted in Pune and soon spread to other parts of the state.''

Continuing its attack, the Sena article said that the people of Maharashtra had to suffer because of Mumbai Police's complicity with the ruling party. It further alleged that nothing could be done since Maharashtra's Minister of State for Home belongs to BJP.

The Sena editorial also questioned the capability of the Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis government, which is "not able to control the ongoing chaos in the state".

"There is nothing new in ordering an inquiry in such matters, everyone does that. What new the Maharashtra government has done to tackle the issue. People from other states are coming in Maharashtra and carrying out such activities", the editorial stated.

It accused the Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh president and the grandson of Dr. B R Ambedkar, Prakash Ambedkar, of inciting the violence and averred that the latter should make an effort to bring back peace and normalcy in the state, rather than fanning the flames.

Giving a piece of advice to the ruling dispensation, the party said that the BJP government needs to rise above the petty politics of winning elections with the help of government machinery and the police. It should think of the welfare of the state, it added.

Cautioning the government, the Sena article said, ''In spite of wasting its resources in finishing Shiv Sena, the government should fight with the enemies of the state,'' adding, '' Entire Maharashtra is on fire and it will one day leave to ashes.''

Earlier, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut had alleged a political conspiracy behind the Bhima-Koregaon violence and the subsequent tension that spread to other parts of Maharashtra.

"Today, there is an effort to divide our state on caste lines and it's all a political conspiracy," Raut said, adding that the leaders in the past had never let the state be divided on caste basis.

Raut observed that the widespread violence "is shocking, and a matter of concern to all" and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi should track down the perpetrators.

"There are some invisible hands that want to finish Maharashtra because of its political greed. It is the Prime Minister's duty to find out who that is," he added.

The reactions from Shiv Sena came in the wake of violence that spilled over to adjoining parts of Maharashtra after clashes broke out between the Dalits and alleged right-wing groups on Monday during the bicentenary celebration of the Bhima-Koregaon battle near Pune.

The right-wing groups were objecting to the observance of 'Victory Day' since they considered it to be an anti-national celebration.

Both RSS and BJP are being accused of instigating the violence by opposition leaders.

In the battle, which was fought between the British East India Company, containing Dalits in its infantry, and the Peshwas, who were upper-caste Brahmins, at Koregaon Bhima on January 1, 1818, the Marathas ultimately withdrew.

Since then the lower-caste communities have been viewing it as a symbolic victory for themselves.

(With ANI inputs)
New Delhi: The BJP asked the Election Commission to appoint micro-observers in poll-bound Tripura from outside the CPI(M)-ruled state and deploy maximum paramilitary forces, alleging that an atmosphere of fear was prevailing there.

Only those government officials should be given election duty, who give a declaration that they are not members of any political party or any trade union affiliated to any political outfit, said Himanta Biswa Sarma, BJP leader and convener of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), which is part of the BJP-led NDA.

"Micro-observers should be from outside the state because CPI(M) has started giving membership to the state government employees in Tripura. The elections cannot be held with the Left party members inside the booth," Sarma told reporters outside the Election Commission (EC) office.

Sarma, who is also a minister in the BJP government in Assam, claimed that more than 60 party workers were killed by the ruling CPI(M) in Tripura and there was an atmosphere of fear and threat in the state.

"We (BJP) have requested the Election Commission to deploy maximum paramilitary forces in the state to ensure free and fair elections in the state," he said.

The Left party has been ruling Tripura since 1993. The state has traditionally witnessed a two-way fight between the Congress and the CPI(M).

This time the BJP is trying to emerge as the principal opposition to the ruling Left party.

Tenure of the 60-member Tripura Assembly ends in March this year.


CTGC threatens to pull out from West Seti project

China Three Gorges Corporation (CTGC), the potential builder of the West Seti Hydropower Project, has threatened to pull out if Nepal doesnt revise its guidelines regarding the power purchase rate.
Mumbai: Akshay Kumar has faith in his "2.0" co-star Rajinikanth as the actor believes the South superstar, who recently took the political plunge, will be "very good" in his new stint as a politician.

On December 31, the 67-year-old star announced that he will float a new party that will pursue "spiritual politics" and will contest the next Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Asked about how Rajinikanth will fair as a political leader, Akshay said in a media interaction, "I am sure he is going to be very good. Obviously, he will be good (at it)."

The "Toilet: Ek Prem Katha" actor features as an antagonist in the sequel to the 2010 blockbuster "Robot", directed by Shankar.

The actor is currently looking forward to the January 26 release of his latest, "Padman".

The film is a fictionalised account of Tamil Nadu-based Arunachalam Muruganantham, who created affordable sanitary napkins for the women of his village.

Akshay said "Padman" aims to overcome the social stigma surrounding periods.

"In South, people celebrate when their daughter hits puberty. People talk about it, give gifts to the girl, the girl remembers it... That I was given a gift, that means something good has happened. But here people hide.

"... So the girls start thinking something wrong has happened. She loses confidence, feels as if something shameful has happened," he added
New Delhi: Even as the central government is in the process of making Aadhaar mandatory for people to avail benefits of various social service schemes, data security issues relating to the a 12-digit unique identification number refuse to die down.

Though Aadhaar issuing body Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) have time and again said that architecture of the Aadhaar ecosystem has been designed to ensure data security and privacy, investigative reports reveal the contrary.

An investigation into the Aadhaar security loophole by the Tribune has showed that details of the 12-digit unique identification number is easily accessible.

The paper said that its reporter purchased a service by anonymous sellers over WhatsApp. The reporter paid Rs 500 via Paytm to an agent. Within 10 minutes the agent gave a login ID and password, thus giving unrestricted access to details of over 1 billion Aadhaar numbers.

Through the log in gateway, one can enter any particular Aadhaar number in the portal and access all details like name, address, postal code (PIN), photo, phone number and email of the individual

What is more shocking that by paing another Rs 300, the the agent provided software that could facilitate the printing of the Aadhaar card, the paper said.

Meanwhile, UIDAI has denied the media reports and has said that it is a case of misreporting.

The Supreme Court is hearing petitions challenging the government's decision on Aadhaar.

The apex court has said it may consider setting up of a constitution bench to hear pleas challenging the Centre's move to make Aadhaar card mandatory for availing various services and benefits of welfare schemes.

Meanwhile the government has extended deadline fixed for mandatory linking of Aadhaar to avail various services and welfare schemes till March 31.
JAIPUR: A Pakistani national was caught trespassing into Jaisalmer Air Force station in the wee hours on Wednesday.

As per reports, he was arrested by the air force station officials, who also recovered an Aadhaar card from him.

Authorities suspect that the arrested person may have links with Pakistani spying agencies.

Officials said the man was caught when he was trying to enter in the air force station after jumping the boundary wall.

Upon investigation, the man revealed himself as Purkha Ram, and said he had come into India 18 years ago and was working as a farm worker in Vijaynagar, situated in Rajasthan's Ganganagar district.

Gaurav Yadav, Jaisalmer superintendent of police, confirming the report, said the district police were aware of the arrest but the air force authorities have not handed the arrested Pakistani national over to the police.

Under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Act, movement of foreign nationals is restricted in the bordering villages and western part of the National Highway-15 in Barmer as the international border in the state has been declared as a protected area.

A foreign national is not allowed to visit a protected or restricted area except in exceptional cases with prior permission.
MUZAFFARNAGAR: Two activists of the Bheem Sena, a Dalit outfit, have been arrested for allegedly insulting Hindu gods in a village here, police said on Wednesday.

The incident happened in Nauna village in the Mansurpur police station area last evening.

Circle Officer Rajiv Kumar Singh told PTI that police filed a case against a number of activists of the Bheem Sena based on a complaint by Man Singh.

Singh alleged Bheem Sena activists led by their leader Lokesh Kataria forced their way into his house and insulted Hindu gods.

Two persons have been arrested in connection with the incident, police said.
GUWAHATI: Assam Police on Thursday registered a case against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on a complaint against her for alleging that the BJP-led Centre was "hatching a conspiracy" to drive out Bengalis from the northeastern state by "excluding" their names from the first draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

"Look at Assam. 'Bangali Khedao' (expell the Bengalis) is going on there. There is a conspiracy in Assam to drive away the people who are staying there for the last 30-40 years. 1.25 crore people might be driven away from there in the name of the Citizenship Act," Banerjee said comparing the NRC with 1960s 'Bongal Kheda' ethnic cleansing movement in Assam that drove away nearly 50,000 Bengalis from there.

"The people are being threatened to beaten away from there. I want to clearly tell the BJP government not to play with fire. Do not stoke fire of unrest in the entire nation. do not divide and rule. Try to maintain peace," she added.

The NRC of 1951 is being updated in Assam under the supervision of the Supreme Court to identify original residents of the state in order to check illegal migration. Its first draft was published on 31 December midnight.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Wednesday said all those excluded in the first National Register of Citizens draft should not worry as no one will be discriminated against on the basis of caste and community and will be given opportunities to prove citizenship.

Sonowal also said that a mechanism has to be devised "humanely" by the central government on what to do with those who are found to be illegal immigrants after finalisation of the NRC, a list of the state's citizens.

The part draft of the NRC was published on the intervening night of December 31 and January 1 where names of 1.9 crore people out of the 3.29 crore applicants were incorporated.

The massive exercise aimed at identifying illegal immigrants in the state that borders Bangladesh is being carried out in Assam following a decision in 2005 after a series of meetings between the central and state governments and the influential All Assam Students' Union (AASU).

Assam, which faced influx of people from Bangladesh since the early 20th century, is the only state having an NRC, first prepared in 1951.

The current exercise, started in 2005 under the then Congress regime, got a major push only after the BJP came to power in the state with illegal immigration from Bangladesh as a poll plank.

The Supreme Court, which is monitoring the entire process, had ordered that the first draft of the NRC be published by December 31 after completing the scrutiny of over two crore claims along with that of around 38 lakh people whose documents were suspect.

Of the 3.29 crore applications submitted, there was confusion over the inclusion of 29 lakh people who had submitted certificates issued by 'gram panchayats' as proof of identity, after a Gauhati High Court order in February had deemed 'panchayat' certificates invalid, an official said.

The Supreme Court set aside the High Court order and upheld the validity of the certificates as identity proof if they were followed up with proper verification.

The apex court also asked authorities to stick to the original deadline for the publication of the draft NRC and include names of those whose claims were verified.

When the NRC was first prepared in Assam way back in 1951, the state had 80 lakh citizens then.

The process of identification of illegal immigrants in Assam has been debated and become a contentious issue in the state's politics.

A six-year agitation demanding identification and deportation of illegal immigrants was launched by the AASU in 1979. It culminated with the signing of the Assam Accord on August 15, 1985, in the presence of then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Beirut: At least 23 civilians were killed Wednesday in the Syrian opposition stronghold of Eastern Ghouta, near Damascus, most of them in Russian air raids, a monitor said.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights told AFP that 18 people were killed by Russian strikes in the town of Misraba, while the remainder died in shelling from government forces.

Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said three children and 11 women were among those killed.

Victims were taken to a hospital in Douma, where an AFP correspondent saw rescuers bringing in mostly women and children.

Medical staff tried to revive an infant who had been pulled from the rubble, but without success. A young girl among the wounded received stitches for a serious injury to her face.

A medical source at the hospital told AFP that "among the wounded were two women in their twenties. One of them lost both eyes and the other lost one eye."

The war in Syria has killed more than 340,000 people and displaced millions from their homes since it began in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

Eastern Ghouta, a small enclave east of the capital Damascus, is controlled mostly by rebels from the Jaish al-Islam group.

Russia first launched bombing raids in 2015 in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's beleaguered forces. The strikes have helped Assad regain control over much of the war-ravaged country.

The Observatory relies on a network of sources inside Syria and says it determines whose planes carry out raids according to type, location, flight patterns and munitions used.

The latest raids came after at least seven civilians, including five children, were killed Tuesday by air strikes in northwestern Idlib province, the last outside government control, the Observatory said.

Government and allied forces backed by Russian warplanes have been battling jihadist fighters and rebels for more than a week in an area straddling the boundary between Idlib and Hama provinces.The government push on the edge of Idlib province follows two months of sporadic fighting that the United Nations says has displaced more than 60,000 people.

Idlib province, held by Tahrir al-Sham, was one of four "de-escalation zones" agreed to help halt fighting around Syria by regime backers Russia and Iran and rebel supporter Turkey.

Observers say government forces first aim to take control of the southeast of Idlib province, allowing the regime to have full control of a road that links the capital Damascus to the government-held second city of Aleppo.

Earlier Wednesday Moscow`s defence ministry said a Russian helicopter crashed in Syria on New Year`s Eve killing both pilots following a technical fault.

The Mi-24 military helicopter was flying to Hama, northwestern Syria, and there was no firing from the ground, agencies quoted the ministry as saying.

"Both pilots died in a hard landing 15 km (nine miles) from the air base," the ministry said, adding that a technician had been injured and taken to another air base at for emergency treatment.

Russia`s Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu last month said the military had completed the partial withdrawal from Syria ordered by President Vladimir Putin, but Moscow would maintain a presence in the country, including three battalions and two bases.

Moscow acknowledged in recent months that its special forces are also active on the ground in the offensive against Islamic State jihadists.
Washington: Potential talks between North Korea and South Korea are 'a good thing', US President Donald Trump said on Thursday.

At the same time, he also took credit for any dialogue after Seoul and Pyongyang this week signalled a willingness to speak.

"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," he tweeted.

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

In a New Year address, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had said he was open to dialogue with South Korea and could send a delegation to the Winter Olympics to be held in the South in February.

Kim had also warned that he would push ahead with "mass producing" nuclear warheads, pursuing a weapons programme in defiance of UN Security Council sanctions.

In response, Seoul on Tuesday had proposed high-level talks at a border village and on Wednesday, the two Koreas reopened a border hotline that had been closed since February 2016.

On the other hand, Trump and Kim have exchanged a series of bellicose comments in recent months, raising alarm across the world.

The US President had at times dismissed the prospect of a diplomatic solution to a crisis in which North Korea has threatened to destroy the United States, Japan and South Korea.

While, Trump has mocked Kim as 'Little Rocket Man', North Korea says its weapons are necessary to counter US 'aggression'. America stations 28,500 troops in the South, a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean War, as per Reuters.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday had welcomed the reopening of a hotline between North and South Korea and has voiced hope for more diplomatic initiatives to end the peninsula`s nuclear standoff.

"It is always a positive development to have a dialogue between the Democratic People`s Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea," UN spokesman Farhan Haq had said, AFP reported.

Guterres "welcomes the reopening of the inter-Korean communication channel," he had added.

UN Security Council resolutions call for the de-nuclearisation of the Korean peninsula and "we hope that enhanced diplomatic initiatives will help to achieve that goal," Haq had said.

(With Agency inputs)
Charges and accusations have been hurled at a rapid pace between the United States and Pakistan after US President Donald Trump tweeted that his country only got lies and deceit from Islamabad.

In the most recent verbal attack from Washington, spokesperson of US Department of State - Heather Nauert, said that Pakistan needs to earn the money that is provided by the US. "I dont want to say that Pakistan can do more, but Pakistan knows what it needs to do," she said. "They need to better earn, essentially, the money that we have provided in the past in foreign military assistance, they need to show that they are sincere in their efforts to crack down on terrorists.

The Trump administration has already withheld $255 million in military aid - part of a $1.1 billion package approved by US Congress in 2016. Trump in his first tweet of the new year had said that the US has already given $33 billion in aid to Pakistan in over 15 years.

While Nauert emphasised on the need for Pakistan to act against home-grown terrorist outfits, Press Secretary Sarah Sanders also said Trump would act on his words. "The President is simply following through on a commitment that he made, because this is a President that does what he says hes going to do. We know that Pakistan can do more to fight terrorism, and we want them to step up and do that," she said recently.

US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, also accused Pakistan of playing a 'double game.'

The verbal assault has been countered by Pakistan with the country's National Security Committee condemning Trump's remarks. The US ambassador in Islamabad was summoned as well. On Wednesday, the country's Interior Minister said terrorism in South Asia is a result of American policies in the 1970s and 1980s.

Meanwhile, all-weather ally in China rushed to defend Pakistan. "Pakistan has made enormous efforts and sacrifice for the fight against terrorism and has made an outstanding contribution to the global cause of counter-terrorism. The international community should acknowledge that," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said.
Guilty of constructing roads in disputed territories, China may now be regarding roads built within Indian territory as an act of aggression. In a report published in state-run Global Times, security experts in Beijing have been quoted as saying that roads on Indo-China border is a sign of war preparations.

China had ignited the Doklam standoff last year when it began constructing a road in a territory claimed by Bhutan. Since, it has ramped up military presence in Doklam and hastened road construction projects here. Yet, construction of better roads by India all along the border with China is being viewed suspiciously by Beijing. "India is clearly preparing for war, and it is drawing much experience from the defeat it swallowed in 1962 when it lacked such an infrastructure," Wang Dehua, head of the Institute for South and Central Asian Studies at the Shanghai Municipal Center for International Studies, was quoted as saying.

China also viewed Home Minister Rajnath Singh's recent visit to Nelong Valley in Uttarakhand with scepticism. During the visit, Rajnath Singh had said that the Centre has undertaken a special project to connect all the border posts along the Sino-India frontier with roads. He had also said that while there are 'perceptional differences' with China, India maintains good relations.

Across the border though, cordial reciprocation is mostly in short supply.

After aggressive posturing in Doklam, sources have revealed that Chinese troops entered around one kilometre inside Indian territory in Tuting area of Arunachal Pradesh in the last week of December. In other places across the border, China has reportedly begun fortifying its position and even set-up surveillance systems.

While both countries have reaffirmed that development and cooperation are paramount, China continues to test waters in border areas - not just with India but with countries like Japan, Phillipines and many others.
New Delhi: Pakistan-based terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) has been secretly renamed as 'Al Murabitoon', reports said on Thursday.

The rechristening of JeM founded by Masood Azhar, who is wanted in India in connection with several terror attack cases, has come at a time when India has been lobbying hard at the UN for more sanctions against the outfit.

According to inputs received from the intelligence agencies, the JeM is now using its new identity to secure entry into the universities and colleges across Pakistan.

Besides, the changed identity of the outfit is also being used to secure more funds for the organisation.

The reports, claiming to have accessed documentary evidence, said that Masood Azhar is using this new identity for organising speech and debate competitions in schools and colleges in Pakistani cities of Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore and Rawalakot.

If the intelligence agencies are to be believed, the renaming of JeM is a well-calculated move aimed at shielding the outfit from international scrutiny.

However, this is not the sole reason behind JeM's renaming. JeM's new identity is also likely to help it in expanding its anti-India operations.

In view of a tough competition from as Lashkar-e-Toiba and the Taliban, the JeM has been under tremendous pressure to increase its influence in PoK and the Kashmir Valley.

While the Shariyat-seeking hardcore recruits prefer the Taliban and its affiliates, the LeT has managed to establish itself mainly due to abundant resources and the extensive use of social media.

Several pamphlets inviting entries for debate competitions have been distributed in various schools and colleges in Pakistan in the name of "Al Murabitoon." Interestingly, top leaders of JeM have been invited to the events as guests.

Another thing which draws immediate attention is the prize  special swords bearing the name of Masood Azhar as the 'Ameer of Mujahedeens'  being given to the winners and the runner-ups.

All this comes to light at a time when the US Administration of President Donald Trump has threatened to cut USD 255 million in aid to Pakistan over its alleged terror activities.

JeM chief's nephew Talha Rasheed was among the three militants who were killed in an encounter at Aglar in Pulwama by the security forces in November last year.
EPG all set to draft report

The Eminent Persons Group on Nepal-India Relations formed in 2016 is gearing up to draft a report suggesting new ways of bilateral ties in the changed regional and global context.
Doha: Qatar has approved legislation allowing 100-percent ownership for foreign investors in most sectors of the economy in a bid to boost non-energy revenues, the government said on Thursday.

The move comes at a time of political crisis in the Gulf, with Qatar under an economic and diplomatic boycott by neighbouring countries for the past seven months.

It is also an attempt by Qatar, the third largest economy in the Gulf, to secure new revenues to finance a budget deficit due to the slump in oil prices since mid-2014.

Overseas investors will be able to fully own businesses in almost all economic sectors but they are not allowed to purchase real estate or own franchises, according to the ministry of economy and trade.

To invest in the banking and insurance sectors, foreigners need to secure a special permit from the government, the law states.

Currently, foreign investors can own up to 49 percent of companies listed on Qatar`s stock exchange in accordance with a law passed in 2014.

The new law was approved at the cabinet`s weekly meeting on Wednesday.

"The draft law aims to increase tax revenues, protect foreign and local investors and boost Qatar`s status in global economic indicators," according to a statement by the ministry.

It is not yet clear when the draft law will come into force.

The move is the latest attempt by Qatar, the world`s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas, to secure new revenues since the Gulf crisis took hold.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt severed ties with Qatar in June, accusing it of links to extremist groups and being too close to Shiite Iran, Riyadh`s regional arch-rival.

Doha has denied the charges.

Qatar has increased business with existing trade partners outside the region, announced plans to produce more gas and sought new markets, most recently in West Africa.
LONDON: A violent storm packing winds up to 160 kph battered parts of western Europe on Thursday, derailing trains, toppling trees and halting flights.

Authorities said one person was killed and at least 15 others were injured in France and Switzerland.

The high winds played havoc on transport, derailing trains in Switzerland and Germany and leaving hundreds of thousands of homes across France, Switzerland, Britain and Ireland without power.

Officials said one skier was killed in the French Alps after being hit by a falling tree in Morillon in Haute-Savoie.

Several people were injured when a train was blown off the tracks near Lenk, a town south of Bern, the Swiss capital, local media reported.

In western Germany, a train derailed near Luenen when it crashed into a tree that had fallen onto the tracks, according to the dpa news agency. No injuries were reported.

The storm forced the cancellation of flights at Zurich and Basel airports and toppled a truck on a Swiss highway.

Thousands of households at Lake Zurich were left without power, and firefighters were called to help with toppled trees blocking streets and flooding due to heavy rain.

Swiss police say several people were stuck inside a cable car that halted in the ski resort of Pizol in the Swiss Alps.

St Gallen police said several rescue teams were trying to get them out. High winds prompted ski lifts to stop running at other Swiss resorts as well.

In England, the storm brought hail and lightning. Overturned vehicles forced officials to close portions of three major highways.

Some bridges were also shut down.

Extremely high tides caused the partial collapse of a harbor wall in Cornwall in southwestern England, bringing seawater flooding in.

The country's main weather forecaster, the Met Office, says gusts reached 100 mph in Cumbria, 280 miles (450 kilometers) northwest of London, early today.

The storm battered northern France with winds surpassing 145 kph some of the worst gusts to hit the country in years.

Many people posted photos of destroyed cars, collapsed scaffolding and uprooted trees on social media.

France's national electricity provider says the storm left some 200,000 households without electricity, including 30,000 in the Paris region.

In the Paris region, a falling tree hit a car and seriously injured one person, while another resident was seriously hurt falling from a building.

In all, the Interior Ministry said 15 people in France were injured, with four in serious condition, following accidents caused by high winds.

Strong winds also caused delays at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris, as extra precautions were taken to safely get travelers into aircraft.

In Germany, highways near Duisburg and Juelich in the west were partially blocked because of toppled trees and flooding.

The zoos in Munich and Augsburg in Bavaria closed for the day and the railway going up Germany's tallest mountain, the Zugspitze, was shut down because of the storm.

In neighboring Austria, a ski jumping practice in Innsbruck was cancelled due to the strong winds and snow.
New Delhi: In a major embarrassment for Islamabad, the United States on Thursday placed Pakistan on a 'Special Watch List' for severe violations of religious freedom.

The US Department of State said in a press statement, "In accordance with the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, the Secretary of State annually designates governments that have engaged in or tolerated systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom as 'Countries of Particular Concern'. Today, the Department of State announces that the Secretary of State re-designated Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan as Countries of Particular Concern on December 22, 2017."

It added, "The Secretary also placed Pakistan on a Special Watch List for severe violations of religious freedom."

In accordance with International #ReligiousFreedom Act of 1998, the Secretary of State annually designates governments that have engaged in or tolerated systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom as Countries of Particular Concern". https://t.co/p06gUFU33u pic.twitter.com/QT7Dbkpp5V  Department of State (@StateDept) January 4, 2018

Today @StateDept announces that the Secretary of State re-designated Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan & Uzbekistan as Countries of Particular Concern on Dec. 22, 2017. The Secretary placed Pakistan on a Special Watch List. January 4, 2018

We recognize that several of these countries are working to improve their respect for religious freedom, we welcome this initiative and look forward to continued dialogue. The U.S. remains committed to advancing religious freedom around the world: https://t.co/8bJnXV65xZ  Heather Nauert (@statedeptspox) January 4, 2018

"The protection of religious freedom is vital to peace, stability, and prosperity. These designations are aimed at improving the respect for religious freedom in these countries... The United States remains committed to working with governments, civil society organisations, and religious leaders to advance religious freedom around the world," the statement further said.

The move comes days after US President Donald Trump had torn into Pakistan accusing it of giving nothing to the US but "lies and deceit" and providing "safe haven" to terrorists in return for USD 33 billion aid over the last 15 years.

On January 1, 2018, Trump in his first tweet of the year on New Year's day had said, "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 and deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more."

Earlier, in his new South Asia Policy in August 2017, Trump had called for tougher measure against Pakistan if it fails to cooperate with the US in its fight against terrorism.

(With Agency inputs)
After an attack by US President Donald Trump on North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, US Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday said that the country will not be bullied.

The US Vice President further said that America will not be threatened, adding that the country has managed to marshal an unprecedented amount of economic and diplomatic pressure on North Korea.

This came even as the White House questioned the mental health of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un after his repeated threats to the US that he has "nuclear button on his desk."

"I think the President and the people of this country should be concerned about the mental fitness of the leader of North Korea. He's made repeated threats. He's tested missiles time and time again for years," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters at her daily news conference.

Sanders was responding to questions on Trump's nuclear button tweet, after which some political analysts in the US have been questioning his mental fitness.

"This is a President who's not going to cower down and he's not going to be weak, and is going to make sure that he does what he's promised to do, and that's stand up and protect the American people," Sanders said.

A day earlier, Trump, responding to the latest rhetoric of North Korean leader Kim Jong un, said that he too has a nuclear button which is not only much bigger and powerful, but also works.

"North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un had said 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!" Trump said in a tweet on Tuesday.

It came just hours after the North Korean dictator ordered his scientists to build the country's biggest Inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM), which would be launched in September, the 70th anniversary of the regime.

Earlier, in a televised New Year address, the North Korean leader had said that the entire US is within range of his nuclear weapons, and that a nuclear button is always on his desk.

(With agency inputs)
Failure to take agendas to people main reason behind election debacle: NSPN

Naya Shakti Party Nepal (NSPN) has concluded that the party faced a debacle in the recently concluded parliamentary and provincial elections held on November 26 and December 7 due to failure to take the agendas effectively to the people.
Power & Light Press

Kyle Durrie, found of Power & Light Press, speculates that more than a decade ago, coinciding with the inception and popularity of sites like Etsy, consumers began to react against the identical and modular, the duplicate wares churned out by corporations. As a culture, we were losing touch with handmade things, and imperfection and charming flaws, Durrie elaborated. There was a return to craft  and I think things have only gotten more refined over the last decade.

That return to craft has extended to all reaches of life and all manner of goodsthink handmade soaps made from wild harvested plants, hand embroidered wearables, jewelry hammered around the block, not across the world, screenprinted towels and tees from the Grower's Market. Add to that tremendous list the charming, letterpressed bite of Power & Light's greeting cards. Everyone's baby is ugly except for yours, in block letter is typical of the voice you might expect from Durrie and company. Or, perhaps you might find something like the popular maxi pad cards, featuring an illustrated, yes, maxi pad, and the words, You're super. Maybe you've seen the three-color illustration of tube men (you know, those inflatable advertising gimmicks that car dealerships put out?) that simply offers the encouragement: Fuck yeah.

Before Durrie and her team of four others, headquartered in Silver City (611 N. Bullard, Unit F), with a small storefront currently in Madrid (3 Firehouse Lane) and a satellite store at Spurline Supply Co. (800 20th Street NW) found success with their quirky handmade cards, prints, totes and booze bags, Durrie was on a different path in life. She was an artist working in pen and ink when she hit a creative wall. That world wasn't feeling right anymore. So, she uprooted herself from Maine and moved to Oregon where she began to rethink her creative work, and took a letterpress class on a whim.

The physical equipment really struck me, she said describing the antique, large presses that she accessed in the class, despite the fact that they had fallen out of popular use in the `70s. I thought they were really beautiful. Then there was something about using a different mediummostly words, strung into simple sentences and phrases with resonance. There was substance to working with language, the medium we all casually work in everyday. What I had been struggling with before was my own hand as a drawer. Second-guessing the line work that I was doing. Working with type and text allowed me to totally pivot from the conceptual problems that I was having creatively. It gave me a practical challenge. String these letters into words and these words into sentences. I didn't care that I was a beginner. With drawing, I felt like I should know what I was doing at that point. With this craft, I was like, of course I don't know what I'm doing.

It's safe to say that Durrie now has commanding knowledge of letterpress and stringing together the right words to strike shoppers looking for the right message to send to friends, lovers, acquaintances and family. Power & Light Press has grown from a one-woman operation to a team of five, and in Durrie's collection there are four presses reclaimed from disuse in sheds and barns across the countryand a fifth one on the way. While Durrie's job description positions her as the lead designer and artistic director, she described, I work with four really smart and funny women and I want their feedback and ideas. So, while many of these ideas spring solely from Durrie's mind, others are collaborative.

Typically, the concepts for these playful little greeting cards and assorted other goods take shape out of overheard conversations, observations, jokes exchanged between Durrie and her friends. Durrie records these things in a notebook to return to and flesh out digitally before transferring the design to a plate, and then fixing the plate to the press, where it is inked and put to paper in a style of relief process printing. In addition to Power & Light's collection of four presses, they also have a handful of typefaces in wood and lead, several clocking in at around 100 years in age. These typefaces are essentially the same concept as a stamp, and at one point in history, they were how every word was printed. Like the letterpress, these fell out of fashion in favor of more efficient technologies for mass production, but Power & Light cherishes these as the precious artifacts they are, and put them to work again to flex their perennial charm.

That's another thing that is so charming about Durrie and her team's craftthat the tools they use, whether old typefaces or a Chandler & Price cast iron press from 1923have found new life through the revival of handmade objects. And that Power & Light can take an antiquated method and use it in service of a voice so modern, so enlightened and funny is a testament to both revitalization and progress. It's not so niche anymore, Durrie said, after pointing out the first press she ever owned, now on display at Spurline Supply Co. Handmade things are not this weird, specialized side thing. They are part of the conversation of objects these days. And not just as an aside, as a major speaking point.

Power & Light Press continues their hard work and steady, organic growth. The company has recently moved to a larger workshop in Silver City with a proper storefront (Open Thurs-Sat, 11am to 3pm). Their Madrid store will be open on weekends for the foreseeable future, and Albuquerque locals can find a huge breadth of their products at Spurline. February will see a release of new card designs for spring that get all the sentiments right. For Durriethat's at the core of this practice, creating cards that make people remember others in their life and reach out, communicate. It took some growing up to get there, though. I used to feel like it wasn't artistic enoughartist with a capital 'A', she said. Now, the day-to-day, creative side of running the business does feel like enough  to be part of those relationships between people, that feels good.

Get in on the conversation by following Power & Light Press on Instagram @powerandlightpress, order online at powerandlightpress. com, or visit any of their stores in Silver City, Madrid or at Spurline Supply Co. in Albuquerque.
Zahra Marwan

In Zahra Marwan's numerous illustrations, she inserts magic into everyday life. Through distinct line work and often a few poetic lines, the everyday is transmuted into something beautiful and enduring. Opening on Jan. 5 at the Harwood Art Center (1114 Seventh Street NW) with a formal reception to be held that same evening, from 6 to 8pm is Marwan's When Life Becomes Floral, a selection of works completed in the aftermath of Marwan's father's death, which coincided with spring blooming in the high desert. Marwan unpacked her thoughts, processes and inspirations for the work ahead of its opening.

Alibi: What can you tell us about the content of this show? Where did these illustrations come from and when were they made?

Marwan: I started most of the illustrations for this show in October and have continued making pieces up to now, really. They're mostly composed of floral motifs, bright colors, travel [scenes] and a hint of grief, with a few being starkly black and white. They are based on lingering ideas from the past year and the confusion of experiencing my father's quick and unexpected death. I've used sketches, ideas and memories that I've kept on the side that I'm bringing to completion.

Is this a cohesive body of work with a single theme of sorts, or a collection of various unrelated works?

This is a cohesive body of work revolving around my experience of grief and traveling the 8,000 miles back home to Kuwait. I had just turned 27 when my father passed away. It was quick and unexpected, and I didn't arrive in time to say goodbye, but I made the emergency trip home. My flight back to New Mexico was a few hours after his funeral. I was profoundly confused and in pain. Spring was blooming in Albuquerque, and I continued going to my flamenco classes at the university. The show is an investigation of a question I asked myself at the time: How can I feel so much pain, and life be so beautiful?

How did you approach each of these pieces?

I approached these pieces by reflecting on imagery of my dad, abstracting the travel back home and by including imagery of the sea, where some of my fondest memories reside. They also include imagery of rituals which I wasn't prepared to take part in. These illustrations are composed of extracts of memory, abstractions of events and the sentiments which followed his death. The real life experience of losing someone I love and what I had imagined were so different. I was so confused why spring was blooming, life becoming warm, people friendly, while I felt such deep pain.

What inspires you to sit down and illustrate a scene?

I like to share stories that I've lived, and to give a certain exaggeration to real life. Story-telling banal situations in an embellished way is a big part of my culture. People spend nights gathered, adding humor and details to mundane situations. Illustrating my experiences functions as a journal of sorts, and creating them gives me relief.

What are your materials you use?

I like the washes, ease, opacity and forgiveness of watercolor. Though, sometimes I wonder if I like it because I'm impatient and it dries so quickly.

How do you stay motivated to create?

I've made it an integral part of my life and main focus, which took a long time to do. It feels like a journal or visual diary in a way. It's another way to digest experiences, feelings or normal day-to-day life.

What do you hope that people who visit the show will take away from it?

I hope that people who visit will enjoy the floral motifs, the line work and the flat imagery. I hope the aesthetic and simplicity will be pleasant. I hope that the imagery will be relateable, and that they will enjoy a small dialogue on death.

Anything else that you'd like readers to know?

My father had made light of his situation. Our phone calls leading up to his sedation in the ICU were full of jokes, and when I'd cry he'd say, Don't cry! What am I the first person in the world who's going to die? His death has so far been the most painful experience of my young and turbulent life.
The Art of Christmas: New Mexico Style

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!)
PRINT | EMAIL | PERMALINK Reel World King-Sized Fantasy The Dark Tower. The movie is a (mostly) family friendly, PG-13 adaptation of Stephen Kings epic, eight-book series about an extradimensional gunslinger battling the forces of evil in the form of the demonic Man in Black. Idris Elba and Matthew McConoughey star. The film screens from 1:30 to 3:30pm. The ABQ-Bernco Public Library starts out the new year by mixing a bit of literature with a bit of film. On Sunday, Jan. 7, folks are invited to the Central & Unser Library (8081 Central Ave. NW) for a free screening of the 2017 fantasy feature. The movie is a (mostly) family friendly, PG-13 adaptation of Stephen Kings epic, eight-book series about an extradimensional gunslinger battling the forces of evil in the form of the demonic Man in Black. Idris Elba and Matthew McConoughey star. The film screens from 1:30 to 3:30pm. View in Alibi calendar

Locals Should Submit As of Jan. 1, the New Mexico Film Office is accepting submissions for its annual New Mexico Filmmakers Showcase, a juried competition open to all up-and-coming New Mexico filmmakers. The winners of the showcase will be announced at an awards ceremony in May at the National Hispanic Cultural Center. The Best in Show winner will take home a $250 cash prize from the New Mexico Film Foundation. All winning films will be screened at the 2018 New Mexico Film & Media Industry Conference this fall. There is no fee to submit. Organizers are looking for short films (60 minutes or less) in the following categories: Comedy, Drama, Documentary, Horror, Fantasy, Music Video, Sci-Fi and Student. Films must have been completed on or after October 25, 2016. One submission per person is allowed. All entrants must, of course, be New Mexico residents. Entry deadline is March 15. To fill out your application, upload your film and get it in front of this years judges, go to nmfilmoffice. submittable. com/ submit.
Brian Fairchild

Its the middle of the afternoon at izanami, the Japanese restaurant at the Ten Thousand Waves hot springs spa (21 Ten Thousand Waves Way) up in Santa Fe. Sake Sommelier Mateo Miller and Bar Manager Michael Naiman are kindly giving their lunch break to speak with me about sake (or nihonshu in Japanese), a beverage I know next to nothing about. In front of me is a bowl of crispy brussel sprouts with pork belly and pecorino cheese, along with about a dozen half-drunk cups of sake from around the bars extensive menu. The two men have spent the past hour giving me a crash course on everything sakean education that is distilled here for you, dear reader.

So, well start with the basics: Sake is an alcoholic beverage made from milled and fermented rice. It has been made in Japan in some form for about 2000 years, traditionally by farmers and monks. Now, sake is produced on a massive scale in Japan by toji, or master brewers, who have been doing it the same way for generations. It has become more popular in the US in recent decades since Japanese restaurants started importing it. You can now find at least a few brands of sake in most decent liquor stores in the country.

Sake is clear or slightly yellow in color, depending on the type, and generally tastes delicate and floral, making it excellent to pair with fish and most Japanese food. There are several different grades of sake, where the grade is determined by how much the rice is milled before its fermented. In each grade, the outer bran of the rice, which contains most of the fats and proteins, is milled away to varying degrees, with the more highly processed rice creating a refined and delicate-tasting sake. After milling, the rice is steamed and then inoculated with koji, a mold that breaks down the starches in the rice into sugar. The sugar ferments into alcohol in the same tank simultaneously. This is called multiple parallel fermentation, a process which differs from beer brewing, in which the starch-to-sugar conversion and the sugar-to-alcohol conversion happen in two different steps. Sake has an alcohol content of 18-20% after brewing, but it is typically diluted to 14-16% to bring out some of the flavors that would otherwise be overpowered by the alcohol taste.

While there are some exceptions and subcategories to the general grades of sake, the most common grades youll encounter when shopping for sake are these, in ascending order of refinement:

 Futsuu: This is the sake equivalent of table wine, and it makes up 70-75% of the market. The rice used is run-of-the-mill, non-sake-specific rice. Its only barely milled in comparison to more premium sakes, and there is plenty of sugar and distilled alcohol added to the finished product to adjust taste and increase the yield. That said, there is plenty of good, drinkable futsuu sake out there. This kind of sake is typically served hot.

 Honjozo: The rice used to make honjozo sake must be milled to at least 70% of its original size. Honjozo is generally light, fragrant and easy to drink.

 Junmai: This type of sake is made with only rice, water and koji moldnothing else is added. Junmai is typically milled to 70% or less of the rices original size, but the rice-only aspect is the most important qualification for this type. Junmai, and all the following grades, are typically served cold to preserve the more delicate flavors.

 Ginjo: In this type, the rice must be milled to at least 60%. Ginjo requires a long and labor-intensive brewing process, and thats reflected in its price tag. Tastes light, fruity and refined.

 Daiginjo: The rice for daiginjo sakes is milled to 50% or less before its fermented. A very small amount of distilled alcohol is added to the mix. Daiginjo tastes complex and fragrant.

 Junmai Daiginjo: The most labor-intensive brewing and the most highly milled rice is involved in making junmai daiginjo. This type of highly refined sake tastes clean and light.

Besides the degree of milling that the rice goes through, the other factors that go into the quality and particular flavor of any given sake are the type and origin of the rice used, the labor techniques, and the temperature at which its brewed. There are other, more specialized types of sake as well, such as flavored sakes made for cocktails and the unfiltered nigori.

Reading about sake and how its made is only a limited way of learning about it. The best and most enjoyable method of learning about this delicious beverage and its historical and cultural roots is to taste itideally, at a bar or restaurant where theres plenty to choose from and somebody on staff who knows their stuff. Ordering a flight is a good way to taste and compare several different kinds of sake to find out which flavors appeal to you the most. Perhaps youll love the Chikurin junmai ginjo, a strong and herbal brew, or the Daku nigori junmai, a unique, unfiltered sake with a mild and creamy palate. Its a new yearwhat better time to try something a little different?

Izanami, which by far has the most extensive sake list in New Mexico (and perhaps in the country), is a great place to taste some of the most premium and interesting sakes in the world. Because everyone behind the bar is given regular refreshers on the sakes they carry and what they each pair with, youll not be steered wrong. If you happen to find Mateo Miller behind the bar, ask him about his most recent trip to the sake breweries in Japan and watch him light up. Happy sipping.
Dateline: Florida

A Florida man was arrested for calling 911 to complain about the size of his dinner. According to the Stuart Police Department, a 51-year-old man was charged with misusing the emergency services line last month after calling twice to complain about the portion size of his dinner at a restaurant called Crabbys Seafood Shack. The man reportedly told a 911 dispatcher that he had been served clams that were extremely so small and didn't want to pay for them. The dispatcher told the man to call a non-emergency line, but he told police he'd forgotten the number. The man was not placed in custody, but is scheduled to be in court later this month.

Dateline: Pennsylvania

A woman was given a $284 billion electricity bill last week. Mary Horomanski, of Erie, Pa., told The Washington Post that she was shocked when she received a bill from her local electricity company showing an account balance of 284,460,000,000, with a first payment due of $28,176. According to the bill, the full amount wasn't due until Nov. 2018. Horomanski told reporters that her first reaction was to assess her family's electricity usage, wondering about the Christmas lights that were strung on the outside of their home. She texted an image of the bill to her eldest son, who contacted the electric company, who confirmed that the bill was a mistake. A spokesperson for the company said the cause of the error has yet to be discovered, and it was the first time the company had ever issued a bill for billions of dollars. The correct total was $284.46, which Horomanski says is still high, compared to the previous month.

Dateline: Hawaii

Two men who have been best friends for 60 years recently found out they were brothers. Alan Robinson, who was adopted as a child, and Walter Macfarlane, who never knew his father, first met in the sixth grade. The two have been best friends over the last six decades. While using a family history and DNA-matching website in an attempt to learn more about his ancestry, Macfarlane reportedly discovered a near-perfect genetic match in a man with the username Robi737. In an interview with local news station KHON2, his daughter told reporters that Macfarlane instantly knew who the other person was because Robinson went by the nickname Robi and was a pilot who flew 737s for Aloha Airlines. The two learned that they share their birth mother, a revelation they made public last week at a gathering of friends and family.

Dateline: Dominican Republic

Mourners attending the funerals of a group of people who died ingesting tainted homemade liquor reportedly drank the same liquor and also died. Officials in the Dominican Republic say a number of people died last month after drinking a homemade liquor made from sugarcane which contained methanol, a highly toxic liquid used in the production of formaldehyde and antifreeze. Methanol can cause blindness if ingested. Following the initial deaths, authorities say at least a dozen others died and at least 21 more were hospitalized when the tainted alcohol was served at the funerals of some of the victims. The deaths occurred near the border with Haiti and an unknown number of people there have reportedly died as well. Authorities in the Dominican Republic say they have yet to find the source of the tainted liquor.

Dateline: Denmark

Danish police are saying that a man carrying a large amount of cannabis got into a police car because he thought it was a taxi. Last week, Copenhagen police tweeted that an alleged drug-dealer was hurrying home when he mistook a police car for a taxi cab and entered the back seat. According to reports, the man was carrying around 1,000 joints at the time. The incident happened in Christiania, a district of Copenhagen known as a center for drug trade, according to the BBC. It is illegal to possess or distribute cannabis in Denmark. Law enforcement officials originally tweeted that the man would face a fine, but later said he could face a custodial sentence. Police have been conducting raids in Christiania in recent months, even using drones to fight the illegal trade of cannabis.

Dateline: Florida

A Florida man was arrested for punching an ATM after it gave him too much money. Cocoa police say a Wells Fargo automatic teller machine caught surveillance footage of a man hitting the device's touch screen late November. The man reportedly contacted the bank later in the day to apologize for the incident and tell the manager that he had punched the screen because the machine was dispensing too much money and he didn't know what to do. Bank officials say the man's attack cost over $5,000 in damages and pressed charges against him. He was arrested for criminal mischief by Cocoa police nearly a month after the attack.
So the earth continues to travel undisturbed in an unfathomably huge elliptical path around the sun, an impossibly massive, hot, yet verifiably real object only 93 million miles away. That burning blob of plasma gives us life. So remember that whatever spiritual, metaphysical, religious or scientific ideas this essay on prognostication engenders, we're all ultimately sun worshippers and our god is at least 4.5 billion years oldconstantly aflame with just the sort of radiation fleshy beings like us need to survive in the depths of space, by the way.

With all the uncertainty such a labyrinthine existential scheme breeds, it's no doubt the big-brained, hairless, bipedal apesof which you and I are invested tribe-membersare going to go seeking for further clarification.

That's probably especially true these days, when American culture has just spent the past two years transitioning from a hopeful, progressive, democratic society with growing global reach into a dour yet determined, regressive populist-nationalist regime dressed in protectionist and isolationist costumes to hide its ravenous imperial nature.

What's next? is not so much a rhetorical question or urgent bourgeois expletive uttered every month on bill day as it is the symbol of a real, growing quest to understand the massive changes facing human culture right now.

In the midst of crisis the answers folks seek tend to come from experts. The advice of the common man just won't do it in times when there just ain't no job growth and the North Koreans have an A-Bomb aimed at the heart of our enterprise. Economists are consulted. Planetary scientists. Mystics and lawyers. Rabbis, priests and bishops get a say too, as year-end predictions come pouring out through a gazillion media outlets.

But among our small communities, at the beginning of an all-too warm winter, we also tend to talk among ourselves. Here at Weekly Alibi, there's always a plethora of the informed, curiously shaping and inhabiting the spaces of our lives right here in Burque.

Here's who we talked to: local psychic Reta Crook-Bray, legendary Burqueno poet and bunny-man, Jeff Hartzer and public health scientist John Scariano. While their looks at the future varied and sometimes were at odds, they all wrote to us from their hearts about the futurethe place where, the Amazing Criswell noted, we will spend the rest of our lives.

The Seer

Reta Crook-Bray has been a part of the metaphysical/psychic community all of her life. While in high school her aunt and mother opened Abithas with the hope of bringing the tools to folks who practice the old ways. Reta has served Albuquerques Pagan community for near 30 years and looks forward to the years to come.

Weekly Alibi: What is happening in the world now, why have the last two years been so chaotic and where are we going?

Reta Crook-Bray: First, the past two years, fear and doubt have ruled side by side. Psychically meaning that once one allows fear and/or doubt to have a place in their life that person loses their own power.

The start to 2018 is blessing us with the full moon, Jan. 1. It is what is called a wolf moon and is full of strength and determination. It is also a supermoon, meaning that it is unusually close to the Earth, this will allow us to shed the guck and muck that we have been carrying for the past two or so years. Giving us the chance to lay a sound and strong foundation to build our goals and dreams upon.

Putting into place " resolutions" at this time of year is the norm, but think more if you will to be putting "the law" into effect, saying in effect, This is how my year will be! I will not settle for anything less than. ... Placing such statements into your energy/aura, one is adding intention and purpose to what they want and deserve.

How will things continue to change in 2018?

2018 is going to be a great year. Full of opportunities and new experiences. If one works on growing a positive vibration of good intent, all the ill and negativity that has been breeding will have no place and will have no strength to meddle.

Are there forces at work in this world beyond what the average human imagines? Are those forces working for or against us?

The extra energies that have been "hanging" around have been with us on this plane since Samhain, also known as Halloween. Several folks have felt the presence of their loved ones and others who have passed for several weeks now, not knowing exactly why but open to understanding it.

During the time of Samhain the veil between our world and the next becomes very thin. At that time spirits are able to visit and if they wish help those of us on the physical plane with what we might be trying to achieve. Energies of our guides, ancestors and guardian angels are always with us to try and help keep us on the path that we were placed upon from birth.

With that, there are also energies that when they left their physical body did not wish to leave this plane and have taken up a space filling it with a harmful and malice desire to harm those who physically reside in that space.

When off feelings come over you you can call out or pray for safety and protection from anything that wishes you harm. Cleansing your home, work, car, family and self will help clear these energies from the space and allow more peace and positive energy to reside.

What about all the dry warm weather this winter, what does that mean?

This past November, I saw a post of my friend's daughter building a snowman, normal for this time of year? yes. Where they live? No. My friend and her family live in Covington, La., just outside New Orleans. Here in New Mexico I see it as a blessing. Meaning that there are beings that are part of the land and are trying all that they can to make a better place for all of us. In doing so the energetic vibrations are so high that the traditional winter has no place here at this time.

Anything else you might want to add about the human condition, hope, the future?

As we go into 2018, keep your vibrations positive. When doubt wiggles into your thoughts tell it to "go away," or, "Be gone before someone drops a house on you." Give those negative thoughts and ill intent wishes no place to call home. And above all else be good to each other.

The Jester

A lifelong educator, writer, poet and photographerwho was also one of this towns first legitimate bloggersJeff Hartzer is also the curator of Bunnytown USA and a partner at AirDance ArtSpace. He has been a fresh and chaotic voice of this desert since 1985.

Weekly Alibi: What did you dream about 2018?

Jeff Hartzer: I awoke on New Years Day in the midst of an action-packed apocalyptic dream. A group including me, was each looking to hide in a ghost town similar to the set of AMCs season one of Preacher at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Cerrilloswith dusty roads, old half-open buildings and surrounded by a very vast unknown of emptiness. In this dream, no one knew each other, no one knew the apparently mobile enemy. We were each weaponless, lost, hungry, tired, dirty and very afraid. We were not hiding from zombies but rather from a mobile humanity on the hunt. And, we each felt helpless and yes, hopeless.

My dream was not an auspicious start to what the Chinese Zodiac refers to as the Year of the Earth Dog (2/ 16/ 2018- 2/ 4/ 2019). Our Commander-in-Chief was unfortunately born in 1946, making him in the Chinese parlance, an Earth Dog; yet, number 45 is the only POTUS in 130 years to not own a dog. Why would he? He genuinely only loves himself with no room for pets in his tiny cone of 'love. He even made Merry Christmas all about himself. Jesus! On the other paw, dogs receive all of our love (or hate) and return only geometrically increased amounts of true unconditional love no matter how kicked around or ignored they may be.

What do your dreams say about Albuquerque?

The world famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta will be canceled this year for lack of hot airthe stuff will be spewing unabated in Washington, leading to a ballooning crisis. Our Peetza Governor will secede to the Democrats as scheduled. At least three giant big box stores will be reborn as marijuana dispensaries. Mother Earths sacred salt beds will tire of mistakes at WIPP; results unknown.

Don Schrader will finally have to pay taxes after the skyrocketing sales of brewskis and apparel merch for his new brew, WHIZZBANGERS goes national. At thefullwiki.org Don shares, I have drunk my piss every day since 11/10/1999. Party on, Don. Zozobra will finally marry up and have little Zozos just like Orbits little ones. Finally and most importantly, I predict that Mayor Tim Kellers new beard will become white by next Christmas.

The Scholar

As a scientist, John Scariano works with large amounts of healthcare data to determine positive outcomes for his patients. A Chicago native, hes also passionate about culture and politics and has 28 years of teaching and research experience at the UNM School of Medicine, Department of Pathology.

Weekly Alibi: How will American life and health be affected in 2018?

John Scariano: The life expectancy in the US will decrease again this year, largely to the huge amount of opioid addiction were discovering especially among white, middle class, middle-aged adults.

In the larger scope of things, how will the health of the planet be affected this year?

Approval of previously banned neonicotinoid pesticidesmade possible by the Trump administrationwill cause continued decrease in specifice pollinating insect populations, particularly bumble- and honeybee populations. On a related note, the western US will continue to face a significant drought and subsequently there will be more wildfires.

What do you see as an outcome to this and other scientific issues?

Despite the denigration of science and scientists, reason and clear thinking will gain a new beach head after Nov. 2018.
Flood-hit families struggle to cope with winter chills

Flood displaced people living at Jamuwa in Biratnagar metropolis, Morang, are facing hardship due to cold weather.
Bye, Felicia.

That pretty much sums up the political year 2017 as it heads out into history. To get a better grip on 2018, its important to keep up with local and state politics. Here are a few suggestions regarding upcoming issues and people to keep up within order to get that grip on now and get your vote out later.

Historic Election

Buckle up buttercup, the important November 2018 campaign/election season is upon us and its gonna be a bronco ride. On the ballot, here in New Mexico, we have hundreds of key positions up for election: one US Senator (Martin Heinrich), all 3 US Representatives, Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, Auditor, Treasurer, Attorney General, Commissioner of Public Lands, 3 positions on the state Court of Appeals, 2 seats on the state supreme court, all 70 state representatives, 3 pubic regulation commissioners, 6 public education commissioners, the 11th Judicial District Attorney, 5 district judges.

All 33 counties have county commission, assessor and sheriff seats up for grabs, along with probate and magistrate judge positions. This includes the Albuquerque metropolitan area of Bernalillo, Sandoval, Santa Fe, Valencia, Cibola and Torrance counties. Mid-term elections all around the country will be getting influenced by the national agenda and its attached campaign money. There is plenty of opportunity to get involved by finding a candidate to get behind, or maybe even becoming a candidate. Check out the the bureau of elections resources on the Secretary of States website at www.sos.state.nm.us for all the info.

Water and Air

Air and water are of extreme importance, not only all over the globe but locally as well. The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Authority handles our drinking water and its infrastructure for the greater metropolitan area. These are the folks pulling the water out of the aquifer or the Rio Grande river, cleaning it up and piping it into our homes to flow from our faucets. This body not only controls the water flow but has the power to guide growth and its sprawl when asked to approve a water application to business and housing developments. It is currently reviewing an application for Santolina, a proposed Westside development of 90,000 residents. This decision will impact area residents for many decades to come. To keep up with our precious agua and for other local water information, check out the water authoritys website, especially the latest news tab atwww.abcwua.org.

Another little talked about board that impacts residents with every breath we take is the city county Air Quality Board. This board is charged with implementing the federal Clean Air Act and the state Air Quality Control Act by adopting air quality regulations and standards. The board also approves, or declines, permits for industries like cement plants and gasoline tank farms in the South Valley and other businesses that release airborne toxins or dust. With federal environmental protections on shaky ground, it is up to local bodies like these to keep industries in check. And just as importantly, it is up to citizens to keep the local entities in sync with the community. A good place to keep up and get smart about local environment and political matters is www. nmpoliticalreport.com and www.kunm.org.

Susans Goodbye Session

The upcoming 30-day state legislative session is a short session which is set by the New Mexico Constitution for budget issues and whatever the governor wants to bring forth. This will be governor Susana Martinezs last session so expect her to try to push through legacy legislation like some tough as nails crime and DWI bills. The state supposedly has some extra bucks so well see if the governor goes on a crime-fighting spending spree. The quick session precedes the state house November elections so there will be some jockeying for undecided voters with some Legislative posturing about the hot button issues across New Mexico. To keep up, find your state legislator by going to www.nmlegis.gov then let them know what you think.
PRINT | EMAIL | PERMALINK Newscity State Budget Sees Growth A report issued by analysts for the Legislative Finance Committee found that gross receipts tax revenue is increasing faster than projected. Altogether, recurring revenue rose 17 percent, to $292 million, during the first third of this fiscal yearwhich ended in Octobercompared with the same period last year. According to the report, the exact causes behind the rise is unclear, but could have come as a result in the rebounding of the state's gas and oil industry last year. Rep. Patricia Lundstrom, chairwoman of the Legislative Finance Committee, told reporters that she expects the LFC to recommend 1.5 percent pay raises for state employees and teachers, but that New Mexico's reserves are critically low and might have to be filled before addressing other needs. A spokesperson for Gov. Susana Martinez took credit on her behalf, claiming the report's findings were a result of the governor's decision to reject proposed tax increases early last year. According to the Albuquerque Journal, economists in the executive and legislative branches of the state's government have estimated around $199 million in revenue above this years budgeted spending levels. The year's budgetwhich takes hold July 1will be drafted during a legislative session that begins Jan. 16.

New Bill Could Extend Protections for Native Children and Police A federal measure was introduced in Congress last month by US Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., proposing increased protections for Native children and tribal police officers involved in domestic violence incidents on tribal lands. The Native Youth and Tribal Officer Protection Act, if made law, would expand tribal jurisdiction provisions in the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act to include children and law enforcement personnel responding to domestic violence calls. The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act, signed into law in 2013, recognizes tribes authority to exercise jurisdiction over natives and non-natives who commit acts of domestic violence or criminally violate protection orders on tribal lands. In a statement made last month, Udall called the bill's lack of protections for children and law enforcement officers a loophole which the new measure would close. The release states the Navajo Nation is among the entities supporting the measure. The Native Youth and Tribal Officer Protection Act is cosponsored by Sens. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev. The bill is supported by the All Pueblo Council of Governors and the pueblos of Acoma, Santa Ana and Santa Clara.
UPDATE: The order's been issued. It's here.

WASHINGTON, D.C.Just four days after the largest state in the union, California, began legal sales of marijuana for recreational use, Attorney General of the United States Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III, a staunch and longtime opponent of marijuana use, has announced that he will issue an order later today that will end federal "hands-off" policies for states that have legalized pot for either medical or personal recreational use.

According to a report on Buzzfeed.com, in anticipation of Sessions' order, senior Justice Department officials "stressed that they wanted U.S. attorneys, who are assigned to districts around the country, to use their discretion to determine whether someone should face federal charges for a marijuana offense."

"I think that U.S. attorneys need to determine what cases need to be brought in their district and if they believe additional prosecutions are necessary," one of the officials said during a briefing with reporters Thursday morning.

Though lengthy and protracted legal battles over legal marijuana likely lie ahead, Sessions elimination of Obama-era policies stopping federal authorities from enforcing anti-pot laws in states that legalize the drugfirst reported Thursday morning by The Associated Presshas the potential to end or at least slow the trend toward nationwide marijuana legalization, and make pot users and retailers in states where use is legal vulnerable to arrest by the feds.

California voted in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana use and sale in 2016, and the law went into effect on January 1 of this year, creating what would likely become the worlds largest legal marijuana market.

But marijuana users counting on the protection of Californias laws, as well as laws in 32 other states plus the District of Columbia, which legalized marijuana for medical or recreational use, could now fall victim to federal law, which still outlaws marijuana and allows for arrest and prosecution of pot users and dealers.

Colorado legalized recreational marijuana in 2014, and the Republican U.S. Senator from that state, Cory Gardner, pledged that he would oppose any move by Sessions to curtail the states law.

"This reported action directly contradicts what Attorney General Sessions told me prior to his confirmation. With no prior notice to Congress, the Justice Department has trampled on the will of the voters in CO and other states," Gardner posted on his Twitter account Thursday morning. "I am prepared to take all steps necessary, including holding DOJ nominees, until the Attorney General lives up to the commitment he made to me prior to his confirmation."

In 2013, President Barack Obama issued a written directive preventing federal authorities from enforcing anti-marijuana laws in states that have legalized the drug for medical or recreational use. But Sessions has now severely restricted that directive, instead allowing federal prosecutors to decide whether to pursue marijuana enforcement in some situations even in legal pot states.

The new Sessions policy is expected, perhaps more importantly, to discourage private investment in the legal marijuana business, which has become a booming industry, with the market in California alone expected to generate more than $5 billion in sales by 2019.

"This is a victory," Kevin Sabet, chief of the anti-pot group Smart Approaches to Marijuana, said, as quoted by Bloomberg News. "It's going to dry up a lot of the institutional investment that has gone toward marijuana in the last five years."

Sessions has long been on record with his belief that the dangers of marijuana are similar to those posed by hard drugs such as heroin, and that legal marijuana sales in states such as Colorado have led to increases in crime and violence, despite statistics showing the opposite.

The American public also shows widespread and rising support for legalizing marijuana, according to a recent Gallup poll. Taken in October, the poll showed 64 percent of Americans now favoring the legalization of pot, the highest figure recorded in the half-century that Gallup has polled on the marijuana question.

As recently as 2011 only about 50 percent of Americans supported legalizing marijuana, and throughout the 1990s that figure stayed stable at a mere 25 percent, give or take a few points.

(Ed.'s note: And let's not forget, if they can screw with legal pot, they can almost as easily screw with legal porn.)
CHATSWORTH, Calif.Three giants in the pleasure products industry make up the Class of 2018 inductees into the AVN Hall of Fame  Pleasure Products Branch.

Sam Boltansky of Komar Co., Joel Kaminsky of Good Vibrations and Bruce Murison of Standard Innovation are the eighth class of inductees into the Pleasure Products Branch of the AVN Hall of Fame. They represent the distribution, retail and manufacturing segments of the pleasure products industry.

The induction officially takes place at the 2018 AVN Awards Show, slated for Saturday, Jan. 27 in The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. The AVN Awards are presented by MyFreeCams.com.

Sam Boltansky was one of the first people who helped to get pornography and sex toys out to the masses, but he paid a price for doing so during some turbulent times in the country.

Boltansky ran the family-owned and operated Komar Co., which in 1960 was a U.S. distributor for the U.K.-based Penguin Books. Komar Co. was moving 2 million copies of Lady Chatterlys Lover annually from a brick building in Baltimore. While federal judges prevented the U.S. governments attempts to block distribution of the book in America, it didnt stop officials from trying to go after those who distributed pornography. Boltansky was among those accused of illegally distributing obscene material and having ties to organized crime.

Boltansky fought the law, however, and eventually won an acquittal in 1972 of a federal obscenity prosecution. He continued fighting for the First Amendment, and even mounted a legal campaign to ensure prison inmates had proper access to pornography.

In addition to his work in adult and fights for the First Amendment, Boltansky also was a local real estate developer and philanthropist.

Boltansky sold his interests in the Komar Company in the early 2000s. He died in 2002.

Joel Kaminsky is currently the CEO of Good Vibrations, a premier retailer trusted for more than 30 years to provide high-quality products, education and information that promotes sexual health, pleasure and empowerment. But his history in the industry stretches back to his teenage years.

My first jobs were seasonal, during school breaks, working in the warehouse in the 1960s, and later on full time after graduating college in 1975, Kaminsky said. I started as a store supervisor of 10 stores in the Cleveland/Akron area. I would go on to run or operate stores for the next 30-plus years in eight different states along with Australia until purchasing Good Vibrations 10 years ago and then along with Babeland in August of this past year.

In the early 2000s, Kaminsky did double duty, serving as CEO of both Good Vibrations and General Video of AmericaTrans World News, where he worked alongside his niece, Rondee Kamins, who had purchased the business from her father, Mel Kamins. Prior to that, he had been with the Adult Superstore in San Francisco.

Kaminsky has long loved the industry, particularly the pleasure products side, and has been witness to changes not only in manufacturing processes, but also the real lansdscape.

I love this industry and remain optimistic and hopeful that it will continually improve. That said, I have a lot of concerns about the ease of purchasing low-quality look-alike items from the China marketplace. Many of these are sold on sites such as Amazon, eBay and the like, he said. This can result in potentially new customers developing a low opinion toward the industry, or worse, in an unhealthy physical reaction. We have chosen to stay true to vendors that we know have strict quality control and for the most part are original manufacturers.

From a positive standpoint, Im excited about the plethora of quality products that are being introduced into the marketplace, he continued. Healthy competition has driven the market upwards. Body-safe materials are now a must, as is consideration for the consumer. Rechargeable vibrators are gaining more wall space versus battery operated. Dildos are available in more colors, shapes and sizes. And gender expression products are now gaining more space as well. Manufacturers of products are providing more support in training and in offering warranties and considering consumer feedback in the manufacturing process.

Founded in 1977 by Joani Blank, Good Vibrations came to be known as an outlet for entrepreneurial people to make high-quality sex toys. At one point, Blank transformed the store into a worker-owned and operated cooperative. In 2006, some years after Blank had left Good Vibrations, the store returned to a more traditional business structure and then sold itself in 2007 to GVA-TWN. Kaminsky purchased Good Vibrations outright in 2008 and hired Jackie Strano to run operations.

Im honored to be recognized by AVN, Kaminsky said. How many people get to receive an award for merely doing what they love? Im most fortunate.

Bruce Murison helped to revolutionize the pleasure products industry a decade ago with his invention, the We-Vibe. The idea for the vibrators designed to be used by couples and worn by women during lovemaking was the result of a conversation between Murison and his wife, Melody, while brainstorming possible inventions.

The idea of creating a sex toy started as a joke between the duo, but soon led to years of research, development and hard work to create something that could reach an untapped market: couples.

Melody and I had been working in the semiconductor manufacturing industry for Nortel when the tech crash hit Ottawa in the early 2000s, Murison told AVN. My job was about to vaporize and change would soon to be upon us. I had been inventing since my early teens, and I had probably researched 20 inventions up to that point. I dreamed of building a company and taking a product to market. When Melody and I were thinking of what to do next, I came up with the idea of vibrator that couples can use together. When I did further research, I found that the adult market was poised and had long been waiting for innovation and advanced design. My vision was to create a unique product and bring high-tech, advanced manufacturing practices to the industry.

When introduced, the We-Vibe was like nothing the industry had ever seen. The C-shape of the piece was new, as was its use of silicone, which was not the norm a decade ago. We-Vibe did not look like a traditional pleasure product, and it took almost no time for the couples vibrator to develop a dedicated fan base.

Since then, the We-Vibe family of products has grown to include other version of the original piece, as well as new designs for women and couples. Recently, the parent company Standard Innovation began designing items for men as well.

Ive seen a great deal of change in my 10 years in the adult market, Murison said. It started with more and more companies using body-safe materials and focusing on both functional and aesthetic design. As the industry matures, we are seeing a shift from product marketing to lifestyle branding. More brands using consumer research and insights to guide their direction. Now we are just beginning to see what the internet of things can bring to the industry. All of this means that brands are investing heavily in research and development and are taking steps to protect their intellectual property. This is a healthy development for the industry and will ensure that companies continue to invest in innovation.

And while Murison helped to revolutionize product design and technology in the market with his invention, he admits there is more to come not only from his company, but future generations of designers and inventors as well.

Artificial intelligence and miniaturization will enable innovation that we cant yet imagine, he said. Smart learning technology will allow for sophisticated toys that are easy to use. They will learn and adapt to each unique individual's specific likes and routines. There is a fair amount of habitual nature to our sexual pleasure, and it wont take much for toys to learn precisely how to offer a customized experience, whether used solo or with a partner. Eventually, the toys will know what you mean when you ask for a quickie or an hour of pleasure.

Murison knows part of his success is a right place, right time phenomenon, but notes that We-Vibe avoided being a flash in the pan because of the dedication and hard work of people with whom he and Melody worked.

Melody and I were very fortunate that we started We-Vibe during a cultural shift when the conversation about sex toys was changing, and retail stores were becoming more welcoming to couples, Murison said. The hard work began many years before our first sale in 2008, and to make We-Vibe successful it has continued for the past decade. Its one thing to have an idea and manufacture a product, but building a business takes time and commitment. The secret to success is to stick to your knitting and find people that are good at everything you are not. Build a great team and empower them to do their best. Melody and I are very fortunate to have the most talented people behind us. Im also personally so thankful to have Frank Ferrari to run the business. Not only does Standard Innovation have a great leader in Frank, but he also allows me to do what I love and do best: focus on innovation and design.

For more information on the AVN Awards, visit AVNAwards.com.
LOS ANGELESMaia Toys is starting off the new year with a fresh line of products and a new look.

The company is concluding their year-long brand re-vamp with a full-fledged showcase of 10 new luxury sex toys, enhanced packaging, and a dedicated American sales team composed of industry veterans Lisa Hanna and Nicole Talley.

According to Hanna, Maia's president of sales, visitors at the ANME Founders Show can see the company's tripled treat of customer incentives: pricing, packaging and beautiful colors.

We have 10 new products that we are showing at AMNE that will be available in February with an incredible price point, Hanna said. We are also decreasing our price point on eight items, and offering a 5 percent AMNE special for all orders written at the show.

Retailers can look forward to more attractive and practical packaging with magnetic metal closures, and new marketing and point-of-sale materials. We have changed over all of our products to the new magnetic closure packaging, she continued. Our packaging is now up-to-date with the market and we have received a lot of positive feedback on it already.

Show visitors will also catch a live glimpse of the highly-anticipated Angel bullet vibrator, which Maia released last fall. Boasting 25 speed patterns and a waterproof, rechargeable design, the Angel brings a powerful edge to the company's product line-up.

The Angel has done extremely well with customers so far, and the accompanying display makes it a stand-out item for brick and mortar shops, said Hanna. We've put in a lot of effort to improve all aspects of the Maia Toys brand, and we now have customers asking for our products and where they can purchase them.

To learn more about Maia Toys' latest releases or to book an appointment for the January 2018 ANME trade show, email Lisa Hanna at [email protected] or Nicole Talley at [email protected]
HOUSTON, TX  TS starlet Valentina Mia is ringing in the New Year by getting up close and personal with fans on Chaturbate every day this week from 3pm to 5pm CT.

I thought Id celebrate the first week of 2018 on Chaturbate getting sexy with my fans, says Mia. One of my new years resolutions is to be more giving, and you can find out what that means every afternoon for a Happy Hour you wont soon forget.

For more information on Mia Valentina on Chaturbate go here.

Follow Valentina Mia on her website, Valentina-Mia.com, on Twitter @VousValentina, on Instagram @VousValentina, and on Snapchat @VousValentina.
5 Causes of Nursing Home Resident Anxiety Unfortunately, for many reasons anxiety happens more often by long-term care residents than by those who live in
Minimum temperature drops to 1.5 degree Celsius in Kathmandu

With the minimum temperature plummeting to 1.5 degree Celsius, Kathmandu valley on Thursday experienced the coldest day of this winter season so far, the Weather Forecasting Division stated.
NC, Tarai parties persuade Dahal to lead new govt

Amid political deadlock over formation of new government, leaders of the left alliance, the Nepali Congress and Madhes-based parties are busy exploring possibilities of forming a non-UML government.


In ADGN: An Algorithm for Record Linkage Using Address, Date of Birth, Gender, and Name, newly published in Statistics and Public Policy, a pair of researchers from Harvard and Tufts build a statistical model to analyze the impact of the voter ID laws passed in Republican-controlled states as part of a wider voter suppression project that was explicitly aimed at suppressing the votes of racialised people, historically likely to vote Democrat.



There have been numerous profiles of the people targeted by these laws (the NYT even made an Oregon-Trail-style game based on the kafka-esque rigamarole the GOP put in the way of poor and black voters).





Supreme Court justice dismissed these first-person reports as "sociological gobbledygook," so the researchers set out to create an unimpeachable, quantitative, empirical model showing that voter ID laws disproportionately disenfranchised black and brown people, especially poor ones.

That's what they found.



Once Hersh and Ansolabehere were confident they had properly matched registered voters to their ID records, they used a commercial tool called Catalist to predict each voter's race. That tool analyzes names to determine how likely a given name is to be associated with one race or another. It also accounts for the demographics of the Census block where a given voter lives. Using this tool, the researchers confirmed what voting rights advocates already know to be truethat black voters are more likely to lack adequate identification under voter ID laws. According to the study, 3.6 percent of registered white voters had no match in any state or federal ID database. By contrast, 7.5 percent of black registered voters were missing from those databases. The algorithm shows a clear and disturbing racial disparity on voting rights. But Hersh says that it also shows that voter ID laws affect a relatively small percentage of the population. Across all registered voters in Texas, the researchers found 4.5 percent lack proper identification. For registered voters who actually showed up at the polls in 2012, it's 1.5 percent.

ADGN: An Algorithm for Record Linkage Using Address, Date of Birth, Gender, and Name [Stephen Ansolabehere and Eitan Hersh/Statistics and Public Policy]





A Dead-Simple Algorithm Reveals the True Toll of Voter ID Laws [Issie Lapowsky/Wired]
News / National

by Simbarashe Sithole

A Harare Central cop was reportedly shot dead during New Year's celebrations in a beer binge at Chitova 2 business centre in Murehwa.Reliable sources allege Gift Kawishi (31) was shot three times in the chest by William Mutiwa Hukuimwe (51) after a misunderstanding during a drinking spree on 1 January 2018 around 00:30hours."Allegations are that Kawishi was drinking with his friend Bothwell Dzoto (34) when they had a misunderstanding with a man identified as Stavo in the bar."The misunderstanding resulted in Stavo assaulting Kawishi with an empty bottle once on the head. Stavo then left the two moving away from them to a distance about 60 metres.Gift Kawishi and Bothwell Dzoto then followed Stavo and another fight ensued. Hukuimwe then got out his bar armed with a baton stick and started to assault the deceased and his friend," explained the source.It is further alleged that Hukuimwe was refrained from assaulting the duo with a baton stick before picking a gun from his car, a Mercedes Benz registration number ACI 5733."He reportedly pulled a FN baby pistol serial number 172181 and fired three shot on kawishi on the left lower side of his chest and he died instantly," added the source.Meanwhile, Hukuimwe is in police custody assisting with investigations under RRB number 3436354.Acting Mashonaland East province police spokesperson Tendai Mwanza could not be reached for comment as his mobile phone went unanswered.
News / National

by Simbarashe Sithole

Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) provincial chairperson for Mashonaland Central Justine Chitate has been laid to rest in Musana Bindura South constituency today (Wednesday.)He was 69 and is survived by four wives, fifteen children and many grandchildren.Chitate collapsed and died on New Year's Eve while gracing a memorial service of an MDC-T activist in ward 17.Hundreds of people converged at Chitate's homestead in Musana and all his party's vice presidents were in attendance that is Thokozani Khupe who was the guest of honour, Elias Mudzuri and Nelson Chamisa.Members of the MDC Alliance were also in attendance and gave their solidarity messages ahead of the 2018 harmonised election.Addressing mourners Khupe urged people of Mashonaland Central to remain united, trust in God before imploring them to pray for their president Morgan Tsvangirai who is battling colonial cancer."We would like to express our deepest condolences to the Chitate family and indeed to the entire MDC family for the loss of our chairman.As Mashonaland Central we urge you to remain united despite attacks by ZANU PF, for we know in this province ZANU PF killed a huge number of our supporters.This 2018 we are saying vaTsvangirai chete chete, we know he is sick but God up there will heal him let us all pray for our president since ZANU PF is already defeated in the looming election," she said.However, people were soaked in rain when burying Chitate as the rain season gets momentum.
News / National

by Staff Reporter

A Gweru woman died after she was struck on the head with a hoe handle by her husband who allegedly caught her with another man in their bedroom. Innocent Mujakachi (37), according to sources, found his wife Solani Hlanganiso in bed with another man when he attacked her and left her unconscious."She was rushed to hospital where she later succumbed to the injuries she sustained from the attack," said a source.Acting police spokesperson for Midlands province Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende confirmed Hlanganiso's death while on admission at Gweru Provincial Hospital last Sunday. She said police have since launched a manhunt for the suspected husband, who is still at large."I can confirm that police in Gweru are investigating a murder case in which a 37-year-old woman, Solani Hlanganiso died after she was attacked with a hoe handle by her husband after he found her with an identified guest in their house," she said.Asst Insp Mukwende said Mujakachi left home on December 23 during the night, saying he was going to Shurugwi, but later came back that same night only to find his wife with an unidentified man in their bedroom."On 23 December, 2017 at around 9.30 pm, the now deceased was home alone after her husband indicated that he was going to Shurugwi. She then went to see her niece at her parents' home who had visited from Harare."She returned home in the company of an unidentified male guest," said Asst Insp Mukwende. "Mujakachi suddenly returned home and found Hlanganiso with her guest. He picked up a log and attempted to strike the unidentified guest, but Hlanganiso restrained him, giving the guest a chance to escape. Mujakachi then took a hoe handle and used it to attack his wife. He fled the scene, leaving her unconscious."Asst Insp Mukwende said a fellow tenant later made a report to the police."Police attended the scene and Hlanganiso was taken to the hospital, but later died while on admission on Sunday 30 December 2017," she said.
News / National

by Stephen Jakes

The MDC-T and MDC Alliance has condemned in strongest terms the arrest and detention of Mthwakazi Republic Party youth by the military for staging a protest demanding President Emmerson Mnangagwa to address the Gukurahundi issue which he is accused of participating in.MDC-T Bulawayo spokesperson Felix Mafa Sibanda said it is with regret and extreme apprehension to note that the junta and its surrogates are at it again."We as MDC family condemn in the most and strongest words possible the barbaric assault and detain MRP cadres for expressing themselves in form of peaceful picketing/demonstration against deafening silence of President ED on Gukurahundi genocide (1983 to 1987) abruptly stopped by surrender documents ,dumped "infamous Unity Accord" he said"We therefore call upon all minded political formations and progressive civil society organizations to petition or approach the constitutional court for adjudication as a strong statement against violation of the Supreme Law,the constitution of Zimbabwe."Sibanda said MDC is clear on constitutionalism and freedoms of all, therefore they don't mind of any ideological thrust or difference"of any organization but support what is right and condemn what is unconstitutional and inhuman as how the police, army ,CIO and ZANU PF zealots manhandled and tortured members of the Mthwakazi Republican Party (MRP).Zimbabwe has never experienced being detained by the military except during the Gukurahundi genocide."Are we reverting to 1983 ...1987 era. That has to made clear by the power a that be so that it is known word wide that tables have adversely turned upside down few weeks from Mugabe infamous era. Zimbabwe is distressed to the marrow by the insensitive and disregard of the constitution of Zimbabwe which guarantees human and other rights as it were. We unreserverdly condemn that barbaric behavior by those involved and demand their arrest and be made accountable in courts of law," he said.
News / National

by Staff Reporter

This article was first publish by the Southern Eye on the 16th of September 2014. #TBT

Independence in Zimbabwe was not a time for jubilation for most ex-combatants as some found homes they had left intact destroyed and families killed, leaving them with nowhere to go.For the majority of Zipra cadres, independence in 1980 was not good news as their political wing Zapu had lost the first elections to Zanu PF.Scores of Zipra combatants were butchered or incarcerated for no apparent reason between 1981 to 1984 and some disappeared never to be seen again.One former notorious dissident Tennyson Ndlovu, who was widely known as Thambolenyoka, told Southern Eye from his base in Fiabusi, Insiza district, that 1980 evokes pain and misery Zipra combatants suffered for liberating this country.Ndlovu, whose guerrilla name was Hezel Magendlela, said when he returned to Zimbabwe after independence, he found nobody at his former home, but only the smell of gun powder as his family had been killed during the war."I had to start afresh begging from here and there. Those that were alive expected something from me, but life was just difficult for me and everybody at that time," Ndlovu said.He said becoming a bandit or an insurgent was not by choice, but was caused by the prevailing political situation at that time as Zanu and Zapu were at each other's throats.Ndlovu said after independence in 1980, he entered the country through Livingstone, Zambia, and became commander of a battalion after their leader was killed by the Rhodesia Special Branch at the border town.He assumed command and led his men and women to the Gwayi River Mine in Matabeleland North.While in Gwayi, the battalion was put on identification parade where some combatants were picked up by the special branch and were never seen again.He said the remaining members of his battalion were sent to Llewellyn Barracks (present day Imbizo) in Bulawayo where others were integrated and some were sent to a camp called Juliet in Gwanda.Some were absorbed into the Zimbabwe National Army and the rest were sent back to Gwayi."I got to Zimbabwe via Livingstone and my battalion commander was killed along the way and l took over the command. We proceeded to Gwayi River Mine where some of my members disappeared after an identification parade by the special branch," Ndlovu said."I left for Bulawayo where l thought we were going to be integrated, but was later sent to Gwanda and back to Gwayi. I was demobilised in 1982."Ndlovu said he found a job at National Foods where he worked until 1985 at the height of the Gukurahundi genocide.One day going home after work, Ndlovu said he saw a long queue of people forced to line up by soldiers who were identifying Zipra and Zapu cadres.Sensing danger, Ndlovu said he and a colleague he only identified as Sibindi went to the late Vice-President Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo's Pelandaba house to enquire about what was going on."The queues stretched from Lobengula West to the city centre and soldiers were trying to identify former Zipra and Zapu cadres. I and a colleague went to Nkomo's house in Pelandaba to ask the way forward after realising the harassment and we were advised that if we had ulomklampunzi, usebenzise (a knobkerrie, use it)."l went to Thenjiwe Lesabe in Gumtree where l was directed to go and join some revolutionaries at Silobini in Esigodini," Ndlovu said.He operated with 30 other ex-combatants in Matabeleland South."This time l was not reporting to anyone anymore, but to my conscience as l did not want to tarnish the name of Zapu and in the group l was the commissar where information was always at my fingertips," he said."We fought to bring the two parties to talk and we achieved that. The type of operation was different because Zapu was responsible for organising civilians for us to get what we needed as guerrillas, but as revolutionaries we had to use money and calves stolen from the whites to get what we wanted."I remember one day I got to tall grass and when I was clearing the way using my hands in the Halisupi area of Gwanda, l touched an elephant which trumpeted, but it did not attack me."During that time, we were everywhere; you could hear of my presence in Plumtree and in Filabusi within a day.During the operations we had to apply commando tactics whereby we operated in threes or at times individually depending on the situation on the ground. We constantly monitored the goings-on through newspapers, radio and through people."We also monitored parliamentary sessions up to the time of the signing of Unity Accord and the declaration of our amnesty," Ndlovu said.He said a total of 116 dissidents laid down their weapons in 1988 after the announcement of an amnesty and of the 30 that operated in Matabeleland South, 24 returned while the others died in action.After the amnesty, Ndlovu integrated well into the society and held several posts in the war veterans' association and in Zanu PF.Presently, Ndlovu is a farmer and a Zanu PF councillor for Ward 14 in Insiza serving a second term.Ward 14 covers Fort Rixon and Makhandeni.He is married with 12 children and 20 grandchildren.
News / National

by Simbarashe Sithole

A 33-year-old Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer is on the run after allegedly embezzling $90 000 meant for officers who were deployed for Biometric Voters Registration (BVR) exercise in Mashonaland West.Sources close to investigations allege Sargent Lameck Karombo who is a finance assistant with ZRP at Mashonaland West provincial headquarters, transferred the money from the police account to his Agribank account."On 2 January 2018 at around 11:00hours a bank statement regarding ZRP Mashonaland West Provincial Contingency Account, CBZ Bank Chinhoyi Account number 22980790015 was requested and issued."On analysing the bank statement it was discovered that there was no money in the account. A further analysis reflected that two transactions involving $60 000 and $30 000 were effected on 21 December 2017," revealed the source.Police details visited CBZ Chinhoyi branch where the money was transferred into Karombo's Agribank account number 1100000073369 and an application was done to freeze the account which had a bank balance of $13 609,15 after he had already used $76 390.85.Mashonaland West police spokesperson Inspector Clemence Mabweazara confirmed the case but refused to shed more light."That case is there unfortunately l am yet to get all the details as to that regard," he said.Meanwhile, ZRP officers in Mashonaland Central province who are reportedly in three phases in getting their BVR are yet to be paid.Investigations by Bulawayo24.com proved that the first phase got $198.00, the second got $60 while the third is yet to get a single cent from their employer out of the agreed $480.
News / National

by Staff Reporter

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has announced the extension of its mobile voter registration exercise by one month.Speaking to ZBC News in Harare this Thursday morning, ZEC Acting Chairperson Commissioner Emmanuel Magade said the mop up exercise will start from the 10th of January to the 8th of February with an advance campaign exercise to alert citizens set to kick off days before the resumption of the BVR extension.Commissioner Magade said the extension has been necessitated by the High Court ruling of 29 November 2017 which said former aliens should be allowed to vote and the issuing of IDs to some citizens who had no documents at the beginning of the exercise and have since obtained them from the Registrar-General's mobile registration exercise.Some youngsters who have just attained the voting age will also be accommodated through the mop up exercise.Commissioner Magade said the provincial voters roll should be ready by end of March to beginning of April after which the public will be required to inspect it.The final voters roll is expected by May latest to pave way for the Presidential proclamation which dissolves parliament and announces the election date.According to the laws and constitution of Zimbabwe, the election should be held 30 days prior to the expiry of the incumbents' 5 year presidential term.President Emmerson Mnangagwa has assured the world that the country will hold free, fair and credible elections this year.
Opinion / Columnist

Recent arrests of Mthwakazi youths in Bulawayo and their subsequent detention at Army barracks points out to what we have been all saying.The Army is in total control of Zimbabwe and the appointment of General Chiwenga to the presidium as well as defence portfolio speaks volume of how the junta seeks to spread its tentacles of power in the government.In 2008 the MDC T won the general elections but the Army circumvented the will of the people. General Chiwenga and their coup frontman, ED Mnangagwa, delayed announcement of the result while they devised a plan to retain Mugabe as the President. A runoff was called for and the Army got into motion torturing people who had expressed their will.More than 200 people were killed and many suffered permanent injuries.The involvement of the Army buttresses the fact that they have been in control for a long time. The late General Mujuru comes to mind, he exerted much influence in the Zanu pf but gullible Zimbabweans glorify even a monster. Zimbabwean people saw Mujuru as just a kingmaker yet it was the start of Army influencing Zimbabwean politics.The Army will not be accepted directly so they put a frontman to pretend they are not involved.Mugabe could not step down after losing in 2008 because the Army needed him to camouflage their power.It is the same now again,ED is just a front for the junta.General Chiwenga is the most powerful man. After ED he will tell us he has been anointed to lead Zimbabwe.Mnangagwa might be sincere in saying we need investors to revive the economy. It ends there ...just talk. The Army will not encourage any meaningful investor except Chinese who will come to loot our resources with impunity.Zimbabweans were used to participate in a march they stood to benefit nothing.It raises the question, why are the Army Generals afraid of that they cannot surrender power to a democratically elected government?It is fear of atrocities committed during Gukurahundi were they exterminated thousands of innocent lives .Their only crime being Ndebele people.Wheels of justice might be delayed but they will surely turn one day.
Opinion / Columnist

The Zimbabwe Achievers Awards (ZAA) International has commenced its 2018 campaigns for its UK and South Africa Editions.(ZAA) UK returns for its 8th Anniversary with organisers calling on the public to nominate prospective recipients for this year's honours while South Africa has been growing strong and plans are underway for its 4th Edition.Award nominations are now open across all categories and the public will have until 28th February to put forward those individuals and organisations they feel have distinguished themselves in various ventures over the past year.The nominee announcement for both editions are scheduled to take place in March and the awards ceremonies are scheduled for April in South Africa and May in the UK."From our professionals working in various fields to our artists, entrepreneurs, philanthropists and charities, Zimbabwean talent is making its presence felt in our host countries" the Chairman for ZAA International Conrad Mwanza said. He added, "the idea for ZAA was birthed from my motivation to recognise the hard work and achievements of Zimbabweans living and working abroad. Every year, I continue to be amazed at how Zimbabweans continue to break barriers in their respective fields and that's what keeps ZAA relevant."ZAA International has also released a 3 tier ticket range with early birds at 65pp before 31st January, 75pp from 1stFebruary to 31st March and 85pp thereafter. South Africa will follow a similar model with R500 in January, R650pp in February and R800pp thereafter. As per our usual standards, both events will include a 3 course meal and a drinks reception, added Bridget Mudhosi, ZAA South Africa DirectorThe high profile occasion has become the highpoint of celebration for professional and artistic achievements by Zimbabweans around the world.Last October, ZAA successfully launched another edition in Australia. The organisers, who have consolidated the awards brand in the UK, US and South Africa felt it was time to extend the platform to Australia, which hosts a number of Zimbabweans. There is a huge pull to host the event in the Motherland and plans are now underway.To Nominate, secure early bird tickets and for more info: www.zimachievers.com
Of human rights

Parliament may not be in place by Feb 10 when terms of transitional justice bodies expire
Will Smith On How He Became Successful

Trending News: Will Smith Revealed How To Reach Your Goals And It's Motivating AF

Long Story Short

On his vlog, Will Smith talked about how he was able to accomplish his dreams and shared some hilarious stories with fellow A-listers Tom Cruise, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis and Sylvester Stallone.

Long Story

Will Smith is one of the highest paid actors, he's consistently been in big movies for decades and when he swerved to a side career, Michael Jordan-style, he won two Grammys. But you don't get as successful as Will Smith has reached by slacking.

On a recent episode of his vlog, Will Smith was on a press tour for his new Netflix movie Bright in Mumbai, India, and shared some fascinating thoughts. Smith says that traveling to different parts of the world to meet new people and promote his movies is one of the main reasons he became so successful  but that wasn't always his goal.

At first, he thought success just meant getting big in the U.S., but then Arnold Schwarzenegger came around. Well, actually Big Willy met Arny at the opening of a Planet Hollywood somewhere and Bruce Willis and Sylvester Stallone also happened to be there.

OMG I got these three guys in the room," Smith recalls thinking (can you blame him?). And then he said: "Okay, I want to be the biggest movie star in the world and I need you guys to tell me how to do it.

Here's what the ex-Governator said: If your movie is only big in America, it doesnt matter. Youll be a movie star only when you are a movie star in every country in the world. You have to travel, you have to go meet the people.

And so he did. But it wasn't easy. He had to stay extremely committed and dedicated every minute of every day to promote his movies.

In that part of my career, I refused to do anything that wasnt in the best interest of the goal I had set for myself, explained Smith in the vlog. There was probably a 12-year period of my life where I didnt take a drink, where I didnt go out on the weekends, I was so set on my goal it created a serious circle of protection and elevation because I refused to do anything that wasnt in my best interest." He added: Its hugely important that if you have a dream, that you have to dedicate your life to it and every hour of every day has to be dedicated to bringing into fruition the things that you dream about.

Whatever New Year's resolution you have, this has to be an excellent motivator to keep it. Whether your goal is getting ripped, falling in love or getting that promotion, just make it happen.

Smith also shared a fun story about a little game he used to play with another extremely successful actor, Tom Cruise. He says they'd compete to see who could stay on the red carpet the longest. Because Tom is not actually a human, he stayed on the red carpet for three-and-a-half hours one time," Smith said. "Then I just let him win because I see he was willing to die.

Check out the full vlog episode here:

Own The Conversation

Ask The Big Question

Wouldn't Will Smith be the coolest guy to have a non-alcoholic beer with?

Drop This Fact

For the movie Girls Trip, Jada Pinkett Smith learned an oral sex trick from none other than Will.
The protracted Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains one of the primary sources of tension in the Middle East today.

Updates throughout the day at http://calevbenyefuneh.blog spot.com. If you enjoy "Love of the Land", please be a subscriber. Just put your email address in the "Subscribe" box on the upper right-hand corner of the page.Twitter updates at LoveoftheLand as well as our Love of the Land page at Facebook which has additional pieces of interest besides that which is posted on the blog. Also check-out This Ongoing War by Frimet and Arnold Roth. An excellent blog, very important work.

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..Israel Diaries..03 January '17..Everyone wants to be a hero and solve the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. What do you get when an American army officer writes a semi-academic paper recommending strategy for continuing the training of the Palestinian Security Forces? Let me show you what you get.As part of the US Army War College programme, students select an area of particular interest to them and write a paper as part of the colleges Strategy Research Project. Colonel James Lock wrote a study that he called: The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Opportunity Amidst Crisis. In a footnote, he noted that he served as Deputy Director for Training, Education, and Leader Development in USSC from 2015-2016. USSC trains Palestinian Security Forces and coordinates between them and the Israeli army (IDF). Therefore, he has field experience in our region. Yet, he chose to open his article with this absurd statement:Has Colonel Locks brain been asleep for the last few years? This old mainstay of anti-Israel propaganda no longer can be said to hold water by any stretch of the imagination. Shortly after that, he sets up what he seems to think is a balanced framework of the problem:
Community Colleges

Michigan CC Masters Student Transfer Processes

To counter a "complex and confusing" college transfer process, a community college in Michigan has dug in to figure out ways to simplify transfers for its students. The result, as explained in a new report from the Community College Research Center and a "playbook" issued by the project's lead investigator, is the development of 225 distinct plans with partner institutions intended to streamline the transfer process for students and improve their success rates.

Macomb Community College enrolls about 48,000 students each year in credit and non-credit courses as well as workforce training. According to Lead Investigator Donna Petras, a fall 2012 survey of incoming students found that most are interested in transferring to a four-year institution to earn a bachelor's degree; 47 percent "definitely" expected to transfer; and 41 percent said they thought they would, but they weren't sure.

In 2013 the community college set up a "university partners advisory council" (U-PAC) with 13 four-year institutions, with the intent of building its relationships with "key transfer destinations." All of the U-PAC members participated in the research project, which sought to understand the different types of transfer students, how well they did at various transfer destinations and what factors led to their success and failure.

Data was collected on Macomb students who moved into a four-year institution as transfer students between fall 2007 and spring 2009. Students were tracked through spring 2017 to understand how long they took to complete degrees. Eighty-three percent of students who ended up transferring during that period moved to a U-PAC institution. In total, 63 percent of the study sample finished their bachelor's degrees.

Among the big findings shared in the two reports are these:

Schools should prioritize transfer institutions with which to work based on student transfer data; three quarters of Macomb transfer students pursued completion of their bachelor's degree at four U-PAC institutions.

Bachelor's degree completion can be improved by prioritizing transfers; creating "clear programmatic pathways with aligned high-quality instruction"; and providing tailored transfer student advising.

Students who earned "excess credits" would be helped by colleges evaluating the credit requirements for degrees at their institutions and working with the transfer destinations to figure out why some credits may not be accepted.

The "transfer reform strategy" needs to incorporate a "guided pathways model" that is able to map the route for students to identify their goals, help them stay on the path for meeting their goals and make sure they learn the skills and knowledge appropriate to their chosen programs.

Colleges should identify transfer students earlier in their post-secondary pursuits  both those already in college and those in high school who expect to transfer from a community college to a four-year institution.

Faculty should be engaged in the transfer reform work to help improve course transferability.

"Collaboration with your transfer partners is essential," wrote Petras in her conclusion. "The more knowledge you share, the greater the potential for improving transfer student success!"

The full report, "Building Transfer Student Success at Macomb Community College: A Report on Transfer and Degree Completion," is openly available on the CCRC website. The "playbook" is openly available on the Macomb website.
Just prior to the 2017 IPCPR Trade Show, Crux Cigar Company announced that the Crux Limitada PB5, the companys first limited edition cigar would be made available for a third release. This week, the company has announced it is shipping the PB5 Third Release to its retail partners.

Crux is dubbing the third release the PB517. The third release features the same blend as the previous two releases. This is highlighted by a proprietary Nicaraguan Enganoso wrapper leaf that Crux had secured back in 2012. The cigar is produced at Plasencia Cigars in Esteli, Nicaragua.

The PB5 was unveiled at 2015 IPCPR Trade Show and made its way to retailers in 2016. The second release of the PB5 followed at the beginning of 2017.
It was in 1968 when Davidoff first launched its Davidoff-branded White Label cigars. With 2018 marking the 50th anniversary, Davidoff is planning a series of activities to commemorate the milestone. Activities include a series of events, specialty commissioned cigars and accessories, and special bands that will adorn several of the White Label releases.

This is a very special year for us. We look back with pride on 50 years of creating exceptional, original cigars and accessories, but more importantly, we look forward with a great sense of exhilaration to new, unknown horizons that will bring exciting, undiscovered experiences for those who love cigars, said Charles Awad, Senior Vice President  Chief Marketing Officer at Oettinger Davidoff AG in a press release.

Several Davidoff White Label lines, including the Davidoff Aniversario and Davidoff Signature will receive commemorate 50th-anniversary white label lines.
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Stem cell transplants could offer new hope for people with a severe form of scleroderma -- a debilitating and deadly condition that affects the immune system, a new study suggests.

"Scleroderma hardens the skin and connective tissues and, in its severe form, leads to fatal organ failure, most often the lungs," said the study's lead author, Dr. Keith Sullivan. He is a professor of medicine and cellular therapy at Duke University Medical Center.

"In these severe cases, conventional drug therapies are not very effective long-term, so new approaches are a priority," Sullivan said in a hospital news release.

Drugs to suppress the immune system are the standard of care in the United States for scleroderma with internal organ involvement, according to the researchers. Their study tested the effectiveness of stem cell transplant along with high-dose chemotherapy and whole-body radiation to treat the disease. The study was funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

For the study, 75 people with scleroderma were randomly assigned to receive one of two treatments. Roughly half of the group received a stem cell transplant designed to destroy their defective immune system and replace it with their own treated blood stem cells. The other half received 12 months of conventional immune-suppressing treatment.

After 10 years, survival was better among those who underwent chemotherapy, whole-body radiation and a stem cell transplant, the study found. People in this group also had less need for immune-suppressing drugs after their transplant.

"These results show that individuals with poor-prognosis scleroderma can improve and live longer and that these advances appear durable," Sullivan said.

The researchers noted, though, that stem cell transplant was riskier. It was associated with more serious side effects, such as low blood counts, infections and death, the study found.

"Patients and their doctors should carefully weigh the pros and cons of intensive treatment with stem cell transplant, but this may hopefully set a new standard in this otherwise devastating autoimmune disease," Sullivan said.

"These advances show the value of medical research and clinical trials in finding better therapies to advance health," he added.

The study was scheduled for publication in the Jan. 4 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

More information

The American College of Rheumatology has more on scleroderma.
The Maldives is ready to carry out executions, local media has reported a government minister as saying, ending a six-decade moratorium on capital punishment.





Home Minister Azleen Ahmed told Raajje TV that work has been completed on building a place to carry out the death penalty and that executions will resume as soon as legal procedures are settled.





Three young men are presently on death row after the Supreme Court upheld their sentences in 2016.





Death penalty regulations specify methods of execution as lethal injection and hanging.





The government initially decided to implement the death penalty through lethal injection, but is now ready to carry out executions by hanging.





A special unit for the purpose has been built in the high-security Maafushi prison.





President Abdulla Yameen reiterated his vow to reinstate capital punishment last August amid growing international concern.





By Gods willwhen the Supreme Court concludes [cases] to the point where the death penalty can be enforced, our mechanisms and arrangements will be complete enough to do it with the advice of the Islamic council and the word of the heirs.





The death penalty can only be carried out should all of the murder victims immediate relatives (heirs) choose to take the life of a convicted killer under the Islamic principle of Qisas (retaliation in kind).





The rules on carrying out executions state the president is required to order the execution within three days of a committee signing a document endorsing the death sentence.





The committee is comprised of the chief prosecutor, the commissioner of prisons and the chief justice.





The execution must take place within seven days of the order. The heirs of the victim are given a last opportunity to make their wishes known on the day of the execution.

 | Report an error, an omission, a typo; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece, a comment; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com



Opposed to Capital Punishment? Help us keep this blog up and running! DONATE!





"One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed,

but by the punishments that the good have inflicted." -- Oscar Wilde
Pabson, NPabsan after foiling panel report

The umbrella bodies of private schools have started building pressure to foil the expert panels report proposing different options for school education reforms. The expert panel, comprising more than a dozen educationists, had submitted its preliminary report to the Ministry of Education last week.
ERC leader Oriol Junqueras. AP

More information Spanish Supreme Court refuses to release former Catalan deputy premier

The Spanish Supreme Court will decide on Thursday or Friday whether to keep Catalonias ousted deputy premier, Oriol Junqueras, in pre-trial custody in connection with a criminal inquiry into rebellion against the authority of Spain.

Failing a favorable decision, the leader of the Catalan Republican Left (ERC) will reiterate his request next week before Justice Pablo Llarena, who is in charge of the case.

Puigdemonts return depends on a previous political pact with the Spanish state

According to sources who were present at the hearing, Junqueras stated that he is a religious man and a man of peace, and showcased his own civic behavior to convince the court that he should be released.

He also underscored that he supports dialogue and a negotiated way out of the conflict pitting Spanish central authorities and Catalan separatists, said his lawyer Andreu Van den Eynde outside the courthouse.

He also appealed to his right to exercise his role as a deputy and to be allowed to work for the one million people who voted for him; to be able to be with his family, and ultimately to be a free man, said the defense attorney.

Former Catalan premier Carles Puigdemont may seek to be reinstated from a distance. PAU BARRENA (AFP)

Presidential bid

In the meantime, Junqueras is also priming himself for a bid to become the next Catalan premier if his former boss Carles Puigdemont, who fled to Brussels to avoid facing the same criminal proceedings, does not return to Catalonia in the coming days.

Junqueras was part of a government that took steps to secede from Spain under the leadership of Carles Puigdemont; these initiatives included an unconstitutional independence referendum on October 1 and self-made laws paving the way for a Catalan republic.

The entire Puigdemont administration was ousted by central authorities in Madrid in late October after Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy invoked a little-known constitutional provision  Article 155  to temporarily take charge of regional affairs in the breakaway region. He also called early elections for December 21 in the hopes that a new government would emerge willing to keep its demands within the bounds of Spanish legislation.

Puigdemont and Junqueras personal strategies have been diverging since late October

But the outcome of that vote did not yield a clear result: while the anti-independence Ciudadanos was the most voted party, separatist groups collectively secured a higher number of seats. It is widely expected that the latter will seek to form another pro-independence front similar to the Junts pel Si coalition (Puigdemonts PDeCAT and Junqueras ERC) that governed with support from the far-left CUP until their forceful removal by Madrid.

Still, Puigdemont and Junqueras personal strategies have been diverging ever since separatist deputies in the Catalan parliament passed a unilateral independence proclamation on October 27. And it seems unlikely that both men will see eye to eye again beyond their own parties political arrangements once the new legislature is in session.

Puigdemont, who campaigned from Brussels with a new political group called Junts per Catalunya, promised that he would return to Catalonia if his party won the elections (it came in second after Ciudadanos). But Spanish authorities have warned that he will be arrested the moment he sets foot on national territory to answer the same charges as Junqueras and other members of his ousted cabinet.

If Puigdemont fails to return or to get himself reinstated from a distance, as his party wants to do, Junqueras will attempt to fill the position despite his own complicated legal situation. His party earned 32 seats on December 21, compared with Puigdemonts 34.

On Thursday the Supreme Court will hear an appeal filed by Junqueras lawyer, Andreu Van den Eynde, asking for his clients release so he can return to the front lines of political activity again.

We will demand that the justice system recognize a status for Junqueras in keeping with his condition so that he may act as a deputy or, if the situation arises, as president of the Generalitat [Catalan government], said Van den Eynde.

If the court confirms preventive prison for Junqueras, his defense will file a new request next week in the hopes that his client can take part in the constituent session of parliament on January 17.

In the meantime, it seems increasingly unlikely that Puigdemont will return from Brussels. Ferran Bel, a PDeCAT official, said that such a return depends on a previous political pact with the Spanish state to ensure that he would be allowed to come back without automatically going to preventive prison.

The PDeCAT wants the regional parliament to make Puigdemont the new premier through a long-distance investiture that is not currently contemplated by parliamentary regulations.

English version by Susana Urra.
It is the most valuable block of shares in Spain and the second or third most valuable in the world. It comprises just 1,207,118 shares, representing 8.3% of capital. With just this, Spanish business tycoon Amancio Ortega controls 53% of voting rights in Pontegadea Inversiones, the company that holds a controlling stake in retail textile giant Inditex (the parent company of Zara and other fashion brands), and also manages the business of one of Europes largest real estate companies, whose assets have an estimated market value of 8 billion.

Its a little more than 1.2 million shares in Pontegadea that provide the voting buffer to ensure shareholder stability at Inditex. This is because since 2012, these super voting shares have been assigned more voting rights  each share is worth 40 votes, totaling around 53% of voting rights.

The Zara boss will hold on to the reins through super voting shares until he is 93 years old

The rest of the capital is divided into two groups: one with 10 million shares, representing 69.4% of capital on a one share-one vote basis and accounting for around 11% of votes on the board of Pontegadea. Another 3.2 million shares, representing 22% of capital, account for 35% of voting rights, as each of these super voting shares is assigned 10 votes.

Established to ensure control over Inditex, the jewel in the crown of Amancio Ortegas empire, the super voting share system has been enshrined since 2012, when the Galician tycoon decided to transfer shares from Gartler, the vehicle from which Ortega controls the majority interest in Inditex, to Pontegadea Inversiones. At this time, corporate statutory by-laws established that this higher-class stock with 40 votes per share would retain this value until 2024, when the system would go back to a multiple of 10 votes per share.

But on December 21, the 81-year-old Amancio Ortega decided to extend the time span of these enhanced voting rights by another five years. That day, a shareholder meeting in Pontegadea Inversiones, a company in which really only Amancio Ortega and his wife Flora Marcote participate, agreed to extend the conditions of the current voting rights until February 1, 2029  when Ortega will be 93 years old. According to the new statutory by-laws, at that date the shares will give the shareholder 10 votes each instead of 40.

A little more than 1.2 million shares ensure Ortega has majority control in Pontegadea Inversiones

According to company sources, this protective measure was originally established five years ago to send the market a clear message of stability. Be it through Gartler, Pontegadea or any other controlling vehicle for the global chain of fashion stores, investors worldwide could rest assured that Amancio Ortega would continue to retain control with his 1.2 million shares.

The common shares of Pontegadea without extra voting rights could ultimately be used in corporate transactions with third parties  a situation that has yet to take place.

English version by Melissa Kitson
Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan.4

Trend:

The head of the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration has issued an Order on approval of the plan of events on the occasion of the 28th anniversary of January 20 tragedy.

The Order envisages holding events, conferences, meetings, delivering lectures, covering these events in media, spreading materials about the bloody 20 January in the leading mass media of the world, TV channels and internet.

Under the plan of events, to draw the attention of the world community to the bloody January tragedy, events will be held by Azerbaijan's embassies, diplomatic missions and Azerbaijani communities abroad to bring the truth about the 20 January to the world nations.

Humanitarian aid will be rendered to the families of the 20 January victims, redevelopment works will be carried out around the Alley of Martyrs, a special lesson will be given at all educational institutions, and the country's major religious confessions will hold special religious ceremonies dedicated to the victims.

Furthermore, a visit will be organized to the Alley of Martyrs. The victims will be commemorated by a minute of silence, the ships, cars and trains will sound horns at 12.00 on January 20.

The state flags of Azerbaijan will be lowered in the country that day as a sign of mourning.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 3

By Nigar Guliyeva  Trend:

Kazakh groceries are planned to be opened in Tyumen, Yekaterinburg and Novosibirsk regions of Russia, the Kazakh embassy in Russia reported.

"Presently, there are two stores of Kazakh food products in Omsk, their number is planned to be increased to 50. Next are the nearby major Russian cities -Tyumen, Ekaterinburg, Novosibirsk. The organizers intend to create a whole food network, the main feature of which will be natural, environmentally friendly food products manufactured in Kazakhstan, " the embassy said.

In the first half of 2018 in Omsk, it is planned to build seven pavilions with Kazakh food products. The opening of Kazakh stores in Russia is handled by KazMarket LLC.

The trade turnover between the countries for January-August of 2017 increased by 37 percent compared to the same period of 2016 and amounted to $ 11 billion. Russian exports to Kazakhstan increased by 35 percent to $ 7.7 billion, while imports from Kazakhstan increased by 42 percent up to $ 3.3 billion.

The volume of trade between Russia and Kazakhstan in January-August 2017 amounted to 26.4 percent of the Russian trade with the CIS countries.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 4

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

Mass protests in Iran negatively affected the tourism sector of Turkey, because Iranian tourists have canceled hotel reservations in the countrys eastern province of Van, the Turkish media reported Jan. 4.

Over the past week, some groups of people joined demonstrations in a number of cities of Iran, including the capital Tehran, Mashhad and Kermanshah to protest against high prices, but the economic protests soon turned into anti-government demonstrations.

The government officials have urged people to refrain from participating in these protests. According to the Iranian media outlets, 28 people were killed during the protests.

Reportedly, the booking of more than 5,000 rooms in the hotels of Van province was canceled since the beginning of protests in Iran.

In nine months of 2017, 335,000 Iranian tourists visited the Van province that is 40 percent more than in the same period of 2016.

According to the forecast of Turkeys Ministry of Culture and Tourism, it was expected that nearly 450,000 Iranian tourists will visit the Van province until the end of 2017.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Jan. 4

By Mamed Dashdamirov  Trend:

Starting from Jan. 1, 2018, legal entities in Uzbekistan will pay land tax monthly in equal portions, the countrys State Tax Committee told Trend Jan. 4.

Before 2018, the land tax was paid quarterly in equal portions in Uzbekistan.

It will be necessary to submit land tax calculations for 2018 and make land tax payment for the first month of 2018 no later than Jan. 10.

Legal entities, including non-residents, who own, possess, use or lease land plots pay land tax in Uzbekistan. The amount of tax is calculated according to the total area of land plot, except for the land occupied by water supply and sanitation facilities of settlements.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 4

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

Turkey will increase egg exports to Iran, Hasan Konya, head of the Turkish Union of Egg Producers (YUM-BIR), said, the countrys media reported Jan. 4.

He said the Iranian Embassy in Turkey appealed to YUM-BIR with a request to increase the exports of eggs to Iran.

Konya noted that Turkey sends 50 vans with eggs to Iran every week.

Starting from next week, Turkey plans to send a total of 2,000 vans with eggs to Iran, Konya said.

It was earlier reported that prices for eggs in Iran grew 9 percent during the week from Dec. 16 to Dec. 22, 2017 compared to the previous week and by 53.7 percent compared to 2016, reaching 126,000-175,000 Iranian rials ($3-$4.1) for 30 eggs.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 4

By Nigar Guliyeva  Trend:

Uzbekistan introduced the renewed Commodity Nomenclature for Foreign Economic Activity on Jan. 1.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev earlier signed the Decree on Introduction of the 2017 Commodity Nomenclature for Foreign Economic Activity.

The document notes that the World Customs Organization made changes and additions to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding Systems (HS), which came into force in 2017.

Thus, President Mirziyoyev put the 2017 Commodity Nomenclature for Foreign Economic Activity - developed on the basis of the updated HS - into effect on Jan. 1, 2018.

Uzbek foreign trade turnover for the first nine months of 2017 grew 16.7 percent compared to the previous year and amounted to about $20 billion.
Protests for capitalhood growing stronger in Dhankuta and Doti

Protests for state capitalhood have intensified in Dhankuta of Province 1 and Doti of Province 7. The locals of Dhankuta Bazaar, the district headquarters of Dhankuta, and Dipayal, the district headquarters of Doti, enforced transport strikes to press their demands on Wednesday.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 4

By Maksim Tsurkov  Trend:

From the beginning of production at the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) block of oil and gas fields in the Caspian Sea in November 1997 to December 1, 2017, 445 million tons of oil and 140 billion cubic meters of associated gas were produced, says an article by Khoshbakht Yusifzade, first vice-president of Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR, published by the official "Respublika" newspaper.

Yusifzade noted that 250 million tons (56 percent) of the total volume produced at the ACG accounts for the share of Azerbaijans profitable oil.

As of December 1, 2017, 350 million tons out of 460 million tons of oil exported by Azerbaijan to the world markets accounted for the export via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline, says the article.

A contract for developing the ACG field was signed in 1994. A ceremony to sign a new contract on development of the ACG block of oil and gas fields was held in Baku Sept. 14, 2017.

The new ACG participating interests are as follows: BP - 30.37 percent; AzACG (SOCAR) - 25 percent; Chevron - 9.57 percent; INPEX - 9.31 percent; Statoil - 7.27 percent; ExxonMobil - 6.79 percent; TP - 5.73 percent; ITOCHU - 3.65 percent; ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) - 2.31 percent.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @MaksimTsurkov
Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 4

By Nigar Guliyeva  Trend:

The government of Uzbekistan is working on the issue of introducing electronic entry visas (E-Visa) and will study the experience of Azerbaijan for the implementation of the system.

Today, the system of e- visas already functions in many countries. In particular, it has proved itself well in Azerbaijan and Georgia, thus their experience will be studied when implementing this technology in Uzbekistan, the State Committee on Tourism told the Uzbek media outlets.

The procedure will allow tourists to avoid queues at the embassy, and submit all documents online. In this case, travelers will not need to pass an interview with the consul.

Acquisition and installation of necessary equipment, development of special software products, as well as testing of the "Electronic Visa" system using the infrastructure of the existing biometric passport system of Uzbekistan is planned to be completed this summer.

Over the first six months of 2017, over 1.1 million tourists visited Uzbekistan, which is 18 percent more than in the same period of 2016. Furthermore, export of tourist services reached $694.5 million.

Earlier it was reported that Uzbek embassies in foreign countries will render all consular services by using e-documents in 2018. Exit visas will be canceled in Uzbekistan from 2019. New departments were opened abroad in 2017 to render consular and other services to compatriots.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 4

By Ali Mustafayev  Trend:

Russian Aeroflot airline plans to launch a new flight with from Moscow to Kyzylorda, the Ministry for Investment and Development of Kazakhstan said in a message.

The air company plans to fly four times a week on Boeing-737-800 aircraft (Airbus 321 reserve).

Currently, Kazakh and Russian sides work on the implementation of the flight on this route.

Previously, Russian "Angara" airline also announced its plans to open flights on Krasnoyarsk - Almaty, Irkutsk - Astana, Irkutsk  Almaty and Krasnoyarsk  Astana routes from April 2018.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 27

By Fatih Karimov  Trend:

The Iranian administration has authorized a project for producing blood bags in Iran by French investment.

According to a report released by the Islamic Republics ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade, French Macopharma, one of the leaders in establishing infusion, transfusion and biotherapy systems, will invest $8.892 million in the project, in cooperation with an Iranian private company.

Last year, Ali Akbar Pourfathollah, the head of the Iran Blood Transfusion Organization, said that Iran plans to join the countries producing blood bags in cooperation three foreign companies.

The French company, with a 50-percent share in production of blood bags, has agreed to produce six million blood bags, according to Pourfathollah.

The Iranian industry ministrys data unveils that Organization for Investment, Economic and Technical Assistance of Iran (OIETAI) has ratified the investment increase for the project by Macopharma Fardavar (join company) in September.

The data, which covers first seven months of Irans current fiscal year (March 20-Oct. 22), also indicates that the value of authorized foreign direct investment has reached $1.834 billion.

The figure has increased by 28 percent, compared to $1.438 billion worth of projects approved by the administration in the same period of the preceding year.

Over 38 investment proposals, including 32 new projects were approved by OIETAI in the 7-month period, compared to 35 proposals in the first seven months of the last fiscal year.

Germany stood at the top of the list of approved investment projects with $720.87 million for construction of a production plant of photovoltaic panels.

During the mentioned period, statistics from the Iranian government put the Irish investors in second place with $466.155 million worth of investments for a mining extraction and exploitation project, followed by China with a $232.551 million and Denmark ($102.056 million).

According to the Iranian ministry, over 71 investment proposals (worth $5.06 billion) were approved by Iran's Foreign Investment Board last fiscal year (ended March 20). The value was $6.7 billion for the preceding fiscal year (ended March 2016), registering a big growth compared to $915 million in 2015, when the international sanctions against Iran were in place.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 4

By Fatih Karimov  Trend:

Irans intelligence forces have dismantled an armed terror team in western city of Piranshahr, Islamic Republics Intelligence Ministry said in a statement Jan. 4. 

The team had entered the country with the aim of staging explosions, killing innocent people, and pushing forward the recent unrests, the ministry said.

In a clash with the terror team, three members of Irans intelligence forces were killed, the statement said.

One of the terrorists was arrested and a number of them were injured in the clash, the ministry said.

The intelligence forces seized five AK-47 machine guns, four grenades, military uniforms and equipment as well as notebooks containing the guidelines for creating insecurity and unrest.

In recent days, three terror teams have been arrested in western Iran, the ministry added.

At least 21 people have been killed during the ongoing protests in Iran, which began last week as protests against economic hardship and corruption grew into political rallies.

Some Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accuse foreigners and Irans enemies of fomenting the unrest.

Only in capital city of Tehran, at least 450 people have been arrested in recent days, according to Ali-Asghar Naserbakht, deputy governor of Tehran.

Following the one-week protests, pro-government rallies are held since yesterday in several Iranian cities.

On Jan. 4, Irans Army Commander Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi expressed his gratitude to the people of the country, the Basij para-military forces, and the law enforcement force for their efforts to put an end to the recent unrest in the country.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 4

By Farhad Daneshvar  Trend

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has slammed US President Donald Trump over his remarks expressing support and respect for protesters in the Islamic Republic.

Trump had earlier said that protesters would see a great support from the US.

Iran saw turmoil and political unrests over the past week, which took the lives of at least 22, including security forces.

The unrests began after some groups joined demonstrations in a number of cities, including the capital Tehran, Mashhad and Kermanshah to protest against high prices, but the economic protests soon turned into anti-government demonstrations.

The government officials have urged people to refrain from participating in the illegal protests.
Indonesia shrank the exclusion zone around a grumbling volcano on the resort island of Bali on Thursday after fears of an imminent eruption, allowing farmers to return to their homes, Reuters reports.

The 3,000-meter Mount Agung remains on alert for a major eruption, but officials said the danger zone around the crater would be reduced to a six-km (four-mile) radius from 10 km.

Mount Agung remains in an eruption phase and could affect settlements. All parties are urged to remain cautious, Agung Pribadi, press relations officer at the natural resources ministry, said in a statement.

The volcano has been spewing lava and ash since late November, when authorities raised the alert status to the highest.

Bali airport was closed for three days, leaving thousands of tourists stranded and prompting others to cancel their year-end holiday plans.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday voiced confidence that the economy was steadily heading toward an end to deflation, Reuters reported.

With a domestic demand-led recovery taking hold, Japan is making steady progress toward emerging from 20 years of deflation, Abe told a news conference.

He also said his administration would focus on labor market reforms that would boost productivity and address a shrinking working-age population amid a rapidly aging society.
U.S. President Donald Trump pushed for stricter voter identification rules on Thursday and accused Democratic-led states of failing to cooperate with a presidential election fraud commission that he disbanded this week, Reuters reports.

In a pair of posts on Twitter, the Republican president reiterated his allegations, without offering any evidence, that there was voter fraud in the November 2016 presidential election.

Trump won the White House through the state-by-state Electoral College system but lost the popular vote by nearly 3 million votes to Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Most state officials who oversee elections, including Republicans and Democrats, as well as election law experts say voter fraud is rare in the United States.

On Wednesday, the White House said in a statement it was shutting down the bipartisan panel that Trump established in May to look into allegations of fraud in the 2016 contest, saying many states had refused to provide data.

Trump had now asked the Department of Homeland Security to investigate and decide what action was needed, the White House said.

The panel was headed by Vice President Mike Pence, along with Kris Kobach, who as Kansas Secretary of State runs elections in that state and who has long urged new voting restrictions.

Their effort, however, quickly met resistance from a number of U.S. states as well as civil rights groups such as the Electronic Privacy Information Center and the American Civil Liberties Union, which had both filed lawsuits opposing it.

States and the groups balked at the information requested by the commission such as names, birth dates, political affiliation and voting histories. More than 20 states refused outright to provide the data and others said they needed to study the issue.

On Thursday, Trump said uncooperative mostly Democratic states ... 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.

A number of states such as Texas have already passed laws requiring voter identification. Critics say that can make it harder for some people, including minorities, to vote because they are less likely to have certain IDs. Proponents say such steps are necessary and are not onerous.

In July, a federal judge in Washington noted the advisory panel lacked legal authority to compel states to provide data, even as it allowed the commissions work to move forward. A U.S. appeals court later also allowed the panel to continue.
Red Cross Society of China to provide $ 1.3 m to Nepal Red Cross for Central Warehouse construction

Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) and Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) signed an agreement regarding construction of Central Warehouse in Kathmandu on Thursday.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 4

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan introduced a ban on construction of new houses with more than three storeys in the Duzce province in the north-west of the country, the Turkish media reported Jan. 4.

This decision is related to the fact that the Duzce province is located in the seismic zone.

Earlier, Erdogan noted that restrictions regarding the height of multi-storey houses will be imposed throughout Turkey, and in particular in such cities as Ankara and Istanbul.

He said that such restrictions are related to the need to preserve the environment and they mainly cover areas where environmental problems are most acute.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 4

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

The US is grossly interfering in Turkeys internal affairs, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement issued in response to a trial in the US on the case of Hakan Atilla, former deputy CEO of Turkeys Halkbank.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry said that the accusations against Atilla have no legal basis.

The use of certain members of the Gulen movement as witnesses casts doubt on the whole trial process, the statement said.

US authorities in late March 2016 arrested Hakan Atilla at New Yorks JFK airport accusing him of helping Iran evade sanctions during Former President Barack Obamas term.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 4

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

Iranian citizens have the right to protest rallies, but they should be held only within the laws of the country, Ibrahim Kalin, special adviser and spokesperson of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said, the Turkish media reported Jan. 4.

Kalin said that Iran is an important strategic partner for Turkey.

Turkey stands for maintaining stability in Iran, Kalin said.

He noted that the protests in Iran are provoked from abroad.

Earlier, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that the US, particularly, President Donald Trump, is provoking the events in Iran.

Over the past week, some groups of people joined demonstrations in a number of cities of Iran, including the capital Tehran, Mashhad and Kermanshah to protest against high prices, but the economic protests soon turned into anti-government demonstrations.

The government officials have urged people to refrain from participating in these protests. According to the Iranian media outlets, 28 people were killed during the protests.
By Sophie Jackman, KYODO NEWS - Jan 4, 2018 - 08:29 | All, World

A thaw in Japan-China relations in 2018 is likely to be restricted to areas of mutual economic benefit as the countries' fundamental rivalry in the Asia-Pacific region remains unchanged.

With next year marking the 40th anniversary of the signing of a peace and friendship treaty between the two countries, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed on the margins of a regional summit in Vietnam in November to make a "new start" in bilateral relations.

Abe said 2018 could see the two countries' leaders swap visits for the first time in a decade.

There are clear economic benefits to both countries from a political thaw. Tapping into Chinese markets makes sense for the Abe administration's pursuit of economic growth, while China can benefit from Japanese technology and the countries' linked supply chains.

Both Abe and Xi now have sufficiently solid domestic support to pursue this while accepting the risks that deeper engagement may pose to their popularity because of thorny security and historical issues, said Stephen Nagy, a fellow at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada.

During December, Abe suggested Japan could cooperate with Xi's "One Belt, One Road" giant cross-border infrastructure development project even within the context of the "free and open Indo-Pacific" concept Tokyo has long been pushing.

Japan's most powerful business lobby, the Japan Business Federation, or Keidanren, then agreed at a bilateral business dialogue to seek cooperation with China in jointly developing infrastructure, including under the Belt and Road framework.

While concerns remain in Japan about the megaproject's quality and transparency standards, the government's green light on the Belt and Road is crucial for Keidanren members, which are "very keen to get their fingers into it...but would prefer cooperation with the (Japanese) state to ensure their investments are secure," Nagy said.

While the historical grievances that have long strained bilateral ties will remain, each government has options to handle them sensitively in order to encourage the thaw.

Xi attended this year's state memorial for victims of the 1937 massacre by Japanese troops in Nanjing, but did not give a speech.

But all of this is taking place against a background of fundamental differences in security matters.

Hot points include the uninhabited Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea -- controlled by Japan but claimed by Beijing as the Diaoyu Islands -- and more broadly China's militarization of outposts in the contested South China Sea.

China has regularly sent its ships around the Senkakus since the Japanese government purchased some of the islands from a private Japanese owner in 2012 to bring them under state control.

Sources close to bilateral ties say Tokyo and Beijing are in the end stages of decade-long negotiations on a hotline aimed at averting unintended clashes in the East China Sea or the airspace above, but still need to work out the details of the mechanism.

"We're only one collision of coast guard vessels away from plunging into the abyss," said Jeff Kingston, director of Asian Studies at Temple University Japan.

"Japanese participation in (U.S.) freedom of navigation exercises in the South China Sea has drawn criticism from China, so if those patrols are escalated, that could pose problems for a thaw in relations," Kingston said.

And while the threat from North Korea's development of nuclear and ballistic missiles has brought the international community together to an extent this year, further weapons testing by the North has the potential to push Japan and China apart in 2018, particularly depending on the U.S. response.

In his first national security strategy released last week, U.S. President Donald Trump pledged to boost cooperation with Japan, Australia and India, while labeling China a strategic competitor.

The pursuit of quadrilateral cooperation with Australia and India, which Abe proposed in an opinion piece in 2012, fundamentally puts Japan in the way of the expansion of Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Japan has a long-term vision of securing a leadership role in the region...if there is more progress in quadrilateral (talks) or if Japan pushes forward with the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor cooperation agreement with India, these variables will affect how China can realistically warm relations with Japan," Nagy said.

For now, Abe has expressed his willingness to travel to China first for a summit, then inviting Xi to reciprocate soon after.

While each leader will be eager to present the thaw as the culmination of his own efforts, Abe will likely have to accept China calling the shots to a certain degree, Nagy said.

On Trump's visit to China in November, "President Xi had to demonstrate that he was in a superior position, and the conditions will be similar with Abe, with the optics being that pressure from Xi has worked and Abe has come around to China's position," he said.

In any case, Foreign Ministry sources say planning for the key messages of these visits cannot get started until the success of a long-delayed trilateral summit in Japan involving Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and South Korean President Moon Jae In.

They say that three-way meeting will set the tone for the year.
KYODO NEWS - Jan 4, 2018 - 17:18 | All

A mayor in western Japan, who has taken a hard-line stance toward news organizations he considers "biased," refused to answer questions from a reporter on Thursday, telling him "I'll kill you" before walking away.

Takeshi Imamura, the 45-year-old mayor of Nishinomiya in Hyogo Prefecture, made the remark when the reporter from the Yomiuri Shimbun national newspaper approached him at the city hall to confirm his intention not to seek re-election, city officials said.

The reporter was trying to double-check after the mayor said during a ceremony marking the first working day of the year, held at the city hall earlier in the day, that he would not run in the mayoral election slated in April.

Imamura, a former Nishinomiya city assembly member, is in his first four-year term as mayor after winning the 2014 election.

He has caused controversy over a policy he temporarily adopted of not answering questions from "biased" news media outlets, and making comments ridiculing a female city assembly member who criticized him.

"We will deal with this matter appropriately after confirming what happened," said a spokesman for the newspaper.
Pennsylvania DEP Orders Pipeline Work Halted

The agency's order lists various violations and says Sunoco Pipeline's "unlawful conduct . . . demonstrates a lack of ability or intention on the part of Sunoco to comply with the Clean Streams Law, the Dam Safety and Encroachments Act, and permits issued thereunder."

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, known as DEP, on Jan. 3 issued an order suspending the construction permits associated with the Mariner East 2 pipeline until the permittee, Sunoco Pipeline, L.P., meets requirements outlined in the order. The state agency says until then, Sunoco must cease all construction activity on the pipeline project, except for maintenance of erosion controls and limited maintenance of horizontal directional drilling equipment.

"Until Sunoco can demonstrate that the permit conditions can and will be followed, DEP has no alternative but to suspend the permits," said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. "We are living up to our promise to hold this project accountable to the strong protections in the permits."

Its order lists various violations and says Sunoco Pipeline's "unlawful conduct . . . demonstrates a lack of ability or intention on the part of Sunoco to comply with the Clean Streams Law, the Dam Safety and Encroachments Act, and permits issued thereunder."

DEP said the construction permits will be suspended until Sunoco satisfies terms outlined in the order, including these:
Microsoft, Amazon, and Google said they are working on updates to cloud services and other products to prevent exploitation of chip-level security vulnerabilities. The vulnerabilities, which were publicly disclosed by the Register on Tuesday, could allow a hacker to steal information stored in the memory of a wide range of computer chips running on personal devices, like computers, as well as servers in data centers, including those used to run cloud computing services. It could allow a hacker to steal information stored in the memory of the chip itself, including things such as passwords and cached files. It could also pave the way for attackers to weaken other security features. One of the vulnerabilities, dubbed Meltdown, is known to affect Intel chips. Another, Spectre, could affect chips from many vendors. Indeed, Arm said that some processors based on its technology are affected. "We're aware of this industry-wide issue and have been working closely with chip manufacturers to develop and test mitigations to protect our customers," a Microsoft (MSFT) spokesperson told CNBC in an email. "We are in the process of deploying mitigations to cloud services and have also released security updates to protect Windows customers against vulnerabilities affecting supported hardware chips from Intel, Arm, and AMD." In addition to patching its cloud services and current and older versions of Windows for servers and desktops, Microsoft has updated its Edge and Internet Explorer browsers. Updates for Microsoft Surface devices are coming as well. Google (GOOGL) was the company to first alert Intel to the vulnerability, Intel (INTC) CEO Brian Krzanich said on CNBC earlier on Wednesday. Subsequently Google released some details about the issues but said a full report is still to come. A new site discussing the Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities credits Google's Jann Horn and third-party researchers with discovering them. Google said it has updated its public cloud service to prevent attacks related to Meltdown and Spectre. "We used our VM Live Migration technology to perform the updates with no user impact, no forced maintenance windows and no required restarts," Google engineering vice president Ben Treynor Sloss wrote in a blog post. But customers will still need to update the operating systems they use on the Google cloud. Google has also been busy checking on consumer services. Exploitation is "difficult and limited" for most Android devices, and the latest version of Chrome OS is patched, Google said. Amazon (AMZN) told customers of its Amazon Web Services cloud service that the vulnerability "has existed for more than 20 years in modern processor architectures like Intel, AMD, and ARM across servers, desktops, and mobile devices." It said that it's already protected nearly all AWS instances, although customers will still have to patch the operating systems they use. In the CNBC interview Krzanich said he was not aware of exploits of the issue, and Microsoft has not gotten any indication that the vulnerabilities "had been used to attack our customers," the spokesperson said. Aside from security concerns, the Register and some individuals suggested that patches to operating systems could result in performance slowdowns. But in a statement on Wednesday, Intel said that "any performance impacts are workload-dependent, and, for the average computer user, should not be significant and will be mitigated over time." Microsoft told customers of its Azure public cloud in a blog post that they "should not see a noticeable performance impact." VMware has come out with patches for its desktop and server virtualization software. Linux distribution vendor Red Hat is working on making product updates available to customers. "Red Hat is taking a proactive position that favors security over performance, while allowing users the flexibility to assess their own environment and make appropriate tradeoffs through selectively enabling and disabling the various mitigations," the company said on a website devoted to the vulnerabilities. Some Red Hat patches are live, and more will be coming in the next few days, a spokesperson told CNBC in an email.



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Stock of FDI reached Rs151.7b in 2016-17

The stock of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Nepal stood at Rs151.7 billion as of the last fiscal year. One-third of the total amount was equity capital while the rest was debt financing, Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) said. FDI stock shows the value of foreign investors equity in and loans to domestic enterprises.
Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) and Philip Morris (NYSE: PM) have long been bastions of bountiful dividend income for investors. With the consumer-goods giant and tobacco titan currently yielding 3% and 4.1%, respectively, that remains the case today.

But which of these dividend dynamos is the better buy? Let's find out.

A man writing the word dividends

Image source: Getty Images.

Financial fortitude

Let's take a look at some key metrics to see how Procter & Gamble and Philip Morris stack up in regards to financial strength.

Revenue $65.2 billion $27.4 billion Operating income $13.9 billion $10.8 billion Operating cash flow $13.4 billion $8.1 billion Free cash flow $9.5 billion $6.7 billion Cash $16.0 billion $7.7 billion Debt $34.2 billion $34.0 billion

DATA SOURCE: MORNINGSTAR.

P&G's revenue dwarfs that of Philip Morris. Its operating income and cash flow are also significantly greater. And while Procter & Gamble and Philip Morris have similar debt levels, P&G has $8 billion more in cash reserves. For these reasons, I give the edge to Procter & Gamble when it comes to financial fortitude.

Advantage: Procter & Gamble.

Growth

Philip Morris and P&G have seen their revenues decline at similar rates in recent years. Declining smoking rates, greater restrictions on tobacco products, and a strong U.S. dollar have all dented Philip Morris' sales during this time. P&G, meanwhile, is facing intensifying competition from e-commerce-based rivals. Yet a large portion of its sales decline is due to its brand divestiture program, which is now mostly complete. Moreover, P&G;'s cost-cutting initiatives have helped it expand its margins, thereby allowing the consumer-goods giant to grow its operating profits despite its lower revenue base.

PG Revenue (TTM) Chart

PG Revenue (TTM) data by YCharts.

However, over the next five years, Wall Street expects Philip Morris to increase its earnings per share at an annualized rate of nearly 10%, fueled by the growth of its reduced-risk products. Procter & Gamble is projected to grow its earnings per share (EPS) by only about 7% annually during this time. Ultimately, it's future growth that matters most to today's investor, so I'll give a slight edge to Philip Morris.

Story continues

Advantage: Philip Morris.

Valuation

No better-buy discussion should take place without a look at valuation. Let's check out some key value metrics for P&G and Philip Morris, including price-to-free-cash-flow and price-to-earnings ratios.

P/FCF 24.13 24.17 Forward P/E 20.33 19.77

DATA SOURCE: MORNINGSTAR, Yahoo! Finance.

These two dividend stars are currently trading at remarkably similar price-to-free-cash-flow and price-to-earnings multiples, so I'll call it a draw in terms of valuation.

Advantage: None.

Additional factors

With this better-buy analysis all tied up after three rounds, let's look at some additional criteria to help you decide what's best for your portfolio.

Some investors may object to investing in certain industries. So-called "sin stocks" -- such as those in the tobacco, alcohol, and gambling industries -- often fall into this category. If it makes you uncomfortable to invest in a cigarette maker like Philip Morris, then that could help make this better-buy choice an easy decision for you.

Secondly, I should note that Procter & Gamble is currently under pressure from activist investor Nelson Peltz. Peltz recently won a seat on the company's board, and he could push for P&G to break itself up. If this situation makes you uneasy, you may want to stay clear of Procter & Gamble's stock for the time being.

Advantage: You decide.

Ultimately, you'll have to decide which of these factors is more important to you. If you appreciate balance-sheet strength and superior cash flow generation, then Procter & Gamble is the way to go. If strong future growth potential is more important to you, then Philip Morris may be the better choice. Either way, you'll be buying a solid business that should reward you with steadily rising dividend income in the years ahead.

More From The Motley Fool

Joe Tenebruso has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
BEIJING (Reuters) - China's central bank told a top-level government internet finance group that the monetary authority can tell local governments to regulate the power usage of bitcoin miners to gradually reduce the scale of their production, a source said.

While the People's Bank of China (PBOC) can't directly regulate bitcoin miners' power usage, it can ask local authorities to do so, the central bank told members of the Leading Group of Beijing Internet Financial Risks Remediation at a meeting at the end of 2017, the source said.

Experts say China is one of the world's biggest sources of bitcoin mining, where miners solve complex mathematical puzzles with computers in order to be awarded virtual coins. The intensive use of computers for bitcoin mining has boosted demand for electricity.

In September China ordered all initial coin offerings to cease and all cryptocurrency trading exchanges to be shuttered with the aim of containing financial risks. Bitcoin miners have feared that they could be the next target.

At the meeting, the PBOC said development of bitcoin mining will be limited, according to the source, who declined to be named as he is not authorised to speak on the matter.

The PBOC could not be reached for immediate comment outside business hours.

(Reporting by Ryan Woo and Beijing Newsroom; editing by Jason Neely)
How to compare cryptocurrencies valued at $2.89 and $15,334.

Bitcoin mania swept the world in 2017, with the value of the currency rocketing by more than ten times during the course of the year.

But the cryptocurrencys earliest fans  online criminals  are quietly abandoning the currency for more privacy-focused cryptocurrencies.

Law enforcement is now using tools developed by software firms such as Chainalysis to track Bitcoin transactions and block criminals converting their gains into cash.

The result is that criminals are moving to other, more privacy-focused currencies such as Monero  where transactions are much harder to track.

Cryptocurrency fans such as John McAfee say that this means the coins could be a good investment in the future.

I am inundated by people asking me for recommendations on cryptocurrencies. If you would use your heads you would figure out that the privacy coins (anonymous transactions) will have the greatest future. Coins like Monero (XMR), Verge (XVG), or Zcash (ZEC) cannot lose.  John McAfee (@officialmcafee) December 13, 2017

The European Unions law-enforcement agency Europol said in a report that, other cryptocurrencies such as monero, ethereum and Zcash are gaining popularity within the digital underground.

MORE: Nobel Prize winner claims Donald Trump and Kim Jong-uns toxic masculinity will kill us all

MORE: Brexit and weak government make the UK one of the biggest risks of 2018, according to report

Ransomware attackers are now demanding ransoms in Monero, says Matt Suiche of Dubai security firm Comae Technologies.

Suiche said Monero is now one of the favorites, if not the favorite.
By Yashaswini Swamynathan

(Reuters) - Dominion Energy Inc (D.N) said on Wednesday it would buy Scana Corp (SCG.N) in an all-stock deal worth about $7.9 billion, offering the utility a way to appease customers and investors angered by the cost of a failed nuclear project.

Richmond, Virginia-based Dominion will pay Scana's customers $1.3 billion, averaging about $1,000 for each customer, and has promised to cut bills by 5 percent to appease users who have been overcharged for years as Scana funded the nuclear project.

Shares of Dominion, which will also assume Scana's debt of $6.7 billion, were down 4 percent in after-market trading.

Dominion's $55.35 per share offer represents a premium of 42.4 percent to Scana's Tuesday close. South Carolina-based Scana's shares were trading well below the offer price at $47.89, suggesting some investors were skeptical of the deal.

Scana, which owns the South Carolina Electric & Gas Co (SCE&G), has been under pressure since it scrapped the V.C. Summer nuclear project in July after spending about $9 billion on it with state-owned utility Santee Cooper.

The company received a subpoena in October from the Securities and Exchange Commission related to an investigation of the nuclear project. (http://bit.ly/2qjxaB1)

Scana was funding some of the project's costs from SCE&G, a move that angered customers and led to the utility rolling back electricity rates for residential users.

The nuclear project became a lightning rod for criticism, with local politicians arguing over who should pay for the aborted project.

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster said while the deal is a step in the right direction, it will not resolve all problems for customers.

As part of the deal, Dominion will also write off more than $1.7 billion in connection with the abandoned nuclear plant.

Guggenheim Securities analyst Shahriar Pourreza said he expects regulators to approve the deal.

"Scana does not have any other option and regulators will be aware of that, so the deal is likely to go through but it will be noisy," Pourreza said.

Story continues

Dominion is offering 0.6690 of its shares for each Scana share, or about $55.35, based on Dominion's average stock price of the last 30 trading days ended Jan. 2.

The deal is expected to immediately add to earnings after its closure in the third quarter, Dominion said.

Credit Suisse was the financial adviser for Dominion. Morgan Stanley and RBC Capital Markets advised Scana.

(Reporting by Yashaswini Swamynathan and Anirban Paul in Bengaluru; Writing by Nivedita Bhattacharjee; Editing by Saumyadeb Chakrabarty and Shounak Dasgupta)
President Donald Trump denounced his former top strategist, Steve Bannon, on Wednesday, saying that he lost his mind after leaving the White House last summer.

When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind, Trump said of Bannon in a statement the White House issued. Now that he is on his own, Steve is learning that winning isnt as easy as I make it look.

Earlier on Wednesday, New York Magazine published excerpts of a forthcoming book by author Michael Wolff in which Bannon criticizes Trumps campaign as well as the president and his family. The Guardian published excerpts of the book in which Bannon predicts that Special Counsel Robert Mueller will crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV over his meeting with a Russian lawyer at Trump Tower in June 2016.

Bannon also called the meeting treasonous and unpatriotic, according to the Guardian.

Bannon, reached by Bloomberg News, declined to comment on the remarks published by the Guardian.
The Tesla Model 3 has a little surprise for its dedicated fans. Owners of the $35,000 electric vehicle, which launched in July 2017, have discovered a secret hidden in the computers software that features a sneaky tribute to the development team.

The easter egg, discovered by Electrek on Tuesday, is the sort of little fan service that CEO Elon Musk loves to include in his products. A 2016 update featured a virtual trip to Mars as a hat tip to Musks SpaceX efforts, while another 2017 update included a sketchpad for doodling masterpieces on the Model S and X dashboard. Sometimes, these humorous tidbits are presented in plain sight: Tesla cars feature a Ludicrous performance mode, as a nod to 1987 sci-fi comedy Spaceballs.

Those that discover the easter egg are in for a nice gesture that highlights the work behind Teslas cheapest ever vehicle. Touching the right combination of buttons reveals a photo of the team, surrounding a silver Model 3, with Musk and designer Franz von Holzhausen at the center.

Tesla Model 3 software has an hidden Easter egg with hat tip to the team https://t.co/L6YNFxICwC pic.twitter.com/Avk68q621P  Electrek.Co (@ElectrekCo) January 2, 2018

Heres how to access the easter egg:

Switch on the car.

Locate the Tesla logo on the tablet located in the center of the cars dashboard. It should be at the top of the screen, to the left of the users name.

Press the logo to visit the About Your Tesla page.

Hold down the 3 in the Model 3 title for a few seconds.

The car rendering should slide out of the way to reveal a photo of the team.

Of course, not many Tesla fans will be able to access this tribute for a while. The company is still working hard to pull production out of what Musk has dubbed the hell stage. In September 2017, Tesla revealed it has only produced 260 cars, far fewer than the 1,500 projected at the launch event. The companys ultimate aim is to ramp up production to 10,000 cars per week at some point this year, but unexpected hurdles could hamper this goal.

Story continues

There are signs that production is improving, though. More reports are surfacing of non-employee customers receiving invites to customize their Model 3 and utilize their $1,000 reservation to purchase the car. Tesla prioritized one such order when a man dying of cancer came forward and said that he wished to try the car as one of his last wishes. Slowly but surely, Tesla is bringing its newest car to the general public.

Photos via Tesla, Getty Images / Justin Sullivan

Photos via Tesla, Getty Images / Justin Sullivan

Written by Mike Brown

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President Donald Trump.[/caption] The threat of legal action to quash the publication of a behind-the-scenes close-up of the Trump White House is a common tactic in the corporate world that wont likely fly in the government context, employment attorneys said Thursday.Charles Harder, a lawyer representing President Donald Trump, is demanding author Michael Wolff and the publisher of his tell-all Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House to not distribute the book. Harder claims details of the bookpublished in media reportsare potentially libelous and violate the employment agreement signed by former strategist Steve Bannon. Harder said in the letter that legal action was "imminent." He called for the publisher, Henry Holt & Co. to cease and desist from any further publication, release or dissemination of the book. The publisher reportedly moved up the release of the book to Friday.Bannon, the head of Breitbart News who left a top role in the administration late last year, made unflattering comments about the president and his family in the book, according to an excerpt published in New York magazine. Such reports prompted the president to call his former strategist a self-aggrandizing political charlatan.Employment attorneys said the political drama does not have an obvious legal path forward, even though such employment agreementsbarring the revelation of certain details, or blocking negative commentaryare common in private corporate environments.It seems like Trump does view himself as the CEO of America Inc. and is attempting to use and enforce and gag Bannon they way a private employer would do, said Mark Konkel, a labor and employment partner at Kelley Drye & Warren. Using these corporate instincts in a government context doesnt make sense. There is a lot of bluster in this letter.Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the White House press secretary, on Thursday described Bannon's agreement with the White House as an "ethics agreement." Asked whether Trump would sue Wolff over the publication of the book, she said: "That's something that I would refer you to the president's attorneys, but our position is very clear, that we think it is full of false and fake information." Media journalist Brian Stelter at CNN tweeted a response from Wolff's publisher Thursday evening: "We see 'Fire and Fury' as an extraordinary contribution to our national discourse, and are proceeding with the publication of the book." Nondisclosure agreements or those that require ex-employees not to disparage their employers can give a company some flexibility in severance agreements. And while freedom of speech rights are limited in that context, the government generally cannot stop someone from speaking freely. Details are still hazy on the actual employment agreement itself, but employment attorneys suggest Harder's cease and desist demand may be an intimidation tactic that holds little legal sway.Harder, of Beverly Hills, Californias Harder, Mirell & Abrams, was not immediately reached for comment Thursday. Harder was on the team that toppled Gawker Media.Konkel said if Bannon were to disclose information considered confidential or crucial to national security, then he would face criminal charges. Offering his opinion to a book author would not likely be considered libelous and such an employment agreement would be weak, Konkel said. Such actions would run afoul of free speech laws, he added.In the federal government context, it would be unusual to sign a nondisclosure agreement that would be that broad, he said. The government cant bar speech. It would be unheard of for a government entity to enforce an agreement against a former administration official to bar the official from saying anything bad about anyone he worked with in the past.If Bannon is simply telling Wolff his opinions on the presidency, that is not something an employer or the government would restrict, said Jessica Glatzer Mason, a Gardere labor and employment partner in Houston.This seems to go beyond what the Constitution allows, Mason said. They are going too far. Obviously, if he is disclosing state secrets that would be bad.Harder's cease and desist letter appears more like an intimidation tactic used often in the corporate world to pile on costs to stop accusations from moving forward, Mason said. There does not appear to be a strong reason to restrict free speech in this instance, she said.The competency of the president is a matter of public importance, Mason said.Don Schroeder, a Foley & Lardner labor and employment partner in Boston, said it would be common for a high-level executive leaving a company to have certain restrictions imposed, including confidentiality. The terms of any employment agreement Bannon signed will dictate whether there was any breach.Schroeder said Trump could ask for injunctive relief to stop the publication of the book. Any opinion commentary published in Wolff's book, he said, would not likely be considered libelous.It will depend on how broad the confidentiality agreement is and how tight, Schroeder said. Every judge is different. You would have to show the threat of irreparable harm and the likelihood on the success of the merits.Read more:Trump Wanted Loyalty in Supreme Court Pick, New Book 'Fire and Fury' SaysTrump and His Lawyers: Threats vs. Reality'Stick to the Plan': Steve Bannon Told Lawyers Why He Won't Fight Donald TrumpL.A. Lawyer Who Toppled Gawker Lobs New Libel Suit at Techdirt
Will not cooperate in biased investigation process: Silwal

A day after police issued an arrest warrant against him, former deputy inspector general Nawaraj Silwal said he would not cooperate with the probe, claiming that it was biased against him.
Former Trump campaign chief Paul Manafort, seen here leaving a federal court last month, alleges that Russia probe special prosecutor Robert Mueller has overstepped his mandate (AFP Photo/Brendan Smialowski) (AFP/File)

Washington (AFP) - Former Trump campaign chief Paul Manafort sued special prosecutor Robert Mueller and the Justice Department Wednesday for allegedly overstepping their mandates, in a challenge to the Russia probe that threatens the US president.

Two months after his arrest for tax evasion and money laundering, Manafort charged in a civil suit that the department and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein gave Mueller excessively broad authority in his investigation of possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia in the 2016 election.

He also alleged that Mueller strayed from a focus on alleged collusion in pursuing charges against Manafort related to his work for former Ukrainian leader Viktor Yanukovych years before the election campaign.

"The investigation of Mr. Manafort is completely unmoored from the special counsel's original jurisdiction to investigate 'any links and/or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the campaign of President Donald Trump,'" the lawsuit said.

Manafort's dealings with Russia-backed Yanukovych, all before 2014, "had no connection whatsoever to the 2016 presidential election or even to Donald Trump," it said.

A long-time Washington political consultant, he was recruited to head Trump's presidential campaign in June 2016 but stepped down two months later after allegations surfaced from Kiev that he had been paid more than $12 million by Yanukovych's party.

On October 30 he and former aide Rick Gates were charged with 12 counts of conspiracy to launder money, tax evasion, and other related crimes related to the money they earned advising Yanukovych.

Manafort, 68, argued that he had already been interviewed by the FBI in 2014 about his Ukraine activities, which date back to the mid-2000s, further placing them outside the contours of Mueller's investigation.

Mueller, a former FBI director, was named by Rosenstein to head up an independent investigation of possible links between Russian activities and the Trump campaign last May.

Story continues

The appointment order gave him the power to examine "any matters that arose or may arise directly from the investigation" into possible collusion.

Manafort argues that such a broad brief is not authorized under Justice Department rules, and that the charges against him should be thrown out.

If Manafort's suit is upheld, it could constrain Mueller's ability to examine, for example, Trump's finances, including business deals with Russian property investors, which have drawn his attention according to recent media reports.

In July Trump said in an interview that his finances were a "red line" that Mueller should not cross.

But even if, as analysts predict, the lawsuit fails, it adds to a recent campaign by Republicans to undermine Mueller and weaken any case he might build against President Trump or his close family and allies.

"My initial reaction is that Manafort, an expert in the dark arts of manipulating public opinion, wants to gain additional media exposure without putting this in front of the judge who would ultimately sentence him if convicted," said Renato Mariotti, a former federal prosecutor, on the Just Security website.
How we sleep is unbelievably important. Getting too little sleep not only makes you feel lousy and cranky, but its also linked to obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and even early death. (No pressure.)

But its amazingly hard to measure our sleep, as a population. Sure, one person at a time can stay overnight at a sleep lab, hooked up to scalp electrodes  but try sleeping normally that way, away from home and wired to strange equipment. Other sleep studies use self-reporting, where you write down each morning how you slept, but that data is famously unreliable.

Now, though, theres a new way to study our sleep: Fitness bands, worn by millions of people. Most of Fitibits bands, for example, have built-in heart-rate monitors, which produce much more accurate sleep-measurement results than earlier bands. These bands track your sleep automatically, in your own bed, on your normal schedule, under normal conditions.

Since Fitbit began tracking sleep stages in March 2017, it has collected data from 6 billion nights of its customers sleep. This is a gold mine  by far the largest set of sleep data ever assembled. (This data is anonymous and averaged; its not associated with individual customers names.)

Its a really, really exciting and really rare data set, Fitbit data scientist Karla Gleichauf says. Its probably the largest biometric data set in the world.

The measurements include not just how long you sleep, but what stages of sleep you experience. Each morning, the Fitbit app shows which parts of the night you spent in REM sleep (the vivid-dreams stage, good for mood regulation and memory processing), in deep sleep (good for memory, learning, the immune system, and feeling rested), in light sleep, and awake. (Its always disheartening to see how much of the night you waste in little one- or two-minute wake-ups that you dont even remember.)

Each morning, the Fitbit app shows how you slept.

But wait, theres more. The Fitbit app also knows your gender, age, weight, height, location, and activity level. Therefore, the companys data scientists can slice and dice its massive sleep database in fantastic ways. They should be able to tell us who sleeps more: men or women. Northerners or Southerners. East Coasters or West Coasters. They should be able to calculate our national average bedtime. They should be able to draw all kinds of conclusions about the way we sleep  and whats good for us.

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Now, for the first time, they have. Gleichauf and her boss, Conor Heneghan, Fitbits lead sleep research scientist, agreed to mine that vast sleep database to unearth some of its secrets. Some of their findings reinforce what sleep scientists have already studied; some have never been measured before.

Heres what Fitbit discovered  a Yahoo Finance exclusive.

Men vs. women

Women sleep 25 minutes longer a night than men. They average six hours and 50 minutes of sleep a night, whereas men get only six hours and 26 minutes. Neither group gets anywhere close to the recommended eight hours a night.

Women get about 25 minutes more sleep a night than men.

Women also get about 10 minutes more REM sleep than men every night, too  a gap that widens after age 50.

Why these differences? Its really not known if its a physiology thing, is it a cultural thing, who knows, Heneghan says. I think that would be super exciting over the next 10, 20 years for people to really get into why.

The news for women isnt all good, though: Theyre 40% more likely to suffer from insomnia  trouble falling asleep  than men.

(Those two findings could be related, too: Since womens sleep is less efficient, they have to spend more time in bed.)

Old vs. young

Getting older also affects your sleep. In this graph from Fitbits sleep study, you can see that we get less deep sleep as we age. When youre 20, youre getting half an hour more deep sleep a night than when youre 70.

We get less and less of the good sleep as we age.

North vs. South

Yes, its true: Northerners go to bed five minutes earlier than Southerners. They wake up earlier, too.

That may seem like a very small difference, but on the scale of billions of data points, its significant.

On the other hand, Heneghan points out that statistics can be tricky. I think North/South may be an artificial divide; urban/rural is probably a more meaningful divide, he notes. In other words, there may just be more big cities in the North.

East vs. West

East Coasters, according to the data, stay up seven minutes later than West Coasters (and wake up five minutes later, too).

I personally find this consistent with my experience of American culture, Heneghan says. I lived in New York. I lived in California. You get to 9 p.m. here in California, and the restaurant staff are kind of looking at you funny. Theres a great quote from Yogi Berra: It gets late real early around here.

The national bedtime

Heres a data point that no amount of sleep-lab studies could have unearthed: The average American goes to bed at 11:21 p.m.

Bedtime consistency

The biggest finding in Fitbits data may be the link between sleep quality and bedtime consistency.

That, Gleichauf explains, is this idea that your bedtime varies.

And in America, it really does vary  by an average of 64 minutes. You might go to bed at 11 p.m. on weeknights, but stay up after midnight on the weekends.

The Fitbit data shows that your sleep suffers as a result. If your bedtime varies by two hours over the week, youll average half hour of sleep a night less than someone whose bedtime varies by only 30 minutes.

And youll pay the price.

By the time your weekly bedtime variation is 2 hours, its costing you half an hour of sleep a night.

You know how jet lag works, right? When you have jet lag, its the mismatch between the actual time, in the zone youre in, and your circadian rhythm, Gleichauf told me. Youre not on the right part of that curve to make you fall asleep. So, at night in your new city, you lie there for hours, unable to fall asleep  and then in the middle of the next day, youre overcome by exhaustion.

When your bedtime varies over the week, then, youre creating self-induced jet lag. Gleichauf calls it social jet lag: On Monday, when you have to go back to work (and drag your bedtime backward), you feel crummy and youre more likely to get sick.

(Dr. Till Roenneberg, professor at the Institute of Medical Psychology at the University of Munich, calculates that every hour of social jetlag increases your risk of being overweight or obese by about 33%.)

Im super excited about this data, Heneghan says. For the first time ever, we were actually able to show the link between consistency and how long you sleep.

Social jet lag, by city

Gleichauf dove into American geography to see if there were differences in bedtime consistency  and there is.

Can you guess which city has the most widely varying bedtimes over the week?

Its Boston  probably because its a huge college town, with a huge population of young people.

Congratulations, Bostonyou have the most erratic bedtimes in the country.

Can you guess which one has the least variation in bedtimes?

Its Las Vegas. People who live and work in Las Vegas  if theyre in the industry of nightclubs and casinos, their schedule is going to be much less weekend-dominated, Heneghan says.

Wake-up times also vary. This time, Seattle is the winner, with the least variation across the week. The losers here are New Yorkers, whose wake-up times swing an average of 73 minutes over the week. (Well, it is the city that never sleeps.)

New York is the city that never wakes up consistently.

There are also findings to be gleaned based on time and location of a particular event. Look at what happened to peoples sleep in the San Francisco area this week when the earthquake struck:

Its pretty easy to spot when the late-night earthquake struck in the Bay Area this week.

The takeaways

The reporting that Fitbits sleep scientists offer in this exploration is only the very, very beginning. The company has amassed big data  big sleep data  that could provide some incredible answers. We just have to ask the right questions.

Why do men and women sleep differently? Why do we get less deep sleep as we age? Beyond the party on the weekend effect, why do our bedtimes vary so much? We know that exercise is good for our sleep, but when should we exercise for the best sleep? When should we eat if we want to get the most deepest sleep? Is the kind of sleep (REM sleep, deep sleep) more important than the total time asleep? Should the nations school hours and work hours be adjusted to fit the way we actually sleep?

And, of course, theres the elephant in the data room: Fitbits data comes exclusively from people who can afford a fitness band. Would the results look different if it came from a bigger group?

Fortunately, Fitbit plans to share its data, both with other scientific institutions and in science journals; its thrilling to think of the new knowledge that may result from it.

Until then, consider trying to get to bed at a more consistent hour throughout the week. Youll sleep better, youll sleep longer, and youll feel better once youre up.

Or just move to Las Vegas.

David Pogue, tech columnist for Yahoo Finance, welcomes non-toxic comments in the Comments below. On the Web, hes davidpogue.com. On Twitter, hes @pogue. On email, hes poguester@yahoo.com. You can sign up to get his stuff by email.

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Chevrolet Equinox SUVs are parked awaiting shipment next to the General Motors Co (GM) CAMI assembly plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada October 13, 2017. REUTERS/Chris Helgren

By Anirban Paul

(Reuters) - Canada auto sales dipped by a percent in December, marking the second straight month of sales drop, but yearly sales were up by 4.6 percent crossing the 2 million mark for the first time, with light trucks continuing to be the bestseller in the country.

About 124,247 vehicles were sold in December, bringing the total number of units sold in 2017 to 2.03 million, according to a report published by the Global Automakers of Canada (GAC).

"It wasn't that many years ago that sales levels over the 2 million mark would have seemed completely unrealistic, but there are a lot of positive fundamentals that have supported this growth, although the last two months of the year have seen sales growth moderate slightly," GAC President David Adams said.

General Motors Co's (GM.N) December sales in Canada rose 9.2 percent but that of rivals Fiat Chrysler (FCHA.MI) (FCAU.N) and Ford (F.N) fell due to weak demand.

Detroit-based GM sold 19,801 vehicles in Canada last month, with Chevrolet accounting for more than half of the total sales. (http://bit.ly/2Cx1LQr)

GM Canada sold 302,826 vehicles in 2017, up 13.3 percent over the previous year, contrasting with sales in the much bigger U.S. market where the Cadillac maker recorded a fall of 1.3 percent.

However, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCHA.MI) (FCAU.N), reported a fall in monthly and yearly sales, hurt by a lower demand for its Jeep and Dodge branded vehicles in Canada.

The company said it sold 17,654 vehicles in December, a drop of 6 percent compared to the year earlier. Full-year sales fell 4.2 percent to 267,052 vehicles.

Ford reported an 11.1 percent drop in monthly auto sales, selling 17,565 vehicles in December. However, full-year sales were up by 1.3 percent.

"We are expecting a decline in auto sales for the year in 2018," Scotiabank analyst Carlos Gomes said, noting that a slower Canadian GDP growth and vehicle price increases outpacing income growth to be likely factors.

(Reporting by Akshara P and Anirban Paul in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun Koyyur and Shounak Dasgupta)
The Trump presidency is generally good for business, with tax cuts likely to boost profits at many companies, and some firms even offering their workers Trump bonuses, to share the windfall.

Theres one glaring exception: The marijuana business, which ought to be booming now that 8 states, including California, have declared weed legal for recreational use. Instead, Big Weed is suddenly reeling now that Trumps attorney general, Jeff Sessions, has reversed an Obama-era policy of tolerating legal marijuana. The new policy could signal an unprecedented federal crackdown on pot, along with a titanic battle between several state governments and Washington.

Cannabis, the plant that produces marijuana, is still illegal under federal law, and Congress has shown no serious interest in changing that. So it was problematic when Colorado, Washington and other states began to declare pot legal for recreational use, starting in 2012. Federal law generally trumps state law, which meant the feds could essentially overturn state legalization laws, if they were willing to go through the messy legal process and political turmoil that would require.

President Obama settled the matter after his reelection in 2012, by saying federal prosecutors have bigger fish to fry than tangling with states over pot laws. The Justice Department formalized Obamas fish policy in 2013, establishing guidelines that generally steered prosecutors away from marijuana cases. Its worth noting that the Obama policy aligns with public attitudes toward marijuana, with 64% of Americans now saying they support the legalization of weed.

Source: Gallup

The Justice Department under Trump has a different view. Sessions, long an outspoken critic of legal weed, has rescinded the Obama guidelines, reopening the possibility that the Justice Department could go after growers, sellers or users in the 8 legal states. That doesnt mean it will. But the threat of federal prosecution will slam the growth of the marijuana industry, because its hard to attract investment in a business the feds explicitly declare illegal.

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[See how Sessions crackdown on pot could hurt Republicans in November.]

Legal marijuana is an $8 billion industry, with forecasts suggesting it could exceed $30 billion by 2021. That would still be a small industry, but potential growth rates of 3x to 4x over just a few years have begun to get investors attention.

Yet a Damocles sword now hangs over the industry, dampening its prospects. Even in the so-called legal states, pot has struggled to go mainstream because of that pesky federal prohibition. Pot businesses have trouble setting up regular bank accounts or taking out ordinary loans. Deep-pocketed corporations dont want to back the industry, fearing a politicized mess should Washington intervene. The resulting hodgepodge slows the adoption of industry standards, consumer safeguards and efficiencies that would boost growth and profitability.

Californias legalization of pot, effective Jan. 1 of this year, might have normalized the whole industry, since its economy is so huge to start with and demand could soar. But normalization probably wont happen now. Small operators will continue to grow and sell pot, figuring theyll fly beneath the radar, should the feds pounce. Bigger companies will stay out, however, since theyd be likelier targets of aggressive prosecutors. Theres nothing wrong with a pot economy consisting mostly of small businesses, except that it will grow more slowly than an economy built on scale.

California and several other legal states could challenge Trumps Justice Department in some way, especially if they have to defend their own residents against legal prosecution. But its hard to see how theyd prevail, given that federal law is clear: weed is illegal.

There are several obvious ironies (or, if you prefer, hypocrisies). Republicans repeatedly tout states rights while calling for a smaller federal footprintyet on pot, Sessions is going out of his way to assert federal authority over state sovereignty. Trump also boasts of the myriad regulations he is killing, in order to free businesses from government interference. Yet his administration may now strangle the weed industry.

The simple fact, however, is that federal law declares marijuana illegal, and the attorney generals job is to enforce federal law. States that want to legalize pot may feel Sessions has overstepped his authority. But its really those states that have done so, by declaring that federal law doesnt apply to them. The black market for pot has a lot of life left in it.

Confidential tip line: rickjnewman@yahoo.com. Encrypted communication available.

Read more:

Rick Newman is the author of four books, including Rebounders: How Winners Pivot from Setback to Success. Follow him on Twitter: @rickjnewman
Good morning, Broadsheet readers! The Senate now boasts a record 22 women, theres a fire at Hillary Clintons place, andsurprise, surpriseHoda Kotb is being paid a fraction of what Matt Lauer made. Stay warm today!

EVERYONES TALKING

 Looking the part. I found this piece, titled How I learned to look believable, both heartrending and hilarious. In it, writer and Ph.D. candidate Eva Hagberg Fisher describes the various outfits she wore to the many legal, semi-legal and legal-adjacent events that unfolded after she filed an account of being sexual harassed by her former graduate school adviser. She brilliantly illuminates the impossibility of looking the way a victim should lookand reveals happens when you tell a J.Crew clerk, I need something that looks like Im destroying the patriarchy. New York Times

ALSO IN THE HEADLINES

 Meet Senator Smith. Tina Smith was sworn in as Minnesotas newest senator yesterday, becoming the 22nd woman to serve in the current U.S. Senatea record-breaking milestone. Smith was appointed following the resignation of Al Franken over sexual harassment allegations. For more about her and how she plans to govern, check out this Teen Vogue piece. Fortune

 Not Lauer loot. When asked if shes making anything near the estimated $25 million a year that her predecessor Matt Lauer was taking home each year, new Today host Hoda Kotb told People, The answer is noIm not making Matt Lauer money. Not even close. (Her co-host Savannah Guthrie added, For either of us.) While NBC hasnt confirmed the number, the New York Post is reporting that Kotb is now making $7 million per year.

 The Google gap? The women suing Google for allegedly paying male employees more than their female counterparts have added a plaintiff and narrowed the proposed class of the suit to include more than two dozen specific job titles (including software engineer and project manager). Last month, a San Francisco judge ruled that the original proposed class, all the women employed by Google in California, was too broad. Bloomberg

Story continues

MOVERS AND SHAKERS: Karen Katz, CEO of Neiman Marcus group, is reportedly preparing to step down. MSNBC is promoting Colleen King and Tina Urbanski to executive producer.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

 Well miss you! Essence Communications, which includes Essence magazine and its Essence Music Festival, has been acquired by the aptly named Essence Ventures for an undisclosed amount. Previously owned by Fortune parent company Time Inc, Essences all-black, all-female executive team is lead by president Michelle Ebanks, who will continue in her role. Fortune

 Apple doubles down on Reese. Apple, which has already ordered two seasons of a drama series staring Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston, is also developing a new original series with Witherspoon on board as executive producer. This one stars Octavia Spencer and is tied to the prominence of true crime podcasts like Serial in pop culture. Fortune

 Khaled shrinks, Oprahs bank account grows. DJ Khaleds plans to use Weight Watchers (and, of course, share details of his slimdown on social media) have boosted shares of the company by nearly 9%. Thats a big win for Oprah Winfrey, growing the value of her 10% stake in the company by about $26 million in a 24-hour period. Fortune

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Looking for previous Broadsheets? Click here.

ON MY RADAR

The best way for companies to fight sexual harassment? Let someone else handle it Fortune

After #MeToo comes to the courts New York Times

Fire breaks out on Hillary and Bill Clintons property in Chappaqua Washington Post

Ivanka seeks the presidencyand other big claims from explosive new book The Guardian

QUOTE
The protests spreading across Iran pose no immediate threat to the nation's oil exports, analysts said. However, the unrest could cause the Trump administration to take an even tougher stance against Iran, increasing the odds of a major supply disruption. Iran has restored its oil production to nearly 4 million barrels a day since a historic 2015 deal with six world powers that lifted crippling sanctions on the country. A major disruption in Iran could send crude prices sharply higher just as the oil market is emerging from a prolonged period of oversupply. Demonstrations began last week in Mashhad, Iran's second largest city, and have spread to several urban and provincial areas, including the capital Tehran. Dissatisfaction with Iran's sluggish economy emerged as a unifying grievance, but protesters have also spoken out against Iran's leadership and its financial support for foreign groups.

The protests lack a central leader or a clear objective and have not reached the scale of demonstrations that broke out after a contested election in 2009, according to Cliff Kupchan, chairman of risk consultancy the Eurasia Group. "It's really small. It's not even a remote threat at this point to Iranian production. The 2.3 million barrels a day that Iran exports I think are quite safe right now," Kupchan told CNBC's "Closing Bell" on Tuesday. In order to disrupt those supplies, the protests would have to spark strikes in the nation's oil fields, and there is so far no indication that will happen, analysts said. "I think that's another stage down the road. I'm not saying it couldn't happen, but it's certainly not something I'm going to bet my little dollars on today. No, I think the oil price is where it should be," David Roche, president of advisory firm Independent Strategy, told CNBC Asia's "Squawk Box." At least some traders were bidding up the price of oil this week. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (New York Mercantile Exchange: @CL.1) crude hit its highest level since mid-2015 in early trading on Tuesday, slipped back throughout the session and then struck a fresh 2-year high on Wednesday morning. Analysts said that response is to be expected  but so is a corresponding dip in oil prices. "There is a knee-jerk reaction in the market, but then as the market sees that actual supplies aren't really being affected, there's a little bit of a pullback typically," said Vandana Hari, founder and CEO of Vandana Insights, an Asian energy markets analysis firm. Hari said the protests spreading throughout Iran right now are distinct from the instability that has gripped producer nations like Nigeria and Libya, where militants have directly targeted oil infrastructure to achieve their political aims. Even if the demonstrations continue or grow larger, they are unlikely to affect Iranian oil supplies, she told CNBC Asia's "Capital Connection " on Tuesday.

Helima Croft, global head of commodity strategy for RBC Capital Markets, said an oil worker strike is unlikely, but she sees another threat to Iranian supplies in the near term. The protests may embolden President Donald Trump to refuse to waive the sanctions targeting Iran's economy and energy industry that the United States suspended as part of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Trump faces several deadlines in coming weeks on whether to extend sanctions and or certify that Iran is complying with the deal. Depending on Tehran's response to the protests, Trump may try to force Europeans to curtail Iranian crude imports and delay planned investments in Iran's oil and gas development. "If there is a particularly brutal crackdown like in 2009, he may feel more empowered to take the moral high ground with the Europeans," Croft told CNBC in an email. The Iranian regime has a vast security apparatus loyal to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that is more than capable of suppressing the current demonstrations, analysts said. The death toll from the protests has reached at least 21, and hundreds of people have been detained, according to news reports. While Iranian protests are likely to result in further oppression, that is not likely to significantly influence international attitudes toward Iran, according to Roche. "There will be of course the usual mouthings about being nice to your citizens, but it won't lead to abrogation, for example, of the nuclear deal," he said. "That's just not going to happen."



More From CNBC


Yuzo Kano is the CEO for BitFlyer, one of Japan's largest cryptocurrency exchanges. He previously worked at Goldman Sachs developing settlement systems, and later on equities derivatives and convertible bonds.

The following article is an exclusive contribution to CoinDesk's 2017 in Review.

No matter what negative news rocked the community, what hard fork happened or what skeptics stated, bitcoin held strong in 2017.

This is due in no small part to Japan. While the wider community is what breathes life into any coin, Japan is now bitcoin's heart; the country that is at the center of its support. There used to be a concern about the longevity of bitcoin, the safety of using such a novel new invention.

2017 is the year that fear died  and Japan is a big part of that reason.

Where other countries have had knee-jerk responses to bitcoin and blockchain technology, Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) expertly analyzed the technology and developed clear and fair laws to regulate virtual currency exchanges. This is no small matter  bitcoin exchanges are the onboard ramp to both bitcoin adoption as well as the future of virtual currencies.

Coming home

With all the positive news this year from Japan, it's only appropriate to acknowledge the country's deep history with cryptocurrency. While we may never know for sure if he (or she) is (or was) Japanese, Satoshi Nakamoto is a Japanese name. Japan is bitcoin's home.

But though bitcoin has always had strong roots in Japan, it was also the center of its biggest controversy.

Some say that Mt. Gox's implosion, now nearly four years removed, was the worst event to ever happen to bitcoin. The numbers were staggering. 650,000 bitcoins, worth around $437 million at the time, were lost when the exchange abruptly closed. The company filed for bankruptcy. This affected over 127,000 customers around the world. Today, those lost bitcoins are worth nearly $9 billion.

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Still, this event, while terrible, forced the Japanese regulators to step in and protect consumers.

That disruption, that explosion, is why Japan has become the most forward thinking jurisdiction for bitcoin and virtual currencies. The FSA's understanding of the technology, regardless of the bad or inexperienced actors early in the space, helped lay the foundation on which the rest of the world can begin to understand and fully accept bitcoin and other virtual currencies.

Starting on April 1 of this year, the Japanese government enacted an amendment to the Payment Services Act. These amendments, which BitFlyer helped establish, have been referred to as the Virtual Currency Act and alongside additional tax reform have provided three main pieces of regulation in 2017:

1: Legal clarification of bitcoin

The Virtual Currency Act described and identified what a virtual currency is, clarified that bitcoin is considered an asset and that bitcoin can be considered a payment method.

That act, however, did not declare bitcoin as a legal currency, as some have mistakenly professed.

2: Virtual currency exchange regulation

The Japan Financial Services Authority was granted the ability to both regulate, as well as issue licenses, to virtual currency exchanges in Japan. This cemented bitcoin as an established market in Japan, where the rules are clear and consumers can be protected.

BitFlyer was proud to be granted one of the first licenses of this sort earlier this year in September.

3: One additional piece of regulation from a different act

Lastly, while not part of the Virtual Currency Act, tax reform was pushed forward on July 1, which removed a consumption tax that dissuaded foreign investors from purchasing bitcoins on Japan's market. This opened up Japans markets to international investors.

Expanding bitcoin and blockchain usage

But while Japan has led the way, the rest of the world should learn from the regulations and research that has resulted.

Here, BitFlyer has been able to work closely with government organizations to provide research and information about the usability of bitcoin and blockchain technology. The research, just like bitcoin, is borderless and publicly available. BitFlyer has also been hard at work researching and developing a world-class enterprise blockchain called "miyabi." With a top speed of over 4,000 transactions per second, miyabi guarantees immutability, finality, Byzantine fault tolerance, low latency and has no single point of failure.

This work has not gone unnoticed.

The largest interbank clearing network in Japan has selected bitFlyer to demonstrate a proof of concept, utilizing miyabi to show how blockchain can be used to revolutionize the banking industry and create a much faster settlement platform. If adopted, the largest banks in Japan will be connected through blockchain and demonstrate to the world that enterprise blockchain can be implemented securely, creating a better and more united financial world.

These developments are why we believe 2018 will be another spectacular year for bitcoin.

Volume has been growing steadily through 2017, the price has been skyrocketing throughout the year, but most importantly, the last pieces for institutional investors to get involved with bitcoin are close at hand.

Even if a bitcoin ETF doesn't gain approval in 2018, the creation of futures products for bitcoin will allow for much more liquidity to enter the markets. Past just conventional derivatives, dozens of trading firms have sprung up over the last year to allow for boutique hedge funds, family offices, or even large-sized individual traders to access the virtual currency markets.

With all of these developments, bitFlyer has realized an incredible opportunity to harness all the liquidity in Japan to fuel these new marketplaces and service new traders. BitFlyer's bitcoin trade volume (including leveraged trading) is the largest in the world. Regardless of the massive inflow of volume institutional firms can bring through derivatives, trading firms will need to trade actual bitcoin for delivery.

BitFlyer's global expansion (such as the recently launched bitFlyer US exchange) seeks to service these markets directly, by providing institutions and individuals everywhere with the ability to participate with the largest source of bitcoin liquidity in the world: Japan.

Disclosure: CoinDesk is a subsidiary of Digital Currency Group, which has an ownership stake in bitFlyer.

Lotus flower image via Shutterstock

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Shares of J. C. Penney Company, Inc. JCP have made a great start to 2018, with stock gaining over 17% in the first two trading session of the year. The recent gain in stock price can primarily be attributed to the market experts anticipation of the company having robust holiday season.

Moreover, the companys efforts towards remodeling, renovation and refurbishment of stores with special attention on enhancing the reach of national and especially private-label brands also bode well. Nevertheless, despite the recent run in share price the company has still some concerns to address. So, is this gain short-lived or does the stock still have more room to run? In a year, the stock has decreased 52.9%, wider than the industrys decline of 0.1%. Lets delve deeper.

Robust Holiday Season

The latest addition to the streak of encouraging economic indicators is the holiday season sales data from Nov 1 to Dec 24, 2017, reflecting an increase in consumer spending. According to MasterCard SpendingPulse, sales (excluding automobiles) during the period jumped 4.9% compared with 3.7% rise in the prior-year period. This marks the biggest year-over-year increase in holiday spending since 2011.

Per report, sales of electronics and appliances, jewelry, and home furnishings rose 7.5%, 5.9% and 5.1%, respectively. Meanwhile, specialty apparel as well as department stores witnessed moderate sales increase.

Solid Performance of Sephora Stores

The in-store Sephora departments continue to outperform by drawing more customers. During fiscal 2016, the company opened 61 Sephora stores. In third-quarter fiscal 2017, the company opened 38 Sephora stores, bringing the total count to 70 so far in fiscal 2017. At the end of the reported quarter, the total count of Sephora locations inside J. C. Penney was 642 stores.

Sephora is doing exceptionally well and is one of the best performing categories. These shops are part of J. C. Penneys strategy to gain a competitive advantage over other beauty product retailers and drugstores, which have significantly enhanced their cosmetics sections in the recent years. Since Sephora is part of J. C. Penneys long-term growth strategy, the company not only intends to add more stores but has also started selling Sephora products online.

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Omni-channel Initiatives & Loyalty Program

The Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company continues to work on improving omni-channel reach. As online shoppers shop more than average customers, improving their shopping experience is the key to building a strong online portal. To drive more traffic online, the company is providing convenient shipping and pickup options like pick up in store same day facility, ship to any J. C. Penney store and faster home delivery across its store network. The company has made investments to boost supply chain efficiency. In third-quarter fiscal 2017, omni-channel initiatives witnessed double-digit growth.

Hurdles to Cross

J. C. Penney soft comps and earnings projections for fiscal 2017 along with high debt are major concern for investors. For fiscal 2017, the comps are projected to be in the range of down 1% to flat compared with the earlier estimate of down 1% to up 1%. Cost of goods sold is now forecast to increase by 100-120 bps year over year. The company anticipates adjusted earnings per share to be in the range of 2-8 cents, sharply below its initial estimate of 40-65 cents.

Moreover, J. C. Penney continues to struggle with high-debt levels. At the end of the reported quarter, total long-term debt was $4,039 million, reflecting a debt-to-capitalization ratio of 78.9%. Earlier, the company had announced plans to lower the net debt to EBITDA ratio to less than three times by fiscal 2017.

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WASHINGTON  Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a vocal and longtime opponent of marijuana, will allow the nations top federal prosecutors to decide how to handle marijuana cases in states where the drug has been legalized.

The Justice Department decision, announced on Thursday, immediately caused chaos in an industry that has been growing in recent years as some states have embraced marijuana legalization, and sent stock prices of large cannabis companies nosediving as much as 35 percent. It will likely leave those in legal marijuana businesses uncertain whether the U.S. attorney in their district will resume enforcing federal law, which still regards marijuana as illegal.

Sessions rescinded four memos issued during the Obama administration that outlined guidelines to help federal prosecutors decide whether to enforce laws against marijuana growers and sellers in states where the drug is legal. The guidance effectively discouraged federal prosecution of those who were following state laws.

It is the mission of the Department of Justice to enforce the laws of the United States, and the previous issuance of guidance undermines the rule of law and the ability of our local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement partners to carry out this mission, said Sessions. Therefore, todays memo on federal marijuana enforcement simply directs all U.S. attorneys to use previously established prosecutorial principles that provide them all the necessary tools to disrupt criminal organizations, tackle the growing drug crisis, and thwart violent crime across our country.

One Justice Department official called Sessionss decision a return to the rule of law. But DOJ officials struggled to explain the implications of the policy in a background briefing with reporters on Thursday, and offered little direction for the state-legal marijuana industry.

Marijuana continues to be against federal law, one said.

A senior department official said Sessions new memo removes the de-facto safe harbor that existed under Obama policy. This is something that has been under consideration at the department for a long time, and I think finally a decision was made, the official said.

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Sessions has been all over the place on issues of states rights, but has consistently opposed marijuana legalization. Hes also been reliable supporter of aggressive law enforcement action against drugs more broadly. During a hearing on Capitol Hill in 2016, Sessions, then a senator, spoke out against weed, and urged the federal government to send the message to the public that good people dont smoke marijuana. He also has called states legalization of marijuana a mistake, claimed cannabis is only slightly less awful than heroin and criticized the Obama administration for not taking a more forceful stance against the drug.

Although marijuana remains illegal under federal law, eight states and Washington, D.C., have voted to legalize the substance for recreational use. A total of 28 states have legalized marijuana for medical purposes.

A Justice Department memo in 2013, shortly after the first successful statewide cannabis legalization initiatives in Colorado and Washington state, was among the Obama administrations guidance that permitted states to forge their own way on marijuana law. A series of memoranda included the Cole memo, named after then-Deputy Attorney General James Cole, which urged federal prosecutors to refrain from targeting state-legal marijuana operations.

But those memos were not officially law, and were subject to changes from future administrations.

With support for marijuana legalization recently reaching 64 percent nationwide, the highest ever, many questioned the Trump administrations move to lay the groundwork for a crackdown. President Donald Trump, who said during the campaign that he wouldnt use federal law to prosecute state-legal marijuana, now strongly believes federal law against marijuana should be enforced, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Thursday.

Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus and a representative of a legal marijuana state, called it one of the stupidest decisions Sessions has made.

One wonders if Trump was consulted  it is Jeff Sessions after all  because this would violate his campaign promise not to interfere with state marijuana laws, Blumenauer said in a statement. Its time for anyone who cares about this issue to mobilize and push back strongly against this decision.

Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.), who also co-chairs the cannabis caucus, called on the president to overrule Sessions.

The Trump Administration needs to back off, and allow marijuana to be treated like alcohol under the law, Polis said in a statement. At stake is a growing industry that has created 23,000 jobs and generated $200 million in tax revenue in Colorado. Im calling on President Trump to overrule Attorney General Sessions and protect consumers, our economy, the will of the voters, and states rights.

Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) suggested Sessions lied ahead of his confirmation as attorney general about his intent to target state-legal marijuana operations. Gardner, in a series of tweets, also threatened to retaliate.

I am prepared to take all steps necessary, including holding DOJ nominees, until the Attorney General lives up to the commitment he made to me prior to his confirmation.  Cory Gardner (@SenCoryGardner) January 4, 2018

Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.), whose state began allowing recreational marijuana sales on Jan. 1, called Sessions move an extravagant holiday gift to the drug cartels.

Sessions has shown a preference for allowing all commerce in marijuana to take place in the black market, which will inevitably bring the spike in violence he mistakenly attributes to marijuana itself, said Rohrabacher. He is doing the bidding of an out-of-date law enforcement establishment that wants to wage a perpetual weed war and seize private citizens property in order to finance its backward ambitions.

Rohrabacher added: By taking this benighted minority position, he actually places Republicans electoral fortunes in jeopardy.

The direct impact of the policy change is uncertain. It means that U.S. attorneys  the chief federal law enforcer within their regional jurisdiction  now have the attorney generals blessing to aggressively pursue marijuana prosecutions. The U.S. has 94 U.S. attorneys.

We dont know a lot about the U.S. attorneys because the president fired all of them, said John Hudak, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and an expert on marijuana policy. As the acting U.S. attorneys show what theyre going to do and the newly confirmed U.S. attorneys begin to act, well get a better understanding, but until then its just uncertainty layered on top of uncertainty.

A senior Justice Department official said the message for the nations top federal prosecutors was that they should approach marijuana cases like all other cases and decide which prosecutions are priorities in their district.

We think that U.S. attorneys need to determine what cases need to be brought in their districts, one senior Justice Department official said. The attorney general believes marijuana is against federal law.

Later Thursday, Bob Troyer, the U.S. attorney for Colorado, said his office wouldnt change its priorities with the new guidance, and would continue to focus in particular on identifying and prosecuting those who create the greatest safety threats to our communities around the state.

Marijuana-reform advocates blasted Sessions decision as a sad step backward.

Jeff Sessions obsession with marijuana prohibition defies logic, threatens successful state-level reforms, and flies in the face of widespread public support for legalization, said Maria McFarland Sanchez-Moreno, executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance, a progressive nonprofit. Its now time for Congress to put the brakes on Sessions destructive agenda by limiting the Justice Departments ability to undermine states decisionmaking.

Read Sessions memo below.

(Photo: Joshua Roberts / Reuters)

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Jan 4 (Reuters) - Luxury retailer Neiman Marcus Group Ltd is preparing to appoint a new a chief executive, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the situation.

Karen Katz, who has served as chief executive since 2010, is stepping aside and will be replaced by an outsider, but she will retain her board seat, the people told the financial newspaper.

The company has been hunting for a new leader for some time, some of the people told the Wall Street Journal. Several current CEOs spurned Neiman Marcus' approaches about taking its top spot, the paper reported. (http://on.wsj.com/2Aor56f)

Neiman Marcus was not immediately available for comment.

The up-market chain has been struggling with a nearly $5 billion debt load mainly due to its leveraged buyout in 2013, when Ares and Canadian public pension fund CPPIB acquired it from other private equity firms.

Seeking ways to cut debt, the retailer in March last year had explored options to change its capital structure or sell itself, but three months later abandoned that plan as its debt pile made any acquisition hard to structure.

At the time, the company had been in talks with Canadian retailer Hudson Bay Co for a full or partial sale, but those talks subsequently fell apart due to Neiman Marcus' high debt load.

(Reporting by Siddharth Cavale in Bengaluru; Editing by Martina D'Couto)
WASHINGTON  Former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort filed suit against special counsel Robert Mueller, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and the Department of Justice on Wednesday  a suit that experts quickly said has little chance of success.

In his complaint, Manafort alleges that Muellers investigation diverged from its focus on alleged collusion between the Russian government and President Trumps campaign.

The investigation of Mr. Manafort is completely unmoored from the Special Counsels original jurisdiction to investigate any links and/or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the campaign of President Donald Trump, the complaint reads. It has instead focused on unrelated, decade-old business dealings  specifically, Ukraine political campaign consulting activities of Mr. Manafort.

The lawsuit is frivolous but the defendant is entitled to file whatever he wants, a Justice Department spokesperson told HuffPost in an email.

Manafort and his business associate Rick Gates were indicted by a federal grand jury in October and were charged with a dozen counts involving money laundering, failure to file foreign bank reports, and false statements. Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein appointed Mueller, a former director of the FBI, to the position of special counsel looking into the Trump campaigns alleged dealings with Russia back in May. Rosenstein had been overseeing the Russia probe after Attorney General Jeff Sessions had recused himself from the investigation.

The lawsuit, filed by the same attorney representing Manafort in his felony criminal case, contends that Rosensteins appointment order gave Mueller carte blanche to investigate and pursue criminal charges in connection with anything he stumbles across while investigating, no matter how remote from the specific matter identified as the subject of the Appointment Order.

Ill hand it to Manaforts lawyers: theyre good at convincing their client to spend money on filings that will go absolutely no where, tweeted Matt Miller, a former Justice Department spokesman during the Obama administration.

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On Twitter Wednesday, University of Texas School of Law professor Stephen Vladeck reiterated his September testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee in September. Vladeck said then that special counsel regulations dont raise the same issues as independent counsels, which came under scrutiny for going outside their mandate and allowing another branch of government  the legislative branch  to oversee the workings of the executive branch. A special counsel was much less of an intrusion than an independent counsel, Vladeck said, and the scope of the Special Counsels investigative jurisdiction is entirely within the control of the Attorney General; and the Attorney General retains the power to oversee the Special Counsels investigation  as provided by the Executive Branchs own regulation, rather than congressional mandate.

Read the suit in full below.

Also on HuffPost

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Peter Thiel and his venture capital firm, Founders Fund, are big believers in Bitcoin.

The PayPal co-founder and other Founders Fund partners bought $15 million to $20 million worth of the cryptocurrency thats now worth hundreds of millions of dollars, according to a Wall Street Journal report on Tuesday that cites unnamed sources.

The report didnt say exactly when Thiel or his VC firm first bought Bitcoin, whose value has fluctuated from record highs to dramatic declines in recent months. The volatility has alarmed some economists, who worry of a bubble.

Thiel and the Founders Fund, however, dont appear to share those concerns, and are instead pitching Bitcoin to their investors as a high-risk, high-reward wager similar to its other venture bets, the report said.

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Shares of Bitcoin jumped over 13% on Tuesday from $13,412 to $15,216 after the report, according to Coindesk.

In October, Thiel reportedly said during an investment conference in Saudi Arabia that people are underestimating Bitcoin and he compared the cryptocurrency to gold.

If bitcoin ends up being the cyber equivalent of gold it has a great potential left, he said at the time. About other cryptocurrencies, however, Thiel said he was skeptical of most of them.

Other cryptocurrencies include Ripple, Ethereum, and Litecoin.

A Founders Fund spokesperson declined to comment on the report.
If your school allows you to bring a car to campus, weigh these pros and cons first.

As college drew nearer, I had visions of throwing all my belongings into the back of my Toyota Tacoma and driving off into adulthood. My parents had another idealeaving the truck at home.

They said that not having a car on campus would save me time, money, and the occasional headache. It would allow me to focus on adjusting to university life and spending my weekends around the school. This turned out to be pretty solid advice, but the right decision for me won't necessarily be the right choice for you. You need to weigh the pros and cons to determine what's best.

First, though, you need to find out your school's car policy. Some schools discourage students from having cars on campus. Others, such as Georgetown University, don't even allow on-campus parking.

Northern California's Santa Clara University, as another example, bars first-year students who live on campus from bringing their wheels with them. The school explains that keeping freshman on their feet makes them more involved in on-campus activities, and it also reserves parking space for upperclassmen.

Then again, many colleges do encourage you to bring your car. In fact, 48% of students have a car on campus, according to a 2016 survey from U.S. News & World Report. And at 14 of the 215 schools surveyed, at least 90% of students have a car.

If your school allows you to bring a car to campus, weigh these three cons first.

1. You'd Have to Pay Auto Insurance Premiums

The simple fact is that if you bring your car to college, you'll need to insure it. Most of us know that student car insurance can be costly. Leaving your car in the driveway at home, however, could save you or your family some money.

If you're included on your family's insurance coverage, your parents could drop you to an "occasional" driver on the policy. That would decrease the policy's monthly premiums. Ask your insurer about its "resident student" discount or a "student away at school" discount. There might be a 100-mile minimum requirement for the distance between your permanent address (your home) and your school to qualify.

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If you have individual insurance coverage and decide to leave your car at home, you could pause or reduce your coverage. Canceling your plan would create a gap in coverage, though, potentially raising your future premiums.

2. You'd Be Footing the Bill for Parking Costs

Having a car on campus means having to park it on or near campus. There are two ways this can become costly: parking passes and parking tickets.

Even if you live off campus, you may still have to buy a pass to park on campus. It might not be cheap either. Parking permits at University of California Santa Cruz, for example, can set you back $583 per year.

Short of buying a pass, you might be tempted to break parking regulations on campusand you're not alone there. The average college student receives two parking tickets per year, according to Best Value Schools.

Your school's parking enforcement might charge lower fines than your city's police department. They're $25 across the board at SUNY Cortland, for example. But still, the charges could pile up if you're not careful.

Research your school's policies and costs. There's a wide range of possibilities. Consider New Jersey schools as an example. Rutgers University issues 5.5 tickets per driver, William Paterson University distributes 0.12, and Princeton University doesn't ticket drivers at all, according to MyCentralJersey.com's research.

3. You May End Up Being Your Friends' Chauffeur

Almost 30% of millennials say affording rent and other necessities is among their top sources of money stress. And cars can bring more than their share of money troubles. Insurance, parking, gas, maintenance, emissions checks, and more are all part of car ownership and use.

But there are more cons than those that hit your wallet. If you're a freshman driving, having a car could help you make friends, but ask yourself if you want to be the driver each time you go off campus in a group. You might rather be the one asking for occasional rides.

But a car can do worse things than cramp your styleit can put you in an unsafe situation. If you have a car, and you drive to bars with friends, you run the risk of getting behind the wheel after drinking too much. It might not always be cheaper to take public transportation or reserve an Uber, but it's much safer.

If these cons don't sway you, then know there are some advantages to having a car in college.

1. It's the Best Form of Transportation Available

If your school has a sprawling campus or satellite campuses, driving from class to class might be less of a luxury and more of a necessity. There are other possible reasons for needing a car

You need to commute regularly for an off-campus job or internship.

There is no viable bus, train, or similar option to get you where you need to go.

The distance between your residence and classes is too far to bike.

If you decide that having a car on campus is worth the trouble, consider creating a carpool to make it worth your while. You could find classmates who live in your dorm and offer rides in exchange for something else.

2. You Can Work Your Wheels into Your Side Hustle

Having a car on campus affects your wallet in negative ways, like with insurance and parkingbut it can also make you money. Some of the best side hustles require a car.

Consider one or more of the following:

Be a rideshare driver for a company like Uber and Lyft.

Treat your car like a moving billboard with help from Carvertise.

Rent your car out to neighbors or classmates using Turo.

If you already use your car to make money or you're looking into it, do the math. See if your potential earnings would covers costs for parking, insurance, and the occasional oil change. Better yet, see if you could turn a profit.

You can perform the same calculation for office jobs or internships that require a commute.

3. It's the Cheapest Way to Return Home

Freshman and college students generally live by the academic calendar. Aside from having the summer off, there are spring and winter breaks and occasional long weekends. A student's top option is typically returning home.

No matter where you see yourself taking breaks from schoolwhether it's at Mom and Dad's or a friend's placemap the route ahead of time. If it's a few states away, you might be booking flights for each trip. If you live within a road trip's distance from home, however, having a car might be your best choiceand you may decide that putting up with parking on campus is worth having the ability to drive home at a moment's notice.

Decide Whether to Take Your Car to Campus

On a daily basis, full-time college students spend 1.4 of every 24 hours traveling, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you know you'll be taking a car to college, you should include the cost of gas and parking when figuring out the real cost of your classes. Choosing how you travel could save you time, but it could also save you money or trouble.

Research your school's policies and think critically about whether you need your car on campus.

The less time you spend behind the wheel, the more time you can use on your college experience.
The Trump Justice Departments crackdown on legalized marijuana could be an issue in this years midterms  if Democrats choose to make it one.

Multiple outlets reported Thursday that Attorney General Jeff Sessions and the Trump administration were rolling back an Obama era policy to scale back federal prosecution of marijuana-related cases in jurisdictions where it is not illegal under state law. A majority of states  including California, as of Jan. 1  allow pot use in at least some circumstances, but the growing, selling and possession of marijuana are still federal crimes.

The move, which reflects long-standing Republican antipathy to drug use going back to the 1960s, and Sessionss own view of weed as only slightly less awful than heroin, is unlikely to be popular with the solid majority  64 percent  of Americans who support pot legalization. An October Gallup poll found that for the first time in the organizations history of asking about the issue a majority of Republicans supported legalization, along with 67 percent of independents and 72 percent of Democrats. President Trump himself said during his campaign that he would leave marijuana policy to the states, and Republican senators including Lisa Murkowski (whose state, Alaska, has legalized pot) and Rand Paul (the Senates leading libertarian and states-rights advocate) came out against Sessionss decision. Sen. Cory Gardner of Colorado, a state that has also legalized pot, was particularly outspoken, threatening to block Justice Department appointments unless Sessions reverses himself.

Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., arrives in the Capitol for a vote on Thursday. (Photo: Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)

Gardner also warned that the decision could redound against Republicans in this years midterm elections, coming on the heels of several other unpopular initiatives by the White House and the Republican-controlled Congress, including the failed health care bill and the new tax law. Last month Trumps appointees to the Federal Communications Commission voted to eliminate net neutrality, a decision with which 83 percent of Americans disagreed. Combined with the low favorability ratings of Trump, Republicans are considered at risk of losing control of at least one house of Congress.

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Will weed become another wedge issue for Democrats? Legalization has proved popular at the polls, with eight of the nine 2016 ballot measures passing, including in four states  Arkansas, Florida, Montana and North Dakota  that voted for Trump. (Those four states all voted to approve medical marijuana, not recreational use.) The measure in California to legalize pot was extremely popular among young and African-American voters, two groups Democrats hope to get to the polls in their attempt to win back control of Congress, governorships and state houses.

The 2017 off-year election also saw a resounding victory for Democrat Phil Murphy in the New Jersey gubernatorial race. Murphy was an outspoken supporter of legalizing recreational weed use in the state.

Phil Murphy, Governor-elect of New Jersey, and Shiela Oliver, Lieutenant Governor-elect, wave to supporters at their election night victory rally in Asbury Park, New Jersey on November 7, 2017. (Photo: Dominick Reuter/Reuters)

For Democrats, forcing their Republican opponents to choose between backing an unpopular policy or breaking ranks with the White House is an appealing prospect.

Despite being pushed from Democratic governors and activists, President Barack Obama declined to reclassify marijuana during his eight years in office, leaving it as a Schedule 1 drug in the same group with LSD and heroin. Obama said the reclassification was a job for Congress, but there was a process by which the executive branch could have taken steps to change it. Obamas Drug Enforcement Agency ruled that marijuana had no medicinal value, disappointing reform advocates who had hoped Obama, who used pot himself in his youth, would do more to help the legalization cause while in office.

The 2016 Democratic platform included language about a pathway to legalization, but it barely passed the platform committee meeting and wasnt a talking point for the Hillary Clinton campaign.

Fifteen Democratic representatives sponsored legislation in February 2017 that would remove marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug under the Controlled Substances Act. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., proposed legislation in 2015 that would legalize medicinal marijuana at the federal level. Booker went further and authored a bill last year to fully legalize weed. He and Gillibrand are both potential Democratic candidates for president in 2020, along with Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., who also supports decriminalizing pot.

Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Getty Images, AP

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As of January 1, California began allowing the sale of marijuana to anyone over the age of 21. The move is expected to give a significant boost to Californias marijuana farmers, distributors, and retailers; an industry that analysts estimate will be worth around $7 billion within the next few years.

Although California started off the year with the most buzz around bud, its not the only state slated to legalize pot in 2018. The following states have either already legalized and are starting to transition into the commercial sale of weed, or are poised to let citizens legally toke.

New Jersey

New Jerseys recently elected governor, Phil Murphy, has been an outspoken advocate of legalization. Hell be sworn in on January 16, and Democratic state Sen. Nicholas Scutari has concocted a bill that Murphy could spearhead, according to The Courier Post:

The bill would permit those 21 and older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana, 16 ounces of marijuana-infused products in solids, 72 ounces in liquid form and 7 grams of concentrate. It would prohibit home cultivation.

Murphy has promised to sign some iteration of legal weed legislation within 100 days of assuming office.

Maine

The state of Maine legalized recreational marijuana use in 2017, and they actually went a step further than Californias one ounce maximum by allowing adults 21 and over to possess two-and-a-half ounces of weed. Theres a catch, though: the state legislature is still working out a legal framework for commercial production and sale of marijuana products. Theyre due to begin work on that starting January 5  so we can definitely expect more marijuana news from Maine this year.

Vermont

Republican Gov. Phil Scott said in December that hes is now comfortable with signing a legalization bill into law, likely in early January.

The law would likely offer only non-commercial legalization, allowing Vermont residents to possess small amounts of weed and grow a few of their own plants at home. Marijuana retail and distribution laws would likely come down the road.

Story continues

DIY marijuana growing might be coming to a state near you.

Michigan

While Michigan has allowed medical weed use for nearly a decade, a ballot drive by legal marijuana proponents in 2017 paved the way for a state-wide vote on recreational use thats now slated for on November 6, 2018. Michigans proposed legislation would allow adult residents to possess up to 2.5 ounces and grow a maximum of 12 pot plants at home.

Rhode Island

In January, a a six-person Cannabis Advisory Board is expected to make its recommendations on a legal pot bill. There is a hope that some form of legislation will pass by summer 2018, when commercial marijuana sales are expected to begin in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts

Speaking of which, as mentioned above, Massachusetts is slated to begin hosting retail marijuana establishments by July 1. The state voted to allow for the legalization of recreational pot use in 2016.

Photos via Unsplash / Esteban Lopez, Unsplash / Alex Alexander

Photos via Unsplash / Esteban Lopez, Unsplash / Alex Alexander

Written by Grace Lisa Scott

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Steve Bannon, one of President Donald Trumps former campaign chiefs and White House advisors, has described a meeting between Russians and senior campaign staff in the Trump Tower treasonous, unpatriotic, and bad shit.

The Guardian, which obtained an advanced copy of journalist Michael Wolffs forthcoming Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, revealed Bannons remarks. The book is an insider look into the tumultuous first nine months of Trumps presidency.

Bannons criticism targets a meeting on June 9, 2016 between top Trump campaign staffson Donald Trump Jr., then-campaign chairman Paul Manafort, and Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushnerand British-born publicist Rob Goldstone, Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya, Russian-born lobbyist Rinat Akhmetshin, and Russian-American businessman Irakly Ike Kaveladze.

The New York Times reported about the meeting in July, after the paper learned of emails in which Goldstone promised Trump Jr. information that would incriminate Hillary and her dealings with Russia and would be very useful to your father. Trump Jr. responded, writing, If its what you say I love it especially later in the summer.

The three senior guys in the campaign thought it was a good idea to meet with a foreign government inside Trump Tower in the conference room on the 25th floorwith no lawyers Bannon is quoted saying. They didnt have any lawyers.

Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad shit, and I happen to think its all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately, Bannon continued, according to Wolff.

Bannon was also quoted as saying, Theyre going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV.

President Trump responded on Wednesday to Bannons critical comments by saying, When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind, according to the New York Times.

During the 2016 campaign, the FBI started an investigation into whether Russia tried to influence the presidential election. Following Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller took over the inquiry shortly after President Trump firing of former FBI Director James Comey.

Muellers team has brought charges against several former campaign and White House officials. Former national security advisor Michael Flynn and former foreign policy adviser George Papadopoulous pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI. Former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and former senior aide Rick Gates were charged with 12 counts, including conspiracy to launder money and lying to the FBI.
Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon said he's certain that Donald Trump Jr. brought attendees of the June 2016 Trump Tower meeting to meet his father . "The chance that Don Jr. did not walk these Jumos up to his father's office of the 26th floor is zero," Bannon told author Michael Wolff. Bannon's comments appear in Wolff's "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House," which is based on more than 200 interviews with the president and members of his staff. The book will be published Jan. 9 by Henry Holt. NBC News obtained a copy of the book ahead of its release. In a statement, President Donald Trump said: "Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my Presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind. " Bannon is also quoted in the book saying the meeting was "treasonous" and "unpatriotic." Attendees of the meeting included Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya and other Russians. Trump was reportedly in Trump Tower on June 9, the day of the meeting. Bannon joined the Trump campaign team two months after the meeting. Bannon was ousted from the White House in August after seven months as an influential operative known to have the president's ear. He has reportedly remained in contact with Trump since leaving the administration. An attorney for Trump Jr. did not respond to a CNBC request for comment.

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At last years Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Peter Thiel warned that investors were underestimating bitcoin. Its like a reserve form of money, its like goldits just a store of value, he said. If bitcoin ends up being the cyber equivalent of gold, it has a great potential left. Fast-forward two months, and Thiels cryptocurrency predictions have proven about as adept as his political onesthe euphoric mania surrounding bitcoin has catapulted it more than 1,300 percent in the past year, and Thiels venture-capital firm Founders Fund has cashed in on its investments. According to The Wall Street Journal, the firm is telling investors that it put between $15 million and $20 million into bitcoin, which is now worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

Its not clear when Founders Fund purchased its bitcoin, nor is it clear whether it has sold off any of its investments. What is clear is that Thiel and his people consider bitcoin to be about as safe as the rest of the tech market, but with far greater potential:

The representatives have told firm backers that a cascade of cash into technology companies has stretched their valuations to historic highs, making stakes in start-ups as dangerous a risk as ever. Bitcoin, on the other hand, could multiply several times over in the coming years.

To hear the firms representatives tell it, a bitcoin investment may be a safer way to get returns than, say, investing their limited partners money into start-ups. In other words, a cryptocurrency so volatile that a beverage manufacturer saw its value soar after changing its name to Long Blockchain is considered to be a safer bet than most tech companies, which in recent months have seen their valuations balloon, but which could be facing an existential threat that could call their very business models into question.

Despite Thiels optimism, most mainstream institutions remain skeptical about bitcoin given its extreme volatility; its price can swing dramatically in a number of hours, influenced by any externality. There is perhaps no better proof of this than the aftermath of the Journal report about Thiel and his bitcoin investments: after opening on Tuesday at $13,509.87, its price jumped 12 percent to $15,098.57.

Story continues

This story originally appeared on Vanity Fair.

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By Sarah N. Lynch WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump's former campaign manager Paul Manafort sued Special Counsel Robert Mueller on Wednesday, alleging that his office's investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia exceeds its legal authority. The lawsuit could be the first legal test of how far Mueller's mandate extends, a question that is critical to his investigations into Manafort's and others' financial, real estate and other dealings. Under the terms of Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein's order in May appointing Mueller, the special prosecutor not only can probe links or coordination between Trump's campaign and Russia but also can look into "any matters that arose or may arise directly" from the investigation. Mueller's office indicted Manafort and his business partner Rick Gates in October on charges including conspiracy to launder money, conspiracy against the United States and failing to register as foreign agents of Ukraine's former pro-Russian government. Manafort's civil lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, accuses Rosenstein of exceeding his legal authority to "grant Mr. Mueller carte blanche to investigate and pursue criminal charges in connection with anything he stumbles across." "The investigation has focused on Mr. Manafort's offshore business dealings that date back to as early as 2005 - about a decade before the Trump presidential campaign launched," the lawsuit said. It added that Manafort voluntarily disclosed all of the information about his Ukraine work to the Justice Department in July 2014 as part of a since-closed investigation into stolen assets. In addition to the indictments of Manafort and Gates, Mueller's office has secured guilty pleas for lying to the FBI from Trump's former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn and former campaign aide George Papadopoulos. Both those cases, unlike the Manafort indictment, relate to Flynn and Papadopoulos' communications with Russians during their work for the Trump campaign. Manafort's indictment made no reference to any activity related to his work on the Trump 2016 presidential campaign, and the lawsuit asked the court to "set aside all actions" taken so far against him. A spokeswoman for the Justice Department called the lawsuit "frivolous," but added that Manafort was "entitled to file whatever he wants." A spokesman for Mueller's office declined to comment. Manafort's lawsuit alleges that Rosenstein's order tapping Mueller violates the Administrative Procedure Act, which governs the government rulemaking process. At issue is whether the scope of Rosenstein's order is too broad and runs afoul of the Justice Department's rules that establish procedures for hiring a special prosecutor. Stephen Vladek, a law professor at the University of Texas at Austin, said he thinks the lawsuit will fail due to procedural problems as well as on its merits. The case, he said, is a "long shot." Manafort's lawsuit comes as Trump and Republicans in Congress have escalated their attacks on Mueller, the FBI and the Justice Department by accusing them of political bias. Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller in May shortly after Trump fired former FBI Director James Comey, told Congress last month that he does not think Mueller's investigation is tainted and sees no reason to have him removed. Trump has denied that his campaign colluded with Russia, although he has also said he fired Comey because of "this Russia thing." Moscow has denied meddling in the 2016 U.S. election campaign. (Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch; Editing by Peter Cooney, John Walcott and Cynthia Osterman)
Are you a frequent visitor to retail drugstores? Then you must have come across at least one of the more than 13,200 drugstores operated by Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. WBA. This Illinois-based company is the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise.

Currently, Walgreens Boots has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) but that could change following its impressive first quarter fiscal 2018 earnings report which has just released.(You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. )

We have highlighted some of the key details from the just-released announcement below:

Earnings: Walgreens Boots adjusted earnings per share of $1.28, up 16.4% year over year surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate figure of $1.27.

Revenues: Walgreens posted revenues of $30.74 billion grew 7.9% year over year which is ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $30.33 billion

Key Stats: In the reported first quarter fiscal 2018, revenues from the Retail Pharmacy USA division increased 8.9% to $22.5 billion, while revenues from the Pharmaceutical Wholesale division rose 5.6% to $5.7 billion. Revenues from the Retail Pharmacy International division also rose 4.1% to $3.1 billion. Moreover, Walgreens Boots filled 260.2 million prescriptions (including immunizations) on a 30-day adjusted basis in the quarter, reflecting an increase of 9.5% over first quarter of fiscal 2017.

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise | Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. Quote

Major Factors: Per management, Walgreens Boots first quarter 2018 results were encouraging. This is on account of the companys strategic tie-ups which brought more patients to its U.S. pharmacies. The company has also been gaining increased market share in the Retail Pharmacy USA segment along with growing prescription volumes. Management is currently optimistic about its ongoing cost transformation program and remains confident about the long-term growth of the company. The company has increased the lower end of its outlook for fiscal year 2018 by 5 cents per share and anticipates adjusted earnings per share of $5.45 to $5.70.

Story continues

Stock Price: Following the earnings release, share prices rose 0.65% during the pre-market trading session.

Check back later for our full write up on this Walgreens Boots earnings report later!

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U.S. National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster has warned that relations between Pakistan and the United States can no longer withstand Islamabads selective crackdown on some terrorist groups while extending support and safe haven to others.

Speaking with VOA, McMaster said that President Donald Trumps January 1 Twitter post accusing Islamabad of "lies and deceit" and providing a safe haven for terrorists, expressed his frustration at Pakistans failure to go after all terrorist groups on its soil.

This is really our effort to communicate clearly to Pakistan  that we have to really begin now to work together to stabilize Afghanistan, he said. We see Pakistan operating against the interests of its own people by going after these groups only selectively, by providing safe havens and support bases for Taliban and Haqqani network leadership that operate out of Pakistan as they perpetuate hell in portions of Pakistan and in Afghanistan.

McMaster has served in Afghanistan and is widely seen to be a key force behind Trumps Afghanistan and South Asia strategy, which was unveiled last August.

We can no longer be silent about Pakistans safe havens for terrorist organizations, the Taliban, and other groups that pose a threat to the region and beyond, Trump told a gathering in Arlington, Virginia, on August 21. Pakistan has much to gain from partnering with our effort in Afghanistan. It has much to lose by continuing to harbor criminals and terrorists.

Four months later, McMaster sees little change in Pakistans behavior.

[Pakistan] goes after terrorist insurgent groups, really, very selectively, and uses others as an arm of their foreign policy, he said. The president has great sympathy for the Pakistani people and how much theyve suffered at the hands of terrorists.

The U.S. National Security adviser said he hopes Pakistans neighbors, global powers, and allies such as China would also to see an end to its support for terrorist groups.

McMaster said that given Pakistans tremendous human and economic potential, its leaders are unlikely to choose the path of North Korea in becoming a pariah state.

I cant imagine a Pakistani leader using nuclear weapons to extort or for blackmail, he said.
CALGARY, Alberta, Jan. 03, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Monica Curtis, CEO, Energy Efficiency Alberta, will provide an update on program participation, energy savings, and environmental and economic benefits achieved during Energy Efficiency Albertas first year of operation. Board Chair, David Dodge will emcee the event.



Event Details:

January 5, 2018

10:00 am  12:00 pm

Skyfire Energy, 4038A 7th Street SE, Calgary AB

Energy efficiency and renewable energy product displays will be set up for photo and video opportunities. Displays by SkyFire Energy - solar technologies and IDEAL Insulation - insulation products.

About Energy Efficiency Alberta:

Energy Efficiency Alberta was established in January 2017 as one component of Albertas Climate Leadership Plan. CEO Monica Curtis began work in April 2017, and since then has built a delivery team of 400 agency staff and implementation contractors in Alberta to manage the design and delivery of energy efficiency and renewable energy programs in the province.

The mandate of the agency is to raise awareness about energy use and the associated economic and environmental consequences; to promote, design and deliver programs and carry out other activities related to energy efficiency, energy conservation and the development of micro-generation and small-scale renewable energy systems; and to promote the development of an energy efficiency services industry in Alberta.

Energy Efficiency Alberta has launched five programs so far:

Residential No Charge Energy Savings Program

Residential Retail Products Program Online Rebates Instant Savings Home Improvement Rebates

Business, Non-Profit and Institutional Energy Savings Program

Residential and Commercial Solar Program

Non-Profit Energy Efficiency Transition Program

More information about Energy Efficiency Alberta, including Monica Curtis bio, can be found at: www.efficiencyalberta.ca/about/

For more information, contact:

Justin Archer

587-708-2560

jarcher@BRLN.ca

A PDF accompanying this announcement is available at http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/139d9d0d-be67-4be5-871a-f7039952c329




LAS VEGAS, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via OTC PR WIRE -- Costas, Inc. (OTC.PK:CSSI) (OTC:CSSI) is pleased to welcome Dr. Stephen L. Gomes, president of Gomes and Company and former Business Professor at SUNY- Stony Brook- Korea Campus and Maastricht School of Management- Netherlands, as Chief Operating Officer (COO) effective immediately.



Dr. Gomes has taught MBA Masters degree courses in Startup Management, Technology Commercialization, Strategic Alliance and Joint-Venture Practices (Oregon Graduate Institute - now OHSU, State University of New York (SUNY-Stony Brook  Korea Campus) and Maastricht School of Management, Maastricht, Netherlands.

Recently, while in tenure at State University of New York at Korea, Dr. Gomes had the pleasure of hosting the famous Roger Ver, the Bitcoin.com co-founder and early investor of Bitcoin (BTC). Mr. Ver was the honored guest for the seminar in Dr. Gomess start-up management MBA econometrics classes in Incheon, Korea over a three-day period, where we lectured to a rapt student body forever changed by the experience.

COO, Dr. Gomes, brings the wisdom and operational experience to deploy the Authentatrade Crypto Exchange platform efficiently and quickly into the accelerating cryptocurrency market environment. Authentatrade has the systems, technology and customer base to operate as a direct global exchange, trading in the 24/7 cryptocurrency markets. The goal for Costas is to generate high profits through targeting customers in underserved regions and niches of trade. The difference in exchange provider transaction fees ranges from .5% to 10 %, depending on the markets served and quality of services available.

This is the only time in history that deft organization and quickly accurate execution permits a start-up business to scale to a global enterprise in weeks; said Dr. Gomes, COO of Costas, Inc. Authentatrades exchange platform technology gives Costas execution power to immediately occupy territory in specifically targeted markets where our presence is well received.

Dr. Gomes provides facility to convert market opportunities into full-scale business operations to generate revenues from daily business into quarterly profits. Costas is now quarterly focused.

Below is a Summary of Dr. Stephen Gomes extensive business background:

Dr. Gomes earned a Ph.D. in Public Management and International Relations from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs fully funded on a NASA Ph.D. fellowship.

His early career was in executive management positions with large international companies with senior responsibility for contracts with government leaders, royal family members and large corporations such as ARAMCO in Saudi Arabia and Mitsubishi Corporation in Japan. His executive duties have included extended assignments in France, Greece, China, Malaysia, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Russia, Brazil and Holland.

Dr. Gomes has helped client organizations develop over 30 strategic alliances and joint ventures including the following: developed and negotiated more than 15 public/private high-tech co-development strategic alliance agreements between major U.S. companies, universities and the Federal Research Labs with a total value of $160 million; five major supplier alliance agreements with values up to $15 million for two major U.S. Oil Companies; long term real estate asset management outsourcing alliance agreement with values up to $1 billion in real estate asset value; set up multi-party manufacturing alliance with major big three air bag manufacturing firm; assisted IBM to develop five outsourcing alliances with technology providers for the master Information Technology health care system contract for the Province of Alberta; supported negotiations and alliance discussions on behalf of 15 U.S. corporations and multinational companies with combined assets up to $10 million for each agreement.

Currently, Dr. Gomes manages Gomes & Company, which is a boutique executive consulting firm engaged in a broad range of domestic and international multi-party consulting assignments mostly focused on high tech and finance start-ups, joint venture planning, strategy planning and execution, organization problem solving and specialized business plan strategy and development. For several years, his firms main clients were Fortune 500 companies working with the Warren Company based in Providence, Rhode Island. While in San Francisco, Dr. Gomes managed the West Coast operation where he was responsible for assisting large corporate clients in the creation and implementation of strategic business alliances, facilitated technology transfer, the formation of technology co-development alliances, R&D consortia and joint ventures. He was instrumental in helping to bring in one of the firms largest clients, Andersen Consulting which became Accenture Corporation. Before being retained by the Warren Company, he was CEO of American Technology Initiative (Am Tech, Inc.), a non-profit corporation, co-founded by NASA and the private sector, based in Silicon Valley dedicated to the implementation of public-private technology development alliances and partnerships between universities, federal research labs and the private sector. Clients included NASA, Los Alamos, Cal-Tech, Boeing, and Sandia labs.

Dr. Gomes is active in a number of non-profit activities and boards. He has served in the past as a director on the National Board of Advisers for the Peace Corps and the Virginia Satir Foundation. He currently is also a fellow of the Innovation Creativity and Capital Institute ( IC2 ) of the Business School at the University of Texas at Austin, which just met in April 2017 in Austin. This is a group of international business thought leaders and professors (originally assembled by Dr. George Kozmetsky who received the National Medal of Honor from President Clinton for being the father of the Austin Technolgy Hub) who participate in the University of Texas Business School annual leadership strategy conference sessions by invitation only.

Finally Dr. Gomes is an aviation enthusiast and has been flying airplanes since he was 12 years old. At one time he was the youngest pilot in the United States. Howard Hughes hired him for his aviation expertise and knowledge of local Las Vegas flying conditions and politics. At the age of 25, Gomes was put in charge of planning a new $650 million airport for Las Vegas to replace McCarran Field which was to be built at Howard Hughes expense and turned over to Las Vegas at his cost. Later in his career Dr. Gomes used that experience with two other companies to participate in the planning of 12 major new international airports around the globe over a 20 year period.

About COSTAS (CSSI): http://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/CSSI/profile

COSTAS INC. is a publicly traded company on the OTC Markets under the symbol CSSI. Costas Inc. invests in early stage Digital Currency projects. We believe strongly in the growth of Distributed Asset Technology and its integration into Financial Technologies (FINTech. Distributed Networks are the next massive internet investment market, as social media was 10 years ago. Costas Inc. strongly believes that a Distributed Asset Technology product will be the next Facebook or Twitter. The current US market of FINTech is approximately $1.24 Trillion.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS:

This press release and the statements of representatives of Costas, Inc. (the "Company") related thereto contain, or may contain, among other things, "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein are "forward-looking statements," including any other statements of non-historical information. These forward-looking statements are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are often identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "guidance," "projects," "may," "could," "would," "should," "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "intends," "plans," "ultimately" or similar expressions. All forward-looking statements involve material assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and the expectations contained in such statements may prove to be incorrect. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company's actual results (including, without limitation, Costas ability to advance its business, generate revenue and profit and operate as a public company) could differ materially from those stated or anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including factors and risks discussed in the periodic reports that the Company files with OTC Markets (Pink Sheets). All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. The Company undertakes no duty to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law.

For further information contact:

ir@costasinc.com

Costas Corporate Phone Number

702-448-2911
MANALAPAN, N.J., Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sun Pacific Holding Corp. (OTCQB: SNPW) is pleased to announce that it has signed a binding Letter of Intent (LOI) to acquire a 60-acre parcel of land. This acquisition will be acquired in the wholly owned subsidiary,



National Mechanical Group. Sun Pacific is executing on its plan to own, build and manage its alternative energy business segment.

National Mechanical Group will build the facility on the 60 acre parcel. Combining both solar power and wind turbines will optimize the alternative energy output of the land. In addition Sun Pacific Holding will utilize the same Blockchain Technology used in cryptocurrency transactions to increase the levels of efficiency. The alternative energy project can provide power to over thousands of homes. Using photovoltaic solar panels and high efficiency wind turbines and the added benefit of management by Blockchain Technology, the energy distribution will be streamlined to the benefit of both the consumer and the company. While crypto Blockchain Technology is relatively new to the energy industry it is already being utilized to streamline the process by matching energy distribution and pricing with demand in real time saving both time and costs.

We are pleased to have this agreement to acquire this prime parcel of land to develop solar and wind power says Mr. Nicholas B Campanella CEO and Chairman. This acquisition will be an all-stock equity acquisition and adds to our expanding geographic footprint and overall strategy in the state of Rhode Island. With the recent energy initiative by National Grid and the state of Rhode Island green energy initiative, an effort which significantly broadens Rhode Islands program, we want to be firmly established in the state and solidify our advantage in one of the largest markets in the United States.

Renewable Energy Growth Program (REG Program)

The Renewable Energy Growth Program (REG Program) will support the development of 160 MW of distributed generation projects in Rhode Island between 2015 and 2019. Eligible technologies include wind, solar, hydropower, and anaerobic digestion.

About Sun Pacific Holding Corp.

Sun Pacific Holding Corp. (OTCQB: SNPW) uses management's knowledge and experience to serve its customers and now its shareholders through quality service and equipment, working to keep customers satisfied, and by doing our part in protecting the environment with smart green technology. For more information, visit www.sunpacificholding.com.

Safe Harbor and Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that involve expectations, plans or intentions (such as those relating to future expansion or financial results) and other factors discussed from time to time in the Company's OTC Markets filings. These statements are forward-looking and are subject to risks and uncertainties, so actual results may vary materially. You can identify these forward-looking statements by words such as "may," "should," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "intend," "plan" and other similar expressions. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors not within the control of the company. The company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The company disclaims any obligation subsequently to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.
simplyjeet wrote:

Indian Male 29



Tenth: 89%.



Higher secondary: 79%



Undergrad: Engineering (B.Tech. Electronics and Telecom) from a tier I university in India



First class with distinction (8.6 on a scale of 10)



Work ex: Total 7.5 years and counting.



Developer at TCS Ltd. two years in India, One in US.

Business Analyst at TCS in US for a year

Senior Consultant and then currently DC Manager at Deloitte Consulting in US - 3.5 years and counting



Target Gmat score (based on prep scores) : 710+. Qa 48 Va42



Could you please review and recommend three top schools/programs for consulting/ investment banking.



Thanks in advance for your help!



Posted from my mobile device

Nisha Trivedi

mbaMission Senior Admissions Consultant

35 positive reviews on GMATClub, 2020 Top 20 of admissions consultants across the industry per P&Q: https://poetsandquants.com/2020/08/26/best-mba-admission-consultants-of-2020/



Sign up for a free 30-minute consultation at https://www.mbamission.com/consult/mba-admissions/

Read our Insider's Guides to the top b-schools: http://www.mbamission.com/guides.php?category=insiders Signature Read More

Hi, and thanks for writing! If you can get a 730+ on your GMAT (important for Indian applicants and bankers) and if you have some good extracurricular involvement, here are some of the top bschools for banking: HBS, Wharton, Booth, CBS, Stern. Other schools to consider: Kellogg, Yale, Duke, Darden. Many (though not all) of the top banks are in the NYC/Chicago area, so those are good areas on which to focus. Of course, all of the programs I've listed are very competitive, so you'd want to make a very strong case for why you want to transition to banking and how the program will get you there.Best of luck and let me know of any other qs!_________________
What do you want to be when you grow up?

This may be one of the most commonly asked questions to kids when they are young and also to high schoolers as they are about to graduate. My response was typical of what dairy industry youth would most likely say.

I want to work in the dairy industry.

While this answer was always true for me, as I got older I started to find out what my strong suits and talents were. My answer to peoples questions about my future career plans shifted toward a more specific part of dairy. I knew when I was in high school that I enjoyed writing and communication. My career path got a little narrower as I started focusing on developing more skills and connections in this area.

Those of us involved in agriculture know the hundreds of career choices a young person has to sort through. I like to think of the dairy industry as a machine with hundreds of moving parts. Each moving part is an occupation. The dairy industry relies on the dairy farmer just as much as milk truck drivers, genetic researchers, communications specialists, and so forth.

I am proud to be pursuing a career in dairy because of how elaborate the job options are for individuals like me to choose from. We are able to use our talents to better the industry into a more efficient machine. I am also confident that if I get off of my ideal career path I will be able to adjust using my knowledge of dairy.

Whatever career path I end up on, I dont plan to stray from my childhood goal of working in the industry that shaped me into the person I am today.

Elise Regusci grew up on her family's farm in Modesto, Calif. Regusci attends Cal Poly University, majoring in dairy science with an agricultural communication minor. On campus, she is the Los Lecheros Dairy Club Ag Council representative and a member of the Cal Poly dairy judging team. Regusci is the current Brown Swiss Youth Ambassador and is the 2017 Hoard's Dairyman summer editorial intern.
Following a judges warning, according to an Iranian news agency, that demonstrators will face the death penalty, Trump reminded officials the the U.S. is watching as he branded Tehran brutal and corrupt. According to Tasnim News Agency, Judge Mousa Ghazanfarabadi said that one of their charges could be Moharebeh, or waging war against God. In Iran, this is a death penalty offense. The judge was also quoted as saying some protesters will come to trial soon on charges of acting against national security and damaging public properties.

U.S. ambassador to the U.N., Nikki Haley, also requested emergency sessions on the crisis and urged condemnation of the assault on Iranians freedoms. Haley called on all freedom-loving people to stand with the oppressed Iranians in remarks from the United Nations. If the Iranian dictatorships history is any guide, we can expect more outrageous abuses in the days to come. The UN must speak out, she said. We must not be silent. The people are crying out for freedom. All freedom-loving people must stand with their cause.

On Thursday, demonstrators gathered in Tehran to protest Irans weak economy. Subsequently, a wave of spontaneous protests swept into large cities on Saturday, with college students and others chanting against the government. 21 people have died and more than 450 have been arrested in Iran.

Irans foreign ministry responded on Tuesday, saying that Trump should focus on homeless and hungry people in his own country, rather than insult Iranians. Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi said, Instead of wasting his time sending useless and insulting tweets regarding other countries, he would be better off seeing to the domestic issues of his own country such as daily killings of dozens of people and the existence of millions of homeless and hungry people.

According to Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, the people of Iran have the right to express their preferences at the ballot box, which is more than can be said about citizens of other countries in the region the U.S. considers allies. Zarif tweeted, Irans security and stability depend on its own people, who  unlike the peoples of Trumps regional bffs  have the right to vote and to protest.

On Tuesday, after nine people died in overnight clashes, the head of Tehrans Revolutionary Court reportedly said that detained protesters could be executed. Six deaths occurred when protesters clashed with security forces as they tried to storm a police station in Qahderijan, in the Isfahan region of central Iran.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has dismissed the protests as nothing, in a bid to downplay the significance of the increasingly violent demonstrations. However, Trump has praised protesters for challenging Irans brutal and corrupt regime. In a Tuesday tweet Trump saluted Iranians for finally acting.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans supreme leader, blamed the countrys enemies for the riots. Khamenei is said to have met with top political leaders and security chiefs to discuss a crack down on protests. Khamenei said Tuesday that the Islamic Republics foes were using different tools including cash, weapons, politics and intelligence apparatus to create troubles. A leaked report of this meeting was given to the National Council of Resistance of Iran by senior government sources, according to Fox News. The report suggests the protests have hit the countrys economy and threatens the regimes security, and added, The first step, therefore, is to find a way out of this situation.

On state television, Esmail Kowsari, a deputy commander for a local branch of the Revolutionary Guards, said, We will not permit insecurity to continue in any way in Tehran. If it continues, officials will take decisions to finish it.

Iran shut down social media in an attempt to stop unrest from spreading. Authorities blocked access to Instagram and the Telegram messaging app and Google has faced calls to lift restrictions on its services for internet users in Iran so that millions of protesters can connect and organize.

President Hassan Rouhani insisted that people are absolutely free to express their anger, but criticism is different to violence and destroying public property.

The demonstrations, however, were fanned in part by messages sent on social media platforms prompting a black out of some services on Sunday.

Telegram is very popular in Iran, with more than 50 per cent of the countrys population of 80 million believed to be active on the app.

CNN reported that Rouhani said in a meeting with Iranian members of parliament on Monday, Our great nation has witnessed a number of similar incidents in the past and has comfortably dealt with them. This is nothing.

Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council, described the unrest as a proxy war against the Iranian people. He told local media, Hashtags and messages about the situation in Iran come from the United States, Britain and Saudi Arabia.

Irans intelligence ministry released a statement saying instigators have been identified and will be dealt with seriously soon.

Rouhani has promised to mend the economy and ease social tensions, bu many feel that progress is too slow.

The most affected are the Iranian youth, with as many as 40 percent out of work according to analysts, and rural areas particularly hard-hit. On Sunday, Rouhani said that there was no problem bigger than unemployment and vowed a to deliver a more balanced media and greater transparency.
On Thursday in Mashad, the Iranian people began to show their resentment against the Islamic Republics funding of military intervention in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen at the expense of the populace.

Today, the Iranian people are largely the children of the Khomeini revolution of 1979, who have the strength, energy and the courage required to challenge the regime, and shows the widespread value of personal freedom and respect of individual rights. After nearly 40 years, Iranians retain the desire for freedom that led to the overthrow the Shah.

Iran showed its strength during the Syrian civil war, and threatens Saudi Arabia via Yemens Houthi rebels, who have launched missiles at the city of Riyad. As well, Iranian forces, backed by Hezbollah, on Mount Hermon less than 10 km from Israel, displays regional tactical success. However, Irans military power is not backed by a solid economy or popular support. The anger of the younger generation who prefer the internet to sharia has manifest itself.

In June of 2009, the Green wave of Iranian protests challenged the regime, and opposed Mahmud Ahmadinejads re-election as president. At that time, neither the United States or Europe took any action. While Iranians believed that the West would support them, they received no endorsement for their calls for freedom.

It is believed that the reason for this was the Vienna agreement on the Iranian nuclear program that occurred six years later. The agreement was meant to curb Irans attempt to produce nuclear weapons by ending sanctions that were crippling their economy. By remaining silent in the face of the repression of the Green movement, America, along with Europe, began their lean towards appeasement with the same regime that Iranians are now openly opposing, at the risk of their lives.

The Trump administration is facing an important decision. Will it immediately stand by the demonstrators, and will the White House succeed in making their words follow the facts? Europe is at a crossroads, as well. In their first statements from Berlin and Brussels, Europe has the opportunity to support the Iranian people, and show the regime that its ruthless pursuit of regional hegemony will no longer be tolerated.
As weve seen in the past few days, Americas political class, including Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are supporting the protesters in Iran. Trump has issued statements, and the pundits have tweeted. However, easy acts of solidarity are not helpful, they do not substitute for policy or strategy.

Although the regime shut down social media that was used to organize the protests, videos of demonstrations and brazen acts arson that have filled the Telegram channels of Iranian dissidents in the last few months, show that fear is receding. Irans dictatorship wont work if its citizens are unafraid of the state. In his article for Bloomberg, Eli Lake discusses measures to keep social media safe. The State Department, for example, should work closely with Telegram, WhatsApp and other platforms in Iran to figure out ways around the states cyber-ban. Allies of the Iranian regime use their codes of conduct to kick off legitimate journalists and activists like Potkin Azarmehr, a U.K.-based broadcaster who was one of the first outside journalists to begin documenting the protests this week.

Lake also suggests that lists be compiled of the names of Iranians who were arrested, murdered, and tortured by American allies who have embassies in Tehran, as well as human-rights groups there. He emphasizes that the State Department could create a crisis center to coordinate such a list, and to publicize these names in Farsi-language media.

The ongoing treatment of the detainees should be the foremost issue for Western diplomacy with Iran, according to Lake, who believes that Western diplomats should put the fate of the protesters being on the top of the agenda for any meetings with Iranian officials.

Additionally, Lake writes that, Regime figures like Foreign Minister Javad Zarif should no longer be treated like statesmen in soft-soap interviews in the Western media. Universities should stop offering them platforms. Advocates should organize campaigns against European companies seeking the windfall promised by the Iran nuclear deal.

There is currently a Change.org petition urging former US President Barack Obama to speak out in favor of the demonstrations. Lake writes, Obamas unique understanding of grassroots activism puts him in an ideal position to lead the Western cause of solidarity.

But, its important to avoid past mistakes. Neither the State Department, nor the CIA will bring freedom to Iran. Iranians will be their own liberators. The expert class should step aside and listen to those Iranians driven out of their home country, who now live in the West.

Its also important to not be discouraged. Its likely the unrest is the beginning of a longer process. While this regime has survived mass demonstrations and riots before, in the coming weeks, the West can support the Iranian people demanding freedom  our true allies.
The fight has been taken online, and protesters seek secure channels free from government interference where they can organize. Irans government has blocked large portions of the internet, including YouTube, Facebook, and VPN services that can circumvent the block. The block is enforced via a combination of centralized censorship by the countrys Supreme Cybercouncil and local ISP interference, resulting in a haphazard system that can still have devastating effects on any service the regime sees as a threat.

Irans most popular encrypted messenger has been Telegram. Although cryptographers have criticized Telegrams homebrew cryptography, local Iranian users care more about the apps independence from the United States, as the apps development team is based in Russia, making it less vulnerable to US government requests. The massive group chats made possible by the app are popular.

The government targeted individual users by intercepting account reset messages sent to the users phone number.

As protests intensified, Telegram became a tool for organizers, and a target for the regime. Telegram suspended the popular Amad News channel on Saturday, for violating the services policy against calls to violence. A conversation that recommended protesters attack police with Molotov cocktails was publicly called out by Irans Minister of Technology.

However, Pavel Durov, Telegram founder, alleges that the government also requested suspensions for a number of other channels that had not violated the policy on violence. After Telegram refused, the government placed a nationwide block on the app. The government also banned Instagram.

Government representatives insist the bans are temporary and will be lifted once protests subside.

Signal, which offers group chat features with more robust encryption, is a popular alternative among US activists, but Signal is blocked in Iran for an entirely different reason. The app relies on the Google AppEngine to disguise its traffic through a process called domain fronting. This makes it difficult to detect Signal traffic amid the other Google requests. Still, it means that wherever Google is unavailable, Signal is unavailable.

Google appears to have blocked Iranian access to AppEngine to comply with US sanctions. US companies face regulations on technology exported to Iran, and its unclear how those rules extend to cloud services like AppEngine.

The blocks leave organizers with no clear way to coordinate activity across groups that often sprawl to hundreds of thousands of people, but although bans have been proposed in the past, WhatsApp is still available in the country.
1. Yes. The ordinance goes against state law and is not in the best interest of the cities.

2. Yes. At the very least, it should be amended to give police officers some discretion.

3. No. Voters approved the ordinance by large majorities; the councils cant ignore that fact.

4. No. The petition process has to be given a chance to work. Leave the ordinance alone.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say how the cities should move forward regarding the ordinance.

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Extremely cold weather is a problem in many parts of the United States.

The Associated Press reported Wednesday that record-setting temperatures have been blamed for at least 12 deaths in recent weeks.

Some forecasters say the worst weather is yet to come.

On Tuesday, the U.S. National Weather Service announced wind chill advisories and freeze warnings for 40 of the 50 states.

The weather service predicted a period of much-below-normal temperatures and dangerously cold wind chills to the central and eastern U.S. over the next week.

Air temperatures fell to -13 Celsius near Cullman, Alabama, which usually has a mild winter. In the port of Mobile, Alabama, temperatures reached as low as -7 Celsius.

City officials opened warming shelters across the southern United States, as the cold weather brought light snow as far south as Austin, Texas.

On Wednesday, a winter storm dropped snow, sleet and freezing rain from northern Florida up the Southeast coast. Some cities reported snowfall for the first time in over 20 years. Cars spun out of control on icy roads from Texas to Georgia.

Hospitals across the country are reporting an increase in emergency room visits for hypothermia and other conditions linked to extreme cold.

The record-setting cold weather began in the central U.S. early last week. Omaha, Nebraska, broke a 130-year record when temperatures fell to -29 Celsius. The city of Aberdeen, South Dakota broke a 99-year record with temperatures of -36 Celsius.

In Florida, several water parks closed because of the cold weather. New Yorks Hudson River froze in some parts, forcing officials to cancel passenger ferry service.

At Niagara Falls, people took photographs of the Horseshoe Falls, where flowing water had turned to ice.

Frozen sharks were washing up along the coast south of Boston, Massachusetts, the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy reported.

Forecasters warned that weather conditions could worsen, especially in the Northeast.

A winter storm warning extended from the Florida panhandle all the way up the Atlantic coast. Coastal flooding, downed trees and power lines were possible along the East Coast.

I'm Susan Shand.

_____________________________________________________________

Words in this Story

forecasters  n. a person who predicts (something, such as weather) after looking at the information that is available

hypothermia  n. a condition in which the temperature of your body is very low

park  n. an area that is designed for a specified use such as swimming, walking or nature

ferry  n. a boat that moves people across a small body of water

chill  n. a feeling of being extremely cold
More than 230 Peruvian writers have signed a letter rejecting the pardon of former President Alberto Fujimori.

The letter criticizes current President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski for offering the pardon, announced on December 24. Alfredo Bryce Echenique, Fernando Iwasaki and Nobel Prize winner Mario Vargas Llosa spoke out in the letter.

Kuczynski said he extended the pardon for humanitarian reasons linked to Fujimoris poor health. The former leader had been serving a 25-year prison sentence for human rights abuses and other charges.

The letter says Fujimori was responsible for a government overthrow and destruction of the countrys institutions. It says the pardon demonstrates a lack of appreciation for dignity, for equality before the law, and the right to remember wrongdoing.

It also describes the pardon as a dangerous agreement between political forces hoping to control corruption cases that involve them.

In addition, Vargas Llosa wrote a commentary in El Pais, the most widely read newspaper in Spain. He said the people who voted for Kuczynski had unknowingly helped return power to Fujimori. He added that the pardon makes Kuczynski a partner and hostage of Fujimori.

The former president was found guilty of human rights violations, corruption, and approving of death squads during his time in office from 1990 to 2000.

Some Peruvians honor Fujimori for fighting rebels. Others say he was a corrupt dictator.

The pardon has led to protests in Lima, the Peruvian capital. Opponents of Fujimori were waving pictures of people imprisoned or killed during his rule.

Police fired tear gas at the crowds December 24.

Two days later, the 79-year-old Fujimori asked the public for forgiveness.

In a Facebook video filmed from his hospital bed, Fujimori said, "I am aware that the results of my government were well received on one side, but I admit that I have let down other compatriots, and I ask them to forgive me with all my heart."

Fujimori thanked Kuczynski for the pardon and said that, as a free man, he would support the president's calls for greater unity in the country.

Fujimori was taken to the hospital December 23 after suffering a severe drop in blood pressure and an abnormal heartbeat.

Some say Fujimori was acting sick in order to get a pardon. His doctor denies the accusations.

Im Jonathan Evans.

Melissa Melton wrote this story for VOA News. Alice Bryant adapted it for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor.

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

institution  n. an established organization

appreciation  n. a feeling of being grateful for something

dignity  n. the quality of being worthy of honor or respect

death squad  n. an armed group formed to kill particular people, especially political opponents

aware  adj. knowing that something exists

compatriot  n. a person from the same country as someone else
American Attorney General Jeff Sessions has cancelled a federal policy that let American states legalize marijuana.

The move came just days after California, the countrys largest state, began permitting recreational use of the drug.

President Donald Trumps top law enforcement official announced the change Thursday. Instead of the earlier hands-off policy, Sessions will let federal lawyers in states where marijuana is already legal decide how aggressively to enforce federal law.

In a memo, Sessions asked federal lawyers to consider the seriousness of the crime and its impact in deciding which marijuana activities to prosecute under these laws.

The move by Sessions is likely to create questions in states where it is legal to buy, use and grow marijuana.

Although some state laws have legalized the use of the drug for medical and recreational reasons, marijuana remains illegal under U.S. federal law.

In 2013, the Obama administration announced in a memo that it would not resist states efforts to legalize marijuana. The memo urged the states to keep marijuana from getting to places where it remained illegal. And it asked the states to keep the drug from criminal gangs and children.

Opposition to Sessions policy change

Republican lawmaker Cory Gardner of Colorado quickly voiced opposition to Sessions plan. Colorado is among eight states that have legalized marijuana for recreational use.

Gardner said in a Twitter message that the Justice Department has trampled on the will of the voters in Colorado and other states. He also said the action goes against what Sessions had said he would do before becoming attorney general.

Along with Colorado, recreational use of marijuana is legal in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, California, Maine and Masachussetts and in the nations capital, Washington, D.C. Another 21 U.S. states permit the use of marijuana for medical reasons.

The legal sale of marijuana has become a multi-million-dollar business. It helps fund schools, educational programs and law enforcement. In California, the business is estimated to bring in $1 billion a year in tax money within the next several years.

Maria McFarland Sanchez-Moreno is with the Drug Policy Alliance. She called Sessions policy a return to outdated drug-war policies that mainly affected minorities. She added that Sessions wants to maintain a system that has led to tremendous injustice ... and that has wasted federal resources on a huge scale.

A public opinion study carried out by Gallup in October 2017 shows that 64 percent of Americans support legalizing marijuana.

Support for Sessions policy

The attorney general and some law enforcement officials have blamed legalization for increased drug trafficking. They said drug traffickers have taken advantage of state laws to grow marijuana. Then, they sell it across state lines for more money.

Kevin Sabet of Smart Approaches to Marijuana called Sessions decision a victory.

Sessions has blamed the illegal use of marijuana and heroin for rising violence in America.

But activists argue that legalizing the drug would likely reduce violence, since criminals would no longer control the marijuana trade.

Im Caty Weaver.

The Associated Press reported this story. Hai Do adapted it for VOA Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor.

_________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

recreational - adj. (of a drug) used for pleasure instead of for medical purposes

hands-off - adj. allowing people to do what they want to do without bothering or stopping them

memo - n. a usually brief written message from one person or department in an organization, company, etc., to another

prosecute - v.  to hold a trial against a person who is accused of a crime to see if that person is guilty

trample - v.  to treat other people's rights, wishes, or feelings as if they are worthless or not important

outdated - adj. no longer useful or acceptable : not modern or current

tremendous - adj. very large or great

take advantage of - to use (something, such as an opportunity) in a way that helps you : to make good use of (something)
Iranian Americans have been closely watching protests in Iran.

An Iranian government campaign against protesters led to the deaths of at least 21 people over the past week. More than 400 others were arrested.

Thousands of Iranians have also taken part in pro-government demonstrations.

Many Iranian Americans are hoping for a peaceful resolution and reform. Southern California is home to the largest Iranian community outside Iran.

The largest number of Iranian immigrants live in the Little Persia neighborhood on the west side of Los Angeles. People there are openly critical of Irans religious government, which they consider useless and corrupt.

When you are mullah, one immigrant says of Irans religious rulers, and you want to manage a country like Iran, you destroy everything. He added that Iranians are tired of the government.

Irans government has a history of repression, said an immigrant named Ali. He told VOA that the people are angry, especially young people, and everyone is worried there will be more violence.

United States government officials have criticized the Iranian governments actions.

The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, has called on the Security Council to hold an emergency meeting over the protests and government actions.

Iranian officials have restricted the use of social media sites such as Instagram. U.S. President Donald Trump has promised support from the United States in messages posted on Twitter.

Some Iranian Americans say the U.S. government should react carefully because the anti-government protests are the result of internal problems.

Muhammad Sahimi works at the University of Southern California. He also follows Iranian politics.

If the U.S. intervenes in any shape or form, or even supports some faction against another, the hardliners in Iran will use that as an excuse for more violence, he said.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has already blamed what he calls enemies of Iran for inciting the protests. The secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council accuses the United States, Britain and Saudi Arabia of supporting the opposition.

The demonstrations started last week as workers in a number of cities marched to protest corruption and high unemployment.

Sahimi does not believe that the protests are as popular as those in 2009. That was when students and members of the middle class denounced election results in a movement that came to be known as the Green Revolution.

Others believe the current protests will spread, as the earlier ones did.

Los Angeles publisher Bijan Khalili blames mismanagement of the Iranian economy. He says Iranian officials will not accept responsibility, and the only thing that is left is blaming it on foreign countries and foreign people.

Muhammad Sahimi says that U.S. measures set up to punish Iran for its nuclear activities are also an issue. He notes that President Trump has promised to strengthen those sanctions by removing waivers on Iranian oil. He says stronger actions will only worsen economic conditions in Iran.

Businessman Sam Kermanian says the nuclear agreement with world powers raised the hopes of Irans people. But when the economy did not improve, he adds, people became angry over corruption among religious leaders.

Los Angeles grocer Todd Khodadadi says Iranians are trying to get their rights, and they raised their voicesHopefully, peacefully, they (will) get what they want, he says.

What they want is freedom, says travel agent Farhad Besharati. Its not too much, he argues. Were in the 21st century. The government killing them? This is not fair. Its not good, he says.

These Iranian Americans say the nations of the world should defend the right to peaceful protest. They add that the demonstrations should be left in the hands of Irans people to avoid giving the government an excuse for more violence.

I'm Susan Shand.

VOA's Mike O'Sullivan reported this story from Los Angeles. Susan Shand adapted it for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

_________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

mullah  n. a Muslim learned in Islamic teachings and religious law

hardliner  n. a member of a group, often a political group, who is not willing to compromise

sanctions  n. a threatened penalty for disobeying a law or rule.

waiver  n. a document recording the surrendering of a right or claim.

grocer  n. someone who sells food, meats, fruits, vegetables and usually other products

excuse  n. reason

manage  v. to direct or supervise someone or something
A Chinese official says the United States should not blame China for the widespread use of opioid drugs in America.

Yu Haibin of the China National Narcotics Control Commission spoke to reporters last week. He said there is little evidence that China provided much of the chemicals used to produce the powerful drug fentanyl.



Fentanyl is a synthetic drug similar to morphine that is prescribed by doctors to block pain. Fentanyl is said to be 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine.

The U.S. and China have worked together to fight the worldwide flow of illegal man-made drugs. But some issues remain disputed.

In November, U.S. President Donald Trump voiced strong concerns about what he called a flood of cheap and deadly fentanyl that is made in China. He said the drug is part of the deadliest drug epidemic in U.S. history.

Speaking of recent drug shipments, Yu said, China doesnt deny that shipments to the U.S. happen, but there isnt the proof to show how much  whether its 20 percent or 80 percent.

He said U.S. officials have sent him information about only six shipments from China in the past year.

In October, the Associated Press identified 12 Chinese companies willing to export the drug carfentanil around the world. AP says the cost was a few thousand dollars for one kilogram.

Carfentanil is said to be 100 times more powerful than fentanyl. It is used as an anesthetic for elephants and other large animals.

Yu urged the U.S. to share more information with Chinese officials. He said the over-use of pain medication and cultural attitudes about drugs have increased the demand for opioids in America.

As many states decriminalize marijuana, the publics attitudes and trends of thinking toward drugs will also have a bad effect, Yu said.

Yu told reporters that China wants to work more closely with U.S. law enforcement and also with officials in Mexico. The drugs are believed to pass through Mexico on their way to the U.S.

Chinese officials announced that they raided a factory that makes fentanyl in November. Officials said they seized 4.7 kilograms of the drug. The U.S. immigration and customs agency provided information about an online seller named Diana. It turns out that Diana was an illegal drug organization of 19 people.

China has supported a U.S. proposal this year to add substances used to make fentanyl to a United Nations list of controlled substances.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that most fentanyl overdoses come from illegally made versions of the drug.

The agency says more than 66,000 people in America died from drug overdoses in the 12-month period ending in May of 2017. That is more than a 17 percent increase from the year before.

Im Jill Robbins.

Mario Ritter adapted this Associated Press story for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

opioid adj. describing a drug that chemically acts like opium based drugs that block pain

narcotic adj. a powerful drug that affects the brain

synthetic adj. not natural, made artificially

anesthetic adj. a drug that causes sleep or uncosciousness

attitudes n. the way people think about something, feelings that affect ones behavior

trends n. the way an issue is changing or developing

regulate v. to control with rules
As a stalemate between China and Taiwan continues, experts say Chinas government may seek new efforts in 2018 to try to restart negotiations.

Officials from both countries recently named some of the issues they expect to be important in the coming year.

A statement from Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office says the government will continue to emphasize its long-held one-China policy. Chinese officials have said acceptance of this policy is a condition for negotiations.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen rejects that idea, however.

China considers Taiwan a rebel province and believes it must eventually be reunified with China, even if by force. Public opinion studies show most Taiwanese oppose unification.

Chinas official Xinhua news agency reported the Taiwan Affairs Office described China-Taiwan relations in 2017 as complex and severe. The office said it would oppose all forms of Taiwan independence in the coming year, Xinhua said.

Tsai, a former law scholar, has said she seeks continued cooperation with China and a peaceful relationship. But she has also promised to strongly defend the countrys security and political system.

During a year-end press conference, Tsai said that as president, she is responsible for safeguarding national sovereignty and maintaining regional peace and stability.

She said Taiwan is currently part of an unpredictable geopolitical environment. Among the conditions creating this environment, she said, are the growing number of Chinese military activities in the air and at sea. China's intention to expand their military presence in the region has become increasingly evident.

She added that other security issues in the area include increased tensions on the Korean Peninsula and territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Tsai said Taiwan has been expanding and upgrading its military capabilities in recent years as a result. She said it is important for the country to be able to depend on its own military.

She also called for respect in future relations with China and promised not to take a reckless path.

Many experts say the presidents Democratic Progressive Party will delay making changes to its China policy until after local elections in late 2018.

Wu Chung-li is a political science research fellow at Taipei-based university Academia Sinica. He says voters who do not agree with China policy changes might choose opposition candidates, some of whom might favor Taiwans legal independence from China.

Wu said he believes Taiwans government sees improving ties with China as an issue of top importance. But the ruling party is also kidnapped by the local elections. I really dont know how they can make any change, he added.

Gratiana Jung is a political researcher with the Yuanta-Polaris Research Institute in Taipei. She says she thinks China might decide to use more creative means in 2018 to pressure Taiwan to return to talks and accept its one-China position.

This could include increases in Chinese military planes circling Taiwan in a show of force, Jung said. She added that Chinese officials could also attempt to limit Taiwans overseas diplomacy. China currently has more than 170 diplomatic allies, compared to Taiwans 20.

Im Bryan Lynn.

Ralph Jennings reported this story for VOA News. Bryan Lynn adapted it for VOA Learning English, with additional information from Reuters, Xinhua news agency and other sources. Caty Weaver was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

stalemate  n. dispute in which parties cannot come to agreement

emphasize  v. give special attention to something

sovereignty  n. a country's independent authority and the right to govern itself

maintain  v. to continue something that has been started

regional  adj. relating to a specific area

stability  n. continuous state of something, not easily changed

geopolitical  adj. relating to the political and geographic parts of something

intention  n. something you plan to do or achieve

reckless  adj. doing something dangerous and not caring about what might happen
Several recent studies examined how machine automation and artificial intelligence (AI) will change the future of work.

Some estimates predict these technologies could displace up to 30 percent of workers worldwide by 2030.

One study was published by PricewaterhouseCoopers, an international company providing financial and tax services. It predicted about 38 percent of American jobs could be at high risk for automation by the early 2030s. In Germany, up to 35 percent of jobs could be at risk. The company said about 30 percent could be affected in Britain and 21 percent in Japan.

The risk of being displaced will greatly increase for workers with less education, PricewaterhouseCoopers said. It estimated that in Britain, up to 46 percent of workers without a college degree could be at risk due to automation. This would drop to about 12 percent for workers with undergraduate degrees or higher.

New smart machines have the potential to replace our minds and to move around freely in the world, the study said. It added that the greatest job displacement is expected to come in the areas of transportation, storage, manufacturing and retail.

The Rand Corporation recently issued its own report on the future effects of automation and AI on jobs and the workplace. Osonde Osoba was a co-author of the report. He noted that fears over machines taking jobs from humans goes back centuries.

In 16th century England, Queen Elizabeth famously refused an inventors request for a patent for a device to make material for clothing. The Queen explained that the device would lead to major job losses, forcing affected workers to become beggars.

Osoba agrees there will be major job disruptions due to AI and automation, especially for lower skilled workers. But he told VOA he believes the future problems have been overestimated without historical evidence to back up the predictions.

Its not so much that the jobs are getting displaced, its more like tasks are getting displaced and jobs are reconfiguring over time to account for that automation.

He added that it will be very difficult for companies to completely automate most jobs, because they require a worker to perform many different duties and to react to unexpected situations.

The RAND report identifies three job types that will be very difficult to replace with a machine. These include jobs depending on human motor skills, positions requiring creative thinking and actions, and jobs dealing with intense social interaction.

There are recent examples of companies like Google and Facebook using AI to limit certain kinds of content. Osoba says this can be problematic for machines, which do not understand cultural norms in the population.

So that understanding of cultural norms, or social norms or ethical norms, thats not something thats easy  at least so far we havent found that easy to program into artificial intelligence.

The McKinsey Global Institute, a private think tank, has also studied the issue. Its research suggests that up to one-third of work activities across 46 nations could be displaced by 2030. The organizations report predicts automation could force 75 million to 375 million workers into new job areas by 2030.

McKinsey identified several jobs that will not be easily replaceable by machines. These include health-care providers, engineers, scientists, accountants, technology experts and managers. It also predicted rising demand for educators, and creatives, a group of workers including artists, performers and entertainers.

The study said automation will also raise productivity and economic growth. It said this growth  along with other economic influences - could help offset the displacement of millions of workers.

All workers will need to adapt, as their occupations evolve alongside increasingly capable machines, the report said.

McKinsey says this will require ongoing retraining of workers. In addition, employees will be spending more time on activities difficult to automate. This includes tasks requiring emotional, creative and cognitive skills, the study said.

Rand Corporations Osonde Osoba agrees. He says workers will increasingly have to be willing and prepared to regularly change jobs and roles to keep up with technology.

If you are thinking about concrete things an individual might do to prepare themselves, I guess being more adaptable, being more flexible, being able to reeducate yourself to fit into a different job.

He added that there will be a great need in the future for many more AI developers and researchers. For this reason, he suggests young people interested in these areas start their career paths early to prepare for these high-paying, competitive jobs.

Im Bryan Lynn.

Bryan Lynn reported this story for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

displace  v. force people to move from one place, job, etc. to another

retail  n. the activity of selling products to the public

patent  n. official document giving a person or company the right to be the only one that makes or sells a product for a certain period of time

beggar  n. person who lives by asking people to give them money, food, etc.

disruption  n. causing something to be unable to continue in the normal way

reconfigure  v. change the way something is arranged or prepared

filter  v. remove something unwanted

ethical  adj. involving questions of right and wrong behavior

evolve  v. to develop or make something develop over time

cognitive  adj. of, relating to, or involving conscious mental activities

concrete  adj. of or related to a real thing, people or actions

flexible  adj. able to easily change or adapt to a situation
2 Shiite clerics and members of the Hashed al-Shaabi (Popular Moblisation units) mourn the death of a religious member of their community. Sheikh Mohannad al-Mayahi, who died of his wounds two months after he was injured in the conflict in Mosul.
Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. produces and distributes specialty plant nutrients, iodine and its derivatives, lithium and its derivatives, potassium chloride and sulfate, industrial chemicals, and other products and services. The company offers specialty plant nutrients, including potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate, sodium potassium nitrate, specialty blends, and other specialty fertilizers. It also provides iodine and its derivatives for use in medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and industrial applications comprising x-ray contrast media, polarizing films for LCD and LED, antiseptics, biocides and disinfectants, pharmaceutical synthesis, electronics, pigments, and dye components. In addition, the company offers lithium carbonates for various applications that include electrochemical materials for batteries, frits for the ceramic and enamel industries, heat-resistant glass, air conditioning chemicals, continuous casting powder for steel extrusion, primary aluminum smelting process, pharmaceuticals, and lithium derivatives, as well as ingredient in manufacturing of gunpowder. Further, it supplies lithium hydroxide for the lubricating greases industry, as well as cathodes for batteries. Additionally, it offers potassium chloride and potassium sulfate for various crops, including corn, rice, sugar, soybean, and wheat; industrial chemicals, including sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, potassium chloride, and solar salts; and other fertilizers and blends. The company operates in Chile, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, North America, Asia, and internationally. Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. was incorporated in 1968 and is headquartered in Santiago, Chile.
Banco Santander-Chile, together with its subsidiaries, provides commercial and retail banking products and services in Chile. It operates through Retail Banking, Middle-Market, Corporate Investment Banking, and Corporate Activities segments. The company offers debit and credit cards, checking accounts, and savings products; consumer, automobile, commercial, mortgage, and government-guaranteed loans; and Chilean peso and foreign currency denominated loans to finance various commercial transactions, trade, foreign currency forward contracts, and credit lines, as well as mortgage financing services. It also provides mutual funds, insurance and securities brokerage, foreign exchange, financial leasing, factoring, financial consulting and advisory, investment management, foreign trade, treasury, and transactional services, as well as specialized services to finance projects for the real estate industry. In addition, the company offers short-term financing and fund raising, and brokerage services, as well as derivatives, securitization, and other tailor-made products. It serves individuals, small to middle-sized entities, companies, and large corporations, as well as universities, government entities, and local and regional governments. As of December 31, 2021, the company operated 326 branches, which include 220 under the Santander brand name, 14 under the Select brand name, 7 specialized branches for the middle market, and 22 as auxiliary and payment centers, as well as 1,338 ATMs, including depository ATMs. Banco Santander-Chile was incorporated in 1977 and is headquartered in Santiago, Chile.
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The following companies are subsidiares of American Tower: 10 Presidential Way Associates LLC, 3267351 Nova Scotia Company, 3286208 Nova Scotia Company, 3298099 Nova Scotia Company, 52 Eighty Partners LLC, 52 Eighty Tower Partners I LLC, ACC Tower Sub LLC, AT Atlantic Holding LLC (1), AT Iberia C.V. (2), AT Kenya C.V., AT Netherlands C.V., AT Netherlands Cooperatief U.A., AT Rhine C.V. (2), AT Sher Netherlands Cooperatief U.A., AT South America C.V., ATC Africa Holding B.V., ATC Africa Shared Services (Pty) Ltd, ATC Antennas Holding LLC, ATC Antennas LLC, ATC Argentina Cooperatief U.A., ATC Argentina Holding LLC, ATC Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., ATC Atlantic C.V. (2), ATC Atlantic I B.V. (2), ATC Atlantic II B.V. (3), ATC Atlantic IV B.V. (2), ATC Backhaul LLC, ATC Brasil  Servicos de Conectividades Ltda., ATC Brazil Holding LLC, ATC Brazil I LLC, ATC Brazil II LLC, ATC Burkina Faso S.A., ATC CSR Foundation India, ATC Chile Holding LLC, ATC Colombia B.V., ATC Colombia Holding I LLC, ATC Colombia Holding LLC, ATC Colombia I LLC, ATC EH GmbH & Co. KG (2), ATC Ecuador Holding LLC, ATC Edge LLC, ATC Ethiopia Infrastructure Development Private Limited Company, ATC Europe B.V. (2), ATC Europe C.V. (1), ATC Europe Cooperatief U.A. (2), ATC Europe LLC, ATC European Holdings Inc., ATC Fibra de Colombia S.A.S., ATC France Holding II SAS, ATC France Holding SAS, ATC France Reseaux SAS, ATC France SNC, ATC France Services SAS, ATC GP GmbH, ATC Germany Holding I B.V. (3), ATC Germany Holding II B.V., ATC Germany Holdings GmbH, ATC Germany Munich GmbH, ATC Germany Services GmbH, ATC Ghana ServiceCo Limited, ATC Global Employment B.V., ATC Green Grass LLC, ATC Heston B.V., ATC Holding Fibra Mexico S. de R.L. DE C.V., ATC IP LLC, ATC Iberia Holding LLC (3), ATC India Infrastructure Private Limited (1), ATC Indoor DAS Holding LLC, ATC Indoor DAS LLC, ATC International Cooperatief U.A., ATC International Financing B.V., ATC International Financing II B.V., ATC International Financing II Holding LLC, ATC International Holding Corp., ATC Iris I LLC, ATC Kenya Operations Limited, ATC Kenya Services Limited, ATC Latin America S.A. de C.V. SOFOM E.N.R., ATC MIP III REIT Iron Holdings LLC, ATC Managed Sites Holding LLC, ATC Managed Sites LLC, ATC MexHold LLC, ATC Mexico Holding LLC, ATC Niger Wireless Infrastructure S.A., ATC Nigeria Cooperatief U.A., ATC Nigeria Holding LLC, ATC Nigeria Wireless Infrastructure Limited, ATC On Air + LLC, ATC Operations LLC, ATC Outdoor DAS LLC, ATC Paraguay Holding LLC, ATC Paraguay S.R.L., ATC Peru Holding LLC, ATC Polska sp. z o.o., ATC Ponderosa B-I LLC, ATC Ponderosa B-II LLC, ATC Ponderosa K LLC, ATC Ponderosa K-R LLC, ATC Rhine Holding LLC (3), ATC Scala Operations S.L. (3), ATC Scala Spain Holding S.L. (2), ATC Sequoia LLC, ATC Sitios Infraco S.A.S., ATC Sitios de Argentina S.A., ATC Sitios de Chile S.A., ATC Sitios de Colombia S.A.S., ATC Sitios del Peru S.R.L., ATC South Africa Investment Holdings (Proprietary) Limited, ATC South Africa Services Pty Ltd, ATC South Africa Wireless Infrastructure (Pty) Ltd, ATC South America Holding LLC, ATC South LLC, ATC TRS I LLC, ATC TRS II LLC, ATC TRS III LLC, ATC TRS IV LLC, ATC Tanzania Holding LLC, ATC Telecom Infrastructure Private Limited, ATC Tower (Ghana) LTD, ATC Tower Services LLC, ATC Uganda Limited, ATC Uganda ServiceCo (SMC) Limited, ATC Watertown LLC, ATC WiFi LLC, ATS-Needham LLC, ActiveX Telebroadband Services Private Limited, Adquisiciones y Proyectos Inalambricos S. de R. L. de C.V., Agile Airband Ohio LLC, Agile Connect LLC, Agile IWG Holdings LLC, Agile Network Builders LLC, Agile Networks Indiana LLC, Agile Networks Site Development LLC, Agile Towers LLC, Alternative Networking LLC, American Tower Asset Sub II LLC, American Tower Asset Sub LLC, American Tower Charitable Foundation Inc., American Tower Chile I S.A., American Tower Chile II S.A., American Tower Delaware Corporation, American Tower Depositor Sub LLC, American Tower Espana S.L.U. (3), American Tower Guarantor Sub LLC, American Tower Holding Sub II LLC, American Tower Holding Sub LLC, American Tower IB Participacoes Imobiliarias Ltda., American Tower Inmosites S.L.U., American Tower International Holding I LLC, American Tower International Holding II LLC, American Tower International Inc., American Tower Investments LLC, American Tower LLC, American Tower Latam SLU, American Tower Management LLC, American Tower Peru S.A.C., American Tower Servicios Fibra S. de R.L. de C.V., American Tower T. Torres do Brasil Ltda., American Tower Tanzania Operations Limited, American Tower do Brasil - Cessao de Infraestruturas Ltda., American Tower do Brasil  Communicacao Multimidia Ltda., American Towers LLC, Appleseed Holdco LLC, BR Towers, Blue Sky Towers Pty Ltd, Blue Transfer Sociedad Anonima, Broadcast Towers LLC, CNC2 Associates LLC, California Tower Inc., Cell Site NewCo II LLC, Cell Tower Lease Acquisition LLC, Central States Tower Holdings LLC, Colo ATL LLC, Colo Atl, Communications Properties Inc., Comunicaciones y Consumos S.A., Connectivity Infrastructure Services Limited, CoreSite Real Estate 12100 Sunrise Valley Drive L.L.C., CoreSite Real Estate 1656 McCarthy L.P., CoreSite Realty Corporation REIT Qualification Trust, Coresite, DCS Tower Sub LLC, Digital Access Ohio LLC (1), Eaton, Eaton Towers Ghana (M) Limited, Eaton Towers Ghana Limited, Eaton Towers Holdings Limited, Eaton Towers Kenya Limited, Eaton Towers Limited, Eaton Towers Uganda Limited, Essar Telecom Infrastructure, GTP Acquisition Partners I LLC, GTP Acquisition Partners II LLC, GTP Acquisition Partners III LLC, GTP Costa Rica Finance LLC, GTP Infrastructure I LLC, GTP Infrastructure II LLC, GTP Infrastructure III LLC, GTP Investments LLC, GTP LATAM Holdings B.V., GTP LatAm Holdings Cooperatieve U.A., GTP Operations CR S.R.L., GTP South Acquisitions II LLC, GTP Structures I LLC, GTP Structures II LLC, GTP TRS I LLC, GTP Torres CR S.R.L., GTP Towers I LLC, GTP Towers II LLC, GTP Towers III LLC, GTP Towers IV LLC, GTP Towers IX LLC, GTP Towers V LLC, GTP Towers VII LLC, GTP Towers VIII LLC, GTPI HoldCo LLC, Ghana Tower InterCo B.V., Global Tower Assets III LLC, Global Tower Assets LLC, Global Tower Holdings LLC, Global Tower LLC, Global Tower Partners, Global Tower Services LLC, Gondola Tower Holdings LLC, Grain HoldCo LLC, Grain HoldCo Parent LLC, GrainComm I LLC, GrainComm II LLC, GrainComm III LLC, GrainComm LLC, GrainComm Marketing LLC, GrainComm V LLC, Haysville Towers LLC (1), IW Equipment LLC, IWD Equipment LLC, IWG Holdings LLC, IWG II Holdings LLC, IWG II LLC, IWG Towers Assets I LLC, IWG Towers Assets II LLC, IWG-TLA Australia Pty Ltd., IWG-TLA Canada Corp., IWG-TLA Encanto 1 LLC, IWG-TLA Encanto 3 LLC, IWG-TLA Holdings LLC, IWG-TLA Media 2 LLC, IWG-TLA Media LLC, IWG-TLA Telecom LLC, InSite (BCEC) LLC, InSite (MBTA) LLC, InSite Borrower LLC, InSite Co-Issuer Corp., InSite Guarantor LLC, InSite Hawaii LLC, InSite Issuer LLC, InSite Licensing LLC, InSite Tower Services LLC, InSite Towers Development 2 LLC, InSite Towers Development LLC, InSite Towers International 2 LLC, InSite Towers International Development LLC, InSite Towers International LLC, InSite Towers LLC, InSite Towers of Puerto Rico LLC, InSite Wireless Development LLC, InSite Wireless Group, InSite Wireless Group LLC, Invisible IWG Holdings LLC, Invisible Towers LLC, JT Communications LLC, Kirtonkhola Tower Bangladesh Limited (1), LAP Inmobiliaria Limitada, LAP Inmobiliaria S.R.L., LL B Sheet 1 LLC, Lap do Brasil Empreendimentos Imobiliarios Ltda, Lease Advisors-AU PTY LTD, Loxel SAS, MATC Digital S. de R.L. de C.V., MATC Infraestructura S. de R.L. de C.V., MATC Servicios S. de R.L. de C.V., MC New Macland Properties LLC, MCSU Properties LLC, MHB Tower Rentals of America LLC, MIP III U.S. Iron LLC, Microwave Inc., Mountain Communications LLC, Municipal Bay LLC, Municipal-Bay Holdings LLC, New Towers LLC, PCS Structures Towers LLC, R-CAL I LLC, RSA Media Inc., Repeater Communications Group I LLC, Repeater Communications Group II LLC, Repeater Communications Group III LLC, Repeater Communications Group IV LLC, Repeater Communications Group LLC, Repeater Communications Group V LLC, Repeater Communications Group VI LLC, Repeater Communications Group of New York LLC, Repeater IWG Holdings LLC, Richland Towers LLC, Signum/IWG Tower Corp., Southeast Network Access Point LLC, SpectraSite Communications, SpectraSite Communications LLC, SpectraSite LLC, T8 Ulysses Site Management LLC, TLA PR-2 LLC, Telecom Lease Advisors Management 2 LLC, Tower Management Inc. (4), Towers of America L.L.L.P., Transcend Infrastructure Holdings Pte. Ltd., Transcend Towers Infrastructure (Philippines) Inc., Turris Sites Development Corp., Turris Sites IWG Corp, Tysons II DAS LLC, U.S. Colo. LLC, UNIsite, Uganda Tower Interco B.V., Ulysses Asset Sub I LLC, Ulysses Asset Sub II LLC, UniSite LLC, UniSite/Omnipoint FL Tower Venture LLC (1), UniSite/Omnipoint NE Tower Venture LLC (1), UniSite/Omnipoint PA Tower Venture LLC (1), and Viom Networks.

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Markel Corporation, a diverse financial holding company, markets and underwrites specialty insurance products in the United States, Bermuda, the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, Canada, the Asia Pacific, and the Middle East. Its Insurance segment offers general and professional liability, personal lines, marine and energy, specialty programs, and workers' compensation insurance products; and property coverages that include fire, allied lines, and other specialized property coverages, including catastrophe-exposed property risks, such as earthquake and wind. This segment also offers credit and surety products, and collateral protection insurance products. The company's Reinsurance segment offers transaction, healthcare, and environmental impairment liability; and specialty treaty reinsurance products comprising structured and whole turnover credit, political risk, mortgage and contract, and commercial surety reinsurance programs. Its Markel Ventures segment provides equipment used in baking systems and food processing; portable dredges; over-the-road car haulers and transportation equipment; and laminated oak and composite wood flooring, tube and tank trailers, as well as ornamental plants and residential homes, handbags, and architectural products. This segment also provides consulting, and other types of services to businesses and consumers, including distribution of exterior building products, crane rental, fire protection, and life safety services, management and technology consulting, and retail intelligence services. The company's Other segment provides healthcare, leasing and investment services, as well as operates as an insurance and investment fund manager offering a range of investment products, including insurance-linked securities, catastrophe bonds, insurance swaps, and weather derivatives; and program services. it also manages funds with third parties. Markel Corporation was founded in 1930 and is based in Glen Allen, Virginia.
Phillips 66 operates as an energy manufacturing and logistics company. It operates through four segments: Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, and Marketing and Specialties (M&S). The Midstream segment transports crude oil and other feedstocks; delivers refined petroleum products to market; provides terminaling and storage services for crude oil and refined petroleum products; transports, stores, fractionates, exports, and markets natural gas liquids; provides other fee-based processing services; and gathers, processes, transports, and markets natural gas. The Chemicals segment produces and markets ethylene and other olefin products; aromatics and styrenics products, such as benzene, cyclohexane, styrene, and polystyrene; and various specialty chemical products, including organosulfur chemicals, solvents, catalysts, and chemicals used in drilling and mining. The Refining segment refines crude oil and other feedstocks into petroleum products, such as gasolines, distillates, aviation, and renewable fuels at 12 refineries in the United States and Europe. The M&S segment purchases for resale and markets refined petroleum products, including gasolines, distillates, and aviation fuels primarily in the United States and Europe. This segment also manufactures and markets specialty products, such as base oils and lubricants. The company was founded in 1875 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
United Parcel Service, Inc. provides letter and package delivery, transportation, logistics, and related services. It operates through two segments, U.S. Domestic Package and International Package. The U.S. Domestic Package segment offers time-definite delivery of letters, documents, small packages, and palletized freight through air and ground services in the United States. The International Package segment provides guaranteed day and time-definite international shipping services in Europe, the Asia Pacific, Canada and Latin America, the Indian sub-continent, the Middle East, and Africa. This segment offers guaranteed time-definite express options. The company also provides international air and ocean freight forwarding, customs brokerage, distribution and post-sales, and mail and consulting services in approximately 200 countries and territories. In addition, it offers truckload brokerage services; supply chain solutions to the healthcare and life sciences industry; shipping, visibility, and billing technologies; and financial and insurance services. The company operates a fleet of approximately 121,000 package cars, vans, tractors, and motorcycles; and owns 59,000 containers that are used to transport cargo in its aircraft. United Parcel Service, Inc. was founded in 1907 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
AXIS Capital Holdings Limited, through its subsidiaries, provides various specialty insurance and reinsurance products worldwide. It operates through two segments, Insurance and Reinsurance. The Insurance segment offers property insurance products for commercial buildings, residential premises, construction projects, and onshore energy installations; marine insurance products covering offshore energy, cargo, liability, recreational marine, fine art, specie, and hull war; and terrorism, aviation, credit and political risk, and liability insurance products. It also provides professional insurance products that cover directors' and officers' liability, errors and omissions liability, employment practices liability, fiduciary liability, crime, professional indemnity, cyber and privacy, medical malpractice, and other financial insurance related coverages for commercial enterprises, financial institutions, not-for-profit organizations, and other professional service providers. In addition, this segment offers accidental death, travel, and specialty health products for employer and affinity groups. The Reinsurance segment offers reinsurance products to insurance companies, including catastrophe reinsurance products; property reinsurance products covering property damage and related losses resulting from natural and man-made perils; professional lines; credit and surety; and motor liability products. This segment also provides agriculture reinsurance products; coverages for various types of construction risks and risks related to erection, testing, and commissioning of machinery and plants during the construction stage; marine and aviation reinsurance products; and personal accident, specialty health, accidental death, travel, life and disability reinsurance products. The company was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Pembroke, Bermuda.
Smartphone chips keep getting faster, but it takes more than speed to stand out these days. So Samsung isnt just talking about how its new Exynos 9810 chip is faster than its predecessors. The company says the new chip also has a faster LTE modem and enhanced support for deep learning enhanced image processing, among other things.

In fact, Samsungs press release suggests the Exynos 9810 isnt just for phones. It could also be used in automotive systems and other products that might need the ability to process a lot of visual data quickly.

The upcoming Exynos 9810 is a 2.9 GHz octa-core processor built using a 10nm process. It uses four high-power custom CPU cores and four lower-power cores and Samsung says it offers up to 40 percent better multi-core performance and up to 2 times the single-core performance of last years Exynos 8895 chip.

Other features include a dedicated security processing unit for protecting biometric data including fingerprint, iris, and face recognition information, a Cat,18 LTE modem with support for 1.2 Gbps download and 200 Mbps upload speeds, and an updated multi-format codec for faster and more efficient processing of images and visual data.

Samsung says that can be used for 4K video stabilization, better low-light photography, and 4K video playback at up to 120 frames per second.

Its likely that the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S9 will be one of the first devices to use the new Exynos 9810 chip, which is currently in mass production. But if its anything like Samsungs usual flagship phones, models with Exynos processors will probably only be sold in select markets, with customers in the US and other regions getting a model with a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, probably the upcoming Snapdragon 845 chip, if its available in time.

Not surprisingly, Qualcomms next flagship processor is also expected to have enhanced features for AI and photography.
A batch of luxury goods, confiscated from the former Secretary for Transport and Public Works Ao Man Long, was auctioned last month by the Financial Services Bureau (DSF). Radio Macau reported yesterday that the administration has earned MOP640,000 from the auction to date.

Many of the auctioned items were not purchased, including the bulk of Aos collection of rare wines and spirits, which had been previously estimated to be worth MOP3.8 million.

The asking price for the auctioned items was MOP2.8 million, well below the value of sold items. The item which gathered the most interest was a rare medicinal plant known as yartsa gunbu, 4.2 kilograms of which were put up for sale with an asking price of MOP138,000. The winning bid reached MOP400,000.

In December 2006, Ao was arrested on suspicion of various crimes, including bribery and money laundering. In January 2008, he was sentenced to 27 years in prison for 57 counts of bribery, money laundering and abuse of power, among other charges.

In April 2009, he was charged with an additional 24 counts of taking bribes, money laundering activities and abuse of power, and was sentenced to one year and six months in prison.

In May 2012, the Court of Final Appeal held a third public hearing on Aos corruption case, where it ruled that he had committed six crimes of bribery and three crimes of money laundering. Combining the first two stages of his trial and respective sentences, Ao is serving a total of 28 and a half years in prison.
China has welcomed moves by North and South Korea to use next months Winter Olympics in the South as an opportunity for talks, saying it hopes the rivals will try to meet each other halfway.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters yesterday that China hopes all sides concerned will seize this positive turn of events.

South Korea on Tuesday offered high-level talks with North Korea to find ways to cooperate on the Pyeongchang Olympics. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said Monday that he was willing to send a delegation to the Olympics.

Kim also said he has a nuclear button on his office desk, a fiery threat that President Donald Trump responded to by boasting he has a bigger and more powerful button than Kim.

Commenting on Trumps tweet, Geng urged countries to maintain restraint and say things that are conducive to alleviating the situation.

South Korea says it has begun preliminary contacts with North Korea on a reopened cross-border communication system. AP
Dorji Wangchuk, a Doctor of Philosophy student of the University of Macaus (UM) Department of Communication, recently received the Top Student Paper Award at the 103rd Annual Convention of the National Communication Association (NCA) in Dallas, United States. The award was conferred by the Religious Communication Association (RCA), an organization affiliated with the NCA. The award-winning paper, titled Buddhism and its Influence on Communication in Bhutan: Search for the Middle Path in the Age of Social Media, explores the influence of Buddhism on communication behaviours in the Kingdom of Bhutan. The association commended the papers contribution to the study of religious communication. Founded in 1973, the RCA is a multidisciplinary academic society for scholars, teachers, students, clergy, journalists and others who share an interest in religious speech, rhetoric, media and performance.

10th Tap Seac Craft Market to be held in April

The Tap Seac Craft Market will return in April 2018. To celebrate, the tenth anniversary of the event, the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) is soliciting proposals for a series of programs such as interactive art installations, stage performance and creative handicraft workshops. The call for proposals is open to the general public and the deadline for submission is February 2. Inaugurated in 2008, the Tap Seac Craft Market is described by the IC as a platform for local and foreign cultural and creative practitioners to showcase and sell their products, and has gradually become a local brand of [the] cultural and creative market.

Macao Post to issue greeting card for Year of the Dog

The Macao Post and Telecommunications Bureau will issue a new greeting card for the Year of the Dog titled The Year of the Dog brings blessing. This card will be available for sale at the General Post Office, all post offices and postal kiosks from January 8. This greeting card, priced at MOP15 each, can be sent worldwide without a stamp.

Macau construction union opposes easing worker import quota

The Talent Development Committee has suggested to the government that it raise the quota for the import of non-skilled construction labor to meet growing demand. The Committee cited some 2,000 low-level job openings that remain unfilled in the territory. However, the Macao Construction Industry General Union has publicly opposed the suggestions, claiming that many local residents in the industry are already out of work. The president of the Union, Cheong Man Fun, told TDM news that most of his fellow workers in the industry are unemployed at present. Its evident that we have failed to protect local workers employment rights, he said. Unemployment in Macau stood at 1.9 percent (2.6 percent for local residents) at end-November 2017.

MSAR passport holders exempted from visa to Cook Islands



The Identification Services Bureau (DSI) announced that holders of the Macau SAR Passport visiting the Cook Islands could be exempted from visa requirements for a maximum stay of 31 days. In addition, holders of SAR passports visiting the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia can apply for a visa upon arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days. Applicants must provide two photographs and pay a fee of USD50 when applying for the visa on arrival. According to the DSI, these passport holders can also choose to apply for an electronic visa before departure. At present, a total of 136 countries or territories have agreed to grant visa-free access or visa-on-arrival to Macau SAR Passport holders.
Chinas emergence as a global economic rival to the U.S. is perhaps most obvious in Latin America.

The U.S. in recent years has lost its status to China as the top trading partner in parts of Latin America, such as copper-rich Chile and agriculture and mining powerhouse Brazil. Now, all the uncertainty surrounding U.S. President Donald Trumps plans  from building a southern border wall, to re-freezing Cuba relations and exiting the Paris climate change accord supported by Latin America  could give an opening for China to seize more ground in the region.

Meanwhile the Chinese government is ready to expand its dominance in a region already supplying it expanding economy with everything from farm goods to raw materials.

China in 2009 surpassed the U.S. as Brazils largest export market, as South Americas biggest economy stepped up shipments of everything from iron ore to soy beans. China a year later become Latin Americas leading trade partner, when you omit Mexico and take into account only the South American nations. China has successfully established a really remarkable economic presence in the region over a relatively short period of time, according to Margaret Myers, director of the Inter-American Dialogues Latin America and the World Program.

Mexico is an exception that still looks to the U.S. for most of its commerce, thanks in some measure to the North American Free Trade Agreements zero-tariffs regime. The countrys exports to the U.S. totaled USD303 billion in 2016 compared with just $5.4 billion to China.

But Chinas encroachment in the region could accelerate if Trump makes good on threats to withdraw from Nafta, which would result in higher tariffs between Mexico and the U.S. Mexico already is making contingency plans to increase trade with non-U.S. nations in case the trade pact dissolves and the countrys proximity to Latin America makes it a natural pivot point.

To be sure, that doesnt mean that China would completely benefit from a souring of U.S.-Mexico relations. China largely seeks commodity imports from Latin America, whereas Mexicos biggest exports to its northern neighbor are cars and car parts as well as electronics  items that China already produces in abundance.

But the dissolution of Nafta could create a vacuum in Mexico that China would try to at least partially fill.

Certainly Mexico will be interested in collaborating more with China  as well as other countries  if Nafta ends, according to R. Evan Ellis, a professor of Latin American studies at the U.S. Army War College. Mexicos partnership with the United States has really been a bulwark against the advances of China in the region. Carlos Torres & Randy Woods, Bloomberg
Authorities in Hong Kong say a climber who died after falling on South Africas Table Mountain is from the southern Chinese city.

The statement yesterday by Hong Kongs immigration department contradicts an earlier assertion by South Africas national parks service that the male climber was Japanese. There was no immediate explanation for the discrepancy.

Hong Kong says it has taken the initiative to contact the victims family to provide advice and other help.

The climber and a surviving female companion were clients of a male South African guide who also died in the accident earlier this week. The injured survivor was taken to a hospital after a dramatic rescue operation in which emergency responders descended on ropes from a cable car on the mountain, a major tourist destination overlooking Cape Town. AP
A woman in her thirties from mainland China started off the New Year by getting arrested in Macau after a disagreement over a taxi ride fare in Cotai.

She had assaulted one police officer and bitten another in the Taipa police station, the Public Security Police Force (PSP) spokesperson said yesterday during a joint police press conference at PSP.

The case started around 11.40p.m. on January 1 when the woman and her taxi driver arrived at the Taipa police station to settle a dispute over the taxi fare.

The driver said he had picked the woman up at a hotel near the Avenida Marginal da Flor de Lotus, driving her to another hotel in Cotai. Upon arrival, the taxi driver requested payment of MOP35. The woman asked to pay in RMB as she had no Macau currency.

The taxi driver agreed, but the woman added that she would pay only RMB29 and not RMB35 as the taxi driver wanted. The driver then took the woman to the police station to seek recompense.

The woman attempted to flee the premises, shoving one police officer and biting another who grabbed her arm in the ensuing brawl.

She was arrested and accused of three crimes: grievous bodily harm to an officer, damages and resist to arrest. The taxi driver was unable to recover the fare.

In another case, a man, aged 35, was accused of swindling another man in an alleged currency exchange scheme, the Judiciary Police (PJ) said.

The case was reported by the security staff of a casino in NAPE after the men  both from mainland China  fought at the hotel lobby on the last day of 2017.

According to the PJs investigation, the victim arranged to meet the suspect to exchange RMB for HKD. As part of the deal, the victim had agreed to pay the suspect RMB50,700 in exchange for HKD60,000.

On that day, the victim used two accounts  WeChat and Alipay  to transfer the total amount to the accused, who claimed that he had not received the funds and could not verify the success of the transfers. He then attempted to flee the scene.

As a fight broke out between the victim and the suspect, the casino security intervened and contacted the PJ.

The suspect informed the police that he could not verify the transfers as his phone was out of battery and said he would proceed with the payment to the victim.

The PJ believes that the man was attempting to carry out a scam, as he did not have the amount owed to the victim on hand at the time of arrest. The bureau also verified the app on the suspects phone and acknowledged that one of the victims transfers  amounting to RMB33,700  had been received.

The PJ has detained the suspect and transferred him to the Public Prosecutions Office.

Woman admits exchanging fake USD

A 26 year-old woman from Taiwan has been accused of passing fake money to two men from mainland China, who were arrested for trying to exchange the currency with a casino cashier, the Judiciary Police (PJ) revealed yesterday.

The case occurred on December 29 at a Cotai casino, where the two men tried to exchange eight USD100 bank notes, totaling USD800, into HKD. The cashier suspected that the notes were forged and called the PJ.

The men told the police that they had received the bank notes from a woman earlier that day in exchange for HKD5,000.

The PJ reviewed the security footage and were able to identify the woman, who was still inside the casino.

The woman admitted to the police that she had passed money to the men but claimed to be unaware that the notes had been forged. She said that she had obtained the money during a recent trip to Singapore. However, she did not explain why she subsequently passed the notes to the men at an exchange rate much lower than their real value, which indicates that she was aware the money was fake.
In celebration of International Migrants Day, which is usually celebrated in December, Indonesian migrant workers gathered on New Years Day to welcome Erwiana Sulistyaningsih, who encouraged them to fight abuse and stand up for their rights.

The 26-year-old Sulistyaningsih, who first appeared in the global media spotlight in 2014, was back in Hong Kong after winning the last leg of her two-year legal battle last week. She received nearly HKD810,000 in damages for the abuse she experienced for over eight months at the hands of her employer.

For the domestic workers who have experienced cases like I did, dont be afraid, be courageous and please speak out, she told state broadcaster TDM.

Many migrants are afraid to speak out [] We cant do anything if they dont want to speak out [so they] should fight for [themselves] and not be afraid, said Sulistyaningsih, who was named one of the worlds 100 most influential people by Time Magazine in 2014.

Indonesian migrant groups in Macau have recorded only a few cases of abuse as domestic helpers here are not required to live with their employers, unlike Hong Kong.

Yosa Wariyanti, president of the Indonesian Migrant Workers Union, said that they have only recorded three cases of abuse, one of which is now being processed by local authorities.

However, she believed that physical abuse among domestic workers in the region should not go unreported, citing the absence of rights protection for them.

For us, Erwianas case is our case [] so we must be braver if ever a similar situation happens to us, she told the Times.

[She encouraged us] to not be afraid to report [abuse] to the police, or seek some help. She inspired us to never give up to fight for our rights, especially if we did nothing wrong.

Wariyanti also noted that domestic helpers do not know where to seek help when encountering physical abuse and are fearful of being blacklisted in Macau.

She added that the shortened visa period after a contract ends  be it by the termination or natural conclusion of a contract  also hinders these workers from seeking legal aid. LV
After one of the most fraught years on the Korean Peninsula in recent memory  threats of war amid North Koreas strongest-ever nuclear bomb test and repeated missile launches  an unexpected, very tentative interest in peace seems to have broken out.

In rapid succession: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un floats the idea in a New Years speech of better ties with his southern rival. Maybe, he says, hell even send a delegation to next months Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Seoul quickly offers to meet and talk. And yesterday, the North announces that Kim views the Souths offer positively and the two sides begin preliminary contact on a newly reopened cross- border communication channel.

Is it an elaborate ruse by the North? Wishful thinking in the South?

Some answers to questions about what it may all mean:

Q: How likely is it that the two sides will actually meet?

A: Theres a pretty good chance, though meeting is the easy part.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in has favored better ties with North Korea for years, and he campaigned on pledges to take a softer line than his conservative predecessors.

Moon was a top aide for a previous liberal president who maintained a so-called Sunshine Policy toward Pyongyang, with large amounts of aid shipped to the North and the two sides pursuing cooperative tourism and business programs.

Although Moon, who took office in May, has been pushed into a hard-line stance by the Norths repeated missile and nuclear tests, he would clearly like dialogue.

The Norths Kim, on the other hand, has shown little interest in pursuing peace since taking power in late 2011. That said, he has made repeated suggestions about improving ties in past New Years speeches. Skeptics will point out that he mixed his peace overtures with threats of war and has conducted weapons tests within weeks of past speeches.

Theres also suspicion that Kim will use any talks as cover to continue perfecting an arsenal of nukes that can reliably hit the U.S. mainland, and that his overture is mainly meant to disrupt ties between Seoul and Washington so he can weaken international pressure and sanctions.

Q: Why is it so difficult for the Koreas to make peace once they sit down and talk to each other?

A: Seven decades of simmering animosity and bloodshed is the short answer.

The Koreas were divided in 1945 at the end of World War II into a U.S.-controlled southern side and a Soviet-controlled north. Three years later, the division became formal with the founding of the opposing republics. Two years after that, the North launched a surprise invasion and the Koreas fought, with the help of the United States, the United Nations and China, one of the bloodiest wars of the 20th century.

Since then, there has been steady bloodshed, though mostly from the North, including assassinations, kidnappings and, in 2010, attacks blamed on North Korea that killed 50 South Koreans.

When the history is this bloody, and the two sides are squared off across the most heavily armed border in the world, every detail is usually contested.

Q: Even if they meet, is there any chance for a breakthrough?

A: Any time the Koreas talk its a victory of sorts, especially after the misery of last year.

Still, the rivals have done this dance many times before, and their talks dont have the best track record when it comes to results, often blowing up before anything really gets done.

If there are talks, the first round will likely be lower-level discussions meant to set up a higher-level meeting. Previous such talks have bogged down on matters of protocol, for instance, with one side objecting to the rank of a proposed participant.

If a next round is decided upon, the actual negotiations of what to do about Olympic cooperation would begin. But with decades of accrued animosity between them, nothing is guaranteed.

Q: What about President Donald Trumps tweet in which he taunted Kim Jong Un, whod earlier said he has a nuclear button on his desk, by boasting of a bigger and more powerful nuclear button than Kims.

A: For the time being, both Koreas are ignoring it.

Trumps tweets worried South Koreans at first, but they are becoming used to them. President Moon will likely prefer to focus on the rare signs of rapprochement with the North.

The North, however, rarely lets an insult pass, though theres a chance it could keep its outrage against Trump separate from whatever its intentions are with the South.
The Trump administration yesterday threw the weight of the U.S. government behind the protesters taking to the streets of Iran, rooting them on despite the risk of helping Iranian authorities dismiss a week of major demonstrations as the product of American instigation.

As Irans supreme leader accused enemies of Iran of trying to destabilize his country, the State Department pressed Tehran to unblock social media sites used by the protesters. It even offered advice to tech-savvy Iranians on circumventing state internet controls.

President Donald Trump declared it was time for change in Iran, and other officials floated the possibility of additional sanctions. At the United Nations, Ambassador Nikki Haley sought a Security Council meeting to show support for those protesting in the Islamic Republic.

We want to help amplify the voices of the Iranian people, said Haley, who appeared before cameras to recite the chants of protesters across Iran. She said Irans claim that other countries were fomenting the unrest was complete nonsense, describing the dissent as homegrown.

Borrowing from a response playbook it has used before, Irans government blamed the U.S., Saudi Arabia and Britain for the protests. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the 78-year-old supreme leader, said Irans enemies were using money, weapons, politics and spies to create problems for the Islamic system, the Islamic Republic and the Islamic Revolution.

Trump was undeterred, praising Iranians for finally acting against the brutal and corrupt Iranian regime. In an allusion to possible sanctions in response to human rights violations, Trump said the United States would closely monitor the situation.

The U.S. is watching! the president tweeted.

Beyond rhetoric, though, it wasnt clear what the Trump administration could do substantively to empower the protesters, who are railing against corruption, mismanagement and economic woes including higher food prices. His support also sets up a potential test of his presidential leadership if the protests  already deadly  grow more violent.

At least 21 people have died and hundreds have been arrested over six days of demonstrations, the largest in Iran since the Green Movement that erupted in 2009 following a disputed presidential election. The new outbreak started in Mashhad, Irans second-largest city, and has expanded to many others.

Iranian authorities have sought to suppress the protests in part by shutting down key social media sites protesters use to communicate, including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and the messaging app Telegram. On Tuesday, Undersecretary of State Steve Goldstein urged Irans government to unblock the sites.

They are legitimate avenues for communication, Goldstein said. He said the U.S. has an obligation not to stand by.

Iranians seeking to evade the blocks can use virtual private networks, Goldstein said. Known as VPNs, the services create encrypted data tunnels between computers and can be used to access overseas websites blocked by the local government.

The primary U.S. goal is to ensure enough global attention to deter Iranian authorities from violently cracking down on protesters with impunity, said a senior State Department official involved in Iran policy. The official wasnt authorized to comment by name and demanded anonymity.

For Trump, the protests have served as an unexpected but welcome opportunity to rally the world against Iran, and U.S. officials said the administration was actively encouraging other countries to back the protests. Early U.S. attempts to get European allies to coordinate their messaging with the U.S. ran into obstacles, but several countries including France and Italy have joined in expressing concerns.

In the U.S., Trumps full-throated support for the protesters has renewed the debate about how best to encourage change in Iran, whose government Trump deems a top national security threat.

Under President Barack Obama, the U.S. took a more cautious approach during the last major wave of anti-government protests. It was concerned about enabling Iranian authorities to exploit longstanding suspicions of the U.S., dating back to American and British support for a 1953 coup toppling Irans elected prime minister.

Ben Rhodes, Obamas former deputy national security adviser, said too much ownership of the protests by Trump would likely be counterproductive.

I cant imagine that the people marching in the streets of Iran are looking to Donald Trump for inspiration or support, Rhodes said. I just dont think it helps things for the White House to make this into a U.S.-versus-the- Iranian-government circumstance.

But former Sen. Joe Lieberman, a staunch Iran critic, said its a given Tehran will portray dissent as externally provoked.

Thats a very weak excuse for American inaction and inconsistency with our own interests and values. Im glad President Trump is not following that advice, Lieberman said in an interview.

It wasnt immediately clear what effect Trumps support was having on the protests, although Irans state TV reported his tweets and some Iranians shared them online.

When it comes to supporting the Iranian aspirations, Trumps credibility may be dented by his hostility to the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement and his inclusion of Iranians in his travel bans.

Trumps insistence in an October speech on using the term Arabian Gulf in place of the Persian Gulf also riled the Iranian public. There also was criticism of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson for saying America was working with people in Iran for a peaceful transition of that government. Josh Lederman, Washington, AP
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reopened a key cross-border communication channel with South Korea for the first time in nearly two years yesterday as the rivals explored the possibility of sitting down and talking after months of acrimony and fears of war.

The sudden signs of easing animosity, however, came as President Donald Trump threatened Kim with nuclear war in response to his threat earlier this week.

In his New Years address Monday, Kim said he was willing to send a delegation to next months Winter Olympics in South Korea. But he also said he has a nuclear button on his desk and that all U.S. territory is within iastriking distance of his nuclear weapons, comments Trump latched onto Tuesday when he boasted of a bigger and more powerful nuclear button than Kims.

The two leaders exchanged crude insults last year, as the North received new U.N. sanctions over its sixth and most powerful nuclear test explosion and a series of intercontinental ballistic missile launches.

The recent softening of contact between the rival Koreas may show a shared interest in improved ties, but theres no guarantee tensions will ease. There have been repeated attempts in recent years by the rivals to talk, but even when they do meet, the efforts often end in recriminations and stalemate.

Outside critics say Kim may be trying to use better ties with South Korea as a way to weaken the alliance between Washington and Seoul as the North grapples with toughened international sanctions over its nuclear and missile programs.

Kims latest announcement, which was read by a senior Pyongyang official on state TV, followed a South Korean offer on Tuesday of high-level talks with North Korea to find ways to cooperate on next months Winter Olympics in the South and discuss other inter-Korean issues.

Ri Son Gwon, chairman of the state-run Committee for the Peaceful Reunification, cited Kim as welcoming South Koreas overture and ordering officials to reopen a communication channel at the border village of Panmunjom. Ri also quoted Kim as ordering officials to promptly take substantial measures with South Korea out of a sincere stand and honest attitude, according to the Norths state TV and news agency.

South Korea quickly welcomed Kims decision and later confirmed that the two Koreas began preliminary contacts on the channel. During their 20-minute communication, liaison officials of the two Koreas exchanged their names and examined their communication lines to make sure they were working, according to Seouls Unification Ministry.

Since taking office last May, South Koreas liberal President Moon Jae-in has pushed hard to improve ties and resume stalled cooperation projects with North Korea. Pyongyang had not responded to his outreach until Kims New Years address.

Relations between the Koreas soured under Moons conservative predecessors, who responded to the Norths expanding nuclear program with hard-line measures. All major rapprochement projects were put on hold one by one, and the Panmunjom communication channel had been suspended since February 2016. Hyung-Jin Kim, Seoul, AP
Ant Financial may have to re-tool its global ambitions after stiff U.S. opposition scuppered what would have been its largest overseas acquisition.

The Chinese financial services giant controlled by Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma abandoned a plan to buy MoneyGram International Inc. after failing to win approval for the deal from a key government panel. Chinas largest online wealth management and payments service may now have to throttle back plans to expand in the worlds largest financial market as it begins preparations to go public in the next year or so.

The end of the bid comes almost a year after Ma met with then President-elect Donald Trump and talked of creating a million U.S. jobs. Ant Financials USD1.2 billion deal for Dallas-based MoneyGram wouldve added a network of 350,000 agent locations in more than 200 countries and territories that it says reaches billions of accounts. The U.S. companys shares plunged as much as 17 percent in extended trading.

But the deal faced intense scrutiny from a government panel thats become more active in blocking Chinese investments. Ant submitted its proposal to the the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. several times, to no avail. Last spring, two House of Representatives members said the acquisition could allow malicious actors to obtain data on U.S. military personnel and their families who use the service. Ant and Moneygram now plan to work together on initiatives in remittance and digital payments, they said in a joint statement.

Technology companies understand the situation and are evolving in their approach. They are doing more things organically, they are doing more strategic alliances, Jeremy Choy, head of M&A for China Renaissance, told Bloomberg Television. We dont think this is the start of a trend where people just wont do things in the U.S. A lot of technology companies are becoming increasingly global, so they have to go to the U.S. But in terms of the approach, it will be less direct than finding a target and buying 100 percent.

Ant Financial  formerly part of Mas Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.  is already a behemoth in China, providing services from wealth management and insurance to credit checks and consumer loans. Formally known as Zhejiang Ant Small & Micro Financial Services Group Co., the company was valued at $75 billion by Hong Kong investment group CLSA in 2016 and is expected to go public eventually. Its Alipay platform has built itself into an online giant that controls roughly half of Chinas $5.5 trillion mobile-payments market.

But the company is eager to expand internationally amid aggressive competition in its home market from Tencent Holdings Ltd. and the prospect of increased regulation on internet finance. Its struck partnerships around the globe, including in India, Thailand, South Korea and France. The company didnt respond to requests for additional comment.

Chinese takeovers of American companies have prompted warnings from lawmakers about risks to national security with CFIUS able to impose changes on deals to protect national security or recommend that the president block them. In September, Trump blocked the sale of Lattice Semiconductor Corp. to a buyer funded by a Chinese state-owned entity.

But Ant  which paid MoneyGram a $30 million termination fee  has disputed assertions that U.S. security would be compromised by the deal, citing its plans to keep the U.S. companys headquarters, management team and employees in Dallas. The company said MoneyGrams servers  and the data stored on them  would also remain in the U.S.

The geopolitical environment has changed considerably since we first announced the proposed transaction, MoneyGram Chief Executive Officer Alex Holmes said in Tuesdays statement. Despite our best efforts to work cooperatively with the U.S. government, it has now become clear that CFIUS will not approve this merger. Selina Wang, Lulu Yilun Chen, Bloomberg
Trafigura Group denied it was involved in the illicit transfer of fuel to North Korea after the South Korean government said the worlds third-biggest independent oil trader originally owned a cargo that was shipped in breach of United Nations sanctions in October.

The controversy nonetheless could spook international traders working in the region worried their oil and refined products could find their way to North Korea. In turn, that could increase the pressure on Pyongyang, making it more difficult and expensive for the rogue regime to buy fuel in the face of international sanctions.

President Donald Trump last week accused China of allowing ship-to-ship fuel sales to the isolated nation, which have been limited by UN Security Council resolutions in an effort to pressure Kim Jong Un to abandon nuclear weapons.

Trafigura said this week that it didnt order the shipment of oil to North Korea and it neither owns nor chartered the vessel Lighthouse Winmore that was seized by South Korea last year. Hours earlier, the South Korean foreign ministry said the trading house owned the cargo and authorities were investigating whether it ordered the transaction.

The trading house, which has big operations in Singapore, Geneva and Houston, originally sold the shipment to a little- known Hong Kong-based company called Global Commodities Consultants Ltd. The deal was done on a free-on-board basis from South Korea for delivery to Taiwan, it said. The contract prohibited the on-sale of the cargo in breach of sanctions and Trafigura had no involvement in its final destination, according to the company.

Global Commodities Consultants as well sold the cargo onward, it said in its own emailed statement, to a firm called Oceanic Enterprise Ltd. The cargo was sold free-on-board in South Korea and was still intended to go to Taiwan, and also contained the contractual provisions on sanctions, the company said. No contact information was immediately available for Oceanic Enterprise Ltd.

Oil shipments often change hands repeatedly in the trading industry, often while vessels are at sea, leaving the initial seller unaware of the final destination of the commodity. Still, large trading houses such as Trafigura often monitor through vessel tracking systems the end point of cargoes they sell.

The latest controversy relates to a small cargo of fuel oil that changed hands in October last year in the Yellow Sea between China and the Korean peninsula.

The Lighthouse Winmore tanker transferred the fuel in October in international waters, South Korean officials said last week, without naming Trafigura at the time. So-called ship-

to-ship transfers are used in the petroleum industry to move liquids from one tanker to another without the use of on-shore infrastructure, a technique explicitly barred for supplies to North Korea by the UN Security Council because such sales are difficult to track.

South Korea, which said it seized and inspected the Lighthouse Winmore in November, identified the charterer as Taiwan- based Billions Bunker Group. The company is incorporated in the Marshall Islands, according to Taiwans Maritime and Port Bureau.

The vessel loaded oil products from Japan on Oct. 11 in Yeosu, Yonhap News reported last week, citing South Korean government officials. It then transferred 600 tons  about 4,000 barrels or enough to power a shipping vessel  to a North Korean vessel, the Sam Jong 2, on Oct. 19. At current prices, the cargo would be worth less than $1.5 million. Considering that traders often make as little as one percent of the value of the deal, whoever sold it likely earned as little as $15,000 from the operation.

Vessel tracking data compiled by Bloomberg showed the ship making trips between Kaohsiung in Taiwan and Yeosu in South Korea during September and October. The vessel data, which are broadcast by ships voluntarily and cannot be independently verified, showed it south of Yeosu, with its destination listed as Tai Chung, Taiwan, on Oct. 15. The next transmission was Oct. 25, further to the south near Jeju island. Kanga Kong & Dan Murtaugh, Bloomberg
Two Chinese women and a Malaysian man whom prosecutors say operated a brothel near Atlanta that lured women from around the U.S. to work as prostitutes have been sentenced to federal prison.

Court records show that 45-year-old Xiaohong Huang, 59-year-old Chan Kong Chow and 54-year-old Biyun Gong were sentenced Friday. Huang and Gong are from China, while Chow is from Malaysia.

Brothels remain a blight in segments of our communities, U.S. Attorney Byung J. BJay Pak said in a news release yesterday [Macau time]. The prosecution of these defendants, the seizure of significant assets, and the dedication of law enforcement resources in targeting this long-running criminal scheme are a warning for others engaged in this conduct.

Huang, also known as Michelle and Jenny, operated a brothel at an apartment complex in Doraville from December 2005 through May 2017, while Chow and Gong managed the day-to-day operations, prosecutors said. The three lured women of Asian descent from across the U.S. to work as prostitutes, arranging for them to travel to Atlanta on commercial flights on a rotating basis roughly every 10 days, prosecutors said.

Huang advertised the brothel online and by word-of-mouth and used checking accounts to launder more than USD150,000 in illegal proceeds from the brothel, prosecutors said.

The three pleaded guilty in July to conspiring to operate an interstate prostitution scheme involving money laundering.

Huang was sentenced Friday to serve two years and nine months and was ordered to forfeit a large home in Johns Creek, cash, high-end watches and designer purses. Chow, also known as Blake Wong, got one year and nine months, and Gong got one year and three months.

All three will be turned over to immigration authorities for deportation after completing their prison sentences, prosecutors said.

In court filings before the three were sentenced, their lawyers said their clients actions were not as serious as prosecutors asserted.

A lawyer for Gong noted she had only arrived in the U.S. in 2015, long after the brothel began operating, and that she could most accurately be described as a cook, not someone with any management responsibility.

Chows attorney said he had no decision making authority and took orders from Huang  doing tasks like driving the sex workers to and from the airport  during the two years he worked for her.

Huangs lawyer stressed that she didnt coerce any of the sex workers, saying the women would contact her when they were coming to Atlanta and she would arrange transportation to and from the airport and provide lodging and a place to perform sex acts. In exchange, she would get $40 of the $120 the women charged, her lawyer wrote, saying the sex workers were effectively independent contractors. AP
US-IRAN The Trump administration has thrown the weight of the U.S. government behind the protesters taking to the streets of Iran, rooting them on despite the risk of helping Iranian authorities dismiss a week of major demonstrations as the product of American instigation.

SRI LANKAs president said yesterday that a commission he appointed to investigate alleged irregularities in the sale of treasury bonds has recommended the prosecution of the countrys former finance minister on bribery charges.

US-PALESTINE U.S. President Donald Trump appeared to threaten to cut off aid money to the Palestinian Authority, asking why the U.S. should make any of these massive future payments when the Palestinians are no longer willing to talk peace.

ETHIOPIA In a surprise move, Ethiopias leader yesterday announced plans to drop charges against political prisoners and close a notorious prison camp in what he called an effort to widen the democratic space for all. This is the first time the government has acknowledged holding political prisoners.



MOLDOVAs Constitutional Court has temporarily stripped the countrys pro-Moscow president of his duties for his refusal to endorse new ministers in a political standoff.

GERMANY The recent influx of mostly young, male migrants into Germany has led to an increase in violent crime in the country, according to a government-funded study published yesterday.

DENMARK Copenhagen police are investigating the theft of a bottle of vodka that is claimed to be the worlds most expensive at USD1.3 million.

NORWAY said yesterday it has suspended exports of munitions and arms to the United Arab Emirates as a precautionary line, based on its assessment of the situation in Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition including the UAE has been fighting Shiite rebels for nearly three years.

PERU At least 48 people died when a bus tumbled down a cliff onto a rocky beach along a narrow stretch of highway known as the Devils Curve, Peruvian police and fire officials said.

BRAZILs state-run oil giant Petrobras has agreed to pay USD2.95 billion to settle lawsuits in the United States over the sprawling corruption scandal that has ensnared dozens of officials and business executives across Latin America.
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Although China remains one of the countries with the lowest incidence of type 1 diabetes globally, a study published by The BMJ today shows that there has been a rapid increase in the number of new cases (incidence) of the condition in under 15s in the past two decades.

The findings also show that most new cases of type 1 diabetes in China are diagnosed in adults, leading to calls for more resources to improve care of the condition in adulthood.

Type 1 diabetes most often develops in children, but it can occur at any age. Available data shows that China had one of the lowest incidences of type 1 diabetes in children during 1985-94. However, since then, rates of type 1 diabetes in children have been increasing worldwide. Little is also known about its incidence in adults.

So a research group led by Jianping Weng at The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, set out to investigate the incidence of type 1 diabetes in all age groups in China during 2010-13.

They identified new cases diagnosed between 2010 and 2013 in 13 areas across China. Using the 2010 Chinese census and annual government reports on natural population growth, their study population covered more than 133 million people, around 10% of the Chinese population, including 6% of those aged less than 15 years.

They identified 5,018 newly diagnosed cases of type 1 diabetes, of which the majority (65.3%) were in adults aged more than 20 years.

The estimated incidence of type 1 diabetes in both children and adults in China were among the lowest reported in the world (1.01 new cases per 100,000 person years for all ages, and 1.93 new cases per 100,000 person years for ages 0-14 years).

Nevertheless, the researchers estimate that more than 13,000 new cases of type 1 diabetes occur every year in China, with more than 9,000 in people aged 15 or more.

This finding, they say, "highlights the importance of the care of people with adult onset type 1 diabetes and that more resources should be provided to improve the care of this age group."

The results also showed that the incidence of type 1 diabetes among children aged 0-14 years was strongly correlated with latitude, with higher rates in the north and lower in the south, but such correlation was not seen in those aged 15 or more.

The authors cannot be sure what genetic or environmental factors - or a combination of both - could be responsible for this.

Although the authors took steps to account for several factors that may have influenced the results, they point to some study limitations. For example, the higher proportion of urban populations than that of the whole nation, which hindered full study of the link between type 1 diabetes and environmental factors, and the possibility of missing cases or misdiagnosis.

Nonetheless, the authors say this is the first nationwide study to provide incidence rates for type 1 diabetes in all age groups, covering a vast geographical area. "These results should not only update the global map of type 1 diabetes in childhood, but also fill in the blank about the incidence of adult onset type 1 diabetes," they write.

More information: Incidence of type 1 diabetes in China, 2010-13: population based study, BMJ (2018). Journal information: British Medical Journal (BMJ) Incidence of type 1 diabetes in China, 2010-13: population based study,(2018). www.bmj.com/content/360/bmj.j5295
Credit: Association for Psychological Science

Virtual assistants have become increasingly sophisticatedand more humanlikesince the days when Clippy asked if you needed help with your document. These assistants are intended to make programs and apps easier to use, but research published in Psychological Science suggests that humanlike virtual assistants may actually deter some people from seeking help on tasks that are supposed to measure achievement. Psychological Science is a journal of the Association for Psychological Science.

"We demonstrate that anthropomorphic features may not prove beneficial in online learning settings, especially among individuals who believe their abilities are fixed and who thus worry about presenting themselves as incompetent to others," says psychological scientist and study author Daeun Park of Chungbuk National University. "Our results reveal that participants who saw intelligence as fixed were less likely to seek help, even at the cost of lower performance."

Previous research has shown that people are inclined to see computerized systems as social beings with only a couple social cues. This social dynamic can make the systems seem less intimidating and more user-friendly, but Park and coauthors Sara Kim and Ke Zhang wondered whether that would be true in a context where performance matters, such as with online learning platforms.

"Online learning is an increasingly popular tool across most levels of education and most computer-based learning environments offer various forms of help, such as a tutoring system that provides context-specific help," says Park. "Often, these help systems adopt humanlike features; however, the effects of these kinds of help systems have never been tested."

In one online study, the researchers had 187 participants complete a task that supposedly measured intelligence. In the task, participants saw a group of three words (e.g., room, blood, salts) and were supposed to come up with a fourth word that related to all three (e.g., bath). On the more difficult problems, they automatically received a hint from an onscreen computer icon - some participants saw a computer "helper" with humanlike features including a face and speech bubble, whereas others saw a helper that looked like a regular computer.

Participants reported greater embarrassment and concerns about self-image when seeking help from the anthropomorphized computer versus the regular computer, but only if they believed that intelligence is a fixed, not malleable trait.

The findings indicated that a couple of anthropomorphic cues are sufficient to elicit concern about seeking help, at least for some individuals. Park and colleagues decided to test this directly in a second experiment with 171 university students.

In the experiment, the researchers manipulated how the participants thought about intelligence by having them read made-up science articles that highlighted either the stability or the malleability of intelligence. The participants completed the same kind of word problems as in the first study - this time, they freely chose whether to receive a hint from the computer "helper."

The results showed that students who were led to think about intelligence as fixed were less likely to use the hints when the helper had humanlike features than when it didn't. More importantly, they also answered more questions incorrectly. Those who were led to think about intelligence as a malleable trait showed no differences.

These findings could have implications for our performance using online learning platforms, the researchers conclude:

"Educators and program designers should pay special attention to unintended meanings that arise from humanlike features embedded online learning features," says Park. "Furthermore, when purchasing educational software, we recommend parents review not only the contents but also the way the content is delivered."

More information: Sara Kim et al, Don't Want to Look Dumb? The Role of Theories of Intelligence and Humanlike Features in Online Help Seeking, Psychological Science (2017). Journal information: Psychological Science Sara Kim et al, Don't Want to Look Dumb? The Role of Theories of Intelligence and Humanlike Features in Online Help Seeking,(2017). DOI: 10.1177/0956797617730595
Olivier Thibault's lab at UK uses calcium imaging techniques to measure how neurons are affected over time. Thibault leads one of four groups in a multi-center grant to identify a biomarker for Alzheimer's disease. Credit: University of Kentucky Office of Public Relations and Marketing

Alzheimer's disease wreaks emotional havoc on patients, who are robbed of their memories, their dignity, and their lives. It's financially devastating as well: care for Alzheimer's patients is predicted to top $1 trillion by about the time children born today are having children of their own.

Alzheimer's begins its destruction decades before there are outward signs of memory loss, so some recent scientific effort has focused on recognizing the earliest signs that portend disease onset. Those telltale signs, called biomarkers, would enable patients to receive treatment for Alzheimer's sooner, thereby delaying the disease's devastating progress or stopping it altogether.

The biomarker treasure hunt has been difficult thus far. There's been little to no progress towards finding one that is a "triple threat:" noninvasive, inexpensive, and easily translatable to community populations. So, the National Institutes of Health called for research proposals to find new ways to diagnose Alzheimer's disease and predict its progression.

Among the grant applicants: a group of scientists from four different institutions, each with a specific scientific skillset that when put together had the resources to test the presence and reliability of one such biomarker.

"When I first saw the call for applications, I was really excited," said Dr. Olivier Thibault at the University of Kentucky's Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Science. "I remembered some interesting work that came out of Dr. Bruce Berkowitz's lab at Wayne State University and thought it might be the cornerstone of a project that met the grant's parameters."

That cornerstone is called Quest MRI, a unique and dynamic process that is able to pinpoint levels of oxidative stress in specific regions of the brain over time, and in living subjects. The technique is noninvasive and in most hospitals doesn't require expensive modifications to existing equipment.

"Almost everyone with a television set has heard about the benefits of antioxidant-rich vitamins like A, C, and E, and superfoods like blueberries, green tea, and dark chocolate," Thibault said.

"Well, antioxidants are the body's defense against something called free radicals. Free radicals are natural byproducts of chemical processes in the body, and in a healthy state free radical production is offset by the work of antioxidants. But when there are too many free radicals, the balance is disrupted, and the resulting oxidative stress can increase risk for diseases like AD."

People write off the times when they can't remember where they left their keys, but realizing they don't know how to get home from the grocery store they've been visiting for years is a wake-up call that something is terribly wrong. The scientific term is "spatial disorientation," and it's a critical hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.

The capacity for spatial orientation lies in a part of the brain called the hippocampus. Berkowitz and Thibault hypothesized that using Quest MRI to measure oxidative stress in the hippocampus of a live animal and compare it to that animal's ability to remember how to navigate a maze could be proof of the existence of a biomarker for AD that met the NIH criteria of cheap, easy, and scalable. Even better: the process uses inexpensive drugs that are already FDA approved, making Quest MRI easily translatable to the general population.

The NIH was impressed, and awarded the foursome $2.8 million over five years to test the hypothesis.

Rounding out the project are Dr. Geoffry Murphy at The University of Michigan and Dr. Brian Bennett at Queen's University (Canada). Bennett has developed a mouse genetically predisposed to high levels of oxidative stress, and Murphy's mice are already afflicted with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Thus begins a roughly 850-mile circuit of testing where Bennett's oxidative stress mice are flown from Ontario to Ann Arbor, where Murphy puts them - and his own AD micethrough a maze to assess spatial navigation. Murphy himself then drives the mice to Detroit, where Berkowitz uses his Quest MRI to determine free radical production in the hippocampus. Ultimately, the mice end up in Thibault's lab, which uses calcium imaging techniques to measure how neurons are affected over time, thereby measuring the relationship between free radical production, oxidative stress, and behavioral changes in the same animal. Some of the mice actually make more than one circuit to assess cognitive and corresponding biochemical changes over time.

"The entire process provides a deeply characterized analysis of mice that may well affirm Quest MRI's ability to identify the earliest signs of Alzheimer's disease," Thibault said.

Even better, says Thibault, the group foresees a bonus aspect of their research: they will also be able to test the efficacy of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic methods to reduce free radical production in the hippocampus. Advantageous data would point to the possibility of reducing free radical production using either an antioxidant "cocktail" or a light therapy called photobiomodulation.

Either option, said Thibault, would be "the cherry on the cake."

The project is in the early planning stages, and the mice don't begin their journey until later this month, but Thibault and his colleagues are energized at the prospect of joining the hunt for a cure for Alzheimer's disease.

"To be able to identify or even predict Alzheimer's disease using Quest MRI, and then also be able to intervene using antioxidants or photobiomodulation, would be a one-two winning punch," Thibault said.
A Binghamton University senior and her colleagues recently uncovered evidence that the current treatment for Parkinson's disease may not be as effective as it could be.

Lakshmi Hareendran was part of a research team investigating drug treatment for Parkinson's, a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a loss of the brain chemical dopamine.

The dopamine circuit involved in motor movements consists of two receptors in the brain, the D1 and the D2 receptors. The current treatment for Parkinson's is the drug L-DOPA, which acts on both of these receptors to release and replenish dopamine in the brain.

Hareendran and her colleagues in the Freshman Research Immersion program (FRI) at Binghamton provided evidence that stimulating the D2 receptor produces cognitive deficits, illustrating that L-DOPA may not be the best treatment for Parkinson's.

The researchers treated rodents with L-DOPA and drugs that target either the D1 or the D2 receptors and then observed the effects on their ability to complete a behavioral task.

Stimulating the D2 receptor caused attention deficits on the behavioral tasks in both Parkinson's and control models. Stimulating the D1 receptor produced no such effects.

"Parkinson's disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases in the world," Hareendran says. "Knowing that the current treatment isn't as effective as it could be is important."

Hareendran, 21, has wanted to be a doctor since she was growing up on Long Island, influenced by several doctors in her family. Even then, she was interested in neuroscience.

"I had an uncle who was a brain surgeon," Hareendran says. "As a kid, just thinking about him being able to understand something as complex as the human brain really inspired me to go down that path."

Hareendran wants to work with Doctors Without Borders someday. An experience with MEDLIFE, an organization that provides medical care to impoverished areas, helped to solidify her goal. Hareendran traveled with the group to Peru and Ecuador to help set up medical clinics.

"My parents are refugees from Sri Lanka," Hareendran says. "There was a genocide happening there for a while, so specifically with Doctors Without Borders I want to go and give back there."

Hareendran is also president of the Indian International Student Union and was a peer mentor for FRI after she finished the program.

Corinne Kiessling, research educator for the FRI neuroscience stream, emphasized Hareendran's dedication.

"She was one of those students that puts extra hours in, came in early, stayed late," Kiessling says. "As a peer mentor, she was very open and receptive, and she challenged students to find answers. She's a natural leader."
A new King's College London study published Thursday 4 January in the British Journal of Psychiatry, found that 1 in 4 pregnant women have mental health problems. This is more common than previously thought  but two simple questions can help identify these problems so that women can be treated.

It is the first UK study to examine the prevalence of mental health problems or mental disorders when seen by a midwife for pregnancy care.

They found that when interviewed with a diagnostic gold standard interview, 1 in 4 women had a mental illness  not only depression (found in 11 percent) and anxiety (found in 15 percent), but also eating disorders (2 percent), obsessive-compulsive disorder (2 percent), PTSD in just under 1 percent and less commonly, bipolar disorder and other disorders.

It is already known that mental illness during pregnancy is associated with adverse outcomes for women, the pregnancy itself, and for the child from birth through to adolescence. It is therefore vital that these disorders are diagnosed as early as possible. The researchers sought to establish the best way of identifying problems.

The NIHR funded study went on to evaluate how well a two question screen (known as the Whooley questions) which is asked by midwives, identified these disorders and compared with a 10 item self -complete questionnaire known as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), used in many countries internationally, and compared both methods with a gold standard diagnostic Interview. The researchers recruited 545 pregnant women, over the age of 16, attending their antenatal booking appointment at an inner city maternity service in South-east London between November 2014 and June 2016.

They found that the two-questions asked by midwives performed similarly well in identifying whether a woman had "any disorder" compared with the 10 question self-complete EPDS measure. There was also evidence that identification of depression was more difficult to identify in older women than younger women.

Louise Howard, Professor of Women's Mental Health, Section of Women's Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King's College London, report author, said "In clinical practice, maternity professionals need to identify whether or not a woman has any mental disorder, not only mood disorders which until recently have been the main focus of concern. It is therefore encouraging that, in this study, there was little difference in diagnostic accuracy between the commonly used tools  the Whooley questions and the EPDSin identifying a mental disorder."

"This study supports the NICE recommendation that women should be asked, by a non-judgemental and supportive health professional, at all contacts in pregnancy and after birth about their emotional wellbeing and are given the opportunity to respond to these structured questions (the Whooley or the EPDS). A positive identification then needs to be followed by a clinical assessment by an appropriate health practitioner to establish the clinical diagnosis and appropriate intervention."

Maria Bavetta, co-founder of Maternal OCD, said, "This study shows how vital it is for pregnant women to be asked the right questions at the right time with a non-judgemental space to be listened to. I wish I had been given the opportunity to share my thoughts in a way that would have helped me access specialist maternal mental health services quicker  this is a duty we need to fulfil as every mum should have the right to be the mummy they want to be."
Biparietal diameter along with the list of criteria for competency. A teaching example from the curriculum that describes how an important measurement of a developing fetus is made. Credit: Elsevier

While ultrasound imaging is a commonly used diagnostic tool in obstetrics and gynecology, evidence suggests that the quality of ultrasound examination in clinical practice and ultrasound training in obstetrics and gynecology and radiology residency programs can be improved. To address these issues, the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) convened a forum tasked with developing a roadmap for quality improvement in ultrasound imaging in obstetrics and gynecology and set up a task force to establish a consensus curriculum and competency assessment tools for residency training. The results of these efforts are published simultaneously today in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, and Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology.

In an effort to develop better standards, the forum, Beyond Ultrasound First, under the leadership of Beryl R. Benacerraf, MD, from Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, brought together representatives from many professional associations; the imaging community including radiology, obstetrics and gynecology, and emergency medicine among others; and government agencies, insurers, industry, and others with common interest in obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound. The aim of this forum, funded by AIUM's Endowment for Education and Research, was to increase and unify the quality of ultrasound examinations in obstetrics and gynecology with the ultimate goal of improving patient safety and quality of clinical care.

"Improving the quality of ultrasound examinations will have a substantial impact on patient care and healthcare costs," explained Dr. Benacerraf. "Furthermore, standardizing the approach to ultrasound training in residency programs and providing tools to measure competency in a comprehensive way is a novel approach that will ensure training and thus impact long term patient care. To our knowledge, this is the first time that a multi-society curriculum and competency assessment tools have been created for residency training in clinical imaging."

Roberto Romero, MD, DMedSci., Editor-in-Chief for Obstetrics of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, stated that "a curriculum in ultrasound for training future physicians in obstetrics and gynecology and related disciplines was necessary to improve the care of women and their unborn children. We are pleased to make available to the entire world the recommendations of the Task Force as well as the images and criteria for evaluation to strengthen education, enhance training, and promote high-quality medical practice."

While most obstetricians and gynecologists agree that ultrasound should be the first-choice imaging method, its use and level of competency with which it is performed are variable. The proceedings of this conference focus on the key issues identified and possible approaches to resident teaching and means to improve the inconsistent quality of ultrasound examinations performed today:

Understanding the role of ultrasound in clinical imaging and the importance of complying with ultrasound first when feasible

Ensuring that ultrasound is performed in high quality in order to minimize false positive and false negative findings

Incorporating the curriculum and competency assessment tools in residency programs to ensure standardization of training

Gaining insights into the payer's perspectives

According to Dr. Benacerraf, "Ultrasound can be immensely informative, but it requires more skill and training than just pushing a button. Those that make the effort to master the modality will reap rich rewards for their patients, trainees, and themselves, and often avoid moving on to other imaging studies by providing the diagnosis with sonography. The practice of ultrasound offers the imager the possibility of direct patient contact to guide the exam, which is unique to ultrasound and represents the essence of our profession."

The multi-society Task Force that developed the curriculum to standardize teaching of ultrasound in OB GYN for Residents was led by Alfred Z. Abuhamad, MD, of Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA. Their efforts resulted in a consensus report that describes essential topics in medical ultrasound training, a level-based framework to guide trainees to increasing competence, and a competency assessment that involves evaluation of still ultrasound images, movie clips, realtime scanning, or a combination of methods that can be implemented by individual programs.

"This consensus-based curriculum and competency assessment will provide the tools to ensure standardization of ultrasound training in residency programs. Ensuring optimal training of ultrasound in residency programs will result in improved quality of ultrasound examinations in clinical practice," commented Dr. Abuhamad.

Basky Thilaganathan, MD, PhD, FRCOG, St George's, University of London, and editor-in-chief, Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology (UOG) added, "Ultrasound imaging is now established in the practice of obstetrics and gynecology, making systematic education and assessment in this competency a necessity, rather than optional. UOG is pleased to publish the framework for curriculum based training to allow structured practical training and experience in this specialty."

Ultrasound imaging is dependent on the operator to a much greater extent than computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Obstetric ultrasound imaging is particularly challenging, given the small size of fetal organs and the variable fetal position in the uterus. This makes training and competency assessment an important factor in the quality of the ultrasound examination.
For 17 years, Chalfonte LeNee Queen suffered periodic episodes of violent retching and abdominal pain that would knock her off her feet for days, sometimes leaving her writhing on the floor in pain.

"I've screamed out for death," said Queen, 48, who lives in San Diego. "I've cried out for my mom who's been dead for 20 years, mentally not realizing she can't come to me."

Queen lost a modeling job after being mistaken for an alcoholic. She racked up tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills, and her nausea interrupted her sex life. Toward the end of her illness, Queen, who stands 5-foot-9, weighed in at a frail 109 pounds.

Throughout the nearly two decades of pain, vomiting and mental fog, she visited the hospital about three times a year, but doctors never got to the bottom of what was ailing her. By 2016, she thought she was dying, that she "must have some sort of cancer or something they can't detect," Queen said.

But she didn't have cancer. She had an obscure syndrome called cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a condition only recently acknowledged by the medical community. It affects a small populationnamely, a subset of marijuana users who smoke multiple times a day for months, years or even decades.

There's no hard data on the prevalence of the illness. But in California and Colorado, which have loosened marijuana laws in recent years, emergency physicians say they're seeing it more often. One study in Colorado suggests there may be a link.

Dr. Aimee Moulin, an emergency room physician at University of California, Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, said she has seen a rise in the number of cases since California voters legalized recreational marijuana last November. She expects to see another increase after commercial sales are permitted starting this month.

Doctors say it's difficult to treat the condition. There is no cure other than to quit using marijuana, and many patients are skeptical that cannabis is making them sick, so they keep using it and their vomiting episodes continue.

Doctors can do little to relieve the symptoms, since traditional anti-nausea medications often don't work and there are no pills to prevent the onset of an episode. Patients may need intravenous hydration and hospital stays until the symptoms subside.

"That's really frustrating as an emergency physician," said Moulin. "I really like to make people feel better."

Diagnosing the syndrome can also be frustratingand expensive. There is no blood test to link the stomach ailment with marijuana use, so physicians often order pricey CT scans and lab tests to rule out other medical problems.

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome was first documented in Australia in 2004. Physicians have historically misdiagnosed it as the more generic cyclic vomiting syndrome, which has no identifiable cause or, as in Queen's case, acute intermittent porphyria (AIP).

"Five years ago, this wasn't something that (doctors) had on their radar," said Dr. Kennon Heard, an emergency physician at the University of Colorado in Aurora, who co-authored the Colorado study showing a possible tie between the liberalization of marijuana and a surge of the vomiting illness. "We're at least making the diagnosis more now."

One surefire sign of the illness is when patients find relief in hot showers and baths. Queen said she would vomit repeatedly unless she was in a hot showerso she'd stay in there for hours. Toxicologists say the heat may distract the brain from pain receptors in the abdomen but, like the syndrome itself, that phenomenon is not well understood.

The exact cause of the condition is still a mystery. Toxicologists say the chemical compounds in marijuana may throw off the normal function of the body's cannabinoid receptors, which help regulate the nervous system.

Some people may be genetically predisposed to the syndrome, or marijuana's potency or chemical makeup may have changed over time, said Dr. Craig Smollin, medical director of the San Francisco division of the California Poison Control System, who also works as an emergency physician at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital.

The vomiting link to cannabis is counterintuitive to many, because of its widely known reputation as an anti-nausea remedy for cancer patients.

"A lot of times, people just don't believe you," said Dr. John Coburn, an emergency physician at Kaiser Permanente in south Sacramento. Even after being told that quitting may help, some patients will visit the hospital multiple times before they stop smoking marijuana, Coburn said. "I can't really tell you why. I mean, why do people ride motorcycles without helmets on?" (Kaiser Health News is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente.)

Cameron Nicole Beard, 19, of East Moline, Ill., said she struggled to believe her doctors about the link between pot and severe vomiting.

"Who wants to be told you can't smoke marijuana, when you think marijuana can help?" said Beard, while recovering from a marijuana-related vomiting episode at a University of Iowa hospital in Iowa City, Iowa, in October. She said she had lost 20 pounds in 10 days.

Although there's still no magic cure for a patient's marijuana-related hyperemesis, Moulin and other doctors say they're getting better at treating the symptoms, using old antipsychotic medications and cream for muscle aches.

Dr. Heard said the cases in Colorado seem to have leveled off. But without hard data, and because the overall numbers are small, it's hard to say for sure. Heard said he doesn't believe cases of the pot syndrome increased after recreational use was legalized in 2012, because chronic users probably already had medical marijuana cards.

Queen is still struggling to completely quit marijuana, but her symptoms are down to a dull stomachache. She smokes a couple of times a day, compared with her near-constant use in the past. She said it's the only thing that works for her depression and anxiety.

Queen is back to a healthy weight and hasn't been to the hospital in a year. She said she wouldn't want to discourage anybody from smoking weed; she just wants people to know heavy use can bring them some serious misery.

"Now, if I get sick, as sad as I'll be and as upset and disappointed with myself as I would be, at least it's a freaking choice," she said.

2018 Kaiser Health News

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Sleep quality as well as duration is the key to beneficial sleep. Credit: Pixabay/ 422737 licensed under CC0

For something that can occupy such a significant chunk of time, sleep still remains a mysterious part of our lives. Although it is known to play a role in mental and physical health, such as metabolism and memory, there is much that is still not well understood.

As a general rule, it's recommended that adults get seven or eight hours of sleep per night, although that may not be the right guideline for everyone. 'The amount of sleep people need is highly individual,' said Dr. Vlad Vyazovskiy, a sleep researcher from the University of Oxford in the UK. 'It isn't only about sleep duration either but also about sleep quality.'

However, there is no doubt that a night of poor sleep affects cognitive abilities the next day. It's hard to focus when you're tired, and complicated tasks seem daunting. But how exactly does sleep loss affect your brain? To study the effects of sleep, one of the first things to note is that, on the neuronal level at least, sleep looks almost the same in humans and animals.

'If I look at the activity recorded from the brain of a human and a mouse, I can't tell it apart,' said Dr. Vyazovskiy. He and his colleagues probed the brain of mice and rats to study sleep-loss conditions as part of the EU-funded SLEEPNEED project.

One group of experimental mice carried on as they normally would, sleeping and waking up when they wanted to. As they went about their routines, electrodes were used to monitor individual neurons  brain cells that transmit messages  over several days and nights to determine how their activity changed during sleep. That brain activity was compared to other mice which had been deprived of sleep.

The challenge was that, even though it is relatively small, a mouse brain still contains over 70 million neurons. 'Each one is connected to thousands of others,' said Dr. Vyazovskiy. 'It's a very complex network that we believe somehow generates sleeping and waking states.'

During deep sleep, brain activity is dominated by slow delta waves. But Dr. Vyazovskiy and his team were surprised to find that some parts of the brain of sleep-deprived mice also exhibited sleep-like activity when they were awake. 'We always thought that this type of activity happens only during sleep,' said Dr. Vyazovskiy. 'But it's as if you can be asleep and awake at the same time.'

In other experiments, they looked at the effects of sleep deprivation on behaviour. The animals were taught to recognise different images and their ability to tell them apart was later tested when they were tired. They found that the mice only had trouble with the task if the two images were very similar. 'It seems like sleep deprivation only affects cognitive abilities that require significant effort,' said Dr. Vyazovskiy. Routine tasks are less likely to be affected.

The effects of sleep deprivation can be felt almost immediately but scientists do not know how long someone can last without shuteye. Credit: Horizon

Dreams intrude on waking life

Further investigation showed that it's not only sleep-deprived mice that demonstrate sleep-like brain activity when awake: it can be the case with well-rested mice too. If these results are replicated in humans, this could help explain why people with schizophrenia or psychosis, for example, claim that dreams intrude on their waking life, making it hard to tell what's real and what's not. 'Finding out how sleep mechanisms are linked to different conditions and behaviour could lead to new treatments,' Dr. Vyazovskiy said. He is now collaborating with other researchers to see if his findings can help people with psychiatric disorders.

Intuitively, it seems like complicated tasks would be hardest to perform when you're tired, as Dr. Vyazovskiy's work revealed. But another EU-funded project called SLEEP LOSS IN TEENS found that the opposite was the case when they tested adolescents.

Dr. Mairav Cohen-Zion from the Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo in Israel and her colleagues are assessing how sleep loss affects cognition, mood and behaviour in adolescents. The team compared how teenagers performed on tasks of varying difficulty when they were sleep deprived and when they had had a good night's sleep. As tasks became more difficult, tired teens performed better until they hit a limit where an extremely complex problem made them crash.

Dr. Cohen-Zion thinks that hard tasks force teens to focus even when sleep deprived so that they can retrieve and process information. However when tasks are simple, sleepiness wins. 'They did badly, because they were unchallenged and tired and didn't make an effort,' she said. 'Their attention flagged.'

Sleep in teenagers

Insufficient sleep did, however, mean that the teens' motor skills weren't as sharp, which is something that Dr. Cohen-Zion didn't foresee. 'I expected that they could do the motor skill tests in their sleep,' she said. 'We expected the teenagers to have very good hand-eye coordination since they typically play a lot of video games and spend a lot of time using screens.'

Furthermore, Dr. Cohen-Zion and her team found that a person's chronotype  whether they are predisposed to being a morning lark or a night owl  played a role in how sleep loss affected them. Adolescents that were evening-inclined had more trouble functioning the next day compared to those who are more morning people that slept the same amount.

Similarly, early school start times can contribute to chronic sleep loss in teenagers, who often tend to stay up late. Previously conducted sleep studies helped delay morning classes in some countries. 'In Israel where I live, most schools don't start before 8 am anymore,' she said.

So how can research help solve sleep problems? Both Dr. Vyazovskiy and Dr. Cohen-Zion think that raising public awareness is key so that people change their habits. 'Many people don't realise how important sleep is,' said Dr. Vyazovskiy.

More information: Different Effects of Sleep Deprivation and Torpor on EEG Slow-Wave Characteristics in Djungarian Hamsters. (PMID:28168294) Vyazovskiy V, Palchykova S, Achermann, P, Tobler I et al. Cerebral Cortex [2017] Different Effects of Sleep Deprivation and Torpor on EEG Slow-Wave Characteristics in Djungarian Hamsters. (PMID:28168294) Vyazovskiy V, Palchykova S, Achermann, P, Tobler I et al.[2017] europepmc.org/articles/PMC5390404 Sleep and the single neuron: the role of global slow oscillations in individual cell rest. (PMID:23635871) Vyazovskiy, Vladyslav V.; Harris, Kenneth D. Nature Publishing Group [2013] europepmc.org/articles/PMC3972489 Stereotypic wheel running decreases cortical activity in mice. (PMID:27748455) Fisher SP, Cui N, McKillop LE, Gemignani J, Bannerman DM, et al. Nat Commun [2016] europepmc.org/articles/PMC5071642 Journal information: Cerebral Cortex
Melanoma in skin biopsy with H&E stainthis case may represent superficial spreading melanoma. Credit: Wikipedia/CC BY-SA 3.0

In the Jan. 5, 2018 issue of Science, researchers from the University of Chicago Medicine show that specific strains of commensal bacteria - the swarms of microorganisms naturally dwelling in the intestines - can improve the response rate to immunotherapy for patients being treated for advanced melanoma.

Although these immune system boosting drugs have revolutionized treatment of certain cancers, only about 35 percent of melanoma patients who receive them get a significant benefit. In their paper, "The commensal microbiome is associated with anti-PD-1 efficacy in metastatic melanoma patients," the UChicago researchers demonstrate that several defined bacterial species, including Bifidobacterium longum, Collinsella aerofaciens and Enterococcus faecium, were much more prevalent in the intestines of the 16 patients who responded to treatment (38 percent) than in the 26 patients (62 percent) who did not.

The presence of these specific bacteria in the intestine appears to enhance T-cell infiltration into the tumor microenvironment and augment T-cell killing of cancer cells, increasing the odds of a vigorous and durable response.

The strong correlation between specific gut bacteria and a clinical response to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy suggests "a causal relationship," said study director Thomas Gajewski, MD, PhD, the AbbVie Foundation Professor of Cancer Immunotherapy at the University. "Specific bacteria clearly contribute to improved anti-tumor immunity in patients. The gut microbiota has a more profound effect than we previously imagined."

The current study follows a November 2015 Science paper from Gajewski's laboratory, one of the first to connect the presence of specific intestinal bacteria to greater potency for immunotherapy. These initial papers showed that the composition of the gut microbiome can influence how well these cancer immunotherapies work in mice.

Although the earlier mouse data was striking, "we knew there were multiple barriers that can decrease the odds that immunotherapy will work," Gajewski said. "We initially thought the microbiome was a minor component. But in our current study, these bacteria were a very strong predictor of who would respond."

The current paper focuses on humans - 42 patients going through treatment for metastatic melanoma. The researchers collected stool samples from each patient prior to treatment. Thirty-eight patients then received an anti-PD-1 drug, so-called "checkpoint inhibitors such as nivolumab or pembrolizumab. Four more patients received a related drug, anti-CTLA4 (ipilimumab).

The researchers focused on eight bacterial species that were more prevalent in patients who did respond to therapy as well as two species that were more abundant in patients who did not respond. Because of bacterial variations, the team used three different methods to determine the genetic sequences of the microbes.

Patients with a higher ratio of the "beneficial" bacteria to "non-beneficial" bacteria all showed a clinical response, meaning a reduction in tumor size.

The researchers then ran a smaller experiment in reverse. They collected fecal bacteria from three human subjects who responded favorably to treatment, and three who did not respond. They transferred those bacteria into the intestines of germ-free mice. Two weeks later they implanted melanoma cells in the mice.

Two out of three mouse groups given bacteria from human responders had slow-growing tumors and two out of three with fecal material from human non-responders had fast-growing tumors. Mice treated with PD-1-blocking drugs only showed tumor shrinkage if they had microbiota from responding patients.

Two other research teams found similar results but pinpointed different bacteria. A group from the Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus in Villejuif, France, suggested that Akkermansia muciniphila contributed to the antitumor effect of the microbiome. Another team from MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, focused on Faecalibacterium and Clostridiales.

"Our results strongly suggest that the microbiota is a major factor, a gatekeeper for the immune response against a tumor," Gajewski said. "Without microbial support, the immune response just never quite gets going."

"Our results have pushed us in two directions," he added. "We have to start experimenting with probiotics as a way to enhance immunotherapy. We hope to launch a clinical trial using Bifidobacteria in 2018."

They also hope to expand the list of both beneficial and potentially harmful gut bacteria in cancer patients and to identify the mechanisms by which bacteria influence the immune system's response to cancer control.

"Our current results," the authors conclude, "open the avenue for integrating commensal microbial composition along with tumor genomes and germline genetics into a multi-parameter model for maximizing the ability to predict which patients are likely to respond to immunotherapies such as anti-PD-1."

More information: The commensal microbiome is associated with antiPD-1 efficacy in metastatic melanoma patients, Science 05 Jan 2018: Vol. 359, Issue 6371, pp. 104-108, science.sciencemag.org/content/359/6371/104 Journal information: Science The commensal microbiome is associated with antiPD-1 efficacy in metastatic melanoma patients,05 Jan 2018: Vol. 359, Issue 6371, pp. 104-108, DOI: 10.1126/science.aao3290
New clinical trial findings show that a therapeutic regimen involving transplantation of a person's own blood-forming stem cells can improve survival and quality of life for people with severe scleroderma, a life-threatening autoimmune Adisease. The regimen, known as myeloablative autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), includes chemotherapy and total body radiation to destroy the bone marrow followed by transplantation of the person's own blood-forming stem cells to reconstitute the marrow and immune system. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, found myeloablative HSCT to be superior to treatment with the immune-suppressing drug cyclophosphamide.

The findings appear in the Jan. 4 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Scleroderma is characterized by hardening of the skin and connective tissues. Diffuse systemic sclerosis is a severe, often fatal form of the disease that also involves the internal organs. Treatment options are limited. People with the disease may take antirheumatic drugs and immune-suppressing drugs like cyclophosphamide to help manage symptoms, but none of these medications has been proven to provide long-term benefit.

The clinical trial, called Scleroderma: Cyclophosphamide or Transplantation (SCOT), compared the safety and potential benefits of the two treatment regimens among 75 people with diffuse systemic sclerosis who had lung or kidney involvement.

Compared with cyclophosphamide, transplantation offered significantly greater long-term benefits, but also carried known short-term risks, such as infections and low blood cell counts.

"We need effective therapies for scleroderma and other severe autoimmune diseases, which can be not only debilitating to the patient but also difficult to treat," said Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., director of NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), which sponsored the study. "These results add to the growing evidence that stem cell transplants should be considered as a potential treatment option for people with poor-prognosis scleroderma."

Two previous clinical trials suggested HSCT benefited people with severe scleroderma. Participants in these earlier trials received non-myeloablative HSCT, a less intensive procedure using lower doses of chemotherapy that does not completely destroy the bone marrow. However, neither trial changed clinical practice in the United States, in part because of concerns about the durability of responses to treatment and the safety of these transplant regimens. The SCOT trial assessed a myeloablative transplant regimen, which researchers thought might offer better long-term outcomes. Investigators followed the participants for up to six years to assess safety and durability of remission.

Participants in the SCOT trial, conducted at 26 clinical research sites in the United States and Canada, were randomly assigned to receive either myeloablative autologous HSCT or one year of treatment with monthly doses of intravenous cyclophosphamide. Of the 36 participants assigned to the transplant arm, 33 received a transplant. The procedure began with doctors collecting a participant's blood-forming stem cells, after which the participant received chemotherapy and radiation to eliminate the bone marrow. Finally, doctors infused the participant's own blood stem cells to rebuild the bone marrow and a normally functioning immune system. Of the 39 participants assigned to the cyclophosphamide arm, 34 received at least nine of the 12 prescribed monthly doses.

The study investigators used an analytic approach based on a hierarchy of clinical outcomes specific for severe systemic sclerosis to compare every participant in the study with every other participant. These outcomes included death, survival without scleroderma-related organ damage, progression of lung and skin disease, and quality of life. At four and a half years of follow up, participants who received a transplant experienced significantly better outcomes overall than those who received cyclophosphamide. In addition, 44 percent of participants who received cyclophosphamide had begun taking antirheumatic drugs for progression of their scleroderma, compared to only 9 percent of those who received a transplant.

During the study, seven participants in the transplant arm died, compared to 14 in the cyclophosphamide arm. Of these deaths, three in each arm were among participants who did not complete their assigned treatment by either receiving the transplant or an adequate regimen of cyclophosphamide. Participants who received transplants were much less likely to die from progression of their scleroderma compared to those who received cyclophosphamide. Only two participants who received a transplant died due to disease progression, while 11 such deaths occurred among those who received an adequate regimen of cyclophosphamide. The two other deaths in the transplant arm were attributed to the treatment, which is a lower rate of transplant-related death than previously reported for HSCT. No deaths were attributed to cyclophosphamide.

Participants in both study arms experienced treatment side effects, such as infections. Most serious adverse events among transplant recipients occurred during the first 26 months after transplant. Overall infection rates in the two study arms were similar, although more transplant recipients developed infections with varicella zoster, the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles.

"Our findings indicate that undergoing stem cell transplantation for severe scleroderma poses more short-term risks but offers greater long-term gains than cyclophosphamide treatment," said Keith M. Sullivan, M.D., of Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, who served as a principal investigator of the SCOT study. "While treatment decisions should always be made on an individual basis, we hope that our work will help define a new standard of care for this severe, life-threatening autoimmune disease."

The investigators are continuing to follow many of the SCOT participants to further assess their long-term health outcomes.

More information: KM Sullivan et al. Myeloablative autologous stem cell transplantation for severe scleroderma. New England Journal of Medicine, DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1703327 Journal information: New England Journal of Medicine KM Sullivan et al. Myeloablative autologous stem cell transplantation for severe scleroderma.
Facility "readiness" requires, among other things, reliable supply chains of medicines. Here, in Madagascar's rural Ifanadiana District, antibiotics for treating plague are being delivered to a remote health center where there is no road access. Credit: PIVOT, 2017

The peak epidemic season for plague in Madagascar is fast approaching and the severity of these outbreaks could be significantly reduced with improvements to their public health system, argues Matthew Bonds from Harvard Medical School and the nongovernmental health care organization, PIVOT, in a new Viewpoint publishing January 4, 2018 in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases.

Bonds uses November 2017's epidemic of bubonic and pneumonic plague as a recent example to pinpoint areas of improvement in Madagascar's public health system. While the treatments for this epidemic were seemingly simple, the methods to deliver them got tangled up within an under resourced health system. The combination of delayed detection and treatment resulted in 2,200 confirmed infections, and 200 citizens dead.

Bonds and team argue for a three-pronged solution to strengthen Madagascar's health systems and control outbreaks of plague: 1) horizontal improvements of system "readiness" i.e., staffing, infrastructure, and supply chain, 2) vertical integration of clinical programs, and 3) integrating high-quality surveillance data within local health systems.

If the numerous independent multilateral and nongovernmental partners within Madagascar cooperated with its Ministry of Health, and coordinated their efforts within Madagascar's diverse communities, Bonds suggests that they could efficiently implement the existing policies to ultimately curb plague outbreaks.

Paul Farmer, the senior author of the paper, argues that, "in the district of Ifanadiana, where PIVOT has been strengthening the health system, 29 out 30 plague patients survived. This proves that when government, nongovernmental, and academic partners fully cooperate in accordance with the Ministry of Health agenda and make long-term commitments to its implementation, scourges like plague can be overcome." Once the non- and governmental partners collaborate, Madagascar has the potential to reduce the number of plague outbreaks and become an example within the global community for health system transformation, providing lessons that could prevent the world's next health crisis.

More information: Bonds MH, Ouenzar MA, Garchitorena A, Cordier LF, McCarty MG, Rich ML, et al. (2018) Madagascar can build stronger health systems to fight plague and prevent the next epidemic. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 12(1): e0006131. Journal information: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Bonds MH, Ouenzar MA, Garchitorena A, Cordier LF, McCarty MG, Rich ML, et al. (2018) Madagascar can build stronger health systems to fight plague and prevent the next epidemic.12(1): e0006131. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0006131
BlockTower Capital, a digital currency hedge fund launched in August, raised $140 million and hired a former vice president at Goldman Sachs Group Inc., expanding its team to eight people, according to people familiar with the matter.

The money manager, which is based in Stamford, Connecticut, has raised capital from family offices and other institutions such as venture capital firms, the people said.

Union Square Ventures LLC and Andreessen Horowitz separately said they are investors and declined further comment. BlockTower declined to comment through a spokeswoman. The company recently informed investors that its flagship fund closed to new capital as of Jan. 1, according to an email viewed by Bloomberg News.

BlockTower also hired Michael Bucella, who joined Goldman in 2008 and most recently worked in multi-asset sales for Canada, as head of strategic partnerships and business development, according to the people.

BlockTowers launch comes amid an outpouring of interest in cryptocurrency markets, fueled by the explosive appreciation of bitcoin, which soared to a high of $18,674 in December from less than $1,000 at the end of 2016. There are now about 100 crypto-focused funds with assets of more than $2 billion, with more growth expected this year, according to a Dec. 18 report from Morgan Stanley.

While skepticism persists about market values and regulations, institutional investors are finding it easier to speculate in digital coins, which number in the thousands. Cboe Global Markets Inc., one of the worlds biggest regulated exchanges, began offering bitcoin futures contracts last month and Goldman Sachs was one of the firms clearing trades for certain clients.

The company Hedge Fund Research last month launched an index tracking funds investing in blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies that it said was up 1,500 percent through November. A separate index focused on just currencies was up 1,600 percent in the same period, it said in a release.

BlockTower was started by Matthew Goetz, a former engineer who worked in investment management at Goldman Sachs for 11 years, and Ari Paul, a portfolio manager who oversaw risk at the University of Chicagos endowment investment office. Goetz is the chief executive officer and Paul is chief investment officer.

Now read: China to limit Bitcoin mining power usage
YEREVAN.  Armenias position on normalization of Armenia-Turkey relations has always been constructive, ARF Dashnaktsutyun parliamentary group secretary Aghvan Vardanyan told Armenian News - NEWS.am.

His remark came in response to a question whether there can be any positive preconditions for normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations, given that Turkey is moving away from democratic principles.

Yerevan constantly offered to establish Armenian-Turkish relations without preconditions, said Vardanyan, adding that Ankara does its best to move Armenia out from regional projects.

The Secretary noted, that Armenian-Turkish protocols signed in 2009 were stillborn and cannot be revived.

Armenian and Turkish Foreign Ministers signed The Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Armenia and Turkey and The Protocol on Development of Relations between Armenia and Turkey in Zurich on 10 October 2009. Later, Ankara put forward preconditions for the Karabakh conflict that disrupted the Armenian-Turkish reconciliation process.
YEREVAN.  De-monopolization of the imported products in Armenia is needed, Armenian Deputy Speaker Michael Melkumyan told Armenian News - NEWS.am.

According to him, only seven entitles are involved in the imports of 20, 000 types of products.

And this is the reason that the others cannot enter these markets, because that organizations are cutting the prices, Melkumyan said.

He believes it is also necessary to tackle social problems in the country that negatively affect the purchasing power of the population and therefore impact the economic situation.
Participation of GeoProMining in state subvention projects in Armenia reaches 1 billion 700 million drams

Macron calls US, China 'big elephants'

Azerbaijan carries out tactical maneuvers

Azerbaijani Armed Forces shell villager working in fields of Artsakh village of Hatsi

Erdogan and Putin discuss grain deal

Politico: Viktor Orban has taken the EU hostage

Kremlin confirms Putin's visit to Yerevan

Expert: Armenia becomes one of the main auto exporters to Russia

Turkish court arrests 17 suspects in connection with Istanbul street bombing

Mishustin and Aliyev meet in Baku

Nikol Pashinyan is questioned as witness

CSTO Collective Security Council to discuss joint assistance measures for Armenia

Republican congressmen introduce resolution calling for audit of funds sent to Ukraine

Biden caught using 'cheat sheet' with instructions on where to sit and when to speak

Armenia to receive loan of 100 million and $100 million to finance budget: Agreements are signed

Azerbaijan plans to open embassy in Israel

Cavusoglu accuses U.S. and EU of pressure and threats against members of TDT

Hungary: EU wants new sanctions to somehow justify its flawed decisions

RBC TV channel does not publish interview with Ruben Vardanyan because of Azeri threats

Armenian Central Election Commission representatives to monitor presidential election in Kazakhstan

Newspaper: Deputies from ruling party go on another 'voyage'

Cavusoglu calls incident in Poland 'accident'

Biden administration says Saudi prince has immunity in lawsuit over Khashoggi murder

Marukyan reminds Aliyev: The UN, OSCE and EU do not deal with the 'internal matter'

Azerbaijani MP demands 'serious conversation with adherents of Iranian influence in Azerbaijan'

Inflation in Japan accelerates to 40-year high

Seoul and Riyadh sign $30 billion investment agreements

North Korea launches intercontinental ballistic missile that lands near Japan

FBI: U.S. concerned about China 'setting up' unauthorized 'police stations' in U.S. cities

Prime Minister of Finland: Europe is now too reliant on Chinese technology

Turkey to require insurance from oil tankers when passing through its waters

EU to provide Ukraine with generators and kits to repair power grids

Turkey sentences sect founder to 8,658 years in prison

Xi Jinping urges world to abandon any Cold War mentality

Aliyev rules out talks with Artsakh State Minister

FP: Ukraine's appetite for weapons depletes Western stocks

Putin and Aliyev discuss energy cooperation

Armenian financial technologies to enter international market: VISA and Idram sign memorandum in Yerevan

Incident in Poland causes disagreement between Kyiv and West

Mark Milley urges Kyiv and Moscow to find political solution: Chances of military victory are unlikely

New NATO Secretary General to be announced at Vilnius summit in 2023

Finnish Defense Ministry announces largest batch of military aid to Ukraine

Pashinyan receives Ukrainian businessmen of Armenian origin

Armenian soldier wounded in Azerbaijani shooting

Erdogan: Turkey-Israel relations entered a new phase of development

Mishustin: Cooperation between Moscow and Baku has become truly strategic and allied

Igor Khovaev to visit Baku

Mishustin arrives in Baku

Russian Foreign Ministry: South Caucasus is a strategic transport hub for Eurasia

U.S. general lays flowers at eternal flame at Armenian Genocide memorial

Republicans stand for same-sex marriage rights

Pallone says US State Department should not hesitate to speak about Azerbaijani aggression

Aliyev refuses to discuss Nagorno-Karabakh and threatens Armenia with new aggression

Greek minister doesn't get off plane to meet head of Libya's presidential council

Sergey Lavrov to visit Yerevan

Lebanese parliament fails to elect president of country

Kremlin on Zelenskyy's proposal to hold 'public' talks

National Assembly Speaker: Armenia is extremely interested in establishing strategic relations with Georgia

Canada provides additional military aid to Ukraine

Representatives of defense agencies of CSTO countries discuss crisis response issues

Armenian Defense Minister and American General discuss defense cooperation

Tehran accuses Israel and West of trying to organize civil war in Iran

Oppositionist: No guarantees that war with Azerbaijan can be avoided

Issue of biometric passports to Armenian citizens is temporarily suspended

Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agreement to be signed till end of year? Pashinyan's associate voices conditions

Erdogan says Russia and US agreed to refrain from using nuclear weapons

Azerbaijani oppositionist complains of torture by police

Kyaram Sloyan and Andranik Zohrabyan posthumously bestowed 'Hero of Artsakh' title

UN Secretary General Guterres welcomes parties' agreement on renewal of food deal

Eurasian Development Bank: Armenia is the leader among EEU countries in terms of economic growth

Greece promises to continue military support to Ukraine

Number of appeals from Azerbaijan to ECHR is growing

Pashinyan: The wheel of processes related to confiscation of illegal property is spinning

Fire hits Baghdad airport

North Korea fires ballistic missile towards Sea of Japan

Istanbul agrees to extend 'grain initiative' for another 120 days

'Hayastan' Fund to build 6 residential houses in Nerkin Khndzoresk village

Vocal as Russophobic propaganda: Azerbaijani singer sings about 'disgusting peacekeepers'

Biden congratulates Republicans on winning majority in House of Representatives

14 freight cars derailed in Kazakhstan, train traffic suspended

Newspaper: Ruben Vardanyan does not hurry to make changes in composition of Karabakh government

Russia attacks Ukraine with missiles in morning: Explosions heard in Dnieper, air defense works in Kyiv region

U.S. National Security Council: It is clear that the party ultimately responsible for this tragic incident is Russia

Gold prices decline

Russian Trade Representative to Armenia: Situation at Upper Lars checkpoint is not related to geopolitical issues

Trade Representative of Russia: Trade turnover with Armenia sets new record

Copper falls in price

Gas explodes in Fatih district of Istanbul, 10 people injured

Oil prices go down

Meteorite that fell in Britain contains key information about how oceans and life formed on Earth

Gamer drinks 12 energy drinks in ten minutes and ends up in hospital

Chinese customs officers accidentally find cockroach unknown to science

Man removes cobra's teeth with manicure pliers and gets arrested

Sweden to provide Ukraine with new military aid worth $287 million

Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania meet conditions for joining Schengen zone

Oil prices may reach $120 a barrel and stay at this level for 2 years

Zelenskyy receives 'signals' that Putin wants direct talks

Security Service of Ukraine puts Ramzan Kadyrov on wanted list

Unidentified men open fire at market in Izeh city in southwestern Iran

Karen Donfried tries to explain State Department's decision to exempt Azerbaijan from 907th Amendment
Gayane Mahredjyan is one of a few women working on the construction of a metro in Riyadh, capital city of Saudi Arabia. She was born in Yerevan, but grew up in Beirut. In an interview with Armenian News-NEWS.am, Gayane recalled her youth in Lebanon and work in different countries.

Father left for Beirut, but we stayed because of war

My parents met in Yerevan where my father came to continue his education. They fell in love, got married, but after graduating from the university, my father failed to find a job here and was forced to return to Beirut. We had to join him, but the war broke out. This is the reason we came to Beirut two years after fathers arrival. I was six then. There was a war, and I entered the engineering department of the university. That meant my family had to sacrifice everything for my education.

I had to work in the office, but my life went differently

I was 23-24 years old, and I got a job in the construction industry. All around were men who came from all over the world. Imagine, every day I dined with 50-60 men. But, the day has come when I was fed up with this. And, I decided to do something else, I started a career in advertising and selling, but, of course, in the construction industry. I dedicated seven years to all this, I was working with13 engineers. But, in 2005 I decided to leave Lebanon, and my childhood friend helped me to do it.

I left Lebanon having only $500 in my pocket

I had obligations to my family, my father practically did not work, my brother joined the army, and I had to support my family. I was already 32 years old, I was an adult and could move to Europe. But, I went to Qatar, began to work there as an engineer at the airport. There I worked for 1.5 years.

Life sent me from Qatar to Abu Dhabi, then to Dubai

From Qatar, I went to Abu Dhabi, where the port was being built. The project was designed by us. There I worked for a year and eight months, gained experience and improved my skills. I was succeeding, and once they called me and said that there is an interesting proposal for me. As a result, I went to Dubai together with my friends. I was told that one of the best companies in the world invites me to join their team. I decided to stay and had to design a business center.

When I was 37 when I started learning French

I started working in Dubai. But in 2008 the crisis began, our client went bankrupt, the annual contract was extended for 2.5 years. I was working with the French. There was French speech all around me, and I was compelled to begin to study this language when I was 36-37 years old.

Life in Dubai was completely different, everything was fleeting. After two and a half years of work, I returned to Abu Dhabi, the project was completed.

From Dubai to Oman, it is like changing a city for a village

Oman is a very beautiful country. This experience was interesting, and the Omanis themselves are very original, friendly and hospitable. They are very happy that someone is working for them, and something new is being done for their country.

In Riyadh they are surprised that I am not married and I am working

I have been living here for 2.5 years. I am working on the design of a metro. Women here are fighting for their rights. Women of Saudi Arabia have some other power, they are very smart. For example, 22% of ladies are economists, they are surprised that I am not married and I am working.

A woman should show her strength, and not try to be like a man

According to statistics, there are only three women of 200 engineers. When I took the first steps in this area, I had to work twice as much to gain a foothold in the team that consisted of men only. A woman should show her strength, something that she does well, and should try to become like a man. I have to love this work, to make sacrifices. There is a stereotype of women thinking: a man should take care of me, but this is an incorrect formula. Today, women are much easier, and it is not necessary that a man take her hand and lead her to a cinema ... Now I have a boyfriend, I'm glad of that, I develop my professional abilities. If I stop working, I'll become a housewife, then it will be impossible to find a person sadder than me in the entire world. I am not against marriage, but first of all you need to work on yourself.

There is more soul in Yerevans old building

I last visited Armenia in 2014 when I was getting my Armenian passport. This time I took a vacation and came to Yerevan. I would like to do something new here, because I see a great potential for development. I love old Yerevan. I visited many cities, but Yerevan has a special beauty, it combines old and new. However, it would be desirable, that there were no high-rise buildings, that preferences were given to 3-4 storey buildings in the French style. For example, in Dubai there are not so many beautiful buildings, there is more soul in the old buildings of Yerevan. We need to advertise our capital so that many tourists could come to visit it.
A technology park dedicated to developing artificial intelligence will be built in Beijing in five years, Xinhua reported quoting authorities.

The park will be situated in suburban Mentougou district in western Beijing, covering 54.87 hectares, Beijing News reported, citing a plan released by Mentougou authorities Tuesday.

With an estimated investment of 13.8 billion yuan (about 2.1 billion U.S. dollars), the park is expected to attract about 400 enterprises, with an estimated annual output value of about 50 billion yuan (about 7.7 billion U.S. dollars).

The park will focus on developing areas such as super high-speed big data, cloud computing, biometric identification and deep learning. Its technological infrastructure includes a fifth generation mobile network, a super computer and cloud services.

The developer of the park, a company of Zhongguancun Development Group, will seek partnership with Chinese and overseas universities, research institutes and large companies to establish various research centers in the park, including a national-level artificial intelligence lab.
All of this is so sweet and loving it literally brought a tear to my eye.





Also I would also like to reiterate that I will always love Mira for her performance in Romy and Michelle and for her iconic guest spot on Will and Grace.

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Wait a minute shes 50?! 

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I was shocked



SHOCKED



I don't know why because if you told me she was like 47 I would have been like yeah okay but there's just something about FIFTY lol

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few people know she actually won her oscar for romy and michelle

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Romy and Michelle is a movie I can never tire of watching.



Also loved her in House!

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I made my phone background a pic from their prom scene and posted it on insta and she liked it and commented "Love it!" I died.

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when an italian dad is a good dad, they're really good lol

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god this is so accurate

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Lol yup!

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Yep! And when it comes to situations like that, you want an "overprotective" stereotype.

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I had a professor when I was studying in Italy and not only was he the best, most stand up dude I've ever met in my entire life, but he was such a sweet father and husband. Like, goals af.

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yep, the best.

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Damn, no wonder he was so good at being intimidating in GoodFellas and R+J

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He and Harold Perrineau are the real fathers of daughters, as the great Steven "Big Red" Thoen said..."Don't sing about it, be about it. Don't sing it, just bring it."

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okay, we are not the ones who got fat



weindstein-I'm pregnant, you half wits

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well...i hope your babies look like MONKEYS

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Lisa Kudrow has such a weird looking face but it's beautiful. That sounds so shitty but like...idk its not ~standard beautiful~ but it's great and i love faces like that

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God I love this movie so much. Highly underrated.

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Her name always makes me think of another blonde 90s actress (even though I don't think the names are similar at all -

for some reason I just associate her face with this name) and I can't remember HER name and it's driving me nuts. Help me, ONTD!

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Mena Suvari

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OH MY FUCKING GOD!



Girl, can you read my mind?

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Mena Suvari?

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mena suvari



damn i could have refreshed



Edited at 2018-01-04 04:18 am (UTC)

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Mena Suvari?

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lol, I mix them up too

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LMAO same at mena suvari

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til these are 2 different women oops

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lol same here with the mena suvari thing!

I still read her name whenever mira's shows up even though I know now that mira was the one in romy & michelle

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Lol I'm glad you posted this because I was scrolling through this post thinking the same thing. It was driving me crazy.

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If Paul needs an alibi, I'm down.

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i watched the video of her oscar speech that someone left in that last post about her dad, and man, the tears. i rewound the part she mentions him an embarrassing amount of times. it was just so sweet.

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I really pray she gets back the career she deserves after all this



Edited at 2018-01-04 04:27 am (UTC)

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I love her

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I think my dad would kill anyone who hurt his kids/grandkids without a second thought, and that while there is some level of comfort, obviously theres even more worry.

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I cut my foot before, and my shoe is filling up with blood.

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I legit still use this as an excuse when I need a social escape hatch

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She, Ashley Judd, and Michelle Pfeiffer should join Big Little Lies season 2!

Also she's still close with Lisa Kudrow, Alan Cumming, and Jeanne Garafolo right? They need to do a reunion and also get Julia Campbell too.



Edited at 2018-01-04 04:45 am (UTC)

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She is such a sophisticated, educated, successful career woman. I love her and her father.

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Her dad is a Trump supporter so no thank you.

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And thats enough to make all the good feelings go away for me.



My mom has her faults but shes not a Trump supporter and that makes me so proud of her.

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http://www.nydailynews.com/amp/entertainment/gossip/confidential/goodfella-paul-sorvino-trump-fine-fellow-article-1.2857310



http://www.foxbusiness.com/features/2017/04/17/paul-and-dee-dee-sorvino-on-hollywood-hate-trump-or-youre-out-their-club.amp.html



Edited at 2018-01-04 05:16 am (UTC) Google would have been your friend but here you go

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god dammit. This comment being the last one rn is such a huge record scratch in a cute post lol

Edit: as in its a shame, not that youre ruining the mood or anything!



Edited at 2018-01-04 05:14 am (UTC)

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Unsolved Mysteries was a show built on two things: re-enactments and interviews. The interview segments could either go really well...or incredibly poorly. As we know from the current political climate, public perception counts for a lot in belief of guilt or innocence.Some of the interviewees on Unsolved Mysteries came off very forthcoming and sympathetic, while others...yikes. Heres 6 people that came off as completely unreliable interviewees, leading watchers to believe in their guilt.In this ONTD original series, resident true crime junkiesandgo to the way-back machine for some of our favorite segments from the 1980s classic Unsolved Mysteries. (Note: all old episode numbers correspond with episodes on Amazon Prime.)Paul Pollis (old: 8x17, new: 1x18)Charlotte was ill with an acute ear infection on March 11, 1994. Her husband, Paul Pollis, took her to the hospital for treatment that evening while his parents cared for their two children at their residence in Girard, Ohio. Paul's family departed when the couple returned some time later and Charlotte called her mother. She has never been heard from again. Suspicion has focused almost unanimously on Paul. He supposedly went with his kids out running errands the day she vanished. They went to McDonalds, the laundromat, a scrap-yard, and the pharmacy.Charlottes mother called her the day she vanished and got no response. A neighbor claims that she saw their car backed up to the front porch and filled with bags. Her family went to the house to check on her, and Charlottes sister claims she saw footprints in the snow leading towards a shed in the yard. When they asked Paul about a key to the shed, he got pissed.The family stayed at the house. The next day, they saw Paul going all Joan Crawford on the house, cleaning and scrubbing it meticulously. Paul simply stated he likes to live in a clean house and left it at that. Paul agreed to take a polygraph test, he did not show up and disappeared, leaving a suspicious note which read, in part: "I love my wife and would never do anything to harm her intentionally" which totally set off my bullshit meter. He resurfaced three months later very Gone Girl-esque with an explanation, citing that he was going through a lot of mental anguish and that he was in no shape for a polygraph.Charlotte's family believes that the couple's daughter may have witnessed the crime. According to Charlotte's mother, the daughter started crying when she saw dark trash bags. When asked why she was crying, she allegedly stated that "mommy was put in a dark trash bag". Paul has been arrested numerous times since then, with various DUIs and felony drug possession. Charlotte has never been found.Chad Noe (and family) (old: 6x05, new: 4x10)Lets talk about this group of psychos. First, Chad marries Wendy, and while she is in the hospital, disabled from multiple sclerosis, he divorces her and takes her child away from her because, in his own words, he couldnt be expected to take care of his child AND his wife.I guess that whole in sickness and in health missed his comprehension when giving his vows. That dick move right there rubbed me the wrong way about Chad from the very beginning.Then, the family invites her, her daughter and her sister-in-law over, under the guise of actually getting to see her child, and then makes up this cock-and-bull story about how they just left them in a Walmart parking lot in BFE Oklahoma. Beverly was supposed to be driving them all the way back home, and Ida started the ride with them, but asked Beverly to take her home because Wendy was just gripin and bitchin and she didnt want to deal with it. Chad also had a habit of getting drunk and saying, oh yeah I killed her! and then backing off when he was sober. Because that is something totally normal that innocent people do.UPDATE: The bodies of Wendy, Cynthia and Lisa were found in 2013. A tip led them to a spot on a piece of property that just happened to belong to Beverlys brother. Hes been charged with accessory to murder, Beverlys been charged with murder and Ida is already dead. Sadly, I dont think Chad is being held at all responsible for this.The son apparently believes that his fathers family had nothing to do with the murders. Quite the brainwashing number they did on him.Mark Nichols (old: 1x08, new: 6x03)Most anyone who tells you Im not a violent person and yet we know their wife was seeking a divorce in a different town so she could hopefully not be discovered is lying.Christi and Mark Nichols married young at 19. Christi often displayed curious injuries and seemed scared of Mark, but wouldnt admit that he hit her. The night Christi disappeared (two days after she started speaking to a lawyer about divorcing Mark), the couple got a babysitter and went out. But at 12:30, the babysitter claims that only Mark returned home. He says that she came home and went to bed and was missing the next morning.This case has never been solved. Sadly, its probably one that cant be prosecuted without a body - until the police get together enough evidence that can conclusively prove that Christi is dead, they probably dont feel confident about a murder conviction, although they do consider Mark the prime suspect.Just listen to Marks voice when he speaks. No emotion, whatsoever. A lot is made out of people not acting right by the police, but Mark just comes off as cold. If you want public perception to think you havent murdered your wife and the mother of your children, a few tears shed goes a long way.Wayne Hecker (old: 7x16, new: 7x02)This case has it all: jealous boyfriend and a beautiful girl working a job at a topless bar. Wayne wasnt too thrilled with Taras job, but they moved in together shortly after getting together and she needed the job and needed the money.Occasionally, Tara spoke of possibly moving out of the apartment they shared. Taras parents lived across Texas (its 350 miles from Del Rio to Houston) so they werent omnipresent.The night Tara disappeared, she volunteered to leave work early, which was out of character for her because she usually wanted to stay as late as possible to earn as much as she could. A security guard escorted her to her vehicle and watched her drive away in her car. He said he did not see anything unusual or anyone follow her from the parking lot. At the same time, Wayne claims he was shooting pool in a bar. He tried to call her but claims he never made contact with her and she was not home when he says he arrived home at 5 a.m.He was the one who found her car abandoned on a Houston freeway later that morning. While he felt it was odd that her car flashers were not on and her mace was in the car, police were more concerned with the fact that Wayne was gone from the pool hall for an hour and 45 minutes during the evening. The police state that he is not eliminated as a suspect. Wayne says I dont owe an explanation to anyone but the Lord and the Lord has given me...Im waiting to hear something from him. I cant answer anybody because theres not an answer...that I have...only He has it. And until there is an answer, I dont think anyone will be satisfied. (Seriously, watch his response...this was as coherent that I could make it.)Tara also had an admirer that gave her notes that indicated she would marry him, but also indicated that she had backed out of marrying him. The police did not feel the notes they found were threatening towards her.Judy Groezinger (old: n/a, new: 3x11) (note: for reasons unknown, this case is not on Amazon Prime)After Mark Groezinger, a well-liked local to Lookout Mountain, Colorado, was found murdered in his car, police began to question his wife. There were bullets in a paper bag in the car, as well as shell casings surrounding the car. Police ruled out a robbery, as his wallet was found at the scene.You want to talk about dead behind the eyes? Judy Groezinger is another that either has no emotion or has the best resting bitch face ever seen. On the night of Marks murder, Mark wanted to play some pool after dinner. Judy claims she wasnt feeling well, so Mark took her to get a bottle of whiskey and dropped her off at their house with a friend.Judys timeline of events contradict what eyewitnesses state. She said Mark dropped her off at the house at 8, but a car driving the road where Marks car was found saw it there at that exact time.Judy also bought a gun very close to the murder. She claims Mark asked her to buy a gun, but her words are very stilted when telling the story. The pawn shop employee where she purchased the gun stated that she bought the gun while accompanied by a man, whom was described as a biker type. The same guy was seen with Judy the same night of the murder at the liquor store.Also, this friend that was Judys alibi stayed over the night of Marks murder. The day after Mark died, this friend moved in with Judy and a few years later, they bought a house. Judy claims theyre just friends and any time you have a good friend, people start rumoring.Stephen Marfeo (old: 6x09, new: 6x04)The husband does a number in this one, trying to lay the groundwork for his wife just up and leaving. Saying that she was suddenly weak and she was on the verge of a nervous breakdown? Then those weird typewritten letters, trying to discredit her and basically admitting that he strangled Doreen (and the fact that people are fairly sure he wrote those) is just another huge red flag for Stephen.But the biggest red flag is the update to this case, where Stephen claimed that being suspected in Doreens disappearance led him to kill another person, wound an innocent bystander and then commit suicide.
Has Brunos entire career been reliant on nostalgia for another time? lol

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What's it matter? It's a bop!

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MTE

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lol ppl might not agree but yes - i would say as soon as he formed the hooligans

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I LOVE THIS OMG 



so much fun!!! so much color! i feel so happy after watching this video



they snapped

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right??? the 90's were awesome lol



haters were born in the 2000s etc

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I immediately watched What About Your Friends? after this.

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belcalis snatching onikas crown as we speak sis

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No she didn't...

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Yep, Bruno's part was too extended, CB could have broken it a little more.

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Issa decent bop. I'm also really glad with the 90s throwback vibes of everything lately. It makes me think of happier times like when the president of my country wasn't in a dick measuring contest with dictators. *sigh*

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Sis in the 90s the president was also a sexual abuser having an affair with a white house intern it wasnt the most sparkling time either lol

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It wasn't at all, but i also didn't wake up every single day with an overwhelming sense of dread.

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Bill was gross af, but at least he wasn't trying to start a nuclear war. The 90s though problematic at times it wasn't filled with the dread of hearing the news everyday to see what our fuckwit of president or the republican party is trying to do to ruin our lives/world. Compared to now the 90s were a happier, simpler time and less depressing.

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mte. bill clinton's legacy is terrible.

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I know that's bad but like I'd still have Clinton over 45.

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I can tell the people coming for you were born in the 90's. Clinton has a long list of things you can drag him for but if they think he wasn't a breath of fresh air after 12 years of Reagan + Bush sr basically destroying the country, there as fucking batshit as Trump stans.



Edited at 2018-01-04 11:58 am (UTC)

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Mass incarceration in the 90s sis

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ThE 90S SITCOM OPENING



THE LIVING COLOR STAGE







Caught my life! Always here for 90s nostalgia

WAIT, IM SHOOKThE 90S SITCOM OPENINGTHE LIVING COLOR STAGECaught my life! Always here for 90s nostalgia

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Omg nnnn

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lmao

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oh

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yaaaaaaaaaaaaaas omg in living color REALNESS. I miss the 90's because I was young and didn't have to pay my own bills.

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I keep telling the youths about when home computers first became a viable option for everyone and one of them had no idea what dial-up was and i caught a sitch in my chest.

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Im happy to be a 90's baby. I miss not having to pay bills.

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Love this

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Omg I didn't even know he was gonna make this a single; it was my instant favorite when the album dropped (over a year ago?!). I love new jack swing so the 90s-ness is v. appropriate.

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i loooove it. the video is so vibrant and colorful and the song was already a bop on its own but cardi is a welcome addition. her verse is great and i love that she's got the "we got it goin on" bridge.



also i love that they didn't just skype her in for the video like so many remixes/collabs nowadays.

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I can't stand Bodak Yellow but I actually like Cardi B here. I still can't believe Bruno didn't release Chunky though, what a waste of a great song.



Also lol is that Andy's friend from Step Up 2?

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yeahhh she's been a dancer for a while..which I think is why they chose her for step up. This is the most recent work I've seen her in since that era though

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Yes, it's her. Danielle Polanco is a choreographer/dancer.

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ugh chunky is gold. imma hold out hope

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this made me soo happy..I LOVED in living color. The remix is really good and also the whole video made up of minorities..god bless

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CARDI LOOKS SO GOODDDDDD. Loved this video, the vibrant colors and theme made me smile



Edited at 2018-01-04 05:28 am (UTC)

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I love it.



And Cardi features are always fire tbh.

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hes so fucking gross and i hope this year gets his ass HARD.



and i dont think the stuff about nati and janet margolin was fantasy tbh (tho in their case i really hope it is even tho its still sick)

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Wow, the universe works in interesting ways.

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ofc he doesn't talk about dylan, but at least he talked about what a creep allen is. too bad it won't stop people from working with/praising him i'm looking at you kate winslet.

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I honestly don't mind that he didn't bring up Dylan, his op-ed is specifically targeted at all the people who defend him because ~he's a genius, his art is so good.



It's a really good take down pointing out that his films are repetitive as hell and are mostly focused on getting him around the teenage girls he's obsessed with.

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yeah that's a good point, people have waved away what he did with Dylan by trying to bring the conversation back to his ~art (vom) and this guys is saying wait no his art sux & the things wrong with his movies are what is wrong with him in real life.

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mte about his films

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Winslet would sell herself to the devil and call it art if it meant another oscar win.

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i never know what to do when people praise his work, saying they love going to his movies, and when i bring some of the many issues up, are like oh i separate art from the artist. obviously they know i do not, and they are [in law] family, so....i just keep quiet at this point. sigh.

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Jeesica has her good twitter moments

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I feel like she's using the wrong emoji though lol. I've always seen that as a playful stick out your tongue emoji, not a face of disgust.

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Well duh. If you've seen one Woody film, you've seen every Woody film and he ain't subtle.

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i've ony seen what's up, tigerlily and husbands and wives. in husbands and wives, juliette lewis the the ultra mature college student who's into woody allen. i think her character was 19?

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lol yeah. I have no idea why people continue to go for him. The main character is always some version of him with some woman/girl way young

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only to men who agree w/ his ~vision

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[ Spoiler (click to open) ] Allens work is flatly boorish. Running through all of the boxes is an insistent, vivid obsession with young women and girls: Theres the wealthy, educated, respected male character in one short story (By Destiny Denied: Incident at Entwhistles) who lives with a 21-year-old Indian woman.





First, Allens revisions reduce her to 18, then double down, literally, and turn her into two 18-year-olds. Theres the 16-year-old in an unmade television pitch described as a flashy sexy blonde in a flaming red low cut evening gown with a long slit up the side. Theres the 17-year-old girl in another short story, Consider Kaplan, whose 53-year-old neighbor falls in love with her as the two share a silent, one-floor-long elevator ride in their Park Avenue co-op. Theres the female college student in Rainy Day who should not be 20 or 21, sounds more like 18  or even 17  but 18 seems better. That script includes a male college student but gives no description of his age.





Another of Allens male characters, in a draft of a 1977 New Yorker story called The Kugelmass Episode, is a 45-year-old fascinated by coeds at City College of New York. In the margin next to this characters dialogue, Allen wrote, then crossed out, cest moi  its me.







Edited at 2018-01-04 08:06 pm (UTC)

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Another of Allens male characters, in a draft of a 1977 New Yorker story called The Kugelmass Episode, is a 45-year-old fascinated by coeds at City College of New York. In the margin next to this characters dialogue, Allen wrote, then crossed out, cest moi  its me.



Yeah, I think it might be.

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the fact that it's in French pisses me off even further

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kill him omfg

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Wow, so disgusting.

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2018 really needs to come thru and finish him off...

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I hate this fuck so much

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lol, it's fucking amazing how arrogant and untouchable these men feel (and in many cases, are). Who DONATES that shit to a library to be READ? They seriously have no shame, it's amazing.



Meanwhile I'd never run for office in case someone finds my lj username and sees comments I've made on ontd about poop.

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lmaoo

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lol i think this all the time

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lmao me too

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LOL

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can't wait until he dies. until then people need to stop fucking working w/ him. and those who have worked with him need to apologize and condemn him, esp the people doing award season press (Greta Gerwig, Timothee Chalamet, Sally Hawkins etc)

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He needs a downfall before he dies.

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Seriously. I know it'll never happen but PLEASE let him crash before he dies. Otherwise we will have to endure the endless praises and glorified eulogies when he finally dies....



Edited at 2018-01-05 06:58 pm (UTC)

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When I was young I totally ate that shit up and I was definitely affected by it. For a while one of my favorite movies was Buffalo 66 (in which middle aged Vincent Gallo literally kidnaps a teenage girl and, of course, she falls in love with him). Romanticized abuse is SO pervasive. I really hope that this feminist movement ends it.

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romanticized abuse and Born Sexy Yesterday have such a godawful affect on how young women see themselves and how they idealize relationships.

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It is extremely normalized and I feel like it's only recently that people are acknowledging that.

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It's romanticized in music as well. So many current songs on the radio are about relationships that are unhealthy as fuck.

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I'm late but pop punk is full of fucking shitty dudes talking shit on the girl that broke their heart and how they're gonna get back at her.

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buffalo 66 is the favorite movie of the 10 years older dude who played me for over 2 years  at the time i tried to brush it off but now i see what a red flag it was

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My best friend e-mailed Vincent Gallo when she was 16 (and she said so in the email) and he wrote back trying to meet up w/ her. She did not respond. This was like 13 years ago but still!

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it's terrifying how pervasive it is in our culture

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the plot of his next movie:



Were told that a plotline in the untitled Allen flick, which is currently filming in New York, centers around a middle-aged man who is sleeping with a much younger woman, among other actresses, and, according to the script, makes a fool of himself over every ambitious starlet and model.



In scenes just filmed, a character played by Rebecca Hall accuses 44-year-old actor Jude Laws character of having sex with a 15-year-old concubine. In the scene, the so-called concubine  played by Elle Fanning (19 in real life)  acknowledges her relationship with Laws much-older character, but then protests that she is 21 years old. After a discussion about his infidelity, Fannings character then asks Law, Were all these women for pleasure, or were you researching a project?



the cast:



Timothee Chalamet

Selena Gomez

Elle Fanning

Jude Law

Diego Luna

Liev Schreiber

Annaleigh Ashford

Rebecca Hall

Cherry Jones

Will Rogers

Kelly Rohrbach

Suki Waterhouse

Griffin Newman

Ben Warheit



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lol this movie is going to be trashed even harder than wonder wheel. /ilovethissong.gif



timmy needs to condemn this and QUICK.



Edited at 2018-01-04 08:12 pm (UTC)

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like he will. ontd has a new white fave to expect too much of

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he won't lol

i think he's a great actor but errrr how do i put this kindly

he doesn't seem

okay basically he needs to reflect on his privilege

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This sounds like a companion piece to that I Love You Daddy film

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I cant wait for his death party post.

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it's always the same plot. disgusting.

also @ the cast: diego, rebecca and elle how could u betray me like this?

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jesus fucking christ

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No shit



Ugghhh I can't wait for him to die

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i find his movies so overrated

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god I hate him

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Gross. And so pissed 2017 & the universe dragged their heels about offing him. Like who do we have to bribe ?

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He needs to die already

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He will this year! I can feel it in my bones - 2018 is coming for him.

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what a babe what a babe

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daddy

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he's MY man bish

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underrated, scary af, tears souls etc.

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i bet he's never invited to parties because he pops all the balloons 

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These movies are gross and disturb the hell out of me but I LOVE Pinhead as a villain/horror movie figurehead. Him and Michael Myers are my favs.

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the gothest thing to say ever. <3









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the "i" not being capitalized here is killing me softly

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I want to watch the nightmare, but I really dont at the same time.

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lol i'm the same way. i havent had a sleep paralysis episode in a while but it used to happen to me quite frequently and idk about watching a movie about it.

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Yeah, it was kinda horrifying cuz I can't imagine dealing with that shit everyday.



I NEED MY SLEEP! i don't need some fucking demon screaming into my face. I NEED SLEEP!

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It Follows remains my favorite.

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I love it! One of my favorites too.



I may watch it again actually... not sure. I want to put on a movie, was thinking about watching a winter-themed horror movie to get the most out of this winter storm we're having lol. but It Follows would be fun to watch again.

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Fun fact: It Follows goes through several different seasons throughout the film even though it only takes place over the course of a few weeks. For example at the beginning of the movie the main character is swimming in the pool then a couple scenes later is seen wearing a winter coat. The grass and leaves go from summer/spring to clearly autumn in ONE SHOT. It's nuts. That's why I love that film so much. There's so many little things that make you unsettled without realizing it, and the film kind of exists in this bizarre time warp (kinda like Riverdale tbh).

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If you want winter themed I highly recommend Krampus it is OOC and amazingly bad but I love it anyway. Plus TONI COLETTE. You will spend the whole movie going "really girl, really? You signed up for this?"



Edited at 2018-01-04 09:12 pm (UTC)

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I was irritated with people saying it was overrated. It was fresh and interesting so I was on board.

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Ngl, I didn't like it as much as I'd hoped. Great premise, but I found it kind of boring. The Witch is probably my favorite horror movie of the past 5+++ years.

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I liked it, but I didn't understand the pool scene. I don't know what their plan was. Throw electronics at the monster? It didn't make sense to me.

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I SCREAMED

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I loved it bc it didn't rely on normal scurry tropes to be scurry. Like a couple times I was like "girl he's behind you! GIRL!" and he wasn't and I was like oh you fine, boo nevermind. And it was nice. I didn't find it scary at all and I wish more horror movies would do that. Not go down the same loud noise scary face bullshit. It's so typical and boring.

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Yes, it's SO GOOD. I always forget until the next time I watch it and then I'm blown away all over again.

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It didn't work for me, apart from this scene which made me squawk (also, I'm still waiting for them to make a clamshell e-reader.)

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The best horror on Netflix is The Thing lbr



of the lowkey stuff I enjoyed Honeymoon and The Invitation well enough



Dreamcatcher is the worst horror film on Netflix, maybe the worst film on netflix regardless of genre

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Ia with this entire comment

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Fuuuuck, I didn't know The Thing was on Netflix!



That's my fave horror movie of all time~



EDIT: Wait a sec, I don't see it. Maybe it's only on Netflix in certain countries.



Edited at 2018-01-04 09:51 pm (UTC)

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*checks unogs*



me, india and brazil stay blessed

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You mean you don't like a horror movie where they shit out a monster?

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I really liked Honeymoon and The Invitation.

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The Thing is iconique I love it so much. Not just great horror but a great fucking film.



The other two from that "trilogy" are also fun in their own ways but The Thing is leagues better (tho ItMoM still has a place in my heart)

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Lol vhs viral? Really?



I did not care for the nightmare and turned it off. 

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Same, it was dreadful.



I did finish Slasher season 2 on Netflix I think and it was pretty fun. It was probably way longer than it needed to be but I enjoyed that it was basically Until Dawn in film version.

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I really liked The Canal and Last Shift.

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Last Shift was fun and creepy AF.

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The Canal did NOT fuck around. That shit's horror and it was determined to HORRIFY your ass.



However, I theorize it may be more effective for Catholics or anyone who grew up in a Catholic family.

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That's an interesting theory. I was raised catholic and The Canal really scared me. Last Shift, too. The Canal was on another level though. That ending with the kid...



Can you tell me more about this theory?



Edited at 2018-01-04 10:04 pm (UTC)

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Both of those are excellent, I remember being scared while watching them.

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Train to Busan is so good.

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I watched It Comes at Night last night and was blown away



And I knew it was bleak going into it, but DAMN was it just hopeless and dark in tone

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i saw that in nov and was shocked at all the bad reviews it got...like of course it had its issues, what movie doesn't? but the good outweighed the bad imo

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Critic reviews were great tho. Audience reviews were bad but that always happens with slow burn horror, esp ones that arent marketed as such

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[ Spoiler (click to open) ] expected a monster, rather than the "it" in the title referring to fear and distrust. But a post-apocalyptic plague movie is plenty scary enough for me, personally. I'm almost sure people were disappointed because they

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I need to watch that!



I'm glad you liked it. I trust your taste lol

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i loved it omfg. watching that shit on a silent as fuck 3am night was scary af and usually horror doesn't get to me anymore!

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Me too! I shut off all the lights in the house and got scared out of my mind lmao. my bf never watches horror movies with me so i always watch them alone and it heightens the experience~

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yeah, i liked that one too.

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so glad i didn't watch it alone, omg

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That movie's great. Plus the lead, in addition to being a good actress, is completely gorgeous.

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ohh i'll have to watch that!

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Thanks for the tip! Now I know what to watch!

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Just finished it....so scary!

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Imma watch it rn even though it's 11:20 pm and I'm alone. Well, roommate is upstairs. But still.

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Ohh i forgot about Creep 2. I think I'll watch that lol. Loved the first one!

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i liked the first one too but i couldn't even finish the second.

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I'd forgotten about it too, now I know what I will be watching tonight

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Creep 2 is great! But I feel like the shaky cam is 10x worse than the original. It took me two days to watch it. And the ending is predictable, but it's still worth a try.

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omg, i'll never be able to finish the babadook because of that kid. i don't even hate kids. i like them! this one, tho...i would've cracked like a nut if i were his mother, just like his mother.

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How is the Vault?



I know I just wrote in another comment that I wanted to watch a winter themed movie but id maybe I'l put this on?

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thanks! i think I'll put on Creep 2 instead

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Train to Busan made me fucking sob

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It was so good, but I don't think I can ever watch it again.

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yas @ your taste



this is why we're friends lol

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would you rather was such a nice surprise of a decent film. STAB HA IN THE LEG. KILL HAAAAAAA

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silent hill is one of my favorite horror movies of all time. i'll never not be salty @ them ruining the potential franchise with that sequel.

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Tucker & Dale is perfect!

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I fucking love Tucker and Dale vs Evil! I fucking love Tucker and Dale vs Evil!

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ocululas was ass tho...js. interesting concept but poor execution

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Housebound is the perfect horror-comedy, because it is genuinely both scary and funny. That's so rare. Usually it lists strongly to one side or another (like Tucker and Dale, which I love, don't get me wrong, but it's basically a straight-up parody).

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I love Oculus, although it made me feel old af to see the Empire Records dude playing the dad.

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hush is overrated but enjoyable for when ur bored af. gets lame after he takes off the mask tho.. like he just looks like some pathetic guy lmfao



the scene where she's skyping with her friend and the guy is in the background scares me tho and sometimes when i'm alone in a big house and skyping from the living room i remember it and i'm like TELL ME if you see anyone in the back sis

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that scene is so freaky! also kind of related. i work for a live theatre and tldr some really creepy dude managed to get into the building. when my manager was looking at security cam footage of all of it, she realized he had gone into her office while she was in there and she didn't realize. he had been in there for a few minutes and it still has me freaked out. like wtf?! i'm so glad nothing happened to her.

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Why would you share this tale 

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Did anyone see "The Void" on Netflix? I was so confused. Scared, but confused...

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yes i dozed off during the last 20 minutes lol so i had to re-watch the end and it made just as much sense as it did when i was falling asleep

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sounds about right, yep. lol

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i fell asleep to it

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I hated it lol

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NC Fire Marshal's Office Creates Investigative Unit

The new Fire Investigations Unit will respond on request or assist agencies in investigating all fire deaths, any death in a multi-family dwelling from carbon monoxide poisoning, fire loss in all state properties, and fire losses larger than $500,000.

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey, who is also the State Fire Marshal, announced Jan. 2 that the department has created a Fire Investigations Unit to assist the state's fire service and law enforcement agencies. "A fire death or large industrial fire could task local resources," he said. "This unit is designed to provide additional resources to agencies, which will strengthen their ability to examine the source of fires and protect our state's residents and property."

The N.C. General Assembly appropriated funding last year for two fire investigator positions to launch the unit.

Its personnel will respond on request or assist agencies in investigating all fire deaths, any death in a multi-family dwelling from carbon monoxide poisoning, fire loss in all state properties, and fire losses larger than $500,000.

"We cannot have an effective fire prevention and education program throughout the state without being at the front end of fire investigation," said Chief State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor. "It is our duty to report to the legislature the nature of fire problems that exist in our state. This unit will be able to supply the needed data to update the state's Risk Reduction Program."

The new unit is divided into two regions: Retired Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms Agent Bill Marshall will head the eastern region and Catawba County Deputy Fire Marshal Jason Boggs will be assigned to the Western region. Others contributing to the unit will include two DOI Criminal Investigators to assist with law enforcement functions; the General Assembly also approved having an Arson and Homicide Special Prosecutor to assist local district attorneys to prosecute difficult cases.
With global warming an ever-present worry, renewable energy  particularly solar poweris a burgeoning field. Now, two doctoral students in the School of Architecture & Design (Arc/D) have demonstrated methods of optimizing the capture of sunlight in experiments at the Center for Design Research.

Green-roof boost

Mohammed Alshayeb started by asking himself what might be done to boost the performance of solar panels.

"The efficiency of a photovoltaic panel is measured under standard testing conditions  at 77 degrees Fahrenheit," he said. "Every degree that the temperature increases decreases performance."

Alshayeb wondered if there was a way to "extract the heat out of the panels" when the temperature rises above 77. Because most solar panels are installed on building roofs, Alshayeb decided to compare the effects of three types of roof materials  highly reflective (i.e., white), conventional (black) and vegetated (green)  on the panels' performance.

The CDR roof is mostly covered with sedum, planted in trays. So Alshayeb established his test bed there, installing a solar panel monitoring system over the green roof, as well as nearby white and black portions. He also installed temperature, humidity and light sensors and a weather station to record conditions like wind speed. The sensors made recordings every five minutes for a year, and Alshayeb then analyzed the data.

What he found was that, contrary to industry practice, which favors white roofs over black, white roofs actually slightly decreased the efficiency of the solar panels due to the heat they reflected up toward the panels. However, compared to the vegetated roof, the high-reflective and conventional roof materials were not significantly different from one another. Panels installed over the green roof performed best, generating an average of 1.4 percent more energy as compared with those over the white and black roofs.

"There is a lot of research in this area, but nothing as comprehensive as he has done," said Alshayeb's faculty adviser, Associate Professor of Architecture Jae Chang. "The next step is to see the effect of increasing the height of the panel over the roof."

Bending light

Another of Chang's students, Afnan Barri, wanted to see whether she could improve the performance of light shelves. A traditional light shelf is a fixed, horizontally mounted plane that can be placed either outside, inside or on both sides of a window in order to reflect and redirect sunlight inside a building. Light shelves can thus reduce the use of artificial lighting and electricity.

Traditional, fixed light shelf systems have limited effectiveness, as they are only capable of functioning while the angle of the earth to the sun is just right. Previous experiments have shown that movable light shelves and ones with curved surfaces can diffuse sunlight with greater efficiency than traditional fixed, flat systems. This is where Barri's idea of a Dynamic Thermal-Adaptive Curved Lightshelf (DTACL) came about. She thought: "What if there were a system that could combine all these methods to enhance the delivery of natural light into buildings throughout the day without the use of mechanical and electrical controls, and unlike existing movable systems?"

Her project includes computer simulations and a field experiment to collect a year's worth of data on the performance of the DTACL system through different weather conditions on the KU campus. She created and placed on the lawn of the CDR four experimental rooms the size of refrigerators fitted with sensors and light shelves. Three of the rooms have fixed light shelves in various configurations, while one, the DTACL, uses an adaptive, composite material called Thermadapt, invented by Ronald P. Barrett and commercialized by a company he runs with his son, KU Professor of Engineering Ron Barrett-Gonzalez. Thermadapt changes shape in response to heat and sunlight, curving upward. When it cools, it flattens back out.

Barri theorized that the DTACL system would transfer light inside a building more efficiently than the fixed systems, and her initial results have proven that to be the case.

"I am still in the process on collecting, comparing and analyzing these data," she said. "However, based on a two-month pilot study and computer simulations, the indoor light intensity of the DTCAL system is twice as great as the intensity of a fixed, traditional light shelf.

"I'd like to take it overseas and perform an experiment like this in more extreme temperatures," said the native of Saudi Arabia.
More than a million people in tropical countries contract the parasite Leishmania every year through the bites of infected sand flies. Most people develop disfiguring  but not life-threatening  skin lesions at the sites of the bites. But if the parasite spreads to the internal organs, it causes a disease known as visceral leishmaniasis, which kills about 30,000 people every year.

Stephen Beverley, the Marvin A. Brennecke Professor and head of the Department of Molecular Microbiology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, is a world expert on the deadly parasite. He was studying Leishmania's basic biology when he serendipitously rejuvenated the field of parasite virology. Along with longtime collaborator Nicolas Fasel of the University of Lausanne in Switzerland, and other colleagues, Beverley discovered that Leishmania parasites infected with a virus  dubbed Leishmaniavirus  cause significantly worse disease than those without a virus. Other researchers later showed that viruses in related parasites such as Trichomonas, which causes vaginal infections, and potentially Cryptosporidium, which causes diarrhea, also may exacerbate disease.

Beverley talked about the nascent field of parasite virology and his newest paper, an evolutionary study that suggests that Leishmania's viruses may have helped the parasite infect vertebrates. The paper was published the week of Dec. 25 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

What are parasite viruses?

It's long been known that parasites, like every other creature, have their share of viruses. But for a long time, nobody was interested in them. Very few were infectious, they had never been associated with any diseases, and they were more or less dismissed as curiosities. But six or seven years ago, in the process of gathering evidence to answer a different question, wealong with Fasel's labuncovered some really nice evidence that showed that Leishmaniavirushas a role in disease. If a Leishmania parasite is carrying this virus, there's more severe disease, higher numbers of parasites, and the infection is more likely to metastasize. This is not what we were aiming to study, but you follow where the data goes. The data took us here, and off we went.

How do parasite viruses worsen parasitic diseases?

It's important to remember that people are not infected with both a parasite and a virus. Rather, people are infected with a parasite that has a virus hidden inside it. What we think happens is that immune cells kill some invading parasites, releasing the virus. The body then generates an immune response to fight off the virus. But when you're infected with a parasite, this is the wrong kind of immune response. It doesn't kill the parasite; it seems to help the parasite make the disease worse.

Could you reduce parasitic disease by getting rid of the virus?

We think so, and we're trying to do that in two ways. One, we know that drug treatment is more likely to fail in people infected with Leishmania that is carrying a virus. Since the virus increases parasite numbers, we think that such a scenario would call for a higher dose to kill them all. So we are talking with workers in countries where the parasite is endemic to develop a screening program to identify people infected with Leishmania parasites that are carrying Leishmaniavirus. They could then be treated with a higher dose of medicine. The other thing we're trying to do is cure the parasite of the virus. We've found some antiviral compounds that work great in a culture dish, and we're evaluating whether they can get rid of virus that is inside parasites that are inside animalsand, potentially, that are inside people.

What did you learn from surveying the evolutionary history of parasite viruses?

Leishmania is descended from parasites that infect insects, and only late in evolution did it learn how to infect vertebrates and then humans, and become a problem for us. This study started as a survey of a family of insect parasites related to Leishmania, which we performed in collaboration with a team led by Vyacheslav Yurchenko in the Czech Republic. But then we questioned whether these insect parasites could carry viruses. A lot of researchers are doing amazing work in viral discovery, but very few have hunted around in these oddball parasites. When we did, we found many new viruses, several of which were quite unique. But just as interesting is what we didn't find  specifically, relatives of Leishmaniavirus in more ancestral lineages. This suggests that Leishmania acquired Leishmaniavirus about the same time it learned to parasitize vertebrates.

We were excited to find that one viral group common in the insect parasites included viruses distantly related to bunyaviruses, which are often animal pathogens. We named the new parasite virus that invaded the insect parasites "Leishbunyavirus," or LBVs. While the LBVs that infected parasites within insects were quite similar to other bunyaviruses, in ongoing work we have found that the LBVs in Leishmania have undergone big changes that seem again to be related to increased virulence, via a mechanism completely different than in the original Leishmaniavirus.

So we have two lines of evidence that suggest something happened with the viruses at the same time that the parasite made the jump from insects to vertebrates. It's very difficult to prove a role for viruses in disease by studying evolution, but the two viral "jumps" we have discovered provide a great corroboration of our experimental work, which shows that these viruses contributed to increased Leishmania parasite survival and disease pathology in vertebrates. Maybe without these viruses acting deep in evolution, these diseases would have become far less severe and terrible than they are now.
Credit: University of Helsinki

Environmental challenges, climate change, water and food security and urban air pollution are all interlinked, yet each is studied separately. This is not a sustainable situation, for anybody anymore. To tackle this, professor Markku Kulmala calls for a continuous, comprehensive monitoring of interactions between the planet's surface and atmosphere in his article "Build a global Earth observatory," published in Nature, January 4, 2018.

In his article, he refers to his long experience of collecting environmental data. He has built a station called SMEAR II (Station for Measuring Ecosystem-Atmosphere Relationships, www.atm.helsinki.fi/SMEAR/), in the boreal forests of Finland showing how a rounded set of environmental measurements can be obtained.

The report calls for a global Earth observatory consisting of 1,000 or more well-equipped ground stations around the world that track environments and key ecosystems fully and continuously. Data from these stations would be linked to data from satellite-based remote sensing, laboratory experiments and computer models accordingly.

"Incomplete coverage from ground stations is the main limit to observations of Earth's conditions. Satellites can continuously monitor compounds such as CO2, ozone and aerosols, almost planet-wide. But they cannot resolve processes or fluxes, or trace the hundreds more compounds of interest. Satellite data must be 'ground-truthed'," professor Kulmala says.

This global observatory of 1,000 super-stations needs to be established soon, within 10 to 15 years. "The costs would be around 10 million (US$11.8 million) to 20 million per station, which can be compared to the building costs of the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, Geneva, Switzerland, or that of US President Donald Trump's proposed Mexican wall."

Nevertheless, a shift in how environmental data are collected and disseminated is needed, he says. "There is a scientific interest, as well, in this data," professor Markku Kulmala says, "the researchers could find new mechanisms and feedback loops in this coherent data set."

More information: Markku Kulmala. Build a global Earth observatory, Nature (2018). DOI: 10.1038/d41586-017-08967-y Journal information: Nature
A team of researchers at the University of California San Diego has developed macrophage "nanosponges" that can safely absorb and remove molecules from the bloodstream that are known to trigger sepsis. These macrophage nanosponges, which are nanoparticles cloaked in the cell membranes of macrophages, have so far improved survival rates in mice with sepsis.

This work is one example of the cell membrane cloaking technology pioneered by the lab of Liangfang Zhang, a professor of nanoengineering at the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering. His group develops new nanomedicine therapies by disguising nanoparticles as the body's own cells. Previous examples include red blood cell nanosponges to combat and prevent MRSA infections; nanoparticles cloaked in platelet cell membranes to repair wounded blood vessels; and nanofibers cloaked in beta cell membranes that could be used to help diabetes patients produce more insulin.

In the current study, Zhang's lab developed macrophage nanosponges that offer a promising solution for effectively treating and managing sepsis. Zhang's lab collaborated with Victor Nizet, a professor of pediatrics and pharmacy at UC San Diego, whose team helped test the macrophage nanosponges in vivo.

Sepsis occurs when the body launches an uncontrolled immune response to an infection, triggering widespread inflammation that can lead to organ failure, septic shock and even death. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that more than 1.5 million Americans get sepsis and about 250,000 die from this condition each year.

Sepsis is usually treated with antibiotics. But while antibiotics can potentially eliminate sepsis-causing bacteria, they can't keep inflammation in check.

Some sepsis-causing bacteria secrete toxic molecules called endotoxins. Macrophageswhite blood cells that play a major role in inflammationrecognize endotoxins as dangerous. In response, macrophages produce inflammation-causing proteins called pro-inflammatory cytokines, which in turn activate other macrophages to produce more cytokines, setting off a dangerous domino effect of inflammation throughout the body.

"To effectively manage sepsis, you need to manage this cytokine storm," said Zhang.

In a paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Zhang and a team of researchers at UC San Diego showed that macrophage nanosponges can safely neutralize both endotoxins and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the bloodstream.

A wide range of endotoxins and pro-inflammatory cytokines naturally bind to macrophage cell membranes, so these nanosponges serve as universal traps for a broad spectrum of sepsis-causing molecules, Zhang explained. "They can work across different bacterial genus, species and strains," he said. And since they are covered in actual macrophage cell membranes, they can pass as the body's own immune cells and circulate the bloodstream without being evicted.

Researchers used macrophage cells from mice to make the nanosponges. They soaked the cells in a solution that made the cells burst, leaving the membranes behind. The membranes were collected using a centrifuge, then mixed with ball-shaped nanoparticles made of biodegradable polymer. The mixing step spontaneously coated the nanoparticles in macrophage cell membranes.

The team administered the macrophage nanosponges to a group of mice infected with a lethal dose of E. coli. The treatment kept four out of 10 mice in this group alive, while all mice in the untreated group died. One dose of the macrophage nanosponges significantly reduced the levels of endotoxins and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the treated mice. This prevented systemic inflammation and also reduced the bacterial count in the blood and spleen of these mice.

Zhang is working with biopharmaceutical companies to translate the macrophage nanosponges into clinical use. Next steps include manufacturing the nanosponges in large scales and conducting large animal trials.

More information: Soracha Thamphiwatana et al. Macrophage-like nanoparticles concurrently absorbing endotoxins and proinflammatory cytokines for sepsis management, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2017). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1714267114 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

A team of researchers with the University of Chicago, University College Dublin and Cambridge University studying a 385-million-year-old shark fossil has found evidence that suggests humans and sharks shared a common ancestor approximately 440 million years ago.

The researchers were studying a shark specimen found in Germany back in 2001. At the time, it was believed the shark was toothless, and for that reason, scientists gave it the name Gladbachus adentatus. In this new effort, the researchers conducted a much more thorough study of the remains, and in so doing, discovered that it represented a transitional species between acanthodians and chondrichthyes. This bit of evidence offered a better picture of a time period for which there are few fossil records. It suggests a new estimate for the time during which humans and sharks shared a common ancestorapproximately 440 million years ago.

The specimen is the only one of its kind ever foundthat of a shark that lived approximately 385 million years ago, during a time period known as the Devonian, which lasted from 416 million to 358 million years ago. The remains consisted of three sections, all compressed flat in resin. The resin casing preserved much of the endoskeleton, which allowed the team to collect tissue samples. Also preserved were teeth, a cranium, cartilage and gill details. The team studied all of the parts using CT scans, which gave them a more complete picture of what the creature once looked like. The researchers note that the body of the specimen looked like a sheet of scales, and that the bones in its head were very coarse.

The researchers also note that even as study of the specimen has clarified some of the evolutionary history of sharks, it has also complicated understanding of their lineagethey found evidence suggesting that shark evolution has many branches, several of which appear to have converged, leading to characteristics found in modern sharks such as a long throat and multiple gill slits. Their study also confirmed that G. adentatus actually had an abundance of teeth, both small and large.

More information: Michael I. Coates et al. An early chondrichthyan and the evolutionary assembly of a shark body plan, Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences (2018). DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.2418 Abstract

Although relationships among the major groups of living gnathostomes are well established, the relatedness of early jawed vertebrates to modern clades is intensely debated. Here, we provide a new description of Gladbachus, a Middle Devonian (Givetian approx. 385-million-year-old) stem chondrichthyan from Germany, and one of the very few early chondrichthyans in which substantial portions of the endoskeleton are preserved. Tomographic and histological techniques reveal new details of the gill skeleton, hyoid arch and jaws, neurocranium, cartilage, scales and teeth. Despite many features resembling placoderm or osteichthyan conditions, phylogenetic analysis confirms Gladbachus as a stem chondrichthyan and corroborates hypotheses that all acanthodians are stem chondrichthyans. The unfamiliar character combination displayed by Gladbachus, alongside conditions observed in acanthodians, implies that pre-Devonian stem chondrichthyans are severely under-sampled and strongly supports indications from isolated scales that the gnathostome crown group originated at the latest by the early Silurian (approx. 440 Ma). Moreover, phylogenetic results highlight the likely convergent evolution of conventional chondrichthyan conditions among earliest members of this primary gnathostome division, while skeletal morphology points towards the likely suspension feeding habits of Gladbachus, suggesting a functional origin of the gill slit condition characteristic of the vast majority of living and fossil chondrichthyans. Journal information: Proceedings of the Royal Society B

 2018 Phys.org
Two researchers from the University of Hong Kong suggest that toymakers and parents avoid gender-labelling toys, remove colour divides, and manufacture toys for both boys and girls in a wide range of colours. Sui Ping Yeung and Wang Ivy Wong's study is published in Springer's journal Sex Roles, and shows how easily preschoolers' ideas about what is appropriate for their gender is manipulated. Their study is also the first to show that a boy's preference for blue and a girl's liking of pink is not just a Western construct, but is also a phenomenon in urban Asian societies.

The researchers recruited 129 preschool Chinese children aged between five and seven from two kindergartens in Hong Kong. First the researchers assessed the children's preference for pink versus blue by showing them cards and toys in these colours. Then the children were presented with yellow and green cards and toys. They were randomly divided into so-called label and no-label groups.

Children in the no-label group were presented with coloured cards and toys which had no reference to a specific gender and these children consequently expressed no preference for a specific colour. However, preschoolers in the label group were told that yellow was a girl's colour and green a boys' colour, and corresponding gender differences emerged in the choices they made.

Apart from randomly assigning children to these two groups, the children's pre-existing preferences for yellow and green were statistically controlled, so the resulting difference between the groups speaks strongly to a causal effect of the gender labels.

According to the researchers, the gender differences between preferred colours in children is noteworthy because it is so much more prominent than most other psychological differences between the sexes.

"Our findings support the notion that gender-typed liking for pink versus blue is a particularly salient gender difference," explains Yeung. "Moreover, our findings reveal that gender differences could be created merely by applying gender labels."

"By applying gender labels, not only concrete materials such as toys could become gender-typed, but also abstract qualities such as colours, with children increasing or decreasing their likings for particular colours based on the gender labels available in their social environment," Wong says.

The findings support previous research that highlighted the strong influence that gender labels such as "for boys" or "for girls" might have. Further, the observations are in line with gender schema theory that says that once children have learnt a specific gender identity, their behaviour will be guided by the standards set as being appropriate for their specific sex. These will guide them later in life on how they interact and adapt to their surroundings, for instance, when taking on chores around the house, such as cooking, cleaning or repairing things.

Wong also commented on the cultural angle of this study: "Many gender differences and stereotypes in developed Asian regions resemble those in the West, which is not surprising given the high degree of Westernization and the prevalence of gender colour-coding typical of Western cultures in Hong Kong."

The study also goes beyond investigating why boys and girls prefer different colours. The researchers also tested whether using gender-coded colours in toys affects how well children play. The children were given yellow and green puzzles to play with. Whether the puzzles were in the gender appropriate or gender inappropriate colour did not make a difference in the children's puzzle performance.

However, the researchers caution against using this finding to support the use of gender-coded colours to increase sales. The results showed that boys and girls performed equally well but if they had been exposed to gender labels, regardless of whether they received the gender appropriate or gender inappropriate coloured puzzles, a gender difference emerged, with boys outperforming girls.

More information: Sui Ping Yeung et al, Gender Labels on Gender-Neutral Colors: Do they Affect Children's Color Preferences and Play Performance?, Sex Roles (2018). DOI: 10.1007/s11199-017-0875-3 Journal information: Sex Roles

Provided by Springer
A view of Earth's atmosphere from space. Credit: NASA

For the first time, scientists have shown through direct satellite observations of the ozone hole that levels of ozone-destroying chlorine are declining, resulting in less ozone depletion.

Measurements show that the decline in chlorine, resulting from an international ban on chlorine-containing manmade chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), has resulted in about 20 percent less ozone depletion during the Antarctic winter than there was in 2005the first year that measurements of chlorine and ozone during the Antarctic winter were made by NASA's Aura satellite.

"We see very clearly that chlorine from CFCs is going down in the ozone hole, and that less ozone depletion is occurring because of it," said lead author Susan Strahan, an atmospheric scientist from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

CFCs are long-lived chemical compounds that eventually rise into the stratosphere, where they are broken apart by the Sun's ultraviolet radiation, releasing chlorine atoms that go on to destroy ozone molecules. Stratospheric ozone protects life on the planet by absorbing potentially harmful ultraviolet radiation that can cause skin cancer and cataracts, suppress immune systems and damage plant life.

Two years after the discovery of the Antarctic ozone hole in 1985, nations of the world signed the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, which regulated ozone-depleting compounds. Later amendments to the Montreal Protocol completely phased out production of CFCs.

Past studies have used statistical analyses of changes in the ozone hole's size to argue that ozone depletion is decreasing. This study is the first to use measurements of the chemical composition inside the ozone hole to confirm that not only is ozone depletion decreasing, but that the decrease is caused by the decline in CFCs.

The study was published Jan. 4 in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.

The Antarctic ozone hole forms during September in the Southern Hemisphere's winter as the returning sun's rays catalyze ozone destruction cycles involving chlorine and bromine that come primarily from CFCs. To determine how ozone and other chemicals have changed year to year, scientists used data from the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) aboard the Aura satellite, which has been making measurements continuously around the globe since mid-2004. While many satellite instruments require sunlight to measure atmospheric trace gases, MLS measures microwave emissions and, as a result, can measure trace gases over Antarctica during the key time of year: the dark southern winter, when the stratospheric weather is quiet and temperatures are low and stable.

The change in ozone levels above Antarctica from the beginning to the end of southern winterearly July to mid-Septemberwas computed daily from MLS measurements every year from 2005 to 2016. "During this period, Antarctic temperatures are always very low, so the rate of ozone destruction depends mostly on how much chlorine there is," Strahan said. "This is when we want to measure ozone loss."

They found that ozone loss is decreasing, but they needed to know whether a decrease in CFCs was responsible. When ozone destruction is ongoing, chlorine is found in many molecular forms, most of which are not measured. But after chlorine has destroyed nearly all the available ozone, it reacts instead with methane to form hydrochloric acid, a gas measured by MLS. "By around mid-October, all the chlorine compounds are conveniently converted into one gas, so by measuring hydrochloric acid we have a good measurement of the total chlorine," Strahan said.

Nitrous oxide is a long-lived gas that behaves just like CFCs in much of the stratosphere. The CFCs are declining at the surface but nitrous oxide is not. If CFCs in the stratosphere are decreasing, then over time, less chlorine should be measured for a given value of nitrous oxide. By comparing MLS measurements of hydrochloric acid and nitrous oxide each year, they determined that the total chlorine levels were declining on average by about 0.8 percent annually.

The 20 percent decrease in ozone depletion during the winter months from 2005 to 2016 as determined from MLS ozone measurements was expected. "This is very close to what our model predicts we should see for this amount of chlorine decline," Strahan said. "This gives us confidence that the decrease in ozone depletion through mid-September shown by MLS data is due to declining levels of chlorine coming from CFCs. But we're not yet seeing a clear decrease in the size of the ozone hole because that's controlled mainly by temperature after mid-September, which varies a lot from year to year."

Looking forward, the Antarctic ozone hole should continue to recover gradually as CFCs leave the atmosphere, but complete recovery will take decades. "CFCs have lifetimes from 50 to 100 years, so they linger in the atmosphere for a very long time," said Anne Douglass, a fellow atmospheric scientist at Goddard and the study's co-author. "As far as the ozone hole being gone, we're looking at 2060 or 2080. And even then there might still be a small hole."

More information: Susan E. Strahan et al. Decline in Antarctic Ozone Depletion and Lower Stratospheric Chlorine Determined From Aura Microwave Limb Sounder Observations, Geophysical Research Letters (2018). DOI: 10.1002/2017GL074830 Journal information: Geophysical Research Letters
Credit: Ohio University

Tapping into its water-quality expertise, Ohio University's Appalachian Watershed Research Group (AWRG) is assessing data collected from regional mining operations in a first-of-its-kind study, to better predict how groundwater levels will respond to mining.

The research group, a multidisciplinary team of undergraduate and graduate students, staff, and faculty from across the Athens campus, have pulled together a team from Geological Sciences and the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs' Environmental Studies program for the completion of this project. The goal is to create a geospatial tool to model potentially negative environmental impacts from mining operations in the future.

With funding from the federal Office of Surface Mining, the Ohio University team is digging through extensive datasets, compiling, analyzing and modeling both geological and hydrogeological information collected by Ohio-based mining companies and regulatory agencies throughout the last 40 years.

What's on the surface: A history of mines

The State of Ohio has a long legacy of resource extraction  and the land shows it.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) maps created from state agency databases, including the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Divisions of Mineral Resource Management and Water Resources, as well as the Ohio Geological Survey, reveal the right-most portion of the state riddled with wells and boreholes in addition to a swath of surface mines and other oil and gas industry activity.

Ohio's rich mining legacy has had long-standing effects on the surrounding environment, most visibly as orange-red rivers via a chemical reaction called acid mine drainage. It's an issue that's plagued southeastern Ohio for more than 100 years.

Found throughout Appalachia, acid mine drainage occurs when pyrite, a mineral in coal, is exposed to both water and oxygen. The reaction often originates in underground pools that form in coal mines, which can then flood and discharge into the external environment. This discharge can adversely affect the biology or chemistry  or both  of surrounding waterways, thus impacting the region's surface water.

Regulators and mining companies do not currently have an accurate, technology-based mechanism for assessing the probability of the formation of these mine pools. Reclamation and remediation of acid mine drainage impacts can cost federal and state governments millions of dollars each year.

"We are aiming to improve predictions of post-mining water levels to prevent polluting discharges in the first place," Voinovich School Associate Professor Dr. Natalie Kruse, one of the project team leaders, said.

Multidisciplinary cohort explores acid mine drainage in the region

Rebecca Steinberg, a student GIS Technician on the mine-pool project, finished her first round of education at Ohio University with an undergraduate geology major and a GIS certificate.

"I was the kid with the random collection of rocks," Steinberg said. An Athens native, she decided to pursue geology in undergraduate because of its basis as the structure of the rest of the environment.

Now a first-year master of environmental studies (MSES) candidate at Ohio University's Voinovich School, Steinberg's multidisciplinary education is exemplary of the mine-pool team's diverse experiences in acid mine drainage issues.

"I'm on the GIS side of the project, but I know the geology," Steinberg said.

She and her MSES colleague Zachary Matthews work specifically on managing the large amounts of data collected for the team's eventual map-based tool. Matthews studied archeology in undergraduate, also at Ohio University, where he explored the surrounding region in OHIO's Archeology Field School.

"I just really liked being outside  every day was pretty exciting, not knowing what you were going to find," Matthews said of his passion for outdoor field work.

After a year-and-a-half of traveling the country for contract work, Matthews decided to return to his alma mater and pursue a GIS certificate. He enrolled as an MSES candidate and joined the mine-pool project in the fall of 2017.

On the analysis side of the mine tool creation is Lindsey Shafer and Frederick Twumasi, two Geological Sciences graduate students under the direction of Dr. Dina Lopez.

Schafer's understanding of acid mine drainage began during her undergraduate courses as a chemistry major at Ohio University. She began working with Dr. Lopez, a faculty member on the Appalachian Watershed Research Group, during her completion of a geology minor. After graduating with her bachelor's degree in spring 2016, Schafer enrolled in the Geological Sciences program in the fall.

"With my chemistry background, I got excited because I understood the chemical reactions going on in acid mine drainage," Schafer said. "When I started working with Dina as a graduate student, I told her I wanted to work on an AMD project."

Schafer's Geological Sciences colleague on the surface mine-pool project, Frederick Twumasi, came to Ohio University after earning two degrees at the University of Ghana: a bachelor's in geology and a master's in mineral exploration. Twumasi's research work in gold mines led him to explore other environmental issues, including acid mine drainage, in extraction-based activities more broadly.

"I love chemistry, I love geology  the combination of the two makes me who I am," Twumasi said. "So I asked myself, 'How can I relate that to the environment?' I really, really wanted to do environmental geochemistry because I feel the environment is all we have and its protection and management should be everyone's goal."

Together Steinberg and Matthews are organizing enormous amount of data  combing through hundreds of thousands of pages of mining permits and reports collected by ODNR  and entering it into an online database. Here, the MSES duo are looking for 'useable' data points  well and borehole coordinates, static water levels, and total depth of wells  for the later analysis and modeling aspects of the project's monitoring tool creation.

In addition to data entry and processing, Steinberg has also been the primary person for projecting data into files for GIS ArcMap  ultimately the way in which the GIS-based mine pool monitoring tool will be constructed as the team's final product.

Quality assurance is also an important task for the project's completion. The data management team diligently compares the entered data to the original ODNR permits, checking for patterns of error and correcting their spreadsheets accordingly.

"This process is meant to ensure consistency and correctness of all of our entered data," Matthews said.

The Geological Sciences team is next on the chain of command, with Schafer conducting multi-variable statistical analysis on the morphological and geological data mined from these extremely lengthy datasets.

One of the challenges with unpacking this data, Schafer said, is determining the exact elevation and aquifer rock-layers identified in the surrounding region, with minimal geographic information on the wells based on years-old permits.

"In Ohio, sometimes they're very hard to identify because the layers are very thin, so it's hard to determine where those differentiating layers are," Schafer said.

Understanding where the water wells intersect with different layers of rock among different aquifers may help prevent drinking water contamination from the likes of acid mine drainage.

Potential for impact: An old problem, a new solution

The ultimate goal of the project, with guidance from the Appalachian Watershed Research Group's senior technological expertise, is to create a GIS-based prediction tool to prevent future environmental disruptions  and economic costs  from acid mine drainage impacts.

"Acid mine drainage is a very expensive reclamation problem in Ohio. Instead of spending all this money to fix it after the mine has already been exploited, it would be more beneficial to try and reduce the environmental impact of the mines before they go in and start mining," Schafer said.

In early December 2017, the Research Group team previewed their preliminary research findings to representatives from the Ohio agencies and mining industries whose data the project group has been utilizing for the past 6 months.

"It was more interactive," Twumasi said, reflecting on the meeting. "We told them what we found, they also told us what they really expect from us, and at the end of the day they were so happy at the progress we've made."

As the team prepares to advance into the tool-creation side of the project, the four students are motivated by the opportunity to make an impact on an environmental issue of regional significance.

"I always struggled with the idea of 'Why does the research matter?'" Steinberg said. "When you get into environmental studies, there's so many other aspects to it; there's an actual reason that we're studying the things we do."
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Electricity is the backbone of European society. When a natural disaster hits the power grid, recovery can happen in a matter of hours or it could take months to fully restore electricity supply. As well as hampering emergency response efforts, power cuts can trigger accidents and bring economic activity to a halt.

JRC scientists provide scientific evidence to help EU policymakers as they work to guarantee a resilient power grid with secure access to electricity. The most recent study finds that - whether it's across borders or policy lines - collaboration and harmonisation are key to ensuring the EU's power grid can stand up to natural hazards.

The report 'power grid recovery after natural hazard impact' analyses the characteristics of different natural hazards, how they influence power grid recovery time and what the most effective mitigation strategies are.

Policy recommendations

Factors affecting the power grid recovery time in the aftermath of natural disasters include the resilience of electric power utilities and the disruption of other critical infrastructure - either as a direct result of the natural event, or because of the loss of power supply.

The report makes a number of recommendations for building the resilience of the EU power grid, including:

Integrating risk assessment and risk management efforts across various policy areas that directly or indirectly affect the electricity infrastructure; A transition of hazard mitigation strategy from 'asset hardening' (strengthening components of the grid such as buildings and equipment, to withstand hazard impacts) to 'resilience building' (designing the grid so that operation can continue when critical infrastructure is damaged); Improving cross-jurisdictional and cross-border emergency management capabilities related to the provision of electricity. Policies should ensure interoperability between neighbouring transmitter and distributor system operators, and between these operators and emergency management organisations; Space weather forecasting capabilities should be improved to provide transmission system operators with the information they need to prepare for a severe event.

Different hazards affect the grid in different ways

Scientists analysed the performance of the power grid following the impact of real-world natural hazard events:

16 earthquakes. Earthquakes are a particular hazard in the Baltic and Mediterranean countries. They cause damage to heavy equipment and brittle items. Ground failure and soil liquefaction can be devastating to a grid's infrastructure. In most cases it took between 1 and 4 days to restore power supply after earthquake impact, although the timescale ranged from a few hours to months. 15 space weather events. Until recently, this hazard was little understood in the disaster risk management community. Space weather is created by solar activity. Through geomagnetically induced currents (GICs), it affects power transmission and generation equipment, with the potential to impact the entire transmission network. Although some early warning is possible, warning lead times are typically very short. When damage is limited to tripping of a limited number of protective devices, restoration time is less than 24 hours. However, repairs of damaged equipment may take up to several months. 20 floods. Floods are a common hazard across Europe and are regularly associated with power outages. Erosion due to the floodwaters and landslides triggered by floods undermine the foundations of transmission towers. Serious, and often explosive, damage may occur when electrified equipment comes in contact with water, while moisture and dirt intrusion require time-consuming repairs of equipment. In contrast to earthquakes, early warning is possible. This enables electric utilities to shut off power to facilities in flood zones, therefore minimising damage. In this study, power was back online from 24 hours up to 3 weeks after the flood.

Background

Natural and man-made hazards continuously threaten the population in Europe and beyond. Managing risks associated with hazards is based on sound policy making in prevention, preparedness, response, and reconstruction activities.

The JRC carries out extensive work to improve the scientific evidence available for risk assessment in Europe and worldwide - not only in hazard characterisation, but also in vulnerability and exposure assessment (essential components for risk assessment) and the development of guidelines and standards for risk data (including disaster loss data).

Through the Disaster Risk Management Knowledge Centre, the JRC provides the knowledge base that helps the European Commission, EU countries and international partners prepare for and respond to natural and man-made disasters.
Scientists and engineers are fascinated by self-folding structures. Imagine the possibilities: heart stents that unfold in the right location or pop-up tents that assemble at the press of a button, as well as nanoscale versions for tiny machines. But sometimes these structures get stuck during the folding process, and scientists don't know why.

A new paper in Physical Review X by three University of Chicago scientists lays out a mathematical explanationsuch sticking points are simply intrinsic.

"People thought you could engineer around it, but it really looks like there are fundamental limits," said graduate student Menachem Stern, the first author on the paper.

Structures designed to self-assemble often start out correctly, but then the folding peters out, leaving behind islands of properly folded parts. To explore why, the team created a set of mathematical models.

When designing structures that can fold themselves, whether paper origami or tiny nanomachines, scientists start by pre-creasing the folds they need. But this also creates a set of invisible "distractor" branches. The more pre-creases added, the more distractor branches form, and the origami is more and more likely to get stuck.

"No matter how clever the design, there are always many more ways to fold incorrectly and get stuck than to fold correctly," said Arvind Murugan, assistant professor in the James Franck Institute and coauthor on the paper. "We realized that this problem of having many more ways to do something incorrectly than correctly shows up in many other areas of science and mathematics, including the design of protein structures in biology and the design of Sudoku puzzles."

Credit: University of Chicago

Using these connections, there are ways to mitigate the problem even if it is intrinsic, said Stern, Murugan and Matthew Pinson, the study's third author.

Their findings include a set of predictions for where to place hinges when designing folds, as well as for identifying problem areas and how to fix themwhich could apply to everything from paper origami to micro-machines to self-assembling tents.

More information: Menachem Stern et al. The Complexity of Folding Self-Folding Origami, Physical Review X (2017). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevX.7.041070 Journal information: Physical Review X
The zoantharian species Antipathozoanthus remengesaui, named after the president of Palau, Tommy Remengesau. This image shows a colony of open polyps on top of a black coral from Palau. Credit: James Davis Reimer

Three new species of zoantharians were discovered by researchers from the University of the Ryukyus and Kagoshima University, Japan, and the Palau International Coral Reef Center. Despite not being previously known, all three species were found widely across the Indo-Pacific, with at least two species found in the Red Sea, the Maldives, Palau, and southern Japan.

Zoantharians, or colonial anemones, include species popular in the pet trade such as Zoanthus or Palythoa, but the new species are all much more cryptic, living in marine caves, cracks, or at depths below most recreational SCUBA diving (>20 m). The research was published December 29, 2017, in the open-access journal ZooKeys.

The three new species belong to the genus Antipathozoanthus, which contains species that only live on top of black coral colonies. However, surprisingly, one of the new species does not live on black corals, but instead in narrow cracks in coral reefs.

"We think that the new species, Antipathozoanthus obscurus, has evolved away from needing to be on top of black corals to take advantage of the available space in coral reef cracks", said lead researcher Hiroki Kise. "This is yet another example of how much diversity is right underneath our noses, but we still know nothing about it."

Coral reefs, which are widely threatened by rising temperatures from global warming, are generally believed to harbour very high numbers of species, including yet many undescribed or unknown species.

The zoantharian species Antipathozoanthus cavernus was found in marine caves on black corals across the Indo-Pacific Ocean. This image shows a colony of open polyps on top of a black coral from Palau. Credit: James Davis Reimer

Amongst the other two new species is Antipathozoanthus remengesaui, named after the current president of Palau, Tommy Remengesau.

"Much of our work was based in Palau", said senior author Dr. James Reimer, "and we wished to acknowledge the fantastic support we have received from the nation. Palau is considered at the forefront of marine conservation, and much of this is thanks to President Remengesau's vision."

While the new discoveries shed more light on our understanding of coral reef biodiversity, this work is far from done. In fact, the researchers themselves estimate they still have up to ten more zoantharian species to describe from the waters of Palau and Okinawa.

The species Antipathozoanthus obscurus, described from narrow cracks and caves in coral reefs. Unlike related species, this species does not live upon black corals, but instead directly on coral reef rock. Credit: Hiroki Kise

"Marine diversity of coral reefs is amazing, with new surprises all the time", said Kise, "and biodiversity scientists still have a lot more work to do."

More information: Hiroki Kise et al, Three new species and the molecular phylogeny of Antipathozoanthus from the Indo-Pacific Ocean (Anthozoa, Hexacorallia, Zoantharia), ZooKeys (2017). DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.725.21006 Journal information: ZooKeys
Danny M. Lavery, aka Dear Prudence, is online weekly to chat live with readers. An edited transcript of the chat is below. (Read Prudies Slate columns here. Send questions to Prudence at prudence@slate.com.)

Readers! Ask me your questions on the voicemail of the Dear Prudence podcast. Just leave a message at 401-371-DEAR (3327), and you may hear your question answered on a future episode of the show.

Q. No Facebook allowed: We have a vacation place in a popular tourist area. Its pretty rural, theres no cell coverage, and we had to go through a lot of engineering and effort to get ourselves workable internet service. My wife and I are both pretty strongly averse to social media. Weve therefore blocked all the major social media services at our homes. We often invite friends to come stay with usand we give a heads-up that theres no Facebook et al. available.

Some guests have seemed put out by this. Is it so unreasonable? We believe that social media is monetized narcissism, that it distracts us, invades our privacy (we dont want our property to be free content for these companies), and interferes with having quality time with our gueststhat would be our answer if someone were to ask why we block the services, but we dont volunteer the reasoning. I feel like they wouldnt be likewise affronted by foregoing meat as guests at a vegetarian house. Is this so different?

A: I dont know how similar not being able to access social media sites are to eating meat-free meals, but I dont think you need to come up with direct analogies to vegetarianism in order to justify your choices. You and your wife have decided not to make that aspect of the internet available in your home, and as long as you let your guests know in advance, youve discharged your duties as polite hosts. If your guests want full internet access, then they are welcome to pay for a hotel in your popular tourist area.

Q. Baby blunder: When my husband and I found out I was pregnant with our first child and were ready to tell our respective parents, we didnt put much thought into whose parents wed break the news to first. We happened to be at my in-laws house on Christmas Eve, so we told them that night, and of course they were overjoyed. The next day, we expected the same reaction from my parents. Instead, the first words my Mom utteredcaptured on video, no lesswere, You told [my in-laws] first, didnt you? with a scathing look on her face. When I said yes, she was devastated and didnt speak to me for two days. On the third day, I got a very tearful phone call saying how badly Id hurt her, and that since my in-laws already had grandkids the news wasnt as special to them. She said we should have told them first because Im their daughter, and that one day Id understand.

Were my husband and I in the wrong? Her reaction completely spoiled what should have been a joyous occasion, and Ive had a hard time not being resentful toward her.

A: I want to try to be as generous as possible to your parents, but I dont think thats going to take me very far. You mothers attempt to rank how special having a grandchild is to each future grandparent, according to her own particular algorithm, makes it seem like shes going out of her way to get her feelings hurt.

If she wants to get hung up on the fact that her in-laws found out a full 24 hours before she did, rather than on the fact that you and your husband are going to be having a child, then thats her choice. I personally think its a bad one! But its certainly not one you need to apologize or take responsibility for.

Q. Friends with exes: I am dating Simone, and we are on the verge of getting serious. She is pretty, funny, and the complete package, except for one thing. She doesnt think people can be friends with their exes.

I can understand her perspective, because she got pretty badly burned by past boyfriends who cheated on her with their ex-wives or girlfriends. I have been lucky that all my relationships except one ended on good notes. Either we broke up over different life choices (wanting kids) or careers (moving for work). I actually ended up playing matchmaker for a few. Simone freezes up with my friends after finding out I dated this one or slept with that one in college. We have told each other about our serious past relationships, but recently she has been needling me about being a player and dropping plans with my friends if one of my known exes is there. She says she trusts me, and I have reassured her over and over.

One of my serious exes will be staying with me for a few weeks while she house hunts. She is married to my one of my best friends, and they are moving back from out of state. I will not actually see much of her beyond picking her up at the airport. I will being seeing them socially when they move here. How do I prepare Simone? I want to be a good boyfriend here.

A: It sounds like Simones biggest reactions have arisen when shes met a friend of yours whom youve later revealed to be an ex. The problem isnt just that youve stayed friends with a lot of people youve dated or slept withthe problem is that you dont share that information with Simone upfront. This is a pattern youre about to repeat, inasmuch as youve made plans to let one of your exes crash with you for a few weeks but dont seem to have shared that news with your current girlfriend yet. Which, by the way, I think is absolutely fine, but you do need to share this information with Simone before your houseguest arrives. I dont think you have to do much in the way of preparing her other than being honest; if Simone wants to get serious with you, shes going to have to accept that youre close with some of your exes but that youre not trying to cheat on her with any of them. If she cant accept that, its probably better to know sooner rather than later.

Q. I grew up weird: We were brought up in a very religious, weird family setting. My grandfather was a very loving mentally ill man who nobody questioned. He believed he was a prophet and all blindly followed. We had an independent church in the basement of our deep country land.

My mother made our lives worth it with her love and kindness, but to this day I still resent her for putting us through so much pain and confusion. I love her, and I know she was a victim too, but where do I draw the line? I see a psychiatrist and therapist just to function. She didnt harm us, but she was an adult and did nothing to protect us. How can I forgive her when she doesnt believe anything went wrong?

A: You do not have to forgive your mother for your childhood. I know that theres a lot of value placed on forgiveness in religious settings as well as in a secular therapeutic context, but all too often what that means is that someone who was victimized or harmed in a profound way is encouraged to paper over their pain, offer unearned absolution, and perform happiness. You can love your mother, accept her flaws and limitations, acknowledge the ways in which she failed you, experience periodic anger and resentment, all while remaining in her life and seeing her as a complex, multifaceted person. Your only job with regard to your own childhood is to attempt to view it as accurately and as honestly as possible and to take care of yourself in the present. You do not have to forgive your mother nor do you have to pretend that your childhood was fine just because she does.

Continue to see your therapist and psychiatrist. Set whatever boundaries you need to with your mother. If that means not talking about your childhood with her right now, then thats fine. If that means having a painful conversation with her about your childhood at some point and having a fight, then thats fine too. The point is that you dont have to forgive your mother in order to love her, so please dont feel like its your job to get to a place of forgiveness unless and until you decide its something youre ready for.

Q. Day care: I telecommute most days because of medical issues. Over the Christmas break, two of my long-term friends and co-workers had emergency child care issues. (A spouse left for family medical issues, and the day care burned down.) It would have seriously damaged all of our work, so I offered to watch their girls (12, 10, and 9), who arent old enough to be left by themselves but mature enough not to be a bother. We packed down into my basement where they watched TV and read books. I would periodically check on them, but I never had any problems. Their mothers packed their lunches and snacks.

My husband mentioned the arrangement to his sister, and she flat-out told everyone she expects me to do the same for her boys! Besides them being younger, my nephews are loud, active, and have severe behavior problems. There is no way they can be trusted to be left alone for any period of time. My sister-in-law does not take no for an answer and runs right over everyone else in the family. This will cause a fight. My husbands idea is just not to take the girls, but that screws me over with my work! How do I get out of this?

A: You and your husband are going to have to give your sister-in-law  no for an answer, Im afraid. I dont know how much longer you plan on providing emergency day care for your friends, but the fact that youre willing to look after three children temporarily in order to keep your workplace afloat doesnt mean youre suddenly on the market as a full-time babysitter for any and every relative in need of child care. You say this will cause a fight, but its a fight youve got to have; your sister-in-law can and will take no for an answer if you and your husband refuse to give in to her. No, that doesnt work for us, is going to be your constant companion. Not Im sorry, but   and not The reason that doesnt work is   Just No, that doesnt work for us. You dont have to get out of anything because you havent promised your sister-in-law anything, and shes not entitled to anything from you just because she has unrealistic expectations.

Q. How to put this delicately: My brotherthe baby, the favorite, the only boy, etc.is getting married. My mother is insistent on looking drop-dead gorgeous on his wedding day, and she sends me nightly links to very inappropriate (both in style and for her age) dresses shes considering buying for this event. I very nicely and politically rule them out for largely made-up reasons, but Im hoping you can help me come up with a sentence or two to delicately communicate why 1) dressing this way is inappropriate, and 2) you should not be attempting to outshine the bride. (Ive literally had to nix several ivory dresses.)

And now for some context! Her other children are married, and she dressed tastefully for those weddings, and she only moderately gets along with my brothers wealthy in-laws-to-be. I realize this shouldnt be my problem, but here we are.

A: Hey Mom, you should run these outfits past [Brother and wife-to-be]. Anything thats not white or too bridal-looking should be fine, but its not my wedding, so you should check in with them instead of me. Good luck finding something!

Q. I dropped off the face of the earth while dealing with an untreated mental illness: As a teenager, I lived briefly with a set of foster parents and their two daughters. I didnt know it at the time, but I was suffering from undiagnosed PTSD stemming from the situation that led to my living with a foster family. Once I turned 18 and felt I had exhausted my welcome, I moved out on my own. As my mental health collapsed, and I found myself less and less able to maintain relationships, I withdrew from almost everyone. Nobody reached out to me during that time, including my former foster family. Several years later, I learned that the younger of the two daughters apparently hates me for abandoning her. Im not sure what explanation she was offered by the family for my disappearance, but I gather it didnt paint me in a very positive light. Ive sent her a couple of messages, but after she ignored the first few, I took that as a cue that she no longer wanted to have any contact with me and stopped.

Is there anything else I can or should do to make amends with this young woman? I feel terrible about the whole situation.

A: While it sounds like your former foster sister was probably a child during the time of your disappearance and cant necessarily be expected to have had a fully rational view of reality, I dont think you should be too hard on your past self. You were a teenager dealing with untreated PTSD and a deeply painful upbringing. You may wish you had handled things differently, but you were doing your best at the time with the tools that you had. I only wish your former foster family could extend a little more compassion toward you. If she doesnt respond to your messages, then you certainly cant force her, but please dont feel like you have to wear a hairshirt in order to get her attention.

Q. Grimy in-laws: My partners parents are lovely, kind, and giving people. They spend much of their time providing for others, especially caring for their nearby grandparents. They spend decidedly less time taking care of their home. Their house is covered in a layer of dust. There are cobwebs in every corner. Their kitchen has layers and layers of oil and food spills. Their floors are littered with debris. Worst of all, their bathroom is covered in black mold! My partners mother has a lot of health problems, some of which keep her from keeping up with chores and some that I believe are exacerbated by the state of the house. I believe their home has been in this state since my partner was a child, but its certainly gotten worse given recent health episodes.

I want to help them fix their house, either by offering my time on weekends to clean or offering to pay for a housecleaning service to stop by a few times a month. However, Im afraid that if I offer to do this I will offend them! I did a little extra cleaning when I spent the holidays with them, and they seemed a little off-put by my insistence on vacuuming the house. We have a great relationship right now, and I dont want to tarnish it by giving them the impression that I find them dirty. My partner doesnt want to take the reins here, and I certainly dont want to seem like a persnickety daughter-in-law. I know this problem will only get worse as they age and more health issues emerge. Im seriously worried that theyre destroying their home and will lose it due to lack of upkeep.

How can I broach the subject without offending them? Or should I just mind my own business and let her children take the lead? Thank you for your help!

A: A bathroom thats covered in black mold is several steps beyond being persnickety. While black mold may not be immediately dangerous, it can certainly exacerbate respiratory issues or lead to possible infection in children or people with compromised immune systems. Talk to your partner about the best way to broach the subject with your in-laws. If your mother-in-law has health problems and theyre both struggling to maintain their multiple obligations to their own parents, then its likely there is a way you can frame offering to pay for a cleaning service as a gift and a relief. Thats not to say you two should feel responsible for making sure your in-laws keep their houses initial valuethat day may already be long past.

Be sure, too, that when and if you hire a cleaning service, you inform them ahead of time about the mold issue and make sure theyve got the right equipment to deal with it so that youre not putting their health at risk either.

Q. Re: Baby blunder: You didnt do anything wrong. Your moms reaction is manipulative and selfish. I dont know if this is part of her personality, but it makes me wonder what type grandmother shell be. If you give in to your moms childish behavior, I predict future tantrums about spending time with her grandchild. The subject is closed. Do you want to talk about something else, or should I hang up now?

Q. Re: Baby blunder: So sorry you feel that way, mom. We happened to be at my in-laws house and we told them. Thats all. Youre still my mom, and Im counting on your help when the baby comes, and I really hope youre not going to bean-count every moment with the new baby, or I will be absolutely miserable. Love you!

A: These are both fabulous scripts that offer your mother an opportunity to focus on the (many!) joyful aspects of becoming a first-time grandmother. I hope she takes that opportunity, but if she doesnt, I think its good advice to not try to soothe her tantrums.

Danny M. Lavery: Thanks, everyone! See you back here next week at our normal time on Monday.

Discuss this column with Dear Prudence on his Facebook page!

If you missed Part 1 of this weeks chat, click here to read it.
Local source may be a cure to connection moratorium.

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Slovakia is in line with the trend of utilising green energy and has several facilities that harness water, sun or wind. Similar to other countries, Slovak builders and operators enjoy generous support that compensates them for the cost of these new, expensive technologies. However, this has resulted in higher electrical prices for end-consumers and a connection moratorium for new, larger renewable energy plants. Now the government wants to change the support scheme and put more market pressure on these plants. In the meantime, the Slovak Association of Photovoltaic Industry (SAPI) has provided its own solution for the moratorium: so-called local source.

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Renewable energy sources are stigmatised in Slovakia due to mismanaged state support that will burden our wallets and the state budget for several years onward, Jozef Badida, an analyst on the Energieprevas.sk website, which is dedicated to the energy sector, told The Slovak Spectator. This is also why the moratorium on connecting new, renewable energy plants, with the exception of solar power stations placed on the roofs of family houses, has persisted here.

(Source: Third Report on the State of the Energy Union)

Meeting obligations

Although Slovakia is not a top leader in the usage of renewable energy sources (RES), it is on a good path and continues to meet its interim obligations, said Badida, who referenced the European Commissions latest report of the state of the energy union released in late November.

In 2015, the share of renewables in the gross final energy consumption of Slovakia was 12.9 percent, meaning Slovakia not only outperformed the interim target for 2015/16 (10 percent), but also the 2017/2018 target (11.4 percent). Slovakia is right on track to meet its 2020 target (14 percent).

Nevertheless, an issue with the public acceptance of renewables persists due to the overgenerous support schemes of the past and a nuclear option made clear by the Slovak government, which, in turn, makes the environment for renewables unfavourable, reads the report. The distribution system operators have declared a connection moratorium for new renewable energy plants with a generating capacity of more than 10 kW, referencing problems related to capacity and the stability of the grid.
The future holds great promise for Slovakia as a secure, sovereign, prosperous member of Europe and of the broader transatlantic community of nations, US Ambassador to Slovakia opines.

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On New Years Eve 1992, thousands of Slovaks gathered on SNP Square in Bratislava, counting down the minutes to the start of 1993  and with it, the birth of the Slovak Republic. Alongside thousands of jubilant Slovaks stood an American named Paul Hacker, Consul General of the United States. As the celebrations continued into the early morning hours, he walked back to his office in what was then the US Consulate to begin the hard work needed to open the United States newest Embassy.

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In the intervening twenty-five years, Slovakia has found stability, prosperity, and security through the hard work of its people, the energy and commitment of its civil society, and the strategic vision of its leaders. This is a tremendous achievement, and it comes following nearly a century of struggle on the part of ordinary and extraordinary people who had the courage to be free.
Most prefer accommodation close to their place of work.

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Foreigners coming to Slovakia to work for the manufacturing industry try to live as economically as possible. They often do not arrive with their families and only work for a short period of time.

They live in various rooming houses, in former guest houses and similar properties where as many workers as possible can live for the cheapest, Jan Palencar, head of the National Association of Real Estate Agencies in Slovakia (NARKS), told the TASR newswire.

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Workers try to find accommodation close to the city where they work. They can also rent accommodation due to laws permitting short-term rentals.

The law gives preferential treatment to the flats owner which means that the flats owner does not have to fear that if they terminate the agreement with the tenant, the tenant will stay in the flat by using legal obstructions, Palencar said, as quoted by TASR.

At the same time, the flats owners pay taxes to the state, he added.

The municipality, on whose territory the accommodation facility is located, adopts the regulation with which it sets the local tax for accommodation. In Bratislava, for example, the tax amounts to 1.70 a night per person in the facility.

Taxes depend on the number of nights people spend in the facility, TASR wrote.
Caregivers met with the president and demanded the increase of their wages.

The association of caretakers I Go Home Permanently wants caretakers in Slovakia to earn at least a net 700-750 per month. (Source: SME/Fotolia)

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Edita Spisakova has been working as a caregiver in Austria for eleven years and these holidays were one of many she spent abroad without her family. Even after years of experience, it is still difficult for her, she claims.

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It is difficult to overcome the sadness and especially the solitude even for older caregivers like me, Spisakova told The Slovak Spectator. No Austrian family has ever replaced my own, and Im constantly replacing their own children.

She described her feelings on the Facebook group of the civic association Idem natrvalo domov (I Go Home Permanently), which was created shortly after the collision of a minibus with a truck on 14 October 2017. Seven caregivers and their chauffeur died on the ride from Austria to eastern Slovakia.

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The aim of the association is to improve the working conditions for caregivers in Slovakia to such an extent that they will not have to travel abroad for decent pay.

The number of association members is constantly rising. Recently it began activities in the regions and its representatives have already met with President Andrej Kiska, parliaments speaker Andrej Danko and Labour Ministry State Secretary Branislav Ondrus.

Slovakia is not a social state for many who really need help, the president told the media after meeting with them. We cannot take care of old people, people with disabilities and single mothers.

The association plans to visit the Labour Ministry again to discuss the wages of caretakers.
Andrej Kiska criticised Smer in an interview. The prime minister is silent, the interior minister refuting any wrongdoing.

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Interior Minister Robert Kalinak of Smer allegedly stands behind the tax scandal of the company KTAG, founded by President Andrej Kiska. Kiska accused the minister of organising his discrediting in an interview with the Hungarian weekly Vasarnap.

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The state is rudely abusing its power to blemish and discredit anyone, Kiska said, as quoted by the Sme daily. It showed that the interior minister, who abused the National Criminal Agency, is behind all of this.

Several media outlets received tax office documents and police reports from a sender called Yegor Trutnov last autumn, indicating that Kiskas company was investigated both by the Financial Administration and the police. The tax scrutiny revealed that the firm paid 27,000 less on taxes than it should have.

KTAG admitted the mistake after the investigation, regretting its actions and paying the missing sum, Sme wrote.

NAKA did not investigate the company

Kalinak meanwhile refused the presidents accusations.

NAKA never investigated case of the tax evasions of the presidents company, his ministrys press department said, as quoted by Sme.

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NAKA did not investigate KTAG at the time the president acted as its authorised representatives, at the time the presidential campaign was approaching its climax and the firm included the campaign expenses into its accounting and asked for VAT refunds, it added.

NAKA started investigating the company only after the General Prosecutors Office reopened the case last year, said Police Corps President Tibor Gaspar.

Kiska has indirectly called on Kalinak to resign from his post in relation to the Basternak case, and has been pointing to the governments faults, Sme reported.

Part of the presidential campaign?

In the interview the president also mentioned the conflict between Finance Minister Peter Kazimir and Kalinak during Smers leadership meeting. There was a rumour that one of the tax offices employees was responsible for the leak. The tax offices officially operate under the Finance Ministry.

The president claimed that Kazimir allegedly blamed Kalinak for trying to make the whole scandal his mistake. They reportedly had a fight, Kiska went on.

The Interior Ministrys press department responded that the president is trying to find a scapegoat for his own mistakes, reminding him of using the government plane for his private trips to Poprad.

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Kiska has repeatedly said it was Kalinak who had offered him usage of the plane.

He also considers the intensifying attacks by Smer to be part of the campaign before the 2019 presidential elections, Sme wrote.
The collection and removal will last three months.

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The removal of Christmas trees in the Slovak capital will start on January 8, informed the municipal company Odvod a Likvidacia Odpadu (OLO), which collects and disposes of waste.

It will start in the Old Town borough and gradually move to other city districts. The collection and removal of the Christmas trees will end on March 31, the TASR newswire reported.

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In the case of family houses, it is necessary to move undecorated Christmas trees to the closest collection hubs, while in the case of flats they should be placed ner waste containers, OLO spokesperson Beata Humenikova said, as quoted by TASR.

The Christmas trees will be taken to the Bratislavas waste incinerator.

By burning them with other communal waste, heat and electricity are produced and further distributed to 22,000 households, Humenikova added for TASR.

The number of collected and removed Christmas trees increases every year. While in 2014 it was 84 tonnes of Christmas trees, in 2016 it was nearly 99 tonnes and last year more than 112 tonnes.

Apart from leaving it to OLO, people can personally bring their Christmas trees and dispose of them in OLOs collection yard on Stara Ivanska Cesta, which is open from 8:00 to 18:00 every day, except Sundays and holidays.
Look for Spis Jerusalem, Ruska Bystra or Slovakias Little Croatia.

Spis Castle is impressive from the air as well as from the ground. (Source: Fly Media)

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More information about travelling in Slovakia

Please see our Please see our Spectacular Slovakia travel guide

There are several attractions people coming to eastern Slovakia can visit, both well-known and hidden.

One of the most visited sites is Spis Castle, listed among spectacular abandoned castles around the world by CNN television.

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Spis Castle is a stunning Gothic-Romanesque hybrid, CNN wrote in the photo caption that accompanied the story.

The castle was visited by a record number of tourists in 2017, amounting to 212,000 people, the regional daily Korzar wrote on its website.

More focus on hidden gems

Fewer people know that close to the castle is another tourist attraction: Spis Jerusalem. It is a unique model route with constructions situated in a part of Spisske Podhradie called Pazit. It was built by Jesuit monks between 1666 and 1675 because people could not visit Jerusalem due to the Turkish Wars.

An interesting aspect is that the builders maintained the same distance between the model objects like in Jerusalem, Korzar wrote.

The site belongs among the localities the local tourist organisation Kosice Region Tourism wants to focus on. Spis Jerusalem is a place people can visit during a trip to the more famous Spis Castle, said Kosice Region Tourisms head Lenka Vargova Jurkova, as reported by Korzar.

Another place worth visiting is the village of Ruska Bystra in the Sobrance district, whose wooded church became part of the UNESCO list in 2008.

The ambition of the tourism organisation is also to further promote the old quarry near the village of Benatina, reminiscent of the Plitvice Lakes in Croatia.

We will mark the path to the travertine lake this year, Vargova Jurkova said, as quoted by Korzar. Since in 2018 we are also celebrating the 10th anniversary of the church's inscription to the UNESCO list, we plan to work with this theme as well.

Other attractions prepared

Kosice Region Tourism focused on the Gemer region last year. Apart from Gombasecka Cave, it built a new educational path, offering information in three languages.

I also recommend visiting the villages of Stitnik (with a Gothic church) and Slavosovce (with the native house of writer Pavol Dobsinsky), as well as Slavosovce tunnel (never once used for railway transport), since they are rarities in the region, Vargova Jurkova said.

Her organisation plans to build a new promenade at Zemplinska Sirava Lake this year, connecting the local hotel with a water park.

The plan is to also reconstruct the cable car to Gerava, improve transport connection in Slovak Paradise and increase the offer of local trips, Vargova Jurkova added for Korzar.
Political analysts offer their expectations for the starting year and sum up 2017.

The second half of the year in Slovak politics meant a tougher relationship between the prime minister and the president. (Source: TASR)

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2017 wasnt worth much, Prime Minister Robert Fico admitted as he reported about his phone call with his Czech counterpart, Andrej Babis, during which they wished each other a better 2018 than 2017.

Fico did not specify why 2017 was disappointing for him, but the fact is that his Smer party suffered a loss in the regional elections that took place in November, and his government experienced several quakes, including a major crisis over the summer. Analysts also consider the rekindled conflict between the prime minister and the president to be one of the defining moments on the political scene.

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2017 saw a shifting among opposition parties. Two new entities emerged in a more concrete form over the year: the group around MP Miroslav Beblavy known as Spolu (Together), while the leftist movement of Ivan Stefunko, called Progressive Slovakia, has already introduced some of its people and ideas.

But the political event of the year was the abrogation of the controversial amnesties of former prime minister Vladimir Meciar. Political analyst Grigorij Meseznikov, president of the Institute for Public Affairs, opines that this was also thanks to the fact that some parties that have opposed the scrapping of the amnesties in the past were in a way forced to support it now - namely Smer and the Slovak National Party (SNS).

They had no other choice, given the circumstances, Meseznikov told The Slovak Spectator. If they had not agreed with it, it would have harmed them politically.

The loss of the far right and expectations for the municipal vote

The November 4 regional elections were expected to be the event of the 2017 in Slovakia, despite the usual low turnout in this type of vote. Indeed, they did indicate to some extent how the country has progressed and what forces are prevailing in society, Meseznikov noted.

The defeat [of the far right] is purely political, not about a weakened electoral potential, Meseznikov said, pointing out the different election system applied in the regional vote.

While Meseznikov still sees a considerable electorate for the far right, he does not expect them to attain a great result in the 2018 municipal elections.
Former deputy ambassador of the Slovak Embassy in Budapest, Rastislav Mojto, did not have his contract prolonged due to an open conflict with the ministry leadership.

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"I have been in an open conflict with Minister [Miroslav] Lajcak for almost a year," Rastislav Mojto told the Sme daily after he withdrew from his post of deputy ambassador at Slovakia's Embassy in Budapest as of the end of 2017.

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Mojto, who has subsequently decided to leave the diplomatic service following his withdrawal from Budapest, believes he was removed from the post due to his critical statements of the ministry and its policies. Most recently, he complained on social networks that Parliament's Speaker, Andrej Danko, refused to be accompanied by him during his official visit to Hungary, Sme reported.

The ministry argues that Mojto was removed from the post due to "current personnel needs of the department" and it is common practice that diplomats are recalled without other reasons.

Mojto, a dipomat with 14 years of experience, however, decided to leave the department and the diplomatic service.

"This way I symbolically continue what Zuzana Hlavkova started and make it clear that it is not just the youngest generation criticising the ministry," Mojto told Sme. Hlavkova is a former ministry staffer who two years ago blew the whistle on the ministry over overpriced orders related to the Slovak EU Council Presidency.

Mojto claims that the ministry is preparing a new directive for its staffers to prevent them from publishing their opinions on social networks. Peter Susko from the Foreign Ministry confirmed they are currently analysing social networks to make sure the social media communication is in line with the law on state service, Sme reported.
The M.R. Stefanik airport in Bratislava transported more than 1.9 million passengers last year but still has more to offer.

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The M.R. Stefanik airport in Bratislava (BTS) has announced six new regular lines and one new regular charter flight for 2018. Moreover, new rules for transport of hand luggage for passengers flying with low-cost airliner Ryanair will come into effect mid-January.

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New airliner, new destination

New air company, Georgian Airways, will launch a new connection to the Georgian capital Tbilisi on March 27. Flights will be available twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays. Prices start at 169 .

WizzAir will also offer a new connection to London, starting on March 25, which will fly seven days a week to London-Luton airport. In May, the Airbus A321, with a capacity of 230 passengers, will be available.

Read also:

Read also: Ryanair postpones new luggage transport conditions Read more

Passengers can also fly to new holiday destinations from Bratislava at the end of March 2018 including summer resorts Burgas (Bulgaria), Malta, Paphos in Cyprus, and Thessaloniki in Greece, all operated by Ryanair. A connection to Bologna, Italy will be available in October 2018, airport spokesperson Veronika Sevcikova informed.

Regular charters flights will be enhanced with flights to Catania, Sicily, by the Smartwings company. Other charter flights will include places like Crete and Zakynthos (both in Greece), Gran Canaria and Menorca (in Spain), and Tel Aviv (Israel).

Record number of passengers

Bratislava Airport expects to serve more than 1.9 million passengers this year, which would be the highest figure recorded over the last nine years. This means the airport handled the highest number of passengers in its history: 2.22 million, the SITA newswire wrote on January 3.

The number of passengers flying in and out of the airport reached almost 1.76 million last year, up by 12.3 percent year-on-year. For eleven months of this year, the airport served 1.82 million travelers which is a 10-percent increase from the same period last year.

In July alone, the airport handled over 304,000 passengers which is the highest number in a single month in 66 years of the airport's operation, CEO and Chairman of M.R. Stefanik Airport in Bratislava, Jozef Pojedinec, said.

In 2017, the airport added five new destinations to its schedule  Warsaw in Poland, Sofia in Bulgaria, Cluj-Napoca in Romania, Tuzla in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Bologna in Italy, he added.
They should learn more about cultural specifics of the country.

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Asylum seekers and people granted international protection will learn more about Slovakia from a new guide issued by the Interior Ministrys Migration Office, titled New start in the Slovak Republic.

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The guide will provide foreigners asking for asylum a real picture of the country that reflects the values of Slovaks and their expectations from foreigners, the SITA newswire reported.

The guide will also be used as a working aid for social field workers in asylum facilities run by the Interior Ministry, who will work and communicate with foreigners in Slovakia.

The guides goal is to show foreigners the cultural customs of Slovakia with the aim of achieving mutual understanding. It is written simply and clearly and is based on practical experiences of the Migration Offices employees as well as foreigners specifications of the biggest problems they encountered after arriving to Slovakia, SITA reported.

The foreigners who helped the writers have already undergone the asylum procedure and have been granted international protection. They have experience with Slovakias cultural specifics. Social field workers working at asylum facilities and aiding in integration, as well as experts from academia, the International Organisation of Migration, the Office of UN High Commissioner for Refugees and other non-governmental organisations also helped compose the guide.

The guide is issued in several languages and there are also translations in Persian, Pashto, French and Russian.
Sasol Limited, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an integrated chemical and energy company in South Africa. The company operates through six segments: Mining, Gas, Fuels, Chemicals Africa, Chemicals America, and Chemicals Eurasia. It offers acetate, acrylate monomer, ammonia, carbon, chlor alkali, explosive, fertilizer, glycol ether, hydrocarbon blend, inorganic, ketone, mining, polymer, and wax chemicals, as well as lacquer thinners, light alcohols, and phenolics or cresylic acids. The company also markets and sells brick, electrical, engine, hand, non-ferrous, and window cleaners, as well as parts wash products and super soaps; degreasers; bitumen, fuel oils, lubricants, motor fuels, and gas-to-liquid fuels; and other fuels, such as illuminating paraffin, light cycle and distillate oils, light straight run fuels, and synthetic paraffinic kerosene. In addition, it wholesales diesel and petrol; operates coal mines; offers engineering services; and develops lower carbon solutions. Further, the company explores, develops, produces, markets, and distributes natural gas and related products through pipelines. It serves adhesive, agriculture and forestry, automotive and transportation, aviation, burner fuel, chemical, construction and material, corrosion protection, electrical and electronic, flavor and fragrance, furniture, health and medical, household and consumer goods, industrial product, lubricant, manufacturing, mining, packaging, paint and coating, personal care, pharmaceutical, plastic and polymer, publishing and ink, pulp and paper, rubber and tyre, specialty graphite, steel and foundry, textile and leather, water treatment, and other industries. Sasol Limited was founded in 1950 and is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Catalent, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, develops and manufactures solutions for drugs, protein-based biologics, cell and gene therapies, and consumer health products worldwide. The Softgel and Oral Technologies segment provides formulation, development, and manufacturing services for soft capsules for use in a range of customer products, such as prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, unit-dose cosmetics, and animal health medicinal preparations. The Biologics segment provides biologic cell-line; develops and manufactures cell therapy and viral based gene therapy; formulation, development, and manufacturing for parenteral dose forms, including vials, prefilled syringes, vials, and cartridges; and analytical development and testing services. The Oral and Specialty Delivery segment offers formulation, development, and manufacturing across a range of technologies along with integrated downstream clinical development and commercial supply solutions. This segment also offers oral delivery solutions platform comprising pre-clinical screening, formulation, analytical development, and current good manufacturing practices services. The Clinical Supply Services segment offers manufacturing, packaging, storage, distribution, and inventory management for drugs and biologics, and cell and gene therapies in clinical trials. The company also offers FlexDirect direct-to-patient and FastChain demand-led clinical supply services. It serves pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and consumer health companies; and companies in other healthcare market segments, such as animal health and medical devices, as well as in cosmetics industries. The company was incorporated in 2007 and is headquartered in Somerset, New Jersey.
Matador Resources Company, an independent energy company, engages in the exploration, development, production, and acquisition of oil and natural gas resources in the United States. It operates through two segments, Exploration and Production; and Midstream. The company primarily holds interests in the Wolfcamp and Bone Spring plays in the Delaware Basin in Southeast New Mexico and West Texas. It also operates the Eagle Ford shale play in South Texas; and the Haynesville shale and Cotton Valley plays in Northwest Louisiana. In addition, the company conducts midstream operations in support of its exploration, development, and production operations; provides natural gas processing and oil transportation services; and offers oil, natural gas, and produced water gathering services, as well as produced water disposal services to third parties. As of December 31, 2021, its estimated total proved oil and natural gas reserves were 323.4 million barrels of oil equivalent, including 181.3 million stock tank barrels of oil and 852.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas. The company was formerly known as Matador Holdco, Inc. and changed its name to Matador Resources Company in August 2011. Matador Resources Company was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.
Where the solar panel meets the roadChina is putting a solar highway to the test. The Hindu along with a number of other sites carried reports of the photovoltaic road project The Hindu, referring to reports from Xinhua, said this trial was "based on home-grown technology."

Jinan, Shandong Province of China, is where the stretch of road is being tested. Solar panels were laid under part of a ring road surrounding the capital. The electricity generated will be connected to China's national power grid, said The Hindu. The panels transfer energy to passing electric vehicles. The goal is to achieve a stable source of "green" electricity.

News sites largely referred to reports coming in from CCTV and Xinhua. The latter said the panels cover 5,875 square meters (63,238 square feet).

Most reports said the test highway extended for 1 km (0.6 miles) but some others said for 2 km.

According to the report from Quartz, the road cost around 3,000 yuan ($458) per sq m, higher than regular streets.

Steve Hanley in CleanTechnica, meanwhile, provided some details on how the electricity will be used"to run street lights, billboards, surveillance cameras, and toll collection plazas. It will also be used to heat the road surface to keep it clear of snow. Any excess will be fed back into the local utility grid."

The highway stretch was designed for both electricity generation and public transport, according to Zhang Hongchao, who was interviewed by CCTV. Hongchao is a project designer and transportation engineering expert at China's Tongji University.

Also, CCTV said the road section features "ports with access to transportation information collecting devices." CCTV called it "a step forward in building big data in transportation."

The Hindu had details on three layers in the design: "At the bottom is an insulator to prevent moisture from getting to the photovoltaic devices in the middle layer, and on top is the layer of transparent concrete."

Xinhua described the road surface material as "transparent" and "weight-bearing" and the material allows the sunlight to penetrate. Hongchao said the expressway could handle 10 times more pressure than the normal asphalt variety.

China is not the first to think in terms of a solar-panel road. Quartz reporter Echo Huang had more details on the highway timeline: "In late 2016, a village in France opened what it claimed was the world's first solar-panel road, running for about the same length as China's new stretch though covering about half the area. In 2014, the Netherlands built a bike path embedded with solar panels."

Meanwhile, pv magazine said, "solar roads are a relatively young technology, at least in terms of achieving commercialization."

Sputnik reported on testing feedback: A mini-bus traveled at the speed of 100 kilometers (62 miles) per hour over the tested road, with the driver praising the braking distance of the new surface as almost identical to that of a traditional asphalt surface, according to CCTV.

The minibus driver said he felt nothing different driving on this particular section. "I'm running at the speed of over 100 kilometers per hour," he said in the CCTV video. "There's nothing different from the ordinary highway. The braking distance is almost the same as well."

All in all, the project signals China's solar-power ambitions, said Huang.

"Last year the country became the world's top solar-energy producer, boosting its photovoltaic capacity to around 78 gigawatts, and it's aiming for 105 by 2020. China's eastern city of Huainan, meanwhile, operates the world's biggest floating solar project, which could eventually power 94,000 homes."

Qilu Transportation Development Group has invested in the construction of the project, said CCTV. The group is a state-owned transport firm operating in Shandong, said pv magazine.

 2018 Tech Xplore
A court in Ho Chi Minh City has halted a case brought by Uber B.V. against the municipal tax department, as the local company claiming to legally represent the ride-hailing service is in fact not authorized to do so.

Tran Ngoc Tam, head of the Ho Chi Minh City tax department, confirmed to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Thursday that he was informed of the lawsuit suspension by the municipal Peoples Court in the morning.

The court rejected the case as the entity that had filed the lawsuit lacks the eligibility to do so, Tam said.

The suit, a show of protest by the ride-sharing app after it was asked to pay VND66.68 billion (US$2.95 million) in back taxes by the city's taxman, was filed on December 20, 2017 by Chu Xuan Binh, a representative of Uber Vietnam Co. Ltd.

Uber Vietnam is authorized by the Netherlands-based Uber B.V. to oversee its business in the Southeast Asian country.

However, the Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Court said that the authorization document, legalized by Vietnamese authorities in November 2016, contains no clauses showing that the Dutch-based company entitles its Vietnamese unit to file a lawsuit or appear in court in Vietnam on its behalf.

The court has therefore suspended the case as per Vietnamese law.

Uber retains the rights to file another lawsuit to request the court to handle the case, or lodge an appeal against the suspension decision, according to the Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Court.

An illustration picture shows the logo of car-sharing service app Uber on a smartphone next to the picture of a taxi sign. Photo: Reuters

Tax row turns into saga

The showdown between Uber Vietnam and tax authorities in the southern Vietnamese metropolis began when the ride-hailing service ignored a request to pay the VND66.68 billion back taxes late last year.

The firm later filed a petition against the tax claim to Vietnams Ministry of Finance, reasoning it had fulfilled its tax duties in the Netherlands in accordance with a treaty against double taxation signed between the European country and Vietnam.

The petition was dismissed, with the finance ministry asking the company to pay the full amount as demanded by the Ho Chi Minh City taxman.

With Uber Vietnam showing no signs of paying the taxes, the Ho Chi Minh City tax department gave it an ultimatum to pay the amount within ten days from December 12.

By that deadline, Uber Vietnam had only agreed to clear VND13.3 billion ($585,903) out of the total tax arrears, prompting the tax department to enact a coercive measure -- calling on five local banks to freeze the accounts of the company from January 1 to 10, 2018.

During this period, all money channeled into Uber Vietnam accounts at VCB, Eximbank, Sacombank, ACB and Vietinbank would be directed to that of the citys tax department, instead of the Uber B.V. in the Netherlands.

The coercive measure was intended to be lifted only after the department receives the remaining VND53.3 billion ($2.35 million) worth of taxes owed by Uber Vietnam.

Uber Vietnam then brought the issue to court, with the court eventually taking a temporary urgent measure, preventing the tax department from enacting its coercive action.

Now that the temporary urgent measure has been nullified along with the lawsuit suspension, the tax department will consider restarting its plan to freeze Uber Vietnam accounts at those five major banks, Tam said.

We will have an internal meeting to decide on when and for how long the account freezing plan should take place and inform the banks involved later, he added.

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Here are the news stories you should not miss today:

Society

-- Typhoon Bolaven, the first to hit Vietnam this year, was located around Song Tu Tay Island, part of Vietnams Truong Sa (Spratly) Archipelago, on Wednesday evening before weakening into a tropical depression at sea, according to the National Center for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting.

-- Singaporean attorney Remy Choo Zheng Xi confirmed to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Wednesday that Phan Van Anh Vu, who is being held by Singapores Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), is Vu nhom (aluminum), who is being wanted by Vietnamese police.

-- Nguyen Hong Lam, chairman of Hanois Quoc Oai District who has been missing since Tuesday last week, was found dead by hanging at his private home in Hoang Mai District on Wednesday evening.

-- Police in the northern province of Bac Ninh on Wednesday night arrested the owner of a local warehouse storing scrap metal, where an explosion occurred on the morning of the same day, killing at least two people and damaging many houses.

-- Officers in the northern province of Dien Bien busted a ring that transported 500 bricks of heroin, weighing a total of 171 kilograms, from Laos to Vietnam on Wednesday.

-- Nguyen Trong Dieu, deputy chief inspector in the northern province of Hai Duong, has been dismissed from his position for using a fake university degree.

-- The Peoples Court in the Central Highlands province of Dak Nong on Wednesday sentenced Dang Van Hien to death for shooting dead three people during a quarrel over land disputes in late October 2016.

Business

-- Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on Wednesday morning officially appointed Tran Sy Thanh, deputy head of the Partys Central Economic Committee, as the new chairman of PetroVietnams board of directors.

-- The State Bank of Vietnam has recently announced that its foreign exchange reserves had reached US$52 billion, which local experts considered an impressive figure that would create many opportunities for the country.

-- The Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee has approved a project to run two markets that sell absolutely clean food.
Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City have approved a pilot project to adopt a market model that sells clean food, in a bid to enhance food safety.

The safe-food market model will be first applied to Ben Thanh Market in District 1 and Hoc Mon Produce Wholesale Market, located in the namesake district, and is expected to be implemeted at other markets by 2020.

According to a representative of the Food Safety Management Authority of Ho Chi Minh City (FSMA), merchants at the two marketplaces will first need to meet three basic requirements to be able to run their businesses.

Similar to most markets across the city, sellers must have a legitimate business license, food safety certificate, and ensure that their products have a clear origin.

At the Hoc Mon Produce Wholesale Market, which is the citys prominent supplier of pork and vegetables, a team of 14 food safety officials will be tasked with managing the quality of food sold at the venue.

They will assist merchants in the supervision of pork products via a QR-coded label, which is part of a plan by the municipal Department of Industry and Trade.

Thanks to this, customers are able to access information regarding where the pigs were raised, when and where they were slaughtered, and from which wholesale market their meat was distributed, through a mobile phone app.

For fruit and vegetables, merchants will be instructed on noting down the origin of their produce.

Meanwhile, managers of Ben Thanh Market will be in charge of ensuring product quality instead of a team of food safety officials.

The market managers, in coordination with the FSMA and district-level bureaus of health, will show sellers how to monitor the origin of their merchandise.

The FSMA will carry out regular inspections of the two markets and impose stern punishments upon those violating the regulations on food safety.

Lan Hue, a food vendor at Ben Thanh Market, expressed her excitement at the food-safety model, stating that mangers of the venue should list the necessary criteria for sellers to prepare for the plan.

However, many small-scale traders are worried that they would be unable to meet all the requirements due to limited financial capacity.

Some vendors stated they have been fetching products from various sources, thus keeping track of their origin would be really difficult.

Nguyen Thi Lan, a pork seller at Hoc Mon Market, said she does not have enough money to afford proper tables to display the meat as required.

Meeting other equipments for food safety is out of her reach as well, Lan admitted.

Many agreed that local authorities should support merchants in terms of finance to help them adapt to the new model, thus maximizing the efficiency of the project.

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Police in Vietnam have arrested the owner of a scrap warehouse where a blast had killed two children and injured several people this week.

Nguyen Van Tien, 44, who owns a warehouse storing scrap metal in Bac Ninh Province, is being held in custody for the illegal storage and trade of military weapons, the provincial Department of Police confirmed to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Wednesday evening.

An explosion occurred at the facility at around 4:10 am the same day, claiming the lives of two young children, two-year-old Nguyen Tien Nam and six-year-old Dang Thuy Trang, and wounding seven people.

Four nearby houses were knocked down, while some others were damaged.

Nearby houses were devastated by the force of the blast. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Tien and his wife, Nguyen Thi Canh, were summoned to the local police station later the same morning.

According to his statements, Tien rented the venue to run a business of collecting and reselling scrap metal, while he and his wife live in a different house in the northern province.

In December 2016, he bought seven metric tons of old bullets to extract scrap metal.

The bullets, which were stored in the yard of the warehouse, triggered the blast.

A large number of old bullets have been collected by competent agencies. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Competent agencies are continuing their investigation and will deal with the case in accordance with the law, police said.

They have been collecting the bullet shells and debris, cleaning up the affected area, and estimating damages.

Those residents whose houses were destroyed have been provided with a temporary place to stay, while family members of the injured and deceased have been offered financial support.

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A Vietnamese national being held by Singapores immigration authority has been confirmed as a business tycoon wanted at home and now faces deportation from the city-state, regardless of an official request from Vietnam, two lawyers have said.

Phan Van Anh Vu, who is in custody in Singapore after being arrested by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) on December 28, is the same person known in Vietnam as Vu nhom (aluminum), a Singaporean lawyer confirmed after meeting him on Wednesday.

Lawyer Remy Choo Zheng Xi asserted to a Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper correspondent in Singapore that his client is the same person seen in photos accompanying recent stories about Vu nhom published by Vietnamese media.

Remy Choo is retained by Vus family to represent him.

Lawyer Remy Choo Zheng Xi is seen in front of his law office in Singapore in this supplied photo.

Vu nhom, or Phan Van Anh Vu, is wanted after Vietnams Ministry of Public Security launched legal proceedings against him in absentia on charges of deliberately disclosing state secrets, and searched his house in the central Vietnamese city of Da Nang on December 21.

He is a real estate tycoon, whose legal troubles have been widely covered by the Vietnamese press.

The ICA said on December 26 it is holding a man named Phan Van Anh Vu for allegedly committing offenses under the local Immigration Act, without giving any other details.

Possible deportation

Now that Vu nhom is being held in Singapore for violating the city-states immigration law, Ha Hai, an attorney from the Ho Chi Minh City Bar Association, said the ICA has all rights to request either repatriation or deportation for him under any circumstance.

Vu nhom reportedly entered Singapore from Vietnam by road and was trying to continue traveling to Malaysia on the morning of December 28 when he was arrested by the ICA.

Phan Van Anh Vu and one of his 'problematic' projects in Da Nang, Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Lawyer Hai, citing the Singaporean Immigration Act, said that any person reasonably believed to be a person liable to removal from Singapore under the act may be arrested without warrant by any immigration officer [] or by a police officer.

This person may also be detained in any prison, police station or immigration depot for a period not exceeding 14 days pending a decision as to whether an order for his removal should be made, Hai added.

For Vu nhom, these rules mean that the Singaporean immigration authority has all rights to arrest, detain and remove the Vietnamese without a formal request from Vietnams government, according to lawyer Hai.

The Ministry of Public Security will receive Vu nhom following his return to Vietnam.

A screenshot of a Straits Times report on the arrest of Phan Van Anh Vu.

The Vietnamese magnate is being held in a detention center of immigration offenders in central Singapore.

Lawyer Remy Choo said he will file a letter to the ICA to call for the release of his client.

The lawyer added if Vu nhom did not violate any specific rule while he was in Singapore, and therefore could not be found guilty of any charge, he should be released immediately.

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Well heres the first oddity of the year.

Seniors website Starts At 60, which is a third-owned by Seven West Media, has posted an article reporting that UK fans are accusing The Chase of being rigged, with some calling for it to be axed.

ITV, the channel that is home to the UK Chase has come under scrutiny in recent months with accusations of rigging the results and using its format to cheat players out of winnings. Even the shows animated host and comedian, Bradley Walsh could not protect the show from a fierce backlash, it reported.

The saga surrounds a final chase in which Mark Labbett made a near-perfect run of 17 of 18 final questions, eventually shattering the dreams of 3 contestants and the 60,000 (A$103,316) prize fund they accumulated.

One use on Twitter exclaimed Biggest fix on television #TheChase

This show is a joke now. Scrap it ITV #TheChase #FixedForTheChaser, another viewer said.

One person even said, I think the chasers go and get answers backstage and get a few wrong to look legitimate #thechase.

So far over 350 of the sites users have also weighed in, many theorising the Australian version may be rigged too and others lamenting too many contestants walk away empty-handed.

Labbetts response to the accusations, I understand [why they think so] because it comes down to one single thing: people dont believe were that good.
Opera heeft versie 50 van zijn gelijknamige webbrowser uitgebracht. Opera is vier jaar geleden overgestapt van de in eigen huis ontwikkelde render-engine Presto naar Blink. Deze maakt deel uit van Chromium, dat onder meer ook door Google Chrome gebruikt wordt. Opera is beschikbaar voor Windows, Linux en macOS. Er zijn ook versies voor BSD en Solaris, maar deze zijn nog op de oude technologie gebaseerd. In versie 50 treffen we de volgende veranderingen en verbeteringen aan:

Everyone is talking about Bitcoins these days. Their sudden rise in value resulted in the fact that more and more people set out to mine them by running shady scripts on the PCs of unsuspecting users. This situation might sound familiar: your CPU is suddenly working at 100 percent capacity, the fan is going crazy for seemingly no reason and your battery is quickly depleting. These are signs someone might be using your computer to mine for cryptocurrency and can continue to do so even after you have left the site. Its a problem which affects approximately 500 million people worldwide but not for those who choose Opera 50.

We, as the only major browser with an integrated ad blocker, have a built-in solution to keep miners from trespassing onto your machine.

After we recently updated the rules of our built-in ad blocker mechanism, we eliminated cryptocurrency mining scripts that overuse your devices computing ability.

To prevent cryptocurrency mining sites from doing their dirty work on your computer, simply enable Operas ad blocker. You can also find and change NoCoin in Settings (Preferences on macOS) > Basic > Block ads, under the Recommended lists of ad filters. If you like ads but still want to be protected from Bitcoin-mining, you can simply uncheck EasyList and leave the NoCoin box checked. Voila  youre protected.

Chromecast is the device that helps you effortlessly stream content from your browser to your TV screen or home audio system without having to connect annoying cables each time. Google recently revealed that it has sold 55 million units since releasing the device in July 2013. For your convenience, Opera 50 now supports Chromecast playback.

To start casting, first go to Settings (Preferences on macOS) > Browser > User interface and tick Enable Chromecast support. Opera 50 can support casting for videos, tabs or your full desktop display. To start casting a YouTube video, for example, click the cast icon found in the videos player controls

Opening the pages context menu or opening the O-Menu (View on macOS) are alternative ways to begin casting.

Opera 50 comes with a bunch of changes that allow you to enjoy VR content on the web even more.

We started working on the VR Player for Opera to offer the immersive, 360-degree virtual world to our users just with one click. We started with OpenVR support, but now through work with Oculus, we are proud to announce that Oculus Rift support will be enabled with Opera 50. Oculus Rift has been an incredible milestone in the virtual reality world and its our pleasure to announce that Rift headset owners can now enjoy the Opera VR Player directly.

In our initial VR 360 Player release, we listed some tips and tricks a user might need to deal with some VR-related scenarios, such as using the VR Player when their GPU does not support YouTubes VP8 or VP9 formats.

But now, we have implemented software decoding path support in our code, so that you dont need to install any extensions to handle it for you. Its a very significant change that allows more users to enjoy VR online.

Virtual reality is very young and still very undefined territory. A consequence of this is that there is no support in video containers to carry VR video metadata, such as format or stereoscopy mode. There are currently quite a few combinations of metadata available.

Thats why we are adding JavaScript-based detection for a selection of popular web sites  such as YouTube, Facebook or Vimeo  to help out with automatic format detection for the proper playback mode.

We share a passion for VR and know its sometimes hard to stop. Still, we realized a dedicated Exit VR button was needed since users, while enjoying VR, are removed from the browser interface and it might be unclear how to properly stop VR playback.

By clicking the Turn off button in the Opera VR 360 Player, your device will return to its native home screen.

Storing a page to read offline later, sending it to other devices or saving it for future reference can now be done with the Save Page as PDF function.

To save a page as a PDF file, go to the O-Menu (or File on macOS) and select Save Page as PDF. When triggered, it will save the entire web page as a single PDF. A shortcut can be created for this function under Settings (Preferences on macOS) > Browser > Shortcuts > Configure Shortcuts.

The created file will take advantage of PDF capabilities, which means it will be smaller than a plain screenshot stored in PNG format and youll be able to select and copy the text.

Opera has already been offering a traditional way to create a PDF. You first have to print the current page. In your printing dialog box, choose Save as PDF as your printer. There are multiple options that control how the PDF will be generated including layout, headers,

margins and so on. This is the best option if you intend to print it later.

What are the differences between these two methods?

Our new Save Page as PDF option will store exactly what you see on your screen. Its great for reading offline, sharing pages or keeping them on your drive for future reference. The printing method will ask for the page to layout itself in a printer-friendly way. As a result, you may get something different from what you see on the screen.

We have cleaned up and regrouped the items in the tabs context menu into related sections while giving them new actions. Reopening closed tabs and windows is now easier with the Reopen Last Closed Tab button moved to the bottom. The option can change to Reopen Last Closed Window (for Windows and Linux platforms) if a full window was the last thing to be closed.

Reload and Reload All Tabs are two new functions to quickly refresh your current browsing session. The latter will ask for you to confirm the action if you have more than 10 tabs open.

We are fans of cryptocurrencies, we just dont want them mined from your computer without your consent. We have been offering a built-in currency converter for quite a while now and have now expanded the list of currencies recognized by our currency converter with four popular cryptocurrencies:

Bitcoin (BTC), 1.00 BTC Ethereum (ETH), 1.00 ETH Bitcoin Cash (BTH), 1.00 BCH Litecoin (LTC), 1.00 LTC

To choose your default currency which highlighted currencies will be converted to, go to Settings (Preferences on macOS) > Browser > User interface and select the currency from the On text selection convert currency to dropdown menu.

Today, our unit converter, which lets you convert units from, for example, kilograms to pounds or meters to feet while you are on any given page, becomes even better as weve added support for millimeters [mm] to be converted into inches [in]. In addition, theres also support for dimensions. This means youll be able to convert the dimensions of a 10 x 10in picture frame or a 10 x 50 x 25 mm collectible toy car while you browse.

Upon a crash loop detection, Opera 50 will not remove your current browsing session. Instead, all pages will be marked for manual reload after re-activation, except for the current tab which will detail the encountered problem. This will fix the annoying issue of losing all opened tabs due to an unrelated problem such as with syncing, for instance.

In September 2016, we introduced the free, built-in, no-log browser VPN service. Opera remains the only major browser providing such a unique service. Now, we are introducing our first major upgrade to the browser VPN service.

Previously, the VPN service was hosted and operated by SurfEasy LLC. We have, however, investigated the best options for hosting the service and concluded the browser VPN service will be moved to our own data centers. Operas current server infrastructure, one of the highest capacity super-computer clusters in the world, is already hosting services such as the compressing engine for Opera Mini.

The colocation of the browser VPN service to our data centers gives increased performance, scalability and balancing capabilities, while keeping it a free and no-log service.

As we moved the service to the Opera data centers, we also changed it from listing locations based on countries to regions. For the updated browser VPN, we provide these options: Optimal location (default), the Americas, Europe and Asia. Locations will be rolled out gradually.

As the usage of the free browser VPN service keeps growing, we have also noticed people complaining about the quality of search results when having the VPN service enabled. When massive traffic goes through certain IP ranges, search engines tend to classify it to a certain area. As a result, you might get all your search results in Ukrainian or Dutch, for example, and languages can again change unexpectedly.

Until now, this has been a problem for most VPN services. Since search quality is such an integral part of the browsing experience, we have decided to resolve it through the local search feature.

By default, the Opera browser will now bypass the browser VPN when you use your native search engines, such as Google, Bing or Yandex. These connections will still be secure over Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), but your local IP will be made visible to the search engines. When you click on links to navigate away from the search engines, the browser VPN service will automatically be re-enabled. We believe its a smart balance between absolute privacy and user comfort.

People can also browse with the local search feature turned off by simply using a private browsing window. Then, the browser VPN connection will be enforced for any website, including your search engine.

Opera 50 provides an overall better video experience on macOS with smoother playback, snappier seeking and faster loading for high resolution videos.

The new solution has a positive impact on both CPU and RAM usage, as well as on power usage. The improvements are more visible when playing high resolution videos.

Opera 50 is powered by a fine-tuned version of Chromium 63. To learn more about the changes in the engine itself, visit dev.opera.com.
Looking at traffic, there was a 6.1% year-on-year increase in revenue passenger kilometres to 7,670, after growth of 7.6% and 4.4% growth in November and October. Premium traffic rose 3.9% following gains of 7.9% and 4.4% in the two preceding months.

Capacity across the group, which is measured in available seat kilometres, swelled 4.0% for the second month in a row.

After plans were announced at the end of December, this week the group acquired assets and invest in Niki, a former part of the collapsed Air Berlin group, which will form a new Austrian arm of IAG's Vueling Spanish budget brand.

The purchase 20m of assets from the Austrian airline will be accompanied by up to 16.5m of liquidity to Niki. The assets include up to 15 Airbus A320 aeroplanes and an "attractive" portfolio of slots at various airports including Vienna, Dusseldorf, Munich, Palma and Zurich.
Kinder Morgan, Inc. operates as an energy infrastructure company in North America. The company operates through four segments: Natural Gas Pipelines, Products Pipelines, Terminals, and CO2. The Natural Gas Pipelines segment owns and operates interstate and intrastate natural gas pipeline, and underground storage systems; natural gas gathering systems and natural gas processing and treating facilities; natural gas liquids fractionation facilities and transportation systems; and liquefied natural gas liquefaction and storage facilities. The Products Pipelines segment owns and operates refined petroleum products, and crude oil and condensate pipelines; and associated product terminals and petroleum pipeline transmix facilities. The Terminals segment owns and/or operates liquids and bulk terminals that stores and handles various commodities, including gasoline, diesel fuel, chemicals, ethanol, metals, and petroleum coke; and owns tankers. The CO2 segment produces, transports, and markets CO2 to recovery and production crude oil from mature oil fields; owns interests in/or operates oil fields and gasoline processing plants; and operates a crude oil pipeline system in West Texas, as well as owns and operates RNG and LNG facilities. It owns and operates approximately 83,000 miles of pipelines and 143 terminals. The company was formerly known as Kinder Morgan Holdco LLC and changed its name to Kinder Morgan, Inc. in February 2011. Kinder Morgan, Inc. was founded in 1936 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
Mississippi Republican Gregg Harper announced Thursday that he would not seek reelection in 2018. Harper, who is in his 5th term, represents the state's 3rd district, a safe Republican area that Donald Trump won by nearly 25 points in 2016. The district crosses the state, from the border with Louisiana to that with Alabama. It includes part of the Jackson area, as well as Meridian.

Related: Full list of House Retirements

Separately, Ohio Republican Pat Tiberi, who announced this past October that he would leave Congress by the end of January, has set January 15th as his departure date. Gov. John Kasich, who represented the 12th district prior to Tiberi (both of them served nine terms) will set the date for a special election. Donald Trump won this district by about 11% in 2016 and it likely will remain in Republican hands.
With much of the country locked in a deep freeze this week  and an ominous-sounding bomb cyclone possibly headed toward the Northeastern states  the temptation for drivers is to quickly escape their car upon arrival at a destination.

But look around before you do: The way-below-freezing temperatures can be harmful for all kinds of products that are easy to forget as you make your dash inside from the cold. These are among the worst items to leave in your car during an intense freeze.

Medication

Some medicines, including insuln, can lose their effectiveness if they freeze. As a general rule, any liquid medication in a suspended stated (i.e., it must be shaken before use) will be adversely affected if frozen. The best advice is to contact your pharmacist if you have questions.

Cellphones and tablets

A few months back, some folks who ponied up $1,000 and more for the new iPhone X got an unwelcome surprise when the weather turned cold and their freshly minted iPhones froze up. Apple soon pushed out a software update to help quell the issue, but it turns out most cellphones and tablets are susceptible to shutting down in very cold weather, which prevents the lithium batteries from discharging electricity, literally freezing your devices operations. Experts say the issue usually is fixed when the battery is brought into warmer temperatures and recharged  but you wouldnt want to test the theory by leaving your phone or tablet in your car overnight. The same issue can happen in very hot weather. Both Apple and Samsung advise operating phones in temperatures between 32 and 95 degrees. In cold weather, the glass screens are more prone to cracking as well.



Canned liquids and foods

Remember your grade school science lesson: When water freezes, it expands. That means if you have a can of soda, sparking water, beer or pretty much any water-based liquid in your car, you could be looking at a potentially explosive situation. Whole milk freezes at 31 degrees, Coca-Cola at 30 degrees and a beer with 5 percent alcohol at 27 degrees. Canned goods such as beans will react similarly if left in a freezing car. Nonliquid canned goods are less prone to explosion, but be careful of any food that freezes in a car: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) advises to thaw it in a refrigerator, and throw it away if it looks or smells in any way abnormal. If a canned good has burst, wrap it in a plastic bag and immediately discard it where no one, including animals, can get it.

Musical instruments

Wooden instruments are particularly susceptible to damage in cold weather, as dry, frigid air can cause cracking and warping, which can sometimes be impossible to repair. At the very least, an instrument left in a freezing car will need to be retuned. The Real School of Music says to let a frozen instrument warm up gradually.

Eggs

If your eggs freeze and then crack, throw them out immediately. Uncracked frozen eggs can be allowed to thaw in a refrigerator, but the USDA advises that cooking uses may be limited as freezing causes the yolk to toughen up.
The changes, which went into effect Jan. 1, alter the way many Tricare recipients pay for and access their health care. The changes were made as a result of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 that was signed by President Obama in December 2016. The changes to Tricare included in the law aim to modernize and streamline the program, and provide beneficiaries with better care.



There are currently 9.4 million Tricare beneficiaries, including 2.2 million retired service members and 1.4 million active duty service members.



For most of these people, the revamped program will be the biggest change they have had since [Tricares] implementation in 1996, said Kenneth Canestrini, acting director of the Tricare Health Plan at the Defense Health Agency.



Heres what you need to know about the changes ahead.



Some Tricare plans will stay the same. While the changes affect a few of Tricares largest programs, there arent any changes to Tricare for Life, which offers Medicare wraparound coverage for Tricare-eligible beneficiaries who have Medicare Part A and B. The U.S. Family Health Plan and the Tricare Retiree Dental Program also are unaffected by the changes.



The biggest switch will occur for those enrolled in Tricares Standard and Extra programs, which have been combined to form Tricare Select. Select is a self-managed, preferred-provider-network plan that works similarly to its predecessors. There are approximately 1.94 million beneficiaries currently enrolled in the Standard and Extra plans.



Patients will continue to have the same level of freedom of movement and no requirements for referral of care, Canestrini said. But we will expand the network capability across the U.S. to build a network that 85 percent of the Tricare Select population will have access to.



Costs may go up for some. Until now, the Standard and Extra plans used a cost-share model in which beneficiaries paid either 20 percent of allowable charges for in-network care or 25 percent for non-network care, meaning everyone under the program incurred different costs. That changed on Jan. 1 when Select took over and implemented a copay system similar to what is seen in civilian insurance plans.



Under the new system, Tricare beneficiaries are divided into two groups based on when a person entered the military service. Those in Group A (enlisted before Jan. 1) are grandfathered into the new copay system and will pay slightly higher copays than Group B.



While some people will end up paying more in out-of-pocket fees, the copay system will provide predictability [for patients] and ease of administration, Canestrini said.



Detailed costs for 2018 for active duty military are available online for Tricare Prime and for those in Tricare Select. Detailed costs for 2018 for retired military, their families and others can be found here.



Active enrollment is required going forward. Enrollment in Tricare benefits used to be automatic, with no action required of the beneficiary. But as of Jan. 1, everyone will need to actively enroll in either Tricare Prime or Tricare Select, or else be ineligible for coverage outside of a military installation.



The good news is that Tricare automatically enrolled current beneficiaries in their appropriate plans throughout December of last year. Online enrollment through the Beneficiary Web Enrollment (BWE) website also will be up and running this week, according to Tricare.



There will be a one-year grace period for 2018, during which changes to enrollment can be made when needed.



But after 2018, changes to enrollment can only be made during the open enrollment season. To better align with the open enrollment season for federal employees, Tricare will hold its open enrollment for coverage in 2019 later this year, from Nov. 12 through Dec. 10.



Starting in 2019, you will only be able to enroll in or change your Tricare plan during the open enrollment season or within 90 days of a qualifying life event, such as a marriage, birth or relocation.



The three Tricare regions have been reduced to two. Tricare North and Tricare South have been combined to form Tricare East. Tricare West remains mostly the same.



Your Tricare benefits remain the same regardless of where you live, but each region will receive new regional contractors that serve as the main point of contact for customer service, claims processing and prior authorization for certain health care services. Tricare Easts new regional contractor is Humana Military, and Tricare Wests is Health Net Federal Services.



If you are covered under Tricare Prime and your regional contractor is changing, you will need to make sure your doctor and health providers are included in the new network. The other plans will allow you to continue to see your providers if they are Tricare authorized. The 2018 Tricare Network Provider Directories for the East and West regions are now available.



The current Tricare Retiree Dental Program will end this year. The program, which covers basic dental care for retired military and their families, will end on Dec. 31. It is being replaced with the Office of Personnel Managements Federal Dental and Vision Program (FEDVIP), which will offer retired military members more choice in dental plans and coverage. Enrollment for these plans will begin Nov. 12 and run through Dec. 10., during the new open enrollment season.



Active duty military, retirees and their family members will also be able to sign up for vision plans through FEDVIP in November. These plans will offer beneficiaries more comprehensive coverage than what is currently offered under Tricare.



Tricare will provide more information on these dental and vision plans closer to open enrollment in November.
If youre looking for a nursing home for a loved one, dont just ask about the rooms, the food and the services  ask whether the staff have had their flu shots.

A new University of Michigan/AARP National Poll on Healthy Aging found that a majority of people over age 50 believe that all staff in long-term care facilities should be required to get the flu vaccine. And a large majority of respondents said that if they knew that even a third of the staff at a nursing home hadnt been vaccinated, they would be less likely to choose that facility.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 68 percent of workers in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes get a flu shot. Yet at hospitals, more than 92 percent of workers are vaccinated. The CDC recommends that everyone older than 6 months be vaccinated against the flu every year.

Flu and pneumonia are a critical health concern and in recent years have resulted in over 50,000 deaths annually, making it the eighth leading cause of death, just behind diabetes, says Alison Bryant, senior vice president of research at AARP. Over 80 percent of these deaths were among older adults ages 65 and older. Increasing vaccination rates to increase herd immunity is imperative to the health and lives of our most vulnerable.

Preeti Malani, the poll director and a professor of internal medicine at University of Michigan Medical School and a specialist in infectious diseases and geriatrics, says its especially important that workers who come in contact with nursing home residents and the people who treat them be vaccinated because these are the people who will have the highest risk of hospitalizations and complications  even death  from the flu. Nursing homes are places where there is a lot of one-on-one health care, and care in that setting can be very intimate.

The vast majority of poll respondents (73 percent) said that nursing home medical staff should be vaccinated. What's more, 71 percent said that nonmedical staff should get a flu shot. A lower percentage (55 percent) said the flu vaccine should be mandatory for all staff. In contrast, many hospitals do require vaccination as a condition of employment but allow some staff to opt out and instead wear masks around patients during flu season.

The overwhelming majority of respondents also think that nursing homes should offer the vaccine for free to employees and require unvaccinated staff to stay home if they get sick.

The National Poll on Healthy Aging was conducted online among 2,007 people between ages 50 and 80.
How to watch and what to know about Northern Iowa at South Dakota
Mark Aragon, a photographer and media coordinator for Albuquerques Jackson-Wink MMA Academy, will not be granted a media credential for future UFC events.

The UFC made the announcement on Wednesday, in response to a post by Aragon in which he referred to fighter Cristiane Justino as he and with use of the pronoun his after Justinos victory over Albuquerques and Jackson-Winks Holly Holm Saturday night on UFC 219 in Las Vegas, Nev.

Justino, better known by her nickname, Cyborg, had demanded an apology and/or that the UFC not issue Aragon a media credential in the future. Aragon apologized in an Instagram post on Monday, but said his post was in response to disparaging and disrespectful remarks from Cyborg about Holm that he said he had overheard after the fight.

Jackson-Wink issued a news release apologizing for Aragons post on social media but also saying it came in response to Cyborgs alleged disrespectful remarks about Holm.

In response to our media persons recent Instagram remark about Cyborg, there is a backstory as to why he made his comment, stated a post on the gyms official Facebook page that was made on Monday. After Cyborgs victory, she was heard backstage by our media guy calling Holly a Bi#%h and laughing at a photo depicting her own toe in Hollys eye. They were heard mocking Hollys performance. Our media guy was defensive of our fighter and space and he used Cyborgs past history of steroid use, in a knee jerk, response. We were unaware of all the backstage talk and his response on a public forum until yesterday. He regrets putting JW in this position. We dont condone putting others down. Congratulations to Cyborg and her team and we look forward to a rematch.

Cyborg accepted the apology but continued to insist that Aragon not be granted a UFC media credential in the future. Wednesday, the UFC complied.

UFC is aware and troubled with the recent statements made by a social media representative from the Jackson Wink MMA Academy in New Mexico, the organization said in a statement. UFC does not condone or tolerate the remarks that were used. The organization has reached out to the Jackson Wink team to inform them that the individual in question will not be granted access for future events.

On Twitter, Cyborg expressed her appreciation.

I want to thank the UFC for showing their support, she wrote. Everyone is entitled to a work environment free from sexual harassment and prejudice.

Aragon did not respond to a text from the Journal seeking comment and has not commented further on social media about UFCs actions on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, he expressed confusion as to why, having accepted his apology, Cyborg was still demanding that the UFC not issue him credentials in the future.

The Journals Geoff Grammer contributed to this report.

Cyborgs Instagram post:

Aragons Instagram post:

Jackson-Winks Facebook post:

Cyborgs Facebook reply:
Dustin Binghams young sexual assault victims asked a judge for leniency at his sentencing hearing Wednesday, describing the former Santa Fe County deputy as a beloved family member who didnt deserve a long prison term.

This is not him, one the girls he assaulted told District Court Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer. He has a heart of gold and doesnt deserve to be in jail for 25 years.

The judge later sentenced Bingham to a total of five years in prison followed by 10 years of supervised probation.

In November, Bingham, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of unclothed criminal sexual contact of a minor under 13, one count of clothed criminal sexual contact of a minor under 13, one count of criminal sexual contact of a minor by force or coercion, one count of child solicitation by electronic device and one count of sexual exploitation of children. The crimes were committed against two young members of his extended family and another teen girl while Bingham was a deputy.

Prosecutors, and the victim who was not a relative, asked for the maximum sentence of 25 years incarceration.

This is interesting because two victims are asking for the lightest sentence possible, and one other victim is asking for the maximum, Marlowe Sommer told Bingham in court. Its heartbreaking to have these two girls come up here and say they dont want you to go through any punishment. I really think that you betrayed a trust that they gave you unwittingly.

Bingham was an Santa Fe County deputy from April 2015 to February 2017. State Police began investigating him in January 2017 after a mother reported concern about her daughters social media contacts with Bingham. He resigned from the sheriffs office Feb. 3 after Sheriff Robert A. Garcia placed him under an internal investigation.

I dont think we should punish him because he swore to protect the public, Binghams lawyer, Stephen Aarons, told the judge Wednesday. Hes done many good things outside of this. I think his public service should qualify him for leniency instead of a harsher sentence.

Binghams parents in May called the police in Los Alamos, where they lived, and said Bingham molested the two extended family members whom he regularly visited and babysat. At one point Bingham lived with the girls family and shared a room with one of them. One girl told police that Bingham removed her bra while she was sleeping, which she discovered when she woke up the next morning without one.

District Attorney Marco Serna, who was at Wednesdays hearing, said in a statement released later that protecting children from sexual predators is the offices top priority. Bingham was a wolf in sheeps clothing while he served as a sheriffs deputy in Santa Fe County and that made him extremely dangerous, Serna said. I am disappointed that he was not sentenced to more years in prison, but we will continue to seek justice for our innocent victims.
The Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education has settled a lawsuit brought by former Superintendent Winston Brooks that claims his buyout agreement was breached when his immediate successor disparaged him in a Journal interview.

A joint motion to dismiss the complaint, filed Dec. 22 in 2nd Judicial District Court, says the parties amicably resolved their differences, but provides no details on the terms. Its unclear if Brooks received a financial settlement.

Maureen Sanders, Brooks attorney, was out of the office Wednesday and could not be reached for comment. Tony Ortiz, the school boards attorney, said he was not authorized to comment and referred questions to APS communications.

Johanna King, APS spokeswoman, confirmed that the case had settled, but said she had no other information.

Brooks filed the lawsuit in February 2015, seeking attorneys fees and $125,000  $25,000 for each of the five remarks made by then-interim Superintendent Brad Winter during a Journal interview.

The September 2014 Journal story quoted Winter as saying, I just couldnt work with him (Brooks) anymore, because he felt Brooks was not willing to collaborate with the business community, New Mexico Public Education Department and neighborhood groups.

Winter went on to say that Winston just had a profound effect on those folks. Nobody (at PED) wanted to work with him.

A month before Winters interview, Brooks had stepped down as APS superintendent with a $350,000 buyout and a settlement agreement barring the board and district administration from disparaging the conduct, character, performance or ethics of Brooks or his wife, Ann.

Winters comments violated that agreement, the lawsuit argued.

In early 2016, the case bogged down as the court debated Brooks mental capacity.

APS had sought a protection order to keep Winter from being deposed, contending that Brooks ability to proceed with the lawsuit appeared to be impaired or limited. The APS motion cited a docket sheet from a Kansas court case that appeared to show Brooks wife had been appointed guardian for her husband.

The guardianship action, which occurred just months after Brooks departure from APS, was described as uncontested and included a physician evaluation, the Kansas records show.

The APS motion said the Kansas court documents indicate impediments that could affect Brooks ability to proceed in the lawsuit and said APS didnt know who was pulling the levers in the case.

An August 2017 plaintiffs response reveals that Brooks granted his wife power of attorney in 2009, which allowed her to sue on his behalf. Its not clear why Brooks wanted his wife to have power of attorney.

In the end, Winter never gave a deposition in the case. He declined to comment on the settlement Wednesday.

Brooks led APS from 2008 to 2014, a tumultuous tenure that included conduct-related lawsuits, domestic disputes, bizarre phone calls, and in a Twitter exchange with a television reporter in 2013, Brooks compared then-Education Secretary Hanna Skandera to livestock, using the terms Moo, Moo, Oink, oink!!

Journal Staff Writer Colleen Heild contributed to this report.
SANTA FE  Santa Fe and New Mexico are not immune to the influx of influenza cases that has swept the nation.

On Wednesday, Santa Fes Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center issued a news release stating that it has seen 124 confirmed cases of the flu in the last 30 days and that the hospital and emergency department was operating at full capacity.

As a result, getting care may take longer. With this surge of patients in our Emergency Department, patient wait times may be much longer than normal, especially for routine care like flu evaluations, the release said.

Early Wednesday morning, Christus St. Vincent was not accepting transfer patients from other hospitals or health care facilities because of the patient load, according to Christus St. Vincent spokesman Arturo Delgado.

Children under the age of 12 are not being allowed to visit patients during the flu season and visitors experiencing flu-like symptoms are being asked not to enter the hospital unless they are seeking care.

Children younger than 5 and adults 65 and older are at higher risk of developing flu-related complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This years flu hasnt been as responsive to vaccines as in the past, said Delgado, who added that seems to be the case all over the country and the United Kingdom.

On Wednesday, the British newspaper Metro reported that flu cases have increased by 48 percent in the past seven days and are higher than previous years, including 10 times higher than 2015.

According to the CDC, influenza activity increased sharply in the United States during the week of Dec. 17-23, the most recent week for which data is available. Statistics show nearly nine of every 100,000 hospitalizations nationwide during that week were due to laboratory-confirmed cases of the flu.

The CDC lists New Mexico as one of 21 states with high influenza-like illness activity levels and one of 36 states where it is widespread.

Hospitals in Los Alamos and Las Vegas, N.M. did not immediately response to messages left by the Journal Wednesday afternoon. But Doyle Boykin, interim hospital administrator with Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque, said there has been an influx of flu cases in that part of the state, as well.

We have seen an increase in influenza (flu) cases at the three Albuquerque metro Presbyterian hospitals over the past few weeks, he said. With flu season underway, Presbyterian is taking additional precautions to keep our patients and visitors healthy. We encourage the community to please remember to wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing and stay home when ill to help prevent the flu from spreading.

The Christus St. Vincent news release also recommends getting plenty of rest, drinking fluids and taking Tylenol to treat fever. If symptoms worsen, the hospital advises visiting a doctor or an urgent care facility.

But the best defense against a cold or flu is to avoid it in the first place, it says: Wash your hands, use sanitizer, and get plenty of rest. If you havent already received a flu vaccination, you are encouraged to do so.

While the flu is common, it can be serious for older adults and young children, those who are pregnant or with asthma, diabetes, and heart and kidney diseases, according to the news release. Symptoms include fatigue, fever, headache and aches and pains.
A federal judge sentenced an Albuquerque man to 20 years in prison for robbing several northeast-area banks in just over a week in August 2016.

U.S. Attorney spokeswoman Elizabeth Martinez said in a Wednesday news release that Christopher Baum, 37, was charged with six counts of bank robbery.

Is any amount of money worth the next 20 years of your life in prison? said Terry Wade, special agent in charge of the Albuquerque FBI Division. Christopher Baum is going to have a lot of time to ask himself that question. Anyone else thinking about sticking up a bank should ask it, too.

According to the news release, the Albuquerque Police Department and the FBI arrested Baum in 2016 and charged him with robbing four banks, and attempting to rob another, between Aug. 16 and 24.

Baum entered a guilty plea in November 2016, admitting to robbing five banks and attempting to rob another, according to the release.

According to the release, Baum told authorities in the final robbery on Aug. 30, he drew a pistol on a bank teller at a Bank of the West on Juan Tabo NE.

Robbing a bank not only carries a significant prison term, but it also can put innocent lives at risk, Wade said.

Baum, who had three prior bank robbery convictions, was prosecuted under the worst of the worst initiative, according to the news release. The U.S. Attorneys Office says the initiative targets offenders for federal prosecution based on criminal history with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible.

Baum will be on supervised release for three years after completing his prison sentence.
Former Albuquerque police officer Lou Golson has filed a lawsuit alleging a local car dealerships negligence put Christopher Cook in possession of the vehicle he was driving when he shot Golson repeatedly in 2015.

The lawsuit, filed in 2nd Judicial District Court on Dec. 27, came just a week before the third anniversary of the traffic stop that left Golson  a 31-year veteran of the Albuquerque Police Department  with lasting injuries.

According to the lawsuit, Cook arrived at That Car Place, a used car dealership located on Wyoming near Lomas, on Jan. 2, 2015, and asked to test drive an SUV. But when employees left Cook alone with the running, unlocked vehicle, he took off.

Golson alleges dealership employees never asked to see Cooks license, nor did they perform a background check on him. If they had, the lawsuit argues, they would have learned that Cook had a criminal record and a suspended or revoked license. And the dealership did not have security measures in place to stop Cook, or anyone else, from taking their vehicles, the suit alleges.

He said that if the dealership had not given him access to the vehicle, that he took and never returnedI would have never gotten shot.

After the SUV was taken from their lot, employees failed to timely report the theft, allowing (Cook) additional time to not be apprehended and to avoid or delay apprehension, according to the lawsuit.

Cook, who is also named as a defendant in the suit, was sentenced in July 2015 to 20 years in prison and is currently housed in the state penitentiary in Santa Fe.

According to police, Cook arrived at the dealership in a stolen car, and the SUV was taken from That Car Place around 10 a.m. An employee told police that he left the car warming up in the lot while he returned to the office to find an ice scraper. Thats when Cook got in the vehicle and drove away.

Golson was shot around 2:30 a.m. the next day after stopping Cook on suspicion of DWI.

As Golson approached, police said, Cook opened the SUVs door and fired multiple rounds, hitting Golsons leg and bulletproof vest. Golson also broke his wrist as he fell to the ground.

That Car Place did not respond to requests for comment.

Golson is seeking damages including medical expenses, wage losses, pain and suffering, and other relief. He has spoken publicly in recent weeks about the injuries he sustained, the medical bills, the struggle to survive financially, and the frustrations of trying to settle his workers compensation claim with the city.

Golson said Wednesday that the shooting left him medically unqualified to return to work as a police officer. He still receives periodic injections to help manage pain, he needs help putting on his shoes and he sometimes uses a cane. He is now retired from the department.

I want to make sure that, you know, these dealerships are following the rules, Golson said. They just dont think its important, but it is. I mean, I dont want this happening to any other officers because I have three kids in law enforcement.
WASHINGTON  My hope for the new year is that the United States doesnt bluster and blunder its way into a tragic, needless war.

My fear is that the Trump administration is capable of doing just that.

I confess to having paid less attention than I should to the increasingly apocalyptic rhetoric from the administration about the nuclear threat from North Korea. Im not talking about President Trumps juvenile tweets calling Kim Jong Un Little Rocket Man and making fun of his weight. I mean statements by officials such as H.R. McMaster, Trumps national security adviser, who unlike the president is not known for meaningless blather.

The potential for war with North Korea is increasing every day, McMaster said last month at a defense forum. Time is running out for a peaceful solution, he declared in another public appearance. I dont think we can tolerate that risk of a nuclear-armed North Korea with advanced ballistic missiles, he told CBS in an interview.

What is alarming is that the situation McMaster describes as intolerable is the situation that exists today. And while he warns that time is running out for a peaceful end to the standoff, he has also said that there cant be negotiations under these current conditions.

I worry that with such absolutist rhetoric, the United States is ruling out the realistic options for peace  and putting us on a path that may lead inexorably to war.

No amount of threatening is likely to make Kim surrender his nuclear weapons, because he sees them as an insurance policy. The North Koreans watched as Libyas Moammar Gadhafi and Iraqs Saddam Hussein gave up their nuclear ambitions  and ended up being deposed and killed. Kim has no intention of making the same mistake.

North Korea conducted its first nuclear weapons test while George W. Bush was president, four more while Barack Obama was president and another under Trump. U.S. policy throughout has been remarkably consistent  warnings, sanctions, more warnings, more sanctions, attempts at multiparty talks  and remarkably futile.

What good does it do for McMaster to say the United States cannot tolerate what it is presently tolerating? North Korea has nuclear weapons and long-range ballistic missiles; it may or may not be able to mount a nuclear warhead on a missile and fire it accurately. If the United States launches an attack to try to destroy those weapons or take them away, the North Korean regime almost surely would be able to fire off a response that kills many thousands or even millions.

I understand why no U.S. administration wants to be the one to accept the fact that North Korea has joined the exclusive club of nations with nuclear arsenals. But this is, indeed, a fact. Trump and his advisers need to deal with reality as it is, rather than as they would like it to be.

McMaster and others should frame the North Korea situation as a threat to be ameliorated and stop speaking in terms that should be reserved for a full-blown crisis. A threat can be dealt with over time. A crisis, however, requires urgent action  and at present there are no good options.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, to his credit, has been trying to cool things down. He even offered to begin talks with the North Koreans with no preconditions, though this overture was quickly nixed by the White House. Tillersons instinct is the right one: Slow down, stop shouting, start talking.

The obvious solution is some sort of negotiated deal that freezes the North Korean nuclear and missile programs at certain levels. That would mean accepting what the administration now describes as unacceptable, but it would avoid the unthinkable: a bloodbath that could leave not just Pyongyang but much of Seoul, and perhaps Tokyo, in smoking ruins.

Someone should remind Trump that he campaigned on a pledge to end the nations role as the worlds policeman. Since taking office, he has mostly allowed himself to be guided by the generals who surround him  McMaster, chief of staff John Kelly, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis. On balance, this has been a good thing. But Im increasingly worried by the way the generals talk about North Korea.

And someone should remind Congress of its constitutional responsibility. Congress, not the president, is given the power to declare war  and, by extension, to prevent it.

Everybody needs to lower the temperature and begin talking in reasonable terms about achievable goals. Something is wrong when the rhetoric from Pyongyang is no more belligerent than what we hear around Washington.

Robinsons columns, including those not published in the Journal, can be read at abqjournal.com/opinion  look for the syndicated columnist link. Email: eugenerobinson@washpost.com; copyright, Washington Post Writers Group.
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced that he is disbanding a controversial panel studying alleged voter fraud that became mired in federal lawsuits, including from one of its own members, and faced resistance from states that accused it of overreach.

The decision is a major setback for Trump, who created the commission last year in response to his unproven claim that he lost the popular vote to Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016 because of millions of illegally cast ballots.

The commission met only twice amid the series of lawsuits seeking to curb its authority and claims by Democrats that it was stacked to recommend voting restrictions favorable to the presidents party.

In a statement, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said there is substantial evidence of voter fraud and blamed the ending of the commission on the refusal of many states to provide voter data sought by the commission and the cost of ongoing federal lawsuits.

The bipartisan panel, known as the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, had been nominally chaired by Vice President Pence and led by Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, a Republican who has aggressively sought to prosecute alleged voter fraud in his state.

In the statement, Sanders said Trump had signed an executive order asking the Department of Homeland Security to review voter fraud issues and determine next courses of action.

The commission never had anything to do with election integrity, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said in a statement. It was instead a front to suppress the vote, perpetrate dangerous and baseless claims, and was ridiculed from one end of the country to the other. This shows that ill-founded proposals that just appeal to a narrow group of people wont work, and we hope theyll learn this lesson elsewhere.

Other critics of the commission, including former Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander, D, also hailed Trumps announcement.

President Trump created his sham voting commission to substantiate a lie he told about voter fraud in the 2016 election, said Kander, president of the advocacy group Let America Vote. When he couldnt come up with any fake evidence, and under relentless pressure, he had no choice but to disband his un-American commission.  Good riddance.

The 11-member commission proved a magnet for controversy from the outset and was sued by one of its own members, Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, who alleged in November that he has been kept in the dark about its operations, rendering his participation essentially meaningless.

A federal judge last month ruled partly in Dunlaps favor.

The commission had been targeted in at least eight other lawsuits seeking to curb its operations or make its deliberations more transparent. Several of those stemmed from an early sweeping request to states for voter data that some, including those led by Republicans, deemed too intrusive.

The panel met publicly in Washington in July and in New Hampshire in September. Other meetings planned across the country never materialized.

Despite the accusations of bias, both Trump and Pence had said in opening remarks at the first commission meeting that it had no preordained agenda.

That did not reassure critics.

voter-fraud

ATTN: National editors; expands; adds react, commission background

Trump abolishes controversial commission studying alleged voter fraud
Copyright  2018 Albuquerque Journal

WASHINGTON  With a federal government shutdown looming, congressional leaders met with top White House officials late Wednesday in search of an agreement that could keep the government open and provide a long-term solution for thousands of young people whose immigration status is in flux.

The meeting of top Republicans and Democrats from the House and Senate, as well as White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, did not produce a deal. But the GOP participants issued a statement afterward saying they hoped ongoing discussions would yield an agreement soon. If an agreement isnt reached by Jan. 19 the federal government will partially shut down.

It is important that we achieve a two-year agreement that funds our troops and provides for our national security and other critical functions of the federal government, said House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in a joint statement with the White House after the meeting. It also remains important that members of Congress do not hold funding for our troops hostage for immigration policy.

Democrats  including those in New Mexicos congressional delegation  have been pushing Republicans, who control both chambers of Congress, to include in any spending deal a provision to provide permanent legal status for roughly 800,000 young people whose parents brought them to the U.S. illegally as children. About 7,000 of these so-called dreamers  or participants in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program  reside in New Mexico.

President Donald Trump rescinded the Obama-era DACA program in September and said it was the responsibility of Congress to make it permanent through legislation. Under Trumps order, the DACA program expires on March 5. Dreamers who have not received federal extensions under DACA will be subject to deportation if the program is not renewed.

On Tuesday U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said the White House and Trump are open to the possibility of not only making DACA permanent for dreamers and allowing them to remain in the U.S. legally, but also including a path to citizenship.

I think hes open to hearing about the different possibilities and what it means but, to my knowledge, there certainly hasnt been any decision from the White House, Nielsen said.

Trump has said he wont sign a permanent DACA bill into law unless Congress also sends him legislation to build a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico. On Wednesday, White House Counselor Kellyanne Conway reiterated the presidents view in an interview on Fox News.

There is no DACA without funding for the wall, Conway said.

Congressional Democrats fiercely oppose the construction of a border wall.

Its shameful for the president to use them (DACA recipients) as a bargaining chip to try and build an unnecessary, ineffective and immoral border wall, Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., said Wednesday.

In late December, Reps. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a New Mexico Democrat who chairs the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, who chairs the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, both voted against a stopgap spending bill to keep the government open until Jan. 19 because it didnt include a provision to address the DACA issue. Udall and Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., both support a permanent DACA fix but voted for the short-term spending bill in the Senate reasoning that voting against it would harm New Mexico.

Rep. Steve Pearce, a Republican who represents New Mexicos border, also voted for the stopgap spending measure in late December. Pearce has introduced legislation that would give DACA recipients a chance to remain in the country lawfully for 10 years with an option to renew their legal status after a decade. Some Democrats contend the bill doesnt go far enough and that a permanent fix is imperative.

On Wednesday, Pearce said there are many moving parts to negotiations over the looming government shutdown, but he is pushing his DACA bill as a middle-ground solution. Pearce has said he opposes Trumps proposal to build a border wall.

I think threats to shut down the government over a DACA fix are unwise and create more problems than solutions, Pearce said. That said, our nations immigration system is broken. If common-sense corrections can be made to the immigration system while fixing DACA, then that is something I will work with my colleagues on.

Lujan Grisham told the Journal on Wednesday that nobody wants a government shutdown and she senses that Republicans are softening on the issue of a DACA deal. Pearce and Lujan Grisham are both running for governor of New Mexico in 2018.

It is clear that more of the Republican leadership is ready to deal with a DACA fix, Lujan Grisham said Wednesday night.

She said its possible that an eventual agreement will include a government spending deal, a permanent DACA solution and possibly some border security enhancements that stop short of a wall.

While neither side will get exactly what they wantthere are pieces of legislation that are ready that have broad bipartisan support, she said, referring to various border security proposals.
DENVER  He was once a standout student in law school and an Army medic who deployed to Iraq. By last weekend, he lay dead in a Colorado apartment building, killed by a SWAT team after he gunned down a 29-year-old deputy.

Matthew Riehls six-year descent from a budding attorney to a gunman who live-streamed some of the final violent hours of his life was accompanied by episodes of mental illness, according to police and a document from the Veterans Affairs Department.

Three days after the gunbattle with authorities, it was still unclear whether Riehls problems were grave enough to legally disqualify him from buying a weapon. Police have said he had a rifle, but they havent released details about what weapons were used or how he obtained them.

Federal standards prevent anyone from buying a gun who has been determined to be a danger to themselves or others by a court or other authority. People who have been involuntarily committed to a psychiatric institution also cant buy from federally licensed gun dealers.

Riehl was hospitalized at a VA psychiatric ward in Wyoming in 2014, and at one point he was placed under a 72-hour mental health hold there, according to a VA document obtained by The Associated Press and other news outlets this week.

But the agency declined to say whether that treatment meant Riehl should not have been allowed to own a gun.

Stephen Fischer, a spokesman for the FBI division that manages the background-check databases used for gun purchases, didnt immediately respond Wednesday to a request for more information.

KDVR-TV in Denver reported Wednesday that Riehl had purchased 11 firearms from a store in Laramie, Wyoming, between 2010 and 2013, but it wasnt immediately known whether any of those guns were used in the Colorado shooting.

A Laramie Police Department report said David Smith, owner of Daves Guns, told police Riehl passed the required background checks. No one answered an after-hours call to Smiths store Wednesday.

Revelations about Riehls mental health history came to light amid increased scrutiny of background-check databases.

After former Air Force member Devin P. Kelley massacred 26 people at a Texas church in November, the Air Force acknowledged it failed to alert the FBI that he had a criminal history.

Kelley had been convicted of assaulting his then-wife and stepson in 2012, when he was still in the Air Force. The military never reported the conviction to the FBI, which should have stopped Kelley from buying weapons, and later blamed training and compliance measures. Kelley was found dead after the killings.

In Riehls case, a sketchy but striking picture of his life began to emerge. He joined the Army Reserve in 2003 and later the Wyoming Army National Guard, serving as a medic. He enrolled in the University of Wyoming College of Law and was named to the deans honor roll in fall 2007.

He interrupted school to serve a tour of duty in Kuwait and Iraq from 2009 to 2010. Returning to law school, he won a coveted spot on a team of students which sometimes got to argue before the Wyoming Supreme Court. He graduated in 2011 and left the military with an honorable discharge in 2012.

Some news reports have cited people who described Riehl sometimes behaving oddly in law school.

Riehls records did not show any military service-related psychiatric disorders, according to the VA document. But within two years of his discharge, he appeared to lose his way: In April 2014, he suffered a psychotic episode and was hospitalized in the mental health ward of the Sheridan, Wyoming, veterans hospital, the document said.

He escaped but was found and returned, the document said. A year later, in June 2015, he had an urgent contact for mental health with a different VA hospital, according to the document.

It offers few details and does not describe the nature of Riehls psychiatric problems. The VA has refused to elaborate, citing privacy concerns.

By mid-2016, Riehl was at the center of a string of worrisome events reported by police in Colorado and Wyoming: A fight with his father and a call to police from his mother, who was concerned about his mental health. He posted tirades on social media about the faculty at the Wyoming law school and sent harassing emails to police after getting a speeding ticket, authorities said.

University of Wyoming police began investigating Riehl last October after the social media posts, including a vague threat to shoot someone, The Denver Post reported . Riehls brother told campus police that Matthew Riehl had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

By Nov. 14, university police were concerned enough to call Colorado authorities about Riehl, according to police in Lone Tree, Colorado, about 18 miles (25 miles) south of Denver.

On Sunday, Riehl dialed 911 and police responded to his apartment in Highlands Ranch, not far from Lone Tree. He opened fire, police said, killing Douglas County Deputy Zackari Parrish and wounding four other officers and two civilians.

Parrishs funeral will be Friday.

___

This story has been corrected to reflect the accurate spelling of Devin P. Kelleys last name in the 11th paragraph.
FARMINGTON  As Carol Begay Greens index finger moved along the Navajo braille code she developed, she read aloud a story about a boy and his monkey.

Green, a teacher of the blind and visually impaired for the Farmington Municipal School District, has developed a braille code for the Navajo language.

Braille is a system of raised dots that enables people who are blind or visually impaired to read and write through touch, according to the American Foundation for the Blind.

The Navajo braille code Green developed uses English Braille  with the absence of the letters f, p, q, r, u and v  and with the addition of a prefix code for the vowels a, e, i and o.

There is also code to instruct the reader to pronounce vowels as eight plain, high tone, plain nasal or high tone and nasal.

The advantage of having this code for the reader is that they can distinguish and pronounce everything properly, Green said.

Green, who is born to Toaheedliinii (Water Flow Together Clan), was raised in Michigan, but visited her parental grandparents in Lukachukai, Ariz.

She learned basic words in the Navajo language from her grandparents and the exposure instilled a lifelong interest in further learning the language.

During Greens junior year in college, she transferred to Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Ariz., and graduated from there in 1991.

Before joining the Farmington Municipal School District in 2010, she taught at Red Mesa Elementary School in Red Mesa, Ariz., and at Nataani Nez Elementary School in Shiprock.

Green developed vision problems as a child and eventually lost sight in her left eye at 13.

Cataract surgery in her right eye in 2000 led to further decline in her vision and, in 2009, she learned how to read and write braille.

Since she wanted to continue learning how to speak, read and write Navajo, she asked the Braille Authority of North America in 2013 if a braille code for Navajo was available.

When she found out there was none, she began working on one. To her knowledge, her work resulted in the first code for Navajo.

Another reason Green, who has a National Certification in Unified English Braille, developed the Navajo braille code was to provide the opportunity for blind and visually impaired Navajo students to learn about their traditional language.

With the Navajo language being taught in schools, and in some cases a requirement for students to apply for scholarships, Green wanted blind or visually impaired students to have fair opportunity.

I thought if I am going to develop it for myself, then I might as well share it so these children have that opportunity. The same as their peers, she said.

In a resolution passed by the Navajo Nation Board of Education in October 2015, the Navajo braille code was adopted to teach blind and visually impaired tribal members Navajo.

Green continues to share information about the code at various conferences and in presentations across the country.

One of Greens students in Farmington is a Navajo girl who is learning English braille.

She is just learning braille. As she moves in her progress, she might want to take the Navajo language in junior high and high school. That will be an option to her now, Green said.

Local teacher develops Navajo braille code
DENVER  A Colorado man has been charged with first-degree murder in connection to a shooting that killed a teenager while she sat in her vehicle.

The Denver Post reports that 25-year-old Shamil Jefferson was arrested Dec. 22, one day after 17-year-old Zalynnda Kassogue died of multiple gunshot wounds.

Arrest records say Jefferson had asked a friend to give him a ride to meet a female, potentially an ex-girlfriend. His friend agreed and said after parking, Jefferson got out of the vehicle and began shooting into a red Jeep. The friend said he then drove away and called police.

A black semi-automatic handgun was found at the scene of a nearby hot-and-run crash that Jefferson is believed to have been involved in.

Booking documents dont indicate if Jefferson has hired an attorney.

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Information from: The Denver Post, http://www.denverpost.com
Chief Judge Christina Armijo of the U.S. District Court of New Mexico will retire to senior status next month.

She has served on the bench more than two decades either an appellate judge or on the top federal court in the state.

Armijo, whose retirement was announced in a news release from the courthouse Thursday, was appointed to the U.S. District Court in 2001 by President George W. Bush and unanimously approved the Senate. She has been the chief judge since 2012.

Armijo, who was born in January 1951, has a lifetime appointment to the bench. Her move to senior status means she will carry a lighter caseload and District Judge William Johnson is slated to become the next chief judge, which is based on seniority, said Kelsie Kloepfer, the executive assistant to Clerk of Court.

Born in Las Vegas, N.M., Armijo comes from a large family of New Mexico attorneys and judges.

She served on the New Mexico Court of Appeals from 1996 until her appointment by Bush.

During her career, she has been honored with the Henrietta Pettijohn Award by the New Mexico Womans Bar Association for her work advancing women in the legal profession. She has also received the Outstanding Contribution Award from the State Bar of New Mexico, the New Mexico Commission on the Status of Womens Trailblazer Award and the University of New Mexico Alumni Association and Mortar Boards Lobo Award.

She received her bachelors degree from the University of New Mexico and also graduated from UNMs law school.

The news release credited Armijo with one of the largest cost-savings initiatives within the federal judiciary by facilitating the move of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court into the Pete V. Domenici U.S. Courthouse, which is expected to save about $1 million annually on rent and security costs. That move is expected to be completed next month.
Officers are investigating after they say a man was shot several times and a woman was found with a fatal injury in a home near Chico and Texas NE Wednesday night.

Officer Simon Drobik, a spokesman for the Albuquerque Police Department, wrote in an email that officers were called to the 200 block of Texas by a man who said he had been shot.

Upon arrival officers made contact with a male subject who was on the ground in front of the residence, Drobik wrote. The male sustained multiple injuries, consistent with gunshot wounds to his torso.

Another APD spokesman said late Wednesday that the man was expected to survive. His name has not been released.

Drobik said the officers were told that a woman inside the home might have been responsible for the shooting.

So they made announcements for everyone to come out, and a woman exited and was cooperative with police. She told them another woman was asleep on the floor inside.

Officers made announcements, but the female (inside) was non-responsive, Drobik wrote, Officers moved in to check the residence and located the female on the floor of the living room with an apparent injury to the head.

Drobik did not say what that injury was, but said the woman was taken to the University of New Mexico Hospital, where she died. Earlier reports had said the woman had been shot. Drobik did not identify her.

He did not know whether detectives are investigating the womans death as a homicide. He did not say if police believed either woman was responsible for the shooting, but did say no persons of interest have been identified.

It was a violent crimes call out and its under investigation, he said.
DALLAS  Southwest Airlines will pay $15 million to settle class-action lawsuits that accuse the four biggest U.S. carriers of conspiring to boost prices by holding down the supply of tickets for sale.

Southwest denies breaking the law but says it settled to avoid the expense of more litigation. It will also provide information to the plaintiffs.

American, United and Delta said Thursday that they did nothing wrong and will continue to defend themselves.

Lawyers for consumers filed dozens of lawsuits against the four airlines in mid-2015 after The Associated Press first reported that the Justice Department was investigating possible collusion.

Federal officials demanded documents from the airlines  which control more than 80 percent of the U.S. air-travel market  to see if they were colluding to limit the number of seats in order to keep prices high.

The Justice Department hasnt taken any formal action against the carriers. The agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Consumer groups complained that a series of airline mergers that began in 2008 reduced competition and led to higher fares. They claimed that through back and forth comments about the need for capacity discipline, leaders of the biggest airlines pressured each other to limit seats, making them scarce and driving up prices.

Private lawsuits filed around the country were combined in a single case in federal district court in Washington, D.C. Southwest started discussing a settlement in September and reached an agreement with plaintiffs lawyers in late December, according to court documents.

Federal District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly gave preliminary approval to the deal Wednesday. Air travelers will get a chance to object before her order is made final.

Southwest spokesman Chris Mainz said these cases can go on for years, and settling will avoid the considerable time, expense, and inconvenience of continued litigation.

Southwest, the smallest of the four airlines involved, agreed to provide information and make executives available to talk with lawyers for the consumers who sued.

Representatives for the other three airlines said Southwests settlement would not affect their defenses.

We will continue to defend against the claims, which we believe are without merit, said American Airlines spokesman Matt Miller.

___

David Koenig can be reached at http://twitter.com/airlinewriter
A former State Police officer convicted of a first-degree murder will get a new trial after the state Supreme Court ruled prosecutors erred by introducing evidence that the defendant remained silent during the investigation.

John Jack McDowell, 60, was convicted by a jury in December 2014 of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence and sentenced to life in prison for the death of James Chavez, 35.

Chavez was stabbed to death in his Rio Rancho home in July 2011.

During the trial, the arresting detective, while being questioned by prosecutors, said that he couldnt question McDowell about the case because McDowell had asked for an attorney. The states highest court ruled that New Mexico courts have long prohibited such statements from being made at trial, because they have an intolerable prejudicial impact on the jury.

We agree that the prosecutor erred, Justice Edward Chavez wrote on behalf of the court. For decades, prosecutors have been prohibited from commenting on or eliciting testimony about a defendants exercise of his or her right to remain silent.

District Court Judge George Eichwald presided over McDowells trial.

McDowell and his son, who is also named John McDowell, were arrested 18 months after Chavezs death. The younger McDowell was sentenced in May 2015 to 9 1/2 years in prison as part of a plea agreement.

The investigation was hampered, in part, because at least one of the witnesses was worried about retaliation because of McDowells connections to law enforcement and a motorcycle gang, according to police.

McDowell at one point during his law enforcement career was a member of Gov. Toney Anayas security detail. He later became affiliated with the Bandidos motorcycle gang, and he allegedly made silencers in a garage, dealt methamphetamine from his Rio Rancho home and ran stolen guns, according to a criminal complaint filed against him.

 It is known on the streets that you dont mess with Jack McDowell due to his connections with the Bandidos biker gang and law enforcement, Rio Rancho Police Detective Richard Romero wrote in the complaint.

Police said that witnesses eventually started cooperating after they were arrested on unrelated charges.

John McDowell, the son, was dating Catherine Chavez, James Chavezs ex-wife. The Chavezes had recently divorced, and there was an ongoing feud over how to divide their assets, some of which were at the couples foreclosed-on home in Rio Rancho, which is where James Chavez was killed, according to the court documents.

McDowells attorney couldnt be reached for comment on Thursday.

Lemuel Martinez, 13th Judicial District Attorney, said prosecutors plan to retry the case.

Were going to review whether we still have the evidence and witnesses, he said. If they are available, were going to retry the case.
A couple who became victims of a car theft Thursday afternoon are now searching for their dog Darcy after the suspect, 28-year-old Pablo Chavira-Leon, told detectives he dropped off the small dog in northeast Albuquerque.

Officer Simon Drobik said Kane and Rosemarie Anderson are extremely distraught and asking the publics help in finding the 7-year-old small dog, which was apparently dropped off by Chavira-Leon at San Mateo and Menaul NE.

Rosemarie Anderson said her husband was shopping in Ross when Chavira-Leon stole the truck, with Darcy inside, from the parking lot.

This city is in trouble with these car thieves, she said.

Drobik said Chavira-Leon was taken into custody near Zuni and Tennessee SE, after fleeing the stolen truck on foot. He is charged with receiving or transferring a stolen motor vehicle and aggravated fleeing.

According to a criminal complaint, an officer saw Chavira-Leon driving the stolen truck around 1 p.m.

Police say Chavira-Leon immediately fled and air support was called in to follow him as he nearly caused multiple crashes with different vehicles on the road.

Chavira-Leon eventually ditched the truck and ran into a backyard, according to the complaint.

Thats when police say officers set up a perimeter in the area, causing the lock down of nearby La Mesa Elementary School, which is less than a mile away.

Chavira-Leon was found by K9 units beneath some debris in the backyard a short time later, according to the complaint. He was taken into custody without incident.

Chavira-Leon told police he was with another man when he took the truck. That man has not been located or identified.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  A California man has pleaded guilty to a methamphetamine trafficking charge in New Mexico and could get up to a life prison sentence.

Prosecutors say 25-year-old Geoffrey Lawrence Marshall Jr. of La Palma had a change of plea hearing Thursday in federal court in Albuquerque.

Federal drug agents arrested Marshall in June after seizing nearly 11 pounds of crystal methamphetamine from him during an interdiction investigation at an Albuquerque bus station.

Authorities say the meth was concealed in eight cereal cardboard boxes and cardboard drink boxes inside Marshalls luggage.

Prosecutors say Marshall is facing at least a 10-year prison term.

He remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.
Central New Mexico Community College has taken over the New Mexico Ethics in Business Awards, the future of which had been in some doubt.

Samaritan Counseling Center, which had run the awards since the late 90s, closed last year but put the program out for bid to keep it running. The program had been a major fund-raiser for Samaritan.

A CNM spokesman said it cost the school $90,000 to take over the program, an outlay it expects to recoup after two events.

We are proud to be the new stewards of this highly regarded award program that honors the organizations in our state that are leading by example with highly ethical standards, CNM President Katharine Winograd said in a news release.

CNM, CNM Ingenuity and the CNM Foundation will be involved in the program going forward, according to the release. The school said proceeds from the annual event will go toward scholarships for CNM students who are dedicated to ethics and an ethical career and to support ethics training programs through CNM Ingenuity.

This years awards event is scheduled for April 25 at Sandia Resort. The Albuquerque Journal is a sponsor of the program.

To determine the awards, nominees are taken from the community, beginning each summer. Students from the University of New Mexicos Anderson School of Management interview nominees and prepare written reports that are then reviewed by a screening committee made up of community volunteers. The committee also meets with finalists before deciding on the final honors.

A total of five awards are made in four categories: for-profit business (with two honorees); nonprofit organizations; individual leader; and young leader.

In the non-profit category, CNM was a New Mexico Ethics in Business Award winner in 2015 and the CNM Foundation won in 2006.

For information on tickets, sponsorships and tables for this years event, go here or contact the CNM Foundation at 505-224-4685.
CRANDON, Wis.  Authorities say a sheriffs deputy in northern Wisconsin shot and killed a man who pointed a shotgun at him.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice says the Forrest County deputy was on patrol Thursday morning when he ran a records check on a disabled vehicle. The check found the driver was wanted on felony warrants in Texas.

Authorities say the deputy tried to make contact with the driver when the driver pointed a shotgun at him. The deputy fired his weapon in response, killing the suspect.

The deputy was placed on standard administrative leave while the shooting is investigated. The state Division of Criminal Investigation is collecting evidence and will turn its reports over to the district attorney.

No other details were released.
WASHINGTON  The acrimony surrounding former White House adviser Steve Bannons very public break with President Donald Trump escalated Thursday, suggesting a permanent split between the president and the pugilistic strategist who helped put him in the Oval Office.

The new fissure in an already fractious Republican Party cast doubt on Bannons hopes to foment a movement centered on Trumpism without Trump.

It already has cost him a key backer. Rebekah Mercer, the billionaire GOP donor and Breitbart co-owner, issued a statement Thursday distancing her family from Bannon.

I support President Trump and the platform upon which he was elected, she 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.

White House officials described the president as furious at Bannons criticisms, laid out in an explosive new book that quoted the former aide as questioning Trumps competence and describing a June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower between Donald Trump Jr., Trump campaign aides and a Russian lawyer as treasonous and unpatriotic.

On Twitter Thursday night, Trump said the book was full of lies, misrepresentations and sources that dont exist. He also came up with a new nickname for Bannon: Sloppy Steve.

A parade of administration officials and allies worked to discredit Bannon as a disgruntled has-been. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders went so far as to suggest that Bannon ought to be booted from Breitbart, the populist website he helps run.

I certainly think that its something they should look at and consider, she said.

Bannon had helped Trump form a coalition of anti-establishment Republicans, blue-collar working class and economic nationalists that launched him to the White House, but Trump had long ago grown frustrated that Bannon seemed to be overstepping his role as a staffer.

The self-appointed keeper of Trumps nationalist flame during the presidents first six months in office, Bannon had soured on the president even before he was pushed out of the White House for feeding the perception that he was Trumps puppeteer.

None of Bannons close associates was willing to speak publicly about the fallout but privately conceded that the explosive comments may forever tarnish his brand. Bannons political appeal had been deeply tied to the perception that he was an ally of Trumps. Those close to Bannon feared that the connection had been permanently severed.

Bannon was preparing to launch a nonprofit organization designed to help give Trumps brand of conservatism populism a permanent base. Its unclear how Bannons new rift with the president, and the related impact on major donors, will affect the organization, dubbed Citizens of the American Republic.

Current and former White House officials, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss internal conversations, said Bannon had miscalculated by attacking the president and his family. Much of Bannons political clout, they argue, stemmed from the assumption that he was acting with the imprimatur of the president, even if Trump wasnt visibly in lockstep.

Some Trump allies also expressed satisfaction that Bannon appeared to be finally cast out of the presidents inner circle.

Bannon has no contingent, former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich said Wednesday between media interviews to defend Trump. On Thursday, Gingrich echoed Trumps charge that Bannon had lost his mind.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a longtime punching bag for Bannon, reveled in the aides break with the president. Id like to associate myself with what the president had to say about Steve Bannon yesterday, he said mischievously Thursday.

Since leaving the White House, Bannon spent much of his time courting donors to help finance his self-declared war on the Republican establishment. He vowed to find Republican challengers for virtually every GOP senator seeking election this fall, chiefly for the purpose of electing candidates who would remove McConnell as majority leader.

Bannon publicly backed conservative challengers in Arizona, Nevada, Wisconsin, Mississippi and New York, where House challenger Michael Grimm issued a statement denouncing the ex-advisers comments as baseless attacks that were beyond disturbing.

Others who have received boosts from Bannon, including Arizona Senate candidate Kelli Ward and potential Mississippi Senate challenger Chris McDaniel, were more circumspect, wary of alienating either faction of the partys insurgent grassroots.

Bannons political standing was already weakened after he went all-out last month to support failed Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore despite multiple allegations of sexual misconduct against Moore.

Doubling down on Moore left Bannon politically incapacitated, said Steven Law, president and CEO of the super PAC led by McConnell.

The only concern left was whether the president might give Bannon a temporary lease on life, he said. But this repudiation was so methodical and so absolute that it really slams the door on that.

White House aides have tried to look past other loaded comments from Bannon in recent months while seeking to marshal his political following on the presidents behalf.

But they warned Bannons allies over the last 24 hours that Trump would likely never take his calls again. However, there are few absolutes in Trumps orbit, White House aides acknowledge, and he has been known to bury the hatchet with those he perceived to have wronged him.

Some Trump allies even encouraged him to welcome Bannon back into his good graces.

You can either excise him or shun him, which I dont think is the best recommended strategy, or tell him to knock it off and bring himself back into the fold, Anthony Scaramucci, the former White House communications director, said on MSNBC.

Trump coolly noted Thursday that his full-throated counterassault appeared to have its desired effect on Bannon.

He called me a great man last night, Trump said, referring to Bannons radio show appearance. He obviously changed his tune pretty quick.

Michael Wolffs 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.

___

Associated Press writers Scott Bauer in Madison, Wis., Thomas Beaumont in Des Moines, Iowa, and Nicholas Riccardi in Denver contributed to this report.
An acknowledged domain expert, Manoj has been deeply involved in the creation and deployment of several innovative products and disruptive technologies into the technology business ecosystem. He demonstrates in-depth expertise on a range of diverse subjects and frequently shares his opinions on topics such as customer-insight generation, Big Data, challenger selling, automation, design thinking, and disruptive technologies.

Manojs appointment to BIS Researchs leadership ranks is part of the companys long-term strategy to bolster its talent pool. By adding experienced professionals like Manoj, the company looks to enhance its market intelligence capabilities. This has helped BIS Research establish itself globally, as it enables businesses to leverage the latest in technology from the concept stage to realisation in the form of innovative products.

Commenting on the appointment, Faisal Ahmad, Founder and CEO, BIS Research, said, Manoj is well-known for having significant experience of working at the intersection of technology and business. He has conceptualised, executed, and spearheaded various high-profile, market-focussed intelligence and research projects worldwide. His in-depth knowledge of global best practices in research, analytics, and consulting makes him an invaluable addition to the BIS Research team. We are excited to have him on board as the Intelligence and Growth Advisor, and are looking forward to combining our synergies to catapult BIS Research onto the next stage of its growth journey.

Holding almost two decades of professional experience, Manoj has been associated with several industry-leading organisations such as Infosys, Accenture, and Evalueserve over the course of his illustrious career. He has a proven track record in conceptualising and executing high-impact, highly-successful business research and intelligence strategies. At Accenture, he advised clients on a variety of areas, from devising go-to-market strategies for a B2B e-commerce platform to optimizing the distribution networks of global companies. He was also responsible for building and expanding industry vertical capabilities within the Business Research practice at Evalueserve to deliver high-quality research solutions, thus strengthening the companys client base and driving repeat business.

While at Evalueserve, Manoj led the creation of InsightBee, a Cloud-based custom research platform from Evalueserve. The platform leverages a non-linear, digital business model that merges research skills from team members globally for achieving customized business research and delivering superior results. He then led InsightBees transformation from a pure retail model to a credit-based account plan system to capture strong demand and achieve faster traction.

Manoj Madhusudanan said, "BIS Research has been delivering extremely insightful market intelligence about the impact and potential of various emerging technologies across industries. I am pleased to have the opportunity to work as its Innovation and Growth Advisor. Having already worked closely with the companys management team for Ziligence, I look forward to adding more synergy and expertise to BIS Research's ongoing growth story."
Xiaomi India has appointed Lowe Lintas Bangalore to handle the creative mandate for the brand. Xiaomi, which is based on the vision of innovation for everyone entered India in 2014 and in just 3 years of its launch in the country, it became the fastest brand to cross the 25 million mark (sales).

India is one of the companys largest market outside China and the fastest growing among international markets. As per International Data Corporations (IDC) Quarterly Smartphone Tracker for Q3-2017, Xiaomi has 23.5 percent of the Indian smartphone market at par with Samsung as the top smartphone brand in the country. The Redmi Note 4, has propelled Xiaomi to become Indias top smartphone vendor and has contributed to more than 40 percent of the brands total sales.

The online-only brand started building its offline business aggressively in 2017 through direct distribution and its own stores Mi Homes, Mi preferred partners and partnership with large retail chains. With presence in over 30 countries and regions, Xiaomi is expanding its footprint across the world to become a global brand.

Lowe Lintas has bagged the account on the back of informal evaluations Xiaomi has done of multiple agencies to identify its communications partner.

Speaking on this new business win, Raj Gupta, CEO, Lowe Lintas commented, "It is a proud privilege for us at Lowe Lintas to be chosen by Xiaomi, a brand that has such a huge fan following. We will strive to reinforce this love and get more consumers to fall in love with Xiaomi

Hari Krishnan, President, Lowe Lintas - South further added, Xiaomi is a part of our case study to prospective partners as a perfect example of a challenger brand. A brand that has become the leader by not just talking innovation, but by living it. We are, like millions around the world, fans of Xiaomi. And it is truly a pleasure and privilege when you get to chart the course of a brand that you really look up to. This win, is special!

Commenting on the appointment of Lowe Lintas, Xiaomi Spokesperson quoted: Xiaomi is the No. 1 smartphone brand in India. And what has helped us reach there is the constant innovation that is at the core of the brand. In just under three years, Xiaomi has won immense love and innumerable fans in this country. We now aim to establish our vision of Innovation for everyone firmly and bring relevance through our products to every Indian. In Lowe Lintas, with its irrefutable experience and expertise in building lasting brands, we have found a perfect partner for the task at hand.
Suchetas portrayal of Roma is that of a lady who is full of grace and panache. Soft spoken but gifted with sharp intelligence, her personality shines through as she is always impeccably dressed and well mannered.

Confirming the development, Sucheta Trivedi said, Im extremely excited to portray the role of Roma. This is a character whose entry will bring a huge plot twist that will keep audiences hooked to the narrative.

Ishq Mein Marjawan revolves around the life of Aarohi (Alisha Panwar) who lives in Shimla with her family and her husband Deep Raichand (Arjun Bijlani) who comes in her life with a hidden motive.
U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., stopped by the Aiken County Government Center on Wednesday afternoon to preview his legislative goals for the new year.

Wilson's 2018 focus can be divided into four categories: creating jobs, reducing regulations, promoting international alliances and strengthening the military.

During his speech, a pamphlet  a version of which was enlarged and served as a backdrop for his remarks  was circulated. It lightly detailed each category.

Regarding the economy, Wilson said he will support conservative budgets and advocate for fair trade. Repealing and replacing Obamacare, an effort that has failed multiple times now, is also on Wilson's list. The pamphlet says the health care program "destroys jobs."

Locally, Wilson said he would work tirelessly to ensure the prosperity and security of the Savannah River Site: "Whatever missions can be done, I will promote or be there."

The congressman applauded state Attorney General Alan Wilson's federal court win against the U.S. Department of Energy, a win that forces the DOE to remove 1 ton of weapons-grade plutonium from SRS in two years.

Wilson said the plutonium will move to Yucca Mountain, a Nevada nuclear waste repository that President Donald Trump has attempted to resuscitate. Federal funding for the storage site ended in 2011.

"The people who live in that immediate community of Nevada understand this would be safe and secure," Wilson said. "It needs to be transported safely and securely underneath the mountain in Nevada."

Wilson said he strongly believes South Carolina is not a nuclear dumping ground. That comment directly echoes an earlier statement put out by the attorney general.

Regarding the ever-controversial Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility, Wilson said he's collaborated with South Carolina and Georgia politicians  "working with Sen. Graham and congressman Rick Allen"  to secure funding for continued MOX construction.

Overall, the MOX project is 70 percent complete, Wilson said.

"I want to finish MOX  It's very frustrating to hear reports that it's 30 percent complete," Wilson said. "That's not true."

S.C. attorney general's plutonium removal win came with losses, too Court documents show S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson's federal court victory against the Department of Energy is not as sweeping as previous

The rest of Wilson's 20-minute conference focused on Trump: Wilson said he is "very appreciative" of what the president has done so far.

"I'm very grateful of his leadership," Wilson said.

The congressman said Trump has successfully promoted and rebuilt the American military  an achievement that lines up with his own goals.

That military growth, Wilson added, is partially responsible for what he described as the routing of ISIS in the Middle East.

"We see the consequence of this," Wilson said. "ISIS has truly been defeated."

Wilson, though, later said the war on terror is ongoing and is undertaken on new fronts daily.

The South Carolina Republican, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, also praised a recent arms deal with Ukraine.

"This is very, very significant because we must stop the Russian Federation from the aggression they've had," Wilson said. "The president is standing firm."

In December 2017, the Trump administration approved the sale of anti-tank weaponry, among other lethal weapons, to the Ukrainian government. Ukrainian forces have been fighting Russia-backed separatists for almost four years .

The distributed pamphlet says Wilson supports Trump's view of "peace through strength."

On the topic of international relations, Wilson, a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, said Trump has regained the trust of Japan's prime minister, Shinzo Abe, for the American people. Wilson said the president's declaration that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and the president's recent condemnation of the Iranian government both deserve applause.

Wilson's stop in Aiken was part of a larger District 2 tour that included stops in West Columbia and North Augusta.

Wilson visits North Augusta

During his stop in North Augusta at the Municipal Building, which he called "the world's most beautiful city hall," Wilson mentioned the Riverside Village development, calling it a great example of South Carolina and Georgia working together.

"To see the vision that Lark (Jones) had and you're following through," Wilson said to Mayor Bob Pettit, "The riverfront, how exciting this is and to see the stadium, and every time I'm reading the newspaper about the expansions there and the jobs they've created, it really warms my heart to see what a positive community this is."

"I'm thinking of President Trump's economic agenda: jobs, jobs, jobs," he said about Riverside Village.

He also mentioned Fort Gordon and the new cyber command center. "How important that's going to be to this community in terms of addressing the issues that are a threat to our country from cyber, and CRSA is going to be in the middle of it," he said.

After the conference, attendee Connie Boswell asked how the recently passed tax plan impacts her as a retiree and how it will affect Social Security and Medicare. Said she worked for AT&T for 35 years and worked very hard for her retirement.

"I moved eight times chasing it and I can't afford to lose what I've got," she said.

Wilson responded by saying the growing economy will make sure the funding is there, and said retirement accounts have been significantly enhanced.

"The good news is by growing the economy, we will be able to save Social Security and Medicare," Wilson said.

Lindsey Hodges contributed to this story.
January 3, 2018

Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), spoke to reporters Jan. 3 about the protests that have rocked Iran in the last week and hinted that a former government official may have been involved in initially starting the protests that quickly spiraled out of control.

When asked by reporters whether it was true that a former official was involved in sparking the protests that started in Mashhad, Jafari said, This call [to protest] started with a website that is linked to an individual who has opened his mouth in opposition to the values and principles of the system. Jafari continued, Security officials are investigating this matter, and if they see interference by this former official, certainly he will be confronted by law enforcement.

Jafari did not specify which former official he was speaking of, but speculation by some analysts leads to former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who has been in a constant public battle with Irans judiciary over corruption cases involving his former Cabinet members. In the last few months, Ahmadinejad has released numerous videos threatening action if the judiciary did not disclose all of its documents relating to him and his Cabinet.

Since the protests started, Ahmadinejad has been silent. The website that is affiliated with him, Dolat-e Bahar, however, did publish a letter reportedly by a group of Tehran University students demanding that President Hassan Rouhani resign and immediately hold elections.

Regardless of how the protests started, it is undeniable that they quickly spread to other provinces with very little control or coordination. Jafari said that according to the IRGCs calculations, a total of 15,000 protesters were involved in the demonstrations across the country and that the largest single protest was attended by approximately 1,500 people. He said the IRGC was directly involved in quelling protests in the provinces of Hamedan, Esfahan and Lorestan.

Jafari acknowledged the economic grievances of the protesters but also indirectly criticized Rouhanis policies of wanting to link Irans economy to the West. Some feel that a friendship with America will improve the economic situation, but these people should look at a country such as Egypt, which has sacrificed everything for friendship with America, Jafari said.

In response to the protests across the country, officials held pro-government rallies. Fars News wrote, Today, in many of the countrys provinces, the revolutionary nation of Iran's roar was heard above the insults of the rioters and the enemies of Iran against sanctities. The article continued, The people of Iran once again proved they are always supportive of their revolution and will not tolerate insults against sanctities for one moment. Some of the pro-government rallies took place in Qom, Kermanshah, Hamedan, Khorasan, Esfahan and Lorestan, all provinces that experienced protests in their smaller cities.

One international consequence of the protests is that French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian decided to postpone his upcoming trip to Tehran. The decision was made after Rouhani and French President Emmanuel Macron spoke on the phone.

While it appears that protests are dying down across the country, there were fears that the security situation would deteriorate into something similar to what happened in Syria. Iranians started tweeting with the hashtag We will not become Syria and expressed worries that the protests might degenerate into more violence. Others who supported the protests responded with the hashtag We will become Tunisia.
December 22, 2017

The Donald Trump administration is giving hundreds of millions of dollars worth of weapons to US allies in the Middle East to fight the Islamic State (IS) as the militant group fans out toward Africa from its former safe havens in Iraq and Syria.

Using a little-known US legal authority established by Congress after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the Pentagon is doling out substantial arms packages to build up Jordan's and Lebanons air forces to take on terrorists from the air.

The Defense Department is also equipping special forces units in North African nations such as Morocco and Tunisia that face the threat of IS fighters returning to the region.

The money is part of a $600 million global increase in Pentagon security assistance since Trump took office, according to congressional records reviewed by Al-Monitor.

Its not clear whether the infusion of Pentagon money into foreign militaries represents a policy shift from the Barack Obama administration, which sought to build up local forces, so that the United States can begin to reduce its footprint on the front lines of the terror fight. The new infusion of money into the Pentagon comes as Trump's proposed budget threatens nearly $600 million in cuts to the State Department's foreign military financing program, zeroing out requests for Lebanon and Tunisia, which lawmakers have sought to restore.

This is a continuation of US policy since [the Sept. 11 attacks] to provide funds for building partner capacity, said Seth Binder, the program manager for the Center for International Policy's Security Assistance Monitor. Its easier to get these funds to partners through [the Defense Department] instead of State.

The Pentagon money, authorized under Section 333 of the 2016 US defense budget, appears to be used for similar purposes as foreign military financing. The money, which is subject to human rights vetting procedures, could help to deal with returning IS fighters and border threats.

Though US and Jordanian negotiators havent gotten any closer to making a deal on a long-term memorandum of understanding for defense after an earlier deal expired this year, the Pentagon OK'd more than $19 million in arms deliveries to Amman in October. The package includes explosive rockets, night vision goggles and M-4 machine guns. The United States also sent nearly $85 million worth of arms to the kingdom in March, including UH-60A helicopters and 105 mm howitzer cannons.

Deliveries approved in October also included a $120 million boost for Lebanons air power, including US-made light attack helicopters and high-performance drones, as well as supplying Tunisia with body armor and helicopters and outfitting a special forces unit in Morocco.

The United States also plans to beef up special forces in North Africa as IS migrates away from the battlefield in Iraq and Syria. Using the train-and-equip fund, Tunisia will receive $13 million in body armor and outmoded choppers, while the Pentagon will also outfit a special forces unit in Morocco with more than $18 million in trucks, pistols, rifles and training from US forces to deal with the emerging threat.

Weapons provided by the Trump administration could put Jordan and Lebanon in a stronger position to take the lead in the regional fight against terrorism. Jordan typically receives $1 billion in US foreign aid each year, while the Lebanese Armed Forces have received more than $1.4 billion in US security assistance since 2005, according to US Central Command.

Designed as a fast-acting fund to get lethal support to US allies to fight terrorism during the George W. Bush administration, the Global Train and Equip Fund does not require the Pentagon to run each request for money by Congress on a country-by-country basis. Instead, the Defense Department receives an annual appropriation and notifies lawmakers each time it digs into the fund.

The fund was going to be a [Pentagon] short-term thing, and after a few years youd switch to [foreign military financing], said Dave Des Roches, a former US Army colonel who worked on the fund as a Pentagon civil servant. As soon as it went out to the bureaucracy, every combatant commander got a little bit of it, and the bureaucracy spread it around.

The arms deliveries, which have topped $1 billion for Middle East countries over the past three years, are also backed up by a significant US troop presence in these countries, according to figures released by the White House and the Defense Department.

The Trump administration will need boots on the ground to build up local forces to fight terrorism. More than 2,500 US troops are stationed in the countries that benefit from the fund to make sure those weapons are used effectively  and that they do not fall into the wrong hands, including 2,300 American forces in Jordan, and about 100 each in Lebanon and Tunisia.

This is a fight against a transnational enemy, one that does not respect international borders and does not place geographic limits on their areas of operations, US Defense Secretary James Mattis said at a Senate hearing in October. So, necessarily, to defend our country, we must be prepared to swiftly engage this global enemy in conjunction with our allies and partners.

Two months later, in early December, Mattis attended the Aqaba Conference in Jordan, where Arab and African leaders met to undercut the spread of violent extremism in West Africa.
January 4, 2018

The most charismatic politician to emerge in Turkey in a decade announced that he will be stepping down as co-chair of the pro-Kurdish Peoples Democratic Party (HDP), saying he will not seek re-election at the party congress scheduled for Feb. 11. Selahattin Demirtas, who has been held in jail for more than a year on a slew of alleged terror crimes, conveyed his resignation in a letter published by the party he has led since 2014.

Demirtas said he is stepping aside to enable the party to operate more effectively, which will remain a challenge with the government continuing its blanket repression of the opposition, in particular of pro-HDP Kurds. An HDP spokesman, Osman Baydemir, said around 10,000 HDP supporters, including scores of democratically elected mayors in the countrys predominantly Kurdish southeast, had been arrested since last summers failed coup.

In addition to Demirtas, 10 other HDP lawmakers remain in jail, including the party's former co-chair Figen Yuksekdag, all on charges of supporting terrorism. Today a court in Diyarbakir sentenced HDP lawmaker Idris Bayulken to 16 years and eight months in prison for membership of a terrorist organization and engaging in terrorist propaganda. Baluken has been languishing in an Ankara jail since February last year. Kati Piri, the European Parliament's rapporteur for Turkey, took to Twitter to condemn the move. Devastating sentence and continuation of crackdown on opposition voices, she tweeted.

Prosecutors are seeking up to 142 years imprisonment for Demirtas. They allege, among other things, that he is a member of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and that he incited people to violence during riots in the Kurds informal capital, Diyarbakir, in September 2014. The unrest erupted after the government refused to take action against Islamic State militants besieging the Syrian Kurdish town of Kobani. Demirtas denies all the charges.

Demirtas sidelining comes as a blow to the Kurdish movement, but paradoxically it may also be something of a boon. With his incisive wit, youthful good looks and powers of persuasion, Demirtas won over Turks and Kurds alike, carrying the HDP into the parliament for the first time in June 2015 parliamentary elections. The success of the former human rights lawyer, however, earned him the ire of Turkeys current president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Demirtas campaign pledge to deny Erdogan the expanded presidential powers that he later secured in a fraud-tainted referendum last year is believed to have kindled such spite in the famously vindictive Turkish leader that it won't go away. While Demirtas incarceration has hobbled the HDP, party insiders reckon that his resignation will make it easier to resume frozen peace talks between the government and the PKK should Erdogan decide on that route. Meanwhile, Erdogan appears to be ensconced in his alliance with far-right nationalist leader Devlet Bahceli, making it unlikely that he will reach out to the Kurds any time soon.

Some argue, however, that should the infinitely pragmatic Erdogan decide that he has a better chance of securing a clear victory in the 2019 presidential polls with Kurdish backing, he could well seek the help of imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan. Whether he will get it is another matter. The Kurds have no trust left in Erdogan and will not allow themselves to be manipulated for his personal ambitions only to be discarded again, said an influential pro-HDP politician who spoke to Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity.

Baydemir, former mayor of Diyarbakir, and Ayhan Bilgen, an articulate HDP lawmaker from Kars province, are being touted as possible successors to Demirtas. Another name in circulation is that of the party whip, Ahmet Yildirim. HDP sources said one thing is for sure: The new co-chair will be male and Kurdish, because the other co-chair is female and Turkish.

In the meantime, Erdogan continues to make bellicose noises about invading Afrin, a Syrian Kurdish enclave in northern Syria that is run by groups affiliated with the Peoples Protection Units, a PKK affiliate. The PKK has hit back with embarrassing revelations about the two senior members of MIT, Turkeys national spy agency, who were snared by the militants in a sensational sting operation inside Kurdish-controlled northern Iraq in August last year. The men were identified as 20-year veterans of the agency.

They were said to have been plotting an unspecified operation against the PKK, allegedly at the behest of MIT chief and top Erdogan confidante Hakan Fidan. Photographs of the pair show a bespectacled man with graying stubble and another with hawkish features and a moustache. Their official ID cards, which were also published, depict them as clean-shaven. The PKK said the two were safe and being treated well. The Turkish government has not commented.
The global logistics and transportation solutions provider will offer a range of services to customers in Denmark and Southern Sweden, the company announced Wednesday.



Global logistics and transportation solutions provider BDP International has opened a new location in Copenhagen, Denmark, the company said in a statement.

The Copenhagen office will facilitate operations in Denmark and Southern Sweden in ocean and air import and export services, customs clearance, project logistics, ground transport, and warehousing and distribution, BDP said. Emphasis will be placed on the chemical, petrochemical, healthcare, energy, retail, and automotive sectors.

BDP is proud to announce the Copenhagen office as the newest addition to our global network, and newest initiative in our collective mission to provide streamlined, international coverage, said BDP Chairman and CEO Richard J. Bolte, Jr. The Copenhagen location expands our range of operations to better accommodate clients in Denmark and Sweden. As we strengthen our presence at this intersection of two, vibrant markets, we plan to implement our full scope of logistics services at a regional and global level.

BDPs newly appointed Country Manager Kenneth Werther will oversee all BDP operations in Denmark, including activities in Copenhagen, the company said. With the Copenhagen opening, BDP now has a total of 145 office locations.
Anker has discounted its fairly popular PowerCore II Slim Power Bank, with 10,000mAh capacity. Bringing it down to just $30 when you use the promo code NEW8YEAR at checkout. That is down from $38, making this a great time to pick one up.

This power bank from Anker isnt your typical power bank. This is one of the slim models, which uses Ankers new chipset for PowerIQ 2.0. This allows the power bank to be thinner and lighter but still offer intelligent charging. It does use a micro USB port for charging, and there is a full-sized USB-A port also available. With this newer chipset inside, the Anker PowerCore II Slim can actually charge quite a bit faster than other power banks with 10,000mAh capacity. Itll charge in 4 hours versus 6, making it a great one to pick up.

This item is also eligible for Amazon Primes free shipping. Which includes free two-day shipping, and pretty cheap next-day shipping if you need it here extra fast. If you are not an Amazon Prime member yet, you can sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime by hitting the link below. Youll get 30 days free (if youre a student, you get 6 months), and then its $99/year. Prime members do get a whole lot more than just free shipping though, so be sure to check out the full benefits.
FCC chairman Ajit Pai has canceled his scheduled appearance at this years CES, according to the Consumer Technology Association which organizes the worlds largest electronics fair. CTA CEO Gary Shapiro simply stated that Pai would be unable to attend and that he hopes to have a chance to speak publicly with Pai regarding tech policy in the near future. Pais attendance was announced back in November, and word that he will not be attending comes less than a week before the tech show begins. In a correspondence with Digital Trends, Shapiro added the cancellation possibly came due to the fear of violence or violent threats stemming from the reaction to Pais controversial decision to end net neutrality regulations in the United States.

CES is an international tech trade show that takes place in the United States, specifically in Las Vegas, Nevada. This means that hundreds of thousands of domestic and international attendees, journalists, and exhibitors from tech companies descend upon the city for the three-day event. Given the massive backlash against Pais decision and spearheaded 3-2 vote concerning net neutrality, its conceivable that many in attendance would not see him favorably. Still, with no official comment from Pai or the FCC at this point, theres no way of knowing for sure if this is why Pai chose not to attend the fair for the first time in half a decade.

For those not in the know, net neutrality protections have been around since 2015 in the United States. Referred to as Title II regulations, they yoked telecoms and internet service providers to the same set of regulations faced by utility companies. The main point was to prevent companies from treating some web traffic differently from others, throttling traffic, or censoring the internet, which would effectively constitute an attack on free speech. As soon as President Donald Trump appointed him to the office, Pai attacked net neutrality laws and eventually succeeded in drafting a proposal to abolish Title II regulations. The proposal was brought before the FCC for a vote, and divided up among party lines, with the majority Republicans in the Commission representing 3 of the 5 available votes, thus setting the process of abolishing net neutrality protections. Free speech advocates, tech companies like Google and Facebook, and many citizens across the net opposed the decision, creating a sizeable backlash.
Music publishing house Wixen has filed suit against music app Spotify for $1.6 billion, on the grounds that the streaming service went only to the record labels who worked with the publishers in order to license music, rather than putting in the extra time, effort, and money to work individually with each of the publishers under all of the labels it licensed to reach a deal. Wixen represents a wide stable of artists and songwriters, including the likes of Neil Young, The Doors, and the late Tom Petty. While record labels own the master recording of songs by artists in their wheelhouses, publishers are technically responsible for radio play, streaming, and other reproduced performances, which means that Spotify going directly to record labels could give Wixen a case.

For the uninitiated, record labels handle studio time, producing and mastering a track, getting albums and singles squared away for sale, and marketing them. Publishers, meanwhile, handle concerts, radio play, usage rights, and other forms of reproduced playback. Since record labels technically own the masters of any music that they arrange studio time for, it is conceivable that they could hand those masters over to Spotify without publishers involvement. Publishers, meanwhile, should theoretically handle streaming, according to the letter of the law. Essentially, Spotify reached deals with labels that did put some money back in publishers and musicians pockets, but many publishers have felt that those deals did not compensate them fairly, and went to court over it. When Wixen stands out here is that its alleging that Spotify did not involve it in negotiations at all, and is essentially using its music without proper license.

Wixen is the latest, and as a representative of high profile musicians that allegedly represent somewhere between 1% and 3% of Spotifys revenue, one of the biggest entities yet to take Spotify to court. This news actually broke just before Spotifys official IPO announcement. The IPO itself was filed back in December, which means that it could be affected by this case in some way, or perhaps even held up entirely pending the resolution of the case, so that Spotify and its investors can see just what kind of impact, if any, this will have on the music services value.
OnePlus had more or less confirmed that the Sandstone Edition OnePlus 5T will be announced tomorrow in China, and the device has just surfaced on JD.com (JingDong Mall), it seems. JD.com is one of the largest online shops in China, and an 8GB RAM variant of the phone surfaced on JD.com ahead of its announcement. As you can see, this device will resemble the Star Wars Edition OnePlus 5T, though it wont have Star Wars branding on it.

The Star Wars OnePlus 5T edition arrived with a white-colored back, and a Sandstone finish back there, and the Sandstone Edition OnePlus 5T will ship with that very same finish, it seems. The provided images indicate that the Sandstone Edition OnePlus 5T will sport a white back, so were wondering if the company will release a black variant at all. Still, the front side of the device will be black-colored, though it would be nice of the company to give its users some options. For those of you who are unaware, the company also released the Lava Red variant of the OnePlus 5T in China, and that version may start hitting more markets in the near future as well. The OnePlus 3, 3T and 5 did not sport a Sandstone finish on their back sides, not a single variant of those devices did, though the company has decided to release the Star Wars Edition OnePlus 5T with a Sandstone back, and a new variant is coming as well. It seems like OnePlus is trying to cater to its consumers, as many of them are reminiscent of the OnePlus One and 2, both of which shipped with a Sandstone back finish. Theres probably a good reason for it as well, as the regular OnePlus 5T is quite slippery, and the same was the case with the OnePlus 3, 3T and 5 as well.

As already mentioned, this variant of the phone will be announced in China tomorrow, though the device is expected to hit more markets in the near future as well, a global launch will probably follow in the near future as well. This variant of the device will probably cost as much as a regular 8GB RAM model, and it will have the same specs as the regular OnePlus 5T 8GB RAM variant as well. It seems like we wont be getting the 6GB RAM Sandstone Edition OnePlus 5T, at least according to JD.com, but who knows, it is still possible that OnePlus may opt to announce a more affordable variant of the phone as well.

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In its continued push to ensure that all of its own software is fully compatible with Android 8.0 (Oreo), Samsung has now released a new update for the Samsung Music application. The Music application is actually just the latest in a string of apps that have been updated by the company in preparation for Android Oreo. The first of its applications, namely Samsungs Smart Switch app, was updated several months ago. That was followed by the start of an open beta program for Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus users who wanted to help test out the next iteration of the OS  as well as Oreo updates for Samsung Connect and, more recently, Samsung VR.

Unfortunately, there havent been too many details with regard to exactly what changes were needed to bring Android Oreo compatibility to any of Samsungs applications. However, this update  which takes the Music app to version number to 16.2.08.22 and will take up an additional 26MB in storage  does contain at least a few other tweaks that should be much more noticeable to end users. First, the update will add an alphabet scroll index, making it easier than ever for users to find exactly the artist or song they are looking for. Updating will also add a shuffle play feature for those moments when users dont have time to hand-craft a completely new playlist or would rather just listen to a mix of their preferred music. Finally, users with Samsung handsets featuring an edge display will be able to switch off edge lighting with the update.

Meanwhile, the beta is actually well into its fourth iteration, with the firmware version being shifted to number R16NW.G955FXXU1ZQLE just last week. With all of that said, this latest update could indicate that Samsung is nearing final optimizations for release. Oreo is speculated to be ready toward the end of this month for the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus, although the company has yet to make an official announcement. In the meantime, the newly update Samsung Music app can be downloaded via the companys dedicated Galaxy Apps application or through the Google Play Store button below.
Samsung has just announced its all-new mobile flagship processor, the Exynos 9810. The company actually refers to this chip as the Exynos 9 Series 9810, in case you were wondering. This is essentially Samsungs response to the Snapdragon 845 which was announced last month, and this chip is made using the 2nd-gen 10nm FinFET manufacturing process, in case you were wondering. Now, theres plenty to talk about here, so lets get started, shall we.

The Samsung Exynos 9810 64-bit octa-core processor comes with four custom Exynos M3 cores clocked at 2.9GHz, which are made for performance (sheer power), and four ARM A55 cores which are here for efficiency. Its also worth noting that Samsungs all-new processor comes with the Mali G72MP18 GPU for graphics processing. The Exynos 9810 has an LTE Cat. 18 6CA-supported modem on the inside, in other words, it has support for up to 6x carrier aggregation (CA), and it can achieve maximum download speeds of 1.2Gbp (Cat. 18) and 200Mbps per second uplink. The Exynos 9810s modem also supports 44 MIMO (multiple-input, multiple-output) and 256-QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) scheme, while it also utilizes enhanced eLAA (Licensed-Assisted Access) technology. This processors single-core performance is enhanced 2x, says Samsung, and its multi-core performance is around 40 percent higher than what the Exynos 8890 had to offer.

The Exynos 9810 can recognize people or items in various photos, in other words, it has the ability to search images and categorize them really fast, thanks to its neural network-based deep learning. This processor also has the ability to scan a users face in 3D, which essentially enables hybrid face detection. The Samsung Exynos 9810 also comes with a separate security processing unit, which is supposed to safeguard vital data, including your fingerprint, iris and facial security information. The Exynos 9810s dedicated image processing is here for faster and more energy-efficient image and visual processing (up to UHD resolution), real-time out-of-focus photography in high resolution and brighter pictures in low light. This dedicated image processing will also make sure that your low light images have less noise, and less motion blur. The Exynos 9810 also comes with VP9 supports and a 10-bit HEVC (high-efficiency video coding). This chip is capable of rendering 1,024 different tones for each primary color (red, green and blue), which translates to 1.07 billion possibilities of colors. In case youre wondering, the Exynos 9810 is currently in mass production, and it will almost certainly fuel the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus flagships which are expected to launch in a month or two.
This week saw Google release the latest Android update for Google Pixel and Nexus devices in the form of the January security patch. As this is an update which is sill in the process of rolling out to devices, some Pixel and Nexus devices will have yet to receive the update. Of those that have received it already, some owners have been reporting issues to do with a drop in the general performance of the smartphone following the update.

Generally speaking, the issues have been primarily noted on Reddit where users explain how after updating there is an increased degree of lag in the general performance. This can be best summed up by a longer time for apps to load, scrolling being slower, and so on. At present, the bulk of the user reports seem to mainly surround the Google Pixels, with owners of both first and second-generation models having encountered the issue. However, it does seem as though this is not a widespread issue due to it seemingly related to how the update is applied.

For example, it would seem that the drop in performance has been linked to the sideloading of the update instead of the update being received and applied in a more organic fashion. It is not quite clear why this is the case, although a number of the users reporting this issue have also explained the update was sideloaded to begin with. Likewise, 9to5Google who first reported on this, are also reporting Google has confirmed the lag issue is linked to sideloading. So those who opt to wait and receive the update naturally should not encounter the issue following installation of the update. For those who have already sideloaded the update (or plan to), the details on this suggest a remedy to the lag issue is fairly easy to fix. Just reboot the phone. For whatever reason, rebooting the phone is apparently fixing the issue and based on the comments noted in the Reddit thread, the reboot may be essentially finalizing the update. So while the phone will reboot after installing anyway, those who then encounter the issue, a second reboot should (according to reports) fix the issue.
BarcelonaTortosa mayor Ferran Bel, who is also a PDECat MP in the Spanish parliament and leads the partys political action, announced that Carles Puigdemont will return to Barcelona to be sworn in as President of the Generalitat provided that there is a political pact with the Spanish state beforehand. The pact must be political and instrumental. Political problems should have a political response, claimed Bel speaking on Spanish TV network Cuatro, when he was asked whether he would contemplate an agreement with the Prosecutor that might allow Puigdemont to return to Catalonia without being arrested.

A distance investiture has been nearly ruled out

Ferran Bel didnt rule out the possibility of Puigdemont being appointed president via a distance investiture, but he noted that it would be for the 135 member of parliament to decide: if there are no guarantees, we will need to look for and explore other alternatives.

The Catalan MP mentioned that the priority of Junts per Catalunya and the PDECat is for Puigdemont and the ministers who are exiled in Brussels to collect their credentials personally, together with the two newly-elected MPs who are currently in custody in Spains Estremera prison.

Bel denied that ERC leader Oriol Junqueras might seek to be elected president during the investiture debate: our agreement was that Puigdemont would be the candidate, if he won more seats in the election. We wont be arguing over that, he remarked.

On Thursday Spains Supreme Court will consider whether to uphold or reverse the decision by judge Pablo Llarena to keep Junqueras on remand, after confirming Carmen Lamelas ruling to keep the ERC leader in custody on November 2.
Opponents of the Berkshire Museums planned sale of 40 artworks from its collection plan to stage a protest march tomorrow (Saturday), 9 a.m.-noon, on the sidewalk in front of the Berkshire Museum, South Street, Pittsfield, MA.

Yesterday evening, Leslie Ferrin of Ferrin Contemporary (a gallery for contemporary ceramics) told me this about the plan:

We hope to engage the Berkshire community, first by simply letting them know that we exist, and welcome all whod like to participate in the protest to join in. We are planning subsequent protests for the remainder of this month and beyond (details TBD.)

Ferrins gallery is situated on the campus of MASS MoCA in North Adams, whose director, Joseph Thompson, recently wrote an opinion piece for the Berkshire Eagle supporting the deaccession decision of his colleague, Van Shields, director of the Berkshire Museum. Its worth noting that MASS MoCA has no permanent collection, which perhaps helps to explain Thompsons lack of regard for the Berkshire Museums stewardship duties.

In a principled but unusual break from collegial solidarity, Laurie Norton Moffatt, director of the Norman Rockwell Museum in nearby Stockbridge, was an early opponent of the sales, speaking out forcefully several days before the issuance by the Association of Art Museum Directors and the American Alliance of Museums of a joint statement taking the Berkshire Museum to task for violating professional standards against monetizing important artworks for purposes other than acquisitions or care of collections.

Members of the artists family have joined Moffatt in publicly deploring the sale of Shuffletons Barbershop, one of two important Rockwells given to the Berkshire Museum by the artist himself:

The ad hoc protest group last night released this statement:

We believe the museums decision to part with the crown jewels [my link, not theirs] of its collection reflects a failure of process and vision. We want more transparency from the Berkshire Museum going forward and would like a public forum with community members and Berkshire Museum officials in the near future to discuss alternatives to their current plans. We feel the numbers presented by the Berkshire Museum dont make sense and would like a full financial disclosure made public by the museum, as has been requested by The Berkshire Eagle [my link, not theirs] and others. Most of all, we care very much about the Berkshire Museum and want it to succeed without resorting to selling the heart of its collection.

The importance of those expendable works was recently underscored by Richard Rand, former senior curator at the Clark Art Institute, Williamstown (now associate director for collections at the Getty Museum). As reported by the indispensable Carrie Saldo of the Berkshire Eagle, Rand described the Forsaken 40 as the best and consequently the most valuable in the [Berkshire Museums] collection. According to Saldos report, Rand had served on its [the Berkshire Museums] collections committee, and in recent years helped to reinstall its paintings gallery. So he knows that collection well.

In another article, Saldo noted that Shields said he and museum trustees asked two questions while selecting what artwork to auction: Is it mission critical? and Is it necessary for interpretive goals?'

Perhaps the most crucial criterion for deaccession selection was candidly acknowledged by the museum in its Frequently Asked Questions about its future plans:

Why has the Museum chosen to sell this specific list of 40 items? The board analyzed our full collection from every aspect and tried to find the solution that would both fund an endowment that would secure the Museums future, and result in the smallest number of items being removed from our collection [emphasis added]. This is not an easy choice to make, but the Board of Trustees is confident that the 40,000 objects that will remain are the best suited for the Museums new vision.

To deaccession the smallest number of items, the selloffs masterminds had to cherry-pick the ones with the highest estimated market valuea list that would closely correlate with the works of highest quality and importance.

If part of the museums mission is still (as Shields has said) to display art throughout the museum in our new core exhibitions and to make future art acquisitions that support our interpretive plan, then keeping, rather than monetizing, the cream of the collection should have been a no-brainer. Instead, the rush to auction at Sothebys seems brainless.

While Shields continues to stonewall requests that he reconsider his raid on the collection built by his predecessors, his opponents, seeking to discredit him, have dredged up a report on controversies that erupted during his 15-year gig as director of the Culture and Heritage Museums, in York County, SC (near Charlotte), from which he resigned in 2011.

He became the Berkshire Museums director in September of that year.

UPDATEHeres a photo from the protest demonstration:
Im sick of doing deaccession stories. But here we go again:

Following in the stumbling footsteps of the Berkshire Museum, La Salle University, Philadelphia, has announced plans to sell some 46 works from its collection of more than 5,000 objects. The proceeds will help fund teaching and learning initiatives in its new strategic plan, as reported by Susan Snyder and Stephan Salisbury in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

In other words, the use of the proceeds will run contrary to professional guidelines for museums, which say that deaccession funds should be applied only to acquisitions (Association of Art Museum Directors) or acquisitions and direct care of collections (American Alliance of Museums, Association of Academic Museums and Galleries).

Here are a few highlights from The La Salle 46 (full checklist here):

University museums are subject to the whims of the umbrella institutions board and president, making them particularly vulnerable to decisions that are not in their own best interests. Weve gone through this before, with the threat not only to the Rose Art Museums collection, but to the museum itself. That threat disappeared with Brandeis Universitys appointment of a new president who understood the importance of the museum and its collection to the lives of students and the surrounding community. But the museum at Randolph College was not as lucky.

Both of those cases, as well as the unresolved Berkshire Museum situation, involved their institutions in lawsuits from opponents to the planned sales. So unless La Salles two-year president, Colleen Hanycz, has her head in the sand, she must know that her institution could have some legal bills to contend with before it can proceed with this plan.

Christies, which won the dubious distinction of auctioning the La Salle consignment, estimates that these disposals will raise some $4.8-$7.3 million, according to the Inquirers report.

From the looks of the museums checklist of its castoffs, this appears to be another cream-of-the-collection dispersal to raise quick cash at the expense of the museums publicparticularly its students, for whom the collection serves an important educational resource.

Ill have more to say, as I learn more.
By: Vasundhara Rastogi

The Philippines is now among the fastest growing economies in Asia. Driven by a broad-based expansion in domestic demand, its economy has continued to perform strongly in 2017. The countrys gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 6.7 percent in the first three quarters of 2017, in comparison to the projected 6.6 percent. The Philippines has grown at an average of 6.3 percent over the past five years in what economists expect will be a sustained trend in the next few years for the country.

The sustainability of economic growth and the economys limited exposure to uncertainty in global markets makes the Philippines an attractive investment destination in Asia for overseas investors. Duterte ascension to the presidency in 2016 has further strengthened the economys growth prospects. Known as a pro-reform, pro-infrastructure and anti-corruption president, Duterte has already introduced several big infrastructure projects that have the ability to make the country grow stronger in the coming years.

RELATED: Pre-Investment and Market Entry Advisory from Dezan Shira & Associates

Investment climate

In 2017, the World Banks Doing Business Report ranked Philippines 99th compared to 103rd in the previous year. Over the last six years, the countrys investment climate has shown remarkable progress, improving the countrys ranking by 49 spots in the Doing Business Report. In order to enhance its doing business ranking and encourage foreign investment, the Philippines has taken several initiatives to protect minority investors, and ease the procedures dealing with construction permits, paying taxes and enforcing contracts.

Recently in 2017, the Philippines government released a list of industries and service areas that will receive government support through fiscal and non-fiscal incentives. The 2017 investment priority plan, themed Scaling Up and Disbursing Opportunities sustains many of the old investment incentives offered by the government but has now broadened its coverage. New preferred areas that are eligible to receive incentives from the Board of Investment (BOI) under the list include the following:

manufacturing including agri-processing;

agriculture, fishery and forestry;

strategic services;

infrastructure and logistics including local government unit public-private partnerships;

health care services including drug rehabilitation;

mass housing;

inclusive business models;

environment and climate change;

innovation drivers; and

energy

Also deemed priorities are:

 export businesses including services, activities in support of exporters, and production and manufacture of export products;

 activities based on special laws that grant incentives like Republic Act (RA) No. 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, RA 9513 or the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 and RA 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009, among others;

 and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao

Tax reform

One of the key highlights of the Philippines economy in 2017 was the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act (TRAIN) which exempts those earning an annual taxable income of R250,000 (US$5000) and below from personal income tax. The 13th-month pay and other bonuses amounting to R90,000 (US$1800) are also tax-exempt. By increasing the net income of workers, the Philippines economy will greatly benefit either from increased consumption or greater savings or investments. Another underlying objective of TRAIN is to create job opportunities and bring in foreign investment. This will raise governments overall fiscal capacity to finance public investment, especially for critical infrastructure projects such as transportation, and help sustain economic growth. According to the Philippine development plan the current tax to GDP ratio is around 14 percent. The tax reform will push the ratio upward towards 15 percent.

Key Industries

The Philippines is becoming more competitive as a regional manufacturing player supported by strong domestic consumption and export markets. Exports have been one of the primary revenue drivers for the Philippines, with the electronics manufacturing services and semiconductor manufacturing accounting for around 51 percent of the export revenues. Prioritized under the Manufacturing Resurgence Program (MRP), the manufacturing sector accounts for 23 to 25 percent of GDP. Over a period of time, the country is expected to strengthen its manufactured exports with rising FDI inflows. With a population of over 104 million and a high literacy rate, the Philippines has become the most preferred choice of electronics manufacturing  and related investments.

Other key industries in Philippines are information technology (IT), business processing management (BPM) sectors, construction, healthcare, retail, food & beverage, and energy.

Outlook 2018

The Philippine economy has picked up pace in the recent times, expanding by 6.7 percent in the first three quarters of 2017. The growth was largely led by increased foreign investment and robust consumption. In 2018, both the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank expect the Philippines GDP to grow slightly faster  between 6.7 and 6.8 percent compared with its earlier projections of 6.6 percent. Amid a recovery in external trade, strong consumer spending and investment, the Philippines is expected to remain one of South East Asias top economies in 2018.

As seen in 2017, the government significantly increased its public expenditure to achieve its target of spending 5.3 percent of GDP on public infrastructure, and the household consumption too remained strong, despite moderating slightly from previous year. The governments commitment to further increasing public investment by the implementation of big infrastructure projects is expected to sustain the countrys growth momentum through 2018 and reinforce business and consumer confidence in the economy. Strong domestic demand supported by expansionary fiscal policy as well as higher local employment is expected to push Philippines economic growth on a higher growth trajectory.
For the 2018 model year, the Eleanor is back in business thanks to Fusion Motor Company . Based in Chatsworth, California, the high-end luxury dealership secured the rights to build and sell officially licensed cars from Denise Halicki, co-producer of the movie and late husband of H.B. Toby Halicki, who created and starred in the original Gone In 60 Seconds.It takes approximately six months from order to delivery, and at $189,000 from the get-go, the 2018 Eleanor Mustang isnt cheap. Customers with deeper pockets can spend $100,000 more on options and customization, but then again, this is no fiberglass replica with questionable build quality.Starting from a 67 or 68 Mustang Fastback , the Fusion Motor Company strips the donor vehicle down to the frame to give the old underpinnings some tender loving care. In comes an independent front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, Wilwood braking system, 9-inch rear end, limited-slip differential, LED lighting, and of course, lots of carbon fiber.In a similar fashion to the exterior, the cockpit is a mashup of retro and modern touches. Niceties include air conditioning, Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, and optional extras such as Recaro racing seats and aftermarket touchscreen infotainment with satellite navigation.Be it manual or automatic transmission, Fusion offers no less than five V8 engines for the Eleanor. The most basic of basic option is the 5.0-liter Coyote from the Mustang GT , producing 430 horsepower in this application. At the other end of the spectrum, the Roush 427 develops 750 ponies at the tap of the loud pedal. And now you know why the Go Baby Go button on the shifter is connected to the nitrous oxide tank in the trunk.
If you're in the mood for adventures in space, then 2018 should leave you satisfied  for now, at least. With a half dozen major planetary exploration missions launching or approaching their targets this year, the solar system is going to be a busy place:

India's lunar lander and rover, Chandrayaan-2, will launch in March.

NASA leads a return to the Red Planet in May with the departure of its Insight lander.

Japan's Hayabusa 2 and NASA's OSIRIS-REx missions will arrive at their respective asteroid targets this summer.

The European Space Agency's BepiColombo orbiter will depart for Mercury in October.

What's next: These missions will return a bounty of information on the history of Mars, the curious properties of Mercury's interior, and even the origins of the solar system itself. Of course, every question answered could prompt at least a dozen more.

Paul Sutter is a cosmological researcher at Ohio State University's Center for Cosmology and Astro-Particle Physics.
James Risen, the New York Times reporter who scored a Pulitzer in 2006, wrote a lengthy piece for The Intercept about his battles to get the paper to publish two of his stories  about the NSA's warrantless wiretapping of American citizens and a botched CIA plan to deliver faux nuclear blueprints to Iran  in the face of government intervention.

The impact: Though Risen's stories dealt with Bush administration-era events, the Obama administration continued to attempt to get him to reveal his sources via court filings, ultimately destroying the idea of "reporter's privilege" via an appeal to the Fourth Circuit  which includes Maryland and Virginia, key locations for national security reporting.

The key questions: Risen's inside tale explores the implications of national security reporting in as the War on Terror met the Internet Age:Can our government be trusted to react credibly and responsibly when presented with proof of its own wrongdoing?Who exactly owns the information uncovered via extensive, deeply sourced reporting  the reporter or the publication?Does a news organization have an obligation to defend their employees against the weight of a government investigation?Other eye-openers:
U.S. Air Force B-1B bomber (L), South Korea and U.S. fighter jets fly over the Korean Peninsula during a combat exercise. Photo: South Korean Defense Ministry via Getty Images

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told reporters that the U.S. will be delaying joint military exercises with South Korea through March 18 until after the Paralympics, NBC News' Hans Nichols reports.

Why it matters: North Korea views the drills as practice for invasion, and this will likely ease some tensions for now between the U.S. and the DPRK.

Backdrop: In a New Year's Day speech, North Korea's Kim Jong-un requested that South Korea and the U.S. stop their joint drills, as he has suggested many times before. That came just before the South and the North opened up a telephone line at the border to talk for the first time under South Korean President Moon Jae-in earlier this week.

This could signal the U.S. may be somewhat amenable to some of the conversations that are happening, or willing to make concessions to make a Korean war less likely, although Mattis said the decision was a "practical" matter more than a political one, per Aaron Mehta of Defense News.

One other note, on Iran: Mattis reportedly said, "We do not have an issue with the Iranian people. We do have a big issue with the Iranian regime," per Nichols.
The patch of oak savanna at Mt. Pisgah is one of the largest remaining in Oregon. Photo: Erin Ross / Axios

Across the United States, bits and pieces of an ancient  but man-made  ecosystem are being restored, sometimes at the expense of more common natural landscapes. For thousands of years, fires lit by indigenous peoples maintained oak savannas. Such forested grasslands were once abundant across the western US, but agriculture, lumber industry, and fire suppression have combined to bring them close to extinction. In Oregon's Willamette Valley, bringing them back is laborious work that sometimes involves sacrificing stands of other native trees.

Why it matters: Oak savanna are among the most diverse ecosystems in the U.S. and support species that aren't seen anywhere else. In the 1800s, 1.5 million acres of the Willamette Valley were oak savanna. Today, just 1-2% of that remains, echoing a decline in oak grasslands across the country.

What it is: A diverse prairie, dotted with oak trees. Buford Park at Mt. Pisgah, near Springfield, Oregon, has one of the largest remaining parcels of oak savanna in the state: a broad, sunny hillside that is open between the trees and full of wildflowers. It abuts oak forests, dry prairies and marsh-like wet prairies, and supports coyotes, bears and the occasional mountain lion.

Why it's there: In Oregon and much of America, indigenous peoples' burned dense forests to create open meadows and prairies. These grassy spaces supported a number of edible plants and provided a habitat for deer, elk and other food species.

It might seem strange to focus on restoring what was essentially a man-made ecosystem. But humans have been conducting regular burns since at least the last major climactic shift 5000 years ago. Almost as long as this ecosystem has existed, it has been stewarded by humans. The savannas and forests that once checkered the hills surrounding the Willamette Valley came from "defy the worldview of nature and culture being separate things." explains Ed Alverson, the natural areas coordinator of Lane County Parks, which has worked to restore areas of oak savanna.

How we know about it: In addition to records from the earliest settlers to the Willamette Valley, who came specifically for the vast savannas and now-gone prairies, scientists have also begun to map the habitat's extent by looking for microscopic, fossilized remnants of plants called phytoliths.

How they fix it: Because each mountain or valley is different, each restoration project is different. In some areas, native plants are added and invasive species are removed. What species go where depends on the specific soil chemistry of the environment, which can vary from hillside to hillside. They start controlled fires to mimic the ecology of the past.

In many areas, it would be too labor intensive to restore oak savanna. If a pine forest is dense and established, the plants, fungi and bacteria that oak savanna thrives with will be gone. Instead, Alverson focuses on easier restorations, and managing the ecosystem that remains.

Where we are now: Many of the projects along the west coast are in their infancy, but the impacts of the rare habitat are visible. The Klamath Bird Observatory says they've seen a noticeable shift in the types of birds passing through.

There's more: This ecosystem isn't unique to the Willamette Valley or the Northwest. Similar restoration efforts are underway in California and the Midwest. Many projects to restore oak savanna are modeled after a highly successful effort in Illinois in the 70s and 80s.

Yes, but not everyone loves the restoration efforts, at least not initially. At Mt. Pisgah, some objected to clearing trees to restore savanna, especially along popular trails. Others disliked the use of herbicides to remove invasive species. But Jason Blazar, the stewardship director at Friends of Buford Park & Mt. Pisgah, says that once they explained the long-term goals and the rarity of the ecosystem, people come around.

"When they walk through the landscape the spring following an ecological burn, and hear the meadowlark sing perched upon a small snag in a sea of tall camas," says Blazar, "they get it."
The State Department announced on Thursday that it was placing Pakistan on a watch list for "severe violations of religious freedom," Reuters reports.

Why it matters: After recent criticism from the Trump administration that Pakistan isn't doing enough to fight terrorism, and his threat to cut aid to the country, U.S.-Pakistan tensions have worsened.

What they're saying: Michael Kugelman, Deputy Director of the Woodrow Wilson Center's Asia Program, told Axios that this announcement should be viewed "in the broader context of US-Pakistan tensions and Washington's willingness to push the envelope more when it comes to its Pakistan policy."
Attorney General Jeff Sessions will announce today that he'll be rescinding the "Cole memo," which allowed states to legalize or decriminalize marijuana without federal interference despite federal law banning the use of marijuana.

Why it matters: Sessions is trying to create as much chaos and confusion as possible, former Director of Marijuana Coordination in Colorado Andrew Freedman tells Axios. While the federal government does not have the capacity to round up every person who uses or sells weed, Freedman pointed out, this is likely to cause a lot of confusion and could allow the federal government to apply pressure at random on states that have already legalized or are moving toward it.

The decision has caused a harsh reaction from states that have legalized and various lawmakers:
Senior White House officials are debating whether Katie Walsh should be fired from Trump's main outside group, America First, after comments she reportedly made to the author Michael Wolff, according to two sources with direct knowledge.

I'm told Jared Kushner was one of the only West Wing officials to wave people off of firing Walsh, which is surprising given there was no love lost between them when she worked in the building.

Yesterday, as Trump was fuming about Steve Bannon's comments and West Wing officials were drafting his blistering statement, attention also turned to less-noticed quotes in the book, "Fire and Fury." The Wolff reporting on Walsh that infuriated West Wingers: Figuring out what Trump wants is "like trying to figure out what a child wants," Wolff quotes Walsh as saying.Pushback: Walsh told me yesterday she never said those things, but Axios' Mike Allen reported this morning that Wolff has tape recordings of his conversations with Bannon and Walsh.

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Excerpts from Michael Wolff's forthcoming "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump Administration" in The Guardian, New York Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, and British GQ have set the Internet ablaze over the past 24 hours and resulted in the ejection of Steve Bannon from Trumpworld.

Be smart: While Bannon's ouster has earned the lion's share of the hubbub on cable and online, there's a treasure trove of important tidbits in Wolff's reporting that have nothing to do with the president's ex-chief strategist. And don't forget, Wolff claims to have hours and hours of tapes to back up his book.

1. Trump never wanted to win

"As the campaign came to an end, Trump himself was sanguine. His ultimate goal, after all, had never been to win. 'I can be the most famous man in the world,' he had told his aide Sam Nunberg at the outset of the race. His longtime friend Roger Ailes, the former head of Fox News, liked to say that if you want a career in television, first run for president. Now Trump, encouraged by Ailes, was floating rumors about a Trump network. It was a great future. He would come out of this campaign, Trump assured Ailes, with a far more powerful brand and untold opportunities."

2. Trump's senior advisors think he's incapable to be POTUS

"[M]y indelible impression of talking to [Trump's senior advisors] and observing them through much of the first year of his presidency, is that they all  100 percent  came to believe he was incapable of functioning in his job."

3. Flynn brushed off his Russia problem

"Michael Flynn, the retired general who served as Trump's opening act at campaign rallies, had been told by his friends that it had not been a good idea to take $45,000 from the Russians for a speech. 'Well, it would only be a problem if we won,' Flynn assured them."

4. Rupert Murdoch blasts Trump's intelligence

"Murdoch suggested that taking a liberal approach to H-1B visas, which open America's doors to select immigrants, might be hard to square with his promises to build a wall and close the borders. But Trump seemed unconcerned, assuring Murdoch, 'We'll figure it out.'

'What a f*cking idiot,' said Murdoch, shrugging, as he got off the phone."

5. Trump's media fixation

"But Trump himself was desperately wounded by his treatment in the mainstream media. He obsessed over every slight until it was succeeded by the next slight. Slights were singled out and replayed again and again, his mood worsening with each replay (he was always rerunning the DVR). Much of the president's daily conversation was a repetitive rundown of what various anchors and hosts had said about him."

6. Jared and Ivanka's POTUS pact

"Balancing risk against reward, both Jared and Ivanka decided to accept roles in the West Wing over the advice of almost everyone they knew. It was a joint decision by the couple, and, in some sense, a joint job. Between themselves, the two had made an earnest deal: If sometime in the future the opportunity arose, she'd be the one to run for president. The first woman president, Ivanka entertained, would not be Hillary Clinton; it would be Ivanka Trump."

7. Melania cried over Trump's win

"Shortly after 8 p.m. on Election Night, when the unexpected trend  Trump might actually win  seemed confirmed, Don Jr. told a friend that his father, or DJT, as he calls him, looked as if he had seen a ghost. Melania was in tears  and not of joy."

8. When Kellyanne Conway switches off

"Conway seemed to have a convenient 'on-off' toggle. In private, in the off position, she seemed to regard Trump as a figure of exhausting exaggeration or even absurdity  or, at least, if you regarded him that way, she seemed to suggest that she might too. She illustrated her opinion of her boss with a whole series of facial expressions: eyes rolling, mouth agape, head snapping back."

9. The perfect end to Trump's day

"If he was not having his 6:30 dinner with Steve Bannon, then, more to his liking, he was in bed by that time with a cheeseburger, watching his three screens and making phone calls  the phone was his true contact point with the world  to a small group of friends, who charted his rising and falling levels of agitation through the evening and then compared notes with one another."
The Department of Health and Human Services has posted its long-awaited proposed rule to make it easier to form association health plans, aimed at groups of workers who team up to get better deals on health insurance. Among other things, the rule would encourage these kinds of plans by removing the requirement that says associations have to have a purpose besides health insurance.

The bottom line: The rule says its goal is to help small businesses buy health coverage more easily, but the bigger question is whether theyd pull healthy people out of the Affordable Care Act exchanges.
Amid the firestorm over Michael Wolff's forthcoming book "Fire and Fury," a lawyer for President Trump says legal action against Steve Bannon is "imminent," accusing the former White House aide of breaking a confidentiality and non-disparagement agreement he had signed with the Trump campaign.

The five-page cease-and-desist letter, which orders Bannon to retain any relevant texts and emails, says:

"You have breached the Agreement by ... communicating with author Michael Wolff about Mr. Trump, his family members, and the Company, disclosing Confidential Information to Mr. Wolff, and making disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements to Mr. Wolff about Mr. Trump."

... communicating with author Michael Wolff about Mr. Trump, his family members, and the Company, disclosing Confidential Information to Mr. Wolff, and making disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements to Mr. Wolff about Mr. Trump." The lawyer, Charles Harder of Beverly Hills (who brought down Gawker), says in a statement: "[L]egal notice was issued today to Stephen K. Bannon ... that his actions of communicating with author Michael Wolff ... give rise to numerous legal claims including defamation by libel and slander, and breach of his written confidentiality and non-disparagement agreement with our clients. Legal action is imminent."

Charles Harder of Beverly Hills (who brought down Gawker), says in a statement: "[L]egal notice was issued today to Stephen K. Bannon ... that his actions of communicating with author Michael Wolff ... give rise to numerous legal claims including defamation by libel and slander, and breach of his written confidentiality and non-disparagement agreement with our clients. Legal action is imminent." This follows the scorched-earth statement by Trump after excerpts of the book, out next Tuesday, began leaking yesterday: "Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my Presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind." (That line is N.Y. Times Quote of the Day, BTW.)

Axios has learned that, at Trump's direction, his lawyers may go after Wolff as soon as today.

Bannon wouldn't comment on the record, but "a source with knowledge of this matter" texted me that "more than a dozen wh staffers or colleagues of potus talked with [wolff] ... because the wh was cooperating with the book."

on the record, but "a source with knowledge of this matter" texted me that "more than a dozen wh staffers or colleagues of potus talked with [wolff] ... because the wh was cooperating with the book." Reached for comment about the lawyer's letter to Bannon, Wolff told me: "I rest my case."

What has Trump so livid? Here are key excerpts from the 322-page book, obtained by Axios:

On the the July 8 preparation aboard Air Force One of the initial (and false) explanation, made under Trump's personal direction, about the Trump Tower meeting with Russians during the campaign: "Ivanka, according to the later recollection of her team, would shortly leave the meeting, take a pill, and go to sleep. Jared, in the telling of his team, might have been there, but he was 'not taking a pencil to anything.'"

"Nearby, in a small conference room watching the movie Fargo, were Dina Powell, Gary Cohn, Stephen Miller, and H. R. McMaster, all of whom would later insist that they were, however physically close to the unfolding crisis, removed from it."

"Mark Corallo [former spokesman for Trump's personal legal team] ... privately confiding [to Wolff] that he believed the meeting on Air Force One represented a likely obstruction of justice  quit."

Bannon: "The three senior guys in the campaign ... thought it was a good idea to meet with a foreign government inside Trump Tower in the conference room on the twenty-fifth floor  with no lawyers. They didn't have any lawyers. Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad shit, and I happen to think it's all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately."

"If [Trump] was not having his six-thirty dinner with Steve Bannon, then, more to his liking, he was in bed by that time with a cheeseburger, watching his three screens and making phone calls  the phone was his true contact point with the world  to a small group of friends, among them most frequently [longtime friend] Tom Barrack, who charted his rising and falling levels of agitation through the evening and then compared notes with one another."

"The unique problem here was partly how to get information to someone who did not (or could not or would not) read ... Kellyanne Conway brought him the latest outrages against him. There were his after-dinner calls  the billionaire chorus. And then cable, itself programmed to reach him  to court him or enrage him."

Bannon referred to Stephen Miller  Trump's powerful senior adviser for policy, and keeper of the nationalist flame after Bannon's departure  as "my typist."

Get more stories like this by signing up for our daily morning newsletter, Axios AM.

Go Deeper: New York magazine has a long excerpt/adaptation.
4 January 2018 10:06 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Over the past 24 hours, Armenias armed forces have 105 times violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said on January 4.

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.

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4 January 2018 17:50 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

The Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) under the Special Communication and Information Security State Agency of Azerbaijans Special State Protection Service has completed the first stage of work on the development of an anti-virus software, CERT told Trend on January 4.

This is the Multifunctional Analysis Program (MAP), work on which has been conducted since 2015. CERT noted that the program is provided with the necessary functionality and search through the database of malicious programs, which is developed by Team Cymru.

The work on the project turned out to be much more difficult than we expected. The first stage has already been completed, but it will take some time to present the beta version of the product, a CERT representative said.

He noted that the program interface will support three languages  Azerbaijani, Russian and English, and that the development of anti-virus software is one of the priority plans of CERT.

MAP will allow users to analyze suspicious files in order to find out whether they contain malicious code. It will include modules of virus detection, analysis of active processes, preparation of reports on suspicious programs and files, parental control, etc.

Today, threats from the Internet pose a broad range of risks, including financial damages, identity theft, loss of confidential information/data, theft of network resources, damaged brand and personal reputation, and erosion of consumer confidence in e-commerce and online banking.

Therefore, in order to protect a computer from any kind of cyber attacks, the user should use antivirus programs and be attentive while surfing the Internet, not visiting suspicious websites and using such applications.

In general, Azerbaijans Computer Emergency Response Team processes a number of computer incidents, such as network attacks, DoS and DDoS attacks to the state authorities information resources and individual hosts, scanning of Azerbaijani information networks and hosts, unauthorized use of information resources, etc.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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4 January 2018 19:15 (UTC+04:00)

By Sara Israfilbayova

The use of classical instruments of the stock market has not yet reached the desired level to form new instruments on their basis, Vugar Namazov, chairman of the board of the Baku Stock Exchange (BSE) told Trend.

Traditionally, bonds and shares are considered classic instruments of the stock market. There are also relatively new tools, such as, futures, warrant certificates, forward contracts and others.

Namazov noted that the necessary entrepreneurial thinking has not yet been formed in Azerbaijan, which would allow, in particular, perceive bonds as an alternative tool for raising funds.

Today, our main task is to develop classical instruments, then we can talk about new derivatives or, for example, financial engineering tools, it is also important to develop a money market, and after its institutionalization, futures trading will become possible, he said.

The total turnover of stock transactions on all instruments on the BSE in January-October 2017 amounted to more than 9.57 billion manats ($5.63 billion), which is 2.2 times higher than the same period in 2016, according to the BSE.

The volume of the government securities market amounted to 3.8 billion manats ($2.23 billion) [an increase of 8.4 times per year], the turnover of the corporate securities market - 1.37 billion manats ($805,800) [four-fold growth], and the derivatives market - 4.4 billion manats ($2.59 billion) [an increase of 22.2 percent].

BSE is the main stock exchange in Azerbaijan. It trades short-term treasury bonds, common stocks (primarily from former state-owned enterprises that have been privatized, including food and beverage, construction and banking companies), and foreign currency futures.

The mission of BSE is to establish and develop market infrastructure that will provide the trading of securities and efficient execution of transactions.

BSE began its operations on February 15, 2000 with the support of the State Committee for Securities of Azerbaijan. The first trading operation at the stock exchange was carried out on September 1, 2000.

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4 January 2018 17:09 (UTC+04:00)

Alas, separatism was top on political agenda of 2017, keeping tension high in several points of the Earth. The developments in Spanish Catalonia and Iraqi Kurdistan represented a serious headache for the international community in 2017. That anew reminded many leaders about the protracted conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh in the South Caucasus, left out of attention for over two decades.

Many people around the world are not properly aware of this region perhaps, but since late 1980s it has been the place of a constant confrontation of two neighboring countries  Armenia and Azerbaijan  due to the Armenian separatism in Azerbaijani lands.

The war between the countries, that flared up in 1988 due to Armenias territorial claims against Azerbaijan, took thousands of lives and was stopped only in 1994 through signing a ceasefire agreement, which is, however, being broken by Armenia every day. Armenia had occupied 20 percent of internationally recognized lands of Azerbaijan, and more than a million of Azerbaijanis became refugees and internally displaced persons because of the Armenian aggression.

Unfortunately, these lands  Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven adjacent regions  are still under Armenian occupation, and no effective way has been found so far to resolve this Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict peacefully. In defiance of the norms and rules of international law, Armenia rejects implementing four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Azerbaijani territories.

The past year, as well as many previous years, contained several meetings between the conflicting parties under the auspices of the mediating countries. Although the number of meetings held this year was higher than those held previous years, no tangible result has been achieved to push forward the peace diplomacy over the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

During 2017, the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov and Armenia Edward Nalbandian met in February, April, July, September and December and the presidents of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Armenia Serzh Sargsyan met in Geneva in October. All the meetings were held under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group, which is designed to find a peaceful solution to the conflict. However, due to the unconstructive position of Armenia on the issue, its reluctance to engage in constructive talks, the meetings can barely be called fruitful. After decades of the conflict existence, the Armenian government still continues to play for time and avoids substantive negotiations with the aim to preserve the inadmissible status quo in Nagorno-Karabakh.

This, naturally, does not satisfy Azerbaijan, which, by the way, is ready to provide its Nagorno-Karabakh region with the highest level of autonomy within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. However, even this concession of Azerbaijan does not make the Armenian authorities join serious and constructive talks on the conflict resolution. This demonstrates the genuine desire of Yerevan that implies maintaining the conflict forever by remaining in Azerbaijani lands.

Despite all difficulties, Azerbaijan and international mediators still maintain a positive attitude on the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. In his recent interview, the Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the South Caucasus Gunther Bachler called the October meeting of the Azerbaijani and Armenian presidents important and to some extent encouraging. He stressed that for the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict there are some principles about final status on the table, but no real negotiation architecture.

Also, the next meeting of the Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers is set for mid-January. This means that the foreign intermediaries  Russia, the U.S. and France  are not going to waste time in the conflict settlement process, and this, of course, is worth welcoming. The major problem is to make Armenia join substantive and constructive negotiations too.

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4 January 2018 12:53 (UTC+04:00)

By Aygul Salmanova

The number of patients with thalassemia and hemophilia, inherited blood disorders, is reduced in Azerbaijan compared to previous years.

Department head at the Health Ministry Gulmirza Poladov said that due to ensuring the normal life of patients of the Republican Thalassemia center, the death rate from this disease has five-fold decreased over the past 10 years.

Currently, 3,100 patients undergo continuous treatment at the Center, of whom 2,977 are patients diagnosed with Thalassemia. In 2017, a total of 12 patients underwent transplant operations in the Republican Thalassemia Center, among which one was diagnosed with acute leukemia, one with aplastic anemia, 10 with a large Beta Thalassemia, Poladov said.

He said that the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev on medical examination of couples who want to marry is of great importance for the prevention of this disease.

Last year, about 130,000 people underwent blood tests. Of these, 3,611 people were diagnosed with Thalassemia, 103 with HIV, and 422 had syphilis. Both of 38 couples who underwent examination were diagnosed with Thalassemia. As a result of examination of the fetus of 24 pregnant women having Thalassemia, four healthy, 14 carriers and six ill fetuses were found, Poladov said.

The department head noted that 1558 patients with hemophilia registered at the moment, improved their quality of life, as a result of the increase in the level of medical services and constant provision of factor preparations provided within the framework of the State Program, which contributed to a reduction in the number of deaths from this disease.

Touching upon the HIV infection, Poladov said that Azerbaijan is among the countries with a low level of this virus.

He noted that as a result of the successful implementation of the Program of measures to combat HIV/AIDS for 2016-2020, Azerbaijan is currently among the countries with a low level of infection with the immunodeficiency virus.

It should be noted that 96 percent of HIV-infected pregnant women in Azerbaijan participate in antiretroviral therapy. World statistics show that the level of infection with the virus is from 5 to 11 percent, while in Azerbaijan this figure is 1.8 percent, Poladov said.

The department head added that over the past three years, the Ministry has had a special commission for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of viral hepatitis.

All patients who visit this institution are examined and receive appropriate appointments. Currently, 5,404 patients undergo long-term treatment at the expense of the state, Poladov added.

Over the last 10 years significant reforms have been carried out in the country to combat such a wide-spread decease as Thalassemia. A number of projects were sanctioned for the treatment and diagnosis of the disease and improvement of the health of future generations.

In this regard, citizens have to pass a medical examination before marriage. However, doctors say that the presence of thalassemia gene in those wishing to marry does not mean that they should abandon their decision and should avoid having children. New couples get expert advice and find out what additional tests they should pass to keep their children healthy.

Moreover, the Center for Thalassemia, built upon the initiative of President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva, has become a chance for many children to get good treatment.

The center has the latest diagnostic, treatment, and support units, available space and qualified personnel for the treatment of patients.

Since its establishment in 2007, the Thalassemia Center in Baku has offered all conditions both scientific and practical for studying thalassemia.

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4 January 2018 13:32 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Director General of the European Commissions department for mobility and transport (DG MOVE) Henrik Hololei will visit Baku on January 27-30, Head of Political, Economics and Press & Information Section of the EU Delegation to Azerbaijan Denis Daniilidis told Trend on January 3.

He said that Hololei will hold discussions on the Common Aviation Area Agreement between Azerbaijan and EU.

Earlier, Kestutis Jankauskas, head of the EU delegation to Azerbaijan said the EU hopes to initial the aviation agreement with Azerbaijan in the second half of January 2018. He noted that 99 percent of the agreements articles have already been agreed upon.

Creation of a Common Aviation Area is aimed at the opening and integration of aviation markets, which will lead to new opportunities for consumers and operators and, most importantly, to high standards in terms of flight safety as well as air traffic management. This is an initiative of the European Commission, according to which the division of airspace and its management will be common for most countries in Europe.

A horizontal agreement between Azerbaijan and the EC was signed in July 2009. It allows any EU airline to operate flights between Azerbaijan and any EU member state if there is a bilateral air services agreement and if free traffic rights are available.

Later, as part of the process of creating a wider Common Aviation Area with its Eastern and Southern Neighbors, the European Commission adopted in August 2011 a Communication on developing a Common Aviation Area with Azerbaijan.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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4 January 2018 13:50 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

The capital assets of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces Assistance Fund exceeded 88 million manats ($51.77 million) as of January 1, 2018, Defense Ministry reported on January 4.

The ministry also noted that the Funds dollar account has accumulated over $212,873, the euro account reached 9,536 euros, while the ruble account made up 5,000 rubles.

The Armed Forces Assistance Fund, established in 2002, targets to ensure development of the Armed Forces in accordance with the contemporary requirements, strengthening the material and technical base and financing the necessary social measures.

The Armed Forces Assistance Fund is formed on the basis of voluntary donations of individuals and legal entities and at the expense of the other donations not prohibited by the national legislation.

The Azerbaijani Army, which today is considered the most modern army in the Caucasus, consists of Air Force and Air Defense Forces, the Navy, and the Land Forces.

Today, Azerbaijani Army is one of the most powerful, highly disciplined armies in the world and the leading in the region, which is equipped with modern military machinery. Azerbaijan leaves behind many CIS and regional countries to take its place among the first 58 strongest militaries of the world, according to the U.S.-based Global Firepower survey center.

Azerbaijan provides the national Army with sufficient military budget every year. Defense spending of Azerbaijan determined in the state budget for 2017 made up 2.64 billion manats ($1.55 billion), which exceeds the spending for 2016.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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4 January 2018 14:02 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

Uzbekistan, which is carrying out a large-scale campaign to attract foreign tourists, plans to take another step in this direction by introducing electronic entry visas (E-Visa).

The government of Uzbekistan is currently working on this issue and intends to study Azerbaijans experience in implementation of this system.

Today, the system of e-visas already functions in many countries. In particular, it has proved itself well in Azerbaijan and Georgia, thus their experience will be studied when implementing this technology in Uzbekistan, according to the State Committee on Tourism, Uzbek media outlets reported.

The procedure will allow tourists to avoid queues at the embassy, and submit all documents online. In this case, travelers will not need to pass an interview with the consul.

Acquisition and installation of necessary equipment, development of special software products, as well as testing of the "Electronic Visa" system using the infrastructure of the existing biometric passport system of Uzbekistan is planned to be completed this summer.

The introduction of the e-visa issuance system will require simplification of the visa regime in the country. Issuance of electronic visas will be carried out at the airports of the country in accordance with written applications filed by foreign citizens during processing of documents and regardless of the presence of the Uzbek diplomatic representation in the country where the clearance process takes place.

It is assumed that all payments for obtaining an electronic visa can be made with the help of international payment systems Visa and MasterCard.

Uzbekistan, being home to Bukhara, Khiva and Samarkand  three cities considered jewels along the Old Silk Road trade routes that used to connect Europe and Asia, enjoys a large number of tourists. There are many types of tourism being offered in Uzbekistan: historical and cultural tourism, ethnic tourism, adventure tourism, ecological tourism and health tourism.

During January-September 2017, about 1.8 million tourists visited Uzbekistan, which is 17 percent more than in the same period of last year. Furthermore, exports of tourist services grew by 17 percent.

Earlier it was reported that Uzbek embassies in foreign countries will render all consular services by using e-documents in 2018. Exit visas will be canceled in Uzbekistan from 2019. New departments were opened abroad in 2017 to render consular and other services to compatriots.

ASAN Visa system was created upon the Azerbaijani presidents decree dated June 1, 2016.

ASAN Visa is issued for three days, in case of emergency - for three hours. The cost of a standard visa is $20, urgent visa - $23.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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4 January 2018 16:13 (UTC+04:00)

By Aygul Salmanova

An official delegation from the Azerbaijani city of Mingachevir led by the head of the executive committee Niyazi Bayramov visited Israel. The delegation also included Bayramos deputies Ali Ganiyev, and Hikmet Karimov, as well as the chief doctor of the city hospital Konul Alakbarov.

On the second day, guests from Mingachevir together with vice mayor of Afula Mikhail Barkan visited the industrial zone of Alon Israel.

During the meeting with the leaders of the enterprises Tosaf and Pazkar, the possibility of creating the branches of the mentioned enterprises and production of their products in the Mingachevir technological park was discussed.

The delegation also met with the managers of the international department of the hospital A-Emek. The general director of the Mingachevir city hospital, Alakbarov, expressed interest in organizing the training of Azerbaijani doctors on the basis of the A-Emek center.

The guests from Azerbaijan were warmly received by the mayor of Afula, Yitzhak Miron, the vice mayor, Mikhail Barkan and the general director of the municipal Economic Company Tom Hadad in the mayors office. During the meeting, which was also attended by the representative of AzIz in Azerbaijan Bayramov, the parties discussed further continuation and strengthening of relations.

Azerbaijan is one of the few Muslim countries, which has deep political, diplomatic and economic ties with Israel. In this context, Azerbaijan plays a special role for Israel.

Being a Muslim majority country, Azerbaijan is a home to a large Jewish community. The countrys north region of Guba is home to Azerbaijan's largest community of Mountain Jews, who live in Krasnaya Sloboda (Red Town).

The two countries cooperate not only in trade and economic sphere (Israel imports Azerbaijani oil through the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline) but also had broad interaction in military and military-technical spheres.

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4 January 2018 10:05 (UTC+04:00)

By Sara Israfilbayova

The State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) will receive $428.9 million in 2018 from the sale of profitable gas from the gas condensate field Shah Deniz in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea, according to forecasts.

On the basis of the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), the next fund receipts for other operated fields are expected: Kursangi-Garabagli deposits - $2.08 million, Surakhani-Garachuhur deposits - $3.25 million, Zykh-Hovsan deposit - $0.87 million, Muradkhanly-Jafarli-Zardab deposits - $2.39 million, Neftchala-Khylly deposit - $0.37 million, Mishovdag-Kelameddin deposits - $1.43 million, Kurovdag deposit - $2.02 million, Balakhani-Sabunchu-Ramana and Kurdakhani deposits - $11.43 million, Binagadi block deposits - $4.11 million, Gum-Deniz and Bahar deposits - $1.74 million.

SOFAZs revenues from the sale of profitable oil and gas in 2018 are projected at $5.653 million, which exceeds the corresponding indicator of 2016 by 16.9 percent.

From the sale of profitable oil from the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) field, the fund will receive $ 5.194 million, according to forecasts.

A contract for development of ACG block of oil and gas fields was signed in 1994 for 30 years.

Thirteen companies from eight countries (Azerbaijan, the U.S., Great Britain, Russia, Turkey, Norway, Japan, Saudi Arabia) have participated in signing of the "Contract of the Century".

Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR and BP-operated Azerbaijan International Operating Company (AIOC) signed an agreement on future development of the ACG field in December 2016.

The agreement will cover the development of the field until 2050 and will add significant resource development potential. The document specifies the key commercial terms for the future development of the ACG field and enables the parties to conclude negotiations and finalize fully-termed agreements in the next few months.

The proven oil reserves of the block amounts to approximately 1 billion tons.

Shareholders of the ACG development include BP with 35.8 percent, Chevron - 11.3 percent, Inpex - 11 percent, AzACG - 11.6 percent, Statoil - 8.55 percent, Exxon - 8 percent, TRAO- 6.75 percent, Itochu - 4.3 percent and ONGC - 2.7 percent.

SOFAZ was established under the Presidential Decree, dated December 29, 1999, "On Establishment of the State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan".

The main purpose of the establishment of the Fund was to preserve and multiply the income derived from oil, create an excellent economic base, taking into account social needs, the requirements of economic progress and development of the country. Besides, the challenge ahead is to protect the country's economy from possible negative influences caused by the growth of foreign exchange earnings and avoidance of damage to financial discipline.

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4 January 2018 16:27 (UTC+04:00)

By Sara Israfilbayova

Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) block, located in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea, produced 445 million tons of oil and 140 billion cubic meters of gas since the beginning of development and up to December 1, 2017.

First Vice-President of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) Khoshbakht Yusifzadeh stated that as of this date, 250 million tons of Azerbaijans profitable oil was sold on the world market: This makes up 56 percent of all profitable oil sold on the world market.

As of December 1, about 460 million tons of oil were exported to the world market, of which about 350 million tons was accounted for by the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline.

Yusifzadeh went on to say that up to 500 million tons of oil will be extracted from the ACG by 2050.

It is assumed that the volume of oil production from the ACG in 2018 will be 204.4 million barrels, or 28 million tons.

The Vice-President added that to date, $43 billion has been invested in ACG.

A contract for development of ACG block of oil and gas fields was signed in 1994 for 30 years. Thirteen companies from eight countries (Azerbaijan, the U.S., Great Britain, Russia, Turkey, Norway, Japan, Saudi Arabia) have participated in signing of the "Contract of the Century".

Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR and BP-operated Azerbaijan International Operating Company (AIOC) signed an agreement on future development of the ACG field in December 2016.

The agreement will cover the development of the field until 2050 and will add significant resource development potential. The document specifies the key commercial terms for the future development of the ACG field and enables the parties to conclude negotiations and finalize fully-termed agreements in the next few months.

Azerbaijans revenues from profitable oil in the new contract have been fixed at 75 percent.

The ACG field, which lies 120km off the coast of Azerbaijan, is considered to be the largest oilfield in the Azerbaijan sector of the Caspian Sea.

The proven oil reserves of the block amounts to approximately 1 billion tons.

From the beginning of first oil production in November 1997 and until September 1, 2017, some 435.6 million tons of oil and 136.3 billion cubic meters of associated gas were produced in the ACG block of oil and gas fields in the Caspian Sea.

Shareholders of the ACG development include BP with 35.8 percent, SOCAR - 25 percent, Chevron - 11.3 percent, Inpex - 11 percent, AzACG - 11.6 percent, Statoil - 8.55 percent, Exxon - 8 percent, TRAO- 6.75 percent, Itochu - 4.3 percent and ONGC - 2.7 percent.

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4 January 2018 16:54 (UTC+04:00)

By Sara Israfilbayova

World oil prices are increasing on Thursday in the course of trading and are trading close to the maximum marks for 3 years on data of the next reduction in the U.S. fuel inventories.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $62.16 a barrel, up 0.9 percent, from their last close. They touched $62.21 shortly before, their highest level since May 2015.

Brent crude futures, the international benchmark for oil prices, were at $68.23 a barrel, up 0.9 percent, after revisiting a May 2015 high of $68.27 shortly before, Reuters reported.

American Petroleum Institute (API) reported that oil reserves in the U.S. decreased by 5 million barrels last week. Official data of the U.S. Energy Department will public data and experts on average predict that they will indicate a decrease in stocks by 4.7 million barrels.

Gasoline stocks in the U.S. are expected to grow by 2 million barrels a week, distillates - by 1.3 million barrels.

In addition, according to a survey conducted by the Bloomberg agency, oil production in OPEC countries in December did not change compared to the November level.

Oil prices have maintained support because of the protests in Iran, which have become the most serious threat to the spiritual leadership of Iran since 2009.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps sent troops to three provinces of Iran to suppress anti-government protests.

Crude prices also continue to be supported by the current agreement to reduce oil production, the main participants of which are the OPEC countries and Russia.

In November 2016, the OPEC summit was held in Vienna, where OPEC members reached an agreement on reducing oil output by 1.2 million barrels per day. In December 2016 was a meeting of oil producers outside the OPEC. Following the meeting, was signed an agreement to reduce oil production by a total of 558,000 barrels per day starting from January 2017.

OPEC and its partners decided to extend its production cuts till the end of 2018 in Vienna on November 30, as the oil cartel and its allies step up their attempt to end a three-year supply glut that has savaged crude prices and the global energy industry.

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4 January 2018 10:18 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

A judiciary official in the western province of Loreestan has denied an earlier report suggesting that a European citizen was arrested during the recent unrests in the province.

Ali Sabzevari, the head of public relations office at the provincial judiciary office of Lorestan, has said that the detained individual is originally from Borujerd County residing in a European country, Mehr news agency reported.

Sabzevari added that security officers arrested the detainee as he was capturing video footage of protests in the county.

Hamidreza Abolhassani, head of Borujerd's judiciary, earlier said that a European citizen was arrested in anti-government protests in the county.

"A European citizen was arrested in Borujerd county ... The person had been trained by European intelligence services and was leading the rioters"

Iran saw turmoil and political unrests over the past week which took the lives of at least 22 individuals including security forces.

The unrest began after some groups of people joined demonstrations in a number of cities, including the capital Tehran, Mashhad and Kermanshah to protest against high prices, but the economic protests soon turned into anti-government demonstrations.

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4 January 2018 10:11 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Three members of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) have been killed in an armed clash with insurgents in northwestern Iran.

The IRGC through an announcement on Wednesday said that the armed clash took place along the countrys frontier region with Iraq near the city of Piranshahr.

The announcement further added that the elite forces have launched a manhunt for the attackers.

Iran saw turmoil and political unrests over the past week which took the lives of at least 22 individuals including security forces.

The unrest began after some groups of people joined demonstrations in a number of cities, including the capital Tehran, Mashhad and Kermanshah to protest against high prices, but the economic protests soon turned into anti-government demonstrations.

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4 January 2018 10:09 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

An Iranian judicial official said on Wednesday that a European citizen was arrested in anti-government protests in Borujerd county in western Iran, but did not specify the nationality of the detainee.

"A European citizen was arrested in Borujerd county ... The person had been trained by European intelligence services and was leading the rioters," Hamidreza Abolhassani, head of Borujerd's Justice Department was quoted as saying by Tasnim news agency.

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4 January 2018 11:06 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

The Uzbek national airline, Uzbekistan Airways, offered to open new flights which are set to link the cities of Samarkand and Bukhara with the capital of Tajikistan - Dushanbe, Tajik media outlets reported.

The proposal of the Uzbek side is being studied at the moment, and in the near future the Tajik side will take a decision on this issue, according to a source in the Tajik government.

The source expressed conviction that the decision of the Tajik side on this issue will be positive.

Flights between the two countries were terminated in the autumn of 1992, and in 2000, Uzbekistan introduced a visa regime for travel to Tajikistan.

The air traffic was interrupted with the beginning of civil war in Tajikistan, there were virtually no commercial, economic and political ties. The relations began to restore in 2016.

In autumn 2016, a protocol on cooperation was signed between the civil aviation authorities of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in the air transport sector.

Uzbekistan Airlines performed the first flight en route Tashkent - Dushanbe - Tashkent on April 11.

The air company performs flights to the capital of Tajikistan on the A320 airliners once a week on Tuesdays.

Uzbekistan Airways was established on January 28, 1992 upon the presidential decree, wholly owned by the state.

The aircraft fleet of the Uzbek airline currently has 31 aircraft of western production, including thirteen Boeing passenger aircraft, thirteen airbuses (three A-310 and ten A-320-200), three medium-haul RJ-85s and two cargo planes Boeing-767-300BCF.

The Uzbek airline operates flights to over 20 cities in Europe, America, the Middle East, Asia, 22 cities of the CIS countries and 11 destinations on local airlines.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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4 January 2018 13:06 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

Over one million tons of cement was exported by Tajikistan for the whole of last year.

About three million tons of cement was produced in the country in 2017, Avesta reported.

Most of this product is being realized inside the republic and used for the construction of hydraulic structures, roads and bridges, houses and other infrastructure.

At present there are thirteen cement production enterprises in the country. However, only five cement enterprises are engaged in export.

Tajik cement is exported to Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. The bulk of exports falls on Afghanistan.

Earlier, it was reported that the internal needs of the republic in cement are estimated at 3-3.5 million tons per year. The cement deficit in the country is covered by imports from Pakistan and Iran.

The country has 13 cement plants with a total production capacity of 4.7 million tons per year. At present, cement of brands 400, 500 and 600 is produced in Tajikistan.

Tajikistan started deliveries of cement to neighboring countries in 2015. Then, only 500 tons of this construction material was exported. In the current year, the republic not only increased exports, but for the first time completely abandoned the import of cement.

Over the past eight years, China has helped Tajikistan to increase cement production by almost ten times through investing in the introduction of new facilities.

At the same time, these achievements are of concern to Tajik environmentalists, who believe that an increase in the number of cement plants causes irreparable harm to the environment and the health of the countrys inhabitants.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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4 January 2018 16:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Starting from January 1, 2018, legal entities in Uzbekistan will pay land tax monthly in equal portions, the countrys State Tax Committee told Trend on January 4.

Before 2018, the land tax was paid quarterly in equal portions in Uzbekistan.

It will be necessary to submit land tax calculations for 2018 and make land tax payment for the first month of 2018 no later than January 10.

Legal entities, including non-residents, who own, possess, use or lease land plots pay land tax in Uzbekistan. The amount of tax is calculated according to the total area of land plot, except for the land occupied by water supply and sanitation facilities of settlements.

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4 January 2018 18:16 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

Kazakhstan is working on a special road map for the development of the export of agricultural products, Kazinform reported.

We set ourselves the task of investigating the situation, understanding the problems and finding ways to solve them. We held brainstorms in the format of seminars with the participation of all parties - business, government officials, experts and so on, Kazakh Vice Minister of Agriculture Nurzhan Altayev wrote on his Facebook page.

Analytic structures and scientists were also involved in the study of export issues.

Following the results of the study of the export issues, we are working on a special roadmap for the development of the export of agricultural products, he said.

At the same time, to date, Kazakhstan has opened new markets for products that were never exported before. In particular, protocols were signed with China on fish products, pedigree horses, frozen lamb, honey, wheat, wheat bran, soybeans and slaughtered horses.

In 2018, the requirements for beef, pork, some types of cereals (barley, corn and rice), legumes (peas, beans, mung beans), fodder (alfalfa), oilseeds (flax, rapeseed, safflower) and melons (watermelon, melon, zucchini, melon) will be agreed upon. Following the results of the next year, it is forecasted an increase in exports to China by another 20 percent, the official said.

Veterinary requirements for the supply of live sheep, frozen and chilled lamb from Kazakhstan were agreed with Iran. As a result, in 2017, for the first time, the exports of live sheep and lamb were launched.

At the beginning of the new year, the requirements for beef and live cattle will be coordinated. We also managed to agree on special conditions for wheat exports to Iran, in connection with its ban on imports. A contract for the supply of wheat was signed between Food Corporation JSC and Iranian companies, Altayev said.

Kazakhstan has agreed with the United Arab Emirates on the veterinary certificate for the export of meat and meat products as well as poultry meat. As a result, frozen beef was exported to the UAE for the first time. According to the minister, it is planned to increase the export of livestock products to the UAE by at least 30-50 percent next year.

In relation with Saudi Arabia, our country managed to lift restrictions on the supply of live small-bred and large-horned cattle, as well as beef and mutton. In 2018, a veterinary certificate will be agreed upon, on the basis of which exports of livestock products will begin.

The growth in exports of Kazakh agricultural products amounted to 11 percent in 2017, thus showing an increase from $1.58 billion up to $1.75 billion, as compared with 2016.

In particular, in 2017, in comparison with the previous year, exports of frozen beef increased by 2 times, lamb  by 7.2 times, horse meat  by 1.8 times, oil crops (flax, rapeseed, sunflower and other oilseeds) - on average by 1.6 times and vegetable oil (sunflower, safflower or cotton) - by 2 times.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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4 January 2018 11:20 (UTC+04:00)

By Aygul Salmanova

Do you want to make the most amazing trip to the very heart of the Caucasus, where all the best - the richest history reflected in archeological and architectural monuments, the picturesque nature with a wonderful climate, is collected? If yes, then pack up and visit Azerbaijan!

Sitting at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Azerbaijan occupies a unique position mixing the best of both sides. Although a small country, it is one of the most visited countries in the region. Tourists coming to see the country can witness unique nature, rich history and historical monuments, UNESCO Heritage Sites, diverse traditions and customs, different nationalities, delicious cuisine, and amazing climate.

Muzaffar Agakarimov, the adviser of the Chairman of the Azerbaijani Tourism Association, told Azernews that a number of steps are taken towards the development of the tourism sector.

Recently, incoming tourism is becoming more popular in Azerbaijan. While after the dissolution of USSR and creation of the new state people preferred to go abroad, now the incoming and local tourism are the main directions of this sector. It should be noted that incoming tourism is the most important part of the overall tourism sector as it brings foreign currency and creates new workplaces for local people, Agakarimov noted.

The main factor affecting the tourist inflow to the country is the fact that Azerbaijan is a stable country. Another factor is the tolerant and hospitable atmosphere existing in the country. In addition, opportune infrastructure, new types of tourism also significantly contribute to this trend.

Agakarimov touched upon the new types of tourism that have been developed in the country. The most notable among them was snow and mountain tourism: best examples of this type of tourism in Azerbaijan were Tufandag in Gabala and Shahdag in Gusar, he said.

Furthermore, Azerbaijan Health and Thermal Tourism Support Association was established in the country, which had done significant to develop the tourism sector, he said. The association carried out a number of activities to push forward the tourism potential of Naftalan and Duzdag located in Nakhchivan.

He noted that an executive order approving an action plan on the development of beach tourism for 2017-2020 by President Ilham Aliyev was one of these steps. Additionally Agakarimov said that numerous events were organized by the government annually.

Among different programs the Great Silk Way played a special role. This program will stimulate further development of the countrys tourism sector, he said.

The adviser noted that the development of the railway tourism in Azerbaijan created new ground for the improvement of the overall tourism sector of the country. Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway is also a significant factor that contributes to the improvement of the tourism potential of the country. In the near future, not only BTK but also Baku-Astara railway will assume an important role, he said.

The favorable infrastructure system created by the government also played substantial role in attracting tourists to the country, according to Agakarimov: Before it was very difficult to get to some regions of Azerbaijan, while now roads, electric energy supply, and water supply - all are opportune for tourist influx.

He also noted that foreign tourists mainly prefer to visit Absheron peninsula, especially Baku: Furthermore, they also travel to northwestern regions of Azerbaijan, namely Shamakhi, Gabala, Sheki; northeastern regions, that is, Guba, Gusar, Khachmaz; and Lankaran, Lerik, Masalli - the southern regions of the country.

Agakarimov mentioned that the foreigners mainly tend to choose cultural tourism: they visit historical monuments, and join various excursions. Many tourists, especially those coming from Russia and Kazakhstan, come to Azerbaijan to improve their health. They prefer to go to Naftalan or to Duzdag.

An increase in the number of tourists traveling to Azerbaijan was expected in the subsequent years, according to the adviser: More than 1,700 tourism companies operate in Azerbaijan, for which elimination of licenses had created favorable conditions. A number of new hotels, especially budget hotels, are planned to be constructed in the near future.

Agakarimov also gave some recommendations to tourists visiting Azerbaijan.

Firstly, I would recommend the tourists traveling to our country to visit ancient historical monuments of Baku, to come and see Icherisheher. They should also pay a visit to our regions. Azerbaijan is a country with rich history, great monuments and museums. For instance, I advise them to visit Art, Literature, and History museums. By visiting these museums, tourists will get detailed information on the history, art and traditions of Azerbaijan, he said.

He also encouraged the tourists to visit the regions and enjoy the beautiful nature of the country. Tourists coming to Azerbaijan are recommended to visit the Ramana and Mardakan fortresses situated at Absheron peninsula, he said.

Our guests should definitely taste the delicious, palatable Azerbaijani cuisine. You feel hungry even when its name comes to your mind. Kufte-bozbash, piti, pilafs, different varieties of dolma, tea sets, sweets, national wines of the country are among the best representatives of Azerbaijani cuisine, he stressed.

What else to do?

He noted that some regions yet need to develop.

There is no way for marking time and making no headway in the tourism sector. It requires looking ahead and making plans for the further steps to be taken. There are regions that need to improve the tourism sector. For example, the tourism potential of the beautiful Lerik and Yardimli is not fully used. Regions such as Zagatala, Balaken, Gakh are wonderful regions where both winter and summer are fine.

Agakarimov also noted that tourist routes to ancient Azerbaijani cities such as Barda and Ganja should be compiled. These routes should be designed specifically depending on the home country of our guests as a person living in Russia has different psychology and preferences from the one living in Japan, he said.

As many as 2,276,604 foreign citizens visited Azerbaijan in January to October of this year. The number of incoming tourists increased by 20 percent in 2017.

For instance, 727,577 people came from Russia, 439,305 from Georgia, and 320,904 from Iran.

In this period, 81,742 tourists travelled from the United Arab Emirates, 54,242 tourists from Iraq, 49,449 tourists from Ukraine and 31,821 tourists from Saudi Arabia.

The state pays much attention to tourism sector and Strategic Roadmap for the Development of the Tourism Industry approved in 2016 stipulates a number of measures for achieving great steps in this area.

A number of tourist facilities have been built in the regions, and cultural and historical reserves have been set up or restored.

Thanks to all these, the country has improved its tourism performance in the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2017 released by experts of the World Economic Forum (WEF).

The country is placed 71st among the most improved economies in 2017, rising 13 spots in the global ranking.

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Robert Palmer boasts 20-plus years of experience in data analytics  but he chose to focus his career on healthcare after his father was diagnosed with metastatic cancer.

"The diagnosis was terrifying and the treatment choices were complex, with profound quality of life and economic implications," Mr. Palmer says, adding that although he trusted the medical team's expertise, his family was still left with unanswered questions about his father's treatment.

"This experience heightened my awareness of the limitations of the current evidence base and the need for personalized approaches to cancer care," he continues.

Today, Mr. Palmer serves as chairman, president and CEO of PotentiaMetrics, an Austin, Texas-based healthcare analytics company that spun out from Washington University Medical Center in St. Louis. The company's data analytics and artificial intelligence platforms help providers, payers and medical technology companies inform personalized treatment plans by comparing patient-level outcome data related to survival, quality of life and cost of care.

"Obtaining data is not enough," Mr. Palmer says. "It must also yield meaningful and actionable insight."

Mr. Palmer spoke with Becker's Hospital Review about how, through his work with PotentiaMetrics, he hopes to apply real-world datasets to drive personalized healthcare.

Editor's note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Question: What sparked your interest in healthcare analytics?

Robert Palmer: A cardiac surgery group asked me to develop models to determine clinical and economic outcomes for different surgical approaches. While I was developing these models, my father was diagnosed with metastatic cancer. My family trusted his physician's prognosis and advice, but in the end, we were left with difficult personal and emotional decisions, with no right answer or positive outcome potential. We wanted to know: How long might he live? How much longer if he obtained different treatments? What were the tradeoffs for different options on his quality of life? To make an informed decision, my family  like thousands of others facing similar issues  needed answers.

Q: How does PotentiaMetrics fit into the broader healthcare landscape?

RP: There are many solutions in the marketplace that address population-level analysis and metrics  yet we do not treat populations; we treat patients. And while patients are unique, our current system is largely "one size fits all," with treatment protocols based only on a select group of patients represented in clinical trials. Without rich clinical and financial outcomes information, including comparatives, it's impossible to determine the "value" of different treatments for each patient. This is challenging, because there are few sources of information that support comparative analysis for different medical technologies and the heterogeneity of patient and provider characteristics.

Q: How does PotentiaMetrics address challenges to working with patient data?

RP: A major challenge health IT companies face is accessing meaningful patient data, because there are few sources of information that support comparative analysis. Randomized controlled trials remain the gold standard for evaluating treatment efficacy. However, trials are not always feasible, practical or timely, and often don't adequately reflect patient heterogeneity and real-world clinical practice. Another source of patient data is the EHR, which provides a massive amount of information. However, it is primarily designed to support billing and adherence to process. Likewise, paid claims data doesn't contain the level of information or context required to support personalized care.

Although most analysis is based on evidence from clinical studies, EHRs or paid claims data, it is very difficult to use these results to develop risk-adjusted prediction and treatment models for individual patients. PotentiaMetrics' approach takes the time and effort to obtain registry data from multiple institutions, including observational data. While we do not take ownership of intuitions' outcomes data, over time we have obtained unique access, resulting in outcomes databases that support risk-adjusted analysis. We are also developing our own proprietary database of longitudinal patient-reported outcome data.

Q: What are your main goals for PotentiaMetrics in 2018?

RP: Since the company's launch in 2014, we have engaged with customers across the spectrum of healthcare, including providers, payers and medical technology companies. In the process, our customers have seen the value of our product and services and it has enhanced how they deliver outcome-based value to the market. In 2018, we plan to expand our presence in the market, increase marketing and sales to accelerate growth, expand market awareness, and impact healthcare with AI, advanced data assessment and actionable insights.
Middletown-based Connecticut Valley Hospital's forensic division will become a separate entity under an executive order signed by Democratic Gov. Dannel Malloy.

The executive order, signed Tuesday, creates Whiting Forensic Hospital by spinning off the Whiting Forensic Division from CVH, a psychiatric hospital.

According to the governor's office, the new 229-bed forensic hospital will be created by consolidating Whiting Maximum Security beds with beds at the Dutcher Enhanced Security building.

The new forensic hospital will be operated by the state's department of mental health and addiction services. Michael Norko, MD, will continue to lead the new forensic hospital while a search takes place for a permanent CEO.

"Having these two facilities as distinct entities governed by their own policies, procedures and staff will ensure that we can focus more directly on the changes needed to continue to improve the quality of care at Whiting," Mr. Malloy said in a statement.

Mr. Malloy's decision comes after 10 mental health workers at CVH's Whiting Forensic Division were arrested in 2017 for allegedly kicking, jabbing, taunting and throwing liquids at a 62-year-old patient. Nearly 40 staff members were placed on paid administrative leave, according to The Connecticut Mirror.

Also last year, DMHAS voluntarily decertified the Whiting Forensic Division's 91 maximum security beds because the division failed to meet CMS standards for discharge planning, The Connecticut Mirror reports, citing the Connecticut Office of Legislative Research.

Mr. Malloy's executive order states that CMS requires "that a decertified division of a facility have operations that are independent of the operations of a CMS certified facility."

The state expects the full transition to be wrapped up by the end of this month.

Alia Paavola contributed to this report.

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Baylor Scott & White Health, a 48-hospital nonprofit health system based in Dallas, plans to lay off 711 employees by March 1, according to a recently filed Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act notice.

All of the workers will be laid off from 113-bed Baylor Scott & White Medical Center-Garland (Texas), which the health system will close Feb. 28. Baylor Scott & White decided to shut down the hospital, which has incurred significant financial losses over the last three years, after scaling back services and trying to secure a new owner for the facility without success.

Although the closure will affect 711 employees, the health system told Becker's Hospital Review it intends to place a portion of the workers in comparable positions at other facilities in its network.

The closure will also result in 105 workers at Aramark, a food service provider to the hospital, losing their jobs, according to a WARN notice filed in late December.

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Health systems across the nation are exploring ways to reengineer their ambulatory strategy to enhance coordination, meet patient demand and ensure care continuity  all while reducing costs.

As the industry shifts from inpatient to outpatient care amid the transition from volume to value, health system executives are challenged to ensure patients receive care in the appropriate setting, while simultaneously working to improve the quality of services offered. Developing a strong ambulatory strategy is one way provider organizations can move closer to reaching these key objectives.

While 80 to 90 percent of healthcare spend occurs in the hospital, 85 percent of patient visits happen in the non-acute space, based on 2015 data from the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics.1 With such a large percentage of patients seeking care in non-acute settings, it's vital for health systems to find ways to efficiently provide high-quality services at these care sites and design the operational model to support the strategy.

Ambulatory strategy challenges

During the Executive Leadership Forum hosted by McKesson on Nov. 14 at the Becker's Hospital Review 6th Annual CEO + CFO Roundtable in Chicago, a group of 18 health system executives discussed the greatest challenges they are facing in developing and executing their ambulatory strategy.

1. Provider organizations struggle to attract physicians. Several executives said their organizations are struggling to attract the talent necessary to expand their ambulatory care network. The COO of a nearly 900-bed California health system said difficulty attracting primary care physicians has stymied his organization's attempts to expand its primary care network. Smaller hospitals are also encountering this problem. The CFO of a 129-bed hospital in New York said his organization is facing challenges attracting primary care physicians as well as specialty physicians.

The issues cited by the two provider organizations during the leadership forum are representative of a nationwide trend. According to data from the Association of American Medical Colleges released earlier this year, the U.S. faces a shortage of up to 104,900 physicians by 2030.2

2. Adding new physician groups presents challenges. Healthcare is becoming more value-focused, which requires health systems to create a culture that engages physicians in the health systems strategic objectives and more fully involves physicians in the facility's day-to-day operations. This is a difficult task, especially as health systems become more diverse and expand their networks by acquiring physician groups.

During the Leadership Forum, the COO of an academic health system in the Midwest said his organization struggled to establish a sense of cohesion after a recent merger. "[The] big challenge is learning how to integrate the clinical hospital [group] with the ambulatory community group and how to integrate academic physicians with their ambulatory counterparts," he said.

The vice president of medical affairs at an academic medical center in the Midwest echoed those challenges. He said his organization is learning how to "accommodate for the inevitable culture shock between academic physicians and community hospitals."

Many health systems are likely to encounter challenges similar to those mentioned by the provider organizations at the leadership forum, as the rapid pace of merger and acquisition activity in the healthcare sector continues. Eighty-seven health system transactions had occurred as of the end of the third quarter of 2017, leading some industry experts to suggest the total number of deals this year may exceed the 102 transactions completed in 2016, according to a Kaufman, Hall & Associates analysis.3 As health systems seek to expand their continuum of care, it is likely more partnerships between acute and non-acute providers will occur.

Accenture predicts that non-acute providers will represent 84% of the total provider acquisition volume by 2018, while purchases of payers is expected to double.4

3. HIT challenges are common. Whether pursuing a merger, acquisition or another type of partnership, health systems want a seamless integration, and technology plays a vital role in achieving this goal. Incompatible technology solutions can prevent provider organizations from realizing all the benefits they hope to achieve through the transaction.

During the Leadership Forum, many executives identified HIT issues as the greatest challenge they are facing in executing their ambulatory strategy. Several said their health systems have acquired physician practices that operate incompatible IT systems. The COO of a specialty hospital in the Midwest said this is an issue his organization has encountered. "The challenge is that ambulatory care is a different platform. We're working on how to connect with the physicians from the organizations we just acquired," he said.

Opportunities in ambulatory care

Although health systems are facing many challenges in executing their ambulatory care strategies, the executives at the Leadership Forum also identified many opportunities in the ambulatory care space.

1. Prevent patient leakage. Health systems can improve quality of care by expanding their ambulatory enterprise. Patients leak out of a health system when the system does not provide convenient access to services they need. This causes patients to receive uncoordinated, fragmented care, which can lead to unnecessary testing and conflicting treatments. During the forum, many executives said their organizations are helping patients navigate their network to prevent patients from leaving for outside providers.

Some executives said their organizations have invested in patient-scheduling platforms to help prevent patient leakage. These platforms allow patients to make future appointments before they walk out the door. The vice president of medical affairs at an academic medical center in the Midwest said his organization has nurse navigators to help keep patients from seeking care elsewhere. The nurse navigators understand what patients need and help connect them with the appropriate providers, which has helped significantly improve the patient experience.

2. Enhance efficiency with telehealth. As health systems expand their ambulatory networks, many are using telehealth to better assist patients and boost revenue by maximizing the number of patients providers are able to see each day. In fact, the vast majority of healthcare executives and providers  81 percent  report interest in telehealth as a method to expand their digital health services, according to a Foley & Lardner survey.5

Many executives at the Leadership Forum expressed interest in launching telehealth services at their organizations or expanding programs already in place.

The COO of an academic health system in the Midwest said his organization recently merged with a community health system with a large ambulatory care presence. Because the hospital maintained its own facilities, the health system could avoid constructing new outpatient care sites. However, the system has struggled to get physicians to some of the more remote outpatient clinics. He said the health system is considering entering the telehealth field to overcome this challenge.

Other executives said their organizations have increased revenue by offering telehealth services at ambulatory care sites since providers in most states are reimbursed at the same rate for telehealth visits as they are for in-office visits.

3. Improve utilization of current assets. The shift from inpatient to outpatient care has left some provider organizations with facilities and beds that are no longer financially productive. However, many times these facilities can be transformed into an ambulatory center that is profitable. In addition to the financial benefits, converting a hospital into an ambulatory center can also expand access to in-demand outpatient services, which is a top priority for many healthcare leaders. According to 183 health system C-suite executives surveyed by the Advisory Board, expanding patient access to outpatient or ambulatory care settings is a top priority for 2017.6

During the Leadership Forum, several executives expressed interest in expanding their ambulatory networks. The CFO of a 14-hospital system in the Midwest described her system as "hospital-centric." However, she said the organization's strategy is changing. "We don't need more hospitals, we need more ambulatory centers. Our focus is on conversion of our existing assets and expansion in the ambulatory setting," she said.

Conclusion

As inpatient volumes in many markets remain flat or decline and the industry shifts toward value-based payment models, it's critical for health systems to provide convenient access to ambulatory services. Although it can be challenging, developing and executing a strong ambulatory care strategy is vital in today's healthcare environment and benefits both providers and patients.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[1] National Center for Health Statistics. Health, United States, 2015: With Special Feature on Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities. Hyattsville, MD. 2016.

[2] IHS Markit, The Complexities of Physician Supply and Demand 2017 Update: Projections from 2015 to 2030. Prepared for the Association of American Medical Colleges.

[3] Hospital Merger and Acquisition Activity on Pace to Potentially Exceed 2016. 17 Oct. 2017. Kaufman Hall.

[4] Ficery and Main. Healthcare M&A: Mastering the 3D chessboard. Accenture.

[5] 2017 Telemedicine & Digital Health Survey. 8 Nov. 2017. Foley & Lardner.

[6] Annual Health Care CEO Survey. 6 April 2017. The Advisory Board Company.
Mandatory overtime for nurses at Ohio hospitals could be a thing of the past if the state passes newly proposed legislation, according to a Springfield News-Sun report.

The legislation, House Bill 456, was introduced by Rep. Robert Sprague, R-Findlay in December. It bans Ohio hospitals from requiring a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse to work overtime to remain employed.

Mr. Sprague believes the ban on mandatory overtime could help prevent medical errors that might occur when nurses are too fatigued, according to the report.

Reactions to the proposed bill are mixed.

The Ohio Nurses Association praised the legislation, saying mandatory overtime can potentially result in nurse fatigue and burnout.

"Nurses are professionals who are ethically-bound to assess their ability to care for their patients. If a nurse is too fatigued to provide the safe care his/her patient deserves, the nurse should have the right to refuse overtime without fear of discipline," Brian Burger, president of the union, said in a statement. "Prioritizing safe nurse staffing benefits everyone: nurses, patients and healthcare facilities."

However, the Ohio Hospital Association opposes the proposed bill, calling it "overly broad" legislation that "does not appropriately address the problem it purports to solve."

"Staffing a hospital is a complex process that continually changes based on community health and patient needs. OHA is working with key policymakers and interested party group representatives regarding House Bill 456. Prohibiting overtime as presented in this proposed legislation restricts hospitals' ability to adjust to the needs of their patients," the OHA said in an emailed statement.

"Furthermore, the legislation improperly assumes that all nurses share the same skill sets and are simply 'interchangeable parts' in the treatment of patients. Hospitals must have the flexibility to respond to the dynamic state of patient needs and must focus on a variety of factors when determining staffing levels, while always keeping patient safety at the core of those decisions."

If the legislation passed, Ohio would be the 19th state to outlaw nurse mandatory overtime, according to the ONA.

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Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center is the subject of an ongoing criminal investigation following the death of an 86-year-old patient in late 2015, according to NBC Bay Area.

According to a search warrant affidavit from the San Francisco Police Department obtained by NBC Bay Area, authorities are investigating whether a nurse committed a crime when she silenced an alarm on a medical device connected to the elderly patient.

An investigation by the California Department of Public Health concluded the patient was in the intensive care unit undergoing treatment for kidney failure when a dialysis tube pumping blood back into his body came loose, which triggered an alarm on the device. The patient's family members, who were in the room at the time of the incident, told state investigators a nurse silenced the alarm without checking the dialysis tube and then left the room.

When the nurse returned to the room a short time later and pulled back a blanket covering the patient, a pool of blood had formed and the tube from the dialysis machine had become disconnected, according to the patient's family members. The patient died two days later, according to the report.

Although the nurse told state investigators she never heard the alarm, the California Department of Public Health fined Kaiser $58,700 for the incident and not reporting it as law requires. The investigation also revealed Kaiser threw away evidence, including the patient's dialysis tubes.

In a statement to NBC Bay Area, Kaiser said, "We sincerely regret that this incident occurred and extend our sympathy to the family involved. While such a case is rare, we take full responsibility for the provision of safe, quality care to our patients."

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Arguments are expected to begin Thursday in a federal lawsuit brought by a radiologist who claims North Carolina's two largest academic medical centers agreed not to hire each other's faculty.

A former Duke University radiology professor, Danielle Seaman, MD, filed the antitrust lawsuit in 2015. She alleges the University of North Carolina's chief of cardiothoracic imaging told her she was passed over for a job as a radiology professor at UNC due to an agreement between the two medical schools not to hire each other's faculty.

"The intended and actual effect of this agreement is to suppress employee compensation, and to impose unlawful restrictions on employee mobility," according to Dr. Seaman's amended complaint.

According to the amended complaint, the defendants agreed the only exception to their no-hire agreement would be for faculty who were granted a promotion simultaneous to their hiring. "Under the agreement entered into between defendants and their co-conspirators, an assistant professor at Duke cannot be hired by UNC unless she is hired into a position at the associate professor rank or higher, and vice versa," states the amended complaint. The highest faculty rank at both UNC and Duke is professor; therefore, there is no possibility for promotion above that rank.

On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Catherine Eagles will hear arguments on whether the lawsuit should include all skilled medical workers employed between 2012 and 2017 at Duke's medical school; Durham, N.C.-based Duke University Health System; UNC-Chapel Hill's medical school; and UNC Health Care in Chapel Hill.

The judge will also consider a proposed settlement between UNC and Dr. Seaman. Under the settlement, UNC would promise not to participate in any unlawful restraints on competition and cooperate by providing witnesses, documents and data in the ongoing lawsuit against Duke's medical school and Duke University Health System.

Both Duke and UNC deny the existence of the no-hire agreement.

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FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD, on Wednesday outlined new steps the agency will take to spur more generic drug competition.

Here are three things to know.

1. The agency's three-part Drug Competition Action Plan to stimulate generic drug approvals involves preventing companies from using unfair tactics to delay generic competition, removing scientific and regulatory obstacles from the generic approval process, and streamlining the internal review process to achieve generic approvals faster.

2. The FDA released two documents Wednesday to improve the submission and review of generic drug applications. The first, a draft guidance called "Good ANDA Submission Practices," lists the most common deficiencies the agency encounters in applications that can lead to a delayed approval. The FDA hopes drug companies can use this resource to submit stronger applications the first time and limit multiple cycles of regulatory review.

3. The agency also released a companion document to the draft guidance, which summarizes drug application assessment processes for FDA staff. "The document formalizes a more streamlined generic review process, including the introduction of new templates that will make each cycle of the review process more efficient and complete," Dr. Gottlieb said Wednesday.

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Maple Grove, Minn.-based Conventus Orthopaedics borrowed a $12 million from Horizon Technology Finance, according to Hartford Business.

Here are four insights:

1. Conventus Orthopaedics specializes in developing devices and technology to treat fractured arm and leg bone joints.

2. With the loan closing Dec. 22, 2017, Conventus Orthopaedics plans to use the funds to continue commercial development of its fracture management system, Conventus Cage.

3. The Conventus Cage is designed for less invasive bone and joint treatments and provides patients with a quicker recovery time.

4. Other investors in Conventus Orthopaedics include Deerfield Management and Sightline Partners.
Paul Slosar, MD, president of SpineCare Medical Group in Daly City, Calif., discusses three big trends for 2018, covering technology, business challenges and the best opportunities for spine surgeons this year.

1. The most important spine technology trend for 2018: The focus is now on surface technologies for fusion implants. The most sophisticated and advanced surface has a unique titanium nano-technology to stimulate the host bone to grow rapidly, promoting early osseous-integration. This should lower surgeons' dependence on expensive or inflammatory biologics. The porous implants may be better than smooth surfaces, but still lag behind in terms of stimulating a cellular response.

2. Key clinical or business challenges spine surgeons will face this year: The challenges to the remaining independent spine practices persist. Large multispecialty groups and hospital systems continue to grow and erode market share opportunities for the smaller practices. Ongoing insurance company denials appear to be escalating, challenging physicians (and our patients) with denials for even the most basic tests and treatments (MRI/ injections/ PT). With patients (the insurer's customers) now responsible for enormous out-of-pocket deductibles, it seems incongruous that the payers would be routinely denying these simple upstream care items.

3. Best opportunity for spine surgeons in 2018: Although it's been on the radar for several years, this may be the year that bundled payment models finally hit their stride. While CMS has adopted a more voluntary posture toward participation, that hasn't discouraged interest in their BPCI program, now entering its third year. Commercial payers are following and, in 2018, some will begin with small, selective networks of spine specialists to grow their own risk-sharing programs.
Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for Jan. 4, 2018.

DePuy Synthes sues ex-employee over breach of contract

DePuy Synthes filed a complaint against a former employee who allegedly went on to solicit former customers with new employer Zimmer Biomet, the Penn Record reports. DePuy Synthes argues the former employee is "armed with the extensive body of confidential and trade secret information entrusted to him," while employed with the company.





BCBSA upgrades quality evidence rating for MIS SI joint fusion

Blue Cross Blue Shield Association updated its quality evidence recommendation for minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion using triangular implants. BCBSA upgraded its rating to "moderate" quality evidence, which indicates sufficient evidence to determine how the technology affects health outcomes. The insurer has a four-tiered rating system outlining evidence as: substantial, moderate, low to none and uncertain.





Medtronic changes leadership with 2 executive appointments

Bob White will take on the roles of executive vice president and president of the Medtronic's Minimally Invasive Therapies Group and Chris Lee is the new Asia-Pacific region president. The company shifted its leadership due to former Minimally Invasive Therapies Group Executive Vice President Bryan Hanson leaving to become president and CEO of Zimmer Biomet.





Zyga's SImmetry SI Joint Fusion System clinical trial shows reduction in back pain, opioid dependency

Zyga Technology presented a publication on the first 50 patients in its EVoluSIon clinical study. Six months post surgery, the mean low back pain was recorded at 35.1 on a 100-point Visual Analog Scale, a 54 percent reduction in pain from the pre-operative mean of 76.2. Patients also showed a reduction in opioid use, 55 percent.





Virtua Memorial Hospital Burlington County receives Blue Distinction Center for Spine Surgery recognition

Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association honored Virtua Memorial Hospital Burlington County (N.J.) with its Blue Distinction Center for Spine Surgery designation. The BCBSA award recognizes facilities that demonstrate expertise in delivering high quality healthcare and improve patient outcomes. In addition to the spine surgery designation award, Virtua Memorial Hospital also received designation as an Aetna Institute of Quality Orthopedic Care Facility for spine surgery.





Magnetic controlled growing rods vs. traditional growing rods for scoliosis surgery

A new study published in Spine examines the quality of life for adolescent patients who undergo scoliosis correction with magnetic controlled growing rods compared to the traditional growing rods. The economic burden and overall satisfaction scores for the magnetic controlled growing rods were significantly greater than the traditional growing rod group, according to a univariate analysis.





Orthopedic surgeon pays $5k to settle ethics violation allegation, agrees to be monitored after marrying former patient

An orthopedic surgeon paid the Iowa Board of Medicine $5,000 to settle allegations of an ethics violation after he engaged in a relationship with, and eventually married, a former patient while practicing in Fort Madison, Iowa, according to a report in The Des Moines Register. Regulators claim Joseph Darrow Jr., MD, engaged in a sexual relationship with a female patient "while or shortly after" she was his patient, and the Iowa Board of Medicine claims his behavior violated ethics rules. Read more, here.





Retired neurosurgeon gifts St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation $1M

John Moseley, MD, a retired Billings, Mont.-based St. Vincent Healthcare neurosurgeon, and his wife donated $1 million to the hospital's St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation. The donation will go toward supporting St. Vincent Healthcare's Healing Beyond Medicine Campaign, which provides spiritual care to patients and staff.




Vijay, who is all geared up to start Thalapathy 62 from mid-January, was spotted tonight at the Chennai Airport and the news broke immediately that he is travelling to Malaysia for the SIAA's Natchithra Vizha. Though many believed Vijay to be travelling to Malaysia as several other personalities from the film fraternity have also planned to travel to Malaysia tonight coincidentally for the event.





When we checked with our sources close to Vijay, they denied the trip to Malaysia, but said that the actor is off to China for a personal trip. The Natchithra Vizha is scheduled for January 6 and is expected to be a grand event.
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Airline Norwegian has shaken up its senior management as part of its rapid expansion.

Geir Karlsen will join the carrier from London-based shipping company Navig8 Group.

He will replace acting chief financial officer Tore Ostby on a permanent basis.

Norwegian's route network includes flights from Belfast, London Gatwick, Edinburgh and Manchester.

The airline flew 5.8 million passengers from the UK and Ireland in 2017, up by more than a quarter on the previous year.

It has described 2018 as its "biggest ever year of growth", with new long-haul routes including its first service to South America, with flights from Gatwick to Buenos Aires, an expanded premium cabin, and in-flight wi-fi on some longer flights.

Mr Karlsen said he is looking forward to taking part in Norwegian's "ambitious growth plans".

He went on: "Aviation is characterised by strong competition background and experience will contribute to further developing the company."

Mr Karlsen has held various chief financial officer positions with companies over the past 12 years.

Norwegian operates around 130 aircraft and has more than 260 on order.
Building and civil engineering firm FP McCann has acquired two quarries in a 2m deal following the collapse of a smaller business, the Belfast Telegraph can reveal.

It's the latest expansion by the Magherafelt-based company, which employs around 1,300 people.

FP McCann bought Redrock quarry in Co Armagh and Fallaghern quarry in Co Tyrone following the administration of Markethill firm Cootes (Concrete Products) Ltd, which went bust in February owing 2.7m.

No one from FP McCann was available for comment.

In a report filed at Companies House in September, administrators Brian Murphy and Michael Jennings of business advisory firm BDO said they had been appointed to run the firm by Cootes' lender Clipper Holdings, which had bought loans from First Trust Bank.

The report states that 1.6m has now been distributed to secured creditor Clipper following the sale of the quarries and trading assets for 2.1m.

Just under 20 staff at Cootes lost their jobs following the administration. The report reveals that a company director had allegedly entered agreements to transfer company assets and quarry extraction rights to a third party, believed to be FP McCann.

However, the agreement was not disclosed to the secure lender or to the administrator in early discussions.

The third party entered the quarry in February to start work. Court proceedings were then brought by the administrators, resulting in the third party agreeing to vacate the premises.

However, the administrators were not able to continue trading on the site, and all the company's staff were made redundant.

The report adds: "In advance of formal court proceedings being continued, mediation and negotation resulted in agreement being reached with the third party in question to purchase the company's two quarries and trading assets. This sale process concluded on May 25, 2017."

Last year sales at FP McCann, which specialises in pre-cast concrete, soared by 35% to reach 227m.

Cootes Quarry on Redrock Road is listed on FP McCann's website, though the deal also included Fallaghern near Sixmilecross in Co Tyrone.

FP McCann currently works on 12 manufacturing sites in Northern Ireland and England, but also announced plans to acquire a business in Uddingston in Scotland from Laing O'Rourke. In 2015 it bought P Clarke and Sons in Co Fermanagh in a pre-pack administration.

Last year the business restructured its operations, setting up a new group company, FP McCann Group.

A strategic report filed with the 2016 accounts said: "The directors believe that the acquisitions undertaken over the last few years have contributed to a well-diversified portfolio of products and services, and our increased geographical spread of opportunities allows us to capitalise on new infrastructure opportunities."
Linsey Sheerin of the Royal College of Nursing's Emergency Nurse Network said that nurses here were facing "intolerable conditions"

Under-pressure ambulance crews are being held up at overcrowded A&Es and can't respond to emergency calls, a paramedic has claimed.

The whistleblower was speaking out after it emerged that one crew was delayed for over 10 hours during the festive period.

The paramedic, who does not wish to be named, said that the situation at the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald over Christmas was "particularly bad", with ambulance staff waiting for several hours to hand over patients.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) confirmed that the longest ambulance turnaround at an A&E here between the peak holiday period from December 22 until yesterday afternoon lasted 10 hours and 28 minutes.

It took place at the Ulster Hospital over January 2 and 3.

A turnaround time is based on an ambulance crew arriving at a hospital, handing over a patient to a health and social care professional, and clearing the hospital location.

The NIAS whistleblower, an experienced paramedic, described the situation here over Christmas as "unprecedented".

"Ambulances are arriving at the Ulster Hospital bringing patients, but the patients are remaining on ambulance trolleys for hours, which means the crews can't leave," he revealed.

"We are stuck in the corridor of the Ulster Hospital and can't respond to 999 calls.

"It would be standard practice to transfer patients to hospital trolleys if available - but there is nowhere to transfer them to.

"Recently I stood in the corridor of the Ulster Hospital's A&E for four-and-a-half hours with a lady in her 80s who was on an Ambulance Service trolley.

"Figures released by health trusts show the number of patients treated, but NIAS figures show that crews have been stuck at A&E departments for up to eight hours or more, and no one seems to be addressing this.

"My job is supposed to be to go out and help people, but we are going to 999 calls that have been waiting for hours as no one was available." The paramedic believes that A&E closures and reductions to opening hours are contributing to the pressure.

"You have A&Es which have been downgraded and close earlier, and it's over six years since the City Hospital's A&E department was closed, which was supposed to be temporary," he said.

"Ambulances from several hospitals are being diverted to the Royal, but it was designed years ago when the other A&Es were still open to provide support."

He said some NIAS staff were going on sick leave due to the stress, and crews routinely went without breaks for up to 12 hours.

"Staff morale is at breaking point," he said.

"Crews aren't getting breaks for 12 hours, and they need to look after their own health.

"I go home after a shift and end up snapping at my kids for silly things, then I go back into work and have to sit with patients in corridors for hours when I should be responding to 999 calls. The Ambulance Service can't cope and the patients are suffering.

"I believe that the health trusts need to declare major incidents more frequently to help us deal with the situation, but they probably don't want to do that due to the bad PR.

"I don't think that the NIAS could cope with a major incident at the minute."

Meanwhile, Linsey Sheerin of the Royal College of Nursing's Emergency Nurse Network said that nurses here were facing "intolerable conditions".

She said that all hospitals here are "under acute pressure" and that while this is manifesting during the winter, it is being felt throughout the year.

"It's a massive, system-wide problem," she said.

"Patients waiting long times on trolleys is really demoralising for nurses.

"Sometimes you leave a patient at the end of your night shift and you come back the next morning to find them still waiting. We have a national, regional shortage of nursing staff, and the ability to open extra beds is limited as the staff aren't out there.

"We are finding it hard to retain nurses. People are working very hard, with a smile on their faces, trying their best, but it is relentless.

"I have heard of nurses breaking down in tears.

"They are in moral distress - what's the best thing to do for multiple patients? People are having to make difficult decisions the best they can.

"The demands are unprecedented. There are a number of factors, such as the older population and a delay in community care packages. Discharges were also delayed over Christmas due to the lack of care packages.

"This is manifesting in the ED (emergency department), but it's a system-wide issue across all hospitals, trusts and the NIAS. They are all under acute, severe pressure."

A concerned Lisburn man who attended the eye casualty department at the Royal Victoria Hospital on Tuesday morning said he had been shocked to witness the pressure on the service. "The department was overflowing, and there were more and more people coming in," he revealed.

"There were people sitting in corridors and nurses bringing out extra chairs. I only saw three to four different doctors, and they were inundated.

"We were there for five hours, but there were people waiting far longer than us."

The South Eastern Trust said: "Every hospital across Northern Ireland, the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland is under extreme pressure, largely due to an increasing elderly population.

"The Ulster Hospital, which serves a particularly elderly population, is under the greatest pressure it has ever been under.

"Despite full escalation measures in place including opening additional beds and fantastic work by our staff, who have volunteered for extra shifts and stayed beyond their rostered hours, there was regretfully a period when demand was so significant there was a backlog of ambulance handovers.

"It is important to stress that patients were fully cared for during this time."

It said that the trust had been unable to open four beds on one ward "due to nursing staff shortages" and had been "actively trying to recruit additional nursing staff".

The Ambulance Service said: "In normal times, we expect to turn our crews around within 30 minutes and achieve this in the majority of instances.

"Delays experienced by ambulance crews being unable to turnaround at emergency departments do have an impact on NIAS capacity to respond.

"The NIAS prioritises its workload based on the information provided by the callers.

"It responds to immediately life-threatening situations and the sickest patients as a priority.

"Increase in turnaround times has in some instances delayed response to these calls, but primarily to the lower acuity calls."

It also revealed that only five ambulance crews had been covering the Belfast area on New Year's Eve, but that the NIAS "normally aim to have seven crews covering this area".

Responding to concerns that the NIAS would be unable to respond to a major incident, it added: "In the event of a major incident, the NIAS would implement its major incident plan and would be confident of being able to respond."
A woman struggles to hold a child and umbrella on Dollymount strand in Dublin

Selina Callaghan at the car park on Salthill Promenade in Galway

A social worker who drove to safety as waves broke around her during Storm Eleanor said God would protect her.

Social media footage showed Selina Callaghan motoring along the surging waterline but she said she was seeking safety and a car park exit.

The 28-year-old, from Donegal in north-west Ireland, said she was "cool, calm and collected" and compared the experience with a walk in the park.

She had been celebrating the new year with friends in Galway on the west coast and was watching the growing swell from the promenade at Salthill on Tuesday night.

She said: "Yesterday was like a walk in the park, fire is much more harmful than water, you just need to respect the water and it will respect you."

Irish authorities had issued their second highest alert.

Tens of thousands of homes and businesses across the island lost power overnight as the storm swept in from the west.

Winds of up to 100mph wreaked significant damage and caused flooding on the Atlantic coast.

Pictures from Galway city centre on Tuesday evening showed cars ploughing through high water and business owners struggling to protect their properties.

Rescuers waded through knee-high water.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close The scene at Harland and Wolf in east Belfast where a building was damaged during Storm Eleanor with after winds gusting up to 100 miles per hour have caused flooding, damage to buildings and travel disruption across Northern Ireland overnight. The scene at Newforge Lane in south Belfast where NIE are dealing with downed power cables after a tree fell over due to Storm Eleanor with after winds gusting up to 100 miles per hour have caused flooding, damage to buildings and travel disruption across Northern Ireland overnight. The scene at Newforge Lane in south Belfast where NIE are dealing with downed power cables after a tree fell over due to Storm Eleanor with after winds gusting up to 100 miles per hour have caused flooding, damage to buildings and travel disruption across Northern Ireland overnight. A tree blocks the Malone Road in Belfast as storm Eleanor strikes Northern Ireland on January 2nd 2018 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph UUP MLA John Stewart's car after it was smashed by flying roof tiles in Storm Eleanor. Destruction in Belfast as storm Eleanor strikes Northern Ireland on January 2nd 2018 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Destruction in Belfast as storm Eleanor strikes Northern Ireland on January 2nd 2018 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Destruction in Belfast as storm Eleanor strikes Northern Ireland on January 2nd 2018 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Destruction in Belfast as storm Eleanor strikes Northern Ireland on January 2nd 2018 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Destruction in Belfast as storm Eleanor strikes Northern Ireland on January 2nd 2018 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Destruction in Belfast as storm Eleanor strikes Northern Ireland on January 2nd 2018 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Destruction in Belfast as storm Eleanor strikes Northern Ireland on January 2nd 2018 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Destruction in Belfast as storm Eleanor strikes Northern Ireland on January 2nd 2018 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Destruction in Belfast as storm Eleanor strikes Northern Ireland on January 2nd 2018 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Destruction in Belfast as storm Eleanor strikes Northern Ireland on January 2nd 2018 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Destruction in Belfast as storm Eleanor strikes Northern Ireland on January 2nd 2018 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Destruction in Belfast as storm Eleanor strikes Northern Ireland on January 2nd 2018 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph A tree blocks the Malone Road in Belfast as storm Eleanor strikes Northern Ireland on January 2nd 2018 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph A tree blocks the Malone Road in Belfast as storm Eleanor strikes Northern Ireland on January 2nd 2018 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph A tree blocks the Malone Road in Belfast as storm Eleanor strikes Northern Ireland on January 2nd 2018 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 02/01/2018 A Fallen tree on Dee Street in Belfast. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER PRESS BELFAST 02/01/2018 A Fallen tree on Dee Street in Belfast. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press / Facebook

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Whatsapp The scene at Harland and Wolf in east Belfast where a building was damaged during Storm Eleanor with after winds gusting up to 100 miles per hour have caused flooding, damage to buildings and travel disruption across Northern Ireland overnight.

One car bobbed in the high coastal waters and drivers attempted to reach safe ground.

Ms Callaghan, from Kerrykeel, near Letterkenny, only returned to the country 10 weeks ago after spending five years in Australia.

She and a couple of friends were in Galway City for the new year and were watching the storm nearby.

They moved their cars to the back of the car park as the water came closer.

"It happened that quick, by the time we parked there, literally the waves were coming, the water was getting deeper and deeper, nearly coming into our cars.

"The panic stations were on for my friend.

"I was like, 'just relax'."

She said she was not afraid. "Only by the grace of God I get through everything.

"I was at the beach because the beach is my favourite place in the whole world.

"I love the beach because it makes me calm, I feel close to God there.

"I know that he will look after me, I don't need to fear."

She said she knew exactly what she was doing.

"I would not put myself in a risky situation, I am literally heading out of a risky situation, I am not putting myself at any form of risk."

Some cars were abandoned in Oranmore near Galway as roads were blocked while others in a car park in Salthill were partially submerged.

At least 55,000 properties experienced blackouts overnight as the winter storm damaged the network.

County Mayo was hardest hit.

A statement from power supply company ESB Networks said its staff worked in difficult conditions to get customers re-connected.

It said counties worst affected in the Republic included Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan.

Across the island, fallen trees forced road closures.

The authorities warned of the possibility of localised coastal flooding in Atlantic counties over the next two days of high tides.

Rainfall was predicted to be between 10-20mm countrywide, with Galway and Donegal possibly receiving 25-30mm in what is described as "packing showers".

There was another system of low pressure moving towards Ireland which was expected Wednesday into Thursday and which was being monitored by Met Eireann.

Overall 150,000 homes, farms and businesses suffered a loss of electricity supply as a result of Storm Eleanor on Tuesday evening, predominantly in counties Mayo, Leitrim, Sligo, Galway, Cavan and Monaghan.

The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection has activated its Humanitarian Assistance Scheme which is available to assist people whose homes are damaged by flooding and who are not in a position to meet costs for essential needs, household items and in some instances structural repair.
APD means those on short haul flights flying into or out of Belfast must pay about 13

The British Government is seeking a better understanding of the economic costs of tourism taxes in Northern Ireland.

A call for evidence is expected early this year about VAT and Air Passenger Duty (APD) tax, to report at the next budget, a Treasury statement said.

Financial Secretary Mel Stride recognised the importance of tourism to the economy.

He said: "A call for evidence will enable the Government to fully engage with and understand the concerns of industry, in turn helping the Government to develop a better understanding of the economic costs and potential impacts of those taxes on tourism in Northern Ireland."

He said the Treasury will continue to engage and collaborate with industry at an official level.

As part of the Tory deal with the DUP the Government said it would consult on VAT and APD.

APD means passengers on short haul flights flying in or out of Belfast must pay around 13. Critics of the duty have claimed that it is causing a reduction in the number of flights in Northern Ireland, as the cost deters some passengers.

It was axed in the Republic of Ireland in 2014.

Many in the hospitality and tourism industry have been campaigning for the abolition of the 20% VAT rate on the tourism sector.

Hospitality Ulster which represents pubs and restaurants and Belfast's two airports have backed changes to taxation regime.

The Financial Secretary wrote to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee of MPs at Westminster.

Last year the committee called for regional variations in tourism VAT and other tax changes to assist the sector.

It highlighted the substantial economic benefits to the Republic of Ireland's tourism industry of the Irish Government's decision to cut tourism VAT in 2011.

MPs recommended the Government look constructively at a different rate of tourism VAT for Northern Ireland, and called on HM Treasury and the industry to work together to estimate the potential costs and benefits of doing so.

The report argued that abolishing APD on all flights would encourage airlines to bring new routes into Northern Ireland and connect the country with key business and tourism markets.

Colin Neill, chief executive of Hospitality Ulster, said he was encouraged.

''This is another positive step forward, coming so soon after the Chancellor's budget commitment to undertake research into reducing hospitality & tourism VAT and abolishing Air Passenger Duty in Northern Ireland.

''Hospitality Ulster has led the campaign for a reduction in the hospitality and tourism Vat rate in Northern Ireland, which at 20% puts us at a distinct competitive disadvantage, particularly as our nearest market, the Republic of Ireland, has a 9% tourism vat rate.

''The 20% VAT rate acts as a brake on the growth of the hospitality and tourism sector, which supports more than 60,000 jobs across Northern Ireland."

He said it was imperative that the rate was cut in Northern Ireland and it was clear that APD was a competitive disadvantage to tourism and the economy.

"The Republic of Ireland, our nearest competitor, abolished their airport tax a number of years ago and Hospitality Ulster would urge this review to do likewise.

"Hospitality Ulster has worked closely with both the Northern Ireland Assembly and our MPs in Westminster to bring about a reduced Tourism VAT rate and abolish Air Passenger Duty."
The scene of the stabbing in Co Louth

An Egyptian teenager arrested after a violent rampage in which an Asian man was stabbed to death had entered the Republic through Northern Ireland, Garda believe.

The Garda is trawling through two mobile phones recovered from the teenager as they probe whether the attacks are linked to Islamic terrorism.

The killing of the Japanese man in Dundalk has sparked an international investigation, as Garda national units liaise with colleagues in other countries to determine if the arrested man has links to international terror organisations.

The 18-year-old was in custody last night following the early-morning attacks which left the 24-year-old dead and two Irish men injured.

Two mobile devices seized from the suspect are being examined to establish if any terror-related activity or material is contained on them.

A senior source last night said: "We need to know this man's background. The mobile phones are key to the Garda investigation."

The attacks began shortly before 9am when the Japanese victim was discovered unresponsive at Avenue Road. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

At 9.32am Cian Murphy, who is in his early 20s, was attacked at Coes Road and stabbed in the back. He managed to make his way to his nearby workplace, where colleagues called emergency services.

At 9.40am a third victim was assaulted at Seatown Place, and was struck in the head with a fencing pole.

The injured man went for help at the nearby Smyth's Life Pharmacy. Shop owner Anne McEntegart said: "The wound was pumping, there was a lot of blood.

"It was totally random. He came in here afterwards asking for help.

"We treated the man. I had three to four staff on duty and the blood was pumping from his head."

Detectives believe that the attacker travelled on foot, and he was apprehended a short time later at a derelict property by unarmed officers.

The man was said to be in a very distressed state after his arrest, but was deemed fit to be interviewed after a number of hours. Senior investigators have confirmed that a possible terror link is one line of inquiry the Garda is probing.

Chief Superintendent Christy Mangan said: "A terror attack is a line of inquiry, it's certainly a line that we would look at.

"We will endeavour to establish the suspect's background, who they are, where they've come from and why are they here.

"We're very interested to know why was he in Dundalk, why would he come here, what's the reason, what's the connection."

Detectives believe the arrested man entered Dundalk by crossing the border.

He was stopped and interacted with local officers on January 1, but did not have any identification on him. As a result, he presented at an asylum seekers' centre in Dublin city centre.

However, the man returned to Dundalk on Tuesday and stayed at a derelict property in the town that night ahead of yesterday morning's attacks.
There were emotional scenes as the funeral for Jayne Toal Reat, who was stabbed to death on Christmas Day, took place in Banbridge.

The 43-year-old died in her daughter's arms following the incident, which happened shortly before 6am at a house on Mornington Lane in Lisburn.

Ms Reat had worked in Craigavon Area Hospital. Her daughter Charlotte (21), who lives in Comber, was also injured in the attack.

A 19-year-old man, Nathan Ward, has been charged with her murder and the attempted murder of both Charlotte Reat and his own father Joseph Tweedie, the partner of the late Ms Reat.

Mourners at Thursday's funeral were asked to wear colours powder blue or baby pink colours as they were Jayne's favourite colours.

The funeral took place at St Patrick's Church in Banbridge, followed by a private cremation.

In emotional scenes Charlotte, dressed in a blue coat and still bearing cuts to her face, spent some time saying goodbye to her mother outside the church while placing her hands on the coffin.

Parish Priest, Canon Liam Stevenson, said the devoted mother had been baptised in the same church over 40 years ago.

We have all been shocked, upset and deeply troubled when news of her untimely death began to circulate on Christmas day, he said.

Those who knew Jayne well would have expected to be celebrating... but the opposite was to be the reality for all Jaynes family circle and friends.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3rd January 2018 Funeral of Jayne Toal Reat, who was murdered on Christmas Day, at St. Patrick's Church in Banbridge. The 43- year-old nurse died after an incident at a house in Lisburn on 25 December. A 19-year-old man has been charged with the murder. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye.com Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3rd January 2018 Funeral of Jayne Toal Reat, who was murdered on Christmas Day, at St. Patrick's Church in Banbridge. The 43- year-old nurse died after an incident at a house in Lisburn on 25 December. A 19-year-old man has been charged with the murder. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye.com Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3rd January 2018 Funeral of Jayne Toal Reat, who was murdered on Christmas Day, at St. Patrick's Church in Banbridge. The 43- year-old nurse died after an incident at a house in Lisburn on 25 December. A 19-year-old man has been charged with the murder. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye.com Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3rd January 2018 Funeral of Jayne Toal Reat, who was murdered on Christmas Day, at St. Patrick's Church in Banbridge. The 43- year-old nurse died after an incident at a house in Lisburn on 25 December. A 19-year-old man has been charged with the murder. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye.com Funeral of Jayne Toal Reat, who was murdered on Christmas Day, at St. Patrick's Church in Banbridge. The 43- year-old nurse died after an incident at a house in Lisburn on 25 December. A 19-year-old man has been charged with the murder / Credit: Jonathan Porter/PressEye.com Jayne Toal Reat's daughter Charlotte, who was injured in the incident, carries her coffin into the church. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Jayne Toal Reat's daughter Charlotte, who was injured in the incident, carries her coffin into the church. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Press Eye Belfast - Northern Ireland 4th January 2018 Funeral of Jayne Toal Reat, who was murdered on Christmas Day, at St. Patrick's Church in Banbridge. The 43- year-old nurse died after an incident at a house in Lisburn on 25 December. A 19-year-old man has been charged with the murder. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye.com / Facebook

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Whatsapp Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3rd January 2018 Funeral of Jayne Toal Reat, who was murdered on Christmas Day, at St. Patrick's Church in Banbridge. The 43- year-old nurse died after an incident at a house in Lisburn on 25 December. A 19-year-old man has been charged with the murder. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye.com

Instead they were trying to absorb the reality of a sudden, unforeseen and violent death. What a contrast to the nativity scene in the stable of Bethlehem.

Born in Banbridge on March 11, 1974, Ms Reat helped out in her grandmothers confectionery shop growing up while she studied in St Marys Primary and St Patricks College.

As an avid art student, Canon Stevenson said some of her work was still on display at her former school.

After moving to Belfast to work in the hospitality industry she married Simon with whom she had Charlotte.

She later relocated to Scotland and Cambridgeshire and resumed her studies, graduating with honours as a mental health nurse, following in her late mother Annes footsteps.

The call of Banbridge, her native town, was strong and she returned with Charlotte and lived across the street from her mother, continued Canon Stevenson.

Charlotte and Anne bonded well together as so often happens between granddaughter and grandmother.

Jaynes mother fell ill and she helped nurse her day and night.

Turning to her daughter Charlotte, Canon Stevenson said her mother had been proud of her dancing skills which she began to develop aged six.

She was happy to see (Charlotte) go off to the United States, but insisted on four phone calls daily to keep in touch, he said.

Its a very strong example of the closeness between Charlotte and Jayne.

He continued: Jayne found great friendship with Joe and she moved to Lisburn a few years ago to be close to him. 

Concluding, he shared the familys appreciation for the many messages of loyalty and sympathy towards them.

As the funeral cortege left St Patricks, nursing colleagues formed a guard of honour for Ms Reat.
Outgoing Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams has denied he will be a puppet master for his successor.

Mr Adams announced he would be stepping down as leader after 34 years in charge of the republican party.

It's widely believed that his current deputy, Mary Lou McDonald, will replace him this year.

In an interview with the Irish Times, Mr Adams said he was looking forward to leaving behind the "dross and tedium" of dealing with "every single issue".

The 69-year-old said that he hoped to assist his successor if his health allows, but has "no intention or desire" of dictating from the sidelines.

"I listen to this nonsense that in some way I will control things," he said.

"Why is there not a presumption that Enda Kenny is controlling Fine Gael or that Eamon Gilmore [is controlling Labour] or Bertie Ahern [is controlling Fianna Fail]?

"I have done my best, I am happy with what I have done, but the people in charge of the leadership don't want anybody... they are not puppets."

Mr Adams said in the summer of 2016 he had cemented his plans to step down with the late Martin McGuinness.

Mr Adams said had it not been for his right-hand man's death early last year, the plan had been for both to announce their joint retirement in the summer of 2017 at the party's ard fheis.

Although no-one else other than Ms McDonald has expressed an interest in the leadership, Mr Adams said he would be loyal to whoever took over.

"If you elect anyone into the position of leadership, you have to support them," he said.

"So whoever we elect at the ard fheis, I will support them. I will never criticise them. I think it is a huge thing for people to put their name forward for this responsibility."

Regarding the stalemate at Stormont, he cited a lack of manners from the DUP as a key obstacle, in addition to an Irish Language Act and making same sex marriage legal.

"I understand all of us can say things that people find objectionable but there is a difference between me misspeaking and you misspeaking and an entire system being offensive and refusing to tolerate," he told the newspaper.
A journalist forced to flee the war-torn Middle East with his wife has praised his new adopted home of Londonderry - where his wife has given birth to the first Syrian refugee baby born in the city.

Rami Zahra's job as a journalist exposed him to constant danger from the indiscriminate bombings and shooting that ravaged Syria in 2014.

Rami (36) and his wife Shireen took their chances on the open seas and fled to Turkey. Two years later they arrived in Derry, along with 10 other families.

Good news quickly followed their arrival in the city when their little boy Joud became the first refugee child born in Altnagelvin.

Grateful for the chance of a new life for his family and for the help and welcome he has received since May 2016, Rami is preparing to resume his career as a reporter so he can provide for his family.

Mindful of all those who have helped him along the way, Rami said his teachers at the North West College, where the couple are learning English, have pulled out all the stops to help all of the Syrian families who now call Derry home.

Rami recalled the horrors that forced him to flee. "I worked as a journalist in Syria, where the press is the most dangerous work because the military there do not want to show the truth and have their crimes and human rights violations exposed," he said.

"I and my friends have been working secretly and voluntarily to record human rights violations in Syria, and we have contributed to the delivery of several large files to human rights organisations such as Human Rights Watch and the UN General Assembly.

"People like us were not leaving the country voluntarily - we were forced to escape the bombings and indiscriminate killings, the poverty, the spread of disease, the absence of law and the spread of armed gangs.

"In 2014 we left for Turkey, where the United Nations offices were taking care of our affairs, and in May 2016 we arrived in Derry. The city of Derry compensated for the years of deprivation in the grinding war, the people in the city took us to their hearts, we see them now as parents and friends. They are all that we have.

"Three months after we arrived here on July 5, my son Joud became the first Syrian child to be born in Altnagelvin.

"That was such an indescribable moment for me and my wife because we knew that he was born in a safe place away from the bombings and the war. When people are assured of the health and future of their children, it is indescribable."

From those early days one of the biggest hurdles for Rami was his lack of English and inability to communicate - something he soon set about fixing with the help of the tutors at the North West College.

He continued: "The language was a difficult factor to connect with people of the city at first, but as time progressed and we learned the language a bit, it has become is a bridge to communicate and it helps so much being able to have a conversation.

"Since we came to Derry we have only experienced good things and I am especially thankful to our college professors for their continuous help."

Rami believes he is here for the long term.

"As for our family, we do not find ourselves returning to Syria after the proliferation of terrorist organisations and the destruction of infrastructure. We have nothing left, or no one we know there any more.

"Derry is our home now and we are very thankful for that."
A DUP MP has spoken out strongly about the need to understand and celebrate minority faiths in Northern Ireland.

Strangford MP Jim Shannon also said he was disheartened at the thought of far-right group Britain First operating here.

Mr Shannon was speaking after attending an inter-faith celebration in Omagh at the weekend for greater understanding towards religious minorities.

The 138 guests at the event included representatives of the main political parties and the PSNI, as well as religious leaders from the local Churches, and the Muslim, Hindu, Sikh and Baha'i faiths. The audience included people from different ethnicities and diverse professions, such as doctors, nurses and teachers.

It comes after pig meat was thrown through the door of Belfast Islamic Centre before Christmas - one of several racist attacks on the Muslim community here in 2017.

"Saturday was a chance to raise awareness and educate people who didn't know as much about the faith of Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and Baha'is," the DUP MP said. "That also goes for those that don't know a lot about the Protestant or Catholic faiths as well.

"I despair when I hear about Britain First trying to build a profile in Northern Ireland.

"There's a mosque in my home town of Newtownards. They've been living here for 30-odd years, have businesses and have brought up their families here. They're as much a part of this community as I am.

"There have been incidents against them but I am quite convinced it's people coming from outside the town. Those people have absolutely no idea about their own future, it's completely skewed. The future we have should be a shared one."

Dr Nauman Iftikhar from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Ireland organised the Omagh gathering, and described such events as vital to improving community relations.

The anaethetist, who lives in the Co Tyrone town, said: "Religion can sometimes wrongly be a source of hatred. I believe this can be caused by misunderstanding, which leads to fear, chaos and unrest.

"So the pathway to peace is dialogue and communication. That's what we stand for and the audience in Omagh loved it and found it very educational."
The DUP is calling on Sinn Fein to "put the needs of patients above the demands of their party" and restore power-sharing to tackle the growing NHS crisis here.

Strangford MLA Peter Weir reminded Sinn Fein Stormont leader Michelle O'Neill of her promises to prioritise reform when she became health minister.

"There has been no reform of the health service because Sinn Fein have placed their party-political demands as a higher priority than growing waiting lists," he said.

"There has been no reform of the health service because Michelle O'Neill walked away from her desk and away from the route map to deliver that reform.

"The problems were exacerbated by a finance minister who walked away from his desk without even completing the one job expected of him - to deliver a budget to fund vital public services, including the health service."

Mr Weir claimed Sinn Fein was refusing to engage in talks with other parties. "Their actions do not indicate a party seeking to find solutions, but rather putting forward excuses for their intransigence," he said.

"We believe devolution is in the best interests of Northern Ireland and, despite the difficulties involved in making it work, we are committed to restoring the executive. Sinn Fein must step forward and put the needs of everyone above the demands of their party."

But Sinn Fein MLA John O'Dowd said if the DUP was sincere about the problems facing the health service it would end its support for "Tory austerity" and would focus on restoring devolution "on a sustainable basis".

"The DUP have piled the pressure onto our hard-pressed public services by giving the Tory government a blank cheque for its austerity policies and vicious cuts to frontline services," he said.

Sinn Fein MLA Pat Sheehan said the pressures on accident and emergency departments meant the situation was "not sustainable".

He added: "A workforce strategy is needed to begin to address existing staff shortages and to ensure we retain the existing staff who continue to deliver vital health services under extremely challenging situations."

Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw directly appealed to Ms O'Neill to deliver a restored executive urgently.

"We hear stories of severe budgetary pressures, unacceptable waiting lists, unbelievable pressures in emergency departments, collapsing GP practices and more," she said.

The South Belfast MLA said her party had put forward workable proposals for a "robust Irish Language Act" and had advocated reforming the petition of concern to allow for marriage equality.

"Yet we have seen no practical solutions coming forward from Sinn Fein," she stated. "I would ask, for the sake of all who use our health and social care sector, that the last health minister lead her party back to the talks table urgently to restore an Executive."

UUP MLA Roy Beggs expressed doubts that hospitals here were as prepared as those in Britain to handle the winter flu outbreak.

"I would query whether hospitals in Northern Ireland were placed on high alert as many across the rest of the UK were after the major flu outbreaks in Australia and New Zealand," he said.

"Trusts being forced to appeal to staff over social media to come to work would perhaps indicate that not all preparations that could have been taken were taken."

Mr Beggs said the lack of a minister denied the health service stability and long-term planning.

"Michelle O'Neill previously said when she was minister she was prepared to show the leadership necessary to take our health service forward, but in reality all she did was walk away just when patients and our health workers needed a minister the most," he added.

SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan is seeking an urgent meeting with Trust chiefs over the health crisis.

"Daily, patients and staff come to me seeking help, they are at breaking point with the situation. It cannot go on. People must come first," he said.

"I have contacted the heads of each Trust in Northern Ireland seeking an urgent meeting to find a way forward.

"The SDLP believes healthcare must be prioritised and that political leadership is required. We know that transformation is the answer; however, due to the ongoing political deadlock that urgently needed transformation has fallen aside.

His party colleague, Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly, expressed concern about the situation in Craigavon Area Hospital's accident and emergency department which she described as "unsustainable".
John Dunn (50), who is from South Carolina but was bailed to an address in Dundonald, is further accused of intentionally inciting the child to engage in sexual activity

A man with an address in the United States has appeared in court in Northern Ireland accused of raping a child.

John Dunn (50), who is from South Carolina but was bailed to an address in Dundonald, is further accused of intentionally inciting the child to engage in sexual activity.

The offences are alleged to have occurred on a date between March 13, 2014 and March 17, 2015.

At Newry Magistrates Court Dunn was remanded on 500 bail and ordered to have no contact with the victim or her family, nor is he to have any unsupervised contact with anyone aged under 16 without the approval of social services.

He was also ordered to report with police three times per week and surrender his passport, visa and travel documents.

Dunn has also been banned from entering Co Down entirely, except for court appearances, and when doing so he must travel directly there and back via the A1.

The case is due back in court next month.
Selina Callaghan at the car park on Salthill Promenade in Galway, from which she was forced to flee

A social worker who drove to safety as waves broke around her during Storm Eleanor said God would protect her.

Social media footage showed Donegal woman Selina Callaghan motoring along the surging waterline in her Mini towards safety and a car park exit.

The 28-year-old said she was "cool, calm and collected".

She had been celebrating the new year with friends in Galway on the west coast and was watching the growing swell from the promenade at Salthill on Tuesday night.

She said: "Yesterday was like a walk in the park, fire is much more harmful than water, you just need to respect the water and it will respect you."

Irish authorities had issued their second highest alert.

Winds of up to 100mph wreaked significant damage and caused flooding on the Atlantic coast.

Pictures from Galway city centre on Tuesday evening showed cars ploughing through high water and business owners struggling to protect their properties.

Rescuers waded through knee-high water.

One car bobbed in the high coastal waters and drivers attempted to reach safe ground.

Ms Callaghan, from Kerrykeel near Letterkenny, only returned to the country 10 weeks ago after spending five years in Australia.

She and a couple of friends were in Galway for the celebrations and were watching the storm nearby. They moved their cars to the back of the car park as the water came closer.

"It happened that quick, by the time we parked there, literally the waves were coming, the water was getting deeper and deeper, nearly coming into our cars. The panic stations were on for my friend. I was like: 'Just relax'."

She said she was not afraid. "Only by the grace of God, I get through everything. I was at the beach because the beach is my favourite place in the world. I love the beach because it makes me calm, I feel close to God.

"I know that he will look after me, I don't need to fear."

She said she knew exactly what she was doing. "I would not put myself in a risky situation, I am literally heading out of a risky situation, I am not putting myself at any form of risk."
The T-shirt features masked men pictured in the letters 'IRA' with the words "Undefeated Army" underneath

Sinn Fein have been strongly criticised in the Republic of Ireland for selling an IRA branded T-shirt on their online shop.

The T-shirt features masked men pictured in the letters 'IRA' with the words "Undefeated Army" underneath.

It is described as "a tribute to the men and women who led the struggle against British occupation of Ireland".

Fine Gael Senator Joe O'Reilly told Tuesday's Newstalk Breakfast show that "this approach to politics is no longer acceptable".

He said: "I think a political party has to abandon this kind of thing, and I think it's important it stops. There's a cohort of young men who have not experienced the Troubles, who have not been part of a generation that knew violence - this has the potential to influence them.

"I don't think there's a justification for that kind of thing in the present context."
Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage is set to meet the EUs Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier to represent the views of the 17.4 million.

Mr Farage has called on people to tweet questions with the hashtag AskBarnier ahead of Mondays meeting in Brussels.

The anti-Brexit pressure group Open Britain derided the decision, saying it was like sending an arsonist to put out a house fire.

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Speaking in a Twitter video, Mr Farage said: Who is in there representing the views of the 17.4 million? Nobody.

Well Ive finally got my meeting with Mr Barnier, its going to happen 11am next Monday morning in Brussels, but I want to involve you.

I want you to ask your questions directly to Michel Barnier, so respond, give me your name, give me your home town, give me one question use the hashtag AskBarnier and Ill pick the best three.

James McGrory, executive director of Open Britain, said: Sending Nigel Farage to Brussels to sort out Brexit is like sending an arsonist to put out a house fire.

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After years of poisoning our politics, telling outright lies about the EU and cosying up to Trump, he has already done enough damage to our country and our international standing.

He has no answers to the costs and complexity of Brexit, other than to blithely say we should walk away with no deal, which would be an unmitigated disaster for our economy and our country.
Another girl seized during a mass abduction from a boarding school in Nigeria nearly four years ago has been found, authorities said.

More than 100 of the girls remain captives of the Boko Haram Islamic extremist group, with many forced to marry their kidnappers.

Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu confirmed on Thursday that the girl's name was on the list of abducted Chibok girls.

She was found in the company of another young woman who had a child with her.

Chibok community leader Madu Usman expressed happiness that the girl finally was free but said efforts must be made to find all those who remain in captivity.

The militants abducted 276 girls in 2014.

Some escaped on their own, while more than 80 were released last year after negotiations.

AP
File photo of people looking at the Icelandic parliament, the Althing, in Reykjavik (AP)

Iceland has become the first country in the world to require all companies to eliminate gender pay gaps.

The law, which was passed with a large majority by the Reykjavik parliament in June, requires employers to ensure they do not discriminate against women and took effect in the New Year.

It seeks to erase a current pay gap between men and women of about 5.7% that cannot be explained by differing work hours, experience or education levels, as measured by Statistics Iceland.

While other countries, and the US state of Minnesota, have equal-salary certificate policies, Iceland is believed to be the first to make it mandatory for both private and public firms.

The North Atlantic island nation, which has a population of about 330,000, wants to eradicate the gender pay gap by 2022.

The country has a female prime minister, Katrin Jakobsdottir, and ranks first on the World Economic Forum's global gender equality index.

Companies with more than 25 workers will have to obtain an "equal pay certification" from an accredited auditor showing that they are basing pay differences on legitimate factors such as education, skills and performance.

Big companies with more than 250 employees have until the end of the year to get the certification, while the smallest have until the end of 2021.

The certification must be renewed every three years.

Employers' associations came out against the law, saying that it imposed costly compliance burdens and involved too much government interference in the labour market.

Some academic economists also were sceptical of the certification requirement, arguing that the gap resulted from non-gender related factors that would be apparent if the statistical measures were perfect.

While the law might help eliminate the unexplained pay gap, it likely will not address the larger, explainable pay difference of 22% between the sexes that is based on different work volumes, according to a report by Stefan Olafsson of the University of Iceland for the European Social Policy Network.

The network provides independent policy analysis to the European Commission.

"That is still a gendered pay difference rooted in the fact that women take greater responsibility for care tasks within the household, while men spend more time in paid work," Mr Olafsson wrote.

"Still, one may assume that the certification requirement will forward the ethos of gender and other equality issues in Icelandic society, both directly and indirectly," he wrote.

AP
The incident occurred in Copenhagen with the jet ski driver then fleeing to a suburban harbour

A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to two years in jail for aggravated manslaughter for crashing his jet ski into a boat, in Copenhagen, killing two American students.

The Copenhagen City Court said the Danish man, who cannot be named under a court order pending a possible appeal by the prosecution, fled after the fatal crash on May 6 2016, to a suburban harbour where he was arrested.

He has admitted steering the jet ski that slammed into a rental boat containing a group of students.

Leah Bell, 18, and Linsey Malia, 21, were killed.

They had gone on the trip with five other students from the Copenhagen-based Study Abroad in Scandinavia foundation.

The man had denied aggravated manslaughter and told the court he lost control of the jet ski.

Defence lawyer Jane Ranum told Denmark's TV2 the man "is relieved it is over", and he will not appeal against Thursday's outcome.

Seven other people, six men and one woman, also were on trial in the same case but were not charged with aggravated manslaughter.

All were given fines for riding jet skis within the city harbour without proper permission.

Judge Pia Petersen said the eight people did not meet beforehand to sail as a group but joined each other as they rode through the harbour.

A licence to ride a jet ski has become mandatory in Denmark following the crash.

The government has called for some identification of jet skis, like a registration plate.

Many politicians say rules forbidding the use of recreational watercraft closer than 300 metres from the coast should be enforced.

AP
Ambulances and security forces near the scene of an explosion in Kabul which killed several policemen (AP Photo)

A suicide bomber has killed six policemen after exploding his device amid a group of security officials monitoring protests by shopkeepers in eastern Kabul.

Interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish added that another 14 policemen were wounded in Thursday evening's bombing.

Wahid Mujro, a spokesman for the health ministry, said 15 wounded were treated at Kabul hospitals.

President Ashraf Ghani called the attack "inhumane" and against the tenets of Islam.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.
An online glossary posted by Turkey's state religious affairs body suggesting that girls as young as nine could marry has sparked a public outcry.

Calls have been made for an inquiry and the dismantling of the organisation.

The glossary of Islamic terms, which has since been removed, defined marriage as an institution that saves a person from adultery and said girls can marry when they reach puberty, as early as nine.

The main opposition party has asked prosecutors to investigate.

The Directorate of Religious Affairs, or Diyanet, has denied approving underage marriages and said the glossary merely interpreted Islamic laws, Hurriyet newspaper reported on Thursday.

Diyanet previously caused an uproar by suggesting a father could lust after his daughter.

AP
The Winter Olympics will take place in South Korea

The Trump administration has agreed to delay joint military exercises with South Korea until after the upcoming Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.

The decision could help reduce tensions as the Koreas consider holding their first direct talks in two years.

President Donald Trump approved the postponement in consultation with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, a Pentagon spokesman said on Thursday.

"The Department of Defence supports the president's decision and what is in the best interest of the ROK-US alliance," Col Manning said, referring to the US defence treaty with the Republic of Korea.

The agreement pushes back a set of annual military exercises known as Foal Eagle, which normally are held between February and April.

Foal Eagle is a series of exercises designed to test the readiness of the two countries' militaries.

North Korea routinely objects to such manoeuvres as a rehearsal for an invasion, and there had been fears that tensions could interfere with the February 9-25 games occurring about 50 miles south of the heavily militarised border.

No announcement was made on the length of the delay.

Pyeongchang also hosts the Winter Paralympics from March 8-18.

North Korea has expressed interest in sending a delegation to participate in the Olympics.

The Pentagon did not elaborate on the reason for delaying the exercises, but it had been under quiet discussion for weeks.

US officials had understood the South Korean military would be heavily committed to providing logistical support for the Winter Games next month.

The decision appeared to offer a further opening for diplomacy to ease tensions between the North and South and between Washington and Pyongyang, which have traded insults and threats over the North's nuclear and missile programmes.

Some of Mr Trump's critics have accused him of putting the US on a path to war.

Joe Cirincione, president of the Ploughshares Fund, which advocates for nuclear disarmament, wrote in a tweet that the delay is a welcome move to lessen hostilities after Mr Trump's latest tweets about the size of his nuclear "button".

Mr Cirincione wrote: "Korean leaders have convinced him to take a step back from the brink."

For the first time in months, high-level diplomatic action is taking place.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently reopened a key cross-border communication channel with South Korea for the first time since February 2016, and the neighbours are exploring the possibility of a formal dialogue.

In a tweet early on Thursday, Mr Trump claimed his tough stance on nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula is helping push North Korea and South Korea to talk.

Mr Trump tweeted, "Does anybody really believe that talks and dialogue would be going on between North and South Korea right now if I wasn't firm, strong and willing to commit our total 'might' against the North."

Earlier this week, Mr Trump seemed open to the possibility of an inter-Korean dialogue after Mr Kim made a rare overture toward South Korea in a New Year's address.

But Mr Trump's ambassador to the United Nations insisted talks will not be meaningful unless the North is getting rid of its nuclear weapons.

The overture about talks came after Mr Trump and Mr Kim traded more bellicose claims about their nuclear weapons.

In his New Year's address, Mr Kim repeated fiery nuclear threats against the US.

Mr Kim said he has a "nuclear button" on his office desk and warned that "the whole territory of the US is within the range of our nuclear strike".

Mr Trump mocked that assertion on Tuesday evening, tweeting: "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!"

AP
An RUC officer at the scene of the Loughinisland shootings

In Wonderland, "When I use a word, it means just what I choose it to mean," said Humpty Dumpty to Alice in a scornful tone. Amazed, she said: "The question is, whether you can make words mean so many different things?" He replied: "The question is, which is to be master. That's all."

In Northern Ireland, Humpty Dumpty is the Police Ombudsman, Dr Michael Maguire, and his interlocutor is BBC Northern Ireland's home affairs correspondent, Vincent Kearney.

Mr Justice McCloskey, in a judicial review last month, was scathing of the Police Ombudsman for using the word "collusion" to infer serious criminality in a report on the UVF murders in Loughinisland in 1994.

By "serious criminality", Mr Justice McCloskey meant "varying degrees of participation by police officers with terrorists in the murder of six innocent civilians and the infliction of injury on five others". Of this, he concluded: "It is difficult to conceive of a more withering and damning condemnation of police officers."

"Collusion" is irresponsible language that reinforces prejudices, a fusion of lies and bitterness concocted by the Provisional IRA to distract from their campaign of mass murder.

Even with a "collusion-buster" ruling ringing in his ears, the Police Ombudsman still insisted to Vincent Kearney that he could make a word mean whatever he wanted it to mean. He was as absolute on this as he was with having "no hesitation in unambiguously" determining "collusion" in the Loughinisland report.

A confusing word was wielded to define criminality in preference to clear definitions of crime fixed in law.

It is wrong to accuse people in unclear terms not known to them. It is wrong to accuse people of criminality with no supporting evidence to prosecute. And it is wrong to deny people a hearing to defend themselves.

This is not "due process". This is why retired officers took the judicial review.

I have been a criminal justice expert on projects for the European Union in emerging democracies where this is the kind of thing we were replacing, not implementing. The hardest thing in an investigation is to get evidence. And I mean a fingerprint, or eyewitness testimony of a crime - not opinion, belief, or suspicion.

Facts beyond reasonable doubt prove guilt, nothing less. As with internment, "collusion" falls below this legal benchmark.

It is why, despite enough reports to stock a small library, no officer has been prosecuted by any historical investigation.

Mr Justice McCloskey noted this in Loughinisland, as well as no officer having been "accused of the commission of a disciplinary offence and prosecuted in that forum".

The aim of a Police Ombudsman's investigation is to establish if officers committed a crime or gross misconduct of duty and report them for prosecution, where appropriate. If it draws a blank on both fronts, it cannot comment on criminality.

The Police Ombudsman's approach is a denial of basic human and legal rights, not that this triggered the attention of any human rights watchdog.

The judgment called the Police Ombudsman's approach "procedural unfairness" that left the officers "utterly defenceless" and that he had, in effect, acted "as judge and jury" in reaching his verdict. Indeed, Mr Justice McCloskey pointed out that the Police Ombudsman's language "could be said to be expressed more forcefully than such a verdict".

RUC chief constables had sued newspapers for headlines a lot less defamatory than those of Loughinisland. In the Belfast Agreement, not only did Sinn Fein and the SDLP convince Tony Blair to get rid of the RUC, they also got him to create a Police Ombudsman to investigate it.

The political imperative was to get nationalist leaders to support the police - something they did not do in the Troubles. With the RUC gone, so was the natural counterweight to the Police Ombudsman.

The PSNI replaced the RUC and the new criminal justice arrangement worked against a chief constable exposing Wonderland. It is still a poor show, however, when it took two old cops, supported by colleagues and friends of the Retired Police Officers Association, to confront the Police Ombudsman. Mr Justice McCloskey said as much.

The more a chief constable accepted "collusion", the more likely a Police Ombudsman was to keep using it. And such is the stigma, that accused officers kept their head down. That is, until Ray White and Ronnie Hawthorne.

Two highly decorated officers, who served the people with distinction in the worst of times, had simply had enough. They took on the "collusion" Goliath.

The Police Ombudsman is under pressure from a powerful "collusion" lobby motivated by political and economic interests. When its expectations are not met (as happened in the first Loughinisland report that did not find "collusion"), it "provoked anger among the families of the dead and wounded" and Sinn Fein called for the then-Police Ombudsman, Al Hutchinson, to resign, according to An Phoblacht.

Adding to Al Hutchinson's woes, a Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJINI) report in 2011 labelled his office "dysfunctional". Dr Michael Maguire, who was in CJINI at the time, was a co-author. When he presented the report to an Assembly committee, his opening included "collusion". There was no concern of the word being meaningless in law.

For a body scrutinising criminal justice, and given the concern of the DPP, PSNI and retired officers, it is an astounding omission.

A main point was that Al Hutchinson, a former senior officer in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, had held back from criticising the RUC and its Special Branch.

In replacing Al Hutchinson as Police Ombudsman, Dr Maguire reversed the findings of Loughinisland in a second report. Each examined the same facts and reached opposite conclusions. People that had criticised Hutchinson praised Maguire.

Dr Maguire is in the Loughinisland film No Stone Unturned.

It was made for an international audience and is damning of the RUC. He indicts the officers, despite knowing they were challenging his findings in court. The film was released a month before the judicial review.

Total failure on the prosecution front forced the Police Ombudsman's office into an area beyond its competency threshold - counterinsurgency. Imaginary operational practices were overlaid on those actually employed by the police to show what should have been done, in order to find fault with what was done.

Also, "hindsight bias" - which the 9/11 Commission into terrorist attacks in the US cautioned itself against - was ignored. Such bias is a big obstacle to impartial and accurate post-mortem analysis of other people's decisions and performance.

Honest mistakes, limitations and intelligence practices became "collusion" and police officers became criminals in a world where everything was preventable.

The glaring flaw in the Office of Police Ombudsman is that it is, essentially, unaccountable; the last resort for retired officers was to go to court.

The judicial review was taken, not in denial that there have been some corrupt police officers in the past, or that investigative procedures could, on occasion, have been better. It certainly was not to excuse the atrocious acts of evil loyalist murderers.

Rather, it was about equality - retired officers getting the same rights as every other citizen.

The retired officers did not want to upset the innocent victims of terrorism. But in a "peace process" dancing to a Provo tune, this is often impossible.

If flaws in processes equated to "dysfunctional" in the Police Ombudsman's office, what do processes "unsustainable in law" equate to?

Humpty has had a bad fall. How bad, we will soon see. Mr Justice McCloskey's final judgment will be delivered later this month.

William Matchett is the author of Secret Victory: The Intelligence War that Beat the IRA. He is Adjunct Fellow at the Edward M Kennedy Institute for Conflict Prevention at Maynooth University
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There are many ways to verify the reliability of Scripture from both internal evidences of transmission and agreement, to external confirmation through archeology and science. But perhaps the most persuasive argument can be found in the area of prophecy. If a book accurately and repeatedly predicts the future, it can safely be said that something special is going on, perhaps even something supernatural. And there are so many prophecies in the Scriptures that it should be easy to take a look and decide if the Bible is supernatural.

There are so many fulfilled prophecies! In fact, there are so many fulfilled prophecies in the Bible that it is hard to know where to begin! A simple search on the internet will provide you with literally hundreds of sites listing a multitude of fulfilled prophecies in both the Old and New Testaments. It's difficult to know where to begin here in our limited discussion of the issue, so we'll focus narrowly on some of the biggest and best known of prophecies!

Here are the most known Old Testament Bible prophecies:

The Prophecies of Babylon, Nineveh, Tyre and Edom

Let's take a look at a few Bible prophecies that were fulfilled about 2500 years ago when the ancient kingdoms and cities of Babylon, Nineveh, Tyre and Edom were destroyed. The Bible makes the assertion that these entities were destroyed because they had sought to destroy the Holy Land of Israel and the people of Israel (the Jews).

Babylon Will Rule Over Judah for 70 Years

You can read the first such prophecy in Jeremiah 25:11-12. This prophecy was written sometime from 626 to about 586 BC and was not fulfilled until about 609 BC to 539 BC (approximately 50 years later, depending on your calculation)

"...This whole country will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years. But when the seventy years are fulfilled, I will punish the king of Babylon and his nation, the land of the Babylonians, for their guilt," declares the Lord, "and will make it desolate forever" (Jeremiah 25:11-12).

In this passage of Scripture, Jeremiah said that the Jews would suffer 70 years of Babylonian domination, and that after this was over, Babylon would be punished. Both parts of this prophecy were fulfilled! In 609 BC, Babylon captured the last Assyrian king and took over the holdings of the Assyrian empire, which included the land of Israel. Babylon then began to flex its muscles by taking many Jews as captives to Babylon and by destroying Jerusalem and the Temple. This domination of the Jews ended in 539 BC, when Cyrus, a leader of Persians and Medes, conquered Babylon, bringing an end to the empire. The prophecy also had another fulfillment: the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem's Temple in 586 BC, but the Jews rebuilt it and consecrated it 70 years later, in 516 BC. Restoring the Temple showed, in a very important way, that the effects of Babylonian domination had indeed come to an end.

Babylon's Gates Will Open for Cyrus

If you read Isaiah 45:1 (written perhaps between 701 and 681 BC), you will find a prophecy that was ultimately fulfilled hundreds of years later in 539 BC.

"This is what the Lord says to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of to subdue nations before him and to strip kings of their armor, to open doors before him so that gates will not be shut..." (Isaiah 45:1).

In this passage, the prophet said God would open the gates of Babylon for Cyrus and his attacking army. Despite Babylon's remarkable defenses, which included moats, and walls that were more than 70-feet thick and 300-feet high (with 250 watchtowers) Cyrus was able to enter the city and conquer it. Cyrus and his troops accomplished it by diverting the flow of the Euphrates River into a large lake basin. Cyrus then was able to march his army across the riverbed and into the city.

Babylon's Kingdom Will Be Permanently Overthrown

In Isaiah 13:19 (written between 701 and 681 BC) there exists yet another prophecy that was not fulfilled until 539 BC.

"Babylon, the jewel of kingdoms, the glory of the Babylonians' pride, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah" (Isaiah 13:19).

Here, Isaiah tells us that Babylon would be overthrown, permanently. History confirms the fact that following Cyrus' destruction of Babylon in 539 BC, it never again rose to power as an empire. You've got to remember, however, that before the time of Cyrus, Babylon had been defeated by the Assyrian Empire as well, But Babylon was able to recover and later conquer the Assyrian Empire. In light of this reality, I'm sure many people doubted Isaiah when he proclaimed this prophecy. In spite of this, and just as Isaiah predicted, the Babylonian empire was defeated, and never recovered from Cyrus' conquest.

Babylon Will Be Reduced to Swampland

In Isaiah 14:23 (written between 701 and 681 BC), the prophet makes yet another prediction that does not come true until 539 BC.

"'I will turn her into a place for owls and into swampland; I will sweep her with the broom of destruction,' declares the Lord Almighty" (Isaiah 14:23).

The prophet makes the bold claim that Babylon, which had been a world power at two different times in history, would be brought to a humble and final end. But not only that, Isaiah claims that Babylon would be reduced to swampland! Well, after Cyrus conquered Babylon in 539 BC, the kingdom never again rose to power, that is certain. And history tells us that the buildings of Babylon fell into a gradual state of ruin during the next several centuries. Interestingly, when archaeologists excavated Babylon during the 1800s, they discovered that some parts of the city could not be dug up because they were under a water table that had risen over the years!

The Jews Will Survive Babylonian Rule and Return Home

In Jeremiah 32:36-37, (written from about 626 and 586 BC), yet another prophet makes a bold prediction that was ultimately fulfilled in 536 BC.

"You are saying about this city, 'By the sword, famine and plague it will be handed over to the king of Babylon'; but this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I will surely gather them from all the lands where I banish them in my furious anger and great wrath; I will bring them back to this place and let them live in safety" (Jeremiah 32:36-37).

In this passage, Jeremiah said that the Jews would survive their captivity in Babylon and return home, and both parts of this prophecy were ultimately fulfilled. Many Jews had been taken as captives to Babylon beginning around 605 BC. But, in 538 BC, they were released from captivity and many eventually returned to their homeland.

The Ninevites Will Be Drunk in Their Final Hours

In Nahum 1:10 (written around 614 BC) the prophet predicts the condition of the Ninevites at the time of their demise.

" They will be entangled among thorns and drunk from their wine; they will be consumed like dry stubble (Nahum 1:10).

In this passage, and once again in Nahum 3:11, the prophet said that during the final hours of the attack on Nineveh, the Ninevites would be drunk. Well, guess what, there is evidence that this prophecy was actually fulfilled! According to the ancient historian Diodorus Siculus: "The Assyrian king gave much wine to his soldiers. Deserters told this to the enemy, who attacked that night." Siculus compiled his historical works about 600 years after the fall of Nineveh, and in doing so, confirmed the Biblical account.

Nineveh Will Be Destroyed By Fire

Once again, in Nahum 3:15 (written around 614 BC) the prophet makes a prediction which ultimately did come true.

" There the fire will devour you; the sword will cut you down and, like grasshoppers, consume you" (Nahum 3:15).

The prophet said that Nineveh would be damaged by fire. Archaeologists unearthed the site during the 1800s and found a layer of ash covering the ruins. According to the Encyclopaedia Britannica: "...Nineveh suffered a defeat from which it never recovered. Extensive traces of ash, representing the sack of the city by Babylonians, Scythians, and Medes in 612 BC, have been found in many parts of the Acropolis. After 612 BC the city ceased to be important..."

Tyre Will Be Attacked By Many Nations

In Ezekiel 26:3 (written between 587-586 BC) the prophet predicts the attacks on Tyre that occurred in 573 BC, 332 BC, and 1291 AD.

"Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against you, O Tyre, and I will bring many nations against you, like the sea casting up its waves" (Ezekiel 26:3).

The prophet said that Tyre, the Phoenician Empire's most powerful city, would be attacked by many nations, because of its treatment of Israel. At about the time that Ezekiel delivered this prophecy, Babylon had begun a 13 year attack on Tyre's mainland. Later, in about 332 BC, Alexander the Great conquered the island of Tyre and brought an end to the Phoenician Empire. Then, after that, Tyre later fell again under the rule of the Romans, the Crusaders and the Moslems, who destroyed the city yet again, in 1291.

Tyre's Stones, Timber and Soil Will Be Cast Into the Sea

In a remarkable prediction, the prophet writes in Ezekiel 26:12 (written between 587-586 BC) that the stone, timber and soil of Tyre will be thrown into the sea. This was fulfilled in 333-332 BC.

"They will plunder your wealth and loot your merchandise; they will break down your walls and demolish your fine houses and throw your stones, timber and rubble into the sea" (Ezekiel 26:12).

The prophet said that Tyre's stones, timber and soil would be thrown into the sea. That's probably a fitting description of how Alexander the Great built a land bridge from the mainland to the island of Tyre when he attacked in 333-332 BC. It is believed that he took the rubble from Tyre's mainland ruins and tossed it - stones, timber and soil - into the sea, to build the land bridge (which is still there).

In Ezekiel 25:14 (written between 593-571 BC), the prophet predicts that the Jews will eventually have revenge against the Edomites. This was not fulfilled, however for over 400 years (until approximately 100 BC)

"I will take vengeance on Edom by the hand of my people Israel, and they will deal with Edom in accordance with my anger and my wrath; they will know my vengeance', declares the Sovereign Lord" (Ezekiel 25:14).

Ezekiel said that the Jews would one day take vengeance on Edom, a nation that had often warred with the Jews. When Ezekiel delivered this prophecy, he and many other Jews were living as captives in Babylon. They didn't have control of their own country, let alone anyone else's. But, about 400 years later, Jews regained independence for Jerusalem and the surrounding area during the "Hasmonaean Period." During this time, the Jewish priest-king John Hyrcanus I defeated the Edomites. According to the Columbia Encyclopedia, Fifth Edition: "Edomite history was marked by continuous hostility and warfare with Jews At the end of the second century B.C., they were subdued by Hasmonaean priest-king John Hyrcanus I..."

Edom Will Be Toppled and Humbled

In Jeremiah 49:16 (written sometime from 626 to about 586 BC) the prophet predicts that Edom will be toppled. This was fulfilled in approximately 100 BC:

"' The terror you inspire and the pride of your heart have deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks, who occupy the heights of the hill. Though you build your nest as high as the eagle's, from there I will bring you down,' declares the Lord" (Jeremiah 49:16).

Jeremiah said that Edom, a long-time enemy of Israel, would be destroyed. Edom's capital city, Petra, was carved out of a mountain side and had great natural defenses. Nonetheless, it was destroyed and the kingdom of Edom no longer exists. Today, Petra is part of Jordan. The city was conquered by the Romans in the year 106 AD but flourished again shortly after that. But a rival city, Palmyra, eventually took most of the trade away and Petra began to decline. Moslems conquered Petra in the 7th Century and Crusaders conquered it in the 12th Century. Petra gradually fell into ruin.

The Greatest Old Testament Prophecy of All

There are literally hundreds of other fulfilled prophecies that we could describe here, but clearly one stand head and shoulders above the rest, and we really need to take a minute to describe it. While the Jews were certainly comforted by prophecies that predicted that their enemies would eventually be destroyed, there was a far more comforting prophecy that had been described in the Old Testament. It was a prophecy that predicted the coming of a Messiah, a savior who would deliver the Jews. While there we dozens of messianic prophecies in the Old Testament Scriptures, one of these was incredibly specific in its claims. As we examine this prophecy, we can confirm the supernatural and divine inspiration of the Bible.

The Coming of the Messiah

In 538 B.C. Daniel wrote the following bold prediction:

"So you are to know and discern that from the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince there will be seven weeks of years and sixty-two weeks of years" (Daniel 9:25).

In this prophecy, Daniel is claiming that there will be 69 weeks of years between the issuing of a decree to rebuild Jerusalem and the appearance of the Messiah. Now keep in mind that this bold prediction came 538 years before Christ was born.

Now let's investigate a little history, OK? In 464 BC, Artaxerxes, a Persian king, ascended to the throne. His twentieth year as king would be 464 BC. Nehemiah, the Jewish cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, was deeply concerned with the reports about the ruined condition of Jerusalem which came about as the result of their being defeated (Nehemiah 1:1-4) and as a result, he petitioned the king:

"Send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers' tombs, that I may rebuild it. So it pleased the king to send me" (Nehemiah 2:5-6).

Scripture then provides us with the exact date of this decree to restore and to rebuild Jerusalem. According to the Scriptures the decree is issued "in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king" (Nehemiah 2:1). The Jewish calendar month was Nisan, and since no day is given, it is reasonable to assume that the date would be understood as the first, the Jewish New Year's Day. And, in the Julian calendar we presently use, the corresponding date would be March 5, 444 B.C. This was the day on which the decree was issued to restore and rebuild Jerusalem.

Now let's remember this date, March 5, 444 B.C. and take a look at the appearance of the Messiah. You may recall that the Gospels tell us that Jesus, on numerous occasions, had forbidden his followers to make him known as "the Messiah". He would frequently do miracles and tell the disciples not to tell anyone who had done the miracles because his "hour has not yet come" (John 2:4, 7:6). However, on March 30, 33 A.D., when he entered Jerusalem on a donkey, he rebuked the Pharisees' protest and encouraged the whole multitude of his disciples as they shouted, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord". And Jesus said, "If these become silent, the stones will cry out" (Luke 19:38-40). This was the day on which Jesus was publicly declared the Messiah.

Now let's compare the date of the decree (March 5, 444 BC) with the date of Jesus' declaration (March 30, 33 AD). Now before we begin, we need to clarify the fact that the Jewish prophetic year was composed of twelve 30 day months. In other words, the ancient evidence indicates that the Jewish prophetic year had 360 days, not 365 days. Since Daniel states 69 weeks of seven years each, and each year has 360 days, the equation is as follows: 69 x 7 x 360 = 173,880 days. In nothing more than a simple mathematical demonstration, the number of days in the period from March 5, 444 B.C. (the twentieth year of Artaxerxes) to March 30, 33 A.D. (the day Jesus entered Jerusalem on the donkey) can be determined at this point.

The time span from 444 B.C. to 33 A.D. is 476 years (remember that 1 B.C. to 1 A.D. is only one year). And if we multiply 476 years x 365.2421879 days per year (corrected for leap years), we get the result of 173,855 days. Now let's add back the difference between March 5 and March 30 (25 days). What is our total? You guessed it, 173,880 days, exactly as Daniel predicted it.

So What Does Fulfilled Prophecy Prove?

The ancient Jews were careful to use Prophecy as a measuring stick. If someone claimed to be a prophet, yet his predictions did not come true, he was abandoned and his writings did not make it into the canon of scripture. Moses was careful to set this high bar for prophets:

<> " When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that [is] the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, [but] the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him" (Deuteronomy 18:22).

Moses knew that fulfilled prophecy was an evidence! It was an evidence that God was truly at work in the heart of the prophet, giving him insight to something that only God knew about. The exact fulfillment of all the prophecies that we've talked about from the Old Testament is more than enough to demonstrate the accuracy and divine inspiration of the Bible and the truth of Christianity. Remember, only God can "declare the end from the beginning" and forecast to the very day "things that are not yet done" (Isaiah 46:10).

<> " I declare the end from the beginning, and from long ago what is not yet done, saying: My plan will take place, and I will do all My will" (Isaiah 46:10).

Photo credit: Unsplash/Amanda Dalbjorn

This article is part of our larger End Times Resource Library. Learn more about the rapture, the anti-christ, bible prophecy and the tribulation with articles that explain Biblical truths. You do not need to fear or worry about the future!

Battle of Armageddon

Antichrist

End Times

Tribulation

Prophecies of Jesus

End Times Bible Prophecy

Old Testament Bible Prophecy

Signs of the End Times

666 Meaning

Horsemen of the Apocalypse

Purgatory

What is Premillennialism?

What is Amillennialism?

What is Postmillennialism?

The Second Coming of Jesus
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Is AMR Modern-day FRANKENSTEINS MONSTER?

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) continues to pose a significant public health problem in terms of mortality and economic loss. The rising AMR is a matter of huge concern that needs to be tactfully handled and health authorities of several countries, including India, have formulated action plans for its containment. Significant efforts by the government, an active involvement of startups and diagnostic players is a good start. The question remains, whether this will be enough.

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Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 03/01/2018 (1780 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Pulses seemed primed to take off in the Canadian Prairies, until India surprised Canadians farmers with 50 per cent tariffs on pea imports a couple months ago.

Additional tariffs have followed, including 30 per cent on the import of chickpeas and lentils.

The sales of seeds for these products has already noticeably dropped, Wawanesa-based Ellis Seeds co-owner Simon Ellis said on Tuesday, adding that this points to fewer acres being planted next season.

Submitted Ellis Seeds co-owner Simon Ellis is seen at his Wawanesa seed cleaning plant, where he said that business is down as a result of tariffs India recently placed on Canadian items such as pulses.

With Indias position as Canadas biggest importer when it comes to pulses, Keystone Agricultural Producers president Dan Mazier said the tariffs will certainly have an impact.

Its particularly troubling in todays political climate, where U.S. President Donald Trump is calling all manner of trade deals to question.

On the plus side, Mazier said the pea processing plant that recently broke ground in Portage la Prairie should serve as a boon to the industry in Manitoba.

Rather than export raw product, greater value will be added locally, serving as an economic driver closer to where it is produced.

Movie director and celebrity James Cameron has also been drawing attention to pulses in recent months as the result of his investing in a Saskatchewan pea processing plant.

Any time a celebrity endorses the agricultural industry its a good thing, Mazier said, adding that Cameron has helped shine a light on pulses positive properties, such as its ability to serve as an alternative source of protein.

The world markets  are looking for these plant proteins, which can help out the rest of the food chain, Mazier said.

While he said this bodes well for the future, Canada still needs to secure strong export markets, and with India so crucial to the nations agricultural industry, the tariffs remain a concern.

On Tuesday, Ellis took to Twitter to urge Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland to make the India tariffs a priority.

He said that a formal letter would likely follow, and that he encourages others impacted by these tariffs to let elected officials know that they should be a priority.

They need to really get over there and do what they can to work with trade issues out there as quickly as possible, because locally we dont grow too many lentils, but there are a few and its huge, Ellis said, adding that among many of those hes spoken with its actually had a sizable impact.

Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers did not return a call for comment by press time on Tuesday.

 tclarke@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @TylerClarkeMB
Residents in Sydney's inner west and south have been urged to sign a petition calling on the government to fix the mess of the national broadband network after delays left locals without a date they could expect to switch.

Anthony Albanese, the federal member for the Grayndler electorate, launched the online petition on January 2, urging the government to give us our NBN and slamming the delays.

Twenty-one per cent had the NBN but were unhappy with it.

Within two days, 650 people had signed the petition. Of those, 53 per cent said they did not have the NBN but wanted the service.

Another 21.3 per cent had the NBN but were unhappy with it, and 2.6 per cent had the NBN and were happy with it.
Music streaming company Spotify has confidentially filed to go public - moving forward with an unusual plan to list its shares directly on the New York Stock Exchange - even as it faces a new $US1.6 billion ($2 billion) lawsuit alleging copyright infringement.

Wixen Music Publishing is suing Spotify, alleging that the company violated its copyright on more than 10,000 songs.

It has a catalogue of more than 30 million songs, more than 60 million paying users and more than 140 million total users. It is available in 61 countries. Credit:Krisztian Bocsi

A lawsuit of this nature could scare potential investors, upset existing investors and lower the company's market value.

Spotify confidentially filed paperwork for an initial public offering with the Securities and Exchange Commission, a person familiar with the matter said on Wednesday. Axios first reported news of the filing.
San Jose, California: Twitter says President Donald Trump did not violate its terms of service when he once again used the service to escalate rhetoric about nuclear arms.

In response to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's New Year address, in which he said he had "a nuclear button" on his desk and threatened to use it against the United States, Trump said Tuesday night that his "nuclear button" is "much bigger" and "more powerful."

Since Trump rode Twitter to the presidency, the social media company has fielded calls to strip Trump of his social-media megaphone. Now there are calls for Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey - who has characterised Trump's use of the platform as "fascinating" and "complicated" - to quit or be fired if the company doesn't ban Trump.

A Twitter spokeswoman said the company would have no comment on the calls for Dorsey's resignation.
Washington: The Trump administration on Thursday proposed opening nearly all US offshore waters to oil and gas drilling, reversing protections in the Arctic, Atlantic and Pacific.

The bid to expand American energy production faces objections from environmentalists, state officials and some business groups worried about spills and the potential impact on coastal tourism.

A Shell floating drill rig Kulluk in Kodiak Island, Alaska's Kiliuda Bay as salvage teams conduct an in-depth assessment of its seaworthiness after it ran aground off an island near Kodiak . Credit:AP

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said the draft National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2019 to 2024 would make over 90 per cent of the outer continental shelf's total acreage available for leasing, including areas put off-limits by the Obama administration.

"We want to grow our nation's offshore energy industry, instead of slowly surrendering it to foreign shores," Zinke said in prepared remarks, saying the plan is part of the Trump administration's "American Energy Dominance" agenda.
Few political allegations are as persistent as the charge that Donald Trump is Vladimir Putin's puppet.

The theory goes like this: In 2016, the Trump campaign colluded with Moscow to hack into the emails of the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton's campaign chair. The Russians then gave the emails to WikiLeaks, which made them public and wrecked the anti-Russian Clinton's chances of winning the White House  a result that confounded almost all political experts.

Ever since the election, Trump and his team have been busily covering up the crime. Trump is also vulnerable to Kremlin blackmail, we are told, because an intelligence dossier produced by an ex-British spy shows Trump's dirty deeds in Moscow hotels years before he ran for president.

All of this supposedly explains why Trump wants to appease a brutal dictator. It is also why headlines, such as "Putin's first year in the White House", and "Donald Trump: Kremlin Employee of the Month" often litter the American press.
It was apparently home to short-lived settlements that appeared and disappeared over thousands of years. Every now and then, people arrived to build tent-like structures, fish for salmon, and hunt for hare and other small game. DNA from an infant found at the Upward Sun River discovery site is giving scientists the best look yet at the Native American's genetics. Credit:Ben Potter In 2010, Potter and his colleagues discovered human bones at Upward Sun River. Atop a hearth dating back 11,500 years were the cremated bones of a 3-year-old child. Digging into the hearth itself, archaeologists discovered the remains of two infants. The two infants were given names: the baby girl is Xach'itee'aanenh T'eede Gaay ("sunrise girl-child," in Middle Tanana, the dialect of the local community), and the remains of the other infant, or perhaps a fetus, is Yelkaanenh T'eede Gaay ("dawn twilight girl-child"). The Healy Lake Village Council and the Tanana Chiefs Conference agreed to let scientists search the remains for genetic material. Eventually, they discovered mitochondrial DNA, which is passed only from mother to child, suggesting each had different mothers. Moreover, each infant had a type of mitochondrial DNA found also in living Native Americans.

That finding prompted Potter and his colleagues begin a more ambitious search. They began collaborating with Willerslev, whose team of geneticists has built an impressive record of recovering DNA from ancient Native American bones. Among them are the 12,700-year-old Anzick Child, the oldest genome ever found in the Americas, and the Kennewick Man, a 8500-year-old skeleton discovered in a river bank in Washington state. Questions over his lineage provoked a decade-long legal dispute between scientists, Native American tribes and the Army Corps of Engineers. Living Native Americans descend from two major ancestral groups. The northern branch includes a number of communities in Canada, such as the Athabascans, along with some tribes in the United States like the Navajo and Apache. The southern branch includes the other tribes in the US, as well as all indigenous people in Central America and South America. Both the Anzick Child and Kennewick Man belonged to the southern branch, Willerslev and his colleagues have found. So he was eager to see how the people of Upward Sun River might be related. But the remains found there represented a huge scientific challenge.

The search for DNA in the cremated bones ended in failure, and Willerslev and his colleagues managed to retrieve only fragments from the remains of Yelkaanenh T'eede Gaay, the youngest of the infants. But the researchers had better luck with Xach'itee'aanenh T'eede Gaay. Eventually, they managed to put together an accurate reconstruction of her entire genome. To analyse it, Willerslev and Potter collaborated with a number of geneticists and anthropologists. Sunrise Girl they discovered, was more closely related to living Native Americans than to any other living people or to DNA extracted from other extinct lineages. But she belonged to neither the northern or southern branch of Native Americans. Instead, Sunrise Girl was part of a previously unknown population that diverged genetically from the ancestors of Native Americans about 20,000 years ago, Willerslev and his colleagues concluded. They now call these people Ancient Beringians. Beringia refers to Alaska and the eastern tip of Siberia, and to the land bridge that joined them during the last ice age. Appearing and disappearing over the eons, it has long been suspected as the route that humans took from Asia to the Western Hemisphere.

There has been little archaeological evidence, however, perhaps because early coastal settlements were submerged by rising seas. Thanks to her unique position in the Native American family tree, the baby girl has given scientists a clear idea how this enormous step in human history may have happened. Her ancestors - and those of all Native Americans - started out in Asia and share a distant ancestry with Chinese people. In the new study, the scientists estimate those two lineages split about 36,000 years ago. The population that would give rise to Native Americans originated somewhere in northeast Siberia, Willerslev believes. Archaeological evidence suggests they may have hunted for woolly rhino and other big game that ranged over the grasslands. "It wasn't such a bad place as we kind of imagine it or as we see it today," he said. In fact, Siberia appears to have attracted a lot of genetically distinct peoples, and they interbred widely until about 25,000 years ago, the researchers determined. About a third of living Native American DNA can be traced to a vanished people known as the ancient north Eurasians, known only from a genome recovered from the 24,000-year-old skeleton of a boy.

But the flow of genes from other Asian populations dried up about 25,000 years ago, and the ancestors of Native Americans became genetically isolated. About 20,000 years ago, the new analysis finds, these people began dividing into genetically distinct groups. First to split off were the Ancient Beringians, the people from whom Xach'itee'aanenh T'eede Gaay descended. About 4000 years later, the scientists estimate, the northern and southern branches of the Native American tree split. According to Ripan Malhi, an anthropologist at the University of Illinois and a co-author of the new study, these genetic results support a theory of human migration called the Beringian Standstill model. Based on previous genetic studies, Malhi has argued that the ancestors of Native Americans did not rush across Beringia and disperse across the Americas. Instead, they lingered there for thousands of years, their genes acquiring increasingly distinctive variations. And while the new study reveals the existence of the Ancient Beringians, it doesn't tell scientists much about their ultimate fate.

But knives and other tools found at the Upward Sun River site belong to a tradition, called the Denali Complex, that endured until at least 7000 years ago. The people made those tools elsewhere in central Alaska may have been Ancient Beringians. If so, they survived for nearly 13,000 years after splitting from the ancestors of other Native Americans. "The archaeology fits with them lasting for quite long," Potter said. The Native Americans who today live around the Upward Sun River site belong to the northern branch of the genetic family. The new study indicates that their ancestors returned north at some point to Alaska, perhaps replacing or absorbing the Ancient Beringians. If the latter, and if geneticists are able to sequence more DNA from northern branch tribes, then they may stumble across living proof of an ancient North American people that no one knew existed. "My answer to the question, 'What happened to the Ancient Beringians?' is: 'We don't know'," Potter said. "And I like that answer."
Black robes, turbans and terror  when it comes to being the bete noire of the Western imagination, few countries can compete with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Since the Islamic Revolution of 1979 overthrew the autocracy of the Shah, leading directly into the US embassy hostage crisis and the Iran-Iraq War, the United States and its allies have repeatedly sought to imagine and create a Middle East and a world in which Iran  and more importantly Iran's foreign policies  ceased to exist, whether through an impenetrable system of sanctions and diplomatic isolation or through simple military destruction.

After thousands of Iranians took to the streets this week in protest over the way their country is run, only to be met with lethal repression and media censorship, it is hardly surprising to see the US and Israeli governments and Western analysts race to the microphones to cry "I told you so" and in some cases to advocate regime change. If their experiences in Iraq, Libya and Syria have not taught these pundits the virtues of forbearance, perhaps they might consider the history of foreign intervention in Iran itself, from the Anglo-Soviet overthrow of Reza Shah in 1941 and the CIA-engineered coup against Mohammad Mosaddeq in 1953 to the arming and encouragement of Saddam Hussein in the 1980s.

The people of Iran are also struggling to imagine a different world, one in which the nation's wealth and its prominent role in world affairs translates into prosperity and dignity for ordinary men and women. As was the case in the so-called "Arab Spring" upheavals of 2011-12, the Iranian regime is confronted by an increasingly youthful population  60 per cent of its citizens are under 30  who lack prospects and are denied avenues to express their deep dissatisfaction.

From a Western perspective, talk of change tends to focus on the ruling clerical establishment and in particular the figure of the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. But Iranians themselves are doubtless also wondering about the wisdom of electing President Hassan Rouhani, whose nuclear deal with six major powers may have ended some of the sanctions the country faced but has not yet translated into better times. They will also be asking themselves what it would take to remove the thuggery of state-run militias from their daily lives and to roll back the extensive business interests and political power of the Pasdaran, or Revolutionary Guard Corps.
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Hes seeing Red!

A new subway line could serve Red Hook, Gov. Cuomo announced in his annual State of the State speech on Wednesday, during which he called on two state-run agencies to probe whether building an underwater tunnel that connects the coastal enclave with the outer borough of Manhattan will stimulate growth in the transit-starved nabe.

Explore whether Red Hook has enough transportation alternatives or if they should study the possibility of a new subway line to stimulate Red Hooks community-based development, the way we did on the west side of Manhattan, and with the east-side line, Cuomo said while delivering his speech up in Albany.

But first, the states Commander in Chief asked that Port Authority of New York and New Jersey honchos pack up their maritime operation at the Red Hook Container Terminal  a waterfront port roughly the size of Brooklyn Bridge Park that runs from the foot of Carroll Street to Atlantic Avenue  and ship it down to Sunset Parks South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, in order to free up the massive marina for its potential redevelopment into a new transit hub.

Red Hook is full of untapped potential, and with this proposal, I am calling on the Port Authority to accelerate consideration of relocating its Red Hook maritime activities to free up this waterfront for more productive community use, Cuomo said in a press release.

Last year, Port Authority chiefs floated the idea of selling the terminal when its current lease expires this year, but ultimately decided to keep the port in the shipping business for bit longer as they consider a future sale.

And Cuomos isnt the first call to bring a subway to the nabe. In 2016, executives at California-based engineering firm AECOM pitched a massive redevelopment of the waterfront  including the container-terminal site  that proposed extending the 1 train from its terminus in Manhattan to Red Hook and building massive high-rises, but local leaders and residents slammed the idea, charging the ports maritime roots should not be abandoned.

The governors announcement came on the heels of Mayor DeBlasios in-development plan to lay 14 miles of light-rail tracks from Sunset Park through Red Hook and into the outer borough of Queens as part of a new trolley, the Brooklyn Queens Connector.

Other subway-starved areas were conspicuously absent from Cuomos plan to increase locals transit options, including Marine Park, which is not being served by the mayors streetcar and where locals are still pushing for a century-old proposal to stretch the 2 and 5 trains route from Eastern Parkway to Avenue U.

City officials said its too early to say if the governors proposed Red Hook subway would impact Hizzoners trolly plan  and did not respond to a request for comment whether his suggestion to bring another transit-infrastructure project to the nabe is merely the latest swipe in the two pols ongoing spat.

A spokesman for the Port Authority said its honchos look forward to working with leaders at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority on the tunnel project.

We anticipate including the study in our Port Master Plan analysis that is currently underway, and we will work with New York City officials on a timetable for discussions on consolidation alternatives at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, said Steve Coleman. We look forward to collaboratively developing options for the maritime activity.
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Hes saying your prayers!

A Park Slope pastor offers down-and-out locals a direct line to the man upstairs in the form of a special mailbox outside his Seventh Avenue church where needy passersby can drop their written requests for spiritual aid, he said.

I bring these prayers to the alter, I lift them up to God, and I ask for Gods grace for these people, said Rev. HyoungDock Yoo, a clergyman at Grace United Methodist Church.

Yoo installed the confidential prayer-deposit box at a friends suggestion six years ago, after he moved from Connecticut to preach at the Park Slope house of worship at 33 Seventh Ave. News of the receptacle was first reported by City Lab.

The preacher said he received hundreds of prayer requests since, from people of all creeds and walks of life that are suffering deeply personal crises that drove them to seek help from above.

There are a lot of desperate people, Yoo said. The last thing they can think to do is turn to God.

Yoo reaches out to the boss each morning at dawn, kneeling down at the 150-year-old churchs alter for a moment of silent prayer, during which he passes along the days special requests as his two-year-old Maltese mix, Lucy, plays in the background, he said.

Shes not very good at prayer, Yoo said.

Anonymous prayer pleas usually come in at a rate of about two or three a week, but more tend to arrive around the holidays or amid a national crisis, such as the aftermath of a terrorist attack, the pastor said.

But most petitions are unique to their maker, according to Yoo, who said the requests for divine intervention are prompted by all types of calamity, including cancer scares, financial emergencies, drug addiction, and even rent hikes.

The faith leader admitted he cant promise anything on behalf of the Lord above, and that most people who use the prayer box arent the church-going type, leaving him unsure of their fates.

I dont know if Im helping them or not, Yoo said. They have to wait for God to intervene, or they will find their own way to God.

But that doesnt bother the local pastor, who said he always holds the whole of Park Slope in his own prayers.

I can still do my best, the reverend said. I want them to know Im here to pray for the community.
Halo Business Angel Network (HBAN), the all-island organisation responsible for the promotion of business angel investment, is forecasting a 17% increase in angel investing in Irish start-ups as the economy grows in 2018, and they also predict it will reach 25 million per year by 2020.



HBAN also anticipates that funding for start-ups in the Medtech sector in particular will grow significantly and artificial intelligence, augmented reality and virtual reality also.



Last year, the medtech sector proved to be attractive to HBAN angels, with 4.1 million invested in just seven major deals. One of the big stories was Cork-based, AventaMed which received 1.8 million in a deal with three HBAN syndicates  MedTech, Boole and Irrus. HBAN predicts that Irelands medtech hub will continue to present excellent opportunities for angel investors in 2018, and that the average deal value done in this space will increase from this years 585,000.



National Director at HBAN, John Phelan said, "The Irish start-up scene is vibrant and growing and it provides excellent opportunities for investors. Irish start-ups are increasingly of interest to US and other off-shore investors as they recognise that Irish start-ups seeking angel investment are often more developed with revenue streams, technology and business platforms already in-situ. Some are even making a profit."

HBAN will hold its national conference on Thursday, 8th February in the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham. The conference is open to non-HBAN members who want to see how the HBAN network works, connect with HBAN angels and listen to pitches from high-potential start-ups.



Source: www.businessworld.ie
Didi Chuxing's buyout of Brazilian ride-hailing company 99 is only the latest in a series of Didi overseas acquisitions as the Chinese ride-hailing market becomes increasingly saturated. Photo: Visual China

Chinese ride-hailing kingpin Didi Chuxing has acquired Brazilian peer 99 as Didi continues its overseas push, posing a challenge to U.S.-based Uber.

The terms of the deal have yet made public, but the New York Times, citing anonymous sources, reported that the acquisition was worth $600 million. The Beijing-based Didi had already taken a minority stake in the Brazilian ride-hailing company in early 2017.

Founded in 2012, 99 has 14 million registered users in more than 400 cities across Brazil. The South American country  with a population of more than 200 million  is one of the largest battlegrounds for global tech titans Uber Technologies Inc. and Didi.

We are confident that being part of Didi Chuxing will vastly enhance our capability to expand our services throughout Brazil to bring critical value to users, drivers and cities, 99 CEO Peter Fernandez said in a statement.

Didis move came weeks after it netted $4 billion in a round of fundraising from a group led by Japanese telecom giant SoftBank Group Corp., giving the company an estimated valuation of $56 billion.

Didi, which was created by a 2015 merger between Didi Dache, which was backed by Internet titan Tencent Holdings Ltd., and Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.-backed Kuaidi Dache, has attracted dozens of global and domestic investors, including banks, private equity firms and Internet companies.

Facing an increasingly saturated market in China, where it has become the undisputed leader in the ride-hailing business, Didi has ventured further afield in recent years. For example, the company has expanded its alliance with international ride-hailing startups to Singapores Grab, Estonias Taxify, Indias Ola, and the Middle Easts Careem in addition to Brazils 99. Early last year, Didi invested $100 million in U.S.-based Lyft, Ubers main rival at home.

Last month, Didi announced a partnership with Ledi Technology Co., allowing the Taiwan company to use the Didi brand and platform on the island.

Didi, which now has around $15 billion available in its capital budget, will no doubt be able to extend its global footprint in the near future in order to launch an all-out fight with Uber, said blogger and industry analyst Wang Guanxiong.

Wang added that the worldwide war between Didi and Uber has only just begun, even though the two companies reached a truce in China after Ubers operation in the country was merged into Didi in 2016.

Contact reporter Mo Yelin (yelinmo@caixin.com)
The death rate from cancer in the US has declined steadily over the past 2 decades, according to annual statistics reporting from the American Cancer Society. As of 2015, the cancer death rate for men and women combined had fallen 26% from its peak in 1991. This decline translates to nearly 2.4 million deaths averted during this time period.

During the most recent decade of available data, the rate of new cancer diagnoses decreased by about 2% per year in men and stayed about the same in women.

Cancer Statistics, 2018, published in the American Cancer Societys journal CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, estimates the numbers of new cancer cases and deaths expected in the US this year. The estimates are some of the most widely quoted cancer statistics in the world. The information is also released in a companion report, Cancer Facts and Figures 2018, available on the interactive website, the Cancer Statistics Center. A total of 1,735,350 new cancer cases and 609,640 deaths from cancer are projected to occur in the US in 2018.

The drop in cancer mortality is mostly due to steady reductions in smoking and advances in early detection and treatment. This new report reiterates where cancer control efforts have worked, particularly the impact of tobacco control, said Otis W. Brawley, M.D., chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society. A decline in consumption of cigarettes is credited with being the most important factor in the drop in cancer death rates. Strikingly though, tobacco remains by far the leading cause of cancer deaths today, responsible for nearly 3 in 10 cancer deaths.

Major cancer types: Lung, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer

The overall drop in cancer death rates is largely due to decreasing death rates for lung, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers.

Lung cancer death rates declined 45% from 1990 to 2015 among men and 19% from 2002 to 2015 among women. From 2005 to 2014, the rates of new lung cancer cases dropped by 2.5% per year in men and 1.2% per year in women. The differences reflect historical patterns in tobacco use, where women began smoking in large numbers many years later than men, and were slower to quit.

Breast cancer death rates declined 39% from 1989 to 2015 among women. The progress is attributed to improvements in early detection.

Prostate cancer death rates declined 52% from 1993 to 2015 among men. Routine screening with the PSA blood test is no longer recommended because of concerns about high rates of over-diagnosis (finding cancers that would never need to be treated). Therefore, fewer cases of prostate cancer are now being detected.

Colorectal cancer death rates declined 52% from 1970 to 2015 among men and women because of increased screening and improvements in treatment. However, between 2006 and 2015, the death rate among adults younger than 55 increased by 1% per year.

Cancer outcomes vary among racial/ethnic groups

The rates of new cancer cases and cancer deaths vary quite a bit among racial and ethnic groups, with rates generally highest among African Americans and lowest for Asian Americans. The cancer death rate in 2015 was 14% higher in Blacks than in whites. That gap has narrowed from a peak of 33% in 1993. However, the racial gap was much larger for those younger than 65 than it was for those 65 or older, likely in part due to universal health care access for seniors through Medicare.

Racial and ethnic disparities in the cancer burden are a reflection of several factors related to socioeconomic status. According to the US Census Bureau, in 2016, 22% of Blacks and 19% of Hispanics/Latinos lived below the poverty line, compared to 9% of whites and 10% of Asians.

People with lower socioeconomic status are more likely to smoke and be obese, partly because of targeted marketing to this population by tobacco companies and fast food chains. In addition, community factors often limit opportunities for physical activity and access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

In 2016, 11% of Blacks and 16% of Hispanics/Latinos were uninsured, compared to 6% of whites and 8% of Asians.

Even when other factors are equal, studies show that racial and ethnic minorities tend to receive lower-quality health care than whites.

Cancer in children and adolescents

Cancer is the second most common cause of death among children ages 1 to 14 years in the US, after accidents. In 2018, an estimated 10,590 children in this age group will be diagnosed with cancer and 1,180 will die from it. Leukemia accounts for almost a third (29%) of all childhood cancers, followed by brain and other nervous system tumors (26%).

Cancer incidence rates increased in children and adolescents by 0.6% per year since 1975. However, death rates have declined continuously. The 5-year relative survival rate for all cancer sites combined improved from 58% for children diagnosed during 1975 to 1977 to 83% for those diagnosed during 2007 to 2013.

Special section on ovarian cancer

Each year, American Cancer Society researchers include a special section in Cancer Facts & Figures highlighting an issue of cancer research or care. This year, the topic is ovarian cancer. The reports authors say improving the ability to detect ovarian cancer early is a research priority. Some key facts about ovarian cancer:

Women diagnosed with local-stage ovarian cancer have more than a 90% 5-year survival rate.

About 4 out of 5 ovarian cancer patients are diagnosed with advanced disease that has spread throughout the abdominal cavity.

Ovarian cancer accounts for just 2.5% of all cancer cases in women, but 5% of cancer deaths because of the diseases low survival rate.

In 2018, there will be an estimated 22,240 new cases of ovarian cancer diagnosed and 14,070 deaths in the US.

The special section provides information about ovarian cancer risk factors, incidence and mortality rates and trends, early detection, and treatment that is primarily related to epithelial tumors, the most common subtype of ovarian cancer. Understanding of this subtype has evolved rapidly in recent years.

Other highlights from the report:

The overall estimate of 1,735,350 cases for 2018 equals more than 4,700 new cancer diagnoses each day.

The lifetime probability of being diagnosed with cancer is 39.7% for men and 37.6% for women, which is a little more than 1 in 3.

The most common cancers to be diagnosed in men are prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers, which account for 42% of all cases, with prostate cancer alone accounting for almost 1 in 5 new diagnoses.

The most common cancers to be diagnosed in women are breast, lung, and colorectal cancers, which combined represent one-half of all cases; breast cancer alone accounts for 30% of all new cancer diagnoses in women.

The most common causes of cancer death continue to be lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers in men and lung, breast, and colorectal cancers in women. These 4 cancers account for 45% of all cancer deaths, with 1 in 4 cancer deaths from lung cancer.

Liver cancer incidence continues to increase rapidly in women, but appears to be stabilizing in men. People infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) are at greater risk for liver cancer. All baby boomers (those born between 1945 and 1965) are recommended to be tested for HCV because 80% of HCV-infected people are in this age group.

Cancer Statistics 2018 can be viewed at cacancerjournal.com, while Cancer Facts & Figures 2018 is available at cancer.org/statistics.
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Published On Jan 04, 2018 10:08 AM By Raunak

Kia Motors Indias first-ever managing director and chief executive officer will oversee its upcoming plant, which will roll out its compact sedan and SUV from 2019, in Andhra Pradesh

Kia has appointed Kookhyun Shim as MD and CEO of its Indian operations. Shim will not only strategise Kias plans for the Indian market but will also supervise its upcoming Andhra Pradesh-based facility which will be operational in 2019. The plant is part of an USD 1.1 billion (approximately over Rs 7,000 crore) investment that Hyundais subsidiary brand has announced in April 2017.

Kookhyun Shim has over 30 years experience in the automotive industry. Before being appointed as MD and CEO of Kia Motors India (KMI), he was serving as head of Kia Motors Georgia plant coordination group. Prior to this, he was the head coordinator of production in Slovakia. Speaking about recent developments of KMI, it announced in April 2017 that a compact sedan and SUV will be its initial products for the Indian market. Later, it was reported that the automaker is planning a sub-4m SUV, which is expected to be based on Hyundais Carlino concept.

Kia recently revealed the Stonic compact SUV, which is also being considered as a potential offering for the Indian market, in Europe. However, nothing has been officially confirmed by the South Korean automaker till now. But not to worry, Auto Expo 2018 is around the corner and Kia is expected to have a big show since this will be its first-ever appearance in the country.
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.
State Bank of India (SBI) has released an official employment notification calling out for aspirants to apply for the posts under Specialist Cadre Officers. The recruitment is for Chartered Accountants for the designation of Deputy Managers.

Interested candidates can check out the details of the eligibility, salary scale, application process and more here and apply before the deadline ends on 28 January 2018.

SBI Recruitment 2018 Vacancy Details

CRITERIA DETAILS Name of the post Deputy Manager (Internal Audit) Total number of posts 50 vacancies Eligibility Chartered Accountants with minimum 2 years experience in statutory/internal/ Concurrent Audit of Banks, in/with a Chartered Accountant firm engaged in statutory/internal/ Concurrent Audit of Banks or in the employment of a Bank. 'Experience Certificate issued by the firms for employees working in CA firms/Copy of the engagement letter from Banks for others, would be required,' reads the official notification, adding that working knowledge in MS office is also required. Age limit Candidates applying for the posts should be in the age group of 21-35 years. Salary Scale Rs 31, 705 to Rs 45,950

Job Role Conducting Audit of branches/ offices of the Bank and/ or its Subsidiaries/ Associates/ JVs located within India or abroad at the direction of the Internal Audit Department of the Bank, preparation of reports for the activities audited containing the findings of audit, preparation of memorandum/reports for reporting to Management and/ or Board Level Committee and any other work that may be entrusted by the Bank.

Selection Process The selection of candidates will be on the basis of online written test and interview/group discussion official website sbi.co.in

Test Centres for SBI Recruitment Exam

CITY Ahmedabad Vadodara Bangalore Bhopal Raipur Bhubaneshwar Chandigarh Jammu Srinagar Chennai Madurai Guwahati Hyderabad/Secunderabad Vishakhapatnam Kolkata/Greater Kolkata Lucknow Varanasi Mumbai/ Greater Mumbai/Thane/Navi Mumbai Nagpur Pune Dehradun Jaipur New Delhi/Delhi NCR Patna Ranchi Ernakulam Trivandrum

Also Read: Bank Jobs 2018: Apply for South Canara District Central Co-operative Bank Recruitment Now!

SBI Recruitment 2018 Dates

EVENT DATE Application start date 5 January 2018 Application end date 28 January 2018 Tentative Date for downloading call letter 12 February 2018 Online exam date 25 February 2018

Click here to read the official advertisement

How to apply for SBI Recruitment 2018 for Deputy Manager?

In order to apply for SBI Recruitment for Deputy Manager, follow the steps given here:

Step 1 Log on to the official website of State Bank of India Careers Step 2 On the homepage, click on the recruitment link that is scrolling from right to left. The link reads, 'Recruitment of Specialist Cadre Officers in State Bank of india' Step 3 The list of recruitments will be opened in a new page. Check for the relevant advertisement notification Step 4 Click on Apply Online Link Under "Recruitment of Specialist Cadre Officers in State Bank of India(Apply Online from 05-01-2018 to 28-01-2018)

Advertisement no. CRPD/SCO-CA/2017-18/08"

Step 5

The registration form will be open from 5 January 2018. Fill in the requisite details and attach the necessary documents

Step 6

Pay the application fees

Step 7

Complete the registration process

Note

There will not be any call letters sent through post. Candidates must download it once it is released on the website. For more updates on the recruitment, keep checking CareerIndia

Indian Railways Recruitment 2018 for Engineer Posts: Check Eligibility, Salary And How To Apply
The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Patna has released an employment notification, calling out for aspirants to apply for recruitment for filling various government posts such as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor and Professor.

The vacancies are in the department of civil engineering, computer science and engineering, electronics and communication engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and architecture under 4 tier flexible faculty cadre structure.

NIT Patna Recruitment for Professor Vacancy details

Number of vacancies: 122

Name of the posts: Assistant Professor, Associate Professor and Professor

Eligibility

Name of the post Qualification Assistant Professor Interested candidates must have a PhD degree in the relevant discipline, with experience. Associate Professor Interested candidates must have a PhD degree in the relevant discipline. They should be possessing an experience of six years after PhD, of which at least three years at the level of Assistant Professor with academic grade pay of Rs 8000 Or nine years total working experience, of which three years should be after PhD, with at least three years at the level of Assistant Professor with academic grade pay of Rs 8000. Professor Interested candidates must have a PhD degree in the relevant discipline, with experience.

NIT Patna Recruitment Salary Details

Name of the post Qualification Assistant Professor Selected candidates will get a monthly salary of Rs 15,600 to Rs 39,100, along with a grade pay of Rs 8,000. Associate Professor Selected candidates will get a monthly salary of Rs 37,400 to Rs 67,000, along with a grade pay of Rs 9,500. Professor Selected candidates will get a monthly salary of Rs 37,400 to Rs 67,000, along with a grade pay of Rs 10,500.

Dates to remember

Last date for submission of online application: January 22.

Last date for receipt of hard copy of the duly filled application form: January 31 by 5:30 pm.

Also Read: UPPSC Recruitment 2018 for 2000 Lecturers and 595 Dental Surgeon Posts

How to apply for Professor Recruitment in NIT Patna online?

In order to apply for Professor Recruitment in NIT Patna online, follow the steps given here:

Step 1 Log on to the official website nitp.ac.in Step 2 Click on the recruitment link on the homepage that reads "Faculty Recruitment Advertisement No. NITP/Rect./01/2018 - for Assistant, Associate and Professor level. Get Advertisement | Apply online" Step 3 A log in page will appear on the screen. Fill the required details such as applicant name, e-mail ID and password in the space provided Step 4 Click Register button to register as a new user

Step 5

Once you register, your login credentials will be given. Log in using that

Step 6

Complete the registration process

How to apply for Professor Recruitment in NIT Patna through post?

In order to apply for Professor Recruitment in NIT Patna through post, follow the steps given here:

Click here to download the application form Fill in the relevant details Attach all the supporting documents Send it by speed/registered post

NIT Patna Mailing address

'The Director, NIT Patna, Ashok Rajpath, Patna-800005, India'.

JNU Recruitment 2018 for Professor Posts: Earn Up to Rs 67000!
Photo: The Canadian Press

Diane Zhao has made the journey from China to Niagara Falls three times before, but she has never seen it like this  a veritable ice palace, straight out of a fairy tale.

"I just wanted to see the ice and the frozen falls," Zhao said of her fourth trip to the falls. "It's so huge and beautiful."

About 14 million people visit the Niagara Region in southern Ontario each year, most of them in the summer months, according to local authorities.

The Canadian side of Niagara Falls, the region's star attraction, has seen more visitors than usual this winter, the Niagara Parks Commission says, as record cold temperatures in recent weeks have turned the surging waters and their surroundings into an icy winter wonderland.

"This has been wonderful," parks commission chair Janice Thomson said. "Just in the past week we've seen (such a) flow of people."

Word of the wintry spectacle has spread across the globe in recent days as stories about the icy falls have been published by the likes of CNN, the Washington Post, BBC and news outlets in continental Europe.

Many visitors hear the falls have frozen and want to see the mighty flow of water brought to a standstill, Thomson said.

"Of course we know the falls aren't frozen over," Thomson noted.

Rather, spray and mist freeze into a crust over top of the water, creating the illusion that the falls have stopped falling, she explained.

Niagara Falls has only truly stopped once, the Niagara Parks Commission says  for 30 hours in March 1848, when millions of tons of ice temporarily clogged the source of the Niagara River.

While the falls aren't truly frozen today, the effect is still stunning, and the same mist that freezes over the falls has formed an icy casing over every tree branch, railing and lamppost in the surrounding area.

Huge blocks of ice are pushed over the falls and into the frigid waters below, where they swirl in whirlpools or freeze into a glacier-like "ice bridge" that sometimes reaches 10 storeys high.
China sees a rise in clinker imports

04 January 2018

China imported 184,600t of clinker in the first 11 months of 2017, over four times the amount imported during the year-ago period, according to Caixin Global. These figures have been attributed to a surge in domestic prices making it more cost effective to import the material.

The majority of the clinker was imported from Vietnam for companies based in Hainan, Shandong, Zhejiang and Beijing.



The rise in domestic clinker prices has been linked to a government campaign to limit the production of some heavy industries such as cement to reduce air pollution. On 5 December, the price in Anhui province and some areas of Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces saw an increase of CNY50/t (US$7.68/t) to over CNY500/t.





Published under
Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry and U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., have released the Louisiana Students Rights Review, a 15-page guide that explains the religious freedom rightsof teachers and students in public schools.

The review says that public schools in the U.S. do not need to be religion-free zones.

"To the contrary, both federal and state laws specifically protect religious freedom rights in public schools," the document reads. "Thankfully, Congress and our state legislature still recognize the fundamental importance of religious liberty  the first freedom listed in the Constitution's Bill of Rights."

The document also says that just because schools have to stay neutral on religion, that shouldnt keep students from practicing their faith on school property.

Instead, students are free to pray, discuss their faith, read the Bible and invite others to religious events. That the U.S. Constitution protects that type of speech, the review says.

However, the document did note that all religious activity has to be student-led and student-initiated.

The U.S. Supreme Court has outlined a set of factors that would keep student prayer at such events from running afoul of the law," the document reads. "Such a prayer should be permissible if: (a) the school allows a time at graduation for a student to share a message of his or her own choosing; (b) neutral criteria determines which student is allowed to speak during this time; (c) there is no involvement or prior review of the speaker's message by the school officials or staff; and (d) students are instructed that their speech may not materially and substantially interfere with the graduation ceremony, or be vulgar, lewd or obscene."

Schools can also recognize Christmas and Easter with parties as long as the purpose is educational and does not advance a particular religion.

Faculty and teachers are allowed to organize bible studies and prayer groups outside of instructional time, according to the document.

They may also discuss religion in the classroom if it is relevant to the classrooms subject.

The document comes after a Louisiana mother sued the Webster Parish School District in December, claiming that the district was unconstitutionally promoting Christianity.

Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com

Publication date: January 4, 2018
Ten Commandment monuments erected in Alabama, Oklahoma and New Mexico have brought lawsuits and removals.

But when an 800-pound granite tablet engraved with Thou shalts and Thou shalt nots went up in a suburban Dallas shopping mall just before New Years, not a protester was in sight.

The difference, of course, is location, location, location. The controversial tablets were originally placed on public land, while the Texas tablets are in a privately owned shopping mall.

Were not trying to make a statement or create a controversy, Richard Morton, general manager of the Music City Mall at Vista Ridge, told Texas reporters Friday(Dec. 29) as the block was unveiled. Instead, he said, the monument reflects the mall owners belief system and he is not afraid to share it.

The owner is John Bushman, a former Marine and businessman from Odessa, Texas, who has said he hopes people find peace and love in the Ten Commandments. A second granite tablet bearing two of what Bushman has called the greatest commandments  to love the Lord and thy neighbor  is on the second floor.

Several of Bushmans other businesses, including hotels and casual dining restaurants in Texas, Colorado and New Mexico, have similar Ten Commandment displays. He has told Dallas media he wants the Music City Mall to be a community space.

A shopping mall operates like a public, community space where all are welcome. But it is actually a private space where church-state laws demanding a neutrality toward religion dont apply.

Local non-Christians have, so far, not objected publicly. Dallas is among the most Christian U.S. cities, with a population that is 78 percent Christian and with 18 percent who claim to have no religious affiliation, according to the Pew Research Center. Adherents of non-Christian faiths make up just 4 percent of Dallas-area residents.

But the tablets have inspired numerous comments on the blogosphere. Hemant Mehta, an atheist author and advocate with the popular Friendly Atheist blog, wrote of owner Bushman: He wouldve been better off just putting up a sign saying Thou shalt not steal and leaving it at that. Instead, he used his faith to create a spectacle, to drum up publicity, to make more money. Just like Jesus wanted.

Gary Randall, who writes for the blog Faith and Freedom, praised the monument. (I)t is the basis for the legal system in America, the most free, prosperous, blessed and exceptional nation in the history of the world, even though secularists claim the Commandments are not the basis for our laws, he wrote.

Some local shoppers say they love the monument. I think its great, Im excited, Colette Franklin, a resident of nearby Denton, told Community Impact Newspaper at the unveiling, which kicked off with a Christian prayer. I think its great we can get back to things that we used to have and make people aware of this foundation. We teach these values already to our kids, and this helps to enforce it.

Courtesy: Religion News Service

Photo: Music City Mall Lewisville general manager Richard Morton unveils a stone tablet that displays the Ten Commandments on Dec. 29, 2017, in Lewisville, Texas.

Photo courtesy: Music City Mall Lewisville

Publication date: January 4, 2018
Communism Is Real Millennials Young people in the West today, including America and Great Britain, need to learn the truth about socialism and Communism.

In mid-December, a science editor for BuzzFeedUK, Kelly Oates, tweeted, "All I want for Christmas is full communism now." Once this tweet was noticed, she withdrew it and issued an apology.

A month earlier, another BuzzFeedUK staffer, Blake Montgomery, had responded to a tweet from President Trump.

The president had declared November 7, 2017 as "National Day for the Victims of Communism." Montgomery then tweeted, that "victims of Communism" was just a "white nationalist talking point." He has since withdrawn the tweet and apologized.

The apologies notwithstanding, this shows how there is a great deal of ignorance about Communism and its less violent cousin, socialism, in our day. Millennials, who should know better, are arising who think a government-run economy is more fair and just than a market-based economy.

At D. James Kennedy Ministries, one of our television producers spoke with some young people during last year's presidential run of Bernie Sanders, an out-of-the-closet socialist. At the time, Sanders was making great headway with millennials.

Here are some of the comments captured on film from some young people in South Florida. Alas, they are now typical of the views of millions of Americans:

 "I think socialism means doing what is best in society for everyone."

 "Socialism is the means of production being controlled by the people. Capitalism is when other people control your means."

 "We have to take care of each other. We haven't done that for a long time in this country."

I have interviewed conservative economist Steve Moore of FreedomWorks and the Heritage Foundation. He told our viewers: "What really troubles me is how many young people in America today, the millennials, are graduating after eight years of grade school, four years of high school, four years of college if not more, and they think that socialism is the way we should design our economy....That [is] just so disappointing because when you go to socialist places, you see that very few people work. Everybody thinks it's wonderful you're going to get all these free things, but you know at some point you've got all the people in the wagon and nobody's there to pull it anymore."

I also interviewed Bishop Harry Jackson, pastor of a large church in the greater D. C. area. He told our viewers, "[T]hings like socialism are attractive because in a secular society without God, folks see that culture as being the provider of all things. I don't think young people are looking beneath the 'gimmies,' the benefits, the promise."

The pollster George Barna also told our viewers recently, "37 percent of Americans say they prefer socialism to capitalism. When you look at the millennial generation, it's a significant majority of them who prefer that."

Could you imagine the outcry if somebody were to proclaim, "What we need is a modern Adolf Hitler"---the head of the National Socialist German Workers Party? Such ignorance and maliciousness would be rightfully condemned. Yet Lenin and Stalin and Mao, 20th century leaders of Communistic socialism, seemingly get off the hook.

As D. James Kennedy and I pointed out in our book, What If Jesus Had Never Been Born? "Hitler has slain his millions. Stalin his tens of millions."

Millennials don't seem to know this history. Perhaps they've never heard of The Black Book of Communism. The publisher is Harvard University Press (1999).

This book documents in no uncertain terms the brutality that the Communists inflicted on the world. The authors write of Communism's death toll in the 20th century: "The total approaches 100 million people killed." (p. 4, emphasis added). The tolls are staggering: nearly 20 million killed in the Soviet Union under Stalin (which is frankly a low estimate), 65 million in China under Mao, and millions more in Cambodia, North Korea and Ethiopia, among others.

They point out: "One cannot help noticing the strong contrast between the study of Nazi and Communist crimes.... scholars have neglected the crimes committed by the Communists." (p. 17)

We do not even know the exact number of Ukrainians Stalin killed. He reportedly had the census workers shot, so that history would never know how many he forced into starvation. Perhaps at least 3.5 million human beings died just in the Ukraine in the 1930s, in what Robert Conquest has called "the harvest of sorrow." Some estimate it was as many as 8 million killed.

Young people in the West today, including America and Great Britain, need to learn the truth about socialism and Communism. I highly recommend two easy-to-read novels exposing the truth by a former Communist, British writer George Orwell, Animal Farm (a parable on the Russian Revolution---where the revolutionaries turned out to be worse than the czar) and 1984.

To think that young people today could long for a resurrection of "full communism" just reflects how little they know about history. "History repeats itself," writes British poet Steve Turner. "It has to. No one is listening."

Jerry Newcombe, D.Min., is an on-air host/senior producer for D. James Kennedy Ministries. He has written/co-written 28 books, e.g., The Unstoppable Jesus Christ, Doubting Thomas (w/ Mark Beliles, on Jefferson), and What If Jesus Had Never Been Born? (w/ D. James Kennedy) & the bestseller, George Washington's Sacred Fire (w/ Peter Lillback) djkm.org @newcombejerry www.jerrynewcombe.com
The Church in 2018: Will It Become Worse? One has to conclude that in 2018, things can and will only get worse, while a remnant chosen by God will continue to shine and find grace to stand apart.

As a New Year is ushered in all over the world, many will be reflecting on what future developments will define the trajectory of the Church in the new year. In 2017, the assembly in the West was further divided by the aftermath of a bitter political race, which seemed to have worsened with the decision to move the embassy of the United States to Jerusalem. It is on record that both the Pope and the Anglican Church in the United Kingdom are united and agreed that this is wrong and they stand on plain justice and reject any other consideration albeit how it is conceived. More are divided over race issues.

At least 27 people were killed in a shocking shooting at Texas church and many other wounded in what looked like a meaningless attack in a small Texas town where everybody knew everybody. In Nigeria, in the oil rich River State, gunmen killed at least 14 church goers returning from a crossover service into 2018, in what looked like a mafia-like coordinated attack. A manhunt for the bandits is still ongoing. Violence assumes a new dimension as Churches take extra measures for their safety.

The eschatological voices were not silent in 2017 as many pulpits drew attention to the signs of Christ's imminent coming ... leaving many wondering ... when indeed will Christ return and how to prepare. Late 2017 saw the passing of RC Sproul a man who influenced many to see God's Holiness and be able to come, like Isaiah did, to a new conclusion that " I am undone " ... teaching us to seek afresh to walk with God. In 2018, there is a vacuum that Church Fathers, must fill ... but who, these days, desires such a hazardous and troublous appellation?

All this as liberal movements push to neutralise gender, and it is less clear in what category of games transgender athletes fall pointing to a coming era when all sexes compete together ...male and female and whatever is in between. A world when women go to war and men or test-tubes and machines carry pregnancies ... the traditional role of women to nurture children and families is already passe and considered even potentially abusive.

So what will 2018 offer? I have no prophetic credentials and speak from plain insights and it seems we are replaying a scene as seen in Genesis 6. A time when God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and the imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil and continually so. In verse 11 of Genesis 6, it says "The earth also was corrupt before God and filled with violence." ... but also spoke of a time when Noah found grace in the eyes of God.

One has to conclude that in 2018, things can and will only get worse, while a remnant chosen by God will continue to shine and find grace to stand apart. The remnant will repent and seek after God, and live in quietness and trust in God ... doing the works, God Himself has commissioned. The rest, helped by a bolder intelligentsia and a ravenous polity, will continue as though God does not exist or that He exists for their own selfish insatiable appetites and to fulfil their never ending quest for rights and wicked wants and desires.

The true prophets will point to the count down to the end ... the false will embolden everyone to do as they please. Meanwhile the violence, politics and social chaos will continue in its downward spiral as the remnant walking with God brings about revivals as we have never seen, many returning to escape deceptions and the wrath that must come. Ponder Anew.

There you have it ... my prophecies for 2018. Happy New Year.
Donald Trump did not want to be president: Why many evangelicals will like that

Donald Trump did not want to be President.

That is one of a number of dramatic claims made in Michael Wolff's book and dominating political headlines both in the US and the UK. Alongside the suggestion former British Prime Minister Tony Blair told Trump the British government was spying on him during the campaign and that media mogul Rupert Murdoch branded Trump 'a f***ing idiot' after a phone call, the portrayal of Trump as never wanting to win the campaign is one of the most shocking allegations to emerge so far.

'As the campaign came to an end, Trump himself was sanguine,' the book reads according to an extract in the New Yorker magazine. 'His ultimate goal, after all, had never been to win. "I can be the most famous man in the world," he had told his aide Sam Nunberg at the outset of the race. His longtime friend Roger Ailes, the former head of Fox News, liked to say that if you want a career in television, first run for president. Now Trump, encouraged by Ailes, was floating rumors about a Trump network. It was a great future. He would come out of this campaign, Trump assured Ailes, with a far more powerful brand and untold opportunities.'

But win he did on the coat tails of some of the most powerful evangelical leaders in the US: Jerry Falwell Jnr, Franklin Graham, Robert Jeffress and dozens more who said 'God showed up' in the 2016 presidential election.

'Political pundits are stunned. Many thought the Trump/Pence ticket didn't have a chance. None of them understand the God-factor,' Franklin Graham wrote on Facebook after the election in November.

The utter chaos of Trump's early administration portrayed in Wolff's book is unlikely to dampen their enthusiasm for a President they see as raised up by God 'for such a time as this'.

The motif of a reluctant leader, who does not want power but is individually chosen by God for a specific role, is one familiar to evangelicals.

'Who am I,' asked the Old Testament hero Moses (Exodus 3:1), 'that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?'

'How can I save Israel?,' cried Gideon in the Bible's account (Judges 6:15) of the would-be warrior meeting God' angel. 'My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.'

'Lord God!,' protested the Jewish prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:6). 'I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.'

For evangelicals such as Falwell, Graham and Jeffress, the idea that their hero Trump never wanted to win the presidency will not dampen their excitement for him as a man sent from God. If anything it will fan the flames of their enthusiasm  it was not Trump's plan but God's plan, they may think.

But while Trump's backers may cite the examples of Moses, Gideon and Jeremiah and shining examples of leaders who did not want power but had it thrust upon them, there are other less flattering examples.

Jephthah, for example, was equally reluctant when chosen. 'Why have you come to me now when you are in distress?,' he says according to Judges 11:7.

Jephthah went on to burn his own daughter in a sacrifice after a reckless vow.

And ultimately King Saul, who hid among baggage when the Israelites tried to crown him (1 Samuel 10.22), ends up going mad according to the Bible's account and is possessed with an evil spirit that drives him to try repeatedly to murder his successor.

So reluctance for power is not, in the Bible's telling, an automatic sign that everything will work out well in the end.
Franklin Graham tells Rosie O'Donnell who's really going to hell after Twitter attack on Paul Ryan

Rev. Franklin Graham has come to the defense of House Speaker Paul Ryan after Hollywood actress and leftist Rosie O'Donnell attacked him on Twitter.

Ryan tweeted (@SpeakerRyan) a message about the true meaning of Christmas on December 23: "At the end of each year, no matter how short -- or long -- it may feel, there is always Christmas. Waiting for us is thta sense of wonder the shepherds felt when the angels appeared in the night sky to herald the birth of a Savior."

O'Donnell acknowledged Ryan's tweet on December 25 when she wrote (@Rosie), "paul ryan -- don't talk about Jesus after what u just did to our nation [with tax cuts] -- u will go straight to hell u screwed up fake altar boy #JUDASmuch."

The actress received tons of support on social media, since many people do not like Ryan. However, there were also several people who chastised O'Donnell for bullying the politician. One of them is Rev. Franklin Graham.

He wrote on Facebook: "Rosie, you don't have the keys to hell, but I know the One who does. And I can tell you who will be there. Hell is going to be filled with people who rejected God's offer of salvation and turned their backs on His laws and standards, refusing to repent."

Instead of attacking people of faith, Graham suggested that she put her trust in God instead and accept His gift of salvation. "Jesus Christ is God in the flesh, and He took your sins and mine to the Cross, dying in our place, so that we might live - if we would turn from our sins and put our faith in Him. I hope one day you will put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ and let him heal your heart, clean up your mouth, and forgive your sins. Do that today - you'll never regret it," he added.
Microsoft news: Kinect adapter productions discontinued

Microsoft decided to stop manufacturing Kinect Adapter for the Xbox One console. The company said it will focus on developing new accessories for its customers.

Microsoft told Polygon that the adapter "will no longer be available." The company justified its decision to stop the manufacturing process to make way for new projects. "After careful consideration, we decided to stop manufacturing the Xbox Kinect Adapter to focus attention on launching new, higher fan-requested game accessories across Xbox one and Windows 10," a Microsoft spokesperson said. The representative did not give further information if the company might consider bringing the adapter in the future.

Many Xbox One gamers expressed their sadness over the news, and Microsoft received some backlash from netizens. One netizen on Facebook suggested that Microsoft develop an Xbox One console with the Kinect already built in. There are others who are saying that they are now looking for other gamers who own a Kinect adapter and purchase it directly from them.

Microsoft did not disclose further information about new accessory projects they are working on. Microsoft's latest addition to the Xbox One console franchise is the Xbox One X released in November 2017. Even before the release of the Xbox One X, there had been many reports saying Microsoft had already stopped its Kinect production.

Polygon also reported that few people already speculated that Microsoft already discontinued the product because most retailers selling it are out of stock. However, a number of Kinect games still support the peripheral function. Microsoft did launch new updates to make sure Kinect games are playable without the Kinect.

The Kinect was first introduced in 2009 during the E3 event as Project Natal for the Xbox 360 and a model for Microsoft Windows was released on Feb. 1, 2012. Gizmodo and other technology publications consider the Kinect function as one of "Microsoft's most revolutionary ideas."
Senior Anglican priest slams opposition to assisted dying as 'pure fatalism and superstition'

A senior Anglican priest has spoken out in favour of assisted dying, dismissing as 'pure fatalism and superstition' the notion that 'the time of someone's death is purely God's business'.

Canon Rosie Harper, the chaplain to the Bishop of Buckingham and a member of the Church's General Synod, has written a controversial post on the ViaMedia blog urging acceptance of the right to die.

In it, she writes: 'Don't tell me that the time of someone's death is purely God's business. That at the moment when all a human soul wants is for it to end, God stands at the end of the bed and says: "No my child, it is my will that you suffer just a few more days." That is pure fatalism and superstition.'

She adds: 'When our lives are nearing the end there are now many societies where that degree of both choice and responsibility remains. That is not the case in the UK.

'Just when you might think we need our freedom the most the medical profession (by law) take it away from us. Just when you might think that God would most honour the freedom he has given us the Christian community take it away from us.'

In the post, Canon Harper reflects that she is writing on the subject for both 'personal and professional' reasons, reflecting on the deaths of her Swiss uncles, one from an aggressive brain tumour.

'It is professional because in the parish where I work there are a lot of funerals. Mostly the bereaved tell me of the immense kindness of all around; family and friends, doctors and nurses. They tell of the shock of sudden unexpected death and also the oblique conversations about the use of morphine. They also sometimes tell me of bad deaths. Deaths where there is no way of giving the dying person their final wish: "please, dear God, please help me to die."'

Invoking the Christian concept of free will, Canon Harper goes on: 'Even people who would use language such as "God has a plan for your life" don't actually mean that everything that happens to them from birth to death is controlled. Of course not. We rejoice in our free will, even in the knowledge that we risk miss-using it. That's part of the deal. Our conception is a risk. We may be born to loving parents, or our mother might have been kidnapped and raped. The will of God? Throughout our lives we make choices and many of them are life and death choices. To smoke or drink or over eat. To enjoy extreme sports, to ride a motorbike. For all those things we choose and we also take responsibility.'

Assisted dying remains illegal in the UK. The Church of England continues officially to support the current law, though some Church figures, including the former Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey, have said they are in favour. The Catholic Church in England and Wales and around the world is firmly opposed.

In November, a study by the campaign group Dignity in Dying said that thousands of terminally ill people who want to travel abroad to end their life in specialist clinics cannot afford to doing so, leaving them to face often 'painful and traumatic deaths at home'.

The study found that while more than half of Britons would consider travelling abroad to countries such as Switzerland for an assisted death, only a quarter said they could afford the cost, averaging 10,000.
Governor Andrew Cuomo began his 2018 State of the State address 19 years to the dayand hourthat Kendra Webdale was pushed to her death in front of a subway train by Andrew Goldstein, a man with untreated serious mental illness. Before Cuomo finished his speech, something similar had happened again: mentally ill Andrew Cordero pushed Jacinto Suarez onto the subway tracks in Brooklyn. Suarez, too, died. Kendras death led to the adoption of Kendras Law, which empowers judges to mandate treatment for the mentally ill who are a danger to themselves or to the community. The death of Jacinto Suarez should lead to further reforms.

While Cuomo didnt mention Webdale or Kendras Law, he did talk about mental illness and the homeless. Homelessness is on the rise in our cities and worse than ever before, the governor said. It pains me personally to acknowledge this reality. As well it should: Cuomos unapologetic embrace of the long-standing bipartisan policy of closing state psychiatric hospitals is increasing both homelessness and incarceration.

The governor recounted his own history on the issue, recalling that he headed Mayor Dinkinss homeless commission in 1992. I arranged for parents of the seriously mentally ill to testify before that commission. The parents wanted New York to adopt policies that would allow them to get care for their seriously mentally ill children before they became a danger to themselves or others. Cuomo rejected their pleas, siding with the mental health establishment, which has never been willing to take responsibility for the most seriously ill. As Cuomo wrote in the commissions report, The Commission considered and rejected a lowering of the standard for involuntary institutionalization as . . . inappropriate and unnecessary. He noted that sick people could be sent to state hospitals for months to be stabilized. But during his tenure as governor, he has closed state psychiatric hospitals, effectively taking that option off the table.

The governor spoke eloquently about the plight of people incapable of taking care of themselves. While we aggressively protect an individuals civil liberties, we believe in helping people in need. Leaving the sick to fend for themselves is not progressive, charitable or ethical or legal. Cuomo emphasized the need for more outreach, proclaiming that some jurisdictions say case law prevents them from helping mentally ill street homeless. If that is their excuse, they should tell us what law stops them from helping sick homeless people and we will change the law this session. But the governor is being disingenuous: the changes needed are the same ones that Democrats have refused to support in the past, and that he blocked when he headed the mayors homeless commission. These proposals have been made multiple times in recent years by State Senator Catharine Young, and more recently were included in the campaign platform of Assembly Member Nicole Malliotakis when she ran for mayor of New York City.

From a practical standpoint, New York law requires someone to become a danger to self or others before he or she can be involuntarily committed. But laws should prevent violence, not require it. New York is one of the few states without an adequate need for treatment or grave disability standard. A second problem is that in New York, even after someone is found to be a danger to self or others and involuntarily committed, he or she can still refuse treatment; a second hearing is required to overcome that objection. New York must pass a law requiring the involuntary-treatment hearing to be held at the same time as the involuntary-commitment hearing.

Kendras Law lets courts order the most seriously mentally ill who have already accumulated multiple incidents of violence, arrest, hospitalization, or homelessness to stay, for up to one year, in mandated and monitored treatment while they continue to live in the community. This arrangement is less restrictive and more humane than inpatient commitment or incarceration. It has been proven to reduce homelessness, arrest, and incarceration, and it is more cost-efficient. But it is impossible for community providers to ramp up their programs when the governor keeps putting a five-year sunset on the bill. He should insist that it be made permanent this year.

Cuomo called for more agency outreach, but he didnt mention outreach to mentally ill prisoners, who are being discharged from jails and prisons, and involuntarily committed patients, who are being discharged from hospitals. These are the most likely people to become homeless or incarcerated. Mentally ill Andrew Cordero had been arrested three times since September, and police had been called to his home multiple times as a result of his bipolar disorder.

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) must focus on the seriously mentally ill. While Governor Cuomo identified the homeless seriously mentally ill as a priority, his mental health commissioner recently touted the release of a new OMH-funded coloring book. Andrew Goldstein and Andrew Cordero did not need coloring booksthey needed treatment. OMH should stop funding programs that dont reduce homelessness, arrest, incarceration, and needless hospitalization, and transfer funds to the programs that do. OMH should also set up a hotline that families and the public could call to report someone with mental illness who may need Kendras Law to stay safe. And OMH should end the practice of giving funding and veto power to nonprofit trade associations that lobby to close more hospitals, in contravention of Kendras Law.

Governor Cuomo knows how to deliver a good speech. But until the governor puts some meat and money behind his proposals for the seriously mentally ill, they are only words.

Photo by sdominick/iStock
New York governor Andrew Cuomo is heading into a reelection year with an unbalanced budget, and hes blaming most of his states woes on Washington. Federal tax reform amounts to an assault on New Yorks own tax system, according to the governorwho also rips the Trump administrations decision to decline participation in a proposed $13-billion-plus, trans-Hudson commuter railway tunnel. But New Yorks budget problems are mostly of its own making. While Washingtons scale-back of state-and-local tax deductibility likely will bite deep, that wouldnt even be an issue if the states tax levels werent so infamously out of line with national averages. Albanys money problems reside in its inabilityor unwillingnessto control spending.

This was vividly illustrated at years end by the New York Times in its dissection of the Metropolitan Transportation Authoritys East Side Access projectan effort to connect the Long Island Rail Road to Grand Central Terminal that has produced what the Times termed The Most Expensive Mile of Subway Track on Earth. To the uninitiated, its an astounding tale of favoritism, featherbedding, and what seems like fraudbut which, adjusting for occasional freelancing, is structurally entirely legal.

This speaks principally to the low quality of lawmaking in New York, where insider advantage-taking almost always tops the public interestand not just in construction. Indeed, the only real surprise is the heft of the East Side Access tab which, the Times reported, has ballooned to $12 billion, or nearly $3.5 billion for each new mile of track [or] seven times the average elsewhere in the world. (The three-station Second Avenue subway project came in at an equally scandalous $2.5 billion per mile.)

Cuomo, who controls the MTA, bears statutory responsibility for the extravaganceas well as for the special-interest-driven work rules and management practices that have hamstrung public-works reinvestment all across the state. The governor didnt create the system, but hes been quiet regarding its corrosive consequences, and has never attempted reforms. Indeed, he didnt touch on the topic when, with a straight face, he proposed a new subway lineunder New York Bay, between Manhattan and Red Hook, Brooklynduring his annual State of the State address yesterday.

Cuomo also used his address to tout a congestion-pricing plan for Manhattan a tax on traffic entering the boroughs principal business districts. Its an old plan, to be sureMayor Bloombergs best efforts were unavailingdesigned ostensibly to reduce traffic congestion while raising money for transit-infrastructure upgrades. As with construction, though, it makes little economic sense to pour renewal dollars into such a wasteful system. It would be better first to wring low-hanging efficiencies from the cash already being spentbut, again, the governor is silent on public-works reform. This is no surprise. He will rely heavily on support from construction unions, big-bucks contracting companies, and other interested parties this election year, as he has in the past. But while New Yorkers in and out of government are free to practice business as usual, its a little over the top to expect outsiders to play that game, too.

So its not surprising that the Trump administration has exhibited no enthusiasm for the so-called Hudson River Gateway Tunnel commuter-rail projectan Amtrak-driven undertaking meant to connect New Jersey with Penn Station. Original estimates put the cost at $7.7 billion, but its now pegged at more than $13 billion, and even that might be a bargain; at the informal current rate of $3.5 billion per mile, its five miles of track would top out well in excess of $18 billionabsent real contracting and work-rule reform. But there was no hint of reform in the letter Cuomo budget director Robert Mujica dispatched to Washington on New Years Eve, effectively urging the Trump administration to lay aside cost concerns, fill up its thermos with Albany-flavored Kool-Aid, and enlist in the undertaking. But Trump, who has wrestled with New Yorks wasteful construction practices his entire career, is surely leery of the many unique burdens the Empire State lays on its taxpayers.

The Gateway Tunnel project is a worthy one, as is East Side Access, and even a Red Hook Express. There is even some wisdom in a well-thought-out congestion-pricing tax. But costs matter. The outrageous wastefulness detailed in the Timess subway-construction report infects public investment everywhere in New Yorkdriven by the greed of construction unions and other special interests and abetted by the advantage-taking and cowardice of New Yorks elected leadership at every level of government. Cuomo had nothing to say about this in his report to the legislature, and its impossible to imagine the lawmakers taking him seriously even if he had spoken out. Keep that in mind when the complaining about Washingtons unwillingness to subsidize New Yorks profligacy begins in earnest.

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Last year marked 10 years of the Big Give, and the week-long Christmas Challenge raised over 11.3m for 528 participating charities. The campaign also received the highest number of donations, hitting 29,500 over three times the number in 2015.

The Christmas Challenge provides an opportunity for charities to raise substantial funds, but it has not been without growing pains. Until 2015, the campaign ran on a competitive model where match funds were allocated to groups of charities and used up on a first-come-first served basis. From customer feedback, we knew that there were several pain points in this process:
The government has announced how it will spend 330m raised from dormant bank and building society accounts to help good causes.

Around 280m will be allocated to initiatives across England to grow social investment, help disadvantaged young people into work, and increase financial inclusion.

The other 50m will be distributed by the Big Lottery Fund to good causes in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, with each devolved administration deciding how the funds are used.

Funding for social investment

Of the 280m, around 135m will go to social investment - 125m to wholesaler Big Society Capital (BSC) and 10m for Access: the Foundation for Social Investment, BSCs sister organisation.

This fulfils a pledge made by the coalition government in 2012 to give 400m to BSC from dormant accounts. BSC has already received 300m.

Last July, BSC lauched a new strategy which said it would focus its investment on supporting communities to improve lives and providing homes for people in need.

A blog on the BSC website says the extra 25m it will now receive will be used to try more innovative approaches.

It says: "The aim will be to address areas of market failure - areas where commercial investors may not know what the real risks are, because they dont have the evidence or track record to go on.

"We can create exemplar funds, showing what works and what the actual risks are, so that over time the wider investment market will have the confidence to replicate the model, creating a sustainable market in the long run."

A blog on the Access website says the 10m it will receive will support blended finance.

It says: "We will blend this 10m with funds from Big Society Capital to focus on providing the sort of finance that many charities and social enterprises, in particular smaller and medium sized ones, most need."

Other funding

Another 90m will be invested in support of projects that help disadvantaged young people into employment. These initiatives will be jointly designed by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the Department for Education and Big Lottery Fund.

The Big Lottery Fund will set out plans for engagement with young people and experts across different sectors on how this money will be distributed early next year.

The remaining 55m is set to be awarded to financial inclusion initiatives which will tackle issues such as problem debt, as well as improving access to financial products and services for those on lower incomes.

This is in line with priorities set in 2008 by the Labour government, in the Dormant Bank and Building Society Accounts Act.

Tracey Crouch, the minister for civil society, said: By unlocking millions of pounds from dormant accounts for a range of good causes, we can make a real difference to lives and communities across the country.

This is part of the governments commitment to building a fairer society and tackling the social injustices that hold people back from achieving their full potential.

I am grateful to the banks and building societies, as well as Reclaim Fund, for their work to free up these funds for good causes.

Working in close partnership with the financial sector and civil society, we are determined to help create a country that works for everyone and build a Britain fit for the future."

According to its latest accounts, the Reclaim Fund holds 569m in money gathered from dormant bank accounts. The amount in the pot is likely to keep growing for some years. In 2016, 125m was raised from dormant accounts, and 13m redistributed back to account holders.

Prior to todays announcement, Reclaim Fund, which was set up by the Co-operative Banking Group to administer the dormant accounts scheme, had transferred more than 362m to the Big Lottery Fund for reinvestment in the community.

Of the 981m it has received since its inception, some 50m has been reclaimed, according to the accounts.

Rob Wilson, the former minister for civil society, claimed on Twitter today that DCMS had had to work hard to secure the right to give away the money from an "overly cautious" reclaim fund.

An account is dormant if no transactions have taken place for 15 years.

2bn dormant assets

The funding distributed today is separate to 2bn of dormant assets identified by the Independent Dormant Assets Commission in March last year, which have also been earmarked for good causes.

The Office for Civil Society said at the time that the unclaimed assets lying dormant in the financial sector could transform the charity sector and pledged to consult on how the money should be spent.

A consultation has yet to be published. A spokeswoman for DCMS told Civil Society News: An announcement on the report will be made in due course.

Steve Reed, Labour's shadow civil society minister, criticised the government's latest announcement for including money previously pledged and failing to address the 2bn of dormant assets funding.

He said: Its welcome that cash-starved charities will finally get some funding out of a government thats spent the past seven years cutting them to the bone. But the money on offer is just a fraction of the 2bn boost promised less than a year ago, and two-fifths of it has been announced before.

The question on every charity treasurers lips today is wheres the rest of the money?

While any new funding is welcome, charities will once again feel short-changed by a government that misses no opportunity to undermine and sideline the sector.

Peter Holbrook, chief executive of Social Enterprise UK, welcomed the announcement but warned more preventative measures needed to be introduced.

He said: The release of further capital from dormant assets is good news, and we welcome the acknowledgement of the role that social enterprise has in solving some of our biggest societal problems.

"We also welcome more money being released into social investment, particularly given the ambition for this to increase the investors appetite for risk and subsequently enable greater innovation from across the social sector.

"Equally important and yet missing from the announcement are changes in policy to address the causes of the some of these problems. There is a danger that we are spending money on treating the symptoms and not curing the disease."
Changes to income tax in Scotland will mean more people can claim back tax on donations to charities, but charities should claim as normal, HM Revenue & Customs has clarified.

The Scottish government has introduced a 19p starter rate of tax, which will be the highest rate for anyone earning between 11,850 and 13,850 a year.

Income over 24,000 in Scotland will now be taxed at 21 pence in the pound, while higher rates kick in above 44.273.

HMRC has said that if someone has signed a Gift Aid declaration to say they have paid enough tax, charities will receive Gift Aid at the normal rate of 25 pence per 1 donated. Anyone in Scotland earning over 24,000 can now claim back the difference by asking HMRC to amend their tax code.

Anyone paying the starter rate as their highest rate of tax needs to have paid tax on roughly 1.06 for every 1 they give to charity, in order to correctly sign a Gift Aid declaration.

Ahead of the devolution of Scottish income tax powers, the government discussed with charities the potential implications for Gift Aid of UK and Scottish income tax rates diverging, an HMRC spokesman said.

Having listened to their views and to ensure the effective operation of gift aid across the UK, the government decided that it would not make changes at that time. This means that charities should continue to claim relief at UK basic rate whether the donor was or was not a Scottish taxpayer.

The government remains committed to the continued effective operation of Gift Aid in all parts of the UK and will continue to consider all issues affecting this and all other charity tax reliefs as part of its regular dialogue with the charity sector.
Jewish Cares chief executive, Simon Morris, has said he will step down from his role this summer after 20 years at the charity.

He has been chief executive for the last 15 years and oversaw a process of modernisation, the charity said.

The charity will begin the process of finding a new chief executive shortly and Morris intends to stay until his replacement is in post.

Jewish Care is the largest provider of health and social care services for the Jewish community in the UK. Its most recent accounts show it had a total income of 56m in the year to March 2017, with spending of 53m.

Lord Levy, president of Jewish Care said: Over the last 20 years Jewish Care has transformed into a leading social care provider both in the national arena and within the Jewish community. It is a jewel in the crown. We owe a great debt of gratitude to Simon. His contribution to Jewish Care and our community has been invaluable.

Steven Lewis, chair, added: I have enjoyed working with Simon and whilst I will be sorry to see him step down as chief executive, I fully understand and respect his desire to seek new challenges.

Thanks to Simons leadership this organisation is in a strong position. He is a hard act to follow, but we are confident we will attract high calibre candidates with the skills, vision and passion to drive us forward. Simons departure will mark the next chapter in Jewish Cares long history.

For now, it is very much business as usual. We will never lose sight of our primary objective; to provide quality care services to the thousands of people who rely on us every day of the year.

Morris said: After twenty years at Jewish Care its time for me to have a change. I feel honoured and privileged to have been in this position and proud of the progress that has been made during my time here. Progress that would not have been possible without support from the Jewish Care board of trustees, my colleagues and the wider community.




Like the young Aztec men and women selected for sacrifice, who lived in delightful ease and luxury until the appointed day when their hearts were to be carved from their chests, journalistic subjects know all too well what awaits them when the days of wine and rosesthe days of the interviewsare over. And still they say yes when a journalist calls, and still they are astonished when they see the flash of the knife.

Thus ends Janet Malcolms 1989 masterwork on the journalist-subject relationship, The Journalist and the Murderer. Its less famous than her opening gambit about journalistic con-artistry, which reads, Every journalist who is not too stupid or too full of himself to notice what is going on knows what he does is morally indefensible. Then Malcolm delivers the fatal thrust: Journalists dont just seduce, betray, and profile murderers, theyre metaphorical murderers themselves.

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It is a claim that, depending on the reader, is outrageous, thrilling, cathartic. And its mostly wrong, especially when it comes to daily news.

Ive spent the last 10 years studying what it feels like for ordinary people to become the focus of news stories. Only in rare cases do journalism subjects feel betrayed by reporters. In fact, many have positive experiences making the news. Past survey research has found that over 60 percent of subjects of even inaccurate news stories say they are not just willing but eager to do it again. Thats because a news appearance can confer a lot of benefits on a private citizen, especially publicity and status. Many subjects conclude those benefits outweigh the more negative aspects of participating in a news story, such as aggressive reporters or even inaccuracies in the coverage.

Since 2008, Ive interviewed more than 90 private citizens who wound up in the daily news as experts, survivors, witnesses, heroes, criminals, and more for my book, Becoming the News. Most recently, Ive talked to voters who spoke to national news outlets about the 2016 presidential election. Even in the highly polarized political climate following the election, subjects experiences were largely the same: they had goals they hope to achieve when speaking to reporters, and assessed the overall experience in light of the consequences of the coverage on their lives. Some people had been named in only one article. But those who had made the news for big events had appeared in multiple stories across many outlets in print, radio, and TV. My interviews lasted up to four hours, covering everything from the subjects original experience to the interview process to what they thought of the news coverage and any repercussions they faced afterwards.

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No question the journalist-subject encounter is unequal. From the subjects point of view, journalists show up late, leave early, and get a lot wrong in the process.

ICYMI: The New York Times begins 2018 on a sour note

And while subjects rarely feel betrayed, they do often feel manipulated and pressured, especially in the wake of traumatic events. In fact, the practices that subjects find most exploitative are the ones baked into journalistic routines, responses to the daily pressures of journalistic work, like deadlines. Often, the whole experience is more surreal to subjects than it is damaging. The word they most often use to describe what it feels like to interact with journalists and find themselves in the media spotlight isnt even negative. Its weird.

Though many people reported positive experiences overall, the negative scenarios they encounter highlight some of the most difficult inflection points in the relationship between journalists and their subjects. Below I illustrate these experiences through the eyes of some of the archetypical subjects reporters include: the survivor, the expert, the witness, and the hero.

The Survivor

Alegra (all subject names here are pseudonyms) agreed to speak to the press after she contracted an illness that ended her pregnancy. The severity of the condition for pregnant mothers was little understood, so she felt a strong obligation to spread the word.

The process was grueling and uncomfortable. Alegra hated the spotlight. TV crews, in particular, were hurried and disruptive. She understood it was part of their job to be pushy, but it was hard to take. She recalled that one national network really wanted a picture of the baby that I lost, and I just refused over and over and they continually asked until the minute they put it on air. It was annoying and it upset me and my husband, but thats their job, you know? You just have to expect that. They want to get their story.

Alegra was exceptionally understanding, though many subjects are willing to put up with a lot in exchange for the chance to spread information. Alegra and her husband were willing to weather the inconvenience and emotional whirlwind of fending off aggressive journalists, because they felt they had a lot to gain. As she explained, We felt that if we could at least get this out to one pregnant mom and she alerts her gynecologist earlier than I did, and is saved, then its helpful.

But if subjects feel journalists bullied them excessively or the published story failed to deliver benefits (if, for example, they feel the journalist omitted or badly distorted their main point), theyre likely to conclude the exchange was unfair.

The Expert

Its often nerve-wracking and uncomfortable to be in the news, but sources arent clueless. The experts I spoke towho provided background or specialized knowledge to reportersgenerally knew they were forfeiting control over their words and images in exchange for the chance to be in the news.

Subjects easily piece together theories about what journalists plan to write based on the questions journalists ask and how they react to the answers. Based on those cues, subjects then try to adjust their behavior in the interview and their expectations for the story.

Often subjects feel like theyre being pressured to say something the reporter wants them to say. Bella, a university professor, was contacted by a reporter from a national paper about a new product related to her area of expertise. She explained, We had quite a pleasant conversation in which [the reporter] described [the product] and I made some comments. But it was very clear to me that he had a storyline for his article, and that involved asking a professor whose field this was, and that that person would be aghast.

I asked her how she could tell. She replied, Oh, I mean, it was transparent. It really was: Did I not disapprove of this? He had that storyline. And I could tell it to such a degree that I had to keep resisting it very consciously. She later concluded, He was not rude. I dont feel like I had a terrible experience. I just felt like I was part of a scripted, already written piece where I was supposed to be just the line from the Ivy League professor.

Bella said she spent so much time trying to deflect the reporters pressure to fit a particular role she ultimately wasnt able to convey much of substance at all.

The Witness

Deanne was the sole witness to a suicide attempt that left her shaken. A TV crew soon appeared out of nowhere. She said, I saw the reporter and her crew. I think she had a little posse of three people with her. But the minute I said, Yeah, I was here. I saw what happened, I didnt expect that immediately she was going to say, Harry, turn on the lights, and I was going to have a microphone in my face. There was just no transition. She never said, Would you be willing to discuss it? It was just Boom! Were in it.

Catastrophe survivors and witnesses may want to speak to reporters, for a lot of different reasons. But they may need a minuteor longerto decide whether they want to talk to the media right then. (See, for instance, a Hurricane Harvey survivors reaction to being questioned by a reporter this summer.)

Deanne said she got a fake vibe as soon as the journalist started interviewing her. The brash, no-nonsense reporter abruptly turned maudlin, apparently trying to get Deanne to emote for the camera. As Deanne said, It was fake. It was cheesy. It was like shes giving me these knowing, sympathetic looks and I was like, How the hell did I get here?

Snapping into a different character on-air may feel normal and necessary to journalists. But that shift can feel phony and manipulative to subjects, especially if theyre reeling from traumatic events. If you just saw someone die, or narrowly escaped death yourself, you dont want someone to fake sympathyyou want them to be sympathetic.

The Hero

Keith, a police officer credited with averting a major terrorist attack, initially enjoyed the recognition as a hero. (He had lunch with the mayor and received a call form the president.) But soon he started to feel uneasy. He was still grappling with what he had seen and done. But the real problem was having to reconcile the medias version of himselfa kind of supermanwith the person he knew himself to be.

Keith recalled, Im being paraded all over the city. Then you get quiet time and the id and the ego start playing ball in your head. I dont feel like superman, but everyones telling me I am. Im a normal guy. No, youre not. Im Keith. No, youre not! Its like Im on shrooms. I find myself every night at three in the morning staring at my refrigerator. Whats going on? What the fuck is going on in my life? This is really fuckin weird.

He concluded, I think the media caused this. Depression set in. For no fucking reason. It was the battle in my head between being superman and No! Im not superman. But everybody tells you you are. Youre torn between what the media says you areand meanwhile Im still the guy who yells at his dog and fights with his wife and road rages on the way home and probably drinks too many beers. But Im still Keith. It was really weird.

Keith took no issue with how he was represented by specific journalists for specific stories. He hardly remembered those details. It was the cumulative effect of the news coverage and the way people were reacting to it that felt so weird.

This may be the most fundamental difference between how journalists and their subjects view the news process. Daily journalists tend to focus on producing an accurate story, then move on to the next. But to subjects, the news product matters relatively little. Sure, they want it to be accurate and, whenever possible, flattering. But really, its the consequences of the coverage they care about most.

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Ruth Palmer is Assistant Professor of Communications at IE University in Madrid and Segovia. She is the author of Becoming the News: How Ordinary People Respond to the Media Spotlight (Columbia University Press, 2017).
The story starts with a text message. Late one night this past February, veteran reporter R.G. Dunlop received a cryptic message from a longtime trusted source. It said something like, Do you know about Rep. Dan Johnsons past? I hate hypocrites, Dunlop says. At the time, he didnt know much about Danny Ray Johnson, the Kentucky state representative in question. Dunlop, along with reporter and producer Jacob Ryan, started looking into that initial tip.

As the months passed, new leads emergedand the story became bigger than Dunlop ever expected. We didnt know what we had, he says.

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What started as a late-night text eventually turned into a seven-month, five-part investigation into the preacher-turned-politician. The resulting podcast, The Popes Long Con, is a herculean effort from the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting and Louisville Public Media. It launched on December 11, and two days later, the investigations subject, Johnson, died by suicide. He drove to a bridge outside Mount Washington, Kentucky, and shot himself with a .40-caliber handgun, according to Bullitt County Sheriff Donnie Tinnell. It was a tragic and unexpected outcome following the release of KyCIRs investigation. Yet the team handled the aftermath with the same sensitivity, professionalism, and commitment to truth that defined The Popes Long Con.

Louisville Public Media created KyCIR, its nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom, almost four years ago to expose wrongdoing in the public and private sectors and to hold leaders accountable. The Popes Long Con does both. For seven months, Dunlop and Ryan tracked how Johnson, who called himself Pope, was able to cultivate a public persona built on lies and deceit. Johnsons past was riddled with unexamined controversy, including attempted arson, false testimony, and an alleged molestation. We wanted to find out: why did he do this? And how did he pull it off?, says Brendan McCarthy, KyCIRs managing editor.

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A former bishop of an evangelical church, Johnson was elected to the Kentucky legislature in 2016. His campaign was not without controversy; he made national headlines after posting racist images of President Barack Obama and his family on Facebook. That incident, and everything from his past, went largely unchecked by state and local media organizations, including KyCIR, during his campaign. (The medias shortcomings ultimately became part of the podcasts final episode, When Our Institutions Fail.)

Nobody took the bait then, but KyCIR eventually did. The Popes Long Con is its biggest investigation to-date. Usually the teams investigations result in a 3,000-word web story and a five-to-six minute radio piece. This one culminated in a more than 10,000-word web story and five-part podcast. We knew fairly quickly that it would be more complex than we initially envisioned, Dunlop says.

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Dunlops initial source told him about a mysterious attempted arson plot involving Johnson from 32 years ago. He employed basic shoe-leather reporting to find the right records and documentation. When he couldnt find them in the local court archives, he turned to the federal court system, which led to the discovery of additional records, including one about Johnsons possible involvement in a church fire in 2000. He talked to arson investigators and the police personnel involved in those cases. The more he dug, the more he found. The church fire investigation led him to sources who hinted at impropriety in the church, including an alleged sexual assault. Dunlop asked the Louisville Metro Police Department for records and came across a heavily sanitized report involving a sexual assault allegation. The accusers name wasnt on it, and the details were minimal, but it was enough to spur Dunlop to find out more. (The accuser, Maranda Richmond, was 17 at the time of the alleged assault, and while she did go to the police, they ultimately closed her case with no resolution or charges. When Johnson hit the campaign trail in 2016, Richmond reached out to people in media and politics about her story, but the concerns didnt gain traction, according to KyCIR.)

At the same time, Dunlop, with the help of KyCIR colleagues, excavated the material for the five episodes from more than 100 interviews and 1,000 pages of public documents. It was one of those dont leave any stone unturned situations, and we tried to turn them all over, Dunlop says. They followed leads and tracked down sources in Texas, California, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana. They obtained documents from the Louisville arson investigators, the Kentucky Legislative Research Commission, and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and leveraged public court filings, sworn statements, campaign finance reports, copies of bank statements, and licensing records. They culled archives, pored over Johnsons sermons and campaign videos, and consulted expert sources.

And, in an effort to proactively combat any accusations of fake news, the KyCIR team posted many of these findings online for the public. There is such distrust of the media, McCarthy says. Showing our work and sharing the resources [was important] to engender trust with our audience.

For a long time, KyCIR thought theyd get an interview with Johnson himself. He declined many requests, cancelling meetings and invoking fake news in phone calls with the team. But despite Johnsons unwillingness to cooperate, KyCIR eventually had a story which was ironclad in Dunlops words.

When the podcast launched, the response was immediate. KyCIR broke all their web traffic records in the first day, and its audience overwhelmingly lauded the investigation. Republican and Democratic statewide leadership asked Johnson to step down from public office, and the Louisville Metro Police reopened the investigation into the alleged sexual assault, though Johnson publicly denied all the accusations uncovered in The Popes Long Con.

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And then the unexpected happened. Two days after the podcasts launch, when three episodes had aired on the radio, Johnson shot himself. To be honest, were still wrestling with this, McCarthy says. Its any journalists nightmare to have someone you reported on commit suicide in the wake of a report. Its something here nobody had envisioned. Dunlop was at home when he found out and immediately checked in on the woman who accused Johnson of sexual assault: I suspected this would be very difficult for her, which in fact it was.

Theres no playbook for journalists about how to handle situations like this, he says: You dont turn to page 13 and figure out how to deal with this. Lots of hugging and the unwavering support of colleagues, friends, and listeners helped as the KyCIR team grappled with the tragedy. They kept hearing from same message from people: We need you. The reporting may have factored into Johnsons death, but Dunlop supports the work accomplished by the KyCIR team. No one has challenged any aspect of the story, Dunlop says. Its not as though a story that was erroneous brought this man down. We revealed his life history, and it obviously didnt resonate well with him. While in my head I understand I didnt kill Mr. Johnson, he pulled the trigger, it feels very difficult to get over the emotional part of this. Louisville Public Media also made counselors available to its staff following the news of Johnsons suicide.

KyCIR also modified the roll-out of its investigation following Johnsons death. Initially, the plan was to air all five episodes on the radio, but they chose not to air the last two out of respect for victims of trauma in the immediate wake of Johnsons suicide, according to a statement from Stephen George, executive editor of Louisville Public Media. Instead they immediately released all five episodes online for those who wanted to hear the stories. KyCIR followed up their investigation with coverage of Johnsons suicide, though Dunlop and Ryan were not involved in the reporting, and plans to produce a final chapter of The Popes Long Con in the coming weeks.

Unsurprisingly, The Popes Long Con became part of the story after Johnsons suicide, with some directing the blame on KyCIRs reporting. Johnsons widow, Rebecca Johnson, pushed this narrative on The Today Show: I am confident if that little greasy reporter had not done what he did, my husband would be alive right now. (She did acknowledge other factors in interviews with her local broadcast news station WHAS.) And The Washington Post, in both an opinion piece and reported story, lumped Johnsons suicide in with the #MeToo movement. Kathleen Parker, a WashPo opinion writer, used Johnson as a peg for what shes calling a rush to judgment in the recent wave of sexual harassment accusations: Johnsons suicide reminds us that the best of causes conducted without the usual rules of law can lead to disastrous, even fatal, consequences. It was a poorly received piecebased on a quick read of its reader commentsand an insensitive one, incorrectly writing that the accuser remained anonymous (she spoke with KyCIR on the record). Another WashPo news story also all but ignored KyCIRs reporting in writing about Johnsons career and death.

This ensuing media coverage frustrated the KyCIR team for two reasons. First, there was minimal pushback from reporters against claims like the ones made by Johnsons widow. I wish there had been a more questioning attitude by reporters after Mr. Johnson died, and less an unquestioning acceptance of what were people were saying about us and our work, and whether or not they accurately or inaccurately represented our work, Dunlop explains. Second, the media incorrectly identified The Popes Long Con as belonging to the #MeToo movement. The sexual assault allegation was just one episode of the five-part series, Dunlop says, and while important, its not the full story: Its one part of a multifaceted, complicated life. Some of the accounts overlooked the other facets of his life.

The Popes Long Con is an exemplar not only of dogged local reporting, but also a how-to for newsrooms grappling with unexpected ramifications. For KyCIR, the results of their investigations usually mean a change in law or policy, sometimes a resignation from public office. But never before has it meant reconciling with the death of a subject. We wanted justice to be done, but nobody wanted him dead, Dunlop says.

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Meg Dalton is a freelance journalist and audio producer based in Connecticut. She's reported and edited for CJR, PBS NewsHour, Energy News Network, Architectural Digest, MediaShift, Hearst Connecticut newspapers, and more. Follow her on Twitter: @megdalts. Find her on Twitter @megdalts.
The investigative profile of preacher-turned-politician Dan Johnson was devastating.

Johnson called himself the Pope, and in a five-day series called The Popes Long Con based on a seven-month investigation and more than 100 interviews, the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting described how Johnson, a recently elected Republican state lawmaker, had lied about his background, burned his carand possibly his churchfor insurance money, and allegedly molested a 17-year-old girl during a sleepover.

Read more: Any journalists nightmare: The Popes Long Con unraveled a web of lies, with tragic consequences

After three installments were broadcast on an affiliated public radio station, WFPL, Johnson drove to a bridge south of Louisville and shot himself. In a suicide note posted on Facebook, Johnson denied the allegations. His widow blamed the media for his death. And one listener who commented on the stations website called KyCIR evil and attributed the death to its unwarranted and sustained political attack.

But most readers and listeners who commented defended the report, noting it was meticulously documented and sourced. And experts on suicide and journalistic ethics say that suicide is so rare, so unpredictable, and so often caused by multiple factors that it cannotand should notbe blamed on news coverage.

Suicide is never caused by one thing, said Julie Cerel, president of the American Association of Suicidology. A licensed clinical psychologist and professor in University of Kentuckys College of Social Work, Cerel said many people are accused of misconduct but dont take their own lives, just as a lot of kids are bullied but very few die of suicide.

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ICYMI: The most recent Trump bombshell, and a stunning revelation about Melania

Samuel Freedman, a religion columnist at The New York Times and a professor at Columbia Universitys School of Journalism, said reporters and editors should weigh the potential harm of stories on subjects but that is not an argument for self-censoring. The media must consider the public harm of not publishing, he said, such as allowing an alleged sexual predator to keep trusted positions in a church or state government.

Kathleen Culver, director of the Center for Journalism Ethics at University of Wisconsin, noted that KyCIR tried to reach out to the subject to allow him to speak for himself.

The death of news subjects by suicide is not common, but it is hardly unprecedented.

The most famous instance came in 1965, after editors at The New York Times received a tip that the state grand dragon of the Ku Klux Klan, a former top officer in the American Nazi Party, not only was Jewish but had been raised in an Orthodox home and bar mitzvahed. The Times sent a reporter to confront Dan Burros about his bizarre background and he vowed to kill the reporter, and possibly himself, if it disclosed his secret.

Ill be ruined, he said. This is all Ive got to live for.

Under the headline, State Klan Leader Hides Secret of Jewish Origin, the Times published the story, one of the most famous in its history, on the front page on October 31, 1965. Later the same day, Burros fatally shot himself in the head and chest.

ICYMI: The New York Times begins 2018 on a sour note

The newspaper received angry letters questioning the wisdom of invading Burross privacy and exposing an obviously sick person. Even some staff members in the newsroom felt the paper may have gone too far, given that Burros was merely an oddball rather than a major public figure, Gay Talese wrote in his history of the Times, The Kingdom and the Power.

Its sad when someone commits suicide, but the job of journalists is to try to ascertain the truth of the situation and not primarily engage in considering the consequences before we write.

But others said the story, which later inspired a book by Times editors Arthur Gelb and A.M. Rosenthal, One More Victim, as well as a movie, The Believer, starring Ryan Gosling, performed a public service in focusing attention on a fanatic with the potential for causing public harm.

Experts say it is impossible for journalists to predict the consequences of their work. We cant see around corners, said Edward Wasserman, dean of the California-Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. Still, Wasserman, a former editor at the Miami Herald and the Casper, Wyoming Star-Tribune, said some discoveries dont rise to the level of public significance and are merely interesting or titillating, making it callous and cruel to publish them.

For example, in 2006 before a sweeps week, KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh aired a series of promotions for a report on a local minister suggesting he was involved in improper behavior; the promos showed a reporter confronting the pastor about his visits to an adult bookstore. He went to a motel and killed himself. Angry viewers accused the station of assassinating the preacher, according to an editorial column in the Post-Gazette, which said TV stations ought to take a contemplative look at the impact salacious, fear-mongering sweeps-month promos and reports can have. The stations general manager issued a statement expressing condolences; he said the station never aired the story because it had received advance word from somebody close to the minister that he was considering harming himself.

In 1998, the owner of a martial arts studio in Charlottesville, Virginia, killed himself after a local news outlet, C-Ville Weekly, reported that a two-way mirror had been installed in the womens room there. A reporter had contacted the owner, who said he hadnt known the mirror could be viewed from the other side, and that planned to alert authorities. Instead, he drove to a wooded park and stabbed himself to death. In a suicide note, he denied wrongdoing. While some of his former students angrily questioned whether they had been spied on, others said the owner had been treated unjustly by the media and that the pressure drove him to take his own life.

Author Orville Schell, who preceded Wasserman as Berkeley dean, told The Washington Post at the time that the reporter acted responsibly. Its sad when someone commits suicide, but the job of journalists is to try to ascertain the truth of the situation and not primarily engage in considering the consequences before we write, he said. That really is the job of policymakers and managers.

Two years earlier, the Navys highest-ranking officer, Admiral Jeremy M. Boorda, committed suicide shortly after he was told of an impending magazine article suggesting that he wore two Vietnam War combat decorations that he had not earned. Newsweek had requested an interview earlier in the day. Defense Department and Navy colleagues said that while the magazine article may have pushed the admiral over the edge, he had been under great stress at the Navy, which has been overwhelmed with a cheating scandal at the Naval Academy and the sexual assault of dozens of women at a convention of naval aviators.

Other stories have ended in tragedy, despite precautions taken by news organizations.

In 2012, before the Tampa Bay Times published a story about a 39-year-old woman who suffered from a rare, debilitating condition called persistent genital arousal disorder, editors allowed the reporter call her in advance and read her the story word for word because it was so sensitive. In an email before it ran, Gretchen Molannen thanked the reporter for doing the piece. I am flattered that you cared so much to want to help, she said. I just hope this will educate people that this is serious and really exists, and that other women who are suffering in silence will now have the courage to talk to a doctor about it. But the day after publication, she committed suicide. One angry reader wrote that the Times had blood on its hands, while another said the story did not belong in a mainstream newspaper.

Molannen, though, had told the reporter that her condition was so debilitating that she had attempted suicide at least three times during the year before the story ran. Then-Managing Editor Mike Wilson issued a statement that said, We cant know all of the complex factors that led Gretchen to the awful choice she made. But we hope and believe that her story will help other men and women who quietly suffer from similar conditions.

ICYMI: The myth of journalistic betrayal

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Andrew Wolfson Andrew Wolfson is a reporter on the Courier Journals project team, where he previously covered legal issues and other topics. Wolfson has won a George Polk Award for national reporting and an American Bar Association Silver Gavel, and he was a member of a reporting team awarded a Pulitzer Prize.
New York media bad boy Michael Wolff threw a hand grenade into the Washington scene on Wednesday with a lengthy New York magazine excerpt from his new book Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House. One of the revelations: According to Wolff, not only did both Trump and his entire campaign team expect him to lose the presidential race, but the former reality TV host never really wanted to win in the first place.

ICYMI: The New York Times begins 2018 on a sour note

As the campaign came to an end, Trump himself was sanguine. His ultimate goal, after all, had never been to win, Wolff writes. Not only would Trump not be president, almost everyone in the campaign agreed, he should probably not be. When it looked as though victory was almost certain, Don Jr. told a friend that his father, or DJT, as he calls him, looked as if he had seen a ghost. Melania was in tears  and not of joy.

The book has already caused Trump to publicly disavow his former adviser, Breitbart News Chairman Steve Bannon, the man whom many assume was a key source for Wolffs book. Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my Presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind, the president said in a statement. Trump went on to say that Bannon only pretends to have had influence to fool a few people with no access and no clue, whom he helped write phony books.

ICYMI: 11 images that show how the Trump administration is failing at photography

Trumps ire was no doubt sparked by some of the explosive quotes and details Bannon provided the author, including one comment about a meeting Donald Trump Jr. and senior members of the Trump campaign had with a Russian lawyer offering the campaign dirt on Hillary Clinton, calling it treasonous and unpatriotic. For her part, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Wolffs book is filled with false and misleading accounts from individuals who have no access or influence with the White House.

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More on the Trump allegations and his all-out war with Bannon:

Number one with a bullet : CNN media reporter Brian Stelter says the Wolff book is already #1 on Amazons bestseller list despite the fact that it hasnt been officially released. According to Stelter, New York magazine had to speed up the rollout of its exclusive excerpt after The Guardian got hold of a copy and ran excerpts.

Don Jr. on the hot seat : Bannon also reportedly told Wolff that the investigation into the Trump campaigns alleged collusion with the Russian government during the campaign will likely focus on money laundering, and the Breitbart chairman predicted: Theyre going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV.

But is it true? Wolff has been criticized in the past for taking a somewhat loose approach to facts, The Washington Post notes , and several people quoted in the book have already denied statements attributed to them, including Trumps former Deputy Chief of Staff Katie Walsh.

Murdoch not impressed : Among the other revelations in the book: Trump had three televisions installed in his private bedroom, has ordered staff not to touch his toothbrush, eats McDonalds because he is afraid of being poisoned, and was once referred to by News Corp. founder Rupert Murdoch as a fucking idiot.

Other notable stories:

Sources tell Page Six that new Today show host Hoda Kotb, who is replacing former host Matt Lauer, will make about $18 million less per year than her predecessor. Lauer, you may remember, departed the network after a number of former staff reported that he had sexually harassed them.

Washington Post media columnist Margaret Sullivan, former public editor at The New York Times , writes about how the Times often comes under fire for valid reasons. She said the paper allows those at the top of government and business to seize its megaphone, sometimes while wearing the invisibility cloak of anonymity.

BuzzFeeds business editor, former New York Times editor Jennifer Kingson, has left the company, according to a report by Talking Biz News. The site has apparently decided to consolidate both its business and technology coverage under tech editor Mat Honan.

Digiday says some publishers who rely on traffic from Facebook are worried the social network may remove news from its so-called news feed completely, after the company tested a newsless news feed in several countries late last year. Some publishers found their traffic from Facebook fell by as much as 60 percent during the change in those countries.

According to a report in The New York Times , Googles search algorithms appear to reinforce some conspiracy theories about issues like global warming by showing users ads that make fake or unsupported claims when they search for the term.

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Mathew Ingram is CJRs chief digital writer. Previously, he was a senior writer with Fortune magazine. He has written about the intersection between media and technology since the earliest days of the commercial internet. His writing has been published in the Washington Post and the Financial Times as well as by Reuters and Bloomberg.
WHEN TONIKA JOHNSON walks into the Kusanya Cafe in Englewood, it is as if she inhabits a scene from one of her photographs. Neighbors drink from coffee mugs, and theres small talk at the metal counter. The cafes fogged and frosted windows restrict the view from the snow-covered sidewalk.

Englewood, which consistently has been named one of Chicagos highest-crime neighborhoods, is often shrouded, too. Even as the number of shootings in Englewood plummeted this year, the neighborhood can seem stuck in an endless loop of news stories about gang warfare and gun violence and school closings.

RELATED: Suburban Chicago news company vies for recognition in unfamiliar terrain

Through each news cycle, Johnsona street photographer and community activist who grew up here on the citys southwest sidehas documented Englewoods subtle moments of beauty and joy. Among Johnsons images, a viewer encounters a father at a park swing with his baby, a mother and daughter on a stoop, a woman at a laundromat fixing a childs hair.

For people who are from Englewood or a neighborhood like it, its the story of here, Johnson says of her photographs. Its an artistic photo album.

In December, Chicago Magazine named Johnson one of its Chicagoans of the Yearan honor she shares with scientists who created a treatment for river blindness and the more than 300 lawyers who helped passengers at OHare International Airport after Donald Trumps travel ban, among others. The magazine billed Johnson, who is 38, as Englewoods Everyday Archivist. At the cafe, Johnson is gently ribbed for being a media darling.

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Im not used it, Johnson says with a laugh. Its forcing me to think about my art in a way I hadnt thought of it before. I didnt fully accept responsibility of the larger context. I was just taking pictures.

Since she began photographing her neighborhood in 2006, Johnsons reputation has mostly been confined to the community. That changed this year. Johnsons work was featured on giant billboards in Englewood as part of a campaign to rebrand the neighborhood from the inside out. Andin a protest against Trumps campaign rhetoric about Chicago violenceshe has recently tried to get her images in front of a larger audience, outsiders who dont know Englewood with the intimacy of a lifelong resident raising her two teenagers in the same neighborhood. In 2017, Johnson exhibited her work at Rootwork Gallery, the Chicago Cultural Center, and Harold Washington Library.

To me, much of the power of her work comes from its authenticity, says Mick Dumke, a reporter for ProPublica Illinois who has known Johnson since she was a photography intern at the Chicago Reporter. While so many narratives about Englewood and Auburn-Gresham are centered on decay, Tonis images are full of the colors and poetry of everyday existence. Photo by photo, she challenges preconceptionsnot by shouting at us to open our eyes, but by showing us what we would see if we did.

The Chicago Reader featured her pictures in an August cover story about life beyond the headlines in Englewood. In one of the images, a woman is captured in a solitary moment, walking down a wide street. Johnson snapped the photo from an abandoned elevated rail line. In another, a 24-year-old smiles into the camera as her yellow curls consume the frame.

Tonika provided a beautiful story for the Reader, says Jamie Ramsay, the alt-weeklys photo director. Johnsons work, says Ramsay, was uplifting and well-executed.

Photographers, says Johnson, no longer have the privilege to stay in a neighborhood to get to know it.

JOHNSON SAYS HER WORK is inspired by early mentors in photojournalism, John H. White and Ovie Carter, two black photographers whose Pulitzer Prizewinning work helped shape and define photojournalism in the city. Carter, whom Johnson met when she was a high school student, encouraged her to pursue a journalism degree, which she did at Columbia College Chicago. She also studied photography while at Columbia College, where White teaches. Of her mentors, Johnson says she was amazed at how they captured the neighborhood that was so familiar to me with such dignity, photographic precision and truth without exploiting the obvious inequities.

While in college, during her photography internship at the Reporter, Johnson met Dumke and some of the citys great reporters, including Sarah Karp and Laura Washington. She watched them tackle big reporting projects with a passion and zeal that intimidated her. On one of her first assignments with Dumke, to interview inmates at the county jail, Dumke had to remind Johnson to take pictures, she recalls.

She brings the lens of an insider, someone who isnt just looking at Englewood because of its national reputationwho isnt there just to extract the value of shocking photographs to sell to an exploitative, voyeuristic public.

Johnson spent 10 weeks in 2017 as a photojournalism fellow at Chicagos City Bureau, a nonprofit civic journalism lab on the citys south side. During her fellowship, Johnson worked on a project that maps the citys racial segregation through images. The project, Folded Map, is still in progress, though there are plans to exhibit Johnsons work at the Loyola University Museum of Art this fall. Johnson detailed Folded Map in a Medium post in late December:

My idea was to choose homes on opposite sides of the city (6100 S. Wolcott and 6100 N. Wolcott, for instance) and document their differences through photography. By the time my fellowship ended, my project wasnt complete but City Bureau helped me develop it into a powerful visual investigation of geography, territory, its relationships to the people who inhabit these neighborhoods and the historical economic forces that have shaped them.

Her photographs are compelling because she brings the lens of an insider, someone who isnt just looking at Englewood because of its national reputationwho isnt there just to extract the value of shocking photographs to sell to an exploitative, voyeuristic public, says City Bureau co-founder Bettina Chang. She is examining and pulling apart the layers of life in a place that she calls her own.

The images she captures arent sanitized, Chang says of Johnsons work. She doesnt turn away from the signs of poverty and other misfortune in Englewood, but she also isnt solely looking for those types of photographs.

Im just hoping people will see her work and understand more than what people are saying about Englewood.

JOHNSON IS ALSO PROGRAM MANAGER of the Resident Association of Greater Englewood, which she co-founded in 2010. She says the citys news photographers used to spend time in neighborhoods like hers. But as newsrooms have downsized, and with fewer photographers left on staff at the major news outlets, photographers only seem to show up when something bad happens or if they have a project to document, which usually centers on crime or violence.

They no longer have the privilege to stay in a neighborhood to get to know it, says Johnson.

The Chicago Sun-Times eliminated its photography staff in 2013. Rich Hein, the Sun-Times photo editor, acknowledges the coverage gap such reductions can create.

The only time I will assign someone is when the news desks comes up with an angle, he says. Generally we would only go when somebody was killed or if there was a police shooting or a policeman was shot. Unfortunately, without a photo staff, that is what we are going to cover.

Too many images of black America depict it as deficit-ridden, says Tracie Hall, founder and owner of Rootwork Gallery, which exhibited Johnsons work in 2017. Hall says Johnsons images capture a part of black American life that can be invisible to outsiders.

Im just hoping people will see her work and understand more than what people are saying about Englewood, Hall says about Johnson. This photographer is actually capturing that world and showing it to be full of radiance and beautiful people.

RELATED: Chicago reporters on covering the citys violence during the Trump era

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Jackie Spinner is CJRs correspondent for Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin. She is an associate journalism professor at Columbia College Chicago and a former staff writer for The Washington Post. Follow her on Twitter @jackiespinner.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo proposed sweeping changes to the sexual harassment policies covering state and local officials Tuesday following national attention on the problem of sexual misconduct in the workplace.

The Democrats proposal includes a prohibition on taxpayer funded legal settlements involving complaints against individual government officials. It would also require that all harassment settlements to be made public unless the victim prefers they remain confidential.

Hes also pushing for changes to private employment rules to void forced arbitration clauses in employee contracts that keep sexual harassment cases out of the courts.

The last year brought a long overdue reckoning on sexual harassment, Cuomo said, and provided an opportunity for lawmakers to address a problem that goes back decades in state government.

There must be zero tolerance for sexual harassment in any workplace, and we can and will end the secrecy and coercive practices that have enabled harassment for far too long, Cuomo said.

The proposals will be part of Cuomos State of the State address on Wednesday, the first day of the 2018 legislative session.

Lawmakers have already proposed many of the ideas laid out by Cuomo. Currently, a patchwork of different harassment policies covers the state Senate, Assembly, executive branch and local governments.

Now, theres broad support among lawmakers from both parties that more must be done  something that pleases advocates who have long pressed Albany for greater action on the topic of sexual harassment.

Its going to be a productive and empowering year, predicted Sonia Ossorio, president of the National Organization for Women-New York.

Outlawing secret, taxpayer-funded settlements that allow officials to resolve complaints without public scrutiny is a top priority. Democratic leaders of the state Assembly were criticized in 2012 after approving a secret, $103,000 settlement over harassment complaints against former Assemblyman Vito Lopez.

Efforts to outlaw such taxpayer-funded settlements and make other changes to the states policy now have broad support among lawmakers from both parties.

Sen. Elaine Phillips, R-Long Island, said the goal is to punish abusers, prevent harassment and further protect all victims.

Other proposals from lawmakers include stronger protections against workplace retaliation for employees who report harassment, and a new law formally making sexual harassment a discriminatory practice  a move that would make it easier for workers to bring lawsuits against employers.

This year weve seen what happens when celebrities speak out against those who have sexually harassed them, said Sen. Liz Krueger, D-Manhattan. But in this (hash)MeToo moment, we must also ensure that regular working people can hold their harassers to account as well.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Indianapolis is being sued by a former courts official who alleges that she was fired after she installed air fresheners to combat a co-workers body odor.

Amber Bridges federal lawsuit says she was fired last year for creating a hostile work environment after the malodorous co-worker complained about the air fresheners. According to the complaint, Bridges action to improve the overall quality of air in the office prompted other staff to install air fresheners in the work area.

The Dec. 21 complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana claims that employees and staff started complaining about the chronic body odor in November 2016. As a former lead staff in the magistrate court, Bridges notified her supervisors about the complaints and later installed the air fresheners.

Bridges claims her firing was unlawful according to her association with an individual with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Indianapolis Star reported . She alleges the co-workers body odor is a protected disability under the ADA.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission says on its website that those who have an association with people who have a disability also are protected from workplace discrimination, including a person with a disabled spouse and someone who performs volunteer work for people with AIDS.

The commission claims that the standard exists to protect individuals from actions based on unfounded assumptions that their relationship to an individual with a disability would affect their job performance, according to their website.

The commission has considered body odor a protected disability in some cases.

Kevin Betz, an employment attorney, said it can be common for individuals to file suit against an employer based on an association with a disability. Betz said there are cases where a co-worker, family member or friend of an individual with a disability has received adverse actions in the workplace.

Both Bridges attorney and the citys attorney declined the newspapers request for comment.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Investigators on Tuesday were combing through a mangled Greyhound bus to determine whether any mechanical problems caused it to careen from a road in the Utah desert on New Years Eve, killing a 13-year-old girl and injuring 12 other people.

Meanwhile, the driver of the bus remained hospitalized in critical condition with skull fractures and other serious injuries, Utah Highway Patrol Lt. Steve Salas said.

The bus was carrying 14 people, including the driver, when it drifted off the shoulder of Interstate 70 and crashed into a ravine about 300 miles (483 kilometers) south of Salt Lake City.

A passenger told authorities there may have been a medical issue with the driver, but Salas said investigators had not confirmed that report. He also said he did not know the name of the driver or whether he had any previous accidents.

Some of the passengers were unconscious and trapped during the crash and had to be helped from the bus by other passengers. One woman helped drag her husband out of the bus and up a hill to the side of the highway.

Salas said most of the passengers escaped from the wreckage by climbing out of a rear window of the bus, which remained upright as it bridged the ravine. Passengers flagged down a truck driver for help.

Just looking at the impact itself and the amount of energy that was moving forward when that thing collided with the dirt, it is surprising that we didnt have more fatalities, Salas said.

No other motorists saw the crash, and investigators have not yet determined how fast the bus was going before the deadly crash.

Investigators dont believe it was braking or slowing but instead drifted off the right shoulder of the highway along a curve and traveled about 1,000 feet (300 meters) alongside the interstate before it came to a stop in the steep ravine.

The bus is not equipped with seatbelts for passengers, Salas said. The drivers seat is the only one on the bus with a seatbelt, but investigators dont know if the driver was wearing it.

Most of the injured people had neck and back injuries.

Authorities identified the girl killed as Summer Pinzon of Azusa, California. She was sitting next to her mother, who was hospitalized with a leg injury after the crash, Salas said.

Authorities did not release the mothers name but said the two were headed to California.

The bus driver and two passengers were taken by helicopters in serious condition to hospitals. Other injured passengers were taken to hospitals by ambulances.

Salas did not have an update about how many of the other passengers remained hospitalized.

Lanesha Gipson, a spokeswoman for Greyhound, did not have details Monday about the driver but said the company is cooperating with authorities and conducting its own investigation.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Police in Washington state have begun enforcing the new distracted driving law following the end of a six-month grace period.

Under the new law, drivers are prohibited from holding an electronic device  including phones, tablets and other electronic devices  while driving, including while in traffic or waiting for a traffic light to change.

However, the measure would allow the minimal use of a finger to activate, deactivate, or initiate a function of a personal electronic device while driving.

KOMO-TV reports that drivers caught with a cellphone in hand will be issued a $136 ticket. The fine increases to $234 if a driver is caught a second time. The first distracted driving offense would also be reportable to insurance companies, which could raise rates like any other moving violation.

Another section of the bill also says a person who engages in any activity not related to the actual operation of a motor vehicle is subject to pay an additional fine of $100. It only applies, if an officer catches a driver being distracted while committing a standard traffic offense, such as running a stop sign because their coffee spilled or a pet jumped in their lap.

The bill doesnt prohibit drivers from doing other things like eating, putting on makeup or having a pet in the car but it would create an extra fine if those distractions cause the driver to drive dangerously.

Exemptions to the bill would include using an electronic device to contact emergency services, to operate an emergency vehicle, to allow transit system dispatch services to communicate time-sensitive messages and to allow any activities that are federally authorized for commercial motor vehicle drivers. Operating an amateur radio station and two-way or citizens band radio services are also exempt under the bill.

The new law was enacted by state lawmakers last year, and it was initially set to take effect in 2019 to give the public and the state patrol some time to adjust and prepare for the change.

Gov. Jay Inslee pushed for the law to take effect in July 2017, but instructed law enforcement agencies to give drivers a six-month grace period in order to adapt to the new law.

Washington State Patrol says nearly 7,000 warnings were issued to drivers during the grace period.

(Alexis Myers and AP correspondent Rachel La Corte contributed to this report.)

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
One of bitcoin's biggest bulls sees a $50,000 future for bitcoin in 2018.

Spencer Bogart, a partner at Blockchain Capital, thinks the controversial cryptocurrency will continue to perform, as long as both retail and institutional investors get involved and stay there.

On the institutional side, there is only room to move up, according to Bogart. And surveys show growing interest in bitcoin ownership from retail investors, especially young ones.

"Institutional ownership is still effectively zero percent. There's a lot of room for upward movement here," Bogart said on CNBC's "Fast Money." "The drawbridges for institutional pools of capital have just been lowered."

Bogart admits bitcoin is still new, calling it a "bit of an exotic product for institutional investors," but he is confident the popularity will eventually trickle down to these investors, even if they sit out a couple of rounds to focus on derivatives.

"If institutional players want to play in this market, they'll dip their toe in the water or wait on the sidelines to see if the products themselves function," Bogart said. "This is a first round of product set that's going to evolve and mature and eventually become a deep market."

But much of Bogart's confidence comes from bitcoin's popularity among young adults. He referenced a Harris Poll for Blockchain Capital that found 19 percent of Americans and 32 percent of millennial Americans said they would invest in bitcoin in 5 years.

"When I think about what are likely good indicators of future technology trends, I pick younger demographics over older demographics every time," he said.

In the blockchain versus bitcoin debate, Bogart said it will still be important to focus on bitcoin in the coming year. But the verdict is out on the long-term value, so he'll keep investing in both, he said.

"There's certainly a thesis that suggests that a lot of the value accrues to the underlying protocols like bitcoin, ethereum, litecoin," he said. "But I think that there is a lot of value accruing to the businesses built on top of these networks. The Ripples of the world, the Coinbases of the world, are worth a significant amount of capital right now."
On Tuesday, the U.S. government torpedoed MoneyGram's multi-million-dollar merger with Ant Financial, which is controlled by Alibaba founder Jack Ma .

"It is not surprising that a number of Chinese companies have hit the buffers in Washington as trade tensions between the two countries are flaring," state news agency Xinhua said in a commentary published on Wednesday afternoon.

China warned of a "bumpy journey" in trade with the U.S. and "retaliatory measures" a day after Washington blocked MoneyGram's proposed sale to a financial services firm affiliated with Chinese tech giant Alibaba .

The current U.S. administration has taken a tough stance on the sale of U.S. companies to Chinese entities, with the MoneyGram deal the latest to fall through.

That decision came despite high-profile meetings between President Donald Trump and his Chinese counter, Xi Jinping, last year that were seemingly amicable.

Xinhua said on Wednesday the U.S. "is stuck in a zero-sum mentality," and "U.S. politicians have failed to catch up with China's understanding of cooperation and adopted an increasingly protective and isolationist approach."

"The bonhomie that grew between China and the United States in Beijing in November, when the two signed hundreds of billions of dollars of deals, seems to be fading away as the U.S. side is stuck in a zero-sum mentality," the commentary said.

"China and the United States are about to ride a bumpy journey in trade in 2018 if the U.S. government goes it own way, and retaliatory measures by China could be on the table," it added.

The Xinhua comments followed comments from China's foreign ministry on Wednesday afternoon on the same issue.

"The Chinese government always encourages Chinese enterprises to conduct outward investment and cooperation in accordance with market principles and on the basis of abiding by the local laws and regulations," said Geng Shuang, the ministry's spokesman.

"Meanwhile, we also hope the U.S. will provide a fair and predictable environment for the Chinese enterprises to invest and develop there," he added.
China's ruling Communist Party mouthpiece lashed out at bitcoin on Wednesday, labelling the volatile cryptocurrency a bubble and a modern-day tulip mania.

A People's Daily commentary written under the name "Wei Liang" said it was an established fact that bitcoin was a bubble.

"Irrespective of whether it is assessed on price or value, bitcoin is flooded with froth," it said. "Its so-called advantages  scarcity, authenticity, strong liquidity, transparency and decentralisation  are only covers for speculation and cannot support its volatile price."

It said bitcoin's bubbles were created by a combination of hype, mystery, decentralisation and possible insider trading, suggesting that a small group of bitcoin owners were speculating on its price and manipulating general investors.

The commentary compared bitcoin to the seventeenth century mania in which prices for tulip bulbs skyrocketed and then collapsed. It also said there would be more "bubble breaking" in bitcoin after governments around the world tightened regulation.

The central government sees bitcoin as a source of risk. It banned domestic cryptocurrency exchanges last year after failing to regulate the fast growth of initial coin offerings, the virtual currency equivalent of an initial public offering.

More from the South China Morning Post :

China's bitcoin crackdown raises cryptocurrency demand as they move to peer-to-peer platforms

Bitcoin's all the rage with millennials but it's certainly no passing fad

Bitcoin bubble embodies our bipolar year of optimism and doubt



The assessment in the party mouthpiece comes after a roller-coaster ride for bitcoin last year  its price ballooned by about 20 times during the year but also plunged 40 per cent in one day.

In December, it rocketed to near US$20,000 and briefly plunged below US$13,000 at least twice, according to Coinbase, one of the world's biggest bitcoin exchanges.

Bitcoin investors are on alert to see whether Beijing will take further action against cryptocurrencies, such as shutting down bitcoin "mines", the energy-hungry operations that create bitcoin by solving mathematical problems using vast banks of computers.

China's crackdown has so far appeared to have little effect on bitcoin's price, with investors from neighbouring South Korea and Japan taking over in the trade where Chinese investors left off.

Chinese investors have also taken to unregulated peer-to-peer exchanges, where sellers and buyers of bitcoin negotiate prices on a one-on-one basis.

There were just four such platforms in October after the crackdown, but the number had risen to 21 by the end of November, according to the state-run National Committee of Experts on Internet Financial Security Technology. The platforms include two formed by Huobi and OKCoin, China's two biggest bitcoin exchanges before the crackdown.

It's just one of the opportunities for new business that former China-based exchange operators have been exploring in the last few months.

In December, Huobi partnered with Japanese financial group SBI to launch two exchanges in Japan. ViaBTC also launched CoinEX, a Hong Kong-based exchange that uses Bitcoin Cash, a spin-off of bitcoin.
Just three working days into 2018, pay for the average FTSE 100 chief executive will pass the median worker salary of 28,758 pounds ($38,855), the report by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and pressure group the High Pay Centre showed.

The average boss of one of Britain's top companies will on Thursday have earned the same as the typical worker will make in the entire year, according to a new report, stepping up pressure on companies ahead of the annual reporting season.

And that is despite the mean pay of FTSE 100 CEOs falling by about 17 percent in 2017 to 4.5 million pounds amid pressure from investors, the government and wider society for excessive pay to be reined in.

Even with that pay cut, the ratio of CEO pay to the pay of the average full-time worker is still 120:1, the report on "Fat Cat Thursday" showed, with the best-paid boss  advertising company WPP's Martin Sorrell  on 48.2 million pounds.

"The drop in pay in the last year is welcome, although relatively marginal, and will have largely been driven by the growing public and shareholder concerns and the Prime Minister's stronger focus on boardroom excess and plans to reform corporate governance," CIPD Chief Executive Peter Cheese said.

After a high-profile government review of the UK Corporate Governance Code in 2017, Britain's leading companies will now be forced to disclose the pay ratio between the CEO and average worker, a move welcomed by the High Pay Centre's Stefan Stern.

"Publishing pay ratios will force boards to acknowledge these gaps. We look forward to working with business and government to make this new disclosure requirement work as effectively as possible," he said.

Luke Hildyard, Stewardship and Corporate Governance Policy Lead at the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association, said just 7 percent of FTSE 100 annual reports detailed the difference between the CEO's pay and that of the wider workforce.

"Huge pay differences between executives and the wider workforce symbolise how too many companies fail to understand or appreciate the value of their workers," he said.
Brad and Jandy Sprouse are the owners of Great Lakes Ranch, a sprawling homestead in Leelanau County, Mich., surrounded by thousands of acres of empty pine forests, lakes and rivers. The couple's idyllic home is also the headquarters of the Sprouses' business: breeding Tibetan Yak. "We get up in the morning and ... we take in the view with all the animals in front of us and the beautiful valley and have a cup of coffee before we head out to the barn," Jandy Sprouse says on CNBC's "Blue Collar Millionaires."

Brad and Jandy Sprouse CNBC | Blue Collar Millionaires

In addition to the livestock, the couple also sells local yarns, fibers and cozy products from yak wool through their Great Lakes Ranch Fiber, Yarn and Fashion Store. Brad Sprouse got started in the business in 1981 raising llamas. In 1991, the ranch added Tibetan Yak, and in 1993 they began breeding Suri alpacas, according to the ranch's website. Today they focus only on yak. But it's been lucrative. For example, according to "Blue Collar Millionaires," which aired in 2015, it cost the couple $350 per year to raise an alpaca, even "with vet bills, grain, hay the whole works," says Jandy. Not bad, considering that they could sell the animals for $15,000 to $35,000 a head. Why? Many expensive suits and knits are made from alpaca.
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The computer industry is on Wednesday to patch a massive security vulnerability that's present in the processors used on almost all the computers in the world. The vulnerabilities could allow a hacker to steal information stored in the memory of a wide range of computer chips running on personal devices  not just computers and phones, but also the servers in data centers, including those used to run cloud computing services. The widespread vulnerability could allow a hacker to steal information stored in the memory of the chip itself, including things such as passwords and cached files. It could also pave the way for attackers to weaken other security features.

'Meltdown' and 'Spectre'

One of the vulnerabilities, dubbed Meltdown, is known to affect Intel chips. Another, Spectre, could affect chips from many vendors, including Intel as well as AMD and Arm. Although there are no known exploits for the problem yet, the problem is alarming because it could affect so many computers. Intel and AMD chips power nearly all personal computers and the computers used in data centers, including those that power online services and cloud computing services, while Arm chips power many smartphones. A site with detailed information about Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities says that Google's Jann Horn and third-party researchers discovered them around the same time.

Intel, others respond

CEO Brian Krzanich also told CNBC that first alerted it to the vulnerability, and Google has published a detailed rundown of the exploits. Intel and other companies were scrambling to fix the problem before word got out, the New York Times reports, but news of the vulnerability was reported by The Register on Tuesday, so the companies and researchers rushed to release information about it on Wednesday.

What you should do

Individuals should apply the first available security updates from the companies who make the software on their devices, like Microsoft Windows, or Apple for iOS. Service providers such as Amazon are working to patch the servers used in their data centers, and some users may experirence down time as they do this.

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A man walks past a Bitcoin symbol on a window of the offices of the bank 'La Maison du Bitcoin' in Paris.

"The decision to close GBTC to new purchases is driven by concerns pertaining to suitability and eligibility standards of this product," according to an internal memo the newspaper reviewed.

The ban prevents the financial giant's roughly 17,000 advisors from pitching investments related to bitcoin and executing client requests to trade Grayscale's bitcoin investment trust (GBTC) , the newspaper said, citing a person familiar with the matter.

Merrill Lynch financial advisors cannot buy bitcoin -related investments for their clients, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday.

A Merrill Lynch spokesperson confirmed the report to CNBC.

Michael Sonnenshein, director of sales and business development at Grayscale, said in a statement to CNBC that, " We look forward to speaking with Merrill Lynch and addressing any questions or concerns they have about the Bitcoin Investment Trust. We are unaware of any similar policies at other brokerage firms."

GBTC is traded over the counter, rather than through a formal venue like the New York Stock Exchange. The bitcoin trust is the top holding of two of Ark Invest's exchange-traded funds, which unsurprisingly were among the top performing ETFs last year, according to ETF.com.

Merrill Lynch previously banned access to the bitcoin futures that CME , the world's largest futures exchange, and its competitor Cboe launched in mid-December.

Bitcoin has soared more than 1,300 percent over the last 12 months and has drawn strong criticism that the digital currency is in a highly speculative bubble.

Read the full Journal report here.
College graduates crippled by burdensome student loan debt might want to consider moving to Kansas. The Kansas Department of Commerce is offering many new, full-time residents some pretty attractive perks. Seventy-seven different counties, which cover most of the state, offer student loan repayments and/or state income tax waivers as an incentive to get people to move there. The program, called Rural Opportunity Zones (ROZ), has been "highly effective" in attracting new residents, Kevin Doel, director of communications at the Kansas Department of Commerce, tells CNBC Make It.

Program pays off for graduates with debt

Packing up your stuff and plopping yourself in a new apartment in one of those Kansas counties won't be enough to get that student loan debt wiped out.

In order to be eligible for the student loan repayment program, you must have established residency in the county after July 2011 and on or after the date in which your county opted in to the program, and have obtained either an associate's, bachelor's or post-graduate degree before moving there. You'll also need to have a "sponsor" available, which could be either your county or employer. Employers "have shown strong interest in using this program as a recruitment tool," Doel says. For example, Kearny County Hospital is currently sponsoring five individuals, he says. Overall, there are currently 58 sponsoring employers. Once you secure your sponsor, your student loan repayment is funded half by that sponsor and half by the state. "We spent about $2.2 million in student repayment loans last year," Kansas Governor Sam Brownback tells CNBC's "Power Lunch." He also notes that the $2.2 million figure is the state's expenditure, while the other half of the student loan repayment is sponsored locally. So far, the Kansas Department of Commerce has received over 3,400 ROZ applications for student loan repayment assistance, and over one-third of the applicants are moving to Kansas from out-of-state. "The ROZ program has also helped over 2,000 Kansans return home and has attracted individuals with a wide range of talents and occupations," Doel tells CNBC Make It. "It has been particularly effective in attracting educators and healthcare professionals. The ROZ applicants have stated the incentives were important in their decision to move to a ROZ county."

Student loan debt is crippling the country

Participants in Kansas' program can receive annual payments equal to 20 percent of their outstanding student loan balance, up to maximum of $3,000 per year or $15,000 over the course of five years. With the current average student loan debt per borrower nationwide at $26,700, according to consumer spending site ValuePenguin, and the amount of student loan debt ballooning over the past decade by more than 250 percent across the U.S., rural towns might have just found the secret to scoring new residents.

The 77 counties participating in the ROZ program also offer a five-year income tax waiver for new residents who have made less than $10,000 in Kansas income within five years prior to moving to the county, with the credit covering 100 percent of the taxpayer's Kansas tax liability. Currently, the income tax credit is available until tax year 2021, according to Kansas' Department of Revenue. However, there is no indication as to what the Kansas legislature will do beyond that point, Doel says. Last month, President Donald Trump signed into law a sweeping tax overhaul, and along with it, a complex tangle of tax code changes that is still being unpacked.

Other towns are also offering financial incentives

Data released in March from the U.S. Census Bureau reveals that the population in counties outside of metro areas decreased a bit in 2016, making it the sixth straight year of population decline, FiveThirtyEight reports. In light of shrinking populations, a slew of other towns and cities in rural areas of the country also offer financial perks to incentivize people to move there. In New Richland, Minnesota, for example, you can receive a free lot to build a single-family "dream home," according to a brochure from the town. In order to receive the free land, you must build your new home within one year after the property is deeded to you, and you will be responsible for "special assessment" costs to cover things like water and sewage, which could run between $14,000 to $25,000. As another type of incentive to attract new residents, Harmony, Minnesota (which boasts a population of 1,000 residents) offers a cash rebate program for home construction. For those building a new home, the Harmony Economic Development Authority will provide a cash rebate ranging from $5,000 to $12,000. There are no restrictions or limits on the applicant's age, income level or residency, either. "The program has helped create almost $1.1 million in new taxable building value and has gotten us even better mileage as a marketing tool," Chris Giesen, vice president of community and economic development associates (which represents the Harmony Economic Development Authority), tells CNBC Make It. Other cities that have also offered financial incentives as a tool to recruit new residents include Niagara Falls, New York, Curtis, Nebraska and New Haven, Connecticut.

Cities that offer recent grads the best salaries
Snow days can easily be an inconvenience for both employers and employees. Even if a company is operating with a normal schedule, managers may still face a short staff due to local school closures, blocked off roads or unshoveled streets that all contribute to an employee calling out of work. Although some leading companies like Amazon, Hilton and Dell have added more remote work positions to their roster, other employers still fear that flexible work schedules will decrease productivity and collaboration. To convince your boss that a remote work policy can be good for business not only on a snow day but year-round, FlexJobs career specialist Brie Reynolds suggests following these five steps:

Thinkstock | Getty Images

1. Evaluate the demands of your position

Before scheduling a meeting with your boss to discuss an adjustment to their schedule, Reynolds says an employee should first evaluate the responsibilities of their job. "For example, if you work in sales and meet with a lot of clients in the office then working from home may not be best for you," she tells CNBC Make It. "Maybe think about adjusting your schedule to only take clients during a certain time and get a flexible schedule that way." If you have any friends who have negotiated a flexible work schedule, Reynolds also suggests asking them how they went about convincing their boss.

2. Check in with your HR department

Check with your company's HR department to get insight into whether the company has a remote work policy that isn't being employed in your division, or if they have ever had one in the past. If there was once a remote work policy in place, ask why it was eliminated. If there is one that is currently in place that other departments are using, ask workers from that department how the flexibility is impacting them. Then, present any positive feedback you receive to your boss.

3. Draft a proposal

After getting information on your company's relationship with remote work, draft a proposal that makes the case for why a flexible schedule will be good for your work, your team and your boss. In explaining its benefit, Reynolds advises employees to steer clear of focusing on personal motivations. "Some people have a more personal relationship with their boss, but if you don't, then keep it on a professional level," she says. "It will show that you thought about not only yourself, but the impact it will have on the company as a whole." For example, Reynolds says you can make the business case for how a remote work policy can eliminate your commute and help you start your day less stressed.

4. Plan for a trial period

In addition to drafting a proposal, Reynolds says employees should also create a plan that allows their boss to agree to a trial period. In this plan, you should outline how long the trial period will be, what you will be doing during that period and how you and your boss can measure your success. Mapping out a trial period, Reynolds says, can be great if you know your boss will be hesitant about committing to a full-time work-from-home plan.

5. Present your idea
A massive winter storm forced an Airbus A380, the world's largest passenger jet, to divert to a small New York airport around 1 p.m. ET on Thursday after heavy winds and whiteout conditions closed runways at its intended destination: John F. Kennedy International Airport.

The 325 passengers aboard Singapore Airlines Flight 26 from Frankfurt, Germany, found themselves on a snowy runway for more than three hours at humble Stewart International, about 80 miles north of JFK.

Passengers were leaving the plane after 5 p.m. ET using outdoor stairs, according to Manoel Gerlach, a passenger aboard the plane who was traveling with his wife and toddler son.

The sight of the giant plane, whose 262-foot wingspan is more than double that of a Boeing 737, was unusual for the airport, which is dwarfed by JFK in terms of passenger traffic. In 2016, about 137,000 passengers boarded at Stewart. At JFK, some 29 million passengers boarded, according to the Department of Transportation.

The airport's 11,800 foot runway can easily accommodate the large plane, and the airport even bills itself as an "efficient diversion airport" because the runway is so long. But the airport's gates aren't high enough to reach the plane's doors. Stairs were brought to the aircraft and passengers exited the plane into the outdoors, Gerlach said.

Singapore Airlines transported the passengers to New York by bus. transportation to New York for the passengers, a spokesman said.
Mobile ad agency Fetch has filed a lawsuit against Uber, claiming that the taxi app firm owes it $19.7 million in unpaid invoices. The move marks the latest step in a legal row that started in September. Uber had initially sought $40 million in damages from Fetch, alleging that the Dentsu-owned agency billed it for fake clicks on its online ads, allegations that Fetch denied. But Uber voluntarily dismissed that lawsuit on December 22, Reuters reported Tuesday, after the case was reassigned to Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers at the U.S. District Court, Northern District of California. It said it would seek claims in a San Francisco state court instead.

A phone displays the Uber ride-hailing app on September 22, 2017 in London, England. Uber is appealing Transport for London's decision not to renew its operating license. Leon Neal | Getty Images

Now Fetch has asked for Judge Rogers to determine both companies' contractual responsibilities and to direct Uber to pay it the monies Fetch claimed it is owed. Uber is said to have noticed a problem when it canceled a campaign set to appear on the Breitbart News website, where ads were placed by Fetch, but they continued to appear on the site. Uber said the agency was "running a wild west of online advertising fraud," and claimed credit for app downloads that happened without customers clicking on ads. Fetch CEO James Connelly told CNBC via email in September that it had terminated its two-year agreement with Uber in May 2017 due to non-payment of invoices and that it had advised the company on reducing ad fraud.

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Ventura County Public Works Agency teams engaged in debris clean-up this week near Thomas fire burn areas. Source: Consortium Media

A winter storm is forecast to strike next week in Southern California that could bring up to 4 inches of rain and result in mudslides or flooding in some wildfire-scarred areas. Crews were scrambling this week to clean out debris in catch basins and prepare for heavy rains forecast to fall in burn areas Tuesday into Wednesday. The absence of vegetation and roots in burned-out hillsides and canyons makes them more susceptible to mudslides and even landslides, officials said. "To think that there won't be flooding would be very foolish," Tom Fayram, water resources deputy director for Santa Barbara County Public Works, said in an interview Thursday. "We've actually started while the fire is still burning clearing about 11 debris basins." The region's first major winter storm could bring rain to Ventura and Santa Barbara counties where the Thomas fire has burned as well as precipitation to residential areas in Los Angeles where other recent blazes have left hillsides bare of vegetation and prone to mudslides and flooding.

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"We have a lot of steep, fire-denuded hill slopes where a lot of heavy rain at once could cause flooding and debris flows," said Paul Meznarich, U.S. Forest Service spokesman for the Thomas fire, told CNBC. "We want rain but we don't want a lot of it coming down hard in a short period of time because that brings its own problems with it." The National Weather Service is forecasting there could be about 2 to 4 inches of rain in the foothills and mountains areas of some of the recent burned areas from the approaching storm. There also is significant rain forecast for the coastal and other areas of the region. Jayme Laber, a hydrologist at the NWS office in Oxnard, California, said forecast models are showing that rain rates Tuesday into Wednesday in recent burn areas could approach a rate of about one-half-inch an hour, or enough to trigger flashfloods and debris flows. "Any recent burn area is considered a risk for mud and debris flow in the event there is a large amount of rain," said Capt. Erik Scott of the Los Angeles Fire Department. Wildfires often happen in September and October in Southern California and give local public works agencies time to prepare for the winter rains. However, given the Thomas fire started in December it has left little time for communities to prepare for the major storm system next week.

Fire fighters attack the Thomas Fires north flank with backfires as they continue to fight a massive wildfire north of Los Angeles, near Ojai , California, U.S., December 9, 2017. Gene Blevins | Reuters

Overall, the Thomas fire  the largest wildfire in California history  has scorched nearly 282,000 acres, or about 440 square miles, and destroyed or damaged more than 1,300 structures. The blaze, which also has caused losses to agriculture exceeding $171 million, was 92 percent contained as of Thursday morning. In Ventura County, the fire destroyed homes from Santa Paula to Ventura and left bare slopes along a coastal highway that connects Ventura to Santa Barbara. Some of the burned areas have a history of major debris flows and flooding after fires. For example, the western Ventura County town of La Conchita, where slopes burned last month, experienced a deadly mudslide in 2005 after rains. That event killed 10 people and destroyed more than a dozen homes. "The whole face of that slope [in La Conchita] burned," said Jim O'Tousa, a Ventura County geologist. "We are concerned about debris flows off that slope and out of the canyons on either side." Another potential danger is hillsides that burned above Summerland, Montecito and Carpinteria in Santa Barbara County. The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors held a special meeting Wednesday to discuss the flooding risk and heard how county workers are already clearing debris basins from burned areas in preparation for the storm. Meantime, in LA County where the so-called Creek and Skirball fires burned homes and hills in December there are preparations underway for the approaching storm. Also, more than 100 fire stations in the LA area are providing sandbags for residents to use as a way to protect homes. Besides December's fires, LA Fire's Scott said a concern with the approaching storm is areas burned in September's so-called La Tuna fire  the largest acreage fire in LA city history. Even so, local agencies have had more time to perform field work to shore up those burn areas that may cause mudslides.

WATCH: Wildfires getting worse and more expensive to fight
You'll soon be able to use Alexa to start heating food in your microwave.

Amazon introduced new tools on Thursday that allow kitchen appliance makers to build Alexa, the voice assistant that powers Echo devices, into microwaves and eventually conventional ovens. You might, for example, tell Alexa to set the microwave for 3 minutes or ask Alexa to preheat the oven to 300 degrees.

The functions won't work with existing microwaves and ovens, so manufacturers will have to build new smart ovens to support Alexa.

Whirlpool has signed on to launch an Alexa-ready microwave that will be the first to the market. GE, Kenmore, LG and Samsung will also sell new products with Alexa.

Alexa is already built into other smart appliances, including LG refrigerators. Google and Apple have yet to announce similar features for Google Assistant or Siri.
According to AT&T, retrained employees are two times more likely to be hired into one of their newer, mission-critical jobs and four times more likely to make a career advancement.

AT&T said on Thursday it will roll out next generation 5G mobile internet in a dozen U.S. cities by late 2018.



America's second-largest wireless carrier said it expects to be the first U.S. company to introduce the technology if its timeline is achieved.

AT&T's announcement comes after international 5G standards were agreed in December by 3GPP, the body that develops and governs cellular standards.

"We're moving quickly to begin deploying mobile 5G this year and start unlocking the future of connectivity for consumers and businesses," Melissa Arnoldi, president of AT&T technology and operations, said in a press release on Thursday.

"With faster speeds and ultra-low latency, 5G will ultimately deliver and enhance experiences like virtual reality, future driverless cars, immersive 4K video and more."

AT&T also said that it also plans on trialing 5G technology with businesses.

The mobile industry has promised 5G would bring faster internet speeds to stream videos or download data. But it is also seen as a technology that can underpin driverless cars, allowing vehicles to send large amounts of data from their sensors back and forth.

AT&T did not disclose which areas would receive 5G first.
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In the first month of Barack Obama's second year in the White House, Fox News highlighted a controversy: a photograph showed his feet on the historic Resolute Desk. "Is President Obama disrespecting the Oval Office?" the Fox website asked. In the first month of Donald Trump's second year, he has called for the imprisonment of political opponents and taunted North Korea's nuclear-armed leader with threats of annihilation. In a new book informed by extensive White House access, top officials described the president with words like "crazy" and "stupid," depicting Trump as an immature 71-year-old incapable of maintaining attention long enough to process new information or even conduct a serious conversation. The contrast underscores two things at once: the triviality of attacks on how Obama handled his presidential duties and the gravity of questions about Trump's fitness to handle them now. The latter poses a growing threat for Republicans who seek to maintain their majority in Congress in the 2018 elections while shielding an unpopular president from accountability. Throughout 2017, Trump's behavior as president was the dominant national story, not much of which has flattered him or his party. Most Americans disapprove of his job performance, and the tax cut that provided his sole major legislative accomplishment. Trump's alienation of big chunks of the electorate  notably college-educated whites, women and young voters  fueled striking Democratic victories last fall in Virginia and Alabama.

President Trump ponders the answer to a question from a reporter en route to Hanoi, Vietnam, aboard Air Force One. Jonathan Ernst | Reuters

Nor do a growing economy and rising stock values offer Republicans much comfort in 2018. Early polling shows Democrats strongly positioned for midterm gains in November. In recent days, Republicans have found more cause for alarm. Trump's year-end interview with The New York Times featured a series of rambling, unfocused assertions at odds with reality. His tweeted demand of "Jail!" for former Hillary Clinton aide Huma Abedin evoked images of autocratic leaders elsewhere. His belligerent boast of having "a much bigger and more powerfulnuclear button" than North Korea's Kim Jong Un's amplified doubts about the capacity for handling the presidency's power over war and peace. "It raises the question about whether the president has the judgment and discipline that are commensurate with that power," said Richard Haass, a national security aide under both Presidents Bush and now head of the Council on Foreign Relations. "That ought to concern people." So does the harsh depiction in Michael Wolff's expose of Trump's first year in office. In the book "Fire and Fury," those deriding the president's capabilities, judgment and stability include his senior-most aides and family members. "He couldn't really converse, not in the sense of sharing information or of a balanced back-and-forth conversation," Wolff wrote in characterizing the view of Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner. At another point, Wolff described the president as "a figure of sputtering and dangerous insecurities." Determining his wishes, Wolff quotes ex-White House aide Katie Walsh as saying, was "like trying to figure out what a child wants." The damaging assessments extend beyond the personal. Steve Bannon, who served as chief executive of Trump's campaign and chief strategist in his White House, called it "treasonous" for top Trump advisers to meet with Russians offering dirt on Hillary Clinton at Trump Tower in June 2016. Contradicting the president's assertions that he knew nothing of that meeting until much later, Bannon said there was "zero" chance that Donald Trump Jr. did not take those Russians to his father's office that day.

Donald Trump Jr. Albin Lohr-Jones | Pool via Bloomberg | Getty Images

The pattern of Republican reaction to such disclosures has been to ignore or downplay them. GOP lawmakers generally cast the president as an unconventional, deliberately provocative figure and say they await results from investigations by Congress and Justice Department special counsel Robert Mueller. That partly reflects their desire to achieve priorities they share with the White House, especially the tax cut. It partly reflects their fear of zealous Trump supporters within the GOP rank-and-file, who might oust them in party primaries. Yet the more damaged Trump becomes  legally or politically or both  the more vulnerable House and Senate Republicans become among the broader November electorate. History shows that voters angry or uneasy about an incumbent president turn against his party in midterm elections. Democrats won't capture the Senate seat in Utah opened up by the retirement of veteran Republican Orrin Hatch. But the favorite to win it, former GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney, foreshadowed today's concerns with his March 2016 speech excoriating Trump's "temperament, his stability, and his suitability to be president." "This is a time for choosing," Romney declared in urging Republicans to nominate someone else. The party's House and Senate candidates have the most to fear from voter choices now.

WATCH: Wien says GOP will lose House & Senate because of Trump
As Neiman Marcus continues to grapple with a steep debt load and industry headwinds, CEO Karen Katz is stepping down, sources familiar with the matter told CNBC on Thursday.

The luxury retailer has already identified her replacement, the sources added. The successor could be named as soon as Friday, some of the sources said.

Katz's plans to step aside were first reported by The Wall Street Journal earlier on Thursday.

The sources asked not to be named because the information is confidential. Neiman Marcus did not have an immediate comment.

The high-end retailer is one of many that has struggled to cope with leverage left behind from a flurry of private equity interest in the retail industry. The firms were buoyed by low interest rates and the attraction of recognizable names, but have found themselves financially hindered as they need to make necessary investments to adjust to the rapidly changing landscape.

Neiman Marcus was acquired by TPG Capital and Warburg Pincus in 2005 for $5.1 billion. It was sold to Ares Management and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board in 2013 for $6 billion.

Last year the retailer hired investment bank Lazard to help cope with its roughly $4.4 billion in long-term net debt. At one point it flirted with the idea of selling to Hudson's Bay Company, but the challenge of combining heavily indebted companies proved too steep.

Some of Neiman's challenges have been specific to the retailer: It made its name in large part on high-end clothing and personal shopping, but the younger generation spends less on, and seemingly cares less about, clothes. The stronger U.S. dollar has also been negative for Neiman Marcus, curbing spending at its Bergdorf Goodman department stores, which are popular with New York tourists.

Department stores across the board have struggled as brands increasingly look to reach their shoppers without a middleman, and they deal with excess real estate no longer in sync with how consumers shop.

Department stores J.C. Penney and Macy's both saw their stocks rattled on Thursday, despite a relatively strong holiday performance, a sign of investor skittishness toward the industry at large.

In its search for a new leader, Neiman Marcus finds itself in a position similar to that of its peers, which must consider whether outside influences can help them change course. The retail industry is infamously insular in its hiring practices, and the industry has evolved such that the expertise required by a retailer 10 years ago may no longer be relevant.

Still, the very challenges that retailers are facing have made it harder to entice outsiders, industry sources have told CNBC.
The Beijing corps of the Chinese People's Armed Police takes an oath during a ceremony on January 2, 2018, in Beijing, China, as annual military training activities begin.

Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed China's entire armed forces in a speech Thursday, in which he urged troops to show the "fighting spirit of fearing neither hardship nor death."

At a first-of-its-kind meeting for the whole People's Liberation Army, Xi spoke to more than 7,000 armed officers in Hebei province of northern China, reported state news agency Xinhua. In other parts of the country, over 4,000 branches of the military also listened to Xi's address.

As reported by Xinhua, Xi commanded troops to: "Create an elite and powerful force that is always ready for the fight, capable of combat and sure to win in order to fulfil the tasks bestowed by the Party and the people in the new era."

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Xi occupies multiple roles as well as the presidency of China, and is chairman of the Central Military Commission. He is considered one of China's most powerful leaders in history, with "Xi Jinping Thought" written into the Communist Party's constitution last year alongside that of Mao Zedong.

China's flexing of its military muscles comes amid an international security crisis in the region: the nuclear threat from North Korea.

"It is not an exaggeration to say that the security environment surrounding Japan is at its severest since World War II," Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Thursday at a news conference, as reported by Reuters.

Japan's military spending has risen in recent years despite its pacifist constitution. Reuters reported that as of April 1 this year, Japan's defense budget will be 5.19 trillion yen ($46 billion), a 1.3 percent year-on-year rise.

U.S. President Donald Trump struck a defiant tone in his latest tweet about North Korea Thursday, saying that he was "firm, strong, and willing to commit (the U.S.') total 'might'" to addressing the issue.

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Trump was criticized for a tweet earlier this week that boasted about the size of his "nuclear button" in comparison to that of North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un.
Facebook will chip away at Google 's dominance in digital advertising thanks to the growth of Instagram and video ads, according to a new research note from Cowen.

Cowen analysts, who surveyed 50 senior ad buyers, said Facebook and Instagram ad budgets will increase in 2018 and 2019, and budgets for Google ads will decline slightly.

Google and Facebook together dominate digital advertising, with about 63 percent between the two of them in 2017, according to eMarketer. This year, the firm projects Google will make $40.08 billion in U.S. digital ad revenue, while Facebook is poised to bring in $21.57 billion.

Though YouTube is still the preferred digital video platform to advertise on, Facebook is encroaching on its top position. In particular, 41 percent of the survey takers considered Facebook video the best place to launch a new ad campaign over TV (25 percent) and YouTube (10 percent). While the digital ad market is expected to have a compound annual growth rate of 13 percent between 2018 and 2023, Google is only expected to increase 11 percent.

There was also increasing interest in advertising on Snapchat -like service Instagram Stories, with ad buyers saying they preferred Instagram Stories over Snapchat.

Both Facebook and Google shares are expected to outperform, with Facebook's price target at $220 and Alphabet's at $1,230.
Macy's and J.C. Penney both reported 2017 holiday sales results that outpaced analysts' expectations and topped performances from the year prior, but Wall Street has a hard time forgetting the underlying troubles that still plague the industry.

Retailers are being forced to reimagine how they operate and what they sell: faster fulfillment, less apparel inventory, a loyal customer base, and easy-to-navigate websites and mobile apps are becoming the new norm.

Macy's shares closed down more than 3 percent Thursday. J.C. Penney's stock was down around 6 percent at one point before regaining some ground to end modestly lower Thursday in spite of the retailers' largely positive results. Earlier in the week, department store stocks were rallying in anticipation of a healthier holiday across the board. But the uptick was inevitably short-lived.

"Good holiday sales are a plus for the industry and are most welcome, but when you look at retail earnings expectations they are still uninspiring  Amazon will continue to put pressure on all segments of the industry [and] e-commerce margins are unlikely to expand anytime soon as more transactions move online," Retail Metrics founder Ken Perkins told CNBC.

"Investments in logistics and the build-out of e-commerce, which are vital for survival, will continue to be a drag on earnings," Perkins said.

Both Macy's and J.C. Penney are still expected to report a drop in revenue and negative same-store sales for fiscal 2017 in light of Thursday's results. Although Macy's raised its annual outlook, citing a bump from federal tax reform, it won't be enough of a boost to get the company back to positive, like CEO Jeff Gennette aspires to do longer term.

"A healthy store base combined with robust digital capabilities is Macy's recipe for success," Gennette said Thursday in a statement, speaking to future initiatives.
U.S. President Donald Trump's lawyer is threatening legal action against former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon for making "disparaging" and "outright defamatory" statements in a new book. Those statements were made to Michael Wolff, the author of a book that chronicles Trump's first year in office. The president's attorney Charles Harder sent a letter to Bannon on Wednesday, demanding him to "cease and desist" any more of such claims.

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In the book "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House," Bannon was quoted as saying that a June 2016 Trump Tower meeting between the president's eldest son, Donald Jr., and a Russian lawyer was "treasonous" and "unpatriotic." Bannon also said there was "zero" chance that then-candidate Trump did not meet with the attendees at a later date or time. The book will hit shelves on Jan. 9 but excerpts of key sections were published on Wednesday. Trump, in a Wednesday statement, blasted Bannon. He said the former chief strategist had "not only lost his job" but also "lost his mind" when he left the White House. The president added that Bannon had little to do with his election victory and blamed him for the loss in the Alabama special U.S. senate election last month.

Former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon attends a ceremony at the White House April 10, 2017 in Washington, DC. Chip Somodevilla | Getty Images


This week, Tilman Fertitta travels to Chicago to meet with two companies putting a twist on classic products. First, is Nino's, a family run pasta maker, is trying to rebuild their legacy. Next, Social Sparkling Wine, is a clean alcohol beverage, whose owner is trying to tap into bars and restaurants. If they can impress Tilman, he could take their businesses to the new heights. But if they can't, their chance for a deal will fizzle out.

Check out the clips above.

Billion Dollar Buyer All New Wednesdays 10P ET/PT

About "Billion Dollar Buyer"

Billion Dollar Buyer introduces promising companies across the country to one of America's most successful businessmen: billionaire hospitality mogul Tilman Fertitta, Chairman, CEO, and sole shareholder of Landry's, Inc.
Republican Senator Cory Gardner of Colorado promised on Thursday to put holds on all nominees for Attorney General Jeff Sessions' Justice Department, amid a furor over a policy change that aims to reverse the federal government's permissive stance toward states that legalize marijuana.

On the Senate floor, a visibly agitated Gardner decried a "complete reversal" of the position he said Sessions and President Donald Trump had taken with respect to enforcing federal laws that outlaw marijuana use.

"Prior to his confirmation, then-Senator Sessions told me there would be no plans to reverse the Cole memorandum," Gardner said. He referred to a 2013 memo penned by former Deputy Attorney General James Cole essentially assuring that the Obama administration would not stop states from legalizing marijuana.

"One tweet later, one policy later, a complete reversal of what many of us on the Hill were told before the confirmation, what we had continued to believe the last year," Gardner said. "And without any notification, conversation, or dialogue with Congress [the policy was] completely reversed."

Gardner said he will be putting holds on every nomination to the Justice Department until Sessions "lives up to the commitment that he made to me in my pre-confirmation meeting with him."

A Senate hold enables a single senator to block a nomination, a motion or even a piece of legislation from being seen in the Senate.

To put holds on all nominations is especially consequential for the Justice Department, which reportedly is still missing Senate-confirmed leaders in at least six divisions.

On Thursday, Sessions issued a directive rescinding Cole's policy. The former Alabama senator directed federal prosecutors "to use previously established prosecutorial principles that provide them all the necessary tools to disrupt criminal organizations, tackle the growing drug crisis, and thwart violent crime across our country."

The Department of Justice later said in a public statement that Sessions' decision represented "a return to the rule of law."

Trump, Gardner noted on the Senate floor, had previously stated that as a presidential candidate, he wouldn't use federal authority to shut down sales of recreational marijuana.

"I think it's up to the states," Trump said in a 2016 interview. "I'm a states person. I think it should be up to the states. Absolutely."

Brandon Rittiman tweet: Had to ask @realDonaldTrump about #marijuana in light of his alliance with @GovChristie:#9NEWS #COpolitics

"I would like to know from the attorney general what has changed," Gardner said on Thursday. "What has changed President Trump's mind that the Cole memorandum would be reversed and rescinded?"

Cory Gardner tweet 1: .@realdonaldtrump had it right. This must be left up to the states.

Cory Gardner tweet 2: I am prepared to take all steps necessary, including holding DOJ nominees, until the Attorney General lives up to the commitment he made to me prior to his confirmation.

Marijuana has remained federally prohibited for decades, and Colorado is one of the pioneers of legalization at the state level. In 2016, the state topped $1 billion in legal weed revenues, allowing the government to reap a $198.5 million windfall in marijuana taxes.

In 2012, Colorado became the first state in the nation to legalize marijuana for recreational use. Since then, marijuana sales have created hundreds of millions in revenue for the state every year.

The Department of Justice did not respond to a request for comment on Gardner's remarks in time for publication of this story.
About this same time last year, Macy's released more than 60 locations that would close in 2017, saying 100 total closures would take place over time. Eleven stores were officially added to that list Thursday. (See a full list of locations below.)

Macy's will close nearly a dozen stores early this year, as part of a previously announced plan to trim the retailer's massive store fleet and cut back on expenses.

The department store chain said it's nearing the completion of 81 of the 100 planned closures, with the 19 remaining locations having yet to be announced. Since 2015, Macy's has closed more than 120 stores.

The closures, along with other efforts, should help Macy's save as much as $300 million in expenses annually, starting in fiscal 2018, which will be reinvested back into the business, the company said. The closures will also result in about 5,000 job cuts.

"While closing a store is always a difficult decision because of the impact on our customers, our associates and the community, Macy's is delighted to have served these communities over the years," a spokeswoman said in a statement.

The Cincinnati-based retailer has said it wants to focus on its best real estate while investing more in its web operations, in a push to win more shoppers online. In recent months, foot traffic has also been steadily declining at many of America's less-profitable malls.

Macy's shares have fallen more than 25 percent over the past 12 months, and the stock was down more than 3 percent Thursday on this news.

The following Macy's stores are closing in early 2018. In most cases, clearance sales will begin on Jan. 8 and run for up to 12 weeks.
Kathy, 65, and Phil, 74, live together in this RV along with their aging Standard Poodle in a parking lot on December 18, 2017 in Santa Barbara, California. She currently works part time in Santa Barbara and struggles financially. She says she spent her career working as a paralegal and was a homeowner.

Income inequality in California is getting worse. In affluent areas such as Santa Barbara, the cost of living continues to rise while wages stay stagnant, leaving residents struggling to make ends meet. Even many of those with jobs can barely afford to stay in the city they've called home for years, and more of them are now forced to live out of their cars. "It's a kind of middle-class homelessness," writes Steve Lopez in an article on the issue for the Los Angeles Times. One local organization taking aim at the problem is the New Beginnings Counseling Center, which runs Safe Parking, a program that matches approved clients with monitored parking spots in lots near churches, government offices and nonprofits, where they can stay overnight.

The Safe Parking program has been around since 2004 but, just in the past 18 months, it has expanded from 20 lots to 23, according to the L.A. Times. There's also a waiting list of more than 40 families. Of the program's 150 clients, 40 percent are employed, including Marva Ericson, a certified nurse assistant currently living out of her Kia. After a series of seizures forced Ericson to quit her job, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor while taking care of her dying mother. Although Ericson regained her health and was able to return to work, she still struggled to make ends meet. Despite working two jobs, earning between $12 and $14 an hour, she lost her apartment three months ago and has been spending nights in her car since. "I wake up and I say, 'Thank you God for keeping me safe last night, and thank you for the Safe Parking program,'" Ericson told the L.A. Times.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg expressed his interest in crypto currency and its potential uses in his 2018 mission statement, issued on Thursday.

The statement was all about how Zuckerberg is taking on a new personal challenge for 2018: fixing Facebook . (Last year's challenge was visiting all the states he'd never been to and meeting people there.)

Zuckerberg mentioned cryptocurrency only in passing as an example of technology that decentralizes power. But the concept could also help Facebook catch up to Asian messaging rivals when it comes to mobile payments.

In China, it is so easy to make purchases with WeChat Pay and AliPay that cash is becoming obsolete. In Chinese cities, beggars seek mobile payments to their accounts using QR codes rather than spare change.

Combined, Alibaba and WeChat hold an estimated 92 percent of the marketshare for mobile wallets in China, which has an estimated 500 million mobile payment users. The rest of the world has some 556 million mobile money accounts, according to research from finance industry consortium CGAP.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said his mission in 2018 is to fix Facebook's large list of issues, including foreign interference on the platform, ongoing instances of harassment and potential threats to the mental health of its users.

"My personal challenge for 2018 is to focus on fixing these important issues," Zuckerberg wrote in a post on his Facebook page Thursday. "We won't prevent all mistakes or abuse, but we currently make too many errors enforcing our policies and preventing misuse of our tools. If we're successful this year then we'll end 2018 on a much better trajectory."

Facebook was under much scrutiny in 2017 for a litany of issues, including admitting Russians bought ads with the intent to sway the 2016 U.S. elections. Its ad-targeting capabilities were also allowing companies to find potential customers using racially discriminatory and derogatory terms.

Facebook is facing four major challenges as it matures as a company, said Aaron Shapiro, CEO of advertising agency Huge. The company needs to find its role in society, address mental health issues, assuage users' privacy concerns and remain relevant while growing revenue. But while Facebook has done a good job at acquiring companies like Instagram, it's never really addressed the other issues until now, Shapiro said.

The most pressing issue Facebook has to address is fixing its "fake news" problem, said Ronn Torossian, founder and CEO of public relations firm 5WPR. His firm does crisis management for major technology companies.

"We're living in an era where the president of the United States  arguably the most powerful person in the world  speaks about fake news as an issue every day," Torossian said. "If you have a report coming out that says Facebook was a big purveyor of this fake news, you need to fix this thing."

Zuckerberg  who has taken on a personal challenge every year since 2009  said in his post that one of the most interesting issues facing the technology industry is the concept of "centralization vs. decentralization." Technology was expected to give people more control over their lives, he wrote. But as a handful of technology companies become the dominant players and governments used technology to monitor citizens, people increasingly believe technology is becoming a controlling, centralized power.

"There are important counter-trends to this  like encryption and cryptocurrency  that take power from centralized systems and put it back into people's hands," Zuckerberg wrote. "But they come with the risk of being harder to control. I'm interested to go deeper and study the positive and negative aspects of these technologies, and how best to use them in our services."

The fact that Facebook is used by more than a billion people on a daily basis makes it both an ideal communication tool and an easy way to spread misinformation, said eMarketer principal analyst Debra Aho Williamson. People see major tech companies as having vast control over their lives, and Facebook will have to learn how to balance its influence with public perception.

"Recognizing its power, and understanding how that power can be used for both good and potentially bad purposes and doing something about that is probably Facebook's biggest challenge," Williamson said.

The fact that Zuckerberg is acknowledging the problems is admirable and positive, 5WPR's Torossian said. And saying he'll do so on his Facebook page is an intelligent move.

"It's PR 101. ... He doesn't have to do an interview. He doesn't have to shout it from the rooftops. All he has to do is put it out on Facebook, and he controls the message," Torossian said.

See the full text of Zuckerberg's post below:
January 1 saw the official legalization of recreational marijuana in California, and with it a potential huge boost to an industry that one research company estimated could be worth $6 billion by 2021. And those living in and around Los Angeles should get set for trucks driving around the city wrapped in advertising for MedMen, one of the stores "mainstreaming marijuana," and a company that has spent more than $500,000 on marketing already. But the ads  which have already run on billboards around LA's wider metropolitan area  won't feature any buds, blunts or bongs. Instead, the posters will show close-ups of people's faces with phrases such as "Heal. It's legal," and "Relax. It's legal."

An ad for marijuana store MedMen MedMen

They are real MedMen customers, said Daniel Yi, the firm's vice president of corporate communications. "This is not about marijuana," he told CNBC in an email. "This is about the people who use cannabis for all the reasons people have used cannabis for hundreds of years. Yes for recreation, just like alcohol, but also for wellness." MedMen lists six stores in Southern California and three in New York on its website, and Yi added that each has more than 1,000 different products. "Many of them have nothing to do with 'getting high' This is about giving choice and a safe and inviting environment for adults who want to make cannabis a part of their lives," he said.

A MedMen store in West Hollywood, California, on 2 January 2018. Bloomberg | Getty Images

As well as the pure product itself, stores will sell skin creams, bath bombs and teas infused with cannabidiol (known as CBD), one of the active elements of cannabis. MedMen's "Faces" ads have featured on billboards around the Whisky a Go Go nightclub on Sunset Boulevard and the company has also run print and digital ads in what Yi claims is the "largest marijuana marketing campaign in history." It's an adspend that MedMen will be hoping will keep sending people into its shops. CEO Adam Bierman told CNBC's "The Profit" in August 2017 that each customer spends $85 on average. With about 180 customers a day, that would equate to $15,000 takings per store.

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Executive chef Mark Ladner of Del Posto led the New York City Italian restaurant to its first Michelin star, but by the time it was awarded, he had moved on to a bigger ambition  bringing fine-dining pasta to the masses for under $10. "I always wanted to crack the code on making pasta that typically takes a long time to cook, and figure out a way to provide it to people more quickly without sacrificing the quality or the al dente bite," said Ladner, who left Del Posto last February to found his fast-casual pasta restaurant, Pasta Flyer. In November the fast-casual restaurant opened its first New York City location, in Greenwich Village. Pasta Flyer is serving a few hundred people a day, about 50 percent being takeout and delivery orders. Ladner said lines are steady throughout the day, but they haven't had lines out the door, but he added that's a good thing as it can at least partially be attributed to an efficient and quick line. Ladner is in good company among top chefs taking menus downscale  some of the world's most renowned restaurateurs are entering the fast-casual market, which promotes authentic ingredients and quick service while offering a slightly more expensive alternative to fast food chains. Danny Meyer, founder and CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group, opened Shake Shack in 2004. Momofuku's chef David Chang opened the six-store New York chain Fuku, and Chef Jose Andres of minibar in Washington, D.C., opened Beefsteak in 2015. Chef Daniel Humm and Will Guidara of Eleven Madison Park and The Nomad opened their first fast-casual spot, Made Nice, in April of this year. Franklin Becker, a "Top Chef Master" and former head of several pricey New York City restaurants under the EMM Group brand, teamed with fast-food investment firm Aurify Brands to launch Little Beet in 2015. Euromonitor estimated that the United States fast-food market was 10 percent fast-casual restaurants in 2015. One year later The National Restaurant Association estimated they consume 18 percent of the market, a $47 billion industry, and they're predicting that chef-driven fast-casual concepts will be a top trend in 2018.

Mark Ladner opened up Pasta Flyer, a fast casual restaurant in New York City's Greenwich Village, after serving as executive chef at Del Posto since it opened in 2005.

The check average at Del Posto was $300 a person, while the check average [at Pasta Flyer] is closer to $10 a person. Mark Ladner former executive chef of Del Posto and founder of Pasta Flyer

Ladner's favorite dish on the Pasta Flyer menu  the rigatoni, which costs $7.50 and is ready for the customers 30 seconds after they order. "The check average at Del Posto was $300 a person, while the check average here is closer to $10 a person," Ladner said. Yet he says the quality is nearly the same. "I'll try to make something as good as I possibly can, and then we'll cost it out and see if it is actually realistic to produce it that way." While Ladner uses the same vendors he had at Del Posto, he had to work out arrangements at new price points. The pasta itself is made in Italy, then sent to the Midwest to be processed and sent frozen to Pasta Flyer. When it is ordered, it is cooked in 15 seconds in front of the customer. The other 15 seconds are for the sauce and the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. The back of the store operates like a fine-dining kitchen. "At [Pasta Flyer], from the back door until you get to the service line, it's essentially slow food, and then the service line itself is fast. So we're not sacrificing that much to make the food fast."

Food critics weigh in
A powerful winter storm that struck the Southeast this week is the latest blow to an already struggling Florida citrus industry, a state official told CNBC on Thursday.

Heavy snow and high wind pounded the Southeast on Wednesday, dumping snow on Florida's capital for the first time in three decades and damaging crops. The governors of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia declared states of emergency, warning residents to expect icy roads and freezing temperatures.

The storm was making its way to Maine on Thursday, knocking out power and icing over roadways along the way.

Late last year, Florida's hopes for a good year in juice production were crushed after Hurricane Irma caused losses of 50 to 70 percent of Florida's citrus crop in portions of South Florida. The storm losses were initially pegged at $761 million, but that number has since grown.

"This is pretty much the knockout year for Florida citrus," said Shannon Shepp, executive director of Florida's Department of Citrus. "We're doing everything we can to make this American icon survive, and it's like the hits just keep on coming."
The New York Daily News tweeted its latest front page featuring an illustration of President Donald Trump and former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon as birds engaged in a cockfight.

The headline, "Cuck Fight," was emblazoned across the front. "Cuck" is a pejorative term used by the so-called alt-right for a man who has no self-respect, or more broadly for politically liberal males.

August 2017: "I want to thank Steve Bannon for his service." January 2018: "When (Steve Bannon) was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind."

The cover also references Trump's retort to quotes from Bannon in Michael Wolff's upcoming tell-all book about the Trump administration  titled "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House."

In the book, Bannon is quoted as saying a meeting between Donald Trump Jr. and a Russian lawyer in 2016 was "treasonous," The Guardian reported.

In his reply, Trump said the Breitbart News executive chairman "lost his mind" when he "lost his job" at the White House.

The White House says Bannon's departure last August had been a mutual decision between chief of staff John Kelly and himself.
One of North Korea's test ballistic missiles last year crashed in a city not far from Pyongyang, according to new findings by online news magazine The Diplomat.

In April, Pyongyang launched a Hwasong-12 intermediate-range ballistic missile that failed shortly after launch and ended up hitting the city of Tokchon, roughly two hours from the capital, The Diplomat reported on Wednesday.

The missile's failure was widely reported at the time but it was not previously known that the Hwasong-12 crashed in a populated area.

From a location near North Korea's Pukchang Airfield, the missile flew approximately 39 kilometers (24 miles) to the northeast where it struck a complex of industrial or agricultural facilities in Tokchon, The Diplomat said, citing satellite imagery. That complex, located near residential and commercial buildings, likely experienced a large explosion but The Diplomat said it was impossible to determine whether there were casualties.

The prospect of nuclear war breaking out on the Korean Peninsula dominated global headlines for the last year, but many analysts believe the risk of a nuclear accident could be an even greater threat amid Pyongyang's lax safety regulations.

Read The Diplomat's story for more details about the crash.
A powerful winter storm grounded more than 4,000 flights and halted operations at New York City airports Thursday.

New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport suspended flights because of whiteout conditions and high winds.

Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, a United Airlines hub, was most affected by cancellations, with more than 1,000 canceled flights, close to 80 percent of its schedule, according to FlightAware, a plane-tracking website. At Boston Logan International Airport, a hub of JetBlue Airways and an important airport for business travel, 720 flights were canceled.

Travel disruptions will continue into Friday, capping off a shortened back-to-work week for business travelers. Airlines canceled more than 600 flights on Friday because of the storm, according to FlightAware.

American Airlines scrubbed its entire Thursday schedule in and out of the three main New York-area airports. It said operations would resume on Friday.

All major U.S. airlines  including American, Delta Air Lines , JetBlue, Southwest Airlines and United  waived change fees for travelers booked to fly in and out of these airports.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said Wednesday it had 524 pieces of snow equipment at the area's airports that can melt up to 500 tons of snow an hour, but they will soon be faced with a new challenge: ice. Forecasters said bone-chilling temperatures are expected in the storm's wake.
I visited Puerto Rico for a week from Dec. 23 until Dec. 30. It was my first time visiting my friends and family since Hurricane Maria ravaged the island in September. I was happy to be back, but I also felt somewhat guilty not having experienced the destruction left in the storm's wake firsthand.

I could tell people were exhausted from everything they went through. The uphill recovery they were facing didn't help the situation, either.

I went out for drinks with my brother-in-law one night. We ran into a friend of his who worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers making sure the power generators used by FEMA were running smoothly.

This guy has traveled the entire island over the past three months. He told us stories of what he saw and gave his assessment of the situation. He said there are parts of the island that are slowly recovering. However, he would advise people to leave if they lived in one of the smaller towns in the center of the island.

My brother-in-law's friend noted he was skeptical of the government's prediction it would have power fully restored by May, especially in those smaller towns. Given what I know about the situation and what I saw, I can't say I'm surprised by this.

It's been more than three months since the storm hit the island. Only 55 percent of Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority customers have power. Many of those customers had to wait months before the power returned. My mom, for example, was without power for three months, with it only coming back in late December.

The blackouts led not only to desperation but also to deaths. An analysis conducted by The New York Times found that deaths in Puerto Rico stemming from the hurricane could total more than 1,000. Also, more than 200,000 residents have now moved to Florida from the island since the hurricane.

The damage done to the island is still visible in Puerto Rico's capital, San Juan. On my way home from the airport, I saw power lines still down, intersections without working traffic lights and knocked-down road signs. The roads themselves were also in worse shape than prior to the hurricane's arrival. When I visited my brother, I saw a parking spot being taken up by a tree.
The share price of Chinese social network Renren has almost doubled after the company said it was raising money through a digital currency sale.

Renren is looking to raise funds through an initial coin offering (ICO), according to a white paper released Tuesday. It laid out plans for a so-called "open social network platform based on blockchain" called RRCoin.

The company, headquartered in China and listed on the New York Stock Exchange, saw its stock climb 47.39 percent to $18.32 a share by the close of the U.S. trading session Wednesday.

Renren declined to comment when contacted by CNBC.

Start-ups bagged billions of dollars through ICOs last year, but regulators are looking to crack down on the method due to concerns over fraud. A number of celebrities, from socialite Paris Hilton to rapper Ghostface Killah, have given backing to the practice.

China's regulators moved to ban ICO in 2017, saying the practice involved financial scams and other illegal activities. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has raised its own concerns over the means of funding, and in December froze the assets of a firm that raised funds through an ICO.

Several companies have seen their stock price soar after claiming an involvement with cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.

U.S. retailer Overstock.com has seen its stock price skyrocket since it said it was entering the blockchain and cryptocurrency space, while small cap fruit juice company Future Fintech  formerly known as SkyPeople Fruit Juice  surged as much as 200 percent on the mere mention of financial technology (fintech) in its name.
Sears Holdings , parent company of Sears and Kmart stores, told its employees Thursday that it will be closing more than 100 additional stores this year.

That consists of 64 Kmart stores and 39 Sears stores, all of which are expected to shut between early March and April.

"We will continue to close some unprofitable stores as we transform our business model so that our physical store footprint and our digital capabilities match the needs and preferences of our members," the company said in a statement.

Sears wouldn't say how many of its employees would be impacted by the closings but did say the majority of the jobs are part-time positions, and eligible associates will receive severance.

Liquidation sales will begin as early as Jan. 12 at the closing stores, Sears said. (See below for a complete list of the locations being shut.)

About this time last year, Seritage Growth Properties , the real estate investment trust that Sears CEO Eddie Lampert spun off from the retailer, said in an SEC filing that the department store chain had exercised its right to terminate the leases on 19 unprofitable stores. This marked the second time Sears chose to shutter a chunk of the stores it sold off to Seritage in 2015.

Since then, Sears has announced handfuls of additional closures and most recently unveiled plans to pay $407 million toward its pension plan in order to unlock and allow for the sale of 140 properties, though the company didn't define when those sales will take place.

At the end of November, Sears reported a narrower net loss for its fiscal third quarter than it did a year ago, as the company pushes to return to profitability against a backdrop of vendor disputes and loans coming due.

Meantime, the department store chain has been testing smaller store formats across the U.S., and in some cases moving to occupy a pint-sized portion of a bigger box, as mall operators redevelop their properties.

On a recent call with analysts and investors, Sears CFO Rob Riecker said the retailer would be building on those new concepts in the coming months, "delivering specialized integrated retail experiences" to customers. Sears also recently started selling two of its brands, Kenmore and DieHard, on Amazon.com .

Earlier Thursday morning, Macy's also revealed the locations of 11 stores that it will be closing in 2018 (nearing in on its previously announced plans to close 100 locations, beginning last year). The company has shuttered more than 120 locations since 2015, hoping that by whittling down its real estate portfolio it can focus on its best assets.

With growing competition from online players and with more brands choosing to sell through their own platforms, department stores including Sears, Macy's, J.C. Penney and Kohl's have been forced to rethink their strategies: what inventory they will carry and how they will get it to shoppers.

Sears shares have tumbled more than 60 percent over the past 12 months. The stock was falling close to 4.5 percent Thursday afternoon.

Click here for a full list of Sears' latest round of closures.
From a distance, the Segerstrom lima bean farm in Costa Mesa, California looks as unassuming as its owners, Ted and Rae. But the farm's repurposed horse barn was recently filled with the couple's collection of vintage muscle cars worth millions of dollars. CNBC's "Secret Lives of the Super Rich," got a private tour of the auto stockpile in a recent episode.

The Segerstrom Collection CNBC

The Segerstrom family began amassing their immense fortune in the 1960s, when Ted's father transformed part of their farmland into what is today some of the most expensive real estate in the world: the highest-grossing mall in the U.S., California's South Coast Plaza. Ted's love of classic cars began when he was a child and has continued throughout his life. Vintage rides even play a role in Ted's retelling of the early days of his relationship with his wife Rae. "When we were dating back in the 70s  our first date in my '72 Mach 1 we got in an accident," says Ted. "And I still married him," says Rae.

Ted and Rae Segerstrom CNBC

Over the past three decades, Ted has carefully handpicked and cataloged each vintage vehicle in his 85-car collection. "You don't want the ordinary car," says Ted. "I lean towards the specialty ones." The collection centers around cars made by racing driver and automotive designer Carroll Shelby. "We grew up with him as a real symbol," says Ted. "He's a legend." The Segerstroms now safeguard some of Shelby's most iconic creations, including a pair of 1968 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KRs worth $800,000.

1968 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KRs CNBC

Ted says the jewel of his collection, and one of his favorites, is the first Paxton Shelby ever built: a 1966 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 Paxton Supercharged, now worth half a million dollars. "We have such a fondness for those cars," says Ted. "It's really hard to say no."

1966 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 Paxton Supercharged CNBC

After purchasing each vintage vehicle, the Segerstroms oversee a painstaking restoration process in order to preserve them. "That's the way we like to have them," says Ted. "This is what made them so special, and that's the way we're going to keep them."

The Segerstrom Collection CNBC

The Segerstroms hope to one day showcase their collection in a car museum, which they plan to run as a non-profit with all proceeds benefiting the Shriners for Children Medical Center in Pasadena, California. "All profits of the company will go to that hospital every year," says Ted. "That's our life work." "Secret Lives of the Super Rich" is available on demand on CNBC. Don't miss: This $2.6 million sports car is one of the fastest on the planetand Floyd Mayweather once owned it
LG launches self driving robots to assist travelers at South Korean airport. Source: LG

A Korean tech giant on Thursday announced new robots that take aim squarely at the jobs of many services industry workers around the globe. There have long been predictions that advances in artificial intelligence and automation could end up eliminating millions of jobs over time, and tech companies have been testing robots to carry out a variety of tasks  from working in a pizza parlor to making deliveries that could greatly affect the services industry in the future. For its part, South Korean giant LG Electronics is the latest company that is planning to sell robots to solve tasks currently completed by humans. On Thursday, LG said it will showcase three new "concept robots" at the global consumer electronics show, CES, in Las Vegas next week. Those robots are designed for commercial use at hotels, airports and supermarkets, according to the company. An LG spokesman later told CNBC that the robots are still "concept" products and that they are "a long way from ready to go public."

The three new concept robots from LG Electronics are aimed at the services industry, in areas like hotels, airports and supermarkets. Source: LG Electronics

The first one is a server robot that can deliver food and drinks to customers at hotels and airport lounges. It can essentially replace the work done by the waitstaff and be able to do it around the clock. Second is a porter robot that can handle check-in and check-out services at hotels and carry luggage to rooms. The hotel industry is already experimenting with replacing humans with machines. For example, there are hotels in Japan that are staffed by robots. Finally, LG's third new robot is made to work with customers at a supermarket, telling them the price of products and then guiding them through the aisles. If popularized, such technologies would likely be bad news for many of those working in the services industry.

LG is rolling out series of robots to replace many service industry jobs. Source: LG

The International Labour Organization said as of May that nearly 50 percent of the global workforce is employed by the services sector. That includes trade, transportation, accommodation, food and other administrative and business services. Meanwhile, a report released by McKinsey & Company last November suggested that by 2030, as many as 800 million workers globally could be replaced by robots. Even if automation adoption is slower, as many as 400 million people could still be affected, the report said. This is not the first time that technological developments are displacing labor markets. In the manufacturing sector, for example, companies introduced conveyor belts and assembly lines at factories in the early 20th Century that brought down labor costs and temporarily put people out of work. According to McKinsey, new technologies often create more jobs than they destroy, sometimes in areas that "cannot be envisioned at the outset." To do that, displaced workers need to acquire new skills. But not everyone is convinced by the argument that automation will create enough new jobs  especially to service and program AI and robots. The former president of Google China told CNBC in November that robots are "clearly replacing people jobs. They're working 24 by 7. They are more efficient. They need some programming. But one programmer can program 10,000 robots."  CNBC's Matthew J. Belvedere contributed to this report.

WATCH: Here's why Japan's obsessed with robots
Wealthy Republican donor Rebekah Mercer will not support former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon's future endeavors, she told The Washington Post on Thursday.

In a rare statement to the newspaper, Mercer said, "I support President Trump and the platform upon which he was elected."

"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 daughter of hedge fund manager Robert Mercer told the Post.

The Breitbart News executive chairman irked Mercer, his top financial backer, when he told other donors that he thought he would have her financial support if he ran for president, the Post reported Wednesday, citing a person familiar with Bannon's conversations.

He also irked her with his actions in the Alabama Senate special election, the newspaper reported. Bannon supported Republican Roy Moore, the ex-judge who lost to Democrat Doug Jones in the deep-red state amid accusations of teen sexual abuse decades ago.

Bannon also alienated Mercer with remarks "that seemed to stoke unnecessary fights," the newspaper said. It did not specify what those remarks were.

The report followed the Wednesday revelation of Bannon's explosive comments to reporter Michael Wolff. Among other remarks, Bannon called Donald Trump Jr.'s June 2016 meeting with a Russian lawyer "treasonous."

The Bannon quotes from Wolff's upcoming book "Fire and Fury" prompted a remarkable statement from President Donald Trump, in which he declared that his former key advisor had "lost his mind."

On Thursday, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Breitbart News should consider parting ways with Bannon.

Publisher Henry Holt and Company plans to release the book days early on Friday due to what it called high demand. The decision came after Trump's personal attorney sent a cease and desist letter to Wolff and Henry Holt and demanded an apology for the content of the book.

The Mercer family has funneled millions of dollars into Republican super PACs and Bannon's initiatives.

CNBC could not immediately reach Mercer for comment.
Spotify wants to sell its shares to public investors this spring. And as part of its prep plans, the streaming music company has cleaned up a sticky debt deal, with the help of a big Chinese tech company.

The short version: TPG and Dragoneer Investment Group, who had led a debt round that lent $1 billion to Spotify, late last year turned some of that debt into equity, which the companies then sold to Tencent, the Chinese internet giant, according to people familiar with the deal.

The complicated transaction let TPG and Dragoneer earn a nice return on their investment. It also allowed Spotify to solve a potentially contentious business dispute before it tries a novel IPO strategy.

More from Recode:

Trump is always going to be a big story. But in 2018, he can't be the only story.

Two-day shipping has helped double warehouse land prices

Didi is buying an Uber competitor in its fastest-growing region

Longer version: In 2016, TPG, Dragoneer and Goldman Sachs lent Spotify $1 billion via convertible debt financing, which was supposed to give the lenders the ability to eventually turn their loans into equity.

The deal let Spotify bide time before an IPO, but not too much time: The longer Spotify took to go public, the better the terms would get for the lenders. News emerged Wednesday that the company had confidentially filed IPO documents in late December.

But since signing that 2016 deal, Spotify, guided by its chief financial officer Barry McCarthy, began to pursue a direct listing  a largely untested way for Spotify to be traded as a public company without raising any new cash.

That unusual version of an IPO would allow Spotify to save money on banking fees. It also technically didn't qualify as an IPO under the terms of the debt deal, which meant lenders wouldn't be guaranteed the chance to convert their debt into equity.

Enter Tencent, which bought Spotify stock from existing shareholders as part of an equity swap and sale the two companies announced in December.

What wasn't announced was that some of the stock came from TPG and Dragoneer, which converted the debt into equity at about a $10 billion valuation and then sold it to the Chinese conglomerate at about a $20 billion valuation, according to a person familiar with transaction.

TPG and Dragoneer still hold some Spotify debt, according to sources familiar with the companies.

Spotify, Tencent, TPG, and Dragoneer declined to comment.

That deal helped clear the way for Spotify's direct listing. While it's not clear that TPG and Dragoneer had any way to force Spotify to convert their debt, it's in the streaming company's interest to remove as many question marks as possible before its offering, which has already raised eyebrows from regulators.

By Theodore Schleifer and Peter Kafka, Recode.net.

CNBC's parent NBCUniversal is an investor in Recode's parent Vox, and the companies have a content-sharing arrangement.
The Trump Interior Department announced Thursday plans to offer blocks in the Arctic, Atlantic and Pacific oceans for oil and gas exploration in an ambitious new five-year offshore lease plan.

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said the draft proposal for offshore leasing between 2019 and 2024 would offer about 90 percent of the U.S. outer continental shelf, the largest lease sale ever. The only area that will not be included is the North Aleutian Basin in Alaska.

The plan would open the door for drilling in areas far beyond the U.S. epicenter of offshore drilling in the central and western Gulf of Mexico, giving oil and gas companies the opportunity to explore areas left out of leases for decades.

But the move also sets up a battle with environmental groups and coastal governors opposed to drilling off the shores of states from California to North Carolina. Additionally, it comes at a time when oil prices are on the rise, but stuck in a range that makes multibillion-dollar projects in new offshore areas unattractive for many drillers.

It would also overturn indefinite bans on drilling in much of the Arctic Ocean and parts of the Atlantic announced during the final days of the Obama administration, potentially sparking a court battle over executive authority.

The administration's expansive lease schedule was widely anticipated.

In April, Trump signed the America First Offshore Energy Executive Order instructing Zinke to revise the current five-year schedule for leasing blocks of the U.S. outer continental shelf, the waters off the U.S. shore that the federal government governs. At the time, he explicitly said it reversed the Obama administration's ban on Arctic leases.

Revisions are not uncommon when a new president takes office; Obama initiated a new five-year planning process in his first term.

The revision process, which includes conducting environmental impact studies and taking public comments, has taken about two years in the past, said Connie Gillette, chief of public affairs for the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the unit of the Interior Department that oversees the lease schedule. Gillette confirmed to CNBC that the bureau will attempt to finalize the plan by 2019, but would not circumvent the process.

Zinke said Thursday that Interior would try to complete the process in "months."

In its latest plan for the 2017-2022 period, the Obama administration offered a conservative selection of leases in the western and central Gulf of Mexico and Alaska's Cook Inlet, leaving contested areas like the Atlantic, Pacific and eastern Gulf of Mexico off the table.

Drilling in the Atlantic and Pacific outer continental shelf faces stiff opposition from many governors, including Trump allies like Florida Gov. Rick Scott.

"I have already asked to immediately meet with Secretary Zinke to discuss the concerns I have with this plan and the crucial need to remove Florida from consideration," Scott said in a statement.

@FL:GovScott: Governor Scott's Statement on Trump Administration's Plan on Offshore Oil Drilling:

Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., also plans to challenge the Trump administration's plans to relax offshore drilling safety rules put in place after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010.
A lawyer for President Donald Trump demanded on Thursday that the author and publisher of an explosive new book about the White House stop releasing material and retract and apologize for excerpts already published.

In a letter to journalist Michael Wolff and publisher Henry Holt & Co., lawyer Charles Harder accuses them of publishing "false/baseless statements" about the president. He makes claims including defamation and invasion of privacy related to the new book, "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House."

The letter warned of a possible lawsuit that could lead to "substantial monetary damages and punitive damages."

The book was not set for release until Tuesday, but its publication got moved to Friday due to what Henry Holt called "unprecedented demand." Excerpts published Wednesday featured fiery quotes from former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon and potentially embarrassing depictions of life and work inside the White House.

"Mr. Trump hereby demands that you immediately cease and desist from any further publication, release or dissemination of the Book, the Article, or any excerpts or summaries of either of them, to any person or entity, and that you issue a full and complete retraction and apology to my client as to all statements made about him in the Book and Article that lack competent evidentiary support Wolff and Henry Holt and Company did not immediately respond to requests for comment," the letter reads.

In a statement, Henry Holt director of publicity Patricia Eisemann confirmed that the company got the cease and desist letter but would go on with publishing the book.
Former Trump legal spokesman Mark Corallo (left) and President Donald Trump's personal attorney Marc Kasowitz arrive to the National Press Club in Washington to read a statement to members of the media, Thursday, June 8, 2017.

The former spokesman for President Donald Trump's private legal team quit this summer because he believed a statement dictated by the president aboard Air Force One may have obstructed justice, an explosive new book claims.

That claim is reported in "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House," by author Michael Wolff, which the White House says is full of "false and misleading" information. On Thursday, Trump's personal attorney sent a cease and desist letter to Wolff and his publisher, Henry Holt & Co., and demanded an apology for the content of the book.

The book is set to go on sale Tuesday, but excerpts have been made available to the public. NBC News has obtained a copy.



"Mark Corallo was instructed not to speak to the press, indeed not to even answer his phone," Wolff writes. "Later that week, Corallo, seeing no good outcome  and privately confiding that he believed the meeting on Air Force One represented a likely obstruction of justice  quit."



The statement the president reportedly dictated concerned the purpose of a June 2016 meeting between Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., senior advisor Jared Kushner, then-campaign chairman Paul Manafort and a Russian lawyer.



That initial explanation suggested the primary purpose of the meeting was to discuss Russian adoptions. That was later shown to be misleading, and Trump Jr. has said that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss potential dirt on political rival Hillary Clinton.



Advisors to the president told The Washington Post in July that the initial statement could raise questions about whether the president is attempting to hide something.

Corallo did not respond to a request for comment from CNBC.
President Donald Trump claimed on Thursday that talks between North and South Korea likely would not have occurred without his tough rhetoric against Pyongyang.

Lambasting "failed 'experts'" discussing the matter as "fools," Trump questioned whether the two nations would have engaged in conversation had he not been "firm, strong and willing to commit our total 'might' against the North." The president also welcomed the development as a "good thing."

Tweet

North Korea reopened its cross-border communications channel on Wednesday with South Korea for the first time in almost two years. The move signaled a vital diplomatic breakthrough as geopolitical tension has risen over North Korea's nuclear capability.

Trump ignited concern on Tuesday when he said that the U.S. had a "much bigger" and "more powerful" nuclear "button" than North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's.

The president said sanctions were "beginning to have a big impact" on Pyongyang. The U.S. and its allies have placed increasing economic pressure on North Korea to inhibit its development of its arsenal of nuclear weapons and ballistics missiles.
"What's in it for Grassley? It's hard to find anything. He was just re-elected in 2016 to his seventh term and he's 84. He also comes from Iowa where the polls say President Trump's support has very much eroded."

Grassley even tweeted an emphatic reminder to Comey Wednesday night about how federal law enforcement agencies must remain under the oversight of elected officials.

This is a fabulous development for the Trump team because it now has a respected and powerful ally joining it in its criticism and suspicions about Comey, the Justice Department and the FBI.

The investigation of potential crimes committed by Washington bureaucrats in alleged attempts to thwart the Trump campaign may come to nothing. But Grassley's depiction of this effort as being a defense of the ultimate sovereignty of the voters now gives it a higher calling of sorts. This will help Grassley's Senate investigation efforts and those of House Intelligence Committee chairman Devin Nunes.

It's important to note here that Grassley has already been perhaps the most effective ally for President Trump since he took office. It was Grassley who cleared away the last vestiges of Democratic Party obstructionism against the Trump judicial nominees back in November. That move helped President Trump set the record for most federal judges appointed in the first year of a presidency. No matter how long Donald Trump remains as president, the continuing pace of judicial nominations coming out of the White House will have a very long lasting and important impact. Without Grassley, that simply doesn't happen.

But Grassley is not a Trump toady. First off, he took his time in his decision to eventually put the Trump judicial nominees on the fast track.

Second, Grassley handled another incident last month with a prudent level of independence. When Trump critics were rightfully questioning some of his judicial nominees who did poorly in their congressional confirmation hearings, Grassley didn't rush to defend the nominations.

And he did clearly and publicly tell the White House to rescind the nominations of the two most egregiously embarrassing judicial nominees.

Those nominees did step aside, and there wasn't a nasty Trump tweet or anything else in response. Grassley literally forced the Trump team to adjust course, and he did it without starting World War III.

What's in it for Grassley? It's hard to find anything. He was just re-elected in 2016 to his seventh term and he's 84. He also comes from Iowa where the polls say President Trump's support has very much eroded. That means his support for the president could make the next year or so a nightmare back home. Finally, the hint of disastrous scandal that swirls around the Trump team could stain Grassley's reputation by association.

But all of the above just adds to Grassley's value for the White House.

He doesn't have to help Trump in these endeavors, but he is. He has more to lose than to gain, but he persists and now with the FBI scrutiny, he's taking it to a new level. The best explanation for this seems to be that as Judiciary Committee chairman, he wants to maintain as much of the power of his office as possible over unelected bureaucrats and rank-and-file senators.

Compared to the Bannons, Scaramuccis, and even Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Grassley has done more to help President Trump than anyone actually in his administration.

Now the only question is: How long will it last? This is one working relationship this president cannot afford to mess up.

Commentary by Jake Novak, CNBC.com senior columnist. Follow him on Twitter @jakejakeny.

For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter.
Besides withholding financial aid, some experts are suggesting the Trump administration impose sanctions and travel restrictions on Pakistan to pressure it stop providing a safe haven for terrorists.

Yet such action comes with risks that it could raise the cost of the Afghanistan war and jeopardize the U.S.-led coalition's access to key Pakistani supply lines, according to national security analysts.

In his first tweet of 2018, President Donald Trump on Monday vented that Pakistan has already received more than $33 billion in U.S. in the past 15 years and "given us nothing but lies & deceit."

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/947802588174577664

Then, Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, announced Tuesday the U.S. will withhold $255 million in assistance to Pakistan. "They work with us at times, and they also harbor the terrorist that attack our troops in Afghanistan," she said. "That game is not acceptable to this administration."

"We could actually recognize that Pakistan isn't a friend but is an enemy, and then calibrate our policies accordingly," said Bill Roggio, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington-based hawkish think tank.

Roggio suggests Washington impose sanctions on Pakistan and unleash travel restrictions on some individuals as a way to get Islamabad to change course. Also, he said the U.S. could formally designate Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Reuters reported Wednesday that the administration has been letting members of Congress know it plans to cut "security assistance" to Pakistan.

Analysts say calling out Pakistan's "games" is long overdue, but it still comes with risks.

"It will increase the violence in Afghanistan and make any U.S. progress in Afghanistan much more complicated and expensive," said Bharath Gopalaswamy, director of the South Asia Center at the Atlantic Council, a Washington think tank.

Specifically, Gopalaswamy said the U.S. coalition's logistics supply to Afghanistan could suffer if Pakistan cuts access. Also, he said, the U.S. may ultimately "push Pakistan more into the Chinese orbit."

Indeed, Pakistan's top diplomat this week threatened that Islamabad might shift policies away from the U.S. and establish closer ties with Russia and China. In addition, the Pakistan central bank plans to use the Chinese yuan for bilateral trade and investment activities with Beijing.

"The administration is facing a set of questions that all previous U.S. administrations have faced in the last 18 years," said Alyssa Ayres, who served in the State Department during the Obama administration and now is a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, a nonpartisan think tank based in Washington.

The U.S. has spent well over $800 billion fighting the Afghanistan conflict, and there have been more than 2,400 U.S. military fatalities and tens of thousands of soldiers wounded.

On Monday, a U.S. Special Forces soldier was killed by enemy fire in an area where the coalition forces have been battling the Taliban and an affiliate of the Islamic State. It followed at least 15 deaths last year of U.S. service members in Afghanistan.

Ayres said 2011 was one of the worst years of U.S.-Pakistani relations when U.S. forces killed Osama bin Laden in a raid on his compound in Pakistan. It led the Pakistanis to then shut supply routes for the U.S.-led coalition fighting in Afghanistan. However, those routes later got reopened but Ayres said there's a chance Pakistan could shut them again.

If the supply lines do get cut, defense experts say, it could make the Afghanistan war costlier to wage from an economic standpoint. Even so, the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan today is far below the roughly 100,000 forces that were in the country during the peak in 2011 so presumably any impacts maybe lessened.

There are approximately 14,000 U.S. forces in Afghanistan, according to the Pentagon.

A Department of Defense spokesman was asked Wednesday about how critical the Pakistan supply routes are today for the U.S.-led troops in Afghanistan.

"Due to operational security, we won't be able to provide a specific percentage of U.S. supplies going into Afghanistan through multiple routes," he said. "While the U.S. favors shipping cargo via Pakistan because of cost, we have built flexibility and redundancy into our overall system of air, sea, and ground routes to transport cargo into and out of Afghanistan."

Some believe the U.S. military in 2018 will accelerate the use of drone strikes against terrorist networks in tribal regions of Pakistan. This includes the U.S. targeting the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani terror network, which has conducted attacks in Afghanistan and has links to al-Qaeda.

There were eight U.S. drone counter-terrorism strikes during 2017 in Pakistan compared with just three in 2016 and 117 strikes in 2010, according to figures from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies .

"The Obama administration tried to wind it down," said Roggio. He said the Trump administration was "trying to be judicious" with just eight strikes in 2017, although given the president's frustration over Pakistan now "I don't expect the U.S. to pull punches this year."
White House Director of Social Media and Assistant to the President Dan Scavino Jr. shows a message on his iPhone to White House Chief of Staff John Kelly as U.S. President Donald Trump tours the U.S. Secret Service James J. Rowley Training Center on October 13, 2017 in Beltsville, Maryland.

The White House will bar staff and guests from using personal phones in the White House starting next week.

The devices will no longer be allowed because "the security and integrity of the technology systems at the White House is a top priority for the Trump administration," press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement Thursday.

Some White House aides expressed concerns about being able to text family members during busy days, as their work phones cannot text, Bloomberg reported.

"Staff will be able to conduct business on their government-issued devices and continue working hard on behalf of the American people," Sanders said.

President Donald Trump and other White House officials have repeatedly decried leaks of information from the administration to journalists. The decision was "not about leaks," Sanders added, according to The Associated Press.

The press secretary said that individuals would have a place to store phones at the West Wing entrance. The statement didn't address whether Trump would be exempt from doing so.

Personal cellphones are barred in many sensitive areas across the U.S. government.
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Im increasingly skeptical of security holes that have their own logos and PR campaigns. Yesterdays sudden snowballing of disclosures about two groups of vulnerabilities, now known as Meltdown and Spectre, has led to enormous numbers of reports of varying quality, and widespread panic in the streets. In the case of Intel's stock price, that's more like blood in the streets.

While its true that both vulnerabilities affect nearly every computer made in the past two decades, its also true that the threat  especially for plain-vanilla Windows users  isnt imminent. You should be aware of the situation, but avoid the stampede. The sky isnt falling.

How the Meltdown and Spectre flaws were discovered

Heres how it all unwound. Back in June 2017, a security researcher named Jann Horn, working for Googles Project Zero team, discovered a way for a sneaky program to steal information from parts of a computer that are supposed to be off limits. Horn and Project Zero notified the major vendors  Google, of course, as well as Intel, Microsoft, Apple, AMD, Mozilla, the Linux folks, Amazon and many more  and a quiet effort began to plug the security holes without alerting the bad guys.

Although the Linux community leaked details, with the KAISER series of patches posted in October, few realized the enormity of the problem. By and large, people in the know agreed to keep it all quiet until Jan. 9  this months Patch Tuesday.

On Monday, Jan. 1, the beans started spilling. An anonymous poster calling him/herself Python Sweetness put it out in the open:

There is presently an embargoed security bug impacting apparently all contemporary CPU architectures that implement virtual memory, requiring hardware changes to fully resolve. Urgent development of a software mitigation is being done in the open and recently landed in the Linux kernel, and a similar mitigation began appearing in NT kernels in November. In the worst case the software fix causes huge slowdowns in typical workloads.

John Leyden and Chris Williams at The Register turned the leak into a gush on Tuesday, with details about the effort to plug the Meltdown security hole:

A fundamental design flaw in Intel's processor chips has forced a significant redesign of the Linux and Windows kernels to defang the chip-level security bug.

Programmers are scrambling to overhaul the open-source Linux kernel's virtual memory system. Meanwhile, Microsoft is expected to publicly introduce the necessary changes to its Windows operating system in an upcoming Patch Tuesday: These changes were seeded to beta testers running fast-ring Windows Insider builds in November and December.

By Wednesday, the Patch Tuesday gag was thrown to the wind, with a definitive statement by Googles Project Zero, festooned with official logos (free to use, rights waived, via CCO) and metric tons of ink followed. There are thousands of explainer articles circulating at the moment.

If you need an overview, look at Catalin Cimpanus essay in BleepingComputer or The New York Times piece from Cade Metz and Nicole Perlroth. The Times says:

The Meltdown flaw is specific to Intel, but Spectre is a flaw in design that has been used by many processor manufacturers for decades. It affects virtually all microprocessors on the market, including chips made by AMD that share Intels design and the many chips based on designs from ARM in Britain.

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

Those of you hating on Intel should note that theres plenty of blame to go around. That said, I still cast a jaundiced eye at CEO Brian Krzanich selling $24 million in INTC stock on Nov. 29.

Microsoft releases Windows patches

Yesterday evening, Microsoft released Windows patches  Security-only Updates, Cumulative Updates, and Delta Updates  for a wide array of Window versions, from Win7 onward. See the Update Catalog for details. (Thx, @Crysta). Note that the patches are listed with a Last Updated date of Jan. 4, not Jan. 3, the nominal release date. The Win7 and 8.1 patches are Security Only (the kind you have to install manually). Ive been assured that the Win7 and 8.1 Monthly Rollups will come out next week on Patch Tuesday.

The Win10 patch for Fall Creators Update, version 1709, contains other security fixes besides those related to Meltdown. The other Win10 patches appear to be Meltdown-only. Those of you running the beta version of Win10 1803, in the Insider Program, have already received the patches.

BUT you wont get any patches installed unless and until your antivirus software sets a specific registry key. (It now appears as if the value of the key doesnt matter; just the presence of the registry entry turns on Meltdown protection. Thx, @abbodi86, @MrBrian.) If youre running third-party antivirus, it has to be updated before the Meltdown patch installer will run. It looks as if there are known problems with bluescreens for some antivirus products.

There are also cumulative updates for Internet Explorer 11 in various versions of Win7 and 8.1 listed in the Update Catalog. The fixes for Win10, and for Edge, are inside the respective Win10 cumulative updates. Microsoft has also released fixes for SQL Server 2016 and 2017.

Note that the Windows Server patches are not enabled by default. Those of you who want to turn on Meltdown protection have to change the registry. (Thx @GossiTheDog)

Windows XP and Server 2003 dont yet have patches. No word on whether Microsoft will release those sooner or later.

Kevin Beaumont, @GossiTheDog, is maintaining a list of antivirus products and their Meltdown-related problems. On Google Docs, of course.

Meltdown and Spectre facts

With all the news swirling, you might feel inclined to get patched up right now. I say wait. Theres a handful of facts that stand in the way of a good scare story:

There are no active exploits for either Meltdown or Spectre, although there are some demos running in labs. Updating Windows (or any operating system, including macOS and ChromeOS) isnt sufficient. You have to install firmware updates, too, and none of the major PC manufacturers have firmware updates. Not even Microsoft. Its unclear at the moment which antivirus products set the magic registry key, although Windows Defender appears to be one of the compliant products. If the world were ending, Microsoft wouldve released Monthly Rollups for Win7 and 8.1, yes?

In addition, we have no idea how these rushed-to-market patches are going to clobber the billion or so extant Windows machines. Im already seeing a report of conflicts with Sandboxie on AskWoody, and Yammer going offline isnt reassuring.

Its possible Microsofts kernel team has pulled off another change-the-blades-while-the-blender-is-running feat. But its also possible that well hear loud screams of pain from many corners today or tomorrow. The anticipated performance penalty may or may not pan out.

There's an enormous amount of official Microsoft documentation:

Just about every hardware or software manufacturer you can name has its own warnings/explanations posted. I found AMD's response (basically, Meltdown poses "near zero risk" on AMD chips) particularly enlightening. Reddit has a megathread devoted specifically to the topic.

Grab a box of popcorn and join us on the AskWoody Lounge.
CORNWALL, Ontario  Isabelle Cabot, 41, of Cornwall attended police headquarters on Jan. 3, 2018 to deal with outstanding charges as a result of a drug warrant that was executed at a Fifth Street residence on Dec. 20, 2017.

She was taken into custody, charged with possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of fentanyl and possession of property obtained by crime. She was then released to appear in court on February 13th, 2018.

ASSAULT

CORNWALL, Ontario  A 25-year-old Cornwall man was arrested on Jan. 3, 2018 and charged with assault. It is alleged during an argument on Jan. 3, 2018 the man assaulted his girlfriend and police were contacted to investigate. 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.

There were 35 calls for service in the City of Cornwall in the last 24 hours (8 a.m. the previous day to 8 a.m. the day of the release). To see whats happening in your neighbourhood visit our Crime Plot Map @ http://www.cornwallpolice.ca/ . CCPS reserves the right not to post all calls for service in order to protect the identity of the victims.
UNITED COUNTIES of SD&G, Ontario  Cold temperatures are returning to Cornwall and SD&G on Thursday, Jan. 4 after a brief reprieve.

Temperatures will fall rapidly this evening to reach lows of minus 20 to 25 degrees celsius, says an Extreme Cold Warning from Environment Canada. Wind chill values due to northwest winds up to 50 kilometres per hour will be in the minus 35 to 40 range. Temperatures and wind chill values will be lower on Friday night. The extreme cold will continue until Sunday morning.

The cold weather will continue until Sunday, with a high of minus 32 on Friday.

Environment Canada recommends covering up if going outside for any amount of time as frostbite can form within minutes.

Environment Canada is also asking the public to be mindful of their pets.

If its too cold for you to stay outside, its too cold for your pet to stay outside, their statement reads.

Light snow is also in the forecast as of Thursday and should continue through the weekend.

The cold snap is expected to end on Monday, when temperatures are expected to rise to zero.
Celestyal Cruises has announced appointment of Gordon Dirker as Vice President, Business Development  North America.

He is responsible for all North American field sales activities, reporting to Leslie Peden, President, Celestyal Cruises Inc.

Dirker is an experienced sales professional with 21 years of senior-level success in leisure, travel and tourism, both B2B and B2C, with a skill set comprising C-level negotiations, tour operations, expedition cruising and Customer Relationship Management (CRM). Throughout his career he has cultivated strong relationships and is well-respected in the industry.

From 2014 until 2017, Dirker was Vice President, Americas at Hurtigruten. He drove growth throughout the Americas B2B and B2B2C distribution channels and reported directly to the Global Vice President of Sales in Oslo. While at Hurtigruten he in-sourced and established Hurtigrutens sales operation in Seattle, USA, increased sales by 68 percent and signed newly-preferred distribution partnerships with key North American consortia, according to a statement.

Prior to Hurtigruten, Dirker was the Director of Sales at Brendan Vacations (part of Travel Corporation), where he managed the companys national sales efforts. During his tenure at Brendan Vacations, Dirker developed additional distribution channels and bolstered existing partnerships, which increased market share for the company.

All Celestyal Cruises Business Development Managers in North America now report to Dirker, he is responsible for sales development in California, Oregon and Washington, in addition to nationwide team management responsibilities.

The appointment of Mr. Dirker signals the next stage in building and investing in our trade partnerships, which includes the addition of a further three Business Development Managers and the creation of a new Marketing Executive role for North America, said Leslie Peden, President  Celestyal Cruises, Inc. We are thrilled to have Mr. Dirker onboard and look forward to his success.
Royal Caribbean Cruises announced that Laura B. Miller has been named senior vice president and chief human resources officer.

Miller joins Royal Caribbean with more than 25 years of experience implementing human resources strategies for leading companies including ADT Corporation, Coca-Cola and Raytheon Company. Miller will report directly to Richard D. Fain, chairman and CEO.

"At Royal Caribbean, we know it takes all 67,000 of our employees working together to surprise and delight almost 6 million guests each year," said Fain. "Laura understands the importance of teamwork, and her background and skills are ideally suited for the role of leading and managing our HR organization as we strive to identify, hire, develop, motivate and retain the best employees, both shipboard and shoreside, responsible for providing our guests with extraordinary vacations."

Miller most recently served as SVP and chief human resources officer for ADT Corporation, where she was responsible for leading all human resource functions for the $3.6B company with approximately 17,000 employees in over 200 locations. Prior to that, Miller was the chief human resources officer for Coca-Cola Refreshments, a $20B subsidiary of the Coca-Cola Company, where she lead a team of over 650 HR professionals that were responsible for supporting 70,000 employees in over 600 locations, according to a statement.

Miller graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. in Industry and Labor Relations.

As of December 31, 2017, Royal Caribbean's global brands employed over 67,000 employees, including 61,000 shipboard employees as well as 6,000 full-time and 100 part-time employees in shoreside operations.
Password managers began as free or low-cost apps for consumers, tracking passwords and sign-ins to websites and applications, making it possible for users to create and manage long, hard-to-guess and unique passwords for all their accounts. Most work by encrypting the password lists with a single master password that only the user knows, so that even the password manager company employees themselves -- or hackers -- couldn't get into the password lists.

All the major password managers also have mobile apps, making it easy for users to log into their accounts from any device. They also support multi-factor authentication for additional security.

Enterprise single sign-on (SSO) and cloud access solutions leave holes

Enterprises, however, usually have their own systems for managing internal passwords. They use single sign-on (SSO) vendors and cloud access security brokers to manage their employees' access to online services. Even so, many business use password managers to supplement their core access systems.

But one of the big security gaps of enterprise-grade solutions is that they don't cover all the accounts that employees use for work. "SSO continues to expand," says Andrew Howard, CTO at Kudelski Security, "but they're not everywhere yet."

As a result, the business leaves it to users to keep track of all the passwords on unsupported systems. Some critical employees, like those responsible for administration, can have many accounts on lots of different systems. "It's not usual for us to see clients where admins have 500 or 600 different sets of credentials," Howard says. "The worst-case scenario to me is that they use the same passwords for all 600 applications, and if that one password is exploited, all 600 systems are vulnerable."

According to a survey by Ovum, 56 percent of organizations did not have SSO available at all, and for an additional 22 percent, SSO only covers some enterprise systems. Smaller companies often don't have the resources to implement a full-scale SSO system.

Take, for example, Intent Media, a small New York advertising company. It uses authentication services from Google and GitHub but doesn't have an enterprise SSO system set up, says Rob Park, the company's VP of engineering. Instead, it uses the 1Password platform to help employees keep track of both personal and business passwords. "Password managers tend to work for us in all circumstances given their flexibility -- not to mention availability of apps and devices," Park says. "It's that range of coverage of use cases that's important to us."

Even when companies do have SSO in place, these systems don't cover personal accounts. Since people tend to reuse passwords to remember them more easily, business account credentials often wind up being the same as those used on random websites.

Employees also create their own personal accounts on services such as Dropbox or Evernote and then use those accounts for business. "We recently did a survey and we found out that of the top 36 domains that employees are using in the workplace, at least 50 percent of them are popular personal solutions," says Rachael Stockton, director of product marketing for LastPass, which sponsored the Ovum survey.

"We also found that when you look at some of the most popular websites and services used in the enterprise, about half of them don't have out-of-the-box support for SSO, they're not SAML-based," Stockton says. "LinkedIn, PayPal, American Express, Box, Mailchimp -- so you have 50 percent of windows left open and uncontrolled." In addition, according to the Ovum survey, 23 percent of employees use their personal social media credentials to sign into business systems and applications.

So what do people do? Too often, they save their passwords in plain-text files. "If you look at the Sony hack, the attackers just looked for any file that had 'passwords.doc' in the file name," says Jackson Shaw, VP of product management at One Identity LLC, which offers a password manager in addition to enterprise SSO and identity management products. "They came up with something like 3,000 different files with passwords in them. We're dying in a sea of passwords."

In November, One Identity published a survey of global IT security professionals conducted by Dimensional Research and found that 54 percent of companies had a password vault for their administrative and other privileged accounts -- but 36 percent were using spreadsheets and 18 percent were using paper. For general users, only 42 percent of companies had a password vault. The need for centralized password managers has become a necessity as a matter of convenience and fundamental security," says Philip Lieberman, president at Lieberman Software Corp.

Password managers step in

Password manager vendors have spotted a potential market here, and have added business-friendly features to their products. That includes administration tools for enterprise customers and separate vaults for business and personal passwords so that employees can take their personal password lists with them if they leave a company.

Three of the biggest ones are LastPass, Dashlane and 1Password. Market share numbers aren't publicly available, but each has between 1 and 5 million installs on Android devices, according to SimilarWeb, and all have entered the enterprise market. (For a comparison of features among the consumer versions of password managers, see The 6 best password managers.)

The software runs in the background on the desktop, in the browser or in mobile devices, and it notices when a user encounters a login screen. When the user types in a password, the software asks if it should be saved. On future visits, the credentials are entered automatically. If a user leaves a company, they lose access to the list of business passwords, but can continue using the apps and their personal password lists for free.

"The primary benefit is that you're actually changing that individual's security behavior," says Jeff Paradise, CMO at Dashlane, Inc. "You are truly protecting the way they're using the web, and how they're managing passwords both personally and professionally. Very few solutions today solve for that."

For example, the tools tell the user when a password is insecure or a duplicate, and can automatically generate better, stronger passwords. "It increases the security for the end user, and it's also decreasing huge points of risk for the organization," says Paradise.

Other approaches that companies have tried to improve security often backfire. Say, for example, a user has to come up with a new password every 30 days. It becomes impossible for an employee to create and remember unique, strong passwords. They either use a variant of a single password or write the passwords down. "What's easiest is not always what's safest for the organization," Paradise says.

The enterprise version of the product includes a security dashboard that provides an overview of employees' security practices, using aggregated data. "We have found huge overlaps in passwords that were the same between their personal accounts and business passwords," he says.

According to a Dashlane market survey, 80 percent of users reuse passwords, and the average number of passwords per person is 150. LastPass puts it at 191. "Using different, secure passwords for every service is just not very convenient, and sharing accounts is everyday practice," says Julian Weddige, founder and head of operations at SmartPatient GmbH, which makes prescription management tools.

SmartPatient uses SSO via Active Directory for its critical services, and uses the 1Password password manager for all users. "From an enterprise perspective, shared team vaults and central review of password strength are a big step forward," he says. The option for private vaults helped it gain acceptance with employees, he adds. "What is still lacking, though, is an option for connecting 1Password to Active Directory for user management," he says.

This fall, 1Password's main competitors, Dashlane and LastPass, both rolled out Active Directory integration and support for SAML-based provisioning and deprovisioning. "We are trying to offer an all-in-one approach," says LastPass's Stockton. LastPass also added integration with the popular Okta single sign-on platform.

Another password management company looking at attracting business users is Myki, Inc., a Beirut-based startup that launched last year with a service that lets users avoid the cloud altogether. The password vaults are synced by pairing mobile devices with computers. It rolled out an enterprise offering this month that integrates with Active Directory and Google for Work, says Priscilla Elora Sharuk, the company's cofounder and COO.

Managing passwords for shared accounts

Many organizations have company accounts for online services that multiple employees can access. A Twitter account, for example, could be accessible to several marketing staffers. An Amazon cloud services account could be shared by several administrators. Employees need to be able to keep each other up to date about password changes, and remember to cut off access to those who leave the company.

Myki, for example, lets companies create user groups for shared access credentials, and set up rules that can be inherited between groups. "Every enterprise has a password problem," says Sharuk. "If they have strict password policies in place, their employees will be pushed to either keep forgetting their passwords, wasting the IT department's time with resetting them, or they'll start writing them down on a piece of paper or in their notes somewhere. Both are counter-productive compromises."

There's another step that employees can take that would be problematic for companies, she added. They can install their own password managers without any corporate approval or oversight. That means the enterprise will have lost control of those passwords to some third-party provider, she says.

Losing control is actually the best-case scenario. If the employee picks an unsafe service to store their passwords, the consequences can be even worse.
What's going on in and around Somerset County?
The manufactured outrage over the annual Dalit-led celebrations of the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Koregaon, unless seen through the pseudo-nationalist lenses, is yet another aggressive Hindutva attempt to muzzle the new Dalit voices that are becoming louder after the marginalisation of the likes of Mayawati and Ramdas Athawale.

It is an expression of the venomous bigotry that drives the ill-informed Hindutva narrative - the very same bigotry that sparked off the Karni Sena anger against Padmavati, a film purportedly (I use the word deliberately because no one has seen it, apart from Arnab Goswami and Rajat Sharma, outside the CBFC) based on an allegorical Sufi poem written in 1540 CE by a Muslim, Malik Muhammad Jayasi, about a fictional princess from Sinhala (modern-day Sri Lanka; note, she wasn't a Rajput), who becomes the queen of Chittor, and Allauddin Khilji falls in love with her.

Understandably, the country has gone into election mode, and Hindutva loyalists have little to brag about after three and half years in power, except an economy where the fiscal deficit has spiralled out of control, jobs are hard to find, the farming sector is wracked by crises and prices of essential commodities showing no signs of abatement, even as Pakistan continues to kill and maim our braveheart soldiers in cold blood. There's only one way to deflect national attention away from the paralysis of equitable development that has set in. And the cynical strategy is to manufacture controversies to polarise voters - Hindus against Muslims and Christians, and the upper castes against Dalits.

The Mahar memorial at Bhima Koregaon. (Credit: Wikipedia)

It started with the so-called "love jihad" and the alleged cow smugglers, but the virus, post-Gujarat Assembly elections, has infected the national discourse. Branding Rahul Gandhi as being anti-triple talaq bill when all his party, along with 17 others, has asked for is a parliamentary select committee review of one provision of the bill, is the latest expression of this nation-corroding argument.

Questioning the legitimacy of Jignesh Mevani joining the annual celebrations of the Battle of Koregaon - the victory of a unit of the East India Company (comprising 900 Mahar soldiers) over the Peshwa Bajirao II's army in the Second Anglo-Maratha War, a commemoration whose history goes back to January 1, 1927, when BR Ambedkar started the tradition as an assertion of Dalit opposition to upper caste oppression, which had been institutionalised by the Brahminical Peshwas - is a strand of the same divisive narrative.

Any Indian citizen can legitimately join a celebration, even it has political overtones, in any part of the country. If a Bhojpuri film star can represent North East Delhi and become the president of the BJP's Delhi unit, how can Jigesh Mevani be questioned for emerging as yet another national voice of the Dalits? Only those with a Peshwa mindset will parrot (reminds me of Padmavati's parrot in Jayasi's poem) such arguments, including the one linking Mevani with Umar Khalid, who, like any other Indian citizen, has the right to engage in a political or any other activity in any part of the country. This argument is as destructive as the mischievous misrepresentation of the acronym HAJ (Hardik, Alpesh and Jignesh) formed with the first letters of the names of the three youth leaders who turned the political tide in Gujarat during the recent elections.

Politics aside, let's turn to facts to make sense of the mayhem that just shook Maharashtra:

1) It was Chhatrapati Shivaji, who's much loved by the Hindutva army, who inducted Mahars into his army as scouts and guards of forts.

2) The tradition was discontinued by the Peshwas, who heaped inhuman insults upon the Mahars, like insisting that they have a broom tied to their back (to clear their footprints) and hang an earthen pitcher from their necks to prevent their shadow from "polluting" the streets. The celebration of the East India Company's victory in the Battle of Koregaon is not a homage paid to a colonial army, but an assertion of Dalit power against Brahminical oppression.

3) If the celebration of the Battle of Koregaon tantamounts to paying homage to colonialism, then the BJP, too, stands guilty of the same charge because of its opposition in Karnataka to Tipu Sultan, who fought the East India Company till his last dying moment.

Babasaheb Ambedkar with the Mahar regiment. (Credit: Wikimedia Commons)

4) After the Second Anglo-Afghan War, when British colonial generals, led by Field Marshal Frederick Sleigh Roberts, floated the myth of the martial races, the Mahars were edged out of the British Indian Army and eventually the regiment bearing the name of the caste was disbanded in 1895.

For the Mahars, the army provided an escape from their dehumanised life in a caste-oppressed society, which was why they kept demanding that their regiment be reinstated - a demand that was supported by Mahatma Gandhi's political guru, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and later, the Indian National Congress even though it was opposed to the army recruitment policies of the British Raj.

5) It was the British Indian Army that provided a caste-free upbringing to BR Ambedkar, whose father, Subedar Ramji Sakpal, was a teacher in the Mahar Regiment school at Mhow, Madhya Pradesh. That may have been the reason why Ambedkar, as member of the viceroy's Defence Advisory Committee in 1941, made a strong pitch for the revival of the Mahar Regiment.

6) The viceroy accepted Ambedkar's plea and the first battalion of the Mahar Regiment was raised in Belgaum in October 1941. In the years that followed until Independence, the regiment expanded steadily, saw action in Burma and Iraq, was among the first to become a machine gun regiment in 1946 (it was then that the Koregaon Victory Pillar, the scene of the January 1 celebrations, was replaced by two crossed Vickers machine guns on the regimental crest), and provided security to refugees during the Partition bloodbath. Post-Independence, it became a more integrative unit with the induction of Bengalis, Oriyas and Gujaratis who were rejected as non-martial by the British. The Mahars today are 21 battalions strong and have produced two distinguished Army chiefs, General KV Krishna Rao and General K Sundarji.

Most importantly, the regiment has given the community back the self-pride that the Peshwas had snuffed out.
The real intentions of Pakistan behind the Christmas Day meeting between Kulbhushan Jadhav and his wife and mother - with a glass partition in between - have been exposed by Maulana Ameer Hamza, one of the founders of terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). That the entire event was stage-managed by Pakistan to score brownie-points against India was revealed by Maulana Ameer Hamza at a public rally last week in Rawalpindi when he said: "ISI and Pakistan government humiliated Jadhav's family during their visit to Islamabad. They also made Jadhav face his family across a glass wall India had requested Pakistan to allow Jadhavs mother and wife to meet him. Pakistan showed mercy and invited them. India thought that they would meet Jadhav face-to-face on a sofa, but the ISI didnt allow it.

Hamza's boastful remarks indicate the following:

1) The meeting between Jadhav and his wife and mother was a charade, meant to humiliate the Jadhav family and send a wry message to India;

2) The existence of a nefarious nexus between the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) and Pakistan government and how the ISI choreographed the entire event though preparations for the meeting were largely between the foreign offices of the two countries;

3) The camaraderie between terror outfits and the Pakistani military establishment as Maulana Ameer Hamza was speaking at a public rally which couldnt have taken place without the ISI's prior approval and the fact that he sought to lionise the ISI at the Rawalpindi rally.

Does it not sound weird that the leader of a notorious terror outfit praises the host countrys premier intelligence agency? Such a scenario would have been shameful for any civilised nation, but in Pakistan it is a routine. Its not for nothing that Pakistan is repeatedly hauled over the coals by the international community over terrorism, the latest in this never-ending series being extremely tough remarks against Pakistan by US President Donald Trump.

Image: Reuters photo

The ICJ angle

Pakistan took the extreme measure of allowing Kulbhushan Jadhav to meet his mother and wife knowing that they needed to pre-empt any strictures being passed by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

On September 13, India submitted its written pleadings to the ICJ. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, while responding to a question regarding the development, had stated that "India hassubmitted its memorial (written pleadings) to the ICJ in the Jadhav case involving egregious violation of Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 1963 by Pakistan. This is in furtherance of our application filed before the Court on May 8, 2017".

Earlier in May 2017, the ICJ had stayed Jadhavs execution by Pakistan and had asked both parties to submit their written pleadings by September 13, 2017.

Pakistani commentator Ejaz Haider had recently commented in an editorial: "That Jadhav is important for India is a no-brainer and can be evidenced by New Delhi approaching the ICJ."

One could counter that by saying thus: That Jadhav is important to Pakistan is a no-brainer and can be evidenced by Pakistan constantly using him as a tool to pick on India sponsoring terrorism in Balochistan.

The reality is that Pakistan got Jadhav on a platter and is using him to the hilt. It needs to be recalled that Jadhav was kidnapped in Iran and delivered to Pakistan by a faction of the Taliban working for Iran. The Taliban sold him to the Pakistanis for a price. And thereby hangs the tale.

How the meeting was a charade

Pakistan first announced that they would accede to the Indian request to let Jadhavs family meet him in Pakistan and promptly provided visas for the same on December 20, 2017.

However, it is noteworthy that Pakistan did not grant consular access to any authorised personnel of the Indian Mission in Islamabad prior to the meeting, but instead only permitted the family to meet Jadhav.

The meeting on December 25 was more of a charade than a meeting on humanitarian grounds. Importantly, the family was not allowed to converse in Marathi with Jadhav, to ensure that the Pakistanis could understand what exchange took place between the prisoner and his family.

The familys meeting with Jadhav, according to their own version, showed that Jadhav was under stress and spoke under coercion. Pakistan subsequently claimed that the procedure followed for the meeting, including asking the mother and wife to change their attire, had been agreed to by both countries in advance, a fact which India has firmly denied.

The Afghanistan angle

Earlier in September last year, Pakistan's foreign minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, let out a canard that there was a proposal for a swap between Jadhav and a Pakistani who was involved in the Peshawar Army Public School attack and was said to be in Afghan custody. Asif claimed that Indias NSA Ajit Doval had told him that India could exchange that terrorist with the "terrorist" Pakistan had, namely Jadhav.

Asif made these remarks while speaking at the Asia Society in New York, but the idea was quickly shot down by both India and Afghanistan. The issue of a swap may well have been discussed at some stage, but there appears to be no reason why Afghanistan should give their acquiescence to an Indian request to let off a known Afghan terrorist in their custody.

Furthermore, if one goes back to reports of the terrorist strike at the APS Peshawar, there were six terrorists involved in the attack - one Chechen, two Afghans and three Arabs. In the rescue operation carried out by Pakistani Special Services Group, all six terrorists were killed. So who is this special guy the Afghans were holding on to as Asif claimed in September 2017?

The mastermind of the Peshawar attack Omar Khorasani, was killed in a drone strike in October 2017.

The Iran angle

So much for Pakistan's claims of being the honest dealer and allowing India to meet with the family of commander Kulbhushan Jadhav. By the way, Jadhav is not a serving Indian Navy officer and had, in fact, retired in 2001. He had been working independently in Chahbahar Port in Iran since 2003.

At the time of his arrest in March 2016, the Pakistani establishment planted a fake passport on him in the name of Hussein Mubarak Patel and claimed that he was a spy who had worked for Indias external intelligence agency, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) since 2013.

The Pakistani narrative has always held that he is an active naval officer, a claim that appears false because of two things. First, India would not send a serving naval officer as an undercover agent to Iran. Second, if the officer was serving and had been posted to Chahbahar in uniform he would have diplomatic cover.

Meanwhile, on December 25 last year, Iranian Parliament speaker Ali Larijani (a Shia country that the Sunni Pakistan is frantically trying to become close to), while addressing a news conference in Islamabad after attending a six-nation anti-terror conference in Islamabad, said: Kulbhushan was doing business in Chahbahar and we had no information about him being a spy. The security institutions of both countries (Pakistan and Iran) had already exchanged information in this regard.
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Ltd., Avanade Asia Pte Ltd, Avanade Australia Pty Ltd, Avanade Belgium SPRL, Avanade Canada Inc, Avanade Consulting Poland S.p. z o.o., Avanade Denmark A/S, Avanade Deutschland GmbH, Avanade Europe Holdings Limited, Avanade Europe Services Limited, Avanade Finland Oy, Avanade France SASU, Avanade Holdings LLC, Avanade Hong Kong Ltd, Avanade Inc, Avanade International Corporation, Avanade Ireland Limited, Avanade Italy S.r.l., Avanade Japan KK, Avanade Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Avanade Middle East Limited, Avanade Netherlands B.V., Avanade Norway AS, Avanade Poland S.p. z o.o., Avanade Schweiz GmbH, Avanade South Africa Pty Ltd, Avanade Spain S.L., Avanade Sweden AB, Avanade UK Limited, Avanade do Brasil Ltda , Avanade Osterreich GmbH, Avenai, Avieco, Axia Ltd., BABCN LLC, BCS Consulting, BCT Solutions, BCT Solutions Pty Ltd, BENEXT, BPO Servicos Administrativos Ltda, BRIDGE Energy Group, BRIDGEi2i, Beacon Consulting Group Inc., Beijing Genesis Interactive Technology Co. Ltd., Beijing Zhidao Future Consulting Co. Ltd, Benext, Berico Technologies LLC, Bionic, Bionic Solution LLC, Blue Horseshoe, Boomerang Pharmaceutical Communications, Bow & Arrow, Bow & Arrow Limited, Brand Learning, Brand Learning Group Limited, Brightstep AB, Byte Prophecy, Byte Prophecy Private Limited, CAS, CRMWaypoint, CS Technology (Australia) Pty Ltd, CS Technology (UK) Limited, CS Technology Group LLC, CS Technology LLC, CadenceQuest Inc., Callisto Integration Europe B.V., Callisto Integration Europe Limited, Callisto Integration LLC, Callisto Integration Ltd, Capgemini - North American health practice, Capital Consultancy Services Inc, Certus Solutions Consulting Services Limited, Certus Solutions Ltd, ChangeTrack Research Pty Ltd., Chaotic Moon Studios, Chengdu Mensa Advertising Co. Ltd., Cimation, Cirrus Connect Australia Pty Ltd, Cirrus Connect Limited, Cirruseo, Clarity Insights, ClearEdge Partners, Clearhead, Clearhead Group LLC, ClientHouse GmbH, Cloud Sherpas, Cloud Sherpas (GA) LLC, Cloud Sherpas Japan G.K., Cloud Sherpas New Zealand Limited, Cloudeasier SAS, Cloudpoint Limited, Cloudsherpas Inc, Cloudworks, Cloudworks Consulting Services Inc, Cloudworks Technology LLC, Computer Research and Telecommunications LLC, Concrete Desenvolvimento de Sistemas Ltda, Concrete Solutions, Concrete Solutions Ltda, Context Information Security, Context Information Security LLC, Context Information Security Limited, CoreCompete LLC, CoreCompete Limited, CoreCompete Private Limited, Corliant Inc., Creative Drive LLC, Creative Drive US LLC, CreativeDrive, CreativeDrive Digital Content Services (Shenzhen) Co Ltd., CreativeDrive EMEA Limited, CreativeDrive Singapore Pte Ltd, CreativeDrive UK Group Limited, Cutting Edge Solutions Limited, Cygni AB, Cygni Norrsken AB, Cygni Stockholm AB, Cygni Syd AB, Cygni Vast AB, Cygni Ost AB, Cygni Ostersund AB, DAZ Systems Inc, DAZ Systems LLC, DAZSI Systems (India) Pvt. Limited, DI Futures Corporation, Data Essential SARL, Davies Consulting, DayNine Consulting, DayNine Consulting (New Zealand) Limited, DayNine Consulting LLC, Declarative Holdings LLC, Decora Marketplace LLC, Decorado Marketplace Ltda-EPP, Defense Point Security, Deja vu Security, Design Strategy and Research de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Designaffairs LLC, Digiplug S.A.S., Digital Results Group LLC, Double Digit Limitada, Double Digit Pty SA, Droga5, Droga5 LLC, Droga5 Studios LLC, Droga5 UK Limited, Duck Creek Technologies, ESR Labs, ESR Labs AG, EdenOne Solutions Limited, Edenhouse ERP Holdings Limited, Edenhouse Solutions Limited, Enaxis Consulting, Enaxis Consulting LP, End to End Analytics LLC, End-to-End Analytics, Endorphin Medici (M) Sdn Bhd, Energuia Web S.A., Energy Management Brokers Limited, EnergyQuote JHA, Enimbos, Enimbos Global Services S.L., Enkitec, Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions LLC, Enterprise System Partners, Enterprise System Partners B.V., Enterprise System Partners Bilisim Danismanlik Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, Enterprise System Partners Global Corporation, Enterprise System Partners Limited, Enthusian Pty Ltd, Entropia, Entropia (M) Sdn Bhd, Entropia Holdings Pte Ltd, Entropia Intercraft Sdn Bhd, Epylon, Ergo, Espedia S.r.l., Ethica Consulting Group, Ethica Consulting S.p.A., Evopro Group, Exactside Limited, Experity, Exton Consulting, Exton Consulting Spain Strategy&Management S.L., Exton Germany GmbH, Exton International SAS, Exton Italia S.r.l., Exton SAS, FGM LLC, Fairway Technologies Inc, Farah BidCo Limited, Farah MidCo Limited, Farah Topco Limited, Filmproduction ApS, First Annapolis Consulting Inc., First Annapolis Consulting LLC, Fjord, Focus Group Europe, Formicary, Founders Intelligence, Fruendo S.r.l., FusionX, Future State Consulting LLC, FutureMove (Beijing) Automotive Technology Co. Ltd., FutureMove Automotive, FutureMove Automotive Co. Ltd., GRA Supply Chain Pty Ltd, Gagel Group S de R.L. de C.V., Gapso Servicos de Informatica Ltda, Gapso Servicos de Informatica Ltda., Genfour, George Group Consulting L.P., Gestalt LLC, Gevity, Gren utvikling AS, H.B. Maynard and Co. Inc., HRC Retail Advisory, Hagberg Consulting Group, Hahntel Ltda, Halo Partners LLC, Hamilton Holding Company S.A, Hangzhou Aiyunzhe Technology Co. Ltd., Happen, Happen GP Limited, Happen Limited, Headspring, Hjaltelin Stahl, Hjaltelin Stahl A/S, Hjaltelin Stahl K/S, Hytracc Consulting AS, Hytracc Consulting AS, Hytracc Consulting Malaysia Sdn Bhd, IBB Consulting, ICM.S S.r.l., IMJ Corp, IMJ Corporation, INSITUM, IQSP Consulting LLC, IT One Company Limited, ITBS Servicios Bancarios de Tecnologia de la Informacion SL, Icon Integration, Icon Integration (NZ) Limited, Icon Integration Pty Ltd, Imagine Broadband (USA) Limited, Imagine Broadband USA LLC, Imaginea Inc, Imaginea Technologies LLC, Industrie IT (Hong Kong) Ltd, Industrie IT (Singapore) Pte Ltd, Industrie IT Group Pty Ltd, Industrie IT Pty Ltd, Industrie&Co, Infinity Works Consulting Limited, Infinity Works Holdings Limited, Infinity Works Management Limited, Infinity Works Midco Limited, Informatica de Euskadi S.L., Innotec International EAD, Innotec International S.p. z.o.o., Innotec Marketing GmbH, Innotec Marketing International Ireland Limited, Innotec- Marketing Spain S.L, Insitum Consultoria Argentina SRL, Insitum Consultoria S.A. de C.V., International Biometric Group LLC, International Biometric Group UK Limited, Intrepid, Intrepid Futureworks Sdn Bhd, Intrigo Systems Inc, Intrigo Systems India Pvt. Limited, Intrigo Systems LLC, Inventor Technology Ltd, InvestTech, Investtech Systems Consulting LLC, ItSafer Continuity Services S.L., JKD Consulting LLC, Javelin Group, K Comms Group Limited, KSC Studio LLC, Kaper Communications Limited, Karma Communications Debtco Limited, Karma Communications Group Limited, Karma Communications Holdings Limited, Karmarama, Karmarama Comms Limited, Karmarama Limited, King James Group, Knowledge Rules Inc., Knowledgent, Knowledgent Group LLC, Kogentix, Kogentix LLC, Kogentix Limited, Kogentix Singapore Pte Ltd, Kogentix Technologies Private Limited, Kolle Rebbe, Kolle Rebbe GmbH, Kream Comms Limited, Kunstmaan, Kurt Salmon, Kurt Salmon Canada LTD, Kurt Salmon US LLC, LEXTA, LINKBYNET, LINKBYNET Indian Ocean (L.I.O) Ltd, LabAnswer, Lexta GmbH, Lexta UK Limited, Lien par le reseau Inc, Lien par le reseau infrastructures Inc, Lin Bo (Shanghai) Network Technology Co. Ltd., Link By Net SAS, Link By Net SRL, Link By Net Vietnam Company Limited, Linkbynet East Asia Ltd, Linkbynet Singapore Pte Ltd., Loud & Clear Creative Pty Ltd, Lumenup S.A., MAXIM Systems Inc., MCG US Holdings LLC, Mackevision CG Technology and Service (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Mackevision Japan Co. Ltd., Mackevision Korea Ltd, Mackevision LLC, Mackevision Medien Design, Mackevision Medien Design GmbH, Mackevision Singapore Pte Ltd, Mackevision UK Limited, Maglan, Maglan Information Defense Technologies Research Ltd, Maihiro, Matter, Maud Corp Pty Ltd, Maxamine International, Measuretek LLC, Media Audits Ltd., Media Hive, Mediasenz Pty Ltd., Meredith Specialty LLC, Meredith Xcelerated Marketing, Meredith Xcelerated Marketing LLC, Meridian Informed Purchasing Ltd., Mindtribe, Mistral Wind Operations  Servicos Empresariais Unipessoal Lda., MobGen, Mortgage Cadence LLC, Mortgage Cadence an Accenture Company, Most Champion Ltd, Mudano, Mudano Limited, Myrtle Consulting Group LLC, N3, N3 (Dalian) Business Consulting Co. Ltd., N3 Brazil Consultoria em Marketing Ltda, N3 Germany GmbH, N3 LLC, N3 North America LLC, N3 Results Australia Pty Ltd, N3 Results Ireland Limited, N3 Results Japan G.K., N3 Results Limited, N3 Results Malaysia Sdn Bhd, N3 Results Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., N3 Results S.A.S., N3 Results Singapore Pte Ltd, N3 Results Unipessoal Lda, NYTEC, Nanjing Demeng Advertising Co. Ltd., Nashco Consulting, NaviSys Inc., Nell'Armonia Israel Ltd, Nell'Armonia SAS, Nell'Participation SAS, NellArmonia, Neo Metrics Analytics S.L., Neo Metrics Chile S.A., New Content, New Content Editora e Produtora Ltda, New Energy Group, News Imaging LLC, NewsPage, NewsPage (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, NewsPage Pte Ltd, Northstream, Novetta Holdings LLC, Novetta LLC, Novetta Solutions LLC, Novetta Topco LLC, OCTO Technology, OPS Rules Management Consultants, Octagon Research Solutions Inc., Octo Technology Pty Ltd, Octo Technology SA, Odgaard ApS, Olikka, Olikka Pty Ltd, Olympus Systems Corporation, Openmind, Openmind S.r..l., Openminded, Openminded SAS, Operaciones Accenture S.A. de C.V., OpusLine, Orbium, Orbium AG, Orbium Consulting Limited, Orbium Inc., Orbium Ltd, Orbium Pte Ltd, Orbium Pty Ltd, Origin Digital, PCO Innovation, PLM Systems S.r.l, PRION GmbH, PT Accenture, PT Asta Catur Indra, PT Kogentix Teknologi Indonesia, PacificLink Group, Paja Finanssipalvelut Oy, Parker Fitzgerald Inc, Parker Fitzgerald International Limited, Parker Fitzgerald Limited, Parker Fitzgerald PTY Ltd, Parker Fitzgerald Services Limited, Parker Fitzgerald Solutions Limited, Pecaso Ltd., Pegasus Production A/S, Pegasus Production K/S, Phase One Consulting Group, Pillar Technology, Pollux, Pollux Automation Mexico S.A. de C.V., Pollux Canada Inc, Pollux S.A.S., Pollux USA LLC, Pragsis Bidoop, Pragsis Bidoop UK Limited, Pramati Technologies Europe Limited, Pramati Technologies Private Limited, Presence of IT Workforce Management North America LLC, PrimeQ, PrimeQ Australia Pty Ltd, PrimeQ Ltd, PrimeQ NZ Pty Limited, Procurian Inc., Prof. Homburg GmbH, Proquire LLC, PureApps Ltd., Qi Jie Beijing Information Technologies Co. Ltd., RBCP Fund 1-A Vapor Blocker LLC, RBCP Platform Vapor Blocker I LLC, REPL Consulting LLC, REPL Consulting Limited, REPL Digital Limited, REPL Group K.K., REPL Group Pty Ltd, REPL Group Worldwide Limited, REPL Pte Ltd, REPL Software Limited, REPL Technology Limited, Radiant Services LLC, Random Walk Computing Inc., Reactive Media Pty Ltd., Real Protect, Realworld OO Systems Ltd., Redcore, Redcore (New Zealand) Limited, Redcore Group Holdings Pty Ltd, Redcore Pty Ltd, Revolutionary Security, RiskControl, Root LLC, Rothco, Rothco Limited, S3 TV Technology Ltd., SALT Solutions GmbH, SEC Servizi, SOPIA Corp., Sagacious Consultants, Salt Solutions, Sandbox Studio LLC, Sapling Bidco Limited, Sapling Midco Limited, Sapling Topco Limited, Schlumberger Business Consulting, Seabury Aviation & Aerospace (UK) Limited, Seabury Consulting, Seabury Corporate Advisors LLC, Seabury Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Search Technologies BPO Inc, Search Technologies International LLC, Search Technologies LLC, Search Technologies Limited, Securiview SAS, Sentelis, Sentor Managed Secuirty Services AB, Servicios Tecnicos de Programacion Accenture S.C., Seven Seas Business Ventures LLC, Shackleton, Shackleton Chile S.A., Shackleton S.L.U., Shanghai Baiyue Advertising Co. Ltd., Shun Zhe Technology Development Co. Ltd., SigInt Technologies LLC, Silveo, Silveo Consulting India Private Limited, Simian Pty Ltd, SinnerSchrader, SinnerSchrader AG, SinnerSchrader Content GmbH, SinnerSchrader Deutschland GmbH, SinnerSchrader Praha s.r.o., Sirvart S.A., Sistemes Consulting S.L., Skylink SAS, Soltians Limited, Solutions IQ LLC, SolutionsIQ, SolutionsIQ India Consulting Services Private Limited, Somers Ventures Ireland Limited, Somers Ventures LLC, Spacelink SAS, Storm Digital, Structure Consulting Group LLC, Sutter Mills, Synership LLC, Systor AG, T.A. Cook, TXF LLC, Tambourine, TargetST8, Tech - Avanade Portugal Unipessoal Lda, Tecnilogica Ecosistemas S.A., Tecnilogica, The Brand Learning Partners Limited, The Callisto Integration Corporation, The Monkeys, The Monkeys Pty Ltd, The Myrtle Group, Total Logistics, Tquila, Trivadis, Trivadis AG, Trivadis Austria GmbH, Trivadis Denmark AS, Trivadis Germany GmbH, Trivadis Holding AG, Trivadis Partner AG, Trivadis Services AG, Trivadis Services SRL, Troop Studios Pty Ltd, VanBerlo, Vector Acquisition Company LLC, Vector Topco LLC, Verax Solutions, Vertical Retail Consulting (Shanghai) Ltd, Vertical Retail Consulting Ltd, Vivere Brasil Servicos e Solucoes SA, Vivere Brasil Solucoes De Credito Ltda., Wabion GmbH, WaveStrike LLC, White Cliffs Consulting LLC, Wire Stone, Wire Stone LLC, Wise Partners SAS, Wolox, Wolox Colombia S.A.S, Wolox LLC, Wolox Mexico S.R.L de C.V., Wolox S.A., Wolox SpA, Workforce Insight, Workforce Insight LLC, Yesler, Yesler LLC, Yesler Limited, Yesler Singapore Pte Ltd, Zag, Zag Australia Pty Ltd, Zag Limited, Zag USA LLC, Zebra Worldwide Australia Pty Ltd, Zebra Worldwide Group Limited, Zebra Worldwide Media Pty Ltd, Zenta, Zenta Global Philippines Inc, Zenta Mortgage Services LLC, Zenta Recoveries Inc, Zenta US Holdings Inc, Zestgroup, Zielpuls, Zielpuls (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Zielpuls GmbH, avVenta, designaffairs, designaffairs Business Consulting (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., designaffairs GmbH, designaffairs group China Co. Ltd., dgroup, i4C Analytics, iDefense, solid-serVision.com GmbH, and umlaut.

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The Trump administration will suspend most security assistance to Pakistan, the State Department said on Thursday, expanding its retribution over militant safe havens that U.S. officials blame for ongoing violence in Afghanistan.





State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert, speaking to reporters, said the suspension would allow the administration, which will freeze the aid payments but not allocate the money elsewhere, to reassess in the coming year.





Because the administration had previously said it would suspend $255 million in foreign military funding for Pakistan, the new announcement will have limited practical effect in the short term, as officials wait to see if Pakistan takes new action against militants.





But it sends as a strong signal to an on-again, off-again counterterrorism ally. The Trump administration is seeking to take a harder line against Pakistan as it expands

, more than 16 years after that conflict began.





Also on Thursday, the State Department announced it would put Pakistan on a watch list for countries that fail to protect
The following companies are subsidiares of Centene: AT Learning Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, AT Medics Holdings LLP an English and Welsh LLP, AT Medics Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, AT Technology (Private) Ltd. a Pakistan private company, AT Technology Services Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, AWC of Syracuse Inc. a New York corporation, Absolute Total Care Inc. a South Carolina corporation, AcariaHealth Inc. a Delaware corporation, AcariaHealth Pharmacy #11 Inc. a Texas corporation, AcariaHealth Pharmacy #12 Inc. a New York corporation, AcariaHealth Pharmacy #13 Inc. a California corporation, AcariaHealth Pharmacy #14 Inc. a California corporation, AcariaHealth Pharmacy #26 Inc. a Delaware corporation, AcariaHealth Pharmacy Inc. a California corporation, AcariaHealth Solutions Inc. a Delaware corporation, Access Medical Acquisition LLC a Delaware LLC, Access Medical Group of Florida City LLC a Florida LLC, Access Medical Group of Hialeah LLC a Florida LLC, Access Medical Group of Lakeland LLC a Florida LLC, Access Medical Group of Miami LLC a Florida LLC, Access Medical Group of North Miami Beach LLC a Florida LLC, Access Medical Group of Opa-Locka LLC a Florida LLC, Access Medical Group of Perrine LLC a Florida LLC, Access Medical Group of Tampa II LLC a Florida LLC, Access Medical Group of Tampa III LLC a Florida LLC, Access Medical Group of Tampa LLC a Florida LLC, Access Medical Group of Westchester LLC a Florida LLC, Accountable Care Coalition Direct Contracting LLC a Florida LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Chesapeake LLC a Maryland LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Community Health Centers II LLC a Texas LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Community Health Centers LLC a Texas LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Elite Providers II LLC a Delaware LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Elite Providers III LLC a Delaware LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Elite Providers IV LLC a Delaware LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Elite Providers LLC a Hawaii LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Elite Providers V LLC a Delaware LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Elite Providers VII LLC an Arizona LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Florida Partners LLC a Florida LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Georgia LLC a Georgia LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Maryland LLC a Maryland LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Maryland Primary Care LLC a Maryland LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of New Jersey Inc. a New Jersey corporation, Accountable Care Coalition of North Texas LLC a Texas LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Northeast Georgia LLC a Georgia LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Northeast Partners LLC a Pennsylvania LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Northwest Florida LLC a Florida LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Prime Health LLC an Oregon LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Quality Health II LLC a Delaware LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Quality Health III LLC a Delaware LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Quality Health LLC an Oregon LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Southeast Partners LLC a Georgia LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Southeast Physician Partners LLC a South Carolina LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Southeast Texas Inc. a Texas corporation, Accountable Care Coalition of Southeast Wisconsin LLC a Wisconsin LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Tennessee LLC a Tennessee LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Texas Inc. a Texas corporation, Agate Resources Inc. an Oregon corporation, AirLogix, Ambetter of Magnolia Inc. a Mississippi corporation, Ambetter of North Carolina Inc. a North Carolina corporation, Ambetter of Peach State Inc. a Georgia corporation, America's 1st Choice California Holdings LLC a Florida corporation, American Progressive Life and Health Insurance Company of New York a New York corporation, Apixio, Apixio Inc a Delaware corporation, Arch Personalized Medicine Initiative LLC a Missouri LLC, Arkansas Health & Wellness Health Plan Inc. an Arkansas corporation, Arkansas Total Care Holding Company LLC a Delaware LLC, Arkansas Total Care Inc. an Arkansas corporation, B2B Gestion Integra S.L.U. a Spanish S.L.U., B2B Salud S.L.U. a Spanish S.L.U., BMI Healthcare Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, BMI Hospital Decontamination Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, BMI Imaging Clinic Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, BMI Southend Private Hospital Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, BMI Syon Clinic Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Bankers Reserve Life Insurance Company of Wisconsin a Wisconsin corporation, Bishopswood SPV Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Bridgeway Health Solutions LLC a Delaware LLC, Bridgeway Health Solutions of Arizona Inc. an Arizona corporation, Buckeye Community Health Plan Inc. an Ohio corporation, Buckeye Health Plan Community Solutions Inc. an Ohio corporation, CCTX Holdings LLC a Texas LLC, CEF Holding Company Limited a limited liability Malta company, CMC Real Estate Company LLC a Delaware LLC, CT Poprad s.r.o. a Slovakia S.R.O., CT Presov s.r.o. a Slovakia S.R.O., California Health and Wellness Plan a California corporation, Cantina Laredo Clayton LP a Delaware limited partnership, Cardium Health Services, Care 1st Health Plan of Arizona Inc. an Arizona corporation, Care1st Health Plan Administrative Services Inc. an Arizona corporation, Carolina Complete Health Holding Company Partnership a Delaware partnership, Carolina Complete Health Inc. a North Carolina corporation, CeltiCare Health Plan Holdings LLC a Delaware LLC, CeltiCare Health Plan of Massachusetts Inc. a Massachusetts corporation, Celtic Group Inc., Celtic Group Inc. a Delaware corporation, Celtic Insurance Company an Illinois corporation, Cenpatico Behavioral Health LLC a California LLC, Centene Center I LLC a Delaware LLC, Centene Center II LLC a Delaware LLC, Centene Center LLC a Delaware LLC, Centene Company of Texas LP a Texas limited partnership, Centene Europe Finance Company Limited a limited liability Malta company, Centene Health Plan Holdings Inc. a Delaware corporation, Centene Institute for Advanced Health Education LLC a Delaware LLC, Centene International Financing Company Limited a limited liability Malta company, Centene International Ventures LLC a Delaware LLC, Centene Management Company LLC a Wisconsin LLC, Centene Technology Europe S.L.U. a Spanish S.L.U., Centene Technology UK Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Centene Venture Company Alabama Health Plan Inc. an Alabama corporation, Centene Venture Company Florida Inc. a Florida corporation, Centene Venture Company Illinois Inc. an Illinois corporation, Centene Venture Company Indiana Inc. an Indiana corporation, Centene Venture Company Kansas Inc. a Kansas corporation, Centene Venture Company Michigan Inc. a Michigan corporation, Centene Venture Company Tennessee Inc. a Tennessee corporation, Centene Venture Insurance Company Texas Inc. a Texas corporation, Centro Inmunologocia De La Comunidad Valenciana S.L. a Spanish S.L., Centurion Correctional Healthcare of New Mexico LLC a New Mexico LLC, Centurion Detention Health Services LLC a Delaware LLC, Centurion LLC a Delaware LLC, Centurion of Arizona LLC an Arizona LLC, Centurion of Delaware LLC a Delaware LLC, Centurion of Florida LLC a Florida LLC, Centurion of Indiana LLC an Indiana LLC, Centurion of Kansas LLC a Kansas LLC, Centurion of Minnesota LLC a Minnesota LLC, Centurion of Mississippi LLC a Mississippi LLC, Centurion of New Hampshire LLC a Delaware LLC, Centurion of Pennsylvania LLC a Pennsylvania LLC, Centurion of Tennessee LLC a Tennessee LLC, Centurion of Vermont LLC a Vermont LLC, Centurion of West Virginia LLC a West Virginia LLC, Centurion of Wyoming LLC a Wyoming LLC, Chrysalis Medical Services LLC a New Jersey LLC, Circle Birmingham Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Circle Clinical Services Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Circle Harmony Health Ltd. a Hong Kong private company, Circle Health 1 Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Circle Health 2 Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Circle Health 3 Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Circle Health 4 Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Circle Health Holdings Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Circle Health Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Circle Holdings Ltd. a Jersey private company, Circle Hospital (Reading) Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Circle International an English and Welsh PLC, Circle Nottingham Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Circle Rehabilitation Services Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Clinica Santo Domingo De Lugo S.L. a Spanish S.L., Collaborative Health Systems IPA LLC a Florida LLC, Collaborative Health Systems LLC a New York LLC, Collaborative Health Systems of Maryland LLC a Maryland LLC, Collaborative Health Systems of Virginia LLC a Virginia LLC, Community Medical Group, Community Medical Holdings Corporation a Delaware corporation, Comprehensive Health Management Inc. a Florida corporation, Coordinated Care Corporation an Indiana corporation, Coordinated Care of Washington Inc. a Washington corporation, DELMARVA Collaborative Care LLC a Delaware LLC, Discare CZ a.s. a Czech Republic A.S., District Community Care Inc. a Washington D.C. corporation, Dr Magnet s.r.o. a Slovakia S.R.O., Elche-Crevillente Salud a Spanish S.A., Envolve Benefits Options Inc. a Delaware corporation, Envolve Dental IPA of New York Inc. a New York corporation, Envolve Dental Inc. a Delaware corporation, Envolve Dental of Florida Inc. a Florida corporation, Envolve Dental of Texas Inc. a Texas corporation, Envolve Health, Envolve Holdings Inc. a Delaware corporation, Envolve Inc. a Delaware corporation, Envolve Optical Inc. a Delaware corporation, Envolve PeopleCare Inc. a Delaware corporation, Envolve Pharmacy IPA LLC a New York LLC, Envolve Pharmacy Solutions Inc. a Delaware corporation, Envolve Total Vision Inc. a Delaware corporation, Envolve Vision Benefits Inc. a Delaware corporation, Envolve Vision IPA of New York Inc. a New York corporation, Envolve Vision Inc. a Delaware corporation, Envolve Vision of Florida Inc. a Florida corporation, Envolve Vision of Texas Inc. a Texas corporation, Essential Care Partners LLC a Texas LLC, Fidelis Care, Forensic Health Services LLC a Delaware LLC, Foundation Care LLC a Missouri LLC, GHG (DB) Pension Trustees Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, GHG Healthcare Holdings Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, GHG Intermediate Holdings Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, GHG Leasing Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, GHG Mount Alvernia Hospital Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, General Healthcare Group Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, General Healthcare Holdings 2 Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, General Healthcare Holdings 3 Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Generale de Sante International Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Golden Triangle Physician Alliance a Texas not-for-profit corporation, Granite State Health Plan Inc. a New Hampshire corporation, HHS Texas Management Inc. a Texas corporation, HHS Texas Management LP a Texas limited partnership, HLM Strategic Investment Fund L.P. a Delaware limited partnership, Hallmark Life Insurance Company an Arizona corporation, Harmony Health Management Inc. a New Jersey corporation, Harmony Health Plan Inc. an Illinois corporation, Harmony Health Systems Inc. a New Jersey corporation, Health Care Enterprises LLC a Delaware LLC, Health Net Access Inc. an Arizona corporation, Health Net Community Solutions Inc. a California corporation, Health Net Community Solutions of Arizona Inc. an Arizona corporation, Health Net Federal Services LLC a Delaware LLC, Health Net Health Plan of Oregon Inc. an Oregon corporation, Health Net LLC, Health Net LLC a Delaware LLC, Health Net Life Insurance Company a California corporation, Health Net Life Reinsurance Company a Cayman Islands corporation, Health Net of Arizona Inc. an Arizona corporation, Health Net of California Inc. a California corporation, Health Plan Real Estate Holdings Inc. a Missouri corporation, HealthSmart Benefit Solutions Inc. an Illinois corporation, HealthSmart Benefits Management LLC a Texas LLC, HealthSmart Care Management Solutions LP a Texas partnership, HealthSmart Information Systems Inc. a Texas corporation, HealthSmart Preferred Care II LP a Texas partnership, HealthSmart Preferred Network II Inc. a Delaware corporation, HealthSmart Primary Care Clinics LP a Texas partnership, HealthSmart Rx Solutions Inc. an Ohio corporation, Healthy Louisiana Holdings LLC a Delaware LLC , Healthy Missouri Holdings Inc. a Missouri corporation, Healthy Washington Holdings Inc. a Delaware corporation, Heritage Health Systems Inc. a Texas corporation, Heritage Health Systems of Texas Inc. a Texas corporation, Heritage Physician Networks a Texas not-for-profit corporation, Home State Health Plan Inc. a Missouri corporation, HomeScripts.com LLC a Michigan LLC, Hospinet S.L. a Spanish S.L., Hospital Polusa S.A. a Spanish S.A., Hospital Povisa S.A. a Spanish S.A., Illinois Health Practice Alliance LLC a Delaware corporation, Infraestructuras y Servicios de Alzira S. L. a Spanish S.L., Integrated Mental Health Services a Texas corporation, Interpreta Holdings Inc. a Delaware corporation, Interpreta Inc. a Delaware corporation, Iowa Total Care Inc. an Iowa corporation, Kentucky Spirit Health Plan Inc. a Kentucky corporation , LifeShare Management Group LLC, LifeShare Management Group LLC a New Hampshire LLC, Louisiana Healthcare Connections Inc. a Louisiana corporation , MH Services International Holdings (UK) Limited an English and Welsh private company, MHM, MHM Correctional Services LLC a Delaware LLC, MHM Health Professionals LLC a Delaware LLC, MHM Services Inc. a Delaware corporation, MHM Services of California LLC a California LLC, MHM Solutions LLC a Delaware LLC, MHN Government Services LLC a Delaware LLC, MHN Services LLC a California LLC, MHS Consulting International Inc. a Delaware corporation, MHS Travel & Charter Inc. a Wisconsin corporation, MR Centrum Melnick s.r.o. a Czech Republic S.R.O., MR Poprad s.r.o. a Slovakia S.R.O., MR Zilina s.r.o. a Slovakia S.R.O., Magellan Health Inc, Magnolia Health Plan Inc. a Mississippi corporation, Managed Health Network LLC a Delaware LLC, Managed Health Network a California corporation, Managed Health Services Insurance Corporation a Wisconsin corporation, Marina Salud S.A. a Spanish S.A., Maryland Collaborative Care LLC a Maryland LLC, Maryland Collaborative Care Transformation Organization Inc. a Delaware corporation, Mauli Ola Health and Wellness Inc. a Hawaii corporation, Medicina NZ spol s.r.o. a Slovakia S.R.O., Meriden Hospital Advanced Imaging Centre Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Meridian Health Plan of Illinois Inc. an Illinois corporation, Meridian Health Plan of Michigan Inc. a Michigan corporation, Meridian Management Company LLC (a/k/a Meridian Administration Company LLC) a Michigan LLC, Meridian Network Services LLC a Michigan LLC, MeridianRx IPA LLC a New York LLC, MeridianRx LLC a Michigan LLC, MeridianRx of Indiana LLC a Michigan LLC, Michigan Complete Health a Michigan corporation, Mid-Atlantic Collaborative Care LLC a Maryland LLC, Mount Alvernia PET CT Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Nations Healthcare Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Nebraska Total Care Inc. a Nebraska corporation, Network Providers LLC a Delaware LLC, New York Quality Healthcare Corporation a New York corporation, Next Door Neighbors Inc. a Delaware corporation, Next Door Neighbors LLC. a Delaware LLC, North West Cancer Clinic Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Northern Maryland Collaborative Care LLC a Maryland LLC, Novasys Health Inc. a Delaware corporation, OB Care a Czech Republic S.R.O., OB Klinika a.s. a Czech Republic A.S., Ohana Health Plan Inc. a Hawaii corporation, Oklahoma Complete Health Holding Company LLC a Delaware LLC, Oklahoma Complete Health Inc. an Oklahoma corporation, One Care by Care 1st Health Plans of Arizona Inc an Arizona corporation, Operose Health (Group) Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Operose Health (Group) UK Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Operose Health Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, OptiCare Health Systems - Managed Vision Business, PANTHERx Rare Pharmacy, PRIMEROSALUD S.L.U. a Spanish S.L.U., Panther Pass Co LLC a Pennsylvania LLC, Panther Specialty Holding Co LLC a Pennsylvania LLC, Pantherx Access Services LLC a Pennsylvania LLC, Pantherx Specialty LLC a Pennsylvania LLC, Parker LP LLC a Nevada LLC, Peach State Health Plan Inc. a Georgia corporation, Penn Marketing America LLC a Delaware LLC, Pennsylvania Health and Wellness Inc. a Pennsylvania corporation, Preamed s.r.o. a Slovakia S.R.O., Premier Marketing Group LLC a Delaware LLC, Primary Care Partners Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Pro Diagnostic Group A.S. a Slovakia A.S., Pro Magnet CZ s.r.o. a Czech Republic S.R.O., Pro Magnet s.r.o a Slovakia S.R.O., Pro Nuclear a.s. a Slovakia A.S., Pro RTG s.r.o a Slovakia S.R.O., Progress Medical A.S. a Czech Republic A.S., Prowl Holdings LLC a Delaware LLC, QCA Healthplan Inc. an Arkansas corporation, Qualchoice Life and Health Insurance Company and Arkansas company, Quincy Coverage Corporation a New York corporation, Rhythm Health Tennessee Inc. a Tennessee corporation, Ribera Diagnostics S.L.U. a Spanish S.L.U., Ribera Healthcare S.L.U. a Spanish S.L.U., Ribera Lab S.L.U. a Spanish S.L.U., Ribera Management S.L.U. a Spanish S.L.U., Ribera Salud II a Spanish UTE, Ribera Salud Proyectos S.L. a Spanish S.L., Ribera Salud S.A. a Spanish S.A., Ribera Salud Tecnologias S.L.U. a Spanish S.L.U., Ribera Slaud Infraestructuras S.L.U. a Spanish S.L.U., Ribera-Quilpro UTE a Spanish UTE, Runnymeade SPV Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Salus Administrative Services Inc. a New York corporation, Salus IPA LLC a New York LLC, Secure Capital Solutions 2000 S.L.U. a Spanish S.L.U., SelectCare Health Plans Inc. a Texas corporation, SelectCare of Texas Inc. a Texas corporation, Servicios De Mantenimiento Prevencor S.L.U. a Spanish S.L.U., Shanghai Circle Harmony Hospital Management Limited a Chinese private company, SilverSummit Healthplan Inc. a Nevada corporation, Social Health Bridge LLC a Delaware LLC, Social Health Bridge Trust a Delaware trust, Specialty Therapeutic Care GP LLC a Texas LLC, Specialty Therapeutic Care Holdings, Specialty Therapeutic Care Holdings LLC a Delaware LLC, Specialty Therapeutic Care LP a Texas limited partnership, Sunflower State Health Plan Inc. a Kansas corporation, Sunshine Health Community Solutions Inc. a Florida corporation, Sunshine Health Holding LLC a Florida LLC, Sunshine State Health Plan Inc. a Florida corporation, Superior Health Management Advisors LLC, Superior HealthPlan Community Solutions Inc. a Texas corporation, Superior HealthPlan Inc. a Texas corporation, TKH Holding Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, Terapias Medicas Domiciliarias S.L. a Spanish S.L., The Pavilion Clinic Ltd. an English and Welsh private company, The Practice Properties Limited an English and Welsh private company, The WellCare Management Group Inc. a New York corporation, Three Shires Hospital LP an English and Welsh limited partnership, Torrejon Salud S.A. a Spanish S.A., Torrevieja Salud S.L.U. a Spanish S.L.U., Torrevieja Salud UTE a Spanish UTE, Transplant Health Solutions IPA Inc. a New York corporation, Trillium Community Health Plan Inc. an Oregon corporation, UAM Agent Services Corp. an Iowa corporation, US Script, Universal American Corp. a Delaware corporation, Universal American Financial Services Inc. a Delaware corporation, Universal American Holdings LLC a Delaware LLC, Vivamed s.r.o. a Slovakia S.R.O., WCG Health Management Inc. a Delaware corporation, WellCare Health Insurance Company of America an Arkansas corporation, WellCare Health Insurance Company of Kentucky Inc. a Kentucky corporation, WellCare Health Insurance Company of Louisiana Inc. a Louisiana corporation, WellCare Health Insurance Company of Nevada Inc. a Nevada corporation, WellCare Health Insurance Company of New Hampshire Inc. a New Hampshire corporation, WellCare Health Insurance Company of New Jersey Inc. a New Jersey corporation, WellCare Health Insurance Company of Oklahoma Inc. an Oklahoma corporation, WellCare Health Insurance Company of Washington Inc. a Washington corporation, WellCare Health Insurance of Arizona Inc. an Arizona corporation, WellCare Health Insurance of Connecticut Inc. a Connecticut corporation, WellCare Health Insurance of Hawaii Inc. a Hawaii corporation, WellCare Health Insurance of New York Inc. a New York corporation, WellCare Health Insurance of North Carolina Inc. a North Carolina corporation, WellCare Health Insurance of Southwest Inc. an Arizona corporation, WellCare Health Insurance of Tennessee Inc. a Tennessee corporation, WellCare Health Plans, WellCare Health Plans Inc. a Delaware corporation, WellCare Health Plans of Arizona Inc. an Arizona corporation, WellCare Health Plans of Kentucky Inc. a Kentucky corporation, WellCare Health Plans of Massachusetts Inc. a Massachusetts corporation, WellCare Health Plans of Missouri Inc. a Missouri corporation, WellCare Health Plans of New Jersey Inc. a New Jersey corporation, WellCare Health Plans of Rhode Island Inc. a Rhode Island corporation, WellCare Health Plans of Vermont Inc. a Vermont corporation, WellCare National Health Insurance Company a Texas corporation, WellCare Prescription Insurance Inc. an Arizona corporation, WellCare of Alabama Inc. an Alabama corporation, WellCare of Arkansas Inc. an Arkansas corporation, WellCare of California Inc. a California corporation, WellCare of Connecticut Inc. a Connecticut corporation, WellCare of Georgia Inc. a Georgia corporation, WellCare of Illinois Inc. an Illinois corporation, WellCare of Indiana Inc. an Indiana corporation, WellCare of Maine Inc. a Maine corporation, WellCare of Michigan Holding Company a Michigan corporation, WellCare of Mississippi Inc. a Mississippi corporation, WellCare of Missouri Health Insurance Company Inc. a Missouri corporation, WellCare of New Hampshire Inc. a New Hampshire corporation, WellCare of New York Inc. a New York corporation, WellCare of North Carolina Inc. a North Carolina corporation, WellCare of Ohio Inc. an Ohio corporation, WellCare of Oklahoma Inc. an Oklahoma corporation, WellCare of Pennsylvania Inc. a Pennsylvania corporation, WellCare of South Carolina Inc. a South Carolina corporation, WellCare of Texas Inc. a Texas corporation, WellCare of Virginia Inc. a Virginia corporation, WellCare of Washington Inc. a Washington corporation, Western Sky Community Care Inc. a New Mexico corporation, Windsor Health Group Inc. a Tennessee corporation, Winning Security S.L. a Spanish S.L., and Worlco Management Services Inc. a New York corporation.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Danaher: AB SCIEX, AB Sciex LLC, AB Sciex LP, AB Sciex Pte Ltd., Accu-Sort Systems, Acme Cleveland Corporation, Advanced Vision Technology, Aldevron, Aldevron L.L.C., American Precision Industries, Applied Biosystems, Applitek NV, Aquatic Infomatics ULC, Aquatic Informatics, Armstrong Tools, BC Distribution BV, Beckman Coulter, Beckman Coulter Australia Pty Ltd, Beckman Coulter Biotechnology Suzhou Co. Ltd., Beckman Coulter Canada LP, Beckman Coulter Commercial Enterprise China Co. Ltd., Beckman Coulter France S.A.S., Beckman Coulter G.m.b.H., Beckman Coulter Genomics Inc., Beckman Coulter Hong Kong Limited, Beckman Coulter Inc., Beckman Coulter India Private Limited, Beckman Coulter International SA, Beckman Coulter International Shanghai Trading Co., Beckman Coulter Ireland Inc., Beckman Coulter K.K., Beckman Coulter Korea Ltd, Beckman Coulter Laboratory Systems Suzhou Co. Ltd., Beckman Coulter Limited Liability Company, Beckman Coulter Nederland B.V., Beckman Coulter Nippon GK, Beckman Coulter S.L.U., Beckman Coulter Saudi Arabia Co.Ltd., Beckman Coulter Srl, Beckman Coulter Taiwan Inc., Beckman Coulter United Kingdom Limited, Beckman Coulter de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Beckman Finance ApS, Biacore International AB, Biosafe S.A., Blue Software LLC, Cepheid, Cepheid AB, Cepheid Canada ULC, Cepheid Europe SAS, Cepheid GmbH, Cepheid HBDC SAS, Cepheid India Private Limited, Cepheid UK Ltd., ChemTreat, ChemTreat Inc., Cispus Hong Kong Holding Limited, Cytiva, Cytiva BioProcess R&D AB, Cytiva Biotechnology Guangzhou Co. Ltd., Cytiva Biotechnology Hang Zhou Co. Ltd., Cytiva Europe GmbH, Cytiva Sweden AB, DCHL Holding BV, DH Denmark Holding ApS, DH Europe Finance II Sarl, DH Europe Finance Sarl, DH Holding Italia SRL, DH Holdings Germany LLC, DH II Luxembourg Sarl, DH Japan Finance Sarl, DH Switzerland Finance Sarl, DH Technologies Development Pte Ltd., DHCY Limited, DHKAB Company AB, DTIL Ireland Holdings Ltd., Danaher China Holdings Ltd., Danaher Finance Company AB, Danaher HK Holdings Ltd., Danaher Medical ApS, Danaher Shanghai Management Co. Ltd., Delta Consolidated Industries, Devicore Medical Products Inc., Easco Hand Tools, Esko, Esko BV, Esko Graphics BV, Esko Graphics Inc., Esko Software BV, Fluke, GE Biopharma, Gelman Sciences Inc., Gendex, Genetix Group, Gilbarco Veeder Root, Gilzoni Ltd., Global Life Sciences Solutions Austria GmbH & Co. KG, Global Life Sciences Solutions Germany GmbH, Global Life Sciences Solutions Korea Ltd., Global Life Sciences Solutions Manufacturing UK Ltd, Global Life Sciences Solutions Operations UK Ltd, Global Life Sciences Solutions Singapore Pte Ltd, Global Life Sciences Solutions USA LLC, Global Life Sciences Technologies Japan KK, Global Life Sciences Technologies Shanghai Co Ltd., Hach Company, Hach Lange GmbH, Hach Lange Sarl, Hach Water Quality Analytical Instru. Shanghai Co. Ltd., HemoCue AB, HyClone Laboratories LLC, Hybritech Incorporated, Hyclone Life Sciences Solutions India Private Limited, ID Business Solutions Limited, IDBS Group, IRIS International, Imaging Sciences International, Immunotech Sro, Intabio LLC, Integrated DNA Technologies, Integrated DNA Technologies BVBA, Integrated DNA Technologies Inc., Integrated DNA Technologies Pte. Ltd., Intermountain Life Sciences LLC, Iris International Inc., KaVo, KaVo Kerr, Kaltenbach & Voigt, Keithley Instruments, Kipp & Zonen BV, Kollmorgen, Labcyte Inc., Laetus, Launchchange Holding Company, Leica Biosystems Imaging Inc., Leica Biosystems Melbourne Pty Ltd, Leica Biosystems Newcastle Limited, Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH, Leica Biosystems Richmond Inc., Leica Instruments Singapore Pte Limited, Leica Microsystems, Leica Microsystems CMS GmbH, Leica Microsystems Cambridge Limited, Leica Microsystems IR GmbH, Leica Microsystems Inc., Leica Microsystems Limited, Leica Microsystems UK Limited, Leica Mikrosysteme GmbH, Leica Mikrosysteme Vertrieb GmbH, Life Sciences Holdings France SAS, Life Sciences IP Holdings Corporation, Lifschultz Industries, Linx Printing Technologies, Linx Printing Technologies Limited, MDS Analytical Technologies, Marconi Data Systems, Microtest, Molecular Devices, Molecular Devices LLC, Navman Wireless, Navman Wireless OEM Solutions, Nihon Pall Ltd., Nobel Biocare, OTT Hydromet Corp, Pall Aeropower Corporation, Pall Artelis BVBA, Pall Asia Holdings Inc., Pall Austar Lifesciences Limited, Pall Australia Pty. Ltd., Pall Austria Filter Ges.m.b.h, Pall Canada ULC, Pall China Co. Ltd., Pall Corporation, Pall Europe Limited, Pall Filtersystems GmbH, Pall Filtration Pte. Ltd., Pall Filtration and Separations Group Inc., Pall France SAS, Pall GmbH, Pall India Pvt. Ltd., Pall International Sarl, Pall Italia Srl, Pall Korea Ltd., Pall Life Sciences Belgium BV, Pall Life Sciences Puerto Rico LLC, Pall Manufacturing UK Limited, Pall Medistad BV, Pall Netherlands BV Irish Branch, Pall Schweiz GmbH, Pall Technology UK Limited, PaloDEX, Pantone LLC, Pelton & Crane, Phenomenex, Phenomenex Inc., Precision NanoSystems, Precision Nanosystems ULC, Radiometer, Radiometer Medical ApS, Radiometer Turku Oy, Raytek, Reytek Corporation, Sea-Bird Electronics Inc., Sedaru Inc., Shanghai AB Sciex Analytical Instrument Trading Co. Ltd., Skyland Analytics Inc., Sutron, Swift Biosciences Inc., Sybron Dental Specialties, Tektronix, Thomson Industries, Trojan Technologies, Trojan Technologies Group ULC, VSS Monitoring, Vanrx Pharmasystems Inc., Videojet Do Brasil Comercio de Equipamentos Para Codificacao Industrial Ltda., Videojet Technologies Europe B.V., Videojet Technologies GmbH, Videojet Technologies Inc., Videojet Technologies S Pte.Ltd., Viridor Waste Management Limited, Vision Systems Limited, Willett International, X-Ray Optical Systems Inc., X-Rite, X-Rite Europe GmbH, X-Rite Incorporated, XOS, Yukon Hong Kong Holding Limited, and Zhuhai S.E.Z. Videojet Electronics Ltd..

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EPAM Systems, Inc. provides digital platform engineering and software development services worldwide. The company offers engineering services, including requirements analysis and platform selection, customization, cross-platform migration, implementation, and integration; infrastructure management services, such as software development, testing, and maintenance with private, public, and mobile infrastructures for application, database, network, server, storage, and systems operations management, as well as monitoring, incident notification, and resolution services; and maintenance and support services. It also provides operation solutions comprising integrated engineering practices and smart automation; and optimization solutions that include software application testing, test management, automation, and consulting services to enable customers enhance their existing software testing and quality assurance practices, as well as other testing services that identify threats and close loopholes to protect its customers' business systems from information loss. In addition, the company offers business, experience, technology, data, and technical advisory consulting services; and digital and service design solutions, which comprise strategy, design, creative, and program management services, as well as physical product development, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and virtual reality. It serves the financial services, travel and consumer, software and hi-tech, business information and media, life sciences and healthcare, and other industries. The company was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
NCI Building Systems, Inc. designs, engineers, manufactures, and markets metal products for the nonresidential construction industry in North America. It operates in four segments: Engineered Building Systems, Metal Components, Insulated Metal Panels, and Metal Coil Coating. The Engineered Building Systems segment offers engineered structural members and panels; and self-storage building systems under the Metallic, Mid-West Steel, A & S, All American, Mesco, Star, Ceco, Robertson, Garco, Heritage, and SteelBuilding.com brands to builders, general contractors, developers, and end users directly, as well as through private label companies. The Metal Components segment provides metal roof and wall systems, metal partitions, metal trims, doors, and other related accessories for use in new construction, and repair and retrofit applications; roll-up doors; and interior and exterior walk doors under the MBCI, American Building Components, Eco-ficient, Metal Depots, and Doors and Buildings Components brands to manufacturers, contractors, subcontractors, distributors, lumberyards, cooperative buying groups, and other customers. The Insulated Metal Panels segment offers insulated metal panels for architectural, commercial, industrial, and cold storage end-market applications under the Metl-Span and CENTRIA brands. The Metal Coil Coating segment engages in cleaning, treating, and painting flat-rolled metals in coil form, as well as in slitting and/or embossing the metal, before the metal is fabricated for use by industrial users. It also cleans, treats, and coats heavy and light gauge metal coils for use in construction products, heating and air conditioning systems, water heaters, lighting fixtures, ceiling grids, office furniture, appliances, and other products; and provides toll coating and painted metal package services under the Metal Coaters and Metal Prep brands. NCI Building Systems, Inc. was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
Royal Bank of Canada operates as a diversified financial service company worldwide. The company's Personal & Commercial Banking segment offers checking and savings accounts, home equity financing, personal lending, private banking, indirect lending, including auto financing, mutual funds and self-directed brokerage accounts, guaranteed investment certificates, credit cards, and payment products and solutions; and lending, leasing, deposit, investment, foreign exchange, cash management, auto dealer financing, trade products, and services to small and medium-sized commercial businesses. This segment offers financial products and services through branches, automated teller machines, and mobile sales network. Its Wealth Management segment provides a suite of advice-based solutions and strategies to high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals, and institutional clients. The company's Insurance segment offers life, health, home, auto, travel, wealth, annuities, and reinsurance advice and solutions; and business insurance services to individual, business, and group clients through its advice centers, RBC insurance stores, and mobile advisors; digital, mobile, and social platforms; independent brokers; and travel partners. Its Investor & Treasury Services segment provides asset servicing, custody, payments, and treasury services to financial and other investors; and fund and investment administration, shareholder, private capital, performance measurement and compliance monitoring, distribution, transaction banking, cash and liquidity management, foreign exchange, and global securities finance services. The company's Capital Markets segment offers corporate and investment banking, as well as equity and debt origination, distribution, advisory services, sale, and trading services for corporations, institutional investors, asset managers, private equity firms, and governments. The company was founded in 1864 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.
Oshkosh Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets specialty vehicles and vehicle bodies worldwide. The company's Access Equipment segment provides aerial work platforms and telehandlers for use in various construction, industrial, institutional, and general maintenance applications. This segment also offers rental fleet loans and leases, and floor plan and retail financing through third-party funding arrangements; towing and recovery equipment; carriers and wreckers; equipment installation services; and chassis and service parts sales. Its Defense segment provides heavy, medium, and light tactical wheeled vehicles and related services for the department of defense. The company's Fire & Emergency segment offers custom and commercial firefighting vehicles and equipment; and commercial fire apparatus and emergency vehicles, such as pumpers, aerial platform, ladder and tiller trucks, tankers, rescue vehicles, wild land rough terrain response vehicles, mobile command and control centers, bomb squad vehicles, hazardous materials control vehicles, and other emergency response vehicles. This segment also provides aircraft rescue and firefighting, snow removal, and broadcast vehicles, as well as command trucks, and military simulator shelters and trailers. Its Commercial segment offers front-and rear-discharge concrete mixers for the concrete ready-mix industry; refuse collection vehicles and related components to commercial and municipal waste haulers; and field service vehicles and truck-mounted cranes for the construction, equipment dealer, building supply, utility, tire service, railroad, and mining industries. Oshkosh Corporation provides its products through direct sales representatives, dealers, and distributors. The company was formerly known as Oshkosh Truck Corporation and changed its name to Oshkosh Corporation in February 2008. Oshkosh Corporation was founded in 1917 and is headquartered in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
First Republic Bank was founded by Jim Herbert with the intention of providing exceptional levels of customer service. It was his belief that customer service would set the bank apart and create a profitable investment for its shareholders. After 35 years, his vision has proven true with a 25% CAGR that continues to this day. The initial enterprise value has grown from only $8.8 million in that time, to over $19 billion making it the 14th largest bank in the US. First Republic Bank was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

First Republic Bank with its subsidiaries operates in two segments and provides personal banking, business banking, and wealth management services to individuals, families, organizations, and small businesses in the United States. The companys services are available in-person at one of the more than 80 offices or via ATM, online, mobile, and debit cards.

The company offers deposit products including checking and saving accounts, money market, and CDs as well as a range of lending products. The full range of lending products includes but is not limited to residential mortgages, home equity lines of credit, commercial real estate and construction loans, and personal and business loans.

The companys wealth management services include advisory services, online investment management, trusts, estate planning, and alternative investments as well as insurance and foreign exchange. The online brokerage service is available to all clients and can be accessed at any time via a web browser or mobile device.

First Republic Bank operates a network of more than 80 deposit-taking branches and 12 wealth management offices. The network is located primarily in California with additional branches in major metropolitan areas and two destination locations that include Portland, Boston, Palm Beach, Greenwich, New York, and Jackson, Wyoming.

First Republic Bank has proven its worth over the year by maintaining a consistently strong capital level, asset quality, and liquidity position. Its prudent management has allowed it to weather market ups and downs while commanding investment grade ratings for its bonds and preferred stock.
AmerisourceBergen Corporation sources and distributes pharmaceutical products in the United States and internationally. Its Pharmaceutical Distribution segment distributes brand-name and generic pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter healthcare products, home healthcare supplies and equipment, and related services to various healthcare providers, including acute care hospitals and health systems, independent and chain retail pharmacies, mail order pharmacies, medical clinics, long-term care and alternate site pharmacies, and other customers. It also provides pharmacy management, staffing, and other consulting services; supply management software to retail and institutional healthcare providers; and packaging solutions to various institutional and retail healthcare providers. In addition, this segment distributes plasma and other blood products, injectable pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and other specialty products; provides other services primarily to physicians who specialize in various disease states, primarily oncology, as well as to other healthcare providers, including hospitals and dialysis clinics; and offers data analytics, outcomes research, and additional services for biotechnology and pharmaceutical manufacturers. The company's Other segment provides integrated manufacturer services, such as clinical trial support, product post-approval, and commercialization support; specialty transportation and logistics services for the biopharmaceutical industry; and sells pharmaceuticals, vaccines, parasiticides, diagnostics, micro feed ingredients, and various other products to customers in the companion animal and production animal markets, as well as demand-creating sales force services to manufacturers. AmerisourceBergen Corporation was incorporated in 2001 and is headquartered in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.
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.
Ryder System, Inc. operates as a logistics and transportation company worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Fleet Management Solutions (FMS), Supply Chain Solutions (SCS), and Dedicated Transportation Solutions (DTS). The FMS segment offers full service leasing and leasing with flexible maintenance options, as well as maintenance services, supplies, and related equipment for operation of the vehicles; commercial vehicle rental services; and contract or transactional maintenance services of trucks, tractors, and trailers, as well as fleet support services. This segment also provides access to diesel fuel; offers fuel planning and tax reporting, cards, and monitoring services, and centralized billing; and sells used vehicles through its 63 retail sales centers and www.ryder.com/used-trucks website. The DTS segment offers equipment, maintenance, drivers, administrative, and additional services, as well as routing and scheduling, fleet sizing, safety, regulatory compliance, risk management, and technology and communication systems support services. The SCS segment comprises distribution management services, such as designing and managing customer's distribution network and facilities; coordinating warehousing and transportation for inbound and outbound material flows; handling import and export for international shipments; coordinating just-in-time replenishment of component parts to manufacturing and final assembly; and offering shipments to customer distribution centers or end customer delivery points, as well as other value added services, such as light assembly of components. This segment also offers transportation management services, such as shipment optimization, load scheduling, and delivery confirmation services; knowledge-based professional services; and e-commerce and last mile services. Ryder System, Inc. was founded in 1933 and is headquartered in Miami, Florida.
Anixter International Inc., through its subsidiary, Anixter Inc., distributes enterprise cabling and security solutions, electrical and electronic wire and cable solutions, and utility power solutions worldwide. The company operates through Network & Security Solutions (NSS), Electrical & Electronic Solutions (EES), and Utility Power Solutions (UPS) segments. The NSS segment offers copper and fiber optic cable and connectivity, access control, video surveillance, intrusion and fire/life safety, cabinet, power, cable management, wireless, professional audio/video, voice and networking switches, and other ancillary products for the technology, finance, transportation, education, government, healthcare, and retail industries, as well as telecommunications service providers. The EES Solutions segment provides electrical and electronic wires and cables, shipboard cables, support and supply products, low-voltage and instrumentation cables, industrial communication and control products, security cables, connectors, industrial Ethernet switches, and voice and data cables to the commercial and industrial, and original equipment manufacturer markets. The UPS segment supplies electrical transmission and distribution products, power plant maintenance, repair and operations supplies, and smart-grid products, as well as arranges materials management and procurement outsourcing for the power generation and transmission, and electricity distribution industries. The company serves contractors, installers, system integrators, value-added resellers, architects, engineers, and wholesale distributors in various industries, including manufacturing, resource extraction, telecommunications, Internet service providers, finance, education, healthcare, retail, transportation, utilities, and defense, as well as government customers. The company was formerly known as Itel Corporation. Anixter International Inc. was founded in 1957 and is headquartered in Glenview, Illinois.
Bank of America has a rich history dating back to 1800 and even earlier. It was begun by immigrants as a group of separate and unrelated banks that, over the years, merged and grew together. One such is the Bank of Italy which was founded in 1904 by Amadeo Giannini to serve Italian immigrants that were facing discrimination. He later buys out the Banca de America e de Italia (Bank of America and Italy) which was also located in San Francisco. Over the years additional mergers and changes in Federal banking legislation, as well as the boom brought on by WWI and then WWII, helped boost the bank to national prominence.

Things turned sour, however, in 1998 with a major bond default that led to yet another merger, this time with Charlotte, NC-based Nations Bank to officially become the Bank of America that exists today. At the time, the merger was the largest bank merger in history and the company has only grown in the time since.

Other additions to the new Bank of America include MBNA (a major credit card operator), Fleet Boston (then the US 7th largest and one of its oldest banks), and Merril Lynch, now Merril, which was added to the group in 2008 to provide an investment banking branch. Together the company dominates as one of the Big Four Banks in America. Bank of America lays claim to nearly 11% of all US deposits which ranks in line with its peer group and Bank of America Securities is listed as the worlds 3rd largest investment bank.

Today, Bank of America Corporation provides banking and financial services for individuals, small businesses, institutions, corporations, and governments worldwide. The bank operates in three segments Consumer Banking, Global Wealth & Investment Management, and Global Banking bringing in a combined revenue greater than $90 billion in 2022.

As of 2022, Bank of America serves approximately 67 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 4,200 retail financial centers. The bank also operates more than 16,000 ATMs and digital banking platforms with approximately 41 million active users.

Its Consumer Banking segment offers traditional banking and investment products for retail clients. These range from deposit accounts to savings, credit cards, consumer loans, and IRAs. The Global Wealth & Investment Management segment offers investment and wealth management solutions including, brokerage, banking, and trust and retirement products. The Global Banking segment provides lending products and services, including commercial loans and leases for businesses of all varieties. The Global Markets segment offers market-making, clearing, settlement, and custody services, as well as risk management, derivatives, and FX exchange services.
Bank of Hawaii Corporation operates as the bank holding company for Bank of Hawaii that provides various financial products and services in Hawaii, Guam, and other Pacific Islands. It operates in three segments: Consumer Banking, Commercial Banking, and Treasury and Other. The Consumer Banking segment offers checking, savings, and time deposit accounts; residential mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit, automobile loans and leases, personal lines of credit, installment loans, small business loans and leases, and credit cards; private and international client banking, investment, credit, and trust services to individuals and families, and high-net-worth individuals; investment management; institutional investment advisory services to corporations, government entities, and foundations; and brokerage offerings, including equities, mutual funds, life insurance, and annuity products. This segment operates 54 branch locations and 307 ATMs throughout Hawaii and the Pacific Islands, and a customer service center, as well as through online and mobile banking. The Commercial Banking segment provides corporate banking, commercial real estate loans, commercial lease financing, auto dealer financing, and deposit products. It offers commercial lending and deposit products to middle-market and large companies, and government entities; commercial real estate mortgages to investors, developers, and builders; and international banking and merchant services. The Treasury and Other segment offers corporate asset and liability management services, including interest rate risk management and foreign exchange services. Bank of Hawaii Corporation was founded in 1897 and is headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. operates as bank holding company for the Prosperity Bank that provides financial products and services to businesses and consumers. It accepts various deposit products, such as demand, savings, money market, and time accounts, as well as and certificates of deposit. The company also offers 1-4 family residential mortgage, commercial real estate and multifamily residential, commercial and industrial, agricultural, and non-real estate agricultural loans, as well as construction, land development, and other land loans; consumer loans, including automobile, recreational vehicle, boat, home improvement, personal, and deposit account collateralized loans; and consumer durables and home equity loans, as well as loans for working capital, business expansion, and purchase of equipment and machinery. In addition, it provides internet banking, mobile banking, trust and wealth management, retail brokerage, mortgage services, and treasury management, as well as debit and credit cards. As of December 31, 2021, the company operated 273 full-service banking locations comprising 65 in the Houston area, including The Woodlands; 30 in the South Texas area including Corpus Christi and Victoria; 63 in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas area; 22 in the East Texas area; 29 in the Central Texas area, including Austin and San Antonio; 34 in the West Texas area, including Lubbock, Midland-Odessa and Abilene; 16 in the Bryan/College Station area; 6 in the Central Oklahoma area; and 8 in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area doing business as LegacyTexas Bank. Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. was founded in 1983 and is based in Houston, Texas.
Axalta Coating Systems Ltd., through its subsidiaries, manufactures, markets, and distributes high-performance coatings systems in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Latin America. It operates through two segments, Performance Coatings and Transportation Coatings. The company offers water and solvent-borne products and systems to repair damaged vehicles for independent body shops, multi-shop operators, and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) dealership body shops. It also provides functional and decorative liquid, and powder coatings used in various industrial applications, including architectural cladding and fittings, automotive coatings, general industrial, job coaters, energy solutions, HVAC, appliances, industrial wood, coil, and oil and gas pipelines; and coatings for building materials, cabinet, wood and luxury vinyl flooring, and furniture market under the Voltatex, AquaEC, Durapon, Hydropon, UNRIVALED, Tufcote, and Ceranamel for liquid coatings; and Alesta, Nap-Gard, Abcite, Teodur, and Plascoat brands for powder coatings. In addition, the company develops and supplies electrocoat, primer, the basecoat, and clearcoat products for OEMs of light and commercial vehicles; and coatings systems for various commercial applications, including HDT, bus, and rail under the Imron, Imron Elite, Centari, Rival, Corlar epoxy undercoats, and AquaEC brands. It also sells its product under the Audurra, Challenger, Chemophan, ColorNet, Cromax, Cromax Mosaic, Durapon 70, Duxone, Harmonized Coating Technologies, Imron ExcelPro, Lutophen, Nason, Spies Hecker, Standox, Stollaquid, Syntopal, Syrox, Raptor, U-POL, and Vermeera brand names. The company was formerly known as Axalta Coating Systems Bermuda Co., Ltd. and changed its name to Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. in August 2014. Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. was founded in 1866 and is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Air Canada is an integrated air carrier and Canadas largest for both passengers and freight. The company is also a flag carrier of Canada which gives it special privileges in domestic markets. The company was founded in 1936 as the Trans-Canadian Airline by the Canadian Government and made its first commercial flight in 1938. The airline was renamed Air Canada following government approval and it operated as a government entity until the early 1980s.

Air Canada went private in 1988 following the deregulation of the air industry and in 2000 it grew to dominate the Canadian market by acquiring its largest competitor, Canadian Airlines. 2003 brought major change to the business that ultimately leads to its IPO. Air Canada was forced to file for bankruptcy protection but emerged as a stronger company under the umbrella of ACE Aviation Holdings. ACE Aviation Holdings is a holding company formed to help take Air Canada out of bankruptcy and has since been dissolved. Air Canada went public in 2007 and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Headquartered in Saint-Laurent, Canada, Air Canada is an international air carrier serving 222 destinations worldwide. The companys fleet consisted of 191 aircraft that are primarily Airbus and Boeing-branded airplanes. The fleet consists of Airbus 330s and Boeing 787 Dreamliners for long-haul flights and a variety of Airbus 320 and Boeing 737 and other models for short-haul destinations. The average age of the fleet in late 2022 was 10.6 years compared to the average lifespan of 30 years which makes it a very young fleet.

The companys primary brand is Air Canada but it is rounded out by a network of smaller businesses. The company, and its subsidiaries, provide full-service and discount airline service for domestic and international markets. The company operates out of 4 key airports including Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, Toronto-Pearson International Airport, Calgary International Airport and Vancouver International Airport. The company carried more than 51.5 million passengers in 2019 to set a company record but traffic has fallen off in the wake of the pandemic. The company carried only 13.2 million in 2021 but the figure was bouncing back strongly in 2022.

Consumers are able to access Air Canadas offerings via the Internet or mobile. Consumers can not only view schedules but book flights, rent cars, reserve hotel rooms and check in for their flights. The company also offers a variety of branded credit cards, loyalty programs and other features. Air Canada Cargo, the shipping arm of the company, is a full-service operator capable of shipping all cargo including large animals.
South Jersey Industries, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides energy-related products and services. The company engages in the purchase, transmission, and sale of natural gas. It also sells natural gas and pipeline transportation capacity on a wholesale basis to residential, commercial, and industrial customers on the interstate pipeline system, as well as transports natural gas purchased directly from producers or suppliers to customers. As of December 31, 2021, the company had approximately 147 miles of mains in the transmission system and 6,815 miles of mains in the distribution system; and served 384,062 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in southern New Jersey. In addition, it markets natural gas storage, commodity, and transportation assets on a wholesale basis for energy marketers, electric and gas utilities, power plants, and natural gas producers in the mid-Atlantic, Appalachian, and southern regions of the United States. Further, the company owns and operates rooftop solar-generation sites. Additionally, it owns oil, gas, and mineral rights in the Marcellus Shale region of Pennsylvania; acquires and markets natural gas and electricity to retail end users, as well as provides total energy management, fuel management, and energy procurement and cost reduction services. The company was founded in 1910 and is headquartered in Folsom, New Jersey.
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.

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KAR Auction Services, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides used vehicle auctions and related vehicle remarketing services for the automotive industry in the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. The company operates through two segments, ADESA Auctions and AFC. The ADESA Auctions segment offers whole car auctions and related services to the vehicle remarketing industry through online auctions and auction facilities. It also provides value-added services, such as auction related, transportation, reconditioning, inspection, title and repossession administration and remarketing, vehicle research, and analytical services, as well as data as a service. This segment sells its products and services through vehicle manufacturers, fleet companies, rental car companies, finance companies, and others. As of December 31, 2021, this segment had a network of approximately 70 vehicle logistics center locations in North America. The AFC segment offers floorplan financing, a short-term inventory-secured financing to independent used vehicle dealers; and sells vehicle service contracts. The company provides wheel repair and hail catastrophe response services. It serves vehicle manufacturers, vehicle rental companies, financial institutions, commercial fleets and fleet management companies, and dealer customers. The company was formerly known as KAR Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to KAR Auction Services, Inc. in November 2009. KAR Auction Services, Inc. was incorporated in 2006 and is headquartered in Carmel, Indiana.
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.
The following companies are subsidiares of Sonoco Products: Associated Packaging Technologies Inc., Can Packaging, Clear Lam Packaging Inc., Clear Pack Co., Conitex Sonoco (BVI) Ltd., Corenso Holdings America Inc., CorrFlex Graphics LLC, Demolli Industria Cartaria S.p.A., Engraph Inc., Graffo Paranaense de Embalagens S/A, Hayes Manufacturing Group, Highland Packaging Solutions, Laminar Medica, Matrix Packaging Inc., PT Conitex Sonoco, PT Papcor Asia Pacific, PT Papertech Indonesia, PT Sonoco Indonesia, PenPack LLC, Peninsula Packaging Company, Peninsula Packaging LLC, Penpack S. de R.L. de C.V., Phoenix Packaging Corp., Plastique Holdings LTD, SMB GmbH, SPC Capital Management Inc, SPC Liquidation LLC, SPC Management LLC, SPC Resources Inc, SR Holdings of the Carolinas LLC, Sebro Plastics Inx, Sonoco (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Sonoco (Taicang) Packaging Co. Ltd, Sonoco (Weifang) Packaging Company Ltd, Sonoco Absorbent Technologies LLC, Sonoco Absorbent Technologies Limited, Sonoco Alcore - Demolli S.r.l., Sonoco Alcore AB, Sonoco Alcore GmbH, Sonoco Alcore N.V., Sonoco Alcore Nederland B.V., Sonoco Ambalaj Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Sonoco Asia Holding S.a.r.l., Sonoco Asia LLC, Sonoco Asia Management Company LLC, Sonoco Australia Pty Ltd, Sonoco Board Mills Limited, Sonoco Bonmati S.A.U., Sonoco Canada Corporation, Sonoco Capseals Liners Limited, Sonoco Comercial S. de R.L. de C.V., Sonoco Consumer Products Dordrecht B.V. (fka Dorpak B.V.), Sonoco Consumer Products Europe GmbH (fka Weidenhammer Packaging Group GmbH), Sonoco Consumer Products Hellas S.A. (fka Weidenhammer Hellas S.A.), Sonoco Consumer Products Limited, Sonoco Consumer Products Mechelen BVBA (fka Weidenhammer Belgium BVBA), Sonoco Consumer Products Montanay SAS (fka Neuvibox SAS), Sonoco Consumer Products Poland Sp. Z.O.O., Sonoco Consumer Products SAS, Sonoco Consumer Products South Africa (PTY) Ltd., Sonoco Consumer Products Zwenkau GmbH (fka fka Weidenhammer Plastice Packaging GmbH), Sonoco Cores and Paper Limited, Sonoco Deutschland GmbH, Sonoco Deutschland Holdings GmbH, Sonoco Development Inc, Sonoco Elk Grove Inc, Sonoco Embalagens Ltda. (fka Sonoco Embalagens S.A.), Sonoco Flexible Packaging Canada Corporation, Sonoco Flexible Packaging Co. Inc, Sonoco Graphics India Private Limited, Sonoco Hickory Inc, Sonoco Holdings Inc, Sonoco Holdings UK Limited, Sonoco Hutchinson LLC, Sonoco IPD France SAS, Sonoco Iberia S.L.U., Sonoco International Holdings GmbH, Sonoco JV GmbH & Co. KG, Sonoco Kaiping Packaging Co. Ltd., Sonoco Limited, Sonoco Luxembourg Holding S.a.r.l., Sonoco Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Sonoco Milnrow, Sonoco Netherlands Holding II BV, Sonoco Netherlands Holding III BV, Sonoco New Zealand Limited, Sonoco Operadora S. de R.L. de C.V., Sonoco Packaging Limited, Sonoco Packaging Tapes Limited, Sonoco Paper Mill & IPD Hellas SA, Sonoco Paperboard Group LLC, Sonoco Partitions Inc, Sonoco Phoenix LLC, Sonoco Pina S.A.U., Sonoco Plastics B.V., Sonoco Plastics Canada ULC, Sonoco Plastics Germany GmbH, Sonoco Plastics Inc, Sonoco Poland Holdings B.V., Sonoco Polysack A/S Inc, Sonoco Polysack Limited, Sonoco Products Company UK, Sonoco Products Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Sonoco Protective Solutions Inc, Sonoco Recycling - International Trade Group LLC, Sonoco Recycling LLC, Sonoco Reels Limited, Sonoco Retail Packaging S. de R.L. de C.V., Sonoco S.A. de C.V., Sonoco SAS, Sonoco Saudi Limited Company, Sonoco Services LLC, Sonoco Singapore Pte. Ltd., Sonoco TEQ Holdings Ltd, Sonoco TEQ LLC, Sonoco TEQ Ltd, Sonoco TEQ Sp. Z.o.o, Sonoco Taiwan Ltd, Sonoco Thailand Ltd, Sonoco UK Leasing Limited, Sonoco Venezolana C.A., Sonoco Venture International Holdings GmbH, Sonoco Ventures UK Limited, Sonoco Wisconsin Rapids Core Plant LLC, Sonoco Wisconsin Rapids Inc, Sonoco Wisconsin Rapids Paper Mill LLC, Sonoco Yatai Pinghu Packaging Co Ltd, Sonoco de Colombia Ltda, Sonoco do Brasil Participacoes Ltda, Sonoco do Brazil Ltda, Sonoco of Puerto Rico Inc, Sonoco-Alcore AS, Sonoco-Alcore Oy, Sonoco-Alcore S.a.r.l., Sonoco-Alcore Sp. Z.O.O., Sonoco-Engraph Puerto Rico Inc, TPT Limited, Tegrant Alloyd Brands Inc, Tegrant Corporation, Tegrant International Inc, Tegrant Property Holdings LLC, Tegrant de Mexico S.A. de C.V., ThermoSafe Brands Asia PTE LTD, ThermoSafe Brands Europe Ltd., Thermoform Engineered Quality LLC, Trident Graphics Canada Corporation, Trident Graphics NA LLC, Tubo-Tec Nordeste Industria, U.S. Paper Mills Corp., Weidenhammer Chile Ltda., Weidenhammer Packaging Group, Weidenhammer UK Ltd., and Wisenberg U.S. Inc.

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United Technologies Corporation provides technology products and services to building systems and aerospace industries worldwide. Its Otis segment designs, manufactures, sells, and installs passenger and freight elevators, escalators, and moving walkways; and offers modernization products to upgrade elevators and escalators, as well as maintenance and repair services. The company's Carrier segment provides heating, ventilating, air conditioning, refrigeration, fire, security, and building automation products, solutions, and services for commercial, government, infrastructure, residential, and refrigeration and transportation applications. This segment also offers building services, including audit, design, installation, system integration, repair, maintenance, and monitoring. Its Pratt & Whitney segment supplies aircraft engines for commercial, military, business jet, and general aviation markets; and provides aftermarket maintenance, repair, and overhaul, as well as fleet management services. The company's Collins Aerospace Systems segment provides electric power generation, power management, and distribution systems; air data and aircraft sensing systems; engine control, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems; engine components; environmental control systems; fire and ice detection, and protection systems; propeller systems; engine nacelle systems; aircraft lighting, seating, and cargo systems; actuation and landing systems; space products and subsystems; avionics systems; flight controls, communications, navigation, oxygen, and training systems; food and beverage preparation, and storage and galley systems; and lavatory and wastewater management systems. The company offers its services through manufacturers' representatives, distributors, wholesalers, dealers, retail outlets, and sales representatives, as well as directly to customers. United Technologies Corporation was founded in 1934 and is headquartered in Farmington, Connecticut.
Exxon Mobil Corporation is the largest direct descendent of John D. Rockefellers Standard Oil and one of the worlds largest companies. Its earliest roots lie with Vacuum Oil which got its start in the 1860s. Vacuum Oils primary product was kerosene, an important advancement for heating and lighting in rural America. Vacuum Oil was later merged with Standard Oil of New Jersey which was the parent operation of the Standard Oil empire prior to its breakup. Standard Oil of New Jersey would merge with other independent operators over the next few years until settling on the brand Exxon for most of its operations.

Meanwhile, Standard Oil of New York was operating under much the same impetus, merging and growing, until it became known as Mobil. Then, in 1999, the two giants became one with a merger of equals that on paper had Exxon buying Mobil. Now, the combined company operates under the Exxon, Mobil, and Esso brands as an international vertically integrated energy and petrochemical business.

Today, the company explores and produces crude oil and natural gas and their derivative products globally. As of 2022, it was ranked 6th on Forbes Fortune 500 list and 12th on the Global 500 list but it has held positions from #1 to #10 over the years. In terms of its operations, it is the worlds second-largest oil refiner and the largest refiner outside of China. In terms of reserves, ExxonMobil claimed about 18.5 million barrels of oil and oil equivalents at the end of 2021 and was ranked 15th globally.

ExxonMobil operates through three segments that are the Upstream, Downstream, and Chemical segments. The Upstream segment explores for and produces oil and oil equivalents and represents roughly 70% of the income. The Downstream segment gathers, receives, stores, transports and refines oil and equivalents and their derivatives. The Downstream segment also markets and delivers fuel products to consumers and businesses. The Chemicals segment produces the full range of petrochemicals including plastics, resins and synthetic rubber.

ExxonMobil is committed to advancing sustainable and carbon-free energy solutions. The company is targeting 2050 for net-zero emissions and its 2030 interim targets are in alignment with the Paris Accord, the EU's Global Methane Pledge, and US Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan. The companys plans include investing $15 billion into reducing greenhouse emissions by 2028.






Carnival Corporation & plc is a leisure travel company operating a fleet of cruise ships, hotels, and resorts with international destinations. Brands under the Carnival Corporation umbrella include Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America, P&O Cruises, Seaborn, Costa Cruises, AIDA Cruises, and Cunard. The companys goal is to provide extraordinary vacations at an exceptional value. As of 2022, the company laid claim to nearly half of the global cruising market share with several new ships in the works.

Carnival Cruise Line was launched in 1972 with one second-hand ship and a tank of fuel. The first port of call was San Juan, Puerto Rico, but soon more were added. The original growth strategy included a festive atmosphere, features and amenities unlike any other cruise line at the time. Slow to start, the growth strategy shifted into overdrive in 1980 when Carnival shocked the world by building its own ship. The Tropicale became an iconic name in the cruising industry and sparked a wave of shipbuilding that is still underway.

The companys growth hit a new stride in 1987 following the IPO which floated 20% of the company on the open market. The proceeds from the IPO allowed the company to embark on a voyage of acquisition and now Carnival is the worlds largest travel and leisure business.

Today, Carnival Corporations 87 ships visit approximately 700 ports worldwide and employ more than 120,000 people while serving more than 13 million guests annually for a total of 85 million passenger cruise days per year. Net revenue, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, peaked out at over $6.5 billion annually.

Carnival Cruise Line is the companys largest brand serving guests on all coasts of North America. The brand's 22 ships make 1500 voyages per year with trips ranging from 2 days to 3 weeks and ports of call from the Caribbean to Alaska. The company's largest ship is named Panorama and can accommodate more than 4,000 passengers.

Carnivals 9 brands provide access to a wide range of cruising styles and destinations including the Caribbean, Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, England, and ports in Asia. The company is headquartered in Miami, Florida and has offices around the world. The company also has the distinction of being the only company included in both the S&P 500 and FTSE 250 indices.
MasTec, Inc., an infrastructure construction company, provides engineering, building, installation, maintenance, and upgrade services for communications, energy, utility, and other infrastructure primarily in the United States and Canada. It operates through Communications, Clean Energy and Infrastructure, Oil and Gas, Power Delivery, and Other segments. The company builds underground and overhead distribution systems, including trenches, conduits, cell towers, cable, and power lines, which provide wireless and wireline/fiber communications; clean energy infrastructure comprising renewable energy; natural gas, product transport; electrical and gas transmission, and distribution systems; heavy industrial plants; compressor and pump stations, and treatment plants; water and sewer infrastructure, including water pipelines; and other civil construction infrastructure. It also installs electrical and other gas distribution and transmission systems, power generation facilities, buried and aerial fiber optic and other cables, as well as home automation and energy management solutions. In addition, the company offers maintenance and upgrade support services comprising maintenance of customers' distribution facilities, networks, and infrastructure, including communications, power generation, pipeline, electrical distribution and transmission, and heavy civil infrastructure; service restoration for natural disasters and accidents; and routine replacements and upgrades to overhauls. Its customers include public and private energy providers, pipeline operators, wireless and wireline/fiber service providers, broadband operators, install-to-the-home service providers, and government entities. MasTec, Inc. was founded in 1929 and is headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida.
Robert Huish is an associate professor in International Development Studies at Dalhousie University. Patrick Balazo is a researcher at Dalhousie.

This article was originally published on The Conversation , which features includes relevant and informed articles, written by researchers and academics in their areas of expertise and edited by experienced journalists.

New technology can have profound impacts on society in ways never intended.

The radio carried codes during the First World War, but later became a household fixture. Early telephones were leased in pairs but after Western Union, a telegraph company, adopted exchanges, it led to rapid long-distance communication. Likewise, mobile phones have evolved from bulky walkie-talkies to small supercomputers.

And now Facebook, originally a connection platform for university students, conjoins one in four people. But today, in Myanmar, Facebook is helping fuel a genocide against the Rohingya people.

Based on our research in Myanmar and in Cuba, we argue that internet usage in Myanmar is dangerous. Unbridled connection to Facebook creates what we call a virtual coercive, a digital space that bolsters coercion. We suggest that Cubas internet model may provide lessons to manage social media amid political chaos.

The utility of inventions can be unpredictable, and so too can the social impacts be catastrophic.

Distracted driving is an unforeseen consequence of mobile phones that kills or maims thousands each year. Dealing with distracted driving involves better driver education, curbing usage behind the wheel and penalties for stupidity.

Radio enabled unimaginable horrors during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.

Blood on hands



But in conditions of genocide, can a technology like radio be limited or restricted? Its an essential service, but with blood on its hands. Thats a burden Facebook now shares.

In 2010, Myanmar had 130,000 heavily restricted internet users. In seven years, SIM card prices plunged from more than US$3,000 to $1. The government also relaxed censorship laws, allowing Facebook to attract 30 million Burmese users. Many of them view Facebook as the internet.

Beginning in late August, Burmese security forces pursued a scorched-earth campaign against the Rohingya. Some 6,700 were killed and 645,000 were forced to to seek refuge in Bangladesh.

Along with ultra-nationalist monk Ashin Wirathu, a host of Facebook pages spread hate speech. This vitriolic propaganda further vilifies the already marginalized and much-maligned Rohingya.

(AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

Anti-Rohingya content includes explicitly racist political cartoons, falsified images and staged news reports. This content goes viral, normalizing hate speech and shaping public perception. Violence against Rohingya people is increasingly welcomed, and then celebrated online. This virtual coercive serves the Myanmar militarys interests.

The military juntas monopoly on information has provided little arena to foster media literacy. Such propaganda in this virtual coercive of anti-Rohingya propaganda preys upon the ill-informed. For many, the misinformation spread through Facebook justifies what the United Nations has dubbed a textbook example of ethnic cleansing.

Myanmar citizens now have unbridled access to low-cost internet on their mobile devices. Freedom of speech advocates will laud this. But this open information pipeline reinforces Facebooks dark side of self-reaffirmation with limited perspective.

This is to the Burmese militarys advantage. Just as radio fuelled genocide in the 1990s, Facebook is making it happen in Myanmar today.

Fiction becomes reality



Facebooks virtual coercive is one of division, competing realities and a lack of mutual acceptance. In Facebooks virtual coercive, fiction is reality and lies can validate.

Considering this, we argue that constant Facebook use in Myanmar is too risky to ignore. Societies require spaces for tolerance of differing ideas, trade, negotiation, volunteerism and face-to-face dynamics. This is lacking in Myanmar.

Cuba may be an important example in this discussion.

The nature of internet access in Cuba has not led to the abusive coercion or divisive politics. Protests through social media that are common in other parts of the world do not exist in Cuba.

Why?

Internet in Cuba is, simply put, expensive. Spending US$3 for an hour of WiFi in internet parks is about 10 per cent of a Cubans monthly earnings. With only limited time to be online, Facebooks bandwidth-clogging bulk makes it unpopular in Cuba. Instead, other SMS and chat apps such as IMO, a direct video chat service, is preferred.

Cubans access internet in small doses



Cuba has only limited capacity to monitor its internet traffic, and the government worries about unbridled access.

And so Facebook cannot be accessed during working hours in most government and university settings in Cuba. It creates a disincentive to rely on Facebook for news and connections.

Cubans surf the net in small doses and often in public spaces. This breaks the virtual coercive through face-to-face interactions.

The shortcomings of Cubas model are obvious given it creates a barrier to information. Free-speech advocates will be quick to dismiss the idea of limiting the time spent online, never mind the dangers of a state having the responsibility to curtail social media.

But is unbridled access to Facebook really a pillar of free speech if the platform can be harnessed for the purpose of eliminating an entire population?

Its time to entertain disconnecting from the virtual coercive in order to engage in real space. Maybe in this way, Facebooks dark side can be kept at bay while still serving its original purpose of connecting people and enriching, not destroying, lives.
ANANTAPUR: Embarrassing scenes were witnessed at the Janmabhoomi Mavooru public meeting in Pulivendula, home turf of the leader of the Opposition in Kadapa district on Wednesday. Telugu Desam leaders and also Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu interrupted the speech of YSR Congress Member of Parliament Avinash Reddy as he attempted to praise YSR.

As part of the Janmabhoomi programme, Mr Naidu had inaugurated two lift irrigation canals of Gandikota-Chitravati, which would provide water for seven mandals in the Pulivendula Assembly segment and then headed for Pulivendula town, where he addressed a public meeting. Mr Avinash Reddy who participated in the meeting as a local MP, said that while the Gandikota and Chitravathi projects were launched by Mr Naidu, more than 85 per cent of works related to those projects were completed by the YSR who spent `1,300 crore. We cannot forget his contribution.

A couple of over-enthusiastic Telugu Desam men tried to grab the mike from Mr Avinash Reddy. The Chief Minister intervened and told him, This is not a venue for speaking about political issues. I can proudly say I have given water to Pulivendula after delaying water to my home town Kuppam. Ironically, leader of the Opposition and Pulivendula MLA Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, was on a padayatra in the Chief Ministers home district of Chittoor at the same time, and indulged in some TD-bashing himself.

Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy said Mr Naidu had no right to ask for votes from the people in the coming polls. I found Chandrababu Naidus assertion that people should feel ashamed if they did not vote for him in the next election laughable. The ground reality is that people are deeply ashamed of having voted for him. In fact, after all the betrayals, it is he who should be ashamed of seeking votes. I have a question for the Chief Minister: Why should the people vote for you? Is it for your failed promises? Mr Jagan Mohan asked.
New Delhi: India is ready to bear all expenses, if necessary up to Rs 400 crore, to make Hindi one of the official languages of the United Nations but its rules for acquiring such a status prevents the country from doing so, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said in Parliament on Wednesday.

The United Nations has a specific procedure for a language to be recognised as an official language of the UN. According to that procedure, getting Hindi accepted as an official language of the UN will involve adoption of a Resolution by the UN General Assembly with a minimum two-third majority, as the additional expenditure, according to UN rules have to be contributed by all member-states, Ms Swaraj said, in a written reply.

Therefore, according to the UN rules, support of two-third member-countries (129 nations) is required out of the total 193 member-nations, Ms Swaraj said in the Lok Sabha during Question Hour.

It is not difficult to get the support of two-third member-nations. But when the issue of bearing the expenses comes, many small nations become hesitant which has led to a big hurdle in making Hindi an official languages of the UN, Ms Swaraj was quoted as saying in the Lok Sabha, adding that despite this, the efforts are on.

When a Bharatiya Janata Party member said that India has to pay Rs 40 crore as cost for making Hindi one of the languages in the UN, the minister the government is ready to pay even Rs 400 crore if required but the world bodys rules does not allow to do so.
From Telangana state, the three backward districts are Bhupalapally, Asifabad and Khammam, and those from AP are Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam and Kadapa. (Representational image)

Hyderabad: Three districts each from TS and Andhra Pradesh figure in the list of 115 backward districts notified by the Centre as lagging in education, health, nutrition, basis infrastructure like rural road connectivity rural household electrification, access to potable water and individual toilets. The list was drawn up in consultation with the NITI Aayog.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with incharge officials of these districts on Friday as part of the conference to launch his ambitious programme Transformation of Aspirational Districts, which aims to bring back to mainstream, the backward districts.

From Telangana state, the three backward districts are Bhupalapally, Asifabad and Khammam, and those from AP are Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam and Kadapa. Of these, Khammam and Visakhapatnam have been identified as districts affected by Left wing extremism.

Centre turns down 3 more districts

The Telangana state government had requested the Centre to include three more districts  Kothagudem, Gadwal and Mahabubabad  to the list but was turned down.

The initiative was launched in line with Mr Modis vision of a new India by 2022 under which the Centre has embarked upon a major policy for rapid transformation of 115 backward districts.

Senior government officials in the rank of additional secretary and joint secretary have been designated as prabhari (incharge) officers to coordinate the efforts of the Centre and the states in addressing the specific developmental needs of the districts.

Fridays meeting of the prabhari officers has been entrusted with the responsibility to co-ordinate the efforts of the Centre and the states towards rapid transformation of 115 backward districts.

Cabinet secretary P.K. Sinha will chair the meeting with NITI Aayog chief executive officer Amitabh Kant. Secretaries of key ministries would also attend this session. The home secretary will brief the Prabhari Officers.

Among the 115 backward districts, 35 are affected by Left wing violence. Soon after this event, meeting of representatives of the state governments and Prabhari officers is being organised to ensure that transformation of backward district is carried out by a dedicated team of central and state governments.
Chennai: Ruling AIADMK on Wednesday appointed 12 spokespersons, including the former editor of its erstwhile mouthpiece Namadhu MGR who fell out with the V. K. Sasikala family couple of months back. It announced that only the aforesaid leaders are authorised to participate in television debates and articulate views of the AIADMK in public forums.

The seal of AIADMK coordinator O. Panneerselvam was visible in the list since many of his supporters  C Ponnaiyan, J. C. D. Prabhakar, Kovai Selvaraj, K C Palanichamy, and Prof Theeran  have made the cut. The party has also brought in its leading women speakers B Valarmathi and S Gokula Indira  both ministers in the J Jayalalithaa cabinet  besides retaining Dr Vaigai Chelvan, one of the prominent faces in the AIADMK.

Eight people, including Tamil Development Minister MaFoi K. Pandiarajan, Nirmala Periyasamy, Rajya Sabha MP S. R. Balasubramanian and R. Vaithilingam, who were spokespersons during Jayalalithaa regime have not been renominated. Sources said it was decided not to appoint ministers and MPs as spokespersons.

Appointment of Marudhu Azhaguraj, the former editor of Namadhu MGR, which served as the AIADMK mouthpiece since M. G. Ramachandrans death to the split in the party after Jayalalithaas death in 2016, is significant since the Sasikala family, which currently controls the newspaper, sacked him in August for publishing an article that was highly critical of the BJP. Azhaguraj, who has an impeccable command over Tamil and was appointed as editor of Namadhu MGR by late Jayalalithaa, is an active member of the AIADMK. With several of Panneerselvams supporters figuring on the list, sources said the appointments were in line with the understanding reached between the two factions while working out the merger.

Former MLAs K Samarasam, A. S. Maheswari and R. M. Babu Murugavel are others who have been appointed as spokespersons of the AIADMK. Announcing their appointment, coordinator Panneerselvam and joint coordinator Edappadi K Palaniswami said they will propagate the ideals and articulate the partys stand on several issues in television, print media and on the social media sites.

Except the aforesaid spokespersons, none have been authorised by the AIADMK headquarters to represent the party in television debates and speak on behalf of the party to newspapers, the duo said in a joint statement. They said among the coalition partners, Y Jawahar Ali of the Indian National Muslim League, has been authorised to appear on television debates.

Interestingly, the trio  M Thamimum Ansari, Karunaas and Thaniarasu  who have been swinging like a pendulum ever since the crisis began in AIADMK will not be able to represent AIADMK in television debates. The appointment comes more than a month after OPS and EPS issued a gag order after it was brought to their notice that those representing the AIADMK often speak out of turn and sometimes even contradicting the official party line.

AIADMK to have own newspaper, channel

AIADMK was one of the few parties that boasted of a dedicated channel  JJ TV in the beginning and Jaya TV later  tom-tomming its achievements and serving as its propaganda and publicity arm. After the upheaval in the ruling party following the demise of its charismatic leader J. Jayalalithaa, the AIADMK is now bereft of any communication tool that takes its message to the cadre and people.

On Wednesday, when the AIADMK top brass  coordinator O. Panneerselvam and joint coordinator Edappadi K. Palaniswami met in Chennai for the first time in the New Year, their agenda was to launch a dedicated channel for the party and a newspaper that would serve as its mouthpiece.

Sources said Palaniswami told the MLAs meeting that efforts are being taken to launch a daily and a television channel to take the good work of the Amma Government to the people.

The move comes after Namadhu MGR  launched by J Jayalalithaa after her mentor M. G. Ramachandrans death in 1987 eventually became the AIADMKs mouthpiece and Jaya TV  went under the control of the Sasikala family that is now functioning as a separate faction. The channel is blacking out news relating to the AIADMK Government since August 2017 and Namadhu MGR does not even carry statements by the Chief Minister and his deputy.

Jaya TV was almost an extension of the AIADMK that carried news only related to Jayalalithaa and the party since its inception in 1999. When Jayalalithaa was the Chief Minister, she occasionally went live on Jaya TV to make announcements relating to her government, giving it a semi-official status.
CHENNAI: TTV Dhinakaran bought his RK Nagar bypoll win by heavily bribing the voters who sold their democratic right like begging from a thief, actor-activist Kamal Hassan said Thursday.

Breaking out from a brief lull in his fiery attacks on high corruption in the government, Kamal said in an article in Tamil weekly Ananda Vikatan that TTVs win in RK Nagar was a blot on democracy.

He did not spare the AIADMK either, accusing the ruling party of fixing Rs 6,000 as the rate per vote, whereas the independent candidate (TTV) changed his rate depending on the voter.

In his no-holds-barred attack against Dhinakaran, even without naming him, Kamal in his article said the electorate of R K Nagar, represented twice by late J. Jayalalithaa, have dug their own grave by voting the independent candidate who fixed the highest rate for their votes.

Kamals outburst comes four days after his long-time friend Rajinikanth announced political plunge. In the article, Kamal said his own political plan was very much on the cards and he was racing against time to complete his film projects.

The actor also referred to EC rescinding the RK Nagar by-poll in April. This is not the first time that Kamal is attacking TTVs Mannargudi clan. He had opposed V.K. Sasikala becoming Chief Minister in February last year.

The very people who stepped out of their houses during the historic 2015 floods that almost submerged Chennai to lend a helping hand to the needy have sold themselves to a `20 token. This (act of getting money for votes) is equal to begging and that too akin to begging from a thief. There cant be more ridiculous action than this, the actor said.

It is not that people of RK Nagar are inhuman; it is just that poverty made them blind (towards money) and remember your honest vote is the most potent weapon to eradicate poverty from your lives. Though it may not bring instant happiness that a Rs 20 token can bring, I am hopeful that you people will realise that a vote that is cast with honesty will give you long-term happiness, he said, referring to allegations that Rs 20 tokens were given to voters to be exchanged for `10,000 or more at a specified locations later.

RK Nagar bypoll is a big stain on Tamil Nadu politics; it is a big stain on Indian democracy. I won't call this purchased win even a scam...this is a day light crime, Kamal said.

The actor has over the last couple of years been on the forefront in criticising the government on various issues and had even asked his fans to send evidence of corruption in various departments through digital platform to the ministers concerned.

Dhinakaran won the R K Nagar byelection by a margin of 40,000 votes trouncing AIADMK nominee E. Madhusudhanan and pushing to the third place N Marudhu Ganesh of the DMK, which even lost the deposit.

Kamal has insulted RK Nagar voters, says Dhinakaran

Rebel AIADMK leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran on Thursday hit back at actor-activist Kamal Haasan on his allegations that his victory in R K Nagar by-poll was bought through money, saying he had insulted and hurt the voters.

I strongly condemn Kamal Haasan for making allegations against my victory in R K Nagar. By making such unfounded allegations, Kamal has hurt and insulted the electorate, Dhinakaran told reporters here. He was responding to Kamal Haasans charge that R K Nagar victory was a blot on the democracy since it was bought by money.

This doesn't befit his age and experience. Under the garb of attacking the winner, he is attacking the people, who are mainly from poorer sections, saying they voted for money, Dhinakaran said. The AIADMK rebel has been maintaining that he did not bribe voters in R K Nagar, but the ruling party says his victory was managed only through money power.

He denied bribing the voters, saying, if at all money would have played a role in the electoral outcome, Two Leaves (AIADMK) would have won. Whether you accept or not, people of RK Nagar have voted for me. Don't hurt those loveable people (by making such allegations), Dhinakaran said and questioned whether Kamal Haasan was a judge or God.

Kamal should have contested the bypoll to face the reality. Politics is not some scripted movie where one can mouth dialogues written by someone else, he said.

On his victory, he said RK Nagar voters have recognised we are Amma's (Jayalalithaa) successors. Those who are apprehensive due to this are saying such things (of bribing the voters).
Ghafoor said the US had only reimbursed the expenditure which Pakistan had incurred while supporting coalition forces in Afghanistan. (Photo: AP)

Islamabad: A senior Pakistan Army official said on Wednesday that no amount of coercion could dictate Pakistan on how to conduct its policies and affairs.

"No amount of coercion can dictate us how to continue. We wish to move forward through cooperative engagement but we will not compromise on self-respect and dignity," Director-General (DG) Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Asif Ghafoor was quoted by Geo News as saying.

Responding to a question regarding the US drone attacks in Pakistan, Ghafoor said the country would respond to such acts according to the aspiration of its people.

The army spokesperson's reaction came as the US withheld USD 255 million in aid to Pakistan following United States President Donald Trump's tweet castigating Islamabad for providing safe havens to terrorists.

"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!" Trump said on twitter on Monday.

Outraged over Trump's tweet, Pakistan had summoned the US ambassador David Hale to lodge its protest against the tweet.

Ghafoor said the US had only reimbursed the expenditure which Pakistan had incurred while supporting coalition forces in Afghanistan.

He further said better relations with India were not possible till pending issues were resolved between the two sides.

Ghafoor emphasised that Pakistan needed to remain united in order to tackle the challenges it faces.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's permanent representative to the United Nations Maleeha Lodhi said Islamabad's cooperation with Washington was not based on any aid consideration, but "on our national interests and principles".

She added that Pakistan could review its cooperation with the US if it is not appreciated.
Deepika and Ranveer Are Next In Line For A Grand Marriage?
South Indian cinema is probably the only regional cinema that gives Bollywood films a tough competition to Bollywood films in terms of box-office collections, technicalities, and stories. A number of South films have broken and established numerous box-office records and are gaining fast acceptance in Hindi belt thanks to the dubbed Hindi versions along with massive popularity their actors have all over India.

If you'll have a look at the top 10 highest grossing films of 2017, Baahubali 2 rules the chart. The SS Rajamouli directed saga became a box-office juggernaut and its Hindi version grossed 511 Crores along with 1700 Crores worldwide gross. Seeing the worldwide popularity of South Indian cinema, it is now obvious that a number of Bollywood stars will be looking to do films down south. Here are 5 Bollywood actors who will be debuting in South films in 2018:

Akshay Kumar: The actor will be portraying a character with the shades of grey named Dr. RIchard aka Crow Man. The makers were looking at various big names ranging from Arnold Schwarzenegger to Aamir Khan before finally zeroing on Akshay Kumar.





Nidhhi Aggarwal: The actress made her Bollywood debut with Munna Michael this year and is now gearing up for her Telegu debut titled Savyasachi in which she will star alongside Naga Chaitanya.





Shraddha Kapoor: The actress will be making her Telegu debut in the trilingual film Saaho in which she will be paired opposite Baahubali alum Prabhas. The film is an action thriller and everyone has high expectations from the film.





Sunny Leone: The actress has signed on to star in Veeramadevi which will get released in 5 languages and will be filmed in Tamil. The film centers on a female warrior who lived in South India decades ago.





Anurag Kashyap: The director-actor will star in the upcoming Tamil thriller Imaikkaa Nodigal.




Shah Rukh Khan will finally be back to the cinema halls on 21st December 2018 with his upcoming film Zero. The project was kept tightly under wraps ever since it was announced and all the secrecy surrounding the film piqued everyone's curiosity about it. Very few details were shared by the cast & crew of the film and there were a lot of speculations in the social media about the title of the film.

The film is directed by Tanu Weds Manu fame Anand L Rai and it will be the first time he is collaborating with King Khan. Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma joined the film later and the film is said to be high on visual effects as SRK will be playing a vertically challenged man in the film. The first look of the film was shared by SRK on the New Year and the wait is definitely worth for the most awaited film of the year. Here's everything you should know about SRK's ambitious project:

Budget: The film is said to be one of the most expensive ever in Hindi Cinema and earlier it was reported that the budget is in excess of 150 Crores which SRK later denied. Some trade pundits are putting its production between 150-200 Crores.





Visual Effects: SRK's in-house company Red Chillies VFX is doing the VFX for Zero and the film is said to employ the latest technology in order to make SRK look like a 3 ft. person. Also, the inspiration is being taken from The Lord of the Rings trilogy that used optical illusions for its Hobbit characters.





Reunion: SRK will be reuniting with his favourite 2 co-stars Anushka Sharma and Katrina Kaif. It will be SRK's 4th film with Anushka Sharma while it will be his second film with Katrina Kaif. The trio appeared together in 2012 hit Jan Tak Hai Jaan.





Trending: The film's first look has set the social media ablaze with Zero currently a no. 1 trend on Youtube with more than 8 million views and more than 203,000 likes in less than 48 hours.





Script: The film is written by National Award winner Himanshu Sharma who has written hit films for Anand L Rai like Raanjhana, Tanu Weds Manu and Tanu Weds Manu Returns. He is known for his ability to combine comedy-drama with emotions.





Cameos: The film will have cameos by a number of Bollywood biggies who will be playing themselves like, Juhi Chawla, Salman Khan, Deepika Padukone, Kajol, Alia Bhatt, Sridevi, Karisma Kapoor and Rani Mukerji.




Bumblebee to Aquaman: Check out the most awaited Hollywood films of 2018
Aishwarya Is My Mother, Shah Rukh Is My Son: 6 Times Bollywood Fans Made Bizarre Claims!
Tencent has hit back against suggestions that it monitors user accounts by stating that it does not store user messages sent via its popular WeChat service.

In a social media post, the Chinese firm stated: WeChat does not store any users chat history. That is only stored in users mobiles, computers and other terminals. WeChat will not use any content from user chats for big data analysis. Because of WeChats technical model that does not store or analyse user chats, the rumour that we are watching your WeChat everyday is pure misunderstanding.

The statement was prompted in response to an observation made by Li Shufu, the chairman of Geely, which owns Volvo. Li was quoted as saying that Tencent chairman Ma Huateng must be watching all our WeChats every day.

There is some basis behind Lis claim, as the Chinese government does require social media platforms to remove any posts that it deems illegal. WeChats privacy policy notes that it may be required to retain and supply user information in response to a request by a government authority, law enforcement agency or similar body.

Chinas stringent censorship laws have been a roadblock to western Internet companies that would otherwise be keen to tap into the vast market. The country has shown no willingness to compromise, with the Qi Xiaoxia, director general of the Bureau of International Cooperation at the Cyberspace Administration of China, stating last month that companies such as Google and Facebook would need to comply with the censorship laws if they wished to enter China.

WeChat is Chinas most popular messaging service, although more internationally known services have recently been blocked in the country. The government restricted access to WhatsApp in the run-up to October 2017s Communist Party congress, while in November last year Skype was taken down from both the Apple and Android app stores.
An extensive survey conducted by Digit.in across the country has shed light on what smartphone users feel about the devices they own. Our previous report highlighted that a majority of smartphone users own and use a Xiaomi device.

As we gather more insights from our Great Indian Mobile Survey, its comes to light that Apple is the highest ranked smartphone brand when it comes to after-sales support. A majority of Apple users, 56.79 percent, gave the company top marks for providing quality after-sales support for iPhones. On a scale of 1 to 5, Apple received an average score of 4.18, highest amonst all surveyed brands. Apple iPhone repairs can be easily initiated from the companys repair website and authorised repair centres can also be located by performing a location search on the platform.

On the heels of Apple and on second position for the best after-sales service as rated by consumers is Samsung. Samsung bags the number two spot when it comes to customer satisfaction for after sales services for phones. 36.36 percent of Samsung mobile users who took Digits Great Indian Mobile Survey awarded ace marks to the South Korean companys after-sales services. On an average, Samsung received a score of 3.89 out of 5. Samsung also allows mobile phone users to perform an easy search for after-sales support centres based on their location and also provides support services through a 24/7 toll-free number.

Huawei comes in Third with an average score of 3.72 out of 5 as rated by users of Huawei-made mobile phones who took the survey. Huawei has more than 260 authorised service centres across India, with exclusive service stores in Bangalore, Chennai, Cochin, Indore, Pune, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Delhi, Gurgaon and Ludhiana. 24.07 percent of Huawei users gave the highest rating to the brand for its after-sales support for mobiles.

OnePlus and Xiaomi came in at number 4 and number 5 respectively for their after-sales support. The competition between the two brands was very close with OnePlus scoring an average 3.54 out of 5 and Xiaomi scoring 3.53 out of 5 for after-sales services. 25.68 percent of OnePlus users and 22.64 percent of Xiaomi mobile users gave top marks to the brands. Motorola was rated 3.5 out of 5 on an average by its users, giving it the number 6 spot.

All our survey results are based on user opinions through which we aim to better inform the mobile user community in India. Let us know your thoughts on the after-sales support you get from your smartphone vendor. You can read other highlights from our Great Indian Mobile Survey here.
West Africa-focused oil and gas outfit Lekoil on Thursday said its joint venture with Green Energy International had signed a contract with Sinopec Changjiang Engineering Services Limited to acquire 197 sq km of 3D seismic data at the Otakikpo Marginal Field in the Niger Delta.

The seismic acquisition over Otakikpo is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2018 to kick-off phase two development of Otakikpo, Lekoil said in a statement.

As the Otakikpo field nears its first phase target production of 10,000 bopd, the joint venture is now focused on the second stage of its development Plan which aims to increase steady state production up to approximately 20,000 bopd.

Lekoil chief executive Lekan Akinyanmi said: "With significant milestones already achieved in 2017 as he Otakikpo Technical and Financial Partner, today's announcement demonstrates Lekoil's progress into the next phase of delivery and growth.

The Company expects the phase two development to be fully funded by industry players, which the company is already in discussions with."
Oil and gas explorer SDX Energy has abandoned its ELQ-1 well on the Gharb Centre permit in Northern Morocco and will move onto another prospect nearby.

Drilling to a depth of 1,484 metres encountered just 22.6 net metres of reservoir interval and two metres of marginal net conventional gas pay, leading SDX's management to the opinion that the intervals were not commercially sufficient for it to complete the well. SDX will plug the well and then move the drilling rig to the nearby ONZ-7 development location.

Elsewhere, SDX was granted a four-month extension to 22 July at its Lalla Mimouna permit, allowing it sufficient time to evaluate the results of its upcoming exploration drilling campaign, expected to take place in March. The AIM-listed outfit has connected the KSR-16 well to the sales line, with flow testing expected to commence later in January.

Paul Welch, president and chief executive of SDX, said, "Despite the result at ELQ-1, we remain very upbeat about the remainder of our Moroccan drilling campaign, which has already yielded discoveries from the first three of this nine well campaign."

"It is important to note that this well is also the only one in the current program drilled using legacy low-resolution 3D data, acquired from the previous operator. It was an important test that has strengthened our belief in the need to acquire high-resolution 3D seismic data, that we have successfully used in our first three wells, across all of our concessions of interest."

As of 0920 GMT, shares had dropped 4.81% to 51.50p.
UK farmers will continue to receive government subsidies for a number of years after Britain leaves the EU in 2019, Environment Secretary Michael Gove said on Thursday.

In a speech to the Oxford Farming Conference, Gove said he wanted to move from the current system, under which farmers receive 3bn annually from the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), to a new approach of public money for public goods.

Gove's department had briefed overnight that payments would continue until 2024 under the proposals, which will be put out to consultation later this year.

"That guaranteed income should provide time for farmers to change their business model if necessary, help to make the investment necessary for any adjustments and prepare for the future," Gove said.

Gove, a proponent of a so-called hard Brexit, told delegates the subsidy would be protected in cash terms until the end of the current parliament in 2022. Britain will leave the EU in March 2019 and expects a two-year transition, or implementation, period to follow.

I then envisage guaranteeing that Basic Payment Scheme payments continue for a transition period in England, which should last a number of years beyond the implementation period, depending on consultation, he said.

"During these years, we propose to first reduce the largest BPS payments in England. We could do this through a straight cap at a maximum level or through a sliding scale of reductions, to the largest payments first."

Gove said a new system of subsidies after Brexit would take greater account of efforts to protect and enhance the environment, such as through planting woodland and increasing biodiversity.

He said CAP was a "a fundamentally flawed design".

"Paying land owners for the amount of agricultural land they have is unjust, inefficient and drives perverse outcomes. It gives the most from the public purse to those who have the most private wealth," he said.

"It bids up the price of land, distorting the market, creating a barrier to entry for innovative new farmers and entrenching lower productivity."

"Indeed, perversely, it rewards farmers for sticking to methods of production that are resource-inefficient and also incentivises an approach to environmental stewardship which is all about mathematically precise field margins and not truly ecologically healthy landscapes."
By Damali Mukhaye.

Nine butcheries in kalerwe and Ntinda have been shut down by Kampala capital city authority for failing to meet the minimum health and quality standards.

This was during a joint operation conducted by KCCA and the Uganda national bureau of standards across the city.

KCCAs Supervisor of Animal Production Dr. Emilian Ahimbisibwe, says the operations will continue until all the butcheries meet the required public health standards.

KCCA is also checking the structural standards of these butcheries and investigating meat preservation mechanisms.
For the last four years, AirlineRatings.com has singled out Qantas for the top spot in its annual ranking of the worlds safest airlines. This year, the website assessed 409 major airlines before compiling its final verdict, a list of the top 20 safest carriers in alphabetical order.

Our top 20 safest airlines are always at the forefront of safety innovation, operational excellence and the launching of new more advanced aircraft like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787, said Geoffrey Thomas, AirlineRatings.coms Editor-in-Chief. Qantas has been the lead airline in virtually every major operational safety advancement over the past 60 years and has not had a fatality in the jet era. But Qantas is not alone. Long established airlines such as Hawaiian and Finnair also have perfect records in the jet era.

To arrive at its top 20, AirlineRatings.com took into account factors like previous incidents, audits from governments and the aviation industrys regulatory bodies, fleet age, and airlines records of crashes and other serious incidents.

Click through the gallery above to see the worlds safest airlines for 2018, in alphabetical order.

This year AirlineRatings.com also announced the low-cost carriers with the best safety records. The top 10, in alphabetical order, are: Aer Lingus, Flybe, Frontier, HK Express, JetBlue, Jetstar Australia, Thomas Cook, Virgin America, Vueling and WestJet.

At the bottom of the list, with only a single star rating out of seven stars, are 2018s least safe airlines. North Koreas Air Koryo, Surinames Blue Wing Airlines, and Indonesias Trigana Air Service pull up the rear, along with four carriers from Nepal: Buddha Air, Nepal Airlines, Tara Air, and Yeti Airlines.
Four big tech players this week moved to improve their handling of open source software licensing violations.

Red Hat, Google, Facebook and IBM said they would apply error standards in the most recent GNU General Public License agreement, GPLv3, to all of their open source licensing, even licenses granted under older GPL agreements.

There is no procedure in the older GPLs that allowed a licensee to correct his mistakes, said Lawrence Rosen, an intellectual property attorney atRosenlaw & Einschlag and former general counsel for the Open Source Initiative.

This will make everything consistent with GPLv3, he told LinuxInsider.Enforcement of GPL versions prior to v3 could be unpredictable, noted David Levine, assistant general counsel for Red Hat.

The way GPLv2 is often read, if you fail to comply with the terms of the license, it terminates without an opportunity to correct errors. You have no license, he told LinuxInsider.

Most errors tend to be inadvertent, Levine said. GPLv3 provides an opportunity for a cure period. This provides the licensee peace of mind to know that he or she will be provided an opportunity to correct errors before the license is revoked.

Room for Error

Under the language in GPLv3, a user found violating a license can have it reinstated after correcting the violations.

Initially, the license is renewed provisionally, but if the user doesnt hear from the owner of the license for 60 days, the renewal becomes permanent.

A license also is reinstated permanently if a user fixes a violation within 30 days of being notified for the first time of the infraction.

By using GPLv3s error standards, the companies will be removing some uncertainty in past versions of the agreement.

The previous guidelines allowed a certain amount of flexibility that caused confusion among some folks and allowed others to feather their own nests by questionable enforcement actions, said Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT.

The new model is more fixed for both compliance and enforcement, he told LinuxInsider.

Encouraging Open Source

Creating a more consistent approach to error handling can be beneficial to the community, noted Jim McGregor, principal analyst at Tirias Research.

Theyre getting rid of some of the ambiguity associated with the platform, he told LinuxInsider. The last thing you want when youre a developer is to be under the impression that youre doing everything right and then be hit with a cease and desist order.

One of the motives behind the companies action is to build and reinforce institutions in the community that promote balance and predictability in license compliance, said Red Hats Levine.

When enforcement takes place, alleged violators should be offered opportunities to correct violations. This is the community norm, he noted.

The companies want to grow the use of open source software and contributions to the open source ecosystem, Levine said. They view their commitment to the error standards in GPLv3 as an important step toward increasing participation in open source communities.

Fueling Linux Growth

The companies expressed hope that this weeks actions will influence others.

We believe in promoting greater fairness and predictability in license enforcement and the growth of participation in the open source community, Red Hat Executive Vice President Michael Cunningham said. We encourage other GPLv2 copyright holders to follow our lead.

The companies move could foster innovation, suggested Allen Lo, deputy general counsel at Facebook.

Open source accelerates the pace of innovation in the world, he said. Extending the good-faith opportunity for developers to correct errors in license compliance has the potential to help move the industry forward and allow engineers to focus on building great things.

It also has the potential to move Linux forward, according to Mark Ringes, assistant general counsel at IBM, who noted that extending GPLv3s non-compliance cure provision to GPLv2 will enable the continued adoption and robust growth of Linux for decades to come.
Is social media evolving into an antisocial medium? Days after one of its former execs argued that the answer is yes, Facebook published a post addressing the issue.

I think we have created tools that are ripping apart the social fabric of how society works, Chamath Palihapitiya, who once served as vice president for growth at Facebook, told an audience at the Stanford Graduate School of Business last week.

The short-term, dopamine-driven feedback loops weve created are destroying how society works, he maintained.

There is a lack of civil discourse and cooperation on social media, as well as widespread distribution of misinformation and mistruth, according to Palihapitiya.

Its not an American problem, he said. This is not about Russians ads. This is a global problem.

Good and Bad Social Media

Some people feel bad after using social media, but others do not, wrote Facebook Director of Research David Ginsberg and Research Scientist Moira Burke.

According to the research, it really comes down to how you use the technology, they said.

For example, on social media, you can passively scroll through posts, much like watching TV, or actively interact with friends  messaging and commenting on each others posts, Ginsberg and Burke pointed out.

Just like in person, interacting with people you care about can be beneficial, while simply watching others from the sidelines may make you feel worse, they explained.

Wellness Through Better New Feeds

To help foster interaction, Facebook has made a number of changes to its services, Ginsberg and Burke noted.

For example, it has started demoting clickbait headlines and false news, and prioritizing posts from people users care about to foster more meaningful interactions and reduce passive consumption of low-quality content.

It also added a snooze feature allowing users to hide posts from a person, group or page for 30 days.

Take a Break is another tool designed to remove stressful content. It gives users more control over when they see an ex-partner, what their ex can view, and who can look at past posts about the relationship.

In addition, the company has launched several suicide prevention initiatives, the Facebook researchers wrote.

Facebook has invested US$1 million toward research to better understand the relationship between media technologies, youth development and well-being, they added.

PR Awareness

Facebooks acknowledgment that theres more to social media than fun and sharing, and its moves to address the darker aspects of its community may not be entirely altruistic, suggested John Carroll, a mass communications professor at Boston University.

Still, its a sign their awareness of bad PR has started to rise, he told TechNewsWorld, .

Many people think these steps are largely cosmetic. I dont see a lot of newfound enlightenment in Mark Zuckerberg these days, Carroll added. Hes in a position of influence and importance in the world that he doesnt want to face up to.

Two Sides to Interaction

Social media can both foster and inhibit interaction, asserted Karen North, a professor of digital social media at the University of Southern California.

It can extend out social interactions to times and places when we wouldnt otherwise be able to interact with each other, she told TechNewsWorld.

Usually to interact with people, you need to be in proximity to each other, North explained. Social media allows us to be together even when we are physically apart.

However, social media interaction differs from proximity interaction because its done through a device and involves content creation.

That can interfere with people interacting more personally, North said.

Avoiding Social Media Blues

There are a number of ways for individuals to avoid the potential negative consequences of social media, said Brian Primack, director of the University of Pittsburgh Center for Research on Media, Technology and Health.

There is a connection between increased depressive symptoms and the increased proportion of social media friends you dont know in real life to those you do know, he noted.

We also found that your mental health is better if you report that a higher proportion of your friends is what you would consider close friends, Primack told TechNewsWorld.

Limiting the number of social platforms you participate in can be beneficial, as the number of platforms a person uses can be a predictor of poor mental health, he observed.

Establish strict guidelines for when and where you use social media, may be helpful, Primack ventured.

Many families are declaring evening time to be device free, he noted. They have everyone in the family drop their devices in a box at the front door, so that everyone can really focus on each other during a family dinner and other evening activities.
REINACH  The textile colour and chemical specialists Archroma has become a signatory of the United Nations Global Compact  a voluntary CSR (corporate social responsibility) initiative with over 9,500 participating companies.

Archroma says signing up to the agreement signifies the firms dedication to sustainability of every kind, underlined by this commitment to adhere to the UN Global Compacts 10 principles, these include; human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption.
Beijing successfully lowered air pollution levels following a crackdown on polluters last year, bringing Chinas capital in line with air quality targets, according to Chinese officials.

The announcement Wednesday by the Beijing Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau followed a 2013 plan that ordered the city to reduce the yearly average concentration of particulate matter to less than 60 micrograms. According to the bureau, the capital succeeded by reducing PM2.5 concentrations to 58 micrograms per cubic metera reduction of 35.6 percent from 2012.

Reuters reported that the figures provided by the government agency were in line with the news agencys own estimates.

Despite meeting the target, northern China is still a ways off its official PM2.5 of 35 micrograms per cubic meter and even further off the maximum of 10 micrograms per cubic meter recommended by the World Health Organization.

Current air pollutant levels remain a lot higher than the national air quality standard, indicating the improvement in air quality will still be a long-term process, Beijings environment agency said.

PM2.5 is particulate matter with a length of 2.5 microns or less. Often a mix of chemicals, the microscopic cocktail of toxins from power plants, automobiles and other sources of industry harm human lungs and can cause heart problems if they enter the bloodstream.

Brought about in 2013 by public anger over frequently hazardous air pollution levels, the initiative received a late push from the government in October to ensure 2017 targets were met. The push included 27 other northern Chinese cities.

To reduce air pollution, Beijing closed nearly 2000 factories in the cement, foundry and furniture sectors and shut down coal power plants in the past five years. The city also took nearly 2 million high-emission vehicles off the road.

In north Chinas drive to switch to residential winter heating systems, it began phasing out coal-powered boilers to switch to gas or electric-powered equipment. It also shut down or curbed production at heavy industrial plants.

The government partly attributed the air quality improvement to drier and windier weather.

Wednesdays announcement came just two days after China announced it would suspend the production of hundreds of car models to curb air pollution.
A new report from Food & Water Watch documents how a Scottish energy billionaires dangerous plan to ship gas liquids across the Atlantic is linked to a controversial pipeline currently under construction across Pennsylvania.

The report, The Trans-Atlantic Plastics Pipeline, tracks how the fracking boom in the U.S. has spawned a resurgence in petrochemical and plastics manufacturing. A British company called Ineos has contracted with U.S.-based drilling companies to supply it with ethane, a gas liquid used to make plastics. And in order to deliver these liquids, Sunoco is building the 350-mile Mariner East 2 pipeline across the state. The pipeline ends at the Marcus Hook facility south of Philadelphia, where massive dragon ships owned by Ineos carry gas liquids to Norway and Scotland.

Fracking is creating a public health and climate disaster while propping the highly polluting plastics industry, said Wenonah Hauter, executive director of Food & Water Watch.

People on both sides of the Atlantic are suffering the costs, with extremely detrimental effects to our global environmenteverything from air pollution and climate altering emissions to the proliferation of plastic waste can be tied to the companies benefiting from this poisonous process.

Shipping gas liquids to Europe will drive more fracking in Pennsylvania, with all the accompanying water and air pollution that has been well-documented over the last several years of drilling in the state. That drilling is the rationale behind the Mariner East 2. Though the project has been approved by state regulators, communities along the 350-mile route are fighting against the pipelines construction through a mix of municipally-oriented strategies and nonviolent direct action tactics.

Sunoco Logistics, aka Energy Transfer Partners, continues to insist that it is providing a public benefit, while in fact it is simply lining its pockets at the expense of the environment, said Ellen Gerhart, a Huntingdon County resident who has been resisting Sunocos pipeline construction on her land.

We, as landowners facing eminent domain by this company, will continue to resist, and stand in solidarity with our friends in both the U.S. and Europe. The fight is not over.

The environmental hazards will be evident across the Atlantic, too. In Scotland, Ineos will be cracking the ethane to make ethylene, an industrial process that causes air pollution and creates additional plastic litter, like the small pellets called nurdles that are littering shorelines across the UK. Earlier this month, the Ineos petrochemical facility in Grangemouth, Scotland had a substantial ethylene leak that forced the evacuation of employees.

All of the companies involved in the trans-Atlantic pipeline, the report shows, have poor environmental records. The Grangemouth facility has been repeatedly cited by Scottish authorities for emissions and pollutions violations, along with workplace safety violations. One of the drilling companies in Pennsylvania, Range Resourcesperhaps best known for a water contamination incident in Texashas been fined almost $21 million by state regulators. The company has been charged with more than 500 health and safety violations between 2005 and 2016.

And Sunoco, according to one analysis, had a higher rate of oil spills than any of its competitors in the U.S. It recently completed a merger with Energy Transfer Partners, the company behind the highly controversial Dakota Access pipeline.

Food & Water Watch offers several recommendations to communities and political leaders both sides of the Atlantic, starting with a complete ban on fracking everywhere, a ban on fossil fuel imports and ending fossil fuel infrastructure projects that are harming the environment and contributing to the mounting threats posed by climate change.
By Sharon Kelly

Pennsylvania suspended permits for Sunoco Pipeline on Wednesday, LPs $2.5 billion Mariner East 2 pipeline project, after finding that the company committed egregious and willful violations of state laws.

The order directs Sunoco, a subsidiary of Dakota Access Pipeline builder Energy Transfer Partners, to stop Mariner East II construction activities across Pennsylvania. The 306-mile pipeline project would carry 275,000 barrels a day of butane, propane and other liquid fossil fuels from Ohio and West Virginia to the Atlantic coast for export.

Suspension of the permits described, the order states, is necessary to correct the egregious and willful violations described herein.

Construction has been plagued by numerous spills and contaminated drinking water supplies for homes in Silver Lake Township, Pennsylvania. State regulators had discovered that Sunoco was drilling under streams without permits when a spill contaminated a high-quality creek in Berks County, Pennsylvania, the order notesand then found unpermitted construction at over a half-dozen other locations along the pipelines route.

The 24-page order requires the company to provide a report that fully explains the failures that led to the violations, to outline the steps it will take to prevent recurrences, to address the private water wells contaminated in Silver Lake Township to the satisfaction of the private well owners, and to properly abandon illegally drilled pilot holes within 10 days, as well as a long list of other terms and conditions. The only activities allowed will be those associated with ensuring the shutdown is done safely and without further environmental damage.

Until Sunoco can demonstrate that the permit conditions can and will be followed, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has no alternative but to suspend the permits, Pennsylvania DEP Sec. Patrick McDonnell said in a statement announcing the order.

Pipeline opponents called on the department to go further.

What we really need is a full and permanent halt to construction and a full, transparent and public assessment of the risks associated with the Mariner East 2, Food & Water Watch organizer Sam Rubin said in a statement. A May Food & Water Watch report called attention to the role that Mariner East II would play in efforts to convert ethane from fracked gas wells into a new glut of plastics, citing the health hazards for workers and communities near petrochemical manufacturing, as well as the growing plastics gyres in the Pacific Ocean.

More directly, Sunoco has a checkered record nationwide when it comes to hazardous materials pipeline spills. Resolutions passed by eight local governments along Mariner East IIs route observe that over the past decade, Sunoco Logistics has spilled hazardous materials 296 timesmore often than any other operatoraccording to federal pipeline safety regulators.

This is not the first time Mariner East II has been halted. Last summer, a Pennsylvania court ordered Mariner East II construction temporarily suspended following numerous objections, until Sunoco agreed to stronger project oversight from the state.

Energy Transfer Partners, parent company of Sunoco Pipeline, said that it did not plan to abandon construction efforts.

We received an order this morning from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection that instructed us to suspend construction activities in Pennsylvania with respect to Mariner East 2 until reauthorized by the Pennsylvania DEP, Energy Transfer Partners spokesman Jeff Shields said in a statement. The order requires us to submit various reports related to current and future construction activities. We intend to expeditiously submit these reports and we are confident that we will be reauthorized to commence work on this project promptly.

Still, there are signs that investors are growing frustrated with delays. The projects permits originally anticipated that construction would be done by 2016. This fall, Energy Transfer Partners CEO Kelcy Warren told investors during an earnings call that it might try to bring in a joint venture partner to help carry the costs. We are open-minded, Warren said. If a partner was bringing liquids, bringing value to the project, we would consider that.

Pipeline opponents say that the risks wont end after construction is over, citing safety concerns associated with the liquid fuels Mariner East II will carry very close to schools, senior homes and businesses through the densely populated suburbs of Philadelphia. An analysis by FracTracker found that over 100,000 people live within a quarter mile of Mariner East IIs proposed path. A worst-case scenario explosion could bring a fireball with an even larger radius, a study by commissioned by a local safety coalition found last year, prompting one school to start conducting safety drills.

Thats in addition to the environmental concerns associated with the problem-plagued construction.

In my district alone, pipeline construction has contaminated almost two dozen wells, disrupted businesses, created significant environmental damage and resulted in the development of an expanding sinkhole that currently threatens at least two private homes and is within 100 feet of Amtraks Keystone Line, State Sen. Andy Dinniman wrote on Dec. 18 to Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf. I should point out that all of these incidents have occurred in a single Chester County municipality [near Philadelphia] as a result of pipeline construction.

Public safety advocates said that they considered Wednesdays order a partial victory.

[The] announcement is a small step in the right direction, but the responsible course of action for Gov. Wolf is to stop Mariner East construction until and unless a public safety risk assessment is available, Caroline Hughes, a representative from Goshen United for Public Safety said. Del-Chesco United intends to use this temporary halt to continue to call for the Mariner East risk assessment which Gov. Wolf should have undertaken from the beginning.

Other grassroots activists have staged tree sits and other protests to halt Mariner East IIs construction at a Camp White Pine in Huntington County. Elise Gerhart and her mother Ellen, a retired public school teacher, have said the company attempted to illegally cut trees on their land to clear the pipelines path.

Im very skeptical that the governors office is taking peoples concerns seriously, Elise told NPRs State Impact after Wednesdays order. I really believe that the governor wants to push this project through.

Given the companys record, she questioned whether Sunoco would adequately follow the DEP orders new requirements. We have to go out there and see what theyre doing and report it, she said.

Reposted with permission from our media associate DeSmogBlog.
By Jim Yuskavitch

Frank Moore is a fly-fishing legendat least along Oregons North Umpqua River, which has been renowned for its summer steelhead since the 1930s, when Western fiction author Zane Grey fished its waters. Moore is a D-Day veteran; he returned after the war to live beside the river with his wife, Jeanne. Together, they became among the North Umpquas most vocal and effective advocates. In 1966 they founded the Steamboaters, a group of local angler-conservationists who still zealously guard the welfare of the river and its population of wild and wily steelheads.

Now a coalition of fish conservation groups is seeking to extend the Moores lifelong contribution into the future with a Frank and Jeanne Moore Wild Steelhead Sanctuary that will protect a vital spawning habitat. Beyond that, the effort may prove to be a viable alternative to more restrictive approaches (like wilderness or wild-and-scenic-river designations) in an inclement political era.

The goal of the sanctuaryan approach largely spearheaded by the Portland-based Wild Salmon Centeris to permanently protect salmon strongholds from future habitat degradation. Most such areas, said Mark Trenholm, the centers senior program manager, are stressed and in need of recovery. We are trying to save the last best places for salmon, he said. Among other campaigns are a 60,000-acre Elk River Salmon Emphasis Area (SEA) on Oregons south coast, a 28,000-acre Kilchis SEA on the north coast, and an ambitious proposal for a 700,000-acre Copper River Salmon Reserve in Alaskas famed Copper River Delta.

Unlike traditional land protection strategies like wilderness designations, salmon emphasis areas dont need to meet stringent wildness criteria. They can include fish-conservation-management directives such as habitat restoration without precluding other uses of the land, like logging and motorized vehicle access, theoretically making them less controversial and easier to get through Congress.

The Frank and Jeanne Moore Wild Steelhead Sanctuary would encompass 104,000 acres in the Steamboat Creek watershed within the Umpqua National Forest, probably the North Umpquas most important steelhead-spawning tributary. The basic premise is to give the Forest Service direction that gives wild fish priority, said John Kober, executive director of Portland-based Pacific Rivers, the organization that has been at the forefront of the sanctuary campaign.



Jeanne and Frank Moore talk wild steelhead conservation at their home above the North Umpqua River in the Southern Oregon Cascade Mountains. Jim Yuskavitch

Supporters of the sanctuary stress that it would still allow other natural resource uses. This is a wild-fish-emphasis area, but it is not a wilderness area, said Oakley Brooks, the Wild Salmon Centers communications director. There will be logging. Frank is adamant that he does not want to lock the place up, but he wants to protect wild steelhead.

Even so, salmon sanctuary advocates find themselves battling against the current. The proposed Elk River SEA in the Siskiyou National Forest on Oregons south coast, for example, would have established a 60,000-acre preserve on public land to protect the Elks runs of Chinook and Coho salmon and steelhead. Old-growth forests would be protected, but otherwise logging would have been allowed. But despite lots of local support, the proposed legislation faltered.

It never really settled into a slot, said Jerry Becker, a consulting forester and founder of the Friends of the Elk River (now Wild Rivers Land Trust). It kept getting revised and ultimately never got a bill or a hearing. Becker noted that the Forest Service was also reluctant to sign on to a new management designation. Proposals for salmon emphasis areas on Oregons north coast were caught up in a lawsuit by a number of county governments, who accuse the state of illegally reducing logging on state forest. The Copper River Salmon Preserve campaign has also faltered.



If eventually designated as wild and scenic, most of the Elk Rivers headwater tributaries will be protected by buffer zones, but wont include salmon specific conservation measures as intended in the original Elk River salmon emphasis area proposal. Jim Yuskavitch



Wild fall Chinook salmon spawn in a southwestern Oregon coastal stream. Salmon sanctuaries would ensure that wild salmon and steelhead spawning and rearing habitat would be protected from human development and disturbance. Jim Yuskavitch

Salmon-protection efforts have not halted, however. Oregons Democratic senators, Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, are sponsoring the Oregon Wildlands Act, which would create two new wilderness areas and designate most of the Elk Rivers major upper tributaries as Wild and Scenic (although it would not give as much protection as the original salmon emphasis area proposal). And coalitions of conservation groups have worked with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to designate 20 coastal watersheds as Wild Fish Emphasis Areas, where no hatchery salmon or steelhead will be stocked for the next 10 years.

But at the moment, the bright spot for salmon-specific protective designation is on the North Umpqua. With the support of senators Wyden and Merkley (and Representative Pete DeFazio), Senate Bill 513 would create the Frank and Jeanne Moore Wild Steelhead Special Management Area. (The word sanctuary was dropped because of Republican concerns that wild-fish advocates were trying to establish a new protective designationwhich they are.) All we need now, said Kober, is to attach it to a must-pass bill. If the Moore sanctuary succeeds, it could make the upstream journey to the next salmon sanctuary a little less difficult.

Reposted with permission from our media associate SIERRA magazine.
SBI has collected more than 1000 crores in the penalty from its customers for not maintaining the minimum balance in their account. The data submitted by public sector banks regarding the penalty fees collected show growth compared to the last year. SBI is leading the charge with 1771 crores of rupees.

This amount is more than its net profit for the second quarter which is 1581 crores. This penalty amount collected is only for the April to November 2017. While it was one of the last banks to impose fines on accounts for not maintaining the minimum balance, it has become the leader in collecting fines without delay or default.

And, banks in recent times have become too sincere in their ways to collect as much money as much possible from customers. Earlier, this scheme of minimum balance was started by private banks, but soon Government banks followed despite much furore, and cry nothing happened. They reimposed the fine after five years. Basic saving account, Jan Dhan account and pension accounts are exempted from the penalty. PNB is second in the list with 97 crores.

Public Banks have found a new and greedy method to generate profits by fining the people in the cruelest way possible. Their big bad loans could not be written off by meagre amounts they collect from the general public, but surely these tactics used by banks bring a very bad name to the very brand they represent.

These charges are divided into the kind of place your branch resides, such as metro, urban and rural. The minimum amount to be kept in the account varies accordingly. The minimum monthly average balance(MAB) has become a very fine tool for banks to reduce their NPAs. SBI has 42 crores of Saving accounts. The total penalty collected by public sector banks due to non-compliance with the minimum monthly average balance is more than 2000 crores. it is an addition to the long list of charges that a bank collects from its customers.

BANKING On SBI

We might see more such well-structured charge to make customers even guilty of owning money. Banks, which in recent time have come under attack due to bad NPAs were trying to find ways and means to cut costs. the uproar around this scheme is old since private banks started enforcing measures to the saving accounts in the country, but none thought that one-day public sector banks would have to take the same route.

Where we are headed in the banking is clearly visible from the budgets of each financial year, where crores of the funds are infused in the banks to maintain their liquidity. this occurs despite banks being one of the top government financial bodies in the economy.

Recent consolidation of the SBI subsidiaries by the government of India is a step towards bringing more centralized approach and easy management of the assets. People have been protesting against MAB since it was launched but as given the circumstance, the people who earn less are penalized more, and then the dreams of digitization die an ironical death.
New Health Minister to be appointed soon



Chief Minister Howard Quayle says a new appointed will be made soon.

The Chief Minister says a new Health Minister will be appointed soon.

Kate Beecroft resigned yesterday after just over a year in the role following a meeting with Howard Quayle.

Mr Quayle revealed he called a meeting with the Minister on Tuesday to have a full and frank conversation on a range of issues, which was followed by Mrs Beecroft's resignation yesterday.

The Chief Minister plans to appoint a new Minister to delivery the objectives of the Council of Ministers' Programme for Government.
The Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy (ACGT), a non-profit based in Stamford, Connecticut, dedicated to funding breakthrough cancer gene therapy treatments, has had its funding pay off with a promising study on breast cancer coming out of The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa in Ottawa, Canada. The study suggests that a combinations of two immunotherapies -- oncolytic viruses and checkpoint inhibitors -- could be much more successful than traditional treatments in fighting breast cancer and possibly other cancers. The study, which used mouse models, was published in Science Translational Medicine and was conducted by ACGT grantee, Dr. John Bell, and his research lab in conjunction with Dr. Marie-Claude Bourgeois-Daigneault, lead author of the study and postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Bell's research group.

Cancer immunotherapy has proven to be a powerful tool in fighting cancer and has revolutionized treatment for cancers such as melanoma and leukemia. Unfortunately though, other forms of cancer, and especially solid tumor cancers, have remained resistant.

ACGT has a track record of funding innovative, breakthrough cancer treatments and was one of the initial funders for laboratory research and clinical trials of immunotherapy in support of Dr. Carl June's work at the University of Pennsylvania, where his team has been successfully treating relapsed pediatric leukemia with gene therapy. ACGT started funding cancer cell and gene therapies in the early 2000's when it was still deemed 'risky' science. Since then, ACGT has administered a total of 55 grants, including 19 clinical translation grants and 36 young investigator grants totaling more than $28 million. Dr. John Bell received a clinical translation grant from ACGT in 2013 for his work with oncolytic viruses and their applications in treating other cancers like brain cancer.

For the study out of Ottawa and Dr. John Bell's lab, Dr. Marie-Claude Bourgeois-Daigneault stated, "It was absolutely amazing to see that we could cure cancer in most of our mice, even in models that are normally very resistant to immunotherapy. We believe that the same mechanisms are at work in human cancers, but further research is needed to test this kind of therapy in humans."

In the current study, the researchers focused on "triple negative" breast cancer, which is the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat kind of breast cancer.

The researchers studied three mouse models of triple negative breast cancer, and found that all were resistant to a checkpoint inhibitor which is commonly used to treat other kinds of cancer. They also found that while an oncolytic virus called Maraba could replicate inside these cancers and help the mouse's immune system recognize and attack the cancer, the virus alone had minimal impact on overall survival.

The researchers then tested the virus and checkpoint inhibitor together in models that mimic the metastatic spread of breast cancer after surgery, which is very common in patients. They found that this combination cured 60 to 90 percent of the mice, compared to zero for the checkpoint inhibitor alone and 20 to 30 percent for the virus alone. In these models, the virus was given before the surgery and the checkpoint inhibitor was given after.

"Our immune system is constantly trying to recognize and kill cancer cells, but the cancer cells are always trying to hide from it," explained Dr. Bell, senior scientist at The Ottawa Hospital and professor at the University of Ottawa. "When you infect a cancer cell with a virus, it raises a big red flag, which helps the immune system recognize and attack the cancer. But in some kinds of cancer this still isn't enough. We found that when you add a checkpoint inhibitor after the virus, this releases all the alarms and the immune system sends in the full army against the cancer."

A recently-published clinical trial confirmed that oncolytic viruses and checkpoint inhibitors have potential for treating melanoma, but this is the first study to show the potential in breast cancer. It is also the first study to test viruses and checkpoint inhibitors in a surgery and metastasis model, which is particularly relevant for patients.

Ongoing clinical trials are testing oncolytic viruses (including Maraba) in combination with checkpoint inhibitors in people with cancer. People who are interested in these trials at The Ottawa Hospital can read these frequently asked questions.

"ACGT has long believed that the cure for cancer lies in the genes," said Margaret Cianci, executive director of the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy. "Using tools like viruses and checkpoint inhibitors to activate the immune system and create a cellular response against cancer is incredibly promising. We always have big hopes for our scientific grants and to see results like these is very exciting."

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About Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy (ACGT)

Established in 2001, ACGT is the nation's only non-profit dedicated exclusively to cell and gene therapy treatments for all types of cancer. One hundred percent of contributions go directly to research. Founded by Barbara Netter and her late husband Edward, ACGT was created to conduct and accelerate critically needed innovative research. ACGT is located at 96 Cummings Point Road, Stamford, Connecticut 06902; 203-358-5055. To learn more, visit acgtfoundation.org or join the ACGT community on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube at @acgtfoundation.

About The Ottawa Hospital

The Ottawa Hospital is one of Canada's largest learning and research hospitals with more than 1,100 beds, approximately 12,000 staff and an annual budget of $1.2 billion. The focus on research and learning helps the Ottawa Hospital develop new and innovative ways to treat patients and improve care. As a multi-campus hospital, affiliated with the University of Ottawa, the Ottawa Hospital delivers specialized care to the Eastern Ontario region, but its techniques and research discoveries are adopted around the world. The Ottawa Hospital engages the community at all levels to support its vision for better patient care. See ohri.ca for more information about research at The Ottawa Hospital.

About the University of Ottawa

The University of Ottawa is home to 50,000+ students, faculty and staff, who live, work and study in both French and English. The campus is a crossroads of cultures and ideas, where bold minds come together to inspire game-changing ideas. The University is one of Canada's top 10 research universities -- with professors and researchers exploring new approaches to today's challenges. The University is one of a handful of Canadian universities ranked among the top 200 in the world and attracts exceptional thinkers and welcomes diverse perspectives from across the globe. uottawa.ca.

Acknowledgements and additional information

Dr. Bell's research is supported by generous donors to The Ottawa Hospital. This study was also supported by the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy, the Canadian Institute for Health Research, the Terry Fox Research Institute, the Canadian Cancer Society Research Institute, the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation and BioCanRx.

Maraba virus therapy was jointly pioneered by Dr. John Bell (The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa), Dr. David Stojdl (Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa) and Dr. Brian Lichty (McMaster University). Drs. Bell, Stojdl and Lichty founded a company called Turnstone Biologics which is advancing the development of the virus. Turnstone did not fund the research described here.

Dr. Bell is also the Scientific Director of BioCanRx, Co-leader of the Immuno-oncology Translational Research Initiative at the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research and founder of the Canadian Oncolytic Virus Consortium.

The research described here was published in Science Translational Medicine on January 3, 2018. The publication is titled "Neo-Adjuvant Oncolytic Virotherapy Before Surgery Sensitizes Triple-Negative Breast Cancer to Immune Checkpoint Therapy". The authors are: Marie-Claude Bourgeois-Daigneault, Dominic Guy Roy, Amelia Sadie Aitken, Nader El Sayes, Nikolas Tim Martin, Oliver Varette, Theresa Falls, Lauren Elizabeth St-Germain, Adrian Pelin, Brian Dennis Lichty, David Francis Stojdl, Guy Ungerechts, Jean-Simon Diallo and John Cameron Bell. The paper is featured on the cover of the journal, together with a similar study on brain cancer from a different group.
Oral health issues are common among older adults. These issues include tooth loss, gum disease, tooth decay, and dry mouth. These conditions can also affect an older adult's well-being because they may make it harder to eat, swallow, speak, get adequate nutrition, and even smile.

Oral health issues like tooth loss and gum disease are also linked to increased risks of frailty. Frailty is the medical term for becoming more vulnerable to declining health or the inability to perform the activities of daily living. Frailty is a major healthcare challenge for older adults and caregivers. Someone who is frail can be weak, have less endurance, and be less able to function well. Frailty increases the risk for falls, disability, and even death.

Over a three-year period, researchers from the United Kingdom examined the relationship between poor oral health and older adults' risks for becoming frail. They published their findings in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

The researchers studied information from the British Regional Heart Study. This study included 7,735 British men. They were first examined in 1978 to 1980 when they were 40- to 59-years-old. In 2010 to 2012, researchers invited 1,722 surviving participants to be re-examined. During that time period, the participants were 71- to 92-years-old.

Participants were given physical exams, which included height, weight, and waist measurements. They also took timed walking tests and had their grip strength measured. They answered questions about their medical history and lifestyle. They also answered a questionnaire asking about medical, social, and health-related information.

The exam included a dental exam. Dental health professionals counted the participants' natural teeth and measured the health of their gums. Participants answered questions about their dental health, including if they had dry mouth.

Researchers also noted the participants' frailty status. Participants were considered frail if they had at least three of these issues: exhaustion, weak grip strength, slow walking speed, weight loss, or low levels of physical activity.

The researchers found out the following facts about the participants' dental issues:

20 percent had no teeth

64 percent had fewer than 21 teeth

54 percent had gum disease

29 percent had at least two symptoms of dry mouth

34 percent rated their oral health as "fair to poor"

11 percent said they had trouble eating

The researchers said that men with dental issues were more likely to be frail than men without those issues. These dental issues included having no teeth, having trouble eating, having dry mouth symptoms, or rating oral health as "fair to poor."

The researchers also noted that complete tooth loss, dry mouth, and additional oral health concerns were especially linked to developing frailty.

The researchers concluded that these findings highlight the importance of oral health for older adults, suggesting that poor oral health contributes to frailty.

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This summary is from "Influence of poor oral health on physical frailty: a population-based cohort study of older British men". It appears online ahead of print in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. The study authors are Sheena E. Ramsay, PhD; Efstathios Papachristou, PhD; Richard G. Watt, PhD; Georgios Tsakos, PhD; Lucy T. Lennon, MSc; A. Olia Papacosta, MSc; Paula Moynihan, PhD; Avan A. Sayer,PhD; Peter H. Whincup, PhD; and S. Goya Wannamethee, PhD.

About the Health in Aging Foundation

This research summary was developed as a public education tool by the Health in Aging Foundation. The Foundation is a national non-profit established in 1999 by the American Geriatrics Society to bring the knowledge and expertise of geriatrics healthcare professionals to the public. We are committed to ensuring that people are empowered to advocate for high-quality care by providing them with trustworthy information and reliable resources. Last year, we reached nearly 1 million people with our resources through HealthinAging.org. We also help nurture current and future geriatrics leaders by supporting opportunities to attend educational events and increase exposure to principles of excellence on caring for older adults. For more information or to support the Foundation's work, visit http://www.HealthinAgingFoundation.org.

About the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society

Included in more than 9,000 library collections around the world, the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (JAGS) highlights emerging insights on principles of aging, approaches to older patients, geriatric syndromes, geriatric psychiatry, and geriatric diseases and disorders. First published in 1953, JAGS is now one of the oldest and most impactful publications on gerontology and geriatrics, according to ISI Journal Citation Reports. Visit wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/JGS for more details.

About the American Geriatrics Society

Founded in 1942, the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) is a nationwide, not-for-profit society of geriatrics healthcare professionals that has--for 75 years--worked to improve the health, independence, and quality of life of older people. Its nearly 6,000 members include geriatricians, geriatric nurses, social workers, family practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, and internists. The Society provides leadership to healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public by implementing and advocating for programs in patient care, research, professional and public education, and public policy. For more information, visit AmericanGeriatrics.org.
Washington, DC - Jan, 3, 2018 - Studies in mice and in tissue cultures suggest that giving vitamin C with tuberculosis drugs could reduce the unusually long time it takes these drugs to eradicate this pathogen. The research is published in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, a journal of the American Society for Microbiology.

In the study, the investigators treated Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected mice with anti-tuberculosis drugs or vitamin C alone, or the drugs and vitamin C together. They measured M. tuberculosis (Mtb) organ burdens at four and six weeks post treatment.

Vitamin C had no activity by itself, but in two independent experiments, the combination of vitamin C with the first-line TB drugs, isoniazid and rifampicin, reduced the organ burdens faster than the two drugs without vitamin C, said first author Catherine J. Vilcheze, Ph.D. Instructor, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY. Experiments in infected tissue cultures demonstrated similar results, shortening the time to sterilization of the tissue culture by seven days.

"Our study shows that the addition of vitamin C to TB drug treatment potentiates the killing of Mtb and could shorten TB chemotherapy," said principal investigator William R. Jacobs, Jr., PhD., Investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Einstein College of Medicine. That's important because treatment of drug susceptible tuberculosis takes six months, "resulting in some treatment mismanagement, potentially leading to the emergence and spread of drug-resistant TB," said Dr. Jacobs.

Such long term treatment is needed for tuberculosis because a subpopulation of Mtb cells can form Mtb persister cells, dormant cells that are virtually impervious to antimicrobials.

In earlier studies, the investigators discovered that while high levels of vitamin C will kill actively dividing cells, lower concentrations will stimulate respiration and prevent the formation of persisters, said Dr. Jacobs. Then, in the presence of TB drugs, that increased respiration will lead to rapid death of the cells. "Thus in our new paper, we postulate that vitamin C is stimulating respiration of the Mtb cells in mice, thus enabling the action of isoniazid and rifampicin."

A French study conducted in 1948 suggested that vitamin C was safe for humans, and potentially beneficial. Investigators gave high daily doses of vitamin C to terminally ill patients with no side effects. While the infection did not regress, that study characterized other effects as "remarkable:" bedridden patients regained appetite and physical activity.

Tuberculosis is a major worldwide public health problem, infecting the lungs and other organ systems. In 2016, the disease sickened more than 10 million people worldwide, and killed 1.7 million. In the United States, cases number in the low thousands, out of a population of around 3,30 million. Treatment of multidrug resistant TB takes at least two years, and requires use of toxic second-line TB drugs with severe side effects.

"Vitamin C is known to be safe and our current mouse studies suggest that vitamin C could enhance TB chemotherapy," said Dr. Jacobs. "A clinical trial of vitamin C with TB chemotherapies could demonstrate that such an adjunct therapy could reduce patients' exposure to toxic TB drugs and also reduce the spread of TB from infected individuals."

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The American Society for Microbiology is the largest single life science society, composed of more than 50,000 scientists and health professionals. ASM's mission is to promote and advance the microbial sciences.

ASM advances the microbial sciences through conferences, publications, certifications and educational opportunities. It enhances laboratory capacity around the globe through training and resources. It provides a network for scientists in academia, industry and clinical settings. Additionally, ASM promotes a deeper understanding of the microbial sciences to diverse audiences.
BINGHAMTON, NY- Sleeping less than the recommended eight hours a night is associated with intrusive, repetitive thoughts like those seen in anxiety or depression, according to new research from Binghamton University, State University of New York.

Binghamton University Professor of Psychology Meredith Coles and former graduate student Jacob Nota assessed the timing and duration of sleep in individuals with moderate to high levels of repetitive negative thoughts (e.g., worry and rumination). The research participants were exposed to different pictures intended to trigger an emotional response, and researchers tracked their attention through their eye movements. The researchers discovered that regular sleep disruptions are associated with difficulty in shifting one's attention away from negative information. This may mean that inadequate sleep is part of what makes negative intrusive thoughts stick around and interfere with people's lives .

"We found that people in this study have some tendencies to have thoughts get stuck in their heads, and their elevated negative thinking makes it difficult for them to disengage with the negative stimuli that we exposed them to," said Coles. "While other people may be able to receive negative information and move on, the participants had trouble ignoring it."

These negative thoughts are believed to leave people vulnerable to different types of psychological disorders, such as anxiety or depression, said Coles.

"We realized over time that this might be important -- this repetitive negative thinking is relevant to several different disorders like anxiety, depression and many other things," said Coles. "This is novel in that we're exploring the overlap between sleep disruptions and the way they affect these basic processes that help in ignoring those obsessive negative thoughts."

The researchers are further exploring this discovery, evaluating how the timing and duration of sleep may also contribute to the development or maintenance of psychological disorders. If their theories are correct, their research could potentially allow psychologists to treat anxiety and depression by shifting patients' sleep cycles to a healthier time or making it more likely a patient will sleep when they get in bed.

The paper, "Shorter sleep duration and longer sleep onset latency are related to difficulty disengaging attention from negative emotional images in individuals with elevated transdiagnostic repetitive negative thinking" was published in ScienceDirect.

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ITHACA, N.Y. - An electricity-conducting, environment-sensing, shape-changing machine the size of a human cell? Is that even possible?

Cornell University physicists Paul McEuen and Itai Cohen not only say yes, but they've actually built the "muscle" for one.

With postdoctoral researcher Marc Miskin at the helm, the team has made a robot exoskeleton that can rapidly change its shape upon sensing chemical or thermal changes in its environment. And, they claim, these microscale machines - equipped with electronic, photonic and chemical payloads - could become a powerful platform for robotics at the size scale of biological microorganisms.

"You could put the computational power of the spaceship Voyager onto an object the size of a cell," Cohen said. "Then, where do you go explore?"

"We are trying to build what you might call an 'exoskeleton' for electronics," said McEuen, the John A. Newman Professor of Physical Science and director of the Kavli Institute at Cornell for Nanoscale Science. "Right now, you can make little computer chips that do a lot of information-processing ... but they don't know how to move or cause something to bend."

Their work is outlined in "Graphene-based Bimorphs for Micron-sized, Autonomous Origami Machines," published Jan. 2 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Miskin is lead author; other contributors included David Muller, the Samuel B. Eckert Professor of Engineering, and doctoral students Kyle Dorsey, Baris Bircan and Yimo Han.

The machines move using a motor called a bimorph. A bimorph is an assembly of two materials - in this case, graphene and glass - that bends when driven by a stimulus like heat, a chemical reaction or an applied voltage. The shape change happens because, in the case of heat, two materials with different thermal responses expand by different amounts over the same temperature change.

As a consequence, the bimorph bends to relieve some of this strain, allowing one layer to stretch out longer than the other. By adding rigid flat panels that cannot be bent by bimorphs, the researchers localize bending to take place only in specific places, creating folds. With this concept, they are able to make a variety of folding structures ranging from tetrahedra (triangular pyramids) to cubes.

In the case of graphene and glass, the bimorphs also fold in response to chemical stimuli by driving large ions into the glass, causing it to expand. Typically this chemical activity only occurs on the very outer edge of glass when submerged in water or some other ionic fluid. Since their bimorph is only a few nanometers thick, the glass is basically all outer edge and very reactive.

"It's a neat trick," Miskin said, "because it's something you can do only with these nanoscale systems."

The bimorph is built using atomic layer deposition - chemically "painting" atomically thin layers of silicon dioxide onto aluminum over a cover slip - then wet-transferring a single atomic layer of graphene on top of the stack. The result is the thinnest bimorph ever made. One of their machines was described as being "three times larger than a red blood cell and three times smaller than a large neuron" when folded. Folding scaffolds of this size have been built before, but this group's version has one clear advantage.

"Our devices are compatible with semiconductor manufacturing," Cohen said. "That's what's making this compatible with our future vision for robotics at this scale."

And due to graphene's relative strength, Miskin said, it can handle the types of loads necessary for electronics applications. "If you want to build this electronics exoskeleton," he said, "you need it to be able to produce enough force to carry the electronics. Ours does that."

For now, these tiniest of tiny machines have no commercial application in electronics, biological sensing or anything else. But the research pushes the science of nanoscale robots forward, McEuen said.

"Right now, there are no 'muscles' for small-scale machines," he said, "so we're building the small-scale muscles."

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This work was performed at the Cornell NanoScale Facility for Science and Technology and supported by the Cornell Center for Materials Research, the National Science Foundation, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research and the Kavli Institute at Cornell.
For our closest genetic relatives, it pays to have powerful allies

DURHAM, N.C. -- Never trust anyone who is rude to a waiter, advice columnists say. For most people, acting nasty is a big turnoff.

But while humans generally prefer individuals who are nice to others, a Duke University study finds bonobos are more attracted to jerks.

The researchers were surprised by the findings because these African apes -- our closest relatives in the animal kingdom along with chimpanzees -- have been shown to be less aggressive than chimps.

The results support the idea that a tendency to avoid individuals who mistreat others is one of the things that make humans different from other species.

Even infants as young as three months old show an ability to distinguish nice guys from creeps, and prefer interacting with people they see helping others over those who are mean, previous studies show.

To find out if our closest relatives share the same social bias, Duke's Brian Hare, an associate professor of evolutionary anthropology, and doctoral student Christopher Krupenye studied adult bonobos at Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In one series of trials, they showed 24 bonobos animated videos of a Pac-Man-like shape as it struggles to climb a hill. Then another cartoon shape enters the scene. Sometimes it's a helpful character who gives the Pac-Man a push to the top, and other times it's an unhelpful one who shoves him back down.

Afterwards, the researchers offered the bonobos two pieces of apple, one placed under a paper cutout of the helpful character and another under the unhelpful one, and gauged the bonobos' preference by watching to see which one they reached for first.

In another experiment, the bonobos watched a skit in which a human actor drops a stuffed animal out of reach. Then another person tries to return the toy to its rightful owner, but before they can a third person snatches it away. Afterwards, the bonobos choose whether to accept a piece of apple from the do-gooder or the thief.

In each experiment, the bonobos were able to distinguish between helpful and unhelpful individuals just like humans can. But unlike humans, most bonobos tended to choose the jerks.

The researchers also measured the apes' baseline preferences for each of the people in the stuffed animal skit at the beginning of the experiment, before the drama with the toy unfolded. The bonobos liked the mean people even more after they started behaving badly.

The researchers say there may be a good reason for these puzzling results. It could be that bonobos interpret rudeness as a sign of social status and are simply trying to keep dominant individuals on their side. In other words, it pays to have powerful allies.

To test the idea, the team showed 24 bonobos another set of animated videos in which one cartoon character repeatedly prevents another one from claiming a coveted spot. The apes generally preferred the character who hogged the spot over the one who yielded.

For bonobos, schmoozing with dominant individuals could mean better access to food, mates or other perks, or less chance of being bullied themselves, Krupenye said.

The fact that bonobos prefer bullies and humans don't suggests that an aversion to jerks is a fundamental aspect of human behavior that may be unique to our branch of the primate family tree.

In humans, the thinking goes, shunning wrongdoers not only helps people avoid bad partners, but also discourages wrongdoers from behaving badly in the first place. The threat of social rejection keeps them in check.

Scientists say this bias may be what enables humans to work together in large numbers -- even with complete strangers -- in ways that other species do not.

"Humans might have this unique preference for helpers that is really at the heart of why we're so cooperative," said Krupenye, now a postdoctoral fellow at the University of St Andrews in Scotland.

The results appear online January 4 in the journal Current Biology.

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This research was supported by grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF-GRFP DGE-1106401, NSF-BCS-08-27552-02, NSF-BCS-10-25172).

CITATION: "Bonobos Prefer Individuals That Hinder Others Over Those That Help," Christopher Krupenye and Brian Hare. Current Biology, Jan. 22, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2017.11.061
DURHAM, N.C. -- Scleroderma with internal organ involvement is a debilitating and lethal autoimmune disorder with few effective treatments. But a study led by Duke Health researchers has found new cause for optimism using an aggressive stem cell transplant regimen.

The researchers, publishing in the Jan. 4 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, found significantly improved survival among patients with a severe form of scleroderma who underwent chemotherapy, whole body radiation and a stem cell transplant. Patients also had less need for immune suppressant drugs after transplant.

"Scleroderma hardens the skin and connective tissues and in its severe form leads to fatal organ failure, most often the lungs" said lead author Keith Sullivan, M.D., James B. Wyngaarden Professor of Medicine and Cellular Therapy at Duke. "In these severe cases, conventional drug therapies are not very effective long-term, so new approaches are a priority."

Earlier publications suggested that stem cell transplant might be a viable treatment, using less intensive treatment without irradiation. These studies showed that reduced-intensity stem cell transplant improved survival, but the disease often returned and patient safety remained a concern. As a result, conventional immunosuppressive drug treatment remained the standard of care in the U.S.

In the current study, Sullivan and colleagues developed a transplant conditioning regimen that included high-dose chemotherapy plus whole-body radiation to fully wipe out the patient's defective immune-forming system, with the aim of improving survival and diminishing the effects of the disease. They limited radiation by shielding patients' kidneys and lungs while repopulating the blood and immune system.

Thirty-six scleroderma patients were randomly assigned to receive transplant. The regimen was designed to destroy the patients' defective autoreactive immune system and replace it with their own blood stem cells that had been removed and treated to eliminate self-reacting lymphocytes.

For comparison, 39 additional patients were randomized to receive 12 monthly intravenous injections of cyclophosphamide, a conventional immune suppressing treatment for severe scleroderma.

The study was conducted over a 10-year period at 26 universities in the United States and Canada. The primary study endpoint at 54 months was a global rank composite score based on a hierarchy of scleroderma features including survival, organ function, quality of life and skin hardening. Results showed significant benefit with transplant: 67 percent of 1,404 pairwise comparisons favored transplant vs. 33 percent favoring cyclophosphamide.

By study endpoint, fewer transplant recipients resumed use of anti-scleroderma drugs (9 percent vs. 44 percent of controls). Overall survival at 72 months was 86 percent after transplant vs. 51 percent after cyclophosphamide -- a highly significant benefit.

"These results show that individuals with poor-prognosis scleroderma can improve and live longer and that these advances appear durable," Sullivan said.

Treatment-related mortality at the study endpoint of 54 months was 3 percent among transplant recipients while cyclophosphamide recipients had no treatment-related deaths. In the short term, transplant recipients also had more serious side effects, such as low blood counts and infections.

"Patients and their doctors should carefully weigh the pros and cons of intensive treatment with stem cell transplant, but this may hopefully set a new standard in this otherwise devastating autoimmune disease," Sullivan said. "These advances show the value of medical research and clinical trials in finding better therapies to advance health."

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In addition to Sullivan, study authors include Ellen A. Goldmuntz, Lynette Keyes-Elstein, Peter A. McSweeney, Ashley Pinckney, Beverly Welch, Maureen D. Mayes, Richard A. Nash, Leslie J. Crofford, Barry Eggleston, Sharon Castina, Linda M. Griffith, Julia S. Goldstein, Dennis Wallace, Oana Craciunescu, Dinesh Khanna, Rodney J. Folz, Jonathan Goldin, E. William St. Clair, James R. Seibold, Kristine Philips, Shin Mineishi, Robert W. Simms, Karen Ballen, Mark H. Wener, George E. Georges, Shelly Heimfeld, Chitra Hosing, Stephen Forman, Suzanne Kafaja, Richard M. Silver, Leroy Griffing, Jan Storek, Sharon LeClercq, Richard Brassington, Mary Ellen Csuka, Christopher Bredeson, Carolyn Keever-Taylor, Robyn T. Domsec, M. Bashar Kahaleh, Thomas Medsger, and Daniel E. Furst, for the SCOT study investigators.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which is part of the National Institutes of Health, provided funding support (N01-AI05419, N01-AI25481, HHSN 272201100025C, HHSN272200900057C, 1UMZAI117870). Data from the trial are freely available at the ImmPort database and at ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT00114530.
Ever since Albert Einstein developed the special theory of relativity in Zurich in 1905, by fourth dimension one usually means time. But how can one visualize a fourth spatial dimension - in addition to top-bottom, right-left and front-back? In the arts Salvador Dali tried that: his crucifixion scene painted in 1954 shows as cross consisting of the three-dimensional unfolding of a hypercube in four dimensions (similarly to the unfolding of a cube into squares). A completely different, but no less fascinating, look into the fourth spatial dimension was now obtained by two teams of scientists from Switzerland, USA, Germany, Italy and Israel. The ETH researcher Oded Zilberberg, professor at the Institute for Theoretical Physics, played a pivotal role in both publications, which were recently published in the scientific journal Nature. He provided the theoretical basis for the experiments in which a four-dimensional physical phenomenon could be observed in two dimensions.

The quantum Hall effect

Both experiments dealt with the so-called quantum Hall effect. Commonly, that effect manifests in the boundary layer between two materials, in which electrons can only move in two dimensions. A magnetic field perpendicular to the material initially leads to the classical Hall effect: a current flowing through the material gives rise to a voltage in the perpendicular direction - the larger the magnetic field, the higher the voltage. The reason for this is that the magnetic field generates a force acting at right angles to the direction of motion (the Lorentz force) that deviates the electrons. At very low temperatures and very large magnetic fields, however, quantum mechanics starts playing a role, which means that the voltage no longer increases continuously, but rather jumps in discrete steps. Three Nobel Prizes in Physics have so far been awarded for experimental and theoretical work on the quantum Hall effect.

A question of topology

The quantum Hall effect can also be understood as a topological phenomenon. Topology describes, for instance, how many "holes" an object has and into what other shapes it can be transformed without cutting it. Similar laws are responsible in the quantum Hall effect for the electrons' only being able to move along topologically well-defined paths. For particular strengths of the magnetic field, for example, the electric current can only flow along the edges of the material, but not inside it. Around twenty years ago, it was shown mathematically that analogous topological effects should also occur in four spatial dimensions. "At the time, however, that was more like science fiction", says Oded Zilberberg, "as actually observing something like that in an experiment seemed impossible - after all, physical space only has three dimensions."

Virtual dimensions by topological pumping

But Zilberberg had a clever idea: using so-called topological pumps it should be possible to add a virtual dimension to both of the real dimensions of the quantum Hall effect. A topological pump works by modulating a specific control parameter of the physical system, which causes its quantum state to change in a characteristic way over time. The end result then looks as though the system had been moving in an additional spatial dimension. In this way one can, theoretically, turn a two-dimensional system into a four-dimensional one.

An optical image of the fourth dimension

That this can also work in practice has now been shown in two independent experiments. A team of physicists led by Mikael Rechtsman at Penn State University and including Kevin Chen's group at the University of Pittsburgh in the USA has realized Oded Zilberberg's idea by burning a two-dimensional array of waveguides into a fifteen-centimetre-long glass block using laser beams. Those waveguides were not straight, however, but rather meandered through the glass in a snake-like fashion so that the distances between them varied along the glass block. Depending on those distances, light waves moving through the waveguides could jump more or less easily to a neighbouring waveguide.

The varying couplings between the waveguides acted as topological pumps and thus doubled the number of dimensions of the experiment from two to four. The researchers could now literally "see" the expected four-dimensional quantum Hall effect by feeding light into the waveguides at one end of the glass block and recording what came out at the other end with a video camera. In this way, for instance, the characteristic edge states of the four-dimensional quantum Hall effect, in which light should emerge only from the waveguides at the edge of the lattice, became directly visible.

Four-dimensional quantized transport of cold atoms

Using extremely cold atoms trapped in optical lattices made of crossed laser beams, Immanuel Bloch and his collaborators at the Max-Planck-Institute for Quantum Optics in Munich also realized topological pumps. In their experiment, the pumping was effected by periodically varying the properties of the split lattice wells in which the atoms were trapped. By measuring the resulting two-dimensional motion of atoms in the lattice they were able to confirm that the atoms, indeed, behaved according to the topology of the quantum Hall effect in four dimensions. In particular, they were able directly to observe the quantized transport phenomena predicted to occur in that case (which are the equivalent of the voltage perpendicular to the direction of the current in the ordinary two-dimensional quantum Hall effect).

Progress in fundamental research

So what's the practical use of all this? "Right now, those experiments are still far from any useful application", Zilberberg admits. But for fundamental research they represent important progress. Physicists can now investigate not just on paper, but also experimentally the effects that phenomena occurring in four (or even more) dimensions can have in our usual three-dimensional world. Quasicrystals in metallic alloys are one example. In three spatial dimensions such quasicrystals have no periodic structure, but when one looks at them in higher virtual dimensions, they actually exhibit regular patterns. And, finally, there is string theory, according to which higher spatial dimensions are "compactified" in such a way that, at the end, our normal three-dimensional world emerges.

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Boulder, Colo., USA: In Oklahoma, reducing the amount of saltwater (highly brackish water produced during oil and gas recovery) pumped into the ground seems to be decreasing the number of small fluid-triggered earthquakes. But a new study shows why it wasn't enough to ease bigger earthquakes. The study, led by Ryan M. Pollyea of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia, was published online ahead of print in Geology this week.

Starting around 2009, saltwater disposal (SWD) volume began increasing dramatically as unconventional oil and gas production increased rapidly throughout Oklahoma. As a result, the number of magnitude 3-plus earthquakes rattling the state has jumped from about one per year before 2011 to more than 900 in 2015. "Fluids are basically lubricating existing faults," Pollyea explains. Oklahoma is now the most seismically active state in the lower 48 United States.

Previous studies linked Oklahoma SWD wells and seismic activity in time. Instead, Pollyea and colleagues studied that correlation in space, analyzing earthquake epicenters and SWD well locations. The team focused on the Arbuckle Group, a porous geologic formation in north-central Oklahoma used extensively for saltwater disposal. The earthquakes originate in the basement rock directly below the Arbuckle, at a depth of 4 to 8 kilometers.

The correlation was clear: "When we plotted the average annual well locations and earthquake epicenters, they moved together in space," says Pollyea. The researchers also found that SWD volume and earthquake occurrence are spatially correlated up to 125 km. That's the distance within which there seems to be a connection between injection volume, fluid movement, and earthquake occurrence.

By separating data by year from 2011 through 2016, Pollyea and colleagues also found that the spatial correlation for smaller earthquakes weakened in 2016, when new regulations reduced pumping volumes. Yet the spatial correlation for M3.0+ earthquakes persists unabated. In fact, two particularly alarming earthquakes shook the region in September 2016 and November 2016. The first, M5.8, was the largest ever recorded in Oklahoma. The second, M5.0, rocked the area surrounding the nation's largest oil storage facility, containing millions of barrels of oil.

Pollyea's theory for why reduced fluid pressure has only affected small faults: "It's like the traffic on the freeway is still moving, but the smaller arterials are cut off." He emphasizes that so far, they can't predict single earthquakes or even blame specific wells for specific shaking. But to reduce large fluid-triggered earthquakes, Pollyea concludes, "It appears that the way to do it is to inject less water."

Image: Figure 2 from Pollyea et al., Annual geographic centroid locations for the years 2011-2016 (the underlying fault map is by Marsh and Holland, 2016), including volume-weighted well centroids, the 1 radius of gyration, and M3+ earthquake centroids.

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FEATURED ARTICLE

Geospatial analysis of Oklahoma (USA) earthquakes (2011-2016): Quantifying the limits of regional-scale earthquake mitigation measures Authors: Ryan M. Pollyea (Virginia Tech; rpollyea@vt.edu); Neda Mohammadi; John E. Taylor; Martin C. Chapman; https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/gsa/geology/article/525806/geospatial-analysis-of-oklahoma-usa-earthquakes.

GEOLOGY articles are online http://geology.geoscienceworld.org/content/early/recent. Representatives of the media may obtain complimentary articles by contacting Kea Giles at the e-mail address above. Please discuss articles of interest with the authors before publishing stories on their work, and please make reference to GEOLOGY in articles published. Non-media requests for articles may be directed to GSA Sales and Service, gsaservice@geosociety.org.

http://www.geosociety.org/
January 4, 2018, Baltimore, MD: Insilico Medicine, a Baltimore-based next-generation artificial intelligence company specializing in the application of deep learning for drug discovery announced the publication of a new peer-reviewed research paper titled "Use of deep neural network ensembles to identify embryonic-fetal transition markers: repression of COX7A1 in embryonic and cancer cells" in Oncotarget. The paper is a culmination of a collaboration, which started in 2015 with the first applications of deep neural networks (DNNs) to the gene expression data from the highly-controlled and standardized experiments performed by BioTime. Scientists at BioTime started with the cells from several embryonic stem cell lines and differentiated them into the many fully-differentiated cells collecting samples and analyzing the gene expression data during the many stages of differentiation.

"At Biotime and AgeX we aspire to use the most cutting-edge technologies to study aging and regeneration. We contracted Insilico Medicine to develop a deep learning systems for analyzing the differentiation state of the samples before this technology became widely popular. We also developed methods to derive biologically-relevant information from these systems, identified most interesting genes and performed additional experimental validation. It is rare to find genes whose abnormal expression is observed in so many diverse cancer types such as those of the breast, lung, kidney, bone, and muscle," said Michael D. West, Ph.D., CEO of AgeX.

Some of the genes involved in embryonic to fetal transition process displayed a rare profile of being nearly universally dysregulated in diverse types of cancer. One of the most important genes highlighted using the feature importance analysis was COX7A1. The discoveries may lead to novel strategies to induced tissue regeneration as well as treat and diagnose cancer. A short video describing the discovery and AgeX's commercial plans is available for viewing at http://www.agexinc.com.

"We are very happy to be collaborating with AgeX on the applications of AI to regenerative medicine. One of the main challenges with deep learning in biomedicine is experimental validation and the need of expert interpretation which sometimes takes a lot of time. The techniques we used in 2015 could make headlines but with BioTimes highly-diligent scientists we took the time to get the biology right. We hope to use this experience to develop better AI to make humans do more, live longer and feel better", said Alex Zhavoronkov, PhD, CEO of Insilico Medicine, Inc.

Insilico Medicine is scheduled to present its research in the applications of AI to drug discovery and biomarker development at over 30 conferences in 2018. Alex Zhavoronkov will speak and panel at the AI in Pharma Reception organized by another leading AI company, Atomwise and at the WuXi Global Forum 2018 during the JP Morgan Healthcare conference in San Francisco 8-10 of January. During the conference Insilico will also present a live demo of its blockchain- and AI- enabled system for returning the control over the life data back to the individuals called Longenesis.

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Paper Reference:

West M, Labat I, Sternberg H, Larocca D, Nasonkin I, Chapman K, Singh R, Makarev E, Aliper A, Kazennov A, Alekseenko A, Shuvalov N, Cheskidova E, Alekseev A, Artemov A, Putin E, Mamoshina P, Pryanichnikov P, Larocca J, Copeland K, Izumchenko E, Korzinkin M and Zhavoronkov A. Use of deep neural network ensembles to identify embryonic-fetal transition markers: repression of COX7A1 in embryonic and cancer cells, Oncotarget. 2017; in press, https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.23748

About AgeX Therapeutics

AgeX Therapeutics, Inc., a subsidiary of BioTime, Inc. (NYSE American: BTX), is a biotechnology company applying technology relating to cellular immortality and regenerative biology to aging and age-related diseases. The company has three initial areas of product development: pluripotent stem cell-derived brown adipocytes (AGEX-BAT1); vascular progenitors (AGEX-VASC1); and induced Tissue Regeneration (iTR). Initial planned indications for these products are Type 2 diabetes, cardiac ischemia, and tissue regeneration respectively. For more information, please visit http://www.agexinc.com or connect with the company on Twitter or Facebook.

About BioTime

BioTime is a late stage clinical biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing products addressing degenerative diseases. The Company's current clinical programs are targeting three primary sectors, aesthetics, ophthalmology and cell/drug delivery. Its clinical programs are based on two platform technologies: pluripotent cells, which can become any type of cell in the human body, and cell/drug delivery. Renevia, a cell delivery product, met its primary endpoint in an EU pivotal trial for the treatment of facial lipoatrophy in HIV patients earlier this year. Submission for approval of Renevia is expected later this year, with an anticipated commercial launch in 2018. OpRegen, a retinal pigment epithelium transplant therapy, is in a Phase I/IIa multicenter trial for the treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in developing countries. BioTime also has significant equity holdings in two publicly traded companies, Asterias Biotherapeutics, Inc. (NYSE American: AST) and OncoCyte Corporation (NYSE American: OCX), and a private company, AgeX Therapeutics, Inc.

BioTime common stock is traded on the NYSE American and TASE under the symbol BTX. For more information, please visit http://www.biotime.com or connect with the company on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, and Google+.

To receive ongoing BioTime corporate communications, please click on the following link to join the Company's email alert list: http://news.biotimeinc.com.

About Insilico Medicine, Inc.

Insilico Medicine, Inc. is a bioinformatics company located at the Emerging Technology Centers in Baltimore with R&D resources in 6 countries. The company is widely recognized by the industry for applying next-generation artificial intelligence technology to drug discovery and aging research. For its pioneering work in the applications of Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and Reinforcement Learning (RL) and collaborations with the pharmaceutical companies it was selected as the Top 100 AI companies 2018 by CB Insights and Top 5 AI companies for social impact 2017 by NVIDIA. The company pursues internal drug discovery programs in cancer, dermatological, metabolic and CNS diseases, sarcopenia, fibrosis and senescence. Company website: http://www.insilico.com

For further information, images or interviews, please contact:

Qingsong Zhu, PhD

zhu@pharma.ai
AMES, Iowa - Iowa State University plant scientist Patrick Schnable quickly described how he measured the time it takes for two kinds of corn plants to move water from their roots, to their lower leaves and then to their upper leaves.

This was no technical, precise, poster talk. This was a researcher interested in working with new, low-cost, easily produced, graphene-based, sensors-on-tape that can be attached to plants and can provide new kinds of data to researchers and farmers.

"With a tool like this, we can begin to breed plants that are more efficient in using water," he said. "That's exciting. We couldn't do this before. But, once we can measure something, we can begin to understand it."

The tool making these water measurements possible is a tiny graphene sensor that can be taped to plants - researchers have dubbed it a "plant tattoo sensor." Graphene is a wonder material. It's a carbon honeycomb just an atom thick, it's great at conducting electricity and heat, and it's strong and stable. The graphene-on-tape technology in this study has also been used to produce wearable strain and pressure sensors, including sensors built into a "smart glove" that measures hand movements.

Researchers describe the various sensors and the "simple and versatile method for patterning and transferring graphene-based nanomaterials" to create the flexible sensors in a paper featured on the cover of the December 2017 issue of the journal Advanced Materials Technologies.

The research has been primarily supported by the Faculty Scholars Program of Iowa State's Plant Sciences Institute.

Liang Dong, an Iowa State associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, is the lead author of the paper and developer of the technology. Seval Oren, a doctoral student in electrical and computer engineering, is a co-author who helped develop the sensor-fabrication technology. Co-authors who helped test applications of the sensors are Schnable, director of Iowa State's Plant Sciences Institute, a Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor in Agriculture and Life Sciences, the Iowa Corn Promotion Board Endowed Chair in Genetics and the Baker Scholar of Agricultural Entrepreneurship; and Halil Ceylan, a professor of civil, construction and environmental engineering.

"We're trying to make sensors that are cheaper and still high performing," Dong said.

To do that, the researchers have developed a process for fabricating intricate graphene patterns on tape. Dong said the first step is creating indented patterns on the surface of a polymer block, either with a molding process or with 3-D printing. Engineers apply a liquid graphene solution to the block, filling the indented patterns. They use tape to remove the excess graphene. Then they take another strip of tape to pull away the graphene patterns, creating a sensor on the tape.

The process can produce precise patterns as small as 5 millionths of a meter wide - just a twentieth of the diameter of the average human hair. Dong said making the patterns so small increases the sensitivity of the sensors.

(The process, for example, produced a detailed image of Iowa State's Cyclone mascot that was less than 2 millimeters across. "I think this is probably the smallest Cyclone," Dong said.)

"This fabrication process is very simple," Dong said. "You just use tape to manufacture these sensors. The cost is just cents."

In the case of plant studies, the sensors are made with graphene oxide, a material very sensitive to water vapor. The presence of water vapor changes the conductivity of the material, and that can be quantified to accurately measure transpiration (the release of water vapor) from a leaf.

The plant sensors have been successfully tested in lab and pilot field experiments, Dong said.

A new three-year, $472,363 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agriculture and Food Research Initiative will support more field testing of water transport in corn plants. Michael Castellano, an Iowa State associate professor of agronomy and William T. Frankenberger Professor in Soil Science, will lead the project. Co-investigators include Dong and Schnable.

The Iowa State University Research Foundation has applied for a patent on the sensor technology. The research foundation has also granted an option to commercialize the technology to EnGeniousAg - an Ames startup company co-founded by Dong, Schnable, Castellano and James Schnable, an assistant professor of agronomy and horticulture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, a collaborator on another Iowa State sensor project that sparked establishment of the company (and Patrick Schnable's son).

"The most exciting application of the tape-based sensors we've tested so far is the plant sensor," Dong said. "The concept of wearable electronic sensors for plants is brand new. And the plant sensors are so tiny they can detect transpiration from plants, but they won't affect plant growth or crop production."

But that's not all the sensors can do. The technology could "open a new route" for a wide variety of applications, the authors wrote in their paper, including sensors for biomedical diagnostics, for checking the structural integrity of buildings, for monitoring the environment and, after appropriate modifications, for testing crops for diseases or pesticides.

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The National Academy of Engineering announced today that the 2018 Gordon Prize for Innovation in Engineering and Tech Education will be awarded to Paul G. Yock of Stanford University.

Washington, D.C.--The National Academy of Engineering announced today that the 2018 Bernard M. Gordon Prize for Innovation in Engineering and Technology Education will be awarded to Paul G. Yock of Stanford University "for the development and global dissemination of Biodesign, a biomedical technology program creating leaders and innovations that benefit patients." The $500,000 annual award recognizes new methods and concepts in higher education aimed at developing engineering leaders.

The Gordon Prize will be presented at a gala dinner event in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018.

"Paul Yock's work creates original innovations in health technologies and advances the expanding role of engineering in medicine." said NAE President C. D. Mote, Jr. "The cumulative impact of this work is monumental."

Founded by Yock, the Stanford Byers Center for Biodesign utilizes a needs-driven approach to train the next generation of multidisciplinary leaders who will create innovations in health technology. It is a mentor-guided, entrepreneurial, and immersive experience that emphasizes and instills a comprehensive understanding of the innovation process for those in several fields.

Through his dedicated commitment to the Biodesign program, Yock has shown that innovation is a discipline that can be both organized and learned, allowing students to focus on and build sustainable careers as innovators and leaders. Since its development, a number of programs around the world have based their curriculum on its model. Since its establishment in 2001, 199 fellows have completed the Stanford Biodesign program.

Paul Yock is the Martha Meier Weiland Professor of Medicine and founding co-chair of Stanford University's department of bioengineering. He began his career as an interventional cardiologist at the University of California, San Francisco, and then moved to Stanford in 1994. From 1997 to 1998, Yock served as acting chief of the division of cardiovascular medicine. Yock also founded the Stanford Center for Research in Cardiovascular Interventions, training dozens of fellows in intravascular ultrasound and interventional cardiology. He received his M.D. from Harvard Medical School and was elected into the National Academy of Engineering in 2009.

The Gordon Prize was established in 2001 as a biennial prize acknowledging new modalities and experiments in education that develop effective engineering leaders. Recognizing the potential to spur a revolution in engineering education, NAE announced in 2003 that the prize would be awarded annually. The recipient receives a $500,000 cash award, half granted to the recipient and the remainder granted to the recipient's institution to support the continued development, refinement, and dissemination of the recognized innovation.

The mission of the National Academy of Engineering is to advance the well-being of the nation by promoting a vibrant engineering profession and by marshalling the expertise and insights of eminent engineers to provide independent advice to the federal government on matters involving engineering and technology. The NAE is part of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, an independent, nonprofit organization chartered by Congress to provide objective analysis and advice to the nation on matters of science, technology, and health.

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Contacts:

Randy Atkins

Senior Program Officer for Media/Public Relations

National Academy of Engineering

202-334-1508

RAtkins@nae.edu

Maggie Bartolomeo

Communications/Media Associate

National Academy of Engineering

202-334-2226

MBartolomeo@nae.edu
New clinical trial findings show that a therapeutic regimen involving transplantation of a person's own blood-forming stem cells can improve survival and quality of life for people with severe scleroderma, a life-threatening autoimmune Adisease. The regimen, known as myeloablative autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), includes chemotherapy and total body radiation to destroy the bone marrow followed by transplantation of the person's own blood-forming stem cells to reconstitute the marrow and immune system. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, found myeloablative HSCT to be superior to treatment with the immune-suppressing drug cyclophosphamide.

The findings appear in the Jan. 4 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Scleroderma is characterized by hardening of the skin and connective tissues. Diffuse systemic sclerosis is a severe, often fatal form of the disease that also involves the internal organs. Treatment options are limited. People with the disease may take antirheumatic drugs and immune-suppressing drugs like cyclophosphamide to help manage symptoms, but none of these medications has been proven to provide long-term benefit.

The clinical trial, called Scleroderma: Cyclophosphamide or Transplantation (SCOT), compared the safety and potential benefits of the two treatment regimens among 75 people with diffuse systemic sclerosis who had lung or kidney involvement.

Compared with cyclophosphamide, transplantation offered significantly greater long-term benefits, but also carried known short-term risks, such as infections and low blood cell counts.

"We need effective therapies for scleroderma and other severe autoimmune diseases, which can be not only debilitating to the patient but also difficult to treat," said Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., director of NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), which sponsored the study. "These results add to the growing evidence that stem cell transplants should be considered as a potential treatment option for people with poor-prognosis scleroderma."

Two previous clinical trials suggested HSCT benefited people with severe scleroderma. Participants in these earlier trials received non-myeloablative HSCT, a less intensive procedure using lower doses of chemotherapy that does not completely destroy the bone marrow. However, neither trial changed clinical practice in the United States, in part because of concerns about the durability of responses to treatment and the safety of these transplant regimens. The SCOT trial assessed a myeloablative transplant regimen, which researchers thought might offer better long-term outcomes. Investigators followed the participants for up to six years to assess safety and durability of remission.

Participants in the SCOT trial, conducted at 26 clinical research sites in the United States and Canada, were randomly assigned to receive either myeloablative autologous HSCT or one year of treatment with monthly doses of intravenous cyclophosphamide. Of the 36 participants assigned to the transplant arm, 33 received a transplant. The procedure began with doctors collecting a participant's blood-forming stem cells, after which the participant received chemotherapy and radiation to eliminate the bone marrow. Finally, doctors infused the participant's own blood stem cells to rebuild the bone marrow and a normally functioning immune system. Of the 39 participants assigned to the cyclophosphamide arm, 34 received at least nine of the 12 prescribed monthly doses.

The study investigators used an analytic approach based on a hierarchy of clinical outcomes specific for severe systemic sclerosis to compare every participant in the study with every other participant. These outcomes included death, survival without scleroderma-related organ damage, progression of lung and skin disease, and quality of life. At four and a half years of follow up, participants who received a transplant experienced significantly better outcomes overall than those who received cyclophosphamide. In addition, 44 percent of participants who received cyclophosphamide had begun taking antirheumatic drugs for progression of their scleroderma, compared to only 9 percent of those who received a transplant.

During the study, seven participants in the transplant arm died, compared to 14 in the cyclophosphamide arm. Of these deaths, three in each arm were among participants who did not complete their assigned treatment by either receiving the transplant or an adequate regimen of cyclophosphamide. Participants who received transplants were much less likely to die from progression of their scleroderma compared to those who received cyclophosphamide. Only two participants who received a transplant died due to disease progression, while 11 such deaths occurred among those who received an adequate regimen of cyclophosphamide. The two other deaths in the transplant arm were attributed to the treatment, which is a lower rate of transplant-related death than previously reported for HSCT. No deaths were attributed to cyclophosphamide.

Participants in both study arms experienced treatment side effects, such as infections. Most serious adverse events among transplant recipients occurred during the first 26 months after transplant. Overall infection rates in the two study arms were similar, although more transplant recipients developed infections with varicella zoster, the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles.

"Our findings indicate that undergoing stem cell transplantation for severe scleroderma poses more short-term risks but offers greater long-term gains than cyclophosphamide treatment," said Keith M. Sullivan, M.D., of Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, who served as a principal investigator of the SCOT study. "While treatment decisions should always be made on an individual basis, we hope that our work will help define a new standard of care for this severe, life-threatening autoimmune disease."

The investigators are continuing to follow many of the SCOT participants to further assess their long-term health outcomes.

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Data from the SCOT study are freely available through the NIAID-sponsored ImmPort database. The SCOT results were presented in part at the American College of Rheumatology 2016 annual meeting in Washington, D.C. The study was supported by NIAID under award numbers N01-AI05419, HHSN272201100025C, N01-AI25481, HHSN272200900057C and 1UMZAI117870. For additional information about the Phase 2 SCOT study, see ClinicalTrials.gov, using identifier NCT00114530.

Reference: KM Sullivan et al. Myeloablative autologous stem cell transplantation for severe scleroderma. New England Journal of Medicine DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1703327 (2018).

NIAID conducts and supports research--at NIH, throughout the United States, and worldwide--to study the causes of infectious and immune-mediated diseases, and to develop better means of preventing, diagnosing and treating these illnesses. News releases, fact sheets and other NIAID-related materials are available on the NIAID website.

About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit http://www.nih.gov.

NIH...Turning Discovery Into Health
Like Earth, space has weather. Except instead of swirling winds and downpours of precipitation, space weather is defined by shifting electric and magnetic fields and rains of charged particles. At the very beginning of space, starting just 60 miles above Earth's surface, there's a layer of the atmosphere that shifts and changes in concert with both types of weather.

Above the ozone layer, the ionosphere is a part of Earth's atmosphere where particles have been cooked into a sea of electrically-charged electrons and ions by the Sun's radiation. The ionosphere is comingled with the very highest -- and quite thin -- layers of Earth's neutral upper atmosphere, making this region an area that is constantly in flux undergoing the push-and-pull between Earth's conditions and those in space. Increasingly, these layers of near-Earth space are part of the human domain, as it's home not only to astronauts, but to radio signals used to guide airplanes and ships, and satellites that provide our communications and GPS systems. Understanding the fundamental processes that govern our upper atmosphere and ionosphere is crucial to improve situational awareness that helps protect astronauts, spacecraft and humans on the ground.

Two new NASA missions are teaming up to explore this little-understood area that's close to home but historically hard to observe. The Global-scale Observations of the Limb and Disk, or GOLD, instrument launches aboard a commercial communications satellite in January 2018, and the Ionospheric Connection Explorer, or ICON, spacecraft launches later in 2018. Together, they will provide the most comprehensive observations of the ionosphere we've ever had.

The two missions provide distinct but complementary perspectives: ICON, in low-Earth orbit, flies directly through and just above regions of interest, capturing detailed remote and in situ data on the forces that shape this area. GOLD, in geostationary orbit over the Western Hemisphere, will build up a full-disk view of the ionosphere and upper atmosphere every half hour, providing detailed large-scale measurements of related processes -- a cadence which makes it the first mission to be able to monitor the true weather of the upper atmosphere, rather than the longer cycles of its climate. GOLD is also able to focus in on a tighter region and scan more quickly, to complement additional research plans as needed.

The missions could be likened to photography we're familiar with on Earth. GOLD specializes in landscapes from its view 22,000 miles above the planet's surface and ICON -- at 350 miles above Earth -- captures detailed close-ups. During parts of its orbit, ICON passes through GOLD's field of view and each mission will get a unique snapshot of the same region. This overlap in their data makes it easier to identify what caused a certain change to the upper atmosphere at a given time.

One shared goal for the missions is to systematically measure weather-related shifts in the upper atmosphere. For the first time, we'll be able to see how the upper atmosphere changes in response to hurricanes and geomagnetic storms alike.

"We used to think only solar wind could affect the ionosphere, and only the lower atmosphere was affected by terrestrial weather," said Doug Rowland, ICON mission scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The solar wind is the Sun's constant outflow of charged particles and magnetized material. "But now we're going to get to see how that energy couples together."

Several types of terrestrial weather events are of particular interest. Scientists from the University of California, Berkeley, for example, have developed a theoretical model of El Nino's repercussions on the ionosphere. Their model suggests El Nino-driven warming of the Pacific Ocean causes an increase in water vapor, which in turn increases the amount of solar energy the atmosphere absorbs. That added heat causes wind patterns to fluctuate and alter conditions in the ionosphere. Tropical cyclones are also suspected to have effects on the ionosphere. Data from ICON and GOLD are expected to answer these questions and further reveal unanticipated mechanisms at work.

"There are huge scientific modeling efforts associated with both of these missions," said Sarah Jones, GOLD mission scientist at NASA Goddard. "We already have models that are filled with really good science, but these new measurements will lead to a better understanding of the physics in the models."

In addition to working together to determine how different types of energy flow through the upper atmosphere, the two missions also have their own research objectives. GOLD's science focuses on observing what drives change -- the Sun, Earth's magnetic field and the lower atmosphere -- in the upper atmosphere. GOLD is particularly interested in how the upper atmosphere reacts to geomagnetic storms, which are temporary disturbances of Earth's magnetic field set off by solar activity. During nighttime, GOLD examines disruptions in the ionosphere -- dense, unpredictable bubbles of charged gas that appear over the equator and tropics, sometimes interfering with radio communications.

On the other hand, ICON concentrates on how charged and neutral gases in the upper atmosphere behave and interact. Several forces -- including shifts in neutral winds, pressure gradients and solar activity -- act on the ionosphere simultaneously; ICON was designed to study each of them individually, making it easier for scientists to elucidate cause-and-effect relationships.

ICON and GOLD join a small fleet of spacecraft that study a vast interconnected system from the space surrounding Earth and other planets to the farthest limits of the Sun's constantly flowing streams of solar wind. A third mission in the fleet -- the 16-year-old Thermosphere, Ionosphere, Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics, or TIMED, will specifically complement the new efforts to study the upper atmosphere. TIMED, which launched in 2001, doesn't carry all the instruments necessary to analyze the motion of the particles in the upper atmosphere that ICON and GOLD bring to the effort, but it still can provide key measurements from a third vantage point to help scientists fill in pieces of the puzzle. Together they will provide key information about how Earth's upper atmosphere connects to the dynamic and complex system of space that fills our solar system.

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ICON and GOLD are Explorer-class missions. NASA Goddard manages the Explorer Program for NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington, D.C. UC Berkeley's Space Sciences Laboratory developed the ICON mission and the two ultraviolet imaging spectrographs onboard; the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C., developed the MIGHTI instrument; the University of Texas in Dallas developed the Ion Velocity Meter; and the ICON spacecraft was built by Orbital ATK in Dulles, Virginia.

GOLD is led by the University of Central Florida, and the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder built the instrument. GOLD is a NASA mission of opportunity -- an instrument hosted on an otherwise unrelated satellite. GOLD flies in geostationary orbit on a commercial communications satellite, SES-14, built by Airbus for Luxembourg-based satellite operator, SES. GOLD is the first NASA science mission to fly as a hosted payload on a commercial communications satellite.

NASA Goddard manages the TIMED mission for the Heliophysics Division within the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland, built the spacecraft for NASA.
NASA satellites provided data that showed a more well-formed storm and strong thunderstorms with heavy rainfall potential over central Madagascar and off-shore.

On Jan. 4 at 5:05 a.m. EST (1005 UTC), the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder or AIRS instrument that flies aboard NASA's Aqua satellite gathered temperature data on the storm using infrared light. Infrared imagery showed that strong thunderstorms were over east central Madagascar and over the center of the storm's circulation, which is located off-shore from northeastern Madagascar. Cloud tops were as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 53 degrees Celsius). NASA research has shown that storms with cloud top temperatures that cold can generate heavy rainfall.

On Jan. 4 at 5:42 a.m. EST (10:42 UTC) NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite captured this visible image of Tropical Cyclone Ava just off shore of northeastern Madagascar. The image showed a more well-rounded circulation center off the northeastern coast of Madagascar, and a large, thick band of thunderstorms feeding into the center that stretched along the north and central coasts of the island nation.

At 10 a.m. EST (1500 UTC) on Jan. 4, Ava's maximum sustained winds had increased to 55 knots (63 mph/102 kph). It was centered near 17.5 degrees south latitude and 51.1 degrees east longitude. That's about 289 nautical miles northwest of St Denis, Reunion Island. It was moving to the west at 6 knots (6 mph/11 kph).

Meteo Madagascar, the national weather service for the country has issued a yellow alert that covers a large area of the island's east coast. For updated warnings, visit: http://www.meteomadagascar.mg/cyclone.

Ava is expected to strengthen to 70 knots (80 mph/130 kph) by Jan. 5 as it travels southward along the east coast of Madagascar over the next 5 days, when it is expected to move south of the island nation on Jan. 9.

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For the first time, scientists have shown through direct satellite observations of the ozone hole that levels of ozone-destroying chlorine are declining, resulting in less ozone depletion.

Measurements show that the decline in chlorine, resulting from an international ban on chlorine-containing manmade chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), has resulted in about 20 percent less ozone depletion during the Antarctic winter than there was in 2005 -- the first year that measurements of chlorine and ozone during the Antarctic winter were made by NASA's Aura satellite.

"We see very clearly that chlorine from CFCs is going down in the ozone hole, and that less ozone depletion is occurring because of it," said lead author Susan Strahan, an atmospheric scientist from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

CFCs are long-lived chemical compounds that eventually rise into the stratosphere, where they are broken apart by the Sun's ultraviolet radiation, releasing chlorine atoms that go on to destroy ozone molecules. Stratospheric ozone protects life on the planet by absorbing potentially harmful ultraviolet radiation that can cause skin cancer and cataracts, suppress immune systems and damage plant life.

Two years after the discovery of the Antarctic ozone hole in 1985, nations of the world signed the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, which regulated ozone-depleting compounds. Later amendments to the Montreal Protocol completely phased out production of CFCs.

Past studies have used statistical analyses of changes in the ozone hole's size to argue that ozone depletion is decreasing. This study is the first to use measurements of the chemical composition inside the ozone hole to confirm that not only is ozone depletion decreasing, but that the decrease is caused by the decline in CFCs.

The study was published Jan. 4 in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.

The Antarctic ozone hole forms during September in the Southern Hemisphere's winter as the returning sun's rays catalyze ozone destruction cycles involving chlorine and bromine that come primarily from CFCs. To determine how ozone and other chemicals have changed year to year, scientists used data from the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) aboard the Aura satellite, which has been making measurements continuously around the globe since mid-2004. While many satellite instruments require sunlight to measure atmospheric trace gases, MLS measures microwave emissions and, as a result, can measure trace gases over Antarctica during the key time of year: the dark southern winter, when the stratospheric weather is quiet and temperatures are low and stable.

The change in ozone levels above Antarctica from the beginning to the end of southern winter -- early July to mid-September -- was computed daily from MLS measurements every year from 2005 to 2016. "During this period, Antarctic temperatures are always very low, so the rate of ozone destruction depends mostly on how much chlorine there is," Strahan said. "This is when we want to measure ozone loss."

They found that ozone loss is decreasing, but they needed to know whether a decrease in CFCs was responsible. When ozone destruction is ongoing, chlorine is found in many molecular forms, most of which are not measured. But after chlorine has destroyed nearly all the available ozone, it reacts instead with methane to form hydrochloric acid, a gas measured by MLS. "By around mid-October, all the chlorine compounds are conveniently converted into one gas, so by measuring hydrochloric acid we have a good measurement of the total chlorine," Strahan said.

Nitrous oxide is a long-lived gas that behaves just like CFCs in much of the stratosphere. The CFCs are declining at the surface but nitrous oxide is not. If CFCs in the stratosphere are decreasing, then over time, less chlorine should be measured for a given value of nitrous oxide. By comparing MLS measurements of hydrochloric acid and nitrous oxide each year, they determined that the total chlorine levels were declining on average by about 0.8 percent annually.

The 20 percent decrease in ozone depletion during the winter months from 2005 to 2016 as determined from MLS ozone measurements was expected. "This is very close to what our model predicts we should see for this amount of chlorine decline," Strahan said. "This gives us confidence that the decrease in ozone depletion through mid-September shown by MLS data is due to declining levels of chlorine coming from CFCs. But we're not yet seeing a clear decrease in the size of the ozone hole because that's controlled mainly by temperature after mid-September, which varies a lot from year to year."

Looking forward, the Antarctic ozone hole should continue to recover gradually as CFCs leave the atmosphere, but complete recovery will take decades. "CFCs have lifetimes from 50 to 100 years, so they linger in the atmosphere for a very long time," said Anne Douglass, a fellow atmospheric scientist at Goddard and the study's co-author. "As far as the ozone hole being gone, we're looking at 2060 or 2080. And even then there might still be a small hole."

To read the study, visit: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2017GL074830/abstract

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Kenny and Doris Ott of Merriam recently celebrated the fifth generation of their family, great-great-grandson E.J. Hurd. and great-great-granddaughter Jayla Mae Hurd. Pictured in front is Pat Emely, great-grandmother and West Noble School Corp. employee; Doris Ott, great-great-grandmother; and Kenny Ott, great-great-grandfather. In back are Grandmother Sherri Kuehner holding E.J. Hurd and Father A.J. Hurd holding Jayla Mae Hurd.

Contributed photo
We also need to share our data. So says world's most prominent geoscientist, Markku Kulmala, professor of physics at the University of Helsinki, Finland, and head of the Aerosol and Haze Laboratory at the Beijing University of Chemical Technology, China.

Environmental challenges, climate change, water and food security and urban air pollution, they are all interlinked, yet each is studied as such, separately. This is not a sustainable situation, for anybody anymore. To tackle this, professor Markku Kulmala calls for a continuous, comprehensive monitoring of interactions between the planet's surface and atmosphere in his article published in Nature, January 4, 2018.

In his article "Build a global Earth observatory", he refers to his long experience of collecting environmental data. He has built a station, and not just one, but probably the most impressive station, called SMEAR II (Station for Measuring Ecosystem-Atmosphere Relationships), in the boreal forests of Finland showing how a rounded set of environmental measurements can be obtained.

Now building on a large scale, the answer is a global Earth observatory, consisting of 1,000 or more well-equipped ground stations around the world that track environments and key ecosystems fully and continuously. Data from these stations would be linked to data from satellite-based remote sensing, laboratory experiments and computer models accordingly.

"Incomplete coverage from ground stations is the main limit to observations of Earth's conditions. Satellites can continuously, online 24/7, monitor some compounds, such as CO2, ozone and aerosols, almost planet-wide. But they cannot resolve processes or fluxes, or trace the hundreds more compounds of interest. Satellite data must be 'ground-truthed', professor Kulmala says.

This global observatory of 1,000 super stations needs to be established soon, within 10-15 years.

"The costs would be around 10 million (US$11.8 million) to 20 million per station, which can be compared to the building costs of the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, Geneva, Switzerland, or that of US President Donald Trump's proposed Mexican wall."

Nevertheless, a shift in how environmental data are collected and disseminated is needed, there is no question about that.

"There is a scientific interest, as well, in this data," professor Markku Kulmala says, "the researchers could find new mechanisms and feedback loops in this coherent data set."

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Markku Kulmala is a professor of physics and director of the Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research at the University of Helsinki, Finland; and head of the Aerosol and Haze Laboratory at the Beijing University of Chemical Technology, China.

Markku Kulmala, Build a global Earth Observatory, Nature, Vol. 553, 4 January 2018

Image: Juho Aalto, SMEAR II Station in Hyytiala, Finland

Contact details: Markku Kulmala, + 358 40 596 2311, markku.kulmala@helsinki.fi

Kind regards, Press Officer Minna Merilainen-Tenhu, +358 50 415 0316, @MinnaMeriTenhu, minna.merilainen@helsinki.fi
LAWRENCE, Kan. - With global warming an ever-present worry, renewable energy - particularly solar power -- is a burgeoning field. Now, two doctoral students in the School of Architecture & Design (Arc/D) have demonstrated methods of optimizing the capture of sunlight in experiments at the Center for Design Research.

Green-roof boost

Mohammed Alshayeb started by asking himself what might be done to boost the performance of solar panels. "The efficiency of a photovoltaic panel is measured under standard testing conditions - at 77 degrees Fahrenheit," he said. "Every degree that the temperature increases decreases performance."

Alshayeb wondered if there was a way to "extract the heat out of the panels" when the temperature rises above 77. Because most solar panels are installed on building roofs, Alshayeb decided to compare the effects of three different types of roof materials - highly reflective (i.e., white), conventional (black) and vegetated (green) - on the panels' performance.

The CDR roof is mostly covered with sedum, planted in trays. So Alshayeb established his test bed there, installing a solar panel monitoring system over the green roof, as well as nearby white and black portions. He also installed temperature, humidity and light sensors and a weather station to record conditions like wind speed. The sensors made recordings every five minutes for a year, and Alshayeb then analyzed the data.

What he found was that, contrary to industry practice, which favors white roofs over black, white roofs actually slightly decreased the efficiency of the solar panels due to the heat they reflected up toward the panels. However, compared to the vegetated roof, the high-reflective and conventional roof materials were not significantly different from one another. Panels installed over the green roof performed best, generating an average of 1.4 percent more energy as compared to those over the white and black roofs.

"There is a lot of research in this area, but nothing as comprehensive as he has done," said Alshayeb's faculty adviser, Associate Professor of Architecture Jae D. Chang. "The next step is to see the effect of increasing the height of the panel over the roof."

Bending light

Another of Chang's students, Afnan Barri, wanted to see whether she could improve the performance of light shelves. A traditional light shelf is a fixed, horizontally mounted plane that can be placed either outside, inside or on both sides of a window in order to reflect and redirect sunlight inside a building. Light shelves can thus reduce the use of artificial lighting and electricity.

Traditional, fixed light-shelf systems have limited effectiveness, as they are only capable of functioning while the angle of the sun to the earth is just right. Previous experiments have shown that movable light shelves and ones with curved surfaces can diffuse sunlight with greater efficiency than traditional fixed, flat systems. This is where Barri's idea of a Dynamic Thermal-Adaptive Curved Lightshelf (DTACL) came about. She thought: "What if there were a system that could combine all these methods to enhance the delivery of natural light into buildings throughout the day without the use of mechanical and electrical controls, and unlike existing movable systems?"

Her project includes computer simulations and a field experiment to collect a year's worth of data on the performance of the DTACL system through different weather conditions on the KU campus. She created and placed on the lawn of the CDR four experimental rooms the size of refrigerators fitted with sensors and light shelves. Three of the rooms have fixed light shelves in various configurations, while one, the DTACL, uses an adaptive, composite material called Thermadapt, invented by Ronald P. Barrett and commercialized by a company he runs with his son, KU Professor of Engineering Ron Barrett-Gonzalez. Thermadapt changes shape in response to heat and sunlight, curving upward. When it cools, it flattens back out.

Barri theorized that the DTACL system would transfer light inside a building more efficiently than the fixed systems, and her initial results have proven that to be the case.

"I am still in the process on collecting, comparing and analyzing these data," she said. "However, based on a two-month pilot study and computer simulations, the indoor light intensity of the DTCAL system is twice as great as the intensity of a fixed, traditional light shelf.

"I'd like to take it overseas and perform an experiment like this in more extreme temperatures," said the native of Saudi Arabia.

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Severe snowy weather in winter or extreme rains in summer in the UK might be influenced by warming trends in the Arctic, according to new findings.

Climate scientists from the UK and the US examined historic data of extreme weather events in the UK over the past decade and compared them with the position of the North Atlantic polar atmospheric jet steam using a measure called the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index.

The NAO indicates the position of the jet stream - which is a giant current of air that broadly flows eastwards over mid-latitude regions around the globe - through a diagram which shows 'negative' and 'positive' spikes, similar to how a heart monitor looks.

The researchers highlight that the exceptionally wet UK summers of 2007 and 2012 had notably negative readings of the NAO, as did the cold, snowy winters of 2009/2010 and 2010/2011, while the exceptionally mild, wet, stormy winters experienced in 2013/2014 and 2015/2016 showed pronounced positive spikes.

The scientists also highlighted a correlation between the jet stream's altered path over the past decade - so-called jet stream 'waviness' - and an increase during summer months in a phenomenon called Greenland high-pressure blocking, which represents areas of high pressure that remain nearly stationary over the Greenland region and distort the usual progression of storms across the North Atlantic.

Increased jet waviness is associated with a weakening of the jet stream, and the accompanying 'blocking' is linked to some of the most extreme UK seasonal weather events experienced over the past decade. The strength and path of the North Atlantic jet stream and the Greenland blocking phenomena appear to be influenced by increasing temperatures in the Arctic which have averaged at least twice the global warming rate over the past two decades, suggesting that those marked changes may be a key factor affecting extreme weather conditions over the UK, although an Arctic connection may not occur each year.

Edward Hanna, Professor of Climate Science and Meteorology at the University of Lincoln's School of Geography, carried out the study with Dr Richard Hall, also from the University of Lincoln, and Professor James E Overland from the US National Oceanographic & Atmospheric Administration Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory.

Professor Hanna said: "Arctic warming may be driving recent North Atlantic atmospheric circulation changes that are linked to some of the most extreme weather events in the UK over the last decade.

"In winter, a positive North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is linked with a more northward, vigorous jet and mild, wet, stormy weather over the UK, while a negative NAO tends to be associated with a more southerly-positioned jet and relatively cold and dry but sometimes snowy conditions. In summer the jet stream is displaced further north, so a positive NAO is typically associated with warm dry weather, while a negative NAO often corresponds to wetter, cooler UK weather conditions.

"While part of the uneven seasonal North Atlantic Oscillation changes might be due to natural random fluctuations in atmospheric circulation, the statistically highly unusual clustering of extreme NAO values in early winter, as well as extreme high summer Greenland Blocking Index values since 2000, suggest a more sustained, systematic change in the North Atlantic atmospheric circulation that may be influenced by longer-term external factors. This includes possible influences from the tropical oceans and solar energy changes as well as the extreme warming that has recently occurred in the Arctic.

"Of course, weather is naturally chaotic, and extremes are a normal part of our highly variable UK climate, but globally there has recently been an increase in the incidence of high temperature and heavy precipitation extremes. The cold UK winter episodes we noted are not so intuitively linked to global climate change but reflect part of a long-term trend towards more variable North Atlantic atmospheric circulation from year to year during winter months, especially early winter.

"This trend has culminated in the last decade having several record negative and positive December values of the North Atlantic Oscillation, with lots of resulting disruption from extreme weather over the UK. On the other hand there has been no really notably dry, hot, sunny summer in the UK since 2006; summers overall have either been around average or exceptionally wet, and this appears to be linked with strong warming and more frequent high pressure over Greenland in the last decade."

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The study has been published in Weather, the magazine of the Royal Meteorological Society.
Maria Martinez-Cosio, associate vice provost for faculty development at The University of Texas at Arlington, was one of just four North Texas women honored by Ford Motor Company with a Mujeres Legendarias Award.

Mujeres Legendarias, or legendary women, is a national program honoring Hispanic women who improve their communities by embodying the four pillars of the Ford brand: quality, safe innovation, smart innovation and sustainability. Award recipients are leaders in education, business, volunteerism and art.

Martinez-Cosio, who also is a UTA associate professor of sociology, was honored for leading efforts that resulted in transformational change on the UTA campus in the critical areas of access and success for traditionally underserved populations such as low-income, Hispanic or first-generation students.

"This is a well-deserved honor for the tremendous work Maria has done and continues to do for UTA's incredibly talented students and faculty" UTA Provost Teik C. Lim said. "Maria has always managed to keep the spotlight on the underserved population and how to serve them most effectively".

Martinez-Cosio guided UTA's successful application for the designation of Hispanic-Serving Institution, or HSI, from the U.S. Department of Education in 2014. UTA is the largest public four-year university in Texas designated as an HSI and one of only 10 universities in the nation to achieve the designation of both HSI and R-1: Highest Research Activity in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

The HSI designation allowed UTA to become eligible for additional federal funding for initiatives aimed at expanding educational opportunities and increasing degree attainment rates among all students. In 2015, the U.S. Department of Education awarded UTA a highly competitive, five-year $2.62 million grant to enhance services and increase graduation and retention rates among lower-income and Hispanic students. Martinez-Cosio is the co-lead principal investigator on the grant with Carla Amaro-Jimenez, associate professor in UTA's College of Education and Jennifer Luken, director of UTA's TRiO-Student Support Services. The grant funds the UTA IDEAS Center - for Innovation, Diversity, Excellence, Access and Success.

The IDEAS Center is located in UTA's Central Library and offers access to support services for students in transition, particularly transfer students, veterans and those from underserved populations. The grant also provides funding for professional development of faculty members, exposing them to innovative methods of teaching to help them build connections with first-generation students.

"On days when I need a little mood boost, I stop in the IDEAS Center. I see students working with mentors and tutors, students brainstorming on white boards purchased with grant money and collaborating in groups using new spaces that we designed. It truly reaffirms why we do what we do at UTA," Martinez-Cosio said.

Martinez-Cosio was born in Mexico and immigrated to San Diego with her parents when she was 10 years old. She loved to read and learn but had to work hard to overcome a language barrier. No one in her family had attended college, so Martinez-Cosio didn't plan to either, until a high school counselor suggested it. He helped her fill out an application to the University of California, San Diego, and she was accepted.

To pay for tuition, Martinez-Cosio drove a school bus for disabled students in a nearby school district each morning and afternoon, and she squeezed in classes in between bus routes. Eventually, she earned a bachelor's degree, a master's degree and a doctorate in sociology. Along the way she discovered her passion for community service and removing barriers to higher education. She says she is humbled by the award.

"One of UTA's greatest strengths is our diversity among both students and faculty. We want to continue to build upon this by attracting even more Latino and African American faculty members," Martinez-Cosio said. "I sincerely thank Ford Motor Company for honoring the work we are doing, because I believe this will show students the impact you can make by going beyond a bachelor's degree. We want to encourage students from all backgrounds to earn a master's and a Ph.D. and return to campus and teach."

Martinez-Cosio's work exemplifies progress along UTA's Strategic Plan 2020 Bold Solutions | Global Impact. Transforming the student experience by enhancing access and ensuring success is one of the plan's guiding aspirations.

"It's vitally important for our state to add more degree-holding citizens from all walks of life because that infuses an immense amount of knowledge and creativity into the workforce," said state Rep. Roberto Alonzo, D-Dallas. "I commend UTA for the work it has done over the past few years to increase access to higher education for all Texans."

The 2017 North Texas Mujeres Legendarias Awards also recognized commercial real estate agent Amanda Moreno-Lake, artist and teacher Viola Delgado and co-founder of Sierra Shred Lucretia Lucio. Previous recipients from UTA include Liliana Perez-Nordtvedt, associate professor of marketing, and Minerva Cordero-Epperson, professor of mathematics and associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Science.

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Despite decades of clinical research establishing chemotherapy with thoracic radiation as the standard-of-care for the initial management of non-metastatic small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), a large percentage of U.S. patients do not receive these treatments and in turn have lower overall survival, according to research from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

The findings, reported today in JAMA Oncology, also describe obstacles encountered by patients when receiving cancer treatments, such as their insurance status and socioeconomic factors.

"For patients who received both chemotherapy and radiation, median survival was 18 months. Among the group of patients who received neither chemotherapy nor radiation, prognosis was dismal with a median survival of only 3-4 months," explained senior author Stephen G. Chun, M.D., assistant professor of Radiation Oncology. "In order to improve access to care and address related disparities, it is critical to understand the barriers patients face when getting treated for lung cancer," said Chun.

While patients with Federal government insurance (Medicare/Medicaid) were just as likely to receive chemotherapy as those with private insurance, they were significantly less likely to receive radiation therapy. Being uninsured was associated with a lower likelihood of both chemotherapy and radiation administration, explained Chun.

For the retrospective, population-based study, the MD Anderson team used the National Cancer Database (NCDB), a nationwide outcomes registry of the American College of Surgeons, the American Cancer Society and the Commission on Cancer. They identified 70,247 patients diagnosed with non-metastatic, or limited-stage, SCLC and evaluated survival and socioeconomic factors to determine obstacles to cancer treatment utilization in the United States.

The patients were 55.3 percent female and 44.7 percent male. Initial treatment was 55.5 percent chemotherapy and radiation, 20.5 percent chemotherapy alone, 3.5 percent radiation alone, 20 percent neither chemotherapy nor radiation and 0.5 percent not reported.

Patients who received chemotherapy and radiation had a median survival of 18.2 months. Patients who received either chemotherapy or radiation alone had a median survival of 10.5 and 8.3 months, respectively. Patients who received neither chemotherapy nor radiation therapy had a significantly worse median survival, 3.7 months, compared with all other treatment groups.

Multiple socioeconomic factors were highly associated with overall survival. Treatment at a non-academic center, lack of health insurance and Medicare/Medicaid coverage were also associated with significantly shorter survival.

"There are targeted access programs that provide competitive reimbursement for the administration of chemotherapy, and our findings suggest that these programs have improved chemotherapy access," said Chun. "However, these programs give no financial assistance for radiation therapy, which could in part, explain why patients with Medicare and Medicaid were less likely to receive radiation."

One limitation of the study was a small amount of cases with insufficient date or follow-up. The NCDB limits data collected to the first course of treatment. It is impossible to know if patients eventually received standard-of-care treatment, according to Chun. Additionally, while chemotherapy and radiation are reported, the NCDB does not provide information on whether they were delivered concurrently or sequentially.

"Receiving appropriate, evidence-based therapies for limited-stage SCLC is critical, and our findings underscore the need for patients to personally advocate for the standard-of-care treatment for their cancer," said Chun.

Additional research is planned to further define population patterns, specific treatment insufficiencies and the contributing factors to wide-ranging care delivery.

###

Other MD Anderson authors include: Todd A. Pezzi, M.D., James W. Welsh, M.D., Ritsuko U Komaki., Stephen M. Hahn, M.D., Clifton D. Fuller, M.D., Ph.D., all of Radiation Oncology; David L. Schwartz, M.D., Radiation Oncology and University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center; Abdallah S.R. Mohamed M.D., Radiation Oncology and Alexandria University; Boris Sepesi, M.D., Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery; and Christopher M. Pezzi, M.D., Baptist M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Drs. Mohamed and Fuller received funding support from the National Institutes of Health (NIH)/National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research (1R01DE025248- 01/R56DE025248-01) and the NIH/National Cancer Institute (NCI) Head and Neck Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPORE) Developmental Research Program Award (P50CA097007-10). Dr. Fuller received support from the Paul Calabresi Clinical Oncology Program Award (K12 CA088084-06); a National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Mathematical Sciences, Joint NIH/NSF Initiative on Quantitative Approaches to Biomedical Big Data (QuBBD) Grant (NSF 1557679); an Elekta AB/MD Anderson Department of Radiation Oncology Seed Grant; and the Center for Radiation Oncology Research (CROR) at MD Anderson Cancer Center. The study is supported in part by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)/National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Center Support (Core) Grant CA016672 to The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Regarding disclosures, Dr. Fuller reports receiving speaker travel funding from Elekta AB. No other disclosures are reported.
Children commonly show signs of a mental disorder soon after receiving a diagnosis involving a of a chronic physical condition, according to a recent study in BMJ Open.

Researchers from the University of Waterloo surveyed children between the ages of six and 16, and all within a month of their diagnosis with asthma, food allergy, epilepsy, diabetes or juvenile arthritis. According to parents' responses to a standardized interview, 58 per cent of children screened positive for at least one mental disorder. This is the first study of its kind to recruit children with different conditions, and so soon after diagnosis.

"These findings show that risk for mental disorder is relatively the same among children with different physical conditions," said Mark Ferro, a professor in the School of Public Health and Health Systems at Waterloo and Canada Research Chair in Youth Mental Health. "Regardless of their condition, children with a physical and mental health problems experience a significant decline in their quality life within the first six months after receiving their diagnosis, indicating a need for mental health services early on."

Six months after diagnosis, the number of kids showing signs of a mental disorder dipped slightly to 42 per cent. Anxiety disorders were most common, including separation anxiety, generalized anxiety and phobias.

"It is possible that the number is higher very early because there is some uncertainty surrounding the prognosis, or unanswered questions about management and treatment," said Alexandra Butler, a graduate student at Waterloo and lead author of the paper. "It is important to not only identify at-risk children early but to also have resources to support them."

The researchers found that age and gender had no impact on the results. A subset of kids self-reported on their own mental health. Where 58 per cent of parents reported that their children presented signs of a mental health problem, only 18 per cent of kids reported it. This result speaks to the need for health professionals to get multiple perspectives when assessing children's mental health.

###

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research funded this study. It was a pilot for a larger study currently recruiting up to 1,000 children from McMaster Children's Hospital.
Black River Falls patrol officer and K-9 handler Jeremy James has been placed on paid administrative leave so an investigation into a situation involving James can be conducted.

The matter was announced by city administrator Brad Chown during the Dec. 20 Black River Falls Special Common Council meeting.

I cannot comment on Jeremy James. That is a personnel issue, so I unfortunately cannot provide any information on that, Black River Falls police chief Kelly Bakken said when asked about the investigation.

Mattis, Black River Falls K-9, has been sent for additional training during the investigation.

The police department does have a K-9 program. The police department will continue to have a K-9 program. Mattis is receiving some additional training right now. He is being cared for by professionals, Bakken said.

Despite the investigation, Chown agrees with Bakken that the city is determined to have a K-9 unit.

We are committed to the K-9 program and making sure that it is maintained. That program is not in jeopardy at all and it shouldnt be attached to that investigation other than the fact that he is the K-9 handler, Chown said. It is our intent to preserve that program and make it available to the community again as soon as possible.

During the council meeting, Chown informed the aldermen and alderwomen that James is not currently facing disciplinary action, but that the paid administrative leave was to provide an opportunity for the city to investigate the situation further and to allow James the time to look into the situation without the distraction of having to come to work every day.
2018! Cant be, just cant be. But it is, so get over it.

The following is a package of numbers and other tiny bits of things to think about as we begin a new year of outdoor opportunity.

I wrote recently about the decline in South Dakota pheasant numbers. The drop in numbers has affected the state economy as less and less wing shooters head to the state to experience what a few short years ago was one of the most fantastic and affordable of all hunting activities.

Harvest predictions

It has been quite easy to predict each upcoming less-productive annual harvest of wild pheasants, as South Dakota wildlife officials survey the success of spring nesting by actually counting numbers of birds in visible early summer broods.

Surveys counted roosters, hens and broods, along 110 routes each year to provide the numbers that fill comparable columns. Last years counts told a disappointing story when just 16 of the 110 state-wide routes indicated an increase in pheasants seen and counted per mile.

All the rest recorded dropping numbers, many of which were significant. Over the last ten years, officials built an average-per-mile tally which tells an even more dismal story. Many of the most recent counts are down as much as 50-70 percent from the average counts. But to be sure, pheasant hunting is not dead.

Hard hunting and selecting the right regions where the birds are holding their own are the secrets to success. And of course, every stakeholder is hoping for more favorable pheasant friendly climate conditions.

Climate

Rain may be the key factor in most of South Dakota. A less severe winter will seem to be the common thread that holds Ohio duck hunters together. After all, Ohio is not even close to being a flyway state.

Sure, the western reaches of the state get a pretty good batch of northern ducks each fall as migrators, especially divers, come down the chute centered on Lake Sinclair and Lake Eries western basin.

But for the most part, Ohio hunters do most of their shooting on local waterfowl. Duck hunters can keep a close eye on migrating ducks and geese by logging on to Waterfowl360.com., a real-time website that allows online-able hunters to offer daily reports and opinions about waterfowl movements.

The site also features updated maps that visibly show migration movements and density. Waterfowl360.com is offered by Duck Unlimited but open to anyone, not just DU members.

2018 is predicted by this writer to be the right year for local anglers to break one or more Ohio fish records. Just a few days ago, a new state record Lake Trout was certified by the Outdoor Writers of Ohio, the official keepers the Ohio record book and as such, takes an entry through a process of verification before recognizing an entry to be a new record.

Lake Trout

On Dec. 1, 2017, James Beres, of Lorain, landed a 26.63 pound Lake Trout while he trolled the Lake Erie inshore waters for walleyes. Beres big trout topped the previous 20.40-pound fish easily.

That Lake Trout claimed the top spot in 2000, a prize that one would have guessed to a record holder for the century but as all anglers know, theres always that chance for a bigger one.

Resolutions for 2018?

Fish more. Hunt more. Shoot more. Read more. Call your parents more. Call your children more. Visit a friend more.

Enjoy a campfire more. Wash your wifes car more. Wash your husbands truck more. Contact your congressman more. Volunteer more. Pay ahead more. Pay back more.

Support a charity more. Recycle more. Pick up highway litter more. Write a letter more. Be a good person more.
Hello again, friends;

The new year brings to mind new beginnings. This is the time to reimagine the future and set resolutions to bring new plans to life.

If you are an aspiring or beginning farmer, this will be the year that brings you another step deeper into the vibrant agricultural community that stewards the land and feeds our local communities. The 2012 U.S. Census of Agriculture found beginning farmers, defined as those with 10 years or less experience, operate 25 percent of U.S. farms. As the current generation of farmers retire, it is important to support the next generation.

When I was just out of college, I went to work on a new vegetable farm nestled in a picturesque valley of a sleepy New England town. The farmer I worked for did not grow up on a farm but knew from a young age that farming was the career he would pursue. Land was expensive and hard to come by, but he discovered that small-scale farms direct marketing to local customers had the potential to be economically viable. Rather than purchase farmland, he was able to secure a long-term lease on 20 acres from a land conservancy.

The year I worked on that ambitious start-up farm, I learned more than how to hook up the brush hog to the tractor PTO, snap the scapes off the garlic, and trellis tomatoes with the California Weave. I also learned about the challenges beginning farmers face. There was the uncertainty of building a business on land you do not own, the financial limitations, and the learning curve involved in a job that requires expertise in just about everything.

The farmer I worked for inspired me with the grit, exuberance and integrity with which he built his business.

Its been over 10 years since I worked on that farm. The farm I worked on is now a well-established business and supports the farmers growing family, a team of employees, and the hundreds of families who are fed by the food he produces.

As he built his business, he made a commitment to teach and support other beginning farmers by offering apprenticeships on his farm. Over the years, dozens of his apprentices have gone on to start or manage farms or work in an agricultural field. He is not only growing food on his farm, he is growing new farmers.

The USDA helps grow new farmers, too. The farmer I worked for experienced the kinds of challenges faced by beginning farmers across the country. A 2009 report from the USDA Economic Research Service explored some of the obstacles beginning farmers face when getting started, including high startup costs and limited availability of land. To help lessen some of these barriers, the USDA, through the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), provides loans and conservation assistance to beginning farmers.

Americas next generation of farmers are supported through FSAs Beginning Farmer direct and guaranteed loan programs. Farm ownership loans can provide access to land and capital. Operating loans can assist beginning farmers in becoming prosperous and competitive by helping to pay normal operating or family living expenses; open doors to new markets and marketing opportunities; assist with diversifying operations; and so much more.

Through the microloan programs, beginning farmers have an important source of financial assistance during the start-up years.

While FSA is fully committed to all farmers, there is a special focus on the particular credit needs of farmers and ranchers who are in their first 10 years of operation. Each year, FSA targets a portion of its lending by setting aside loan funds for financing beginning farmer and rancher operations.

Make a resolution this year, to visit USDAs website for new farmers at https://newfarmers.usda.gov/ and contact your local FSA office to learn more about the opportunities we offer as you begin to grow your own farm.

Thats all for now,

FSA Andy
HARRISBURG, Pa.  Charles Farms, from Lancaster County, was the states top producer in the 2017 Pennsylvania Soybean Yield Contest, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Soybean Board. The farms winning yield was 107.17 bushels per acre.

According to contest coordinator and Penn State Senior Extension Agent Del Voight, for the first time in the 25-year history of the contest, three of the contest entrants exceeded 100 bushels per acre.

Lebanon County growers Darren Grumbine and Zach Alger also recorded 100-plus bu./acre yields of 105.75 bu./acre and 101.5 bu./acre respectively. The mean yield of the contest entrants in 2017 was 80.85 bu./acre, up from the 2016 average of 76.82 bu./acre.

Growers in the north cited too little rainfall during pod fill as the major issue impacting yields, said Voight. Over the 25 years of the contest, the yields reported by the contest participants have increased at a rate of 1.2 bushels per acre per year. This is more than double the state average of .4 bushel per acre increase per year.

The contest recognized not only the statewide grand champion, but also the top growers in each of five regions of Pennsylvania, based on maturity maps:

Regional winners

First place Overall & South Central Region, Charles Farms (Lancaster, Pa., Lancaster County) 107.17 bu./acre; first place Central Region, Jay Arentz (Littlestown, Pa., Adams County) 92.24 bu./acre; first place Southeast Region, John Frederick (New Hope, Pa., Bucks County) 83.55 bu./acre; first place Northern Region, Scott Snyder (Montoursville, Pa., Lycoming County) 62.37 bu./acre; first place Western Region, Mike Reskovac (Waltersburg, Pa., Fayette County) 71.08 bu./acre.

In addition to the statewide title, Charles Farms was the South Central Region winner, planting Pioneer P31T77 in 7.5 rows following corn. The crop was planted with a drill using no-till techniques on April 20, 2017, at a seeding rate of 192,000 plants per acre.

The field was harvested on Sept. 26, at 13.3 percent moisture. The Charles used Pioneer Premium seed treatment, Priaxor fungicide for pest management, and Gly Star K-Plus and FirstRate for herbicides.

Central region

Adams Countys Jay Arentz won the top yield honors in the Central Region with 92.24 bu./acre. He planted TA Seeds 2849 RR2 STS.

John Frederick, from Bucks County, was the top producer in the Southeast Region. He planted HiSoy 39A22 and yielded 83.55 bu./acre. Scott Snyder, of Lycoming County, won top honors in the Northern Region.

He planted Pioneer 36T86 for a 62.37 bu./acre yield. Mike Reskovac, Fayette County, was the top entrant in the West Tier with 71.08 bu./acre yield with Diehl Fields DF2.6.

Awards

As the top state winner, Charles Farms will receive a trip for two to the Commodity Classic, the annual joint convention of the American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, and the National Grain Sorghum Producers, Feb. 27-March 1, in Anaheim, California.

The regional winners also receive a trip to the 2018 Commodity Classic.

The contest was launched by the Pennsylvania Soybean Board in 1992. A summary of the crop production practices from the 2017 contest entrants will be available in January at the Pennsylvania Soybean Board booth at the 2018 Keystone Farm Show in York, Pa., and on the Soybean Yield Contest page at www.pasoybean.org.
Aimee and Tim Hum, of Lisbon Road, Canfield, recently traveled to Capuli, Ecuador, on a 10-day mission trip through Greenford Christian Church.

While there, they got to visit with Lissette, the child they sponsor through Compassion International, and her father, Jaime. The trip to this remote village includes an airplane ride to Quito and another to Esmeraldas, then a three-hour bus trip and a five-hour motorized canoe ride up the Onzole River. (Submitted photo)



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The Green Party has urged Defra Secretary Michel Gove to end the use of agricultural land as a 'tax haven'.

Green Party MEP Molly Scott Cato said she will be laying down the challenge to Mr Gove, urging him to end the use of agricultural land as a "tax haven and tax shelter".

Dr Scott Cato, who sits on the European Parliaments Agriculture Committee, will speak at the Oxford Real Farming Conference (ORFC) this week, which will also be attended by Mr Gove.

He will be the first Defra secretary to take to the stage at this alternative farming event which runs parallel to the long-established Oxford Farming Conference (OFC).

Ahead of her speech at ORFC, Molly Scott Cato said Gove must "call time" on the UK's largest land owners who are "using agricultural land to hide and shelter their wealth".

'Stifles innovation'

Agricultural land offers generous tax breaks as it is exempt from inheritance tax after two years if it is actively farmed.

The fact that the sale of a farming asset can be rolled over into a new business or acquisition offers further tax relief, she added.

Last summer, Michael Gove said that post-Brexit farm subsidies will be based on measures to protect the environment and enhance rural life, rather than on the amount of land farmers own.

But Dr Scott Cato says he must go much further: Land banking and earning an income from land assets also encourages a rentier economy and stifles innovation. If Michael Gove is to bring about genuine radical reform he will need to challenge the large land owners.

Nobody can seriously suggest that we should be subsidising set ups like that of international racehorse breeders Juddmonte Farms which is owned by Prince Khalid Abdullah of Saudi Arabia.
Farmers will receive money to make improvements to the environment under a new system of subsidies, Defra Secretary Michael Gove has announced.

In a speech to the Oxford Farming Conference on Thursday (4 January), Gove reiterated his 'green Brexit' pledge to the farming industry.

Under it, farmers will be rewarded for planting wildlife habitats, woods, wildflower meadows and other environmental benefits after Britain leaves the European Union in March 2019.

The government plans to guarantee that BPS payments will continue for a transition period in England, which should last a number of years beyond the implementation period, depending on consultation.

The implementation period is expected to start in March 2019 and end around 2 years later.

During this transition period, the government will propose to first reduce the largest BPS payments in England. It could do this through a straight cap at a maximum level or through a sliding scale of reductions, to the largest payments first.

He set out plans to scrap the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which he has previously said 'environmentally damaging and socially unjust'.

'Fundamentally flawed'

Gove told the conference that the current subsidy system is "fundamentally flawed".

He told the conference: "Paying landowners for the amount of agricultural land they have is unjust, inefficient and drives perverse outcomes. It gives the most from the public purse to those who have the most private wealth."

He said that the government will instead replace the CAP with a system that delivers government subsidies to farms that boost the natural environment.

I want to develop a new method of providing financial support for farmers which moves away from subsidies for inefficiency to public money for public goods, he said.

After a transition, we will replace BPS with a system of public money for public goods. The principal public good we will invest in is environmental enhancement.

'Resource-inefficient'

Gove added that CAP perversely rewards farmers for sticking to methods of production that are resource-inefficient.

He also explained that it incentivises an approach to environmental stewardship which is all about mathematically precise field margins and not ecologically healthy landscapes.

Gove has overseen hardline environmental policies in his 7 months as Defra Secretary which have irked the industry, including plans to introduce CCTV in all slaughterhouses, a pledge to ban neonicotinoids, possible action on restricting live exports and the reintroduction of beavers in the UK.

He also warned in October that the UK is 30 to 40 years away from the fundamental eradication of soil fertility.

But the farming industry has raised concerns and doubts over his commitment to a 'green Brexit', one which focuses on animal welfare and the environment over food production.

'Thought out balance'

Reacting to today's announcement, NFU Vice President Guy Smith posted on social media: "Britain could increasingly import its food needs from places where they are deforesting. We need to find a properly thought through balance."

And in the NFU President's New Year message, Meurig Raymond said that it is seen as "more important than ever" that the government recognises the work of British farmers in providing food, maintaining Britain's farmed landscape and contributing billions to the economy.

"Three cornerstones  environment, productivity and volatility  which we believe should form the basis of bold and ambitious future policy measures," he said.

The government will release further information on post-Brexit agricultural plans in Spring.
While many focus on improving the more than 100 miles of classified trout streams and habitats in Jackson County, a perched culvert is often an overlooked aspect that can ruin a perfectly good habitat with one poor decision.

A perched culvert is when the water flowing through a culvert doesnt flow through at an even level, often times with the downstream end of the culvert higher than the water level.

We can do a lot of habitat improvement, but if these culverts are installed wrong, you have just cut off all of that habitat work that you have done upstream, Jackson County conservationist Gaylord Olson said.

A perched culvert can create issues that can affect several different aquatic species including trout.

Part of the problem is connectivity for the habitat. When fish are spawning and moving within the aquatic corridor and they need to get past a culvert, if it is above the stream bed, a lot of the smaller fish in particular cant get upstream to where they need to go for fish spawning, Maureen Millmann, DNR municipal transportation policy coordinator, said.

A severely perched culvert where water pours out of the downstream part of the culvert can prove especially troublesome.

It can cut fish off from migrating to various areas that the fish might use during their life stages. Different parts of streams act to support different life stages of fish, DNR fisheries biologist Dan Hatleli, who works with Jackson, Trempealeau and Buffalo counties, said. It is a travel barrier that they cant physically make it upstream from where that culvert sits.

Hatleli said that having a perched culvert can drastically change the biology of a stream, which can vary anywhere from being less than a mile to more than 30 miles.

If all of the road crossings were placed correctly, you may have a very vibrant self-replicating trout stream there, whereas if you have even one improperly placed culvert in that particular system it might actually reduce the quality or prevent the establishment of a self-replicating trout population, Hatleli said.

A perched culvert can also cause the upstream and downstream water to pool, which the sun then warms up.

Trout and a lot of species that live in trout streams are there because of the conditions in the stream, and one of those that is especially important for trout is cold water, Hatleli said. Anytime you expand a waters surface, you are expanding how much sunlight hits that water.

In general the temperature of the water needs to be below 70 degrees otherwise the trout can be subjected to thermal stress.

Whats bad for fish is often bad for the road

Having a perched culvert can also lead to several issues with the road itself.

If it is too high, there could be turbulence where the water could start undermining the base of the road of the culvert itself, Olson said. In some cases where culverts are perched, the road bank is steep as well.

Since perched culverts tend to be too short, the banks of the road also tend to be steeper, making for unsafe driving conditions.

Flood conditions have also encouraged some municipalities to go with larger culverts to increase the volume of water the culvert can handle, which can inadvertently help the fish population. Drought and flood conditions can also change whether a culvert is perched, which provides additional hurdles for discovering a perched culvert.

We really see all degrees of it all over Wisconsin, Millmann said. Some culverts have perched over time because when they were placed maybe they were placed at the stream bed, and then the nature of the stream is that the stream begins to down-cut.

While some culverts have perched over time, the problem may not be resolved when a new culvert is put in 30 to 50 years after it was originally installed.

The next thing is when they come back to replace them, if people are not checking to make sure they are done right the first time, they may install it the same way the previous one had been done, Olson said. Some of these water bodies could have a long time that those head waters may be cut off from trout spawning.

Steps when putting in a culvert

Before a municipality puts in a culvert, they should be talking to the DNR to see if they need to get a permit. The permit would stipulate how the municipality would need to put in the culvert.

If you are doing any kind of work within the waterway, you probably do need permits from the Department of Natural Resources, Millmann said.

The DNR tries to encourage municipalities to take a look at the stream both upstream and down and figure out where they could place the culvert at an elevation that would allow the stream to act as if the culvert wasnt even there.

Millmann admits the DNR often finds out about perched culverts through road projects because the municipality feels like the culvert has failed.

Sometimes it is failing because of that perched aspect that this stream is trying to do something at that road that it is not really able to do because of the perched culvert, Millmann said.

If a municipality would like to correct a culvert that is placed incorrectly, they can work with Olson who coordinates applications for municipalities to find funding to fix perched culverts.

I help if there is money available to help defray the costs of installing them properly to make sure that those fish or other aquatic species can go upstream from that area that they cant now, Olson said adding that the federal government and Trout Unlimited sometimes provide funding.

Olson also reached out to the Jackson County Highway Department to see if there was anything they could do when a town requests culvert aid from the county.

The Highway Department discussed the options during their December meeting and decided to have a conversation with the towns prior to construction about perched culverts instead of just inspecting the culvert afterwards.

Maybe it is a point where we need to make contact with them, Randy Anderson, previous Jackson County highway commissioner, said during the December meeting. The county would be willing to pay the additional cost for lengthening out that culvert so you can get it down to the stream bed.

The Highway Department already requires all culverts applying for culvert aid to be at least 48 inches wide.

Millmann also said that the DNR has a Road/Stream Crossing Workshop. If you are interested in attending, please contact the DNR.
Michael Gove's call for a move away from farming "subsidies for inefficiency" in a speech on his vision for the future of farming has attracted a mixed reaction from the industry.

Farmers will receive money to make improvements to the environment under a new system post-Brexit. Until then, the current 3bn sum paid to farmers and landowners will continue until 2022 - longer than the Government had previously pledged.

In a speech to the Oxford Farming Conference on Thursday (4 January), Gove reiterated his 'green Brexit' pledge to the farming industry.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Defra spokesperson and ex-leader of the party Tim Farron said for Gove to imply that farm payments are a reward for inefficiency is an "insult" to British farmers.

"It shows he has no understanding of the reality of farming in this country," Mr Farron said.

"British farmers are some of the most efficient and dynamic in the world. Farm payments compensate for the fact that the market is broken, because supermarkets and processors dominate the industry and exploit farmers.

"The overwhelming majority of livestock and dairy farmers would be in the red if it wasnt for direct farm payments.

"Goves announcement also does nothing to address the impending tariff catastrophe facing farmers once we leave the single market."

'Once-in-a-generation'

However, the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), a rural organisation which represents more than 30,000 farmers, said it has welcomed the commitments made by Gove.

CLA Director of Policy Christopher Price said: Exiting the European Union gives us a once in a generation opportunity to build a new food and land use policy that is significantly better than the Common Agricultural Policy.

This speech is the latest evidence that Government is embracing our vision for a new policy based on rewarding farmers for the range of public benefits they deliver.

We have been clear that significant change is necessary but it is right to take the necessary time to design and implement a policy without causing immediate and dramatic disruption to thousands of farming businesses across the countryside.

We are pleased the Secretary of State has listened to our concerns on this issue and extended the period of operation of the existing Basic Payment Scheme to ensure a full and smooth transition.

'Failure to recognise'

Jonathan Stiff, Head of Rural Division at Cheffins, gave a mixed reaction, welcoming a five-year transitional period, but also expressing concern over a heavy focus on environmental measures over improving food productivity.

He said: Not only does this give the farming industry a basis on which to plan and adapt their businesses through a five-year transitional period from the point of Brexit in March 2019, it should also give the government sufficient time to plan a replacement support system that is well-considered and hopefully more balanced in its approach, rather than being single-mindedly focused on environmental measures.

However, the other side of the argument is that it is disappointing that Michael Gove continues to focus on the replacement of the BPS scheme rather than focusing on the principles of our new trading relationships with the EU and the rest of the world, as ultimately this will be what has a larger impact on the farming industry than the restructure of the funding system.

Similarly, it is disappointing that he continues to focus on environmental measures without formulating any proposals for improving productivity, training or technological advancement. A shift towards purely environmental work will increase the UKs reliance on imported food which will have its implications for farmers and growers across the country.

There is a failure from Mr Gove to recognise the efforts of the huge numbers of farmers and landowners who work hard to manage the rural environment in a manner which facilitates quality food production and a cared for countryside for the public good.

'More detail'

Environmental charity the Soil Association said it "warmly welcomes" the move towards an agricultural policy that prioritises environmental protection.

A spokesperson said: "We now need to see more detail on how farmers will be enabled and encouraged to shift to higher animal welfare systems, move away from synthetic pesticides, restore degraded soils and improve water quality.

"The greatest test of this transition is whether the UKs food and farming system measures up to the monumental challenges of public health, which was highlighted in the speech, and climate change, which received just two mentions.

"The Government must also make an ambitious and unambiguous commitment to organic and other agroecological approaches which are proven to deliver on animal welfare, biodiversity, soil health and climate change - both during and after 2024."
Red Tractor Assured farmers can continue to buy professional rodenticides without taking part in a stewardship training course.

The Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU) has announced that the farm assurance schemes standards  which were updated in October last year  are fully aligned with its UK code of best practice on rodent pest management.

Non-assured farms must continue to take a course and carry a certificate of competence to buy professional rodenticides.

Red Tractors head of external affairs, Philippa Wiltshire, said: This is good news for our farmers who are automatically demonstrating CRRU compliance by passing their Red Tractor audit.

It also shows a unified approach and a commitment from the industry to use professional rodenticides responsibly.

'Unaware'

Red Tractor members have benefited from the earned recognition agreement for the past two years as part of a transitional arrangement pending changes to the schemes standards.

But after amended standards came in to force on 1 October, full recognition from the CRRU has been gained with a new agreement starting on 1 January 2018 on an ongoing basis.

There will be many members who are still unaware of this important membership benefit. We hope that word will spread now that the new standards have been recognised, Mrs Wiltshire added.

Reduce risk

A key objective of the CRRU is to reduce the risk to non-target species.

Assurance standards do not allow routine permanent baiting, and baits can only be sited where evidence shows they are being continuously effective.

A site survey and risk assessment of watercourses and populations of non-target species should also be carried out and recorded before treatment.

When not managed responsibly, professional rodenticides can pose a risk to wildlife, livestock, pets and even humans.
Vets have found signs that the midge-borne Schmallenberg Virus had been circulating in Dumfries and Galloway in the autumn of 2017.

The results have been revealed by SAC Consulting Veterinary Services which has been monitoring bulk milk samples from 50 dairy herds across the country throughout the autumn.

First entering the UK on wind flows from Europe in 2011, Schmallenberg Virus (SBV) is spread by midges and affects both cattle and sheep, but does not affect humans.

Initial infection can cause general symptoms of reduced appetite, a raised temperature, milk drop and scour. Some of these acute infections may be hard to detect, particularly in cattle and sheep at grass.

When cattle and sheep are infected in the earlier stages of pregnancy, infection of the foetus may lead to skeletal deformities in the lambs and calves when born.

Such cases were first seen in Southern Scotland in 2013 but the diseases profile fell in the following seasons.

In 2017, SAC Consultings Veterinary Surveillance Network identified foetal deformities caused by SBV in Southern Scotland and Northern England.

Cases were seen initially in lambs from mid-January 2017 and the last case was confirmed in early May. These dates suggest a potential infection window between mid September and mid December 2016.

Early warning

George Caldow, Head of SAC Consulting Veterinary Services, said: Each farm acts only as sentinel to SBV virus activity in the local area and circumstances vary from farm to farm with regard to virus spread and midge activity.

The results of the study so far can therefore only act as a guide, but do suggest that there has been some active transmission of the SBV virus in Dumfries and Galloway in the autumn of 2017.

This could potentially lead to the birth of deformed lambs and calves. However, in other areas of the country, particularly north of the Central Belt, we expect the disease risk to be much lower. Farmers concerned about potential SBV risk should speak to their vets in the first instance.

Nigel Miller, SRUC Board Member and Chairman of Livestock Health Scotland, said: The SBV survey has highlighted the value of targeted surveillance and the strength of the SAC Consulting veterinary surveillance team linking up with milk producers across Scotland.

The positive bulk milk samples from the south west not only provide an early warning of possible problems ahead, during the 2018 calving and lambing period, but also increase our understanding of the ability of the Schmallenberg virus and its vectors to persist and spread under Scottish climatic conditions.
NFU Scotland is calling for the publication of a report into greening in Scotland, ahead of the Unions annual conference in February 2018.

The announcement that Professor Russell Grigg was to lead a group looking at greening was made at the NFU Scotland conference in February 2017.

Publication of the Griggs Group report would enable work to be done on what future support for arable farming might look like post-Brexit when the Scottish Government can determine its own agricultural policy.

The Griggs Greening Group Report, along with the work of the Agricultural Champions, is seen as important in ensuring that Scotland has the correct policies to deliver a profitable and environmentally friendly future for the agriculture industry.

A recent meeting of NFU Scotlands Combinable Crops Committee considered what future support for arable farming might look like once the UK leaves the European Union and the current EU Basic Payment Scheme ends.

To aid that debate, there was a strong call for the Russell Griggs Greening Group Report to be made available.

Environmental protection

Committee Chairman Ian Sands said: Protection of the environment will continue to be important post Brexit. Instead of a one size fits all policy, Scottish Government will have the opportunity to target measures that are more appropriate to Scotland.

This was something that both we and the Scottish Government pushed for during the negotiation of the last round of Common Agricultural Policy reforms. We didnt get it and instead ended up with a highly complex package that has satisfied no one.

NFUS wants to see farmers rewarded for existing good environmental standards that protect Scotlands countryside. That should include payment for measures that go beyond good farming practice, set at a level that encourages uptake.

Competitive

Mr Sands said it is "vital" that Scottish farmers can continue to be competitive in growing crops that form the raw material for much of Scotlands food, drink and feed exports.

What we are lacking, however, is information on what the real environmental needs are, he said.

NFU Scotland said some farmers hosted farm visits by Professor Griggs Group earlier in 2017, but at the start of 2018, the union said it is still waiting to see the groups views.

Mr Sands added: It would be very helpful if the report was available to industry and other stakeholders by the time of the Unions conference in Glasgow in February  exactly a year after the initial announcement on the groups formation.
Retailers to blame for ongoing egg shortages, NFU Scotland says
A post shared by ai (@journalismgeorge) on Oct 20, 2017 at 4:42am PDT

This ones an old taberna (tavern) thats been around since 1827, and Cervantes is said to have written one of his books in the same building on Calle de las Huertas. Its known for its vermouth on tap, great tapas, and its dish of bulls tail (rabo de toro); there are also meatballs, croquettes and cod if youd like something less startling.
A post shared by travelplanet24 (@travelplanet24) on Jan 3, 2018 at 6:07am PST

The first destination on your Bucharest itinerary ought to be the infamous. It was built in 1984 by order of President CeauAAescu. The 3,107 opulent rooms can be viewed by guided tour only, which must be booked well in advance. Check with your hotel or tour operator. Also a must-visit is the in the heart of Bucharest. Its at the centre of efforts to revitalize the citys historic core. At its western end, Lipscani Street crosses Calea Victoriei, one of Bucharests oldest streets that was built in 1692.For a historical insight into the countrys past, plan a visit to the, which is housed in the beautiful Tailors Synagogue. The museum highlights important Jewish contributions to the country. If you like art,will be of your interest. The building houses Romanian icons and carved altars from pre-communist era churches. If youve seen enough of the city and want to venture further, theres a monastery on an island inthat is a day trip away from Bucharest. Its said to be the resting place of Vlad AepeAA, the prince who inspired Dracula.


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Sharing knowledge and best practice

Author: Tony Hanley

With the first course dates rapidly approaching for the FIAs new qualification examination, and interest mounting from different parts of the world, the association received an invitation from the newly formed Chapter of the NFPA in Israel to present at their conference in Tel Aviv.

FIA Director Tony Hanley, who is responsible for the new AO qualification, accepted the invitation on behalf of the FIA.

He made the presentation to around 200 delegates that included representatives from NFPA, USA, the Israeli Military, Fire Commanders and active and passive fire trade operators and contractors.

The presentation covered current UK fire regulations, the ever-increasing demand for the UK fire industry to demonstrate suitable competency, and how the FIA has risen to the challenge by embarking on the full overhaul and upgrade of its professional training material to Awarding Organisation recognised qualifications.

Mr Yacov Azuz, Chairman of the NFPA, Israel, commented, We thank the FIA and Tony for delivering such an informative presentation which we believe we have scope to emulate over time here in Israel, and we hope to collaborate closely with the FIA in the future.

Tony Hanley commented, I dont believe that we should limit ourselves to sharing our recognised qualifications to just the UK seeing as this exercise has demonstrated how valuable it may well be to other countries, even with differing codes and standards.

We definitely are raising the bar now.
Ibrahim & Aarav Want To Be Bollywood Stars, Not Actors

Saif was quoted as saying, "Ibrahim, Aarav (Akshay Kumar's son) and that group of youngsters want six packs and aspire to be Bollywood stars. I don't know if anyone wants to be an actor. It is kind of disturbing because not everyone makes it."

Saif Had An Honest Confession To Make!

The 'Chef' actor revealed that initially he too just wanted to be a "star" and said, "But then what the heck? Talking of being a star, my wife points out that till a few years ago, even I didn't want to be an actor, I wanted to be a star (laughs)."



Ibrahim Feels He Is Already An Actor Before Sara

"Ibrahim (already) thinks he is an actor before Sara because he did Tashan (2008). And he was upset when it didn't work (laughs). But he is a good looking guy," Saif had said in one of his earlier interviews.

Saif Thinks Sara Became An Actor For This Reason

"All our friends' children in our peer group want to be actors because they see it as an attractive profession with respect, money, affluence and a certain amount of privilege. But how many of them are interested in acting, I don't know. Sara has a degree from the London School Of Economics and still want to be an actor over a banker so obviously, there is something very attractive about this lifestyle."

He Recalls The Most Defining Moment In Sara's Life

Saif revealed that Sara aspired to be an actress from a very young age. Narrating an incident he said, "I have seen her do a very funny advert when she was four and she's been like this all along. There was actress Aishwarya Rai on stage in New York with people going ballistic and Sara sitting on the floor behind the curtain saying 'This is what I want to do."

When Saif Sounded Like He Wasn't Happy With Sara Joining Films

Earlier in 2017 when quizzed about Sara's debut, Saif had stated in an interview, "Why would she want that for herself? Look at where she studied. After having done that, why wouldn't she want to live and work in New York, rather than do this? I am not looking down on acting, it's just it is not the most stable profession. And everyone lives in constant fear. And there is no guarantee that despite doing your best, you will succeed. This is not the life, any parent would want for their children."

We Are Confused, Saif!

However recently the actor told IANS, "It is like Soha's track but Soha didn't always want to become an actor, Sara did and this is something that she really wants to do. So absolutely good luck, I think it's a great job. We'd be talking about Sushant Singh Rajput all day which is great but it's not as interesting as discussing history with art like we used to."
Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra starts shooting for her upcoming television series Quantico.

New York City

The shoot is held in New York City and it's cold as hell and filled with ice and snow.

Trench Coat

Priyanka Chopra is wearing a trench coat, thigh high boots and gloves to keep herself warm in the chilly conditions.

Worldwide Fanfare

She also posed with Indian fans during the shoot of Quantico in New York City.

Happy Times

PeeCee is truly having one helluva time shooting for Quantico in NYC, folks!

Too Cold

Despite the extreme cold weather conditions, Priyanka Chopra still gave her best during the shoot of Quantico.

Quantico Shoot

The first leg of Quantico was shot in Italy and the second leg is being shot in NYC.

PeeCee

Be it extreme cold or hot, Priyanka Chopra will always be present for shoots no matter what the conditions are.
DEAR DR. ROACH: My friend had a biopsy on his prostate three weeks ago. During the biopsy, he was crying and in excruciating pain. They took four samples, and the doctor said: I need a total of eight samples. Do you want me to continue? He replied no, and the doctor stormed out.

Is it normal to have that kind of horrible pain? Two nurses held him down while the doctor was doing the procedure. They wont send him the pathology report. Hes not sure which doctor is getting the report.  R.M.

ANSWER: That degree of pain is NOT appropriate, although I have talked to other men who have noted that the pain from prostate biopsies without anesthesia can be excruciating. But it doesnt have to be that way. There are several ways to reduce pain, such as an injection of lidocaine (a local anesthetic) near the nerve to the prostate. The prostate itself also can be injected (with small needles, much smaller than the biopsy needle), and a combination of the two is better still.

Its also possible to have an anesthesiologist do what is termed a regional block. This can successfully prevent the pudendal nerve from sending pain signals, and is appropriate for men who have had a bad experience, such as your friend, or people who are very anxious about the procedure.

I am increasingly seeing MRI of the prostate being used to guide biopsy  this can dramatically reduce the large number of biopsies traditionally done, as well as improve the results. I think this will become the standard of care.

I am disturbed to hear about the doctors behavior as reported by your friend. He should get the results of the biopsy, and I would recommend a second opinion about whether further biopsy is needed, and if so, to decide on a plan of anesthesia ahead of time.

DEAR DR. ROACH: In your recent column on rhabdomyolysis, I was surprised that you did not mention statin drugs. Because I did not do well on statins, my cardiologist prescribed Praluent, as I have atherosclerosis of my heart and other blood vessels. Praluent is a relatively new drug. Are you aware of it being associated with rhabdomyolysis?  M.F.W.

ANSWER: Statin drugs can cause rhabdomyolysis, a severe and dangerous muscle breakdown. However, it is very rare  a few cases per million prescriptions (muscle aches with statins are much more common but do not normally cause muscle damage).

Alirocumab (Praluent), given once weekly by injection, is one in a new class of drugs called PCSK9 inhibitors. They dramatically reduce LDL cholesterol, and also have been shown to reduce heart attack risk in people known to have atherosclerosis, cholesterol deposits in the arteries, especially in the heart. About 4 to 12 percent of people on this drug will develop muscle pain, but I could not find a case of rhabdomyolysis associated with Praluent or evolocumab (Repatha), another PCSK9 inhibitor. They can rarely cause allergic reactions.

There is no medication that is completely free of the possibility of side effects, but the risk must be weighed against the benefit. In the case of someone with known blockages in the arteries, the medications cause much more good than harm for the population. Unfortunately, any given individual may still have a bad effect.

Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu or request an order form of available health newsletters at 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803. Health newsletters may be ordered from www.rbmamall.com.
Mohanlal had recently underwent an intense training to lose a few kilos for the perfection of his character in Odiyan. The actor did impress one and all with his new makeover, which was well-received by the audiences.

There were reports doing the rounds that Mohanlal will join the shoot of Odiyan in the month of January, in his all-new look. But now, it seems like the next schedule of shoot of Odiyan has been pushed ahead.

Image Courtesy: Facebook

According to the latest reports that have come in, Mohanlal will next join the shoot of his upcoming venture to be directed by Ajoy Varma. Latest reports suggest that, Mohanlal will head to Mongolia for the shoot of this yet-to-be-titled film. Reportedly, the filming of this much awaited venture will commence on January 18, 2017.

This upcoming film of Mohanlal is touted to be a thriller and if reports are to be believed, Mohanlal has allotted 15 days of time for the shoot of the film. Reports also suggest that, Mohanlal will be seen sporting a thick beard and moustache in this upcoming film. This upcoming film is Ajoy Varma's debut venture in Malayalam. He has directed a film titled SRK in Hindi.

This yet-to-be-titled film is being produced by Santhosh T Kuruvila. Apart from Mongolia, this upcoming film will also be shot in Mumbai. Earlier, there were reports doing the rounds that Prakash Raj is also a part of the project. Rumours were also rife that Meena and Trisha have been roped in to play the role of the leading ladies.

Coming back to Odiyan, as per the latest reports that have come in, Mohanlal will join the final schedule of Odiyan only after completing the shoot of Ajoy Varma movie. If reports are to be believed, the next schedule of Odiyan will only commence in the month of February.

The first two schedules of shoot of Odiyan have already been completed. The filming of Odiyan commenced in 2016 at Varanasi and later, the team headed to Thenkurissi in Palakkad for the second schedule. Apart from Mohanlal, Odiyan also features Manju Warrier and Prakash Raj.
Vijay (Mersal)

In Mersal, Vijay appeared in three different roles and he was able to give uniqueness to each character. Among the three characters, his portrayal of Vetrimaaran, the father character deserves a special mention as the actor made the role truly a memorable one.

Ajith Kumar (Vivegam)

Thala Ajith as Ajith Kumar is fondly called, only had a single release in the year 2017 in the form of Vivegam. The actor played a character named Ajay Kumar aka AK, who is an agent. The film had numerous action sequences and the actor had put in a lot of effort for the perfection of the scenes, which won him a lot of praises.

Madhavan (Vikram Vedha)

Madhavan gave the entire film audiences a big treat in the form of Vikram Vedha. The actor played the character named Vikram, a police officer who upholds values. It was indeed a controlled, subtle and matured performance from the actor, which turned out to be one of the biggest positives of the movie.

Dhanush (VIP 2)

Through the film VIP 2, Dhanush once again stepped into the shoes of the character Raghuvaran, which is one of the most celebrated onscreen characters of the actor. This time too, he didn't disappoint and put up a fine show as the central character.

Arun Vijay (Kuttram 23)

The film Kuttram 23 turned out to be a crucial one for Arun Vijay. The actor, who played the role of a police officer in the movie came up with a matured performance. In fact, he suited the role perfectly well and won the love of the audiences.

Gautham Karthik (Rangoon)

Gautham Karthik had a good number of releases in the year 2017. But, it was his performance in the film Rangoon, that fetched him a lot of praises. The actor portrayed the role of a youngster named Venkat in this crime thriller, to perfection.

Jayam Ravi (Vanamagan)

Jayam Ravi once again proved his versatility with his notable performance in the film Vanamagan. In the film, the actor played a character of a tribal named Jaara. It is not an easy character to play but the actor pulled it off with ease.

Karthi (Theeran Adhigaram Ondru)

Karthi's portrayal of the police officer named Theeran Thirumaran paved way for one of the career best performances of the actor. The actor did put up an impressive show and he did fit in perfectly into the shoes of an ideal police officer.

Sivakarthikeyan (Velaikkaran)

Sivakarthikeyan came up with the film Velaikkaran, towards the fag end of the year. The actor got to play a different role in this movie, with due importance given to emotional and intense sequences. With his performance, Sivakarthikeyan proved that he could handle such roles with ease.

Suriya (Singham 3)

Suriya's third outing as Durai Singham was packed with more energy and vigour. The actor once again impressed with the powerful portrayal of this character, which has a huge fan a following. Suriya as Durai Singham once again packed a powerful punch.

Vijay Antony (Annadurai)

Vijay Antony came up with the much awaited film Annadurai, which offered a good scope of performance for the actor in him. He played dual roles of twin brothers in the film and was successful in their portrayal.

Vijay Sethupathi (Karuppan)

Vijay Sethupathi had a fantastic 2017. His amazing portrayal of Vedha in the film Vikram Vedha was definitely the talk of Kollywood. Apart from that, he also impressed the audiences with his act in the film Karuppan, in which he played the role of a villager.

Vishal (Thupparivaalan)

Vishal played the role of a highly skilled detective named Kaniyan Poongudran in the film Thupparivaalan. This detective had some unique characteristics and they were quite safe in the hands of an actor like Vishal.
Shares of China Mobile (CHL), the biggest wireless carrier in China, fell 4% in 2017 on concerns about a seasonal slowdown in its revenue and earnings, exacerbated by higher capex for its 5G expansion. As a China Mobile shareholder, I'm disappointed with those results. But I also don't plan to sell the stock either, since it's become too cheap to ignore for four simple reasons.

1. Its valuation

Analysts expect China Mobile's revenue and earnings to both rise 9% this year. Next year, analysts anticipate 5% sales growth and 6% earnings growth. Those growth rates are much higher than analyst expectations for US telcos AT&T (T 0.11%) and Verizon (VZ 0.74%).

Yet China Mobile trades at just 12 times trailing earnings, which is much lower than the industry average of 22 for telecom companies. AT&T and Verizon have respective P/E ratios of 19 and 14.

China Mobile is also cheaper than its direct competitors, China Unicom (CHU) and China Telecom (CHA), which respectively trade at 67 and 13 times trailing earnings.

Looking ahead, China Mobile trades at 12 times forward earnings, compared to China Unicom and China Telecom's respective forward P/E ratios of 30 and 12.

2. Its dividend

China Mobile pays semi-annual dividends, which vary annually based on its earnings growth. That yield fluctuated between 2.75% and 5% over the past five years, but it's consistently remained higher than China Unicom and China Telecom's payouts.

China Mobile also paid a special dividend last year to mark the 20th anniversary of its public listing in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, China Unicom actually withheld its dividend last year amid plummeting profits. China Telecom pays a decent 2.9% dividend yield, but it's only paid out once per year.

Income investors who want stable dividends will likely prefer AT&T and Verizon's bigger 4%-5% yields and their reliable annual hikes, but China Mobile's dividend is still a nice bonus which easily bests its domestic peers.

3. Its slow but steady growth

In the second half of 2017, several analysts expressed concerns about a sequential slowdown in China Mobile's revenue and EBITDA amid tougher competition and higher spending on network upgrades. There were also concerns about the Chinese government's decision to support the "narrow band" Internet of Things (IoT) -- a standard which China Mobile couldn't support with its existing networks.

Yet China Mobile's year-over-year growth remains positive, and its subscriber base continues to grow. It served 883.9 million wireless customers in November, representing 4.3% growth from a year earlier. Within that total, 71.7% were higher-paying 4G subscribers, compared to just 60.1% a year earlier.

China Mobile's wireline subscribers rose 42.7% to 110.1 million, giving the company more room to bundle its wireline, wireless, and pay TV services.

A growing percentage of 4G subscribers and a rising number of wireline customers gives China Mobile more room to grow its average revenues per customer.

4. Its wide safety net

China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom are all state-backed enterprises. The government regularly monitors all three companies and rotates their management to ensure that one company doesn't overwhelm the other two.

This throttles China Mobile's growth, but it also gives the company a wide safety net and prevents margin-crushing price wars. It also ensures that the three telcos cooperate on certain deals, like the sale of their towers to China Tower in late 2015. That deal allowed the telcos to lease back the towers and save hundreds of millions per year.

The key takeaways

China Mobile isn't the ideal telco for income investors, since it's somewhat volatile and US telcos offer better yields. But for investors seeking a conservative, long-term play on China's rising internet penetration rates, China Mobile is simply too cheap to ignore at these low valuations.
The tax reform law passed at the end of 2017 made massive changes to the way the U.S. government collects taxes. One of its biggest elements affected the way that corporations get taxed, with massive tax cuts for companies of nearly all sizes.

Most of the attention that corporate tax reform has gotten has gone to the largest corporations and the billions in savings they will reap. Yet when you look at the actual marginal rates, the biggest tax rate decline goes to more modestly sized small business with relatively small profits.

Why mid-sized businesses got the biggest corporate tax rate drop

The headline numbers on corporate tax reform emphasized the decline from 35% to 21% in the top corporate tax rate. The way that most reports explained the reduction made it seem as though corporations never paid more than 35% of their marginal income in taxes.

Yet when you look at the corporate tax brackets, you'll notice a strange phenomenon. The highest tax rate actually applies to corporations with incomes between $100,000 and $335,000, which are in a special 39% tax bracket.

Corporate Income Marginal Corporate Tax Rate $0 to $50,000 15% $50,000 to $75,000 25% $75,000 to $100,000 34% $100,000 to $335,000 39% $335,000 to $10 million 34% $10 million to $15 million 35% $15 million to $18,333,333 38% Above $18,333,333 35%

The reason the two bolded brackets are there has to do with the intent of lawmakers. In general, the legislation setting previous corporate tax rates intended to have two general rates: 34% and 35%. For extremely small businesses, though, lawmakers wanted lower rates to apply in order to encourage start-ups. Still, once those small businesses grew to a large enough level, the brackets were set up to take away the benefit of those lower rates.

Here's how it works. For the first $50,000 in income, corporations pay 15% in tax, a 19-percentage-point savings compared to the higher 34% rate that works out to $9,500. On income between $50,000 and $75,000, the 9-percentage-point difference works out to $2,250, for a total of $11,750.

In order to claw back that $11,750 for larger small business corporations, lawmakers established a 5-percentage-point hike in the tax rate from 34% to 39%. Corporations therefore pay an extra 5% on the $235,000 in income between $100,000 and $335,000. Five percent of $235,000 is $11,750, so once you get to $335,000, you're paying an effective rate of 34%.

A similar effect occurs for larger businesses. After paying 34% on the first $10 million, lawmakers sought to claw back the $100,000 in savings from the 1-percentage-point difference between 34% and 35%. They did so by boosting the tax rate by 3 percentage points to 38% on $3,333,333 worth of income, as 3% of $3,333,333 is $100,000.

The real impact of the new corporate tax rates

The changes to corporate tax rates makes brackets a lot simpler: there's only one, 21%, which applies to all taxable corporate income.

Notice that that rate is actually a tax increase for those at the bottom of the income spectrum. Corporations with $50,000 in income will pay $3,000 more in taxes. Those with $75,000 in income get back some of those losses but still pay a total of $2,000 more. Yet once you get to $100,000, you'll pay just $1,250 less in taxes than you otherwise would have.

For those at the top of the 39% bracket, though, income of $335,000 produces tax savings of $43,550. Put another way, the tax savings on the extra $235,000 of income between $100,000 and $335,000 results in additional savings of $42,300 -- or fully 18% of that additional income.

How small corporations could potentially get even bigger savings

Given the new flat 21% corporate tax rate, the big question facing many small corporations is actually whether it makes sense to use a corporation at all as your business entity. With substantial tax benefits available to small businesses that are set up as pass-through entities like limited liability companies, it's questionable whether many new businesses will ever choose corporate status.

Nevertheless, the fact that the tiniest corporations will pay more in tax -- and mid-sized small corporations will see the biggest marginal tax savings from corporate tax reform -- is interesting in that it went largely unnoticed in debate among lawmakers. The new rules certainly give start-ups a big incentive to grow as quickly as possible.
A Winona man who used online social media to persuade an 11-year-old girl to meet up with him in Buffalo County pleaded guilty to child sex offenses.

The nearly two-year old case was settled Wednesday in county circuit court at Alma where 33-year-old Jacob D. Vogel pleaded guilty to charges of enticing a child for sex and first degree sexual assault of a child under the age of 12.

Four other charges including false imprisonment, child sexual assault and use of a computer to facilitate a child sex crime were read into Vogels record and dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

Buffalo County Circuit Judge James Duvall remanded Vogel to county jail custody in lieu of $25,000 bond while awaiting a sentencing date scheduled for March 15.

A plea settlement negotiated by special prosecutor Shelly Rusch, a states assistant attorney general, and defense attorney Matthew Krische resolved the case in advance of a five-day jury trial was set to begin in February.

The offenses happened in March 2016, after Vogel used social media software applications to message the girl and exchange sexually explicit images.

Investigators said Vogel arranged to meet the girl in the rural Buffalo County town of Waumandee where he picked her up and pressured her to have sex in his pickup truck.

The girl later gave authorities detailed evidence of what occurred, including digital photos, videos and messaging. Agents said the girls eyeglasses and DNA were found inside Vogels truck.

Vogel was initially indicted on federal charges of interstate child pornography and crossing state lines for sex with a minor.

Federal charges were later dismissed after it was agreed to prosecute the case in Buffalo County.
A Gloucestershire farmer needed 40 stitches for a nasty cut above the eye after he was attacked by an animal rights activist during the badger cull.

Masked Daniele Rinaudo, 33, and another unknown man, attacked farmer David Barnes in Gotherington on 27 September 2015.

Gloucester Crown Court heard that Mr Rinaudo struck Mr Barnes with a torch after he had come to the help of a distressed neighbour.

See also: Read the latest news on bovine TB and the badger cull

Masked men

Sam Jones, prosecuting, said Mr Barnes had driven his Land Rover to help neighbour Ulyana Andrews, who had been terrified by the masked men shining torches into her isolated home at about 9pm that night.

She could see that the men were wearing balaclavas and feared they could be dangerous criminals.

When he arrived on the scene, Mr Barnes came across a vehicle in which Mr Rinaudo was the passenger. He approached the open window of Mr Barnes vehicle and was holding what he calls a technical torch.

The man jabbed the rear end of the torch at Mr Barnes face. Mr Barnes grabbed it from the man and threw it into the footwell of his Land Rover, Mr Jones said.

The defendant then got out of the car with a black cotton bandana over his face. He approached Mr Barnes and shone his torch into his face while the first man was still scuffling with him.

The defendant tried to jab the torch at Mr Barnes. He was effectively using the torch as a weapon.

Blow to the head

He added: Mr Barnes says the door of his Land Rover came off the vehicle and fell to the road. He got out of his vehicle and the defendant then struck him to the head while holding the torch in his hand.

It was a blow which caused significant injury to Mr Barnes head. He fell and says there was an attempted kick delivered by the other man.

Looking at pictures of Mr Barnes, taken after the incident, Judge Jamie Tabor QC said: He suffered a very nasty cut over the eye.

Mr Jones added: It was a 45mm wound which required 40 stitches. There was also an injury to the top of Mr Barnes head, which had to be glued. He received treatment at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. There is permanent scarring.

By the time police arrived at the scene, the car the defendant was travelling in had slewed into a ditch and both he and the other man had fled, Mr Jones said.

Judge Tabor commented: It is difficult to understand why the fled if they were proud of their cull monitoring activities and thought they had done nothing wrong. They left their woman driver to carry the can.

Richard Tutt, defending, said Mr Rinaudo had never done anything like this before and he deeply regretted his actions. had done various kinds of voluntary work in animal welfare and was highly though of by many, added Mr Tutt.

He accepts entirely that this must have caused concern to the householder, he said.

Mr Rinaudo, of Anns Road North, Sheffield, pleaded guilty to unlawfully wounding Mr Barnes and was sentenced to 16 months jail suspended for two years.

He was also placed under home curfew from 9pm-5am for six months, ordered to pay 1,160 compensation to Mr Barnes and also ordered to pay 500 costs.

Judge: No excuse

Judge Tabor made a two-year restraining order against Rinaudo. He told Mr Rinaudo: Badger culling is a very controversial topic. Passions run high on both sides and I am not here to decide the merits of the respective arguments.

Monitoring culling is lawful if it is monitoring and not an excuse for criminal activity such as criminal damage or violence.

On this September evening Mrs Andrews was frightened, and probably terrified, by the behaviour of this group of monitors.

Your behaviour would make right-thinking people feel that serious crime was afoot. Your benevolent feelings towards badgers does not appear to have been extended to local homeowners.

The judge said he accepted that Rinaudo was genuinely sorry and it was that, plus his previous good character and the fact that only one blow was struck, which saved him from immediate jail.
Instagram Stories can soon be used as WhatsApp Status; feature likely under testing News oi -Abhinaya Prabhu

Back in October 2017, Facebook offered the users of Instagram the flexibility to share their Instagram Stories directly on Facebook. Following the same, Facebook appears to be looking forward to bring this flexibility to WhatsApp as well.

According to a report by TechCrunch, the company is currently testing to let users post their Instagram Stories directly to WhatsApp in the form of WhatsApp Status. Notably, both WhatsApp Status and Instagram Stories are inspired by the Snapchat feature that lets users share edited photos, videos and GIFs. These statuses will automatically vanish after 24 hours just as in Snapchat. The report adds that an Instagram Story that is posted on WhatsApp as a Status will also be encrypted similar to the rest of the messaging app.

The report quotes a spokesperson stating that they are always testing new ways to enhance the user experience on Instagram and make it simpler and easier for users to share any moment with the people around them who matter the most to them.

The report goes on stating that the ability to post Instagram Stories on WhatsApp is under testing within a limited number of users. Users of Instagram will get an option to share the Stories on WhatsApp from the Instagram sharing screen and on tapping this they will be taken to WhatsApp Status. Over there, they need to hit 'Send' to post the story on WhatsApp as a Status.

A post by a local blog called TecnoBlog in Brazil that has been reporting several such sightings in the past has posted a picture with the Instagram Story on the left and the WhatsApp Status of the same on the right. Notably, the shared WhatsApp Status appears to have an Instagram icon at the bottom right corner.

There could be a few reasons for Facebook to choose to make the Instagram Stories shareable on other platforms such as WhatsApp. The first one could be to add more functionality and make the Instagram Stories those have become quite popular more usable. According to Facebook, there were over 300 million daily active users of Instagram Stories and this number outshines that of the Snapchat product that was the first one of this sort. Apparently, letting users share the same on WhatsApp will let the company generate more traffic, especially in the markets where WhatsApp is highly popular. The other reason could be to increase the usage of WhatsApp Status.

On the whole, the ability to share Instagram Stories and use them as WhatsApp Status will let Facebook increase its overall user engagement and traffic as well. This way, the company might attempt to destabilize Snapchat and other platforms.

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Microsoft releases new Windows update for Intel chip security flaw News oi -Samden Sherpa Microsoft is aware of this industry-wide issue and has been working closely with chip manufacturers to develop and test mitigations to protect its customers.

World's popular chip-maker Intel just recently confirmed a potential security flaw in its chips. Findings and reports further suggested that the security bug, if used for malicious purposes, had the potential to improperly gather sensitive data from computing devices.

However, Intel had announced that it "is committed to the product and customer security and is working closely with many other technology companies, including AMD, ARM Holdings, and several operating system vendors, to develop an industry-wide approach to resolve this issue promptly and constructively."

And now amidst all this scenario, Microsoft has now announced that it is issuing emergency updates to supported versions of Windows. According to a report by The Verge, the software update is part of a number of fixes that would protect against the processor bug in Intel as well as AMD and ARM chipsets.

"We're aware of this industry-wide issue and have been working closely with chip manufacturers to develop and test mitigations to protect our customers," Microsoft said in a statement to The Verge.

"We are in the process of deploying mitigations to cloud services and have also released security updates to protect Windows customers against vulnerabilities affecting supported hardware chips from Intel, ARM, and AMD," it added. Amazon and Google have also been reportedly working on security updates to their Cloud services and other products.

Meanwhile, the security flaw in Intel's chips makes it vulnerable to hacking. It was first discovered by a British tech website, the Register. "Recent reports that these exploits are caused by a 'bug' or a 'flaw' and are unique to Intel products are incorrect," Intel was quoted as saying.

With all sort of reports being filed Intel has also argued that "many types of computing devices -- with many different vendors' processors and operating systems -- are susceptible to these exploits."

"Intel has begun providing software and firmware updates to mitigate these exploits," the company has stated. "Intel is committed to the industry best practice of responsible disclosure of potential security issues, which is why Intel and other vendors had planned to disclose this issue next week when more software and firmware updates will be available."

Intel has also advised users to check their operating system vendor or system manufacturer and apply any available updates as soon as they are available. Security updates are always an important one generally.

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Government gives free Acer laptops to 31,000 degree college students News oi -Samden Sherpa The Acer laptops were purchased through a tender process for Rs. 45 crore, with each costing Rs. 14,490.

While the government is working towards empowering citizens digitally through the Digital India scheme, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has now announced that his state government body is now gifting free laptops to qualified students in colleges.

As per the recent report, the CM is gifting laptops to about 31,000-degree college students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). It seems like a good move as selected students will be able to do much more. However, as part of the initiative, all the laptops will have two stickers - a state government logo and a picture of Siddaramaiah affixed on the top.

"The Acer laptops were purchased through a tender process for Rs. 45 crore, with each costing Rs. 14,490. It meets the requirement of the students studying in 412 state-run and state-aided colleges and 85 polytechnics across the state," an official told IANS.

As for the offering, the laptops come with Windows 10 version and are configured with an Intel quad processor, 1 terra byte (TB) hard drive, 4 gigabytes (GB) of Random Access Memory (RAM) and a 14-inch screen. This sounds like a good deal for the students.

"All the laptops will be distributed to the SC/ST students in backpacks through their respective colleges across the state under the 'Free Laptop Scheme' by the state higher education department in a fortnight," said the official.

Siddaramaiah, who also holds the finance portfolio, made Rs. 300 crore budgetary provision to purchase the laptops for 1.8 lakh college students of all categories across the state during fiscal 2017-18.

Though a decision to gift free laptops to students in degree and professional courses was taken by the government in July last year, the scheme could not be fully implemented due to procedural delays.

"The remaining 1.5 lakh laptops for students of general and other categories will be distributed soon, as a separate tender has been floated to buy them," added the official.

In a related development, the state cabinet on Tuesday also decided to distribute bicycles to all students of class 8 in state-run and state-aided schools across the state in 2018-19 at an estimated cost of Rs. 185 crore.

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U.S. Department of Defense

Press Operations

News Release

No. NR-003-18 January 03, 2018

DoD Announces Defense Enterprise Science Initiative to Support University-Industry Basic Research

The Department of Defense (DoD) announced an award competition for the Defense Enterprise Science Initiative (DESI), a new pilot program that supports university-industry collaboration on use-inspired basic research. DESI is sponsored by the Basic Research Office, Office of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and executed in collaboration with the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, the Air Force Research Laboratory, and the Army Research Office.

DESI incentivizes use-inspired basic research, or a scientific study directed toward increasing fundamental knowledge and understanding in the context of end-use applications. Projects funded by DESI will bring together university and industry teams with the aim of discovering novel solutions to challenging defense and national security problems. Through these projects, DESI aims to accelerate the impact of basic research results on defense capabilities, inform existing or future acquisition programs, and support sustainable collaboration between the nation's universities and the private sector.

This year's announcement is themed around technologies to enable a new generation of sensing, mobility, and autonomy. Research topics include power beaming, highlymaneuverable autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle, soft active composites, and metamaterialbased antennas. Additional topic areas identified by the applicants will also be considered.

For more information, please see the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA9550-18-S-B001 at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=299112.

http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/1407566/

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USS Frank Cable Arrives Hawaii

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS180103-05

Release Date: 1/3/2018 9:48:00 AM

From USS Frank Cable Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- The submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Jan. 2.

Frank Cable is currently in route to its homeport at Naval Base Guam, following more than eight months in a scheduled dry-dock phase maintenance availability (DPMA) in Portland, Oregon.

Frank Cable departed from Guam, March 7 for DPMA where it went through a main reduction gear foundation repair and shafting, a collection holding tank replacement and received more than 600,000 pounds of renewed steel to enhance survivability and watertight resistance.

"The crew is excited to visit Hawaii after a successful Dry-dock Phase Maintenance Availability in Portland, Oregon," said Capt. Jeff Farah, commanding officer, Frank Cable. "They have worked incredibly hard over the past nine months and I am extremely proud of each and every one of them."

While this is a working port, said Farah. "We are all looking forward to enjoying all that Hawaii has to offer before continuing home to our families and friends in Guam."

Under the two-tender concept, the crews of USS Frank Cable and USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) work together to repair, re-supply and re-arm submarines and surface vessels forward deployed to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

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USS Wasp (LHD 1) Arrives in Pearl Harbor for Port Visit

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS180103-19

Release Date: 1/3/2018 1:21:00 PM

From Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet Public Affairs

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, for a final port call en route to her new homeport of Sasebo, Japan, Dec. 28.

Following its return from the Wasp's first deployment in more than a decade, the ship entered a six-month maintenance availability, and proceeded to a compressed work-up schedule in preparation for the upcoming transit to Japan.

Wasp departed Norfolk, Virginia, Aug. 30, but was diverted to the Caribbean in the wake of hurricanes Irma and Maria, Sept. 4. The crew spent the next two months providing humanitarian assistance to the U.S. Virgin Islands and the island nation of Dominca, and worked extensively to assist with repairing the devastated infrastructure of Puerto Rico.

The visit in Hawaii provides the crew a tangible progression for a homeport shift that has been nearly two years in the making.

While in port, the crew will have the opportunity to enjoy some well-deserved liberty; they will also load stores and make preparations for the final leg of their journey to Sasebo, where they will relieve USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) as the Amphibious Force 7th Fleet flagship.

Wasp is the 10th United States naval ship to bear the name, and the first ship of the LHD class. The ship is a low-draft, mission-focused, ocean-going vessel, which as a part of the surface fleet has the ability to counter and outpace evolving threats both independently or within a network of surface combatants. Its broad spectrum of both flight deck and well deck capabilities make the ship ideal for amphibious and aerial combat operations, as well as the ideal platform for humanitarian relief scenarios.

The upcoming homeport shift to the 7th Fleet area of responsibility will afford Wasp the opportunity to demonstrate her newest capability - showcasing the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter as it operates for the first time in an operational environment overseas.

U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces throughout the Pacific theater of operations in coordination with U.S. 7th Fleet to promote ongoing peace, security, and stability.

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USS Carney Brings in New Year in Brindisi Italy

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS180103-13

Release Date: 1/3/2018 10:17:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James Turner USS Carney Public Affairs

BRINDISI, Italy (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) arrived in Brindisi, Italy, Dec. 30 for a scheduled port visit, giving the crew a chance to bring in the New Year and celebrate the U.S.-Italy relations as the two nations work together for a stable and secure Europe.

The ship's presence in the Mediterranean Sea is a demonstration of the U.S. Navy's continued commitment to the collective security of the European region.

"My crew and I are overjoyed to be in Brindisi for the New Year," said Cmdr. Peter F. Halvorsen, commanding officer of Carney. "Brindisi has been an important port in the Mediterranean since Roman times, and our visit shows the strong ties we have with Italy and Europe."

Quick Facts:

Strengthening partnerships during the port visit to Brindisi builds enduring relationships. It is the first visit to Brindisi since the USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) visited in 2001.

Previous port visits to Italy include Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers USS Monterey (CG 61) in November 2017, USS Hue City (CG 66) in August 2017 and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) in December 2016.

USS Carney (DDG 64), forward-deployed to Rota, Spain is currently conducting a routine patrol to support U.S. national security interests in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.

The U.S. 6th Fleet command ship, USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), is homeported in Gaeta, Italy.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

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USS Carney Departs Brindisi, Italy

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS180103-09

Release Date: 1/3/2018 9:59:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James Turner USS Carney Public Affairs

BRINDISI, Italy (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) departed Brindisi, Italy, Jan. 2, 2017, after a scheduled port visit.

The port visit was the first for a U.S. naval ship to Brindisi since 2001, and was the third for the Carney during its fourth forward-deployed patrol in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.

While in Brindisi, the crew enjoyed liberty, cultural exchanges, and were able to see some of southern Italy's historical and cultural treasures.

"The crew and I enjoyed our stay in Brindisi," said Cmdr. Peter F. Halvorsen, commanding officer of Carney. "We are thankful for the hospitality of our Italian hosts as we brought in the New Year. It was an absolute honor for the crew to be the first U.S. Navy warship to moor here in more than 16 years."

Previous port visits to Italy include Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers USS Monterey (CG 61) in November 2017, USS Hue City (CG 66) in August 2017 and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) in December 2016.

USS Carney (DDG 64), forward-deployed to Rota, Spain is conducting a routine patrol to support U.S. national security interests in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations, and demonstrate a continued commitment to the collective security of the European region.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

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Norway suspends arms exports to UAE over Yemen War

Iran Press TV

Wed Jan 3, 2018 11:12AM

Norway has suspended arms exports to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over concerns that the weapons could be used in the deadly Saudi-led military campaign against Yemen, in which Abu Dhabi has played an active role.

Under the existing circumstances, permits for arms export to the UAE have been temporarily revoked and no new licenses will be issued, the Norwegian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

So far, there has been no evidence about the use of Norwegian-manufactured weapons in the war on Yemen, but the UAE's involvement in the military campaign could involve that risk, the ministry noted.

According to Statistics Norway data, Norwegian arms exports to the UAE rose from $5 million in 2015 to $9.7 million in 2016.

Abu Dhabi has served as the key ally of Saudi Arabia in the latter's military offensive against Yemen which was launched in 2015 to restore the former Riyadh-allied government. Emirati Elite Forces have been fighting on the ground in Yemen since then.

In June 2016, American news website The Daily Beast published an investigation bankrolled by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism NGO, which said militants backed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) had reportedly kidnapped and tortured hundreds of people in southern Yemen.

The probe said the militants, who would fight under the banner of the Elite Forces, had separated the men away from their homes and brought them to a secret prison compound in southern Yemen, where they were tortured.

Earlier in 2016, the United Nations had likewise reported an increase in forced disappearances in the country's south.

Local rights activists and the abductees' families told the investigators that the situation at al-Riyyan Airport - used for incarceration - compared to that of the notorious US-run prisons such as Guantanamo Bay in Cuba and Abu Ghraib in Iraq.

According to various reports, Abu Dhabi holds notable sway in southern Yemen and looks to be trying to expand its leverage there by lending support to southern separatist groups.

At least 13,600 people have been killed since the onset of the Saudi-led war against Yemen in 2015. Much of the Arabian Peninsula country's infrastructure, including hospitals, schools and factories, has been reduced to rubble.

The Saudi-led war has also triggered deadly cholera and diphtheria epidemics nationwide.

According to the World Health Organization's latest count, the cholera outbreak has killed 2,167 people since the end of April and is suspected to have infected 841,906.

The UN has described the current level of hunger in Yemen as "unprecedented," emphasizing that 17 million people are now food insecure.

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Palestinians won't be blackmailed by US threat to cut aid: PLO official

Iran Press TV

Wed Jan 3, 2018 07:54AM

The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) has voiced anger at a threat by US President Donald Trump to cut off aid to the UN's Palestinian refugee agency, saying the nation "will not be blackmailed."

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Hanan Ashrawi, a member of the PLO's Executive Committee, condemned Trump's decision last month to recognize Jerusalem al-Quds as the "capital" of Israel and move the American embassy from Tel Aviv to the occupied city.

"By recognizing Occupied Jerusalem [al-Quds] as Israel's capital, Donald Trump has not only violated international law, but he has also singlehandedly destroyed the very foundations of peace and condoned Israel's illegal annexation of the city," she said. "We will not be blackmailed."

Trump's policy shift on Jerusalem al-Quds led Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to formally declare that Palestinians would no longer accept the US as a mediator to help resolve the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict as Washington is "completely biased" towards Tel Aviv.

In a series of tweets on Tuesday, Trump said that the US pays "the Palestinians HUNDRED OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS a year" and yet gets "no appreciation or respect."

"But with the Palestinians no longer willing to talk peace, why should we make any of these massive future payments to them?" he asked.

Ashrawi further stressed that "Palestinian rights are not for sale."

The US president "sabotaged our search for peace, freedom and justice. Now he dares to blame the Palestinians for the consequences of his own irresponsible actions!" the PLO official added.

Trump's tweets came hours after US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley said that the Trump administration was considering clamping down on funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency, which provides aid to millions of Palestinian refugees.

"He doesn't want to give any additional funding until the Palestinians agree to come back to the negotiation table, and what we saw with the resolution was not helpful to the situation," she said.

Official reports said the US was the largest donor to the agency, with a pledge of nearly 370 million dollars as of 2016.

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Trump threatens to withhold financial aid to Palestinians

Iran Press TV

Wed Jan 3, 2018 02:12AM

US President Donald Trump has threatened to withhold future aid payments to the Palestinian Authority (PA), saying the body is no longer willing to engage in peace talks with Israel.

Trump made the announcement in a series of tweets on Tuesday, admitting that the peace process brokered by Washington had stalled and threatening to cut the US aid to Palestinians, currently worth more than 300 million dollars a year.

"We pay the Palestinians HUNDRED OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS a year and get no appreciation or respect," Trump tweeted.

"With the Palestinians no longer willing to talk peace, why should we make any of these massive future payments to them?" he noted.

Earlier in the day, US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley had also disclosed plans by Washington to cut funding to a UN agency that provides humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees.

"The President has basically said he does not want to give any additional funding, or stop funding, until the Palestinians agree to come back to the negotiation table," Haley told reporters when asked about future US funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees.

"The Palestinians now have to show to the world that they want to come to the table. As of now, they're not coming to the table but they asked for aid. We're not giving the aid, we're going to make sure that they come to the table and we want to move forward with the peace process," she said.

Official reports said the US was the largest donor to the agency, with a pledge of nearly 370 million dollars as of 2016.

Earlier this week, the Palestinian Authority temporarily called back its ambassador to Washington to discuss the future of its ties with the United States.

Tensions between the US and Palestinians started escalating after Trump announced last month that Washington would recognize Jerusalem al-Quds as the capital of Israel and would relocate the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to the occupied city.

Palestinians condemned the decision, asserting that the US has no credibility as a Middle East peace broker.

The dramatic shift in Washington's policy vis-a-vis the city triggered demonstrations in the occupied Palestinian territories, Iran, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, Algeria, Iraq, Morocco and other Muslim countries.

On December 21, the United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly voted in favor of a resolution that calls on the US to withdraw its controversial recognition of Jerusalem al-Quds as Israeli "capital."

In an attempt to avert the resolution, Trump had warned that "we're watching," threatening reprisals against countries that backed the measure, which earlier faced a US veto at the UN Security Council.

Israel, however, rejected the world body's resolution while thanking Trump for his decision to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem al-Quds.

Jerusalem al-Quds remains at the core of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Palestinians hoping that the eastern part of the city would eventually serve as the capital of a future independent Palestinian state.

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Yemeni army, allies killed nearly 400 Saudi soldiers, 894 mercenaries in 2017: Report

Iran Press TV

Wed Jan 3, 2018 04:31PM

Yemeni army soldiers, backed by allied fighters from the Popular Committees, killed nearly 400 Saudi soldiers and hundreds of Saudi-backed militiamen loyal to Yemen's resigned president, Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, last year in retaliation for the Riyadh regime's deadly military campaign against the crisis-hit country.

The Yemeni Joint Operations Command announced in a statement on Wednesday that Yemeni forces shot and killed 399 soldiers in the kingdom's southwestern border regions, and fatally shot 894 Saudi mercenaries across Yemen in 2017, Yemen's official news agency SABA reported.

The statement added that Yemeni soldiers and their allies also destroyed eight M1 Abrams main battle tanks, 196 armored vehicles, 31 tanks and 1,337 military vehicles during the mentioned period.

Yemeni naval forces also struck two gunboats, four battleships, a spy submarine and a frigate last year.

Moreover, the country's air defense units and fighters from the Popular Committees intercepted and shot down two General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft, one McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle warplane, two Boeing AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk utility helicopter, a Predator B unmanned aerial vehicle as well as 19 reconnaissance aircraft.

Yemeni forces also launched a total of 45 domestically-produced ballistic missiles, including three solid propellant and Scud-type Borkan-1 (Volcano-1) ones, three Borkan-2 (Volcano-2) missiles and three long-range Borkan H-2 missiles into the positions of Saudi troopers and Saudi-backed militiamen.

Additionally, Yemeni army forces and their allies lobbed a total of 293 homemade and tactical rockets at the gatherings of Saudi soldiers and their mercenaries throughout last year.

At least 13,600 people have been killed since the onset of Saudi Arabia's military campaign against Yemen in 2015. Much of the Arabian Peninsula country's infrastructure, including hospitals, schools and factories, has been reduced to rubble due to the war.

The Saudi-led war has also triggered a deadly cholera epidemic across Yemen.

According to the World Health Organization's latest tally, the cholera outbreak has killed 2,167 people since the end of April and is suspected to have infected 841,906.

On November 26, the United Nations children's agency (UNICEF) said that more than 11 million children in Yemen were in acute need of aid, stressing that it was estimated that every 10 minutes a child died of a preventable disease there.

Additionally, the UN has described the current level of hunger in Yemen as "unprecedented," emphasizing that 17 million people are now food insecure in the country.

It added that 6.8 million, meaning almost one in four people, do not have enough food and rely entirely on external assistance.

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McMaster Says U.S. Must Reveal 'Insidious' Russian Meddling To Prevent Further Attacks

RFE/RL January 03, 2018

WASHINGTON -- Top White House adviser H.R. McMaster says one of the most important tasks in defending U.S. national security is to reveal Russia's "insidious" interference in elections worldwide to prevent Moscow from meddling again in the democratic process.

"What we have to do is come up with a way to deal with this very sophisticated strategy [of meddling]," McMaster, U.S. President Donald Trump's national security adviser, told Voice of America (VOA) in an interview conducted at the White House on January 2.

"This new kind of threat that Russia has really perfected...the use of disinformation and propaganda and social-media tools to really polarize societies and pit communities against each other, to weaken their resolve and their commitment," McMaster said.

U.S. intelligence officials concluded last January that Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an "influence campaign" targeting the 2016 election, aiming to undermine confidence in U.S. democracy, tarnish the reputation of Democrat Hillary Clinton, and help Republican Donald Trump.

Officials in Europe have also concluded that Russia attempted to meddle in elections there, including in France, Spain, and the Brexit vote in Britain.

McMaster said that "insidious is the right word" to describe Russia's actions.

"So, one of the most important remedies is to pull the curtain back on it to show this activity, to show what the source of this activity is -- what the purpose of this activity is," he said.

"And so doing this, you're going to undercut a lot of their ability to exert that kind of negative influence on our society or others.

"The Russians were very active in Europe...in the French election recently, in the Spanish referendum in regards to Catalonia [independence]. You see them active in Mexico already. I mean, what they did in Montenegro to try to foment a coup," he said.

"Pulling the curtain back on Russia's destabilizing behavior, I think, is a very important first step, because once everybody sees what they're up to, they lose a lot of their power to foment [trouble] and to pit communities against each other."

McMaster noted that Russia has denied interfering in the U.S. or other elections, but he labeled it as "implausible deniability."

He said the Russians "are the same people" who denied they shot down Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 and "murdered" 298 people, that "they have soldiers in Crimea or eastern Ukraine," or that they are providing cover for the Syrian regime of President Bashar al-Assad and his alleged use of chemical weapons.

Dutch investigators and others say a Malaysia Airlines passenger plane that crashed in a conflict zone in eastern Ukraine in July 2014 was brought down by a Russian-made surface-to-air missile.

The United States and other Western countries have imposed sanctions on Russia for its illegal annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region and for its support of separatists in eastern Ukraine in a war that has killed more than 10,300 people since 2014.

"[The denials are] just not credible anymore," he said. "So, what we need to do, I think, with Russia is confront their destabilization behavior. As I mentioned, pull the curtain back on it."

Nevertheless, he added, it was important for the United States to find ways to cooperate with Russia.

"We also have to deter further conflict with Russia," he said. "What we'd like to do is find areas where we can cooperate with Russia in areas where our interests overlap," he said.

"One of those areas we've been talking about is in North Korea and other is in Iran.

"How can it be in Russia's interest to help empower Iran from the Middle East? They're going to pay a huge price for that," he added.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/mcmaster-russia-election-meddling- insidious-implausible-deniability/28953524.html

Copyright (c) 2018. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Norway Suspends Licenses for Exporting Arms to UAE  Foreign Ministry

Sputnik News

16:29 03.01.2018(updated 16:56 03.01.2018)

STOCKHOLM (Sputnik) - Norway has decided to suspend all valid licenses for exports of weapons and ammunition to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to its involvement in the armed conflict in Yemen, the Norwegian Foreign Ministry said in a press release on Wednesday.

"Following a comprehensive assessment of the situation in Yemen and the increasing risk associated with the United Arab Emirates' military involvement in Yemen, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs decided on 19 December 2017 to suspend valid licenses for A-materials (weapons and ammunition) to the United Arab Emirates," the press release read.

The ministry noted that new export licenses of A-materials to the United Arab Emirates would not be granted in this situation. The press release added that there was no information about Norwegian ammunition being used in Yemen, but the decision was an expression of the country's hard line on the issue of arms exports.

"Norway generally has very strict legislation and relevant guidelines for exports of weapons, ammunition and other military equipment," Norwegian Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Soreide said, as quoted in the press release.

The ministry stressed that the development of the armed conflict in Yemen in the fall of 2017 had been serious, and there were grave concerns about the humanitarian situation in the region. In this regard, the Norwegian Foreign Ministry is closely following the situation in Yemen and makes thorough individual assessments of each application for export licenses, "especially considering the risk of using Norwegian defense materials in Yemen and human rights violations," the press release added.

Yemen has been engulfed in a military conflict since 2015, with the government of President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi fighting against the Houthi rebels, backed by army units loyal to former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh. Since March 2015, the Saudi-led coalition of mostly Persian Gulf Arab countries has been carrying out airstrikes against the Houthis in Yemen under Hadi's request.

In November, tensions between the rebels and Saleh escalated and shortly after reaffirming the end of his alliance with the Houthis, Saleh was killed by the rebels.

 Sputnik

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Trump Threatens to Cut Off Aid to Palestine Unless Peace Negotiations Resume

Sputnik News

01:45 03.01.2018(updated 02:20 03.01.2018)

US President Donald Trump wrote a pair of tweets on Tuesday where he questioned why the US was continuing to give "massive" amounts of money in aid payments to Palestine if they were "no longer willing to talk peace" with Israel.

In the tweets, Trump noted that the US pays "hundreds of million dollars a year" to Palestine in foreign aid but receives "no appreciation or respect for it." He implied that the money flow will stop if the Palestinians do not return to the negotiating table with the Israelis.

"We have taken Jerusalem, the toughest part of the negotiation, off the table," said Trump, referring to his controversial December decision to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem  a city that Israel considers to be its capital but the international community writ large does not.

In December, Trump also threatened to end foreign assistance to countries that voted in the UN to condemn his decision to move the embassy. "Let them vote against us. We'll save a lot. We don't care. But this isn't like it used to be where they could vote against you and then you pay them hundreds of millions of dollars and nobody knows what they're doing," Trump reportedly said during a cabinet meeting. He also threatened to pull US funding of the UN.

While Trump has been known for indulging in idle threats and tough talk over Twitter, he sometimes does deliver. On Monday, he vowed to put an end to foreign aid to Pakistan in retribution for their alleged harboring of Islamic terror groups. The next day, US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley announced that some $255 million in US foreign aid payments to Pakistan would indeed come to a halt.

According to foreignassistance.gov, the US paid $291 million to Palestine in 2017. An additional $251 million in aid is planned for 2018. Foreign aid to Palestine peaked in 2009, when the US gave over $1 billion.

By comparison, the US gives $3.1 billion in aid to Israel every year  in 2017, only Afghanistan received more.

 Sputnik

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North Korea leader orders hotline with South reopened

Iran Press TV

Wed Jan 3, 2018 06:32AM

North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un has given an order to reopen a cross-border telephone hotline with South Korea, as Pyongyang and Seoul make overtures to one another.

An unidentified North Korean official said in a televised statement that Kim had on Wednesday ordered the telephone hotline restored in Panmunjom, the "truce village" that is located at the heavily-guarded demilitarized zone (DMZ), where the Koreas have historically held talks.

South Korean Unification Ministry spokesman was also quoted by AFP as saying on Wednesday that North Korea's Central Television (KCTV) "said the North will open a dialog channel with the South at 3:30 p.m. (0630 GMT) today."

The telephone line had long been a contact point for exchanging messages between the two Koreas. The North, however, stopped using it after the South's ousted president Park Geun-hye shut down a joint industrial complex in the North Korean town of Kaesong in early 2016.

Later in the day, the South's Unification Ministry said in a statement that Seoul had begun preliminary contacts with Pyongyang on the reopened communication system.

It said officials were first trying to examine whether the communication lines were working well.

The two Koreas have long had strained ties. Tensions recently skyrocketed with repeated North Korean missile and nuclear tests and increased South Korean joint military action with the United States.

However, a series of overtures between the two Koreas began when Kim used his annual New Year address to express interest in dialog with the South as well as in North Korean participation in the Winter Olympic Games, to be held in the South Korean city of Pyeongchang from February 9 to 25.

South Korea quickly responded by proposing high-level talks with the North on January 9.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who has long favored engagement to ease the tensions with the North, earlier on Tuesday welcomed Kim's suggestion of an opportunity to launch new dialog.

North Korea is yet to respond to the South's specific offer of high-level talks. In his address, Kim had merely said the Winter Olympics could provide a reason for officials from the two Koreas "to meet in the near future," without specifying the level of potential talks.

The last high-level talks between the two neighbors was held in December 2015 to ease border tensions but ended without any agreement.

Over the past two years, Pyongyang has quickly advanced its nuclear and missile weapons programs to counter threats from the US and its regional allies  South Korea included.

Washington has now sought to downplay the prospect of talks between the Koreas, saying talks are futile if North Korea does not denuclearize.

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Haley warns of 'tougher measures' if North Korea stages new missile test

Iran Press TV

Wed Jan 3, 2018 05:02AM

US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley says North Korea is possibly preparing for a new missile test, warning of "tougher measures" against the South Asian country.

"(W)e hear reports that North Korea might be preparing for another missile test," Haley told reporters at the United Nations in New York on Tuesday.

"I hope that doesn't happen. But if it does, we must bring even tougher measures to bear against the North Korean regime."

Her remarks come as President Donald Trump on Tuesday made a sharp retort to the North Korean leader's recent threat that he had a nuclear button on his desk, saying his nuclear button "is a much bigger & more powerful one than his."

Kim Jong-un used his televised New Year's Day speech to warn that "the entire United States is within range of our nuclear weapons, and a nuclear button is always on my desk. This is reality, not a threat."

But Kim said he was "open to dialogue" with South Korea. He said the Winter Olympics could provide a reason for officials from the two Koreas "to meet in the near future."

Elsewhere in her remarks, Haley dismissed proposed high-level talks between North Korea and South Korea, saying it would not take any talks seriously unless Pyongyang abandons its nuclear weapons program.

Her dismissive assessment of the talks stands in contrast to the US State Department's more cautious response.

The White House and the State Department denied that  in offering to send a delegation to South Korea for the Winter Olympics in February  Kim succeeded in driving a wedge between Washington and Seoul.

However, there was an obvious gap between Haley's remarks and South Korea's willingness expressed earlier on Tuesday to talk with the North "at any time and place, and in any form."

South Korean Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon suggested the talks be held next week in the border village of Panmunjom, where they last held contacts two years ago.

Calling the North "a very reckless regime," Haley said, "North Korea can talk with anyone they want but the US is not going to recognize it or acknowledge it until they agree to ban the nuclear weapons that they have."

Pyongyang has repeatedly defended its weapons program as being defensive in nature and a deterrent against hostility by foreign powers.

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Trump boasts of bigger 'nuclear button' than Kim Jong-un's

Iran Press TV

Wed Jan 3, 2018 03:20AM

US President Donald Trump has made a sharp retort to the North Korean leader's recent threat that he had a nuclear button on his desk, saying his nuclear button "is a much bigger & more powerful one than his."

"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!" Trump said in a tweet on Tuesday.

The US president's reply came a day after Kim used his televised New Year's Day speech to warn Washington that, "The entire United States is within range of our nuclear weapons, and a nuclear button is always on my desk. This is reality, not a threat."

During his address, the North Korean leader stressed the importance of reducing military tensions on the Korean peninsula, also expressing an interest in dialogue with South Korea.

North Korea has been under a raft of harsh UN sanctions since 2006 over its nuclear tests as well as multiple rocket and missile launches. Pyongyang has firmly defended its military program as a deterrent against the hostile policies of the US and its regional allies, including South Korea and Japan.

On November 29, North Korea said it had successfully tested a new missile that put the US mainland within range of its nuclear weapons. It also declared itself a "nuclear state."

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Trump Says U.S. 'Nuclear Button' Much Bigger Than North Korea's

January 03, 2018

U.S. President Donald Trump has responded to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's boast that he has a "nuclear button" on his desk by warning that the United States has a "bigger and more powerful" nuclear trigger.

"North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the 'Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times'," Trump tweeted on January 2.

"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!"

Kim in his annual New Year's address had warned he had what he called a "nuclear button" on his desk and weapons that he claimed can reach all of the United States, but he said he would only use the weapons if Pyongyang's security was threatened.

"This is a reality, not a threat," Kim said, while he also extended an invitation to South Korea to restart talks and said his country was interested in taking part in the Pyeongchang Games next month.

Trump said he was skeptical about any reopening of talks between the two sides, but South Korea responded positively by proposing high-level talks with Pyongyang on January 9.

If the meeting goes ahead, it would be the first time the two sides have met in more than two years.

Meanwhile, North Korea on January 3 reopened a cross-border hotline with South Korea, a further sign of a thawing in relations between the rivals.

The communication link, which had not been used since 2016 because of an intensifying dispute over the North's nuclear and ballistic-missile programs, was reestablished at the border village of Panmunjom in the demilitarized zone on January 3.

"I believe it signals a move toward an environment where communication will be possible at all times," South Korean presidential spokesman Yoon Young-chan said.

Based on reporting by AP, AFP, Yonhap, and dpa

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/korea-us-trump- kim-nuclear-button/28952520.html

Copyright (c) 2018. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Pyongyang, Seoul Hold Phone Call Via Reopened Hotline  S Korean Official

Sputnik News

11:21 03.01.2018(updated 15:39 03.01.2018)

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The North and South Korean liaison officers have held a phone conversation via the reopened communication channel in Panmunjom, the shared border village, South Korea's Unification Ministry official said, as quoted by the Yonhap news agency.

"The call has been made between the South and North's liaison officers in Panmunjom," the official said.

According to the news agency, the phone call took place at 15:30 local time [06:30 GMT]. The two sides confirmed that the telephone and fax machines were operating normally.

No further details regarding the phone call have been provided.

Earlier in the day, a high-ranking North Korean official said that the country's leader Kim Jong-un had ordered to reopen a contact channel between Pyongyang and Seoul to discuss issues related to the upcoming Olympic games in Pyeongchang.

The day before, South Korea's Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon proposed holding high-level talks on January 9 between the two countries at the demilitarized zone, in Panmunjom in order to discuss the issue of North Korean athletes participating in the upcoming Olympics, slated for February 9-25.

However, following the proposition, US Envoy to the United Nations Nikki Haley said that the US would not recognize any possible talks between the North and the South unless the talks resulted in a ban of all nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula.

 Sputnik

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Sharp Reactions in Congress to Trump Tweet on North Korea

By Michael Bowman January 03, 2018

U.S. President Donald Trump's tweet warning North Korea's leader that he has a "Nuclear Button" that is "much bigger & more powerful" than Kim Jong Un's set off a series of sharp reactions Wednesday on Capitol Hill as the Senate gaveled in for its first day of business in 2018.

"It's embarrassing, it's counterproductive and it's dangerous," said Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland, the Foreign Relations Committee's top Democrat.

"It puts the president of the United States in the position of being a fool or deadly serious [about ordering a nuclear strike]," Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island told VOA. "We don't need that."

But Republican Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming had a different view about the wisdom of the provocative presidential tweet, saying: "We finally have a president who is actually dealing with the problem at hand, instead of what we've seen previously, which was ignoring the problem."

Vice President Mike Pence echoed that view in an exclusive interview with VOA on Wednesday.

"President Trump has provided a kind of clear leadership on the world stage that has made immeasurable progress particularly with regard to North Korea," Pence said. "President Trump made it clear [that] America will not be bullied, America will not be threatened."

On 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!"

No such button

Nuclear experts have pointed out that, in fact, no such physical button exists. Rather, U.S. presidents have access at all times to communications equipment for ordering a nuclear launch.

The system allows America to respond promptly to a nuclear attack from abroad. A growing number of Democrats have insisted that a preemptive U.S. nuclear strike against North Korea or any other adversary would require authorization from Congress as an act of war.

"He [Trump] doesn't have a [nuclear] button he can use without us. No wars without Congress, period," Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia told VOA. "We [lawmakers] better make sure we hold him accountable for that and give him a little Constitutional education."

Late last year, Democrats introduced a bill that would prohibit a U.S. president "from using the Armed Forces to conduct a first-use nuclear strike unless such strike is conducted pursuant to a congressional declaration of war expressly authorizing such strike."

At a recent Senate hearing examining presidential nuclear authority, Republicans cautioned against creating any doubts on the world stage about America's nuclear deterrent and its determination to respond to threats.

"Every single word that's been uttered here this morning in this hearing is going to be analyzed in Pyongyang, and they are going to look very carefully at how we, the American people, view this," declared Senator James Risch of Idaho.

"One of the things that voters think about when they elect someone to the office of president of the United States is whether or not they want to entrust them with this [nuclear] capability," said Senator Marco Rubio of Florida.

Odd timing

Trump's tweet came amid tentative steps to reestablish and broaden communications between North Korea and South Korea.

North Korea reopened a cross-border communications channel with South Korea on Wednesday, the first significant sign the bitter rivals are seeking to improve relations after years of rising tensions.

The sudden thaw in frosty ties between North and South Korea began Monday, when North Korean leader Kim Jong Un used his annual New Year's Day address to call for direct talks with Seoul and to announce his willingness to send a negotiating team to South Korea to discuss his country's possible participation next month in the upcoming Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.

Seoul responded Tuesday by offering to hold talks with North Korean diplomats next week, January 9, in Panmunjom. The meeting would be the first high-level inter-Korean talks since December 2015.

Democrats accused Trump of sabotaging diplomacy at a critical moment.

"The president always undercuts diplomacy," Kaine said. "If you undermine diplomacy, you raise the risk of unnecessary war."

Pence, by contrast, argued that, under Trump's leadership, an unprecedented amount of non-military pressure is being brought to bear on North Korea.

"After decades of North Korea stalling and ignoring the world community and continuing to develop nuclear and ballistic missiles, we're now literally beginning to see movement among nations in the region. China is doing more than ever before," the vice president said.

While some Republican lawmakers simply ignore Trump's most provocative tweets, Democrats continue to blast the president's social media messaging.

"I don't let my 11-year-old have a Twitter account, and I would suggest that somebody in the White House might want to do a better job of controlling the president's Twitter account," New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich told VOA.

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India to buy $260mn worth of Israeli missiles, Russian bombs

Iran Press TV

Wed Jan 3, 2018 03:44PM

The Indian Defense Ministry has authorized major arms deals with Israel and Russia, as the country steps up efforts to modernize its military amid territorial disputes with neighbors China and Pakistan.

Under the first deal that the ministry announced on Tuesday, the Indian Navy would receive up to 131 Barak surface-to-air missiles worth $72 million, AFP reported.

The missiles are probably of the Barak 8 type that Israeli weapons manufacturer Rafael has jointly developed with its Indian partners and would be used to replace India's aging Barak 1 air defense systems.

The weapons would also be deployed onboard India's first locally built aircraft carrier, the INS Vikrant, which is still under construction.

The news came a fortnight ahead of a high-profile visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel is one of the top three weapons suppliers to India.

Last year, the Indian Navy had announced a global tender for 10 short-range surface-to-air missile systems and 600 missiles at the cost of about $1.5 billion.

But the time-consuming process prompted Indian officials to drop the plan and go ahead with a follow-on offering of Barak missiles.

Last year, New Delhi granted a $2 billion deal to another Israeli firm - Israeli Aerospace Industries - in order to equip the Indian Army and Navy with missile defense systems.

Days before finalizing the Barak deal, India informed Rafael that it was cancelling a $500 million agreement for 1,600 Spike anti-tank missiles. New Delhi agreed to the contract in 2014, preferring the Israeli missiles over the Javelin system offered by Washington.

The Indian Defense Ministry says it would instead invest the money in a domestic alternative that the state-owned Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has promised to deliver in four years.

Bomb deal with Russia

As an extension of its wide-ranging military cooperation with Russia, the Indian Defense Ministry also announced a $188 million deal to buy 240 bombs from Russia's JSC Rosonboron Exports.

"This procurement will address the deficiency of precision-guided munitions in the IAF (Indian Air Force) arsenal, besides enhancing the offensive capabilities of the IAF," it said in a statement.

In late December, Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said Moscow was looking forward to finalizing a contract to supply India with four to five regiments of S-400 Triumf advanced Air Defense Systems.

India has signed a number of major military deals since 2014, the year Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power.

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Iranians hold nationwide rallies to denounce riots, back Islamic establishment

Iran Press TV

Wed Jan 3, 2018 08:37AM

Iranians from all walks of life have taken to the streets of several cities to renew their allegiance to the Islamic establishment and condemn the recent wave of deadly violence in some areas.

Holding banners and national flags, the demonstrators chanted pro-government slogans during the mass rallies which were held in different towns and cities, including Ahvaz, Kermanshah, Bushehr, Abadan, Gorgan and Qom.

Several other cities are slated to hold similar rallies on Thursday, while Tehrani residents will hold a rally following the Friday prayers.

Last week, a number of peaceful protests over economic grievances started in several cities, but those gatherings suspiciously changed color and turned ugly when groups of participants, some of them armed, launched attacks on public property, police stations and religious sites.

Over a dozen people have been killed in the ensuing violence, according to state media reports.

The participants further shouted slogans against the United States and the Israeli regime, which welcomed the turmoil and voiced support for the riots.

US President Donald Trump has angered Iranians by repeatedly posting insulting tweets against the nation in recent days.

Iranian authorities have taken turns to censure Washington and its allies for interfering in the country's domestic affairs.

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said on Tuesday that enemies have been using various tools to deal blows to the Iranian nation and the Islamic establishment during the latest developments.

President Hassan Rouhani has also said that based on the rights enshrined in the Constitution and the Charter of Civil Rights, people are free to criticize the government or stage protests, but the manner of expressing such criticism should be constructive and help improve domestic conditions.

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has also said the Islamic Republic's security and stability depend on its own people, and that "infiltrators" will not be permitted to violate the rights of Iranians.

The Interior Ministry said Tuesday that the situation in most of the country has now returned to normal, and that the unrest will soon come to an end.

The Intelligence Ministry also said it has identified and arrested a number of the agents behind the violence.

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Enemies target Iran due to its resistance, support for oppressed: IRGC chief

Iran Press TV

Wed Jan 3, 2018 04:11PM

The chief commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says enemies have been struggling to pose cultural and economic threats to the Islamic Republic, which has stood up to their hegemonic moves.

"Enemies know that they can by no means threaten the Islamic Republic of Iran militarily, and after the Sacred Defense (during Iraq's imposed war on Iran), they have invested heavily to carry out cultural, economic and security threats against Iran," Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari said on Wednesday.

In reaction to recent protests in some Iranian cities, the IRGC commander added that Iran's enemies "are doomed to failure" with regard to the riots.

He said the Iranian nation has been targeted due to its resistance against the US and its "lackeys" as well as Tehran's support for the oppressed nations worldwide.

Today, the enemy, which has suffered due to its failing policies in the region, is seeking to create insecurity in the Islamic Iran, he said, warning against any compromises with foreign powers.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the IRGC commander said "a large number of the arrested trouble-makers at the center of the sedition had received training from counter-revolutionaries and the terrorist Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MKO), and there will be firm action against them."

Last week, a number of peaceful protests over economic problems broke out in several Iranian cities, but the gatherings turned violent when groups of participants, some of them armed, vandalized public property and launched attacks on police stations and government buildings.

Over a dozen people have been killed in the ensuing violence, according to state media reports.

On Wednesday, Iranians from all walks of life took to the streets in several cities to condemn the violence.

The participants voiced support for the government and shouted slogans against the US and the Israeli regime for backing the riots.

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VP Pence Vows US Solidarity With Iranian Protesters

By Peter Heinlein January 03, 2018

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has vowed the United States will stand with Iranian anti-government protesters for the long haul, and he said President Donald Trump stands ready to back the uprising with more than just words.

"President Trump's unapologetic willingness to stand with the courageous people of Iran, I know, is giving hope to the people on the streets of the cities of that country," Pence said in a VOA interview. "And we're going to continue to support them not just verbally as they bring about change in their country."

State Department officials have told VOA the administration is considering economic sanctions or other actions against people or organizations that commit violence against peaceful protesters.

Speaking to VOA contributor Greta Van Susteren in his ceremonial office in the Executive Office Building on Wednesday, Pence declined to elaborate on what actions the United States might be considering, saying only that there is "an extraordinary amount that the United States and countries around the world can do for the people of Iran if they continue to stand up for their own freedom."

The vice president said the administration believes current sanctions on Tehran are working, and could be increased. "This president and this administration are absolutely committed to continue to bring the full economic weight of the United States and these economic sanctions to bear on Iran."

2018 vs 2009

The Trump administration's quick embrace of the Iran demonstrations contrasts with the Obama administration's more muted response to street protests in 2009 that lasted for months before dissipating under a deadly government crackdown.

At the time, American officials expressed worries that by forcefully backing one faction in Iran's political divide, the U.S. would be inserting itself into a domestic political dispute. Iranian leaders frequently blame the United States and other countries of fomenting unrest.

Pence said that reluctance to get involved was a mistake.

"I remember back in 2009 seeing this largely youth-driven movement following a fraudulent election in Iran, people taking to the streets demonstrating incredible courage that the people of Iran did to claim a democratic and free future. And they looked to the White House in those days in 2009 and they looked for leadership and there was none. There was deafening silence from the Obama administration," Pence said.

"Unlike the past, this time America stands with the brave Iranian protesters who are risking their lives for freedom," Pence tweeted in a summary of his VOA interview.

The vice president called the American people "a natural ally" of Iran and said he sees a parallel between Trump's words of support for Iranian protesters and President Ronald Reagan's encouragement of Soviet dissidents in the 1980s.

"If I had one hope today, it is just as the dissidents in the old Soviet Union heard of Ronald Reagan's Evil Empire speech and were encouraged to know that they were not alone, my hope is that the people who are taking to the streets in Iran know that under President Donald Trump they are not alone, that the American people stand with them," Pence said.

The vice president's comments came as Trump tweeted a statement backing the uprising, even as Iran's state media reported that tens of thousands of pro-government demonstrators had staged rallies across the country following days of anti-government protests.

"Such respect for the people of Iran as they try to take back their corrupt government," Trump said in a Twitter comment. "You will see great support from the United States at the appropriate time!" It was not immediately clear what assistance Trump had in mind.

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How Iran Protests Play into Middle East Power Struggles

By Heather Murdock January 03, 2018

"Part of me is feeling hope," said Arash Azizi, a New York University researcher, far from his home in Iran. "We see the rising up of the downtrodden."

"But I am even more worried than hopeful," he added.

More than 20 people have been killed and 450 arrested since a protest movement in cities and towns across Iran began in late December, and analysts say if it continues, the impact many not just be in Iran, but across the region.

Mostly peaceful protests could turn into clashes and Iran's rivals are watching for the prospect of a weakened state, according to Reza Marashi, research director with the National Iranian American Council.

Protesters are demanding an end to "mismanagement, nepotism and corruption," he said, and have called for the fall of the government in recent days.

Unlike mass protests in 2009 against an election seen as illegitimate, the movement is without clear leadership, and normally outspoken activists in Iran have been largely silent. It is still not clear if the demonstrations will continue with the same velocity as they have in the past week. And if they do, according to Marashi, it is too early to predict an outcome.

The 2009 protests lasted for months, but were ultimately crushed by security forces. Thousands of people were arrested and dozens killed. The election results were upheld.

Current protests have attracted considerably smaller crowds, but in a larger number of cities and towns, said Marashi. "It's more important to see how it plays out over the weeks and months," he said.

Iran-Saudi rivalry

Iran is embroiled in proxy wars with Saudi Arabia in Syria and Yemen, as well as funding Hezbollah, a Lebanese military and Israeli archenemy. It is also a key player in Iraq, and its internal politics have the potential to impact almost every corner of the region.

Among the protesters' grievances are vast sums of money sent abroad while people are hungry at home.

In the past two years, tensions between Tehran and Riyadh have become explosive, and Iranian officials have accused Saudi Arabia, the United States and Britain of having a hand in the protests.

"This is a silly claim, with no basis in fact," said Mark Fitzpatrick, executive director of the International Institute for Strategic Studies' Americas office. "It is farcical because the Saudis have little influence in Iran."

In recent days, protesters also began calling for the collapse of their government, demanding "Death to the dictator!" and "Clerics should get lost!" Among Iran's main rivals, this sparked speculation  or perhaps hope  that the Iranian government will fall or be damaged.

For Saudi Arabia, this could mean a shift of regional power toward Riyadh as Iran's influence and ability to fight regional conflicts decrease, according to Khaled Almaeena, a Saudi political and media analyst based in Jeddah.

"For too long, Iran has been interfering with other states," he said.

Domino effect

If the past is an indicator of the future, these protests are likely to lead to a violent crackdown if they continue, according to Azizi of NYU.And while many protesters have expressed a willingness to risk physical harm to achieve their aims, there has yet to emerge any alternative to the current government.

"Some people say, If we want to bring down the Islamic Republic, I'm the first to sign up,'" he said. "'But what's next?'"

Violence on Iranian streets may also increase the threat of clashes in other parts of the region, according to Josepha Ivanka Wessels, a senior researcher at Lund University in Sweden.

"The prospect of major bloodshed at the hands of the state looms large and if that happens, the ensuing domino effect could create yet another volatile and explosive situation in an already stormy and dangerous region," she writes in The Conversation, a journal that features articles written by academics.

Real change?

Still, many in Iran are hopeful that the protests will inspire real change at any cost, according to Azizi.

"People ask how long are we going to keep up this bizarre regime that takes up our blood and treasure to survive," he said.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, widely seen as progressive and democratically elected, has spoken up for the public's right to express their grievances, but has also downplayed the protest movement.

"Our great nation has witnessed a number of similar incidents in the past and has comfortably dealt with them. This is nothing," he told Iranian members of parliament on Monday.

Other Iranian leaders have stressed that the death penalty will be applied to some protest-related arrests.

If demonstrators are not dissuaded by this threat and the lack of alternate leadership, some analysts say even continued protests may have no immediate impact.

"The regime has full control of all security forces as well as the judiciary, the communications networks and other sources of power," said Fitzpatrick. "So far, it has been retrained in exercising these tools of force, but it will not hesitate to do so if the protests grow to the point where they might be seen as threatening the regime's hold on power."

In the context of Iranians' long-term internal struggle for civil and political rights, these protests are significant, added the National Iranian American Council's Marashi.

"Iranians strive for democracy, not revolution," he said.

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Turkish Banker Convicted of Laundering Iran-Turkey Deals Through US Banks

By VOA News January 03, 2018

A Turkish banker has been convicted in a U.S. court for participating in a billion-dollar plot to evade U.S. sanctions against Iran.

A court in New York City has convicted Mehmet Hakan Atilla on four counts of conspiracy, including conspiracy to defraud the United States, plus one count of bank fraud. The 47-year-old Turkish national was acquitted on a charge of money laundering.

The case has strained relations between Turkey and the United States.

Atilla is a deputy general manager at Turkey's state-run Halkbank. U.S. prosecutors charged him with helping to facilitate a deal in which Iran traded oil and gas for gold, moving some of the transactions through U.S. banks without their knowledge.

Atilla was heard on telephone recordings setting up fake food and agriculture deals with Iran to disguise deals that were really sales of oil. Atilla's lawyer said his client was merely "a hapless pawn" in those deals, blaming Atilla's boss, Reza Zarrab, instead.

Zarrab, a Turkish-Iranian trader who has admitted arranging the deals, told the court he paid about $50 million in bribes in 2012 to the Turkish finance minister to push the deals through. Zarrab testified that he believed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was aware of the scheme.

Erdogan said the case is an American conspiracy to blackmail Turkey, a strategic partner with the U.S. in Middle East affairs.

Iran and the United States have had chilly relations since the Iran hostage crisis from 1979-1981, in which 52 Americans were held by student activists in Iran for 444 days until a release was negotiated. The United States now bans most financial dealings with Iran, which is a major oil-producing nations.

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Disease Outbreaks Plague Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh

By Steve Sandford January 03, 2018

At Balukhali refugee camp in Bangladesh, unclean water, cramped living quarters and squalid conditions create a prime environment for outbreaks of preventable diseases among the estimated 650,000 Rohingya Muslims who have fled strife in neighboring Myanmar.

While 900,000 doses of oral cholera vaccine already have been delivered by more than 200 mobile vaccination teams, another contagious bacterial infection, diphtheria, has emerged.

"Diphtheria is a vaccine preventable disease. It's an illustration of how the Rohingya population that are living in the makeshift settlements here had very little access to health care in their place of origin in Myanmar," said Kate Nolan, emergency coordinator with international aid group Medecins Sans Frontieres, or Doctors Without Borders.

Diphtheria often causes the buildup of a sticky grey-white membrane in the throat or nose. The infection causes airway obstruction and damage to the heart and nervous system. The fatality rate increases without the diphtheria antitoxin.

"This is an extremely vulnerable population with low vaccination coverage, living in conditions that could be a breeding ground for infectious diseases like cholera, measles, rubella and diphtheria," said Dr. Navaratnasamy Paranietharan, the World Health Organization representative to Bangladesh.

Myanmar's health sector is rated among the worst in the world, particularly in the ethnic regions where conflict and poverty have delayed medical development.

The Rohingya refugees fled Myanmar's northern Rakhine state after insurgents attacked security forces in late August, prompting a military crackdown that has since been described as ethnic cleansing.

'Appalling' health care

Myanmar's government denies it has engaged in ethnic cleansing, and it insists that a majority of the violence and burning of Rohingya villages was done by the Rohingya militants who attacked the Myanmar security forces.

"The health care facilities for the Rohingya in Rakhine state are appalling and just a small amount of the needs were being met, even before the attacks in August," said Rohingya expert Chris Lewa of the Arakan Project, a human rights organization that monitors and documents the situation.

According to Lewa, the impoverished Rohingya population in northern Rakhine say they are treated with discrimination by Myanmar medical staff at government hospitals and face severe movement restrictions when traveling to health care facilities.

Lewa points to Myanmar's Maungdaw District, where the army conducted so-called "clearance operations" following deadly insurgent attacks last year.

"Health facilities set up by INGOs [international nongovernmental organizations] in Maungdaw have been burned to the ground, which will make it even more difficult for them if and when they are allowed to return," Lewa added.

Currently, INGOs are not allowed in the areas outside Maungdaw.

Doctors Without Borders has responded to the rapid spread of diphtheria in neighboring Bangladesh by converting one of its mother and child inpatient facilities at the Balukhali makeshift settlement, and at another inpatient site, into treatment centers.

"The emergence of this disease is a concern because it contributes to an existing precarious public health situation that we have in the makeshift settlements," Nolan said.

Tracking down carriers

Now, potential carriers must get antitoxins and antibiotics to prevent the further spread of the bacterium and kill it.

"We need to find all the suspected cases in the camps and get them all here to start the antibiotic treatment and keep them isolated for 48 hours," said on-duty doctor Thomas Hansen.

Because the disease spreads easily through water droplets from sneezing and coughing, medical teams are tasked with following up on initial quarantine with visits to a patient's family to trace and treat people who might have come in contact with the disease in the community.

Doctors Without Borders and health partners like the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are working together to isolate suspected cases.

One of the biggest challenges for health workers, however, is getting to remote locations where potential outbreaks can occur.

With the sudden influx of the 650,000 refugees, new land clearance has led to huts being constructed well beyond the main roadways.

"They live in areas that are difficult to reach. You cannot reach them by cars or Tom Toms [three-wheeled taxis] because of no roads, so they will have to carry their patients to where they can get treatment," said Dagne Hordvei, team leader with the Norwegian Red Cross.

"We have an agreement with [Doctors Without Borders] that we take the measles patients from them, and they take the diphtheria patients, with lots of activity going out to the communities to try to reduce the speed of the spreading of diphtheria."

Vaccination campaign

As Bangladesh's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare  working with the World Health Organization, UNICEF and other health partners  implements a vaccination campaign to prevent future outbreaks of diphtheria, it appears that at least some of the next generation of Rohingya will have protection from preventable diseases.

"We are working with partners to ensure that clinical guidance is available to health workers, and that there are enough beds and medicines for those who get sick. But the only way to control this outbreak is to protect people, particularly children, through vaccination," said the WHO's Paranietharan.

As of December 21, Doctors Without Borders has seen more than 2,000 suspected diphtheria cases in its health facilities, and the number is rising daily. Most of the patients are between the ages of 5 and 14 years old.

More than 20 Rohingya in Bangladesh have died from the disease.

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Russia confirms copter crash in Syria, cites technical fault

Iran Press TV

Wed Jan 3, 2018 10:39AM

Russia has confirmed that a Russian military helicopter earlier crashed in northwestern Syria, killing two pilots and injuring a technician.

Russia's Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday that a Russian Mi-24 helicopter carrying three personnel had crashed over Hama Province on December 31.

The copter was making a hard landing 15 kilometers from the Hama airfield in the province's capital of the same name when it crashed, the ministry said. It cited a technical fault as the cause of the crash, dismissing some reports that the aircraft had been fired at.

The technician injured in the crash was transported to Khmeimim Airbase. The base, one of the two run on a permanent basis by Russia in Syria, is located in the province of Latakia, which neighbors Hama.

Russia has been carrying out an aerial bombardment campaign against extremist militants in Syria at Damascus' request since September 2015. Along with Iranian advisory military support, the Russian campaign has helped eliminate Daesh terrorists and retake territory they had overrun in Syria.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, some 60,000 militants have been killed in the Russian campaign.

In mid-December last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian troops to begin withdrawing from Syria as Daesh was routed in the country.



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Syrian Army Liberates Six Settlements in Hama Province - Source

Sputnik News

16:54 03.01.2018(updated 17:00 03.01.2018)

DAMASCUS (Sputnik) - Syrian government forces have liberated six settlements from militants of the Jabhat Fatah al-Sham (formerly known as Nusra Front) terrorist group, outlawed in Russia, in Hama province, a Syrian military source told Sputnik.

"The Syrian army has regained control over the towns and settlements of Khvein al-Kabir, Az Zarzur, Sham Al Hawa, An Niha, Kliat Tubia and Al Musharraf in the northeast of Hama province," the source said.

According to the source, the army re-established control over these settlements during military operations conducted in the direction of Idlib province. During the offensive, the Syrian army also destroyed militants' equipment, weapons, armored vehicles and vehicles equipped with heavy machine guns.

According to Syrian President Bashar Assad, terrorism in the country is currently being spearheaded by the Jabhat Fatah al Sham terror group after the Daesh insurgents were defeated.

The advance follows the recently reported operation south-east of this area, in the so-called "Hernon Pocket," where the local government managed to reach a deal with the al-Nusra jihadists through intermediaries on joining the program of reconciliation and establish a ceasefire regime in the area. The victories of the Syrian Arab Army (SAA), which allowed the government forces to gain control over the dominant terrain, contributed to the success of the talks.

The SAA proceeds to crack down on terrorists following Russia's partial withdrawal from Syria after a two-year-long aerial campaign. The decision to pull out was announced on December 11 by Russian President Putin, who specified, however, that the bases in Tartus and Hmeymim, as well as the center for Syrian reconciliation, would continue to operate.

 Sputnik

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War across Taiwan Strait unlikely in 2018: U.S. scholars

ROC Central News Agency

2018/01/03 14:13:41

Washington, Jan. 3 (CNA) Several U.S. scholars believe China's recent military and cyber actions constitute a threat to regional security, but they do not believe it likely that the situation will escalate into war in 2018.

In an interview with CNA, Ian Easton, an analyst from the U.S. think tank Project 2049 Institute, said China's increasing military activities, both in the form of drills near Taiwan and large-scale cyberattacks, are a threat to security in the region.

He described the threat as one that has surpassed the limits of what the international community can accept.

Michael Chase, of Rand Corporation, another U.S. think tank, described what China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) was doing as "deterrent diplomacy," in which it was spreading threats through its fighter jets and social media pages in both Chinese and English.

As part of China's campaign of intimidation, the PLA deployed military aircraft 23 times and aircraft carriers twice on training missions not far from Taiwan between August 2016 and December 2017, according to a report by Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense.

Yet while tensions across the Taiwan Strait are on the rise, neither Easton nor Chase believed that war is inevitable or imminent.

Easton recommended that as the U.S. reiterates its commitment to supporting Taiwan's defense capabilities, it should provide Taiwan with fourth- and fifth-generation fighter aircraft, including the new F-16 and F-35 fighters.

The U.S. should also be cooperating with Taiwan in the areas of land and naval warfare, missile defense, and cyber security, he said.

(By Leaf Jiang and Kuan-lin Liu)

Enditem/ls





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Saakashvili Says Russia's FSB Involved In Fabricating Evidence Against Him For Kyiv Trial

RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service January 03, 2018

KYIV -- Mikheil Saakashvili, the leader of Ukraine's Movement of New Forces party and the former president of Georgia, has accused Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) of involvement in the fabrication of evidence used against him at a trial in Kyiv.

Saakashvili made the accusation to reporters after a January 3 court hearing in Kyiv where prosecutors asked the court to place him under house arrest for refusing to answer questions from the Main Directorate of the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU).

Judges adjourned the hearing at the request of prosecutors until January 11 without issuing a ruling.

Ukrainian Prosecutor-General Yuriy Lutsenko has accused Saakashvili, the former governor of Ukraine's Odesa region, of abetting an alleged "criminal group" led by Ukraine's former President Viktor Yanukovych, who fled to Russia after his ouster in February 2014.

Ukrainian authorities also claim that protests led by Saakashvili in Ukraine are part of a Russian plot against the government in Kyiv.

Part of the evidence presented in the case is a recording of an alleged telephone conversation between Saakashvili and a pro-Russian Ukrainian businessman who is hiding in Russia.

Lutsenko has charged that the businessman, Serhiy Kurchenko, offered Saakashvili money to organize protests and public disorder in Ukraine, and that Saakashvili accepted a half-million-dollar payment.

Saakashvili, who attended the January 3 Kyiv hearing with his wife and a son, denies all charges.

He told reporters after the hearing that the forensic evidence presented by prosecutors was flawed.

Saakashvili also alleged that the evidence against him was fabricated by the SBU "with the involvement of" the FSB.

"The so-called forensics saying it was proven that my so-called conversation with Kurchenko was authentic has a lot of flaws," Saakashvili said.

"First of all, I refused to give them a voice sample when I was interrogated by the SBU security service," he said.

"In spite of that, they were able to present forensic conclusions saying that the voice on the tape is mine," Saakashvili said. "But their own expert says in the documentation that the forensic team didn't have a proper voice sample to make a thorough analysis."

"This reminds me of the old Soviet style when authorities proved the authenticity of whatever they themselves claimed," he said.

Saakashvili has also said the Ukrainian authorities are trying to deny him temporary protection status and "create conditions" for his "expulsion from the country" so he can be extradited to Tbilisi, where he faces multiple charges -- including abuse of his presidential powers and complicity in the 2006 murder of Georgian banker Sandro Girgvliani.

"Ten minutes ago a trial against me started in Tbilisi, the same time as in Kyiv," Saakashvili said during his Kyiv hearing on January 3. "Do you think it's by chance? Oligarchs are able to make deals. But they could have at least decided on different times."

On December 18, Saakashvili appeared at the Prosecutor-General's Office in Kyiv but refused to answer questions from investigators there.

He told reporters on December 18 that he would give testimony only when the case was handed over to the SBU, "as required by law."

Saakashvili was president of Georgia from 2004 to 2013.

He gave up his Georgian passport in 2015 when he accepted Ukrainian citizenship in order to take the post of Odesa governor at the request of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.

Saakashvili resigned from the Odesa post in November 2016, complaining of rampant corruption, and has since become an ardent opponent of Poroshenko.

With reporting by Merkhat Sharipzhanov and Interfax

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-saakashvili-says-russia-fsb- fabricated-evidence-trial/28952821.html

Copyright (c) 2018. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Its happening tomorrow  HMD will unveil the new Nokia 6 (2018). TENAA posted photos of the phone in a controlled environment, now we catch a glimpse of the handset in the wild.



Nokia 6 (2018) in the wild

With the screen on, you can see the new, thinner bezels more clearly. The new Nokia 6 is shorter than the old one while having the same screen (in terms of size and aspect ratio). Of course, this means that the fingerprint reader moved to the back. Theres a good distance between it and the camera, which is what we like to see.

If you check the date on the screen, youll see these shots were taken yesterday (its probably a review unit).

Source (in Chinese)
With Valentines Day approaching, theres a rise in demand for pink phones  we chose to believe thats the reason that the Rose Pink versions of the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ are arriving in the UK only now.

You see, those phones first appeared at the end of June last year in Taiwan, then in North America in July and in Europe (but not the UK) in September. Now... now were close to the launch of the Galaxy S9.



Samsung Galaxy S8 in Rose Pink

The price of the Galaxy S8 and S8+ has fallen quite a bit since launch, making them a good deal. Especially if you dont care about dual cameras (the small S9 wont have one anyway).

Samsung.com lists the phones as coming soon (note: the Dual SIM version wont be available in Pink). Other retailers are yet to list the new color option, most stick to the classic Midnight Black and Orchid Grey.

Source
Law officers charge hoarder with animal cruelty

Robert "Tony" Fore faces felony animal cruelty charges.

A 61-year-old Fletcher man is back in Henderson County to face animal cruelty charges after he was picked up in Florida and extradicted to Hendersonville.

Robert Brian "Tony" Fore, of 71 Maxwell Drive, was served with animal cruelty warrants after he was taken into custody in Florida and returned to the county jail here. Fore was served with warrants for two felony counts of killing an animal by starvation, four felony counts of cruelty to animals and two misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals that stemmed from Sandy Jean Fore remains at large.offenses occurring in early March of 2017. He is currently in the Henderson County Jail under a $15,000 bond with a court appearance scheduled for Jan. 23.

Fore, and his wife, Sandy Jean Fore, fled the area after surrendering 40 dogs and cats on March 4. Sandy Jean Fore still has outstanding warrants for multiple charges of killing an animal by starvation and cruelty to animals. She may be using the alias of Jeannie Fore or Jeannie Hughes. Anyone with information regarding Sandy Fores whereabouts was asked to contact the Henderson County Sheriff's Office at 828-697-4911.
Gardai were forced to arrest a drunken man who refused to stop shouting abuse at passers-by.

Thomas Dunne (35) was repeatedly told to stop what he was doing and leave the area, but he failed to do so.

He later told gardai: "I'm very sorry for what I did."

Judge Dermot Dempsey convicted Dunne and fined him 100.

The defendant, of East Wall Road, Dublin 1, admitted before Swords District Court to public drunkenness and threatening and abusive behaviour.

The breach of the peace took place at River Valley Road, Swords, at around 11.30pm last September 24.

Sgt Bob Kavanagh said Dunne was verbally abusive to pedestrians.

Methadone

The sergeant added that Dunne was asked by gardai to stop what he was doing and leave the area but he refused and continued to shout abuse at members of the public.

The court heard that Dunne, who is unemployed and on social welfare, had 30 previous convictions, including six for public order matters.

Defence lawyer Patrick Jackson said his client was very sorry for his behaviour and wished to apologise to gardai.

Mr Jackson said Dunne has had battles with alcohol and drugs, but he was now stabilised on methadone and was linking in well with the support services.

The lawyer said the defendant's last conviction for a public order offence was in 2008, so there had been a large gap in his offending behaviour.

He also said Dunne had "underlying issues" and his past was "reasonably tragic", adding that he had not wished to upset anyone with his behaviour.
Notorious 'Scissor Sister' killer Linda Mulhall has been released from jail after serving a 15-year sentence for manslaughter in one of Ireland's most notorious criminal cases.

Linda (42) walked free from the women's Dochas Centre prison on Tuesday after she refused temporary release over the Christmas period.

She is believed to be based in Dublin but the authorities have not been given an address for the convicted killer.

It is understood that Tallaght woman Linda was let out of prison at least a week before her planned release date.

Butchering

Linda had been locked up since 2005, serving a manslaughter sentence for brutally butchering her mother's lover Farah Swaleh Noor, in one of the most infamous cases in our history.

Her younger sister Charlotte Mulhall is serving a life sentence for the gruesome murder.

Along with Charlotte (33), Linda chopped up Kenyan Noor at her mother's home at Richmond Cottages, Ballybough, north Dublin, in 2005.

She admitted hitting him "a good few times" on the head with a claw hammer, while Charlotte stabbed the 36-year-old up to 20 times with a kitchen knife.

The women spent hours sawing up his body in the bathroom.

They then dumped his limbs and torso in the Royal Canal before taking his head on the bus to Tallaght, where it was hidden in a park before being moved.

While serving her jail time, it emerged that Linda had been in a romantic relationship with a male prison worker.

Last November, it was also revealed that Charlotte had been involved in a romantic relationship with a separate prison worker.

Sources say that while Linda might struggle to adapt to life on the outside, her situation is far better than this time last year, when she suffered a broken arm and severe facial injuries in a bizarre prison incident.

The convicted killer spent 13 hours receiving emergency treatment in hospital for her injuries after she fell into a press when locked into her en-suite room in the Dochas Centre.

It is understood that Linda suffered the injuries after becoming "dizzy". It is not known if she had been on drugs at the time.

Linda's behaviour in jail over the past seven years has been described as "excellent" by jail insiders and she has not received a P19 disciplinary report since 2010, when she refused to take a saliva test.

This is in stark contrast to her earlier behaviour, when she was disciplined for breaking jail rules around a dozen times between 2007 and 2009.

These were for a wide variety of offences, including fighting with other inmates and being caught with a mobile phone and a charger.

Linda and Charlotte's murder trial in 2006 was a national sensation because of the gory evidence that was presented to a shocked courtroom.

Grotesque

The now-deceased judge, Mr Justice Paul Carney, who passed sentence on the sisters in December 2006, described the violent death of Noor as "the most grotesque case of killing" that he had experienced in his professional lifetime.

In her statement to gardai, Linda said that she was on Charlotte's lap in the sitting room listening to a CD when Noor came in and put his arm around her waist.

He had been earlier making threatening gestures at the sisters' mother Kathleen Mulhall, who was later jailed for five years for cleaning up the murder scene.

Kathleen asked Noor: "What the f**k are you doing?"

Linda recalled: "Farah kept saying, 'You're so like your mammy'."

Linda said that Charlotte was telling Noor to get his hands off her, and then her sister picked up a Stanley knife and cut his throat.
A fishing Boat washed up on the Quay at the Claddagh in Galway City after the flooding

A mini-storm will hit the country today before a "dramatic change" will see temperatures plunge for the weekend.

Homeowners and businesses along the south and west coast are now being warned of a "real risk" of further flooding in the wake of Storm Eleanor.

Emergency responders, ministers and Met Eireann held a meeting in Dublin yesterday to assess the fallout from the storm which left parts of Galway city under water.

They are now concerned that blasts of heavy wind will hit the west coast before sweeping across the country today.

Forecaster Evelyn Cusack says that once that clears people should prepare for an icy spell due to severe night frost.

Affected

At the height of the storm, some 150,000 properties were without power, with a number of water treatment plants affected and some localised cut-offs.

Irish Water reported that 12 of its water treatment plants had been affected by an interrupted power supply.

Minor transport disruption was reported to road, rail and air travel. Ferry crossings on the Irish Sea were affected, with some rescheduling taking place.

"There is, unfortunately, still some threat coming towards us," said chairman of the National Emergency Co-ordination Centre, Sean Hogan.

He said a combination of wind strength, a change in direction towards Galway and high waves in the Atlantic Ocean caused a surge of water into the city.

People along the south and west coast have been urged to stay away from coastlines until the windy weather passes.

The Government is to review its severe weather warning system after businesses in Galway were hit with unprecedented floods in a matter of minutes.

Major concerns have arisen about how Galway City Council dealt with the onset of flooding following Storm Eleanor, which destroyed businesses and homes and dozens of cars as storm waters surged through the city at tea-time on Tuesday.

Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy insisted suitable preparation and planning was in place in Galway, but forecasters and local authorities could not "predict everything that will happen".

"A particular confluence of events meant that Galway was very badly hit," he said. "It happened very, very quickly.

"But then the teams were on the ground, ready to respond from the local authority and they have been there working overnight."

A high tide advisory notice was issued by the Office of Public Works which covered the period from Tuesday morning until today, with local authorities advised to monitor storm surges and sea levels.

But Galway City Council said that given the wind direction, flooding was unlikely.

City chief executive Brendan McGrath defended the response, saying that all precautions possible were in place, but that the flooding was "unprecedented".

Mr Murphy said that improvements to the warning system would be put in place.

"There was adequate planning and preparation but every time we have an event like this we learn lessons," he said.

Debrief

"It's important that we do. So when we had Storm Ophelia, one of the first things we did that day was have a 'hot debrief' on the lessons learned from how events unfolded over the course of that day.

"Planning for this storm as well, Eleanor, and Dylan which we also had recently, are feeding into a piece of work that we're doing at the moment that I'll bring to Cabinet very shortly. It will be on lessons learned and how we can improve our warning systems into the future because we are going to have more storms. That is going to be a feature in terms of severe weather events."

Met Eireann's Evelyn Cusack said that despite scenes of devastation in Galway over the past 24 hours, Ireland has actually been relatively lucky that the situation hasn't been worse.

"We have had this very strong and vigorous Atlantic south-westerly over Christmas and part of the reason it is so vigorous is because there is Arctic air across north America.

"You might say what has that to do with Ireland, but that is enhancing our jet stream and is bringing the weather systems across the Atlantic.

"We have been very fortunate. While we have had some severe weather we have escaped the worse of it," she said.
Dublin actress Maria Doyle Kennedy is back on RTE screens and ready to make her mark on legal drama Striking Out as a criminal solicitor with a "sharp mind" and "even sharper tongue".

Her character George Cusack certainly means business - if the first pictures of the actress in her role are anything to go by.

Impressive

Maria (53) was one of a number of new cast additions to join the second series of Striking Out, as well as Vikings actor Moe Dunford, who takes on the role of Eric's brother Sam.

They join an already impressive cast featuring Men Behaving Badly actor Neil Morrissey and leading lady Amy Huberman.

The wife of Brian O'Driscoll stars as Tara Rafferty - a legal eagle whose personal and professional life undergoes huge changes after she discovers her fiance is having an affair with a colleague.

Series two will see Maria's formidable character sharing an office with Amy's character.

Speaking previously about her new co-star, mum-of-two Amy described the addition of Maria to the Striking Out family as "fantastic".

"Her and Tara are a great team together, but they don't really work together," she said.

"It's been a joy to be on set with her."

Maria will be back on Irish screens following her role in EastEnders spin-off Red Water, featuring soap stars Jessie Wallace and Shane Ritchie.

The complex relationship between Tara and former fiance Eric, played by Rory Keenan, will remain centre stage in series two, while the arrival of Eric's brother Sam brings new tensions.

Eric will face tough personal and professional choices in the series as he investigates the increasingly dubious actions of his father, Richard Dunbar.

Struggles

Meanwhile, troubled Ray, played by Emmet Byrne, tries to turn his life around as he starts legal studies but struggles to find a balance between his old life and his chosen new path.

The new series of Striking Out kicks off on RTE One at 9.35pm on Sunday
There is no evidence of people declaring themselves homeless in a bid to "game the system", Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy has said.

However, Mr Murphy has refused to criticise housing tsar Conor Skehan for claiming that families living in emergency B&B or hotel accommodation may be self-declaring themselves as homeless to jump the housing waiting list.

Mr Skehan, outgoing chair of the Housing Agency, provoked an outcry from homeless charities with the suggestion that some families may be "gaming the system" as a result of a now-defunct rule that Dublin local authorities should provide up to 50pc of all new social housing allocations to homeless individuals and families.

Policy

But when asked about the comments, Mr Murphy said it was "fair enough" for Mr Skehan to offer his analysis on the problems facing the sector.

However, he added: "I've no evidence in my department of people presenting or trying to 'game the system'."

The minister said he believed Mr Skehan was trying to point out "an unintended consequence of previous government policy".

The 50pc rule, which was introduced in January 2015, has since been rescinded but some local authorities continue to prioritise homeless accommodation.

In an interview in the Irish Times this week, Mr Skehan said: "We unwittingly created a problem by prioritising self-declared homelessness above all other types of housing need, which created a distortion in the waiting list system and may have encouraged people to game the system."

Mr Murphy said the chair of the Housing Agency is in a position to advise on government policy and "how it might be impacting".

"I think it's fair enough that he can do that. It's his role. It's not for me to criticise him for doing that. It's important that we have different voices in this debate," Mr Murphy said.

"My commitment is to make sure that we build as many homes as possible, to make sure that we get these people who are in very difficult circumstances, individuals and families, into homes and secure tenancies as quickly as possible."

Mr Murphy added that homelessness is a "very complex issue".

"People find themselves in a very difficult situation in their lives through no fault of their own. They come to local authorities and they come to our emergency response services looking for help," he said.

"We do a detailed assessment. We help them into temporary accommodation but ideally help them into a permanent solution immediately."
Boonsboro cheerleaders make Washington County history

The Warriors became the first county champions in cheerleading, and then the first county cheerleaders to advance to both regions and states
My cheeky sons created a shocking display under the Christmas tree and waited to see us react. It was a collection of books about politics, parenthood and such pulled off our shelves. None was X-rated but their authors included Mark Halperin, Al Franken, Bill Cosby, Roman Polanski and Bill Clinton.

Seeing those mens names together like that felt sickening at first. Then it drove home how our household has contributed to the fortunes of such high-profile men now accused of sexual abuses. And it made you wonder about other people we read, watch, get the news from and laugh with. Who are they, really?

The offenses involving prominent people have ranged in egregiousness, but all crossed lines that shouldnt be crossed. If abuses like those are as ubiquitous as the disclosures prompted by the #MeToo movement in 2017 suggested, then every one of us has had some kind of relationship with an abuser, even by having a president whos been named as one by some women.

Now at the dawn of 2018, who are we? is a question many of us find ourselves asking more broadly. How did we, America, get to a place where an independent investigator is needed to probe if a foreign government  Russia, no less  was invited to tamper with our presidential elections?

And how, more than 150 years after the Civil War ended, do white nationalists, Klansmen and neo-Nazis feel emboldened to put their racial hatred on menacing display in a march in Charlottesville, Va., that turned fatal? Why did the president minimize it, at first assigning blame equally to counter protesters standing up against racism?

When our head of state thumbs his nose at the liberty and justice for all we pledge allegiance to, sides with the alleged child molester running for Senate and pardons the former Arizona sheriff sentenced for illegally profiling immigrants, are we responding with requisite outrage? And when the federal tax law serves up massive tax cuts to the rich, adding $1 trillion to the federal debt, do we normalize that in our minds?

Who are we as residents of a state if we dont stand up for childrens safety, clean drinking water and adequately funded public schools? Those were once things we all agreed on, regardless of political party, before special-interest money and the courting of ideological constituencies had leaders sacrificing the public interest to put core priorities at risk.

How did we get to a place where it is legal to have loaded guns in childcare centers as we now do in Iowa? The governors office here even blocked common-sense safety regulations proposed by the state Department of Human Services, like barring loaded weapons from vehicles transporting those young children or requiring guns in centers to be locked and separated from ammunition, or notifying parents theyre there. Why on Earth do we need guns in childcare centers?

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said she wants all stakeholders at the table before requiring such measures. By which I assume she meant gun manufacturers, distributors and lobbyists more than childcare workers and parents. Legislation signed by her predecessor already allows children of any age to use handguns under adult supervision. Between that Stand Your Ground law and the laughable 40-minute online handgun-use training course you can doze your way through and still pass in Iowa, all Iowans, especially young ones, are at risk.

Where are our priorities? While putting toddlers in danger in day care, the state has put more children at risk in their homes by cutting staffing at the Department of Human Services even as caseloads have risen and children have died. The Legislature in 2017 turned away $2 million in federal Medicaid funds for family planning just to spite any agency that offered abortion  even though the money wasnt going for that. That forced Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, which used the money to pay for birth-control services for moderate-income Iowans, to close four clinics.

What are our priorities  as states, as a nation, as individuals? And if they dont match the leaderships, what are our obligations to children, the abused and the at risk? If we learned anything this past year, its that you cant leave critical decisions in the hands of politicians bent on advancing their careers, satisfying their bases or abiding by some political doctrine any more than we can trust prominent media personalities to treat women with respect.

So whatever our politics, our party, our race or our gender, lets not normalize or make excuses for aberrant behavior or actions by a co-worker, a mentor, minister, movie star or elected leader. Lets resolve in this new year to remember our better selves when things are said and done and decisions are made that go against what we know to be right.

Happy New Year.
Donald Trump is given to lurid rhetoric, and in the MS-13 gang he has finally met a subject beyond his ability to exaggerate.

He calls members of the largely Salvadoran gang animals. He charges them with spreading gruesome bloodshed. He says they kidnap, they extort, they rape and they rob, they prey on children. And, finally, he insists that they shouldnt be here.

Hes right on every count. If there is any aspect of the Trump immigration agenda that should command universal support, it is his crackdown on an immigrant gang whose motto is murder, rape and control, and whose signature weapon is the machete.

Yet the Trump administrations focus on MS-13 has occasioned criticism from the usual quarters. The Boston Globe objected to blaming crime on highly organized gangs of immigrants. Well, what if a highly organized gang of immigrants is indeed responsible?

Philip Bump of The Washington Post objected to Trump at an Ohio rally speaking of the brutal stabbing death of a teenage girl at the hands of MS-13. It was a graphic depiction of Hispanic immigrants ..., Bump wrote, as violent, bloodthirsty animals. As it happens, MS-13 are, indeed, bloodthirsty, and they are Hispanic immigrants.

Jamelle Bouie of Slate accused the president of undertaking a political plan to demagogue Hispanic immigrants as imminent threats to white Americans, and white women in particular.

This is backwards. The chances of a white person getting extorted, assaulted or killed by MS-13 is small compared with the poor Hispanic immigrants who live and work in the communities blighted by the gang.

As Jessica Vaughan and Jon Feere noted in a report for the restrictionist Center for Immigration Studies, a surge of more than 2 million immigrants came from Central America during the 1980s and 1990s, most settling in Los Angeles, most illegal immigrants. Nurtured on violence in the guerrilla wars of Central America, MS-13 members were well-prepared to fight it out in the worst gang-ridden neighbor hoods.

Law enforcement substantially disrupted the gang during the 2000s, but it has made a comeback. The gangs leaders in El Salvador professionalized its U.S. operations. And the flow of so-called unaccompanied children across the

southern border has replenished the gangs ranks, and the influx of non-English-speaking young males provides a base for recruitment as well.

This has led to horrifying headlines in places across the U.S. with large Central American populations, from Long Island to Houston to the Washington, D.C., area.

In a lengthy report on Langley Park, Maryland, The Washington Post detailed the depredations of MS-13 seven miles from the White House. According to the Post, It took Abigail Bautista less than a month of living in Langley Park to learn that her new neighborhood in Maryland had its own set of laws, written not in statutes but in gang graffiti and blood.

Bautista is not a white woman. Shes an illegal immigrant and mother of five, whose street vending business made her a prime target for extortion by the gang. The tragedy of immigrants in places like Langley Park is that they encounter in the U.S. exactly the breakdown in civil society and lack of rule of law that they thought they were escaping.

It will only stop if we continue the newly invigorated campaign against MS-13 members, and get a better handle on immigration. The commentators tsk-tsking Trumps focus on MS-13 surely dont, by and large, live in neighborhood dominated by savage gangs. Why should anyone else?
The AT&T Hotel and Conference Center in Austin, Texas is the meeting destination for hundreds of local, national and international companies. It offers 83,000 sq. ft. of high-tech meeting facilities and 297 guestrooms on site, with access to additional rooms through a collaborative partnership with surrounding hotels in Austin's high-tech Innovation District. The hotel understands how to use technology to elevate the guest experience and continuously improve and retain high TripAdvisor scores.

Guestware Helps Elevate Guest Satisfaction

AT&T Hotel and Conference Center has implemented several programs through Guestware, a cloud-based solution for hotels and resorts that optimizes rapid response to guest service requests and maintenance processes. Guestware helps the property obtain exemplary guest survey scores. AT&T Hotel and Conference Center's TripAdvisor scores are currently 4.5 out of 5.0, based on more than 800 reviews. Click here for more information on how to energize your guest experience with Guestware.

"Austin is the tech capital of the Southwest, and many of our corporate groups and leisure guests are technology-savvy travelers. They expect a seamless and personalized experience. Guestware is an essential tool that helps us deliver the high-quality stay our guests expect," said AT&T Hotel and Conference Center Director of Sales and Marketing Alison Berg.

"Our property is focused on providing the best guest experience possible. We use Guestware to integrate the front desk, housekeeping, engineering and the banquet floor on one rapid-response system that quickly fulfills guest and maintenance requests," said Wes Flower, AT&T Hotel and Conference Center front office manager. "Guests can request service from their phone or from the guestroom's Intelity-powered iPads. When a guest call reaches the front desk, staff enter the request in Guestware. The system then creates a request ticket and assigns it to housekeeping, engineering or another appropriate department. In addition, guestroom Intelity iPads automatically interface with Guestware. For example, if a guest requests towels on their iPad, the message goes to the appropriate housekeeper's iPhone and they can easily fulfill the request," said Flower.

A large part of AT&T Hotel and Conference Center's operation focuses on guest recognition. "Our property management system interfaces with Guestware, which records all past guest requests and preferences," said Flower. "We review our arrival list daily through Guestware, which records past guest requests, to anticipate special needs, like a 'feather-free' room before arrival. Guests are surprised when we show this level of attention to their stay. I think this kind of recognition helps drive our high customer satisfaction scores."

The property's engineering and housekeeping departments also rely on Guestware to track scheduled maintenance. "Our housekeepers are in guestrooms every day. It is easy for us to report any maintenance issues," said Lovie Levels, housekeeping director. "Maintenance issues are logged in Guestware so engineering can be proactive and resolve them before the next check-in. We also track scheduled tasks like deep cleaning and mattress rotation. Mattresses are important to guest comfort. This kind of attention to detail is a big factor in demonstrating how we care for our guests." Levels noted that Guestware's "late checkout request report" helps her optimize housekeeper staffing schedules. Engineering also uses Guestware to schedule room and equipment maintenance which helps create a flawless guest experience.

AT&T Hotel and Conference Center uses Guestware's "top 10 guest issues" list to review operations and identify and resolve recurring service items. "Before our recent renovation, we analyzed the top guest requests to improve the comfort and functionality in our guest rooms," said Flower. Flower also reviews each day's new tickets. "As front office manager, I review any reported guest concerns. Guestware helps us put a dollar figure on any incidents to track their impact on revenue and help us find ways to operate more effectively. We also run a 'recurring incident report' to clarify which areas have repeating issues for process improvement."

AT&T Hotel and Conference Center Director of Sales and Marketing Alison Berg said, "We also use Guestware to improve guest experience in the conference center. Our 83,000 square feet of event space includes 53 rooms, a 300-seat amphitheater, two ballrooms, classrooms and outdoor event space. We are focused on providing successful meetings and events. We continuously use Guestware to communicate with all departments to ensure our meeting and event space delivers a welcoming and productive environment."

The AT&T Hotel and Conference Center is owned by The University of Texas and is located in downtown Austin, central to the city's museums, restaurants, festivals and nightlife. The property's expansion will open in early 2018 and increase its meeting and event space by 30,000 square feet. The new facilities include the 15,000-square-foot Zlotnik Family Ballroom, 5,000 square feet of pre-function space, and more.

About AT&T Hotel and Conference Center

Located in the heart of Austin on the University of Texas campus, AT&T Hotel and Conference Center is a venue for meetings, conferences, special occasions, and a place to relax and unwind. The space offers over 80,000 square feet of event space, 297 recently renovated guest rooms, and unparalleled technology. In addition, the property has three exceptional on-site dining options that offer something for every palate. AT&T Hotel and Conference Center's expansion is slated to open in early 2018 and will feature a 15,000-square-foot ballroom and additional meeting space, all with advanced technology. Whether dining, meeting, exploring or relaxing in Austin, the AT&T Hotel and Conference Center is the ideal location.

About Guestware

Guestwareis a cloud-based solution for hotels and resorts to optimize guest service and maintenance processes. Guestware enables staff to improve guest service ratings while providing leadership the data to ensure that guests are happy, staff are productive, and the facility is well maintained. The company has focused on elevating the guest experience in the hospitality industry for over 20 years. Today, the Seattle-based company is doing business with select and full service hotels and resorts in over 70 countries. For more information about Guestware, go to guestware.com or call 888-50-GUEST.

About Intelity

Intelity, headquartered in Orlando, Florida, is the creator of the world's first and most widely used integrated guest services platform, ICE (Interactive Customer Experience). With certified integrations to all major hotel back-end management systems (POS, PMS, Ticketing, Spa and Room Controls), Intelity's complete guest service platform is a centralized property-automation system that delivers concierge-level services, guest request tracking and fulfillment, business-intelligence analytics, marketing/messaging capabilities, and a full content management system. Since beginning operations in 2007, the Inc. 5000 company has gained a reputation as a leader in hospitality technology with installations across six continents, including most major brands and many celebrated independent properties. Intelity was recently designated as the "Official Mobile & In Room Technology Provider" for Forbes Travel Guide, as well as the "Best Mobile App in Hospitality" from Travel Weekly's Magellan Awards and the "World's Leading Hotel Brand App" from the World Travel Awards. For more information, please visit www.intelitycorp.com.

Mike Benjamin

1-206-315-5442
LA CROSSE/CAMP DOUGLAS  Kriztine Nicole Barrett of Camp Douglas died at her home in La Crosse Saturday Dec. 30, 2017. She was 21.

Kriztine was born Oct. 2, 1996, in Camp Douglas, the daughter of Chad and Anna (Strand) Barrett.

She graduated from Tomah High School in 2015. Kriztine was a full-time student at Western Technical College, with plans of transferring in the fall to UW-La Crosse, to further pursue her degree in psychology.

Kriztine was an artist, photographer and caretaker of her younger sisters. She was in 4-H as a child and in high school was in the schools honors art program. She was part of the Visual Arts Classics and photography clubs in school.

She loved animals, from kittens to snakes, and brought them home to the family farm.

Kriztine was compassionate, loving and cared for her friends and family. She could break the ice and tension, making everyone around her laugh and feel loved, and found the best in every situation. Her love was selfless.

She is survived by her parents, Chad and Anna Barrett; her sisters, Emily and Kate Barrett; her paternal grandparents, Tommy and Linda Barrett; her maternal grandmother, Joan Strand; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, David Strand; and her aunt, Stacey Barrett.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018, at St. James Catholic Church, 100 Bartell St., in Camp Douglas. Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, at the Hare Funeral Home, 217 W. Pearl St., in New Lisbon, with Fr. Robert Letona presiding.

The Hare Funeral Home in New Lisbon is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences available at www.harefuneralhome.com.
CapitaLand's wholly owned serviced residence business unit, The Ascott Limited (Ascott), has exceeded its target of 20,000 units for China in 2017, ahead of its planned schedule of 2020, as it sealed contracts to manage nine properties with over 2,000 units in China. With these new properties, Ascott made inroads into new cities such as Harbin and Zhuhai, and widened its presence in Chongqing, Foshan, Shanghai and Wuxi. It also marked a record year of growth in China, as it added over 5,600 units across 28 properties in 2017, double the over 2,700 units across 15 properties added in 2016.

Mr Kevin Goh, newly appointed Ascott's Chief Executive Officer, said: "With these nine new management contracts secured in China, Ascott has exceeded our target of 20,000 units for our biggest market China three years ahead of schedule. 2017 was our strongest year as Ascott's global portfolio crossed 72,000 units, adding a record high of about 24,000 units within the year. We are confident of achieving our global target of 80,000 units in 2018, well ahead of 2020 as we press ahead with our aggressive expansion plans via strategic alliances, management contracts, franchises and investments."

About The Ascott Limited

The Ascott Limited (Ascott) is a Singapore company that has grown to be one of the leading international lodging owner-operators. Ascott's portfolio spans more than 200 cities across over 30 countries in Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the USA.

Ascott has more than 78,000 operating units and over 57,000 units under development, making a total of more than 135,000 units in over 800 properties.

The company's serviced apartment, coliving and hotel brands include Ascott The Residence, The Crest Collection, Somerset, Quest, Citadines, lyf, Preference, Vertu, Harris, Citadines Connect, Fox, Yello, Fox Lite and POP!.

Ascott's loyalty programme, Ascott Star Rewards, offers exclusive benefits to its members when they book directly with Ascott for their stays at its participating properties.

Ascott, a wholly owned subsidiary of CapitaLand Investment Limited, pioneered Asia Pacific's first international-class serviced apartment with the opening of The Ascott Singapore in 1984. Today, the company boasts over 30 years of industry track record and award-winning brands that enjoy recognition worldwide.

For more information, please visit www.discoverasr.com.

About CapitaLand Investment Limited

Headquartered and listed in Singapore, CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI) is a leading global real estate investment manager (REIM) with a strong Asia foothold. As at 31 December 2021, CLI had about S$122.9 billion of real estate assets under management, and about S$86.2 billion of real estate funds under management (FUM) held via six listed real estate investment trusts and business trusts, and 29 private funds across the Asia-Pacific, Europe and USA. Its diversified real estate asset classes cover integrated developments, retail, office, lodging, business parks, industrial, logistics and data centres.

CLI aims to scale its FUM and fee-related earnings through its full stack of investment management and operating capabilities. As the listed investment management business arm of the CapitaLand Group, CLI has access to the development capabilities of and pipeline investment opportunities from CapitaLand's development arm. Being a part of the well-established CapitaLand ecosystem differentiates CLI from other REIMs.

As part of the CapitaLand Group, CLI places sustainability at the core of what it does. As a responsible real estate company, CLI contributes to the environmental and social well-being of the communities where it operates, as it delivers long-term economic value to its stakeholders.

Visit http://www.capitalandinvest.com/ for more information.

Joan Tan

Assistant Vice President, Corporate Communications

+65 6713 2864

The Ascott Limited
Two California state lawmakers Wednesday introduced a bill that would require hotels to provide housekeepers with a "panic button" to prevent violent assaults and sexual harassment.

Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi, D-Torrance, jointly introduced the so-called hotel maid "panic button" bill with Assemblyman Bill Quirk, D-Hayward. If it gets passed, it would make California the first in the nation to have a statewide law requiring hotels to provide employees working alone in guest rooms with a panic button.

Read the full article at cnbc.com
Hotels in the U.S. recorded a 5.3 percent increase in GOPPAR in November, which was in spite of an uplift in costs, which included a 9.5 percent increase in labor costs on a per available room basis, according to the latest worldwide poll of full-service hotels from HotStats.

The year-on-year increase in RevPAR at hotels in the U.S. was steady, with growth recorded in both room occupancy (+1.3 percentage points), to 74.8 percent, as well as achieved average room rate (+1.7 percent) to $201.52.

Increases in non-rooms revenues, which included food/beverage (+3.7 percent) and conference/banqueting (+4.0 percent), in addition to the 3.5 percent increase in rooms revenue, contributed to the 4.1 percent year-on-year increase in TrevPAR to $246.81.

Although the year-on-year growth painted a positive picture of performance, TrevPAR levels were approximately $36 behind the performance in October, further highlighting the stand out performance, but were also 2.3 percent behind the year-to-date performance for hotels in the U.S. at $252.42.

Profit & Loss Key Performance Indicators  U.S. (in USD)

November 2017 v November 2016

RevPAR: +3.5% to $150.76

TrevPAR: +4.1% to $246.81

Payroll: + 1.8 pts to 35.8%

GOPPAR: +5.3% to $87.68

While payroll levels continued their upward trajectory this month, recording a 1.8 percentage point year-on-year increase to 35.8 percent of total revenue, this was outweighed by the comfortable top line growth and enabled hotels in the U.S. to record a profit per room increase of 5.3 percent to $87.68. This was equivalent to a profit conversion of 35.5 percent.

The growth in profit this month was also in spite of a 2.3 percent year-on-year increase in "overhead" costs, including sales/marketing (+3.7 percent) and utilities (+8.3 percent), on a per available room basis.

"November is always a challenging month of trading for hotels in the U.S. due to the timing of Thanksgiving and many people taking vacation time to spend with family around this period. Despite this, hotels in the U.S. have managed to maintain their upward trajectory to good effect this month.

With a steady increase in top and bottom line performance so far in 2017, hotels in the U.S. are on target for a third consecutive year of profit growth

," said Pablo Alonso, CEO of HotStats.

One of the standout performances this month was in San Francisco, as hotels recorded a 20.4 percent year-on-year increase in GOPPAR to $96.41, which was primarily as a result of accommodation demand generated by the 2017 Dreamforce conference.

Profit & Loss Key Performance Indicators  San Francisco (in USD)

November 2017 v November 2016

RevPAR: +9.8% to $216.73

TrevPAR: +8.2% to $299.05

Payroll: +1.0 pts to 43.2%

GOPPAR: +20.4% to $96.41

While hotels in San Francisco suffered a 3.4 percentage point drop in room occupancy this month, to 80.1 percent, this was more than offset by the 14.4 percent increase in achieved average room rate, to $270.59, which helped drive a 9.8 percent increase in RevPAR to $216.33.

Rate growth was achieved across most segments in November, with the greatest margin of increase recorded in the Best Available Rate (+24.7 percent), Residential Conference (+20.4 percent) and Leisure (+11.4 percent) segments.

In addition to the growth in RevPAR, increases were also recorded in food/beverage (+5.9 percent) and conference/banqueting (+5.3 percent) revenues on a per available room basis, which helped fuel the 8.2 percent increase in TrevPAR to $299.05.

"The four-day Dreamforce event is the biggest software conference in the world and reportedly had more than 171,000 registered 'Trailblazers' from 91 countries, fuelling demand for hotel accommodation across the city.

Although the Moscone Center in San Francisco has been the home of the event for some years now, this year the timing of the conference shifted to November from October in 2016, which had a significant impact on the year-on-year performance of hotels in the city

," added Pablo.

Despite the strong total revenue growth, payroll levels at hotels in San Francisco increased by 1.0 percentage points this month to 43.2 percent of total revenue. This was equivalent to a 10.8 percent year-on-year increase on a per available room basis, highlighting the challenges of labor cost in the Bay City.

As a result of rising costs outpacing revenue growth, profit per room at hotels in San Francisco for year-to-date 2017 remains 6.1 percent behind the same period in 2016, at $119.17.

2017 has also been a challenging year so far for hotels in Philadelphia. After a strong start, hotels in Pennsylvania's largest city faced a tough period of trading over the summer, as year-on-year profit per room plummeted by 25.0 percent in the period from June to September.

While November provided some respite, top line performance at hotels in Philadelphia has been challenged throughout 2017 by declining average room rate, which has dropped by 3.2 percent year-to-date, with the rate in the corporate segment providing the biggest challenge as it has plummeted by 23.2 percent in the 11 months to November 2017.

Furthermore, in line with the trend across hotels in the U.S., profit levels at properties in Philadelphia are being challenged by labor costs, which have increased by 2.2 percentage points year-to-date to 33.8 percent of total revenue.

As a result, profit per room for year-to-date 2017, at $94.94, remains 3.6 percent behind the same period in 2016 at $98.53.

Profit & Loss Key Performance Indicators  Philadelphia (in USD)

November 2017 v November 2016

RevPAR: +3.5% to $185.44

TrevPAR: +2.4% to $262.58

Payroll: +0.9 pts to 32.3%

GOPPAR: +6.7% to $105.36

About HotStats

HotStats provides monthly P&L benchmarking and market insight for the global hotel industry, collecting monthly detailed financial data from more than 8,500 hotels worldwide and over 100 different brands and independent hotels. HotStats provides more than 550 different KPIs covering all operating revenues, payroll, expenses, cost of sales and departmental and total hotel profitability.

David Stephens

Operations Manager - HOTSTATS

HotStats Limited
Hospitality Technology Next Generation (HTNG) announces companies registered to attend this year's Middle East Conference on 23-24 January at the Jumeirah Mina A'Salam, Dubai.

Companies in attendance include:

AccorHotels

Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise

Amadeus

Aruba Networks

Assa Abloy Hospitality

Belden

Calix

dailypoint

Danmagi

Deloitte

Dubai Parks & Resorts

E. Horner & Associates Pty Ltd

Elfiq Networks

ELKO EP

Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management (EAHM)

Enseo

Exterity

Glion Institute of Higher Education

GuestTek

HFTP

Hospitality & Retail Systems (HRS)

Hospitality Technology Consulting

Hospitality Technology Network, LLC

Hotel News Middle East

Hyatt Hotels Corporation

IBM Corporation

Ikusi

iLumio

Intelity

Jumeirah Group

Jung

Kathrein Solutions GmbH

Kempinski Hotels

Kerzner International Resorts Inc.

KNX Association

LUX* Resorts

m3connect GmbH

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

Marriott International

MCOMS

Messerschmitt Systems AG

Mitel Connected Guests

Movenpick Hotels & Resorts

Neorcha

Otrum

Passman

Prologic First

PwC

Radisson Blue Edwardian Hotels

Rotana Hotel Management Corporation

Ruckus Wireless, Inc.

Sabre

Salto Systems

Samsotech

Televes

The Conceptual Group

TravTalk Middle East

Ubiq Global Solutions

Willard Solutions International

Xn Protel Systems

Conference registration is open to any full-time employee of a company who owns, manages or franchises a hotel. For all other industry participants, HTNG membership is required. Technology providers, consultants and others who are not HTNG members should check with HTNG's Membership Department to ensure eligibility.

Registration and more information for the 2018 HTNG Middle East Conference can be found here.
Jan-Hendrik Meidinger Named General Manager for Grand Hyatt Taipei

Meidinger relocates to the Taiwanese capital with more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry. The 47-year-old was previously the resident manager at Grand Hyatt Taipei from 2006 to 2010. Most recently he was general manager of The Excelsior, owned by the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, in Hong Kong.

Grand Hyatt Taipei has tapped veteran hotelier, Jan-Hendrik Meidinger, as its new general manager. In his new role, Meidinger will lead one of the region's iconic properties and its 1,000 hotel Ambassadors.

Meidinger relocates to the Taiwanese capital with more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry. The 47-year-old was previously the resident manager at Grand Hyatt Taipei from 2006 to 2010. Most recently he was general manager of The Excelsior, owned by the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, in Hong Kong.

"I'm thrilled to be returning to Taiwan and to Grand Hyatt Taipei," said Meidinger, who succeeds Sammy Carolus to lead the 853-room property. "The Taiwanese have an excellent tradition of hospitality and I'm excited to work with the team here. Together, I believe, we can take the hotel and our guest experience to the next level. Coming back to Taipei feels like I've come home, in particular, since both of my children were born here."

A German national, Meidinger began his career with the Hyatt Group in 1999 as assistant front office manager at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong. He was then promoted to the position of executive assistant manager, rooms, before being named hotel manager of Grand Hyatt Taipei in 2006. In 2010, Meidinger was named general manager of Hyatt Regency Guam before taking the helm at Park Hyatt Saigon in 2014, where he managed the complete refurbishment of this iconic hotel.

Meidinger is a graduate of the University of Surrey, UK, where he majored in International Tourism and Hospitality Management. Born in 1970, he is fluent in German and English.

Last year, Grand Hyatt Taipei opened a new thermal spa following a landmark renovation that stripped the city's largest five-star hotel to its concrete fundamentals. This year, the property was once again the talk of the town after being voted the 'No. 1 Hotel in Taipei' in the annual Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 2017.
G Herbo quietly dropped one of the years more under-the-radar releases, Humble Beast, which featured strong lyricism and vivid street narratives centered around his hometown of Chicago. In fact, its evident that location played a pivotal role in shaping the man Herbo became; he clearly feels a strong connection to Chi-Town, despite the strenuous and sometimes violent conditions. In fact, many Chicago-based artists have a similar relationship with the city, and as a result, it has become one of hip-hops most definitive and important hubs. Now, G Herbo has given his fans a chance to better understand his upbringing, through a detailed documentary called City Of Sorrow.

The documentary, which arrives courtesy of Mass Appeal, follows Herbo as he returns to Chicago to visit his old middle school, Hyde Park Academy. There, the rapper delivers an inspiring speech, telling the kids that no matter what you do in life, the main three things to remember is to keep faith in yourself, stay focused and keep working hard. Its cool to see Herbo taking on the role of a mentor, cementing the fact that hes already wise beyond his years. Aint nothing easy. Everything in life is hard, there will be ups and downs, youre gonna lose, youre gonna fail. But you only fail if you give up.

If youre a fan, you should definitely catch City Of Sorrow before revisiting Humble Beast. Shout out to G Herbo for this one.

G Herbo
For those who have been partaking in the United States newfound influx of legal marijuana options, especially for those seeking it out to aid in battles against severe medical conditions, Jeff Sessions has just put a huge roadblock in the way.

According to NBC, current Attorney General Jeff Sessions gave lawyers operating in the U.S. the go-ahead to aggressively enforce federal laws against marijuana, even in those select states where it is already legal to possess or use the substance. This is being seen as a huge reversal of policy that the Obama administration had put into place to protect legalized marijuana from unnecessary federal interference and, in the process, allowed the pot industry to flourish financially (think of all the tax dollars Mr. Sessions).

In a three paragraph memo that is available on the Justice Departments website, Sessions wrote that the previous issuance of guidance undermines the rule of law and the ability of our local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement partners to carry out this mission. In his mind, Sessions is simply directing all U.S. Attorneys to use previously established prosecutorial principles that provide them all the necessary tools to disrupt criminal organizations, tackle the growing drug crisis, and thwart violent crime across our country.

There has already been some severe backlash in response to his decision, including from Cory Gardner, who threatened to hold up DOJ matters unless Sessions reconsiders his stance on legal marijuana. The Colorado Senator will surely not be the last person on Capitol Hill to fight back against the Attorney Generals decision.

Jeff Sessions
Reese LaFlares been working hard. The rapper dropped off a new project a few days a go with Maybe Later which featured K Camp, UnoTheActivist and Yung Bans. However, the rapper comes through today with some new music. After leaking online earlier today, Reese LaFlare officially releases his PartyNextDoor collaboration They Dont produced by London On Da Track.

Reese LaFlare comes through with his monstrous new single They Dont. The single features Toronto crooner, PartyNextDoor, and is produced by the London On Da Track. Its a track that dives closer to PartyNextDoors dark and cold sound. Reese LaFlare handles the verses while PND leads the chorus. Its an interesting song that blends a variety of sounds together. London On Da Track produced a track that finds a middle ground between the two artists. Hopefully, they collaborate more in the future.

Quotable Lyrics

I just want to give you what you want, want, want

Lame ass hoes talkin wah wah wah

Pull up on you, tell you this n*gga aint shit

You dont be trippin, you know these hoes aint shit




If you were looking forward to a new instalment of Adult Swims Rick And Morty this year, unfortunately, youll have to resort to watching re-runs of past seasons since the crew hasnt even begun to create seasons four plan.

One of the writers for the favourited show, Ryan Ridley, chatted with the Detroit Cast recently to discuss exactly whats going on, explaining that everyone simply hasnt gotten their shit together.

They really take their time. I never understood why everybody  all parties, Dan, Justin, and Adult Swim  didnt get their shit together, and make the show fast, he said. I just dont get it. It doesnt make any sense to me. Im sure they all have their reasons. I know how long this show takes to write, let alone animate. Id be surprised if there was a fourth season on the air anytime sooner than 2019 late 2019. Get your shit together, you guys. Get it all together, and put it in a backpack.

Do you guys think you can wait that long?

https://twitter.com/_/status/948848739233484801

https://twitter.com/_/status/948713550167576578

https://twitter.com/_/status/947414111733792769


A 27-year-old Necedah woman was referred to the Monroe County District Attorney for third-offense drunk driving after a Dec. 23 traffic stop.

Police stopped a vehicle driven by Jennifer Lee Steep shortly before 2:30 a.m. after it reportedly went the wrong way on a one-way portion of Milwaukee Street. The report says police also observed the vehicles license plate and brake lamps werent working.

The vehicle was pulled over on La Crosse Street, and when police approached Steep and asked if she was carrying her drivers license, she reportedly replied, honestly, nope. Im suspended. The report says Steeps speech was slurred and that a strong odor of intoxicants was coming from the vehicle. When asked how much alcohol she had consumed, she replied, a couple of beers, thats it, according to the report.

After a field sobriety test, Steep submitted to a preliminary breath test that recorded a blood-alcohol level of .091, above the legal limit of .08.

Steep was also referred for operating after revocation/drunk driving-related and failure to install an ignition interlock device.

In other Tomah Police Department news:

Tonya Marie Pittman, 34, Tomah, was referred to the district attorney for disorderly conduct after a Dec. 22 incident.

Police were called to a Sheri Court residence, where a caller said an intoxicated Pittman locked herself in a bathroom with a two-year-old child. The caller described Pittman as profane and hysterical and wouldnt let anyone near her and the child.

The report says a visibly intoxicated Pittman refused to talk to police about the incident and sat the child on a kitchen table without incident. However, the report says she became uncooperative after she was transported to the Monroe County Jail and refused to comply with the booking process.

The report says Pittman had a no-contact order with the child, which triggered a bail jumping referral.

Robert S. Gomez, 62, Tomah, was referred to the district attorney for disorderly conduct after a Dec. 24 incident.

Police were called to the Greenwood Cafe shortly before 3:30 p.m., where a witness said Gomez had struck a woman and left the restaurant en route to a Butts Avenue residence. The report said police could hear two people arguing inside the apartment before officers announced their presence. Gomez answered the door, exited the apartment and sat on the stairs.

The report says Gomezs hand was bleeding, which he said was caused by throwing objects because he was angry. Gomez was visibly intoxicated and used profane language with police, according to the report. Gomez submitted to a preliminary breath test and recorded a blood-alcohol level of .23.

David Albert Beyer, 61, Tomah, was referred to the district attorney for bail jumping on two separate occasions. He is accused of violating a no-contact order Dec. 19 and violating a no-drink order Dec. 22.

Rusty J. Lincoln, 26, Tomah, was referred to the district attorney for second-offense drunk driving after a Dec. 22 traffic stop.

According to the report, an officer observed Lincoln rapidly accelerate on Butts Avenue, reaching a speed of 45 mph in a 25 mph zone. The vehicle then suddenly applied it brakes and turned onto Grassman Street before turning into a driveway, where police approached the vehicle.

The report says Lincoln had glassy eyes and a blank expression on his face. He reportedly told police he had consumed four shots of Rumple Minze and two beers. The report says Lincoln failed to complete walk-and-turn and one-leg stand tests, and a preliminary breath test registered a blood-alcohol level of .244.

Lincoln was also referred for operating after revocation/drunk driving-related and bail jumping.

Robert Gomez, 42, and Donovan Gomez, 23, both of Tomah, were referred to the district attorney for disorderly conduct after a Dec. 22 incident.

Police were called to a Stoughton Avenue residence, where police observed Robert Gomez with scratches on top of his head and blood in his mouth. A woman told police that Donovan Gomez became angry after Robert Gomez hurled an insult at the woman, which triggered a physical confrontation.
Tdot Illdude recently dropped off his brand new mixtape, which features one of the lengthiest album titles in recent memory: The Last Illustration Of Tdot Illdue By Thomas Jude. The title suggests an almost literary quality to the project, especially when paired with the artwork; one might think were about to take a journey into some serious art-rap territory. However, the New Jersey rapper keeps things relatively close to the trap stratosphere, opting for a dark, minor key banger from Charlie Heat; for some reason, many modern trap instrumentals tend to sound like twisted nursery rhymes, and Im okay with that.

Tdot is an intriguing lyricist, spitting hilarious bars with casual swagger, like give your wifey some underwear, n***a these are the wonder years. If you havent yet checked out his surreal rap odyssey, hit the link above for a glimpse into the psyche of the enigma, Tdot Illdude. After all, from this point on, hell be retiring the name and going by Thomas Jude.

Quotable Lyrics

Give your wifey some underwear

N***a these are the wonder years

Im Durant in his Thunder years,

All the pain and the fuckin tears

But a victorys fuckin near
Just after the end of World War I, a young Army officer who was born in Denison, Texas, was assigned to accompany an expedition of military vehicles driving across America. The mission was to determine the difficulties the nation might face moving an entire army across the continent.

Lucky thing the country was no longer at war. The convoy constantly ground to a halt on unpaved roads, sinking into mud, slipping into ditches and sliding into quicksand. The cross-country journey took 62 days, averaging about six miles an hour, something close to the speed of a leisurely walk.

The lessons of that ordeal stuck in the young officer's mind. A generation later, former Lt. Col. Dwight D. Eisenhower cited his 1919 convoy experience as a reason for Congress to authorize construction of the Interstate Highway System. The commander-in-chief also proposed paying for the new freeway system with revenues from federal excise taxes on gasoline and lubricating oil.

President Eisenhower knew not only how to get freeways built, but also how to pay for them. We could sure use his help today in Austin. Instead, we're stuck with state leaders who can't figure out how to perform the basic governmental function of paying for highway projects. Our state's political leadership needs to quit dodging this issue and make some tough decisions about how Texas will finance its future roadways.

The problem is that freeway projects cost a lot of money, but the Republicans running the show in Austin don't have the political courage to pass the cost onto taxpayers. Take, for example, what recently happened to a couple of highway expansions proposed for the Dallas and Austin areas. The Texas Transportation Commission removed them from its ten-year plans because both of those projects rely partly on revenue from toll roads.

Conservative elected officials once embraced toll roads as a way to bankroll increasingly expensive highway projects without raising taxes. But the proliferation of these pay-for-play roadways has triggered a tea party style backlash. So state lawmakers faced with a prairie fire of popular opposition have flip-flopped from toll road champions to toll road critics.

So it has come down to this: Our state's Republican leaders won't raise taxes to raise money for highways, but now they're also against toll roads. How in the world do they propose to pay for new road projects?

That's a serious concern for pragmatic local elected officials. As the Chronicle's Dug Begley reports ("Toll road pushback worries area leaders," Monday, Page 1A), government leaders in the Houston area are fretting about what this means for the future of highway construction here. The massive redesign of the freeway system around downtown Houston was included in the state's latest plan, but some local transportation officials worry about the next step in that huge undertaking.

And make no mistake, Texas needs more money for highways. The American Society of Civil Engineering considers at least 38 percent of Texas roads to be in fair or poor condition, and the Federal Highway Commission rates nearly one in five bridges in our state as either structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. Meanwhile, TXDOT reported that between 2002 and 2014, highway construction costs rose 80 percent. At the same time, cars and trucks are becoming more efficient, so they're burning less gasoline and the state is collecting less in tax revenues.

Texas can't make concrete and asphalt out of fairy dust. No matter how low our taxes go, no major corporation like Amazon will want to move into a state that doesn't have decent roads. Our state's elected leaders should follow Ike's example. They should face the unavoidable truth that Texas needs to raise a lot more money for transportation projects, and they need to devise a plan to get the job done.
Last years economic restructuring has led to an increase in labour productivity in Singapore, but economists are uncertain about any long-term effects on productivity. The rise was also probably concentrated in certain sectors, such as manufacturing, they added.



The economy grew 3.5% for the whole of 2017, which is more than double of initial forecasts, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his New Year message.



The growth has largely been attributed to gains in labour productivity. Manpower Minister Lim Swee Say had previously quoted a 3% productivity growth for 2017, making it the highest increase since 2010.



However, economists are uncertain that the pace can continue as the growth is pegged to the current global economic recovery, rather than internal forces.



Productivity tends to pick up in an upswing  there is some slack so companies can increase capacity without needing to hire, Maybank Kim Eng economist Chua Hak Bin told The Business Times. Once that capacity tightens, it becomes much tougher. It is far too early to conclude that restructuring efforts delivered productivity improvements.



OCBC economist Selena Ling said sustained growth in both the economy and the labour market may leave a more optimistic view of long term prospects.



We are hoping that there will be clearer improvements this year, but the pick-up could remain sector-specific, Ling said. Now that growth in the services sector is gaining pace, the question is whether it will translate to more opportunities and more wage growth for workers.



Economists predict the economic growth to moderate in 2018 as the electronics manufacturing cycle slows down  but services, which makes up two-thirds of the economy and hires the bulk of workers, could contribute more to growth this year.






Congressman Ron Kind is not a fan of the newly passed tax bill.

Kind, who represents the third congressional district of Wisconsin that includes most of Juneau and Monroe counties, voted against the bill.

I didnt think it was fiscally responsible, Kind said. It will call for about $2 trillion in new debt over the next 10 years to pay for the lowering of rates.

Kind said it was impossible for any members of congress to read the bill in its entirety before voting. The 479-page bill was made available to us just a couple of hours until it was on the house floor, Kind said.

Pass-through entities were particularly concerning to Kind.

Theres language in it now that will enable professionals to set up their own special pass-through entities for themselves alone, so they can enjoy a lower rate, Kind said. And that was never the intent behind it.

He anticipates hedge funds and private equity individuals will take advantage of this.

Kind also says the cut will result in less revenue for other major projects, such as healthcare and infrastructure.

Gerrymandering

The U.S. Supreme Court is currently reviewing Gill v. Whitford, a case involving gerrymandering in Wisconsin. The case will decide whether a political party can give itself an unfair advantage through drawing district lines that will result in uncompetitive elections. The decision is expected to have a nationwide impact.

For Kind, gerrymandering is a major concern, and something he said he fought against for years.

Ive led the effort for redistricting reform so that politicians dont get to choose their voters but the other way around, Kind said.

Kind would like to see independent commissions draw the political map in Wisconsin.

It is expected that Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy will be the deciding vote on the case. He has previously stated if there was a way to measure how gerrymandered a map is, then the courts could be expected to make a reasonable decision on the matter.

All eyes are on Justice Kennedy, Kind said. Hes going to be the swing vote in that decision.

Trump concerns

Kind said he had major concerns about President Donald Trump. In Kinds view, Trump is isolating us from the rest of the world (When) youve got major problems like Iran or North Korea developing nuclear weapons, its helpful to have allies and friends around the globe that you can work with.

Kind believes a potential withdrawal from NAFTA would be a disaster. When it comes to impacting the local economy, the dairy industry would be severely impacted.

Mexico is our largest dairy export market, Kind said. If we lose that market if he withdraws us from NAFTA, dairy prices will plummet, the dairy industry will be racked overnight, and many more family farms will go out of business here in Wisconsin.

Though he does not agree with withdrawing from NAFTA, Kind said Im all for improving these agreements, so we get a better deal.

President Trumps expressed views on American institutions are also deeply concerning to Kind.

Anyone that tries to hold him or any other elected official accountable, he claims is fake news and needs to be attacked, Kind said.

To Kind, Trumps actions show a willingness to flirt with the path of authoritarianism That was never what our founders envisioned for this country.

But Kind is ultimately confident in the American people, saying they are going to be the ultimate referee on all this, come election time.

Sexual harassment

The year 2017 saw a shocking number of revelations on sexual harassment involving prominent figures in Hollywood, media and politics. After the Harvey Weinstein scandal broke, dozens of other cases of sexual misconduct were brought to the publics attention.

This is a wakeup call, Kind said. And its time for societal attitudes to change when it comes to treating everyone with the decency and respect that they deserve.

Ultimately, Kind said, this is all about dignity and respect.

Investing in American Opportunity Act

Kind is proud of a piece of legislation designed to help struggling areas.

What it calls for is, creating a tax incentive for the unrealized capital gains that have piled up on the sidelines because of the tax rate that they would be charged if they became realized.

Kind says it totals about $2.3 trillion.

If they used that money to invest in economically stressed areas like Juneau County, Adams County, they get a tax preference  that early stage capital is crucial for job creation.

Rural Opportunity Zones are something Kind sees as a good way of moving forward. His legislation uses the same definition for economically stressed areas.

The issue seems to have a degree of bipartisanship. Republican State Rep. Ed Brooks, R-Reedsburg, is working on legislation to implement Rural Opportunity Zones across Wisconsin, incentivizing college graduates to move there.

Future elections

Kind tentatively believes that just as 2010 was a tough year for Democrats across the board, the 2018 midterms could be the opposite.

Virginia, New Jersey, now Alabama are indications, Kind said. Midterm elections tend to favor the party not currently in the White House because of the disappointment, or promises that werent kept.

In the event that Democrats took back control of the House of Representatives, he would not support Nancy Pelosi returning to her former position as speaker. I was one of four who voted against her last time, Kind said. I think it is time for leadership change at the top, and I would be calling for that again.

Kind said he would likely support Jim Cooper of Tennessee, instead.

Currently in his 11th term in office Kind, says he still has a lot of faith and optimism in our country. With several universities in his district, Kind gets to be around young people often and thinks theyre ahead of legislators on some things.
Death didnt stand between a veteran and his Tomah High School diploma.

The Tomah Area School District awarded a posthumous diploma to Allen Gilson of Bremerton, Washington, in December. In June 2017, Gilson discovered he was eligible to receive his high school diploma through a program that recognizes military veterans who joined the service before they could graduate. However, three months after initiating the process, he died at the age of 92.

Gilson attended Tomah High School for two years before leaving to join the Civilian Conservation Corps for six months to support his mother and sister. Then at age 17, he enlisted in the Navy on July 6, 1942, seven months after the United States entered World War II.

Gilson served until the war was over. Three months later he re-enlisted with the intention of making it a career but was diagnosed with skin cancer. He was discharged Nov. 14, 1947.

After leaving the Navy, Gilson married Betty June. They were married for 67 years until she died in 2014. They had six children: June Brown, Lois Humphrey, Patsy Faulkner, Allen Gilson, Jr., Sue Shaw and Daren Gilson.

Malissa Hurd, Gilsons granddaughter by Sue Shaw, said he was thrilled with the idea of getting his high school diploma. He learned about the program through the Tomah Journal he received in the mail.

Even though he lived in Washington state, he always kept up with what went on in his hometown, she said. He read the story about Joe Lincoln receiving his diploma, and it made him very happy and kind of excited. He thought if Joe could get his diploma then maybe he could as well.

With that thought in mind, the process to get his diploma began, Hurd said. She drove her grandfather to a local community college, where they accessed the necessary documents to be filled out and returned to Tomah. Gilson also intended to write a letter to go with the documents, Hurd said, but that letter was never finished. Gilson died of cancer Aug. 30, 2017, two months shy of his 93rd birthday.

He began the letter right before we had to bring hospice in, and he kept telling everyone that he was going to finish the letter and get it sent off because he, too, wanted to get his diploma, she said.

After Gilsons death, Hurd went through his paperwork and found the letter he started, and she sent it to Tomah.

Once he started to write it, I had to finish it for him, she said.

Hurd said the family received Gilsons diploma the day before Christmas.

It was probably the best Christmas present ever, she said. I got to share it with my family, and I know my mom and aunts and uncles were super excited about it. It just kind of made the first Christmas (without him) a little easier.

Brian Hennessey, president of the Tomah School Board, said hes glad the school district has the ability to give veterans their diplomas.

I think its a great program, he said. Obviously for these people not having a diploma didnt hold them back in life, but for some people its something they always wanted, and its something they would have (gotten), so we try to show them at least a little bit of honor, posthumously or not, from the high school they would have graduated from.

Cindy Zahrte, Tomah Area School District superintendent, said this is the third diploma the district has given to a World War II veteran since the policy was adopted in November 2005 and the first one awarded posthumously.
Watch: Dog Clears Way for Herd of Cattle in Snow Storm, Internet Can't Contain Emotions
Snow falls gently on the farm. Its the light, fluffy snow that comes when its very cold.

Weve seen bitter temperatures to end the year. Like many, the cold caused its share of problems on our farm. I was reminded to appreciate running water when our well pump went out Christmas Eve. When an electric waterer failed, we carried buckets of water to our horses.

Bitter cold weather and a dwindling supply of propane caused Wisconsin to declare a state of energy emergency related to intermittent propane supplies. For the 250,000 Wisconsinites that depend on propane for heat, a shortage can be a big deal.

After the relative calm of the holiday season, I expect the activities of the Legislature to heat up quickly in January. No one quite knows when will be the last day to pass a bill. This uncertainty is causing a great deal of urgency among lawmakers.

What causes the uncertainty is the tension and game playing between the Senate and Assembly leaders. As usual, both leaders have bantered about when each body will adjourn for the campaign season. The banter somewhat resembles the school yard game of chicken.

Members of the Legislature will soon meet the voters. Many lawmakers ponder their promises made but not yet kept. They work with staff to put the final touches on bills they hope to pass.

In 2018, it will be the year of many campaigns. Special elections in January, a nonpartisan primary in February, a Supreme Court race, and local nonpartisan elections  including every county board member in the state  in April.

Candidates who want to run for partisan elected office will begin collecting nomination signatures in mid-April. Fun begins in June when all partisan races will be set. June 1 is the deadline for turning in signatures for all partisan races. August brings us two big partisan primaries: the GOP U.S. Senate race and the Democratic gubernatorial primary. Tuesday, Nov. 6 is the general election date.

Mid-March is likely the time both legislative chambers will have their final days to meet as the full Senate and Assembly. But this does not mean the work of the state is finished.

The Finance and the Audit Committees meet all year, every year. Special study committees will be formed with members of the public adding their voices to help lawmakers address complex problems.

We will see new issues arise in the next few months. I expect to see at least some discussion of how to fix big problems. Woefully inadequate broadband, a broken system of school funding and the rising problems related to addiction, especially opioid abuse, are major problems many constituents want addressed.

Many Democrats, including myself, will continue to push for real changes to improve health care access and affordability. A great beginning is to create a state marketplace for health care  a bill Ive written to give Wisconsin the flexibility we need to fix health care.

Also on the agenda in 2018 is taking a good look at whats happening with our justice system. We have roughly double the number of people in prison compared to Minnesota even though we have a similar crime rate and similar population. Late in 2017, GOP leaders pushed through several bills to increase the minimum required penalties on some crimes and changed rules related to probation. The bills will cost the state more and add to already overcrowded prisons. But leaders did not have any way to pay for the increased costs.

Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, recently told the Wheeler Report we need to figure out, probably, a way to build a new state prison.  I think that is something we will probably do this spring, but probably putting either revenues or bonding into upgrading our prisons.

Borrowing to build a new prison is going to cause controversy when our neighbor to the west already has a corrections system that costs less and reduces crime.

Looking forward, 2018 will be an exciting year of change.

The new year is a great time for resolutions. I encourage everyone to resolve to be active in our great democracy, and be involved in the direction of this change.

Wishing you a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Democrat Kathleen Vinehout, Alma, represents the 31st state Senate District.
The aftermath of the Omagh bomb explosion in August 1998

Events marking 20 years since the Omagh bomb will be a "fitting tribute" to victims throughout the Troubles, organisers have said.

The Irish Government is funding a special series of commemoration projects ahead of this summer's anniversary. A cash injection worth 16,000 will help pay for remembrance works like art and music.

The Real IRA dissident republican blast killed 29 in the busy Co Tyrone market town. Nobody was convicted of murder despite extensive police investigations.

Cat Wilkinson, whose brother Aiden Gallagher, 21, died in the August 1998 explosion, said she was grateful for the extra money.

"It will help the families who will be thinking and reflecting back over the last 20 years.

"It gives them something to focus positively on and really connect with the rest of the community."

The Omagh bombing inflicted the greatest loss of life of any terror atrocity in the history of the Northern Ireland Troubles and came just months after the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

The dead came from both sides of the Irish border, England and Spain. One of the victims was pregnant with twins.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade funding has been allocated to the Omagh Support and Self-Help Group, run by and for the bereaved and offering services like welfare and complementary therapies.

Bags of wildflower seeds will be decorated with paintings and words themed around Nobel Prize-winning poet Seamus Heaney's line "Believe that a farther shore is reachable from here".

They will be put together as an installation by artist Carole Kane in a throwback to events of the time when floral works made from masses of wreaths received from around the world were presented to the bereaved families.

At the anniversary event, the bags of seeds will be distributed for scattering later, in some cases around the world at the scene of other atrocities.

A newly-composed music piece will be performed by Omagh Community Youth Choir.

Ms Wilkinson urged the local and wider community to get involved, since the whole community was affected by what was a "brutal and callous" attack on civil society.

"The families of Omagh felt enormous support worldwide which gave them the courage, strength and hope to face the difficult journey ahead," she said.

"We would hope that this project would be a fitting tribute to the victims, survivors, witnesses, first responders and civic and religious leaders who have not only been affected by this atrocity but throughout the history of the Troubles."

Omagh District Council is also organising a series of memorial events.

Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney said: "Support for this vital reconciliation work is an important expression of the Government's unwavering commitment to peace and reconciliation on this island as a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement."
The holder of the winning jackpot ticket, worth 38.9 million euro, has contacted the National Lottery offices

A 40 million euro jackpot winning EuroMillions ticket was sold in a local shop in Malahide, Dublin, it has been revealed.

Amy Cong, owner of the independent Village Shop in the town's shopping centre, said she has a lot of regulars but has no idea who the winner is.

"This is a small shop in the centre of Malahide but we are busy and we have a lot of regular customers," she said.

"We have been barely able to contain our excitement since we were told by the National Lottery yesterday that we sold the ticket. We had absolutely no idea! There is an amazing buzz here today. We have no idea who the lucky winner is but we wish them the best of luck in the future."

The holder of the winning jackpot ticket - worth 38.9 million euro from last Friday's draw - has contacted the National Lottery offices and arrangements are being made for the prize to be collected in the coming weeks.

A spokeswoman said: "We have verified the winning ticket and the ticket holder is understandably delighted at their good fortune.

"They are getting independent legal and financial advice and we look forward to having them come to the winner's room to collect their cheque in the near future. This is a life-changing amount."

Ms Cong, originally from the Shandong province in east China and living in Ireland for the last 20 years, said she expects to be a lot busier after selling the ticket for the massive windfall.

She also gets a 25,000 euro bonus for selling the jackpot numbers.

"My husband and I have been running the Village Shop for over five years now but we've never experienced anything like this," Ms Cong said.

"At the moment, we have just one employee working in the shop but today's exciting announcement could make us a whole lot busier in the coming months as one of Ireland's lucky EuroMillions winning retailers.

Ireland has had 12 jackpot winners in the EuroMillions including two syndicates in the last year which won separate pots of 88.5m euro and 29m euro.
Garda have been searching a vacant property on Avenue Road in Dundalk, Co Louth, close to the scene of the killing of a Japanese man

Flowers and a can of Japanese coffee on Avenue Road in Dundalk, Co Louth, close to the scene of the killing of a Japanese man

A series of attacks in Ireland which left one man dead and two others injured has not been linked to terrorism.

As detectives continued to question a teenage suspect over the random killing and assaults in Dundalk, Co Louth on Wednesday morning they said no terrorist link has been established.

The arrested man, aged 18 and from Egypt, was being interviewed while gardai liaise with counterparts in the UK and Cairo in a bid to establish the man's background.

"An Garda Siochana extends its sympathies to the families of the deceased person and our thoughts are with those injured," the force said in a statement.

"An Garda Siochana is currently liaising closely with our security and law enforcement partners worldwide to share and assess any relevant intelligence and its potential impact on the current investigation.

"At this time, we can find no established link to indicate that this tragedy is terrorist-related."

Following the man's arrest gardai said a number of lines of inquiry into the motive for the attacks were being investigated, including terrorism.

The dead man was Japanese, aged 24, and had been living in Ireland for a year.

He has been named as Yosuke Sasaki and is understood to have come from Ebina, west of Tokyo.

He worked in a call centre in Dundalk and it is believed he was targeted randomly on Avenue Road in Dundalk shortly before 9am on Wednesday as he made his way to the office.

Officials in the Japanese embassy in Dublin have been liaising with the dead man's family and have appealed for privacy.

In the second incident, an Irish man was injured when he was stabbed a short time later on Coes Road in Dundalk, near the scene of the first incident.

At 9.40am gardai received a report that another local man had been injured in an attack with a fence pole at Seatown Place.

The arrested man had come into contact with gardai in Dundalk on January 1 when inquiries about his immigration status were conducted.

It is believed he had applied for asylum in the Irish Republic.

Gardai can hold the arrested man until this evening when a decision will be made on whether to charge him or apply to have his period of detention extended.

Gardai said officers were liaising internationally with counterparts as the investigation develops.

It also noted that the threat level in Ireland from international terrorism remains unchanged and is classed as moderate, meaning an attack is possible but not likely.

"The level of threat remains under constant review by An Garda Siochana in consultation with the Defence Forces," it said.

"The public should be reassured that An Garda Siochana is committed to ensuring that the security of the state and our public areas remains a policing and security service priority."

Gardai urged people to remain vigilant and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan extended his sympathies those killed or injured, including Mr Sasaki.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. I want to wish those who were injured a speedy recovery," he said.

Mr Flanagan praised the work of gardai involved in the incident and cautioned about people jumping to conclusions over the attacks.

"There has, understandably, been speculation and concern about the motivation for this attack ... and would caution against drawing judgments until the gardai can establish the facts in the course of their investigation," he said.

Gerry Adams, Sinn Fein president who represents Co Louth where the attacks took place, said: "I want to express my deep sense of shock at the brutal murder of Yosuke Sasaki in Dundalk and the wounding of two other citizens."

Mr Adams said he had sought answers from Mr Flanagan over what contact the arrested man had with the immigration service; what his status was; what steps gardai took after coming into contact with him; and whether all necessary steps were taken by state agencies who dealt with him.
During the 1970s 'Porridge' got lots of laughs. That's because it was the title of a popular BBC sitcom starring Ronnie Barker and Richard Beckinsale. Now Ireland's best-known porridge oats brand, Flahavan's turns to comedy with a new ad campaign. Comic Steve Bennett fronts the first-ever TV commercial to be shot at Flahavan's mill in Kilmacthomas, Co Waterford.

Entitled 'Not Your Run of the Mill Oats', the ad is delivered tongue-in-cheek to show what's different about Flahavan's milling through seven generations of the family-owned business dating back to 1785. The construction of the current mill was completed in 1959.

The ad opens with two men on a cycle path. The camera slowly pulls back to reveal a panoramic shot of the country's longest greenway, the Waterford Greenway, as it crosses the viaduct at Kilmacthomas, right beside the mill.

Bennett plays a feisty tour guide who escorts a small group of visitors and talks them through the stages of the oat-milling process. As a result of some distractions and unforeseen events, the secrets to producing Flahavan's porridge oats aren't properly communicated.

As well as the 40-second TV ad, there's a 10-second teaser, radio and outdoor ads. The campaign was created by BBDO Dublin, with Red Rage hired to roll out the TV ads. Flahavan's sales and marketing director John Noonan says the new ads allow them to show off the mill where the porridge oats are produced for the first time.

"Thanks to the Waterford Greenway, which opened in 2016, anyone who cycles around Kilmacthomas will be familiar with the mill, which can be clearly seen from the greenway," Noonan said. "The new TV ad provides a chance for people to look behind the scenes at the mill. Flahavan's porridge oats accounts for two million servings in Ireland each week and the brand is marketed in 17 countries worldwide."

As well as traditional porridges, the Flahavan's range includes Super Oats for children, flapjacks, muesli and granolas. For his work in extending the brand, Noonan was voted Marketer of the Year in 2009. Resident MC at the Roisin Dubh Comedy Club, Bennett's sharp tongue gets crowds on side. He won 'Show Me the Funny' and best newcomer at the UK Musical Comedy Awards in 2014.

Staying with food, it appears vegan will be all the rage again when ordering home deliveries online this year. Just Eat reports that vegan will be the food trend of 2018 largely thanks to consumer seeking out image-conscious and healthy foods.

Last year saw a tenfold increase in demand for vegetarian options. One in three of Just Eat's 2,100 takeaway restaurants online now provide vegetarian and vegan choices on their menus. Just Eat marketing director Edel Kinane says outlets like Bombay Pantry have even launched their own vegan menu, an indication that there's more to Indian food than just chicken tikka masala.

Demand for healthy choices generally grew by 94pc last year and gluten-free options were up by 72pc. The most popular days of the year for ordering takeaways online are New Year's Day, Valentine's Day, back to school and summer festivals like Electric Picnic - 80pc of orders are made using either the Just Eat app or mobile.

Just under one in seven Irish holiday-goers have arrived at an airport only to realise they forgot their passport.

A study of 5,000 Irish people by AA Travel Insurance shows that men were slightly more likely than women to have experienced a forgotten passport nightmare, with almost 16pc of men leaving their passport behind compared to almost 10pc of women.

The survey also found that more than one in 10 Irish people have either lost or had their passport stolen at some stage in their lives. A similar number of respondents admitted that they had misplaced their travel documents on at least one occasion. Women are more likely to have lost their passport or had the document stolen - 13pc of women compared to 8pc of men.

No sooner has Bobby Kerr packed in his role at Insomnia to focus on his gigs at Newstalk than a new coffee brand and cafe pops up. Handprint Coffee is based at Freshii's new outlet in Dublin's Point Square, beside the 3Arena. It's a joint partnership between the Bell Lane coffee roastery and Freshii franchise owners Dave O'Donoghue and Cormac Manning. How refreshing to learn that Handprint sustainable coffee is served in compostable cups.

Scottish craft beer Brewdog is living up to its name by offering puppy parental leave for its staff in the UK and US. The 'punk' brewer now allows its near-1,000 workforce a week off when they get a new pup. Staff are also encouraged to bring their mutts to work. Barry & Fitzwilliam now handles Brewdog's distribution rights for Ireland. As they say, "in hops we trust".

Michael Cullen is editor of Marketing.ie; cullen@marketing.ie
A recent industry-wide initiative to reassess the iodine nutrition of lactating dairy cows is having a beneficial effect on milk iodine concentrations, Teagasc has said in a recent research update.

Until spring 2017, the animal compound feed industry in Ireland had adopted using 60mg iodine per day as the normal supplementation rate rather than 12mg iodine per day as originally recommended.

In January 2017, all manufacturers of compound feed in Ireland were requested to revert to the recommended rate of 12mg/d.

In research involving its dairy herds in Moorepark, Teagasc varied the supplemental iodine intake and milk iodine concentrations of the herds.

Herd 1 and Herd 2 were receiving close to the target iodine supplementation rate, but Herd 3 was receiving surplus supplemental iodine.

Consequently, the bulk tank milk for Herd 1 and Herd 2 was well below the upper limit for milk iodine concentration, but Herd 3 was exceeding the upper limit.

Teagasc has said that the results clearly indicate that it is feasible to maintain milk iodine concentration at between 20 and 150g/kg by providing approximately 12mg iodine per day.

It also said in the update that Initial feedback from processors in 2017 indicates that the iodine specifications for the Infant Milk Formula market have been easier to achieve than in previous years.

It said this reflected the prompt changes to the iodine inclusion rate implemented by the majority of feed manufacturers in line with Teagasc guidelines.

Teagasc said co-operation from dairy farmers, the feed industry, dairy nutritionists and veterinarians is required to continue using the recommended 12mg per day of iodine, facilitating profitable and sustainable growth of the Irish dairy industry.

Iodine toxicity is especially important for newborn infants, who are more sensitive to it because of an immature thyroid gland. Infant milk formula (IMF) is a key market for the growing Irish dairy industry, but milk produced when cows are fed surplus iodine in supplemental concentrate is generally unsuitable for inclusion in IMF.

Iodine concentrations in raw milk (bulk tank) should be maintained between 20 and 150g/kg. This ensures that cows are maintained in adequate iodine status, and that the milk produced is safe for a diverse product portfolio.
Irelands largest farmer-owned Co-Operative this afternoon announced that John OGorman has been elected as its new Chairman.

Mr OGorman who has served as Vice-Chairman since 2017 replaces James Lynch who served as Chairman for three years and recently stepped down having served the maximum term permitted on the Board of Dairygold.

Mr OGorman, from the Tipperary region was first elected to the Board of Dairygold in January 2013.

Speaking after his election as Chairman John OGorman said: Im honoured to have been elected to serve as Chairman of Dairygold. It is a long-standing and ambitious organisation with a deep commitment to its members and shareholders.

"I am grateful to the Board for the confidence and trust they have shown in me today and to the members who have supported me over many years. I look forward to working closely with the Board, Chief Executive Jim Woulfe, staff and Dairygolds Members."

He also paid tribute to his predecessor James Lynch who served as Chairman with great leadership and stewardship over the last three years.

Dairygold has had a remarkable period of growth and development that has supported our Members to realise their on-farm ambitions. I look forward to playing my part in Dairygolds continued success and exciting future.

John OGorman and his wife Alison have three daughters and live in Clogheen, Co Tipperary. John holds a Bachelors degree in Accounting and Business Management and a Diploma in Corporate Direction, Food Business from UCC. The position of Vice-Chairman will be filled at the next meeting of the Dairygold Board.
Two men were injured in a single-vehicle accident at about 8:18 p.m. Jan. 3 in the area of Santas Loop and Hwy. FF in the town of Hillsboro.

The vehicle, which was driven by Joshua Quario, 27, of Hillsboro was headed west on Hwy. FF when the driver lost control, leaving the road. The vehicle hit an embankment and rolled several times ending up on its side, according to the Vernon County Sheriffs Office.

Quario was transported to Gundersen St. Josephs Hospital in Hillsboro, then transferred by Gundersen Air to Gundersen Health System in La Crosse for injuries. The passenger, Tilford Swanagan, 32, of LaValle, was transported to Gundersen St. Josephs Hospital by Hillsboro Ambulance, then transported by Tri-State Ambulance to Gundersen Health System for treatment.

The Hillsboro Fire Department, Hillsboro Ambulance Service, Tri-State Ambulance, Gundersen Air and Wisconsin State Patrol assisted at the scene. The accident remains under investigation by the Sheriffs Office.
A farmer who caught both his parents as they dropped dead from heart failure has told how his own sons saved his life when he stopped breathing because of the genetic condition.

RTEs flagship farming programme, Ear to the Ground, reveals tonight that 10,000 people die every year because of cardiovascular disease but 80pc of those deaths are preventable.

After carrying out nearly 5,000 health checks in marts over the past four years, the Irish Heart Foundation found eight out of 10 farmers tested had risk factors for heart disease or strokes.

After watching his mother and father both die of heart conditions, Westmeath councillor and farmer, John Dolan, had his own life saved by the quick-thinking actions of his sons when his heart stopped suddenly one morning last July.

Medics told him afterwards that he had been clinically dead but the CPR carried out by his young son saved his life.

I remember seeing this light in front of me. there is no doubt about that. I wouldnt have been particularly religious, but I remember that sensation said the farmer.

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I knew I was moving towards a light. I was quite OK with it."

The programme revealed how he was saved from death by his young sons, Shane and Cathal, who jumped into action after seeing their father slump on the breakfast table after experiencing a cardiac arrest caused by the condition Sudden Adult Death Syndrome.

I was sitting across the table from him and we were chatting and the next thing his head just hit the table, said his son Shane.

Cathal rang the ambulance and I started CPR even though I didnt really know what to do.

The ambulance talked me through what to do and they stayed on the line the whole time until the ambulance was outside the house.

I think before the ambulance came, his heart was stopped, and he actually did die, and they had to get him back with a debrilliator.

It took three jumps of the debrilliator to get him back alive again. They told us that afterwards.

So, it was just that close.

Heart Disease

The father-of-three revealed his family history of heart disease was always in the back of his mind before he almost lost his own life to the condition.

I was in the unique position that both my parents dropped dead and I actually caught both my parents as they hit the ground which is very unusual.

What is wrong with me is from my mothers genes which is a (cardiac condition) commonly known as Sudden Death Syndrome.

So, I was acutely aware there was always the potential that there could be a problem.

After being rushed to hospital following his collapse in July, he was in a coma for the next two weeks.

At the beginning there wasnt much hope at all for him, said his daughter Aoife.

A consultant told they family that the farmer may not recover at all or he may suffer disabilities because of damage to his brain.

The third outcome is what we have here today is that he recovered very well, and he is well able to do his day-to-day business and he is back to his good old jokey self, said his daughter Aoife.

The farmers own GP said he has astonished the medical profession with his remarkable recovery in recent months.

She says we cant explain medically how you survived. It took a while for that to sink in, said John.

I just realise just how lucky I was, the percentages are very small that you would survive something like this.

Not too many people get a second chance.

The Irish Heart Foundation reveals on the RTE show that every minute without CPR the person loses 10pc chance of surviving.

Marese Damery, from the Irish Heart Foundation, said they have carried out health checks on nearly 5,000 farmers over the last four years at marts with worrying results.

"What we have found is 80pc of farmers have risk factors for heart disease and strokes. Its high particularly in relation of overweight or obese.

86pc of farmers are overweight or obese of the people we have seen so far.

Ear to the Ground will be shown on RTE One tonight, Thursday January 4 at 8.30pm
Irish communications company Blueface has agreed a merger deal with a bigger US rival, Star2Star, that will create a business understood to be worth $500m.

The merger will make the merged StarBlue a top five global provider in the growing unified communications market.

Blueface provides internet-based phone services for businesses. The merger comes less than a year after the BDO Development Capital Fund supported a 10m funding round for the fast-growing firm.

Blueface backers include brewing heir Edward Guinness, the Earl of Iveagh, and his family, who are set to remain involved in the company following the merger.

The management team led by Alan Foy also took a stake in the business in 2011 and backers included Enterprise Ireland.

The BDO Development Capital Fund has exited the business.

The merger is a "game-changing event" in the unified communications as a service (UCaaS) landscape, according to Blueface CEO Alan Foy.

He will become group CEO of Star2Star and Blueface following the merger and said that it "combines the best of proprietary UCaaS technology with an expansive geographic distribution, capability and reach."

Mr Foy continued: "It positions the combined Blueface and Star2Star company as one of the leading platform and service providers that can service businesses of all sizes, partners and wholesale customers."

He told the Irish Independent that Star2Star would continue to expand in North America, while Blueface would also continue its expansion in the EMEA region. "The company plans to launch into new markets through both organic growth and acquisitions," he said.

Following the deal, Norman Worthington, CEO of Star2Star, will become executive chairman of Star2Star and Blueface.

Florida will remain the North American headquarters for Star2Star, while Dublin will remain as the European HQ.

Founded in 2004, Blueface's proprietary cloud voice unified communications platform services business customers of all sizes. Initially focused on the residential market, in 2010 the company launched its business-to-business offering.

In 2011, it established its UK business and the following year Blueface acquired Kebu in Italy to form Blueface Italia. Blueface considered a stock market flotation in early 2016, but abandoned the plan, citing market volatility and cultural and integration difficulties relating to two potential acquisitions. Also in 2016, the company expanded into the US, France, Germany and Spain.

Blueface was advised on the merger by Mason Hayes & Curran, Grant Thornton (Dublin) and Q Advisors. Star2Star was advised by Pepper Hamilton, Grant Thornton (Atlanta) and Spurrier Capital.
Irish companies are still not focusing enough on Brexit preparations, the head of Enterprise Ireland has warned. Stock photo: PA Wire/PA Images

Irish companies are still not focusing enough on Brexit preparations, the head of Enterprise Ireland has warned.

Julie Sinnamon said companies needed to have a plan in place to deal with the potential fall-out, especially those exposed to the British market.

At the publication of the agency's annual results, she said there had been a big increase in the number of companies participating in trade missions, as well as a rise in interest in eurozone markets.

But she added: "Despite all of the roadshows, all of the work we've done through broadcasting, Brexit scorecards (an EI initiative), there still is not enough focus by Irish companies in terms of preparing for Brexit.

"This continues to be a major focus for us in 2018. I think companies were initially very slow to believe that this was actually going to happen. I think when we saw a hike in the exchange rate, it had an increased focus.

"What we have seen since then is a higher level of interest from companies beginning to take action. The big issue has been getting sufficient companies to move in to action as supposed to talking about it."

Ms Sinnamon said not enough companies had looked at the risks and put plans in place to address them.

Brexit has had an impact on exporting firms in terms of cash flow and profitability.

"The strongest and most professional companies are committing a lot of resources to Brexit if they are exposed to the UK market, so everybody exposed to the UK market has to have a plan," she said.

About 70 Enterprise Ireland (EI) client companies had availed of a Brexit grant by last month since the scheme went live earlier last year, according to data obtained by Fianna Fail.

The EI 'Be Prepared Grant' provides firms with up to 5,000 to get themselves in shape to deal with any potential fallout from the UK's EU exit.

The grant support is designed to help firms cover consultancy, travel and other out-of-pocket expenses associated with drawing up a Brexit action plan.
Nama has the capacity to fund the delivery of 20,000 residential units by end-2020, if commercially viable, according to its 2017 year-end review.

It is estimated that 7,200 residential units have been delivered between 2014 and 2017 through NAMA funding.

Meanwhile construction has begun on sites that will deliver a further 2,500 units financed by the States bad bank.

A further 7,000 units have received planning permission but are not yet under construction, while planning applications have been lodged, or will be submitted during 2018, for another 8,500 units.

Since the start of 2012, NAMA has delivered 2,456 houses and apartments for social housing, excluding houses provided under Part V arrangements, according to its 2017 review.

One hundred percent of government-guaranteed Nama senior bonds have now been redeemed  the final 2.6bnn of the original 30bn senior debt issued was redeemed by October last year.

This means that Namas primary objective has been achieved with the elimination of a 30.2 billion (at its peak) contingent liability of the Irish State.

In addition Nama has generated over 40.5bn in cash, primarily from asset and loan sales as well as rental receipts from properties controlled by debtors and receivers.

Subject to favourable market conditions, it expects to return a surplus of 3bn to the Exchequer by the time it completes its work in 2020.

In his October 2017 budget speech, the Minister for Finance announced that the Government had decided to establish a new vehicle, Home Building Finance Ireland (HBFI), to increase the availability of debt funding to commercially viable residential development projects.

While HBFI will draw on the expertise and skill in residential development funding that resides in Nama, it will be a legally independent entity.

The 750m initial funding for HBFI will come from Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF).

According to a statement from Nama, HBFI funding has potential to fund the construction of 6,000 units in the coming years. This will be additional to the output from NAMAs residential delivery programme.

It is expected that HBFI will commence operations in mid-2018.
There is no evidence of people declaring themselves homeless in a bid to 'game the system', Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy has said.

The minister has refused to criticise housing tsar Conor Skehan for claiming that families living in emergency B&B or hotel accommodation may be self-declaring themselves as homeless to jump the housing waiting list.

Mr Skehan, who is the outgoing chair of the Housing Agency, provoked an outcry with a suggestion that some families may be "gaming the system" as a result of a now defunct rule that Dublin local authorities should provide up to 50pc of all new social housing allocations to homeless individuals and families.

But when asked about the comments, Mr Murphy said it was "fair enough" for Mr Skehan to offer his analysis on the problems facing the sector.

However, he added: "I've no evidence in my department of people presenting or trying to game the system."

The minister said he believed Mr Skehan was trying to point out "an unintended consequence of previous government policy".

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"I think it's fair enough that he can do that. It's his role. It's not for me to criticise him for doing that. It's important that we have different voices in this debate," Mr Murphy said.

"My commitment is to make sure that we build as many homes as possible, to make sure that we get these people who are in very difficult circumstances, individuals and families, into homes and secure tenancies as quickly as possible."

Mr Murphy added that homelessness was a "very complex issue".

"People find themselves in a very difficult situation in their lives through no fault of their own," he said.
Vulture funds have received a massive blow in their attempts to repossess homes.

It has come about because a second lender was forced to admit it was incorrectly calculating arrears levels on mortgage accounts.

This latest admission sees Tanager forced to withdraw legal proceedings against a number of property owners in arrears.

The development is set to cast doubt over future moves by Tanager to take repossession actions against those behind on their repayments.

It comes just two months after subprime lender Start Mortgages had to stop repossession proceedings after it emerged it has been miscalculating the arrears on accounts.

Tanager, a US fund that bought Bank of Scotland mortgages, is now recalculating how it works out arrears on accounts.

Owned by Apollo in the United States, Tanager snapped up more than 2,000 distressed home loans from Bank of Scotland Ireland in 2010.

Financial experts said other funds that bought mortgages were now likely to be forced into admitting they have been miscalculating arrears levels, which will force them to withdraw repossession cases.

In letters sent to mortgage holders, Tanager, through its mortgage servicing agency Lapithus, has had to change how it calculates arrears.

Up to now it has been adding the arrears amount to the overall mortgage balance, so-called arrears capitalisation.

This inflated the monthly repayments.

In a letter to one mortgage holder, Lapithus/Tanager stated that the way it was calculating the arrears led to higher monthly repayments.

It will change its calculations, which will reduce the arrears owed.

"As your arrears balance will reduce as part of this change, Tanager has decided to withdraw its legal proceedings against you," it said.

Costs

Tanager said it would apply to the circuit court to have the repossession proceedings withdrawn and would cover any legal costs incurred by the mortgage holder.

Consumer advocate Brendan Burgess, of the Askaboutmoney.com website, said that the development raised questions about Tanager's ability to undertake future repossession actions.

He also said there were now question marks over past repossession cases taken by the vulture funds.

"All repossession cases should be struck out because Tanager calculated the arrears incorrectly," he said.

A spokesperson for the Central Bank said it was aware of the issue.

Tanager said: "Following a review of its practice for recalculating a customer's constant monthly instalment payment for customers who are in arrears, Tanager DAC is updating this practice."

It said it was implementing changes to its processes and would notify customers affected by the end of January.

A spokesman for Tanager/Lapithus said repossession cases had been dropped where the revised arrears amount was substantially reduced, impacting less than 30 customers.

He insisted that nobody lost their home as a result of the miscalculation of arrears, but there were a small number of investment properties that were being examined.
On Jan. 1, 2018, Bill Stern of Westby fulfilled the final wish on his lifes bucket list when he turned 100 years young. The event was marked quietly with family at Norseland Nursing Home where Sterns is a resident.

For this well-mannered and kind man, who was a member of General Pattons 3rd Battalion in WWII and has countless stories to tell from his military service, the stories about life that top his list of importance have nothing to do with the military, but everything to do with his undying love for his wife, Lorna.

Long before Stern became a resident at Norseland his was a familiar face at the elderly care facility. For years, multiple times daily, Sterns could be found tending to, and caring for, his wife of more than 75 years. Lorna was a year older than Bill and she too reached age 100 before God called her home in 2017.

Grow old with me, the best is yet to come, was a fitting tribute to the Sterns who were married on May 17, 1941 and celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary in 2016.

They graduated from the same school in Wauwatosa, but their only contact through middle and high school was an occasional greeting in the hallway. For Bill, it had been love at first sight ever since he laid eyes on Lorna in middle school. He even sent her a Valentine card, but it would take six years for her to know who the card was from since he never signed it, yet somehow fate still brought them together.

Their love story was one of true devotion. Even when Lorna developed dementia and spent the last decade of her life unsure what day it was, where she was, or who was helping her manage lifes everyday tasks, Bill is convinced that the love of his life knew in her heart that he never left her side.

As Lorna grew more frail this devoted couple still held hands every day. Yet for Bill, who now spends most of his time sitting in his room alone watching television, the loving grasp of his wifes hand is one of the things he misses most and is looking forward to when its his time to enter Gods domain through the Pearly Gates of Heaven.

Bill spent four years in the Army where he was in charge of the message center for General George S. Patton in WWII. He said his respect for Patton and his military leadership ability runs deep and he feels honored to have known such a courageous man who thought outside the box and did it his way.

Sadly, the last memory Stern has of Patton occurred on the day the General was critically injured in a jeep accident. Sterns and a comrade were driving down a road near the Germany base, when Patton and his driver passed them in a jeep. Stern learned a short time later about the accident and knows now that he was probably one of the last people to see him alive before the crash. General Patton died several days after the crash as a result of the injuries he received in December 1945 accident.

Stern spent two years overseas and was discharged in 1946. When he returned stateside Bill and Lorna moved to Chicago, where they raised two children, Rick Stern, who still lives in Illinois and Laurie (Bob) Erickson of Westby. Stern built a career in public relations and retired in 1977.

In 2008, the Sterns moved to Westby to be closer to family when Lornas dementia worsened. Soon after, Lorna became a permanent resident at Norseland Nursing Home and Bill joined her there as a resident after suffering a mild stroke himself late in 2016.

When Lorna passed away in 2017, a part of Bills world stopped. His heart is still beating strong, but he said it is missing a beat. Today there is a definite sadness in his eyes when he reminisces and even more so when he began singing, Ill be loving you always, a song he said he sang to Lorna often at Norseland and hopes she can still hear him singing to her from afar.

Im 100 years old. Ive served my country. Ive lived a good life. Ive had a good job. I have a wonderful family. Ive known true love and now God just has to come and take me home, Bill said.

After a century on earth, Bills bucket list is full and God willing he can fulfill the final promise he made to Lorna before she took her last breath, that one day soon they will be back together holding hands forever.
A scene from Cartoon Saloons animated feature The Breadwinner, which has been nominated for a Golden Globe

Profits at the Oscar-tipped Cartoon Saloon animation studios increased by 16pc in 2016 to 273,878.

Revenues soared by 43pc at the Kilkenny-based animation studio, up from 2.7m to 3.86m.

The studio is being tipped for an Oscar nomination to add to its previous two. It collaborated with Hollywood star, Angelina Jolie on its animated feature 'The Breadwinner', which has been nominated for a Golden Globe.

In an interview yesterday, MD of Cartoon Saloon, Gerry Shirren said he hoped that "Kilkenny will become a magnet for talent and a centre of excellence for animation in Ireland".

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Mr Shirren said that the number employed by Cartoon Saloon had increased to over 80 during 2017 and should grow further in 2018.

Commenting on the 2016 accounts just filed, Mr Shirren said that 2016 was "a solid year".

Mr Shirren said that the increased revenues "reflected an increase in activity in the studio operations, with 'The Breadwinner' feature in production".

He added that the studio was breaking into Asian markets for the first time, with 'Song of the Sea' continuing its worldwide release roll-out.

Mr Shirren said that 'Song of the Sea' was released in both China and Japan.
A full-scale cyber war is predicted to break out between countries in 2018, according to information security provider Ward Solutions.

The provider also predicts that nation states and law enforcement agencies around the world will begin to use cyber tactics offensively over the coming year.

Last year saw a significant escalation in the number of cyber-attacks levied against countries, and Ward believes that 2018 will see similar growth in the number of attacks.

The security company, which has around 300 clients, said that it expects governments to adopt combative cyber strategies tackling both aggressive countries and state-backed cyber criminals, a strategy that it says is likely to lead to the emergence of a cyber security war.

"2018 will see cyber security threats increase further in sophistication and the amount of damage that they can potentially cause," Pat Larkin, CEO, Ward Solutions, said.

"We would expect certain nations to go on the offensive against hackers and launch coordinated cyber campaigns to disable them before they have the chance to strike. Offensive cyber strategies will become a key element in countries national defence plans, helping them to prevent attacks," Mr Larkin continued.

A further prediction from the company is that this year cyber criminals will embrace artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies, using them to supplement their attacks and circumvent the advanced cyber security tools employed by businesses.

GDPR

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which comes into affect in May, will also remain a key priority for Irish companies in 2018, according to Ward Solutions.

"It is likely that punitive examples will be made of large organisations who will be fined heavily for failing to comply with the legislation," Mr Larkin said.

"The focus on GDPR compliance will also drive the need for an overarching framework that will enable companies to maintain compliance with information security standards going forward."
Bitcoins future may be uncertain but blockchain is here for good

Forget politics and religion. This year, the most heated debate around may be about the future of Bitcoin.

Inspired by the crash of 2008, Bitcoin cuts out the middlemen: there are no intermediary banks, clearing houses, regulators, or financial services companies.

Evangelists herald it as a financial revolution while sceptics call it a bubble. Regardless of their advice, investors - amateur and professional - are scrambling to be a part of it.

Bitcoin's extreme volatility makes predicting its longevity difficult, but it's the technology that powers the currency, blockchain, that's capturing the imagination of businesses across the world.

So, what is it? Put simply, blockchain is a distributed record of transactions - a 'digital ledger' - that is stored and maintained by everyone on a computer network, not just a single private custodian, like a bank, or a funnel of closed-off third-parties. Every transaction must be processed and verified as legitimate by a majority of the blockchain network. Once it is, a record of the transaction is permanently and unalterably locked into the blockchain, visible to everyone.

Blockchain makes interactions between payers and payees, or customers and suppliers, more transparent, trustworthy, and less likely to be fraudulent. They're more secure, too: a blockchain is distributed between computers, so a hacker has no single point of entry or vulnerability to exploit.

The usefulness of blockchain technology isn't just limited to money. Industries as diverse as law, recruitment, and healthcare could see their business costs reduced by using blockchain to speed up administrative processes, improve customer relations, and decrease spend on third-party fees.

An increasing number of Irish companies are applying blockchain technology to their business operations, and many others are exploring its possibilities. Already, Belfast blockchain company Arc-net has used the technology to improve food safety and supply chain logistics. Other Irish startups are using blockchain to simplify foreign currency exchange and reimburse passengers whose flights are delayed or cancelled with vouchers.

In 2017, we saw a 41pc rise in blockchain-related jobs compared to last year. Roles are opening up in software development, business analysis, project management, data science, accounting and management consulting. We fully expect this number to increase, and for blockchain jobs to further diversify, in 2018.

Dubai, London, Singapore and Zug, Switzerland (more commonly known as the 'Crypto Valley') have all looked to position themselves as leading innovation hubs for blockchain technology. Zug is already home to major industry players including Ethereum, ShapeShift, Xapo, Tezos, Melonport, and Monetas. The local government has embraced the technology and is making it possible for citizens to pay for services in bitcoin. It also recently announced a 'digital ID' initiative running on the Ethereum blockchain.

Deloitte was one of the first major corporates to identify the potential of blockchain. It currently employs a team of 800 dedicated blockchain professionals across its US operations.

Interestingly, approximately 75pc of all blockchain jobs result from cross-training existing employees - an increasingly popular trend, according to Eric Piscini, a Deloitte principal who oversees much of the firm's blockchain work.

This is good news for Irish industry. We have a ready-made highly educated and dynamic workforce, and a proven track record of adapting to the needs of new industries. Our growing reputation as a fintech hub is the latest example of this. Furthermore, Ireland offers a thriving R&D ecosystem coupled with a robust intellectual property regime.

Ireland to become a European blockchain leader

Ireland is currently ranked as the eighth most innovative EU country, and the Government's recent 8.2bn R&D investment as part of its strategy for science, technology and innovation has the potential to strengthen our position further.

Earlier this year, Deloitte chose Dublin as the base for its EMEA Blockchain Lab. In another welcome development, the Blockchain Association of Ireland called for the creation of a 'Crypto Coast', a regional hub for cryptocurrency and blockchain companies stretching from Dublin to Wexford. Here, there is potential for new revenue generation and job creation.

Ireland is well-positioned to become a European blockchain leader, but for this to happen, the technology must be embraced by the Government, the Central Bank, and wider industry. This doesn't mean they need all the answers to the various regulatory headaches presented by blockchain, but they should demonstrate a commitment to creating the necessary conditions for blockchain companies to thrive.

In short, while Bitcoin continues to polarise opinion, and could yet crash and burn, blockchain is here to stay. Its applications are practically limitless, and Ireland, with its existing tech credentials, is in a strong position to capitalise on a genuinely disruptive innovation.

To maximise this potential, in 2018, industry and Government will need to work in close collaboration to build a clear policy agenda and vision for blockchain in Ireland, and ensure that businesses have access to the right talent.

Orla Moran is the general manager of IrishJobs.ie
Ant Financial may have to re-tool its global ambitions after stiff US opposition scuppered what would have been its largest overseas acquisition.

The Chinese financial services giant controlled by Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma abandoned a plan to buy MoneyGram International after failing to win approval for the deal from a key government panel.

China's largest online wealth management and payments service may have to throttle back plans to expand in the world's largest financial market as it begins preparations to go public in the next year or so.

The end of the bid comes almost a year after Ma met with then US president-elect Donald Trump and talked of creating a million US jobs. Ant Financial's $1.2bn (1bn) deal for Dallas- based MoneyGram would have added a network of 350,000 agent locations in more than 200 countries and territories that it says reaches billions of accounts. The US company's shares plunged as much as 17pc in extended trading.

But the deal faced intense scrutiny from a government panel. Ant submitted its proposal to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the US several times, to no avail.

Last spring, two House of Representatives members said the acquisition could allow "malicious actors" to obtain data on US military personnel and their families who use the service.

Ant and Moneygram now plan to work together on initiatives in remittance and digital payments, they said in a joint statement.

"Technology companies understand the situation and are evolving in their approach. They are doing more things organically, they are doing more strategic alliances," Jeremy Choy, head of M&A for China Renaissance, said.

"We don't think this is the start of a trend where people just won't do things in the US. A lot of technology companies are becoming increasingly global, so they have to go to the US. But in terms of the approach, it will be less direct than finding a target and buying 100pc."

Ant Financial's Alipay controls roughly half of China's $5.5 trillion mobile-payments market and is eager to expand internationally. (Bloomberg)
'Google Photos or Flickr?" Dermot Costello is asking how to organise his photos online. Like many of us, the 49-year-old tech boss has pictures buried in old PCs, laptops and phones.

Normally, this is a challenge for another day. But Costello can't put it off. He has stage-four cancer. Having recently made the decision to come off treatment, he now has weeks, if not days, to live.

Ideally, he says, he wants an online photo back-up service without a subscription.

"That way, it doesn't matter if my wife forgets to pay for it afterwards."

Google is the preferable service, I say, as it is unlimited. Costello takes a note, before asking about a good, easy-to-use photo-editing app. Snapseed, I reply. He takes another note.

There are many reactions that people have when you tell them you have terminal cancer, he says.

"One of the things about cancer is that once people find out you have it, everybody wants to tell you cancer stories. It'll often be an uncle who died of it.

"They want to tell you all about him and the cancer. I say, 'Look, I'm not my cancer. I'm still Dermot Costello.'"

In Dublin, that has been a good name to have.

Costello is one of the more popular figures on the local tech scene and one of the most successful.

As European head of the US tech firm Qualtrics, he has grown a formidable operation from nothing to 250 people in just four years.

Utah-based Qualtrics founder Ryan Smith, in a previous interview with this reporter, spoke about how "awesome" he is as a colleague.

Despite his illness, Costello is pushing on with one last project. He wants to oversee the setting up of a cancer-immunology research programme.

In Ireland, this will cost an estimated 500,000 over three years. His company has promised to match the first 100,000 raised, with the rest targeted from a campaign called '5 For The Fight' (see panel).

Other than being with family and friends, this is what he intends to spend his remaining time on.

"There is no bucket list, no world trip missed," he says. "I really don't need to sit on a pyramid and watch the sun rise. I've lived well.

"I made lots of good friends and had a great marriage and great kids. And I've partied. The balance feels right."

Nor is there any fear of death.

"Why would I have? Death is a natural, inevitable part of life. And you love your life as best you can. All parties come to an end."

But having no regrets about a life lived doesn't mean an absence of sorrow in missing what is to come.

"My children are young," he says. "Now I'm going to leave them. I would have liked to have seen my daughter's wedding or my son's wedding.

"I feel I would have been at my best when they were young adults. And then my wife is going to lose a husband. We're almost 20 years married, we're a very tight family."

Qualtrics has a special relationship with cancer. The father of the survey software company's co-founders was suffering from throat cancer in 2002. Future chief executive Ryan dropped out of college to care for him.

Together, they worked on what would become the modern company that now has 8,000 corporate customers. Scott Smith recovered, but his sons did not forget about what had affected him.

"They've been incredible to me," says Costello. "Ryan rings me up, asks how things are going, offers me anything.

"They don't have to do that but that's the kind of company it is."

When it comes to tackling cancer, Smith means business. He has set a $50m (41.5m) goal for the company's global '5 For The Fight' campaign.

In Ireland, Costello and his colleagues chose a Cork-based organisation, called Breakthrough Cancer Research, as its partner in its own 500,000 campaign.

"We like them a lot because they are scrappy, like us, as a company," says Costello. "They have already had 250 novel discoveries, with six new treatments delivered and over 750 patients treated.

"They work with Cork University Hospital and try to put together clinicians with researchers, so that they can get the research out into the field as quickly as possible and into the hands of the people that need it."

If successful, the 500,000 will fund a PhD student, a post-doctoral researcher and a research assistant for three years.

"The aim is for them to look at some of the most difficult cancers, like pancreatic cancer, which Steve Jobs died of."

Costello's current efforts have raised almost 40,000 toward the campaign, he says. He'd like to see it go a bit higher, even if time is short.

"I really want to make this a success," he says. "If we can get to a situation where no other family has to go through what my family has been through, wouldn't that be a wonderful thing?

"The thing is that I genuinely think cancer is beatable. We just have to really get after it."

Whatever comes of the '5 For The Fight Campaign', however, it won't help Costello.

"My time is up," he says. "It's my liver that's letting me down now. I've got tumours all over my lungs, my liver, my abdomen. They have also gone to my back. So there is no more treatment now, I'm off all of it. Now it is just time."

There was an option, he says, of continuing with treatment. But it came at too great a cost.

"It was a joint decision," he says. "We sat down and talked about it. I had to put quality back into my life because the treatment was just absolutely destroying me. It was making me feel terrible.

"I asked whether there was anything else. But there's nothing else.

"We have literally taken all the conventional stuff and there's no more trial stuff for my type of cancer right now.

"So we made a decision together, one I'm very comfortable with. I want to keep whatever I have left as normal as possible. And I want to help with 5 For The Fight."

Keeping things normal includes a desire to continue helping with things at work.

This is tough for Costello. He has over 20 years of institutional optimism and exuberance, the trademarks of modern tech companies.

"It's hard, stepping back. I've always been very action-oriented and love to be involved in the thick of things.

"I was managing director for Europe, I'm now chairman for Europe. I'm still involved in the business but I'm taking a further step back. But we've got an amazing management team who have totally stepped up. I'll work for as long as I can."

Overall, cancer has been rough on Costello's wider family. His mother died in 2016 from the same colorectal cancer that he has now.

"She was diagnosed after me and she died before me, because it was a very late-stage diagnosis and wasn't caught in time."

He thinks that anyone over the age of 40 should get themselves checked.

"It's a very simple procedure. It's a little uncomfortable. But it's not painful in any shape or form. How old are you?"

Forty-four.

"There you go. You're certainly at an age where you'd want to be thinking about it. Especially if you've a history in your family of any form of cancer."

Religion doesn't play a big part in Costello's life, despite having friends among the clergy. So he is not placing too much faith in an afterlife. "I feel that if there is a judgement day, I've done my best," he says.

He still looks to objects for strength, though. Costello carries a rock around with him in a pocket, which was given to him by his daughter.

"She gave it to me last year as a symbol of love and strength," he says. "I carry that round with me for courage."

But Costello wants his friends, colleagues and family to know that he has no regrets. "A friend of mine recently put it well. He said you can live to be 100 years old and not have achieved what you want. Or you can live to 49 and have lived life.

"I have enjoyed myself. I feel I had the right balance in life. I tried to do it the right way. I made lots of great friends on the way. And most importantly, I have a great family.

"I'd rather 49 years of that than 100 years of not that."

Editor's note: Since this interview was completed, Dermot Costello passed away. Independent.ie would like to express our condolences to his family and friends

To donate to '5 For The Fight', visit 5forthefight.everydayhero.do. Companies who wish to get involved can access resources, advice and logos by emailing 5ftf-emea@qualtrics.com with their request.
As interviews go, getting to experience the dangers of using my mobile phone while driving through virtual reality simulation was definitely a first.

I crashed the virtual car. Badly.

The use of virtual reality and 3D are some of the many techniques being used by BBDO Dublin advertising agency, which was formerly known as Irish International.

Fresh from three years working in the New York office of Effie, the global marketing and communication awards body, Neal Davies recently took over at the agency and is ideally placed to deliver an insightful verdict on where the industry is headed.

Founded in 1966, Irish International has worked with the likes of Barry's Tea, Aer Lingus, Guinness, and the Irish Road Safety Authority (RSA).

"The RSA ads' use of 3D and virtual reality is quite amazing," says Davies.

"I can tell you that you need to drive better and that it distracts you from your driving while you have got your phone in your hand. You can either learn the hard way or we can put you in one of the road shows that we do, where you can actually experience what it is like to do that," he says

"This not the work of a traditional big budget TV agency, it's evidence of a company that is thinking about how to best apply technology to the briefs that we have been given by our clients."

According to Davies, a benefit of the company being part of the international organisation that is BBDO is that there is a lot knowledge-sharing.

"There is a resource that we have based in London called BBDO Knows and that's a brilliant resource. For example, when we were pitching for the Lidl account it enabled us to find out what sector information we can find out on retail that were all aggregated centrally ... and that's invaluable."

We turn to the hot topic of digital marketing, on this Davies admits that there is a desire within the industry to focus on 'what's the shiny new thing that we should be doing?' Something he says can be charted back over the last two decades.

"Twenty years ago the shiny new thing was the internet, and then it was 'gotta do something viral', and then it was 'we have to be on Myspace', and then it's Facebook and YouTube and Instagram and Twitter, and 'ooh what about artificial intelligence and what about machine learning?'

"You have this long list of whatever the latest shiny new thing is, which tends to both seduce and deceive at the same time."

However, Davies, the first person with an agency background to lead Effie Worldwide, and with nearly a quarter century of marketing experience with the likes of TBWA, McCann, Naked and Kodak, says the basics are still vital and a holistic approach necessary.

"The right way to play it is the consistent thinking of 'what is the brand's business problem that we need to solve?' Once we understand that, what role does communications as a whole need to play in delivering that? What message and behaviour do we need to get out in front of our potential audiences and, once you have made that decision, what channels are the best ones to help us deliver those things?"

On the subject of 'likes' Davies says that these are not a means to an end, what a business needs to look at is how do they help you get to your business objective rather than the other way around?

"The advertising industry and the marketing industry as a whole has been crying out for directly attributable, measurable results for a long time and that means that sometimes we end up celebrating the wrong measurements.

"For me it is all about answering the questions of 'What did you set out to achieve?' 'What are the sales goals?' and 'What is the return on marketing investment that you can deliver?'

"There are very few instances where something that exists purely in social media will succeed, unless it is surrounded by other channels that are orchestrated by other channels in the right way which can support that message."

Davies acknowledges that digital is no longer the add-on and is "how we do business now" and even if it is not the full answer it has to be part of any solution.

On the matter of television, one of the more tradition methods of advertising, he describes it as "important, but not the most important thing any more".

I raise the issue of possible problems in measuring data from social media. This, he says, goes back to client expectations.

"Each one of those things is a rabbit hole - you end up having conversations about data for data's sake, rather than how does it manage against your business objectives.

"What is important about data is how you use it to optimise your online campaigns.

"The beauty of digital and social is that you can correct as you go along, as opposed to 'we made a TV spot, we just need to keep running it' and that flexibility and nimble approach is very important."

For Davies, the challenge is staying on top of what technology means to the business.

"A lot of activity in the next two years will be around customer experience and data rather than more mainstream elements of advertising ... and in advertising we have always made things for screens, be they TV or paper, but if you look at voice technology, will we even have screens in 10 years' time?

"What will be consistent is saying 'what's the problem, how do we solve it and which touch points are going to be there'?"

The native of Northern England says that he does not think there are any cultural differences between Ireland, the UK, and the US - but there is a large difference is in the scale of the markets,

"I don't mean that to be Ireland is small, what I mean is that America is massive because you are dealing with a continent. Chicago as a city is the third or fourth-biggest advertising market in the world."

In addition, Davies notes that there is a lot more family ownership of brands in Ireland.

"You are actually talking to the person who's name is above the door," he says, adding that there also "seems to be a lot more State and semi-State spend in Ireland".

In terms of how to innovate in the advertising industry he says "that it is not always about bringing people in but it is about empowering people in the right way - nobody works in isolation here".

The conversation turns to where the industry is heading and on this, Davies says he is excited about "the potential of what might come next and experimenting and learning something new".

"You are now able to cut information in a way that allows for more targeted use of information.

"The one-to-one marketing is immensely interesting - the question becomes are we going to have one new advertising model? Or are we going to have a series of different advertising models because there are different types of brands that may require a different model? We might see different disciples emerging.

"Whatever happens in the next two, five, 10, 15 years, I don't know, but what we have witnessed in the past of either resisting change, or pretending change isn't happening, or fluffing change and getting it wrong, isn't going to be the right answer."
Amy Huberman films scenes for the second season of RTE drama Striking Out at City Hall, Dublin

Dublin actress Maria Doyle Kennedy is back on RTE screens and ready to make her mark on legal drama Striking Out as a criminal solicitor with a "sharp mind" and "even sharper tongue".

Her character George Cusack certainly means business - if the first pictures of the actress in her role are anything to go by.

Maria (53) was one of a number of new cast additions to join the second series of Striking Out, as well as Vikings actor Moe Dunford, who takes on the role of Eric's brother Sam.

They join an already impressive cast featuring Men Behaving Badly actor Neil Morrissey and leading lady Amy Huberman.

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The wife of Brian O'Driscoll stars as Tara Rafferty - a legal eagle whose personal and professional life undergoes huge changes after she discovers her fiance is having an affair with a colleague.

Series two will see Maria's formidable character sharing an office with Amy's character.

Speaking previously about her new co-star, mum-of-two Amy described the addition of Maria to the Striking Out family as "fantastic".

"Her and Tara are a great team together, but they don't really work together," she said.

"It's been a joy to be on set with her."

Maria will be back on Irish screens following her role in EastEnders spin-off Red Water, featuring soap stars Jessie Wallace and Shane Ritchie. She recently starred in five seasons of award-winning Canadian drama Orphan Black, which ended last year.

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The complex relationship between Tara and former fiance Eric, played by Rory Keenan, will remain centre stage in series two, while the arrival of Eric's brother Sam brings new tensions.

Eric will face tough personal and professional choices in the series as he investigates the increasingly dubious actions of his father, Richard Dunbar.

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Meanwhile, troubled Ray, played by Emmet Byrne, tries to turn his life around as he starts legal studies but struggles to find a balance between his old life and his chosen new path.

The new series of Striking Out kicks off on RTE One at 9.35pm on Sunday
Air pollution kills 1,200 people in Ireland each year and dangerous readings in New Ross, County Wexford, in mid-December has led to concerns about the health of its residents.

In 2016 Wexford County Council set up real-time monitoring equipment in Wexford Town and New Ross.

The system measures fine particles in the air from smoke and fuel emissions known as PM10 and PM2.5, which can penetrate into the lungs and bloodstream.

"On one particular evening in mid-December we were reaching limits of PM10 and PM2.5," the council's senior executive scientist, Brendan Cooney, told Independent.ie.

"To put that into perspective, the air quality was so bad that a UCC professor told me that New Ross had worse air quality than Beijing in 2008 - - when there were concerns over athletes exposure to smog during the Olympics."

The Beijing Olympics of 2008 were the most polluted games ever, researchers confirmed. It's one of the worst polluted cities in China.

In Ireland, like many EU countries, residential heating is a significant source of PM2.5 emissions. The main source of air pollution is coal and, particularly in the midlands, peat.

Dublin imposed a ban on smoky coal in 1990, Cork followed five years later and it was extended to 25 other urban areas in 2013. However, it's still a problem for smaller, regional towns.

New Ross is particularly vulnerable to air pollution because it sits in a valley, which means that smoke doesn't dissipate on a calm night.

"On this day it was bad because it was very cold with very little wind. We always see a surge in air pollution from about 4pm in the winter when people have their fires burning at home," said Mr Cooney.

"People think that we have good air quality in Ireland. Now generally we do, but in small areas and in regional towns, and during particular times of the day, the air quality is quite poor.

"On nights of poor air quality, those nights people with asthma will have to use their inhalers more. You'll see more people being admitted to hospital with breathing difficulties. It is a serious problem and something that people need to be more aware of," said Mr Cooney.

The HSE confirmed that Ireland has the fourth highest prevalence of asthma in the world. One-in-five children in Ireland suffer from asthma and overall there are four deaths a day directly associated with poor air quality across all age groups. There are 1,200 premature deaths in Ireland related to air pollution. The main cause of death is cardiovascular disease when pollutants enter the bloodstream.

In December, Minister Denis Naughten announced that the Government will impose a ban on the burning of smoky coal nationwide. The ban is expected to come into effect in September this year when coal stocks are depeleted.

"We've seen the difference a smoky coal ban makes. When Dublin became a designated smokeless zone we saw a drop in the number of people being admitted to hospitals," said Mr Cooney.

A spokesperson for the Environment Protection Agency said that Ireland is above the more stringent World Health Organisation (WHO) Air Quality Guideline values at a number of monitoring stations for both PM10 and PM2.5.

"This is predominantly due to the burning of solid fuel. It is especially an issue in smaller towns and villages that do not have access to natural gas and/or where the use of smoky coal is permitted.

The EPA said that Ireland has never exceeded EU limit values for PM10 and PM2.5. However, Ireland hasn't met air quality targets of what the WHO, EEA or the Protection of Human Health deem is safe.

"These guideline values are not a legal limit value but they are developed by the WHO with the current understanding of the health impacts of air pollution - that there is 'no safe level of air pollution'."

It also said that Dublin, despite being the capital, has a good quality of air when compared to many other EU cities but warned that it's approaching the EU limit for nitrogen oxides.

"This is due to a continued over reliance on fossil fuel powered motor cars. It is also important for air quality in the city and Ireland in general that home owners make clean air choices when deciding how to heat their homes.

"The EPA will carefully review all monitoring received from Local Authorities, including in relation to New Ross and will move to take appropriate action regarding ambient air quality monitoring in those areas."
A 35-YEAR-OLD Dublin man has been granted bail after being charged over a stab attack on his brother Ross Hutch during an "ongoing dispute".

Ross Hutch (25) who once appeared on RTE's Winning Streak, was treated by emergency services after he received a head injury on Wednesday night.

His brother Alan Hutch (35) from Portland Place, in north inner city Dublin, was arrested.

He appeared before Judge Bryan Smyth at just after 4.30pm an evening sitting of Dublin District Court.

He was charged with assault causing harm at his home address to Ross Hutch on January 3.

The alleged offence is contrary to Section 2 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

Garda Damien Kildea, from Mountjoy Station, told Judge Smyth that Alan Hutch was charged at 3.13pm on Thursday and he made no reply after caution before he was handed a copy of his charge sheet.

He said there was no objection to bail subject to conditions. Garda Kildea asked that one term would state the accused could have no contact with the injured party in this matter. He said the two men were brothers and added that there appears to be an ongoing dispute between himself and his brother.

Judge Smyth agreed to make that one of the bail terms and imposed other conditions sought by the Garda. He set bail at 250 in Mr Hutchs own bond but did not require a cash lodgement.

He ordered the accused to sign on three days a week at a garda station  the name of which was written on a note and given to the judge but not read out  and remain of sober habits. The accused was warned by the judge that he must be of good behaviour and have no contact with the alleged injured party Ross Hutch.

Alan Hutch, dressed in a navy hoodie, black trousers and runners, did not address the court during the hearing and there has been no indication as to how he will plead.

Garda Kildea said directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) needed to be obtained and he asked for a four-week adjournment.

Mr Hutch was released and ordered to appear again on Feb. 1 next when the case will be listed for directions from the DPP to be outlined. Legal aid was granted after defence solicitor Declan Fahy told the judge his client was unemployed and a statement of his means was furnished to the court.
An injured man has been charged following an attempted robbery at a Dublin pub that ended when the alleged raider was tackled by customers.

Derek Foran (33) appeared in court with heavy bruising to his face and a bandaged head and fingers after he was arrested at The Speaker Conolly Pub in Firhouse on New Year's Day. Judge John King granted him bail but remanded him in custody until he is able to take it up.

Mr Foran, a father of one from Allenton Avenue in Tallaght, is charged with attempting to rob Jason Doyle, the pub's acting manager. The accused had two black eyes when he was brought before Dublin District Court yesterday. He had two fractured ribs, a fractured finger and received 30 stitches to his head, the court heard.

Garda James Ward told Judge King he arrested Mr Foran at The Speaker Conolly Pub at 11.40pm on January 1.

He was brought to Tallaght Garda station, where he was charged at 8.08pm on Tuesday.

Objecting to bail, Garda Ward cited the seriousness of the charge. He told Judge King he had concerns the accused would not turn up in court and would interfere with prospective witnesses. Judge King said he did not believe the garda's objections were very strong and granted bail. He said there was a "very serious charge here", but Mr Foran enjoyed a presumption of innocence.

Defence barrister John Griffin said Mr Foran was living with his mother in Tallaght. He said gardai appeared to be happy with his identity and where he lived.

The judge set bail in the accused's own bond of 300, with no cash required. However, he did require an independent surety of 1,000, half of which is to be lodged in cash.

Conditions are that he resides at his homes address, observes a curfew between 10pm and 6am, signs on daily at Tallaght Garda station and has no contact, directly or indirectly with witnesses. He is also to stay out of the Firhouse area at all times.

Mr Griffin said the accused had two fractured ribs, a fractured finger and had received 30 stitches to his head. He had appointments at Tallaght Hospital and the Eye and Ear Hospital this week. The judge made a recommendation to the prison governor that the accused receive all necessary medical treatment.

He remanded Mr Foran in custody with consent to bail, to appear in Cloverhill District Court on January 9. He granted free legal aid after Mr Griffin said Mr Foran was unemployed.
A drunk driving father-of-15 had a meltdown when he led gardai on a chase after they spotted an open bottle of beer beside him in his car.

Jimmy Connors (60), a chronic alcoholic, had already clocked up a massive 326 previous convictions for a range of offences when gardai caught him starting his car while highly intoxicated.

He was living in the car at the time after falling off the wagon over the death of a son.

Banning him from driving for 25 years and jailing him for four months, Judge David McHugh said Connors litany of prior offences was some kind of record.

Connors, from The Avenue, Belgard Heights, Tallaght, was also fined 1,200 after he pleaded guilty to drunk, dangerous and uninsured driving.

Garda Sergeant Maria Callaghan told Blanchardstown District Court the incident happened at the car park at Aldi, Newlands Cross on June 14 last year.

It was 1.05am and gardai responded to a report of a man who was in a highly intoxicated state. When they arrived they saw Connors turning the keys in the ignition, with an open bottle of beer in the car beside him.

On speaking to him, he started the car and drove off at speed. Gardai followed him and he turned onto the Fonthill Road dangerously, causing other cars to take action to avoid him.

He also broke a red light. When the car stopped, he attempted to run from it as gardai approached. He was arrested and taken to Ballyfermot Garda Station, where a urine sample he provided was 235mg - more than three times the limit.

He was aggressive and abusive to gardai in the station after his arrest, Sgt Callaghan said.

In a previous incident, on April 5 last year, Connors was stopped driving at the Maldron Hotel car park in west Dublin. He had no insurance and gave gardai a false date of birth and address.

Connors was already serving a two-year sentence for burglary when he entered his pleas today.

His litany of prior offences included convictions for assault and threatening to kill.

It would appear to be a record of some type or kind, I would imagine, Judge McHugh said.

Defence barrister Jennifer Jackson said most of Connors prior convictions were for motoring offences.

He was a chronic alcoholic who had never gotten to grips with his problem, she said.

Connors was married but separated due to his alcoholism and had 15 children. Last year, a son died which caused Connors to fall off the wagon, Ms Jackson said.

At the time of the latest incident, he was homeless, drinking and living in his car. He realised this was no excuse.

It would appear he had a meltdown at that time, Judge McHugh said.

He was very intoxicated and engaged in very dangerous driving on the night in question and but for fate the matter could have been an awful lot more serious.

The judge said he was taking into account the accuseds difficult life and bereavement but had to balance that with the aggravating factors of which there are many.

The judge made the four month prison term consecutive to the sentence Connors is already serving.
Youths barricaded themselves in a room at Oberstown detention centre and during the stand-off anything they could destroy was destroyed, a court has heard.

Dylan Hafford, (19), with an address at Francis Street, Drogheda, Co. Louth was spared extra jail time after he pleaded guilty yesterday to criminal damage at the centre which is responsible for detention and remand of young people up to 18 years.

Hafford admitted causing 5,600 worth of damage to furniture, windows, door and smoke alarms during an incident on February 2, 2016.

The case was heard at the Dublin Childrens Court because he was a juvenile at the time of the incident but was now an adult, Judge Gerard Jones noted.

Garda Fionnuala Monaghan told Judge Jones the youth and a co-accused went into a multi-purpose room in the detention centre and barricaded themselves in the room. She said they remained there for several hours and they basically destroyed the whole room. A couch was ripped up, TVs were taken off the walls and anything they could destroy was destroyed.

She said it was very stressful for the staff who had to leave the room, however, none of them was injured.

The court heard he already had 50 prior criminal convictions and had received a five-year sentence with the final two suspended imposed at Dundalk Circuit Court in 2017 for an aggravated burglary offence.

Judge Jones was told the teen had 24 theft convictions  mainly burglaries  as well as five for criminal damage, 10 assaults, two for obstructing a garda, three trespassing offences as well as one vehicle theft and a breach of the peace.

Defence counsel Damian McKeone pleaded with the court not to add to the youths existing prison term which ends next year.

He asked the judge to note that that Hafford was only 17-years-old at the time and the offence happened almost two years ago. Counsel said the youth had lived with his mother and had also been close to an aunt and an uncle.

The uncle died before he went into custody and the aunt passed away five weeks after he was detained.

He was not granted compassionate bail and just completely lost his head. He knows it was no excuse and was sorry, counsel said.

The barrister said the youth admitted he had a serious addiction to tablets but was clean of drugs now. He had taken part in a culture of peace and non-violence programme and has also done a course in mosaics, the barrister said, adding that on release the teen wanted to started afresh.

He will also have a suspended sentence over him when he gets out, counsel submitted.

Hafford did not address the court.

Judge Jones said the maximum sentence he could impose for the offence was 12 months.

He said Hafford was a very violent young man with a dreadful history including 50 convictions and there was no justification for the offence. He imposed an eight-month term but back-dated it to run from a date in October when Hafford was first charged with the Oberstown incident, meaning his time in custody has not been extended.

His accomplices case was adjourned until a date in February.
An 18-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a Japanese national in Dundalk.

Mohamed Morei appeared before a special sitting of Dundalk District Court charged with the murder of Yosuke Sasaki on January 3 last.

The accused appeared before Judge Gerry Jones, and the court heard that there were issues in confirming Mr Morei's nationality.

Garda Inspector Martin Beggy told the court: "There is an issue with his nationality. That is undetermined at present."

Inspector Beggy also told the court that there was nothing "in common between the deceased and the accused."

Giving evidence, garda Damien Welby said that he arrested the accused at 4.32 today at the Crescent.

Mr Morei was charged at 5.20pm and made no reply when cautioned. He charge was then read to him by an interpreter.

Gda Damien Welby, of Blackrock garda station, was the unarmed officer who initially arrested the accused in the day the alleged murder took place.

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The accused made a number of outbursts during the brief court sitting, at different points exclaiming: "I'm not gay", "F*** you" and "I'm no Muslim".

Defence counsel Barry Callan applied for free legal aid for the accused, that an Arabic translator be provided and that he be medically and psychologically evaluated.

There was no application for bail, and the accused will appear before Cloverhill court next Thursday, January 11 via video link.

A large garda security presence was put in place as the accused arrived at Dundalk district court, including members of the Armed Support Unit (ASU).

Several people had also gathered outside the courthouse, with Gardai forced to restrain a number of individuals who attempted to confront the accused.
Gardai have seized cocaine worth 70,000 and arrested two men during an operation in Dublin on Wednesday.

Gardai say that an operation by the Garda Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau and the Special Crime Task Force seized the drugs in the Abbotstown area of Finglas on Duiblin's northside.

Two men, one aged 35 and the other 23, were arrested and both are being detained at Finglas Garda Station under the provisions of Section 2  Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996.

More to follow...
The scene of the fatal stabbing on the Dublin Road in Ballyjamesduff Co Cavan. Pic Steve Humphreys

A man has been arrested in Cork for questioning in connection with the murder of a man in Cavan on New Year's Eve.

Marek Swider (40), who is a Polish national, was found with fatal stab injuries in a house in Ballyjamesduff last Sunday night.

Mr Swider had been living and working in the Cavan area for a number of years.

His death was upgraded to a murder investigation following a post mortem examination by the State Pathologist's Office.

The incident occurred in the Cavan property off Dublin Street around 11pm last Sunday night.

Gardai last night arrested a man in Cork city for questioning in relation to the death of Mr Swider.

The man, who is a Polish national, is not understood to have a Cork address.

He can be questioned for an initial period of 12 hours under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act which can be further extended.

It is understood the man was arrested after he presented himself at a Cork city garda station last night.

He is now being questioned at the Bridewell Garda Station.

Gardai have appealed for any who witnessed the incident last Sunday night or who has information about the incident to contact Bailieboro

Garda Station on 042-9694570.

They have also appealed to anyone who was driving on the Dublin road in Ballyjamesduff between 10.30pm and midnight and who may have

dashcam footage to contact them.

Members of the Polish community or anyone who may have any information is urged to to contact them at Bailieboro, or the Garda Confidential

Line on 1800 666 111.
Gardai investigate a stabbing incident on the Avenue Road in Dundalk which has left one man dead. Picture: Gerry Mooney

Gardai investigate a stabbing incident on the Avenue Road in Dundalk which has left one man dead. Picture: Arthur Carron

Gardai investigate the stabbing incident on the Avenue Road in Dundalk. Photo: Arthur Carron

Tributes have been paid to a 24-year-old Japanese national who was stabbed to death in Dundalk yesterday.

An 18-year-old Egyptian man was arrested by gardai following three early morning attacks which left 24-year-old Yosuke Sasaki dead and two Irish men injured.

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The suspect remained under questioning after a rest period overnight.

Today, gardai confirmed that there was no established link to indicate that this tragedy is terrorist related.

However, enquires are continuing internationally as the investigation develops.

"An Garda Siochana is currently liaising closely with our security and law enforcement partners worldwide to share and assess any relevant intelligence and its potential impact on the current investigation.

"At this time, we can find no established link to indicate that this tragedy is terrorist related. However, enquires are continuing internationally as the investigation develops.

"The threat level in this jurisdiction from international terrorism remains unchanged (MODERATE), where an attack is possible but not likely. The level of threat remains under constant review by An Garda Siochana in consultation with the Defence Forces."

At the scene of the stabbing of Yosuke Sasaki (24) on Avenue Road some bouquets of flowers have been left by friends, along with a small can of tinned coffee from Japan.

Life taken too early, under such tragic circumstances, said a message in one of the bouquets.

A spokesman for the Japanese Embassy said they had made contact with and were providing support to Mr Sasakis family. He requested that the media respect the privacy of the family at this difficult time.

The CEO of the National Pen company where Yosuke Sasaki worked has said he had only joined the firm last August but during his relatively short time with the contact centre he was a valued member of staff who made a positive impact.

It is with deep regret and profound sadness that we confirm the death of our colleague in Wednesdays incident in Dundalk, said Peter Kelly from the company that specialises in personalised marketing merchandise.

Senior Management and wider colleagues extend their sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and have been liaising directly with the Japanese Embassy.

This is a time of profound sadness for management and staff. We will do everything possible to assist the family at this tragic time, he added.

Minister for Justice, Charlie Flanagan, paid tribute to the victims of the attack.

"I want to express my sympathy with those affected by yesterdays attacks in Dundalk in which a young man from Japan, Yosuke Sasaki, was killed; our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. I want to wish those who were injured a speedy recovery," he said in a statement.

"There has, understandably, been speculation and concern about the motivation for this attack. I welcome An Garda Siochanas statement in this regard and would caution against drawing judgments until the Gardai can establish the facts in the course of their investigation."

On the corner of Avenue Road and the Inner Link Road, gardai had sealed off a semi-derelict house where the suspect who was arrested is believed to have been squatting prior to the attacks.

It is not known how long he may have been living there, but it is believed he was sheltering in some shed buildings at the rear of the vacant house.

Neighbours said they did not see anyone coming or going from the house in recent days.

The company where Mr Sasaki worked, National Pen, said it would be issuing a statement this afternoon.

The family of the second man who was attacked, Cian Murphy, declined to comment on his current condition.

Today, gardai were trawling through two mobile phones recovered from a teenager as they probe whether a violent rampage is terror related.

The attack in Dundalk has sparked an international investigation as Garda national units liaise with colleagues in other countries to determine if the arrested man has links to international terror organisations.

Two mobile devices seized from the arrested man are being thoroughly examined to establish if any terror-related activity or material is contained on them.

A senior source last night said: We need to know this mans background. The mobile phones are key to the Garda investigation.

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The attacks began shortly before 9am when the Japanese victim was discovered unresponsive with a knife in his back at Avenue Road. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

At 9.32am, Cian Murphy, who is in his early 20s, was attacked at Coes Road in Dundalk and stabbed in the back. He managed to make his way to his nearby workplace where colleagues called emergency services.

At 9.40am, a third victim was assaulted at Seatown Place, and was struck in the head with a fencing pole.

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Detectives believe that the attacker travelled on foot, and he was apprehended a short time later at a derelict property by unarmed gardai.

The man was said to be in a very distressed state after his arrest, but was deemed fit to be interviewed after a number of hours.

Senior investigators have confirmed that a possible terror link is one line of inquiry gardai are probing.

At a press conference, Chief Superintendent Christy Mangan, of the Louth Garda division, said: A terror attack is a line of inquiry, its certainly a line that we would look at. We will endeavour to establish the suspects background, who they are, where theyve come from and why are they here.

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Were very interested to know why was he in Dundalk, why would he come here, whats the reason, whats the connection, the senior garda added.

Detectives believe that the 18-year-old arrested man entered Dundalk through Northern Ireland.

He was stopped and interacted with local officers on January 1 but did not have any identification on him. As a result, he presented at an asylum seekers centre in Dublin city centre.

However, the Egyptian man returned to Dundalk on Tuesday and stayed at a derelict property in the town that night ahead of yesterday mornings attacks.

A number of Garda national units were also briefed after concerns were raised that the violent rampage matched profiles of Islamic extremists. The Garda Special Detective Unit (SDU) was briefed on the incident in the immediate aftermath, with the units counter-terrorism section now in contact with colleagues in Egypt and the UK.

The forces National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) was contacted by officers in Dundalk after it emerged that this unit had interacted with the suspect on Monday.

Last night, specialist Garda officers were trawling through the two mobile phones in an attempt to establish if the Dundalk attacks are in any way linked to Islamic terrorism.

One of the injured men, a 23-year-old from the locality, went for help at the nearby Smyths Life Pharmacy.

The shop owner Anne McEntegart said: The wound was pumping, there was a lot of blood. It was totally random. He came in here afterwards asking for help. We treated the man. I had three to four staff on duty and the blood was pumping from his head. He came in and asked for help.
There were emotional scenes as the funeral for Jayne Toal Reat, who was stabbed to death on Christmas Day, took place in Banbridge.

The 43-year-old died in her daughter's arms following the incident, which happened shortly before 6am at a house on Mornington Lane in Lisburn.

Ms Reat had worked in Craigavon Area Hospital. Her daughter Charlotte (21), who lives in Comber, was also injured in the attack.

A 19-year-old man, Nathan Ward, has been charged with her murder and the attempted murder of both Charlotte Reat and his own father Joseph Tweedie, the partner of the late Ms Reat.

Mourners at Thursday's funeral were asked to wear colours powder blue or baby pink colours as they were Jayne's favourite colours.

The funeral took place at St Patrick's Church in Banbridge, followed by a private cremation.

In emotional scenes Charlotte, dressed in a blue coat and still bearing cuts to her face, spent some time saying goodbye to her mother outside the church while placing her hands on the coffin.

Parish Priest, Canon Liam Stevenson, said the devoted mother had been baptised in the same church over 40 years ago.

We have all been shocked, upset and deeply troubled when news of her untimely death began to circulate on Christmas day, he said.

Those who knew Jayne well would have expected to be celebrating... but the opposite was to be the reality for all Jaynes family circle and friends.

Instead they were trying to absorb the reality of a sudden, unforeseen and violent death. What a contrast to the nativity scene in the stable of Bethlehem.

Born in Banbridge on March 11, 1974, Ms Reat helped out in her grandmothers confectionery shop growing up while she studied in St Marys Primary and St Patricks College.

As an avid art student, Canon Stevenson said some of her work was still on display at her former school.

After moving to Belfast to work in the hospitality industry she married Simon with whom she had Charlotte.

She later relocated to Scotland and Cambridgeshire and resumed her studies, graduating with honours as a mental health nurse, following in her late mother Annes footsteps.

The call of Banbridge, her native town, was strong and she returned with Charlotte and lived across the street from her mother, continued Canon Stevenson.

Charlotte and Anne bonded well together as so often happens between granddaughter and grandmother.

Jaynes mother fell ill and she helped nurse her day and night.

Turning to her daughter Charlotte, Canon Stevenson said her mother had been proud of her dancing skills which she began to develop aged six.

She was happy to see (Charlotte) go off to the United States, but insisted on four phone calls daily to keep in touch, he said.

Its a very strong example of the closeness between Charlotte and Jayne.

He continued: Jayne found great friendship with Joe and she moved to Lisburn a few years ago to be close to him. 

Concluding, he shared the familys appreciation for the many messages of loyalty and sympathy towards them.

As the funeral cortege left St Patricks, nursing colleagues formed a guard of honour for Ms Reat.
A garda pictured at the scene and inset, broken glass in the front door

A MAN has been injured following a shooting in south Dublin tonight.

The 21-year-old was shot in the leg in Cherry Orchard, Dublin.

A garda spokesperson said the shooting incident took place at around 8.05pm at Cherry Orchard Parade.

The victim was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

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It is understood that at least three shots were fired during the incident, with one going in the front door of the house and two others through the top windows.

Nobody else was injured in the shooting.

Local councillor, Daithi Doolan, condemned the attack and called for further resources to be given to the area.

Its a terrible start to the New Year, he said.

"Tonight's shooting in Cherry Orchard was an attack on the whole community.

The gardai must receive every resource possible in Ballyfermot to tackle gun crime. This is a great community made up of hard working families.

"Residents deserve better than gun violence. I am calling on all political representatives to work together with gardai to ensure gun crime is tackled head on. Cherry Orchard families must be allowed to live, work and play in safety, he added.

The house remains sealed off.
The scene in Cavendish Street , west Belfast where a car has crashed through the front window of a property on January 3rd 2018 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph)

A young family escaped injury after joyriders crashed a car into their west Belfast home in the early hours of yesterday.

A Range Rover Vogue, stolen during a burglary, ploughed through the living room of the terraced property on Cavendish Street at 4.55am.

Roisin Murray (38) and her daughter Molly (16) were in bed at the time, while other daughter Claiodhna (19) was out.

Ms Murray, a pharmacy dispensing assistant who has lived in the house for 30 years, said she thought she was being burgled when she heard the smash.

She explained: "I was in bed and I heard the wind blowing, then I heard a thud.

"I came downstairs, I heard someone and I could see lights. I was frightened and I started screaming to Molly to get her phone because I thought it was a burglary.

"When I opened the door the headlights of the Range Rover were beaming in, and the glass and bricks were everywhere."

Ms Murray had spent thousands refurbishing her home just before Christmas.

"I'm still in shock, to be honest, it's not something you expect. I was standing in the living room and I could hear the neighbours shouting for us to get out," she said.

"The car was leaking petrol and it had also hit my gas box at the front of the house, and they were worried that there would be an explosion. We are still shaken up that it's happened."

Residents in the street witnessed four men running from the vehicle.

Neighbour Ciara Murphy (26) was also in bed - nursing a broken toe - when the drama unfolded. Her children, aged one and 10, were asleep at the time.

Her Seat Leon, which she bought last year, is a write-off as a result of the joyriders' actions.

She said: "This is a quiet street with nice neighbours.

"It's just ordinary, decent people who live here and I feel sorry for Roisin."

Sinn Fein MLA Fra McCann hit out at those responsible.

He said: "They care nothing for people and need to be removed from our community."

The PSNI appealed for witnesses. Inspector Laura Kelly said: "The Land Rover, along with a silver Toyota C-HR, were reported stolen in a creeper-style burglary from a house in Carney Hill in Holywood.

"Car keys were taken from the property along with number of other items, including a JVC 50in television, tablet and a PS4 games console.

"Anyone with information should ring 101 quoting reference 182 of 3/1/17."

Alternatively, people can ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A man has been arrested following an armed raid at a Dublin supermarket this morning.

According to gardai, a lone masked male entered a supermarket in Donabate armed with an iron bar at approximately 8.45am this morning.

Gardai have confirmed to Independent.ie that a robbery did take place but no details have yet emerged regarding the nature of the robbery.

Gardai say that the man has been arrested and he is being detained at Ballymun Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.

More to follow...
Roisin Shortall of the Social Democrats was sent complaint. Photo: Steve Humphreys

A former senior government adviser has warned the leadership of the Social Democrats that the online behaviour of some of their supporters is worse than that of "Sinn Fein's keyboard warriors".

Ed Brophy, who served as the chief of staff to Tanaiste Joan Burton, sent a complaint this week via email to Social Democrats co-leader Roisin Shortall. Mr Brophy, a pollster and 'Sunday Independent' columnist, claims Social Democrats activists have engaged in various online attacks in recent months.

He has described the behaviour of some of the party's members as being worse than that engaged in by "Sinn Fein's keyboard warriors".

It is understood that Mr Brophy appealed to Ms Shortall to ensure members engaged in a respectful and dignified manner on social media platforms.

Ms Shortall has yet to respond to the former government adviser.

The Social Democrats did not respond to queries. Mr Brophy declined to comment.

Example

However, he tweeted this week: "Online hate speech rife among @SocDem activists - worse than Sinn Fein keyboard warriors, now under orders to curtail their worst instincts."

Mr Brophy also tweeted what he claimed was an example of the abuse.

In the post on Facebook, the poster - who is alleged to be a Social Democrats activist - attacks Mr Brophy.

Mr Brophy served as a senior adviser in the Fine Gael-Labour government during various challenges. He now serves as a pollster and strategist for the research company Ireland Thinks.

But in the email to Ms Shortall - a Dublin North West TD who quit the Labour party in 2013 - Mr Brophy said there had been more instances.

The controversy comes just weeks after the Dail passed a Fianna Fail bill which pledged a crackdown on certain social media practices.
What a way to banish the January blues.

A small village shop in Malahide is celebrating after being revealed as the seller of last Fridays winning 38.9m EuroMillions Jackpot.

The owner of the Village Shop in Malahide, Amy Cong, said she found out last night when she had a visit by officials from the EuroMillions headquarters.

It was just unbelievable news, she said, adding that she hopes the lucky winner is one of their regular customers - and that they still keep coming to her shop.

A qualified accountant, she said she never thought she would be in the newsagent trade but says she loves being out front meeting customers - especially when something like this happens.

A Lotto spokesperson revealed the winner has made contact and that the ticket is in safe keeping in their HQ.

They are currently getting independent legal and financial advice.

The winner wishes to remain private and is expected to collect the vast sum next week, the spokesperson said.

Meanwhile Amy is overjoyed at selling the golden ticket to a lucky customer saying: This is unbelievable. I am delighted for the winner and the area. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would sell a big winning jackpot ticket.

Ms Cong - originally from the Shandong province of Eastern China - has lived in Ireland for over 20 years and has been running the shop with her husband Ken since 2013.

The shop previously sold a Lotto Plus 1 winning ticket worth 300,000.

This is a small shop in the centre of Malahide but we are busy and we have a lot of regular customers. We have been barely able to contain our excitement since we were told by the National Lottery yesterday that we sold the ticket, she said.

We had absolutely no idea! There is an amazing buzz here today. We have no idea who the lucky winner is but we wish them the best of luck in the future.

My husband and I have been running the Village Shop for over five years now but weve never experienced anything like this. At the moment, we have just one employee working in the shop but todays exciting announcement could make us a whole lot busier in the coming months as one of Irelands lucky Euromillions winning retailers, she said.

Meanwhile the National Lottery has confirmed that the winner of the golden ticket has made contact and arrangements are being made for the claim to be made. A spokesperson said that will be sometime in the next few weeks.

We have verified the winning ticket and the ticket holder is understandably delighted at their good fortune. They are getting independent legal and financial advice and we look forward to having them come to the winners room to collect their cheque in the near future. This is a life-changing amount.

Malahide had a very lucky EuroMillions Christmas. On Friday Dec 22nd Donnybrook Fair in the village sold a winning EuroMillions Plus ticket worth a cool 500,000 to a retired Florida-based priest home on holidays for Christmas.

National Lottery CEO, Dermot Griffin, today congratulated Amy and her team on being the sellers of the lucky EuroMillions ticket. He confirmed the shop gets a 25,000 bonus as a result.

This is fantastic news and we are delighted for Amy and everybody involved with the store in Malahide. And of course for the lucky winner. This was the third EuroMillions jackpot won in Ireland in 2017 and the 12th since EuroMillions began in 2004. 2017 was also an amazing year for our EuroMillions Plus players with 31 wins of 500,000 each.
Locals prepare more sandbags in the aftermath of Storm Eleanor in Galway. Photo: Andrew Downes

Once again, a major urban area has fallen victim to the ravages of nature.

The flooding in Galway which caused such devastation to businesses and homeowners could well be repeated in other parts of the country over the coming days, but one thing is absolutely certain - similar events will occur in the future.

While a single event cannot be linked to climate change, there's is little doubt our weather systems are changing. The severity of the winter storms we have seen may be linked to seasonal variations, but the reality is we are experiencing more frequent storms and flooding, and the science tells us we can expect more of the same. So, what to do?

The Office of Public Works knows the extent of the flood defences needed, and has set out the types of schemes required, and their scale; outlined their probable cost and set out the benefits which will accrue if the works are completed. The bill will be steep - at least 1bn.

In Galway city alone, works totalling almost 10m are needed to protect around 900 properties.

Defences in Cork will cost more than 100m, but some people are opposed due to the visual impact they will have on the city. Similar debates are likely in other at-risk areas.

While OPW Minister Kevin 'Boxer' Moran says he will push for additional funding, the simple fact is that we have ignored our flooding problem for many years, and are only now playing catch-up. The devastation in Galway is testament to our inaction.

But what's notable about the events in Galway is that no-one predicted the speed at which the flooding occurred.

The National Emergency Co-ordination Group on Severe Weather noted that an orange-level warning was issued by Met Eireann at 5am on January 2 for the city, but also Leinster and Munster, with high wind speeds expected.

The possibility of storm surges allied with high tides were also forecast, with a high tide alert issued at 11.46am the same day to all coastal local authorities.

Galway City Council insists temporary flood defences put in place for Storm Ophelia remained in situ, floodgates were in operation and thousands of sandbags were still available.

Vigilant

However, the council did advise that "no serious flooding" was expected due to the wind direction, but added that the public should "remain vigilant".

Water levels were also at record highs around Galway, according to hydrometric data from the OPW. Wolfe Tone Bridge in the city recorded its highest ever level, at 6.58m, since records began in 1992. Monitoring stations at Oranmore Bridge, Clarinbridge and Kilcolgan were also at record highs.

And the Marine Institute has said the storm surge was almost a metre higher than expected. The water level at Galway Port was expected to be just under six metres at 6pm on January 2, but data shows it was well in excess.

The city council has defended its response, saying authorities did all they could to avoid flooding.

"We can cope in the city with a 5.6m to a 5.8m storm tide...we believe it was somewhere in excess of 6.5m so that is utterly unprecedented," chief executive Brendan McGrath told the Irish Independent.

So what do the events of Galway tell us?

Flood defences are needed, not just in the City of the Tribes but in all at-risk areas identified by the OPW. They also tell us the National Flood Forecasting System being developed is badly needed. But they also tell us that no matter what measures are in place from local authorities and the State to protect communities, nature will always find a way.

There is also the question of the warning system employed. Was enough done? Were businesses and homeowners advised of the risks to the extent required?

Perhaps the plethora of yellow, orange and red warnings aren't enough. Perhaps the public doesn't accept the dangers.

The fact that motorists insisted on driving their cars through flood waters suggests that not everyone accepts the risk to life and limb that arises in these events.

The fact no-one died is a relief, but it is of little comfort to homeowners and businesses counting the cost.
Storm Eleanor left a wake of destruction behind her as she passed through The Quays in Westport where she tossed yacht's from their moorings (Photo: Paul Mealy)

A man taking photographs gets caught by crashing waves at High Rock in Portmarnock, Dublin. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA

Large swathes of the country remain under a Status Yellow weather warning this morning as the danger of coastal flooding remains.

An updated Status Yellow weather warning for Munster, Dublin, Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Wexford, Wicklow, Offaly, Galway and Mayo came into effect at 5am today and runs until 1pm this afternoon.

It warns that winds of a mean speed of 55 to 65kmh can be expected with gusts in those places hitting between 90 and 110 kmh.

It also advises that there is a risk of coastal flooding on western and southern coasts of Ireland.

Heavy rain along with sleet or wet snow is also forecast for higher ground in the north of the country this morning.

Gardai reported this morning that there was flooding on routes around Bantry in Cork.

They have also warned motorists to watch out for fallen debris on minor roads.

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The AA report that the N71 is impassable between Bell Height and the suspension bridge in Kenmare.

The AA also report that there is flooding on the R152 approximately 2km before Kilmoon Cross and motorists are being asked to avoid the road.

ESB Networks have also reported that a 'large fault' is affecting Cobh and surrounding areas and that it will be after midday before power is restored.

High tide passed in Cork city last night without flooding, however the flood warning remains in place.

Galway escaped without any further flooding this morning.

However, more mini-storms are expected today and tomorrow before a "dramatic change" sees temperatures plummet.

Homeowners and businesses along the south and west coast are now being warned of a "real risk" of further flooding in the wake of Storm Eleanor.

Chair of National Emergency Co-ordination Centre Sean Hogan said there is "unfortunately still some threat coming towards us".

Mr Hogan said parts of Galway city that are not normally susceptible to floods were hit.

He said adequate warnings were issued to local authorities but there are always "limitations" because storms can change direction at any moment.

"What was a surprise was the extent of what happened in Galway and the speed at which it happened," he said.

Mr Hogan said a combination of wind strength, a change in direction towards Galway and high waves in the Atlantic Ocean caused a surge of water into the city.

He urged people along the south and west coast to stay away from coastlines until the windy weather passes on Friday.

Met Eireann's Evelyn Cusack said two smaller weather events will take place in the southwest in the coming days.

"This is not a major event that we know of as yet," she said, but added that it's "not certain" what way the approaching weather fronts will develop.

By the weekend there will be a "dramatic change" with a return to calm but very cold weather with heavy frost at night.

Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy insisted suitable preparation and planning was in place in Galway yesterday but forecasters and local authorities "can't predict everything that will happen".

"We believed the main problems would be this morning," he said.

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Meanwhile, financial supports have been promised to those affected by Storm Eleanor as a massive clean-up operation is underway in the worst-hit areas and the country braces for continued strong winds.

The storm wreaked havoc from west to east of the country last night bring gusts of 155km/h, causing flooding and leaving thousands without power.

The Departments Community Welfare Services staff will assess the level of service required across the country, particularly in the Galway area, which was hit with the worst of the flooding.

As the clean-up operations begin, financial supports will be made available to householders affected and the Humanitarian Assistance scheme activated as necessary according to the Government.

High tide has passed this morning in Galway with no flooding. However, emergency services remain on duty and there is a warning that high tide this evening might bring rising waters.

Late last night ESB Networks apologised to customers who were still without power as a result of Storm Eleanor.
The definitive narrative in the Abrahamic faith traditions centres around the notion of salvation. The Christian and Jewish traditions, in particular, place great emphasis on the idea that salvation will emerge from the least likely quarters.

This expression of the human desire for a new redeeming age is now being played out by reckless and chaotic Donald Trump, the most ludicrously unlikely candidate for the presidency in the history of America, yet he surprised us all.

Trump is a master of the art of manufacturing outrage, of the amplification of differences, and of playing the role of saviour from all that is assumed to be wrong with the world. What we have here is the narcissistic attempt to place oneself at the centre of things, obliterating all that gets in the way. The most worrying aspect of Trumpism is the attempt to silence the press and weaken the judiciary.

We are looking at the machinations of the school bully played out on a global scale. The world of alternative facts, of crass populism, and of a systematic lack of concern for the truth define Trump's crude pragmatic approach to politics.

American visitors to Britain find Trump an embarrassment. His inability to speak English with basic competence, his views expressed on women, and his scattergun rage against the world do not endear him to a very high proportion of the American people.

Overall, the limits of Trump's language are indicative of the limits of his understanding of the world.

Trump seemed to have tackled effectively the dead hand of Washington bureaucracy, which he refers to as "the swamp". Sadly, he has not drained the swamp, as promised, but redesigned it.

Philip O'Neill

Oxford, England

I didn't vote for TDs' huge pay rise

It's barely a week since we were awakened with renewed joy, hope, energy and positivity with the birthday of Jesus. Allowing this to filter through and anticipating it to reflect on our lives for the coming year, I felt renewed faith.

I regret that on only the second day of the new year, Tommy Marren on Midwest Radio and Tom Towey's letter ('Coping classes left to struggle on', Letters, January 2) both report the massive increase of over 3,500 for our politicians year on year until 2020. No vote of conscience there.

Surely this takes the biscuit when later in the day we hear that there are 600 patients on hospital trolleys, one at least for over 24 hours, and apart from the inconvenience and abuse of ill and vulnerable patients mistakes are made, standards drop and the work of our great frontline staff is compromised.

Add to this the homelessness situation which is increasing daily, and an Garda Siochana with its lowest esteem ever, reduced to invisibility. The list goes on.

So the Government thinks politicians deserve this huge rise and President Michael D Higgins has no conscience in accepting two top-of-the-range BMWs to the value of 200,00 of taxpayers' money.

One has to wonder if this Government has a grudge against the vulnerable of our society, considering that as we speak the Eighth Amendment is in the process of being hobbled to allow our unborn babies to be destroyed.

The reason why this is disturbing is that we are led to believe we must vote, that it's a moral requirement - well, one has to rethink. When I voted, I did not expect I would have any hand, act or part in supporting any of the above.

Of course, not all politicians fall into this category - many take responsible decisions we hope, like Simon Coveney, and to Sinn Fein's credit they are not accepting the latest pay rise.

Mary Haran

Aclare, Co Sligo

The boy who cried 'Storm'

Storms seem to be coming with increasing frequency, and with names like long-lost relatives that suddenly turn up on your doorstep. You are cautious of them but unsure of their actions and what effect they will have on you.

In Galway city, Storm Ophelia passed us by with the greatest talking point being thrillseekers swimming at Blackrock.

Last week we had Storm Dylan which, although generating a bit of a breeze in the city, didn't merit any mention on the RTE 'Six One News' the following day because it caused no damage.

On Tuesday night, we had Storm Eleanor which, despite warnings from Met Eireann, took us all by surprise here in the city, causing widespread flooding.

Surely there has to be a better system of warning people of possible predicted damage, otherwise it becomes a case of people ignoring the boy who cried wolf too many times.

Tommy Roddy

Salthill, Co Galway

RTE Celebrity Homes insensitive

On reading Geraldine Gittens' article, 'Senator David Norris' Georgian home declared the winner of Celebrity Home of the Year' (Irish Independent, January 3), I wondered - given the plight of the homeless and the great struggle many thousands have accessing a modest, secure place to live - was RTE a tad insensitive indulging itself in the making of this trivial programme.

It really does beg the question - do those who reside in the leafy suburbs have the slightest understanding, or empathy, for struggling fellow citizens?

Jim O'Sullivan

Rathedmond, Co Sligo

Global politics has come to this

Come on, little men: 'My button is bigger than yours!' If you compare brains or hearts, I think it will be whose is smaller and darker.

Dennis Fitzgerald

Melbourne, Australia

Be constructive or stay out of it

After reading Dermot Staunton's letter on the issue of sexual consent classes, ('If 'yes' and 'no' are redundant, how are we to indicate consent?', Letters, January 2), one might be forgiven for thinking that Mr Staunton has never had to ward off the unwelcome advances of a male or female that is under the assumption that sex is on the table.

Lucky him!

The problem is not searching for the correct word in a multicultural society, the problem is these "two simple monosyllabic words" are often ignored or misinterpreted which is why we have the word 'rape'.

As for the age of consent, while some young people are sexually active at a much younger age than 17, not all want to have sex and some might be under severe pressure to have sex.

Rather than engaging in reductio ad absurdum regarding Minister Katherine Zappone's efforts to protect our young people, Mr Staunton would be better off providing some actual constructive criticism or staying out of the way.

Louise Bailey

Ennis, Co Clare
Zimbabweans outside the Zimbabwe Embassy in London during the political turmoil that culminated in the ousting of Robert Mugabe

A Zimbabwean court has freed "for now" an American woman charged with subversion for allegedly describing former president Robert Mugabe on Twitter as a "sick man".

Martha O'Donovan, from New Jersey, had faced up to 20 years in prison.

A magistrate removed her from remand after prosecutors failed to provide a trial date, freeing her from the charges but only temporarily.

Ms O'Donovan's lawyer Obey Shava said she can still be summoned back to court if the prosecution feels it has more evidence against her.

But she can get her passport back.

"It all depends on what they gather but for now the case has crumbled. She is free for now," said Mr Shava, with the organisation Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.

In previous cases, the government has rarely followed up to summon people again.

A smiling Ms O'Donovan, looking relieved, said she had no comment and left the courtroom to hugs from friends.

She has denied the allegations of insulting 93-year-old former leader Mr Mugabe, who resigned in November under pressure from the military and ruling party amid fears his unpopular wife was positioning herself to succeed him.

New President Emmerson Mnangagwa, a longtime Mugabe ally whose firing as vice president sparked the whirlwind events leading to Mr Mugabe's departure, has declared that the southern African nation should let "bygones be bygones".

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights says it has represented nearly 200 people charged under a law that criminalises insulting or undermining the president.

The military rounded up eight activists for carrying placards denouncing Mr Mnangagwa during a church service presided over by the president.

A court on Tuesday released them after ruling that the military had no arresting powers.

AP
North Korea called South Korea yesterday on a hotline that had previously remained dormant for two years, in a major diplomatic breakthrough that could pave the way towards future peace talks.

Pyongyang's state-run TV station reported yesterday that the inter-Korean communications channel in the shared border village of Panmunjom would be opened at 3pm.

This was confirmed by South Korea's unification ministry who said that the North made contact via the phone line at exactly the time ordered. "We have checked the communication line and are contacting each other," it said.

The breakthrough came despite an astonishing tweet late on Tuesday by US President Donald Trump, boasting that his "nuclear button" was bigger than North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un's.

"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!" he wrote, to an aghast Twitter audience.

Kim's olive branch to the South followed a New Year's Day speech in which he said he was "open to dialogue" with Seoul and to sending a team to South Korea's Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games in February.

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His South Korean counterpart, President Moon Jae-in, responded positively to his overtures on Tuesday with a proposal for high level talks, calling it a "ground-breaking chance" to improve relations.

However, initial calls to the hotline, which was first established in 1972 and is maintained by the Red Cross, went unanswered for 48 hours, reported Seoul's unification ministry.

The North's silence was broken yesterday morning by Ri Son-gwon, the head of Pyongyang's agency handling inter-Korean affairs.

"By upholding a decision by the leadership, we will make close contact with South Korea in a sincere and faithful manner," he said. "We will discuss working-level issues over our potential dispatch of the delegation."

He did not specify whether the North would accept Seoul's offer for talks next Tuesday but said that Kim "highly appreciated and welcomed" President Moon's support of his peace offer.

The two nations, who are still technically on a war-footing, have not held a high-level dialogue since December 2015. Pyongyang then cut off the hotline in February 2016 in protest at Seoul's closure of the Kaesong joint industrial complex following a North Korean nuclear test.

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President Moon's press secretary called the restoration of the hotline "very significant".

In his New Year's speech, Kim spoke of lowering tensions and melting "frozen North-South relations".

Mr Trump appeared to take credit for early signs of a thaw in relations between the North and South, claiming that his pressure on Pyongyang with increased sanctions and threats of military actions was having a "big impact".

Mr Trump tweeted that "rocket man [Kim Jong-un] now wants to talk to South Korea for the first time. Perhaps that is good news, perhaps not - we will see!"

Yesterday, Mr Trump also appeared to threaten to cut off aid money to the Palestinian Authority, asking why the US should make "any of these massive future payments" when the Palestinians are "no longer willing to talk peace".

Acknowledging his push to broker peace in the Middle East has stalled, Mr Trump tweeted: "We pay the Palestinians hundreds of millions of dollars a year and get no appreciation or respect. They don't even want to negotiate a long overdue ... peace treaty with Israel."

The tweet came after Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the United Nations, threatened to cut aid to the UNRWA, the UN's agency for Palestinian refugees, unless the Palestinian leadership came back to the negotiating table.

Mr Trump infuriated Palestinians and Muslims across the Middle East when he announced late last year that the US would consider Jerusalem the capital of Israel and move its embassy there, upending decades of US policy and igniting protests.

While the Palestinians have not closed the door to a potential deal with Israel, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said the announcement had destroyed Mr Trump's credibility as a Middle East peace broker, calling the decision "a declaration of withdrawal from the role it has played in the peace process".
An Australian fisherman charged in relation to a fatal Christmas attack on an Irishman has had the count against him upgraded to murder.

Charlie McCarthy (32) died from injuries sustained in a street attack in East Fremantle outside Perth in western Australia.

He died 24 hours after being struck in the head following a confrontation with two fishermen as he walked home with his Australian wife, Nicole, after attending a festive event on December 22 with friends.

Mr McCarthy, who was from Aghada in Cork, was confronted by one of the fishermen as he walked on Riverside Road to try to find a taxi home. Words were exchanged and the man then allegedly attacked Mr McCarthy.

During the altercation, he was struck in the head, by the temple, apparently with a heavy screwdriver-type implement used to help load a fishing speargun. A 34-year-old local fisherman was arrested a short time later.

Mr McCarthy, a father of two who worked for a cable firm, was rushed to hospital with traumatic brain injuries and he passed away on Christmas Eve.

Australian police initially charged Andrew Doan with grievous bodily harm.
The aftermath of a bombing blamed on the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen

A rebel-controlled Yemeni court has sentenced a local Baha'i man to death on charges of disseminating the beliefs of his faith and spying for Israel.

Hamid bin Haydara, detained since December 2013, received his sentence on Tuesday.

It was condemned by local and international rights groups, including Amnesty International, which slammed it as "cruel" and "degrading".

It also called on Yemeni authorities to "immediately quash" the sentence.

The Iranian-backed Shiite rebels, known as Houthis, seized the capital Sanaa in 2014.

They have been at war with a Saudi-led coalition backing an internationally recognised government since March 2015.

The Baha'i faith originated in Iran in 1844 but is currently banned there.

Israel is home to some of its holy sites and administrative bodies.

AP
When nuclear weapons were deployed against a US enemy at the end of World War II, for the first and last time to date, the American public initially mostly supported their use. That changed when the fallout - killing tens of thousands within seconds around the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki - became apparent.

It's a sentiment which has lasted for decades, and, if anything, only appeared to get stronger - until recently.

When President Barack Obama paid tribute to the people of Hiroshima in May 2016, he urged the international community to "choose a future when Hiroshima and Nagasaki are not considered the dawn of atomic warfare but as the start of our own moral awakening".

At the time, nobody would have predicted the victory of Donald Trump in the elections the following year, however.

During his first year in office, Trump has shattered the cautious and history-burdened way we used to discuss nuclear weapons.

On Tuesday evening, the president further escalated his war of words with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, asserting his "nuclear button" was "much bigger & more powerful" than his adversary's. He went on to threaten that the US arsenal "works".

Kim had previously taunted Trump in a New Year's Day speech, saying that his nuclear button was always on his desk.

The president's response a day later was only the latest escalation of rhetoric - last summer, Trump had already warned North Korea of "fire and fury" - and his remarks have made analysts wonder whether Trump is aware of the catastrophic impact an activation of either of those buttons would have.

Observers from the United States and abroad criticised the remarks as "infantile" and ill-advised.

"Trump plays with the subject so carelessly and recklessly as if it were some kind of video game," argued Aaron David Miller, a fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Centre who has advised several secretaries of state. "My head's exploding," he wrote on Twitter.

Whereas Trump may be the first US president to engage in such rhetoric, there appears to be some precedent for it. The way Trump discusses nuclear weapons may fall into a pattern that has been observed among military officials in the past, as researchers pointed out on Tuesday.

They were referring to a 1985 study by Carol Cohn who analysed remarks that compared nuclear war with "an act of boyish mischief." Cohn argued they were an expression of a "competition for manhood," and "a way of minimising the seriousness of militarist endeavours, of denying their deadly consequences," concluding they posed a "tremendous danger" in real life.

That's especially true if you're the president of the United States.

The worry is that Trump's remarks are eliminating the reasoning that may have prevented world leaders from resorting to nuclear weapons ever again since World War II.

The best-known explanation for this reluctance relies on the concept of deterrence, which assumes that the repercussions of a nuclear war would be so catastrophic - some scenarios predict a "nuclear winter" which would wipe out the majority of humanity - that no leader would want to start such a conflict. For that reason, several nations have committed to not using nuclear weapons first.

To some, Trump's August "fire and fury" remarks indicated the US commander in chief may be willing to launch an attack against Pyongyang without being attacked first - appearing to mark a reversal of decades-long implicit consensus, even though Trump later softened his stance at the insistence of his advisers.

A second theory for why nuclear weapons have remained ostracised for decades frames the decision to trigger their use as a 'moral taboo'. In her book 'The Nuclear Taboo', researcher Nina Tannenwald writes that US leaders have been dissuaded from their use by moral restraint. Relying on historic analysis, Tannenwald argued that "powerful revulsion associated with nuclear weapons had played a role in inhibiting their use".

Compare that with Trump's references to Kim as 'rocket man', or his proclamation last August that his "first order as president was to renovate and modernise our nuclear arsenal".

"It is now far stronger and more powerful than ever before," Trump wrote.

The former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under Obama, Admiral Mike Mullen, warned on Sunday that the United States was now "closer to a nuclear war with North Korea" than ever before. Trump is not the only one to be blamed for that, as North Korea's continuing missile tests have put significantly more pressure on the president.

But analysts fear his response to that pressure may normalise the possible future use of nuclear weapons to a dangerous extent.

A Gallup poll last September found US public support for attacking North Korea was already extraordinarily high, considering the likely fallout.

An extensive Stanford study last year similarly found that a majority of citizens would be in favour of relying on nuclear weapons to attack civilians in a non-nuclear adversary.

Sixty per cent of Americans would accept the deaths of two million Iranian civilians in such an attack, for instance, if the strike spared the lives of 20,000 US military personnel.

"These findings highlight the limited extent to which the US public has accepted the principles of just war doctrine and suggest that public opinion is unlikely to be a serious constraint on any president contemplating the use of nuclear weapons in the crucible of war," wrote the two researchers, Scott Sagan and Benjamin Valentino.

The social media outrage over Trump's Tuesday remarks may have been fierce, but public acceptance of his threats already appears far more widespread than nuclear disarmament advocates would hope.
Pakistan is ready to face any US action in the wake of President Donald Trump's tweet on New Year's Day threatening the country, the defence minister and the army spokesman said.

Defence Minister Khurram Dastagir said on Thursday there should be "no doubt or fear as the defence of Pakistan is in competent and strong hands".

Earlier, army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said Pakistan's response will be in line with the wishes of the Pakistani people.

Mr Trump has accused Islamabad of providing a safe haven for terrorists.

On Monday, he tweeted that the United States had "foolishly" given Pakistan more than 33 billion US dollars in aid in the last 15 years and had got nothing in return but "lies & deceit".

Washington confirmed it will withhold 255 million US dollars in US military aid to Pakistan this year, a threat first issued last August when Mr Trump announced his Afghan policy which took aim at Pakistan and demanded an end to Islamabad's alleged support for the Afghan Taliban.

Pakistan denies supporting militants, pointing to its own war against extremist groups battling to overthrow the government.

In contrast to recent visits by US secretary of state Rex Tillerson and Defence Secretary Jim Mattis who spoke of "engagement and trust-building during their visits here ... now President Trump and Vice President Pence are talking of threats, insults and 'putting Pakistan on notice'," Mr Dastagir said.

"We have to develop our strategy cool-headedly."

Ayaz Sadiq, speaker of the lower house of parliament, told reporters after a closed-door meeting of the parliament's national security committee that they discussed the situation following Mr Trump's tweet and that a follow-up meeting will decide on the "strategy".

"A balanced response is needed that would preserve the country's dignity while engaging with the US," Mr Sadiq said.

On Wednesday night, Mr Ghafoor told local Geo TV that Pakistan wants to continue cooperation with the US but will not "compromise on national interests and prestige".

"Allies don't fight," he said, adding "the US should realise how Pakistan has been cooperative in the war against terror".

Pakistan says much of the money it received from the US came as reimbursement in coalition support for services the country provided in the war on terror.

It says the US still owes Pakistan nine billion US dollars in the coalition support fund.

The uneasy US-Pakistan relationship has been on a downward spiral since the 2011 US operation that killed Osama bin Laden in his hideout in the Pakistani town of Abbottabad.

AP
A court in Norway has said the country's government can hand out oil drilling licences in the Arctic.

The ruling dealt a blow to two environmental groups that had filed a lawsuit against further drilling in the Barents Sea.

The Oslo District Court acquitted the government against charges from Nature and Youth and Greenpeace Nordic that drilling for oil and gas in Arctic waters would violate the Paris Agreement on climate change and the Norwegian constitution.

The court cited the constitution, saying "natural resources shall be managed on the basis of long-term considerations, which will safeguard this right for future generations as well".

Activists decried the decision.

"Climate change is global. And climate scientists are freaking out.

"The Norwegian oil policy is letting down my generation and threatens my future," said Ingrid Skjoldvaer, head of Nature and Youth.

The groups had sued Norway's ministry of petroleum and energy in an attempt to invalidate the latest round of 10 production licences in the Barents Sea on the edge of the Arctic Ocean.

The oil ministry had said the licensing round was in compliance with the constitution and noted it was backed by a large majority in Norway's parliament.

The government said following the court ruling that it now "had a sound basis for its decision to award the production licences".

The court also said the groups should pay legal expenses worth 580,000 kroner (52,671).

Greenpeace spokesman Truls Gulowsen said the group was considering whether to appeal.

AP
View of the Cypriot city of Nicosia, the factory was located in a suburb

A court in Cyprus has found the government negligent for allowing a factory to emit for years a chemical that experts say caused cancer in nearby residents, a lawyer who represented the victims has said.

Loukis Loucaides said, in its ruling last week, the court also held the owners of the Astrasol factory responsible over the dichloromethane emissions.

The emissions were found to cause a variety of cancers to the Nicosia suburb's residents, including a three-year-old child.

Mr Loucaides said it was the first time a court accepts expert evidence saying that the solvent caused cancers like brain and prostate cancer, Hodgkin's and leukaemia.

He said over 80 cancer cases appeared in a cluster within a 500-metre radius of the factory that used dichloromethane to manufacture shoe soles when it operated between 1976 and 2009 in the suburb of Latsia.

"You would have expected a state to have stopped the factory's operation, conducted an investigation and made absolutely sure that it was safe for neighbours," Mr Loucaides said.

Years of protests by local residents failed to get authorities to heed their fears.

But in 2009, some 23 families filed lawsuits in a civil court against the factory owners and the government.

It took nearly a decade for the slow-moving Cypriot justice system to deliver a ruling in a single, pilot case.

But Mr Loucaides praised judge Alecos Panayiotou for what he called his "integrity and impartiality".

Mr Loucaides said his clients have authorised him to ask Cyprus' attorney-general to launch criminal action against specific individuals who could be liable for allowing the factory's operation.

The lawyer said victims will seek possible financial compensation individually in separate legal action.

AP
Department store chain Debenhams has warned over profits after it slashed prices to boost flagging sales over the festive period amid competitive and volatile trading.

In a trading update brought forward from next week, the retailer said UK like-for-like sales tumbled 2.6% in the 17 weeks to December 30, with overall group sales down 1.8%.

It said tactical promotional action helped group sales improve over the six-week Christmas period, rising by 1.2% on a like-for-like basis, but it saw worse-than-expected trading in the first week of the post-Christmas sales.

Debenhams warned that should the current competitive and volatile environment continue into the second half, full-year profit before tax is likely to be in the range of 55 million to 65 million.

This comes after profits for the year to last September slumped 44% to 59 million.

The group said it was ramping up cost savings, with around another 10 million earmarked for this financial year under a reorganisation being led by chief executive Sergio Bucher.

Mr Bucher revealed plans in April to close 11 warehouses and put up to 10

stores under review, in a move affecting at least 220 jobs.

Mr Bucher said: The market has been challenging and particularly promotional in some of our key seasonal categories and we have responded in order to remain competitive for our customers, which has impacted our profit performance.

But he insisted the group was seeing positive early signs from his turnaround.

The market dynamics we have seen have reinforced our view that we need to move even faster to implement the cultural and organisational changes needed to ensure Debenhams is in the best possible shape for todays fast-changing retail environment, he added.
President Donald Trump says responsible development of offshore energy resources would boost jobs and economic security (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

The Trump administration has moved to vastly expand offshore drilling from the Atlantic to the Arctic oceans with a plan to open up waters off the California coast for the first time in more than three decades.

The new five-year drilling plan also could open new areas of oil and gas exploration in areas off the East Coast from Georgia to Maine, where drilling has been blocked for decades.

Many politicians in those states support offshore drilling, although the Democratic governors of North Carolina and Virginia oppose drilling off their state coasts.

Florida Governor Rick Scott, a Republican, also opposes offshore drilling near his state, as do the three Democratic governors on the West Coast.

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced the plan on Thursday, saying responsible development of offshore energy resources would boost jobs and economic security while providing billions of dollars to fund conservation along US coastlines.

The five-year plan would open 90% of the nation's offshore reserves to development by private companies, he said, with 47 leases proposed off the nation's coastlines between 2019 and 2024.

Nineteen sales would be off the coast of Alaska, 12 in the Gulf of Mexico, nine in the Atlantic and seven in the Pacific, including six off California's coast.

Industry groups praised the announcement, which would be the most expansive offshore drilling proposal in decades.

The proposal follows President Donald Trump's executive order in April encouraging more drilling rights in federal waters, part of the administration's strategy to help the US achieve "energy dominance" in the global market.

"To kick off a national discussion, you need a national plan - something that has been lacking the past several years," said Randall Luthi, president of the National Ocean Industries Association.

A coalition of more than 60 environmental groups denounced the plan, saying it would impose "severe and unacceptable harm" to America's oceans, coastal economies, public health and marine life.

"These ocean waters are not President Trump's personal playground.

"They belong to all Americans and the public wants them preserved and protected, not sold off to multinational oil companies," read the coalition statement, which was signed by leaders of the Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defence Council, League of Conservation Voters and other environmental groups.

They said the " extreme proposal is a shameful giveaway" to the oil and gas industry, which supported Mr Trump in the election campaign.

The proposal comes less than a week after the Trump administration proposed to rewrite or kill rules on offshore oil and gas drilling imposed after the deadly 2010 rig explosion and oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

The accident on BP's Deepwater Horizon rig killed 11 workers and triggered the biggest offshore oil spill in US history.

The Trump administration called the rules an unnecessary burden on industry and said rolling them back will encourage more energy production.

Environmentalists said Mr Trump was raising the risk of more deadly oil spills.

Mr Scott said he has asked for an immediate meeting with Mr Zinke to discuss his concerns, adding: "My top priority is to ensure that Florida's natural resources are protected."

AP
Police at the scene of a branch of Paddy Power in Rookery Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, after a man was arrested following a fatal stabbing at the betting shop Photo: Matthew Cooper/PA Wire

A man has been arrested after a fatal stabbing at a betting shop.

West Midlands Police said the victim was pronounced dead after officers were called to a branch of Paddy Power in Rookery Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, at 12.45pm on Thursday.

The force said in a statement: On arrival at the bookmakers, a man was found with severe head injuries.

Due to the extent of his injuries, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

At this stage, this is believed to be an isolated incident.

A police spokesman said a cordon was in place and inquiries are continuing.

The road has been closed at Newcombe Road at the junction with Rookery Road. Buses are currently being diverted away from the area, the spokesman added.

Anyone with information about the death is asked to call police on 101.
Tributes have been paid following the death of actress Doreen Keogh - 'Coronation Street's' first barmaid.

The actress, who played Rovers Return barmaid Concepta Regan and first appeared in the soap's fifth episode in 1960, died at the age of 91.

John Whiston, ITV Studios' creative director, said: "All at 'Coronation Street' are sad to hear about the death of Doreen Keogh.

"There have been many barmaids in the Rovers over the years, dispensing pints and wisdom.

"But Doreen played the first and so has a unique place not just in the history of the show but in the affection of all who watch The Street.

"Our thoughts are with the family as they mourn the passing of a wonderful person. And together with our audience we mourn the passing of a very special actor."

The Dublin-born actress, who died in hospital in Thomastown, Co Kilkenny, also played Mary Carroll in 'The Royle Family' and other roles in 'Father Ted', 'Cold Feet', 'Crossroads' and 'Z Cars'.

Actor John Challis, best known as Boycie in the sitcom 'Only Fools And Horses', paid tribute, writing on Twitter: "Sorry to hear that Doreen Keogh has died.

"One of my first acting jobs was with her at the Chesterfield Civic [theatre]. I remember she was a big telly star by then and she was very kind to me. Gawd bless her."

Actor Con O'Neill wrote: "Many years ago Doreen played my mum in a movie. She was a profoundly good actress and a lovely woman... funny, sharp, decent and kind. Well played you beauty."

Actor Dave Dutton wrote: "RIP Doreen Keogh, Coronation Street's first barmaid who I worked with on Cutting It. A very lovely lady with an amazing CV in television, stage and film."

She is survived by her husband.
The strength of protests shaking Iran was unclear on Thursday after a week of unrest that killed at least 21 people.

There were fewer reports of demonstrations as government supporters again took to the streets in several cities and towns.

It was not immediately clear if the drop in reports of new demonstrations challenging Iran's theocratic government meant the protests are subsiding or that the authorities' blocking of social media apps has managed to stop protesters from offering new images of rallies.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration acknowledged the speed and breadth of the protests took both it and the Iranian government by surprise.

The past week's protests have been the largest in Iran since the disputed 2009 presidential election, which ended in bloodshed.

While many Iranians denounce the violence that has accompanied some demonstrations, they echo the protesters' frustration over the weak economy and official corruption.

Thousands rallied on Thursday in support of the government in various towns and cities, including in the northeastern city of Mashhad, where the anti-government protests began last week and extended to other cities.

State television repeatedly broadcast nationalistic songs and described the pro-government rallies as an "answer to rioters and supporters to the riot".

That appeared to be a reference to President Donald Trump who tweeted in support of anti-government rallies.

The TV also broadcast footage of similar pro-government gatherings on Thursday in the cities of Shiraz, Isfahan, Ardabil, Birjand and Yasuj.

Meanwhile, a top Russian diplomat warned the United States not to meddle in Iran's affairs and suggested that Washington wants to use the unrest to undermine the Iran nuclear agreement.

"We warn the US against attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran," Deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov told the state news agency Tass on Thursday.

Mr Ryabkov also said Washington "is tempted to use the moment to raise new issues with regard to the JCPOA", the joint comprehensive plan of action that limits Iran's nuclear programme, including restricting uranium enrichment for 10 years.

Vice President Mike Pence said on Wednesday the US wants an agreement lasting longer.

In a letter on Wednesday to United Nations officials, Iranian ambassador Gholamali Khoshroo complained that Washington was intervening "in a grotesque way in Iran's internal affairs".

He said Mr Trump and Vice President Mike Pence were personally stirring up trouble.

"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 UN security council president and UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres.

Mr Trump's UN envoy, ambassador Nikki Haley, has called for an emergency security council meeting on Iran, saying the UN needed to speak out in support of the protesters.

As yet, no meeting has been scheduled.

AP
Women in the holy city of Qom show their support for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameini. Photo: Mohammad Ali Marizad/AP

Iran's government has rallied tens of thousands of its supporters to counter anti-regime protests which have gripped the country for the last week.

The demonstrators turned out in towns and cities rocked by some of the largest riots in nearly a decade, where people have been protesting against rising costs and corruption.

Crowds in Qom, Ahvaz and Kermanshah waved Iranian flags and pictures of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as well as signs reading 'Death to seditionists'.

Some also held placards saying 'Death to America and Israel', referencing the ayatollah's comments on Tuesday accusing Iran's foreign enemies of fomenting the unrest.

The Fars news agency, affiliated to the elite Revolutionary Guards, described the well-attended rallies as "the revolutionary outburst of Iranian people against lawbreakers".

Such rallies are often organised by the government to demonstrate its popular support and justify any crackdown on opposition demonstrations.

Some small anti-regime protests were held yesterday, but they lacked the intensity and numbers seen in previous days.

More than 21 people, including two teenage boys, have been killed in clashes in the last week. Some 1,000 have been arrested, with the head of Tehran's Revolutionary Court warning they could potentially face the death penalty.

While initially focusing on Iran's flagging economy and rising food prices, the protests developed into demands for wholesale change with anti-Khamenei and anti-Islamic Republic slogans - an outright rejection of the ruling system.

Hassan Rouhani, Iran's president, told his Turkish counterpart President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that he hoped the protests would come to an end in the coming days.

The Revolutionary Guards also claimed the protests were petering out. "Today we can announce the end of the sedition," said Guards commander Mohammad Ali Jafari. "There were a maximum of 1,500 people in each place and the number of troublemakers did not exceed 15,000 people nationwide."

But protesters said they would continue until their demands were met. "The regime is trying to show the world that they have more supporters than detractors by organising big rallies, but it will not silence us," one activist from Mashhad, using only the name Ali, said. "This isn't an overnight movement, this hasn't sprung up from nowhere."

Abdollah Ramezanzadeh, Iran's former government spokesperson, said the regime ignored the protesters' concerns at their peril.

"What are these lies? Which enemy?" he wrote on Twitter. "These are our youth. They are fed up with being ignored, unemployment, despair, poverty, lack of future and bias. I recommend the regime to listen and turn this into an opportunity for dialogue before the entire house burns down."

The US denied it was behind the protests, while at the same time encouraging Iranians to rise up against the regime.

President Donald Trump is hoping it may destablise the country he has called the "biggest sponsor of terrorism in the world".

In one Twitter message, he declared: "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!"

EU ambassadors at the UN are concerned Mr Trump is trying to use the unrest as a vehicle to place pressure on governments to abandon support for the Iran nuclear deal signed by Barack Obama in 2015. ( Daily Telegraph, London)

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
French President Emmanuel Macrons wife Brigitte has told aides she will no longer take a back seat when they attend state functions and visits. Photo: Morris MacMatzen/Getty Images

Brigitte Macron has been accused of acting like Marie Antoinette for insisting on standing beside, not behind, her husband at state functions and visits.

But France's first lady is adamant that the time has come to break with protocol that reflects a bygone, sexist era.

According to RTL radio, Ms Macron told aides she will no longer take a back seat as she ramps up her role eight months after her husband Emmanuel Macron was elected.

"A woman today does not have to be behind," she was cited as telling them.

Tristan Bromet, her chief of staff, said that the change sprang "from the conception of the couple she forms with Mr Macron: a modern union in which the woman is placed at the same level as the man".

The news triggered a flood of online jokes, with some pointing out that male spouses were also expected to step back at official ceremonies, including Britain's Prince Philip.

One Twitter commentator compared Ms Macron to Queen Marie Antoinette, saying: "We elected your husband, not you, so stay where you were please darling."

Another wrote: "It's confirmed: Brigitte Macron, unelected, takes herself for the Queen of France."

Political reaction followed. In a reference to the couple's 24-year age gap, Gilbert Collard, a far-right MP close to Front National leader Marine Le Pen, quipped: "I can well imagine [Emmanuel] Macron two steps behind, sucking his presidential thumb."

That jibe prompted online fire, with one commentator remarking: "That's not very elegant of you. You lack respect for the presidential function, for the man, but above all for the woman."

Ms Macron (64) is expected to apply her new rule when the couple travel to China for a three-day visit next week.

The first sign she was unhappy with current protocol emerged at the UN in September, when she eschewed a second-row seat assigned to spouses and sat instead with the French delegation.

Speaking recently to the 'Telegraph', her top Elysee aide said she had no intention of being a wallflower. "What is this medieval notion of a woman in a couple who says nothing? Everyone knows from Napoleon to today around the world, head of states' partners play a role."

This week, 'Le Monde' reported that the presidential entourage was delighted with her "flawless" performance since her 40-year-old's husband's election in May.

"Everyone is now convinced that she is an asset for Emmanuel," a friend of the couple said. "She is part of his balance and his success. Above all, the French have adopted her."
Palestinian authorities have reacted with outrage and accused Donald Trump of "blackmail" after the US suggested it would temporarily stop funding humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees.

In a tweet, Mr Trump accused the Palestinians of being "no longer willing to talk peace". The Palestinians previously said they rejected any US role as a mediator in the Middle East in protest against Mr Trump's decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
Donald Trump has attacked his former chief strategist ahead of the release of a book that paints the US president as juvenile and his White House as chaotic.

Mr Trump said that Steve Bannon "has nothing to do with me or my Presidency" and added: "When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind."

Meanwhile, the president's lawyer Charles Harder threatened legal action against Mr Bannon over "disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements".

Mr Harder sent a letter to Mr Bannon saying the former aide violated confidentiality agreements by speaking with the book's author Michael Wolff.

The letter demanded Mr Bannon "cease and desist" any further disclosure of confidential information.

The furore was was spurred by an unflattering new book by Mr Wolff that paints Mr Trump as a leader who does not understand the weight of the presidency and spends his evenings eating cheeseburgers in bed, watching television and talking on the phone to old friends.

Excerpts of Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House were published online by New York magazine and other media outlets ahead of the January 9 publication date.

The release left Mr Trump "furious" and "disgusted," said White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who complained that the book contained "outrageous" and "completely false claims against the president, his administration and his family".

In the book, Mr Bannon is quoted as describing a June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower between Donald Trump Junior, Trump campaign aides and a Russian lawyer as "treasonous" and "unpatriotic."

Mr Bannon also speaks critically of president Trump's daughter and White House adviser, Ivanka, calling her "dumb as a brick".

"A little marketing savvy and has a look but as far as understanding actually how the world works and what politics is and what it means - nothing," he is quoted saying.

New York magazine also published a lengthy adaptation of the book on Wednesday, in which Mr Wolff writes that Mr Trump believed his presidential nomination would boost his brand and deliver "untold opportunities" - but that he never expected to win.

It also claims Mr Trump Junior told a friend that his father looked as if he had seen a ghost when it became clear he might win the presidency. The younger Trump described Melania Trump as "in tears - and not of joy."

The first lady's spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, disputed that, saying Mrs Trump supported her husband's decision to run, encouraged him to do so and was happy when he won.

"The book is clearly going to be sold in the bargain fiction section," Ms Grisham said in a statement.

The book was based on more than 200 interviews, including conversations with the president and senior staff.
Portugal's politicians are looking at ways of raising more money

Portugal's political parties have said they will review a decision to award themselves a broad tax rebate and scrap limits on the private funds they can raise after the country's president vetoed the new law.

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa blocked the legislation, saying politicians did not explain why the change was needed and did not create enough safeguards to clarify the sources of private donations.

Traditionally in Portugal, parties operate on mostly public funds to avoid undue influence from private individuals or corporations.

They can accept some private funds but the amount is indexed and limited.

Carlos Cesar, parliamentary leader of the governing Socialist Party, acknowledged the change had been poorly explained.

Party leaders in the Republican Assembly, or parliament, agreed on Thursday to review the law in mid-February.

AP
Over-50s travel and insurance firm Saga has embarked on a management shake-up following a December profit warning.

The company said that managing director of tour operations Jeannette Linfoot left the business last month.

Robin Shaw, meanwhile, has been appointed to the new role of chief executive of Saga Travel after a restructure that will see tour and cruise operations combine.

Also as part of the reshuffle, Gary Duggan has taken over from Roger Ramsden as chief executive of Saga Services.

Mr Ramsden was due to take up a new role within the group but this will now not be taken forward following the review, Saga said, adding he will leave in the first quarter.

Saga boss Lance Batchelor said: These changes provide us with a more focused executive team as we target and invest in growth in the Saga customer base to achieve our long-term ambitions.

The reshuffle comes after Saga warned the collapse of airline Monarch had hit earnings and said efforts to attract new customers will see next years profits fall.

The group said Monarchs demise in October, which saw holidays cancelled for around 860,000 people, had knocked its tour operations business, leaving it with a 2 million one-off hit.

Saga said this would now slow growth in underlying pre-tax profits to between 1% and 2% for the year to January 31, down from more than 5% in the first half.

There was further gloom for the new financial year as the group added that a plan to invest an extra 10 million a year into attracting new customers, alongside other headwinds, would see underlying profits fall by around 5%.

Shares tanked on the news, falling as much as a quarter at one stage to hit their lowest level since its stock market flotation in May 2014.

As well as the Monarch blow, Saga also said its insurance arm suffered difficult trading in the home and travel divisions, with earned profit for retail broking expected to fall marginally over the current financial year.
Prosecutors in South Korea have filed additional bribery charges against the country's ex-president, alleging that she received official funds from her spy chiefs for personal purposes.

Park Geun-hye was removed from office in March 2017 and is on trial on a broad range of corruption and other charges which could lead to a lengthy prison term.

Her ousting followed months of protests that drew millions of South Koreans into the streets calling for her removal.

Among the key charges are that Park colluded with longtime confidante Choi Soon-sil to take tens of millions of dollars from companies in bribes and extortion.

The new charges prosecutors imposed on Thursday accuse Park of receiving a total of 3.5 billion won (2.4 million) of official funds from three of her spy chiefs, said an official at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office.

She allegedly used the funds to pay maintenance fees for her private residence and her confidante's boutique and give incentives including cash to her presidential aides, said the official.

Two of the former National Intelligence Service directors have already been charged with taking money from the NIS's coffers to give to Park's close aides.

In October, Park called herself a victim of "political revenge" and her lawyers resigned collectively in an apparent protest after a Seoul court decided to extend her detention.

The Seoul Central District Court later appointed new lawyers for her, but Park has not attended court trials since then, citing sickness.

Park's new charges could require more hearings to review them, but the Seoul court is expected to issue a verdict on her in coming months, according to the prosecution official. The previous charges could already potentially send her to jail for life.

Park, the daughter of a deeply divisive dictator, became South Korea's first female president in early 2013. A small number of her supporters - many in their 50s, 60s and 70s - have been rallying near the court and elsewhere in South Korea in recent months, calling for her release.

AP
US President Donald Trump is disbanding his controversial voter fraud commission amid infighting, lawsuits and state officials' refusal to co-operate.

Mr Trump convened the commission to investigate the 2016 presidential election, after alleging repeatedly and without evidence that voting fraud cost him the popular vote. Mr Trump won the Electoral College.

The White House blamed the decision to end the panel on more than a dozen states which have refused to comply with the commission's demand for reams of personal voter data, including names, partial social security numbers, voting histories and party affiliations.

"Rather than engage in endless legal battles at taxpayer expense, today President Donald J Trump signed an executive order to dissolve the commission, and he has asked the Department of Homeland Security to review its initial findings and determine next courses of action," White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement.

Critics saw the commission as part of a conservative campaign to make it harder for poor people and minority voters to access the ballot box, and to justify Mr Trump's claims of voter fraud.

Mr Trump has repeatedly alleged, without evidence, that between three million and five million people voted illegally in the 2016 election, delivering the popular vote to his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton. Mrs Clinton received more than 2.8 million more votes than Mr Trump nationwide.

While there have been isolated cases of voter fraud in the US, past studies have found it to be exceptionally rare.

Critics also viewed the commission as part of an attempt to distract from the ongoing investigations into Russian election meddling and potential collusion between Moscow and Trump campaign aides.

The intelligence community concluded that the Russian government mounted a campaign to help Mr Trump win, hacking email accounts and spreading false stories.

Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, a conservative Republican and the commission's vice chairman, characterised the decision to dissolve the bipartisan group as a "tactical change" and argued that the DHS can pursue an investigation of election fraud more quickly and efficiently.

"The Democrats, both on and off the commission, made very clear that they were not interested in determining the scope and extent of voter fraud and, indeed, they were trying to stop the commission in its tracks," he said. "The Democrats lost their opportunity, lost their seat at the table, by stonewalling."

Mr Kobach, a vocal supporter of tough voter ID laws, alleged that Democrats wanted no investigation.

"Their motto is 'Nothing to see here'," he said.

One of the members of the commission, Democratic Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, sued the commission in federal court, alleging that it had violated federal law by refusing to provide him documents available to other members, among other charges.

Mr Dunlap said on Wednesday that Mr Kobach and his allies "were the ones that were stonewalling", and that they had "very definite ideas of what they wanted this commission to come up with".

Three Democratic senators - Michael Bennet of Colorado, Cory Booker of New Jersey and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota - had also asked the US Government Accountability Office to investigate the commission, which it agreed to do in October.

Mr Kobach said he intends to work closely with the DHS and the White House and expects the bulk of the DHS investigation to be done by mid-summer.

More than a dozen states, as well as the District of Columbia, had rebuffed the commission's request for voter data, citing privacy concerns and a fear that complying would legitimise the idea that voter fraud is widespread.

While there have been isolated cases of people voting illegally, and many voter rolls contain outdated data, there is no evidence that voter fraud is a widespread problem in the United States or has affected election results.

A study by a Loyola Law School professor found that, out of one billion votes cast in all American elections between 2000 and 2014, there were only 31 known cases of impersonation fraud.

During the commission's first meeting, Mr Trump had questioned the motives of states which refused to comply with the commission's request, suggesting they had something to hide.

Voter advocacy groups and Democrats applauded Wednesday's decision.

"It is no surprise that a commission founded on a lie of widespread voter fraud proved to be a fraud itself," said California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, a Democrat, who had refused to comply with the commission's request for voter data.

"No taxpayer dollars should have been wasted on Mr Trump's voter suppression crusade."

Dale Ho, director of the American Civil Liberties Union Voting Rights Project, accused the commission of engaging in "a wild-goose chase for voter fraud, demonising the very American voters whom we should all be helping to participate - with the not-so-secret goal of making voting harder with unnecessary barriers.

"President Trump has tried and failed to spread his own fake news about voter fraud."

AP
The archeological museum in Skopje, the capital of the country that calls itself Macedonia

An acrimonious dispute over what neighbouring Macedonia calls itself can be solved this year, after festering for more than two decades, Greece's foreign minister has said.

Nikos Kotzias said Greece is seeking a deal on a "composite" name with universal application for the tiny country that gained independence peacefully from former Yugoslavia in 1991.

Ever since, the two countries have disagreed over the former Yugoslav province's name.

Macedonia says that was what it was called for a very long time before independence.

Greece says the name implies claims on the adjoining northern Greek province of Macedonia.

Athens is also upset at Macedonia's appropriation of ancient Greek history.

Macedonia's new government has expressed willingness to settle the dispute.

Mr Kotzias spoke after talks on Thursday with Greek prime minister Alexis Tsipras.

AP
New Delhi, Jan 5 (IBNS): Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley attacked the principal opposition party, Congress, over its stand on triple talaq bill which was tabled in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday but soon followed by uproar in the House, media reports said.

The Congress, though not opposing the bill, asked the government to send it to the select committee for changes.

Jaitley termed Congress' demand to refer the bill to the select committee as invalid, The Times Of India reported.

Citing Rule 70 (sub-rule 2a), Congress MP Anand Sharma tried to justify the Opposition's demand to refer the bill to the select committee.

Countering Congress for not following the parliamentary procedures, Jaitley said the whole country "is watching that in the other House you supported the Bill and here you are trying to derail it."

"Now, we are taken by surprise that we all assemble here after 3 PM, a motion is suddenly submitted to us. For the first time breaking all parliamentary convention and procedures, an invalid motion is moved" he added.

Apart from Congress, other opposition parties like AIADMK, Trinamool and several BJP-allies are in favour of sending the bill to the select committee for changes.

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool supremo Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said her party supports the bill but it is full of errors which will put Muslim wives in trouble.
Jammu, Jan 4 (IBNS) : The Border Security Force on Thursday destroyed two mortar positions of Pakistani forces across the border and shot dead an intruder in R S Pura area of Jammu, media reports said.

The incident comes a day after a BSF jawans was killed in Pakistani sniper fire.

According to a Hindustan Times report which quoted a senior BSF officer, the Pakistani troopers first resorted to unprovoked firing from small arms and then started mortar shelling.

This prompted BSF personnel to retaliate and destroy two Pakistani mortar positions.

The report said in the morning, BSF troopers detected an intruder in the Budhwar area of R S Pura sector despite dense fog, and neutralised him.

The body of the intruder has been recovered.

On Wednesday, BSF head constable R P Hazra was injured by a Pakistani sniper shot. He was rushed to a nearby medical facility, but succumbed to his injuries.
New Delhi, Jan 4 (IBNS) : The Government has rescued three Indian and seven Nepalese girls from Kenya, who held captive by an organised crime syndicate for human trafficking, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Thursday.

The girls have been flown back, the minister said

In a series of tweets, Swaraj said, "We have rescued three Indian girls from Kenya. The girls were victims of an organised crime syndicate that indulged in trafficking of girls. Seven Nepalese girls were also rescued. Their Passports and phones were taken and they were held captive in Mombasa," Swaraj said in a series of tweets.

"We have flown our girls back to India. We are sharing details with Government of Punjab so that a case is registered against the agents and people involved," she said.

The ministry is sharing details with the Punjab government so that a case is registered against the agents and people involved, Swaraj said.

She also appreciated the efforts of Indian High Commissioner in Kenya Suchitra Durai and first secretary Karan Yadav in rescuing the girls.

"I appreciate the efforts of Ms.Suchitra Durai, Indian High Commissioner in Kenya. Our First Secretary Karan Yadav deserves a special mention. We thank the Kenyan Police for their help."

The minister also thanked the Kenyan Police for their help.
Guwahati, Jan 4 (IBNS): Amidst massive protest by BJP, Congresss Assam unit, All Assam Students Union (AASU) and other regional parties, over the controversial statement made by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on the ongoing National Register of Citizen (NRC) updating process in the state, at least three FIRs were lodged at two police stations in Guwahati against the West Bengal CM on Thursday.

According to the reports, Krishak Sramik Kalyan Parishad lodged an FIR against the West Bengal CM for her controversial remarks on the NRC at Dispur police station, while several lawyers of Guwahati and a social activist Kailash Sarma filed two FIRs at Latasil police station in the city.

Krishak Sramik Kalyan Parishads leader Pradip Kalita said that, while the NRC updating process is going on in Assam under the Supreme Court supervision, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has disrespected the apex court verdict.

The farmers organization leader also accused that, the West Bengal CM is trying to create untoward like situation in Assam and demanded arrest her immediately.

Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said at a public meeting held in Birbhum district that, NRC is a conspiracy to expel Bengalis from Assam.

Bengalis who had been living in Assam for 30 years have now been conspired to be kicked out of the state. Their names are being struck off from the civil list, Mamata said.

Meanwhile, AASU advisor Samujjal Bhattacharya said that, Mamata Banerjee don't know about Assams environment.

The NRC updating process is going on in Assam to find out only those people who came to Assam after March 24, 1971. The NRC is not against the Bengalis, Muslims or other communities, Bhattacharya said.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
Guwahati, Jan 4 (IBNS): Four youths and a minor boy were found dead in unconscious condition from inside a locked vehicle in lower Assams Nalbari district on Thursday.



According to the reports, the local people of Mukalmuwa area in the lower Assam district found the bodies of five youths aged between 12-25 years from the vehicle.

Local villagers said that, the youths were staying in the vehicle at night after taking part in a picnic and returned to their native village Galdighola.

Assam police DIG Diganta Bora said that, the vehicle was parked roadside in the area since last evening after several persons of the village returned from a picnic.

Among them four youths decided to stay inside the vehicle at night and a minor boy also joined them. They were staying inside the vehicle and listening to loud music by using a Honda generator. While the music continued to play till early morning, local people rushed to the area and found them in unconscious condition, the top police official said.

Local villagers immediately admitted the youths at the nearest hospital, but doctors declared them dead.

The deceased youths were identified as Suman Kaiborta, Gautam Kaiborta, Bikash Kaiborta, Padum Kaiborta and minor boy Narayan Kaiborta.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
Patna, Jan 4 (TheBiharPost/IBNS): Vigilance sleuths in Bihar on Thursday raided the various locations of a young IAS officer Deepak Anand for allegedly possessing property disproportionate to his known source of income.

Anand who was earlier posted as the district magistrate of Saran is accused of possessing property worth Rs 2.44 crore disproportionate to his known source of income.

On Wednesday, the vigilance sleuths conducted raids in Patna, Sitamadi, Katihar and Jharkhands Godda district and seized various incriminating documents, authorities said.

Sitamarhi is the native village of the IAS officer while Godda is his sasural (in-laws house).

The authorities laid their hands on various bank accounts being operated by others during the raid.

The sleuths also unearthed Kisan Vikas Patra valued at Rs25 lakh, postal investments worth Rs27.50 lakh and jewelry receipts worth Rs25 lakh.

Reports said during the raids the sleuths also sealed the hostel room of IAS officials wife Shikha Anand who is doing post graduation in radiology from a private medical college in Katihar.

He is the third IAS officer being investigated in a corruption case.

http://thebiharpost.com
New York, Jan 4 (JEN) The head of the new United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti, known as MINUJUSTH, has said the operation will carry out its work in an innovative in the island nation  complete with an unusually tight timeframe and a bench-marking exit strategy.

Describing what is unique about the mission, the Special Representative and Head of MINUJUSTH, Susan Page, underscored that it focusses exclusively on the rule of law.

The new mandate by the [UN] Security Council is to work with the Government of Haiti to strengthen its rule of law intuitions. It's also to continue to support the HNP, the Haitian National Police, and to work on justice and human rights  and that includes human rights reporting, monitoring and analysis, she told UN News.

MINUJUSTH is also unique in that its mandate calls for a benchmarking exit strategy.

Within two years, we can figure out how we [will exit the country] but with benchmarks for progress that can be measured, she stressed.

The mission head stated that the country team created a framework with a focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which, along with SDG 16  to promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies  is working in conjunction with the Haitian Government.

This is a way of bringing the entire country team together, along with the peacekeeping mission, to attain those goals, she continued, adding that the Government has already signed up to be a partner in trying to accomplish this for its own development.

Mobile team approach

Page explained that while MINUJUSTH is almost exclusively based in the capital, Port-au-Prince, it will also have a 'mobile approach' that will take teams into the field  reaching the greatest number of people.

The mission chief told UN News that the teams will focus on peace, justice and rule of law, to help the people figure out their needs, and then connect them with top-level political figures to see how the UN can help the Government address those needs.

Once they have a baseline of what the people are looking for, what they need knowledge about, we hope that this bottom-up and top-down approach will help Haiti to strengthen its own institutions with a bit of push from us, she explained.

Page sees this new approach as a possible new peacekeeping model, commenting that with the aim of doing more with less, one of the ways we can reach people is by being more flexible and being more mobile.

On the ground

Turning to the situation on the ground, Ms. Page noted that while Haiti's political system had been less than stable, now, all of that is settled.

Now that Haiti has its elected officials at all levels, including at the lowest levels in the communes, we have something to work with, she said.

The police will continue to work with the Haitian National Police on their strategic development plan, but they also have a programme that is strengthening the mid-level to upper level cadres of the National Police, she added

As for the ongoing combat against cholera in the country, Ms. Page expressed hope to get to zero transmission.

One of the ways we continue to work is through the country team, she said, mentioning the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), which are working to strengthen sanitation and water systems.

It's really a whole of UN approach; and with the Government's strategic vision and roadmap of how they intend to get there. And we can help them with that, she said reassuringly.

Photo: Logan Abassi/MINUJUSTH
New York, Jan 4 (JEN) United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the reopening of the communication channel between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Republic of Korea, his deputy spokesman said on Wednesday.

It is always good to have a dialogue between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea, Farhan Haq told reporters in response to a question during the daily news briefing at UN Headquarters in New York.

He went on to say that the UN remains committed to ensuring the implementation of Security Council resolutions on the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. We hope that enhanced diplomatic initiatives will help achieve this goal, he added.

According to media reports, DPRK announced Wednesday the reopening of a channel of communication, the day after the offer of dialogue made by the Government of the Republic of Korea.

This communication channel, established in August 1972, was cut in February 2016 by Pyongyang after Seoul decided to close the inter-Korean industrial zone of Kaesong, in the wake of a nuclear test by the DPRK.

Meanhwile, the President of the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly, Miroslav LajAak, met today with Ja Song Nam, the Permanent Representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to the United Nations, at the request of the Permanent Representative.

According to a note issued by the Assembly President's Office, Mr. LajAak said he was pleased with the readiness of DPRK to constructively engage in a dialogue with the Republic of Korea, including a possible participation of a delegation from DPRK in the Winter Olympic Games in PyeongChang, Republic of Korea, as well as with the reopening of the communication channels.

UN Photo/Yubi Hoffmann
Image: Screengrab from YouTube

Bloemfontein, Jan 4 (IBNS): At least 14 people have been killed and 268 others injured after a train and a truck collided in Free State province in South Africa, reports said.

The accident took place on Thursday at a crossing in Kroonstad city.

The truck reportedly failed to stop at the crossing and rammed into the train, which caught fire.

According to rescue workers, some bodies were burned beyond recognition.

The train was carrying around 430 passengers.

Local news outlet eCNA quoted an witness as saying that the driver of the truck was arrested by police.

Image: YouTube Screengrab
Image: Google Maps

Kabul, Jan 4 (IBNS): The death toll in the Kabul suicide attack on Thursday evening has risen to 15, while 20 people have suffered injuries.

According to local media, the incident took in the Banaye area of Kabul's PD9 at around 8:30 pm.

The casualties have been confirmed by Kabul Police.

According to witnesses, a suicide bomber detonated his explosive while a confrontation between civilians and police forces was going on.

No group has so far claimed the attack.

Image: Google Maps
Toronto, Jan 4 (IBNS): Canadian man Joshua Boyle, who was rescued from Taliban captivity after five years, will have to stay in jail for five days after he was arrested in charges with sexual assault and forcible confinement, media reports said.

He will be brought to court early next week, reports said.

According to local news outlet Toronto Star, Boyle is facing 15 charges including assault, sexual assault, unlawful confinement, uttering death threats, causing someone to take antidepressant and misleading police.

The 34-year-old appeared in Ottawa Court on Jan 1 and has been remanded in custody of the law.

All of his offences have occurred in a period of 45 days, starting from Oct 14 to Dec 30, 2017.

Boyle, his wife Caitlan Coleman and their three children were rescued from the Taliban affiliated Haqqani Network from Pakistan by the country's forces.

They returned to Canada on Oct 13, 2017.

Joshua Boyle (34) and Caitlan Coleman (31), who were kidnapped by the Taliban linked Haqqani network in 2012 as the couple crossed into Afganistan, reached Canada in Octber last year.

Coleman was pregnant at a time the couple was kidnapped in 2012 and they had four children in the captivity.

Interacting with media, after reaching Canada, Boyle said: "The stupidity and evil of the Haqqani network's kidnapping of a pilgrim and his heavily pregnant wife engaged in helping ordinary villagers in Taliban-controlled regions of Afghanistan was eclipsed only by the stupidity and evil of authorising the murder of my infant daughter."

The Pakistan government first issued a statement on Thursday to confirm the news of the rescue of the Canadian family with the help of an operation carried out by the troops and intelligence agencies of the country.

In a youtube video uploaded in 2016, Boyle, as per the instructions given by the kidnappers, urged the Afganistan government that if it did not stop killing the Talibani prisoners then his family will be killed.

Later, Boyle's parents made a video to address the captivators, saying: "Weve done the best an ordinary Canadian family can do. Ive personally written to several of the most senior government officials in Afghanistan, those with great power over the execution of your brothers.



(Reporting by Suman Das)

Image: Screengrab from YouTube
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Emergency exits in planes are designed for passenger safety. While most of us hate sitting next to the emergency door, for the obvious reason - of not being able to enjoy the view outside - one man pulled off a bit of a stunt using the exit.

Travelling on a Ryanair flight, the said passenger got so tired of waiting upon arrival that he pulled open the emergency exit, got out, and sat on the wing of the plane.

afp

"We had been waiting around half-an-hour to get out of the plane. The man calmly went to the emergency exit, pulled the mechanism to open the door, looked out, came back to get his backpack and went out on the wing," a fellow passenger Fernando del Valle described the incident to AFP on Monday evening.

Also read: Missed Flight? Airlines Can Cancel Your Connecting Flight Booked Under The Same PNR

Valle added that the captain was stunned and inquired who got out of the plane through the emergency exit.

afp

The Ryanair flight had arrived from London to Malaga in southern Spain. The unidentified man was immediately arrested, said Ryanair in a statement. The airlines had reported the passenger to air safety authorities but the captain asked Spain's Guardia Civil police force to intervene.

Also read: A Bom-Del Flight Query Lands Indian Origin US Citizen In Jail. Airline Staff Heard It 'Bomb Hai'

There you go, guys. Now you know what happens when you take matters into your own hands and pull open an emergency exit! Stay safe, fly responsibly.
Akshay Kumar is one actor who happily admits that he loves to challenge himself with every film. With Padman he has left his fans stunned. The actor happily wore pink panties along with sanitary pads in the film.

HT

When asked if it was challenging for me, he proudly said,

Wearing pink panties with sanitary pads was not at all challenging and shameful for me, I did with complete ease, you guys feel its a challenge, but its the most natural thing. The day you guys will stop seeing it as a challenge, the percentage will automatically come down from 82 to 12 or maybe zero.

Akshay highlighted that 82 percent of women in India do not use sanitary napkins which is extremely harmful to them.

DC

He even shared that he visited tons of rural areas to create awareness about the pads where he was shocked to see certain taboos around periods,

Since last few months I have been meeting women, the biggest problem for them is their periods, Its not because of their periods, but people around them and their taboos, they do not have personal hygiene at all which is very disheartening. There are boys teasing girls in school seeing their stains. I was shocked to see how people tease girls, you know whats their code word for chums, they say, Uska 5 day test match shuru hogaya . Its shocking and shameful."

The Padman actor even feels its very important for girls to get an education from home about periods,

 Its very important to educate from home. I will tell you one story,  I have a friend Gurpreet he is a Punjabi actor who narrated me a story, his wife, and daughter were once talking about periods where his daughter was saying to her mom that its her period and her pads are over.





Gurpreet came in and asked what happened, they were obviously shy to tell him. He then asked his daughter that her pad is over and they were shocked. He took his daughter to a medical shop in the midnight and bought her the pad and since then her daughter loves him immensely because she thinks her dad is her best friend. We have been finding a way to make our daughters our best friend and I feel this is one of the ways. Talk to them about periods because thats the most intimate thing for them and see how they become your best friend.

HT

When asked whats next social topic he is been looking for, he said,

I have never thought of any cause now. But recently I met a fan and she asked me after Padman whats next. I asked her you tell me, she with a very stern voice told me Make something on Dowry. She said it so strongly that even I got scared.

Well, we wont be surprised if Akshay will take up the most heinous crime (dowry) in society for his next film.
Bollywood's Khiladi Kumar who is on changing the world spree, is now making yet another impact film. After Toilet: Ek Prem Katha which made the government actually consider the poor statistics, Akki will now portray the role of Padman.

Twitter

The story is based on Padmashri Arunachalam Muruganatham, the man who revolutionized the manufacture of the low cost sanitary napkin in India. And since then, there has been an uproar on the high prices of Sanitary napkins and protest over insane tax.

Akshay, who has proudly produced the movie too with his wifey Twinkle, says he has not hidden these things with his son Aarav as well. During a media interaction, Pinkvilla quoted Akshay,

Twitter/Twinkle Khanna

"Twinkle Khanna told everything about periods to son Aarav. Nothing is hidden in our family. We don't live double-faced lives. We have kept it very open."



Addressing the issue further, Akshay said, "This problem is there in every country but in ours, it's huge. It's an important film. Ye ek aisa mudda hai jo har koi haath nai lagta. I am catering it as a love story with a social message."

Padman/Screengrab

Padman is slated to release on 26th January and will also feature Radhika Apte and Sonam Kapoor in lead roles.
Bollywood celebrities are always stalked and followed, well not only on Instagram and Twitter, but in real life as well.

From a woman claiming to be SRKs real mother to a couple claiming to be Tamil superstar Dhanushs parents, the history of such celebrity cases is crazy. And now, according to a claim by a 29-year old from Andhra Pradesh, he says that he's the son of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, born through IVF.

Twitter/ Aishwarya FC

After his claims, Vizag police is ready to take action against Adireddy Sandeep Kumar if Bollywood actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan files a formal complaint charging him of tarnishing her image by claiming to be her son.



However, if the person is proven medically and mentally ill, chances are very little to act against him as per the law, the police clarified.

Speaking to TOI, Chodavaram circle inspector M Srinivas from Visakhapatnam, said, "We can act from our side if we receive any formal complaint from the victim concerned. We also came to know through unofficial information that Sandeep had earlier claimed to be a disciple of music director AR Rehman."

According to information and videos that went viral on the social media, Sandeep, who is from Andhra Pradesh, has claimed that he was born to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in 1988 in London, through IVF treatment. This was six years before she won the Miss World crown, in 1994. In 1988, she was 15 years old. According to Kumar's claims, he was born to Bachchan when she was 15 years old.
Bollywood surely knows how to make fairytale weddings a reality and after Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma's grand Tuscany wedding, looks like another couple has decided to take the plunge.

Amidst break up, rumors and controversies surrounding their upcoming film Padmavati, reports now claim that Deepika and Ranveer Singh are all set to get engaged.

GQ India

(Do we hear hearts breaking? Oh yes!)

Pinterest

Bollywood's most talked about and adored couple (fondly known as DeepVeer) have secretly flown to Sri Lanka and rumour has it that the couple is all set to make it official by exchanging the rings.

Agencies

The couple has been dating for over five years now might exchange rings on 5th January, which also happens to be Deepika's birthday.

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Neither Deepika nor Ranveer's team has given a nod to these rumors but there can't be smoke without any fire, right? If this comes out to be true, be ready for some lovey-dovey pictures and videos from their engagement tomorrow. Let's hope for the best!
Ever since Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have been in a relationship there are constant rumours of their engagement or marriage. Almost every year theres a speculation around their marriage. Well, seems like fans cannot contain their excitement to see them become a married couple. Especially after Anushka and Virats marriage, the rumours of their engagement seemed to be more believable. But sadly, it isnt true.

Twitter

Its Deepikas 32nd birthday and rumours were doing the round that they might get engaged on the same day. However, a close source to Indiatimes denied the news saying,

They are very much in love, but right now they are only focusing on their career. The engagement rumour is not at all true.

Twitter

We also got in touch with both their managers, even they negated the news. The Ram Leela couple are in Sri Lanka, they had gone to celebrate New Year in the beautiful country and will come back after celebrating Deepikas 32nd birthday.

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Ranveer and Deepika have been dating each other since 5 years now. There have been tons of rumours around their breakup too, but they are intact. Every time they quash their breakup rumours in style.

Talking about their respected families, they too are very happy with their relationship. Now, who can forget when Deepika's father Prakash Padukone for the first time spoke about his daughters relationship with Ranveer? The Padmavati actor in Koffee With Karan 5 had said that DP is a perfect marriage material.

Bollywoodlife

Mr. Padukone was asked to comment on Ranveers statement to which he had said,

They are adults and know what they are doing. As father, I have given Deepika the freedom to take her own decisions. Even in this case, she is free to decide whatever she wants to do.



Twitter

The lovebirds are right now waiting for the release of their next Padmavati which has been the hottest topic of town. Well, their engagement rumours have surely shifted everyones attention from Padmavatis controversy.
After assisting Anurag Kashyap in films including Gangs of Wasseypur, director Neeraj Ghaywan made waves with his film Masaan, a film that gives you more than what you can expect out of cinema.

Twitter

The movie that gave the director global recognition in 2015 won several accolades internationally. Based on two different storylines, the movie is about inter-caste relationships.

Twitter

Recently, the man slammed filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri for bringing up caste to narrate an everylife incident in the wake of clashes in Maharashtra between Dalits and Maratha groups.

Sometime ago, on a flight I saw a great Dalit leaders grandson sitting on 1A, business class and I wrote this in notes. Just found. pic.twitter.com/NaEW2bGnkC  Vivek Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) January 3, 2018

I am a Dalit. I won the Cannes film award for our country. Also the Cannes advertising award. I won the National award & the Filmfare award. All without using my Dalit identity. And yes, I fly business class now and I will offer you my seat next time youre on the same plane. pic.twitter.com/i2kfuqpwCi  Neeraj Ghaywan (@ghaywan) January 3, 2018

Well said  Dr. ANKIT SRIVASTAVA (@DrAnkit_1986) January 4, 2018

Wow Neeraj   atul kasbekar (@atulkasbekar) January 3, 2018

Indeed, Neeraj Ghaywan has won several admirers!
The latest ban on the display of non-vegetarian food because it hurts peoples sentiments got us thinkinghow on earth can someone come up with such absurd bans, right? Well, to our surprise, when we researched laws from around the world, we found that we are all surrounded by a crazy bunch of bans, and not just in India. Here are 11 insane things that are banned around the world and you gotta check it out now.

1. Video Games In Greece

In 2002, the government in Greece banned video games across the country. The actual intention behind this ban was to stop illegal gambling, which accidentally led to a ban on video games. So, if you are playing video games even on your home computers in Greece, you might just end up in jail.

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2. Chewing Gum In Singapore

Back in 2004, the Singapore government put a ban on chewing gum imports. You cant buy or sell chewing gum in the country and if you are caught doing so or spitting the gum on the streets, you will have to pay a heavy fine of $500. All this because back in 1992, someone used a chewed gum to bring the public transportation system to a halt.

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3. Ketchup Ban In French Schools

The school cafeterias in France banned ketchup because the government felt that the teenagers were consuming too much ketchup, which was somehow affecting the originality of their traditional cuisine. Imagine the kids there having to eat their fries without the ketchup.

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4. Kissing In A Moving Vehicle In Italy

In Eboli, a town in Southern Italy, kissing in a moving vehicle is banned. If you are breaking this law, it can cost you several hundred euros. To be honest, this one makes sense. If the person driving kisses someone else, it could cause an accident but what if neither of the two people are driving?

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5. Naming A Child In Denmark

Now this ones just stupid. Denmark imposed rules on how parents could name their babies to keep Danish children safe from odd names. You can choose a name from a list of 24,000 names. In case, you want to name a child on your own, you have to get permission from government officials.

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6. Yellow T-shirts In Malaysia

Yellow, yellow, dirty fellow  it seems the Malaysians take this nursery rhyme quite seriously. Anyway, yellow is considered the colour of protesters by the Malaysian government and so they decided to ban yellow clothing because a particular group of opposition activists was using yellow things to protest against the government.

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7. Small Breast Pornography In Australia

If this doesnt make you go WTF, what on earth will? So, pornography isnt banned in Australia but this particular ban was imposed because the government thought this kind of activity will encourage the average civilians to become child molesters or even worse, child rapists.

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8. Kinder Joy In USA

What harm does a chocolate surprise do to the US? Banning Kinder Joy is the stupidest of all the bans. The reason behind this ban was that the government was worried about the choking hazard that could be posed by a non-food product component, such as the small toy that comes in the case.

YouTube

9. Blue Jeans In North Korea

Do we need to say anything about the absurd things happening in North Korea? This one barely comes across as a surprise. Jeans, particularly blue jeans was banned in North Korea because the colour blue is associated with America. Duh.

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10. Dying In The Houses Of Parliament In United Kingdom

Wonder how theyll hold people accountable if they do break this ban? You can't die inside the House of Parliament in Britain because anyone dying inside is entitled to a state funeral and the government doesnt want to host any more state funerals than it actually has to.

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11. Jogging In Burundi

Go for a jog and end up in jail? In the country of Burundi, jogging is considered an act of war, so one of the Presidents officially banned morning joggers to stop the conflicts between ethnic groups and they believed this law would halt the war.

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They say that God lies inside every individual, especially children who embody innocence and truth. However, many fanatics have failed to understand this, giving rise to terrorism and forgetting humanity. Even a teenager in today's times is not tolerated reciting holy verses from scriptures of a different religion.

15-Year-old Alia Khan dressed up as Krishna and recited parts of Bhagwat Gita as a part of a competition. And now has a fatwa issued against her.

ANI

"Islam is not so weak that we will be dismissed from it just for reciting Bhagwad Gita or wearing a particular kind of costume," said 15-year-old student, Alia Khan, on Thursday, after she was issued a fatwa (religious decree) by Dar-ul-uloom of Deoband.

The Islamic seminary issued the fatwa to Khan on January 2 for reciting the verses of the Hindu holy book at an event in her school recently, ANI reported.

The Class 10 student won the second prize for her performance and was also given a cash prize of Rs. 25,000. However, she was later issued the decree by the Ulema or Islamic scholars, who termed her action un-Islamic.

ani

The function was organised by the Uttar Pradesh government to mark the 101 years of the historic Lucknow Pact of Freedom Struggle. The event was based on famous freedom fighter, Bal Gangadhar Tilak's interpretation of Bhagwad Gita.
With the increase in global warming and due to climate change, the world is modifying at a tremendous speed, probably earlier that it should. According to a group of scientists, a new research has revealed that there is a massive decline in Cheetah populations.

It has already been listed as a 'vulnerable' species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. National Geographic reports that the animals are "dangerously close to extinction", according to the latest research carried out by the Big Cats Initiative.

Their research reflects that there are less than 3,577 free-ranging adults spread across Namibia, Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

"Humans have altered more than 90 percent of the historic cheetah's habitat, which once ranged across stretches of Africa and Asia," National Geographic says.
The Doklam standoff has created quite the tension between India and China, and the two countries are still trying to find a common ground of peace between each other. The tensions may have de-escalated on the Sikkim-Bhutan border, but recently, there has been another incident that has made it difficult for India to trust China.

When residents of the area observed something unlikely happening and informed the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). It is unusual for the Chinese to undertake track construction in the area, more so during winter months. The incident, that happened on December 26, when residents witnessed a Chinese civilian track construction party which did not have any soldiers around crossed into the Indian side of the LAC.The ITBP, along with the army have foiled a Chinese attempt to build a track on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Tuting area of Arunachal Pradesh.

This area near Kapang La is where Siang river crosses from Tibet to Arunachal Pradesh, but the Chinese workers did not cross the river.On December 28, the Chinese workers were told to return to their side of the LAC, and their road construction equipment was seized. There was no direct contact between Indian and Chinese soldiers at the time, reported The Indian Express. Their construction equipment, which included two JCBs and a water bowser, was seized  the tyres were deflated and the chains of the JCBs were removed. The area has been barricaded, and is being jointly manned by the ITBP and Army.

According to sources, the Chinese track construction party was building a 12-feet wide, 1-km long track inside Indian territory. Because of the curved nature of tracks in mountain areas, it meant that the Chinese were nearly 400 metres inside Arunachal Pradesh.
Having beggar knock your car's window or simply lurk around you when you are devouring street food is a common sight in India. And sometimes because you're having an awesome day you give them a few rupees, don't you?

Also read: MBA Graduate Who Worked In London, US Green Card Holder Among Beggars Held In Hyderabad Ahead Of Ivanka's Visit

But have you ever thought how much money these beggars make by doing this?

Several movies and documentaries have been made on the earnings of these beggars and exactly what they do with it.

Meet the 40-year-old Chhotu Baraik from Jharkhand.

daily.bhaskar

Chhotu earns INR 30,000 a month by begging - an amount most millennials earn after spending a year in their first job, even two sometimes.

Also read: In Ajmer, Beggars Open Bank Accounts To Save Their Earnings From Robbers, Thieves And The Police

He works at Chakradharpur railway station and you can easily find him inching in one of the many trains that run there.

daily.bhaskar

Amongst his other businesses, he is the distributor of Vestige, sells membership of services and products to people on train, station and nearby areas, and owns a utensils shop in Bandi village of Simdega district.

The shop is managed by one of his wives. Chhotu has agreed to earning nearly 4 lakhs a month and says that he sends monthly amounts to all his wives.

daily.bhaskar

Are you having conflicted feelings about this too? Think about it.

Also read: Hyderabad To Become 'Beggar Free' City, Spot One, Inform And Get Rs 500 As Reward
American Space agency NASA has released its new logo which it claims represents its quest for knowledge. The space agency - while observing 60th years of its establishment - has said the logo it has released for use in observing the 60th anniversary of its establishment as a US government agency in 2018 represents its quest for knowledge.

A crescent moon, a ringed planet and a field of stars amid a nebula of light blue represent the agency's scientific underpinnings, particularly the enduring quest for answers to age-old questions about the workings and evolution of our planet, solar system and the universe, NASA said on Wednesday. NASA considers its birthday to be October 1, the day the agency opened for business. The logo depicts how NASA is building on its past to soar toward a challenging future.

NASA

"NASA" and "60" are stacked, bold and tall, atop the continental US, the curvature of Earth, and the light of an approaching dawn.

This placement, according to NASA, captures the spirit of a metaphor about knowledge and discovery, often attributed to 17th-century physicist Isaac Newton: "If I have seen further than others, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants."

Similarly, the agency too was built on the legacy and expertise of giants in government-sponsored research and development, it said.

The light blue and white arc just below the alphanumeric elements recalls the sunrise, seen 16 times each day aboard an Earth-orbiting spacecraft, and symbolizes opportunity yet to come through exploration of the Moon, Mars and destinations far beyond, NASA said.
Jet Airways has grounded two of its senior commanders for fighting inside the cockpit of a London-Mumbai flight on January 1. The commander flying as co-pilot allegedly slapped the lady commander mid-flight after which she left the cockpit in tears.

After great persuasion, the lady pilot went back to the cockpit but reportedly came out in a huff shortly afterwards. This time, a frightened cabin crew, fearing for everyone's safety, requested her to go back to the controls and operate the flight to its destination.

Luckily, the plane landed safely.

reuters/representational image

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has suspended the licence of the male co-pilot and ordered a probe into the entire episode.

Also Read: Jet Airways To Pay Rs 50,000 To Passenger Who Found A Button In His In-Flight Lunch

This unprecedented cockpit fight happened on 9W 119 soon after Jet's Boeing 777 took off for its 9-hour journey to Mumbai with 324 passengers and 14 crew members on board on New Year's Day at 10am (UK time).

Both the pilots of this flight were commanders and the lady was captaining 9W 119 while the other was the co-pilot for this sector.

"Shortly after the plane took off, the two pilots had a fight. The co-pilot slapped the lady commander and she left the cockpit in tears. She stood in the galley sobbing. The cabin crew tried to comfort her and send her back to the cockpit, but in vain. The co-pilot also kept buzzing (calling from the intercom in the cockpit) the crew, asking them to send the second pilot back," said sources.

reuters/representational image

When the cabin crew could not do so, the co-pilot reportedly came out of the cockpit  leaving the cockpit unmanned in gross violation of safety rules  and persuaded the commander to return with him to the controls.

Also Read: Delhi-Mumbai Jet Airways Flight Diverted To Ahmedabad After Hijacking Note Found In Toilet

"However, they had a fight for the second time following which she came out again. This time, the cabin crew was quite afraid of the fight happening in the cockpit. They requested her to go to the cockpit and fly the plane safely to its destination," said sources. Realising the fear factor among everyone, she returned to the cockpit and the plane landed safely in Mumbai just after midnight of January 1-2.

reuters/representational image

Confirming this fight, a Jet Airways spokesman said: "A misunderstanding occurred between the cockpit crew of Jet Airways flight 9W 119, London - Mumbai of January 01, 2018. However, the same was quickly resolved amicably and the flight with 324 guests including 2 infants and 14 crew continued its journey to Mumbai, landing safely.

The airline has reported the incident to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the concerned crew have been derostered pending an internal investigation that has since been initiated. At Jet Airways, safety of guests, crew and assets is of paramount importance and the airline has zero tolerance for any action of its employees that compromises safety."
Jagsir Singh, a 32-year-old sepoy from Punjab martyred in firing by Pakistani troops in Nowshera sector of Jammu. He served the country till his last breathe and was cremated at his native village Lohgarh Thakran in district Ferozepur with full state honours.

As the entire village came to pay respects, the jawan was buried amid slogans against Pakistan. Jagsirs wife Mohinderpal Kaur and father Amarjit Singh too vent their anger against Pakistan.

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He is survived by his parents, wife, a younger brother, a sister and two daughters and a son. The family has requested the government to bear the expenses of his three children.

According to The Indian Express, Malkit Singh, sarpanch of the village, said, The family wants that the government bear the expenses of education of the three children. Also, apart from compensation and a government job, we also want that a road/school should be named after him. We will see a memorial is built in village dedicated to him.
This past Christmas, people in Germany experienced the true season of giving, thanks to their government. The general public didnt have to pay any electricity bills for the weekend, and were in fact paid to use power.

Despite how ludicrous that sounds, its actually true. Electricity tariffs in the country went into the negative for most people on that Sunday and Monday, December 24 and 25, because they just had more power than was needed.

So how does that happen? Well, Germany has invested over $200 billion in renewable energy over the past few decades, especially wind and solar power. Unfortunately, they dont have the battery technology to store any excess power. On most days, that question never arises. However, on days when its sunnier than usual or major holidays when major factories are closed, the power plants generate more electricity than the entire country needs. And with the supply so much more than the demand, it obvious drops the price below zero.

In addition, because Germany doesnt have enough in the way of solar batteries, all of that power would go to waste if it wasnt being tapped immediately, so people are incentivised with money to turn the lights on. Theyre not given a cash or cheque of course, but that negative balance is counted against their usual electricity bills.

According to the New York Times, some manufacturing plants and offices were paid about $60 per megawatt-hour to use electricity on negative-priced days through the year. Its something governments and utilities companies have to think about, as the world slowly makes the transition to renewable energy.
With CES 2018 about to commence, Samsung has just unveiled some of the coolest pieces of technology its going to debut at the world's largest consumer electronics expo.

Images courtesy: Samsung C-Lab

Samsung C-Lab, the in-house experimental tech arm, will showcase three new devices at CES, the like youve never seen before, and each wildly different from the next. Each has been developed by Samsung employees under the C-Lab incubation initiative, with funding aid from the company.

Sound-Ray Directional Speakers

The first device called Sound-Ray (or S-Ray) is one that merges the privacy of headphones with the convenience of Bluetooth speakers. Its a speaker that projects sound in a singular direction, so that only the person its aimed at can hear whats playing. Basically, you can blast some Nirvana on a comfortable speaker without disturbing your roommate working a few feet away.

It comes in three variants, the S-Ray Mini, S-Ray Handy, and S-Ray Neck Band. The Handy is a portable speaker, while the Mini comes in the form of a smartphone cover and the Neck band is, obviously, worn around your neck.

GoBreath

GoBreath is actually a medical device for people whove damaged their lungs. Conceptualised by a doctor at the Samsung Medical Center, its a portable device with an accompanying app to let users breathe easier. The product can, according to Samsung, teach patients basic techniques such as inspiration, coughing or deep breathing, as a way to rehabilitate their lungs after an accident or surgery.

Relumino

Relumino is one way VR is being applied to medical devices. Its basically a pair of battery-powered glasses that help those with visual impairments see better. An onboard processor renders images from a built-in camera and projects it onto the devices display.

Theyre meant to have the form factor of traditional eyeglasses, but the device prototype right now features a VR headset with a phone inside. Eventually, the completed product is supposed to improve image clarity by highlighting outlines, inverting colours, remapping footage from blind spots to visible areas and reducing glare from certain colours.
Until very recently, when you shopped for a database you had to choose: Scalability or consistency? SQL databases such as MySQL guarantee strong consistency, but dont scale well horizontally. (Manual sharding for scalability is no ones idea of fun.) NoSQL databases such as MongoDB scale beautifully, but offer only eventual consistency. (Wait long enough, and you can read the right answerwhich isnt any way to do financial transactions.)

Google Cloud Spanner, a fully managed relational database service running on Google Compute Engine (GCE) released in February 2017, has the scalability of NoSQL databases while retaining SQL compatibility, relational schemas, ACID transactions, and strong external consistency. Spanner is a sharded, globally distributed and replicated relational database that uses a Paxos algorithm for reaching a consensus among its nodes.

One alternative to Spanner, and the subject of this review, is CockroachDB, an open source, horizontally scalable distributed SQL database developed by ex-Googlers who were familiar with Spanner. CockroachDB borrows from Googles Spanner for the design of its data storage system, and it uses a Raft algorithm for reaching a consensus among its nodes.

Like Cloud Spanner, CockroachDB is a distributed SQL database built on top of a transactional and consistent key-value store, in CockroachDBs case on RocksDB. CockroachDBs primary design goals are support for ACID transactions, horizontal scalability, and (most of all) survivability, hence the name.

CockroachDB is designed to survive disk, machine, rack, and even datacenter failures with minimal latency disruption and no manual intervention. Of course, to accomplish that you need to run a cluster of many instances of CockroachDBs symmetric nodes, using multiple disks, machines, racks, and datacenters.
Downside Continues... Market Tea Leaves - 6 minutes ago Yesterday we gave the markets a Neutral bias and it continue lower. What will happen today?

No Bull - Dollars & Cents NO BULL - 45 minutes ago $30,000 an acre, barges, basis, exports, and more

German industrial workers to get pay raises in 2-year deal AP - Fri Nov 18, 2:43AM CST Germanys biggest industrial union has agreed with employers on a pay deal that will see millions of workers get raises totaling 8.5% over two years as well as one-time payments meant to cushion the... $SPX : 3,946.56 (-0.31%) $DOWI : 33,546.32 (-0.02%) $IUXX : 11,676.86 (-0.19%)

3 convicted in 2014 downing of Malaysian jet over Ukraine AP - Fri Nov 18, 1:12AM CST A Dutch court has convicted three men of murder for their role in shooting down a Malaysia Airlines passenger jet with a Russian surface-to-air missile, killing all 298 people aboard, as the aircraft flew... $SPX : 3,946.56 (-0.31%) $DOWI : 33,546.32 (-0.02%) $IUXX : 11,676.86 (-0.19%)

Cocoa (CC) Retesting 38.2% Fib Retrace of Feb-Sep Slide Tradable Patterns - Fri Nov 18, 12:22AM CST Cocoa (CCZ22)s healthy profittaking this week should be slowing going into next week, with CC now testing the 38.2% Fib retrace of the massive bounce off the September low. CC is also back to prior... CCZ22 : 2,434 (+0.25%) NIB : 26.21 (-2.81%)
Hurricanes Maria, Irma and Harvey, two earthquakes in quick succession in Mexico, Cyclone Debbie which devastated parts of Australia and New Zealand, and the wildfires that caused havoc across California  2017 was quite the year. A record-breaking one, in fact.That is according to Munich Re , the reinsurance giant, which has today stated that insurers will have to pay out US$135 billion (around 99.68 billion) in insured losses for the year.In its annual catastrophe review it said that last years total losses, including those that are not insured, actually reached US$330 million  which in itself is the second worst in history. The worst on record, according to a Reuters report, was 2011 when a shocking tsunami and earthquake caused devastation in Japan.To make matters worse, Munich Re predicts that extreme weather events will occur more frequently in the near future even though individual events cannot be directly linked to climate change.We have a new normal, said Ernst Rauch, head of Munich Res Corporate Climate Centre, as quoted by Reuters.2017 was not an outlier, he said, highlighting that insured losses have actually shot over the $100 billion marker several times since 2005. We must have on our radar the trend of new magnitudes.
Topa Insurance Group has announced the appointment of Theresa Fabela (pictured) as president of Dorchester Insurance Company. Fabela assumes the role from Jim Schallert, who retired December 31.Fabela joined Dorchester in 2016 as vice president of Caribbean operations. In that capacity, she oversaw underwriting, claims, accounting, budget and reinsurance. She also contributed to the modernization and streamlining of the operation.Fabela has 20 years of industry experience. Prior to joining Dorchester in the Virgin Islands, she was assistant vice president at a reinsurance brokerage in Dallas. She holds professional designations as a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter, Associate in Risk Management, Associate in Surplus Lines, and Associate in Underwriting. Fabela is a member of the CPCU Society and previously sat on the boards of both the Dallas and Pacific Northwest chapters of the CPCU.
Strategic Independent Insurance Agency Solutions (SIIAS) has revealed that Junction West Insurance Solutions has joined the organization.Junction West Insurance Solutions, founded 2017, is a full-service insurance agency that specializes in auto, home, life, and business insurance products. Based in Roseville, California, Junction West primarily serves the Roseville/Rocklin area, as well as the surrounding Sacramento community.The owner of Junction West, Rick Hoem, has worked in the insurance industry for more than 15 years.Joining the Alliance was a logical decision for me as a new business owner, commented Hoem in a statement. They have the resources and insurance carrier partnerships I need to grow my company in the most cost-effective way possible while providing the coverage and price my clients deserve.Hoem began his career as a financial advisor in 2003 with New York Life, where he earned the Life Foundation Award and was recognized as Rookie of the Year. He was also a Gold level producer with AAA as a life specialist in 2009.
Environmental services and technology company Water Intelligence Plc has revealed that it has signed a contract with a top five US insurance company.The firm, which was incorporated in England and Wales, and owns 100% of the issued capital of American Leak Detection Inc., will use its relationship with the unnamed insurer to provide products designed to reduce collateral damage claims.According to a report by London South East, the water leak specialist had previously worked with insurance claims adjustors across the US but signed its first national insurance contract in 2017. It noted that in an effort to meet demand for a nationwide business-to-business approach for insurance customers, a channel had been set up for job assignments and billing  and this has created around 35,000 jobs.In response to strong demand, we plan to do more of the same in 2018 and beyond, as the insurance market is currently seeking complete solutions for minimizing water loss through leakage and we believe we are well positioned to deliver this, commented executive chairman Patrick DeSouza in the report. We look forward to another significant increase in the amount of insurance work acquired for our corporate and franchise locations.
Ransomware is likely to continue as one of the greatest evolving cyber threats in 2018, according to Rotem Iram, At-Bay CEO and co-founder.It was at the core of some of the biggest news stories of 2017, with businesses worldwide being forced to hand over huge sums of money to unlock encrypted files and recover data The cyber insurance market has, in turn, enjoyed a huge boost, as the far-reaching impacts of cyber threats become better understood. A key element of cyber insurance is business interruption coverage, which will cover the enterprise for lost business during a cyberattack. This area of coverage is becoming increasingly important, according to Iram.In 2018, the largest growth area in the cyber insurance market will be mid-market adoption of standalone policies. Due to the recent proliferation of cyber threats, business interruption coverage is becoming increasingly important for mid-sized businesses to large enterprises, he told Insurance Business.A survey conducted in October 2017 by California-based cyber security company At-Bay , found that respondents were particularly concerned about their ability to stop a significant ransomware attack compared to other types of cyberattacks. This highlights business interruption as a crucial coverage area for countering potential ransomware damages, Iram noted.Even simplistic cyberattacks can result in meaningful business interruption and monetary loss. For example, global shipping giant Maersk was severely affected by the NotPetya cyberattack in June 2017, when some malware caused denial of access to data, which disrupted various company operations.In 2018, I predict that a new generation of ransomware attacks will threaten corporate enterprises, said Iram. We expect sophisticated attackers to capitalize on this opportunity and launch targeted and meaningful business interruption ransom attacks on companies with meaningful digitized operations.We have yet to see meaningful APT ransom attacks, demanding millions of dollars in ransom, which we predict will emerge in the New Year. The existing cyber insurance coverage is not set up for this risk, as limits on business interruption coverage are very low.Cyber insurance holds the most value when supported by an effective risk management program  something that mid-market companies will increasingly look for alongside more business interruption coverage, according to Iram.Given the rapid changes in cyber threats, cyber insurance coverage based on a snapshot of the security standing of the company is not enough to counter meaningful changes in risk profile, he said.Mid-market companies who cannot afford an army of IT security professionals, will increasingly look for a risk management program that goes beyond insurance and actively supports a company to stay safe.
Ant Financial may have to re-tool its global ambitions after stiff U.S. opposition scuppered what would have been its largest overseas acquisition.

The Chinese financial services giant controlled by Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma abandoned a plan to buy MoneyGram International Inc. after failing to win approval for the deal from a key government panel. Chinas largest online wealth management and payments service may now have to throttle back plans to expand in the worlds largest financial market as it begins preparations to go public in the next year or so.

The end of the bid comes almost a year after Ma met with then President-elect Donald Trump and talked of creating a million U.S. jobs. Ant Financials $1.2 billion deal for Dallas-based MoneyGram wouldve added a network of 350,000 agent locations in more than 200 countries and territories that it says reaches billions of accounts. The U.S. companys shares plunged as much as 17 percent in extended trading.

But the deal faced intense scrutiny from a government panel thats become more active in blocking Chinese investments. Ant submitted its proposal to the the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. several times, to no avail. Last spring, two House of Representatives members said the acquisition could allow malicious actors to obtain data on U.S. military personnel and their families who use the service. Ant and Moneygram now plan to work together on initiatives in remittance and digital payments, they said in a joint statement.

Technology companies understand the situation and are evolving in their approach. They are doing more things organically, they are doing more strategic alliances, Jeremy Choy, head of M&A for China Renaissance, told Bloomberg Television. We dont think this is the start of a trend where people just wont do things in the U.S. A lot of technology companies are becoming increasingly global, so they have to go to the U.S. But in terms of the approach, it will be less direct than finding a target and buying 100 percent.

Ant Financial  formerly part of Mas Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.  is already a behemoth in China, providing services from wealth management and insurance to credit checks and consumer loans. Formally known as Zhejiang Ant Small & Micro Financial Services Group Co., the company was valued at $75 billion by Hong Kong investment group CLSA in 2016 and is expected to go public eventually. Its Alipay platform has built itself into an online giant that controls roughly half of Chinas $5.5 trillion mobile-payments market.

But the company is eager to expand internationally amid aggressive competition in its home market from Tencent Holdings Ltd. and the prospect of increased regulation on internet finance. Its struck partnerships around the globe, including in India, Thailand, South Korea and France. The company didnt respond to requests for additional comment.

Chinese takeovers of American companies have prompted warnings from lawmakers about risks to national security with CFIUS able to impose changes on deals to protect national security or recommend that the president block them. In September, Trump blocked the sale of Lattice Semiconductor Corp. to a buyer funded by a Chinese state-owned entity.

But Ant  which paid MoneyGram a $30 million termination fee  has disputed assertions that U.S. security would be compromised by the deal, citing its plans to keep the U.S. companys headquarters, management team and employees in Dallas. The company said MoneyGrams servers  and the data stored on them  would also remain in the U.S.

The geopolitical environment has changed considerably since we first announced the proposed transaction, MoneyGram Chief Executive Officer Alex Holmes said in Tuesdays statement. Despite our best efforts to work cooperatively with the U.S. government, it has now become clear that CFIUS will not approve this merger.

Related:

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.

Topics USA China
Allianz SEs property unit plans to double investments in Asia over three years as the German firm is drawing in more money from its insurance operations in the region.

Property investments may swell to 3.75 billion euros ($4.5 billion) by the end of 2020 from about 1.8 billion euros, according to Rushabh Desai, Asia-Pacific chief executive officer of Allianz Real Estate.

The very fast growth of the Asian insurance operations means the firm is accumulating money that can be channeled back into property investments in the region, Desai said in an interview in Singapore. That would boost its Asian exposure, which is relatively tiny so far, accounting for only about 3 percent of Allianz Real Estates 55 billion euro global portfolio centered on the U.S. and Europe.

Asia has the most potential at this time, lots of areas are under-served, Desai said.

So far, China and India account for more than half of Allianz Real Estates investments in Asia, with the rest split between Australia, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong, Desai said.

On his strategy for 2018, Desai said:

Focus will be on offices, but logistics is emerging as a favored sector because of Asias fast growth in e-commerce. Will look for more logistics opportunities in China and Japan and explore new markets such as India, Southeast Asia and South Korea Hes looking for more office investments in China, residential annuity investments in Japan Student accommodation and senior living offer opportunities across Asia He wants to start a lending book in Asia for long-tenure, fixed-rate loans, with Singapore and Australia offering opportunities

On the office outlook:

Australia and Japan seem expensive. Tokyo has a lot of supply in the central business district Singapore seems to be bottoming out and turning positive China will be strong for the long term

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.

Topics Property China Australia Allianz
Back in 1979, Karen Schneider was an entry-level copy editor in her 20s when a senior editor at her newspaper offered her a ride after some late-night drinks with colleagues. At her destination, he locked the car door and forcibly kissed her.

Terrified, she managed to get away. She subsequently told her boyfriend about what happened  and no one else.

I didnt know what sexual harassment was. I didnt know that what he did was actually illegal, Schneider recalled in a recent phone interview. All I knew was that I was scared and deeply worried about my career, because this man was in a position of authority and I was a very eager young journalist.

The recent wave of sexual misconduct allegations, costing dozens of prominent men their jobs and reputations, shows that experiences like Schneiders remain common in American workplaces. But even as the problem persists, there is far more public awareness now of sexual harassment and far more recourse for victims, compared with the decades before the 1990s.

Schneider remained at the Hartford Courant for five more years after the kiss, keeping her secret. She later worked for other news and advocacy organizations and is now vice president of communications for the National Womens Law Center, which is assisting women speaking out about harassment.

There has been greater recognition that sexual harassment is against the law and should not be tolerated, Schneider said. But there are many industries and offices where people are still afraid to speak out.

Technically, sexual harassment became illegal under the 1964 Civil Rights Acts ban on sex discrimination, but it took three more decades of court rulings to establish the current concepts of what it entails and how to address it. Gillian Thomas, an American Civil Liberties Union attorney who has written on the topic, said the term sexual harassment wasnt even coined until 1975.

A turning point in public awareness came in 1991, when sexual harassment was the focus of Anita Hills testimony during Clarence Thomas Supreme Court confirmation hearings.

There also were pivotal Supreme Court rulings, including one in 1986 declaring that a hostile working environment could constitute sexual harassment, whether or not an aggrieved employee suffered economic harm by being fired or denied promotion. In 1993, the high court said employees could prevail in harassment cases without having to prove they suffered psychological damage. In 1998, a pair of Supreme Court rulings prompted many employers to adopt anti-harassment policies and formalize mechanisms for employees to lodge confidential complaints.

Pioneer Firefighters

The legal system remains tilted in favor of the employer, Thomas said, but at least theres a vocabulary now for talking about these issues.

There was no such vocabulary in New York Citys all-male fire department in 1982, when a lawsuit filed by Brenda Berkman forced the department to revise its physical exam so it was possible for women to pass.

Berkman, who retired in 2006 with the rank of captain, said she and the other 39 pioneering women encountered harassment even during probationary training.

There was abuse not only by instructors, but also by our fellow male trainees, Berkman said. Thats beyond the pale  these guys are on probation and felt they had a license to assault their peers.

In the early 90s, Berkman went public with allegations that a fire department physician had groped her breasts during an exam. Other women lodged similar complaints, but it took more than a year before the doctor was charged with misconduct and resigned.

Whether it was 20 years ago or 20 minutes ago, whenever sexual assault happens, one of the hardest things for the women who survived is that nobody believes them, Berkman said.

The fire department, over 35 years, has made modest strides in accommodating women  there are now 68, the highest number ever, out of a force of 11,000.

Supreme Court

Another veteran of the sex-harassment wars is Teresa Wilson, a 65-year-old nurse in Nashville, Tennessee. It was her case, alleging sustained sexual harassment by her boss in the mid-1980s, that led to the important 1993 Supreme Court ruling.

Wilson, at the time named Teresa Harris, was a manager at Forklift Systems, a construction equipment rental company. She alleged that Forklifts president often subjected her to sexist remarks and sexual overtures, sometimes in the presence of other employees.

The most hurtful incident, she recalled, was when he asserted in crude language that her sales figures were good because she was having sex with her customers.

Lower courts rebuffed the lawsuit, agreeing with the company that the bosss behavior did not affect Wilson psychologically or impair her ability to work.

When the case reached the Supreme Court, its first female justice  Sandra Day OConnor  authored a unanimous opinion rejecting the premise that harassment can be penalized only if proven to have caused substantial psychological harm. Thanks to that ruling, Wilson obtained an out-of-court settlement with Forklift; the terms have not been released.

Wilson is heartened by the multitude of harassment victims now speaking out.

Its about time, she said.

Harassment and sexism were problems in many sectors, including academia.

Susan MacManus, a political science professor at the University of South Florida, says relatively few women had that job back in the early 1970s. When theyd get together at conferences, conversation would inevitably turn to which male colleagues acted inappropriately.

We had what we called a lech list, men who would prey on women, MacManus said  which colleagues would try to grab women at bars, which married men sought to hook up for casual sex during conferences.

MacManus said she never was physically harassed but felt gender discrimination in regard to promotions and opportunities. As a graduate student, she said, one of her professors came on to her.

She still sees such behavior  male professors exploiting their best students because they have power over them in terms of grades and recommendations.

Im very sad that women still have to put up with this, she said.

(Associated Press writer Tamara Lush in Tampa, Florida, contributed to this report.)

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Legislation
The worst storm of the winter season has knocked out power to thousands and canceled almost 3,000 flights. Next it threatens to bring more snow, ice and cold from Florida to Nova Scotia, including New York and Boston.

Winter storm warnings and advisories stretch from Maine to South Carolina, including New York, where as much as 8 inches (20 centimeters) may fall Thursday, the National Weather Service said. A blizzard warning has been issued for Boston, which could get 13 inches of snow and has closed schools Thursday.

Blizzard conditions are also possible along much of New Englands coastline, eastern Long Island and parts of New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia and North Carolina. The city of Philadelphia declared a snow emergency.

Staten Island and Queens also face a flood threat between 9 a.m. and noon Thursday as the storm will push tides as much as 12 to 18 inches higher than normal, said Faye Morrone, a weather service meteorologist in Upton, New York.

It could result in some flooding, especially for vulnerable locations on the shoreline, Morrone said.

Snow has already fallen in Tallahassee, Floridas capital, said Rob Carolan, a meteorologist and president of Hometown Forecast Services Inc. in Nashua, New Hampshire. Snow was reported in Savannah, Georgia, while freezing rain and ice covered broad areas of southern states.

We are going to get a decent snowfall out of this, said Carolan, referring to New England. The bad news is it will ruin tomorrow mornings commute.

The weather stands to wreak havoc on markets for longer, as electricity prices already surged to the highest level in years and natural gas demand hit a record high. As of 7 p.m. on the East Coast, about 29,000 customers were without power from Maryland to Florida, according to data compiled by Bloomberg from utility websites.

Airlines had canceled more than 2,100 Thursday flights so far, on top of 558 Wednesday, according to FlightAware, an online tracking service. American Airlines Group Inc. and Delta Air Lines Inc. have begun suspending flights at some eastern U.S. airports.

Governors of states in the path of the storm have declared emergencies.

The storms focus and track will shift north until it brings its worst to Boston and coastal New England Thursday. Wind gusts along the coast from Maine to Massachusetts could reach 70 miles (113 kilometers) an hour in places Thursday with heavy snow.

The real apex, the peak of the storm, will be Cape Cod to Nova Scotia, said Gregg Gallina, a forecaster at the U.S. Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Maryland.

Snow Bomb

This storm may end up being worse than your average noreaster. It could turn into a bomb, short for bombogenesis, a phenomenon that occurs when a systems central pressure drops steeply  24 millibars or more  in 24 hours.

The lifeblood of a bombing storm is a harsh gradient between cold and warm temperatures. This sharp divide was on display early Wednesday as temperatures in Charleston, South Carolina, hovered around 29 degrees, while a buoy offshore recorded readings of 51.4 for the air and 71.1 for the ocean.

That is a key driver, the cold air mass and the warm Gulf Stream, Gallina said. Cold air battling warm air.

The atmosphere doesnt like imbalance, Carolan said. When it happens the results can be ferocious.

If current computer models hold, thatll start to happen somewhere off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, and continue as the storm moves north. Hurricane-force wind warnings have been posted off the coast where ships could encounter winds of 80 miles an hour and waves as high as 26 feet on Thursday.

It is certainly going to be a bomb, Carolan said. It could drop 40 to 50 millibars in 36 hours.

The high winds generated by the storm could cause widespread power outages to go along with blizzard conditions. Morrone said gusts of 40 to 50 miles an hour could sweep parts of New York, especially southern Queens.

Environment Canada has issued its own warnings for New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, including Halifax.

Gallina said as the storm pulls off into the Atlantic, another blast of very cold air is going to roar down from the north behind it and spread out across the central and eastern U.S.

There is a lot of potential for records being broken Friday and Saturday, Gallina said.

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.

Topics Florida Flood New York Aviation
The judge overseeing the bankruptcy of Takata Corp.s U.S. unit on Wednesday cleared the way for the companys creditors to vote on its Chapter 11 plan, which critics say limits the legal rights of those injured by its deadly airbags.

Takata and its U.S. entity TK Holdings Inc. filed for bankruptcy in June after more than 100 million of its airbags were recalled because they could inflate with too much force and spray metal fragments.

The airbags have been linked to at least 180 injuries and 18 deaths, including one in Louisiana that was identified last month.

During Wednesdays hearing, the judge reviewed the adequacy of TK Holdings disclosures, which attempt to summarize and translate the dense legalese of the companys proposed reorganization plan.

Critics have said the plan favors automakers over car owners. They used the hearing to test arguments that could be raised again at a Feb. 13 confirmation hearing, when U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Brendan Shannon in Wilmington, Delaware, will decide if the plan is fair and meets other requirements.

Shannon raised the possibility on Wednesday that he might not approve a proposal contained in the reorganization plan to establish a fund to compensate those with personal injury claims caused by airbags in vehicles made by Honda Motor Co. Ltd.

The trust would pay compensation based on the injury, ranging from $10,000 for bruising to $5 million for death or loss of eyesight, according to court documents.

Car owners would be barred from suing Honda and other car makers could opt to join the trust arrangement.

Sander Esserman, a lawyer representing car owners seeking to recover costs related to the recall, criticized the trust proposal because it limited the rights of consumers by barring punitive damages and paying compensation in installments.

Hondas attorney, Jessica Boelter of Sidley Austin, said the company was owed $9.4 billion from the recall, which she said was the biggest claim of any automaker.

Takata plans to sell its viable operations to Key Safety Systems, an affiliate of Chinas Ningo Joyson Electric Corp., for $1.6 billion. The proceeds will fund restitution claims for automakers and help pay personal injury and wrongful death claims.

(Reporting by Tom Hals in Wilmington, Del.; Editing by Matthew Lewis)

Topics USA Auto Talent
Tulsa, Oklahoma-based Mid-Continent Group, a member of Great American Insurance Group, has completed a renewal rights agreement with Tank Owner Members Insurance Company (TOMIC) to acquire TOMICs book of business.

The transaction is effective Jan. 2, 2018, for all renewal policies with effective dates of Jan. 1, 2018, and after. The subject business of approximately $9 million of in-force gross written premium represents direct pollution liability policies and assumed reinsurance for underground and above ground storage tanks.

Mid-Continent Group has contracted with PRO Managing General Agents Inc., to assist with the transition of TOMIC policies and producer relationships to Mid-Continent in 2018.

Mid-Continent has been insuring businesses with underground storage tank pollution needs for over 20 years, and has specialized expertise in this segment of the market. The TOMIC book of business is a great strategic fit with our current book of tank owners business and will allow us to diversify our portfolio into many other states, Mid-Continent Group President James Davis said in the companys announcement.

Based in Tulsa, Mid-Continent Group underwrites specialty commercial insurance and contract surety products with an emphasis on general liability for the construction, energy and difficult-to-place industries. With a long history of financial strength and stability, the Mid-Continent Group of companies is rated A+ (Superior) by A. M. Best (affirmed on August 11, 2017).

The companies of Mid-Continent Group include: Mid-Continent Casualty Company, Oklahoma Surety Company, Mid-Continent Assurance Company and Mid-Continent Excess & Surplus Insurance Company.

Great American Insurance Groups roots go back to 1872 with the founding of its flagship company, Great American Insurance Company. Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, the operations of Great American Insurance Group are engaged primarily in property/casualty insurance, focusing on specialty commercial products for businesses, and in the sale of traditional fixed and fixed-indexed annuities in the retail, financial institutions and education markets.

Great American Insurance Company has received an A (Excellent) or higher rating from the A.M. Best Co. for more than 100 years (most recent rating evaluation of A+ (Superior) affirmed on August 11, 2017). The members of Great American Insurance Group are subsidiaries of American Financial Group, Inc. (AFG), also based in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Source: Great American Insurance Group

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Oklahoma
Starr Surplus Lines Insurance Co. has become the first domestic surplus lines insurer (DSLI) in Texas, effective Jan. 1, 2018, the Surplus Lines Stamping Office of Texas (SLTX) reported.

The company has been approved to redomesticate to Texas and authorized to write coverage in the state.

House Bill 2492, which permits DSLIs in Texas, went into effect Jan. 1, 2018. The bill was passed by the state legislature in May 2017 as part of the 85th legislative session.

The new law allows surplus lines insurers to apply for a DSLI certificate, which is issued by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). Upon receipt of the certificate, the insurer may be domiciled in the state of Texas and write surplus lines policies in the state.

Previously, a surplus lines insurer had to be domiciled outside of the state in order to write coverage in Texas.

As insurers attain the DSLI certificate, SLTX will note each insurer on its website as part of its eligible insurers list.

With the passage of the law, Texas joins 11 other states (Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin) that also have this type of law in place.

Source: SLTX

Topics Carriers Texas Excess Surplus
A recent case out of the Florida Supreme Court will likely have a big impact on the duty of insurers to defend Florida construction cases.

The case, Altman Contractors, Inc. v. Crum & Forster Specialty Insurance Company arises out of a declaratory judgment action filed in the Southern District of Florida: Case No.: SC16-1420 (Fla. 2017).

Altman Contractors, Inc. served as the general contractor on a high-rise condominium project. Crum & Forster Specialty Insurance Company insured Altman during the project under a series of commercial general liability policies.

From April 2012 to November 2012, Altman received multiple notices of construction defects under Chapter 558, Florida Statutes, following completion of the project. Included in the Chapter 558 Notices, the owner claimed property damage to the building. Chapter 558 lays out a process for the resolution of construction defect claims prior to litigation and is in fact a condition precedent to filing suit on such claims in Florida.

In January 2013, Altman tendered to Crum for defense and indemnity of the 558 Notices. Crum denied, arguing the 558 Notices were not a suit as defined in the policies. Altman then hired its own counsel to defend the 558 Notices. In May 2013, Altman received a supplemental 558 Notice, bringing the total number of construction defects claimed to over 800.

In August 2013, Crum hired counsel to defend Altman against the claims under a Reservation of Rights, maintaining the position that the Chapter 558 Notices were not a suit under the policy. Altman objected to the counsel assigned by Crum and requested its existing counsel be hired to continue to defend the claims. Altman also demanded Crum reimburse it for the fees incurred since tendering to Crum in January 2013 and Crum denied Altmans requests. Eventually, Altman resolved the claims without Crums involvement and prior to suit being filed.

After settling the claims, Altman filed a declaratory judgment against Crum in the Southern District of Florida on the issue of Crums duty to defend and indemnity to Altman. The Southern District sided with Crum, ruling that the Chapter 558 Notices did not meet the definition of civil proceeding under the policies and therefore granted Crums summary judgment.

Altman then appealed to the Eleventh Circuit, who certified the following question: Is the notice and repair process set forth in chapter 558, Florida Statutes, a suit within the meaning of the commercial general liability policy issued Crum & Forster to Altman.

Policy Language

The Crum & Forster policy language stated, We will pay those sums that the insured becomes legally obligated to pay as damages because of bodily injury or property damage to which this insurance applies. We will have the right and duty to defend the insured against any suit seeking those damages. However, we will have no duty to defend the insured against any suit seeking damages for bodily injury or property damage to which this insurance does not apply. We may, at our discretion, investigate any occurrence and settle any claim or suit that may result.

The policy further defined suit as a civil proceeding in which damages because of bodily injury, property damage or personal and advertising injury to which this insurance applies are alleged.

The policy language defining suit included:

An arbitration proceeding in which such damages are claimed and to which the insured must submit or does submit with our consent; or Any other alternative dispute resolution proceeding in which such damages are claimed and to which the insured submits with our consent.

Courts Decision

The Florida Supreme Courts review of the Chapter 558 process found it did not qualify as a civil proceeding under the policy, arguing participation was not mandatory and there was no adjudication. However, it ruled the Chapter 558 process does qualify as a form of alternative dispute resolution, noting the Chapter 558 process was intended to allow the parties a chance to reach a settlement or perform repairs in lieu of a lawsuit. And, as a form of alternative dispute resolution, the Florida Supreme Court held the Chapter 558 process meets the definition of a suit under the policies.

In light of the question presented, the Supreme Court did not have to go the next step to the issue of whether the Chapter 558 Notices specifically trigger the duty to defend and indemnify under the policy. But, as the Supreme Court ruled the Chapter 558 Notice was a suit under the policy, we can expect the Altman ruling to be cited in every demand for defense and indemnity from insureds moving forward.

Justice C. Alan Lawson also issued a separate opinion, concurring in part and dissenting in part that requires note.

Looking back at the policy, Lawson notes the duty to defend only arises as to suits for bodily injury or property damage, but there is no duty to defend suits for which this insurance does not apply. Arguing construction defects are not covered by the policy, it is Lawsons opinion there would not be a duty to defend the Chapter 558 Notices. Although he does concede that in the Chapter 558 Notices in the instant matter, the owner included claims for property damage to the building which would arguably be covered.

Topics Lawsuits Florida Legislation Claims Property Construction
The parents of a woman who died Jan. 1, 2017, are suing an Alaska nightclub, the Fairbanks Police Department and the Alaska Department of Corrections for sharing blame in the death of their daughter.

The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reports Michaela Kitelinger died after she was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and released on her own recognizance. She walked away from the Fairbanks Correctional Center about 6 a.m. She later was struck by a vehicle.

An autopsy revealed her blood-alcohol level was 0.157. The legal limit for driving is .08.

Kitelinger drank at Kodiak Jacks on New Years Eve 2016.

Deborah Kitelinger says her daughter made mistakes but personnel at the nightclub, police department and jail did also.

The entities are being sued for wrongful death.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits
What Is an Exit Visa?

An exit visa is a government-issued document granting an individual permission to leave a country. Most concerns about obtaining a visa are related to the entrance to a country by a non-citizen and that person's right to work there or stay long-term. However, some countries require exit visas as well.

Key Takeaways Few countries require an exit visa, but it's wise to check with the embassy or consulate before traveling.

An exit visa may be required as proof that an ex-pat worker has paid taxes on local income.

The U.S. State Department website lists all visa requirements and other rules, and the hazards of each country.

A traveler may be at risk of not being allowed to leave a country for days if they lose or travel with an expired exit visa.

Exit visas are not needed to visit all countries, although there are exceptions like Russia and Saudi Arabia.

How an Exit Visa Works

Countries that require U.S. citizens to have exit visas include Russia, Belarus, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Cuba had an exit visa requirement for U.S. citizens but eliminated it in 2013.

Generally, business visitors with commercial visas may be required to obtain an exit visa before leaving so that the local government can verify that any taxes owed on income earned in the country have been paid.

The website of the embassy or consulate of any nation you plan to visit will list all visa and other requirements for visitors from other countries.

Risk of Not Having an Exit Visa

A traveler with an expired, lost, or stolen visa may be unable to leave a country for some days, and even before that may have problems securing a hotel room or booking transportation within the country.

Those who overstay a visa generally face a wait of three to 20 business days before obtaining an exit visa. In extreme cases, a traveler overstaying a visa could be fined or jailed.

The U.S. State Department website regularly updates information relevant to U.S. travelers, from visa requirements to political events and health alerts.

Examples of Exit Visa Use

The nature and uses of exit visas vary by county. In Russia, for example, a visitor who overstays a scheduled trip must request an exit visa that includes an explanation of the reason for their prolonged presence in the country.

In Saudi Arabia, obtaining an exit visa is an essential step in the departure process, mainly if the foreign citizen has been working in the country. People who move to Saudi Arabia for a job may only remain for the duration of a work contract. As the contract's expiration approaches, the expatriate must secure an exit visa, with an employer's cooperation, in preparation for leaving. The worker typically must resign from the position and then wait while the employer submits the documentation. Any delay may force the expatriate to stay in the country until it is resolved.

Special Considerations

The practice of requiring an exit visa has raised questions about human rights, particularly among low-paid migrant workers who may face exploitation by their employers. Workers who stand up for their rights or quit their jobs can face retaliation by employers, who may refuse to supply an exit visa.

For migrant workers, the exit visa process may require signatures from several employers, making the process even more demanding.
The question in the title of this post is prompted by this new article in The Hill headlined "Marijuana industry thrown into chaos by Sessions decision." Here are excerpts:

The booming business of legal marijuana was thrown into chaos Thursday on the news that Attorney General Jeff Sessions is planning to roll back a key agreement that shielded the industry from federal prosecution in a handful of states.

Stock prices plummeted, investors worried and business owners wondered whether they would now be subject to federal prosecution as Sessions prepares to rescind an Obama-era provision, known as the Cole memo, that directed United States attorneys to deprioritize marijuana-related cases in states where marijuana is legal for recreational purposes.

Rolling back the Cole memo would allow each United States attorney, appointed by the Trump administration, to decide whether to prosecute legal marijuana businesses and business owners under federal law. The first question that clients are asking, that we havent asked for so long, is, could I go to prison? said Amy Margolis, a Portland-based attorney at Greenspoon Marder who advises cannabis clients. People are afraid of how each United States attorney is going to respond to this....

Experts said state officials involved in regulating, licensing and taxing marijuana businesses are unlikely to be targeted by federal officials. But each U.S. attorney could decide to target businesses, creating the potential for a patchwork of prosecution policies in states like California, where several different offices oversee parts of the state.

U.S. attorneys had discretion on prosecution priorities before the Cole memo, and they'll have that again now, so it's up to them, said Rafael Lemaitre, a longtime official at the U.S. Office of Drug Control Policy under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama....

Sessions, a vocal critic of marijuana legalization, had long hinted he planned to roll back the Cole memo, implemented in 2013 during the Obama administration. Sessions had convened a panel to review Obama-era policies, and in 2017 the Office of National Drug Control Policy sent representatives to meet with officials in legalization states.

Several state leaders said they would explore options to fight the decision. If news reports are accurate, todays forthcoming announcement from Attorney General Sessions is the wrong direction for our state, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) said in a statement. Make no mistake: As we have told the Department of Justice ever since I-502 was passed in 2012, we will vigorously defend our states laws against undue federal infringement. My staff and state agencies are working to evaluate reports of the Attorney General's decision and will fight to continue Oregon's commitment to a safe and prosperous recreational marijuana market, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown (D) said.

Legalization advocates said they do not anticipate Sessionss move stopping any states from creating new rules around marijuana. I dont think this is going to slow efforts to implement existing state marijuana laws and pass new ones, said Tom Angell, the founder of Marijuana Majority and author of a daily tipsheet on the industry. We didnt want this to happen, but I dont think this is the end of the world given how much momentum we had.

But the industry took a beating with investors on Thursday. Stocks in Terra Tech, the largest legal marijuana business by market cap, had fallen by more than 25 percent as of midday Thursday. Many other marijuana businesses were down by 10 percent or more as trading continued....

Brian Darling, a lobbyist for WeedMaps who also formerly worked as an aide to Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), said that the decision could have a "huge economic impact" and hurt the product in states where marijuana is legalized. Its really thrown a curveball at the industry because when you look at the big picture, it shows that the federal government, at least the Justice Department, is really intent on pushing to maybe prosecute individual states that allow adult use of marijuana, Darling said. Youre talking about a huge economic impact and its the opposite of what the Trump administration has stood for, is making America great again and making the economy great again and expanding jobs and expanding opportunity.
What Is a Roth IRA?

Tara Anand / Investopedia

An individual retirement account (IRA) is an account used to save for retirement. A Roth IRA is a special type of tax-advantaged individual retirement account to which you can contribute after-tax dollars. The primary benefit of a Roth IRA is that your contributions and the earnings on those contributions can grow tax-free and be withdrawn tax-free after the age 59 assuming the account has been open for at least five years. In other words, you pay taxes on money going into your Roth IRA, and then all future withdrawals are tax-free.

Roth IRAs are similar to traditional IRAs, with the biggest distinction being how the two are taxed. Roth IRAs are funded with after-tax dollarsthis means that the contributions are not tax-deductible, but once you start withdrawing funds, the money is tax-free.



Key Takeaways A Roth IRA is a special individual retirement account (IRA) where you pay taxes on money going into your account, and then all future withdrawals are tax free.

Roth IRAs are best when you think your marginal taxes will be higher in retirement than they are right now.

Single filers cant contribute to a Roth IRA if they earn more than $144,000 in 2022 ($153,000 in 2023). For married couples filing jointly, the limit is $214,000 ($228,000 in 2023).

The deductible amount that you can contribute changes periodically. In 2022, the contribution limit is $6,000 a year unless you are age 50 or olderin which case, you can deposit up to $7,000. In 2023, the limit increases to $6,500 (plus the additional $1,000 for those 50 and older.)

Almost all brokerage rms, both brick-and-mortar and online, offer a Roth IRA. So do most banks and investment companies.

How Does a Roth IRA Work?

You can put money you've already paid taxes on into a Roth IRA. It will then grow, and when you come to withdraw once you retire, you won't have to pay any further taxes.

A Roth IRA can be funded from a number of sources:

Regular contributions

Spousal IRA contributions

Transfers

Rollover contributions

Conversions

All regular Roth IRA contributions must be made in cash (which includes checks and money orders)they cant be in the form of securities or property. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) limits how much can be deposited annually in any type of IRA, adjusting the amounts periodically. The contribution limits are the same for traditional and Roth IRAs. These limits apply across all your IRAs, so even if you have multiple accounts you can't contribute more than the maximum.

Similar to other qualified retirement plan accounts, the money invested within the Roth IRA grows tax-free. However, a Roth IRA is less restrictive than other accounts. The account holder can maintain the Roth IRA indefinitely; there are no required minimum distributions (RMDs) during their lifetime, as there are with 401(k)s and traditional IRAs.

Conversely, traditional IRA deposits are generally made with pretax dollars; you usually get a tax deduction on your contribution and pay income tax when you withdraw the money from the account during retirement.

2:11 Roth IRA Vs. Traditional IRA

Allowable Investments in a Roth IRA

Once the funds are contributed, a variety of investment options exist within a Roth IRA, including mutual funds, stocks, bonds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), certificates of deposit (CDs), money market funds, and even cryptocurrency.

Note that IRS rules mean that you cannot contribute cryptocurrency directly into your Roth IRA. However, the recent emergence of Bitcoin IRAs has created retirement accounts designed to let you invest in cryptocurrencies. The IRS also lists other assets that are not permitted within an IRA, such as life insurance contracts and derivative trades.

If you want the broadest range of investment options, you need to open a Roth self-directed IRA (SDIRA) a special category of Roth IRA in which the investor, not the financial institution, manages their investments. These unlock a universe of possible investments.

In addition to the standard investments (stocks, bonds, cash, money market funds, and mutual funds), you can hold assets that arent typically part of a retirement portfolio. Some of these include gold, investment real estate, partnerships, and tax lienseven a franchise business.



$6,000 The maximum annual contribution that an individual can make to a Roth IRA in 2022. Those ages 50 and older can contribute up to $7,000. In 2023, the limit increases to $6,500; those 50 and older will be able to contribute $7,500.

Opening a Roth IRA

A Roth IRA must be established with an institution that has received IRS approval to offer IRAs. These include banks, brokerage companies, federally insured credit unions, and savings and loan associations. Generally, individuals open IRAs with brokers.

A Roth IRA can be established anytime. However, contributions for a tax year must be made by the IRA owners tax-filing deadline. This is normally April 15 of the following year. However, the deadline for the 2021 tax year is April 18, 2022.

Two basic documents must be provided to the IRA owner when an IRA is established:

These provide an explanation of the rules and regulations under which the Roth IRA must operate, and they establish an agreement between the IRA owner and the IRA custodian/trustee.

Not all financial institutions are created equal. Some IRA providers have an expansive list of investment options, while others are more restrictive. Almost every institution has a different fee structure for your Roth IRA, which can have a significant impact on your investment returns.

Your risk tolerance and investment preferences will play a role in choosing a Roth IRA provider. If you plan on being an active investor and making lots of trades, you want to find a provider that has lower trading costs. Certain providers even charge you an account inactivity fee if you leave your investments alone for too long. Some providers have more diverse stock or ETF offerings than others; it all depends on what type of investments you want in your account.

Pay attention to the specific account requirements as well. Some providers have higher minimum account balances than others. If you plan on banking with the same institution, see if your Roth IRA account comes with additional banking products. If youre looking at opening a Roth IRA at a bank or brokerage where you already have an account, see whether existing customers receive any IRA fee discounts.

Most IRA providers offer only regular IRA (traditional or Roth) accounts. For a self-directed IRA, youll need a qualified IRA custodian that specializes in that type of account, which allows assets beyond the typical stocks, bonds, ETFs, and mutual funds.

Are Roth IRAs Insured?

If your account is located at a bank, be aware that IRAs fall under a different insurance category from conventional deposit accounts. Therefore, coverage for IRA accounts is not as robust. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) still offers insurance protection up to $250,000 for traditional or Roth IRA accounts, but account balances are combined rather than viewed individually.

For example, if the same banking customer has a CD held within a traditional IRA with a value of $200,000 and a Roth IRA held in a savings account with a value of $100,000 at the same institution, then the account holder has $50,000 of vulnerable assets without FDIC coverage.

What Can You Contribute to a Roth IRA?

The IRS dictates not only how much money you can deposit in a Roth IRA but also the type of money that you can deposit. Basically, you can only contribute earned income to a Roth IRA.

For individuals working for an employer, compensation that is eligible to fund a Roth IRA includes wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, and other amounts paid to the individual for the services that they perform. Its generally any amount shown in Box 1 of the individuals Form W-2. For a self-employed individual or a partner or member of a pass-through business, compensation is the individuals net earnings from their business, less any deduction allowed for contributions made to retirement plans on the individuals behalf and further reduced by 50% of the individuals self-employment taxes.

Money related to divorcealimony, child support, or in a settlementcan also be contributed if it is related to taxable alimony received from a divorce settlement executed prior to Dec. 31, 2018.

So, what sort of funds arent eligible? The list includes:

Rental income or other profits from property maintenance

Interest income

Pension or annuity income

Stock dividends and capital gains

Passive income earned from a partnership in which you do not provide substantial services

You can never contribute more to your IRA than your earned income in that tax year. And as previously mentioned, you receive no tax deduction for the contributionalthough you may be able to take a Saver's Tax Credit of 10%, 20%, or 50% of the deposit, depending on your income and life situation.

Whos Eligible for a Roth IRA?

Anyone who has earned income can contribute to a Roth IRAas long as they meet certain requirements concerning filing status and modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). Those whose annual income is above a certain amount, which the IRS adjusts periodically, become ineligible to contribute. The chart below shows the figures for 2021 and 2022.
What Is a Stamp Duty?

A stamp duty is a tax that governments place on legal documents, usually involving the transfer of real estate or other assets. Governments can impose stamp duties, also known as stamp taxes, on documents that are needed to legally record those types of transactions, as well as on documents recording marriages, military commissions, copyrights, patents, and so forth.

Historically, governments have used stamp taxes as a way to raise money to fund their activities. Stamp duties are thought to have originated in Spain in the early 17th century. They were called "stamp" duties because a physical stamp was put on the document as proof that it had been officially recorded and the tax liability had been paid.

Key Takeaways A stamp dutyalso known as a stamp tax or documentary stamp taxis a tax a government levies on documents that are required to legally record certain types of transactions.

Governments have imposed stamp duties on a variety of documents, including those related to the sale or transfer of real estate, patents, securities, and copyrights.

Governments use these taxes as a source of revenue to fund government programs and activities. In some cases they are referred to as revenue stamps.

Understanding a Stamp Duty

The stamp duty is also known as a documentary stamp tax. Governments around the world levy these taxes on a variety of legally recorded documents.

Before income and consumption taxes provided governments with a substantial tax base, they raised revenue primarily through property taxes, import duties, and stamp duties on financial transactions.

As income and consumption have grown, it might have made sense to do away with stamp duties. So why do we still have them in many places? Simply put, they provide a steady stream of income for governments.

Today, however, stamp duties apply to far less than the broad category of "financial transactions." They do remain on properties, though. They are often levied when real estate is transferred or sold, and, additionally, many states impose taxes on mortgages and other instruments securing loans against real estate.

While the United States once imposed stamp taxes on a variety of transactional documents, there is no federal stamp tax today, except in very limited circumstances. One is a tax on the transfer of certain firearms and accessories that are subject to the National Firearms Act.

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service also requires waterfowl hunters age 16 or older to purchase Federal Duck Stamps, which serve as both a hunting license and a free pass for any national wildlife refuge that otherwise charges an entry fee. The agency says that "nearly all of the proceeds are used to conserve habitat for birds and other wildlife, birders, nature photographers, and other outdoor enthusiasts." Some states also issue their own versions of duck stamps for similar conservation purposes.

Otherwise, only state and local governments currently impose stamp taxes in the United States. In addition to various legal documents, "48 states and the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico currently require a tax stamp affixed to tobacco products," according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

History of Stamp Duties in the United States

By the 17th century, governments had introduced stamp duties throughout Europe. Over the next century, they became a common form of taxation in the Netherlands, France, Denmark, Prussia, and England.

In 1765, the British parliament passed a stamp tax to be imposed on American colonists, requiring them to pay tax on all printed papers, such as licenses, newspapers, ships' papers, and even playing cards. The British government said the funds collected from stamp duties were needed to pay for positioning troops in certain locations of America and to pay for the massive war debt it had incurred during the Seven Years' War.

American colonists were outraged by the imposition of the taxes, which they believed were a deliberate attempt by Britain to control commerce and curtail colonial independence. The Stamp Tax was enacted without the knowledge or input from the colonies, becoming a prime example of taxation without representation. The Stamp Act led to the first concentrated effort by the colonists to resist British authority and became a milestone event leading up to the American Revolution.

Stamp taxes have endured much longer in Britain itself. Today the U.K. imposes a stamp duty land tax (SDLT) on home purchases, although homes under a certain value are not subject to it. For example, the current threshold for residential properties is 125,000. However, first-time homebuyers get a break; their threshold is 500,000.

What Is a Transfer Tax? A transfer tax is a type of stamp tax that some state and local governments impose when the deed or title to a home or other property changes hands. It is often included in the long list of closing costs.

Are Stamp Taxes Tax-Deductible? Not directly, although the law does offer a tax break on some of them. As the Internal Revenue Service explains, in the case of home purchases, "You can't deduct transfer taxes and similar taxes and charges on the sale of a personal home. If you are the buyer and you pay them, include them in the cost basis of the property. If you are the seller and you pay them, they are expenses of the sale and reduce the amount realized on the sale."

Are Tax Stamps Collectible? Yes, some postage stamp collectors also collect tax stamps, often referred to in the hobby as "revenue stamps."

The Bottom Line

A stamp duty, also known as a stamp tax, is a tax imposed on certain transactions, typically by state or local governments. In many cases a stamp duty will represent a charge for recording the transfer of real estate or other assets from seller to buyer, but it can also be levied on other types of documents and even some products, such as cigarettes. Stamp taxes were a major factor leading to the American Revolution.
Burma Thoughts on Seven Decades of Independence

The Irrawaddy

Nai Hong Sar

Chairman of the United Nationalities Federal Council

[Gen. Aung San] persuaded the ethnicities to fight together to free ourselves from the yoke of the British and the Japanese, with a promise that there would be equal rights like brothers after the country regained independence. But it did not happen.

In fact, Gen. Aung San was quite broad-minded. He made a lot of promises to the ethnicities and intended to build a true [federal state] with equality. But the leaders who came to power after his death did not act righteously, and civil war continues today. None of the citizens have enjoyed true independence or the benefits of independence, which is disheartening. Because of the incorrect attitude of those leaders, our country is in poverty and still embroiled in civil war. And a lot of people are facing difficulties. Only a handful of those in power enjoy independence. It is a situation I must criticize. The independence we got is freedom from foreign control. But as the ruling elite exercised dictatorship and racial chauvinism, the ethnicities have lost their rights and the people are also denied their fundamental rights.

What we should expect is a 21st century Panglong Union Peace Conference held with the intention of national reconciliation and to bring an end to the civil war. All the concerned armed groups should participate in it so that the conference will be meaningful and the other side will have no doubts.

Again, it is important that every leader attending the conference strives with the right attitude for a democracy that is suitable for our country, and ethnic equality and a federal union with self-determination. Unless and until this is achieved, independence will remain a sham.

U Thant Myint-U

Historian

British colonialism was a disaster for Myanmar. Its important to remember that colonial rule not only destroyed local forms of government, but also violently overturned social economic and moral structures that had developed over centuries, especially in the Irrawaddy Valley. Colonialism introduced a far more extractive state, focused almost entirely on maximising the export of primary commodities to global markets. The modern state in Myanmar was born as a colonial occupation, with an imported bureaucracy, backed by military power. Of course Myanmar in the 1930s was far more developed than Myanmar in the 1880s. But a Myanmar that had stayed independent, like Siam or Japan, may have been richer still. Colonialism gave birth to ethnic-based nationalism and new racial attitudes connected to mammoth and unregulated Indian immigration. And in the end, colonialism did not even protect the country. When the Japanese invaded in 1941, British rule collapsed like a house of cards. Burma was destroyed twice over as part of someone elses war. And when Burma finally became independent in 1948, the country was in ruins, politically as well as economically. The stage was set for 70 years of internal armed conflict, dictatorship, and self-imposed isolation. This 70th anniversary is a good time to reflect on the colonial legacies and mindsets that are still everywhere in Myanmar and begin to move skilfully in a genuinely post-colonial direction.

U Mya Aye

Leading member of the Federal Democratic Force and former student leader

It has been 70 years since Myanmar gained independence. We have seen no development though; all we have seen is problems, fighting and arguments between different sides, and civil war. So, on the 70th anniversary of Independence Day, we must focus on the peace process. There will be different perspectives on it. But I think it is important to create a harmonious society and establish a federal Union as part of the peace process. I would like to urge all groups to join hands to make this happen.

I was born around 30 years after independence. But I have not yet enjoyed the true freedom, dignity and pride of a citizen of an independent country in the international community. So, this is the time for people in their 30s and 40s to try with all their might and love for the country in anticipation of genuine freedom. This is the time for them to work hard by avoiding waste, speaking out, and improving themselves as necessary, as well as encouraging others to improve.

Dr. Cynthia Maung

Founder of the Mae Tao Clinic

Independence was collectively achieved by Myanmars various ethnic groups for the causes of equality and democracy. Ethnic equality is directly related to peace. At the same time, equality is the essence of independence in rebuilding the state. As the country has been under military control for many years, those rights have never been asserted. It is important to make all understand this point in ensuring a switch from military control to civil administration and ethnic equality and fundamental human rights under this government. It is also important to take a cue from Asian countries, especially neighboring countries, in implementing reforms. Federal democracy cant be built by a single party or organization, but calls for a collaborative effort by all. I hope that the entire nation will join hands to build a peaceful and secure environment.

U Nyan Win

Member of the National League for Democracys Central Executive Committee

It has been 70 years now. Previous leaders tried to stop the civil clashes that were born with independence. Our ambition is to ensure peace of mind and liberty for all people. Frankly speaking, we do not yet enjoy full freedom, though there has been some progress. People do not yet enjoy full independence. And much remains to be done for this to happen. We will try to achieve internal peace as soon as possible. But I dont want to make a wild guess about when we will get it. It is the responsibility of all to try.

Col. Naw Bu

Information officer of the Kachin Independence Army

As a Myanmar citizen, I would say that Independence Day is about all national people claiming independence from the British. But once independence was regained, we ethnicities were discriminated against, not by Bamars but by military dictators. Therefore, not only the ethnicities but also the Bamar people have become a being ruled class today. So, Independence Day has become a meaningless day to us.

Everyone needs to know that civil war has been going on since Independence Day through today. We people want independence and peace. But so far, our country has little reason to be hopeful.

And we have not yet enjoyed the fruits of peace. If independence is really for the people and country, we welcome it. But otherwise, it is meaningless to us. The military and the government should govern the country and the people with a pure heart and broad-mindedness. There is no freedom in the country because the government and Tatmadaw have weak points.

Daw Thet Thet Khaing

Member of Parliament

I feel gratitude toward the martyrs as well as the honored and unsung heroes who sacrificed their lives and blood in the independence struggle as we celebrate the 70th anniversary of independence this year. At the same time, I feel that there is a lot of work to be done because Myanmar has not yet become a developed and prosperous country in these 70 years, despite its natural resources and human resources.

So it is crucial that we find solutions. There is a need to put the right people in the right places and seek continuous improvement in socioeconomic development, which is important for building the country. I urge everyone to do their fair share and participate in national development.

As Sitagu Sayadaw said, there are four components to building a successful society: the government, the people, the Tatmadaw [Myanmars military] and the Sangha [clergy]. These four groups must join hands. By Sangha, I mean not only Buddhist monks, but all concerned religious organizations. I hope they will work in unity to build a successful society.
Commentary 70 Years On, the Struggle for Independence Goes On

The Myanmar national flag is hoisted during a ceremony to mark the 69th anniversary of the countrys independence in Yangon in January 2017. / Chan Son / The Irrawaddy

Let us rejoice at the independence which has come to us today, the result of sacrifices undergone by us and those who preceded us in the years that have passed.

Those are the words of Burmas first president, Sao Shwe Thaike, in his independence message on Jan. 4, 1948.

So began the story I wrote for the 60th anniversary of Myanmars independence in 2008. It went on

What has the 60th anniversary of Burmas independence brought in 2008? Did it bring freedom, prosperity and happiness?

Sadly, little of the above can be found in the country today [2008]. Instead, we find more oppression, poverty and misery.

On Independence Day, the then prime minister, U Nu said, There is no room for disunity or discord  racial, communal, political or personal  and I now call upon all citizens of the Burma Union to unite and to labor without regard to self and in the interest of the country to which we all belong.

In contrast, a few months after Burma gained independence from nearly 100 years of British rule, civil war broke out between the government and communist and ethnic rebel groups. Since then, civil war has continued in the country.

About 10 years after independence, a bloody coup occurred that, in effect, cut off any real chance for freedom and prosperity. From then on, the military has had a firm grip on the reins of power.

In the past 60 years, Burma had opportunities to create a democracy with a good economy but failed. Instead, our country has devoted its energy to infighting and disagreement based on differing political ideologies.

We have to speak honestly. Burma today has few things we can be proud of. Politics is a disgrace. Economics is a tragedy. Society itself is exhausted. Seemingly, everyone in the world knows something about Burma, but its mostly negative.

My story for the 60the anniversary of Independence Day went on from there. A decade has since passed. Today is the 70th anniversary of Independence Day. And the questions for this year are: What is different from 2008? And what does independence mean for Myanmar today?

The main difference is that Myanmar has an elected government led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, a former prisoner of the military regime. That means the military no longer has absolute power.

But some of the main challenges the country was facing 10 years ago remain challenges today: The civil war that started with independence has not ceased; The undemocratic Constitution drafted by the military regime will have its 10th anniversary this year; Thanks to the privileges that Constitution reserves for the military, the generals remain powerful political players by holding on to key government ministries, 25 percent of the seats in both the national and regional parliaments; The economy is still not good; Outdated and oppressive laws enacted by colonial Britain in the early 20th century are still being used to negative effect; And countless more problems knotted with the bad legacies of colonialism.

Moreover, the country has faced more and greater challenges. Take a look at every corner of Myanmar and you will see them. Some are the same old challenges, only now at alarming levels; the Rakhine conflict as an example, with hundreds of thousands of Muslim Rohingya refugees. Since the 1980s, when the military of the then socialist regime waged war with ethnic armed groups based along Myanmars frontiers with Thailand and China, hundreds of thousands of people have fled their homes for refugee camps in border areas.

All of those challenges have come from the pre- and post-independence eras. Myanmar society is chronically ill. The nationwide uprising of 1988 intended to fix them with people power, but it was crushed by the military regime.

That is why Daw Aung San Suu Kyi called the 88 pro-democracy uprising Myanmars second struggle for independence.

The current struggle is much more delicate than the independence struggle under the leadership of independence hero General Aung San, the father of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has been dealing with the ruling generals for decades and is dealing with them still to achieve a democracy that can guarantee unity, equality and prosperity  goals her own father was aiming for prior to independence.

The people of Myanmar still long for these ideals and believe that if Aung San had survived the country would have evolved along that path. However, since the 32-year-old Aung San was killed in 1947, Myanmar has been headless. The country has suffered from a crisis of leadership.

The people of Myanmar still remember him as a selfless leader with integrity, whose shrewd dealings with both the British and the Japanese in the mid-20th century helped Myanmar break free from imperialism and achieve independence.

Now, seventy years later, his daughter is the de facto leader as state counselor, winning a mandate from a majority of voters in the 2015 general election. Certainly her goal is to achieve her fathers aspirations for the country  democracy, unity, equality and prosperity.

But the challenges she has been facing are different from her fathers. When Aung San led the independence struggle, his enemy was clear  imperialism. For Daw

Aung San Suu Kyi, the enemy is widespread and sometimes unclear  generally speaking, anyone who is against democracy and its principles.

While her father was the independence leader, she is seen as the democracy leader. Like her father, she has gained a mandate to lead the country to a genuine democracy. In her own words, she  with a majority of the people  is waging the second struggle of independence.

That struggle, to achieve the goals aimed for when Myanmar gained its independence 70 years ago, goes on.
Editorial A nation cursed by the legacy of colonialism

A guard of honor raises the Myanmar National Flag during a ceremony in Yangon on Thursday commemorating the 70th anniversary of independence from British rule. / Myo Min Soe / The Irrawaddy

In November 1885 Burmas last monarch, King Thibaw, and his queen were transported by a British flotilla from Mandalay into exile in India, where the King spent the rest of his lives. Burma soon became a colony of the British.

Thibaw was no doubt a feeble and despotic king, and was often described as such in the British press. But the new foreign rulers were not welcomed with open arms; instead they faced uprisings and deep resentment. Seeing the empty Lion Throne in the palace deeply insulted the Burmese people.

Colonialism began with the looting of the grand Golden Palace in Mandalay, the extrajudicial killings of rebels and dacoits, chaos, confusion and a breakdown in law and order. Not to mention the story of the British officers and soldiers who carried away the royal treasures as chronicled in The King in Exile by Sudha Shah. The country later witnessed Britains systematic exploitation of its resources including teak, oil and agricultural products, as the colonial economy linked Myanmar to global markets.

Back in Mandalay, the rebellion did not begin with an upheaval, but developed into a sustained armed resistance, one the British combated with a brutal military strategy throughout the colony for many years. Rebel leaders were captured and beheaded or hanged after sham trials. Villagers suspected of harboring sympathizers were burned and their inhabitants forcibly relocated.

After losing its king, the country was subsequently annexed to India, causing deep insult to the people.

Colonialism left the nation divided and destroyed. Deploying their notorious divide-and-rule strategy, the British created a frontier area and divided it among ethnic minorities and majority Burmans. This was the beginning of the ethnic-based nationalism that lingers to this day as a legacy of British rule. Still, people and authorities often discussed migration to the Northern Arakan border area under British rule, as colonial authorities applied the divide-and-rule policy to govern the local Arakanese and the migrant Muslim population from the Chittagong Hills. We have recently seen renewed violence in this area.

Unsurprisingly, it was under British rule that Burma first witnessed major riots and massacres of the Indian migrant population brought in by the foreign rulers. Under British occupation, Indians were brought in to serve in the administration and in the army. As a result, the country witnessed a series of anti-Indian riots beginning in 1930. Moreover, to keep the majority Burmans, who were perceived as rebellious and disloyal, at bay, local ethnic groups were invited to serve in the colonial army and administration.

Then came the independence struggle of the 1930s, led by local politicians and student activists and ultimately culminating in Burmas hard-won independence; but not before the Japanese occupation of the country and subsequent battles between two foreign powers, the Allied forces and the Japanese, further devastated the country. This was a war between two colonizers, not between Burmans and ethnic groups.

Aung San, the father of current State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, negotiated with the British to reclaim independence. In July 1947, months before national independence was finally restored, Aung San and his cabinet members were gunned down by political rivals backed by British officers. U Saw, a former prime minister, was hanged along with his accomplices.

Even today the degree of British involvement in the conspiracy and the identity of those behind the assassination of Aung San is a topic of debate among Myanmar citizens and intellectuals, and has been the topic of numerous books, essays and research papers.

On Jan. 4, 1948, at 4:20 am  thought to be an astrologically auspicious hour  Myanmar became an independent nation. But how auspicious was it? The new country was plunged into civil war and violence. Myanmar citizens have celebrated Independence Day annually for seven decades but the degree to which the country enjoys genuine independence is still in question and the subject of heated debate among the nations people and ethnic groups.

For 70 years the country has seen civil war, foreign aggression in the North in the 1950s, and then the dictatorship led by Ne Win, who seized power in 1962 and ruled until 1988. The country was in self-imposed isolation for decades. The socialist regime was ended by a nationwide uprising in 1988 but only after a bloody crackdown, which saw a new regime come to power and rule the country for decades. However, one can point to democratic periods when people felt free and saw the beginnings of prosperity in some parts of Myanmar in the 1950s under the leadership of Prime Minister U Nu. Sadly, this did not last long.

It is important to reflect on the legacy of the colonial period and understand how this disaster brought the country into chaos and increased division. Its legacy of ongoing strife, instability and ethnic and racial division means that the country needs strong, ruled-based leadership  but not a return to military rule  to keep the country together and moving forward. Who doesnt want peace, stability and prosperity for Myanmar? What, then, is the real, nagging core issue that keeps the country in a failed state?

The debate over whether Myanmar is really free and independent is a healthy one, and we would do well to reflect on the colonial legacy and learn from the past and from our history.
Serious security flaws caused by "speculative execution" have been found in Intel CPUs from the Pentium Pro onwards, with multiple research teams being credited with the discoveries.

Software patches have been released by both the Linux kernel team and Microsoft; the Linux patch was released last month, and it was expected that there would be an embargo on releasing details of the bug until 9 January, which is when Microsoft releases its monthly updates. Microsoft released a fix overnight. The company also posted information on how it would be securing its Azure customers.

The Meltdown and Spectre attack handling is head scratching for business. CVEs have no CVSS score (how you assess security vulnerabilities), no Microsoft patch, Microsoft guidance link goes nowhere.. how are orgs and consumers supposed to make sense? https://t.co/eIGbuxQnR9  Kevin Beaumont (@GossiTheDog) 3 January 2018

The bugs have been named Meltdown and Spectre and even have their own logos! A comprehensive account of the vulnerabilities and a Q and A is available here. Some AMD and ARM processors are also vulnerable to Spectre.

The Linux patch did not even include comments in the code, in order to keep details of the bug quiet.

But security by obscurity rarely works and it did not work in this case either. Googlebreaking the embargo, saying: "We are posting before an originally coordinated disclosure date of January 9, 2018 because of existing public reports and growing speculation in the press and security research community about the issue, which raises the risk of exploitation."

Three exploits were described: bounds check bypass, branch target injection and rogue data cache load.

While both Google's Project Zero team and Intel claimed that the bugs affected CPUs from other manufacturers too, AMD was categorical in saying that its processors were not affected. The Project Zero detailed write-up is here.

Meltdown and Spectre will be a case study in how to totally screw up a vulnerability embargo. I wonder if this will discourage researchers from responsibly disclosing critical vulnerabilities in the future.https://t.co/TBWl49vWGp  Jake Williams (@MalwareJake) 4 January 2018

Intel said in a media statement: "Recent reports that these exploits are caused by a 'bug' or a 'flaw' and are unique to Intel products are incorrect. Based on the analysis to date, many types of computing devices  with many different vendors processors and operating systems  are susceptible to these exploits."

But AMD's Tom Lendacky wrote in a post to the Linux kernel mailing list: "AMD processors are not subject to the types of attacks that the kernel page table isolation feature protects against.

"The AMD microarchitecture does not allow memory references, including speculative references, that access higher privileged data when running in a lesser privileged mode when that access would result in a page fault."

ARM said the majority of its processors were not affected. "The majority of Arm processors are not impacted by any variation of this side-channel speculation mechanism," the company said. It provided a list of the processors that it said were affected.

Linux expert Russell Coker told iTWire in response to queries: "Speculative execution is where when a program branches (eg. an 'if' condition) the CPU starts executing the code on the most likely branch and then discards it if the other branch is taken. The bug MIGHT be something like performing speculative execution without adequate access checks such that a hostile application could have an instruction in what the CPU considers the most likely code path after a branch that accesses some memory and then sees what happens when it runs. AMD CPUs apparently don't have the bug in question."

He said there was a reasonable use case for systems that did not need such kernel security. "A significant portion of Linux systems are single-user workstations. For such a system you have one UID that deals with all the data from the Internet (and is therefore at risk of compromise) which also has access to all secrets (Internet banking passwords, GPG keys, ssh keys, etc).

"On such a single-user workstation the UID in question is generally used to access root via sudo or similar, and therefore an attacker who gets that UID can get root with a little patience and not much skill. For such a single user workstation (like the systems most Linux users have on their desktops) the new kernel won't provide any real benefit."

Russell said there were some things that could be done to improve security of single-user workstations. "For starters, encourage users to use a different session for tasks that need root access, even CTRL-ALT-F1 to get a text console will do. Programs that need stored passwords or cryptographic keys (such as mail clients, GPG, ssh clients, etc) could use a proxy running under a different UID to store the secret data so a compromise of the main account wouldn't immediately give everything away.

"Such techniques could make regular user compromise on a single-user workstation inadequate to get all access and therefore make kernel security important for single user systems."

But, he added that the way current Linux workstations were used for single users (i.e. one non-root UID that does everything) meant that root access wasn't important for a hostile party. "By getting access to the regular UID of the user they can read all mail, get ssh and GPG keys, read key presses (Internet banking passwords etc), and do everything else they would want to do. For someone running such a system there probably isn't much benefit in installing a patched kernel."

I disagree with this characterization that it's an arcane flaw that doesn't matter. This is an incredibly important flaw that is forcing a redesign of both CPU hardware and operating-system software that we use. https://t.co/Ucv2hA3meC  Robert Graham, HODL HODL (@ErrataRob) 3 January 2018

Russell was quick to point out that he was not advocating the avoidance of security patches. "Note that I'm not saying 'don't install security fixes'. I'm just noting that a typical home user Linux system has bigger security problems than the potential of a hostile program finding out address space randomisation information to permit other attacks on the kernel."

He said that from what was currently known about this security flaw there was no solid information on it being directly exploitable and it seemed to be merely a way of permitting other exploits.

"But we should consider the possibility that the researchers who discovered this flaw didn't discover all the possible ways of exploiting it," he added.

"It could be that in a matter of days or weeks someone will come out with a more effective exploit which will make this more serious, i.e. direct root access rather than merely extracting data to help other exploits."

Intel shares took a beating after news of the flaws broke, with a fall of as much as 5.5%, the most since October 2016. AMD surged 8.8% on the news while Nvidia went up by 6.3%.
This new Politico article has a link to this new one-page memo from Attorney General Jeff Sessions to all US Attorneys on the topic of "Marijuana Enforcement." Notably, the memo does little more than rescind the Cole and Ogden and related memos put forth through the Obama Administration. It does not announce any formal or even informal new policy, but just says general DOJ policies and principles for all federal prosecution should govern.

Here is more about what this means (or does not mean) via the Politico article:

Sessions said future prosecutions would be up to individual U.S. attorneys. However, the announcement appeared intended to discourage marijuana-related business by being deliberately vague about future federal enforcement efforts. The effort will likely further muddle the legal status of marijuana for states that have passed legislation allowing people to grow, buy or use pot.

"Given the Department's well-established general principles, previous nationwide guidance specific to marijuana enforcement is unnecessary and is rescinded, effective immediately," Sessions said in a one-page memo sent to federal prosecutors nationwide.

Justice Department officials who briefed reporters on the announcement declined to say whether the new policy was intended to increase federal prosecutions for marijuana-related crimes. I cant sit here and say whether it will or will not lead to more marijuana prosecutions, said a senior DOJ official who spoke on condition of anonymity. We believe U.S. attorneys offices should be opened up to bring all of these cases that are necessary to be brought.

Justice Department leaders said the Obama-era policies, most of them issued by Deputy Attorney General Jim Cole, made marijuana industry players too comfortable in a business that has always been illegal under federal law. The Cole memo as interpreted created a safe harbor for the marijuana industry to operate in these states. There is a belief that that is inconsistent with what federal law says, the official said.

When states stepped up legalization efforts under the Obama administration, Justice Department officials considered the possibility of filing litigation aiming to head off such moves, but ultimately chose not to do so and to accommodate the state laws. Further steps are still under consideration, the current official said.

California, which had allowed medical marijuana use for years, opened its dispensaries to the general public without prescriptions on Jan. 1. Justice Department officials said they were unaware of any link between the timing of Sessions announcement and the Golden States recent shift. This is something that has been under consideration at the department for a long time, the official told reporters. I know of nothing that ties it directly to that.
A former NSA contractor, who has been in jail over charges of taking a massive horde of security material to his house, has agreed to plead guilty to the charge of illegal retention of information relating to US national security.

The charge to which he has agreed to enter a guilty plea could result in 10 years behind bars, according to reports in Politico and The New York Times.

The arrest of Harold Martin was announced in October 2016. He was working for Booz Allen Hamilton at the time of his arrest.

But the terms of the deal mean that Martin has no guarantee that he will not face 19 additional felony charges.

He is expected to enter his plea on 22 January to one count of wilful retention of national security information connected with his taking home a single classified document.

This document is said to be "a March 2014 NSA leadership briefing outlining the development and future plans for a specific NSA organisation".

"The information contained within this document related to United States military and naval establishments and related activities of national preparedness, as well as the defence of the United States against its enemies," according to prosecutors.

Charges over 12 other NSA documents will remain in place.

There have been theories floated that Martin could be the source from whom the Shadow Brokers, an as-yet unidentified group, stole NSA exploits which they released on the Web in August 2016.

But equally, a third NSA ex-worker, Nghia Hoang Pho who pleaded guilty to taking national defence information home, is also suspected of being the Shadow Brokers' source.

Martin was a member of the Tailored Access Operations group of the NSA, an elite hacking unit, as was Pho.

After the leaks by NSA contractor Edward Snowden in 2013, three people are known to have been involved in unauthorised removal of NSA material from the agency.

One is Martin. The second, Pho, was, before his guilty plea, identified in the media as an unnamed software developer who was a Vietnamese American. He was taken into custody in 2015 after taking hacking tools home.

The third person, a woman named Reality Winner, was arrested after leaking a single NSA document to The Intercept this year.

Martin's lawyer, the federal public defender Jan Wyda, claimed at the first hearing in October 2016 that he was no traitor, only "a compulsive hoarder".
MLK Teach-In to Examine the Evolution of Housing Equity as a Civil Right

Jan. 4, 2018

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. The evolution of housing equity as a civil right is this years theme for Illinois Wesleyan Universitys annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Teach-In on Monday, Jan. 15 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Hansen Student Center. The Teach-In is free and open to the public.

The keynote address at 3 p.m. will be delivered by Illinois NAACP President Teresa Haley. Now in her third year as president, Haley will discuss the major initiatives that the NAACP of Illinois is currently working on and how the NAACP is responding to the current political and cultural climate. She will also speak about King's work with housing justice and how access to affordable, safe housing in areas of one's choice is an ongoing civil rights issue. Haley holds a bachelors degree in communication and a masters in public administration, both from the University of Illinois Springfield.

The MLK Teach-In will begin at 1 p.m. with a Housing Justice Advocates discussion featuring Illinois Wesleyan alumni Lindsey Haines 10, vice president of real estate development at Full Circle Communities, and Daniel Sherrod 03, director of public housing with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Full Circle Communities is a non-profit organization that strives to expand access to quality affordable housing through preservation and development. As a student, Haines served on the West Bloomington Revitalization Project board and coordinated a housing summit which produced the Adopt a Block program which is still in use on the west side.

Prior to working at HUD, Sherrod was the CEO of The Sherrod Group, LLC, a contracting and construction company he founded. The Sherrod Group worked with public housing residents to provide them with job skills and opportunities for the future. Sherrod grew up in Cabrini Green, a Chicago neighborhood known for its gangs and violence. As a high school student, Sherrod became involved in the Cabrini Connections Tutor/Mentor program, where one of his tutors, an Illinois Wesleyan alumnus, encouraged him to apply to the University.

At 2 p.m., WGLT Radios Judy Valente will host a panel of local and regional fair housing activists. Valente recently produced a four-part series, Landlord v. Tenant, which examined the ongoing issues related to fair housing and housing discrimination in the Bloomington-Normal area. Haleys keynote address will follow at 3 p.m.

King spoke at Illinois Wesleyan in 1961 and 1966 in his only visits to the Bloomington-Normal community.

By John Twork
When you think of holiday movies, your mind probably goes to Christmas. But amid all that Yuletide cheer, Thanksgiving shouldn't be forgotten.
As the year beckons, the north-south route is characterized by multiple carrier options, all trying to capture business. Photo credit: Hamburg Sud.

A 2.6 percent increase in trade on the north-south routes between the United States and Latin America in 2017 set the stage for potential further increases in the coming year, even as significant market changes may be on the way.

Key among them is Maersk Lines acquisition of Hamburg Sud, a dominant player in Latin America, and how the worlds largest carrier will integrate the German company with Maersks SeaLand brand, which also serves Latin America.

Other uncertainties on the US-Latin American routes are the impact of the continued struggles of hurricane-devastated Puerto Rico, the second-largest trading country in the region, with 513,000 TEU, to get back on its feet, and whether the Brazilian economy will continue its recovery. Brazil is the largest trading partner on the north-south routes, accounting for 601,000 TEU in 2016, a 3.5 percent increase from 2015.

The routes also could be affected by the impact on Mexico, the north-south routes ninth-largest marine trading partner, of the ongoing talks about the reform  and possible abandonment  of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Although most Mexican trade to the United States moves by road, the country handled nearly 200,000 TEU by sea with the United States in 2016.

A key issue in 2018 will be whether further consolidation, such as Maersks acquisition of Hamburg Sud, stifles competition and possibly impacts prices, according to Jason Lloyd, director of freight trade at Interra International, a North Carolina-based exporter of meats and other food to Latin America.

At the moment there are more carrier options with greater capacity trying to capture business, he said. The carriers see growth in this region of the world. In the last couple of years, we have experienced stronger competition from larger carriers, all trying to capture that business with competitive pricing and favorable transit times to most destinations.

Jacksonville-based Crowley Liner Services in August launched a route from Florida to Costa Rica and Panama, and began a vessel-sharing agreement with Miami-based King Ocean Services that expanded services to the Caribbean.

Vessel capacity and carrier options are not limited in the north and south lanes from the US, Interra said. Demand remains strong for imports into the US and business into most of the southbound markets is attractive for carriers.

Trade on the north-south routes increased 2.6 percent in the first nine months of 2017 over the same period in 2016, according to PIERS, a sister product of JOC within IHS Markit. Although that performance was a step up from the 1.6 percent increase in 2016 over the year before, the 2017 performance lagged the 3.6 percent increase in US trade with the rest of the world over the same period, PIERS figures show.

US imports from Latin America increased 6.3 percent in the first nine months of 2017 from the same period a year earlier, led by an 11.4 percent jump in Central American volumes, the figures show. At 784,000 TEU for the nine-month period, the Central America volume  about 60 percent of which is fruit and nuts  was slightly less than the volume of cargo imported from South Americas east and west coasts combined.

Imports from the South Americas west coast increased 3 percent in the first three quarters of 2017, over the same period in 2016, and imports from the east coast rose 5 percent. Imports from the Caribbean declined 2 percent.

Exports from the United States to Latin America declined 0.7 percent in the period from a year earlier, with volumes down 2.9 percent to Central America and 2.9 percent to the Caribbean. Exports to South Americas west and east coasts rose 1.4 and 3.7 percent, respectively.

That demand left rates stable on the spot market, according to London-based shipping analyst Drewry. Spot rates from the Brazils Port of Santos to the Port of New York and New Jersey were about $2,600 per FEU in July, while New York to Santos spot rates lagged at nearly $1,200 per FEU, Drewrys Container Freight Rate Insight revealed.

How the Maersk-Hamburg Sud linkup will impact rates remains to be seen. Maersk Line, SeaLand, and Hamburg Sud combined controlled 14.1 percent of the trade in the first eight months of 2017, about the same as a year earlier, according to PIERS. That 14.1 percent ranked just behind Mediterranean Shipping Co.s 14.3 percent market share and above Seaboard Marines 10.9 percent share.

Hamburg Sud is the only one of the top 10 container lines with a strong focus on north-south trades, particularly to and from South America, and refrigerated cargo is important to the carrier. Announcing the acquisition, Maersk said it was a unique opportunity to boost Maersks presence in Latin America and grow its reefer business.

The brands will continue to operate side by side and, via a combined network, be able to offer customers expanded products, said Katherine Mosquera, a Maersk spokeswoman. Maersk, Hamburg Sud, and SeaLand will complement each other with different customer value propositions, she added.

The deal closed on Nov. 30, when Korea became the last of 23 jurisdictions to grant regulatory approval. China approved the acquisition earlier in November, but put some restrictions on the deal, including a requirement that Hamburg Sud cannot extend its involvement in a vessel-sharing agreement in the Asia-west coast South America trade. China also required that Hamburg Sud withdraw from an Asia-east coast South America agreement.

In an earlier ruling, Brazil mandated that Maersk sell its Mercosul Line, a Brazil-based carrier that serves the east coast of South America, a deal it consummated with CMA CGM on Dec. 8.

Those changes likely will add to the uncertainty on a route that, although calm compared with major east-west trades, is also unpredictable. PhilaPort felt the impact of that volatility in 2017. In January 2016 the port proudly hosted the first SeaLand ship on a new service  called Atlantico  linking Philadelphia to Veracruz and Altamira in Mexico. The service followed several port-organized trade missions to Mexico that encouraged fruit farmers to export by sea to the United States with the belief that there was sufficient demand to make the route viable.

However, the Atlantico route closed last spring amid weak demand and competition from trucking. There was a lot of success with dry cargo, said Sean Mahoney, director of marketing for PhilaPort. However, it was the reefer cargo volumes which did not materialize and mature into the volume needed to sustain the service.

One reason for the soft reefer volumes was that trucking fruit up from Mexico offers imports more flexibility, allowing them to decide where to send the cargo on route, he said. In addition, he said: Cheap fuel prices allowed for traditional truck transport to remain very competitive.
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Human Rights Watch |  

Halt Use of Excessive Force Against Demonstrators

(Beirut)  Iranian authorities should refrain from using excessive force, investigate the deaths during the current protests across the country, and remove arbitrary restrictions on internet access, Human Rights Watch said today.

So far, the official news channels of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) have confirmed the deaths of at least 21 people including two security officers during the protests and clashes with security forces over the past five days. The protests began on December 29, 2017, in the city of Mashhad and have spread to more than a dozen cities in Iran.

The rising death toll bodes ill for Iranians who are daring to take their grievances to the streets, said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at Human Rights Watch. Rather than issue barely veiled threats against protesters, the authorities should investigate these deaths, ensure the rights of all detainees, and guarantee that people can protest freely and peacefully.

On January 2, the IRIB news channel confirmed the death of nine people including two security forces in protests and clashes that took place the day before in Isfahan province. Earlier, the IRIB confirmed the death of 10 individuals on December 31. Authorities had also confirmed the death of two people in Dorood, Lorestan province on December 30.

Police have confirmed the arrests of more than 550 people in the Tehran, Razavi Khorasan, and Markazi provinces.

Intelligence authorities have also arrested a number of activists during the past few days.

Social media footage and state media reports indicate that in certain cities, clashes between protesters and police forces occurred and public properties being damaged. A number of videos circulating widely on Persian-language social media channels also purport to show authorities using potentially lethal force against protesters, but Human Rights Watch has been unable to verify this footage.

On January 1, Mashahalh Nemati, governor of Dorood, a city in Lorestan province, confirmed the deaths of four residents during clashes there on December 29 and 30. He also described an incident on December 30 in which he claimed a 12-year-old boy and his father were killed when a fire engine taken over by rioters hit their car. He said the rioters later abandoned the fire engine.

On the same day, Hedayatollah Khademi, a member of parliament from the city of Izeh in Khuzistan province, told ILNA news agency, the Iranian Labor News Agency, that two people had died in unrest in the city on December 31, but that he could not confirm their causes of death. Khademi also denied allegation on social media that people had occupied government buildings.

Social media accounts said that the police shot and killed Masoud Kiani Ghale Sardi, a protester in the city of Izeh. Human Rights Watch has not been able to confirm those accounts.

Saeed Shahrokhi, the political deputy to the governor of Hamedan province, told IRIB that three protesters were killedin the city of Tuyserkan.

On December 29, Hassan Heidari, deputy prosecutor of the city of Mashhad, announced that 52 people had been arrested for damaging public property. Shargh newspaper, close to reformists in Iran, reported that authorities had arrested 200 people in Tehran and 100 people in the city of Arak in Marakzai province on December 30. On January 2, Ali Asghar Naserbakht, the political deputy to the Tehrans governors office, confirmed the arrest of 200 people in Tehran on December 30, adding that 150 were arrested on December 31 and 100 more on January 1

On December 30, Hrana news agency, run by human rights activists, reported that authorities from Irans Revolutionary Guards intelligence had arrested Faeze Abdipour, Kasra Nouri, Mohammad Sharifi Moghadam, ZafarAli Moghimi, and Mohammadreza Darvish, and transferred them to Evin prison. All are local activists of the Gonabadi Dervish community, a Sufi religious order that has suffered government discrimination.

On January 1, the Guild Association for university students reported that four members of its board who had participated in a meeting with the head of the University of Tehran to negotiate the release of students arrested during a December 31 protest had been briefly detained.

On December 30, Communications Minister Azarei Jahromi told Telegram and Twitter to shut down news channels that he alleged were distributing materials inciting violence. A few hours later, Pavel Durov, the CEO of Telegram, announced that Telegram had suspended the Amadnews channel for allegedly instructing subscribers to use Molotov cocktails against police. However, a few hours later, IRIB news agency announced that authorities would temporarily block the popular social media application Instagram and Irans most popular messaging application Telegram.

In 2009, Iranian authorities violently repressed protesters who took to the street to protest the outcome of the presidential election, resulting in dozens of deaths in the streets and in detention centers. The Iranian authorities also arrested hundreds of activists and sentenced them to long prison sentences after unfair trails.

Iranian authorities have a responsibility not only to ensure public safety, but also to ensure peoples right to peaceful assembly and to free access to information, Human Rights Watch said.

Blocking the popular cellphone applications Telegram and Instagram is yet another over-the-top response to people raising grievances against systematic corruption and repression, Whitson said. Iranian authorities should change their addiction to repression and allow people to speak and demonstrate.

Via Human Rights Watch



Related video added by Juan Cole:

BBC News: Iran protests: Why people are taking to the streets  BBC News
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By Josepha Ivanka Wessels | (The Conversation) |  

Roiling more than a dozen major cities, young Iranians are protesting against the countrys government. They appear to be particularly angered by the countrys funding of wars in Arab countries, such as Yemen and Syria, as Iranian citizens slide towards poverty. In the city of Kerman, demonstrators chanted that the People are living like beggars, the Leader is behaving like a God, and in Khuzestan, protesters reportedly called out death to Khamenei, Irans supreme leader. Something profound is happening  and it could have major implications for the Middle East as a whole.

On the face of it, this is reminiscent of the huge protests that followed the 2009 election, known as the Green Movement or Green Revolution. But these latest protests are all round very unlike the Green Movement in their implications, their size, and their demographics. In 2009, protesters mainly came from a young and educated middle class; this time, the protests started in the north-western city of Mashad, traditionally a religiously conservative place, and those taking to the streets come from a far wider variety of backgrounds.

Alas, much as happened in 2009, the latest protests in Iran face a severe government crackdown. The first deaths at the hands of security forces were reported in Dorud, and more than 20 casualties have now been counted. And yet the protesters continue to stand up against the governments iron-fisted approach. So whats driving them?

Besides the protesters explicit antipathy toward Iranian foreign policy in the Arab world, the protests also have a distinctively Arab dimension. In Ahwazi, a majority Arab region in Irans south-west, protests have been going on for weeks, with people taking to the streets to rail against the Iranian governments repression and its confiscation of Ahwazi land and water. Thousands of Arab Iranians took to the streets when an Iranian parliamentarian, Qassem al-Saeedi, slammed the Iranian governments discriminatory policies, even comparing the Iranian regimes anti-Arab policies to those of Israel.

Lending support

Then theres the matter of Syria. Since the beginning of the Syrian uprisings in 2011, Ahwazi Arab Iranians have stood in solidarity with their counterparts on the Syrian streets, while Syrian pro-democracy protesters have waved the Ahwaz flag in their protests against Bashar al-Assads regime. Small wonder then that todays Syrian anti-regime revolutionaries and activists are standing in solidarity with the Iranian protests.

Abdelaziz al-Hamza, a Syrian pro-democracy activist from Raqqa and active member of the group Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, advised the Iranian protesters not to reveal their identity, not to carry any ID documentation, and to use removable memory cards in the devices they use to document the protests. He also strongly advised them to use nicknames for their Facebook, Twitter and YouTube accounts, and to communicate via encrypted apps.

Many Syrian opposition activists hope that the Iranian protests will start a domino effect that eventually affects Iranian foreign policy towards Syria. In recent years, the Iranian government has spent billions of dollars annually supporting the repressive Syrian regime. Irans powerful military chief, General Qasem Soleimani, has been leading the Iranian military operation inside Syria. If the current protests lead to some sort of revolutionary change, Irans strong financial and military support to active actors in the Syrian war  among them Hezbollah and the Assad regimes army  could suddenly shrivel up. This will also have major implications for Arab countries where Iran is playing a military role, not least Yemen.

If anything is to be learned from the Syrian uprisings, its that protests such as these can take on a life of their own in ways no one anticipated. There is a significant chance that the Iranian regime will be every bit as brutal in its crackdown as the Assad regime. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has blamed the protests on a foreign conspiracy; hundreds of protesters have been arrested, and the head of Irans Revolutionary Court warned that some will receive death sentences.

The prospect of major bloodshed at the hands of the state looms large  and if that happens, the ensuing domino effect could create yet another volatile and explosive situation in an already stormy and dangerous region.

Josepha Ivanka Wessels, Senior Researcher Middle Eastern Studies, Lund University

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.



Related video added by Juan Cole:

Al Jazeera English: Iran: People are not happy with current regime  Analysis 
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By Korshaid Dali | (Middle East Monitor) |  

People stage a protest against US President Donald Trumps announcement to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and plans to relocate the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, on December 8, 2017 in Istanbul, Turkey

The media and political clash between Turkey and Israel has intensified following Donald Trumps decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to the Holy City. Not only did Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan describe Israel as a terrorist state that kills children, but he also called for an emergency meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation countries to take a stance against Trumps decision.

President Erdogans steps provoked Benjamin Netanyahu, who criticised Turkeys policies in a press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron. I am not used to receiving lectures about morality from a leader who bombs Kurdish villagers in his native Turkey, who jails journalists, who helps Iran get around international sanctions, and who helps terrorists, including in Gaza, kill innocent people, ranted the Israeli Prime Minister. That is not the man who is going to lecture us.

This fiery exchange between the two leaders sparked a flurry of messages between Ankara and Tel Aviv. Erdogans spokesman, Ibrahim Kalin, pointed out to Netanyahu that Israel has violated international law. Instead of attacking our country and our leader, he insisted, the Israeli authorities should end the occupation of Palestinian territories. Kalin stressed that Turkey will continue to support international law, Palestinian rights and the oppressed people of Palestine.

Read: Trump recognizes Jerusalem as Israeli capital

The war of words has prompted observers to suggest that Erdogan might go further and, for example, cut diplomatic relations with Israel, even though these have improved in recent years since the previous crisis after Israel attacked the Turkish-registered Freedom Flotilla heading for the Gaza Strip in 2010. Expectations over Turkeys position have risen with the level of popular anger in the Palestinian territories, which is on the verge of a full-scale uprising. The widespread international rejection of Trumps Jerusalem decision will also affect Turkeys position.

However, such expectations of Turkey may require further examination of the details and consideration of the situation. The main battle over Jerusalem is not with Israel as much as it is with the US administration under Donald Trump, which disregarded all the Arab and Islamic countries when it made its decision on the fate of Jerusalem. As such, Turkeys clash with Israel is actually a clash with Washington.

#Jerusalem

Moreover, Turkeys relations with Russia are improving in connection with the Syrian crisis and economic links, but it is finding itself at odds with Moscow over Jerusalem. The explanation given by Russia in this regard indicates not only the difference in positions, but also the strength of its relationship with Israel. Ankara may thus find itself in a crisis with Moscow, even though it does not want to strain relations given the Turkish position on Syria. This is especially true with regards to the Syrian-Kurdish issue, particularly given Moscows relations with the Syrian Kurds, which hopes to make allies of the Kurds, who have been allied with the US up to now. Turkeys position remains reliant on how far the Arab and Muslim states want to take this, which may be much less than Turkey and the people on the streets of Palestine would like.

It is a fact that since the Justice and Development Party came to power in Turkey in 2002, relations with Israel have gone through a series of crises, unlike any time before. The essence of what sparks these crises is not Erdogan himself, as many believe, but the growing influence of the Islamic and popular trend in Turkey, which rejects Israeli policies in occupied Palestine. In Israel, meanwhile, there is a belief that repairing relations with Turkey is no longer possible under Erdogans rule, and this puts a great strain on the relationship between the two, especially after the US decision regarding Jerusalem.

Via Middle East Monitor

Translated from Al Araby Al Jadid, 2 January 2018

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.



Related video added by Juan Cole:

Euronews from last month: Erdogan calls Israel terrorist, Netanyahu hits back
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Jan. 3, 2018) - Unigold Inc. ("Unigold" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:UGD) is pleased to announce that Normand Tremblay, Unigold's major shareholder, has joined the Board of Directors. Mr. Tremblay is the former CEO of United Bottles & Packaging of Laval, Quebec.

The Company also would like to advise Unigold shareholders that it's still waiting to hear from the Ministry of Energy and Mines of the Dominican Republic regarding the granting of the Neita Fase II Exploration Concession.

The Company has complied with all requests received from the Direccion General de Mineria, including the payment of the annual surface tax, in accordance with Article 116 of the Dominican Republic Mining Law.

Joseph Del Campo, Interim President and CEO of Unigold commented, "We are very happy to have Normand join our board and we look forward to working with him in our continuing exploration efforts in advancing the Neita property."
VANCOUVER, Jan. 3, 2018 /CNW/ - Sandstorm Gold Ltd. ("Sandstorm" or the "Company") (NYSEAMERICAN: SAND, TSX: SSL) is pleased to announce record gold equivalent production in 2017, the sale of US$18 million of securities of Equinox Gold Corp. ("Equinox"), as well as recent updates from the Company's royalty properties.

 Sandstorm Sells Record Number of Gold Equivalent Ounces in 2017

During the 2017 year, Sandstorm sold approximately 54,600 attributable gold equivalent ounces1 (FY 2016  49,731 ounces), the highest yearly total in Company history. The attributable gold equivalent ounces were generated from 20 streams and royalties, with approximately 80% of the ounces coming from operations run by major and mid-tier mining companies.

 Sandstorm Sells Securities of Equinox for Proceeds of US$18 Million; Business Combination to form Equinox Gold Completed

Sandstorm has completed the sale of US$15 million worth of Equinox convertible debentures and US$3.2 million of Equinox common shares to Ross Beaty. The sale was previously announced on October 25, 2017 and was subject to the closing of the business combination between Trek Mining, NewCastle Gold Ltd. and Anfield Gold Corp., which was completed on December 22, 2017. The new entity, Equinox, has approximately C$98 million in cash and marketable securities and a US$85 million credit facility. With the available capital, the Aurizona project in Brazil is fully funded to production.

The final key permit for restarting construction and mining at Aurizona was received in November, allowing Equinox to complete construction activities and expand the mill throughput to 8,000 tonnes per day. Early works construction is underway and Equinox is on track to pour gold at Aurizona in late 2018. The operation is expected to produce an average of 136,000 ounces of gold per year.

For more information, visit the Equinox website at www.equinoxgold.com and see the press releases dated November 16, 2017 and December 22, 2017.

Sandstorm has a 3% - 5% sliding scale net smelter returns ("NSR") royalty on the Aurizona project. At gold prices less than or equal to US$1,500 per ounce, the royalty is a 3% NSR. In addition, Sandstorm holds a 2% NSR royalty on the Aurizona Greenfields property, a 190,073 hectare package of exploration ground adjacent to the Aurizona project. An exploration agreement with AngloGold Ashanti Limited ("AngloGold") was announced in 2016, whereby AngloGold may invest US$14 million in exploration to earn a 70% interest in Aurizona Greenfields.

 Development Continues at Hot Maden

Lidya Madencilik San. ve Tic. A.R. ("Lidya Madencilik") is continuing to advance the Hot Maden project located in northeast Turkey. Recent work has included mine design, metallurgical test work, geotechnical analysis, environmental studies and exploration drilling. This work is culminating in a Pre-Feasibility study which is on track to be released in the first half of 2018.

Approximately 25,000 metres of infill and exploration drilling has been completed at Hot Maden during 2017. Recent drill highlights include:

HTD-157 : 28.0 metres of 47.5 g/t gold and 1.65% copper from 287.0 metres including, 7.0 metres of 97.6 g/t gold and 3.86% copper from 308.0 metres;

: 28.0 metres of 47.5 g/t gold and 1.65% copper from 287.0 metres including, HTD-159: 3.5 metres of 32.3 g/t gold and 0.87% copper from 165.5 metres and 4.0 metres of 7.4 g/t gold and 1.74% copper from 210.0 metres.

For QA/QC information see the appendix of this news release. Sandstorm has a 30% profits interest and a 2% NSR royalty on the Hot Maden project.

 Columbus Gold and Nordgold Announce Decision to Proceed with Construction on Montagne d'Or

Columbus Gold Corp. ("Columbus Gold") and Nord Gold SE ("Nordgold") announced the decision to proceed with construction of the Montagne d'Or gold mine in French Guiana. Commencement of construction is subject to additional requirements including a public consultation and the receipt of required permits and authorizations. The Environmental and Social Impact Study is expected to be submitted during the first quarter of 2018 and the mine permit application is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2018.

For more information, visit the Columbus Gold website at www.columbusgoldcorp.com and see the press release dated December 18, 2017.

Sandstorm has a 1.0% NSR royalty on the Montagne d'Or project.

 Antofagasta Earning into Ball Creek Property

Evrim Resources Corp. ("Evrim") announced that they have signed a definitive agreement with Antofagasta plc ("Antofagasta") to earn into the Ball Creek property in northwestern British Columbia. Under the terms of the agreement, Antofagasta can earn an initial 51% by spending US$6 million over a six year period. Antofagasta has committed to spending US$300,000 as a firm commitment, during the first year of the agreement. If Antofagasta chooses to earn their initial interest, they may elect to earn an additional 19% interest by spending either US$25 million or completing a Pre-Feasibility study.

For more information, visit the Evrim website at www.evrimresources.com and see the press release dated May 15, 2017.

Sandstorm holds a 2% NSR royalty on the Ball Creek property.

 Sandstorm Completes Disposition of Cote d'Ivoire Assets and Files Early Warning Report

Awale Resources Limited ("Awale") has completed the acquisition of several Cote d'Ivoire assets that were previously controlled by Mariana Resources Ltd., which was acquired by Sandstorm in July 2017. As consideration for the transaction, Sandstorm received a 2% NSR royalty over the Bondoukou, Abengourou and Odienne projects areas and will receive C$400,000 in cash or shares of Awale on each anniversary of the acquisition until commercial production is achieved.

The land package Awale holds is currently 1,589 km2, with application for an additional 2,393 km2. In 2018, the planned work at Bondoukou includes geochemistry followed up by 5,000 to 7,500 metres of RC drilling to test targets. A regional survey is expected to commence at Odienne and reconnaissance mapping and sampling is planned at Abengourou.

Pursuant to National Instrument 62-103 - The Early Warning System and Related Take Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues, Sandstorm is announcing the acquisition of an aggregate of 3,137,200 common shares ("Awale Shares") and 500,000 share purchase warrants ("Awale Warrants") of Awale. Sandstorm acquired 1,000,000 shares and 500,000 warrants pursuant to a private placement conducted by Awale. The remaining 2,137,200 shares were acquired by Sandstorm upon the conversion of certain debt owed by Awale to Sandstorm in connection with the Cote d'Ivoire transaction.

With the acquisition of Awale Shares, Sandstorm now holds an approximately 10.9% of the outstanding common shares. If Sandstorm exercises the Awale Warrants, it would then hold 12.4% of the then issued and outstanding Awale shares (on a partially diluted basis).

The acquisition of the Awale Shares by Sandstorm was effected for investment purposes. Sandstorm may from time to time acquire additional securities of Awale, dispose of some or all of the existing or additional securities it holds or will hold, or may continue to hold its current position.

The early warning report, as required under National Instrument 62-103, contains additional information with respect to the foregoing matters and will be filed by the Company on Awale's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.

For more information, visit the Awale website at www.awaleresources.com and see the press releases dated November 15, 2017 and December 29, 2017.

 McEwen Announces Timmins Exploration Program

McEwen Mining Inc. ("McEwen") announced a strategic financing of US$10 million to accelerate exploration at their properties near Timmins, Ontario, with a focus on the Black Fox property. Deep exploration drilling below the bottom of the known mineralization at Black Fox is a high priority and a program of deep directional exploration drilling from surface is underway. Black Fox currently hosts resources to a depth of 880 metres.

Another important target on the Black Fox property is the area around the Froome deposit, located 800 metres to the west of the Black Fox mine. An additional exploration program has been proposed to test the geologic structure to the northwest and southeast of the mine.

For more information, visit the McEwen website at www.mcewenmining.com and see the press release dated December 1, 2017.

Sandstorm has a gold stream agreement to purchase 8% of the gold produced from Black Fox at an ongoing cost of US$531 per ounce.

 Metanor Hits Multiple Gold-Bearing Shear Zones at Barry and Begins Underground Drilling Moroy Veins at Bachelor Lake

Metanor Resources Inc. ("Metanor") has announced that their ongoing exploration program at the Barry gold deposit has successfully identified multiple gold bearing shear zones. The results from this drilling campaign continue to expand the size and confirm the continuity of these structures. Metanor has identified the presence of mineralization along a strike length of 900 metres and to a depth of 550 metres. Highlighted drill intercepts in the quartz-pyrite veins associated with the shear zones include:

MB-17-113 : 2.6 metres of 7.8 g/t gold from 165.0 metres;

: 2.6 metres of 7.8 g/t gold from 165.0 metres; MB-17-118 : 4.0 metres of 5.2 g/t gold from 230.0 metres;

: 4.0 metres of 5.2 g/t gold from 230.0 metres; MB-17-120 : 4.3 metres of 5.8 g/t gold from 422.0 metres; and

: 4.3 metres of 5.8 g/t gold from 422.0 metres; and MB-17-122: 2.0 metres of 14.5 g/t gold from 308.0 metres.

A drilling program is also underway at the Bachelor Lake mine. Metanor began the development of an exploration drift to test the extension of the Moroy veins at depth. The exploration drift development is expected to reach the Moroy veins in January 2018, after which the development team will verify the lateral extension and the continuity of the veins. Assay results from the first two holes are shown below:

MY17-001 : 2.0 metres of 4.6 g/t gold from 302.1 metres;

: 2.0 metres of 4.6 g/t gold from 302.1 metres; MY17-002: 0.6 metres of 20.4 g/t gold from 327.6 metres and 1.2 metres of 41.6 g/t gold from 375.3 metres.

During Metanor's annual general meeting, they provided a list of goals for 2018. These goals included accessing and developing the Moroy deposit, exploring Bachelor and Moroy at depth, obtaining all environmental authorizations to increase the mill capacity to 2,400 tonnes per day and increasing annual production at Bachelor Lake to 50,000 ounces.

The goals related to the Barry deposit include completing an underground bulk sample and exploring the Urban-Barry Camp. By 2020, Metanor has set a goal to reach a production rate of 100,000 ounces of gold per year.

Sandstorm amended the Bachelor Lake gold stream with Metanor on October 1, 2017. Sandstorm will receive a minimum of 1,500 ounces of gold per quarter until 12,000 ounces of gold have been delivered and then the gold stream will then convert to a 3.9% NSR royalty. In addition to this, Sandstorm holds an additional 1.0% NSR royalty on Bachelor Lake. At Barry, Sandstorm has a NSR royalty of 4.4%-4.9%.

True widths are estimated to range between 70%-95% of core lengths at Barry and 65%-85% of core lengths at Bachelor Lake. Grades were uncapped at both Barry and Bachelor Lake. For more information and full drill results, visit the Metanor website at www.metanor.ca and see the press releases dated November 2, 2017 and November 15, 2017.

 Alexandria Continues to Expand Shallow Gold Mineralization at Orenada Zone 4

Alexandria Minerals Corporation ("Alexandria") announced the assay results from 10 drill holes completed in its summer exploration program at Orenada Zone 4. The Zone 4 project is located at the western end of Alexandria's 35 kilometre-long Cadillac Break property package. The reported results confirm gold mineralization east of the Zone 4 open pit over a 250 metre strike length and expand the limits of the 2009 resource estimate. Highlights of the reported drill intercepts include:

OAX-17-168 : 17.5 metres of 8.6 g/t gold from 24.8 metres and 35.7 metres of 4.3 g/t gold from 223.3 metres;

: 17.5 metres of 8.6 g/t gold from 24.8 metres and 35.7 metres of 4.3 g/t gold from 223.3 metres; OAX-17-156: 131.5 metres of 1.7 g/t gold from 104.9 metres including 47.2 metres of 2.7 g/t gold from 189.2 metres; and

131.5 metres of 1.7 g/t gold from 104.9 metres including 47.2 metres of 2.7 g/t gold from 189.2 metres; and OAX-17-160: 127.8 metres of 1.0 g/t gold from 125.0 metres including 33.5 metres of 1.5 g/t gold from 125.0 metres.

Eric Owens, President and CEO of Alexandria stated "These exciting results emphasize potential for both growth and grade at Zone 4. We are finding a very robust core area that extends 1,100 metres along strike, down to 300 metres at depth and continues to be open in all directions. Our ongoing geologic and resource modelling efforts are being confirmed and strengthened as results come in. With assay results pending for 70 holes, we expect further great results for the rest of the year."

Lengths are reported as drill core lengths but are considered to be close to true vertical thickness; vertical depth is estimated at 97% of core length. Assay intersections are reported using a 0.5 g/t Au cut-off for bulk runs, and a 2.0 g/t Au cut-off for the higher-grade veins. For more information and complete drill results, visit the Alexandria website at www.azx.ca and see the press release dated October 26, 2017.

Sandstorm holds a 1% NSR royalty and NSR buy-back rights on the Cadillac Break property group in the Val d'Or area.

 Gowest Gold Intersects 66.7 g/t Gold Over 2.5 Metres at Bradshaw

Gowest Gold Ltd. ("Gowest") reported assay results from their recently completed underground infill drilling program at the Bradshaw gold deposit. Results have been received from 17 of the 29 holes drilled in this campaign and assay results from the remaining holes are expected in the coming weeks. Drill result highlights include:

BGM17-045-015 : 2.5 metres of 66.7 g/t gold from 73.0 metres including 1.0 metre of 156.0 g/t gold;

: 2.5 metres of 66.7 g/t gold from 73.0 metres including 1.0 metre of 156.0 g/t gold; BGM17-045-004 : 1.75 metres of 11.0 g/t gold from 84.8 metres including 0.5 metres of 26.5 g/t gold; and

: 1.75 metres of 11.0 g/t gold from 84.8 metres including 0.5 metres of 26.5 g/t gold; and BGM17-045-014: 1.1 metres of 16.4 g/t gold from 95.1 metres including 0.5 metres of 32.2 g/t gold.

Underground development is advancing at Bradshaw in preparation for a 30,000-tonne bulk sample. The bulk sample is being taken from an area of the deposit closest to the portal opening and ore will be sorted to increase the head grade before being trucked to the Liberty Mill where a saleable concentrate will be produced.

The above intervals reflect approximate true widths of the mineralization. Reported gold values are uncapped. For more information and complete drill results, visit the Gowest website at www.gowestgold.com and see the press release dated November 29, 2017.

Sandstorm holds a 1% gross smelter returns royalty on Bradshaw.

 Appendix

All assay data from the Hot Maden project was provided to Sandstorm by Lidya Madencilik. Most samples are 1.0 or 2.0 metres in width. Drill hole intercepts are approximately 75-85% of true thickness. The previously mentioned drill intercepts were calculated using a 1.0 g/t Au low grade cut-off and assays were not capped. The minimum reported interval is 2.0 meters @ 1.0 g/t Au; intercepts may include one sample interval of internal dilution and one interval of adjacent dilution.

Main Zone: HTD-157 (TD: 462m)

Drill hole HTD 157 was drilled to the east (090) on section 2075N within the southern end of the known resource. The hole was inclined at an angle of -54. (Technical Report - PEA dated March 1, 2017). The hole intercepted the west dipping gold and copper mineralized zone hosted in the andesite unit.

South Zone: HTD-159 (TD: 369)

Drill hole HTD 159 was drilled to the east within the north end of the South Zone at an angle of -56. The hole contains multiple zone of gold mineralization hosted within the dacite breccia unit.

Hot Maden mineralized intervals presented in this press release are drill intersection widths and may not represent true widths of mineralisation. Drill core obtained from the diamond drill program was dominantly HQ-sized core with the remainder being PQ-sized core. All drill core was photographed and quick logged prior to sampling. Standard sampling protocol involved the halving of all drill core and sampling over generally 1 metre intervals in clearly mineralized sections or 2.0 metre intervals elsewhere, with one half of the core being placed in a sealed sample bag and dispatched to the analytical laboratory for analysis. Samples have been analysed at ALS Laboratories' facility in Izmir, western Turkey. All samples have been analysed for gold using a 30 gram Fire Assay with AAS finish (or Screen Fire Assay for higher grade samples), in addition to a 32 element ICP-AES analysis of an aqua regia digest. Samples in which ICP analyses returned greater than the maximum detection limit for the elements Ag (10 ppm), Cu (10,000 ppm), Fe (15%), Pb (10,000 ppm), and Zn (10,000 ppm) were reanalysed using the AAS analytical technique. Standards and blanks were inserted in to the analytical sequence on the basis of one standard for every 20 samples, 2 blanks in every batch, and one duplicate every 40 samples.

Reference: NI-43-101 Technical Report: PEA Hot Maden Gold Copper Project, Artvin Province, Turkey; March 1, 2017; McDiarmid, J. et al., RungePincockMinarco.

 Qualified Person

Keith Laskowski (MSc), Sandstorm's Vice President, Technical Services is a Qualified Professional (#01221QP) of the Mining and Metallurgical Society of America and a Qualified Person as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101. He has reviewed and approved the technical information in this press release.

Note 1 Sandstorm has included attributable gold equivalent ounces as a performance measure in this press release which does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The Company's royalty income is converted to an attributable gold equivalent ounce basis by dividing the royalty income for that period by the average realized gold price per ounce from the Company's gold streams for the same respective period. These attributable gold equivalent ounces when combined with the gold ounces sold from the Company's gold streams equal total attributable gold equivalent ounces sold and may be subject to change. The presentation of this non-IFRS measure is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Other companies may calculate these non-IFRS measures differently. Note these figures have not been audited and are subject to change.

ABOUT SANDSTORM GOLD

Sandstorm Gold Ltd. is a gold royalty company. Sandstorm provides upfront financing to gold mining companies that are looking for capital and in return, receives the right to a percentage of the gold produced from a mine, for the life of the mine. Sandstorm has acquired a portfolio of 175 royalties, of which 21 of the underlying mines are producing. Sandstorm plans to grow and diversify its low cost production profile through the acquisition of additional gold royalties.

For more information visit: www.sandstormgold.com
TORONTO, Jan. 4, 2018 /CNW/ - First Cobalt Corp. (TSX-V: FCC, ASX: FCC, OTCQB: FTSSF) (the "Company") is pleased to announce the purchase of five unpatented claims located in the North Cobalt region of the Cobalt Camp in Ontario near First Cobalt's past producing Silver Banner and Ophir mines.

Highlights

Three of the claims are contiguous to First Cobalt properties to the east of the Silver Banner and Ophir mines





As limited exploration has been conducted on these claims, First Cobalt intends to conduct mapping as well as soil and till geochemical surveys as part of a grassroots exploration program in 2018





Claims include ground containing Huronian Supergroup conglomerate in contact with Nipissing diabase; a favourable geological setting for cobalt-silver mineralization

Trent Mell, President & Chief Executive Officer, commented:

"This area of North Cobalt is of particular interest as some of the more significant past-producing cobalt mines are nearby, including the Silver Banner mine where we reported high grade cobalt samples."

The claims, located in Northern part of the Cobalt Camp (Figure 1), cover 750 hectares to the east of the historic Silver Banner and Ophir mines. Assay results from muckpile grab samples taken from Silver Banner included 1.14% Co, 0.69% Co and 0.47% Co.

Silver Banner was among the smaller historic silver mines, yet the veins contain a cobalt-silver-nickel relationship comparable to some of the larger mineralized vein systems in the Cobalt Camp, such as the Nipissing, Crown Reserve, Kerr Lake and Silverfields mines. High grade cobalt would not have been the focus of past exploration, so similar systems could have been overlooked in the new claim areas.

These claims further consolidate highly prospective properties within the North Cobalt area. Limited exploration has been conducted on these claims and work contemplated for the summer of 2018 will include soil and till geochemical surveys as well as field mapping.

Qualified and Competent Person Statement

Dr. Frank Santaguida, P.Geo., is the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 who has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release. Dr. Santaguida is also a Competent Person (as defined in the JORC Code, 2012 edition) who is a practicing member of the Association of Professional Geologists of Ontario (being a 'Recognised Professional Organisation' for the purposes of the ASX Listing Rules). Dr. Santaguida is employed on a full-time basis as Vice President, Exploration for First Cobalt. He has sufficient experience that is relevant to the activity being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the JORC Code.
The Willamette Valley Ag Expo is set for Tuesday through Thursday, Nov. 15 through 17, at the Linn County Expo Center, 3700 Knox Butte Road E. in Albany.
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The New York Times reported that drug companies, insurers and pharmacies may team up to create effective monopolies. Company executives argue that this would be better for patients and would improve care and outcomes  however, nothing could be further than the truth. These conglomerates would further limit access and drive up costs.

Many patients and physicians have found frustration when attempting to prescribe a particular medication for a particular condition. Often only certain drugs are on formulary (which means they are on contract) at a particular institution. In the world of drug prices and availability, pharmacy benefit managers or PBMs serve as intermediaries between health plans, manufacturers, and pharmacies. PBMs are companies  such as Express Scripts, CVS Caremark, and others  that are hired by health care plans and tasked with determining what drugs are available in a certain plan and which covered patients have access. According to Forbes, Express Scripts the leader in PBM market share generated 101 billion dollars in 2015.

How the PBM mafia works

Most PBM decision makers have absolutely NO medical training and have no idea how or why a particular therapy works. They are simply there to manage cost  and to fatten their own wallets during the process. For every drug transaction, PBMs receive both a reimbursement fee as well as an administrative fee. In addition, when PBMs place a particular drug on formulary, they receive rebates and more fees from manufacturers that are not passed on to the consumer. PBMs operate in a world with little oversight and even less transparency. In other words, PBMs are middlemen who are paid on both sides of the transaction  similar to the way in which Tony Soprano and his captains ran their garbage business in New Jersey.

PBMs claim to drive down costs in health care by negotiating discounts, managing formularies to obtain rebates, encouraging generics and nonspecialty medications as well as increasing the use of their own mail-order pharmacies. In reality, however, PBMs actually drive costs up by using their middleman position to increase their own profits. They work to negotiate contracts with drug manufacturers, health plans, and pharmacies that maximize their profits at the expense of patients and physicians. PBMs rely on a shady business maneuver known as spread pricing  which is the difference between what PBM charges a health plan for a certain drug and what it reimburses a pharmacy for dispensing it. The PBM, in turn, can increase its margins as neither the health plan or pharmacy has any idea what the other is paid. PBMs have a great deal of power to determine how YOU, the patient, is treated by your physician through determining tiers of drugs, formularies, and preferred drugs. One would think that efficacy, safety, and actual DATA would determine which drugs get preferred status  but in the PBM world, its all about which drugs pay the best rebates. Remember Tony Soprano and all of the bribery, intimidation and other misdeeds? Similar to Tonys businesses, every year, there is a bidding war among manufacturers, and the company with the largest rebate (chunk of money to be paid to the PBM) always gets the preferred tier.

How does this affect doctors and patients?

Once a formulary is set, PBMs work to make it difficult to deviate from its tiers of offerings. This can have a substantial impact on the doctor-patient relationship and can impact the way patients are treated. For example, most PBMs put step edits in place to force physicians and patients to go through a series of preferred drugs before getting the drug that the physician originally intended for the patient. This can result in unwanted side effects and significant delays in treatment. If a PBM decides to switch to another drug mid-year (which is almost always due to a more profitable contract with a different manufacturer), patients are forced to give up a stable therapy for a non-medical reason. This can lead to disruption in therapy and negative patient outcomes. The PBM system often stifles innovation as it makes it much harder for new drugs and biosimilar drugs to enter the market. This can also lead to a non-acceptable lag in getting new therapies to the patients who need them most. Ultimately, the PBM system and rebates related to PBM profits incentivize higher drug prices  the higher the list price, the higher the rebate to the PBM.

What can be done?

First of all, we must shed light on the activities of the PBMs and expose them for the mobsters that they are. We must educate the public, patients, physicians and our legislators in Washington. While health care reform seems unlikely at this time, Congress could act to limit the power and price gouging associated with PBM activities. Transparency must be mandated  we should all be able to see the flow of cash between manufacturers, PBMs and pharmacies and identify areas of abuse. In addition, transparency would allow prescribers to see exactly what each prescription really does cost. Most importantly, we must allow doctors to use the drugs that are best indicated for their patients based on scientific data  not based on what generates the most profit for PBM executives.

I would like to thank Dr. Madelaine Feldman, a practicing rheumatologist in New Orleans, Louisiana, and leader in the fight against PBMs, for her assistance in researching this particular piece.

Kevin R. Campbell is a cardiac electrophysiologist who blogs at his self-titled site, Dr. Kevin R. Campbell, MD. He is the author of Women and Cardiovascular Disease.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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I just got off the phone with Paul, a highly-sought-after plastic surgeon in New York.

I dont want to be a doctor anymore, Paul says. What else can I do? I have lots of restaurant experience. Ive worked in 15 restaurants during my life. Its not easy, but I could do it. I did research on chains and franchises, and I chose Chick-fil-A. Three months ago I applied to be an owner/operator. I got through the first application and got declined the second round of applications. They are extremely picky. Nearly 20,000 apply, and only a few are chosen.

Im shocked he was declined.

It wasnt a crushing blow, says Paul. The Chick-fil-A people were really nice. For whatever reason they rejected me, I dont hold it against them. His wife (also a physician) believes he didnt get the job because hes a doctor. Is a plastic surgeon overqualified to run a Chick-fil-A?

Apparently, Chick-fil-A handpicks each operator after a lengthy interview process. Then they must go through a rigorous training program for months. Yet Paul survived four years of medical school, five years of general surgery and is board certified. He also did a trauma and critical care fellowship and then two years of plastic surgery residency. He completed 12 years of his training in 2002 and now has 16 years of experience. He should be able to run a Chick-fil-A. Right?

Apparently, they wont allow an applicant to have a medical practice and a restaurant. You have to be an owner-operator full time (which is what Paul wants to do). Surprisingly, you dont need any restaurant experience to open a Chick-fil-A. I asked Paul why he plans to leave plastic surgery for fast food.

Pauls top 5 reasons for leaving plastic surgery

1. Tired of nasty patients. Hes disgusted by entitled, shallow, superficial patients.

2. Challenges of a private practice. Hes got headaches of owning his office condominium as well as having to pay ever-increasing fees for DEA license, taxes, staffing, certifications and a constant array of government regulations that are absolutely oppressive. Hes constantly getting nickeled and dimed.

3. Fighting for insurance reimbursement. Insurers pre-approve procedures and then decline payment. Pauls currently fighting three different claims for bilateral breast reconstructions. They agreed to pay $10,000 ($5,000 per breast) then after they paid him they said theyd only cover $7,500. Insurance company is now demanding he reimburse them $7500 ($2500 per case). Nobody cares if a plastic surgeon gets paid, Paul says. Nobody gives a sh*t.

4. Medical malpractice threats. Paul is in the middle of his first malpractice case now. Revision of breast reconstruction. Very common. Nothing had gone wrong. Patient is threatening. Hes trying to help. Even if I legitimately make a mistake, Paul says, Im trying to help you. And you are trying to extract money from me. Not only would Paul have a big payout, hed be publicly humiliated. Physicians are seen as lottery tickets. Patients get big settlements in court. Nobody feels sorry for doctors who get sued. I dont want to be anyones ticket to overnight riches, Paul says.

5. Declining income. Paul can no longer pay expenses some months. Not drawing much of a salary. Thankfully hes got a lean practice with low expenses, so hes scraping by for now.

Pauls top 5 reasons for wanting a job at Chick-fil-A

1. He could have his own business. I want the joys of owning a business without the hassles of constant medical micromanagement and regulation with fear of lawsuits, expensive regulations, and inability to cover expenses.

2. His income would go up. Chick-fil-A franchises require a $10,000 initial investment to become an operator. Paul paid more more than $200,000 in student loans to become a plastic surgeon. People will pay cash for their own chicken breast sandwich. No revisions. No reimbursement woes. And he wont have to worry about customers coming back demanding refunds months later.

3. He could really be the boss. Doctors are not the boss (even in private practice), Paul laments.

4. Easier to take vacation. He could put a manager in charge and wont have to rush in when someone is sick. More than once hes tried to be on vacation and had to rush home for a post-op infection or had to call meds into a pharmacy while away.

Good news! Chik-fil-As are closed for business on Sundays and well as Thanksgiving and Christmas. So Paul would actually be able to enjoy holidays and free time to himself like most non-physicians do on weekends.

5. Life would be less stressful. Having worked in restaurants his entire life, Paul knows its very stressful. But nobody is going to come sue you and drag you into court. You are not worried about someone dying and listening to a jury tell you what a horrible person you are.

Whats Pauls real problem?

Paul is looking for a low-risk exit strategy. So he chose something he knew: the restaurant business. (I admit Ive had escape-medicine-to-fast-food fantasies myself) .Was Paul acting from a place of courage? Not really. He was acting from a place of feartrying to mitigate and control risk, so he completed the application honestly.

When physicians answer applications honestly in regard to exit strategies (whether leaving medicine or leaving the planet due to depression), its probably not going to go so well. And it didnt go so well for Paul because even Chick-fil-A does not want someone who is torn between two worlds, who is operating with one foot in the medical field and one foot in the food industry.

So he was turned down.

My advice to Paul would be decide how much risk you are willing to take. Is it risky to leave medicine? Of course. Yet you are taking a risk every time you go into a surgical theater for a breast reconstruction. You are taking a risk every time you treat an entitled patient. Every time you talk to a patient you risk being sued. You are nervous, tense. You were hoping to jump from the risks you know that are untenable and take a risk with Chik-fil-A that you felt was less risky.

It doesnt work that way. If you really, really want out of medicine, then leave. Apply to your franchise of choice, complete the application as someone who is 100% dedicated to a new career, and you increase your chances of becoming a successful franchise owner.

Most physicians make fear-based decisions. Yet successful decisions are based on true desire. Pursue your dream. Dont run away from your nightmare. If your dream is to practice medicine heres my best advice: hang out with doctors who are loving their lives. Learn from them. Model what works.

Pamela Wible pioneered the community-designed ideal medical clinic and blogs at Ideal Medical Care. She is the author of Physician Suicide Letters  Answered and Pet Goats and Pap Smears. Watch her TEDx talk, How to Get Naked with Your Doctor. She hosts the physician retreat, Live Your Dream, to help her colleagues heal from grief and reclaim their lives and careers.

Image credit: Pamela Wible
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From father to son

The blood runs thin

See faces frozen still

Against the wind



The seam is split

The coal face cracked

The lines are long

There's no going back

Through hands of steel

And heart of stone

Our labor day

Has come and gone



Yeah you leave me holding on

In Red Hill town

See lights go down, I'm



Hanging on

You're all that's left to hold on to

I'm still waiting

I'm hanging on

You're all that's left to hold on to



The glass is cut

The bottle run dry

Our love runs cold

In the caverns of the night

We're wounded by fear

Injured in doubt

I can lose myself

You I can't live without



Yeah you keep me holding on

In Red Hill town

See the lights go down on

I'm hanging on

You're all that's left to hold on to

I'm still waiting

Hanging on

You're all that's left to hold on to, on to



We'll scorch the earth

Set fire to the sky

We stoop so low, to reach so high

A link is lost

The chain undone

We wait all day

For night to come

And it comes

Like a hunter child



I'm hanging on

You're all that's left to hold on to

I'm still waiting

I'm hanging on

You're all that's left to hold on to



Love, slowly stripped away

Love, has seen its better day



- lyrics by U2


PRESS RELEASE

Along the Belt and Road: Ethiopia-Djibouti Railroad Officially Opens to Much Enthusiasm

Jan. 2, 2018 (EIRNS)The Ethiopia-Djibouti railroad officially began commercial operations yesterday. Built by the China Rail Engineering Corporation (CREC) and China Civil Engineering Construction Corp. (CCECC) with a $4 billion investment, the 750 km electrified rail line connects landlocked Ethiopia to Djibouti and is seen as a crucial contribution to the development of both nations, promoting their economic integration as well, Xinhua reported.

During yesterdays inaugural ceremony in Addis Ababa, Ethiopias Transport Minister Ahmed Shide hailed the project as a milestone of China-Africa cooperation. It will have major positive impact on the efforts to build a new Ethiopia, he proudly stated.

Chinas Ambassador to Ethiopia Tan Jian emphasized that the project would contribute to the industrialization and diversification of Ethiopias economy. "This is the first trans-border and longest electrified railway on the African continent," he said.

"We, the Chinese, see this an early beneficial product of the Belt and Road Initiative. It is regarded by many as a lifeline project ... for Ethiopia and for Djibouti. And we see this as a railway of development; as a railway of cooperation, and as a railway of friendship."

Djiboutis Ambassador Mohamed Idriss Farah said that the rail line "is an important corridor.... We are working for economic integration between our two countries."
Archaeologists have discovered a 2,700-year-old clay stamp near Jerusalem's Western Wall that seems to shed some light on the political structure of the ancient society that inhabited the city.

The researchers who announced the discovery worked on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), which funds archaeology and typically focuses on discoveries that the agency interprets to legitimize Israeli claims on the city of Jerusalem, as has been pointed out by Haaretz and the Jerusalem Post in past news reports.

The 0.5 by 0.6-inch (13 by 15 millimeters) clay stamp depicts two figures facing one another above archaic Hebrew script that reads "" (roughly: l'sar'ir). The researchers said that the word is a condensed version of the phrase " ," (l'sar ha-ir) which means "belonging to the governor of the city."

Archaeologist Shimon Cohen, with the IAA, found the stamp while sifting through soil from a building that stood during the period of the first Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem  centuries before the construction of the wall around the Temple Mount, of which the Western Wall is a part. [The Holy Land: 7 Amazing Archaeological Finds]

It's not clear how the stamp was used in its time, but the researcher Shlomit Weksler-Bdolah offered a possible explanation in an IAA statement emailed to Live Science:

"The sealing had been attached to an important transport and served as some sort of logo, or as a tiny souvenir, which was sent on behalf of the governor of the city. It is likely that one of the buildings in our excavation was the destination of this transport sent by the city governor," she said.

The text on the stamp appears to offer the first direct archaeological evidence for the existence of governors of Jerusalem during that period, a position described twice in the Hebrew Bible  once in 2 Kings and once in 2 Chronicles.

The IAA and mayor Nir Barkat claimed in the statement that the find strengthens the case that Jerusalem has been "continually populated by the Jewish people for more than 3,000 years."

For most of the last two millennia, Jews made up a very small, minority population in Jerusalem. That continuous presence is nonetheless a critical element of the Israeli case for its political and military dominance over the city, including land such as the site of this excavation, which the United Nations considers occupied territory.

The Western Wall Plaza, where the seal was found, was constructed shortly after Israeli forces conquered East Jerusalem in 1967. Israeli contractors demolished the existing Moroccan-Arab neighborhood that stood on the site.

A photo shows the site of the find at a dig at the rear of Jerusalem's Western Wall Plaza. (Image credit: Courtesy of the Israeli Antiquities Authority)

After the completion of scientific study, the release stated, the seal will appear on temporary display in the mayor's office.

Originally published on Live Science.
The air was so cold on Jan. 2, 2018, that the waves froze on Nobadeer Beach in Nantucket, Massachusetts.

The cold that's gripping the U.S. East Coast has created a magical phenomenon in Nantucket, Massachusetts: Slurpee waves.

The waves, seemingly freezing midbreak, are not just gorgeous  some of them are also surfable, according to photographer and surfer Jonathan Nimerfroh. "You can surf the slush, as they are moving waves," Nimerfroh told Live Science in an email.

Nimerfroh was lucky enough to witness the frozen enchantment.

"With a floundering temperature in the low, single digits this past week, I knew there was a good chance the Slurpee waves would find their way back to Nantucket. Sure enough, on the morning of January 2, I pulled my car up to Nobadeer Beach and there they were," Nimerfroh told Live Science in an email. [In Photos: Tiny Waves Frozen in Their Tracks]

While Nimerfroh's two friends were out surfing just beyond the ice, "hooting and hollering and holding up giant icebergs above their heads in neoprene gloved hands," he was capturing as many photos as he could, he said. The ocean was a nippy 12 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 11 degrees Celsius), which is below the freezing temperature of salt water: 28.4 degrees F (minus 2 degrees C).

At those below-freezing temperatures, ice crystals begin to form in the ocean waves, according to biological oceanographer Carin Ashjian, of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, as reported by Smithsonianmag.com.

According to Nimerfroh, freezing waves like these are not common. "Slurpee waves are the kind of thing you might only be lucky enough to see once, so I count myself as very lucky to have seen them twice," Nimerfroh said, adding that his first encounter with the waves was in February 2015.

Scientists contacted by The New York Times that February also suggested that the frozen waves may be a rare occurrence: Glaciologist Erin Pettit of the University of Alaska Fairbanks told the Times that she'd never seen such waves; the tumultuous water usually tends to break up the ice.

Besides being a rare occurrence, the phenomenon is somewhat fleeting. On Jan. 2, the icy waves melted after about 3 hours, Nimerfroh said.

Original article on Live Science.
Ocean "dead zones"  regions of the sea where oxygen is severely or entirely depleted and most forms of life can't survive  are becoming more numerous, and scientists warn that they will continue to increase unless we curb the factors driving global climate change, which is fueling this alarming shift in ocean chemistry.

Even outside these near-lifeless ocean regions, rising global temperatures and influxes of nutrient pollution are throttling oxygen levels in the open ocean and in coastal areas, threatening communities of sea life around the world.

This sobering view of the "suffocating" ocean was described in a new study, published online today (Jan. 4) in the journal Science. The study is the first to present such a comprehensive evaluation of ocean oxygen depletion and its causes. And less oxygen in the ocean doesn't just spell trouble for marine plants and animals  it could carry serious repercussions for life on land as well, the researchers cautioned. [Doomsday: 9 Real Ways Earth Could End]

While water molecules contain oxygen atoms, liquid water must also contain dissolved oxygen in order for fish and other organisms to breathe. Oxygen-deprived dead zones were first identified in estuaries  bodies of water where rivers flow into the sea  in the mid-19th century, and their oxygen depletion was linked to the presence of urban sewage in the water, lead study author Denise Breitburg, a marine ecologist with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, told Live Science in an email.

Since then, growth of industrial and agricultural activity has disrupted the ocean's chemical balance, with regions in many areas worldwide becoming infused with pollutants and nutrients that starved the water of oxygen. Meanwhile, rising global temperatures hamper oxygen's solubility in water and restrict its distribution into the deeper ocean. At the same time, some forms of marine life have grown increasingly stressed due to warmer and more acidic oceans, which increases their oxygen requirements.

Pollution can rob marine ecosystems of their oxygen. On March 6, 2000, thousands of dead fish surfaced in the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, suffocated after pollution flooded the waters. (Image credit: Douglas Engle/AP)

A global investigation

A team of scientists from the Global Ocean Oxygen Network, a group formed by the United Nation's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission in 2016, conducted the investigation, and they found that the toll on Earth's oceans has been significant.

Over the past 50 years, the ocean suffered a loss of about 85 billion tons (77 billion metric tons) of oxygen, affecting an accumulated area approximately the size of the European Union. Globally, the amount of zero-oxygen ocean water has quadrupled, while the area occupied by low-oxygen zones has increased by 10 times, the researchers discovered. In coastal areas and seas that are semi-enclosed, once low-oxygen conditions are established, they can persist for thousands of years, according to the study.

Low-oxygen zones are spreading around the globe. Red dots mark coastal locations where oxygen has plummeted to 2 milligrams per liter or less, and blue areas mark zones with the same low-oxygen levels in the open ocean. (Image credit: GO2NE working group. Data from World Ocean Atlas 2013 and provided by R. J. Diaz)

"If we lost 4.5 million square kilometers of productive area on land, everyone would be appalled," Breitburg said in a statement. "But what happens beneath the surface of the ocean is out of sight, and easy to either not notice or ignore."

As oxygen levels in water drop, the behavior and growth of fish and other ocean organisms is affected  a lack of oxygen can make them more susceptible to disease, or make it more difficult to reproduce. In extreme cases, they can suffocate. While certain types of microorganisms thrive under low oxygen conditions, most larger forms of sea life either die or abandon oxygen-starved waters, invading nearby ecosystems where they may upset the balance of life, disrupt food webs or increase their vulnerability to predators, the study authors explained.

Restoring oxygen

In some cases, evidence shows that the damage can be reversed, and areas where nutrients and sewage had sucked oxygen from the water may yet recover once the flow of contaminants is removed, Breitburg told Live Science in an email.

For example, parts of the Thames Estuary in London and the Delaware River Estuary  both of which endured long periods with no oxygen and no fish  "are now much improved and host vibrant fish communities," Breitburg said.

And in Massachusetts' Chesapeake Bay  long known for dead zones that seasonally cover about 30 percent of its area  nitrogen pollution levels have decreased by 24 percent, a result of improved farming practices and sewage management, and better air quality under regulations such as the Clean Air Act, according to the study.

However, when it comes to oxygen loss in the open ocean, "were in uncharted territory," Breitburg said. "We don't know how long it will take for the ocean to respond."

Addressing this global issue will require worldwide cooperation and initiatives to mitigate fossil fuel emissions and curb nutrient pollution. Establishing more protected areas in the ocean and supporting policies that preserve threatened and vulnerable marine life will also help struggling ecosystems recover, the study authors reported.

"Slowing and ultimately halting the decline of oxygen in the open ocean, and oxygen decline in coastal waters that is due to climate change, will take a global effort, but it needs to be done  not only to improve oxygen in the ocean, but to avoid the worst of the devastation that global warming can cause," Breitburg said.

Original article on Live Science.
This website is inclusive of tolerant people of all faiths, without exception. Neither anti-Semitism nor Islamophobia nor homophobia should ever be acceptable to anyone. We must all strive to live in peace and harmony with each other, regardless of religious affiliations, or none. Intolerance is the mother of strife and conflict.   Mark Alexander

We Britons are Europeans!Wir Briten sind Europaer! Nous, les Britanniques, sommes europeens !  Mark AlexanderEmail me at:markalexander.librabunda@gmail.com
Looking to stay up to date about all of the news stories and local headlines that are important to Long Islanders? We've rounded up the top coverage for all of the important topics from multiple sources around Long Island, so you can be sure you've got the most recent update on the top stories for Long Island. Have an idea for a news story? Email us at news@longisland.com

Columnists Press Releases
by Ray Schultz , January 3, 2018

Most big companies say theyre ready for the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). But it depends on how you define ready.

In reality, many firms have not taken basic steps to ensure compliance, according to a study by the international law firm Paul Hastings.

Hastings surveyed general counsel and security officers at 100 FTSE companies and 100 Fortune 500 companies.

Of those, 98% of the Fortunate companies think they are set, compared with 94% of the FTSE enterprises.

But only 43% are setting up an internal GDPR task force, including 39% in the UK and 47% in the U.S..

And only 33% overall are hiring a third-party to conduct a GDPR gap analysis, and roughly the same percentage are hiring an outside consultant or counsel to assist with GDPR.

In addition, only 29% of UK companies are hiring a data privacy officer, compared with 18% in the U.S. And a mere 10% of UK firms have set a budget for GDPR compliance.

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Achieving GDPR compliance is an enormous task -- one that in our experience almost inevitably requires dedicated resources and budget. Set against that backdrop, Behnam Dayanim, partner and global co-chair of the privacy and cyber security practice at Paul Hastings, states that the confidence among major corporations revealed in our survey seems mismatched with those same businesses reports of their implementation efforts."

He adds, With so few companies undertaking key compliance measures to date, it will be a race to the finish line for those needing to meet the terms of this wide-reaching regulation. This unfortunately seems to be setting up a scenario for multiple investigations and enforcement activities once the implementation date arrives.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, January 3, 2018

Contact lens seller 1-800 Contacts is appealing a finding that it violated antitrust law by preventing rivals from using its name to trigger search ads.

The contact lens company, which filed its appeal to the Federal Trade Commission last month, is asking the agency to vacate a recent finding by Chief Administrative Law Judge D. Michael Chappell. He ruled in October that 1-800 Contacts' efforts to prevent its trademark from being used by rivals in search ads probably resulted in higher prices for consumers.

The decision stemmed from an FTC complaint against 1-800 Contacts filed last August. The complaint centers on business practices that allegedly began in 2004 -- when the company first threatened to sue a competitor for allegedly infringing trademark by purchasing the term 1-800 Contacts as a trigger for pay-per-click search ads. From 2004 through 2013, the company allegedly sued or threatened to sue at least 15 competitors over trademark infringement on search engines.

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Fourteen of those companies entered into agreements to restrict the use of the company's trademarks in search ads. Only Lens.com fought the lawsuit, which ended in a ruling largely in Lens.com's favor.

Chappell said in his initial ruling that the agreements resulted in higher prices for some consumers. He also rejected 1-800 Contacts' argument that the agreements prevented ads that probably would have confused consumers.

1-800 Contacts argues in its appeal that it was entitled to enter into agreements restricting search advertising. "Starting in 2004, 1-800 Contacts, like many companies at the time, claimed that companies that paid search engines to show these ads were violating its trademark rights and taking unfair advantage of its goodwill in violation of federal and state laws," the contact lens retailer argues. "At the time, the scope of trademark infringement liability for paid search advertising was highly unsettled."

The company also disputes that the search agreements resulted in higher prices for consumers. "Evidence that 1-800 Contacts sometimes charges more than some other online retailers does not support any inference of supracompetitive pricing," it argues. "1-800 Contacts ability to charge more is entirely consistent with high demand for 1-800 Contacts superior service and well-known brand."

Chappell ordered 1-800 Contacts to stop enforcing the settlement agreements. The company now says that order violates its rights, because it wouldn't have settled the trademark lawsuits had it known that the FTC would later scrap the settlements.

"If 1-800 Contacts expected this Commission to extinguish its settlement agreements, it would have continued litigating its infringement issues," the company writes. "But 1-800 Contacts cannot travel back in time to re-litigate its suits if a new order dissolves its settlement agreements. Expired statutes of limitations, dismissals with prejudice, lost evidence, and a host of other practical realities would make such re-litigation difficult, if not impossible."

If 1-800 Contacts loses this appeal to the FTC, the company can appeal to a federal court. The contact lens seller also faces a class-action antitrust lawsuit by consumers.
by Alex Weprin , January 4, 2018

The Interactive Advertising Bureau and the American Association of Advertising Agencies on Thursday released new terms and conditions for long-form video -- a significant update to the T&Cs, which were last updated in 2009.

The Long Form Video Addendum to the T&Cs will be available for public comment through February 5, at which point an IAB and 4As working group will incorporate feedback and revise the addendum.

The revised guideline define long-form video as professionally produced content, eight minutes or longer in duration that is dynamically ad served, and delivered in a digital environment. The addendum also includes sections addressing viewability and brand safety, terms related to audience compositions and demo-guaranteed campaigns, and cancellation and termination provisions for unified buys, such as when digital ad inventory is purchased alongside TV ad inventory.

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By providing clear, shared terms for ad tag and materials preparation, testing, and notification, we expect that the addendum will help facilitate smoother delivery of video ads, Eric John, deputy director of the IAB Digital Video Center of Excellence, told Digital News Daily. This includes those that leverage interactivity and advanced data collection -- to help ensure more relevant quality ad experiences over the long term.

Digital video now represents over $9 billion in annual ad spend with a growth rate that has surpassed display, search, and social media, John added. Impressive as these numbers are, there is an urgency and need to streamline the way buyers and sellers transact around scarce ad inventory in TV and TV-like content for digital, upfront and extended period contracts.

Louis Jones, executive VP of the media & data practice for the 4As, told Digital News Daily that the addendum was written to be aligned with the Media Rating Councils Digital Audience Measurement Guidelines, which were unveiled last month, so there is no ambiguity between the two.

Ultimately, this addendum is intended to give agencies and publishers a better starting point for inventory negotiations, as a number of key issues have been discussed and agreed [on] by a working group represented by both sides of the business, Jones says.

Overall, this addendum helps to elevate video as a channel-neutral strategy and unifies the TV and digital sides of the business. It will help facilitate an easier and more simple method for moving eyeballs between TV and digital and give agencies and clients better and fluid control on attaining brand communication goals. This is a step in the right direction, and points to the revision of the baseline digital T&Cs in 2018, having now solved for a number of key issues in the LFV addendum.

You can read the proposed addendum to the T&C here.
by Tanya Gazdik , January 3, 2018

According to a new report, the number of bookings through Airbnb increased 49% while the industry average was just 28%. During the same time, bookings at boutique hotels grew 43%.

The data, from 1010data, broke down bookings from November 2016 through October 2017, as compared to November 2015 through October 2016. Using a static panel tracking millions of consumers, the analysis evaluated the booking behavior of over 1 million travelers and how those behaviors changed year over year. Business bookings were not included in the study.

The report identifies that the growth in boutiques and Airbnb rentals indicates a growing trend that travelers are leaving major hotels in favor of places that feel more like home. 1010data looked at chains including Hilton, Marriott, IHG and others, and found that roughly 20% to 30% of hotel chains lost customers are staying at boutiques and Airbnbs, but between 12 and 18% of lost customers are booking at another hotel group instead.

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Hotels should combat the pressures of growing traveler interest in boutiques and Airbnbs but also develop strategies to tackle competition from other large hotel groups, according to the report. The remaining percentage of lost customers is not booking hotel stays online in the following year.

Traveler interest in authentic local experiences appears to be increasing. When comparing the share of bookings year over year, Airbnb surpassed all hotels for the first time and boutiques caught up to Hilton.

Besides the rise of boutiques and Airbnb, the other challenge facing the hotel industry is the growth of online travel agency (OTA) bookings.

Although Marriott and Hilton launched campaigns in 2015 that promised travelers their websites would always have the best prices, travelers are consistently booking online. The number of hotel bookings through OTAs has grown 43% from Nov 2015  Oct 2016 to Nov 2016  Oct 2017. In fact, 44% of all hotel bookings online are done through an OTA, which is up from 38% in the prior year.

Are loyal customers helping this shift? Not exactly. When looking at travelers who make 4+ bookings during a given 12-month period, the data shows that most active travelers arent loyal to any option. For the purpose of this analysis, loyal travelers are those who had 80% or more of their bookings with one category (Airbnb, Boutiques or Hotel Groups).

The share of unloyal active travelers has grown 4 share points year over year. As a result, hotel loyalty has taken a direct hit. And while hotels still have more loyal customers than boutiques and Airbnbs, loyalty at boutiques is growing as hotel loyalty declines.
by Nina Lentini @Nina_Lentini, January 4, 2018

After Washington States attorney general filed a lawsuit against the budget motel chain for allegedly providing Latino-sounding names to federal immigration officials, consumers took to Twitter in protest.



New slogan: Well shine the light on you, tweeted @Minuteman04, referring to the companys iconic Well leave the light on for you slogan.

Washington AG Bob Ferguson told the Seattle Times that employees of the motel gave names, birth dates, drivers license numbers and car plate along with room numbers to more than 9,000 guests to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents without a warrant.

While Motel 6 said it is cooperating with the investigation, it added that in September it told its operators they were prohibited from voluntarily disclosing such information.
by Larissa Faw , January 4, 2018

Zenith has been awarded media responsibilities for Chinas DiDi Chuxing, which bills itself as the world's largest ride-hailing company. The assignment came after a review. It is widely acknowledged that DiDi and Uber are the two largest global players in the space.

The Publicis Groupe-owned agency will develop a bespoke agency  D+Z  to oversee the account's media planning and buying across both traditional and digital media.

Previously, several agencies had been working with DiDi on a project-by-project basis with the pitch called in order to consolidate media under one group.

Zenith's analytical background helped to win the account, says a DiDi spokesperson. Adds Bertilla Teo, CEO, Publicis Media Greater China: "Our team was able to demonstrate strong understanding of consumers across Chinas tiers."

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The company provides transportation services for more than 450 million users across 400+ cities in China, with headquarters in Beijing. DiDi services include taxi hailing, private car hailing, Hitch (social ride-sharing), DiDi Chauffeur, DiDi Bus, DiDi Car Rental, DiDi Enterprise Solutions, DiDi Minibus, DiDi Luxe and bike-sharing to users in China via a smartphone application.

Earlier this week, the Uber competitor announced it was acquiring 99  the main Brazilian rival to Uber and a company in which Didi already holds a stake  for around $600 million, per The New York Times.
She is now the highest paid actress in Bollywood according to the latest list released by Forbes. Yes, that's Deepika Padukone for you! This is perhaps thanks to her Hollywood debut opposite Vin Diesel (who is now the top-grossing star in Hollywood). Her lead roles in 'Bajirao Mastani' and 'Padmavati' and brand endorsements are an add-on to her big bank balance. At the peak of her career, Deepika is known for making some smart choices and even rejecting films which she regretted later. Here is a list of films rejected by Deepika Padukone, right from the very beginning.

Jab Tak Hai Jaan

 YRF

Ace filmmaker Yash Chopra's last film 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan' could have been that one chance for Deepika to work with him. However, when Deepika was approached to work in the film, she rejected and the golden opportunity was given to Katrina Kaif. She must have surely regretted later for not being able to be a part of the film that grossed Rs 2.11 billion all over the world.

Furious 7 (Fast and Furious 7)

 universal pictures

We know that Deepika made her Hollywood debut opposite Vin Diesel in 'xXx: Return of Xander Cage'. Though the film couldn't do that well in India, it made a huge sum of money in other countries. However, not many people know that Deepika was offered a role in 'Furious 7' (the seventh installment in the Fast and Furious franchise), but she declined the role for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela'. That was one smart choice Deepika made. Do you think the same?

Sultan

 YRF

Almost every actress dreams of starring again the three Khans of Bollywood. The role of Anushka Sharma in 'Sultan' was offered to Deepika first. But, at that time Deepika must be thinking something else and she turned down the offer which means pissing off Salman Khan. Not only once, she also rejected another film starring Salman, which was offered by Rajshri Films. Till date, Deepika has not signed any film with Salman. Quite a daring choice!

Prem Ratan Dhan Paayo

 Rajshri Productions

That's the Rajshri Films movie we are talking about, which was first offered to Deepika instead of Sonam Kapoor. However, it is believed that due to her busy schedule and unavailable dates for the shooting of the film, Deepika said a complete no to 'Prem Ratan Dhan Paayo'.

Dhoom 3

 YRF

This film was a good blockbuster and the one big reason to watch the movie was Aamir Khan. It would not be wrong to say that Aamir is one perfectionist with whom most of the actors love to work. However, it was Deepika's well-calculated decision to not go for the movie, may be due to the loose storyline of the film. Her role was later given to Katrina Kaif.

Roy

 T-Series

A super flop film which almost left Ranbir Kapoor shattered. The movie might have been somewhat better if Deepika would have portrayed the role of Jacqueline Fernandez. After her terrific performance in 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani', Deepika embarked on a journey to stardom and her decision to not go for 'Roy' proved to be fruitful.

Kick

 Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment

This was another Salman Khan film which the glamorous diva of the tinsel town refused to sign. The filmmakers offered Deepika to do an item song. However, knowing the fact that her song Lovely was about to release then, she refused to do another item number.
Bollywood, of late, has entered into uncharted arena of what we call the #Airportstyle wars. A concept only relevant in Hollywood till the recent past. The phenomenon of carefully curating airport looks has caught on like a frenzy in Bollywood as wellall thanks to the omnipresent paparazzi. While the daredevil contestants, like our very own Ranveer Singh, always manage to catch eyeballs, players with a relatively contained sartorial appetite, like Siddharth Malhotra  are definitely not lagging behind.

 Viral Bhayani

Siddharth Malhotra is someone who always manages to keep it cool and classy. Be it his casual outfits, his red carpet looks or his date-night outfits with Alia Bhatthe has created his own wholesome style domain which is just the right balance of safe, secure and adventurous. His latest airport look is a testament to that, where he manages to turn up the heat while dressing it down.

 Viral Bhayani

We think what he is wearing, in fact, characterizes the ideal airport look  casual, sporty, simple yet playful. The full-sleeve white sweatshirt with a signature ape from the Hypebeast-approved brand, Bape, paired with distressed denim joggers adheres to his trademark guy-next-door image, without compromising on his style quotient. The relaxed fit of the denim joggers (with the cuffs) goes flawlessly with his pair of too-cool-for-school kicks.

 Viral Bhayani

What stands out in this look (and impresses us majorly) is the juxtaposition of a statement sweatshirt with regular jeans and sneakers. The cut up collar and the relaxed fit of the sweatshirt, along with the relaxed fit of the jeans is perfect for a long flight when it comes to handling that lingering cabin chill without making things stuffy. After all, the most important thing you need to take care of while flying is that you're comfortable.

 Viral Bhayani

When it comes to accessories, Sid kept it absolutely minimal and classy by opting for a black and silver watch, and a small casual backpack that he sagaciously flung over his shoulder. Well done, bro!
Bodybuilding, as a sport, has over the years matured or rather mutated into a sport of getting bigger by all means possible. Once a show of pleasing symmetrical physique has now become a blazing race to pack on astronomical amounts of mass. The present crop of bodybuilders have gotten so big that categories like physique and classic bodybuilding had to be introduced. Why? Simply because bodybuilders do not look pleasing anymore and normal people don't aspire to look like them. Now that we are talking about sheer size, this piece is about a professional bodybuilder who was the biggest ever bodybuilder to walk the IFBB stage. Sadly though, he never really achieved mass popularity.

This is Greg Kovacs.

 YouTube

A Canadian IFBB pro, the size Kovacs carried was monstrous. At 6'4, Kovacs managed 330 pounds (150 kilos) on stage and a whopping 420 pounds (190 kilos) in the off season. To give you a vague idea, Phil Heath, the reigning Mr. Olympia weighs 252 pounds (114 kilos) on stage and 280 pounds (127 kilos) in the off season. Ronnie Coleman, one of the greatest ever was always at 300 lb (136 kg) contest weight and 315 lb (143 kg) off season weight. This how big and surpassing Kovacs was, in terms of sheer muscle mass.

 YouTube

Colossal Measurements

Apart from the baffling weight mentioned above, Kovacs had 25 inch biceps, which he actually peaked at 27 inches in his prime. His chest measured 70 inches and his legs, an unbelievable 35 inches. This makes him, till date, the biggest ever bodybuilder to step on the Arnold Classic and The IFBB Mr. Olympia stage. Yes, bigger than Big Ramy who weighs 286 pounds on stage and 318 pounds off season!

Kovacs Was So Big That He Kept On Sweating And Carried A Fan

 YouTube

There's a story about how Kovacs, in his prime, grew so big that because of the sheer heat his body produced, he kept on sweating. Everywhere he went, he would sweat profusely. To counter this, he carried a hand-held fan with him whenever he went to restaurants, expos and just about any place. The fan was battery operated, obviously!
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.
Sometimes the Air Force's brightest minds have to leave the planet to conduct cutting-edge experiments that are out of this world.

That was the nearly six-month mission for Col. Jack Fischer, an active-duty airman and a NASA astronaut who recently returned from the International Space Station after he and a team of astronauts oversaw, orchestrated or took part in more than 330 operations, as Fischer described the science experiments.

"We go up there to get science done," said Fischer, an experienced F-15E Strike Eagle and F-22 Raptor pilot.

"Everything else is really support and maintenance of the space station as a national laboratory so that we can get the science done," he told Military.com on Monday.

"That's kind of the neat thing being up there -- you don't know which [new science] you're doing day to day is going to have the biggest impact on humanity," Fischer said. "We may be only connecting a cable, or dissecting something. It's a wide variety. But the reward is, you're contributing to something bigger than yourself."

Experiments Beyond

Fischer was selected in 2009 as part of NASA's 20th astronaut class, and completed astronaut candidate training in July 2011.

He launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on April 20 to the International Space Station with Russian cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin, according to his NASA profile. While in space for 136 days, Fischer also took two spacewalks outside the station.

The experiments, Fischer said, ranged from anything that could alter basic day-to-day human habits, to far-out future endeavors imagined only in books and movies.

Some of the experiments touched upon Earth sensing -- watching and monitoring polar ice caps melting, for example -- to human physiology experiments, to the latest and greatest in futuristic tech.

"Some of those technologies have obvious benefits on Earth," Fischer said during an interview at the Pentagon. "We always joke that yesterday's coffee is tomorrow's coffee ... because on the space station, we cycle through our urine and then make it water again."

In many parts of the globe, such as the U.S., South Africa and Australia, the same practice applies where wastewater is turned into drinking water.

The Perfect Test Environment

In the human physiology experiment realm -- in which astronauts test or alter diseases and drugs -- one pivotal example was testing azonafide-based antibody-drug conjugates, Fischer said.

More simply put: "I called it the 'cancer seeking missile' [drug]," he said. "It was a new drug that basically sought out the antibodies in cancerous lung tissue and destroyed the cancer cells and not the lung tissue. So it was kind of smart chemotherapy."

For Fischer, this hit close to home. One of his two daughters was a cancer patient, but has been cancer free for two years.

"Watching my kid go through cancer, that one was special to me. Anything that's going to give us the capability to have chemo that isn't like dropping a nuke in your body and destroying everything  that one was special," he said.

Fischer said the astronauts were also looking at a new drug that encouraged rapid bone growth.

"It would be used for battlefield injuries, or in trauma centers and not just to stop bone loss -- which had always been a problem for astronauts [too]," he said.

Why is space the best environment to seek next-generation human treatment?

"With different types of viruses, protein crystals, lung tissue -- all of those type of items -- they actually grow perfectly in orbit because there's no effect of gravity," Fischer said.

The "microgravity effect" that allows for a perfect structure gives researchers the ability to "understand and more effectively go after different types of cures," he said.

New Technologies

New engineering and design practices also have positive outcomes in space, Fischer said.

In movies such as "Star Wars," lasers -- or high-energy beams traveling at the speed of light -- are standard weapons. On the International Space Station, lasers have been used for research and development, including a way to create new metal combinations that could one day be used for transportation, infrastructure, maybe even aircraft.

"There's one [program] called ELF -- Electrostatic Levitation Furnace," Fischer said. "They would levitate little balls of metal, shoot them with a laser, melt it, and then supercool them to create new alloys -- lighter and stronger than anything we can create here on Earth."

Lasers have always been a technology scientists have tested in space, the astronaut said. "But with that one, we're trying to find new alloys, and that is the most effective way to rapidly heat the materials."

Military Motivation

As a former test pilot at Edwards Air Force Base, California, as well as Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, Fischer said the mission gets done because it has to.

"I think  that all throughout as soon as you join the military, the reason we grow [individually] in the military is because we're stretched, beyond what we think our limits are," he said.

Fischer served two combat tours following 9/11 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Southern Watch over Afghanistan and Iraq.

NASA advanced his willingness to serve.

"In doing so, you learn how to grow and get better at stuff you never even thought of before. I think NASA continued that [for me] and my preparation for the space station -- learning to fly a spaceship in Russian is not something I would have [seen] myself doing 20 years ago," Fischer said.

"But as long as you know how to learn, and you're eager to be a part of the team and make a difference, it's really not a roadblock to progressing," he said.

-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214.
Officials say the device was known as an "unexploded ordnance," or an explosive weapon that did not explode and still posed a...
An intermediate-range missile launched by North Korea last April crashed into a town near Pyongyang, possibly causing an explosion and casualties, The Diplomat reported Wednesday.

The IRBM was launched April 28, 2017, near Pukchang Airfield in South Pyongan Province and was the third in a series of failed launches that month, the report said.

The missile crashed into the city of Tokchun after one minute of powered flight, the report said. The explosion caused "considerable damage to a complex of industrial or agricultural buildings," the report said, citing a U.S. government source with knowledge of the program.

The secretive regime makes it nearly impossible to determine the extent of damages. The online magazine theorized that if the missile hit a populated city, the result could have been catastrophic.

Related content:

North Korea successfully launched its first flight test of the IRBM last year, using a splashdown location.

North Korea caused alarm when it test-launched missiles over Japanese territory in August and September. The missiles eventually splashed down in the northern Pacific Ocean outside Japanese territory.

North Korea has repeatedly launched missile tests in defiance of U.N. sanctions throughout 2017. When the missiles are launched, they are not accompanied with any formal warning or notice, leaving neighboring countries and the United States left to interpret Pyongyang's intentions.

It is assumed that there are many more unknown facilities that exist throughout North Korea, making the prospect of a first strike that leaves Pyongyang unable to retaliate, more difficult than ever.
MANAMA, Bahrain -- Thank the Marine Corps' first experimental infantry unit, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, for the quadcopters that are coming to grunt squads and a host of high-speed technology that will follow.

But after two years of experimentation during training exercises and a deployment to the Pacific, 3/5 is standing down -- and a logistics unit is on deck to take its place.

During a town hall address to Marines deployed to Bahrain in December, Commandant Gen. Robert Neller announced that Combat Logistics Battalion 8, out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, will be the next designated experimental unit for the Marine Corps.

Commanded by Lt. Col. Kenneth Gawronski, the unit most recently deployed with the Marines' crisis response task force for Africa earlier in 2017. CLB-8 was briefly deactivated in 2013 following combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, but restored in October 2015 as new operational demands surfaced.

The move from infantry experimentation to logistics is by design, Neller told Military.com in an interview.

"There's probably as much innovation in logistics [as infantry], with additive manufacturing and distribution and every flying quadcopter, drone, delivery of supplies," he said.

There is overlap, too, Neller added. The Marines in the logistics unit would often use the same weapons, same vehicles, and same communications at their infantry counterparts.

And as the Corps highlights a future strategy that emphasizes smaller units operating independently and at greater distances apart, logistics will spend more time in the spotlight.

"If we're a distributed force or can operate at range, it's one thing to put the force into the battlespace," Neller said. "Maybe a more difficult thing is, how do you supply it, how do you sustain it? How do you do medical, how do you do evacuation, how do you do maintenance?"

The Marine Corps has already begun experimenting with the futuristic side of maintenance.

Neller mentioned a December experiment at Quantico, Virginia, that featured a UH-1 Huey helicopter equipped with a kit that allowed it to navigate and fly autonomously.

And in a July 2017 interview with Military.com, the Corps' deputy commandant for installations and logistics, Lt. Gen. Michael Dana, revealed the service is actively pursuing swarming supply delivery drones and a 50-pound "hoverbike" pallet that can make autonomous supply runs.

The specifics of the experimentation cycle for CLB-8 are still unclear. Neller said he expects the unit to begin its experimentation program sometime this calendar year. But as there are no combat logistics battalion deployments to Okinawa as part of the Marines' unit deployment program, it's not yet clear if the unit will participate in an operational deployment while experimenting.

"There will probably be some capabilities of things we'll give them, and we'll train and practice and probably take them out to [Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center 29 Palms for the Integrated Training Exercise] and do some sort of mobilization readiness exercise," he said. "I don't know what we're going to do as far as an operational deployment."

The concept of an experimental unit that remains part of the operational force began with Neller in early 2016, when he announced 3/5 had been chosen for the job.

The unit not only tested new technology, including unmanned ground systems, aerial drones and more; it also tried out new concepts and configurations, such as changing the number of Marines in a squad and adding new leadership positions.

In an interview earlier in December, the commanding general of Marine Corps Combat Development Command, Lt. Gen. Robert Walsh, told Military.com that the experiment cycle had yielded 41 separate recommendations, ranging from ideal squad size to what new gear and technology to buy.

While some decisions have already been made, he said, other recommendations will be evaluated later this month.

"Now we have to get together with the commandant and figure out which ones are we going to accept," he said.

-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck.
Have you ever been drawn to nature? Have you had an urge to sit by the sea, hike in the woods or just stand barefoot in the...
Native American actor Wes Studi has enjoyed a long career in movies, appearing in such classic movies as "Dances With Wolves" and "The Last of the Mohicans," as well as roles on the TV series "Hell on Wheels" and "Penny Dreadful." His finest part may be his latest role as Chief Yellow Hawk, co-starring with Christian Bale in Scott Cooper's fantastic new western "Hostiles."

In 1892, Army Captain Joseph Blocker (Bale) is ordered to escort a dying Cheyenne war chief (Studi) from prison back to tribal lands. Blocker and Yellow Chief faced off as enemies during the Indian Wars and hes never gotten over the hate that fueled him in combat. They meet a young widow Rosalie Quaid (Rosamund Pike) whose family was killed by Native Americans. As they travel from Fort Berringer in New Mexico to the Cheyenne homeland in Montana, they face attack from hostile Comanches and must band together to survive the journey.

It's a great picture, one that deserves to be mentioned alongside "Unforgiven," another classic that deconstructs myths of the Old West. It's not getting the awards season recognition it deserves so far, but it does open in theaters around the country this week after a limited run in New York and LA for Oscar qualification. It's definitely one worth seeing on a big screen.

Studi got on the phone to talk about movie but we ended up talking about his own service in Vietnam and why Native Americans commit themselves to military service just as much as we mentioned "Hostiles." It's a great movie about coming to terms with your enemies after the war is over.

Can you tell us about your military service?

I ETSd out of South Vietnam in 1969. I was with Alpha Company, 3rd of the 39th Infantry, 9th Division, down in the Delta. That was my last service.

Is it true that you volunteered to go to Vietnam?

I was National Guard. I went to a boarding school in northern Oklahoma called Chilocco and the National Guard unit there was the 45th Infantry Division.

I joined up in my senior year. I got permission from parents to join when I was 17 or thereabouts and joined the National Guard mainly because we got to march around our school grounds and had a paycheck as well. For a while there, after joining, I went to Basic Training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, down with the pine needles and pigmy rattlers. Six months was the amount of time we had to spend there on active duty.

I got out and then I went to a few meetings and summer camps. At the time, we had a six-year obligation. I stopped going after a couple of summer camps, so I was activated into the regular Army. I still had my ER number, but I was sent to Fort Benning, Georgia, upon activation and I joined a company there that was mainly a holding company for returnees from Vietnam.

When I was a part of that company, I heard so many stories of how bad it was over there but also how much fun it was over there. I heard all kinds of stories from guys who came back not just telling war stories, but telling stories of good times. The experience of it intrigued me. I have always been a person who wonders how I would do in a situation like the ones these guys would tell stories about. It just began to stay with me, that feeling of, Wow, I wonder what I would do, I wonder if I could measure up?

So I volunteered. I had just about a year left of my six-year obligation. In a very short time, I landed at Thomson-Hood and went to Bearcat. I was assigned to the 9th Division and off I went. The first location that I remember was a place called the French Fort on one of the rivers very near the opening out into the Gulf.

I landed just as the Mini-Tet was starting up around the first of May of that year. I actually didnt partake of all of the fighting that was going on there in Saigon. I think they decided to leave most of us who were new in country there at the French Fort, even though the company was very active in the defense of Saigon at the time.

We went on to move around all over the place, down in the Delta area, from base camp to fire camp to firebase camps. We mainly we traveled around by helicopter and by the boats on the rivers and patrolled moving around like that. We even rode helicopter boats and hovercraft. It was quite the time.

Eventually, I was off the line for about 30 days at the end and then was home sweet home, back to the world. Of the whole time I was there, I was the most nervous on that last day before we jumped on the plane. You never know when they were going to hit the airbase there.

One of the most interesting thing about Hostiles is how it examines the way warriors process the experience after the fighting is over. Your character and Christian Bales character are enemies who have to find common ground.

Right, and the common ground is a common enemy. Thats correct. I think that was the beginning of not necessarily a friendship, but at least a peaceful coexistence between former enemies who perhaps become actual allies in battle. Thats pretty much the history of humankind, how we come together when we need to, when we have to, in order to continue to survive.

One of the most interesting things about the PBS Vietnam War documentary in 2017 has been the insights from troops who went back to Vietnam and had contact with the men they fought against during the war. There seems to be a sense of respect for their former enemies.

Well, I felt that early on while in country, actually. I was reminded of who I was by many of the Vietnamese, like some of the  you know what a Chieu Hoi is? They were usually scouts who have surrendered, people who used to be VC or even NVA. They were guys who had surrendered and then volunteered to scout for us. One of the common things they said to me was, Hey, you same/same Vietnami. And you know I share their skin color and suppose I could of maybe even passed for a Vietnamese in certain circumstances.

I had the opportunity to visit an Vietnam Veterans of America convention this past summer in New Orleans and we did see a lot of that Ken Burns documentary. He sent us a lot of clips from different episodes of the whole thing, so I got a sneak peek at the beginning of it and then watched it later on, on PBS.

Of all the things that I've seen about Vietnam, which isn't a lot, I found it to be relevant to my way of thinking about things because I always felt that probably the worst part of the whole experience was coming home. As much as we wanted to come home, it didnt really pay off.

The idea of almost immediately changing the way you live your life is not as simple as one would think. While were there, everybody wants to go home. When we got back, it wasnt just the fact that there was so much protest going on about what we had been involved in and all that, but it was also the changing of our circumstances. There was no longer that imminent threat that we all just got used to. In Vietnam, the imminent threat of attack at any given time was always there. When we come home, we still kind of expect that to be there somewhere, but to act like that thats the case made us all look kind of crazy, the crazy Vietnam vets.

The other thing that was disappointing was how the veterans of other wars looked on us, like we were crazy Vietnam vets. And then there was the mental recalibration you have to go through to adjust to peace. There's that old saying, I've heard it many times from veterans, war may be hell, but peace is a killer too. I found that to be very true and I myself was fairly useless for at least a year or two in terms of getting back into life as usual in the USA. Reentry was the most difficult part of the whole experience of going to Vietnam.

Another really striking thing about the film is how racism was used as a motivating factor by the US military as they dealt with the Native Americans during this era. Since that time, Native Americans have served in the military at a far higher rate than any other ethnic group. What is it about Native American culture that inspires men and women to serve?

Well, mainly because this is our land even though its being controlled by someone else now. At that time, we perceived that communism was an actual threat to us and to our life. The military is, for many Native Americans, a place to start out in life. Young men can connect with the military and do the protection thing and do what soldiers do, what warriors do. Many times its driven by a need, like poverty or needing something to do with your life at that certain point in time when you dont have a profession or something like that.

Plus, at the time, they offered the GI Bill. It was a way to start out in life. Amongst themselves, Native Americans are treated with a lot more honor for having served the people. Our culture values the fact that our young men are willing and ready and able to put their lives on the line to protect others.
Though the Marlins fielded a $115MM payroll last season in Jeffrey Lorias final year of ownership, the financial plan of the Bruce Sherman/Derek Jeter ownership group doesnt call for payroll to return to those heights until 2021, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Jackson cites a pair of copies of the financial plan provided to potential investors, entitled Project Wolverine, in providing a number of details on the Marlins upcoming year-to-year payrolls as well as some aggressive revenue and attendance projections.

Notably, while the Marlins are aiming for a payroll around $90MM in 2018, the plan projects even lower payrolls in 2019-20 ($81MM and $84.8MM, respectively), before jumping back into the nine-figure range. Part of the reason for the healthier number in 2018 could be the one-time $50MM payout that all 30 MLB teams are receiving after Disneys acquisition of BAMTech, per Jackson. (Beyond that, Edinson Volquez, Brad Ziegler and Junichi Tazawa will be off the books after 2018.) Its unclear whether trades of additional MLB assets will significantly alter those projections, though Jackson notes that Christian Yelich, J.T. Realmuto and Starlin Castro are available for the right price, while the team is (unsurprisingly) amenable to trading Tazawa ($7MM in 2018) and Ziegler ($9MM in 18).

A bit more out of Miami
President Akufo-Addo has stressed the need for Ghanaians to cherish and support their own musicians in the face of stiff regional, continental and global competition.

He believes this is the best way to boost their morale to give out their best whilst alive.

The president disclosed this when he launched the Ageing Musicians Welfare Fund (AMWeF) at the annual Presidential Ball put together by the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) over the weekend.

That, he said, is because every aspect of Ghanaian life tells an imaginative story; we tell stories through our fabric, every kente design has a narrative, every Dumas cloth has a name, our crafts, music, film and festivals all tell stories about our lives and our beliefs.

Government will support and enforce anti-piracy laws for the industry to protect you our musicians, he stated.

Apart from that, he assured that in 2018, we will, amongst others, continue with initiatives to improve the creative arts sector with a set-up of a fully functional Creative Arts Secretariat and the commencement of feasibility to set up a Creative Arts Fund, all under the leadership of that dynamic woman, Honourable Catherine Afeku, Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture.

We have a lot to tell the world; ours is a captivating story and we can make it the success story of the continent if not the world because he believes

that music plays an important part in human lives.

As a man who believes that Ghana has an abundance of talents that can be nurtured to compete on the world stage, he could not but promised that we will give the music industry the boost it needs to reach its potential.

President Akufo-Addo has since asked Ghanaians to be generous in their support of the country's ageing musician because they deserve dignified retirements.

He paid glowing tribute to the legends for their contribution towards Ghanaian music.

MUSIGA used the opportunity to honour five of the country's living legends like A.B Crentsil, Oboaba J.A Adofo, Jewel Ackah, C.K Mann and Nana Kwame Ampadu.

Each of them took home an amount of GH 10,000 and a plaque containing a citation commending them for their great works and contributions towards the development of Ghanaian music industry.

Souvenirs of some of these great legends were, therefore, auctioned for sale to serve as seed money for the AMWeF, which was launched together with the 'The Future Project Artiste' and 'The Play More GH Music'.

Touched by the plight of these living legends, businessman and Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyepong, who is noted for his benevolence, has since offered to give each of these five living legends an amount of GH 5, 000 month until death comes calling.
It was a touching scene when actresses Yvonne Okoro and Luckie Lawson together with the Okoro sisters  Roseline and Elizabeth  took to the street to spend quality time with children on the streets of Accra on Christmas Day.

They visited various spots off the main streets in Accra to feed the street children. They also handed out bags containing blankets, clothes, deodorants, tubes of toothpaste, slippers, towels and other items to the children as their Christmas gift.

Among areas the actresses and their crew stopped at were the Opeibea House traffic light, Kawukudi traffic light, Accra Tema Station and Osu Oxford Street.

Yvonne Okoro was so touched that she could not help but shed tears when children at the Opeibea traffic thanked her for the gesture.

The children who sell, eat, bath and sleep on the streets daily couldn't hide their excitement when the actresses came over to spend the day with them. Some of them made passionate appeal to the actresses to come and support them in the area of education. Most of them wanted to go to school, an appeal which the actresses promised to later do something about.

It was a 'crazy' scene at the Tema Station when the crew got there. The mad rush by porters to receive their gifts caused the crew to flee the scene, but they returned late in the night to share the gifts.

The street activity was part of Yvonne and Luckie's annual ritual to support the underprivileged in society. Luckie has been paying school fees for some children out there but she doesn't make that public. Yvonne, on the other hand, has built a borehole for a deprived community in the Northern Region of Ghana.

She has also built a playground for special persons at the Dzorwulu Special School in Accra, among others.
The 2017 edition of Sarkodies Rapperholic Concert came and went with all the buzz.

It was described as one of the shows that stood tall among the many shows that were organised during the Christmas festive season. From large show audience to great artistes' performances and audience responses, the show, to a larger extent, lived up to expectation.

Sarkodie's performance with Obrafour was to many the most unique and highpoint of the show. There were moments through their performance that they had to allow the audience sing and rap portions of their songs. It was truly captivating!

Samini's performance of his latest hit song, 'My Own', was equally pulsating even though he disappointedly didn't perform his 'Love Rock' hit song with Sarkodie.

Sarkodie performed with Korede Bello, Joey B and R2Bees, among others, who made the night one to remember.

Kidi and Kuami Eugene, the new guys on the block, were not left out of the performances, as well as Akwaboah, among others. Shatta Wale also brought life to the show as both MC and a performer. Even though Ghanaian UK musician and comedian Michael Dapaah reluctantly showed up on stage, he didn't disappoint the Rapperholic audience. He gave them a taste of 'the thing goes skrrrrrr' latest excitement.

Efya was definitely going to be on Rapperholic stage and she was, indeed, there. While performing her hot single titled 'Until The Dawn', she surprisingly invited Becca from the audience to join her on stage.

But it looked like Becca was not part of the night's planned performances. Something must have gone wrong, hence Efya brought her on stage to support her. Becca looked almost lost and she was only trying to keep up.

There was a moment she seemed to be asking Efya on stage, what do we do?

Prior to Efya inviting Becca, many had thought Sarkodie was joining Efya to perform any of their other songs. But that never happened.

Sources told NEWS-ONE that Efya left the show angry for reasons yet unknown. They, however, believed it maybe because things didn't go well as planned. She almost looked bad on stage.

During the show, Sarkodie apologised to fans over security lapses at the event that didn't allow them to access the venue on time. He did same on social media hours after the show.

The 2017 Rapperholic Concert was held at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) on Monday, December 25.

JaySo, Worlasi, Kwesi Arthur, Kwaw Kese, Yaa Pono, Ko-Jo Cue, Shaker, King Promise, Magnom, Adina, Captain Planet and other artistes also performed at the concert.

The show was hosted by Shatta Wale and Jay Foley.
Comic Kumawood movie stars clashed in the studios of the United Television (UTV), an Accra-based television station located at Abeka Junction on 1st January 2018 for their special edition of their super morning show #AdekyeNsroma, hosted by Nana Ama McBrown with actor and musician Lil Wayne, Akrobeto, comedian Funny Face and renowned Kumasi based Pastor Prohphet Kumchacha a.k.a English man as her panelists.

Nana Ama strictly based the morning show on English Language rather than the twi dialect it is usually broadcasted in.

Recalling an earlier comment made by controversial church leader Kumchacha during a radio interview, actor Akrobeto chided the man of God for ridiculing him. If u go to your interview, interview your part, and you say you are a good English than me. Even Lil Wayne, he graduate from day nursery. Even him, he speak good English than you.

Prophet Kumchacha had earlier stated in an interview that he speaks better English than the Kumasi based actor.

To justify and clarify the fluent colleague in this English battle, Funny Face suggested the two recite the popular nursery rhyme, Peter Piper picked a peck of peppers.

The whole studio burst into a hysterical laughter as Prophet Kumchacha dropped the bombshell.
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The Minority in Parliament says it has tendered in the CHRAJ report to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (US SEC) as one of its primary evidence of wrongdoing by the Finance Minister in the controversial issuance of $2.25 billion bonds.

MP for North Tongu Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the CHRAJ report, was a vindication of their long-held argument of insider trading and a breach of processes by the Finance Minister in issuing the bond.

He is hoping the report will help their case submitted before US Securities and Exchange Commission in which they have, among other things, accused the Finance Minister of conflict of interest and breach of procedures in issuing the bond.

Background

The government early last year issued a $2.25 billion bond to raise money to refinance its domestic debt and to shore up the cedi.

Not satisfied with the responses, they proceeded to the US Securities and Exchange Commission accusing both Franklin Templeton and Finance Minister of Conflict of Interest.

An executive of the NDC also proceeded to CHRAJ with the same accusations and demanded the anti-graft agency to investigate it.

CHRAJ has since completed its investigations, cleared the Minister of conflict of interest but raised issues about the procedures used in issuing the bond.

Deputy Attorney General Godfred Dame has raised issues about the CHRAJ findings accusing the body of going beyond its mandate.

He would rather the issues about the processes involved in the issuance of the bond were left for the Securities and Exchange Commission to determine.

But Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa thinks otherwise. He accused the Deputy Attorney General of trying to intimidate the CHRAJ.

They were virtually threatening CHRAJ. This is not a good sign for our democracy. It is clear they are worried and they stand accused," he stated, adding, the Finance Minister is worried because of what this CHRAJ report means."

He said the CHRAJ report confirmed exactly what we said; the bond was not transparent, clear case of insider trading.

These are very serious infractions and violations of the law, he told Joy News.

Asked when their case before the US SEC, will be completed, he said it is now at the evidence gathering stage but cannot say exactly when it will be concluded.

Apart from the case before the US SEC, he said they are going to trigger other processes in Parliament to force the hand of government to reform the breaches outlined by CHRAJ.

Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com|Nathan Gadugah
Ghana Broadcasting Corporation has rejected claims that the controversial TV license fees being collected will be used for improving content.

Director-General in charge of Legal Services John Kwame Wajah insisted that the collection of the fee is basically for owning a TV set as set out in the amended TV licensing Act 1966 (NLCD 89) .

"It is the law..it is obligatory...it is not a fee to enable GBC to run its programs," he said.

The legal practitioner said GBC is only acting in the stead of Ghana Revenue Authority which collects taxes and levies.

Ridicule and anger underpin social media trolling of the state broadcaster's determination to collect the 36 cedis annual fee

Many say they want to see GTV compete for adverts and revenue as private broadcasters do in exchange for superior content.

But the lawyer said GBC lodges the money in an account which belongs to the government.

"It doesn't come directly to GBC", he said but admitted GBC can access those funds. His explanation is a contradicts what a former Director General of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), William Ampem Darko had said.

Mr. Ampem Darko opined GBC risks collapse if license fees are not collected. This is because the state broadcaster is in poor financial health and needs capital injection afforded by the license fees.

Last year, its Kumasi regional office had its power cut over a 1.7million cedi debt to Electricity Company of Ghana.

But the head of GBC's legal services maintained the fee is not about making GBC competitive.

"Those who are going around thinking that the law has created some pool of funds for GBC to do whatever they want...that apprehension is unfounded" John Kwame Wajah maintained.

A TV license court has been set up by the Chief Justice to deal with defaulters following a request by Director General of the state broadcaster, Kwame Akuffo Anoff-Ntow.

The special court is expected to sit on Thursday for the first time.

The court is to ensure compliance with the amended TV licensing Act 1966 (NLCD 89) which directed that;

a person shall not install or use a Television receiving set unless there is an existence in relation to that set a valid television receiving set license by the licensing authority under this Act.

The Act also directs that a person shall not carry on the business of selling, hiring or otherwise disposing of a television receiving sets or of repairing television sets unless that person holds a valid dealers license, granted by the licensing authority in relation to the respective business.

But opposition to the payment of the license has been growing with many describing the fund-raising plan as archaic.

Private broadcasters have urged the government to use public education to encourage the payment of TV license fee instead of resorting to courts.

"If you have too many people taken to court then you have something wrong with the system", the President of the Ghana Independent Association Andrew Danso Anninkora told Joy News.

The struggling state broadcaster has seen advertising revenue go to private media outlets seen as aggressive and sensitive to consumer needs.

While the Ghana Independent Association would not condemn the use of the courts, the president wants to see GBC court public understanding of the fund-raising plan.

"Why should people offend the law if they know what is right?" Andrew Danso Anninkora said.

Story by Ghana|myjoyonline.com
03.01.2018 LISTEN

The Brong Ahafo Region has recorded over 1,600 metric tons of maize being part of the harvest under the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) campaign which was launched in April last year at Goaso in the region.

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture says additional tons of maize are expected from the farmers to be bought by government for storage and for onward distribution to public Senior High Schools and also to caterers under the National School Feeding Programme.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture, George Oduro, on Wednesday visited one of the warehouses in Sunyani where the produce are being stored to acquaint himself with the operations at the facility and also learn at first hand some challenges facing workers there.

He was accompanied by the Brong Ahafo Regional Director of MOFA, Dr. Cyril Quist and some other officials of the ministry.

Briefing the media after the tour, the Deputy Minister expressed satisfaction about the operations at the warehouse saying, so far figures being collated in the region indicate that the government was most likely to exceed it target of 30% increase in maize production under the PFJ and I am very happy about that.

He said government had already awarded contracts for the construction of 1,000 metric ton capacity warehouses in each district and that work is on-going on some of them.

Mr. Oduro, who is also the Member of Parliament for New Edubiase, said when completed, more space would be created to accommodate the bumper harvest that would be expected.

The Regional Director of MOFA, Dr. Cyril Quist, for his part said about 21,000 farmers in the region were engaged under the PFJ programme and hoped that the figure would rise as more farmers are expected to be part of the campaign.

Dr. Quist said there were additional storage facilities at Badu in the Tain District and Wenchi which were also stocked with several metric tons of maize.

Modernghana.com observed during the visit that as a result of the lack of enough space in the warehouse, an improvised warehouse which uses organic storage systems has been provided in an open space to accommodate extra 300 metric tons of maize. END
The Minority in parliament has threatened to sue the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) if it does not stop the illegal charges for mandatory First Aid kits.

The Minority spokesperson on Roads and Highways Kwame Abrogya said the Authority is engaging in an illegality since it has no mandate to charge anyone for the kits.

According to him, the kits have nothing to do with safety as the DVLA is claiming.

Mr Abrogya told Evans Mensah on Joy FMs Newsnight programme that if the DVLA wants every driver to have a (kit) in their cars, they could tell them to bring it along when they are coming to register their cars.

His comments follow the decision by the Authority to introduce a controversial fee of GH108 for First Aid kits. The Communication Director of the Authority, Francis Tuffour, saying critics of the fee should consider the safety of motorists than the cost.

Refuting claims that it is an inconvenience, he said if it is the case that the motorists do not have money at the time of registration of their vehicle, special arrangements can be made to pay later.

Mr Tuffour gave a breakdown of the bill as Kit  GH84.45, Vehicle Folder  GH13.85 and Drivers Guide  GH9.50 totalling GH107.8.

He further argued that the Authority is providing customers with genuine kits in comparison to cheaper ones being sold on the street.

At DVLA, our integrity is at stake and we are concerned with the safety of customers, he said.

But Mr Abrogya said, if the Authority is so concerned about safety, they can even go ahead and give motorists the specifications as to what kits to buy and carry them along.

According to him, the police can be tasked to inspect the kits to ensure motorists carry them just as it is done for motor insurance.

The DVLA spent over GH70 million to build an IT system that would enable it to issue a biometric license to drivers. What folder are they talking about after spending all that money to build an IT system so we dont have papers? he quizzed.

He said if the Ghanaians fought against a towing levy which would averagely cost a driver GH40, no one will allow to be charged more for First Aid kit they could get themselves.

In any case, the application of first aid is a technical thing that one needs to be trained to administer and not a matter of having a first aid kit in your car.

He said the DVLA only wants to shore up their revenue by unnecessarily charging motorists.

Listen to the audio below



Story by Ghana| Myjoyonline.com |Abubakar Ibrahim |[email protected]
Clashes were reported in Equatorial Guinea near the border with Cameroon on Wednesday, shortly after the West African state said it had thwarted a coup against President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, Africa's longest-serving leader.

Government troops had shot dead a "mercenary" and "used gunfire to disperse them in the forests along the border", state television TVGE said, without specifying how many "mercenaries" were involved or how long the clashes lasted.

Reports of the shooting came after Security Minister Nicolas Obama Nchama said in a statement on public radio that an attempted coup had been mounted on December 24, allegedly by foreign mercenaries recruited by political opponents.

"A group of Chadian, Sudanese and Centrafricans [citizens of the Central African Republic] infiltrated Kye Ossi, Ebibeyin, Mongomo, Bata and Malabo to attack the head of state, who was in the Koete Mongomo presidential palace for the year-end holiday," he said.

The "mercenaries... were recruited by Equatorial Guinean militants from certain radical opposition parties with the support of certain powers", the minister said.

The attempted infiltration had been repelled thanks to an operation carried out "in collaboration with the Cameroon security services", he said.

Sources told AFP that the country's ambassador to Chad had been arrested and was being held in a military camp.

Formerly a Spanish colony, Equatorial Guinea is one of sub-Sahara's biggest oil producers but a large proportion of its 1.2 million population lives in poverty.

Obiang, in power for more than 38 years, is accused by critics of brutal repression of opponents, electoral fraud and corruption.

Ambassador arrested

Wednesday's announcement came after Cameroon on December 27 arrested 38 heavily armed men on the border with the tiny state.

Two days later, Equatorial Guinea's ambassador to France, Miguel Oyono Ndong Mifumu, referred to the incident as an "invasion and destabilisation attempt".

Map of Equatorial Guinea

The suspects, taken into custody in a bus on the border, had rocket launchers, rifles and a stockpile of ammunition, according to his office.

On Saturday, the 75-year-old Obiang said "a war" was being prepared against his regime, "because they say I have spent a lot of time in power".

The same day, the country's ambassador to Chad, Enrique Nsue Anguesom, was arrested in the district of Ebibeyin, on Equatorial Guinea's border with Cameroon, one of his cousins and a senior police officer told AFP on Wednesday, speaking on condition of anonymity.

He was being held in a military camp in Bata, Equatorial Guinea's economic capital, "in connection with the investigation concerning the arrests" on December 27, said one of the sources.

Sources said Equatorial Guinea's borders with Gabon and Cameroon were closed on December 27. Other sources said reinforcements had been sent to the frontier with Cameroon. Officials could not be reached to confirm these accounts.

Contested regime

Obiang took power in a coup on August 3, 1979, ousting his own uncle, Francisco Macias Nguema, who was shot by firing squad.

He was re-elected to a fifth seven-year term in 2016, gaining more than 90 percent of the vote, according to the official results.

Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang was re-elected to a fifth seven-year term in 2016, with more than 90 percent of the vote. Critics have accused him of brutal repression of opponents, electoral fraud and corruption

Legislative elections on November 12 last year saw the ruling party win 92 percent of the vote, a result condemned as fraudulent by dissidents.

The Citizens for Innovation (CI) opposition group, which secured one out of the 100 seats in the legislature, later reported that at least 50 of its members were detained after the ballot.

Its leader, Gabriel Nse Obiang, denied Wednesday that the CI had played any part in the attempted coup.

"I have no idea what they're talking about," Nse Obiang said, reached by phone from the capital Malabo. "The authorities are unable to come up with any proof."

"Is the real problem that we are a serious opposition party who does not want to play along with the regime?" he asked.

In 2004, mercenaries attempted to overthrow Obiang in a coup thought to be largely funded by British financiers.

Mark Thatcher, son of former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher, was reportedly involved in the funding and was convicted and fined in South Africa.

In October last year, a French court handed down a three-year suspended jail term to Obiang's son, Teodorin, who is also vice president, after convicting him of siphoning off public money to fund a jet-set lifestyle in Paris.

He was accused of spending more than 1,000 times his official annual salary on a six-storey mansion in a posh part of the French capital, a fleet of fast cars and artworks, among other assets. His lawyers said they would appeal the ruling.
The Western Regional Command of Operation Vanguard, a military and police task force established to fight illegal mining throughout the country, has organized an end of year get-together for its members.

Speaking at the ceremony, Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Acheampong, Chief Operation Officer of the Joint Task Force, said the period under review since operation vanguard commenced was not without challenges.

He said as far as their mission to combat illegal mining was concern, the professional posture of their troops has enabled them to achieve their goal during the period.

Lieutenant Colonel Acheampong stated that he had enjoyed the team's unflinching support, loyalty and dedication to duties.

He therefore, entreated them to maintain the positive attitudes and discharge their duties with honour, pride and dignity in the New Year.

He also asked the officers to pray for the souls of deceased officers and their families who could not live to see the year 2018.

Mr Gilbert Kennedy Asmah, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Tarkwa Nsueam, explained that the Operation Vanguard team has demonstrated professionalism and sanity since it assumed duty in the Region.

He said two hundred and eighty- eight people comprising Ghanaians, Chinese, Burkinabes, Nigerian and Togolese nationals who refused to lay down their equipment despite the nationwide call to end illegal mining have been arrested.

He said fifty seven excavators and other mining related equipments have also been seized from individuals.

The MCE commended the leadership of Operation Vanguard for liaising with the Assembly and heads of the security agencies to ensure their smooth operations.

Mr. Asmah however said the Assembly would work hard to settle the team's accommodation crisis.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), has defended its decision to charge vehicle owners in the country for the provision of First Aid boxes.

Some car owners who had gone to register their vehicles at the DVLAs offices in Accra expressed their frustration on Wednesday, after they noticed that they had been charged about GH108 for the First Aid Boxes.

However, speaking to Citi News Philip Nii Lartey, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the DVLA, Francis Asamoah Tuffour, said the introduction of the levy was necessary to ensure the safety of road users.

Research that weve conducted indicates that, about half of the vehicles we have in the country dont have First Aid Kits. The slogan of DVLA is Your safety is our concern. As an institution, we need to raise revenue for the state, but the safety of the drivers and occupants of the vehicle is our hallmark. So we are saying that we want to introduce this system so that the First Aid Kits will be in your vehicle so that in the event theres a cut or accident or a minor injury, you can treat yourself before going to the hospital, he said.

He denied suggestions that the charge was introduced by the DVLA to fleece the drivers in order to raise revenue for the Authority

It is not a deliberate attempt to introduce the system to take money. The DVLA is not an institution that is so poor. We are thinking about the safety of drivers. There have been instances where accidents have been recorded and theres no First Aid kit available. Its worrying and as a country, we have to look at it. Things are changing and we have to move alongside, he said.

More than just a First Aid Kit

Francis Asamoah Tuffour also clarified that the amounts being charged covered not only the First Aid Kit but other items as well.

All the components are factored into the amount and not just the First Aid Kit. There are about three or four items, the kit, the license pack and some others.

He also insisted that there had been announcements of the new charge in the media prior to its implementation, dismissing claims that it had been sprung on the public.

Once you go through the registration system, thats where you pay for it. The whole thing started on Tuesday so for those who are saying they have no idea, they have to come again. Those who came on Tuesday attested to the fact that they paid. That notwithstanding, if they arent aware, its something that has been introduced, not for our sake but for their own safety, he added.

Prior to this, sometime last year, we had some media announcements with respect to this. The fact that they have not heard doesnt mean that they are unaware of the system. Even if they are, they should just embrace the system for their own sake.

Make First Aid Kits optional

The Minority in Parliament has called on the government to halt the DVLAs mandatory charges for the First Aid Kits.

The groups spokesperson for Roads and Transport, Kwame Agbodza, believes that just like the towing tax, this new charge should not be mandatory.

If we think towing is important but we expect people to take responsibility and do it by themselves, why are we selling First Aid boxes to them directly? Why don't we ask them to go and buy it? Mr. Agboza queried.
A 25-year old unemployed lady who threw a broken wine glass at her boyfriend's left rib during a misunderstanding over another woman, has been ordered to stay 100 meters away from him.

She will in default of the order go to jail for 12 months.

Bilasssa Mansah is also said to have pulled a cutlass on the complainant, destroyed his door and centre table, and poured water into rice and stew prepared by the complainant.

Passing the sentence, an Accra Circuit Court further ordered her to sign a bond to be of good behaviour for 24 months or in default serve six months imprisonment.

Mansah charged with causing harm pleaded guilty, saying that she did not know what came over her.

According to her, their relationship was not over.

The trial judge, Mrs Abena Oppong Adjin-Doku on December 29, convicted her but deferred Mansah's sentence to Monday, January 3, 2018.

On her return from Police cells, Mansah who was unwell told the court that she felt uncomfortable in cells adding that she collapsed whiles in lawful custody.

The trial judge then told her that next time if she repeats her bad conduct, she (Mansah) would go to jail for a long time.

Prosecuting Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Agnes Boafo said the complainant Stephen Nsoh is self-employed residing at Adenta- Frafraha, Accra, whilst Mansah also resides in the same vicinity.

ASP Boafo said during early part of December, this year, the complainant and Mansah entered into a relationship.

However, during the course of the relationship, a misunderstanding ensued between them and they separated for a while.

ASP Boafo said on December 20, this year, at about 0800 hours, Mansah went to the complainant's house to demand her wine glass and met another lady with him.

The prosecution said Mansah got angry and when the complainant presented the wine glass to her she refused to leave.

Mansah then informed the complainant that she was pregnant and he should give her some money to seek medical care, but the complainant who knew that she (accused) was undergoing a family planning regime neglected the comments about pregnancy

The prosecution said the complainant's behaviour infuriated the accused who caused damage to the complainant's centre table and poured water into his rice and stew which was on fire.

According to the prosecution, a co-tenant in the case separated the accused and the complainant.

The co-tenant advised Mansah to leave but she pulled out a cutlass and dared the complainant to come out.

Mansah further destroyed the complainant's trap door with the cutlass.

When the co-tenant succeeded in collecting the cutlass from Mansah, the complainant came out of the room to pick up a metal bucket.

The prosecution said Mansah collected the bucket and attempted to hit the complainant's head with the bucket. The complainant, however held the bucket and the edge of the bucket cut the complainant's left thumb.

Whiles the complainant was bleeding, Mansah picked up the broken wine glass and threw it at the complainant's left rib.

The incident was reported to the Police and complainant was given a medical report form to seek medical attention.

The prosecution said the complainant was rushed to the Pantang Hospital but due to the seriousness of his condition, he was transferred to the Legon Government Hospital where he was operated upon and discharged on December 26, this year.
Pressure group, OccupyGhana, has waded into the public uproar over the controversial TV License law, saying it disagrees with the setting up of a special court to prosecute defaulters.

OccupyGhana has followed the recent discussions regarding TV Licence Fees, particularly the announcement that specific courts have been established to try defaulters. We disagree with these moves, OccupyGhana said in a statement.

It argued that the rules have changed hence Ghana should be thinking of laws and policies that look into the future, and seek to create the enabling smart digital environment for prosperity and opportunities for all.

In conclusion, the world of television has moved from being analogue to the digital sphere. The rules have changed. In a world of digitisation, Ghana should be thinking of laws and policies that look into the future, and seek to create the enabling smart digital environment for prosperity and opportunities for all. You cannot, in 2017, be seeking to implement laws based on obsolete and currently inapplicable 1966 technology and then seek to punish Ghanaian for not complying with it. That is why we are advocating the repeal of the 1966 law and regime, and if necessary, the enactment of new laws that take the new realities into account, the statement added.

Below is the full statement:

4th JANUARY 2018

OCCUPYGHANA PRESS STATEMENT

OCCUPYGHANA CALLS FOR THE EXISTING TELEVISION LICENCE REGIME TO BE REPEALED AND REPLACED

OccupyGhana has followed the recent discussions regarding TV Licence Fees, particularly the announcement that specific courts have been established to try defaulters. We disagree with these moves for two reasons:

There is no constitutional or statutory basis for the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), simply as the designated licensing authority, retaining the revenue from what is essentially a tax, and then determining how to use it, outside laws passed and appropriations made by Parliament, and The entire TV Licence regime that was established in 1966 (with just a few amendments) has become obsolete. What is required is not a forcible re-implementation of it, but a root-and-stem review that repeals the existing law and regime, and, if necessary, introduces a new statute and regime that takes the current realities in broadcasting into account.

We will address these matters in turn:

UNCONSTITUTIONALITY AND ILLEGALITY

The Television Licensing Act, 1966 (NLCD 89) and the various Television Licensing Regulations passed under it, provide for the payment of TV Licence Fees for the licensing of the installation and use of television receiving sets. These are to exist and operate under the auspices of a licensing authority that would be either the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation or any other statutory corporation appointed by the Minister by legislative instrument. Every contravention of the Act (including the non-payment of the fee) is an offence punishable by up to a fine of 250 penalty units (GHS3,000) and/or up to one year's imprisonment.

The TV Licence Fee is simply a tax for owning or dealing in the affected apparatus. GBC is merely the currently designated body to administer the licences and collect those taxes, as an agent of the government. We are not aware of any statute that gives GBC the power to retain the revenue derived from the tax and then use it for its operations, developing content, sharing with other broadcasters or for any other purpose.

That tax revenue is also not listed as one of the sources of funds of the GBC under section 10 of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation Act, 1968 (NLCD 226). Although that section provides that GBC's funds include moneys accruing to the Corporation in the course of the performance of its functions, tax revenue does not accrue to the GBC and does not fall under this rubric. Similarly, if the Minister were to designate another statutory corporation as the licensing authority under the Act, that entity would not have the right to use the revenue.

Further, that revenue does not constitute GBC's internally generated funds (IGF). Article 176 of the Constitution demands that all revenues or other monies raised or received for the purposes of, or on behalf of, the Government; and any other monies raised or received in trust for, or on behalf of, the Government, must be mandatorily paid into the Consolidated Fund. Exceptions, particularly retentions, are only permitted under an Act of Parliament.

That is why statutes such as the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (Retention of Funds) Act, 2007 (Act 735) and the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921) contain strict rules on the use of IGFs, and our statute books are replete with specific statutes (too many to be listed here) in which Parliament expressly allows entities to keep all or part of IGFs. We are not aware of any such statute with respect to the GBC.

It is on these bases that we believe that the automatic retention of the TV Licence Fees by the GBC for its purposes is unconstitutional and illegal and we therefore call for that practice to cease forthwith. Absent a specific enabling legislation, all TV Licence Fees collected should be immediately deposited in the Consolidated Fund.

OBSOLENCE

We further contend that both the regime and the law on TV licensing are obsolete for three main reasons:

(i) The Act defines television receiving set as an apparatus CONSTRUCTED SOLELY for the reception of pictures, with or without sound transmitted by radio [Emphasis added.] This means that if the apparatus in use, by its manufacture and technology, is not restricted to only receiving pictures (with or without radio-transmitted sound), but is capable of receiving other signals, that apparatus is not the subject of licensing and consequently the payment of the fee. We think that contrary to your expressed view, the law expressly rules out the vast majority of apparatuses (Smart TVs, phones, pads, tablets, etc.) that are currently in use, and which are manufactured to receive and process more than just pictures. Indeed what may even be called TVs today are not mere linear broadcast receivers and translators of pictures. They are also used to play games, watch movies, project presentations, display location adverts and browse the Internet. The reality is that a strict application of a law that is based on 1966 technology, to 2017 apparatuses would leave the licensing authority with precious little or almost nothing to enforce the licence against.

(ii) With over authorized 505 radio stations (392 operational) and 75 television stations, Ghanaians have a lot of media sources to consume both local/public and international content. This ensures competition that should result in producing quality content. Also, Ghana has recorded a tremendous growth in the number and diversity of media channels, with Ghanaians having countless media sources such as radio, newspaper, magazines, websites and other online platforms. Further, online platforms such as YouTube, Hulu, Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video and Google ChromeCast are redefining content broadcasting online and pointing to the future of TV broadcasting. All these are available and consumed in Ghana, driving the growth of data usage. There are also cable-TV services in Ghana who broadcast local channels through set-top boxes. Some of these have become the first choice channels for media content consumption, thereby reducing the audience share for traditional TV transmission. Evidently, GBC is not the only TV media source where public information is consumed for it to warrant an automatic right to TV Licence Fees and to be able to produce and broadcast public information. Further, not all Ghanaians or TV owners in Ghana will consume GTV's content.

(iii) GBC (managers of GTV) is a commercial broadcaster. For years, it enjoyed an absolute monopoly in television broadcasting and the income from adverts and sponsored contents. Now it has competition and is faltering. Compelling Ghanaians to pay TV Licence Fees to GBC is grossly unfair and anti-competitive. Announcing the setting up of a court for these purposes sends the wrong signal to Ghanaians, that draconian steps are being taken to use the judiciary a tool of enforcement of a grossly unpopular tax. If GBC is unable to be profitable, in spite of years of government subvention and TV Licence Fees, then it may be time to consider selling it.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the world of television has moved from being analogue to the digital sphere. The rules have changed. In a world of digitisation, Ghana should be thinking of laws and policies that look into the future, and seek to create the enabling smart digital environment for prosperity and opportunities for all. You cannot, in 2017, be seeking to implement laws based on obsolete and currently inapplicable 1966 technology and then seek to punish Ghanaian for not complying with it. That is why we are advocating the repeal of the 1966 law and regime, and if necessary, the enactment of new laws that take the new realities into account.

Yours in the Service of God and Country.

OccupyGhana
Last Sunday December 31 2017 saw another commemorative event of the Rawlings revolution that culminated Ghanas democratic or civilian rule of the Third Republican Constitution. The occasion also marked 36 years of the former president and military leaders take-over in Ghana.

Thirty six (36) years ago, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) TV and Radio the only state networks at the time announced to the whole world that then flight lieutenant J.J Rawlings had toppled the two-and- half-year-rule of the Hilla-Limann-PNP-government. Rawlings returned the country to constitutional rule after ruling the country for 112 days. However, it didnt last long the maverick would bounce back in December 31 1981.

Many political chieftains viewed the revolution as a political blight and un-called for. Why? The Third Republic had been jolted and the West-African nation had once again taken two steps back, if you like. And that happened to be Rawlingss third insurgency in a span of about three years.

His first was the 15th May uprising in 1979 that got him arrested and tortured by then Gen. Frederick Akuffo Supreme Military Council (SMC II) administration. In June 4 1979 there erupted perhaps the most bloody and gruesome coup detat in Ghanas political history. Ghana witnessed her first firing squad (human execution) at the Teshie Military range near the Military Academy in the south-eastern side of Accra. The incident occurred three weeks after Rawlings overthrew Gen. Akuffos government.

Six senior military officers including the nations former head of state Fred Akuffo were executed by then Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC). Generals Akwasi Amankwa Afrifa a former head of state from 1966-69 and Ignatius Kutu Acheampong (1972-1978) were also executed. Ten days before their execution some top military officers were put to death by firing squad.

So in December 1981 when the news broke out of another Rawlings revolution, it sent shivers down the spine of many across Ghana. There was palpable fear. There were also extra judicial killings. The abduction and slain of three High Court judges on Wednesday June 30 1982 remains a dark spot in Ghanas political history. This followed the execution of three High Court JudgesMr. Justice Fred Poku Sarkodie, Mrs. Justice Cecilia Koranteng-Addo and Mr. Justice Kwadwo Agyei-Agyapong and a retired army officer Major Sam Acquah.

Was December 31, Revolution necessary?

Thats a debatable. And it largely depends on which side of the political divide one stands. For example, opponents of the revolution argue that the Limann administration could have repositioned Ghanas economy and strengthens the nations democratic dispensation at the time had Rawlings given the government the opportunity to complete its tenure. They buttress their argument on the fact that none of the ministers or functionaries that served in the Limann-government was found guilty of wrong doing or caused financial loss to the state.

But the man who led the revolution says the rot was too much and too many types of loot were going on.

The same group of people and their puppets oversaw an economy that retrogressively provided limited opportunities for an increasing population. The price of goods and services were escalating in an unprecedented manner by 1981. The economic indicators were all negative at the time, Mr. Rawlings reiterated this in Ho the Volta Regional capital.

For those who have forgotten and have a veneer obscuring their view, corruption had its own local terminology, Kalabule. In 1982 at the advent of the revolution, Ghanaians had to queue for essential commodities such as bread and maize in order to make ends meet. This did not break down the resolve of the people. The young and able-bodied ones, mostly drawn from the universities travelled to the hinterlands to help cart cocoa onto trucks and trains to the ports for export. The desire to die for mother Ghana was the driving force behind the revolution. It was a re-birth of the spirit of patriotism  the love of ones country.

Indeed the good news of that revolution wouldnt be known until 11 years time in1992. In 1992 Mr. Rawlings resigned from the Armed Forces and founded the National Democratic Congress and became the first president of the Fourth Republic. Out of that revolt and 11 years of ruling Ghana then Chairman Rawlings returned the nation into constitutional rule-The Fourth Republic which has since witnessed the election of presidents four Johns-John Rawlings, John Kufuor, John Mills and John Mahama including sitting president Akufo-Addo.

Calls for a new revolution: how would that look like?

Ive said it before and I will repeat it. NDC without Rawlings lacks the mettle to fight. One year after the partys election huge loss it appears the very stone the builders rejected is now much-sought-after. This was evident in Ho. President Rawlings reminded the NDC about the tenets that gave birth to June 4 and December 31 Revolutions including the founding of NDC.

..I did indicate a year ago that the loss at the 2016 elections was self-inflicted. The ideals of probity, accountability, integrity and social justice did not manifest itself in our policies and conduct at all times. Some of our own comrades chose to be impervious to reality and we experienced a crushing defeat that haunts many till today, Mr. Rawlings said.

The time has come for the rhetoric to stop. The time has come for the men and women who believe in the ideals of June 4, 31st December and the NDC to rise up. The time has come for a new revolution. This is not about Jerry Rawlings. This is about you and generations to come. Rawlings is not a faction and will never be. The ideals you believe in and for which I stand for and represent, are ideals that will stand the test of time no matter how long some choose to distort it with transient economic might. You have to be strong, steadfast and politically robust. You have to rise up to be counted just as our dynamic women, selfless youth, workers, farmers, petty traders, comrades did for us three decades ago. Sadly we ended up disrespecting and denigrating these people who knew nothing but to offer themselves to the party and country. 

The former president also emphasised that: The NDC needs men and women at its various Executive positions who have the strength of character to boldly lead the party and ensure that they have the ability to rein in members of their own government when in power. Our party structure was weak, abused and ignored in the immediate past and when change comes that change must be one that carries with it the power and will of the people. If we do not allow that revolutionary change but allow materialism and money politics to dictate our choices, then we will stay in the political abyss for a considerable period.

Indeed his tone of language suggests the party cannot do without him. But above all, it depicts one who now has his grip on the NDC. He even called them names like greenhorns and latter-day-saints.

Some latter-day party officials have now made it their chore to denigrate me for speaking loudly and forcefully about the wrongs in the NDC when the party was in power. Many of these political novices, eager to please their paymasters may be oblivious to the countless times my counsel was treated with contempt. I cannot lay claim to the position of party founder and spend time criticizing another party or institution when my house is burning. Removing the log in my eye is the only way to legitimize any right to expose the speck in anothers.

Those ideals are the guiding force that will strengthen and unify the party. Let us rebuild the party around these principles and values. Thereafter those who emerge at all levels of leadership will get the collective support of all, Mr. Rawlings admonished.
04.01.2018 LISTEN

Kamal-Deen Abdulai, the National Nasara Coordinator of the ruling New Patriotic has expressed his appreciation to the president for assenting into law the Zongo Development Fund Bill and the Northern Development Authority Bill.

In a short statement signed by the NPP National Youth Organiser hopeful, he stated that "This two all important bills I have no doubt will be the panacea that will catapult our poverty ridden Northern Ghana and Zongo Communities into an appreciable level of development."

Below is the full statement

Official Release

3/01/2018

Thank You Mr. President

I write to personally express my heartfelt appreciation to the president of the republuc H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for the assenting into law the Northern Development Authority Bill and the Zongo Development fund Bill.

This two all important bills I have no doubt will be the panacea that will catapult our poverty ridden Northern Ghana and Zongo Communities into an appreciable level of development.

Thank you Mr. President.

...signed....

Kamal-Deen Abdulai

National Nasara Coordinator/National Youth Organiser Hopeful
MEMBER of Parliament (MP) for Tema East in the Greater Accra Region, Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover, has asked executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the various constituencies to audit new members who want to be captured onto the party's voter register.

According to the MP, who doubles as the Deputy Minister of Transport, the constituency executives should resist putting non-party members in the register to avoid chaos in the 2020 elections.

He requested the party offices to encourage new members to register but they must ensure that they audit them to make sure that only true party members are registered and not charlatans.

Mr Titus-Glover, in an interview with DAILY GUIDE, asked the party executives to learn from what happened to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the last elections  as it registered people who are not party members, which affected the party in the 2016 elections.

His remarks were in response to calls by some members of the NPP in the Tema East Constituency. They are asking the national leadership of the party to cause the registers of the party to be released to the various constituencies as soon as practicable, to enable it register new members.

But Mr Titus-Glover noted that those calling for the release of registers are not true NPP members but impostors.

We cannot open the floodgate; we need to know who are true NPP persons; and we must be able to audit the members. If we don't do that and bring NDC members to come and elect our leaders for us, we are in trouble. Even today the NDC Kwesi Botchway report is telling them to throw out the register they did because it is pregnant with problems, so why do you also want to go and open the floodgate? he wondered.

I don't see as a problem because it is talking about of update of register. My chairman told me when these registers came he summoned a meeting and a decision was taken on the update of the register.

Those calling for the opening of the floodgate are characters who campaigned against me and used my name to summon meetings and shared red bands. These are characters who campaigned vigorous against me that I should lose. If an MP wants to meet his constituents, must they share red bands? All that they are doing is just to cause destruction but I won't mind them because I am focused to bring development to my people, the Tema East MP stated.
In one of his boldest step yet towards addressing the worrying level of corruption in the country, President Akufo-Addo has signed into law the Special Prosecutor's Office.

It has been a long and tortuous journey to this stage; the segments of the trip fraught with deliberate challenges created by those who see the law as a witch-hunting mechanism targeted at them, not so anyway.

Not doing anything about reversing the current disturbing tag hanging around the nation's neck like an albatross cannot be an option.

When the then Candidate Akufo-Addo hinted his intention to set up the Special Prosecutor's Office to deal with the endemic challenge of corruption, some cynics described it as hot air  a political talk, which for them, would not see the light of day.

Today, after a lot of efforts, it has come to pass  another feather in the President's cap. It is not normal for many politicians in our hemisphere to make good their promises  the pledges often ignored no sooner than the mantle of leadership is attained.

A university don has described the President as a man who abides by his promises. And what better attribute of a gentleman.

The corruption label must be quickly removed so that we can join the comity of civilized nations where corruption is highly despised and therefore aberration.

It would appear that in Ghana, as in other African countries, where corruption is endemic those who abuse their public offices to amass wealth for themselves and their families are not chastised let alone jailed for being financially irresponsible.

It is shameful that the country has lost so much money to the thieving attitude of government appointees and public servants yet many a regime have not been able to take any drastic action towards reversing the regrettable trend in our body politics. Amassing wealth overnight and nefariously has become a norm in local politics and public service.

It is ironic that while those who snatch handbags or even go on nightly armed robbery missions are despised and even lynched in some instances, politicians and public servants who steal from state coffers are regarded as prosperous.

Let us all join hands in ensuring the success of the newly established office and the law it is charged to apply. We cannot afford to allow the Office to fail because it represents a giant step in our efforts as a people to restore financial sanity and sincerity in the manner we manage the offices entrusted into our hands.

For those who find themselves in the fold of government today let them appreciate the transience of such offices and therefore perform their roles with sincerity and bereft of graft. Such persons should appreciate the fact that they would one day be summoned to give account of the offices they held.

Whoever is bestowed the task of running the new Office and his or her staff should live up to the expectations of their compatriots especially the President who has his heart in the project.
Dr Abdul Nashiru Issahaku- Former BoG Governor

04.01.2018 LISTEN

In its desperate bid to hang on to power, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) purportedly devised various means aimed at winning the 2016 general elections.

It has emerged that in the heat of the campaign towards the general elections, the then NDC government, led by President John Dramani Mahama, almost succeeded in printing a whopping GH1 billion into the system to finance the NDC campaign.

The deal, involving the printing of GH50 notes to the tune of GH1 billion, however, failed to go through at the eleventh hour because the official printer of Ghana's currency in Europe  Crane  allegedly refused to get involved, citing criminality.

The surreptitious deal involved flooding the market with the extra cash, passing it through non-conventional means, for vote buying and other matters bordering on criminality.

The NDC operatives reportedly cooked the deal from the Flagstaff House in Accra and was said to have been done on the blind side of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), whose Governor at the time was Dr Abdul Nashiru Issahaku  a close associate of then President Mahama.

However, it is not clear whether the former Governor sanctioned the criminal idea, but according to sources, one of his deputies was neck-deep in the shady deal in collaboration with some senior appointees at the presidency at the time.

According to sources, National Security radar has picked the case for investigation.

The Flagstaff House elements at all material times were using the said deputy governor as the conduit for the alleged criminal deal and did not want it to go through the official banking processes of currency printing.

The huge amount was all supposed to be in GH50 denomination as insisted by the Flagstaff House kingpins, although the 'connection man,' a Nigerian whose name was given as Lukman Lawal, had advised that the printing should be done in smaller denominations like GH5 to avoid detection.

DAILY GUIDE has gathered that the said Lawal met officials of Crane  a Swedish firm believed to be in-charge of printing Ghana's currency  several times in Geneva, Switzerland and London ahead of the supposed printing, but the key agent between Ghana and the printing firm refused, insisting it was a criminal action.

Later when the deputy governor was queried about the whole deal, he allegedly claimed that pressure was mounted on him from the Flagstaff House and mentioned a top Mahama aide, who is a former manager of a radio station, as one of the people behind the deal.

According to sources, the Nigerian was going to fly his private jet from Houston, Texas, United States, to meet the Crane officials and fly the money to Africa and would eventually use Ghana's presidential jet to transfer it into the country from Nigeria  without the approval of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

More anon
Two persons died on the spot on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 in a fatal accident on the Enchi-Asankragwaa road in the Western Region.

According to eye witnesses, a Metro Mass Transit (MMT) bus on which the victims were travelling from Kumasi to Enchi was over-speeding and on reaching Yiwabra Nkwanta, one of its tyres got burst.

They asserted that the bus then veered off the road and in the process, hit a tree nearby, killing the two persons instantly.

ASP Olivia Ewurabena Adiku, Western Regional Police Public Relations Officer, told DAILY GUIDE that at about 4:30 pm last Tuesday, the bus, with registration number AW 81-09, was coming from Kumasi in the Ashanti Region and heading for Enchi in the Western Region.

She corroborated the narration of the eyewitnesses and said it was alleged that the driver was over-speeding before the tyre got burst.

ASP Olivia Ewurabena Adiku indicated that two unidentified females died on the spot and other passengers and the driver sustained various degrees of injury.

She added that the injured persons were rushed to the Enchi Government Hospital and were responding to treatment.
Speaker of Parliament Professor Mike Aaron Oquaye, has suggested that Ghana's Republic Day  1st July  be shifted to 7th January.

In what is likely to generate another heated political debate, the speaker has written an article tracing the historical journey of the celebration of Republic Day and insisted that the true date for marking the Day should be 7th January.

7th January 1993 is the 'Republic Day' of the Republic of Ghana. May God bless our homeland Ghana, May He save the Republic  the only Republic in current and legal terms  7th January 1993, he stated in the article, which has been entitled, What is the Republic Day in Ghana?

Prof Mike Oquaye charged, We should celebrate that and not those which have been deliberately replaced. It is noteworthy that Senior Citizens will continue to have their special place on that day.

He argued that Ghana has been through three republics and is experiencing the 4th Republic, which he hoped and prayed would be the last saying, 1st July 1960 is no more our Republic Day.

Historically, it is only one of the Republic Days of the past. In 1960 Ghana became a Republic. However, in 1966 that was overthrown by a military coup led by Kotoka and the 1st Republic ended. The 2nd Republic came into being in 1969. That Republic also came to an end in another coup led by General Acheampong. In 1979 we had the 3rd Republic led by President Limann. Rawlings staged the 31st December Revolution/Coup in 1981 and ended the Third Republic. On 7th January 1993, the 4th Republic was brought into being and Chairman Rawlings became a constitutional President, the speaker recounted.

He said that in all those historical events, no single constitution was ever restored and added, Each Republic had its own constitution. It was new, fresh and different.

When we celebrate 1st July as Republic Day and any foreigner asks: 'which Republic are you celebrating?' What do we tell that person? Every reference in official circles speaks of the 4th Republic, including Parliament, etc. and that is what we must be celebrating. That is the Constitution which gives birth to a new hope for all Ghanaians, Prof Oquaye urged.

He admitted that the First Republic was totally different from the other Republics in terms of 'historicity' and 'ideology' and said the 1960 Constitution was never restored.

On every 7th January, we should celebrate the cause of freedom and of right. In the years that a president is not being sworn-in, we should still dedicate the day to the most priceless of all God's gifts to humanity  freedom and justice. We should say: 'Never Again' to all acts of man's inhumanity to man, military/civilian brutality and every act of oppression. This is to ensure that our liberties once trampled upon, will never be abused again. Never Again! he emphasized.

By William Yaw Owusu
Banks have been urged to give their customers multiple channels to access the GhIPSS Instant Pay (GIP) conveniently.

GIP is an electronic payment system that allows money to be transferred from one bank account to another at a separate bank instantly.

It is the fastest and most convenient way to do interbank transfers.

All the major banks in Ghana now offer GIP but while some offer it through multiple channels, others offer limited choices.

Archie Hesse, Chief Executive of Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GhIPSS), in an interview, urged the banks to allow their customers to access the GIP service through their mobile phones, regular internet banking and any other channels that will bring convenience to them.

He explained that with GIP, bank customers can make and receive payments instantly, regardless of where they are.

The world is fast drifting towards the instant pay technology which fortunately is already live and running in Ghana.

The instant pay allows quick turnaround for businesses, as they can send and receive money instantly, without having to move from their physical location.

As vehicular traffic intensifies due to the yuletide, businesses and individuals can resort to GIP to make and receive payments without having to drive through the heavy traffic, Mr Hesse advised.

He said the GIP can be adapted for several other real time payment solutions.

He indicated that some international remittance agencies were using GIP to remit funds, and the money is paid directly into the bank accounts of the intended recipients.

Mr Hesse urged the banks to consider various solutions that they can developed based on the GIP service to create convenience for their customer.

He said that banks can use GIP to develop a lot more products and use that to attract customers.

At the national level, government is undertaking a number of digitisation projects.

He therefore advised businesses and organisations who are yet to invest in electronic forms to do so before they are taken over by events.
The Ghana Community Network Services Ltd (GCNet) emerged the best ICT Company at the 16th edition of the Ghana Club (GC) 100 Awards organized by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) in Accra recently.

The company also improved its rankings from the 24th position it occupied last year to the 20th position in this year's GC100 top companies ranking.

Last year's event was on the theme: 'Industrialization: A tool for job Creation and Accelerated Economic Development.'

GCNet was recognised in the ICT sector because of its continued investments in I.T infrastructure, as well as ensuring integrity and excellence in its operations.

The award was also anchored on the Tier III Data Centre, which operates on international models that guarantees 99.982% availability for Tier III facilities.

Carl Sackey, Product Development Manager, who received GCNet's Award, gave the assurance that GCNet remains committed to the provision of state-of-the-art e-solutions in Africa with tailored service offerings to ease the burden of doing business add value to the trade chain and maximize revenue collection.

We will build on our track record of excellence and innovation while working with government and the people of Ghana to contribute to national development for the benefit of all Ghanaians, Mr Sackey reiterated.

GCNet, he said, will continue to leverage on the many international certification regimes, including ISO9000, for quality management, ensuring security standards and compliance at the over 97 Customs sites and more than 50 tax offices of the Ghana Revenue Authority across the country.

Speaking on behalf of the President, the Senior Minister, Yaw Osafo Maafo, stressed that the top 100 companies in the country have a responsibility to help government to develop the economy by generating employment to facilitate Ghana's transition from a low middle income country to middle income and then to a developed country.

Once you are in the top 100, you cannot do business as usual. Each of you must try and bring improvement in your respective business operations, he added.

In all, 100 companies won awards for their respective rankings.

This year's event was also used to present Special Awards to outstanding business performers in selected categories, including Corporate Social Responsibility and the Highest Tax Paying Company.
Five persons have been put before an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly inserting their fingers into the private part of a 15-year-old girl.

One of them allegedly had sex with her at Osu.

The five, including an 18-year-old Senior High School (SHS) student and four Junior High School (JHS) students aged between 16 and 17 (juveniles), kissed and fondled the victim and also took video shots and posted same on social media.

The victim's uncle however saw the video that went viral and confronted the victim.

They have been variously charged with indecent assault, child pornography and defilement.

The act comes after a similar incident took place at Kumasi Bantama in the Ashanti Region.

The court, presided over by Abena Oppong Adjin based on the ages of the accused persons, did not take their pleas and advised their parents to get legal representation for them.

This was after parents of the accused and the four juveniles had told the court that they have not been to court before and did not know that they had to engage the services of lawyers.

The accused person and the four juveniles were admitted to bail in the sum of GHC 10,000 with a surety each. They are to reappear on January 5, 2018.

The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Kofi Atimbire, said the victim, a student, resides at Osu with her mother.

On August 21, this year, at about 1900 hours the victim decided to take a stroll to the Ebenezer Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Osu where she met one of the juveniles who was also in the company of the 18-year-old accused.

They engaged the victim in a conversation.

Later the other juveniles joined them.

Prosecution said the 18-year-old Senior High student and his accomplices lured the victim to dark spot near Osu Salem Junior High School and they took turns to fondle her breast and inserted their fingers into her vagina.

Prosecution said the victim resisted but other juveniles pinned her down while others continue to kiss and fondle her breast.

In her bid to shout for help, the culprits gagged her and one of them used his mobile phone to take video shots of the act.

After the act, one of the accused aged 16 asked the victim to allow him have sex with her or else all the five would take turns to have sexual intercourse with her.

Prosecution said the 16-year-old juvenile, who had sex with the victim, pulled out a knife and threatened her not to inform anyone.

After the act, the victim dressed up and the accused departed.

Prosecution said the sex tape however went viral on social media.

On September 15, this year, the victim's uncle received the video on whatsapp and when the victim was quizzed she narrated her ordeal.

A report was made to the Police at Osu and medical report form was issued to the victim to seek medical attention.

The prosecution said investigation led to the arrest of the accused and the four juveniles.
Leading members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) have stated that the party lost the 2016 general elections due to the massive use of money to manipulate and influence people.

The leading party members, some of whom have sighted the famous Kwesi Botchway Report, have warned that the continuous 'monetisation' of the NDC would keep it in opposition forever.

The leaders, including the founder of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), former President Jerry John Rawlings, reiterated this during the 36th Anniversary of the 31st December 1981 Revolution in Ho.

Former President Jerry John Rawlings, Kingsford Alban Bagbin, Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Edward Doe Adjaho, former Speaker of Parliament; Dan Abodakpui, former MP for Keta; Modestus Ahiable, former Ambassador took turns to condemn the incessant use of money to manipulate the rank and file of the party.

According to them, monetization of the party worsened under the erstwhile Mahama administration, particularly in the run-up to the 2016 general elections.

Former President Rawlings, who has on numerous occasions warned against monetisation in the party, said, Today, our politics is one of patronage and dependence on cash cows. Some people have used the leadership opportunities offered them to acquire ill-gotten wealth, which they now use to manipulate us.

To this end, the youth of the party are motivated by monetary influence rather than principles so much that they see political association as an economic association, further emboldening the so-called kingmakers.

Today, many perceive politics as being synonymous with acquiring wealth at a fraudulently rapid pace and have nothing to do with service to country. Politics, to some, is no longer about the right of every individual to have a say in national decision-making through the district assemblies and other grassroots political structures that were created to enhance equity and create a national wealth of ideas and sense of belonging.

Dan Abodakpui said the leaders must not use money to manipulate the grassroots.

Alban Bagbin, Modestus Ahiable and many others who spoke at the event, emphasised that it was time to adopt the principles of Accountably, Probity, Integrity and Social Justice which were the ideals of the June 4 and 31st December events.

Edward Doe Adjaho said, Let's give the party back to the people, let's make the people the center of the party.

From Fred Duodu, Ho ([email protected])
Mr. Okudzeto-Ablakwa

04.01.2018 LISTEN

I had almost totally forgotten about it, until the Tongu-Norths National Democratic Congresss Member of Parliament raised the rather critical question regarding the desecration of the Presidency, supposedly, by the Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen-headed Trade and Industry Ministry (See Carlos Trade[sic] Insults with Okudzeto Over $100K-to-Sit-Close-to-Akufo-Addo Dinner MyJoyOnline.com / Modernghana.com 12/19/17). This amused me in no mean way because not too long ago, the Mahama-Kanazoe Payola Story broke in the case regarding the direct and shameless solicitation of a bribe in the shape and form of an American-made Ford Expedition SUV from a Burkinabe contractor by the name of Monsieur Gibril (Jibril) Kanazoe, who had direct business dealings with the Atta-Mills government. The now-former President John Dramani Mahama was then the Vice-President of Ghana.

The Mahama-Kanazoe Payola Scam Artistry did not become banner headlines until the young award-winning journalist with the Multimedia Group of Companies dredged it up and put it smack in the middle of the mainstream media, in the lead-up to the 2016 general election. I am quite certain that this brazen and shameful solicitation of a kickback in the name of the Ghanaian taxpayer and voter, significantly contributed to the staggering loss of the then-incumbent President John Dramani Mahama. Yet we never heard Mr. Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa even once accuse his boss of having desecrated the Presidency. It thus appears that in the playbook of the former Deputy Education Minister and, before the latter post, former Deputy Information Minister, official thievery among the key operatives of the Rawlings-minted National Democratic Congress is perfectly kosher.

For me, personally, though, perhaps the most outrageous desecration of the Ghanaian Presidency occurred when then-President John Evans Atta-Mills stood side-by-side with Mr. Alfred Agbesi Woyome and mordantly castigated the critics of this self-confessed mega-thief for calling him out on the GH 51.2 million that Mr. Woyome squirreled out of our National Treasury and divvied up with nearly every key operative of the then-ruling National Democratic Congress. But I am quite certain that Mr. Okudzeto-Ablakwa logs this as one of the greatest economic achievements of the NDC. We are reserving the $ 5 million (USD) that former President Jerry John Rawlings allegedly extorted from Gen. Sani Abacha, late, for a separate column on the so-called revolutionary principles and values of the erstwhile Provisional National Defense Council (PNDC), which are supposed to have also informed the foundational fabric of the faux-socialist and revolutionary National Democratic Congress.

Suffice it to tangentially observe here that about the only thing revolutionary about both the Provisional National Defense Council and the National Democratic Congress, regards the unprecedented extent of the wanton pillage and plunder of our national resources and heritage. Well, he may not have directly desecrated the Presidency in 2012, when Mr. Okudzeto-Ablakwa publicly claimed that the whopping amount of GH 25,000, which he kept in his car, had been stolen by his driver who had taken the vehicle to a car washing bay or car wash. The Tongu-Norths NDC-MP has never explained how he had come by such a huge amount of money outside of his bank account. And so it would be quite interesting if the Special Independent Public Prosecutor decides to take this matter up come 2018.

*Visit my blog at: kwameokoampaahoofe.wordpress.com Ghanaffairs

By Kwame Okoampa-Ahoofe, Jr., Ph.D.

English Department, SUNY-Nassau

Garden City, New York

December 31, 2017

E-mail: [email protected]
The Office of the Special Prosecutor will struggle without the Right to Information (RTI) bill, General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia has said.

According to him, without the bill, the Special Prosecutor will find it difficult retrieving information especially from government offices.

The most important bill, even more important than the Special Prosecutor office is the freedom to information Act. If someone comes with a complaint on a bloated price of a project, it will be difficult to crosscheck because if you request for it from government offices, they will tell you they can't because of official secrecy. If you don't bring the freedom of information Act, and ask the special prosecutor to do its job, you are going to complicate things for him, he said.

President Akufo-Addo on Tuesday, January 2, 2017, appended his signature to the bill setting up the Special Prosecutor office after it was approved by Parliament in November 2017.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor marks the fulfillment of a major campaign promise of Nana Akufo-Addo in the run-up to the 2016 elections aimed at fighting corruption.

But members of the opposition NDC have complained that the office cannot be independent since the Special Prosecutor will certainly be appointed by the President.

Speaking on Ekosii sen, a late afternoon political talk show on Accra based radio station, Asempa FM, Asiedu Nketia charged government to ensure that the Special Prosecutor is made as independent as possible.

The Attorney General is an NPP member that is why she cannot prosecute her own party members. And if it were NDC in power, the Attorney General will have similar constraint. That is why the NPP government found it necessary to create that office. So the person to occupy that position should be very independent in a way that she or he can even arrest their own party members. It is a very difficult thing to do but it has to be done, he added.

If they appoint another NPP lawyer to that high office, then its work will be a work in futility. The greater problem at hand is to appoint a person who can prosecute both NDC and NPP corrupt officials, Asiedu Nketia noted.

About RTI bill

The RTI bill has been in legislation for well over a decade since successive governments have failed to implement it despite several assurances.

Although the New Patriotic Party government has promised to pass it into law, it is unclear how soon that would be.
President Nana Akufo-Addo and First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo have paid a visit to Ghana's oldest medical practitioner, Dr Emmanuel Evans-Anfom.

The president and his wife visited the veteran medical practitioner at his residence on Tuesday to wish him a happy New Year.

Dr Evans-Anfom, 98, is one of the most respected medical practitioners in Ghana,having served as a medical doctor for over three decades.

However, he has not been well in recent months, with his illness keeping him on his sick bed.

The president and first lady, therefore, deemed it fit to pay him a visit to find out how he was faring and to thank him for his service to the nation over the years.

President Akufo-Addo meets Ghana's oldest medical practitioner, one of Dr Evans-Anfom's sons, Nii Teiko Evans-Anfom, posted photos of the visit on his Facebook page while reveling in the moment.

The post was accompanied by the words: when the president and first lady drop by to wish Ghana's oldest medical practitioner a happy New Year.

Many Ghanaians were pleased with President Akufo-Addo's gesture and praised him and his wife for taking such a step. Others also thanked the president for making time for a 'national treasure' like Evans-Anfom, while urging him to lead the way in recognising and honouring national heroes.

Dr Evans-Anfom was not only a medical practitioner but also the author of many books, which endeared him to many people around the world.
Chad's Foreign Minister Mahamat Zen Cherif, in a visit to Equatorial Guinea after a bid to overthrow long-time President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, condemned the attempted coup as a "major threat" to central Africa.

"The attempt at destabilisation is not just an affair that only concerns Equatorial Guinea, it is also a major threat of destabilisation that concerns the entire sub-region of central Africa," he said in remarks reported by state television TVGE.

On Wednesday, Security Minister Nicolas Obama Nchama said the authorities had thwarted an attempted coup, allegedly mounted on December 24 by foreign mercenaries recruited by political opponents.

Hours after his statement, TGVE reported clashes with "mercenaries" near the border with Cameroon.

Government troops shot dead one "mercenary" and "used gunfire to disperse (others) in the forests along the border", it said, without specifying how many fighters were involved or how long the clashes lasted.

Formerly a small Spanish colony, Equatorial Guinea has become one of sub-Sahara's biggest oil producers but a large proportion of its 1.2 million population lives in poverty.

Obiang, 75, is Africa's longest-serving leader, having seized power in 1979.

Critics accuse him of brutal repression of opponents, electoral fraud and corruption. He has faced a string of coup attempts in his more-than 38-year tenure.

'Opposition parties'

Cherif, who was cited by state media after he spoke with Obiang on Wednesday, called on "all countries in the sub-region to unite their efforts to deepen inquiries, not just to understand what happened here but also to establish the cause of this attempt at destabilisation."

He said he would go to Cameroon for talks with leaders there.

According to Wednesday's statement, the mercenaries were Chadian, Sudanese and Centrafricans, as citizens of the Central African Republic are called.

"They infiltrated Kye Ossi, Ebibeyin, Mongomo, Bata and Malabo to attack the head of state, who was in the Koete Mongomo presidential palace for the year-end holiday," it said.

The "mercenaries... were recruited by Equatorial Guinean militants from certain radical opposition parties with the support of certain powers", the minister said.

The attempted infiltration had been repelled with the help of the Cameroon security services, according to the authorities.

Map of Equatorial Guinea, locating Ebibeyin, one of the towns where officials say they thwarted a coup bid against President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, Africa's longest-serving leader.

Sources told AFP that the country's ambassador to Chad, Enrique Nsue Anguesom, who was on holiday in Equatorial Guinea's Ebibeyin district, had been arrested and was being held in a military camp.

Cameroon says that on December 27 it arrested 38 heavily armed men on its border with Equatorial Guinea, which consists of mostly dense forest territory on the African mainland and an offshore island where the capital lies.

Cameroonian security sources on Thursday said those arrested included an ex-general in the Chadian army, Mahamat Kodo Bani, who was once a senior officer in the presidential guard.

He is being held in Yaounde, the Cameroonian capital, they said.

In Gabon, which also borders Equatorial Guinea, a senior government official said "security measures" had been taken on the border.

"We are working in coordination with Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea," the source said.

Opacity

Facebook, Whatsapp and VPNs in Equatorial Guinea have been blocked. "There is a real lack of transparency on what's really going on," a diplomat in the region said.

Obiang took power in a coup on August 3, 1979, ousting his own uncle, Francisco Macias Nguema, who was shot by firing squad.

He was re-elected to a fifth seven-year term in 2016, gaining more than 90 percent of the vote according to the official results.

Legislative elections on November 12 last year saw the ruling party win 92 percent of the vote, a result condemned as fraudulent by dissidents.

The Citizens for Innovation (CI) opposition group on Wednesday strongly denied it had played any part in the attempted coup.
Airlines recorded zero accident deaths in commercial passenger jets last year, according to a Dutch consulting firm and an aviation safety group that tracks crashes, making 2017 the safest year on record for commercial air travel.

Dutch aviation consulting firm To70 and the Aviation Safety Network both reported there were no commercial passenger jet fatalities in 2017. 2017 was the safest year for aviation ever, said Adrian Young of To70.

To70 estimated that the fatal accident rate for large commercial passenger flights is 0.06 per million flights, or one fatal accident for every 16 million flights.

The Aviation Safety Network also reported there were no commercial passenger jet deaths in 2017, but 10 fatal airliner accidents resulting in 44 fatalities onboard and 35 persons on the ground, including cargo planes and commercial passenger turbo prop aircraft.

That figure includes 12 people killed on Dec. 31 when a Nature Air Cessna 208B Grand Caravan aircraft crashed minutes after takeoff into a mountainous area off the beach town of Punta Islita, Costa Rica.

In comparison, there were 16 accidents and 303 deaths in 2016 among airliners.

The deadliest incident last year occurred in January when a Turkish cargo jet smashed into a village in Kyrgyzstan as it tried to land at a nearby airport in dense fog, killing 35 on the ground and all four onboard.

The Aviation Safety Network said 2017 was the safest year ever, both by the number of fatal accidents as well as in terms of fatalities.

Over the last two decades aviation deaths around the world have been steadily falling. As recently as 2005, there were 1,015 deaths aboard commercial passenger flights worldwide, the Aviation Safety Network said.

The United States last recorded a fatal airline passenger jet crash in February 2009, when Colgan Air Flight 3407 crashed short of the runway in Clarence Center, New York, killing 49 onboard and one person on the ground.

In 2016, 412 people were killed in the United States in aviation accidents - nearly all in general aviation accidents and none on commercial passenger airlines.

The last fatal passenger jet airliner accident worldwide took place in November 2016 near Medellin, Colombia and the last commercial passenger aircraft crash to kill more than 100 people occurred in October 2015 in Egypt.
The Author

04.01.2018 LISTEN

A way in the wilderness

Yes, something brand-new and well-packaged is coming to you! Do you not perceive it? See it coming! God is saying that He will make a way for you in this wilderness. He said that what is coming can not in any way be compared with what you have known or what He has done in the past. Now, a wilderness is an undesirable, waste, desolate place. A place that is not habitable. And such places are naturally inhabited by wild animals and usually avoided by humans. Yes, wilderness experience is always a prolonged, unproductive, scorching, difficult, uncomfortable experience. It is always a hard time to understand what is going on in and around your life. Nobody enjoys the wilderness experience. True. Now, are you in such situation?

God says to you that He is making a way for you! You will see a solution miraculously appearing to you. It will happen supernaturally and suddenly; just like a dream. You know, naturally it is not easy to make a road through such tough terrain like the wilderness because it is usually a vast, unfriendly, dangerous and desolate environment. But God is saying to you today that He will make it possible. Praise God! That thing that has taking long and looks so insurmountable like the wilderness will give way! Just get ready!

The Israelites also went through the wilderness as they were coming out of Egypt heading to the Promised Land. It was very difficult and they met a lot of impossible situations on the way, but God was always there to deliver them. And the same God will deliver you also. Remember as they hurried out of Egypt that night, being led towards the wilderness, the first major obstacle they met was how to cross the Red Sea. They sure needed a very powerful creative miracle there or they will perish. They were indeed in a very impossible, desperate situation and showed this in the way they attacked Moses. They were afraid, confused and had already ruled out the possibility of their survival. Just listen to what they told Moses, Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Werent there enough graves for us in Egypt? Why did you make us leave? Didnt we tell you to leave us alone while we were still in Egypt? Our Egyptian slavery was far better than dying out here in the wilderness! My God! They totally lost hope and faith!

Jesus! Did you read that? Questions, confusion, regrets, blame, doubts, complaint, frustration, anger and faithlessness put together. And these are exactly what you naturally manifest during wilderness experience. Maybe you are going through all or some of these now, please listen, dont allow anything to becloud you of Gods presence with you. Yes, they were in a terrible situation; the Egyptians rushing toward them, the Red Sea before them and the valleys by their side, but Gods presence manifested by the pillars of fire and cloud over them. But unfortunately they didnt look up. They forgot that. Well as Moses stretched his staff over the water, a path was instantly, supernaturally created through it and the Israelite walked through. And Pharaoh and all his army tried to follow suit but were buried at the sea as our Navy will like to put it. I see God doing the same for you. I see a path opening for you to go through and your pharaoh being buried forever in Jesus Name! We will continue. Happy New Year! God bless!

Rev. Gabriel Agbo is the author the books Power of Midnight Prayer, Power of Sacrifice, Breaking Generational Curses: Claiming Your Freedom, Sex Toys: Good or Evil?, and many others. Website: www.authorsden.com/pastorgabrielnagbo Tel: 08037113283 E-mail: [email protected]
The first newborn baby delivered at 01:24 hours on New Year Day, by Midwives at the Upper East Regional Hospital in Bolgatanga turned out to be a girl.

By 08:30 hours on January 1, five babies had been born at the Hospital, two females, and three males, when the Ghana News Agency (GNA) visited the Hospital and by the end of the day a total of ten deliveries, including a stillbirth had been recorded.

Out of the ten deliveries, three were female and seven male.

Speaking to the GNA on Tuesday, Miss Esther Oppong, a Senior Staff Midwife at the Maternity Unit, said some of the deliveries came with complications but were well managed accordingly.

Miss Oppong said one of the babies, delivered via Caesarean Section, suffered a condition known as birth asphyxia and was being managed at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Madam Faustina Adongo, mother of the first baby delivered, told the GNA that she initially felt pain during the delivery, but quickly recovered afterward.

She expressed gratitude and joy to God for a safe delivery on a New Year Day and was grateful to the midwives for the care they gave her and the rest of the clients on the ward.

The Unit averagely records ten to fifteen deliveries per day.
My interest in medicine officially began when I was about ten years, although I had already developed a feel for the language and protocols of healing from watching my father, writes Dr. Kofi Boahene (Boahene, xi) in his recently released spellbinding memoir However Far the Stream Flows.

Dr. Boahene, a recipient of the prestigious Jack R. Anderson Prize for Scholastic Excellence (2005) in recognition of attaining the highest score nationally on the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery certification exam (see the website of Johns Hopkins University; Boahene, p. 201) is a widely respected and influential Ghanaian-born American Associate Professor of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck, at Johns Hopkins.

Johns Hopkins is also the academic and research home of world-famous neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Caron, as well as of one of the most influential and competitive research pioneers of Baby Blue Syndrome, Vivien Thomas, all of whose wide-ranging corpus of topical publications and writings in the public domain this reviewer has closely and passionately devoured with characteristic humility under a welcoming umbrella of determined, unruffled and effortless curiosity.

Thomas autobiography Partners of the Heart is a must-read while the film Something the Lord Made, based on his struggles and achievements (McCabe, 2007), is a must-see. Dr. Boahene is equally correct to note that Thomas had a gift for the work and a brilliant mind for research (Boahene, p. 199).

Moreover, like Drs. Carsons enthralling Gifted Hands and Asantes As I run Toward Africa, Dr. Boahenes However Far the Stream Flows is certainly bound to impact human psychology in many important, unexpected waysand to add to the rich panorama of inspiring libraries of influential memoirs, as it captures the limitless gamut of the highly charged emotional rhythm of complex odysseys circumscribed by the dashing whirlwind of personal challenges, otherwise expressly descriptive of the sheer will of the human spirit to succeed in life in the face of the unrelenting odds of manufacturedmostly anthropogeniccircumstances, and of unforeseen encumbrances.

And yet, perhaps, some of the most indispensable and impressive highlights of Dr. Boahenes meandering journey in the underground chambers of life are not unique to the daring character of his globetrotting experience, interestingly given also that his kind of bold yet characteristically simplistic storytelling is denied the intrusive shine of grudging affectation, prideful bravado, and intellectual awkwardness. Im hardly unique in this, he writes (Boahene, p. 22). Not many successful and celebrated academics and scientists can come across as naively candid and truthful as Dr. Boahene.

This is because he is a master of weaving the basket of his personal odyssey in such a way as to keep his niche audience, like this reviewer, irreversibly tethered to an awe-inspiring parallax of rapt admirationif not in sheer delight of uninterrupted intellectual fixture. Dr. Boahene is indeed the Pele, the Maradona, or the Muhammed Ali of storytelling, a statement not meant to patronize his writing dexterity per se, although he no doubt possesses an admirable, even profound pedigree, of writing style and high caliber diction pleasant to the reading eye, for he deserves an enviable place in the pantheon of great African writers.

Still, some of us have more complex immigrant stories to tell the world than anything our inquiring tentacles picked up from the edgy pages of However Far the Stream Flows, a story we hope to tell someday.

Perhaps the most important question anybody might want to ask is, How did Dr. Boahene manage to climb to the very pinnacle of enviable scientific and academic accomplishments from the humble depths of his roots, in spite of the many intertwined encumbrances and unnerving impediments positioned along his path to his dreamed designation of self-actualizationby the invisible hand of nature and destiny?

Of course, this is not a thoughtful question he answers within an emotive gridlock of sweeping bulkiness in situ. Rather, it is the kind of curious inquiry he painstakingly confronts as part of his signature narrativewhich he carefully and intermittently weaves into the interrelated fabric of his otherwise sublime narrative infrastructure throughout the full plastic gamut of his edifying memoir.

THE MAKING OF A WORLD-CLASS SURGEON AND SCIENTIST

A conducive learning environ, disciplined and doting parents, a healthy non-ephebiphobic culture of primal curiosity and openness, a highly completive preparatory and secondary education, a strong sense of situational circumspection, studiousness, tactical flight from negative peer pressure, industry, self-awareness, an enforced domestic culture of chastity, and a reading culture greeted Dr. Boahenes developmental psychologya process clearly defined by the humble roots of his formative social ecosphere which, itself, is meticulously shaped by and concretized through the complex functional analysis of his natural inquisitiveness and focused studiousness. He confirms our close reading and grasp of this aspect of his formative upbringing when he wrote (Boahene, p. 70):

My choices were informed by the way my parents raised mewith an unwavering faith in God that a path had been designed for me and if I stayed on it, I would succeed in my goals. That path did include breaking rules (our emphasis).

However, unlike others who are strongly opposed to a supreme deity as the shaper and mover of the fortunes and misfortunes of mortals, we will not in any way dismiss out of hand his abidingor absolute faithin the directional oversight of God as the sole driving force behind his cornucopia of scientific accomplishments as we all have what drives us to aspire to heights of personal success, much as we have already done in the special cases of scientist and geneticist Francis Collins, of neurosurgeon Ben Carson, and arguably of one of Africas and the worlds most complex men of letters, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, a writer most of whose collections of difficult writings we have devoured with relative ease of comprehension. Granted, expecting others to respect our personal choices and preferences is as important as respecting Dr. Boahenes personal beliefs merely for its own sake. Listen to him again in his words (Boahene, p. 22):

Ghanaian parents who aspire for their children to become professionals are partial to medicine or law since those are the most respected and accessible. My parents began to lobby me when I was about five or six, but I resisted the idea for a long time because I found the sight of blood so unnerving.

A voracious reader, I often spent hours leafing through a set of encyclopedias that my father had bought me for a birthday. In spite of my fear of blood, when I read the entry for The Mayo Clinic I was so inspired that the next day I told my friends I would work there when I was grown up.

As a child growing up therefore, Dr. Boahene assumed the healthy tensions between his parents expectations for him and his own innate fears and preferences, his neonate psychoanalytic expectations. Growing up in Ghana has been a great blessing and I wouldnt trade it for all the advantages in the world. Like the stream that never forgets its source, my cultural experiences have been and continue to be a constant source of inspiration, he reminisces nostalgically (Boahene, p. 204).

In other words those covariates of interacting social and cultural forces are behind the optimal eventuation of the highly competitive, formulaic academic person of Dr. Boahene. He paraphrases, for instance, an advice his father once gave him growing up (Boahene, p. 210): If I worked hard and took good care of people, I believed the good name would follow Elsewhere he acknowledges himself being (Boahene, p. 42) an aspiring African raised in a generally optimistic society, while also acknowledging the profound influence of his mother on his character development (Boahene, p. 139).

Great minds are usually products of incubating experiential paradoxes and damning challenges which are more often than not capable of resuscitating the latent resources and forces of competitive inventiveness, and of reorienting those buried crude talents towards the advancing compass of personal refinement and growth, of social progress and humanism, including the landscape of human civilization itself, and certainly the academic person of Dr. Boahene is no exception in this progressive grand schemata of intellectual explosion, a personable academic and astute intellectual who is also an embodiment of ingenuity. He writes in this regard (Boahene, p. 194-195):

What I am most proud of are some of the innovative procedures I have been able to pioneer and others I have refined that go beyond the face and inside the cranium. These often involve removing tumors and fixing other medical conditions that would otherwise lead to blindness or an early death.

It is very fulfilling when I can rewire a face that has lost the ability to smile or restore facial expression in a child born with undeveloped facial nerves.

SOME CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES

Dr. Boahene is indeed a beautiful mind, like Toni Morrison and Vivien Thomas and Drs. Ama Mazama, Molefi Kete Asante, Ben Carson, Cheikh Anta Diop, Kofi Kissi Dompere, Victor Lawrence, W.E.B. Du Bois, Yaw Nyarko, Francis Allotey, and Theophile Obengato name but a few, all of whomand many morewe have profiled for our international readers. Each of these men and women was and still is variously shaped by the challenging cultural, political, moral, social, and economic paradoxes of the times contemporaneous with his/her unique evolving intellectual topography, and also by the variegated environments they grew up in, and which their invigorating intellectual contributions, in turn, have impacted upon, thereby enriching the bounded totality of the human experience and of improving certain crucial aspects of the human condition.

Thus no defining typology of the human mind evolves in an exclusive topological cauldron of absolute nothingness seen across the general contours of the natural evolution of human consciousness because, in theory, it is our expectation that it subsists on a primordial innatist ontology, which, if we could hazard a guess, we will say makes for the defining intrinsic charactorology of individual and social idiosyncrasies. There is, however, no doubt in our minds that this lukewarm attempt on our part at a unified theory of psychologizing the intricate and not-so-determinate character of mental idiosyncrasies may have been pushed beyond the pale of solidified conceptual conglutination, for lack of a better expression. This is understandable to an extent.

That is to say, regardless of the foregoing, the relativized evolutionary mapping of the human mind to the environment shapes the defining charactology of the environment and is itself, in turn, shaped by the mischievous vicissitudes and calculating playfulness of the environment. Therefore in a more radical sense we shall posit that the human mind, the environment, and reified consciousness exist in a seamless continuum of syllogistic antagonism, even of the high rank of syllogistic symmetry, rather on account of the strange phenomenological miscegenation between the capable reach of existential inquiry and the seeming elastic finiteness of human cognition.

Perhaps no one individual exemplifies this powerful phenomenological language of complex existential mentation than the academic person of the polyglot Dr. Boahene. The sophisticated, exotic languageand dashing, natural flairof his riveting storytelling aptitude speaks to this ennobling phenomenology of bounteous, competitive inventiveness in relation to the captivating peculiarity of psychological resourcefulness.

This somehow makes it possible to visualize, conceptualize, or zoom in on a dataset of profound thinkers who are linked together in an embracing familiarity of critical thinking, of course of the kind duly and strongly underpinned by a spatial sciography of rigorous scientific training. For instance, we can recognize a useful conflation between Drs. Boahene and Carson in the form of the formers cross-facial graft (Boahene, p. 222) and the latters plasticity (Carson, 1996).

We should also be able to see some essential facets of their overlapping work collapse into either those of neuroscientist Antonio Damasio (Damasio, 2003), or of Mexican-born American neuroscientist Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa (Quinones-Hinojosa & Rivas, 2011), a well-respected scientist and neurosurgeon with whom Dr. Boahene has collaborated in the operating room on many occasions, a key narrative fixture of his personal historiography. Regarding this important productive collaboration in the operating room, Dr. Boahene writes poignantly and forthrightly (Boahene, p. 205):

Today we increasingly use a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure in which instruments attached to a tiny camera lens are inserted through natural openingsthe nose, mouth, a small hole just above the eyebrow, or by going in through a corner of the eye socket. The goal is to do as little damage as possible to the persons appearance while getting to the site and removing the diseased tissue. My Hopkins neurosurgery colleague, Dr. Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa, and I have performed these procedures hundreds of times to remove tumors and repair brain fluid leaks (our emphasis).

Dr. Quinones-Hinojosa rose from the sinking depths of a migrant farm worker to become one of the worlds most respected, influential and celebrated neurosurgeons and scientists. Dr. Boahene has also collaborated with tissue engineers to rebuild or reconstruct faces damaged by birth defects and cancer (Boahene, p. 202).

On the other hand what is equally mindboggling is the fact that, Dr. Boahenes unexpected yet distinguished and progressive transmigration from a little inquisitive boy who could dexterously fashion a moving miniaturized or toy car from a random miscellany of metal scraps, and was to become a temporary apprentice mechanic in the US prior to entering medical school (Boahene, p. 76-77), to a celebrated world-class medical academic and scientist with a specialty in otolaryngology and a subspecialty in facial reconstructive surgeryskull base surgery (Boahene, p. 228), is a narrative worth celebrating and telling to a wide audience made up of a sea of humanity.

What Dr. Carson titularly calls gifted hands, and which Dr. Boahene otherwise refers to as a steady hand (Boahene, p. 171), has been one of the latters greatestif not pricelessassets following his veterinary training in the now-defunct Soviet Unionthe city of Krasnodar in Russia specifically. Dr. Boahene counts artistic instincts and a good eye among those priceless gifts an otolaryngology surgeon should acquire in order to become competitively successful in the field (Boahene, p.171).

Finally, Dr. Boahene attended Prempeh College (Ghana), University of Arkansas (USA), and Meharry Medical College (USA).

In Part 2, we shall look at some high-profile operations Dr. Boahene (and his teams) has performed around the world.

SPECIAL NOTE TO OUR INTERNATIONAL READERS

Readers should watch Dr. Boahenes CNN interview here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_8kt6kCnLk

REFERENCES

Asante, M.K. (2011). As I run toward Africa: a memoir. London, UK: Routledge.

Boahene, K. (2016). However far the stream flows: the making of the man who rebuilds faces. Doylestown, PA: Winans Kuenstler Publishing, LLC.

Damasio, A. (2003). Looking for Spinoza: joy, sorrow, and the feeling brain. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers.

Carson, B. (1996). Gifted hands: the Ben Carson story. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

McCabe, K. (2007). Like something the Lord has made. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonian.com/2007/10/29/like-something-the-lord-made-the-vivien-thomas-story/

Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d). Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/profiles/results/directory/profile/0020256/kofi-boahene

Quinones-Hinojosa, A., & Rivas, M.E. (2011). Becoming Dr. Q: my journey from migrant farm worker to brain surgeon. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press.
04.01.2018 LISTEN

The Head Pastor of Calvary Charismatic Church, Rev. Ransford Obeng, has advised political leaders in Ghana to be cautious and remain humble as they govern the country.

He revealed that 2018 is going to be better than 2017 but leaders of the country must not forget their God who had brought them this far.

Rev. Obeng also said being focused and avoiding the temptation to drift to some other sides would go a long way to help them govern the country in the right direction this year.

The CCC Head pastor was addressing journalists after a new year's service at the church's ultra-modern worship center.

He announced that 2018 would be prosperous for Ghana, however adding that there is the need for Ghanaians to be patient and stay focused on God as they did in 2016 leading to God giving the country its current leadership.

"The same Lord who heard their cry in 2016 knows what they need again so they should continue to seek him patiently.

...Ghanaians must understand that our hope is in the Almighty God and as we continue to seek his face every time in humility, he will never disappoint us". He noted strongly.

Rev Obeng who has been a dire critic of poorly performing leaders over the years has contributed immensely in shaping the thoughts, ideas and actions of the numerous politicians who visit the CCC occasionally, with some even becoming members.

He said if only Ghanaians would rely on God and seek him diligently in this year, the prosperity God has assured him for this year would surely be a reality.
Abidjan, Cote dIvoire, January 4, 2018  On December 15, the African Development Banks Board approved a US $30-million investment in the Facility for Energy Inclusion Off-Grid Energy Access Fund (FEI OGEF). This follows the approval of additional investments of US $10 million from Calvert Impact Capital (CIC), US $8.5 million from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and 6 million from the Nordic Development Fund (NDF). In addition, the NDF will provide a 0.5-million grant for technical assistance to support deal structuring and capacity development.

FEI OGEF is a US $100-million blended finance debt fund designed to provide loans in local and hard currencies to off-grid energy companies with the dual objectives of scaling up access to clean electricity for off-grid households and crowding in local financial institutions as co-lenders. The Fund directly supports the Banks New Deal on Energy for Africa and is part of its  High 5  priority to light up and power the continent, with an aspirational target of connecting 75 million households through off-grid energy access solutions by 2025. Through the use of clean energy instead of fossil fuels to power communities, the Fund is expected to result in the reduction of up to 8 million tonnes of CO2 emissions over its lifetime.

Over 600 million people are estimated to lack access to modern energy in Sub-Saharan Africa.

FEI OGEF is the first Bank instrument that enables debt financing, including in local currency, to off-grid energy access companies who need growth capital to expand their operations across Africa. The strong collaboration of the Bank, SEFA and NDF in preparing and creating this fund, and the co-investment by the GEF and CIC, demonstrate the power of partnerships for clean energy access in Africa, said Astrid Manroth, Director, Transformative Energy Partnerships at the African Development Bank.

The combination of these four first investments brings this innovative fund closer to its first close target to be achieved in the first quarter of 2018 and provides a strong signal to the community of interested investors. In particular, the approvals will provide comfort for dedicated private-sector investors to join FEI OGEF.

The Fund is a first mover matching local currency debt instruments with recent innovations in off-grid energy business models to scale up energy access for underserved and rural households. It provides a blended capital structure whereby investments in equity provides comfort and risk cushioning to attract early participation and additional investment by development finance institutions and other commercial investors.

During a recent visit to the Bank headquarters in Abidjan, NDFs Managing Director Pasi Hellman said, This initiative highlights the close and constructive working relationship between NDF and the AfDB. We have been in lock step throughout the preparation and development cycle of the Fund. Now we have a fully packaged investment vehicle to bring to market scaling up proven clean off-grid energy solutions to the energy access challenge on the continent.

The Fund will be managed by Lions Head Global Partners operating out of offices in Nairobi, Lagos and London, with an initial focus on East Africa as well as Cote dIvoire, Ghana and Nigeria, and looking to build a strong pipeline of transactions throughout the region. The pioneering Fund will unlock and catalyse financial sector and local currency participation in this growing green finance opportunity.

The GEF is pleased to be a partner in this innovative blended finance facility which is part of GEFs strategic priority to crowd-in private sector investment to help countries meet their environmental and sustainability goals, said Gustavo Fonseca, Director of Programs at the Global Environment Facility.

OGEF squarely fits within our investment mandate of leveraging public capital at scale to create systemic change in sectors and geographies that have been overlooked by mainstream capital markets. We are excited to work with the AfDB and the other investors to scale this facility and increase access to clean electricity for off-grid households in Africa, said Jenn Pryce, President and CEO of Calvert Impact Capital.

The Facility for Energy Inclusion (FEI) is the Banks flagship initiative for providing long-term finance to small-scale renewable energy access projects, of which FEI OGEF is one of the financing windows. FEI has been developed with grant support from the Bank-hosted Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) .

African Development Bank Group

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is Africas premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 37 African countries with an external office in Japan, the AfDB contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. www.afdb.org

Nordic Development Fund (NDF)

The Nordic Development Fund (NDF) is the joint development and climate finance institution of the five Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. NDF finances and facilitates climate investments in Africa, Asia and Latin America and has committed over EUR 45 million in co-finance to a joint portfolio of operations with the AfDB. NDF is currently partnering with the African Guarantee Fund and the International Trade Center on a series of green finance conferences around Africa. The next in the series is planned for Abidjan in March 2018. www.ndf.fi/

Global Environment Facility (GEF)

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is a multilateral donor trust fund established in 1991 to finance actions which address critical threats to the global environment. Since then, the GEF has provided over US $14.5 billion in grants and mobilized an excess of US $75.4 billion in additional co-financing for more than 4,000 projects in 167 countries. The GEF is a unique partnership of 18 agencies  including multilateral development banks (MDBs), United Nations agencies, national entities and international NGOs  working with countries to address challenging environmental issues. www.thegef.org

Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA)

Launched in 2012, SEFA is a US $95-million multi-donor facility funded by the governments of Denmark, the United Kingdom, the United States and Italy. It supports the sustainable energy agenda in Africa through grants to facilitate the preparation of medium-scale renewable energy generation and energy efficiency projects; equity investments to bridge the financing gap for small- and medium-scale renewable energy generation projects; and support to the public sector to improve the enabling environment for private investments in sustainable energy. SEFA is hosted by the Renewable Energy Department of the AfDB.

Calvert Impact Capital

Calvert Impact Capital invests to create a more equitable and sustainable world. Through our products and services, we raise capital from individual and institutional investors to finance intermediaries and funds that are investing in communities left out of traditional capital markets. During our 22-year history, we have mobilized nearly $2 billion of investor capital. https://www.calvertimpactcapital.org/
The Coalition of Nungua Youth Clubs, yesterday honored Professor Joshua Alabi with a citation, when they paid a courtesy call on the former Vice Chancellor in his residence, in Accra.

The Coalition which is an umbrella body for the leadership of the various youth clubs in Nungua thanked Prof Alabi for what they describe as an outstanding achievement and also his continuous contributions to the success of the organization and the Krowor municipality."

The certificate of congratulations they presented stated:-

"YOU ARE THE TRUE EXAMPLE OF A LEADER AND WITH THIS ACHIEVEMENT, YOU ADD ANOTHER FEATHER IN YOUR CROWN. YOU ALWAYS MAKE LIMITATIONS YOUR GOAL AND EVERY TIME IT BRINGS YOU SUCCESS. YOU MAKE WEAKNESS YOUR STRENGTH AND YOU ARE ABLE TO TRANSFORM LOSS INTO PROFITS. YOU KNOW THE STRATEGY, WHICH IS STAYING FOCUSSED. WE CONGRATULATE YOU FOR THIS ACHIEVEMENT AND KEEP GOING IN THE FUTURE".

Prof Joshua Alabi on receiving the plaque thanked the youth clubs for recognizing his efforts and contribution towards the development of Ghana and Krowor.

He encouraged them to discover their God-given talents and dutifully accomplish all tasks which they will find themselves doing. Prof Alabi said, such commitment to duty, is the cornerstone of success and therefore He expects Krowor youth to produce excellence in whichever sector of the economy they will find themselves.

He further pledged his continuous support to the development of Nungua and the youth who are committed to transformation.

The team was led by their President, Jacob Bortey Quaye, Vice President, Ernest Borkor and Secretary,Jonathan Bortey.
The United Nations said Thursday it will dispatch an envoy to Equatorial Guinea after authorities in the oil-rich country said they had thwarted a coup attempt against President Theodoro Obiang, Africa's longest-serving leader.

The West African nation was put on alert Wednesday after a senior government official announced that a putsch mounted by foreign mercenaries on December 24 had been put down.

Hours after Security Minister Mahamat Zen Cherif's televised statement, state broadcaster TGVE reported clashes with "mercenaries" near the border with Cameroon.

Government troops shot dead one "mercenary" and "used gunfire to disperse (others) in the forests along the border", it said, without specifying how many fighters were involved or how long the clashes lasted.

Chad's Foreign Minister Mahamat Zen Cherif, in a visit to Malabo Thursday, condemned the attempted coup as a "major threat" to central Africa.

"The attempt at destabilisation is not just an affair that only concerns Equatorial Guinea, it is also a major threat of destabilisation that concerns the entire sub-region of central Africa," he said in remarks reported by TVGE.

Formerly a small Spanish colony, Equatorial Guinea has become one of sub-Sahara's biggest oil producers but a large proportion of its 1.2 million population lives in poverty.

Obiang, 75, who seized power in 1979, has faced a string of coup attempts during nearly four decades in office.

Critics accuse him of brutal repression of opponents, electoral fraud and corruption.

Dozens of Chadians held

A UN spokesman said that the organisation's envoy for West Africa, Francois Louceny Fall, will travel to Malabo for talks next week.

The spokesman said that while "little information" had emerged over last month's alleged coup attempt, "we condemn all attempts to seize power unconstitutionally" in the country.

Cherif, who was cited by state media after he spoke with Obiang on Wednesday, called for an inquiry and said he would travel on to Cameroon for talks with leaders there.

According to Malabo's security minister, the mercenaries were Chadian, Sudanese and Central African Republic nationals, as citizens of the Central African Republic are called, and were recruited by Equatorial Guinean militants from certain radical opposition parties with the support of certain powers."

The attempted infiltration had been repelled with the help of the Cameroon security services, according to the authorities.

Map of Equatorial Guinea, locating Ebibeyin, one of the towns where officials say they thwarted a coup bid against President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, Africa's longest-serving leader.

Sources told AFP that the country's ambassador to Chad, Enrique Nsue Anguesom, who was on holiday in Equatorial Guinea's Ebibeyin district, had been arrested and was being held in a military camp.

Cameroon says that on December 27 it arrested 38 heavily armed men on its border with Equatorial Guinea, which consists of mostly dense forest territory on the African mainland and an offshore island where the capital lies.

Cameroonian security sources on Thursday said those arrested included an ex-general in the Chadian army, Mahamat Kodo Bani, who was once a senior officer in the presidential guard.

He is being held in Yaounde, the Cameroonian capital, they said.

In Gabon, which also borders Equatorial Guinea, a senior government official said "security measures" had been taken on the border.

Chad's ambassador to Malabo, Paul Nahari Nguaryanan, told AFP that more than 65 Chadian merchants had been detained in recent days, though a foreign ministry source said some had been released.

Opacity

Facebook, Whatsapp and VPNs in Equatorial Guinea have been blocked. "There is a real lack of transparency on what's really going on," a diplomat in the region said.

Obiang took power in a coup on August 3, 1979, ousting his own uncle, Francisco Macias Nguema, who was shot by firing squad.

He was re-elected to a fifth seven-year term in 2016, gaining more than 90 percent of the vote according to the official results.

Legislative elections on November 12 last year saw the ruling party win 92 percent of the vote, a result condemned as fraudulent by dissidents.

The Citizens for Innovation (CI) opposition group on Wednesday strongly denied it had played any part in the attempted coup.
Africa Youth Awards, the continents most coveted awards for young people have announced the winners of its 2017 awards, which engaged over 140 shortlisted nominees, and received another record voting participation from over 145 countries across the globe.

Nominees spanned across 23 categories and included: 51 females, 73 Males and 17 organisations from 25 countries in Africa and the Diaspora.

Notably voted as the African Youths of the Year are: Farida Nabourema: Togolese Political Activist, Author & Executive Director of The Togolese Civil league and Kwame A.A Opoku: Futurist, Ghanaian Business Speaker, Serial Entrepreneur & Founder of Idea Factory Africa.

Kwame A.A Opoku is a Futurist, Global Business Keynote Speaker, Tedx Speaker, Brand Architect, Serial Entrepreneur and a Social Media/Digital Marketer.

As an entrepreneur, he is CEO of Mary & Mary Global partners, a leading communications marketing and PR firm with a bank of super creative and talented minds connecting, informing and creating inspiring work, he is also the Co-Founder and Lead Curator of WE FESTIVAL AFRICA a unique platform dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs who are in the trenches of building their business.

He is one of the most recognised voices on the Continent in the Area of Exponential technologies and has since founded Future of Business Africa (FOBA). FOBA GLOBAL is an independent non-profit futuristic business think tank using exponential technologies to tackle Africas biggest challenges and creating the future today.

HE is also the Founding President of Institute of Future Learning and Innovations, a collaborative learning platform and educational institute focused on raising the next crop of exponential thinkers and innovators. HE is an itinerary speaker on the subject of AI, Robotics, Space Economy, Nano Technology, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Optogenetics etc.

He is the Co-Founder of Idea Factory Africa, a global African Community and a Social Enterprise, welcoming young people from every discipline and culture who seek to influence the world through NOVEL IDEAS.

Kwame is a dynamic millennial who brings international experience to driving transformation and youth empowerment in Africa. In the year 2017 alone he made a record 69 Speaking presentations across 6 Countries in 3 Continents. He also made appearances on Global Stages such as Tedx, Africa Business Day, Live 2 Lead, United Nations Day and the Ghana Youth Summit. He has also shared stage with Globally Recognized Leaders and speakers such as John C Maxwell, H.E Samira Bawumia, Lucy Quist, Uche Ofodile, Keturah King and a host of others. He also won the most coveted AFRICA YOUTH OF THE YEAR at the African Youth Awards, 2017 crowning him the most impactful and hardworking youth on the continent.

He is currently the Vice Chair, West Africa for the Young CEOs Business Forum, one of the Worlds leading Organizations, he is head of all YCBF related projects within the West African region, making Him Head of Operations in 16 Countries..

Sharing insights about the award, Prince Akpah: co-founder and President mentioned the overwhelming support Africans from all over the world gave to make the 4th edition of the Africa Youth Awards a success.

He also encouraged both winners and nominees to continue being the light and hope for the continent as they inspire the next generation of young achievers and help create the Mighty Africa we all hope for.

Below is the Full List of Winners

African Youth of the Year (Female) - Farida Nabourema (Togo)

African Youth of the Year (Male) - Kwame Antwi-Agyei Opoku  Idea Factory Africa (Ghana)

Award for Academics - Ngozi Marion Emmanuel - Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State (Nigeria)

Advocate of the Year - Farida Nabourema (Togo)

Award for Agriculture - Nathalie Kpante Gambah - Choco Togo (Togo)

Award for Diaspora Achievements - Yvonne Amponsah - Cummins UK Ltd (United Kingdom)

Award for Education- Gabriel Tekpetey - Litac Africa (Ghana)

Award for Technology- Camidus (Cameroon)

Award Youth Empowerment - Rose Aggrey Mmbaga - Raleigh International (Tanzania)

Blogger of the Year - Elorm Beenie - Beeniewords.Com (Ghana)

Discovery of the Year - Nadia Owusu - Saving the Arts in Africa (Ghana)

Entrepreneur of the Year - Sangu Julius Delle - Golden Palm Investments (Ghana)

Fashion Personality of the Year - Maajoa Asabea Yeboah - Asabea Ayisi (Ghana)

Health Personality of the Year - Benson Owusu - Quik Medical Consult (Ghana)

Leader of the Year - Raphael Obonyo - UN Habitat Youth Advisory Board (Kenya)

Literary Excellence - Dr. Samuel Tinagyei - Mandate Book Clubs and Street Libraries (Ghana)

Media Personality of the Year - Ngwane Hansel Masango - Hansel-Media Cameroon (Cameroon)

Musician of the Year - Hanane El Khader (Morocco)

Public Servant of the Year - Meshack Omega Omido - Government of Kenya (Kenya)

Social Enterprise of the Year - Kente Master - (Ghana)

Social Entrepreneur of the Year - Pinkrah Kwaku Kingsley - Community and Entrepreneurial Development Initiative (Ghana)

Special Recognition Award- Roselyne Nyakona - Healthcare Rescue Centre (Kenya)

Startup of the Year - The Wealth Project Holdings (Ghana)

This years award was supported by Avance Media, My Naija Naira, Dream Ambassadors Foundation, College in Ghana, African Youth Commision, WatsUp TV, All for Development, The YCEO, Gabriel Musa and iLead Africa.
Smiths Falls, Ontario  population 8,885  is seeing a revival of fortunes since medical marijuana producer Tweed Inc. set up shop over 4 years ago in an abandoned Hershey Co. chocolate factory. The company, since renamed Canopy Growth Corp., has become the worlds largest publicly traded cannabis producer and is the towns largest private-sector employer.Were recognized as the pot capital of Canada  and were proud of that, Mayor Shawn Pankow said in an interview with Bloomberg. The local economy is certainly far better today than it was before Tweed came to town.Smiths Falls is on the rebound, with more younger people relocating to this town 75 kilometres southwest of the capital in Ottawa. Theres renewed interest in commercial property, new businesses are arriving, and theres even the odd bidding war on homes.Were seeing positive impacts really across the economy, said Pankow, 52, who also runs a financial advisory firm. People are recognizing that Smiths Falls is a community thats on the upswing.Read more: Commentary: Legal implications of cannabis in Canadian commercial real estate Canopy has since become one of the darlings of the Canadas benchmark stock exchange. Its the S&P/TSX Composite Indexs best performer in 2017, with pot stocks surging ahead of legalization.Tweed took over a former Hershey factory with ambitious plans to grow medical marijuana. Today, the firm has 360 employees  a well-educated workforce that runs the administration, research, growing operations, packaging, and shipping from the facility that still has signage and other remnants of its chocolate past. Construction crews hammer away on the next expansion. The parking lot is packed.Smiths Falls welcomed us and we appreciated that, said Chief Executive Officer Bruce Linton, who says hes tapping local labor, suppliers and businesses as much as possible as the business gears up for the legalization of marijuana in Canada next summer. The effect is the town becomes more desirable, and as it becomes more desirable my ability to recruit people who are senior or worldly increases.Its a stark contrast from a decade ago, when Smiths Falls faced an industry exodus with the shutdown of a Stanley Tools Manufacturing facility and a shuttering of the Hershey plant. That followed months later by the closure of the Rideau Regional Centre for the developmentally disabled. The closures affected more than 1,500 people  one-fifth the population at the time.Smiths Falls has faced ebbs and flows of industry throughout its history, stemming back about 190 years when crews came to build the Rideau Canal connecting Ottawa with Kingston. Decades later, the Canadian Pacific Railway arrived to provide a rail connection to the outside world, helping support commerce.Its a town that constantly reinvents itself, according to Leisa Purdonbell, who oversees the historical collections in the basement of an 1860s-era house that doubles as a museum. Businesses have come and gone.
I have not taken money from ...
Washington, DC  Californias decision to legalize marijuana for recreational use just became a bit more complicated.

US Attorney General Jeff Sessions put out a memo this morning directing all United States attorneys to reverse an earlier 2013 Obama administration directive that had discouraged the federal government from prosecuting marijuana crimes in states that have decided to legalize the drug.

Sessions says, It is the mission of the Department of Justice to enforce the laws of the United States, and the previous issuance of guidance undermines the rule of law and the ability of our local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement partners to carry out this mission.

He further clarifies, Todays memo on federal marijuana enforcement simply directs all U.S. Attorneys to use previously established prosecutorial principles that provide them all the necessary tools to disrupt criminal organizations, tackle the growing drug crisis, and thwart violent crime across our country.

The Associated Press reports that the move creates the possibility for federal prosecutors to crackdown on the legal pot industry, in places like California, but how it will play out remains unknown.

Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom, who is currently serving as acting Governor while Jerry Brown is away on vacation, says the state will pursue all legal and legislative options to protect its rules regarding marijuana. He calls it a cynical war against California.

You can read the memo from Sessions by clicking here.
Government is exerting pressure on Kenyan authorities to silence self-exiled former Higher Education minister Jonathan Moyo who is throwing tantrums at President Emmerson Mnangagwas administration using microblogging site, Twitter.

The sharp-tongued politician has been a pain in the backside for Mnangagwas government ever since he skipped the country last November to escape being apprehended by the army.

This was after the military stormed out of the barracks last November to deal with criminals around former president Robert Mugabe, who ended up resigning to stymie an impeachment motion that had been set off in Parliament.

Among the criminals, Moyo had the biggest prize on his head.

He is currently under investigation for allegedly siphoning over $400 000 from the Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (Zimdef).

Even though he has found refuge among his in-laws in Kenya, Moyo has continued to put his social media skills to use by insulting Mnangagwas administration through ferocious tweets.

The Daily News can, however, report that government functionaries are now leaning heavily on Kenyan authorities to rein in the former Higher Education minister seen as the brains behind Mugabe and his pesky wife, Graces shenanigans.

Contacted for comment on Tuesday, Mnangagwas spokesperson George Charamba professed ignorance over the matter, saying it was quite possible that the action could have been taken by the security ministries without his knowledge.

When it comes to security matters it is not about us; the ministry of Home Affairs would probably know so you can get help from there, Charamba said.

Home Affairs minister Obert Mpofu referred questions to national police spokesperson Charity Charamba, saying this is an operational issue.

The national police spokesperson did not return calls to her mobile.

Zimbabwe and Kenya enjoy good bilateral relations and it is on the basis of these cordial ties that Harare is hoping to convince Nairobi to muzzle the former Zanu PF propagandist, whose tweets are making headlines in the private media.

Sources said there are fears that Moyo could violate the Official Secrets Act by disclosing sensitive information he may have accessed during his time in government if allowed to continue spitting venom while hold up in Kenya, which may provide fodder to the opposition.

Mnangagwa, whose name will appear on the ballot as Zanu PFs presidential candidate for the first time in his political career spanning over six decades, is desperate to win the elections to be held before the end of July to prove to critics that he is a viable candidate.

It is being argued by the Zimbabwean authorities that their counterparts should not allow Moyo to undermine a sister liberation war movement without consequence.

Harare is impressing on its counterparts that there are Kenyan immigrants in Zimbabwe whom it is now allowing to voice their dislike for Uhuru Kenyattas government because of the camaraderie between them.

Moyo is one of the few allies of Mugabe who are still defending the fallen dictator.

Soon after Mugabes ouster, Moyo wrote in November last year that, the presumption that an old violent & looting dog can practice new tricks is nothing but a fallacy.

He continued: Once a 1980s military Gukurahundist, always a Gukurahundist& once a Chiadzwa diamond looter, always a looter!#GenerationalRenewal.

In one of his tweets, he narrated how he was raided during the crack of dawn by security forces as they went for criminals around Mugabe.

What would you do if you & your family survived a 2am-15 minute ZDF attack on your house with 7 children one of them 12 years old, by 25 SAS snipers with semi-automatic weapons; randomly firing tracer bullets & stun grenades? Is this the New Justice? New Dawn? New Era? New Zim? Moyo asked.

He also attacked the then Zimbabwe Defence Forces commander Constantino Chiwenga saying the tragedy of the gun in Zim is that its controlled by the same 1980s Gukurahundists whove committed atrocities before and gotten away with it; and who are thus prone to repeat the atrocities ad infinitum unless & until the people take control of the gun! #GenerationalRenewal.

Since then Moyo has not relented churning out a series of tweets slamming Mnangagwa and his government at every turn.

Mnangagwa is often accused of being behind the murder of over 20000 civilians in Matabeleland and Midlands provinces in the mid-1980s when he was Security minister.

In his latest tweet on New Years eve, Moyo shot from the hip.

He wrote: on this last day of December, the month Gukurahundi is recalled in Zim, and also the last day of a year in which gukurahundists have once again reared their ugly heads through a military coup, think of this Bill in 2018!

He was apparently referring to a Bill he pushed in the National Assembly when he was independent Member of Parliament for Tsholotsho in 2007.

The Bill sought to establish a Gukurahundi National Memorial Board to promote lasting national cohesion, unity, truth, justice, reconciliation, stability, conflict prevention and the healing of the emotive and divisive wounds along with the suffering dating back to what has become known as the Gukurahundi atrocities 

If you have issues with your father & the Devil kills him; says he did it for you & will care for you better. Would you hail the devil as a hero & your fathers murder as a New Era? reads one of his latest tweets.

Vanoreva Nhema (They are liars) Down with Entitlement. Its a New Year, not a New Era.

Towards the end of last year, government sent on forced leave Zimdefs top executives to pave way for a forensic audit to be facilitated by the Auditor-General.

The audit is likely to provide ammunition to those who are hotly in pursuit of Moyo to bring him back to Zimbabwe so he could have his day in court.

The central bank has already ordered banks to freeze accounts belonging to him and former Local Government minister Saviour Kasukuwere to enable government to look into their finances.

Moyo, former Local Government minister Saviour Kasukuwere and ex-Public Service minister, Patrick Zhuwao are linked to the Generation 40 faction of the ruling party, which wanted former first lady Grace Mugabe to succeed her 93-year-old husband, Robert Mugabe, whose government was toppled in a military coup.

 Daily News

Breaking News via Email
By Lambert Strether of Corrente.

Readers, once again Im late coming to Water Cooler, this time [cough] because of writing the post on [cough] marijuana that you are about to see. Today, however, the complete Water Cooler will not be nearly so truncated, when I get to it. In the meantime, talk amongst yourselves! lambert UPDATE 4:24 More, more, more!

How are your pipes doing? How about the roof? Or is all this talk of bombogenesis yet more fear-mongering? (Bangor is said to be getting eighteen inches; thats practically a light dusting. So whats the hysteria about?)

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Politics

2020

Clinton Hits Record Low In Poll With 61 Percent Unpopularity [Jonathon Turley]. Clintons low favorability ratings were previously at 38% in late August/early September 2016 during the presidential campaign. Notably this really did not move from April 1992 when she also registered a 38% favorable rating. What is different is not just the dip of popularity but the significant increase in unpopular figures. Socialist Bernie Sanders Wears a $700 Jacket While Complaining About Rich People [Newsweek]. Senator Bernie Sanders sported a $700 coat on Monday during New York City Mayor Bill de Blasios swearing-in ceremony. The socialist was cozy and warm in a $690 Burton 2L LZ down jacket as de Blasio was assuming office for the second time in a row during the frigid temperatures at City Hall. Sanders, 76, joked, saying of the weather, By Vermont standards this is a warm and pleasant afternoon.' My L.L. Bean parka cost $400, and though its excellent, I wouldnt want to be sitting for an hour in the cold wearing it, as Sanders did. $700 is perfectly reasonable for a good winter coat. I mean, its not like a parka is a fashion item, right? But wow. They hate Sanders. They really, really hate him.

2018

On Tuesday, now-former Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) officially resigned from the U.S. Senate following allegations of inappropriate behavior toward women. As we discussed in our last newsletter for 2017, Frankens resignation means that Minnesota will hold a special election for Senate this coming November, which will take place at the same time as the regular election for the states other Senate seat (a double-barrel election). Frankens exit paved the way for Gov. Mark Dayton (D) to officially appoint now-Sen. Tina Smith (D), previously Minnesotas lieutenant governor [Larry Sabatos Crystal Ball]. With an overall success rate of just above 50%, the history of appointed incumbents shows that Smiths certainty of holding her seat is far from a sure thing. Placing Smiths position in context, we only rate her chances as Leans Democratic to start with. She may be aided by the presence of her popular colleague, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D), on the ballot as well as what may be a positive national Democratic environment. However, Smith has not run for office on her own before  she was elected lieutenant governor as a part of Daytons 2014 ticket  making her an unproven choice in that respect. Its also possible that the Minnesota GOP will pick a strong nominee  a favorite rumored choice is former Gov. Tim Pawlenty  who can make the race competitive. Utah Senate: Hatch Retirement Makes Seat Safer [Cook Political Report]. Republican U.S. Orrin Hatch announced today that he will not seek a seventh term in November, creating a third open seat for Republicans. It is widely expected that 2012 GOP presidential nominee and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney will seek the GOP nomination. Romney, who directed the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, remains popular in the state and would be a heavy favorite in the general election. In that respect, Romney would probably put this seat more firmly in Republicans grasp than Hatch, who might have drawn a competitive primary challenge. Its Not Just Romney: Hatch Retirement Could Lead to Decisions for Grassley, Crapo [Roll Call]. Hatch was one of the lead authors of the Childrens Health Insurance Program, along with Democratic Sen. Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts, and its stalled reauthorization is poised to be a key priority for Hatch in his final year as a senator. That would be nice. Somehow, Senate Dems united as election year begins [McClatchy]. In retrospect, the Berniecrats should have occupied the DNC offices after Ellisons defenestration; that would have brought about unity, just by a different route.

2017

And the winner is Republican wins after name drawn from a bowl in Virginia House race [USA Today]. However: At this moment I am not conceding, a solemn [Democratic challenger Shelly Simonds] said after the drawing. I am reflecting on a very interesting campaign and a very hard-fought campaign.' Sortition isnt so bad. Say, why dont we pick all our candidates by lot? Could we do worse? Which 2020 Democrat Won 2017? [Politico]. The candidate who best fortified his position as the public face of the Democratic Party is unquestionably Sen. Bernie Sanders. How much more airtime does he get than everyone else in pack? Consider this stat: Bernie was a guest on the Sunday morning talk shows for a whopping 21 out of 52 weeks this year. No other potential candidate appeared more than four times Still, by no means has Bernie locked down the nomination, or even consolidated the left. His attempts to prioritize economic populism have caused friction with activists concerned about racial equality and reproductive freedom. The only prospective candidate who aggressively elevated her position in the invisible primary was Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, thanks to her seizing of the sexual misconduct issue. If you like horse-race posts, this is a good one. Oh, I forgot  by which I mean repressed  Biden. Herewith: Much of the activist left sees Biden as a relic and a joke, unfit for the populist times, still yapping about bipartisanship and the Trans-Pacific Partnership. But in that moment [of consoling] Meghan McCain, Biden showed what he does that few in politics can: comfort and connect so effortlessly that you dont even realize or care that hes still talking politics . He will not be put out to pasture so easily. Oh, please. Stop. Just stop.

Trump Transition

Now that tax cuts  the one cause that animates all Republicans  are in the statute books, Mitch McConnell will be dealing with the reality that a 51-49 Senate majority can be as fragile as a snowflake. Especially when two retiring Republican senators (Jeff Flake and Bob Corker) make no secret of loathing Donald Trump. And two other GOP senators (John McCain and Thad Cochran) are in fragile health. Pretty soon Mike Pence wont be able to leave Massachusetts Avenue for fear that his vote will be needed to break a Senate tie [Walter Shapiro, Roll Call]. When it comes to anything with a whiff of controversy, like the debt-ceiling vote, Paul Ryans current 26-seat majority is as secure as a bitcoin investment. Whether the threats come from the right-wing Freedom Caucus or northeastern moderates panicked about the 2018 elections, Ryan will be as worried about defections as the North Korean border patrol. So the Democrats have some strength in the upcoming budget negotiations. In such negotiations, the Democrats mantra should be: Human beings are more important than money or symbolism. A prime example is the deal that the president keeps saying he wants  trading statutory protection for the Dreamers in exchange for funding his cherished border wall.

New Cold War

Beating a Hasty Retreat from the Steele Dossier [Andrew McCarthy, National Review]. Just as the Grey Lady offered a platform to disgraced fabulist Louise Mensch, they offer a platform to Fusion GPS, the firm that couldnt sell the Steele Dossier even to Jebbie: Yet, while the authors attest to the sterling reputation of Steele, they elide any mention of his claims  i.e., of the sensational allegations of a traitorous conspiracy between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin that Fusion GPS, while working for the Clinton campaign, generated and tried mightily to publicize through the Clinton-friendly media. Instead, Simpson and Fritsch erect a strawman: What their work has really been about, they now say, is decipher[ing] Mr. Trumps complex business past. This includes scrutinizing financial ties between Trumps business conglomerate and Russian interests. It is from this effort that Republicans and other Obama administration critics are supposedly trying to deflect attention. The original Democrat claim, as made by Clinton in debate, was that Putin would rather have a puppet [Trump] as president. Democrats dont get to gaslight the whole country with that charge for a year, and then back off from it when it doenst pan out. I mean, come on: Business dealings, forsooth. Trumps an oligarch. Of course his business dealings are unsavory.

Realignment and Legitimacy

Indeed: There is an entire parasitic consultant class whose livelihood depends on hoovering up campaign money. They run the casino. The DCCC demands that candidates spend hours a day on the phone, fundraising, and rate people on $ raised per hour. It's ugly.  Pinboard (@Pinboard) December 31, 2017 Also too, the DSA dog caucus. always remember: @MikPappas is the @pghDSA endorsed district justice who retweets the dog caucus. pic.twitter.com/VyAsKoqaEK  DSA Dog Caucus (@DSADogCaucus) January 4, 2018



Stats Watch

Challenger Job-Cut Report, December 2017: Modest layoffs underscore the health of the nations labor market [Econoday]. And: That is the lowest annual total since 1990 [Econintersect].

ADP Employment Report, December 2017: ADP sees a strong gain of 250,000 for December private payrolls [Econoday]. At a 190,000 estimate vs an actual 221,000, ADP did get the direction right in its November private payroll forecast, calling for a substantial decline from Octobers post-hurricane surge when private payrolls rose 247,000. The consensus for ADPs December call is steady strength at 188,000. But: ADP employment has not been a good predictor of BLS non-farm private job growth [Econintersect]. And but: The ADP report hasnt been very useful in predicting the BLS report for any one month, but in general, this suggests employment growth above expectations [Calculated Risk].

Jobless Claims, week of December 30, 2017: Initial jobless claims rose 3,000 in the December 30 week to 250,000 which is higher than Econodays consensus but still consistent with strength in the labor market and points to strength for Decembers payroll data and unemployment rate [Econoday].

Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index, week of December 31, 2017: Slowed, still at an historically high level and hinting at strength for consumer spending [Econoday].

Purchasing Managers Services Index, December 2017: Down noticeably from  November but also up substantially from Decembers mid-month flash [Econoday]. [A]ctually points to acceleration and solid strength. New orders are the strength for the last two weeks with backlogs also a positive. Hiring is described as solid and price pressures eased though respondents in the sample continue to report upward pressure for fuel costs and, more importantly, wages as well. Less than positive, however, is business confidence in the survey which the report describes as relatively subdued.

Commodities: A handful of Canadian [cobalt] miners are looking at producing more of the crucial component in lithium-ion batteries, betting they can build a bigger supply chain with a socially responsible source of the metal [Wall Street Journal]. Most cobalt currently comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo, where supply is threatened by political, legal and labor issues, leaving suppliers looking elsewhere for the mineral. Canada is the worlds third-biggest producer of cobalt.

The Bezzle: Tesla managed to push out only 793 of [Model 3] cars in the last week of December [Wall Street Journal]. Lets be fair. The Model 3 is hand-made. That takes time.

Retail: Reis reported that the vacancy rate for regional malls was 8.3% in Q4 2017, unchanged from 8.3% in Q3, and up from 7.8% in Q4 2016. This is down from a cycle peak of 9.4% in Q3 2011 [Calculated Risk]. Although unchanged in Q4, recently both the strip mall and regional mall vacancy rates have increased from an already elevated level.

Shipping: New Jersey lawmakers say the days of mob influence at the New York regions seaports are long gone and its time to wind down federal anti-corruption oversight. Legislators are trying to pull the state out of the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor, the 64-year-old bistate agency designed to combat the organized crime and racketeering that plague the docks [Wall Street Journal].

The 420: U.S. Pot ETFs Assets Soar as Investors Rush Into Sector [Bloomberg]. Investors are falling over themselves to get into the first pure-play marijuana ETF to list in the U.S., sending its assets up more than 13-fold in five trading days.

Tech: Intel Memory Access Design Flaw Already Addressed by Apple in macOS 10.13.2 [MacRumors]. Assuming the patch isnt buggy.

Tech: Apple Battery Replacement May Mean 16 Million Fewer iPhones Sold [Bloomberg]. [Barclays analyst Mark Moskowitz] estimates around 519 million users are eligible for the battery offer, and that in the most likely scenario 10 percent take the $29 offer, and about 30 percent of those people decide not to buy a new iPhone this year. This means Apple could miss out on 16 million iPhone upgrades in 2018, the analyst said.

Honey for the Bears: Stock-market investors should brace for a possible near-term melt-up: Jeremy Grantham [MarketWatch]. Grantham favorably cited an academic paper published last year that concluded that the strongest indicator of a bubble in U.S. and almost all global markets was price acceleration.

Five Horseman: Amazon threatens to blow the top off of our techs gone wild chart, while Apple  ever solicitous of the battery life of its older phones  languishes in the doghouse [Hat tip, Jim Haygood].

Todays Fear & Greed Index: 72 Greed (previous close: 67, Greed) [CNN]. One week ago: 62 (Greed). (0 is Extreme Fear; 100 is Extreme Greed. Last updated Jan 4 at 2:54pm.

Our Famously Free Press

In war, the battle today is less on the ground than on social media [WaPo]. Examples: Ukraine and Syria. I dont know about that. I think war on the ground was pretty important both places

Imperial Collapse Watch

Meanwhile, we cant even build a new train tunnel under the Hudson, even though we know the existing tunnel must fail, and when it does, the Northeast Corridor will fail:

This is how the Chinese Metro System has evolved pic.twitter.com/nfAga8uZkv  How Things Work (@ThingsWork) May 27, 2017

Health Care

Get ready for a revived brawl over single-payer healthcare in California [Los Angeles Times (MR)]. Seeking to redirect the debate [away from single payer], the Assembly has held a number of hearings in recent months to explore how to achieve universal healthcare, be it through a single-payer model or other ways to expand coverage. The hearings compared systems in other states and countries and looked into other ways to control costs.

Following The Affordable Care Act: A Look Back [Timothy Jost, Health Affairs]. Farewell to Jost, a truly excellent and informative blogger.

Police State Watch

A parallel case to this mornings tense New England police encounter. Thread (via JBird):

Heres a story about how I nearly just got killed by this cop. pic.twitter.com/3IYZFM9Ggh  Ziggy (@TheHipsterRebbe) January 3, 2018

JBird writes:

Apropos of the earlier thread on NY Times report on a swatting and police shooting. This gets me because being hard of hearing, I dont need any headphones to not hear, or not clearly enough, especially when tired, sick, distracted, poorly working aid. Of course thats only about half the time, so no worries!

Class Warfare

Death of the American Trucker [Rolling Stone]. In his stagecraft, Trump puts truckers on a pedestal. Behind the scenes, his administration is seeking to hasten a revolution in robotic driving that poses an existential threat to their livelihoods. Were at the dawn of the self-driving truck. The technology will benefit most Americans: Ever-alert robotic semis promise safer highways, reduced emissions, faster ship times and, for the 70 percent of goods that travel by truck, lower costs. Yet this same revolution threatens every single job in heavy trucking  1.7 million in all, according to a White House analysis published in the final days of the Obama administration. Truckers earn $60 billion in annual wages. And trucking is now the most common profession in 29 states. Assuming robot trucks work.

Episode 14: The Job Guarantee & Social Justice (w/ Pavlina Tcherneva) (podcast) [The Next System].

News of the Wired

In Which Nietzsche Learns the True Meaning of Christmas [Existential Comics].

Cracking the Brains Enigma Code [Scientific American]. [Eva Dyer, a neuroscientist at the Georgia Institute of Technology] calls her work a proof of concept for using cryptographic strategies to decode neural activity.

Ive re-recorded Alan Turings Can Computers Think? radio broadcasts [The Aperiodical]. Throughout the lecture, Turings language is friendly and inclusive. He is also charmingly humble, admitting there are many other opinions and that these were just his own. I was also pleased to see Turing acknowledge the legacy of computing with a quotation from Ada Lovelace speaking about Charles Babbages Analytical Engine. I found the script so pleasing that I decided it would be nice to rerecord it so that new audiences would be able to hear Turings words as he intended.

Power Causes Brain Damage [The Atlantic]. From July, still germane: [When] Sukhvinder Obhi, a neuroscientist at McMaster University, in Ontario put the heads of the powerful and the not-so-powerful under a transcranial-magnetic-stimulation machine, he found that power, in fact, impairs a specific neural process, mirroring, that may be a cornerstone of empathy. Which gives a neurological basis to what Keltner has termed the power paradox: Once we have power, we lose some of the capacities we needed to gain it in the first place.

Youre Descended from Royalty and So Is Everybody Else [Nautilus]. Fascinating data structure:

You have two parents, four grandparents, eight great-grandparents, and so on. Each generation back the number of ancestors you have doubles. But this ancestral expansion is not borne back ceaselessly into the past. If it were, your family tree when Charlemagne was Le Grand Fromage would harbor around 137,438,953,472 individuals on itmore people than were alive then, now, or in total. What this means is that pedigrees begin to fold in on themselves a few generations back, and become less arboreal, and more a mesh or weblike. You can be, and in fact are, descended from the same individual many times over. Your great-great-great-great-great-grandmother might hold that position in your family tree twice, or many times, as her lines of descent branch out from her, but collapse onto you. The further back through time we go, the more these lines will coalesce on fewer individuals. Pedigree is a word derived from the middle French phrase pied de gruethe cranes footas the digits and hallux spread from a single joint at the bottom of the tibia, roughly equivalent to our ankle. This branching describes one or a few generations of a family tree, but its wholly inaccurate as we climb upward into the past. Rather, each person can act as a node into whom the genetic past flows, and from whom the future spills out, if indeed they left descendants at all.

The father of virtual reality sounds off on the changing culture of Silicon Valley, the impending #MeToo backlash, and why he left Google for Microsoft [Business Insider (MR)]. Jaron Lanier. Well worth a read, especially now that we know about cuddle puddles.

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Readers, feel free to contact me at lambert [UNDERSCORE] strether [DOT] corrente [AT] yahoo [DOT] com, with (a) links, and even better (b) sources I should curate regularly, (c) how to send me a check if you are allergic to PayPal, and (d) to find out how to send me images of plants. Vegetables are fine! Fungi are deemed to be honorary plants! If you want your handle to appear as a credit, pleas s e place it at the start of your mail in parentheses: (thus). Otherwise, I will anonymize by using your initials. See the previous Water Cooler (with plant) here. Todays plant (SC):

SC writes: I did a mass planting of Salvias in front of a church in mid-Summer this year (months late, but I had multiple die-offs of the first couple of hundred plants and had to re-start from seed twice; this was definitely a learning year for me). By early Autumn they were gorgeous and remained so until November cold killed them. This photo is the least bad of the lot, take a week or two before the cold got them. I apologize for the soft focus. And now a blizzard is going to cover up the beds with snow! Which will melt in due course, beginning the cycle once again

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Readers: Water Cooler is a standalone entity not covered by the NC fundraiser. So do feel free to use the dropdown and click the hat to make a contribution today or any day. Here is why: Regular positive feedback both makes me feel good and lets me know Im on the right track with coverage. When I get no donations for five or ten days I get worried. More tangibly, a constant trickle of small donations helps me with expenses, and I factor that trickle in when setting fundraising goals. So if you see something you especially appreciate, do feel free to click the hat!
Lambert here: A neoliberal epidemic (in this case, of asthma hot spots in poor neighborhoods) conforming neatly to the two simple rules of neoliberalism.

Jay Hancock, Kaiser Health News and Rachel Bluth, Kaiser Health News and Daniel Trielli, Capital News Service. Originally published at Kaiser Health News.

BALTIMORE  Keyonta Parnell has had asthma most of his young life, but it wasnt until his family moved to the 140-year-old house here on Lemmon Street two years ago that he became one of the health care systems frequent customers.

I call 911 so much since Ive been living here, they know my name, said the 9-year-olds mother, Darlene Summerville, who calls the emergency medical system her best friend.

Summerville and her family live in the worst asthma hot spot in Baltimore: ZIP code 21223, where decrepit houses, rodents and bugs trigger the disease and where few community doctors work to prevent asthma emergencies. One mom there wields a BB gun to keep rats from her asthmatic child.

Residents of this area visit hospitals for asthma flare-ups at more than four times the rate of people from the citys wealthier neighborhoods, according to data analyzed by Kaiser Health News and the University of Marylands Capital News Service.

Baltimore paramedic crews make more asthma-related visits per capita in 21223 than anywhere else in the city, according to fire department records. It is the second-most-common ZIP code among patients hospitalized for asthma, which, when addressed properly, should never require emergency visits or hospitalization.

The supreme irony of the localized epidemic is that Keyontas neighborhood in southwest Baltimore is in the shadow of prestigious medical centers  Johns Hopkins, whose researchers are international experts on asthma prevention, and the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Both receive massive tax breaks in return for providing community benefit, a poorly defined federal requirement that they serve their neighborhoods. Under Marylands ambitious effort to control medical costs, both are supposed to try to improve residents health outside the hospital and prevent admissions.

But like hospitals across the country, the institutions have done little to address the root causes of asthma. The perverse incentives of the health care payment system have long made it far more lucrative to treat severe, dangerous asthma attacks than to prevent them.

Hopkins, UMMC and other hospitals collected $84 million over the three years ending in 2015 to treat acutely ill Baltimore asthma patients as inpatients or in emergency rooms, according to the news organizations analysis of statewide hospital data. Hopkins and a sister hospital received $31 million of that.

Executives at Hopkins and UMMC acknowledge that they should do more about asthma in the community but note that there are many competing problems: diabetes, drug overdoses, infant mortality and mental illness among the homeless.

Science has shown its relatively easy and inexpensive to reduce asthma attacks: Remove rodents, carpets, bugs, cigarette smoke and other triggers. Deploy community doctors to prescribe preventive medicine and health workers to teach patients to use it.

Ben Carson, secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, who saw hundreds of asthmatic children from low-income Baltimore during his decades as a Hopkins neurosurgeon, said that the research on asthma triggers is unequivocal. Its the environment  the moist environments that encourage the mold, the ticks, the fleas, the mice, the roaches, he said in an interview.

As the leader of HUD, he says he favors reducing asthma risks in public housing as a way of cutting expensive hospital visits. The agency is discussing ways to finance pest removal, moisture control and other remediation in places asthma patients live, a spokeswoman said.

The cost of not taking care of people is probably greater than the cost of taking care of them by removing triggers, Carson said, adding, It depends on whether you take the short-term view or the long-term view.

The Long View

Asthma is the most common childhood medical condition, with rates 50 percent higher in families below the poverty line, who often live in run-down homes, than among kids in wealthier households. The disease causes nearly half a million hospital admissions in the United States a year, about 2 million visits to the emergency room and thousands of deaths annually.

That drives the total annual cost of asthma care, including medicine and office visits, well over $50 billion.

Keyonta lives in a two-bedroom row house on the 1900 block of Lemmon Street, which some residents call the Forgetabout Neighborhood, about a mile from UMMC and 3 miles from Hopkins.

Reporters spent months interviewing patients and parents and visiting homes in 21223, a multiracial community where the average household income of $38,911 is lower than in all but two other ZIP codes in Maryland.

To uncover the impact of asthma, the news organizations analyzed every Maryland inpatient and emergency room case over more than three years through a special agreement with the state commission that sets hospital rates and collects such data. The records did not include identifying personal information.

For each emergency room visit to treat Baltimore residents for asthma, according to the data, hospitals were paid $871, on average. For each inpatient case, the average revenue was $8,698. In one recent three-year period, hospitals collected $6.1 million for treating just 50 inpatients, the ones most frequently ill with asthma, each of whom visited the hospital at least 10 times.

Hopkins own research shows that shifting dollars from hospitals to Lemmon Street and other asthma hot spots could more than pay for itself. Half the cost of one admission  a few thousand dollars  could buy air purifiers, pest control, visits by community health workers and other measures proven to slash asthma attacks and hospital visits by frequent users.

We love these ideas, and we think its the right thing to do, said Patricia Brown, a senior vice president at Hopkins in charge of managed care and population health. We know who these people are. . . . This is doable, and somebody should do it.

But converting ideas to action hasnt happened at Hopkins or much of anywhere else.

One of the few hospitals making a substantial effort, Childrens National Health System in Washington, D.C., has found that its good work comes at a price to its bottom line.

Childrens sends asthma patients treated in the emergency room to follow-up care at a clinic that teaches them and their families how to take medication properly and remove home triggers. The program, begun in the early 2000s, cut emergency room use and other unscheduled visits by those patients by 40 percent, a study showed.

While recognizing that it decreases potential revenue, hospital managers fully support the program, said Dr. Stephen Teach, the pediatrics chief who runs it.

Asthma visits and admissions are down again, and its all your fault! Childrens chief executive likes to tease him, Teach said. And half his brain is actually serious, but the other half of his brain is celebrating the fact that the health of the children of the District of Columbia is better.

The Close-Up View

Half of the 32 row houses on Summervilles block of Lemmon Street are boarded up, occupied only by the occasional heroin user. At least 10 people on the block had asthma late last year, according to interviews with residents then.

We have mold in our house and a leaky roof, said Tracy Oates, 42, who lived across the street from Summerville. That is really big trouble as far as triggering asthma.

Two of her children have the disease. I dont even want to stay here, she said. Im looking for a place.

Shadawnna Fews, 30, lived with her asthmatic toddler on Stricker Street, a few blocks east. She kept a BB gun to pick off rats that doctors said can set off her sons wheezing.

Delores Jackson, 56, who lived on Wilkens Avenue, a few blocks south of Lemmon Street, said she had been to the hospital for asthma three times in the previous month.

All three of Summervilles kids have asthma. Before moving to Lemmon Street two years ago, she remembers, Keyontas asthma attacks rarely required medical attention.

But their new house contained a clinical catalog of asthma triggers.

The moldy basement has a dirt floor. Piles of garbage in nearby vacant lots draw vermin: mice, which are among the worst asthma triggers, along with rats. Summerville, 37, kept a census of invading insects: gnats, flies, spiders, ants, grasshoppers, little teeny black bugs, she laughed.

Often she smokes inside the house.

The state hospital data show that about 25 Marylanders die annually from acute asthma, their airways so constricted and blocked by mucus that they suffocate.

Keyonta missed dozens of school days last year because of his illness, staying home so often that Summerville had to quit her cooking job to care for him. Without that income, the family nearly got evicted last fall and again in January. The rent is $750.

About a third of Baltimore high school students report they have had asthma, causing frequent absences and missed learning, said Dr. Leana Wen, Baltimores health commissioner.

With numbers like that, West Baltimores primary care clinics, which treat a wide range of illnesses, are insufficient, as is the city health departments asthma program, whose three employees visit homes of asthmatic children to demonstrate how to take medication and reduce triggers.

The program, which an analysis by Wens office showed cut asthma symptoms by 89 percent, is chronically underfunded, she said. Were serving 200 children [a year], and there are thousands that we could expand the program to.

The Hospital Instead Of The Classroom

The federal government paid for $1.3 billion in asthma-related research over the past decade, of which $205 million went to Hopkins, records show. The money supports basic science as well as many studies showing that modest investments in community care and home remediation can improve lives and save money.

Getting health care providers to pay for home-based interventions is going to be necessary if we want to make a dent in the asthma problem, said Patrick Breysse, a former Hopkins official, who as director of the National Center for Environmental Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is one of the countrys top public health officials.

Other factors can trigger asthma: outdoor air pollution and pollen, in particular. But eliminating home-based triggers could reduce asthma flare-ups by 44 percent, one study showed.

Perhaps no better place exists to try community asthma prevention than Maryland. By guaranteeing hospitals revenue each year, the states unique rate-setting system encourages them to cut admissions with preventive care, policy authorities say.

But Hopkins, UMMC and their corporate parents, whose four main Baltimore hospitals together collect some $5 billion in revenue a year, have so far limited their community asthma prevention to small, often temporary efforts, often financed by somebody elses money.

UMMCs Breathmobile program, which visits Baltimore schools dispensing asthma treatment and education, depends on outside grants and could easily be expanded with the proper resources, said its medical director, Dr. Mary Bollinger. The need is there, absolutely, she said.

Hopkins runs Camp Superkids, a weeklong, sleep-away summer session for children with asthma that costs participants $400, although it awards scholarships to low-income families. Its also conducting yet another study  testing referral to follow-up care for emergency room asthma patients, which Childrens National long ago showed was effective.

But no hospital has invested substantially in home remediation to eliminate triggers, a proven strategy supported by the HUD secretary and promoted by Green and Healthy Homes Initiative, a Baltimore nonprofit that works to reduce asthma and lead poisoning.

We either go forward to do what has been empirically shown to work, or we continue to bury our heads in the sand and kids will continue to go to the hospital instead of the classroom, said Ruth Ann Norton, the nonprofits chief executive.

Hopkins and UMMC say they do plenty to earn their community benefit tax breaks.

Its always a challenge to say, Where do we start first? said Dana Farrakhan, a senior vice president at UMMC whose duties include community health improvement.

Among other initiatives, UMMC takes credit for working with city officials to sharply reduce infant mortality by working with expectant mothers. The organizations planned outpatient center will include health workers to help people reduce home asthma triggers, Farrakhan said.

What we do is perhaps not sufficiently focused, Brown of Hopkins said. At the same time, we have to have revenue, she said. Were a business.

After months of waiting, Summerville considered herself lucky to get an appointment with the city health departments asthma program.

One of its health workers came to the house late last year. She supplied mousetraps and mattress and pillow covers to control mites and other triggers. She helped force Summervilles landlord to fix holes in the ceiling and floor.

She urged Summerville to stop smoking inside and gave medication lessons, which uncovered that Summerville had mixed up a preventive inhaler with the medicine used for Keyontas flaring symptoms.

The asthma lady taught me what I needed to know to keep them healthy, Summerville said of her family.

That was late in 2016. Since then, Summerville said last month, she hasnt called an ambulance.

METHODOLOGY

Kaiser Health News and the University of Marylands Capital News Service obtained data held by the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission on every hospital inpatient and emergency room case in the state from mid-2012 to mid-2016  some 10 million cases. The anonymized data did not include identifying personal information.

The news organizations measured asthma costs by calculating total charges for cases in which asthma was the principal diagnosis. Marylands hospital rate-setting system ensures that such listed charges are very close to equaling the payments collected.

To determine asthma prevalence, reporters calculated the per capita rate of hospital visits with asthma as a principal diagnosis  a method frequently used by health departments and researchers. This may exaggerate asthma prevalence in low-income ZIP codes such as 21223, because of those communities tendency to use hospital services at greater rates.

However, the data also point to high asthma rates in 21223 and other low-income Baltimore communities  for example, asthma prevalence within the population of all hospital patients in a ZIP code.

Kaiser Health News is a nonprofit news service covering health issues. It is an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation that is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente.
Yves here. Even though this post focuses on manufacturers in the UK, the underlying dynamic applies to altogether too many companies that subscribe to the Anglo-American version of capitalism. For instance, one of my brothers works for a coated paper mill that should have been a world class efficient producer for his career and longer. Instead, it has been traded repeatedly, in a portfolio that consists mainly of uncompetitive mills, with a revolving door of multi-milion dollar executives (when paper mill operators go for much less) while skrimping on maintenance, cutting supervisory staff, and reducing the workforce while putting the remaining workers on punishing schedules in the hopes of driving out the more senior union employees who cant handle the physical demands.

While this article focuses on the role of underinvestment, as in capital investment, management can underinvest in other ways too, such as cutting service levels or marketing budgets. Over the holidays, I visited the 35-employee factory of a Naked Capitalism reader who is a specialist in a particular niche manufacturing technology and whose customers are mainly in the auto business. Many of her customers and contacts are small to medium sized private companies. She and they regularly get calls from private equity firms, which she rejects with prejudice. She described in detail how they would come in and wreck the business in less than two years by firing senior employees who were critical to the business because the new owners deemed them to be paid too much, and the MBA or other generalists they would install in their place had no clue as to what it took to serve customers well or run an efficient operation.

In keeping with the sort of profit-squeezing that has become common, she had some customers ask her for a 5% rebate off her contract price after she had completed the order. There was no legal basis for doing that, and even more perversely, at least one of these requests came from a customer with a cost plus agreement. It took some doing for her to get through their heads that no one would give that concession on a successfully completed job, and the only way they would get that in the normal course of events would be if they had indicated that desire up front, so the vendors would build extra margin into their contracts.

By Sara Mahmoud, the Senior Economist at New Economics Foundation. Originally published at openDemocracy

There are more than 660,000 fewer people working in manufacturing in England than there were in 2005. But these plants are profitable  and their closure should be avoidable.

The closure of the Britvic factory in Norwich is a huge blow for the 249 Britvic and 113 Unilever workers who share the site. Sadly, this comes as no surprise  across England there are over 660,000 fewer people working in manufacturing than in 2005, with some regions like the West Midlands being hit harder than others. Talking to workers in factories in areas such as East Anglia reveals not only the lack of public and private investment driving these closures, but the impact on those losing skilled and well-paid jobs across the country.

Like many towns, Norwich has a history of manufacturing that is now largely constrained to food and drink. Unlike the food plants run by the likes of scandal-hit 2 Sisters, drinks factories like Britvic are home to some of the more productive, higher paid manufacturing jobs in the area. So why is a site which the company admits is profitable being closed?

Britvic claim its because of transport costs  and that does chime with what people in the area had to say to us. As a local pointed out: the closest bit of motorway is in Holland. For Britvic, it is more expensive to transport Fruit Shoots out of Norwich, so locating to cities on the M1 corridor offers a chance to boost profits.

But remember: this plant is currently profitable, and the decision to close it is not unavoidable. It is just the latest example of a corporate model too focused on maximising short-term profits over investing in a stable future, and a lack of government commitment to mitigate this damaging trend.

Most headlines about the modern workplace focus on the impacts of automation. But automation requires investment, which hasnt been forthcoming. As one worker told us: If they cant be bothered to introduce canteen machinery they are hardly going to introduce robots! Rather than investment in productivity-boosting skills or machinery, we found a pursuit of profit via cost-minimisation and labour standards being driven down. Everyone we spoke to referred to the increased use of agency workers, many on zero hours contracts.

In a sector like food and drink, where demand for products is seasonal, companies often claim they need a more flexible workforce. But agency workers make careful trade-offs on whether extra hours will affect the benefits they need to top up erratic pay, ironically making them less flexible. And we heard how for some, food banks have been the only option when hours were scarce. In addition, temporary staff are often less experienced, putting enormous pressure on the rest of their colleagues on a factory line.

Crucially, it is impossible for workers to take collective action if a sizeable portion of the workforce can be sacked in a day. This makes advocating for important things like health and safety or productivity improvements almost impossible. As a result, manufacturing in places like Norfolk and Suffolk is in a grim state. The majority of workers we spoke to said that firms hire agency workers instead of permanent staff to avoid having to pay redundancy when the inevitable closures happen.

Options for Britvic workers in Norwich are limited. One worker didnt know anyone whos come out [of a factory] and is better off or on the same level. Their most likely destinations are low-skill, low-wage jobs in service industries on part-time or zero-hour contracts.

And that means losing a wealth of transferable skills. Food and drink workers explained how they could apply their experience to manufacturing turbines for the huge wind farm expansion planned in the region. But there isnt enough time or money to retrain. In the words of one worker: I couldnt go back and go into college or anything like that and not earn any money otherwise I would lose my house.

Where private companies are failing us, the governments industrial strategy could be turning these situations around. But their current approach focusses on the shiny bits of the economy  high-tech, high-growth industries like artificial intelligence and biotech. Granted, these sectors will play an important part in the future of many parts of the country. But if the rest of the local economy is ignored, it will mainly benefit those brought into the region, and do little for the people already living in places like Norwich.

Industrial strategy should start by making the most of existing assets in an area: whether thats coastlines for tourism and fishing, or, crucially, the local people who need investment and support. We found that those working on the front line are fizzing with ideas on how to move their area forward. They should be listened to, not abandoned.
Yves here. Please welcome Diligens, who has a great deal of experience in the relationship of government to the financial services industry.

Youll notice this police encounter, relative to what was at stake, has the officer quickly escalating and making an illegal demand, basically because he can. And consider the various factors that led to different results than in other exchanges with the police.

By Diligens, a member of the Establishment not loyal to his class

I shared with Yves a story about a recent experience about an encounter with the police a few days ago that she thought was worth relating. I am white, which unfortunately is a fact I need to add, since that has become relevant in interpreting any interaction with police.

My family and I spent several days around Christmas with my brother and his family. He lives on Cape Cod and and has prominence akin to that of a school principal, meaning a large portion of the local population knows who he is and, as far as I can tell, likes him.

The weather got very cold right after Christmas, with lows in the single digits Fahrenheit. Its hard to get much exercise outside in this kind of weather, but a couple of days ago, I woke up early and decided to walk a few miles to the beach and back. Luckily, I had packed my fancy, rich guy cold weather gear  a GoreTex ski jacket and ski pants. So I bundled up and set off.

My route to the shore took me through an industrial park, which certainly wasnt the most pedestrian-friendly path (no sidewalk, minimal landscaping). On my return through it, I passed a medical lab and saw parked in front a car that I had a vague interest in (a new Subaru station wagon; a friend had urged me to consider a Subaru as a replacement for our workhorse family car).

I stopped to look at it from several feet away and, within 30 seconds, a burly guy came sprinting through the labs front door demanding to know why I was there. I asked him if the car was his and he said yes. We chatted for a few moments, and he seemed to relax. I wished him a good day and continued on my way.

I had walked another half mile when I saw a police car approaching from the opposite direction. As it got near me, moving very slowly, it pushed its nose off the road, blocking my path. Immediately, I knew that I was about to have an encounter with the police.

Several thoughts immediately sprung to mind. First, I have seen the Never Talk to the Police YouTube video, which Yves has discussed. So I was determined to be very careful about what I said. Second, Ive seen many videos of civilian encounters with the police, so I thought I understood how citizens get bullied or tricked into surrendering their rights. Third, I recognized that citizens get killed far too often because they arent able to keep the emotional component of the encounter from spinning out of control, or they just make the mistake of reaching into their pocket without permission and end up getting shot. So I was determined to be calm and careful.

The cop quickly jumped out of his SUV and with no greeting or preliminaries stated his demand, I need to see some ID.

I responded, Why?

I just need to see some ID. Just help me out here.

At this moment, I was reflecting on the fact that I was unsure about whether Massachusetts has a stop and ID law requiring citizens to identify themselves when the police have a reasonable suspicion that a person may have committed a crime (I dont live in Massachusetts). But I was fairly certain that even states with stop and ID laws require probable cause. By the way, I later learned that there is no stop and ID law in Massachusetts.

Me. I think you need some kind of probable cause belief that I have committed a crime to force me to show ID.

Cop, dripping with sarcasm. Oh, youre one of those kind of people. Ill arrest you right now, and well go down to the station. Youll be there all day, and youll have to show me ID.

In this moment, I realized the fatal weakness in the advice civil libertarians give about standing up for your rights with the police. I do a lot of negotiation as part of my professional life, and Ive learned that its very difficult to hold a position if you cant see it through to the end. In real life, bluffing rarely works. If you dont have the cards, you seldom win the hand.

So in that instant, it became clear to me, you can only resist the show your papers demand of the state if you are willing to play your hand all the way through, which means accepting the ride to jail in handcuffs and the possibility that, if the timing works against you, especially in a rural location, it could be multiple days before you appear before a judge, in the meantime languishing in jail.

Hoping I might salvage the situation, I asked, Am I being detained?

The cop, knowing that he held all of the cards, escalated step-wise, Turn around. Hands on the [police car] hood. Im going to pat you down for weapons.

The message was clear: he was not going to accept losing in this encounter. He frisked me, pausing on the spare phone battery brick in my pocket, demanding that I take it out and show him. He also noticed that the top snap of my ski pants was undone and, keying off that, asked, Did you take a piss? Its pretty cold out here to do that.

I definitely had not, but saw where this inquiry was going. What, youre trying to get me to admit to public urination so that you can arrest me for that?

I dont care. Piss wherever you want. He claimed.

Finding no contraband, the cop confronted me again, Are you going to give me your ID or do you want to be arrested?

In that moment, my thought was, Cops arrest people all the time even when they know the arrest is not legal. I have to consider this threat credible. Even if I filed a civil suit for false arrest and they ended up settling it for $25,000 or more, I think the local police very well might just view that as the cost of maintaining their ability to successfully intimidate people into coughing up their ID without the slightest probable cause.

So I asked his permission to reach into my pocket and coughed up my ID.

He radioed his dispatcher with my drivers license information, and I was very surprised by how quickly the dispatcher came back with my full home address in another state and the key phrase, the real reason for the whole encounter, No warrants.

So now I know that there is a national drivers license/arrest warrant database that the police access. All of the stories about how we dont have national ID cards in the U.S. for reasons of decentralized federalism  thats all theater. It may have been true before 9/11, but it makes sense that the hundreds of billions that Homeland Security has spent since then, among other things, created a de facto national ID database. Law enforcement avoids talking about it, presumably because they know it would upset a lot of people on both the left and right.

Having heard the magic no warrants phrase, the cop changed his tone and became friendly.

Sounding genuinely interested, he asked, Why wouldnt you give me your ID? I could tell you didnt have any warrants.

Me: What do you mean you could tell?

The cop: Look at you. Youre expensively attired [my GoreTex gear, I guess]. Youre well spoken. Youre clearly a professional. People like you never have warrants.

Unspoken, but clearly part of what he was conveying was, Someone like you would never risk arrest. You had no cards in this encounter. It just took you a minute to figure that out.

Me: The reason I objected to giving you ID is that, philosophically, I dont think its right that the police go around demanding that people produce ID just so that they can sweep the streets of people with outstanding warrants.

The cop: Thats not why we ask. Someone called and said you were acting suspiciously.

Me: How was knowing my ID going to tell you whether I had committed a crime?

He didnt answer that question, and I was genuinely perplexed by his denial that the larger point of stop and ID is to sweep the streets of people with arrest warrants. He seemed actually sincere, and I wondered whether he could be so lacking in self-awareness.

At that moment, a second police car pulled up, the back-up for their encounter with the weird guy out walking in an industrial park on a 15 degree day.

Maybe Im a patsy, and partly I was motivated by not wanting to hurt my brothers standing in the community, but I offered my hand to the cop, wished him well, and we parted.
NATO adopted an official hymn for the first time in the Alliances history on Wednesday (3 January 2018). Composed for NATOs fortieth anniversary in 1989, the NATO Hymn was written by Captain Andre Reichling, conductor of the Luxembourg Military Band. Since then it has been played at many NATO events, including the most recent meeting of Allied Heads of State and Government in May 2017.

The earliest proposals for a NATO hymn can be traced to the late 1950s, in preparation for the Alliances tenth anniversary. In 1958, the UKs Thomas Hildebrand Preston composed a NATO ceremonial march to welcome visitors to NATO Headquarters in Paris. In 1959, a NATO Song was performed by an orchestra and a choir at NATOs tenth anniversary pageant, composed by Captain Hans Lorenz of the German Air Force with lyrics by Captain Stephanus van Dam of the Netherlands and Leon van Leeuwen of the United States. In 1960, the UKs Air Marshal Sir Edward Chilton proposed a NATO anthem arranged by Squadron Leader J. L. Wallace, which combined all fifteen national anthems of NATOs member states at the time. Captain Reichlings 1989 composition proved most successful of all, becoming NATOs de facto hymn for nearly thirty years.

The NATO Hymn approved by the North Atlantic Council has no lyrics, and is scored for twenty musical instruments: piccolo, flute, oboe, three clarinets, three saxophones, two cornets, two trumpets, horn, baritone horn, three trombones, tuba, and snare drum. Listen to it here.
(Natural News) Just days before he won his first presidential election, then-Sen. Barack Obama said he was just days away from fundamentally transforming America.

Talking heads, politicos and pundits on the Right parsed his words in an attempt to figure out just what he meant. Eight years later, his meaning became clear: Obama sought to fundamentally transform Americas institutions, culture, and justice system, and many believe he succeeded beyond even his wildest dreams.

Particularly hard hit was the American justice system. Obama, we now know, politicized every aspect of it by putting in place rank partisans who, in carrying out the former presidents political objectives, ignored and buried substantial violations of law that undoubtedly harmed U.S. national security in ways we may never be able to fully gauge.

The best walking, talking examples of this are Hillary Clinton and James Comey.

Clinton, during her tenure as Obamas first secretary of state, not only used her position to pad her and her husbands pocketbooks through their financial vehicle, the Clinton Foundation, but in her quest for secrecy, she installed a private, unsecured email server in her New York home and used it to conduct official business.

In the course of conducting that business, she handled scores of classified and confidential information that she was never held accountable for, despite the fact that the FBI had discovered evidence she violated several statutes pertaining to the handling of classified information.

As reported by The Hill, for the first time congressional investigators say they have obtained written evidence that the FBI believed there were indications and additional evidence some laws were violated when the former secretary of state for President Obama and her top aides sent classified information through her unsecured private email server. (Related: Hannity sez People like Hillary Clinton should be nervous  People will be going to jail as GOP lawmakers find NEW irregularities and contradictions in FBIs EMAIL investigation (Video))

That evidence includes passages in FBI documents stating the sheer volume of classified information that flowed through Clintons insecure emails was proof of criminality as well as an admission of false statements by one key witness in the case, the investigators said, as quoted by The Hill.

Then, of course, there is former FBI Director Comey, whom we now know planned to exonerate Clinton from those crimes long before he announced that he would during a highly irregular July 2016 press conference.

In making that statement to the press, Comey laid out the bureaus case against Clinton:

From the group of 30,000 e-mails returned to the State Department, 110 e-mails in 52 e-mail chains have been determined by the owning agency to contain classified information at the time they were sent or received. Eight of those chains contained information that was Top Secret at the time they were sent; 36 chains contained Secret information at the time; and eight contained Confidential information, which is the lowest level of classification.

The former FBI director would then go to make some incredible claims:

 That Clinton and her aides were not guilty of gross negligence in mishandling the sensitive information, only of being extremely careless. We now know that initially, Comey wrote gross negligence in an early draft, but that it was changed to extremely careless by FBI counterintelligence agent Peter Strzok. This is important because gross negligence is language taken directly from the statutes governing the handling of classified documents and therefore is legally actionable.

 Comey said no reasonable prosecutor would elect to prosecute Clinton. Thats not his decision to make, its the attorney generals decision (in this case another Obama sycophant, Loretta Lynch).

 He also said the FBI did not find evidence that Clinton intended to mishandle classified information. Intent doesnt matter, and in fact, the statutes state clearly that intent makes no difference (hence the gross negligence language).

After admitting that Clinton did indeed mishandle dozens of pieces of classified information, he still didnt recommend she be charged.

Barack Obamas corruption of the Justice Department and FBI couldnt be plainer. Now just imagine how much hes fundamentally transformed other institutions of government.

If the Trump administration doesnt act against Clinton, Comey, and anyone else responsible for serial violations of U.S. law, then we are no longer a nation of laws and therefore no one should be prosecuted for anything.

J.D. Heyes is also editor-in-chief of The National Sentinel.

Sources include:

TheHill.com

LifeSiteNews.com

TheNationalSentinel.com
(Natural News) While President Donald Trump took to twitter on Tuesday to urge the deep state justice department to act against Huma Abedin as Susan Duclos reported in this ANP story, evidence is emerging that Huma may have been the ultimate spy in the drive of radical Islam to destroy America as we detail within this ANP story, a true enemy of America withinHillary Clintons bedroom.

Article by Stefan Stanford republished from AllNewsPipeline.com

Born in 1976 to Syed Zainul Abedin (192893) and Saleha Mahmood Abedin in Michigan, at the age of two her family moved to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia where Huma lived until returning to the US for college at the age of 18. Within 2 years, she was working at the White House as an intern for then first-lady Hillary Clinton.

As Wikipedia reports about her family, both of her parents were educators. Her father, born in New Delhi (India) on April 2, 1928, was an Islamic and Middle Eastern scholar of Indian descent, who received his PhD from the University of Pennsylvania, and then in 1978 founded the Institute of Muslim Minority Affairs, an organization devoted to the study of Muslim communities in non-Muslim societies around the world. In 1979, he founded the Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs, which his wife took over after his death; his daughter Huma was listed as an associate editor from 19962008.

Known as a trusted adviser to Hillary, particularly on the Middle East, prior to the Democratic primaries in 2007 she was labeled as Hillary Clintons Secret Weapon after having taking over the position as Hillarys top aide and personal advisor prior to her 2000 NY Senate run, later to be appointed deputy chief of staff to Hillary at the US State Department in 2009.

And as weve learned in story after story that have come out this week as also heard in the first two videos below from Sean Hannity and Fox News, with classified documents found on her husband Anthony Weiners laptop, people like Huma Abedin and Hillary Clinton should be very worried that theyll soon be going to prison for jeopardizing US national security. Are US military secrets now in the hands of radical Islamists or Iran or even China or Russia because of them?

Back on October 25th of 2016 we published a story on ANP titled Anonymous Exposes The Grand Jihad To Overthrow America  Calls Hillary Clinton The Root Of All Evil And Uncovers The Sleeper Within and as we reported in that story, we were likely watching the ultimate infiltration of a US presidential candidate, and therefore America, with the infiltration of Hillary by Huma Abedin.

We have decided to republish an extended excerpt of that story as part of the next few sections of this story to help tell this tale that must be told. Please keep in mind that while the source story was written prior to the election, the truth within it remains the same.:

Weve all seen the scenario played out in Hollywood movies and real-world leaders of nations going back millenia know the dangers all too well. A mysterious woman or man suddenly captures the attention of a countrys leader or other high-placed insider  covertly to gather top secret information, assassinate the target or completely infiltrate their regime. As many know, the Russians are famous for their notorious female spies throughout history.

As we enter the stretch run of the 2016 election, we are once again witnessing such an infiltration of a political figure though as its not the Russians who are doing the infiltrating this time. As we also learn, this infiltration has grave consequences for Christians and every person across America and those who love freedom across the world.

Who is Huma Abedin, Hillary Clintons #1 aide and sidekick for the past 20 years and why should we as American citizens even care? As we learn in the final video below from Anonymous, Huma Abedin has absolutely undeniable ties to both terrorists and those who funded the 9/11 attacks uponAmerica. (ANP: We have again embedded that video as the final one below)

Why should Americans care about who the mother of Huma Abedin is? As we also reported in that October story, during the Obama administration, we witnessed a stealth jihad to overthrow America and while we were called conspiracy theorists for even suggesting such a thing, remember that the Islamic principal of taqqiya permits Muslims to lie to advance the cause of Islam  in some cases by gaining the trust of non-believers in order to draw out their vulnerability and defeat them. Once again, from that October of 2016 story referencing the final video below.:

We have proof that her mother supports both the death penalty for those who choose to leave Islam as well as the subordination of women. Huma and her mother both worked for the same radical Islamic journal.

Proving to us beyond any doubt the strong ties between Abedin, Hillary Clinton and the grand jihad to overthrow America, we see the ties exposed before our very eyes of a long-held plan to replace our political system here in America with a repressive form of Sharia law with Hillary Clinton and her top aide Abedin leading the way.

Also showing to us the undeniable ties between Hillary Clinton, Huma Abedin, Abdullah Omar Naseef and the nation of Saudi Arabia as the main players in this drama that the MSM is hoping you never find out about, we also see the proof of ties between these main players and numerous organizations that all share the same goals and have told us repeatedly in plain English they want to destroy Western civilization and replace it with repressive Sharia law.

As we learned in this 2013 story from the National Review, Huma worked for many years at a journal that promotes Islamic-supremacist ideology that was founded by a top al-Qaeda financier, Abdullah Omar Naseef. Naseef ran the Rabita Trust, a formally designated foreign terrorist organization under American law. Ms. Abedin and Naseef overlapped at the Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs (JMMA) for at least seven years. Throughout that time (19962003), Ms. Abedin ALSO worked for Hillary Clinton in various capacities.

You read that correctly. As Anonymous also tells us in that final video below, during the same time period as the 9/11 attacks upon America, Huma Abedin was working for both Hillary Clinton AND those funding the terrorists responsible for attacking America.

Even this NY Post story from back on August 21st, 2016 told us Huma worked at a radical Muslim journal for 10 years and even ripped apart a 1995 proclamation made by Hillary that womans rights are human rights. From their story.:



One of Clintons biggest accomplishments listed on her campaign website is her support for the UN womens conference in Bejing in 1995, when she famously declared, Womens rights are human rights. Her speech has emerged as a focal point of her campaign, featured prominently in last months Morgan Freeman-narrated convention video introducing her as the Democratic nominee.

However, soon after that historic and transformational 1995 event, as Clinton recently described it, her top aide Huma Abedin published articles in a Saudi journal taking Clintons feminist platform apart, piece by piece. At the time, Abedin was assistant editor of the Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs working under her mother, who remains editor-in-chief. She was also working in the White House as an intern for then-first lady Clinton.

Headlined Womens Rights Are Islamic Rights, a 1996 article argues that single moms, working moms and gay couples with children should not be recognized as families. It also states that more revealing dress ushered in by womens liberation directly translates into unwanted results of sexual promiscuity and irresponsibility and indirectly promote violence against women. In other words, sexually liberated women are just asking to be raped.





As we also asked back in October of 2016, Abedin began working for Clinton in the US State Department after only being here for 2 years in this country. Was she trained to infiltrate America knowing Clintons alleged proclivity for lesbian women? If male leaders can be seduced by spies who dont have their best interests at heart, there is no doubt in our mind that female leaders can be as well.

We continued: Knowing the Clintons sordid history, did those seeking to overthrow America realize that Hillary was ripe for the picking? The final video below provides absolute proof that Hillary has been infiltrated by someone with strong ties to the Muslim Brotherhood and those who seek to overthrow our form of government in the West.

And why has Huma refused to deny her terror ties?

As were told in the final video, the Institute of Muslim Minority Affairs is funded by the same person who funded those who attacked America on 9/11 and who also funds the Muslim World League. While the ties exposed here begin twisted like spaghetti, Anonymous does an outstanding job untangling the terror mess and proves to us a deep well of treason exists that is now bubbling up to the surface with the intention of taking down America and the West.

And while America has thankfully dodged that bullet for at least another 3 years and hopefully 7 with President Trump possibly doing the impossible, taking down Hillary Clinton and the deep state, as ANP writer William B. Stoecker recently wrote in this story on ANP, we need to stay awake and aware about whats happening here in America.

With the globalist deep state still attempting to take down President Trump and the 1st Amendment here in America, working to permanently silence those within the independent media who speak out loudly against them, how quickly might things change should Hillary not be held accountable for her actions but run again for President in 2020 and win? While the worst nightmare for millions, should such a thing happen, like Barack Obama sealing his records in his first executive order, the chance for Americans and the world to ever learn the truth about Hillary and Huma will forever be lost.

Why hasnt there been a serious investigation into Huma asks Fox News in the 3rd video below? Between Barack Obama in the Oval office, Iran-born Valerie Jarrett as one of his chief advisers, the Muslim Brotherhood in the White House during Obamas term in office and Huma Abedin into all things Hillary, its easy to understand why there hadnt been a serious investigation up to this point. Yet with all things seemingly now changing before our eyes, its time to take them all down, President Trump!

The first video below is a brief excerpt from the 2nd, Hannitys full show Tuesday night.

This final graphic below shows us the ties that can never be overlooked for America to finally get to truth.



Read more at: AllNewsPipeline.com
(Natural News) A British teenager beset by chronic fatigue syndrome has made a remarkable recovery with the help of cannabis oil. Fifteen-year-old Tom Bethell had not been to school in almost eight years due to the illness and the severe depression that it caused.

Weak and bed-ridden, the young man stopped growing and his eye muscles didnt function properly, causing blurred vision. Nothing seemed to help, and he told his mother that he no longer wished to live.

According to his mother, he had no energy and appeared to be in a complete brain fog. Falling as many as 20 or 30 times per day, his poor memory left him unable to breathe correctly. After failed medications including antidepressants, his desperate mother turned to cannabis oil after her own mother found relief from Crohns disease with it.

Once the teenager started taking the oil, his turnaround was almost immediately apparent. He grew a remarkable 11 inches in just nine months, and his hair, which had long stopped growing, began to grow once again. He finally went through puberty, growing leg and body hair, and his feet grew two shoe sizes in just two months.

His memory has improved, and hes gone from being unable to carry a conversation to preparing for high school exams. While his mother concedes that he will probably always have chronic fatigue syndrome, the CBD has given him a chance to be himself and has eliminated his reactive depression.

Now very much a happy and typical 15-year-old, his mother said: Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to see him like this.

Cannabis oil success stories piling up

Stories like this are becoming more common as people learn about the wonders of cannabis oil and access to it improves. For example, an 11-year-old who was at deaths door due to severe epilepsy made headlines in the U.K. last year when he became the first person in the country to be prescribed cannabis oil by the NHS. Ten months later, he had not had a single seizure, despite having as many as 100 a day prior to starting cannabis oil. His mother marveled at the turnabout, pointing out that just one seizure could kill him.

Earlier this year, it emerged that a Scotland woman who was given just months to live by her doctors back in 2013 has now been in remission for four years thanks to cannabis oil. Lynn Cameron was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumor and underwent surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. All of these approaches were unsuccessful and her scans showed no changes, prompting doctors to give her just six to 18 months to live.

Thats when she decided to give cannabis oil a try despite being skeptical that it would work. After starting with the sublingual drops, her scans began to improve, with the cancer being completely gone by her sixth MRI.

In another cannabis oil success story, a three-year-old Utah boy used it to come back from the brink with leukemia after being told he had just days to live by his physicians. The boys chest was filled with leukemia tumors, and doctors tried chemotherapy even though they felt it wouldnt save his life.

His family took him to Colorado to get cannabis oil treatment, and he started to show improvements in just days. His appetite returned and he started vomiting much less than before. He eventually became cancer-free thanks to the cannabis oil.

While CBD oil might not have a miraculous effect on everyone who tries it, it is far safer than many conventional disease treatments, and many of those who have given it a chance have found relief from their symptoms even if their condition didnt disappear entirely.

Find more true stories of amazing cures from cannabis at CannabisCures.news.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

NaturalNews.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) The internet is in an uproar over a CNN broadcast on New Years Eve in which reporter Randi Kaye was seen at a Pot & Paint party in Denver, Colorado, wearing cannabis leaf earrings and demonstrating how to use a gas mask bong and other marijuana smoking devices.

Now that the infamous Trump-Russia collusion hoax has burned into a smoldering heap of fake news, CNN is apparently jumping on all of the legal marijuana fanfare for apparent shock value.

As California readied to legalize recreational sales of cannabis the next morning, the segment with Randi Kaye got the party started by showing CNNs Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen how to light a bong and inhale smoke from it. While she didnt smoke the bong herself  she simply held it up to her face unlit as a demonstration  Kaye was seen lighting it for someone else at the party, which CNN broadcast to its viewers.

On several occasions during the segment, Kaye was also seen holding up a lit marijuana joint, including on a party bus where another smoking device known as the Incredible was also featured. All of this was broadcast during the pre-show leading up to the much anticipated ball drop in Times Square, which occurs every New Years Eve at midnight Eastern Standard Time before rolling into the new year.

While Kaye was never actually seen on the screen inhaling any cannabis smoke or vapor, she was seen holding lit joints and lighting bongs for other people. To many, it was a great way to break the status quo and normalize the use of cannabis in this increasingly post-prohibition era. But to others, it definitely struck a Reefer Madness nerve.

CNN jokes about prohibitionist Jeff Sessions while critics blast network for lack of morals

A number of Twitter users took to blasting CNN in the aftermath of the segments airing, as they accused the Atlanta-based network of lacking morals  while in the very same tweets using vulgarity to try to make this point.

One Twitter user expressed his own personal outrage over CNNs depiction of the cannabis plant in use on television, stating: are you f*&$ing kidding. He added, ironically, There are children watching. WTF!!!???

Neither Rosner nor fellow Twitter user Megan Paasch apparently see anything wrong with using curse words on social media, which is also accessed by children. Paasch tweeted that she was similarly outraged that her children had to see cannabis being used while watching CNN. She concluded her reprimanding tweet with the ever classy Wtf CNN?

Meanwhile, CNNs Andy Cohen tweeted his own message to diehard prohibitionist Jeff Sessions, the Trump Administration attorney general who is alleged to have stated that he at one time had no problem with the KKK (Ku Klux Klan) until he found out that they smoked pot. Cohen joked:

I really hope Jeff Sessions isnt watching the broadcast tonight. Greetings from the Denver pot bus, along with a photo of the event.

Sessions has repeatedly made erroneous statements about the cannabis plant and his desire to crack down on it, even though President Trump clearly stated while on the campaign trail that he was committed to honoring states rights when it comes to marijuana legalization.

Sessions cannabis policy advisor, Dr. Robert DuPont, is hardly any better. A prominent prohibitionist and anti-cannabis crusader, Dr. DuPont, who served as the first Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, as well as the second White House Drug Chief, wrote a blog post several years back in which he hilariously described marijuana as the most dangerous drug.

Sources for this article include:

TheGatewayPundit.com

NaturalNews.com

ABCNews.Go.com

PolitiFact.com

Civilized.life
(Natural News) Are you a white person? Do you occasionally like to visit a farmers market to buy healthy, locally-grown food from farmers? Well according to two professors from San Diego State University, that just might make you a racist.

Pascale Joassart-Marcelli and Fernando J. Bosco, both of whom teach geography at SDSU, recently tried to connect whiteness to farmers markets in a chapter for Just Green Enough, a new anthology published by Routledge last month. Specifically, the chapter is meant to put emphasis on the harms of environmental gentrification, which refers to the process in which environmental improvements lead to the displacement of long-term residents.

Bosco and Joassart-Marcelli argue that farmers markets are an example of an environmental improvement that leads to gentrification, and that farmers markets are exclusionary because of the fact that some people who live in the area may not be able to afford the food and/or feel excluded from these new spaces.

The two professors from San Diego State University go on to say that this social exclusion that can occur in communities across the country is reinforced by the whiteness of farmers markets as well as the white habitus that they often reinforce. Joassart-Marcelli and Bosco then described farmers markets as white spaces where the food consumption habits of white people are normalized.

First and foremost, if the argument of these two professors is that farmers markets are racist due to the fact that they exclude some residents who cant afford the locally grown fruits and vegetables, then by this same logic, anything that is of value is racist as well. Are houses racist because some people can afford them while others cant? What about the movie theater, since not everyone is able to freely spend twenty-five dollars on a ticket and a bucket of popcorn? The entire argument made by Joassart-Marcelli and Bosco is completely absurd  it doesnt make any sense. (Related: For more news on left wing stupidity, visit libtard.news.)

Furthermore, why are so many people in our country, whether they reside in Washington D.C., in the mainstream media, Hollywood, college classrooms or elsewhere, so hellbent on making anything and everything about race? Its as if these people (who are usually leftists if were being honest with ourselves) are incapable of seeing anything but black and white. Ironically, these are the same ideologues who constantly lecture the American people on the importance of acceptance and unity. They dont even realize that they are the ones pulling us further and further apart  or maybe they do realize it, in which case weve got bigger problems on our hands than we originally thought. (Related: A Boston University professor has claimed that the Christmas song Jingle Bells is racist.)

Recently, Fox News Host Tucker Carlson released a hilarious list of 100 things that liberals have actually called racist in the past, most of which dont anything to do with skin color whatsoever. On the list were things like trees, Disney movies, milk, science, military camouflage, lucky charms cereal, expecting people to show up on time (like for work, for example), babies, the Bible, McDonalds, the British Monarchy, and much more. Its amazing, but it appears as though it is now more difficult to identify things in this country that arent racist (according to the left) than it is to identify things that are. (Related: A university professor has identified math as racist because whites have a natural advantage.)

And yet, thats exactly the problem. The liberals have gone so far overboard with calling things racist, that the term itself is increasingly becoming more and more meaningless. If everything is racist, then nothing is racist; if everything is connected to whiteness, then nothing is connected to whiteness. The sooner the liberals learn this, the better. Unfortunately, they likely never will.

Follow more news on the outrageous intolerance and racism of the Left at Intolerance.news.

Sources include:

CampusReform.org

DailyCaller.com
(Natural News) Sparkling or carbonated water is a delight to drink, no doubt, but did you know that it can add inches to your waistline? This is a fact that Palestinian researchers first put out in a study, wherein rats who were given sugary water with added bubbles became fatter and hungrier than rats who had flat, sugary beverages. Curious, Drs. Michael Mosley and James Brown decided to test it out for themselves. By the end of their own experiment, they discovered that it was indeed true.

First, Mosley and Brown recruited healthy volunteers who were told that the study was about gauging the impact of sugar drinks on ones appetite. The participants were then asked to fast for ten hours before being given calorie-controlled cheese sandwiches. After one hour, they were each provided with one of four drinks at random: A fizzy sugary drink, a flat sugary drink, fizzy water, or flat water.

Brown then took blood samples from the volunteers 10 minutes later to asses their ghrelin levels. Ghrelin is one of the so-called hunger hormones which is produced in your stomach and then goes to your brain to say: I am hungry, I should eat, Mosley explained in his article for the DailyMail.co.uk.

The volunteers were given food diaries by the end of the first portion of the experiment. This was so that they could write down the foods theyd consumed, allowing Mosley and Brown to measure the amount of calories the volunteers ate hours after their drink. This was repeated three more times over the course of several weeks until all the volunteers had sampled all four beverages.

Once the experiment was over, the researchers informed the volunteers of its true purpose. What we found was really exciting. When you had a fizzy drink your ghrelin levels were about 50 per cent higher than when you had a non-fizzy drink, Brown told them. (Related: New breakfast soft drink may promote weight gain and Type II diabetes)

Essentially, those who had their fill of fizz were much hungrier an hour later than those who had flat beverages. The volunteers who drank fizzy beverages were noted as having consumed an additional 120 calories, an effect of the additional ghrelin produced by their bodies. This applied to both fizzy soft drinks and fizzy water, albeit the effects of fizzy water were less pronounced.

As to why the bubbles in fizzy beverages had this effect, Brown believes that there may be two possible answers. One is that the carbon dioxide that gives drinks their bubbles encourages the stomach to produce more ghrelin. Another potential reason is that the additional gas bloats and stretches the stomach, causing it to release ghrelin.

Following their findings, Brown added that even though flat sugary drinks may seem like the better choice, they arent. I think the take-home message from this, sadly and boringly, is that the healthiest option is probably still water, he told Mosley.

Other health effects of carbonated water

One other way that carbonated water can contribute to weight gain is if its the type containing additives. Bottled seltzer usually has sodium and hidden calories such as sweeteners, flavors, and natural and artificial acids.

Plain carbonated water wont cause tooth decay, but adding sugar or citric acid will. This is because sugar produces acids that erode and damage the teeth, while citric acid dissolves tooth enamel and greatly increases the risk of tooth decay.

As per Healthline.com, carbonated water wont cause irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) either. It can, however, lead to bloating, which in turn can result in IBS flare-ups.

Visit Sweeteners.news to check out more stories on the potential health effects of carbonated water and other beverages.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

Healthline.com
(Natural News) Renewable energy is taking the world by storm, as greenies everywhere welcome with open arms the latest iterations of solar panels, wind turbines, and other clean energy alternatives to traditional fossil fuels like coal. But one of the things that many people who believe in green energy fail to realize is that many of their favorite technologies require the use of so-called rare earth minerals and other elements that involve dirty mining and slave-like labor conditions.

A bulk of the worlds rare earth elements (REEs) comes from two places: China and Africa. Chinese REEs account for 95 percent of the worlds supply, and reports indicate that the situation isnt pretty. Not only is the extraction of these minerals the exact opposite of green and clean, but the folks tasked with performing the labor  and those who end up encountering much of the polluting byproducts  represent some of the worlds most vulnerable.

There are two general classifications for REEs: The light variety and the heavy variety. Both categories include elements that are used in things like energy-saving light bulbs, wind turbines, solar panels, hybrid vehicles and their various automotive catalysts, rechargeable batteries, defense technologies, and smartphones. And both varieties are said to take a heavy, and often highly toxic, toll on soils and the environment.

Energy-saving light bulbs are a toxic nightmare for people and the planet

Back in 2007 when then-presidential candidate Barack Obama promised to immediately sign a law that begins to phase out all incandescent light bulbs, greenies everywhere celebrated what they perceived as a major victory as Americans would soon be forced to reduce their carbon footprints. But it has since been revealed that these so-called energy-saving technologies are actually more polluting than their predecessors.

In order to manufacture those irritatingly harsh compact fluorescent bulbs that environmental extremists love to claim are better for the planet, several REEs  not to mention toxic mercury  are required. These include yttrium and europium, both of which have to be mined from deep within the earth. Since many of the mines that unearth it are located in China, where environmental regulations are slim to none, this translates into gobs of pollution that end up in lakes, streams, and waterways.

Like yttrium, europium is similarly destructive, not only to the earth but also to local towns and villages that end up getting dumped on when it comes to disposing of the many polluting waste byproducts that are leftover from processing. These include carcinogenic substances like sulphates, ammonia, and hydrochloric acid, all of which are used to separate the good parts of REEs from the bad parts.

Mining of neodymium and other rare earth minerals used in electric motors, wind turbines causing environmental pollution emergencies in China

For all the hype about how much better electric and hybrid vehicles are compared to the gas guzzlers that most of us drive, the fact remains that these environmentally friendly alternatives are loaded with REEs that reports indicate are causing unprecedented destruction throughout China where most of them are mined.

The Chinese government admits that the mining of REEs such as neodymium (used in electric motors, engines, headlight glass, and wind turbines for magnetic purposes), cerium (used in hybrid batteries and catalytic converters), terbium (used in engines and magnetic components), and lanthanum (used in fuel additives, fuel cells, and hybrid batteries) have created a scenario in which the country is now stricken with landslides, clogged rivers, environmental pollution emergencies and even major accidents and disasters.

Many of these same elements are also used in smartphones to make their circuit boards, vibrating devices, screens, glass, and even speakers. Many modern conveniences, in fact, contain one or more of the 17 elements considered to be rare earth, which are described by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) as being iron grey to silvery lustrous metals that are typically soft, malleable, and ductile; and usually reactive.

Rare earth mineral waste is so prolific that it even taints food crops

In saying that most of these metals currently come from China, it is more precise to say that most actually come from a specific region of China known as Baotou, a city in Chinas Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region that is home to roughly 2.5 million people. In Baotou, rare earth mining produces some 10 million tons of wastewater per year, which is pumped into nearby dams, which is where many locals get their drinking water.

In other areas where REEs are mined such as in Malaysia, reports have emerged suggesting that solid waste from REE mining is ending up not only in water supplies but also on crop land. Production of REEs reportedly creates a tremendous amount of solid waste, and this waste has to go somewhere. Perhaps more often than not, it simply gets dumped using the cheapest means possible, which often means pumping it into a remote area where it ends up seeping into the ground or getting washed downstream to areas where food is being grown.

And it isnt just China and Malaysia where such mining is taking place. Molycorp Minerals, which is currently trying to work through a debt dispute, was (and could once again soon be) a major producer of REEs in the state of California. The Vale corporation is working through trying to mine REEs in Brazil, and a Toyota subsidiary is prepping to start mining REEs in Vietnam as well. Even the mostly uninhabited country of Greenland is on the radar for possible REE mining operations, as the ice-covered nation is said to be rich in them.

But the long-term consequences of such mining are disastrous, as evidenced by a half-century of such operations taking place throughout China. Official reports indicate that all of this REE mining and processing has severely damaged surface vegetation, caused soil erosion, pollution, and acidification, and reduced or even eliminated food crop output.

Most rare earth minerals are conjoined with cancer-causing radioactive elements like thorium

Another thing to keep in mind about the nature of REE mining is that almost all REEs are bound to radioactive substances in the ground from which they have to be separated in order to be used in green energy technologies and consumer products. This is what makes REEs rare  as theyre not actually rare in their quantity so much as they are rare in their purity.

In many cases, REEs are bound to the radioactive element thorium in the ground, which has to be refined and processed in order to remove it. In the process, this chemical is released into the environment where its been linked to causing increases in cancers of the lungs, pancreas, and other vital organs.

As the worlds hunger for these elements increases  the waste is going to increase, says Nicholas Leadbeater, a chemist from the University of Connecticut whose research focus centers around green technologies.

The more mines there are, the more trouble theres going to be, he adds, noting that emerging research is working on developing new types of green technologies that do not require REEs in order to function. One example is an electric motor, currently under development by Toyota, that does not require the use of an REE-powered battery.

Sources for this article include:

Mining.com

TheGuardian.com

TheHill.com

Yale.edu

Bloomberg.com
Sony Pictures plans to release a "Slender Man" movie this spring, featuring the horror character that inspired two Wisconsin girls to nearly kill their classmate.

The movie is set for a May 18 release. Slender Man has appeared in video games and online stories, but the Sony production marks the first full-length feature built around the character. The picture is directed by Sylvain White, who also helmed 2007's "Stomp the Yard," and stars Javier Botet as Slender Man.

The studio released a trailer Wednesday. It's unclear from the preview whether the movie will include any elements from the Wisconsin case, but in one scene a wall is covered with drawings of Slender Man that resemble sketches one of the girls, Morgan Geyser, drew. Other scenes show Slender Man stalking a girl in the woods and a girl stabbing herself in the head with a scalpel in school, showering a classmate with blood.

Geyser and Anissa Weier lured classmate Payton Leutner to a wooded Waukesha park in 2014. There Geyser stabbed Leutner 19 times, narrowly missing her heart, while Weier urged her on. Leutner managed to crawl out of the woods to a path where a passing bicyclist found her. She survived the attack.

Geyser and Weier told detectives they had to kill Leutner to prove to Slender Man that they were worthy of being his servants as well as protect their families from him. All three girls were 12 years old at the time of the attack.

Geyser, now 15, pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree intentional homicide in a deal with prosecutors, who have asked she get at least 40 years in a mental hospital when she's sentenced in February. Weier, now 16, was sentenced to 25 years in a mental institution last month after pleading guilty to attempted second-degree intentional homicide.

Geyser and Weier's attorneys didn't immediately reply to emails seeking comment about the movie. Neither did a spokesman for Leutner's family.

Slender Man has been cited as a factor in other crimes. Days after the Wisconsin stabbing, a 13-year-old girl in Hamilton County, Ohio, attacked her mother with a knife. The mother told WLWT-TV that she thought the girl was obsessed with Slender Man. In September of that same year, a 14-year-old girl in Port Richey, Florida, set her house on fire. Sheriff's deputies said she started the fire after reading an e-book called "Soul Eater" and reading about Slender Man.

Slender Man was created online by Eric Knudson in 2009 as a mysterious specter photo-edited into everyday images of children at play. He's typically depicted as a slim, spidery figure in a black suit with a featureless white face that preys on children. He has grown into a popular boogeyman and has appeared in video games and online stories.

No one immediately replied to an email sent Wednesday to Sony's general inbox for media inquiries.
Police are searching for a man wearing a Santa hat who allegedly shot at occupants of a vehicle in San Francisco.

The shooting was reported around 8 a.m. Christmas Day on Eddy Street, in the city's Tenderloin District. Police said the car took off following the shooting and no victims have come forward.

Investigators said the shooting appears to be an isolated incident.

Police have released surveillance video of the suspect. Watch it below.
Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson is becoming a California marijuana entrepreneur.

TheBlast.com reports that Tyson and partners on Dec. 20 broke ground on a plot for a cannabis resort in California City, a remote Mojave Desert town thats about a 110-mile (177-kilometer) drive north of Los Angeles.

Partner Robert Hickman tells the website that the undeveloped lands are primed to be cultivated and that Tyson Ranch will be an oasis.

In a video of the event, California City Mayor Jennifer Wood thanks Tyson for his commitment to the community, saying the industry will provide medical marijuana to people in need, revenue, jobs and income for residents.

Calls and emails from The Associated Press to a Tyson representative and the mayor were not immediately returned Tuesday.
Severe weather in the Northeast led to 97 canceled flights at San Francisco International Airport on Thursay, according to an airport spokesman.

The cancellations affected both arrivals and departures, primarily to or from airports in New York, Newark, Philadelphia and Boston.

John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens, New York, is closed because of weather until noon Pacific time, SFO spokesman Doug Yakel said.

Travellers can check www.flysfo.com for more information about canceled flights as well as www.flightradar24.com and www.flightaware.com.
Pacific Gas and Electric officials now say that before the North Bay firestorm, the company only shut down 38 of the several thousand automated devices that some experts believe started the wildfires.

In a letter last week to State Senator Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo), the company discussed reclosers, devices that are designed to bolster reliability and limit outages.

After a fault is detected on a power line, the power automatically shuts off. Thats when a recloser will kick in. It automatically sends three test jolts to determine if the fault is only temporary.

But when lines are down, reclosers can deliver fresh sparks directly to nearby brush.

The devices have been tied to massive wildfires, including one in San Diego in 2007 and another in Australia in 2009.

Sen. Jerry Hill, who held a hearing in 2015 on recloser wildfire dangers, wonders whether they played a role in Octobers firestorm.

That could be the cause of the fires that were so destructive, he said Wednesday.

At a hearing held after the devastating Butte fire, Southern California utilities stated they turn off the devices in fire season and a PG&E official indicated that company would do the same.

But following the North Bay fires, PG&E would not say how it set its reclosers, other than to say that some devices installed in the North Bay as part of a pilot project worked as intended.

In its recent letter to Hill, PG&E said it remotely turned off 38 reclosers in its project. But just three of the disabled devices were in hard-hit Napa and Sonoma.

The utility has 6,900 reclosers in its system. The company did not say why it only shut down the few devices incorporated in its pilot project.

PG&E did say that the 38 devices in that test program were picked because they were designated as being among the ten percent highest risk for wildfires in a state fire map.

Hill said he was surprised the companys recloser shutdown was so limited, given that a top PG&E official assured him back in 2015 that the company would be able to shut down reclosers in all 132 of the high risk fire areas by the start of 2017.

I think thats the troubling part, Hill said, that they misled us in that.

Had they said they did not have that system in place, then we would have followed up with more questions to try to find what the problem was -- and may have been able to focus in on that a couple of years ago that may have prevented these fires in October.

PG&E said in a statement that it continues to evolve its policies around reclosing technology.

Meanwhile, PG&E has announced a plan to install 100 more remote-controlled reclosers annually starting in 2020.

The utility also cautioned Hill in its letter that it still must balance the competing and intertwined goals of limiting outages and reducing wildfire risk in deciding its strategy on reclosers.

Hill said he will press for more answers at an upcoming hearing.

Because we dont want another fire, thats for sure.
A UC Berkeley student was being held in San Diego this week, slated for deportation, according to Border Patrol officials.

Cal junior Luis Mora, 20, was being held by the Department of Homeland Security and was due to be turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

Mora was visiting his girlfriend in Chula Vista, near San Diego, over the holiday, Telemundo 20 reported. His girlfriend said that they made a wrong turn while driving and accidentally found themselves at an immigration checkpoint.

The official asked both of them if they were U.S. citizens, and Mora said was undocumented.

Mora was born in Colombia and came to the U.S. on a visa, which has since expired, when he was 11.

Mora was detained but requested a hearing so he could try to stay in the country to finish his education. He is studying politic science, Telemundo 20 reported, and wants to attend law school.

As of Wednesday, a hearing date had not been set.

Supporters are calling on authorities to let Mora finish his education.

"Luis would have qualified for many of the iterations of the Dream Act that were proposed by Congress, but Congress decided not to act on it," said Juan Prieto, an immigration advocate. "Now, we have a student, Mora, who is in custody."

An immigration lawyer headed to San Diego Wednesday night to try to free Mora. Attorney Prerna Lal said as of Thursday neither she nor her client had received paperwork confirming a hearing date.

"ICE has 72 hours to issue a notice to appear in immigration court, what are terms against you and where to appear for the hearing," Lal said. "Luis doesnt have it and neither do I."

Mora first came to the United States in 2009. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, required that the person in question must have been living in the U.S. since June 15, 2007, meaning Mora would not have qualified.

The Trump administration announced in September it was ending the Obama-era DACA program.
On Jan. 21, 2017, millions of women and allies gathered in a worldwide demonstration to protest the election of President Donald Trump. The collective protests are widely considered to be the most-attended in modern history.

Now, to mark the first anniversary of the mobilization effort, organizers behind the original Womens March on Washington and its sister marches are planning to once again take to the streets to oppose gender discrimination and the Trump administrations policies. The theme this year is Here Our Vote, a reference to the power women and allies hope to have at the polls during the 2018 midterm elections.

Check the growing list of Bay Area and Northern California events below.

Womens March Oakland: Saturday, Jan. 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Womens March San Francisco: Saturday, Jan. 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Womens March Contra Costa: Saturday, Jan. 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m

Womens March San Jose: Saturday, Jan. 20 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Womens March Napa Valley: Saturday, Jan. 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Womens March Modesto: Saturday, Jan. 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Womens March Sacramento: Saturday, Jan. 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Womens March Monterey Bay: Saturday, Jan. 20 from 10 a.m. 3 p.m.

Womens March Fresno: Saturday, Jan. 20 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Womens March Santa Cruz: Saturday, Jan. 20 from 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Nearly nine years ago, the upheaval was stunning. Massive crowds marched through the streets of Iran's capital and other cities demanding change in the first major unrest to shake the rule of hard-line Muslim clerics over the country since they came to power in 1979.

It was sparked in the summer of 2009 when the reformist opposition raised accusations that the re-election victory of the hard-line president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, was rigged. The response was an earthquake. Pent-up resentment over political oppression brought millions nationwide out in protests over the next months, becoming known as the "Green Movement."

Eventually, the response of Iran's ruling establishment, led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was brutal. The elite Revolutionary Guard and their volunteer force known as the Basij cracked down, opening fire on marchers and launching a wave of arrests. Dozens were killed, many more were jailed and tortured. The movement's political leadership was put under house arrest.

Now Iran's Islamic Republic is seeing a new, equally startling wave of unrest. This time it appears more amorphous and spontaneous, fueled by anger over a still-faltering economy, unemployment and corruption. Since last Thursday, protests have burst out in towns and cities around the country. At least 21 people have been killed. With no central movement behind the unrest, its supporters on social media have come to refer to it with any number of hashtags  or simply as "Tazahorat-e Sarasari"  Farsi for "Protests Everywhere."

Here's a look at the differences between 2009 and now that could give hints on what happens next.

WHO'S PROTESTING

In 2009, the demonstrations swelled to throngs of hundreds of thousands on some days and were focused in Iran's main cities and provincial capitals, including Tehran, Tabriz, Isfahan and Shiraz.

In contrast, the past days' fury has burst out mainly in mid-size cities and towns. The protests have been smaller  it's hard to get credible numbers, but they seem to each be in the hundreds or, at most, several thousand  but they have swiftly erupted in far more places than more than eight years ago.

The first protest, sparked by a rise in egg and poultry prices, broke out in Mashhad, a city in the east that is considered a stronghold for conservatives. But the unrest quickly spread across dozens of towns throughout the country. These sorts of mid-sized communities in the provinces have suffered heavily from the poor economy, with large proportions of young people unemployed and mired in despair over the future.

REJECTING THE SYSTEM

The protests may be rooted in anger over the economy and corruption, but protesters quickly started chanting slogans directly against Khamenei and denouncing the Islamic Republic itself  not just a call for reforms, but an open and outright rejection of the ruling system.

This is a dramatic shift from 2009. Protesters then had major demands  they wanted Ahmadinejad's re-election overturned, reformist leader Mir Hossein Mousavi installed as president, greater social freedoms and an end to the security forces' tight oppression. But their demands largely stayed in the framework of existing politics. Some voices called for Khamenei's removal, but they were limited; the Green Movement's leaders went out of their way to say they weren't aiming to bring down the system, whether out of pragmatism or true faith in the potential for the "republic" part of "Islamic Republic."

Now videos show some protesters chanting, "Death to the dictator" and calling for the end of the nearly 40-year-old Islamic Republic. That reflects how many now see families of prominent cleric-politicians and Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard as a corrupt economic elite, monopolizing business, hoarding wealth and leaving ordinary people with no place in the economy.

That presents a dangerous development for Iran's rulers. The protests have revealed a hidden vein of sentiment  and not just among a "Westernized" urban elite  that has lost hope for clerical rule and openly wants to toss the whole thing out.

LEADERSHIP

The Green Movement of 2009 was firmly rooted in the reformist political movement, symbolized by former President Mohammad Khatami, the would-be president Mousavi and other prominent politicians who advocated greater margins of freedom and opening to the West. That gave the protests a base and organization able to mobilize massive numbers. It also gave protesters a defined set of demands  or to look at it from another angle, limited their ambitions.

So far no clear leadership has emerged for "Protests Everywhere." Even opposition activists in Tehran are unsure who are involved. Still, the marches  with videos showing crowds of largely young men and women  have proven persistent and organized. Supporters on social media say that shows the breadth of support for a leaderless popular movement.

REFORMERS AND HARD-LINERS

In 2009, hard-liners were in firm control. Ahmadinejad's policies and abrasive manner galvanized opposition  even part of the clerical establishment was against him  giving a wide base of support for protests.

Now the constituency that would be expected to join marches is more uncertain.

A relative moderate, Hassan Rouhani, is president, brought into office by the votes of reformists. Many of those voters now feel his nuclear deal with the West has failed to bring economic benefits he promised.

If large numbers decide there is no hope in the system and turn to the streets, it could push the protests into the scale of 2009. But many may hesitate, calculating that an uprising will plunge Iran into the unknown and that trying for gains under Rouhani is safer. The ferocity of the 2009 crackdown traumatized the opposition. The state showed it was prepared to unleash lethal force, arrests and torture; many activists were relentlessly harassed and persecuted for years afterward. Mousavi and other Green Movement leaders have been under house arrest for years. That makes many wary of street protests again.

Rouhani has so far advocated a softer hand, saying Iranians have a right to protest. Reform politicians are calling for changes in economic policy to defuse the unrest. But ultimately, as in 2009, it will be Khamenei and the Revolutionary Guard that decide  and if they sense the unrest is growing out of control, they could unleash a brutal and bloody response.

TWITTER THEN  TELEGRAM, WHATSAPP NOW

When Neda Agha Soltan was shot to death during one of the 2009 protests in Tehran, the 26-year-old woman became an icon of the uprising. Video of her wrenching last moments circulated widely on Twitter and other social media. It was a cycle that fed the protests: Young men and women were killed, then their images inspired others to join.

That was when the Social Media Age was just being born. Twitter had only been launched three years earlier. Facebook was only a bit older. At the time, fewer than 1 million Iranians had smart phones.

Now the reach has been exponentially magnified. Today, an estimated 48 million Iranians have smart phones, more than half the population. Social media apps have flourished  besides Instagram, the messaging apps Telegram and WhatsApp are wildly popular. They are also encrypted, giving a degree of protection from state surveillance and providing a major organizing tool and a space for images and videos to circulate.

Still, 2009 in Iran and the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings also showed the limits of social media; organization and imagery in the virtual realm don't always translate into effectiveness on the ground.

INTERNATIONAL SCENE

President Donald Trump is an unpredictable new factor. Trump has dismissed what he portrayed as a weak response by then-President Barack Obama to the 2009 protests. Critics contend Obama should have thrown the U.S. weight behind the uprising in an effort to bring down the Iranian government.

But Trump faces the same question Obama did: how much effect can the United States really have on the ground? Too close an association with the U.S. and with Trump could discredit the protests in the eyes of some Iranians. So far, the rhetoric from the administration has mirrored Obama's  both demanding Iran allow free expression and warning that "the world is watching." The State Department has also raised the possibility of new sanctions on Iran over any crackdown on protesters.
A suburban Chicago resident who was offering up slumber parties in his basement for homeless people in his neighborhood during dangerously cold weather says city officials have given him an ultimatum.

Stop the slumber parties or the house will be condemned.

Greg Schiller, of Elgin, said he began letting a group of homeless people sleep in his unfinished basement last month during brutally cold nights, offering them food, warm beverages and a cot to sleep on while watching movies.

I would stay up all night with them and give them coffee and stuff and feed them, he said, adding that no drugs or alcohol were allowed inside his residence during the evening events.

Last winter, Schiller offered up his garage to area homeless, but said he was told he could no longer do so after EMTs were called to help a man with a heart condition. Thats when he had the idea to move them to his basement  complete with all the activities needed to consider them simply slumber parties.

Schiller believed city code allowed for slumber parties, but officials said there are "sleeping regulations" for basements and Schiller's basement doesn't meet those requirements.

"While we appreciate those who volunteer to provide additional resources in the community, Mr. Schillers house does not comply with codes and regulations that guard against potential dangers such as carbon monoxide poisoning, inadequate light and ventilation, and insufficient exits in the event of a fire," city spokesperson Molly Center said in a statement.

Schiller said city officials and police officers came to his home with a warrant Tuesday and went into his basement. There, he said they found his ceiling height too low and windows too high and too small to be an egress.

They shut me down and said I have 24 hours to return my basement to storage and take down - I have several cots with sleeping bags for everybody  or theyll condemn the house.

Center confirmed that Schiller was given 24 hours to clear the basement in an emailed statement, adding, "If not, the City will take additional enforcement action to compel the removal of the unlawful basement sleeping area."

Officials had earlier threatened citations for other violations at the home, which is owned by Schillers girlfriend, including a broken window, a fold-up trailer on the property and a portable toilet he had set up for the group to use, Schiller said.

Im trying to help these people get out of the cold, he told NBC 5. Theres not a lot of help for them as far as places to lay their heads.

Schiller said he only opened up the basement when an area shelter wasnt available.

He noted that some shelters in the area require homeless to meet a specific set of criteria and others open only when temperatures reach a certain level.

PADS of Elgin confirmed that there are requirements to be eligible for their services, but declined to specify what that criteria included.

An emergency shelter at First United Methodist Church of Elgin, operated by the organization Matthew 25:40, opens when the temperature outside is 15 degrees or less.

Schiller said he hosted his slumber parties when wind chill values were 15 degrees or less, but would not offer up the basement if the emergency shelter was open.

Its cold enough to freeze to death, he said.

Matthew 25:40 did not immediately respond to NBC Chicagos request for comment Tuesday.

"Elgin has lawful shelters that provide a safe space for people to go throughout the year," Center said in a statement. "In times of extreme temperature, temporary locations open within the community that all conform to regulations and codes."



The city also noted there is a women's shelter and other facilities around the area where people can go. A full list can be found on the city's website.

Temperatures Tuesday in Elgin were forecast to reach a high of only 6 degrees, meaning area shelters should open. They aren't expected to warm above the threshold again until this weekend, when they could rise back into the upper-20s. It's not clear if shelters plan to remain open.

Schiller said that while he does plan to stop hosting his slumber parties, hes working to find other options for taking care of the homeless he now knows so well.

Somebodys going to die, he said.
After a brief reprieve, plunging wind chills will once again grip Chicagos suburbs through the overnight hours and into Thursday.

The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Chill Advisory, which goes into effect at 10 p.m. Wednesday night and continues until Thursday afternoon at noon Central.

The advisory covers most of Northeastern Illinois, including McHenry, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, LaSalle, Kendall, Grundy, Will, and Kankakee counties. Two counties in Northwest Indiana, Newton and Jasper counties, are also part of this advisory.

This Is How Chicagoans Look Braving Below-Zero Wind Chills

According to the NWS, wind chills could fall to 20 to 30 degrees below zero in the overnight hours, and could cause frostbite in as little as 30 minutes to exposed skin.

LaPorte County is also under a Winter Storm Warning until 7 a.m. Eastern time on Friday morning, and a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Porter County thanks to heavy lake-effect snow in the forecast.
TheCalifornia Labor Commissioner's Office says there's a growing trend of employers warning workers to do what they're told or face deportation.

Immigrant rights advocates say they're seeing these threats happening more because attitudes have changed against immigrants. Now, the Labor Commissioner's Office is suing on behalf of a construction worker who says he didn't get paid and was threatened.

The construction worker's case isn't unique  many of the new complaints are coming from workers in that field. Employment rights attorney Sebastian Sanchez is representing one worker who says when he tried to get paid for the tile work at a home in Arcadia, his boss threatened deportation.

"If you want to cause any trouble, just know my family is connected to the sheriff's office and I bet you wouldn't want a call to ICE," Sanchez said his client was told.

Sanchez is now helping the state labor commission sue that employer, who did not respond to requests for comment.

The Labor Commission's office says deportation threats coming from employers have increased sharply, from seven in 2015 to 20 in 2016 to 94 in 2017. Sanchez blames the spike in threats on anti-immigrant rhetoric coming from President Donald Trump and promises by Immigration and Customs Enforcement to increase raids in so-called sanctuary cities like Los Angeles.

"The ramifications of the current climate have really been very broad and have had a real impact on workers' lives," Sanchez said.

Industries with high numbers of undocumented immigrants, like construction and garment workers and farm laborers, are especially at risk, Sanchez said. His clients tell him that when they have raised workplace concerns, their employers have said things like, "So you want to continue this, OK, let me contact ICE."

A worker's immigration status, however, is irrelevant under California and federal law, Sanchez said. "If you work, you have a right to be paid."
Governor Dannel Malloy is not putting into place a travel ban on state highways Thursday, he said during a morning news conference.

"This will be a major weather event in our state," Malloy said. "While highways remain open, Connecticut travel conditions will still be quite hazardous at times."

The governor says travel will be "treacherous" during the evening commute.

"It is strongly recommended that Connecticut motorists stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary," said Malloy.

By keeping cars off the highways, it allows Department of Transportation crews the opportunity to clear the roads.

Governor Malloy urged companies across the state to allow employees to stay home if possible.

Nonessential first and second shift state employees have been told not to report to work.

The governor asked residents to keep fire hydrants clear of snow so firefighters will be able to locate them and use them in case of an emergency.
A 36-year-old father who was shot at a restaurant near Buckland Hills in Manchester on Saturday has died and two of his co-workers have been charged in connection with his death.

The victim, Norris Jackson, of Hartford, was shot at Bonchon Restaurant on Pleasant Valley Road and was transported to Hartford Hospital in critical condition, where he died on Sunday night, according to Manchester Police.

Officers were searching for 28-year-old James Goolsby and his 23-year-old girlfriend, Leanne Robitaille, both of Manchester, in connection with the shooting. They were brought into custody on Tuesday night.

Goolsby was taken into custody on Wethersfield Avenue in Hartford, charged with murder and his bond was set at $1 million, while Robitaille was found at Main and Bond streets in Hartford. She has been charged with hindering prosecution and her bond was set at $100,000.

According to the arrest warrant, multiple witnesses told police that Goolsby, who worked as a kitchen manager, shot Jackson, who worked as a fry cook, in the kitchen of the restaurant.

In an emotional 911 call released to NBC Connecticut witnesses can be heard explaining what happened to emergency dispatchers and begging them to send help.

"My boss literally just shot one of my coworkers," one caller said.

Goolsbys arrest warrant states that family members told police Goolsby and Robitaille showed up after the shooting. According to the document, Goolsby told both family members he shot a man and said that the guy he shot was "always disrespecting him and his girl at work."

The family members told police Goolsby and Robitaille left without telling anyone where they were going.

Both Goolsby and Robitaille were arrested Tuesday night in Hartford. They are due back in court on Jan. 18.

The case remains under investigation.

The restaurant franchise released the following statement after the shooting:

"We at Bonchon Franchise are deeply saddened by the tragic shooting in Manchester, CT today, and are deeply concerned about the family and friends who are suffering. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and their family as we also respect their privacy during this ordeal."
What to Know Three cars on an Amtrak train carrying more than 300 people from Miami to New York derailed in snowy Georgia

Amtrak spokesman Jason Abrams said there were no reports of injuries

The main train was expected to continue its journey though some of the sleeping car passengers had to be transferred to another train

Three cars on an Amtrak train carrying more than 300 people from Miami to New York derailed Wednesday night in snowy Savannah, Georgia, but no injuries were reported, Amtrak said early Thursday.

Amtrak spokesman Jason Abrams said the Silver Meteor train No. 98 was backing slowly into the Savannah station about 10 p.m. Wednesday when two sleeper cars and a baggage car derailed.

"All three cars  a baggage car and two sleeper cars  are fully upright," Abrams said in an email early Thursday to The Associated Press.

He said there were 311 passengers on board, in addition to crew, but he had no reports of anyone hurt.

Abrams said the main train was expected to continue its journey north, though some of the sleeping car passengers had to be transferred to a different train.

He didn't say what caused the three-car derailment, and the statement also gave no indication whether a brutal winter storm that coated Savannah with a rare snowfall Wednesday was any factor.

The National Weather Service said Savannah's first measurable snowfall since February 2010 was recorded Wednesday in the normally balmy Southern City at 1.2 inches (3 centimeters). It was the first snow in Savannah that exceeded an inch (2.5 centimeters) in 28 years. The fast-intensifying storm on Thursday had moved further up the East Coast.

News footage from the site showed police and other emergency vehicles with flashing lights crunching over snow and ice and converging near tracks where the derailment occurred.

Passenger Joel Potischman told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution he boarded the train early in the day in Delray Beach, Fla., to head home to Brooklyn, New York. He said the train was making its way amid the winter storm weather to Savannah at the time.

Potischman told the publication that an announcement indicated a "switch was frozen."



Mike Zevon, another passenger, told the newspaper that it was the last three cars that derailed.

Abrams' statement didn't elaborate on the affected cars or how many cars were in the formation.
A 25-year-old Los Angeles man suspected of making a hoax emergency call that led to the fatal police shooting of a Kansas man faces a charge of making a false alarm.

The Los Angeles County district attorney filed a fugitive-from-justice warrant Wednesday against Tyler Barriss, saying he was charged with the felony Dec. 29 in Kansas. Later Wednesday in a brief court proceeding, Barriss waived his right to an extradition hearing. He stood behind a glass wall dressed in black with his hands cuffed in front of him and provided brief answers to a judge's questions, acknowledging he was the wanted man and voluntarily signed the waiver.

A public defender has been appointed to represent him.

Another hearing is scheduled for later this month to determine the extradition date.

Police have said 28-year-old Andrew Finch was shot after a prankster called 911 last week with a fake story about a shooting and kidnapping at Finch's Wichita home.

Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett said Kansas is pursuing extradition of Barriss. That process that can take up to 90 days.

The goal of such "swatting" calls is to get a SWAT team to respond, although Wichita Police Chief Gordon Ramsey said none of the officers at the scene were SWAT team members. Ramsey said Finch's hands went up and down around his waistband.

The police chief called Finch's death a "terrible tragedy."

Finch's mother, Lisa Finch, wrote a letter Tuesday to Mayor Jeff Longwell, Ramsay and other city officials saying an unannounced visit from the police chief three days after the shooting did not ease her heart and left questions unanswered. The family wants the police officer who killed him criminally charged for his death, their attorney said Tuesday.

But criminologist B. Remy Cross at Webster University in Missouri said criminal charges are highly unlikely.

"It is sort of a fact of the world we live in now that it is very difficult to bring charges against police officers unless there is glaring negligence and misconduct," Cross said. "While I certainly sympathize with the family  and I think there was probably not the necessary due caution exercised in this incident  I don't know that they are going to necessarily be very successful in pushing for charges to be brought against the officer."

Police spokesman Charley Davidson said the department has not received Lisa Finch's letter and cannot comment on it. He said police have provided all the information they can at this point, and that the investigation remains active.

Barriss was previously convicted in Los Angeles for making two false bomb threats that led to the temporary evacuation of ABC Studios in Glendale in 2015. That same year, as part of the same case, Barriss was also convicted of making hoax threats against two schools in the San Fernando Valley.

Glendale Police told NBC News that investigators discovered that during that time period, Barriss made some 20 threat related calls around the nation, including to universities.
President Donald Trump is disbanding his controversial voter fraud commission amid infighting, lawsuits and state officials' refusal to cooperate.

Trump convened the commission to investigate the 2016 presidential election, after alleging repeatedly and without evidence that voting fraud cost him the popular vote. Trump won the Electoral College.

On Thursday morning, Trump alleged in a tweet that Democratic states fought to keep information from the commission "because they know that many people are voting illegally." But while there have been isolated cases of voter fraud in the U.S., past studies have found it to be exceptionally rare.

"Many mostly Democrat States refused to hand over data from the 2016 Election to the Commission On Voter Fraud," Trump said in the tweet. "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."

He continued, "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!"



The White House blamed the decision to end the panel on more than a dozen states that have refused to comply with the commission's demand for reams of personal voter data, including names, partial Social Security numbers, voting histories and party affiliations.

"Rather than engage in endless legal battles at taxpayer expense, today President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order to dissolve the Commission, and he has asked the Department of Homeland Security to review its initial findings and determine next courses of action," White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement Wednesday.

Critics saw the commission as part of a conservative campaign to make it harder for poor people and minority voters to access the ballot box, and to justify Trump's claims of voter fraud.

Trump has repeatedly alleged, without evidence, that 3 million to 5 million people voted illegally in the 2016 election, delivering the popular vote to his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton. Clinton received more than 2.8 million more votes than Trump nationwide.

Critics also viewed the commission as part of an attempt to distract from the ongoing investigations into Russian election meddling and potential collusion between Moscow and Trump campaign aides. The intelligence community concluded that the Russian government mounted a campaign to help Trump win, hacking email accounts and spreading false stories.

Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, a conservative Republican and the commission's vice chairman, characterized the decision to dissolve the bipartisan group as a "tactical change" and argued DHS can pursue an investigation of election fraud more quickly and efficiently.

"The Democrats, both on and off the commission, made very clear that they were not interested in determining the scope and extent of voter fraud and, indeed, they were trying to stop the commission in its tracks," Kobach said. "The Democrats lost their opportunity, lost their seat at the table, by stonewalling."

Kobach, a vocal supporter of tough voter ID laws, alleged Democrats wanted no investigation. "Their motto is, 'Nothing to see here,'" he said.

One of the members of the commission, Democratic Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, sued the commission in federal court, alleging it had violated federal law by refusing to provide him documents available to other members, among other charges.

Dunlap on Wednesday said Kobach and his allies "were the ones that were stonewalling," saying they had "very definite ideas of what they wanted this commission to come up with."

Three Democratic senators  Michael Bennet of Colorado, Cory Booker of New Jersey and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota  had also asked the U.S. Government Accountability Office to investigate the commission, which it agreed to do in October.

Kobach said he intends to work closely with DHS and the White House and expects the bulk of the DHS investigation to be done by midsummer.

More than a dozen states, as well as the District of Columbia, had rebuffed the commission's request for voter data, citing privacy concerns and a fear that complying would legitimize the idea that voter fraud is widespread.

While there have been isolated cases of people voting illegally, and many voter rolls contain outdated data, there is no evidence voter fraud is a widespread problem in the United States or has affected election results.

A study by a Loyola Law School professor found that out of 1 billion votes cast in all American elections between 2000 and 2014, there were only 31 known cases of impersonation fraud.

During the commission's first meeting, Trump had questioned the motives of states that refused to comply with the commission's request, suggesting they had something to hide.

Voter advocacy groups and Democrats applauded Wednesday's decision.

"It is no surprise that a commission founded on a lie of widespread voter fraud proved to be a fraud itself," said California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, a Democrat, who had refused to comply with the commission's request for voter data. "No taxpayer dollars should have been wasted on Mr. Trump's voter suppression crusade."

Dale Ho, director of the American Civil Liberties Union Voting Rights Project, accused the commission of engaging in "a wild-goose chase for voter fraud, demonizing the very American voters whom we should all be helping to participate  with the not-so-secret goal of making voting harder with unnecessary barriers.

"President Trump has tried and failed to spread his own fake news about voter fraud," Ho said.

Associated Press writer Ken Thomas contributed to this report.
We all know it's been cold in North Texas, and even this calf in Wolfe City certainly felt the chill.

Jason Succuro was driving by when he noticed the calf laying down on a pond that was frozen over.

He didn't hesitate to help out the animal.

The calf appeared to be stuck on the ice. Succuro was able to get the animal back on its feet and on dry land again.

He made sure to reunite it with its mother.

Succuro was worried the ice might break and the calf would drown.
Controversy over closing troubled school bus agency Dallas County Schools expanded to Dallas City Hall Wednesday with two state senators entering the fray over crossing guards.

DCS is dissolving under the terms of a November voter referendum that was prescribed by Texas lawmakers after a year of NBC 5 Investigates reports on DCS finance and management problems.

State law says crossing guards are a city responsibility, but Dallas transferred the duty to DCS in a 2012 agreement in return for city support of the DCS stop-arm camera citation program.

Now the DCS dissolution committee says the school bus agency can't afford to pay crossing guards after Jan. 31.

"This is a mess," said City Councilman Casey Thomas. "This is an absolute mess that we didn't create."

In a briefing Wednesday, the Dallas City Council was told it could cost $1.9 million to continue the crossing guard program through this school year and another $4.4 million to pay for it next school year.

The 2012 deal with DCS was extended in 2015 by the Dallas City Council through 2040.

"We, as a city, those of us who voted for it, really should have been asking these questions about, if this program and this DCS didn't exist, what would happen?" said Councilwoman Jennifer Gates.

The city of Dallas has no money in the current budget for crossing guards. It expected to receive revenue from the scandal ridden cross-arm program that was a big money loser for DCS.

Councilman Dwaine Caraway was a strong supporter of the stop-arm camera citation program that was expected to save the city the cost of crossing guards and generate revenue.

"We can't tell where a bad apple is," Caraway said, looking back. "We got into it on a good deal, and somehow things went awry."

Council members complained that the DCS dissolution committee appointed by the Texas comptroller includes no representative from the city of Dallas.

Mayor Mike Rawlings said he would ask the comptroller to add city representation to the committee.

Rawlings, a former corporate CEO, said the DCS dissolution is like a bankruptcy where debtors get into fights.

"This is an ugly situation that we're in, but in some ways I'm glad we're starting to resolve this," Rawlings said. "There was terrible rot in this organization, OK, and so I supported the dissolution of DCS. I think it was the right thing to do, and I think we're seeing why it was the right thing to do right now."

The Dallas Independent School District is setting up its own school bus service to replace DCS in the next school year. Several council members want Dallas ISD to also accept responsibility for crossing guards.

"These people need to interface with children, and I don't think the city is set up to do that, because we're not in the business of teaching and interfacing with school age children," Councilman Rickey Callahan said.

The city of Dallas sued the DCS dissolution committee last month, seeking to avoid the cost of crossing guards.

Republican State Sen. Don Huffines (R-Dallas) ssued a statement Wednesday attacking the city for the lawsuit.

"At minimum, the city is guilty of making a bad deal, and they are arguably complicit in a corrupt bureaucracy's scheme against taxpayers and students," the statement said. "The Dallas lawsuit interferes with a smooth transition away from DCS and potentially risks interruptions to student transportation."

Democratic State Sen. Royce West (D-Dallas) offered to broker a solution with a special meeting this week to include city, school and state officials. West said the crossing guard money was never on the radar of state lawmakers when they crafted the plan to close DCS.

"This is not a 'D' or 'R' issue. This is about our children, and I'm pretty certain that neither he [Huffines] nor I anticipated that the school crossing guard dollars would not be there in order to fund the program," West said. "I think that if we shed our responsibility in funding a potentially $4.4 million shortfall, that we would throw our children literally under the bus."

Several council members Wednesday also inquired about a $1.50 fee available in state law that counties can charge on vehicle registration to support school crossing guards.

"I want to turn over every rock before we decide that we're going to take this on. We have enough on our plate," said Councilman Kevin Felder. "I think this is a political issue, and we need to put the pressure back on those elected officials."

The fee is not charged in Dallas County, and County Judge Clay Jenkins issued a statement in response to that that topic Wednesday night.

"DCS provides bus service to nine districts and provides crossing guards to DISD and Richardson ISD only. DCS does not provide crossing guards to any other school district," Jenkins said. "There is not support on the Commissioners Court at this time to impose a new fee on car registrations. The county remains committed to continuing to work with the DCS dissolution committee, the cities, and all our partners to ensure an effective transition from DCS to new service providers."

Assistant Dallas City Manager Jon Fortune said he is hopeful the meeting that West plans this week will result in some other solutions for City Council approval next week, to put in place before DCS crossing guard funding ends.

"We'll be going and sharpening our pencils and coming back with some proposal on how we can provide some interim stop gap for the next 90 days," Fortune said.

Councilman Lee Kleinman said he does not want to cut other city programs but also refuses to eliminate crossing guards.

"The priority is public safety, and the priority is the safety of those kids, and we will make sure that those crossings are covered," Kleinman said.

The City of Dallas had a staff of 350 crossing guards when it provided the service under supervision of the Dallas Police Department prior to 2012. Police officers would occassionally fill in for absent crossing guards.



Several City Council Members Wednesday said they do not want the city's shrinking staff of police officers to be used as crossing guards and would prefer supervision by a different city department in the future.



DCS increased crossing guard pay and benefits and increased the staff to 400 since taking over the program.


Cal Fire released 2017's year-end wildfire totals on Tuesday, and the numbers are startling.

Cal Fire and many others forecasted an unprecedented increase in fire because of all the dry fuel from last year's rains, but Cal Fire's analysis of 2017 showed that five of the top 20 most destructive fires in the state's history occurred last year, and few could have predicted that.

From San Francisco to Ventura, Los Angeles to Bonsall, fire raged through wild lands, businesses and cul-de-sacs.

The state was plagued with fall fires due to Diablo winds to the north and Santa Ana winds in the south, which worsened conditions from the hot, dry temperatures of summer.

Cal Fire's statistics indicate that California's most destructive and deadliest fires have occurred during fall.

In 2017, there were 7,117 fires recorded within the Cal Fire jurisdiction, which burned 505,956 acres. This is nearly double what was reported in 2016.

In 2016, Cal Fire recorded 4,800 fires, totaling 244,319 acres burned.

And the 2017 totals do not even include the nearly 300,000 acres burned in the Thomas Fire.

Now that it is 2018, the calendar starts over and the statistics reset, but Cal Fire warned that the fire danger in San Diego remains high.

"Cal Fire San Diego and San Diego County Fire would like to take this opportunity to remind the public that wildland fire prevention and preparedness are a year-round effort," said Cal Fire in a statement.

Federal agencies have approved giving a boost to wildfire recovery efforts in California due to the extensive damages wrought by the fires of 2017.
California Democratic leaders are condemning U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions' decision to rescind a policy that guided federal authorities to take a hands-off approach to marijuana enforcement in states that legalized use of the drug.

Sessions' decision, announced Thursday, comes three days after California became the largest state to legalize sales of recreational marijuana. Voters approved the law in 2016.

Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, said Thursday that Sessions' decision had bulldozed the will of voters and flew in the face of his support for states' rights. Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom says the Trump administration is pursuing a failed path by criminalizing marijuana and is waging a "cynical" war against California.

Newsom, who is running for governor, said the state will pursue all legal, legislative and political options to protect its reforms.

But in Northern California, a sheriff is applauding Sessions' decision. Siskiyou County Sheriff Jon Lopey said Thursday that he's encouraged by Sessions' actions. Much of the enforcement of marijuana laws has fallen to rural local authorities in Northern California where most of the crop is grown.

The Siskiyou Board of Supervisors declared a local state of emergency last year and called on Gov. Jerry Brown to help Lopey crack down on a dramatic influx of illegal marijuana farmers. Lopey had asked Sessions to rescind the policy that guided federal authorities to allow operations to exist if they abided by state law, but to crack down on activities such as trafficking and selling to minors.

During the Obama era, Federal law enforcement officials were generally barred from intervention with marijuana sales in states where the drug is legal. But Sessions' decision appears to ensure added confusion over the issue.

"In deciding which marijuana activities to prosecute under these laws with the Department's finite resources, prosecutors should follow the well-established principles that govern all federal prosecutions," by considering the seriousness of the crime and its impact on the community, Sessions wrote in a one-page memo to the nation's federal prosecutors.

Sessions' policy will let U.S. attorneys across the country decide what kinds of federal resources to devote to marijuana enforcement based on what they see as priorities in their districts. Officials couldn't say what the ultimate impact will be on the legal industry or whether it will lead to more pot prosecutions.

Nor is it clear how the memo might affect states where marijuana is legal for medical purposes. A congressional amendment blocks the Justice Department from interfering with medical marijuana programs in states where it is allowed. Justice officials said they would follow the law, but would not preclude the possibility of medical-marijuana related prosecutions.

Sessions and some law enforcement officials in states such as Colorado blame legalization for a number of problems, including drug traffickers who have taken advantage of lax marijuana laws to illegally grow and ship the drug across state lines, where it can sell for much more. The decision was a win for marijuana opponents who had been urging Sessions to take action.

"There is no more safe haven with regard to the federal government and marijuana, but it's also the beginning of the story and not the end," said Kevin Sabet, president and CEO of Smart Approaches to Marijuana, who was among several anti-marijuana advocates who met with Sessions last month. "This is a victory. It's going to dry up a lot of the institutional investment that has gone toward marijuana in the last five years."

Threats of a federal crackdown have united liberals who object to the human costs of a war on pot with conservatives who see it as a states' rights issue. Some in law enforcement support a tougher approach, but a bipartisan group of senators in March urged Sessions to uphold existing marijuana policy. Others in Congress have been seeking ways to protect and promote legal pot businesses.

Marijuana advocates quickly condemned Sessions' move as a return to outdated drug-war policies that unduly affected minorities.
The remains of an American soldier from New Jersey killed fighting in eastern Afghanistan are back home.

Sgt. 1st Class Mihail Golin's remains arrived at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Wednesday. The 34-year-old was from Fort Lee.

A military statement issued Tuesday said four other soldiers were wounded in the Jan. 1 battle in the Achin district of Nangarhar province. It said two of the wounded were in stable condition and the other two have returned to duty.

Gen. John Nicholson, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, says "we are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our own."

The United States formally concluded its combat mission in Afghanistan at the end of 2014 but still carries out operations against the Taliban and an Islamic State affiliate, both of which are active in Nangarhar.
What to Know Subways, buses and rails are coping with the aftermath of the blizzard with extra snow equipment, snowy weather plans and reduced service

JFK Airport has suspended service until Friday morning and there are delays and cancellations at LaGuardia and Newark airports

Roadways were treacherous through the Thursday evening commute and there are a bevy of restrictions on routes throughout the region

UPDATE: What You Need to Know for Your Friday Commute



The monster snowstorm that punished the tri-state with gusty winds and blizzard-like conditions caused changes to mass transit service and severely impacted the roads.

But many of the conditions that impacted the region on Thursday amid the storm will also be felt Friday as the region begins to dig out.

Here's what you need to know as you get your commute underway.

NYC SUBWAY

The city's subways are operating under a cold weather plan, and despite a decent start to the Friday morning commute, it quickly deteriorated.

While the underground portions of the subway were unaffected during snowstorms, nearly 220 miles of outdoor track throughout the boroughs are particularly vulnerable to snow and freezing precipitation (such as the Rockaway A/S, Sea Beach N, Flushing 7, Brighton B/Q and Dyre Avenue 5 lines).



The MTA said B trains were running local in Brooklyn because of weather conditions as of 8:30 a.m., causing delays in B and Q service, while some southbound Q and nourtound R trains had delays because of signal problems. Signal problems also delayed service on the No. 7 and No. 6 lines, while a frozen switch problem at Canarsie-Rockaway Parkway caused major issues for riders on the L line.

MTA Chairman Joe Lhota said Thursday service may change from moment to moment; he encourages customers to check MTA.info and to download the Subway Time app.

It Snowed Underground in NYC, Too

NYC BUSES

All articulated buses have snow chains on tires. Standard buses will be equipped with all-weather tires or snow tires. Snowfighters will be deployed through Friday morning. Additional managerial staff and satellite monitoring offices will be staffed through Friday morning.

The latest advisories can be found at MTA.info.

[NATL] Extreme Cold Follows East Coast Winter Storm

LONG ISLAND RAIL ROAD

MTA officials said Thursday afternoon that the LIRR is completely exposed to the elements and that they're worried about the effects of freezing temperatures overnight into Friday.

Friday morning, the agency was reporting 10-15 minutes system-wide, with scattered cancellations due to winter weather conditions. The Port Jefferson branch is bypassing Syosset and Cold Spring Harbor in both directions.

In general, here's what customers can expect during different types of winter storms, according to LIRR:

Light snowfall, 4 inches or less: Little or no impact on operations/train service.

Little or no impact on operations/train service. Moderate snowfall, accumulations of 5 to 9 inches: Operations could be hampered by more than a few inches of snowfall and blowing snow. Walking in parking lots, on stairways and station platforms may be difficult. Expect some delays; and allow extra travel time.

Operations could be hampered by more than a few inches of snowfall and blowing snow. Walking in parking lots, on stairways and station platforms may be difficult. Expect some delays; and allow extra travel time. Heavy snowfall, 10-13 inches or more: Train service on some branches may be modified or suspended. We will try to restore normal service as quickly as possible to our core branches. We will also dedicate our snow-fighting equipment to our most heavily traveled lines. Train travel is not encouraged at height of storm.

Train service on some branches may be modified or suspended. We will try to restore normal service as quickly as possible to our core branches. We will also dedicate our snow-fighting equipment to our most heavily traveled lines. Train travel is not encouraged at height of storm. Ice storms, blizzards, sustained winds over 39 mph: Train service will be severely curtailed or suspended, especially if there are frozen switches or there is a loss of third rail power. Icing can have a greater impact on travel conditions than heavy snowfall and can develop very quickly. Train travel is not encouraged.

LIRR customers can check for service updates on MTA.info/LIRR, through text and email alerts, and on Twitter.

Station waiting rooms will be open to the public around the clock until Monday.



7 Ways to Deal With Frozen Pipes During Frigid Weather

METRO-NORTH

Metro-North is running on a reduced week-day schedule. Read Metro-North's Guide to Winter Weather Travel.

Metro-North customers can check for service updates on MTA.info/MNR, through text and email alerts, and on Twitter. Real-time train information is also provided on the Metro-North Train Time website and on the Metro-North Train Time app.

NJ Transit

NJ Transit has operate regular weekday service on its bus, rail and light rail services, as long as conditions allow. System-wide cross- honoring will be in effect Friday on NJ Transit and private carrier buses, rail and light rail services only. The agency said commuters can expect up to 30-minute delays.

Other service impacts include:

 NJ Transit said Amtrak crews will periodically remove ice in the Hudson River Tunnels between 8 p.m. and midnight. As a result, NJ Transit trains must single track during that time, and customers may experience some delays.



 Regular weekday service for rail, bus, light rail and Access Link will operate as long as conditions allow.

 For all 196 and 197 lines, NJ Transit rail will cross-honor on the Port Jervis line at the Harriman, Tuxedo, and Sloatsburg Stations. Shortline bus will also be cross honoring.



[NATL-NY] Frigid Weather Turns Niagara Falls Into a Winter Wonderland

PATH

All PATH trains were operating on schedule Friday morning. Check the PATH website for updates on service. Follow PATH on Twitter for updates.



FERRIES

Seastreak ferry service is suspended from Friday to Sunday due to high winds. The Staten Island Ferry, which was on a modified schedule Thursday, is back on schedule Friday morning.



New York Waterway has suspended some ferry service because of ice. Service from the Belford terminal in Middletown is suspended Friday because Compton Creek, off Raritan Bay, has iced up. Most NY Waterway commuter ferry routes on the Lower Hudson River between New Jersey and Manhattan are operating normally.

AMTRAK

Amtrak said it will operate modified schedule between New York and Boston on Friday, with reduced frequency of Acela Express and Northeast Regional service. Additionally, Shuttle service operating between Springfield, Mass., and New Haven, Conn., will operate on a modified schedule.

Check for the latest updates at Amtrak.com.

Dramatic Images From 2018's Tri-State 'Blizzard of Terror'

AIR TRAVEL

LaGuardia and JFK are both operating flights again, but travelers are advised to check with their carriers before heading out.

More than 1,150 flights at JFK, LaGuardia and Newark were canceled Thursday, according to FlightAware. Dozens more flights were delayed.

On Friday, travelers should expect additional intermittent delays.

Service on the AirTrain at JFK was temporarily suspended between Howard Beach and Federal Circle and the AirTrain at Newark has been experiencing delays.

HIGHWAYS AND ROADS

NEW YORK

Alternate side parking is suspended in New York City Thursday through Saturday.

There were speed restrictions of 35 mph on the George Washington Bridge and 25 mph on the Outerbridge Crossing and Bayonne and Goethals bridges.

Trucks and motorcycles were banned on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.

See the latest travel information at 511NY.org.

NEW JERSEY
President Donald Trump launched a scathing verbal and legal attack on former top adviser Steve Bannon on Wednesday, responding to a new book that portrays Trump as an undisciplined man-child who didn't actually want to win the White House and quotes Bannon as calling his son's contact with a Russian lawyer "treasonous."

Hitting back via a formal White House statement rather than a more-typical Twitter volley, Trump insisted Bannon had little to do with his victorious campaign and "has nothing to do with me or my Presidency."

"When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind," Trump said.

It was a blistering attack against the man who helped deliver the presidency to Trump. It was spurred by an unflattering new book by writer Michael Wolff that paints Trump as a leader who doesn't understand the weight of the presidency and spends his evenings eating cheeseburgers in bed, watching television and talking on the phone to old friends.

Later Wednesday, Trump attorney Charles Harder threatened legal action against Bannon over "disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements."

Harder sent a letter to Bannon saying the former Trump aide violated confidentiality agreements by speaking with Wolff. The letter demanded Bannon "cease and desist" any further disclosure of confidential information.

Bannon did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but did say on a radio show Thursday morning that "there is no one we think higher of than President Trump and the agenda so lets not let the left wing media stir that up."



On Thursday, Harder sent another "cease and desist" letter to Wolff and his publisher demanding they stop the release of the book, which it said includes "false/baseless statements" about Trump, and refrain from publishing any more excerpts or summaries. The letter also sought a retraction and an apology to Trump.

NBC reached out to Wolff and his publisher for comment.

Asked about Bannon on Thursday, Trump said, "he called me a great man last night so he obviously changed his tune pretty quick."

Trump added that he doesn't talk to Bannon, saying "that's just a misnomer."



White House aides were blindsided when early excerpts from "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House" were published online by New York magazine and other media outlets ahead of the Jan. 9 publication date.

The release left Trump "furious" and "disgusted," said White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who complained that the book contained "outrageous" and "completely false claims against the president, his administration and his family."

Asked what specifically had prompted the president's fury with Bannon, she said: "I would certainly think that going after the president's son in an absolutely outrageous and unprecedented way is probably not the best way to curry favor with anybody."

In the book, an advance copy of which was provided to The Associated Press, Bannon is quoted as describing a June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower between Donald Trump Jr., Trump campaign aides and a Russian lawyer as "treasonous" and "unpatriotic." The meeting has become a focus of federal and congressional investigators.

Bannon also told Wolff the investigations into potential collusion between Russia and Trump campaign officials would likely focus on money laundering.

"They're going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV," Bannon was quoted as saying in one section that was first reported by The Guardian.

Trump Jr. lashed out in a series of tweets, including one that said Andrew Breitbart, the founder of the Breitbart News site that Bannon now runs, "would be ashamed of the division and lies Steve Bannon is spreading!"

Bannon, who was forced out of his White House job last summer, was not surprised or particularly bothered by the blowback, according to a person familiar with his thinking but not authorized to speak publicly on the matter. That person said Bannon vowed on Wednesday to continue his war on the Republican establishment and also predicted that, after a cooling-off period, he'd continue to speak with Trump, who likes to maintain contact with former advisers even after he fires and sometimes disparages them.

Sanders said Bannon and Trump last spoke in the first part of last month.

The former-and-current Breitbart News head has told associates that he believes Trump has been ill-served by some his closest allies, including eldest son Don Jr. and Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law. Bannon believes they have exposed Trump to the Russia probe that could topple his presidency and that Trump would be able to accomplish more without them

So far, there is no indication that Bannon is being investigated by Special Counsel Robert Mueller. But the House intelligence committee has invited him, along with former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, for a closed-door interview as a part of the panel's investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election, according to a person familiar with the invitation.

Trump, up until Wednesday, had been complimentary of Bannon, saying in October that the two "have a very good relationship" and had been friends for "a long time."

In the book, Bannon also speaks critically of Trump's daughter and White House adviser, Ivanka, calling her "dumb as a brick."

"A little marketing savvy and has a look but as far as understanding actually how the world works and what politics is and what it means  nothing," he is quoted saying.

New York magazine also published a lengthy adaptation of the book on Wednesday, in which Wolff writes that Trump believed his presidential nomination would boost his brand and deliver "untold opportunities"  but that he never expected to win.

It says Trump Jr. told a friend that his father looked as if he'd seen a ghost when it became clear he might win. The younger Trump described Melania Trump as "in tears  and not of joy."

The first lady's spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, disputed that, saying Mrs. Trump supported her husband's decision to run, encouraged him to do so and was happy when he won.

"The book is clearly going to be sold in the bargain fiction section," Grisham said in a statement.

Wolff was generally granted access to the White House with a 'blue badge" instead of the traditional press badge, giving him wide access to the West Wing, according to officials who spoke on condition of anonymity in order to discuss internal protocol. One former White House official said Wolff was known to camp out for hours in the West Wing lobby after meetings, sitting on a sofa as he waited to talk to staffers passing by.

Wolff said in an author's note that the book was based on more than 200 interviews, including multiple conversations with the president and senior staff. But Sanders said Wolff "never actually sat down with the president" and had spoken with him just once, briefly, by phone, since Trump had taken office.

She also said the vast majority of interviews Wolff conducted with other White House officials were done at Bannon's request.

Bannon's comments in the book are just his latest published criticism of the president and his family. In a Vanity Fair piece late last year, he was quoted telling friends and advisers that Trump had "lost a step" since his swearing-in and was "like an 11-year-old child."

Associated Press writer Zeke Miller contributed to this report.
By luck of the draw, incumbent Republican David Yancey won a Virginia state House of Delegates race so close that its outcome was determined Thursday when an elections official pulled his name out of a ceramic bowl.

The drawing of lots happened after the race between Yancey and Democratic challenger Shelley Simonds ended in tie.

The win allows Republicans to maintain a slim majority in the House, though a final tally is still uncertain because Simonds could ask for another recount. Adding another wrinkle: Another close legislative race is in doubt because it's locked in a court battle.

The drawing for who will represent District 94, in Newport News, drew quite a crowd to the Virginia elections board meeting. Most of the people packed into the room were Simonds' supporters. Yancey did not attend because of heavy snowfall but did have a representative there.

As Yancey's name was announced, Simonds sat stoically, holding the hands of her daughter and husband seated beside her. She endured a long moment of silence as the elections officials certified Yancey as the winner. The only sound in the room was the clicking of cameras, most of which were trained on Simonds.

Her supporters left the room disappointed and she addressed the media.

"This is a sad conclusion for me," she said. "It does seem like a sudden end to the story to have to end on a game of chance."

However, she did not rule out asking for a recount.

"For me, all options are still on the table," she said.

Mitchell Pleasure, a Harvard University student from Fairfax County, said he went to Richmond to see the drawing because it was so strange.

"I was laughing a little bit because I think its a ridiculous process for deciding an election where there's 23,000 people's votes decided by the flip of a coin, basically," he said.

Before the drawing, officials detailed how it would work. The name of each candidate was printed on a piece of paper and placed into separate film canisters. The canisters were put into a cobalt blue-and-white ceramic bowl made by a local artist, stirred around and Yancey's name was chosen first.

It's been nearly 50 years since a legislative seat was settled by drawing lots in Virginia. In 1971, Republican William H. Moss Sr. appeared to lose the election for a seat in northern Virginia. But after a recount ended in a tie, Moss was declared the winner after a blindfolded state elections official pulled his name out of a large decorative cup, according to news reports at the time.

The race between Yancey, a three-term incumbent, and Simonds has bounced back and forth since the November election, when Virginia Democrats - fueled by voter anger directed at Republican President Donald Trump - wiped out a 66-34 advantage held by Republicans in the House. The election has been widely seen as a potential harbinger of the 2018 midterm congressional elections.

Simonds appeared to have lost the November election by 10 votes, but on Dec. 19, she won a recount by a single vote. The next day, a three-judge panel declared a tie based on a previously uncounted vote for Yancey.

At the heart of the dispute is a single ballot on which the voter filled in the bubble for both Simonds and Yancey. The voter also drew a single slash through the bubble for Simonds and picked Republican candidates in statewide races.

The ballot wasn't counted during the recount and was identified after a Republican election official raised concerns the following day.

With Yancey's win, Republicans hold a slim, 51-49 advantage over Democrats in the Virginia House. But the race may not be over. Simonds could ask for another recount, a move that would likely delay a winner being declared before the 2018 legislative session begins next week. That would still allow Republicans to elect a speaker and make committee assignments based on a 50-49 advantage.

The balance of power in the House could shift again because a lawsuit is pending over the results of another House race in Northern Virginia. Democrat Joshua Cole lost to Republican Bob Thomas by 73 votes in a recount. But voters filed a federal lawsuit after at least 147 ballots were found to be assigned to the wrong districts. A federal court hearing on that election is schedule for Friday.

The General Assembly is set to reconvene Wednesday.
Ten days out from his inauguration as governor of Virginia, Ralph Northam says he is working on an ambitious legislative agenda.

"I think the advantage I have coming in as 73rd governor is that I've been here for 10 years. I have relationships with people on both sides of aisle. They know how I like to do things," Northam told News4 in his first broadcast interview of the new year.

An Eastern Shore native with the accent to match, Northam's low-key style is a sharp contrast to his energetic predecessor, Gov. Terry McAuliffe.



Northam insisted his landslide victory -- fueled by anger towards President Trump -- is a mandate for his top legislative priority: Medicaid expansion.

"No family in Virginia should be one medical illness away from financial demise so, Medicaid expansion is very important and I will do everything I can to make that happen," Northam said.

He said dedicated funding for Metro is another priority.

Gun violence is also on the top of his list. Northam said more Virginians die from gunshot injuries than car crashes.

"Universal background checks will be, I think, on the table for discussion. We also need to talk about weapons of war. Do we need weapons of war on our streets, in our society in Virginia?"

Northam is confident a flood of Democratic newcomers to the House of Delegates will encourage bipartisan cooperation.

"We're in such a -- have a unique opportunity with the makeup of the legislature this year to really bring people from both sides of the aisle and get some good things done and do what's in the best interest of Virginia," he said.
A massive winter storm roared into the East Coast on Thursday, dumping as much as 17 inches of snow in some areas and unleashing hurricane-force winds and flooding that closed schools and offices and halted transportation systems.

Forecasters expected the storm to be followed immediately by a blast of face-stinging cold air that could break records in more than two dozen cities and bring wind chills as low as minus 40 degrees this weekend.

Blizzard warnings and states of emergency were in wide effect, and wind gusts hit more than 70 mph (113 kph) in some places. Parts of New England had already seen more than a foot of snow as it continued to fall into Thursday evening.

Four people were killed in North and South Carolina after their vehicles ran off snow-covered roads, authorities said. Another fatality was reported near Philadelphia when a car could not stop at the bottom of a steep, snow-covered hill and slammed into a commuter train. A passenger in the vehicle was killed. No one on the train was hurt.

In Manchester, New Hampshire, a woman lost control of her car and barreled into the hallway of a nursing home, necn reported. Despite the crash, no one was injured, fire officials said.



Orlando Igmat's car got stuck in a New Jersey snowbank along the Garden State Parkway in Tinton Falls as he drove to work at Verizon. He waited a half hour for a tow truck to pull him out.

"I didn't expect it (the storm) was going to be a heavy one. That's why I went to work today. I'm going to stay in a hotel tonight," he said.

Before 11 a.m., 159 crashes had been reported on New Jersey roads, state police there said. New Jersey State Police were called 285 times to help motorists, NBC10 reported.

More than 100,000 homes and businesses lost power at some point Thursday. While many outages were restored by the day's end, officials from the mid-Atlantic to New England warned that those numbers might climb again as strong wind gusts and frigid temperatures continue through Saturday.

In New England, the powerful winds brought coastal flooding that reached historic levels in areas. The frigid waters overwhelmed fishing piers, streets and restaurants, and stranded people in homes and cars, prompting dozens of evacuations and rescues.

The high winds caused coastal flooding from Massachusetts to Maine, and the rising waters stranded people in homes and cars. The high tide in Portland, Maine, reached 13.79 feet, nearly matching the 14.17 feet reported during the Blizzard of 1978.

In Boston, icy harbor waters poured into downtown streets near popular tourist and business areas. The National Weather Service said the waters reached "within a few tenths of an inch" of record levels and local officials across coastal Massachusetts braced for further tidal surges.

"We saw the water going over the sea wall, which was really scary," said Boston resident Sonia Calderon. "I don't know what kind of damage that's going to cause, but it's a little scary just to think about it."

Mayor Marty Walsh said some of the areas hadn't seen flooding in 30 years. "If anyone wants to question global warming, just see where the flood zones are," the Democrat remarked.

The Massachusetts National Guard said it helped rescue a woman and her two children from a car in Marshfield. Flooding in Newburyport forced evacuations on Plum Island, and the only road from the island to the mainland was closed, police said.

Joe Weatherly, a 40-year-old artist from Los Angeles, was in Boston's Seaport district, holding his Boston terrier while searching for a seafood restaurant. Part of the district was flooded.

"For someone in California, this is really, really scary. Mind blowing," he said. "We don't live in a state where things shut down with the weather. I've just never seen this much snow in my life."

In Boston, the harbor side entrance at the MBTA's Aquarium Station was temporarily closed. Video showed water flowing down the stairs like a river into the subway station, NBC Boston reported.

South of the city, multiple cars were reportedly stuck in flood waters along Newport Avenue Extension in Quincy ahead of high tide. About 20 people had to be rescued.

"The city has been hit very hard," Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch said.

Schools, businesses and ferry services in parts of the Canadian coast were also shut down. Nova Scotia Power said it had more than 1,000 people at the ready in its biggest-ever pre-storm mobilization of personnel and resources.

More than two-thirds of flights in and out of New York City and Boston airports were canceled. The flight-tracking site FlightAware reported more than 4,000 canceled flights across the United States.

The storm shut down much of eastern Virginia, but some people took it in stride.

Mark Schoenenberger, a 45-year-old NASA engineer who lives in Norfolk, Virginia, put on his cross-country skis so he could make a half hour trip to the bagel shop for some breakfast for his family.

"It's like 'Yay, I get to go out," he said.

The only concern he seemed to have was telecommuting while his kids were home from school. But "it's just noise," he said.

Waiting just behind the storm was a wave of bracing cold.

National Weather Service meteorologist Dan Peterson said record low temperatures were predicted for 28 major cities across New England, eastern New York and the mid-Atlantic states by dawn Sunday.

Boston expected a low around minus 11 overnight Saturday into Sunday. Portland, Maine, and Burlington, Vermont, could see minus 16 and 19, respectively, the weather service said.

State and local officials urged people to stay home so crews could clear streets and roads of snow. There were concerns in Boston and elsewhere that if roads were not properly cleared, they could freeze into cement-like ice after the cold blast arrives.

In other areas, plummeting temperatures had already caused water mains to burst. Jackson, Mississippi, was under a precautionary boil-water notice after pipes failed. Portable toilets were placed outside the state Capitol because some of the toilets would not flush.

The massive storm began two days ago in the Gulf of Mexico and first struck the Florida Panhandle. Some meteorologists described it as a "bomb cyclone" for the process of bombogensis, when the barometric pressure drops steeply in a short period.

It was so cold in South Florida that iguanas fell from their perches in trees in suburban Miami. The reptiles became immobile when temperatures dipped below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius).

In Charleston, South Carolina, 5 inches of snow was enough for Chris Monoc's sons, ages 4 and 2, to go sledding.

"They probably will be teenagers the next time something like this happens," Monoc said.

__

Collins reported from Glastonbury, Connecticut. Associated Press writers Ben Finley in Norfolk, Virginia, Martha Waggoner in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Julio Cortez in Tinton Falls, New Jersey, contributed to this report.
The "bomb cyclone" storm that slammed the East Coast Thursday grounded thousands of flights and was affecting entire airports in New York City, Boston and elsewhere.



Flight-tracking website FlightAware reported more than 5,000 canceled flights across the U.S., with more cancellations anticipated for Friday as the region braced for the extreme temperature drop expected to follow the storm.

More than 1,000 flights were canceled at Newark Liberty International Airport, while Boston Logan International Airport saw at least 700 canceled. Get more information on flight cancellations here.

Flights were suspended at New York's John F. Kennedy International due to strong winds and whiteout conditions. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said the flights will resume at 7 a.m. Friday.

Air traffic suspensions at LaGuardia Airport have been lifted, but authorities advise passengers to contact their airlines regarding specific flights.

Hundreds more flights at Philadelphia and Hartford Bradley international airports were canceled.

The airport in Portland, Maine, Portland International Jetport, announced that all departures were canceled Thursday, along with seven of 35 departures Friday.



Hundreds more flights on Friday were already canceled as well, according to FlightAware. The agency said de-icing planes will limit airport operations even after the storm passes through, as much of the region was expecting an extreme temperature drop immediately following the storm.

Many airlines have waived fees for passengers to cancel or change flights that have been affected by the storm. Would-be travelers are encouraged to check with their airline for details. Find more information here on what you can do if your flight was one of the thousands canceled.

As the storm rumbled through New England Thursday afternoon, Marcus Slaga hunkered down at a hotel bar in Boston's partly flooded Seaport District. The 44-year-old sushi chef said his morning flight to Austin, Texas, was among the many canceled.

"I was hoping to wear shorts by this weekend," Slaga laughed. "Now, I'm stuck here for a couple of more days."

Linda Heuman and Amy Remensnyder were supposed to fly to Berlin on Thursday, but the flight was canceled. That left them stuck in their home in Providence, Rhode Island, with no food. So they trekked through the snow to a grocery store nearly a mile away.

Their plans for the rest of the day were simple: Make soup, do some desk work and maybe watch a movie with popcorn, Remensnyder said.

Rail service was affected too. Amtrak operated a modified schedule between New York and Boston. Northeast Regional Service between Washington, D.C., and Newport News/Norfolk, Virginia, was canceled.


There were no commercial passenger jet deaths anywhere in the world last year. It's a remarkable record, but is it fair for President Donald Trump to claim some of the credit?

The facts tell a different story. Global and U.S. commercial aviation deaths have been trending downward for more than a decade due to a variety of factors.

A look at commercial aviation's safety record globally and in the U.S., as well as the president's role:

TRUMP: "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!"

THE FACTS: The Dutch aviation consultancy To70 and the Aviation Safety Network reported Monday that there were no commercial passenger jet deaths last year, although there were two fatal regional airline crashes involving small turboprop planes in Angola and Russia. There were also fatal accidents involving cargo airliners.

Much of the credit for reducing passenger airline deaths goes to aircraft safety systems that have virtually eliminated midair collisions between airliners and what is referred to in aviation as "controlled flight into terrain." Usually that means flying a plane into the side of a mountain.

Actually, it's @USDOT, @FAANews, & @NASA and especially the airlines who deserve credit for this. But, if you're going to take credit for zero airline deaths in 2017 then you should take responsibility for the tens of thousands of gun deaths, too. #lawsmatter https://t.co/vnSPBo76LF  Mark Kelly (@ShuttleCDRKelly) January 2, 2018

There have been other improvements as well, including airlines adopting safety programs designed to spot potential problems before an accident occurs rather than relying on learning lessons from analysis after a crash.

MOST RECENT US CRASHES

In the U.S., it has been 4 years  Barack Obama was starting his second term as president  since the last deaths involving a scheduled passenger airline. Three passengers died after Asiana Airlines Flight 214 crashed while landing at San Francisco International Airport on July 6, 2013.

It's been almost nine years since the last fatalities involving a U.S.-registered, scheduled passenger airline in the United States. That was Colgan Air Flight 3407, which crashed on approach to Buffalo on Feb. 12, 2009. All 49 people on board and a man on the ground were killed. Colgan, now defunct, was a regional airline.

TRUMP AND REGULATIONS

Trump claimed to be "very strict" with airlines, but he has made rolling back regulations a pillar of his presidency, seeing them as drags on the economy. There have been no new major safety regulations imposed on passenger airlines as Trump rounds out his first year in office.

Indeed, Trump has not moved forward on an important aviation safety regulation that was pending when he took office: a rule proposed by the Obama White House that would ban shipments of rechargeable lithium batteries on passenger planes and limit lithium batteries shipped on all-cargo planes to no more than a 30 percent state of charge. Testing has shown that the batteries can self-ignite, creating intense fires and explosions. The ban was opposed by the battery industry and some manufacturers who use batteries in their products.

Asked how Trump had been "very strict" with commercial aviation, White House spokesman Raj Shah cited Trump's support for privatizing U.S. air traffic control operations and "enhanced security" measures by the Department of Homeland Security.

"President Trump has raised the bar for our nation's aviation safety and security," he said in a statement.

The enhanced security measures Shah referred to are the additional screening of passengers and their personal electronic devices at foreign airports with flights to the U.S. that the administration said last June was necessary to prevent terrorist attacks.

But Trump's plan to put air traffic control under the authority of a private corporation hasn't moved forward, so it couldn't have had an effect on air safety. And it's hardly being strict with the commercial aviation industry, since industry officials back the plan.

Supporters of privatization have been clear that the proposal is aimed at speeding air traffic modernization and is unrelated to safety. The FAA would continue its safety oversight of air traffic operations.
The Republican chairman of the House intelligence committee says the panel has reached an agreement with the Justice Department on witnesses and documents in its probe of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

Rep. Devin Nunes of California said in a statement Wednesday night that he has spoken with Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who had met privately with House Speaker Paul Ryan earlier Wednesday.

Nunes says he believes the department will soon provide the committee with the documents it had requested and access to the witnesses it had wanted to hear from.

The requested documents include materials related to how the FBI used a dossier of allegations about Donald Trump's ties to Russia.

Nunes sent Rosenstein a letter last week saying he wanted the information by Jan. 3.
A judge has ordered one suspect charged Wednesday in connection with an alleged kidnapping and rape of a 16-year-old girl to be held without bail.

Krystal Lugo, 23, of Webster, is charged with kidnapping, two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery, and larceny under $250.

Lugo is one of four people accused of holding a 16-year-old girl captive at an Auburn, Massachusetts, home, torturing her and one of them raping her.



Her brother, 19-year-old Christopher Lugo, is charged with kidnapping, rape, and drugging to confine.

Yariel Torres-Abee, 22, of Southbridge, is charged with kidnapping, and assault and battery.

Yuleny Ortiz, 19, of Auburn, is charged with kidnapping.

Law enforcement sources told the NBC 10 Boston Investigators last week that the four were arrested Dec. 27 when police rescued a teenage victim at the home where the Lugos lived on White Terrace in Auburn. Her head had been shaved, and she had been drugged, raped and tortured with lit cigarettes.

A machete allegedly was held up to the girl's neck, and Krystal Lugo ordered it to be held harder if she lied, sources said.

Police believe the crime was related to a prior incident, saying the suspects targeted the victim after suspecting she set up a recent home invasion at the White Terrace home.

Prosecutors said police had been called to the home over 144 times for prior incidents.

In that alleged home invasion, police said two men entered the home and confronted Christopher Lugo while firing three shots. Authorities believe that the purpose of the home invasion was to steal marijuana.

The house was found to be uninhabitable and was condemned by a building inspector, according to sources.

Since being arrested, all four suspects have been held without bail.

Krystal Lugo's attorney unsuccessfully argued that she should recieve bail partly because she has an 18-month-old child at home. Prosectors disagreed saying the child was in the home during the alleged incidents.

Officials say the victim has been reunited with her parents.
Every New Year's Day, there are news stories about the first babies born in the new year. But none are quite like the story of a baby in Bangor, Maine, who couldn't wait to make it to the hospital.

Mother Jennifer Sicard-Flood started feeling contractions New Year's Day. She piled into a friend's pick-up truck, and made the one-hour drive to Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor.

As her contractions started speeding up, so did the car.

"I was a little worried, but at the time, your adrenaline is so up there, and you're in so much pain," said Sicard-Flood. "You're just thinking, 'Oh my god, the baby is coming.'"

The driver raced to the hospital, and made it to a parking lot nearby. They were so close, yet so far from the delivery room.

"I had started feeling like I needed to push," she said.

The driver ran out of the truck to get help from the hospital, while the passenger helped Sicard-Flood get into position. With one foot on the seat, and another on the dash, she delivered her baby in the parking lot.

Paramedics from the Bangor Fire Department beat hospital nurses to the scene. When Lt. Andrew Emery arrived, he found a tired mother and cold, slightly blue baby.

"We gave him oxygen, and a warm ride to the E.R.," said Lt. Emery. "Babies don't wait, but zero degree [temperatures] is probably not the ideal weather [to have a baby]."

Despite his chaotic entrance, baby Lucas Wayne Flood was peacefully sleeping at EMMC Wednesday morning, cleared to be taken home.

Sicard-Flood said she is overwhelmed with gratitude to the firefighters, and the friend who delivered in her time of need.

"Thank you," she said through tears.
Biblical feasting in Overstrand The Pleasaunce, Harbord Road, Overstrand, Cromer . Alison Marchant will lead an interactive, hands-on, Biblical, teaching week called Gods Covenants, Feasts and Faithfulness. Alison will draw from 40 years of involvement with Israel, including 9 years working in Jerusalem, mostly with CMJ, and later CFI in the UK. Come and explore the Biblical covenants and feasts. Consider why God instituted them? What relevance do they have to Jesus? And why ever should they matter to us in our Christian lives today? Come and celebrate Purim, eat Hamans Ears, build a Succah, enjoy a Passover Meal, explore entering into Sabbath, and delve into the depths and riches of being in covenant with God.

For more details and how to book, e-mail : thepleasaunce@cehc.org.uk or phone 01263 579212.



Sacred Music from Spain King's Lynn Minster www.cambridgerenaissancevoices.org.uk Sacred music from renaissance Spain and Portugal. Tickets 15 online or 17 on the door.

Tough Talk at Radical Church Radical Church, World Association of Wrestling building, 3A Diamond Road, Norwich Radical Church in Norwich have relocated to the World Association of Wrestling building at 3A Diamond Road, NR6 6AN, after its Jesus Warehouse location was flooded recently.



Pastor Matt Richards and the team will be hosting power lifters, body builders, ex-bouncers, debt collectors and hard men from the Christian group Tough Talk, direct from the wrestling ring at WAW.



Matt said: "We are looking to bless the wrestling and boxing community as well and guarantee that if you bring someone the Gospel will be preached. Lives will be changed, and Hope will be spread."



Everyone is welcome from 6pm.



Christmas Fayre Matishall Church Crafts, gifts, refreshments, light lunches, free entry

Abbey Days Wymondham Wymondham Abbey Visitors to Wymondham Abbeys Christmas fair can treat their children to a magic show and fun baking workshop while they browse more than 60 stalls, enjoy street food and mulled wine, and listen to live music inside the Abbey.

Tearfund quiz in Sheringham St Andrews Methodist Church, Cromer Road, Sheringham The Big Quiz, in aid of Tearfund, the international Christian relief and development agency currently working in around 50 countries. Teams up to 6 people, must be pre-registered as there is a maximum capacity. Free entry but Donations, using Gift Aid if possible (forms and envelopes supplied). Afternoon tea will be available and there will be a Fairtrade stall.

A range of General Knowledge questions supplied by Tearfund, not written by the host who is Phyl Styles.

Contact for booking and information: Tel: 01263 820160 ap.styles@mybroadbandmail.com





Fakenham Christmas Tree festival Fakenham Parish Church The 22nd Fakenham Parish Church Christmas Tree Festival. Many charities taking part. The Cafe will be open from 10am to 5pm daily (12noon to 5pm Sunday).

The Festival Service will take place at 10am on Sunday 4th December.



Edenbridge - the musical The Sanctuary (St Alban Church) on Grove Walk, Norwich



Author and playwright Hilary Harrison has written a new script especially for the Norwich performances and recruited a cast of actors and singers from a variety of churches across Norfolk. Expert input on graphic design and costumes, and support with direction from professional Shakespearean actor Dominic Rye look to make a colourful performance.



The musical play is set in 1940s wartime England, where Great Uncle Jacob is the owner of an ancient, rambling and once beautiful hotel, the Edenbridge. The building has frankly seen better days, yet oozes hospitality and warmth to all its guests thanks to its generous owner.



The housekeeper, the strict Mrs Macrumb, has worked there for years and is loyal to Jacob. She realises something odd has been going on since his estranged sister, Jesse Bell, came to live there. But she cant put her finger on it.



Meanwhile Rachel, Edward and Esther, the children of Jacobs nephew, lose their parents in the Blitz, and come to live at Edenbridge. They assume its for the duration of the war, but its clear Jacob is keen to get to know them and be a father figure in their lives.



Christmas hasnt been celebrated at Edenbridge since Jesse moved in. She hasnt allowed it. The children have been told to avoid her, and she has a special interest in a part of the garden which appears to be full of gnomes.



As the struggle against their great aunt escalates, the children are joined by Santa, some reindeer and a variety of smaller animals.



Booking essential: www.stn.org.uk/edenbridge . Tickets free. Themed refreshments available before and after the performance.



The Mitre Benefice is to stage the premiere of Edenbridge, a musical Christmas production for all the family.Author and playwright Hilary Harrison has written a new script especially for the Norwich performances and recruited a cast of actors and singers from a variety of churches across Norfolk. Expert input on graphic design and costumes, and support with direction from professional Shakespearean actor Dominic Rye look to make a colourful performance.The musical play is set in 1940s wartime England, where Great Uncle Jacob is the owner of an ancient, rambling and once beautiful hotel, the Edenbridge. The building has frankly seen better days, yet oozes hospitality and warmth to all its guests thanks to its generous owner.The housekeeper, the strict Mrs Macrumb, has worked there for years and is loyal to Jacob. She realises something odd has been going on since his estranged sister, Jesse Bell, came to live there. But she cant put her finger on it.Meanwhile Rachel, Edward and Esther, the children of Jacobs nephew, lose their parents in the Blitz, and come to live at Edenbridge. They assume its for the duration of the war, but its clear Jacob is keen to get to know them and be a father figure in their lives.Christmas hasnt been celebrated at Edenbridge since Jesse moved in. She hasnt allowed it. The children have been told to avoid her, and she has a special interest in a part of the garden which appears to be full of gnomes.As the struggle against their great aunt escalates, the children are joined by Santa, some reindeer and a variety of smaller animals.Booking essential:. Tickets free. Themed refreshments available before and after the performance.

Roseberry Road Methodist Cribs Roseberry Road Methodist Church Rosebery Road Methodist Church in Norwich will be holding its annual Cribs and Trees Festival on December 3rd, 4th, 9th, 10th and 11th, from 10.30  4 pm each day, but 12 noon to 4 pm on the two Sundays.



There will be a Christingle Service at 4pm on Sunday 11th, carol singing on Friday 9th at 11 am, and informal organ recitals by Tim Patient at 11am on both Saturdays. Every year we select a charity to support at this event, but this year, following the vacation of the premises by a long term hirer, it has been necessary to carry out a great deal of refurbishment work. Because of this, we have decided to raise money for the Church Hall Refurbishment Fund. There will as usual, be refreshments and several stalls.

Open day and Christmas concert in Overstrand The Pleasaunce, Harbord Road, Overstrand, Cromer . Come and see the Pleasaunce in Overstrand decorated for Christmas. Open Afternoon from 1pm until 5pm followed by a Christmas Concert at 6pm with folk duo Twos Company performing Christmas music down the ages. Come and look around the house and garden. Enjoy seasonal refreshments and stay for the concert.

Edenbridge - the musical The Sanctuary (St Alban Church) on Grove Walk, Norwich



Author and playwright Hilary Harrison has written a new script especially for the Norwich performances and recruited a cast of actors and singers from a variety of churches across Norfolk. Expert input on graphic design and costumes, and support with direction from professional Shakespearean actor Dominic Rye look to make a colourful performance.



The musical play is set in 1940s wartime England, where Great Uncle Jacob is the owner of an ancient, rambling and once beautiful hotel, the Edenbridge. The building has frankly seen better days, yet oozes hospitality and warmth to all its guests thanks to its generous owner.



The housekeeper, the strict Mrs Macrumb, has worked there for years and is loyal to Jacob. She realises something odd has been going on since his estranged sister, Jesse Bell, came to live there. But she cant put her finger on it.



Meanwhile Rachel, Edward and Esther, the children of Jacobs nephew, lose their parents in the Blitz, and come to live at Edenbridge. They assume its for the duration of the war, but its clear Jacob is keen to get to know them and be a father figure in their lives.



Christmas hasnt been celebrated at Edenbridge since Jesse moved in. She hasnt allowed it. The children have been told to avoid her, and she has a special interest in a part of the garden which appears to be full of gnomes.



As the struggle against their great aunt escalates, the children are joined by Santa, some reindeer and a variety of smaller animals.



Booking essential: www.stn.org.uk/edenbridge . Tickets free. Themed refreshments available before and after the performance.



The Mitre Benefice is to stage the premiere of Edenbridge, a musical Christmas production for all the family.Author and playwright Hilary Harrison has written a new script especially for the Norwich performances and recruited a cast of actors and singers from a variety of churches across Norfolk. Expert input on graphic design and costumes, and support with direction from professional Shakespearean actor Dominic Rye look to make a colourful performance.The musical play is set in 1940s wartime England, where Great Uncle Jacob is the owner of an ancient, rambling and once beautiful hotel, the Edenbridge. The building has frankly seen better days, yet oozes hospitality and warmth to all its guests thanks to its generous owner.The housekeeper, the strict Mrs Macrumb, has worked there for years and is loyal to Jacob. She realises something odd has been going on since his estranged sister, Jesse Bell, came to live there. But she cant put her finger on it.Meanwhile Rachel, Edward and Esther, the children of Jacobs nephew, lose their parents in the Blitz, and come to live at Edenbridge. They assume its for the duration of the war, but its clear Jacob is keen to get to know them and be a father figure in their lives.Christmas hasnt been celebrated at Edenbridge since Jesse moved in. She hasnt allowed it. The children have been told to avoid her, and she has a special interest in a part of the garden which appears to be full of gnomes.As the struggle against their great aunt escalates, the children are joined by Santa, some reindeer and a variety of smaller animals.Booking essential:. Tickets free. Themed refreshments available before and after the performance.

Edenbridge - the musical The Sanctuary (St Alban Church) on Grove Walk, Norwich



Author and playwright Hilary Harrison has written a new script especially for the Norwich performances and recruited a cast of actors and singers from a variety of churches across Norfolk. Expert input on graphic design and costumes, and support with direction from professional Shakespearean actor Dominic Rye look to make a colourful performance.



The musical play is set in 1940s wartime England, where Great Uncle Jacob is the owner of an ancient, rambling and once beautiful hotel, the Edenbridge. The building has frankly seen better days, yet oozes hospitality and warmth to all its guests thanks to its generous owner.



The housekeeper, the strict Mrs Macrumb, has worked there for years and is loyal to Jacob. She realises something odd has been going on since his estranged sister, Jesse Bell, came to live there. But she cant put her finger on it.



Meanwhile Rachel, Edward and Esther, the children of Jacobs nephew, lose their parents in the Blitz, and come to live at Edenbridge. They assume its for the duration of the war, but its clear Jacob is keen to get to know them and be a father figure in their lives.



Christmas hasnt been celebrated at Edenbridge since Jesse moved in. She hasnt allowed it. The children have been told to avoid her, and she has a special interest in a part of the garden which appears to be full of gnomes.



As the struggle against their great aunt escalates, the children are joined by Santa, some reindeer and a variety of smaller animals.



Booking essential: www.stn.org.uk/edenbridge . Tickets free. Themed refreshments available before and after the performance.



The Mitre Benefice is to stage the premiere of Edenbridge, a musical Christmas production for all the family.Author and playwright Hilary Harrison has written a new script especially for the Norwich performances and recruited a cast of actors and singers from a variety of churches across Norfolk. Expert input on graphic design and costumes, and support with direction from professional Shakespearean actor Dominic Rye look to make a colourful performance.The musical play is set in 1940s wartime England, where Great Uncle Jacob is the owner of an ancient, rambling and once beautiful hotel, the Edenbridge. The building has frankly seen better days, yet oozes hospitality and warmth to all its guests thanks to its generous owner.The housekeeper, the strict Mrs Macrumb, has worked there for years and is loyal to Jacob. She realises something odd has been going on since his estranged sister, Jesse Bell, came to live there. But she cant put her finger on it.Meanwhile Rachel, Edward and Esther, the children of Jacobs nephew, lose their parents in the Blitz, and come to live at Edenbridge. They assume its for the duration of the war, but its clear Jacob is keen to get to know them and be a father figure in their lives.Christmas hasnt been celebrated at Edenbridge since Jesse moved in. She hasnt allowed it. The children have been told to avoid her, and she has a special interest in a part of the garden which appears to be full of gnomes.As the struggle against their great aunt escalates, the children are joined by Santa, some reindeer and a variety of smaller animals.Booking essential:. Tickets free. Themed refreshments available before and after the performance.

Edenbridge - the musical The Sanctuary (St Alban Church) on Grove Walk, Norwich



Author and playwright Hilary Harrison has written a new script especially for the Norwich performances and recruited a cast of actors and singers from a variety of churches across Norfolk. Expert input on graphic design and costumes, and support with direction from professional Shakespearean actor Dominic Rye look to make a colourful performance.



The musical play is set in 1940s wartime England, where Great Uncle Jacob is the owner of an ancient, rambling and once beautiful hotel, the Edenbridge. The building has frankly seen better days, yet oozes hospitality and warmth to all its guests thanks to its generous owner.



The housekeeper, the strict Mrs Macrumb, has worked there for years and is loyal to Jacob. She realises something odd has been going on since his estranged sister, Jesse Bell, came to live there. But she cant put her finger on it.



Meanwhile Rachel, Edward and Esther, the children of Jacobs nephew, lose their parents in the Blitz, and come to live at Edenbridge. They assume its for the duration of the war, but its clear Jacob is keen to get to know them and be a father figure in their lives.



Christmas hasnt been celebrated at Edenbridge since Jesse moved in. She hasnt allowed it. The children have been told to avoid her, and she has a special interest in a part of the garden which appears to be full of gnomes.



As the struggle against their great aunt escalates, the children are joined by Santa, some reindeer and a variety of smaller animals.



Booking essential: www.stn.org.uk/edenbridge . Tickets free. Themed refreshments available before and after the performance.



The Mitre Benefice is to stage the premiere of Edenbridge, a musical Christmas production for all the family.Author and playwright Hilary Harrison has written a new script especially for the Norwich performances and recruited a cast of actors and singers from a variety of churches across Norfolk. Expert input on graphic design and costumes, and support with direction from professional Shakespearean actor Dominic Rye look to make a colourful performance.The musical play is set in 1940s wartime England, where Great Uncle Jacob is the owner of an ancient, rambling and once beautiful hotel, the Edenbridge. The building has frankly seen better days, yet oozes hospitality and warmth to all its guests thanks to its generous owner.The housekeeper, the strict Mrs Macrumb, has worked there for years and is loyal to Jacob. She realises something odd has been going on since his estranged sister, Jesse Bell, came to live there. But she cant put her finger on it.Meanwhile Rachel, Edward and Esther, the children of Jacobs nephew, lose their parents in the Blitz, and come to live at Edenbridge. They assume its for the duration of the war, but its clear Jacob is keen to get to know them and be a father figure in their lives.Christmas hasnt been celebrated at Edenbridge since Jesse moved in. She hasnt allowed it. The children have been told to avoid her, and she has a special interest in a part of the garden which appears to be full of gnomes.As the struggle against their great aunt escalates, the children are joined by Santa, some reindeer and a variety of smaller animals.Booking essential:. Tickets free. Themed refreshments available before and after the performance.

Edenbridge - the musical The Sanctuary (St Alban Church) on Grove Walk, Norwich



Author and playwright Hilary Harrison has written a new script especially for the Norwich performances and recruited a cast of actors and singers from a variety of churches across Norfolk. Expert input on graphic design and costumes, and support with direction from professional Shakespearean actor Dominic Rye look to make a colourful performance.



The musical play is set in 1940s wartime England, where Great Uncle Jacob is the owner of an ancient, rambling and once beautiful hotel, the Edenbridge. The building has frankly seen better days, yet oozes hospitality and warmth to all its guests thanks to its generous owner.



The housekeeper, the strict Mrs Macrumb, has worked there for years and is loyal to Jacob. She realises something odd has been going on since his estranged sister, Jesse Bell, came to live there. But she cant put her finger on it.



Meanwhile Rachel, Edward and Esther, the children of Jacobs nephew, lose their parents in the Blitz, and come to live at Edenbridge. They assume its for the duration of the war, but its clear Jacob is keen to get to know them and be a father figure in their lives.



Christmas hasnt been celebrated at Edenbridge since Jesse moved in. She hasnt allowed it. The children have been told to avoid her, and she has a special interest in a part of the garden which appears to be full of gnomes.



As the struggle against their great aunt escalates, the children are joined by Santa, some reindeer and a variety of smaller animals.



Booking essential: www.stn.org.uk/edenbridge . Tickets free. Themed refreshments available before and after the performance.



The Mitre Benefice is to stage the premiere of Edenbridge, a musical Christmas production for all the family.Author and playwright Hilary Harrison has written a new script especially for the Norwich performances and recruited a cast of actors and singers from a variety of churches across Norfolk. Expert input on graphic design and costumes, and support with direction from professional Shakespearean actor Dominic Rye look to make a colourful performance.The musical play is set in 1940s wartime England, where Great Uncle Jacob is the owner of an ancient, rambling and once beautiful hotel, the Edenbridge. The building has frankly seen better days, yet oozes hospitality and warmth to all its guests thanks to its generous owner.The housekeeper, the strict Mrs Macrumb, has worked there for years and is loyal to Jacob. She realises something odd has been going on since his estranged sister, Jesse Bell, came to live there. But she cant put her finger on it.Meanwhile Rachel, Edward and Esther, the children of Jacobs nephew, lose their parents in the Blitz, and come to live at Edenbridge. They assume its for the duration of the war, but its clear Jacob is keen to get to know them and be a father figure in their lives.Christmas hasnt been celebrated at Edenbridge since Jesse moved in. She hasnt allowed it. The children have been told to avoid her, and she has a special interest in a part of the garden which appears to be full of gnomes.As the struggle against their great aunt escalates, the children are joined by Santa, some reindeer and a variety of smaller animals.Booking essential:. Tickets free. Themed refreshments available before and after the performance.

Edenbridge - the musical The Sanctuary (St Alban Church) on Grove Walk, Norwich



Author and playwright Hilary Harrison has written a new script especially for the Norwich performances and recruited a cast of actors and singers from a variety of churches across Norfolk. Expert input on graphic design and costumes, and support with direction from professional Shakespearean actor Dominic Rye look to make a colourful performance.



The musical play is set in 1940s wartime England, where Great Uncle Jacob is the owner of an ancient, rambling and once beautiful hotel, the Edenbridge. The building has frankly seen better days, yet oozes hospitality and warmth to all its guests thanks to its generous owner.



The housekeeper, the strict Mrs Macrumb, has worked there for years and is loyal to Jacob. She realises something odd has been going on since his estranged sister, Jesse Bell, came to live there. But she cant put her finger on it.



Meanwhile Rachel, Edward and Esther, the children of Jacobs nephew, lose their parents in the Blitz, and come to live at Edenbridge. They assume its for the duration of the war, but its clear Jacob is keen to get to know them and be a father figure in their lives.



Christmas hasnt been celebrated at Edenbridge since Jesse moved in. She hasnt allowed it. The children have been told to avoid her, and she has a special interest in a part of the garden which appears to be full of gnomes.



As the struggle against their great aunt escalates, the children are joined by Santa, some reindeer and a variety of smaller animals.



Booking essential: www.stn.org.uk/edenbridge . Tickets free. Themed refreshments available before and after the performance.



The Mitre Benefice is to stage the premiere of Edenbridge, a musical Christmas production for all the family.Author and playwright Hilary Harrison has written a new script especially for the Norwich performances and recruited a cast of actors and singers from a variety of churches across Norfolk. Expert input on graphic design and costumes, and support with direction from professional Shakespearean actor Dominic Rye look to make a colourful performance.The musical play is set in 1940s wartime England, where Great Uncle Jacob is the owner of an ancient, rambling and once beautiful hotel, the Edenbridge. The building has frankly seen better days, yet oozes hospitality and warmth to all its guests thanks to its generous owner.The housekeeper, the strict Mrs Macrumb, has worked there for years and is loyal to Jacob. She realises something odd has been going on since his estranged sister, Jesse Bell, came to live there. But she cant put her finger on it.Meanwhile Rachel, Edward and Esther, the children of Jacobs nephew, lose their parents in the Blitz, and come to live at Edenbridge. They assume its for the duration of the war, but its clear Jacob is keen to get to know them and be a father figure in their lives.Christmas hasnt been celebrated at Edenbridge since Jesse moved in. She hasnt allowed it. The children have been told to avoid her, and she has a special interest in a part of the garden which appears to be full of gnomes.As the struggle against their great aunt escalates, the children are joined by Santa, some reindeer and a variety of smaller animals.Booking essential:. Tickets free. Themed refreshments available before and after the performance.

Edenbridge - the musical The Sanctuary (St Alban Church) on Grove Walk, Norwich



Author and playwright Hilary Harrison has written a new script especially for the Norwich performances and recruited a cast of actors and singers from a variety of churches across Norfolk. Expert input on graphic design and costumes, and support with direction from professional Shakespearean actor Dominic Rye look to make a colourful performance.



The musical play is set in 1940s wartime England, where Great Uncle Jacob is the owner of an ancient, rambling and once beautiful hotel, the Edenbridge. The building has frankly seen better days, yet oozes hospitality and warmth to all its guests thanks to its generous owner.



The housekeeper, the strict Mrs Macrumb, has worked there for years and is loyal to Jacob. She realises something odd has been going on since his estranged sister, Jesse Bell, came to live there. But she cant put her finger on it.



Meanwhile Rachel, Edward and Esther, the children of Jacobs nephew, lose their parents in the Blitz, and come to live at Edenbridge. They assume its for the duration of the war, but its clear Jacob is keen to get to know them and be a father figure in their lives.



Christmas hasnt been celebrated at Edenbridge since Jesse moved in. She hasnt allowed it. The children have been told to avoid her, and she has a special interest in a part of the garden which appears to be full of gnomes.



As the struggle against their great aunt escalates, the children are joined by Santa, some reindeer and a variety of smaller animals.



Booking essential: www.stn.org.uk/edenbridge . Tickets free. Themed refreshments available before and after the performance.



The Mitre Benefice is to stage the premiere of Edenbridge, a musical Christmas production for all the family.Author and playwright Hilary Harrison has written a new script especially for the Norwich performances and recruited a cast of actors and singers from a variety of churches across Norfolk. Expert input on graphic design and costumes, and support with direction from professional Shakespearean actor Dominic Rye look to make a colourful performance.The musical play is set in 1940s wartime England, where Great Uncle Jacob is the owner of an ancient, rambling and once beautiful hotel, the Edenbridge. The building has frankly seen better days, yet oozes hospitality and warmth to all its guests thanks to its generous owner.The housekeeper, the strict Mrs Macrumb, has worked there for years and is loyal to Jacob. She realises something odd has been going on since his estranged sister, Jesse Bell, came to live there. But she cant put her finger on it.Meanwhile Rachel, Edward and Esther, the children of Jacobs nephew, lose their parents in the Blitz, and come to live at Edenbridge. They assume its for the duration of the war, but its clear Jacob is keen to get to know them and be a father figure in their lives.Christmas hasnt been celebrated at Edenbridge since Jesse moved in. She hasnt allowed it. The children have been told to avoid her, and she has a special interest in a part of the garden which appears to be full of gnomes.As the struggle against their great aunt escalates, the children are joined by Santa, some reindeer and a variety of smaller animals.Booking essential:. Tickets free. Themed refreshments available before and after the performance.

Edenbridge - the musical The Sanctuary (St Alban Church) on Grove Walk, Norwich



Author and playwright Hilary Harrison has written a new script especially for the Norwich performances and recruited a cast of actors and singers from a variety of churches across Norfolk. Expert input on graphic design and costumes, and support with direction from professional Shakespearean actor Dominic Rye look to make a colourful performance.



The musical play is set in 1940s wartime England, where Great Uncle Jacob is the owner of an ancient, rambling and once beautiful hotel, the Edenbridge. The building has frankly seen better days, yet oozes hospitality and warmth to all its guests thanks to its generous owner.



The housekeeper, the strict Mrs Macrumb, has worked there for years and is loyal to Jacob. She realises something odd has been going on since his estranged sister, Jesse Bell, came to live there. But she cant put her finger on it.



Meanwhile Rachel, Edward and Esther, the children of Jacobs nephew, lose their parents in the Blitz, and come to live at Edenbridge. They assume its for the duration of the war, but its clear Jacob is keen to get to know them and be a father figure in their lives.



Christmas hasnt been celebrated at Edenbridge since Jesse moved in. She hasnt allowed it. The children have been told to avoid her, and she has a special interest in a part of the garden which appears to be full of gnomes.



As the struggle against their great aunt escalates, the children are joined by Santa, some reindeer and a variety of smaller animals.



Booking essential: www.stn.org.uk/edenbridge . Tickets free. Themed refreshments available before and after the performance.



The Mitre Benefice is to stage the premiere of Edenbridge, a musical Christmas production for all the family.Author and playwright Hilary Harrison has written a new script especially for the Norwich performances and recruited a cast of actors and singers from a variety of churches across Norfolk. Expert input on graphic design and costumes, and support with direction from professional Shakespearean actor Dominic Rye look to make a colourful performance.The musical play is set in 1940s wartime England, where Great Uncle Jacob is the owner of an ancient, rambling and once beautiful hotel, the Edenbridge. The building has frankly seen better days, yet oozes hospitality and warmth to all its guests thanks to its generous owner.The housekeeper, the strict Mrs Macrumb, has worked there for years and is loyal to Jacob. She realises something odd has been going on since his estranged sister, Jesse Bell, came to live there. But she cant put her finger on it.Meanwhile Rachel, Edward and Esther, the children of Jacobs nephew, lose their parents in the Blitz, and come to live at Edenbridge. They assume its for the duration of the war, but its clear Jacob is keen to get to know them and be a father figure in their lives.Christmas hasnt been celebrated at Edenbridge since Jesse moved in. She hasnt allowed it. The children have been told to avoid her, and she has a special interest in a part of the garden which appears to be full of gnomes.As the struggle against their great aunt escalates, the children are joined by Santa, some reindeer and a variety of smaller animals.Booking essential:. Tickets free. Themed refreshments available before and after the performance.

Cromer Community Shed open About With Friends, Middlebrook Way, Cromer, Shed now open! Join us on the 2nd Saturday of each month at the Cromer Community Shed to learn new skills, have a cuppa, chat and stay warm. Complementary tea, coffee & biscuits are served. You can pop in for a look-see & a chat or stay on at the premises -bring your own lunch. The premises are heated, so you won't freeze. Come & have some fun with us! For further info: Jess Stubenbord jamstubenbord@gmail.com t: 01263 578230 Or @ Cromer Community Shed Facebook page

Edenbridge - the musical The Sanctuary (St Alban Church) on Grove Walk, Norwich



Author and playwright Hilary Harrison has written a new script especially for the Norwich performances and recruited a cast of actors and singers from a variety of churches across Norfolk. Expert input on graphic design and costumes, and support with direction from professional Shakespearean actor Dominic Rye look to make a colourful performance.



The musical play is set in 1940s wartime England, where Great Uncle Jacob is the owner of an ancient, rambling and once beautiful hotel, the Edenbridge. The building has frankly seen better days, yet oozes hospitality and warmth to all its guests thanks to its generous owner.



The housekeeper, the strict Mrs Macrumb, has worked there for years and is loyal to Jacob. She realises something odd has been going on since his estranged sister, Jesse Bell, came to live there. But she cant put her finger on it.



Meanwhile Rachel, Edward and Esther, the children of Jacobs nephew, lose their parents in the Blitz, and come to live at Edenbridge. They assume its for the duration of the war, but its clear Jacob is keen to get to know them and be a father figure in their lives.



Christmas hasnt been celebrated at Edenbridge since Jesse moved in. She hasnt allowed it. The children have been told to avoid her, and she has a special interest in a part of the garden which appears to be full of gnomes.



As the struggle against their great aunt escalates, the children are joined by Santa, some reindeer and a variety of smaller animals.



Booking essential: www.stn.org.uk/edenbridge . Tickets free. Themed refreshments available before and after the performance.



The Mitre Benefice is to stage the premiere of Edenbridge, a musical Christmas production for all the family.Author and playwright Hilary Harrison has written a new script especially for the Norwich performances and recruited a cast of actors and singers from a variety of churches across Norfolk. Expert input on graphic design and costumes, and support with direction from professional Shakespearean actor Dominic Rye look to make a colourful performance.The musical play is set in 1940s wartime England, where Great Uncle Jacob is the owner of an ancient, rambling and once beautiful hotel, the Edenbridge. The building has frankly seen better days, yet oozes hospitality and warmth to all its guests thanks to its generous owner.The housekeeper, the strict Mrs Macrumb, has worked there for years and is loyal to Jacob. She realises something odd has been going on since his estranged sister, Jesse Bell, came to live there. But she cant put her finger on it.Meanwhile Rachel, Edward and Esther, the children of Jacobs nephew, lose their parents in the Blitz, and come to live at Edenbridge. They assume its for the duration of the war, but its clear Jacob is keen to get to know them and be a father figure in their lives.Christmas hasnt been celebrated at Edenbridge since Jesse moved in. She hasnt allowed it. The children have been told to avoid her, and she has a special interest in a part of the garden which appears to be full of gnomes.As the struggle against their great aunt escalates, the children are joined by Santa, some reindeer and a variety of smaller animals.Booking essential:. Tickets free. Themed refreshments available before and after the performance.

Phoenix Male Voice Choir Mile Cross Methodist Church



Featuring well-known Christmas carols, seasonal songs, and opportunities for our audience to join in, the evening also features solo contributions from within its own singing ranks and from the accompanists piano. The Choir is led as usual by its long-standing Musical Director Sarah Grimes and the Choir Accompanist is Jason Lambert.



Tickets (8) are now on sale from www.norwichphoenixmvc.org/tix.html with admittance on the night for non-ticket holders from 7.00pm, with all major debit and credit cards accepted at the door. The Phoenix Male Voice Choir will be performing their Christmas concert at Mile Cross Methodist Church in aid of East Anglia's Children's Hospices.Featuring well-known Christmas carols, seasonal songs, and opportunities for our audience to join in, the evening also features solo contributions from within its own singing ranks and from the accompanists piano. The Choir is led as usual by its long-standing Musical Director Sarah Grimes and the Choir Accompanist is Jason Lambert.Tickets (8) are now on sale fromwith admittance on the night for non-ticket holders from 7.00pm, with all major debit and credit cards accepted at the door.

Edenbridge - the musical The Sanctuary (St Alban Church) on Grove Walk, Norwich



Author and playwright Hilary Harrison has written a new script especially for the Norwich performances and recruited a cast of actors and singers from a variety of churches across Norfolk. Expert input on graphic design and costumes, and support with direction from professional Shakespearean actor Dominic Rye look to make a colourful performance.



The musical play is set in 1940s wartime England, where Great Uncle Jacob is the owner of an ancient, rambling and once beautiful hotel, the Edenbridge. The building has frankly seen better days, yet oozes hospitality and warmth to all its guests thanks to its generous owner.



The housekeeper, the strict Mrs Macrumb, has worked there for years and is loyal to Jacob. She realises something odd has been going on since his estranged sister, Jesse Bell, came to live there. But she cant put her finger on it.



Meanwhile Rachel, Edward and Esther, the children of Jacobs nephew, lose their parents in the Blitz, and come to live at Edenbridge. They assume its for the duration of the war, but its clear Jacob is keen to get to know them and be a father figure in their lives.



Christmas hasnt been celebrated at Edenbridge since Jesse moved in. She hasnt allowed it. The children have been told to avoid her, and she has a special interest in a part of the garden which appears to be full of gnomes.



As the struggle against their great aunt escalates, the children are joined by Santa, some reindeer and a variety of smaller animals.



Booking essential: www.stn.org.uk/edenbridge . Tickets free. Themed refreshments available before and after the performance.



The Mitre Benefice is to stage the premiere of Edenbridge, a musical Christmas production for all the family.Author and playwright Hilary Harrison has written a new script especially for the Norwich performances and recruited a cast of actors and singers from a variety of churches across Norfolk. Expert input on graphic design and costumes, and support with direction from professional Shakespearean actor Dominic Rye look to make a colourful performance.The musical play is set in 1940s wartime England, where Great Uncle Jacob is the owner of an ancient, rambling and once beautiful hotel, the Edenbridge. The building has frankly seen better days, yet oozes hospitality and warmth to all its guests thanks to its generous owner.The housekeeper, the strict Mrs Macrumb, has worked there for years and is loyal to Jacob. She realises something odd has been going on since his estranged sister, Jesse Bell, came to live there. But she cant put her finger on it.Meanwhile Rachel, Edward and Esther, the children of Jacobs nephew, lose their parents in the Blitz, and come to live at Edenbridge. They assume its for the duration of the war, but its clear Jacob is keen to get to know them and be a father figure in their lives.Christmas hasnt been celebrated at Edenbridge since Jesse moved in. She hasnt allowed it. The children have been told to avoid her, and she has a special interest in a part of the garden which appears to be full of gnomes.As the struggle against their great aunt escalates, the children are joined by Santa, some reindeer and a variety of smaller animals.Booking essential:. Tickets free. Themed refreshments available before and after the performance.

Edenbridge - the musical The Sanctuary (St Alban Church) on Grove Walk, Norwich



Author and playwright Hilary Harrison has written a new script especially for the Norwich performances and recruited a cast of actors and singers from a variety of churches across Norfolk. Expert input on graphic design and costumes, and support with direction from professional Shakespearean actor Dominic Rye look to make a colourful performance.



The musical play is set in 1940s wartime England, where Great Uncle Jacob is the owner of an ancient, rambling and once beautiful hotel, the Edenbridge. The building has frankly seen better days, yet oozes hospitality and warmth to all its guests thanks to its generous owner.



The housekeeper, the strict Mrs Macrumb, has worked there for years and is loyal to Jacob. She realises something odd has been going on since his estranged sister, Jesse Bell, came to live there. But she cant put her finger on it.



Meanwhile Rachel, Edward and Esther, the children of Jacobs nephew, lose their parents in the Blitz, and come to live at Edenbridge. They assume its for the duration of the war, but its clear Jacob is keen to get to know them and be a father figure in their lives.



Christmas hasnt been celebrated at Edenbridge since Jesse moved in. She hasnt allowed it. The children have been told to avoid her, and she has a special interest in a part of the garden which appears to be full of gnomes.



As the struggle against their great aunt escalates, the children are joined by Santa, some reindeer and a variety of smaller animals.



Booking essential: www.stn.org.uk/edenbridge . Tickets free. Themed refreshments available before and after the performance.



The Mitre Benefice is to stage the premiere of Edenbridge, a musical Christmas production for all the family.Author and playwright Hilary Harrison has written a new script especially for the Norwich performances and recruited a cast of actors and singers from a variety of churches across Norfolk. Expert input on graphic design and costumes, and support with direction from professional Shakespearean actor Dominic Rye look to make a colourful performance.The musical play is set in 1940s wartime England, where Great Uncle Jacob is the owner of an ancient, rambling and once beautiful hotel, the Edenbridge. The building has frankly seen better days, yet oozes hospitality and warmth to all its guests thanks to its generous owner.The housekeeper, the strict Mrs Macrumb, has worked there for years and is loyal to Jacob. She realises something odd has been going on since his estranged sister, Jesse Bell, came to live there. But she cant put her finger on it.Meanwhile Rachel, Edward and Esther, the children of Jacobs nephew, lose their parents in the Blitz, and come to live at Edenbridge. They assume its for the duration of the war, but its clear Jacob is keen to get to know them and be a father figure in their lives.Christmas hasnt been celebrated at Edenbridge since Jesse moved in. She hasnt allowed it. The children have been told to avoid her, and she has a special interest in a part of the garden which appears to be full of gnomes.As the struggle against their great aunt escalates, the children are joined by Santa, some reindeer and a variety of smaller animals.Booking essential:. Tickets free. Themed refreshments available before and after the performance.

Healing Retreat Quiet Waters Christian Retreat, Flixton Road, Bungay The day will be based on teachings of Mike Endicott, Rev Prior of the Order of Jacobs Well, and the retreat leader will be David Males.



The morning will start with a time of praise and prayer, followed by a Bible-based talk and discussion on how we might prepare ourselves to come into the Lords presence. Looking at the Good News of the Kingdom and the Cross helps us to better understand Gods overwhelming generosity and love.



After coffee we spend the rest of the morning seeking the healing grace of Jesus for ourselves and for those we love. In the afternoon we look further at the wonders God has for all of us, His precious children.



Finally, we explore how we might hear His voice and then spend time seeking Him through a meditation based on John 4 (the woman at the well).



The days start at 10am. To book your place, or for more information, please contact Quiet Waters Christian Retreat, Flixton Road, Bungay, NR35 1PD, mail@quietwaters.org.uk, 01986 893201.



There is a suggested cost 25 for the day to include cooked lunch, refreshments and retreat handouts. We are happy to accept whatever you are led to or able to pay.



Edenbridge - the musical The Sanctuary (St Alban Church) on Grove Walk, Norwich



Author and playwright Hilary Harrison has written a new script especially for the Norwich performances and recruited a cast of actors and singers from a variety of churches across Norfolk. Expert input on graphic design and costumes, and support with direction from professional Shakespearean actor Dominic Rye look to make a colourful performance.



The musical play is set in 1940s wartime England, where Great Uncle Jacob is the owner of an ancient, rambling and once beautiful hotel, the Edenbridge. The building has frankly seen better days, yet oozes hospitality and warmth to all its guests thanks to its generous owner.



The housekeeper, the strict Mrs Macrumb, has worked there for years and is loyal to Jacob. She realises something odd has been going on since his estranged sister, Jesse Bell, came to live there. But she cant put her finger on it.



Meanwhile Rachel, Edward and Esther, the children of Jacobs nephew, lose their parents in the Blitz, and come to live at Edenbridge. They assume its for the duration of the war, but its clear Jacob is keen to get to know them and be a father figure in their lives.



Christmas hasnt been celebrated at Edenbridge since Jesse moved in. She hasnt allowed it. The children have been told to avoid her, and she has a special interest in a part of the garden which appears to be full of gnomes.



As the struggle against their great aunt escalates, the children are joined by Santa, some reindeer and a variety of smaller animals.



Booking essential: www.stn.org.uk/edenbridge . Tickets free. Themed refreshments available before and after the performance.



The Mitre Benefice is to stage the premiere of Edenbridge, a musical Christmas production for all the family.Author and playwright Hilary Harrison has written a new script especially for the Norwich performances and recruited a cast of actors and singers from a variety of churches across Norfolk. Expert input on graphic design and costumes, and support with direction from professional Shakespearean actor Dominic Rye look to make a colourful performance.The musical play is set in 1940s wartime England, where Great Uncle Jacob is the owner of an ancient, rambling and once beautiful hotel, the Edenbridge. The building has frankly seen better days, yet oozes hospitality and warmth to all its guests thanks to its generous owner.The housekeeper, the strict Mrs Macrumb, has worked there for years and is loyal to Jacob. She realises something odd has been going on since his estranged sister, Jesse Bell, came to live there. But she cant put her finger on it.Meanwhile Rachel, Edward and Esther, the children of Jacobs nephew, lose their parents in the Blitz, and come to live at Edenbridge. They assume its for the duration of the war, but its clear Jacob is keen to get to know them and be a father figure in their lives.Christmas hasnt been celebrated at Edenbridge since Jesse moved in. She hasnt allowed it. The children have been told to avoid her, and she has a special interest in a part of the garden which appears to be full of gnomes.As the struggle against their great aunt escalates, the children are joined by Santa, some reindeer and a variety of smaller animals.Booking essential:. Tickets free. Themed refreshments available before and after the performance.

Edenbridge - the musical The Sanctuary (St Alban Church) on Grove Walk, Norwich



Author and playwright Hilary Harrison has written a new script especially for the Norwich performances and recruited a cast of actors and singers from a variety of churches across Norfolk. Expert input on graphic design and costumes, and support with direction from professional Shakespearean actor Dominic Rye look to make a colourful performance.



The musical play is set in 1940s wartime England, where Great Uncle Jacob is the owner of an ancient, rambling and once beautiful hotel, the Edenbridge. The building has frankly seen better days, yet oozes hospitality and warmth to all its guests thanks to its generous owner.



The housekeeper, the strict Mrs Macrumb, has worked there for years and is loyal to Jacob. She realises something odd has been going on since his estranged sister, Jesse Bell, came to live there. But she cant put her finger on it.



Meanwhile Rachel, Edward and Esther, the children of Jacobs nephew, lose their parents in the Blitz, and come to live at Edenbridge. They assume its for the duration of the war, but its clear Jacob is keen to get to know them and be a father figure in their lives.



Christmas hasnt been celebrated at Edenbridge since Jesse moved in. She hasnt allowed it. The children have been told to avoid her, and she has a special interest in a part of the garden which appears to be full of gnomes.



As the struggle against their great aunt escalates, the children are joined by Santa, some reindeer and a variety of smaller animals.



Booking essential: www.stn.org.uk/edenbridge . Tickets free. Themed refreshments available before and after the performance.



The Mitre Benefice is to stage the premiere of Edenbridge, a musical Christmas production for all the family.Author and playwright Hilary Harrison has written a new script especially for the Norwich performances and recruited a cast of actors and singers from a variety of churches across Norfolk. Expert input on graphic design and costumes, and support with direction from professional Shakespearean actor Dominic Rye look to make a colourful performance.The musical play is set in 1940s wartime England, where Great Uncle Jacob is the owner of an ancient, rambling and once beautiful hotel, the Edenbridge. The building has frankly seen better days, yet oozes hospitality and warmth to all its guests thanks to its generous owner.The housekeeper, the strict Mrs Macrumb, has worked there for years and is loyal to Jacob. She realises something odd has been going on since his estranged sister, Jesse Bell, came to live there. But she cant put her finger on it.Meanwhile Rachel, Edward and Esther, the children of Jacobs nephew, lose their parents in the Blitz, and come to live at Edenbridge. They assume its for the duration of the war, but its clear Jacob is keen to get to know them and be a father figure in their lives.Christmas hasnt been celebrated at Edenbridge since Jesse moved in. She hasnt allowed it. The children have been told to avoid her, and she has a special interest in a part of the garden which appears to be full of gnomes.As the struggle against their great aunt escalates, the children are joined by Santa, some reindeer and a variety of smaller animals.Booking essential:. Tickets free. Themed refreshments available before and after the performance.

Edenbridge - the musical The Sanctuary (St Alban Church) on Grove Walk, Norwich



Author and playwright Hilary Harrison has written a new script especially for the Norwich performances and recruited a cast of actors and singers from a variety of churches across Norfolk. Expert input on graphic design and costumes, and support with direction from professional Shakespearean actor Dominic Rye look to make a colourful performance.



The musical play is set in 1940s wartime England, where Great Uncle Jacob is the owner of an ancient, rambling and once beautiful hotel, the Edenbridge. The building has frankly seen better days, yet oozes hospitality and warmth to all its guests thanks to its generous owner.



The housekeeper, the strict Mrs Macrumb, has worked there for years and is loyal to Jacob. She realises something odd has been going on since his estranged sister, Jesse Bell, came to live there. But she cant put her finger on it.



Meanwhile Rachel, Edward and Esther, the children of Jacobs nephew, lose their parents in the Blitz, and come to live at Edenbridge. They assume its for the duration of the war, but its clear Jacob is keen to get to know them and be a father figure in their lives.



Christmas hasnt been celebrated at Edenbridge since Jesse moved in. She hasnt allowed it. The children have been told to avoid her, and she has a special interest in a part of the garden which appears to be full of gnomes.



As the struggle against their great aunt escalates, the children are joined by Santa, some reindeer and a variety of smaller animals.



Booking essential: www.stn.org.uk/edenbridge . Tickets free. Themed refreshments available before and after the performance.



The Mitre Benefice is to stage the premiere of Edenbridge, a musical Christmas production for all the family.Author and playwright Hilary Harrison has written a new script especially for the Norwich performances and recruited a cast of actors and singers from a variety of churches across Norfolk. Expert input on graphic design and costumes, and support with direction from professional Shakespearean actor Dominic Rye look to make a colourful performance.The musical play is set in 1940s wartime England, where Great Uncle Jacob is the owner of an ancient, rambling and once beautiful hotel, the Edenbridge. The building has frankly seen better days, yet oozes hospitality and warmth to all its guests thanks to its generous owner.The housekeeper, the strict Mrs Macrumb, has worked there for years and is loyal to Jacob. She realises something odd has been going on since his estranged sister, Jesse Bell, came to live there. But she cant put her finger on it.Meanwhile Rachel, Edward and Esther, the children of Jacobs nephew, lose their parents in the Blitz, and come to live at Edenbridge. They assume its for the duration of the war, but its clear Jacob is keen to get to know them and be a father figure in their lives.Christmas hasnt been celebrated at Edenbridge since Jesse moved in. She hasnt allowed it. The children have been told to avoid her, and she has a special interest in a part of the garden which appears to be full of gnomes.As the struggle against their great aunt escalates, the children are joined by Santa, some reindeer and a variety of smaller animals.Booking essential:. Tickets free. Themed refreshments available before and after the performance.

Edenbridge - the musical The Sanctuary (St Alban Church) on Grove Walk, Norwich



Author and playwright Hilary Harrison has written a new script especially for the Norwich performances and recruited a cast of actors and singers from a variety of churches across Norfolk. Expert input on graphic design and costumes, and support with direction from professional Shakespearean actor Dominic Rye look to make a colourful performance.



The musical play is set in 1940s wartime England, where Great Uncle Jacob is the owner of an ancient, rambling and once beautiful hotel, the Edenbridge. The building has frankly seen better days, yet oozes hospitality and warmth to all its guests thanks to its generous owner.



The housekeeper, the strict Mrs Macrumb, has worked there for years and is loyal to Jacob. She realises something odd has been going on since his estranged sister, Jesse Bell, came to live there. But she cant put her finger on it.



Meanwhile Rachel, Edward and Esther, the children of Jacobs nephew, lose their parents in the Blitz, and come to live at Edenbridge. They assume its for the duration of the war, but its clear Jacob is keen to get to know them and be a father figure in their lives.



Christmas hasnt been celebrated at Edenbridge since Jesse moved in. She hasnt allowed it. The children have been told to avoid her, and she has a special interest in a part of the garden which appears to be full of gnomes.



As the struggle against their great aunt escalates, the children are joined by Santa, some reindeer and a variety of smaller animals.



Booking essential: www.stn.org.uk/edenbridge . Tickets free. Themed refreshments available before and after the performance.



The Mitre Benefice is to stage the premiere of Edenbridge, a musical Christmas production for all the family.Author and playwright Hilary Harrison has written a new script especially for the Norwich performances and recruited a cast of actors and singers from a variety of churches across Norfolk. Expert input on graphic design and costumes, and support with direction from professional Shakespearean actor Dominic Rye look to make a colourful performance.The musical play is set in 1940s wartime England, where Great Uncle Jacob is the owner of an ancient, rambling and once beautiful hotel, the Edenbridge. The building has frankly seen better days, yet oozes hospitality and warmth to all its guests thanks to its generous owner.The housekeeper, the strict Mrs Macrumb, has worked there for years and is loyal to Jacob. She realises something odd has been going on since his estranged sister, Jesse Bell, came to live there. But she cant put her finger on it.Meanwhile Rachel, Edward and Esther, the children of Jacobs nephew, lose their parents in the Blitz, and come to live at Edenbridge. They assume its for the duration of the war, but its clear Jacob is keen to get to know them and be a father figure in their lives.Christmas hasnt been celebrated at Edenbridge since Jesse moved in. She hasnt allowed it. The children have been told to avoid her, and she has a special interest in a part of the garden which appears to be full of gnomes.As the struggle against their great aunt escalates, the children are joined by Santa, some reindeer and a variety of smaller animals.Booking essential:. Tickets free. Themed refreshments available before and after the performance.

Darkness to Light St Stephen's Church, Norwich

Showings at 5.15pm and 7.30pm

Tickets 10 (8 concessions) email



This is such a special event, somewhere halfway between a Gospel concert and a carol service. It begins in total darkness, with hundreds of candles to be lit throughout over the course of the event as a beautiful image of the arrival of Jesus, Light of the World.

If you're looking for something to bring friends to, or just a new way to hear and celebrate the story of Christmas this year, this one is for you.

Norwich Community Gospel Choir warmly invite you to a concert 'Darkness to Light', a celebration of Christmas.Showings at 5.15pm and 7.30pmTickets 10 (8 concessions) email hello@ncgc.org.uk This is such a special event, somewhere halfway between a Gospel concert and a carol service. It begins in total darkness, with hundreds of candles to be lit throughout over the course of the event as a beautiful image of the arrival of Jesus, Light of the World.If you're looking for something to bring friends to, or just a new way to hear and celebrate the story of Christmas this year, this one is for you.

Edenbridge - the musical The Sanctuary (St Alban Church) on Grove Walk, Norwich



Author and playwright Hilary Harrison has written a new script especially for the Norwich performances and recruited a cast of actors and singers from a variety of churches across Norfolk. Expert input on graphic design and costumes, and support with direction from professional Shakespearean actor Dominic Rye look to make a colourful performance.



The musical play is set in 1940s wartime England, where Great Uncle Jacob is the owner of an ancient, rambling and once beautiful hotel, the Edenbridge. The building has frankly seen better days, yet oozes hospitality and warmth to all its guests thanks to its generous owner.



The housekeeper, the strict Mrs Macrumb, has worked there for years and is loyal to Jacob. She realises something odd has been going on since his estranged sister, Jesse Bell, came to live there. But she cant put her finger on it.



Meanwhile Rachel, Edward and Esther, the children of Jacobs nephew, lose their parents in the Blitz, and come to live at Edenbridge. They assume its for the duration of the war, but its clear Jacob is keen to get to know them and be a father figure in their lives.



Christmas hasnt been celebrated at Edenbridge since Jesse moved in. She hasnt allowed it. The children have been told to avoid her, and she has a special interest in a part of the garden which appears to be full of gnomes.



As the struggle against their great aunt escalates, the children are joined by Santa, some reindeer and a variety of smaller animals.



Booking essential: www.stn.org.uk/edenbridge . Tickets free. Themed refreshments available before and after the performance.



The Mitre Benefice is to stage the premiere of Edenbridge, a musical Christmas production for all the family.Author and playwright Hilary Harrison has written a new script especially for the Norwich performances and recruited a cast of actors and singers from a variety of churches across Norfolk. Expert input on graphic design and costumes, and support with direction from professional Shakespearean actor Dominic Rye look to make a colourful performance.The musical play is set in 1940s wartime England, where Great Uncle Jacob is the owner of an ancient, rambling and once beautiful hotel, the Edenbridge. The building has frankly seen better days, yet oozes hospitality and warmth to all its guests thanks to its generous owner.The housekeeper, the strict Mrs Macrumb, has worked there for years and is loyal to Jacob. She realises something odd has been going on since his estranged sister, Jesse Bell, came to live there. But she cant put her finger on it.Meanwhile Rachel, Edward and Esther, the children of Jacobs nephew, lose their parents in the Blitz, and come to live at Edenbridge. They assume its for the duration of the war, but its clear Jacob is keen to get to know them and be a father figure in their lives.Christmas hasnt been celebrated at Edenbridge since Jesse moved in. She hasnt allowed it. The children have been told to avoid her, and she has a special interest in a part of the garden which appears to be full of gnomes.As the struggle against their great aunt escalates, the children are joined by Santa, some reindeer and a variety of smaller animals.Booking essential:. Tickets free. Themed refreshments available before and after the performance.
The Mitre Benefice is to stage the premiere of Edenbridge, a musical Christmas production for all the family.

The Mitre Benefice is to stage the premiere of Edenbridge, a musical Christmas production for all the family.

Join free on line Norfolk food aid workshop A free online workshop will be held next week to give guidance and share experiences for groups working to help those struggling with food insecurity. Read more

Sprowston Methodist Church needs a cleaner Sprowston Methodist Church, near Norwich, is seeking to appoint a part-time Church Cleaner for 16 hours per week. Read more

Norwich choir puts on Christmas concert for children's hospices The Phoenix Male Voice Choir will be performing their Christmas concert at Mile Cross Methodist Church in aid of East Anglia's Children's Hospices. Read more

Rebrand as Norwich church changes its name A Norwich church has changed its name for the fourth time in its 170-year history transforming from Surrey Chapel into CityGates Church Norwich. Read more

Blues concert fundraiser for Stalham Baptists There will be a free concert at Stalham Baptist Church next Saturday to raise funds towards the refurbishment of premises at the church. Read more

Norwich church moves to wrestling ring A Norwich church has temporarily relocated to a boxing ring where self professed 'hard men' will tell their stories of finding faith. The first Tough Talk event is set for November 20. Read more

How can we help feed those in need? Andrew Frere-Smith reminds us of the importance of meals, and offers us some food for thought as the rising cost of living impacts our communities. Read more

Latest Norfolk Christian community events Events of interest to the Norwich and Norfolk Christian community happening over the next few weeks are listed. Read more

John leads Norwich churches trip to Holy Land Experienced Holy Land traveller and former CEO of YMCA Norfolk, John Drake, is leading an inter-church tour from Norwich to Israel and Palestine in March 2023, with a few places still available. Read more

Christmas rhyming play by North Norfolk teacher Matthew Pickhaver, who lives in North Norfolk, has just published the third of his series of play scripts on the theme of Christmas, which is now available to buy. Read more

Advent and Christmas events at Norwich Cathedral From an Advent Open Evening to Carols in the Cloister and an array of special services and concerts with Norwich Cathedral Choir, there is lots to look forward to at Norwich Cathedral this festive season. Read more

Norwich church to hold Sunday healing service Witard Road Baptist Church is hosting a healing service on November 27 led by Rev Ray and Ruth Scorey from Norfolk Healing Rooms. Read more

Sheringham youth attend forbidden church The youth group at Lighthouse Community Church in Sheringham were forced to meet at a secret location earlier this month when the Lighthouse building had, supposedly, been shut down by the authorities. Read more

Christmas pud workshop at Norwich church Not made your Christmas pudding yet? Don't know where to start? Come along to a Christmas pudding workshop at Norwich Central Baptist Church on November 21 with MasterChef contestant Jane Wyndham. Read more

Norwich Foodbank provides over 4,700 food parcels Norwich Foodbank gave out 4,793 emergency food parcels to people across Norwich in the last year  with 1,790 of these going to children. Read more

Poppies cascading in Sheringham church A fall of poppies cascades from the pulpit in St Andrews Methodist Church in Sheringham, and anyone is welcome to come and see them. Read more

Bishop Graham's prayers for COP27 climate conference Bishop Graham is publishing daily prayers on social media for the current COP27 climate conference, and is asking all to join. Read more


Norwich man helps set up clinic for Rohingya refugees Norwich man helps set up clinic for Rohingya refugees

A Norwich man has spent Christmas helping international relief organisation Samaritans Purse set up an emergency diphtheria clinic in Bangladesh to serve Rohingya refugees.



Norwich-based humanitarian and aid worker Eldred Willey flew out on December 22 and the clinic, located on a piece of scrubland, opened its doors on New Years Eve. An experienced aid worker, who was part of the procurement team, Eldred describes what they did.
'...not to enter any Sainsburys store, anywhere, and not to enter Newbury Retail Park other than to collect medical prescriptions'

A NEWBURY thief has been banned from all Sainsburys stores following her latest shoplifting spree.

In the dock at Reading Magistrates Court on Monday, December 18, was 41-year-old Rachel Soworka, of Newtown Road.

She admitted a catalogue of shoplifting offences from the stores outlet in Coombe Square, Thatcham.

These mainly involved food products to a total value of around 160.

The thefts occurred last October 22, October 24, October 31, November 4 and November 6.

Ms Soworka, who was represented by Andrew Port, was released on conditional bail until later this year while pre-sentence reports are prepared.

Meanwhile, she was ordered not to enter any Sainsburys store, anywhere, and not to enter Newbury Retail Park other than to collect medical prescriptions.

In addition, the court ordered Ms Soworka to engage with drug treatment agencies when and where they dictate.
The new total-body PET/CT scanner could revolutionize our understanding and treatment of disease through analysis of better imaging data from the whole body. In The Journal of Nuclear Medicine (JNM) featured January article, scientists at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis), outline the development and benefits of this innovative diagnostic tool and explain how maximizing PET sensitivity will advance clinical research and patient care.

Positron emission tomography (PET) is widely considered the most sensitive technique available for non-invasively studying physiology, metabolism and molecular pathways in the living human being. However, there have been drawbacks, including low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) affecting image quality, long imaging times and concerns regarding radiation dose.

Total-body PET, which encompasses the entire body within the field of view and allows imaging of all the tissues and organs of the body simultaneously, promises to be a game changer.

"It will offer the ability to detect throughout the whole body the location of focal pathologies, including cancer, infection, and inflammation at considerably lower levels of disease activity than is currently possible," explains Terry Jones, DSc, clinical professor of diagnostic radiology at UC Davis.

He points out, "It will also reduce the time taken to scan the whole body by at least a factor of 10, leading to scan times that could be less than one minute. This, for example, will make it far easier to scan infant and pediatric subjects without anesthesia or sedation."

Radiation exposure is reduced as well. Jones notes, "Whole-body PET scans could be performed for a radiation dose roughly equivalent to that received from a round-trip transatlantic flight."

By covering the entire body at once, sensitivity is increased by a factor of ~40 for total-body imaging, or a factor of ~4-5 for imaging a single organ such as the brain or heart. Significant improvements in timing resolution could lead to even further sensitivity gains.

The JNM article states, "Total-body PET offers several opportunities to change the methodological approach to cancer detection and staging, and this same methodology could also be applied to other systemic conditions, including inflammation (e.g. sarcoidosis), vascular disease, sepsis and infectious disease. The increased sensitivity and dynamic range of total-body PET will allow imaging at high SNR at much later times after tracer injection."

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Jones adds, "The ability to study the simultaneous interaction of specific molecular/physiological processes between all the tissues/organs of the body--'systems biology' of the human body in health and disease--is especially relevant for functional brain-body, and body-brain interactions that occur in certain psychological, psychiatric, neurological, and inflammatory conditions."

This new technology is nearing clinical readiness. UC Davis, in collaboration with United Imaging Healthcare, has completed the design of the first prototype total-body PET/CT scanner, called EXPLORER, and components are currently being fabricated and tested. The CT scan is acquired as the patient moves into the PET scanner. A smaller-scale, mini-EXPLORER is for researchers to conduct total-body PET imaging in nonhuman primates.

Total-body PET/CT was initially conceived for clinical research, and it will be a boon for researchers. For example, the ability to determine the pharmacokinetics of new drugs in all the organs and tissues of the body at very low masses and radiation doses has the potential to accelerate the translation of new therapeutic agents to clinical practice.

It has become clear, however, that the new scanner will also impact patient diagnosis and care. "The applications of nuclear medicine will expand considerably across internal medicine at a rate not witnessed to-date, and will become more evenly distributed across the age spectrum," says Jones. "There will be a considerable stimulus/investment to develop new imaging biomarkers especially within immunology and endocrinology."

He anticipates changes in nuclear medicine departments as well, stating, "One total-body PET scanner could take on the work load of three-to-four conventional PET scanners, and being able to receive imaging biomarkers from more distant distribution centers [due to the scanner's increased sensitivity, which gives biomarkers increased shelf life], will minimize the need for costly in-house biomarker production."

Addressing the cost issue, Jones also points out, "As the impact of high-sensitivity, total-body PET scanning becomes apparent, this will provide a major stimulus to physicists, chemists, and engineers to develop lower-cost detectors for total-body surveillance."

In short, Jones sees the development of total-body PET/CT as "nuclear medicine coming of age."
Attempts to eradicate cancer are often compared to a "moonshot" -- the successful effort that sent the first astronauts to the moon.

But imagine if, instead of Newton's second law of motion, which describes the relationship between an object's mass and the amount of force needed to accelerate it, we only had dreams of data related to throwing various objects into the air.

This, says Thomas Yankeelov, approximates the current state of cancer research: data-rich, but lacking governing laws and models.

The solution, he believes, is not to mine large quantities of patient data, as some insist, but to mathematize cancer: to uncover the fundamental formulas that represent how cancer, in its many varied forms, behaves.

"We're trying to build models that describe how tumors grow and respond to therapy," said Yankeelov, director of the Center for Computational Oncology at The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) and director of Cancer Imaging Research in the LIVESTRONG Cancer Institutes of the Dell Medical School. "The models have parameters in them that are agnostic, and we try to make them very specific by populating them with measurements from individual patients."

The Center for Computational Oncology (part of the broader Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, or ICES) is developing complex computer models and analytic tools to predict how cancer will progress in a specific individual, based on their unique biological characteristics.

In December 2017, writing in Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, Yankeelov and collaborators at UT Austin and Technical University of Munich, showed that they can predict how brain tumors (gliomas) will grow and respond to X-ray radiation therapy with much greater accuracy than previous models. They did so by including factors like the mechanical forces acting on the cells and the tumor's cellular heterogeneity. The paper continues research first described in the Journal of The Royal Society Interface in April 2017.

"We're at the phase now where we're trying to recapitulate experimental data so we have confidence that our model is capturing the key factors," he said.

To develop and implement their mathematically complex models, the group uses the advanced computing resources at the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC). TACC's supercomputers enable researchers to solve bigger problems than they otherwise could and reach solutions far faster than with a single computer or campus cluster.

According to ICES Director J. Tinsley Oden, mathematical models of the invasion and growth of tumors in living tissue have been "smoldering in the literature for a decade," and in the last few years, significant advances have been made.

"We're making genuine progress to predict the growth and decline of cancer and reactions to various therapies," said Oden, a member of the National Academy of Engineering.

MODEL SELECTION AND TESTING

Over the years, many different mathematical models of tumor growth have been proposed, but determining which is most accurate at predicting cancer progression is a challenge.

In October 2016, writing in Mathematical Models and Methods in Applied Sciences, the team used a study of cancer in rats to test 13 leading tumor growth models to determine which could predict key quantities of interest relevant to survival, and the effects of various therapies.

They applied the principle of Occam's razor, which says that where two explanations for an occurrence exist, the simpler one is usually better. They implemented this principle through the development and application of something they call the "Occam Plausibility Algorithm," which selects the most plausible model for a given dataset and determines if the model is a valid tool for predicting tumor growth and morphology.

The method was able to predict how large the rat tumors would grow within 5 to 10 percent of their final mass.

"We have examples where we can gather data from lab animals or human subjects and make startlingly accurate depictions about the growth of cancer and the reaction to various therapies, like radiation and chemotherapy," Oden said.

The team analyzes patient-specific data from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), x-ray computed tomography (CT), biopsies and other factors, in order to develop their computational model.

Each factor involved in the tumor response -- whether it is the speed with which chemotherapeutic drugs reach the tissue or the degree to which cells signal each other to grow -- is characterized by a mathematical equation that captures its essence.

"You put mathematical models on a computer and tune them and adapt them and learn more," Oden said. "It is, in a way, an approach that goes back to Aristotle, but it accesses the most modern levels of computing and computational science."

The group tries to model biological behavior at the tissue, cellular and cell signaling levels. Some of their models involve 10 species of tumor cells and include elements like cell connective tissue, nutrients and factors related to the development of new blood vessels. They have to solve partial differential equations for each of these elements and then intelligently couple them to all the other equations.

"This is one of the most complicated projects in computational science. But you can do anything with a supercomputer," Oden said. "There's a cascading list of models at different scales that talk to each other. Ultimately, we're going to need to learn to calibrate each and compute their interactions with each other."

FROM COMPUTER TO CLINIC

The research team at UT Austin -- which comprises 30 faculty, students, and postdocs -- doesn't only develop mathematical and computer models. Some researchers work with cell samples in vitro; some do pre-clinical work in mice and rats. And recently, the group has begun a clinical study to predict, after one treatment, how an individual's cancer will progress, and use that prediction to plan the future course of treatment.

At Vanderbilt University, Yankeelov's previous institution, his group was able to predict with 87 percent accuracy whether a breast cancer patient would respond positively to treatment after just one cycle of therapy. They are trying to reproduce those results in a community setting and extend their models by adding new factors that describe how the tumor evolves.

The combination of mathematical modeling and high-performance computing may be the only way to overcome the complexity of cancer, which is not one disease but more than a hundred, each with numerous sub-types.

"There are not enough resources or patients to sort this problem out because there are too many variables. It would take until the end of time," Yankeelov said. "But if you have a model that can recapitulate how tumors grow and respond to therapy, then it becomes a classic engineering optimization problem. 'I have this much drug and this much time. What's the best way to give it to minimize the number of tumor cells for the longest amount of time?'"

Computing at TACC has helped Yankeelov accelerate his research. "We can solve problems in a few minutes that would take us 3 weeks to do using the resources at our old institution," he said. "It's phenomenal."

According to Oden and Yankeelov, there are very few research groups trying to sync clinical and experimental work with computational modeling and state-of-the-art resources like the UT Austin group.

"There's a new horizon here, a more challenging future ahead where you go back to basic science and make concrete predictions about health and well-being from first principles," Oden said.

Said Yankeelov: "The idea of taking each patient as an individual to populate these models to make a specific prediction for them and someday be able to take their model and then try on a computer a whole bunch of therapies on them to optimize their individual therapy -- that's the ultimate goal and I don't know how you can do that without mathematizing the problem."
Scientists have shown how alcohol damages DNA in stem cells, helping to explain why drinking increases your risk of cancer, according to research part-funded by Cancer Research UK and published in Nature today (Wednesday).

Much previous research looking at the precise ways in which alcohol causes cancer has been done in cell cultures. But in this study, researchers have used mice to show how alcohol exposure leads to permanent genetic damage.

Scientists at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, gave diluted alcohol, chemically known as ethanol, to mice. They then used chromosome analysis and DNA sequencing to examine the genetic damage caused by acetaldehyde, a harmful chemical produced when the body processes alcohol.

They found that acetaldehyde can break and damage DNA within blood stem cells leading to rearranged chromosomes and permanently altering the DNA sequences within these cells.

It is important to understand how the DNA blueprint within stem cells is damaged because when healthy stem cells become faulty, they can give rise to cancer.

These new findings therefore help us to understand how drinking alcohol increases the risk of developing 7 types of cancer including common types like breast and bowel.

Professor Ketan Patel, lead author of the study and scientist, part-funded by Cancer Research UK, at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, said: "Some cancers develop due to DNA damage in stem cells. While some damage occurs by chance, our findings suggest that drinking alcohol can increase the risk of this damage."

The study also examined how the body tries to protect itself against damage caused by alcohol. The first line of defense is a family of enzymes called aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDH). These enzymes break down harmful acetaldehyde into acetate, which our cells can use as a source of energy.

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Worldwide, millions of people, particularly those from South East Asia, either lack these enzymes or carry faulty versions of them. So, when they drink, acetaldehyde builds up which causes a flushed complexion, and also leads to them feeling unwell.

In the study, when mice lacking the critical ALDH enzyme - ALDH2 - were given alcohol, it resulted in four times as much DNA damage in their cells compared to mice with the fully functioning ALDH2 enzyme.

The second line of defense used by cells is a variety of DNA repair systems which, most of the time, allow them to fix and reverse different types of DNA damage. But they don't always work and some people carry mutations which mean their cells aren't able to carry out these repairs effectively.

Professor Patel added: "Our study highlights that not being able to process alcohol effectively can lead to an even higher risk of alcohol-related DNA damage and therefore certain cancers. But it's important to remember that alcohol clearance and DNA repair systems are not perfect and alcohol can still cause cancer in different ways, even in people whose defense mechanisms are intact."

This research was funded by Cancer Research UK, Wellcome and the Medical Research Council (MRC).

Professor Linda Bauld, Cancer Research UK's expert on cancer prevention, said: "This thought-provoking research highlights the damage alcohol can do to our cells, costing some people more than just a hangover.

"We know that alcohol contributes to over 12,000 cancer cases in the UK each year, so it's a good idea to think about cutting down on the amount you drink."
Topic: Do differences in where very preterm infants are born contribute to racial and ethnic disparities in morbidity and mortality among blacks, whites, and Hispanics?

Corresponding Author: Elizabeth Howell, MD, Director of the Women's Health Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, and other coauthors.

Bottom Line: Poor performances at New York City hospitals where non-Hispanic black and Hispanic mothers deliver are an important and modifiable cause of racial disparities in neonatal deaths and severe complications.

Results: The risk-standardized morbidity-mortality rate was twice as high for preterm infants born in hospitals in the highest morbidity-mortality tertile versus those born in hospitals with the lowest morbidity-mortality.

Why the Research Is Interesting: Neonatal care has improved substantially over the past decade, yet racial and ethnic disparities in morbidity and mortality continue.

Who: Thirty-nine New York City hospitals were included in the study; participants included 7,177 "very preterm" infants born between 24 and 31 weeks.

When: The study examined data from 2010-2014.

What: The study measured the composite of mortality (neonatal or in-hospital up to a year) or severe morbidity.

How: A population-based retrospective study linked hospital discharge abstract and birth-certificate data sets. A risk-adjusted neonatal morbidity-mortality rate was generated for very preterm infants in each hospital. Hospitals were ranked using this measure, and differences in the distribution of black, Hispanic, and white very preterm births were assessed among the hospitals.

Study Conclusions: Blacks and Hispanic very preterm infants are more likely to be born at hospitals with higher risk-adjusted neonatal morbidity-mortality rates, and these differences contribute to excess morbidity and mortality among black and Hispanic infants. These differences in hospital of birth explained 39.9% of the black-white disparity and 29.5% of the Hispanic-white disparity in outcomes.

Paper Title: Differences in Morbidity and Mortality Rates in Black, White, and Hispanic Very Preterm Infants Among New York City Hospitals

Said Mount Sinai's Dr. Elizabeth Howell of the research:

It is very important to seriously think about the cause for the severe preterm babies' morbidities and how it will affect these children later on in life. When a baby is born prematurely, many complications can occur--they can have problems with their lungs, eyes, intestines, and brain, which will affect them later on in life. The real focus here is to try to reduce morbidity in preterm babies and give these kids a chance at a healthier life. This study shines light on the idea that we really need to focus on narrowing disparities when we think about quality improvement. Additionally, these disparities are not just local to New York City. We know that there are infant and neonatal racial and ethnic disparities that have been longstanding in this country.
A new study published by the American Psychological Association in the journal Psychological Bulletin suggests that in comparison with prior generations, the urge among today's college students to be perfect in mind, body, and career has remarkably increased, and this may take a toll on the mental health of young people.

According to lead author Dr. Thomas Curran, from the University of Bath, this is the first study that examines group generational differences in perfectionism.

Credit: Syda Productions/ Shutterstock.com

Dr. Curran, along with his co-author Dr. Andrew Hill, from York St John University defines perfectionism as "an irrational desire to achieve along with being overly critical of oneself and others."

The study analyzed data of 41,641 Canadian, American, and British college students from 164 samples, who had taken a test for generational changes in perfectionism, called the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, between the late 1980s and 2016.

Three kinds of perfectionism were measured---(a) self-oriented, or an irrational desire to be perfect, (b) socially prescribed, or perceiving excessive expectations from others, and (c) other-oriented, or placing unrealistic standards on others.

The findings suggested that when compared with earlier generations, more recent generations of college students possessed significantly higher scores for each type of perfectionism. This was particularly evident between 1989 and 2016,where the score for self-oriented perfectionism increased by 10%, socially prescribed increased by 33%, and other-oriented increased by 16%.

According to Curran, this increase in perfectionism among millennials is being driven by several factors. For instance, as per raw data, young adults are pressurized by the use of social media to make oneself perfect when compared with others. This makes them dissatisfied with their bodies and thereby increases social isolation; however, this factor needs further research to confirm.

Today's young people are competing with each other in order to meet societal pressures to succeed and they feel that perfectionism is necessary in order to feel safe, socially connected and of worth" Dr. Curran, University of Bath

The other areas where todays young generation display perfectionism are the urge to earn money, pressure to acquire good education, and setting high career goals.

Curran also pointed out another example, that college students also exhibit a drive to perfect their grade point averages and compare these points with their peers. According to him, these examples signify the rise of meritocracy among millennials, where the students are motivated by the universities to compete in order to move up the social and economic ladders.

Curran explained that among young adults, meritocracy creates a strong need to strive, perform, and achieve in modern life, and they have surreal educational and professional expectations for themselves. This results in perfectionism among millennials.

In 1976, nearly 50% of high-school seniors were expected to acquire a college degree and by 2008, the number rose up to more than 80%. However, the numbers of people earning degrees is significantly lower when compared with the rising expectations. From 1976 to 2000, the gap between the percentage of high-school seniors expecting to acquire a college degree and those with one doubled and has continued to increase.

However, citing higher levels of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts among the present generation than a decade ago, Hill commented that the rise in perfectionism may impact the psychological health of students. He urged schools and policymakers to stop encouraging competition among young adults, so that good mental health can be preserved.
Testing the level of caffeine in the blood may provide a simple way to aid the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, according to a study published in the January 3, 2018, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

The study found that people with Parkinson's disease had significantly lower levels of caffeine in their blood than people without the disease, even if they consumed the same amount of caffeine.

"Previous studies have shown a link between caffeine and a lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease, but we haven't known much about how caffeine metabolizes within the people with the disease," said study author Shinji Saiki, MD, PhD, of Juntendo University School of Medicine in Tokyo, Japan.

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People in the study with more severe stages of the disease did not have lower levels of caffeine in the blood, suggesting that the decrease occurs from the earliest stages of the disease, according to David G. Munoz, MD, of the University of Toronto in Canada, who wrote an editorial accompanying the study.

"If these results can be confirmed, they would point to an easy test for early diagnosis of Parkinson's, possibly even before symptoms are appearing," Munoz said. "This is important because Parkinson's disease is difficult to diagnose, especially at the early stages."

The study involved 108 people who had Parkinson's disease for an average of about six years and 31 people of the same age who did not have the disease. Their blood was tested for caffeine and for 11 byproducts the body makes as it metabolizes caffeine. They were also tested for mutations in genes that can affect caffeine metabolism.

The two groups consumed about the same amount of caffeine, with an average equivalent to about two cups of coffee per day. But the people with Parkinson's disease had significantly lower blood levels of caffeine and nine of the 11 byproducts of caffeine in the blood. The caffeine level was an average of 79 picomoles per 10 microliters for people without Parkinson's disease, compared to 24 picomoles per 10 microliters for people with the disease. For one of the byproducts, the level was below the amount that could be detected in more than 50 percent of the people with Parkinson's disease.

In the statistical analysis, the researchers found that the test could be used to reliably identify the people with Parkinson's disease, with a score of 0.98 where a score of 1 means that all cases are identified correctly.

In the genetic analysis, there were no differences in the caffeine-related genes between the two groups.

Limitations of the study include that people with severe Parkinson's disease were not included, which could affect the ability to detect an association between disease severity and caffeine levels. Munoz also noted that all of the people with Parkinson's were taking Parkinson's medication and it's possible that these drugs could affect the metabolism of caffeine.
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Trump will 'go to great lengths' to stop Pakistan aid: Nikki Haley

United Nations : US President Donald Trump will go all out to cut off aid to Pakistan if it continues to back terrorists, US Permanent Representative Nikki Haley has warned.



"The President is willing to go to great lengths to stop all funding for Pakistan if they continue to harbour terrorism," she told reporters here on Tuesday.

"The administration is withholding $255 million in assistance to Pakistan" because its "double game" of working with US at times and with terrorists at others "is not acceptable to this administration" she said.

"We expect far more cooperation from Pakistan in the fight against terrorism," she added.

In her meeting with the media to outline the US priorities for 2018, Haley, who represents the administration's hawkish positions, mentioned Pakistan's terror ties as the third area of concern after Iran and North Korea.

In his first Tweet of the New Year, Trump had called out Pakistan for giving "safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan" while making "fools" of US leaders. "No More" continuing aid to Islamabad, he declared.

Haley said that withholding aid to Pakistan was not linked to Islamabad's support for the General Assembly resolution criticising Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel although she had suggested before the vote that those backing it could lose aid.

It "has nothing to do with vote on Jerusalem. It is entirely connected to Pakistan's harbouring of terrorists," she said.

"However, as I said in December, we won't forget the Jerusalem vote," she added.

On Iran, Haley expressed support for those in Iran protesting against the government and said that she wanted to amplify their voices.

She said the US was calling for special sessions on the Iranian protests both at the UN headquarters in New York and at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Haley said that the US would never accept North Korea as a nuclear power and threatened more sanctions if it carried out any more nuclear or missile tests.

(Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in)
A jarring off-Broadway play about a college student who carries out threats to use gun violence is bound to stir audiences when it opens in mid-January at New Havens Long Wharf Theatre.

The performances carry a warning that the production includes loud, recorded gun shots and live blanks  to say nothing of the plays disturbing subject matter in a region that marked the fifth anniversary of the Sandy Hook massacre in mid-December.

So organizers have planned a half-dozen educational and community events with the Newtown-based nonprofit Sandy Hook Promise during the plays New Haven run, to give audiences a place to discuss the relationship between red-flag behavior and gun violence prevention.

This play is about the culture of fear, which is so much like the culture that we are living in today, said Elizabeth Nearing, Long Wharf Theatres community engagement manager. So these community programs strengthen the bridge between what is happening on the stage and what is happening in our world today.

The play, Office Hour, is reminiscent of the massacre of 32 people by a disturbed college student at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 2007. Written by Julia Cho, the play centers on the relationship between a writing professor and a misunderstood college student.

The theater and Sandy Hook Promise have planned a series of educational forums and community discussions to mitigate the culture of fear being created by the violence found in todays society, Nearing said.

Sandy Hook Promise, which was founded by parents who lost children in the 2012 Sandy Hook massacre, has grown into a national organization that offers free programs to help students and adults recognize signs that youths are about to hurt themselves or others.

Mark Barden, a founding member of Sandy Hook Promise whose son was among the 20 first-graders and six educators slain at Sandy Hook School, said the plays theme has a strong connection to the nonprofits mission and its violence prevention programs.

Information about the play is available by visiting www.longwharf.org or by calling 203-787-4282.

The first of the educational programs begins at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Long Wharf Theatres professional development program known at Educators Laboratory. Sandy Hook Promise will give a presentation to school teachers as part of the program.

After the plays launch on Jan. 17, representatives from Sandy Hook Promise plan to attend two matinee performances in early February to discuss themes from the play with student audiences.

Sandy Hook Promise representatives will also participate in panel discussions in January at the Ives Main Library, the Stetson Library and the Wilson Library, among other events.

rryser@newstimes.com 203-731-3342
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Im sort of an adrenaline junkie, but its also the satisfaction of being able to help people, like when you have someone come in whos overdosed and you treat them and see them turn around just like that. J.R. McLain, 50 Emergency department nurse; former Navy mechanic and truck driver

Jake Creviston, a nurse practitioner, has been repeatedly mistaken for a doctor.

Adam White says the veterans he cares for as a student nurse at the V.A. hospital feel comfortable around him because Im a big burly guy with a beard.

Glenn Fletcher, after being laid off from a lumber mill during the financial crisis, found a new career in nursing. And with it, a really good feeling putting your head on the pillow realizing youve helped other people.

The experiences of male nurses offer lessons that could help address a problem of our time: how to prepare workers for the fastest-growing jobs, at a time when more than a quarter of adult men are not in the labor force.

Only 13 percent of nurses in the United States are men, but that share has grown steadily since 1960, when the number was 2 percent, according to a working paper published in October by the Washington Center for Equitable Growth.

Its not a flood, but its a change, said Abigail Wozniak, an economist at the University of Notre Dame, who wrote the paper with Elizabeth Munnich, an economist at the University of Louisville. The biggest drivers, they found, were the changing economy and expanding gender roles.

We talked to a dozen male nurses, with various career paths and specialties, working in the Pacific Northwest, where recruitment efforts have focused on bringing men into nursing. Some were drawn to the caregiving, others to the adrenaline of the work. Its a reliable, well-paying job at a time when thats hard to come by, they said, but also one they feel proud of.

When my wife told her grandfather that I graduated from nursing school, he just laughed. But I think there are more men who are less afraid to take on what have traditionally been considered feminine roles. John-Flor Sisante, 38 Recent nursing graduate interested in hospice nursing; former musician

Walk around our hospital and all the call lights have pictures of females on them. I guess it was never thought of at the time that there might be a guy in here some day. Glenn Fletcher, 49 Operating room nurse; former lumber mill worker

Women have been entering male-dominated fields for decades, but its less common for a predominantly female occupation to have a substantial increase in its share of men. Yet the jobs that are shrinking tend to be male ones, and those that are growing are mostly female.

Nursing is no paragon of gender equality: Even though men are a minority, they are paid more than women. The stigma against men still runs deep, particularly among older patients and in parts of the country with more traditional gender roles, nurses said. (Several said the movie Meet the Parents, in which Ben Stiller played a nurse whose girlfriends father wasnt thrilled about his career, didnt help.)

But for some men, the notion that caregiving jobs are womens work is outdated. Progressive attitudes about gender roles, as measured by the General Social Survey, were associated with more men who entered nursing, the new paper found.

This narrative that men cant provide care in the way that women can is part of that broad cultural narrative that misunderstands what nursings about, said Mr. White, the V.A. hospital student nurse, who is earning his nursing degree at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland. We need to talk with young people about caring as a gender-neutral idea, but also as something thats rooted in skills, in expertise.

When we notice that our boys are gifted in math and science and they say, I want to be a doctor when I grow up, we could say, Thats great, you could even be a nurse if you wanted to!  Adam White, 35 Nursing student; former banker

Youre a caregiver, providing quality, dignified care. Its not you doing it as a male or a female, but just generally as a caregiver. Justin Kuunifaa, 41 Family practice nurse; former in-home caregiver

The researchers also found that economic factors have played a role  a decline in some jobs because of automation, trade and the housing crisis, and a growth in jobs and wages in health care. Nursing is growing much faster than the average occupation, and wages have increased steadily since 1980. The median salary is $68,450, about the same as the median salary for college-educated workers over all.

A lot of those manufacturing jobs and things of that nature just arent there anymore, said David Baca, an emergency department nurse in Medford, Ore. We get paid a really livable wage, and I think that is now starting to attract more male nurses.

Its a good profession because itll always be there. Theyll always need nurses. It cant be outsourced, it cant be automated. David Baca, 37 Emergency department nurse; former handyman

My mothers a nurse, but for some reason it had never occurred to me to become a nurse until I had a conversation with another man, who used to be an E.M.T. but became a nurse, and something just clicked. Peter Stach, 36 In-home palliative care nurse; former server and bartender

The paper used census data about men who were born in the United States and turned 18 between 1973 and 2013. They found that the increase in male nurses was largely uniform across the country, although black and Hispanic men and those in rural areas were less likely to become nurses.

Nursing is a career that both men and women often start later in life, in part because its possible to become certified midcareer and without a bachelors degree. But as hospitals increasingly require nurses to have a four-year degree, it could become a barrier for men who want to enter the field, the researchers said.

We learned that workers can take a very long time to settle into occupations, but that is not the traditional path that we think of when we think about training our work force, Ms. Wozniak said.

Male nurses are more likely than females to have worked as emergency medical technicians, military nurses or lab technicians, and to work in acute care in hospitals rather than primary care clinics. Nearly half of nurse anesthetists, one of the highest-paying nursing jobs, are men.

In interviews, men said they liked the variety of work: Nurses can be bedside caregivers, surgery assistants, educators, technicians or administrators.

Forget about the stigma. The pay is great, the opportunities are endless and you end up going home every day knowing that you did something very positive for someone else. Jorge Gitler, 50 Oncology nurse manager; former business owner

Men desire to be caring, and you get a chance to have a career that allows you to care for people meaningfully. Graham Seaton, 41 Hospital infection prevention and neuro-trauma nurse; former retail and nonprofit worker

Several said they felt an advantage in applying for nursing jobs because men are a minority in the field. Hospitals and patients benefit when nurses more closely reflect the patient population, research shows.

Sometimes patients prefer a nurse of a certain sex, particularly for procedures like inserting a catheter, nurses said, and some men feel more comfortable talking openly with another man.

I work on this floor with people who just had urology surgery or amputations, and they have told me that when I come in the room and shut the door behind me, they feel more understood and can drop the tough guy attitude, Mr. White said.

Nursing became a womans job because women were seen as natural caregivers, said Patricia DAntonio, a nursing historian at the University of Pennsylvania. But until the second half of the 19th century, men were assigned nursing jobs that required physical strength and bravery, like caring for patients during a dangerous epidemic. That began to change when Florence Nightingale brought a group of female nurses to the Crimean War in 1854.

Nursing became such a gendered profession that men were barred from serving in the Army Nurse Corps during the two world wars. Not until the 1960s did the nursing field begin trying to better reflect its patients in terms of both gender and race, Ms. DAntonio said.

Its not just a job. You have this sense of purpose, this sense of service, that youre in this to really help improve peoples lives. Jonathan Auld, 44 Clinical nurse leader and nursing Ph.D. student; former elementary school teacher

The Oregon Center for Nursing, a work force development group, began recruiting male and minority prospects to nursing in the early 2000s. It started a marketing campaign  Are you man enough to be a nurse?  that spread nationwide. Posters showed male nurses carrying a snowboard or wearing a motorcycle jacket.

It was just rethinking how we describe the work and focusing on the kind of person it takes to be a great nurse, said Deborah Burton, who founded the center and is now chief nursing officer at Providence St. Joseph Health, a health care system in the West.

More recently, efforts to recruit male nurses have focused less on gender and more on the rewards of the career, with the slogan, Do what you love and youll love what you do.
AIADMK removes 9 more TTV Dinakaran supporters from party posts

India

oi-Anusha

By Anusha Ravi

Recommended Video

AIADMK sack 9 party members for supporting TTV Dinakaran | Oneindia News

Nine office bearers of the AIADMK were relieved from party posts for supporting TTV Dinakaran and bringing "disrepute" to the party. A letterhead signed by O Panneerselvam and Edappadi Palanisamy announced the ouster of nine office bearers. This is in addition to the 132 others ousted from the party for supporting TTV Dinakaran last year.

Office bearers of various outfits associated with the party were removed from their posts. Office bearers Kodandapani from Kanchipuram, Jayanti Padmanabhan from Vellore, Kalaiselvan from Cuddalore, Dr Kathigamu from Theni, S G Subramanian from Virudhunagar, Mariayyan Kennedy from Sivagangai, Dr Muthaiah from Ramanathapuram, R Sunderraj and Uma Mageshwari from Tuticorin have been relieved of all party posts.

The AIADMK had in December last year sacked 132 functionaries for supporting TTV Dinakaran. After a massive defeat in the R K Nagar bypolls, the AIADMK began a crackdown on rebels within the party supporting Dinakaran. Panneerselvam and Palanisamy- the coordinator and co-coordinator of the party respectively have warned partymen of consequences in case of rebellion or anti-party activities.

TTV Dinakaran, who contested as an independent, registered a thumping victory in the R K Nagar bypoll leaving AIADMK"s Madhusudhanan trailing with a massive margin.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Tuesday, January 2, 2018, 12:57 [IST]
No news about 2 Arunachal youths who went missing from near China border in August

Arunachal: No differences of perception on alignment between India-China

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Contrary to reports there is no standoff between the Indian and Chinese troops at Arunachal Pradesh. On December 28, some locals informed the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) about some Chinese undertaking track alignment activity around 1 kilometre inside the Line of Actual Control.

The ITBP informed the Indian Army about the same. The Army then explained to the Chinese that they in Indian territory. They left after that, sources confirmed to OneIndia.

Currently, there is some security personnel at the site. The Chinese had left behind some equipment including an excavator. This equipment will be returned.

"There is no cause for panic and there is no standoff as is being widely reported," the source also added. "The issue is being resolved amicably and there are no differences between the two sides on the perception of alignment," the source further added.

OneIndia News
Assams NRC dilemma: Transgenders face threat of losing citizenship

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia

Guwahati, Jan 4: At a time when everyone in Assam is worried about retaining their citizenship, in the wake of the mammoth task of publication of names in the National Register of Citizens (NRC) draft, transgenders in the state are caught in a peculiar situation.

In order to enroll one's name in the NRC, the person has to submit official documents pertaining to his/her residential address. Based on the documents submitted and official verification, the government is deciding the fate of the citizenship rights of the people of Assam.

Unfortunately, most of the transgenders in the state lamented the fact that they don't have official documents to prove that they are the bonafide citizens of the country, in spite of being born and raised in Assam.

The members of the transgender community, which is a small and marginalised one, said that they are all being ostracised by society as families of most of them have abandoned them.

"We are all homeless and poor people. Our families have abandoned us. We don't have official documents to prove that we too are the citizens of the country," said a transgender.

Since the last several weeks, Assam was on tenterhooks before the release of an initial part draft of the contentious NRC on Sunday midnight. Thankfully, all went well.

The first draft of the much-awaited NRC for Assam has listed 19 million people out of the 32.9 million applicants as legal Indian citizens in a massive exercise aimed at identifying illegal immigrants in the state that borders Bangladesh.

As hardly name of any transgender has figured in the first draft of NRC, for the obvious reason that nobody from the community applied for it, Swati Bidhan Baruah, a transgender rights activist, has sought help from the office of the NRC co-ordinator.

"I have requested the NRC co-ordinator Prateek Hajela to look into the matter as I have received calls from many who could not apply for NRC. Hajela told me that he will discuss the matter with us in the second week of January," Baruah, who leads an association of more than 5,400 transgenders in Assam, was quoted as saying by The Telegraph.

Baruah filed a PIL in Gauhati high court last year for a state policy for the welfare of the transgenders.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Wednesday said all those excluded in the first NRC draft should not worry as no one will be discriminated against on the basis of caste and community and will be given opportunities to prove citizenship.

Sonowal also said that a mechanism has to be devised "humanely" by the central government on what to do with those who are found to be illegal immigrants after finalisation of the NRC, a list of the state's citizens.

"There is no question of discriminating against anyone whether he or she is a Hindu, Muslim, Bengali or Nepali," Sonowal told PTI.

No one will be victimised on the basis of caste and community, he asserted.

"All will be treated equally and given opportunities to prove their citizenship so that their names could be incorporated in the subsequent drafts of the NRC," Sonowal said.

Now, it needs to be seen how the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the state deals with the issue of citizenship rights of transgenders, who mostly have no official documents.

"Most of the transgenders in Assam are illiterate and they are either into begging or sex work. It's time for the BJP government in Assam to help the transgenders," said a transgender, who left her home eight years ago, and now begs in the Guwahati railway station.

OneIndia News
Bajrang Dal worker hacked: BJP seeks ban on PFI, Karnataka passes buck to Centre

India

oi-Anusha

By Anusha Ravi

Following the murder of another pro-Hindu organisation volunteer, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka has reiterated its demand to ban Popular Front of India (PFI). The Karnataka government, however, has put the onus on the centre asking the BJP to get the Union government to ban PFI or any other organisation whose members are accused of disrupting communal harmony.

While the police are yet to verify the antecedents of suspects in the Deepak Rao murder case the BJP has already accused the PFI of being involved in the murder and have sought a ban on the organisation. The BJP has claimed that 22 of its workers or volunteers of Sangh Parivar have been killed in Karnataka under the Congress regime. Karnataka's Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy, however, dismissed the charges as "grossly exaggerated". "The BJP is exaggerating numbers of such incidents. Out of the total number of such deaths, 11 people belong to the Sangh Parivar and 6 to the PFI. The BJP, for political gains, has been claiming that 22 of its members have been killed," Ramalinga Reddy told the media on Thursday.

Bajrang dal worker hacked: Mangaluru on the edge, protests at Suratkal, BJP demands NIA probe

Reacting to BJP's demand of banning PFI, Reddy conveniently passed the onus on to the Union government. "The central government has the powers to ban any organisation that it deems fit. However, if PFI should be banned over allegations of being involved in murders of Hindu activists, should other organisations, responsible for the murder of PFI activists, also not be banned?" Reddy asked.

Rao, a volunteer of the Bajrang Dal, was hacked to death on Wednesday in Suratkal near Mangaluru. The Mangaluru police arrested four people in connection with the case. While two are in police custody, two more are being treated for bullet wounds in a hospital in Mangaluru after police opened fire at the suspects while giving them a chase.

Even as protests were witnessed in Suratkal on Thursday, Rao's body was cremated after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the deceased's kin. The BJP has sought a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe in the case accusing the Siddaramaiah government of allowing the massacre of Hindu activists. Leaders of the BJP in Mangaluru staged a Rasta Roko in protest of the Congress government.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, January 4, 2018, 17:29 [IST]
Bajrang dal worker hacked: Mangaluru on the edge, protests at Suratkal, BJP demands NIA probe

India

oi-Anusha

By Anusha Ravi

Recommended Video

Bajrang Dal activist hacked to death in Mangaluru, BJP demands NIA probe, Watch | Oneindia News

Tensions are simmering in the coastal city of Mangaluru following the murder of a Bajrang Dal activist. While prohibitory orders have been clamped down in the commissionerate vicinity, hundreds of people are gathering outside Deepak Rao's residence in protest. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has demanded a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the matter.

Family, friends and other workers of pro-Hindu organisations have been gathering at Rao's residence demanding answers from Karnataka Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy. Protests were witnessed after Rao's body was shifted from the hospital quietly to his residence in Suratkal. Pro-Hindu activists protested over not being allowed to take the body in a procession from the hospital. Incidents of stone pelting and violence have been reported in earlier cases of processions.

Bajrang dal activist hacked to death; cops arrest 4, impose prohibitory orders in Mangaluru

Mangaluru town wore a curfew-like look with shops and establishments shut down. Heavy police deployment was witnessed across the city and heightened security was put in place at sensitive locations. Despite the Mangaluru police already making arrests, the BJP and other pro-Hindu organisations have asked for the case to be transferred to the CBI.

"Reign of bloodbath continues unabated in Congress-ruled Karnataka. Hindutva workers are dying like Guinea pigs," read a statement from the state BJP. The saffron party, apart from accusing the Popular Front of India (PFI) for the murder, has sought an NIA probe into the matter.

Deepak Rao, a worker of the Bajrang Dal, was hacked to death by a gang of four people in Suratkal on Wednesday. The Mangaluru police chased and arrested Naushad, Rizwan, Pinky Nawaz, Nirshaan on suspicion of committing the crime. The motive behind the murder is yet to be established. The BJP meanwhile, has accused the Siddarmaiah government of allowing the massacre of Hindu activists in the state, a claim rejected by the incumbent government as well as the Congress party.

OneIndia News
Bhima Koregaon violence in Maharashtra: Mumbai crawls back to normalcy

India

oi-Madhuri

Normalcy in the financial capital was restored on Thursday after a shutdown over Bhima Koregaon Violence in the state was called off.

The Maharashtra bandh was called by Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh (BBM) leader Prakash Ambedkar to protest the state government's "failure" to stop the violence at Bhima Koregaon village in Pune district on Monday.

The tension began on Monday when lakhs of Dalits gathered in the village of Bhima-Koregaon, about 30 km from Pune, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of a battle that saw Dalit soldiers fighting with the British, defeating the army of the upper caste Peshwas or rulers.

The clashes erupted during the commemoration by Dalit groups of the battle of Bhima-Koregaon. As an argument between some assembled Dalits and right-wing groups spun out of control, a 28-year-old Maratha was killed.

OneIndia News
Two of 8 cheetahs released in acclimatisation enclosure at MP's Kuno National Park: Official

Bhima Koregaon violence: Protests spread to Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

Agitation over Bhima Koregaon violence has spread to Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat on Thursday. A bus driver was injured and twelve buses have been vandalised at Pushpak Bus Stand in Madhya Pradesh's Burhanpur during bandh over Bhima Koregaon violence. The injured driver has been admitted to the district hospital.

In Gujarat, traffic was affected after agitators blocked Madhuram by-pass road in Junagarh. Buses in Junagarh were shifted from depots to a division workshop in order to prevent damage.

Also, protestors blocked Rajkot-Somnath National Highway near Junagarh.

Over 200 buses of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation were damaged in attacks by protesters across the state during Maharashtra bandh, MSRTC officials told PTI. The Mumbai Police registered 16 FIRs and detained over 300 people in connection with protests by Dalit groups during the day-long bandh on Wednesday against the Bhima Koregaon caste clashes, while Internet services were suspended in Kolhapur following tension in the district.

Violence erupted in Pune on January 1 when Dalit groups were celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in which the British defeated the Peshwas of Maharashtra.

Dalit leaders commemorate the British victory as it is believed that soldiers from the Mahar community were part of the East India Company's forces.

(With agency inputs)
With the number of anonymous rogues from Pak rising, here's how BSF is beating down the drones

BSF avenges constable Hazra's death, two Pakistani mortar positions destroyed

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

A day after a BSF head constable was killed in a Pakistani sniper fire, Indian forces retaliated on Thursday, leaving several positions across the border heavily damaged, said reports

At least two mortar positions of Pakistani forces were damaged along with 'solar panels and other weapons'.

"Our BSF soldier was deployed on forward duty point when Pakistan's sniper shot hit him yesterday. Border Security Force gave a solid response in which Pakistan's infrastructure, solar panel and weapons were damaged. Their posts suffered a major loss," BSF IG, Jammu, Ramawtar, told the media.

Although some reports say that 10-12 Pakistan Rangers were killed, the BSF has not confirmed it so far.

An infiltration bid was foiled at Budhwar area of Arnia sub-sector of RS Pura sector in Jammu district. BSF troopers have also reportedly killed an infiltrator this morning.

On Thursday, Fifty-year-old Head Constable RP Hazra was severely wounded after Pakistani forces "sniped" from across the border in the Samba sector of Jammu and Kashmir at about 4 pm. He later succumbed to his injuries on his birthday.

Hazra, who hailed from Murshidabad in West Bengal, was born in 1967. He had served for about 27 years in the border guarding force. He is survived by a daughter (21) and son (18).

According to govt data, Pakistani forces have violated the ceasefire along the International Border and Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir more than 720 times in 2017, the highest in past seven years. The data further states that Pakistani forces have violated ceasefire 724 times along the LoC till October in comparison to 449 times in 2016.

OneIndia News
CBI grills suspects who were behind disappearance of 23 Indian students in Paris

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The Central Bureau of Investigation is grilling 3 suspects behind the mysterious disappearance of 23 students in Paris. Lalit Jain, Sanjeev Raj and Varun Choudhary were grilled by sleuths of the CBI for several hours on Wednesday. The questioning will continue today against the trio who have been booked under human trafficking laws.

The Central Bureau of Investigation had busted a major international human trafficking racket. At least 25 boys from Punjab and Haryana were taken to Paris under the pretext of a Rugby training camp and deserted there.

The CBI discovered the racket following the detention of a teenager. It was found that the boys in the age group of 13 and 18 were taken to Paris and deserted there. Only 2 out of the 25 boys have come back to India while the rest are yet to be traced.

The French police informed the CBI about the detention of the teenager and also shared details of his questioning.

CBI sources say that based on the information they conducted raids at the premises of the suspects. We have found incriminating material and relevant documents, the source also added. Currently, the accused are being questioned and their laptops being analysed.

The probe found that 25 boys were shown as students of two schools in Kapurthala, Punjab and taken to Punjab on February 1, 2016. The French visas for the children were obtained based on the invitation from the French Federation in Paris. All of them visited Paris, but the agents got the return tickets cancelled, the probe also found. However, two boys sensed that there was something wrong in advance and managed to return.

When the CBI questioned the school authorities, the agency was told that the students did not study there.

OneIndia News
Explained: What the SC said and how is Talaq-e-Hasan different from triple talaq

For triple talaq victims, judicial verdict in favor but social verdict still against them!

UP: Muslim woman agrees to Nikah Halal, instead gets gangraped by ex-husband, his brother

Government likely to send triple talaq bill to Parliament panel, say reports

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia

New Delhi, Jan 4: Numbers do matter, especially in Parliament.

The fact has been aptly proved after the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre faced stiff resistance from opposition parties to pass the triple talaq bill in the Rajya Sabha, where it does not have a majority, on Wednesday.

Succumbing to the demand of the Opposition, the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has now agreed to send the bill to a Parliament panel for review, stated reports.

Thus the contentious bill can now be passed only in the next session of Parliament --the panel will have to be constituted and then it will scrutinise the bill and suggest changes, reported NDTV.

Members of the ruling party and the Opposition extensively debated over the bill on Wednesday. During the debate, the non-NDA parties remained firm on their stand that first the bill should be sent to the selection panel before any discussion could be started on it on the floor of the House.

Recently, the contentious Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2017 was passed in the Lok Sabha where the government enjoys an absolute majority.

The Opposition is mainly contesting the bill on the provision that it criminalises triple talaq. The Congress, which supported the bill in the Lok Sabha, says that it opposes the criminalisation part of it.

The bill makes instant triple talaq or "talaq-e-biddat" illegal and provides for a jail term of up to three years for the husband. The offence has been made cognizable and non- bailable.

On August 22 last year, the Supreme Court banned the practice of instant triple talaq, (the practice under which a Muslim man can divorce his wife by simply uttering the word "talaq" three times) calling it unconstitutional.

The SC said triple talaq violates the fundamental rights of Muslim women as it irrevocably ends a marriage without any chance of reconciliation. It was a historic day for the women's rights movement in India.

Now, Muslim women have to wait for a few more months to know the final fate of the bill.

OneIndia News
Understand compulsions that prevented you from supporting me: Raja writes to Manmohan Singh

India

oi-Deepika

By Deepika

Former telecom minister A Raja, who was acquitted by a special CBI court in the high-profile 2G spectrum allocation case wrote a letter to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh seeking support on the matter.

The former Union minister said, "I assured you several times that I had done nothing wrong but rather acted in national interest that I would prove this."

"A few powerful individuals launched a propaganda machine, magnified a thousand times by a complicit and pliable media, were able to mislead even Parliament and the apex judiciary. It cost you the UPA government, and it look seven years of my life, including fifteen months in jail," Raja said in his letter.

He further said, "I also understand the compulsions that prevented you from openly supporting me...Now that the truth about 2G is out in the open , perhaps you too could come forward in my support, which you could not earlier."

Replying to Raja, former PM Manmohan Singh expressed satisfaction over the court's verdict. "I am happy that you stand vindicated in the 2G case. You and your family have suffered greatly in this process but all your friends are greatly relieved that truth has prevailed," Singh wrote in his letter dated January 2.

On December 21, a special CBI court had acquitted all accused, including former telecom minister A Raja, in the Rs 30,000 crore 2G spectrum allocation scam cases. Special CBI judge O P Saini said in his judgment that the prosecution had "miserably failed to prove any of its charge" against the accused.

OneIndia News
How naxalites fanned the Bhima-Koregaon violence

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The role of the Naxalites has come under the scanner following the Bhima Koregaon violence. The agencies came to the conclusion about the involvement of naxalites after it had learnt about a meeting that was held in Pune a day before the violence erupted.

The meeting in question was the Yalgar Parishad meeting that was attended by several persons connected with the group. There were several persons directly and indirectly associated with the naxalites, documents that were seized show.

TOI while quoting the documents says that many leaders of the front organisations who were present held at the event in Pune on December 31 were directly or indirectly connected with the naxalites.

Investigations have also shown that many naxalites had fanned the agitation. It is a classic modus operandi undertaken by the naxalites where they infiltrate into movements or agitations and ensure that the same turn violent.

OneIndia News
'Yashoda' 1st weekend box office collection: Here's how much it collected in 3 days

Hyderabad: A day after his remarks on KCR's daughter, BJP MP's house 'attacked by TRS workers'

Hyderabad woman seeks MEA help to bring her sisters back from Saudi Arabia

India

oi-Madhuri

A Hyderabad woman on Thursday claimed that two of her sisters, Rehana and Noor, who had gone to Saudi Arabia for employment, are stuck there and being assaulted and tortured.

Narrating her ordeal, the woman further said that the duo was taken to Saudi through an agent on the promise of a beautician job, but was forced to work as domestic help.

Farhana, the sister of Rehana and Noor later appealed External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to rescue them from clutches of those employer.

While speaking to ANI, Farhana said,''I appeal EAM Sushma Swaraj to rescue them from the clutches of those employers.''

As many as 80,000 Indians stuck abroad due to various reasons have been rescued since the BJP government came to power at the Centre in 2014.

OneIndia News
If you think religious conversions are not linked to terror, then take a look at this gallery

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Religious conversions would be a top subject during an Intelligence Bureau meeting to be held this month at Madhya Pradesh. The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi would be addressing that meeting.

There was a reason why the IB decided to make religious conversions as part of its discussion. It has been found increasingly that there is a clear modus operandi involved in forced religious conversions.

While there is a section that debates that conversions cannot be linked to terror, then the case of the missing 21 persons from Kerala would disprove the theory. The 21 persons from Kerala, many of those who converted to Islam had left the country to join the ISIS.

The photographs and details of these persons released by the National Investigation Agency clearly show that many had converted to Islam before the joining the ISIS.

Here are some of the names: Bexen Vincent, Pallath Merrin Jacob, Sebastian Sonia. NIA officials say that these were forced conversions before which they were lured, trapped and taken to ISIS territory.

The NIA is still investigating the case. While at first, the NIA suspected that all had reached Afghanistan, now the probe shows some may have even moved to Syria. They moved out of India in batches. While the first batch left by a Bengaluru-Kuwait flight, the second batch took the Mumbai-Muscat flight on May 31.

The third batch took the Mumbai-Dubai flight on June 2 while the fourth took the Hyderabad-Muscat flight a day later. On June 5, the fifth batch took the Mumbai-Dubai flight while batch six boarded the Bengaluru-Muscat flight. The 7th batch on June 19 took the Bengaluru-Muscat flight while the last batch flew out on July 5 on the Mumbai-Abu Dhabi flight.

Out of the 21, 6 are women according to NIA data. 14 of them are under the age of 26 while the oldest member of this group is Shajeer aged 36.

OneIndia News
Karnataka assembly elections: 547 candidates may be barred from contesting

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

There are over 500 candidates in Karnataka who may not be eligible to contest the upcoming Karnataka Assembly Elections 2018. The ECI is scrutinising documents pertaining at least 547 candidates who had contested the 2013 polls.

It has been found that these candidates have not submitted their expense details. The expense details of the campaign are supposed to be submitted to the ECI.

Once the documents are scrutinised, the commission would take a call on whether they are eligible to contest or not. While in some cases it was found that the expense details were not submitted to others the prescribed format has not been followed.

Karnataka assembly elections: Pvt survey agencies in demand as politicians assess individual chances

The law mandates that candidates submit their expense details within 30 days of the election results being announced. This would include details of the funds received from various sources and also the expense on the campaign. If the same is not followed the candidate can be disqualified from being a legislator and also barred from being chosen as a member of either the assembly or Parliament. The limit on expenditure for an assembly election is Rs 28 lakh.

OneIndia News
Karnataka assembly elections: Pvt survey agencies in demand as politicians assess individual chances

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

There has been a huge demand for private survey agencies ahead of the Karnataka Assembly Elections 2018. Ahead of the general survey that is conducted closer towards the elections, politicians in Karnataka including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah want to now rely on private agencies to conduct the survey.

The general surveys cost around Rs 3 crore. However, in the case of an individual, the private agencies charge around Rs 3 lakh. The politicians have been tapping the private agencies for their individual needs and not to understand how the party will perform as a whole. That would be taken care of by the general surveys.

Each of these politicians wants to understand the pulse of the voter in their constituency. KPCC president Dr G Parameshwar who wants to contest again from Koratagere constituency has sought the services of the private agency to understand the pulse of the voter. Siddaramaiah too who will contest the Chamudeshwari constituency is also in the process of gauging the mood of the voter. Other such as C P Yogeshwar who is now with the BJP too has approached a private agency.

OneIndia News
Karnataka CM condemns murder of Bajrang Dal activist, warns state against 'communal propaganda'

India

oi-Deepika

By Deepika

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday condemned the murder of a Bajrang Dal activist in Suratkal town near Mangaluru.

The chief minister congratulated Mangalore City Police for swiftly solving the case and warned general public against communal propoganda.

"I condemn the dastardly act of murdering young Deepak Rao (Bajrang Dal activist), and offer my deepest condolences to the family for their loss. While we know the loss is irreparable, we have announced Rs 10 lakhs as compensation to the family," he said.

Siddaramaiah said that he has asked the Mangalore Police Commissioner to ensure fair investigation so that the culprits of Deepak Rao, are punished to the fullest extent of law.

He further appealed to the people to not swayed away by the propaganda to divide society.

"My sincere appeal to the citizens of Dakshina Kannada not to be swayed by mischievous propaganda by forces that seek to divide our society on communal lines," he said.

Rao, a volunteer of the Bajrang Dal, was hacked to death on Wednesday in Suratkal near Mangaluru. The Mangaluru police arrested four people in connection with the case. While two are in police custody, two more are being treated for bullet wounds in a hospital in Mangaluru after police opened fire at the suspects while giving them a chase.

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Story first published: Thursday, January 4, 2018, 23:58 [IST]
Kerala: Kochis Peace International School asked to shut down

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

Kerala Government on Friday ordered the closure of the Peace International School in Kochi which has been under scanner for objectionable content in syllabus. The school has been accused of promoting enmity on the basis of religion. The order took into account reports filed by the Education Department and the District Collector. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has asked the students to be shifted to other institutes in the region.

The State Education Department stated that it had issued an order a few weeks ago asking the closure of Peace International School in Ernakulam. "Both the reports submitted by the Collector and the Education Secretary went against the school. Therefore, we issued an order to shut down the school," The News Minute quoted the office of the Education Minister as saying.

In October 2016, Ernakulam District Education Officer had filed a complaint against the school, alleging that the syllabus encouraged extremist Islamic ideologies. The complaint alleged that the institute promoted enmity between different groups on the basis of religion, race, place of birth, language, resident etc and was involved in activities that would harm social harmony, Mathrubhumi reported.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, January 4, 2018, 17:52 [IST]
Kim Jong Un gets praise in Kerala from none other than CM Pinarayi Vijayan

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The CPI(M) has done it again. A few weeks after photos of Kim Jong Un appeared in a CPI(M) programme poster, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had some words of praise for the North Korean dictator.

Speaking at the CPI(M) district meet in Kozhikode, Pinarayi Vijayan said that China's fight against imperialist forces is not living up to the expectations of the people. It can be seen that a better approach has developed in this regard. "North Korea has been following a tough anti-USA stand. North Korea has successfully defended the pressure imposed by the US", he also said.

At the Kottayam district meeting, it was Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, the state secretary's turn to praise North Korea. He said that North Korea has increased its military strength and nuclear ammunition. "America aims to destroy North Korea which is moving ahead with socialist ideology", he also said.

A few days back a controversy had erupted after the cadres of the party had put up photographs of Kim Jong on posters. It was, however, removed after a major controversy had erupted.

OneIndia News
Can't book teachers for advising students to study well: Madras HC on Kallakuruchi student death

Madras HC grants anticipatory bail to disqualified AIADMK MLA P Vetrivel

India

oi-Madhuri

The Madras high court on Thursday granted anticipatory bail to disqualified MLA P Vetrivel. He had released video of late former TN chief minister Jayalalithaa in a hospital bed a day before RK Nagar by-poll.

Two cases were registered against him for violating the model code of election for releasing the video shortly prior to the RK Nagar bypoll.

On Wednesday, Vetrivel told the Madras High Court that he obtained the clip from sacked AIADMK leader VK Sasikala, who had given it to her nephew TTV Dinakaran "in February/March 2017.

Vetrivel alleged that the case had been filed against him with the intent of getting him booked under non-bailable provisions of the Indian Penal Code. He wondered how the complainant had decided that the video was morphed without an investigation.

Vetrivel also claimed that he had released the footage because the Election Commission failed to take action against pamphlets the AIADMK had distributed in which they blamed Sasikala for Jayalalithaa's death.

OneIndia News
Mahadayi row: Inevitable for Karnataka to get share of water says Parrikar

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Amidst a political slugfest in Karnataka over the Mahadayi waters issue, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has said that it is inevitable for Karnataka to get its share of water.

Parrikar said at a presser that Goa's main contention was that Karnataka could not divert water from the Mahadayi basin to the Malaprabha river basin.

"If someone thinks that water cannot be taken by Karnataka, he is living in a fool's paradise. He doesn't understand the law. If a river flows through Karnataka, how can you deny water to them? But they cannot take the water to some other area. They have to drink it or they have to use it in that area," Parrikar told reporters in Goa.

In its case presented before the Tribunal, Parrikar said that the Goa government, along with documentary evidence, had argued that nearly 115 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) water was available in the Mahadayibasin, whereas the actual requirement of water in the basin in all three states, namely Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa is about 145 TMC.

"The river basin is negative on the requirement. Therefore, water cannot be drawn from the river and taken to some other river. That is the point before the Tribunal," Parrikar said.

Parrikar while reacting to the letter written to B S Yeddyurappa said that he had agreed to release drinking water on humanitarian grounds. My letter had taken into account the interests of Goa also he said. If people are speculating about my letter, then it is not my concern. I am sorry, but I have written a perfectly valid letter and the media is wrong in slandering me and the Goa government, Parrikar also said.

OneIndia News
Students protest after Jignesh Mevani, Umar Khalid's event cancelled in Mumbai

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

Organizers of the All India Student's Summit 2018, where JNU student leader Umar Khalid and Vadgam MLA Jignesh Mevani were supposed to speak, have been told that they cannot go ahead with the event in Mumbai. Police forcibly removed students gathered for Chhatra Bharati event outside Bhaidas Hall and imposed Section 149 of IPC to prevent 'unlawful assembly'.

"Despite permission, the police is not allowing us to go ahead with the event. But Mewani will come and the program will happen," a private channel quoted an organiser as saying. The event is set to be held at the Mithibai College, Vile Parle (W) on Thursday.

Had booked Bhaidas Hall for All India National Students' Summit here today, but now we are being denied entry. Reason police is citing is the news doing the rounds about Umar Khalid and Jignesh Mewani for the past few days: Sagar Bhalerao (Chhatra Bharati,VP), Organiser #Mumbai pic.twitter.com/4Fg3mSP6wq  ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018

Members of Chhatra Bharti staged a protest outside Juhu Police Station after some members were detained by Police.

Young politicians and activists are set to come under one roof at the All India Student's Summit 2018. Kabaddi player Pardeep Narwal is another famous name to be speaking at the symposia. The panel will be discussing ongoing issues faced by students all over the country, in the aftermath of the sufferings faced by students of Mumbai University in 2017.

Mumbai is returning to normalcy a day after bandh called by Dalit organizations in protest against the attack on people congregated to mark the 200th anniversary of the battle of Koregaon, near Pune.

(With agency inputs)
Rahul Gandhi to address NRIs in Bahrain

India

pti-PTI

New Delhi, Jan 4: In his first foreign trip after becoming Congress president, Rahul Gandhi will next week embark on a visit to Bahrain. He will address a convention of NRIs and is likely to meet the country's prime minister. Party sources say Gandhi's visit to Bahrain will be on the lines of his US trip last year.

According to party sources, Gandhi will be the state guest of the Kingdom of Bahrain and will address NRIs settled there on January 8. He will leave for Bahrain on January 7 and is likely to return on January 9.

The NRIs settled there have invited him. Gandhi is also likely to meet Bahrain's Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and the members of the royal family, the sources said. They said that he was to also address NRIs in Dubai but that visit has been postponed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to visit the UAE later this month. Rahul Gandhi was in Goa on New Year along with his mother Sonia Gandhi.

PTI
SC refuses to quash forgery case against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler

India

oi-Deepika

By Deepika

The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to quash charges against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler in an alleged corruption and forgery case.

Tytler was allegedly actively involved in the forgery of the letter, written on letter head of Makan, which was purportedly addressed to the Prime Minister for easing visa norms for a Chinese telecom firm in 2009.

The Petition before the Court had challenged an order passed by the Trial Court in December, 2015, wherein the duo was directed to face trial for the forged letter.

The impugned order had been pronounced after a complaint was filed by the then Minister of State for Home Ajay Maken, who had alleged that a forged letter on his letterhead was written to the former PM by Verma, seeking to ease business visa norms.

The forged letter was given to a China-based telecom firm with the purpose of wrongful assuring them of visa extension in India. Verma had allegedly demanded one million dollars from the firm showing the letter but the money did not exchange hands.

Acting on the complaint of Maken, CBI had registered a case against Verma last year under section 469 of the IPC which relates to forgery for purpose of harming reputation.

Tytler denied allegations against him saying, "This is all rubbish. I have just came to know about it. There is no truth in it."

Charges had then been framed against Tytler for offences under various sections of the Indian Penal Code including 120-B (criminal conspiracy) read with 420 (cheating) and 471 (using as genuine a forged document), and under section 8 of the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act dealing with taking gratification by corrupt or illegal means to influence public servant.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, January 4, 2018, 17:39 [IST]
This is the truth: All people of India are Hindus says Dr. Mohan Bhagwat

We need to free ourselves of discrimination, says Mohan Bhagwat

India

oi-PTI

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday stressed on the need to unify India and make it a country free of social discrimination, and asked all citizens of the country to embrace each other.

Bhagwat's comments came at a time when violence on caste lines marred a celebration of Dalit groups in Maharashtra. The protests in Pune later spilled over to other parts of the state.

"We will have to accept all as we devote ourselves to the service of the motherland. We will have to free ourselves of all kinds of discrimination: mine-yours, higher-lower. We will have to treat everyone as equal," he said at a programme after unveiling a 16-feet statue of Bharat Mata at a temple here.

He urged all citizens to live together in harmony like "brothers and sisters". "Where harmony resides, anger fades".

"We should always devote ourselves to Bharat Mata's 'akhand' form," he added.

Bhagwat said: "We consider the whole world as one family.

We see God inside us and everywhere. The fundamental idea of India is based on this philosophy."

He said the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) founder C N Annadurai once considered Tamil Nadu as a "separate country", which had "nothing to do" with India.

However, when China attacked India in 1962, Annadurai said that when the country is in danger, advocating separatism would be to give way to a foreign power, he said.

"Who taught this to Annadurai? It is the soil of India which has sowed seed of patriotism in every citizen," Bhagwat said.

PTI

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Story first published: Thursday, January 4, 2018, 22:50 [IST]
When Swaraj, Tharoor trade barbs over making Hindi official language at UN

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia

New Delhi, Jan 4: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj wants Hindi to be one of the official languages spoken at the United Nations (UN). She stated that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government is ready to spend a whopping Rs 400 crore (if necessary) to promote the language.

However, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor begged to differ and objected to the whole idea in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

Thus in a way, Hindi triggered a war of words between the Union minister and the Member of Parliament from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala in the Lower House of Parliament.

In fact, Swaraj called Tharoor "ignorant" for raising questions over promoting Hindi at the hallowed portals of the UN.

In reply to a question, Swaraj said: "It is often asked why Hindi is not an official language in the UN. Today, I will want to tell the House, the biggest problem is the procedure."

The senior BJP leader told the Lower House of Parliament that as per the procedure, two-thirds of the 193 members of the organisation -- which comes to 129 -- will have to vote in favour of making Hindi an official language and also share the financial expenditure that would be incurred in the process.

"The problem comes when apart from voting, the burden of the amount also falls on them. Economically weaker countries that support us shy away from this. We are working on it, we are making attempts to get support of countries like Fiji, Mauritius, Surinam... where people of Indian origin are there.

"When we get that kind of support and they are also ready to bear the financial burden, it will become an official language," she said.

It was not just Tharoor who has his own individual insight over the whole exercise. A fellow parliamentarian reminded Swaraj that the whole process will require an expenditure of Rs 40 crore every year.

To that, the senior minister said: "Not just Rs 40 crore, the government is ready to spend Rs 400 crore on it." However, she added that spending money would not serve the purpose.

Swaraj also highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and she had spoken Hindi in the UN.

"Even when we have (foreign) guests, if they speak in English, we speak in English. If they speak in their own language, we speak in Hindi. As far as glory of the language is concerned, the External Affairs Ministry never had so much work done in Hindi as now," she said.

Tharoor, the former Under-Secretary-General at the UN, questioned the need to push for Hindi which is not even India's national language.

"Hindi is not the national language, it is an official language. Seeking to promote Hindi raises an important question. Why do we need an official language in the UN? Arabic does not have more speakers than Hindi, but Arabic is spoken by 22 countries, whereas Hindi is only used as an official language by one country -- us," he said.

"The question is what purpose is being served by this. If indeed we have a Prime Minister or Foreign Minister who prefers to speak Hindi, they can do so and we can pay to get that speech to be translated. Why should we put our future Foreign Ministers and Prime Ministers who may be from Tamil Nadu in a position," he said.

"The government has to defend its position. I understand the pride of Hindi-speaking people, but people of this country who do not speak in Hindi also take pride in being Indian," he added.

Several members of the treasury benches protested after Tharoor finished his statement.

Swaraj said Hindi was spoken in several other countries as well as by the Indian diaspora abroad. "Saying Hindi is spoken only in India is your ignorance."

As Swaraj and Tharoor traded barbs, once again it is clear that in a country where every state has its own languages and dialects, promoting only Hindi at any international podium might prove to be a "costly" affair for the country.

OneIndia News
With the number of anonymous rogues from Pak rising, here's how BSF is beating down the drones

'Dont make a joke out of the country', Pakistan SC tells ISI

International

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Don't make a joke out of the country, the Pakistan Supreme Court told the ISI. "You are top agency and you should not make a joke out of the country", the SC also told the agency.

Hundreds of Tehreek-e-Labbaik supporters had camped at the Faizabad Interchange here for three weeks since November 6, calling for the resignation of Law Minister Zahid Hamid who they blamed for a hastily-abandoned change in the oath of elected representatives.

The government was forced to accept Tehreek-e-Labbaik's demands after a government operation to break up the sit-in went awry and sparked violence across the country.

During a suo moto hearing of Faizabad sit-in, the two-judge bench comprising of Justice Mushir Alam and Justice Qazi Faez Isa, also asked the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) whether a cell to monitor the activities of such protests existed in the organisation or not, and if it did then was the top agency's representative aware of who the protesters were, what the working of the group was like and the issues.

"You are a top agency, don't make a joke out of the country," the Express Tribune quoted Justice Isa as saying.

The bench also inquired about the financial sources and income of protesters, further questioning the budget of the ISI, the report said.

"Should the top court summon the ISI chief to get answers? If you [the representative] don't have a coherent answer?"

Justice Isa further remarked that the ISI is doing nothing for the people of Pakistan. He said that Pakistan did not come into being due to the army, it was the struggle of the common people.

The bench directed the agencies, including the ISI, to brief Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Ashtar Ausaf Ali over the queries raised by the bench.

The court further directed the AGP to submit a concise statement of the issues raised within 15 days.

When the sit-in spiralled out of control, the government ordered police and paramilitary troops to stand down and called on the army to restore order in the federal capital.

Subsequently, Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa went into a huddle with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi where they concurred that army troops would not use force against protesters and would only provide back-end support.

The Faizabad Interchange is the main gateway between the twin Pakistani cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

OneIndia News
H-1B: A tweak in rules by Trump admin could send 7.5 lakh Indians back home

International

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

An estimated 500,000 to 750,000 Indian H-1B visa holder could be deported if a proposal by the Donald Trump administration goes through. The Trump administration is considering a proposal that could lead to a large scale deportation of foreigners especially Indians waiting for their green card.

The proposal which was circulated in the form of an internal memo in the Department of Homeland Security which oversees citizenship and immigration proposes to end the provision of granting extensions to H-1B visa holders whose applications for permanent residency had been accepted.

Nearly 7.5 Indian H1-B visa holders stare at the possibility of being sent back home if this proposal goes through. With the possibility of a major crisis staring, Immigration Voice an advocacy body in San Jose is planning to challenge this move through an outreach and also sue when the decision is announced.

McClatchy, D C Bureau which reported the proposal first said that the idea is to create a sort of 'self-deportation' of hundreds of thousands of Indian tech workers in the United States to open up those jobs for Americans."

An H-1B visa is granted for three years. It has the provision of three more with one extension following which the person has to return to his or her country. If approved for Green Card, they wait in the US using extensions.

OneIndia News
'History teaches us not to blindly trust US': Pakistan Foreign Minister

International

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

The United States-Pakistan relations have plunged to what seems like an all-time low after President Donald Trump's "lies and deceit" tweet. A bitter war of words has broken out between the two countries with Pakistan's Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif now saying that Islamabad would not compromise with honour.

"The history teaches us not to blindly trust the US," Asif is said to have tweeted.

A DAWN report quotes Asif's tweets, which are in Urdu, as saying that Pakistan has been forthcoming in helping the US troops when they carried out attacks in Afghanistan.

"You have asked what did we do? A dictator surrendered [before the US] on a single phone call, our country witnessed the worse bloodbath, you carried out 57,800 attacks on Afghanistan from our bases, your forces were supplied arms and explosives through our soil, thousands of our civilians and soldiers became victims of the war initiated by you," he tweeted.

On Wednesday, US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley had said that Donald Trump is prepared to stop all funding to Pakistan unless it stops harbouring terrorists. Haley said that Pakistan has played a double game for years and there are clear reasons for withholding this assistance.

Hitting back at this, Asif wrote, "For the past four years, we have been clearing the debris. Our forces are fighting in an exemplary manner, there is an unending saga of sacrifices. The past teaches us not to blindly trust the US. We are feeling sorry as you are not happy but we will not compromise on our prestige anymore."

This acrimonious exchange of words between the two countries began after Trump tweeted that US aid of $33 billion to Pakistan was in vain.

[Decoding Trump's ' no more' tweet: What has changed with Pakistan since October]

"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!" Trump tweeted.

Trump and his administration have been tightening the screws around Pakistan. He has constantly reminded Pakistan to be more transparent in its fight against terrorism.

OneIndia News
'Kulbhushan Jadhav was abducted from Iran by a Pak backed group'

International

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

Recommended Video

Kulbhushan Jadhav was abducted from Iran by Pak backed group | Oneindia News

Kulbhushan Jadhav, who is in a Pakistani jail on charges of being an Indian spy, was indeed abducted from Iran by one Mulla Umar Irani, who belongs to terrorist group Jaish ul-Adl, a CNN News 18 report said on Thursday. Jaish ul-Adl is said to be group funded by Pakistan.

OneIndia had in July, 2017, carried a story confirming that Jadhav was captured in Iran by the terrorist group Lashkar-e-Khorasan and then sold to the ISI in Pakistan. This revelation was made Baloch activist, Mehrab Sarjov.

[How Kulbhushan Jadhav was abducted in Iran and sold to ISI]

All this lends credential to India's claim that Jadhav was in Iran for business and has been wrongly accused by Pakistan of being a RAW agent.

An ANI report on December 29 quoted Baloch leader Hyrbyair Marri as saying that Jadhav was "never arrested from Balochistan", in fact, he was, "abducted from Iran by Pakistani state-sponsored religious proxies and handed over to Pakistani forces."

This comes hours after Pakistan released yet another video of Jadhav in which he says he has not been harmed in captivity. In the video, Jadhav, who's on death row in Pakistan, is purportedly saying that he felt that his mother and wife were scared during the meeting as an Indian diplomat was shouting at them.

India's stand on such videos has been consistent from the day first footage was released. The Ministry of External Affairs has maintained that either the videos are doctored or Jadhav has been forced to read out a script given by Pakistani agencies.

[Pakistan propaganda continues, releases fresh video of Kulbhushan Jadhav]

On December 25, Jadhav met his wife and his mother that became a highly controversial issue. Kulbhushan Sudhir Jadhav was arrested in March 2016 in Balochistan, and convicted of planning espionage and sabotage. He was tried in a military court and sentenced to death for spying and terrorism. His appeal against his sentence before Army Chief General Qamar Bajwa is still pending. India approached the International Court of Justice, which stayed the execution in May last year.

OneIndia News
With the number of anonymous rogues from Pak rising, here's how BSF is beating down the drones

US state department places Pakistan on special watch list for violations of religious freedom

International

oi-Deepika

By Deepika

US State Department on Thursday placed Pakistan on Special Watch List for 'severe violations of religious freedom'.

The move comes two day after US cut off security aide to Pakistan for its continuous support to extremist elements.

In a press statement issued today, the Department of State announced that the Secretary of State re-designated Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan as Countries of Particular Concern on December 22, 2017.

US Secretary of State annually designates governments that have engaged in or tolerated systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom as "Countries of Particular Concern" in accordance with the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.

The protection of religious freedom is vital to peace, stability, and prosperity. These designations are aimed at improving the respect for religious freedom in these countries.

We recognize that several designated countries are working to improve their respect for religious freedom; we welcome these initiatives and look forward to continued dialogue. The United States remains committed to working with governments, civil society organizations, and religious leaders to advance religious freedom around the world.

OneIndia News
OK! Magazine 18 Nov 2022

Kathy Griffin was banned from the social media platform after mocking Elon Musk by using his name and profile photo.
TWIN FALLS  Two Twin Falls businesses had a rough start to 2018 when a vehicle crashed into their buildings on New Years Day.

Ryan Bybee, owner of Papa Murphys Take N Bake Pizza, was in Boise when he got the call Monday afternoon. About 1 p.m., Betty Haney, 74, of Jerome had crashed her vehicle through the front doors, pushing through refrigeration equipment and preparation tables.

It broke all the plumbing in the wall, Bybee said. It was just a nightmare.

One employee later told him she had just been walking back to finish a pizza. That employee was hit in the hip but was OK, and no one was seriously injured.

The crash also damaged Magic Nails and Spa next door. Both businesses had to close for at least a couple of days.

Weve been working day and night and I think well probably be open tomorrow (Thursday), Bybee told the Times-News.

Officers made no citations or charges in the crash. The reported cause was foot slipped off or caught on pedal.

Weve had a few of those, actually, said Sgt. Ryan Howe, noting that the city has had a rash of vehicles hitting commercial buildings over the past three months.

Perkins Restaurant and Bakery was struck by a vehicle Dec. 6, and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen on Dec. 20, for the same reason. Great Harvest Bread Co. had also been damaged Nov. 24  though the cause in that crash is unknown.

Before that, on Nov. 3, McDonalds on Addison Avenue had been damaged by a 14-year-old driver in a hit-and-run. The teen driver later turned himself in and told police that his brakes failed.

Its fortunate, Howe said, that there have been no major injuries.

The exact causes of crashes are often hard to determine, he said, because police rely on people self-reporting.

No one wants to say I hit the gas instead of the brakes, Howe said.

Driver distraction may be a factor, and he cautions drivers to pay attention to their surroundings unless their vehicle is stopped.

That little bit of attention you should be paying would be helpful, he said.

Bybee owns a construction business and has also been working with Elite Restoration to repair Papa Murphys. Although he doesnt own the building, he knows he will be responsible for the repairs and will be working with his insurance.

He estimates the damages to be around $40,000, plus the loss in food product that was destroyed by the glass.

A temporary residential door has been set up to allow customers to use the entrance. Bybee hopes to reopen at 11 a.m. Thursday.

Most of the employees, he said, have recovered from the experience  but he imagines theyll be keeping a sharp eye on the door for a while.

They were just scared to death and really shooken up, he said. It was very very scary for them.

Van Nguyen, the manager at Magic Nails and Spa, said no one at her business was injured, either. There is substantial plumbing and wall damage, and she had to close the business Monday and Tuesday.

The salon may also close for part of Thursday during construction, and reopen Friday.
by  Graham Pierrepoint



It can hardly be denied that US President Donald Trump is a man who minces his words lightly, if at all. Certainly, his use of Twitter even leading up to his election as Commander in Chief was widely read and talked-about, particularly as this appeared to be a would-be political figurehead who spoke his mind without spin and without censure. This, for a lot of Americans, was extremely appealing  and its likely one of the big reasons why Trump was elected at all  however, his use of social media has not only come under derision from both sides of the political spectrum, but has also created a number of sensitive stirs in both the media and in international political relations.

Satire, too, has taken a hit  joking about Trump for many people has been fairly difficult at times as the statesman has proven himself to be a leader beyond lampoon. This is something that can be both bragged about and to be concerned about  and the Presidents first headline-grabbing tweet of 2018 could well be something straight out of the satirists playbook, or the caricaturists sketch pad.

North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times, reads a tweet from Trump dated January 2nd. 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!



Watch: Trump Breaks Decades-Old Nuclear Taboo With Controversial Tweet 

While the President may not be lying about the size and nature of his nuclear arsenal, he continues what is already a fascinating tet a tet with Mr Kim by essentially discussing the size of each others weapons. Trump followers will praise the Presidents continued lack of filter in defiance of spin and traditional media  while others may be concerned, if not amused.



Watch: Trump's fixation with size 

2018 is set to be a huge year for Trump as he strides into his second year in office, after a debut in the White House unlike any other, no matter how you feel about his role  but with the Russian collusion investigation still looming large and with concerns over nepotism in the Oval Office still ticking away in the background, Trump and co are going to need to focus on their administration as much as they are foreign policy  and they wont have the likes of Steve Bannon or media fan favorite Sean Spicer along for the ride.
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TWIN FALLS  The monthly meeting of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday at Loong Hing Restaurant, 1719 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls. The speaker for the meeting will be Attorney Dennis Voorhees discussing senior and elderly law.
Volunteers  Idaho Home Health and Hospice needs volunteers who will bring compassion, support and dignity to those facing a serious, life-limiting illness and their families. Volunteers can choose between offering respite to family caregivers or provide support with administrative tasks. Information: Heidi Walker, 208-734-4064 or Heidi.Walker@LHCgroup.com.

Volunteers  St. Lukes Home Health and Hospice is looking for new volunteers to join its team to share compassion and increase the quality of life for patients and their families. This program is designed to offer companionship and socialization to patients as well as respite and support for the caregivers. Information: Marie Sharp, 208-814-7603 or sharpm@slhs.org.

Volunteers  Horizon Home Health and Hospice is looking for volunteers to join their team to provide quality compassionate care to patients through the following activities: companionship, socialization, respite, and support for patients and families and much more. Information: Cynthia Nixon, 208-800-8085 or cnixon@horizonhh.com.

Volunteers  Community volunteers are needed to become CASA volunteer advocates to represent the best interest of abused children during the court process. Volunteer candidates must pass a background check and receive training and continued support as they speak up and make the difference in the lives of abused children. The program covers all eight counties in south-central Idaho. Information: Tahna Barton, 208-735-1177.

Volunteers  Pomerelle Place Senior Living in Burley is looking for volunteers to play bingo, games and cards with the residents, complete crafts, cook, or help paint fingernails for the ladies. Information: Carla Thompson at Pomerelle Place, 208-677-8212.

Drivers  The American Cancer Society is looking for volunteer drivers for its Road to Recovery program. Volunteers are needed to drive cancer patients to and from medical treatment facilities, especially for appointments in Twin Falls. The Cancer Society trains volunteer drivers and schedules rides for patients for free. Drivers must have a current and valid drivers license, a good driving record, a reliable car, and proof of car insurance. Volunteer drivers donate their time and the use of their vehicles. The program is flexible for volunteers to provide as many rides as they want. Information: 1-800-227-2345.

Volunteers  The Twin Falls County Historical Society is seeking volunteers for various programs and general support. Volunteers are needed to clean or work on docent projects and fundraising. No minimum amount of hours, commitment is flexible. Fill out an application at the Twin Falls County Historical Museum (Union School at Curry), open noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Information: 208-736-4675.

Volunteers  The Twin Falls Senior Centers Crazy Quilters ladies group is looking for individuals to put finishing touches on quilts. The group meets from 9 a.m. to noon every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. All quilt project proceeds are given to the Twin Falls Senior Center. Information: 208-734-5084.
A man suspected of stealing more than 200 vases from the top of gravestones in Canyon and Ada counties has been arrested.

Aspen Curtis, 22, was arrested Wednesday afternoon after authorities received more than a dozen tips on his whereabouts. Boise police sent out a statement Thursday identifying Curtis as a suspect after an investigation.

Curtis allegedly stole vases from the tops of headstones at a cemetery in Boise and two in Canyon County from September through December. He was found and arrested in Nampa on charges of burglary, grand theft and desecrating a grave. He is being held in the Canyon County Jail.
A day after bitter criticism of Pakistan from President Donald Trump, China supported Pakistan by lauding its efforts for "outstanding contribution against terrorism" which should be acknowledged by "the international community".

At the regular press conference of the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Geng Shuang, on Tuesday was asked: US President Donald Trump said on Monday that the US has been foolishly giving Pakistan more than US$33 billion in aid for counterterrorism over the past 15 years, and he vowed that this kind of treatment would end. Do you have a comment on this? China has heavily invested in Pakistan, so does China view US aid there as positive for stability and therefore Chinese interests?

"As we said multiple times before, Pakistan has made great efforts and sacrifices for combating terrorism and made prominent contributions to the cause of international counterterrorism, and the international community should fully recognize this," Shuang responded adding: "We welcome Pakistan and other countries' cooperation on counter-terrorism and in other fields on the basis of mutual respect and their joint commitment to the security and stability of the region and the world."

Shuang went on to say that China and Pakistan have maintained the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership. China stands ready to further deepen cooperation with Pakistan in various fields to bring greater benefits to the two peoples.

The News, a leading English newspaper of Pakistan, said Trump's uncalled-for criticism has sent shock waves amongst those who were encouraged by the trilateral meetings among Pakistan, Afghanistan and China where besides agreeing on other issues they also resolved to join hands to fight terror in the region.

This did not escape Geng Shuang who, when asked, whether Trump's accusations would harm trilateral efforts among Pakistan, China and Afghanistan remarked that the three are closely linked not only geographically but also in terms of common interests and it is natural for them to enhance communication and exchanges.

"As neighbors linked by rivers and mountains and shared common interests and cultural origins, it's natural and necessary for China, Afghan and Pakistan to conduct cooperation. We have reached many consensuses during the trilateral meeting in eight aspects. For example, the three parties agreed to further deepen coordination and cooperation in terms of fight against terrorism and indiscriminately crack down on terror groups and terrorists," he said.

Indian analysts argue that U.S is mounting pressure on Pakistan as Islamabad has firmed up an alliance with Beijing by allowing heavy Chinese investments in the strategic CPEC providing China access to the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.

Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan telephoned on Wednesday President Mamnoon Hussain and expressed solidarity with Pakistan in the wake of Donald Trump's scathing statement against Pakistan.



Turkish president expressed his disappointment over the recent statements of the US leadership, saying Pakistan had rendered unprecedented sacrifices in war against terrorism.



President Mamnoon said Pakistan is a responsible country and would give an appropriate response to the US statements, adding that Pakistan believed in the policy of engagement and cooperation and regretted that such approach was not reciprocated.

Pakistan decides to review ties with Washington

Pakistan has decided to review its relations with the United States and adopt a tough stance, in the wake of President Donald Trump's recent statement, The Express Tribune reported Tuesday quoting informed sources.

Pakistan will highlight its sacrifices in the war against terrorism at the diplomatic front; and if the US reduces or suspends aid to Pakistan or places any sanctions, the country will completely revise its relations policy with the superpower, according to sources.

Pakistan, said the sources, would not accept any demands to do more, and could stop all kinds of cooperation with the US. The only response to any 'do more' demands will be 'no more'. The future policy with the US would be limited to 'cooperation for cooperation' and relations based on equality. "This policy will be adopted gradually," they added.

It is learnt that the foreign minister and other officials will contact friendly countries, including China, to take them into confidence. The high-ups are reviewing the recent statement by President Trump and the future relations with the US "which are turning from strained to tense".

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BURLEY A Burley man is charged with rape after Cassia County Sheriff detectives said he raped a mentally disabled girl multiple times.

Steven Ray Shaw Jr., 40, is charged with seven counts of felony rape of a person incapable of giving legal consent, felony counts of sexual battery of a child and battery with intent to commit a serious felony.

Investigators said in court records that he began having sexual contact with the girl starting on July 2, 2017, her 16th birthday.

Detectives said Shaw first had sex with the girl after he invited her and her little brother to go with him to Canada in his semi-truck.

Court documents say Shaw assaulted the girl 13 or 14 times.

A preliminary hearing in the case is set for Jan. 12 in Cassia County Magistrate Court.
This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com.

Mapping a World From Hell

76 Countries Are Now Involved in Washington's War on Terror

By Tom Engelhardt

He left Air Force Two behind and, unannounced, "shrouded in secrecy," flew on an unmarked C-17 transport plane into Bagram Air Base, the largest American garrison in Afghanistan. All news of his visit was embargoed until an hour before he was to depart the country.

More than 16 years after an American invasion "liberated" Afghanistan, he was there to offer some good news to a U.S. troop contingent once again on the rise. Before a 40-foot American flag, addressing 500 American troops, Vice President Mike Pence praised them as "the world's greatest force for good," boasted that American air strikes had recently been "dramatically increased," swore that their country was "here to stay," and insisted that "victory is closer than ever before." As an observer noted, however, the response of his audience was "subdued." ("Several troops stood with their arms crossed or their hands folded behind their backs and listened, but did not applaud.")

Think of this as but the latest episode in an upside down geopolitical fairy tale, a grim, rather than Grimm, story for our age that might begin: Once upon a time -- in October 2001, to be exact -- Washington launched its war on terror. There was then just one country targeted, the very one where, a little more than a decade earlier, the U.S. had ended a long proxy war against the Soviet Union during which it had financed, armed, or backed an extreme set of Islamic fundamentalist groups, including a rich young Saudi by the name of Osama bin Laden.

By 2001, in the wake of that war, which helped send the Soviet Union down the path to implosion, Afghanistan was largely (but not completely) ruled by the Taliban. Osama bin Laden was there, too, with a relatively modest crew of cohorts. By early 2002, he had fled to Pakistan, leaving many of his companions dead and his organization, al-Qaeda, in a state of disarray. The Taliban, defeated, were pleading to be allowed to put down their arms and go back to their villages, an abortive process that Anand Gopal vividly described in his book, No Good Men Among the Living.

It was, it seemed, all over but the cheering and, of course, the planning for yet greater exploits across the region. The top officials in the administration of President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney were geopolitical dreamers of the first order who couldn't have had more expansive ideas about how to extend such success to -- as Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld indicated only days after the 9/11 attacks -- terror or insurgent groups in more than 60 countries. It was a point President Bush would reemphasize nine months later in a triumphalist graduation speech at West Point. At that moment, the struggle they had quickly, if immodestly, dubbed the Global War on Terror was still a one-country affair. They were, however, already deep into preparations to extend it in ways more radical and devastating than they could ever have imagined with the invasion and occupation of Saddam Hussein's Iraq and the domination of the oil heartlands of the planet that they were sure would follow. (In a comment that caught the moment exactly, Newsweek quoted a British official "close to the Bush team" as saying, "Everyone wants to go to Baghdad. Real men want to go to Tehran.")

So many years later, perhaps it won't surprise you -- as it probably wouldn't have surprised the hundreds of thousands of protesters who turned out in the streets of American cities and towns in early 2003 to oppose the invasion of Iraq -- that this was one of those stories to which the adage "be careful what you wish for" applies.

And it's a tale that's not over yet. Not by a long shot. As a start, in the Trump era, the longest war in American history, the one in Afghanistan, is only getting longer. There are those U.S. troop levels on the rise; those air strikes ramping up; the Taliban in control of significant sections of the country; an Islamic State-branded terror group spreading ever more successfully in its eastern regions; and, according to the latest report from the Pentagon, "more than 20 terrorist or insurgent groups in Afghanistan and Pakistan."

Think about that: 20 groups. In other words, so many years later, the war on terror should be seen as an endless exercise in the use of multiplication tables -- and not just in Afghanistan either. More than a decade and a half after an American president spoke of 60 or more countries as potential targets, thanks to the invaluable work of a single dedicated group, the Costs of War Project at Brown University's Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, we finally have a visual representation of the true extent of the war on terror. That we've had to wait so long should tell us something about the nature of this era of permanent war.



(Image by Costs of War Project at Brown Universitys Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs) Details DMCA



America's war on terror across the globe (from the Costs of War Project). Click on the map to see a larger version.

The Costs of War Project has produced not just a map of the war on terror, 2015-2017 (released at TomDispatch with this article), but the first map of its kind ever. It offers an astounding vision of Washington's counterterror wars across the globe: their spread, the deployment of U.S. forces, the expanding missions to train foreign counterterror forces, the American bases that make them possible, the drone and other air strikes that are essential to them, and the U.S. combat troops helping to fight them. (Terror groups have, of course, morphed and expanded riotously as part and parcel of the same process.)

A glance at the map tells you that the war on terror, an increasingly complex set of intertwined conflicts, is now a remarkably global phenomenon. It stretches from the Philippines (with its own ISIS-branded group that just fought an almost five-month-long campaign that devastated Marawi, a city of 300,000) through South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and deep into West Africa where, only recently, four Green Berets died in an ambush in Niger.

No less stunning are the number of countries Washington's war on terror has touched in some fashion. Once, of course, there was only one (or, if you want to include the United States, two). Now, the Costs of War Project identifies no less than 76 countries, 39% of those on the planet, as involved in that global conflict. That means places like Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Somalia, and Libya where U.S. drone or other air strikes are the norm and U.S. ground troops (often Special Operations forces) have been either directly or indirectly engaged in combat. It also means countries where U.S. advisers are training local militaries or even militias in counterterror tactics and those with bases crucial to this expanding set of conflicts. As the map makes clear, these categories often overlap.

Who could be surprised that such a "war" has been eating American taxpayer dollars at a rate that should stagger the imagination in a country whose infrastructure is now visibly crumbling? In a separate study, released in November, the Costs of War Project estimated that the price tag on the war on terror (with some future expenses included) had already reached an astronomical $5.6 trillion. Only recently, however, President Trump, now escalating those conflicts, tweeted an even more staggering figure: "After having foolishly spent $7 trillion in the Middle East, it is time to start rebuilding our country!" (This figure, too, seems to have come in some fashion from the Costs of War estimate that "future interest payments on borrowing for the wars will likely add more than $7.9 trillion to the national debt" by mid-century.)

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After almost 42 years of exile in the USA, I want to point out few facts for the followers of Abdullah Ocalan to take note of it. George Washington led American revolutionary forces for American liberation from the UK Empire. American people did not have philosopher like Abdullah Ocalan to write the plan for them. But most of their educated people grow up with UK system and ideologies to have respect for laws and order. They had free elections to elect rulers to serve monarchy and the people.

George Washington becomes the first President of the United States from 1789 to 1797 AD. And he was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Washington served as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. And later he presided over the 1787 convention that drafted the United States Constitution. Washington is popularly considered the driving force behind the nation's establishment. And he came to be known as the "father of the country," both during his lifetime and to this day.

In 200 years the people in the US made great progress because of that Constitution, which served people to live together under the law and orders.

The founder of the Deva religions (Abrahamic religions) has been in control of humanity in last 2000 years. The US Constitution allowed people to be only partially under the power of Abrahamic religion. If they had the chance to be free from Abrahamic religion, they had, even more, progress than what they have now.

The Lord of Abrahamic religions come up with politics instead of religions to control the US people. American had two main parties to fight one another based on laws and orders. The political parties claiming that they are better than one another to serve the people in the US. In last tens of years, both main parties are united to serve themselves than the people in the US. The leadership of both Democrat and Republican are involved in corruptions. Both Democrat and Republican are not persecuting one another for corruption, which is leading to failure of the US slowly unless they are going to fix the problem facing the people in the USA.

KCK is leading Kurds in absence of the Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan. They have to come up with two political parties to lead Kurdish people in this modern time. They can fight one another based on the argument that they are going to serve Kurdish people better than another one. And they must teach Kurdish people to not follow hundred of political parties. KCK must not allow so many political parties to operate in Kurdistan.

There are so many traitors like Barzani and Talabani families to take advantage of poor uneducated Kurds. So instead of one party rules, you can have two parties based on Abdullah Ocalan philosophies. But both parties must compete to serve Kurdish people. Any party is serving people better can be elected by people to be the ruler of Kurdistan.

Ho Chi Minh of Vietnam was planning to adopt the US Constitution. But his followers did not do so. KCK must adopt the US Constitution and change it even to better Constitution to serve people of Kurdistan. The Kurds in Syria had that opportunity but most likely they are not doing so.

The U.S. Constitution established America's national government and fundamental laws and guaranteed certain basic rights for its citizens. It was signed on September 17, 1787, by delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, presided over by George Washington.

Abdullah Ocalan philosophies can be used to change the US Constitution to be usable for Kurdish people for many generations to come.

References

George Washington

wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington

THE U.S. CONSTITUTION

.history.com/topics/constitution

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In 2014 villages, towns and sections of cities were destroyed near the front line in Lugansk People's Republic (LNR) and Donetsk People's Republic (DNR). Early on, a lot of people were forced to stay for lack of money because the banks had disappeared overnight. One's savings were gone, and the banks were closed. Starting from what one would consider a normal life imagine waking up without any access to your own savings. Imagine if the building you worked in was shelled and your workplace was destroyed overnight. Many homes and apartments were shelled and are still shelled on an ongoing basis. Imagine in one brief moment everything that can be taken for granted is gone. Normal families raising children and working to provide college educations for them had their lives ripped out from under them. Retirees could no longer count on their pension. Insulin and other medications for chronic illnesses were no longer available.

The following quote is from 2014 when Ukraine's nationalist Maidan uprising and subsequent coup were almost over. It summarizes the despair well. It epitomizes the need for some form of normality, just to be able to say one's loved one's life matters, and that you too are a human being:

"You cannot leave everything: your work, your house, the proof you had a life"you can't throw it all away. People hang on by the skin of their teeth. After all that has happened, they hope for any miracle." "A Letter from Kiev.

From 2014 until today at the frontlines and in the gray zone (i.e. the neutral zone) between LNR, DNR and the Ukrainian army; these are the stressors families are going through on a daily basis. Like many people that have written a lot about the war in Donbass, I've written about the men and women that gave up everything to volunteer and defend the people in Donbass from being relocated, run through filtration (i.e. concentration) camps, tortured, and killed. All of this because the people wouldn't support an aberrant political ideology commonly called nazism.

From 2014 onward there have been groups of people volunteering in LNR and DNR, and working daily miracles to patch up other people's lives, giving them enough hope to hold on. For a soldier that has been in the trenches for a month the heroes are the men and women that jump into harm's way to get the electricity back on and the water running, so that they and their families can take a hot shower or sleep in a warm room once in a while.

The electrical workers are heroes that provide a degree of normalcy to the soldiers and civilians near the front line towns and villages. They keep the power on for small businesses, so they can stay open, so even people in small villages can buy bread and other necessities. In towns and villages across LNR, electrical workers volunteer to get the power back on during the worst weather. Near the front lines, many electrical workers have been shot by the Kiev Ukrainian army.

Doctors, nurses, and ambulance drivers go elbow deep into the day's worst tragedies. In 2014, they were not getting paid for going to the front lines to pick up and treat soldiers and civilians. There was no one to pay them for quite a while. The government in LNR and DNR had to form to provide social services. LNR boasts one of the best hospitals that came out of the Soviet system for both lung and cancer treatment. Because of the many coal mines, lung disease research and treatment remains a priority. Lugansk Republican Hospital has also been a leader in cancer studies and treatment. The reason is obvious, since the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident and subsequent meltdown. This could be very important as LNR develops over the next few years and the peace process moves forward.

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From Common Dreams

Once you're in the credit card system, lack of privacy and access to your credit are just the tip of the iceberg.



'Visa recently offered select merchants a $10,000 reward for depriving customers of their right to pay by the method of their choice.'

(Image by (Photo: Flickr/401(K) 2012/cc)) Details DMCA



"Sorry we're not taking cash or checks," said the clerk at the Fed Ex counter over a decade ago to an intern. "Only credit cards."

Since then, the relentless intensification of coercive commercialism has been moving toward a cashless economy, when all consumers are incarcerated within a prison of corporate payment systems from your credit/debit cards to your mobile phone and very soon facial recognition.

"Terrific!" say those consumers for whom convenience and velocity of transactions are irresistible.

"This is nuts!" say a shrinking number of free-thinking consumers who are unwilling to be dragooned down the road to corporate captivity and coercion. These people treasure their privacy. They understand that it's none of any conglomerate's business -- whether VISA, Facebook, Amazon or Google -- what, where, when and how consumers purchase goods and services. Or where and when they travel, receive healthcare, or the most intimate relationships they maintain. Not to mention consumers' personal information can be sent to or hacked around the globe.

Cash-consumers are not alone in their opposition to a cashless economy. When they are in a cab and ask the driver how they prefer to be paid, the answer is near-unanimous. "Cash, cash, cash," reply the cab drivers in cities around the country. They get paid immediately and without having to have a company deduct a commission.

Back some 25 years ago, Consumers Union considered backing consumer groups to sign up Main Street, USA merchants who agreed to discount their wares if people paid in cash. For the same reason -- merchants get to keep all the money on sales made with cash or check. Unfortunately, the idea never materialized. It is, however, still a good idea. Today, payments systems are much more comprehensively coercive.

Once you're in the credit card system, lack of privacy and access to your credit are just the tip of the iceberg. That is why companies can impose penalties, surcharges, overcharges and a myriad of other corporate raids on your private treasury. They get immediate payment. If you object, you could see a lowering of your credit score or your credit rating. Besides, you don't even know you agreed to all of these dictates -- banks have over 300 different special charges for their revered customers -- in fine print agreements that you never saw, read or even possessed to sign or click on. What's the likelihood that banks would continue to surcharge you if they had to bill you instead of debit you?

The sheer pace and brazenness of corporations when they have instant access to your credit is stunning. The recent crimes of banking giant Wells Fargo, including selling auto insurance and assigning new credit cards to millions of their customers who had no knowledge and gave no consent for these charges, which resulted in damage to these customers' credit scores and ratings, can only be committed when consumers are turned into economic prisoners. There are still no criminal prosecutions of the bank or its bosses. Wells Fargo bank stock rose to a year high last month. To their credit, the CFPB imposed a $100 million dollar fine on Wells Fargo, which barred them from deducting the fine as a business expense.

Coercive fine print contracts rob you of your consumer rights by preventing you from going to court, imposing fines as high as $35 for bounced checks (which typically cost the banks less than $2), and decreeing that you agreed in advance to all kinds of unconscionable abuses, so long as you are in a "customer" status with them. Some companies are even charging customers for quitting them.

The rapacity inflicted on cashless purchasers prevails across the economy -- insurance, mortgages, telecommunications, healthcare, stock brokerage, online buying and, of course, requirements to use electronic payment systems.

The more consumers become incarcerated by the companies that purportedly serve them, the more lucrative commodity consumers become. This leads to, among other problems, massive computerized billing fraud in the US. In the healthcare industry alone, billing fraud amounts to 10 percent of what is spent, according to Harvard applied mathematics professor Malcolm Sparrow, author of License to Steal. This year's expenditure of 10 percent of the $3.5 trillion expected to be spent amounts to $350 billion. A cashless economy further facilitates these larcenous practices.

A computerized economy is one where fraud can easily be committed on a massive scale, according to Frank Abagnale who, after serving his time in prison for identity theft, has become an impassioned educator (serving institutions ranging from the FBI to AARP) on how to detect and avoid such crimes, which he estimates to cost people about one trillion dollars each year.

What it comes down to is whether consumer freedom is worth more than consumer convenience or whether the points earned for future purchases (assuming the costs are not passed on in hidden ways) are worth minimizing impulse buying, avoiding big data profile manipulations, keeping personal matters personal and requiring your affirmative consent to transactions where you decide what you want to buy and how you can pay.

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From The Nation

President Trump this week told reporters that "Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency."

That is a lie.

When virtually every prominent Republican in Washington and across the country had abandoned Roy Moore, the disgraced Alabama jurist who stood accused of preying on teenage girls, Steve Bannon continued to back him. Then something remarkable happened: Donald Trump, the leader of the Republican Party, did the same.

President Trump followed the man who he had named CEO of his presidential campaign; the "chief strategist and senior counselor" through his transition into the early stages of his presidency. Their alliance on behalf of the scandal-plagued Alabaman was so newsworthy that media outlets reported on it for days, with CBS announcing that: "Trump and Bannon double down on support for Roy Moore."

As he had before, Bannon formally joined his presidential campaign team in the summer of 2016, Trump was still -- by every evidence -- taking cues from the divisive nationalist thinker and propagandist for months after the Breitbart News executive left his position on the White House staff. When the Moore campaign was struggling following reports about his predatory past, "Trump, who hadn't weighed in, loomed as the ultimate determiner of the candidate's fate," noted Bloomberg News. "According to three people familiar with his actions, Bannon made calls to Trump and Nick Ayers, chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence, urging them to withhold public comment and let the people of Alabama decide whether Moore belonged in the Senate."

It is simply false for Trump to claim that: "Steve had very little to do with our historic victory."

Even as the president's daughter, Ivanka Trump, was saying "there's a special place in hell for people who prey on children," the Daily Beast reported that: "According to two sources -- one a White House official and the other a Republican source close to both the White House and Bannon -- Bannon has spoken multiple times on the phone to President Trump since late last week. At least one of those calls was devoted to discouraging the president from rejecting or criticizing Moore in public statements."

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Free photo: Green Mamba, Snake, Toxic - Free Image on Pixabay - 174351960 -- 540 - 122k - jpg

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I am a snake

Slinking out of my old skin.



Maybe that is what I am doing.

A very slow, awkward process.



Some of it clings to me like wax

As I squeeze through tight places to work it off.



When it's off I will be at home in this cluttered universe.

This image of me as snake is only a means



To get through this weird period of metamorphosis.

There is a ton going on,



But maybe it all boils down

To only a few important things after all.



Things that only new eyes can see.

My skin will shine.

(Article changed on January 4, 2018 at 02:16)
TWIN FALLS  Police have arrested a Twin Falls man suspected of robbing  or attempting to rob  two Addison Avenue businesses in recent weeks.

Clarence Meek, 55, is suspected of walking into Dairy Queen on Dec. 18 and telling the woman working behind the counter to empty money from the cash register into a bag. The employee told police that Meek claimed to have a gun in his pocket, according to court documents. Meek denies saying this or threatening the clerk in any way.

Police believe Meek is also behind the attempted burglary of a Phillips 66 gas station one week later. According to a police affidavit, Meek asked the clerk to give him all the money in the register. When she said no, he said he was joking and attempted to purchase some cigarettes, but his card was declined.

Later, Meek admitted to police that he would have taken the money if the Phillips 66 clerk had complied with his request.

Detectives found Meek by following up on leads from the community, police said.

The Twin Falls Police Department received a number of tips from our community following initial press releases regarding these two crimes, said Staff Sgt. Chuck Garner in a statement.

Meek was arrested Wednesday and booked into the Twin Falls County Jail.

He was arraigned Thursday on a charge of robbery and two counts of burglary, with bond set at $500,000.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 12.
By Dave Lindorff



US Southcom troops propping up the empire in South America

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I was in the grocery store a while back when, after my items were tabulated, the checkout clerk asked, "Would you like to contribute to the Wounded Warriors fund?"

I glanced at the line of people to my left -- a little cross-section of America -- and feeling a little skeptical about how they'd respond, I said, "No I don't think so. I'd rather put my money towards some anti-war organization working to try and make sure that there are no more wounded soldiers, and to relief organizations that are supporting the hundreds of thousands of victims of America's illegal wars abroad."

The clerk looked a little taken aback and muttered "okay," but to my surprise nobody spoke up in the line. I was expecting at least one person to call me out as a "terrorist supporter" or a "commie" or who knows what, but instead there was just silence.

Maybe people were thinking about it. Maybe they just didn't know how to react.

But in any case I think it's past time that we on the anti-war left started making it clear that this glorification of American wars, the thanking of people in uniform for their "service," and the blind acceptance of the prevailing argument that everyone in the military is "defending our freedom," has to be challenged at every opportunity.

Look at the map of the globe. According to Nick Turse, writing in the Nation magazine and quoting information from Ken McGraw, a spokesman for troops are fighting in the Pentagon's Special Operations Command, US Special Forces are stationed in 177 countries, and on any given day are conducting missions -- actual or training missions -- in 80-90 of them. As we saw recently with the deaths of several Green Berets in Niger, even members of Congress with a need-to-know responsibility, like those on the Intelligence Committees and Armed Services Committees of the House and Senate, don't know (or claim they don't know) where all those operations and those Special Forces are.

As well, US troops are fighting hot wars in places like Afghanistan and Iraq and Syria, most of them completely illegal, like most of the Special Operations actions, and the drone wars in a host of other countries from Pakistan and Yemen to Somalia, Sudan and, of course Syria again.

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Red Hangover is a compendium of observations, analysis and personal notes about Eastern Europe, which Kristin Ghodsee has been studying for decades. Focusing on the period since the fall of the Berlin Wall, when these countries went from socialism to capitalism, Ghodsee interrogates Eastern Europeans on their comparative experience with the two systems, bringing them to life for readers who have been fed only propaganda about both.



Red Hangover cover

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Most readers will be surprised to learn that since 1989, when Eastern Europe began to break free of the Soviet Union (which in turn collapsed in 1991), its people, whether Bulgarians at the eastern edge, or East Germans now part of the central powerhouse, have come to regret the 'good old days' of Soviet 'domination'.

Via short stories, interviews, vignettes and no-nonsense statistics that illustrate shocking economic realities, Red Hangover is an emotional roller-coaster. Ms Ghodsee is particularly artful in fictionalizing child organ trafficking, which the reader only discovers at the end of a complex narrative, and which contrasts with the benefits lost under capitalism. It brings to life the century-long struggle that accounts for much of the incomprehension between the United States and the rest of the world. In ultra-modern Western Europe, that struggle is still part of everyday life, as shown in Ghodsee's account of a yearly German tribute to two early socialist theoreticians, Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxembourg, founders of the German Communist Party who were murdered in 1919 by embattled socialist leaders, in a prelude to Germany's eventual takeover by Hitler.

These events are echoed in the chapter on Ukraine. The US-organized coup against the legally-elected pro-Russian President in 2014 put that country back decades, the role of violent neo-Nazi sympathizers in Kiev boosting the recent rise of far-right across Europe.

Ghodsee's ability to move seamlessly from past to present is admirable, but frankly, I could have done without a chapter on typewriters, and I regret that perhaps editorial demands required her to include A Million Unattributable Cucumbers, first published in 2015. But then again, how many contemporary authorities on Eastern Europe have investigated the relative sexual satisfaction of Eastern and Western European women?

As someone who spent five years in Eastern Europe under communism, I have read and loved all Ghodsee's books, each one more than the last. Red Hangover is the most complex, melding personal and professional experience with history and political theory much better than I was able to do in my memoir, Lunch with Fellini, Dinner with Fidel. Indeed, Ghodsee's work is proof that the academic path I eschewed does not have to stifle creativity.

Now a professor of Russian and East European Studies at the University of Pennsylvania, Ghodsee has chosen to insert the story of Eastern Europe's transition from communism to capitalism into a theoretical frame that generously involves other researchers. Her assessment of the comparative merits of social democracy and neo-liberal democracy, the former embodying a promise, the latter a terrible disappointment, is most forcefully illustrated in interviews with two professional women.

Over dinner, a recently arrived lawyer friend from Bulgaria who "with her liberal colleagues had fought hard to banish communist influences from the government and the economy," confesses:

"I can't tell you how disgusted I am, Kristen. I feel like such an idiot. Ii thought we were fighting on the right side"for freedom and democracy, for principles that I believed in. But it was all a lie. What we have now is worse than what we had before"1989 was not about bringing liberty to the people of Eastern Europe, it was about expanding markets for Western companies. They used the language of freedom and democracy, but it was all about money. I never understood how people could support a system like communism, but now I see that they made the same mistake that I made. They believed in something that they thought was good but that turned out to be very bad, and I did the same thing."

Ghodsee also quotes a writer who helped draft laws to eradicate state censorship and guarantee a free press, imagining a new future for East Germany, which would be a democratic socialist one. Unreported in the West, an opinion poll taken in November 1989 (just after the fall of the Berlin Wall) showed that 89% of East Germans preferred to 'take the path to better, reformed socialism", with only 5% supporting the capitalist path. "It soon became clear this would not happen".With lightning speed, the Wester German constitution became the new constitution of a unified Germany."

I remember being in a taxi from the Gare de Lyon in Paris, carrying the first copies of the book I had written that foresaw the reunification of Europe, when the radio announced the fall of the Berlin Wall. Arriving at my apartment building, I phoned my German philosopher neighbors with the news, opining that within a year, Germany would be reunited. They didn't believe me, imagining the consultative process bemoaned by Ghodsee's Eastern friends. In fact, in just under a year, reunification was a fait accompli. The East Germans, like their brothers in the other Eastern European countries, were not given a choice. And by the way, and the promises made to Gorbachev that NATO would not move an inch beyond the Eastern German border, are now dismissed as a 'misunderstanding', as its troops camp along Russia's border, from the Baltic to the Black Sea, and Russia is forced to organize its armed forces accordingly.

Ghodsee's descriptions of life under really existing socialism, a complex and under-reported reality, together with its history, of which most Americans are shockingly ignorant, lead seamlessly to the present situation. She confesses:

"Since 2005, I have written four books about communism and post-communism in Eastern Europe, and I believed for a long time that I was researching the lived experiences of the transition from communism to capitalism, exploring the impacts on ordinary lives"..Today, after twenty years of research on the region, I realize that things are not improving and that I was naive. Without intending to, I've been documenting the failures of democracy in the aftermath of the Cold War. Francis Fukuyama famously claimed that the collapse of world communism was the end of history, because liberal democracy and free-market capitalism had triumphed and proved themselves to be the best political and organizational systems for organizing human affairs. But today, capitalism threatens to destroy democracy, and the world stands on the edge of a post-democratic age."

In a brilliant chapter, Ghodsee imagines a "female former member of the American Democratic party" being interrogated for days by a German bureaucrat for eventual asylum in that country after having to flee "Drumpism" in 2029. The investigator ultimately denies her request for an academic position on the basis of her failure to have acted to prevent the United States from descending into fascism. Her answers to the German's questions illustrate the real life inability of the American left to form a solid core capable of organizing the rejection of neo-liberal capitalism that is leading at best to authoritarianism, at worst to civil war.

Sadly, this work has been (favorably) reviewed by fellow authors, but not by the media upon whose recommendations readers base their choices. Presumably, professional reviewers are intimidated by the current association of today's Russia with its predecessor, the Soviet Union, whose 'subjection' of Eastern Europe justifies the claim that it seeks to recreate its former 'empire', in total ignorance of what life was actually like under 'really existing socialism'. Aside from the absurdity of a country that spans eleven time zones seeking to overrun the tiny Baltic states, Kristin Ghodsee's latest work is a fascinating challenge to those misconceptions, and should be required reading for anyone seeking to imagine where the current American administration is taking us.
From Counterpunch



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For several months we've been hearing a crescendo of outcries that Russia used social media to sway the 2016 presidential election. The claim has now been debunked by an unlikely source -- one of the most Russiagate-frenzied big media outlets in the United States, the Washington Post.

Far away from the media echo chamber, the Post news story is headlined: "There's Still Little Evidence That Russia's 2016 Social Media Efforts Did Much of Anything."

The article focuses on "what we actually know about the Russian activity on Facebook and Twitter: It was often modest, heavily dissociated from the campaign itself and minute in the context of election social media efforts."

In fact, the ballyhooed Facebook ads were notably not targeted to be seen in swing states, the piece by Post journalist Philip Bump reports. As for the much-hyped tweets, they were smaller than miniscule in quantity compared to overall election-related tweets.

But don't expect the fervent canard about Russian manipulation of social media to fade away anytime soon. At this point, the Russiagate atmosphere has become so toxic -- with incessant propaganda, credulity, fear-laced conformity and partisan opportunism -- that basic logic often disintegrates.

One of the weirdest aspects of claims that Russia undermined the election with social media has involved explaining away the fact that few of the ads and posts in question actually referred to Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump or the election. Instead, we're told, the wily Russians tried to help Trump by inflaming social divisions such as racial tensions. It's a rampant storyline (rendered here by NBC News political director Chuck Todd) that's reminiscent of the common claim during the civil rights movement that "outside agitators," such as Russian-directed reds, were inflaming and exploiting racial tensions in the South.

From there, it's just a hop skip and jump to smearing Americans who dissent from U.S. orthodoxies as useful idiots who serve the interests of plotters in the Kremlin.

Of course history is not exactly repeating itself, but it's rhyming an awful lot. There are real parallels between the McCarthy Era and today's anti-Russia fervor in the United States.

Despite all the information and analysis that have strengthened progressive understanding in this country during the last few decades, fixating on Russia as culpable for the election of Trump has been widely irresistible. Perhaps that fixation is less upsetting than deeper realization of just how rotten the U.S. corporate system of injustice has become -- and how the forces that brought us the horrors of the Trump presidency are distinctly homegrown.

Narratives scapegoating Russia now have an extremely powerful grip on the USA. The consequences include heightened U.S.-Russia tensions that absolutely mean heightened risks of nuclear war -- and worsening threats to democratic discourse at home.

The conditioned reflex to label as somehow "pro-Putin" any opinion that overlaps with a Kremlin outlook is becoming part of the muscle memory of much of the American body politic. Countless journalists, pundits, activists and politicians have fallen under the Russiagate spell. They include the liberal primetime lineup on MSNBC, where -- as the media watchdog group FAIR pointed out last month -- Rachel Maddow and Chris Hayes routinely bypass stories of great importance in order "to lead with minutiae from the ongoing Russia investigation that has consumed MSNBC's coverage like no other news event since the beginning of the Trump presidency."

Across most of the media landscape, the meme that Russians attacked American democracy with social-media posts has been treated as self-evident.

In a typical exercise of the conformity that afflicts the national press corps, the Washington bureau chief for Mother Jones magazine, David Corn, wrote this fall that the House intelligence committee needed more staff to investigate, in his words, "how" -- not whether -- "a foreign adversary attacked American democracy." His piece breathlessly declared that "the Trump-Russia scandal" was "expanding -- it now includes new revelations regarding Moscow's use of social media in the United States to influence the 2016 campaign."

That kind of stenography for powerful spin may snag cable TV appearances and lucrative book contracts, but it's a notable disservice to journalism and democracy.

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From Cap Times



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Barely a year after the death of Wisconsin Sen. Joseph McCarthy in 1957, the voters of his home state sent Robert Kastenmeier to the U.S. House of Representatives. A passionate foe of McCarthy and McCarthyism, the young Democrat sought to break the spell of Cold War fear and reaction that the late senator had exploited to such destructive ends.

To do this, Kastenmeier began working with a handful of progressive members of the House -- including California Congressman James Roosevelt (President Franklin Roosevelt's eldest son) -- to establish what came to be known as the Liberal Project. Kastenmeier suggested that a young congressional aide from Wisconsin, Marcus Raskin, draw up a plan for advancing this transformative "new politics" in Congress and in what they hoped would become a dramatically more progressive Democratic Party.

Raskin came of age in the era when Wisconsin was a laboratory of democracy, where independent Progressives ran state government, Socialists governed Milwaukee, and a liberal Democratic Party was being shaped by young leaders such as Kastenmeier and Gaylord Nelson. His uncle, Max Raskin, the Milwaukee city attorney in the 1930s and later one of the state's most well-regarded jurists, was a central figure in the era.

Marcus Raskin brought a "Wisconsin Idea" passion to writing the Liberal Project memo, arguing for a "much broader (agenda) than the kind of economic liberalism promulgated in the 1930s." He suggested that what was needed was "a complete ... restatement of all areas of public policy, foreign policy, defense policy, industrial policy, agricultural policy, legal and judicial policy. Finally, what is needed is a formulation of the philosophic condition of Man in the 20th Century."

Working with Kastenmeier, Raskin drew leading intellectuals into the process of establishing a "rational program" for postwar liberalism that might "serve as a basis for writing a suggested Democratic Party platform for 1960 and as a campaign text for liberal candidates." They produced "The Liberal Papers," an ambitious agenda that Commentary magazine described as an "indication of a resurgent citizenry in America."

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Find if you are at a risk of a heart attack

Ludhiana, India: Coronary artery disease is leading cause of death worldwide due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.Now a new non-invasive Cardiovascular Cartography (CCG) test can map your heart's blood flow for early diagnosis and timely treatment even without angiography.Anyone above 40 years age who is smoking, eating unhealthy foods, not getting enough exercise, having diabetes, high cholesterol or blood pressure, is at increased risk of heart attack and should undergo annual CCG test to evaluate cardiac status.For CCG test the patient is "wired" to the device. Sensors provide data to map hearts blood flow and evaluate over 50 hearts parameters with 80 percent accuracy. This enables planning of treatment even before the patient has angina chest pain or heart attack.Dr Sibia, Director of Sibia Medical Centre, Ludhiana (Mb:+91-9814034818) doing CCG heart flow mapping, informed that angiography only tells us about blockages in the arteries but nothing about the quantity of blood actually reaching the heart muscle. Patients get angina and heart attack not due to blockages, but when the heart muscle is starved of blood supply and oxygen  hence flow information is more important than knowing about blockages.Dr Sibia uses CCG to diagnose patients and plan non-surgical life style management, Artery Clearance Therapy (ACT), Chelation Therapy, Ozone Therapy and External Counter Pulsation ECP / EECP).If you are above forty years or at risk of heart disease, email drsibia@gmail.com or call +91 98140 34818 for more information and to schedule your heart flow mapping test. CCG test only takes 15 minutes but these fifteen minutes may save you from a heart attack.Sibia Medical Centre is dedicated to care, prevention and treatment by latest patient tested methods. Sibia Medical Centre is primarily a No-Surgery Clinic dedicated to treating various diseases without surgery. What started as a small service to mankind has now turned into a wave and the clinic has treated patients from not only various parts of India but many different countries also. The small setup is now known world-wide for big resultsSibia Medical Centre, civil lines, ludhiana, Punjab141001contact no: 98140 34818
Cyber Insurance Market - Growth | key Industry Players | Analysis | Forecasts to 2023

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Global cyber insurance market size forecasted to reach $16,970 million by 2023, it will grow over 20% CAGR during 2017-2023, and Loss of brand reputation from cyber-attacks has been cited as a primary reason by most of the industry leaders for the mainstream adoption of cyber insurance programs in their operations. Since the persistent threat of cyber-crime continues to rise globally, the trend of intrusion of unauthorized access entities into critical data and illegitimate access to private and confidential business information also rises. This has led to huge loss of enterprise value, which is expected to continue over a period of time. Thus, with this loss getting huge day by day, the adoption of cyber insurance is predicted to escalate in the years to come.Explore Full Report Description at:The increasing interconnectivity, commercialization, and globalization of cybercrime are driving greater frequency and severity of cyber incidents, including past data breach incidents. This has directly impacted the growth of the cyber insurance market positively. From individual companies to government organizations, an attack by hacker can inflict huge financial loss, corporate embarrassment, and business continuity failure. High profile computer breaches in recent past, such as hack of Democratic National Committee and Twitter, are reinforcing the need for protection and insurance against cyber threats. This had led to increase in the demand for cyber liabilities and sophisticated policy cover by business leaders, to protect the enterprise data from cyber-attacks and cyber criminals.Geographically, Americas has been the largest cyber insurance market, accounting for more than 90% of global revenue in 2016. Whereas, The sales are expected to witness the fastest growth in the rest of the world (RoW) market, during the forecast period. The market growth in RoW will be led by factors such as surge in digitization within the industry, leading to more generation of data and exposure cyber risk, availability of new industry specific insurance packages, and growth in investment in risk premium solutions to deal with budget constraints.Download Free Report Sample at:The global cyber insurance industry is moderately competitive with players developing new strategies to reach their customers in the most effective and efficient way. Some of the major players operating in this industry are American International Group Inc., Chubb Limited, Zurich Insurance Group AG, XL Group Ltd, Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty SE, and Munich Re Group.About P&S Market ResearchP&S Market Research is a global market research and consulting company. We provide market research reports, industry reports; business intelligence and research based consulting services across a range of industries.With the help of our professional corporate relations with various companies, our market research offers the most accurate market forecasting. Our analysts and consultants interact with leading companies of the concerned domain to substantiate every single data presented in our publication. Our research assists our client in identifying new and different windows of opportunity and frame informed and customized strategies for expansion in different regions.Contact:P&S Market Research347, 5th Ave. #1402New York City, NY - 10016Toll-free: +1-888-778-7886 (USA/Canada)Email: enquiry@psmarketresearch.comWeb:
Aerospace Additive Manufacturing Market 2017 Industry Leaders - 3D Systems, Arcam, EOS, ExOne, Stratasys

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Industry/ Innovation/ Related News:November 7, 2017 - 3D Systems announced award of a new 3-year contract with BMW. The contract for the companys On Demand Manufacturing (ODM) Services includes production of 3D printed parts that BMW will use for design and functional prototypes.July 10, 2017:- GE Additive made significant strides within the aerospace industry at the recent Paris Air Show by forging strategic supplier agreements, announcing a unique new additive machine, and meeting hundreds of potential customers. While GE Additive has been engaged in the revolutionary additive manufacturing technology for decades. Through acquisitions and billions of dollars in internal technology investments, GE Additive is aggressively industrializing the technology across several industries.Get a Sample Report @Some of the key players in the Global Aerospace Additive Manufacturing Market are3D Systems,Arcam,EOS,ExOne,Stratasys,ATI,Carpenter Technology,Concept laser,CRP Technology,Optomec,Proto Labs,Renishaw,SLM Solutions,Voxeljet.Regional AnalysisThe US is the single largest market for AM industry worldwide. The US leads in production and sales of industrial grade AM machines. Major AM systems producers such as Stratasys and 3D Systems are also based in the US, which have pushed the innovation in AM technology and have helped to increase the adoption of AM.US also has an advanced aerospace manufacturing base and spends a substantial amount on large R&D projects. However, the traditional manufacturing base are slowly shifting towards the APAC region, because of competitive and low-cost manufacturing capability in APAC. AM provides an important opportunity to the US to develop the high-tech manufacturing capability, and revive the competitiveness and market potential of the US manufacturing industry. Despite the current limitations of AM in terms of large scale production capability, AM provides unique opportunities to the aerospace sector, mainly to produce low-volume, and highly complex products.Many companies have realized the superior benefits of AM in comparison to the conventional manufacturing, and have employed AM to achieve supply chain efficiencies, and reduced time-to-market. As a result, AM has received the much needed attention in policy as well as manufacturing circles in the US.Browse Full Report @Target Audience Aerospace Additive OEMs 3D Manufacturing OEMs Component Suppliers Aftermarket suppliers Research Institute / Education Institute Potential Investors Key executive (CEO and COO) and strategy growth managerAbout 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.ContactMarket Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
Aircraft MRO Market is expected to surpass USD 95 billion, by 2023, growing at a CAGR of more than 5%,

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Industry/ Innovation/ Related News:June, 2017:- Japan Airlines had an agreement worth USD 75 million with GE Aviation, for the overhaul of 18 CF6-80C2 engines that power Boeing 767-300 and 767-300ER planes.May, 2017:- Rolls-Royce had an agreement with Airbus, to provide maintenance services for the Trent 700 engines that power 7 Airbus A330 planes of Turkish Airlines.April, 2017:- Air Canada extended their agreement with Lufthansa Technik for eight years, to provide maintenance services for the CFM56 engines.July, 2016:- Rolls-Royce announced that it would purchase the outstanding 53.1% shares of Industria de Turbo Propulsores SA (ITP), which is owned by SENER Grupo de Ingenieria SA (SENER). The acquisition is expected to strengthen Rolls-Royces position in the civil aerospace large engine programmes.Request a Sample Report @Major key PlayersGE Aviation,Rolls-Royce,Pratt & Whitney,Lufthansa Technik,Safran Aircraft EnginesAircraft MRO Market  Regional AnalysisIn 2016, North America was the leading region for the global aircraft engine MRO market. A number of the major aircraft manufacturers (such as Boeing) and engine MRO services providers are present in the region, gaining the region a high market share. Moreover, it is expected that approximately 10,000 aircraft would be in service in the region by 2035, which would create an opportunity for the major and prominent companies of the region.Asia, an emerging region in the long-haul international market, relies heavily on the small and medium widebody aircraft. As a result, a number of such airlines have been entering into service in the recent years such as Indigo, Tigerair Singapore, Tigerair Australia, and Air Asia. In 2016, Asia-Pacific was the second largest region for the global aircraft engine MRO market and it is projected to witness the highest growth rate, during the forecast period.Browse Full Report @Intended Audience Distributers & Supplier companies End Users Consultants and Investment bankers Government as well as Independent Regulatory AuthoritiesAbout 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:Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
Fresh Milk Global Market 2017 Segmentation, Demand, Growth, Trend, Opportunity and Forecast to 2022

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The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the Fresh Milk industry market by types, applications, players and regions. This report also displays the production, Consumption, revenue, Gross margin, Cost, Gross, market share, CAGR, and Market influencing factors of the Fresh Milk industry in USA, EU, China,India, Japan and other regions, and forecast to 2022, from 2017.Market Analysis by PlayersGroupe LactalisNestleMengniuCCPR/ItambAmulArla FoodsAssociated Milk ProducersBright FoodDairy Farmers of AmericaDarigoldDean FoodsDMK Deutsches Milchkontor GmbHFrieslandCampinaGroupe EvenGrupo LalaMeg Milk Snow BrandMeiji Dairies CorporationMorinaga Milk IndustryMullerSaputoYili GroupRequest a Sample Report @Market Analysis by Regions:USAEuropeJapanChinaIndiaSoutheast AsiaSouth AmericaSouth AfricaOthersMarket Analysis by Types:Whole MilkReduced-Fat Milk (2%)Low-Fat Milk (1%)Fat-Free MilkMarket Analysis by Applications:CheeseYogurtCreamOthersTable of Content1 Fresh Milk Market Overview1.1 Product Overview of Fresh Milk1.2 Classification and Application of Fresh Milk1.3 Global Fresh Milk Market Regional Analysis1.3.1 USA Market Present Situation Analysis1.3.2 Europe Market Present Situation Analysis1.3.3 Japan Market Present Situation Analysis1.3.4 China Market Present Situation Analysis1.3.5 India Market Present Situation Analysis1.3.6 Southeast Asia Market Present Situation Analysis1.3.7 South America Market Present Situation Analysis1.3.8 South Africa Market Present Situation Analysis1.4 Fresh Milk Industry Development Factors Analysis1.4.1 Fresh Milk Industry Development Opportunities Analysis1.4.2 Fresh Milk Industry Development Challenges Analysis1.5 Fresh Milk Consumer Behavior Analysis2 Global Fresh Milk Competitions by Players2.1 Global Fresh Milk Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Players2.2 Global Fresh Milk Revenue (Million USD) and Share by Players (2016-2017)2.3 Global Fresh Milk Price (USD/Unit) by Players (2016-2017)2.4 Global Fresh Milk Gross Margin by Players (2016-2017)3 Global Fresh Milk Competitions by Types3.1 Global Fresh Milk Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Types3.2 Global Fresh Milk Revenue (Million USD) and Share by Type (2012-2017)3.3 Global Fresh Milk Price (USD/Unit) by Type (2012-2017)3.4 Global Fresh Milk Gross Margin by Type (2012-2017)3.5 USA Fresh Milk Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Type3.6 China Fresh Milk Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Type3.7 Europe Fresh Milk Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Type3.8 Japan Fresh Milk Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Type3.9 India Fresh Milk Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Type3.10 Southeast Asia Fresh Milk Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Type3.11 South America Fresh Milk Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Type3.12 South Africa Fresh Milk Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Type4 Global Fresh Milk Competitions by Application4.1 Global Fresh Milk Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Application4.2 Global Fresh Milk Revenue (Million USD) and Share by Application (2012-2017)4.3 Global Fresh Milk Price (USD/Unit) by Application (2012-2017)4.4 Global Fresh Milk Gross Margin by Application (2012-2017)4.5 USA Fresh Milk Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Application4.6 China Fresh Milk Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Application4.7 Europe Fresh Milk Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Application4.8 Japan Fresh Milk Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Application4.9 India Fresh Milk Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Application4.10 Southeast Asia Fresh Milk Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Application4.11 South America Fresh Milk Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Application4.12 South Africa Fresh Milk Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Application5 Global Fresh Milk Production Market Analysis by Region5.1 Global Fresh Milk Production (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Region5.1.1USA Fresh Milk Market Production Present Situation Analysis5.1.2 Europe Fresh Milk Market Production Present Situation Analysis5.1.3 China Fresh Milk Market Production Present Situation Analysis5.1.4 Japan Fresh Milk Market Production Present Situation Analysis5.1.5 India Fresh Milk Market Production Present Situation Analysis5.1.6 Southeast Asia Fresh Milk Market Production Present Situation Analysis5.1.7 South America Fresh Milk Market Production Present Situation Analysis5.1.8 South Africa Fresh Milk Market Production Present Situation Analysis5.2 Global Fresh Milk Production Value (Million USD) and Share by Region (2012-2017)5.3 Global Fresh Milk Price (USD/Unit) by Region (2012-2017)5.4 Global Fresh Milk Gross Margin by Region (2012-2017)6 Global Fresh Milk Sales Market Analysis by Region6.1 USA Fresh Milk Market Consumption Present Situation Analysis6.2 Europe Fresh Milk Market Consumption Present Situation Analysis6.3 China Fresh Milk Market Consumption Present Situation Analysis6.4 Japan Fresh Milk Market Consumption Present Situation Analysis6.5 India Fresh Milk Market Consumption Present Situation Analysis6.6 Southeast Asia Fresh Milk Market Consumption Present Situation Analysis6.7 South America Fresh Milk Market Consumption Present Situation Analysis6.8 South Africa Fresh Milk Market Consumption Present Situation AnalysisContinuedMake an enquiry of this Report @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
At a CAGR of 7.20%, Global Sealing and Dispensing Robots Market to grow over 2017-2021 - FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Kawasaki Robotics, Yaskawa Motoman, Universal Robotics

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Sealing and dispensing is an application that is performed in industries such as automotive and auto component manufacturing, plastic, glass, and machine tools. Auto components are rigid and therefore non-flexible. To provide flexibility in the movement of these components, small parts are attached to them. This requires sealants with a strong bond chemical compound. To apply these adhesives between metal components, sealing and dispensing robots are used. In addition, spraying dispensing robots are used for metal surface coating. Similarly, glass, plastic, and machine tools industries have implemented sealing and dispensing robots.The global sealing and dispensing robots market to grow at a CAGR of 7.20% during the period 2017-2021. The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global sealing and dispensing robots market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers the new installations and shipments.Click to get Sample PDF:The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:- Americas- APAC- EMEATechnavio's report, Global Sealing and Dispensing Robots Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.View Complete TOC with Tables and Figures at:Key vendors- FANUC- ABB- KUKA- Kawasaki Robotics- Yaskawa Motoman- Universal RoboticsOther prominent vendors- Dispense Works- Fisnar- Graco- Henkel- Nordson- Robotek- TATA Manufacturing Solution- TianHao Dispensing- YRG RoboticsMarket driver- Fall in prices of electronic and robotic components- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge- Implementation cost for small- and medium-scale enterprises- For a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this report- What will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be?- What are the key market trends?- What is driving this market?- What are the challenges to market growth?- Who are the key vendors in this market space?- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at:
JEROME  Sheriff Doug McFall will turn in his badge Feb. 28, even as an investigation by the state attorney general into the sheriffs office is ongoing.

McFall handed a two-sentence letter of resignation to county commissioners Jan. 2 after Tuesdays regular meeting, Commissioner Charlie Howell said.

McFall told the Times-News just before Christmas that he planned to retire in February. He and his wife are building a home in Twin Falls County.

The Jerome County Republican Central Committee will soon ask for resumes from anyone interested in replacing McFall until the end of his term, committee Chairman Jack Nelsen said Wednesday. Nelsen plans to run a legal notice in the Times-News explaining the qualifications for sheriff and how to apply.

I dont want to get the cart before the horse by giving out information that may change, he said. The committee, however, would like to hold candidate interviews Jan. 25.

The committee will recommend three candidates from the pool of applicants, from which the county commissioners will choose a new sheriff.

Meanwhile, the AGs office is investigating McFall, spokesman Scott Graf said late Wednesday. But because the investigation is ongoing, Graf was unable to elaborate.

In May, McFall asked county commissioners for an attorney to represent him in an investigation by the AGs office. County Prosecuting Attorney Michael Seib denied the request, saying the request was premature, according to the meetings minutes.

McFall denied any wrongdoing.

Most of its just (untrue), he told the Times-News in late June. But it looks poorly on your record.

The investigation began about the time a former employee with the sheriffs office was accused of taking money intended for undercover drug buys. Former-Lt. Dan Kennedy pleaded guilty to the charge in September.

Right after the Kennedy deal, the AGs office got an anonymous complaint, McFall said Wednesday. They had a bunch of questions for me about my travel for the sheriffs office. I get calls day and night  Im in my county vehicle all the time.

McFall began his career in law enforcement in 1984 with the Idaho State Police. He retired in 2008 and ran for sheriff that fall. McFall was re-elected in 2016 to his third term by beating out challenger Jon Lenker, a former police officer, 1,208 to 583.

McFall said he ran for his third term so he could see the Jerome County Jail finished.
API Management Market Size Share - Industry Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2024

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"The Latest Research Report API Management Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2024 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"Global API Management Market: SnapshotThe need to manage the usage of application programming interfaces (APIs) to decode the data of systems or enterprises in a bid to make it usable for other sections of the organization or for third-party organizations in novel ways is boosting the global API management market. The rising need for the governance and a life-cycle framework for APIs is also fueling the demand for API management solutions, which is reflecting positively on this market.The significant rise in the popularity of web APIs, together with the augmenting demand for public as well as private APIs are projected to drive the growth of the worldwide API management market remarkably in the years to come. Apart from this, the mobility of these solutions and apps explosion are also anticipated to favor this market tremendously over the next few years.The worldwide market for API management is characterized by the rivalry between the established multinational as well as local players. The market participants rely heavily on the advancements in technology for the growth of their businesses. Over the coming years, they are likely to shift their focus towards strategic alliance in order to gain strength in the global market.Get Sample Copy of this report @Global API Management Market: OverviewApplication programming interface (API) stands for a set to protocols, tools, and subroutines that are used to build software applications. Acting as a communication code between software programs, API management enables an organization to monitor the functionalities of the interface and meet the requirements of the application and developers. API management allows traffic monitoring of individual applications and helps in cache memory management to improve the performance of the application. As API management software can either be built in-house by an organization or can be imported from third-party providers, and has become an essential tool for several business vendors to enhance their customer experience. Consequently, the demand in the global API management market is projected to expand at a healthy rate during the forecast period of 2016 to 2024.This report on the global API management market provides qualitative and quantitative examination of the market in its current scenario and analyzes all the factors that may influence the demand in the near future, to estimate the condition of the market until 2024. This report is meant for audiences such as organizations, network operators, and solution providers, aspiring to serve as a credible document to make more informed business choices. The report contains a dedicated section on company profiles, exploring several prominent players for their market share and product portfolio, in order to present a clear picture of the competitive landscape.The global market for API management can be segmented on the basis of services into analytics, portal, gateway, governance, security, and other services. By end-use industries, the market can be categorized into aerospace and defense, banking and finance, automotive and transportation, public sector and government, retail and consumer, healthcare and life sciences, and technology and media. Geographically, the report examines the opportunities available for API management market in regions such as North America, the Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Latin America.View Report @Global API Management Market: Trends & OpportunitiesMobility and App proliferation is the primary factor augmenting the demand for API management. With growing number of mobile subscribers, the rise of social media, and penetration of ecommerce, vendors from various sectors can now provide information in interactively to their consumers and thereby increment their sales. The advancements of the Internet of Things and Big Data as well as cost and feature benefits are other two major factor favoring the global API market. Moreover, as API management helps in systematic enforcement of policies and visualization of insightful analytics, the demand is expected to expand to several organizations that desire to expand their productivity.Conversely, some of the factors expected to challenge the market from attaining its full potential are: data security, legacy investments in SOA, and performance monitoring by skilled professionals. System integrators, digital transformation, and SOA and PaaS integrations are some of the new opportunity avenues available for the players in this market.Global API Management Market: Regional OutlookNorth America and Europe currently serve the maximum demand for API management, owing to high adoptability of new technology. However, several emerging economies in Asia Pacific such as India, China, Japan, and South Korea house several end-use organizations that offer vast untapped opportunities.Companies mentioned in the research reportAmazon, CA Technologies, RedHat, Apiary.io, Apigee, Stormpath, Telenity, Akana, Axway, Crosscheck Networks, Dell Boomi, Fiorano Software, Inc., IBM, Distil Networks, Mashape, MuleSoft, Nevatech, NGINX Software Inc., Mashery (Tibco), Microsoft, Restlet, SAP, Sapience, Oracle, RepreZen, Socrata, Software AG, and Torry Harris are some of the leading players currently functional in the global API management market.Major regions analyzed under this research report are:EuropeNorth AmericaAsia PacificRest of the WorldThis report gives you access to decisive data such as:Market growth driversFactors limiting market growthCurrent market trendsMarket structureMarket projections for the coming yearsKey highlights of this reportOverview of key market forces propelling and restraining market growthUp-to-date analyses of market trends and technological improvementsPin-point analyses of market competition dynamics to offer you a competitive edgeAn analysis of strategies of major competitorsAn array of graphics and SWOT analysis of major industry segmentsDetailed analyses of industry trendsA well-defined technological growth map with an impact-analysisOffers a clear understanding of the competitive landscape and key product segmentsSend An Enquiry Request @About usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.ContactMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Denture Market Analysis, Market Size, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies and Forecasts, 2018 To 2023, Focusing On Top Key Vendors Like: Modern Dental, Huge Dental, JH Dental, SDMF, Rabbit, Pigeon, DIMEI, Caiyu Dental

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The Report titled Global Denture Market Size, Status and Forecast 2025, to its expansive database of market research reports. It also presents insights into various restraints that pose threat and highlights opportunities that will help the market pick pace in the forthcoming years. The report compiles exhaustive information obtained via proven research methodologies and from trusted sources from within the industry.Top Key Vendors in Market: Modern Dental, Huge Dental, JH Dental, SDMF, Rabbit, Pigeon, DIMEI, Caiyu Dental, YAMAHACHI, SHOFU, GC Dental, Densply, Vita Zahnfabrik, Heraeus KulzerGet Sample Copy Of this Report @The challenge facing the Dental Market will be its ability to meet the increased demand for precision-made removable prosthetics using traditional prescription and fabrication processes. Not only is the aging out of the dental laboratory industry creating a vacuum of experienced denture technicians, but also the reduced curriculum for removable prosthetics in dental schools is producing generations of graduates not well schooled in removable prosthetic principles.The report analyzes the production indexes of the Global Denture Market in terms of three key categories: regions, technologies, and applications. The various regions highlighted, apart from an overall global perspective, are North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Each region is analyzed in terms of capacity, cost of production of devices & drugs, revenue earned, and price of raw materials.This provides a thorough overview of the revenue of the Denture Market in various key regions, including an understanding of how the revenue generation patterns have changed over the recent past. The relation between the overall revenue generation figures and the sales structure of the industry in each regional segment is also explained in the report.Know More about This Premium Report @The performance of the key product and application segments of the market in each of the regional markets has been explained in the report. Likewise, each regional markets competitive dynamics have been elaborated upon by providing information about the hierarchy among the leading players operating in it. This helps provide a thorough granular analysis of the global market. The report also provides 2017-2025 forecasts for each product, application, and geographical segment of the global market.The report, with the assistance of detailed business profiles, project feasibility analysis, SWOT analysis, and a few different insights about the key organizations operating in the Global Denture Market, exhibits a detailed analytical account of the market's aggressive scenario. The report likewise displays an outline of the impact of the recent advancements in the market on the market's future development prospects.The report further analyzes the competitive landscape in this market by examining the profiles of the established market players to gain an insight into the current market hierarchy. The existing and the forthcoming ventures in the worldwide Denture Market has also been discussed in this research report in details, making it a valuable resource for guidance for the stakeholders functional in this market.In the last sections of the report, the manufacturers responsible for increasing the sales in the Denture Market has been presented. These manufacturers have been analyzed in terms of their manufacturing base, basic information, and competitors. In addition, the technology and product type introduced by each of these manufacturers also form a key part of this section of the report.Table of Content:Global Denture Market Research Report 2018-2023Chapter 1 Denture Market OverviewChapter 2 Global Economic ImpactChapter 3 Competition by ManufacturerChapter 4 Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2018-2023)Chapter 5 Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2018-2023)Chapter 6 Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by TypeChapter 7 Analysis by ApplicationChapter 8 Manufacturing Cost AnalysisChapter 9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream BuyersChapter 10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/TradersChapter 11 Market Effect Factors AnalysisChapter 12 Market Forecast (2018-2023)Chapter 13 AppendixResearch N Reports is a new age market research firm where we focus on providing information that can be effectively applied. Today being a consumer driven market, companies require information to deal with the complex and dynamic world of choices. We're relying on a sound board firm for your decisions becomes crucial. Research N Reports specializes in industry analysis, market forecasts and as a result getting quality reports covering all verticals, whether be it gaining perspective on current market conditions or being ahead in the cut throat Asia-Pacific competition. Since we excel at business research to help businesses grow, we also offer to consult as an extended arm of our services which only helps us gain more insight into current trends and problems. Consequently, we keep evolving as an all-rounder provider of viable information under one roof.Contact:(Research N Reports)10916, Gold Point Dr, Houston, TX, Pin - 77064,Sunny Denis(Sales Manager),+1-8886316977,sales@researchnreports.com ,
Chloroprene Rubber Market Current Trends, Business Opportunities, Challenges & Global Industry Analysis by 2025

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Chloroprene is a colorless fluid which is utilized in the form of a monomer to produce polymer polychloroprene. Polychloroprene is a kind of synthetic rubber. The primary properties of this synthetic rubber are high flexibility, solvent resistance, heat resistance, perspiration, bond to various substrates, and weather aging. Chloroprene rubber is used in a wide range of applications such as the rubber and adhesive industries. Chloroprene rubber is employed to manufacture dipped articles such as gloves, to improve bitumen quality, and to manufacture molded foam.Request Report Brochure @The global chloroprene market has witnessed significant expansion due to increase in demand from the rubber industry, as raw material for adhesives and for various latex applications. Major demand for chloroprene rubber is witnessed from China, Japan, and the U.S. China, specifically, has a high consumption of chloroprene rubber and its utilization has increased due to the rise in number of manufacturing industries in the country. Developing countries in Latin America, Asia Pacific, and Eastern Europe witnessed robust demand for chloroprene. Economic growth, increasing automotive output, and emergence of manufacturing industries in these regions have led to the higher consumption of chloroprene rubber.In terms of application, the chloroprene rubber market can be segmented into industrial maintenance, automotive, food industries, sealing and bearings. Chloroprene rubber is employed extensively in industrial applications as hoses and belts in automotives, as architectural rubber products, and also as general industrial materials. Earlier the application of chloroprene rubber was limited to electrical wires and adhesives; however, the market has changed dramatically and currently experiences considerable demand from automobile and industrial sectors.In terms of geography, the global chloroprene rubber market can be segmented into Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is estimated to be a significant and rapidly expanding market for chloroprene rubber due to consistent demand from China in diverse automobile and industrial component applications. The market in North America and Europe is anticipated to expand due to the increase in population and rapid industrialization. New technology development for replacing smoked rubber suppression with vulcanization in the chloroprene manufacturing process has also led to the expansion of the North America and Europe market.Read Report Overview @Key players operating in the global chloroprene rubber market include Denka Group, Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corporation, DuPont Performance Elastomers, Dow Chemical Company, Showa Denko K.K., Lanxess AG, Chongqing Longevity Salt and Chemical Co. Ltd., Tosoh Corporation, Nairit Plant CJSC, Zenith Industrial Rubber Products Pvt. Ltd., and Shanxi Synthetic Rubber Group Co. Ltd.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 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.ContactTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Chromium Salt Market Worldwide Industry Analysis and New Market Opportunities Explored

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Chromium salt is chemically represented with the symbol Cr and atomic number 24 in the periodic table. It is placed in the first position in group six of the periodic table. Chromium is steel gray in color. It has high melting point and high polish properties. It is resistant to tarnishing. Chromium has high corrosion resistance ability. Natural existence of chromium is rare; most of the chemical compounds are manufactured. Stainless steel, an alloy of steel and chromium, offers corrosion and stain resistance. Hence, it one of the extensively used metals in commercial applications. The process of manufacturing chromium salt by removal of iron ore with the help of sodium carbonate and calcium oxide in order to form water soluble chromium salt. Chromium salt is always found in the form of crystalline powder, which is soluble in water. The melting point of chromium salt varies to some extent; it is usually between 190C and 2600C. Additionally, its solubility in water depends upon the oxidation sate, as the solubility property rises with the increased oxidation state of chromium salt. Demand for chromium salt is anticipated to rise due to the increase in number of applications.Request Report Brochure @The global chromium salt market can be segmented based on application, end-use industry, and region. In term of application, the chromium salt market can be divided into metallurgy, dyes and pigments, wood preservatives, leather tanning, refractory material, and catalyst. The dyes and pigment segment comprises paints. The segment is expanding rapidly in emerging markets. This is projected to boost the chromium salt market in the near future. Metallurgy is used widely in automobile and mechanical industries. Chromium salt is employed extensively in metal, leather, and sweater treatment process. In terms of end-use industry, the chromium salt market can be divided into textile, automobile, leather paints, aerospace, steel, and tool manufacture. In the leather industry, 90% of leather tanning process is carried out with the help of chromium salt. Demand for leather in the global market has been rising significantly. This is likely to propel the chromium salt market during the forecast period.Geographically, the chromium salt market can be segregated into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. Increase in demand for dyes and paints in Asia Pacific and Middle East is driving the chromium salt market in these regions. The pigments industry in the U.S. is in the stage of maturity. However, it is projected to expand further in the next two years. This is anticipated to drive the chromium salt market. Developing economics such as India and China are the most promising markets for chromium salt, as majority of demand arises from these countries.The paints and dye industry is flourishing in major countries in the Middle East and Europe. This is indirectly attracting the interest of chromium salt manufacturers. Chromium salt exhibits harmless and hazardous properties, which are bound to affect the people, who work in close proximity with the salt on the regular basis, and hence, proper safety gear is to be utilized while handling such a salt. Environmental rules and regulations owing to these harmful properties of chromium salt is deployed, especially in Europe and the U.S.Read Report Overview @Key players operating in the global chromium salt market are BASF SE, Bayer AG, American Elements, Ciba Specialty Chemicals, and Oxkem Ltd.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 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.ContactTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Gum Arabic Market Analysis: Kapadia Gum Industries Pvt. Ltd. (India), TIC Gums (U.S.), Kantilal Brothers (India), Nexira (France), AEP Colloids, div. of Sarcom Inc (U.S.)

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Market Overview:Gum arabic is type of natural gum obtained from various species of the acacia tree. Majority of hum arabic is collected from Acacia Senegal species across the world. Sudan and Sehel are the major gum arabic producer in the world. Gum Arabic is largely used for making the chilled, sweetened, and flavored desserts in Middle East and African region. Many food and beverage manufacturers use gum arabic as emulsifier, thickening agent in icing, filling, chewing gum and other confectionery products. Gum arabic application in pharmaceutical along with personal care products is growing at significant rate from last few years. Increasing use of gum arabic in ceramic, printmaking and painting will play key role in the growth of gum arabic market in upcoming years.Sample Copy of Report @Major Key Players:The Major Key Players in Gum Arabic Market areNexira (France)AEP Colloids, div. of Sarcom Inc (U.S.)TIC Gums (U.S.)Kapadia Gum Industries Pvt. Ltd. (India)Kantilal Brothers (India)Drytech Processes (I) Pvt ltd (India)Guangzhou ZIO Chemical Co., Ltd. (China)Regional Analysis:Global Gum Arabic market is segmented into Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, and rest of the world (ROW). Rest of the world mainly North African region has the major market share followed by Asia Pacific. Majority of gum arabic produced in Sudan which is located in North African region. Gum arabic is the second export commodity and play key role in economy of Sudan. From last few years gum production in India and China has increased at significant rate which is supporting the market growth in Asia Pacific region. India, France, U.S., Portugal and Spain are the major importers of gum arabic across the globe.Gum arabic is used in various products ranging from ink to ice cream as an emulsifier, thickening agent, fat replacer and stabilizer. In pharmaceutical especially in herbal medicines, the gum is used to bind pills and lozenges and to stabilize emulsions. It is also used to produce a medium for applying essential oils, balsams, resins, camphor, and musk. Gum arabic is used as a binder for watercolor painting because it dissolves easily in water and it is also used in printmaking to protect and etch an image. Some firework manufacturers use gum arabic as a binder in firework composition as it is soluble in water.Access Report Details @Table of Content:1 Executive Summary2 Market Introduction3 Research Methodology4 Market Dynamics5 Market Trends6 Market Factor Analysis7. Market-By SpeciesContinued..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.ContactAkash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Denox Catalyst Market Size, Growth, Revenue and Forecast Report to 2025

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NOx is a term collectively used for nitrogen oxides, i.e., NO (nitric oxide) and NO2. (Nitrogen dioxide). Combustion and flue gases majorly contributes to the production of NOx. NOx, the products of man-made activities are responsible for acid rains, global warming, and pollution. The need to eliminate these compounds from nature led to the development of denox catalysts. On the addition of ammonia to NOx, denox catalysts trigger the conversion of hazardous NOx into naturally occurring nitrogen and water. If ammonia, in the form of urea is employed, CO2 is also generated as a by-product. Till date, efficiency of reducing NOx to nitrogen and water is achieved up to 70-95%. Denox catalysts can be utilized in selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems of boilers, turbines, diesel engines, water incineration and biomass, power stations, chemical plants, etc., which can ultimately result in the lower emission of NOx because of its catalytic conversion.Request Report Brochure @Denox catalysts can be segmented in terms of manufacturing material, shape of the catalyst and applications. The manufacturing of catalysts include ceramic, zeolites and oxides of different base and precious metals. Base metal catalysts can work under common industry temperature conditions (200 to 600C), whereas zeolite catalysts require higher temperature range so that they can be utilized in higher temperature applications. Denox catalyst is either plate shaped or honeycomb shaped. Plate catalysts maintain lower pressure drop; however, they are larger and costly; while porous honeycomb catalysts provide more surface area for substrates to get adsorbed. They perform best in the temperature range of 350 to 450C. These catalysts can get deactivated due to chemical and physical mechanisms such as poisoning, pore blocking, fouling, channel blocking, etc. Alkali metals and phosphorous are primarily responsible for poisoning of the catalysts. Condensation of some volatile organic compounds on the surface of the catalysts result in the deactivation. Impairment of SCR systems due to some compounds in biomass, flue gases can be another technical challenge. In terms of application the Denox catalysts market can be segmented into transportation vehicles, steel plants, refinery plants, power plants, cement plants, mining and smelting, polymers and plastics and others.Social and political concerns about global warming and increasing awareness about sustainable development are driving the demand for denox catalysts. Increasing usage of vehicles, industrial growth, technology advancements, and strengthened regulations for emission control are anticipated to fuel the denox catalysts market. Research and development activities are anticipated to promote the usage of catalysts. In terms of region, the denox catalysts market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. Demand for denox catalyst is rising from countries such as India and China due to their rapidly expanding economies and focus on emission control measures. The stringent norms in North America and Europe imposed by governments and regulatory bodies have led to the minimization of the total permissible emission of NOx, which in turn is anticipated to propel the denox catalysts market.Read Report Overview @Demand for pollution removal agents is estimated to rise due to low quality of fuel resources in Middle East & Africa. The Asia Pacific denox catalyst market is likely to expand at a rapid pace during the forecast period. Major players operating in the global denox catalysts market include CRI Catalysts, BASF, JGC C&C, Johnson Matthey, Tuna Corporation, and VINCI Environment.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 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.ContactTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global Automotive Coolant Market to grow at a CAGR of 4.79% during 2017-2021 - Shell, Exxon Mobil, British Petroleum, BASF, Chevron, Indian Oil

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A coolant is used to dissipate excess heat from an internal combustion engine (ICE). It also protects the engine against corrosion. In general, an engine converts nearly one-third of the energy generated through the combustion of fuel into work, which runs a vehicle. The other two-thirds of the energy is converted into heat, of which one-third of the heat is expelled with the exhaust gases; the rest remains in the engine block, which creates the need for the coolant to absorb the excess heat, thereby enabling the engine to operate efficiently. Automotive coolant is composed of different elements.The global automotive coolant market to grow at a CAGR of 4.79% during the period 2017-2021. The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global automotive coolant market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers the new installations/shipments/sales/volume. The replacement/aftermarket volume has not been considered in the report.Click to get Sample PDF:The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:- Americas- APAC- EMEATechnavio's report, Global Automotive Coolant Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.View Complete TOC with Tables and Figures at:Key vendors- Shell- Exxon Mobil- British PetroleumOther prominent vendors- BASF- Chevron- Indian Oil- Kost USA- LUKOIL- Motul- Prestone- Sinopec- TOTALMarket driver- Heavy dependence on IC engines for mobility in emerging countries- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge- Rise in demand for battery electric vehicles poses a threat for automotive coolants- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trend- Increase in adoption of electric coolant pump to regulate flow of coolant- For a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this report- What will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be?- What are the key market trends?- What is driving this market?- What are the challenges to market growth?- Who are the key vendors in this market space?- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at:
Automotive winches are systems that are used for towing a motor vehicle.

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Automotive winches are systems that are used for towing a motor vehicle. These systems are mostly used by pickup trucks, SUVs, and other commercial vehicles, where a towing mechanism is employed that cloaks the wire around the drum and helps in keeping the crucial tension on it.The availability of cheap and economical winches with good quality and speedy installation is one of the significant growth factors of the automotive winches system market. In the past few years, the automotive winches system market has grown to be highly fragmented and manufacturers around the world are focusing on developing advanced, affordable, durable, and reliable products. Other factors such as advancements in technology and product modernization are responsible for the growth of this market. In order to deliver optimal performance levels, key market players are coming up with cohesive solenoid designs, which in turn, offer agile and seamless installation. Furthermore, manufacturers are engaged in developing automotive winch systems with custom features and compact spooling action. Availability of these customized and premium-quality winch systems at economical prices will encourage the overall growth of the automotive winches system market. Classically, automotive winches systems have been operated manually. However, the market for automotive winches has progressed rapidly with the introduction of winches with advanced operation mechanisms and better design.Request Brochure:The production of advanced automotive winch systems with remote control clutch is one such advancement. The incorporation of remote control clutch will help in efficiently controlling procedures such as winch-in, free spooling, and winch out that offers more convenience to end users, thereby inducing manufacturers to focus on the improvement of remote control clutches that is likely to be one of the key drivers of growth of the automotive winches system market during the forecast period.The global automotive winches system market can be segmented by type and region. In terms of type, the global market can be segregated into hydraulic winches, and electric winches. The hydraulic winches segment held the maximum share of the automotive winches system market in 2016. Affordability and rising penetration frequency of power take-off winches are some of the key factors responsible for the dominance of this segment. Nonetheless, owing to the performance disadvantages and aging technology associated with the products in this segment, it is likely to observe a substantial decrease in its shares in the global automotive winches system market toward the end of the forecast period.Browse Our Report:By region, the global automotive winches system market can be segregated into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America held the maximum share of the global automotive winches system market in 2016 and is likely to continue its dominance over the forecast period. High sales volume of performance SUVs and pickup trucks and rising consumer preference for big vehicles and SUVs are some of the factors responsible for this regions dominant position in the market. These factors are likely to encourage the growth of the automotive winches system market in this region thereby propelling the overall market during the forecast period.The automotive winches system market is well-established with the existence of numerous manufacturers, designers, and suppliers. A rise in the demand for off-road vehicles along with the increasing sales volume of SUVs will boost the demand for automotive winches systems in the future. Vendors are aiming at leveraging their technical as well as industrial expertise to improve the capabilities and functionality of their winch systems.Pre Book Now This Report:Transparency 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. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use 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.US Office90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Biotech Flavor Market: Asia Pacific to Report High-paced Growth due to Health and Wellness Trend

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According to a research report by Transparency Market Research (TMR), the global biotech flavor market is highly consolidated and competitive in nature, with Naturex occupying the dominant position. The leading companies in this market mostly rely on mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships to improve their visibility and the trend is likely to continue over the forthcoming years, increasing the competition between the players, reports the research study.As per the report, the global market for biotech flavors, which stood at US$430.6 mn in 2015, is expected to proliferate at a CAGR of 9.70% during the period from 2016 to 2024, increasing the opportunity in this market to US$991.0 mn by the end of the forecast period. The market is projected to touch 23,980.3 tons in terms of volume over the same period of time. The demand for biotech flavors is higher in beverages compared to other end-use segments. On account of the surging consumption of flavored beverages, globally, analysts predict this segment to continue as the leading end user of biotech flavors over the period of the forecast.Download PDF Brochure @North America to Lead Market; Asia Pacific to Report High-paced GrowthThe research report further evaluates the worldwide market for biotech flavors on the basis of its regional classification. The Middle East and Africa, North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Latin America and is led by North America, thanks to the high awareness among consumers regarding the benefits of biotech flavors. In 2015, the regional market, followed by Europe, acquired a share of more than 32% in the overall market. Researchers anticipate the North America market for biotech flavors to retain its leadership over the forthcoming years.On the other hand, Asia Pacific is anticipated to exhibit a high-paced growth in its market for biotech flavors in the near future, thanks to the strong demand for biotech flavors from emerging economies, such as China and India. The health and wellness trend is also expected to support the growth of the Asia Pacific biotech flavor market and prompt manufacturers to apply innovative strategies across the supply chain to ensure wide availability of biotech flavors for consumers over the years to come. Apart from this, the increasing demand for beverages in this region is expected to create vital opportunities for the players in the global market.Obtain Report Details @Rising Awareness among Consumers to Boost Growth of Global Biotech Flavor MarketThe rising health consciousness among consumers has augmented the demand for natural ingredients and biotech-based flavors in food products and beverages, which, resultantly, is boosting the global biotech flavor market, says a TMR analyst. The growing awareness among consumers in developed economies concerning the negative impact of artificially-produced food flavors and the increased knowledge of consumers pertaining to the nutritional advantages of biotech flavors is projected to propel this market in the years to come.Although the future of the worldwide biotech flavor market looks thriving, the low shelf-life of biotech flavors and issues related to their stability may hinder the growth of this market in the near future, states the research report.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.Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700,Albany, NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Wi-Fi Booster Market 2017 Global Leaders: Netgear, Ruckus Wireless, Juniper Networks, Motorola Solutions, Cisco Systems, Aruba Networks, Ericsson

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SUMMERY:Market Research Future published a research report on Global Wi-Fi Booster Market Research Report- Forecast 2023  Market Analysis, Scope, Stake, Progress, Trends and Forecast to 2023.Market HighlightsThe study reveals that the global Wi-Fi booster market is adopted in the various outdoor solution in North America region. This is due to the establishing an intelligent transport system within the region. The wi-fi booster has huge market in these region due to the long reach, fast throughput and easy setup. The boosters are being widely used for the communication that speed up of the extended Wi-Fi, better performance and security while communications.In North America region, the wi-fi booster is gaining momentum in the marine & aerospace segment. These devices allow to connect to the wireless network, or access to the other devices to extend a network bandwidth. The wifi booster amplifies the network by boosting the WiFi signal. The major player including Netgear (U.S.), Linksys (U.S.) have released the new product of wifi booster.The global Wi-Fi booster market is growing rapidly over ~18% of CAGR and is expected to reach approximately USD 3 Billion by the end of forecast period.Taste the market data and market information presented through more than 30 market data tables and figures spread over 100 numbers of pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content TOC & market synopsis on The Wi-Fi Booster Market Research Report -Forecast to 2023.Get Sample of Report @Key PlayersThe prominent players in the global Wi-Fi booster Market are Netgear, Inc. (U.S.), Ruckus Wireless, Inc. (U.S.), Juniper Networks (U.S.), Motorola Solutions, Inc. (U.S.), Cisco Systems, Inc. (U.S.), Alcatel-Lucent S.A. (France), Aruba Networks (U.S.), Ericsson (Sweden), D-Link Corporation (Taiwan) and TP-Link (China), among others.Wi-Fi Booster Market SegmentationThe Wi-Fi Booster Market has been segmented on the basis of type, services, solution and region. The Wi-Fi booster contains detailed analysis with market size of each segment. The type segment includes indoor and outdoor. The Services segment includes installation, support & maintenance, network design. The solution segment includes residential solution, enterprise solution, marine & aerospace solution and outdoor solution and the region segment includes North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and rest of the world.Market Research Analysis:Global Wi-Fi Booster market, by region has studied in different regions as Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of world. North America is leading with the highest market share as companies are investing in the Wi-Fi Booster devices. Europe is expected to reach at the high peak in the coming years as the wifi booster provides speed up and easy management via mobile app. While, APAC regions has the highest CAGR in the Wi-Fi Booster market and projected towards the growth in forecast years.Get complete Report @Intended Audience Technology investors Integrated device manufacturers Government agencies Network solution providers IT security agencies Wi-Fi Booster manufacturers Original equipment manufacturers Government agencies Wi-Fi Booster vendors Network solution providers Independent software vendors Consulting firms Research institutes and organizations Technology standards organizations Technology investors System Integrators Research/Consultancy firmsAbout 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 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.Media Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
The biggest Christmas present ever! It will make America great again! Business will grow! Jobs will increase! Wages will rise! All because of the greatest president ever!

Sorry, I couldnt contain my sarcasm. Now, if you are expecting a column on the evils of giving to the rich and taking from the poor, you will be disappointed. While I do believe that much of what Congress passed in a hurry to give some sort of positive end to 2017 will have a negative effect on the nation, I am only going to talk about why it will not have a positive effect on the people of Idaho and local control of public programs and spending.

It has to do with the cap on property taxes, supposedly as a deterrent to liberal high property tax states. In fact, it will discourage all states and other local entities from raising more revenue through property taxes and severely limit local and state governments from spending for education and infrastructure. This may not seem to be a dreadful thing to many Idahoans, but I will attempt to make the case.

Property taxes are both useful and fair because they allow the entity benefiting from public spending to pay for those benefits. By this I mean a well-educated population creates more economic prosperity than a less educated one. Economic prosperity means that property holds its value or increases. Infrastructure that provides convenient transportation, utilities, zoning, and public safety increases the value of the property in real terms. I believe property tax to be one of the fairest on the group of people who acquire equity (ownership) in the economy.

I am aware that a portion of the Legislature agreed with then-governor now-senator Jim Risch when he called a special session of the Legislature and drastically decreased property taxes statewide. It was a cunning political maneuver. At the time, there was talk about keeping an expiring 1 cent tax and adding it to education funding. Risch kept that idea, but also passed the property tax decrease which made education funding so dependent on sales tax revenue that there was a significant loss when the economy went into recession and sales tax revenue tanked. It greatly benefited the man himself and others whose principle wealth is held in property rather than more volatile and risky equities. I disagree that this was a wise move.

Most people think of what is possible with income or profit after all taxes are paid. This bottom line is something all taxing entities must contend with. One per cent seems small until it is placed upon other percents. Then it can tip the scale of possibility in negative ways. By capping the federal tax deduction for local taxes, the federal government is severely affecting the way state, city, and county citizens manage local spending. Idaho may not need public subway systems, but the East Coast does. We need to maintain state and local roads so that our commerce can flourish. But both types of needs end up dancing for federal dollars that are granted at the whim of Congress and the influence of construction lobbies. You know where the big dollar projects are. Local taxing and spending puts tax dollars closer to the people who pay the tax. We may have done away with the practice of earmarking, but we have extended the value to a state of a member of Congress with the seniority to influence federal spending.

One way I have always thought of taxes is a way of pooling money to finance things necessary for the common welfare. It is only in a democracy that it takes a majority of citizens to agree to what that common welfare is. And it is only with robust local taxes and a decreasing federal tax burden that the majority can exercise its will effectively. Congressional tax conservatives really got it wrong this time.
Automotive Trailer Tow Mirrors find additional applications when they are combined with cameras

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The driving mirror assists the driver to perceive what is close to the vehicle. Furthermore, it helps the driver to estimate the distance between the trailing vehicles and the car. Some of the other types of automotive mirrors are door or wing mirrors, generally recognized as side-view mirrors. A rear-view mirror gives the view of an object at a close range of the car by replicating the images that are reflected on the internal driving mirror. Certain vehicles use sensors or cameras for alerts to distinguish between different types of objects. A front-view mirror reflects images of the nearby cars as well.Request Brochure:One of the major drivers for the growth of the automotive trailer tow mirror market is the increasing demand for towable RVs or recreational vehicles, which is positively impacting the progress of towing mirrors. Towable recreational vehicles are vehicles that are meant for pleasure or recreation activities such as camping and vacations. These vehicles have several facilities including a kitchen, sleeping room, and bathroom. Positive business environments as well as encouraging regulatory guidelines are likely to aid the growth of the towable RVs market across the world. This rise in the acceptance of towable RVs, especially in the North America region is likely to fuel the growth of the overall automotive trailer tow mirror market during the forecast period. Moreover, the incorporation of cameras to cover the blind spots is another trend that is gaining momentum in the global market. The automotive trailer tow mirrors find additional applications when they are combined with cameras. The system comprises three cameras, one on the rear side of the trailer and two side view mirrors. The side cameras are incorporated into the side mirror that helps in refining the side vision of the automobile. When the arrangement is turned on, it displays the side view on the central screen. Additionally, this camera is connected to the trailer light for power and it also helps in communicating the image to the display wirelessly. This improvement in towable mirrors is likely to fuel growth of the automotive trailer tow mirror market during the forecast period.Browse Our Report:The global automotive trailer tow mirror market can be segmented by vehicle type and geography. In terms of vehicle type, the global market can be segregated into towable RVs, and pickup trucks. In 2016, the pickup trucks segment held a prominent share in the global automotive trailer tow mirror market and it constituted the main part of the market, by revenue. The implementation of towing mirrors by many agencies such as the NHTSA or National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the European Commission is one of the major factors for the dominance of this segment in the global automotive trailer tow mirror market.By geography, the global automotive trailer tow mirror market can be divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Among these, North America held the maximum share and is estimated to retain its position during the forecast period. Some of the factors such as change in living patterns and lifestyles have increased the demand for travel trailers significantly, thereby propelling the overall automotive trailer tow mirror market in this region.Pre Book Now This Report:The global automotive trailer tow mirror market is highly fragmented in nature owing to the presence of a number of regional and international vendors across the globe. Aftermarket players held a huge share of the market, as they provide a number of additional features such as cameras, cargo and lamps. In order to remain relevant in this environment, a growing number of manufacturers are following different approaches including mergers and acquisitions and product innovation. Some of the major players operating in the global automotive trailer tow mirror market are Milenco, Samvardhana Motherson, ISP Glendale, CARiD.com, Power Vision, K Source, and Ford Motor Company.Transparency 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. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use 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.US Office90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Adoption of Aerial Imaging to Remain Higher in Geospatial Technology

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The global aerial imaging market is highly fragmented in nature, finds a new report by Transparency Market Research (TMR). The top five companies, namely, Fugro N.V., NRC Group ASA, Nearmap Ltd., Google Inc., and EagleView Technologies Inc., held only 15.4% of the overall market in 2016. With a large pool of players, the market demonstrates a competitive landscape.The leading players are focusing especially on technological improvements and integrated and joint innovation to build a new ecosystem to strengthen their presence in this market. Over the coming years, they are likely to be more involved in mergers and acquisitions for the expansion of their businesses, states the research study.Request Sample:As per TMRs estimations, the opportunity in the global market for aerial imaging is likely to expand at a CAGR of 14.60% during the period from 2017 to 2025, rising from US$1.36 bn in 2016 to US$4.58 by the end of the forecast period. Geospatial technology has emerged as the key application area of aerial imaging and is expected to continue like this over the forthcoming years, states the research report.Government Sector to Continue as Key End User of Aerial Imaging TechniqueThe research report considers the commercial, civil engineering, military, forestry and agriculture, energy, insurance, and the government sectors as the key end users of aerial imaging across the world. The government sector has emerged as the leading consumer of aerial imaging technique and is expected to remain so over the forecast period. The increasing usage of aerial imagery in various applications, such as homeland security, improvement of town planning, energy sector exploration, and monitoring and management of environmental changes, is the key factor behind the dominance of this segment. The commercial and the forestry and agriculture sectors are also expected to witness a high-paced adoption of aerial imaging in the near future.Browse Our Report:Geographically, the report segments the worldwide aerial imaging into North America, the Middle East and Africa, Europe, Asia Pacific, and South America. North America led this market in 2016, with US$575.9 bn in revenues. Researchers expect this regional market to continue to lead over the next few years on the grounds of the rising adoption of aerial photography in the agriculture and forestry industry. The rising advancements in automated drone technology and the increasing number of merger and acquisitions among key player in this region are also projected to boost the North America market for aerial imaging in the years to come, reports the study.Increasing Application of Aerial Imaging in Various Industries to Boost GrowthThe increasing adoption of aerial imagery in various end-use industries is the most prominent driving force behind the growth of the global aerial imaging market, says an analyst at TMR. Aerial imaging has found its applications in a number of industries, such as archeology, disaster risk estimation, cartography, defense and security, construction and development, journalism, tourism and intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), and its application range is likely to expand in the year so come, leading to a substantial rise of this market over the next years.Buy This Report:Transparency 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. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use 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.US Office90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global Buckwheat Products Sales Market by Top Manufacturers - Birkett Mills, Wels Ltd, Krishna India, Ladoga LLC, UA Global Inc

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QY Market Insights Publish a New Market Research Report On - Buckwheat Products Sales Market 2017 Global Analysis and Forecast to 2022. The Report Covers Industry Trends, Statistic, Segmentation, Growth, Market Share, Revenue, Leading Players, Region, Types and Application.Download free Sample report @The report tracks the research on Global Buckwheat Products Sales Market 2017 with major market events such as launching products, technological developments, trendy and innovative business strategies, mergers and acquisitions. Documentation of the repot has been done in a manner adequate with all the research findings regarding industry to support acquisition decisions of the related agencies.The report focuses on industrial opportunities, challenges, specific drivers and restraints, along with the analysis of key micro markets strategically. The critical information has also been gathered by our market research team members that are essential for the determinations of capabilities of industry including industry practices, market trends, available technologies, standard terms and conditions, availability of services or products and competitive market forces.The research report also enables the information sharing feasibility, minimizes or eliminates the duplication of efforts, preserves record, facilities organization of research results, maintains the official file and avails the basis of commerciality decision.The report is a guide for the several key areas, which are considered throughout the market research to assist the development of a particular portion for Acquisition Strategy Panel of the market. The related industry standards as well as commercial specifications are identified within the report. The central activity has been used to evaluate the availability commercial items with providing the basis for developing a product description and finalizing the requirement.Access full report @Report describes the procurement background with events and circumstances that are headed to the requirement. Also the essential performance and physical characteristics as well as functions, which are required to reach the users need, are explained.The conclusion consists of assessment for the available items summary with the commercial, government-specific or non-developmental shortcomings and values of individual as well as the suggestions for the terms of specific contract and training provisions with warranties and acceptance. The manner of report for the Global Buckwheat Products Sales Market has been documented with respect to the complexity and size of acquisition.About QY Market InsightsQY Market Insights is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. QY Market Insights also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.We have a team of experts that compile precise research reports and actively advise top companies to improve their existing processes. Our experts have extensive experience in the topics that they cover.QY Market Insights provides you the full spectrum of services related to market research, and corroborate with the clients to increase the revenue stream, and address process gaps.Contact UsMark StoneSales ManagerPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@qymarketinsights.comWeb:Blog:
Global Organic Vegetables Market by Top Manufacturers - USA, China, Mexico, Italy

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QY Market Insights Publish a New Market Research Report On - Organic Vegetables Market 2017 Global Analysis and Forecast to 2022. The Report Covers Industry Trends, Statistic, Segmentation, Growth, Market Share, Revenue, Leading Players, Region, Types and Application.Download free Sample report @The report tracks the research on Global Organic Vegetables Market 2017 with major market events such as launching products, technological developments, trendy and innovative business strategies, mergers and acquisitions. Documentation of the repot has been done in a manner adequate with all the research findings regarding industry to support acquisition decisions of the related agencies.The report focuses on industrial opportunities, challenges, specific drivers and restraints, along with the analysis of key micro markets strategically. The critical information has also been gathered by our market research team members that are essential for the determinations of capabilities of industry including industry practices, market trends, available technologies, standard terms and conditions, availability of services or products and competitive market forces.The research report also enables the information sharing feasibility, minimizes or eliminates the duplication of efforts, preserves record, facilities organization of research results, maintains the official file and avails the basis of commerciality decision.The report is a guide for the several key areas, which are considered throughout the market research to assist the development of a particular portion for Acquisition Strategy Panel of the market. The related industry standards as well as commercial specifications are identified within the report. The central activity has been used to evaluate the availability commercial items with providing the basis for developing a product description and finalizing the requirement.Access full report @Report describes the procurement background with events and circumstances that are headed to the requirement. Also the essential performance and physical characteristics as well as functions, which are required to reach the users need, are explained.The conclusion consists of assessment for the available items summary with the commercial, government-specific or non-developmental shortcomings and values of individual as well as the suggestions for the terms of specific contract and training provisions with warranties and acceptance. The manner of report for the Global Organic Vegetables Market has been documented with respect to the complexity and size of acquisition.About QY Market InsightsQY Market Insights is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. QY Market Insights also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.We have a team of experts that compile precise research reports and actively advise top companies to improve their existing processes. Our experts have extensive experience in the topics that they cover.QY Market Insights provides you the full spectrum of services related to market research, and corroborate with the clients to increase the revenue stream, and address process gaps.Contact UsMark StoneSales ManagerPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@qymarketinsights.comWeb:Blog:
New subsidiary in the Sultanate of Oman

Evening reception at the inauguration event of the newly established subsidiary

On 12 December 2017, the newly established subsidiary Lahmeyer and Tractebel Engineering Consultancy LLC in the Sultanate of Oman hosted an inauguration event for its opening. The Joint Venture with the Al-Sulaimi Group will strengthen the local positioning of the international engineering company Tractebel.The inauguration event was attended by the CEOs of many of the companies most important customers. Our inauguration party was a big success as we were able to demonstrate the importance of the region. We could show our commitment to the energy transition and at the same time hold interesting discussions with our local customers, says Alain Vannerum, Regional Manager Middle East at Tractebel. It was obvious during our discussions that Oman still has a huge potential to install renewables in their grid. This is a good opportunity for the new company to support our clients with the implementation.Numerous regional projects in energy and infrastructureThe newly formed local company enables the international engineering company to become an even stronger and more local partner to its clients in the Sultanate of Oman as well as in the greater region. A growing number of regional engineering projects made the establishment of a local subsidiary a logical step in the growth plan of the Tractebel company group.The projects cover a broad range of different activities in the energy, water and infrastructure sectors, including for example master planning for the countrys power generation and transmission through 2030, technical advisory as well as owners engineer services for various independent power plants and wind projects, including grid connection studies.Commitment to the Middle EastTractebel and its subsidiary Lahmeyer formed a dedicated team of highly qualified employees and experienced experts to work on a broad range of different business activities. The organization includes the new subsidiary in Muscat, Oman, as well as subsidiaries and offices in Dubai, Riyadh, Al-Khobar, Doha and Abu Dhabi.The latest projects, two substations in Dubai, the power plant Fadhili and the two master plans in Kuwait, demonstrate the service capability of the company in the Middle East. With these projects, the engineering company successfully supports its customers and simultaneously contributes to the energy transition in this challenging market environment.About the companyAs an international company of consulting engineers, Lahmeyer offers a wide range of planning and consultancy services. The main fields of activity are complex infrastructure projects in the Energy, Hydropower and Water Resources Sectors as well as in Building and Transportation. With origins dating back to 1890, the company has grown into one of the leading international companies with project experience in 165 countries. Since December 2014, Lahmeyer belongs to Tractebel, and thus is part of the ENGIE Group.Lahmeyer International GmbHRalf kleine BrormannManager Marketing CommunicationsFriedberger Strae 173D-61118 Bad Vilbel, GermanyPhone: +49 6101 55 1714Fax: +49 6101 55 1785ralf.kleinebroermann@de.lahmeyer.com
Jan, 04 2018: Agricultural Sprayer Market Forecast 2023 CropCare, Stihl, John Deere, Carrarospray

Agricultural Sprayer Market

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Agricultural Sprayer Market Research 2018A market study "Global Agricultural Sprayer Market" examines the performance of the Agricultural Sprayer market 2018. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Agricultural Sprayer market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Agricultural Sprayer market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Agricultural Sprayer Market 2018 report includes Agricultural Sprayer market Revenue, market Share, Agricultural Sprayer industry volume, market Trends, Agricultural Sprayer Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Agricultural Sprayer Price during the Forecast period from 2018 to 2023.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Agricultural Sprayer Market 2018 : Demco CropCare Electrostatic Spraying Systems MS Gregson KUHN Cleveland Crop Sprayers Stihl Carrarospray John Deere HardiAgricultural Sprayer Market : By Application Pesticide Application Fertilizer ApplicationAgricultural Sprayer Market : By Type Hand-held Sprayer Knapsack Sprayers Foot Sprayer/Pedal Pump Sprayers Traction Pneumatic Sprayer Tractor Mounted Sprayers Aerial SprayersFirstly, the report covers the top Agricultural Sprayer manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Agricultural Sprayer report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Agricultural Sprayer industry, Agricultural Sprayer industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Agricultural Sprayer Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Full Report Here:The Agricultural Sprayer research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Agricultural Sprayer market revenue worldwide.Finally, Agricultural Sprayer market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Spire Market Research" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact Us5001 Spring Valley Road,Suite 400 East,Dallas, TX 75244, USAWeb:Email: sales@spiremarketresearch.com
Beer Market to Reap Excessive Revenues by 2020

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Beer is one of the alcoholic beverages containing 4% to 6% alcohol by volume. The main ingredients of beer include water, a starch source (such as malted barley, helps in saccharification and fermentation), a brewers yeast and flavors such as hops. Flavoring such as hops helps in adding bitterness and act as a natural preservative. Beer is the most widely consumed alcoholic beverage in the Asia Pacific region. Growing drinking population in the countries such as India and China is boosting the market for beer in the Asia-Pacific region. By types, Beer market can be segmented into premium, mainstream and economy.Request Report for TOC @Countries such as China have the largest consumption of beer in the Asia Pacific region, followed by Japan. Increasing population and more inclined towards western culture are the major factors for the growth of beer market in the Asia Pacific region. Countries such as India, Singapore and South Korea are the fastest growing market for beer in the Asia-Pacific region.Rising disposable income, ever-increasing population, increasing in the number of bars and restaurants, increase in the acceptance of western culture and relaxation in the rules and regulation related to the operation of beer industry are some of the major driving force for beer market. Increasing disposable income among the working class population allows the customer to go out more to restaurants and bars and spend more on beer. In addition, consumers are now willing to pay more for premium segments also.Request to Sample of Report @According to the National Bureau of Statistics China, annual per capita disposable income of urban households in China increased from USD 2,271.0 in 2008 to USD 3408.5 in 2012. The overall annual disposable income in India medium household income increased from USD 1,366.2 billion in 2010 to USD 1,587.6 billion in 2013. Quick adoption of western culture has largely influenced the drinking habits in the Asia Pacific region. People living in the west usually have a habit of drinking beer with their meals, at parties and even during meetings. Rising Anti-alcohol campaigns and rising aging population are some of the major restraints for beer market.Pre Book Full Report @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:
Digital Badges Market is Breaking Barriers & Empowering Coders of Tomorrow in Education Sector

Digital Badges Market

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Digital badges are increasingly being used in applications in the CBE sector. They are basically used to demonstrate the skills of students. The concept of digital badges has gained traction in the education sector and is gaining popularity among teachers. Schools across the world are increasingly using digital badges in the form of micro-credentials for the professional development of teachers. The global digital badges market in the higher education sector is expected to witness a steady growth during the forecast period. Based on the end-user segment the digital badges market can be segmented into higher education and K12. During 2017, the higher education segment accounted for the major share of the digital badges market in education sector. Factors such as the stringent demands from employers and the increasing number of students enrolling for higher education, will contribute to the growth of the digital badges market in higher education segment in the coming years.Research analysts forecast the global digital badges market in education sector to grow at a CAGR of 31.30% during the period 2018-2022.Request sample copy of the report at:Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global digital badges market in education sector for 2018-2022. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from the sales of digital badges in education sector.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:AmericasAPACEMEAResearch report, Global Digital Badges Market in Education Sector 2018-2022, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Read more details of the report at:Key vendorsAccredibleCredlyForall SystemsDiscendumPearson EducationYoutopiaOther prominent vendorsBadgecraftBasnoKnowledge StreamMakewavesMarket driverIncrease in government supportFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendIntroduction of competency-based education (CBE)For a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this reportWhat will the market size be in 2022 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?You can request one free hour of our analysts time when you purchase this market report. Details are provided within the report.Companies Mentioned:Accredible, Credly, Forall Systems, Discendum, Pearson Education, Youtopia, Badgecraft, Basno, Knowledge Stream, and Makewaves.Enquire more details of the report at:Orbis Research (orbisresearch.com) is a single point aid for all your market research requirements. We have vast database of reports from the leading publishers and authors across the globe. We specialize in delivering customized reports as per the requirements of our clients. We have complete information about our publishers and hence are sure about the accuracy of the industries and verticals of their specialization. This helps our clients to map their needs and we produce the perfect required market research study for our clients.Hector CostelloSenior Manager  Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas  75204, U.S.A.Phone No.: +1 (214) 884-6817; +9164101019
Hard Disk Drive Market is Progressing Towards a Strong Growth by 2027

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In recent past it has been observed that the Hard disk drive market is negatively affected, driven by falling sales in the PC market. But a trend that helped to boost the market growth is the innovation of high-storage portable external hard disks. Hard disk drive market is directly affected by the flash-based SSDs. In now days the adaptation of flash based SSDs in Laptops and personal computers continue at pace and continue to eat into traditional Hard disk drive market and prices are likely to continue to drop in the coming years.A sample of this report is available upon request @A hard disk drive is apparatus that controls the positioning reading and writing of the hard disk which furnishes data storage. The hard disk drive are largest data storage devices in computers. Hard disk drives can be founded in desktop computers, mobile devices, consumer electronics and enterprise storage arrays in data centers.Hard Disk DriveMarket: Drivers and ChallengesIncreasing demand and adaptation in cloud storage and other enterprise applications, driving the growth of the Hard disk and drive market. Moreover, stabilization in laptop market is the reason behind increase in sale and shipment of hard disk drive market. Data storage segment is now shifting towards the cloud storage, it is positively effecting the Hard disk drive market. Mobile phone market and laptop market are stabilized and growing since last few years. Si it is expected that the growth of these two market will positively affect Hard disk drive market.Reduction in demand of Personal computers and notebook further restraints the growth of global hard disk drive market.Position Sensor Market: SegmentationSegmentation on the basis of Type:Internal Hard Disk DriveExternal Hard Disk DriveSegmentation on the basis of Applications:Computers/LaptopsMobileOthersSegmentation on the basis of Storage capacity:500 GB1 TBMore than 1TBSegmentation on the basis of End-user:IndividualCommercialKey ContractsIn November 2015, Fujitsu Limited acquired French software company UShareSoft. The company made this acquisition to grow its cloud business.Key PlayersKey players of global hard disk drive market are Western Digital Technologies, Seagate Technology LLC, TOSHIBA CORPORATION. In 2014, Western Digital Technologies. Other prominent vendors in global hard disk drive marker are Buffalo Americas, Inc., Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P., Dell, Lenovo and Transcend Information, Inc. etc.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Hard Disk Drive market: Regional OutlookOn the basis of regions, Hard disk drive Market can be segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan, and Middle East and Africa. North America and Western Europe Hard disk drive market is predominantly mature as compared to the other regional market as they are fast in the adoption of technology and due to the presence of various key manufacturers.Hard disk drive market in Asia Pacific excluding Japan and China and India are expected to possess maximum potential in the forecast period. Hard disk drive Market in Latin America and Middle East and Africa are also projected to witness positive growth during the forecast period.About UsFuture Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centres in the U.S. and India.FMIs research and consulting services help businesses around the globe navigate the challenges in a rapidly evolving marketplace with confidence and clarity. Our customised and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. We continuously track emerging trends and events in a broad range of end industries to ensure our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.Contact Us:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Global Automotive Seats Market - Expected to Version US$ 74.19 Bn by 2025

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Automotive Seats Market: Global Industry Analysis (20122016) and Forecast (20172025), is the new report published by Persistence Market Research for the estimated period of 8-years. With a CAGR of 3.7%, this market is expected to witness steady growth throughout the forecasted period. Slowdown in the global automotive production and increasing use of public transport to cut down the transportation cost are significant reasons behind the slow growth of the global market for automotive seats. Global sales of automotive seats is estimated to be valued at US$ 55.34 Bn in 2017 and is projected to increase and to be valued at US$ 74.19 Bn by 2025.Request Sample Report@Global Automotive Seats Market: RestraintsLowering hide production to act as restraint in the Europe automotive seats marketAdoption of Low-cost and Inferior SubstitutesSoaring government regulations and rules are acting as hurdles for the manufacturersSlowdown in the Global Automotive ProductionIncreasing use of public transport to cut down the transportation costGlobal Automotive Seats Market: Segmental Analysis and ForecastThe market is segmented into product type, vehicle type, cover material, by technology, and by sales channel. Product type segment include bench and bucket. Sales of Bucket segment Seats segment is estimated to be valued at US$ 35.46 Bn in 2017 and is slated to reach US$ 48. 82 Bn by 2025.On the basis of vehicle type, the market is segmented into passenger cars, LCV (Light Commercial Vehicles) and HCV (Heavy Commercial Vehicles). The Passenger Car market segment is estimated to dominate the global automotive Seats market with a 75.1% market value share, valued at US$ 41. 57 Bn by 2017 end; expanding at a CAGR of 4.1% over the forecast period of 2017-2025. This segment is expected to create a total incremental opportunity of US$ 15.71 Bn between 2017 and 2025. The segment is anticipated to reach a market value of US$ 57.28 Bn by 2025 end, in the global automotive seats market.Cover Material segment consists of genuine leather, synthetic leather and fabric material.The Fabric Material segment by cover material is estimated to dominate the global automotive seats market with a 63.6% market value share, valued at US$ 35,205.1 Mn by 2017 end; expanding at a CAGR of 4.2% over the forecast period of 2017-2025. This segment is expected to create a total incremental opportunity of US$ 13.58 Bn between 2017 and 2025. The segment is anticipated to reach a market value of US$ 48.78 Bn by 2025 end, in the global automotive seats market.Request Report for TOC @Technology segment include standard, powered, heated and massage. By Technology, the powered segment is expected to be a relatively attractive segment in terms of market growth rate and market size with a market value share of 17.4% by the end of 2025.By sales channel, the market is segmented into OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and aftermarket. OEM segment is expected to create a total incremental opportunity of US$ 18,339.7 Mn between 2017 and 2025. Sales of OEM segment is estimated to be valued at US$ 71,360.6 Mn by 2025 end as compared to is US$ 53,020.9 Mn in 2017.Global Automotive Seats Market: Forecast by RegionThe report covers five regions namely, North America, Latin America, Europe, APAC and MEA. Sales of Automotive Seats in North America is estimated to be valued at US$ 9889.3 Mn by the end of 2017 and is expected to reach US$ 12.45 Bn by the end of 2025, registering aCAGR of 2.9% in terms of value over the forecast period. On the other hand APAC market is estimated to dominate the global automotive seats market with a 49.5% market value share, valued at US$ 27.36 Bn by 2017 end; expanding at a CAGR of 4.1% over the forecast period of 2017-2025.Global Automotive Seats Market: Competitive LandscapeAdient PLC, Faurecia SA, Lear Corporation, Toyota Boshoku Corporation, TS Tech Co., Ltd., Magna International Inc., Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd., Tachi-S Co., Ltd., NHK Spring Co., Ltd., Guelph Manufacturing Group, RECARO Holding GmbH, Gentherm, Camaco LLC, Amvian Automotive (Pvt.) Ltd., Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, Kahovec, s r.o., Daewon Kangup Co Ltd, Siemens AG, PHOENIX SEATING LIMITED, and Autostop Global are some of the key player in the global automotive seats market.For more information about this report visit @About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated re-search, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Con-sumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com
Im writing to express my support of Marsys Law for Idaho. This is a proposed constitutional amendment for our state that would strengthen the rights of crime victims throughout the criminal justice process.

Most people can identify the rights of accused criminals, known as Miranda rights. But can you identify the rights of a crime victim? These include the right to be heard, the right to be notified, the right to reasonable protection.

As a mother of a daughter victimized by an offender, I understand and appreciate the need to update and elevate the rights afforded crime victims. Some believe weve done enough for crime victims, but truth is we can and should do more. Others have criticized the effort because implementing Marsys Law brings a cost. But a recent economic study determined those costs to be minimal.

The Idaho Sheriffs Association, the Idaho Fraternal Order of Police, and the Idaho Council on Domestic Violence have thrown their support behind Marsys Law for Idaho.

I call upon our representatives to get behind and support this law in the upcoming session. This is a non-partisan issue that should not be defined by party lines. Its time the rest of us got on board. Im encouraging all readers to call our legislators to let them know its time to support Marsys Law for Idaho and do more for crime victims.

Mya Goodman

Twin Falls
Jan, 04 2018: Automotive Air Filter Market Forecast 2023 Mahle, Feetguard, MicronAir, Sofima

Automotive Air Filter Market

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Automotive Air Filter Market Research 2018A market study "Global Automotive Air Filter Market" examines the performance of the Automotive Air Filter market 2018. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Automotive Air Filter market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Automotive Air Filter market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Automotive Air Filter Market 2018 report includes Automotive Air Filter market Revenue, market Share, Automotive Air Filter industry volume, market Trends, Automotive Air Filter Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Automotive Air Filter Price during the Forecast period from 2018 to 2023.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Automotive Air Filter Market 2018 : Mann filter Mahle Bosch Sofima Fram Denso ACDelco K&N MicronAir Green AEM Injen Technology Volant AIRAID Tora Feetguard ChangshengFirstly, the report covers the top Automotive Air Filter manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Automotive Air Filter report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Automotive Air Filter industry, Automotive Air Filter industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Automotive Air Filter Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Full Report Here:The Automotive Air Filter research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Automotive Air Filter market revenue worldwide.Finally, Automotive Air Filter market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Spire Market Research" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact Us5001 Spring Valley Road,Suite 400 East,Dallas, TX 75244, USAWeb:Email: sales@spiremarketresearch.com
Specialty Fertilizers Market Detailed Analysis and Forecast | 2025

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The global market for specialty fertilizers is displaying steadfast growth over the past couple of years. Across the world, rising demand for food to feed the rising population has necessitated to increase crop yield by means of modern farming practices. This is because agricultural produce that is obtained using conventional agricultural practices that employ regular fertilizers is insufficient to serve the food needs.Read Report Overview @Apart from this, research initiatives and investments for the introduction of novel specialty fertilizers is also stoking growth of specialty fertilizers market.A report by Transparency Market Research predicts the global specialty fertilizers market to clock a modest 5.7% CAGR for the forecast period between 2017 and 2025. Proliferating at this rate, the market will be valued at US$14,734.4 mn by 2025 from US$8,987.3 mn in 2016.specialty fertilizers marketControlled-release Fertilizer Type to Emerge Attractive in FutureThe global specialty fertilizers market is segmented on the basis of a few parameters, viz. type, crop type, compound, and region. In terms of type, the segments into which the global specialty fertilizers market is divided are slow release fertilizers, controlled release fertilizers, nitrification and urea inhibitors, micro nutrient fertilizers, and others. Among them, the slow release fertilizers segment held the leading market share in 2016 mainly because of ease of availability and excellent cost to performance ratio. However, controlled-release fertilizers are likely to emerge as a key segment as they enable to predict rate of release of nutrients, water penetration, and rate of dissolution. On the other hand, nitrification and urea inhibitors help control leaching of nitrate and enzyme urea by keeping nitrogen and urea in ammonia form for longer time.In terms of crop type, the specialty fertilizers market can be classified into cereals and oilseeds, turfs and ornamentals, vegetables and fruits, and others. Vis-a-vis revenue, turf and ornamentals segment occupied the leading share in the specialty fertilizers market in 2016. However, cereals and oilseeds segment is likely to expand at a significant growth rate over the forecast period.Efforts to Adopt Sustainable Agriculture Practices Makes North America LeaderIn terms of region, the global specialty fertilizers market can be classified into North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. Of them, in 2016, North America held the dominant share in the overall market in 2016. The region is estimated to account for the leading revenue contribution in 2017. In North America, increasing focus on sustainable agriculture coupled with a high degree of environmental awareness due to governmental regulations are mainly responsible for the adoption of specialty fertilizers.However, Asia Pacific is anticipated to display the leading growth rate in the specialty fertilizers market over the forecast period. China is the leading domestic market for specialty fertilizers in the region. The extensive use of specialty fertilizers in turf and ornamental crops account for the significant share of China in Asia Pacific synthetic fertilizers market. India is a relatively new market for specialty fertilizers in the region.Europe holds significant share in the global specialty fertilizers market due to presence of several key specialty fertilizer manufacturers in the region. Latin America and the Middle East and Africa are likely to display notable growth in the specialty fertilizers market in the upcoming years.Request to view Sample Report:Leading players in the global specialty fertilizers market include Yara International ASA, Agrium Inc., The Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc., Israel Chemical Limited, Sociedad Quimica Y Minera S.A., Haifa Chemicals Limited, and Coromandel International Limited among others.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.ContactTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Music Market and Streaming Services Market Revenue Predicted to Go Up by 2025

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Global Music market and streaming services are becoming more dynamic owing to increased inclination of consumers towards such services. The increasing up-gradation in the technology is anticipated to increase the demand of music streaming among the smartphone users over the forecasted period. Music market and streaming services market is expected to show significant growth due to the streaming of songs through audio and video platforms. However, market of physical album is expected to decline relatively. Global music market is consolidated market with various companies undergoing mergers and acquisitions, partnerships and strategic alliances in order to increase their market share.A sample of this report is available upon request @Music Market and Streaming Services SegmentationGlobal music market is segmented into digital downloads, physical, streaming, synchronization and ringtones. Digital download is the largest market segment in terms of revenue, followed by the streaming. Furthermore, streaming services are segmented into sound exchange distributions, on demand ad-supporting services and subscription services. Music market and streaming services are further segmented on the basis of region as North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East and Africa. In North America, U.S contributes the maximum revenue in terms of revenue contribution, Also, European region is expected to reflect a significant growth during the forecast period. However the global music market is expected to lose significant portion of its revenue due to the piracy in the near future. Accordingly government across various countries have taken several initiatives to curb piracy. For instance, U.S. possess copyright alert systems that keep check on piracy. In Europe service providers have blocked the access to the pirate bay.Music Market and Streaming Services: Region-wise OutlookMusic market and streaming services market is expected to show tremendous growth in the coming years due to the rising number of high net worth individuals coupled with increasing number of consumers upgrading to smartphones. . Globally among all the regions, North America is expected to contribute the largest market share followed by European region in the forecast period. US is expected to be the dominant market for the music market and streaming services in the North American region. However, European region is expected to be the fastest growing market followed by Asia Pacific.Music market and streaming services: DriversIncreasing number of internet enabled mobile devices such as iPhone drives the growth of music market and streaming services. Rising disposable income leading to increasing purchase of smart phones and other devices, which offer specification support to music and streaming services are expected to fuel the music market and streaming services market growth. Other factors that fuel the growth of music market specifically includes increasing usage of subscription and streaming services by the consumers. Subscription streaming is the key driver for the streaming services market. In music streaming market there is increasing adoption of cloud services as it provides consumers to access music online and presently it is also being increasingly adopted by the various companies to increase the subscribed users to access the digital content stored in remote serversTo view TOC of this report is available upon request @Music Market and Streaming Services: Key PlayersThe key international players operating in Music market and streaming services includes Google Inc., Rhapsody International Inc. Apple Inc., Pandora Media Inc. Various companies operating in streaming services market are continuously launching various music streaming servicesAbout UsFuture Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centres in the U.S. and India.FMIs research and consulting services help businesses around the globe navigate the challenges in a rapidly evolving marketplace with confidence and clarity. Our customised and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. We continuously track emerging trends and events in a broad range of end industries to ensure our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.Contact Us:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Global Conveyor Pulleys Sales Market For End Users/Applications - Coal Mines, Unit Packaging, Food Processing and Sand and Gravel Quarries

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Conveyor Pulleys Sales Market For End Users/Applications - Coal Mines, Unit Packaging, Food Processing and Sand and Gravel Quarries" to its huge collection of research reports.In this report, the global Conveyor Pulleys 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 split global into several key Regions, with sales (K Units), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of Conveyor Pulleys for these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringUnited StatesChinaEuropeJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGlobal Conveyor Pulleys market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Conveyor Pulleys sales volume, Price (USD/Unit), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingFEI ConveyorsBaldor (Dodge)EPTVan GorpP.C.I.RexnordVan Gorp CorporationBosworthWilliam Hardill Sons & CompanyTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoDrum PulleysWing PulleysTurbine PulleysOtherOn 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 for each application, includingCoal MinesUnit PackagingFood ProcessingSand and Gravel QuarriesOtherBrowse TOC @Table of ContentsGlobal Conveyor Pulleys Sales Market Report 20171 Conveyor Pulleys Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Conveyor Pulleys1.2 Classification of Conveyor Pulleys by Product Category1.2.1 Global Conveyor Pulleys Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Type (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Conveyor Pulleys Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Drum Pulleys1.2.4 Wing Pulleys1.2.5 Turbine Pulleys1.2.6 Other1.3 Global Conveyor Pulleys Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 Global Conveyor Pulleys Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2012-2022)2 Global Conveyor Pulleys Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application2.1 Global Conveyor Pulleys Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1.1 Global Conveyor Pulleys Sales and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Conveyor Pulleys Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Conveyor Pulleys (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Conveyor Pulleys Sales and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.2.2 Global Conveyor Pulleys Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.3 Global Conveyor Pulleys (Volume and Value) by RegionAbout ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
High Magnetic Induction Grain-oriented Silicon Market Growth with Worldwide Industry Analysis to 2023

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The report, titled Global High Magnetic Induction Grain-oriented Silicon Market. The report on the global market offers an elaborate assessment of key drivers and restraints, emerging trends, notable opportunities, prominent business use cases, and recent technological advancements. The research presents a thorough insight into the market share and size of various types of lucrative avenues, and competitive landscape.This report studies High Magnetic Induction Grain-oriented Silicon in Global market, especially in North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan and India, with production, revenue, consumption, import and export in these regions, from 2013 to 2018, and forecast to 2023.Top Key Vendors:Nippon Steel&Sumitomo Metal, Kawasaki, AK, Posco, Bao Steel, ThyssenkruppGet Sample Copy @The report offers a fundamental overview of the Global High Magnetic Induction Grain-oriented Silicon Market. It includes definitions, product specifications, classification, and applications of the global market. The study also comprises an industry chain analysis and an industry overview of the major regions and their status in the global market.The next section of the report analyzes the development plans and policies, manufacturing process, and product cost structure of the High Magnetic Induction Grain-oriented Silicon market. The report specifically focuses on the leading regions and manufacturers engaged in the production of consumer devices along with the analysis of the competitive landscape, development trends, and prime regions status of development. The report also contains information such as company profiles, product specification and picture, production capacity, cost, revenue, and gross profit margin.The report profiles the key market players which are dominant in the global High Magnetic Induction Grain-oriented Silicon market. It also provides essential information about leading companies, such as product specification, financial overview, business overview, contact information, and recent developments. The list of figures provided in the table of content has mentioned all of the statistical representations of the market offered in the report.On the basis of geographical regions, the Global High Magnetic Induction Grain-oriented Silicon Market is segmented broadly into Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Asia Pacific. The global market is still in its exploratory stage in most of the regions but it holds the promising potential to flourish steadily in coming years. The major companies investing in this market are situated in Canada, U.K., and the US, India, China and some more countries of Asia Pacific region. Consequently, Asia Pacific, North America, and Western Europe are estimated to hold more than half of the market shares, collectively in coming years.Know more about this Report @The research report profiles the players and offers a detailed report about the competitive landscape present in the global High Magnetic Induction Grain-oriented Silicon market. Additionally, the report also includes a Porters five forces analysis, which examines the threat of the new entrants, the bargaining power of buyers and suppliers, and the intensity of the competitive rivalry. The report also discusses the business and marketing strategies likely to be implemented by these in the coming few years.In the concluding divisions of the report, the manufacturers responsible for increasing the sales in the  High Magnetic Induction Grain-oriented Silicon Market have been presented. These manufacturers have been analyzed in terms of their manufacturing base, basic information, and competitors. In addition, the technology and product type introduced by each of these manufacturers also form a key part of this section of the report.Table of Content:Global High Magnetic Induction Grain-oriented Silicon Market Research Report 2018-2023Chapter 1 Global High Magnetic Induction Grain-oriented Silicon Market OverviewChapter 2 Global Economic ImpactChapter 3 Competition by ManufacturerChapter 4 Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2018-2023)Chapter 5 Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2018-2023)Chapter 6 Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by TypeChapter 7 Analysis by ApplicationChapter 8 Manufacturing Cost AnalysisChapter 9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream BuyersChapter 10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/TradersChapter 11 Market Effect Factors AnalysisChapter 12 Market Forecast (2018-2023)Chapter 13 AppendixAbout QYReports:We at QYReports, a leading market research report publisher cater to more than 4,000 prestigious clients worldwide meeting their customized research requirements in terms of market data size and its application. Our list of customers includes renowned Chinese companies multinational companies, SMEs and private equity firms. Our business study covers a market size of over 30 industries offering you accurate, in depth and reliable market insight, industry analysis and structure. We specialize in forecasts needed for investing in an and execution of a new project globally and in Chinese markets.Contact:The Work Lab,FC Road, Pune, MH, India411016
Mainframe Market Is expected to witness substantial growth during Forecast by 2023

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Global Mainframe Market Research Report 2018 and is available for sale on the company website. The report forecasts the global market to expand at a steady pace over the next few years. The moderate growth observed by the market will be propelled by the gradual shift of consumers towards the latest technological inventions, as it makes an excellent source.Get Sample Copy of this Report @:With all the information congregated and examined using SWOT analysis, there is a vivacious picture of the competitive landscape of the Global Mainframe Market. Opportunities for future market growth were discovered and preoccupied competitive risks likewise surfaced. The inferences and inclinations of this market were considered and it demonstrates that there was a renowned strategic direction observed. By grasping the market foundation and using the determined standards, methodlogies, and inclinations of other driving markets for references, market data was understood.The Global Mainframe Market is segmented with the presence of many international and regional players. Competition in this market is intense and is further anticipated to escalate in the years to come as the demand will rise within the next few years. It is expected that new technologies will play a key role in defining the growth of the market across the globe.A rise in the varieties of management solutions from both leading and new companies is expected to create new growth opportunities for the Mainframe industry in the coming few years. The entry of new companies is predicted to make the industry competitive in the next five years. The industry is highly competitive and fragmented as the top three players are predicted to dominate with their new developments.For enquiry before buying visit:The report covers vast data pertaining to the vendor landscape of the Global Mainframe Market. Covering data pertaining to recent developments in the market in terms of products and services, the introduction of new product varieties, leading vendors, and crucial new vendors trying to penetrate the market. The report also includes results obtained from the market attractiveness analysis and analyzes business profiles of some of the leading companies operating in the global market. Information thus included in the report is intended to help the existing and new market players in formulating effective business plans and strategiesTable of Content:Global Mainframe Market Research Report 2017-2022Chapter 1 Mainframe OverviewChapter 2 Global Economic ImpactChapter 3 Competition by ManufacturerChapter 4 Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2017-2021)Chapter 5 Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2017-2021)Chapter 6 Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by TypeChapter 7 Analysis by ApplicationChapter 8 Manufacturing Cost AnalysisChapter 9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream BuyersChapter 10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/TradersChapter 11 Market Effect Factors AnalysisChapter 12 Market Forecast (2017-2021)Chapter 13 AppendixGet Discount Report:About Research N Reports:Research N Reports is a new age market research firm where we focus on providing information that can be effectively applied. Today being a consumer driven market, companies require information to deal with the complex and dynamic world of choices. Where relying on a sound board firm for your decisions becomes crucial. Research N Reports specializes in industry analysis, market forecasts and as a result getting quality reports covering all verticals, whether be it gaining perspective on current market conditions or being ahead in the cut throat Global competition. Since we excel at business research to help businesses grow, we also offer consulting as an extended arm to our services which only helps us gain more insight into current trends and problems. Consequently we keep evolving as an all-rounder provider of viable information under one roof.Sunny Denis10916, Gold Point Dr, Houston, TX, Pin - 77064,(Sales Manager),+1-8886316977,sales@researchnreports.com ,
Loudspeaker Unit Market Overview, Segmentation & Competitive Landscape by Focusing on Top Key Vendors: Foster, Panasonic, Pioneer, Meiloon, Alpine, Sonavox, GGEC etc.

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The report, titled Global Loudspeaker Unit Market. The report on the global market offers an elaborate assessment of key drivers and restraints, emerging trends, notable opportunities, prominent business use cases, and recent technological advancements. The research presents a thorough insight into the share and size of various types of lucrative avenues, and competitive landscape.Top Key Vendors: Foster, Panasonic, Pioneer, Meiloon, Alpine, Sonavox, GGEC, Eastern Technologies, HSAE, ESTec, P.Audio, Jiefu, Oxtop, Jingli, Hivi, Hornsonic, Saiway, Edifier etc.The report offers a fundamental overview of the Global Loudspeaker Unit Market. It includes definitions, product specifications, classification, and applications of the global market. The study also comprises an industry chain analysis and an industry overview of the major regions and their status in the global market.Get Sample Copy @The next section of the report analyzes the development plans and policies, manufacturing process, and product cost structure of the Loudspeaker Unit market. The report specifically focuses on the leading regions and manufacturers engaged in the production of consumer devices along with the analysis of the competitive landscape, development trends, and prime regions status of development. The report also contains information such as company profiles, product specification and picture, production capacity, cost, revenue, and gross profit margin.The report profiles the key market players which are dominant in the global Loudspeaker Unit market. It also provides essential information about leading companies, such as product specification, financial overview, business overview, contact information, and recent developments. The list of figures provided in the table of content has mentioned all of the statistical representations of the market offered in the report.On the basis of geographical regions, the Global Loudspeaker Unit Market is segmented broadly into Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Asia Pacific. The global market is still in its exploratory stage in most of the regions but it holds the promising potential to flourish steadily in coming years. The major companies investing in this market are situated in Canada, U.K., and the US, India, China and some more countries of Asia Pacific region. Consequently, Asia Pacific, North America, and Western Europe are estimated to hold more than half of the market shares, collectively in coming years.Know more about this Report @The research report profiles the players and offers a detailed report about the competitive landscape present in the global Loudspeaker Unit market. Additionally, the report also includes a Porters five forces analysis, which examines the threat of the new entrants, the bargaining power of buyers and suppliers, and the intensity of the competitive rivalry. The report also discusses the business and marketing strategies likely to be implemented by these in the coming few years.In the concluding divisions of the report, the manufacturers responsible for increasing the sales in the Loudspeaker Unit Market have been presented. These manufacturers have been analyzed in terms of their manufacturing base, basic information, and competitors. In addition, the technology and product type introduced by each of these manufacturers also form a key part of this section of the report.Table of Content:Global Loudspeaker Unit Market Research Report 2017-2022Chapter 1 Global Loudspeaker Unit Market OverviewChapter 2 Global Economic ImpactChapter 3 Competition by ManufacturerChapter 4 Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2017-2022)Chapter 5 Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2017-2022)Chapter 6 Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by TypeChapter 7 Analysis by ApplicationChapter 8 Manufacturing Cost AnalysisChapter 9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream BuyersChapter 10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/TradersChapter 11 Market Effect Factors AnalysisChapter 12 Market Forecast (2017-2022)Chapter 13 AppendixAbout QYReports:We at, QYReports , a leading market research report publisher accommodate more than 4,000 celebrated clients worldwide putting them at advantage in todays competitive world with our understanding of research. Our list of customers include prestigious Chinese companies, multinational companies, SME's and private equity firms whom we have helped grow and sustain with our fact-based research. Our business study covers a market size of over 30 industries offering unfailing insights into analysis to reimagine your business. We specialize in forecasts needed for investing in a new project, to revolutionize your business, to become more customer centric and improve the quality of output.Contact:QYReportsJones John(Sales Manager)+91-9764607607sales@qyreports.com
Polycaprolactone Market Trends,Outlook and Opportunity Report | 2026

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As polycaprolactone is a biodegradable polymer that continues to witness significant demand for the production of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Wide application of TPU in various industries including medical device, painting, automotive industry, construction industry and packaging industry. Attributed to high degree of resistance to grease and oil, polycaprolactone is largely preferred over the other biodegradable polymers such as polyhydroxyalkanoates and polylactide (PLA). In addition, resistance to high elasticity and high abrasion has continued to boost sales of polycaprolactone among the TPU manufacturers globally.Read Report Overview @According to Transparency Market Research, the global polycaprolactone market is expected to represent a value of over US$ 300 Mn by the end of 2026.Demand for easy to manufacture and inexpensive drug delivery devices continues to increase among the end users. However, use of polycaprolactone in the implantable drug-delivery systems poses significant challenges such as low load bearing and slow rate of degradation features. Manufacturers of the medical devices are focusing on addressing these challenges and developing improved medical devices. Approval from FDA to use polycaprolactone in specific applications including sutures and drug delivery is expected to impact growth of the global market positively. As the need for wound dressing, surgical drapes, general purpose tubing, injection-molded devices and hospital bedding arises, demand for polyurethane continues to remain high in the healthcare industry.Researchers are also focusing on introducing innovative techniques in order to lower the cost of polycaprolactone. Demand for the polycaprolactone pellets continue to remain high as it is increasingly used for the production of 3D printer extruder, filaments and plastics. As the cost of pellets continue to remain low as compared to microsphere and nanosphere, demand for pellet form of polycaprolactone continue to witness high sales.With the growing demand to maintain lower noise levels in the commercial properties, builders are increasingly turning to rigid polyurethane foams. The polyurethane foams are effective insulation materials that are used by the builders while constructing roof, wall, doors and windows insulation. Demand for polyurethane foams will further remain bound to increasing production of the air barrier sealants globally.Builders are increasingly using polyurethane during the construction process as it allows preservation of the environment by reducing the usage of energy and conserving the natural resources. Growing need for enhanced versatility, durability, insulation properties and strength-to-weight ratios has revved up sales of the polycaprolactone in the global market. Application of polycaprolactone also allows design flexibility during the remodeling projects and new homes. These factors will continue to propel growth of the global polycaprolactone market.With the growing need to seal and encapsulate various pressure-sensitive microelectronic components, demand for polyurethane continues to rev up in the global market. As requirement for resistance against extreme temperature in the electronic components arises, manufacturers increasingly opt for polyurethane produced with polycaprolactone. Resistance to abrasion and tear resistance has led to increasing demand to incorporate rigid polyurethane foams that helps in insulating boats from extreme noise and temperature. Transportation of the major industrial components, medical diagnostic equipment, electronics and delicate glassware in a safe and protective manner continues to rev up demand for the production of polyurethane packaging foam.Growing need to manufacture various products will continue to boost sales of polycaprolactone pellet form in the global market. On the basis of form, the pellets segment is expected to represent the highest revenue growth, accounting for a value of over US$ 40 Mn by the end of 2017. On the other hand, the nanosphere form segment is expected to register the highest CAGR through 2026.Based on application type, the thermoplastic polyurethane segment is expected to generate significant revenues, recording a value of over US$ 30 Mn by the end of 2026. However, the dental implant application type segment is expected to register a robust CAGR during the forecast period.Request to view Sample Report:Leading market players operating in the global polycaprolactone market include Perstorp Holdings A.B., Daicel Corporation, Shenzen Esun, Corbion, Shenzhen Polymtek Biomaterial, BASF SE, Durect Corporation, Haihang Industries Co., Ltd. and Polysciences, Inc.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.ContactTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
New Market Research Report Announced on Electric Vehicle (EV) Chargers Market ; Global Industry Analysis 2018  2022

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Albany, NY, 4th January : Recent research and the current scenario as well as future market potential of "Global Electric Vehicle (EV) Chargers Sales Market Report 2017" globally.In this report, the global Electric Vehicle (EV) Chargers 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.Get PDF for more Professional and Technical insights @Geographically, this report split global into several key Regions, with sales (K Units), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of Electric Vehicle (EV) Chargers for these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringUnited StatesChinaEuropeJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaView Complete TOC with tables & Figures @Global Electric Vehicle (EV) Chargers market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Electric Vehicle (EV) Chargers sales volume, Price (USD/Unit), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingABB LtdRobert Bosch GmbHSiemens AGDelphi AutomotiveChroma ATEAerovironment IncSilicon LaboratoriesChargemaster PLCSchaffner Holdings AGPOD PointOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoOn-Board ChargersOff-Board ChargersBrowse Report @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 for each application, includingBattery Electric Vehicles (BEV)Plug-In Electric Vehicles (PHEV)Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV)ResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,90 State Street, Albany NY, United States - 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn @Follow me on :
Global Print Server Market 2018-2023 D-Link, Phihong, Startech

Print Server Market

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Print Server Market Research 2018A market study "Global Print Server Market" examines the performance of the Print Server market 2018. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Print Server market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Print Server market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Print Server Market 2018 report includes Print Server market Revenue, market Share, Print Server industry volume, market Trends, Print Server Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Print Server Price during the Forecast period from 2018 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Print Server Market 2018 : D-Link Brother International Phihong Startech Dymo TP-Link Konnect AXIS HP Intellinet Startech EdimaxPrint Server Market : By ApplicationApplication 1Application 2Print Server Market : By TypeType IType IIFirstly, the report covers the top Print Server manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Print Server report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Print Server industry, Print Server industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Print Server Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Full Report Here:The Print Server research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Print Server market revenue worldwide.Finally, Print Server market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Spire Market Research" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.5001 Spring Valley Road,Suite 400 East,Dallas, TX 75244, USAContact: +1-214-661-1669Web:
Fungicides Market Strategies and Forecasts 2025

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Fungicides are chemical agents that are used for destroying and inhibiting growth of fungi and fungal spores. The product helps in controlling and prevention of disease and increasing crop productivity. It also improves the storage quality of harvested fruit and products. Few of the examples of fungicides that are available in the market and are efficient are mancozeb, chlorothalonil, metalaxyl, strobilurin and others.Read Report Overview @Based upon product type, fungicides market has been segmented into mancozeb, chlorothalonil, metalaxyl, strobilurin and others. Strobilurin accounted for major share of fungicides market compared to mancozeb, chlorothalonil and metalaxyl in terms of volume. The product finds major share in the market across the globe followed by chlorothalonil and others. Mancozeb is cheaper compared to other fungicide products and the demand is observed to be high in Europe and Asia Pacific region.Based upon crop type, fungicides market have been segmented into fruits & vegetables, oilseeds & pulses, cereals & grains and others (triazoles and benzimidazoles). Fruits & vegetables are the major crop type for the fungicides market. The fruits & vegetables segment held prominent share of the global market in 2016. Due to rise in per capita income, GDP and disposable income of the people the preference of the consumer has shifted towards consumption of quality food. Production of fruits and vegetable has increased steadily since the beginning of this decade owing to rising demand for fruits and vegetables across the globe. Fruits and vegetables are known to be rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and roughage in addition to polyphenols and antioxidants. Fungicides helps in curing and preventing the diseases thus enhancing fruit yield and quality, thus improving the overall plant health in the process. Growing demand for fruits & vegetables and oilseeds & pulses in the Asia Pacific region is contributing to the expansion of agrochemicals, especially fungicides. Rapid technological advancement in the sectors like agriculture and allied industries has highly impacted practices for conventional agriculture of irrigation and fumigation.Asia Pacific region is one of the prominent regions of the global fungicides market. It held major share, in terms of volume, of the global market in 2016. The fungicides market in Asia Pacific is anticipated to expand at a fast pace during the forecast period due to the rise in standard of living and growth in population in the region. Europe and Latin America along with North America follow Asia Pacific. The fungicides market in Middle East & Africa held lower share in 2016. The fungicides market in these regions is estimated to expand at an average pace during the forecast period. Rapid expansion in population has increased food security concerns. Underdeveloped and developing countries still lack proper infrastructure for storage and distribution of food grains and edible agriculture produce. Significant rise in yield is possible through the usage of agrochemicals such as fungicides; therefore, the fungicide market is anticipated to expand at a rapid pace. Governments across the world are promoting the use of agrochemicals such as fungicides to secure food supply for their citizens.Request to view Sample Report:Key manufacturers operating in the global fungicides market are BASF SE, Bayer CropScience AG, DowDupont Inc., Syngenta AG and others.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.ContactTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Patient Monitoring Equipment Market exploring future growth and trends by 2018-2022 : Philips, General Electric, Drager And Nihon Kohden

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Albany, NY, 4th January : Recent research and the current scenario as well as future market potential of "Patient Monitoring Equipment: Market Shares, Strategies, and Forecasts, Worldwide, 2016 to 2022" globally.The 2016 study has 615 pages, 365 tables and figures. Worldwide Patient Monitoring markets are poised to achieve significant growth as a resurgence in tracking vital signs extends from the intensive care unit ICU and emergency department to all areas of the hospital, to patient transport venues, and to home outpatient treatment locations.Get PDF for more Professional and Technical insights @The patient monitoring platform is modular, integrating various components. Modular systems are developed in the context of consideration of probable specifications for the interaction of system components. Patient Monitoring systems are making a market resurgence because smaller, lighter, wireless units are less costly and more valuable in the context of treatment evaluations and recommendations. People who have cardiac or respiratory difficulty have more treatment options, making more extensive patient monitoring useful.Designs take into consideration users with mild, moderate, and severe chronic disease condition restrictions. Users come from chronic disease groups and older age groups.The core of a patient monitoring platform is an integration of separate vital signs detection sensors that form a system that supports adapting to numerous clinical requirements. Modules implement ways to determine patient condition. Market driving forces for multi-parameter and specialized vital signs patient monitors relate to more societal willingness to pay for vigilance, an increase in vigilance of sick people at risk. Cardiac and respiratory symptoms are measured as vital sign shifts by patient monitors.Symptoms are represented by shifts in vital sign monitoring that measures disease conditions impacted deterioration of patient well-being. The monitoring is frequently done in conjunction with blood work.There is a lot of complexity in determining the meaning of the patient monitor vital signs measurements. Shortness of breath is a common symptom of cardiac disease. It is frequently misdiagnosed as a respiratory symptom or ignored by patients and is not even considered a symptom.View Complete TOC with tables & Figures @Vital signs monitoring is a way to get a window into patient condition that can provide alerts when a small change signals a possible shift in patient condition. Hospital cardiac patient monitoring technology is a vital aid in providing treatment for severely ill patients.Alerts can be used to take action before a patient gets even more seriously ill. Hospital and outpatient cardiac patient monitoring can detect arrhythmias and get people to treatment faster before it is too late to correct heart failure. Early detection of a problem in the home is a way to avoid a hospital stay. Appropriate treatment of chronic conditions is difficult and is essential to helping people protect quality of life after recovery from a serious illness.Revitalization of patient monitor markets is occurring because units are smaller, less costly, and more useful across a variety of venues. Patient monitoring is moving toward the ability to help with wellness and to participate in the wearables markets. As people shift resource toward medical treatment, patient monitoring equipment becomes a priority.Lifestyle is supported by patient monitoring products that support earlier detection of disease conditions. Increasing market share has been achieved by providing value to the clinicians. The technical expertise of the sales force, the effectiveness of the distribution system, the strength of the dealers, and the availability of prompt and reliable service for products when addressed are able to help patient monitor vendors achieve competitive advantage.Patient monitor markets at $11 billion in 2015 are anticipated to reach $26.2 billion by 2022. Strong growth is predicated on the increasing reliance on multi-parameter patient monitors in every bed of the hospital, in multiple areas of specialized clinics, and in many rehab centers.Market growth occurs with the expansion of multi-parameter patient monitors connected to a central station beyond the intensive care unit to all floors of a hospital. Clinical care depends on monitoring. Vital signs monitors transmit data wirelessly directly to the electronic patient record, generating alerts if data is outside preset parameters. Patient monitors are expanding the use base in the hospital and expanding use in rehab centers, clinical settings, and home.Browse Report @Companies ProfiledMarket LeadersPhilipsGeneral Electric (GE)DragerNihon KohdenFukuda DenshiHill-Rom / Welch AllynMindray MedicalOSI / SpacelabsResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,90 State Street, Albany NY, United States - 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn @Follow me on :
Insulation Tape Market Overview & Industry Landscape by Focusing On Top Key Vendors: Tesa (Beiersdorf AG), Nitto, IPG, Scapa, Saint Gobin (CHR), Four Pillars, H-Old, Plymouth, Teraoka, Wurth, Shushi, Yongle, Yongguan adhesive

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The report, titled Global Insulation Tape Market. The report on the global market offers an elaborate assessment of key drivers and restraints, emerging trends, notable opportunities, prominent business use cases, and recent technological advancements. The research presents a thorough insight into the market share and size of various types of lucrative avenues, and competitive landscape.This report studies Insulation Tape in Global market, especially in North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan and India, with production, revenue, consumption, import and export in these regions, from 2013 to 2018, and forecast to 2023.Top Key Vendors:3M, Achem (YC Group), Tesa (Beiersdorf AG), Nitto, IPG, Scapa, Saint Gobin (CHR), Four Pillars, H-Old, Plymouth, Teraoka, Wurth, Shushi, Yongle, Yongguan adhesive, Sincere, Denka, Furukawa ElectricGet Sample Copy @The report offers a fundamental overview of the Global Insulation Tape Market. It includes definitions, product specifications, classification, and applications of the global market. The study also comprises an industry chain analysis and an industry overview of the major regions and their status in the global market.The next section of the report analyzes the development plans and policies, manufacturing process, and product cost structure of the Insulation Tape market. The report specifically focuses on the leading regions and manufacturers engaged in the production of consumer devices along with the analysis of the competitive landscape, development trends, and prime regions status of development. The report also contains information such as company profiles, product specification and picture, production capacity, cost, revenue, and gross profit margin.The report profiles the key market players which are dominant in the global Insulation Tape market. It also provides essential information about leading companies, such as product specification, financial overview, business overview, contact information, and recent developments. The list of figures provided in the table of content has mentioned all of the statistical representations of the market offered in the report.On the basis of geographical regions, the Global Insulation Tape Market is segmented broadly into Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Asia Pacific. The global market is still in its exploratory stage in most of the regions but it holds the promising potential to flourish steadily in coming years. The major companies investing in this market are situated in Canada, U.K., and the US, India, China and some more countries of Asia Pacific region. Consequently, Asia Pacific, North America, and Western Europe are estimated to hold more than half of the market shares, collectively in coming years.Know more about this Report @The research report profiles the players and offers a detailed report about the competitive landscape present in the global Insulation Tape market. Additionally, the report also includes a Porters five forces analysis, which examines the threat of the new entrants, the bargaining power of buyers and suppliers, and the intensity of the competitive rivalry. The report also discusses the business and marketing strategies likely to be implemented by these in the coming few years.In the concluding divisions of the report, the manufacturers responsible for increasing the sales in the  Insulation Tape Market have been presented. These manufacturers have been analyzed in terms of their manufacturing base, basic information, and competitors. In addition, the technology and product type introduced by each of these manufacturers also form a key part of this section of the report.Table of Content:Global Insulation Tape Market Research Report 2018-2023Chapter 1 Global Insulation Tape Market OverviewChapter 2 Global Economic ImpactChapter 3 Competition by ManufacturerChapter 4 Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2018-2023)Chapter 5 Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2018-2023)Chapter 6 Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by TypeChapter 7 Analysis by ApplicationChapter 8 Manufacturing Cost AnalysisChapter 9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream BuyersChapter 10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/TradersChapter 11 Market Effect Factors AnalysisChapter 12 Market Forecast (2018-2023)Chapter 13 AppendixAbout QYReports:We at QYReports, a leading market research report publisher cater to more than 4,000 prestigious clients worldwide meeting their customized research requirements in terms of market data size and its application. Our list of customers includes renowned Chinese companies multinational companies, SMEs and private equity firms. Our business study covers a market size of over 30 industries offering you accurate, in depth and reliable market insight, industry analysis and structure. We specialize in forecasts needed for investing in an and execution of a new project globally and in Chinese markets.Contact:The Work Lab,FC Road, Pune, MH, India411016
Squamous Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Market Trends Expected to Emerge and Grow During 2017 - 2025a

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Lung cancer can be broadly classified into two categories such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Non-small cell lung cancer can be further classified into adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. Squamous non-small cancer develops from the cells lining the airways and is found near the center of the lungs in one of the main airways. Non-small cell lung cancer globally accounts for 85% to 90% of lung cancer, in which adenocarcinoma and squamous cell cancers are responsible for approximately 40% and 30%, respectively. Prominent symptoms of squamous non-small cell lung cancer include excessive coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath, chest pain, and occurrence of blood in sputum. Many physicians misunderstood this disease with collapsed lungs or pneumonia. The disease usually takes longer time to develop from confined tumors to invasive cancer. Primary diagnostic technique comprises sputum test, bronchoscopy, MRI scan, needle biopsy, and CT scan among others. In Australia, squamous non-small cell lung cancer is a common type of lung cancer accounting for 29% of total cases of lung cancer.Read Report Overview:A key factor leading to squamous non-small cell lung cancer is smoking. Besides smoking, secondary risk factors comprise family history, age, and occupational hazards such as minerals and metal dust or exposure to asbestos or radon. Cancer stage detection is a crucial aspect for deterring the patients treatment plan. Stage 1 detection is when the squamous cell cancer is small and confined to the lungs, and stage 4 detection is when the tumors have spread beyond tissues and organs near the lungs. Stages between 2 and 3 describe the conditions in between these two extremes. When the squamous non-small cell lung cancer spreads, it may travel to the liver, adrenal glands, bone, brain, and small intestine. Clinical trials and researches conducted by major players are the key growth attributors of the global squamous non-small cell lung cancer market. Some of the prominent pipelined drugs in the market include apatorsen from OncoGenex Pharmaceuticals, famitinib maleate by Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine Co., dacomitinib from Pfizer, etc.Geographically, in terms of revenue and clinical trials are primarily contributed by the developed economic countries such as North America and European countries. Pertaining to government support, research funding and awareness among people with respect to squamous non-small cell lung cancer are some of the key drivers for the developed economic countries. Asia Pacific is a promising region for the squamous non-small cell lung cancer market. In India, approximately 63,000 new lung cancer cases are reported every year and, astonishingly, a significant proportion of these are patients who have no history in smoking. Among female patients, the prime cause of squamous non-small cell lung cancer is regular exposure to smoke from wood or other substitutes for cooking food. Apart from this occupational health hazards are another prime reason for step rise in female lung cancer in Asian countries. Latin America and African countries in terms of revenue is still at nascent stage but due reforms in healthcare infrastructure, lot of pharmaceutical giants have stated focusing on establishing and increasing customer base in the Middle-East countries as well.Download Brochure of Report:Key players in the squamous non-small cell lung cancer market include AstraZeneca plc, Eli Lilly and Company, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., OncoGenex Pharmaceuticals, Novartis International AG, and Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH.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 us:Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a U.S.-based 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 us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global Perlite and Vermiculite Market Compititive Analysis 2017

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Perlite and Vermiculite Market Research Report 2017" to its huge collection of research reports.A newly added research report about the global market for Perlite and Vermiculite produces a 360-degree overview of it. The report brings to the fore important details and elucidates every aspect expected to mold its path going forward. It sheds light on stimulants and deterrents affecting the market. It also provides a quantitative and qualitative description of their expected impact on the market over the course of the forecast period. The primary intent is to help key stakeholders comprehend the dynamics and calculate their moves accordingly.The various segments of the global market for Perlite and Vermiculite have been discussed carefully at length. The various application segments, product segments, and end user segments have been discussed in the report, leveraging historical and current figures. Leveraging both primary and secondary research, the report arrives at growth figures for each of the segments. This enables it to find out the global market for Perlite and Vermiculites growth prospects. This helps to furnish a granular overview of the market for Perlite and Vermiculite and the areas where main opportunities lie.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @A thorough examination of the competitive landscape of the global market for Perlite and Vermiculite has also been provided in the report. Prominent participants in the global market for Perlite and Vermiculite have been examined and data pertaining to their sales and revenues, among other things, have been presented. The report examines their strengths and weaknesses. This report has been prepared carefully with data gathered through primary and secondary research methods.The primary intention of the report is to help the companies operating in the global market for Perlite and Vermiculite to gain an insight into the current market dynamics, including opportunities and pitfalls that would enable them to strategize sagaciously. To do, it deploys analytical tools to understand the competitive landscape at present.Table of ContentsGlobal Perlite and Vermiculite Market Research Report 20171 Perlite and Vermiculite Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Perlite and Vermiculite1.2 Perlite and Vermiculite Segment by Type1.2.1 Global Production Market Share of Perlite and Vermiculite by Type in 20151.2.2 Powder ProductsAccess the Report and full TOC @2 Global Perlite and Vermiculite Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Perlite and Vermiculite Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.2 Global Perlite and Vermiculite Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.3 Global Perlite and Vermiculite Average Price by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.4 Manufacturers Perlite and Vermiculite Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Perlite and Vermiculite Market Competitive Situation and Trends3 Global Perlite and Vermiculite Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)3.1 Global Perlite and Vermiculite Capacity and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.2 Global Perlite and Vermiculite Production and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.3 Global Perlite and Vermiculite Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)Check Discount @List of Tables and FiguresFigure Picture of Perlite and VermiculiteFigure Global Production Market Share of Perlite and Vermiculite by Type in 2015Figure Product Picture of Powder ProductsTable Major Manufacturers of Powder ProductsFigure Product Picture of Flakes ProductsFigure China Perlite and Vermiculite Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Japan Perlite and Vermiculite Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)About Us:QYResearchReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYResearchReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us:1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Specialty Surfactants Market

Latest DevelopmentsGrowing personal care industry in emerging economies and increasing purchasing power of middle class are fuelling the growth of the specialty surfactants market. While stringent environmental regulations regarding the manufacturing of specialty surfactants are hindering the growth of this market.Market InsightsAnionic surfactants is poised to account for the largest market share in 2016 and owing to the increased use of green surfactants amphoteric surfactants have registered the highest CAGR. Personal care is the largest segment by end-user industry during the forecast period. Asia-pacific dominates the global specialty surfactants market throughout the forecasted period fuelled by its large middle-class. North America is forecasted to be second only to Asia-pacific in terms of production.Get the Full Report Here: Global Specialty Surfactants MarketThe major segmentation in the report includes the market estimates by Application such as wetting agents, emulsifiers, dispersants, foaming agents and stabilizers. Specialty surfactants are used in many industries such as personal care, house hold, industry & institutional cleaning, food & beverage, oil & gas, agriculture, plastics, paints & coatings. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the specialty surfactants market across different geographical regions viz. North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa along with further country-wise segmentation. It also includes competitive vendor landscape while considering major companies such as Akzo Nobel N.V. Arkema, Ashland, BASF SE, Clariant , DuPont, Evonik Industries AG, GEO, Huntsman International LLC, Innospec , Libra Speciality Chemicals Limited, P&G Chemicals, Pilot Chemical Corp., Stepan Company, The Dow Chemical CompanyAbout Mordor IntelligenceMordor Intelligence is a market intelligence and business advisory firm. The company operates in the business of industry analysis & consulting, in over 16 verticals. In todays fast-paced and competitive business environment, every customer has unique information requirements. With an eye to such requirements, Mordor offers custom market intelligence and advisory services along with syndicated reports, to help them gain an edge over the competition. The company has successfully catered to over 500 (40% of whom are Fortune 500) clients, since 2013.For more information mail us at: info@mordorintelligence.comMordor Intelligence is a market research and consulting firm with expertise in accurate research and analysis.9,000+ comprehensive reports across 60+ industry segments. Trusted by 300+ brands across the globe.5th Floor, Brigade Towers, Financial District, Gachibowli, Hyderabad - 500032, India
FAIE INNOVATION AWARD 2018

FAIE Innovation Award 2018

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For hundreds of years, humanity has passed on from generation to generation valuable knowledge about the agricultural economy. Farmers from around the world work in various conditions, using a variety of methods and techniques. Every day they prove their dexterity, knowledge and ability to adapt. However, the climate and global changes of our era pose new challenges to them more often than ever before.Progress is not only taking place in the fields of technology, medicine or digitization.Agriculture in particular is undergoing enormous development processes. These changes are increasingly encouraging female and male farmers to reach for almost forgotten knowledge again, to optimize it and to integrate it into modern farming practices. Others, in turn, follow completely new and untypical ways.All with the common goal: to secure, also in the future, high quality food products for healthy and tasty nutrition and deliver natural resources.As a company with traditions, we have been supplying farmers throughout Europe since 1964. We also always track demand and inventions. During this time, we met many ingenious inventions, ideas and concepts and in accordance with FAIE's corporate philosophy, "Quality is not a coincidence" it is another reason for us to bring the award for innovation to life.We grant the FAIE Innovation Award to engaged farmers who are able to breathe a new life into their farm using innovative concepts, new ideas, technical inventions, new products, unique sales strategies, extraordinary services or special quality. We distinguish such farmers who are a model for next generations and thus they encourage others also to venture unusual steps and follow new routes in the future.It should not be forgotten that often small things in life lead to creation of something big.FAIE cordially invites you and all female and male farmers from Europe to apply for the FAIE Innovation Award. Inspire others with your project as a pioneer and help to pave the ways for future farming.Objective: Support for exemplary, future-oriented concepts including continuous progress in agriculture with taking into account profitability and long-term sustainability.he honour with the FAIE Innovation Award is enriched with a cash prize in the total amount of  10,000. -1st place  5,000.-2nd place  3,000.-3rd place  2,000. -The winners from among the nominated participants will be decorated and presented within the framework of the FAIE Innovation Celebration on the occasion of the "Innovation Day in Agriculture" on September 9, 2018 in Wels. All farmers who run a farm or farming enterprise in Europe and are of legal age are eligible to participate. Young farmers may and should naturally submit a project as well (in such case, however, we need an attached statement of consent by a guardian).Find more details, FAIE INNOVATION AWARD APPLICATION FORM and FAIE Innovation Award PARTICIPATION CONDITIONS:As a company with traditions, we have been supplying farmers throughout Europe since 1964. We also always track demand and inventions. During this time, we met many ingenious inventions, ideas and concepts and in accordance with FAIE's corporate philosophy, "Quality is not a coincidence" it is another reason for us to bring the award for innovation to life.FAIE HandelsgesmbHDep. InnovationHandelsstrae 94844 RegauAUSTRIA
Forecast on Bone Densitometers Market for the Period 2016 - 2024

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The global bone densitometers market has been forecasted by Transparency Market Research (TMR) to testify a predominant lead secured by prominent enterprises such as Hologic, Inc. and GE Healthcare. In 2015, both these players accounted for a close to 70.0% of the overall share in aggregate. At present, top-level businesses dealing with bone densitometers could fortify their status in the industry by concentrating on technological developments and innovations. The competition in the market has been projected to propel further in future as it could already be tellingly high in the current scenario.Browse Premium Industry Research Report with Analysis:As per the forecast figures calculated by TMR, the global bone densitometers market has been projected to gain an around US$1.11 bn by 2024 from US$0.84 bn in 2015. The analysts have estimated a CAGR of 3.10% for the forecast timeframe 20162024. According to technology, the market for axial bone densitometry could stay dominant in future, considering its larger share of an over 65.0% in 2015. North America has been envisioned to finish at the top of the table by the concluding forecast year after registering an approximate 44.0% share in 2015.The authors of a recent TMR report have foreseen the world bone densitometers market to witness a staggering growth to take shape on the back of a rising need to accurately diagnose various types of bone disorders. The rising count of patients suffering from bone-related diseases such as deficiency of vitamin D and arthritis has been prophesied to augur well for the demand for bone densitometers. This could optimistically impact the growth of the market in the near future. A substantial degree of demand has been envisaged to be witnessed in the market as the incidence of osteoporosis in postmenopausal females sees a surge besides the growth of geriatric population.Request for Sample Copy of Report:More opportunities have been predicted to take birth in the world bone densitometers market with the emergence of portable devices and developing preference for cost containment measures. Emerging markets such as India, Japan, Brazil, and China could create prospects in future with the increasing recognition and availability of bone densitometers and their technological development. India has been expected to be a prominent Asia Pacific market, considering its increasing public and private investments in life sciences research.During their tenure in the international bone densitometers market, players could find challenges in the form of restricted access to diagnostic tools and equipment in remote locations. However, the magnifying awareness among end users about the benefits of early diagnosis of diseases has been prognosticated to bring up favorable prospects in the market. North America could contribute at a handsome rate in the market while riding on the presence of promising reimbursement policies for diagnosing osteoporosis. One of the trends that has been anticipated to benefit the market is the emergence of hospitals as a prominent diagnostic and devices hub for bone densitometers. However, there could also be opportunities arising from the high-paced growth of diagnostic centers boasting of well-equipped infrastructure, access to various medical facilities, and an elevating preference from patients.Purchase this Report: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. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use 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.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Latest Report Details Of Global Online Takeaway Food Delivery Market: Size, Trends & Forecasts 2016-2020

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Research Report on "Global Online Takeaway Food Delivery Market: Size, Trends & Forecasts (2016-2020)".The main objective of this report is to define, describe, and forecast the global Online Takeaway Food Delivery market on the basis of types of applications, major sectors, deployment models, organization size, and regions. The report contains an analysis of the major factors influencing the growth of the market (drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges). It aims to strategically analyze the micromarkets with respect to individual growth trends, prospects, and their contribution to the market. The report attempts to forecast the market size for 5 major regions, namely, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA), and Latin America. It contains key vendor profiles and comprehensively analyzes their core competencies. The report also tracks and analyzes competitive developments, including partnerships, collaborations, acquisitions, new product developments, and R&D activities in the market.Get Sample Copy Of This Report @ Scope of the ReportThe report titled Global Online Takeaway Food Delivery Market: Size, Trends & Forecasts (2016-2020), provides an in-depth analysis of the global online takeaway food delivery market by value and by penetration rate. The report also gives an insight of the global food services market and takeaway food delivery market.The report provides a regional analysis of the online takeaway food delivery market, including the following regions: US, Canada, UK, Australia, Denmark, Italy, Spain and France.The report also assesses the key opportunities in the market and outlines the factors that are and will be driving the growth of the industry. Growth of the overall global online takeaway food delivery market has also been forecasted for the period 2016-2020, taking into consideration the previous growth patterns, the growth drivers and the current and future trends.The competition in the global online takeaway food delivery market is fragmented with several new players emerging in the industry. However, key players of the online takeaway food delivery market, Just Eat, GrubHub and Rocket Internet (Foodpanda and Deliver Hero) are profiled with their financial information and respective business strategies.Country CoverageUSCanadaUKAustraliaDenmarkItalySpainFranceView Report @Company CoverageJust EatGrubHubRocket Internet (Foodpanda and Deliver Hero)Executive SummaryThe food services industry is experiencing a revolution. Even the food delivery market is undergoing a dynamic change. It is the online mode that is reaping attention in the current scenario. The food delivery market is both online and offline. The online food delivery market is also known as online takeaway food delivery market.Online takeaway food delivery market provides an online and mobile platform for food takeaway. The platform is essentially a marketplace where consumers are matched with restaurants. Consumers choose to order on takeaway restaurant (TR) webpage or an app rather than directly on restaurant websites because they can easily compare multiple cuisine options, and also pay safely. In online mode mobile apps are available for iOS and Android of either the restaurants or TR. Customers select restaurants that deliver to their locations, make selection from menus and prices, and make purchases using a mobile device or via the web without the need for phone calls.In recent years online food delivery market is gaining popularity because of the increased internet penetration across nations and increased smartphone dependence.The online food delivery market has three business models namely pure-media, fully integrated and on-demand delivery models.The global online takeaway food delivery market is expected to increase at a significant CAGR during the years 2016-2020. The global online takeaway food delivery market is expected to increase due to increase in urban population, increase in spending of global middle class population, increasing technological innovations, increase in smartphone usage, increase in internet penetration, etc. Yet, the market faces some challenges such as, fluctuations in profit earning, threat to aggregator business model, data server crash, etc.Request For Enquiry @ Table Of Content1. Executive Summary2. Introduction2.1 Online Food Order-and-Delivery: An Overview2.1.1 Key Developments in Online Food Delivery2.1.2 Online Food Order-and-Delivery by Revenue Model2.1.3 Online Food Order-and-Delivery by Business Model2.1.4 Working of Online Food Order-and-Delivery Business2.1.5 Virtuous Circle for Online Takeaway Delivery Platforms2.1.6 Advantages & Disadvantages of Online Food Order-and-Delivery2.1.7 Takeaway Restaurant Food Delivery Lifecycle Comparison By Channel3. Global Market Analysis3.1 Global Food Service Market: An Analysis3.1.1 Global Food Service Market by Value3.2 Global Takeaway Food Delivery Market: An Analysis3.2.1 Global Takeaway Food Delivery Market by Value3.2.2 Global Takeaway Food Delivery Market by Segments3.3 Global Online Takeaway Food Delivery Market: An Analysis3.3.1 Global Online Takeaway Food Delivery Market by Penetration3.3.2 Global Online Takeaway Food Delivery Market by ValueCheck Discount @4. Regional Market Analysis4.1 UK Online Takeaway Food Delivery Market: An Analysis4.1.1 UK Takeaway Food Delivery Market by Value4.1.2 UK Online Takeaway Food Delivery Market by Penetration and Players4.2 US Online Takeaway Food Delivery Market: An Analysis4.2.1 US Takeaway Food Delivery Market by Value and Segments4.2.2 US Online Takeaway Food Delivery Market by Penetration4.2.3 US Online Takeaway Food Delivery Market by Value4.3 Italy Online Takeaway Food Delivery Market: An Analysis4.3.1 Italy Online Takeaway Food Delivery Market by Penetration4.4 Spain Online Takeaway Food Delivery Market: An Analysis4.4.1 Spain Online Takeaway Food Delivery Market by Penetration4.5 France Online Takeaway Food Delivery Market: An Analysis4.5.1 France Online Takeaway Food Delivery Market by Penetration4.6 Australia Online Takeaway Food Delivery Market: An Analysis4.6.1 Australia Online Takeaway Food Delivery Market by Penetration4.7 Canada Online Takeaway Food Delivery Market: An Analysis4.7.1 Canada Online Takeaway Food Delivery Market by PenetrationAbout usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.Contact usMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Solar Pumps Global Market by Application, Scope, Data Validation, Analysis and Outlook to 2022

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According to Publisher, the Global Solar Pumps market is expected to grow from $0.027 billion in 2016 to reach $0.148 billion by 2022 with a CAGR of 32.2%. Growing customer preferences towards solar pumps rather than diesel pumps and raising demand for automated pump systems are some of the factors fuelling the market growth. In addition, due to less availability of its spare parts whenever required and huge capital investment are hindering the growth of the market.Based on the application segment, agriculture industry leads the market globally as solar pumps are used where there is water scarcity, insufficient electricity and erratic rainfall. However, in product segment the demand for AC submersible pumps is growing rapidly as it is intended to supply groundwater from boreholes and deep wells. Asia Pacific is expected to witness huge growth due to increasing number of photovoltaic installations in China.For more informationSome of the key players in global Solar Pumps market include USL, Bright Solar Water Pumps, Tata Power Solar Systems Ltd, CRI Group, Solar Power & Pump Co., LLC, Rainbow Power Co Ltd, American West Windmill & Solar Company, Grundfos, Wenling Jintai Pump Factory, SunEdison, Shakti Solar Pumping System, Lorentz, Greenmax Technology, Conergy, Dankoff Solar, Greenmax Technology and Flowserve.Applications Covered:-Drinking water-Agriculture-Other Applications-Oil & gas-ChemicalProduct Types Covered:-Alternating Current (AC) AC Floating-Direct Current (DC) surface pump or floating pump set-DC Submersible-AC surface or submersible pump setRegions Covered:-North America-US-Canada-Mexico-Europe-Germany-France-Italy-UK -Spain -Rest of Europe-Asia Pacific-Japan-China-India-Australia-New Zealand-Rest of Asia Pacific-Rest of the World-Middle East-Brazil-Argentina-South Africa-EgyptRequest Sample Copy9 Company Profiling9.1 USL9.2 Bright Solar Water Pumps9.3 Tata Power Solar Systems Ltd.9.4 CRI Group9.5 Solar Power & Pump Co., LLC9.6 Rainbow Power Co., Ltd.9.7 American West Windmill & Solar Company9.8 Grundfos9.9 Wenling Jintai Pump Factory9.10 SunEdison9.11 Shakti Solar Pumping System9.12 Lorentz9.13 Greenmax Technology9.14 Conergy9.15 Dankoff Solar9.16 Greenmax Technology9.17 FlowserveMake an enquiry:Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Global Welding Wires Market 2018 - ITW, Sandvik, Kobelco, CORODUR

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The statistical surveying information incorporated into the Welding Wires report is the aftereffect of significant essential and optional research exercises. The report fragments the global market for Welding Wires based on makers, item compose, applications, and districts. In this report, each fragment is contemplated completely and measurements are introduced in detail. The report offers an exact outline of the global Welding Wires advertise covering key factors, for example, drivers and restrictions affecting the development.Get the sample report :Top manufacturers of Welding Wires Market Report :Gloden BridgeTianjin BridgeWeld AtlanticShandong Solid SoliderShandong Juli WeldingZhujiang Xiangjiang WeldingWuhan Temo WeldingChangzhou Huatong WeldingColfax CorporationITWKobelcoLincoln ElectricKaynakTeknigiSanayi ve TicaretA.SVoestalpineSandvikGedik WeldingCORODURJinglei WeldingThe global Welding Wires advertise report is the result of the intensive investigation of the market, which will help showcase players to manage and develop exponentially in the gigantically aggressive market.Enquire before buying Welding Wires Market report :The Welding Wires report is set up after essential and auxiliary levels of research exercises. Essential research speaks to the heft of research endeavors, supplemented by a broad optional research. Auxiliary research incorporates investigation of late exchange, web sources, and factual information from government associations, exchange affiliations and offices. This has ended up being the most dependable, powerful and fruitful approach for getting exact Welding Wires advertise information, catching industry member's bits of knowledge and perceiving business openings. The write about the global Welding Wires showcase likewise talks about a portion of the main players display in the market, winning rivalry, key procedures received and their current advancements.About UsApex Market Reports offers elevating market research globally. We have collection of various syndicated reports of different categories. Apex Market Reports provides you to best services, weather youre searching for new trends in market or competitive scenario in emerging market.Customers can buys different reports across various categories such as Chemical and Material, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Food and beverages, Automobile and various sectors. Our Website offers safe and secure online ordering experience, convenient payment options.Contact UsFrank ValadezCorporate Sales Specialist155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 4250Chicago, IL 60606Phone: +17739042683Email id - sales@apexmarketreports.comWebsite -
Operational Predictive Maintenance Market to Reach an Estimated Value of US$ 3.1 Billion Value by 2024

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Minimizing asset downtime continues to be one of the top operational priority for tech companies. Global syndicates are adopting measures for operational predictive maintenance in order to avert the mix up arising from integrating multiple technologies. As corporations spanned across the globe begin integrating big data and IoT for improving operational efficiency, the need for operational predictive maintenance systems is converging into a necessity. Persistence Market Research recently conducted a study on how the global market for operational predictive maintenance, which is presently valued at nearly US$ 600 million, will soar till the end of 2024. According to the key findings compiled in this study, the global operational predictive maintenance market is expected to attain a staggering 23.2% CAGR and reach US$ 3,158.3 million value by the end of 2024.Request to Sample of Report @Apropos the report, the demand for operational predictive maintenance in North America will remain the highest, compared to other regions. Companies in the US and Canada will account for sales of operational predictive maintenance systems worth over US$ 1,200 million by the end of 2024. However, Asia-Pacifics operational predictive maintenance market will be rising at an exponential CAGR of 27.3%. The demand for such maintenance systems will also be high in Latin America, while Europe and the Middle East & Africa will show moderate growth in terms of revenues.Germany-based Robert Bosch GmbH and Software AG are known for providing advanced operational predictive maintenance systems and services across the globe. The global market for operational predictive maintenance is also witnessing participation for US tech companies such as SAS Institute Inc., PTC Inc., General Electric Company, IBM Corporation, eMaint Enterprises LLC and Rockwell Automation, Inc. Based in France, Schneider Electric SE is also a prominent provider for predictive asset analytics systems in the world.The report further estimates that global demand for operational predictive maintenance software will remain higher in comparison with services. By the end of 2024, nearly three-fourth of global operational predictive maintenance revenues will accounted by software sales. When it comes to deployment of operational predictive maintenance systems, cloud-based deployment is projected to gain traction by nearly doubling its global revenue share through 2024. On-premise deployment will lose out to cloud-based deployment, but, will continue to be the dominant mode of deploying operational predictive maintenance.Download and View Report@Manufacturing plants will be deemed as the largest end-users of operational predictive maintenance. In 2016, operational predictive maintenance systems deployed by manufacturing industries brought in more than US$ 160 million in revenues. In due course of forecast period, revenues accounted by manufacturing industries as end-users will have surge at the CAGR of 22.4%. Fastest revenue growth attained by end-user, however, will be credited to public sector companies around the globe. Sales of operational predictive maintenance to public sector companies will soar at more than 25% CAGR. Likewise, the demand for operational predictive maintenance will also be considerably high in transportation, automotive, healthcare, and energy & utility industries.For more information about this report visit @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:
Aesthetic/Cosmetic Lasers Market 2017: Global Industry Research, Demand, Current Growth Scenario and Analysis 2024

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According to a new report published by Data Bridge Market Research, titled, Global Aesthetic/Cosmetic Lasers Market  Industry Trends and Forecast to 2024.Market Analysis: Global Aesthetic/Cosmetic Lasers MarketThe Global Aesthetic/Cosmetic Lasers Market accounted to USD 696.95 million in 2016 growing at a CAGR of 10.4% during the forecast period of 2017 to 2024. The upcoming market report contains data for historic years 2015, the base year of calculation is 2016 and the forecast period is 2017 to 2024.Get Sample Copy at: -Market Definition: Global Aesthetic/Cosmetic Lasers MarketMedical laser treatments for aesthetic or cosmetic surgeries are in demand. The demand for the laser treatments is growing rapidly due to the aging baby boomers and the growing rate of consumers that spends to the cosmetic surgeries. The growing adoption of the noninvasive procedures, the rising cases of skin damages, rising medical tourism, changing lifestyles and reduction in the procedural costs drives the market.Major market drivers and restraints: Global Aesthetic/Cosmetic Lasers Market Increase in adoption of non-invasive aesthetic procedures Changing lifestyle and growing disposable income Technological advancements in the aesthetic or consumer lasers Increasing beauty consciousness and aesthetic concepts Severe safety regulations for aesthetic procedures Lack of reimbursement of cosmetic laser based proceduresRequest for TOC at: -Market Segmentation: Global Aesthetic/Cosmetic Lasers MarketThe global aesthetic/cosmetic lasers market is segmented by type standalone lasers and multiplatform lasers. Standalone lasers are further segmented into carbon dioxide (Co2) laser, Er:YAG (erbium YAG) laser, diode lasers, pulsed dye lasers, neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser, alexandrite lasers and others.On the basis of application the market is segmented into hair removal, skin rejuvenation, vascular lesions, acne & scars, pigmented lesion & tattoo removal and leg & varicose veins.By end user the market is segmented into private clinics, hospitals, cosmetic centers and medical spas.On the basis of geography, aesthetic/cosmetic lasers market report covers data points for 28 countries across multiple geographies such as North America & South America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. Some of the major countries covered in this report are U.S., Canada, Germany, France, U.K., Netherlands, Switzerland, Turkey, Russia, China, India, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Brazil among others. In 2017, North America is expected to dominate the market.Competitive Analysis: Global Aesthetic/Cosmetic Lasers MarketThe aesthetic/cosmetic lasers market is highly fragmented and is based on new product launches and clinical results of products. Hence the major players have used various strategies such as new product launches, clinical trials, market initiatives, high expense on research and development, agreements, joint ventures, partnerships, acquisitions, and others to increase their footprints in this market. The report includes market shares of aesthetic/cosmetic lasers market for global, Europe, North America, Asia Pacific and South America.Major Market Competitors: Global Aesthetic/Cosmetic Lasers MarketSome of the major players operating in global aesthetic/cosmetic lasers market are Cutera, Lumenis Ltd., Hologics Inc., Aerolase Corp., Alma Lasers, El.En. S.p.A., Sciton, Inc., SharpLight Technologies Ltd., Syneron Medical Ltd., Valeant, Cosmeditech Innovations Ltd., SENTIENT LASERS, LLC, Erchonia Corporation, TJS Lasers, Inc., LINLINE, Hyper photonics s.r.l., Fotona d.o.o., Asclepion Laser Technologies GmbH, BISON MEDICAL and NBW among others.Access Full Summary at: -About us:Data Bridge set forth itself as an unconventional and neoteric Market research and consulting firm with unparalleled level of resilience and integrated approaches. We are determined to unearth the best market opportunities and foster efficient information for your business to thrive in the market. Data Bridge endeavors to provide appropriate solutions to the complex business challenges and initiates an effortless decision-making process.Contact:Data Bridge Market ResearchOffice Number 402, Amanora Chambers,Magarpatta Road, HadapsarPune  411028
Future of Heat Shrink Wire Label Size 2022 Brady, 3M, Panduit, TE Connectivity, Phoenix Contact

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MarketStudyReport.com Add New Global Heat Shrink Wire Label Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022 to its research database. The report presents a deep study of the market growth factors and drivers. The report spread across 115 pages with table and figures in it.The heat shrink wire label is a film label printed on a plastic coil or plastic tubing with a dedicated ink. In the process of labeling, when heated, the shrink label will quickly shrink along the wire outer ring, close to the coil surface.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Heat Shrink Wire Label 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.Request a sample copy of Heat Shrink Wire Label Market Research Report @Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report covers  Brady, 3M, Panduit, TE Connectivity, Phoenix Contact, Lapp, Lem, HellermannTyton, Brother, Seton.Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis covers:North 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 Table of Contents:Global Heat Shrink Wire Label Market OverviewGlobal Heat Shrink Wire Label Market Manufacturers ProfilesGlobal Heat Shrink Wire Label Market Competition, by ManufacturerGlobal Heat Shrink Wire Label Market Analysis by RegionsGlobal Heat Shrink Wire Label by CountriesGlobal Heat Shrink Wire Label Market Segment by TypeGlobal Heat Shrink Wire Label Market Segment by ApplicationHeat Shrink Wire Label Market Forecast (2017-2022)Sales Channel, Distributors, Traders and DealersResearch Findings and ConclusionAppendixMarket Segment by Type, covers Write-On Wire LabelsPrintable Wire LabelsPre-Printed Wire LabelsMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided into ElectronicsIndustrialOtherEnquire For Discount on Heat Shrink Wire Label Market Research Report @There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Heat Shrink Wire Label market.Chapter 1, to describe Heat Shrink Wire Label Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Heat Shrink Wire Label, with sales, revenue, and price of Heat Shrink Wire Label, 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 Heat Shrink Wire Label, for each region, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the market by countries, by type, by application and by manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 10 and 11, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 12, Heat Shrink Wire Label market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Heat Shrink Wire Label sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceFor More Info on Market Research @Related Reports: -Global Virtual Reality(VR) Device Industry Market Analysis & Forecast 2018-2023In the Global Virtual Reality(VR) Device Industry Market Analysis & Forecast 2018-2023, the revenue is valued at USD XX million in 2017 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2023.Centralize market research purchases across your entire organization in one place.Marketstudyreport.com allows you to manage and control all corporate research purchases to consolidate billing and vendor management. You can eliminate duplicate purchases and customize your content and license management.Market Study ReportThe Green Suite #4594,Dover, DE 19901United StatesPhone: 1-201-355-0868US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email: sales@marketstudyreport.comWebsite:News:Connect with us: Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter
Botanical Supplements Application Market Segmented on Application, Industry Size , Growth , Trends & Forecast 2017 - 2025

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Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) Offer the global botanical supplements market is estimated to be valued at more than US$ 40 Bn in the year 2017. By 2025 end, the global botanical supplements market is expected to reach a market valuation in excess of US$ 65 Bn, registering a CAGR of 6.9% over the forecast period (20172025).Click here For Free Sample Report @Increasing health awareness and self-medication behavior among consumers aiding the global botanical supplements marketRising awareness among consumers regarding the health benefits associated with consumption of botanical supplements such as holy basil extract, which helps in reduction of anxiety is a major factor expected to drive growth in demand for botanical supplements. Owing to increasing advertisements and easy availability of botanical supplements over the counter, demand for these supplements is increasing. Currently, consumers are more inclined towards self-medication due to rising penetration of internet and social media. These factors are expected to drive growth of the market for botanical supplements globally over the forecast period.Increasing lifestyle diseases boosting the global botanical supplements marketDue to hectic schedules and changing lifestyle patterns, there is a steady increase in the incidence of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure. Thus, consumers are taking preventive measures for reducing the effects of lifestyle diseases. Owing to the inherent disease preventing properties such as slowing down digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, botanical supplements are a healthy alternative to prevent and reduce the effects of lifestyle diseases and this is supplementing revenue growth of the global botanical supplements market.Lack of regulatory checks lead to false health claims, which in turn restricts the market growth of botanical supplementsLack of stringent norms and regulations pertaining to the safety and efficacy of botanical health supplement products is a factor expected to affect the growth of this market globally. Owing to less emphasis on labeling and safety of these products, incidences of false health claims by manufacturers in order to market their products has increased significantly. These factors have impacted consumer outlook towards botanical supplements and this is expected to adversely affect the growth of the botanical supplements market to a certain extent. In December 2016, Patanjali Ayurved (an India-based herbal supplement manufacturer) was fined US$ 18,000 for misleading product advertisements.Strengthening of safety norms presents a significant opportunity for players in the botanical supplements marketMajor players in the health supplements market could focus on collaboration with regulatory bodies to strengthen safety norms for health supplements. Regulatory bodies are focusing on imposing various safety norms for manufacturing and marketing of botanical supplements. The European Food Safety Authority has passed a regulation regarding certain nutritional claims for some botanical substances and this list of botanical substances was issued in December 2012. Key players can focus on offering labeled and safe products. Several manufacturers have started adopting GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), which could help in changing the outlook of consumers towards botanical supplements.Download Complete Report With Table of Content @Global Botanical Supplements Market Analysis by ApplicationThe Drugs segment by application is estimated to account for a value share of 47.0% and be valued at nearly US$ 19 Bn by the end of 2017. The Cosmetics segment is projected to witness a relatively high growth rate, registering a CAGR of 7.2% in terms of value and is expected to gain 46 BPS in 2025 over 2017.Increasing adoption of botanical supplements by the geriatric population bodes well for the botanical supplements marketIncreasing geriatric population in developed countries such as U.S. and Japan has led to significant expenditure on healthcare services. As a preventive health measure, the geriatric population is inclined towards using alternative medicines due to little or no side-effects. Botanical supplements are preferred by the ageing population, thereby driving botanical supplements market growth. In 2014, according to a population survey in the U.S., about 65.2 million people have reached 65 years of age and are inclined towards using personal healthcare products. This offers lucrative opportunities to botanical supplements manufacturers to offer botanical extracts based products in the personal healthcare segment.Enquire About this Report @About Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE)Market 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.Contact UsState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite:Read More Industry News At:
Nursing Care Market to Reap Excessive Revenues by 2021

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Nursing care refers to collaborative and autonomous care of individuals of all ages, group, communities and families by skilled person or nurses. Nurses are trained professionals which promote health and prevent diseases. Nurses help patient to cope up with illness and provide assistance to patients in medical procedures. Nurses are responsible for assessing patient, giving medicines and treatments. Nurses also develop and manage nursing care plans. Nursing care includes prevention and cure of diseases. Nursing care includes approaches of personalized care with more safety, convenience and comfort.Nursing care includes people who need intensive rehabilitative care such as people with physical disabilities and long term care. Nursing care helps in delivering right care to right people at right time. Nursing care also provides assurance of quality healthcare services to patients. Proper nursing care provides satisfaction to the patients and thus helps in making them reliable to hospitals. Nursing care is a long term care plan and includes nursing homes, home care, hospice care and assisted living.Request Report for TOC @Nursing care model comprises team nursing, primary nursing and progressive patient care. Primary nursing includes comprehensive and personalized care through the same nurse throughout the period. Progressive patient care is a systematic grouping of patient on the basis of the degree of illness rather than on the basis of medical specialty. Consumerism, Staff mix, human development, economics, diverse populations, politics, technology and client acuity are some of the important elements which should be considered in nursing care.North America followed by Europe is dominating the global nursing care market due to high healthcare expenditures. The U.S. is dominating the North American nursing care market due to increasing prevalence of diseases. Asia is expected to show high growth rate in the next five years. Some of the key driving forces for nursing care market in emerging countries are increasing aging population and increasing number of hospitals.Request To Sample of Report @In recent time there is increased demand of nursing care due to rising aging population. Rising concern for better healthcare and increasing prevalence of various diseases such as diabetes and cancer are some of the key factors driving the growth of the global nursing care market. In addition, increasing healthcare awareness and long term care system is also fuelling the growth of the global nursing care market. However, lack of reimbursements for nursing care and high cost of healthcare is restraining the growth of the global nursing care market. In addition, lack of skilled professionals is also restraining the global nursing care market.Rise in personalized care would develop an opportunity for the growth of the global nursing care market. However, lack of proper healthcare system in rural areas and availability of less number of trained nurses are some of the key challenges for the growth of the global nursing care market. Increasing home care market is one of the trends for the global nursing care market. Some of the major companies operating in the global nursing care market are Emeritus Corporation, Genesis Healthcare, Life Care Centers for America, Kindred Healthcare and Extendicare.Pre Book Full Report @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:
Online Food Ordering Market Worldwide Rising Trend & Demand

Online Food Ordering Market

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HTF MI published a new industry research that focuses on Online Food Ordering market and delivers in-depth market analysis and future prospects of Global Online Food Ordering market. The study covers significant data which makes the research document a handy resource for managers, analysts, industry experts and other key people get ready-to-access and self-analyzed study along with graphs and tables to help understand market trends, drivers and market challenges. The study is segmented by Application/ end users [B2B & B2C], products type [Restaurant-controlled, Independent, Mobile Apps & Other] and various important geographies like United States, EU, Japan, China, India & Southeast Asia].Get Access to sample pages @The research covers the current market size of the Global Online Food Ordering market and its growth rates based on 5 year history data along with company profile of key players/manufacturers such as McDonalds, KFC, Subway, Pizzahut, Starbucks, Burger King, Dominos Pizza, Dunkin Donuts, Dairy Queen, Papa Johns, Wendys, Just Eat, Takeaway, Deliver, Foodler, GrubHub & OLO. The in-depth information by segments of Online Food Ordering market helps monitor future profitability & to make critical decisions for growth. The information on trends and developments, focuses on markets and materials, capacities, technologies, CAPEX cycle and the changing structure of the Global Online Food Ordering Market.The study provides company profiling, product picture and specifications, sales, market share and contact information of key manufacturers of Global Online Food Ordering Market, some of them listed here are McDonalds, KFC, Subway, Pizzahut, Starbucks, Burger King, Dominos Pizza, Dunkin Donuts, Dairy Queen, Papa Johns, Wendys, Just Eat, Takeaway, Deliver, Foodler, GrubHub & OLO. The market is growing at a very rapid pace and with rise in technological innovation, competition and M&A activities in the industry many local and regional vendors are offering specific application products for varied end-users. The new manufacturer entrants in the market are finding it hard to compete with the international vendors based on quality, reliability, and innovations in technology.Global Online Food Ordering (Thousands Units) and Revenue (Million USD) Market Split by Product Type such as Restaurant-controlled, Independent, Mobile Apps & Other. Further the research study is segmented by Application such as B2B & B2C with historical and projected market share and compounded annual growth rate.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), and market share and growth rate of Online Food Ordering in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), covering United States, EU, Japan, China, India & Southeast Asia and its Share (%) and CAGR for the forecasted period 2017 to 2022.Read Detailed Index of full Research Study at @What this Research Study Offers:Global Online Food Ordering Market share assessments for the regional and country level segmentsMarket share analysis of the top industry playersStrategic recommendations for the new entrantsMarket forecasts for a minimum of 5 years of all the mentioned segments, sub segments and the regional marketsMarket Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimationsCompetitive landscaping mapping the key common trendsCompany profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developmentsSupply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancementsBuy this research report @There are 15 Chapters to display the Global Online Food Ordering market.Chapter 1, to describe Definition, Specifications and Classification of Online Food Ordering , Applications of Online Food Ordering , Market Segment by Regions;Chapter 2, to analyze the Manufacturing Cost Structure, Raw Material and Suppliers, Manufacturing Process, Industry Chain Structure;Chapter 3, to display the Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Online Food Ordering , Capacity and Commercial Production Date, Manufacturing Plants Distribution, R&D Status and Technology Source, Raw Materials Sources Analysis;Chapter 4, to show the Overall Market Analysis, Capacity Analysis (Company Segment), Sales Analysis (Company Segment), Sales Price Analysis (Company Segment);Chapter 5 and 6, to show the Regional Market Analysis that includes United States, EU, Japan, China, India & Southeast Asia, Online Food Ordering Segment Market Analysis (by Type);Chapter 7 and 8, to analyze the Online Food Ordering Segment Market Analysis (by Application) Major Manufacturers Analysis of Online Food Ordering ;Chapter 9, Market Trend Analysis, Regional Market Trend, Market Trend by Product Type [Restaurant-controlled, Independent, Mobile Apps & Other], Market Trend by Application [B2B & B2C];Chapter 10, Regional Marketing Type Analysis, International Trade Type Analysis, Supply Chain Analysis;Chapter 11, to analyze the Consumers Analysis of Global Online Food Ordering ;Chapter 12, to describe Online Food Ordering Research Findings and Conclusion, Appendix, methodology and data source;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Online Food Ordering 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.Connect with us atHTF 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 :HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private LimitedUnit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, NJNew Jersey USA  08837sales@htfmarketreport.com+1 (206) 317 1218
Mechanical Ventilators Market to Flourish with an Impressive CAGR During 2015-2021

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Mechanical ventilator is a device which is used in the management of patients breathing problems. It is the last choice for a patient who is suffering from breathing problems and cannot maintain adequate oxygenation to maintain life. Mechanical ventilators are mainly used in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), apnea, acute lung injury and hypoxemia.Sometimes, the device is also known as ventilator, breathing machine or respirator. Usually, a patient is connected to the mechanical ventilator through a tube, known as endotracheal tube which is placed in the windpipe. Sometimes, patients can use mechanical ventilation that assists breathing through a mask and mouthpiece. However, this may not work in severe respiratory problems.Based on type of pressure, mechanical ventilators are divided into two main types: positive pressure mechanical ventilators and negative pressure mechanical ventilators. Positive pressure mechanical ventilators involve air being pushed into the trachea of the patient. However, in negative pressure mechanical ventilators, the air is sucked inside the body.Request Report for TOC @The global mechanical ventilators market is segmented into critical care ventilator, neonatal ventilator and portable and transport ventilator. Critical care ventilator is the largest segment of the global mechanical ventilators market.In terms of geographic, North America dominates the global mechanical ventilators market. This is due to increasing prevalence of respiratory disorders and improved reimbursement policies in the region. In addition, increased healthcare awareness is also supporting in growth of mechanical ventilators market in North America. The U.S. represents the largest market for mechanical ventilators followed by Canada in North America. In Europe, France, Germany and the U.K. holds major share of mechanical ventilators market. However, Asia is expected to show high growth rates in the next five years in global mechanical ventilators market. This is due to increasing awareness among people about various acute and chronic respiratory diseases in the region. Several government associations have launched various programs to raise awareness among people about respiratory diseases. Improving healthcare infrastructure has also fueled the growth of mechanical ventilators market in the region. Japan, China and India are expected to be the fastest growing mechanical ventilators markets in Asia.Request To Sample of Report @In recent time, increasing number of geriatric populations is key driver for the global mechanical ventilators market. Geriatric patients require long-term ventilation for the treatment of chronic respiratory diseases which increases the demand of mechanical ventilators. Increasing prevalence of COPD and technological innovations in the field of positive pressure airway devices are also contributing in the growth of global mechanical ventilators market.However, high capital requirement is key restraint for the global mechanical ventilators market. In addition, risks associated with mechanical ventilation procedures also hamper growth of the market. For instance, the endotracheal tube in the windpipe makes it easier for bacteria to get into the lungs which develop infection, known as pneumonia. Moreover, mechanical ventilators push air into the lung. It may expand lung and injure it.Some of the major companies operating in the global mechanical ventilators market are Teleflex Incorporated, Acoma Medical Industry Co., Ltd., Bunnell, Inc., Bio-Medical Devices International, Inc., Drager Medical GmbH, Covidien PLC, GE Healthcare Ltd., Philips Respironics, Inc. and Maquet GmbH & Co. KG.Pre Book Full Report @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:
Global Water Tank Market Research Report 2017 : Caldwell, Norwesco, RotoTank, Tarsco

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Water Tank Market Research Report 2017" to its huge collection of research reports.QYResearchReports.com has added a new report covering the global Water Tank market to its vast database. The research report studies the global Water Tank market to analyze the factors impacting it. The report has been divided into several chapters that discuss the global Water Tank market in absolute detail. The report begins with the discussion of the industry overview, which includes definitions and specifications of Water Tank. It also explains the classification of Water Tank, its applications, the industry chain structure, the status of the major regional segments of the global Water Tank market, industry policies, and recent news.The report gives an analysis of the manufacturing cost structure with the help of data about raw material suppliers and price analysis. This chapter also offers an explanation of the analysis carried out for equipment suppliers and prices. Furthermore, the chapter includes an analysis of labor costs, other costs, and manufacturing process analysis.Fill the form to get free report sample on this market @Global Water Tank market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingThe Water Tank CompanyNational Storage Tank (NST)CaldwellNorwescoRotoTankContainment SolutionsTarscoThe report explains the role of end users in regions such as Europe, China, and Japan, along with sharing the details regarding the segmentation of the global Water Tank market. The comprehensive report also explains the governmental policies acting on the global Water Tank market and studies the market in the context of the political scenario, economic condition, social dynamics, technological advancements, legal implications, and environmental demands and regulations.The research report on the global Water Tank gives a clear picture of the competitive landscape of the market. The report offers an insight into the financial overview and details about sales, revenue, and price concerning the leading vendors operating in the global Water Tank market. It also provides a SWOT analysis and Porters five forces analysis of the important players in the market.Table of Contents1 Water Tank Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Water Tank1.2 Water Tank Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Water Tank Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category) (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Water Tank Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.3 Global Water Tank Segment by Application1.3.1 Water Tank Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.4 Global Water Tank Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Water Tank Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Water Tank (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Water Tank Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Water Tank Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)2 Global Water Tank Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Water Tank Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.1 Global Water Tank Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Water Tank Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Water Tank Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.3 Global Water Tank Average Price by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.4 Manufacturers Water Tank Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Water Tank Market Competitive Situation and Trends3 Global Water Tank Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)3.1 Global Water Tank Capacity and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.2 Global Water Tank Production and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.3 Global Water Tank Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.4 Global Water Tank Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.5 North America Water Tank Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.6 Europe Water Tank Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.7 China Water Tank Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)4 Global Water Tank Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017)4.1 Global Water Tank Consumption by Region (2012-2017)4.2 North America Water Tank Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.3 Europe Water Tank Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.4 China Water Tank Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.5 Japan Water Tank Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.6 Southeast Asia Water Tank Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.7 India Water Tank Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)List of Tables and FiguresFigure Picture of Water TankFigure Global Water Tank Production (K Units) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Types (Product Category) (2012-2022)Figure Global Water Tank Production Market Share by Types (Product Category) in 2016Figure Global Water Tank Market Size (Million USD), Comparison (K Units) and CAGR (%) by Regions (2012-2022)Figure North America Water Tank Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Europe Water Tank Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Southeast Asia Water Tank Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Table Global Water Tank Capacity, Production (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (2012-2017)Table North America Water Tank Capacity, Production (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (2012-2017)Table Europe Water Tank Capacity, Production (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (2012-2017)Table China Water Tank Capacity, Production (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (2012-2017)Table Japan Water Tank Capacity, Production (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (2012-2017)About Us:QYResearchReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYResearchReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us:1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Glass-ionomer Cement Market 2018 Global Key Players: GC (JP), 3M (US), DENTSPLY (US), Heraeus Kulzer (DE), Shofu (JP), Ivoclar Vivadent (LI),.

Glass-ionomer Cement Market

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Glass-ionomer Cement Market:WiseGuyReports.com adds Glass-ionomer Cement Market 2018 Global Analysis, Growth, Trends and Opportunities Research Report Forecasting to 2022reports to its database.Executive SummaryThis report studies Glass-ionomer Cement in Global market, especially in North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan and India, with production, revenue, consumption, import and export in these regions, from 2012 to 2016, and forecast to 2022.This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringGC (JP)3M (US)DENTSPLY (US)Heraeus Kulzer (DE)Shofu (JP)Ivoclar Vivadent (LI)VOCO (DE)KaVo (US)DENTAURUM (DE)Prime Dental (US)Promedica (DE)Spofa Dent (CZ)I-dental (LT)Harvard (DE)Rongxiang Dent (CN)Shanghai DMF (CN)Shanghai New Century (CN)Wuhan Kouqiang (CN)Zhangjiang Bio (CN)On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoWater-MixedNon-Water MixedHybridsBy Application, the market can be split intoLuting cementsBases or linersRestorative cementsBy Regions, this report covers (we can add the regions/countries as you want)North AmericaChinaEuropeSoutheast AsiaJapanIndiaIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Request Sample Report @Table of content:Global Glass-ionomer Cement Market Professional Survey Report 20171 Industry Overview of Glass-ionomer Cement1.1 Definition and Specifications of Glass-ionomer Cement1.1.1 Definition of Glass-ionomer Cement1.1.2 Specifications of Glass-ionomer Cement1.2 Classification of Glass-ionomer Cement1.2.1 Water-Mixed1.2.2 Non-Water Mixed1.2.3 Hybrids1.3 Applications of Glass-ionomer Cement1.3.1 Luting cements1.3.2 Bases or liners1.3.3 Restorative cements1.4 Market Segment by Regions1.4.1 North America1.4.2 China1.4.3 Europe1.4.4 Southeast Asia1.4.5 Japan1.4.6 India2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Glass-ionomer Cement2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Glass-ionomer Cement2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Glass-ionomer Cement2.4 Industry Chain Structure of Glass-ionomer Cement8 Major Manufacturers Analysis of Glass-ionomer Cement8.1 GC (JP)8.1.1 Company Profile8.1.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.1.2.1 Product A8.1.2.2 Product B8.1.3 GC (JP) 2016 Glass-ionomer Cement Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.1.4 GC (JP) 2016 Glass-ionomer Cement Business Region Distribution Analysis8.2 3M (US)8.2.1 Company Profile8.2.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.2.2.1 Product A8.2.2.2 Product B8.2.3 3M (US) 2016 Glass-ionomer Cement Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.2.4 3M (US) 2016 Glass-ionomer Cement Business Region Distribution Analysis8.3 DENTSPLY (US)8.3.1 Company Profile8.3.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.3.2.1 Product A8.3.2.2 Product B8.3.3 DENTSPLY (US) 2016 Glass-ionomer Cement Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.3.4 DENTSPLY (US) 2016 Glass-ionomer Cement Business Region Distribution Analysis8.4 Heraeus Kulzer (DE)8.4.1 Company Profile8.4.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.4.2.1 Product A8.4.2.2 Product B8.4.3 Heraeus Kulzer (DE) 2016 Glass-ionomer Cement Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.4.4 Heraeus Kulzer (DE) 2016 Glass-ionomer Cement Business Region Distribution Analysis8.5 Shofu (JP)8.5.1 Company Profile8.5.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.5.2.1 Product A8.5.2.2 Product B8.5.3 Shofu (JP) 2016 Glass-ionomer Cement Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.5.4 Shofu (JP) 2016 Glass-ionomer Cement Business Region Distribution Analysis8.6 Ivoclar Vivadent (LI)8.6.1 Company Profile8.6.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.6.2.1 Product A8.6.2.2 Product B8.6.3 Ivoclar Vivadent (LI) 2016 Glass-ionomer Cement Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.6.4 Ivoclar Vivadent (LI) 2016 Glass-ionomer Cement Business Region Distribution Analysis8.7 VOCO (DE)8.7.1 Company Profile8.7.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.7.2.1 Product A8.7.2.2 Product B8.7.3 VOCO (DE) 2016 Glass-ionomer Cement Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.7.4 VOCO (DE) 2016 Glass-ionomer Cement Business Region Distribution Analysis8.8 KaVo (US)8.8.1 Company Profile8.8.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.8.2.1 Product A8.8.2.2 Product B8.8.3 KaVo (US) 2016 Glass-ionomer Cement Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.8.4 KaVo (US) 2016 Glass-ionomer Cement Business Region Distribution Analysis8.9 DENTAURUM (DE)8.9.1 Company Profile8.9.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.9.2.1 Product A8.9.2.2 Product B8.9.3 DENTAURUM (DE) 2016 Glass-ionomer Cement Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.9.4 DENTAURUM (DE) 2016 Glass-ionomer Cement Business Region Distribution Analysis8.10 Prime Dental (US)8.10.1 Company Profile8.10.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.10.2.1 Product A8.10.2.2 Product B8.10.3 Prime Dental (US) 2016 Glass-ionomer Cement Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.10.4 Prime Dental (US) 2016 Glass-ionomer Cement Business Region Distribution Analysis8.11 Promedica (DE)8.12 Spofa Dent (CZ)8.13 I-dental (LT)8.14 Harvard (DE)8.15 Rongxiang Dent (CN)8.16 Shanghai DMF (CN)8.17 Shanghai New Century (CN)8.18 Wuhan Kouqiang (CN)8.19 Zhangjiang Bio (CN)ContinuousFor further information on this report, visit Contact Us:Norah Trentsales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US); +44 208 133 9349 (UK)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:WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone :+91 841 198 5042
DNA Vaccines Market to make Great Impact in near Future by 2019

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Vaccines have been in use since decades to provide immunological responses against diseases. A conventional vaccine is a biological preparation of weakened or attenuated, killed forms of a microbe or one of its cellular components, while a DNA vaccine is composed of genetically engineered DNA.When a DNA vaccine is injected into the cells of an organism, it stimulates organisms immune system to produce immunity against the encoded antigens. DNA vaccines have a number of advantages over conventional vaccines such as when a conventional vaccine is administered, it activates only antibody reaction while a DNA vaccine activates antibody as well as cell mediated reaction. This new generation vaccine also offers fewer side effects compared to conventional vaccines.Make an Enquiry @The market for DNA vaccines is segmented into human DNA vaccines and animals DNA vaccines market. Currently there are no approved DNA vaccines for human but more than 100 products are under clinical trial for a variety of diseases including HIV infection, cancer and infectious diseases. Pennsylvania based Inovio Pharmaceuticals has its Syncon brand of vaccines in clinical trial for a variety of cancers and infectious diseases.On the other hand there are three DNA vaccines approved for animal health. The first vaccine was approved in the year 2005 for use in horses against West Nile Virus. Some of the pipeline DNA vaccines developed by Vical are Apex IHN for infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus and ONCEPT for melanoma in dogs.The global market for DNA vaccines is growing impressively under the influence of advantages associated with this new generation of vaccines such as fewer side effects, ease of development and lower cost and continued development in biotechnology arena. The human health segment is expected to grow at relatively higher CAGR compared to animal health segment.Pre-Book Full Report @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. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Contact UsTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Transmission System Market Expected to Behold a CAGR of 8.8% through 2016-2026

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A fresh business and commerce study by Future Market Insights (FMI) has detected that the global market for high voltage direct current (HDVC) transmission system market is strikingly fragmented, owing to the presence of a large pool of players, big and small. A wide variety of products are offered by these vendors, ranging from cables to capacitors to transformers. Often, the vendors offer customized solutions in order to gain new demands. The report identifies Siemens AG, ABB Ltd., Hitachi Ltd., General Electric Co., Toshiba Corporation, Prysmian SpA, TransGrid Solutions Inc., ATCO Electric Ltd., and Abengoa S.A. as some of the most prominent companies currently operating in the global HVDC transmission system market.Request For Report Sample:As per the evaluations of the FMI report, a revenue of US$6,000 mn was generated by the market for high voltage direct current transmission system in 2016, which was in itself an increase of 7.7% in comparison to 2015. The report has estimated that over the forecast period of 2016 to 2026, the demand for HDVC transmission system will increment at a CAGR of 8.8% and the final valuation by 2026 would be US$14,400 mn. Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Nexans, NR Electric, American Semiconductor, HVDC Technologies, and LSIS are some of the other notable players identified by the report.Some of the key factors augmenting the demand in the global HDVC transmission system market are: increasing demand for cost-effective solutions for long distance power transmission, decommissioning of nuclear and coal power plants, liberalization in the energy policies in Europe, and integration of VSC technology across grids enable system security. On the other hand, rise in the cost of components that affects the number of grid installations, requirement of high initial investment in grid infrastructure, need of uniformity in the standards of HDVC transmission equipment and systems, and controlling congestion and instability in HVDC systems are a few obstructions holding the prosperity of the global high voltage direct current transmission system market. Nevertheless, the vendors operating in this market will gain new opportunities from favorable government policies, particularly for offshore wind transmission projects, emergence of hybrid HVDC circuit breaker, shift towards offshore renewable energy generation, and recent technological advances in HVDC transmission system.Based on system component, the FMI report segments the global HVDC transmission system market into solutions and services. The solutions segment is further sub-segmented into AC and DC harmonic filters, converters, DC lines, circuit breakers, and others. Technology-wise, the market has been bifurcated into LCC, VSC, and others. On the basis of deployment, the market for HVDC transmission system has been classified into overhead, underground, subsea, and combination. Based on power rating, the market has been segmented into below 1,000 MWs, 1001 to 2000 MWs, and 2,001 MWs and above.Request For Report Table of Content (TOC):Geographically, the report takes stock of the potential of high voltage direct current transmission system market in the regions of North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific except Japan (APEJ), and the Middle East and Africa (MEA) and in the country of Japan. While North America is highly lucrative region and Europe will continue to pose widespread opportunities owing to increasing number of grid connections, the APEJ region is expected to turn highly lucrative on the back of the emerging economies of India and China.You can now buy a single user license of the report :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 Us:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
United States HDPE Pipes Market Report 2017 Top Players : GF, Wavin, Friatec, Simona

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "United States HDPE Pipes Market Report 2017" to its huge collection of research reports.A newly added research report about the United States HDPE Pipes market produces a 360-degree overview of it. The report brings to the fore important details and elucidates every aspect expected to mold its path going forward. It sheds light on stimulants and deterrents affecting the market. It also provides a quantitative and qualitative description of their expected impact on the market over the course of the forecast period. The primary intent is to help key stakeholders comprehend the dynamics and calculate their moves accordingly.The various segments of the United States HDPE Pipes market have been discussed carefully at length. The various application segments, product segments, and end user segments have been discussed in the report, leveraging historical and current figures. Leveraging both primary and secondary research, the report arrives at growth figures for each of the segments. This enables it to find out the United States HDPE Pipes markets growth prospects. This helps to furnish a granular overview of the HDPE Pipes market and the areas where main opportunities lie.Get Free Report Sample and Customization:United States HDPE Pipes market competition by top manufacturers/players, with HDPE Pipes sales volume, price, revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingGF(Switzerland)Wavin (Netherlands)Friatec (Aliaxis) (Germany)GPS (Aliaxis) (UK)Fusion Group (UK)Agru (Austria)A thorough examination of the competitive landscape of the United States HDPE Pipes market has also been provided in the report. Prominent participants in the United States HDPE Pipes market have been examined and data pertaining to their sales and revenues, among other things, have been presented. The report examines their strengths and weaknesses. This report has been prepared carefully with data gathered through primary and secondary research methods.The primary intention of the report is to help the companies operating in the United States HDPE Pipes market to gain an insight into the current market dynamics, including opportunities and pitfalls that would enable them to strategize sagaciously. To do, it deploys analytical tools to understand the competitive landscape at present.Table of Contents1 HDPE Pipes Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of HDPE Pipes1.2 Classification of HDPE Pipes by Product Category1.2.1 United States HDPE Pipes Market Size (Sales Volume) Comparison by Type (2012-2022)1.2.2 United States HDPE Pipes Market Size (Sales Volume) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.3 United States HDPE Pipes Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 United States HDPE Pipes Market Size (Consumption) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.4 United States HDPE Pipes Market by Region1.4.1 United States HDPE Pipes Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.5 United States Market Size (Value and Volume) of HDPE Pipes (2012-2022)2 United States HDPE Pipes Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1 United States HDPE Pipes Sales and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.2 United States HDPE Pipes Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.3 United States HDPE Pipes Average Price by Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.4 United States HDPE Pipes Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.4.1 United States HDPE Pipes Market Concentration Rate2.4.2 United States HDPE Pipes Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Players/Suppliers2.4.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion in United States Market2.5 United States Players/Suppliers HDPE Pipes Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area, Product Type3 United States HDPE Pipes Sales (Volume) and Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)3.1 United States HDPE Pipes Sales and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.2 United States HDPE Pipes Revenue and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.3 United States HDPE Pipes Price by Region (2012-2017)4 United States HDPE Pipes Sales (Volume) and Revenue (Value) by Type (Product Category) (2012-2017)4.1 United States HDPE Pipes Sales and Market Share by Type (Product Category) (2012-2017)4.2 United States HDPE Pipes Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)4.3 United States HDPE Pipes Price by Type (2012-2017)4.4 United States HDPE Pipes Sales Growth Rate by Type (2012-2017)List of Tables and FiguresFigure Product Picture of HDPE PipesFigure United States HDPE Pipes Market Size (K MT) by Type (2012-2022)Figure United States HDPE Pipes Sales Volume Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 2016Figure United States HDPE Pipes Market Size (K MT) by Application (2012-2022)Figure United States Sales Market Share of HDPE Pipes by Application in 2016Figure United States HDPE Pipes Market Size (Million USD) by Region (2012-2022)Figure The West HDPE Pipes Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Southwest HDPE Pipes Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure The Middle Atlantic HDPE Pipes Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure New England HDPE Pipes Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)About Us:QYResearchReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYResearchReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us:1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
SP Routing And Ethernet Switching Market will reach at a CAGR of 5.0% from 2016-2026

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SP routing and Ethernet switching are the processes that involves in the transmission of data from one point to another point inside the computer network. In the computer network while accessing the internet or another computer over the network, the data sent or received, travelled through different nodes over the transmission media. The mechanism of transmitting information between different computer network and network segment is called switching & the intelligent device responsible to connect two system & network segment over the wired network is known as Ethernet switch. During communication over the network there are so many paths existing between the two nodes or between source and destination, but which path is suitable for setup communication between the source and destination is decided by the intelligent device named Router and the process of selecting the suitable path among all the existing path is known as routing,Request For Report Sample:Global SP routing & Ethernet switching market: Market DynamicsAs the demand of bandwidth & high data speed is continuously increasing and also the global internet users growing up with a great speed hence, SP routing & Ethernet switching market is expected to experience drastic growth during forecast period.The key trend responsible for the growth of global SP Routing & Ethernet switching market is that the vendors are focusing on the advanced emerging technologies as top companies are coming up with emerging terabit networking where terabit routing and switching takes place. The key drivers which are driving the global SP routing & Ethernet switching market are; the increased digital data traffic over the existing network and the rapid increasing demand of bandwidth, rising market of data centers, increase in cloud storage adoption by different organizations are some of them. On the flip side the key restraints which are acting as hurdles in the growth of SP routing & Ethernet switching market are; Ethernet switches & SP routers are difficult to install and use, they often need training personals if network goes down. Dynamic router causes additional traffic over the network because of which the efficiency of communication decreases.Global SP routing & Ethernet switching market: SegmentationSegmentation of global SP routing & Ethernet switching market is done on the basis of component type, Techniques, services, Geography. On the basis of component type, global SP routing & Ethernet switching market is segmented into two segments; Routers & switches the sub segments of these segments are given as; router is segmented into Edge Router, Inter-provider Border Router, & Core Router. Ethernet switch is sub segmented into modular switches & fixed configuration switches.On the basis of techniques, switching techniques is segmented as: store and forward switching, cut-through switching & fragment-free switching & routing technique is segmented as: NAT routing & direct routing.On the basis of service, segmentation of global SP routing & Ethernet switching market is done as; deployment service, operational management service & product support service. By the end user type, the global SP routing & Ethernet switching market is segmented into automotive, consumer packaged goods, education, energy, financial services, government, healthcare, hospitality and life sciences.On the basis of Geography, global SP routing & Ethernet switching market is segmented into seven reasons as; North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), Japan as a separate region and Middle East & Africa. Among all the regions, APAC is having the maximum market share of global SP routing & Ethernet Switching market.Request For Report Table of Content (TOC):Global SP routing & Ethernet switching market: Key PlayersThe key players of global SP routing & Ethernet Switching market are Cisco, Juniper Networks, Inc., Alcatel-Lucent, Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. & 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 Us:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Energy Efficiency Gamification Market to expand at a steady CAGR by 2016-2026

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Games are widespread and most powerful ways through which human beings interact, have fun and by which they communicate. Human brains are wired for social bonding, positive feedback and to enjoy the challenges that games provide. Games rise awareness by using visual communication, limits the wastage of electrical energy and collaborative community engagement. This energy efficiency gamification involves games which includes players (either individually or in teams) and are rewarded for various energy savings accomplishments for a particular time of game played. Also, it gives feedback for their actions on actual-time data on players energy use and make maximum use of virtual world. Some of these games are Oroeco, Virtual Energy Advisor, ecoGator, Carbon Footprint Reduction Game, Utilityco, Cool Choices, WeSpire, Vermontivate, JouleBug, Kansas Take Charge and Kukui Cup. As the use of appliances and consumer electronics is increasing so consumption of electrical energy is surging. The governments across various countries, power providers & organizations are looking for the ways to reduce the wastage of energy and help the nation become more energy efficient & globally secured. Hence, the energy efficiency gamification market is estimated to grow at a healthy CAGR during the forecast period.Request For Report Sample:Global Energy Efficiency Gamification Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe surging energy prices, government initiatives to save energy consumption, increasing overall user experience of games are driving the global energy efficiency gamification market. Also due to the ever increasing smartphones market it is easier for people to access the different kind of games that further leads to the growth of energy efficiency gamification market.However, some restraints are hampering on the energy efficiency gamification market those are lack of awareness about these games and unpredictable effects on user behavior and attitudes.Global Energy Efficiency GamificationMarket: SegmentationThe global energy efficiency gamification market can be segmented as follows:Energy Efficiency GamificationMarket, by Type or CategoryEducationActionAnalyticsEnergy Efficiency GamificationMarket, by Platform or DeploymentWeb-basedMobileDesktopOthers (iPad, Laptops etc.)Energy Efficiency GamificationMarket, by End User-SectorResidentialCommercialIndustrialGlobal Energy Efficiency GamificationMarket: Regional OutlookGeographically, the global energy efficiency gamification market can be divided into seven regions, namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan, and the Middle East and Africa (MEA). North Americais the leading region for the energy efficiency gamification market due to major adoption of gamification techniques. Asia Pacific is the next major contributor in the global energy efficiency gamification market due to growing adoption of smartphones by the individuals and growing gamification and creative innovation initiatives. Europe is following Asia Pacific and North America in terms of market share in the globalenergy efficiency gamification market because of getting fund support from the European Unions seventh framework programme for research and technological development. Latin America is the further booming region due to UNEPs Efficient Appliances and Equipments Partnership (United for Efficiency) and is expected to save energy consumption by switching to cleaner technologies. The Middle East and Africa are at a nascent stage in the global energy efficiency gamification market.Request For Report Table of Content (TOC):Energy Efficiency GamificationMarket: Key playersThe key players in the global energy efficiency gamification market are Oroeco Inc., Energy In Time, myEcoNavigator, Evolaris, Lockheed Martin Corporation, San Diego Gas & Electric, Opower Inc., Cool Choices Inc., Simple Energy Inc., WeSpire Inc., Creative Roustabouts LLC, JouleBug, and Take Charge Challenge.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 Us:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Global Neuromodulation Market Status and Forecast 2022 : Medtronic, Inc., Neuropace, Inc.

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Neuromodulation Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022" to its huge collection of research reports.The research report on the global Neuromodulation market studies current and historical values and provides forecasts based on accumulated database. The report studies regional as well as key domestic markets to present a satisfactory analysis about the growth of the Neuromodulation market over the 2017-2022 forecast period.The report is presented in a chapter-wise format with each chapter containing sub-sections to discuss key segments at length. The annex section provides a feasibility and profitability analysis of new ventures in the Neuromodulation market in the upcoming years. The report prepared after an extensive research phase involved tapping into industry-centric databases and scientific journals and publications to obtain data pertaining to vital business aspects of the Neuromodulation market.Fill the form for an exclusive free sample of this report @This report studies the global Neuromodulation market, analyzes and researches the Neuromodulation development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, likeMedtronic, Inc. (U.S.)Boston Scientific Corporation (U.S.)St. Jude Medical, Inc. (U.S.)Synapse Biomedical, Inc. (U.S.)Nevro Corporation (U.S.)Neurosigma, Inc. (U.S.)The beginning of the report covers notations, conventions, and terms and terminologies that are relevant in the context of Neuromodulation market. Following this, the report provides a detailed discussion on industry statues and policies, cost structure, and demand and supply dynamics that are in the purview of the global Neuromodulation market. Industry statutes and policies have been discussed for regional markets as well. The regional markets of Neuromodulation have been studied in context of production capacity, import/export behavior, demand and supply logistics, and product pricing.In this report, industry-centric analytical tools and proven research methodologies have been employed to determine market attractiveness index of the global Neuromodulation market. The report presents a SWOT analysis of key market players, along with valuable insights into their winning strategies and most recent ranking in the global Neuromodulation market. The in-depth analysis of growth trends and technological developments in the Neuromodulation market right from historical years to the future can be useful for market players to formulate business strategies.Table of Contents1 Industry Overview of Neuromodulation1.1 Neuromodulation Market Overview1.1.1 Neuromodulation Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Neuromodulation Market Size and Analysis by Regions1.3 Neuromodulation Market by Type1.4 Neuromodulation Market by End Users/Application2 Global Neuromodulation Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Neuromodulation 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 Medtronic, Inc. (U.S.)3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Neuromodulation Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 Boston Scientific Corporation (U.S.)3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 Neuromodulation Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.2.5 Recent Developments4 Global Neuromodulation Market Size by Type and Application (2012-2017)4.1 Global Neuromodulation Market Size by Type (2012-2017)4.2 Global Neuromodulation Market Size by Application (2012-2017)4.3 Potential Application of Neuromodulation in Future4.4 Top Consumer/End Users of NeuromodulationList of Tables and FiguresFigure Neuromodulation Product ScopeFigure Global Neuromodulation Market Size (Million USD) (2012-2017)Table Global Neuromodulation Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2012-2017)Figure Global Neuromodulation Market Share by Regions in 2016Figure United States Neuromodulation Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2012-2017)Figure EU Neuromodulation Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2012-2017)Figure Japan Neuromodulation Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2012-2017)Figure China Neuromodulation Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2012-2017)Figure India Neuromodulation Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2012-2017)Figure Southeast Asia Neuromodulation Market Size (Million USD) and Growth Rate by Regions (2012-2017)About Us:QYResearchReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYResearchReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us:1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Pipeline Safety Market size and Key Trends in terms of volume and value 2016-2026

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Pipelines are used to transport gas & liquid products to various locations and to users over long distance across the country. These pipelines are recognized as a safe & reliable means for transporting hazardous product over significant distance. However, improper handling and distribution of these hazardous product may endanger human life and adversely affect the environment. The Transportation Security Administration, within the department of Homeland Security (DHS) is the lead agency for security & transportation including pipelines. Increasing requirement of controlling and monitoring fluid dynamics in Oil & gas industry is expected to boost the demand for pipeline safety market over the forecast period.Request For Report Sample:Pipeline Safety Market: Drivers and RestraintsIncreasing investment in Oil & gas sector coupled with growing infrastructural development around the world is expected to fuel the demand for pipelines, used to transport hazardous product, which in turn is anticipated drive the market for pipeline safety over the forecast period. Moreover, growing concerns over pipeline security in chemical and power generation industry is further expected to drive the market over the forecast period. Additionally, increasing number of terrorist attacks, chemical & gas leakage coupled with number natural calamities and their impact on pipelines have further expected to positively affect the pipeline safety market over the forecast period. Government across the world has framed many safety & recovery protocols over hazardous product leakage which has increased the demand for pipeline safety and is projected to further increase the market for pipeline safety over the forecast period.Online hacking and cyber-attacks have increased dramatically over past couple of decades, which is affecting the industrial control system, which in turn is indirectly hampering the growth of pipeline safety market. Moreover, integration & consulting, system design, service support & maintenance are some of the other factor, which are regarded as restrain for the pipeline safety market.The companies involved in providing pipeline safety are focusing on developing technologies such as smart pigging, laser scanning & leak detector.Pipeline Safety Market: SegmentationThe global Pipeline Safety market can be segmented as follows:Pipeline SafetyMarket, by Technology & SolutionsPerimeter intrusion detectionVideo surveillanceSatellite MonitoringPipeline monitoring systemLeakage detection systemSecure communicationSupervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) for pipelinesPig trackingIntegrated fiber optics monitoringIndustrial control system securityPipeline Safety Market, byserviceConsultingProfessionalRisk ManagementRepair & MaintenanceIntegrity managementPipeline Safety Market, by VerticalNatural GasCrude OilRefined productsOthersPipeline SafetyMarket: Regional OutlookGeographically, the global Pipeline Safety market can be divided into major regions which include North America, Latin America, Western and Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Japanand the Middle East and Africa (MEA).In terms of demand it is anticipated that North America will dominate global Pipeline Safety market. The U.S. due to refinery expansion is expected to dominate North America market over the forecast period. Asia Pacific, due to growing economies and industrial activities in India and China is expected to follow North America during the forecast period. Rest of the world (ROW) are projected to have moderate growth in Pipeline Safety market in coming years.Request For Report Table of Content (TOC):Pipeline SafetyMarket: Key PlayersThe key players in the global Pipeline Safety marketareGeneral ElectricSchneider ElectricSiemens AGABB GroupHoneywell InternationalABOUT 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 Us:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
New Research Report on Gaucher Disease Drugs Market, 2013 - 2019

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This research report on the global Gaucher disease drugs market assesses the market depending the various market segments, overall geographical categories, and latest market trends. Our reports help you accumulate the maximum amount of data possible with the help of a precise analysis method that changes the competitive dynamics.The report provides a complete study of all the latest market trends, growth drivers of the industry, as well as important restraints. One of the salient features of the report is an easy-to-understand pattern of data dissemination, especially in the future forecast section. The report provides a complete perspective using features like SWOT analysis and a value chain assessment. Porters five force model sheds light on the details of the Gaucher disease drug market. Keep yourself constantly at pace with the market by learning about its areas of growth, advantages and competitors.Make an Enquiry @Gaucher disease is a genetic and hereditary condition due to which there is a collection of fatty substances in the cells and organs. The typical symptoms of Gaucher disease include constant fatigue, anemia, bruising of skin, enlarged spleen and liver, along with low blood platelet count. The main cause of Gaucher disease is the deficiency of the enzyme glucocerebrosidase. The deficiency is hereditary, which means a child is more at risk than the adult. The enzyme acts on glucocerebroside, a glycolipid, to synthesize it.When a patient suffers from Gaucher disease, his/her glucocerebrosidase enzyme is defective, which causes a build-up of glucosylceramide, especially in the white blood cells and macrophages. The macrophages are not able to clean the fatty substance out, leading to its accumulation. The now fatty substance-filled cells are called as Gaucher Cells and look like crumpled up paper under the microscope. The fatty substance collects in the liver, spleen, kidneys, brain, lungs, and bone marrow. The signs and symptoms are varying in nature among those affected by Gaucher disease.The key driving factor in the Gaucher disease drugs market is the growing demand for a substantial enough treatment for the disease. The disease is split into three types. Type I and type III being treatable by enzyme replacement therapy, which is a heavily expensive and a lifelong undertaking. The key restraint in fighting Gaucher disease is its rarity. The biggest reason why dose-identifying studies have been so difficult is because there have not been enough patients who suffer from the disease, to find a more optimal dosage.Pre-Book Full Report @Most of the top players in the Gaucher disease drugs market are located in either Europe or North America. The key companies that are described in the research report are: Dong-A-Socio Holdings, Genzyme Corporation, ExSAR Corporation, Neuraltus Pharmaceuticals, Amicus Therapeutics, JCR Pharmaceuticals, Lixte Biotechnology Holdings, Protalix BioTherapeutics, and Greenovation Biotech GmbH.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. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Contact UsTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Marine Accounts offers 25 cash in your pocket for referring a friend

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If youve lived or worked overseas, especially offshore on cruise ships, superyachts or other marine vessels, youll know that the laws and rules surrounding income tax is a minefield.No matter your nationality, frequent changes in legislation in recent years have made travel and working abroad extremely complex. However, a few smart cookies in the UK decided to make the process easier and in 2014, created an accountancy firm specialising in the field of tax return preparation and submission just for yacht crew and seafarers.Marine Accounts Ltd based in Whitstable, Kent is that company and in recant years, has seen a huge rate of growth in a very short space of time.As a way to celebrate the many clients they have helped over recent years, theyve decided to give a little back by incentivising referrals with a cash reward. As Managing Director Pat Maflin explains, this reward has no strings and is easy to come by:We recently took the decision to offer 25 in cold hard cash to anyone who refers a new client to us. Upon successful completion of the referred client, well wire the money to the lucky individual - no questions asked!.Understandably, the response to this offer has been overwhelming as Pat continues:Since its introduction, we have been staggered by the sheer level of referrals weve received. Its testament to out commitment on providing our clients with world class tax consultation with great customer service. As a result, theyve kindly told their friends about us and were thrilled.As Pat concludes, this offer is on-going with no limits on referrals, so its never too late to put colleagues in touch:Its true that weve decided to make this offer indefinite so its never too late to refer someone. Theres also no limits on how many people you can refer to us, so if youre a member of a large crew, you could potentially be about to make a lot of money!Sounds like an offer too good to turn down!So if you want to find out more or how to get your hands on 25 cash just for referring someone, visit the Marine Accounts website ator get in touch with Pat directly via email at pat.maflin@marineaccounts.comNotes for EditorsMarine Accounts are specialists in advising, preparing and submitting tax returns for seafarers, yacht crew and offshore workers to clients all across the UK, US, Australia and New Zealand. In response to a gap in the market, they formed to provide world class tax and accounting consultation to crew working on super-yachts who spend long periods of time offshore.For more information on the company and their services, visit their website ator head office at 101 Northwood Road, Whitstable, Kent CT5 2HEContactPat MaflinTel: 07872 812765Email: pat.maflin@marineaccounts.comMarine Accounts are specialists in advising, preparing and submitting tax returns for seafarers, yacht crew and offshore workers to clients all across the UK, US, Australia and New Zealand. In response to a gap in the market, they formed to provide world class tax and accounting consultation to crew working on super-yachts who spend long periods of time offshore.101 Northwood Road, Whitstable, Kent CT5 2HE
Hydrazine Hydrate Market Growth by Top Companies, Trends by Types and Application, Forecast Analysis to 2025

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Global Hydrazine Hydrate Market: OverviewDue to wide-ranging chemical properties, hydrazine hydrate finds application in numerous end-use industries. It is an inorganic compound that is manufactured commercially by using three production processes such as Bayer-Ketazine process, Olin-Raschig process, and Peroxide process. Hydrazine hydrate is used as a key blowing agent in the polymer industry. It has an odor similar to ammonia and is typically colorless. The exposure to hydrazine hydrate is restricted to some extent due to its toxic nature.Global Hydrazine Hydrate Market: Key TrendsThe global hydrazine hydrate market is primarily driven by the growing demand for polymer foams in the polymer industry and is expected to have a great impact on the market during the forecast period. Food containers, vinyl sheets, structural foam wood grain furniture, and foamed core pipes find extensive usage of hydrazine hydrate, thus propelling the market growth.The need for better quality agricultural food products will raise the demand for agrochemicals. Due to its chemical nature, hydrazine hydrate is widely used in the manufacturing of several insecticides, pesticides, and fungicides, thereby positively impacting the market growth.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Various environmental and industry usage norms have put a restriction on the usage of hydrazine hydrate due to its toxic nature. Carcinogenic properties of hydrazine hydrate will exacerbate the demand further.Global Hydrazine Hydrate Market: Market PotentialHydrazine hydrate finds extensive application in the agriculture industry due to its extensive range of chemical properties. Agro-chemicals worth US$4.1 billion may go off patent by 2020, thereby opening doors for many industry players. Several Indian agro-chemical companies are preparing to introduce new products in the market that will double up the profits of the agro-chemicals market, in turn aiding the growth of the hydrazine hydrate market.Hydrazine hydrates seamless characteristics can also be applied in satellites. Though toxic in nature, hydrazine hydrate was recently used in the Sentinel-2B satellite. In a particularly delicate operation, one of the most recent tasks was to fuel the satellite with hydrazine. Being extremely toxic, only a few specialists wearing scape suits remain in the cleanroom to fill 133 kg of hydrazine and the task was successfully carried out.Request TOC of the Report @Global Hydrazine Hydrate Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold a significant share in the global market, and will be leading during the forecast period as well. Its dominance over the said market can be mainly attributed to the escalating demand for hydrazine hydrate in polymer and agrochemical industries, especially in China, India, and certain Southeast Asian countries.Until the late 1990s, the global market for hydrazine hydrate was led by North America, but strict regulation norms were implemented due to health hazards and experimental trials on rodents, which invariably had a negative impact on the regional market.Global Hydrazine Hydrate Market: Competitive AnalysisThe prominent players in the global hydrazine hydrate market include Otsuka-MGC Chemical Company, Japan Fine Chemical Inc., Arkema SA, Weifang and LANXESS, Yibin Tianyuan Group Co. Ltd., Tanshang Chen Hong Industrial Co., Ltd., Nippon Carbide Industries Co. Inc., Lonza Group Limited, YAXING Chemical Co Ltd., and Hunan Zhuzhou Chemical Industry Group Company Ltd.Request Discount of the Report @The global hydrazine hydrate market is moderately consolidated with leading players accounting for more than 50% of the global market in 2015. The market is expected to score healthy growth during the forecast period due to heavy demand for polymer products and corporate mergers.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact:TMR Research,3739 Balboa St # 1097,San Francisco, CA 94121United StatesTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
Find out more about the zero-waste movement!

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Erasmus+ project under the name Hi4CSR (Harmonization and implementation of EU CSR Directives) started inOctober 2016 and will last until April of 2018. It is a transeuropean project established by eight European organizations renowned in the field of CSR - RRiF-plus Ltd. (Croatia), The Croatian Institute for CSR  IDOP (Croatia), Abis  The Academy of Business in Society (Belgium), Ekvilib Institute (Slovenia), Global Impact Grid (Germany), LUM University (Italy), Pontis Foundation (Slovakia) and Bridging to the Future (United Kingdom).Main objectives of the project are adult education, exchange of good practices between project partners regarding harmonization and implementation of EU Directives as well as development of the first CSR Guide which will cover topics such as non-financial reporting, eco labelling, water framework directive, circular economy, food donations and the employment of people with disabilities.During December, Hi4CSR consortium was researching project topics and publishing new articles on corporate social responsibilityand sustainability. This month in particular revolved around circular economy, with articles exploring the rise of the zero waste movement and the importance of sustainable use of resources such as water and secondary raw materials, while others explain the role of ecodesign and ecolabelling in ensuring sustainable production and consumption patterns. These and other articles can be found below: Speceraj: first zero-waste store in Croatia What is good for you is it good for the Earth too? The importance of ecodesign in circular economy Waste as a business opportunity EU Ecolabel: where does Italy stand? CSR news and magazine The Water Crisis, an SME responseYou can find additional information about the project on thewebsite, write to the consortium at info@hi4csr.com or connect through our social media pages: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube channelGlobal Impact Grid is a nonemployer firm, connecting culturally influential professionals into an adhocracy dedicated to creating positive impact by scaling innovative products and solutions.Our customers range from medium-sized to larger organisations that realize the importance of tackling international expansion and operation from a professional angle. Current focus is on global strategies and scaling of successful startups from and to Europe.Global Impact Grid GbRBraunschweiger Str. 4112055 BerlinThorsten Bruder, Boris Bulatovic, Ela Kurtcu Bulatovicinfo@globalimpactgrid.com
Polyvinyl Alcohol Polyethylene Glycol Graft Copolymer Market: Impact of Existing and Emerging Market 2025

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Polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft copolymer is also called as Ethylene glycol and vinyl alcohol graft copolymer and Macrogol poly (vinyl alcohol) grafted copolymer. The compound is used as a stabilizer, binder for tablets, and glazing agent. The excipients used in pharmaceutical preparation such as coloring agents, flavoring agents, etc. have a low binding property with the drug molecule. The polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft copolymers help to bind these excipients with drug molecule without creating any peroxide during the life of a product. The polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft copolymers are also an important constituent for the instant release dosage form and are used in the various oral dosage form.The molecule is preferred over other substitutes such as Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) due to its high efficiency and less adverse effects. Thus, leads to strong demand for polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft copolymers in pharmaceutical industry. For instance, the polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft copolymers are used in omeprazole formulation which is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and growing at a rapid rate in terms of both value and volume. The North America polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft copolymers market accounts for relatively high revenue share, followed by Western Europe polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft copolymers market. Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at a relatively high growth rate over the forecast period, owing to the increasing consumption of pharmaceuticals and food product in the region.Request Report For TOC @The important factor driving the global polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft copolymers market include growing industry such as food and pharmaceutical across the globe. The advantages of polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft copolymers over PVP and HPMC in instant release formulations is also expected to fuel the global polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft copolymers market. The macroeconomic factors making a positive impact on the global polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft copolymers market include the predominance of diseases, changing consumer lifestyle, increasing population, and growing domestic income.Request to Sample of Report @The significant trending factor for global polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft copolymers market includes the obtaining a patent on the applications and derivatives of polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft copolymers. The company manufacturing polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft copolymers products has a significant opportunity in regions such as North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, attributed to high demand for food and pharmaceuticals over the forecast period.Few of the players are involved in the polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft copolymers market as various derivatives and applications of the compound is patented. The companies participating in the market include BASF SE and Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC.Pre Book Full Report @About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
DIN Rail Terminal Blocks Market Outlook 2022 Top Companies - WAGO, Phoenix Contact, Weidmuller, ABB, Amphenol (FCI)

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MarketStudyReport.com Add New Global DIN Rail Terminal Blocks Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022 to its research database. The report presents a deep study of the market growth factors and drivers. The report spread across 118 pages with table and figures in it.DIN Rail Terminal Blocks Market 2017 report focuses on the major drivers and restraints for the Global key players. It also provides analysis of the market share, segmentation, revenue forecasts and geographic regions of the market. The report spread across 118 pages with tables and figures in it.MarketStudyReport.com adds a new DIN Rail Terminal Blocks Market research report that provides a detailed market overview as well as industry analysis for / of companies, manufacturers and distributors covering data on gross margin, cost structure, consumption value, sale price and more.Market Study Report adds Global DIN Rail Terminal Blocks Market By Manufacturers, Countries, Type And Application, Forecast To 2022 report to its research database. The report spread across 118 pages with table and figures in it.Doc:DIN Rail Terminal Blocks is an electronic device, convenient for connecting wires, it is a seal in insulating plastic inside the metal sheet, and both ends of the wire can be inserted into the hole, with screw for tightening or loosening.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the DIN Rail Terminal Blocks 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.Request a sample copy of DIN Rail Terminal Blocks Market Research Report @Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report covers  WAGO, Phoenix Contact, Weidmuller, ABB, Amphenol (FCI), Omron, Wieland Electric, Dinkle, Reliance, UPUN, Yaowa, CHNT, Gonqi, SUPU, Sailing-on, Leipole, CNNT.Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis covers:North 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 Table of Contents:Global DIN Rail Terminal Blocks Market OverviewGlobal DIN Rail Terminal Blocks Market Manufacturers ProfilesGlobal DIN Rail Terminal Blocks Market Competition, by ManufacturerGlobal DIN Rail Terminal Blocks Market Analysis by RegionsGlobal DIN Rail Terminal Blocks by CountriesGlobal DIN Rail Terminal Blocks Market Segment by TypeGlobal DIN Rail Terminal Blocks Market Segment by ApplicationDIN Rail Terminal Blocks Market Forecast (2017-2022)Sales Channel, Distributors, Traders and DealersResearch Findings and ConclusionAppendixMarket Segment by Type, covers Screw TypeSpring-cage TypePush-in TypeOthersMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided into ElectricityMechanical EquipmentRail TransmitOtherEnquire For Discount on DIN Rail Terminal Blocks Market Research Report @There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global DIN Rail Terminal Blocks market.Chapter 1, to describe DIN Rail Terminal Blocks Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of DIN Rail Terminal Blocks, with sales, revenue, and price of DIN Rail Terminal Blocks, 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 DIN Rail Terminal Blocks, for each region, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the market by countries, by type, by application and by manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 10 and 11, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 12, DIN Rail Terminal Blocks market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe DIN Rail Terminal Blocks sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceFor More Info on Market Research @Related Reports: -Global Hydropower Turbines Industry Market Analysis & Forecast 2018-2023In the Global Hydropower Turbines Industry Market Analysis & Forecast 2018-2023, the revenue is valued at USD XX million in 2017 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2023, growing atCentralize market research purchases across your entire organization in one place.Marketstudyreport.com allows you to manage and control all corporate research purchases to consolidate billing and vendor management. You can eliminate duplicate purchases and customize your content and license management.Market Study ReportThe Green Suite #4594,Dover, DE 19901United StatesPhone: 1-201-355-0868US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email: sales@marketstudyreport.comWebsite:News:Connect with us: Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter
Floriculture Market by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2025

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Market Research Report on Floriculture Market to 2025 - Global Analysis and Forecasts by Type, Components, Global Market Landscape and its Growth Prospects over the coming years till 2025 is now available at ReportsWeb.comMarket OverviewThe report also sheds light on the current trends related to the demand, supply, and sales of Global Floriculture market research report 2018, along with the recent developments in the field. The report includes tools such as Porters five force analysis and market attractiveness analysis. The research report takes into consideration the drivers, restraints, trends, and opportunities of the global Global Floriculture market research report 2018 market in order to identify the future of the market.For compiling the report, data has been derived from a number of paid and unpaid sources such as presentations, white papers, journals, and press releases. It offers in-depth information obtained through extensive primary and secondary research methods. The information has been further assessed using various effective analytical tools. Therefore, the report provides a 360-degree view of the global Global Floriculture market research report 2018 market.Inquire for Free Sample Copy of Report -Global Floriculture market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingDummen OrangeSyngenta FlowersFinlaysBeekenkampKaruturiOserianSelecta OneWashington BulbArcangeli Giovanni & FiglioCarzan FlowersRosebudKarikiMultifloraKaren RosesHarvest FlowerQueens GroupBall HorticulturalOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoCut FlowersBedding PlantsPotted PlantsOtherOn 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, includingPersonal UseGiftConference & ActivitiesOtherRead Complete Report Major Points From Table of Contents1 Floriculture Market Overview2 Global Floriculture Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Global Floriculture Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2018)4 Global Floriculture Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2018)5 Global Floriculture Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type6 Global Floriculture Market Analysis by Application7 Global Floriculture Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 Dummen Orange7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Floriculture Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 Dummen Orange Floriculture Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Syngenta Flowers7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Floriculture Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 Syngenta Flowers Floriculture Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 Finlays7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Floriculture Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 Finlays Floriculture Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.3.4 Main Business/Business OverviewInquire to Know more about Report -8 Floriculture Manufacturing Cost Analysis9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders11 Market Effect Factors Analysis12 Global Floriculture Market Forecast (2018-2025)13 Research Findings and ConclusionPurchase this Report -. And get, discounts on report purchase -Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.533, 5th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Global Aquafeed Market Scope, Demand and Forecasts 2025 with Leading Players Nutreco, Cargill, DSM, Ridley and Others 2025

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Market Research Report on Aquafeed Market to 2025 - Global Analysis and Forecasts by Type, Components, Global Market Landscape and its Growth Prospects over the coming years till 2025 is now available at ReportsWeb.comMarket OverviewThe report also sheds light on the current trends related to the demand, supply, and sales of Global Aquafeed market research report 2018, along with the recent developments in the field. The report includes tools such as Porters five force analysis and market attractiveness analysis. The research report takes into consideration the drivers, restraints, trends, and opportunities of the global Global Aquafeed market research report 2018 market in order to identify the future of the market.For compiling the report, data has been derived from a number of paid and unpaid sources such as presentations, white papers, journals, and press releases. It offers in-depth information obtained through extensive primary and secondary research methods. The information has been further assessed using various effective analytical tools. Therefore, the report provides a 360-degree view of the global Global Aquafeed market research report 2018 market.Inquire for Free Sample Copy of Report -In this report, the global Aquafeed market is valued at USD XX million in 2017 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2017 and 2025.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD) , market share and growth rate of Aquafeed in these regions, from 2013 to 2025 (forecast) , coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGlobal Aquafeed market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingC. P. GroupAlltechNutrecoCargillDSMRidleyBiominAller AquaBioMarDibaq AquacultureOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoChelatedNon-chelatedOn 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, includingFishesMollusksCrustaceanRead Complete Report Major Points From Table of Contents1 Aquafeed Market Overview2 Global Aquafeed Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Global Aquafeed Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2018)4 Global Aquafeed Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2018)5 Global Aquafeed Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type6 Global Aquafeed Market Analysis by Application7 Global Aquafeed Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 C. P. Group7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Aquafeed Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 C. P. Group Aquafeed Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Alltech7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Aquafeed Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 Alltech Aquafeed Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 Nutreco7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Aquafeed Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 Nutreco Aquafeed Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.3.4 Main Business/Business OverviewInquire to Know more about Report -8 Aquafeed Manufacturing Cost Analysis9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders11 Market Effect Factors Analysis12 Global Aquafeed Market Forecast (2018-2025)13 Research Findings and ConclusionPurchase this Report -. And get, discounts on report purchase -Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.533, 5th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Calcium Sulfite Market Estimated to Flourish by 2025

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Calcium sulfite is a calcium salt of sulfurous acid, a by-product of coal combustion and flue gas spontaneously converts to soil amendment or gypsum with exposure to water and air. Calcium Sulfite is an antioxidant that protects food from deterioration which is caused by oxidation. Calcium sulfite has biocidal properties used as a disinfectant as well as food & drink preservative. Additionally, it also aids in protecting against food deterioration affected by micro-organisms along with used as bleaching additives in a wide variety of foods such as processed meat, wine, beer, seafood, and much more. Moreover, owing to the presence of calcium content in calcium sulfite, it is used to enhance firmness in many frozen foods such as biscuits. According to an independent study, Western people consume around 1-3 mg of calcium sulfite a day. Calcium sulfite is also used in medical products such as inhalers, and Epi-pens.Calcium Sulfite market is witnessing maximum growth owing to the significant use of calcium sulfite as antioxidants in food & drug industry, availability of calcium sulfite in most volume such as bulk quantities, and expanding demand for food additives. Moreover, readily availability of calcium sulfite, new drug formulations, and unique chemical properties such as strong reductant, a toxicant against pyrite, and an alkaline material which are useful in inhibiting the formation of acid in coal waste are some of the factors that can boost the demand for calcium sulfite over the forecast period. However, substitute to calcium sulfite namely potassium metabisulfite along with may provoke allergic reactions especially in asthmatics patients, and stringent government regulations such as banned in some countries namely Australia, and New Zealand may hamper the growth of calcium sulfite market in the near future.Request Report For TOC @Calcium Sulfite market revenue is expected to grow at a rapid growth rate, over the forecast period. The market is anticipated to perform well in the near future owing to expanding food industry, rising R&D activities to overcome the harmful effect of calcium sulfite, increasing demand for ready-to-eat food, and act as a bleaching agent, a flavor enhancer. Moreover, it is used as food preservation in fruit based products which helps in increasing the firmness of food are some of the factors that can accelerate the market revenue growth of calcium sulfite during the forecast period.Depending on the geographic region, calcium sulfite market is divided into seven key regions: North America, Eastern Europe, Latin America, Western Europe, Japan, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. North America dominates the calcium sulfite market followed by Europe, and Japan is owing to advanced technology, high awareness about calcium sulfite, high demand for processed food, and advanced research & development infrastructure in these regions. Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa hold significant potential and shows substantial growth in terms of expanding food & beverage industry, pharmaceutical industry along with increasing demand for packaged food, rising disposable income, and changing lifestyle are some of the factors which strengthen the growth of calcium sulfite market throughout the forecast period.Request to Sample of Report @Some players of calcium sulfite market are All-Chemie, Ltd., Espicorp Inc., Hydrite Chemical Co., Surepure Chemetals, Inc., ICC Industries, Inc., American Elements, GFS Chemicals, Inc., Barium & Chemicals, Inc., NOAH Technologies Corporation, Pure Tech Inc., Aditya Birla Chemicals, Shimmer Chemicals Private Limited, and Qingdao Sunny Energy Saving Materials Co., Ltd.Pre Book Full Report @About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
B2B Exhibitions Market Size in US to Worth $36.35 Billion by 2023

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The B2B exhibitions market size in US is projected to grow from $12.83 billion in 2017 to $36.35 billion by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 4.88%.Ariztons recent market research report on the B2B exhibitions market in US provides comprehensive industry analysis, trend forecasts, and competitive analysis. The research study segments the market by industry sectors (consumer goods and retail, AFF and energy, medical and healthcare, business services, machinery, IT, electronics, and telecommunications, and others) and offers detailed competitive analysis.The B2B exhibitions market in US is projected to grow from $12.83 billion in 2017 to $36.35 billion by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 4.88%. The spike in corporate marketing budgets and the growth of new companies in emerging markets and developing economies are driving the B2B exhibitions market in US. The vendors in the US are focusing on providing new resources such as lounges and show-floor activations to boost the exhibition attendance in the B2B exhibitions market in US.Request for your free sample today!:The top 3 drivers and trends of the B2B exhibitions market in US are discussed below:Integration of Trade Shows with Digital TechnologiesThe development of materials and technologies has helped in the evolution of exhibitions as organizers are increasing using digitally advanced channels for marketing over the next few years. The implementation of digitalization in the B2B exhibitions market in US is offering new horizons by augmenting the value of an exhibition organizer via online, social, technological, and mobile solutions. The adoption of technology will create new and live experiences for consumers and result in enhancing trading and networking opportunities for business owners. Prominent players in the B2B exhibitions market in US are introducing multi-sensory storytelling techniques that increase monetization potential, implement tools to monitor customer behavior, and provide comprehensive brand information with an emotional brand experience. iBeacons, AR, eye tracking, VR, wearables, interactive walls, digital lounges, and gamification are the most commonly used technologies in the B2B exhibitions market in US.Increased Number of Venues and Expanding CapacitiesWith the economic progress of the US region, the B2B exhibitions market is witnessing an increase the number of venues and its capacity in the state. The vendors in the B2B exhibitions market in US are focusing on increasing the venue capacity, thereby improving the buyer experience and effectiveness.The B2B exhibitions market in the US accounts for around 20% of the total global capacity in terms of exhibitions venue space.The growing demand for large venues with a purpose-built seminar space, better accessibility to the site for loading and unloading bays, and refreshment facilities is creating new opportunities of players in the B2B exhibitions market in US.Request for your free sample today!Growth in Use of Big DataThe B2B exhibitions market in US is witnessing a growing use of big data analytics. The use of big data tools will allow exhibitors and organizers to understand the metrics of ROIs and drive better logistics planning, increase sponsorships, and boost exhibition participation. Leading analytics companies offer big data solutions centered around populating operational, financial, and customer data into a dashboard to provide actionable insights for business owners. The implementation of technologies such as RFID to track and gather data at exhibitions is likely to improve marketing programs and digital campaigns in the B2B exhibitions market in US.RELX Group, UBM, Informa Exhibitions, and Emerald Expositions are the leading vendors in the B2B exhibitions market in the US.The complete overview of the latest market research report on the B2B exhibitions market in the US by Arizton is now available.The report also offers a detailed study of major trends, drivers, challenges, and provides the market size and forecast for major geographical regions and key countries.About Arizton Advisory & IntelligenceArizton  Advisory and Intelligence is an innovation and quality-driven firm, which offers cutting-edge research solutions to clients across the world. We excel in providing comprehensive market intelligence reports and advisory and consulting services.We offer comprehensive market research reports on industries such as consumer goods & retail technology, automotive and mobility, smart tech, healthcare and life sciences, industrial machinery, chemicals and materials, IT and media, logistics and packaging. These reports contain detailed industry analysis, market size, share, growth drivers, and trend forecasts.Arizton comprises a team of exuberant and well-experienced analysts who have mastered in generating incisive reports. Our specialist analysts possess exemplary skills in market research. We train our team in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics to outperform in fabricating impregnable research reports.Arizton Advisory & Intelligence1136 S. Delano Court WestChicago - 60605Mail: enquiry@arizton.comCall: +1-312-465-7864
Endodontic Reparative Cement Market is Expected to Witness a Steady Growth by 2025

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The advent of bio-ceramic technology has lead in revolutionizing endodontic reparative cement material for dental treatment. Endodontic reparative cement is advantageous as they provide good biocompatibility with a high level of osteoconductivity that makes them ideal for endodontic care. Endodontic reparative cement is a bio-ceramic material and variety of them are available in the market such as calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement, endosequencer sealer, and root repair materials. Endodontic reparative cement has many additional characteristics such as they take lesser setting time with no staining in tooth, efficient handling, and blocks bacterial leakage. Endodontic reparative cement is widely adopted for dental implants and coating of implants, and timely evolution in them results in an alteration which results in enormous productive changes. Endodontic reparative cement are used in applications such as pulp capping procedure, apexification, apexogenesis, and furcation repair. Variety of bio-ceramics are available, including, alumina and zirconia, bioactive glass, calcium silicates, hydroxyapatite, and many others. Endodontic reparative cement is classified based on characteristics such as bioinert, bioactive, and biodegradable properties. The properties of endodontic reparative cement such as biocompatibility, hermetic seal, formation of strong chemical bonds in tooth's vicinity, excellent radiopacity, osteoconductivity, tissue fluid insolubility, and ease in handling, makes them interesting in dentistry applications. In addition, glass ionomer cement is also used in endodontic applications and used as a temporary restoration material during endodontic therapies. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is also an endodontic reparative cement and are used in applications such as root-end filling, pulp therapy, perforation repair, and apical barrier formation for teeth.Request for Table of Contents @The market for endodontic reparative cement is primarily driven by increasing number of endodontic procedures or root canal therapy procedure. For instance, more than 15 million root canal therapy procedures are performed every, and approximately 41,000 root canal therapy is performed every day in the U.S. alone. Furthermore, endodontic reparative cement is also adopted in therapy procedures such as pulp capping, pulptomy, apexogenesis, apexification, and root perforation procedures and thereby, impels the growth of endodontic reparative cement market. However, high cost of dental procedures and high risk associated with the procedures are the major obstacles in driving the growth of endodontic reparative cement market.Endodontic reparative cement is a bioactive material and are intended for the healing of periapical lesions, and stimulates the formation of bone, periodontal ligament, and cementum, and also permits the growth of cementum layer from its surface directly. External factors such as temperature and humidity and internal factors such as size and distribution of particles of endodontic reparative cement play an important role in determining its effectiveness and properties. The high level of pH in endodontic reparative cement result in damaging membrane and DNA of bacteria and denatures its protein content. Though there are various types of endodontic reparative cement available but they all share similarity in terms of physical, chemical and biological properties.Request to View Sample of Research Report @Geographically, global endodontic reparative cement market can be segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. The market in North America is anticipated to show the largest market share for endodontic reparative cement, followed by Europe, owing to the presence of sophisticated dental infrastructure. In addition, proper reimbursement of therapy procedure, and increasing number of endodontic therapy are also driving the market growth of endodontic reparative cement.The market in Asia-Pacific region is estimated to grow at fastest CAGR over the forecast period owing to the presence of large population base, occupying a large share of the geriatric population, and rising funding from government and private sectors for research and development activities. However, the market in Latin America and Middle East & Africa shows the steady growth during the forecast period.Some of the market participants in the global endodontic reparative cement market are Angelus Industria de Produtos Odontologicos S/A, Septodont Inc., Dentsply Sirona, Innovative BioCeramix, Inc., Brasseler, CJM Engineering, Kerr Corporation, Dentsply Maillefer, Patterson Dental Supply, Inc., Avalon Biomed, Inc., Ivoclar Vivadent, Essential Dental Systems, Pulpdent Corporation, Coltene Group, Roydent Dental Products, Parkell, Inc., and GC America Inc.Pre Book Full Report @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,Telephone  +1-646-568-7751USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Cable Analyzer Market Set to Witness an Uptick by 2025

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A cable analyzer is a device that is primarily used to examine the strength and connectivity of a particular type of cable or other wired assemblies. There are number of different types of cable analyzers, each being able to test a specific or different type of cable or wire. A cable analyzer can examine whether a cable or wire is set up properly, connected and fitted correctly between the source and destination. Cable analyzer with its unique ability contributes in averting any un-predictable lurking danger by providing necessary condition of cables.With portability and easy to handle of this device even layman are now using this device to keep check on their houses electrical circuit & earthing connection in order to avoid any accidents. Understanding the unique functionality of the device and its necessity it can be forecasted that the market for Cable analyzer will grow at a decent CAGR annually.Request Report For TOC @With increase in construction activities and involvement of various machines in such operations which runs on electric and battery power instead of manual labor cables and wires uses are ought to increase, which will eventually fuel the market of cable analyzer. Increase in data centers, laying of under-ground cables for telecommunication and other communication purpose are also boosting the market of cable analyzer. Projects such as to upgrade power grid and rural electrification will bring in use of multiple cables and wires which need frequent maintenance as well as during installation need to be carefully and thoroughly checked which can only be achieved with use of cable analyzer market.Further, as networks evolve, so do the requirements of the cabling infrastructure to support them will increase. New standards are continuously being developed and deployed to explain guidelines for cabling professionals when installing, testing, troubleshooting, and certifying cables and wires which again will boost the market of cable analyzer. Effort to make houses and commercial spaces space safe for human usage and to full proof such space of any sort of danger with loose cable and wire fittings has been also augmenting the market of cable analyzer.Request to Sample of Report @Geographically, the cable analyzer market is segmented into seven regions, namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan and the Middle East and Africa (MEA). North America is the market leader in terms of value in the cable analyzer market owing to the habit of using and adopting technology for handling and maintenance of various activities and operations. Existence of critical projects and systems as well as on-going projects and consciousness to improve public safety & security will boost the market of cable analyzer in North America. Followed by APEJ.In APEJ region countries like India, China are too not lagging in public safety & security market. Initiatives and plans are being introduced and executed for improving public safety & security. Rising projects on urbanization, electrification better connectivity and smart cities will trigger the use of multiple cable for various energy source and purpose which will directly impact the market of cable analyzer. In MEA region, public safety & security has been growing constantly due to rise in spending in improving city life and understanding importance of public safety & security. Latin America is in nascent stage in public safety & security market. But government has been introducing plans and adopting measures for public safety & security, which will fuel the use of cable analyzer.Pre Book Full Report @About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Top 3 Industry Sectors in B2B Exhibitions Market in US

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The B2B exhibitions market in US is projected to grow from $12.83 billion in 2017 to $36.35 billion by 2023. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.88%Ariztons recent market research report on the B2B exhibitions market in the US in US identifies RELX Group, UBM, Informa Exhibitions, and Emerald Expositions as the leading vendors that are likely to dominate the market during the forecast period. This research report provides detailed analysis of market segmentation by industry sectors(consumer goods and retail, AFF and energy, medical and healthcare, business services, machinery, IT, electronics, and telecommunications, and others) and offers detailed competitive analysis.Request for your free sample today!The B2B exhibitions market in US by industry sectors has seven major segments: consumer goods and retail, AFF and energy, medical and healthcare, business services, machinery, IT, electronics, and telecommunications, and others.Top 3 industries are discussed below:Consumer goods and retail industry in the B2B exhibitions market in US to occupy the largest market share during the forecast periodThe consumer goods and retail industry sector was the largest segment in the B2B exhibitions market in the US, occupying 10,321 thousand sq. mtr. rented area during 2017. The consumer goods and retail industry in the B2B exhibitions market in US expected to reach 12,253 thousand sq. mtr. area by 2023, growing at a CAGR of close to 3% during the forecast period. The incorporation of media content that focuses on promoting the product uniqueness, brand awareness, and increase consumer satisfaction will drive the growth of the consumer goods and retail industry sector in the B2B exhibitions market in US.AFF and energy industry sectors in the B2B exhibitions market in US will grow at steady CAGRs during the forecast periodThe AFF and energy industry sectors in the B2B exhibitions market in the US are expected to reach 9,557 thousand sq. mtrs by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 2.66% during the forecast period.The growth in population, the strategy of energy dominance, radical growth inefficiency, and increased exports of fish are some of the factors that are driving the B2B exhibitions market in the US in this industry segment. The integration of sensing technologies and robotics in the agricultural process is creating a demand for trade shows in the AFF and energy industry to gain insight primarily on new applications. The prominent vendors in this industry sector in the B2B exhibitions market in the US are providing panel discussions, practice-oriented events, special shows and multi-faceted programs of related events to add value to the overall consumer experiences.Request a Free Sample:Medical and healthcare industry sectors in the B2B exhibitions market in US will grow at a satisfactory CAGRs during the forecast periodThe medical and healthcare industry sectors in the B2B exhibitions market in US expected to reach 7,743 thousand sq. mtr. by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 3.29% during the forecast period. The rising popularity of telehealth programs and innovations introduced in this industry sector is fueling the growth of the B2B exhibitions market in US. The vendors in this market segment are offering free workshops, keynote presentations, and seminars to increase the participation in these trade shows and exhibitions. Additionally, the incorporation of networking lounges and interactive learning hubs will propel the growth of the B2B exhibitions market in the US during the forecast period.PennWell Corporation, Messe Frankfurt, ITE Group, MCH Group, Koelnmesse, Tarsus Group, and Deutsche Messe are the other prominent vendors in the B2B exhibitions market in the US.The complete overview of the latest market research report on the B2B exhibitions market in the US by Arizton is now available.The report also offers a detailed study of major trends, drivers, challenges, and provides the market size and forecast for major geographical regions and key countries.About Arizton Advisory & IntelligenceArizton  Advisory and Intelligence is an innovation and quality-driven firm, which offers cutting-edge research solutions to clients across the world. We excel in providing comprehensive market intelligence reports and advisory and consulting services.We offer comprehensive market research reports on industries such as consumer goods & retail technology, automotive and mobility, smart tech, healthcare and life sciences, industrial machinery, chemicals and materials, IT and media, logistics and packaging. These reports contain detailed industry analysis, market size, share, growth drivers, and trend forecasts.Arizton comprises a team of exuberant and well-experienced analysts who have mastered in generating incisive reports. Our specialist analysts possess exemplary skills in market research. We train our team in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics to outperform in fabricating impregnable research reports.1136 S. Delano Court WestChicago 60605Mail: enquiry@arizton.comCall: +1-312-465-7864
Bone Anchored Hearing Aids Market to See Incredible Growth During 2017  2025

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Bone Bone-anchored hearing aids are surgically implantable devices designed to treat hearing loss. This device works by transmitting the sound received through bone conduction to the nerve fibers in the inner ears. The bone-anchored hearing device is a niche segment in the bone-anchored hearing aids market. The bone-anchored hearing device consists of an externally worn receiver and a sound processor. The sound processor resembles a standard behind-the-ear hearing aid, and there is an external abutment that helps the titanium implant to vibrate. It takes approximately 3 to 4 months for the implant to get fused with the living bone, and the process is termed as osseointegration. Once the bone-anchored hearing aid is osseointegrated, the implant conducts sound to the inner ear via the bone. Hence, the sound travels the inner bone without involving the ear canal or the middle ear. The hearing aids were approved by the FDA in 2002 for treating unilateral sensorineural hearing loss.Report Details @The growth of the bone-anchored hearing aids market is attributed to the increasing prevalence of hearing loss in children and older population. According to the WHO, annually 360 million individuals are affected with hearing loss, accounting for 5.3% of the total world population. An article published in CDC, stated that during the span of 1997 to 2007, 2 to 3 of 1,000 children, who were born in the U.S., faced hearing loss in one or both ears. Increasing customization in the product has proven beneficial for the users. The customization of hearing devices are done according to the users. For instance, in case of older people, the bone-anchored devices are designed in a way that they help in increasing the quality of digital sound. In addition, increasing demand for aesthetic hearing aids has propelled the growth of the bone-anchored hearing aids market.Request Brochure of The Report @The global bone-anchored hearing aids market is segmented according to raw material, end-user, and geography. In terms of material, the global market is segmented into titanium alloy, ceramics composites, and others. In terms of end-user, the market is segmented into hospitals and medical centers. According to geography, the market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa.Globally, North America dominates the bone-anchored hearing aids market. Since technology is widely used in countries such as the U.S. and Canada, the demand for bone-anchored hearing aids is higher in North America. Increased use of medical technology and improved and developed health care are attributed for the market growth in Europe. Increasing health care services and rising patient pool are major drivers for the market growth in Asia Pacific. Hence, Asia Pacific is an emerging market for bone-anchored hearing aids during the forecast period. Rising health care infrastructure and facilities in Latin America are factors which are expected to drive the market growth in the region. Middle East & Africa is a slow growing market due to slow growth of economy in the countries of the region.Major players operating in the bone-anchored hearing aids market are AUDITDATA, Cochlear Limited, GN ReSound, MED-EL Medical Electronics, Natus Medical Incorporated, Sivantos Group, Sonova Holding AG, Advanced Bionics Corporation, Phonak AG, Starkey Hearing Technologies, Widex, William Demant Holding, Bernafon AG, and Sonic Innovations.Check Discount @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 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. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use 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, chemicals, 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, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Cardiac Ultrasound Transducers Market : Trends Demand Analysis and Outlooks 2017  2025

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Ultrasound transducers are systems used to evaluate targets and interpret the reflected signals. Ultrasound transducers are available in different shapes and sizes which produces an image in the form of a plane body with the structures cut across. Piezoelectric crystals change size and shape of the beam that generates a voltage when force is applied and also works as ultrasonic detectors. Some systems use separate transmitters and receivers, while some combine both functions into a single piezoelectric transceiver. Ultrasound transducers use non-piezoelectric principles such as magnetostriction and diaphragm principle used for fabrication of transducer arrays. Cardiac ultrasound transducers are available in different sizes and shapes in order to be used outside the echo lab. However, new developments in ultrasound technology and cardiac ultrasounds allow imaging at the cellular or molecular level, paving the way for earlier diagnosis and treatment of diseases.Report Details @High prevalence of diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, geriatric population with bypass surgery, rising patient awareness programs, growing research and development initiatives for heart diseases, and increasing demand for diagnostic imaging devices are the major factors driving the cardiac ultrasound transducers market. According to the WHO, cardiovascular disease is one of the leading cause of death globally. In 2016, WHO reported 16 million deaths under the age of 70 years which is due to non-communicable diseases, and 37% death were caused by cardiovascular diseases. Growth in technologies such as biochips, catheter implantation, mall hand-held or pocket-sized ultrasound systems, and increase in use of advanced software applications available for measuring the protocol of the ultrasound test are likely to fuel the growth of the cardiac ultrasound transducers market.Request Brochure of The Report @The global cardiac ultrasound transducers market has been segmented based on product type, end-user, and region. In terms of product type, the market has been classified into sector transducer, concave transducer, pencil transducer, linear transducer, microconvex transducer, and others. Cardiovascular is a rapidly growing application segment because of increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases globally. According to the WHO, cardiovascular diseases accounted for 17.5 million deaths in 2012, representing 31% of all the global deaths. Of these, an estimated 7.4 million were due to coronary heart disease and 6.7 million were due to stroke. In terms of end-user, the cardiac ultrasound transducers market has been classified into diagnostic laboratories, ambulatory surgical units, hospitals, clinics, and others. Geographically, the cardiac ultrasound transducers market has been segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa.North America dominates the global cardiac ultrasound transducers market due to sophisticated infrastructure with modern software modalities, patient awareness programs, and high per capita health care expenditure. Early-phase diagnosis and treatment of disease is driving the medical devices market which in turn is expected to augment the cardiac ultrasound transducers market in North America. Europe is the second largest market for cardiac ultrasound transducers due to favorable government policies regarding health care infrastructure, incidence of cardiac diseases, and awareness among the population. Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a higher rate due to rising geriatric population, changing lifestyle, increasing awareness about cardiovascular diseases, and surging per capita expenditure. In addition, economic growth supports the improvement of the health care infrastructure in developing countries such as India and China. Hence, these factors fuel the growth of the cardiac ultrasound transducers market in Asia Pacific.Check Discount @Major players operating in the global cardiac ultrasound transducers market include Siemens Healthineers, Chison Medical Imaging Co., Ltd., Esaote SpA, GE Healthcare, Fujifilm Sonosite, Inc., Telemed Medical Systems, Samsung, Toshiba Medical System Corporation, and Hitachi Medical Systems.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 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. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use 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, chemicals, 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, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Sharps Container Market : Trends Demand Analysis and Outlooks 2017  2025

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Biomedical waste disposal and medical waste disposal containers are particularly referred as sharps containers. These are primarily utilized to contain hazardous instruments. A sharps container is generally made of plastic and used to reduce the risk of injury and infections. Most of the infectious diseases are caused by pathogenic microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. Several pathogenic microorganisms are also present on human body that can spread directly or indirectly from one person to another. Signs and symptoms of an infectious disease depends upon the microorganism causing the infection. Moreover, common symptoms include fever and fatigue.Report Details @People suffering from life-threatening infections need immediate hospitalization. In case of some of the mild infections, home remedies and full body rest may prove beneficial. Hence, in order to avoid further infections especially in a hospital or other health care facilities, sharps containers must be used on a large scale, including homes. Sharps waste is also known as biomedical waste composed of used "sharps". These include devices used to lacerate the skin or puncture. Biohazardous waste must be handled with utmost care and injury free. Blood-borne diseases such as hepatitis C (HCV), hepatitis B (HBV), and HIV can directly spread through infectious agents. During sharps waste handling, professionals may get affected by these blood-borne diseases. Currently, large volumes of sharps waste is handled by professionals. This also increases the chances of sharps injury.Request Brochure of The Report @Previously, sharing needles used in hospitals and other medical labs increased chances of AIDS (HIV) and other infectious disease. Hence, it is quite important to use a sharps container to prevent infections. A sharps container is used for sharp medical instruments such as IV catheters, needles, broken glass, syringes, dental anesthetic carpules, and vacutainer tube holder. Sharps containers may be used for a single purpose or reusable. Sharps containers must be sterilized before reuse. These are generally used in hospitals, research centers, labs, and others. Sharps disposal container is available through pharmacies, health care providers, medical supply companies, and online.The global sharps container market is driven by increasing demand for syringes, saline needles, catheters, and reagents in hospitals and laboratory research. The global sharps container market has been segmented based on product type, end-user, and region. In terms of product type, the global sharps container market has been divided into single-use sharps containers and reusable sharps containers (robotically emptied and sterilized).Based on end-user, the global sharps container market has been segmented into hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, academic research laboratories, diagnostic laboratories, and others. In terms of revenue, the hospitals segment held a significant share of the global sharps container market.Check Discount @In terms of region, the global sharps container market has been segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. North America is a key market for sharps containers, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. The U.S. accounted for a major share of the global sharps container market in North America in terms of revenue. The global sharps container market in Asia Pacific is expanding rapidly due to increase in number of injuries. The region is projected to be the most attractive market in the near future. The market in Asia Pacific is driven by better economic growth, health care infrastructure, and increasing awareness among the people in emerging economies such as China, Japan, and India.Key players operating in the global sharps container market include 2001 s.r.l., Medtronic plc, Becton, Dickinson and Company, MarketLab, Inc., Post Medical, Inc., GPC Medical Ltd., Everbest Limited, Allied Seals Europe, Medu-Scientific Ltd., Henry Schein, Inc., and Dailymag Magnetic Technology (Ningbo) Limited.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 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. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use 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, chemicals, 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, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Respiratory Heaters Market Expecting Worldwide Growth by 2025

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Respiratory heaters are external heaters that are used with the nebulizer system, to deliver heated aerosol or heated breathing gas to the patient. Respiratory heaters are also known as nebulizer heaters which are invented to provide heated and warm bland aerosol therapy to the patients who required respiratory support via a nasal cannulae, tracheal tube or face mask. The respiratory heaters offer the ability to mix oxygen and warm ambient air to the users without any need of piped medical grade air. With an ideal oxygen flow-meter, the nebulizer system is used in a conjunction with respiratory heater, which provides pressurized oxygen by ultra-fine particles in the therapeutic aerosol which is created by nebulizer system. The respiratory heaters creating a perfect system for patients or users who required high flow therapy. Basically, the function of the respiratory heater is to warm the solution in the nebulizer and heats the dilution air.Request for Table of Contents @The global respiratory heaters market is anticipated to register a significant CAGR over a forecast period. The global market of respiratory heaters is driven by the increasing incidence of respiratory disorders such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis etc. The high cost of the surgical treatments in lung disease can upsurge the market of the respiratory heaters. Infections, allergies and air pollution increase the incidence of respiratory illness which will ultimately enhance the growth of the global respiratory heaters market. Ignorance of the initial symptoms regarding the respiratory illness, due to the lack of knowledge is the main reasons that will hamper the growth of this market.The increasing investment by the hospital facilities and government for better healthcare is expected to drive the market. The companies are engrossed in introducing the products with innovative technology. The respiratory heaters market is classified by application and distribution channel. In terms of application, the global respiratory heaters market is segmented into asthma, COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchitis. By distribution channel, respiratory heaters market is classified as hospitals, retail stores, online stores and others.Request to View Sample of Research Report @On the basis of geography, respiratory heaters market is segmented as North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Middle East & Africa. North America is expected to dominate the respiratory heaters market due to the advent of new technologies and favorable reimbursement scenario for laser treatment in this region. Europe is also contributing the moderate shares to the market due to the advanced medical facilities and easy availability of the respiratory heaters in the market. APAC is the most lucrative market for the respiratory heaters due to increasing awareness regarding the respiratory disorders in the region is expected to show a robust growth in the global respiratory heaters market. MEA iPre Book Full Report @ s at a nascent stage to the global respiratory heaters market and anticipated to register a decent growth to the market over a forecast period. Overall, the global respiratory heaters market is expected to show significant growth over a forecast period.Some of the players in ultrasonic dissection devices market includes Carefusion, Teleflex inks, HealthTrust, ARMSTRONG MEDICAL, Teleflex Incorporated, GREAT GROUP MEDICAL CO., LTD., Medline Industries, Inc and others.Pre Book Full Report @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,Telephone  +1-646-568-7751USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
HIV/AIDS Monitoring Tests Market  Overview Of Industry Analysis & Forecast 2016  2024

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The HIV/AIDS monitoring test deals with post-HIV detection to assess plasma status and immune function of HIV-infected patients. Such monitoring tests initiate several other biological tests for HIV patients in order to monitor their health status and current stage of the infection. HIV/AIDS monitoring test evaluates the condition of the HIV-infected patient upon initial care and after. In addition, the test is beneficial for patients while determining their drug therapies or change in the dose of medication. Depending on the test results physicians and doctors administer antiretroviral therapies prescribed for the HIV infected person. HIV/AIDS monitoring test can be conducted on both on HIV-1 and HIV-2 identified patients.Report Details @There are various equipment and testing techniques available in the market to conduct HIV/AIDS monitoring test. Selection for the test is based on their availability and requirement of the patient being tested. Certain guidelines are set for physicians during conducting the test, age of the patient being one of the most important factors. There are separate test modules available for minors and infants.Request Brochure of The Report @HIVAIDS Monitoring Tests Market: DriversIncreasing awareness on effective HIV/AIDS treatment methods across the globe is expected to fuel the growth of HIV/AIDS monitoring test market. Moreover, a rise in the number of HIV incidents, especially in young people is driving the global demand for HIV/AIDS monitoring test. For instance, the present generation is more into short-term sexual relationships and often indulge in unprotected sex risking HIV infection. In the recent years, governments all over the world have become more active in instituting healthcare measures to control the widespread of HIV infection and AIDS. Several AIDS control programs have been initiated by state governments and NGOs to prevent and monitor the ratio of AIDS incidence. In addition, the aforementioned factors are considered as major factors sustaining the global HIV/AIDS monitoring test market in coming years.On the other hand, lack of expert medical professionals for conducting such tests is expected to hamper the global HIV/AIDS monitoring test market. Low proficiency in administering the test may prove risky for the patient. Low availability of expert professionals for conducting such test is expected to impede the global HIV/AIDS monitoring test market. Moreover, these medical tests at times fail to provide accurate results leaving a question mark on their credibility. Likewise, information collected from HIV/AIDS monitoring tests have been under scrutiny on several occasions. Patients may undergo multiple testing sessions to evaluate their exact health status leading to higher spending on the treatment.Innovation in the HIV/AIDS monitoring test technology is expected to positively influence its global market. Two of the most common test types available in the market include viral load test and CD4 count. Advancement in technology for these test types is further supplementing the global HIV/AIDS monitoring test market. Furthermore, the introduction of self-testing equipment is expected to favor the overall growth of the market.Check Discount @On the basis of region, the global HIV/AIDS monitoring test market has been segmented into six key regions namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), and the Middle East & Africa. North America is considered to be the largest market for HIV/AIDS monitoring test due to the presence of major players who offer high-end testing equipment coupled with advance healthcare setup and facilities available in the region. In addition, the region of Africa accounts for a massive number of patients infected with HIV and is considered as a potential market presenting a wide range of opportunity for the major players in the market.Few of the key players in the global HIV/AIDS monitoring test market include Alere Inc., Abbott Laboratories, OraSure Technologies, Inc., Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Chembio Diagnostics Systems, Inc., Quest Diagnostics, Inc., Siemens Healthineers (formerly Siemens Healthcare), Abbott Molecular Inc and Calypte Biomedical Corporation.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. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use 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, chemicals, 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, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Steering Columns System Market to Reflect Impressive Growth Rate Forecast to 2017 - 2025

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The Steering Column System is a device which is mainly used to connect the whole mechanism and transfers the driver's response rotation through the steering wheel. The steering column system comprises a transferable housing which holds a collapsible revolving shaft. The steering column system is linked to the shaft of steering gear by a flexible point, which permits the position and the transmission of the driver is reduced from road shocks. Few steering columns consist of the shaft which is in between that runs at slanting angle, from the steering column to the gear. Some of the steering columns system manufacturers produce sensors which control the steering column that provides all the information to the control modules of an electric assisted or any steering systems.Among steering types, electric power steering segment is anticipated to grow at rapid pace in the forecast period as the fuel efficiency and improving technology by electric power steering is the foremost driver for the segment. Almost all the passenger vehicles and cars have Electronic Power Steering Systems, which is driven by an electric motor which is not connected to the main engine and only operates when it is required.On the basis of vehicle types, the passenger cars segment expected to expand at relatively high CAGR during the forecast period, the segment is driven by increasing demand for power consumption vehicles. Moreover, commercial vehicles segment will witness high growth rate.Request Report For TOC @On the basis of the geographical market segment, it is segmented into seven different regions: North America, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and Asia-Pacific region, Japan and the Middle East and Africa.In regional segments, Asia-Pacific is the leading market for the global steering columns system and is anticipated to continue its position during the forecast period. The expansion is mainly attributed to increasing of the automotive industry in developing nations such as India and China.Request to Sample of Report @Some of the players operating in the Steering Columns System includes Bosch, Nexteer automotive, Pailton Engineering Ltd, TRW Automotive, Kostal of America Inc., Denso Corporation, Continental AG, Delphi Automotive PLC, Schaeffler, Marimba Auto, LLC, NSK, Coram Group, Mando Corporation and COBO International and few other regional players. Manufacturers are investing in research & development and also focusing on different strategies to maintain their market share in the Global Steering Columns System market.Pre Book Full Report @About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Blind Spot Object Detection System Global Market 2018: Key Players  Robert Bosch, Denso Corporation, Continental AG, Autoliv, Delphi, Magna International

Blind Spot Object Detection System Market

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Blind Spot Object Detection System Market 2018Summary:Global Blind Spot Object Detection System Market Information Report, By Technology (Radar Sensor and Camera), By Functioning (Automatic and Manual), by Vehicle Type (Passenger Vehicles and Commercial Vehicles and By Region - Forecast To 2023Market SynopsisThe blind spot object detection system market is benefiting by the rise in concerns about car safety and comfortability. Also, upon experiencing high demand, several manufacturers have implemented this technology in both, passenger and commercial vehicles. Moreover, the increasing number of accidents, and growing awareness about road safety, are driving the demand for blind spot object detection system in the global market. Furthermore, the government regulatory policies regarding road safety, are also expected to boost the demand. In spite of these factors, the higher cost of technology, and availability of the system in luxury vehicles alone, are expected to hinder the market growth. The global blind spot object detection system market is expected to grow at ~17.5% CAGR during forecast period.The prominent players in the blind spot object detection system market include Robert Bosch (Germany), Denso Corporation (Japan), Continental AG (Germany), Autoliv Inc (Sweden), Delphi (UK), Magna International (Canada), Mercedes (Germany), Nissan (Japan), Hitachi Automotive Systems (Japan), Mobileye (Israel) and ZF Friedrichshafen AG (Germany).Request For Sample Report @The automotive industry has evolved tremendously, in terms of technological advancements, in both passenger and commercial vehicles, in the last few years. In the automotive driver assistance system, the blind spot object detection system is one such recent advancement that has been acknowledged in the global market.Blind spot object detection system is another active safety system designed for passenger safety. It helps alert the driver to the presence of vehicles that may be in the blind spot areas of adjacent lanes of traffic. As a technology, it has gained much attention, especially in the way to adopting these vehicles.For this study, the global blind spot object detection system market has been divided, based on technology, functioning, vehicle types, and regions. On the basis of technology, the market has been segmented as radar sensors and camera. Among these, radar sensors are likely to cover the higher market share during the forecast period. The functioning segment has further been segmented as automatic and manual. On the basis of vehicle type, the market has been segmented as passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles. Among vehicle types, passenger vehicles has accounted the highest market share, in 2016, in terms of revenue.Based on regions, the global blind spot object detection system market has been segmented as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World. Europe has accounted for the largest market share, in 2016, followed by North America and Asia Pacific. In Europe, there has been rise in the sales of luxury vehicles, which has augmented the demand for blind spot object detection systems.. Germany, UK and France are the leading countries in Europe, which have fuelled the growth of the market. North America and Asia Pacific are the second and third leading regions, in terms of revenue.The report for Global Blind Spot Object Detection System 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 and volume, 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 SUMMARY2 SCOPE OF THE REPORT3 MARKET LANDSCAPE4 MARKET DYNAMICS5 GLOBAL BLIND SPOT OBJECT DETECTION SYSTEM MARKET, BY TECHNOLOGY6 GLOBAL BLIND SPOT OBJECT DETECTION SYSTEM MARKET, BY FUNCTIONING7 GLOBAL BLIND SPOT OBJECT DETECTION SYSTEM MARKET, BY VEHICLE TYPE8 GLOBAL BLIND SPOT OBJECT DETECTION SYSTEM MARKET, BY REGION9 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE10 COMPANY PROFILELIST OF TABLESTABLE 1 GLOBAL BLIND SPOT OBJECT DETECTION SYSTEM MARKET: BY REGION, 2017-2023TABLE 2 NORTH AMERICA BLIND SPOT OBJECT DETECTION SYSTEM MARKET: BY COUNTRY, 2017-2023TABLE 3 EUROPE BLIND SPOT OBJECT DETECTION SYSTEM MARKET: BY COUNTRY, 2017-2023TABLE 4 ASIA-PACIFICASIA PACIFIC BLIND SPOT OBJECT DETECTION SYSTEM MARKET: BY COUNTRY, 2017-2023TABLE 5 ROW BLIND SPOT OBJECT DETECTION SYSTEM MARKET: BY COUNTRY, 2017-2023..LIST OF FIGURESFIGURE 1 RESEARCH PROCESS OF MRFRFIGURE 2 TOP DOWN & BOTTOM UP APPROACHFIGURE 3 MARKET DYNAMICSFIGURE 4 IMPACT ANALYSIS: MARKET DRIVERSFIGURE 5 IMPACT ANALYSIS: MARKET RESTRAINTS.ContinuedAbout 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:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Mexico Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Market Outlook to 2030, Update 2016 - Capacity, Generation, Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), Investment Trends, Regulations and Company Profiles

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Solar Photovoltaic (PV) in Mexico, Market Outlook to 2030, Update 2016 - Capacity, Generation, Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), Investment Trends, Regulations and Company Profiles" is the latest report from GlobalData, the industry analysis specialists that offer comprehensive information and understanding of the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) market in Mexico.Download free request sample @The report provides in depth analysis on global renewable power market and global Solar Photovoltaic (PV) market with forecasts up to 2030. The report analyzes the power market scenario in Mexico (includes conventional thermal, nuclear, large hydro and renewable energy sources) and provides future outlook with forecasts up to 2030. The research details renewable power market outlook in the country (includes hydro, small hydro, biopower and Solar Photovoltaic (PV)) and provides forecasts up to 2030. The report Highlights installed capacity and power generation trends from 2006 to 2030 in Mexico Solar Photovoltaic (PV) market. A detailed coverage of renewable energy policy framework governing the market with specific policies pertaining to Solar Photovoltaic (PV) 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 GlobalData's team of industry experts.ScopeThe report analyses global renewable power market, global Solar Photovoltaic (PV) market, Mexico power market, Mexico renewable power market and Mexico Solar Photovoltaic (PV) 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 2006-2015 (unless specified) and forecast period 2015-2030.- Renewable power sources include wind (both onshore and offshore), Solar Photovoltaic (PV), concentrated solar power (CSP), small hydro power (SHP), biomass, biogas and geothermal.- Detailed overview of the global Solar Photovoltaic (PV) market with installed capacity and generation trends, installed capacity split by major Solar Photovoltaic (PV)power countries in 2015 and key owners information of various regions.- Power market scenario in Mexico 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 Mexico renewable power market, highlighting installed capacity trends (2006-2030), generation trends(2006-2030) and installed capacity split by various renewable power sources in 2015.- Detailed overview of Mexico Solar Photovoltaic (PV) market with installed capacity and generation trends and major active and upcoming Solar Photovoltaic (PV) projects.- Deal analysis of Mexico Solar Photovoltaic (PV) 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 Solar Photovoltaic (PV) in particular.- Company snapshots of some of the major market participants in the country.Browse full report -Reasons 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 Mexico Solar Photovoltaic (PV) market.- Facilitate decision-making based on strong historic and forecast data for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) market.- Position yourself to gain the maximum advantage of the industry's 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.About UsRadiant Insights is a market research and consulting company offering syndicated research studies, customized reports, and consulting services. Our market research studies are designed to facilitate strategic decision making, on the basis of extensive and in-depth quantitative information, supported by extensive analysis and industry insights.Contact Us201 Spear Street 1100, Suite 3036, San Francisco, CA 94105, United StatesTel : 1-415-349-0054Toll Free: 1-888-928-9744Mail: sales@radiantinsights.com
Biolubricants Global Market 2017: Key Players  Total S.A., Chevron Corporation, BP PLC, Royal Dutch Shell PLC, Fuchs Petrolub AG

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Biolubricants IndustryDescriptionGlobal Biolubricants market is estimated at $1.9 billion in 2015 and is expected to reach $3.34 billion by 2022 growing at a CAGR of 8.3% from 2015 to 2022. The market is expected to grow at a steady growth rate in the next upcoming years. The main factors driving the market growth are strict Government regulations and growing consumer awareness about environment. High price than petroleum products is restraining the market. Reducing prices of crude oil is the key challenge for this market during the forecast period.The vegetable oil based segment commanded the global market, in terms of quantity. Vegetable oils find use in multiple requirements and are supplied in large quantities worldwide. Vegetable oils give better oxidative stability and technical performance than animal fats. Asia Pacific is the fastest growing consumer market since the region is home to some of the biggest automobile manufacturing hubs other than developed ones such as the U.S. and Germany. Countries such as China, India, Indonesia, and Thailand are increasingly manufacturing and exporting passenger cars and other vehicles to developed regions.Request for Sample Report @Some of the key players in the market areTotal S.A., Chevron Corporation, BP PLC, Royal Dutch Shell PLC, Fuchs Petrolub AG, Kluber Lubrication Munchen Se & Co. Kg, Exxonmobil Corporation , Albemarle Corporation, Emery Oleochemicals, Vickers Oil, RoWe Mineralolwerk GmbH, Panolin AG, Kajo Chemie, Balmer Lawrie, Magna Group, Igol Lubricants and Polnox Corporation.Applications Covered:AutomotiveGear OilsHydraulic OilsGreasesAutomotive Engine OilsChainsaw OilsTransmission FluidsOther AutomotivesIndustrialIndustrial Gear OilsIndustrial GreasesDemolding OilsMetal Working FluidsProcess OilsOther IndustrialsBiolubricant Types Covered:Animal FatsVege OilsOthersEnd-Use Industries Covered :Consumer AutomobileCommercial TransportIndustrialLeave a Query @Regions Covered:North AmericaUSCanadaMexicoEuropeGermanyFranceItalyUKSpainRest of EuropeAsia PacificJapanChinaIndiaAustraliaNew ZealandRest of Asia PacificRest of the WorldMiddle EastBrazilArgentinaSouth AfricaEgyptWhat our report offers:- Market share assessments for the regional and country level segments- Market share analysis of the top industry players- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants- Market forecasts for a minimum of 7 years of all the mentioned segments, sub segments and the regional markets- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancementsBuy now @Continued...Contact Us: Sales@Wiseguyreports.Com Ph: +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 LtdPune  411028Maharashtra, GlobalPh: +91 841 198 5042
Chilled Raw Packaged Meat Market - Processed (Meat) Market in China - Outlook to 2021: Market Size, Growth and Forecast Analytics

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Chilled Raw Packaged Meat - Processed (Meat) Market in China - Outlook to 2021: Market Size, Growth and Forecast Analytics is a broad level market review of Chilled Raw Packaged Meat - Processed market in China.Download free request sample @Chilled Raw Packaged Meat - processed - raw whole cuts of meat packaged in trays or similar but which have been coated or pre-marinated or similar. Includes bacon.Chilled Raw Packaged Meat - Processed market in China registered a positive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.39% during the period 2011 to 2016 with a sales value of CNY 82,524.35 Million in 2016, an increase of 2.53% over 2015. The research handbook provides up-to-date market size data for period 2011-2016 and illustrative forecast to 2021 covering key market aspects like Sales Value and Volume for Chilled Raw Packaged Meat - Processed and its variants Bacon, Burgers & Grills, Coated Portions, Meatballs, Sausages.Furthermore, the research handbook details out Sales Value for top brands for the year 2013 to 2016, Demographic Analytics and overall market sales by Distribution Channel (Hypermarkets & Supermarkets, Convenience Stores, Department Stores, Dollar Stores, Variety Store, Cash & Carries and Warehouse clubs, eRetailers, Food & Drinks specialists, Drug stores & Pharmacies, Health & Beauty Stores, Other general retailers and others) where ever applicable.The research handbook acts as an essential tool for companies active or planning to venture in to China's Chilled Raw Packaged Meat - Processed (Meat) market. The comprehensive statistics within the research handbook provides insight into the operating environment of the market and also ensures right business decision making based on historical trends and industry model based forecasting.Sales Values in the handbook are depicted in USD ($) and local currency of country and Volumes are represented in M Kilograms.*Note: Certain content / sections in the research handbook may be removed or altered based on the availability and relevance of data.Scope- Overall Chilled Raw Packaged Meat - Processed (Meat) market value and volume analytics with growth analysis from 2011 to 2021.- Value terms for the top brands.- Distribution channel sales analytics from 2013-2016.Browse full report with TOC @Reasons To Buy- Get access to authoritative and granular data on the Chilled Raw Packaged Meat - Processed (Meat) market and fill in the gaps in understanding of trends and the components of change behind them.- Enhance your understanding of the market to update your strategic and tactical plans based on volume and value changes, brand dynamics and distribution trends.- Analyze the components of change in the market by looking at historic and future growth patterns.- Use the data to understand future patterns of the market trends from winners and losers to category dynamics and thereby quickly and easily identify the key areas in which you want to compete in the future.Who we areRadiant Insights is a market research and consulting company offering syndicated research studies, customized reports, and consulting services. Our market research studies are designed to facilitate strategic decision making, on the basis of extensive and in-depth quantitative information, supported by extensive analysis and industry insights.Get In Touch201 Spear Street 1100, Suite 3036, San Francisco, CA 94105, United StatesTel : 1-415-349-0054Toll Free: 1-888-928-9744Mail: sales@radiantinsights.com
Point Of Care Technology Market 2023: Abbott, Johnson & Johnson Services, Siemens AG, Nova Biomedical And More

Point Of Care Technology Market

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MRFR Press Release/- Market Research Future has a half cooked research report on the Global Point Of Care Technology Market.The Global Point Of Care Technology Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.5% during the forecast period 2017-2023.Point Of Care Technology is termed as a time when clinicians deliver healthcare products and services to patients. Point Of Care Technology includes diagnostics, devices for documentation, and others. Point of care documentation devices smooth the workflow, reduces errors in a clinical tasks including diagnostics, medication prescribing, and medication administration, which will indirectly boost the growth of the market. Moreover, increasing prevalence of the diseases and rising research and development facilities. Furthermore, rising healthcare expenditure, and increasing awareness among the people regarding the point of care diagnostics products, are some of the factors that are expected to fuel the market growth. On the other hand, higher cost of the Point Of Care Technology is may affect the growth of the market negatively during the forecasted period. Moreover, development in the diagnosis of patients with chronic diseases, for instance, diabetes, and growing medical technology are likely to increase the growth of the market. In Point Of Care Technology, it provides ease of diagnosis where the patient is seen at home. The point of care testing devices in the healthcare focuses on quality rather than test volume, which is expected to boost the growth of the market over the review period.Complexity of documentation in the Point Of Care Technology may hinder the growth of the market during the forecasted period.Taste the market data and market information presented through more than 105 market data tables and figures spread over 100 pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content TOC & market synopsis on Point Of Care Technology Market research reportGlobal forecast till 2023.SegmentationThe Global Point Of Care Technology is segmented by type of products, and end users. On the basis of type of product, it is segmented into glucose testing, cardiac markers, HbA1c testing, and coagulation, and others. On the basis of end users, it is segmented into clinics, hospital, home care, ambulatory care, and others.Get Sample Copy atMajor Players in Point of care technology Market:Abbott (U.S.), Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc.(U.S.), Techno MedicaCo., Ltd. (Japan), F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd (Switzerland), Siemens AG (Germany), Alere Inc. (U.S.), Instrumentation Laboratory (U.S.), PTS Diagnostics (U.S.), Nova Biomedical (U.S.), Beckman Coulter, Inc. (U.S.) BD (U.S.), Quidel Corporation (U.S), Meridian Bioscience, Inc. (U.S).Point of care technology Market Regional Analysis:The Global Point Of Care Technology Market consists of four regions: the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa.The Americas accounts for a significant share of the Global Point Of Care Technology Market as a result of the presence of huge & increasing patient population base and the largest producer and consumer of medical devices. Similarly, the demand for medical devices in Europe is expected to increase growth of the market positively. Europe holds the second position in the global market, which is followed by Asia Pacific. Asia Pacific may experience the growth owing to the presence of abundant opportunities for medical device manufacturers. For instance, healthcare services revenue is increasing rapidly, especially, in India and China, which is predicated to result in a large number of new hospital construction projects.Whereas, the Middle East & Africa holds the least share in the Global Point Of Care Technology Market on account of poor economic condition and less development in healthcare infrastructure.Major Table Of ContentsChapter 1 Report PrologueChapter 2 Market IntroductionChapter 3 Research MethodologyChapter 4 Market DynamicsChapter 5 Market Factor AnalysisChapter 6. Global Point Of Care Technology Market, By Type Of ProductsChapter 7. Global Point Of Care Technology Market, By End UsersChapter 8. Global Point Of Care Technology Market, By End UsersChapter 9. Global Point Of Care Technology Market, By RegionChapter 10. Competitive LandscapeChapter 11. Company ProfileChapter 12. ConclusionContinuedThink To Buy It :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.Contact:Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.comMRFR has the distinguished objective of providing the optimal quality research and granular research to 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 answer your most important questions.Our Research Analysts are eager to share their knowledge and assist you in refining market research parameters, choosing right market studies, and evaluating both the market scope and the research methodologies of varied segments.We bridge the gap between our clients and their clients by identifying and decoding just the target group, while generating leads with the highest accuracy.Years of research into diverse fields of work has ingrained within us, a proficiency so distinguished that our industry-specific specialists identify with your business ideas and feel the pulse of your challenges and opportunities. This enables us for providing assistance, through our consulting and strategic consulting services, in informed managerial decision making. In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industries, WantStats Research and Media often conducts industrial visits for its research analysts. Relevant inputs from various established market participants, help our clients make significant contribution in respective markets are a huge motivation for all of us to endlessly furnish quality. We depend greatly on profound insights into complex realms of our study.Pune, India
Global Enoki Mushroom Market, 2017 - 2021 - Industry Trends, Market Size, Segments, Growth Prospects: Radiant Insights, Inc

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Enoki Mushroom Market Report by Material, Application, and Geography - Global Forecast to 2021 is a professional and in-depth 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).Download free request sample @The report firstly introduced the Enoki Mushroom 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 report includes six parts, dealing with:1.) basic information;2.) the Asia Enoki Mushroom Market;3.) the North American Enoki Mushroom Market;4.) the European Enoki Mushroom Market;5.) market entry and investment feasibility;6.) the report conclusion.Visit full report @Table of ContentsPart I Enoki Mushroom Industry OverviewChapter One Enoki Mushroom Industry Overview1.1 Enoki Mushroom Definition1.2 Enoki Mushroom Classification Analysis1.2.1 Enoki Mushroom Main Classification Analysis1.2.2 Enoki Mushroom Main Classification Share Analysis1.3 Enoki Mushroom Application Analysis1.3.1 Enoki Mushroom Main Application Analysis1.3.2 Enoki Mushroom Main Application Share Analysis1.4 Enoki Mushroom Industry Chain Structure Analysis1.5 Enoki Mushroom Industry Development Overview1.5.1 Enoki Mushroom Product History Development Overview1.5.1 Enoki Mushroom Product Market Development Overview1.6 Enoki Mushroom Global Market Analysis1.6.1 Enoki Mushroom Global Import Market Analysis1.6.2 Enoki Mushroom Global Export Market Analysis1.6.3 Enoki Mushroom Global Main Region Market Analysis1.6.4 Enoki Mushroom Global Market Analysis1.6.5 Enoki Mushroom Global Market Development Trend AnalysisChapter Two Enoki Mushroom Up and Down Stream Industry Analysis2.1 Upstream Raw Materials Analysis2.1.1 Upstream Raw Materials Price Analysis2.1.2 Upstream Raw Materials Market Analysis2.1.3 Upstream Raw Materials Market Trend2.2 Down Stream Market Analysis2.1.1 Down Stream Market Analysis2.2.2 Down Stream Demand Analysis2.2.3 Down Stream Market Trend AnalysisPart II Asia Enoki Mushroom Industry (The Report Company Including the Below Listed But Not All)Chapter Three Asia Enoki Mushroom Market Analysis3.1 Asia Enoki Mushroom Product Development History3.2 Asia Enoki Mushroom Competitive Landscape Analysis3.3 Asia Enoki Mushroom Market Development TrendChapter Four 2012-2017 Asia Enoki Mushroom Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and Forecast4.1 2012-2017 Enoki Mushroom Capacity Production Overview4.2 2012-2017 Enoki Mushroom Production Market Share Analysis4.3 2012-2017 Enoki Mushroom Demand Overview4.4 2012-2017 Enoki Mushroom Supply Demand and Shortage4.5 2012-2017 Enoki Mushroom Import Export Consumption4.6 2012-2017 Enoki Mushroom Cost Price Production Value Gross MarginChapter Five Asia Enoki Mushroom Key Manufacturers Analysis5.1 Company A5.1.1 Company Profile5.1.2 Product Picture and Specification5.1.3 Product Application Analysis5.1.4 Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value5.1.5 Contact Information5.2 Company B5.2.1 Company Profile5.2.2 Product Picture and Specification5.2.3 Product Application Analysis5.2.4 Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value5.2.5 Contact Information5.3 Company C5.3.1 Company Profile5.3.2 Product Picture and Specification5.3.3 Product Application Analysis5.3.4 Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value5.3.5 Contact Information5.4 Company D5.4.1 Company Profile5.4.2 Product Picture and Specification5.4.3 Product Application Analysis5.4.4 Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value5.4.5 Contact InformationAbout UsRadiant Insights has a strong base of analysts, consultants and domain experts, with global experience helping us deliver excellence in all research projects we undertake. Radiant Insights published over 1600 multi-country market, competitor, customer, and sourcing intelligence studies for clients covering: Industry Research Market Size & Forecast Market Entry Strategy Competitive IntelligenceContact Us201 Spear Street 1100, Suite 3036, San Francisco, CA 94105, United StatesTel : 1-415-349-0054Toll Free: 1-888-928-9744Mail: sales@radiantinsights.com
Wireless Broadband in Public Safety Market: Worldwide Industry Analysis and New Market Opportunities Explored

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Wireless broadband services technology is vital to public safety since it helps provide enhanced situational awareness from public safety entities in cases of emergency. There is an urgent need for effective wireless communications networks that can be used by emergency service organizations, such as the police and emergency medical and fire services, to respond to and prevent incidents likely to endanger people or property.Wireless broadband enables access to site information, medical records, and various forms of data and video information that are critical for emergency responses. In the U.S., for instance, broadband technology helps improve homeland security. By establishing the foundation for the quick, real-time, and effective transmission of data, voice, or video to various public safety answering points, wireless broadband continues to enhance the countrys present 9-1-1 system.The research report on the market for wireless broadband in public safety offers an in-depth assessment of the global market, highlighting the leading geographic, end-use, and application segments as well as the major factors driving and hampering the growth of the market.Browse the Report @Global Wireless Broadband in Public Safety Market: Key Trends, Opportunities, and ChallengesThere has been a significant rise in the incidence of terrorist attacks on enterprises, government headquarters, and major landmarks in recent years. The occurrence of natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, and hurricanes has also increased of late, in addition to road and air mishaps. This surge in security threats and unforeseen casualties has created major challenges for public safety organizations, driving the demand for effective security, response, and rescue measures. This has significantly boosted the importance of wireless broadband in public safety.The rapid surge in the adoption of smartphones, portable modems, tablets, and other mobile devices, coupled with technological advancements in wireless connectivity and networks, has also acted as a major driver for the global market for wireless broadband in public safety. This market is also fueled by the growing need for faster real-time communication and data access.Request Sample @The major challenge, as of now, is concern regarding security breaches. Moreover, the lack of awareness and proper infrastructure in several developing economies also acts as a key hindrance to the wireless broadband in public safety market. Other impediments include the dearth of funding, the challenge of spectrum allocation, and the dependence on analytics in evaluating information gathered during emergency situations.Global Wireless Broadband in Public Safety Market: Competitive LandscapeSome of the prominent companies competing in the global market for wireless broadband in public safety are Ericsson, Harris Corporation, Nokia Networks, AT&T Inc., Alcatel-Lucent S.A., Motorola Solutions, Inc., Airbus Group, Inc., and ZTE Corporation. These companies cater to a number of end users, including the police department, the fire department, and emergency medical services.Satellite, fixed, and mobile wireless broadband services provided by these players are used for GIS, video surveillance, and mobile VPN access, among others. An increasing number of companies have been merging with local players or acquiring new companies to gain a competitive edge and provide advanced wireless broadband services in the field of public safety.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:
Auto Catalyst Market: Industry Outlook, Growth Prospects and Key Opportunities

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The global auto catalysts market has come into its own in the last few decades due to growing environmental awareness of the global population. Auto catalysts are substances used in automotive exhaust systems to convert automotive exhaust gases into less harmful substances. Automotive exhausts include various toxic and/or greenhouse gases such as oxides of nitrogen and sulfur.Auto catalysts react with these gases as they pass through the vehicles exhaust system and convert them into non-toxic and environmentally viable substances. The increasing public support for the protection of the environment is expected to drive the global auto catalyst market at a remarkable pace in the coming years.The report presents a thorough look at the historical trajectory of the global auto catalyst market presenting a reliable database. Solid forecasts regarding the markets development in the coming years are specified in the report. The global auto catalyst market is segmented according to key criteria providing the analysis of the segmentation of the market and its hierarchy therein. Major companies operating in the global auto catalyst market are also profiled in the report to provide detailed information of the markets competitive landscape.Browse the Report @Global Auto Catalyst Market: Drivers and RestraintsIncreasing environmental awareness among the population and governmental initiatives to reduce the impact of human activities on the environment are driving the global auto catalyst market. Reducing automobile emissions have long been considered important to environment conservation, which has been the strong undercurrent for use of auto catalysts in new-age automotive design.The booming global automotive industry is another major driver for the auto catalysts market. The demand for vehicles in emerging economies has been boosted by the increasing purchasing power of consumers. Most modern cars have in-built exhaust purification units, increasing the demand of the auto catalysts market.Request Sample @Global Auto Catalyst Market: Regional OverviewAsia Pacific emerged as a major market for auto catalysts due to the increasing demand for cars from dynamic economies such as India, China, Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, and South Korea. Apart from the growing consumer base, these countries are becoming important manufacturers of vehicles in the last few years. This has elevated the Asia Pacific automotive market to the ranks of the established European and North American market, which has increased the influence held by the APAC automotive industry over global norms and regulations.The China market for auto catalysts is particularly important for the global market due to the high volume of automobile production in China and the increasing demand for European luxury cars. The strict 5/v emission regulations in China are expected to be particularly beneficial for the APAC auto catalyst market in the coming years.The North American market for auto catalysts is expected to exhibit steady growth due to the increasingly stringent environmental regulations being introduced in the U.S. and Canada. The EU has also put in place several regulations aimed at environmental conservation, which are expected to boost the regional auto catalyst 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:
Vehicle Security System Market: Quantitative Market Analysis, Current and Future Trends

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The global vehicle security system market is projected to grow at a robust pace between 2016 and 2024. Globally, the demand for hybrid vehicles has risen considerably, boosting vehicle manufacturing worldwide. Due to increase in the sales and production of vehicles, instances of hijacking and car theft have also increased. This, in turn, is fuelling the demand for vehicle security systems.Vehicle security systems such as alarms, central locking, remote keyless entry, passive entry systems, and immobilizers are designed to protect cars from hijacking or theft. Recent technologies such as RFID, GPS, and RTLS have also come to into use for tracking down stolen cars. Regionally, Asia Pacific has been showing attractive opportunities for the market, trailed by North America and Europe. Growing awareness about vehicle safety and the increasing installation of state-of-the-art safety gadgets in vehicles have been driving the global vehicle security system market.Browse the Report @The report provides a comprehensive overview of the global vehicle security system market. It covers the prevailing trends influencing the market and its growth prospects between 2016 and 2024. Revenue generated from the sale of vehicles across various categories has been considered in order to calculate the markets size. The report also compiles exhaustive information relating to the impact of the latest technological advancements in market. Some of the leading enterprises operating in the market are also profiled in the report to present a holistic overview of the competitive landscape.Request Sample @Global Vehicle Security System Market: Opportunities and Market SegmentationBased on vehicle type, the global vehicle security system market can be segmented into commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles, and off-highway vehicles. On the basis of product type, the market is expected to witness increasing demand for immobilizers and remote keyless entry. In terms of technology, the market can be segmented into global positioning systems, real-time location systems, face detection systems, and GPS. Of these, the demand for face detection and face positioning systems is expected to increase at a robust pace.Regionally, Asia Pacific is expected to emerge as the leading segment. The expansion of the automotive industry in China is expected to drive the Asia Pacific market for vehicle security systems. Despite witnessing robust growth around the world, the high cost of premium security features will restrain its growth to an extent.Nevertheless, the introduction of the latest technological advancements will provide lucrative opportunities for enterprises in the market to capitalize on. The pressing need to ensure adequate vehicle security to theft will also fuel demand from the global vehicle security system market.Global Vehicle Security System Market: Competitive InsightTo study the competition prevailing in the market, the report also profiles companies such as Robert Bosch GmbH, Delphi Automotive, and Mitsubishi Electric. The products offered by these companies are driver assistance systems and components mainly for passenger and commercial vehicles. Using SWOT analysis, the report weighs out strengths and weaknesses of the companies profiled. The analysis also provides insights into the opportunities and threats that these companies could witness in the near future.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:
PoE Chipsets Market: Emergence of Advanced Technologies and Global Industry Analysis

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Power over Ethernet (PoE) is the latest technology that provides transfer of electrical signals and required data over prevailing cabling. In addition, it provides diverse methods for avoiding the use of separate power cords. This market is projected to witness significant growth throughout the forecast period.The research study on the global PoE chipsets market provides a detailed analysis, presenting insights into the major factors that are estimated to impact the growth of the global market in the next few years. The key segmentation, primary applications, technological advancements, and the competitive landscape of the global PoE chipsets market have been presented in the research study. A list of the prominent players has also been provided in the scope of the research report.Browse the Report @Global PoE Chipsets Market: Drivers and BarriersThe growing power prices and the increasing demand for data centers are projected to fuel the growth of the global PoE chipsets market in the next few years. In addition, the rising Internet of Things standards diversity and the growing implementation of optical fiber cable for communication are expected to offer promising opportunities for the leading players in the global market.On the other hand, the rising adoption of wireless communication technologies, network security, and the rising concerns related to interoperability are some of the factors that are anticipated to restrict the growth of the global PoE chipsets market in the forecast period. Nevertheless, the tremendously rising demand for data and the rising transition to 10Gbe and 40Gbe switching ports are predicted to contribute significantly towards the development of the global PoE chipsets market in the coming years.Request Sample @Global PoE Chipsets Market: Regional OutlookFrom a geographical perspective, the global market for PoE chipsets has been classified into Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, and the Rest of the World. According to the study, North America is projected to lead the global market and account for a key share in the near future. A significant contribution from North America and the rising number of applications in diverse industries are some of the important factors that are expected to encourage the growth of the market in the coming years. In addition, the increasing investment by governments in this field is likely to offer opportunities for the leading players in North America.Furthermore, the rising adoption of Ethernet switches, owing to the availability of a large number of data centers that are being operated by government agencies, enterprises, telecommunication service providers, and certified safety professionals. Moreover, the availability of high-speed internet across several countries is expected to drive the demand for PoE chipsets in the coming years. Furthermore, Europe and Asia Pacific are estimated to witness significant growth in the next few years.Companies Mentioned in the Research ReportThe global PoE chipsets market is extremely competitive and fragmented in nature with the presence of a large number of players operating in it. Some of the prominent players included in the research study are Shenzhen Brother Young Development Co. Ltd., Shenzhen Century Xinyang Tech Co. Ltd., Shenzhen Lianrui Electronics Co. Ltd., Beijing Dongda Jinzhi Technology Co. Ltd., Flexcomm Technology Limited, Shenzhen HTF Electronic Co. Ltd., and Shenzhen Gainstrong Technology 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:
Programmable Logic Devices Market: Evolving Technology, Trends and Industry Analysis

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Programmable logic devices are semiconductor logic blocks which have applications for developing reconfigurable circuits. Programmable logic devices has the capability to be reprogrammed multiple times, which in turn benefits the end-users at the time of producing new advanced circuitry on a trial and error basis. Reprogramming is possible for the programmable logic devices as a result of these devices being primarily dependent on re-writeable memory technology through which a better flexibility is provided by changing the design along with making this process of reprogramming easier.Browse the Report @Programmable logic devices market has been segmented into by type which includes programmable array logic (PAL), mixed signal programmable logic devices or complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs) and Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). The market is also segmented on the basis of end use industry which includes consumer electronics, avionics, aerospace and defense, information technology, automotive and telecommunication among others. The market has been segmented geographically into Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, South America and Middle East and Africa.Increasing demand for reducing power consumption electronic devices are one of the prime driving factors the programmable logic devices market globally. The increasing advancement in the field of electronic devices and increasing concern towards the miniaturization devices is fueling the demand for programmable logic devices market. The growing application of programmable logic devices in the avionics, networking, defense and automotive industry is also contributing in the positive development of the market.Request Sample @In 2016, North America is leading the market for programmable logic devices in terms of revenue, followed by Asia Pacific and Europe. The U.S. is dominating the market across North America. China, Japan, India, Taiwan are some of the prime countries are contributing in the positive development of the market across Asia Pacific. Increasing number of semiconductor and electronics manufacturing hubs is one of the prime drivers for the market across Asia Pacific.The major companies operating in the programmable logic devices market are concentrating on research activities along with joint ventures, geographical expansion to strengthen its presence in this market globally. Product innovation with upgrading features of already existing product lines are major business strategies taken by the organizations in programmable logic devices market. In addition, acquisition and merger is one of the business strategies that help the companies to expand its product portfolio globally and eventually to strengthen its customer base worldwide.Xilinx, Inc. (The U.S.), Altera Corporation (The U.S.), Lattice Semiconductor Corporation (The U.S.), Microsemi Corporation (The U.S.), QuickLogic Corporation (The U.S.), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (TSMC) (Taiwan), Atmel Corporation (The U.S.), Achronix semiconductor corporation (The US.), S2C Inc. (The U.S.), United Microelectronics Corporation (Taiwan) and GlobalFoundries (The U.S.) among others.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:
Pseudocapacitor Market: Technological Advancements, Evolving Industry Trends and Insights

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Pseudocapacitor is a device which stores the electrical energy faradaically by transferring electron charges between the electrode and the electrolyte by the means of pseudocapacitance. Electrochemical and electromagnetic energy storage technologies are being based on devices which are capable of displaying high energy density like batteries or the high power electrochemical capacitors.Continuously growing need of the current and the near-future applications, where both the high energy and the high power density are required in the same types of material pseudocapacitors are being used on a large scale. Pseudocapacitance, offers a method of achieving high energy capacity at a very high chargedischarge rate.Browse the Report @For purpose of doing in depth analysis, Pseudocapacitor market is been divided on basis of type, materials, application and geography. Based on types the Pseudocapacitor market has been categorized mainly into three types; they are like intercalation pseudocapacitor, redox pseudocapacitor and under potential deposition pseudocapacitor. By material Pseudocapacitor market is been segmented mainly into two types they are like manganese oxide based pseudocapacitor and ruthenium oxide based pseudocapacitor.By application it has been segmented mainly into five types they are like application in laptops, cameras, memory devices, RAM among others .Furthermore, this report will also provide cross functional analysis of all above mentioned segments across the different regions like North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.Some of the key factors which are responsible for the growth of this Pseudocapacitor market are the growing adoption of inexpensive pseudocapacitive material in the cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impendence spectroscopy; which has seen increasing demand in different applications like electrochemical evaluation, electrodeposition and morphological characterization.Request Sample @The poor electrical conductivity of the MNO2 and the instability of the electrical capacitors in the thin MNO2 fil configuration are the key factors which is restraining the growth of the Pseudocapacitor market. The danger of overheating and low energy density has a very strong impact on the performance of the electrolyte batteries, these constraints in the electrolyte batteries are also acting as a constraint for the Pseudocapacitor market.By type of materials, manganese oxide based pseudocapacitor held the largest market share because of its growing usage in strategic designing and the fabrication of the electrode materials. Nanostructurization and the chemical modification and incorporation of the manganese oxide based pseudocapacitor which is having larger surface area. However, ruthenium oxide based pseudocapacitor is projected to achieve steady growth during the forecasted period from 2017-2025.Geographically, Pseudocapacitor market is being primarily driven by Asia Pacific region. Installation of the smart grid projects in Japan, Singapore and South Korea is driving this market. Modified TIO2 nanoparticles and requirement of pseudocapacitors for the purpose of diffusion through unmodified tio2 nanoparticle is further expected to drive the growth of Pseudocapacitor market in APAC region.Some of the leading players operating in Pseudocapacitor market includes Maxwell Technologies Inc. (The U.S.), Nesscap CO. LTD. (South Korea), Panasonic Corporation(Japan) , Ioxus, Inc.(The U.S.), Nippon Chemi-Con Corporation (Japan), YUNASKO (Ukraine),Supreme Power Solutions Co., Ltd.(China),CAP-XX (Australia), LS Mtron (South Korea), NEC-Tokin (Japan) among others.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:
Rotary Torque Sensor Market: Applications and Global Markets

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Torque sensors play an important role in many technological applications. The measurement of torque is paramount in applications such as turbine, engine and transmission testing, pump testing, and measurement of power within propulsion systems. Rotary torque sensor is one of the major types of torque sensors which have wide range of applications n different industries. Rotary torque sensors are rigorously applied in the fastener assembly market to verify the usability and performance of power and hand torque tools.Browse the Report @The rotary torque sensor market has been segmented into power and signal transfer method which includes contact and non-contact. The market has been segmented by mounting methods which include fixed and floating. The market for rotary torque sensors has been furthermore segmented into by end use industry which includes industrial, automotive, test & measurement, oil and gas, aerospace & defense and healthcare among others. The market for rotary torque sensor has been segmented geographically into Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, South America and Middle East and Africa.Request Sample @Increasing proliferation of electric vehicles and technological advancement in the field of automotive is fueling the application of rotary torque sensors. Rising demand for better fuel efficient vehicles is another major driving factor for the market. Measuring as well as monitoring torque is a crucial parameter in most of all rotating parts, equipment and machines, which ensures high quality and optimum performance. Increasing demand for upgraded and advanced devices across different industrial setups is acting as a major driving factor for the market.Increasing research activities focusing on technological advancements in signal and power transfer for instance rotary electronics, rotary transformers, digitization, rotary torque sensors have wide range of applications in the hybrid and electrical automobile engines, healthcare device among others. Lack of reliability issues related to the measurement and monitoring along with design complexities are some of the prime restraining factor for the rotary torque sensor market globally.In 2016, Asia Pacific is leading the market for rotary torque sensor in terms of revenue, followed by North America and Europe globally. Growing development in the automotive sector is driving the market for rotary torque sensor across Asia pacific. China accounted for the largest market share across Asia Pacific, followed by Japan, India, Taiwan and South Korea. The U.S. is dominating the market for rotary torque sensor across North America, followed by Canada and Mexico in 2016.ABB Group (Switzerland), Applied Measurements (U.K.), Ati Industrial Automation (The U.S.), Crane Electronics (The U.S.), Datum Electronics (The U.S.), Teledyne Technologies International Corporation (The U.S.), Honeywell International Inc. (The U.S.), Futek Advanced Sensor Technology (The U.S), HBM Test and Measurement (Germany) and Kistler Group (Switzerland) among others are some of the major companies operating in the rotary torque sensor market globally.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:
Rotary Wafer Cleaning System Market: Worldwide Industry Analysis and New Market Opportunities Explored

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Etching is a part of micro fabrication for chemically removing different layers from the surface of a wafer during the process of manufacturing. Semiconductor wafers undergoes the process of etching for protection of wafers by masking materials that generally includes silicon among others. Rotary wafer etching is crucial equipment that is used for semiconductor wafer etching techniques.These cleaning systems are wet stations where chemical etching or wafer cleaning is offered where transfer between tanks takes place in a design. Rotary wafer etching system primarily provides an automated safety oriented semiconductor batch processor primarily for precise chemical developing, etching, resist etching, stripping, and cleaning of semiconductor substrates or wafers. These systems are used for cleaning, etching, developing, stripping as well as relearning semiconductor wafers and substrates.Browse the Report @Different types of designs are maintained along with dual tanks being used for transfer of etching, cleaning and rinsing related substrates for precision etching of aluminum layers within wafers. Rotary wafer cleaning system market has been segmented on the basis of technology into etch cleaning, wet chemistry based cleaning and the front side up cleaning among others. The market is also segmented on the basis of end use which includes chemical contamination, particle contamination and metallic contamination. The market has been segmented geographically into Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, South America and Africa and Middle East.Rising proliferation of advanced printed electronics is driving factors responsible for the growth of the rotary wafer cleaning system market. With the growing usage of printed electronics in different end use industry, this in a way is anticipated to have a positive impact on the market. Rising semiconductor production hubs in developing regions is considered to be one of the major driving factors for the rotary wafer cleaning system market.The rising demand for PCBs (printed circuit boards), integrated circuits and other advanced electronics equipment in developing nations and increasing number of semiconductor equipment manufacturing units in developing economies is driving the market for rotary wafer cleaning system globally.Request Sample @High price of rotary wafer cleaning system along with huge initial investment for establishment is one of the restraining factors of the market and is likely to inhibit rotary wafer cleaning systems market growth to an extent. Introduction of new materials and the technological development surrounding the replacement of and aluminum with copper and SiO2-based dielectrics with low k materials is opening new opportunities for the rotary wafer cleaning system market globally.In 2016, Asia Pacific is leading the market for rotary wafer cleaning system in terms of value, followed by North America and Europe. China, Taiwan, Japan, India are some of the prime economies contributing in the positive development of the market across Asia Pacific. Growing demand of portable consumer electronics devices and constantly improving quality standards of production are considered as some of the prime factors contributing in the positive development of rotary wafer cleaning system market.The U.S. is dominating the market for rotary wafer cleaning system across North America. The U.K., Germany, France and Italy are holding prominent position across Europe. Increasing advancement in the technological front of semiconductor devices is one of the key factors fueling the demand for rotary wafer cleaning system across Brazil, Argentina, and U.A.E, South Africa across South America Africa and Middle East.Some of the important companies of the rotary wafer cleaning system market are Speedline Technologies, Inc. (The U.S.), Akrion Systems LLC (The U.S.), AP&S International GmbH (Germany), Modutek Corporation (The U.S.), SCREEN Holdings Co., Ltd. (Japan), Cleaning Technologies Group (The U.S.), Tokyo Electron Limited (Japan), Lam Research Corporation (The U.S.) and MEI Wet Processing Systems and Services LLC (The U.S.) among others.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:
Automotive Additives Market Forecast, Trend Analysis & Competition Tracking - Global Review 2017 to 2022

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According to the latest report by Fact.MR, the global automotive additives market is likely to experience above-average growth. The market is estimated to reach US$ 8,251.8 million revenue by 2022 end. Manufacturers in the automotive industry are focusing on developing highest performing solutions and with plastic emerging as the highest applied material in the interior, exterior and under the hood of the vehicle, automotive plastic additives are witnessing increased use in the automotive industry.Request For Sample Report-Automotive Additives provide protection to both the exterior and interior components of a vehicle. UV absorbers are witnessing a significant demand in the automotive industry as they reduce photo-degradation and offer exceptional on-tone fading. UV absorbers also protect interior and exterior parts in a vehicle against strong heat and UV light for a long period of time. The demand for anti-dust additives is also increasing due to the rising pollution and off-road driving, resulting in dust and dirt particles on a vehicle. Meanwhile, manufacturers are also focusing on providing anti-scratch additives to increase the lifetime of the vehicle and maintain high-quality appearance, especially in the case of internal automotive parts. Hence, anti-scratch additives help to reduce friction. Thermal and light stabilizers are also being provided by the automotive additives manufacturers.Plasticizers to be the Most Popular Plastic AdditivesPlasticizers plastic additives are likely to gain close to one-third of the revenue share by 2017 end. Plasticizers are estimated to create more than US$ 500 million incremental opportunity during 2017-2022. Although anti-scratch is likely to experience growth in the automotive additives market.-Polypropylene (PP) to be the Highly Preferred Plastic in Automotive additives.-Polypropylene (PP) is likely to be one of the highly used plastic in the automotive additives.-Polypropylene is estimated to surpass US$ 2,900 million revenue towards 2022 end.Automotive Additives to Find Largest Application in the Interior of the VehicleInterior of the vehicle is likely to be the largest segment for automotive additives applications. Interior application of automotive additives is estimated to bring in nearly US$ 2,700 million revenue by 2022 end. Although automotive additives are also being used on the exterior of a vehicle. Hence, exterior application of automotive additives are likely to experience steady growth.Browse Full Report with TOC-Compact Passenger Cars to Gain Maximum Revenue ShareCompact passenger cars are likely to gain nearly one-third of the share in terms of the revenue by 2017 end. By 2022 end, compact passenger cars are also estimated to surpass US$ 2,300 million revenue.Competition TrackingThe report also profiles companies that are expected to remain active in the expansion of global automotive additives market through 2022, which include Saudi Basic Industries Corp, Akzo Nobel NV, Covestro AG, LANXESS AG, BASF SE, The Dow Chemical Company, Clariant AG, Solvay SA, Croda International PLC, Evonik Industries AG, ExxonMobil Corporation, and Kaneka Corporation.Check Discount For This Report-About Fact.MRFact.MR is a fast-growing market research firm that offers the most comprehensive suite of syndicated and customized automotive market research reports. We believe transformative intelligence can educate and inspire businesses to make smarter decisions. We know the limitations of the one-size-fits-all approach; that's why we publish multi-industry global, regional, and country-specific research reports.Contact UsFact.MR11140 Rockville PikeSuite 40020852United StatesEmail: sales@factmr.comWeb:
Digital Signage Software Market: Global Industry Research by Type, Service, Application and Analysis 2017-2024

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According to a new report published by Data Bridge Market Research, titled, Global Digital Signage Software Market- Industry Trends and Forecast to 2024Market Analysis: Global Digital Signage Software MarketThe Global Digital Signage Software Market accounted to USD 4.5 billion in 2016 growing at a CAGR of 11.0% during the forecast period of 2017 to 2024. The upcoming market report contains data for historic years 2015, the base year of calculation is 2016 and the forecast period is 2017 to 2024.Get Sample Copy at: -Market Definition: Global Digital Signage Software MarketDigital signage, also called dynamic signage, is a specialized form of sliver casting in which video or multimedia content is displayed in public places for informational or advertising purposes.The platform or the software required for the digital signage are called as digital signage software. The latest trend in this market are increased used in the public and commercial sectors, cost efficient in term of returns and advancement in technology will further grow market. There is need of digital signage software for several applications like commercial, Infrastructural, Institutional, Industrial, others will create a huge market for the digital signage software.Major Market Drivers and Restraints: Increasing Demand in Public and Commercial Sectors High Cost Efficiency and Assured Return on Investment Advancements in Technology and Infrastructure Expansions Demand for Cloud Based Digital Signage Software Solutions Lack of Standardization Lack of AwarenessRequest for TOC at: -Market Segmentation: Global Digital Signage Software MarketOn the basis of software type the digital signage software marketis segmented into Edge Server Software, Content Management System, Others. The Content Management System market is expected to grow in the forecasted period.On the basis of services the digital signage software market is segmented into Installation Services, Maintenance & Support Services, Other Services The installation service market is expected to grow in the forecasted period.On the basis of application the digital signage software market is segmented into commercial, Infrastructural, Institutional, Industrial, others.The infrastructural market is expected to grow in the forecasted period.The commercial segments further divided into Retail, Corporate, Healthcare, Hospitality, and Government.The healthcare market is expected to grow in the forecasted period.On the basis of geography, digital signage software market report covers data points for 28 countries across multiple geographies such as North America & South America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. Some of the major countries covered in this report are U.S., Canada, Germany, France, U.K., Netherlands, Switzerland, Turkey, Russia, China, India, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Brazil among others. In 2017, North America is expected to dominate the market.Competitive Analysis: Global Digital Signage Software MarketDigital Signage Software Market is highly fragmented and is based on new product launches and clinical results of products. Hence the major players have used various strategies such as new product launches, clinical trials, market initiatives, high expense on research and development, agreements, joint ventures, partnerships, acquisitions, and others to increase their footprints in this market. The report includes market shares of flow cytometry market for global, Europe, North America, Asia Pacific and South America.Major Market Competitors: Global Digital Signage Software MarketSome of the major players operating in digital signage software market are Scala Inc.,Signagelive, Broadsign International LLC, Omnivex Corporation, Navori, Planar Systems Inc.,Intuilab Sa,Mvix, Inc.,Novisign Digital Signage Inc., Four Winds Interactive (Fwi), Rise Vision, Panasonic Corporation, NEC Display Solutions Ltd.,Adflow Networks, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.among others. In 2017, Mvix Wins InfoComm Best of Show Award for Digital Signage Software.Access Full Summary at: -About us:Data Bridge set forth itself as an unconventional and neoteric Market research and consulting firm with unparalleled level of resilience and integrated approaches. We are determined to unearth the best market opportunities and foster efficient information for your business to thrive in the market. Data Bridge endeavors to provide appropriate solutions to the complex business challenges and initiates an effortless decision-making process.Contact:Data Bridge Market ResearchOffice Number 402, Amanora Chambers,Magarpatta Road, HadapsarPune  411028
Global Marine Hybrid Propulsion Market Projected to Touch $5.25 Bn by 2024

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Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) has been serving as an active source to cater intelligent research report to enlighten both readers and investors. This research study titled Marine Hybrid Propulsion Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2024 Request a Free Sample Report @The marine industry is increasingly investing in technologies that help lower emissions, improve fuel efficiency, and adhere to new environmental regulations. Thus, hybrid propulsion systems are being rapidly deployed by vessel operators across the world. Marine hybrid propulsion systems are gradually emerging as one of the most preferred clean propulsion systems globally and are being used in several vessel categories.Fuel charges account for substantial share of a vessels operating expenditure. As a result, shipping liners are adopting efficient fuel technologies such as hybrid propulsion to increase their profit margins. Implementation of stringent government regulations and strict monitoring of spillage in the marine ecosystem are driving the demand for hybrid propulsion systems. The operating power requirements and size of drive components are important factors in the selection of appropriate hybrid configurations for vessels.Spurred by the aforementioned factors, the global marine hybrid propulsion market is forecast to reach S$5.25 bn by the end of 2024, from US$2.65 bn in 2015. If these figures hold true, the global market will exhibit a CAGR of 8.2% between 2016 and 2024.View Complete Report with Table of Content @Diesel-electric Systems Emerge as Widely Adopted Hybrid TechnologyThe marine hybrid propulsion market has been segmented into three categories: Configuration, end use, and region. In terms of configuration, the marine hybrid propulsion market has been classified into diesel-electric, parallel hybrid, and serial hybrid. Of these, the diesel-electric segment accounted for the leading share of 53.3% in 2015. Diesel-electric system is a widely adopted hybrid technology owing to its simple structure and low installation costs. Diesel-electric systems are easy to configure and install. Therefore, several vessel operators have been switching from the conventional diesel systems to diesel-electric configurations to comply with the environmental regulations prevalent in their respective regions. Diesel-electric propulsion systems have witnessed a rapid growth rate in the past few decades and is expected to dominate the marine hybrid propulsion market based on configuration through the forecast period.In terms of end use, the market has been segregated into tugboats & OSVs, ferries, defense vessels, and others. Installations of these configuration types are completely dependent on the operational requirements of the vessel operators. The operating power requirements and size of the drive components are crucial factors considered while vessel operators select the appropriate hybrid configurations for their respective vessels.Send an Enquiry @Europe to Remain Dominant Market through Forecast PeriodRegionally, the global hybrid propulsion market encompasses North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. Among these nations, Europe emerged dominant with a share of 34.60% in 2015. The region market is driven by the presence of several manufacturing companies. However, growth in the region will remain moderate through the forecast period. In North America, several associations are monitoring carbon emission. The leading nations in North America also have maritime monitoring satellites that detect excess carbon emission from ferries and if there is any oil spillage. Spurred by these factors, the maritime hybrid propulsion market will witness positive growth in North America.In the coming years, Asia Pacific is expected to offer greener pastures to a large number of small- and large-scale hybrid propulsion manufacturing companies. China and Japan have emerged as lead in terms of production and consumption in Asia Pacific. Rising opportunities in these nations will significantly aid the expansion of the marine hybrid propulsion market. Besides this, the market is also expected to witness lucrative opportunities in the Middle East and Africa and Latin America.Some of the major companies operating in this market are Siemens AG, General Electric, BAE Systems plc, Wartsila, and MAN Diesel & Turbo SE among others.Check Discount @About Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE)Market 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.Contact UsState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite:Read More Industry News At:
Automotive Shock Absorber 2018 Global Market Key Players Meritor, ZF Friedrichshafen AG, Delphi Automotive Plc., Gabriel India, Hitachi, KYB Europe G.M.B.H Analysis and Forecast to 2023

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Automotive Shock Absorber Market 2018Summary:Global Automotive Shock Absorber Market Information Report by Type (Air Shock Absorber, Damper Shock Absorber, and Others), Vehicle Type (Passenger car and Commercial Vehicle), Sales Channel (OEM and Aftermarket), and region.Market ScenarioThe factors that are responsible for the growth of automotive shock absorber market are growth in the automotive industry, increase in the production of vehicles in emerging countries such as China, India, and Japan, increased focus by manufacturers to improve comport for the passenger, and advancement in technology. The increase in the production of vehicle will result in higher use of shock absorbers to improve ride comfort. This increase in the usage of shock absorber, will result in the growth of the market during the forecast period. In current scenario, manufacturers are moving toward advancement in the technology so as to compete in the automotive market. The advancement in technology will result in improvement in the overall suspension system. Manufacturers are also focusing on improving the ride comfort of the passenger in order to grow in this market. All the above factors are responsible for the growth of automotive shock absorber market during the forecast period. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.12% during the forecast period.Key PlayersThe key players in global automotive shock absorber market are Meritor, Inc. (U.S.), ZF Friedrichshafen AG (Germany), Delphi Automotive Plc. (U.K.), Gabriel India Ltd. (India), Hitachi, Ltd. (Japan), KYB Europe G.M.B.H (Germany), SHOWA Corporation (Japan), Tenneco Inc. (U.S.), Koni BV (Netherlands), Thyssenkrupp Bilstein Gmbh (Germany) and others.Request For Sample Report @Shock Absorber is an important component of vehicles. Their main purpose is to absorb energy so as to provide a comfort ride to the passenger. It is a mechanical device used to absorb shock impulses. It converts kinetic energy in another form of energy, typically in heat form. Shock absorbers are mainly used in suspension systems to reduce the jerks created due to rough terrain roads. The main purpose of a shock absorber is to improve the ride for the passenger. Shock absorbers are not only used in automotive but also are used in landing gear of an aircraft, industrial machinery, and others. In automotive application, shock absorbers used are mainly damper shock absorbers and air shock absorbers.The automotive shock absorber market is segmented based on type, vehicle type, sales channel, and region. On the basis of type, the market is segmented as air shock absorber, damper shock absorber, and others. Air shock absorber segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period due to higher sustainability. Air shock absorber segment is driven by the electric or electric driven air pump, which gives smooth and improved ride quality or the passengers. On the basis of vehicle type, the market has been segmented as passenger cars and commercial vehicles. The passenger car segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period due to increase sales of passenger cars and SUVs. There is growing demand for the crossovers and SUV in passenger car segment because of their improved fuel efficiency.Global Automotive Shock Absorber Market, By SegmentationOn the basis of region, the market has been segmented as North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Rest of the World. Asia Pacific region is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period due to increase in the production of vehicles in emerging countries such as China, India, and Japan. North America is expected to be the second largest market due to higher innovation in the shock absorbers. Europe is expected to be the third largest region during the forecast period.The report for Global Automotive Shock Absorber 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 and volume, 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 SUMMARY2 SCOPE OF THE REPORT3 MARKET LANDSCAPE4 MARKET DYNAMICS5 Global Automotive Shock Absorber Market, By Type6 Global Automotive Shock Absorber Market, By End-Use7 Global Automotive Shock Absorber Market, By Vehicle Type8 Global Automotive Shock Absorber Market, By Region9 Competitive Landscape10 Company ProfileList Of TablesTable 1 Global Automotive Shock Absorber Market: By Region, 2017-2023Table 2 North America Automotive Shock Absorber Market: By Country, 2017-2023Table 3 Europe Automotive Shock Absorber Market: By Country, 2017-2023Table 4 Asia-Pacific Automotive Shock Absorber Market: By Country, 2017-2023Table 5 RoW Automotive Shock Absorber Market: By Country, 2017-2023..List Of FiguresFIGURE 1 RESEARCH PROCESS OF MRFRFIGURE 2 TOP DOWN & BOTTOM UP APPROACHFIGURE 3 Market DynamicsFIGURE 4 Impact Analysis: Market DriversFIGURE 5 Impact Analysis: Market Restraints.ContinuedAbout 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:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Pharmaceutical Packaging Testing Equipment Market Professional Survey by Booming Types & Application Report 2017 and Growth Forecasts to 2024

Global Pharmaceutical Packaging Testing Equipment Market  Industry Trends and Forecast to 2024

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Global Pharmaceutical Packaging Testing Equipment Market by Equipment {permeability analyser (gas permeation tester and container gas permeability tester), package vibration tester, moisture meter, package drop tester, creasing and stiffness tester and texture analyser}, Services {container closure integrity testing(vacuum & pressure decay, high voltage leak detection, helium leak detection, and oxygen headspace), container testing (extractables testing, container permeation testing, material identification testing, and functionality testing), raw material testing, shelf life testing, microbial testing, physical chemical characterization, stability testing, environmental monitoring, visual inspection and functional testing, method validation, and batch-release testing}, End Users (contract research organizations, testing laboratories, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and government organisations), Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East Africa) Industry Trends and Forecast to 2024Global Pharmaceutical Packaging Testing Equipment Market is expected to reach USD 46.73 billion by 2024 from USD 20.87 billion in 2016, at a CAGR of 10.6% in the forecast period 2017 to 2024. The new market report contains data for historic years 2015, the base year of calculation is 2016 and the forecast period is 2017 to 2024.Request for a sample copy of this research report@Top Competitors: Labthink, TM Electronics Inc. West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. Qualitest International Inc, AMETEK Inc., TEN-E Packaging Services Inc, PTI packaging technologies and inspection, Albany Molecular Research Inc. (AMRI), Westpak, Inc. among others.Get Detail TOC @CRITICALITY OF PACKAGING FOR PHARMACEUTICAL DRUGSThe safety of drugs can be ensured by using the good packaging material such as glass, metals plastics according to the drug, which can be ensured when the packaging undergoes the testing such as vibration testing, moisture testing and many more. Need and importance of packaging of the pharmaceutical drugs is driving the market for pharmaceutical packaging testing equipment.MANDATORY GUIDELINESThe criticality of the pharmaceutical packaging resulted in the mandatory guidelines by the government for packaging testing, leading to the growth of the pharmaceutical packaging testing equipment market.TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS AND INNOVATIONS IN PHARMACEUTICAL PACKAGING TESTING EQUIPMENT MARKETThe pharmaceutical packaging testing equipment technology market is expected to show significant growth in the coming years, due to various technological advancements and new product launches in order to improve the quality of packaging of the pharmaceutical drugs.Get Detail TOC @Key Drivers:-Some of the major factors driving the market for pharmaceutical packaging testing equipment market are critical of packaging for pharmaceutical drugs and mandatory guidelines. These factors increase the demand for pharmaceutical packaging testing equipment market. Rising demand for pharmaceutical packaging testing equipment, and technological advancements are the major factors driving the growth of the pharmaceutical packaging testing equipment market. Shortage of skilled professionals and high cost are the factors which may hinder the growth of this market. Many companies are increasingly focusing on extractables testing and vacuum and pressure decay testing in order to strengthen their product portfolios in the pharmaceutical packaging testing equipment market. Increasing demand for permeability analysers, and extractables testing will drive the market in future.Key Points: Permeability analysers market is growing with the highest CAGR. Globally extractables testing are driving the market with highest market share. Container closure integrity testing is dominating the pharmaceutical packaging testing services market.Read more about this Report @Data Bridge Market Research set forth itself as an unconventional and neoteric Market research and consulting firm with unparalleled level of resilience and integrated approaches. We are determined to unearth the best market opportunities and foster efficient information for your business to thrive in the market. Data Bridge endeavors to provide appropriate solutions to the complex business challenges and initiates an effortless decision-making process.Vishal DixitData Bridge Market ResearchTel: +1-888-387-2818Email: Sales@databridgemarketresearch.comInvestor: investors@databridgemarketresearch.comVisit Blog:Follow us on LinkedIn:
Global Digital Health Monitoring Market Increasing at a Highest CAGR of 38.8%, Top Companies (Medtronic Inc., Apple Inc., Sanofi, Mobisante Inc., AirStrip Technologies Inc.) and Applications Projections 2024

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Global Digital Health Monitoring Market Definition:Digital health products are shifting the continuous monitoring market from healthcare professionals to consumers hence creating an entirely new market scope. The digital health monitoring market is helping the healthcare monitoring from diagnosis to predictive approach. Consumers get control of the device and the continuous data management, provided with miniaturization, portability, its wireless component, noninvasive body sensors, and integration with the smartphone, decreasing the physician vists for regular checkups. The big issue of this market is no reimbursement so for the manufacturers its a concern that who will the payer in this market, hence somewhat restraining the market growth. However with cheaper and more effective technologies coming in the market the constraint with reimbursements will be controlled.To get more information, Ask for Free Sample Report @:New Report added by Data Bridge Market Research is Global Digital Health Monitoring Market segmented by Product Type (Devices (Blood Pressure Monitors, Blood Glucose Monitors, ECG, Oximeters, Peak Flow Monitors, Multi Parameter Monitors, Sleep Apnea Monitors, Neurological Monitors, Others), Software (Healthcare Apps, Chronic Disease Apps, Personal Health Apps, Others), Services (Remote Monitoring, Consultancy Services, Treatment Services, Fitness and Wellness Services, Others), By Geography (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, Middle East & Africa)  Industry Trends and Forecast to 2024This Report Contains: No of Pages: 350 No of Tables: 220 No of Figures: 60Market Analysis:The global digital health monitoring market is expected to reach USD 254.7 billion by 2024 from USD 19.8 billion in 2016, growing at a CAGR of 38.8% in the forecast period 2017 to 2024. The new market report contains data for historic years 2015, the base year of calculation is 2016 and the forecast period is 2017 to 2024.Market Segmentation:The global digital heath monitoring market is segmented based on product types into 3, namely digital health devices, digital health software and digital health services. The digital health devices market includes mobile devices and is further segmented into blood glucose monitors, ECG monitors, blood pressure monitors, oximeters, peak flow monitors, neurological monitors, sleep apnea monitors, multi parameter monitors, and others. Blood glucose monitors is expected to grow at the highest CAGR due to the increasing prevalence and risk of diabetes in the global market especially U.S. However the increasing awareness and health concern among the population in developed countries is expected to drive this market.To understand Table of Content, Figures and Tables Click Here @The digital health software market includes mobile apps for healthcare and is segmented into healthcare apps, chronic disease apps, personal health apps and others. Some of the major inclusions in this segment are weight loss apps, fitness tracking apps, aware and alert apps, diabetes maintenance apps, pregnancy apps, blood pressure monitoring apps, PHR apps among others. The digital health services market includes remote monitoring, diagnosis and consultation services, fitness and wellness services, prevention services and others. The software and services market is propelled by the acceptance of android and ios phones in developing markets.Based on geography the digital health monitoring market report is segmented into 5 geographical regions, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America and rest of the world. The geographical regions are further segmented into 24 major countries such as U.S. Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, U.K., Belgium, Switzerland, Belgium, Turkey, Japan, China, Singapore, Brazil, India, Russia, South Africa and many others. U.S. is expected to dominate the market due to the rising acceptance of consumer based healthcare monitoring and awareness among its population.The players in this market are using mergers, acquisition and development of technology as penetration strategies. The report also includes new developments, future technological advancements, recent strategically decisions, expansions and product launches.Market Key Players: Medtronic, Inc., Apple, Inc., Sanofi, Mobisante, Inc., AirStrip Technologies, Inc., AliveCor, Inc., LifeWatch AG, Nike Inc., Koninklijke Philips N.V., Johnson & Johnson, Jawbone, AT&T, Qualcomm, Cerner Corporation, Diversinet, Cisco, Inc. Among othersPurchase Full Report @Related ReportGlobal Wearable Devices Market  Trends and Forecast to 2024Global Wearable Devices Market, By Product Type (Wristwear, Eyewear, Footwear, Neckwear, Bodywear, Others), By Industry (Consumer Products, Healthcare, Industrial, and Others), By Type (Smart Textile (Passive, Active, Ultra Smart) (Sensing, Energy Harvesting, Luminiscence, Thermo Electricity), Non-Textile), By Technology, By Component, By Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Rest of the World)  Trends and Forecast to 2024About Data Bridge Market Research:Data Bridge Market Research set forth itself as an unconventional and neoteric Market research and consulting firm with unparalleled level of resilience and integrated approaches. We are determined to unearth the best market opportunities and foster efficient information for your business to thrive in the market. Data Bridge endeavors to provide appropriate solutions to the complex business challenges and initiates an effortless decision-making process.Contact:Vishal DixitData Bridge Market ResearchTel: +1-888-387-2818Email: Sales@databridgemarketresearch.comInvestor: investors@databridgemarketresearch.comVisit Blog
Balsa Wood Market Production, Operations, Price and Gross Margin 2018

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report Global Balsa Wood Market Professional Survey Report 2017 to its huge collection of research reports.The global Balsa Wood market is closely assessed in the publication using in-depth verifiable projections, historical data, and qualitative insights. With the help of proven assumptions and research methodologies, the analysts have derived the projections featured in the publication. For every aspect of the market, the publication serves as a great repository of information, data, and critical analysis. It could be said that the publication is a fine source of stakeholder and value chain analysis, technological breakthroughs observed in the market, and current and future challenges, opportunities, and trends. Furthermore, the publication promises a significant unveiling of crucial market segments and sub-segments and opportunities therein.Get Free PDF Brochure For More Technical Insights@The analysts have made it a point to reveal untapped markets and business prospects so as to assist players to strengthen their position in the industry. Besides market size, the publication sheds light on vital factors such as supply and demand. This could help readers to gain a complete understanding of how the global Balsa Wood market would perform in the foreseeable future. Furthermore, the publication has been complied with the use of effective primary and secondary research methodologies, including surveys, interviews, trade journals, and reputable paid sources. The authors of the publication have ensured that readers do not miss out on any important information about the market that could keep them in the dark.The competitive landscape of the global Balsa Wood market is broadly examined as the researchers profile some of the key companies operating in the industry. Company profiling takes into consideration critical factors that could impact the growth of players in the market, such as recent developments, market shares, mergers and acquisitions, and other business strategies. Moreover, the nature of the competitive landscape and future competitive scenarios are shed light upon in the publication. This could help players to be cautioned about future challenges and prepare effective plans beforehand.Table of ContentsGlobal Balsa Wood Market Professional Survey Report 20171 Industry Overview of Balsa Wood1.1 Definition and Specifications of Balsa Wood1.1.1 Definition of Balsa Wood1.1.2 Specifications of Balsa Wood1.2 Classification of Balsa Wood1.2.1 Grain A1.2.2 Grain B1.2.3 Grain C1.3 Applications of Balsa Wood1.3.1 Aerospace & Defense1.3.2 Renewable Energy1.3.3 Marine1.3.4 Road & RailRead Complete Table of Content @2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Balsa Wood2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Balsa Wood2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Balsa Wood2.4 Industry Chain Structure of Balsa Wood3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Balsa Wood3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Balsa Wood Major Manufacturers in 20163.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Balsa Wood Major Manufacturers in 20163.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Balsa Wood Major Manufacturers in 20163.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Balsa Wood Major Manufacturers in 20164 Global Balsa Wood Overall Market Overview4.1 2012-2017E Overall Market Analysis4.2 Capacity Analysis4.2.1 2012-2017E Global Balsa Wood Capacity and Growth Rate Analysis4.2.2 2016 Balsa Wood Capacity Analysis (Company Segment)4.3 Sales Analysis4.3.1 2012-2017E Global Balsa Wood Sales and Growth Rate Analysis4.3.2 2016 Balsa Wood Sales Analysis (Company Segment)4.4 Sales Price Analysis5 Balsa Wood Regional Market Analysis5.1 North America Balsa Wood Market Analysis5.1.1 North America Balsa Wood Market Overview5.1.2 North America 2012-2017E Balsa Wood Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.1.3 North America 2012-2017E Balsa Wood Sales Price Analysis5.1.4 North America 2016 Balsa Wood Market Share Analysis5.2 China Balsa Wood Market Analysis5.2.1 China Balsa Wood Market Overview5.2.2 China 2012-2017E Balsa Wood Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption AnalysisEnquiry For Discount Visit @QYResearchReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYResearchReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Hybrid Memory Cube and High-Bandwidth Memory Market by Manufacturers,Types,Regions and Applications Research Report Forecast to 2025

Hybrid Memory Cube and High-Bandwidth Memory Market

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WiseGuyReports.Com Publish a New Market Research Report On - Hybrid Memory Cube and High-Bandwidth Memory Market by Manufacturers,Types,Regions and Applications Research Report Forecast to 2025.In this report, the global Hybrid Memory Cube and High-Bandwidth Memory market is valued at USD XX million in 2017 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2017 and 2025.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Hybrid Memory Cube and High-Bandwidth Memory in these regions, from 2013 to 2025 (forecast), coveringUnited StatesEUChinaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwanGet a Sample Report @For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comGlobal Hybrid Memory Cube and High-Bandwidth Memory market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingMicron TechnologySamsung ElectronicsSK HynixAdvanced Micro DevicesIntelFujitsuIBMXilinxNvidiaOpen-SiliconAriraOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into2GB4GB8GBOtherOn 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, includingNetworking & TelecommunicationEnterprise StorageIndustrialConsumer ElectronicsAsk Query @Table Of Contents  Major Key PointsGlobal Hybrid Memory Cube and High-Bandwidth Memory Market Research Report 20181 Hybrid Memory Cube and High-Bandwidth Memory Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Hybrid Memory Cube and High-Bandwidth Memory1.2 Hybrid Memory Cube and High-Bandwidth Memory Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Hybrid Memory Cube and High-Bandwidth Memory Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2013-2025)1.2.2 Global Hybrid Memory Cube and High-Bandwidth Memory Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 2GB1.2.4 4GB1.2.5 8GB1.2.6 Other1.3 Global Hybrid Memory Cube and High-Bandwidth Memory Segment by Application1.3.1 Hybrid Memory Cube and High-Bandwidth Memory Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2013-2025)1.3.2 Networking & Telecommunication1.3.3 Enterprise Storage1.3.4 Industrial1.3.5 Consumer Electronics1.4 Global Hybrid Memory Cube and High-Bandwidth Memory Market by Region (2013-2025)1.4.1 Global Hybrid Memory Cube and High-Bandwidth Memory Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2013-2025)1.4.2 United States Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.3 EU Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.6 South Korea Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.7 Taiwan Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Hybrid Memory Cube and High-Bandwidth Memory (2013-2025)1.5.1 Global Hybrid Memory Cube and High-Bandwidth Memory Revenue Status and Outlook (2013-2025)1.5.2 Global Hybrid Memory Cube and High-Bandwidth Memory Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2013-2025)7 Global Hybrid Memory Cube and High-Bandwidth Memory Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 Micron Technology7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Hybrid Memory Cube and High-Bandwidth Memory Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 Micron Technology Hybrid Memory Cube and High-Bandwidth Memory Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Samsung Electronics7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Hybrid Memory Cube and High-Bandwidth Memory Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 Samsung Electronics Hybrid Memory Cube and High-Bandwidth Memory Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 SK Hynix7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Hybrid Memory Cube and High-Bandwidth Memory Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 SK Hynix Hybrid Memory Cube and High-Bandwidth Memory Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.4 Advanced Micro Devices7.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.4.2 Hybrid Memory Cube and High-Bandwidth Memory Product Category, Application and Specification7.4.2.1 Product A7.4.2.2 Product B7.4.3 Advanced Micro Devices Hybrid Memory Cube and High-Bandwidth Memory Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.5 Intel7.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.5.2 Hybrid Memory Cube and High-Bandwidth Memory Product Category, Application and Specification7.5.2.1 Product A7.5.2.2 Product B7.5.3 Intel Hybrid Memory Cube and High-Bandwidth Memory Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.6 Fujitsu7.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.6.2 Hybrid Memory Cube and High-Bandwidth Memory Product Category, Application and Specification7.6.2.1 Product A7.6.2.2 Product B7.6.3 Fujitsu Hybrid Memory Cube and High-Bandwidth Memory Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.6.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.7 IBM7.7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.7.2 Hybrid Memory Cube and High-Bandwidth Memory Product Category, Application and Specification7.7.2.1 Product A7.7.2.2 Product B7.7.3 IBM Hybrid Memory Cube and High-Bandwidth Memory Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.7.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.8 Xilinx7.8.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.8.2 Hybrid Memory Cube and High-Bandwidth Memory Product Category, Application and Specification7.8.2.1 Product A7.8.2.2 Product B7.8.3 Xilinx Hybrid Memory Cube and High-Bandwidth Memory Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.8.4 Main Business/Business OverviewContinue.Buy 1-User PDF @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.
Automotive Pressure Sensor Global Market 2018: Key Players  Infineon, Sensata, Robert Bosch, Denso, Delphi, Texas Instruments, NXP, Analog Device.

Automotive Pressure Sensor Market

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Automotive Pressure Sensor Market 2018Summary:Global Automotive Pressure Sensor Market Information Report by Application (ABS, Airbag, TPMS, Engine, HVAC, & Transmission), Technology (MEMS, Strain Gauge, & Ceramic), Vehicle Type (Passenger Vehicle and Commercial Vehicle) and by Regions - Global Forecast To 2023Market ScenarioAutomotive pressure sensor has been witnessing steady growth over a period of time. The boom in the automotive industry is expected to positively impact the automotive pressure sensor market. Increasing demand for safety features in automobiles, stringent government norms, and rapidly rising safety awareness among individuals, are some of the factors primarily driving the automotive pressure sensor market. Rapidly rising integration of advanced driver assistance systems in vehicles has provided a positive outlook to the automotive pressure sensor market. With the New Car Assessments Program awarding safety ratings based on vehicles safety performance, automotive manufacturers have been increasingly integrating automotive pressure sensor in vehicles. Earlier available only in premium vehicles, automobile manufacturers have started integrating these features in entry level vehicles and broaden their customer base thus propelling the demand in the automotive pressure sensor market. With the increasing popularity of vehicle electrification among individuals, the market for automotive pressure sensor, is expected to register high growth rate during the forecast period. The automotive pressure sensor market is expected to register a CAGR of almost 7%.Key PlayersThe key players of global automotive pressure sensor market are Infineon (Germany), Sensata (US), Robert Bosch (Germany), Denso (Japan), Delphi (UK), Texas Instruments (US), NXP (Netherlands), Analog Device (US), Melexis (Belgium), General Electric (US), and TE Connectivity (Switzerland).Request For Sample Report @Regional AnalysisThe market for automotive pressure sensor systems is expected to grow with an increase in demand for automobile, majorly in the U. S. There is an immense demand of commercial vehicles in the country. With the increase in demand of commercial vehicles, there has been an increase in demand for automotive pressure sensor market. The growth of the North America region is also driven by the presence of major automotive system manufacturers, which are mainly focusing on key developments such as expansion, mergers & acquisition, product launch and others. Existence of major manufacturers and availability of sophisticated technology in this region is expected to propel the demand in the automotive pressure sensor market during the forecast period. Owing to all these factors, the growth of the region is expected to grow at a rapid pace.Due to the presence of most populous countries of the world such as China and India, the dominance of Asia Pacific becomes evident in the global automotive pressure sensor systems market value. Automotive Pressure Sensor systems market has been experiencing rapid growth in the last two years, owing to the rising sales of passenger cars, emerging economies, shift of global players and technological advancements, as they are giving the much needed thrust to the market. Rapid rise in vehicle production compliments the automotive pressure sensor market in this region. Another major reason behind Asia Pacific leading the global market is that the countries within this region were able to sustain its economy during the global economic crisis of 2008-09 and have been able to showcase continued growth in automobile production and sales, across the globe.Company InformationProfiling 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 Global Automotive Pressure Sensor 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 INTRODUCTION2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY3 MARKET DYNAMICS4 MARKET FACTOR ANALYSIS5 AUTOMOTIVE PRESSURE SENSOR, BY VEHICLE TYPE6 AUTOMOTIVE PRESSURE SENSOR, BY APPLICATION7 AUTOMOTIVE PRESSURE SENSOR, BY TECHNOLOGY7 AUTOMOTIVE PRESSURE SENSOR, BY TECHNOLOGY9 COMPANY LANDSCAPE10 COMPANY PROFILE11 APPENDIXLIST OF TABLESTABLE 1 EUROPE AUTOMOTIVE PRESSURE SENSOR, BY REGION 2011-2027, ($ MILLION) 19TABLE 2 EUROPE AUTOMOTIVE PRESSURE SENSOR FOR MINING, BY REGION 2011-2027, (MILLION) 19TABLE 3 EUROPE AUTOMOTIVE PRESSURE SENSOR FOR MARINE, BY REGION 2011-2027, (MILLION) 20TABLE 4 EUROPE AUTOMOTIVE PRESSURE SENSOR FOR WATERTREATMENT, BY REGION 2011-2027, (MILLION) 20TABLE 5 EUROPE AUTOMOTIVE PRESSURE SENSOR FOR PHARMACEUTICAL, BY REGION 2011-2027, (MILLION) 20..LIST OF FIGURESFIGURE 1 SUPPLY CHAIN: AODD PUMPS 16FIGURE 2 PORTERS FIVE FORCES 17.ContinuedAbout 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:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
M-Health Device Market - Business Planning Research and Resources, Revenue, and Forecasts 2023

M-Health Device Market

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The report for Global M-Health Device 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 M-Health Devices Market expected to reach US$ 4757.2 million by 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 35.03% during the forecast period 2017-2023.Mobile Health refers to the use of mobile communications, such as personal digital assistant (PDAs), laptops, and mobile phones among others, for health services and information. M-Health is a process of enabling various e-health data content and services to users, by using wireless technologies such as WiMax, Bluetooth, GSM/GPRS/3G, and WiFi among others. These data contents and services are accessed by the health providers, consumers (patients), and other related users through devices such as mobile phones, smart phones, PDAs, laptops, and tablet PCs (personal computers).M-Health Device Market Segments:Global M-Health Device Market has been segmented on the basis of Type (Medical Devices, Health and Fitness Devices and Other Devices), by Application (Monitoring application, Treatment and Diagnostics, Education and Awareness, Healthcare Management, Wellness and Prevention and Others)Get Sample Copy @Prominent Key Players for Global M-Health Device Market:Allscripts, Apple Inc., GE Healthcare, Athenahealth, Cerner, Koninklijke and Medtronics.Regional Analysis of Global M Health Device Market:The global M-Health Devices Market is growing rapidly. The market for M-Health Devices growing with the CAGR of 35.03% during the forecast period from 2017-2023. This growth is due to the cost effectiveness of these devices and easy storage and transfer of patient data. North America accounts for largest market share in 2016 and is expected to reach US$ 16,443.4 million in 2023 due to establishment of healthcare system and technological advancement. In North America, US accounts for the highest market share followed by Canada. Europe is second largest market. In Europe has largest market followed by France and Italy. This is due to increase in efficiency of healthcare workers and healthcare system.Asia-Pacific region is the fastest growing M-Health Devices Market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 35.71% during the forecast period from 2016 to 2023 is due to the emergence of high-quality and better healthcare infrastructure and institutions in this region.The report gives the clear picture of current market scenario which includes historical and projected market size in terms of value and volume, 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 markets segments and regionsGet Discount @Major TOC:Chapter 1 Report PrologueChapter 2 IntroductionChapter 3 Research MethodologyChapter 4 Market DynamicsChapter 5 Market Factor AnalysisChapter 6 Global M-Health Device Market, By TypeChapter 7 Global M-Health Device Market, By ApplicationChapter 8 M-Health Device Market, By RegionsChapter 9 Competitive LandscapeChapter 10 Company ProfileChapter 11 List Of Tables:Table 1 Global M-Health Device Market, By Region, 2013-2023 (Usd Million) 31Table 2 Medical Device Market, By Region, 2013-2023 (Usd Million) 33Table 3 Health And Fitness Device Market, By Region, 2013-2023 (Usd Million) 34Table 4 Others Devices Market, By Region, 2013-2023 (Usd Million) 35Table 5 Global M-Health Device Market Value, By Application, 2013-2023 (Usd Million) 37Table 6 Monitoring Applications Market, By Region, 2013-2023 (Usd Million) 38Chapter 12 List Of Figures:Figure 1 Global M-Health Device Market, By Type, 2016 (%) 11Figure 2 Global M-Health Device Market, By Application, 2016 (%) 12Figure 3 Global M-Health Device Market, By Region, 2016 (%) 13Figure 4 Global M-Health Device: Market Structure 15Figure 5 Research Process 16Figure 6 Global M-Health Device Market: Value Chain 25ContinuedThink to Buy It@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.Contact:Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.comMRFR has the distinguished objective of providing the optimal quality research and granular research to 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 answer your most important questions.Our Research Analysts are eager to share their knowledge and assist you in refining market research parameters, choosing right market studies, and evaluating both the market scope and the research methodologies of varied segments.We bridge the gap between our clients and their clients by identifying and decoding just the target group, while generating leads with the highest accuracy.Years of research into diverse fields of work has ingrained within us, a proficiency so distinguished that our industry-specific specialists identify with your business ideas and feel the pulse of your challenges and opportunities. This enables us for providing assistance, through our consulting and strategic consulting services, in informed managerial decision making. In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industries, WantStats Research and Media often conducts industrial visits for its research analysts. Relevant inputs from various established market participants, help our clients make significant contribution in respective markets are a huge motivation for all of us to endlessly furnish quality. We depend greatly on profound insights into complex realms of our study.Pune, India
Texo Partners with Crimson Transaction Technologies for Payment Solutions

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Toronto, Ontario and Montreal, Quebec, January 3, 2018  Texo, a solutions provider of retail and financial software, has announced their partnership with Crimson Transaction Technologies (Crimson) a payment system provider for retailers and other markets. Texo will further strengthen their retail and financial offerings by providing a complete payment solution in conjunction with Crimson Payments.As a provider of customer retail and financially oriented solutions, Texo also offers inventory management, e-commerce integration, and customer loyalty management options for small and mid-sized businesses. To complement the services that Texo offers, Crimson Payments now provides Texo customers with secure and reliable payment handling.The payment security and features that Crimson Payments offers includes TransArmor point to point encryption (P2PE), Telecheck Electronic Check Acceptance (ECA) and Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). Processed credit card information is secured with Payment Card Industry Security Standards (PCI-DSS) and Payment Application Best Practices (PABP) guidelines. Crimson Payments is also EMV and vendor certified, allowing for a shorter implementation period for retailers. The fully integrated EMV solution allows retailers to avoid the need for additional middleware and any associated fees.Crimson Payments supports both fully and semi-integrated implementations providing Texo customers with options to enjoy payment security as well as an improved efficiency in payment transactions.Together with Crimson, Texo can add payment options to their list of services, giving customers a more complete solution. Since the Crimson Payments application is developed in-house, we can offer competitive pricing and a quicker turnaround time in the development process. Were excited about the partnership with Texo and are eager to share Crimson Payments many functionalities and the outstanding support provided. says Angelo Kalpakis, Chief Technology Officer of Crimson.About Texo:Texo is a solutions oriented provider of retail and financial software which include inventory management, eCommerce integration, and customer loyalty management solutions for small and mid-sized businesses. As certified Microsoft Dynamics partners, Texos team of consultants is dedicated to help retailers grow to their full potential, embrace innovation and the rapid changes occurring in the retail field. Texo has been helping Canadian retailers adopt their ideal point of sale solution for the past 22 years. Our strength lies in our extensive knowledge of the products that we offer, as well as our high standards of customer service. We are proud to implement Retail Management Hero and Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Operations as well as support Microsoft Dynamics RMS until its end of life cycle. To learn more, visit our websiteAbout Crimson Transaction Technologies:Founded in 1998, Crimson Transaction Technologies is a privately held software development company focused on providing the ultimate secure, industry-leading payment processing solutions for various retail and government industries. Our skill in designing and implementing payment processing guides our ability to provide clients with secure and reliable systems that ensure a smooth checkout experience for cashiers and end customers. Learn more at160 East Beaver Creek Rd, #16Richmond Hill, OntarioL4B 3L4Media Contact:Crimson Transaction TechnologiesAthena ShamMarketing SpecialistAthenaSham@CrimsonTT.com
Brake Fluid Market - Find The Overview and Its Impact in the Future as per New Research report 2017

Brake Fluid Market Research Report

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Brake Fluid Market research report, the central factors driving the development of this market were documented and the business accomplices and end administrators were indulgent. The configuration of the business division, examples, and difficulties monitoring the market globally are likewise a bit of this wide examination. Various conferences and gatherings were driven by the perceptible pioneers of this industry to get enduring and revived experiences concerned to the market.All-inclusive market data concerning the crucial elements and segment of Global Brake Fluid market that can influence the growth prospects of the market are mentioned. This report contains extensive data on recent product and technology developments observed in the market and analyzes the impact of these developments on future development of the market. The report analyzes the overall demand and supply chain in the global market and further studies various components.Get Sample copy of this Report @:Companies Profiled in this Report Includes, Castro, Exxon Mobil, Total, BASF, CCI, Fuchs, Chevron, Repsol, Dow, Valvoline, Bendix, Pentosin, Morris, Datexenergy, HKS, Granville, Gulf, Motul, Voltronic, Sinopec Lubricant, CNPC, Shell Tongyi, Delian, TEEC, Lopal, Laike, Original, COPTON, FAW-VolkswagenThe report evaluates the figures of Global Brake Fluid market and presents reliable forecasts as to the markets growth prospects over the coming years. The historical development trajectory of the global market is examined in the report, offering solid factual support to the analysis and estimations presented in the report.This report provides a comprehensive knowledge of the software-defined data center market. This report provides existing data from major manufacturers with accurate data covering all major aspects of the existing market. An understanding of market conditions by observing accurate historical data for each segment during the forecast period is mentioned. Investigate and assess key factors that affect market growth from a positive and negative perspective, and describe in detail in the report. Insightful views and case studies from a variety of industry experts can help you make your reports more clear.Access Complete Report @:Reason to Access Brake Fluid Market Research Report:Brake Fluid market is segmented on the basis of various parameters. The factors which are impacting the markets growth are studied in detail. The report also presents a overall weaknesses which companies operating in the market must avoid in order to enjoy sustainable growth through the course of the forecast period. Besides this, profiles of some of the leading players operating and encouraging in the growth of the global market are included in the study. Additionally, using SWOT analysis, markets weaknesses and strengths are analyzed. It also helps the report provide insights into the opportunities and threats that these companies may face during the forecast period.Get Discount on This Premium Research @:Table of ContentsGlobal Brake Fluid Market Research ReportChapter 1 Brake Fluid Market OverviewChapter 2 Global Economic Impact on IndustryChapter 3 Global Market Competition by ManufacturersChapter 4 Global Production, Revenue (Value) by RegionChapter 5 Global Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by RegionsChapter 6 Global Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by TypeChapter 7 Global Market Analysis by ApplicationChapter 8 Manufacturing Cost AnalysisChapter 9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream BuyersChapter 10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/TradersChapter 11 Market Effect Factors AnalysisChapter 12 Global Brake Fluid Market ForecastWe at, QYReports , a leading market research report publisher accommodate more than 4,000 celebrated clients worldwide putting them at advantage in todays competitive world with our understanding of research. Our list of customers include prestigious Chinese companies, multinational companies, SME's and private equity firms whom we have helped grow and sustain with our fact-based research. Our business study covers a market size of over 30 industries offering unfailing insights into analysis to reimagine your business. We specialize in forecasts needed for investing in a new project, to revolutionize your business, to become more customer centric and improve the quality of output.QYReportsJones John(Sales Manager)sales@qyreports.com
TMJ Disorders Market is Expected to Generate Huge Profits of USD 1229.1 Million by 2023

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TMJ (temporomandibular joint and muscle) disorder is a medical condition which causes dysfunction and pain in the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. The medical condition is diagnosed more frequently in women than the men. According to the American Academy of Orofacial Pain, TMJ disorders may have more than one symptoms and causes. Some of the major symptoms of this disorder are aching facial pain, tenderness or pain in jaws, pain while chewing etc. TMJ disorders can occur if the joint's cartilage is damaged by arthritis or by a blow or other impact or the disk erodes or moves out of its proper alignment.According to the recent study report published by the Market Research Future, global TMJ Disorders Market is booming and expected to gain prominence over the forecast period. The market is projected to demonstrate a sound growth by 2023, surpassing its previous growth records in terms of value with a striking CAGR during the anticipated period (2017  2023).Get a Sample Report @The major drivers will be the increasing prevalence of TMJ disorder, rising healthcare expenditures and growing awareness for the oral health. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research in 2014, the prevalence of temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder (TMJD) was in between 5% to 12%. Moreover, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in 2016, the U.S. healthcare expenditure was about USD 3.3 trillion, which accounted for 17.9% of the total GDP within the same year.However, lack of awareness and low per capita healthcare expenditure in the middle and low income countries may restrain the market growth during the forecast period.Global TMJ Disorders Market - Competitive AnalysisCharacterized by the presence of several well-established and small players, the TMJ disorders market appears to be highly competitive and fragmented. International players are increasingly expanding their footprint in the developing economy, making it difficult for regional vendors to compete with them, especially in terms of features such as product differentiation, product portfolios, quality, and pricing. The market is witnessing intensified competition which is expected to get more intensified further during the forecast period. The intense competition prevalent in the market dictates the consolidation among marketers.Well established players incorporate acquisition, collaboration, partnership, expansion, and product launch in order to gain competitive advantage in this market and to maintain their market position.Order Single User License Copy of 85 Premium Pages is Available @Pfizer Inc. is a U.S. based biopharmaceutical company and plays a significant role in the TMJ disorders market. The companys total revenue was about USD 52,824 million in 2016. Moreover, it was estimate that the company spent 14.9% of its total revenue in research and development which made the company to improve its position in the global market and enhance its product portfolio.In August 2016, FDA approved Pfizer's TROXYCA ER extended-release capsules CII for pain management.In March 2017, ALLERGAN announced that the company has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market JUVEDERM VOLLURE XC, for correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds, in adults over the age of 21.AbbVie Inc. (US), Allergan (Republic of Ireland), Bayer AG (Germany), Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (US), Jubilant Cadista (US), Pfizer Inc. (US), and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (India) are some of the prominent players at the forefront of competition in the global TMJ disorders market and are profiled in MRFR Analysis. Global TMJ Disorders Market - Regional AnalysisNorth America leads the market owing to well-developed healthcare infrastructure and rising per capita healthcare expenditure. Following the same trends Europe holds the second largest market share. Asia Pacific is the fastest growing region for the market due to the presence of the developed economies like India and China within the region. According to the Indian Brand Equity Foundation in 2017, Indian healthcare sector is one of the fastest growing industries which is expected to advance at a CAGR of 22.87% during 2015-20 and reach USD 280 billion by 2020. However, Middle East and Africa holds the least market share in the global market. Presence of the stringent government policies and low per capita income in the African region restrains the market growth during the forecast period. On the other hand, Middle East leads the market of the Middle East & Africa region, due to the presence of developed economies like Kuwait and Qatar.Ask to Expert @About US:Market Research Future (MRFR), enable customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
Cardiac Imaging Software Market to Register at CAGR of 9.0% throughout 2018-2023

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Cardiac imaging software, a type of application software, is a part of a cardiac imaging device that consists of data or instructions. The Global Cardiac Imaging Software Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of ~9.0 % during the forecast period 2017-2023.During the last decade, there has been a significant increasing in the number of patients suffering from diabetes, heart disease, stroke among others which has increased the demand for cardiac monitors across the globe. Heart diseases and cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of deaths across the globe. The cardiac imaging software market growth is majorly attributed due to increasing prevalence of heart diseases and diabetes.Get a Sample Report @Cardiovascular diseases is one of the major reasons for heart diseases. According to the WHO, over 422 million people across the globe are suffering from diabetes. An increasing number of patients suffering from diabetes and other cardiovascular disease will fuel the growth of the market. Many government organizations and private companies are providing funds to the cardiac imaging software developers to improve its features. Increasing government support, increasing applications of computer-aided diagnosis and development of healthcare IT in healthcare industries will provide a push to the growth of the market. However, the manufacturers have to follow strict regulatory rules which may slow the growth of the market.Key PlayersSome of key the players in the market are Koninklijke Philips N.V. (the Netherlands), Siemens Healthineers (Germany), Toshiba Corporation (Japan), Shimadzu Corporation (Japan), Agfa healthcare (U.S.), TOMTEC IMAGING SYSTEMS GMBH (Germany), Circle Cardiovascular Imaging Inc. (U.S.), CardioComm Solutions Inc. (Canada), Integer Holdings Corporation (U.S.), Pie Medical Imaging (the Netherland), and HeartSciences (U.S.)Regional AnalysisThe Americas dominate the global cardiac imaging software market owing to the increasing demand for the cardiac monitoring devices, presence of huge patient population and advancements in the technology sector. A number of public- and private- organizations are investing in the cardiac imaging market. Availability of funds, technological advancements in medical imaging systems, and increasing demand for the compare aided diagnostic methods has driven the growth of the market. Additionally, well developed technology, high healthcare expenditure, and huge geriatric population have fuelled the growth of the market in this region. However, saturation of the market in this region may slow the growth of the market in America.Europe commands the second largest market for cardiac imaging software which is followed by Asia Pacific. Availability of funds, strong government support, and increasing need for better management devices & platform drives the growth of the market in Europe. The Western Europe commands a major share of the market owing to the presence of well developed economies.Order Single User License Copy of 85 Premium Pages is Available @Asia Pacific is the fastest growing cardiac imaging software market owing to the increasing number of patients suffering from cardiac diseases and rapidly increasing demand for the cardiac imaging devices. Additionally, rapidly growing economies and increasing healthcare expenditure will fuel the growth of the market. Majority of the countries in Asia Pacific are supporting the manufacturers for the development of advanced software. On the other hand, the Middle East & Africa hold the least share of the market owing to less availability of funds, limited availability of medical facilities, and poor political conditions in Africa.Brief TOCChapter 1. Report PrologueChapter 2. Market IntroductionChapter 3. Research MethodologyChapter 4. Market DynamicsChapter 5. Market Factor AnalysisChapter 6. Global Cardiac Imaging Software Market, by Imaging ModalityChapter 8. Global Cardiac Imaging Software Market, by End UserChapter 9. Global Cardiac Imaging Software Market, by RegionChapter 10 Company LandscapeChapter 11 Company ProfilesChapter 12 MRFR ConclusionChapter 13 AppendixAsk to Expert @About US:Market Research Future (MRFR), enable customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
Ceramic Frit Market  Growth Opportunities & Global Scenario 2022

Ceramic Frit Market Research Report

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Ceramic Frit Market research report, the central factors driving the development of this market were documented and the business accomplices and end administrators were indulgent. The configuration of the business division, examples, and difficulties monitoring the market globally are likewise a bit of this wide examination. Various conferences and gatherings were driven by the perceptible pioneers of this industry to get enduring and revived experiences concerned to the market.All-inclusive market data concerning the crucial elements and segment of Global Ceramic Frit market that can influence the growth prospects of the market are mentioned. This report contains extensive data on recent product and technology developments observed in the market and analyzes the impact of these developments on future development of the market. The report analyzes the overall demand and supply chain in the global market and further studies various components.Get Sample copy of this Report @:Companies Profiled in this Report Includes, Ferro, Colorobbia, Esmalglass-Itaca, QuimiCer, Torrecid Group, TOMATEC, Johnson Matthey, Fusion Ceramics, T&H GLAZE, Yahuang Glazing, Ruihua Chemical, TAOGU YOULIAO, Zhengda Glaze, HUACI GLZAE, BELIEF GLAZE, HEHE GLAZE, LianXing Ceramic Frit, DAYU GLAZE, Fuxing Ceramic, KEJIE GLAZE, Bingkun Tengtai, ZONRE GlazeThe report evaluates the figures of Global Ceramic Frit market and presents reliable forecasts as to the markets growth prospects over the coming years. The historical development trajectory of the global market is examined in the report, offering solid factual support to the analysis and estimations presented in the report.This report provides a comprehensive knowledge of the software-defined data center market. This report provides existing data from major manufacturers with accurate data covering all major aspects of the existing market. An understanding of market conditions by observing accurate historical data for each segment during the forecast period is mentioned. Investigate and assess key factors that affect market growth from a positive and negative perspective, and describe in detail in the report. Insightful views and case studies from a variety of industry experts can help you make your reports more clear.Access Complete Report @:Reason to Access Ceramic Frit Market Research Report:Ceramic Frit market is segmented on the basis of various parameters. The factors which are impacting the markets growth are studied in detail. The report also presents a overall weaknesses which companies operating in the market must avoid in order to enjoy sustainable growth through the course of the forecast period. Besides this, profiles of some of the leading players operating and encouraging in the growth of the global market are included in the study. Additionally, using SWOT analysis, markets weaknesses and strengths are analyzed. It also helps the report provide insights into the opportunities and threats that these companies may face during the forecast period.Get Discount on This Premium Research @:Table of ContentsGlobal Ceramic Frit Market Research ReportChapter 1 Ceramic Frit Market OverviewChapter 2 Global Economic Impact on IndustryChapter 3 Global Market Competition by ManufacturersChapter 4 Global Production, Revenue (Value) by RegionChapter 5 Global Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by RegionsChapter 6 Global Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by TypeChapter 7 Global Market Analysis by ApplicationChapter 8 Manufacturing Cost AnalysisChapter 9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream BuyersChapter 10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/TradersChapter 11 Market Effect Factors AnalysisChapter 12 Global Ceramic Frit Market ForecastWe at, QYReports , a leading market research report publisher accommodate more than 4,000 celebrated clients worldwide putting them at advantage in todays competitive world with our understanding of research. Our list of customers include prestigious Chinese companies, multinational companies, SME's and private equity firms whom we have helped grow and sustain with our fact-based research. Our business study covers a market size of over 30 industries offering unfailing insights into analysis to reimagine your business. We specialize in forecasts needed for investing in a new project, to revolutionize your business, to become more customer centric and improve the quality of output.QYReportsJones John(Sales Manager)sales@qyreports.com
Endoscopy Device Market analysis and forecast to 2023

Endoscopy Device Market

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The Global Endoscopy Device Market Research Report provides detailed analysis of the key regional market status of the Healthcare Industry.The global Endoscopy Device Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% during the forecast period 2017-2023.An endoscopy is a procedure that allows physicians or surgeons to look interior parts of the organ. The technique is used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purpose. To perform endoscopy a specialized instrument is used named as endoscope. Various types of endoscopes and adoption of endoscope depends upon the affected body organ, for instance, bronchoscopes are used for lungs related problem, arthroscopes are preferred for problems associated with joints, and many others. Other instruments required during an endoscopic procedure includes biopsy forceps, cytology brush, flexible forceps, trocar sleeves, etc. For therapeutic purpose, the endoscopes are either attached or passed through surgical instruments to perform particular surgery. Endoscopic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery in which an endoscope is inserted in the body through small incisions to examine the internal organs.Rising prevalence of chronic diseases, advancing endoscopy technology, and increasing funding and reimbursement towards screening and treatment with endoscopic techniques are promoting the growth of the Global Endoscopy Devices Market. Additionally, increasing popularity of minimally invasive surgery is also creating a huge scope for the growth of market.As per the study suggested by American Cancer Society, 90% colorectal cancer (CRC) cases are detected in individuals with over 50 years in the U.S and colonoscopy is the most effective and the most commonly adopted procedure for the diagnosis and screening of CRC in older population. Moreover, the increasing geriatric population across the globe has a direct impact on Endoscopic Devices Market. As older adults are more vulnerable towards health issues such as ophthalmic diseases, gastrointestinal problems, orthopedic diseases, cancer, and many others due to lower immunity, which in turn, complicate the diagnostic and therapeutic options.According to the WHO, it is estimated that the worlds population aged over 60 years will nearly double from by 2050. In the U.S, more specifically, more than 20% of the total population will be aged 65 years or over by 2030However, on the other hand, infections and complications caused by endoscopy devices may hamper the market growth.Apply For Sample Report AtMajor Key Players: Cogentix Medical, Integrate Endoscopy, J&J services Inc, Shaili Endoscopy, Interscope Inc., Cantel Medical, Micro-Tech Endoscopy, Cognetix, Stryker, OLYMPUS, KARL STORZ Gmbh & Co. KG, FUJIFILM, PENTAX MEDICAL, and RICHARD WOLF.Key FindingsThe Global Endoscopy Device Market is expected to reach USD 42,342.4 million by 2023 at a CAGR of 6.3%Flexible endoscopes segment market is expected to command the largest market share about 28.2%. However capsule endoscopes is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period 2017-2023The Americas holds the largest share of the Endoscopy Device Market and is expected to reach USD 15,186.1 million by 2023Asia Pacific is the fastest growing market, which is growing at a CAGR of 6.8% 2017-2023Segmentation:The global Endoscopy Device Market is segmented on the basis of types, therapy, treatments & procedures, application, accessory & processors, and end user.On the basis of type, it is segmented into flexible endoscopes, rigid endoscopes, capsule endoscopes, surgical endoscopes, and robot-assisted endoscopes.On the basis of therapy, it is segmented into colonoscopy, gastroscopy, arthroscopy, laparoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreotography, ureteroscopy, and cystoscopyOn the basis of treatments & procedures, it is segmented into abdominal, gynecologic and pelvic organ conditions, joint and orthopedic conditions, lower gastrointestinal conditions, lung and airway conditions, upper gastrointestinal conditions, and urinary system conditions. Abdominal, gynecological, and pelvic organ conditions is further segmented into hernia repair, removal of the appendix, gallbladder, spleen, uterine fibroids, endometrial tissue, and ectopic pregnancy. Joint and orthopedic conditions is further segmented into repair of rotator cuff conditions, carpal tunnel syndrome, loose bone or cartilage, torn or damaged cartilage, tendons, and arthritis. A lower gastrointestinal condition is further segmented into removal of colon polyps, and treatment of bleeding from the colon. A lung and airway condition is further segmented into lung abscess, removal of a foreign object in the airway, and opening of a narrowed airway. Upper gastrointestinal conditions is further segmented into removal of polyps and foreign objects, widening of a narrowed esophagus, treatment of hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter, barrett's esophagus, and esophageal cancer. Urinary system conditions are further segmented into kidney stones.On the basis of applications, it is segmented into gastrointestinal endoscopy, arthroscopy, obstetrics/gynecology endoscopy, urology endoscopy, bronchoscopy, mediastinoscopy, and otoscopyOn the basis of accessory & processors, it is segmented into accessory and processorsOn the basis of technology, it is segmented into video and fiberOn the basis of end user, it is segmented into critical care, gastroenterologists, general and pediatric surgeons, obstetricians-gynecologists (ob/gyns), and orthopedic surgeons.Regional AnalysisThe Americas dominates the global Endoscopy Device Market owing to the presence of strong economic condition, huge development in the healthcare domain, and focus of research institutions on updating technology for new and advanced diagnosis and treatment methods. Moreover, advanced hospitals infrastructures, and availability of skilled healthcare professional adding fuel to the growth of the market.Europe holds the second position in the market on the basis of increasing emphasis on rapid diagnosis and treatment of cancer, and gastrointestinal diseases, changing lifestyle, increasing prevalence of cancer among geriatric population. As per Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Germany spent 11% of the total GDP on healthcare in 2013, which was 10.8% in 2012, which drives the growth of the market in this region.Asia Pacific is the fastest growing market owing to more number of developing nations present in this region, for instance, countries like India and china. These countries are encouraging the growth of the healthcare domain. Furthermore, increasing patient population of cancer and gastrointestinal diseases in developing countries will directly increase the demand for various diagnosis & treatment methods, which, in turn, will boost the growth of the market.The Middle East & Africa is expected to hold the least market share due to less availability of medical facilities, and less development in the healthcare domain. However, countries such as Qatar and Kuwait are focusing more on the healthcare domain and developing medical facilities, which will boost the market of this region.Major Table Of Contents1 Report Prologue2 Market Introduction2.1 Introduction 232.2 Scope Of The Study 232.2.1 Research Objective 232.2.2 Assumptions 232.2.3 Limitations 242.3 Market Structure 243 Research Methodology3.1.1 Primary Research Methodology 283.1.2 Secondary Research Methodology 293.1.3 Market Share Analysis 303.1.4 Trade Analysis 303.1.5 Market Pricing Approach 314 Market Dynamics4.1 Introduction 324.2 Drivers 334.2.1 Rise In Prevalence Rate Of Diseases Demanding Endoscopy ( Impact Weightage  35 %) 334.2.2 Development Of The Medical Devices Contract Manufacturing Industry (Impact Weightage  20% ) 344.2.3 Technological Advancement In Endoscopy ( Impact Weightage  30%) 354.2.4 Growing Geriatric Population Will Boost The Growth Of Endoscope Device Globally ( Impact Weightage  15%) 364.3 Restraints 374.3.1 Infections And Complications Caused By Endoscopes Is Hampering The Market ( Impact Weightage  60%) 374.3.2 Lack Of Skilled Physicians ( Impact Weightage  40%) 384.4 Opportunity 394.5 Megatrends 394.6 Macroeconomic Indicators 40ContinuedApply For Discount AtAbout 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.Contact:Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.comMRFR has the distinguished objective of providing the optimal quality research and granular research to 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 answer your most important questions.Our Research Analysts are eager to share their knowledge and assist you in refining market research parameters, choosing right market studies, and evaluating both the market scope and the research methodologies of varied segments.We bridge the gap between our clients and their clients by identifying and decoding just the target group, while generating leads with the highest accuracy.Years of research into diverse fields of work has ingrained within us, a proficiency so distinguished that our industry-specific specialists identify with your business ideas and feel the pulse of your challenges and opportunities. This enables us for providing assistance, through our consulting and strategic consulting services, in informed managerial decision making. In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industries, WantStats Research and Media often conducts industrial visits for its research analysts. Relevant inputs from various established market participants, help our clients make significant contribution in respective markets are a huge motivation for all of us to endlessly furnish quality. We depend greatly on profound insights into complex realms of our study.Pune, India
Environmental Monitoring Top Key Player 2017 by Key Players Agilent Technologies, Danaher, Honeywell International, Teledyne Technologies Incorporated

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ReportsWeb.com has announced the addition of the Global Environmental Monitoring Market Research Report The report focuses on global major leading industry players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specification.Environmental Monitoring-Global Market Status and Trend Report 2013-2023 offers a comprehensive analysis on Environmental Monitoring industry, standing on the readers' perspective, delivering detailed market data 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:Get Free Sample of this ReportWorldwide and Regional Market Size of Environmental Monitoring 2013-2017, and development forecast 2018-2023Main manufacturers/suppliers of Environmental Monitoring worldwide, with company and product introduction, position in the Environmental Monitoring marketMarket status and development trend of Environmental Monitoring by types and applicationsCost and profit status of Environmental Monitoring, and marketing statusMarket growth drivers and challengesThe report segments the global Environmental Monitoring market as:Global Environmental Monitoring Market: Regional Segment Analysis (Regional Production Volume, Consumption Volume, Revenue and Growth Rate 2013-2023):North AmericaEuropeChinaJapanRest APACLatin AmericaGlobal Environmental Monitoring Market: Type Segment Analysis (Consumption Volume, Average Price, Revenue, Market Share and Trend 2013-2023):IntermittentContinuousActivePassiveGlobal Environmental Monitoring Market: Application Segment Analysis (Consumption Volume and Market Share 2013-2023; Downstream Customers and Market Analysis)Particulate MatterAirGasOtherGet complete access of this report@Environmental Monitoring Company ProfilingAgilent TechnologiesDanaherHoneywell InternationalSiemensThermo Fisher ScientificTE ConnectivityGeneral ElectricEmerson ElectricTeledyne Technologies IncorporatedMerck KGaAAbout ReportsWeb:ReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queriesContact Us:505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028Phone : +91-20-67278686E-Mail : info@reportsweb.com
Significant Information on Air Beds Market Analysis- Size, Share, Sales, Growth, Forecast, Segment, Application Analysis 2018

Air Beds Market Report

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The report titled, Air Beds Market Report 2018, has been recently added to its far-reaching repository in order to detail the key areas of the industry in a comprehensive manner. During their study of the market, the authors of the report had concluded that there could be numerous critical segments by both type and application. Each of the segments, also the discussed geographical markets, have been analyzed in one of the most insightful ways of market research.With all the information congregated and examined using SWOT analysis, there is a vivacious picture of the competitive landscape of the Air Beds Market. Openings for the future market development were revealed and preoccupied competitive dangers likewise textured. The drifts and inclinations of this market were considered and it demonstrates that there was an illustrious strategic direction observed. By the grasping market foundation and using the determined standards, methodologies, and inclinations of other driving markets for references, market data was understood.Companies Profiled In This Report:INTEX, Jilong, Best Way, Insta-bed, Simmons, Coleman, FOXAccess Sample Copy:By Regions, this report covers North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan, IndiaA deeper knowledge of the Air Beds Market could be attained through this report as the researchers have attempted to unveil important distributors and traders and vital factors such as market positioning and marketing channel. Readers have been offered with an intelligent analysis of marketing strategy for the sales while focusing on elements such as target client, brand strategy, and pricing strategy. With a view to helping understand the concept of a marketing channel for glass beads sales, the researchers have exposed some of the significant trends of marketing channel development, indirect marketing, and direct marketing.The report also looks into influential external factors likely to affect the development of the Air Beds Market in the coming years. These include the technological framework of the industry and likely advances expected in the coming years, consumer preference patterns, economic environment, and the demand for alternative technologies and devices. The report presents studied 2017-2025 forecasts for the Air Beds Market.Access to Remarkable Discount & Benefits on This Report:In the last sections of the report, the manufacturers responsible for increasing the sales in the market have been presented. These manufacturers have been analyzed in terms of their manufacturing base, basic information, and competitors. In addition, the technology and product type introduced by each of these manufacturers also form a key part of this section of the report. The recent developments that took place in the Air Beds Market and their impact on the future growth of the market have also been presented through this study.For More Information:Table of Contents:Air Beds Market Research Report 2017Chapter 1: Air Beds Market OverviewChapter 2: Global Economic Impact on IndustryChapter 3: Global Market Competition by ManufacturersChapter 4: Global Production, Revenue (Value) by RegionChapter 5: Global Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by RegionsChapter 6: Global Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by TypeChapter 7: Global Market Analysis by ApplicationChapter 8: Manufacturing Cost AnalysisChapter 9: Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream BuyersChapter 10: Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/TradersChapter 11: Market Effect Factors AnalysisChapter 12: Air Beds Market ForecastIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Access This Report Now:We at, QYReports , a leading market research report publisher accommodate more than 4,000 celebrated clients worldwide putting them at advantage in todays competitive world with our understanding of research. Our list of customers include prestigious Chinese companies, multinational companies, SME's and private equity firms whom we have helped grow and sustain with our fact-based research. Our business study covers a market size of over 30 industries offering unfailing insights into analysis to reimagine your business. We specialize in forecasts needed for investing in a new project, to revolutionize your business, to become more customer centric and improve the quality of output.Contact:QYReportsJones John(Sales Manager)+91-9764607607sales@qyreports.com
Ion Exchange Membrane of All-Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Market: Know in detail about its growth with influencing factors according to new Research 2017

Ion Exchange Membrane of All-Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Market Research Report

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Ion Exchange Membrane of All-Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Market research report, the central factors driving the development of this market were documented and the business accomplices and end administrators were indulgent. The configuration of the business division, examples, and difficulties monitoring the market globally are likewise a bit of this wide examination. Various conferences and gatherings were driven by the perceptible pioneers of this industry to get enduring and revived experiences concerned to the market.This market report provides a comprehensive analysis of Global Ion Exchange Membrane of All-Vanadium Redox Flow Battery market. This report focuses on the past and present growth of the market worldwide. Each section of this report also includes professional insights to help you troubleshoot problem areas experienced in supply chain issues. To make the report easier to understand, this study has graphics, charts, and infographics.Get Sample copy of this Report @:Companies Profiled in this Report Includes, Chemours (DuPont), FuMa-Tech, Golden Energy Fuel Cell, Dalian Institute of Chemical PhysicsThe report study begins with a brief market history and then gives a comprehensive market overview. The report talks about the market dynamics  the trends that are shaping the global market. A detailed analysis of the key market drivers and restraints are presented. In addition to this, an in-depth analysis of the challenges, threats the market faces are covered in this study.This report provides a comprehensive knowledge of the software-defined data center market. This report provides existing data from major manufacturers with accurate data covering all major aspects of the existing market. An understanding of market conditions by observing accurate historical data for each segment during the forecast period is mentioned. Investigate and assess key factors that affect market growth from a positive and negative perspective, and describe in detail in the report. Insightful views and case studies from a variety of industry experts can help you make your reports more clear.Access Complete Report @:Reason to Access Ion Exchange Membrane of All-Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Market Research Report:Ion Exchange Membrane of All-Vanadium Redox Flow Battery market is segmented on the basis of various parameters. The factors which are impacting the markets growth are studied in detail. The report also presents a overall weaknesses which companies operating in the market must avoid in order to enjoy sustainable growth through the course of the forecast period. Besides this, profiles of some of the leading players operating and encouraging in the growth of the global market are included in the study. Additionally, using SWOT analysis, markets weaknesses and strengths are analyzed. It also helps the report provide insights into the opportunities and threats that these companies may face during the forecast period.Get Discount on This Premium Research @:Table of ContentsGlobal Ion Exchange Membrane of All-Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Market Research ReportChapter 1 Ion Exchange Membrane of All-Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Market OverviewChapter 2 Global Economic Impact on IndustryChapter 3 Global Market Competition by ManufacturersChapter 4 Global Production, Revenue (Value) by RegionChapter 5 Global Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by RegionsChapter 6 Global Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by TypeChapter 7 Global Market Analysis by ApplicationChapter 8 Manufacturing Cost AnalysisChapter 9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream BuyersChapter 10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/TradersChapter 11 Market Effect Factors AnalysisChapter 12 Global Ion Exchange Membrane of All-Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Market ForecastWe at, QYReports , a leading market research report publisher accommodate more than 4,000 celebrated clients worldwide putting them at advantage in todays competitive world with our understanding of research. Our list of customers include prestigious Chinese companies, multinational companies, SME's and private equity firms whom we have helped grow and sustain with our fact-based research. Our business study covers a market size of over 30 industries offering unfailing insights into analysis to reimagine your business. We specialize in forecasts needed for investing in a new project, to revolutionize your business, to become more customer centric and improve the quality of output.QYReportsJones John(Sales Manager)sales@qyreports.com
Fiberglass Electrical Products Market Growth Scenario and Market Perspective with Study of Top Players & Revenue to Significant Growth Forecasts By 2022

Fiberglass Electrical Products Market

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The report titled, Fiberglass Electrical Products Market Report 2018, has been recently added to its far-reaching repository in order to detail the key areas of the industry in a comprehensive manner. During their study of the market, the authors of the report had concluded that there could be numerous critical segments by both type and application. Each of the segments, also the discussed geographical markets, have been analyzed in one of the most insightful ways of market research.Advantages of using fiberglass over other materials are the one of the primary drivers for the market growth. Compared to steel, aluminum, concrete, and wood, fiberglass provides numerous advantages such as flexibility in designing, high dielectric strength, and low moisture absorption and is widely used in electrical and electronic applications. Moreover, fiberglass also offers lower installation costs due to less weight and provides better resistance to chemical and corrosion. This will increase the demand for fiberglass due to its exclusive properties and is projected to propel the growth of the fiberglass electrical and electronic products market in the future.Companies Profiled In This Report:AGY, Jushi Group, PPG Industries, Saint-Gobain, China Beihai Fiberglass, Braj Binani Group, Chongqing Polycomp International, KCC, Knauf Insulation, Taishan FiberglassAccess Sample Copy:By Regions, this report covers North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan, IndiaOne of the latest trends that will gain traction in the global fiberglass electrical and electronics products market is the advancements in technology. Stringent regulations and rise in competition and innovation pose as vital focus areas for the manufacturers. Key players are already working on offering high-quality products at ideal costs and are implementing the utilization of different technologies. For instance, one of the major companies Owens Corning, recently introduced their product Performax SE4849, made of boron-free Advantex glass fiber that combines the electrical and mechanical properties of traditional E-glass with the corrosion resistance and durability of E-CR glass.The report also looks into influential external factors likely to affect the development of the Fiberglass Electrical Products Market in the coming years. These include the technological framework of the industry and likely advances expected in the coming years, consumer preference patterns, economic environment, and the demand for alternative technologies and devices. The report presents studied 2017-2025 forecasts for the Fiberglass Electrical Products Market.Access to Remarkable Discount & Benefits on This Report:In the last sections of the report, the manufacturers responsible for increasing the sales in the market have been presented. These manufacturers have been analyzed in terms of their manufacturing base, basic information, and competitors. In addition, the technology and product type introduced by each of these manufacturers also form a key part of this section of the report. The recent developments that took place in the Fiberglass Electrical Products Market and their impact on the future growth of the market have also been presented through this study.For More Information:Table of Contents:Fiberglass Electrical Products Market Research Report 2017Chapter 1: Fiberglass Electrical Products Market OverviewChapter 2: Global Economic Impact on IndustryChapter 3: Global Market Competition by ManufacturersChapter 4: Global Production, Revenue (Value) by RegionChapter 5: Global Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by RegionsChapter 6: Global Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by TypeChapter 7: Global Market Analysis by ApplicationChapter 8: Manufacturing Cost AnalysisChapter 9: Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream BuyersChapter 10: Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/TradersChapter 11: Market Effect Factors AnalysisChapter 12: Fiberglass Electrical Products Market ForecastIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Access This Report Now:We at, QYReports , a leading market research report publisher accommodate more than 4,000 celebrated clients worldwide putting them at advantage in todays competitive world with our understanding of research. Our list of customers include prestigious Chinese companies, multinational companies, SME's and private equity firms whom we have helped grow and sustain with our fact-based research. Our business study covers a market size of over 30 industries offering unfailing insights into analysis to reimagine your business. We specialize in forecasts needed for investing in a new project, to revolutionize your business, to become more customer centric and improve the quality of output.Contact:QYReportsJones John(Sales Manager)+91-9764607607sales@qyreports.com
Automotive Fuel Injection Pump Global Market 2018: Key Players  Continental AG, Denso Corporation, Delphi Automotive, Robert Bosch, Hitachi Ltd, Infineon Technologies.

Automotive Fuel Injection Pump Market

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Automotive Fuel Injection Pump Market 2018Summary:Global Automotive Fuel Injection Pump Market Information Report, By Engine Type (Gasoline and Diesel), By Pressure (Low Pressure Pump and High Pressure Pump), By Type (Common Rail and Rotary Distributor) By Vehicle Type (Passenger Vehicles and Commercial Vehicles) and By Region - Forecast To 2023Market SynopsisAutomotive fuel injection pump is one of the most crucial vehicle parts that have gained a lot of attention among the major vehicle manufacturers. Automotive industry has become one of the major revenue generating industries and has come up with several technological advancements in engine components in the last few years, automotive fuel injection pumps being one of them. The global automotive fuel injection pump market has seen remarkable growth in the global market and it has been observed that, its demand is expected to grow with the CAGR of ~7.14%, during the forecast period.The prominent players in the automotive fuel injection pump market include Continental AG (Germany), Denso Corporation (Japan), Delphi Automotive (UK), Robert Bosch (Germany), Hitachi Ltd (Japan), Infineon Technologies (Germany), Schaeffler Group (Germany), Johnson Electric (Hong Kong), Mitsubishi Electric (Japan), Valeo (France), MAHLE GmbH (Germany), and Cummins, Inc (U.S.).Request For Sample Report @The global automotive fuel injection pump market has increasing and the main focus is on emission control and fuel efficiency. The automotive manufacturers have now been more focused on updating the technology for better fuel efficiency and low emission control. Automotive fuel injection pumps perform an integral function within engines and enhance their efficiency and enable a smooth run of vehicle. The fuel injection pump in vehicles, works very efficiently, transmitting the engine performance to the vehicle engine. The global automotive fuel injection pump market is mainly influenced by certain growing factors. Some of them are low emission & higher fuel efficiency, increasing sales of new vehicles, strict government regulations on reducing vehicles emission, technological advancements and emerging economies. A major hindrance could be the rising penetration of electric vehicles. Furthermore, the growing demand for gasoline engine vehicles and increasing disposable income, create major market opportunities.The global automotive fuel injection pump market, has been segmented on the basis of engine type, pressure, type, vehicles type and region. On the basis of engine type, the market has been segmented as gasoline engine and diesel engine. Gasoline engine is expected to dominate the global market by engine type, in 2016, in terms of market revenue. On the basis of pressure, the market has been segmented as low pressure pump and high pressure pump. On the basis of type, the market has been segmented as common rail and rotary distributor. On the basis of vehicle type, the market has been segmented as passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles. Among these, passenger vehicles segment has accounted for the highest market share, in 2016, in terms of revenue.Geographically, the global automotive fuel injection pump market has been divided into the major regions of North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World. Among these regions, Asia Pacific region has dominated the global market due the driving factors such as strict regulation on vehicle emission, rising disposable income and growing new vehicle registration. During the last few years, APAC has sold the highest number of vehicles, where countries such as China, Japan and Indonesia, contribute majorly. Moreover, the growing demand for passenger vehicles has become a major driving factor for APAC region. North America is the second leading region, in terms of revenue. Whereas, Europe holds the third leading region.The report for Global Automotive Fuel Injection Pump 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 and volume, 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 SUMMARY2 SCOPE OF THE REPORT3 MARKET LANDSCAPE4 MARKET DYNAMICS5 GLOBAL AUTOMOTIVE FUEL INJECTION PUMP MARKET, BY ENGINE TYPE6 GLOBAL AUTOMOTIVE FUEL INJECTION PUMP MARKET, BY PRESSURE7 GLOBAL AUTOMOTIVE FUEL INJECTION PUMP MARKET, BY TYPE8 GLOBAL AUTOMOTIVE FUEL INJECTION PUMP MARKET, BY VEHICLE TYPE9 GLOBAL AUTOMOTIVE FUEL INJECTION PUMP MARKET, BY REGION10 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE11 COMPANY PROFILELIST OF TABLESTABLE 1 GLOBAL AUTOMOTIVE FUEL INJECTION PUMP MARKET: BY REGION, 2017-2023TABLE 2 NORTH AMERICA AUTOMOTIVE FUEL INJECTION PUMP MARKET: BY COUNTRY, 2017-2023TABLE 3 EUROPE AUTOMOTIVE FUEL INJECTION PUMP MARKET: BY COUNTRY, 2017-2023TABLE 4 ASIA-PACIFIC AUTOMOTIVE FUEL INJECTION PUMP MARKET: BY COUNTRY, 2017-2023TABLE 5 ROW AUTOMOTIVE FUEL INJECTION PUMP MARKET: BY COUNTRY, 2017-2023..LIST OF FIGURESFIGURE 1 RESEARCH PROCESS OF MRFRFIGURE 2 TOP DOWN & BOTTOM UP APPROACHFIGURE 3 MARKET DYNAMICSFIGURE 4 IMPACT ANALYSIS: MARKET DRIVERSFIGURE 5 IMPACT ANALYSIS: MARKET RESTRAINTS.ContinuedAbout 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:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Mandelic Acid Market: Know about Future Trend and Market Analysis by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application

Mandelic Acid Market Research Report

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Mandelic Acid Market research report, the central factors driving the development of this market were documented and the business accomplices and end administrators were indulgent. The configuration of the business division, examples, and difficulties monitoring the market globally are likewise a bit of this wide examination. Various conferences and gatherings were driven by the perceptible pioneers of this industry to get enduring and revived experiences concerned to the market.The report study begins with a brief market history and then gives a comprehensive market overview. The report talks about the market dynamics  the trends that are shaping the global Mandelic Acid market. A detailed analysis of the key market drivers and restraints are presented. In addition to this, an in-depth analysis of the challenges, threats the market faces are covered in this study.Get Sample copy of this Report @:Companies Profiled in this Report Includes, Keyuan Biopharm, Runder Pharmda, Zhongke Hua Ang, Hanhong, Xinhetai Science & Technology, Smart Chemicals, BIOTEC, Chunwangda, TNJ, FUXING, R.L.CHEMICALThe study comprises a mix of data pertaining to the key restraints, drivers, competitive landscape, regulatory forces, key strategies implemented by the key players, and opportunities, expected to have a profound impact on the scope of growth of the market. A detailed analysis of these factors allows the report to present a reliable forecast regarding the future growth dynamics of the Mandelic Acid.This report provides a comprehensive knowledge of the software-defined data center market. This report provides existing data from major manufacturers with accurate data covering all major aspects of the existing market. An understanding of market conditions by observing accurate historical data for each segment during the forecast period is mentioned. Investigate and assess key factors that affect market growth from a positive and negative perspective, and describe in detail in the report. Insightful views and case studies from a variety of industry experts can help you make your reports more clear.Access Complete Report @:Reason to Access Mandelic Acid Market Research Report:Mandelic Acid market is segmented on the basis of various parameters. The factors which are impacting the markets growth are studied in detail. The report also presents a overall weaknesses which companies operating in the market must avoid in order to enjoy sustainable growth through the course of the forecast period. Besides this, profiles of some of the leading players operating and encouraging in the growth of the global market are included in the study. Additionally, using SWOT analysis, markets weaknesses and strengths are analyzed. It also helps the report provide insights into the opportunities and threats that these companies may face during the forecast period.Get Discount on This Premium Research @:Table of ContentsGlobal Mandelic Acid Market Research ReportChapter 1 Mandelic Acid Market OverviewChapter 2 Global Economic Impact on IndustryChapter 3 Global Market Competition by ManufacturersChapter 4 Global Production, Revenue (Value) by RegionChapter 5 Global Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by RegionsChapter 6 Global Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by TypeChapter 7 Global Market Analysis by ApplicationChapter 8 Manufacturing Cost AnalysisChapter 9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream BuyersChapter 10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/TradersChapter 11 Market Effect Factors AnalysisChapter 12 Global Mandelic Acid Market ForecastWe at, QYReports , a leading market research report publisher accommodate more than 4,000 celebrated clients worldwide putting them at advantage in todays competitive world with our understanding of research. Our list of customers include prestigious Chinese companies, multinational companies, SME's and private equity firms whom we have helped grow and sustain with our fact-based research. Our business study covers a market size of over 30 industries offering unfailing insights into analysis to reimagine your business. We specialize in forecasts needed for investing in a new project, to revolutionize your business, to become more customer centric and improve the quality of output.QYReportsJones John(Sales Manager)sales@qyreports.com
Oral Cancer Treatment Market Expected Income, Industry Offer, Improvement Stages, and Scene Gauge to 2023

Oral Cancer Treatment Market

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The Global Oral Cancer Treatment Market is expected to grow at an approximate CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period.Cancer is defined as the uncontrolled growth of the cells that can invade and damage the surrounding cells. Oral cancer or mouth cancer is a type of cancer that effects the oral cavity. A sore of mouth that is not going away, can be an indication of oral cancer. Various types of oral cancers are inclusive of squamous cell carcinoma, verrucous carcinoma, minor salivary gland carcinomas, lymphomas, and others. However, a majority of the reported cases of oral cancer is restricted to the squamous cell carcinoma. Increasing prevalence of oral cancer, rising per capita healthcare expenditures, and growing awareness about oral diseases are some of the major drivers for the market growth during the forecast period. In 2017, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation, 49,750 Americans are estimated to be diagnosed with the oral oropharyngeal cancer. Moreover, it is estimated that 9,750 deaths will be accounted for the same, killing one patient every 24 hours. Additionally, in 2015, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, in the U.S., the total healthcare expenditure accounted for 17.8% of the total gross domestic product (GDP), which accounted for USD 3.2 trillion. However, risks of recurrence of cancer even after the treatment and related side effects followed by high cost of treatment are some of the restraints of the market growth. According to the Dharamshila Hospital, India in 2015, the cost of the treatment of the oral cancers can range from USD 2,995 to USD 14,979.Key players for global oral cancer treatment market:The key players for the Global Oral Cancer Treatment Market are Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (U.S.) Qilu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Asia Pacific), Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Isarael), Eli Lilly and Company. (U.S.), F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd (Europe), Merck & Co., Inc. (U.S.), Novartis AG (Europe), Pfizer Inc. (U.S.), and others.Get Sample Copy @SegmentationThe Global Oral Cancer Treatment Market is segmented on the basis of type, treatment, and end users.On the basis of type, the market is segmented into squamous cell carcinoma, verrucous carcinoma, minor salivary gland carcinomas, lymphomas, and others.On the basis of treatment, the market is segmented into surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and photodynamic therapy (PDT), and others. The surgery segment is sub segmented into tumor resection, glossectomy, laryngectomy, mohs micrographic surgery, and others. The chemotherapy segment is sub segmented into cisplatin, carboplatin, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and others.On the basis of end users, the market is segmented into hospitals & clinics, research organization, academic institutes, and others.Regional AnalysisThe Americas dominates the Global Oral Cancer Treatment Market. A well-developed healthcare sector and rising per capita healthcare expenditures facilitate the market growth within the region during the forecast period. Moreover, high prevalence of oral cancer drives the growth of the market in America. Additionally, the presence of developed economies like the U.S. and Canada in the Americas fuels the market growth.Europe is the second largest Oral Cancer Treatment Market. Availability of funds for research, a well-developed healthcare infrastructure, huge patient population, rising healthcare expenditure drives the market growth within the region. In 2014, according to the Cancer Research U.K, 11,449 new cases of oral cancer were reported which caused 2,386 estimated death within the same year.Asia Pacific is the fastest growing region for the market. The presence of huge patient population and developing economies like India and China within the region facilitates the market growth. This along with favourable government policies will boost the market growth in the presence of huge opportunities for the untapped market.The Middle East & Africa has the least share in the Global Oral Cancer Treatment Market due to the presence of poor economies and stringent government policies especially in the African region. Majority of the market of the Middle & Africa region is held by the Middle East due to huge healthcare expenditures by the presence of the developed economies like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar within the region.Major Table Of Content :Chapter 1. Report PrologueChapter 2. Market IntroductionChapter 3. Research MethodologyChapter 4. Market DynamicsChapter 5. Market Factor AnalysisChapter 6. Global Oral Cancer Treatment Market, By TypeChapter 7. Global Oral Cancer Treatment Market, By TreatmentChapter 8. Global Oral Cancer Treatment Market, By End UsersChapter 9. Global Oral Cancer Treatment Market, By RegionChapter 10. Company LandscapeChapter 11 Company ProfilesChapter 12 MRFR ConclusionContinuedGet Discount @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.Contact:Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.comMRFR has the distinguished objective of providing the optimal quality research and granular research to 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 answer your most important questions.Our Research Analysts are eager to share their knowledge and assist you in refining market research parameters, choosing right market studies, and evaluating both the market scope and the research methodologies of varied segments.We bridge the gap between our clients and their clients by identifying and decoding just the target group, while generating leads with the highest accuracy.Years of research into diverse fields of work has ingrained within us, a proficiency so distinguished that our industry-specific specialists identify with your business ideas and feel the pulse of your challenges and opportunities. This enables us for providing assistance, through our consulting and strategic consulting services, in informed managerial decision making. In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industries, WantStats Research and Media often conducts industrial visits for its research analysts. Relevant inputs from various established market participants, help our clients make significant contribution in respective markets are a huge motivation for all of us to endlessly furnish quality. We depend greatly on profound insights into complex realms of our study.Pune, India
Global Construction Estimation Software Market Report 2017-2022: Production, Consumption, Revenue (Volume) and Market Share Details

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Construction cost estimating software is computer software designed for contractors to estimate construction costs for a specific project. Some architects, engineers, construction managers, and others may also use cost estimating software to prepare cost estimates for purposes other than bidding.Construction Estimation Software Market Estimated to Grow at a CAGR of +12% During The Forecast Period.The report is titled Global Construction Estimation Software Market Research Report 2017 and accelerates a boundless and centered investigate into Construction Estimation Software market. The market size is determined through comprehensive study and examination through subordinate research. The report has been hoarded using primary and secondary research methodologies. Both these methods are intended towards collaborating accurate and exact data relating the market dynamics, historical events, and the current market scenario.The research report tries to understand the inventive approaches taken by vendors in the global Construction Estimation Software market to offer product differentiation through Porters five forces analysis. By various standards, the report segments the market and studies them individually, providing information such as the most prominent segment, sluggishly growing segment and sub segment of Construction Estimation Software market. The income and growth projections for each of these segments are also given.Download PDF Sample Copy:Company Profiled: The Key Players operating in the Construction Estimation Software market includes Causeway Technologies, Cordell Information, ProEst Estimating Software (ProEst), Sage Software., Viewpoint, Bid4Build, BluBridge, B2W Software, Corecon Technologies, PrioSoft, Textura PlanSwift, CoConstruct, ConEst Software Systems, Clear Estimates, Total Project Logistics, 4Clicks Solutions, Xactware Solutions, On Center Software, PrebuiltML, Stack Construction Technologies.This report emphases on the global Construction Estimation Software market and answers many of the critical questions, which an involved or potential shareholder of Construction Estimation Software market may have. There is and has been a greedy demand for the market in a lot of global activities, so several market players have dedicated their time and motivation to go to the source of the pattern and see what the preference of this substantial market performance is.The report contours the foremost market players which are leading in Construction Estimation Software market. Similarly, it provides significant information about prominent companies, such as, business overview, financial overview, recent developments, product specification, and contact information. The challenges faced by the companies, the dynamics helping them to reach the highest level in the market, and the tactics implemented by each of the market players to market their products have been given.To Get Reasonable Discount:The research report includes an in-depth assessment of competitive landscape of the global Construction Estimation Software market. It studies the business and marketing approaches of the overall market and presents an understanding of their trajectory for the forthcoming years. Furthermore, the research report also includes an analysis of the recent developments and future plans of the companies in order to understand the course of the players in the near future.Table of ContentsGlobal Construction Estimation Software Market Research Report 2017Chapter 1 Construction Estimation Software Market OverviewChapter 2 Global Economic Impact on IndustryChapter 3 Global Market Competition by ManufacturersChapter 4 Global Production, Revenue (Value) by RegionChapter 5 Global Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by RegionsChapter 6 Global Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by TypeChapter 7 Global Market Analysis by ApplicationChapter 8 Manufacturing Cost AnalysisChapter 9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream BuyersChapter 10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/TradersChapter 11 Market Effect Factors AnalysisChapter 12 Global Market ForecastFor More Information:About Research N Reports:Research N Reports is a new age market research firm where we focus on providing information that can be effectively applied. Today being a consumer driven market, companies require information to deal with the complex and dynamic world of choices. Where relying on a sound board firm for your decisions becomes crucial. Research N Reports specializes in industry analysis, market forecasts and as a result getting quality reports covering all verticals, whether be it gaining perspective on current market conditions or being ahead in the cut throat Global competition. Since we excel at business research to help businesses grow, we also offer consulting as an extended arm to our services which only helps us gain more insight into current trends and problems. Consequently we keep evolving as an all-rounder provider of viable information under one roof.Contact:Sunny Denis(Sales Manager),(Research N Reports)10916, Gold Point Dr,Houston, TX, Pin - 77064,+1-8886316977,sales@researchnreports.com,
Global PVC window Market Analysis, Market Size, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies And Forecasts, 2017 To 2022

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This study report on global PVC window market throws light on the crucial trends and dynamics impacting the development of the market, including the restraints, drivers, and opportunities. The report talks about the competitive environment prevailing in the PVC window market worldwide. The report lists the key players in the market and also provides insightful information about them such as their business overview, product segmentation, and revenue segmentation.A birds eye view of the PVC window industry made available in the report helps readers to understand the key drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities that are shaping the global PVC window market. Furthermore, the report evaluates challenges experienced from buyers and sellers side. The report offers advice from key industry experts on how these challenges can be overcome.Get Sample Copy of this Report:Key Players:Andersen Corp., Formosa Plastics Group, Jeld-Wen Inc., Masonite International Inc., Pella Corp., VELUX America Inc., YKK AP Inc., Fortune Brands Home & Security, The Marvin Cos., Ply Gem, Associated Materials Inc., Atrium Corp., Harvey Building Products, Masco Corp., MI Windows & Doors.The major growth drivers, challenges, and trends influencing the global PVC window market are inspected at length. The report also presents a thorough qualitative and quantitative data affecting to the projected impact of these factors on markets future growth prospects. A number of analysis tools such as Porters five forces analysis and SWOT analysis have been employed to provide an accurate understanding of this market. Also, the report is compiled in a way for the readers and customers to understand better.This report defines the specifications, applications, classifications of PVC window market and explains the industrial chain structure in detail. Recent policies and developments are researched in depth to help enhance this report. A detailed cost structure is examined and prices are coated by labors, raw material supplier and others. An insight about demand supply chain is also mentioned in detail.Avail Discount up to 30% on this report now at:A major chunk of the report talks about the technologies that are and will influence the growth of the PVC window market. Forecasts for these technology sectors are presented in the report. Integration is the key to advancement in technology in the global PVC window market. Companies that offers the latest integrated technologies at an affordable cost are expected to thrive in the PVC window market. The dominating technologies in the PVC window market along with the upcoming technologies that are expected to revolutionize the market are explained in the reportThe report also elaborates on the opportunities the emerging markets of Asia Pacific and Latin America offer. Furthermore, the cost of raw materials in these nations is low, while the availability is high. This has turned the heads of several major international companies to the emerging countries of Asia Pacific.Get Complete Report@:About QYReports:We at, QYReports , a leading market research report publisher accommodate more than 4,000 celebrated clients worldwide putting them at advantage in todays competitive world with our understanding of research. Our list of customers include prestigious Chinese companies, multinational companies, SME's and private equity firms whom we have helped grow and sustain with our fact-based research. Our business study covers a market size of over 30 industries offering unfailing insights into analysis to reimagine your business. We specialize in forecasts needed for investing in a new project, to revolutionize your business, to become more customer centric and improve the quality of output.Contact:QYReportsJones John(Sales Manager)+91-9764607607sales@qyreports.com
Global Synthetic Marble Market Report, Trends, Size, Share, Analysis, Estimations and Forecasts to 2022

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This study report on global Synthetic Marble market throws light on the crucial trends and dynamics impacting the development of the market, including the restraints, drivers, and opportunities. The report talks about the competitive environment prevailing in the Synthetic Marble market worldwide. The report lists the key players in the market and also provides insightful information about them such as their business overview, product segmentation, and revenue segmentation.A birds eye view of the Synthetic Marble industry made available in the report helps readers to understand the key drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities that are shaping the global Synthetic Marble market. Furthermore, the report evaluates challenges experienced from buyers and sellers side. The report offers advice from key industry experts on how these challenges can be overcome.Get Sample Copy of this Report:Key Players:DuPont, Staron(SAMSUNG), LG Hausys, Kuraray, Aristech Acrylics, Durat, MARMIL, Hanex, CXUN, PengXiang Industry, ChuanQi, New SunShine Stone, Leigei Stone, GuangTaiXiang, Wanfeng Compound Stone, Relang Industrial, Ordan, Bitto, Meyate Group, Blowker, Sunmoon, OWELL, XiShi GroupThe major growth drivers, challenges, and trends influencing the global Synthetic Marble market are inspected at length. The report also presents a thorough qualitative and quantitative data affecting to the projected impact of these factors on markets future growth prospects. A number of analysis tools such as Porters five forces analysis and SWOT analysis have been employed to provide an accurate understanding of this market. Also, the report is compiled in a way for the readers and customers to understand better.This report defines the specifications, applications, classifications of Synthetic Marble market and explains the industrial chain structure in detail. Recent policies and developments are researched in depth to help enhance this report. A detailed cost structure is examined and prices are coated by labors, raw material supplier and others. An insight about demand supply chain is also mentioned in detail.Avail Discount up to 30% on this report now at:A major chunk of the report talks about the technologies that are and will influence the growth of the Synthetic Marble market. Forecasts for these technology sectors are presented in the report. Integration is the key to advancement in technology in the global Synthetic Marble market. Companies that offers the latest integrated technologies at an affordable cost are expected to thrive in the Synthetic Marble market. The dominating technologies in the Synthetic Marble market along with the upcoming technologies that are expected to revolutionize the market are explained in the reportThe report also elaborates on the opportunities the emerging markets of Asia Pacific and Latin America offer. Furthermore, the cost of raw materials in these nations is low, while the availability is high. This has turned the heads of several major international companies to the emerging countries of Asia Pacific.Get Complete Report@:About QYReports:We at, QYReports , a leading market research report publisher accommodate more than 4,000 celebrated clients worldwide putting them at advantage in todays competitive world with our understanding of research. Our list of customers include prestigious Chinese companies, multinational companies, SME's and private equity firms whom we have helped grow and sustain with our fact-based research. Our business study covers a market size of over 30 industries offering unfailing insights into analysis to reimagine your business. We specialize in forecasts needed for investing in a new project, to revolutionize your business, to become more customer centric and improve the quality of output.Contact:QYReportsJones John(Sales Manager)+91-9764607607sales@qyreports.com
Smart Home System Market Outlook, Research, Trends and Forecast to 2021 with top key players like ABB LTD., Siemens AG., Schneider Electric SA, Ingersoll-Rand PLC, Legrand S.A.

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Smart home market is a market comprising of home automation and greener energy. This market has been witnessing tremendous growth due to their efficient energy saving and ecofriendly nature, not only in developed regions of the world, but also in developing countries.Smart Home System Market estimated to grow at +8% during forecast period.The Smart Home System Market Report will give an overall outlook about the market worldwide. The market report includes the statistical data about the size of the market and this is both in terms of volume and value. In the beginning of the report, a brief description of the market is given so that the user becomes well versed with the market.Get Sample copy of this Report @:Companies Profiled in this report includes, ABB LTD., Siemens AG., Schneider Electric SA, Ingersoll-Rand PLC, Legrand S.A., Lutron Electronics CO., Inc., Emerson Electric Co., Crestron Electronics Inc., Control4 Corporation, Honeywell International, Inc.Emergence of internet of things is a very important market driver for smart homes. The technology behind smart homes has existed for decades now. The challenge this market has faced so far is due to the huge bulk of consumers didnt have the knowledge about the technologies that can make their work easier. Only very few wealthy had accustomed to the smart home technologies such as voice/video equipment, lighting and other such components.Early Buyers will get 30% Discount on this Report @:Microeconomic and macroeconomic factors which affect the Smart Home System market and its growth, both positive and negative, are also studied. The report features the impact of these factors on the ongoing market throughout the mentioned forecast period. The up and coming evolving patterns, factors driving and in addition limiting the development of the market are specified.The first part of the report encapsulates the scope and the product overview of the global market. The classification and applications come next in the report. In the next sections of the report, the sales in the global Smart Home System market have been studied in different areas such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.Inquiry before buying @:After studying key companies, the report focuses on the startups contributing towards the growth of the market. Possible mergers and acquisitions among the startups and key organizations are identified by the reports authors in the study. Most companies in the Smart Home System market are currently engaged in adopting new technologies, strategies, product developments, expansions, and long-term contracts to maintain their dominance in the global market.Reasons to Access the Smart Home System Market Research Report:This report provides an elite resource to evaluate the Smart Home System market and support the strategic and preemptive decision-making. The report divulges the matter-of-fact statistics and in-detail examination of the market. The report dissects the whole request and store network in the worldwide market and further investigations the different parts. Likewise, various investigation devices, for example, Porter's five powers examination and SWOT investigation have been utilized to give an exact comprehension of this market to the readers.Table of ContentsGlobal Smart Home System Market Research ReportChapter 1 Smart Home System Market OverviewChapter 2 Global Economic Impact on IndustryChapter 3 Global Market Competition by ManufacturersChapter 4 Global Production, Revenue (Value) by RegionChapter 5 Global Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by RegionsChapter 6 Global Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by TypeChapter 7 Global Market Analysis by ApplicationChapter 8 Manufacturing Cost AnalysisChapter 9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream BuyersChapter 10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/TradersChapter 11 Market Effect Factors AnalysisChapter 12 Global Smart Home System Market ForecastAbout QYReports:We at, QYReports , a leading market research report publisher accommodate more than 4,000 celebrated clients worldwide putting them at advantage in todays competitive world with our understanding of research. Our list of customers include prestigious Chinese companies, multinational companies, SME's and private equity firms whom we have helped grow and sustain with our fact-based research. Our business study covers a market size of over 30 industries offering unfailing insights into analysis to reimagine your business. We specialize in forecasts needed for investing in a new project, to revolutionize your business, to become more customer centric and improve the quality of output.Contact:QYReportsJones John(Sales Manager)+91-9764607607sales@qyreports.com
2018 is a wonderful time to be lazy. We have the internet on our wrists, TV with no commercials and robots that vacuum your house while you watch TV with no commercials. Life is pretty damn sweet for those of us who fall somewhere between 30-year-old stoner living in your moms basement and mom who circles the parking lot 14 times looking for a closer spot at the grocery store on the Lazy Spectrum. Its an especially good time to be lazy if youre a coffee drinker, because instant coffee, the spirit animal for lazy people, has gotten legitimately good.

I know Im supposed to take the time to track down beans from that little indie roaster that operates out of the used book shop two Thursdays every year, and then grind those beans by hand before executing the perfect pour over with a water temp of exactly 195 degrees Fahrenheit, but damn it I just dont have the time. I drink coffee because Im tired and it tastes good in the morning and I want the caffeine in my body before I lose my shit with my kids because they still. Cant. Tie. Their. Own. Shoes. Ill be artisanal after 7am. Right now, I need caffeine.

So, I lean pretty heavily on fast coffee, whether thats from a pre-set coffee pot or those little instant coffee packs. There, I said it. Sometimes, I drink tubes of instant coffee. And heres a secret: its pretty damn good.

Im not talking about the Folgers Crystals that your middle school science teacher kept in his cupboard to hide the smell of bourbon in his mug. Im talking about carefully sourced, finely ground coffee that comes in a single-serve tube. All you do is add water and stir and youve got a good cup of coffee.

Starbucks revolutionized the instant coffee scene with their Via packs, which gave lazy coffee drinkers all over the world a respectable cup of joe that only required heating 8 ounces of water. Folgers and NesCafe also have tubes of instant, but theyre so weak, I found myself having to put two packs in a single cup just to trick myself into thinking Im drinking a real cup of coffee. But in the last couple of years, a new player has arrived on the single serve, instant gratification coffee scene: Alpine Start, a Boulder-based company that aims to bring premium coffee to little paper tubes.

The reviews have been overwhelmingly good so far, and since Starbucks Via is widely considered the best instant coffee on the market, and Alpine Start the hot newcomer on the scene, I decided to pit the two against each other in a side by side taste test.



Photo via Tayloright

Alpine Starts Original Blend is a 100% Arabica coffee from the mountains of Colombia, so I pit it against Starbucks Via Colombia, which is also comprised of 100% Arabica coffee from the mountains of Colombia. I poured the exact same amount of water in each cup (8 ounces), as its been my experience that these instant packets are best if you stick to the 8-ounce recommendation on the box.

Starbucks Via is a bit darker in the cup, looking less watery around the edges. As for the nose, theyre so similar, its hard for me to distinguish one from the other. Both are good cups of coffee. The Alpine Start is a little bolder, but it also comes off as a bit more roasted, and has a more defined layer of acidity. Starbucks is more mellow, and ultimately, more balanced. Alpine Start, on the other hand, is bold. A bit more bitter, yes, but theres also a faint note of cocoa thats pleasant, and unexpected.

Both cups of coffee are similar in their taste profile, but the newcomer, Alpine Start has a slight edge just by being a bit more interesting. Oh, and truly lazy coffee drinkers take note: Alpine Start works as a cold brew too, so you dont even have to heat water to get your caffeine. Just stir and drink.

Alpine Start is $9 for a pack of eight, and Starbucks Via Colombia is $8 for a pack of eight, so the price is basically a wash. You can get Alpine Start at REI and some Whole Foods, while Starbucks Via is sold just about everywhere. Seriously. Its everywhere.
Petoskey's annual holiday parade returns Nov. 26

The parade will feature a float with Santa Claus as well as the Petoskey High School Marching Band.
LFG Podcast #2: East Coast Grinder Joey "Mush" Galazzo on 2017 Heater

January 03, 2018 Chad Holloway Executive Editor U.S.

In the second episode of the LFG Podcast, Jamie Kerstetter and Chad Holloway talk New Year's Resolutions, Allen Kessler's complaining, and then talk to Joey "Mush" Galazzo about his 2017 heater.

Be sure to stick around to the end of the episode for the "D&B Publishing Twitter Trivia Challenge" for your chance to win a free copy of Phil Hellmuth's book Poker Brat.

Don't be afraid to tell us what you think! Tweet at us using #LFGPodcast or our individual twitter accounts. Also, you can leave a review on iTunes.

If you want to find more from our guest, Joey "Mush" Galazzo, you can find him on Twitter at @JOEYdaMUSH.

Show Time Stamps

0:22  Intro w/ Jamie and Chad

4:00 - Allen Kessler unjustly criticizes Run Good Poker Series

10:20 - MSPT Season 8 Finale at Minnesota's Canterbury Park; KevMath Makes an Appearance

15:10 - Joey "Mush" Galazzo introduction

16:32 - Joey "Mush" Galazzo joins the podcast

18:10 - Galazzo talks about his 2017 heater

20:58 - Galazzo on his first-ever trip to Las Vegas

23:36 - Crypto currency: Who's in, who's out?

26:30 - New Jersey sports and fantasy sports talk

29:35 - Story behind thee "Mush" nickname

32:40 - Galazzo just saw original Star Wars trilogy

35:05 - One-Two Punch w/ Jamie and Chad  rapid fire nonsense questions with our guest

39:38 - Wrap up: Upcoming plans, MSPT stop to play, and Borgata Poker Open

42:49 - D&B Publishing Twitter Trivia Challenge

Don't forget to subscribe to the PokerNews podcast on iTunes here, or you can access their RSS feed here. The entire PokerNews Podcast family of podcasts is now available on audioBoom.

Finally, be sure to follow hosts @JamieKerstetter and @ChadAHolloway on Twitter.

Sharelines Listen as @JamieKerstetter & @ChadAHolloway chat with East Coast grinder @JOEYdaMUSH on Episode No. 2 of the LFG Podcast.
The area had been blocked off by city officials. No one was hurt and nothing damaged. The wall has been menacing passersby for many years. A fix is in the works. Read morePortion of old brick wall by Charleston's Second Presbyterian Church gives way
There was a combination of superlative hysteria and political opportunism behind the warnings about the end of democracy leading up to last weeks elections, but it wasnt inconceivable that wed have flare-ups of violence and intimidation, that people who embrace the fantasy that the 2020 e Read moreEditorial: Election 2022 gave everybody something to celebrate
Speaker Nancy Pelosi says the attack on her husband, Paul, by an intruder in their family home made her think about staying on as the House Democratic leader. She says she almost thought about being leader again because she couldnt give them that satisfaction of intimidating her out of politics. Pelosi spoke to reporters Thursday at the Capitol after announcing she would step aside for a new generation of leaders. She will remain the congresswoman from California. Pelosi says shes not sad about her choice to step aside but feels balanced in her decision. She has no plans to endorse a successor and no desire to meddle with the new leadership's vision. Read morePelosi's big decision: 'Theres a life out there, right?'
PR-Inside.com: 2018-01-04 14:09:01

LONDON, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The pharmaceuticals industry is going through one of its most exciting periods yet. Generic pharmaceuticals have taken off, leading to much more innovation in the market and a wave of consolidation across the US.

Keeping on top of all these changes is Robert Wessman, CEO and founder of pharmaceuticals organisation Alvogen. His knack for spotting industry developments has seen the company soar to great heights and become a pharmaceutical leader.

Wessman recently spoke to World Finance magazine, in a three-part video series, to share his knowledge - and predictions - for the pharmaceutical market.

Though only created in 2009, Alvogen has grown substantially over the years. Wessman discusses its inception in the video series; astonishingly, the vision for Alvogen was initially sketched out on a napkin. Wessman had met investors in a New York restaurant and it was the easiest way to communicate his pharmaceutical vision. They were sold.

Today, Alvogen's ability to thrive in one of the world's most competitive sectors is underpinned by its fast responses to industry movements and strong team.

Later on in the video series, Wessman gives his top tips for leadership, explaining what traits are needed in order to make a business work. He also explains why it's so important to know what you're looking for in recruitment - so as to build the perfect team.

For some of the best insights in the generics pharmaceutical industry, go to World Finance online - where the three-part video series is available:

https://www.worldfinance.com/videos/alvogen-founder-generic-drug-price-wars-will-drive-consolidation

https://www.worldfinance.com/videos/i-took-my-napkin-and-off-we-went-robert-wessmans-billion-dollar-vision

https://www.worldfinance.com/videos/robert-wessman-a-leader-must-be-able-to-act-when-most-others-dont

World News Media is a leading publisher of quality financial and business magazines, which enjoys a global distribution network that includes subscriber lists of prominent decision-makers around the world.

CONTACT INFORMATION

World News Media

Elizabeth Matsangou

Editorial Department

+44 (0)20 7553 4162

elizabeth.matsangou@wnmedia.com

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: World Finance via Globenewswire


Rapid innovative strategies adopted by the manufacturers to accelerate the bone replacement products market.

Bone Replacement Products Market

PR-Inside.com: 2018-01-04 11:25:58

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The Global Bone Replacement Products Market, by Product Type (Hip Replacement, Knee Replacement, Trauma and Extremities, and Spine Replacement), by Material (Metals, Ceramics, Plastics, and Combination of Materials), by End User (Hospitals, Orthopedic Clinics, and Ambulatory Surgical Centers), and by Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa) was valued at US$ 31.7 billion in 2016 and is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 4.4% over the forecast period (2017  2025), as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights. The development of patient-specific hip implants considering the anatomic individuality or extremely difficult reconstructive cases of patients is a major factor propelling the demand for hip replacement products. For instance, Zimmer Biomets patient-matched implant (PMI) department works directly with surgeons to address the most severe cases of bone loss or deformity.Request to download and view Sample Report: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/1049 Growing preference for minimally invasive procedures to propel growth of marketMinimally invasive and small incision replacement surgery is an evolving area with improved rehabilitation and pain management to accelerate post-surgery recovery. Increasing adoption of minimally invasive techniques by professionals, owing to long-term benefits is expected to propel growth of the bone replacement products market. Moreover, benefits of minimally invasive replacement procedure have been reported to include less damage to soft tissues, leading to a quick and less painful recovery.Rising number of bone tumors and trauma cases is expected to accelerate the demand for bone replacement productsTreatment of bone cancers with surgical procedures involves replacement of cancerous bone by bone replacement products or implants. Thus, increasing incidence of bone cancers such as osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, and Ewings sarcoma, which require bone replacement, is in turn expected to propel growth of the bone replacement products market. According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, 2014, bone sarcomas account for 0.2% of all malignancies globally with the incidence rate for bone and joint malignancies to be 0.9 per 100,000 people annually, in the U.S. Furthermore, increasing cases of bone fracture trauma due to fall, motor vehicle accident or sports, require medical intervention (orthopedics) thus, augmenting the demand for bone replacement products. According to the National Trauma Institute, in 2014, traumatic injury is the major cause of death globally with the major share of road injury (29.1%) and falls (11.6%).Request a Customization: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-customization/1049 The market players are engaged in strategic acquisitions and collaborations to increase the portfolio diversification and to introduce exciting new platform technologies. For instance, in 2015, United Orthopedic Corporation collaborated with Shinva Medical Instrument Co., Ltd and New China Life Health Co., Ltd. to expand the sales of bone replacement products in China. Furthermore, in 2016, Zimmer acquired LDR Holding Corporation to enhance innovation and growth of their spine segment. The production of innovative products with research and development activities is expected to enhance the competitive environment among the manufacturers. For instance, in 2015, B. Braun Melsungen AG launched a new 7-layer advanced surface technology with zirconium nitride coated on knee implant to improve its mechanical properties and biocompatibility, thus reducing wear rate by 65%.Key Takeaways of the Bone Replacement Products Market:The global bone replacement products market is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 4.4% over the forecast period, owing to the presence of high potential market especially in Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, and AfricaAmong materials, the combination of materials segment holds a dominant position in the market, as these material implants have enhanced wear resistant and biocompatible properties as compared to the other materialsAmong end user, the ambulatory surgical centers segment is expected to hold a dominant position in the bone replacement products market, owing to the minimal requirement of prolonged postoperative monitoring and hospital stayBrowse 45 Market Data Tables and 40 Figures spread through 230 Pages and in-depth TOC on Bone Replacement Products Market- Global Forecast to 2025Some of the major players operating in the global bone replacement products market are Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc., B. Braun Melsungen AG, Stryker Corporation, Smith & Nephew Plc, United Orthopedic Corporation, Depuy Synthes, Medtronic Plc., Japan Medical Dynamic Marketing, Inc., JRI Orthopedics, Exactech, Inc., and Mathys.To know more about the Bone Replacement Products Market, click the link below: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/market-insight/bone-replacement-products-market-1049 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 Visit our news Website: http://www.coherentnews.com
PR-Inside.com: 2018-01-04 13:00:15

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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Callitas Health Inc.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Cincinnati, OH (FSCWire) - Callitas Health Inc. (CSE:LILY). has issued a press release with the following headline:Callitas Health Engages Dr. Laura Berman, World-Renowned Sex Educator, Researcher and Therapist as Chief Health AdvisorTo 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 Callitas Health Inc., 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/Callitas Health Inc.Source: Callitas Health Inc. (CSE: LILY, OTCQB: MPHMD, FWB: T3F3, ISIN: A2GSU1, WKN: CA13125C1068)Date: January 04, 2018Time: 7:00 AM EST--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Callitas Health Inc. 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 2018 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.)
PR-Inside.com: 2018-01-04 14:45:05

Carnoustie Takes Wellness and Alternative Medicine To China

Leo Digital,

USHA HJ, +91 8147747724

After the success of Carnoustie Ayurveda & Wellness Resort  rated among the best luxury wellness resort in India  Carnoustie Group is exploring opportunities to setup a chain of luxury wellness centers across China.

The health and wellness industry is being fueled by an intense and growing consumer affinity towards natural, herbal alternative medicines and treatments. People are moving away from synthetic, chemical based products. With growing awareness on medicine systems like Yoga, Ayurveda, Marma and Naturopathy this shift will see more prominence in China in coming years.

Rajesh Malik, the promoter and director of Carnoustie Group, a yoga enthusiast and practitioner himself, believes Yoga & Ayurveda can address mental and physical Wellness issues faced by a booming economy like China.

On 5th and 6th January, Mr. Rajesh will be addressing a Chinese delegation led by Shenzhen Peacock Health Culture Management on possibilities of launching a chain of luxury wellness centers across China. Dr. AK Prakasan Gurukkal and Yogacharya Amit Dev, pioneers in the field of Yoga and Alternative Medicines, will be a part of this meeting.

Dr Gurukkal is a master in spiritual healing and specialises in the science of marma, yoga, massage therapy, acupressure, naturopathy, herbal medicine, kalari treatment etc. His research work on kalaripayattu for more than 30 years has paved the way for a spiritual martial art form named Atma Raksha Yoga.

Yogacharya Amit Dev is a 5th generation Yoga Guru who is internationally acclaimed for his unique yoga techniques popularly known as Mahaprabhu Ji's Yoga. He is a health consultant and senior yoga therapist with various organisations. He is also the Pradhan Yogacharya at Shri Yog Abhyas Ashram Trust (SYAAT), which was founded by Yogeshwar Ramlal Bhagwan in 1888.

Carnoustie Ayurveda & Wellness Resort, run by the Carnoustie Group was featured in Forbes 5 Top Wellness Retreats for [..]. It has bagged several awards including the Best Resort in India - Wellness category at Todays Travel Awards 2016, the Best Ayurveda Spa & Wellness Resort by Geo Asia Spa Awards for 4 years (2013-16). With authentic Ayurveda treatments and world-class facilities, Carnoustie Resort attracts travellers from across the world to Kerala.

With this venture in China, Carnoustie is expected to bridge the gaps in the alternative medicine space.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201801040056
PR-Inside.com: 2018-01-04 14:30:13

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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for LED Medical Diagnostics Inc.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Vancouver, British Columbia (FSCWire) - LED Medical Diagnostics Inc. (TSX Venture:LMD). has issued a press release with the following headline:LED Medical Diagnostics Announces Appointment of New DirectorTo 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 LED Medical Diagnostics Inc., 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/LED Medical Diagnostics Inc.Source: LED Medical Diagnostics Inc. (TSX Venture: LMD, OTCQB: LEDIF, FWB: LME, WKN: A1KC2E, ISIN: CA50184T1093)Date: January 04, 2018Time: 8:30 AM EST--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of LED Medical Diagnostics Inc. 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 2018 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.)
PR-Inside.com: 2018-01-04 20:39:03

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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Noram Ventures Inc.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Vancouver, British Columbia (FSCWire) - Noram Ventures Inc. (TSX Venture:NRM). has issued a press release with the following headline:Noram Completes $80,350 Debt SettlementTo 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 Noram Ventures Inc., 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/Noram Ventures Inc.Source: Noram Ventures Inc. (TSX Venture: NRM, WKN: A1JD6V, ISIN: CA65542J1066, OTC Pink: NRVTF, FWB: N7R)Date: January 04, 2018Time: 2:35 PM EST--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Noram Ventures Inc. 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 2018 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.)
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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Vela Minerals Ltd.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Calgary, Alberta (FSCWire) - Vela Minerals Ltd. (TSX Venture:VLA). has issued a press release with the following headline:Vela Minerals Announces Termination of Advanced Interactive Gaming Limited Transaction and Consolidation and Updates Status of Rossland PropertyTo 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 Vela 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/Vela Minerals Ltd.Source: Vela Minerals Ltd. (TSX Venture: VLA)Date: January 04, 2018Time: 9:00 AM EST--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Vela 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 2018 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.)
After a career that spanned over 35 years, Charles Adesanmi retired as the director of the Nuclear Technology Centre, NTC in 2013. In this interview with Kemi Busari, the nuclear and radiation physics expert, who was also a research fellow at the Centre for Research and Development, CERD, Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, speaks on electricity shortage in Nigeria, the prospect of bridging the deficit through nuclear power generation and the feasibility in an already-burdened economy.

What is the prospect of Nigeria using nuclear technology to generate power?

The prospect is high because we already belong to the international organisations that work on the use of nuclear power. In fact in 2006, Nigeria was one of the six countries listed in the IAEA report of United States that they will assist in their nuclear programme because at that time, all the major equipment that has to do with nuclear programme, we had them and they were working.

We had the reactor at Zaria, the accelerator at Ife and Gamma irradiator at SHETSCO. And we had many people that were trained in this area. With all these facilities working, the next step is a nuclear power programme.

Considering that we were at this level in 2006, why have we not harnessed the potential?

There are two issues that may be inhibiting our use of nuclear energy for electricity. First of all, anything that has to do with power generation requires a lot of money. If we are unable to adequately fund hydro, solar, coal, gas, how can we be talking of funding nuclear which is more expensive?

The second problem is like a smokescreen just to cover the face of people. When you talk about nuclear, there is this phobia. There are some people in Nigeria, when you talk about nuclear, they will tell you we cannot do it.

They get scared once we talk about nuclear. There was a time we wanted to get a reactor in Ife and the school registrar said as soon as we get it, he would resign. Imagine at that level. Such people are many in the political and administrative circle. Mentally, their brain is telling them believe Nigeria cannot manage it.

What is the comparative cost of nuclear technology for power generation to other sources?

Though nuclear is more expensive but you dont need money for maintenance. In the long run it is more profitable than others. Once you construct a nuclear power station, you will operate it for about 50 years with little or no maintenance. All you need to do is just fuel.

In monetary terms, how much will it cost Nigeria to construct a nuclear power plant for power generation?

I dont know what the figure could be now but I was in a committee that wrote a report on nuclear power generation to Obasanjo in 2003. As of that time, we needed $2 billion for generation of 1000 megawatts.

Is it possible for Nigeria or any other country to depend solely on nuclear power?

It is not possible. Even the international body will not allow it. Very few countries go beyond 20 per cent. There are countries that have up to 75 per cent. Those ones dont have oil, hydro or coal. Countries like France and some others. USA has about 20 per cent of their energy programme from nuclear.

In 2003 when we (Nigeria) wanted to start, USA had about 260, 000 megawatts and they were planning to add another 50, 000 (megawatts) which they did. Even in Africa, South Africa has about 55, 000 megawatts. They even have 5,000 excess which they dont have use for yet. Nigeria doesnt have that 5, 000 and they (South Africa) have just 50 million population.

Considering that the current nuclear facilities are not working maximally, is Nigeria really ready for a nuclear power programme?

We have more nuclear scientists in Nigeria than Ghana, even in multiples, but Ghana has been using a gamma facility for the past 10 years. I dont think we are really not using them maximally.

Our problem here is that we dont put money where our mouth is, we say something and we do something different. It is unfortunate that we are not really investing in the nuclear programmes especially in the power sector and that is the problem.

The reactor and accelerator has been used to some extent but for the gamma, it is complicated. Some people dont want that thing to work. They dont want to eat irradiated foods. Promotion is another problem.

Many people dont know we have these facilities or what they do. For instance, when I was managing the gamma facility, the politicians will come and be surprised that we had such but when you say you want to do promotion the administrative bottlenecks will say no.

There are some people at the top who are suppressing those efforts. They will say dont kill your people. How can you be radiating foods when they say radiation is bad but when they are sick, they will stand in front of x-ray, they eat apples and many other imported foods which have been radiated.

Nigeria had an agreement with Russia to build four power plants, with the current economic stature, how viable is that?

Any investment in Nigeria will surely yield a lot of profit. Russia is ready to partner with Nigeria and they are ready to put money into it. When they construct the power, people will pay for it. They money we spend on our hand-sets is enough to pay for power.

The government needs to invest but the government doesnt have the money. When you hear Fashola (power, works minister), he will say they commissioned 300 or 400 megawatts, why cant they do 4,000 at once. Its because of money.

The analysis is that we need about 80, 000 megawatts to be self-sufficient and we are talking of 1000 megawatts costing about N700 billion. The way forward is to ask these countries to come and invest. We need to be serious about it and make financial commitment.

If we say we have $20, 000 billion dollars and seek help from these developed countries they will come to our aid. They will bring the technology, build, own and run it. The arrangement should be that Nigeria should be earning from their profit, like 40 per cent. From there, the government will recover the investment.

How climate change-friendly is the use of nuclear source for power generation?

That is the area nuclear has advantage over most others sources. It is completely environmental-friendly. The fear of nuclear accident has been reduced drastically. In hydro, you will see flooding when there is excess water but in nuclear, hardly do we have a nuclear accident.

The world has been operating nuclear power programme for the past 50 years now, how many accidents have we seen? Very few, maybe one or two.

The reason is that in the design, there are three stages of protection such that if one fails, another will pick up and the three cannot fail at the same time. There is what we call defence-in-depth and this makes the nuclear programme more secured.

Considering the number of inconsistencies in the past, what do you advise as way forward?

The government should completely review and overhaul the power programme. About 20 per cent of any funds available for power programme should be channelled to nuclear.

If they want to do nuclear, they should plan for power station of at least 4, 000 megawatts, not the 200, 300 they are doing.

We cannot be talking about 200 megawatts when we are going to 80, 000. Also, it is wrong to lump other ministries with power when we know we have problem in that sector. For power alone, there should be a minister and a minister of state. Not to put one person in charge of three.

The government should use all its diplomatic relationship to woo friends of Nigeria to come and invest and they (government) should be prepared to invest to demonstrate to them (investors) that they are serious.
Somalian Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire has sacked three ministers replacing them immediately with newcomers, the government said on Thursday.

Information Minister, Abdirahman Omar Osman, announcing the sacking on Somalias state-owned television, said ministers for foreign affairs, minister for interior and minister for trade were relieved of their duties.

The foreign affairs minister, Yusuf Garaad Omar; the interior minister, Abdi Farah Juha; and the trade minister, Khadra Ahmed Duale, had been relieved of their duties, the information ministry said in a statement.

According to Mr. Omar, the prime minister appointed three new individuals to hold three ministerial dockets with an immediate effect.

Trade and industry minister was replaced by Mohamed Abdi Hayir who headed Information in the previous government led by Omar Abdirashid.

Somalias current ambassador to the United States, Ahmed Isse Awad, was appointed as the countrys new foreign minister after predecessor, Yussuf Garad, was sacked in the announcement.

Abdi Mohamed Sabriye, a political novice and a businessman, was appointed to be in position of the Interior minister. Juha was expected to pay a visit to Garowe, the administrative capital of Puntland today but was suddenly relieved of duty.

There had been a a dire need to appoint new ministers to those posts, the statement said, adding that the new cabinet members would help the government tackle its heavy workload.

Last year, the defense minister and the head of military were sacked and replaced.

The head of national security and the police commander were sacked after the countrys deadliest truck bomb attack killed 512 people in October. Both posts have yet to be filled.

The shuffle comes at a time of heightened tensions between the Somali government and several members of parliaments and senators.

Somalias leader, former oil and gas executive, was sworn in as the President in March, last year. His government has been criticised for failing to stem attacks by al Shabaab militants.

With the help of African troops, Somalias government has been battling insurgents to try to restore peace in the country following decades of conflict.
A 25-year-old US journalist, Martha ODonovan, who was charged with insulting former president of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, has been let off after the court dismissed the case on Thursday.

Ms. ODonovan was charged with subversion, undermining or insulting Mr. Mugabe in a tweet in October 2017 that described the ageing leader as selfish and sick.

She was arrested in early November but was later released on bail after spending days in prison.

She had tweeted, We are being led by a selfish man and sick man, and posted a photo suggesting Mr. Mugabe is surviving on a catheter.

Mr. Mugabe, 93, was toppled in November after a military takeover ended his 37-year grip on power.

AFP reported that the court dropped the case after prosecutors failed to meet a deadline to say when they would be ready to proceed with a trial.

We are glad that the court has honoured its promise and removed our client from remand, Ms. ODonovans lawyer, Obey Shava told journalists.

I would not agree with the notion that there was any case in the first place.

The arrest of ODonovan and the seizure of her laptop in a dawn raid at her apartment came weeks after Mr. Mugabe appointed a cyber-security minister tasked with policing social media.

Ms. ODonovan would have faced up to 20 years in prison if convicted for subversion. She could also have faced a charge of undermining the authority of or insulting the president, which carries up to a year in prison.

Mr. Mugabes former deputy, now president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, abolished the portfolio when he appointed his own cabinet, which included former members of the military.

Ms. ODonovan, who was on bail, worked for Harare-based Magamba TV, which describes itself as a producer of political satire and comedy.
Closure of schools and offices across the U.S. have been announced on Wednesday while no fewer than 2,700 flights have been cancelled ahead of a major winter storm on Thursday, called a bomb cyclone.

The National Weather Service said many states could receive up to 12 inches of snow as blizzard conditions are expected to begin on Thursday in parts of Maine, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

The winter storm, forecasters said, would bring temperatures colder than Mars as the temperature at Mount Washington Observatory in New Hampshire would plunge to minus 37 degrees on Friday night into Saturday.

From Maine to Florida, every East Coast state has at least one weather advisory, winter storm watch, winter storm warning or blizzard warning.

At least 12 people in the U.S. have reportedly died this week in cold-related deaths in Wisconsin, Texas, North Dakota and Missouri.

Already, many state governors have announced closure of schools and offices over the threatening hurricane-force winter with wind gusts and blinding snow.

The bomb cyclone, expected to strike Thursday, would likely dump eight to 12 inches of snow in New York and hurl 40 to 60-metre per hour gusts.

New York sanitation workers are getting ready to deploy 2,200 ploughs to help clear the streets, Citys Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia, said.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced closure of schools due to the impending snowstorm while U.S. Senate would also not vote because of the winter storm.

Bone-chilling cold, intense snow would usher in another round of minus zero temperatures to New York City and Philadelphia would dip up to minus 22 degrees Celsius.

In Connecticut, where the storm is expected to hit after midnight, Governor Dan Malloy urged motorists to stay off the roads if possible.

In Massachusetts, snow is expected to fall at a rate of one to two inches per hour starting early Thursday, Governor Charlie Baker said.

About 12 inches of snow are expected in Boston, as well as the eastern and central parts of the state.

In southeast Massachusetts, forecasters said the day might start with freezing rain on the Cape and the islands, while by midday, a dip in temperatures may bring snow, high winds and possible flooding from astronomically high tide.

Freezing rain, sleet and snow are smothering parts of the Southeast states on Wednesday while deep freeze blew across South Carolina with some areas seeing five to six inches of snow.

South Carolina Governor, Henry McMaster, said more than 13,000 tonnes of salt had been scattered across the state, warning of dangerous conditions as evening temperatures were expected to remain below freezing through next week Monday.

In Georgia, Governor Nathan Deal issued a state of emergency for 28 coastal counties ahead of the storm.

Universities in the State of Florida were closed due to the unusually frigid conditions sweeping through the state.

(NAN)
Majority of Nigerians who participated in an opinion have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to resign as Minister of Petroleum Resources.

The call follows the fuel scarcity that lingered across the country through the festive season and which is still on in some states.

In the poll conducted by PREMIUM TIMES, 66.9 per cent of the 6,739 participants want the president to exit his position as minister.

Two years ago, the president appointed himself as the Minister of Petroleum Resources but named Ibe Kachikwu as the Minister of State for Petroleum.

Mr. Buhari said he took the step to enable him sanitise Nigerias oil industry of corruption through massive fraud and crude oil theft. He pledged to rid the industry of corruption and shady deals.

THE POLL

A total of 6,739 participants took part in the online poll which lasted over a week. The poll was conducted in a way that made it impossible for a respondent to vote more than once from the same computer or mobile device.

The participants were asked a single question: Should Buhari resign as petroleum minister?

While 66.9 per cent of the respondents (4,508) said Mr. Buhari should resign as petroleum minister, 24.5 per cent (1,650 respondents), said he should not.

About eight per cent of the participants (581 votes) said they dont care whether or not the president resigns as petroleum minister.

FUEL SCARCITY

Despite assurances by various government agencies and officials that the current fuel crisis will come to an end, the situation across the country has persisted as the scarcity bites harder.

This made some Nigerians not only experience a bleak Christmas but also forced thousands to sleep in filling stations to purchase the product.

The current fuel scarcity is the third under the All Progressives Party led federal government, with the party pleading with Nigerians to be patient with governments plans to restore normalcy in the petroleum sector.

The first major fuel scarcity under the administration was between September and December 2015. It witnessed long queues in filling stations while petrol was sold for almost double its usual price leading to an increase in transportation fare.

Another scarcity was in April/May 2016, which led to the fuel price increased by the federal government; from N87 to N145; an act which Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State called Buharis first year anniversary gift to Nigerians.

BUHARIS ROLE AS PETROLEUM MINISTER

According to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Act, besides exercising general supervision over all operations carried on under the NNPC, another major role of President Buhari as the Minister of Petroleum is to regulate the conservation and measurement of petroleum resources as well as regulate the prices.

The petroleum minister, according to the NNPC Act, is the Chairman of the NNPC. But upon being named Minister of State for Petroleum, Mr. Kachikwu assumed responsibilities of the Chairman of the Corporation, a development which over time stirred controversy.

In August 2017, Mr. Kachikwu wrote a letter to the president stating that he suffered many humiliating and disrespectful conducts from the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Maikanti Baru.

Parastatals in the ministry and all CEOs of these parastatals must be aligned with the policy drive of the ministry to allow the sector register the growth that has eluded it for many years. To do otherwise or to exempt any of the parastatals would be to emplace a stunted growth for the industry, he said.

The minister said he was being side-lined in the corporation as decisions were taken and contracts were approved without his consent.

Following the turbulence in the petroleum sector, a former Minister of Education and convener of the Bring Back Our Girls group, Oby Ezekwesili, advised the president to exit his position as petroleum minister. She also called for full deregulation of the sector.

Dear President .@MBuhari of @AsoRock It is not Rocket Science to FIX the Distortion in the Oil Sector. It is the underlying cause of the annual #FuelScarcity.

Its time to LET GO of the politically beloved petroleum sector. Sir, the SOLUTION is FULL DEREGULATION. Just. Do. It!

P @MBuhari, unleash the Productive Incentive that FULL DEREGULATION would bring to the Oil & Gas Sector of our economy immediately. Severe the umbilical cord that has tied up the sector in the knots of Politics. Free that sector NOW. End the poor governance & suffering, she said.

Similarly, Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist, Femi Falana, also called on the president to resign as petroleum minister. He advised that another Nigerian of proven integrity and competence be appointed to superintend the affairs of the ministry.

Having regard to the enormous responsibilities of the office of the Minister of Petroleum Resources and Chairman of the NNPC Board, President Buhari is advised to relinquish the ministerial position in view of his busy schedule and appoint another Nigerian of proven integrity and competence to superintend the affairs of the ministry.

If this advice is accepted in good faith and acted upon without any delay it would remove undue pressure on the health of the president and allow him to attend to urgent matters of the state, he said.
All stage is set for the Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu, and Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Maikanti Baru, to explain to the Nigerian Senate the reasons for the lingering fuel crisis.

The two top officials of the petroleum sector were on December 28, 2017 summoned by the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream).

The summon followed a directive by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, that the committee cut short its Christmas and New Year recess and immediately convene a meeting with industry stakeholders.

The Chairman of the Committee, Kabiru Marafa, last week announced that the two and other stakeholders in the petroleum sector have been invited to a crucial meeting on January 4, 2018.

The fuel crisis across Nigeria has been on for about one month, with officials giving various reasons for it.

The meeting is coming after majority of Nigerians who participated in an opinion poll conducted by PREMIUM TIMES asked President Muhammadu Buhari to resign as Minister of Petroleum Resources.

In another dramatic turn on the fuel crisis, the Senate in a statement by its spokesperson, Sabi Abdullahi, on Thursday said a statement allegedly credited to the Chief of Staff to the Federation, Abba Kyari, that oil marketers are being owed due to the failure of the Senate to sign a loan request from the executive was untrue.

Even though the Mr. Baru, on Wednesday declared that NNPC had successfully ended the fuel scarcity, latest monitoring reports by PREMIUM TIMES correspondents indicate that although queues have reduced in many areas, prices remain above the official N145 per litre.

Follow the live updates here:

Like we all know, Nigeria has witnessed another unfortunate incident of fuel scarcity. We were able to tame the monster since our government came to power but it reared its head again. 2017 witnessed a fuel scarcity Christmas. Kabir Marafa, Chairman Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream).

The meeting was convened by a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on petroleum.

Mr. Marafa noted that the meeting will only focus on the ongoing fuel crisis while other issues will be dealt with by other committees at appropriate times.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu, on behalf of President Buhari apologised to Nigerians on the fuel crisis.

People take advantage of situations like this and thats why there was hoarding as well as stealing of products meant for Nigerians  Kachikwu

The Senate committee probing the ongoing fuel crisis was thrown into a rowdy session as three people introduced themselves as presidents of the Independent Petroleum Marketers of Nigeria, IPMAN.

The first to have his name on record was Obasi Lawson while the two others, Sanusi Fari and Okoronko Chinedu, later introduced themselves as presidents of IPMAN.

I am Okoronko Chinedu, elected IPMAN Chairman affirmed by the Appeal Court two week ago, Mr. Okoronkwo said much to the surprise of the audience.

In a dramatic manner, Mr Fari, almost immediately, rose up to introduce himself also as IPMAN President.

Chairman of the Senate committee on Petroleum (Downstream) Kabir Marafa, called on the Permanent Secretary of IPMAN to meet with the three, have a common ground and present on their behalf.

Mr. Kachikwu said the Federal Government has always wanted to sell (crude) at the highest possible rate in the international market.

The country needs to get its refineries working, Mr. Kachikwu says on ways to forestall future occurrence of fuel scarcity.

Queues have dissapeared from filling stations for a week now,  Baru

News in the media, especially social media was one of the reasons why some marketers were hoarding the products. We tackled that by re-assuring Nigerians that there is enough of the products and there is no issue as far as increase of price is concerned.  Baru

Our surrounding countries are selling for not less than N300 and above. Countries like Cameroon sell for N407. That large price differential, N145 to N400, is a large prospect for smugglers.  Baru

Nigerians consume between 27 to 35 million litres of PMS per day  Baru

Due to massive diversion, hoarding, panic buying and smuggling, coupled with information that three DSDP consortia had rejected October cargoes, there was insinuation of a supply gap.  Baru

On efforts and steps taken so far, Mr. Baru said the NNPC has increased its surveillance in partnership with DPR and the Civil Defence Corps.

We directed 24 hours operation in all depots to ensure 24 hours loading of products.  Baru

Mr. Baru said the NNPC in response to the crisis brought in six extra cargoes, 300 million litres, as additional imports to increase the days sufficiency.

Up to 4,500 trucks of products were diverted. We are not just saying this, we have proof  Baru

We have re-activated and re-streamed the Kaduna and Port-Harcourt refineries. Kaduna has been contributing 3.25 million barrels per day and Port-Harcourt contributes 3 million  Baru

There were complains that IPMAN charged N133.28 per litre, although there was no evidence. If any member of IPMAN or DAPMAN was caught, they would have been sanctioned and their licences seized.

Mr. Baru listed some of the challenges of agencies under NNPC as follows:

PPPRA need to review the pricing template and landing cost.

National Assembly needs to appropriate monies for outstanding subsidy payment

NPA need to dredge more channels of low drafts for discharging fuel

PTD and NARTO complained that they have aged trucks, high duty tariff on spare parts as well as bad roads.

Unions complained of shortage of manpower and outstanding payments

CBN complained that LC processing time is too long and payments are delayed

Customs complained of cross-border smuggling in tanks, jerry cans and motor cycles.

On steps taken so far:

PTD/NARTO have helped the NNPC immensely during the crisis  Baru

PPPRA helped improve vessel clearance  Baru

JTF helped in reducing delays in checkpoints as well as curtailing theft in the Okrika jetty.

He recommended a continuous application of sanctions on erring marketers and sustenance of vigilance by regulators.

Insinuations that request of payment for DAPPMA is waiting in NASS is false. It is therefore not stated as part of the problem of fuel scarcity  Kabir Marafa

Some erring marketers have been apprehended  DPR Director, Ladan

If you are found hoarding, we will discharge your products free of charge but we have also found out that that is causing a problem. Nigerians will just go in, take fuel, go out to empty their cars and come in again  DPR Director, Ladan

If you are caught diverting we will charge you at the rate of N275 per litre and you must pay the government  DPR Director, Ladan

People should be calm, the panic buying will soon fizzle out. We are doing our best to salvage the situation  DPR Director, Ladan.

National Assembly wants a list of filling stations that have been caught hoarding, diverting or selling above normal price for stiffer penalty. List to be submitted by January 16  Kabir Marafa

Lack of sufficient reserve, clearance speed, diversion among other reasons were causes of the scarcity  Kachikwu

Currently, the landing cost of product is N170 to N171 and we sell at N145  Kachikwu

There has been a loose enforcement on diversion in the country. We have not been able to police our depots adequately  Kachikwu

We need to make marketers responsible for every tank of fuel up until point the point of delivery  Kachikwu

In moments of normalcy, we are fine. In moments of emergency, our system is slow to respond.  Kachkwu

We also need to adrress our refineries  Kachikwu

For us, the main issue is shortage in supply and that is also based on the fact that government is owing us N800 billion  Thomas Olawore, MOMAN Executive Secretary

Private sector did not start any rumour of increasing price of fuel  Thomas Olawore

Major players should be given major roles to play in the importation sector. Let the private sector participate  Thomas Olawore

The end result should be deregulation; so that in the long run, private sectors can come in and build more refineries  Thomas Olawore

There are several costs that are not captured in the templates; wharf landing and other charges. A particular state requested for 3 kobo on every litres. If other states do that the cost has increased  Thomas Olawore

Marketers must resume their role; importing 70% percent of products and leaving the 30% for NNPC  Dapo Abiodun of DAPPMA

He said the N800 billion being owed by the FG is as a result of delay in payment of subsidies and the debt is accruing interest. He said the contract marketers had with the government was to be paid subsidies within 45 days, but they get paid after a year.

We need to look at illegal exportation of petroleum products  Dapo Abiodun

At IPMAN, our concern is to access the products at approved government price and sell at approved government price  IPMAN Executive Secretary, Aminu Abdulkadir

Take note that those who sell above the normal price are not my members; their stations should not only be shut down but demolished  Aminu Abdulkadir

Chairman NARTO, Kassim Bataiya

Petroleum products is like every other commodity which is being affected by the forces of demand and supply  Chairman NARTO, Kassim Bataiya

He said erring marketers and filling stations should be traced to the root, thoroughly investigated before locking up the the filling stations

I dont think truck drivers are in charge of diversion of petroleum products  Kassim Bataiya

If the customs can prevent smuggling of bags of rice into the country, they should be able to prevent smuggling of petroleum products out of the country  Kassim Bataiya

He called for more support from the federal government as well as on customs duty charged on the trucks.

He also asked for tracking devices to be put on trucks

Our christian drivers didnt go home during the Christmas holiday because of the respect they had for me as chairman, that is why the queues have continually reduced  PTD Chairman Tijani Zubairu

The senators have been engaged in a question and answer session with the officials present.

Isa Misau asked Mr. Kachikwu if he has constant access to President Buhari who is the Petroleum Minister.

Mr. Marafa ruled that that the relationship between the two is personal and as such would not be answered by the minister.

I never sent a memo to the president on fuel scarcity in November or any other time. That is a fake news, Mr. Kachikwu said.

The N800 billion we are talking about (subsidy allegedly owed marketers) happened before we came into office  Kachikwu

Mr. Kachikuwu said he cannot guarantee when fuel scarcity will disappear
Three women on Thursday in Ado Ekiti, lamented as they gave details how their daughters were trafficked and sold to Libyan slave merchants under the guise that they were heading to Dubai for, good jobs.

They opened up on their ordeal at the state police command after the arrest of one Dada Ogundare, who allegedly facilitated their journey to the slave camp.

Mr. Ogundare was paraded alongside a supposed prophetess, Omoseeke Komolafe. They were said to have collected an undisclosed amount of money from the victims parents for the trip.

However, the suspects claimed that they only assisted the young ladies, one of whom was pregnant, to seek employment outside the country not knowing that they would end up as slaves.

The victims left Nigeria on November 25 by road through the desert instead of going by air as promised by the suspects.

They were also taken to Libya instead of Dubai, where they were reportedly sold as slaves.

Magareth Olorunfemi, one of the mothers of the victims, said they later learnt that their children only ended up being trafficked and sold to slave traders.

She said efforts were made to get the girls back, but the traffickers holding the girls had demanded N1.2 million each to free the girls.

She said herself and the prophetess were members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in a ward at Ikere Ekiti where the deputy governor also belongs.

Mrs. Olorunfemi disclosed that Ms. Komolafe told her daughter that the deputy governor had been given four slots to be given to children of party members in his ward to travel to Dubai with the payment of N150,000 to facilitate the trip.

She said she became worried after the kids embarked on the trip, when she did not hear from her daughter.

According to her, she later was able to speak with her daughter on December 10 who told her that she was in a slave camp in Libya.

My child called that the prophetess had sold her into slavery that we should go and meet the deputy governor, that we should get N1.2 million before they can be freed from slavery, Mrs. Olorunfemi said.

Feyisayo Adedayo, another parent who reportedly fell victim to the traffickers tricks, said her daughter is pregnant.

My daughter, Ayomiotan, spoke with me on the phone that they went through the desert and not by flight as they were promised, she said.

I dont have N1.2 million to send to them to free my daughter. (Ekiti State) Government should return my daughter to me with her pregnancy.

She (daughter) is my only girl and my last born. I reported the case at the police station in Ikere. I want my daughter back because Idont want her to die in slave camp.

The third woman whose daughter was also reportedly enslaved, Bukola Bamise, said she was shocked to learn that her daughter had been sold as a slave.

It was the deputy governor that said he wanted to use the four slots given to his ward to benefit our children but I was shocked to learn that they were camped somewhere and they had been sold as slaves, she said.

However, Mr. Ogundare, the suspected accomplice in the crime told reporters that he contacted the prophetess to help him find girls interested in jobs in Libya, suggesting that the prophetess only used the name of the deputy governor, to deceive the girls and their parents.

He also claimed he didnt collect any money from the victims.

Mr. Ogundare, who explained that his wife and younger sister were in Libya, added that he told the prophetess to inform the girls parents of their destination.

I didnt collect one naira from anybody, I have so far taken four persons to Libya while madam (prophetess) had taken nine persons to Libya, he added.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Julius Okoro, warned parents against allowing their children to embark on questionable trips.

The girls were trafficked to Libya on the pretext that they were taking them to Dubai, Mr. Okoro said.

Information reached their parents that they are suffering and they had been sold out in the slave camp in Libya.

One of the girls trafficked to Libya is pregnant but was rejected by those buying them because of her pregnancy. We understand that they are suffering seriously in Libya.

Our advice to parents is that they should be careful of those they entrust their children to. Let them be careful and be sure of the persons they are handing over their children to, he added.
A Federal Government Delegation has arrived Libya to commence mass evacuation of Nigerians stranded in the North African country home.

Sani Datti, the Head of Media and Public Relations, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr. Datti said the delegation was led by Geoffrey Onyema, Nigerias Minister of Foreign Affairs, accompanied by the Director-General of NEMA, Mustapha Maihaja and other heads of relevant agencies.

Mr. Datti said the delegation arrived Tripoli on Wednesday ahead of the actual evacuation operation expected to commence on Friday to transport stranded Nigerians with two indigenous carriers engaged for the exercises.

A total of 5, 037 stranded citizens have been identified for evacuation home.

The Nigerian mission in Libya is coordinating the identification of the Nigerian migrants with the support of the International Organisation for Migration.

They are being joined by a technical team for the evacuation exercise comprising representatives of all relevant agencies.

A reception centre has been established in Port Harcourt where the returnees on their arrival would be formally received and profiled before being transported to their various states, Mr. Datti said.

He said the evacuation exercises was being led by the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and coordinated by the National Emergency Management Agency with the involvement of all the relevant agencies.

Mr. Datti said that among the delegation are Sadiya Farouq, the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Julie Okah-Donli, the Director-General, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking.

Others are Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Comptroller-General, Nigerian Immigration Service, Muhammadu Babandede, and representatives of other security agencies.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the evacuation exercise was in line with the directives of President Muhammadu Buhari to evacuate all Nigerian nationals stranded in Libya and other countries. (NAN)
A spokesperson to the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has released a statement saying the governor was attacked in the state.

Robin Crusoe also said the Managing Director of BUAs Obu Cement Company, Yusuf Binji, has been declared wanted over the attack.

BUA and Dangote cement have been at loggerheads over the ownership of a mining site in Okpella, Edo State.

The state government asked that work stop on the site and on Wednesday led security officials there were two BUA staff were arrested for allegedly continuing work.

On Thursday, Mr. Crusoe quoted the police as saying that the attack on the governor was sponsored by Mr. Binji.

Details later

Read the full statement below.

The Nigeria Police have declared the Managing Director of BUAs Obu Cement Company, Yusuf Binji, wanted over an attack on the convoy of the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki.

Also attacked were some officials of the Edo State Government who were on the convoy of the Edo State Governor.

According to the police, the decision to declare Mr. Binji wanted became necessary as it had earlier received intelligence that BUA International Limited is sponsoring militias in Okpella, Edo State, where the company has a cement factory and mine sites.

These militias, the police said, were allegedly sponsored by Binji and his team to attack the convoy of the governor, cause harm and mayhem.
Some politicians and activists have disagreed with President Muhammadu Buhari on the question of restructuring he dismissed in his new year broadcast.

Mr. Buhari had during a nationwide broadcast, said that his view about agitations for restructuring was that Nigerias problems were more to do with process than the structure.

The politicians and activists expressed disagreement with the president in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Thursday.

Martin Onovo, a former presidential candidate of National Conscience Party, said Nigerias problems were not mainly about processes.

Nigerias problems are multifaceted including leadership, corruption and skewed structure. It is wrong to claim that the problems border mainly on processes, he said.

Mr. Onovo, however, urged the president to fulfill his campaign promises to Nigerians.

Joe Okei-Odumakin, the president of Women Arise for Change Initiative, said that there could never be a good process without a proper structure.

It is difficult to have a good process without a proper structure. It is a case of a software and hardware.

You put software in hardware. Nigeria must first get its structure right and a good process shall be added unto it, Okei-Odumakin.

Ehiz Omokhuale, the Lagos State Chairman of Civil Liberty Organisation, said processes should be means to the main objective of restructuring.

Any system needs a process, the process is not the destination as the president believes, he is postponing our evil day if he does not embrace restructuring.

The present system is over concentrating at the centre; it is a wasteful system for instance, the National Assembly and states. Our state governors are the richest set of humans on earth.

That is why most governors gravitate to the National Assembly after their tenure to combine the buffet, Omokhuale said.

Musa Umar, a Chieftain in the Kano Chapter of All Progressives Congress, urged Nigerians to understand the concept of restructuring.

The concept of restructuring is not well understood by Nigerians; it means different things to varied opinions, ranging from power devolution, resource control, federal character and zoning of the presidency and so on.

Whatever aspect of the Nigerian way of life we decide to restructure, it will come to naught if the processes are not right.

However, being a democratic nation, if it is the wish of the majority to restructure, then let it be, we cannot run away from it forever.

My fear is if we dont have an attitudinal change and we can not get the processes right, restructuring may fail, then what?,  Mr. Umar said. (NAN)
Thailand introduced a new procedure for men to whiten their penises.

Only a few days after the new procedure was publicised by Lelux hospital, located just outside of Bangkok in the province of Nonthaburi, 10 men have already undergone the treatment, a hospital representative told dpa.

It is so fast, thanks to social media. Now, people need to book the treatment a week in advance, said Popol Tansakul, Leluxs marketing manager.

A Facebook entry promoting the procedure posted on Wednesday by one of the hospitals representatives had received over 6,800 reactions and 22,500 comments as of Thursday.

Many of the comments involved women tagging their male partners to the post.

We use the same pigmentation laser equipment employed in other skin treatments.

All of the equipment received certification by Thailands Ministry of Public Health.

We are simply responding to our clients needs. Many of them have asked for treatments of specific areas, Tansakul added.

The hospital said a whitening treatment for females private part was pioneered half a year ago, with over 30 women having undergone the procedure.

There have been no complaints or reports of problems so far. All clients seemed happy, Popol said.

Report says one session of whitening laser treatment costs 4,990 baht (155 dollars). (dpa/NAN)
The Action Democratic Party (ADP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently rise up and tackle the activities of some Fulani militias engaged in the reckless murder of Nigerians in states like Ondo, Benue, Southern Kaduna and others.

This was contained in a statement issued by the partys spokesman for Lagos, Adelaja Adeoye, who said that the heinous crimes being perpetrated by these gangs are very inhuman and totally unacceptable.

ADP tasked the president to stop commiserating with the families of those killed alone and rise to the occasion to nip this menace in the bud. The party said it believes that justice for those killed will bring about some closure for their families.

The party also said that the president has been sentimental to this issue for so long and that this is not the attitude that citizens expect from the Commander-in-Chief who swore to protect the lives and property of the Nigerian people.

The security of lives and property of all Nigerians irrespective of their place of abode is the primary concern of government, Mr. Adelaja said. He added that the gory pictures and stories associated with these Fulani herdsmen killings are unimaginable and very worrisome.

ADP also said that the Abuja Kaduna highway and other spots have become flashpoints for kidnappers, urging the police to intensify efforts through added intelligence as regards curbing kidnapping around the country.

In the same vein, the party commended the police for the successes recorded so far in busting kidnapper gangs around the country and also commended the Lagos police command for their achievements in the fight against the dreaded Badoo cultists who have sent many people to their early graves.

The party urged President Buhari to make security matters a top priority.
The Minister of Communication, Adebayo Shittu, on Wednesday updated President Muhammadu Buhari on the approved procurement of two new satellites from China at the cost of $550 million.

Speaking to State House correspondents after a closed door meeting with the president in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Mr. Shittu said the China EXIM bank had agreed to pay the entire $550 million for the procurement of the satellites.

The minister explained that the initial agreement was that the China EXIM bank would provide 85 per cent of the total cost ($550 million) while Nigeria would pay the remaining 15 per cent as counterpart funding for the projects.

He, however, stated that as Nigeria could not be able to meet her obligation in paying the counterpart funding, the agreement was renegotiated with the China EXIM bank and the manufacture of the satellites, the China Great Walls.

Im in the Presidency to see Mr. President and to brief him on three major issues.

One, NICOMSAT, which is one of our agencies where we hope to procure two new satellites from China.

Initially the agreement was that they will provide the cost of the two satellites, $550 million minus 15 per cent which is the counterpart funding.

Because we could not afford this 15 percent, we have renegotiated with the China EXIM Bank and the China Great Walls who are the manufacturers and they have happily agreed to pay the entire $550 million to procure two new satellites, he said.

The minister stated that the new satellites would ensure that the Nigerian satellite company (NICOMSAT) would conquer the entire African continent in regard to the provision of satellite communication services.

He said that the Chinese had appreciated the potential market that existed in the satellite business in Nigeria and the African continent.

This is a very big business opportunity and I am sure that the Chinese appreciate the potential market which is so vast and that is why they have agreed that even without our ability to contribute 15 per cent they are prepared to pay the entire sum of $550 million for the procurement of the two new satellites for Nigeria, he added.

Mr. Shittu revealed that the production of the satellites would commence immediately the final agreements were signed.

He said: It takes two years to produce because it is when we sign the papers they will start production.

We hope that before the end of this month we will sign the papers and then they will commence the production. It is the completion of the production that the two satellites will be launched.

He added that Nigeria had nothing to lose because the country would not put anything into the project in terms of financial resources.

The president was excited and was not surprised because the Chinese are not just going to market our satellite to the entire African continent but also perhaps by legislation insists that all Nigerian entities must patronize the Nigerian satellite company rather than going to Israel, UK, US for satellite services.

Now we can say by our local content policy we must patronize Nigeria, he said

The major issue is not about employment but by providing satellite services to all companies which require it.

Currently most Nigerian companies and even Nigerian government establishments patronize foreign satellite companies. So the first thing is that we want to make profit, we want to capture the local market and we also want to capture the African market, he added.

The Minister also said he informed the President that he had been appointed as national chairman of the board of trustees of Muhammadu Buhari/Osinbajo Dynamic Support Group.

Mr. Shittu, who described President Buhari as Saviour of Nigerians, said the South-west zonal office of the campaign organisation of Buhari-Osinbajo would be inaugurated on January 20.

Every day since he came into office all his activities are geared towards letting Nigeria know that they have a saviour, a rescuer, somebody who is committed to providing relief for Nigerians in all respects.

These include fighting corruption, insurgency; whether in the North East or the Niger Delta; in the area of repairing the economy and providing jobs and providing social stability in the society.

You will agree with me that today but for Buhari Boko Haram would have invaded even Lagos.

The minister, who disclosed that President Buhari was yet to indicate interest on whether he will seek re-election in 2019, said his ardent supporters would continue to pressure him to seek re-election to enable him complete his good works to Nigerians.

He added: It goes without saying I mean if you have a child who goes to primary school does well, proceeds to secondary school does well, and you keep asking is he going to university?

By the grace of God, we his ardent supporters who appreciate his worth on behalf of millions of Nigerians, would urge him to re-contest.

I know he has not made up his mind but I can say that some of us can assist him in making up his mind so that Nigeria can continue to enjoy stability and progress in our land.

(NAN)
The Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has called on the federal government to stop politicising national security.

The governor said the inability of President Muhamnadu Buhari to personally take charge of the nations security and engage stakeholders on national security has made some APC leaders to politicise security.

The governor in a press statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Francis Agbo, on Wednesday, accused some APC chieftains of taking advantage of the dysfunctional federal structure to hijack the security architecture to torment innocent citizens for their selfish ends.

The governor said the wind of insecurity blowing across the nation, and particularly the upsurge in herdsmen/farmers are not unconnected to the politicisation of security by the federal government.

The governor warned that the country ceases to have a future if the federal government fails to urgently unite the people of Nigeria to avert the nationwide senseless killings, stressing that the country is more than ever before too divided and unstable under the APC- led federal government!

He called on President Buhari to personally handle security matters as well as engage with state governors to know the specific challenges in the various states.

Governor Dickson also called on the president to call his party leaders especially, those in Bayelsa State to order, saying they should desist from sponsoring insecurity in the sate.

He said some APC leaders in the state were using the name of the president to compromise security by intimidating security agencies, stockpiling arms and ammunition, killing and ransacking communities at will.

Mr. Dickson said he had formally reported the matter to the president and relevant authorities but said instead of bringing the perpetrators to book, the federal government not only shielded the criminals from prosecution but provided them with security.

The Governor said: These APC leaders exploit the fact that Mr President is not personally involved in the handling of national security to breach national peace and security. They know that he is not in charge of the critical issues of national security because he is not personally handling them the way he should.

So they take advantage of the Presidents attitude and the dysfunctional Nigeria state to intimidate and blackmail security agencies for their selfish interest and in the process, endanger the safety of lives and property of Nigerians. These APC leaders use the name of the President to sponsor criminals to unleash savage violence on innocent citizens.

Their aim is to cause panic and force them to align with them. A case in point is in Bayelsa State where some APC leaders hide under the protection of the Federal Government to stockpile arms and ammunition to maim and kill innocent citizens just to instill fear in them.

I have personally reported this to Mr. President and to the best of my knowledge, there has not been any decisive action from him or the Federal Government. Instead of prosecuting these criminals, the Federal Government has beefed up security around them. The politicisation of national security must stop for there can be no country without security!
The Adamawa Police Command on Thursday confirmed the arrest of a policeman who was alleged to have shot to death seven farmers in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the arrest followed a petition by a Civil Society Organization, Progressive Mind for Development Initiate.

The petition signed by the president of the CSO, Abubakar Abdulsalam, alleged that the officer, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, committed the offence on Nov. 23, 2017.

It indicated that the police officer, while in charge of Safer Highways Patrol Team, arrested the farmers who were working on their farms at the outskirts of Gombi town, tied and shot them to death.

The petition further alleged that the same officer had on April 30, 2016, while in charge of a police outpost in Kem village, Shelleng Local Government area of the state, killed four people suspected of committing robbery.

We as a concerned organization consider the act of the suspect (policeman) as an act against the provision of the Constitution and infringement on the fundamental rights of the people in question.

If such act is not checked it will continue to spread like wild fire and eventually Nigeria will be unsafe for its citizens, it added.

The spokesman of Adamawa Police Command, Othman Abubakar, said the policeman had been arrested and detained as investigation continues into the case. (NAN)
The Peoples Democratic Party has described the recent massacres in Benue, Rivers, Kaduna and other states as extremely wicked and horrifying.

While commiserating with the families of the victims, the opposition party asked the presidency and the ruling All Progressives Congress to search their conscience over the tragedies.

In a statement on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbodiyan, PDP said it was inexcusable that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC Federal Government failed to take measures that could have averted the killings, particularly in Benue State.

There were attacks on communities in Guma and Logo local government areas of Benue state between Monday and Tuesday which led to the death of at least 20 persons and many others injured.

Before the attacks, gunmen in Rivers State opened fire on people returning from the church in the early hours of New Year Day.

Also in Kaduna State, some persons were killed on Monday night in separate attacks on two villages in Sanga Local Government Area.

Following the attacks in Benue,angry youth and residents marched in protest on the street on Wednesday in Makurdi, the state capital. Some residents were seen fleeing the state with their properties.

PDP said the APC and the Presidency reacted to the incidents only after the PDP and well-meaning Nigerians took them to task.

The height of insensitivity of the APC Presidency became glaring in its reaction, wherein a media aide issued some apathetic and indifferent lines without any precise commitment towards bringing the perpetrators to book and assurances of adequate security to forestall a reoccurrence, the PDP said in the statement.

It called on the Presidency to have some soul-searching with regard to its silence and indifference whenever citizens fall under horrifying attacks.

What a way to start the new year? The sheer insensitivity of the APC Government has continued to cause our nation a lot of pain and sorrow.

Is it not only a careless and inept leadership like the APC government that will ignore the danger signs in any part of the country and leave its citizens defenseless, just to be massacred by marauders?

If the APC Federal Government had effectively acted upon the danger signs and had provided adequate security in flash points across the country, particularly in Benue state, north central and Southern Kaduna area, this massacre of Nigerians, who were already impoverished by the APCs misrule, could have been prevented.

Is it not a tragic trajectory of governance that while the APC Presidency was busy basking on its orchestrated New Year self-praise and empty promises, bandits were having a field day mowing down citizens in cold blood?

Is it not also an irony that when the government was prompted to react to the spate of killings, all its officials could do was to respond in a most indifferent, nearly unconcerned and almost without compassion manner?

Indeed, PDP aligns with Nigerians that the APC and the Presidency should have a serious soul searching on their clear indifference towards the persistent killings and maiming of citizens by bandits who constantly invade communities, slaughter the people and walk away with blood of our compatriots in their hands.

We insist that for the nation to be reassured, the Federal Government must show commitment by ensuring that the perpetrators of these killings are immediately brought to book and made to face the full wrath of the law.

Nigeria belongs to all of us; every citizen has a right to life and no man should take the life of another for any reason or under any guise whatsoever, the statement said.

The PDP commiserated with the families of the victims, and directed its members to assist and continue to pray for them.

The party also charged the military and other security agencies to leave no stone unturned to protect Nigerians.
Akwa Ibom State has a new Commissioner of Police. He is Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi.

Mr. Ogunjemilusi, who is the 23rd commissioner of police in the state, assumed duty on Monday.

It is my vision to make Akwa Ibom the safest state in the country, Mr. Ogunjemilusi told journalists at the police headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, adding that criminals would have it tough from him.

I have reviewed the security architecture of the state and had brainstorming sessions with my principal officers to reposition the Command for effective service delivery.

The Command, under my watch will be guided by three core principles of integrity, professionalism, and quality service delivery. This is in line with the vision of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim K. Idris. This is also in tandem with the vision of the state government to make the state great, the police chief said.

He promised to reorganise the police Anti-Cultism, Anti-Kidnapping, and the Anti-Robbery units, as well as the State Intelligence Bureau, and the Quick Response Squad in the state.

Community policing and respect for human rights will be our driving policing philosophies, the commissioner said while appealing for support from the people, the state government, and other security agencies.

Mr. Ogunjemilusi had served previously as the commissioner of police in Kogi State, the commissioner of police in charge of welfare at the force headquarters, Abuja, and commissioner of police in charge of INTERPOL in the country.

He holds a Masters degree in Public Order Studies from the University of Leicester, U.K, and a Masters degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos, Nigeria.
A local chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State, has resigned from the party, describing it as a colossal failure in the state.

Musa Elekwa, the Chairman of the APC in Etche Local Government Area of the state, sent his resignation letter on Wednesday to the state Chairman of the party, Davis Ikanya.

Mr. Elekwa said in the letter, The APC has been in power for about three years. I have not seen any positive change, rather things are getting worse for the country and the members of the APC.

I have been a victim of total neglect by the party and its leadership.

Considering the colossal failure of the APC to keep to its promises and the persistent battle with my conscience for betraying the people of Rivers State, I am compelled to make this decision and set my conscience free.

I am aware that elections are by the corner and another round of deceit by the APC will soon commence. I cannot again mislead the people of Etche and indeed the people of Rivers, he said.

Mr. Elekwa, in the letter, said the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state was performing well, and that he was returning to the party as a prodigal son.

When PREMIUM TIMES contacted Mr. Elekwa on phone, he explained that the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, abandoned him when he was at the hospital for a spinal cord operation.

He also said that the minister, who is the political leader of the APC in the state, refused to assist him with money to pay tuition for his son who was in the university in the U.K.

I am 69 years old, I am no more a kid, Mr. Elekwa said. Amaechi believes that as far the president (Buhari) is his father, human beings are nothing to him.

The state chairman of the APC, Mr. Ikanya, said the party was yet to receive Mr. Elekwas resignation letter.

Mr. Ikanya said other officials of the party in Etche had passed a vote of no confidence on Mr. Elekwa in December, and that his leaving the party must have been to save face.

He said Mr. Amaechi did much to help the former chairman.
The Independent National Electoral Commission on Thursday commenced training of National Youth Service Corps members for the controversial rerun senatorial election in Anambra Central District.

The election was in November scheduled for January 13. But a Federal High Court instead ruled that Obiora Okonkwo of the PDP be sworn in as senator representing the zone,

The election has been delayed by legal battles since the Court of Appeal sacked Uche Ekwuenife of the Peoples Democratic Party as winner of the seat on December 7, 2015.

According to the INEC head of publicity in Anambra State, Leo Nkife, the training exercise is an internal preparation by the commission and not in disobedience of any court order.

INEC is still studying the two judgement from the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court Abuja, he told Premium Times in Awka on Thursday.

We are a law-abiding agency and we are optimistic that with the resumption of work next week, the court will resolve every outstanding issue. What we are doing is an internal thing and every other thing after now is subject to the interpretation of the ruling by the two courts, he said.

INEC had scheduled the rerun election for January 13 without PDP on the ballot.

However, a judgement by Justice John Tsoho of the Federal High Court, Abuja later ordered the immediate swearing in of Obiora Okonkwo of the PDP who did not take part in the senatorial election in 2015.
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.




LAS VEGAS, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Las Vegas Review-Journal is proud to sponsor the 17th annual Las Vegas Jewish Film Festival (LVJFF), running Jan. 13  28, 2018. The longest running, most popular film festival in Nevada continues to present informative and entertaining contemporary global Jewish cinema for the entire community.

The host venue for the majority of the festival's films is the Adelson Educational Campus, 9700 Hillpointe Road, in Summerlin. Additional venues include Century Suncoast 16, Brenden Theatres Palms Casino Resort and Eclipse Theaters in downtown Las Vegas.

The opening night screening is the Las Vegas premiere of PBS American Masters production "Sammy Davis Jr.: I've Gotta Be Me," the first major film documentary to examine Davis' vast talent and his journey for identity through the shifting tides of civil rights and racial progress during 20th-century America. "Sammy Davis Jr.: I've Gotta Be Me" will be presented at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, in the Century Suncoast 16, 9090 Alta Dr with special guest moderator, Emmy Award winner Obba Babatunde.

Highlights of the 2018 LVJFF include "Ben-Gurion: Epilogue," the winner of the Best Documentary Feature at the 2017 Ophir Awards (the Israeli Oscars), "1945" a new award winning Hungarian post-Holocaust drama, and "Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story" about the beautiful and brilliant Jewish actress, winner of Best Documentary of the 2017 New York Film Critics, Online and San Francisco Jewish Film Festival.

All LVJFF films will be accompanied by the filmmakers, or related experts in the subject matter, who will provide introductions and moderate post-screening discussions with the audience. For complete LVJFF program schedule and ticket information visit www.lvjff.org.

"LVJFF shares insight into Jewish identity, history, and culture, and promotes solidarity with Israel and remembrance of the Holocaust. Everyone is encouraged to attend," said Joshua Abbey, the festival's director.

LVJFF is presented with major support provided by Desert Space Foundation, Adelson Family Foundation, Jewish Nevada, Israeli American Council, Adelson Educational Campus, National Endowment for the Humanities, Nevada Humanities and South Point Hotel Casino. Additional support is provided by Brenden Theatres, Eclipse Theaters, Imagine Communications, Jewish Community Center, Aliyah Media and the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

LVJFF individual screenings are hosted by Vegas PBS, Neon Museum, Israeli American Council, Jewish National Fund, Friends of Israel Gospel Ministries, Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project, Dam Short Film Festival, Anti-Defamation League, Black Mountain Institute/The Believer Magazine, Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada and Nevada Women's Film Festival.

Our 2018 LVJFF is dedicated to Heather Heyer who was killed while protesting against anti-Semitism and hate in Charlottesville, Virginia. May her memory be a blessing for love over hate.

2018 LVJFF PROGRAM SCHEDULE:

"Sammy Davis Jr.: I've Gotta Be Me" 1/13/18 | 7:00 PM | Century Suncoast 16

Hosted by Vegas PBS and Neon Museum

Moderated by Claytee White, Director, Oral History Research Center at UNLV Libraries with with Obba Babatunde, Actor and Sam Pollard, Director (via Skype)

"One Night in Anzeria" 1/14/18 | 1:00 PM | Adelson Educational Campus

Hosted by Israeli American Council

Moderated by Nir Caspi, Former Israeli Navy Seal

"Ben-Gurion: Epilogue" 1/14/18 | 3:00 PM | Adelson Educational Campus

Hosted by Israeli American Council

Moderated by (TBA)

"Look About You" 1/18/18 | 7:00 PM | Brenden Theatres, Palms Casino Resort

Hosted by Jewish National Fund and Friends of Israel Gospel Ministries

Moderated by Janet Wellish, Board President JNF with Ty Perry, G'sherim Trainer FIGM

"A Place of Hope" | "Pista" 1/21/18 | 3:00 PM | Adelson Educational Campus

Hosted by Dam Short Film Festival

Moderated by Barbara Tabach, Project Manager, UNLV Oral History Research Center with Holocaust Survivors Henry Kronberg, Ben Lesser and Stephen "Pista" Nasser

"1945" 1/25/18 | 7:00 PM | Brenden Theatres Palms Casino Resort

Hosted by Jewish Community Center

Moderated by Mark Hall-Patton, Museum Administrator, Clark County Museum System,

"Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story" 1/27/18 | 7:00 PM | Adelson Educational Campus

Hosted by Las Vegas Review-Journal

Moderated by Ed Cassidy, VP Marketing Las Vegas Review-Journal with Alexandra Dean, Director (via Skype)

"Wanderlust: Lesley Hazleton" 1/28/18 | 1:00 PM | Eclipse Theaters

Hosted by The Believer Magazine and Black Mountain Institute

Moderated by Kellen Braddock, Deputy Director, BMI and Publisher, The Believer Magazine with Lesley Hazleton

"Heather Booth: Changing the World" 1/28/18 | 3:00 PM | Eclipse Theaters

Hosted by Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada - Southern Nevada and Nevada Women's Film Festival

Moderated by Heather Booth and Lilly Rivlin, Film Director

Media Contact

Joshua Abbey, LVJFF Director

Las Vegas Jewish Film Festival

702-239-2277

[email protected]

SOURCE Las Vegas Review-Journal

Related Links

http://www.reviewjournal.com


WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals (60P) has received Fast Track designation from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for the investigation of Tafenoquine for prevention of malaria in adults.

A drug is designated as a fast track product "for the treatment of a serious or life-threatening disease or condition, and it demonstrates the potential to address unmet medical needs for such a disease or condition," 1 according to the FDA.

In December, 60P submitted a New Drug Application (NDA) to the USFDA for the use of Tafenoquine to prevent malaria in adults traveling to areas where the disease is prevalent.

Malaria, a life-threatening disease transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, caused an estimated 429,000 fatalities and 212 million clinical cases in 2015. 2 It poses a significant risk to millions of healthy individuals traveling in many parts of the world, including employees of non-governmental organizations, casual vacationers, industrial and business workers, and military forces. 3 Malaria cases among travelers returning to the U.S. have been trending upwards, with 84% of those infected requiring hospitalization. 4

"Finding acceptable drugs to safeguard travelers and deployed military personnel against malaria is a real problem," said Geoffrey Dow, Ph.D., CEO 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals.

We see Fast Track Designation as a next step toward marketing this product with a convenient weekly dosing regimen in the United States, and eventually around the world. It is our continued belief our dossier will receive priority review, thereby expediting the review of Tafenoquine. This better positions 60P for a priority review voucher (PRV) thus assisting 60P to acquire needed resources to launch Tafenoquine."

60P entered into a cooperative research and development agreement with the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity (USAMMDA) in 2014 to develop Tafenoquine as a weekly prophylactic drug for the prevention of malaria. Since malaria is the top infectious disease threat to U.S. Military service members overseas, the military maintains a robust anti-malarial drug development effort through internal research and commercial partnerships.

The NDA submission is a culmination of over 30 years of research and development with the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, from the discovery of Tafenoquine at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research through the current collaboration between 60P and USAMMDA.

A recent analysis of five clinical trials to assess the safety and tolerability of Tafenoquine has been published in Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease, a peer reviewed journal. The authors concluded that Tafenoquine appeared to be safe and well tolerated when the anticipated clinical regimen (ACR) was administered.

In all five studies, the majority of adverse events (AEs) were mild or considered unrelated to the study drug. For the full article, "Tafenoquine for malaria prophylaxis in adults: An integrated safety analysis," by Moreno et al., 2017, please go to: http://www.travelmedicinejournal.com/article/S1477-8939(17)30079-0/fulltext

About 60P

60P, founded in 2010, focuses on discovering, developing and distributing new medicines for treatment and prevention of tropical diseases, including malaria and dengue. 60P's mission is supported through in-kind funding from the United States Department of Defense. The company also collaborates with prominent research organizations in the U.S., Australia and Singapore. In addition, 60P has been funded by Knight Therapeutics Inc. (TSX:GUD), a Canadian specialty pharmaceutical company that obtained FDA approval for Impavido, a product for leishmaniasis, a tropical disease, and monetized a PRV. 60P is headquartered in Washington DC, with a subsidiary in Australia. Further information is available on the company's website, www.60degreespharma.com.

The statements contained herein may include prospects, statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on management's current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements.

The statements expressed herein are those of 60P and do not necessarily represent those of the United States Department of Defense or Department of the Army.

1 Guidance for Industry, Expedited Programs for Serious Conditions-Drugs and Biologics, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration, May 2014, http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/Guidances/UCM358301.pdf

2 CDC. 2017. Malaria Facts. https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/about/facts.html

3 WWARN. 2017. Antimalarial Drug Resistance http://www.wwarn.org/about-us/malaria-drug-resistance

4 Cullen KA, Mace KE, Arguin PM. Malaria Surveillance-United States, 2013 MMWR Surveillance Summary 2016:65 (No.SS-2);1-22 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.SS6502a1

CONTACT: Lois Kaufman, President

Integrated Marketing Services

[email protected]

609-683-9055 x203

SOURCE 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals

Related Links

http://www.60degreespharma.com


HASTINGS, Neb., Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Nebraska-based ALLO Communications (ALLO) announced today the purchase of the fiber network and customer contracts of Glenwood Telecommunications' (Glenwood) Hastings, Neb. operations.

"ALLO looks forward to operating the fiber network to serve the customers in Hastings with exceptional service and technology," said ALLO President Brad Moline. "We will be an active member of the Hastings community and will soon expand our fiber network to serve more homes and businesses' with exceptionally fast internet and superior telephone and television services. We are encouraged by the city's recent approval to acquire utility poles that ALLO may be able to lease to build a network passing every business and home to create a world-class, gigabit city."

Regulatory approval is expected from the Nebraska Public Service Commission in early 2018 for ALLO to begin operating the Glenwood network in Hastings, at which time Glenwood's customers will begin migrating to ALLO's services and network.

"Glenwood has enjoyed serving the broadband and telecommunications needs of its Hastings customers and will continue to do so through the transition," said Glenwood General Manager Stan Rouse. "This will not impact our IT services and business telephone systems as we will continue as your provider in Hastings."

Existing customers will be contacted by ALLO and Glenwood with information regarding the transition.

Hastings businesses not being serviced by Glenwood can contact ALLO at 402.834.1401 for a customized quote and to discuss solutions. In the future, ALLO will announce the timing and services for Hastings' residential gigabit solutions.

About ALLO Communications

Founded in Imperial, Neb. in 2003, ALLO, a Nelnet company (NYSE: NNI), specializes in providing world-class communications services by creating gigabit communities. In 2004, ALLO began building its first fiber communities, and today provides ubiquitous fiber networks in seven communities supported by more than 500 associates. ALLO provides broadband, telephone, and video solutions to businesses, residents and governmental entities over fiber networks. ALLO currently has operations in Lincoln, North Platte, Ogallala, Bridgeport, Scottsbluff, Gering, and Alliance, Neb., and Fort Morgan, Colo. AlloCommunications.com

(code #: nnig)

SOURCE ALLO Communications

Related Links

http://AlloCommunications.com


AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Ambiq Micro, the pioneer in ultra-low power solutions, today announced a partnership with DSP Concepts Inc., a global developer of embedded digital signal processing audio solutions and specialist in voice UI technologies, and Sensory Inc., the leading provider of embedded artificial intelligence (AI) and speech recognition technologies. Together, the three companies are demonstrating a new level of energy efficiency in always-on keyword detect and on-device command phrase recognition for portable consumer products including smartwatches, earbuds, smart home end devices, health monitors, and wearables.

Voice control is radically transforming the way consumers interact with their electronic devices, whether at home, at work, or on-the-go. Until the development of Sensory's TrulyHandsfree and DSP Concepts Audio Weaver Voice UI, it has been very difficult to add highly accurate, always-listening voice control to battery-powered devices without sacrificing the user experience or battery life. The Apollo family of microcontrollers built on Ambiq Micro's patented Subthreshold Power Optimized Technology (SPOT) further enhances the power efficiency of TrulyHandsfree and Audio Weaver UI while still providing ideal always-listening wake word and voice control performance for today's ultra-low-power devices.

By combining Sensory's Low Power Sound Detector (LPSD) and TrulyHandsfree wake word and command phrase detection with DSP Concept's quiescent sound detection, beamforming, and noise reduction, Ambiq Micro's Apollo2 microcontroller is able to achieve highly accurate key phrase detection rates while consuming 4x lower power consumption compared to existing solutions. This power and performance efficiency enables high-quality, multi-microphone beam forming and noise reduction algorithms to run for more than a week using a CR2032 battery.

"We're thrilled to partner with industry leaders DSP Concepts and Sensory to enable energy-efficient, high-quality and seamless interactions for consumers as they increasingly engage with voice-operated appliances," said Aaron Grassian, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Ambiq Micro. "More and more innovative products are embracing voice-enabled user interfaces and, together, we're delivering the ultra-low power capabilities to bring true always-listening and always-on voice control to battery-powered intelligent devices."

"Ambiq Micro's SPOT-enabled devices have given us a platform to showcase the quality of our Audio Weaver Voice UI to focus on the user's commands at ultra-low power levels," said Dr. Paul Beckmann, Founder and CTO of DSP Concepts, Inc. "The combination of the power efficiency and audio quality of our technologies is the most important factor in driving a frictionless user experience and a new level of adoption in the market."

"TrulyHandsfree was specifically developed to enable highly-accurate and noise robust wake word and voice key phrase recognition on ultra-low-power applications," said Bernie Brafman, VP, business development at Sensory. "As devices continue to get smaller, so will the batteries within them. We are pleased to team up with Ambiq and DSP Concepts to provide a solution that will enable more companies to add TrulyHandsfree always-listening voice capabilities to their power-constrained applications."

Ambiq will be demonstrating SPOT-enabled ultra-low power voice control solutions at the Consumer Electronics Show 2018 (CES) on Tuesday, January 9, through Friday, January 12, at the Renaissance Hotel Las Vegas, Suite 532. For an appointment, please contact [email protected].

About Ambiq Micro

Ambiq Micro was founded in 2010 on the simple yet powerful notion that extremely low-power semiconductors are the key to the future of electronics. Through the use of pioneering ultralow-power technology, innovative companies around the world are developing differentiated solutions that reduce or eliminate the need for batteries, reduce overall system power and maximize industrial design flexibility. Ambiq Micro has developed breakthrough technology based on its patented Subthreshold Power Optimized Technology (SPOT) platform that dramatically reduces the amount of power consumed by semiconductors, thus making its integrated circuits (ICs) an ideal solution for energy-critical applications. Ambiq Micro is headquartered in Austin, Texas.

About DSP Concepts

DSP Concepts, Inc. provides embedded audio digital signal processing solutions delivered through its Audio Weaver platform. Audio Weaver's versatility and flexibility allow it to achieve superior performance from any combination of components. DSP Concepts specializes in microphone processing as well as playback processing, and is the leading supplier to top tier brands in automotive and consumer products. Founded by Dr. Paul Beckmann in 2003, DSP Concepts is headquartered in Santa Clara, California.

About Sensory Inc.

Sensory Inc. creates a safer and superior UX through vision and voice technologies. Sensory's technologies are widely deployed in consumer electronics applications, including mobile phones, automotive, wearables, toys, IoT and various home electronics. With its TrulyHandsfree voice control, Sensory has set the standard for mobile handset platforms' ultralow-power "always listening" touchless control. To date, Sensory's technologies have shipped in over a billion units of leading consumer products.

SOURCE Ambiq Micro
SAN DIEGO, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Ameranth, Inc. announced today that it has yet again and for the fourth and fifth times, defeated multiple new/additional Defendants attempts to invalidate Ameranth's 8,146,077 - the `077 patent, as well as defeated their attempts at achieving their perceived 'non infringement' arguments via their proposed incorrect 'claim constructions'. Ameranth has also defeated their latest attempt to further delay their infringement trials. Judge Sabraw has rejected their latest delay tactics and on December 14, 2017 he lifted the long stay of the case and set firm trial dates.

The Markman 'Claim Construction' Ruling which just issued last week on December 28, 2017 was highly favorable for Ameranth. Additionally, Grubhub Holdings Inc. and Hyatt Hotels specific 'non infringement' arguments were also entirely defeated. Ameranth also recently defeated Starbuck's harassing CBM petition - the fourth filed against the `077 patent since 2013. To the best of Ameranth's knowledge, the '077 patent is the only patent in the world that has survived four CBM petition challenges within the USPTO AIA System, including all possible invalidity grounds and with 100% success. The `077 patent includes multiple award-winning technology functionality for e.g. hospitality food/drink ordering/delivery, restaurant, hotel reservations, event ticketing, payment processing, wait-listing, loyalty/frequency etc. as part of an overall synchronized system.

"We are very pleased to have defeated all of the infringing Defendants further attempts to invalidate our `077 patent and/or attain their perceived 'non infringement' claim constructions. While our patent licensees have ethically paid their license fees for years, these Defendants have been allowed to infringe our novel inventions for far too long now- through various intentional 'delay tactics'. However with trial dates now firmly set, Ameranth is very confident that the juries will recognize and further confirm the validity of Ameranth's patents - just as the Patent Office has done over and over again and award Ameranth the substantial damages that it is owed for their longstanding intentional infringement of Ameranth's `077 patent," stated Vern Yates, Ameranth's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

The Pizza Company Defendants will proceed to trial first. Pizza Hut and their technology supplier, Quikorder Inc. of Chicago, Illinois will go to trial first, starting on September 4, 2018. Quikorder also provides its technology to Godfather's Pizza, Casey's General Stores and more. Papa John's Inc., and Domino's Pizza Inc., will follow within two weeks of the completion of the first trial.

The Food Ordering Company Defendants trials will occur in December 2018 and Grubhub Holdings Inc. - which owns Seamless Inc. will proceed to trial first on December 4, 2018. Mobo/OLO, Onosys/Splickit, and Starbucks will follow.

The Hotel Defendants, Travel Aggregator Defendants, Ticketing Defendants and the Misc. Defendants will proceed to trial in 2019. These additional Defendants include: Marriott Hotels, Hilton Hotels, Starwood Hotels, Best Western Hotels, Hyatt Hotels, Expedia, Orbitz, Hotels.com, Hotel Tonight, Travelocity, Orbitz, Hotwire, Kayak, TicketMaster, Live Nation, Stubhub, Fandango, Ticketfly, Eventbrite, Ticketbiscuit, Apple, Oracle/Micros, ATX- Tabbed Out, Agilysis, Usablenet and Opentable.

Based upon (1) Ameranth's well established patent licensing rates, (2) the patent validity period of the `077 patent, from March 27, 2012 through September 21, 2019 and (3) publicly available financial information only , it is estimated that many of the Public Defendant Companies will owe damages exceeding $50M/each for their infringement of the `077 patent. Most of these public companies have not advised their shareholders of the very material damages they face ahead.

Further, Ameranth has two additional issued patents, 9,009,060 and 9,747,651 and another two patents pending. These additional issued/pending patents have another decade or more of patent validity life. Ameranth's newest patent, the `651 patent was just awarded to Ameranth on August 29, 2017. It's (IAA)  'Intelligent Automated Assistant' inventive functionality is expected to soon become widely used in the Hospitality Market, as 'Chatbots' and other related 'artificial intelligence' functionality continues to expand and evolve.

Ameranth's direct 'data synchronization' licenses now number 48 (with dozens of 'sub-licensees'), - (representing/including more than 25 nationally recognized, large restaurant chains including Dunkin Donuts, Burger King, Jersey Mike's Subs, BJ's Pizza and Taco Bell), (totaling more than 50,000 deployed locations, which are in various stages of roll-out). Ameranth has also signed patent license agreements with Tillster Inc, Xpient Solutions Inc, EMN8, ORDIT, Cognizant Inc., Monkeymedia, Splickit, Radiant, Red-Fork, Menusoft, Nu-Order, Tap to Eat, (RRT) Restaurant Revolution Technologies, Cardfree, Netwaiter, Brink Software, Savory Mobile, Skywire Media, Cardfree, Chownow, Compelcart, Xpient, Munchaway, OrderBee LLC, Meplus1 LLC, Par Inc., Squirrel Inc., Subtledata, Comcash, Snapfinger, My Check LLC, Fork LLC as well as others and is in discussions to provide licenses to several additional hospitality industry product/service providers. Further, many other companies in the hospitality market that are now deploying mobile ordering/payments and related functionalities have yet to license Ameranth's patents.

About Ameranth, Inc.:



Ameranth, Inc. (http://www.ameranth.com) is a recognized leader in the hospitality technology market, having been featured in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Chicago Sun Times, USA Today, Business Week, US News & World Report, Nation's Restaurant News, Hospitality Technology, TIME, CNNfn, San Diego Union Tribune, and numerous other prestigious publications. Ameranth has also been awarded or participated in twelve technology/"best product" awards.

Tel: (888) AMERANTH Fax: (866) 268-9870 (www.ameranth.com)

SOURCE Ameranth, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.ameranth.com


ALLENTOWN, Pennsylvania, January 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Company Plans to Reduce Authorized Number of Shares by 70%

American Energy Partners, Inc. (OTC: AEPT) (the "Company", "American Energy" or "AEPT"), a diversified energy company, today announces that it intends to reduce the amount of authorized shares from five (5) billion to one and a half (1.5) billion authorized shares.

American Energy's CEO, Mr. Brad Domitrovitsch states, "The Company has strategically planned this vast reduction in authorized shares so that it has the full confidence to execute on its business plan of growth through acquisitions. Restricted stock will be a key feature in our deal structure as we move to complete vertically integrated deals in the energy space." Mr. Domitrovitsch went on to say, "American Energy's planned capital raise should satisfy our need for proper working capital and acquisition demand funding, we feel that 1.5 billion shares will be sufficient moving forward."

The Company anticipates the reduction of authorized shares to be complete by early February.

American Energy Partners, Inc. (AEPT)



AEPT and its group of companies focus on providing solutions in markets where energy production and water meet technology. Collectively, the subsidiaries are engaged in the energy sector as well as the design, construction and operation of regional water treatment facilities that serve the industrial, energy and government sectors.

Hydration Corporation of PA, LLC ("HCPA") is engaged in the businesses of water exploration, water augmentation, and the treatment of impacted waters. Notably, its intellectual property delivers one of the highest energy yields from a broad range of water-bearing assets, with one of the lowest capital expenditures of any other known water processes. American Energy Solutions, LLC provides treatment technologies that contribute to HCPA's business model of low-cost treatment and distribution. As a provider of design, this subsidiary is capable of repeatable and synergistic services across the value chain. Gilbert Oil & Gas Company is leveraging broad industry valuation experience to source drilling, operating, and partnership opportunities in the upstream oil and gas space. It is positioned to become a strong customer of AEPT's other subsidiaries while providing them with the foundation to attract other customers and enter new markets.

For additional information, visit: http://americanenergy-inc.com

Safe Harbor

This press release contains forward-looking statements, particularly as related to, among other things, the business plans of AEPT, statements relating to goals, plans and projections regarding AEPT's financial position and business strategy. The words or phrases "would be," "will allow," "intends to," "may result," "are expected to," "will continue," "anticipates," "expects," "estimate," "project," "indicate," "could," "potentially," "should," "believe," "think", "considers" or similar expressions are intended to identify "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements fall within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934 and are subject to the safe harbor created by these sections. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, involve known and unknown risks, a reliance on third parties for information, transactions or orders that may be cancelled, and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in our industry, to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results include risks and uncertainties related to the fluctuation of global economic conditions, the performance of management and our employees, our ability to obtain financing, competition, general economic conditions and other factors that are detailed in our periodic reports and on documents we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements made herein are as of the date of this press release and should not be relied upon as of any subsequent date. AEPT cautions readers not to place undue reliance on such statements. AEPT does not undertake, and AEPT specifically disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect occurrences, developments, unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statement. Actual results may differ materially from AEPT's expectations and estimates.

Company Contact:

[email protected]

+1-610-217-3275



SOURCE American Energy Partners, Inc.
If you haven't heard of Bitcoin before, Bitcoin is an online digital currency that works very similarly to The Internet many of us use every day. It is decentralized, encrypted, and can send funds around the world in seconds, much like sending an email. Bitcoin has no CEO, central bank, or government controls, again, like The Internet. And it's open-sourced design allows developers from around the world to improve the protocol every day with state-of-the-art security measures, coding, and user applications.

"What Bitcoin is doing hasn't been seen since The Internet, itself," says Evander Smart, Founder

of Bitcoin University. "Bitcoin is creating investment value that traditional options simply can't

match and provides financial avenues that can help literally billions of people around the world

who are currently 'unbanked.' With any Internet connection, Bitcoin literally makes you into

your own bank!"

Smart has been involved with Bitcoin since 2013, after leaving his job as a banker on Wall

Street. He has spent the last four years writing almost 1000 articles about the digital currency,

while being paid in Bitcoin, and he trains people around the world in what he likes to call "The

Future of Money." Smart has now built an online platform, called Bitcoin University, to help

anyone get started using Bitcoin, quickly and easily.

"Bitcoin is literally digital cash, and in the years to come, we will all be using digital cash

instead of physical cash. Bitcoin University reveals how anyone can get started using Bitcoin

quickly and easily, and exposes what it can and cannot do. Those who use digital currencies now

can profit handsomely by getting ahead of this curve. You will be using digital currencies sooner

or later, so why not make 2018 your year to enter "The Future of Money?" Bitcoin University

makes it simple. If you can copy and paste, we can show you how to begin using Bitcoin today."

Bitcoin University provides free videos to help new users understand Bitcoin fast. Visit

bitcoinuniversity.io to receive a free video on how to start accepting Bitcoin in just 3 minutes. Or

visit bitcoinuniversity.net for more free Bitcoin infomation.

About Bitcoin University: Started in 2015, Bitcoin University provides free and premium

educational content about Bitcoin and the world on decentralized digital currencies. It offers

eBooks and videos that can help anyone feel comfortable with this new technology by removing

the technical jargon and making Bitcoin understandable for anyone.

SOURCE Bitcoin University

Related Links

http://www.bitcoinuniversity.net


NEW YORK, Jan. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05262353



This research service focuses on power cable non-conducting materials including insulation materials and jacketing materials in the Asia Pacific region. The timeframe covered by the research is 2013 to 2023, the base year being 2016. The market is forecast from 2017 to 2023.



Research Scope

Regions: The regions studied under the scope of this research service include China, Japan, South Korea, India, ASEAN and the rest of Asia-Pacific encompassing South Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand.



Energy demand in the Asia-Pacific region is estimated to double by 2030 and renewable energy sources are likely to play an extremely important part in supporting the demand growth. For instance, India has ambitious plans to install 275 GW of renewable energy by 2027.



China, a world leader in wind energy generation, is looking to triple its solar power capacity by 2020. With regional co-operation for power production and trade in the offing, huge opportunity exists for the power cable market. Countries such as China, India and the ASEAN region have invested heavily in unconventional and clean energy.



Among the factors influencing the power cable materials market include the robust growth in energy demand from the Asia-Pacific region, a region that is energy-starved with very low per capita consumption compared to Europe and North America. Growing industrialization and strong GDP performance have been paralleled by the surging need and demand for electricity in South Asia and South East Asia. China has surpassed the United States in terms of energy consumption and is witnessing continued growth in its appetite for energy.



Regional Trends: Traditionally, the power cable materials market has been dominated by China. China is the largest producer as well as consumer of insulation and jacketing materials and is home to a number of European and North American material manufacturers as well as cable manufacturers.



Japan and South Korea, on the other hand, are mature economies with comparatively slower growth. The market in these countries is driven by replacement cable demand.



Research Highlights



Products: Insulation materials have been segmented by products into PVC, XLPE, fluoropolymers, EPR and others.



Jacketing materials have been segmented into various products such as PVC, PE-based materials (include LDPE, HDPE, LLDPE, CPE and so on), TPU and others.



Power Cable Types and Applications: The market has been analyzed by the different power cables such as low voltage (LV), medium voltage (MV), high voltage (HV) and extra high voltage (EHV). Each cable type has been further analyzed with respect to their applications as well as the insulation and jacketing material employed.



Applications analyzed for EHV and HV cables are underground and sub-sea cables. Applications for MV cables are railway and rolling stock, transmission, oil and gas, hydro, thermal and industrial. Applications analyzed for LV cables include residential and commercial buildings, railway and rolling stock, distribution, industrial, oil and gas, hydro, thermal and others.



Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05262353



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



__________________________

Contact Clare: [email protected]

US: (339)-368-6001

Intl: +1 339-368-6001

SOURCE Reportlinker

Related Links

http://www.reportlinker.com


LINCOLN, Neb., Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- AuctionTime.com brought a new all-time record in gross auction proceeds for 2017, selling more than $623 million in equipment (over 76,300 individual assets) from more than 2,600 sellers in total for the year. The online-only auction platform, which focuses primarily on construction and agriculture equipment, commercial trucks, and trailers, is a product of Sandhills Publishingthe Nebraska-based company behind Machinery Trader, TractorHouse, Truck Paper, RentalYard, and numerous other brands.

Qualified sellers list equipment on AuctionTime.com, including detailed descriptions, photos, and videos. Registered bidders browse upcoming auctions in the weeks ahead of the sale date, contacting sellers directly for more information and to inspect equipment in person as needed. Listings are also advertised online through Sandhills' retail websites (MachineryTrader.com, TractorHouse.com, and TruckPaper.com) and in print in regional weekly editions of the AuctionTime print magazine for up to four weeks ahead of the auction. Online auctions are held every Wednesday with no buyer fees and no hidden reserves; bidding opens on Tuesdays to hundreds of thousands of registered bidders worldwide.

In addition to flexible access to its weekly auction platform, AuctionTime also provides sellers with a suite of cloud-hosted business apps for everything from customer and inventory management to asset valuations and automatic invoicing after the sale.

Since its launch in 2010, AuctionTime has seen an exponential increase in the volume of equipment moving through the website in its weekly timed auctions. In December of 2017 alone, the platform sold over $109 million (GAP) in equipment over four straight multi-day sales to cap a record-breaking year.

"The 2018 forecast for AuctionTime shows even more opportunity for both small- and large-scale auctioneers, especially in the way of consignments," explains Sandhills' Director of New Products Evan Welch. "As the number of buyers and sellers participating in our weekly auctions continues to rise, we've seen a substantial increase in demand among dealers, manufacturers, and end users looking to consign equipment through AuctionTime.com. With the high rate of growth, we are in search of more quality auctioneers eager to leverage the reach and utility of this powerful platform to sell equipment worldwide in the year ahead."

Auctioneers looking to capitalize on the strong outlook for machinery auctions in the construction, agriculture, and commercial trucking industries can contact AuctionTime directly to learn more.

About AuctionTime.com

Powered by Machinery Trader, CraneTrader, Truck Paper, TractorHouse, and MarketBook, AuctionTime.com is a product of Sandhills Publishingan information processing company headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska. AuctionTime equipment listings appear both online and in print across Sandhills' trade publications and corresponding websites to reach buyers around the world in the trucking, agriculture, construction, and heavy equipment industries.

Contact Us:

120 West Harvest Drive

Lincoln, NE 68521

[email protected]

(800) 334-7443

(402) 479-2119

SOURCE AuctionTime.com
CAMPBELL, Calif., Jan. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Barracuda Networks, Inc. (NYSE: CUDA), a leading provider of cloud-enabled security and data protection solutions, today announced it has acquired PhishLine, LLC, a leading SaaS platform for social engineering simulation and training. Combining Barracuda's AI-driven protection against phishing and spear phishing with PhishLine's platform gives customers comprehensive defense against email-borne targeted attacks and social engineering.

Email remains the most targeted threat vector and one that requires both security technology and the human layer of defense. PhishLine offers data analytics and reporting to allow customers to measure and report on risks at macro and micro levels across the human and process layers. With this transaction, Barracuda combines gateway security, data protection, AI-based targeted threat protection, and user awareness training to deliver comprehensive protection against email-borne threats.

"Security awareness training is an important and quickly evolving area, particularly with increasingly targeted attacks making the human element a critical link in the security value chain," said BJ Jenkins, president and CEO at Barracuda. "PhishLine has a culture of developing innovative email protection solutions, including social engineering and data analysis offerings. Combining the power of the Barracuda security technologies with PhishLine's capabilities gives us the opportunity to deliver integrated, adaptive security training aimed at preventing email security threats."

"An effective security strategy demands a collaborative effort between the employees using the network and the security technology designed to protect it," said Mark T. Chapman, president and CEO at PhishLine. "Barracuda's innovations around targeted attacks, AI, archiving, and data protection complement PhishLine's solutions well. Our combined strengths offer a comprehensive, data-driven approach to help customers fight smarter, mitigate risks, eliminate threats, and gain greater peace of mind."

Email threats continue to become more targeted, making a multi-layered approach critical in successfully protecting targeted employees, applications, and data. With this acquisition, Barracuda offers a broad solution against email-borne targeted attacks and social engineering. Highlights include:

Comprehensive email protection  Barracuda provides customers comprehensive protection against email-borne threats to their businesses, including email security, data resiliency, and business continuity.

Barracuda provides customers comprehensive protection against email-borne threats to their businesses, including email security, data resiliency, and business continuity. Protection for people, brands, and businesses  The breadth of Barracuda's security portfolio and AI platform integrated with PhishLine's aggregated data insights and training capabilities creates a powerful combination to protect customers' technical assets, people, brands, and businesses.

The breadth of Barracuda's security portfolio and AI platform integrated with PhishLine's aggregated data insights and training capabilities creates a powerful combination to protect customers' technical assets, people, brands, and businesses. Continued email security innovation leadership  Barracuda was the first email security company to add advanced AI to address spear phishing and cyber fraud. The PhishLine capabilities offer customers the ability to further improve security process, accuracy, and effectiveness.

Barracuda was the first email security company to add advanced AI to address spear phishing and cyber fraud. The PhishLine capabilities offer customers the ability to further improve security process, accuracy, and effectiveness. Protecting customers of all sizes  Barracuda's solutions are full featured, yet elegantly simple, making them suited to protect organizations of all sizes.

PhishLine is recognized as a Visionary within Gartner's Magic Quadrant for Security Awareness Computer-Based Training1 based on its completeness of vision and ability to execute. PhishLine has three issued and eight pending patents for its SaaS platform, which includes multivariable attack simulations across email, text message, voice, and USB/mobile media; best-in-class data capture, analytics and reporting; and continual, complex analysis of employee performance.

1- Gartner, "Magic Quadrant for Security Awareness Computer-Based Training," Joanna G. Huisman, 26 October 2017.

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

About Barracuda Networks, Inc. (NYSE: CUDA)

Barracuda (NYSE: CUDA) simplifies IT with cloud-enabled solutions that empower customers to protect their networks, applications and data, regardless of where they reside. These powerful, easy-to-use and affordable solutions are trusted by more than 150,000 organizations worldwide and are delivered in appliance, virtual appliance, cloud and hybrid deployment configurations. Barracuda's customer-centric business model focuses on delivering high-value, subscription-based IT solutions that provide end-to-end network and data protection. For additional information, please visit barracuda.com.

Barracuda Networks, Barracuda, and the Barracuda Networks logo are registered trademarks of Barracuda Networks, Inc. in the US and other countries.

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement contains forward-looking statements related to our strategy and potential benefits of the PhishLine products and technology including security awareness training, data analytics and product integration, the potential benefits of Barracuda email security products, and the potential benefits of the combined solution. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are, in some cases, beyond the Company's control and that could cause the Company's results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could materially affect the Company's business and financial results include, but are not limited to customer response to the Company's products, as well as those factors set forth in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update the forward-looking information to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date of this press release.

Contacts

Investor Relations: Maria Riley; 415-217-7722; [email protected]

Public Relations: Jesse Kimbrel; 408-342-5683; [email protected]

SOURCE Barracuda Networks, Inc.

Related Links

https://www.barracuda.com


STAMFORD, Conn., Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- BlockTower Capital, a leading institutional cryptocurrency investment firm, today announced that Michael Bucella has joined as the new Global Head of Strategic Partnerships and Business Development.

Bucella joins BlockTower from Goldman Sachs, where he held a series of leadership roles since 2008, most recently in the Securities Division with responsibility for the Multi-Asset Sales & Trading business in Canada and for leading efforts to expand this strategy globally.

"We are thrilled to have Mike join our team at a pivotal time for the cryptocurrency market," said Matthew Goetz, Managing Partner and CEO at BlockTower. "As this global, important new industry becomes increasingly institutionalized, Mike's invaluable experience at the intersection of markets, strategies, and investors will help BlockTower continue on its growth trajectory and continue to serve its clients and partners."

Previously, Bucella helped lead Goldman's Institutional Global Equities business, and prior to that, was part of the firm's Asset Management Division (GSAM) where he focused on investment strategies, capital markets, and institutional investors globally.

"I am eager to leverage my experience to further the growth of BlockTower through global expansion of its strategic partnerships," added Bucella. "We are in the early days of this new asset class, and I am thrilled to join a firm with a unique investment philosophy, institutional risk-managed approach to the market opportunity, and brand reputation across the entire crypto-ecosystem from early stage technologies and blockchain projects to listed coins and liquid trading."

About BlockTower Capital

BlockTower Capital is a leading institutional cryptocurrency investment firm, bringing professional trading and portfolio management to an emerging digital asset class. It was founded by former engineer and Goldman Sachs Executive Matthew Goetz, and former University of Chicago Endowment Portfolio Manager and Susquehanna International Group Trader and Portfolio Manager Ari Paul. Matthew currently serves as Chief Executive Officer, and Ari as Chief Investment Officer.

Contact Information

Prosek Partners

[email protected]

(212) 279-3115 ext.261

SOURCE BlockTower Capital
NEW YORK, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Castle Brands Inc. (NYSE American: ROX), a developer and international marketer of premium and super-premium drinks brands, today announced that it has purchased, or agreed to purchase, an additional $4.2 million of aging and new-fill bourbon. These additional purchases bring Castle Brands total purchases of aging and new fill bourbon to $9.6 million for the current fiscal year.

John Glover, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Castle Brands, said, "The continued investment in our aging bourbon inventory demonstrates our commitment to the Jefferson's brand. Jefferson's is one of the top five selling premium small batch bourbons and the only leading small batch brand not owned by a major spirits company. Growing our barrel inventory through opportunistic purchases, combined with our two new-fill programs, allows us to accelerate the growth of our Jefferson's portfolio. We continue to build on the success of Jefferson's and Jefferson's Reserve through innovation and the introduction of new expressions, including the expansion of our wine finishes program and the launch of the next voyages of our Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea bourbon, including Cask Strength and a 'Wheated' Ocean."

About Castle Brands

Castle Brands is a developer and international marketer of premium and super-premium brands including: Jefferson's, Jefferson's Presidential Select, Jefferson's Reserve, Jefferson's Ocean Aged at Sea Bourbon, Jefferson's Wine Finish Collection and Jefferson's Wood Experiments, Goslings Rums, Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer, Knappogue Castle Whiskey, Clontarf Irish Whiskey, Pallini Limoncello, Boru Vodka, Brady's Irish Cream, The Arran Malt Single Malt Scotch Whisky, The Robert Burns Scotch Whisky and Machrie Moor Scotch Whisky. Additional information concerning the Company is available on the Company's website, www.castlebrandsinc.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release includes statements of our expectations, intentions, plans and beliefs that constitute "forward looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are intended to come within the safe harbor protection provided by those sections. These statements, which involve risks and uncertainties, relate to the discussion of our business strategies and our expectations concerning future operations, margins, sales, new products and brands, potential joint ventures, potential acquisitions, expenses, profitability, liquidity and capital resources and to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. You can identify these and other forward-looking statements by the use of such words as "may," "will," "should," "expects," "intends," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "thinks," "estimates," "seeks," "predicts," "could," "projects," "potential" and other similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions. These forward looking statements are made based on expectations and beliefs concerning future events affecting us and are subject to uncertainties, risks and factors relating to our operations and business environments, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control, that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those matters expressed or implied by these forward looking statements. These risks include our history of losses and expectation of further losses, our ability to expand our operations in both new and existing markets, our ability to develop or acquire new brands, our relationships with distributors, the success of our marketing activities, the effect of competition in our industry and economic and political conditions generally, including the current economic environment and markets. More information about these and other factors are described under the caption "Risk Factors" in Castle Brands' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2017 and other reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. When considering these forward looking statements, you should keep in mind the cautionary statements in this press release and the reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and we cannot predict those events or how they may affect us. We assume no obligation to update any forward looking statements after the date of this press release as a result of new information, future events or developments, except as required by the federal securities laws.

Castle Brands Inc.

Investor Relations, 646-356-0200

[email protected]

www.castlebrandsinc.com

SOURCE Castle Brands Inc.

Related Links

http://www.castlebrandsinc.com


RA'ANANA, Israel, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Celeno Communications, the leading provider of smart, managed Wi-Fi solutions, today announced its Everest 802.11ax silicon solution designed to address the demand for a high performance yet cost optimized solution as well as ensuring rapid migration of existing 802.11ac designs to 802.11ax.

Celeno's Everest solution leverages upon the newly introduced capabilities of the 802.11ax standard including downlink and uplink MU-OFDMA, downlink and uplink MU-MIMO, as well as 802.11ax higher order 1024 QAM modulation, while leveraging Celeno's unique AX.L technology to introduce a superior, cost optimized, 4.8Gbps performance.

Celeno's Everest is designed to address both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, is based on cutting edge 14nm FinFET process node technology and will be available in a compact 12x12 BGA package.

Supporting rapid 802.11ax solution/product engineering, Everest is utilizing a similar solution architecture to Celeno's CL2400 product family: the Everest interface to the host processor is PCIe; the 802.11ax subsystem HW form factor is similar to that of the 802.11ac subsystem; and it enables fast system integration by supporting feature parity and similar software architecture and interface.

Celeno's Everest program boasts Celeno's IP, mastered over the years, and combines it with new 802.11ax capabilities to enhance the Wi-Fi experience. An example includes combining Celeno's scheduling technology with 802.11ax OFDMA, MU-MIMO and trigger-based scheduling to maximize performance in highly interfered and dense environments.

"We have invested significant time and expertise in our AX.L technology and are excited to introduce to our customers a solution that can double the MU performance over cost as compared to competing alternatives," said Gilad Rozen, CEO and Founder of Celeno. "We are confident that our customers will find this deliverable to be considerably advantageous."

Celeno executives will be on hand to discuss the Everest solution at Celeno's Hospitality Suite at the Venetian during CES, which takes place January 9-12, 2018 in Las Vegas.

About Celeno Communications

Celeno is the leading provider of smart, managed Wi-Fi solutions. Celeno's extensive chip portfolio and ground-breaking software technologies are designed to excel in real life, highly-interfered dense network scenarios, delivering the level of management, performance, speed, coverage, reliability and superlative user experience demanded by Wi-Fi users. Celeno's field-proven chips and software technology have been successfully integrated into numerous OEM Wi-Fi devices and have been deployed in tens of millions of homes around the world by almost 100 leading service providers worldwide. Founded in 2005 and backed by blue chip investors, Celeno is a well-established company headquartered in Ra'anana, Israel, with a global presence and offices in the US, EMEA and Asia Pacific.

Media Contact:

Aaron Kliner

Headline Media

[email protected]

+1 516-595-1843

SOURCE Celeno Communications

Related Links

http://celeno.com/


MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Cheerios announced it is teaming up with Walmart to create "Moments of Good" for its shoppers in communities throughout the United States. From now through March, Cheerios and Walmart will work together to create special moments for shoppers, both in stores and within the surrounding communities. The companies will give back to consumers in big and small ways to spread good and inject positive energy into the world.

The Louisburg High School marching band members react Nov. 28 after receiving a $25,000 check. Cheerios, as part of its Moments of Good program with Walmart, surprised the band leader John Cisetti (front left) and his band at an all-school assembly to help them meet their fundraising goal for the bands first-ever trip to the Rose Parade.

"Good doesn't always have to involve elaborate gestures, sometimes the smallest things can create a ripple effect of kindness," said General Mills senior customer manager, Randy Seeley. "That's why Cheerios is on a mission to create special moments of good for people, and this collaboration will allow us to do incredible things with the hope of spurring even more acts of good in the world."

The collaboration is part of Cheerios' ongoing "Good Goes Round" campaign. The collaboration with Walmart enables Cheerios to spread its mission of good even further and engage with communities at a local level in a variety of locations across the United States.

As part the effort to spread good, Cheerios and Walmart are also supporting several larger "Moments of Good" in addition to many smaller, more localized moments. The companies kicked off the efforts by helping a marching band from Louisburg, Kan. fund a trip to Pasadena, Calif. for the school's first-ever appearance in the annual Rose Parade. In November, Cheerios and Walmart presented the Louisburg High School marching band and dedicated band director John Cisetti (Mr. C) with a $25,000 check to go toward expenses for the trip. On New Year's Day, Cisetti and the Wildcat marching band appeared in the parade ahead of the 2018 Rose Bowl, fulfilling a longtime dream to perform in the iconic event.

"Helping the Louisburg marching band to realize a longtime dream is just the first of many amazing things our work with Cheerios will allow us to do," said Amanda Madrid, senior buying manager, Walmart U.S. "We're excited to show just how far a little bit of good can go."

Cheerios and Walmart will perform more acts of good through the end of March. To learn more about how Cheerios and Walmart are spreading good and to see every "Moment of Good", visit Walmart.com/CheeriosMoments.

About General Mills

General Mills is a leading global food company that serves the world by making food people love. Its brands include Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Progresso Soup, LARABAR, Cheerios, Annie's, Yoplait, Nature Valley, Fiber One, Haagen-Dazs, Old El Paso, Wanchai Ferry, Yoki and more. General Mills is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. For more information visit www.generalmills.com

SOURCE Cheerios

Related Links

http://Walmart.com/CheeriosMoments


"I am very grateful for this honor," Woldeab said. "Diversity is a core value at Civitas. It's how we differentiate ourselves, and how we're able to meet the needs of our global investors. And personally, I believe strongly in working in minority communities to ensure that everyone has the education, skills, and support system they need to help them achieve their dreams. This award reflects that work, and for that I'm proud."

A native of Ethiopia, Almaz Woldeab came to the United States as a refugee in 1985 at the height of political turmoil and civil war in her home country. Prior to Civitas, she worked 12 years at Texas Instruments, Inc. She is on the Board of Directors for the Human Rights Initiative of North Texas, a Dallas-based nonprofit assisting survivors of violence from all over the world. She is also a fellow with the National African-American Women's Leadership Institute, a nonprofit leadership development organization that encourages African-American women to discover and maximize their leadership potential with a gender-based, culturally relevant program.

As well, Woldeab is a co-chair of EDIR, a committee for the Dallas-Fort Worth chapter of the Mutual Assistance Association for the Ethiopian Community, a nonprofit that provides services to Ethiopians and Ethiopian-Americans. She has helped assimilate more than two dozen refugees, family members, and neighbors abroad since she came to America.

Tracy Merzi, publisher of the DBJ, said in announcing the winners, "Our class of honorees represent the best of the best in North Texas."

Honorees will be recognized at a luncheon on Tuesday, February 20, at the Westin Galleria Dallas.

Civitas Capital Group is a unique alternative asset management firm. We focus on niche, differentiated opportunities in real estate, lodging, and alternative credit. Our rich expertise, analytical rigor, and cultural competency yield compelling investment strategies for global institutional investors, family offices, and qualified individuals through our Alternative Investments and EB-5 Capital divisions.

This press release does not constitute an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any security in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is not authorized or to any person to whom it would be unlawful to make such offer or solicitation. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.

SOURCE Civitas Capital Group

Related Links

http://www.civitascapital.com


PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- PM360, a leading trade magazine for marketing decision makers in the pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, and diagnostics industries, has named CloudMine as one of the most innovative Start-up Companies of 2017.

CloudMine's Connected Health Cloud reduces barriers to connected health and is empowering a new generation of precision medicine for biopharmaceutical companies, healthcare systems, and digital health organizations. Increasingly, CloudMine is fostering collaboration across these customer groups, breaking down silos that have hindered innovation in healthcare. The three pillars of the Connected Health Cloud are the Interoperability Engine, connecting to health data sources such as pharmacy benefit managers, sensors, wearables, and electronic health records; Digital Health Developer Tools, which simplify web, mobile, and IoT app development with front and back-end tools to quickly and seamlessly build digital health apps; and Data Security Suite, allowing customers to build robust applications and interface between a variety of systems without compromising patient data. To learn more about CloudMine, visit www.cloudmineinc.com.

"CloudMine is honored to be named among the select group of Innovators included within this prestigious annual list," according to Steve Wray, CloudMine CEO. "Anna and the PM360 team have consistently been on the forefront of identifying key trends and breakthroughs reshaping the healthcare and life sciences landscape. Our core belief  that Connected Healthcare is Better Healthcare  is driving the CloudMine team to continue to partner with innovative customers to transform digital healthcare, through connected disease management and connected clinical trials."

CloudMine was selected as part of PM360's 6th Annual Innovations Issue published each December. This issue was established to serve as a guide to the year's most innovative Companies, Startups, Divisions, Products, Services, and Strategies from within the healthcare and life sciences industries. This comprehensive overview of the year's most innovative achievements in these six categories helps other companies in the industry to find potential partners and offerings that can help them advance healthcare and life sciences.

"Each of this year's selections showcases our industry's strong desire to constantly find new ways to advance every sector of life sciences from development to marketing to philanthropy and much more," says Anna Stashower, CEO/Publisher of PM360. "We are excited to showcase these innovative achievements and help get the word out about companies and offerings that help made the job easier for other working in our industry."

PM360 received hundreds of submissions from across the healthcare and life sciences industries. The editorial staff of PM360 evaluated each submission and selected their picks for the most innovative, regardless of category. Ultimately, the final selections represent the most exciting innovations from 2017.

All of this year's selections can be found at: www.pm360online.com/pm360-presents-the-2017-innovators.

About CloudMine

CloudMine is the leading HIPAA-compliant Enterprise Health Cloud platform. CloudMine empowers healthcare organizations to rapidly and confidently develop connected digital health experiences by reducing complexity, enabling data mobility, and ensuring compliance. Recognized by industry analysts for their vision, collaboration, and ability to scale, CloudMine is partnering with a diverse portfolio of customers, such as the American Heart Association and Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, to successfully address many of the biggest challenges in the digital transformation of healthcare. For patients, providers, clinical investigators and digital innovators, connected healthcare is better healthcare. For more information, visit www.cloudmineinc.com, call (855) 662-7722, or follow @cloudmineinc on Twitter.

About PM360

PM360 is the premier, must-read magazine for marketing decision makers in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device industries. Published monthly, PM360 is the only journal that focuses on delivering the full spectrum of practical information necessary for product managers and pharmaceutical marketing professionals to succeed in the complex and highly regulated healthcare environment.

The journal's targeted and insightful editorial focuses on issues that directly impact critical decision making, including: Planning and implementation of cutting edge strategies, trends, the latest technological advances, branding/marketing, advertising/promotion, patient/professional education, sales, market research, PR, and leadership. Additionally, the "360" in the title signifies the span of this critical, how-to info with personal and career insights for an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.

By providing the full circle of enriching content, PM360 is truly an indispensable tool for busy and productive marketing professionals to stay at the top of their game.

MEDIA CONTACT

Elysse Ciccone

(215) 600-0050

[email protected]

SOURCE CloudMine

Related Links

http://www.cloudmineinc.com


WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, CompetencyWorks released a new report, Fit for Purpose: Taking the Long View on Systems Change and Policy to Support Competency Education. This paper explores and reflects on the issues state policy needs to address in the long-term to support a transformation of K-12 education systems.

Personalized learning and competency-based education systems, designed to ensure equity, hold promise to prepare all students for success in college, career and civic life. This report shares strategies for policy to support systems change over the long haul toward competency-based systems that ensure mastery and success for all students.

This publication intends to spark conversation around core concepts that policy needs to address to achieve sustainable systems transformation toward personalized, competency-based education systems. It introduces four 'threshold concepts' to help us think differently about what is possible in an equitable future education system where all students succeed, and how to address deep-seated systems design flaws across K-12 education.

Susan Patrick, CompetencyWorks Co-Founder and iNACOL President and CEO, said, "Is our current K-12 education system fit for purpose? The imperative for our education system has changed in the contemporary context, but its design has not. What should policymakers be asking? Approaching policy with a long view is needed to build a vision toward the future of education. The report is meant to catalyze a conversation on whether our education system is designed for today's needs and accelerate the shift toward designing a competency-based education system that is holistic and ensures mastery for every student to thrive."

Download a full copy of Fit for Purpose: Taking the Long View on Systems Change and Policy to Support Competency Education here.

For more information about CompetencyWorks, a project of iNACOL dedicated to advancing K-12 competency education, please visit CompetencyWorks.org.

About CompetencyWorks

CompetencyWorks is an online resource dedicated to providing information and knowledge about competency education in the K-12 education system. Drawing on lessons learned by innovators and early adopters, CompetencyWorks shares original research, knowledge and a variety of perspectives through an informative blog with practitioner knowledge, policy advancements, papers on emerging issues and a wiki with resources curated from across the field. CompetencyWorks also offers a blog on competency education in higher education so that the sectors can learn from each other and begin to align systems across K-12, higher education and the workplace. Visit the website and follow CompetencyWorks on Twitter: @CompetencyWorks.

About iNACOL

The mission of iNACOL is to drive the transformation of education systems and accelerate the advancement of breakthrough policies and practices to ensure high-quality learning for all. Visit our website, like us on Facebook, connect with us on LinkedIn and follow us on Twitter.

SOURCE iNACOL

Related Links

http://www.inacol.org


CARO, Mich., Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy announced today that Cross Winds Energy Park II in Tuscola County's Columbia Township began serving customers and contributing 44 megawatts of renewable energy in Michigan.

"With excitement and pride, we have 'flipped the switch' for Phase II of our Cross Winds Energy Park to meet more of Michigan's demand for energy with renewable wind energy, a clean source that benefits the entire state. The project also firmly supports Consumers Energy's goal of fulfilling our triple bottom line of people, planet and profits," said Dennis Dobbs, Consumers Energy's vice president of enterprise project management, engineering and services.

"I am extremely thankful to the residents and elected officials who welcomed our investment in their community, and I'm especially pleased to announce the project was completed with zero safety incidents."

The $90 million Cross Winds Phase II employed 250 workers during construction. Its 44-megawatt capacity is enough to serve about 17,000 residents.

The project went operational on schedule six months after its groundbreaking and three weeks after Newsweek gave Consumers Energy the top score for Michigan companies in its annual "Green Rankings."

Cross Winds Energy Park Phase II project is:

Part of a total investment of $345 million comprised of 81 wind turbines in total  including the first phase of Cross Winds  and can produce up to 155 megawatts of renewable energy, enough to serve about 60,000 residents.

comprised of 81 wind turbines in total  including the first phase of Cross Winds  and can produce up to 155 megawatts of renewable energy, enough to serve about 60,000 residents. Helping Consumers Energy meet the needs of large businesses that choose to go 100 percent renewable.

Contributing to Consumers Energy's commitment to add $5 billion into the state's economy over five years through Pure Michigan Business Connect by buying goods and services from Michigan companies.

Consumers Energy worked with lead contractor White Construction to construct the 19 turbines that are 499 feet tall and make up Phase II of Cross Winds Energy Park.

Phase III plans have been approved for Consumers Energy's Cross Winds Energy Park by Columbia and Akron townships. This final phase of the park is expected to go into commercial operation in 2020. Phase I of the energy park began operations in 2014.

Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest energy provider, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.7 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

For more information about Consumers Energy, go to www.ConsumersEnergy.com.

Media toolkit

CROSS WINDS: Visit the Cross Winds Energy Park website: www.crosswindsenergypark.com

SUSTAINABILITY: Learn about Consumers Energy's commitment to sustainability and download the company's annual Sustainability Report: www.ConsumersEnergy.com/sustainability

Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan

Twitter: https://twitter.com/consumersenergy

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/consumersenergy

Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/consumersenergy

This news release contains "forward-looking statements." The forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause Consumers Energy's results to differ materially. All forward-looking statements should be considered in the context of the risk and other factors detailed from time to time in Consumers Energy's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

SOURCE Consumers Energy

Related Links

http://www.consumersenergy.com


MIDLAND, Texas, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- CrownRock Holdings, L.P. ("CrownRock"), an oil and gas producing joint venture of CrownQuest Operating and Lime Rock Partners, announced today that CrownRock has closed a $475 million perpetual preferred equity investment from funds managed by Magnetar Capital ("Magnetar") and EIG Global Energy Partners ("EIG"), respectively.

CrownRock is a newly-formed holding company that wholly owns CrownRock, L.P., through which it conducts all of its oil and gas operations. The formation of CrownRock as a holding company resulted in the same ownership and voting structures in CrownRock that existed in CrownRock, L.P. immediately before the formation of the holding company.

Tim Dunn, CEO of CrownQuest Operating, commented, "We are pleased to welcome Magnetar and EIG as equity investors in CrownRock. Their investment will help support both Lime Rock and CrownQuest's longer-term growth objectives for CrownRock."

Jefferies LLC acted as lead financial advisor and Credit Suisse acted as financial advisor to CrownRock and Lime Rock in connection with the transaction. Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. acted as legal counsel to CrownRock, and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP acted as legal counsel to Magnetar and EIG.

The securities offered in this private placement have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state laws.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein.

About CrownRock

CrownRock is an independent oil and natural gas company headquartered in Midland, Texas engaged in the acquisition, development, exploitation and exploration of oil and natural gas properties. The Company's assets are located in Texas, New Mexico and Utah, and its operations are primarily focused on the development of its core Permian Basin assets.

About Magnetar

Founded in 2005, Magnetar is a leading alternative asset manager with assets under management of $14.0 billion as of December 1, 2017. For more than 10 years, Magnetar's team has actively invested in the North American energy markets. The firm is headquartered in Evanston, Illinois, and operates satellite offices in Houston, New York, London and Minneapolis.

About EIG

EIG Global Energy Partners specializes in private investments in energy and energy-related infrastructure on a global basis and has $17.0 billion under management as of September 30, 2017. Since 1982, EIG has been one of the leading providers of institutional capital to the global energy industry, providing financing solutions across the balance sheet for companies and projects in the oil and gas, midstream, infrastructure, power and renewables sectors globally. EIG has invested over $24 billion in more than 320 portfolio investments in 36 countries. EIG is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with offices in Houston, London, Sydney, Rio de Janeiro, Hong Kong and Seoul. For more information, please visit www.eigpartners.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Any statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts (including without limitation statements to the effect that CrownRock "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "plans," "intends," "foresees" or other similar expressions) are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond CrownRock's control, and based on its expectations, which reflect estimates and assumptions made by CrownRock's management. Although CrownRock believes such estimates and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently uncertain and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are beyond CrownRock's control. In addition, CrownRock's management's assumptions about future events may prove to be inaccurate. CrownRock's management cautions all readers that any forward-looking statements contained in this press release are not guarantees of future performance, and CrownRock cannot assure any reader that such statements will be realized or the forward-looking events and circumstances will occur. CrownRock specifically disclaims all responsibility to publicly update any information contained in a forward-looking statement or any forward-looking statement except as required by law.

SOURCE CrownRock Holdings, L.P.
Putting You (Effortlessly) In Control

The primary goal of Project Mirror is to put Internet users in control of their login and digital data, and allow them to control their identities with ease. Passwords have widespread adoption and could exist well into the future with current technologies, so Dashlane has launched Project Mirror as a year-long effort to eliminate users' dependence on managing passwords while working universally with sites that require passwords, biometrics, multi-factor authentication steps, and more.

Project Mirror will eliminate the need to manage multiple logins by instead facilitating just one source of identity  your Dashlane app  which will ensure automatic and secure on-demand access to every digital account.

Building Upon Early Innovation

Dashlane set the standard for innovation early on with its exclusive, fully automated Password Changer, the free tool that allows users to change, store, and secure hundreds of passwords with a single click.

In April 2015 Dashlane released a second major innovation, the proprietary Inbox Scan technology, which automatically and securely identified login credentials and passwords living within users' email inboxes. Inbox Scan also generates a personal identity threat report to help users understand their online account risks and the path to protecting their identity.

Dashlane's commitment to innovation has not gone unnoticed, as the company was honored with a Webby Award in the Mobile Sites and App Services & Utilities category in 2017.

Protecting Critical Accounts to Start

The first release of Project Mirror will be available in Q1 2018. The feature combines improvements to Dashlane's one-of-a-kind Password Changer and a significant evolution of its Inbox Scan capabilities to deliver an entirely new feature called Critical Account Protection.

Critical Account Protection will apply one-click convenience to importing and securing users' most important passwords in Dashlane by identifying high-risk accounts and automatically resetting and securing those credentials. In seconds, Critical Account Protection will allow a user to link their email accounts, scan and view a detailed critical account report, and lock down accounts where users want complete protection.

How Password Pain Points Made Project Mirror Necessary

Even though security and privacy are top of mind in the wake of the innumerable data breaches and hacks exposed this last year, consumers often don't know if there are accounts they should be worried about, or what actions they should take to protect themselves properly.

In fact, according to recent Dashlane research, increased awareness of these threats has made hardly a dent in the majority of the public's password behavior. While 84% of people say they are concerned after the Equifax and Yahoo breaches, roughly the same percentage (8 in 10) admit to reusing passwords across accounts.

Furthermore, many people don't dedicate any time to making sure their data is safe  instead they assume the systems already in place are sufficient, believe that security is too much effort, or feel helpless and mistakenly believe there are no options available to protect themselves. Dashlane suspects this problem will only get worse as people increasingly turn to their mobile devices for apps and logins, lacking a convenient way to secure mobile accounts.

"Most people know they should be careful about their online identity, but many are overwhelmed about where to start. With Project Mirror, we're embarking on a year-long initiative to give consumers total control of their digital identity," said Emmanuel Schalit, CEO at Dashlane. "In 2018, peace of mind, convenience, and security will be a reality for everyone."

About Dashlane

Dashlane, one of the world's most trusted digital security companies, takes the pain out of passwords with its password manager and secure digital wallet app. Dashlane allows users to securely manage passwords, credit cards, IDs, and other important information via advanced encryption and local storage.

With so many devices, the line between home and work no longer exists. Thankfully, Dashlane works everywhere, for everyone. The company has helped 9 million consumers manage and secure their digital identity and enabled over $10 billion in e-commerce transactions. Dashlane Business is trusted by 7,000+ companies to create, enforce, and track effective access management, and features the only patented security architecture in the industry.

The Dashlane app is available on PC, Mac, Android, and iOS, and has won critical acclaim by top publications including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and USA Today. Dashlane is free to use on your favorite device for life, and costs $39.99/year to sync between an unlimited number of devices.

Dashlane was founded by Bernard Liautaud and co-founders Alexis Fogel, Guillaume Maron and Jean Guillou. The company has offices in New York City and Paris, and has received $54 million in funding from TransUnion, Rho Ventures, FirstMark Capital and Bessemer Venture Partners. Learn more at Dashlane.com.

SOURCE Dashlane

Related Links

http://www.dashlane.com


SAN DIEGO, Jan. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Undiagnosed sleep apnea is highly prevalent among hospital patients, and treating it after they're discharged can improve their chances of long-term survival, according to a ResMed-funded (NYSE: RMD, ASX: RMD) study published in the American Journal of Medicine.

Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/74629529-resmed-sleep-apnea-study/

The study screened more than 5,000 hospitalized patients; 18.7 percent were estimated to have sleep apnea. Those who tested positive for sleep apnea were placed on positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy post-discharge. Patients who were adherent to therapy in the first three months had an improved chance of survival over the next 20 months, compared with those not adherent on PAP.

"We have a profound opportunity to identify and help tens of thousands of hospitalized patients who don't know they have a dangerous but treatable sleep condition," said Sunil Sharma, M.D., the study's principal investigator. "These results show just how important a hospital can be in addressing these issues."

"Up to 70 million Americans have sleep apnea, and only a fraction are diagnosed," said ResMed Chief Medical Officer Carlos M. Nunez, M.D. "When a medical condition brings them to a hospital, it's a prime opportunity to see if they also have sleep apnea, which they can then address  and potentially live longer for doing so."

Read the study in the American Journal of Medicine: http://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343(17)30399-6/abstract

About the study

This was a clinical pathway evaluation where 5,062 patients admitted to the Cardiology, Internal Medicine and Family Practice services with a BMI  30 were screened from March 2013 to July 2016. The study was approved by an Institutional Review Board. Funding support from an unrestricted grant from ResMed.

About ResMed

ResMed (NYSE: RMD, ASX: RMD), a world-leading connected health company with more than 4 million cloud-connected devices for daily remote patient monitoring, changes lives with every breath. Its award-winning devices and software solutions help treat and manage sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other respiratory conditions. Its 6,000-member team strives to improve patients' quality of life, reduce the impact of chronic disease and save healthcare costs in more than 120 countries. ResMed.com | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn

SOURCE ResMed
This is a Kickstarter campaign to raise money to produce Medicine the Musical, a unique musical that brings the world of medicine and medical school to the public in an accessible and entertaining way. It appeals to anyone who has ever worked hard for a dream.

"What started as the seed of an idea while I was in medical school has now matured into a full-fledged musical production," explained Dr. Michael Ehrenreich, the show's author, composer, and lyricist.

Following on a successful staged concert reading in April 2017, Medicine the Musical is now heading to a New York off-Broadway production.

"The ultimate scale of the production will depend on the final amount of funds raised, and can be anything from a Workshop production ($20,000) to a full first-class off-Broadway production ($300,000+)," continued Dr. Ehrenreich.

Set to a dynamic rock score, Medicine the Musical follows a group of first year medical students as they struggle with their lives, loves, and the rigors of their education. It is a unique platform with which to share with the public something about the world of medicine, including the pressures and frustrations felt by doctors and medical students.

"This is your chance to support the arts in a meaningful way and bring this exciting project to the stage. See the show, meet the cast, attend the opening night party, and receive lots of cool theater swag," concluded Dr. Ehrenreich.

The full video from the staged reading can be viewed at: www.MedicineTheMusical.com/video

Support the Kickstarter campaign here:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1268245785/239040858?ref=398569&token=fe1a368a

About The Author

Michael Ehrenreich is a practicing dermatologist in South Orange, NJ. Medicine the Musical is his first musical.

PR Contact: Michael Ehrenreich 973-378-8788 [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/medicinemusical/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk41ED5Js_4OqxLhpjFTnEg

SOURCE Dr. Michael Ehrenreich
RICHMOND, Va., Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Dominion Energy, Inc. (NYSE: D) and Dominion Energy Midstream Partners, LP (NYSE: DM), will host their fourth-quarter earnings conference call at 10 a.m. ET on Monday, Jan. 29, 2018. Management will discuss fourth-quarter financial results and other matters of interest to the financial community.

Domestic callers should dial (877) 410-5657. International callers should dial (334) 323-9872. The passcode for the conference call is "Dominion." Participants should dial in 10 to 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. Members of the media also are invited to listen.

A live webcast of the conference call, including accompanying slides, and other financial information will be available on the investor information pages at www.dominionenergy.com/investors and www.dominionenergymidstream.com/investors.

A replay of the conference call will be available beginning about 1 p.m. ET Jan. 29 and lasting until 11 p.m. ET Feb. 5. Domestic callers may access the recording by dialing (877) 919-4059. International callers should dial (334) 323-0140. The PIN for the replay is 72633771. Additionally, a replay of the webcast will be available on the investor information pages by the end of the day Jan. 29.

About Dominion Energy

Dominion Energy is one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy, with a portfolio of approximately 25,600 megawatts of generation, 15,000 miles of natural gas transmission, gathering and storage pipeline, and 6,600 miles of electric transmission lines. Dominion Energy operates one of the nation's largest natural gas storage systems with 1 trillion cubic feet of storage capacity and serves more than 6 million utility and retail energy customers. For more information about Dominion Energy, visit the company's website at www.dominionenergy.com.

About Dominion Energy Midstream

Dominion Energy Midstream is a Delaware limited partnership formed by Dominion Energy, Inc., to grow a portfolio of natural gas terminaling, processing, storage, transportation and related assets. It is headquartered in Richmond, Va. For more information about Dominion Energy Midstream, visit its website at www.dominionenergymidstream.com.

SOURCE Dominion Energy; Dominion Energy Midstream
SAO JOSE DOS CAMPOS, Brazil, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Embraer and Widere, the largest regional airline in Scandinavia and launch customer for the E190-E2, have reached an agreement on a Flight Hour Pool Program for the airline's soon to be inducted E2 fleet. This is the first contract of its kind signed for the E-Jets E2, Embraers second generation of the E-Jets family of commercial aircraft.

The agreement will cover more than 300 key rotable components, for the airline's E190-E2 fleet. Widere will receive its first E190-E2 in April of 2018, beginning revenue service with the aircraft shortly afterwards.

"This contract reminds me of the first Pool we signed for the E-Jets current generation, 14 years ago. It was for just one aircraft and proved to be the first of many others," said Johann Bordais, President & CEO, Embraer Service & Support. "Widere is once again showing their confidence in Embraer, its products and level of support; something that embeds our responsibility and commitment with the airline even deeper."

Widere's contract with Embraer is for up to 15 E2 jets consisting of three firm orders for the E190-E2 and purchase rights for 12 further E2s. The order has a potential list price value of up to USD 873 million, with all orders being exercised. The airline is configuring the E190-E2s in a comfortable single-class layout with 114 seats.

"Embraer started to support us the very day we signed the contract, and that support has continued to develop, in partnership with our team, to ensure the smoothest possible entry in service for this fine aircraft that will revolutionize our offering to our customers," said Stein Nilsen, Chief Executive Officer of Widere. "Our peers, other airlines and operators, enthusiastically endorse the Embraer Pool Program and this was fundamental in our decision to join the program; it's the smart choice."

Embraer's Flight Hour Pool Program, which currently supports more than 40 airlines worldwide, is designed to allow airlines to minimize their upfront investment on expensive repairable inventories and resources and to take advantage of Embraer's technical expertise and its vast component repair service provider network. The results are significant savings on repair and inventory carrying costs, reduction in required warehousing space, and the elimination of resources required for repair management, while ultimately providing guaranteed performance levels.

Embraer is the world's leading manufacturer of commercial jets with up to 150 seats. The Company has 100 customers from all over the world operating the ERJ and the E-Jet families of aircraft. For the E-Jets program alone, Embraer has logged more than 1,800 orders and 1,400 deliveries, redefining the traditional concept of regional aircraft by operating across a range of business applications.

Follow us on Twitter: @Embraer

CONTACTS:



Headquarters (Brazil)



Corporate Communications

[email protected]

Cell: +55 12 98152 4845

Tel.: +55 11 3841 6085



North America



Alyssa Ten Eyck

[email protected]

Cell: +1 954 383 0460

Tel.: +1 954 359 3847



Europe, Middle East and Africa



Guy Douglas

[email protected]

Cell: +31 (0)657120121

Tell: +31 (0)202158109



China



Mirage Zhong

[email protected]

Cell: +86 185 1378 5180

Tel.: +86 10 6598 9988



Asia Pacific



Nilma Missir-Boissac

[email protected]

Cell: +65 9012 8428

Tel.: +65 6305 9955

SOURCE Embraer S.A.

Related Links

http://www.embraer.com


DALLAS, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The EnLink Midstream companies (EnLink), EnLink Midstream, LLC (NYSE: ENLC), the General Partner, and EnLink Midstream Partners, LP (NYSE: ENLK), the Master Limited Partnership, announced today that representatives of EnLink will attend and meet with investors at the following conferences:

Annual Morgan Stanley Winter MLP Bus Tour in Houston on Monday, January 22

on UBS Winter Bus Tour in Houston on Tuesday, January 23

on U.S. Capital Advisors Midstream Corporate Access Day in Houston on Tuesday, January 23

A copy of EnLink's Third Quarter 2017 Operations Report is available on the Investors' page of www.EnLink.com.

About the EnLink Midstream Companies

EnLink provides integrated midstream services across natural gas, crude oil, condensate, and NGL commodities. EnLink operates in several top U.S. basins and is strategically focused on the core growth areas of the Permian's Midland and Delaware basins, Oklahoma's Midcontinent, and Louisiana's Gulf Coast. Headquartered in Dallas, EnLink is publicly traded through EnLink Midstream, LLC (NYSE: ENLC), the General Partner, and EnLink Midstream Partners, LP (NYSE: ENLK), the Master Limited Partnership. Visit www.EnLink.com for more information on how EnLink connects energy to life.

Investor Relations: Kate Walsh, Vice President of Investor Relations, 214-721-9696, [email protected]

Media Relations: Jill McMillan, Vice President of Public & Industry Affairs, 214-721-9271, [email protected]

SOURCE EnLink Midstream

Related Links

http://www.enlink.com


NEW HAVEN, Conn., Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Environment and Human Health, Inc. (EHHI), an organization of physicians and public health professionals, is embarking on a new project to make schools healthier places for students to attend. In January 2018, EHHI will begin visiting local health departments and superintendents of schools with a new brochure that lists 12 ways to make schools healthier environments for students. The Connecticut Health Foundation has underwritten the brochure, which can be found at http://www.ehhi.org.

Students spend an enormous number of their waking hours in school environments. Younger children, due to their small size and special physiology, are particularly vulnerable to toxic materials where they play and learn. Therefore, it is very important that schools be as environmentally safe as possible. Many of the changes listed below do not actually cost money to implement; they are simply new ways to look at school surroundings.

Pesticides

Pesticides are toxic, and students should have as little exposure to these chemicals as possible. If a school must use these products inside, they should never be used when students are in the buildings, and parents and teachers should be notified a day in advance. The least toxic materials possible should be used. Students and teachers should not be allowed back into the buildings until the residue is gone. Only trained and licensed people should be allowed to apply pesticides. Outside grounds should not be treated with pesticides unless there is a health concern, such as poison ivy, and then prior notice should be given to teachers and parents.

Art Supplies and Art Rooms

Art rooms should have proper ventilation. Many art supplies are toxic and become airborne, irritating the lungs and bronchial tubes. It is recommended that ventilating systems have between 15 and 20 cubic feet of outdoor air per minute per occupant. Caution should be used to make sure that the contaminated air does not circulate into the other parts of the building through the ventilation system.

New Carpeting

Many carpets, backings and adhesives contain formaldehyde and outgas for long periods of time. Children should not be exposed to formaldehyde, especially over extended periods of time. When new carpeting is ordered, the carpet, as well as the carpet backing, should be required to be formaldehyde-free. In addition, the installer should be required to use formaldehyde-free and non-toxic adhesives. Formaldehyde is a respiratory irritant as well as a carcinogen.

Damp Areas and Damp Carpeting

Mold can grow in areas of dampness, and many children and adults are allergic to mold. Molds can cause asthma as well as other health problems. Areas in schools that are wet or damp should be immediately remediated.

Chemistry Laboratories

Chemistry laboratories and other school laboratories that use hazardous materials should be properly ventilated to make sure that the exhaust does not enter other parts of the building.

Copy Machines

Copy machines outgas ozone and therefore should be well ventilated. These machines are often placed in small, unventilated spaces with people working near them. The ozone that copy machines put out is harmful to lung function.

Testing for Radon, Lead and Arsenic

Radon is a colorless, odorless and tasteless radioactive gas that emanates from rock and soil content in the ground. Radon is a lung carcinogen and therefore should be tested for, and if found, can be rather inexpensively remediated. School drinking water should be tested for lead and arsenic.

Cleaning Products Used in Schools

Many cleaning products are toxic; therefore cleaning staff should be required to use the least toxic products that are efficient and available. In Connecticut, for example, the law states that no person shall use a cleaning product inside a school unless such cleaning product meets guidelines or environmental standards as established by an approved third-party certification program. Teachers should not bring their own cleaning products into their classrooms.

New Construction and Renovations

Good indoor air quality should be one of the chief criteria in planning a construction project. The contract should require the least toxic materials that are practical, and work schedules that will not put children and teachers at risk from compromised air quality due to the construction. Particular attention should be given to avoiding wood products that use large amounts of formaldehyde as bonding agents, such as particleboard. New furniture, like new carpeting, can be a source of formaldehyde; these purchases should always be formaldehyde-free.

Exhaust From Buses or Motor Vehicles

Schools should make sure that the air intakes of the ventilating systems are not in areas where cars or buses idle, so that the incoming air in the school is laden with diesel and car exhaust. Also, school buses should not idle as they pick up students after school to go home, or let them off in the morning.

Young Children's playgrounds

Playgrounds should never be surfaced with shredded waste tire rubber mulch. The rubber mulch contains many carcinogens and carbon black, which is also a carcinogen. Every tire is made up of between 20 percent and 30 percent of carbon black, and small children should not be exposed to such toxic materials. Either sand or wood chips are safe surfacing materials for school and town playgrounds.

Synthetic Turf Fields

Environment and Human Health, Inc. (EHHI) maintains that the safest surface for students and athletes to play on is grass. Synthetic turf fields contain many toxic chemicals, get excessively hot in the warm weather, cause many skin abrasions and therefore skin infections, and are expensive to install and properly maintain. These fields have a shelf life of 10 years at the most, and then they need to be replaced costing close to a million dollars each.

Environment and Human Health, Inc. (EHHI) changed the way school buses were run when they discovered that there were high levels of diesel exhaust in the cabs of school buses. School children were heavily exposed to diesel exhaust as they rode on their school buses to and from school. Having addressed that issue, EHHI continues to work to make school environments safer places for our children.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Environment and Human Health, Inc.

Nancy Alderman

203-248-6582

Environment and Human Health, Inc.

Jane Bradley

860-922-5349

SOURCE Environment and Human Health, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.ehhi.org


IRVING, Texas, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- FleetPride, Inc. announced today that it has acquired Truck Parts & Equipment, Inc. from the TP&E Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Truck Parts & Equipment's origins date back to 1924, and it has been 100% employee owned since 2001. The company is based in Wichita, Kansas, with additional locations in Topeka and Hays. Collectively, they will become FleetPride's first three branches in the state of Kansas.

"We are very excited about the acquisition of Truck Parts and Equipment. They have been a very successful independent distributor of heavy-duty parts for decades," said FleetPride CEO Al Dragone. "The people of TP&E have experience and expertise second to none. We are lucky to have them as a part of FleetPride."

The acquisition of Truck Parts and Equipment will add to FleetPride's nationwide network. The three new locations will give customers in Kansas easy access to FleetPride's national parts inventory, heavy duty expertise, and world-class supply chain. The Wichita location also offers a drive-in service shop and equipment upfitting to keep drivers Ready For The Road Ahead.

"We look forward to combining the many capabilities of Truck Parts & Equipment with FleetPride's world-class supply chain and expanded product lines to even more effectively serve customers in the Kansas markets," added Mike Harris, FleetPride senior vice president of sales and branch operations.

About FleetPride, Inc.

Formed in 1999, and headquartered in Irving, TX, FleetPride is the nation's largest distributor of truck and trailer parts in the independent heavy-duty aftermarket channel. FleetPride operates over 260 locations in 46 states and carries over 400+ nationally recognized brands. Operating through five regional distribution centers, FleetPride serves a diverse customer base across multiple industries including general freight, leasing, municipalities, agriculture, food and beverage, construction and waste management. In addition, FleetPride offers in-house remanufactured products such as brake shoes and driveline components. Truck and trailer drive-in repair services are also offered at a number of locations under the FleetCare brand. We Are The Heavy-Duty Experts.

SOURCE FleetPride, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.fleetpride.com


NEW YORK and SAN DIEGO, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Generali Global Assistance ("the Company) today announced that its Travel Insurance division, formerly CSA Travel Protection, has appointed James Sion as Chief Operating Officer (COO). The Company also disclosed that it has appointed Mark Taber as the Chief Insurance Officer (CINSO).

Chris Carnicelli, CEO of Generali Global Assistance, North America, commented on today's news, "Generali has been a pioneer in the assistance industry for more than 25 years, specifically for the travel insurance marketplace. As we move into a new era of insurance, one of education and transparency, we believe our travel insurance business is poised for significant growth. These two roles will be paramount in helping us execute on our goals and drive the future strategic direction of the business. Both James and Mark bring with them a wealth of industry knowledge and I look forward to having their expertise and counsel as part of the executive team."



Sion will head all operations and strategies of Generali Global Assistance's Travel Insurance division. He will be located in San Diego, the Company's Travel Insurance headquarters. Prior to joining Generali Global Assistance, Sion was the COO, Consumer Insurance for AIG in the Americas and brings extensive experience in the areas of insurance, operations, and transformation to the Company. He also worked at Allianz in various roles over the course of fifteen years. Sion holds a B.A. in political science from Rhode Island College.



Taber has been appointed to the newly created role of CINSO and will set the strategic direction for underwriting results and profitability for the travel insurance lines in the U.S. The position will also serve as the appointed actuary for the Travel Insurance division. Taber previously was the Claims Performance Analytics Executive at CSAA Insurance Group. Taber holds a bachelor's, master's and doctorate all in mathematics  the latter coming from the University of Illinois at Chicago.



Generali Global Assistance offers a full suite of innovative, vertically integrated travel insurance products and assistance services that help protect consumers against certain risks associated with travel. These products combine the institutional knowledge, quality, and customer service built by CSA over the past 25 years with the backing and underwriting ability of a global insurance brand  Generali.



About Generali Global Assistance



Generali Global Assistance, formerly Europ Assistance USA, has been a leading provider of travel insurance and other assistance services for more than 25 years. The Company offers a full suite of innovative, vertically integrated travel insurance and emergency services, identity protection solutions, and beneficiary companion services. Generali Global Assistance is part of the multinational Generali Group, which for over 185 years has created a presence in 60 countries with over 76,000 employees. Our success has been built on the foundation of trust that clients have placed in our ability to provide assistance in the most difficult of circumstances.



Generali Global Assistance offers travel insurance through vacation rental and property management companies, leading travel agencies, online travel agencies, other travel suppliers and directly to consumers. For more information on Generali Global Assistance and the policies offered for travelers, please visit: www.generalitravelinsurance.com.



Media Contact

Jesse Tron

M Group Strategic Communications (for Generali Global Assistance North America)

+1 212 266 0192

[email protected]

www.generalitravelinsurance.com/press

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GeneraliTravel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/generalitravelinsurance/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/generalitravel/

SOURCE Generali Global Assistance
ATLANTA, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the ProLogic ITS Corporate Office confirms they are working with Rockingham County School District in North Carolina on a recent widespread Emotet virus attack, which crippled the district's network infrastructure including Servers, Storage, and End-User Computing Devices.

The Emotet Virus is a sophisticated, polymorphic virus that can avoid detection multiple ways. Although there is no full-proof solution to stop such an attack, following industry standard processes and the installation of anti-virus software on each system will help mitigate the spread of the virus.

Stopping this virus requires each machine on an infected network to be protected with Anti-Virus Software; it is also critical that you are following Industry Standard best practices relating to network protection.

"Schools are a prime target for nefarious hackers considering most districts operate on a shoe string budget, thus having outdated technology and are almost always understaffed," says Paul Sprayberry a Managing Partner with ProLogic ITS.

The company was first contacted by the services organization of Dell EMC on Thursday, December 21, 2017 at 9:12am. Shortly thereafter ProLogic engaged Rockingham County Schools IT Department and was debriefed on the situation. At that time, they quickly pulled together an Incident Response Team to further evaluate the situation and wait for board approval of the $314,000.00 contract.

As part of the contract, ProLogic ITS is providing up to 10 Onsite and Offsite Technical Resources on a daily basis to function as an extension of the Districts in-house IT Department to contain and remove the widespread Emotet virus. Furthermore, ProLogic will temporarily provide 200 Dell Latitude Laptops, and a 30-day Managed Detection and Response Service. This service integrates the best of signature, behavioral, and anomaly detection capabilities with a rich suite of forensic investigation tools that enable security analyst to block threats in real time.

Over the course of the next few weeks, ProLogic will recommend to the district a go forward plan to help prevent this type of situation from occurring in the future. Such a plan will likely be focused on bringing the district's technology up to current industry standards.

If you have any further questions related to this matter please contact [email protected]

About Us:

ProLogic ITS, LLC is known across the country as an end-to-end solution provider. We design and build solutions based on industry-standard technology platforms and related value-added services. Our turn-key business model meets the specific needs of our customers while providing cost-effective solutions designed to provide excellent performance with a lower overall cost of ownership.

Media Contact:

Paul Sprayberry

(886) 923-0513

[email protected]

SOURCE ProLogic ITS
NEW YORK, Jan. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Emerging End-User Need for Natural Products will Accelerate the Animal Feed Probiotics Demand

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05262348

Probiotics are playing an increasingly important role in the animal feed industry. The use of probiotics improves animal health as well as increases nutrient utilization from the feed.

Probiotics have been scientifically proven to offer benefits in improving the composition and balance of the intestinal microflora, and have been demonstrated to be as efficacious as the previously used prophylactic synthetic antimicrobial growth promoters (AGP). Additionally, they have an immune-enhancing effect and have been suggested to be influential in the prevention and control of bacterial diseases. The global animal feed probiotic market is projected to reach USD 1,746.5 million by 2022, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% from 2017 to 2022.

Research Highlights

- Probiotics are increasingly used in all sectors of animal and aquaculture production, although their application differs in focus for each animal species. Their consumption continues to increase as a result of consumer demands for alternatives to synthetic AGP, as they are natural products with wider applications.

- The market for probiotics in animal feed is segmented by region, with North America accounting for the largest share in 2016, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific, respectively.

- The primary factor driving the probiotics market would be the European Union's (EU) ban on AGP in animal feed. The EU governing body has completely removed all synthetic AGP products from animal feed, commencing with the banning of avoparcin in 1997.

This was followed by bans on tylosin phosphate, zinc bacitracin, virginiamycin and spiramycin in 1999. The EU directive 1831/2003, which legislates all feed additives for animal nutrition, has been implemented in full since January 2016.

- There has been a steady increase in the demand for natural feed additives to improve the efficiency of animal production, in order to replace AGP products. With synthetic antimicrobials added to animal feed and being used for the past 55 years, there have been significant concerns over AGP removal, gauging from the reactions of end users.

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05262348

About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.

__________________________

Contact Clare: [email protected]

US: (339)-368-6001

Intl: +1 339-368-6001

SOURCE Reportlinker

Related Links

http://www.reportlinker.com


SOFIA, Bulgaria, January 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Fibank was awarded by a professional panel and research team of the magazine, based on the following criteria: Asset Quality, Governance Structure, ROE, Tier 1 Capital Ratio, Corporate Social Responsibility and Customer Service.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160518/369255LOGO )



Jay Reddy, Head of branding at Global Brands Magazine commented, "I would like to congratulate First Investment Bank (Fibank) on winning the awards. These awards are a true testament on the bank's efforts in developing and improving the internal bank structures and systems, the service models and product positioning, and at creating prerequisites for future sustainable growth."

Fibank is known as the biggest Bulgarian bank, a growing, innovative, customer-oriented bank that offers outstanding products and services to their customers. With over 3100 employees, they have the largest branch network in Bulgaria and are first rated when it comes to investments for advertising in financial sector in Bulgaria. In terms of the coefficient of the marketing power of the brand, they are the most rapidly increasing. They are also the biggest corporate donor part of the long-term strategy for CSR. All these and more can be attributed to why they are very much successful when it comes to their area of specialization.

About Global Brand Magazine

Headquartered in the United Kingdom, Global Brands Magazine is a leading brands magazine providing opinions and news related to various brands across the world. Content includes news, opinions, discussions, highlights and features sourced by expert analysts on various brands across the world.

About Global Brands Awards

Global Brands Awards was established with the aim of honoring excellence in performance and rewarding companies across different sectors. The awards honor companies who have performed extraordinarily well in the field of Finance, Education, Hospitality, Lifestyle, Automobiles, & Technology. The awards are given to acknowledge key players who strive for distinction and reward their performance with the ultimate global recognition. They also aim to identify and create awareness about the significance of exceptional solutions and service delivery in different segments.

Find out more about Global Brands Awards here http://www.globalbrandsmagazine.com/about-the-awards/

SOURCE Global Brands Publications Limited
DUBLIN, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

The "Global Commercial Aircraft Electrical Systems Market 2017-2021" report has been added to Research and Markets' offering.

The global commercial aircraft electrical systems market to grow at a CAGR of 6.11% during the period 2017-2021.

Global Commercial Aircraft Electrical Systems Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market. To calculate the market size, the report considers the installation of electrical systems in commercial aircraft, namely narrow-body aircraft, wide-body aircraft, and regional jets, during the forecast period.

According to the report, one of the major drivers for this market is Growing demand for procurement of newer generation aircraft. Commercial aircraft OEMs are actively engaged in the development of new generation aircraft that have low levels of fuel consumption, noise, and carbon emission. The demand for air travel will likely double in the next 20 years with the increase in air travel in countries like China, Russia, India, Indonesia, and the US.

The year-on-year increase in air traffic has also essentialized the induction of new aircraft to facilitate the growing demand. Since all aircraft are installed with electrical architecture involving wiring systems, power generation, and storage devices, the market for commercial aircraft electrical systems will grow parallelly with the growing orders for new aircraft.

The latest trend gaining momentum in the market is Introduction of electric environmental control system. The aerospace industry is facing several challenges in improving emission levels, fuel economy, and cost factor. Airlines are investing in the development of electric systems to replace pneumatic and mechanical systems. Electric architecture has become the emerging trend. The main purpose of shifting to the electric system is to reduce fuel consumption, maintenance, emissions, and costs.

The electric-powered environmental control system (ECS), electric de-icing, electrical actuators, etc. are some of the systems under consideration. Boeing 787 and Airbus 380 use more electric architecture compared to other existing aircrafts. The increasing number of electrical components leads to more dissipated heat, which gives rise to the requirement of an improved and efficient thermal management system.

Further, the report states that one of the major factors hindering the growth of this market is Delay in aircraft delivery. As the aviation industry is moving forward with increasing technological advances and enhanced systems, manufacturers of various aircraft parts, components, and sub-assemblies are pressurized to resolve budget constraints and meet the increasing demand and rapid delivery requirements. These factors can have a considerable impact on quality.

Market trends

Introduction of electric environmental control system

Development of electric APU to support more electric architecture

Market consolidation

Introduction of no-bleed system

Key vendors

Honeywell International

Thales

United Technologies Corporation (UTC)

Safran

Zodiac Aerospace

Other prominent vendors

Astronics

Crane Aerospace & Electronics

Fokker Technologies

GE Aviation

Key Topics Covered:



Part 01: Executive Summary



Part 02: Scope Of The Report



Part 03: Research Methodology



Part 04: Introduction



Part 05: Market Landscape



Part 06: Market Segmentation By Aircraft Type



Part 07: Regional Landscape



Part 08: Decision Framework



Part 09: Drivers And Challenges



Part 10: Market Trends



Part 11: Vendor Landscape



Part 12: Vendor Analysis



Part 13: Appendix



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/z7mhpc/global_commercial?w=5





Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



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



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

http://www.researchandmarkets.com


(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130128/590935 )



The Directory is the leading source for data on steel producers and iron ore miners. The directory details capacities, production volumes, product and plant details and key contact information. It is the most comprehensive buyers' guide available in the industry.

Get sample pages of Global Iron & Steel Directory 2018 Market Report:

https://www.bharatbook.com/request-sample/557583

Company and Personnel Information

This directory covers Steel and Iron Plants' details, products/brands produced, modernization and expansion plans, plant capacities, overseas sales agents, useful industry associations and much more. Full contact details for companies and personnel including name & address, telephone, fax, email and web addresses are published.



Information about the Iron and Steel Supply Chain

As you know, the past few years has seen unprecedented change in the global iron & steel industry. Company mergers, acquisitions, new start-ups, plant openings and closures and technological advances occur on a daily basis. With world steel producers continuously revamping and expanding capacity, it's vital to be able to track these companies and access key plant and product information.



Whatever your position in the iron and steel supply chain, you should have your own copy to:



Producers:

Use it to stay competitive, increase market share, and evaluate your plant capacity and tonnage goals;



Plant, Technology and Equipment Suppliers:

See who has had recent facility upgrades and is making use of process and technology developments;



End users:

Access the world's iron and steel suppliers in seconds.



Buyers Guide

The fully cross-referenced Buyers Guide allows you to search for a particular product by country. The index section lists key personnel in A-Z order so you can go straight to your contact and company anywhere in the world. In addition to this, the abbreviation section is a handy source for terminology used throughout this directory and is particularly useful for those new to the industry.



Don't waste any more of your valuable time searching the Internet or using an address book that's out of date, purchase this directory today and save yourself both time and money. The easy way to save time and make profitable new contacts in the ever-changing iron and steel industry.



This essential guide to the global iron and steel industry contains full contact details for companies and personnel in the industry, including:

company name & address,

telephone, fax,

email and web addresses,

personnel names and job titles, with direct telephone and fax numbers.



The CD-ROM or PDF allows you to search based on any combinations of criteria. You can refine your search using different friends according to your particular needs - whether its location, company, plant, or product information or number of employees. Search results can be saved to other applications.



If you do business within any part of the iron and steel trade around the world, then this directory is a must-have for you. Where else will you find such a broad depth of both key contact and production information for the international industry in one handy reference source?

To know more about report and who is it suited for, head over to:

https://www.bharatbook.com/metals-minerals-market-research-reports-557583/global-iron-steel-directory.html

About Bharat Book Bureau:

Bharat Book Bureau is the leading market research information provider for market research reports, company profiles, industry analysis, 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. In case the reports don't match your requirement then we can do a specialized Custom Research for you.

Contact us:

Bharat Book Bureau

W: http://www.bharatbook.com

E: [email protected]

P: +91-22-27810772 / 27810773





LinkedIn : http://www.linkedin.com/company/bharat-book-bureau

Twitter : https://twitter.com/researchbook

Blog : https://www.bharatbook.com/blog/

SOURCE Bharat Book Bureau
LONDON, Jan. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5264931



According to "Global Muriate of Potash (MOP) Market By Crop, By Region, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2012  2022", Global Muriate of Potash (MOP) market is forecast to reach $ 14.7 billion by 2022, predominantly, on account of growing demand for MOP from Asia-Pacific, increasing arable land and declining MOP prices. Owing to unfavorable weather conditions, farmers across the globe are required to use fertilizers to improve the productivity of their crops. All these factor, coupled with surging investments, are expected to positively influence the global MOP market over the course of next five years. Some of the major players operating in the global MOP market include Israel Chemical Limited, Agrium Inc., The Mosaic Company, Potash Corp., Arab Potash, Uralkali, CF Industries Holdings, Inc., Intrepid Potash Inc., K+S Kali GmbH, and Yara International ASA, among others.



"Global Muriate of Potash (MOP) Market By Crop, By Region, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2012  2022" discusses the following aspects of muriate of potash (MOP) market globally:

 Muriate of Potash (MOP) Market Size, Share & Forecast

 Segmental Analysis  By Crop (Fruits & Vegetables, Sugar Cane, Wheat, Maize, Rice & Others), By Region (Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, South America & Middle East & Africa)

 Competitive Analysis

 Changing Market Trends & Emerging Opportunities



Why You Should Buy This Report?

 To gain an in-depth understanding of muriate of potash (MOP) market globally

 To identify the on-going trends and anticipated growth in the next five years

 To help industry consultants, muriate of potash (MOP) manufacturers, distributors and other stakeholders align their market-centric strategies

 To obtain research based business decisions and add weight to presentations and marketing material

 To gain competitive knowledge of leading market players

 To avail 10% customization in the report without any extra charges and get the research data or trends added in the report as per the buyer's specific needs



Report Methodology

The information contained in this report is based upon both primary and secondary research. Primary research included interaction with muriate of potash (MOP) manufacturers, distributors and industry experts. Secondary research included an exhaustive search of relevant publications like company annual reports, financial reports and proprietary databases.



Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5264931



About Reportbuyer

Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers



For more information:

Sarah Smith

Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +44 208 816 85 48

Website: www.reportbuyer.com

SOURCE ReportBuyer

Related Links

http://www.reportbuyer.com


IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Greenwave Systems, Inc. today announced its partnership with CUJO AI to fight cyberattacks by providing Internet Service Providers (ISPs) an end-to-end home security solution for home network users. Greenwave Systems is the global software leader for managed services. CUJO AI is the leading Artificial Intelligence (AI) company that provides telecommunications companies a multi-solution AI-driven software platform.

CUJO Logo

Based on CUJO AI customer data, a typical household with a CUJO AI device has an average of 14.5 devices. These devices come with default configurations, undocumented backdoor accounts and exposed legacy services. CUJO AI blocks an average of 50 threats per user, each month, protecting home users from these external, unseen threats. CUJO AI offers the essential building blocks required to succeed in home automation, including AI network security, AI device intelligence and semantic parental controls.

CUJO AI is designed to protect home network users who lack secure devices, where over 1 million threats per day from viruses go undetected1. CUJO AI analyzes device behavior through threat intelligence, machine learning and cloud computing. It is the first multi-solution home automation platform offering for ISPs, with AI network security, device intelligence and semantic parental controls. This complete home security package reduces costs and delivers additional value to customers.

Greenwave Systems' AXON Platform offers real-time edge analytics that interface with CUJO AI's data security and parental control capabilities to enable ISPs to manage critical data and services at the edge of a network. Greenwave Systems revolutionizes the way companies create connected ecosystems to monetize their networks. The AXON Platform translates communications from a wide variety of devices to create a managed service, offering real intelligence to industrial, commercial and consumer market segments within broadband systems.

"Internet security is a top concern for ISPs and their home network customers. Greenwave's platform resonates with big carriers and we are deeply concerned about security," said Martin Manniche, Greenwave Systems CEO and chairman. "By integrating CUJO AI with the AXON Platform, we offer a solution designed to help ISPs protect their subscribers, who face huge threats from cyberattacks. These software solutions are dynamic, and arm ISPs with the tools to provide full end-to-end internet security for users, even those with legacy systems."

"The AXON platform extends CUJO AI, with its real-time edge analytics, managing critical data and services at the edge of the network so time-sensitive data can be acted upon locally, which is important for cyberattacks," said Einaras von Gravrock, CUJO AI CEO. "By working together, Greenwave and CUJO AI form a strategic partnership to enrich the cybersecurity ecosystem."

Customer-Only Suite at CES 2018

To learn more about how the AXON Platform and CUJO AI can help you, arrange an on-site visit in Greenwave's private suite while you're at CES 2018.

About Greenwave Systems

Greenwave Systems is the global software leader for managed services. The company is dedicated to empowering market-leading brands to profitably deploy their own managed services and products, foster deeper customer relationships and grow their businesses. Mobile carriers, telecommunications operators, semiconductor manufacturers, utilities and all manner of service providers use Greenwave's award-winning AXON Platform. The platform safely integrates data and communications from a variety of existing and emerging digital protocols to swiftly create vanguard services via managed networks. Learn more about Greenwave at www.greenwavesystems.com. Connect with us on LinkedIn here and follow us on Twitter at @GreenwaveSys.

About CUJO AI

CUJO AI is the leading artificial intelligence company providing ISPs AI-driven solutions including network security, device intelligence, semantic parental controls.

CUJO AI Platform creates intuitive end-user facing applications for LAN and mobile, powered by machine learning and real-time data. Each solution can be implemented as a white-label offering. CUJO AI employs a staff of 120 professionals in 5 offices, 4 countries and 3 continents. CUJO AI is ISO27001 certified. Learn more about CUJO AI at http://www.cujo.com/

2018 Greenwave Systems, Inc. Greenwave Systems AXON Platform and AXON Predict are registered trademarks of Greenwave Systems, Inc. Information is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved.

Greenwave Media Relations:

Sterling Communications

Nancy Jensen

Email: [email protected]

Tel.: 206-419-8769

CUJO AI Media Relations:

Indre Deksnyte

Email: [email protected]

Tel.: 818-306-0208

1. https://www.symantec.com/content/dam/symantec/docs/reports/istr-22-2017-en.pdf

SOURCE Greenwave Systems

Related Links

http://www.greenwavereality.com


SACRAMENTO, Calif., Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Hanson McClain Advisors ("Hanson McClain") and Simply Money Advisors ("Simply Money"), two leading financial planning investment advisory firms, have announced that they will merge. The merger, which remains subject to standard regulatory approvals, will provide an opportunity for Simply Money and Hanson McClain to combine resources and expertiseas well as more than 45 years of cumulative experienceto best serve clients across the West Coast, Rocky Mountain, and Midwest markets. As a result of the partnership between Hanson McClain and Simply Money, the combined organization will be serving more than 6,200 clients and managing an estimated $3.3 billion in assets.

Simply Money co-founders Nathan Bachrach and Ed Finke will remain involved in the senior leadership team of the combined organization and continue hosting their daily Simply Money radio show.

"We are very excited to partner with the Hanson McClain team," says Nathan Bachrach, co-founder and CEO of Simply Money. "Hanson McClain has a strong history of leadership and expertise in the financial planning sector, and we look forward to learning together as we grow."

"Hanson McClain and Simply Money serve very similar client demographics with a consistent fiduciary, client-first, and planning-centric advisory experience," added Scott Hanson, founder and co-CEO of Hanson McClain. "On a combined basis, we intend to make additional investments to continue improving the best-in-class client experience."

"Providing financial education through our financial planning process, radio, television, and print media, and excellent service to our clients is our top priority. Over the past 20 plus years we have helped thousands of clients with their retirement planning needs," says Ed Finke, co-founder and president of Simply Money. "We are both industry leaders on our own, and we will be even stronger and better together."

"Our partnership with Simply Money is a great opportunity to grow together and provide a best-in-class client experience to more households than either would otherwise be able to individually accomplish," added Pat McClain, co-CEO at Hanson McClain. "The future is bright, and we look forward to working with the talented team at Simply Money."

In the summer of 2017, Hanson McClain announced its partnership with Parthenon Capital Partners ("Parthenon"), a growth-oriented private equity firm, to enable continued investment in client-first technology, people, and systems. In addition, with Parthenon's support, Hanson McClain is actively seeking mergers and acquisitions to expand its business model in new and existing markets. The merger with Simply Money represents Hanson McClain's first such partnership as part of its goal of entering new geographies by combining forces with like-minded financial advisory firms.

Andrew Dodson, a managing partner at Parthenon, added, "We have built a relationship with Nathan, Ed, and the Simply Money team over the past several years and believe the combination with Hanson McClain represents a compelling combination of highly complementary firms. We look forward to working with the combined organization to promote additional client-first growth initiatives, including opportunities to partner with like-minded firms and advisors."

About Hanson McClain Advisors

Hanson McClain Advisors (www.HansonMcClain.com) is an independent investment financial advisory firm that specializes in retirement planning, investment advising, and 401(k) management with a direct approach to financial planning. Hanson McClain delivers long- and short-term investment planning solutions and advice to help clients achieve their goals and plan strategically for retirement.

About Simply Money Advisors

Simply Money Advisors (www.simplymoneyadvisors.com), is an independent, Cincinnati based SEC Registered Investment Advisor. With almost 25-years serving individual clients, Simply Money Advisors creates and implements financial plans and investment strategies to guide clients now and through retirement. Simply Money Advisors provides financial education through Simply Money Media including radio, television, print, and digital content.

About Parthenon Capital Partners

Parthenon Capital Partners (www.parthenoncapitalpartners.com) is a leading mid-market private equity firm based in Boston and San Francisco. Parthenon utilizes niche industry expertise and a deep execution team to invest in growth companies in service industries. Parthenon seeks to be an active and aligned partner to management, either through recapitalization transactions or by backing new executives. Parthenon has particular expertise in healthcare technology and services, financial and insurance services, and business services, but seeks any service, technology or delivery business with a strong value proposition and proprietary know-how. Parthenon's investment team has deep experience in corporate strategy, human capital, capital markets, and operations, thereby enabling the firm to pursue complex, multi-faceted value creation opportunities.

SOURCE Hanson McClain Advisors

Related Links

http://www.hansonmcclain.com


PHILADELPHIA and TORONTO, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- HKA, one of the world's leading providers of consulting, expert and advisory services, announces two executive appointments.

Richard Fogarasi, Principal of HKA's Toronto office, has been promoted to lead the firm's Toronto, Canada operations. Fogarasi has over 25 years of project management, claims consulting, cost estimating and scheduling experience in the engineering and construction industries. His project portfolio spans a wide range of market sectors including commercial buildings, mining and metals, nuclear, renewable energy, transport infrastructure, water and wastewater treatment. Fogarasi holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) in Civil Engineering from the University of Toronto and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of British Columbia. He is also a Licensed Professional Engineer in the Province of Ontario, Canada.

Peter Landauer joins HKA as Principal within the Americas Business Development team based in Philadelphia. Landauer has more than 20 years of experience leading successful initiatives in the utilities and communications sectors. Prior to joining HKA, he was a Business Solutions Executive with IBM, where he developed consulting and software solution services within the North American utility sector. He holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) in General Sciences from the United States Naval Academy and completed the Program for Management Development (PMD) at Harvard Business School.

"We congratulate Richard and Peter on their new positions at HKA," said Frank J. Giunta, Partner and President of HKA Americas. "I am confident that both executives will have a positive impact on the growth of our North American operations," added Giunta.

HKA is a privately owned, independent consultancy firm for the construction, manufacturing, process and technology industries. Our global portfolio includes some of the world's largest and most prestigious projects across a wide range of market sectors that include buildings, industrial, infrastructure, oil and gas, power and utilities, and technology. HKA has over 960 professionals in more than 40 offices in 21 countries worldwide.

For further information, please contact:

John P. Paolin

Director of Communications

HKA

(215) 309-7786

[email protected]

HKA.com

SOURCE HKA Global

Related Links

http://www.hka.com


TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez touted a new Central Bank of Honduras report showing that the Honduran economy grew between 4.3 percent and 4.5 percent in 2017.

"The Honduran economy is strong and continues to grow," President Hernandez said. "My administration will keep working to create new jobs and business opportunities for all Hondurans."

Honduran President Touts New Report on Economic Growth, Announces Major Credit Initiative

In a January 2 press conference, Central Bank President Manuel de Jesus Bautista said, "For the first time in a long time, we have managed to close the year with all sectors showing positive balances." Last year was the first since 2009 that all sectors of the economy grew. Bautista attributed a significant portion of Honduras's growth to increases in foreign investment and a 21 percent jump in exports, compared to 2016.

President Hernandez also announced on January 2 that he is sending a plan to the Honduran National Congress to reform Honduras's credit system. The reform would provide 8 billion lempiras -- more than $339 million -- in low-interest loans for Honduran small businesses, with particular emphasis on agriculture, housing, and tourism.

"Economic growth is encouraging," President Hernandez said. "But it is not enough to simply grow. We need the benefits of economic growth to be transferred to the middle class."

In recent months, Honduras has received international recognition for its investment potential and economic stability. In a report published on November 21, 2017, the International Monetary Fund concluded that the Honduran government has "successfully stabilized the economy, restored confidence, and paved the way for accelerating growth and reducing poverty." Last year, Moody's and S&P both raised Honduras's sovereign credit rating.

Media Contact:

Andrew Grafton

[email protected]

(202)-471-4228 ext. 119

www.keybridgecommunications.com

SOURCE Republic of Honduras
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Primary school students in Indianapolis will speak live with astronauts living and working on the International Space Station at 12:15 p.m. EST Thursday, Jan. 11. The 20-minute, Earth-to-space call will air live on NASA Television and the agency's website.

Expedition 54 astronauts Mark Vande Hei of NASA and Norishige Kanai of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency will talk to approximately 300 students and 30 teachers gathered at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis. The students and teachers have been preparing for the event by studying the space station, astronaut biographies, and current research and activities aboard the space station.

Media interested in attending the event should contact Becky Wolfe at 317-334-4618 or [email protected]. The Children's Museum is located at 3000 North Meridian Street.

Linking students directly to astronauts aboard the space station provides unique, authentic experiences designed to enhance learning, performance and interest in science, technology, engineering and math. This in-flight education downlink is an integral component of NASA's Year of Education on Station which provides extensive space station-related resources and opportunities to students and educators.

Follow NASA astronauts on Twitter at:

https://www.twitter.com/NASA_astronauts/

Videos and lesson plans highlighting research on the International Space Station are available at:

https://www.nasa.gov/stemonstation/

SOURCE NASA

Related Links

http://www.nasa.gov


SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Funding Circle, the world's leading lending platform for small businesses, and INTRUST Bank, a regional bank headquartered in Kansas, today announced a strategic partnership to support the growth of US small businesses. The partnership will be rolled out in various stages with the initial phase consisting of INTRUST funding US small business loans originated through Funding Circle. The later stages would include growing the investment with the intention to extend into a multi-year funding program and joint digital and direct marketing campaigns.

INTRUST joins more than 70,000 investors globally  including individuals, financial institutions, government, and the listed Funding Circle SME Income Fund  who have provided $5 billion in transparent and affordable financing to more than 40,000 businesses through Funding Circle, creating 100,000 jobs*. Through the partnership, INTRUST will support access to credit for hundreds of US entrepreneurs, spurring job creation and boosting the American economy.

"Every dollar invested through our platform has a ripple effect in cities and towns across America, by enabling Main Street small businesses to grow, hire and expand," said Sam Hodges, co-founder and U.S. managing director, Funding Circle. "This makes Funding Circle an ideal investment opportunity for banks such as INTRUST focused on bringing tangible impact to the communities they serve, and we look forward to further growing our platform with support from additional institutional partners here and abroad."

"We are excited to partner with Funding Circle to enhance our ability to serve small business customers," said Brian Heinrichs, chief financial officer, INTRUST Bank. "As a regional bank, we understand that small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities and the nation's economy. Funding Circle's customer-focused philosophy and technology platform are an ideal fit for INTRUST."

Funding Circle enables a wide range of investors to lend to creditworthy small businesses, diversifying their portfolios while gaining attractive risk-adjusted returns. At Funding Circle, businesses can obtain fixed-rate loans within days to purchase equipment and inventory, hire new employees or for other needs. In a recent survey, 92 percent of US borrowers said they would come back to Funding Circle for their future business financing needs**.

About Funding Circle

Funding Circle (www.fundingcircle.com) is the world's leading lending platform for small businesses, matching investors to businesses who want to grow in the UK, US and Europe. Since launching in 2010, investors at Funding Circle have now lent $5 billion to more than 40,000 businesses globally. Approximately 10% of investor money now comes from government sources, including the British Business Bank, European Investment Bank, KfW, the German government-owned development bank, and local councils across the UK. The business has raised 250m in equity capital from the same investors that backed Facebook, Twitter and Airbnb.

About INTRUST Bank

Since 1876, INTRUST Bank (www.intrustbank.com) has grown to become a leading financial services provider in the Midwest, with assets of nearly $5 billion and 46 banking centers across Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Our long-standing commitment to exceptional service, quality products and cutting-edge technology underscores our pledge to be the best resource for personal and business financial services in our communities.

*Based on an average 2.6 jobs created directly and indirectly by each business that borrows through Funding Circle ('Small Business, Big Impact' research commissioned by Funding Circle from the Centre for Economics and Business Research, August 2016).

** Based on an online survey of US Funding Circle borrowers. A total of 216 business owners completed the survey between Oct. 10-30, 2017.

SOURCE Funding Circle

Related Links

http://www.fundingcircle.com


DES MOINES, Iowa, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- As of January 2, 2018, ISG has joined forces with the reputable architecture and interior design firm, StruXture Architects (StruXture). Based in Waterloo, Iowa, StruXture's extensive portfolio in the education, government, healthcare, and civic + culture markets will now be complemented and integrated into ISG's multi-disciplinary team that will soon span four states, with clients nationwide.

"StruXture's 80+ year legacy has positively evolved over the years with one item remaining a constant  our commitment and focus on clients," states Craig Schwerdtfeger, AIA, StruXture Architect + Principal. "While planning the next chapter in our evolution, we wanted the opportunity to provide greater depth, increased professional opportunities and stability, and the continuation of a synergistic set of values; ISG has proven to be a solid partner to do just that," notes Craig.

Through the ISG led acquisition, StruXture will offer current clients additional in-house services backed by the same solid architecture, planning, and interior design expertise that will be complemented by design, engineering, environmental, and planning resources under the ISG umbrella. ISG will in turn expand market expertise, adding to the likes of major Midwest and national clients.

"As a multi-disciplinary firm with 12 unique markets, we've always admired StruXture's intimate understanding of the markets they serve," states Chad Surprenant, PE, ISG President | CEO. "StruXture is a highly respected firm and this opportunity will not only allow their clients to have expanded services offerings under one roof, but provide ISG additional expertise that that will build upon our soon to be 45 years of industry experience. It really comes down to sustainability and providing our combined clients more horsepower and expertise," Chad affirms.

StruXture will continue to provide custom solutions with the noted adding backing brought forth by ISG. Formal ribbon cutting and cobranded efforts will occur over the next several months, in addition to immediately adding talent in both the Waterloo and neighboring ISG Des Moines office, as well as the ISG office in Storm Lake, Iowa.

"Our emphasis is really on our people and clients," notes Jane Miller, IIDA, LEED AP ID+C, StruXture Principal + Interior Designer. "The progression of this partnership has been so positive and natural as we both share the same core values and focal points. We are really excited to expand our support opportunities. Great things are in store for 2018 and beyond," notes Jane.

About ISG

ISG, a 100% ESOP firm, has a rich history, which extends over 40 years, of building trusting relationships with clients, stakeholders, and the community. As a full service architecture, engineering, environmental, and planning firm with 260+ professionals in offices throughout Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and soon to be South Dakota, ISG provides exceptional services, strategies, and guidance to a wide range of markets nationwide. ISG fosters strong collaboration between all firm disciplines providing clients a diverse knowledge base, high level of creativity, and broad perspective. ISG was named among the 100 fastest growing firms and best places to work for in the United States by Zweig Group, recognized as a Top 500 Design Firm by Engineering News-Record (ENR) magazine, and named to the coveted PSMJ 2017 Circle of Excellence. To learn more about ISG, visit www.is-grp.com.

ISG Media Contact:

Tiffany Olson

Director of Marketing

P: 952.426.0699

E: [email protected]

SOURCE ISG

Related Links

http://www.is-grp.com


WAYLAND, Mass., Jan. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Analgesic Solutions LLC, a company that focuses on increasing assay sensitivity in the conduct of pain clinical trials through consulting, innovative tools and training, announced today the appointment of Jacqueline Delfgaauw, Ph.D., to the position of Executive Director, Clinical Science. Dr. Delfgaauw's extensive experience in the clinical development of various products focused in pain will be a critical to Analgesic Solutions' ongoing success and rapid expansion going forward.

Dr. Delfgaauw was most recently the proprietor of DELFGAAUW, LLC, a company focused on clinical operations consulting. Prior to that, Dr. Delfgaauw spent 10 plus years in various senior roles at Grunenthal, including leading clinical development for Latin America, the U.S. and Canada at various times.

"Jacqueline Delfgaauw, Ph.D. comes to Analgesic Solutions with over 15 years of experience focused exclusively on the clinical development of analgesics. Dr. Delfgaauw has developed and overseen innumerable product development programs in the pain space in markets around the world," said Chief Executive Officer, Nathaniel Katz, M.D., M.S. "As Executive Director, Clinical Science at Analgesic Solutions, Dr. Delfgaauw will be a key member of our senior management team leading our clinical development efforts, particularly as it relates to our platform Quantitative Data Surveillance System (QDSS)."

ABOUT ANALGESIC SOLUTIONS

Analgesic Solutions, LLC., founded in 2006, is a privately held company focused on increasing assay sensitivity in the conduct of pain clinical trials through consulting, innovative tools and technology, and training. Our team, with Nathaniel Katz M.D., M.S., serving as our foremost expert, helps clients develop and commercialize better treatments for pain. With hundreds of projects completed and ongoing collaborations with regulatory authorities, Analgesic Solutions is the expert at identifying and mitigating the random and systematic errors that lead to negative clinical trials.

http://analgesicsolutions.com

SOURCE Analgesic Solutions
The National Ambassador for Young People's Literature program, established by the three organizations in 2008, highlights the importance of young people's literature as it relates to lifelong literacy, education, and the development and betterment of the lives of young people.

Woodson will travel nationwide over the course of her two-year term promoting her platform, READING = HOPE x CHANGE (What's Your Equation?), which encourages young people to think about  and beyond  the moment they're living in, the power they possess, and the impact reading can have on showing them ways in which they can create the hope and the change they want to see in the world.

Woodson succeeds beloved and esteemed authors Jon Scieszka (20082009), Katherine Paterson (20102011), Walter Dean Myers (20122013), Kate DiCamillo (20142015), and Gene Luen Yang (2016-2017) in the position.

The inauguration ceremony, to be presided by the 14th Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden and attended by both Woodson and Yang, will take place on Tuesday, January 9 at 10:30 a.m. in the Members' Room of the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building at the Library of Congress, 10 First St. S.E., Washington D.C. Tickets are not required for this event, which is free and open to the public.



"I think the work ahead of me is challenging," says Jacqueline Woodson, "I don't believe there are 'struggling' readers, 'advanced' readers or 'non' readers. I'd love to walk away from my two years as Ambassador with the qualifiers gone and young people able to see themselves beyond stigma or oft-times debilitating praise. Martin Luther King Jr. said people should not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. In that regard, I think young people should not be judged by the level of their reading but by the way a book makes them think and feel. By the way it gives them hope. By the way it opens them up to new perspectives and changes them. I'm excited to have these conversations with some of the best conversationalists in our country  our young people."

"We are delighted that Jacqueline Woodson has agreed to be the new National Ambassador for Young People's Literature," said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. "I have admired Jacqueline Woodson's work for years, especially her dedication to children and young-adult literature. The Library of Congress looks forward to Jacqueline's tenure of encouraging young readers to embrace reading as a means to improve the world."

Nancy Paulsen, President and Publisher of Nancy Paulsen Books, says: "We think Jacqueline Woodson is the perfect Ambassador for our time because of her commitment to making sure all children have access to all kinds of books, and are sure to see themselves portrayed in those books. This is exactly what's needed to appeal to today's readers and to grow the next generation of book lovers."

Carl Lennertz, Executive Director of Every Child a Reader and the Children's Book Council, added, "We couldn't be more pleased with the selection of Jacqueline Woodson as the next ambassador. She embodies everything that we look for in this position and we can't think of a more passionate advocate for young people and for reading over the next two years."

The National Ambassador is selected for his or her contributions to young people's literature, the ability to relate to kids and teens, and dedication to fostering children's literacy in all forms. The selection, made by the Librarian of Congress, is based on recommendations from an independent committee comprising educators, librarians, booksellers, and children's literature experts.

The 2018-2019 selection committee for the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature:

DeAndra Beard , CEO and founder of Beyond Borders Language Learning Center, Kokomo, IN

, CEO and founder of Beyond Borders Language Learning Center, Sarah Park Dahlen , Associate Professor in the Master of Library and Information Science Program at St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN

, Associate Professor in the Master of Library and Information Science Program at St. Catherine University, Earl Dizon , Bookseller at Green Bean Books, a children's bookstore in Portland, OR

, Bookseller at Green Bean Books, a children's bookstore in Travis Jonker , Elementary school librarian in Michigan and SLJ blogger

, Elementary school librarian in and SLJ blogger Starr LaTronica , Director of the Brooks Memorial Library in Brattleboro, VT

, Director of the Brooks Memorial Library in Ellen Ruffin , Curator of the de Grummond Collection, U. of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg , MS

, Curator of the de Grummond Collection, , MS Gene Luen Yang , Printz Award-winning author, National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, 2016-2017, Berkeley, CA

The National Ambassador for Young People's Literature program is administered by Every Child a Reader. For more information about the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, visit read.gov/cfb/ambassador/.

About Jacqueline Woodson

Jacqueline Woodson is the 2014 National Book Award Winner for her New York Times bestselling memoir Brown Girl Dreaming, which was also a recipient of the Coretta Scott King Award, a Newbery Honor, the NAACP Image Award and a Sibert Honor. In 2015, Woodson was named the Young People's Poet Laureate by the Poetry Foundation. Her recent adult book, Another Brooklyn, was a National Book Award finalist. She is the author of more than two dozen award-winning books for young adults, middle graders and children; among her many accolades, she is a four-time Newbery Honor winner, a three-time National Book Award finalist, and a two-time Coretta Scott King Award winner. Her books include The Other Side, Each Kindness, Caldecott Honor book Coming On Home Soon; Newbery Honor winners Feathers, Show Way, and After Tupac and D Foster; and Miracle's Boys, which received the LA Times Book Prize and the Coretta Scott King Award. Jacqueline is also the recipient of the Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement for her contributions to young adult literature, the winner of the Jane Addams Children's Book Award, and was the 2013 United States nominee for the Hans Christian Andersen Award. In March 2018, Penguin Young Readers will celebrate the 20th anniversary of Woodson's If You Come Softly with a special edition of the beloved story of star-crossed love between a Black teenage boy and his Jewish classmate. The Dream of America, a middle grade novel, and The Day You Begin, a picture book illustrated by Pura Belpre Illustrator Award winner Rafael Lopez will publish in August 2018. She lives with her family in Brooklyn, New York.

About the Children's Book Council

The Children's Book Council, is the nonprofit trade association of children's book publishers in North America, dedicated to supporting the industry and promoting children's books and reading. The CBC offers children's publishers the opportunity to work together on issues of importance to the industry at large, including educational programming, literacy advocacy, and collaborations with other national organizations.

About Every Child a Reader

Every Child a Reader is a 501(c)(3) literacy charity whose popular national programs include Children's Book Week, the longest-running literacy initiative in the country; the Children's and Teen Choice Book Awards, the only national book awards chosen by children and teens; and the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature program, in partnership with the Library of Congress. Launched in 1919, Children's Book Week will celebrate its 100th anniversary in May 2019.

About the Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is the world's largest library, offering access to the creative record of the United States - and extensive materials from around the world - both on-site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov, access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov.

Press contact: Audra Boltion, The Boltion Group, PR for the Children's Book Council: (646) 331-9904, [email protected]

Press contact: Benny Seda-Galarza, Library of Congress: (202) 707-8732, [email protected]

Public contact: Lee Ann Potter, Library of Congress: (202) 707-8735, [email protected]

SOURCE Children's Book Council

Related Links

http://www.cbcbooks.org


LONDON, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Leidos, a global science, engineering, and information technology company, has today announced the appointment of Matt Wiles CB CBE as Chief Executive of Leidos UK.

Currently, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Wiles has been instrumental in Team Leidos' delivery of the UK Ministry of Defence's (MoD) Logistic Commodities Services Transformation (LCST) programme, including the recent opening of a state-of-the-art military logistics hub, the Defence Fulfilment Centre at MoD Donnington.

Previously, Wiles served in the Royal Air Force (RAF), leaving as Air Vice-Marshal. During his career, Wiles worked as the Director General of the UK Joint Support Chain, with responsibility for 7,000 staff and annual purchases of over 2bn, and as the Chief of Personnel for the RAF.

In recognition of his military service, Wiles was made a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2008 and a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in 2013. Prior to joining Leidos in 2016, Wiles worked for Serco in roles including Partnership Director for the Atomic Weapons Establishment and as Managing Director Defence.

Leidos' work in the United Kingdom includes providing innovative technology and solutions for some of the most complex problems in defence, healthcare, government, safety and security, and transportation. Examples include managing and modernising critical infrastructures, applications and business processes for clients such as the Scottish Government, Ministry of Justice, NATS, National Health Service and the UK MOD's 6.7 billion LCST programme.

Commenting on the appointment, Roger Krone, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Leidos said, "Matt has been fundamental to the success of Leidos in the UK. His leadership of Team Leidos and the success of the LCST project in delivering enhanced information technology and logistics services to the UK's Armed Forces demonstrates the opportunities the UK can unlock through technology, service and partnership."

Matt Wiles added, "I am delighted to have been appointed Chief Executive of Leidos UK at such an exciting time for our clients' challenges and opportunities as well as for our business. The success of our work with the MoD, across the British Government to organisations that are critical to our national infrastructure such as NATS, shows that we are a trusted partner in the UK and that our people can deliver innovative solutions to solve the most complex problems."

About Leidos

Leidos is a global science and technology solutions leader working to solve the world's toughest challenges in the defence, intelligence, homeland security, civil, and health markets. The company's 32,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $7.04 billion for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2016. Leidos UK has more than 1,200 employees servicing defence, public services, health, transportation, and safety and security clients. For more information, visit www.leidos.com/uk.

###

Statements in this announcement, other than historical data and information, constitute forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements, or industry results to be very different from the results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 30, 2016, and other such filings that Leidos makes with the SEC from time to time. Due to such uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.

SOURCE Leidos

Related Links

http://www.leidos.com


Under LG's new "CLOi" robot brand, the CLOi serving robot, CLOi porter robot and CLOi shopping cart robot follow in the footsteps of the CLOi airport guide robot and the CLOi airport cleaning robot. The airport robots are already deployed in a trial at South Korea's Incheon International Airport, and they will take on the thousands of visitors that travel through Seoul on their way to Pyeongchang. Also part of the expanding CLOi family are the CLOi lawn mowing robot and the affable CLOi hub robot, which recently participated in a trial at one of Korea's largest financial institutions by providing information and servicing customers at the bank's branches.

LG Welcomes Three New Robots to the CLOi Family

The CLOi serving robot will deliver food and beverage to guests of hotels and visitors to airport lounges quickly and efficiently. With a built-in sliding tray, consumers will experience intuitive interaction with the robot fleet. When the delivery is confirmed, the serving robot will make it way back to the kitchen independently.

The CLOi porter robot will help minimize inconvenience for travelers by reducing slow service and long wait times. This robot can also facilitate express check-in and check-out service by handling payment and delivering luggage to a waiting vehicle in a fraction of the time.

The CLOi shopping cart robot includes a barcode reader that customers can use to scan items and view product prices as they're placed within the robot's bin. The robot's "face" will also display all items on the shopping list and through a smartphone app will guide the consumer through the store via the most efficient route.

LG's CLOi robots are being developed in parallel with LG ThinQ, the company's AI brand for consumer electronics and home appliances. Both CLOi and ThinQ are designed to take advantage of LG's DeepThinQ deep learning technology, delivering both emotional interaction and innovative convenience.

"As an important part of our future growth engine, LG is committed to expanding its portfolio of robots that can deliver real convenience and innovation in our customers' lives," said Ryu Hye-jung, head of the smart solution business division for LG's Home Appliance & Air Solutions Company. "We will continue to develop a wide range of products across commercial and home robots while seeking new opportunities to contribute to the advancement of the robotics industry."

About LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company

The LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company is a global leader in home appliances, smart home solutions and air quality systems. The company is creating total solutions for the home with its industry leading core technologies. LG is committed to making life better for consumers around the world by providing thoughtfully designed products, including refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, cooking appliances, vacuum cleaners, built-in appliances, air conditioners, air purifiers and dehumidifiers. Collectively, these products deliver enhanced convenience, superb performance, great savings and compelling health benefits. For more information, visit www.LG.com.

SOURCE LG Electronics USA

Related Links

http://www.lg.com


HERNDON, Va., Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Harris Healthcare through its QuadraMed Affinity Corporation entity today announces a material contract with Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (DHS), a 20-year client. Under this new multi-year agreement, Harris Healthcare will provide Affinity Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) software and support for Los Angeles County DHS.

Los Angeles County DHS has been an Affinity RCM client since the early 1990s. After evaluating other financial software products, including those available from their electronic health record provider, DHS opted to renew with Harris Healthcare.

Kent Hargrave, Executive Vice President, Harris Healthcare Financial Solutions, says, "The new contract speaks not only to the value DHS receives having our Affinity RCM software in place, but also the support we provide. We have a close working relationship with DHS and have always delivered solutions to the challenges the County encounters while operating within restricted budgets."

The new contract includes on-site consulting as well as custom query writing services. Los Angeles County DHS plans to install additional financial software components to support streamlined and effective business operations.

About Los Angeles County Department of Health Services

The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (DHS) is the second largest municipal health system in the nation. Through an integrated system of 19 health centers and four hospitalsand through partnerships with community-based clinicsDHS annually cares for about 600,000 unique patients, employs over 22,000 staff, and has an annual operating budget of $4.3 billion. DHS' mission is to ensure access to high-quality, patient-centered, cost-effective health care to Los Angeles County residents through direct services at DHS facilities with an integrated system of providers, clinics, hospitals and university partners.

About Harris Healthcare

With a 30-year history as a healthcare software provider, Harris Healthcare delivers a fully-integrated solution set to hospitals and clinics throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. We streamline processes, increase productivity, enhance business operations and drive positive clinical outcomes. Visit www.harrishealthcare.com for more detail.

Media Contact:

Miranda Hahn

Harris Healthcare

Phone # 231.360.7063

[email protected]

SOURCE Harris Healthcare

Related Links

http://www.harrishealthcare.com


The MakePad story all began with one simple mission "To make the learning of code possible for everyone." They are also proponents of the 'maker culture' a movement which encourages a DIY approach to designing, building, creating and learning. With these objectives firmly in mind, the team at MakePi set about designing a simple and intuitive DIY tablet that would effortlessly teach coding to kids as young as five.

The MakePad is different from what's currently on the market in three key areas ease of use, affordability and accessibility. Indeed, the MakePad is interactive, self-explanatory and easy as pie to operate. The inbuilt Raspberry-Pi based processing technology offers serious processing power at a fraction of the cost. Internet is not required to operate the device, meaning that it's more accessible to more kids, especially to those in developing or isolated areas.

The MakePad is now complete; ready and raring to go for CES, 2018.

CES is the global stage for innovation a lively four-day conference where next-generation innovations are introduced to the marketplace. Companies from across the globe will be showing off their latest innovations, and experts will be offering their insightful commentary on the rapidly evolving world of technology.

Some 184,000 people attended the event in 2017, with some 4,000 companies exhibiting their creations. CES is truly epic, and you won't want to miss one day of the action. The next CES conference will be held in Las Vegas, NV, January 9-12, 2018.

Present for CES and TechCo, Startup Night is an event that will get 15 innovate startups to pitch their ideas and MakePi was selected! Join them at Gold Spike, 217 Las Vegas Blvd, on January 8.

Just so you know, the MakePad will be available by way of a crowdfunding campaign, and is set for release February 2018. You can lend your support, and get first dibs on the MakePad by signing up.

SOURCE MakePi

Related Links

http://www.makepi.com


STAINES-UPON-THAMES, United Kingdom, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Mallinckrodt plc (NYSE: MNK), a leading global specialty pharmaceutical company, today announced it has successfully completed the rolling submission of a New Drug Application (NDA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to seek approval of its recently acquired developmental product stannsoporfin. If approved, the drug is expected to become the first and only pharmacologic option in the U.S. indicated for treatment of neonates at risk for developing severe hyperbilirubinemia, or severe jaundice.

"We are pleased to complete this important milestone for stannsoporfin," said Steve Romano, M.D., Chief Scientific Officer and Executive Vice President of Mallinckrodt. "This brings us one step closer to addressing an unmet need for therapies to treat thousands of infants at risk for severe jaundice, and we look forward to working closely with the FDA toward the goal of obtaining approval of stannsoporfin to treat this population."

ABOUT SEVERE HYPERBILIRUBINEMIA AND STANNSOPORFIN

In the U.S., the total number of term births is estimated at 3.97 million per year1,2 and, of those, approximately 750,0003 infants are treated for jaundice. Of those treated, some may be unresponsive to phototherapy  the current standard of care  even with extended and repeated courses of the treatment4, and patients face the risk of developing severe jaundice prior to discharge. A small percentage of full-term infants may experience elevated bilirubin levels after discharge and be at risk of severe jaundice5, requiring hospital readmission. The combined potential patient treatments required annually in the U.S. for severe jaundice is approximately 70,000 to 125,000.

Stannsoporfin, a heme oxygenase inhibitor, is under investigation for its potential to reduce the production of bilirubin. The safety and effectiveness of stannsoporfin have not yet been established by FDA. If approved, stannsoporfin is expected to be used for late-preterm and full-term infants at risk of developing complications associated with severe jaundice.

ABOUT MALLINCKRODT

Mallinckrodt is a global business that develops, manufactures, markets and distributes specialty pharmaceutical products and therapies. Areas of focus include autoimmune and rare diseases in specialty areas like neurology, rheumatology, nephrology, pulmonology and ophthalmology; immunotherapy and neonatal respiratory critical care therapies; and analgesics and hemostasis products. The company's core strengths include the acquisition and management of highly regulated raw materials and specialized chemistry, formulation and manufacturing capabilities. The company's Specialty Brands segment includes branded medicines and its Specialty Generics segment includes specialty generic drugs, active pharmaceutical ingredients and external manufacturing. To learn more about Mallinckrodt, visit www.mallinckrodt.com.

Mallinckrodt uses its website as a channel of distribution of important company information, such as press releases, investor presentations and other financial information. It also uses its website to expedite public access to time-critical information regarding the company in advance of or in lieu of distributing a press release or a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) disclosing the same information. Therefore, investors should look to the Investor Relations page of the website for important and time-critical information. Visitors to the website can also register to receive automatic e-mail and other notifications alerting them when new information is made available on the Investor Relations page of the website.

CONTACTS

Media

Rhonda Sciarra

Senior Communications Manager

908-238-6765

[email protected]

Meredith Fischer

Chief Public Affairs Officer

314-654-3318

[email protected]

Investor Relations

Coleman N. Lannum, CFA

Senior Vice President, Investor Strategy and IRO

314-654-6649

[email protected]

Daniel J. Speciale, CPA

Director, Investor Relations

314-654-3638

[email protected]

1 https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db258.pdf

2 https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/births.htm

3 HCUP (Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project) KID Data

4 Mallinckrodt market research/management projections

5 http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2013/04/03/peds.2012-2634

SOURCE Mallinckrodt plc

Related Links

http://www.mallinckrodt.com


Now in its 51st year, the CES keeps delivering dazzling highlights and groundbreaking innovations that set the trends for the global industry. The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) is promising the top industry professionals who attend this year's mega-event "more whoa than ever before". Lying in store for attendees are some 20,000 exciting new products, 1,175 speakers, 4,000 exhibitors from a wide spectrum of technology sectors, and a huge range of events.

To help visitors find their way around the enormous venue, the CTA is providing a personalized app created exclusively for the event by industry leaders Eventbase. The app acts as a digital assistant, guiding users through the extensive program and enabling highly personalized planning of their visit.

Thanks to IT experts Heidelberg Mobil International GmbH's Deep Map technology, the hordes of visitors won't have to rely on their own sense of direction or static floor plans. Whether they are going from a successful meeting to a hip event or heading from the monorail station to check out the latest cool gadget, the integrated, dynamic map technology shows app users the shortest route to wherever they want to get to next. A search function makes it easy to find your way to specific exhibitors and other destinations.

As well as the Las Vegas Convention and World Trade Center (LVCC), the app's integrated map also covers the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, the Sands Expo and Convention Center, The Venetian and the ARIA Resort & Casino. The map displays more than 3,500 stands and session rooms on multiple floors. In addition, Deep Map uses Open Street Map data to show many parts of the Las Vegas Strip, including 31 of the most popular hotels.

Besides making it easy for the tech crowd to find their way to the event, the map also guarantees comprehensive navigation between the inside and outside of the venue once they are there. "To deliver seamless indoor/outdoor navigation, this year's map also includes the Las Vegas Monorail stations as well as the most important shuttle and transportation routes such as the C Space Shuttle and Tech Express", explains Managing Director Dr. Matthias Jost. "Deep Map will help visitors at this year's CES to seamlessly find their way from A to B."

About Heidelberg Mobil International GmbH

To help people find their way around urban spaces  this has been our goal since 1998. Heidelberg Mobil International GmbH's Deep Map technology enables seamless indoor and outdoor navigation of complex sites. A staff of fifty supports our customers and long-standing partners with the implementation of location-based solutions across a wide range of different industries. After all, in today's dynamically connected world, seamless mobility and optimal orientation are hugely important to everyone, particularly in the context of the digital revolution. The event industry, with its complex space, time and infrastructure requirements, is just one example.

Science and research are at the root of what we do and form an important part of our day-to-day work at Heidelberg University campus. Our engagement in research projects, networks and international academic exchange enables us to actively drive new developments in the fields of spatial analytics, location-based services and human-computer interaction.

Contact Germany:

Dr. Matthias Jost

+49 6221 / 4299 - 300

Contact North America:

Cody Hashemi

+1 647 - 408 - 6072

[email protected]

Press contact:

Heike Mihm

+49 6221 / 4299  345

[email protected]

More information available on www.deep-map.com and www.heidelberg-mobil.com/en/news.

A picture accompanying this release is available in the AP PhotoExpress feed using ref# PRN1187391.

SOURCE Heidelberg Mobil International GmbH

Related Links

https://www.heidelberg-mobil.com/en/news


Banvard earned her J.D. from Harvard Law School in 2008, where she served as the editor of the Harvard Journal on Legislation. She received a B.A., summa cum laude, in political science with a minor in economics from The Ohio State University in 2005.

Banvard can be reached at [email protected] or 614.458.0032.

About McDonald Hopkins

Founded in 1930, McDonald Hopkins is a business advisory and advocacy law firm with locations in Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, Miami, and West Palm Beach. With more than 50 service and industry teams, the firm has the expertise and knowledge to meet the growing number of legal and business challenges our clients face. For more information about McDonald Hopkins, visit mcdonaldhopkins.com.

CONTACT:

Deborah W. Kelm

McDonald Hopkins LLC

600 Superior Avenue, East, Suite 2100

Cleveland, Ohio 44114

Phone: 216.348.5733

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE McDonald Hopkins

Related Links

http://www.mcdonaldhopkins.com


Showcase a variety of Royole products, each based on the company's flexible electronics technologies, to demonstrate both new use cases as well as how they can improve the performance and design of many everyday products

Discuss how Royole's flexible display and flexible sensor technologies will change the way people interact with the world around them

Share his vision for a flexible future and how Royole's Flexible+ Platform will be a key driver

Royole Founder Bill Liu to Take Part in CES 2018 Power Session Press Conference Where He Will:

About Royole Corporation

Founded by Stanford engineering graduates in 2012, Royole's mission is to improve the way people interact with and perceive their world. The company creates and manufactures next-generation human-machine interface technologies and products including advanced flexible displays, flexible sensors, and smart devices. Technology milestones include the world's thinnest full-color AMOLED flexible display and flexible sensors (2014), the world's first foldable 3D mobile theater (2015), and the world's first curved car dashboard based on flexible electronics (2016).

Royole has received numerous global awards for its technology innovations and fast growth. Holding over 1500 IPs, it provides IP licenses, services, and, mass production and solutions for flexible electronics applications with its novel "Flexible+" platform. Royole, backed by leaders in global finance, has built a new 1.1-million-square-foot flexible display production campus in Shenzhen, China with a total investment of USD $1.7B. Royole has offices in Fremont, CA, Hong Kong, and Shenzhen, China. For more information, please visit: www.royole.com.

PR Contact:

Andrew Wille

Copernio

(714) 891-3660/(847) 917-3174

[email protected]

All products/services and trademarks mentioned in this release are the properties of their respective companies.

2018 Royole Corp. All rights reserved.

SOURCE Royole Corporation

Related Links

http://www.royole.com


"At Ashford University, we are passionate about serving the military community," said Dr. Farrell. "We are privileged to offer scholarships to these unsung heroes who so often sacrifice their education goals to support their families in response to the demands of military life."

The Homefront Heroes Scholarship recognizes the strength and support military spouses provide our nation's service members. The scholarship covers tuition, books, and technology fees to help the partners of military men and women pursue their degrees at Ashford University.

The scholarship winners were selected from a pool of applicants who submitted essays explaining how being married to a service member has influenced their education and career goals, and how receiving a scholarship would enhance their future.

Ashford University created the Homefront Heroes Scholarship program seven years ago to honor the spouses of American service members. The scholarships recognize the hard work and sacrifices of military spouses and aligns with the University's giving mission to focus on the areas of education, youth, and the military.

About Ashford University

Where heritage meets innovation  that's Ashford University. At Ashford, students discover relevant degree programs, innovative technology, and cherished tradition. Ashford offers associates, bachelor's, and master's degree programs online, allowing students to balance life by providing the flexibility to do school work anywhere, anytime. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu, www.facebook.com/ashforduniversity, www.twitter.com/AshfordU, or call Lauren Coartney at 858.513.9240 x11636.

Contact: Lauren Coartney

858.513.9240 x11636  [email protected]

SOURCE Ashford University

Related Links

http://www.ashford.edu


"Males are more likely to report subjective sexual harassment actions than females," said Bob Norberg, director of strategy and research at The Agency. "These results suggest society's efforts to sensitize millennial males to the complexities and nuances of sexual harassment are beginning to produce the desired attitudinal changes."

The study was conducted Nov. 27-28, 2017 by The Agency at the University of Florida, utilizing MAVY, a community of 18-35 year-olds, to examine millennial sensitivities to actions and behaviors that fall broadly under the label of "sexual harassment."

The MAVY study findings also indicate millennial sensitivities are nuanced, with strong sensitivity for some actions and less for others. Sensitivity was measured by the extent to which a person would report a specific incidence with the intent that the harasser would be punished in some fashion.

"It is clear millennials distinguish between the severity of premeditated or deliberate actions and those that allow for more subjective interpretation," said Norberg. "For example, while over two-thirds of this group are likely to report premeditated and deliberate actions, over 40 percent say they are unlikely to claim sexual harassment for a cat call, a sexual joke or staring."

The survey of 188 millennials contained three questions about subjective behaviors and six questions about premeditated and deliberate behaviors. On average, for the three subjective behaviors, 41 percent of the males indicated they would report the incident versus 27 percent for females. The average likelihood to report premeditated and deliberate behaviors was 68 percent for females and 62 percent for males.

Some actions clearly provoke reporting, while others do not have as strong of a reaction," said Norberg. "For instance, over 65 percent of those questioned would report actions that involved inappropriate or unapproved touching, whereas only 27 percent would report a person who told a joke or story with sexual connotations."

About The Agency

Led by professionals, staffed by students and inspired by faculty, The Agency is an auxiliary of the University of Florida's College of Journalism and Communication. An integrated strategic communication firm, it provides a valuable service to clients while offering immersive learning opportunities for students. Built on a foundation of research called MAVY, The Agency specializes in marketing to the millennial generation. The Agency has worked with numerous notable clients including, P&G, Florida Department of Citrus, Florida Department of Transportation, Stein Mart, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and ecotourism theme park, Xcaret.

About the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications

The University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications, recognized by its peers as one of the premier programs in the country, is driving innovation and engagement across the disciplines of advertising, journalism, public relations and telecommunication. The college's strength is drawn from both academic rigor and experiential learning. It offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees and certificates, both online and on campus. CJC students have the opportunity to gain practical experience in the Innovation News Center, which generates content across multiple platforms, and The Agency, an integrated strategic communication and consumer research agency focused on marketing to young adults. The College includes seven broadcast and digital media properties (including the local PBS, NPR and ESPN affiliates), the STEM Translational Communication Center and the nation's only program in strategic communication for social change.

SOURCE The Agency at the University of Florida

Related Links

http://theagency.jou.ufl.edu


BASEL, Switzerland, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Myovant Sciences (NYSE: MYOV), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing innovative therapies for women's health and endocrine diseases, today announced that Lynn Seely, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Myovant Sciences, will present at the 36th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco, California on Wednesday January 10, 2018 at 2:30 p.m. PT.

The event will be webcast live and may be accessed via the Events page under the Investors and Media section of Myovant's website at www.myovant.com. Please connect to the company's website at least 15 minutes prior to the presentation to ensure adequate time for any software download that may be required to listen to the webcast. A replay will also be available at the same location for 30 days following the conference.

About Myovant Sciences

Myovant Sciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing innovative therapies for women's health and endocrine diseases. Myovant's lead product candidate is relugolix, an oral, once-daily, small molecule that acts as a gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor antagonist. Myovant has initiated three clinical programs for relugolix consisting of five international Phase 3 clinical trials, two in women with heavy menstrual bleeding associated with uterine fibroids (LIBERTY 1 & 2), two in women with endometriosis-associated pain (SPIRIT 1 & 2), and one in men with advanced prostate cancer (HERO). Myovant is simultaneously developing MVT-602, a kisspeptin agonist, for the treatment of female infertility as part of assisted reproduction. Takeda Pharmaceuticals International AG has granted Myovant an exclusive, worldwide license to develop and commercialize relugolix (excluding Japan and certain other Asian countries where Takeda retains exclusive rights) and an exclusive license to develop and commercialize MVT-602 in all countries worldwide. Over time, the company intends to expand its development pipeline to include other potential treatments for women's health and endocrine diseases. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.myovant.com.

Investor Contact:

DeDe Sheel

Investor Relations

Myovant Sciences, Inc.

[email protected]

SOURCE Myovant Sciences

Related Links

http://www.myovant.com


SAN ANTONIO, Jan. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2018 Innovation Showdown, which launches today, invites organizations and companies to compete for the chance at an investment of up to $350,000 for innovative ideas to save animal lives and get feedback from the nation's top animal welfare experts. Recognizing and rewarding lifesaving innovation has been an area of focus for many of the nation's top animal welfare organizations. The 2018 Innovation Showdown is a collaborative project with a goal to spark lifesaving creativity to help the animal welfare industry reduce the number of animals euthanized in this country.

The Innovation Showdown, originally created in 2017 by the Petco Foundation and Jackson Galaxy Foundation, is modeled after the critically-acclaimed Shark Tank for entrepreneurs, but with one major difference. The Innovation Showdown's ultimate goal is not a financial return on investment but a lifesaving return on investment  that is to save the lives of more animals in need.

"The Innovation Showdown aspires to encourage ideas that will change the landscape of animal welfare," said Susanne Kogut, the Petco Foundation Executive Director. "All of the participating national organizations share the same goal -- to end needless euthanasia of animals in this country. By joining forces in this year's Showdown, we can make a meaningful impact with a more significant investment pool and feedback from the industry's experts to debate the lifesaving potential of each new idea."

Participating organizations include, the ASPCA, Best Friends Animal Society, The Humane Society of the United States, The Jackson Galaxy Project, Maddie's Fund  , Michelson Found Animals Foundation, the Petco Foundation and the WaterShed Animal Fund.

"Partnering with the industry's top dogs, and cats, through the Innovation Showdown is a great way for us to support and foster big, positive, transformational change for animals," said Jackson Galaxy, cat expert, author, entrepreneur, founder of the Jackson Galaxy Project, and host of "My Cat from Hell."

Innovative ideas to save animal lives are now being accepted online until February 16th. Two finalists will be chosen initially and selected additional ideas will compete for the third Wild Card finalist spot. The grand finale will take place on May 16th at the HSUS Animal Care Expo, where the three finalists will make their pitch on stage to the judges.

Eligibility: Non-profit or municipal animal welfare organizations and for-profit companies, provided their idea is to support the mission to save animal lives.

Judging panel of Innovation Investors: Matt Bershadker (ASPCA), Julie Castle (Best Friends Animal Society), Jackson Galaxy (the Jackson Galaxy Project), Mary Ippoliti-Smith (Maddie's Fund), Aimee Gilbreath (Michelson Found Animals Foundation), Susanne Kogut (the Petco Foundation) and Christy Counts (WaterShed Animal Fund)

"The Humane Society of the United States is thrilled to host the Innovation Showdown at Animal Care Expo," said Wayne Pacelle, CEO of the HSUS. "Innovation is a critical pathway to helping us solve problems in our field and to strengthen the human-animal bond. As the premiere educational event for animal welfare professionals, Expo is a great venue to showcase big, new ideas in our field."

Last year nearly 200 idea submissions were received and two winners, the Animal Care Centers of NYC for their digital shelter concept ($100,000) and Brandywine Valley SPCA for "Mama in a Box" a kitten feeding solution ($50,000), took home the top two honors. View videos of the first-ever Innovation Showdown winners here: petcofoundation.org/showdown

Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #InnovationShowdown.

About the Petco Foundation

At the Petco Foundation, we believe that every animal deserves to live its best life. Since 1999, we've invested more than $200 million in lifesaving animal welfare work to make that happen. With our more than 4,000 animal welfare partners, we inspire and empower communities to make a difference by investing in adoption and medical care programs, spay and neuter services, pet cancer research, service and therapy animals, and numerous other lifesaving initiatives. Through our Think Adoption First program, we partner with Petco stores and animal welfare organizations across the country to increase pet adoptions. So far, we've helped more than 5.5 million pets find their new loving families, and we're just getting started. Visit petcofoundation.org to learn more about how you can get involved.

Media Contact: Lisa Lane

[email protected]

858-877-0431

SOURCE Petco Foundation

Related Links

http://www.petcofoundation.org


ABBOTT PARK, Ill., Jan. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) today announced U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for magnetic resonance (MR)-conditional labeling for the Quadra Assura MP Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Defibrillator (CRT-D) and Fortify Assura Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD), two of the company's most widely-used high voltage medical devices. The approvals follow recent MR-conditional labeling approvals for the Assurity MRI pacemaker, Ellipse ICD and associated MRI-compatible leads, and further expand Abbott's portfolio of MRI-ready devices for patients indicated for ICDs and/or CRT-D devices who may need an MRI in the future.

Physicians utilize ICDs to restore normal heart rhythms in patients at risk for experiencing potentially life-threatening heart rhythms; they implant CRT-D devices to help the lower chambers of the heart beat in rhythm in patients battling progressive congestive heart failure and improve blood flow throughout the body. For some patients, the potential need for a future MRI has made MR-conditional labeling important as physicians assess therapies and device options. As a result, Abbott has done extensive testing to demonstrate that these devices are safe in the most commonly-used MRI scanners.

"For many patients who need an ICD or CRT-D device, receiving a device that is MRI-ready is a key benefit that can ensure future access to MRIs -- an important and commonly-used diagnostic tool," said Avi Fischer, M.D., divisional vice president, medical affairs, and medical director of Abbott's cardiac rhythm management business. "We are excited to expand our portfolio and add MR-conditional labeling to the Fortify Assura ICD and Quadra Assura MP CRT-D to provide patients and their physicians additional peace of mind if those patients need an MRI in the future."

In addition to MRI compatibility, Abbott's Fortify Assura ICD and Quadra Assura MP CRT-D also include the company's suite of TailoredTherapy features, which are designed to provide physicians additional flexibility and control in how they deliver therapy to treat their patient's cardiac arrhythmias and congestive heart failure, even as their patient's therapy needs change over time. With the TailoredTherapy feature set, the Fortify Assura ICD and Quadra Assura MP CRT-D help protect against the delivery of unnecessary therapy and continuously evaluate the condition of a lead to consistently deliver appropriate therapy. Combined with MRI compatibility, these features offer physicians additional options to leverage when managing patient care.

The Quadra Assura MP CRT-D also offers Abbott's proprietary MultiPoint Pacing and SyncAV technology to provide additional options for CRT patients who are not responsive to traditional cardiac resynchronization therapy. With MultiPoint Pacing, Abbott allows physicians to "individualize" cardiac resynchronization therapy and shift their patient's treatment options from a single point of pacing to multiple options to better deliver therapy where needed. Abbott's SynvAV software allows a CRT device to detect real-time changes in a patient's cardiac condition and adjust therapy accordingly.

As with all Abbott cardiac rhythm management devices, all therapy data captured by the Fortify Assura and Quadra Assura MP devices can be directly, securely and wirelessly sent to a patient's doctor through the Merlin.net Patient Care Network. This communication allows physicians to remotely monitor their patient's therapy and assess any need for intervention.

For more information about Abbott's focus on cardiac rhythm management, visit www.sjm.com/en/patients/arrhythmias.

About Abbott:

At Abbott, we're committed to helping people live their best possible life through the power of health. For more than 125 years, we've brought new products and technologies to the world -- in nutrition, diagnostics, medical devices and branded generic pharmaceuticals -- that create more possibilities for more people at all stages of life. Today, 94,000 of us are working to help people live not just longer, but better, in the more than 150 countries we serve.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews and @AbbottGlobal.

SOURCE Abbott

Related Links

http://www.abbott.com


"This project could potentially be of great interest to CIOs at financial services firms, as well as the many IT professionals specializing in data storage at those firms, not to mention the dedicated professionals at the Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies who safeguard much of our nation's critical data," stated Donald Matthews, President and CEO of NexiTech. "The impact of this project would be felt in the commercial market for storage arrays, backup appliances and storage area networks."

The SVIP is a unique new program within the DHS that expands the DHS's reach to find new technologies that strengthen national security with the goal of reshaping how government, entrepreneurs and industry work together to find cutting-edge solutions.

Said Matthews, "Our patent-pending Moving Target Defense technology uses storage virtualization techniques to create multiple abstractions of a device that will confuse potential attackers. We are very excited to be working with DHS in addressing the ever-growing issue of cyber threats to our critical national infrastructure."

COMPANY OVERVIEW: NexiTech, Inc. is a software company with locations in Woodland Park, CO and Broomfield, CO. The company specializes in cutting-edge storage networking solutions and advanced cybersecurity techniques for actively defending against cyber threats to critical data storage resources. NexiTech has served world-class customers like Broadcom, Intel, Micron and Microsoft, and prime defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin and other well-known organizations. Learn more at www.nexitech.com.

DISCLAIMER: Research reported in this press release was supported by the Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate under award number HSHQDC-17-9-00036. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the Department of Homeland Security.

Contact:

Lisa Apolinski

888-628-5556

[email protected]

SOURCE NexiTech, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.nexitech.com


CHICAGO, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- NextCapital, the leader in enterprise digital advice, is pleased to announce the completion of its Series C Preferred Stock financing. Oak HC/FT, the premier venture fund investing in early to growth stage tech-enabled financial services and healthcare companies, led the funding round. Existing NextCapital shareholders Manulife Financial, Transamerica Ventures, Vermont Seed Capital Fund and Route 66 Ventures also participated.

NextCapital provides institutions with an integrated and configurable platform to deliver automated personal financial advice -- including holistic portfolio tracking, planning, savings advice, and portfolio management.

"Oak HC/FT shares our conviction that large financial institutions will win the big shift to scalable personal investment advice," said John Patterson, Chief Executive Officer of NextCapital. "This infusion of new capital, coupled with Oak HC/FT's fintech pedigree, will accelerate our ability to bring new digital advice capabilities to market and open up new strategic business channels."

"The $15 trillion U.S. retirement savings market is going through seismic change-- from a regulatory, technology, and consumer perspective," said Patricia Kemp, Co-Founder and General Partner, Oak HC/FT. "Having surveyed the digital advice landscape, NextCapital is uniquely positioned to enable the transformation of the U.S. retirement industry and the way Americans save for retirement."

NextCapital assists institutional partners to rapidly and cost-effectively bring to market a full-stack digital advice solution that is specifically built to support the demanding configuration requirements.

"Retirement and asset management firms are selecting NextCapital as a technology partner because of its ability to provide a truly differentiated digital advice solution," added Alois Pirker, research director of Aite Group. "More specifically, large institutions want to utilize their own proprietary investment methodology, have full control of user experience, integrate to multiple 401(k) record keeping systems, and often, support multiple business channels."

Patricia Kemp has 15 years of experience as a venture capitalist investing in transformative companies and entrepreneurs in financial services and FinTech, will join the NextCapital Board of Directors. Additionally, Oak HC/FT venture partner Dan Petrozzo, will join NextCapital as a Board Observer. Prior to joining Oak HC/FT, Dan was previously Chief Information Officer of Fidelity Investments and Morgan Stanley, as well head of investment management technology for Goldman Sachs.

About NextCapital Group: NextCapital is the leader in enterprise digital advice. NextCapital partners with world class institutions to deliver personalized planning and managed accounts to individual investors across multiple channels including 401(k), IRA, and taxable brokerage accounts. Our open-architecture digital advice solution provides integrated account aggregation, analytics, planning and portfolio management, and allows partners to customize advice methodology and fiduciary roles. NextCapital powers digital advice strategies for leading world-class brands such as John Hancock, Russell Investments, State Street Global Advisors, and Transamerica.

About OAK HC/FT: Oak HC/FT (http://oakhcft.com) is a premier venture fund investing in Healthcare Information & Services ("HC") and Financial Services Technology ("FT"). We are focused on driving transformation in these industries by providing entrepreneurs and companies with strategic counsel, board-level participation, business plan execution and access to our extensive network of industry leaders.

www.oakhcft.com

SOURCE NextCapital
"Maureen keeps the large, multifaceted NICU team working together smoothly to ensure the best care experience possible for our critically ill patients," Floyd writes. "The complexity of the patients under the care of her team can't be overstated: Some are born weighing less than 1 pound and spend many consecutive months in the NICU.  Especially from a neurodevelopmental perspective, expert nursing care in the earliest days of life impacts a child in positive ways throughout their lifespan. Care must be taken to ensure that staff members work well together at all times and maintain best practice, especially in a field as fast-moving as NICU nursing."

Children's NICU was ranked the nation's No. 1 for babies out of more than 1,500 NICUs reviewed by U.S. News & World Report in 2017. In October 2017, Maurano was honored with the 2017 Richard Hader Visionary Leader Award based on Floyd's essay.

"Maureen and the nursing team partner with neonatology and others to provide clinically expert and compassionate care to our patients and their families. She is responsible for operations, clinical practice, regulatory readiness, family and staff satisfaction and ongoing quality-improvement efforts," says Billie Lou Short, M.D., chief of the Division of Neonatology. "It is an ambitious portfolio but in the many years we have worked closely together, Maureen always has demonstrated the utmost skill. She challenges herself to do more every day, and she inspires all of the NICU staff to achieve their very best."

Linda Talley, M.S., B.S.N., R.N., NE-BC, Vice President of Nursing and Chief Nursing Officer, adds that the innovative approaches that Maurano introduced in the NICU now have taken root throughout Children's National.



"As just one example, after the medication bar coding project began in the NICU, other departments adopted the technology in order to provide medication to tiny patients whose ID bands would become wrapped up in blankets to administer medicine without disrupting their sleep," Talley says.

Among her accomplishments, Maurano has:

Exclusively hired staff who share a commitment to a culture of excellence. At the end of fiscal year 2016, the NICU had no vacancies among its clinical nursing staff.

Streamlined processes for leadership rounding, service recovery and team communication.

Effectively advocated for bar coding medications, breast milk and blood products, optimizing safety and ensuring each product was matched to the appropriate patient.

Initiated a "safe sleep" program that ultimately migrated to other inpatient units within the hospital.

Co-chaired the multidisciplinary NICU care delivery team, a partnership that has resulted in bloodstream infection rates and unintended extubation rates remaining consistently below national benchmarks.

Worked with a NICU team to standardize discharge training for parents and significantly increased the percentage of parents completing the classes.

Kept a finger on the pulse of parents who wanted to remain with their infants as long as possible by upgrading furniture to accommodate the needs of families staying at the hospital overnight.

Helped to implement free meal delivery service for breast-feeding families.

SOURCE Children's National Health System

Related Links

http://www.childrensnational.org


LONDON, Jan. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5253672



According to "North America Oilfield Roller Chain Market By Application, By Type, By Country, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2012  2022", North America oilfield roller chain market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.59%, in value terms, during 2017-2022, on account of increasing offshore field development activities being undertaken in Gulf of Mexico. During the forecast period, oil & gas companies are expected to flock the prospective offshore Gulf of Mexico. In 2016, BP announced plans to invest $ 9 billion to explore in deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The above stated factors are anticipated to propel the market in the coming years. The leading players in North America oilfield roller chain market include Rexnord Corporation, Diamond Chain Company, Inc., Emerson Bearing Company and Hale Brothers, Inc.



"North America Oilfield Roller Chain Market By Application, By Type, By Country, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2012  2022", discusses the following aspects of oilfield roller chain market in North America region:

 Oilfield Roller Chain Market Size, Share & Forecast

 Segmental Analysis  By Application (Hoisting Operations, Sucker Rod Pump, Mud Pump and Others), By Type (Drive Chain, Conveyor Chain, Multi Strand Chain and Others), By Country

 Pricing & Competitive Analysis

 Changing Market Trends & Emerging Opportunities



Why You Should Buy This Report?

 To gain an in-depth understanding of oilfield roller chain market in North America

 To identify the on-going trends and anticipated growth in the next five years

 To help industry consultants, oilfield roller chain manufacturers, distributors and other stakeholders align their market-centric strategies

 To obtain research based business decisions and add weight to presentations and marketing material

 To gain competitive knowledge of leading market players

 To avail 10% customization in the report without any extra charges and get the research data or trends added in the report as per the buyer's specific needs



Report Methodology

The information contained in this report is based upon both primary and secondary research. Primary research included interaction with oilfield roller chain manufacturers, distributors and industry experts. Secondary research included an exhaustive search of relevant publications like company annual reports, financial reports and proprietary databases.



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About Reportbuyer

Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers



For more information:

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Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com

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SOURCE ReportBuyer

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EAST HANOVER, N.J., Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Novartis today announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Breakthrough Therapy designation to Promacta (eltrombopag) for use in combination with standard immunosuppressive therapy for the treatment of patients with severe aplastic anemia (SAA) as a first-line therapy. Promacta, which is marketed as Revolade in most countries outside the US, is already approved as a second-line therapy in the refractory setting in SAA. Promacta is also approved for adults and children with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), for patients who are refractory to other treatments.

SAA is a rare blood disorder in which a patient's bone marrow fails to produce enough red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets2. As a result, people living with this serious disease may experience debilitating symptoms and complications, such as fatigue, trouble breathing, recurring infections and abnormal bruising or bleeding that can limit their daily activities2. Up to one-third of patients do not respond to current therapies or relapse, causing symptoms to return3.

"Promacta is a promising medicine that, if approved for first-line use in severe aplastic anemia, may redefine the standard of care for patients with this rare and serious bone marrow condition," said Samit Hirawat, MD, Head, Novartis Oncology Global Drug Development. "We will continue to work closely with the FDA to make Promacta available to patients with SAA who are new to treatment as soon as possible."

Novartis' analysis of research conducted by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) showed that over half (52%) of patients with treatment-naive SAA achieved complete response at six months when treated with Promacta at the initiation of and concurrently with standard immunosuppressive treatment. The overall response rate was 85%.

According to FDA guidelines, treatments that receive Breakthrough Therapy designation are those that treat a serious or life threatening disease or condition and demonstrate a substantial improvement over existing therapies on one or more clinically significant endpoints based on preliminary clinical evidence.

About Promacta (eltrombopag)

Eltrombopag, marketed as Promacta in the United States and Revolade in countries outside the US, is approved in more than 100 countries worldwide for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in adult patients with chronic immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) who have had an inadequate response or are intolerant to other treatments, approved in over 45 countries worldwide for the treatment of patients with severe aplastic anemia (SAA) who are refractory to other treatments, and also approved in more than 50 countries for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in patients with chronic hepatitis C to allow them to initiate and maintain interferon-based therapy. Eltrombopag is approved in the US and in the European Union for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in pediatric patients 1 year and older with chronic immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenia (ITP) who have had an insufficient response to corticosteroids and immunoglobulins.

Important Safety Information for Promacta (eltrombopag)

Promacta can cause serious side effects, including liver problems, abnormal liver function tests, high platelet counts and higher risk for blood clots, and new or worsened cataracts (a clouding of the lens in the eye).

Promacta is not for treatment of people with a precancerous condition called myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). If you have MDS and receive Promacta, your MDS condition may worsen and become AML. If MDS worsens to become AML, you may die sooner from AML.

For patients who have chronic hepatitis C virus and take Promacta with interferon and ribavirin treatment, Promacta may increase the risk of liver problems. Patients should tell a healthcare provider right away if they have any of these signs and symptoms of liver problems including yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes (jaundice), unusual darkening of the urine, unusual tiredness, right upper stomach area pain, confusion, swelling of the stomach area (abdomen).

A healthcare provider will order blood tests to check the liver before starting Promacta and during Promacta treatment. In some cases, treatment with Promacta may need to be stopped due to changes in liver function tests.

The risk of getting a blood clot is increased if the platelet count is too high during treatment with Promacta. The risk of getting a blood clot may also be increased during treatment with Promacta if platelet counts are normal or low. Some forms of blood clots, such as clots that travel to the lungs or that cause heart attacks or strokes can cause severe problems or death. A healthcare provider will check blood platelet counts, and change the dose of Promacta or stop Promacta, if platelet counts get too high. Patients should tell a healthcare provider right away if they have signs and symptoms of a blood clot in the leg, such as swelling, pain, or tenderness in the leg.

People with chronic liver disease may be at risk for a type of blood clot in the stomach area. Patients should tell a healthcare provider right away if they have stomach area pain that may be a symptom of this type of blood clot.

New or worsened cataracts have happened in people taking Promacta. A healthcare provider will check the patient's eyes before and during treatment with Promacta. Patients should tell a healthcare provider about any changes in eyesight while taking Promacta.

Patients should tell a healthcare provider about all the medicines they take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Promacta may affect the way certain medicines work. Certain medicines may keep Promacta from working correctly. Patients should take Promacta at least 4 hours before or 4 hours after taking products such as antacids used to treat stomach ulcers or heartburn and multivitamins or products that contain iron, calcium, aluminum, magnesium, selenium, and zinc, which may be found in mineral supplements. Patients should ask a healthcare provider if they are not sure if the medicine is one that is listed above.

Patients should avoid situations and medications that may increase the risk of bleeding while taking Promacta.

The most common side effects of Promacta when used to treat chronic ITP in adults are: nausea; diarrhea; upper respiratory tract infection (symptoms may include runny nose, stuffy nose, and sneezing); vomiting; muscle aches; urinary tract infection (symptoms may include frequent or urgent need to urinate, low fever in some people, pain or burning with urination); pain or swelling (inflammation) in the throat or mouth (oropharyngeal pain and pharyngitis); abnormal liver function tests; back pain; flu-like symptoms (influenza), including fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, and body aches; skin tingling, itching, or burning; and rash.

The most common side effects of Promacta in children 1 year and older when used to treat chronic ITP are: upper respiratory tract infections (symptoms may include runny nose, stuffy nose, and sneezing); pain or swelling (inflammation) in the nose and throat (nasopharyngitis); cough; diarrhea; pyrexia; runny, stuffy nose (rhinitis); stomach (abdominal) pain; pain or swelling (inflammation) in the throat or mouth; toothache; abnormal liver function tests; rash; runny nose (rhinorrhea).

The most common side effects when Promacta is used in combination with other medicines to treat chronic HCV are: low red blood cell count (anemia); fever; tiredness; headache; nausea; diarrhea; decreased appetite; flu-like symptoms (influenza), including fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, and body aches; feeling weak; trouble sleeping; cough; itching; chills; muscle aches; hair loss; and swelling in the ankles, feet, and legs.

The most common side effects of Promacta when used to treat severe aplastic anemia are: nausea, feeling tired, cough, diarrhea, headache, pain in arms, legs, hands or feet, shortness of breath, fever, dizziness, pain in nose or throat, abdominal pain, bruising, muscle spasms, abnormal liver function tests, joint pain, and runny nose. Laboratory tests may show abnormal changes to the cells in bone marrow.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNING and Medication Guide, for Promacta.

Disclaimer

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by words such as "potential," "can," "will," "plan," "expect," "anticipate," "look forward," "believe," "committed," "investigational," "pipeline," "launch," or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing approvals, new indications or labeling for the investigational or approved products described in this press release, or regarding potential future revenues from such products. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that the investigational or approved products described in this press release will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that such products will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, our expectations regarding such products could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; our ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; the particular prescribing preferences of physicians and patients; global trends toward health care cost containment, including government, payor and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures; general economic and industry conditions, including the effects of the persistently weak economic and financial environment in many countries; safety, quality or manufacturing issues, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG's current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Novartis

Located in East Hanover, NJ, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation is an affiliate of Novartis which provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, cost-saving generic and biosimilar pharmaceuticals and eye care. Novartis has leading positions globally in each of these areas. In 2016, the Group achieved net sales of USD 48.5 billion, while R&D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 9.0 billion. Novartis Group companies employ approximately 121,000 full-time-equivalent associates. Novartis products are sold in approximately 155 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com.

Novartis is on Twitter. Sign up to follow @Novartis at http://twitter.com/novartis and @NovartisCancer at https://twitter.com/novartiscancer.

For Novartis multimedia content, please visit www.novartis.com/news/media-library.

For questions about the site or required registration, please contact [email protected].

References

Data on File. Aplastic Anemia. U.S. National Institutes of Health website. U.S. National Institutes of Health. Web. 21 Nov 2017 . Townsley DM, Desmond R, Dunbar CE, et al. Pathophysiology and management of thrombocytopenia in bone marrow failure: possible clinical applications of TPO receptor agonists in aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndromes. Int J Hematology. 2013;98(1):48-55.

Novartis Media Relations Central media line: +41 61 324 2200 E-mail: [email protected]



Eric Althoff Michael Billings Novartis Global Media Relations Benign Hematology Communications +41 61 324 7999 (direct) +1 862 778 8656 (direct) +41 79 593 4202 (mobile) +1 201 400 1854 (mobile) [email protected] [email protected]

SOURCE Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation

Related Links

http://www.novartis.com


According to the new market research report "NVH Testing Market by Application (Environmental Noise, Pass-by-noise, Noise Mapping, Sound Power, Telecom Testing, Sound Quality, Building Acoustics, Human Vibration, Product Vibration), Type, End User, Geography - Global Forecast to 2023" , published by MarketsandMarkets, the market is estimated to be valued at USD 1.72 Billion in 2017 and is projected to reach USD 2.21 Billion by 2023, at a CAGR of 4.2% between 2017 and 2023. The key factors driving the growth of the NVH testing market is the adoption of stringent government regulations to reduce noise pollution and increasing demand for automotive and car infotainment system. Emergence of new application areas for NVH testing solutions and advancement in sensor and processor technologies are the key opportunities for the players in the NVH testing market.

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Browse 66 market data Tables and 38 Figures spread through 161 Pages and in-depth TOC on "NVH Testing Market - Global Forecast to 2023"



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Hardware is expected to hold a larger share of the NVH testing market between 2017 and 2023

On the basis of type, hardware accounted for a larger share of the NVH testing market in 2016. Increasing use of mechanical and electronic components in automotive, aircraft, and industrial machinery has led to the dominance of hardware in the NVH testing market. Hardware is further classified into sensors and transducers, analyzers, meters, data acquisition systems, signal conditioners, and shakers and controllers.

Automotive and transportation is expected to hold the largest share of the NVH testing market between 2017 and 2023

On the basis of end user, the NVH testing market for automotive and transportation held the largest share of the NVH testing market in 2016. Advancements in vehicle technology and the increasing use of the semiconductor content in vehicles, as well as increasing challenges to test them during the design and development process, has led to the dominance of automotive and transportation in the NVH testing market.

Download PDF Brochure : https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=47022073

Telecom testing application to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The NVH testing market for the telecom testing application is expected to register the highest CAGR between 2017 and 2023. Advancement in telecommunications technology affecting features of design including generation of acoustic noise and its impact on human lives have driven the demand for the telecom testing application in the NVH testing market.

North America to hold the largest share of the NVH testing market between 2017 and 2023

North America held the largest share of the NVH testing market in 2016. North America is the most technologically advanced and has the presence of major automotive and aerospace and defense companies; this factor has resulted in the increased demand for NVH testing applications in this region. Moreover, the presence of prominent NVH testing solutions providers is expected to support the growth of the NVH testing market in North America.

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Major players in the NVH testing market are National Instruments (US), Bruel & Kjr (Denmark), Siemens PLM Software (US), HEAD acoustics (Germany), m+p international (Germany), imc Mesysteme (Germany), Dewesoft (Slovenia), GRAS Sound & Vibration (Denmark), Prosig (UK), and Signal.X (US).

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https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/noise-monitoring-market-137580966.html

Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection Market by Technique (Visual Testing, Magnetic Particle, Liquid Penetrant, Eddy Current, Ultrasonic, Radiographic, Acoustic Emission), Method, Service, Vertical, and Geography - Global Forecast to 2023

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COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- House Bill 456, sponsored by Representative Robert Sprague (R-Findlay), aims to make Ohio the 19th state to outlaw nurse mandatory overtime  a potentially dangerous practice occurring across Ohio that can jeopardize safe patient care. The bill was introduced on December 28, 2017.

In 2011, the Joint Commission issued an alert that called for hospitals to intensify their efforts to monitor and address health care workers' risk for fatigue caused by extended shifts. Even after this alert, it is still common place in Ohio to mandate RNs to work beyond their regularly scheduled hours. This practice is used to staff health care facilities on a regular basis and leads to nurse fatigue and burnout.

Fatigue can affect nurses' ability to deliver optimal patient care. Research demonstrates that fatigue causes an increased risk in errors, decline in memory, reduced ability to learn, and impaired mood and communication skills. Further, scientific evidence links long working hours to many health effects, including cardiovascular disease and cancer.

House Bill 456 would give nurses the right to refuse overtime if they feel too fatigued to continue to provide safe patient care without fear of termination or licensure sanctions.

"Nurses are professionals who are ethically-bound to assess their ability to care for their patients. If a nurse is too fatigued to provide the safe care his/her patient deserves, the nurse should have the right to refuse overtime without fear of discipline," states Brian Burger, president of the Ohio Nurses Association. "Prioritizing safe nurse staffing benefits everyone: nurses, patients and healthcare facilities. Research points to dissatisfied patients, increased errors and higher patient readmissions when nurses are not safely staffed. Furthermore, nurse burnout increases with regular extended shifts, leading to costly nurse-turnover for healthcare facilities," continued Burger. "The needs and safety of the patient and nurse need to be put first instead of trying to cut initial costs by using mandatory overtime to plug nurse staffing holes."

Federal laws prohibit the amount of hours worked by pilots, train engineers and truck drivers because of the dangerous consequences of fatigue. Because there is a not a federal law protecting patients and nurses to this degree, 18 other states have passed laws prohibiting nurse mandatory overtime. Those states include Alaska, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington and West Virginia.

"House Bill 456 stands up for Ohio's nurses, which play a crucial and influential role in the treatment of patients," said Rep. Sprague. "This bill makes patient safety the highest priority, and no one should have their nursing license or employment threatened for declining unscheduled overtime after a scheduled shift."

The Ohio Nurses Association helped pass the current RN Staffing Law in 2008  the foundation to begin addressing Ohio's nurse staffing concerns. The staffing law requires hospital have nursing care committees who are tasked with creating, evaluating and adjusting the facility's nurse staffing plan.

ONA also helped pass a budget amendment in 2017 that requires hospitals submit their nurse staffing plans to the Ohio Department of Health to increase hospital transparency.

"House Bill 456 is another much needed step in Ohio nurses' quest for safe nurse staffing and quality patient care," Burger stated.

About ONA: Formed in 1904, the Ohio Nurses Association is a powerful network of registered nurses who are committed to advancing nursing through education, political action and workplace advocacy. ONA is the leading voice of the approximately 190,000 professional registered nurses in Ohio. To become a member of the Ohio Nurses Association, visit www.ohnurses.org.

SOURCE Ohio Nurses Association

Related Links

http://www.ohnurses.org


LAS VEGAS, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Post Acute Medical, LLC (PAM), announced today that it has opened PAM Rehabilitation Hospital of Centennial Hills at 6166 North Durango Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada.

The 44-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services, with additional outpatient services provided by the freestanding outpatient clinic located at 2435 Fire Mesa Street, Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition to caring for general rehabilitation diagnoses, such as brain and spinal cord injuries, amputation, hip fractures, and joint replacement, the hospital offers specialized inpatient programs for stroke rehabilitation and amputation.

"Post Acute Medical is excited to bring comprehensive care for rehabilitation patients with complex conditions to the Centennial Hills community and surrounding areas," says Anthony Misitano, PAM's president and CEO. "Throughout all the communities we serve, we put the patient first and provide cost-effective, comprehensive, individualized treatment that fosters meaningful improvement and recovery for people with injuries, illnesses, and disabilities."

Features of the acute medical rehabilitation hospital include:

44 private rooms with accessible private showers

Inpatient and outpatient therapy gyms

Negative pressure air flow rooms

Fully functioning ADL training kitchen, bathroom and laundry suite

Therapeutic outdoor walking and mobility garden

Specialty rooms with Tollus Lift Track to assist with mobility

In-house Dialysis

Specialized wound care

In-house pharmacy

For more information on the services provided or to schedule a tour, please call 725-223-4111.

About Post Acute Medical, LLC:

Post Acute Medical, LLC, (PAM) based in Enola, Pa., provides post-acute healthcare services through 26 long-term acute care hospitals and medical rehabilitation hospitals, as well as multiple outpatient physical therapy locations in seven states. PAM is committed to providing high-quality patient care and outstanding customer service, coupled with loyalty and dedication of highly trained staff, to be the most trusted source for post-acute services in every community it serves. Our mission is to serve people by providing compassionate, expert care and to support recovery through education and research. Learn more at www.postacutemedical.com.

SOURCE Post Acute Medical

Related Links

http://www.postacutemedical.com


"Brad will be an extraordinary addition to the AMN Healthcare family," said Susan Salka, President and CEO of AMN Healthcare. "Peak Health Solutions delivers technology-enabled revenue cycle solutions, and we are eager for Brad to help develop strategic partnerships with healthcare providers to solve their health information management challenges."

Hill brings to AMN over 25 years of healthcare leadership experience, primarily in revenue cycle technology and services for both payers and providers. He also brings demonstrated expertise in managing successful company mergers, technology partnerships, go-to-market strategy and sales, and service delivery and operations. He was most recently the chief revenue officer at RemitDATA, a healthcare technology company.

Before joining RemitDATA, he served as vice president of Payer Solutions for Passport Health Communications / Experian Health, a data management company. Hill also worked in executive leadership roles at Parity, Inc., HMS, Inc., and AIM Healthcare, Inc. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from Murray State University.

About Peak Health Solutions, Inc.

Peak Health Solutions, Inc. ("Peak") is a leading national provider of mid-revenue cycle solutions to the acute care and physician practice markets. The Company's customizable services include remote medical coding, clinical documentation improvement (CDI), compliance and revenue integrity auditing, denials management, physician training and education, EMR-HIM optimization, preceptor development, and interim HIM staffing. Peak provides both fully and partially outsourced solutions through its domestic and offshore capabilities. Peak's national client footprint includes multi-facility hospital systems, large IDN's, teaching and community hospitals, and large physician practices. Peak's government division supports the United States Armed Forces, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, Navy, Air Force and Army. For more information, visit www.peakhs.com .

About AMN Healthcare

AMN Healthcare is the leader and innovator in healthcare workforce solutions and staffing services to healthcare facilities across the nation. The Company provides unparalleled access to the most comprehensive network of quality healthcare professionals through its innovative recruitment strategies and breadth of career opportunities. With insights and expertise, AMN Healthcare helps providers optimize their workforce to successfully reduce complexity, increase efficiency, and improve patient outcomes. AMN delivers managed services programs, healthcare executive search solutions, vendor management systems, recruitment process outsourcing, predictive modeling, medical coding and consulting, and other services. Clients include acute-care hospitals, community health centers and clinics, physician practice groups, retail and urgent care centers, home health facilities, and many other healthcare settings. For more information about AMN Healthcare, visit www.amnhealthcare.com.

Media Contact:

Jim Gogek

(858) 350-3209

[email protected]

SOURCE Peak Health Solutions

Related Links

http://www.peakhs.com


BALTIMORE, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Personal Genome Diagnostics Inc. (PGDx) today announced a $75 million Series B financing co-led by new investor Bristol-Myers Squibb and existing investor New Enterprise Associates (NEA). Other new and existing investors including Inova Strategic Investments, Co-win Healthcare Fund, Helsinn Investment Fund, Windham Venture Partners, Maryland Venture Fund and undisclosed investors participated in the financing. The new funding will be used to support PGDx's strategic initiative to bring regulated in vitro diagnostic (IVD) genome testing to cancer patients and their physicians worldwide to help tailor treatments according to the specific characteristics of each patient's cancer. PGDx is a leader in the development of tissue-based and liquid biopsy technologies and products for cancer genomics.

Paul Biondi, Senior Vice President, Head of Business Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb, commented, "We are leveraging translational medicine and data analytics internally and through important partnerships to understand how we can deliver the right medicine to the right patient at the right time to achieve the best outcome. PGDx is a pioneer in cancer genome testing, and we are excited to become a strategic investor as they broaden their focus to develop and market IVD tests and seek to make tumor profiling more accessible to patients."

PGDx Board Member and NEA Partner Justin Klein, MD, JD, noted, "We are proud to have led the first institutional round for PGDx. Rapid advances in immuno-oncology, targeted agents, and combination cancer therapies are heightening the importance of tumor genome testing that enables treatments to be targeted to those patients most likely to benefit. PGDx has established itself as a leader in the clinical application of cancer genomics, and we enthusiastically support the company's mission to expand access to its technology through IVD tests that will be widely available to patients regardless of where they live or are treated."

"PGDx is excited to announce this important next step in our effort to empower the fight against cancer," said Douglas Ward, Chief Executive Officer of Personal Genome Diagnostics. "PGDx was established to further our founders' work at the forefront of uncovering the key genomic drivers of clinical response, such as the selection of immune checkpoint inhibitors based on microsatellite instability and tumor mutation burden. We believe that tailoring therapies to these drivers of response is best accomplished by making testing available where patients are treated, and we aim to achieve this is by providing regulated IVD tests that can be run by local laboratories. Proceeds from this financing will support our product development strategy designed to secure global regulatory approvals of tissue and liquid biopsy-based IVD cancer tests, as we also build the commercial engine to deliver our tests to clinical laboratories worldwide."

Mr. Ward continued, "Bristol-Myers Squibb, one of our earliest pharmaceutical customers, has demonstrated a strong commitment to translational medicine and its integration with their broad oncology portfolio. We are delighted that they have chosen to co-lead this financing. PGDx remains committed to providing advanced genomic tools to cancer researchers and drug developers, as we broaden our focus to include the IVD tests needed to realize the full potential of the new cancer therapies."

Headquartered in Baltimore, PGDx is one of the premier life sciences companies in the region. It currently occupies a historic waterfront facility in the Inner Harbor district. To accommodate its rapid growth, the company is expanding into a nearby facility that more than triples its overall space and provides room for multiple new laboratories and workspaces.

PGDx has expertise in cancer genome analysis ranging from sample preparation and sequencing to data interpretation and analysis. The company specializes in high-throughput next-generation sequencing and proprietary algorithms to identify alterations in complex cancer genomics and has developed novel technologies for non-invasive approaches to cancer. PGDx is also developing and commercializing a portfolio of tissue and liquid biopsy IVD cancer tests that will be clinically validated and regulated, enabling worldwide access to PGDx technology.

About Personal Genome Diagnostics

Personal Genome Diagnostics (PGDx) empowers the fight against cancer by unlocking actionable information from the genome. We are committed to developing a portfolio of regulated tissue-based and liquid biopsy genomic products for laboratories worldwide. PGDx was established in 2010 by researchers from Johns Hopkins University who are pioneers in cancer genome sequencing and liquid biopsy technologies. For additional information, visit pgdx.com.

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 www.bms.com/ or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook.

About New Enterprise Associates

New Enterprise Associates, Inc. (NEA) is a global venture capital firm focused on helping entrepreneurs build transformational businesses across multiple stages, sectors, and geographies. With over $20 billion in cumulative committed capital since the firm's founding in 1977, NEA invests in technology and healthcare companies at all stages of a company's lifecycle, from seed stage through IPO. The firm's long track record of successful investing includes more than 210 portfolio company IPOs and more than 360 acquisitions. For additional information, visit www.nea.com .

Contacts





PGDx: Media: Jim Lewis Barbara Lindheim SVP, Corporate Development BLL Partners LLC [email protected] [email protected]

SOURCE Personal Genome Diagnostics Inc.
CLEVELAND, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- PolyOne Corporation (NYSE: POL), a leading global provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions, today announced that it has been certified to the American Chemistry Council's (ACC) Responsible Care Management System (RCMS). Certification was granted by an independent, third-party auditor, based on PolyOne's conformance to the RCMS's comprehensive environmental health, safety and security requirements.

"It is an honor and a privilege to be recognized as a Responsible Care company," said Robert M. Patterson, chairman, president and CEO, PolyOne Corporation. "Our global team of associates strives to uphold the important values imbedded within sustainability and corporate responsibility, as we collaborate, serve our customers and give back to our communities."

The Responsible Care Guiding Principles are the foundation of Responsible Care. Through these principles, ACC member and Responsible Care Partner companies pledge to improve environmental, health, safety and security (EHS&S) performance for facilities, processes and products throughout their operating system. In order to receive certification, an ACC member or Partner company must demonstrate conformance to the Responsible Care Management System's comprehensive set of EHS&S requirements, which are validated through an independent, third-party audit process.

"Responsible Care is our industry's commitment to working and performing with safety and sustainability as top priorities," said Cal Dooley, president and CEO, ACC. "We are pleased to officially recognize PolyOne as a Responsible Care certified company. PolyOne exemplifies performance excellence through its commitment to the Responsible Care Guiding Principles, and its employees can be proud of the culture of continuous improvement in environmental, health, safety and security demonstrated in its recent certification."

About American Chemistry Council and Responsible Care

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents a diverse set of companies engaged in the business of chemistry. Representing an innovative, $768 billion enterprise, ACC works to solve some of the biggest challenges facing our nation and our world. ACC's mission is to deliver value to members through advocacy, using best-in-class member engagement, political advocacy, communications and scientific research. Responsible Care is the chemical industry's world-class environmental, health, safety and security performance initiative. Responsible Care companies are industry leaders, playing a vital part to ensure that the business of chemistry is safe, secure and sustainable.

About PolyOne

PolyOne Corporation (NYSE: POL), is a premier provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions. The company is dedicated to serving customers in diverse industries around the globe, by creating value through collaboration, innovation and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Guided by its Core Values, Sustainability Promise and No Surprises PledgeSM, PolyOne is committed to its customers, employees, communities and shareholders through ethical, sustainable and fiscally responsible principles. For more information, visit www.polyone.com.

To access PolyOne's news library online, please visit www.polyone.com/news

SOURCE PolyOne Corporation

Related Links

http://www.polyone.com


MANKATO, Minn., Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Rasmussen College, a regionally accredited private college, today announced the opening of its brand new Mankato campus.* The new campus is located at 1400 Madison Avenue within an existing business center, about a mile from its previous location at Saint Andrews Drive. The single-story facility includes large, high-tech classrooms, new computer labs and simulation equipment, updated health sciences and nursing labs as well as expanded student learning and faculty spaces. The new Mankato campus is now open to students with classes beginning this week.

"Rasmussen College has proudly served Mankato and its surrounding communities for more than 30 years, and throughout this tenure, we have always evolved to meet the needs of our students," said Kathy Sanger, campus director, Rasmussen CollegeMankato. "The spaces within this new campus were designed and outfitted with technology to foster collaboration, real-time feedback and hands-on learningwith both student and faculty roles in mind. We're confident the building, and its new, vibrant location, will be a positive change for Rasmussen College students and the Mankato community."

Madison Avenue, the site of the new campus, is an area that has seen tremendous growth over the past decade with new business development and road construction. The area is familiar to College staff, faculty and alumni, as the Rasmussen CollegeMankato campus was previously located in this area prior to its most recent Saint Andrews Drive address. The new campus will serve more than 600 students in seven schools of study, including Health Sciences, Nursing, Business, Justice Studies, Education, Technology and Design, and will put students within walking distance of restaurants and other popular services.

New Location to Better Serve Growing Health Sciences and Nursing Student Population

The increased demand for quality healthcare professionals has grown both locally and nationally, and Rasmussen College's residential student population has notably shifted to include more Health Sciences and Nursing students. Designing the new campus provided the College an opportunity to update its health sciences and nursing labs to include new nursing beds and simulation mannequins, including a mannequin that simulates giving birth. The updated spaces also allow for students to receive instruction and feedback in real-time, and provides an expanded student lounge and study spaces for work between classes.

"Rasmussen College is committed to creating the learning spaces and curriculum that students need in order to be prepared for the complex health settings they will work in upon graduation," said Sanger. "The combination of this enhanced learning environment, and its proximity to local healthcare employer partners make this a really exciting and mutually beneficial opportunity for Health Sciences and Nursing students and the nearby communities they'll come to serve."

For more information about the Rasmussen College Mankato campus, please visit: http://www.rasmussen.edu/locations/minnesota/mankato/

*Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. hlcommission.org | 800-621-7440

ABOUT RASMUSSEN COLLEGE:

Rasmussen College is a regionally accredited private college and Public Benefit Corporation that is dedicated to changing lives and the communities it serves through high-demand and flexible educational programs. Since 1900, the College has been committed to academic innovation and providing a high standard of education while empowering students to pursue a college degree. Rasmussen College offers Certificate and Diploma programs through Associate's, Bachelor's and Master's degree programs online and across its 22 Midwest and Florida campuses. A pioneer in online education, the College is helping lead advancements in innovations such as competency-based education and comprehensive student support services that help working adults advance their careers. The College is also committed to providing a positive impact on society through public service and a variety of community-based initiatives. For more information about Rasmussen College, please visit www.rasmussen.edu.

Contact: Hannah Ingebrand

Phone: 952-806-4660

Mobile: 651-361-0683

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Rasmussen College

Related Links

http://www.rasmussen.edu


ROSEVILLE, Minn., Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Rebiotix Inc., a clinical-stage microbiome company focused on harnessing the power of the human microbiome to treat debilitating diseases, today announced that it will participate in several events during the J.P. Morgan 36th Annual Healthcare Conference 2018 week (January 8-11, 2018).

Lee Jones, Rebiotix's co-founder, president and CEO, will participate in BDO's Panel Trifecta at the Annual JP Morgan Healthcare Conference being held Wednesday, January 10, 2018, at the Four Seasons Hotel in San Francisco. Ms. Jones will offer her perspective on a panel entitled, "Adjusting to Disruption: The 'New Normal' in Healthcare?" The panel will look at how new products are paving the way for startups and traditional providers to better meet the needs of today's empowered consumers, and what other areas of healthcare are ripe for disruption.

Greg Fluet, Rebiotix's Chief Business Officer, will present at Biotech Showcase 2018 being held January 8-10, 2018, at the Hilton Hotel in San Francisco, California, and at the China Showcase on Sunday, January 7, 2018, at the Parc 55 San Francisco. Mr. Fluet will discuss the company's key milestones and accomplishments, growth strategy, pioneering Microbiota Restoration Therapy (MRT) platform, and rapidly advancing drug development pipeline, highlighted by RBX2660 and RBX7455. RBX2660 is currently being evaluated in an international Phase 3 clinical trial for the prevention of recurrent Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infection, while RBX7455, a lyophilized, non-frozen, oral capsule formulation, is the subject of a Phase 1 clinical study for the prevention of recurrent C. diff infection.

Details of Rebiotix's events are as follows:

Event:

China Showcase 2018 Date:

Sunday, January 7, 2018 Time:

5:15 p.m. (Pacific Time) Location:

Parc 55 San Francisco, Cyril Magnin I Ballroom; San Francisco, CA Event:

Biotech Showcase 2018 Date:

Tuesday, January 9, 2018 Time:

11:45 a.m. (Pacific Time) Location:

Hilton Hotel, Franciscan B Ballroom; San Francisco, CA Event:

BDO's Panel Trifecta at the Annual JP Morgan Healthcare Conference Panel:

Adjusting to Disruption: The 'New Normal' in Healthcare? Date:

Wednesday, January 10, 2018 Time:

10:30 a.m. (Pacific Time) Location:

Four Seasons Hotel, Yerba Buena Room

About Rebiotix Inc.

Rebiotix Inc. is a late-stage clinical microbiome company focused on harnessing the power of the human microbiome to revolutionize the treatment of debilitating diseases. Rebiotix possesses a deep and diverse clinical pipeline, with its lead drug candidate, RBX2660, in Phase 3 clinical development for the prevention of recurrent Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infection. RBX2660 has been granted Fast Track status, Orphan Drug and Breakthrough Therapy designation from the FDA for its potential to prevent recurrent C. diff infection. Rebiotix's clinical pipeline also features RBX7455, a lyophilized non-frozen, oral capsule formulation, which is currently the subject of an investigator-sponsored Phase 1 trial for the prevention of recurrent C. diff infection. In addition, Rebiotix is targeting several other disease states with drug products built on its pioneering Microbiota Restoration Therapy (MRT) platform. MRT is a standardized, stabilized drug technology that is designed to rehabilitate the human microbiome by delivering a broad consortium of live microbes into a patient's intestinal tract via a ready-to-use and easy-to-administer format. For more information on Rebiotix and its pipeline of human microbiome-directed therapies, visit www.rebiotix.com.

Rebiotix Media Contact:

Jason Rando

Tiberend Strategic Advisors

212-375-2665

[email protected]

SOURCE Rebiotix Inc.

Related Links

http://www.rebiotix.com


When: 12 p.m. EST, Jan. 9, 2018

What: Three hundred high school seniors will be named scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search, a program founded and produced by Society for Science & the Public. Visit https://student.societyforscience.org/regeneron-sts-2018-scholars at 12 p.m. EST to see the list of scholars from 177 high schools in 35 states. Each of the 300 scholars and their schools will be awarded $2,000.



In 2017, Regeneron became only the third sponsor (alongside Intel and Westinghouse) of the Science Talent Search, the nation's oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. As part of its 10-year, $100 million commitment, Regeneron nearly doubled the overall award distribution to $3.1 million annually to better reward the best and brightest young minds. Founded and led by two Science Talent Search alumni, Regeneron recognizes and prioritizes the need to inspire more young people to engage in science.

Who: The Regeneron Science Talent Search scholars were selected from 1,818 applicants from 555 high schools in 45 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico and six American and international high schools overseas. The scholars were selected based on their exceptional research skills, commitment to academics, innovative thinking and promise as scientists. For the full list of scholars, visit https://student.societyforscience.org/regeneron-sts-2018-scholars after 12 p.m. EST on Jan. 9.

Next Steps: On Jan. 23, 40 of the 300 scholars will be named Regeneron Science Talent Search finalists. Finalists will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., from March 8-14, when they will compete for more than $1.8 million in awards provided by Regeneron. The Regeneron Science Talent Search finalists are engaged in trailblazing scientific research that addresses some of our most urgent global challenges. This year, research projects cover topics from space science to bioinformatics to environmental science. While in Washington, D.C., the finalists will undergo a rigorous judging process, interact with leading scientists, display their research for the public and meet with members of Congress. Winners will be announced at a black-tie gala award ceremony at the National Building Museum on March 13.

Quotes: "Regeneron is thrilled to partner with Society for Science & the Public to celebrate the 300 Science Talent Search scholars," said Hala Mirza, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Citizenship at Regeneron. "We are inspired by their curiosity and passion for discovery, and congratulate them on their work and dedication. We hope the Regeneron Science Talent Search shows young people everywhere that they can change the world through STEM."



"We are delighted to honor this year's Regeneron Science Talent Search scholars," said Maya Ajmera, president and CEO of Society for Science & the Public and publisher of Science News. "These brilliant students have already made remarkable scientific achievements at a young age, and we are eager to see where their scientific journeys take them next."

More Info: The Regeneron Science Talent Search, a program of Society for Science & the Public, is the nation's oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. It recognizes and empowers our nation's most promising young scientists who are creating the ideas that could solve society's most urgent challenges.



Science Talent Search alumni have gone on to receive more than 100 of the world's most esteemed science and math honors, including 13 Nobel Prizes, 11 National Medals of Science, two Fields Medals and 18 MacArthur Foundation Fellowships.



Guided by the belief that advances in science and engineering are key to solving global challenges, Society for Science & the Public founded the Science Talent Search in 1942, providing a national stage for the country's best and brightest young scientists to present original research to nationally recognized professional scientists.



For Regeneron Science Talent Search news, visit https://student.societyforscience.org/regeneron-sts, and follow us on Medium, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat (Society4Science).

Media

Contacts: Alex Bowie, Regeneron

202-213-1643, [email protected]



Gayle Kansagor, Society for Science & the Public

703-489-1131, [email protected]
NEW YORK, January 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

The regulated cannabis industry has experienced phenomenal growth in the past few years as more states legalize the use of marijuana for either medical or recreational use. Currently, 29 states and the District of Columbia have laws regulating the use of cannabis in some form (http://cnw.fm/fV6lj). California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado and Alaska have the broadest laws for medical and recreational use of cannabis. This has impacted a wide range of companies in industry sectors that provide support services to cannabis growers, biotechnical product developers and retailers. Global Payout, Inc. (OTC: GOHE) (GOHE Profile) provides customized payment solutions that enable companies to process and manage electronic payments worldwide. Kush Bottles, Inc. (OTC: KSHB) offers packaging solutions for medical and recreational products in the cannabis industry. Terra Tech Corp. (OTC: TRTC) supplies hydroponic equipment to cannabis growers for indoor cultivation. General Cannabis Corp. (OTC: CANN) provides a range of services to the cannabis industry, including cultivation, production and retail aspects of the business. MassRoots, Inc. (OTC: MSRT) operates an online technology platform for the medical cannabis community in the United States.

Founded in 2009, Global Payout, Inc. (OTC: GOHE) has become a leading provider of payment solutions for both domestic and international companies operating in diverse markets, including the rapidly developing cannabis industry. Many of these companies have identified the need to process payments through innovative solutions that provide fast and efficient service to customers all over the world. Global Payout enables global access to technology for optimizing financial transactions with an efficiency that the traditional banking sector cannot provide.

As a leader in financial technology (FinTech), the company has developed its web-based platform, called The Global Reserve Platform, that can be customized to meet the front-to-back office processing requirements of domestic, foreign exchange and international payment service providers. Apart from core and traditional banking products, it can process and manage a vast range of other financial products, including online banking, mobile wallets, card management, bill and P2P payments, loans management, international remittances, FOREX and SWIFT/ACH/SEPA payments. The Global Reserve Platform can be customized for enterprises in a wide range of market sectors worldwide to improve workflow, financial management and operational efficiency.

In 2015, Global Payout established its MoneyTrac Technology platform, which offers companies operating in alternative or "high-risk" industries the tools to streamline electronic payment processing, meet compliance regulations and develop an operational structure to facilitate business growth. This technology is perfectly aligned with the rapidly developing cannabis market where startups and entrepreneurs lack the support from the traditional banking sector to move initiatives forward and accelerate growth. Cannabis is still considered an illegal substance on federal level in the United States and as a result banks are not comfortable offering businesses in this industry access to electronic banking for secure payment. MoneyTrac Technology offers these companies an array of services designed to address their specific challenges by providing a secure solution to payment logistical problems. In August 2017, Global Payout's subsidiary, MoneyTrac Technology, Inc., revealed their intent to incorporate cryptocurrency into their proprietary platform.

On November 30, 2017, it was announced that MoneyTrac would launch a publication for the cannabis industry, called PotSaver Biz, in collaboration with Global Payout's PotSaver brand, a supplier of medical cannabis. The first release of this publication is scheduled for January 2018, and the company is confident that it will provide another revenue stream through paid listings by the ever-increasing number of enterprises in the cannabis industry. On December 13, 2017, Global Payout announced a collaboration with SinglePoint, Inc. (OTC: SING) to complement its existing payment and financial technology platforms. SinglePoint is a provider of full service mobile technology that will assist Global Payout in maximizing its existing suite of financial solutions.

With a market cap of almost $216 million at close of business on December 27, 2017, Kush Bottles (OTCQB: KSHB) markets and sells packaging solutions and products to the medical and recreational cannabis sectors in the U.S. Founded in 2010, the company also markets its products via its online store, offering an extensive portfolio that includes pop top bottles, reverse cap bottles, child resistant canisters, glass, silicone and polystyrene containers, barrier bags and packaging for vaporizer products. Kush Bottles markets these products to urban farmers, greenhouse cultivators, as well as medical and recreational cannabis dispensaries. On November 28, 2017, the company reported its financial results for its fiscal year ending August 31, 2017, which showed a revenue increase of 129 percent year-on-year to $18.8 million. Working capital was $3.45 million, compared to $2.03 million at August 31, 2016.

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Terra Tech (OTCQX: TRTC) designs, markets and sells its proprietary hydroponic equipment to create sustainable solutions for the indoor cultivation of crops, including cannabis. The company operates through its two subsidiaries, Hydroponic Produce and Cannabis Products. The Hydroponic Produce division markets produce, herbs and floral products. Operating under the name Blum, the Cannabis Products division operates marijuana retail dispensaries in California and Nevada that offer a range of medical cannabis products, including flowers, concentrates and edibles. This division also produces and sells cannabis flowers and cigarettes, as well as a selection of medical cannabis-extracted products, including concentrates, cartridges, vape pens and wax products. Terra Tech has a market cap of almost $270 million.

General Cannabis (OTCQB: CANN) is an established service provider to the cultivation, production and retail sectors of regulated cannabis industry. The company operates through several divisions, which include real estate, consulting, security, financing and infrastructure products for growing facilities and dispensaries. Next Big Crop joined General Cannabis as a subsidiary in 2015 to offer consulting services for the cultivation, processing and sale of cannabis. Another division, Chiefton Supply Co., designs and manufactures high-quality, customized apparel and clothing for businesses in the cannabis industry, while Chiefton Design creates and develops branding packages for companies. Iron Protection Group is a subsidiary of General Cannabis that provides security services to enterprises within the cannabis industry. On December 21, 2017, General Cannabis signed a two-year contract worth $955,000 to manage a cultivation facility in California, representing the largest single contract the company has ever secured.

MassRoots (QTCQB: MSRT) operates an online technology platform, mainly for consumers, to enable users to follow dispensaries, stay connected with cannabis legalization developments and share their cannabis content. Through free mobile apps that are available via Google Play, iOS App Store, Amazon App Store and the MassRoots website, consumers are able to make educated cannabis purchasing decisions. The company also operates MassRoots for Business, which enables businesses to schedule posts, view analytics and sell merchandise through this online portal. On December 27, 2017, MassRoots announced its action plan to aggressively scale its market share in California. The company intends to leverage its social media following of 500,000 on Facebook, 450,000 on Instagram and 100,000 on Snapchat to grow its network of consumers by rewarding referrals of users and paying businesses on the MassRoots platform.

In an industry that is experiencing exponential growth, the support services offered by these companies is critical to sustain the development of cannabis companies in this market sector. At the same time, these businesses will benefit substantially through the provision of further opportunities for innovation and growth.

For more information on Global Payout, please visit: Global Payout, Inc. (OTC: GOHE)

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BATON ROUGE, La., Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Retailers Casualty Insurance Company, rated A- (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company, has received all regulatory approvals from the Alabama Department of Insurance to begin offering workers' compensation coverage in the state of Alabama.

Appointed agents may quote Alabama business with Retailers Casualty for policies with effective dates starting January 1, 2018.

Retailers Casualty chairman, Carl Carstens, says, "We are focused on providing Alabama employers with a first-rate workers' comp option through prudent underwriting, strategically managed assets and superior customer service."

Retailers Casualty is managed by Summit, the people who know workers' comp. Hank Chiles, senior vice president of Summit's Southwest Region, says, "Alabama employers can expect solid coverage and excellent service from Retailers Casualty. The monoline carrier has a history of providing stable and strong workers' compensation coverage for small- to medium-sized retail businesses and currently insures more than 2,400 businesses throughout Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas."

Summit has more than 40 years of experience in workers' compensation and provides underwriting, policy administration, claims management and loss prevention services to Retailers Casualty Insurance Company policyholders.

Visit:

www.summitholdings.com

SOURCE Retailers Casualty Insurance Company

Related Links

http://www.summitholdings.com


MACON, Ga., Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Since 2006, ESG Operations, Inc. has served as Rockdale County's wastewater partner providing the County with operations and maintenance services. Recently, the County elected to expand ESG's partnership to include wastewater collection and water distribution services. This expanded partnership will add an additional 44 employees to ESG's Team Rockdalewith a total of 70 ESG associates serving Rockdale County.

Located just east of Atlanta, Rockdale County is home to nearly 87,000 citizens and covers over 130 square miles. Rockdale County is a thriving community committed to "excellence in customer service, quality of life and global economic development."

"For close to 12 years, it has been a great honor for ESG to serve the Rockdale County community. We are grateful for the trust and confidence placed in our company by Chairman Nesbitt and the Board of Commissioners. As we look towards the future and our expanded role, we are committed to continuing to make a positive impact in Rockdale County by providing state-of-the-art services and exemplary customer service for its citizens, growth and advancement opportunities for employees, and meaningful contributions in the community that will assist with economic growth and development," stated ESG co-founder and principal Dan Groselle.

"Our Vision Statement clearly states that Rockdale County is dedicated to providing our citizens with excellence in customer service, quality of life and global economic development. Due to ESG's proven track-record as our wastewater partner, their reputation as a leader in the utility operations industry, and our shared values, we are confident they are the right partner for this expanded scope of work. We look forward to benefiting from their award-winning utility operations approach as they continue to serve our great community," commented Oz Nesbitt, Sr., Chairman, Rockdale County Board of Commissioners.

ABOUT ESG OPERATIONS, INC.

ESG is one of the nation's fastest growing full-service utility operations and public works management companiesand the largest in the Southeast. With a team of over 750 talented associates, ESG works in partnership with municipal and private sector clients providing water, wastewater, public works, design-build operate and water tank maintenance services. ESG is recognized as one of the nation's Top 200 Environmental Firms. ESG's corporate headquarters is located in Macon, Georgia, with 22 additional offices located throughout the Southeast.

Contact Information

John F. Eddlemon

[email protected]

478-474-5025

Related Files

Press Release_Rockdale County GA_Expanded Partnership.pdf

SOURCE ESG Operations, Inc.

Related Links

http://esginc.net


ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Optivate Inc. is a consulting firm that specializes in Robotic Process Automation (RPA) software implementation and deployment for a number of major verticals, including healthcare. The company recently became a Value Added Reseller (VAR) for EnableSoft's Foxtrot RPA software.

"We position Optivate as completely agnostic, recommending the best RPA software for any given process," said Optivate vice president Robert Haugen. "That said, it's quite clear to us that Foxtrot is the best RPA solution in a number of functional areas, including human resources and accounting." He added that Foxtrot's ease of use makes it ideal for a wide range of applications.

"We're expecting tremendous success from this relationship," he concluded.

"When a prestigious RPA consulting firm like Optivate embraces your product, you know you're on to something," said EnableSoft president Richard Milam. "We're confident that Optivate will develop new and creative ways to increase efficiencies using Foxtrot."

About Optivate Inc.

Optivate, Inc. is a boutique consulting organization specializing in services for deployment of Robotic Process Automation software. Based in Indianapolis, IN, Optivate has advanced practitioners who lead, advise, design and implement winning strategies to accelerate success in RPA. Our approach delivers the best possible value, is flexible, creative, unique and is customized for our customers. Additional information is available at www.optivateinc.com.

About EnableSoft

As an early innovator in the RPA space, Orlando-based EnableSoft Inc. has helped organizations save time, save money, and improve productivity. Serving over 500 corporate clients worldwide, EnableSoft develops and markets Foxtrot, software that eliminates the burden of manual data processes by behaving, deciding and working just like a person. Additional information is available at www.enablesoft.com.

Media Contact:

Richard Milam

407-233-2616

[email protected]

SOURCE EnableSoft, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.enablesoft.com


BOSTON, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Saul Zaentz Early Education Initiative at the Harvard Graduate School of Education today announced the inaugural Zaentz Early Education Innovation Challenge. The Challenge is calling for individuals or teams to submit new ideas, fresh thinking, and strategic approaches that drive lasting change in early education. The Zaentz Early Education Innovation Challenge will provide funding in recognition of promising new ideas that have the potential to transform the quality of early education.

"We are at a pivotal moment in early education," said Nonie Lesaux, Academic Dean and the Juliana W. and William Foss Thompson Professor of Education and Society at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. "There is tremendous interest in expanding access in early education, yet only two in 10 children are exposed to a high-quality experience. Preliminary findings from our own first-of-its-kind Early Learning Study at Harvard ([email protected]) indicates at least a third of parents cite education and academic skills as their biggest worry for their preschoolers' futures. Now is the time for creative, collaborative solutions that will increase early education opportunities and positive outcomes for all children."

Submissions to the Zaentz Early Education Innovation Challenge may target short-term or long-term change at multiple levels of the early education system, including the home, classroom, program, networks, and/or policy. To support innovation of all kinds, there are three tracks:

The Idea Track is for new ideas or concepts that have not yet been put into action.

is for new ideas or concepts that have not yet been put into action. The Pilot Track is for ideas or approaches that have been developed as a prototype.

is for ideas or approaches that have been developed as a prototype. The Scaling Track is for products or services that have been launched, and are at a point where further sharpening or refining is needed to support scaling.

"The Saul Zaentz Early Education Initiative seeks to be a leading connector for innovation and entrepreneurship in the field of early education," said Stephanie Jones, Professor of Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. "We recognize that new ideas are needed in our field, and we want to use this Challenge to gather fresh thinking and strategic approaches that have the potential to drive sustainable, transformative change."

The deadline to submit is March 23, 2018. For more information on the Zaentz Early Education Innovation Challenge please visit the FAQ. To apply please visit here.

About The Saul Zaentz Early Education Initiative

The Saul Zaentz Early Education Initiative at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) is a major investment to drive transformation in U.S. early childhood education. The Initiative promotes the knowledge, professional learning and collective action necessary to cultivate optimal early learning environments and experiences. The Saul Zaentz Early Education Initiative is supported by a $35.5 million gift from the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation, one of the largest gifts ever given to a university for advancing early childhood education.

SOURCE Saul Zaentz Early Education Initiative

Related Links

https://zaentz.gse.harvard.edu


BEIJING, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- On January 9th, CES 2018 will be unveiled in Las Vegas Nevada, USA. Segway-Ninebot, a leading global enterprise in the fields of intelligent short-distance transportation and service robotics, will appear again this year with a number of its futuristic technology products.

At this CES, the series of robotics from Segway Loomo, a brand belonging to Segway-Ninebot, will meet with the media and audience. Segway-Ninebot will also launch the new members of the Segway Loomo robotics family targeted at consumers. During the exhibition, the Segway Loomo series of robotics will conduct an on-site demonstration and man-machine interactive experience with the audiences.

At the same time, Segway-Ninebot will also show a number of its intelligent travel products including Segway i2, Segway x2, Segway miniLITE, Segway miniPLUS, Ninebot miniPRO, Ninebot One S1, Ninebot One Z, Ninebot E +, Ninebot KickScooter, City Go, etc.

In addition, enabled by the core technology of Segway for the first time, the brand of 90Fun will work with Segway to launch the intelligent self-balancing suitcase which can follow the user. Perfectly integrating the brilliant product design and intelligent technology innovation, this suitcase fully demonstrates some technologies of the future. It will completely revolutionize the idea of a suitcase.

As the largest consumer electronics exhibition in the world, CES has become a window for global companies to showcase their products and technologies. The blockbuster appearance of Segway-Ninebot will display the extraordinary strength of the innovative technology from China, drawing attention to the high-quality Chinese brand.

SOURCE Segway-Ninebot
PARIS and TORONTO, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Servier and Treventis announce strategic research partnership in targeting misfolded proteins implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. The collaboration covers a large drug discovery program targeting both tau and amyloide- (A), two key proteins involved in Alzheimer's disease. This therapeutic strategy aims to provide patients with a drug that slows the progression of pathology in the brain, thereby minimizing functional decline through a disease-modifying mechanism.

Servier and Treventis will jointly develop compounds that act as inhibitors of tau and Ab oligomer formation, identified by Treventis' Common Conformational Morphology (CCM) platform technology. The collaboration will also include the development and validation of translational biomarkers to support the preclinical program, allow the characterization and selection of patient populations and track disease progression in the clinic.

Under the terms of the agreement, Treventis and Servier will co-develop the programs until selection of a Phase 1 candidate. Servier will fund all research costs and will have exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize any selected compounds.

"Servier has been engaged in the development of therapies targeting neurodegenerative disorders for more than a decade. We very much hope that this new collaboration will allow us to answer the huge unmet patient need for disease-modifying treatment of Alzheimer's disease, thanks to Treventis' unique and innovative technology," said Christian de Bodinat, Director of Servier's Center of Therapeutic Innovation in neuropsychiatry. "We are very excited to be part of one of the first programs employing a dual approach in this field."

With more than 10 years of experience in this field, Treventis has a unique and revolutionary process for identifying small molecules to neutralize misfolded proteins, such as those implicated in Alzheimer's (beta-amyloid and tau) and in other neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson's disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).

Therapeutic targeting of intrinsically disordered proteins such as tau and A peptide by small molecules is a major challenge because of their heterogeneous conformational properties. Treventis scientists identified a common binding site based on epitope commonality between multiple misfolded amyloid proteins. This information was used to create CCM, a proprietary methodology for constructing models of the earliest stages of protein misfolding. Using CCM for in silico screening allows for the identification and optimization of numerous classes of potent, drug-like compounds making structure-based design a reality for anti-amyloid drug discovery.

"We are very excited to work with Servier to progress new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases," said L. William McIntosh, Board Chairman of Treventis. "We believe that the combination of Treventis' innovative platforms and technologies with Servier's deep expertise in central nervous system drug development has significant potential to rapidly advance new treatments for patients in need."

About Servier

Servier is an international pharmaceutical company governed by a non-profit foundation, with its headquarters in France (Suresnes). With a strong international presence in 148 countries and a turnover of 4.152 billion euros in 2017, Servier employs 21,600 people worldwide. Entirely independent, the Group reinvests 25% of its turnover (excluding generic drugs) in research and development and uses all its profits for development. Corporate growth is driven by Servier's constant search for innovation in five areas of excellence: cardiovascular, immune-inflammatory and neuropsychiatric diseases, cancers and diabetes, as well as by its activities in high-quality generic drugs.

Servier has a solid commitment to neuropsychiatry and to proposing innovative therapies to patients suffering from neurological conditions. Its research teams are investigating new ways of treating diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, as well as a broad range of neurodegenerative disorders, by targeting the toxic proteins that lead to neuron degeneration. The priority is to focus on the causes of the diseases rather than their symptoms. Currently, there are 5 projects at different stages of research and development in this promising area. This portfolio of innovative treatments is being developed with academic and industrial partners worldwide.

More information: www.servier.com

Find us on Social Media: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter

About Treventis

Treventis is headquartered in Pennsylvania and has research operations in Halifax and Toronto, Canada. The company is focused on the discovery and development of disease-modifying small molecule drugs for a variety of protein misfolding diseases including Alzheimer's. In addition to its therapeutic programs, Treventis has a novel diagnostic approach for early diagnosis and monitoring treatment effects in Alzheimer's disease. More information: www.treventis.com

Press contacts:

Servier

Sonia MARQUES: [email protected]  Tel. : +33 (0)1 55 72 40 21 / + 33 (0) 7 84 28 76 13

Karine BOUSSEAU: [email protected]  Tel. : +33 (0)1 55 72 60 37

Treventis

Chris BARDEN: [email protected] Tel : +1 (647) 228-1276

SOURCE Treventis

Related Links

http://www.treventis.com


HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- While many Pennsylvanians found a new smartphone under the tree last month, Secretary of Banking and Securities Robin L. Wiessmann urges consumers to consider several strategies to protect their new smartphones from phony apps that can steal information, take over that new device, and wreak havoc on personal networks.

Wiessmann explains that these phony mobile apps are promoted on websites or through marketing emails, which appear to be legitimate offers from famous companies. However, phony apps are designed to fool users into sharing credit card, banking, or other personal information. Some phony apps also contain viruses, malware, or ransomware, which can take over the phone and steal personal information of people stored in email address books and contact lists.

According to research firm RiskIQ, criminals using phony smartphone apps focus their efforts on imitating the leading brands in e-commerce. These brands have thousands of blacklisted apps that contain branded terms in the title or description.

"The benefits of using e-commerce to buy and sell on computers and smartphones are enormous both for consumers and our economy," said Wiessmann. "However, in this age where technology makes tasks easier, it is more important than ever for consumers to take the time to investigate the tools they use and take control before handing over money, sharing personal information, and downloading apps to their personal devices."

Wiessmann points to several strategies that can help consumers protect their smartphones:

Use official app stores. Download apps only from official app stores such as Google or Apple. Though keep in mind the screening processes offered by these official stores are not foolproof and you should still investigate any potential downloads before proceeding. Stay up to date. Keep your phone's operating system up to date, especially with system patches tagged as "critical security update," which should be applied as soon as possible. Protect personal information. Be careful of apps that ask for permission to access information unrelated to the performance of the app, like access to contacts, text messages, administrative features, stored passwords, or banking and credit card info. Don't be fooled by reviews. Rave reviews can be forged, and a high number of downloads can simply indicate a threat actor was successful in fooling a lot of victims. Before downloading an app, be sure to look at the developerif it's not a brand you recognize or has a strange appearance or spelling, think twice. You can even do a Google search on the developer for more clues about its reputation. Make sure to research each app. For instance, poor grammar in the description can be evidence of quick and careless development and the lack of marketing professionalism that are the hallmarks of malware campaigns. Delete what you're not using. If you are no longer using an app on your phone, delete or uninstall it. Use parental controls. Consider implementing parental controls on your child's phone so you can review any downloads.

Some phony apps make themselves "invisible" or appear as though you have deleted them. If you believe you have downloaded a phony app, delete the app immediately if you can, restore your phone to its factory settings, and change all passwords.



Anyone can contact the Department of Banking and Securities at 1-800-PA-BANKS or 1-800-600-0007 to ask questions or file complaints about financial transactions, companies, or products. Members of the public are also invited to connect to the department through Facebook and Twitter, or subscribing to the department's newsletter.

Media contact: Ed Novak, 717-783-4721

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us


SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Healthcare venture capital fundraising set a record of $9.1 billion in 2017, increasing 26 percent over 2016, according to Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), the bank of the world's most innovative companies and their investors. Investments into venture capital-backed biopharma, medical device and diagnostics/tools companies also are expected to break a record in 2017 when the final numbers are compiled for the year.

SVB today released its annual Trends in Healthcare Investments and Exits Report that analyzes and makes predictions about the top venture capital investing, fundraising and exit trends that are shaping the biopharma, medical device and diagnostics/tools sectors.

"This year's report points to healthcare innovations leading to increased investments," said Jon Norris, Managing Director of Silicon Valley Bank's Life Science and Healthcare Practice and author of the report. "New technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning have led to more generalist investors entering the healthcare space. They are leveraging their tech expertise, particularly in the diagnostics/tools sector."

Results from 2017:

Venture investment and fundraising in the healthcare sector set new records, underscoring the strength of biopharma Series A deals, new interest in medical devices and the promise of technology to advance diagnostics/tools opportunities.

Investors making big bets on new technologies led biopharma and device Series A investments to record levels. Spikes in Q1 and Q4 biopharma Series A deals propelled the sector to another record year, posting $2.8 billion in investments.

in investments. Biopharma saw a wave of IPOs, beating 2016's total. IPOs had a significant upswing in pre-money valuations.

While biopharma big exit M&A activity slowed, focus continued on early-stage companies while IPOs shifted to later-stage companies. SVB's report defines big exit M&A as acquisitions of venture capital-backed companies with at least $75 million upfront in biopharma and $50 million upfront in device and diagnostics/tools.

upfront in biopharma and upfront in device and diagnostics/tools. Non-invasive monitoring deals took off in medical device and traditional healthcare venture investors have returned to the sector.

M&A activity in the device sector was steady, however, in 2018, SVB expects neuro and drug delivery technologies to drive investor interest and also become an emerging exit area.

Diagnostics/tools companies saw no M&A activity, though investors were drawn to the potential of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and liquid biopsy companies. The sector raised more than $2.8 billion in 2017, a record.

"On the heels of the healthy 2017 investment and fundraising environment, we anticipate M&A exits to increase in 2018 across biopharma and diagnostics and tools," Norris said. "Specifically, we anticipate more exits in biopharma as acquiring companies continue to restock their pipelines with early-stage assets."

SVB's outlook and expectations for 2018:

U.S. healthcare venture capital fundraising will decline in 2018 to $6 -7 billion, as larger firms closed funds in the last year.

-7 billion, as larger firms closed funds in the last year. Biopharma M&A will increase from 14 deals in 2017 to at least 20 deals in 2018 due to available acquirer cash and the need to replenish their pipelines.

Medical device investments are expected to increase. M&A will be stable, buoyed by PMA/De Novo 510(k) pathway companies that have achieved healthy returns and spend less time between raising Series A and exiting.

Diagnostics/tools investments in 2018 will dramatically decline by at least 25 percent from 2017's record; although, the number of deals is expected to be steady. SVB expects large tech companies to continue to invest in and potentially buy companies in this sector.

The Life Science and Healthcare Practice of Silicon Valley Bank delivers specialized solutions and market expertise in the areas of biopharma, medical device, diagnostics and tools, digital health and healthcare services, with a focus on helping companies of all sizes grow.

Read the full Trends in Healthcare Investments and Exits 2018 report here: https://www.svb.com/healthcare-investments-exits-report/

About Silicon Valley Bank

For more than 30 years, Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) has helped innovative companies and their investors move bold ideas forward, fast. SVB provides targeted financial services and expertise through its offices in innovation centers around the world. With commercial, international and private banking services, SVB helps address the unique needs of innovators. Learn more at svb.com.

SOURCE Silicon Valley Bank

Related Links

http://www.svb.com


Infusion of funds to Accelerate Growth in 2018

BOSTON, Jan. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- SoClean, the CPAP sanitizing device company based in Oxford, Massachusetts, has successfully partnered with investment firm, DW Healthcare Partners ("DWHP"), to expand the brand in 2018. The healthcare-focused private equity investment firm based in Toronto, Canada has deep expertise in scaling mid size companies to fully realize their global potential. Earlier this year, SoClean took top honors for innovation from the Small Business Association of New England (SBANE) for their transformative and innovative technology that delivers proven value to customers.

Andrew Carragher, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of DW Healthcare Partners, confirms his support, "SoClean has revolutionized the way that CPAP machines are cleaned. We are excited to back a product that provides such substantial value to its users."

Since 2011, SoClean has been committed to raising awareness about obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and educating consumers about other sleep breathing disorders that are estimated to impact 100 million people globally. As the worldwide leader in CPAP cleaning solutions, SoClean's innovative technology removes the complexity of keeping equipment clean so patients can stay compliant with their life saving therapy.

"SoClean understands that OSA is as prevalent as diabetes so we need to have an aggressive growth plan in place to improve worldwide health outcomes," notes Robert Wilkins, CEO of SoClean. "DW Healthcare Partners is ideally suited to take us to the next level. Their seasoned healthcare investment team is dedicated to accelerating SoClean's growth to maximize our value. We are confident that the best is yet to come for SoClean in 2018 and beyond."

About SoClean:

SoClean is the CPAP sanitizing device company that sanitizes the CPAP mask, hose and reservoir without the need for disassembly, water or chemicals. Improperly cleaned CPAP equipment is filled with harmful device bacteria and viruses that can make people very sick when breathed into their body. Unlike the traditional soap and water cleaning approach, SoClean's natural approach to CPAP sanitizing kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, which leads to a healthier breathing experience. For more information, visit http://www.soclean.com.

About DW Healthcare Partners:

DW Healthcare Partners is a private equity firm focused exclusively on the healthcare industry. The firm manages over $800 million in committed capital and invests in profitable healthcare companies with proven management teams. DW Healthcare Partners is led by seasoned healthcare executives with more than 110 years of combined industry experience. The firm provides the capital, strategic guidance, and acquisition expertise to help mid-to-late-stage companies realize their potential for growth.

For more information, please visit: www.dwhp.com.

SOURCE SoClean
GREENWICH, Conn., Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Starwood Property Trust, Inc. (NYSE: STWD), a leading diversified real estate finance company and the largest commercial mortgage REIT in the U.S., today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire an institutional-quality multifamily affordable housing portfolio in Florida comprised of 28 properties and 6,185 units for approximately $600 million. The portfolio is 99% leased and predominately located in Orlando with smaller concentrations in the West Palm Beach, Tampa, and Miami MSA's. Starwood Property Trust is acquiring the portfolio with a combination of units in a newly-formed subsidiary which are exchangeable into STWD common shares, cash and debt financing.

"This uniquely structured, off-market investment in a high quality multifamily affordable housing portfolio is a great way to begin 2018," stated Barry Sternlicht, Chairman and CEO of Starwood Property Trust. "The properties are located in Florida markets with strong fundamentals. Given the persistent supply/demand imbalance for high quality rent restricted housing coupled with its attractive financing, we believe this investment will provide stable and attractive double digit cash-on-cash returns over the long term."

Mr. Sternlicht continued, "This transaction is an extension of Starwood Property Trust's previous successful investment in the affordable multifamily housing sector and upon closing our portfolio will consist of over 15,100 units of housing located predominately in Florida. Additionally, the REIT's manager, Starwood Capital Group, has investments in nearly 20,000 market rate units in complementary Florida markets, which provides us significant confidence in this investment. We will continue to utilize our scale and deep industry relationships to identify large, unique transactions with attractive in-place cash flows, strong underlying fundamentals and appropriately moderate risk profiles to drive sector-leading total returns for our shareholders."

The transaction is expected to close in phases due to timing of regulatory approvals and the assumption of in-place financing. The first phase, comprising 1,740 units, closed late in December 2017. The Company expects to complete the remaining phases of the transaction by the end of the second quarter 2018, subject to customary closing conditions.

About Starwood Property Trust, Inc.

Starwood Property Trust (NYSE: STWD), an affiliate of global private investment firm Starwood Capital Group, is the largest commercial mortgage real estate investment trust in the United States. The Company's core business focuses on originating, acquiring, financing and managing commercial mortgage loans and other commercial real estate debt and equity investments. Through its subsidiary LNR Property, LLC, Starwood Property Trust also operates as the largest commercial mortgage special servicer in the United States. With total capital deployed since inception of over $37 billion, Starwood Property Trust continues to solidify its position as one of the premier real estate finance companies in the country.

Contacts:

Zachary Tanenbaum

Starwood Property Trust

Phone: 203-422-7788

Email: [email protected]

Media Relations  Starwood Property Trust

Phil Denning or Jason Chudoba

ICR, LLC.

Phone: 646-277-1249

Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

SOURCE Starwood Property Trust, Inc.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Tahoe Resources Inc. ("Tahoe") (TSX: THO; NYSE: TAHO) plans to release its Q4 2017 and full-year 2017 financial and operating results on Thursday, February 22, 2018 after the market close. On Friday, February 23, 2018 at 10:00am ET, Tahoe will hold a conference call and audio webcast to discuss the results.

Q4 2017 & Year-End 2017 Results Conference Call and Webcast:

Date: Friday, February 23, 2018 Time: 10:00 am ET (7:00 am PT) Dial-in numbers: 1-800-319-4610 (toll free in Canada and the U.S.)

+1-604-638-5340 (international participants)

About Tahoe Resources Inc.

Tahoe's strategy is to responsibly operate mines to world standards and to develop high quality precious metals assets in the Americas. Tahoe is a member of the S&P/TSX Composite and TSX Global Mining indices and the GDX and Russell 3000 on the NYSE. The Company is listed on the TSX as THO and on the NYSE as TAHO.

For further information, please contact:

Tahoe Resources Inc.

Alexandra Barrows, Vice President Investor Relations

[email protected]

Tel: +1 775-448-5812

SOURCE Tahoe Resources Inc.

Related Links

http://www.tahoeresourcesinc.com


PRINCETON, N.J., Jan. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Taiho Oncology, Inc. (U.S.), a subsidiary of Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Japan), today announced the promotion of Timothy Whitten from Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer to President, effective January 1, 2018. In his new role, Mr. Whitten will assume leadership responsibility for corporate, commercial and clinical development-related functions at Taiho Oncology, as well as hold operational responsibility for Taiho Pharma Canada, Inc. and Taiho Pharma Europe, Ltd.

Mr. Whitten will continue to report to Taiho Oncology's departing president, Eric C. Benn, who will remain Chief Executive Officer until his retirement on April 1, at which time Mr. Whitten also will be named CEO. At that time Mr. Whitten will report directly to Masayuki Kobayashi, President and Representative Director, Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

"As I planned my retirement after nearly a decade at Taiho and 40 years in the pharmaceutical industry, Tim was an obvious choice to take our company to the next level of clinical development and commercial excellence in the West, and to support our quest to become a top 10 oncology company globally," said Mr. Benn. "Under Tim's leadership, we have made great strides in establishing our global presence in the oncology pharmaceutical arena, and we have an exciting future ahead of us as we continue to focus on patients with cancer through the development of our robust global pipeline and product commercialization."

Mr. Whitten joined Taiho Oncology in 2013 as Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer to oversee the company's commercial functions and build Taiho Pharmaceutical's first commercial business unit in the West. Mr. Whitten also was responsible for development and execution of the company's strategy for the successful launch of Lonsurf (trifluridine and tipiracil) Tablets, Taiho Oncology's first approved product in the United States. Mr. Whitten was promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in 2017, adding human resources to his responsibilities, as well as operations of Taiho Pharma Canada, Inc.

"It is an honor to take on the role of president at Taiho Oncology and build on the remarkable accomplishments that Eric has made to the company over the last nine years," said Mr. Whitten. "Eric leaves behind an extraordinary legacy at Taiho Oncology and our employees owe him a debt of gratitude and wish him and his wonderful family well as he starts the next chapter of his life. I look forward to working with my colleagues at Taiho to ensure that patients continue to benefit from our products now and in the future."

About Timothy Whitten

Timothy Whitten joined Taiho Oncology in 2013 as the Senior Vice President and CCO to build the first commercial business unit in the West for Taiho and to oversee the company's commercial functions. In 2017, Mr. Whitten was promoted to Senior Vice President and COO, adding to his responsibility human resources, as well as operations of Taiho Pharma Canada, Inc. Prior to joining Taiho Oncology, Inc., Mr. Whitten served as President and CEO of Transave/lnsmed from 2006 to 2012. During this time, he guided the company's lead product from the preclinical stage into a global phase 3 program. In 2010, he took the private company, Transave, into the public marketplace via a business combination with lnsmed. From 2001 to 2006, Mr. Whitten was employed by Pharmacyclics, where he served in various roles, including Senior Vice President, Marketing & Sales, and Business Development. Mr. Whitten spent 17 years at Bristol-Myers Squibb, where he served in various sales, marketing, and strategic planning roles, including Vice President, Marketing, for the U.S. Oncology and Immunology Franchise and Vice President, Global Marketing, Oncology, Immunology, and Pulmonary Diseases. Among his accomplishments, including several product launches, he directed the successful introduction of Taxol into the U.S. oncology market. Mr. Whitten graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and from the University of Virginia with a Master of Business Administration.

About Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Japan)

Taiho Pharmaceutical, a subsidiary of Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd., is an R&D-driven specialty pharma focusing on the three fields of oncology, allergy and immunology, and urology. Its corporate philosophy takes the form of a pledge: "We strive to improve human health and contribute to a society enriched by smiles." In the field of oncology in particular, Taiho Pharmaceutical is known as a leading company in Japan that develops innovative medicines for the treatment of cancer, and is promoting business globally. In areas other than oncology, as well, the company creates quality products that effectively treat medical conditions and can help improve people's quality of life. Always putting customers first, Taiho Pharmaceutical aims to also offer over-the-counter medicinal products that support people's efforts to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives.

For more information about Taiho Pharmaceutical Company, please visit https://www.taiho.co.jp/en/.

About Taiho Oncology, Inc. (U.S.)

Taiho Oncology, Inc., a subsidiary of Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd., has established a world class clinical development organization that works urgently to develop innovative cancer treatments and has built a commercial business in the U.S. Taiho has an oral oncology pipeline consisting of both novel antimetabolic agents and selectively targeted agents. Advanced technology, dedicated researchers, and state of the art facilities are helping us to define the way the world treats cancer. It's our work; it's our passion; it's our legacy.

For more information about Taiho Oncology, please visit https://www.taihooncology.com.

About Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd. (Japan)



The Otsuka group of companies is a total-healthcare enterprise that aims to contribute to the health of people around the world under the corporate philosophy, "Otsuka-people creating new products for better health worldwide".

Healthcare is broadly and holistically addressed through the two main pillars  the pharmaceutical business for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and the nutraceutical *1 business to support the maintenance and promotion of everyday health. Our 45,000*2 employees across 180 companies in 28 countries and regions take on challenges across various fields and themes to help fulfill the universal wish of people to be healthy. Our pursuit of these challenges is motivated by the Otsuka' s corporate culture, articulated as "Ryukan-godo" (by sweat we recognize the way), "Jissho" (actualization) and "Sozosei" (creativity), and fostered by successive generations of Otsuka leaders. By striving to provide unique products and services, we seek to achieve sustainable growth and be an indispensable contributor to the world.

For more information, please visit the company's website at http://www.otsuka.com/en/.

*1. Nutraceuticals: nutrition + pharmaceuticals *2. As of end of December, 2016

For more information, please contact:

Craig Heit

GCI Health on behalf of Taiho Oncology

[email protected]

212-798-9919

SOURCE Taiho Oncology, Inc.

Related Links

https://www.taihooncology.com/us


KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- TeamHealth, a leading clinician services organization, announced the acquisition of X32 Healthcare. X32 Healthcare, a leading emergency department performance improvement consulting practice, offers innovative and proven business concepts for healthcare facilities and systems that support patient-focused strategies while improving throughput, quality care delivery and patient experience. X32 also provides robust educational courses, expert-driven consulting programs and best-in-class analytical tools. Additionally, TeamHealth announced the appointment of Joseph T. "Jody" Crane, MD, MBA, principal and owner of X32 Healthcare, as the company's chief clinical officer of emergency medicine. In this role, Dr. Crane will support clinical quality and safety for the company's emergency medicine service line, performance improvement and innovation initiatives, leadership development programs, performance analytics and workforce development.

"Dr. Crane is a well-known industry thought leader in the field of emergency department operations, and he will bring immense value to our team as we continue to invest in best-in-class resources to help drive clinical quality and safety, performance improvement and leadership development to better serve patients, clinicians and client partners," said Michael A. Wiechart, executive vice president and chief operating officer of TeamHealth. "The addition of X32 to TeamHealth's strong performance improvement resources will further strengthen our clinical education opportunities and enhance operational excellence through comprehensive, evidence-based analytics."

"I am thrilled to join TeamHealth in the new role of chief clinical officer of emergency medicine and to bring X32's performance analytics and lean healthcare concepts to the organization to advance patient care," said Dr. Crane. "As a physician-lead organization, TeamHealth has a nearly 40-year history of delivering excellent care to patients and building solid relationships with client partners. Aligning X32's suite of performance tools and consulting resources with TeamHealth's long-standing commitment to quality and safety, we will continue to enhance the patient experience by delivering value-added and innovative solutions to the nearly 800 acute facilities TeamHealth serves."

Dr. Crane received his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and medical degree from Medical College of Virginia. He is currently a board-certified practicing emergency physician. Considered one of the leading experts in emergency department operations in the U.S., Dr. Crane has taught and led healthcare and emergency department improvement efforts with hundreds of organizations in a wide variety of settings on six continents. Dr. Crane began his career at Mary Washington Healthcare from 2000 to 2012, where he served as director of operations for his emergency medicine physician group, senior medical director for Stafford Hospital and a member of the Mary Washington Healthcare Board of Trustees. In 2012, Dr. Crane was recruited to work for the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group as associate regional medical director with oversight of acute care services, telemedicine, innovation and Medicare/Medicaid for Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. In December 2014, Dr. Crane took the position of chief clinical officer for the emergency medicine division of Sheridan Healthcare. Dr. Crane graduated from the Physician Executive MBA Program in 2004 at the University of Tennessee, where he remains on faculty teaching healthcare operations and leadership. Dr. Crane is also an emergency medicine faculty member for The Institute for Healthcare Improvement and serves as an advisor for the National Institute for Health Research's Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care in Northwest London. He is also a faculty member of the American College of Emergency Physicians ED Directors' Academy. He has served as principal and owner of X32 Healthcare since 2008.

To learn more about X32 Healthcare, visit https://www.x32healthcare.com/.

About TeamHealth

At TeamHealth , our purpose is to perfect our physicians' ability to practice medicine, every day, in everything we do. Through our more than 20,000 affiliated physicians and advanced practice clinicians, TeamHealth offers outsourced emergency medicine, hospital medicine, critical care, anesthesiology, orthopedic hospitalist, acute care surgery, obstetrics and gynecology hospitalist, ambulatory care, post-acute care and medical call center solutions to more than 3,200 acute and post-acute facilities and physician groups nationwide. Our philosophy is as simple as our goal is singular: we believe better experiences for physicians lead to better outcomesfor patients, hospital partners and physicians alike. Join our team ; we value and empower clinicians. Partner with us ; we deliver on our promises. Learn more at www.teamhealth.com.

The term "TeamHealth" as used throughout this release includes Team Health Holdings, Inc., its subsidiaries, affiliates, affiliated medical groups and providers, all of which are part of the TeamHealth organization. "Providers" are physicians, advanced practice clinicians and other healthcare providers who are employed by or contract with subsidiaries or affiliated entities of Team Health Holdings, Inc. All such providers exercise independent clinical judgment when providing patient care. Team Health Holdings, Inc., does not have any employees, does not contract with providers and does not practice medicine.

SOURCE TeamHealth

Related Links

http://www.teamhealth.com


BEAVERTON, Ore., Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Tektronix, a leading worldwide provider of measurement solutions, today announced that its 5 Series MSO Mixed Signal Oscilloscope has won Product of the Year honors from Electronic Products. This prestigious award recognizes the innovative design and advancement in test and measurement technology delivered by the 5 Series MSO as determined by the editors of Electronic Products, a leading publication for electronic design engineers.

The Tektronix 5 Series MSO mixed signal oscilloscope has won Product of the Year honors from Electronic Products.

The result of the largest single development effort in Tektronix history, the 5 Series MSO redefines the mid-range oscilloscope and delivers a host of innovations, including the industry's first FlexChannel technology that allows 4, 6 or 8 analog channels and up to 64 digital channels, integrated protocol analysis and signal generator, a new 12-bit signal acquisition system, a massive high-definition capacitive touch display, and a highly intuitive Direct Access user interface. These innovations give designers unprecedented flexibility and unmatched visibility into complex embedded systems.

"The electronics industry is changing rapidly, driven by an insatiable demand for more electronics content in military, automotive, consumer and industrial products and systems, as well as improved power efficiency. And the importance of fast time-to-market cannot be overstated," said Chris Witt, vice president and general manager, Time Domain Business Unit at Tektronix. "We recognized several years ago that the only way forward was with a completely new platform with today's market requirements in mind. We are honored to receive Product of the Year honors, which we believe validates the important role the 5 Series MSO will play in enabling innovation going forward."

Electronic Products, which is owned by the media group AspenCore, selected the winners of the 42nd annual Product of the Year Award based on a rigorous evaluation of products launched in the past year. The winning products were selected on the basis of innovative design, significant advancement in technology or application, and substantial achievement in price and performance.

The winners were announced in the January 2018 issue of Electronic Products with a cover feature and a brief description of each product. Additionally, the winning products appear on Electronic Products' website at: http://www.electronicproducts.com/ProductYear.aspx.

Wondering what else Tektronix is up to? Check out the Tektronix Bandwidth Banter blog and stay up to date on the latest news from Tektronix on Twitter and Facebook.

About Tektronix

Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Tektronix delivers innovative, precise and easy-to-operate test, measurement and monitoring solutions that solve problems, unlock insights and drive discovery. Tektronix has been at the forefront of the digital age for over 70 years. Join us on the journey of innovation at TEK.COM.

Tektronix is a registered trademark of Tektronix, Inc. All other trade names referenced are the service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

SOURCE Tektronix, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.tektronix.com


BEAVERTON, Ore., Jan. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Tektronix, a leading worldwide provider of measurement solutions, today announced that its instruments played an important role in a technology demonstration that could one day enable the next generation of ultra-high bandwidth wireless communications links. In an article published in the journal Nature Communications, an international research team reported the first transmission of two real-time video signals through a terahertz multiplexer at an aggregate data rate of 50 gigabits per second, some100x faster than cellular networks.

Demultiplexing of modulated THz channels for different data rates. A 3D numerical simulation (finite element method), of a single-frequency input wave (f = 312 GHz) propagating in the waveguide (b = 0.733 mm) and then radiating into the far field through a slot in the top plate. The horizontal plane shows the intensity in a plane centered between the metal plates. The vertical arc shows the radiated power as a function of angle. The solid green line indicates the angle predicted by Eq.

With demand for wireless data transmission speeds and capacities growing beyond what microwave signals can carry, the search is on for ways to use higher frequency THz waves that have a much larger capacity to carry data. One of the teams leading the way is an international collaboration between Brown University and the Institut d'Electronique de Microelectronique et de Nanotechnologie (IEMN), CNRS/University of Lille, in France.

This team has previously shown that the worlds of fiber optics and radio can be bridged using photonic-based THz circuits to achieve high-data rates. However, for any system to be viable, a system for multiplexing and demultiplexing (mux/demux) signals is a fundamental requirement. Using a waveguide system involving two metal plates in parallel, the researchers encoded two high-definition television broadcasts onto terahertz waves of two different frequencies: 264.7 GHz and 322.5 GHz. They then sent both frequencies together into the multiplexer system, with a television receiver set to detect the signals as they emerged from the device. Further experiments show that this system could deliver data rates up to 50 Gb/s with low error rates.

The role of test instrumentation

The experiments in the demonstration employed QPSK modulation. For these, the optical signal was modulated using a dual-nested Mach-Zender modulator before a photomixing process generated the dual THz signals. Two Tektronix AWG70000 Series arbitrary waveform generators were then used to create two baseband non-return-to-zero (NRZ) data signals for the in-phase and quadrature data flows.

For detection, the dual frequency THz signal was down-converted in a Schottky-based sub-harmonic mixer to below 40 GHz. The output was then amplified and detected by a Tektronix DPO70000SX 70 GHz oscilloscope. The two QPSK signals corresponding to the down-converted THz channels were further analyzed to recover the modulated data and the corresponding constellation diagrams.

"What this demonstration definitely showed is that a THz multiplexing system can be used to carry actual data without the streams interfering with each other," said Guillaume Ducournau, an assistant professor at IEMN. "With support from Tektronix, we were able to fully test and characterize our system and the results show that this approach could lead to future commercial application of THz wireless networks."

Dean Miles, market development manager in Europe, Middle East and Africa for Tektronix added, "We are absolutely delighted to be involved with IEMN on this technology collaboration. The bridging of fiber optics and radio technologies using photonic-based THz circuits to achieve high-data rates is an area of continuous innovation and this is another example of how test and measurement enables innovation. Advanced test tools are needed today to generate and characterize signals at 100G, 400G and beyond and Tektronix offers a wide portfolio of optical communication test solutions, including those used on this ground-breaking research effort."

Wondering what else Tektronix is up to? Check out the Tektronix Bandwidth Banter blog and stay up to date on the latest news from Tektronix on Twitter and Facebook.

About Tektronix

Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Tektronix delivers innovative, precise and easy-to-operate test, measurement and monitoring solutions that solve problems, unlock insights and drive discovery. Tektronix has been at the forefront of the digital age for over 70 years. Join us on the journey of innovation at TEK.COM.

Tektronix is a registered trademark of Tektronix, Inc. All other trade names referenced are the service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

SOURCE Tektronix, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.tektronix.com


OLATHE, Kan., Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Terracon is pleased to announce the expansion of its facilities services capabilities through the acquisition of Engineered Concepts of Greensboro, N.C., effective immediately. Terracon retains Engineered Concepts' 10 employees.

Engineered Concepts, founded in 1991, specializes in building enclosure, structural engineering, and facility investigation services. The company serves a range of clients in the commercial, education, and government sectors on projects throughout the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Engineered Concepts' experience in building enclosure design and investigation, as well as its structural expertise in new construction, rehabilitation, and preservation, reinforces Terracon's facilities capabilities and strengthens the firm's national resources and ability to serve clients.

"We are excited for Engineered Concepts to become part of Terracon's national facilities practice," said Bill Brickey, P.E., Terracon Facilities Division manager. "Their significant building enclosure and structural diagnostics experience complements our existing facilities services and will be an asset in providing great value and solutions to our clients."

Engineered Concepts' professionals hold licensures in 11 states. Their combined experience in building enclosure design and investigation, structural expertise in new construction, rehabilitation, and preservation, reinforces and deepens Terracon's facilities capabilities in the Greensboro area and nationally.

"Terracon's building enclosure and other facilities services are a great fit with our company," said Rob Kennerly Jr., P.E., president and co-founder of Engineered Concepts. "We look forward to working together to bring an expanded complement of capabilities and resources to our clients going forward."

Engineered Concepts will operate as Terracon Consultants, Inc. dba Engineered Concepts.

Terracon is an employee-owned consulting engineering firm with more than 4,000 employees providing environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services from more than 140 offices with services available in all 50 states. Terracon currently ranks 30th on Engineering News-Record's list of the Top 500 Design Firms. For additional information about Terracon, visit www.terracon.com.

SOURCE Terracon

Related Links

http://terracon.com


NEW YORK, Jan. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --  The global market for managed IT services reached $149.1 billion in 2016. This market is estimated to reach $256.5 billion in 2021 from $166.7 billion in 2017 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.5% for 2017-2021.

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05264588

The United States market will grow from $62.0 billion in 2017 to $94.5 billion in 2021 at a CAGR of 11.1% for 2017-2021.

market will grow from in 2017 to in 2021 at a CAGR of 11.1% for 2017-2021. Infrastructure services constitutes the largest segment of the managed IT services market at 47.1% of total sales followed by network services and security services.

Chapter 1: Introduction

BCC Research's goal in performing this study was to determine the global market size and future demand growth for managed IT services. Of particular interest is characterizing and quantifying the market potential for managed IT services by geography and product (i.e., infrastructure services, network services, security services and other services).

The report also evaluates the market by segments such as infrastructure services, network services, security services and other services. Opportunities in lucrative segments have been discussed in detail.

Drivers, restraints and trends that affect the market have been discussed. The key objective was to present a comprehensive discussion of the managed IT services market and forecast the future potential for the key market segments/geographies.

This discussion provides a basis for companies to make strategic choices about developing new products and markets or decide which segments to enter based on the current dynamics.

The study will benefit managed IT service providers, new entrants, MSP software vendors, users of managed IT services, and cloud service providers.

Study Goals and Objectives

To calculate the global managed IT services market size, both historic and forecast.

To estimate the growth rate of the global and USA managed IT services market.

managed IT services market. To segment the market.

To provide a geographical breakdown of market numbers.

To identify major drivers and restraints on the market.

To identify key trends and technology updates in the field.

Reasons for Doing This Study

Changes such as increasing digitization and migration to the cloud infrastructure led to increase in demand for managed IT services and changed the market dynamics globally. This means that market participants need to adjust to a new market reality, which is described in this report.

Global industry leaders and large organizations see an increasing trend of outsourcing across various industries to drive the managed IT services market.

Some of the major trends to be noted are as follows:

Increasing demand from cloud based services from the banking, financial services and insurance, technology, and healthcare industries is expected to drive this market. Many companies are expanding their geographical presence inorganically through mergers and acquisitions.

Moreover, there is increasing government support for IT initiatives and use of technology in their processes. These factors are expected to drive the global managed IT services market.

The global managed IT services market is concentrated with the leading three players collectively having more than 50% of the market. Major players in the market include IBM, DXC Technology, Fujitsu and Atos and others.

Scope of Report

This research report covers the overall global managed IT services market and categorizes it by geographies and by service type. Service types include infrastructure services, network services, security services and other services.

Information Sources



Public information via annual reports to shareholders as well as other government reports that are available for public review.

Company marketing information, advertising, company press releases, state and local news sources, and subscription-based information.

Online research including third-party references.

Trade associations, directories and publications.

Telephone interviews with both top industry experts, service providers, software providers and others (see Appendix for interview summaries)

Various private proprietary data sources.

Methodology

The research methodology followed in this report is a top-down approach. The sources listed above were used to arrive at the total market figure, which was broken down into various services and sub markets based on primary and secondary data.

Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used to derive the market size and growth rates. Many secondary sources were reviewed and extensive primary research was conducted with key opinion leaders, marketing managers, product managers and end users. All data points and assumptions are sourced through end note references.

Market numbers have been calculated in constant US dollars based on 2016 exchange rates.

Geographic Breakdown

In this report, the geographic regions considered for market analysis include, and only include:



United States

Europe

Asia-Pacific

Middle East and Africa

and Americas excluding USA

Managed IT Services, by Service Type

Managed Infrastructure Services

Managed Network Services

Managed Security Services

Other Manged IT Services

Chapter 2: Summary and Highlights

This report analyzes the market for global managed IT services. A managed IT service is any type of IT task or service offered by an outside contractor. A managed services provider (MSP), which is generally an information technology (IT) services provider, manages and assumes responsibility for providing a defined set of services to its clients based on their specific needs.

Managed IT services are classified based on the type of service being offered by an enterprise. It is segmented into infrastructure services, network services, security services and other services.

However, most of the managed IT service providers offer all these services and there is some overlap between segments. For instance, infrastructure tasks might be clubbed into network services as they are network- related infrastructure services.

The global managed IT services in 2016 is estimated to be around $149.1 billion. During 2017-2021 the global managed IT services market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.5%, to reach $256.5 billion by the year 2021. Increasing digitization and improving economic growth prospects are expected to drive the demand for managed IT services in the future. In particular to rising demand for managed IT services from small and medium enterprises and the emerging markets such as China and India.

Banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) was the largest customer group for managed IT Services in 2016, accounting for 32% of the market. This was followed by the government and public, telecoms and IT, and healthcare segments. The total revenues from banking, financial services, and insurance were $48.5 billion in 2016. The market importance of the banking, financial services, and insurance segment can be attributed to those end users' focus on core competencies, risk reduction, improved cost reduction, customer relations, and improved regulatory compliance.

High share of government sector is due to its high reliance on outside contractors to maintain IT infrastructure to focus on its core competencies which has led to high growth in this customer segment.

In 2016, the US managed IT services accounted for 37.2% of the market, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific with23.7% and 20.0% of the market respectively. High share of USA market size can be attributed to demand for managed services such as dedicated cloud and data center services. This is also due to high adoption of technology and digitization compared to other regions across the world which has led to high growth in this region.

The global managed IT services market is concentrated, with the leading three players having more than 50% of the market. IBM was the largest company with 24% of the market, followed by DXC with 15%, Fujitsu with 14%, Atos with 8% and Deutsche Telekom with 6%.

Most companies operating in the mid-level range are exclusively from a managed IT services background, unlike large players which are operating in multiple categories in the IT industry and are leveraging their economies of scale to position themselves as top players.

To be successful, any managed IT service provider should partner with IT consulting companies and offer its services on a cloud platform to target a wider customer base. They should concentrate on managed security services, which is a highly profitable segment and should innovate and launch advanced products such as white label products which can be easily customized according to client needs to differentiate their service.

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05264588

About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.

__________________________

Contact Clare: [email protected]

US: (339)-368-6001

Intl: +1 339-368-6001

SOURCE Reportlinker

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AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mark Wine Group is proud to announce and welcome Donn Danielson as the Company's second Vice President of Sales, effective January 2, 2018. Danielson joins Jeff Scott, Vice President of Sales and Mark Gmur, the company's President & Founder on the company's sales team servicing On-Premise National Accounts across the United States. Danielson will be responsible for sales growth for all winery partners within The Mark Wine Group's portfolio.

Based out of New Orleans, Louisiana, Danielson is a 23-year wine industry veteran, most recent position was with European Cellars/Eric Solomon Selections as Director of National Accounts; On & Off Premise.

In 2009 he was hired by Folio Fine Wines and served in increasing roles as Western Region Sales Director, Director of National Accounts, Off-Premise and Southwest Region Sales Director. Prior to Folio Fine Wines he was the National Sales Director for Grgich Hills from 2007-2009, after holding roles at The Hess Collection Winery as Northwest Regional Sales Manager and Western Divisional Sales Manager from 2000-2007. He also ran Chicago Wine Merchants as the General Sales Manager between 1995 and 1999.

"I am thrilled to be part of The Mark Wine Group team. My entire career has been spent in the wine industry and I look forward to elevating every wine experience for The Mark Wine Group's customer and supplier networks."

Mark Gmur, The Mark Wine Group's President & Founder states "We are very excited to welcome Donn to our team at The Mark Wine Group. Not only will he bring a tighter focus to our customer relations, but also be a leader in sales creativity and innovation moving forward."

About The Mark Wine Group

Founded in 2007, The Mark Wine Group is a fine wine company that provides wine selections from family-owned and independent wineries to restaurant and hotel chains across the United States. Wineries on offer from The Mark Wine Group span the globe from the Napa Valley to the Barossa Valley, and from Marlborough to Mendoza and beyond. The portfolio is the largest collection of highly-visible, marketable family and independent wineries under one roof available to the On-Premise National Account arena. For more information visit http://www.themarkwinegroup.com.

Contact Lisa Gmur,

Director of Communications

(512) 808-3124 [email protected]

SOURCE The Mark Wine Group

Related Links

http://www.themarkwinegroup.com


MEXICO CITY, Jan. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

New Notes Offering

The United Mexican States (" Mexico ") announced today that it priced a global offering (the " New Notes Offering ") of U.S.$2,555,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 3.750% Global Notes due 2028 (the " New 2028 Notes ") and U.S.$ 645,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 4.600% Global Notes due 2048 (the " New 2048 Notes ," and together with the New 2028 Notes, the " New Notes ").

The aggregate principal amount of New Notes includes approximately U.S. $600,000,000 intended to fund the purchase of preferred tenders in the concurrent tender offer described below, and the amount of New Notes issued may be adjusted based on final acceptances in the tender offer. The closing of the New Notes Offering is expected to occur on Thursday, January 11, 2018.

The New 2048 Notes will be consolidated and form a single series with, and be fungible with, the outstanding U.S. $1,880,000,000 4.600% Global Notes due 2048 previously issued by Mexico.

BBVA Securities Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated served as Joint Lead Underwriters for the New Notes Offering.

The New Notes Offering was made only by means of a preliminary prospectus supplement and an accompanying base prospectus. Copies of the preliminary prospectus supplement, the final prospectus supplement (when filed) and the related base prospectus for the Offering may be obtained by contacting: BBVA Securities Inc., by calling +1 (212) 728-2446 (U.S. toll free), J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, by calling +1 (866) 846-2874 (U.S. toll free), or Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, by calling +1 (800) 294-1322 (U.S. toll free).

Application will be made to have the New Notes listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and admitted to trading on the Euro MTF Market of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.

Tender Offer

Mexico's previously announced tender offer (the " Tender Offer ") to purchase the notes of the series listed in the table below (collectively, the " Old Notes ") on the terms and subject to the conditions contained in the Offer to Purchase, dated January 3, 2018 (the " Offer to Purchase "), expired as scheduled at 4:00 p.m., New York City time, today. All capitalized terms used but not defined under the heading "Tender Offer" in this communication have the respective meanings specified in the Offer to Purchase.

The purchase price to be paid for the 2021 Notes validly tendered and accepted pursuant to the Tender Offer was the fixed price set forth in the Offer to Purchase and Mexico's press release issued today. The purchase prices to be paid for each series of the Old Notes, other than the 2021 Notes, validly tendered and accepted pursuant to the Tender Offer were calculated in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Offer to Purchase and Mexico's press release issued today, based on (i) the U.S. Treasury Rate for such series, which is a yield to maturity based on the bid-side price of the Reference U.S. Treasury Security identified for such series in the table below and (ii) the Fixed Spread for such series set forth in the table below.

Table: 2021 Notes

Old Notes Outstanding Principal Amount as

of January 3, 2018 ISIN CUSIP Fixed Price(1) 3.500% Global Bonds due 2021 (the "2021 Notes") U.S. $1,000,000,000 US91086QBD97 91086QBD9 U.S. $1,035.08

Table: Old Notes (other than the 2021 Notes)















Old Notes Outstanding

Principal Amount as

of January 3, 2018 ISIN CUSIP Reference U.S.

Treasury

Security U.S. Treasury

Rate Fixed Spread

(basis points) Purchase Price(1) 8.125% Global Bonds due

2019 U.S. $1,343,671,000 US593048BN00 593048BN0 1.750% due

11/30/2019 1.932% +15 U.S. $1,116.33 3.625% Global Bonds due

2022 U.S. $2,471,606,000 US91086QBA58 91086QBA5 2.125% due

12/31/2022 2.246% +40 U.S. $1,038.50 4.000% Global Bonds due

2023 U.S. $3,449,928,000 US91086QBC15 91086QBC1 2.125% due

12/31/2022 2.246% +84 U.S. $1,047.63 3.600% Global Bonds due

2025 U.S. $2,472,863,000 US91087BAA89 91087BAA8 2.250% due

11/15/2027 2.452% +93 U.S. $1,013.57 4.125% Global Bonds due

2026 U.S. $2,796,000,000 US91086QBG29 91086QBG2 2.250% due 11/15/2027 2.452% +105 U.S. $1,043.29



(1) Per U.S. $1,000 principal amount of Old Notes tendered and accepted for purchase. Holders will also receive accrued and unpaid interest on Old Notes tendered and accepted for purchase.

Tomorrow, January 4, 2018, Mexico expects (i) to instruct Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated as the Billing and Delivering Bank to accept, subject to proration and other terms and conditions as described in the Offer to Purchase, valid Preferred and Non-Preferred Tenders and (ii) to announce the Old Notes Maximum Purchase Amount and the aggregate principal amount of Preferred Tenders and Non-Preferred Tenders of each series of Old Notes that has been accepted and whether any proration has occurred.

The Offer to Purchase may be downloaded from the Information Agent's website at www.dfking.com/ums or obtained from the Information Agent, D. F. King & Co., Inc., at [email protected] or from any of the Dealer Managers.

The Dealer Managers for the Tender Offer are:

BBVA Securities Inc. Attention: Liability Management 1345 Avenue of the Americas,

44th Floor New York, NY 10105 Collect: +1 (212) 728-2446 or +1 (800) 422-8692 (U.S. toll free) J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

Attention: Latin America Debt

Capital Markets

383 Madison Avenue

New York, NY 10179

Collect: +1 (212) 834-7279 or

+1 (866) 846-2874 (U.S. toll free) Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner &

Smith Incorporated Attention: Liability Management

Group One Bryant Park New York, NY 10036

Collect: +1 (646) 855-8988 or

+1 (888) 292-0070 (U.S. toll free)

The Billing and Delivering Bank for this Tender Offer was: Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated.

Questions regarding the Tender Offer may be directed to the Dealer Managers at the above contact.

Mexico has filed a registration statement (including the prospectus) and the preliminary prospectus supplement with the SEC for the New Notes Offering. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus in that registration statement and other documents Mexico has filed with the SEC for more complete information about Mexico and such New Notes Offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov. Alternatively, the Joint Lead Underwriters, the Dealer Managers or the Information Agent, as the case may be, will arrange to send you the prospectus supplement and the prospectus if you request it by calling any one of them at the numbers specified above.

Important Notice

The distribution of materials relating to the New Notes Offering and the Tender Offer and the transactions contemplated by the New Notes Offering and the Tender Offer may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. Each of the New Notes Offering and the Tender Offer is void in all jurisdictions where it is prohibited. If materials relating to the New Notes Offering or the Tender Offer come into your possession, you are required by Mexico to inform yourself of and to observe all of these restrictions. The materials relating to the New Notes Offering or the Tender Offer, including this communication, do not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer or solicitation in any place where offers or solicitations are not permitted by law. If a jurisdiction requires that the New Notes Offering or the Tender Offer be made by a licensed broker or dealer and a Dealer Manager or any affiliate of a Dealer Manager is a licensed broker or dealer in that jurisdiction, the New Notes Offering or the Tender Offer, as the case may be, shall be deemed to be made by the Dealer Manager or such affiliate on behalf of Mexico in that jurisdiction. Owners who may lawfully participate in the Tender Offer in accordance with the terms thereof are referred to as "holders."

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities nor will there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. The offering of these securities will be made only by means of the preliminary prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus.

The New Notes are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the European Economic Area ("EEA"). For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, "MiFID II"); or (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive 2002/92/EC (as amended, the "Insurance Mediation Directive"), where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II.

In Belgium, the New Notes Offering and the Tender Offer are not directly or indirectly, being made to, or for the account of, any person other than to qualified investors (gekwalificeerde beleggers/investisseurs qualifies) within the meaning of Article 10, 1 of the Belgian Law of June 16, 2006 on the public offering of investment instruments and the admission of investment instruments to trading on a regulated market (Wet op de openbare aanbieding van beleggingsinstrumenten en de toelating van beleggingsinstrumenten tot de verhandeling op een gereglementeerde markt/Loi relative aux offres publiques d'instruments de placement et aux admissions d'instruments de placement a la negociation sur des marches reglementes), as amended or replaced from time to time (Belgian Qualified Investor), that do not qualify as consumers (consumenten/consommateurs) within the meaning of Article I.1, 2 of the Belgian Code of Economic Law of February 28, 2013 (Wetboek van economisch recht/Code de droit economique), as amended or replaced from time to time (Consumers). A Consumer within the meaning of Article I.1, 2 of the Belgian Code of Economic Law is any natural person who is acting for purposes which are outside their trade, business, craft or profession.

Belgian Qualified Investors are professional clients and eligible counterparties as referred to in Annex A and Article 3,  1 of the Belgian Royal Decree of June 3, 2007 containing detailed rules implementing the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (" MiFID ") and the Commission Directive 2006/73/EC implementing MiFID as regards organizational requirements and operating conditions for investment firms and defined terms for the purposes of that Directive (Koninklijk besluit tot bepaling van nadere regels tot omzetting van de richtlijn betreffende markten voor financiele instrumenten/Arrete royal portant les regles et modalites visant a transposer la directive concernant les marches d'instruments financiers), as amended or replaced from time to time.

As a result, the New Notes Offering and the Tender Offer do not constitute a public takeover bid pursuant to Articles 3, 1, 1 and 6,  1 of the Belgian law of April 1, 2007 on public takeover bids (Wet op de openbare overnamebiedingen/Loi relative aux offres publiques d'acquisition), as amended or replaced from time to time.

Consequently, the New Notes Offering and the Tender Offer and any material relating thereto have not been and will not be, notified or submitted to, nor approved by the Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority (Autoriteit voor Financiele Diensten en Markten/Autorite des Services et Marches Financiers) pursuant to the Belgian laws and regulations applicable to the public offering or tendering of securities.

The New Notes Offering and the Tender Offer as well as any materials relating thereto may not be advertised, nor distributed, directly or indirectly, to any person in Belgium other than Belgian Qualified Investors acting for their own account who are not Consumers, and may not be used in connection with any offering in Belgium except as may otherwise be permitted by law.

The New Notes Offering cannot be considered to be a regulated investment service such as investment advice as listed under Annex I to the European Directive 2004/39/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 April 2004 on MiFID, as amended or replaced from time to time.

The New Notes and the Old Notes will not be registered under Law 18,045, as amended, of Chile with the SVS and, accordingly, the New Notes and the Old Notes cannot and will not be offered or sold to persons in Chile except in circumstances which have not resulted and will not result in a public offering under Chilean law, and in compliance with Norma de Caracter General (Rule) No. 336, dated June 27, 2012, issued by the Superintendencia de Valores y Seguros de Chile (Superintendency of Securities and Insurance of Chile).

The Old Notes have not been and will not be registered before the Colombian National Registry of Securities and Issuers or with any Colombian Securities Exchange or Treading System. The Tender Offer does not constitute and may not be used for, or in connection with, a public offering as defined under Colombian Law and shall be valid in Colombia only to the extent permitted by Colombian law. The Old Notes may only be tendered inside the Territory of the Republic of Colombia to the extent permitted by Colombian law, under circumstances which do not constitute a public offering of securities under applicable Colombian securities laws and regulations; provided that, an authorized personnel of an authorized entity to offer foreign securities in Colombia must abide by the terms of Decree No 2555 of 2010 to offer the interests privately to their Colombian clients. The Tender Offer is for the sole and exclusive use of the addressee as a designated individual/investor, and cannot be considered as being addressed to or intended for the use of any third party, including any of such party's shareholders, administrators or employees, or by any other third party resident in Colombia. The information contained in the Offer to Purchase is provided for assistance purposes only and no representation or warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. Please note that, under Colombian Regulations, any offering addressed to 100 or more named individuals or companies shall be considered as a public offering, requiring prior approval of Colombia's Financial Superintendency and listing on the Colombian Stock Exchange.

The New Notes Offering and the Tender Offer have not been and will not be approved by the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority, as neither constitute a public offer in accordance with the Danish Securities Trading Act nor the Danish executive order on takeover bids.

No prospectus (including any amendment, supplement or replacement thereto) has been prepared in connection with the offering of the New Notes that has been approved by the French Autorite des marches financiers or by the competent authority of another State that is a contracting party to the Agreement on the EEA and notified to the French Autorite des marches financiers and to Mexico; neither the Tender Offer nor the New Notes have been offered or sold nor will be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, to the public in France; the materials relating to the New Notes have not been distributed or caused to be distributed and will not be distributed or caused to be distributed to the public in France; such offers, sales and distributions have been and shall only be made in France to qualified investors (investisseurs qualifies), as defined in Articles L. 4112 and D. 4111, of the French Code monetaire et financier who are investing for their own account and are not individuals. The direct or indirect distribution to the public in France of any so acquired New Notes may be made only as provided by Articles L. 4111, L. 4112, L. 4121 and L. 6218 to L. 62183 of the French Code monetaire et financier and applicable regulations thereunder. The other legal entities referred to in Articles L. 3412 1 and D. 3411 of the French Code monetaire et financier are eligible to participate in the Tender Offer. The Tender Offer has not been and will not be submitted to the clearance procedures (visa) of nor approved by the Autorite des marches financier.

The Tender Offer is made in Germany to existing holders of the Old Notes only.

The prospectus supplement does not constitute a Prospectus Directive-compliant prospectus in accordance with the German Securities Prospectus Act (Wertpapierprospektgesetz) and does therefore not allow any public offering in the Federal Republic of Germany (" Germany ") or any other member state of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Prospectus Directive pursuant to  17 and  18 of the German Securities Prospectus Act. No action has been or will be taken in the Federal Republic of Germany that would permit a public offering of the New Notes, or distribution of a prospectus, a prospectus supplement or any other offering material relating to the New Notes and that, in particular, no securities prospectus (Wertpapierprospekt) within the meaning of the German Securities Prospectus Act or any other applicable laws of Germany has been or will be published within the Federal Republic of Germany, nor has the prospectus supplement been filed with or approved by the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (Bundesanstalt fur Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht) for publication within the Federal Republic of Germany. Accordingly, any offer or sale of the New Notes or any distribution of offering material within the Federal Republic of Germany may violate the provisions of the German Securities Prospectus Act.

There has been no offer, sale or delivery and there will be no offer, sale or delivery of any Notes in Germany other than in accordance with provisions of the German Securities Prospectus Act; and any offering material relating to the New Notes will be distributed in the Federal Republic of Germany only under circumstances that will result in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations of the Federal Republic of Germany. The prospectus supplement is strictly for use of the person who has received it. It may not be forwarded to other persons or published in Germany.

With respect to persons in Hong Kong, the New Notes Offering and the Tender Offer are only made to, and are only capable of acceptance by, "professional investors" within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong (the " SFO ") and any rules made thereunder. No person or entity may issue or have in its possession for the purposes of issue, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere, any advertisement, invitation or document relating to the New Notes, Old Notes or the Tender Offer, which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public of Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong other than with respect to the Old Notes which are or are intended to be tendered, or New Notes which are intended to be purchased, only by persons outside Hong Kong or only by "professional investors" as defined in the SFO and any rules made under thereunder.

In Italy, this announcement is only being distributed to and is only directed at, and the Tender Offer documents may only be distributed, directly or indirectly, to qualified investors.

In Luxembourg, this announcement has been prepared on the basis that the offer of the New Notes, the Tender Offer and the potential exchange offer will be made pursuant to an exemption under Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive from the requirement to produce a prospectus for offers of securities.

The Offer to Purchase has not been approved by the CNBV and may not be publicly made in Mexico and the documentation implementing the Offer to Purchase may not be distributed publicly in Mexico. The Offer to Purchase may be made to qualified or institutional investors, pursuant to the private placement exemption set forth under Article 8 of the Mexican Securities Market Law.

The Tender Offer and the Offer Documents do not constitute a prospectus under Norwegian law and have not been filed with or approved by the Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority, the Oslo Stock Exchange or the Norwegian Registry of Business Enterprises, as the Tender Offer and Offer Documents have not been prepared in the context of a public offering of securities in Norway within the meaning of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act or any Regulations issued pursuant thereto. The Tender Offer will only be directed to qualified investors as defined in the Norwegian Securities Regulation section 7-1, or in accordance with other relevant exceptions from the prospectus requirements. Accordingly, the Tender Offer and the Offer Documents may not be made available to the public in Norway nor may the Offer to Purchase otherwise be marketed and offered for sale to the public in Norway.

The Tender Offer is not intended for any person who is not qualified as an institutional investor, in accordance with provisions set forth in Resolution SMV No. 021-2013-SMV-01 issued by Superintendencia del Mercado de Valores (Superintendency of Capital Markets) of Peru, and as subsequently amended. No legal, financial, tax or any other kind of advice is hereby being provided.

None of the offer materials related to the New Notes Offering or Tender Offer have been approved or registered in the administrative registries of the Spanish Securities Market Commission (Comision Nacional del Mercado de Valores). Consequently, the securities may not be offered, sold or distributed in Spain except in circumstances which do not constitute a public offer of securities in Spain within the meaning of Article 35 of the restated text of the Securities Markets Act approved by Royal Legislative Decree 4/2015, dated 23 October (Real Decreto Legislativo 4/2015, de 23 de octubre, por el que se aprueba el texto refundido de la Ley del Mercado de Valores), Royal Decree 1310/2005 of 4 November (Real Decreto 1310/2005 de 4 de noviembre), or otherwise in reliance on an exception from registration available thereunder.

The prospectus supplement is not intended to constitute an offer or solicitation to purchase or invest in the New Notes described therein in Switzerland, except as permitted by law. The New Notes may not be publicly offered, sold or advertised, directly or indirectly, in, into or from Switzerland and will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange or on any other exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland.

Neither the prospectus supplement nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the New Notes constitutes a prospectus as such term is understood pursuant to article 652a or article 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or a listing prospectus within the meaning of the listing rules of the SIX Swiss Exchange or any other regulated trading facility in Switzerland or a simplified prospectus or a prospectus as such term is defined in the Swiss Collective Investment Scheme Act, and neither the prospectus supplement nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the New Notes may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland.

Neither the communication of the Offer to Purchase nor any other offer material relating to the Tender Offer has been approved by an authorized person for the purposes of section 21 of the UK Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. The Offer to Purchase and the prospectus supplement are only being distributed to and is only directed at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) to investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (as so amended, the " Order ") or (iii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Articles 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such other persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). Any investment or investment activity to which the Offer to Purchase relates is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons. The New Notes will only be available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire the New Notes will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on the Offer to Purchase, the prospectus supplement or any of their contents.

The New Notes Offering and the Tender Offer qualifies as a private placement pursuant to section 2 of Uruguayan law 18.627. The New Notes and the Old Notes are not and will not be registered with the Central Bank of Uruguay to be publicly offered in Uruguay.

Contact information:

D. F. King & Co., Inc.

48 Wall Street, 22nd Floor

New York, NY 10005

E-mail: [email protected]

Call Collect:: +1 (212) 269-5550

Call Toll-Free: +1 (866) 864-7961

website: www.dfking.com/ums

ANY DISCLAIMERS OR OTHER NOTICES THAT MAY APPEAR AFTER THIS MESSAGE ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO THIS COMMUNICATION AND SHOULD BE DISREGARDED. SUCH DISCLAIMERS OR OTHER NOTICES WERE AUTOMATICALLY GENERATED AS A RESULT OF THIS COMMUNICATION BEING SENT VIA BLOOMBERG OR ANOTHER EMAIL SYSTEM.

SOURCE United Mexican States
ATLANTA, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Tropical Smoothie Cafe, the leading fast casual cafe concept known for its better-for-you food and smoothies with a tropical twist, announced today its largest franchisee DYNE Hospitality Group has signed a multi-unit agreement that will bring 26 new cafes to the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas and Savannah, Georgia markets. The brand has made significant strides with franchise development and is experiencing tremendous momentum on the heels of a successful 2017, with their aggressive efforts resulting in the execution of more than 180 agreements.

Anchored by existing franchisees Glen Johnson and Nick Crouch, DYNE Hospitality Group will bring 22 Tropical Smoothie Cafe locations to Dallas-Fort Worth and four to Savannah over the next several years, with the two cafes slated to open in Fort Worth during the first quarter of 2018.

"2017 was a year of incredible growth for us, as we significantly expanded Tropical Smoothie Cafe's presence in several markets across the country," said Mike Rotondo, CEO of Tropical Smoothie Cafe. "With Glen Johnson and Nick Crouch joining forces and the execution of DYNE's 26-unit deal for new locations in Texas and Georgia, we're confident that we'll not only sustain, but surpass, last year's success in 2018."

Johnson and Crouch merged their entities in December 2017 to form DYNE Hospitality Group, which now stands as Tropical Smoothie Cafe's largest franchisee. The now partners are two of the brand's top-performing operators and have continued to expand their portfolios since joining the company more than five years ago. Their decades of experience and ongoing success in the industry have inspired DYNE's mission, which is to create opportunities through operational excellence, a practice they've learned through their partnership with Tropical Smoothie Cafe.

"With a proven business model, unparalleled service, wide menu variety and incredible corporate support, it's no wonder Tropical Smoothie Cafe has established itself as a leader in the fast casual segment," said Glen Johnson, Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchisee and co-CEO of DYNE Hospitality Group. "I've continued to grow my business since signing my first agreement in 2011 and have watched firsthand the brand consistently achieve tremendous success. Nick has followed a similar path and with our strong desire to open several more Tropical Smoothie Cafe locations, a partnership between us was a natural fit."

Today, DYNE Hospitality Group owns and operates 41 Tropical Smoothie Cafe locations throughout Florida, Georgia, Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma. The company has an additional 12 in development that will open in 2018 and set an overall goal to have 100 operating cafes in five years.

"Glen and I are eager to combine our experience and resources to build an exceptional company and further fuel Tropical Smoothie Cafe's growth nationwide," added Nick Crouch, Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchisee and co-CEO of DYNE Hospitality Group.

The food and smoothie franchise currently has franchise opportunities across the U.S. in markets such as Indianapolis, Kansas City, Houston, St. Louis, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Minneapolis and Columbus, among others. Fueled by its ongoing product innovation and consistent positive comp sales, Tropical Smoothie Cafe has experienced a surge of franchise development throughout the state that reinforces the brand's role as a leader in the fast casual segment. By 2020, Tropical Smoothie Cafe plans to have 1,000 stores open across the U.S.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe is looking to add qualified franchisees to its growing brand. Candidates should have business experience; $125,000 in liquid assets and a minimum net worth of $350,000; and an initial investment of between $222,770 and $525,400. The better-for-you food franchise currently boasts an average unit volume (AUV) of more than $662,000  the highest in the company's 20-year history  with the top 50 percent reporting an AUV of more than $846,000.

For more information about opening your own Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchise, please visit www.tropicalsmoothiefranchise.com.

About Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Tropical Smoothie Cafe is a fast-casual restaurant concept inspiring healthier lifestyles across the country, with more than 600 locations nationwide. With snack and meal options for any time of day, Tropical Smoothie Cafe serves better-for-you smoothies, salads, wraps, sandwiches, and flatbreads. Upgraded app technology and enhanced mobile ordering capabilities further elevate the digital and dine-in cafe experience and emphasize the brand's focus on convenience. The rapidly growing franchise has received numerous accolades including being ranked on Entrepreneur's 2017 Franchise 500, 2016 Fast Casual Top 100 Movers and Shakers, Franchise Times' Top 200+ and Nation's Restaurant News' 2016 Top 200.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Fish Consulting

Courtney Whelan

[email protected]

954-893-9150

SOURCE Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Related Links

http://www.tropicalsmoothiefranchise.com


SILVER SPRING, Md., Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance (TS Alliance) announced its newest Global Alliance, the Hungarian Foundation for Tuberous Sclerosis. This partnership aims to facilitate local connections for individuals and families affected by tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), raise revenue and increase awareness in Hungary. Affecting 1 million worldwide, TSC is a rare genetic disorder that causes tumors to form in vital organs; it's also the leading genetic cause of epilepsy and autism.

"Being a global affiliate of the TS Alliance is a great honor and opportunity for us to build a strong, visible and good advocacy community," said Imola Dankahazi, President of the Hungarian Foundation for Tuberous Sclerosis. "We look forward to collaborating on educational resources, research and care for individuals with TSC."

Officially launched in 2014 with the TS Alliance of Israel, the TS Alliance's Global Alliance program was created to address unmet needs within the global TSC community at the country level. This program provides the opportunity for the TS Alliance to share experiences and assist in the start-up or support of TSC-related organizations in other countries. A Global Alliance is a structured group of empowered and caring volunteers who work closely with the TS Alliance to facilitate local connections for individuals and families affected by TSC, raise revenue and increase awareness while supporting the mission of the organization. The TS Alliance also has formal partnerships with Tuberous Sclerosis Canada Sclerose Tubereuse and the TS Alliance of Mexico.

"The TS Alliance is excited to partner with this new organization in Hungary," said TS Alliance President & CEO Kari Luther Rosbeck. "We look forward to working with the Hungarian Foundation for Tuberous Sclerosis to advocate for people with TSC, provide educational and support programs, increase awareness and offer assistance with fundraising. Of course, the ultimate goal is to improve outcomes for everyone with TSC."

The TS Alliance is dedicated to finding a cure for tuberous sclerosis complex, while improving the lives of those affected. Founded in 1974, it works to improve quality of life for individuals and families affected by TSC by stimulating and sponsoring research; creating programs, support services and resource information; and developing and implementing public and professional programs designed to heighten awareness of the disease.

For more information about the Hungarian Foundation for Tuberous Sclerosis, visit www.tsc.hu.

Contact: Jaye Isham, 301.562.9890, [email protected]

SOURCE Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance

Related Links

http://www.tsalliance.org


"We're excited to reveal the work we put into revitalizing this building," said Mike Schneider, U-Haul Company of South Eastern Wisconsin president. "We're introducing this top-of-the-line facility and our new U-Haul Truck Share 24/7 self-service program, which offers Saukville the latest, easiest and most secure truck rental process in the industry."

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Port Washington opened in a limited capacity in June 2016, offering truck and trailer sharing, U-Box portable moving and storage containers, and moving supplies. Then the real work began. More than one year of cleanup and construction yielded a renovated 40,901-square-foot structure with 130-plus self-storage units. The facility offers U-Haul Remote 24/7 access, high-tech security features and a green reuse center for customers.

Contact U-Haul Moving & Storage of Port Washington at (262) 261-0510 or stop by to visit general manager Ross Brooks and his team. Hours of operation are 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday and Saturday; 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday; and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Reserve equipment at uhaul.com or contact Reservations at 1-800-GO-UHAUL.

By repurposing the former Piggly Wiggly store, U-Haul prevented the use of 115 tons of metal for manufacturing and transportation (the amount of steel used to make 116 passenger cars); avoided 3,535 tons of new concrete pours (enough to create 71 miles of concrete blocks); kept 3,702 tons of construction and demolition debris out of landfills (avoiding 142 dump trucks traveling 2,990 miles); and stopped 1,890,289 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere (the carbon emissions of 145 large SUVs or pickup trucks for one year).

"Green building is a pillar of our sustainability mission," Brooks said. "I'm proud of what we've been able to do with this adaptive reuse conversion. U-Haul is committed to this community, and I can't wait to serve my Saukville neighbors for years to come."

The arrival of U-Haul Truck Share 24/7 is revolutionizing the moving industry through its more convenient, more secure way to pick up and return a truck. U-Haul live verification technology allows rental transactions to be carried out entirely on a smartphone at any hour  day or night. There are no membership fees. Simply visit uhaul.com to create an online account.

About U-Haul

Since 1945, U-Haul has been the No. 1 choice of do-it-yourself movers, with a network of more than 21,000 locations across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. U-Haul Truck Share 24/7 now offers customers access to U-Haul trucks every hour of every day through the self-service options on their internet-connected mobile devices. U-Haul customers' patronage has enabled the U-Haul fleet to grow to more than 150,000 trucks, 112,000 trailers and 40,000 towing devices. U-Haul offers more than 581,000 rooms and more than 51 million square feet of self-storage space at owned and managed facilities throughout North America. U-Haul is the largest installer of permanent trailer hitches in the automotive aftermarket industry and is the largest retailer of propane in the U.S.

Contact:

Andrea Batchelor

Jeff Lockridge

E-mail: [email protected]

Phone: 602-263-6981

Website: uhaul.com

SOURCE U-Haul
HOUSTON, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Storing and using people's genomic data in research offers many benefits to society, but it places a person's civil rights at risk, according to University of Houston Law Center Professor Barbara J. Evans whose legal analysis was published today in the American Journal of Human Genetics.

"Unless people can see the data that researchers are storing about them, they cannot understand their risks or take steps to protect their civil rights," said Evans, Alumnae College Professor of Law, director of the Center on Biotechnology & Law, and professor of electrical and computer engineering at the UH Cullen College of Engineering.

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, or GINA, foresaw that Americans will face new threats to their civil rights as genomic testing grows more common, Evans said. If genomic data are mishandled or hacked, people might face genetic discrimination, identity theft, or even be wrongly linked to a crime.

"Having access to your own genomic data also lets you exercise important constitutional rights, such as your right to go on social media and assemble groups of people with genes like yours and lobby Congress to spend more research dollars studying how those genes affect your health," she said. "Like the right to vote, access to one's own genomic data is a foundational civil right that empowers people to protect all their other civil rights."

GINA created an individual access right by forcing changes to a major federal privacy law, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Privacy Rule, Evans explained. These changes, finalized in 2013 and 2014, gave Americans a legal right to inspect and obtain copies of their own genetic test results stored at HIPAA-regulated laboratories, including some research labs.

Giving people access to data from research has been controversial, Evans said. The genomic data that research laboratories produce is sometimes "subclinical quality" in other words, it does not always meet the same quality standards that are required for data used in clinical health care. Ordinary laypeople, it is feared, lack the "scientific literacy" to be leery of subclinical-quality information and may misuse it to make healthcare decisions.

This potential for misuse concerns many bioethicists and members of the medical profession, as well as safety regulators like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which regulates clinical labs, she continued. These safety regulators, at times, have taken stances that cause research labs to block people's new access right.

"You have one regulator telling research labs to provide access, to protect civil rights. Other regulators try to block access, citing safety concerns. It's unseemly," Evans said. "Labs are caught in the middle and many Americans are being deprived of a federally protected civil right to see their data."

"When safety and civil rights collide, there are ways to reconcile the two," she said. "The good news is that we aren't forced to choose between having safety or having civil rights. We can have both, but it requires regulators to be smart and think outside their usual boxes."

Evans' research was supported by the National Institutes of Health, the National Human Genome Research Institute, the National Cancer Institute, and the UH Law Foundation.

Click here to read the article: "HIPAA's individual right of access to genomic data: reconciling safety and civil rights."

Media contacts: Carrie Anna Criado, UH Law Center Assistant Dean of Communications and Marketing, 713-743-2184, [email protected]; Elena Hawthorne, Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing, 713-743-1125, [email protected]; John T. Kling, Communications Manager, 713-743-8298, [email protected]; and John Brannen, Senior Writer, 713-743-3055, [email protected]

About the University of Houston

The University of Houston is a Carnegie-designated Tier One public research university recognized by The Princeton Review as one of the nation's best colleges for undergraduate education. UH serves the globally competitive Houston and Gulf Coast Region by providing world-class faculty, experiential learning and strategic industry partnerships. Located in the nation's fourth-largest city, UH serves more than 45,000 students in the most ethnically and culturally diverse region in the country.

About the University of Houston Law Center

The University of Houston Law Center (UHLC) is a dynamic, top tier law school located in the nation's 4th largest city. UHLC's Health Law, Intellectual Property Law, and Part-time programs rank in the U.S. News Top 10. It awards Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees, through its academic branch, the College of Law. The Law Center is more than just a law school. It is a powerful hub of intellectual activity with more than 11 centers and institutes which fuel its educational mission and national reputation. UHLC is fully accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools.

SOURCE University of Houston Law Center

Related Links

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United Steelworkers released the following statement today as the United States and South Korea prepare to meet to discuss the renegotiation of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS).

"The USW condemns the recent anti-worker actions by the South Korean government both at home and abroad.

"In October, workers at the Macon, Ga., factory of Kumho Tire  a multinational company that is effectively owned and controlled by the South Korean government  attempted to exercise their rights as American citizens to join a union, the USW.

"The company spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on union-busting consultants and committed multiple U.S. labor law violations, including a coordinated onslaught of threats of plant closure and job loss should the employees select union representation. Union supporter Mario Smith was unlawfully fired on October 17, 2017, because of his union activity.

"The USW is alarmed that a company controlled by the Korean government has chosen to violate the rights of U.S. workers at the same time that government is renegotiating its trade agreement with the U.S.

"We are also alarmed by the Korean government's detention and arrest of leaders of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), which represents the workers of Kumho Tire in Korea. KCTU President Han Sang-gyun is currently imprisoned for organizing peaceful demonstrations, and last week the union federation's General Secretary Lee Young-joo was also arrested. These actions have been condemned by respected human rights organizations and by the global trade union movement.

"We urge the U.S. negotiators to deliver a strong message to the South Korean government that its union-busting actions in Korea and the U.S., in violation of international law and the KORUS agreement, are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

"Suppression and abuse of workers' rights under the KORUS agreement by Korean companies and their government has injured workers in both countries. The trade deficit continues to mount, which is lining the pockets of multinational companies while workers get shafted. The Trump administration has proclaimed its intention to reform our nation's trade policies to advance the interests of working people: Addressing Korea's actions, and that of its leading companies, has to be at the top of the agenda.

"The implications of this matter are significant not only for the future of the KORUS agreement but also for the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) that is underway. Workers here in the U.S. expect that their interests will be advanced, not undermined by turning a blind eye to abuses of workers' rights. Organized labor is watching carefully what the administration does on these matters, the single most important trade issue."

The USW represents 850,000 workers in North America employed in many industries that include metals, rubber, chemicals, paper, oil refining and the service and public sectors. For more information: http://www.usw.org/.

CONTACT: Ben Davis: (412) 562-2501, [email protected]

SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)

Related Links

http://www.usw.org


DAYTON, Ohio, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Vandalia Rental has launched a new philanthropic effort to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Vandalia Rental will donate 10 percent of the revenue earned from renting a Genie 180 foot telescopic boom lift, on a quarterly basis to the Ronald McDonald House Charities. While proceeds are anticipated to exceed $5,000 a year, Vandalia Rental will guarantee $5,000 a year minimum donation amount. Vandalia Rental's Marketing Director, Alisha Lange, has been working with Marketing Manager of Dayton's RMHC, Brittany Miller, to develop a co-branded design to "wrap" around the boom lift. "Most are unaware of the generosity behind Vandalia Rental. Vandalia Rental encourages all team members to give back to their communities through numerous corporate donation matches and sponsorship opportunities," stated Lange.

This summer, the Vandalia Rental team voted to lend their support to this "home-away-from-home" for families of critically ill, hospitalized children in Dayton. They will be wrapping one of their Genie SX-180 foot boom lifts with graphics reflective of the Ronald McDonald House.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Dayton provide comforting overnight stays for families in order to keep them close to their critically ill children that are receiving treatment at Dayton Children's Hospital and surrounding specialized care hospitals. They can accommodate 14 overnight families at once in their private guest rooms. This important charity helps families stay close to their critically ill infant, toddler, adolescent or teen while in the care of Dayton healthcare facilities. They are committed to improving the lives of the region's children, as is Vandalia Rental.

The Genie SX-180 is a very special piece of equipment. There are only a handful of them within the rental industry in the state of Ohio and Vandalia Rental currently owns two of them. The Genie SX-180 boom lift is the highest reaching self-propelled boom lift in the Genie Super Boom lineup. It is a specially adapted Super Boom capable of 180 feet of vertical reach combined with 80 feet of horizontal outreach to safely and quickly lift operators working in a variety of industries. Vandalia Rental recognized that most companies do not provide this specialized equipment and purchased the Genie SX-180. Because Vandalia Rental's first priority is safety, MEWP training is available for operators and occupants of mobile elevated work platforms such as the SX-180 boom lift.

Vandalia Rental encourages its team members to be involved in their communities. The positive impacts through volunteerism, in-kind giving, sponsorships, and leadership opportunities are important to the company.

For more information regarding the rental of the Genie SX 180 boom lift, call Vandalia Rental at 1-800-321-5061, or visit them at vandaliarental.com. For press inquiries, please contact Vandalia Rental at [email protected].

Related Images

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Vandalia Rental SX 180 Ronald McDonald Boom Lift

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SOURCE Vandalia Rental

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CLEVELAND, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Cleveland, Ohio-based family office Weinberg Capital Group announced today that its portfolio company Mechanical Servants LLC D/B/A Convenience Valet hired Steve Jungmann as President & CEO. Mr. Jungmann brings more than 30 years of experience to Convenience Valet and will assume immediate day-to-day control of the company.

Founded in 1946, Convenience Valet (www.cvalet.com) is the originator and leading value-added distributor of blister pack (windowed) branded convenience / travel size health and beauty care products, over-the-counter drugs, personal care products and sundries sold in small-portion packages. The company acquires branded products from the manufacturer and then repackages the products in convenient size (single / double dose) and trial / travel size packages for over 120,000 retail locations, which include grocery stores, convenience stores, drug stores, gas stations, mass merchants, warehouse clubs, travel centers, airports, hotels and cruise lines. The company distributes over 500 branded products and has established an expansive distribution network, through which its partners' products can efficiently reach consumers on a nationwide basis.

Mr. Jungmann possesses over 30 years of experience and has served in senior leadership roles for companies such as Kraft Foods, Solo Cup and SUPERVALU. Immediately prior to joining Convenience Valet, Mr. Jungmann served as President of Sales for Richelieu Foods, a private equity owned manufacturer of private label frozen pizza, salad dressings, marinades, sauces and condiments. Headquartered in Braintree, Massachusetts, Richelieu Foods manufactures a large number of unique SKUs for retailers and also does contract manufacturing for a number of large branded companies. Richelieu is one of the largest private label frozen pizza manufacturers in the US. As President & CEO of Convenience Valet, Mr. Jungmann will assume direct operational control over the business and will report to the Board of Directors. He will be tasked with working hand-in-hand with the senior management team to develop and implement Convenience Valet's long-term growth plan, while also continuing to drive incremental improvements across the organization. He will also lead the acquisition and integration of any future add-on businesses.

Ronald E. (Chip) Weinberg, Jr., Managing Director & Principal of Weinberg Capital Group stated, "Convenience Valet has been in business for more than 70 years. We purchased the business in 2015 and have enjoyed working with the senior management team to continue their tradition of innovative product development, value-added design and planogramming and excellent customer service. The company is well-positioned for long-term success and the addition of Steve will only serve to enhance an already robust platform. Steve is a seasoned CEO, possessing a long and distinguished track record. He is exactly the right individual to take this business to a new level of success."

Mr. Jungmann added, "I am very grateful for the opportunity to join Convenience Valet. I am very impressed with the senior management team and believe strongly that as an organization we have multiple avenues for growth. I can't wait to get in there and get to work."

About Weinberg Capital Group

Weinberg Capital Group is a Cleveland, Ohio based private equity group whose principals consist of Ronald E. Weinberg, Ronald E. (Chip) Weinberg, Jr., John E. Herman and Cameron S. Miele. The firm invests in well-positioned middle market companies. Weinberg Capital Group focuses on firms where the current ownership and management reinvest in the transaction, and management remains in place, affording current shareholders and management an opportunity to achieve liquidity coupled with ownership continuity. The firm invests in companies throughout North America with annual revenue from $15 to $100 million and EBITDA ranging from $2 to $10 million. The firm's current portfolio covers a broad range of industries including manufacturing, business services, aviation services, financial services, consumer products, retail and value-added distribution. Additional information on Weinberg Capital Group can be found at www.weinbergcap.com.

SOURCE Weinberg Capital Group

Related Links

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The biographies include data and place of birth, career highlights, awards, academic education and special contributions to the public interest or economic progress which were instrumental in making these individuals well known.



Each honoree provides a role model of excellence whether in government, business, academic, religion, media or public service. These individuals exemplify the wealth of talent and leadership with which Russia is blessed, and it is fitting that their accomplishments are being acknowledged in this way.

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The Who's Who also surveys the country in detail from a historical, political and economic perspective. Comprehensive background information such as details on the functions and activities of government, official awards and other relevant facts from the world of politics and economics further a fuller understanding of this great country



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In this section you can find details on Russia in a matter of seconds. It gives you a breakdown of the following subjects - companies and organizations in Russia, history, constitution, economy and culture, containing information on:



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Who's Who in Russia remains quite indispensable as a superb one-stop research tool which records the lives and achievements of recognised established Russian personalities and those rising to prominence. Valuable and unique, Who's Who in Russia will prove an invaluable acquisition for researchers, academic, public, and business libraries, and to governments, corporations, the media, organizations and anyone needing up-to-date information on Russia.

To know more about report and who is it suited for, head over to:

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About Bharat Book Bureau:

Bharat Book Bureau is the leading market research information provider for market research reports, company profiles, industry analysis, 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. In case the reports don't match your requirement then we can do a specialized Custom Research for you.

Contact us:

Bharat Book Bureau

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Blog: https://www.bharatbook.com/blog/

SOURCE Bharat Book Bureau
AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Zenoss Inc., the leader in Software-Defined IT Operations, today announced Mark Schwartz, enterprise strategist and evangelist at Amazon Web Services Inc. (AWS), as a keynote speaker for GalaxZ18  the fourth annual Zenoss user conference, to be held June 20-22, 2018, at the JW Marriott in the Live Monitoring Capital of the World, Austin, Texas.

Schwartz joined AWS in July 2017. In this role, he works with enterprise technology executives to share experiences and strategies for increasing speed and agility with the cloud while devoting more of their resources to their customers.

Schwartz has extensive experience as an IT leader in government, the private sector, and the nonprofit world, as well as with organizations ranging in size from small startups to enormous agencies. Prior to joining AWS, he was chief information officer (CIO) of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for the Department of Homeland Security. There, he led a large digital transformation effort  moving the agency to the cloud, introducing and refining DevOps and Agile techniques, and adopting user-centric design approaches.

"Through his work at USCIS, Mark developed a reputation for capably leading transformation in organizations that are resistant to change, obsessed with security, subject to considerable regulation and oversight, and deeply bureaucratic," said Megan Lueders, vice president of marketing at Zenoss. "We are thrilled to have him represent AWS at GalaxZ18 and share his insights about digital transformation strategies in the most complex IT environments."

Before USCIS, Schwartz was CIO of Intrax Cultural Exchange, a leader in global youth exchange programs, and CEO of a software company. He is the author of "The Art of Business Value and a Seat at the Table: IT Leadership in the Age of Agility" and speaks at conferences internationally on such subjects as DevOps, leading change, driving innovation in IT, and managing agility in bureaucratic organizations. He has been recognized as a Computerworld Premier IT Leader and received awards for Leadership in Technology Innovation, the Federal 100 IT Leaders, and a CIO Magazine 100 award. Schwartz holds both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Yale University and an MBA from Wharton.

Schwartz will present at GalaxZ18 Thursday, June 21, 2018.

The GalaxZ18 conference is centered around practical sessions that help customers get the most from their day-to-day use of the Zenoss solution to achieve their digital transformation goals. The 2018 conference highlights include:

Industry-leading speakers from dynamic organizations such as Rackspace, Cisco, MD Anderson Cancer Center, NWN Corporation and more across IT Ops, DevOps and network management

Insight on strategies for enabling business through improved IT service health in hybrid IT environments

The latest best practices from Zenoss subject matter experts

Instructor-led hands-on technical training courses and certifications

The annual Z Awards, which recognize exceptional innovation, leadership and collaboration

GalaxZ18 registration and call for speakers are now open. For more information, visit https://galaxz.zenoss.com.

Additional Resources

Connect With Zenoss on LinkedIn

Follow Zenoss on Twitter

Find Zenoss on Facebook

Bookmark the Zenoss Blog

Visit the Zenoss Newsroom

Contact Zenoss

About Zenoss

Zenoss works with the world's largest organizations to ensure their IT services and applications are always on. As the leader in Software-Defined IT Operations, Zenoss develops software that builds comprehensive real-time models of hybrid IT environments, providing unparalleled holistic health and performance insights. This uniquely enables Zenoss customers to predict and eliminate outages, dramatically reducing downtime and IT spend. https://www.zenoss.com

Media Contact:

Alison Guzzio

[email protected]

484-459-3243

SOURCE Zenoss Inc.

Related Links

http://www.zenoss.com


To help combat this serious health crisis in communities across the United States, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated is continuing its 45-year history of working directly with March of Dimes. In 2017, to celebrate the successful 45-year track record, Zeta members formed over 400 teams across America and raised $569, 409 in their local March for Babies walks, earning the Top Fundraising National Service Partner award. Over the past five years, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. has raised over $2 million dollars for March of Dimes.

"Since 1972, we have placed great value on our partnership with March of Dimes beginning with their support of our Stork's Nest incentive-based program that offers prenatal health education to low-income pregnant women. Through our local nests, our members distribute more than 250,000 baby-related items annually," said Dr. Mary Breaux Wright, International President for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. "Our members are honored to have partnered with March of Dimes for 45 of its 80 years, and are ready to continue our successful legacy of raising funds for March of Dimes and advocating for the women and children in our communities."

Last year also marked 15 years of the Zeta Prematurity Awareness Program (ZPAP) held during Prematurity Awareness Month in November. By joining forces to conduct prematurity awareness activities in houses of worship and congregations, worshipers learn more about this health crisis. Annually, ZPAP reaches more than 65,000 worshippers nationwide.

About Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was founded in 1920 on the belief that the social nature of sorority life should not overshadow the real mission for progressive organizations to address societal mores, ills, prejudices, poverty, and health concerns of the day. The international organization's 125,000+ initiated members, operating in more than 850 chapters, have given millions of voluntary hours to educate the public, provide scholarships, support organized charities, and promote legislation for social and civic change. For more information on Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., please visit www.zphib1920.org.

About March of Dimes

March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. For nearly 80 years, moms and babies have benefited from March of Dimes research, education, vaccines and breakthroughs. For the latest resources and health information, visit marchofdimes.org and nacersano.org. If you have been affected by prematurity or birth defects, visit our shareyourstory.org community to find comfort and support. For detailed national, state and local perinatal statistics, visit peristats.org. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter @marchofdimes.

SOURCE Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Related Links

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Author Jacqueline Woodson, whose professional accolades include a National Book Award, four Newbery Honors, and a stint as the Young Peoples Poet Laureate, has been named the sixth National Ambassador for Young Peoples Literature, for 20182019. Her appointment will become official at an inauguration ceremony on Tuesday, January 9 at the Library of Congress, presided over by Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. And Woodson will accept the proverbial torch, passed from author-illustrator Gene Luen Yang, who has just completed his two-year term as Ambassador and played a key role in recruiting her.

The National Ambassador for Young People program is sponsored by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, the Childrens Book Council, and CBCs charitable arm, Every Child a Reader. The Librarian of Congress selects the Ambassador based on the recommendations of an independent committee comprised of various childrens literature experts including educators, librarians, and booksellers. Among the criteria for the Ambassador post are: contributions to young peoples literature, the ability to relate to kids and teens, and dedication to fostering literacy in all forms.

In a statement, Hayden shared her enthusiasm for Woodsons selection. We are delighted that Jacqueline Woodson has agreed to be the new National Ambassador for Young Peoples Literature, she said. I have admired Jacqueline Woodsons work for years, especially her dedication to children and young-adult literature. The Library of Congress looks forward to Jacquelines tenure of encouraging young readers to embrace reading as a means to improve the world.

Woodson says she never saw herself as Ambassador. In fact, she had contacted Yang, a friend, about a year ago to put forward the name of someone else (who she declines to name) she thought would be a great choice. I had called Gene to put a name in the hat, she said from her Brooklyn home during a telephone interview. He told me, Well, we have someone else in mind. I figured he was blowing me off. And even when talk of the honor came up in passing, years ago, Woodson wasnt sure she would ever be a good fit. Earlier on, when the position was first starting to get some traction, and Jon Scieszka was the Ambassador, she recalled, people were asking me if I would ever do it, and I said, Heck, no! Theres no way I could do that. She was busy with her writing and had just welcomed a new baby at that time. Over time, I kind of had the sense that I had put the kibosh on it, she added.

But more recently, Yang called and asked if Woodson would consider taking on the appointment. She continued to champion another author (someone younger! she joked), but Yang persisted. He went through all the ways in which he thought I would bring something to the Ambassadorship that was needed at this time, Woodson said. I thought about it, I talked to my partner about it, and I was still a bit reluctant. But then Gene said that Dr. Hayden was really into me taking this position. And I love Dr. Hayden. Woodson explained that one of the rules in her life has always been, When it comes to Enoch Pratt Library [Haydens former library, in Baltimore], I can never say no to them. I did my first reading there way back when Last Summer with Maizon came out, and I have loved everyone there. I thought, OK, if Carla Hayden is asking me to do this, Im not saying no to it. On a more philosophical note, she continued, I think you are often called to do the work youre not quite ready to do, or willing to do. And for me thats a sign that I need to push through and do the work thats needed.

Woodson has chosen the phrase Reading = Hope x Change, as her platform as Ambassador. I definitely believe that reading can change us and shape us in so many ways, and through it we can be exposed to people and places and ideas that we might not otherwise come across or confront in real life, she said. A platform about the importance of reading and having conversations across the lines of books is really important to me.

Woodson says she will use her message to address something she has been noticing. Young people are getting labeled reluctant reader, or advanced reader, and the labels in front of their names begin to try to tell them who they are, she lamented. I would like to see less of that and more of just kids who read. What they read shouldnt matter and how they read it shouldnt matter, she said, just so long as they can have conversations and have a deep understanding of and a deep love for what theyre reading.

One of Woodsons foremost goals as Ambassador is to reach young people in areas of the country that are traditionally underserved. My family and I are going to the opening of the Equal Justice Initiatives Legacy Museum and National Memorial for Peace and Justice [acknowledging victims of lynchings] in Alabama this spring. Im going to stay and try to visit some schools in Alabama and Mississippi in some of the places where they dont get to meet writers or ambassadors every day, she said. Additionally, she says shes looking forward to going into juvenile detention centers and other places where the underserved can begin to tell their stories.

Though shes not exactly sure how kids will relate to her in a new role, shes excited to find out. The thing that always brings me the greatest joy is meeting the young people, she said. Im always surprised when a kids in awe of me as an authorI think Im just Jacqueline Woodson and I wrote a few books. But theyve been studying you so long and you walk into the classroom and youre like this superstar to them. Then you work yourself back to connecting to them so that they see you as a human being and they see themselves as young people who can do what you do. In this position its the same. I would love for young people to see themselves as national ambassadors of many things, today and always. She cites the example of her own family. I always tell my kids when we go to other countries, You are ambassadors for this family. When you walk out there people are going to have ideas about this family, and how you represent yourself is going to make a difference in how they think. 

The opportunity to talk about reading is another high point shes anticipating. I am excited for the young peoples reactions and the interactions that well have around literature, and really talking about reading, she said. In the past mostly Ive talked about my books and my writing process. Now I can talk much more about my reading process and the reading process, and the conversations that can be had where there isnt a right or wrong. Did you infer from the book? Who cares? I want to know what you loved about the book and what made you mad and I want you guys to agree and disagree and have real true conversations and make amazing text-to-life connections about the book.

Asked if theres anything that might be scary or daunting about her new position, Woodson is reflective. It is a very scary time to be alive, she said. And given that, I think of [poet and activist] Audre Lorde saying we can sit in our safe corners mute as bottles and we will still be no less afraid. I do believe this is all I havemy words, I have the words that I write down, I have the words that I speak out, I have the words that I take into classrooms. Woodson says she accepts that there will be hatred in general, and hatred online questioning why she would be chosen as Ambassador. Risk of backlash and people not being kind, but thats been the risk my whole life, she said. Its not going to keep me from what Ive been called to do.

Woodson notes that taking on the Ambassadorship is a bit daunting in another way, because she is an introvertas, she notes, many writers are. I can go out there and give a great lecture and I can shake hands and sign books, but Im always hiding behind a book or a podium or something that protects me from my shyness, she said. I think this is going to be a lot more extroverted work for me.

But any trepidation she may have certainly takes a back seat to the honor at hand. Its going to be so amazing to be in the Library of Congress with Dr. Hayden, and with Gene, who is one of my sons favorite writers in the world, she said. Its a little bit surreal. As a kid, I remember imagining getting an award and using the hairbrush as a microphone to accept it. But I never imagined this.
The American Library Association today announced the 12 library and information professionals who will make up the inaugural ALA Policy Corps, an ALA initiative to develop expertise within the library community on key national public policies that are important to libraries.

The inaugural members include:

Hannah Buckland , Director of Library Services, Leech Lake Tribal College, Minn.

, Director of Library Services, Leech Lake Tribal College, Minn. Todd Carpenter , Executive Director, National Information Standards Organization, Md.

, Executive Director, National Information Standards Organization, Md. Nicolle Davies , Executive Director, Charleston County Public Library, S.C.

, Executive Director, Charleston County Public Library, S.C. Ann Ewbank , Associate Professor of School Library Media, Montana State University Department of Education, Mont.

, Associate Professor of School Library Media, Montana State University Department of Education, Mont. Samantha Hines , Associate Dean of Instructional Resources, Peninsula College, Wash.

, Associate Dean of Instructional Resources, Peninsula College, Wash. Qiana Johnson , Collection & Organizational Data Analysis Librarian, Northwestern University Libraries, Ill.

, Collection & Organizational Data Analysis Librarian, Northwestern University Libraries, Ill. Candice Mack , Senior Librarian/Manager, Systemwide Teen Services, Los Angeles Public Library, Calif.

, Senior Librarian/Manager, Systemwide Teen Services, Los Angeles Public Library, Calif. Jenna Nemec-Loise , Head Librarian, North Shore Country Day School, Ill.

, Head Librarian, North Shore Country Day School, Ill. Hallie Rich , Communications & External Relations Director, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Ohio

, Communications & External Relations Director, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Ohio Deborah Rinio , Secretary, Alaska Association of School Librarians, Ala.

, Secretary, Alaska Association of School Librarians, Ala. Lisa Varga , Executive Director, Virginia Library Association, Va.

, Executive Director, Virginia Library Association, Va. Lance Werner, Director, Kent District Library, Mich.

The Corps is a signature initiative of ALA president Jim Neal, who launched the program in October 2017 as an extension of the Libraries Transform; Libraries Lead campaign. In an interview with PW ahead of the ALAs 2017 Annual Conference in Chicago, Neal explained why the program is one of his priorities for his year as ALA president.

ALA already has strong advocacy training programs. Where I think we can improve is in preparing individuals who have a deep knowledge of particular legislative and policy issues to better understand and navigate the political process, he said. We need go-to people who can go into a legislators office, or testify before a congressional committee, be interviewed by the press, or write a good op-ed piece, for example.

More than 60 applications were reviewed by a subgroup of the ALA Policy Corps Working Group, which is providing direction for the new program. In addition to cultivating issue expertise, the cohort will receive training in other skills such as public speaking and media engagement to be effective advocates.

The past year has brought sweeping changes and challenges to policies that ALA has advocated for, from net neutrality to federal library funding to privacy protections, Neal said, in a statement. It is imperative that information professionals have a voice, not only in defending, but in shaping national policies that impact our patrons, our profession and our nation. This first cohort exemplifies diversity from across library types and geography, as well as a breadth of policy expertise and passion that represents our profession.
TV licences apply to those consuming content from Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) on mobile devices as well as TV sets, the state networks director general has confirmed.





A special TV Licence Court has recently been established in Ghana for those who fail to pay their TV licence fee, following the reintroduction of the licence in 2015. It had been suspended for five years prior to this due to non-payment.Although Dr Akuffo Annor-Ntow concedes the public service broadcaster will concentrate initially on collecting dues for those watching its content on TV sets, the licence extends to those consuming its content on any device.Defaulting TV owners or operators are expected to be prosecuted under Section 1(a) of the TV Licensing Act 1966 (NLCD 89). Those found guilty could face a fine or jail sentence not exceeding one year.The licence fee for domestic TV users is between GH36 and GH60 for one or more TV sets in a household. TV set repairers and sales outlets are required to pay an annual sum of between GH60 to GH240.The fact that you are consuming it on a mobile application doesnt mean the content is not being paid for or is not being generated by somebody. Once it is being generated, it has to be paid for, Annor-Ntow told Citi News.
Struggling Chinese technology group LeEco is aiming to raise $462 million (  3 billion) in investments to rescue its TV arm.











Three investors have already been secured, along with a quarter of the financial target, according to a statement from LeShi Internet Information & Technology Corporation  LeEcos Shenzen-listed company and the main shareholder in LeEco TV. LeShi and an investment firm controlled by property developer Sunac China Holding  which in turn holds an 8.61% stake in LeShi  are two of the investors.LeEco TV is now worth12 billion, half its value a year ago, the company said. The TV subsidiary reported revenues of4.9 billion in the first half of 2017, down by 35% from the same period in 2016, while its loss increased five-fold to281 million in the same period.In November 2016, LeEcos founder Jia Yueting admitted the technology conglomerate faced financial problems due to the rapid pace of growth in its various divisions. It had diversified quickly into developing smartphones and new-energy cars, from its core online video and television units, creating cash flow problems and an uncertain future. A merger with US TV manufacturer VIZIO was subsequently shelved, and a Shanghai court ordered $182 million in assets controlled by Yueting to be frozen over unpaid debts. Yueting, who lives in the US, was told on 25 December 2017 to return to China by the Beijing branch of Chinas securities regulator. He has said his wife and brother will return instead to act on his behalf in the matter.
Amazon Prime Video and ITV have green lit The Widow, an eight-episode Prime Original and ITV series, starring Hollywood star Kate Beckinsale.





Written and executive produced by Harry and Jack Williams (The Missing, Fleabag) and produced by Williams Two Brothers Pictures, The Widow follows Georgia Wells (Beckinsale) who has cut herself off from her previous life and is no longer the woman she once was. After seeing her late husband on the news, she is pulled back to face the world and will stop at nothing until she gets the truth about her past. The thriller will take Georgia into the depths of the African Congo, where danger and revelation will greet her at every turn.The series will commence production this month in South Africa, Wales and Rotterdam, and will premiere on ITV in the UK, and on Prime Video in the US and in more than 200 countries and territories.We are thrilled to continue our existing relationship with Kate Beckinsale on the heels of her incredible performances in Amazon Studios critically acclaimed films, said Brad Beale, VP, worldwide TV content acquisition, Amazon Prime Video . Harry and Jack Williams have created a powerful story, which will be brought to life by one of the worlds most talented actresses, and we are excited to bring this thrilling series to Prime members around the world.Im delighted to announce Kate Beckinsales casting in The Widow, said ITV head of drama, Polly Hill. She is perfect for the role of Georgia in what is, as always, brilliant, compelling and surprising storytelling from Harry and Jack Williams. Were very pleased to have secured the series which is an ITV original commission and co-production with Amazon.
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What could beer, paint, dye and lip balm all have in common? If youre a student of Dr. James Affolters class, you already know the answer  herbs.
Discrimination against African-Americans, Latinos and the LGBT community garner much media attention, but such outrage does not exist against Asian prejudice. Opening up dialogues about race will enhance understanding of Asian communities and mitigate stereotypes.
With the New Year here, many of us will strive to be better during the year of 2018. It is c
How many steps will it take to walk off Thanksgiving dinner?
The Afghan Health Ministry says at least 11 people were killed and 25 injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up in Kabul as security personnel were conducting an operation at the scene before the attack.

"We can confirm that so far 11 bodies have been brought to our hospitals as well as 25 wounded," the AFP news agency quoted Health Ministry spokesman Wahid Majroh as saying on January 4.

The spokesman cautioned that the toll could rise.

AFP quoted a security source as saying 20 people had been killed in the attack, which occurred about 8:30 p.m. local time.

The Islamic State (IS) militant group claimed responsibility through its Amaq news agency, although it provided no evidence to back up the claim.

'Inhumane' Attack

President Ashraf Ghani late on January 4 called the attack "inhumane" and against the tenets of Islam.

Witnesses told RFE/RL that the blast could be heard throughout the capital.

Kabul police spokesman Basir Mujahid said police were conducting operations against illegal drug and alcohol sales in the area and that security personnel were attempting to maintain safety among crowds that had gathered.

"Kabul police forces were there to prevent a possible protest when a suicide bomber approached them and detonated his suicide vest," Mujahid said.

Tolo News reported that local residents had participated in a street demonstration in the area earlier in the day.

Recent Incidents

Kabul has been hit hard by terror attacks attributed to Taliban, Islamic State (IS), and other militants operating in the country.

On December 29, Afghan authorities said at least 41 people were killed and 84 wounded by multiple bomb blasts at a Shi'ite cultural center in Kabul.

IS claimed responsibility for the December 28 attack, which Afghan President Ashraf Ghani called a "crime against humanity" committed by terrorists.

The Sunni extremist group has recently increased its attacks against Shi'a in Afghanistan -- particularly in Kabul.

U.S. forces led an invasion to drive Taliban extremists from power after Al-Qaeda militants whose leaders were sheltering in Afghanistan carried out the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States.

U.S. troops have remained in the country, although at greatly reduced numbers, helping to train and support Afghan forces in their battles against the militant groups.

With reporting by Reuters, AFP, RFE/RLs Radio Free Afghanistan, Tolo News, and Khaama Press


Zalmay Khalilzad, the former U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan and the United Nations, expressed support for President Donald Trumps tough line against Islamabad and said the administration is likely studying various methods to put pressure on Pakistan for what he called its lack of cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

"I consider Trump's action positive and I support it, he told RFE/RL in an interview conducted on January 4, referring to the presidents Twitter comment on New Years Day accusing Pakistan of "lies and deceit" and of providing a safe haven for terrorists operating in Afghanistan.

Islamabad rejected the accusations, saying it "cannot be held responsible for the collective failure in Afghanistan."

Khalilzad said, however, that "the conclusion that has been reached in the United States is that Pakistan does not cooperate."

"The United States has arrived at what the Afghans have been saying for a long time -- which is that Pakistan's policy toward Afghanistan, terrorism, and the fight against terrorism is not genuine."

The comments come as the White House has called on Pakistan to do more to fight terrorism and says it will announce "specific actions" to pressure Islamabad, possibly as soon as January 4.

Cutting Off Assistance?

The actions were not identified, but a senior administration official on January 3 said the moves would likely include a cutoff of "security assistance" to Pakistan, although it remains unclear how much or what type of assistance would be cut or for how long.

"A step that is being debated in the United States is how to pressure Pakistan's military," Khalilzad said in the interview.

He suggested that members of the Pakistan military and ISI intelligence service who "are directly involved in the war and work against Afghanistan" could be put on a blacklist to bar them and their families from travel to the United States and to have their assets under U.S. control frozen.

He also said the United States could potentially downgrade Pakistans status as a non-NATO ally, or even cut off all military assistance to Islamabad.

It could also stop providing funds that it currently gives Pakistan in return for allowing the transportation of goods through its territory to U.S. troops and personnel in Afghanistan.

Khalilzad said debate is also under way to consider potential financial pressure that could be exerted on Pakistan from international organizations, such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and by "U.S. allies such as Saudi Arabia and those in Europe and Asia."

The Reuters news agency quoted Miftah Ismail, Pakistan's de facto finance minister, as saying that the "aid cuts will not hurt us."

"That's not the leverage they have, because it is something they have reduced drastically over the years," he added.

Meanwhile, Major General Asif Ghafoor of the Pakistani military told the Geo Television station that Islamabad seeks to continue its cooperation with the United States but that it will not "compromise on national interests and prestige."

He said Pakistan would respond to any actions taken by the U.S. government against Pakistan, although he was not specific.

The Afghan-born Khalilzad served as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations under presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama from 2007 to 2009. He was ambassador to Afghanistan from 2003 to 2005 and to Iraq from 2005 to 2007.
Germany's foreign minister is calling for the establishment of an armed UN peacekeeping mission in eastern Ukraine before Russia's March presidential election.

Sigmar Gabriel told reporters after talks in Kyiv with his Ukrainian counterpart, Pavlo Klimkin, on January 3 that such a force would be "essential" for ensuring the territorial integrity of Ukraine.

Gabriel was scheduled to visit the contact line separating government forces and Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine on January 4, but that leg of the trip was canceled because of poor weather conditions, Klimkin said in a tweet.

He added that the two are planning to reschedule the trip for later in January.

"This has to be a strong, armed mission that is present across the entire territory of the conflict zone," Gabriel said, adding that Germany and France will propose such a peacekeeping mission to the UN Security Council in hopes it will bring about a "lasting cease-fire" in eastern Ukraine.

Gabriel said the Russian presidential election should not factor into negotiations with the UN on deploying a mission to Ukraine.

"The establishment of a firm peace settlement should not depend on elections in Russia," he said. "And I hope that we will be able to adopt a realistic and appropriate mandate for the UN mission before the election in Russia is held."

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is expected to easily win the March 18 vote, has backed establishing a UN peacekeeping mission only along the front line in eastern Ukraine that separates territory controlled by Kremlin-backed separatists from the rest of Ukraine.

The Kremlin also opposes placing armed UN peacekeepers along parts of its border with Ukraine not under Kyiv's control.

But Ukraine and its Western allies oppose the narrow role Russia has proposed for UN peacekeepers and have pushed for a broader role for the UN in an attempt to quell the conflict that has killed more than 10,300 people since it broke out in 2014.

Gabriel's visit to Ukraine comes days after Washington announced it will provide Ukraine with lethal defensive weapons, reportedly including powerful U.S. antitank missiles, for the first time, in a decision that angered Moscow.

Klimkin said the weapons would only be used for defensive purposes and should not spark an escalation of the war.

"These weapons can and will be used in case of a provocation by Russia," said Klimkin. "They will not be used for offensive purposes."

Gabriel, however, questioned the U.S. decision to sell additional weapons to Ukraine.

"If there is one thing there is too much of in this region, that is weapons," Gabriel said. "We in Germany take a rather skeptical view of arms deliveries being able to resolve the conflict."

With reporting by AP, AFP, Interfax, and TASS


Welcome back to the China In Eurasia briefing, an RFE/RL newsletter tracking Chinas resurgent influence from Eastern Europe to Central Asia. Im RFE/RL correspondent Reid Standish.

Before we get started, a few announcements: The newsletter is now biweekly, rather than going out only on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. To subscribe, click here.

And I will also be launching Talking China In Eurasia, a new podcast. Im joined by the Royal United Services Institutes Raffaello Pantucci to talk about Xi and Putin. Listen to the first episode here or below.

Xi Gets Pragmatic About Russia At The G20

It was light on optimism, but U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping injected a healthy dose of pragmatism back into the U.S.-China relationship with their meeting in Bali at a time when global anxiety is rising over Russias war against Ukraine.

Finding Perspective: The meeting on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit was far from a breakthrough, but it did repair some damage from the recent backslide in relations between both countries and send some signals that the world isnt necessarily destined for Cold War 2.0.

The more than three-hour talks saw some blunt exchanges over contentious issues like Taiwan and North Korea, but the two leaders also pledged more frequent communications and decided that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Beijing for follow-up talks in 2023.

Of particular note, Biden raised Russias invasion of Ukraine and threats by Russian President Vladimir Putin to use nuclear weapons. Both leaders reiterated their agreement that a nuclear war should never be fought, according to a White House readout.

While far from a sea change for Chinese policy, thats notable. The credibility of Beijings claims to be neutral on the Ukraine war continue to come under scrutiny, and China has shown discomfort of late with the Kremlins nuclear saber-rattling.

Xi made similar comments after a November 4 summit with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and during another G20 meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, according to the French readout.

Why It Matters: Xi is not abandoning Putin, but this marks the latest shift for Beijings balancing act over Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Four Chinese officials briefed on the February 4 meeting between Xi and Putin, where they declared a no-limits partnership, told the Financial Times that Putin didnt tell Xi the truth about the invasion and that Beijing was caught off guard by it.

What Xi knew about Putins war plans has been a topic of debate, and there is evidence to support both the idea that Xi was aware and that he was caught off guard.

Many analysts are of the opinion that Xi knew about Putin's decision to invade but expected a quick victory, which perhaps was what Putin believed at the time.

Others point to a steady stream of dismissals from Chinese officials and experts about the likelihood of an invasion in February and the fact that Beijing did not evacuate its citizens from Ukraine  like Western nations did  as evidence that China was not expecting a war.

China certainly has its own interests in keeping a distance from Moscows war and using that space to do some upkeep with the West. But perhaps the most important point here is that even if Putin did blindside Xi, China has stuck with Russia despite its battlefield failures, political isolation, and the atrocities its troops are accused of committing.

Again, this is pragmatism more than anything else. As Chinese experts often say, even if Russia is looking unattractive these days, why would Beijing abandon its main anti-Western partner as China continues to be in the crosshairs of rising American pressure?

Read More

 Want to hear more about Russia and Chinas complex relationship amid the Ukraine war? Then tune in to the debut of Talking China In Eurasia today at 2 p.m. CET/ 8 a.m. EST. You can listen live here and find the episode on RFE/RLs website and wherever you listen to your podcasts.

 Condemning Russias invasion of Ukraine and its global fallout is shaping up to be the key theme of the G20, with the Financial Times reporting that a joint communique from the summit takes aim at Moscow.

Expert Corner: The Future Of The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)

Readers asked: Did Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharifs recent trip to Beijing breathe new life into the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)? How do Islamabad and Beijing really feel about the project after all these years?

To find out more, I asked Filippo Boni, an expert on China-Pakistan relations at the Open University in Britain:

Shehbaz Sharif's visit to China was high on symbolism and relatively low on substance. While the two sides were keen to reaffirm and emphasize the strength of their strategic partnership, no significant new commitment was made. Apart from a few memorandums of understanding and attempts from the Pakistanis in the run-up to the trip to address some of CPECs issues  including payments to Chinese independent power producers  nothing major came from the visit. This is despite Sharif's attempts at revitalizing CPEC since April and the very close ties he enjoys with the Chinese leadership.

The outcome of this visit is not entirely surprising, especially if interpreted against the backdrop of Pakistan's current domestic predicaments. The security situation for Chinese nationals has deteriorated, the economy is struggling, and political instability is at one of its highest points in recent years. All these dynamics, coupled with the global scaling down of Belt and Road Initiative financing, have likely impacted Beijing's lack of commitment to new projects.

After almost 10 years and $25 billion worth of projects, there seems to be a general consensus on both sides that the first phase of CPEC  the one focused primarily on energy projects  was largely successful. The same cannot be said for the second phase, including the slow progress on the development of Special Economic Zones, and for the port of Gwadar, where little progress has been made for the ports full commercial functioning.

Do you have a question about Chinas growing footprint in Eurasia? Send it to me at StandishR@rferl.org or reply directly to this e-mail and Ill get it answered by leading experts and policymakers.

Three More Stories From Eurasia

1. 'Sweep It Under The Rug'

Recent allegations of China operating 54 overseas police stations have fueled controversy around the world and sparked investigations, but in Hungary and Serbia the new findings are being met with swift denials by authorities, despite growing evidence.

The Details: My colleagues Akos Keller-Alant from RFE/RLs Hungarian Service, Mila Durdevic from RFE/RLs Balkan Service, and I reported on the fallout from these revelations and the slew of probes launched in many European countries recently.

The stations are overseas operations of the public security bureaus from two Chinese provinces and are used to persuade citizens to return to China, including through pressure on family members at home. While most of those involved appear to be suspected of crimes such as telecommunications fraud or corruption, dissidents have also reported that the stations have been used to monitor and threaten them.

Fourteen governments have already launched investigations into the overseas police stations, and the Dutch and Irish governments have ordered China to shut down the facilities in their countries.

But in Hungary and Serbia  two countries where Beijing is said to operate such facilities and whose governments prize their warming political and economic ties with China  officials appear to be trying to sweep it under the rug, as one analyst characterized it, despite growing scrutiny from opposition lawmakers in each country.

2. Global Ripples Hit Central Asia

Political and economic shocks from Moscows war in Ukraine, coupled with added strains from tensions between Beijing and Washington, are taking their toll around the world, especially in Central Asia, where countries in the region are closely tied to both China and Russia.

What It Means: As RFE/RLs Uzbek Service reported, Vladimir Norov, the countrys foreign minister, warned about geopolitical tensions affecting stability in the region and beyond while addressing his counterparts at an Organization of Turkic States meeting in Samarkand.

The breakdown in global cooperation is felt particularly strong in Central Asia. While some economies have been able to benefit by becoming a new home for businesses and capital relocated from Russia, others are seeing investment dry up and their economies coming under strain.

World Bank Vice President for Europe and Central Asia Anna Bjerde recently warned that Uzbekistan needs to continue with its market reforms in order to withstand the global economic shocks that are to come.

RFE/RLs Kyrgyz Service also reported that the countrys government is trying to court more investment but that questions remain from investors about Kyrgyzstans stability and investment climate. According to official statistics from January to June of this year, China is the leading source of foreign investment, with $129 million during that span.

3. The Tech In Moscows Iranian Drones

A new investigation by Schemes, the investigative unit of RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, looked into electronic components underpinning Tehran's production of the Mohajer-6 drone, which Russia has used in its war in Ukraine, and found that theyre far from homegrown.

What You Need To Know: The Mohajer-6 drones contain components produced by companies from the United States and the European Union, both of which have sanctions restricting the export to Iran of technology that can be used for both civilian and military purposes.

The investigation also found drone components produced in China, including a real-time mini-camera made by a Hong Kong firm.

The drone also contains a microchip bearing the logo of a California technology company and a thermal-imaging camera that Ukrainian intelligence says may have been produced by a firm based in Oregon or China.

The international tech in the drone not only highlights the complex ecosystem that allows firms and buyers to circumvent sanctions slapped on both Iran and Russia, but also the close networks between Chinese and Western tech companies that still exist, despite a recent push to break some of those linkages.

Across The Supercontinent

On The Mainland: The watchdog group Freedom House recently launched a new project called the China Dissent Monitor, which tracks protests and other forms of dissent inside China. Read it here.

Censored: Chinese authorities behind a major trade expo in Shanghai pulled an opening ceremony address by European Council President Charles Michel that was set to criticize Russia's illegal war in Ukraine and call for reduced European dependency on China, Reuters reported.

Backtracking: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has softened his countrys stance toward China, moving away from his predecessor Liz Trusss decision to label it a threat.

One Thing To Watch

How long will Chinas stringent COVID policies stay in place?

New infections are rising as a winter wave hits and popular frustration continues to boil over inside the country as investor confidence stays dented over the measures. New footage also showed crowds of residents in the southern metropolis of Guangzhou escaping a compulsory lockdown and clashing with police.

Thats all from me for now. Dont forget to send me any questions, comments, or tips that you might have.

Until next time,

Reid Standish

If you enjoyed this briefing and don't want to miss the next edition, subscribe here. It will be sent to your in-box on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.
A Kosovar court has found four opposition lawmakers guilty of repeatedly disrupting parliament by releasing tear gas in the chamber and has handed down suspended jail sentences for the legislators.

The four members of the left-wing Self-Determination Party -- Albin Kurti, Donika Kadaj Bujupi, Albulena Haxhiu and Faton Topalli -- were sentenced on January 3 to up to 18 months in prison.

Under the court ruling, they won't be jailed unless they commit the same crime during a two-year probation period.

The verdict said the defendants had used "tear gas without authorization" in four parliamentary sessions to block lawmakers from working.

"They have broken the law by using weapons or dangerous instruments," Judge Beqir Kalludra said as he read the verdict.

Another 11 lawmakers face the same charges and are awaiting verdicts.

Last November, another party member was sentenced to eight years in jail for taking part in a grenade attack on the parliament building.

The opposition lawmakers since 2015 have used disruptive tactics in parliament -- including releasing tear gas, blowing whistles, and throwing water bottles -- to protest a proposed border-demarcation agreement with Montenegro.

They say Kosovo is ceding territory under the agreement, a claim denied by the previous government and by international experts.

The agreement, which is yet to be approved by parliament, is a precondition for a visa-free regime for Kosovar citizens in the European Union's Schengen travel zone.

Haxhiu defended the the lawmakers' disruptive actions, saying "we defended the republic, its sovereignty and integrity."

Political tensions in Kosovo remain high over the border deal, which is due to come up for approval again soon.

The court verdict comes at a delicate moment for the Self-Determination Party, the biggest single party in parliament, whose leader resigned recently amid party turmoil.

Based on reporting by AP and Reuters


KAJI-SAI, Kyrgyzstan -- Police in a northern Kyrgyz village have launched an investigation into a fire at a Baptist church that some believe was an arson attack.

Stalbek Usubakunov, a spokesman for the local police in the Ton district, told RFE/RL on January 4 that there were no casualties in the fire that occurred the previous night in the village of Kaji-Sai.

He declined to give further details because of the ongoing investigation.

The chairman of Kyrgyzstan's Evangelical Christian Churches' Association, Aleksandr Shumilin, told RFE/RL he has heard that Molotov cocktails were thrown into the church's windows, sparking the blaze.

In recent years, the attitude to Kyrgyz Christian converts has worsened across the mainly Muslim Central Asian country and several villages in Kyrgyzstan have refused to allow deceased Christian converts to be buried in local cemeteries. The issue led to a decision to set up an Evangelical Christian cemetery in Kaji-Sai, where the Baptist Church operates.

The village governor, Pamir Kutuev, told RFE/RL he would warn against jumping to a conclusion that the fire was a hate-motivated act.

"The church has been operating here since the collapse of the Soviet Union [in 1991]." Kutuev said. "There was never an arson attack on the church. There is no religious discord here. Because there were no witnesses, the investigation is proceeding slowly."

In November, a Kyrgyz man, who converted to Christianity from Islam, was buried in the Evangelical Christian cemetery in Kaji-Sai after residents of his native village of Barskoon refused to allow him to be laid to rest in the local Muslim cemetery.
A Russian journalist says authorities in Latvia have given her 24 hours to leave the country, accusing her of being a threat to national security.

"Today, a resolution was issued. Local border guard services were very surprised because they themselves are trying to read it and understand how that could happen, Russias Interfax news agency quoted Olga Kurlayeva as saying on January 4.

"There will be an expulsion. The reasons are unknown yet. I was told that they are the same as in my husband's case -- that is, I pose a threat to national security," said the correspondent from Russia's VGTRK media group.

Kurlayevas husband, Russian TVT reporter Anatoly Kurlayev, was detained and deported from the Baltic country after he arrived to Riga on January 1.

Kurlayev later said that he was expelled because he was on a document signed by the Latvian interior minister declaring that he had been banned from entering Latvia since 2015.

Interior Minister Rihards Kozlovskis said on January 3 that in 2017 Latvia had blacklisted 100 people for different reasons, including an "unfriendly attitude" toward Latvia and its people.

The government has not made the list public, citing confidentiality issues.

Commenting on Latvia's decision to expel the two journalists, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Riga "grossly violates" its international obligations to ensure freedom of speech.

"It is absolutely clear that the Latvian authorities, with the silent support of Brussels, are attempting to suppress all non-desirable media from the country," Zakharova said.

Riga is "violating the fundamental rules of the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe," and Russia will make an "appropriate response at the international bodies," she said.

According to Kurlayev, his deportation might be linked to a documentary he produced called NATO At The Gates, which included materials he had gathered in Latvia in 2015.

TVT said it did not understand the decision, adding that Kurlayev was in Latvia on a private visit.

It added that Kurlayevs deportation clearly demonstrates Latvian authorities' biased attitude toward Russian media," according to the Russian news agency TASS.

Tensions between Russia and the former Soviet republics in the Baltics -- Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia -- have increased since Russia's seizure of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in 2014.

All three Baltic states are now members of NATO and the European Union.

With reporting by Interfax, TASS, AFP, Vesti.ru, and RT
ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan has responded harshly to a U.S. decision to suspend at least $900 million in security assistance, saying Washington's "arbitrary deadlines, unilateral pronouncements, and shifting goalposts are counterproductive" to addressing the threat of terrorism.

The statement from Pakistan's Foreign Office on January 5 said the "impact of the U.S. decision on the pursuit of common objectives" was "likely to emerge more clearly in due course of time."

The Foreign Office said Islamabad was "engaged" with U.S. President Donald Trump's administration "on the issue of security cooperation and awaits further details."

It also said "it needs to be appreciated" that Pakistan has spent more than $120 billion during the past 15 years, largely of its own resources, on the fight against terrorism.

"We are determined to continue to do all it takes to secure the lives of our citizens and broader stability in the region," the Foreign Office said.

U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said on January 4 that at least $900 million in U.S. security assistance to Pakistan's military would be frozen until Islamabad took "decisive action" against Afghan Taliban and Haqqani-network militants that operate within Pakistan's borders.

"The Taliban and Haqqani network continue to find sanctuary inside Pakistan as they plot to destabilize Afghanistan and attack U.S. and allied personnel," Nauert told reporters in Washington.

"Until the Pakistani government takes decisive action against the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani group...the United States will suspend that type of security assistance to Pakistan," she said.

The U.S. State Department said details of the aid suspension were still being worked out, but the funds were earmarked for reimbursing Pakistan for foreign military operations and counterterrorism operations.

The AFP news agency quoted an unnamed senior U.S. administration official as saying the freeze could affect up to $1.9 billion worth of assistance.

The United States will also continue to suspend $255 million in foreign military financing that has been held up since August to pressure Islamabad to take tougher action against militants.

U.S. officials who briefed reporters stressed that the suspension did not affect civilian aid to Pakistan.

"We're hoping that Pakistan will see this as an incentive, not a punishment," a senior State Department official said.

A senior Pakistani senator expressed disappointment in reaction to the U.S. decision, saying it will hurt relations between the two countries.

Nuzhat Sadiq, the chairwoman of the foreign relations committee in the upper house of Pakistan's parliament, was quoted by AP as saying that "what the U.S. is doing now is not good for its policy against terrorism and for a lasting peace in this region."

The White House on January 2 said it was calling on Pakistan to do more to fight terrorism and that it would announce "specific actions" within days to pressure Islamabad.

In a Twitter posting on January 1, President Donald Trump threatened to cut off billions of dollars in aid to Pakistan, accusing Islamabad of being a safe haven for extremists operating in Afghanistan.

Trump said the United States had "foolishly" given Pakistan more than $33 billion in aid over the past 15 years, "and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools."

Those in the U.S. government who are frustrated with Pakistan are not limited to the White House.

Some U.S. lawmakers also accuse Pakistan of playing a double game by turning a blind eye to militant groups seeking sanctuary, despite promising to crack down on them.

"Pakistan is one of the most duplicitous governments I've had any involvement with," Senator Bob Corker, Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told reporters on January 4.

"Their, in essence, support of the Haqqani network, or...allowing them to have safe harbor in their country when they're the greatest threat to our men and women in uniform," he added.

Islamabad denies that it intentionally allows militant extremists to have sanctuary in Pakistan.

Earlier on January 4, Pakistani Major General Asif Ghafoor told Geo Television that Islamabad seeks to continue its cooperation with the United States but that it will not "compromise on national interests and prestige."

He said Pakistan will respond to any actions taken by the U.S. government against Pakistan, although he was not specific.

Reuters news agency quoted Miftah Ismail, Pakistan's de facto finance minister, as saying that the "aid cuts will not hurt us."

"That's not the leverage they have, because it is something they have reduced drastically over the years," he added.

Foreign Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif said the actions of the United States are not something that a friend does to another friend.

"The U.S. behavior is neither that of an ally nor of a friend," Asif told Capital TV. "It is a friend who always betrays."

With reporting by AP, Reuters, and The Washington Post
The top U.S. general on November 16 said the chances of any near-term military victory for Ukraine are not high unless the Russian military completely collapses, which he said is unlikely.

General Mark Milley, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that while the Ukrainian military has had important successes in Kharkiv and Kherson, Russia occupies 20 percent of Ukraine and still has significant combat power inside the country's territory.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's ongoing invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

"The military task of kicking the Russians physically out of Ukraine is a very difficult task, and it's not going to happen in the next couple of weeks," Milley said, speaking at a joint news conference at the Pentagon with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

A political solution involving a Russian withdrawal is still possible, he said, noting that Russia could end the fight now, but it won't.

Russia intends to "continue fighting into the winter as best as we can tell," Milley said.

Milley and Austin addressed reporters after a virtual meeting between dozens of defense ministers representing countries in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. Austin said the meeting was the group's seventh this year and Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov took part.

"The free world is with us until we win," Reznikov said on Twitter after the meeting. "Ukrainian strength now: increased economic potential, better training for the Ukrainian Army, modern logistics."

He thanked the partners for their support and "new initiatives" and noted he expects significant results before the next meeting in Germany.

The countries in the contact group have supported Ukraine by sending billions of dollars in military hardware and have offered training, advising, and intelligence support.

There was an "absolute sense of emergency, absolute sense of determination" on the part of all member countries that attended meeting, the top U.S. general said. "The cohesion and coherence of the organization is complete and the resolve is high."

Milley reiterated that the United States and other nations in the contact group would support Ukraine in defending itself for as long as it takes. Milley also repeated the U.S. position that it is up to Ukraine to decide how and when to negotiate with the Russians.

"Ukraine will continue to endure. Ukraine is not going to back down," Milley said. The Ukrainian people are hard. They are tough, and most of all they are free and they want to remain free. Ukraine is going to continue to take the fight to the Russians."

Ukraine has vowed to keep the pressure on Russian forces until it reclaims control of all occupied territory. Ukrainian forces recaptured the strategic southern city of Kherson over the weekend, raising optimism about Kyiv's broader military prospects heading into winter.

Austin said winter fighting favors the Ukrainians in part because contact group members have sent enormous amounts of winter gear. The Russians, on the other hand, will have difficulties getting the winter gear they need to support their troops because supplies have been limited by economic sanctions and supply lines have been damaged.

Russia is currently taking time to regroup their forces while they conduct what Milley called a "campaign of terror" to inflict maximum suffering on the Ukrainian civilian population in order to defeat Ukrainian morale.

A barrage of missiles on November 15 was likely the largest wave of missiles seen since beginning of the war, Milley said, adding that the Russians are striking Ukrainian civilian infrastructure that has little or no military purpose.

He said the attacks cause unnecessary suffering within the civilian population and said the Pentagon has assessed that more than a quarter of the Ukrainian civilian population is without power.

"The deliberate targeting of the civilian power grid causing excessive collateral damage and unnecessary suffering of civilian population is a war crime," he said.

With reporting by C-SPAN, Reuters, and RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service
Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved the resumption of commercial passenger flights to the Egyptian capital, more than two years after they were halted due to security concerns.

Putin authorized the resumption of regular civilian flights from Russia to Cairo, according to a document published on the Russian government's online legislation database on January 4.

It did not lift the ban on commercial passenger flights to other destinations in Egypt.

Russia suspended all flights to Egypt after a Russian jet exploded over the Sinai Peninsula on October 31, 2015, killing all 224 people on board.

The extremist group Islamic State claimed it had placed a bomb aboard the plane, which was carrying Russian holidaymakers to St. Petersburg from the Egyptian beach resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.

The suspension of flights was a major blow to Egypt's economy, which relies heavily on tourism.

More than 30 percent of the tourists who visited Egypt in recent years before the bombing were from Russia.

Based on reporting by AP and Reuters
The Russian Defense Ministry says two of its soldiers were killed in a mortar attack by antigovernment forces in Syria on New Year's Eve.

"As darkness fell, the Hmeimim air base was subjected to sudden mortar shelling from a mobile group of militants. As a result of the shelling, two servicemen were killed," the ministry said on January 4 in comments carried by Russian news agencies.

It also denied a report by the Kommersant business daily that seven military planes were destroyed in the attack.

Russias Hmeimim air base is located in the western Syrian province of Latakia.

Russia has given President Bashar al-Assad's government crucial support throughout Syrias civil war, which has killed hundreds of thousands of people and driven millions from their homes since it began with a crackdown on pro-democracy protests in 2011.

More than 40 Russian military personnel have died in Syria since Moscow launched a campaign of air strikes in September 2015, in many cases using Hmeimim as a base.

On January 3, Russias Defense Ministry said that one of its military helicopters crashed in Syria, killing both pilots aboard.

The ministry said the Mil Mi-24 military helicopter crashed due to a technical malfunction on December 31 while it was flying to the Hama Military Air Base in Hama.

Also on January 4, a monitoring group said at least 28 civilians were killed in air strikes in a rebel stronghold near the Syrian capital, Damascus.

Russian warplanes overnight bombarded the town of Misraba in the region of Eastern Ghouta, killing at least 19 civilians, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

It said nine other civilians died in strikes by government jets that targeted the towns of Arbeen and Beit Sawa.

Syrian forces, backed by Russian air power, have recently intensified their attacks on Eastern Ghouta, which has been under siege by Assad's forces for more than four years.

During a visit to the Hmeimim air base on December 11, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared victory over "the most combat-capable international terrorist group" -- a reference to the extremist group Islamic State (IS) -- and announced a partial withdrawal of Russian troops.

Western officials say that the Russian campaign, particularly in its earlier stages, has focused heavily on targeting rebels seeking Assad's ouster rather than IS militants.

Putin said on December 28 that more than 48,000 Russian military personnel have served in the operation in Syria and that Russia's presence at Hmeimim and the Syrian port of Tartus will be "permanent."

On December 29, Putin signed a law ratifying an agreement enabling Russia to expand operations at its naval facility in Tartus.

With reporting by AFP, Interfax, TASS, and Dozhd TV
U.S. President Donald Trump's former campaign chairman has sued Special Counsel Robert Mueller, alleging that the prosecutor overreached by pursuing charges that are unrelated to his mission to investigate alleged Russian interference in the presidential election.

The lawsuit by Paul Manafort, filed in a U.S. district court in Washington on January 3, is the most direct challenge to date to Mueller's legal authority as special counsel.

It comes amid Republican accusations that Mueller's investigative team has shown bias against Trump as it investigates allegations that Trump's campaign team may have coordinated with Russia to influence the outcome of the 2016 election.

Manafort's lawsuit also takes aim at Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who is overseeing Mueller's investigation and recently said he was satisfied that the former FBI director was staying within the scope of his authority.

Manafort was indicted in October on charges, including conspiracy to launder money, that stemmed from his lobbying work on behalf of former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych's pro-Russia political party. He has pleaded not guilty.

Manafort is one of four Trump associates -- including former national security adviser Michael Flynn -- to be charged so far in Mueller's investigation.

In his complaint , Manafort alleges that the charges involving "decade-old business dealings" with Yanukovych, who was ousted from office in 2014, are "completely unmoored" from the mandate Mueller was given when he was appointed in May to probe possible ties between the Kremlin and the Trump campaign during the 2016 election.

Manafort was recruited to head Trump's presidential campaign in June 2016, but he stepped down two months later after allegations surfaced in Ukraine that he had been paid more than $12 million by Yanukovych's party.

The lawsuit argues that a paragraph in Rosenstein's order appointing Mueller, which allows him to pursue new matters he comes across during his investigation, is too broad to be permitted under the law that governs U.S. special counsels.

"The Special Counsel's investigation and indictment...far exceeds any lawful authority to investigate links between individuals associated with the Trump campaign and the Russian government," the lawsuit claims.

The lawsuit asks a judge to dismiss all actions brought against Manafort by the special counsel's office and to issue an order narrowing the scope of Mueller's investigation to only matters explicitly laid out in the appointment order.

The complaint also alleges that Rosenstein's order creating the special counsel investigation was overly broad and "arbitrary" and urges a judge to strike it down as an "abuse of discretion."

A spokesman for Mueller's office declined to comment.

A Justice Department spokesman said, "The lawsuit is frivolous, but the defendant is entitled to file whatever he wants."

Manafort acknowledged in his complaint that his political consulting business in Ukraine has been of interest for years to U.S. prosecutors. He said he met voluntarily with Justice Department prosecutors and FBI agents in July 2014, three years before Mueller's appointment, to discuss his "offshore political consulting activities."

He said that during the 2014 interview, he discussed in detail his activities in Ukraine, his relationships with diplomats in Kyiv, and his offshore banking in Cyprus.

But, Manafort said, "those alleged dealings had no connection whatsoever to the 2016 presidential election or even to Donald Trump. Nor were they uncovered in the course of the Special Counsel's probe into President Trump's campaign."

With reporting by AP, AFP, and Reuters


Apparently, there's a new form of penance in Uzbekistan.

Authorities there sent recently released prisoners to the ancient Silk Route city of Samarkand. There, they visited major attractions including the Al-Buhari Memorial Complex, Gur-i Emir (Tamerlane's grave), the observatory of Ulughbek, and...the tomb of Uzbekistan's first postindependence leader, Islam Karimov.

When Karimov was president, until his death in 2016, all these former inmates were imprisoned for alleged membership in banned Islamic groups.

The Tashkent provincial administration organized the pilgrimage.

"Those formerly convicted of religious crimes who had repented," according to the press service of Uzbekistan's Spiritual Board of Muslims, would spend two days visiting the complex and the grave in Samarkand.

All of the travelers were reportedly released under an amnesty declared by President Shavkat Mirziyoev at the end of 2017 in honor of the 25th anniversary of the adoption of Uzbekistan's post-Soviet constitution.

The December releases were part of the first mass amnesty declared since Uzbekistan became independent in late 1991. Some 2,700 people were freed.

The Tashkent provincial administration reportedly arranged for an unspecified number of this group from the area around the capital to be bused "in comfort" to Samarkand on December 28.

While it appears to be some form of reeducation or rehabilitation, the choice of reciting prayers at Karimov's grave might seem a little strange.

When Karimov was in power, those detained for membership in a banned Islamic group were almost certain to be convicted and sentenced to prison. In some cases, they had reportedly been beaten or tortured to extract confessions.

Most would have been sentenced to the harshest of Uzbekistan's prisons, places like Jaslyk in the desert of northwestern Uzbekistan, nicknamed the "House of Torture."

So what message are these former inmates supposed to glean from standing at the grave site of the man who was ultimately responsible for them being thrown in prison?

Their lives and probably those of their immediate family were ruined. Some of their brothers and male cousins, and their friends, probably fled Uzbekistan to escape prison sentences by association.

Karimov's regime was known to cast a wide net in its hunt for Islamic extremists. Uzbek authorities certainly apprehended authentic Islamic radicals. But there is reason to suspect that many of those caught in periodic crackdowns on suspected Islamic extremists were nothing more than devout Muslims.

The domestic political atmosphere and the obsession with internal security that thrived under Karimov appeared to tolerate such excesses.

So again, what's the message for those recently released prisoners?

That those times could return? That those days are over? That Karimov might have been an unsavory character but Mirziyoev is in charge now and he declared the amnesty that freed you all?

Or maybe the number of visitors to Karimov's gravesite has been dropping and someone wanted to bump up the attendance figures.

Whatever the case, it is a strange choice to bring a recently released prisoner to the gravesite of their jailer.

The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect those of RFE/RL
New Mahindra TUV300 Plus has been delivered to a few customers ahead of official launch. This was revealed by Anand Mahindra on Twitter. In his tweet back in December, he said Were seeding a few vehicles in the market before the launch next year.

Unlike the TUV300, which is a compact sub 4 meter SUV, the TUV300 Plus P4 is a long wheelbase SUV which will offer three rows seating. In the company line-up it will sit below the Scorpio but above the TUV300.

The new Mahindra TUV300 Plus is seen with boxy styling and features similar to those seen on the TUV300 while differences lie in the extended rear overhangs and fixed window in third row. Designed borrowing inspiration from a Battle Tank, the TUV500 receives raised shoulder lines, a flat roof and high ground clearance while it gets a new front grille design with chrome accents, square shaped wheel arches and a rear mounted spare wheel.

Interiors sport a dual tone in black and beige while central console is finished in a matte black theme. The model in the images looks like a base variant with standard wheels, no touchscreen infotainment system, etc. Top end variant will get much premium interiors and better features. All variants will get forward facing third row seats.

Where engine specifications are concerned, the TUV300 Plus gets a new mHawk d120 engine which is a 1.99 liter 4 cylinder diesel mill generating 120 hp. It is mated to a 5 speed manual or 5 speed autoSHIFT AMT. The new Mahindra SUV could be the first car of its kind, offering three rows of seating (all facing front) in its price range. Expect a price range of INR 9-13 lakh.

Mahindra TUV300 Plus 9 seater leaked specs are as follows.
Automated weather stations (AWS) are being installed in some of Ethiopias lowlands to help herders and other vulnerable residents respond better to recurring climate shocks.

The Farm Africa-led Market Approaches to Resilience (MAR) project in the Afar, Southern Nationals People's Region State and Somali regions of Ethiopia is a response to increasing climate variability among lowlands communities.

Negusu Akilu, MAR project head, told SciDev.Net last month (18 December) that the project, which is part of the UK aid-funded Building Resilience and Adaptation to Climate Extremes and Disasters programme, will help over 178,620 vulnerable people respond better to climate shocks.

The automated weather stations are providing herders with reliable climate information, so they can weigh up risks and make preventative decisions. Negusu Akilu, Farm Africa

The automated weather stations are providing herders with reliable climate information, so that they can weigh up risks and make preventative decisions, like when to destock cattle or scale up water conservation activities, said Akilu. The weather stations have also laid the groundwork for the private sector to provide climate vulnerable households with financial products and services such as micro-insurance that help smoothen climate change risks.

A total of 25 solar-powered AWSs have been installed in a project t that was started in 2015 and ends by the close of 2018, according to Farm Africa.

Ethiopia is currently experiencing severe climate change related shocks and in 2017 alone, poor rains and the residual effects of past extreme weather events forced millions of Ethiopians to rely on food assistance, according FAO Ethiopia Drought response plan and priorities.

Farm Africa expects the institutions implementing the MAR project to continue to offer and expand these services, says Jonathan Garrard, head of programme support and design at Farm Africa.

When working with governments, we are careful to provide training and support for government colleagues to help them absorb and manage the workload as the project phases out, Garrard adds.

Solomon Woldetsadik, senior programme officer, climate change, Christian Aid Ethiopia, says the countrys landscape is ragged and highly varying, making it necessary to have many AWSs for location specific weather observations to generate real-time weather data for early warning purposes.

But he says the MAR project could face challenges such as loose link among climate knowledge producers and intermediaries who are customising it into user-friendly context or language for dissemination to end users.

End users either do not have knowledge about what weather and climate products are available or do not understand the application of climate products for livelihood decision making, adds Woldetsadik. They tend to use traditional knowledge.

There is also the low distribution of radios and mobiles phones, and thus denying communities access to up-to- date climate information.

The low level of understanding of media agencies about the importance of delivering weather forecasts and resilience building programmes makes them allocate insufficient airtime for weather forecasts.

Trust for scientific climate information is another critical area, and Woldetsadik is calling for more work to promote attitudinal and behaviour change among residents.



This piece was produced by SciDev.Nets Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.
The former head of ConvergEx Group's transition management business has agreed to be barred from the securities industry and has consented to a judgment ordering him to pay more than $975,000 to settle fraud charges the Securities and Exchange Commission filed in 2016.

The SEC's complaint alleged that Khaled "Kal" Bassily participated in a fraudulent scheme to hide from charities, religious organizations, and retirement funds that they paid substantially higher amounts than disclosed for the execution of trading orders.

Without admitting or denying the SEC's allegations, Bassily consented to the entry of a final judgment that ordered him to pay a total of $988,414 in disgorgement, prejudgment interest and a civil penalty and permanently enjoined him from violating Sections 10(b) and 15(c)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 thereunder, and Section 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933. Bassily also consented to the entry of an SEC order that barred him from the securities industry. Final judgment was entered on December 21, 2017, and the industry bar was imposed today.

The settlement follows charges announced in December 2013 against three ConvergEx Group subsidiaries that agreed to pay more than $107 million and admit wrongdoing to settle the matter. Two former employees and a former executive of another ConvergEx Group subsidiary also settled charges with the SEC related to this scheme. In August 2014, the SEC filed charges against Anthony G. Blumberg, a former executive of a ConvergEx Group subsidiary. The SEC's charges against Blumberg are currently pending in federal court in Newark, New Jersey.

The SEC's investigation was conducted by Sarah L. Allgeier, Cheryl L. Crumpton, Richard E. Johnston and Thomas D. Manganello, and supervised by Jennifer S. Leete. Litigation was led by Thomas A. Bednar and Gregory N. Miller. The SEC appreciates the assistance of the Fraud Section of the U.S. Department of Justice's Criminal Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Poetry rooted in the physical world is a kind of embodied knowledge. San Francisco poet laureate Kim Shuck demonstrates this relationship in her poem To Visit the Missions. The mountains, hills and running water in the first stanza deliver her to the peaceful meditation that prevails in the second and third. Usually, pastoral poems feature the poet entering a state of calm or reverie during a visit to nature, or immediately afterward. Shuck appears to savor her trip, knowing that fresh memories of it will provide her with images and music she can draw on later for her spiritual art. The visual and tactile details in the Shucks final stanza are particularly rich.

To Visit the Missions

Mountains ease to hills

Define the limits of this valley

Somewhere north they

Come together in a tumble near water and

I reach home

Part of this pilgrimage involves water

Way I understand things

Water, music, smoke

Old prayers and

Nearly universal

Later this week Ill

Sit down with the images

My cane flute

Sing of disconnecting my anger

Close my eyes and see

Hand drilled stone beads

Rhythm in my hands

Tongue tip

Jingle saints medals in the other hand

Extract each emotional filament for

Use elsewhere.

Reprinted from Red Indian Road West: Native American Poetry From California, edited by Kurt Schweigman and Lucille Lang Day. Copyright 2017 by Scarlet Tanager Books

Kim Shuck was born in San Francisco and lives in Eureka Valley in a house that has sheltered five generations of her family. She is the author of one chapbook and three full length poetry collections, including Clouds Running In.

David Roderick is the author of the poetry collections Blue Colonial and The Americans. He is co-founder of Left Margin LIT: A Home for the Literary Arts, in Berkeley.
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While only light rain fell in the Bay Area on Wednesday, nearly 100 flights were canceled at San Francisco International Airport on Thursday as an unusual winter storm, dubbed the bomb cyclone, intensified over parts of the East Coast.

By mid-afternoon, 97 flights to and from airports in the Northeast, including Boston, New York, Newark and Philadelphia, were canceled because of weather, said Dennis Zamaria, airport manager at SFO.

There also were 143 delays averaging about 25 minutes, Zamaria said.

Thats pretty doggone good, Zamaria added.

Now Playing: Rain is expected in the Bay Area Wednesday through Friday. Video: KTVU

Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a state of emergency for western parts of New York state, as well as in New York City, Long Island and Westchester County.

Blizzard warnings and emergencies also were issued in Delaware, Maine, Maryland and other eastern states.

Philadelphia International Airport canceled over 440 flights because of the storm.

American Airlines advised travelers to check for flight changes before heading to the airport.

Mineta San Jose International Airport reported one flight to Newark was canceled. Oakland International Airport saw one red-eye flight to New York City canceled.

In the Bay Area, Wednesdays storm broke a winter dry spell but brought only a bit of rain.

San Francisco got 0.1 inches of rain over 24 hours. Marin County got less, as did most other parts of the North Bay.

The heaviest rains in the Bay Area were in the East Bay and parts of Santa Clara County, said Anna Schneider, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Monterey.

Oakland got 0.5 inches of rain, and the Walnut Creek area got 0.7. In the South Bay, San Jose got 0.41 inches. Palo Alto got 0.48 inches.

Sophie Haigney and Sarah Ravani are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: sophie.haigney@sfchronicle.com, sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: SophieHaigney, @SarRavani
The McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) recently published a report that projected that India could become one of the largest growth engines in the world. With booming urbanization and a growing economy, by 2030, India could be the third-largest incremental GDP growth engine for the planet, according to MGI senior partner Noshir Kaka, who works out of the McKinsey Mumbai office.

Indian and international businesses alike are seeking to capitalize on this projected growth. But how can you, the motivated entrepreneur, get your foot in the door of Indias future economic success? How can you carve out your place among the businesses who will benefit from Indias continuing growth? Here are a few tips.

Choose an In-Demand Niche

As businesses are drawn to Indias growth potential, theyre going to bring with them a lot of opportunities for local talent. And that doesnt just mean employment opportunities for those who are willing to work for them. These businesses will have important needs; theyll need to have IT systems designed and built, production workflows created to optimize efficiency, local marketing guidance, and more.

If you are wise about the niche you select, you could build your own business providing goods and services to the new companies that will flock to India over the next several years. To do so, first assess your skills and determine what skill sets are in the highest demand. If you must target your services to a specific type of business (medical, production, technology, etc.), then do so. The important thing is to find what you will be able to excel at, so that you can build yourself a reputation in your field of expertise.

Start Now

You dont want to wait until 2030 to capitalize on Indias growth. By then, its far more likely that someone else will already be filling your niche. The time to start your business is now, as India is just beginning its economic growth. The companies that come into the country will have a much more difficult time finding the services they need now than they will in the future--and thats where you will step in.

Set up your business and start making connections now. If you can build a reputation among even a few businesses, as new companies move into the country, those connections can provide you with highly profitable referrals to these new companies. Its never too soon to start building your network.

Educate Yourself

No matter how good you are at what you do, never assume you know everything you need to know. Success is an ongoing process of learning and improving, and you should always be seeking new ways to educate yourself in your field. Whether youre reading up on the latest industry news or improving your business skills, you should be seeking to improve every single day.

There are numerous sources out there that can offer you what you need to educate yourself and become a better business owner. If you wish to learn more about your selected niche, pick up a book on the topic from a library or read a few articles on the internet. If you want to become a true expert in your field, look into online courses that are targeted at your business type.

According to Sam Ovens, CEO of Consulting.com, the most valuable skills are not learned in a classroom, but through self-education and hands-on experience; in fact, hes helped to teach thousands of business consultants the skills they need to grow successful firms of their own without ever having to go back to school.

By educating yourself and improving your skills every day, you will turn yourself into a true expert in your industry--one that new businesses will be lining up to work with. And, just as with building your network, the time to start educating yourself is right now.

So what are you waiting for? If you want to capitalize on Indias incredible growth projections, its time to get started and begin pursuing your business dreams.

To work and do business in India, you must have a Permanent Account number. Use this link for a new pan card or click here for a replacement pan to register.
Thanksgiving dining, carryout options are still available in Michiana

Want to take a break from the kitchen on Thanksgiving? We have some options and a reminder to support local businesses on Nov. 26.
Georgetown County schools to reopen Tuesday with warmer weather on the way
NASA is marking its 60th anniversary year with a new commemorative logo.

The aviation and space agency revealed the design on its website on Wednesday (Jan. 3).

"NASA will mark the 60th anniversary of its establishment as a U.S. government agency," a NASA press release said of the logo. "NASA has released an official logo for use in observing this milestone anniversary." [NASA's 10 Greatest Science Missions]

NASA, or, spelled out, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, was established on July 29, 1958, with the signing of legislation by President Dwight Eisenhower. The agency celebrates its birthday on Oct. 1, the day it formally began operation.

The NASA 60th anniversary logo was created by Matthew Skeins, a graphic artist working at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC.

"The logo depicts how NASA is building on its historic past to soar toward a challenging and inspiring future," agency officials wrote in the press release.

On the logo, the number "60" and "NASA" are stacked one atop the other, and they are positioned above a nighttime view of the continental United States as seen from space. The arrangement is intended to evoke a quote attributed to 17th century physicist Isaac Newton: "If I have seen further than others, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants."

NASA has used the phrase "on the shoulder of giants" to describe its own foundation, including the work done by its predecessor U.S. federal agencies, including the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, the Naval Research Laboratory, the Army Ballistic Missile Agency and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), the latter now one of NASA's facilities in California.

The United States is depicted on the logo outlined by the shine from its cities. These yellow lights are meant to also symbolize NASA's vibrancy and relevance, the inspiration derived from the agency's work and the foundation of the "best and brightest" among academia and the aerospace industry upon which NASA's leadership is built.

NASAs previous anniversary logos: 25th in 1983 (top left), 40th in 1998 (bottom left) and 50th in 2008 (at right). (Image credit: NASA via collectSPACE.com)

A light blue and white arc below the "60 NASA" invokes a sunrise, as seen 16 times daily from the vantage point of spacecraft in low-Earth orbit, and represents "opportunity yet to come through exploration" of the moon, Mars and other destinations beyond, according to NASA.

Two vectors, one blue and the other red, circle "60 NASA" and point to the logo's dark outer edges as if heading into the unknown. The vectors' trajectories form a "6," which is emblematic of the decades since NASA was established.

The blue vector symbolizes NASA's aeronautical research and the impact on society of our first views of Earth as a "blue marble" in the vast blackness of space.

The red vector is intended to represent NASA's exploration programs, including the contributions of its commercial and international partners, to enable future astronaut missions to the moon, Mars and out into the solar system. Depicted at the tip of the red vector are the key elements of NASA's deep space architecture, the Space Launch System rocket and Orion crew vehicle.

A crescent moon, a ringed planet and a field of stars amid a nebula of light blue are meant to be symbolic of NASA's focus on science and specifically its investigations into the workings and evolution of our planet, solar system and the universe.

The 60th anniversary logo is the latest commemorative art to mark NASA's milestone years. The agency had designs to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 1983, 40th anniversary in 1998 and 50th anniversary in 2008.

Follow collectSPACE.com on Facebook and on Twitter at @collectSPACE. Copyright 2018 collectSPACE.com. All rights reserved.




Thanks to ProdWeek, we have details of some more projects in development at ABC.



GLENFIELD GIRLS' CLUB

PRODUCER: Greg Berlanti - Sarah Schechter; WRITER/PRODUCER: Brook Maurio

WARNER BROS. TELEVISION

In high school, Liz Cooney had everything and Markie McQueen had nothing. 20 years later, theyre reunited under the same roof as single moms and unlikely housemates.



AFTERLIFE

PRODUCER: Matt Reeves - Adam Kassan - Larry Trilling; WRITER/PRODUCER: Bert V. Royal

TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX TELEVISION

A small mid-20th century social-service-style office is a waystation for the souls of the recently deceased, where they are processed before entering their personal heaven  a single happy memory re-experienced for eternity. Every Monday, a new group of recently deceased people check in, and the "social workers" in the lodge explain their situation. Once the newly-dead have identified their happiest memories, workers design and replicate each person's chosen memory, which is staged and filmed. At the end of the week, the recently deceased watch the films of their recreated happiest memories in a screening room. As soon as each person sees his or her own memory, he or she vanishes to whatever state of existence lies beyond and takes only that single memory with them. Based on Japanese film of same title.



ILLUSION OF JUSTICE

PRODUCER: Jeff Gaspin - Tony Sabistina; WRITER/PRODUCER: David Zabel

SONY PICTURES TELEVISION

The series is equal parts legal procedural and family drama, focusing on a husband and wife who balance raising their children with running a criminal defense firm specializing in underdog clients who face ostensibly insurmountable odds in the judicial system.



Additionally there is this project as well we didn't have enough space to mention in the title of the post.



UNTITLED MIGUEL NOLLA PROJECT

PRODUCER: Sergio Aguero - Jaime Davila - Scooter Braun - Scott Manson - James Shin - Rico Martinez; WRITER/PRODUCER: Miguel Nolla

A Billboard topping/Grammy winning pop star who has been estranged from her talented and willful Latino family for 5 years tries to pick up the pieces and learn to love them again when a crisis forces her to return home. She then finds herself juggling a love triangle, blackmail, and dark secrets from the family that she now needs to win back.


A Parisian investor is considering creating a hotel opposite Buckingham Palace in a building formerly used by the Metropolitan Police, the Evening Standard can reveal.

A private French family has paid around 30 million for 4-5 Buckingham Gate, a grade-II listed office block which was used by the Met before a move to the New Scotland Yard HQ on Victoria Embankment last year.

The 25,881 square feet building is vacant and has consent in place for 11 luxury flats.

However, other options could include an office refurbishment or conversion into a 60-bedroom hotel, subject to planning permission.

Property sources said the deal shows international buyers still view London as a flight to quality, despite fears that Brexit could make the capital less attractive.

One real-estate expert claimed there is still strong demand from businesses for new offices, and from tourists for accommodation.

More than 50 billion is expected to be invested in UK commercial property in 2018.

Agents Michael Elliott and Savills advised the private overseas vendor on the sale. CBRE advised the buyer.
A gush of oil helped to pump life back into the stock market on Thursday as traders finally shook off their New Years lethargy.

Improving oil prices helped lift London listed energy stocks and push the FTSE 100 to a new intra-day high of 7698.48.

The stock market has been quiet this week after the Footsie surged over Christmas. After its early spike, the blue-chip index settled back today to 7678.91, up 7.80 points.

Brent crude touched $68 a barrel for the first time since 2015, with analysts expecting that political trouble in Iran over the past week will cause significant reductions in output in Opecs third-biggest producer.

Irans Revolutionary Guard has deployed forces to put down the pro-reform protests but fears persist that unrest will spread to the oilfields in the shape of potential strikes by oil workers.

William OLoughlin, analyst at Australias Rivkin Securities, said: The market is clearly getting more bullish on oil. Geopolitical uncertainty in Iran, Opecs third largest producer, is also helping to support the price as citizens are again protesting against the government.

Investors were quick to take advantage and oil giant BP rose 5p to 529.2p and Shell climbed 9.5p to 2544p.

On the FTSE 250, Tullow Oil gained 5p to 218.5p, with investors hopeful that the West and East Africa explorer can deliver on earnings this year.

Outside the top flight, Premier Oil jumped 3.2p to 82.5p after an upgrade to Buy from analysts at Investec. Rival Enquest gained 2.5p to 35.95p, Genel increased 2.4p to 120.8p and Gulf Keystone Petroleum climbed 4.3p to 118.37p.

DCC, the largest supplier of fuel to independent petrol stations in the UK, soared 47.5p to 7492.5p after it announced it had snapped up a German gas distribution business for an undisclosed sum.

Oil aside, FTSE 250-listed G4S was up 5.9p at 271.2p after Redburn slapped a Buy rating on the business.

The worlds largest security firm, G4S showed signs of a turnaround last year. Nevertheless analysts still fear that the group will be hit by Britains vote to leave the European Union, as a more sluggish economy and a fall in the value of the pound make its debt in foreign currencies more expensive to service. The UK accounts for around one fifth of G4Ss revenues.

Industrial turnaround specialist Melrose was also on the up after stating that it expects to receive a boost from President Trumps tax cuts.

Analysts at Liberum put a Buy rating on the businesss shares and said: In a statement [about] the impact of the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in the US, Melrose anticipates the changes will reduce the effective tax rate for [this year] It will also significantly reduce the amount of US tax payable on any disposal from within the Nortek group. Melrose gained 1.0p at 214.6p.
T he Grenfell Tower inquiry has hired KPMG as its adviser despite the accountancy firm earning millions of pounds auditing three of the main players being investigated over the tragic blaze and its aftermath.

KPMG has lucrative and long-standing relationships as auditor to Rydon  the main contractor in charge of the refurbishment widely blamed for the fires spread  Celotex, the maker of the insulation which police said failed safety tests, and the much-criticised Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

News that the inquiry is paying a firm so closely linked to the organisations under scrutiny is bound to anger survivors and victims families. They have already voiced concerns that the investigation is lacking in diverse voices.

KPMG was hired by the Cabinet Office to help plan the inquiry and monitor its progress.

The three-month, 200,000 contract (recently extended to February) was awarded in a fast-track process with no other bidders considered.

An Inquiry spokesman for said this was to save time due to the need to set up the investigation rapidly.

He said the Inquiry knew of KPMGs connections to Rydon and the borough, but was unaware of the Celotex link until being informed by the Evening Standard.

It said it hired KPMG despite the firms work for the other organisations because it was uniquely placed to offer specialised programme management, decision support and impact planning.

KPMG has earned nearly 1 million in fees since taking over as auditor of under-fire Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in 2012.

The borough is being questioned over perceived failings in helping survivors in the immediate aftermath of the fire.

The accountant has made 3.5 million since 2007 offering audit, tax and other services to Rydon.

It has made a further 1 million over the same period as auditor to Saint-Gobain Construction Products UK, owner of insulation maker Celotex.

Over the past decade, SGCPs French parent company, Saint-Gobain, paid KPMGs global partnership 109.2 million in audit and other advisory fees.

KPMG said its role in the inquiry was purely operational, advising on project management, and it had no role advising on the substance of the inquiry.
T he dreadful spate of knife killings that ended 2017 brought back terrible memories for me. Nearly a decade ago, on March 27, 2008, 14- year-old Amro Elbadawi was knifed to death by a close friend in Queens Park. Devoe Roach, a 17- year-old, was found dead in a street in Stamford Hill on the same day  he had been stabbed through the heart. I was on the campaign trail that month, fighting to become the London Assembly member for West Central. And so it was that I visited the Elbadawi family just days later and felt first-hand the devastation of knife crime.

Londoners anxiety about the rise in violent crime was soon made clear when they kicked Ken Livingstone out of office that May. But when Boris Johnson asked me to become deputy mayor for policing, it was both that mandate for change and my own visit to the Elbadawi family that informed our priorities for the Met. Families like theirs and the communities in which they live needed someone to feel responsible. They needed someone to care about their sons lives and deaths.

My life soon became dominated by the number 29  the number of teenagers killed in my first year. In July of that year, six people were stabbed to death in one week and the papers were rightly filled with outrage. By the time I left in 2012 the total had fallen to eight  eight too many, but on the basis of the 2008 trend it could have been 50.

Now, five years later, that number is back up to 26. The four killings on New Years Eve, alongside the rise in moped robberies and acid attacks, have once again stoked a smouldering sense of fear about street violence in the capital.

This is all too redolent of my first meetings at Scotland Yard, when the then Met Commissioner Ian Blair complained that statistically the numbers were very low. Look at New York, he said, London doesnt have a problem.

Sir Ians cavalier dismissal made clear to me that these kids had become numbers on a chart to the political and police leadership at the time. That the teenagers involved were overwhelmingly black only added to the sense that their murders were just a fact of life in the city.

But Londoners had elected Boris Johnson and me on a platform of combatting crime, so we immediately demanded assertive action. Within days we launched Operation Blunt 2, a big increase in stop-and-search, knife-detection arches across London and widespread weapon sweeps. I knew this was never going to be the long-term answer, but faced with parents terrified their kids wouldnt make it home from school that day, the police took thousands of knives off the streets, 5,480 in the first year alone.

We also demanded action on gangs, but the leadership of the Met stubbornly refused to establish a specialist gang squad. Thankfully the front-line borough commanders, closer to the evidence on the streets around them, took a different view. I established my own gang tactics board  members were identified and targeted. In 2012 newly appointed Met chief Bernard Hogan-Howe finally established the Trident Gang Command and overall homicides fell even further to a 40-year low.

Much of this was controversial. Black communities were disproportionately affected by both the crime wave and the police action to deal with it. Boris and I spent hours with community groups large and small demonstrating that black lives mattered to us too, and that the police needed their help and support to save them.

Overwhelmingly, parents were with us. Younger people, who had sometimes been stopped and searched several times despite having done nothing wrong, were less keen. Overall there was a grudging acceptance that an urgent situation demanded assertive action.

Still, we recognised that some of the criminal behaviour flowed from a lack of opportunity and engagement, and were committed to long-term work that would turn these children away from violence. We launched Time for Action, a programme aimed at tackling some of the deeper causes of this terrible phenomenon. Project You spread uniformed youth groups  cadets, Scouts, Guides  across London to encourage different models of group behaviour. We launched a mentoring scheme for young black men. And we opened a dedicated wing in Feltham Young Offenders Institution, recognising that their first time inside was likely our last chance to turn them around. One of its inmates went on to enrol in university.

But a further element was urgently needed: making the teenage victims more real for the senior officers at Scotland Yard. So I began hanging photos of the victims on my office wall. As senior officers came for meetings you could see them glancing up at the faces and names: Zac Olumegbon, 15, Michael Wright, 17, Leroy James, 14, and others. As the awful gallery grew, the faces of those murdered children gazed down on the Mets leaders and complacency was replaced by a shared determination to save lives.

While the Met is an incredible organisation filled with brave and dedicated officers, it must be driven hard. Otherwise, like many large organisations, it has a tendency to drift. Mayoral leadership means tenaciously holding the police to account for the death of each and every teenager killed in London. It means not caring if the police are your friends, but judging them by the work they do to keep all Londoners safe. And it means not requiring the medias validation, because saving a single childs life is reward enough.

We certainly didnt get everything right on policing during the Johnson years, but we were driven by sense of mission and took responsibility for each and every murdered teenager. Perhaps thats where Mayor Khan should start.
Megan Ziems, 32, is the founder of Grace Loves Lace, one of the Australian Gold Coasts most successful businesses. She launched her first flagship store outside the Gold Coast  host of this years Commonwealth Games  in Shoreditch last year.

In 2016 one of her gowns, The Hollie, was the most pinned wedding dress on Pinterest. More than 2.5 million people pinned  liked  the design, named after Ms Ziemss sister-in-law who wore it first.

The former lingerie designer, who had a 2.1 million turnover in 2016, predicted that Ms Markle and Harrys wedding at Windsor Castle in May would have a huge impact on Londons bridal industry.

Of the American actress, Ms Ziems said: Im excited to see what shell wear and I hope she brings a contemporary flair into her gown. She is young, smart, beautiful.

She hasnt grown up in the UK under the monarch so I would say her natural style will be different. [Her wedding day is] her biggest moment to visually send a message of who she is.

Im unsure how heavily shell be influenced by the royal tradition. Being American from humble beginnings makes a big difference. It will be interesting to see if that shows in her dress.

Meghan Markle's best looks of 2017 1 /14 Meghan Markle's best looks of 2017 Christmas Day Church Service Wearing a hat by Philip Tracy Getty Images Christmas Day Church Service Wearing Sentaler wrap coat and Chloe handbag Getty Images Queen's Christmas Lunch Wearing Self-Portrait PA Images First Official Royal Engagement to Nottingham Wearing Mackage Getty Images First Official Royal Engagement to Nottingham Wearing a Joseph skirt Getty Images Official Engagement Photo Wearing Ralph & Russo Alexi Lubomirski Official Engagement Photo Wearing Ralph & Russo Alexi Lubomirski via AP Official Engagement Photo Wearing Victoria Beckham @alexilubo via @KensingtonRoyal Announcement Of The Royal Engagmenet Wearing Line The Label Jeremy Selwyn Invictus Games Wearing Mother Denim jeans and Misha Nonoo shirt Getty Images Invictus Games Wearing an Aritzia dress PA

Undoubtedly there will be copycat looks, or at least elements taken from her gown and reinterpreted. She is the new royal style icon so I would say her day-to-day style will also heavily dictate what a lot of women around the world wear. I would imagine the fashion chain stores and seasonal fashion brands will be rolling out their version of her dress immediately.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle release engagement photos

Designers rumoured to be lined up to make Ms Markles dress include Roland Mouret, Elie Saab, Erdem and Oscar de la Renta.

Last month sketches by Inbal Dror, an Israeli designer, surfaced of what was speculated to be a potential design.

Ms Ziems, whose designs have been worn by reality star Millie Mackintosh and actress Rose McGowan, founded Grace Loves Lace in 2010.
Seven-of Britains most influential women have been brought together for a Vogue photoshoot to celebrate the countrys new suffragists.

To mark the centenary of women winning the right to vote, politicians, artists and writers setting the agenda in public life will feature in Februarys edition of the fashion bible.

Labour MP Stella Creasy is prominent among the group, following her acclaimed work on sexual harassment and her successful campaign last year for women in Northern Ireland to have free abortions in England.

She told the magazine: Im the anti-Sheryl Sandberg. For me, its not about leaning in, its about building an army. Progress can happen. My mistake was thinking that it would be easy  But Im impatient to change the world.

Vogue

Turner prize winner Gillian Wearing, whose statue of suffragist Millicent Fawcett will be unveiled in Parliament Square this year, said there were still challenges for women:

Fawcett was all about dialogue. And it worked  she spent six decades getting women the vote. But it took a lot of work! Now Maria Balshaw is running the Tate, things should change further. The hard thing today is overcoming the psychology  this prejudice goes deep. We need to change peoples inner stereotypes of women. And, thats harder than fighting for the vote.

The February magazine is the third edition for new editor Edward Enninful. Dutch photographer Julia Hetta shot the images, which were designed to capture the brilliance of the countrys female changemakers.

Dressed in striking black and white, the women include Liv Little, founder of the gal-dem

website, Womens Equality Party leader Sophie Walker, campaigner and journalist Paris Lees, blogger Dina Torkia and Reni Eddo-Lodge, the author of Why Im No Longer Talking To White People About Race.

See the full interviews in the February issue of Vogue, on sale tomorrow
O scar winner Mark Rylance is returning to Shakespeares Globe as part of new artistic director Michelle Terrys first season in charge.

The theatres former boss will play the villainous Iago opposite US actor Andre Holland in a production of Othello.

Terry, who took over as artistic director after Emma Rices controversial exit, said she couldnt be more thrilled to welcome Rylance back.

She said: It is not only an endorsement of the Globe, its an endorsement of the importance of theatre and the craft of acting and the combination of his extraordinary talent with Andre Hollands is beyond exciting.

Rylance, who ran the Globe from 1996 to 2005, won the best supporting actor Oscar for his role in Steven Spielbergs Bridge of Spies in 2015 - a year before Holland starred in the Best Picture winner Moonlight.

Ms Terrys stint in charge will start with a double bill of Hamlet and As You Like It beginning in May. Both plays will be performed by the same company of 12 actors and will run alternately except for a handful of days when both will be performed.

She said: I though what are the first words I want to hear on this stage and it felt like Whos there? which is the start of Hamlet feels like quite a fitting way to open the new season and then I suppose from there I was thinking which plays were written around the same time as the building, the original Globe, was built in 1599.

Othello will follow in July with productions of The Two Noble Kinsmen, The Winters Tale and Loves Labours Lost also planned alongside three new plays.

Terry said the plays shared several themes including the subject of jealousy, adding: Where these plays begin is very similar but where they end is very different and I find that fascinating.

Rice - who formally leaves in April - announced her departure from the Globe after just two years in October 2016 when the theatres board said her use of light and sound technology did not fit with its more traditional view of how Shakespeares work should be presented.

Terry said she knew the unique playing conditions of the venue, a recreation of Shakespeares original Elizabethan open-air playhouse, were part of the job description when she took on the role

Productions of The Merchant of Venice, The Taming of the Shrew and Twelfth Night will also open at the Globe before going on tour and audiences will be asked to choose which show they want to see in a return to a theatrical tradition from Shakespeares day.

There will also be a series of events examining the playwrights treatment of refugees and the idea of refuge and a season examining theatrical censorship.
B arney Norris talks like a man on a mission.

He ignores his cappuccino as we sit in a cafe, surrounded by small children and their tired parents. Although he has a jaunty boyishness that makes him seem younger than 31, the moment he starts to discuss his work he becomes more earnest, speaking volubly about his intense need to write  which he cheerily calls sociopathic  and the amazing potential of literature to take us inside worlds weve not visited.

Norris is that rare thing, a writer who is equally at home as a novelist and playwright. His fiction debut, Five Rivers Met on a Wooded Plain, which came out in 2016, is a vision of five ordinary lives that intersect as a result of a road accident. Hauntingly perceptive about love and loss, it has proved a major word-of-mouth success, prompting his publisher to tell him hes a golden tortoise  a phrase Norris repeats with a roar of laughter.

Five Rivers was also a homage to his roots in Salisbury. He grew up in the Wiltshire cathedral city, and his first job was as an usher at Salisbury Playhouse. Its a place that still exerts a mystical pull. Yet you can hear a trace of Norriss own voice when one of his characters refers to it as Smallsbury, where everyones treading on everyones toes.

These days hes based in London  he recently moved to Crystal Palace with his wife, Charlie Young, a stage manager, and their rescue cat Kitty. But the landscape of his childhood figures again in his new book Turning for Home, out next week.

He describes it as in some ways a very simple country house novel, and the house in question, modelled on William Cubitts Penton Lodge near Andover, belongs to retired security officer Robert. Each year Robert marks his birthday with a party, and the novel, set during one of these, portrays a family coming together and almost being close  that almost is a hallmark of Norriss fascination with missed opportunities and the glimpses we occasionally get of alternative versions of our lives.

Robin Soans and Linda Bassett in Visitors at the Bush Theatre

At the same time, Turning for Home explores the ways in which everyone carries wars and grief within them. It alternates between Roberts viewpoint, shaped by his experience of sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland, and the perspective of his granddaughter Kate, who has for several years been battling anorexia.

Fans of Norriss previous work will recognise Kate from his play Visitors and her apparently distant boyfriend Sam from Five Rivers. But its not essential to spot those references, for this is an accessible and rewarding story of truth, reconciliation and (in more than one sense) hunger.

At its heart is what Norris terms a collision of very private and very public traumas. As he depicts what he calls the history of trouble, he evokes the different textures of the two characters ordeals, yet when we talk about this he hedges his bets, arguing that hes good at rhythm but bad at voice. The fact that he can say this suggests his alertness to the nuances of how people express themselves. Hes blessed with a keen ear for the poetry of the everyday, and his writing has a solid core of emotional truth.

This has been a vital feature of his work for the stage, yet his career as a playwright began uncertainly. Visitors, his first full-length drama, was a hit with critics and audiences when it premiered at Dalstons Arcola in 2014, but he had started it as far back as 2007 and eventually found he had to muster the resources to put it on himself, after a succession of theatres and theatre companies  16 in all  passed up the opportunity to produce it.

Visitors was beautifully sensitive to the joys of its central characters long marriage and the pains of ageing. Sadness and humour sat close together and many theatregoers were astounded by how well Norris, then 27, wrote about what its like to be old. Here, with understated authority, he revealed what have turned out to be the defining features of his work: maturity, tenderness and a candour that feels generous.

He is impressively productive  he jokes about hoping to start building a more sedate rhythm  and I ask how he decides if a new project is for the page or the stage.

The main reason a story turns into one form or the other for me is the person who asks me to write it, Norris replies. If they run a theatre, itll be a play. The interesting technical difference is the way the audience experiences time. In theatre, more than anywhere else, the audience isnt in control of the pace of the release of information  it happens live, at whatever speed is decided. With a novel, the reader picks the tempo and can spread the experience over many reading sessions. So thats a thing to be very conscious of.

He garnered more stellar reviews with 2015s Eventide, an elegy for a villages fading identity, and last year returned to Salisbury Playhouse with the wistful Echos End, which pictured the effects of the First World War on a rural community.

Eventide, starring Ellie Piercy and James Doherty at the Arcola Theatre

Ive never written a play set more than 20 miles from where I grew up, he says, and this is a source of pride. Theatre is in his words fundamentally urbanising, and hes eager to compensate for that bias. One of his aims as a writer is to take his plays beyond London and Britains larger cities  getting out among the people youre trying to make work about. Does this mean he wont be writing about his adopted home? To date, Ive never found a story set in London that would give me access to the emotional material that I make stuff from, but its not a concrete rule.

Norris formed his touring company Up in Arms with Alice Hamilton, a friend from Salisburys youth theatre, while completing his English degree at Oxford. It has staged his own plays and revived several by other writers who matter to him.

For instance, in 2016 Up in Arms toured German Skerries, a poignant piece from the Seventies by Robert Holman. He seemed a natural fit for the company  a writer whos modest yet mercurial  and the title of his best-known play, Making Noise Quietly, could be its motto. Reaching out to audiences who arent habitual theatregoers, Up in Arms has performed for dementia patients and in pupil-referral units, and the reason Norris is familiar with Penton Lodge is that its now a day centre for disabled adults, where the company has presented his work.

Reflecting on the precarious business of touring, he admits to the fear that never goes away  that no one comes. This is a problem that cant possibly afflict his next play, Nightfall, which opens in April at Londons Bridge Theatre, the new 900-seat venue founded by former National Theatre supremos Nicholas Hytner and Nick Starr.

Instead of responding to the commission with something big and rambunctious hes sticking to his intimate approach. He describes Nightfall as being about grief and the way that grief drowns life. This sounds bleak, but the way in which he writes about unhappiness is radically empathetic.

As he speaks with a flourish about suffocated lives and the possibility of letting go my eye is drawn, not for the first time, to the swallow tattooed on his right hand. Its a tribute to his grandfather, a merchant seaman who had the same design inked on him while ashore in Malaysia.

A swallow also adorns the hand of a character in Five Rivers, who identifies it as my only star to steer by. It could be read as an image of restlessness, yet on Norris looks more like an anchor, a symbol of well-grounded worldly wisdom  and of hope.

Turning for Home (Doubleday) is published on January 11. Nightfall is at the Bridge Theatre, SE1 (0843 208 1846; bridgetheatre.co.uk) from April 28
We already wanted to emigrate there  and now theres another reason to browse Skyscanner for the next flight to Reykjavik. (And this is before we even consider the countrys beautiful scenery.)

Now, Iceland has become the first country to make it illegal to pay men more than women for doing the same work.

The new decree requires companies with more than 25 employees to "obtain government certification of their equal-pay policies." Which means Icelandic companies need to present proof of wage equality to the government immediately. Failure to do so runs the risk of being fined and charged with criminal misconduct.

Last year, Iceland pledged to make companies prove they offer employees equal pay, regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexuality or nationality.

Announcing the new law on International Womens Day, the government said every company with 25 or more staff would need a certificate to show it pays them equally. Similar schemes exist in Switzerland and in Minnesota in the US, but Iceland is the first to make the requirement mandatory.

The certification requires these companies to not only offer equal pay for equal work, but also equal pay for work of the same value, Icelands Ministry of Social Affairs and Equality said.

The Equal Pay Standard, on which the certification requirements are based, does this by assessing a companys pay policies, classification of jobs according to equal value and wage research on the basis of the classification, as well as formalising policies and processes related to pay decisions.

The move aims to help the small but powerful nation achieve its goal of tackling the gender pay gap by 2022. The pay gap in Iceland currently stands at 14 to 18 per cent on average, compared with 17.5 per cent in the UK and an average of 15.5 per cent among the OECD group of industrialised nations.

Iceland: in pictures 1 /12 Iceland: in pictures Goafoss in North Iceland Whale watching near Husavik Jeannot Attard The puffin and reindeer starter at STRIKI, a smart rooftop dining spot with fjord views in Icelands second city, Akureyri (strikid.is) Nordic Apartments Chilling out in Hofsos The Kleifarmork campsite The village of Holar, near Hofsos Falljokull glacier Elli Thor Magnusson The Blue Lagoon

Thorsteinn Viglundsson, Icelands Equality and Social Affairs Minister, said the country had not yet made sufficient progress towards eradicating the pay gap, despite taking steps such as introducing dedicated paid leave for new dads and 40 per cent quotas for women on boards of larger companies... It is the right time to do something radical about this issue.

Viglundsson added: We want to show the world that eradicating the gender pay gap is an achievable goal and we hope other nations will follow suit in adopting the Equal Pay Standard in years to come.

In October 2016, thousands of women in Iceland left work early to protest against the gender pay gap. They walked out of their workplaces at 2.38 pm, the time in an eight-hour day from which they effectively stop being paid for their work.

If the new legislation passes through parliament as expected, the government hopes to implement it by 2020.

Viglundsson acknowledged that not everyone supports the new law, claiming it would create additional bureaucracy for companies, but he said any opposition would be worth it. "It is a burden to put on companies to have to comply with a law like this," he said.

"But we put such burdens on companies all the time when it comes to auditing your annual accounts or turning in your tax report. You have to dare to take new steps, to be bold in the fight against injustice." Too right.

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C ape Town may well be full of funky boutique hotels, the Masai Mara does indeed boast a host of tented lodges, and theres no doubt that the riads of Marrakech are a delight to behold.

But when it comes to the more unusual places to rest your head in the world, its sub-Saharan Africa in particular that holds plenty of trump cards.

From open-air sleeping to underwater snoozing, heres a selection of Africas most remarkable stays.

1. Sky beds and star baths at Baines' Camp, Botswana

Supplied

Botswana has found itself in the limelight ever since the couple of the moment, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, escaped there for their third date.

There are plenty of exclusive lodges fit for royalty, but one of the most intimate camps in the country is Baines Camp, perched on the Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta. And its the sleeping arrangements here that make this lodge all the more enticing. Each of the five suites features a bed with wheels, which can be rolled out onto your private wooden deck as the sun goes down. Welcome to your sky bed. With the sounds of the Boro River, and all of its inhabitants, providing the soundtrack to your evening, cuddle up and spend a magical night gazing at the star-splattered African sky.

Not only that, but your suites very own star bath, provides the perfect opportunity to indulge in an al-fresco bubble bath to remember.

sanctuaryretreats.com/botswana-camps-baines

2. A luxury cave at Antbear Lodge, South Africa

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Neatly carved into the side of a hill, just on the outskirts of South Africa's famous Drakensberg Mountains, lies a luxury cave with panoramic views across rolling fields.

The cave itself boasts an old school fireplace in one corner, a sizeable jacuzzi bath in the other, and a whole screen of floor to ceiling glass separating you from the outside elements. Perhaps the most intriguing part of the cave is the section of quirky wooden creations in every nook of the room  the wardrobe, safe mechanism, and even the fusebox have been intricately handcrafted by the owners.

A private wooden deck wraps itself around the perimeter of the cave, making the perfect spot to soak up some South African rays. Then, after a hard days hike up to the top of Giants Castle mountain peak, hunker down in the secluded luxury cave, and enjoy a cosy nights sleep.

antbear.co.za/

3. A hotel floating on the Chobe River, Namibia

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You could stay in a tented lodge in the Chobe National Park, or even better, you could book into one of the Chobe Princess vessels, a boutique houseboat which sits on the body of water separating Namibia and Botswana.

With only a few rooms aboard each of the three floating properties, guests get to experience water-based safaris instead of being jostled around in the back of a Land Cruiser all day. Spend some time cruising along the Chobe River looking out for elephants coming to drink from the water, or try your hand at fishing from one of the smaller excursion dinghies.

Guests of the Chobe Princess will still get to experience all that the Chobe National Park has to offer, but from a unique viewpoint.

zqcollection.com/chobe-princesses

4. The Underwater Room at the Manta Resort, Pemba Island, Tanzania

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Taking it one step further is The Manta Resort on Pemba Island, just a stones throw from Zanzibar. A room floating on the stunning turquoise water wasnt quite enough for them, so they created a three-floored suite, featuring an underwater level which houses the bedroom.

As you recline beneath the surface, youll be able to admire all sorts of colourful marine life that are drawn closer by the suites underwater spotlight. A security guard will be stationed nearby and youll be provided with a mobile phone for emergencies. Other than that, its guaranteed privacy in the extreme. And at a whopping $1500 per night, it will certainly be a trip to cherish forever.

themantaresort.com/

5. The Bird Nest Room at the Segera Retreat, Kenya

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Recently opened, the Bird Nest at the Segera Retreat in Kenya has proven itself to be a big hit with those craving an African experience like no other. The lucky occupants of the innovative structure made from raw local materials, will get to enjoy a private bedroom perched in the treetops with 360-degree views of the Laikipa landscape, but thats not all. After the days game viewing is over, guests are given the chance to get even closer to nature by sleeping in the open air atop the nest. Laid out on the top deck will be a freshly prepared bed, stocked with hot water bottles to snuggle up to when the air temperature drops. All that will keep you awake at night is the magical sound of the roaming wildlife down below.

segera.com/nay-palad-bird-nest/

Francesca Lynagh is a freelance news and lifestyle journalist. You can find her on her website or Instagram.
P olice have launched a murder investigation after a woman was stabbed in the neck in a suburban street in east London.

The victim, 44, was found with critical injuries on a pavement yards away from a childrens nursery in Norfolk Road, Ilford, at 7.09pm on Wednesday.

Shocked witnesses described how the woman was lying in front of a row of terraced houses with large gash wounds to her neck.

Emergency services battled to save her but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Crime scene: Police in the street in Ilford after the incident / NIGEL HOWARD

A 45-year-old man was arrested at an address in Newham on Thursday morning, Scotland Yard said.

One resident said: I was at home when I heard this terrible scream, it didnt seem real, I just thought it was kids messing around, then just a few minutes later I looked outside and there were all the police and paramedics. I think that scream must have been her.

The aftermath of the incident in Ilford (NIGEL HOWARD ) / NIGEL HOWARD

They did absolutely everything to try and save her, but they couldnt.

Its such a horrible thing to happen.

The woman was described by the witness as white, with light-coloured hair and a long coat.

She just looked like someone who would have been coming home from work. Its shocking, he added.

Police in Redbridge cordoned off Norfolk Road and Cameron Road while they investigated the incident with colleagues from the Homicide and Major Crime Command.

The woman's next of kin have since been informed.

A forensics tent was set up at the scene of the killing across the road from a childrens nursery.

One woman who lives near the childrens home said: Im just gobsmacked, its very, very shocking. Im very sorry for the poor girl.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "Police were called by London Ambulance Service (LAS) to Norfolk Road, Ilford at 19:09hrs on Wednesday, 3 January following reports of an unresponsive woman in the street.

"Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and found a 44-year-old woman with serious stab injuries. She was pronounced dead at the scene at 19:16hrs.

"Next of kin have been notified but formal identification awaits.

"A post-mortem examination will be held in due course."
O ne of Britains most prolific rapists John Worboys is to be freed from prison.

The former stripper and adult film star was jailed indefinitely in 2009, with a minimum term of eight years for drugging and sexually assaulting women passengers.

He was found guilty of assaulting 12 women during an 18-month reign of terror in the capital, but police said more women had come forward, and that his alleged victims numbered more than 100.

At his sentencing Worboys was told he would not be released until parole officials were convinced he did not pose a threat to women.

In a statement the Parole Board said: "We can confirm that a three member panel of the Parole Board has directed the release of Mr John Worboys, following an oral hearing.

"The arrangements for Mr Worboys' release will be managed by the Ministry of Justice."

Many of his victims were young women who had been drinking in trendy nightspots in the West End and Chelsea.

The cabbie offered them Champagne spiked with powerful sedatives to celebrate a fictional lottery win, backed up with a carrier bag stuffed full of cash.

The drugs left the women insensible and unable to protect themselves as he pounced on them in the back of the vehicle.

According to a Government website an indeterminate sentence has no fixed length and is given if a court thinks an offender is a danger to the public.

Yvonne Traynor, CEO of Rape Crisis South London, described the time Worboys spent in prison as "woefully short".

She said: "It feels far too soon for this dangerous and manipulative perpetrator to be released into the public having served this woefully short time in prison.

"He may be free to live amongst us but the women he raped will never be totally free from his despicable actions."

Additional reporting from the Press Association.
A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a young man was stabbed to death at a New Year's party in London.

An 18-year-old was arrested on Thursday at an address in Hackney and taken to an east London police station.

He is the second man to be arrested after the 20-year-old was stabbed in Islington at around 8.45pm on New Year's Day.

A 19-year-old man who was arrested later that day remains in custody, the Metropolitan Police said.

The attack was one of a string of stabbings that blighted the capital at the start of the year.

The victim has not yet been formally identified, but his next of kin have been informed.

A second 20-year-old man who was stabbed during the same incident remains in hospital in a critical condition.

Across the city, three other young men were also stabbed to death in unrelated attacks in the space of 24 hours.

A 17-year-old boy, named by police as Kyall Parnell, was stabbed to death at around 10.40pm in Tulse Hill, on New Year's Eve.

Taofeek Lamidi, 20, from Lambeth was stabbed in the heart in West Ham on the same night.

While an 18-year-old was knifed at 11.30am in Enfield, north London.

Five males, aged between 17 and 21, have been arrested in connection with the Enfield attack.

On Tuesday night, another 20-year-old was chased by a group of teenagers in Harrow before being stabbed 10 times in what Scotland Yard described as a vicious unprovoked attack.

He suffered significant blood loss, but survived the assault.
T wo teenagers have been arrested after a young man was stabbed to death in London on New Years Eve in one of the worst ever days for knife crime in the capital.

Kyall Parnell, 17, was attacked in front of horrified revellers on his way to a New Years Eve party and died in Tulse Hill, south London.

Police arrested two teenage boys, both aged 16, in connection to the killing on Thursday. One was arrested on suspicion of murder, the other on suspicion of violent disorder.

They remained in custody at police stations in south London today.

Mr Parnell suffered a single stab wound and died at the scene 22 minutes before midnight - one of four young men stabbed to death in just 15 hours.

A post-mortem examination on Tuesday gave a preliminary cause of death as a single stab wound to the heart, police said.

His mother Katrina paid tribute to her amazing son, who had recently enrolled on a bricklaying apprenticeship.

She said: He was loved. This shouldnt have happened. These boys need to stop doing what theyre doing.

My boy was amazing, he was smart. He had potential to go places. They would be calling me and telling me he was the smartest boy in the class.

He needed to be doing active things. He was good boy. These young boys need to stop and think, they need to look after each other. This is someones life.

The killing brought the total number of teenagers violently killed in London last year to 26. Twenty of those were stabbed.

Following the spate of New Year violence, which also saw fatal stabbings in Enfield, West Ham and Islington, Deputy Met Commissioner Craig Mackey issued a call to action to Londoners to help tackle knife crime.
T heresa May was today warned by Britains own European commissioner that she cannot have trade talks until the Cabinet is clear about what it wants from Brexit.

Julian King, who holds the blocs security portfolio, told the Standard it was too early for talks to move on to discussions about a future relationship.

We havent got there yet, Mr King said. I hope were going to get there quite soon, that we can start talking about the future relationship, the substance of the future relationship, in key areas like security. That will depend on the UK being reasonably clear about what it wants in different areas.

It will also depend on the EU27 clearing their minds on some of these issues. But I do hope that we can move reasonably quickly to look at this.

His remarks will disappoint Tory MPs hoping for quicker progress in laying the groundwork for the trade talks, which are due to start in March. On Monday Brexit Secretary David Davis said that early in the new year Britain would begin a deep and open exploratory dialogue to discover the right balance.

Theresa May believes free trade deal can be negotiated before Brexit day

Last month EU leaders agreed to start talks with the UK on a transition deal in the new year but said they wanted more clarity from the UK government before they would discuss a trade accord. Michel Barner, the European Commissions lead negotiator, said the bloc was prepared to offer the UK a free trade agreement along the lines of the EUs existing deals with Canada, Japan or South Korea, with separate agreements on judicial co-operation, aviation and security.

Mr King said security should be part of the relationship regardless of a final trade deal. Security is one of the areas, whatever else happens in the wider Brexit discussions, where there is a clear self-interest  a shared self-interest, of the EU27 on one side and the UK on the other  to find productive ways of continuing to work together as close as possible, he said.

The EU and UK have both insisted that security co-operation should be unconditional, a point Mrs May was forced to clarify after her Article 50 letter last March, which appeared to make the issue a trade-off for a future trade deal.

I take that to mean that they recognise that whatever else is going on in the Brexit negotiations, heres an area where we should try and find ways of continuing very close co-operation, Mr King said.

The career diplomat, who took up the job in 2016, said security co-operation could be agreed issue by issue  for example, by allowing the UK to work with the EUs police agency, Europol, or access its border control database, the Schengen Information System (SIS)  or in a more horizontal way.

The SIS, a repository of 75 million people and objects, was consulted more than 500 million times by UK authorities in 2016. Last summer, a government white paper said the EU and UK should intensify security co-operation, mentioning the SIS, Europol, the European arrest warrant and EU fingerprint and DNA systems.
T he Brexit vote was fuelled by a "backlash" from people unhappy about immigration and economic decline in the areas where they live, according to a new study.

The London School of Economics research found that those living in the county of their birth at the time of the 2016 referendum were 7 per cent more likely to back Leave than people who had moved away from their home area.

The finding appears to confirm the widespread belief that Brexit exposed a divide between cosmopolitan voters - including those characterised by Theresa May as "citizens of nowhere" - and people rooted in local communities.

But researchers found the "immobility effect" was not universal, resulting in increased support for Brexit only in areas which had experienced stagnating wages or a growth in their non-white British population in recent years.

Long-standing residents of counties which had performed well economically did not display the same tendency to prefer Brexit found among their stay-at-home counterparts in poorer areas.

"Someone born and living in somewhere like Merthyr Tydfil in Glamorgan, which has experienced weak wage growth since the recession, was more likely to support Brexit than someone born and still living in Oxfordshire, where the economy has performed better," explained the report's co-author Katy Morris.

"Our results show the need to spread opportunity more widely across the country."

LSE associate professor in economic geography Neil Lee said: "A common argument about Brexit is that it pitted geographically-mobile Remain supporters against locally-rooted individuals who supported Brexit.

"Our results suggest this is only partially true, and that the Brexit vote was a response by those who have not moved to changes in their local area."
A Tory MP who suggested Lambeth schoolchildren were more likely to end up in prison than university came under fire from local police and politicians today.

Lewes MP Maria Caulfield, who grew up on a South London council estate in the 1970s and 80s, made her comments while defending the appointment of controversial free schools pioneer Toby Young to a universities role.

She tweeted: As a working class kid who went to school in the socialist state of Lambeth where more kids end up in prison than university, why the outrage at the appointment of [Toby Young]? Hes set up schools that have helped thousands of working class kids.

Ms Caulfield, a former NHS nurse, later qualified her remarks to clarify she had been referring to her own school.

But she added: Sad that people dont want to listen to realities of how tough it was growing up in most notorious red light district of South London.

The Tory MP was immediately criticised for her inaccurate and offensive remarks that played into a false stereotype of young people in the borough, which has long suffered from one of the highest youth crime rates in the capital.

Metropolitan Police Supt Roy Smith tweeted: To suggest the majority of kids in Lambeth end up in prison is inaccurate, offensive and unfair to the majority of wonderful young people in the borough despite in some circumstances having a range of personal challenges.

London Assembly member Florence Eshalomi accused the MP of sitting in your ivory tower throwing stones while local residents pointed out the part of Lambeth she was referring to had Tory MPs until 1992, although the council has long been held by Labour.

Streatham MP Chuka Umunna described the remarks as offensive garbage and urged Ms Caulfield: Provide the evidence and, if you cant, provide an apology.

He added: These comments are not only offensive but factually wrong. I grew up and went to school in Lambeth and no one denies too many young people in Lambeth go through the criminal justice system or that prostitution has historically been a problem.

But to make sweeping generalisations that reinforce stereotypes in this way is totally out of order.

Ms Caulfield suggested her critics had misinterpreted her tweet, telling the Standard: My tweet is about MY experience of growing up as a working class kid in South London where there was little or no expectations for kid like me.

The only careers advice given to me was how to get on the council housing register and as a result very few people I grew up with, including me, never went to university. In fact more people I knew went to prison than university.

The area is a very different place nearly forty years later and many of us who grew up three left once the area became gentrified as we could not afford to stay. It is sad that people want to dismiss the experiences of the working class community I grew up in. Perhaps the reaction from Labour politicians shows just why they are losing the working class vote in this country.
A Grand Designs family who created their dream eco-home were left devastated after a blaze ravaged the property.

Friends have appealed to strangers to donate via a Just Giving page to help the Dale family rebuild their Pembrokeshire home.

Simon and Jasmine Dale earned the title of Britain's cheapest home after their sustainable house cost just 27,000 to create.

But the house, in the Lammas eco village, burned to the ground on New Year's Day after fire crews battled the flames for six hours.

The couple had been working on their sustainable home for six years / Channel 4

The couple had been working on the three-bedroom family home for six years, and started with just 500 in the bank.

It was hailed by presenter Kevin McCloud as "the cheapest house ever built in the Western Hemisphere" when it appeared on the channel 4 television series in 2016.

Now friends have asked for 20,000 to help the family recreate their home.

Kevin McCloud hailed the build as the 'cheapest home in Britain' / Channel 4

Jane Wells wrote on Just Giving: "Simon, Jasmine and their two children have been residents at Lammas eco village, Pembrokeshire, since the start of the project.

"They have been working on their family home for the last 6 years. This beautiful building was featured on Grand Designs last year.

"Sadly a fire started on New Year's day and their beloved home was burned to the ground. Luckily no one was hurt but as you can imagine, the family are devastated."

The Dales dreamed of living off the land with their children in the sustainable village.

The house was built into the hillside, and created using reclaimed materials such as glass and timber and insulated with sheep's wool.

They had previously lived on the same land in a one-room Hobbit-style house.

The crowdfunding page has raised more than 3,000 since it was launched on Tuesday.
C ontroversial columnist Katie Hopkins has joined right-wing Canadian website The Rebel Media after exiting her post at the Mail Online.

Ms Hopkins will write a regular column as well as posting video commentaries and filing investigative reports through a new website called Hopkins World.

Tommy Robinson, founder of the English Defence League, is also a contributor to the site, where he writes regular anti-Muslim columns.

In her first column, she wrote: "The aim of Hopkins World is to tell the stories not being told.

"And to help your voice be heard at a time when too many of us feel the list of things we can't say is longer than the list of things we can.

"When so many platforms are under the control of the Saudis, tied to fickle commercial advertisers or beholden to special interests and religious lobbyists, it is a real thrill to find a place for us to speak without censorship.

"If you hear yourself saying: 'I'm not supposed to say this, but ... ' then I am here to reassure you that you are. Your views matter. You matter."

After leaving the Mail Online, it emerged the site had paid substantial damages and legal costs to a teacher whom Ms Hopkins falsely claimed had taken her students to an anti-Trump rally.

In May last year, Hopkins also left her job at broadcaster LBC.

The radio station declined to comment on her departure but it came in the wake of her tweet calling for a "final solution" following the Manchester Arena bombing that left 22 people dead.

The wording echoed the Nazi term for the eradication of Jews in concentration camps during the Second World War.

She later deleted the tweet and re-posted it with the words "true solution".

The Rebel Media was founded by Canadian broadcasters and political activist Ezra Levant.
P olice officers have been accused of ignoring the needs of menstruating women held in custody, with a watchdog saying the neglect amounts to a breach of human rights.

The Independent Custody Visiting Association (ICVA) said women are being left without access to sanitary products and often do not have a female guard to speak to.

It said some on their period have been stripped of underwear and clothing, made to wear a paper suit and refused any sanitary protection.

It called on the Government, which states that all detainees should be treated with dignity, to introduce clear guidelines to protect the dignity of women.

The Home Office said it will work with the ICVA "to understand where improvements can be made".

The ICVA: Year on year, official inspections have shown that police forces across England and Wales are falling short of the standards on female detainees.

The group, a Home Office-funded organisation that monitors the treatment of those held in prison, said: We are calling on Amber Rudd, UK Home Secretary, and the Minister for Women and Equalities, Justine Greening, to take urgent action to protect the dignity rights of women and girls having their periods in police custody.

It said women are frequently left without the assistance of female offices, without facilities for washing and without tampons or sanitary towels.

In a letter to Mrs Rudd, the group also calls for more privacy for menstruating women to allow them to be able to change their sanitary protection without being watched on CCTV.

Sherry Ralph, the chief operating officer, said custody suites "typically only have one absorbency of tampon and towel available".

Katie Kempen, Chief Executive of the ICVA added: Dignity in the cells must mean dignity for all. No woman or girl should be left bleeding in a cell in indignity simply for want of a difficult conversation or an inexpensive box of tampons.

Sanitary: The watchdog is calling for guidelines outlining how menstruating women should be treated (Shutterstock) / Shutterstock/Birgit Reitz-Hofm

The ICVA statement said, according to legal opinion, failure to ensure access to safe and adequate sanitary protection in police stations is likely to breach human rights standards, including the Human Rights Act 1998 and the Equality Act 2010.

It added that it could amount to degrading treatment under international human rights law.

Martyn Underhill, Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner and chair of the ICVA, said: Forces must be given clear guidance and adequate support to ensure that the rights of women and girls in custody are met both on paper and in practice.

ICVA stands ready to work with Ministers and officers on the ground to better protect women from degrading and undignified treatment in custody.

A Home Office spokeswoman said: Everyone who is held in custody should be treated with dignity and have their needs respected.

"That is why we are working closely with the Independent Custody Visiting Association and the National Police Chiefs Council to understand where improvements can be made on this issue.
D onald Trumps lawyers are trying to stop the release of an explosive new book that contains sensational claims about the US leaders presidency.

Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, by Michael Wolff, is set to be released on Tuesday. But after extracts from the book were made public, the White House has been thrown into a frenzy.

In a legal notice published by the Washington Post, Attorney Charles J Harder instructed the book's publisher to immediately cease and desist from any further publication, release or dissemination of the book.

It comes after Mr Trumps lawyers threatened legal action against ex-chief strategist Steve Bannon, accusing him of violating a non-disclosure agreement and defaming the president in speaking to Mr Wolff.

Trump's lawyers threatened legal action against ex-chief strategist Steve Bannon, accusing him of violating a non-disclosure agreement / AFP

The new book is said to give a behind-the-scenes look at the tumultuous first months of the US presidents administration  and contains a string of embarrassing and potentially damaging claims.

These include allegations that Mr Trump goes to bed with a cheeseburger at 6.30pm and watches three televisions at once.

The book also alleges that he was scared of the White House and told staff not to touch anything  especially his toothbrush, because he reportedly fears being poisoned.

Mr Wolff, a contributing editor to The Hollywood Reporter, also alleges that Mr Trump tried to seduce the wives of his friends.

The book, due out on Tuesday, is said to be based on more than 200 interviews with confidants and senior White House staff.

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said the book was filled with false and misleading accounts.

The cease and desist letter from Mr Trumps lawyers described some of the claims as defamatory.

The letter to Mr Bannon said he had violated a non-disclosure agreement and accuses him of defaming the president in speaking to Mr Wolff.

In a statement, the same attorney, of the firm Harder Mirell & Abrams, said: This law firm represents President Donald J Trump and Donald J Trump for President, Inc.

On behalf of our clients, legal notice was issued today to Stephen K Bannon, that his actions of communicating with author Michael Wolff regarding an upcoming book give rise to numerous legal claims including defamation by libel and slander, and breach of his written confidentiality and non-disparagement agreement with our clients. Legal action is imminent.

But it is Bannons attack on Mr Trumps son, Donald Jr, and his son-in-law Jared Kushner over their notorious Trump Tower meeting with a Russian lawyer during the election campaign that appears to have struck a particular cord with the president.

British music publicist Rob Goldstone brokered the June 2016 meeting with Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya after telling Donald Jr that she had information that would incriminate Hillary and her dealings with Russia and would be very useful to your father.

At the time, Mr Trump Jr wrote I love it about the prospects of seeing the material.

The three senior guys in the campaign thought it was a good idea to meet with a foreign government inside Trump Tower in the conference room on the 25th floor with no lawyers, Bannon said, according to a copy of an advance copy of Wolffs book.

Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad shit, and I happen to think its all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately, Bannon added.

He also said he believed that the Russians were taken to see Trump after the meeting.

The chance that Don Jr did not walk these jumos up to his fathers office on the twenty-sixth floor is zero, Bannon says in the book.

Earlier yesterday, Mr Trump fired off a scathing tweet about his former friend, saying: Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my Presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind.

Steve doesnt represent my base - hes only in it for himself.
M elania Trump has been forced to deny claims she cried in despair when it became clear her husband would win the US presidential election in 2016.

The First Ladys spokesperson has hit out at a new book which alleges she was visibly upset when the night began going well for Donald Trump.

In author Michael Wolffs book Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, he claims the Trump team had been convinced they would lose to Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

"Shortly after 8 p.m. on Election Night, when the unexpected trend  Trump might actually win  seemed confirmed, Don Jr. told a friend that his father, or DJT, as he calls him, looked as if he had seen a ghost, writes Mr Wolff, in an excerpt published by New York magazine.

Melania was in tears  and not of joy, he adds.

Donald Trump's victory speech after winning US election

Mrs Trumps communications director has dismissed the book, saying it is clearly going to be sold in the bargain fiction section.

Stephanie Grisham said: Mrs Trump supported her husband's decision to run for president and in fact, encouraged him to do so. She was confident he would win and was very happy when he did.

The president himself previously defended his wifes attitude in a tweet in November.

He said: Melania, our great and very hard working First Lady, who truly loves what she is doing, always thought that 'if you run, you will win.' She would tell everyone that, 'no doubt, he will win.
P olice are investigating the theft of a bottle of vodka which is said to be the most expensive in the world.

The bottle of Russo-Baltique which was stolen from Cafe 33 bar in Copenhagen is priced at 960,000.

Danish police said it is too early to say whether the perpetrator had broken in or used a key.

Nothing else was stolen.

Denmark's TV2 said the bottle was made with 6.6lbs of gold and the equivalent amount of silver, with a diamond-encrusted cap.

Bar owner Brian Ingberg, whose bar has 1,200 vodka bottles, told Denmark's Ekstra Bladet tabloid that the bottle resembles a vintage car front.

Mr Ingberg said the bottle was uninsured and on loan from a Russian businessman.
S uspected Russian jets were reported to have killed at least 20 people today when they bombed two residential buildings in a besieged rebel enclave near Damascus.

Residents and a war monitor said at least four bombs were reported to have flattened the buildings in Misraba, also wounding more than 40, while at least 10 people were killed in aerial strikes in nearby towns.

The towns are in Eastern Ghouta, the last major rebel stronghold near Syrias capital. Eleven women and a child were among the dead in the strike in Misraba, the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Video uploaded by activists showed rescue workers pulling women and children from the rubble.

The footage could not be independently confirmed. Pictures also emerged of bloodied children being treated on hospital beds.

A child receives treatment after the bombing / AFP

Backed by Russian strikes, Syrian regime forces have escalated attacks on Eastern Ghouta in recent months, seeking to tighten a siege that residents and aid workers say is a deliberate use of starvation as a weapon of war.

The UN says about 400,000 civilians besieged in the region face complete catastrophe because aid deliveries have been blocked and hundreds of people who need medical evacuation have not been allowed to leave.

Jets bombed Harasta, a town in the Eastern Ghouta, when rebels this week overran a major base that was still held by the Syrian army inside the enclave. Local people said the regime had used the base to pound residential areas.

A Syrian man and a child, who were injured in shelling on the town of Misraba, receive treatment at a make-shift hospital / AFP

Human rights groups have accused Russia of being responsible for the deaths of thousands of civilians since its intervention two years ago turned the tide of war in favour of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad.

Scores of hospitals and civil defence centres have been bombed in what the opposition says is a scorched earth policy to paralyse life in rebel-held areas. Moscow denies targeting civilians and says it only attacks hardline Islamists. The Syrian government denies using hunger as a weapon.

Last month President Vladimir Putin ordered a significant withdrawal of troops from Syria when he made a surprise visit to an airbase in the country, declaring victory in Russias military campaign and indicating Mr Assad was all but certain to win the near-seven-year war against rebels that has killed an estimated 400,000 people.

But on December 31, at least seven Russian planes were destroyed by rebel shelling at the Khmeimim airbase, the Russian daily Kommersant reported last night. At least four Su-24 bombers, two Su-35S fighters, an An-72 transport plane, and an ammunition depot were destroyed, Kommersant said, citing two military-diplomatic sources.

The attack would mark the single biggest loss of military hardware for Russia since it launched airstrikes in autumn 2015. Russias defence ministry denied the aircraft were blown up but said two Russians died in a mortar attack on the base by rebels, the TASS news agency reported.@MichaelRHowie
R esidents in the San Francisco Bay Area were shaken from their slumber by a magnitude 4.4 earthquake.

The quake struck in the early hours around 2 miles (3 kilometres) from Berkeley, according to the US Geological Survey.

It was felt over a wide area, with many people tweeting that they had felt the tremors on Thursday.

There was no major damage caused after the quake hit at 2.39am local time (10.39 GMT).

The epicentre of the earthquake was just across the bay from San Francisco, at a depth of 8 miles (13 kilometres).

While initial reports suggested a magnitude of 4.7, this was quickly downgraded.

Many people tweeted that they had felt the tremor, with posts showing some were disturbed up to 40 miles (64 kilometres) north and south of the site, the Associated Press reported.

The Mayor of Berkeley warned residents to be wary of aftershocks.

Local rail company Bay Area Rapid Transit reported no damage on lines and early delays in service were clear by 5.30am, the agency said.

Jack Boatwright, a geophysicist with the USGS Earthquake Science Center in Menlo Park, said the shaking from the quake "seemed a little weak, about half as strong as what you would expect."

He told the Chronicle that by 4.15am, there had been no aftershocks, which he called "a good sign. It may mean less likelihood of a larger earthquake to follow."
P resident Donald Trump today fired a cease and desist demand at his former righthand man as he tried to fight back against sensational new claims about his presidency.

His lawyers threatened legal action against ex-chief strategist Steve Bannon, accusing him of violating a non-disclosure agreement and defaming the president in speaking to Michael Wolff, the author of Fire And Fury: Inside The Trump White House.

The explosive new book is said to give a behind-the-scenes look at the tumultuous first months of the US presidents administration  and contains a string of embarrassing and potentially damaging claims.

These include allegations that Mr Trump goes to bed with a cheeseburger at 6.30pm and watches three televisions at once.

The book also alleges that he was scared of the White House and told staff not to touch anything  especially his toothbrush, because he reportedly fears being poisoned.

Mr Wolff, a contributing editor to The Hollywood Reporter, also alleges that Mr Trump tried to seduce the wives of his friends.

Trump's lawyers threatened legal action against ex-chief strategist Steve Bannon, accusing him of violating a non-disclosure agreement / AFP

The book, due out on Tuesday, is said to be based on more than 200 interviews with confidants and senior White House staff.

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said the book was filled with false and misleading accounts.

The cease and desist letter from Mr Trumps lawyers described some of the claims as defamatory.

The letter to Mr Bannon says he has violated a non-disclosure agreement and accuses him of defaming the president in speaking to Mr Wolff.

Trump to Kim: My nuclear button is bigger than yours

In a statement, Charles J. Harder, of the firm, Harder Mirell & Abrams, said: This law firm represents President Donald J Trump and Donald J Trump for President, Inc.

On behalf of our clients, legal notice was issued today to Stephen K Bannon, that his actions of communicating with author Michael Wolff regarding an upcoming book give rise to numerous legal claims including defamation by libel and slander, and breach of his written confidentiality and non-disparagement agreement with our clients. Legal action is imminent.

In the letter to Mr Bannon, the lawyer writes: You [Bannon] have breached the Agreement by, among other things, communicating with author Michael Wolff about Mr Trump, his family members, and the company, disclosing confidential information to Mr Wolff, and making disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements to Mr Wolff about Mr Trump, his family members, and the company, knowing that they would be included in Mr Wolffs book and publicity surrounding the marketing and sale of his book.

Remedies for your breach of the agreement include but are not limited to monetary damages, injunctive relief and all other remedies available at law and equity, he adds, although no financial amount is disclosed.

But it is Bannons attack on Mr Trumps son, Donald Jr, and his son-in-law Jared Kushner over their notorious Trump Tower meeting with a Russian lawyer during the election campaign that appears to have struck a particular cord with the president.

British music publicist Rob Goldstone brokered the June 2016 meeting with Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya after telling Donald Jr that she had information that would incriminate Hillary and her dealings with Russia and would be very useful to your father.

At the time, Mr Trump Jr wrote I love it about the prospects of seeing the material.

The three senior guys in the campaign thought it was a good idea to meet with a foreign government inside Trump Tower in the conference room on the 25th floor with no lawyers, Bannon said, according to a copy of an advance copy of Wolffs book.

Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad shit, and I happen to think its all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately, Bannon added.

He also said he believed that the Russians were taken to see Trump after the meeting.

The chance that Don Jr did not walk these jumos up to his fathers office on the twenty-sixth floor is zero, Bannon says in the book.

Earlier yesterday, Mr Trump fired off a scathing tweet about his former friend, saying: Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my Presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind.

Steve doesnt represent my base - hes only in it for himself.
T his Mornings Eamonn Holmes has slammed NHS Spongers for not taking responsibility for their own health.

During a discussion on Thursdays episode of the chat show, the 58-year-old raged about the strain placed on hospitals and staff in the healthcare system

The debate came after secretary of state for health Jeremy Hunt apologised for cancelling thousands of non-urgent operations yesterday.

Holmes explained that he had fallen ill while in Ireland over Christmas and was in disbelief when he was told by his doctor he could claim back 1.80 for over-the-counter tablets.

(Responsibility: Holmes blasts people taking advantage of the NHS (ITV)) / Responsibility: Holmes blasts people taking advantage of the NHS (ITV)

The TV personality branded those who claim money back from doctors for medication they could buy at a local supermarket spongers, saying people needed to take responsibility for their own health.

Holmes became even more wound up when his point that Accident and Emergency Departments could be split up into sections to help quicken the system was questioned.

He said: A&E is really bad and we need to rethink it. If I need a tyre replaced I will go to a unit who will change it. You should be told, Window one, legs; window two, appendix; window three, legs.

(Feisty Holmes: Viewers praised him for his "feisty" comments (ITV)) / Feisty Holmes: Viewers praised him for his "feisty" comments (ITV)

When asked how recently hed been to A&E, he fought back: Ill tell you mate-the last time I was in A&E was a few weeks ago when my mum had to be in a corridor. Thats when! Viewers took to social media to praise Holmes for his great point on the system.

One user tweeted: Well said, Eamonn. Personal responsibility seems to be forgotten a bit!

A second tweeted: Eamonn getting feisty so he is!

Another wrote: Good work, Eamonn!
A t the Corq digital masterclass, founder Sara McCorquodale is trying to make digital literacy a little less mystifying.

Theres a lot of jargon flying around. Its in the interest of some people working in digital to keep people in the dark because theres a lot of money to be made out of other people not understanding digital.

Her aim is to decode the mechanisms behind social media and to empower people to understand everything about the digital world, so that they can go away and make a difference. In a nutshell, shes like a human Google Translate, but for translating the world of Google. Going on a digital detox is a common new years resolution, but it could be that what you need is a digital retox. Hence, the masterclass.

The geeks inherited the Earth decades ago, but a lot of us are still struggling with the new language. Britain is split by a digital divide: between glossy, Instagram-savvy influencers who monetise their every move, and those who think a filter is for particularly high-spec fish tanks. Even millennials, confident web surfers who grew up with the internet, can find themselves all at sea with Snapchat. We need to use tech better, both for our mental wellbeing and to be more effective. Thats where digital masterclasses come in.

Sara McCorquodale

McCorquodales lasts a day and costs 175. The next is at Second Home in Spitalfields on January 9. McCorquodale worked on the launch of Mail Online and was Tatlers first ever digital editor before going to AOL to head up Huffington Post Style and its sister lifestyle platform, MyDaily.

The first thing she recommends is mapping your platforms of choice. She mentions YouTube (for targeting a young audience), Facebook (best for getting all-important click-through and more visitors to your page), Instagram (a digital shop window), Twitter (for those in news and current affairs), or Pinterest (lifestyle brands who need their social audience to convert). Snapchat, she says, has stagnated.

No question is too small. A woman in her forties asks what an audience is: People who follow you on social media channels. An influencer? An individual who has built an engaged audience around content about their life.

So, why bother? Two years ago this stuff didnt matter, agrees McCorquodale. Then it was like someone hit a switch. Now certain companies employ people who have demonstrable experience of building audiences. People are just tasked with making their company digitally brilliant, without necessarily any training. If youre going into a company right now with digital skills, people will find that encouraging.

This is all helpful if you yourself want to become a brand, she says. Are you a brand?, I ask my neighbour.

Everyones a brand, she replies. Look at todays teenagers. Followers are their currency.

Instagram launches new stories and archive

It helps that McCorquodale has chosen a beautiful corner of England to stage her retreat. The 90-minute journey to Kesgrave Hall in Suffolk by train from Liverpool Street is like travelling through the Windows XP background of your old PC (the last computer I truly got to grips with), all rolling green hills and blue sky. Were firm believers that headspace and actual space go hand-in-hand, says McCorquodale. Ive been to training centres and the only thing I ever felt afterwards was dehydrated.

Theres a handy breakdown of tools to better understand your audience with. Google Analytics provides basics for people on a limited budget; Omniture is used by bigger brands; Chartbeat is brilliant for real-time analytics.

10 best tech products of 2017 - in pictures 1 /13 10 best tech products of 2017 - in pictures Nintendo Switch If a piece of kit performed miracles this year, it was the Nintendo Switch. It turned around Nintendos ailing fortunes after the Wii U tanked, redefined what a games console could be, and delivered two of the very best games of recent years in Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey. The Switch is a pure joy to play, with an ethos of sharing your games with the people around you. It works equally brilliantly when docked for TV play, and on the surprisingly crisp tablet screen, and its games library is already formidable. A genuine triumph. TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Sonos One Over a year since Amazons Alexa assistant launched in the UK, asking a speaker to play you a song is second nature. But while the Amazon Echo has reasonable sound quality and volume, it cant compete with multi-room audio champs Sonos. Then along came the Sonos One, building Alexa right into a Sonos speaker. The results are still slightly buggy (the software is constantly being updated and improved), but for audiophiles this is the must-have smart speaker out there right now. Sonos iPhone X After a few years of playing it safe with the iPhone, Apple took a bigger leap with the iPhone X. Removing the home button was only the first step, with a screen that stretches across the full face of the device. Then there was the controversial notch design, with a black bar at the top of the screen housing major new facial-recognition hardware. While Android and Apple will always have their die-hards, the iPhone X seemed to resonate clearly as something new  so much so that Samsung is said to be preparing its Galaxy S9 handset for an early launch to fire back as soon as possible. Apple Sky Soundbox While TV displays are getting better and better, sound quality is facing a different problem. Getting some kind of soundbar or additional speaker is practically a necessity to combat thin, tinny speakers in slim TVs  and Skys answer is ingenious. If youre a Sky Q customer, Skys own Soundbox is a no-brainer. Its got the credentials thanks to a partnership with audio experts Devialet, but its the way it works in tandem with Skys top-of-the-range TV package that truly marks it out. The box can enhance dialogue and muffle gunshot sounds in your chosen shows, and Sky customers get it at the bargain knocked-down price of 249. Sky Sony Xperia Touch This years smartest screen wasnt actually a screen at all. Sony unveiled the Xperia Touch projector, which turns any surface into an interactive display. Its not the most practical invention of the year  the set-up is fiddly and the calibration and scaling on it is limited  and its 1400 price tag is eye-popping. Still, the future implications of a finger-tracking projector with touch screen capabilities are hugely exciting. Sony Sphero R2-D2 Two years ago Sphero launched the years must-have Christmas toy  an adorable gyroscopic BB-8 droid from Star Wars. But as loveable as the android star of the new saga is, you cant knock the classics. This year Sphero gave fans what they really wanted  an app-controlled R2-D2 that beeps, boops, and screams its away across your living room at the push of a button. Is it a life-changing bit of kit? No. Is it happiness in a box? Yes. Sphero Sony Bravia A1 TV As 4K and HDR became the dominant screen technologies, Sony went ahead and redesigned every other part of the TV with its flagship Bravia A1 range. The easel-like frame makes this a ridiculously stylish telly, with thin-bezel edges that make it more akin to a sharp and vibrant free-standing window into the world of whatever youre watching. Its also tackles the tinny sound problem with Acoustic Surface technology, which pumps audio out from behind the whole screen. Amazon Kindle Oasis Once you get the not-so-small matter of price out of the way, the Kindle Oasis offers the ultimate e-reader upgrade: you can read it in the bath without fear of breaking it. Yes, Amazon has made a waterproof Kindle that can survive being submerged, and the squat design is more book-like than previous Kindles. The basic 60 version is still a bargain, but this luxury model shows Amazon has impressive upgrades for people willing to spend more on their e-reader. Amazon Xbox One X If Nintendo brought flexible fun with the Switch, Microsofts Xbox One upgrade brings the muscle. The Xbox One X pushes console gaming towards the PC realm with this compact and powerful 4K machine. Whether or not it turns around Microsofts fortunes as it continues to struggle against the market dominance of Sonys PS4 remains to be seen, but the One X really lives up to its promise of the worlds most powerful console. Microsoft Fujifilm Instax SQ10 Considering the ubiquitous popularity of Instagram, its almost baffling that a product like the Instax SQ10 didnt make its way to fruition until now. Better late than never, this square-format not-so-instant camera can print Polaroid-style pics on the fly, but is also a digital camera that means you can check your pics before committing them to film. Its not perfect  the next version should include Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, while many of the digital filters make your printed photos too dark. But this was the hottest summer snapper of the year, and a brilliant fusing of old and new. Fujifilm

If you create content for an audience you have to talk to every day, and have conversations, the best thing you can do is look at what theyve liked up until that point and replicate it. If you have to do something which is demonstrably pleasing to the people who follow you, thats the best strategy. On another level, think about your calendar of whats coming up and creating content that takes into account what they like but pushes them further.

But that only goes so far. One of the major themes of 2018 is going to be things and brands that exist for a reason  so its more important to engage with issues that matter to people  being able to speak freely to your audience is only going to become more important.

Get connected. Only then will you win friends and truly influence people.

Find out more about the retreats at corq.studio

Follow Sam Fishwick on Twitter: @fish_o_wick
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The Netherlands is actively watching the developments in the area of the rule of law in Romania, and Ambassador Stella Ronner-Grubacic New Year's vacation was a "private" one, informs the diplomatic mission on its Facebook page.

The message came in the context in which, according to the central media, the Dutch Ambassador spent the New Year's vacation with the family of Nelu Iordache, who has recently been sentenced to prison, by the court of first instance, for fraudulent misuse of funds."Mrs Ambassador Stella Ronner-Grubacic and her family spent a private ski vacation in Poiana Brasov. Mrs Ronner-Grubacic did not go their as a Dutch official," reads the message.Moreover, the same message mentions that the hotel where the Ambassador's family stayed during the holiday "organized a dinner to celebrate New Year's Eve attended by hundreds of guests" and that "there was no prior consultation with the Ambassador on the seating arrangement.""The Netherlands actively pursues the developments of the rule of law in Romania, on which a recent statement was made, together with six other European countries, on 21st of December," says the message of the Dutch Embassy in Bucharest posted on Facebook.The Belgian, Danish, Finish, French, German, Dutch and Swedish Embassies in Romania all called on "all the parties involved" in the justice reform process "to avoid any such action that might weaken the independence of the judiciary and the fight against corruption."The representatives of these embassies also brought to mind at the reunion of the Council of December 12 that the European Union adopted certain resolutions regarding the Co-operation and Verification Mechanism (CVM) having to do with the reform of the judiciary and the fight against corruption in Romania. "The resolutions underscore the 'need for predictability, full transparency and inclusive consultations' when it comes to justice reform, according to the provisions of the European Commission report under the CVM. Moreover, the Council asks Romania to avoid any backward steps," the embassies pointed out in their message of December 21st.

Agerpres
The Nisibis War: The Defence of the Roman East, AD 337-363, by John S. Harrel Barnsley, Eng.: Pen & Sword / Philadelphia: Casemate Publishers, 2016. Pp. xiv, 274. Illus., maps, diagr., appends., notes, biblio., . $39.95. ISBN: 147384830X. The Collapse of Romes Eastern Frontier Retired U.S. Army major general Harrel has emulated many other former officers in pursuing military history. In The Nisibis War, his first book, he gives us an interesting look at one of the last great Romano-Persian Wars, the protracted struggle for Nisibis, in Mesopotamia, that began with a Persian offensive in AD 337 and went on more or less continuously until the Romans finally lost the city in 363. Harris devotes a considerable part of the book to the background of the war. He opens with a look at the nearly seven centuries of Romes wars with the Parthians and their successors, the Persians, both Iranic peoples. Harris then discusses the geographic setting and the contrasting two military systems. He stresses that by the fourth century the Romans were on the strategic defensive, although they maintained a penchant for an aggressive defense, and that internal prolems  notably usurpations  often complicated the Empries strategic options. The war of 337-363  which Harrel dubs the Nisibis War  unfolded in several phases. He covers these well, in some detail, as the fortunes of each side see-sawed over the years; the Persians, under the Shah Shapur II managed to besiege Nisibis three times, unsuccessfully, and although they took some other fortress cities, by 361, when the Emperor Constantius II died, had managed to retain only Amida. Harrels treatment of the events that followed the accession of the Emperor Julian in 361 is excellent, though perhaps his analysis of manpower figures is a bit generous. After a long preparation, Julians invasion of Persia in 363 opened well, with the Romans reaching the Persian capital, Ctesiphon. But Julians army proved weak in cavalry and his logistics were very poorly managed, which forced him to retreat. Then the emperor was killed in a skirmish. Jovian, his successor, chosen by the generals, was confronted with a hopeless situation, and after a nearly disastrous retreat, ceded vast territories to the Persians -- including Nisibis -- in return for peace, a peace which, with occasional breaks, actually lasted for more than a century. In The Nisibis War Harris offers us some excellent strategic analysis, helping explain the many military problems confronting the late empire, and evaluating the abilities of the respective armies and leaders, particularly the over-rated Julian, altogether providing us with a good account of a very confusing conflict, in an area still in contention. Note: The Nisibis War is also available in several e-editions ---///--- Reviewer: A. A. Nofi, Review Editor



Buy It At Amazon.com




The Burmese military denies it, but it appears the army response to the August 2017 Islamic terror attacks in Rakhine State were not just about seeking the perpetrators but another of the brutal army operations against civilians. For decades the army has used violence against civilians in the northern tribal areas (which includes Rakhine State) to weaken tribal rebels. These tactics include firing on pro-rebel villages, often with artillery and then sending it troops to burn down everything. The soldiers usually loot the place and kill or rape civilians as they please. Only about a third of the 1.1 Rohingya are still in Burma and over half of them fled since August 2017. Surveys of the 655,000 Rohingya refugees in Burma indicate that the two month army operation killed about 7,000 of the fleeing Rohingya. Most (about 70 percent) of those deaths were directly due to army violence. Some 15 percent of these were burned to death when their homes were destroyed and another seven percent were beaten to death by soldiers. Some two percent died when they encountered landmines near the border. The army claims only 400 civilians died but the evidence shows otherwise, as it has throughout the north for decades. But the violence was never on such a scale. The elected government in Burma is limited in what it can do because the post 2011 constitution (where the army gave up half a century of military rule) gave the military veto power over what the elected officials could do to the military. There is an ongoing effort to change that and some Burmese see the increased army violence in the north as part of an effort to delay changes to the 2011 constitution. The next major struggle between the government and the military will be how the agreement to take back the refugees is carried out. The military is aided by Buddhist radicals, who started the Rohingya expulsion effort in 2012. While the Buddhist clergy oppose the scale of the army violence against the Rohingya they do not support taking the refugees back. Whatever happens the repatriation process will be carefully scrutinized in Bangladesh and Burma.

The China Connection

And then there is China, which stands to gain influence in Burma if the Rohingya crises continues. Despite blocking UN resolution against Burma China is trying to make the best of a bad situation. This is about economics and politics. Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who won international praise for her decades of efforts to get Burmese democracy restored in 2011, now agrees with the Chinese pragmatism. She also believes China is the best alternative (for investment and essential imports) if international economic sanctions are again imposed on Burma, as they were until the generals gave up some of their power and allowed the 2011 elections. Suu Kyi has visited China three times to discuss economic matters. Meanwhile the Islamic world is demanding UN action against Burma. That is not going to happen as long as China backs Burma and China has recently made it clear that the support is still there. One obvious example was the 2017 agreement where China invests over seven billion dollars in upgrading Kyauk Pyu port in Rakhine State and the Burmese government agreed to let China control (via 70 percent ownership of the new port facilities) the upgraded port. China had wanted 85 percent but backed down because most Burmese wanted China to have much less control. Meanwhile the more the rest of the world pressures Burma on the Rohingya the more power the Burmese military gets back and the easier it is for China to make corrupt deals (which helped weaken the military before 2011) and restore ones that had been halted. It has become easier for China to establish itself as the primary source of weapons and military equipment in Burma and the return of economic sanctions makes China even more indispensable to Burma. The military interest in the tribal areas is now largely economic as the generals got rich off all sorts of scams in the north, especially after China began investing.

The Islamic Terrorist Threat

ARSA (Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army) is now calling for Rohingya to join with al Qaeda to fight the Burmese army and establish Rakhine State as the independent Moslem state of Arakan. This refers to the Arakan region, which is the coastal area that includes Rakhine State and the coastal area along the Bay of Bengal from eastern Bangladesh down into Burma. Some 1800 years ago Arakan became an independent Hindu state but 500 years later Islam spread to the area in part became Arakan was one of the many branches of the ancient Silk Road from China. The population was largely Bengali and Burmese. In the 18th century the Burmese kingdom to the east conquered the area but lost it to the British a century later and most of Arakan became part of nation of Burma by the time the British left in the late 1940s. For Islamic radicals Arakan, like Spain, Portugal and parts of the Balkans are still considered part of the Caliphate (Islamic Empire) because they had once been ruled by Moslems. The current inhabitants of these lost territories are now largely non-Moslem and have no interest in becoming Islamic states again. Groups like al Qaeda see an opportunity in Burma. Islamic terrorists first showed up in late 2016 and August 2017 when there were attacks by a Rohingya Islamic terrorist group called ARSA. Its founder (a Rohingya expatriate) and much of the cash came from Saudi Arabia. Burma prefers to call groups like ARSA Islamic terrorists but until ARSA and the Saudi cash showed up there had not been much, if any, religious aspect to the armed Rohingya resistance. ARSA was openly calling for Rohingya worldwide to support a war against Burma for the bad treatment the Rohingya have received, especially since 2012. Until this new document appeared ARSA had denied any connection with al Qaeda but that has apparently changed. The ARSA leader; Ataullah abu Ammar Jununi (or just Ata Ullah) has received more attention now that Islamic terror groups like al Qaeda are calling for its members to help ARSA and the Burmese Rohingya any way they can. Since August 2017 there have been no more large scale ARSA attacks but the government blamed ARSA for the deaths of 18 Rohingya village chiefs who had agreed to help the government determine who is eligible for official ID cards among the returning Rohingya refugees. There is no proof of ARSA involvement in these murders (or accidental deaths) and ARSA does not appear to have a lot of support among Moslems in Burma or Bangladesh. Meanwhile Bangladesh is attempting to register all the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and for most of these Rohingya they would receive official ID for the first time or replace ID lost during their flight from Burma. That is supposed to aid in returning these refugees to Burma.

January 1, 2018: In the north (Shan state) fighting resumed between the army and SSA-N tribal rebels. This is another rebel group that has refused to participate in peace talks.

December 31, 2017: In the north the KIA (Kachin Independence Army) rebels have selected new, younger, leaders to replace the older ones who are blamed for recent losses to the military. The KIA still controls large portions of Kachin state but the army has increased its attacks, apparently because most attention is on the Rohingya situation.

December 25, 2017: In the north (Kachin State) the army renewed its offensive against the KIA tribal rebels near the Chinese border. Troops attacked in several areas and artillery fired on the KIA headquarters near the border. The army continued attacking into January and several thousand civilians fled their homes. This appears to be an effort to halt illegal (not paying a tax to the army) mining of amber and gold, which helps finance the KIA, which has refused to participate in peace talks.

December 24, 2017: At the UN China and Russia blocked efforts to punish Burma because of the mistreatment of the Burmese Rohingya Moslems.

December 21, 2017: In the north (Shan State) about fifty KIA and TNLA tribal rebels attacked an area through which the Chinese oil and natural gas pipelines passed and were repulsed by the army before any damage could be done to the pipelines.

December 19, 2017: Burma and Bangladesh signed an agreement than has Burma taking back most of the 655,000 Burmese Rohingya Moslems that had fled to Bangladesh (after October 9, 2016). Actually about 700,000 Rohingya refugees are eligible but most of them are in Bangladesh. The Rohingya fled to get away from anti-Moslem violence. Burma began building two processing centers on the Bangladesh border and these were nearly completed by the end of the year. The reception centers begin operation on January 22nd. The returning refugees will be resettled in Rakhine state and receive economic and other foreign aid to rebuild their lives. Unfortunately many (if not most) of the Burmese Rohingya are not willing to return because the anti-Rohingya violence has not subsided and Burma is demanding identity documents that most of the refugees do not possess. There is also some dispute over exactly how many Rohingya refugees there are with some estimates indicating a million or more.

December 16, 2017: ARSA released a document on the Internet calling for Rohingya to join with al Qaeda to fight the Burmese army and establish Rakhine State as an independent Moslem state of Arakan. The document apparently existed since September 2017 but now it has been made public.

December 6, 2017: Bangladesh believes that most of the methamphetamine pills smuggled into the country since July have been smuggled in by men pretending to be Rohingya refugees or were Rohingya hired to make some money by carrying the pills across the border. Police reports indicate that about half of the 1,000 mules (civilians) hired to get pills across the border during that period were refugees. During that period police seized half a million pills when they arrested 70 smugglers and most of the smugglers were real or pretend Rohingya refugees. Called "yaba" ("crazy drug") locally, most of the methamphetamine pills are smuggled out via Thailand but a lot of it goes directly to China and Bangladesh. Since 2010 production of yaba tablets has soared. The meth labs are easier to conceal than poppy fields (opium is the sap of poppy plants) and the meth labs are believed to produce several hundred million tablets a year. The tribal rebels, especially ethnic Chinese tribes (like the Wa) use the profits to buy more weapons for their fighters, and run their rebel organizations.

December 5, 2017: In Afghanistan Afghan and American Special Forces killed Omar Khetab, the deputy leader of AQIS (Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent). AQIS is making some headway in Burma via ARSA. Technically Afghanistan is not part of AQIS territory but it has become a more reliable base area (for training camps) than Pakistan or anywhere else in South Asia. AQIS was created in 2014 and initially tried to establish its headquarters in Karachi, long a haven for all sorts of criminal activity and forged alliances with the major Islamic terrorist organizations there. Yet AQIS has been responsible for very few terror attack in Pakistan or anywhere else. AQIS was created to manage and support operations in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India and Burma. Islamic terrorism experts believe this was largely a publicity stunt by al Qaeda to counter the growing popularity of the more radical ISIL. Indian Moslems have produced some recruits for Islamic terrorism, but not enough to produce the level of mayhem Islamic terrorists wanted. Lacking a lot of radical clergy and religious schools India has simply not produced a lot of radicalized young men willing to kill and be killed. Similar recruiting problems were encountered elsewhere but other Al Qaeda groups have continued to provide enough cash and other assistance to keep AQIS going and barely visible. The Afghan training camps were a major AQIS asset and the recent losses there will hamper AQIS everywhere it has a presence. That includes Burma.
The Tauranga man killed in a crash on the Maungatapu Bridge early on New Years Day has been named.

Western Bay of Plenty road policing manager acting Senior Sergeant Wayne Hunter told SunLive this morning the man was 69-year-old Bronc Taepa, of Maungatapu.

Mr Taepa died in a two car crash on the bridge at about 2.15am.

Police are unable to give any further details about the crash until they have the results of an autopsy, says Wayne.

The Serious Crash Unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
China's semiconductor industry has picked up the pace, achieving double-digit growth last year. Part of this is due to the Chinese government pouring funds into the manufacture of ICs through the "National Integrated Circuit Industry Development Program." It is through this program that Via Alliance Semiconductor has announced it has entered into a joint venture with Zhaoxin Semiconductor which will be producing an x86-64 SoC.

The KX-5000 CPU will come in four- and eight-core versions. According to Chinese tech website EEFocus, the chips will feature integrated graphics, HD video decoding, SATA and USB controllers, PCIe 3.0 interfaces and a dual-channel DDR4 memory controller, all on a TSMC-made 28nm process. Zhaoxin says the chips will clock in at 2GHz.

EEFocus was not forthcoming with any other details but Tech Report notes that Via is known for designs focused on low-cost and power efficiency and expects the chip to perform similarly to Intel's Atom cores.

The KX-5000 is only the first in a line of KX SoCs that Zhaoxin has planned. In the coming years, we can expect to see a KX-6000 and KX-7000. The 6000 will use essentially the same architecture as the 5000 but will be compressed onto a 16nm process. It is also looking to increase the clock speed to 3.0GHz and will support DDR4-3200 RAM.

The KX-7000's forecast is understandably a bit vague since it is still a ways out but Zhaoxin hopes to have it 40 to 50 percent faster with a new architecture. It may also support PCI Express 4.0 and DDR5 and be contained on a 7nm process according to Weiwenku, another Chinese tech site. With the KX-7000, Zhaoxin aspires compete with AMD's Zen processors.
Intel CEO Brian Krzanich could be in hot water if the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) decides to investigate his massive sell-off of company shares and options. The stock dump came about a month before news of the Meltdown and Spectre security vulnerabilities became public this week. However, Krzanich and Intel knew of the flaws before the sale was made.

According to Business Insider, Google informed Intel of the security flaws in June of last year. Krzanich sold $24 million in stocks and options back on November 29 although an Intel spokesperson claims the sale was part of a planned divestiture program (PDP) and had nothing to do with the vulnerabilities.

"Brian's sale is unrelated. [He] continues to hold shares in line with corporate guidelines."

The Intel boss only initiated the PDP sale in October meaning he was still aware of the problem when he planned the divestiture. What is even more fishy about the story is that this was not just a simple planned sale of a few stocks. Krzanich sold all of his Intel stock - except for 250,000 shares which he is required to hold as part of his employment contract - and exercised all of his stock options.

It is a relatively common practice for CEOs and other executives to put PDP plans into place to avoid being accused of insider trading in case something happens to occur around the time they sell off some shares. This particular sale was filed under Rule 10b5-1(c) with the SEC which is the rule governing planned divestitures. The transaction included 245,743 in stock plus another 644,135 shares he received by exercising his options. By law, the sale was legal.

However, according to the SEC filing, Krzanich only put that plan in place on October 30, 2017, meaning he knew about Meltdown and Spectre. Despite the representative stating the plan was unrelated, it certainly seems convenient for Krzanich that it occurred before news of the flaws caused shares to drop 3.4 percent on Wednesday. So far today, Intel is down another 2.42 percent with less than three hours of trading before close.

Even the Motley Fool was reporting back in December that the sale was raising red flags for them.

"Given that Krzanich seems to have sold all the shares he could save for those he is required by Intel's corporate bylaws to hold, the impression that I get is that Krzanich doesn't have a ton of faith in the potential for Intel stock to appreciate."

An SEC representative refused to comment on whether or not the commission was looking into the sale.
Several companies providing heating have announced price hikes due to inflation and soaring fuel prices. | Read More
Carline Dec-17 Dec-16 % Chg Dec-17 Dec-16 % Chg MTD MTD MTD YTD YTD YTD Forester 17,441 18,015 -3.2% 177,563 178,593 -0.6% Impreza 8,037 5,126 56.8% 86,043 55,238 55.8% WRX/STI 2,424 2,938 -17.5% 31,358 33,279 -5.8% Legacy 4,593 5,960 -22.9% 49,837 65,306 -23.7% Outback 18,248 20,695 -11.8% 188,886 182,898 3.3% BRZ 297 214 38.8% 4,131 4,141 -0.2% Crosstrek 12,302 10,229 20.3% 110,138 95,677 15.1% TOTAL 63,342 63,177 0.3% 647,956 615,132 5.3%

Subaru of America, Inc. today reported record-breaking sales of 647,956 vehicles for the 2017 calendar year; an increase of 5.4 percent over the previous annual record of 615,132 vehicles set in 2016. This is the ninth consecutive year of record sales for Subaru of America and tenth consecutive year of sales increases.The December sales total of 63,342 vehicles marks the automakers best-ever sales month, topping the previous best month of August 2017 (63,215). December also marks the tenth consecutive month of 50,000+ vehicle sales for the company.In 2017, Outback, Impreza and Crosstrek sales were notably strong as each achieved new annual sales records. Outback and Impreza finished the year with sales of 188,886 and 86,043, up 3.3 percent and 55.8 percent, respectively. Crosstrek, all-new for 2018, added 110,138 sales to the year-end total, while the Forester achieved 177,563 sales in 2017. Legacy added 49,837 annual sales. On the performance side, the automakers WRX and STI models achieved annual sales of 31,358.We closed 2017 with our ninth consecutive year of record sales and our tenth consecutive year of sales increases which underscores the successful growth the Subaru brand has enjoyed over this time, said Thomas J. Doll, president and COO of Subaru of America, Inc. Since 2008, our franchise has grown at a compound annual growth rate of about 15 percent per year and we have to thank our dedicated retailers, distributors, Subaru Corporation, as well as our passionate colleagues for their commitment in making these record breaking results possible.December represented the best month ever for Subaru of America, capping off the best year in the companys 50-year history, in both sales and market share, said Jeff Walters, senior vice president of sales. Subaru is well positioned to continue its success into 2018 with the all-new 3-row Ascent and an upcoming hybrid coming later this year, added Walters.December sales were bolstered by the annual Share the Love event where Subaru of America donates $250 for every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased to the customer's choice of the following charities: The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Make-A-Wish, Meals on Wheels America and National Park Foundation, or a hometown charity selected by participating Subaru retailers. Subaru hopes to exceed a grand total of $115 million donated since the creation of Share the Love to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the event in the automakers 50th anniversary in the U.S. Final 2017 Share the Love event donation results are expected in March. Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered at a zero-landfill office in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 620 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise , which is the companys vision to show love and respect to everyone, and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA has donated more than $120 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged more than 40,000 volunteer hours. As a company, Subaru believes it is important to do its part in making a positive impact in the world because it is the right thing to do.
Einstein Bros. Bagels Replaces Traditional Alarm Clock Sounds with Breakfast-Themed Wake-Up Tones







EDITOR'S NOTE: Maybe they should just concentrate on making better bagels, hmmmm.

LAKEWOOD, CO - January 4, 2018: Einstein Bros. Bagels announced today the launch of Wake-Up Tones, four limited-edition, downloadable alarm tones that mimic morning breakfast essentials, to help people wake up on the right side of the bed in time for the most important meal of the day  breakfast. Guests who visit www.EinsteinBros.com/WakeUp can download the free MP3 alarm tones directly to their mobile device and receive a coupon for a free egg sandwich with any purchase at an Einstein Bros. Bagels location.

The downloadable Wake-Up Tones are available in four essential morning sounds that start the day off right:

Bacon Sizzling  Nothing gets you out of bed faster than the sound of sizzling bacon in the morning. Start the day off with a sound so delicious, you can almost taste it

 Nothing gets you out of bed faster than the sound of sizzling bacon in the morning. Start the day off with a sound so delicious, you can almost taste it Coffee Brewing  Wake up and hear the coffee. The comforting hum of coffee brewing will make anyone a morning person

 Wake up and hear the coffee. The comforting hum of coffee brewing will make anyone a morning person Eggs Frying  Start your day sunny-side up with the sizzle of fresh-cracked eggs in the skillet

 Start your day sunny-side up with the sizzle of fresh-cracked eggs in the skillet Rooster Crowing  A rooster's crow signifies sunrise and, more importantly, breakfast! Wake up to the rooster's song each morning to prepare for the day ahead

"Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but so many of us allow it to become ordinary and mundane, repeating the same meal day in and out or, worse, skipping it altogether," said Kerry Coyne, Einstein Bros. Bagels SVP of Marketing, Product and R&D. "These alarms tones offer delicious motivation to get up on the right side of the bed and set your day up for success with a nutritious breakfast, made fresh and convenient."

In conjunction with the launch of Wake-Up Tones, Einstein Bros. Bagels is rolling out two new flavor-packed breakfast sandwiches at participating stores including:

Cheesy Wakin' Bacon  Choice of one or two Cage-Free Eggs, Thick-Cut Bacon, and Cheddar on a Six-Cheese Gourmet Bagel

 Choice of one or two Cage-Free Eggs, Thick-Cut Bacon, and Cheddar on a Six-Cheese Gourmet Bagel No Yolk  Cage-Free Egg Whites, Turkey -Bacon, Tomato, Avocado and Roasted Tomato Spread on an Ancient Grain Thintastic Bagel

Einstein Bros. Bagels is also testing new Wake-Cups at participating stores in Los Angeles, San Diego and Dallas. The protein-packed egg cups are the perfect option for breakfast on-the-go and are available in two delicious varieties:

Turkey-Bacon Egg White Wake-Cup  Cage-Free Egg Whites with Spinach, Mushrooms and Turkey -Bacon  with 12 grams of protein and 120 calories

Cage-Free Egg Whites with Spinach, Mushrooms and -Bacon  with 12 grams of protein and 120 calories Bacon, Ham & Cheese Wake-Cup  Cage-Free Eggs with Ham and Thick-Cut Bacon  with 18 grams of protein and 180 calories

Shareable social media images and backgrounds with inspirational and motivational sayings and tips to brighten mornings can also be downloaded at www.EinsteinBros.com.

The alarm tones, social media images and new lineup of limited-time menu offerings are available from January 4 to May 2, 2018.

About Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, Inc.

Einstein Bros. Bagels is part of the Coffee & Bagel Brands family, a leading quick-casual company also known for Caribou Coffee, Bruegger's Bagels, Noah's New York Bagels and Manhattan Bagel brands. Einstein Bros. Bagels is a neighborhood bagelry that's always cooking up a new way to bagel. Known for its fresh-baked bagels available in a variety of flavors and premium double-whipped shmears, Einstein Bros. Bagels also serves gourmet bagel sandwiches, coffee, espresso, sweets and snacks. Einstein Bros. Bagels is proud to be the largest bagel retail company in America with more than 700 locations in 40 states and the District of Columbia. To learn more, visit www.EinsteinBros.com.
Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine

Finer Things is a photo series with a playful approach to elusive, glamorous fashion items were fixated on right now.

Wearing interesting footwear in a New York City winter can be something of a challenge. Until better weather arrives, one can at least admire beautiful shoes from afar  like these Roger Vivier striped suede boots. They hit above the ankle in tiers of lush tones ranging from marigold and rose to eggplant and hunter green. The metallic block heel is a retro nod to the Swinging Sixties, and ironically a major motif for the house that made the stiletto famous.

Roger Vivier striped Podium ankle boots in suede, $1,395 at 750 Madison Ave.; 212-861-5371.
Photo: JOSH EDELSON/AFP/Getty Images

Google is already under a Department of Labor investigation for an extreme gender pay gap.

Now, another former Google employee has added her name to an ongoing class action suit brought by women who allege the company discriminated against them because of their gender, The Guardian reports.

Heidi Lamar, a former preschool teacher at Google, claims that a less qualified male colleague was paid more for the same job.

She claims that in a pool of 146 employees there were only three men, but two of those three men earned more than all of the female employees.

Lamar, who has a masters degree in education, started teaching preschool in Googles child-care center in 2013 for $18.51 an hour. But it wasnt until 2017 that she discovered a male colleague, without a masters degree, who had been hired at the same time, was making $21 an hour.

Lamar said she brought this to the attention of her supervisors but was dismissed and left the company as a result.

Lamars lawyer, Jim Finberg, claims this pay gap happened because Google based the mens compensation on their previous salaries.



That policy and practice caused women to be paid less than men who are doing the same work and had the same qualifications, Finberg told The Guardian.

In a statement to The Guardian, Google said:

We work really hard to create a great workplace for everyone, and to give everyone the chance to thrive here. Job levels and promotions are determined through rigorous hiring and promotion committees, and must pass multiple levels of review, including checks to make sure there is no bias in these decisions.

Read the full story here.
8-Week-Old Puppy Becomes First Christmas Dog Dumped in the UK

According to reports in the United Kingdom, a dog bought online as a Christmas present, became the first dog to be dumped at a U.K. rescue home in 2018.

The eight-week-old, named Ronnie, was dumped at the Battersea Dogs and Cats home in south London, England, on Tuesday, Jan. 2, the Daily Mail reported. The dog is undergoing medical checks, and the home told the Mail that the pup is staying with a staff member and will soon be ready for rehoming.

The owner of the pup lost their home and was not able to take care of the animal, the report said.

Staff member Alice Holt told the paper: Ronnie has only been at home with me for one night but he is settling in so well. Hes so affectionate, even with new people, and loves a cuddle and a fuss. He also loves playing with toys and running around the kitchen. Hes such a sweet boy.

Home intake manager Steven Craddock told the publication: It doesnt shock any of us that the first dog through our doors in 2018 was bought online.

Ronnie is just one of many thousands of dogs who will be bought off an unregulated website in the coming months and end up in a home where the owner is unprepared and unable to take proper care of them, Craddock told the Metro newspaper. His new owner did the right thing by bringing him into us where we can look after him and find him a loving new home, which we doubt will take long as hes such a lovely boy.

He continued, However, this doesnt change the fact that he never should have been sold online in the first place. We believe he may have been taken from his mother far too young and likely sold by a breeder with absolutely no regard for his welfare.

The home added that more than 20,000 pets in the United Kingdom will be dumped over the winter.

Craddock said, Id encourage anyone thinking of welcoming a new pet into their lives to consider rescue over shopping online.

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Devery East shovels snow from his driveway in Baltimore, Maryland on Jan. 23, 2016. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Baltimore Schools Closed Thursday After Outrage Over Frigid Classrooms

Baltimore Public Schools were closed on Jan. 4, after parents and teachers complained about classrooms that had turned frigid due to plumbing and heating issues.

She actually said she couldnt feel her feet at one point. I texted her back and said are you joking? She saysno.

That was Nikki Massie, describing a conversation with her 16-year-old daughter who attends a public magnet school in Baltimore. Its one of Marylands highest-performing high schools.

On Jan. 3, four schools shut down because of facilities problems, but the rest remained open despite temperatures that hovered around 40 degrees Fahrenheit inside, reported NPR.

As of now, I have on four shirts, two hoodies, and a jacket, Frederick Douglass High School senior Dennis Morgan told the outlet. Its kind hard to get comfortable when youve got so many layers on and youre not used to it and youre still cold.

A direct result of socio-economic status & public school administrators obsessed with % of students in school https://t.co/urnVU9N5mN  melvinroach (@melvinroach) January 4, 2018

Baltimore Teachers Union President Marietta English sent an urgent letter to the school districts CEO, Sonja Santelises, advising her to close the schools until the heating issues were fixed.

I implore that you close schools in the District until your facilities crew has had time to properly assess and fix the heating issues within the affected schools in Baltimore City, English wrote.

This is the best way to ensure the safety of our members and our children.

Santelises said in an address to the public that too many of our buildings have outdated heating systems, poor insulation, and aging pipes as a result of years of inadequate funding for maintenance and facilities improvements, reported the Baltimore Sun.

Del. Maggie McIntosh, chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, said the backlog of school repairs is an ongoing issue.

We had heat in the morning but it quickly went to blowing cold air. We are not in Baltimore but are in a well-respected one about 30 miles away. We stayed all day as well. It sucks all around and NO child should have to endure this at school. (Name covered to protect kiddo.) pic.twitter.com/1yJD4CH4Q5  Melissa Bickley (@TeachOrSwim) January 3, 2018

We are the wealthiest state in the country, the Baltimore Democrat told the Sun, and to think theres any child right now, today, in this state in a school without heat is wrong and we need to fix it. Now.

While schools are closed on Thursday, they may re-open on Friday.

Alison Perkins-Cohen, the chief of staff for the Baltimore City Schools, said in a Jan. 2 pdf letter to families of students and staff members that the goal is to keep schools open whenever possible.

Only when problems affect large portions or all of a building do we make the decision to close the school, she wrote.

We want students to have every possible opportunity for teaching and learning, and we also want to make sure that students can get the services and supports that many families rely on  for example, warm meals and before and after-school care. This means that we keep school buildings open, even when conditions are sometimes less than ideal.

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Body of Missing 65-Year-Old Alabama Man Found in Near Where He Disappeared

A body found near a creek in Toulminville, a neighborhood in Mobile, Alabama, was identified on Wednesday, Jan. 3, as that of 65-year-old Clarence Shute Jr.

Shutes children say his daughter dropped him off at the First Baptist Church of Carver Homes on New Years Eve day, but instead of walking into the church, he crossed the road and went through a parking lot before disappearing.



His daughter tried to follow him, but lost him after he turned a corner, WKRG News 5 reported.

By the time she made it around the block to see where he was going or try to catch up with him, he was gone, son Brandon Shute told News 5 on Tuesday.

Shute had short-term memory loss and was diabetic, requiring him to get daily shots of insulin. His family said it was unlike him to wander off.

We know hes not in the best of shape, Brandon Shute told Fox10 on Tuesday. Hes probably walking around stumbling, probably somewhere laying down or he may have even slipped into a diabetic coma, we dont know. We just want to locate him.

Friends and family started searching for him after he went missing. On Tuesday, members of the U.S. National Reserve Corps joined the search.

On Wednesday morning, his body was found near a creek in the area of Whitney Street and Three Mile Creek, a few blocks from the church, reported AL.com.

It was 50 to 100 feet from where a drone had been searching for him the night before, Brandon Shute told News 5.

He was a good dude. He was a straightforward dude. What you see is what you get, Brandon Shute said of his father. About 10 years ago he found Christ, and ever since then hes been going to church and caring for his kids and his grandkids. He was very loved. I got nieces that love him like hes their father.

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White House Chief Strategist Stephen Bannon speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in National Harbor, Maryland, U.S., on Feb. 23, 2017. (REUTERS/Joshua Roberts)

Breitbart Readers Respond to Steve Bannon Controversy: I voted for Trump  I didnt vote for Bannon.

A large number of Breitbart News readers slammed the sites executive chairman, Steve Bannon, on Wednesday as controversy swirled around critical comments Bannon made about President Donald Trump and his campaign team in a recently published book.

I voted for Trump I didnt vote for Bannon, says a top comment on a Breitbart article about Michael Wolffs recently released book, Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House.

Ill stick with Trump, thanks, he added.

Ive just about had enough of Bannon and his games, wrote another reader. Hes a psychotic fool. Im done with this site.

I kept telling people Bannon was on an ego trip a dangerous back stabber, wrote another reader. Family never talks to strangers. Screw your Bannon.

In the book, Wolff quotes Bannons critical comments about the Trumps campaign team, specifically in regards to a June 2016 meeting between several members of the campaign team and Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya.

Trump responded to Bannon on Wednesday with a fiery statement, saying, among other things, that Bannon lost his mind after leaving the White House.

Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my Presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind, Trump said in the statement. Steve had very little to do with our historic victory, which was delivered by the forgotten men and women of this country.

Steve pretends to be at war with the media, which he calls the opposition party, yet he spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was. It is the only thing he does well, Trump said. 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.

Bannon was appointed as a senior counselor to the president before losing the job in August. He returned to Breitbart as an executive chairman shortly after leaving the administration.

Stupid move by Steve and he needs to walk back or he and Trump are done, wrote one user in a comment on Breitbart. CNN already has this as breaking news and you can bet other liberal outlets will beat this to death. Why Steve?

What a cowardly way to get revenge  Bannon had better speak out NOW, wrote another reader.

I wonder whats wrong with Bannon?, wrote a reader. I used to admire the dude, but if this is true, no more.

The brief article detailing Bannons comments in Wolffs book generated more than 12,000 comments in four hours as Breitbart readers weighed in about an unexpected turn from Bannon, who has until recently been publicly supportive of Trump.

The meeting between members of Trumps campaign team and Veselnitskaya is at the core of Bannons criticism. The details of that meeting have been thoroughly investigated and no evidence of wrongdoing was ever found.

Bannon nevertheless called it treasonous.

Donald Trump Jr. said that he had accepted the meeting because he believed Veselnitskaya would provide potentially damaging information on Hillary Clinton that could be useful during the campaign.

However, it appears that the Russian lawyer was conducting lobbying work against the Magnitsky Act. At the time of the meeting, Veselnitskaya was working on behalf of Russian-owned Prevezon. According to a July 15, 2016, Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) complaint filed with the Department of Justice, she was lobbying for a repeal of the Magnitsky Act while not having registered as a foreign agent.

The Magnitsky Act placed sanctions, including a freeze on overseas assets, on Russian officials believed to have been involved in the death of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, who died in a Russian prison in 2009 after allegedly undergoing torture.

On Nov. 7, Fox News, citing a confidential source and court documents, reported that Veselnitskaya had also met with the co-founder of Fusion GPS, Glenn Simpson, before and after her meeting with Trump Jr. on June 9, 2016.

Fusion GPS was paid by the Clinton campaign and the DNC to produce a scandalous report on then-presidential candidate Donald Trump. Congress is currently investigating whether the so-called Trump dossier was used by FBI agents to obtain authorization to spy on the Trump campaign.

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), chairman of the Senate judiciary committee, requested information on July 11 on why Veselnitskaya was allowed to enter the United States without a visa.

In a letter requesting the information from the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department, Grassley says that Veselnitskaya was granted a parole letter in 2015, after having initially been denied a visa, to participate in a court case in the United States.

The parole expired on Jan. 7, 2016, and a request for an extension was denied on Jan. 4, 2016.

This raises serious questions about whether the Obama administration authorized her to remain in the country, and if so, why? Grassley said.

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(L-R) U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken shakes hand with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the Olive Hall before a meeting at the Foreign Ministry office in Beijing on Feb. 11, 2015. (Andy Wong - Pool/Getty Images)

Democracies Start Pushing Back Against Chinese Regime Subversion

After decades of infiltration by the Chinese Communist Party, nations wake up to threat to their way of life

News Analysis

The Chinese regimes decadeslong attempt to influence the politics of other nations may have run into a roadblock in the year 2017. From Australia to the United States, countries around the world have begun awakening to the painful realization that the doors they willingly opened to China for trade and cultural exchange have let in the Chinese regimes encroachment on their political institutions and way of life.

Concern over the Chinese regimes illegitimate influence recently came to a head in Australia, the country in the U.S. web of alliances that is perhaps the most heavily dependent on China. China is Australias largest trading partner, both in terms of import and export. At least 8 percent of Australians are of Chinese ethnicity, and more than 200,000 Chinese students are thought to be studying in Australia at any given time.

In 2017, Australian media delivered a series of high-profile investigative reports and headline stories about the Chinese Communist Partys control and influence over Australias political institutions, businesses, and academia, as well as the Chinese students studying there. The reports changed the conversation in Australia about relations with China.

The face of the subversion of Australias politics might be that of Sam Dastyari, formerly a senator representing New South Wales. He resigned on Dec. 12, after details emerged about donations he received from companies owned by Chinese billionaire Huang Xiangmo.

Attempts by the Chinese government to guide, buy, or coerce political influence and control discussion of sensitive topics are pervasive, and pose serious challenges in the United States and our like-minded allies.  Marco Rubio, U.S. senator

Huang, until recently, was head of the Sydney-based Australian Council for the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification of China, which has ties to the United Front Work Department, a key apparatus for the Chinese regimes political warfare.

Critics have charged that, in return for money, Dastyari took pro-China positions, including accepting the regimes attempts to lay claim on the South China Sea.

Among those critics was Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who said, Sam Dastyari is a very clear case of somebody who has literally taken money from people closely associated with the Chinese government and, in return for that, has delivered essentially Chinese policy statements.

The problem for Australia is that Dastyari is not alone in taking money from the Chinese regime. The Australian Broadcasting Company counted 13 payments between November 2014 and June 2016 from Huangs companies to Australian politicians.

On Dec. 7, Turnbull introduced a set of bills intended to counter foreign influence in Australias politics.

The Chinese regime responded sternly to Turnbulls criticism of its interference in Australias politics, which led Turnbull to assert Australias sovereignty, saying, And so we say, the Australian people stand up.

Backlash

The Chinese regimes encroachments have also set off alarm bells in Australias neighbor New Zealand, whose intelligence service issued a warning in December that Beijings rapidly growing political influence in the country poses a national security threat.

In one country after another, a similar backlash has started against the Chinese regimes influence. Germany has traditionally kept quiet about the Chinese regimes misdeeds, but the countrys intelligence agency reported recently that China is attempting to infiltrate Germanys political institutions and businesses by using fake social media profiles.

In the United States over the past year, the media and political establishments have tended to be preoccupied with alleged Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Nonetheless, concern over Chinas influence in the United States is growing.

Chinas influence operations overseas, particularly in the United States, have been extensively covered by The Epoch Times in past reports.

Chinas Playbook

Among those calling attention to the threat posed by the Chinese regime is China and East Asia analyst Gordon Chang. He said the Chinese are able to move patiently in subverting other countries because they believe time is on their side.

Chinese strategic thinking, both historically and in modern days, has been fundamentally shaped by the teachings of ancient Chinese strategist Sun Tzu, whose preferred strategy of winning a war was to subdue ones enemy without actually fighting costly battles against it.

It is widely believed that the Chinese government cultivates informants among its citizens studying abroad.

The strategy, often described as political warfare, places a high premium on the exploitation of any policy or tool outside the traditional definition of hard military power to achieve the desired political, economic, and diplomatic objectives.

Such exploitation can take place via political, societal, commercial, economic, legal, psychological, cultural, and other means, according to Michael Tsai, Taiwans former minister of defense. Tsai compared Taiwans experience with that of the United States, and said that both countries have been the prime targets of Chinas political warfare operations for decades.

A critical part of Chinas political warfare is its United Front strategy, which involves compromising critical individuals and institutions that are outside of the Chinese regimes direct grasp. By deceiving these foreign actors, or exploiting their weaknesses, the Chinese regime manipulates them into doing its bidding, often acting against their own interest or the interest of their home countries.

Control of Media

Attempts by the Chinese government to guide, buy, or coerce political influence and control discussion of sensitive topics are pervasive and pose serious challenges in the United States and our like-minded allies, said Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), at a Dec. 13 hearing of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), titled The Long Arm of China: Exporting Authoritarianism with Chinese Characteristics.

Controlling public opinion is a key goal of Chinas United Front, said Glenn Tiffert, a visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution who testified at the CECC hearing. Tiffert said that internal Chinese sources regularly depict public opinion as a battlefield in which political struggle must be waged and won.

According to Tiffert, China does not seek to control public opinion simply through winning the hearts and minds of Americansit is also appealing to Americans wallets in conducting influence operations. More often than not, China finds that it could subdue many American individuals and organizations simply by exerting economic pressure and compelling them to support Beijings agenda.

The appeal of the Chinese market is used to entice American companies into abandoning their principles. At the CECC hearing, Shanthi Kalathil, of the National Endowment for Democracy, pointed out the example of Apple, which recently succumbed to pressure from the Chinese regime to remove from its Chinese app store applications that help Chinese users bypass the Great Firewall, the regimes system for surveilling and censoring the internet.

Rubio pointed out the examples of the networking site LinkedIn and Facebook, which each agreed to censor content in order to gain access to the Chinese market.

Fear of a lawsuit from the Chinese regime led Australian publisher Allen & Unwin to delay the publication of a book that, ironically, details the Chinese regimes campaign of influence in the country.

Springer Nature is described by Publishers Weekly as the worlds largest academic book publisher. It removed more than 1,000 sensitive articles from one of its journals on topics the Chinese regime would deem sensitive. Springer likely did so not only to comply with Chinas censorship directives and therefore ensure market access in China, but also to court Chinese tech giant Tencent, which it recently partnered with.

In a previous interview, professor Lynette Ong, a China and Asia specialist at the University of Toronto, told The Epoch Times, The partnership between a major Chinese media company and Springer will most likely [mean Springer Nature will] have no qualms censoring its content in or outside China, for commercial or political reasons.

As a result, trusted Western academic publications may now deliver Beijing-approved messages, with readers being none the wiser.

Control of Academics and Students

U.S. congressional panels, such as the CECC, have repeatedly suggested to investigate Chinas expanding network of Confucius Institutes across American college campuses, a presence that Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) described as essentially an academic malware in the United States.

Confucius Institutes provide instruction in Chinese language and culture at colleges and universities outside China. They are funded by Beijing, which has control over hiring staff.

According to Shanthi Kalathil in her testimony before the CECC, Confucius Institutes are noted for their disregard of key tenets of academic freedom and for their ability to function as an arm of the Chinese state within academic campuses. The institutes naturally serve as prime tools to disseminate regime propaganda in the United States.

China has also been discretely involved in funding some of Americas elite think tanks and graduate schools. A November article in Foreign Policy reported that Johns Hopkins Universitys School of Advanced International Studies, one of the top international relations schools in the country, has received funding for an endowed professorship and a research project from the China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF), an organization registered as a foreign agent of China.

A Chinese billionaire with ties to the regimes military donated $10 million to Harvard Universitys Kennedy School of Government, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.

Control Through Coercion

When China fails to achieve its goals through either deception or bribery, it resorts to coercion to do the job. Tiffert said it is widely believed that the Chinese government cultivates informants among its citizens studying abroad, and that Chinese students in America are painfully aware of the consequences they or their families might suffer if informants report on them.

For instance, in 2008, a Chinese student at Duke University was vilified back home in China and her family was threatened, after she attempted to mediate between groups on campus that were pro-Tibet and pro-China.

In 2017, a graduating senior from China at the University of Maryland was coerced into issuing an apology after her commencement address, in which she praised life in the United States, went viral in China. She was accused of being a traitor by state media.

The Chinese regime also extends its coercion to those in the United States that it perceives to be obstacles to its political warfare. It targets the practitioners of the spiritual discipline Falun Gong, a group that has been persecuted heavily in China but has consistently demonstrated the will to expose the crimes of the Chinese regime without hesitation, said Levi Browde, the executive director of the Falun Dafa Information Center.

Browde said that over the years, there have been documented cases in which the Chinese regime employed thugs to physically intimidate and assault Falun Gong practitioners in the United States. Chinese diplomats have also used economic and political means to attempt to force U.S. officials and institutions not to engage with Falun Gong, or speak or act on Falun Gongs behalf. Federal, state, and local officials have often publicized the regimes clumsy attempts to coerce them.

Growing Call for a US-led Coalition

Ultimately, the objection to the Chinese regimes efforts at influencing other countries is a response to the nature of the regime itself. The Chinese Communist Party has committed crimes against humanity since it began ruling China, and in recent decades has committed such crimes in persecuting Falun Gong and ethnic and religious minorities in China. The communist regime denies its people democracy and the rule of law, while suppressing democracy activists, and it has tightened surveillance and censorship inside China to degrees formerly not thought possible. On the world stage, it cheats in international trade and steals intellectual property from other nations in a wholesale fashion, and it fails to abide by international agreements it has signed.

As the Chinese regime attempts to expand its sphere of influence, the worlds democracies see that their own principles and ways of life are under attack.

Turnbulls defiant declaration on Dec. 9 that the Australian people will stand up to Chinas challenge has been echoed by members of the U.S. Congress.

The chairmen of the CECC, Rubio and Smith, issued statements supporting the Australian position and calling for the U.S. administration to take more assertive action in challenging the threats posed by China, although it is not clear what action the Trump administration may take in this regard.

Long-time [U.S.] allies Australia, New Zealand, and Canada have been rocked by scandals involving Chinese-sponsored influence operations targeting politicians, businesses, and academic institutions, said Smith. All like-minded democratic allies should be supporting their efforts to root out those elements intended to corrupt or co-opt Australian political and academic institutions.

In a recent op-ed, Rubio also called for a stronger U.S. alliance with Australia, Japan, and India. An alliance of the four like-minded democraciesknown as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or Quadwas pitched by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2007 but dropped after China protested.

The re-emergence of the idea, a decade after Chinas vehement insistence that the communist regime posed no threat to the four democracies, has ironically been propelled, at least partially, by a common revulsion against the regimes political influence.
Romaine lettuce has been identified as the source of E. coli bacteria which has killed two people in the past three weeks. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Consumer Reports Claims Romaine Lettuce Linked to Lethal US, Canada E. Coli Illnesses

Outbreaks of illness caused by the E. coli bacteria have health officials in the U.S. scrambling to find a source, while Canadian health officials have pinpointed romaine lettuce as the likely culprit, The Toronto Star reported.

Consumer Reports, a consumer advocacy group, says the U.S. government should issue stronger warnings while it investigates, NBCNews reported.

So far 58 people have fallen ill and two have died in an E. coli outbreak in the U.S. and Canada which the Center for Disease Control (CDC) says started in November.

On Dec. 28, the CDC reported 17 cases of E. coli infection in 13 states. Canadas Public Health Agency reported 41 cases. One of the ill Canadians died.

On Jan. 3, an American died from E. coli. Five people have been hospitalized and two have suffered kidney failure because of an E. coli outbreak which crossed the U.S. border with Canada, Food Safety News reported.

The difference between the way the two nations are handling the outbreak is that Canada decided almost three weeks ago to warn people not to eat romaine lettuce, which it has identified as the likely vector.

The U.S. agencies in charge of public health and food safety, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the CDC, are so far unwilling to spread a warning.

In the United States, state and local public health officials are interviewing sick people to determine what they ate in the week before their illness started. CDC is still collecting information to determine whether there is a food item in common among sick people, including leafy greens and romaine, the CDC said in its statement.

Because we have not identified a source of the infections, CDC is unable to recommend whether U.S. residents should avoid a particular food.

Canada saw its first case on Dec. 11. At that point, the Canadian government said romaine lettuce was the likely source of the infection.

Three days later one of the infected people died. The Canadian government then warned people in the Eastern provinces, saying people there should consider consuming other types of lettuce, instead of romaine lettuce.

On Dec. 28, the Canadian government reported that some of the infected romaine might still be in stores or in restaurant refrigerators and that the risk of infection persisted.

The CDC did not release any public report until Dec. 28, despite having been tracking the outbreak since November 15, K5 News reported.

While Canada has been warning its citizens, the CDC has been doing DNA testing to see if the romaine lettuce infecting people in Canada carries the same strain of E. coli that has sickened and killed people in America.

It does.

Genome sequencing shows that the same strain of E. coli O157:H7 has afflicted people in both countries, the CDC reports, adding that this makes it likely that there is a single source for the outbreak.

Sowhy not warn Americans about romaine lettuce?

American consumers are asking the same question.

Mary Cates Ballard posted on the Consumer Reports Facebook page, after reading about the infected romaine:

Just went out to eat and had a salad that had romaine in it. Later that evening I had excruciating stomach pains. I threw up and felt somewhat better. But the soreness in my stomach is still with me 4 days later. For the first 2 days it hurt to the touch.

Where is the food police!? Why arent they protecting us from contaminated foods. Especially any that is imported.



Linda Pulice commented, Well fantastic, been eating it all week.why isnt this on the news?? No restaurants are following the CDC?

Maryann Russell responded: Worrisome. How come I havent seen this on the news?

This not the first time E. coli has been spread by romaine lettuce. A 10-state outbreak in 2011 sickened at least 30 people. in 2011, the CDC reported.

Consumer Reports Food Safety Director, James Roger, notes that Even though we cant say with 100 percent certainty that romaine lettuce is the cause of the E. coli outbreak in the U.S., a greater degree of caution is appropriate given that romaine lettuce is almost always consumed raw.

Consumers Union, the policy wing of Consumer Reports, has also called for stronger warnings in the U.S.

The FDA should follow the lead of the Canadian government and immediately warn the public about this risk, said Jean Halloran, Director of Food Policy Initiatives at Consumers Union.

The available data strongly suggest that romaine lettuce is the source of the U.S. outbreak. If so, and people arent warned, more may get sick.

Most people can survive an E. coli infection with nothing more than a few days discomfort. Symptoms can include, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and stomach cramps.

Severe cases can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure.

Young children, the elderly, and anyone who has a condition that weakens the immune system, such as cancer or diabetes, are at a greater risk.

Consumers Union recommends throwing away any romaine people might have in their refrigerators, and holding off on buying any more until the infected crops are identified and eliminated.

No one, neither consumer groups or either involved government, is calling for widespread recalls at this time.

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A file image of the Star Princess cruise ship which is more than twice the size of the Titanic. It is 18 stories high and can carry approximately 3,800 passengers. (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Gastro Virus Hits 200 Passengers on Cruise Ship

A cruise ship which had some 200 of its passengers knocked about by a gastro bug docked in Brisbane on Thursday, Jan. 4. after a two-week-long holiday cruise.

The Sea Princess was hit by the suspected norovirus which affected one-in-10 passengers.

The virus first hit two days into the trip, reported news.com.au.

Queensland Health officials told the ABC that on-board testing found traces of the norovirus.

Norovirus can bring on nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps plus low-grade fever, chills, a headache, muscle aches, and fatigue.

Queensland Chief Health Officer Sonya Bennett told the ABC that the virus was mainly severe for the elderly and children.

Ships have been known to have recurrent outbreaks. Its just a matter of doing as much as you can, Bennett said.

They dont ignore it, they do the best they can to control it but its very hard to control, she said.

Sea Princess gastro outbreak leaves 200 people sick on cruise liner https://t.co/i1yNJwp4In pic.twitter.com/oLRGRUG7hv  ABC Brisbane (@abcbrisbane) January 3, 2018

Many of those coming off the vessel on Thursday were unfazed by what occurred.

Leon Wallace from the Sunshine Coast told the national broadcaster that he spent New Years Eve and New Years Day quarantined with the virus.

I guess its the nature of it. So many people trapped on board a confined vessel, Wallace said at the end of the cruise trip which began and ended in Brisbane.

He and his wife were undeterred by what occurred and said they would go on a cruise again.

Wallace said Sea Princess staff were constantly cleaning and sanitising everything.

Qld Health says Princess Cruises well prepared to deal with gastro outbreak. Frequency of cruise ship outbreaks the result of close proximity rather than poor management. @abcbrisbane pic.twitter.com/cGx0Pz6ke3  Isobel Roe (@isobelroe) January 4, 2018

Another passenger told ABC that this type of gastro bug spreads easily on a cruise.

Almost every cruise Ive been on there have been cases of norovirus, he said.

He said Princess Cruises did all they could.

Every night they disinfect everything, he said.

You cant stop people being people.

The cruise ship told its passengers that it had been carrying out a comprehensive sanitation program in coordination with several international public health authorities.

The ship underwent additional disinfection in Brisbane, delaying the next cruise trip.

The Sea Princess is the fourth Australian cruise ship to be hit with a gastro illness in the past year, reported news.com.au.

From NTD.tv

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Iran has deployed its elite Revolutionary guards to quell the unabated protests that have been challenging the clerical leadership in Iran against the backdrop of economic hardships.

The protests have turned violent with the death toll exceeding 22 people, while hundreds were arrested.

Soon after the Revolutionary Guards were deployed, its head Maj Gen Mohammad Ali Jafari declared the defeat of the sedition in the country, referring to the wave of anti-government protests.

The protests have put pressure on the clerical leaders in power since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. They also reflect the struggle within Iranian society between reformists and conservatives.

The demonstrations started in the northeastern city of Mashhad last Thursday when crowds poured on to the streets to protest rising prices and vent their frustration with Irans theocratic regime.
President Donald Trump cuts red tape draped between two stacks of papers representing the government regulations of the 1960s and the regulations of today, on Dec. 14. (SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)

Government Red Tape: The Hidden Tax on Growth

Over-regulation is stealth taxation and a costly burden to American workers and businesses, says Trump

Economists are divided over the impact of regulations on economic growth. Some claim there is weak evidence that deregulation stimulates growth. Some economists and business leaders, however, credit President Donald Trumps regulatory rollback as reasons for an economic uptick and stock market boom.

Within 10 days of taking office, Trump ordered his team to slash regulatory hurdles. He signed in January last year an executive order that required two past rules to be removed for every new regulation proposed.

The administration far exceeded Trumps promise: Instead of eliminating two old regulations, federal agencies eliminated 22 for every new regulation.

I am challenging my Cabinet to find and remove every single outdated, unlawful, and excessive regulation currently on the books, Trump said during his speech on deregulation at the White House on Dec. 14.

He said the results are reflected in the stock market rally and financial performance of U.S. companies.

The U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) has grown over many decades. It contains over 185,000 pages, compared to 20,000 in 1960. Today, it would take three years and 111 days to read all the rules in the CFR.

The regulatory process of the past was broken, according to experts. The federal agencies had incentives to maintain and grow their regulations to maximize their budgets. Hence, instead of eliminating obsolete, ineffective, or costly regulations, they created more rules.

This accumulation of regulation represents a growing but hidden tax that hinders innovation and entrepreneurship, stated Patrick McLaughlin, a senior research fellow at George Mason Universitys Mercatus Center, in a report. It also negatively affects wage growth in some occupations, and disproportionately harms low and middle-income households, he added.

The perpetual accumulation of regulations slowed U.S. economic growth by 0.8 percent per year on average, according to a 2016 paper by the Mercatus Center. The economy in 2012 would have been $4 trillionor 25 percenthigher, if the amount of regulation had remained at its 1980 level. This equates to a nearly $13,000 loss for every person in the United States.

A 2013 study found a similar negative correlation between regulations and economic growth, with a gloomier outcome. Economists John Dawson of Appalachian State University and John Seater of North Carolina State University estimated that the past 50 years of federal regulations reduced the economic growth rate on average by two percentage points a year. And the reduction in the growth rate lowered the GDP by $39 trillion, as of the end of 2011.

Deregulation Lessons From Canada and the UK

The two for one rule implemented by the Trump administration is not a new idea. A similar plan to cut red tape was first introduced in Canada in 2001. The government of the Canadian province of British Columbia announced it would reduce regulation by one-third in three years. In order to meet this goal, each cabinet minister was required to eliminate at least two old rules for every new regulation.

After surpassing the goal in 2004, the province enforced a regulatory cap mandating no increase in regulatory requirements. This rule, which still applies today, has led to a reduction in regulatory requirements by almost 50 percent since 2001.

Thanks to this deregulation effort, coupled with a reduction in personal income taxes, British Columbia turned from one of Canadas worst-performing economies to one of the best. Its growth outpaced national economic growth by 1.1 percent between 2002 and 2006. And it continues to be one of the leading provinces in the country, with an average 3.5 percent annual growth rate in the past four years. It has also enjoyed stellar job growth in recent years.

Inspired by this success, the Canadian government also introduced a red tape reduction plan in 2012. According to the plan, the administrative burden cost of any new or amended regulation will be offset by eliminating an equal amount of cost from existing regulations. It also required at least one rule be repealed for every new one passed.

The administrative burden cost is calculated based on a model that estimates the amount of time and resources that businesses use to comply with a regulation. According to a report by the Brookings Institution, this rule helped the Canadian government to reduce administrative costs and the number of regulations. The rule was codified into Canadian law in 2015.

In 2011, the United Kingdom also introduced a regulatory reform plan, including a one-in, one-out system to prevent government policymakers from creating new regulations that would increase costs for businesses.

In 2013, the requirement changed to one-in, two-out, and in March 2016, it became one-in, three-out.

The deregulatory effort in the UK system is not designed to reduce the number of regulations, but rather make regulatory compliance less costly for businesses. According to the Brookings report, however, this policy has helped the government in reducing both the number of regulations and the related costs to businesses.

Regulations Hinder US Entrepreneurship

Over-regulation poses significant problems for existing small businesses and potential entrants in the United States. The complexity of the rules, difficulty of interpreting them, and costs of compliance hinder entrepreneurship and innovation.

The United States now ranks 12th among developed nations in terms of business startup activity, stated a July 2017 report by the Mercatus Center. For the first time ever, more businesses closed in America in the past several years than new ones opened.

The share of people under the age of 30 who own a business has fallen by 65 percent since the 1980s, stated the same report.

According to Trump, unnecessary regulation is stealth taxation, a costly burden to American workers and businesses, and a threat to the nations national spirit and freedom.

We are a nation of explorers and pioneers and innovators and inventors, and regulations have been hurting that, and hurting it badly, he said.

By ending excessive regulation, we are defending democracy and draining the swamp, Trump said.

By cutting regulations, the federal agencies have achieved a net cost savings of more than $8 billion, according to the White House.

Trump plans to push harder to cut more regulations in 2018. He pledged to restore the regulatory environment of the 1960s.

When were finished, which wont be in too long a period of time, we will be less than where we were in 1960, he said.
In this photo (not directly related to the story) a doctor holds used doses of a dangerous drug after medics revived a man who had overdosed. (Reuters/Brian Snyder)

Hyoscine: The Travel Sickness Drug Linked to a Mass Overdose of Backpackers in Perth

Authorities have identified one of the substances in a chemical cocktail linked to a mass overdose of backpackers in Perth, Australia.

According to the ChemCentre, hyoscine was the only identifiable drug detected in the samples of the white powder inhaled by the victims just before midnight on Tuesday, Jan. 2, at a property described as backpacker or student accommodation in the inner-city suburb of Victoria Park, ABC reported.

Emergency services rushed nine people to three separate hospitals in the city after finding them unconscious or violently ill after allegedly snorting the drug.

Hyoscine is typically used in much smaller quantities to treat nausea and can be found in over-the-counter travel sickness medications.

In other forms it can be used to treat irritable bowel syndrome and other gastro-intestinal pain.

But in larger quantities the drugalso known as scopolaminehas been used by criminals as a date rape drug and to incapacitate robbery victims.

Curtin Universitys National Drug Research Institute Professor Steve Allsop told ABC that hyoscine abuse carries severe risks, including very rapid heartbeat, agitation and indeed overdose.

The drug impacts the chemicals that transmit messages between the brain and nervous system.

Other unknown substances potentially present in the mixture taken by the backpackers may have intensified the effects.

As [hyoscine has] been the main drug thats been identified, I think its likely to be the active ingredient, Professor Allsop said.

Unfortunately, there are sometimes other substances that arent always as readily identifiable which may exacerbate the effects of the drug.

One of the victims discharged from hospital told ABC that the group had found a package containing an unknown substance wrapped in aluminum foil and decided to snort it.

They soon found themselves semi-paralysed and intensely sick.

Acting deputy commissioner Gary Budge said the victims put their lives at risk.

Had it not been for the early triple-0 call and medical intervention on Tuesday night, the consequences could have been much worse than they were, he told the news outlet.

Witnesses yesterday spoke of being terrified as they watched people have seizures while they were being carried on stretchers out of the house.

Medical staff say three of the drug takers remain in a critical situation and are in intensive care at hospital.

Royal Perth Hospital emergency medical physician David McCutcheon said some of the group had to be sedated when admitted to hospital.

They were brought to us in a state of agitated delirium, they were hallucinating, their hearts were racing, McCutcheon said.

Several of them have had to be put in a medically-induced coma for their own protection, he said.

I really need to emphasize how seriously unwell they were.

Nine people rushed to hospital after suspected drug overdose at Perth house. "It appears as though they didn't know where they were. They were rolling around in their stretchers." https://t.co/8q4WW3I3iO #Perth #7News pic.twitter.com/fO2SYmheR5  7 News Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) January 3, 2018

Clinical toxicologist Jessamine Soderstrom told ABC that some of the patients would be kept in induced comas for some days.

Soderstrom said it was extremely lucky that an ambulance was called when it was.

If it wasnt [for the] timely call of the resident some of those patients inevitably would have died, Soderstrom said.

When your body overheats to a certain temperature for a certain period of time its like cooking an egg, she said.

Your proteins basically denature and you go into multi-organ failure and patients die from that.

Ambulances were called to the residence just before midnight Tuesday were they found the nine in a semi-conscious state.

It Was Really Scary

Residents in the neighborhood described chaotic scenes as those affected by the drugs were taken away in the ambulances.

When we came out (we saw) heaps and heaps of police cars and ambulances, eight ambulances and six or seven police cars, neighbor Sebastian Arevelo told 9NEWS.

It was just absolutely crazy. People were rushing around, rushing into the house, said Arevelo.

People started coming out on stretchers, most of them were in an unconscious state, he said.

One of them was kicking and almost having a spasm. It was really scary.

Local resident Sophie Barnet told the ABC that the whole episode was frightening to witness.

They [the stretchers] were all coming past in a line it was so scary and they had glassed eyes and they were like in a different world it was so scary to look at  a lot of them were having seizures, Barnet said.

A lot of them were shaking and trying to get out of the bed, but I dont think they knew they were doing it, she said.

And there was one guy that was really violent on the stretcher, he was like punching the air and everything.

Some of the nine patients involved in a mass overdose of an unknown drug in Perth 'inevitably would have died' without medical help, doctors say https://t.co/64CIAOyQqo #perthnews #wanews pic.twitter.com/dRHJcW5btJ  ABC Perth (@abcperth) January 3, 2018

Backpacker or Student Accommodation

Another neighbor told 9NEWS that the residence was being used as short-term accommodation for backpackers or students. They seemed a pretty happy-go-lucky lot, resident Gary Baden-Davidson said.

Its like a backpackers, its pretty transient. People come and go every two weeks or so, he said.

Weve never had any trouble with them before.

Three of the nine, those least affected by the overdose, have been discharged from Fiona Stanley Hospital.

Police are investigating the incident.

NTD contributed to this report.

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Ninety-type tanks move along with helicopters during a live-fire exercise for Japan's ground Self-Defense Force at the foot of Mount Fuji, on Aug. 21, 2008. Japan is considering weakening the constitutional limitations placed on its military forces. (KEN SHIMIZU/AFP/Getty Images)

Japan Struggles to Define Itself

It seeks to shed its WWII legacy of aggression and become a more vigorous player on the world stage

For over 70 years, Japan has struggled with a legacy of aggression stemming from its attacks on Pearl Harbor and throughout Asiawhile professing victimhood by being the only nation struck by nuclear weapons.

For many Americans, the plea of victimhood is risible; our response is No Pearl Harbor; no Hiroshima.

But despite its legacy of aggression and subsequent documentation of stomach-turning treatment by Japanese troops of Chinese civilians and U.S. prisoners of war, Japan quickly became an invaluable ally. Driven by the need for Japanese bases during the Korean War, starting in 1950, and as a counterforce for communist China following the communists 1949 victory, Washington papered over Pearl Harbor and POWs to create a regional counterweight.

At the same time, in an effort to create a never again neutering of Japanese aggression, its national constitution (essentially written by U.S. authors and labeled the MacArthur Constitution) included provisions designed to limit the armed forces to defensive action.

The stability of the long-standing Quadrilateral Interface for Northeast Asia (Russia, China, Japan, Korea) was guaranteed by the U.S. military presence and ultimately the U.S. nuclear umbrella protecting Japan and South Korea.

During the past decade-plus, however, all circumstances have been altering. Moscow has essentially opted out of Far Eastern action. Seoul has become a major economic power, while also developing military forces sufficient to withstand conventional attack by Pyongyang. Beijing has become a massive global economic force with potentially dominant military capability in the region. Most startling of all, Pyongyang by making enormous economic sacrifices, coupled with draconian sociopolitical restrictions on its citizens, has become a nuclear powerperhaps with the ability to launch ICBMs threatening the entire United States and, most immediately pertinent, Tokyo.

Tokyo has viewed none of these developments with special enthusiasm. Seoul is an elbow in the ribs economic/trade competitor. Beijing has revived territorial disputes over the Senkaku Islands in East China Sea and is doing the international equivalent of bullying sand kicking by fortifying South China Sea islands. Beijing has muscled Tokyo from the global center stage in Asia.

Most unsettling, in many regards, is the threat from Pyongyang, which remains relentlessly hostile, including kidnapping Japanese to serve as language instructors for potential North Korean spies. The cold reality is that North Korean nuclear weapons landing on Japanese cities would de facto destroy Japan. At the same time, the U.S. nuclear umbrella looks increasingly Swiss cheese tattered when Japanese leadership reflects on the credibility of U.S. government willingness to sacrifice its major cities to save those in Japan if faced with nuclear blackmail by Pyongyang.

And given the pernicious rhetoric emanating from Pyongyang on a virtually daily basis, no one in the region is sanguine that its nuclear ballistic missile power can be deterred by traditional combinations of diplomacy, sanctions, and military counterforce.

Discretion being the better part of valor, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who has just strengthened his political position by winning a smashing super majority in October elections, is maneuvering to remove constitutional limitations over military action. Increasingly honored in the breach, revising the constitution would give Japanese self defense forces, official legal authority to act more aggressively and cooperate more intensely with U.S. forces.

Already operating one of the largest complements of F-15s (over 200), Japan plans to purchase over 40 F35sand considering basing one variant on combat warships to create the equivalent of mini-aircraft carriers with stealthy F-35s able to strike North Korean targets.

Additionally, Japan has announced the purchase of surface-to-surface cruise missiles that could be employed against Pyongyang missile sites.

Concurrently, Japan has upped its game defensively with a plethora of antimissile systems including two ground-based AEGIS (Aegis Ashore) systemsMoscow has complained about Tokyos recent purchase decision (and was ignored). Aegis Ashore will complement the six Aegis missile cruisers Japan already operates for potential defense against a Pyongyang attack.

Finally, although it is closeted and spoken of only in hushed tones, how long would it take for Tokyo to develop a nuclear deterrent of its own? Private estimates range from a few years to only as long as it would take to roll weapons out of secure storage. If South Africa could develop nuclear weapons in total secrecy, Japan could certainly do so as well. Tokyo has sufficient fissile material and sophisticated engineers; the path to nuclear capability has been well trodden.

A prudent Japanese leader, considering the mutability of the U.S. defense commitment might well act to develop its nuclear deterrentif it hasnt done so already.

David T. Jones is a retired U.S. State Department senior foreign service career officer who has published several hundred books, articles, columns, and reviews on U.S.Canadian bilateral issues and general foreign policy. During a career that spanned over 30 years, he concentrated on politico-military issues, serving as adviser for two Army chiefs of staff. Among his books is Alternative North Americas: What Canada and the United States Can Learn from Each Other.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
MPs Share Stories of Sexual Misconduct On and Off Parliament Hill in Survey

OTTAWAThere have long been obstacles in the path of women seeking to succeed in politicsand some female MPs are now coming forward to share their own experiences with sexually inappropriate behaviour, both on and off Parliament Hill.

The Canadian Press surveyed current female MPs of every political stripe last month to find out the extent to which they had been the targets of sexual harassment, assault, or misconduct of all kinds, including during their time in elected office.

The responses make clear that political Ottawalong a bastion of male-dominated power relationshipsis no stranger to inappropriate behaviour against women, no matter their stature, with social media being the most common source of complaints.

Of 89 current female members of Parliament, 38 chose to respond to the voluntary survey, which sought their input on everything from lived experiences to their views on the global conversation growing out of allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, among others. Anonymity was promised to ensure MPs could share their experiences and opinions without fear of reprisal.

Nearly 58 percent of respondents said they had personally been the target of one or more forms of sexual misconduct while in office, including inappropriate or unwanted remarks, gestures, or text messages of a sexual nature.

That includes three MPs who said they were victims of sexual assault and four who said they were the targets of sexual harassment, defined in the survey as insistent and repeated sexual advances.

Nearly half of respondents47 percentsaid they were subjected to inappropriate comments on social media.

Some of the behaviour documented by the survey appears to have been at the hands of those within the corridors of power.

Twenty-two MPs who said they had personally experienced some form of sexual misconduct in office chose to answer a question about the perpetrators, with five saying it came from an MP from her own party. Ten said it came from an MP in a different political party.

Eight respondents said the perpetrator was a lobbyist, constituent, or other stakeholder known to them through their role in elected politics, while 18 said it was either someone from outside the world of politics or someone who is anonymous or otherwise unknown to them.

The MPs surveyed were nonetheless hesitant to suggest they are worse off than anyone else. Sixty-three percent of respondents said they dont believe the level of sexual harassment in political circles is any different than any other workplace.

From The Canadian Press
New Years Day House Fire Claims Three Oklahoma Children

A space heater is thought to be the cause of a fire that killed three young children in their El Reno home in Oklahoma on New Years day.

Three -year-old Gunner Ray Redbird, four year-old Amylah Dawn Redbird, and 22-month-old Mayley Jean Redbird were sleeping in their shared bedroom shortly before dawn when the fire started.

When firefighters arrived at the home, they saw the two parents, Jamez Redbird and Kee Yanna Osage, carrying the corpses of two of their children out of the smoke-filled home. Another yet-to-be identified adult was carrying the body of the third child.

Paramedics did their best to resuscitate the children on the way to mercy Hospital in El Reno, but were sadly unsuccessful.

"We are in total devastation right now." These are the parents of the 3 young children killed in a fire New Year's Day pic.twitter.com/EDvkpFhKv6  Caroline Vandergriff (@c_vandergriff) January 2, 2018

Our children, they were loved by many people, and they impacted a lot of people, Jamez Redbird told The Oklahoman.

Little did we know that our little babies served their purpose, whatever it may be, and God called them home. Were not asking for anything. If people want to donate, thats fine. All were asking for is prayer.



Melissa Goodblanket, Jamez Redbirds aunt, posted on Facebook:

To lose a child is horrific, to lose three at the same time is unimaginable. Universal powers hear my cry for help for them. Im just so heartbrokenwant to wipe away this pain for themease it somehow!

Thanks for all the prayers going up for them.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the distraught parents.

El Reno Firre Chief Kent Lagaly told NewsOK.com, Once you experience something like this, you realize your focus goes toward the family.

How the community is reaching out to this family is just incredible to me.

Space Heater the Likely Cause

No official cause of death for the fire has been released but El Reno Firre Chief Kent Lagaly said the symptoms were those of smoke inhalation.

He also said that while it was not yet officially determined that the space heater started the blaze, people needed to be extremely careful when using them.

This time of year you just really have to make sure that I know people dont want their pipes to freeze and things like that but when youre going to use an alternative heat source, you have to make sure that youre doing it in the right way, he told KFOR News.

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Background image: alleged site of failed test missile strike in North Korea (via Google Maps). Inlaid: photo taken on Nov. 29, 2017 and released on Nov. 30, 2017 by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) shows launching of the Hwasong-15 missile which is capable of reaching all parts of the United States. (AFP PHOTO / KCNA VIA KNS)

North Korea Allegedly Hit One of Its Own Cities With a Missile in Test Blunder

North Korea accidentally hit one its own cities with a missile, according to a report published in The Diplomat on Wednesday, Jan. 3.

Satellite images show damage caused by a failed test launch that struck Tokchon, a city of 200,000 in the interior of the country, according to a US government source with knowledge of North Koreas weapons programs.

An intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), named the Hwasong KN-17, was fired from Pukchang Airfield in South Pyongan Province, 40 miles north of Pyongyang on April 28 last year, the source told The Diplomat.

But after about one minute of powered flight, the rocket crashed down in the Chongsin-dong area of the city, apparently damaging what appears to be an agricultural or industrial building.

It is next to impossible to verify the true extent of the damage, or indeed to verify the report itself, due to the lack of access to the secretive communist state.

An earlier North Korean test launch failure

A missile that North Korea claimed had the range to hit targets anywhere in the United States most likely broke up as it re-entered the earths atmosphere, a U.S. official said on Saturday, Dec. 2, reported Fox.

The news came in the wake of renewed concerns about North Koreas nuclear strike capability as the rogue nation broke a two-month pause in weapons testing with the launch of its most powerful ICBM yet, dubbed the Hwasong-15.

The ICBM Hwasong-15 type weaponry system is an intercontinental ballistic rocket tipped with super-large heavy warhead. which is capable of striking the whole mainland of the U.S, North Koreas Central News Agency, a mouthpiece of the communist party, said on Nov. 29. According to North Korean state media, the ICBM flew for 53 minutes and reached heights of nearly 2,800 miles (4,500 kilometers).

While a technical analysis of the missiles flight is still pending, the U.S. official said it had problems with re-entry.

Despite revelations about the reported fragmentation of the two-stage liquid-fuel missile, this latest development in North Koreas nuclear weapons program is concerning as it showcases an ability the regime previously didnt have. It also signals the seriousness of regimes frequently stated intent to develop weapons capable of attacking the United States.

While North Korea has threatened the U.S. mainland for months with nuclear weapons, intelligence and military experts said the regime lacked the ability to effectively deliver a nuclear warheadthis has now changed.

Following the ICBM missile test on Nov. 27, U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis said that the missiles North Korea is developing could threaten everywhere in the world.

The North Korean regime has admitted that it is using its nuclear weapons program as a way to pressure the United States and to protect its regime.

North Korea defector reveals regime plans to build new threat

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un has ordered top scientists to build the countrys largest rocket yet, according to a defector.

The defector told a Japanese newspaper that the country has already started production on its largest missile to date, planning for a launch on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the communist republic.

The unnamed defector told Japans Mainichi newspaper that Kim told North Korean scientists in mid-December to construct the missile during a two-day meeting of senior military leaders and scientists in the countrys capital of Pyongyang.

According to the Telegraph, the defector was described as someone who was previously involved in the regimes missile programand has retained links to former colleagues in the North.

The missile has been designated the Unha-4, and is planned as a larger version of the Unha-3.

Two Unha-3 missiles have been successfully launched, the latest in February 2016 from the Sohae Satellite Launching Station in the northwest of the communist country.

The latest launch successfully carried a satellite, according to the regime, reported CNN. The first launch in 2012 had failed to accomplish that.

Many nations, such as the United States and South Korea, consider the launch to be a cover for testing ballistic missile technology, the broadcaster reported. The nuclear-armed North has insisted its aim was to place a scientific satellite in space.

The satellite that North Korea claimed had been put into orbit has not been identified by experts, casting doubt on the claim of success.

The Unha-3 was 98-feet long and based on Soviet technology. The North Korean defector told the Japanese newspaper that the Unha-4 is essentially ready but needs to undergo multiple rounds of testing.

The defector said there were likely two major objectives in launching a new long-range missile. One would be the use of a satellite for guidance and observation of future missile launches, according to the Asahi Shimbun. The other could be to use the pro forma launch of a satellite into space to test whether the missile was capable of re-entry into the atmosphere.

The latest missile news comes just a few days after Kim claimed in his New Years speech that he has a nuclear button on his desk to use at any time.

The entire United States is within range of our nuclear weapons, and a nuclear button is always on my desk, Kim said in his speech.

No matter how much America wants to attack us with their military might and nuclear power, they know that now we possess such great nuclear power and therefore they will not dare.

While much of the regimes true capability is shrouded in secret, CIA Director Mike Pompeo said in October 2017 that the regime appeared to be just months away from perfecting its nuclear capabilities.

First, this is a very big missile. Quite a bit larger than the Hwasong-14 from earlier this year. pic.twitter.com/vObmjdpYoH  Michael Duitsman (@DuitsyWasHere) November 29, 2017

And in late November 2017, experts indicated that a video showed evidence that the regime is closer than ever to that goal.

This is a very big missile, Michael Duitsman, a research associate at the Centre for Nonproliferation Studies, said in an analysis posted to Twitter. And I dont mean Big for North Korea. Only a few countries can produce missiles of this size, and North Korea just joined the club.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said multiple times over the past several months that the United States would meet force with force were Jong Un ever to make good on his threats of launching one or more nuclear missiles at the United States.

NTD contributed to this report

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A South Korean government official checks the direct communications hotline to talk with the North Korean side at the border village of Panmunjom on Jan. 3, 2018 in Panmunjom, South Korea. (South Korean Unification Ministry via Getty Images)

North Korea Calls South Korea, Ending Two-Year Communication Breakdown

North Korea ended a two-year diplomatic breakdown with South Korea on Jan. 3 with a phone call on a special hotline set up to maintain a connection between the two countries.

The line had been silent for two years, with the North refusing to answer calls, following South Koreas criticism of the Norths ongoing ballistic missile and nuclear bomb tests.

Representatives from the two countries had a 20-minute conversation at 3:30pm South Korea time. According to reports, the call was largely used to check technical issues of the communication line.

The conversation came shortly after North Korean leader Kim Jong Il called for improved relations between the two Koreas in his recent New Years address. The sentiment was immediately welcomed by South Koreas Ministry of Unification.

The Ministry of Unification issued a statement saying the South Korean government was ready to talk regardless of time, place, or formality.

According to translations of state-controlled media, Kim said during his New Years address that warming inter-Korean relations was a significant way to celebrate two important events: the 70th anniversary of the founding of the North Korean regime and the Winter Olympic Games, which will take place Feb 9  25 in Pyeongchang County, South Korea.

We should improve the frozen inter-Korean relations and glorify this meaningful year as an eventful one noteworthy in the history of the nation, he said.

Kim said the two nations should work together to ease military tension and create a peaceful environment on the Korean Peninsula.

A climate favourable for national reconciliation and reunification should be established, he said.

He also said the North would send a delegation to the upcoming Games, a matter that should be discussed soon. According to South Koreas culture ministry, Ri Son Gwon, chairman of North Koreas reunification committee, has been charged with working out the Olympic contingent.

South Korean president Moon Jae-in has already reached out about a possible meeting between North and South Korean officials, a possibility that has raised questions about the U.S. role if the two countries develop direct ties.

White House spokesperson Sarah Sanders said Tuesday that the possible meeting did not change anything.

Our policy on North Korea hasnt changed at all. The United States is committed and will still continue to put maximum pressure on North Korea to change and make sure that it denuclearizes the Peninsula.

The possible talks have raised questions about whether North Korea is trying to drive a wedge between South Korea and the United States. Sanders said the United States was calling on all nations to do more to pressure the Kim regime. She dismissed any possible breakdown in South Korea-U.S. ties.

Our alliance and friendship with South Korea remains stronger than it ever has been, and were in close contact with those people about a unified response. Were going to continue to work with South Korea to put maximum pressure on North Korea and work toward the ultimate shared goal that we both have.

Over at the State Deparment, spokesperson Heather Nauert, expressed doubts about what would come out of any talks the two countries held.

If the Republic of Korea and if the [North Korea] want to have a conversation, thats fine, but we arent going to necessarily believe that Kim Jong-un is sincere and is credible in his talks.
Ohio Teen Accidentally Shoots Friend in Head while Drinking and Playing with Guns

At some point one might think that the general message would sink inguns are not toys. Guns can be dangerous if mishandled.

Friends can shoot their friends in the head if they get careless.

Yet again, a young person has been shot by his own friends while playing with a loaded firearm.

In this case, the victim and an unnamed 20-year-old resident of Akron Ohio, at least survived the close-range blast.

Seven young men were drinking in the victims East Exchange Street apartment in Akron at about 10:30 p.m. on Jan. 2, according to Akron police. All of them were playing with various handguns, aiming them at each other and putting them in their own mouths.

One of them, 19-year-old Dominic Radesic, of Medina, Ohio, playfully pointed a loaded handgun at the apartment owners headand accidentally pulled the trigger.

The victim was not killed. Akron Fire department EMTs transported the youth to Summa Akron City Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition.

Radesic fled the scene. Police arrested him at his home in Median, Ohio, later that day.

Radesic was booked into the Summit County Jail on charges of felonious assault, tampering with evidence, weapons under disability, and obstructing official business.

Police also arrested another one of the young men at the scene.

Rick S. Oberacker, 24, allegedly grabbed an audio recorder from one of the detectives investigating the shooting and began shouting into it. Oberacker was booked into Summit County Jail on a charge of misconduct in an emergency.

Teen Killed Friend Playing With a Stolen Gun

In a similar incident, a 12-year-old girl fatally shot a 16-year-old friend with a gun recently stolen from a nearby car.

The victim, 16-year-old Brentrice Wilson of Madison, Tennessee, was one of a group of girls staying in the apartment of the 12-year-olds grandmother. The girls snuck out on the night of Dec. 31 and broke into some cars parked nearby.

The girls found a gun in one of the cars. They brought it back to the grandmothers apartment. The 12-year-old was playing with it when she accidentally fatally shot Wilson.

BREAKING: 12-year-old girl being charged with criminal homicide at Juvenile Court for the overnight fatal shooting of Brentrice Wilson, 16, at Falcon View Apts on E. Palestine Avenue. 12-year-old allegedly handling gun taken in car burglary when it fired, killing Wilson.  Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) December 31, 2017

In another incident, a teen in Oregon fatally shot himself while playing Russian roulette.

The teen showed up at the Carriage Park Estates mobile home park in Sherwood, Oregon, where a number of young adults had gathered.

The teen had a partially loaded .357 revolver, which he dry-fired at himself at least once before shooting himself.

Sherwood Police now probing background of teen shot dead during game of Russian roulette to determine if he was suicidal. https://t.co/qAzAFW2iKg #KOIN6News pic.twitter.com/dVL9ik0XGi  Brent Weisberg (@BrentKOIN) January 1, 2018

It appears that he brought a handgun with him and from witnesses accounts that he was playing a game known as Russian roulette, Sherwood Police Capt. Ty Hanlon told KOIN. We believe that he showed up and initiated this all on his own.

The victims name has not been released, but police described him as being in his mid-teens, according to the Sherwood Gazette.

From NTD.tv
Police: Houston Robber Gets Locked Inside Store, Begs to Be Released

A thief in Houston, Texas, tried to rob a phone store before quick-thinking employees locked the crook inside by himself. And it was all caught on video.

The crime took place back on April. 17, 2017, but the footage was just released by the Houston Police Department on Wednesday, Jan. 3.

John Bell pled guilty to the crime and was later sentenced to five years in prison, just one week before Christmas Day last year, according to ABC13.

Footage depicts Bell casually strolling into the Latino Cell store on Hillcroft Avenue, Houston. A customer and employee were also seen on camera.

Bell then walked to the store counter and demanded someone to open the register.

No, a woman said in the video. She placed her hand on her hip calmly.

Open the register. Open it now, Bell repeated before walking out of the camera frame.

It was at that moment when two workersand a customer pushing a baby strollerran out of the store and locked the door behind them. Just 30 seconds later Bell realized what had happened.

Im stuck in this building, Bell said, before taking his gun out and shooting the lock on the door four times. But the door would not budge.

In the next few minutes, Bell can be seen trying to kick down the door and ram it as he continually cursed.

He then resorted to begging on his knees to strangers outside so they could unlock the door for him. But they all walked away.

WARNING: Some viewers may find the language in the raw footage offensive.

Around six minutes into the video Bell can be seen putting up his hands, giving up. About a minute later officers arrived at the scene, opened the door and handcuffed Bell as he lay on his stomach.

At the time of the robbery, Bell was already out of jail on probation for another aggravated robbery case where he had been sentenced to 12 years, ABC13 reported. That robbery took place back on July 31, 2015.

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Bowen Xiao Reporter Follow Bowen Xiao is a New York-based reporter at The Epoch Times. He covers national security, human trafficking and U.S. politics.

From NTD.tv
Logan Paul apologizes via video for an episode of his vlog that caused outrage, in a video posted Jan. 2, 2018, to his YouTube channel. (Screenshot via Logan Paul Vlogs/YouTube)

Popular Vlogger Apologizes Again for Showing Dead Body on YouTube

Popular social media personality and YouTube vlogger Logan Paul released another apology over his taping of a dead body swinging from a tree in Japans Suicide Forest.

Ive made a severe and continuous lapse in my judgment, and I dont expect to be forgiven. Im simply here to apologize, Paul told his fans on the YouTube vlog. I shouldve never posted the video. I shouldve put the cameras down and stopped recording what we were going through.

Paul first posted a typed apology on Twitter and then made a video apology on YouTube. The apologies come after Paul received tremendous criticism over the video on social media, including from his peers.

I want to apologize to the internet. I want to apologize to anyone whos seen the video. I want to apologize to anyone who has been affected or touched by mental illness or depression or suicide. But most importantly I want to apologize to the victim and his family, added Paul via the apology video.

Here's the longer version for my Twitter squad: pic.twitter.com/dMcx6i4oQu  Logan Paul (@LoganPaul) August 30, 2015

In the video, Paul and his friends enter an area near Mount Fuji colloquially known as Suicide Forest. According to CNN, the area holds the unfortunate reputation as a place where people go to end their lives. For decades Japanese movies and literature have furthered that reputation.

The park is officially known as Aokigahara, also called Sea of Trees. CNN reported how officials have tried a number of methods to slow the number of suicides that occur in the area. Cameras, higher bridge railings, and police patrols have been used to attempt to keep the suicide rate down.

Its my dream to stop suicides in this forest, but to be honest, it would be difficult to prevent all the cases here, prefectural government official Imasa Watanabe told CNN.

After Paul posted the video showing the body of a suicide victim hanging from a tree, the video went viral, and so did the backlash.

For my fans who are defending my actions, please dont. They do not deserve to be defended, added Paul in his apology video. Like I said, Ive made a huge mistake. I dont expect to be forgiven. Im just here to apologize. Im ashamed of myself. Im disappointed in myself. And I promise to be better. I will be better. Thank you.

Although the episode has been removed, Paul mentions the forest in the intro to his next posted vlog episode:

Guys I feel so good right now. Last night we went out. Its a bit weird starting the year like this because you guys saw yesterdays vlog. A first for me. That was weird. If you dont know what Im talking about guys we found a dead body hanging in the Japanese suicide forest. Not exactly how I planned on ending 2017.

And that is all that Paul mentions of the episode before embarking on the next wild adventure in his Japan trip.

Much of the video, just like other episodes of his vlog, is spent goofing off, aggressively and constantly promoting his clothing line, and generally playing the role of the loud, uncontainable American dude.

None of those things was a problem until his trademark spastic approach was brought into the Suicide Forest. PewDiePie, a vlogger who earlier faced his own troubles for content he posted on YouTube, had much to criticize Paul about.

Logan has made 440 vlogs. He does it every single day, and theres always Whats the next big vlog? Whats going to be the next big thing that draws people in? Of course, if something like this happens hes going to want to capitalize on it. Hes going to want to try and draw attention to him, said PewDiePie in his Jan. 2 YouTube vlog. And he knows hes going to get more attention if he films the body, shows it in the thumbnail, all these things that he did.

Since posting his text apology on Jan. 1 and video apology on Jan. 2, Paul has yet to post new vlog content.

From NTD.tv

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India has canceled a $500 million order to buy Spike anti-tank guided missiles from Israels state-owned defense contractor Rafael, the company announced.

The drop of the deal was also confirmed by Indias Ministry of Defense, which said India has pulled out of negotiations over the missiles in a bid to foster its own arms industry.

However, India will buy 131 Barak surface-to-air missiles built by Rafael.

Rafael regrets the decision and remains committed to cooperating with the Indian Ministry of Defense and to its strategy of continuing to work in India, an important market, as it has for more than two decades, to provide India with the most advanced and innovative systems, the firm said in a statement.

The deal was supposed to be signed during Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to New Delhi in two weeks.

As part of the deal, the Indians were supposed to purchase some 8,000 Spike missiles and 300 launchers.

Despite its growing commercial and military ties with Israel, India has voted in favor of the Palestinians in the UN vote on Jerusalem condemning Trumps unilateral move on the issue.
A liquefied natural gas reservoir in the port of Sabetta on the Kara Sea shore line on the Yamal Peninsula in northern Russia on Dec. 7, 2017. (MAXIM ZMEYEV/AFP/GETTY IMAGES)

Russia Stakes Claim, Challenges US in Global Liquefied Natural Gas Market

Oversupply threatens pricing in 2018

On a frigid December day in Sabettaa port located on the Yamal Peninsula in northern Russia bordering the Arctic OceanRussian political and business leaders gathered to mark the opening of a new industrial facility that could help Russia dent Americas influence in Europe.

No, its not a new submarine pen or missile silo; its a liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility called the Yamal project.

The sites Dec. 8 opening ceremony was attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and a host of top Russian energy executivessummoned to the desolate far north by Putinwhere the president extolled Yamal as a project that ensures the future of Russia, the future of its economy.

And thats not hyperbole. The Yamal project gives Russia a foothold in the fast-growing global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market, which is dominated by the United States, Qatar, and Australia. Most importantly, Russia plans to slow U.S. inroads into the European gas market, which has historically depended on Russian supply.

The Yamal project gives Russia a foothold in the fast-growing global liquefied natural gas market, which is dominated by the United States, Qatar, and Australia.

Following the Dec. 8 ceremony and press event, Putin personally gave orders to load Yamals first LNG delivery onto the Christophe de Margerie, an ice-breaking LNG tanker. The vessel traveled to the British Isle of Grain and delivered its first batch of LNG to the UK, which had been experiencing a temporary shortage of gas.

The Yamal project is a $27 billion LNG export plant located among permafrost and reindeer on Russias northern coast. It is one of Russias first LNG projectsa landmark of sortsoperated by natural gas giant Novatek OAO, a Russian company that was placed under U.S. sanctions in 2014. The Yamal LNG project is 50 percent owned by Novatek and has minority investments from French energy giant Total, Chinas CNPC, and Chinas Silk Road Fund.

Growing Global Demand

Typically, natural gas is delivered via pipeline networks, which are expensive to build and maintain, and the scope of the market is limited to the physical reach of the pipelines. LNG is natural gas cooled and compressed into liquid form (at minus 260 degrees Fahrenheit), which can then be transported efficiently on ships and over land.

Global LNG demand rose to 258 million metric tons per year in 2016, a 5 percent increase from 2015. LNGs relatively low levels of carbon emissions make it a good choice for countries without pipelines and those looking to cut coal usage. LNG is considered the cleanest fossil fuel, generating about 30 percent less CO2 than petroleum and 45 percent less than coal.

Japan is the worlds biggest importer of LNG, followed by China and South Korea, according to data from Thomson Reuters Eikon. China overtook South Korea as the worlds second-biggest importer in 2017, with a 50 percent increase year-over-year in deliveries. The three countries together make up 60 percent of the global demand for LNG.

American LNG a Threat to Russian Gas

Russia is traditionally the biggest gas supplier to continental Europe, by virtue of a network of pipelines from state-owned gas giant Gazprom dating back to the Cold War.

President Donald Trump has been championing American LNG exports since the G20 meetings in the summer of 2017, as a way to wean Europe off Russian gas dependency and the economic and political influence that comes with it. After signing a five-year LNG deal with Poland, the first U.S. LNG shipment arrived in June 2017.

Long a net gas importer, the recent U.S. shale boom and development of new LNG export terminalsthe first of which opened in 2016gave the United States the ability to ship LNG globally. In addition to Europe, the United States has been courting customers in India, Japan, and South Korea.

All of this has been a huge threat to Russias existing natural gas business in continental Europe. Realistically, due to its geography and existing pipeline network, Europe is the only market that can pick and choose between LNG and pipeline gas.

Gazproms pipeline buildout from Siberia to Northeast China isnt expected to come online until 2019, so the new Yamal LNG export facility allows Russia to convert pipeline gas to LNG and compete in LNG markets in Europe and Asia.

In addition, the Kremlin has given Gazprom carte blanche to sell gas at any price to undercut American LNG ambitions in Europe.

The Kommersant, a Moscow-based business daily, reported on Dec. 28 that an executive order from the Putin administration allowed Gazprom to sell pipeline gas to companies engaged in producing LNG at an unregulated price, beginning Jan. 1.

Ultimately, Russia is eyeing a 15 to 20 percent share of the global LNG market, Novatek CEO Leonid Mikhelson told reporters on Dec. 12 in Moscow, according to Reuters.

Oversupply Concerns

Rising exports from Australia, the United States, and now Russia have helped to push global LNG prices lower in recent years. Asian LNG prices have fallen from more than $14 per million British thermal unit (mmbtu) to under $10 in December 2017.

When fully operational by 2019, [Yamal] should more than double the countrys liquefaction capacity to around 26 million tons per annum, or 11 percent of global LNG production in 2016, Fitch Ratings said in a Dec. 21 research note.

The biggest hurdles facing Russian LNG projects over the next few years will be financing, given U.S. sanctions. But Chinese and other Asian banks are likely to be ready to lend, and direct equity stakeswhich are not subject to sanctionscould be an alternative financing source.

The LNG market is likely to be oversupplied for several years due to additional LNG capacity being commissioned in the U.S., Australia, and elsewhere, potentially resulting in depressed spot prices until demand catches up, Fitch said.
Russian Military Destroys Ghost Garrison in Bomb Blast Video

Buildings constructed during the Soviet Union were destroyed in a spectacular videothe footage released by the Russian Defense Ministry this week.

The Siberian Times reported that 12 tons of explosives destroyed a site in Chukotka, located in the far eastern reaches of Russia. Its located close to Alaska.

A military spokesman told the publication, The operation destroyed 85 buildings, which were not uniformly structured.

They all had a different number of floors, thickness of walls and ceilings, and varying total area, the spokesman told the paper, adding that the former military town was wiped off the map on Dec. 23.

They placed TNT charges around the base before setting them off.

The town was called a ghost garrison, built during the Soviet era, but its exact location wasnt disclosed.

Another 100 military buildings will be razed in May 2018.

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Tourists view the Morning Glory hot spring in the Upper Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, on May 14, 2016. (MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images)

Scientists Reveal New Theory of Yellowstones Supervolcano Hotspot

New research says that the hotspot underlying the Yellowstone supervolcano has a different origin than previously thought.

Geologists at the University of Illinois say Yellowstones heat is actually being funneled east from the geologically active Pacific Coast.

They used seismic waves that travel through the earth following earthquakes to produce a view underground similar to an X-ray, reported the Independent Record.

The information was then fed through a supercomputer to mimic different geologic scenarios that are known to have occurred over the past 20 million years in an attempt to come up with an explanation for the Yellowstone hotspot, according to the article.

A robust result from these models is that the heat source behind the extensive inland volcanism actually originated from the shallow oceanic mantle to the west of the Pacific Northwest coast, said geology professor, Lijun Liu, who led the research, in a statement. This directly challenges the traditional view that most of the heat came from the plume below Yellowstone.

The leading competing theory is that the hotspot is fed by a deep mantle plume.

However, Earth magazine notes that the plume theory is difficult to confirm because the mantle cannot be studied by fieldwork, and is instead being remotely sensed and modeled.

What little we know about the mantles composition and structure has been gleaned from geochemical analyses of deep-sea lavas or the rare chunk of exhumed mantle rock, and from interpretation of seismic waves that have traveled through the deep Earth, wrote Sara Pratt.

Michael Poland, the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory scientist-in-charge, told the Record that he doesnt necessarily agree with Lins research, but he hopes the new theory will spur more research into the hotspot.

Its an interesting debate thats going to be raging, hopefully for decades, added Robert Porritt, a seismologist at the University of Texas at Austin to ScienceNews.

Lins research was published in Nature.

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The Intel logo is shown at the E3 2017 Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles, California, U.S. June 13, 2017. (Reuters/ Mike Blake)

Security Flaws Put Virtually All Phones, Computers at Risk

FRANKFURT/SAN FRANCISCOSecurity researchers on Wednesday disclosed a set of security flaws that they said could let hackers steal sensitive information from nearly every modern computing device containing chips from Intel Corp, Advanced Micro Devices Inc and ARM Holdings.

One of the bugs is specific to Intel but another affects laptops, desktop computers, smartphones, tablets and internet servers alike. Intel and ARM insisted that the issue was not a design flaw, but it will require users to download a patch and update their operating system to fix.

Phones, PCs, everything are going to have some impact, but itll vary from product to product, Intel CEO Brian Krzanich said in an interview with CNBC Wednesday afternoon.

Researchers with Alphabet Incs Google Project Zero, in conjunction with academic and industry researchers from several countries, discovered two flaws.

The first, called Meltdown, affects Intel chips and lets hackers bypass the hardware barrier between applications run by users and the computers memory, potentially letting hackers read a computers memory and steal passwords. The second, called Spectre, affects chips from Intel, AMD and ARM and lets hackers potentially trick otherwise error-free applications into giving up secret information.

The researchers said Apple Inc and Microsoft Corp had patches ready for users for desktop computers affected by Meltdown. Microsoft declined to comment and Apple did not immediately return requests for comment.

Daniel Gruss, one of the researchers at Graz University of Technology who discovered Meltdown, called it probably one of the worst CPU bugs ever found in an interview with Reuters.

Gruss said Meltdown was the more serious problem in the short term but could be decisively stopped with software patches. Spectre, the broader bug that applies to nearly all computing devices, is harder for hackers to take advantage of but less easily patched and will be a bigger problem in the long term, he said.

Speaking on CNBC, Intels Krzanich said Google researchers told Intel of the flaws a while ago and that Intel had been testing fixes that device makers who use its chips will push out next week. Before the problems became public, Google on its blog said Intel and others planned to disclose the issues on Jan. 9. Google said it informed the affected companies about the Spectre flaw on June 1, 2017 and reported the Meltdown flaw after the first flaw but before July 28, 2017.

The flaws were first reported by tech publication The Register. It also reported that the updates to fix the problems could causes Intel chips to operate 5 percent to 30 percent more slowly.

Intel denied that the patches would bog down computers based on Intel chips.

Intel has begun providing software and firmware updates to mitigate these exploits, Intel said in a statement. Contrary to some reports, any performance impacts are workload-dependent, and, for the average computer user, should not be significant and will be mitigated over time.

ARM spokesman Phil Hughes said that patches had already been shared with the companies partners, which include many smartphone manufacturers.

This method only works if a certain type of malicious code is already running on a device and could at worst result in small pieces of data being accessed from privileged memory, Hughes said in an email.

AMD chips are also affected by at least one variant of a set of security flaws but that it can be patched with a software update. The company said it believes there is near zero risk to AMD products at this time.

Google said in a blog post that Android phones running the latest security updates are protected, as are its own Nexus and Pixel phones with the latest security updates. Gmail users do not need to take any additional action to protect themselves, but users of its Chromebooks, Chrome web browser and many of its Google Cloud services will need to install updates.

Amazon Web Services, a cloud computing service used by businesses, said that most of its internet servers were already patched and the rest were in the process of being patched.

The defect affects the so-called kernel memory on Intel x86 processor chips manufactured over the past decade, The Register reported citing unnamed programmers, allowing users of normal applications to discern the layout or content of protected areas on the chips.

That could make it possible for hackers to exploit other security bugs or, worse, expose secure information such as passwords, thus compromising individual computers or even entire server networks.

Dan Guido, chief executive of cyber security consulting firm Trail of Bits, said that businesses should quickly move to update vulnerable systems, saying he expects hackers to quickly develop code they can use to launch attacks that exploit the vulnerabilities. Exploits for these bugs will be added to hackers standard toolkits, said Guido.

Shares in Intel were down by 3.4 percent following the report but nudged back up 1.2 percent to $44.70 in after-hours trading while shares in AMD were up 1 percent to $11.77, shedding many of the gains they had made earlier in the day when reports suggested its chips were not affected.

It was not immediately clear whether Intel would face any significant financial liability arising from the reported flaw.

The current Intel problem, if true, would likely not require CPU replacement in our opinion. However the situation is fluid, Hans Mosesmann of Rosenblatt Securities in New York said in a note, adding it could hurt the companys reputation.

By Douglas Busvine and Stephen Nellis

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Teenager Arrested After Threatening to Shoot Up School

A teenager was arrested after saying he would be shooting up his local high school.

Shiquan Eleek Ratchford, 17, was arrested after posting the threat to Facebook on Wednesday, Jan. 3, Gaston County Police said in a statement.

Ratchford is a former student at Hunter Huss High School in Gaston County, North Carolina.

He posted the message [Expletive], I will be shooting up Hunter Huss High School tomorrow.

At the time he did not have a handgun or other weapon, police said.

Ratchford was arrested just after midnight on Jan. 3 on charges of disorderly conduct by disrupting students, cyberstalking, and making a false report of mass violence on educational property, according to the police statement.

They told Gaston Gazette that the threat led to multiple students not going to school, interfering with their education.

Hunter Huss High increased security despite the arrest, requiring students to go through metal detectors before entering the school, reported Gaston Gazette.

Police said Ratchford is currently in Gaston County Jail under a $250,000 secured bond.

He had been booked into the jail four times in 2017 on charges including misdemeanor assault and battery and misdemeanor disorderly conduct at school, reported Gaston Gazette.
Toddler Rushed to Hospital After Dog Attack at Day Care

A Montana toddler was flown to an out-of-state hospital after a dog mauled her at daycare.

Naomi Card, 3, was viciously attacked in Billings at the Precious Time Daycare, run by her grandmother Michelle Repeta.

Animal control officers arent sure what caused the bullmastiff, Titan, to attack the toddler.

Well, nobody saw it happen, so nobody knows exactly what happened, Tom Stinchfield, Animal Control supervisor for Billings, told the Billings Gazette.

Whatever the reason, the attack left the three-year-old with deep wounds on her hand, neck and faceincluding one ear being split in half, which doctors sewed up.

Toddler flown to Colorado after dog attack at Billings day care https://t.co/LD0kQRsxtg via @billingsgazette  Mary Ann Redfern (@Carlaumol) January 4, 2018

Toddler flown to Colorado after dog attack at Billings day care  Ravalli Republic https://t.co/xG29s5erUK  #UK #dog  UK Dog News (@UKDogNews) January 4, 2018

She was flown to Childrens Hospital Colorado for treatment.

Its just really hard to see her like that, mother Itxaropen Card said, of her daughter, to the Gazette. I just cry every time.

A web search turned up no information for the day care.

Naomis grandfather told KULR that the dog belongs to him and that the daycare had nothing to do with the incident. He said the dog was put down by animal control shortly after the attack.

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Zachary Stieber Reporter Follow Zachary Stieber covers U.S. and world news for The Epoch Times. He is based in Maryland.

From NTD.tv
Trump Disbands Voter Fraud Commission, Assigns Issue to Homeland Security

President pushes for voter identification

WASHINGTONThe morning after disbanding his advisory commission on election integrity, President Donald Trump encouraged Americans to push for voter identification.

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! Trump tweeted on Jan. 4.

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

Voter identification would require voters to provide photo identification at their voting place in order to vote.

Trump disbanded his advisory commission on election integrity late Wednesday, Jan. 3, saying that despite substantial evidence of voter fraud, many states have refused to provide the commission with basic information relevant to its inquiry, according to a statement by the press secretary.

Rather than engage in endless legal battles at taxpayer expense, today President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order to dissolve the commission, and he has asked the Department of Homeland Security to review its initial findings and determine next courses of action, the statement said.

Trump established the commission in May in order to promote fair and honest federal elections, according to the executive order.

Of primary concern were non-citizens voting; dead people who were still on voter rolls and others using their name to vote; and people voting in more than one state. U.S. law says that a person must be a citizen to vote.

Kansas Secretary of State and vice-chair of the commission Kris Kobach said every time an alien votes it cancels out the vote of a U.S. citizen.

So even one is too many, Kobach told The Epoch Times in an email back in November. Theres no good reason for anyone to want aliens to be voting. Ive never heard anyone argue that aliens have a constitutional right to vote.

Kobach said even a handful of fraudulent votes is enough to decide close elections.

The Heritage Foundation has compiled a sampling of 1,088 voter fraud cases in the United States leading to 949 convictions that demonstrate the many different ways in which fraud is committed.

According to a 2017 report on voter fraud by the Virginia Voters Alliance in Virginia, 5,556 non-citizens illegally registered to vote and cast 7,474 votes. A 2012 Pew study found that more than 1.8 million dead people are listed as voters and that 2.75 million people are registered to vote in more than one state.

Trumps commission had held two hearings by November 2017, according to member Hans von Spakovsky, a senior legal fellow at the Heritage Foundation. Vice President Mike Pence chaired the commission.

Kobach initiated the Interstate Voter Registration Crosscheck Program, which has grown to include 30 participating states. Crosscheck uses public voter data to prevent voter fraud by, for example, identifying voters who registered in more than one state.

The commission sent a letter to all 50 states on June 28, asking for publicly available voter data. Although states are mandated by federal law to keep public records of voter registration and make them available to federal authorities upon request, at least 15 states refused to comply with the request.

In 12 out of those 15 refusals, Democratic secretaries of state and governors are in charge of dispensing the records.

In his refusal to comply with the commissions request, California Secretary of State Alex Padilla said that claims of voter fraud are false and already debunked. Padillas refusal contradicts Californias election code and disregards mounting evidence that voter fraud is widespread and persistent.

In an August 2016 Gallup poll, 10 weeks before the presidential election, 80 percent of Americans said they supported voter ID.
President Donald Trump speaks while flanked by US Vice President Mike Pence during the first meeting of the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, on July 19, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

Trump on States That Refuse Voter Data Request: One has to wonder what they are worried about

In a surprise appearance at the first public meeting of the Commission on Election Integrity on Wednesday, President Donald Trump questioned the motives of state officials who refused to comply with the commissions requests for voter data.

If any state does not want to share this information, one has to wonder what theyre worried about, Trump said. What are they worried about? Theres something. There always is.

The commission sent a letter to all 50 states on June 28, asking for publicly available voter data. Although states are mandated by federal law to keep public records of voter registration and make them available to federal authorities upon request, at least 15 states refused to comply with the request.

In 12 out of those 15 refusals, Democratic secretaries of state and governors are in charge of dispensing the records. Meanwhile, Republican state officials make up the vast majority of the decision-makers among the more than 30 states that have agreed to comply.

Trump formed the bipartisan Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity via an executive order on May 11. The president believes that millions of people may have voted illegally in the 2016 election and formed the commission to investigate potential fraud and improve Americans faith in the elections.

Every time voter fraud occurs it cancels out the vote of a lawful citizen and undermines democracy. Cant let that happen, Trump said at the commission meeting.

Any form of illegal or fraudulent voting whether by non-citizens or the diseased and any form of voter suppression or intimidation must be stopped.



More than 1,000 cases of voter fraud were recorded in a sampling collected by the Heritage Foundation, leading to 938 convictions. In Virginia alone, non-citizens cast 7,474 illegal votes. In Kansas, the home state of the commission Vice Chair Kris Kobach, an expert estimated that up to 18,000 non-citizens are illegally registered to vote.

A 2012 Pew study found that 1.8 million diseased people were registered to vote and that 2.75 million people were registered to vote in more than one precinct.

This issue is very important to me because throughout the campaign and even after it, people would come up to me and express their concerns about voter inconsistencies and irregularities which they saw, in some cases having to do with a very large number of people in certain states, Trump said.

Vice President Mike Pence is chair of the commission. He led the opening statement with an assurance that the commission has no preconceived notions and no preordained results.

This is a bipartisan group that will perform a non-partisan service to the American people, Pence said.

From NTD Television.
Update: No Injuries Reported After Fire at Clintons NY Home

Firefighters were called to put out a fire on Wednesday, Jan. 3, at the Chappaqua, New York, home of former President Bill Clinton and former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, police said.

The fire began around 2:50 p.m. and was extinguished around 3:15 p.m., police officials told NBC New York.

Clintons communication director, Nick Merrill, wrote on Twitter that the fire was at a Secret Service building on the property. The Clintons werent home at the time of the fire.

The fire, he said, was small.

Merrill tweeted that some reports are wrong, & creating much hysteria.

Fire at the Clintons pic.twitter.com/HRF0C7Z1mV  Jake Beiner (@BreezymJustin) January 3, 2018

Yes, a small fire broke out in the @SecretService facility today on Clinton property, in a building not connected to their home. Fire was put out, local FD responded. The Clintons were not home, he wrote. All is ok!

According to local Journal News, citing radio transmissions from the emergency services, said the fire was reported at 2:50 p.m. in a bedroom and that it was quickly extinguished. Reuters could not immediately confirm the report.

#BREAKING NEWS: Firefighters are responding to a fire at Bill and Hillary Clinton's house in Chappaqua, NY. pic.twitter.com/rGMyDUW2lb  BREAKING NEWS (@NewsAlertHQ) January 3, 2018

Breaking: Multiple crews on the scene at @HillaryClinton house in #Chappaqua fire is reportedly knocked down @News12WC pic.twitter.com/86GIakMU4J  Nadia Galindo (@NadiaGalindoTV) January 3, 2018

It was not immediately clear what caused the fire or whether the Clintons were home at the time. Sergeant Arthur Mendoza of the New Castle Police Department referred further questions to the U.S. Secret Service. A spokesman for the agency could not immediately be reached.

The Clintons purchased the five-bedroom, 5,232-square-foot home for $1.7 million in 1999, the Journal News said. Chappaqua is about 40 miles north of New York City.

This report is wrong, & creating much hysteria.

Yes, a small fire broke out in the @SecretService facility today on Clinton property, in a building not connected to their home. Fire was put out, local FD responded. The Clintons were not home.

All is ok!https://t.co/fXnbqtLb2K  Nick Merrill (@NickMerrill) January 3, 2018

Last year, the couple bought a four-bedroom house next door to the house for $1.16 million.

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Reuters contributed to this report.
U.S. President Donald Trump, flanked by Republican lawmakers, celebrates Congress passing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on the South Lawn of the White House on Dec. 20, 2017 in Washington, D.C. The biggest threat to the Canadian economy comes from companies already operating in both countries that may move more operations to the United States. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

US Tax Cuts Not the Biggest Threat to Canadian Business Competitiveness

Experts more concerned with combined effects of domestic tax and wage hikes

NEWS ANALYSIS

The US$1.5 trillion in tax cuts represents the biggest achievement for Donald Trumps presidency, and while it renders the Canadian business climate relatively less attractive, the bigger challenges for Canada are domestic, according to business experts.

The new U.S. average tax rate, including state and local taxes, falls from 39.1 percent to 26 percentalmost 1 percent below Canadas all-in rate.

But the Canadian business environment already has its hands full with higher minimum wages and controversial changes to its own tax system applied to income sprinkling and passive investments. More payroll tax hikes are on the horizon and looming in the backdrop is the threat of NAFTA being scrapped.

So as far as the Trump tax cuts being a watershed moment, business expert Mark Satov of Satov Consultants says it is and it isnt.

Anytime we talk about Canadian competitiveness in the last six months, I dont think you can isolate it to one of those issues, Satov said in a phone interview. You have to talk about the compound effects of all of those issues.

In its January 2017 monetary policy report, the Bank of Canada said U.S. tax cuts would be a double-edged sword for the Canadian economy. The positive would be greater demand for Canadian exports due to a faster-growing U.S. economy; however, Canada would be less competitive as a business environment due to having relatively higher taxes.

This has implications for attracting foreign investment as well as longer-term implications for where businesses choose to establish themselves.

The Canadian government just announced it would be cutting the small business tax rate to 9 percent in 2019. While the all-in rate is the lowest in the G7, it only applies to the first $500,000 of income. This benefit, understandably, is minor when compared with taxation of income sprinklingalbeit watered downand passive investments, not to mention the U.S. broad-based tax cuts. Also, employment insurance rates have gone up this year and the Canada Pension Plan premium will be going up for the next five years.

These factors are more relevant for Canadian businesses than the big U.S. tax cuts, says Corinne Pohlmann, senior vice-president of national affairs and partnerships at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).

Its a confluence of changes, Pohlmann said in a phone interview. All these other things that are happening are far more negative when it comes to the cost of doing business in Canada.

Biggest Threat

Multinationals will see immediate benefits from the U.S. tax cuts and may try to increase those benefits.

For corporations that operate in United States and Canada, I think thats where we can see the quickest change, Satov said. Such companies can relocate production and show profits in the jurisdiction where it is most favourable. Thats where we have to worry the most.

Pohlmann sees things the same way. For Canadian companies that decide to build a U.S. subsidiary, thats what takes jobs away from Canadians,  thats the immediate biggest threat, she said.

Satov says that, in the short term, Canadian businesses may have to consider dropping prices to stay competitive with their American counterparts. Then in the medium term, automation should be considered to help mitigate the impact of rising labour costs and to improve productivity.

In the long term, Im going to reconsider where I should be setting up businesses, Satov said, saying how businesses will react.

Capital, such as a new factory, takes a longer time to react. Business investment also needs a predictable business environment. Akin to the stock market, it doesnt like uncertainty, says Satov.

Both of those things prefer predictability to favourability, Satov said.

While Trump is business-friendly, hes unpredictable, adds Satov, which can be a mitigating factor to the U.S. tax advantage. Businesses remain cautiously optimistic about the long-term stability of the Trump administrations policies. Theres always a threat that the next administration could reverse some of them.

The U.S. tax cuts are effectively a salvo to fiscal policy around the world, and Canada, already without a plan to balance its books, is no different.

As Americas largest trading partner, Canadas economy is about to get heavily side-swiped, wrote Jack Mintz, Presidents Fellow at the University of Calgarys School of Public Policy, in a Financial Post editorial. Mintz, an expert in tax policy, said that if Canadian policy-makers dont respond, the private sector will send investment, jobs, and profits south of the border.

Canadian firms want to remain competitive and do business on a level playing field. The CFIB is advocating for ways to lower payroll taxes, which especially hurt smaller, labour-intensive companies.

Income taxes are certainly important. So are other forms of taxation, Pohlmann said. We need to look at the whole taxation package in Canada.

Follow Rahul on Twitter @RV_ETBiz
The leader of the Palestinian authority (PA) Mahmoud Abbas was emphatic over the future of the Holy Jerusalem saying that the old city is not for sale in response to Donald Trumps to cut off aid if Palestinians do not return to negotiation with Israel conditioning the disputed city off the table.

Jerusalem is the eternal capital of the state of Palestine and it is not for sale for gold or billions, Abbas spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeina told AFP.

We are not against going back to negotiations, but (these should be) based on international laws and resolutions that have recognised an independent Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital, he added.

The response came following Trumps threats to cut off aid to Palestinians over the concern the PA has balked at entering into new US-led negotiations with Israel.

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, Trump tweeted.

Palestinians no longer willing to talk peace, why should we make any of these massive future payments to them?

The US allocates $300 million in aid to the PA.

The US leader also indicated that the US-led initiative does not include Jerusalem in the negotiations adding that Israel, for that, would have had to pay more.

Last December, Trump unilaterally declared Jerusalem as capital of Israel and announced the transfer of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to the Holy city.

The move reversed decades of the US foreign policy in the region and rode against former agreements and UN resolutions.

Abbas following Trumps declaration ruled out Palestinian participation in any US-sponsored peace initiative as he argued that the White House has lost credibility.

Earlier on Wednesday, Hanan Ashrawi, a senior Palestinian official pointed out that the threats to cut off aid do not sway Palestinians stance on the Jerusalem issue.

We will not be blackmailed, she said.

President Trump has sabotaged our search for peace, freedom and justice. Now he dares to blame the Palestinians for the consequences of his own irresponsible actions! she added.

Earlier, US envoy to the UN, Nikki Haley, who at the global body indicated that, the US would cut its contributions to UNs Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) if Palestinians reject new US-brokered talks.

The Palestinians now have to show their will  they want to come to the table. As of now they are not coming to the table but they ask for aid. Were not giving the aid, she said.
Young Boy Found Dead on Texas Beach 2 Months Ago: No One Knows Who He Is or How He Died

About two months after a small boy was discovered on a beach in Galveston, Texas, officials arent sure who the boy is or what happened to him.

In a report from The Wall Street Journal last week, the mystery of Little Jacob, as the child has been called, is no closer to being solved. The FBI has offered a $10,000 reward for information about the child, whose face appears on billboards across Texas.

Mystery of Little Jacob, a toddler found on the shore, haunts a Texas town https://t.co/9mWUwtN1fw via @WSJ  Quentin Fottrell (@Quantanamo) December 29, 2017

Police are not sure if the child drowned or if he died before he got into the water.

The surreal-ness of standing on a beach with a three-year-old lying dead and nobody looking for them, nobody calling for themI have never experienced that in my time here, Galveston Police spokesperson Capt. Josh Schirard was quoted by The Wall Street Journal as saying.

I cant wrap my head around what is happening here, Special Agent Richard Rennison told the newspaper.

$10,000 reward offered after body of boy dubbed 'Little Jacob' is found on Texas beach https://t.co/G4XMXP45tO pic.twitter.com/DVh5bR0Gmu  WLKY (@WLKY) November 7, 2017

CW39-TV reported that the boy was between the ages of 3 and 5 years old. He was found Oct. 20 on the Galveston beach.

Its heartbreaking that no one has come forward to identify this boy or offer any clues as to what happened to him, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Ed Michel of the FBI Houston field office added.

Sometime around Oct. 18, family members caring for the boy may have provided an explanation for the childs whereabouts, according to investigators. Prior to the boys disappearance, family members caring for the child may have indicated that the child caused additional stress on the caregivers due to the childs health or behavioral issues, CW39-TV said.

But, in the meantime, Our focus continues to be on identifying the family of Little Jacob, said Schirard, Patch.com reported. Someone has to know who they are, who Little Jacob is and what happened to him, he added.

Those with information about the case should call 1-800-CALL-FBI or 1-800-225-5324.

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NORWALK  Despite its reputation as a hub for financial elites, Connecticut still isnt making the grade when it comes to financial literacy education, a new report shows.

The state received an F for the third time on the biennial report by the Champlain College Center for Financial Literacy.

Peter Yazbak, spokesman for the State Department of Education, said its unlikely Connecticuts grade will ever improve as long as the basis for such a grade is the lack of a state graduation requirement. Connecticut leaves the majority of curriculum development and requirements in the hands of individual school districts, a decentralized structure Yazbak said will hold the state back when it comes to improving its report card.

Because were a local control state, it means the local agencies have control over their own curriculum, Yazbak said. There are a small percentage of towns that do require it to graduate, but because were a local control state, and Im not sure thats ever going to change, its up to the districts to require it for graduation. Well probably always receive a failing grade, but the report does highlight a lot of good things going on (in Connecticut) in relation to personal finance and financial literacy.

Connecticut does not include personal finance in graduation requirements, either as a stand-alone course or embedded in another course, and personal finance is not required to be offered or taken though some districts may opt to require it on their own. Personal finance can be taken as an elective and counted toward the career and life skills elective requirement beginning in 2021.

Less than 7 percent of Connecticut school districts include require students to take a personal finance course, though more than 90 percent offer an elective personal finance course. Connecticut was one of 11 states to receive a failing grade on the 2017 report. The state previously received failing grades on the 2013 and 2015 reports.

More Information Financial Figures Percent of CT schools that offer a personal finance course: 90 percent Percent of CT schools that require personal finance course for graduation: 7 percent School Number of students enrolled in a personal finance course (2013-14) Number of students enrolled in a personal finance course (2014-15) Number of students enrolled in a personal finance course (2015-16) Brien McMahon High School 73 111 87 Norwalk High School 66 51 36 See More Collapse

Despite a bleak outlook for the state, Norwalk provides a robust business and economics elective curriculum, though none of the courses are a graduation requirement.

I am proud to say that Norwalk is relatively unique in Connecticut because we do actually offer both Introduction to Personal Finance for grades 9 and 10, and Personal Finance for grades 11 and 12, said Craig Creller, interim chief academic officer for Norwalk Public Schools.

Were kind of throwing the gauntlet down on personal finance, Creller said. We have a number of exciting options in the business department. Overall, while Connecticut might receive an F, Id give Norwalk an A. The state does not mandate that students take it for graduation, but were offering it as an elective. Im proud of what Norwalk offers, most schools dont even offer it, they just follow the state requirements.

Creller did not say if the district would ever make personal finance a graduation requirement, but said many students have expressed interest in personal finance, economics and entrepreneurship as elective courses, which has led to expanded course offerings and higher enrollment in those courses.

I think (students) realize its important and weve been responsive to their requests over the years, Creller said. Adding courses like the entrepreneurial course is a response to demand.

Creller said the full business and economics curriculum will be available on the Norwalk Public Schools website by next fall, part of the districts effort to provide curriculum-wide transparency.

Though the states letter grade has not, and may never improve, the state has made some progress toward improving personal finance course offerings for students.

The Connecticut Department of Education has developed financial literacy education frameworks to help districts develop business and finance technology courses that include personal finance. The state has also developed a cross walk that shows how personal finance concepts can be used to teach to the Common Core Math Standards.

In 2015, Connecticut implemented a law that requires the State Board of Education to make available a financial literacy curriculum, other materials and assistance to local and regional school districts for such courses.

Our failing grade  viewed at surface level  doesnt capture the progress Connecticut has made in recent years to incorporate financial literacy and personal finance education into the states curriculum, Yazbak said.

In the past five years, the state Department of Education has distributed more than 20 grants to high schools to provide support with incorporating personal finance courses in their curriculum, and to increase business education classes offered in the high schools, the department worked with the Board of Regents to create additional certification programs approved for Connecticut Certification in Business Education. The University of Bridgeport began running a teacher preparation program for business education beginning August 2017.

Its obviously very important, Yazbak said. I think the education districts provide students is aimed at making them well rounded adults primed for success and knowing how to budget, and personal finance is an important part of that.

kkrasselt@hearstmediact.com; 203-842-2563; @kaitlynkrasselt
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French President Emmanuel Macron Wednesday laid into the White House, Riyadh and Tel Aviv for their rhetoric on the going-protests in the Islamic Republic as he argued that their stances could craft a path to war, reports say.

The official line pursued by the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia, who are our allies in many ways, is almost one that would lead us to war, the French leader told reporters.

The line being taken was a deliberate strategy for some, he said.

The Islamic Republic has been facing for a week regime change demonstrations which started December 28 against economic hardship.

At least 21 people have died since the start of riots while hundreds have been arrested. Iranian authorities have blamed enemies of the Islamic Republic for fomenting the uprising, the biggest since 2009.

President Trump openly has endorsed through daily series of Tweets the demonstrations.

You will see great support from the United States at the appropriate time! wrote in one Tweet.

Tuesday the US envoy to the UN Nikki Haley indicated the US would seek a UN emergency session on the situation in Iran.

The Trump administration has made Iran its top enemy in the Middle East and refused to stamp the Islamic Republics compliance with the nuclear agreement signed with world powers in 2015.

Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also threw his to the demonstrators, Times of Israel reports.

Brave Iranians are pouring into the streets, he said.

They seek freedom. They seek justice. They seek the basic liberties that have been denied to them for decades.

European countries have been cautious in their comments on the crisis in Iran. Berlin called for dialogue in answering the grievances expressed by the demonstrators. It also urged Teheran to respect freedom of assembly and expression.

Macron in a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani called for restraint, reports.

Unlike the US, the EU has sanctioned Irans compliance with nuclear accord and several countries of the block including France have started warming ties with Tehran.

Head of Revolutionary Guards General Mohammad Ali Jafari Wednesday announced the end of the sedition. He noted that a large number of troublemakers have arrested and will be dealt with.

Thousands supporters of regime and the Islamic revolution Thursday poured in the streets of several cities including Isfahan, Ardebil and Mashhad, which were the epicenters of the protests. They also held protests on Wednesday.

The parliament has called on President Hassan Rouhani to provide answers to protesters economic demands.

As concerns petrol prices, we must absolutely take into account the situation of the people because the tensions are absolutely not in the interests of the country, parliament speaker Ali Larijani said on Wednesday.
The Palestinian Prime Minister based in the West Bank announced Wednesday resumption of payment of Israel-supplied electricity in Gaza enclave nearly six month after refusing to foot the bill and leaving the strip in nearly complete darkness.

Last June, Mahmoud Abbass PA in a move to squeeze Islamist movement Hamas ruling the enclave refused to pay bills for the electricity supplied by Israel.

The move cut off electricity by some 50 megawatts leaving thousands of houses dependent on fours of electricity per day. The shortage also exasperated the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territory. Hospitals have had difficulties to operate.

Abbas also cut off the oil supply forcing Hamas to turn to Egypt which funneled thousands of the gas oil to be sued to run a local plant.

Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah told WAFA news agency that the decision to resume the payment is part of Abbass plans to reunify Palestine and alleviate the suffering of millions of Gazans.

We affirm that we will not hesitate for a moment in shouldering our national responsibility for the people of the Gaza Strip, and we will make every effort to strengthen their resilience and improve their quality of life in order for them to confront the challenges they face, he added.

Hamas and its rival Fatah which dominates the PA and other groups have embarked since October on a reconciliation process overseen by Egypt.

Hamas has relinquished the control of Gaza borders to the PA. It has also allowed the return of PA minister a decade after driving them out.

Talks have however stripped over the future of Hamass weaponry. The Islamist movement has refused to disarm.
President Muhammadu Buhari in his New Year address has pledged to turn the attention of his administration to an infrastructure package for 2018.

The president revealed that twenty five major highways will be funded under the N100b SUKUK facility. Each geo-political zone will benefit by an equal amount of N16.67b.

The Ministry of Power, Works and Housing is one of the drivers of this Governments commitment to renew and increase Nigerias stock of infrastructure in order to achieve global economic competitiveness as targeted under the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, he said.

Full Text

I join my fellow citizens this morning to welcome and celebrate the New Year 2018. This year promises to be pivotal in our quest for CHANGE.

Unfortunately, I am saddened to acknowledge that for many this Christmas and New Year holidays have been anything but merry and happy. Instead of showing love, companionship and charity, some of our compatriots chose this period to inflict severe hardship on us all by creating unnecessary fuel scarcity across the country.

The consequence was that not many could travel and the few who did had to pay exorbitant transport fares. This is unacceptable given that NNPC had taken measures to ensure availability at all depots. I am determined to get to the root of this collective blackmail of all Nigerians and ensure that whichever groups are behind this manipulated hardship will be prevented from doing so again.

Such unpatriotism will not divert the Administration from the course we have set ourselves. Our governments watch word and policy thrust is CHANGE. We must change our way of doing things or we will stagnate and be left behind in the race to lift our people out of poverty and into prosperity.

My address to fellow Nigerians this morning is devoted mainly to informing you about the intense efforts this Administration is putting to address our countrys huge infrastructural deficit.

We are going to make significant in-roads in advancing road, rail and power projects across the country.

The Ministry of Power, Works and Housing is one of the drivers of this Governments commitment to renew and increase Nigerias stock of infrastructure in order to achieve global economic competitiveness as targeted under the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.

With regards to Railways, we have set ourselves ambitious targets. Already in construction stage is the Lagos-Kano Standard Gauge Railway.

The line should reach Ibadan from Lagos by the end of 2019 and will carry two million passengers per year and five million tons of cargo will be transported every year giving a substantial boost to the countrys economy.

Construction of the Kano  Kaduna segment is expected to commence this year and reach Kaduna by the end of 2019. By the end of 2021 the two ends will be joined so that we will have standard gauge railway across the main North-South trading route.

The Abuja  Kaduna route will be boosted by additional rolling stock next Thursday and will be able to handle one million commuters annually.

At the same time I have approved and negotiations will be concluded in the first part of this year for the Port Harcourt to Maiduguri line covering Aba, Owerri, Umuahia, Enugu, Awka, Abakaliki, Makurdi, Lafia, Jos, Bauchi, Gombe, Yola and Damaturu. The Abuja to Itakpe line will go through Baro and terminate in Warri with construction of a new seaport at Warri.

Negotiations are also advanced for the construction of other railway lines, firstly from Kano to Maradi in Niger Republic passing through Kazaure, Daura, Katsina, Jibia to Maradi.

Secondly, Lagos to Calabar the Coastal Rail through Ore, Benin, Agbor, Asaba, Onitsha, Sapele, Ughelli, Warri, Yenagoa, Otuoke, Port Harcourt, Aba, Uyo and Calabar. In the next few years, all these Nigerian cities will be linked by functional modern rail systems, giving enormous boost to the social and economic life of our people.

With respect to the Abuja Capital Light Rail, progress has reached 98% completion, as at 64% completion when we assumed office. Only test runs remain before start of operations.

This train service will stimulate economic activities in the Federal Capital and provide residents with an efficient and safe transportation system. Twelve railway sub-stations around the capital over a 45.2 kilometre route will serve as a catalyst and a pull factor to the economy of the area. The Light Rail System will reduce traffic congestion and carbon emission in line with the Administrations policy on climate change.

Management of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has been reconstituted and has been charged with a 12 week rapid intervention in road repairs to cover all the geo-political zones. Government is undertaking repairs and maintenance of 44 roads within the six geo-political zones.

Twenty five major highways will be funded under the N100b SUKUK facility. Each geo-political zone will benefit by an equal amount of N16.67b. The following major highways are to receive special attention:

a. Oyo  Ogbomosho,

b. Ofusu  Ore  Ajebandele  Shagamu,

c. Yenagoa Road Junction  Kolo Otuoke  Bayelsa Palm,

d. Enugu  Port Harcourt Dual Carriage Way,

e. Onitsha  Enugu Expressway,

f. Kaduna Eastern Bypass,

g. Dualization of Kano  Maiduguri Road,

h. Dualization of Abuja  Lokoja  Benin Road,

i. Dualization of Suleja  Minna Road.

In addition, Government has approved work to start on the re-construction of Abuja  Kaduna  Zaria  Kano road which is in a state of disrepair. Work will soon start and is expected to be completed in 2019.

More Nigerians across the country are experiencing improved power supply to their homes and businesses. However, power remains a concern to this government because too many people still do not have regular and reliable supply.

The Payment Assurance Guarantee Scheme which started in January 2016 has enabled the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trader to raise so far N701 billion to assure Generation Companies of at least 80% payment for any power delivered to the national grid.

Consequently, generation has now reached 7,000MW. On December 8, 2017 the country achieved 5,155MW of power delivered to consumers, the highest level ever recorded.

Several moribund projects have been revived. Repairs of Afam Power Station added 110MW in 2017 and another 240MW will be added this year through a private investment partnership.

Katsina Power Project is now being tested and producing 10MW of power from wind for the first time in Nigeria. It should be fully operational this year.

The Zungeru 700MW Hydroelectric Power Project, stalled by court cases is due for completion in 2019. The transmission and other requirements to operate the 30MW Gurara Phase 1 Hydroelectric Plant, the 40MW Kashimbilla Hydroelectric Plant and the 215 MW Kaduna Gas/LPG/Diesel Power Plant will also be completed this year.

A landmark project, Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project is at last taking off. This project has been on the drawing Board for 40 years, but now the engineering, procurement and construction contract for the 3,050MW project has been agreed with a Chinese joint venture Company with a financing commitment from the government of China. Completion is targeted for 2023.

As I mentioned earlier, the Transmission Company of Nigeria can now distribute all the 7,000MW that can be generated. TCN and the Niger Delta Holding Company have added 1,950MVA of 330 down to 132KV transformer capacity of 10 transmission stations and 2,930MVA of 132 down to 33KV transformer capacity of 42 sub-stations including Ikot Ekpene, Aba, Alagbon, Ajah, Ejigbo, Funtua and Zaria.

This Administration is working with the privatised distribution Companies to overcome the continuing challenges of distribution.

These massive public works should spearhead the recovery and lead millions back to employment. You will recall that it was not until last year that we got out of the economic recession into which the country had fallen as a consequence of past unsustainable economic policies which projected short-term illusory growth.

The government is slowly stabilizing the economy.

It was in order to change the steady and steep decline that we adopted the more sustainable policies and programmes captured in the Economic Recovery Plan. Diversification efforts have resulted in improved output particularly in agriculture and solid minerals sectors. The relative exchange rate stability has improved manufacturing sector performance.

We have got to get used to discipline and direction in economic management. The days of business as usual are numbered.

Two years ago I appealed to people to go back to the land. I am highly gratified that agriculture has picked up, contributing to the governments effort to re-structure the economy. Rice imports will stop this year. Local rice, fresher and more nutritious will be on our dishes from now on.

By the same token, I am today appealing to enterprising Nigerians with ideas and unemployed graduates and other able-bodied and literate men and women with ideas not to just sit and wait for employment from the government or the Organized Private Sector. Great nations are built by enterprising people who turn their hands to anything that circumstances dictate.

In respect of political developments, I have kept a close watch on the on-going debate about Restructuring. No human law or edifice is perfect. Whatever structure we develop must periodically be perfected according to changing circumstances and the countrys socio-economic developments. We Nigerians can be very impatient and want to improve our conditions faster than may be possible considering our resources and capabilities. When all the aggregates of nationwide opinions are considered, my firm view is that our problems are more to do with process than structure.

We tried the Parliamentary system: we jettisoned it. Now there are shrill cries for a return to the Parliamentary structure. In older democracies these systems took centuries to evolve so we cannot expect a copied system to fit neatly our purposes. We must give a long period of trial and improvement before the system we have adopted is anywhere near fit for purpose.

However, there is a strong case for a closer look at the cost of government and for the public services long used to extravagance, waste and corruption to change for the better. I assure you that government is ever receptive to ideas which will improve governance and contribute to the countrys peace and stability.

As the electioneering season approaches politicians must avoid exploiting ethnicity and religion by linking ethnicity with religion and religion with politics. Such must be avoided at all costs if we are to live in harmony.

In this respect the rest of Nigeria could learn from the South Western States who have successfully internalized religion, ethnicity and politics.

Political discourse should be conducted with civility, decorum and in a constitutional manner. We all have a collective responsibility to strengthen our democracy and entrench the rule of law. We should draw encouragement from the series of bye-elections conducted by INEC last year which were generally violence free and their outcomes adjudged to be free and fair.

Before I conclude my address I must reassure my fellow citizens that security of life and property is still top of our governments agenda. We have since beaten Boko Haram. Isolated attacks still occur, but even the best-policed countries cannot prevent determined criminals from committing terrible acts of terror as we have seen during the past years in Europe, Asia, Middle East, elsewhere in Africa and in America.

Our government remains determined to protect all Nigerians in line with our election pledge and promises. On behalf of all Nigerians let me offer our thanks to the Armed forces, the Police, other para-military forces and traditional authorities who are working round the clock to ensure that you and I go about our normal business in reasonable safety.

Terrorism and urban crimes are world-wide phenomena and our security forces are continuously adapting their responses to changing threats.

With regard to rampant cases of kidnappings, we are taking immediate short-term measures to combat this new evil creeping into our societies. Tighter police methods and swift and severe punishment for those proved to be engaged in kidnapping are on the way.

With respect to Niger Delta, Government is still engaging responsible leadership of the Communities to help in identifying and addressing genuine grievances of the region. Our clean-up programme in collaboration with the United Nations is making satisfactory progress.

I am grateful to all the Governors and other Political & Community leaders of the Niger Delta States for their part in bringing relative peace to the areas.

Finally let me again express my heartfelt thanks to all Nigerians who prayed for me during my illness last year. I feel deeply humbled by your prayers and good wishes and I am more determined than ever to serve you to the best of my ability.

Good morning. And I wish everyone a Happy New Year.
The patient, Mike Kasperak, 54 years old, was reported to be awake and alert, the New York Times reported three days after surgery. He was allowed a first visit with his wife yesterday evening and slept during the night. Two days later, it followed up with: Mr. Kasperak managed to scribble an I love you note and hand it to his wife.

For the first few days post-surgery, Kasperaks condition remained hopeful, but then he slipped into a semi-comatose state. Extensive bleeding of the stomach led to worries that his liver and kidneys had been too severely damaged by years of heart disease to keep him alive.

In retrospect, he was too ill at the time of surgery, Stinson said. His lungs, liver, kidneys, GI tract werent functioning well. His body didnt tolerate the stress of the operation well. Fifteen days after the surgery, Kasperak died of severe hemorrhaging. Stinson, making certain he was given enough morphine that he was never in pain, was there by his side.

Shumway had been the man who American medicine thought would usher in the era of transplanted hearts.

In the aftermath of the Stanford transplant, the world hit near-hysteria in its fascination with heart transplants. Nearly 100 medical institutions jumped in to attempt the operation. The surgery itself proved fairly simple, but the inability to prevent recipients bodies from rejecting foreign hearts quickly led to alarming death rates. Sensationalized accounts of these operations appeared in newspapers like the National Enquirer. One paper ran with this headline: Docs give her a mans heart  now she puffs stogies and rants and raves at TV wrestlers.

At the same time, lawsuits against heart surgeons became something of a fad worldwide, with defense attorneys claiming their clients were not guilty of murder despite having, for example, shot a victim in the head. It was the surgeons, who removed the victims hearts, who were guilty of the murder, they argued.

The Santa Clara County coroner threatened to bring murder charges against Shumway after his first transplant, but the district attorney refused. Shumway did testify in the 1974 murder trial in Oakland of Andrew Lyons who had shot one of Shumways transplant donors in the head.

Im saying anyone who is brain-dead is dead, Shumway testified, according to a story in the New York Times. Lyons was found guilty.

Not until 1976 would the issue of cause of death be resolved in California, with the establishment of a state law on brain death that made it clear doctors could legally remove a beating heart from the body of a brain-dead patient.

In 1970, on the third anniversary of Barnards first transplant, exhausted by this near-madness and frightened by the soaring death rates, the medical establishment, led by the American Heart Association, called for a moratorium on heart transplants. All major institutions complied, except for one: Stanford.

A 1971 Life magazine cover story, A new report on an era of medical failure: The tragic record of heart transplants, reported the numbers: of the 166 heart transplants performed, only 23 recipients were still alive, giving the procedure an overall mortality rate of 85 percent.

Shumway had been the man who American medicine thought would usher in the era of transplanted hearts, the magazine reported. Instead he became the principal surgeon to survive it. Mercifully, the race was no longer a race. The spectators had gone home; all the runners save one had dropped out. He could afford to take all the time he needed to reach the finish line.

Refining the work

We just ignored it all, said John Schroeder, MD, a professor of cardiovascular medicine who in 1968 was a member of the Shumway team as a cardiology resident. He helped write the grant proposals that kept Stanfords research program alive following Kasperaks transplant.

Returning to the laboratory, the Stanford physician-scientists continued to methodically publish scientific papers and conduct heart transplants, slowly establishing new protocols for the selection of patients and for measuring and treating rejection.

Today, Stanford Medicines reputation is cemented as the research center responsible for leading to the thousands of successful transplants carried out annually around the world. But that first surgery remains a magical moment, for Stinson at least, and an essential one, along the journey toward making heart transplantation a standard operation.

We learned a lesson, Stinson said. Patient selection would be key to the success of this operation. Mr. Kasperak was just too sick to survive. At the time of his death, the heart was probably the only functioning organ he had. Shumway, who died of cancer in 2006, for many years kept a slogan hanging on his wall that said: Where there is death, there is hope.

The year following Mike Kasperaks death, Ferne Kasperak was asked by a reporter at the Palo Alto Times about the decision that led to her husband undergoing the first adult heart transplant in the United States.

He had 15 days extra that I dont think he would have had, she reportedly said. I have no regrets, and I dont think Mike did either.
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Georgia praised for ease of compliance with tax law

(TBILISI) Georgia ranks 22nd out of 190 countries according to the World Bank and PwC Paying Taxes 2018 report, which compares countries by the ease of complying with tax law.This year Georgias overall ranking is the same as achieved last year. Importantly this years ranking does not take into account the "Estonian model tax reform. It is expected the reform, which will be first reflected in the results of Paying Taxes 2019, should decrease how long it takes companies to meet their tax compliance obligations.On average globally, it takes the case study company 240 hours to comply with its taxes, it makes 24 payments and has an average Total Tax and Contribution Rate of 40.5 percent (percentage of income borne by the company in taxes).In Georgia the case study company takes 269 hours to comply with its taxes, (one hour less than last year), finds the report. The case study company makes five payments (no change on last year). The case study company has a Total Tax and Contribution Rate of 16.4 percent.The average time to comply in other non-EU Eastern European and Central Asian economies is 230 hours, which is lower than in Georgia. However the regions average Total Tax and Contribution Rate is greater at 33.4 percent, as is the regional average number of payments at 16.The post-filing processes for value-added tax (VAT) and corporate income tax (CIT) returns, which are considered in the study for the second year, can be amongst the most challenging and lengthy processes for businesses to comply with. Georgia performs well in this category however scoring 85.9, where 100 is the best score. This means Georgia ranks 4th in the Eastern Europe & Central Asia region, where the average score is 62. The global average score is 59.5 for the post-filing index.
Anaklia Deep Sea Port construction begins

The construction works for the Anaklia Deep Sea Port have been launched. As Georgias Governmental Administration has informed IPN, Georgias Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili has taken part in the construction opening ceremony.He has assessed the port as the largest project of the 21st century that represents a beginning of Georgias transformation from a transit country into the country of industry, logistics and development.First and foremost, the port is a unique project as it will strengthen Georgias position on the Silk Road Way map. The port will allow our country to host the biggest ships and keep pace with the increasing dynamics of the container or different shipping that take place in the region. Of course, the port will allow the residents of the region as well as entire Georgia to reach completely different possibilities for their own business and launch a totally new one. Several thousand people will be employed during the construction process, he has remarked.According to him a large territory around the port will develop as a new residential, as well as logistic and industrial zone.The Georgian PM has thanked the Anaklia Development Consortium for conducting several-year greatest work and underlined involvement of the U.S. engineering company Conti and SSA Marine in the process.This is a place where Europe meets Asia and this is the main thing. Georgia will be shown throughout the world as a country of international cooperation, stability and peace. I would like to congratulate you on this day once again, I would like to congratulate Georgia on the day as a new Georgia starts here. It is no exaggeration, Giorgi Kvirikashvili has remarked.The Georgian PM has participated in the Anaklia Port Construction opening ceremony together with the Cabinet members.
NGO Says Georgias Police Cover Up Violence Against Women

By Tea Mariamidze

(TBILISI)Non-Governmental Organization Sapari, which actively works on protecting womens rights, claims that investigations into the cases of violence against women, committed by law enforcers, continuously stall because the law enforcement bodies provide cover for their employees.The NGO says Tbilisi City Court issued a protective order against the employee of State Security Service of Georgia (SSG), in order to protect a woman from the abusive man.The Court considered the facts of violence, inquired the victim and her underage son and prohibited the abuser to approach or contact the victim for 6 month, the NGO said.Sapari lawyer, Eliso Rukhadze, who protects the interests of the domestic violence victim, says despite several appeals to the police, the investigation into the case has not been launched yet.The victim has only the status of a witness and no protective mechanism has been applied to her. She also asked for the restraining order several times, but the police did not issue it, she stressed.Rukhadze added that despite the issued protective order, the abuser violated its terms on December 26. The lawyer added they reported to the police but they have not taken any action yet.We have a reasonable suspicion that the Ministry of Internal Affairs covers the abuser, as he is the SSG employee, she added.Regarding this case, Sapari and other NGOs held a briefing on December 15. According to their statement, the employee of the SSG used to beat his wife in the presence of their minor child, threatened to kill and blackmailed the woman.At the briefing Sapari also pointed out another case, claiming Samtskhe-Javakheti Police Department official, Vasil Ghonghadze provides cover for his brother-in-law, Vakhtang Tediashvili, who used to systematically abuse his wife during 5 years, and after divorce he did not stop violence against her, despite the victims appeals to the police.Tediashvili was arrested only after he beat his wife in front of cameras at school.However, as the victim Nino Tasoshvili says, the violence towards her has not stopped since then and the relatives of her ex-husband accuse her in mistreating her 7- year-old child. The police have already launched the investigation into the case.The victim says all she asks for is safety and protection, but fears the case will be reversed against her.The NGOs slam the Ministry of Interior Affairs (MIA), saying the law enforcers, who are obliged to protect the rights of the society, in some cases are violators themselves, and the ministry does not have an effective mechanism against them.The organizations, as well as the Public Defender of Georgia, have many times called on the government to establish a body, which would investigate cases committed specifically by law enforcers.MIA also commented on the cases, saying fight against domestic violence and women is the top priority of the ministry, adding immediate response is usually made into all incidents.The Ministry of Internal Affairs will examine each of these facts in detail and take measures envisaged by the law, the MIA stated.
The brewpub concept comes with built-in flaws. Entrepreneurs have to juggle running a restaurant and a brewery, often in tight quarters. They want to tout their own beer, of course, and must brew enough favourites to sell, but also have to stock competitors to keep sufficient taps flowing.

Enter Calgarian PJ LHeureux. His Craft Beer Market concept, which opened in early December on Adelaide St. E. at Yonge St., solves many of those problems.

This is a restaurant only, with no brewing on site. Its more of a third party in the microbrew industry, and can celebrate equally the 145 beers it has on tap, most of them local brews. (Youll see brands like Muskoka, Collective Arts, Beaus and Rainhard and many others, but also mainstream names like Bud Light, Stella Artois and Guinness.)

The stainless steel pipes that send beer from the restaurants enormous beer fridge (stacked with about 360 kegs) to the bar run assertively along its soaring ceilings and down walls. Most places hide their beer system, says LHeureux, 43. We pay homage to the beer.

It can also focus on the restaurant side, offering solid customer service and a carefully selected menu that both celebrates beer, local suppliers, sustainable products and internationally inspired items. (For instance, the place offers a Korean Satay Lettuce Wrap for $16, Yucatan Chicken Salad for $17.50 and a Mezze Platter for $14.)

LHeureux says his staff makes as much product in-house as possible, which includes baking bread and buns daily.

And this place is huge. It has more than 400 seats inside and has begun construction on a 250-seat courtyard patio.

LHeureux grew up in Calgary; his dad was a cop and his mom a teacher. Theres no entrepreneurial spirit in my background, he quips. Yet, by age 16 he was organizing dance parties and DJ-ing.

He also tried home brewing, starting around age 18. I definitely wasnt good at the beer, he says, calling his results undrinkable.

LHeureux studied at the University of Calgary and at 22 he opened his first bar.

In 2008, he got interested in craft beer. Travelling in Europe and the U.S., in particular Portland, exposed him to this growing industry. The more I dove into the craft beer market, the more I loved it.

Predicting the industry was set to explode in Canada, he started developing the idea for a restaurant devoted to microbrews.

When he and longtime friends John Liwag and Rob Swiderski opened the first Craft Beer Market in Calgarys Beltline neighbourhood in 2011, the province had a mere six microbreweries. The company owners got to know them well, plus the brewers in adjoining provinces.

The beer selection at the always busy 11,000-square-foot restaurant grew with the exploding microbrew industry.

Then, demand cropped up elsewhere.

Friends in the brewing industry connected the partners to a great property in Vancouver, and they opened a location there in 2013, and also an Edmonton restaurant the same year. Ottawa followed in 2016 and a second Calgary location opened in 2017.

I never in my wildest dreams thought this would go across the country, says LHeureux.

The Toronto opening came about when the landlord of the space on Adelaide visited Craft Beer Market in Vancouver and felt the concept was perfect for the spot. They contacted the company and signed a deal.

Not long after opening, the place was packed at a time when the lunch rush should have already been over. Out of the gate, its clearly a place to bring business colleagues  steps from so many head offices  and host casual gatherings.

With such a vast space with an equally generous menu and drinks selection, its proof of concept of the brewpub  without the in-house brew.

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CALGARYJim Shaw, the former chief executive of Shaw Communications Inc., has died following a brief illness.

He was 60.

The Calgary-based telecommunications company says in a statement that Shaw, who was vice-chairman of the board, died peacefully on Wednesday.

He joined Shaw in 1982, working as a construction worker and cable installer, and later served as the companys second CEO from 1998 to 2010.

Shaw Communications said that during his tenure as CEO, the companys revenue grew from $646 million in 1998 to $3.7 billion in 2010.

Current CEO Brad Shaw said not only had he lost a brother, but a great friend and mentor.

As a family, our hearts are heavy with sadness, Shaw said.

Our lives will not be as complete without hearing Jims laughter or getting the benefit of his counsel or his insight.

Edward Rogers, chairman of Rogers Communications Inc., said he was saddened to hear about Shaws death and extended his condolences.

Jim was a brilliant man and a fierce competitor, Rogers said in a statement.

He was a confident entrepreneur who had a transformative and lasting impact on the Canadian cable landscape. He will surely be missed.

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Brookfield Business Partners LP and its partners will buy Westinghouse Electric Co. from Toshiba Corp. in a $4.6 billion U.S. deal announced Thursday.

Westinghouse Electric, which has its headquarters in the Pittsburgh area, is among the worlds leading infrastructure suppliers to nuclear power generating facilities but sought creditor protection from U.S. Bankruptcy Court last March.

Brookfield Business Partners said it expects to fund the purchase of 100 per cent of Westinghouse through a combination of US$1 billion of equity, $3 billion of long-term debt and the assumption of certain obligations.

Read more:

How an American tech icon bet on nuclear power  and lost

Toshiba warns of its ability to continue as going concern

Toshiba chairman resigns over massive projected nuclear losses

The deal is subject to court, regulatory and others approvals. Its expected to close in the third quarter.

Toshiba has been majority owner of Westinghouse Electric since 2006 and achieved full ownership last year by buying a minority shareholders 10 per cent stake for about $522 million U.S.

The Japanese company later announced in November that it was exploring alternatives to sell the U.S.-based company.

Brookfields acquisition of Westinghouse reaffirms our position as the leader of the global nuclear industry, Westinghouse chief executive Jose Emeterio Gutierrez said in a statement.

Our transformation and strategic restructuring process is creating a stronger, stable, and more streamlined global Westinghouse business, for the benefit of our customers and employees.

Cyrus Madon, CEO of Brookfield Business Partners, said Westinghouse has a reputation for innovation and a long-term customer base.

We look forward to bringing our significant expertise and reputation as a long-term owner and operator of critical infrastructure in the U.S. and globally, as well as our deep facilities management capabilities, to enhance the companys position as a leading global infrastructure services provider to the power generation industry.

Brookfield Business Partners is a publicly traded affiliate of Toronto-based Brookfield Asset Management), which has investments in a wide range of business segments including real estate and power generation.

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After a strong Black Friday, gun sales in the United States were surprisingly lacklustre in December despite the traditional role of the holidays as the time when many Americans give each other firearms.

While the government doesnt keep an exact count of firearms sold, the National Instant Criminal Background Check System can be used as a reliable barometer. According to records kept by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2,586,138 firearm background checks were logged last month, down from 2,771,159 in the same month last year and 3,314,594 in 2015.

Decembers softness may be explained by a pull-forward of demand into November, especially given the booming Black Friday 2017, according to a note sent by the equity research firm Cowen. Black Friday background check numbers were up to over 203,000 this year from 185,713 last year. That early-holiday sales boost came during an otherwise slow year for firearms: after the 2016 election, the stocks of publicly traded gun companies sank and continued on a double-digit decline through 2017.

The sluggishness in sales is due in part to a lack of fear on the part of gun enthusiasts. Now that Republicans who typically oppose gun regulation control Congress and the White House, even rushes on gun stores (and increases in gun stocks) have slowed in the wake of mass shootings.

There was some fear-based buying that would take place from time to time, said James Debney, chief executive of gunmaker American Outdoor (formerly Smith & Wesson), on a conference call. There is no fear-based buying right now.

Instead, he said, deep discounts are now the primary driver for a consumer who wants to acquire a firearm.

Despite the all-around slow year, however, holiday gun sales remain robust compared with the rest of the year. December was still the fourth-busiest on record since the FBI began tracking background check data in 1998. Last month also saw the most background checks of any month in 2017, which isnt unusual given the popularity of firearms as holiday gifts.

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MADISON, WIS.Sony Pictures is trying to capitalize on a tragedy by releasing a movie starring horror character Slender Man, according to the father of one of two Wisconsin girls who attacked their classmate to please the fictional boogeyman.

Bill Weier, father of Anissa Weier, told The Associated Press in a telephone interview Wednesday that he hopes local theatres wont show the Slender Man movie when its released in May.

Its absurd they want to make a movie like this, Bill Weier said. Its popularizing a tragedy is what its doing. Im not surprised, but in my opinion, its extremely distasteful. All were doing is extending the pain all three of these families have gone through.

Read more:

Wisconsin girl in Slender Man stabbing case had broken mind, defence says

Wisconsin girl convicted in Slender Man stabbing sentenced to 25 years in mental hospital

Beware the Slenderman: When the boogeyman goes viral

Sony Pictures media relations officials didnt reply to two emails left in the companys general inbox for reporters inquiries.

Weier and Morgan Geyser lured classmate Payton Leutner in 2014 to a wooded park in Waukesha, a Milwaukee suburb. There, Geyser stabbed Leutner 19 times, narrowly missing her heart, while Weier urged her on. Leutner managed to crawl out of the woods to a path where a passing bicyclist found her. She survived the attack.

Weier and Geyser told detectives they had to kill Leutner to prove to Slender Man that they were worthy of being his servants as well as protect their families from him. All three girls were 12 years old at the time of the attack.

Geyser, now 15, pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree intentional homicide in a deal with prosecutors, who have asked she get at least 40 years in a mental hospital when shes sentenced in February. Weier, now 16, was sentenced to 25 years in a mental institution last month after pleading guilty to attempted second-degree intentional homicide.

Slender Man was created online by Eric Knudsen in 2009 as a mysterious spectre photo-edited into everyday images of children at play. Hes typically depicted as a slim, spidery figure in a black suit with a featureless white face that preys on children. He has grown into a popular boogeyman and has appeared in video games and online stories.

The Sony production marks the first full-length feature built around the character. The picture is directed by Sylvain White, who also helmed 2007s Stomp the Yard, and stars Javier Botet as Slender Man.

The studio released a trailer Wednesday. Its unclear from the preview whether the movie will include any elements from the Wisconsin case, but in one scene, a wall is covered with drawings of Slender Man that resemble sketches Geyser drew. Other scenes show Slender Man stalking a girl in the woods and a girl stabbing herself in the head with a scalpel in school, showering a classmate with blood.

Geysers attorney, Anthony Cotton, declined to comment on the movie. A spokesman for Leutners family didnt immediately reply to email and voicemail messages.

Slender Man has been cited as a factor in other crimes. Days after the Wisconsin stabbing, a 13-year-old girl in Hamilton County, Ohio, attacked her mother with a knife. The mother told WLWT-TV that she thought the girl was obsessed with Slender Man. In September of that same year, a 14-year-old girl in Port Richey, Fla., set her house on fire. Sheriffs deputies said she started the fire after reading an ebook called Soul Eater and reading about Slender Man.

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Multiple late-night talk shows are in reruns this week, but three of the most political hosts  CBSs Stephen Colbert, ABCs Jimmy Kimmel and Comedy Centrals Trevor Noah  are on the air. And they had plenty of material on Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, New York Magazine and the Guardian posted excerpts from Michael Wolffs upcoming tell-all book about U.S. President Donald Trumps White House, and featured some brutal quotes from Steve Bannon. This led to a scathing statement from Trump, who eviscerated his former chief strategist.

As you might expect, the comedians had a field day with the feud. Here were some topics they covered:

Bannons quote about the June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower between Donald Trump Jr., Paul Manafort, Jared Kushner and a Russian lawyer: Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad s---, and I happen to think its all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately.

Colbert: So he thinks Manafort, Don Jr. and Kushner did something treasonous, unpatriotic, and bad s---. Coincidentally, those are also their Secret Service code names.

Noah: He also thinks the Trump campaign did collude with Russia ... Trumps dude not only accused Trumps second-dumbest son of collusion, but hes also accusing the president of being in on it and then lying to the American people about it. You know what that means, people  buckle up, because Trumps about to blow.

Kimmel: He is quoted in a new book accusing Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law, of money laundering, accusing Donald Trump Jr. of treason, which  now you tell us? Thanks a lot.

Trumps statement lambasting Bannon, saying, When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind.

Colbert: Now all he has to do is lose his dog, and hes gonna have an awesome country song.

Noah: I didnt even know presidents could release diss tracks. But I do feel bad for President Trump, because today he found out that some Nazis arent very fine people.

Colbert: Lost his mind? Thats pretty harsh. What kind of stuff has Bannon been saying since he was fired? (Clip of Bannon saying, Every person in this country should get down every night and thank God Donald Trump is president of the United States.) Clearly insane.

Noah: Imagine being told by Donald Trump that you have lost your mind.

Bannons quote about Donald Trump Jr. being questioned in the Russia investigation: Theyre going to crack Don Jr. like an egg on national TV.

Noah: Honestly, I dont even know if that is a metaphor. I think there is at least a 50 per cent chance you would find yolk where a brain should be.

Colbert: CNN is already running a promo. (Plays a This Is Your Brain on Drugs parody with an egg frying on the sidewalk: This is the Senate. This is Don Jr. testifying before the Senate. Any questions?) Yeah, I have a question. How soon can that happen? Thats Super Bowl ratings.

Noah: I am surprised that Bannon knows that you crack eggs. I always just assumed that he ate them whole, like raw, with the shell and everything, like a snake.

Kimmel: DJTJ, the presidents son, got in the fight. He went after Bannon, he called him a liar and a back stabber. The rats are finally eating their young is whats going on here.

Steve Bannon has accused Don Jr and President Trump of collusion with the Russians. He's even called Trump's contact with the Russia "Treasonous".

Trumps other shots at Bannon, including, Steve was a staffer who worked for me after I had already won the nomination ... Steve had very little to do with our historic victory ... Now that he is on his own, Steve is learning that winning isnt as easy as I make it look.

Colbert: Yeah, Bannon was just a staffer. Or as some people pronounce it, campaign CEO.

Noah: Donald Trump is so amazing. In the middle of completely ripping his former chief strategist, he takes a moment to remind us how dope he is. It is like someone b  slapping you and dabbing in the same motion.

Colbert: I do agree with Trump there. That victory was the selfless, uncredited work of one eager young staffer.

Bannons appearance.

Kimmel: Steve Bannon is Trumps former chief strategist who always looked like he was halfway through melting.

Noah: Remember Steve Bannon, Trumps former chief strategist and human leather jacket?

Colbert: Lets go to another bombshell from former Trump adviser and what happens when your syphilis gets herpes, Steve Bannon.

Read more:

Trump says Bannon lost his mind after he claimed Trump Tower meeting was treasonous

Steve Bannon says meeting between Trump campaign aides, Russian lawyer was treasonous

Trumps ex-adviser Steve Bannon declares war against GOP establishment

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VANCOUVERA United States researcher involved in a study on alcohol warning labels in Yukon that was halted after pushback from the liquor industry says caution messages have proven effective elsewhere.

Thomas Greenfield, a leading scientist investigating the impacts of liquor on human health, says warning labels in the United States have increased awareness around drunk driving and drinking while pregnant.

The U.S. enacted a law in 1989 requiring alcoholic beverages to carry a standard government warning. The industry had previously fought efforts to introduce warning labels, but there were growing concerns at the time about fetal alcohol syndrome, said Greenfield.

Read more: Yukon to stop putting cancer warning on liquor labels after pressure from alcohol industry

The industry essentially ended up taking up the position they wouldnt fight it, said Greenfield, scientific director of the California-based Alcohol Research Group.

So its interesting that in other parts of the world as close as Canada, the industry is going back to its former position of fighting everything such as this.

Greenfield was a consultant on the federally funded study in Yukon, which was the first of its kind in Canada. Beginning Nov. 20, large, colourful labels were affixed to all alcohol bottles and cans inside a Whitehorse liquor store.

There were two types of labels: one that warned that alcohol can cause cancer, including breast and colon cancer; and another that informed purchasers of the recommended maximum number of drinks per day (two for women and three for men, plus two or more non-drinking days per week).

But just four weeks later, the Yukon Liquor Corp. decided to pause the label study after hearing concerns from national alcohol organizations. The concerns included whether Yukon had the authority to affix the warnings and possible defamation, said the minister responsible for the liquor corporation, John Streicker.

We have to weigh the costs that we will have to put towards litigation, costs which could go toward trying to reduce the harm of alcohol and promote education, he said. Thats a really hard decision for us.

He said the liquor corporation is working with the alcohol groups and researchers to determine an approach that would work for all sides.

Timothy Stockwell, a University of Victoria researcher involved in the study, said he felt extreme disappointment when he learned the project was being put on hold.

We anticipated there would be pushback, and (the liquor corporation) had anticipated that. Were still hopeful they might continue, he said.

The label phase of the study was supposed to run for eight months followed by a survey to assess the impact.

The colourful labels included graphics, as opposed to the U.S. messages that are text only. The U.S. labels also refer to commonly known risks, such as drinking and driving, whereas the link between alcohol and cancer is arguably less well understood by the public.

Spirits Canada president Jan Westcott said he learned about the Yukon project from a news release when the study went live. He said he raised concerns with the liquor corporation about whether labels were the best way to communicate complex issues.

He said his group supported the creation of low-risk drinking guidelines and there are better ways to communicate the risks associated with heavy drinking, including through advertising campaigns and alcohol sellers having conversations with their customers.

Westcott said a label connecting alcohol to cancer was a bit of an overreach, though he said studies have shown that excessive drinking has been associated with increased risk of certain types of cancer.

Were not denying any of that. Were just not sure that putting the word cancer on a label is the most effective way to convey that information, he said.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer, a World Health Organization body, has classified alcohol as a group-one carcinogen, along with tobacco, asbestos and many other materials.

Liquor packages in Yukon already contain labels that warn against drinking while pregnant. Researchers said due to label-size limitations the existing warnings were replaced with the study labels while the project was underway.

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SHERBROOKE, QUE.The lawyer for one of three men charged with criminal negligence in the deadly Lac-Megantic train derailment tried to distance his client Thursday from the railway at the heart of the 2013 disaster.

In his closing arguments, Gaetan Bourassa told jurors that Jean Demaitre, the manager of train operations that fateful night, had no say in safety-related decisions made in the United States by the parent company of Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway.

MMAs reputation in Quebec has been all but irredeemably tarnished since a runaway train owned by the company and carrying crude oil derailed in Lac-Megantic and exploded, killing 47 people and destroying part of the downtown core.

Read more:

Train conductor played major role in Lac-Megantic tragedy, crown argues at trial in Quebec

Defence calls no witnesses at trial for three men charged in Lac-Megantic disaster

Lac-Megantic train derailment trial opens in Sherbrooke

Do not associate Jean Demaitre with the company, Bourassa told the jury. There is a mammoth distinction between the two.

Bourassa also appeared to target train conductor Thomas Harding, one of Demaitres two co-accused, when he said the crack in the chain of security occurred at the first link.

You must remember that Mr. Demaitre was the third and last link in that security chain, Bourassa said.

Harding had stopped the train on top of a slope in nearby Nantes on the night of July 5 before it began moving on its own in the wee hours of the morning and barrelled into Lac-Megantic.

The Crown argued in its closing arguments Wednesday that Harding applied only half the required level of brakes and didnt test them to ensure they were working properly before he left for the night.

Bourassa also told the jurors they must make a distinction between negligence and criminal negligence.

Demaitre, Harding and traffic controller Richard Labrie each face one count of criminal negligence causing the death of 47 people. They have all pleaded not guilty.

Bourassa tried to undermine the credibility of some of the Crowns witnesses, reminded the jury his client is entitled to the presumption of innocence and added the burden of proof was squarely with the prosecution.

Bourassa wrapped up his arguments late Thursday and will be followed Friday by Guy Poupart, Labries attorney. It is unclear whether Hardings lawyer, Thomas Walsh, will make his case Friday or next week.

Quebec Superior Court Justice Gaetan Dumas will give his instructions to the jury next week.

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The News in Brief

Russian Deputy FM Says Kremlin Keeps Close Eye on Georgias Military Build Up



(MOSCOW)  Russias Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin said in an interview with Kremlin controlled news outlet Interfax on December 25 that Moscow is monitoring Georgias military build up in the wake of an announcement that the United States will provide lethal defensive weapons to Tbilisis armed forces.



We are carefully observing the process and adjusting security assistance to Abkhazia and South Ossetia. We are not afraid of Georgia, but we are seriously concerned about the actions of its Western allies, said Karasin.



Karasin was quick to condemn NATO and the US for agreeing to supply anti-armor and anti-air systems to Tbilisi, saying the moves would start an arms race in the South Caucasus that could lead to another round of open conflict.



He also noted that despite the Georgian governments pledges that it would not use force against Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Tbilisi continues to avoid signing a non-aggression pact with the two Moscow-backed rebel regions.



We will not leave our allies alone in the face of a possible aggression, but considering the presence of NATO in Georgia, a very dangerous situation can develop that could threaten international stability, Karasin added. (civil.ge)







Georgian Citizens Arrested in Turkey Were Members of Chatayev's Terror Cell



(ISTANBUL) -- New details are emerging that a Georgian husband and wife were detained in a special operation carried out in Turkey on Tuesday.



The suspects are reportedly members of ISIS commander Akhmed Chatayev's group in Turkey.



The Chechen-born Chatayev blew himself up on November 22 during a police raid by Georgias anti-terror division.



"According to our information, the detainees were members of Chatayev's group. I have no information whether the detainee had been fighting in Syria," said Nino Burchuladze.



According to Turkish media, various documents related to ISIS were seized as a result of searching the house of the detainees. (IPN)







Archpriest calls on Parliament to involve clergy in discussion of drug-related issues



Archpriest Davit Isakadze calls on the Parliament not to make a decision on the issue of such big responsibility alone and involve clergy in the discussion.



As Isakadze stated at the committee meeting, the mentioned position belongs to the Patriarch.



"We are clergymen and each drug user is our potential spiritual sons and daughters. We strongly oppose their arrest, these people need help, but it is necessary to talk about the amount. We should help people be cured from this disease. I want to tell you the position of the Patriarch - discussion should be held about this issue. Do not to make a decision on the issue of such big responsibility alone and involve clergy in the discussion," - Isakadze addressed lawmakers. (IPN)




NIAGARA FALLS, Ont.Diane Zhao has made the journey from China to Niagara Falls three times before, but she has never seen it like this  a veritable ice palace, straight out of a fairy tale.

I just wanted to see the ice and the frozen falls, Zhao said of her fourth trip to the falls. Its so huge and beautiful.

About 14 million people visit the Niagara Region in southern Ontario each year, most of them in the summer months, according to local authorities.

The Canadian side of Niagara Falls, the regions star attraction, has seen more visitors than usual this winter, the Niagara Parks Commission says, as record cold temperatures in recent weeks have turned the surging waters and their surroundings into an icy winter wonderland.

This has been wonderful, parks commission chair Janice Thomson said. Just in the past week weve seen (such a) flow of people.

Word of the wintry spectacle has spread across the globe in recent days as stories about the icy falls have been published by the likes of CNN, the Washington Post, BBC and news outlets in continental Europe.

Many visitors hear the falls have frozen and want to see the mighty flow of water brought to a standstill, Thomson said.

Of course we know the falls arent frozen over, Thomson noted.

Rather, spray and mist freeze into a crust over top of the water, creating the illusion that the falls have stopped falling, she explained.

Read more:

Winter storm pummels Atlantic Canada, eastern U.S., with high winds, snow, record cold

Environment Canada issues extreme cold warning for Toronto

Winter storm dumps snow on U.S. South, could strengthen into bomb cyclone

Niagara Falls has only truly stopped once, the Niagara Parks Commission says  for 30 hours in March 1848, when millions of tons of ice temporarily clogged the source of the Niagara River.

While the falls arent truly frozen today, the effect is still stunning, and the same mist that freezes over the falls has formed an icy casing over every tree branch, railing and lamppost in the surrounding area.

Huge blocks of ice are pushed over the falls and into the frigid waters below, where they swirl in whirlpools or freeze into a glacier-like ice bridge that sometimes reaches 10 storeys high.

Its amazing, said Australian Maya Oxley, who is in Canada visiting relatives and made a trip to the falls this week.

Oxley said she saw the falls in winter 14 years ago and had to come back.

Its beautiful in winter, and not many crowds, she said.

For Ariana Durgadeen, who was visiting from Trinidad with her mother, the ice was an introduction both to Niagara Falls and to a real Canadian winter.

Im really enjoying it so far, except the wind, Durgadeen said. Its a bit cold but really nice and beautiful.

About eight million people stop by the Niagara Parks Commissions paid attractions around the falls every year. Less than a million of them come in the winter time, Thomson said.

While the cold weather means visitors cant ride a boat on the Niagara River to get close to the falls, tourists in the winter can still take the Journey Behind the Falls, a tunnel with two portals behind the falls.

Winter visitors can also take advantage of indoor attractions like the Niagara Butterfly Conservatory, or Niagaras Fury, a 360-degree multi-sensory theatre where visitors learn about the ancient origins of the falls.

(Niagara Falls) is a different, unique experience in winter, Thomson said.

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On the day Alberta raised its carbon price to $30 a tonne, a message on a huge gas station sign in Spruce Grove attracted a lot of attention.

It initially used a one-word profanity to attack NDP Premier Rachel Notley and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, before changing it to the more demure NDP CARBON TAX HURTS ALL.

This will be the year of the carbon tax in Canada and for federal Environment Minister Catherine McKenna, a year of herding the cats to get all provinces and territories on board with a carbon tax of $10 a tonne on emissions by the end of this year, climbing to $50 a tonne by 2022.

She and Trudeau will have to use the big stick to bring a couple in line.

But the political future of Notley will be key to a national plan.

Right now, four provinces are on track to meet or exceed the federal benchmark  British Columbia with a $35 per tonne tax to be implemented in April, Alberta at Notleys $30 price and Ontario and Quebec with cap-and-trade programs which will get them where Trudeau wants them.

That is 80 per cent of the countrys population already living under carbon pricing without the sky falling.

Manitoba is on track for two years, but Ottawa says it will fall short of its target by 2020 under its current plan.

New Brunswick and Nova Scotia have introduced plans that do not appear to get them to Ottawas threshold.

New Brunswick has merely re-purposed gas taxes for a climate change fund and McKenna has given it a failing grade. Premier Brian Gallant appears dug in.

Saskatchewan, under outgoing premier Brad Wall, refused to play nice with Ottawa. That does not appear to be changing as the Saskatchewan Party picks a new leader this month.

But critics rightly wonder why McKenna is giving other provinces until the end of this year to get their programs in order when a national plan merely had to go from 80 per cent to 100 per cent.

In late December, McKenna and Finance Minister Bill Morneau laid out the timeline for the provinces.

Draft legislation implementing the federal benchmark is expected this month. Provinces or territories that choose to have the federal government impose its program have until March 30 to signal that intention and those who will design programs that comply with Ottawas pricing level have until Sept. 1 to show how they are going to get there.

Provinces that dont make Ottawas grade will have the federal government do it for them on New Years Day 2019. The Ottawa plan will remain in effect until 2022.

A spokesperson for McKenna says the minister doesnt foresee any battles with provinces, but says hard things are hard.

Erin Flanagan, the director of federal policy for the Pembina Institute told me she believes Ottawa has largely set itself up for success by laying out a clear process and ensuring it has the legal right to impose its benchmark on recalcitrant provinces.

But there are major speed bumps ahead.

Ottawa will return all revenue to provinces that have a price imposed on them, but will there be strings attached?

Ottawa could force provinces to spend that revenue reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

And this is where the alliance between Trudeau and Notley comes in.

Notley will need a pipeline victory to win re-election against opposition leader Jason Kenney. And Trudeau will be forced to either become more vocal about the need for the west coast Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, costing him support in British Columbia, or stand back and let Notley fend for herself, potentially costing him a key ally in the spring of 2019.

Kenney, if elected, would repeal the Notley carbon tax.

We are not solving this problem without Alberta, Flanagan says.

The province has different politics and a different history.

Alberta accounts for 38 per cent of Canadian emissions, highest in the country, but the Notley tax costs Albertans more than any of the three provinces on track to meet Trudeaus targets.

One can easily imagine a battle with a Kenney government over where Alberta revenues are spent, and the blowback on Trudeau imposing a federal price in a province historically unfriendly to his party and the name Trudeau would be fierce.

Trudeau, reluctantly or not, is likely going to have to give Notley a boost.

Tim Harper writes on national affairstjharper77@gmail.comTwitter: @nutgraf1

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After a barrage of criticism, and with temperatures taking a dangerous plunge, the City of Toronto opened two new warming centres for homeless people and deployed outreach workers and ambulances to check on those who refuse to move indoors.

City and federal officials said Thursday discussions to open the Moss Park Armoury as a temporary respite centre were going well, and they had expected to make an announcement later in the day.

But the officials were still talking late Thursday, and, as terms had not been hammered out, the discussions were expected to resume Friday.

Mayor John Tory said the new round-the-clock warming centres were to open at Metro Hall and Regent Park Community Centre at 7 p.m. and remain open until the extreme cold weather ends.

People will find a warm welcoming place to come in and get out of the cold to get a hot breakfast, and we will have shelter staff and paramedics located at both of these additional sites, he told reporters at city hall.

The extra outreach workers will try to convince people staying outside to move indoors, and keep checking on them if they refuse. Paul Raftis, head of the citys shelter support division, said a couple of ambulances will also patrol the downtown core looking for anyone in danger.

Tory also urged citizens who need to find shelter for themselves or for somebody else to call 311 or go in person to the Peter St. referral centre. If anyone sees a homeless person in obvious danger, they should dial emergency services at 911, Tory said.

The extra steps follow days of criticism aimed at Tory and city staff over the response to a prolonged cold snap and packed shelter system.

In dangerous cold, some city staff had told people who called a shelter support number there was no more space for homeless Torontonians, even as cots sat empty at a temporary respite centre at the Better Living Centre at Exhibition Place and other city sites.

Tory has called that mistake indefensible.

Amid probes by senior city staff and Torontos ombudsman, he vowed Thursday that will not happen again.

If people follow the procedure in terms of making an inquiry of us through direct visitation to the 129 Peter St. referral centre, or by calling 311, we can say that anyone who needs shelter in the city of Toronto will find that shelter, or we will find it for them, the mayor said.

Environment Canada warned Thursday afternoon that overnight temperatures could plunge to -23C, with windchill making it feel like -36C.

The overnight low Friday is expected to be even colder.

The GTA is forecast to get some relief Sunday when the high is predicted to be -7C.

Efforts to open the armoury in east downtown continued Thursday afternoon as talks were held between city, provincial and federal officials.

Torontos Office of Emergency Management submitted a request to use the armoury, via the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre, to the federal government.

Liberal MP Adam Vaughan said he expected a timely federal response to the city, which wants 24-7 access to the armoury for up to 100 cots until April 15.

The city wanted an answer by 6 p.m. (Thursday) and there should be answer, said the Spadina-Fort York MP, appointed last February to head an advisory committee on homeless issues. The city has asked for 24-hour access and were trying to see how that might work. It may not be possible in the short term, say the next month, because of trying to move military personnel into different spots.

Overnight is definitely workable in the short term and well see where we go from there.

Provincial officials are also looking at buildings that could temporarily be used as shelter, Vaughan said.

Scott Bardsley, press secretary to federal Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale, struck an optimistic tone.

The City of Toronto, Province of Ontario, and Government of Canada are working closely to identify and evaluate options, he wrote in an email. All three levels of government are focused on finding the most effective solution in the shortest possible timeframe. 

Officials say it could take a few days from the time agreement is reached before homeless Torontonians could actually be sleeping in the armoury or other sites identified.

Tory had earlier opposed activists calls to open Moss Park and an armoury at Fort York as a release valve for Torontos packed shelter system. He said he changed his mind when city staff said they expect demand to outstrip capacity at the Better Living Centre, which was raised to 140 cots.

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Albert Schultz, a theatre icon and the face of Torontos prestigious Soulpepper Theatre Company, has resigned from the organization he helped to co-found, the board of directors said in a statement Thursday.

The announcement comes just hours after four women who are suing Schultz appeared at a press conference, detailing how a culture shift is behind their newfound voice in coming forward with allegations of sexual abuse and harassment against him and the company.

While this has been a tremendously difficult chapter in Soulpeppers history, todays decision ensures the organization is able to move forward with confidence and remain a leading Canadian theatre company, the statement said.

Actresses Diana Bentley, Kristin Booth, Patricia Fagan and Hannah Miller, launched four separate civil claims on Tuesday. The women are seeking a total of $4.25 million in damages from Soulpepper, and $3.6 million from Schultz for what they described as a pattern of sexual harassment.

These women, who were all in their early 20s when they met him, were taught from Day 1 to understand that in order to succeed  not just in Soulpepper, but in Canadian theatre more broadly  they would have to suffer in silence, said co-counsel Alexi Wood.

There is fortunately a culture shift that has happened, that is allowing and giving women a voice and some empowerment to come forward to discuss systemic abuse that exists, she said.

Plaintiffs, clockwise from top left, Hannah Miller, Patricia Fagan, Kristin Booth and Diana Bentley were present at a press conference held Thursday. They are seeking a total of $4.25 million in damages from Soulpepper and $3.6 million from Schultz in their separate claims.





In all four claims, the women allege being victimized by a serial sexual predator and suffering harassment and assault in what all plaintiffs characterized as Soulpeppers best known secret.

Slaps on the buttocks, sexual touching, unwanted embraces and remarks and innuendos about their bodies, clothing and sex are catalogued in the womens allegations, dating back to two years after Soulpepper opened its doors in 1998.

The claims have not been proven in court. Soulpepper and Schultz have not yet filed a statement of defence.

These claims make serious allegations against me which I do not take lightly, Schultz said in a statement Wednesday. I intend to vehemently defend myself.

The lawsuits come just months after Soulpepper severed ties with guest artist Laszlo Marton following sexual harassment allegations.

Kristin Booth, a Gemini Award-winning actress, said her decision to come forward was sparked by seeing Soulpeppers statement on sexual harassment and their policies in an October Toronto Star article after Martons departure.

(In) my time at Soulpepper, I never once saw a policy on sexual harassment, she said. Knowing the culture there, the hypocrisy of that statement was what motivated me to come forward so that this does not happen to one other young woman coming into that company.

In her statement of claim, Booth detailed instances in which Schultz kissed her on the lips under the pretense of greeting her. Greetings would also include almost daily hugs where he pushed his sometimes erect penis against her body.

Though coming forward with the allegations was a very difficult decision, Booth said there is a window open for women like myself to discuss sexual abuse in the entertainment world.

The women decided to band together in the action following a discussion during Thanksgiving hosted by Fagan.

We started talking about the culture of theatre and the industry . . . and what actually happened at Soulpepper over the years, said Fagan, who had worked for the company for 12 seasons before leaving in 2015.

It was an absolute revelation for me, and I could see it for them as well, how much it immediately started to help them to unload the burden of having had a traumatic experience.

A 2015 survey by the Canadian Actors Equity Association about harassment and bullying in the workplace said that nearly 50 per cent of respondents had been on the receiving end of inappropriate behaviour, and nearly 50 per cent had been a witness. Men and women reported incidents of bullying at the same frequency, but experiences with sexual harassment were twice as high for women.

In response, an anti-harassment campaign called Not in OUR Space began, which has included a review and overhaul of their internal policies, bylaws and disciplinary processes. A Respectful Workplace Policy was last amended in spring 2017, and the next phase of their work will extend to theatre schools.

They are not obligated to put up with inappropriate behaviour in the workplace, executive director Arden Ryshpan told the Star, adding that educating students, a vulnerable population, was an important step in addressing the issue.

A gathering of people in theatre, dance, opera and music is planned for mid-January to discuss an industry wide response to issues of sexual harassment, discrimination, bullying and violence, according to a statement from the association.

Ryshpan said that artists are often required to perform scenes of intimacy, which are not limited to nudity or sexuality.

There may be some profound emotional scenes that people are performing in, and that requires a level of openness and vulnerability. And that is different, I think, than your average workplace. Normally people arent asked to go to that level of emotional depth when theyre sitting behind a desk.

Plaintiff Hannah Miller echoed that an actors training asks them to be open and vulnerable, and to delve into passion.

There is a sanctity of the theatre that is being violated, Miller said, her eyes welling, so the implication we are ruining something is maybe why its so hard (to come forward).

Some people may exploit that grey area where the arts exist, said Kim Renders, one of the founding members of Torontos Nightwood Theatre, who spoke to the Star about inappropriate behaviour in the theatre industry and has no involvement with this case.

I have worked with a lot of really respectful men. And I have played lovers of really great men. And it never went to that place.

One thing you can do is ask permission if youre going to be physical with somebody, she said. Absolutely, as an actor myself, I would dive 110 per cent into whatever the reality of a scene is . . . but in a rehearsal process, there are ways of making it feel comfortable for everybody.

She listed possible questions: Are you OK? Are you comfortable? Can we move forward?

Related story:

Soulpepper Theatres Albert Schultz steps down amid lawsuits from 4 actresses alleging sexual assault

Miller claimed that during a teaching session Schultz told a cautionary tale about making sexual harassment complaints about him. In his story, he allegedly described to her and her classmates how he hid inside the womens dressing room while an actress was changing.

Wood, one of the womens two lawyers, said a complaint was brought to the board of Soulpepper regarding that incident and Schultz was neither reprimanded nor disciplined.

Four members of the company, including two who co-founded it with Schultz, said Thursday morning they were resigning from the company as long as Schultz had any role with the organization.

Ted Dykstra, Stuart Hughes, Michelle Monteith and Rick Roberts appeared alongside the women at Thursdays news conference.

Dykstra said the group was supporting the women in what he called the iceberg rather than the whole story. He and his wife, plaintiff Diane Bentley, started their own theatre company after she left Soulpepper.

Dykstra and Hughes were founding members of Soulpepper along with Schultz.

Schultz was previously instructed by Soulpeppers board of directors to step down from his roles, which he characterized as a leave of absence before resigning.

Associate artistic director Alan Dilworth will assume Schultzs role. Schultzs wife, executive director Leslie Lester, has also volunteered to take a leave of absence, a statement from Soulpepper said on Wednesday.

An open letter addressed to Soulpeppers board of directors had been circulating in the theatre community, with the signees pledging not to work for Soulpepper in any capacity as long as Schultz stayed artistic director.

We believe all of the allegations to be true, and that the behaviour attributed to Mr. Schultz cannot be tolerated or, sadly, undone, said the letter, signed by actors including Oyin Oladejo and Grace Lynn Kung.

With the departure of four major actors, Schultz, Lester, and potential others, Soulpepper may face turbulent weeks ahead.

We expect to see impacts on the operations. There are actors resigning. Theres going to be a huge impact on production, and I think this is something that has to happen in order to send a message, said co-counsel Swann.

Swann said the women hope to see Soulpepper do an internal cleaning of the company, putting enforceable abuse and harassment policies in place to prevent future incidents.

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The premier of Ontario lashed out at the children of Tim Hortons billionaire co-founders on Thursday for reducing the benefits of their employees in response to the latest minimum wage increase, calling it a clear act of bullying.

Kathleen Wynne said if Ron Joyce Jr., whose father co-founded the coffee shop chain, was opposed to the Liberal governments decision to raise the minimum wage, he should have picked a fight with her, not the workers.

Id be happy if this man were making a statement about the government or about the policy, she said. What I think is really unfair, and where I think the bullying comes in, is that hes taking this out on his employees. Hes behaving in a way that I think is so unfair to his employees, people who are trying to make ends meet.

In a letter sent late last month, Joyce Jr. and his wife, Jeri Horton-Joyce  daughter of the companys other co-founder, Tim Hortons, told employees at two Tim Hortons restaurants they own in Cobourg, Ont., that as of Jan. 1, they would no longer be entitled to paid breaks, and would have to pay at least half of the cost of their dental and health benefits.

The couple said the measures were aimed at helping their company  Ron Joyce Jr. Enterprises Ltd.  offset the $2.40 hourly rate jump.

Wynne, who faces a tough bid for re-election this spring, has staked her political future on policies like the minimum wage plan.

When I read the reports about Ron Joyce, Jr., who is a man whose family founded Tim Hortons, the chain was sold for billions of dollars, and when I read how he was treating his employees, it just felt to me like this was a pretty clear act of bullying, she said.

Wynne has talked for months about themes of fairness and opportunity in Ontarios growing economy with the caveat that some workers are being left behind. The premier has said her minimum wage plan, which saw the rate jump from $11.60 an hour to $14 an hour this week, is about helping low income earners. It will increase another dollar to $15 on Jan. 1, 2019.

The plan has angered many in the business community, who say they dont object to the increase itself but the speed with which it is being implemented.

While the changes announced by Joyce Jr. are not a violation of Ontarios Employment Standards Act, Wynne said she wants him to reverse the decision.

I hope that he understands this is really not a decent thing to be doing in a place as wealthy as Ontario, she said. I hope he recognizes that his employees need to be treated decently.

In their letter to employees, Joyce Jr. and his wife complained about lack of assistance and financial help from Tim Hortons head office and the government.

We apologize for these changes, the letter, widely circulated on social media, read. Once the costs of the future are better known we may bring back some or all of the benefits we have had to remove.

A spokeswoman for the Great White North Franchisee Association, a group created last year to give voice to the concerns of some Tim Hortons franchisees, declined to comment on the letter and said the Joyce family would not be making a comment to media.

But the associations board of directors released a statement Thursday saying Ontarios Liberal government has put its members in a difficult situation by implementing the minimum wage increase.

Along with the wage bump, the legislation which introduced it also includes increased costs to pension, employment insurance, and vacation pay contributions which must be paid by employers, the statement said.

It is the goal of GWNFA and its members to mitigate job losses if at all possible, and as a result, franchisees have been forced to take steps to protect their businesses in this new fiscal reality brought on by these substantial labour cost increases.

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LIMA, PeruRescuers finished pulling 51 bodies from the wreckage of a bus that tumbled over a cliff in Peru in one of the deadliest vehicle accidents in the nations history, authorities said Wednesday.

Nearly everyone on board was killed Tuesday after the passenger bus collided with a tractor trailer on a narrow stretch of highway known as the Devils Curve.

Firefighters and police worked for more than 24 hours to recover the remains, tying bodies onto stretchers and pulling them up the cliff with ropes. The bus landed on a rocky, isolated beach north of Lima with no road access.

Six survivors were taken to hospitals, including one man who told doctors he escaped harm by jumping out of a window moments before the bus fell into the abyss.

The patient is totally stable with just some cuts and a fracture to his arm, Dr. Victor Viru, director of the Chancay Hospital, told a local television station.

The crashs death toll is equal to that of a 2013 accident that is the deadliest in recent Peruvian history. In that crash, 51 Quechua Indians were killed when the makeshift bus they were travelling in fell off a cliff and into a river.

Deadly wrecks with large numbers of victims occur with relative frequency along Perus roadways, with more than 2,600 people killed in 2016. The crashes often involve buses carrying mostly poor Peruvians travelling outside major cities. Transportation experts blame a combination of bad road conditions and little enforcement of traffic safety regulations.

President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski announced Wednesday that he was ordering the nations Ministry of Transportation to begin working on plans to expand a nearby road farther from the cliff so buses no longer have to use the Devils Curve.

The road near the Pacific contains 52 curves in a stretch of just 22 kilometres bordered by a low wall just 50 centimetres high. It is frequently covered in mist and has been the site of numerous accidents.

In a statement issued through the Roman Catholic Church in Peru, Pope Francis offered his condolences and prayers for the eternal rest of the victims. The Pope is scheduled to visit Peru later this month.

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JOHANNESBURGA passenger train carrying people home after the holidays slammed into a truck in rural South Africa on Thursday, killing at least 18 people and injuring about 260 others, authorities said.

Officials said the truck driver allegedly tried to cross the tracks just ahead of the oncoming train, part of which burst into flames after the collision, trapping some passengers in carriages. Those who were able to escape with their luggage hurriedly dragged bags from the smoking wreck to a nearby road.

The truck driver was taking chances. He thought that he was going to pass through, Transport Minister Joe Maswanganyi told journalists. Little did he know that the train was going to hit him. That has cost a lot of lives.

Some of the dead were badly burned, said Mthuthuzeli Swartz, acting CEO of the state-owned passenger rail agency.

The train with 429 passengers aboard had been travelling from Port Elizabeth to the countrys commercial hub, Johannesburg.

Video showed part of the Shosholoza Meyl train in flames after the collision that occurred between the communities of Hennenman and Kroonstad in Free State province. The crash derailed half a dozen carriages, and power lines were damaged. A large vehicle was upside down beside a train carriage that appeared to have partly crushed another, smaller vehicle.

The truck driver emerged unscathed and the train driver and his assistant suffered minor injuries, Swartz said.

He told local media outlet eNCA that the truck towing two trailers was halfway across the track when it was hit by the train and dragged for 400 metres (1,300 feet).

Human error caused the accident, he said.

An investigation is ongoing.

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HARTFORD, CONN.A massive winter storm roared into the U.S. East Coast on Thursday, threatening to dump as much as 45 centimetres of snow from the Carolinas to Maine and unleashing hurricane-force winds and flooding that closed schools and offices and halted transportation systems.

The powerful storm also pummelled Atlantic Canada on Thursday, shutting down everything from schools to bridges with an intense mix of high winds, rain and snow.

Forecasters expected the storm to be followed immediately by a blast of face-stinging cold air that could break records in more than two dozen cities and bring wind chills as low as -40 C this weekend.

This is definitely a very serious and very intense winter system, said Environment Canada meteorologist Ian Hubbard.

Social media images showed one Halifax house with its roof gone, and another building that had partially collapsed.

While parts of Nova Scotia were whipped by wind and rains amid temperatures well above freezing, New Brunswickers faced heavy snow that made it impossible to see across the street.

If you are in your home and dont need to travel, dont travel, said Greg MacCallum, director of New Brunswicks Emergency Measures Organization, who called it a serious storm.

Environment Canada warned high waves combined with storm surges could cause damage along the coast in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island later in the evening, and that flooding was also likely in those areas.

The forecaster warned that people should not attempt to travel across flooded roads because shallow, fast-moving water can sweep a vehicle away.

The agency issued warnings for everything from wind and rain to blizzards and storm surges along much of the Atlantic Coast.

Its the whole spectrum of weather with this system  you pick a weather and its forecast somewhere in Atlantic Canada, it seems, he said.

The federal agency had issued a range of winter storm warnings and watches for Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, P.E.I. and parts of Newfoundland and Labrador, saying the low-pressure system would bring fierce winds that could gust up to about 130 kilometres an hour and snowfall amounts of up to 40 centimetres.

Nova Scotia was expected to see up to 50 millimetres of rain, possibly causing localized flooding.

By Thursday afternoon, many lights were out across Nova Scotia. About 48,000 utility customers were without power as of about 4:30 p.m., many along the Atlantic Coast.

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The severe weather prompted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to urge Atlantic Canadians to be vigilant.

To everyone in Atlantic Canada  stay safe, stay indoors and stay updated on the latest, he said on Twitter, linking to the Environment Canada website.

All of New Brunswick was under a winter storm warning and the central and northern parts of the province were expected to see roughly 40 centimetres of snow, along with wind gusts of up to 90 km/h in some areas.

P.E.I. was expected to be hit by fierce winds and up to 25 centimetres of snow before it changes to rain in the evening.

In the U.S., blizzard warnings and states of emergency were in wide effect. The National Weather Service warned of wind gusts hitting almost 113 km/h in some places. Eastern Massachusetts and most of Rhode Island braced for snow falling as fast as 7.5 centimetres per hour.

Three people were killed in North Carolina after their vehicles ran off snow-covered roads, authorities said. Another fatality was reported near Philadelphia when a car could not stop at the bottom of a steep, snow-covered hill and slammed into a commuter train. A passenger in the vehicle was killed. No one on the train was hurt.

Tens of thousands of power outages were reported, depriving many people of heat. More than 100 warming centres were open in 34 towns across Connecticut, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said.

In Maine, the problem was a shortage of drivers to deliver heating fuel. Small independent fuel merchants in particular were overwhelmed by customers who do not have automatic refill service, the Portland Press Herald reported.

The high winds caused coastal flooding from Massachusetts to Maine, and the rising waters stranded people in homes and cars.

The Massachusetts National Guard said it helped rescue a woman and her two children from a car in Marshfield. Flooding in Newburyport forced evacuations on Plum Island, and the only road from the island to the mainland was closed, police said.

The massive storm began two days ago in the Gulf of Mexico, first hitting the Florida Panhandle.

Wind gusts of 80 km/h to 95 km/h, strong enough to cause downed trees and power lines, are predicted in places where the National Weather Service has issued blizzard warnings. They include the Delmarva Peninsula, which includes parts of Delaware, Virginia and Maryland; coastal New Jersey; eastern Long Island, New York; and coastal eastern New England.

More than two-thirds of flights in and out of New York City and Boston airports were cancelled. The flight-tracking site FlightAware reported about 4,900 cancelled flights across the United States.

More than 50 departures and arrivals were cancelled at Halifax Stanfield International Airport. Marine Atlantic also cancelled sailings between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, while Bay Ferries shelved its crossings between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

Rail service was affected too. Amtrak planned to operate a modified schedule between New York and Boston on Thursday. Northeast Regional Service between Washington, D.C., and Newport News/Norfolk, Virginia, was cancelled for Thursday.

The storm shut down much of eastern Virginia, but some people took it in stride.

Mark Schoenenberger, a 45-year-old NASA engineer who lives in Norfolk, Va., put on his cross country skis so he could make a half-hour trip to the bagel shop for some breakfast for his family.

Its like Yay, I get to go out, he said.

The only concern he seemed to have was telecommuting while his kids were home from school. But its just noise, he said.

Waiting just behind the storm was a wave of bracing cold.

National Weather Service meteorologist Dan Peterson said record low temperatures were predicted for 28 major cities across New England, eastern New York and the mid-Atlantic states by dawn Sunday.

Boston expected a low around -23 C overnight Saturday into Sunday. Portland, Maine, and Burlington, Vermont, could see -26 C and -18 C, respectively, the weather service said.

State and local officials urged people to stay home so crews could clear streets and roads of snow. There were concerns in Boston and elsewhere that if roads were not properly cleared, they could freeze into cementlike ice after the cold blast arrives.

In other areas, plummeting temperatures had already caused water mains to burst. Jackson, Mississippi, was under a precautionary boil-water notice after pipes failed. Portable toilets were placed outside the state capitol because some of the toilets would not flush.

It was so cold in South Florida that iguanas fell from their perches in trees in suburban Miami. The reptiles became immobile when temperatures dipped below 5 C.

Green iguanas are an exotic species in Florida known for eating through landscaping and digging burrows that undermine infrastructure.

In Charleston, S.C., 12.5 centimetres of snow was enough for Chris Monocs sons, ages 4 and 2, to go sledding.

They probably will be teenagers the next time something like this happens, and thats kind of sad, Monoc said. But well enjoy it while its here.

With files from The Canadian Press

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BERKELEY, CALIF.An earthquake centred in the Berkeley-Oakland area shook Californias Bay Area at 2:39 a.m. Thursday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The magnitude 4.4 quake struck about 3 kilometres from Berkeley, just across the bay from San Francisco, according to the USGS. It happened at a depth of 13 kilometres.

The quake, near the Claremont Hotel in the East Bay Hills, was along the Hayward Fault, the USGS said. Its an area notorious for seismic risk  and yet another reminder of the threat lurking from a fault thats the Bay Areas most overdue for a major quake.

The quake was originally reported as magnitude 4.7, but was later downgraded to 4.4 by the USGS. It was widely felt from Santa Rosa to Gilroy.

One would expect a lot of people to feel this size quake in the Bay Area, said USGS geophysicist Jack Boatwright, who awoke to a few seconds of shaking at his San Francisco home. The motions look about half as strong as you would expect for this size earthquake.

Boatwright said the strongest ground motions were felt in the Emeryville area.

Because of the size of the earthquake, were on alert if it will possibly be a foreshock of a bigger quake, Boatwright said. But there have been no aftershocks yet.

Boatwright told the San Francisco Chronicle that the lack of aftershocks were a good sign. It may mean less likelihood of a larger earthquake to follow.

There were no immediate reports of damage, according to the California Department of Emergency Services.

Social media posts showed people were awakened some 64 kilometres to the north and south.

WOW that was a good one folks, a solid jolt for 3 seconds here in San Francisco, wrote Drew Tuma.

Felt like a big truck drove into the building or something blew up downstairs. It just rocked the room and bed like two or three times quickly with a decently loud rumble in North Berkeley, Dale Fest wrote on the San Francisco Chronicles Facebook page.

Bay Area Rapid Transit said it had checked tracks for damage and found no problems. Early delays in train service were cleared up by 5:30 a.m., the agency said.

For Northern Californians, the Hayward Fault is the most likely source of a dangerous quake, with a 31 per cent chance in the next 30 years.

The Hayward Fault, part of the larger San Andreas Fault system, runs from San Pablo Bay in the north to Fremont in the south  passing through the heart of Berkeley, Oakland, Hayward, Fremont and other East Bay cities.

The largest earthquake on the fault, estimated to have a magnitude of 6.8, occurred in 1868, according to the USGS. It killed about 30 people and caused major property damage.

But the population of the East Bay is now about 100 times larger  so many more people will be affected by the next major quake.

The region is a place of ongoing and often imperceptible earthen creeping, as evidenced by routinely broken sidewalks in Hayward and Fremont. If you stand in the Bay Area and look toward the Sierra, over time youd see the mountains move to the right.

The Hayward Fault creeps about one-fifth of an inch a year.

With files from The Associated Press

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WASHINGTONA lawyer representing U.S. President Donald Trump sought Thursday to stop the publication of a new behind-the-scenes book about the White House that has already led Trump to angrily decry his former chief strategist Stephen Bannon.

The legal notice  addressed to author Michael Wolff and the president of the books publisher  said Trumps lawyers were pursuing possible charges including libel in connection with the forthcoming book, Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House.

The letter by Beverly Hills-based attorney Charles J. Harder demanded the publisher, Henry Holt and Co., immediately cease and desist from any further publication, release or dissemination of the book or excerpts and summaries of its contents. The lawyers also seek a full copy of the book as part of their investigation.

The latest twist in the showdown came after lawyers accused Bannon of breaching a confidentiality agreement and Trump denounced his former aide as a self-aggrandizing political charlatan who has lost his mind.

It marked an abrupt and furious rupture with the one-time confidant that could have lasting political impact on the November mid-terms and beyond.

The White Houses sharp public break with Bannon, which came in response to unflattering comments he made about Trump and his family in a new book about his presidency, left the self-fashioned populist alienated from his chief patron and even more isolated in his attempts to remake the Republican Party by backing insurgent candidates.

Late Wednesday, lawyers for Trump sent a cease-and-desist letter to Bannon, arguing he violated the employment agreement he signed with the Trump Organization in numerous ways and also may have defamed the president. They ordered that he stop communicating either confidential and or disparaging information, and preserve all records in preparation for imminent legal action.

You have breached the Agreement by, among other things, communicating with author Michael Wolff about Mr. Trump, his family members, and the Company, disclosing Confidential Information to Mr. Wolff, and making disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements to Mr. Wolff about Mr. Trump, his family members, and the Company, read the letter from lawyer Charles Harder.

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In a lengthy statement issued in the afternoon, Trump blamed Bannon  his former campaign manager and chief strategist who now heads the conservative Breitbart News website  for everything from leaks to the news media to the upset GOP loss in last months Senate race in Alabama. The president cast Bannon as a disgruntled former staffer whose chief goal is to stir up trouble.

Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my Presidency, the statement said. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind.

The White House also released a statement from the first ladys office condemning Wolffs book as a title to be found in the bargain fiction bin, while the Republican National Committee said Wolff has a long history of making stuff up. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, meanwhile, devoted much of her Wednesday news briefing Wednesday to disputing Wolffs claims and seeking to undermine Bannons credibility.

The response was a marked departure from mid-October, when Trump called Bannon a friend of mine and said he understood his perspective.

But the much anticipated account of life in Trumps White House caught the president and his West Wing team off-guard, with the president huddling with White House communications director Hope Hicks, one of his most trusted advisers, and Sanders to craft the fiery statement, after calling friends for much of the morning. Aides thought they had more time to prepare for the books formal release.

Trump spent much of the day raging about the book to top aides, officials and advisers said, and Sanders described the president as furious and disgusted. As he fumed, some aides were still frantically searching for a copy of the book, and even senior aides such as Hicks had not seen it by the afternoon, officials said.

Hes out of control, one person with knowledge of Trumps comments said. This person added that the president had been in an upbeat mood for much of Tuesday, continuing to brag about last months passage of the Republican tax bill even as he fired off combative tweets.

Trump also blasted others in the White House for talking to Wolff, who was frequently spotted wandering the West Wing with no escort or ensconced in Bannons office, especially during the early months of the administration.

Wolff said Trump was aware of the project and allowed others to participate. An excerpt of the book, published online in New York magazine, said the author conducted more than 200 interviews over a period of 18 months with the president, most members of his senior staff, and many people to whom they in turn spoke.

Sanders said that Wolff never actually sat down with the president since Trump took office and that the two men had only had one five- to seven-minute conversation that had nothing to do, originally, with the book.

One senior White House official said Trump advisers considered Wolff friendly and believed it would be beneficial to speak with him; this person also said that Wolff interviewed Trump. A second senior White House official said the president had viewed Bannon as a useful ally when he was frustrated with congressional leadership and that, while he didnt consider Bannon a close confidant, he also didnt want him as an enemy.

Allies said Bannon was largely incommunicado on Wednesday. He had considered issuing a statement denouncing the book and denying some of the quotes but was not able to do so before Trump went on the attack, they said.

After being forced from the White House in August, Bannon and the president still occasionally talked on the phone. But West Wing aides have long maintained that Bannon overstated the frequency of his calls with  and influence over  the president.

If all of us are being honest with ourselves, I dont think you would have found more than 2 per cent of politicians or reporters who knew who Stephen K. Bannon was, Republican Rep. Peter T. King, said in a recent interview. Trump had already won the nomination and the primary. Whether you like the president or not, he is responsible for his win.

A White House official said call logs show Trump has spoken with Bannon only five times since the former adviser left and the official said most of the calls were initiated by Bannon. Trump, however, often uses cellphones to talk with outside advisers and confidants.

Trump had complained for several months about portrayals of Bannon as a political Svengali, according to one adviser who speaks with Trump frequently. This has been a long time coming, the person said. Several others said the relationship may be irreparable.

Steve doesnt represent my base  hes only in it for himself, Trump said in his Wednesday statement.

Steve pretends to be at war with the media, which he calls the opposition party, yet he spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was, the statement continued. It is the only thing he does well. 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 phoney books.

It remains unclear, however, whether Trump will exile Bannon indefinitely; the president often likes to cast characters out and then bring them back in and frequently maintains contact with those he has fired.

Wolffs book paints Trump as a buffoon who doesnt read, cant settle on political priorities and is unable to manage a warring cast of advisers who spend their days squabbling and undermining each other and the president.

In one scene, Katie Walsh, formerly a deputy chief of staff, is quoted as saying that dealing with Trump is like trying to figure out what a child wants; Walsh disputed that account Wednesday to an Axios reporter.

In another book scene, Sam Nunberg, a former campaign aide who was ultimately fired, describes trying to explain the Constitution to the president. I got as far as the Fourth Amendment, the book quotes Nunberg as saying, before his finger is pulling down on his lip and his eyes are rolling back in his head.

But, at least in the excerpts that have emerged so far, Bannon emerges as the most scathing critic of Trump and his family. Wolff portrays him as a master puppeteer, manipulating the president for his own political purposes.

Bannon is quoted describing a Trump Tower meeting during the campaign between Donald Trump Jr.; Jared Kushner, the presidents son-in-law; and a Russian lawyer as treasonous and unpatriotic. At another point in the book, he is quoted calling the presidents daughter Ivanka Trump dumb as a brick.

The White House is pushing back against comments made by former chief strategist Steve Bannon in an explosive new book, insisting the president's base will not be affected. (The Associated Press)

Wolff also depicts Bannon as harbouring his own 2020 presidential ambitions.

The president and his team were already infuriated two weeks ago by a profile in Vanity Fair in which Bannon attacked a number of senior Trump advisers and seemed to mock the president. Trump had wanted to attack Bannon then, people familiar with the strategy said.

For months, Trump confidants  including aides such as Hicks and Kushner, lawyer Ty Cobb, and friends like Newsmax chairman Chris Ruddy and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie  have tried to persuade the president to cut ties with Bannon, who in recent months has backed insurgent Republicans such as failed Senate candidate Roy Moore in Alabama.

Bannon has in recent weeks also alienated his main financial backer, Rebekah Mercer, after he told several other major conservative donors that he would be able to count on the Mercers financial support should he run for president, a person familiar with the conversations said. The person said Mercer now does not plan to financially support Bannons future projects  and that she was frustrated by his moves in Alabama and some of his comments in the news media that seemed to stoke unnecessary fights.

A person close to Bannon said he was not running for president. Bannon and Mercer declined to comment through representatives.

The core constituency for Breitbart is what you would call the Trump Deplorables. Thats the audience. And if theyre asked to choose between Steve and Trump, theyre going to choose Trump. Thats clear, said a person familiar with the companys ownership.

The West Wing response cheered many Trump advisers and congressional Republicans opposed to Bannon. At least two candidates supported by Bannon  including Senate hopeful Kelli Ward of Arizona  sought to distance themselves on Wednesday.

In a conversation with Trump on Wednesday, Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell praised the White House reaction.

He told the president it was perfect and he wouldnt change a word, one person familiar with the discussion said.

Brian Murphy, Erica Werner, Rosalind S. Helderman, Carol Leonnig and John Wagner contributed to this report.

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U.S. President Donald Trumps angry break with his former chief strategist Steve Bannon escalated Wednesday night with a threat of a imminent legal action.

A private lawyer representing Trump sent a cease-and-desist letter to Bannon, arguing he violated an employment agreement with the Trump Organization when he spoke to author Michael Wolff for a new scathing book about the presidency.

Bannon is quoted describing, among other things, a Trump Tower meeting during the campaign between Donald Trump Jr.; Jared Kushner, the presidents son-in-law; and a Russian lawyer as treasonous and unpatriotic.

Bannons comments to the writer give rise to numerous legal claims including defamation by libel and slander, and breach of his written confidentiality and non-disparagement agreement with our clients, Trumps lawyer wrote in the letter. Legal action is imminent.

It all sounds so tough. But in this case, it probably isnt.

A cease and desist letter doesnt actually carry any legal weight  it is simply a warning letter asking someone to stop certain behaviour or else the sender will pursue legal action. It is often a form of intimidation, or simply an attempt to settle an issue outside of litigation, said Orly Lobel, a law professor at the University of San Diego School of Law whose research has often focused on employment issues.

It can be effective against someone who cant afford a pitched legal battle and gets scared off. But for a recipient who can afford a fight-like Bannon-its another story.

Without legal action, specifically a lawsuit, such a letter is just a piece of paper. So should Bannon refuse to comply with the letter, Trump would have to sue.

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But would Trump really want to start a court fight with Bannon? Suing Bannon would potentially require Trump to testify under oath, and would open them both up to discovery, in which all sorts of explosive revelations could come tumbling out. The presidents critics would probably welcome that. These things can get ugly.

But, experts say, it seems unlikely that the feud would reach that stage.

Trump is a public figure. So suing for defamation, as the letter threatens, could require Trump to prove that a statement made by Bannon was false, damaging and delivered with actual malice, meaning that Bannon knew his comments were false and made them anyway.

The White House is threatening legal action against former Trump strategist Steve Bannon. Trump said Bannon "lost his mind" after he, in a new book, said Trump didn't understand the importance of being president. (The Associated Press)

Suing Bannon for breaking an employment contract would be even more difficult, said Lobel, who described the move as a desperate attempt by Trump to silence his former confidant.

Arguing that Bannon breached a contract would potentially signal that theres some truth there in what hes saying, Lobel said, a thought also raised by other legal experts on social media.

More importantly, Lobel and other legal experts said Bannons speech stemming from his time in the White House would likely be protected. A government employees free-speech rights are protected by the Constitutions First Amendment insofar as they pertain to matters of public concern, the Supreme Court ruled in 2006 in a case called Garcetti v. Ceballos. Lobel argued that the behaviour of the president  and especially his campaigns involvement with the Russians  are undoubtedly a matter of public concern.

So Trumps lawyers would likely need to draw a difficult distinction between quotes Bannon made as a campaign employee or private citizen versus those he made while employed by the White House.

And even if Bannon revealed information that drew from his time as a private citizen during the campaign, his speech could still be protected, Lobel said. The Defend Trade Secrets Act, signed into law by president Barack Obama in 2016, provides immunity to whistleblower employees who report suspected illegal activity. That might or might not apply to Bannon. But either way, his lawyers would argue that it did.

In the cease and desist letter, Trumps lawyer wrote that Bannon breached three sections of his employment agreement with the Trump Organization by communicating with Wolff, disclosing confidential information and making disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements about Trump, his family and the campaign.

Bannon has not revealed the exact terms of the contract he signed. But according to Trumps lawyer, Bannon promised in his employment agreement not to disclose confidential information, not to demean or publicly disparage Trump, his family, or the campaign, and not to communicate with any member of the news media on behalf of, or about the campaign, without express written authorization from the campaign or Trump.

Confidential information, according to the letter sent to Bannon, included all information ... of a private, proprietary or confidential nature or that Mr. Trump insists remain private or confidential, including, but not limited to, any information with respect to the personal life, political affairs, and/or business affairs of Mr. Trump or of any Family Member ...

The letter demands that Bannon stop communicating either confidential and or disparaging information, and preserve all records in preparation for imminent legal action.

During the presidential campaign, other staffers described how Trump forced their silence through such restrictive agreements, which are highly unusual in political campaigns. One such document, obtained by The Post, includes a no-disparagement clause that requires staffers to promise during the term of your service and at all time thereafter not to demean or disparage publicly Trump, his business ventures or any of his family members or their business ventures and to prevent your employees from doing so.

Essentially, he approached his campaign staff much as he did the employees of his business ventures  demanding control over what they can and cant say. As he transitioned to the White House, some wondered if he would enforce a similar silence from his administration  raising concerns about government transparency.

During the campaign, he was asked by The Washington Posts Robert Costa if he would make employees of the federal government sign nondisclosure agreements.

I think they should, he said.  ... when people are chosen by a man to go into government at high levels and then they leave government and they write a book about a man and say a lot of things that were really guarded and personal, I dont like that. I mean, Ill be honest. And people would say, oh, thats terrible, youre taking away his right to free speech ... I would say ... I do have nondisclosure deals.

He said his then-campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, press secretary Hope Hicks and senior adviser for policy Stephen Miller all signed such nondisclosure agreements.

I dont like people that take your money and then say bad things about you, he said. But I will say that in the federal government its a different thing. So its something I would think about. But you know, I do right now  I have thousands and thousands of employees, many thousands, and every one of them has an agreement ...

As a candidate and a businessman Trump used litigation and threats to silence his critics.

He deploys an array of tactics to fight back  countersuits, threats and personal insults, among others  while using stringent confidentiality agreements to guard against insider accounts from employees, business partners, his former spouses and now his campaign staffers, The Posts Frances Stead Sellers wrote in July 2016.

That same week, court filings revealed that he had sought $10 million (U.S.) in damages from fired campaign consultant Samuel Nunberg, alleging that he violated a nondisclosure agreement by leaking confidential information to the press.

He was used to being able to do this in his private life, Lobel said. And as a president, he has continued to use angry threats in attempts to silence critics  particularly on Twitter and in cease and desist letters.

Its hard to see how it helps him here, said Orin Kerr, a law professor at the University of Southern California.

Other lawyers and critics of the president expressed similar views on Twitter.

This reeks of desperation, one post read.

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Among the many things hes been called  blunt, pathetic, calculating  the one thing Michael Wolff has never been described as is boring.

A provocateur and media polemicist, Wolff has a penchant for stirring up an argument and pushing the facts as far as theyll go, and sometimes further than they can tolerate, according to his critics. He has been accused of not just re-creating scenes in his books and columns, but of creating them wholesale.

Thats some context for Wolffs most explosive bit of reporting to date: A scathing new book, Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, describing dysfunction and infighting in Donald Trumps presidential campaign and the first year of his presidency, replete with damning criticism of Trump from within his inner circle.

According to an unauthorized report in the Guardian newspaper and a lengthy excerpt in New York magazine, Wolff portrays Trump and his closest aides as astonished by his electoral victory in 2016, and wholly unprepared for office. Trump, he reports, had no idea who former House Speaker John Boehner was when Roger Ailes, a campaign adviser, recommended him as chief of staff. Top advisers and allies doubted the presidents intelligence and openly mocked him.

But Wolffs sharpest revelations concern comments attributed to Steve Bannon, Trumps campaign chairman and former White House chief strategist. In on-the-record interviews with Wolff, Bannon called a meeting between the Trump campaigns top advisers and Russian representatives in mid-2016 treasonous and unpatriotic  furthering the narrative of Trumps harshest critics.

Bannon also warned that Special Counsel Robert Muellers investigation into alleged Russian collusion will focus on money laundering and the Trump familys dealings with Deutsche Bank. Bannon, according to Wolff, predicted: Theyre going to crack Don Jr. like an egg on national TV. ... Theyre sitting on a beach trying to stop a Category Five.

Bannon has not backed down from these quotes and, at least at first, Trump didnt exactly dispute Wolffs reporting. In a statement issued Wednesday, Trump blasted his former top adviser, saying in part, Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind. ... Steve pretends to be at war with the media, which he calls the opposition party, yet he spent his time at the White House leaking false information to make himself seem far more important than he was. It is the only thing he does well.

Later Wednesday, Trumps lawyers accused Bannon of breaching a confidentiality agreement.

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Trumps cease-and-desist letter is a desperate attempt to silence Bannon, experts say

Trump says Bannon lost his mind after he claimed Trump Tower meeting was treasonous

I didnt even know presidents could release diss tracks: Late-night hosts mock Trump-Bannon feud

On Thursday, a Trump lawyer sent a letter demanding Wolff and his publisher, Henry Holt and Co., immediately cease and desist from any further publication, release or dissemination of the book.

The fireworks almost certainly guarantee that the book will become a bestseller. But the second-guessing of Wolffs work has already begun.

Wolff, for example, writes that Thomas Barrack Jr., a billionaire friend of Trumps, told a friend that Trump is not only crazy, hes stupid. Barrack on Wednesday denied to a New York Times reporter that he ever said such a thing.

Katie Walsh, a former White House adviser, has also disputed a comment attributed to her by Wolff, that dealing with Trump was like trying to figure out what a child wants.

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders added her own skepticism during her daily briefing on Wednesday. We know the book has a lot of things, so far that weve seen, that are completely untrue, she said.

She was not specific, but Sanders added that Wolffs characterizations of White House operations were the opposite of what I saw.

Wolff, 64, has said his book was based on 200 interviews with White House and campaign staffers, including Bannon. He didnt respond to multiple requests for comment.

His reliability has been challenged before  over quotes, descriptions and general accounts hes provided in his many newspaper and magazine columns and in several books. Wolff has even acknowledged that he can be unreliable: As he recounted in Burn Rate  his bestselling book about his time as an early internet entrepreneur  Wolff kept his bankers at bay by fabricating a story about his father-in-law having open-heart surgery.

How many fairly grievous lies had I told? he wrote. How many moral lapses had I committed? How many ethical breaches had I fallen into? ... Like many another financial conniver, I was in a short-term mode. Wolffs business collapsed in 1997.

Burn Rate came under siege from critics who challenged its credibility, including the long verbatim conversations that Wolff recounted despite taking scant notes. Brills Content, a now-defunct media-review publication, cited a dozen people who disputed quotes attributed to them in the book.

Wolff followed up Burn Rate by taking over the media column at New York magazine, where he almost immediately ran into trouble. Judith Regan, then a hotshot book editor who had been a classmate of Wolffs at Vassar, vigorously disputed almost every paragraph of Wolffs column about her. She said she hadnt had a personal conversation with Wolff in 30 years.

Wolffs response: She doesnt speak to me. ... I suppose the world is full of people who no longer speak to me.

New Republic columnist Andrew Sullivan accused Wolff of putting words in his mouth when Wolff wrote in 2001 that Sullivan believes that he is the most significant gay public intellectual in America today. Sullivan said he never made any such claim.

In a 2004 cover story for the New Republic, Michelle Cottle wrote that Wolff had become the It Boy of New York media after winning two National Magazine Awards for his commentary: His quick wit, dizzying writing style, and willingness to say absolutely anything about anybody made his column a must-read, she wrote.

But she added, Much to the annoyance of Wolffs critics, the scenes in his columns arent recreated so much as created  springing from Wolffs imagination rather than from actual knowledge of events. Even Wolff acknowledges that conventional reporting isnt his bag. An editor who worked with Wolff told Cottle, He is adroit at making the reader think that he has spent hours and days with his subject, when in fact he may have spent no time at all.

Even Wolffs anecdote about Trump being unaware of who Boehner was last year seems a bit suspect. The reason? Trump had tweeted about Boehner multiple times since 2011. In September 2015, for example, Trump tweeted this: Wacky @glennbeck who always seems to be crying (worse than Boehner) speaks badly of me only because I refuse to do his show  a real nut job!

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Three poles in a confined space at a busy Etobicoke street corner is one too many for people who use a wheelchair or motorized scooter.

We wrote last month about the TTCs ongoing replacement of the 6,000 poles used to suspend streetcar wires, and how removal of the old poles can be a lot slower than it should be.

For every old pole taken down, a new one goes up. And sometimes, positioning of the new pole doesnt take into account the effect it might have on people and things.

Case in point: A new pole for streetcar wires was installed last year at the northwest corner of Kipling Ave. and Lake Shore Blvd., right across the street from the busy Lakeshore campus of Humber College.

Humber student Briton Van Weeren emailed to say that she took notice when the new streetcar pole was put in last fall, due to its proximity to two other poles.

The northwest corner has so many poles now that anyone with a wheelchair/power scooter/walker/other assistive device quite literally cannot go round the corner, said Van Weeren.

And if they come from the north, they likely wont even be able to access the part of the curb that goes down to meet the roadway.

She tried to draw attention to the problem, but had no luck.

I called the city, as they own the two posts that have the pedestrian walk buttons attached to them. They said it would take weeks before anyone could go look.

She next called Toronto Hydro, which is responsible for the vast majority of utility poles on city streets, but was told it isnt theirs.

I then called the TTC, but they seem to be of the opinion that because their post is next to the sidewalk rather than on it, it isnt a problem.

We went there and saw that the location of the new pole is just close enough to one of the poles with a pedestrian crossing button on it that theres not enough space for a person using a mobility device to squeeze past.

STATUS: A transportation services spokesperson sent us a note saying, this issue was brought to our attention through 311 on Nov. 30. We initiated our electrical contractor at that time to do some underground locate work, which takes several weeks and we expect to install a new pole behind the sidewalk, remove two poles, and relocate the accessible pedestrian pushbutton by the end of January to make the area more accessible.

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Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, a pharmaceutical company, develops, manufactures, markets, and distributes generic medicines, specialty medicines, and biopharmaceutical products in North America, Europe, and internationally. The company offers sterile products, hormones, high-potency drugs, and cytotoxic substances in various dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, injectables, inhalants, liquids, transdermal patches, ointments, and creams. It also develops, manufactures, and sells active pharmaceutical ingredients. In addition, it focuses on the central nervous system, pain, respiratory, and oncology areas. Its products in the central nervous system include Copaxone for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis; AJOVY for the preventive treatment of migraine; and AUSTEDO for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia and chorea associated with Huntington disease. The company's products in the respiratory market comprise ProAir, QVAR, ProAir Digihaler, AirDuo Digihaler, and ArmonAir Digihaler, BRALTUS, CINQAIR/CINQAERO, DuoResp Spiromax, and AirDuo RespiClick/ArmonAir RespiClick for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Its products in the oncology market include Bendeka, Treanda, Granix, Trisenox, Lonquex, and Tevagrastim/Ratiograstim. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited has a collaboration MedinCell for the development and commercialization of multiple long-acting injectable products, a risperidone suspension for the treatment of patients with schizophrenia. The company was founded in 1901 and is headquartered in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.
Georgia to Invest 1.7 billion GEL in Rural Development in 2018-2020

(TBILISI) -- The Government of Georgia adopted the National Rural Development Action Plan 2018-2020 on December 27, 2017, following the recommendations of the Inter-Agency Coordination Council for Rural Development of Georgia earlier this week.With the total budget of more than 1.7 billion GEL, the Rural Development Action Plan addresses some of the key challenges identified by the national Rural Development Strategy 2017  2020, and sets 69 measurable targets that will be achieved in the coming three years.The activities described in the plan refer to the state programs and initiatives designed to promote rural development in Georgia through the growth and diversification of local economies, improvement of social and public services, increase of employment and the sustainable use of natural resources.The Rural Development Action Plan was prepared with support from the European Union (EU), in cooperation with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), under the EU-funded ENPARD program.The preparation of the Action Plan engaged a wide range of national and international stakeholders, including for the rural development experts, national ministries and state agencies. In the coming months, the National Rural Development Action Plan 2018-2020 will be discussed in the regions of Georgia through a series of public meetings organized by the Government of Georgia with assistance from the European Union (EU) and UNDP.The European Union is supporting rural development in Georgia through its ENPARD Program. Aiming to reduce rural poverty, ENPARD has been implemented since 2013, with the total budget of EUR 102 million. The first phase of ENPARD focused on developing the national agriculture potential, while the second phase focuses on creating economic opportunities for rural population that go beyond agricultural activities.
The following companies are subsidiares of Stanley Black & Decker: 2315708 Ontario Inc., 3-V Fastener Co. Inc., 3xLOGIC Dalian Technology Company Limited, 3xLogic Florida LLC, 3xLogic Inc., 3xLogic Indiana LLC, 8 Commerce Drive LLC, ADT France, ASIA FASTENING (US) INC., Advanced Turf Technologies LTD, AeroFit LLC, AeroScout (US) LLC, AeroScout Industrial, AeroScout LLC, AeroScout Ltd., Aeroscout (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Al Khaja Pimex LLC, Allan Brothers, Automatic Doors Systems, Automatic Entrances of Colorado, Avdel Holding Limited, Avdel Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited, Avdel UK Limited, Aven Tools Limited, B&D Holdings Inc., B.B.W. BAYRISCHE BOHRERWERKE GmbH, BD Precision (Hong Kong) Limited, BD Suzhou (Hong Kong) Limited, BD Suzhou Power Tools (Hong Kong) Limited, BD Xiamen (Hong Kong) Limited, BDB Ferramentas do Brasil Ltda, BDC International Limited, BDK FAUCET HOLDINGS INC., BLACK & DECKER (SUZHOU) CO. LTD., BLACK & DECKER (SUZHOU) POWER TOOLS CO. LTD., BLACK & DECKER (SUZHOU) PRECISION MANUFACTURING CO. LTD., BLACK & DECKER ASIA MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS 1 S.a.r.l., BLACK & DECKER ASIA MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS 2 S.a.r.l., BLACK & DECKER DE REYNOSA S. DE R.L. DE C.V., BLACK & DECKER GLOBAL HOLDINGS S.a.r.l., BLACK & DECKER GROUP LLC, BLACK & DECKER HOLDINGS LLC, BLACK & DECKER INC, BLACK & DECKER INDIA INC., BLACK & DECKER INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS S.A.R.L., BLACK & DECKER INVESTMENT COMPANY LLC, BLACK & DECKER SHELBYVILLE LLC, BLACK & DECKER SSC CO. LTD., BLACK & DECKER TRANSASIA S.a.r.l., BLACK AND DECKER S.A. de C.V., Bagley Road LLC, Baltimore Financial Services Company Unlimited Company, Baltimore Insurance Designated Activity Company, Bandhart, Bandhart Overseas, Bed-Check, Belco Investments Company Unlimited Company, Besco Investment Group Co. Ltd., Besco Investment Holdings Ltd., Besco Pneumatic Corporation, Besco Pneumatic Corporation, Best Lock Corporation, Black & Decker, Black & Decker (Czech) s.r.o., Black & Decker (Ireland) Inc., Black & Decker (OVERSEAS) GmbH, Black & Decker (Thailand) Limited, Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc., Black & Decker Argentina S.A., Black & Decker Asia Pacific (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Black & Decker Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Black & Decker Distribution Pty. Ltd, Black & Decker Europe, Black & Decker Far East Holdings B.V., Black & Decker Finance, Black & Decker Finance (Australia) Ltd., Black & Decker Finance SAS, Black & Decker Funding Corporation, Black & Decker Hardware Holdings B.V., Black & Decker Healthcare Management Inc., Black & Decker Holdings (Australia) Pty. Ltd., Black & Decker Holdings B.V., Black & Decker Inc., Black & Decker International, Black & Decker International Finance (UK) Limited, Black & Decker International Finance 1 Unlimited Company, Black & Decker International Finance 3 Designated Activity Company, Black & Decker International Finance Holdings (UK) Limited, Black & Decker International Holdings B.V. & CO. KG, Black & Decker Investments (Australia) Limited, Black & Decker Investments LLC, Black & Decker Limited BV, Black & Decker Luxembourg S.A.R.L., Black & Decker Mexfin LLC, Black & Decker No. 4 Pty. Ltd., Black & Decker Puerto Rico Inc., Black & Decker de Colombia S.A.S., Black & Decker de Panama LLC, Black & Decker del Ecuador S.A., Black & Decker del Peru S.A., Black & Decker do Brasil Ltda., Black and Decker de Costa Rica Limitada, Blick Plc, Bostitch-Holding L.L.C., Bristol Industries LLC, Bulldog Barrels LLC, C&C Enterprise Co. Ltd., CAM International Holdings Inc., CAMACC Systems Inc., CONNEXCENTER SA, CPE Acquisition Co., CRC-EVANS INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS INC., CRC-EVANS INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LLC, CRC-EVANS WELDING SERVICES INC., CRC-Evans B.V., CRC-Evans Canada LTD., CRC-Evans International LLC, CRC-Evans Offshore Limited, CRC-Evans PIH Servios De Tubulao do Brasil Ltda, CRC-Evans Pipeline International Inc., CRC-Evans Pipeline International Sdn Bhd, CWS Industries (Mfg.) Corp., Chesapeake Falls Holdings Company Unlimited Company, Chesapeake Investments Company S.A.R.L., Chicago Steel Tape, Chiro Tools Holdings B.V., Christie Intruder Alarms Limited, Clarke Security Services Incorporated, Columbia Manufacturing Company Incorporated, Compass Corporation, Compass II Co. Ltd., Consolidated Aerospace Manufacturing, Consolidated Aerospace Manufacturing LLC, Constellation (Luxembourg) Holdings S.a r.l., Contact East, Craftman, Cub Cadet LLC, DADO Inc., DEVILBISS AIR POWER COMPANY, DIYZ LLC, DeWalt Industrial Tools S.p.A., Dewalt Industrial Power Tool Company LTD., Doncasters US Holdings Inc., Dubuis et Cie SAS, E.A. Patten Co. LLC, ELU B.V., ELU Power Tools LTD, EMHART TEKNOLOGIES LLC, Eastern Vault & Security, Emhart Guangzhou (Hong Kong) Limited, Emhart Harttung A/S, Emhart Harttung Inc., Emhart International Holdings Limited, Emhart International Limited, Emhart Teknologies (Thailand) LTD., Excel Industries, Excel Industries Inc., F. Robotics Acquisitions Ltd., Facom, Facom Belgie BV, Fastener Jamher Taiwan Inc., First National AlarmCap LP/Premiere Societe en Commandite Nationale Alarmcap, First National AlarmCap. Trust, Frisco Bay Industries, GDX Technologies, GMT China, GRUPO BLACK & DECKER MEXICO S. DE R.L. DE C.V., GUANGZHOU EMHART FASTENING SYSTEM CO. LTD., Gamrie Designated Activity Company, Garden Way LLC, Generale de Protection, HSM Electronic Protection Systems, Hangtech Limited, Hardware City Associates Limited Partnership, Hefei INTACA Science & Technology Development Co. Ltd., Herramientas Stanley S.A. de c.v., Horst Sprenger GmbH Recycling-tools, Hustler Turf Equipment Inc., I.D.L. Techni-Edge LLC, INFASTECH CAMCAR MALAYSIA SDN BHD, INFASTECH DECORAH LLC, ISR Solutions, IguanaFix, Infastech (China) Limited, Infastech (Korea) Limited, Infastech (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Infastech (Mauritius) Limited, Infastech (Shenzhen) Limited, Infastech (Singapore) Pte. Ltd, Infastech Company Limited, Infastech Fastening Systems (Wuxi) Limited, Infastech Holdings (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Infastech Intellectual Properties Pte. Ltd., Infastech Receivables Company Pte. Ltd., Infastech/Tri-Star Limited, InfoLogix, InfoLogix Systems Corporation, Infologix - DDMS Inc., Infologix Inc., Innerspace Products, Interfast B.V., Irwin Industrial Tool Ferramentas do Brasil Ltda., JAFFORD LLC, JRB Attachments LLC, JennCo1 Inc., Jewel Attachments LLC, Jiangsu Guoqiang Tools Co., Jiangus Guopiang Tools Co. Ltd., Jointech Corporation LTD., K.And.M. Holdco Products Ltd., Kodiak Mfg. Inc., Lista International Corporation, Lux Star International S.a r.l., M. HART DO BRASIL LTDA., M.P.N. HOLDINGS LIMITED, M.T.D. France SAS, MTD Asia Hong Kong Limited, MTD Austria Handelsgesellschaft m.b.H., MTD Consumer Group Inc., MTD Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, MTD Deutschland Verwaltungsgeschellschaft mbH, MTD Europe Holding GmbH, MTD Holdings, MTD Hungaria Kft., MTD International Operations Inc., MTD Investments Australia Pty Ltd., MTD LLC, MTD PRODUCTS ITALIA S.R.L., MTD Poland Sp. z.o.o., MTD Products AG, MTD Products Australia Party LTD, MTD Products Benelux B.V., MTD Products Company, MTD Products Czech Spol. s.r.o., MTD Products Denmark ApS, MTD Products Inc., MTD Products India Private India Limited, MTD Products Limited, MTD Products New Zealand Limited, MTD Products Nordic AB, MTD Products S.A. de C.V., MTD Products Singapore, MTD Schweiz AG, MTD Southwest Inc., Mac Tools Canada Inc., Maquinas y Herramientas Black & Decker de Chile S.A., Microalloying International Inc., Microtec Enterprises, Moeller Manufacturing & Supply LLC, Monarch Mirror Door Co., NEWFREY LLC, NFASTECH COMPANY LIMITED, NIscayah, NSW Fabristeel Netherlands B.V., National Manufacturing, Nelson Bolzenschwei-Technik GmbH & Co. KG, Nelson Bolzenschwei-Technik GmbH Verwaltungs GmbH, Nelson Fastener Systems, Nelson Fastener Systems de Mexico SA de CV, Nelson Saldatura Perni S.r.l., Nelson Soudage de Goujons SAS, Nelson Stud Welding (Tianjin) Company Ltd., Nelson Stud Welding Canada Inc., Nelson Stud Welding Inc., Nelson Stud Welding India Private Limited, Nelson Stud Welding International LLC, New FEP Co. LLC, Newell Brands - Tools Business, Nippon Pop Rivets & Fasteners LTD., Niscayah Asia Limited, Niscayah Group AB, Niscayah Holdings Limited, Niscayah Investments Limited, Niscayah Teknik AB, Novia SWK SAS, OSI Security Devices, Onglin International Limited, P I H Holdings Limited, P&B Re Holdings LLC, PIH Services Limited, PIH Services ME LLC, PIH Services ME Ltd., PIH Services ME W.L.L., PIH U.S. LLC, PIPELINE EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES SARL, PORTER-CABLE ARGENTINA LLC, PT Stanley Black & Decker, Pacom Group AB, Pacom Systems (North America) Inc., Pacom Systems Espana S.L., Pacom Systems Pty Limited, Paladin Brands Group Inc., Paladin Brands Holdings Inc., Paladin Brands International Holdings Inc., Panalok Limited, Pengo Corporation, Pillo Health, Pinnacle Electronic Systems, Pipeline Induction Heat Limited, Pipeline Induction Heat Limited, Powers Fasteners Australasia Pty Limited, Powers Fasteners Inc., Powers Fasteners Inc. (Panama), Powers Rawl Pty. Ltd., Powers Shanghai Trading Ltd., Precision Hardware, Prikos & Becker LLC, Pro One Finance SAS, QRP Inc, RCTENN LLC, RIGHTCO II LLC, Rawl Australasia Pty. Ltd., Rawlplug Unit Trust, Refal Industria e Comercio de Rebites e Rebitadeiras Ltda., Remington LLC, SBD Cayman LLC, SBD European Investment Unlimited Company, SBD European Security Holdings S.a r.l., SBD European Security International Unlimited Company, SBD European Security Investment Unlimited Company, SBD Holding AB, SBD Insurance Inc., SBD MDGP Partnership Holdings LLC, SBD MDGP Partnership Holdings S.a r.l., SBD Manufacturing Distribution & Global Purchasing Holdings L.P., SBD Niscayah S.a r.l., SBD Property Holdings LLC, SBD UK Canada Holdings Inc., SPIRALOCK GLOBAL VENTURES LIMITED, STANLEY BLACK & DECKER HUNGARY KORALTOLT FELELOSSEGU TARSASAG, STANLEY BLACK & DECKER IBERICA S.L., STANLEY BLACK & DECKER MOROCCO SARL, STANLEY BLACK AND DECKER CYPRUS INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LTD, STANLEY BLACK AND DECKER CYPRUS ONE HOLDINGS LTD, STANLEY BLACK AND DECKER CYPRUS S1 HOLDINGS LTD, STANLEY BLACK AND DECKER CYPRUS S2 HOLDINGS LTD, STANLEY ENGINEERED FASTENING EASTERN EUROPE SP.Z O.O., SWK (U.K.) Holding Limited, SWK (UK) Limited, SWK Utensilerie S.r.l., Scan Modul, Security Group, SecurityCo Solutions Inc., Shanghai Emhart Fastening System Co. Ltd., Sidchrome Tool, Sielox Security Systems, Societe Miniere et Commerciale SAS, Sonitrol, Sonitrol Distribution Canada Inc., Sonitrol Security Systems of Buffalo Inc., Southern Monitoring Services Limited, Specialty Bar Products Company, Spiegelberg Manufacturing Inc., Spiralock Corporation, Stanley Access Technologies LLC, Stanley Atlantic Inc., Stanley Black & Decker (Barbados) SRL, Stanley Black & Decker (Hellas) EPE, Stanley Black & Decker Asia Holdings LLC, Stanley Black & Decker Asian Holdings B.V., Stanley Black & Decker Australia Pty Ltd., Stanley Black & Decker Austria GmbH, Stanley Black & Decker Belgium BV, Stanley Black & Decker CCA S. de R.L., Stanley Black & Decker Canada Corporation, Stanley Black & Decker Cayman Holdings Inc., Stanley Black & Decker Cayman International Financing LLC, Stanley Black & Decker Centroamerica S. de R.L., Stanley Black & Decker Chile L.L.C., Stanley Black & Decker Colombia Services S.A.S., Stanley Black & Decker Czech Republic s.r.o., Stanley Black & Decker Deutschland GmbH, Stanley Black & Decker Distribution SAS, Stanley Black & Decker Finance 1 LLC, Stanley Black & Decker Finance 2 LLC, Stanley Black & Decker Finance Limited, Stanley Black & Decker Finance Unlimited Company, Stanley Black & Decker Finland Oy, Stanley Black & Decker France SAS, Stanley Black & Decker France Services SAS, Stanley Black & Decker Hermosillo S. de R.L. de C.V., Stanley Black & Decker Holdings Australia Pty Ltd, Stanley Black & Decker Holdings S.a r.l., Stanley Black & Decker IP Holdings Limited, Stanley Black & Decker India Private Limited, Stanley Black & Decker International FZE, Stanley Black & Decker International Fiance 2 Unlimited Company, Stanley Black & Decker International Finance 1 Limited, Stanley Black & Decker International Finance 2 Limited, Stanley Black & Decker International Finance 3 Limited, Stanley Black & Decker International Finance 3 Unlimited Company, Stanley Black & Decker International Finance 4 Limited, Stanley Black & Decker International Finance 4 Unlimited Company, Stanley Black & Decker International Finance 5 Unlimited Company, Stanley Black & Decker International Finance L.P., Stanley Black & Decker Ireland Unlimited Company, Stanley Black & Decker Italia S.r.l., Stanley Black & Decker Latin American Holding BV, Stanley Black & Decker Latin American Investment Unlimited Company, Stanley Black & Decker Limited, Stanley Black & Decker Limited Liability Company, Stanley Black & Decker Logistics BV, Stanley Black & Decker MEA FZE, Stanley Black & Decker Manufacturing SAS, Stanley Black & Decker Middle East Trading FZE, Stanley Black & Decker NZ Limited, Stanley Black & Decker Netherlands B.V., Stanley Black & Decker Norway AS, Stanley Black & Decker Partnership Japan, Stanley Black & Decker Partnership Japan Holdings S.a r.l., Stanley Black & Decker Polska Sp. z o.o., Stanley Black & Decker Precision Manufacturing (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Stanley Black & Decker Romania SRL, Stanley Black & Decker Slovakia s.r.o., Stanley Black & Decker Sweden AB, Stanley Black & Decker Turkey Alet Uretim Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Stanley Black & Decker UK Group Limited, Stanley Black & Decker UK Limited, Stanley Black & Decker de Monterrey S. de R.L. de C.V., Stanley Black and Decker Commercial Private India, Stanley Black and Decker Security Solutions Mexico S.A. de C.V. (fka DEWALT INDUSTRIAL TOOLS S.A. DE C.V.), Stanley CLP3, Stanley Canada Holdings L.L.C., Stanley Chiro International Ltd, Stanley Convergent Security Solutions Inc., Stanley Engineered Fastening Benelux B.V., Stanley Engineered Fastening France SAS, Stanley Engineered Fastening India Private Limited, Stanley Engineered Fastening Industrial Deutschland GmbH, Stanley Engineered Fastening Italy S.r.l., Stanley Engineered Fastening Spain S.L.U., Stanley Europe BV, Stanley European Holdings B.V., Stanley European Holdings II B.V., Stanley Fastening Systems Investment (Taiwan) Co., Stanley Fastening Systems L.P., Stanley Fastening Systems Poland Sp. z o.o., Stanley Feinwerktechnik GmbH, Stanley Grundstuecksverwaltungs GmbH, Stanley Healthcare Solutions France Sarl, Stanley Housing Fund Inc., Stanley Industrial & Automotive LLC, Stanley Infrastructure LLC Formerly f/k/a International Equipment Solutions ("IES"), Stanley Inspection L.L.C., Stanley Inspection US L.L.C., Stanley International Holdings Inc., Stanley Israel Investments B.V., Stanley Logistics L.L.C., Stanley Pipeline Inspection L.L.C., Stanley Safety Corporation LLC, Stanley Security AS, Stanley Security Alarmcentrale B.V., Stanley Security B.V., Stanley Security Belgium BV, Stanley Security Canada ULC (fka 3xLogic Holdings Inc.), Stanley Security Denmark ApS, Stanley Security Europe BV, Stanley Security Federal Systema LLC, Stanley Security Holding AS, Stanley Security Limited, Stanley Security Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Stanley Security Nederland B.V., Stanley Security Oy, Stanley Security Singapore Pte. Ltd., Stanley Security Solutions (NI) Limited, Stanley Security Solutions - Europe Limited, Stanley Security Solutions Australia Pty Ltd, Stanley Security Solutions Inc., Stanley Security Solutions India Private Limited, Stanley Security Solutions Limited, Stanley Security Sverige AB, Stanley Technical Services Ltd., Stanley Tools SAS, Stanley U.K. Holdings Ltd., Stanley UK Acquisition Company Limited, Stanley UK Services Limited, Stanley Works (Europe) GmbH, Stanley Works (India) Private Limited, Stanley Works (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Stanley Works (Wendeng) Tools Co. Ltd., Stanley Works Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Stanley Works China Investments Limited, Stanley Works Holdings B.V., Stanley Works Limited, Stanley-Bostitch S.A. de c.v., Stanley-Bostitch Servicios S. de R.L. de C.V., Stichting Beheer Intellectuele Eigendomsrechten Blick Benelux B.V., SureHand Inc. f.k.a. SBD Aura Inc., Sweepster Attachments LLC, THE BLACK & DECKER CORPORATION, TOG Holdings Inc., TOG Manufacturing Company Inc., TSI Monitoring LLC, TSI Sales & Installation LLC, The EAP Acquisition Co. LLC, The Farmington River Power Company, The Ferry Cap & Set Screw Company, The Stanley Works (Langfang) Fastening Systems Co. Ltd., The Stanley Works (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., The Stanley Works (Shanghai) Management Co. Ltd., The Stanley Works (Zhongshan) Tool Co. Ltd., The Stanley Works Israel Ltd., The Stanley Works Limited, The Stanley Works Pty. Ltd., Tong Lung Metal Industry, Troy-Bilt LLC, Tucker Fasteners Limited, Tucker GmbH, Tucker S.R.O., Universal Inspection Systems Limited, Venus Enterprise Co. Ltd., Visiocom International Pte Ltd, Voss Industries Inc., Wintech Corporation Limited, XMARK Corporation, XMARK Corporation., Yong Ru Plastics Industry (Suzhou) Co. Ltd, and Zag USA Inc..

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GE is a multi-national conglomerate that was originally incorporated in 1892. The company was founded by Thomas Edison as the Edison General Electric Company and shortened its name to General Electric following a merger with two other early electric pioneers. The name was later shortened again to GE. The company is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts but has operations on a global scale. One of the original 12 Dow stocks, the company was a component of the index for 122 years until its ousting in 2018.

Originally intended to make and market Edisons incandescent lamp and following products, the company grew over the years through mergers, acquisitions, and natural expansion into newly created fields. Among the many early accomplishments is the creation of RCA and NBC which will both become forces of their own. Other major innovations include the worlds first turbine superchargers, industrial gas turbine engines, and the first jet engine. In the field of computing, General Electric Company is credited as being one of the 8 major computer companies of the 1960s and shares responsibility for todays digital world. In regard to its employees, two were awarded the Nobel Prize for their work with the company.

Today GE operates as a high-tech industrial company in Europe, China, Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa. The company operates through four segments including Power, Renewables, Aerospace, and Healthcare although there are plans in the works to split the company into three separate entities. The three new companies would be GE Vernova (power and renewables), GE Health, and GE Aerospace. The spin-offs are expected to be completed by 2025.

The Power segment offers a variety of turbine engines for power production as well as the full range of services from plant construction to retrofit and refit. The Renewables segment is focused on solutions for renewable energy including wind and hydro and the technology to operate them. The Aviation segment manufactures aircraft engines of all varieties and the Healthcare segment offers technology for imaging, monitoring, diagnostics, and drug discovery to health and medical facilities.

General Electric is committed to helping the world transition to a greener way of life and is exiting the new-build coal-fired power industry. Instead, its advancements in wind, grid efficiency, and natural gas are being deployed around the world helping to reduce emissions and generate cleaner energy for businesses, industry, and communities. The company is targeting 2030 for its own carbon neutrality and 2050 for net zero emissions.
The following companies are subsidiares of Illinois Tool Works: A V Co 1 Limited, A V Co 2 Limited, A V Co 3 Limited, ACCU-LUBE Manufacturing GmbH - Schmiermittel und -gerate -, AIP/BI Holdings Inc., Accessories Marketing Holding Corp., Advanced Molding Company Inc., Allen France SAS, Alpine Engineered Products, Alpine Systems Corporation, Anaerobicos S.r.l., AppliChem GmbH, Avery Berkel France, Avery India Limited, Avery Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Avery Weigh Tronix, Avery Weigh-Tronix Finance Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix International Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix LLC, Avery Weigh-Tronix Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Properties Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Suzhou Weighing Technology Co. Ltd., Azon Limited, B.C. Immo, Beijing Miller Electric Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Berkel Ireland Limited, Berrington UK, Brapenta Eletronica Ltda., Brooks Instrument B.V., Brooks Instrument GmbH, Brooks Instrument KFT, Brooks Instrument Korea Ltd., Brooks Instrument LLC, Brooks Instrument Shanghai Co. Ltd, Buell Industries Inc., CCI Realty Company, CFC Europe GmbH, CS Australia Pty Limited, CS Mexico Holding Company S DE RL DE CV, Calvia Spolka z Ograniczona Odpowiedzialnosci, Capital Ventures Australasia S.a r.l, Capmax Logistica S.A. de C.V., Celeste Industries Corporation, Coeur, Coeur Asia Limited, Coeur Holding Company, Coeur Inc., Coeur Shanghai Medical Appliance Trading Co. Ltd, Compagnie Hobart, Compagnie de Materiel et d'Equipements Techniques-Comet, Constructions Isothermiques Bontami C.I.B., Crane Carrier Company, Denison Mayes Group Limited, Despatch Industries, Diagraph Corporation Sdn. Bhd, Diagraph ITW Mexico S. de R.L. De C.V., Diagraph Mexico S.A. DE C.V., Dongguan Ark-Les Electric Components Co. Ltd., Dongguan CK Branding Co. Ltd., Duo Fast de Espana S.A.U., Duo-Fast Korea Co. Ltd., Duo-Fast LLC, E.C.S. d.o.o., E2M Production B.V.., E2M Technologies B.V.., E2M Technologies Inc.., ECS Cable Protection Sp. Zoo, ELRO Grosskuchen GmbH, ELRO Holding AG, ELRO-WERKE AG, Elro Group, Eltex-Elektrostatik-Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Envases Multipac S.A. de C.V., Eurotec Srl, Exhibit 21, FEG Investments L.L.C., Filtertek De Mexico Holding Inc., Filtertek De Mexico S.A. de C.V., Filtertek SAS, GC Financement SA, Gamko B.V., Gun Hwa Platech Taicang Co. Ltd., HOBART Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Hartness International, Hobart Andina S.A.S., Hobart Belgium B.V., Hobart Brothers International Chile Limitada, Hobart Brothers LLC, Hobart Dayton Mexicana S. de R.L. de C.V., Hobart Food Equipment Co. Ltd., Hobart International Singapore Pte. Ltd., Hobart Japan K.K., Hobart Korea LLC, Hobart LLC, Hobart Nederland B.V., Hobart Sales & Service Inc., Hobart Scandinavia ApS, Hobart Techniek B.V., Horis, ILC Investments Holdings Inc., ITW AEP LLC, ITW AOC LLC, ITW Aircraft Investments Inc., ITW Ampang Industries Philippines Inc., ITW Appliance Components EOOD, ITW Appliance Components S.A. de C.V., ITW Appliance Components S.r.l.a, ITW Appliance Components d.o.o., ITW Australia Holdings Pty Ltd, ITW Australia Property Holdings Pty Ltd., ITW Australia Pty Ltd, ITW Automotive Components Chongqing Co. Ltd., ITW Automotive Components Langfang Co. Ltd., ITW Automotive Japan K.K., ITW Automotive Korea LLC, ITW Automotive Parts Shanghai Co. Ltd, ITW Automotive Products GmbH, ITW Automotive Products Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Bailly Comte, ITW Befestigungssysteme GmbH, ITW Belgium B.V., ITW Brazilian Nominee L.L.C., ITW Building Components Group Inc., ITW CER, ITW CP Distribution Center Holland BV, ITW CS UK Ltd., ITW Canada Inc., ITW Celeste Inc., ITW Chemical Products Ltda, ITW Chemical Products Scandinavia ApS, ITW China Investment Company Limited, ITW Colombia S.A.S., ITW Construction Products AB, ITW Construction Products AS, ITW Construction Products ApS, ITW Construction Products CZ s.r.o., ITW Construction Products Italy Srl, ITW Construction Products OU, ITW Construction Products OY, ITW Construction Products Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW Construction Products Singapore Pte. Ltd., ITW Construction Services Manila Inc., ITW Contamination Control B.V., ITW Contamination Control Wujiang Co. Ltd., ITW Covid Security Group Inc., ITW DS Investments Inc., ITW DelFast do Brasil Ltda., ITW Denmark ApS, ITW Deutschland GmbH, ITW Diagraph GmbH, ITW Dynatec, ITW Dynatec Adhesive Equipment Suzhou Co. Ltd., ITW Dynatec GmbH, ITW Dynatec Kabushiki Kaisha, ITW EAE B.V., ITW EAE Mexico S de RL de CV, ITW EF&C France SAS, ITW EF&C Selb GmbH, ITW EU Holdings Ltd., ITW Electronic Business Asia Co. Limited, ITW Electronic Components/Products Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW Electronics Suzhou Co. Ltd., ITW Epsilon Sarl, ITW Espana S.L., ITW European Finance Co. Ltd., ITW European Finance II Co. Ltd., ITW European Finance III Co. Ltd., ITW FEG Hong Kong Limited, ITW FEG do Brasil Industria e Comercio Ltda., ITW Fastener Products GmbH, ITW Fluids and Hygiene Solutions Ltda., ITW Food Equipment Group LLC, ITW GH LLC, ITW GSE ApS, ITW GSE Inc., ITW Gamma Sarl, ITW German Management LLC, ITW Global Investments Holdings LLC, ITW Global Investments Holdings Y Compania Sociedad en Comandita por Acciones, ITW Global Investments Inc., ITW Global Tire Repair Europe GmbH, ITW Global Tire Repair Inc., ITW Global Tire Repair Japan K.K., ITW Graphics Asia Limited, ITW Graphics Thailand Ltd., ITW Great Britain Investment & Licensing Holding Company, ITW Group France Luxembourg S.ar.l., ITW HLP Thailand Co. Ltd., ITW Holding Quimica B.C. S.L. Sole Shareholder Company, ITW Holdings Australia L.P., ITW Holdings I Limited, ITW Holdings II Limited, ITW Holdings III Limited, ITW Holdings IV Limited, ITW Holdings IX Limited, ITW Holdings Inc., ITW Holdings V Limited, ITW Holdings VI Limited, ITW Holdings VII Limited, ITW Holdings VIII Limited, ITW Holdings X Limited, ITW Holdings XI Limited, ITW ILC Holdings I Inc., ITW IPG Investments LLC, ITW Imaden Industria e Comercio Ltda., ITW India Private Limited, ITW International Holdings LLC, ITW Invest Holding GmbH, ITW Ireland Holdings Unlimited Company, ITW Ireland Unlimited Company, ITW Italy Holding Srl, ITW Japan Ltd., ITW Korea LLC, ITW LLC & Co. KG, ITW Limited, ITW Lys Fusion S.r.l., ITW Materials Technology Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW Meritex Sdn. Bhd., ITW Metal Fasteners S.L., ITW Mexico Holding Company S. De R.L. de C.V., ITW Mexico Holdings LLC, ITW Morlock GmbH, ITW Mortgage Investments II Inc., ITW Mortgage Investments III Inc., ITW Mortgage Investments IV Inc., ITW Netherlands Administration BV, ITW Netherlands Beta B.V., ITW Netherlands Finance Alpha BV, ITW New Universal LLC, ITW New Zealand, ITW Ningbo Components & Fastenings Systems Co. Ltd., ITW Novadan Sp. Z.o.o., ITW PPF Brasil Adesivos Ltda., ITW Packaging Technology China Co. Ltd., ITW Participations S.a r.l., ITW Pension Funds Trustee Company, ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids Japan Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids Korea Limited, ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids OOO, ITW Performance Polymers ApS, ITW Performance Polymers Wujiang Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers and Fluids Group FZE, ITW Peru S.A.C., ITW Poly Mex S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Polymers Sealants North America Inc., ITW Pronovia s.r.o., ITW Pte. Ltd., ITW Qufu Automotive Cooling Systems Co. Ltd., ITW Real Estate Germany GmbH, ITW Residuals III L.L.C., ITW Residuals IV L.L.C., ITW Rivex, ITW SMPI, ITW SPG Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Simco-Ion Shenzhen Co. Ltd., ITW Slovakia s.r.o., ITW Spain Holdings S.L., ITW Specialty Film LLC, ITW Specialty Films France, ITW Specialty Materials Suzhou Co. Ltd., ITW Sverige AB, ITW Sweden Holding AB, ITW Test & Measurement Equipment Shanghai Co. Ltd, ITW Test & Measurement GmbH, ITW Test and Measurement Italia Srl, ITW Test and Measurement Services Industry and Trade Ltd., ITW Texwipe Philippines Inc., ITW Thermal Films Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW UK, ITW UK Finance Beta Limited, ITW UK Finance Delta Limited, ITW UK Finance Gamma Limited, ITW UK Finance Limited, ITW UK Finance Zeta Ltd., ITW UK II Limited, ITW Universal II LLC, ITW Welding, ITW Welding AB, ITW Welding GmbH, ITW Welding Products B.V., ITW Welding Products Group FZE, ITW Welding Products Group S. DE R.L. De C.V., ITW Welding Products Italy Srl, ITW Welding Products Limited Liability Company, ITW Welding Produtos Para Solgdagem Ltda., ITW Welding Singapore Pte. Ltd., ITW de France, ITW do Brasil Industrial e Comercial Ltda., Illinois Tool Works Chile Limitada, Illinois Tool Works ITW Nederland B.V., Illinois Tool Works Inc., Impar Comercio E Representacoes Ltda., Industrie Plastic Elsasser GmbH, Inmobiliaria Cit. S.A. de C.F., Innova Temperlite Servicios S.A. de C.V., Innovacion y Transformacion Automotriz S.A. de C.V., Instron Brasil Equipamentos Cientificos Ltda., Instron Foreign Sales Corp. Limited, Instron France S.A.S., Instron GmbH, Instron Japan Company Ltd., Instron Korea LLC, Instron Shanghai Ltd., Instron Thailand Limited, International Leasing Company LLC, Isolenge - ITW Sistemas de Isolamento Termico Ltda., Itw Spraytec, KCPL Mauritius Holdings, Kester, Kleinmann GmbH, Krafft S.L., Loma Systems, Loma Systems BV, Loma Systems Canada Inc., Loma Systems sro, Lombard Pressings Limited, Lumex Inc., Lys Fusion Poland Sp. z.o.o., M&C Specialties Co., MAGNAFLUX GmbH, MEHB Holdings Limited, MGHG Property LLC, MTS 2 LLC., MTS 3 LLC., MTS China Holdings LLC, MTS Europe Holdings LLC, MTS Holdings France S.a.r.l., MTS Japan Ltd.., MTS Korea Inc.., MTS Systems China Co. Ltd., MTS Systems Corporation, MTS Systems Danmark ApS., MTS Systems Europe B.V., MTS Systems Finance C.V.., MTS Systems Germany GmbH, MTS Systems Holding B.V.., MTS Systems Hong Kong Incorporated, MTS Systems Limited, MTS Systems Norden Aktiebolag, MTS Systems S.r.l, MTS Systems., MTS Systems.., MTS Sytems Do Brazil, MTS Testing Solutions India Private Limited., MTS Testing Systems Canada Ltd., Manufacturing Avancee S.A., Meritex Technology Suzhou Co. Ltd., Meurer Verpackungssysteme GmbH, Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, Miller Insurance Ltd., NDT Holding LLC, NOVADAN APS, North Star Imaging Inc., Nova Chimica S.r.l., Orbitalum Tools GmbH, PENTA-91 OOO, PR. A. I. Srl, PT ITW Construction Products Indonesia, Pacific Concept Industries Limited Enping, Panreac Quimica S.L., Paslode Fasteners Shanghai Co. Ltd., Peerless Machinery Corp., Polyrey, Premark FEG L.L.C., Premark HII Holdings LLC, Premark International, Premark International LLC, Prolex Sociedad Anonima, QSA Global Inc., Quimica Industrial Mediterranea S.L., R&D Engineering A/S., R&D Prague s.r.o., R&D Steel ApS., R&D Test Systems A/S., R&D Tools and Structures A/S., RDGDK Engineering Private Limited, Ramset Fasteners Hong Kong Ltd., Rapid Cook LLC, Refrigeration France, S.E.E. Sistemas Industria E Comercio Ltda., ST Mexico Holdings LLC, Sealant Systems International Inc., Sentinel Asia Yuhan Hoesa, Shanghai ITW Plastic & Metal Co. Ltd, Simco Japan Inc., Simco Nederland B.V., Societe de Prospection et dInventions Techniques  SPIT, Speedline Holdings I Inc., Speedline Holdings I LLC, Speedline Technologies GmbH, Speedline Technologies Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Speedline Technologies Mexico Services S. de R.L. de C.V., Stokvis Celix Portugal Unipessoal LDA, Stokvis Danmark ApS, Stokvis Holdings S.A.R.L., Stokvis Promi s.r.o, Stokvis Prostick Tapes Private Limited, Stokvis Tapes B.V., Stokvis Tapes Benelux B.V., Stokvis Tapes Deutschland GmbH, Stokvis Tapes France, Stokvis Tapes Hong Kong Co. Limited, Stokvis Tapes Italia s.r.l., Stokvis Tapes Limited, Stokvis Tapes Limited Liability Company, Stokvis Tapes Norge AS, Stokvis Tapes Oy, Stokvis Tapes Polska Sp Z.O.O., Stokvis Tapes Shanghai Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes Sverige AB, Stokvis Tapes Taiwan Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes Tianjin Co. Ltd., Stolvis Holdings II S.A.R.L., Subsidiaries, Technopack Industria Comercio Consultoria e Representacoes Ltda., Teknek China Limited, Teknek Japan Limited, Teksaleco Ltd., The Miller Group Ltd, Thirode Grandes Cuisines Poligny, Tien Tai Electrode Co. Ltd., Tien Tai Electrode Kunshan Co. Ltd., Unichemicals Industria e Comercio Ltda., VR-Leasing Sarita GmbH & Co. Immobilien KG, VS European Holdco BV, Valeron Strength Films B.V., Veneta Decalcogomme S.r.l., Versachem Chile S.A., Vesta, Vesta Global Limited, Vesta Guangzhou Catering Equipment Co. Ltd, Viltronics Soltec, Vitronics Soltec B.V., Wachs Canada Ltd., Wachs Subsea LLC, Weigh-Tronix Canada ULC, Weigh-Tronix UK Limited, Wilsonart International Holdings LLC, Wynn Oil South Africa Pty Ltd., Wynn's Automotive France, Wynn's Belgium BVBA, Wynn's Italia Srl, Wynn's Mekuba India Pvt Ltd, and Zip-Pak International B.V..

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EU Allocates  48.1 Million for Georgia Reforms

By Tea Mariamidze

(BRUSSELS)--In acknowledgement of commonly agreed reform progress in 2017 in several sectors, the European Union has allocated GEL 140 million ( 48.1 million) of non-reimbursable aid to Georgia.In particular, the EU has assisted Georgia for implemented reforms in trade and business development, vocational education and employment, agriculture, and integration of internally displaced people (IDPs).EU delegation to Georgia reports that the payments were also made for Georgia's justice sector, public administration, public finance management and regional development policy. These funds are provided within the framework of EU budget support programs ongoing with the government.On the basis of independent reports, the EU has positively assessed the achieved progress in the aforementioned fields.The EU noted that Georgia has made progress in the areas of trade and private sector development, in line with the agreed roadmap. This included the timely adoption of a number of national legislative acts aimed at enabling a favorable business environment, including on food safety, technical barriers to trade, and market surveillance.Moreover, in a statement, the EU delegation to Georgia noted that Georgia achieved notable results in developing a labor market information system and introduction of a new service model for the employment support services.The Georgian government developed, adopted and started implementation of a strategic framework for rural development in line with EU best practices, the statement reads.It also points out that overall, Georgia made good progress in management and implementation of the Livelihood Action Plan, adding the government provided better support to the employability, requalification, education and training of internally displaced people.As for the justice sector, the EU noted that despite making progress, there remains the need of an independent investigative mechanism to investigate wrong-doing of law enforcement officials, adding the government did not provide sufficient evidence that all cases of alleged ill-treatment were investigated efficiently.Financial support is an instrument for EU cooperation which involves direct financial transfers to the state budget of the partner country. Funds are transferred annually, and only when commonly agreed results are met.
With its 6-inch extra-wide OLED display, portrait-mode-capable dual cameras, premium processor and headphone jack, the OnePlus 5T mashes up our favorite characteristics of the current crop of Android flagships into one reasonably priced package.

Unfortunately, it also pulls its design inspiration from a multitude of other phones, leading to a look that's tasteful but hardly trailblazing. The OnePlus 5T is no doubt an improvement over the OnePlus 5, thanks mostly to those slimmed-down bezels on the new model. Its Midnight Black finish paints a silky and stealthy form, and its aluminum chassis feels as cool to the touch as ever. But it's still derivative, not daring.

Enter Sandstone White. OnePlus announced a new, limited-edition colorway for its latest product today (Jan. 4), adding a badly needed stroke of flair to one of our favorite phones of the year. This variant resembles OnePlus' recently released Star Wars model exclusive to India, Finland, Sweden and Denmark, only without the movie franchise's logo on the back.

What You Get

The Sandstone White 5T comes packed with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, putting it on equal terms with the more expensive configuration of the black OnePlus 5T. Like that device, this limited-edition 5T retails for $559, and it will go on sale Tuesday, Jan. 9 at 10 a.m. ET exclusively through the OnePlus store.

The name of the new model gives clues to the finish OnePlus has crafted for this device, but it doesn't change the fact that I've never held a phone in my hand that feels quite like the Sandstone White 5T. The company is proud to tell you that this particular version of the handset is the most expensive it's ever produced in its short history. The aluminum body is primed, sprayed and baked before being coated in a mixture of white oil paint and minerals. The end result has the granular composition, tone and texture of an eggshell, only a little coarser.

MORE: Galaxy S8 vs. OnePlus 5T

To be honest, I'm not sure if I prefer it to traditional anodized aluminum. I'm all for cloaking smartphones in more exotic materials  it's part of why I instantly fell for the Essential Phone and its mirrored ceramic back the first time I saw it in the flesh. Ask my co-workers about how I'm still mourning Nokia's death (no, not that Nokia), partially for its artisanal approach to polycarbonate.

In a parade of samely smartphones, offbeat materials can go a long way toward cultivating some sense of personality. But the Sandstone White 5T has a slight grittiness to it that I suspect will remind some people of that irritating sensation you get upon caressing a chalkboard. In fairness, it's not quite that off-putting, but it definitely falls into love-it-or-hate-it territory.

Fortunately, I think the texture is growing on me. And while I question the durability of the finish over the long term, many users will inevitably stuff the phone in a case, where its texture  and, for that matter, color  won't really matter.

Other Changes

Aside from the back, OnePlus has lavished the trim of the Sandstone White model with other little touches. The band that joins the glass to the top of the phone is now chrome, as are the accents that surround the fingerprint sensor, USB Type-C port and drilled speaker holes. The dual rear cameras are enclosed in a darker shade of polished metal, just like on the black 5T. Likewise, many of the buttons have remained black as well, except for OnePlus' signature notifications slider, which is now finished in a metallic ruby red.

Interestingly, the antenna lines that previously flanked the top and bottom of the 5T's backside are missing on the new variant, although the breaks in the chrome band are still present. But overall, the contrast between the bright Sandstone finish, black buttons and OnePlus logo, red slider and reflective accents is reminiscent of Google's panda-themed Pixel 2 XL, and makes the newest 5T the most attractive of the bunch.

MORE: OnePlus 5T Can't Stream Netflix in HD, Fix Promised

As it turns out, black and white aren't the only colors for the 5T. A Lava Red version of the phone arrived in China in December and will launch in India at the end of January. As with the Sandstone White model, you'll have to upgrade to the more expensive, higher-spec configuration to get a 5T in Lava Red. However, it's unknown if the company intends to make the color available in other markets, like the U.S., in the future.

The Outlook



Personally, I'd rather have the Sandstone White OnePlus 5T. The gritty finish surely won't be to everyone's taste, but it's a look you so rarely see (and feel) on a smartphone. I love the chrome and red accents, as they lift the design just enough to stoke interest, without being too loud or obnoxious. And while the additional RAM and storage aren't strictly necessary  the 6GB OnePlus 5T is powerful enough as it is  I won't complain about a little extra oomph and a lot more storage for an extra $60.

Photo Credits: Jef Castro/Tom's Guide


The AT&T 5G network has grown in the past year, with testing firms hailing its speeds. But with rivals T-Mobile and Verizon both making splashy 5G moves at the start of 2021, the question is whether AT&T can keep up as the year goes on.

For now, AT&T's focus appears to be on continuing the progress it made throughout 2020  efforts that included launching a nationwide 5G service to augment its high-speed deployments in three dozen cities and adding more 5G devices to its phone lineup.

The best 5G phones you can get right now

5G vs 4G: Speeds compared

Speed up your connection with a fast VPN

While AT&T's 5G network currently reaches more than 230 million people in 14,000 cities and towns across the U.S., it still trails T-Mobile, which covers 287 million people with its 5G setup. Verizon also covers 230 million people, even though its nationwide network launched after AT&T's.

In other words, AT&T still has a long way to go in building out 5G coverage. Here's where the network stands as we approach the halfway mark of 2021.

AT&T 5G bands

First off, its critical to explain how AT&T splits its 5G service up. Theres the nationwide sub-6GHz service mentioned above, which offers speeds about as fast, if not slightly better than 4G LTE. In spite of AT&Ts nationwide banner, this isnt available everywhere yet, though its much more common to find than AT&Ts 5G Plus network, which involves a completely different kind of technology.

5G Plus is AT&Ts name for its millimeter-wave (mmWave) 5G infrastructure. When you hear carriers advertise data speeds in excess of 1 Gbps or downloading entire movies or seasons of TV shows in a minute, this is the kind of 5G theyre referring to. But while millimeter-wave 5G offers exponentially faster speeds than sub-6GHz 5G or 4G LTE, it is exponentially more limited in terms of range, which is why its only available in cities or high-traffic indoor spaces.

AT&T 5G cities and coverage map

(Image credit: AT&T)

AT&Ts 5G Plus can only be found in 38 cities in 19 states at the time of this writing. (A 20th state  Colorado  boasts an AT&T 5G Plus installment in its sports arena.) California has the most 5G Plus-supported cities by far, claiming nine of the total 38. You can find a comprehensive list on AT&Ts website (opens in new tab).

AT&T is also focusing on getting 5G Plus into arenas, stadiums and convention centers. It currently reaches 20 of those venues, with plans to reach 35 or so by year's end.

AT&Ts long-range 5G service now reaches 230 million Americans, according to the latest figures from the carrier. That's short of what T-Mobile's 5G covers, though both networks are actively growing all the time.

AT&T 5G speeds

AT&Ts 5G infrastructure has made significant strides over the past two years. Initially, the carriers 5G Plus service topped out at 400 Mbps. In February 2019, AT&T reported that had improved to a peak throughput of 2 Gbps on its commercial network in Atlanta. That is fast enough to download a 2-hour HD film in 10 seconds.

Unfortunately, we didnt quite see that kind of performance when we conducted hands-on testing of AT&Ts 5G Plus service in Las Vegas in the summer of 2019. At that time, we recorded peak speeds just shy of 1 Gbps  far better than LTE, of course, but a good sight off the 1.5 Gbps average speed claims the carrier had made at the time. Additionally, it was very difficult to track down a signal in our experience, owing to 5G Plus limited range.

AT&Ts standard 5G service, built on sub-6GHz infrastructure, is far easier to locate, in exchange for speeds a fraction as fast. As a point of comparison, T-Mobile's 5G network is built on the same low-band spectrum AT&T uses for its nationwide network (that is, not 5G Plus), and the speeds we've seen there are at best only slightly faster than what we get from LTE.

To be fair, speeds have improved since our initial testing, and AT&T can point to some good recent results from third party network testing. Ookla declared AT&T 5G to be the fastest of the major carriers as of the end of last year, overtaking previous speed champ Verizon. (That may have been the result of Verizon launching its nationwide network and seeing those slower speeds drop its average from the lofty heights achieved by millimeter wave-based 5G.) A report from RootMetrics gives AT&T the nod for the fastest 5G speeds, and while Opensignal (opens in new tab) thinks T-Mobile has the faster 5G, it noted that AT&T's 5G footprint had grown considerably through the latter half of 2020.

AT&T 5G phones and devices

You'll find both the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and the iPhone 12 Pro Max among AT&T's 5G phones. (Image credit: Future)

Most new 2020 flagship phones supported AT&Ts 5G network, though the type of 5G they work with differed on a case-by-case basis. Some handsets, like last year's Samsung Galaxy S20, only offered sub-6GHz connectivity and skip out on millimeter-wave signals. Other phones, like the Galaxy S20 Plus and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, supported both 5G configurations, for the fastest possible speeds in any condition.

You may have noticed a theme there. Indeed, the vast majority of 5G handsets available last year through AT&T were Samsung devices. But that finally changed with October's iPhone 12 launch.

All four iPhone 12 models work on the full range of AT&T's 5G deployment, across sub-6GHz and mmWave. They are even said to support a new type of 5G infrastructure called C-band (opens in new tab), which will provide AT&T users with the sort of mid-band service that offers higher speeds than LTE with a slight hit to coverage, like T-Mobile currently has.

Currently, AT&T offers a pretty compelling range of 5G phones at various price points. Here's an updated list of what's available through AT&T:

AT&T 5G hotspots

AT&T's first 5G-compatible product was actually the Netgear Nighthawk, a hotspot that could pull in a 5G signal and blast it to your supported devices over Wi-Fi. This device was ultimately discontinued, but now AT&T has replaced that with a successor, called the Netgear Nighthawk 5G Mobile Hotspot Pro. You'll find it among the best mobile hotspots currently available.

The new Nighthawk model, available for $509, supports Wi-Fi 6, meaning you'll lose as little speed as possible from that 5G connection when tethering. It also can service up to 32 devices.

AT&Ts Unlimited Extra and Unlimited Elite plans include hotspot data. But the allotment of hotspot data  30GB for Elite and 15GB for Extra  runs at 4G speeds.

AT&T 5G plans: What youll pay

Heres the good news: AT&T doesnt charge extra for 5G service across its three unlimited plans. However, depending on how much you spend and what tier you select, youll get more or less full-speed data before AT&T starts throttling you or deprioritizing your service behind that of other users.

The base $65/month Unlimited Starter plan slows your service at any time when AT&Ts network is stressed. That means that although it includes 5G service, the consistency of that service may be in flux from moment to moment. To get the best possible data speeds, youll want to at least choose the $75/month Unlimited Extra plan, which allots 50GB of full-speed data, whether youre on 4G or 5G. The $85/month Unlimited Elite plan doubles that allotment to 100GB before you run the risk of being slowed. See how AT&T's pricing compares in our look at the best unlimited data plan for each wireless carrier.

More customers are now able to access AT&T 5G. In addition to the current unlimited plans, AT&T said in March that it would access to both 5G and 5G Plus to customers with older unlimited plans. Prepaid customers can get 5G coverage through AT&T's $75-a-month unlimited data plan. (Auto-pay enrollment drops that cost down to $60.)

AT&T 5G outlook

More than two years since AT&T launched its first 5G Plus market, the carriers 5G deployment has finally reaching a point where many of its customers can take advantage of it. Thats thanks to the launch of the carriers nationwide sub-6GHz network as well as the rash of 5G-capable phones that have been dropping throughout the past year.

AT&T customers living in an urban area covered by both the carriers regular and 5G Plus services have the unique opportunity to take advantage of both faster speeds and more extensive coverage. And that will only continue in the coming months, as AT&T expands the reach of both types of 5G infrastructure.

AT&T hopes to add 5G Plus coverage in 17 more venues by year's end. After adding 5G Plus to the airport in Tampa, Fla., the carrier wants to bring high-speed 5G to seven additional airports.

As for its nationwide network, AT&T plans to begin rolling out its C-band spectrum by the end of 2021, with more deployment for the year after that. Such a move would complement the existing low-band network, bringing faster mid-band speeds similar to what T-Mobile is doing with its own 5G efforts.

Of course, more than 100 million people already have access to that mid-band coverage in T-Mobile's network. Once again, AT&T finds itself with plenty of 5G ground to make up in the year ahead.

We tried gaming on a 5G smartphone and here's how that went!
Vacation Agent Magazine

A version of this article appears in print in the June 2017 issue of Vacation Agent Magazine. Subscribe
Many of us get creative in trying to cut down the heating bill in winter. So far, we've seen people use tents indoors, DIY candle heaters, and of course, good ol' fashioned layering with woolly socks and sweaters.

In Japan, land of quirky customs, quirky inventions and even quirkier homes, some warm-up in winter using what looks like a cross between a low table, futon, reclining couch and a comforter. It's called a kotatsu, and there's a special heater built-in underneath the table that warms the extremities of all who gather 'round it. Or even sleep under it, as this writer recounts during her first winter in Japan.

And apparently, it can lower heating bills too, as Martin Frid explains on these pages some years ago:

Sitting by the kotatsu heating table, under a thick blanket, is still the way for entire families to keep warm on winter evenings. Rather than heating up the entire house, the cosy kotatsu is a comfortable way to spend a couple of hours together, with a much lower energy bill by the end of the month.

According to Wikipedia, the modern kotatsu was based on the 14th century irori, or cooking hearth, which by the 17th century become a hole dug into the ground, or a hori-gotatsu. Traditional Japanese robes allowed people to feel the heat flowing from their feet to their necks. Nowadays, kotatsu are moveable, and by the looks of it, can be a designer item, and are formally called oki-gotatsu. In Japan, these multifunctional pieces of furniture help heat homes, which are generally not well insulated and built without central heating.

The kotatsu looks supremely comfortable and looks like it could be an interesting piece of furniture to hack. Indeed, there is an Instructables tutorial on how make an American-style kotatsu with an IKEA Lack table. Take note, however, that a special kotatsu heater must be used, or else you run the risk of starting a fire. You want to warm your home, not burn it all down.

So here is yet another wacky invention for cutting down winter heating bills; now, let's bring on the full body sweater, yes? More over at Bored Panda and Instructables.
The News in Brief

Georgias Public Defender Holds Presser Summarizing Years Accomplishments



(TBILISI)  At an end of the year press conference Georgias Public Defender Nino Lomjaria development strategy and future plans, emphasizing the priority directions of the Office. She noted that the structure of the annual parliamentary report on the situation of human rights and freedoms is planned to be improved to make the report more easily comprehensible and useful for persons concerned.



Nino Lomjaria also spoke about the decisions made by her, including the 21 December order, according to which, the Mercedes-Benz GLA-class vehicle owned by the Public Defender's Office has been handed over to the Service Agency of the Ministry of Finance of Georgia.



According to the procedure, the Service Agency will sell the car through auction and transfer the received money to the central budget.



Lomjaria will name several new deputies in the coming month, all of who will be charged with overseeing various administrative changes. (ombudsman.ge)







Lithuania May Adopt Georgias Several versions as Georgias official name



(VILNIUS) -- As Lithuanian Parliament Speaker Viktoras Pranckietis has declared, Lithuania might legalize Georgias original name in 2018 in relation to the 100th anniversary since restoration of the Lithuanian statehood, Lithuanian media have reported.



According to the Lithuanian linguists, Georgias new name could be Kartvelia, Kartvela, Sakartvelia or Sakartvela.



The Lithuanian Language Commission New Head has backed the Parliamentary Speakers initiative and declared that he would wait for an official proposal from the Parliament of Foreign Ministry. He has also remarked that if approved, the new name will be used together with the old one.



As it was earlier reported, Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili asked Lithuanian reporters to mention Georgia as Georgia or Sakartvelo.



Georgia is currently called Gruzia in Lithuanian. (IPN)







Ukrainians Name Saakashvili Case as Top Political Event of Year



Ex-president of Georgia/former Governor of Odessa District Mikheil Saakashvili's case covered the Donbas conflict.



Andrey Bichenko, the Head of the Razumkov Sociological Service Center, said about this at a press conference.



Bichenko notes that 26,1% of respondents named the introduction of visa-free travel to the European Union member states as the 2017 Event of the Year, 9,6% named the so-called "Saakashvili case", while the Donbas conflict was considered as a significant event by 9.1% of respondents.



According to Andrey Bichenko, the poll was carried out together with the Razumkov Center from December 15 to December 19, 2017 in all regions of Ukraine.



2004 respondents participated in the survey. (pia.ge)




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Hi AndyB, no serious plans yet, have to wait till wife returns from Phils in early Feb. In the meantime, am looking at airlines from Sin,BKK, etc into Frankfurt, Geneva, Zurich or Milan. Once determined, will look at trains and still haven't finalised the end destination at this stage. Looks like we might go to Mallorca. No guarantee.

As you say, there are so many options, it will probably surprise us as to what we end up doing..

Thank you for your response.
I highly recommend La Mansion Inn. The property is right on the lake and the views are spectacular. The cottages are also quite unique and you can get one with two bedrooms.

If you don't want to move around a lot, you can do all of the Arenal area tours from La Mansion Inn. You can arrange tours with pick up and drop off to the hotel. In fact, if you go to their website, you'll see additional tours that they can arrange for you.

If you also want to go to Guanacaste, you'll need more than a week, in my opinion. How many days will your trip be? My understanding is that you can hike Rincon de Vieja from Guanacaste. Therefore, it's possible to do everything that you mention from two hotels.

If you're staying more than a week, it won't be rushed to stay in more than two locations.
According to our government's health and safety / travel advisories site, pregnant travellers should avoid travelling to CR: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/costa-rica (see the section Travel recommendations after you click on the Health tab, then on the Zika link).

Tips on protecting yourself against mosquito bites in CR: https://www.twoweeksincostarica.com/costa-rica-mosquitoes-prevent-zika-dengue/ . Also search this forum, using the line just above this thread. There have been many prior discussions here about Mosquitos and Zika in CR.

I do not think anyone would be able to guarantee that you will never encounter a single mosquito while on your trip, and only you can decide if the "What if...?" factor is worth the risk.

We were in Papagayo in March a few yrs ago, but cannot recall much about the bug situation.
Shared shuttles pick you up from one hotel and deliver you to the doors of your next destination, which public buses do not do.

The shuttles obviously cost more.

From Tamarindo to SJO you have Grayline or Interbus shared shuttles.

See https://geckotrail.com/transportation/ to check out different options on 1 page or https://www.interbusonline.com/rates.php for Interbus rates, times (one in AM and 1 in PM) and estimated travel times.

We travelled with different shared shuttles in CR and liked them. Ours could have 9-10 ppl max, but they were not always full, so sometimes there was a lot of space and some other times all the seats were taken, but it was nice to talk with other travellers on the way. The shuttles we had were equipped with a/c, but only once did an Interbus van have WiFi, if it matters to you. The bigger luggage went right behind us, behind a cargo net, we could see it, and the valuables in the day bag (or carry-on) stayed with us at all times, incl. during the stops. I have heard that extra luggage might be placed on the top rack of a van, but we have never seen it happen to any of our fellow passengers.

They usually recommend that you know (some) Spanish if going by public bus, and not put anything in the overhead bin (shelf above your seat), keeping your valuables on you. Your bigger luggage is supposed to go in the underneath luggage compartment, and they give you a ticket for it. We had 1 experience in CR when the driver refused to open the bottom luggage compartment and we had to bring the luggage up into the bus, where there was no place in the aisle to place anything, let alone a big luggage, so it was tricky. But I understand that this is not typical. If you go on YouTube, you will find short videos about Bus Travel in CR.

You also have to be careful at bus terminals, as in any busy/touristy place.

If you can afford it and are concerned about the bus travel in a new place, by yourself, just book a shuttle.
Hi all,

My husband and I will be visiting Vietnam for the first time this April. We have 4 nights in the south and are wondering the best way to split our time between HCMC and the Mekong Delta. Would love some opinions on the two options we've come up with:

OPTION 1: 2 nights HCMC, 2 nights Can Tho

Apr 7 - arrive HCMC 10am, wander around D1 (post office, reunification palace) and evening XO tour

Apr 8 - private tour with Bao Loc to include Cu Chi tunnels, War Remnants Museum and former CIA building

Apr 9 - morning FUTA bus to Can Tho (Nguyen Shack homestay). explore area around homestay, possible evening food tour

Apr 10 - private floating market tour, relax at homestay

Apr 11 - Nguyen Shack bike riding tour (9am), flight to Hanoi at 2pm

OPTION 2: 3 nights HCMC, 1 night Can Tho

Apr 7 - arrive HCMC, explore D1, evening XO tour

Apr 8 - private Bao Loc tour (tunnels, war remnants, etc.)

April 9 - more exploring (markets, china town, bitexco tower?)

April 10 - Mekong tour to Can Tho with the usual stops (canals, bee farms, etc.), overnight in Can Tho city (probably Vin Pearl)

April 11 - private floating market tour, 2 pm flight to Hanoi

Which option would you go with? Or would you choose something completely different? We only have 4 days and we want to spend time in both - just not sure if we should allocate 2 days for each or if one is worth more time than the other. Thanks for your help.

Thanks!
Hello all!

My husband and I are traveling to Japan for 2 weeks in late July-early August. We have done lots of traveling in Europe and the US but this will be our first time in Asia. We are in our late twenties and this trip has been a dream for many years.

We tend to prefer smaller cities and towns rather than metropolises (for example, we LOVED Bruges, Belgium and Rothenberg, Germany but London was not our favorite) because we enjoy getting to walk around a town (we loved paddleboating near Neuschwanstein Castle) and get tired of large crowds quickly (Shibuya Crossing sounds like my personal nightmare). Also we find most large cities nowadays are very "international" and feel fairly similar to one another. (We lived in NYC for 3 years, so big cities in and of themselves don't excite us that much.)

That being said, we are planning a few days in Tokyo for day trips and to explore the neighborhoods, as we have been told that this is super worth it.

This is my first attempt at an itinerary:

Tokyo and day trips (Hakkone, Nikko) - 3 nights, 4 days

Takayama - 2 nights, 1 day

Kanazawa - 2 nights, 1 day, 1 day trip to Shirakawago

Kyoto and day trips - 5 nights, 5 days

Nara - 1 day, 1 night

To Tokyo or Osaka to fly out

1.Any smaller cities or towns you would recommend?

2. Any other changes I should make to this itinerary? Too long in Kyoto? Should we try to fit in Osaka?

3. We are mostly excited to go because of all of the totally new experiences and soaking up the Japanese culture. Of course we will stay in a ryoken, visit an onsen, go to plenty of temples, and plan to eat our way through the country. We also would love to plan a calligraphy class, take a drumming lesson, and attend a traditional tea service, but are there any other unmissable experiences?

Any and all opinions are greatly appreciated!!
Impressive things to do and see in Tokyo Fall 2018?

Impressive things to do and see in Tokyo Fall 2018?

Hi! I've been to Tokyo once before and saw/did really unique things such as:

Sky Circus, Joypolis, Gundam Tower, aquariums, etc.

Are there other activities similar in the areas of Tokyo or Osaka? I'm making trips to view the historical side of Japan but I find that it's harder to find places like Sky Circus (it took me a long time to find out about Sky Circus the last time I visited Tokyo).

Any suggestions of what to do during the fall season would be amazing, thanks! I plan to be in Japan from 09/09 to 09/20.

Or any suggested up-to-date websites about events in Japan? I'm aware of japan-guide, gotokyo, tokyocheapo, and tsuganu, but I would love to know of more if there are any.
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.

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- Parents of Upanda Primary School in Alego paralysed learning at the institution after storming to evict the headteacher

- The parents complained of the head teacher's incompetence and misappropriating of funds

- They claimed that the headteacher has never convened any parents-teachers meeting over the past one year

Parents and pupils of Upanda Primary School in Alego,Usonga constituency paralysed learning at the institution on Wednesday, January 3 after they stormed to evict the headteacher.

The parents complained of the administrator's incompetence and mis management of school funds by colluding with certain individuals to withdraw money from the school's account

Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens

READ ALSO: Bungoma police rescue principal after parents kick him out of office over poor KCSE results

File photo of parents demonstrating outside Thika Primary School. Photo: KNA

READ ALSO: Major education reforms to go on - Matiang'i says after crisis meeting with stakeholders

According to a report by Citizen TV, the parents also accused the headteacher and three other teachers of the school's poor performance in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education.

They claimed the headteacher had never convened any parents-teachers meeting or school committee over the past one year.

READ ALSO: Police called in after travelers exchanged blows over a seat

The three teachers, Barrack Omunda, Caren Alwala and Odhier, where accused of having developed a negative attitude towards the school community, attributing the tremendous drop in performance.

The headteacher, however, rubbished-off the failure to convene meetings claims, arguing that they were false allegations because he had been calling for meetings regularly.

The embattled school administrator insisted that the parents ought to understand that there was mass failure across board in the country and not in Upanda alone.

READ ALSO: New details emerge how NTSA, police refused to act after concerned motorist reported killer matunda bus months ago

In a separate incident, irate parents in Bungoma County kicked out of office a principal who they accused of failing to assist their children to perform well in the 2017 KCSE

The angry parents stormed Bulondo Secondary School in Bungoma South sub-county and attacked Patrick Wetosi while complaining of poor results in last year's KCSE results.

One of the parents told TUKO.co.ke that the best candidate scored a D+ (plus).

ALSO WATCH: Kenyans accuse NTSA of incompetence and corruption and want it disbanded

Source: TUKO.co.ke
- A lecturer at Strathmore University has been arrested in connection with his wife's death

- The lecturer's wife died at their Lavingtone home after a domestic brawl over a phone

- He is alleged to have beaten his wife which lead to her death leaving behind a seven- weeks- old baby

A lecture at Strathmore University was on Wednesday, January 1 arraigned at the Kibera Law courts in connection to his wife's death.

The lecturer at Strathmore Business School was accused of having beaten his wife Margaret Gobi Mwachongo leading to her death at their Lavingtone home.

Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens

READ ALSO: Parents storm school to evict heateacher after poor KCPE results

Lecturer at Strathmore University arrested in connection with death of his wife. Photo: Aming'a Peter Petah/ Facebook

READ ALSO: Agony of travelers sleeping on cold floors as NTSA night travel ban bites (photos)

According to a report by Daily Nation, Nairobi County Police Commander Japheth Koome said the couple had a disagreement before they engaged in a physical fight.

She was taken to hospital unconscious after that evening fight but she succumbed to her injuries - Mr Koome

Fredrick Onyango Ogolla did not take plea as police applied to be allowed to detain him for ten more days, to enable them complete their investigations.

READ ALSO: Several injured after City Shuttle overturns in Nairobi's CBD

Lecturer at Strathmore University arrested in connection with death of his wife. Photo: Aming'a Peter Petah/ Facebook

READ ALSO: Museveni signs the controversial age limit Bill into law, amid protestation

In a Facebook post, Ogolla explained to her followers that he did not believe it himself and that he was pained that is why he had not updated them of the incident.

Although he did not mention the cause of her death, Dr Ogolla shared pictures of him together with his wife, captioning them Memories that I now miss, really painful.

To my friends on FB, what happened was too painful that I have been unable to believe and thats why I didnt update you, my lovely wife left me and went to the lord. Its so hurting in as much as it is hard to express. Rip my love. he wrote

Lecturer at Strathmore University arrested in connection with death of his wife. Photo: Aming'a Peter Petah/ Facebook

READ ALSO: Building sinks into its foundation in Embakasi's Pipeline estate

Ogolla has been serving as the Academic Director of MBA programmes, Director of the Institute of Strategy and Competitiveness and senior lecturer of Strategy and Decision Making at the Strathmore Business School.

He is also a part-time professor at various universities and colleges in and outside Kenya and works as a consultant on strategy formulation, strategy execution and change management.

ALSO WATCH: Kenyans accuse NTSA of incompetence and corruption and want it disbanded

Source: TUKO.co.ke
They make you laugh, entertain, educate, and at times have you questioning your imagination. Nigerian actors and actresses have crafted this art for decades now. The evolution of the Nollywood industry from a home-grown concept to an internationally accepted medium has enabled more and more talent to crop up. As the viewers interact with the actors and actresses through the screens, they become part of the extended family and friends. It is no wonder most people develop fond memories of the actors and even prefer to call them by their stage names. Off the screen, the fans continue to cheer on the Nigerian actors and actresses.

Nigerian Actors that Have Died

List of Dead Nollywood Actors and Actresses

When the Nollywood loses one person, it becomes a loss for all. The number of dead Nigerian actors so far has been a setback in the Nollywood industry. In as much as the death may signify a celebration of a life well lived, it is saddening to learn that the person who brought light and laughter to your life is no more. At times, people get so caught up in the lives that they may not be aware of which Nigerian actress died.

READ ALSO: SAD! Popular Nollywood actress DIES while giving birth

Nigerian actresses who are dead

This year has claimed the lives of several actresses and actors in the Nigerian film industry.

1) Toyin Majekodunni

Veteran Yoruba actress, Toyin Majekodunni was the first Nigerian actress who died this year, 2017. However, the cause of Toyins death is unknown. People referred to her as Iya Kike.

2) Modupe Oyekunle

On April 5th, 2017, Modupe took her last breath while giving birth to her third child. Modupes notable role was in the movie Ibi Giga.

3) Moji Olaiya

After welcoming her bundle joy in Canada, Yoruba actress Moji Olaiya passed on two months later. Moji starred in Sade Blade (2005), Agunbaniro, and No Pain No Gains as Ireti.

Nigerian Actors that Have Died

4) Funke Abisogun

Come October, yet another Yoruba actress went to be with her maker. Like Modupe, Funke lost her life to pregnancy-related complications while welcoming her first child. She is also the founder of Funke Abisogun Heritage Links, a production house.

Nigerian actors who died

Deaths cruel hand did not spare the men. Here are some of the Nollywood actors who died recently.

1) James Uche

In February 2017, the Nollywood fraternity lost another veteran in the industry to diabetes and Kidney disease. James died on the way home. He starred in the Councillor, Igodo, Lost Kingdom, and Coronation

2) Olomide Bakare

After battling lung and heart disease for over year, Olomide known for his role as Chief Koko in the series Koko Close passed on.

3) Samuel Adesanya

Another Nigerian actor who died this year is Pastor Ajidara. He also lost his battle with Kidney disease.

4) Victor Eze Okwechukwu

Victor died in June 2017 after a long battle with stoke. He was a regular cast of the series Fuji House of Commotion and took on the character of Alika.

Nigerian Actors that Have Died

5) Obi Madubuogwu

Obi Madubuogwu tried his best to fight diabetes, but it overcame him in August 2017. Obi came into the limelight through Conspiracy the movie.

6) Okwy Chukwujekwu

He made people laugh, and many referred to him as Main Bossman. Sadly, in September an Asthma attack claimed the life of Men of Wisdom actor Okwy Chukwujekwu.

READ ALSO: Kanana Gichuru Accident: A Story of a Great Talent

7) Friday Ugwu

Benue state native, Friday Ugwu died on the spot of a car accident. He starred in the movie Okaka De Don.

8) Alhaji Kasimu Yero

Cross Crow at Dawn actor, Alhaji died in September 3rd, 2017.

9) David Nwajei

David Nwajei died in November after a brief illness.

There is never a right time to die. While alive the actors and actresses made an impact in the viewer's lives. As they rest in peace, you are left with a long list of memories and films.

Source: TUKO.co.ke
Extradition proceedings are free to begin in the case of former FIFA vice President, businessman and politician, Jack Warner.

Five law lords of the Privy Council delivered a unanimous judgement this morning.
Ukraine will exert influence both politically and legally on the companies that do not adhere to the sanctions regime regarding the annexed Crimea.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin said this during a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel in Kyiv on Wednesday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"We have done a lot to ensure that Russian fraud as in the case with supply of Siemens turbines would never happen again in the occupied Crimea. I believe that German and other business learnt lesson from this situation. And now there are companies like Volkswagen or Adidas that allow their retailers to consider Crimea as the territory of Russia. We will certainly exert influence on them by political and legal means," Klimkin stressed.

Earlier, the Security Service of Ukraine announced its intention to check information on the possible work of the German companies DHL Express, Adidas and Puma in the annexed Crimea.

In turn, the Volkswagen Group assured that they adhered to the current sanctions regime on the peninsula.

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Science funding in Ukraine has been increased this year by more than 30% up to UAH 6.1 billion.

"Science funding in Ukraine has been increased this year by more than 30%: from UAH 4.7 billion in 2017 up to UAH 6.1 billion in 2018. The funding of the National Academy of Sciences has grown significantly, by more than 38%, while the university science funding has been increased by only 12.3%," the press service of the Education and Science Ministry of Ukraine reports.

In 2017, a number of important events were carried out in the Ukrainian science. A competition was held for young scientists, within the framework of which 123 projects were funded. For the first time, 100 scientific institutions and universities received free access to the Scopus and Web of science databases. A total of 1,300 fundamental and applied researches were financed in Ukrainian universities.

ol
Germany will try to persuade the Russian government to return Russian officers to the Joint Center for Control and Coordination (JCCC).

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said this at a briefing in Kyiv on Wednesday, January 3, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"It is very important to convince the Russian government that Russia should again take part in the joint commission [JCCC], and it is important that Ukraine have direct contact with Russia in this regard. We want to convince Russia and do everything together with Ukraine so that the withdrawal of Russian officers was canceled and they could return to this commission," Gabriel said.

He drew attention to the fact that, on the one hand, Russia proposes deploying a UN peacekeeping force to Donbas, but, on the other hand, it recalls its officers from the JCCC. According to the minister, these are "symbols" that do not fit each other.

When asked about the possible replacement of Russian officers in the JCCC with representatives of other countries, in particular, Germany, Gabriel noted that the purpose of the commission is to provide a direct link between Ukraine and Russia and not to avoid conflicts, but to stop the emerging ones.

"The replacement of Russian officers in the commission will not bring any advantage. Therefore, our goal is to return Russian officers to this group," Gabriel said, adding that Germany's representatives are participating in the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine.

As reported, on December 18, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that Russian representatives of the JCCC would leave Ukraine on December 19 in connection with the "tense moral and psychological situation."

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry described Russia's withdrawal from the JCCC as a provocation that greatly undermines the Minsk agreements.

op
Former NATO Deputy Secretary General Alexander Vershbow expressed dissatisfaction with the position of German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel who said on Wednesday he was sceptical about US decision to provide Ukraine with lethal weapons.

Speaking to reporters on a visit to Ukraine, Gabriel said he was sceptical that a decision by the United States to supply lethal weapons to Ukraine would help lead to a resolution of Donbas conflict, Reuters reports.

Alexander Vershbow, who is working now with former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen [adviser to Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko outside the official staff, international lobbyist] commented on Gabriel's position as follows: Not only does German FM oppose enabling Ukraine to defend itself, he also backs Nord Stream 2 pipeline that would deprive Ukraine of billions in transit fees," the Voice of America reports.

As reported, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel makes a working visit to Ukraine on January 3-4.

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Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin and German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Sigmar Gabriel have signed a bilateral agreement on the labor activity of family members of employees of diplomatic missions and consular offices, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

After the document was signed, the foreign ministers of Ukraine and Germany began negotiations to discuss Germany's role in the Normandy format. The ministers also discussed further joint steps aimed at restoring the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, as well as ensuring the release of Ukrainian political prisoners held in Russian prisons.

op
In Minsk, Ukraine will insist on the creation of an expert group involving representatives of the Russian Federation and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to search for missing persons and to exhume bodies of the deceased in Donbas.

Ukraines representative in the humanitarian subgroup of the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) Iryna Gerashchenko reported this on her Facebook page on Thursday.

"We will insist on the establishment of a mechanism with the involvement of Ukraine, the Russian Federation and the ICRC and with the invitation of representatives of ORDLO to search for missing persons and to exhume bodies of the deceased soldiers. This should be nonpolitical group consisting of experts and without politics in order to fulfill the important humanitarian mission," Gerashchenko wrote.

In her opinion, the issue of bringing the ICRC to the search for missing persons should become one of the topics of the "Normandy format" since the support of the leaders of these countries seriously helped to unblock the release of the hostages.

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Ukraine's representative in the security subgroup of the Trilateral Contact Group, Yevhen Marchuk, has said that there is no threat of a major war in Donbas.

He stated this in an interview with Ukraine's Channel 5 late on Tuesday, January 2.

"In my opinion, there is no threat of a major war. Of course, Russia has used and will use any methods. What is Javelin? It is a very effective weapon," Marchuk said.

He recalled that Russia has similar weapons, but they are not so effective and mobile.

"This [Javelin] is a weapon of the battlefield. This is not horizontal artillery, it is not a Tochka-U with a range of 120 kilometers," Marchuk said.

According to him, Javelin anti-tank systems are not used in offensive operations.

"The main purpose of this weapon is to stop a tank attack on the battlefield, that is within view. It is not used in offensive operations like Grad... However, Russians have already stated at all levels that the U.S. has crossed the red line. Listen, but what about [the weapons] they brought to that territory, modern types of weapons and missile artillery, electronic warfare systems, anti-aircraft defense systems, tanks, including the latest ones? Did they come from the department stores? It's such a speculation that the Javelin is something very terrible. Is there nothing there? Is there a field? Do all of them have just pistols or, at the very least, Kalashnikov's rifles? It's nonsense, it's speculation," Marchuk said.

He believes that Ukraine needs to be prepared for manipulation on the part of the aggressor country and competently put forward counterarguments.

op
Ukrainian citizen Oleh Nehoda, a participant in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) in eastern Ukraine, who traveled to Russia to visit his relatives, has been illegally detained in Moscow, the press service of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has reported.

"Russian special services carried out another anti-Ukrainian provocation, having illegally detained in Moscow a citizen of Ukraine, a participant in the anti-terrorist operation, Oleh Nehoda," reads the report.

It notes that the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) "hunts" Ukrainians on Russian territory, therefore trips to this country are extremely dangerous.

The SBU added that Russian intelligence agencies are trying to draw Ukrainian citizens into illegal activities, artificially creating compromising situations and using family ties to lure Ukrainians, primarily ATO fighters, into their territory in order to organize such provocations.

Earlier, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry appealed to the Russian Foreign Ministry with the demand to confirm and clarify the circumstances of the detention of ATO participant Oleh Nehoda in Moscow.

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Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) wants Ukrinform journalist Roman Sushchenko to admit in front of the camera that he is not a journalist, but a career officer of the Main Intelligence Department of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry.

Sushchenko's lawyer, Mark Feygin, said this in an interview with the Fakty I Kommentarii newspaper.

"They want to repeat with Sushchenko what the KGB of Belarus did with another Ukrainian journalist, Pavlo Sharoiko. He was arrested in Minsk a few months ago, and he has already testified that he is a career officer of the Ukrainian intelligence services. The FSB of Russia wants Sushchenko to admit before the camera that he is not a journalist, but a career officer of the Main Intelligence Department of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, like Sharoiko. Moscow is well aware that if they try to exert pressure on Sushchenko, I will not keep silent, but I will immediately come out to the international media and tell everything. So they want to exclude me from the process at any cost," Feygin said.

He suggested that Sharoiko could be a witness in the Sushchenko case.

"I do not rule out that Sharoiko was captured specially to testify against Sushchenko, that he is also a member of Ukrainian military intelligence. They will start twisting his hands and say: you confessed that you are a spy, so now testify against Sushchenko. If you said 'A,' say 'B,'" the lawyer said.

As reported, Ukrinform's correspondent in France, Roman Sushchenko, in violation of international rules, was detained on September 30, 2016 in Moscow, where he arrived on a private trip. On October 7, he was charged with "espionage." Russia's FSB stated that Sushchenko is a member of the Main Intelligence Department of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry. The latter denied this statement.

On November 27, Moscow City Court extended Sushchenko's detention for two months - until January 30, 2018. The trial is likely to begin in January.

Ukrainian citizen Pavlo Sharoiko, a UA:Ukrainian Radio correspondent in Belarus, was arrested in Minsk on October 25. He is charged with espionage.

Sharoiko is charged with the creation of an agent network in the country. The Belarusian KGB states that after his arrest, Sharoiko admitted that "he is an intelligence officer and works undercover in the rank of a colonel."

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This Straight Talk Africa examines major events shaping Africa with an eye on democracy. Host Shaka Ssali is joined by James Butty, Managing Editor of VOA's DayBreak Africa, who just covered the elections in Liberia. Later in the show he is joined by Dr. Hashim El-Tinay, Founder and President of International Peace Quest Institute and Muwanga Batuuka, Spokesperson of Uganda Democratic Federation to discuss the ongoing political changes in the continent.
This Straight Talk Africa examines major events shaping Africa with an eye on democracy. Host Shaka Ssali is joined by James Butty, Managing Editor of VOA's DayBreak Africa, who just covered the elections in Liberia. Later in the show he is joined by Dr. Hashim El-Tinay, Founder and President of International Peace Quest Institute and Muwanga Batuuka, Spokesperson, Uganda Democratic Federation to discuss the ongoing political changes in the continent.
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has promised unwavering U.S. support for the people of Iran. In an interview with VOA Wednesday, Pence was critical of the previous administration for doing what he said was too little to support Iranians protesting the controversial 2009 election. Observers say the current unrest is a result of long-simmering discontent with the country's repressive regime and signals its demise. VOA's Zlatica Hoke has more.
Iranian Americans are closely watching protests in Iran, where a government crackdown has led to the deaths of at least 21 people and the arrests of more than 400 over the past week. Thousands of counter-demonstrators have marched in support of the regime. Mike OSullivan reports that in the Iranian community of Southern California, the largest outside Iran, most are hoping for a peaceful resolution, and reform.
@alextdaugherty

Florida Gov. Rick Scott said Thursday that he opposes a planned measure by the Interior Department that would potentially open up Florida for offshore drilling, putting him in agreement with Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson. Scott is likely to run against Nelson, a longtime opponent of offshore oil drilling, in 2018.

Based on media reports, it is likely that the Department of the Interior will consider Florida as a potential state for offshore oil drilling  which is something I oppose in Florida," Scott said in a statement. "I have already asked to immediately meet with Secretary (Ryan) Zinke to discuss the concerns I have with this plan and the crucial need to remove Florida from consideration. My top priority is to ensure that Floridas natural resources are protected, which is why I proposed $1.7 billion for the environment in this years budget."

Scott, an ally of President Donald Trump, was largely silent on opening up Florida for offshore oil drilling during his tenure in Tallahassee, an idea opposed by many Florida Democrats and Republicans in Congress.

Nelson vehemently opposed the Interior Department's plan, which is expected to be officially announced later on Thursday, during a speech on the Senate floor on Wednesday. He argued that loosening regulations and expanding drilling could lead to more environmentally destructive oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico.

"I hope the public understands that and starts registering some complaints, and I hope that during that time every Floridian remembers what happened to us when the beaches of Pensacola Beach were blackened with tar and oil, and we lost a whole season of our guests, our tourists who come to this extraordinary state," Nelson said.
Aharon Appelfeld, a prolific Israeli novelist and Holocaust survivor whose works examined the lost world of European Jews and the new lives they pursued in Israel, died Thursday. He was 85.

Writing in Hebrew, the Romanian-born Appelfeld penned more than 40 books and was one of Israels most widely translated authors.

Appelfelds Blooms of Darkness, the tale of an 11-year-old boy hidden from the Nazis by a prostitute, won the Independent Foreign Fiction Prize in London in 2012. Appelfeld was also awarded the State of Israel Prize for Literature in 1983 and was a Man Booker International Prize finalist in 2013.

'Our beloved writer'

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, on Twitter, expressed sorrow about the passing of our beloved writer.

Amos Oz, one of Israels most prominent novelists, said on Army Radio that Appelfeld shied away from graphic depictions of the Holocaust, choosing instead to describe its effect on the lives of his characters.

Appelfeld never wrote about gas chambers, never wrote about executions, about mass graves, atrocities and experiments on human beings. He wrote about survivors before and after. He wrote about people who did not know what was about to happen to them and about people who already knew everything but hardly spoke about it, Oz said.

He didnt want, or he was unable, to write depictions of the horrors  he said that too. They are beyond the ability of human language to express them. You have to approach them indirectly, tiptoeing from afar, said Oz, once Appelfelds student in a kibbutz.

Escaped concentration camp

Appelfeld was a young boy when his mother was killed by the Nazis. He and his father were sent to a concentration camp in Transnistria in an area of Ukraine then under control of the German-allied Romanian forces. Age 10 at the time, he escaped and spent three years hiding in forests in Ukraine.

I survived in the fields and forests. Sometimes I worked as a shepherd or taking care of broken-down horses, he told The New York Times in 1986. I lived with marginal people during the war  prostitutes, horse thieves, witches, fortune tellers. They gave me my real education.

After the war, he immigrated to Israel  he learned Hebrew beforehand  and when he was 28 he discovered that his father had survived and they were reunited in Israel.

Even though I spent time on kibbutzim that tried to change me, I did not change. I remained, basically, the Jewish refugee child who survived, he said in an interview with Israels Haaretz newspaper in 2015.

American-Jewish author Philip Roth once described Appelfeld as a displaced writer of displaced fiction, who made displacement and disorientation a subject uniquely his own.

Works by Appelfeld translated into English include Badenheim 1939 (1978), a tale set in a fictional Austrian resort on the eve of World War II, and The Immortal Bartfuss
American astronauts aboard the International Space Station told VOA on Wednesday that their excitement about recently announced plans to restore U.S. manned space missions to lunar orbit was eclipsed only by their skepticism about the logistical feasibility of completing the mission within six years.

Going back to the moon is a bigger project than a lot of people think, said Expedition 54 Flight Engineer Scott Tingle, who joined fellow NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei at the ISS on December 19.

Just last month, David Kring, senior staff scientist at the Lunar and Planetary Institute at the Universities Space Research Association in Houston, Texas, said the first unmanned launch in the program to get back to the moon could come in a little more than a year.

Kring said under the new lunar policy directive announced in December -- 45 years to the day after Apollo 17s final moon landing on December 13, 1972 -- an unmanned mission to lunar orbit could happen by 2019.

That will launch the Orion crew vehicle and will orbit the moon without astronauts, Kring told VOA. Then in 2023 the vehicle launches again, this time with astronauts who will orbit the moon and return. After that is successful, we can actually deploy the astronauts in space [in between the Earth and the moon].

US, Russia to cooperate

Russia and the United States in September agreed to cooperate on a NASA-led program to build the first lunar space station as part of a longer-term mission to send humans to Mars. Both countries said a manned lunar spaceport could be orbiting the moon by 2024, when the International Space Station program is slated to end.

Speaking with VOAs Russian service via an ISS live-feed broadcast by NASAs Mission Control Center in Houston, Texas, Tingle said successfully launching a manned vehicle into lower-moon orbit by 2023 might not be as simple as it sounds.

Just because weve done it before doesnt mean were that close to doing it now, Tingle said. Weve got a lot of work to do, a lot of engineering to do, a lot of planning to do, a lot of operations to do, and its going to be expensive. Its going to take a lot of manpower, and its going to take a lot of thinking outside the box to make it as quickly and efficiently as we can.

And we cant do that alone, he added. Were going to need to do it with international partners. So I do believe the international partnership will work; I believe it will be necessary to have a really good product to be able to achieve success with that mission goal.

A wise step

Despite the logistical challenges, Tingles U.S. colleague aboard the ISS, Mark Vande Hei, expressed optimism about the new lunar directive.

I think its an extremely wise step, Vande Hei said. I think the moon provides us an excellent opportunity to rehearse, relatively close to the Earth, inhabiting a planetary-sized object with the ability, if things go wrong, to get people back relatively easily when compared with going to Mars.

I think its going to be a huge step for humanity to have a lasting presence anyplace other than lower-Earth orbit, he added. Im really looking forward to getting people on the moon, keeping them there for long periods of time, and then using that as a way to test out equipment to get ready to make sure we do it safely when we finally do get to Mars.

Tingle was part of a trio of U.S., Japanese and Russian astronauts to join Vande Hei aboard the ISS on December 19.

Vande Hei, who has been aboard the ISS since September, floated aside Tingle and Norishige Kanai of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency throughout the interview.

New Years in space

The three astronauts, Tingle said, shared a New Years Eve dinner with the three Russian astronauts inhabiting another wing of the ISS.

New Years Day, we took a little bit of time off, but more importantly we celebrated by having a nice, good dinner with our Russian colleagues down in the Russian segment, Tingle said. They were hospitable to us, and it was fun to sit and relax with them.

Asked if they popped a bottle of champagne to ring in 2018, Tingle paused, passing the microphone to Vande Hei.

No, were not allowed any alcohol, said Vande Hei. But our Russian crewmates went ahead and made us some grape juice with labels that made it look like we had champagne, so that was kind of fun to pretend.

This story originated in VOAs Russian service.
Donald Trump's former chief strategist Steve Bannon says "nothing will ever come between us and President Trump and his agenda" after the White House unleashed a scathing attack on Bannon for comments he made in a new book about the administration.

Bannon is quoted in the book as saying he thought it treasonous and unpatriotic for the presidents eldest son and others to meet with Russians during the 2016 election campaign. An attorney for Trump has demanded that the author Michael Wolff and his publisher cease and desist from any further publication, release or dissemination of the book.



President Donald Trump was furious and disgusted after reading the comments, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters on Wednesday.

The president, the press secretary and the first ladys communications director all issued statements during the afternoon blasting Bannon, an influential nationalist who was chief executive of Trump's campaign in the last three months prior to the 2016 election before taking a senior position in the White House West Wing.



"Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency," Trump said. "When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind.

The president, in his statement, declared Bannon is only in it for himself and spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was at the same time that he had declared war on the media.

Hours later, speaking on Breitbart radio, Bannon said The president is a great man, in response to a caller's question on a radio show, adding that, You know I support him day in and day out.

Bannon in book

Author Michael Wolff, in his book, quotes Bannon assailing Donald Trump Jr., Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner (who is a key White House adviser) and then-campaign manager Paul Manafort, for meeting with Russians promising incriminating information about Democratic Party presidential nominee Hillary Clinton



The June 2016 meeting inside campaign headquarters at Trump Tower in New York came after the presidents son said he would "love it" if he could acquire damaging material on Clinton.

Trump Jr. subsequently said that the Russian lawyer at the meeting had no such incriminating evidence.



Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad s---, and I happen to think its all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately, Bannon said, referring to the top U.S. law enforcement agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

It is a ridiculous accusation that the presidents son committed treason, replied Sanders to a reporters question.

In the book titled, Fire and Fury, Bannon is also quoted saying that Trump Jr. will crack like an egg under the pressure of the investigations into meddling by Russia in the last U.S. presidential election.

Sanders said author Wolff wrote false and misleading accounts from individuals who have no access or influence with the White House, but she acknowledges the author was allowed to have dozens of interactions at the White House since Trump became president.

Bannon, after leaving the White House, remained a staunch Trump supporter, but has failed so far in his political efforts to help insurgent Republican candidates win congressional seats to support Trump's populist agenda.

You have a former advisor here who has almost as big as an ego as the president himself, says presidential historian David Cohen.

Focus on money laundering



Bannon, according to the book, says that the investigative team led by special counsel Robert Mueller, now in the midst of a criminal investigation of alleged Trump campaign collusion with Russia during the election, is focusing on money laundering.



"Their path to f------ Trump goes right through Paul Manafort, Don Jr. and Jared Kushner, Bannon is quoted saying. Its as plain as a hair on your face.

The rupture with the Trump White House makes Bannon a potentially dangerous adversary as he was present at many critical meetings during the campaign and in the White House.

He knows where the bodies are buried, Cohen, a political science professor at the University of Akron (Ohio), tells VOA. If Bannon is publicly breaking with Trump, whos to say hes not going to potentially tell all to the investigators? This could be extremely damaging from a legal perspective to Trump.

Mueller has already indicted Manafort and another Trump campaign aide, Rick Gates, on money laundering charges linked to their lobbying efforts for Ukraine prior to the 2016 election, and secured guilty pleas from former national security adviser Michael Flynn and former foreign policy adviser George Papadopoulos for lying to federal agents about their Russia contacts.

Aside from probing Trump campaign links with Russia, Mueller is also investigating whether Trump obstructed justice by firing former FBI Director James Comey, who was heading the agency's Russia investigation before Mueller was appointed to take over the probe.

Manafort, in an unusual legal move, on Wednesday sued Mueller.

The civil lawsuit accuses Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller, of exceeding his legal authority to grant Mr. Mueller carte blanche to investigate and pursue criminal charges in connection with anything he stumbles across.

"The lawsuit is frivolous, but the defendant is entitled to file whatever he wants," a Justice Department spokesperson, who asked not to be named, tells VOA News.

Department of Justice correspondent Masood Farivar contributed to this report.
The border between Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea has been sealed for nearly two weeks due to the alleged coup attempt against Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema. Merchants on the border say the closure is costing them business.

It is a relatively quiet atmosphere here at Kiossi, a town in southern Cameroon that borders Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. The town is normally a conduit for farm produce, beverages and other goods being trucked across the borders.



But Cameroonian businessman Fidele Kemmengne says activity has been at a standstill since the border was sealed. And Kemmenge himself has been stuck in Equatorial Guinea for nearly two weeks.



He says when they were returning from work on December 24 at about 4 pm, they discovered that the military from Equatorial Guinea had blocked entry into their country. He says they thought it was a temporary move to control the huge number of people crossing over for end of year festivities, but adds that authorities have not reopened the border since then.

Cameroonian food merchant Abdou Fayou is waiting for the border to reopen so his trucks can come back for more supplies.

"There is nothing coming [from] the Equato Guineans because they have the problem of security. No passengers from the 23rd [of December] to now," Fayou said.

Equatorial Guinean businesswoman Falamu Fatouma says the border closure is preventing her from making deliveries.



She says since the border was sealed on December 24, she has not been able to do business and the goods she provides to her customers are perishing and she will not be able to refund their money.

Coup fears

On December 29, Equatorial Guinea said it had arrested people on the border in possession of rocket launchers, rifles and a stockpile of ammunition. It said the men planned to destabilize the government of President Theodoro Obiang, who has led the country since 1979 and is the longest-serving leader in Africa.

Cameroon said it arrested 40 heavily-armed men on the border and has strengthened security along the 290-kilometer boundary.



Felix Nguele Nguele, governor of Cameroons south region, says Cameroonians should be vigilant as soldiers are there to assure their security and safety in case of any attacks.

He says the military has taken measures to rigorously check movements on the border between Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea and surveillance measures have been intensified. He says there is an alert of insecurity from neighboring Equatorial Guinea but that authorities are assuring the population that the situation is under control.



Obiang, who is 75, was elected to a fifth seven-year term in 2016 in polls the opposition said were rigged in his favor.



His country is one of sub-Saharan Africas biggest oil producers, but a large proportion of its 1.2 million people live in poverty.



In 2004, mercenaries attempted to overthrow Obiang in a coup thought to be largely funded by British financiers.



Last week, Obiang said a war is being prepared against his regime, allegedly because of his length of time in power.


The U.S. Coast Guard searched the Gulf of Mexico Thursday for a small plane that didn't land at its scheduled location in Central Texas and stopped responding to air traffic controllers.

The pilot of a Cirrus SR-22 left Wednesday afternoon from a small airport in Oklahoma City after filing a flight plan to land in Georgetown, Texas, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of Austin. The pilot was flying alone.

Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Lynn Lunsford said the plane kept flying and was last observed on radar 219 miles (352 kilometers) northwest of Cancun flying, at 15,000 feet (4,600 meters).

Coast Guard spokeswoman Lexie Preston in New Orleans said Thursday the North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, relayed to Coast Guard searchers that the pilot was the only person aboard the plane.

Authorities have not released the pilot's name.

NORAD launched two F-16 fighters from a base in Houston and made contact with the plane, NORAD spokesman Michael Kucharek said. The fighters flew in front of the plane, dropped flares and performed other military maneuvers in an effort to gain the pilot's attention, but the pilot appeared to be unresponsive, he said.

The F-16s became low on fuel and were replaced by two F-15 fighters from New Orleans. The F-15s stayed with the plane for a time but later returned to base because of darkness and their proximity to Mexican air space.

"We didn't deem the plane to be a threat and that's normally what we're looking for," Kucharek said.

The plane is registered to Oklahoma-based Abide Aviation. A public phone listing for Abide could not be found and a message left for the Oklahoma City airport from which the plane departed, Wiley Post Airport, was not immediately returned.

Preston said Coast Guard aircraft were searching a broad area Thursday off the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.
Patients in African hospitals are twice as likely to die after surgery than the global average, according to a new study.



Although African patients were younger and at lower risk than average, 1 percent died of complications after elective surgery, compared to a 0.5 percent death rate worldwide.



"It's really concerning when you see how high the mortality is, considering that the patients are generally fit and they're having a lot more minor surgeries," lead author Bruce Biccard of the University of Cape Town said.



Workforce and resource shortages across the continent are likely a major factor, the authors of the study write in the journal The Lancet.



The group of more than 30 African researchers took a one-week snapshot of surgeries at 247 hospitals in 25 African countries, from Algeria to Madagascar.



The study found a severe shortage of African surgeons, obstetricians and anesthesiologists. Previous research has found that fewer patients die after surgery when there are 20 to 40 specialists per 100,000 population. Across the continent, this study found an average of less than one per 100,000.



In addition to the high death rate, "the most alarming finding was how few people actually received surgery," noted a commentary accompanying the study. An expert panel has estimated that 5 percent of the population needs surgery in a year. African hospitals on average performed less than one-twentieth of that figure.



It noted that patients were receiving surgery later in the course of their diseases. Nearly 60 percent of the operations were urgent or emergency procedures, compared with about a quarter in high-income countries.



Most of the patients who died did not do so on the operating table, but in the days following surgery.



"We're actually failing to recognize patients who are having complications in the post-op period," study author Biccard said. "So a minor complication becomes a major complication."



That offers an opportunity for improvement, Biccard noted. Since increasing the number of doctors is unlikely in the short term, his group is working on a method "that will tell us before surgery which patients we think are going to get into trouble."



His group is planning a study in 2019 to see if they can reduce patient deaths by focusing limited resources on patients at the highest risk.
Djibouti's minister of the interior has announced that President Ismail Omar Guelleh has won Friday's presidential election with nearly 87 percent of the vote.

Interior Minister Hassan Omar Mohamed told VOA (Somali service) the vote count is complete and President Guelleh has won outright in the first round of the election, giving him another five-year term in office - his fourth consecutive term since 1999.

His nearest rival was Omar Elmi Khaire of the Union for National Salvation, who got just over 7 percent of the votes.

Some opposition parties boycotted the election after Guelleh, who was always the clear front-runner, went back on his earlier decision not to run.

Opposition supporters dispute the vote, saying some voters were turned away from polling stations. Opposition leaders have complained of police brutality in the weeks leading up to the election, and say the media covers them unfairly.

Djibouti is very small, but it carries influence internationally because of its location as a port on the Gulf of Aden, one of the world's busiest shipping routes. The U.S. military has its only permanent base in Africa in Djibouti.

((rest optional))

Complaints surfaced about election irregularities when polls opened early Friday. Two opposition politicians accused the government of removing their representatives from polling stations. They also accused soldiers of voting in stations where they are not supposed to.

The irregularities have started after 9 a.m. There are 4,000 soldiers brought deployed in Ali Sabeih to vote at polling stations, our delegates were removed from the polling stations, said Omar Elmi Khaire of the Union for National Salvation (USN) opposition umbrella.

In Obolley (village) there are only 55 people who are registered to vote but there are now 500 soldiers who are voting, our delegates were ejected, he said.

Another opposition politician, Mohamed Muse Tourtour, an independent candidate, repeated similar accusations. He told VOA (Somali) that he reported the issue to the Interior Ministry, which he says assured him the claims be will investigated.

The main opposition coalition is being further hampered by fractures in leadership. Guellehs two main opponents, Mohamed Daoud Chehem and Omar Elmi Khaireh, both claim to represent the USN opposition coalition.

The seven-party opposition coalition has also experienced a split in its ranks, with three of its member parties breaking from the planned election boycott.

Opposition leaders are particularly concerned about the legitimacy of the election oversight agency, which they say is rife with fraud. In 2013, following the parliamentary elections that saw Guellehs party win with 49 percent of the vote, his rivals demanded that an independent election commission be established. The commission has not been created.

Guelleh won his last election in 2011 with 80 percent of the vote. In order for Guelleh to win that election parliament had to change the countrys constitution because presidents were limited to two terms.

VOA Somali service contributed to this report.
A passenger train burst into flames Thursday after striking a truck at a crossing in rural South Africa. At least 18 people were killed, and about 260 were injured.

Transport Minister Joe Maswanganyi said the train jumped the tracks after hitting the truck, which was trying to cross in front of it.

"The truck driver was taking chances. He thought that he was going to pass through,'' Maswanganyi said. "Little did he know that the train was going to hit him. That has cost a lot of lives.''

The train, packed with hundreds returning home after holidays, was near near Kroonstad at the time of the crash, on a trip from Port Elizabeth to the country's commercial hub, Johannesburg.

Several passengers were trapped inside the burning cars, while others managed to scamper out and away from the flames and smoke.

The driver of the truck was not injured but was taken to a hospital, where he was to receive a "blood test to verify if he was sober or not, or what was the problem," Maswanganyi told reporters.

Mthuthuzeli Swartz, acting chief executive of the state-owned passenger rail agency, told local media outlet eNCA that the truck was towing two trailers and managed to get halfway across the tracks when it was hit.

"Human error'' caused the accident, he said. Local police were still investigating the incident.
Hundreds of thousands of Salvadorans living and working legally in the United States for nearly two decades will know on January 8 whether the U.S. government will allow them to remain in the country under Temporary Protected Status, or face possible deportation.

Federal officials grant TPS for citizens of certain countries in cases of extreme hardship - generally natural disasters or war - that make it difficult for immigrants from those nations to safely return. As part of the process, the U.S. government reviews how the situation is changing - and whether it has improved enough to lift the TPS protection. In other words, has the home country recuperated enough that its citizens in the U.S. can go back?

And there is no bigger group among the current TPS countries than El Salvador, with nearly 200,000 beneficiaries and their children.

It is also among the longest-lasting on the list of TPS countries, having received the special status in 2001 after two deadly earthquakes.

WATCH: Nearly 200,000 Salvadorans Anxiously Await Decision on TPS Future

Regular reassessments

The United States has to justify why TPS is extended each time. Most recently, in a July 8, 2016, explanation, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services - the bureau within the Department of Homeland Security that oversees the policy - noted that there continues to be a substantial, but temporary, disruption of living conditions in El Salvador resulting from a series of earthquakes in 2001.



That makes the Central American country unable, temporarily, to handle adequately the return of its nationals, according to the note in the Federal Register.

The U.S. government cited a slow recovery, due in part to additional natural disasters over the 17 years since the original designation and the deleterious effects on the countrys economy, a resulting housing shortage that has never been rectified; El Salvadors violent crime rate is also related in part to those economic struggles, according to USCIS. (The agency cited a March 2016 extortion incident in which gangs caused a bottled water shortage.)



El Salvadors TPS case is unique by sheer volume: 195,000 beneficiaries, who are parents to 192,700 U.S. citizen children. Since TPS does not confer any pathway to citizenship, but does allow people to live and work in the U.S. legally, the longer term cases have created a generation of mixed-status families now facing an uncertain future.



The Salvadorans under TPS are also a part of the U.S. economy. As vice president of business development at Shapiro & Duncan Mechanical Contractors in Rockville, Maryland, Mark Drury has employed Salvadoran workers in a variety of positions, from the management level down the field level.



Drury already cant get the workers he needs. Right now, we could hire 40 people and not meet the needs we have, he says. We have to turn work away every day because there arent enough people in the construction industry. To take away more is not a good solution.



The decision to end TPS



Republican and Democratic administrations have both implemented and ended TPS for some countries. In president Barack Obamas final months in office, the administration determined that several West African countries placed on the list during the Ebola outbreak had sufficiently recuperated from the pandemic; as a result, thousands of citizens of Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia lost their protection from deportation in May 2017.



In another case, President George W. Bush's administration ended TPS for the Caribbean island of Montserrat in 2005; after eight years, the government determined that since the volcanic eruptions that triggered the status had been ongoing for 20 years, and were likely to continue for decades, the problem "could no longer be considered temporary."

The Trump administration, however, has taken a harder stance on immigration-related issues, including humanitarian policies like TPS. It suspended the program for Nicaraguans, Haitians, and Sudanese and postponed a decision on Hondurans until May. DHS will also have to decide by the end of January about Syria, and later this year about Nepal, Yemen, Somalia, and in 2019, about South Sudan after extending TPS benefits for that country last year.



In the three cases it has already terminated, the Trump administration has given those affected at least 12 months to make arrangements. For some, that will involve trying to obtain immigration status through another pathway; for others, it will mean planning for a return to a country where they havent lived for years.



The case of El Salvador



Ending or dramatically reducing TPS has long been favored by groups calling for an overall reduction in foreigners coming to the U.S. Advocates for TPS recipients say Salvadorans - by far the largest group of TPS holders - are so integrated into the U.S. socially and economically that jeopardizing their status here doesnt make sense.



The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which is active in supporting migrant, immigrant and refugees communities, dispatched a team of clergy and policy staff to El Salvador and Honduras in August to assess conditions for both TPS countries.



While both El Salvador and Honduras have demonstrated improvements in their existing governmental protection and security efforts, the delegation noted in a report released in October that neither nation has the ability at this time to adequately handle the return of its nationals if TPS is not renewed.



Thursday, almost 400 religious leaders urged Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen in a letter to extend TPS for El Salvador for at least another 18 months as it currently does not have the infrastructure or institutions to adequately handle the return of its nationals.



Terminating TPS for El Salvador would separate families, negatively impact regional security, and have negative economic and humanitarian consequences in El Salvador and the United States. As people of faith, we implore you to think about the moral imperative to love our neighbor, welcome the sojourner, and care for the most vulnerable among us.

Read this story in Spanish here.
As protests continue across Iran for the seventh day, one woman is being hailed as a "hero" after a video of her removing her hijab in an apparent protest was posted on a social media site.

The footage shows the woman standing on a box, waving the hijab at the end of a stick like a white flag.



The video of the woman's defiant gesture was posted on Twitter by Armin Navabi, a former Muslim from Iran and author of Why There Is No God.

"This woman in Iran took off her Hijab to protest the mandatory Islamic dress code imposed on Iranian women," he tweeted, using the hashtag #IStandWithHer. The tweet has been retweeted more than 15,000 times and liked more than 33,000 times.

There were unconfirmed reports that the unidentified girl was taken into custody, but there was no way to confirm it.

Iran and women's rights

A few weeks before the May 2017 election, more than 180 womens rights activists signed a declaration stating their demands to the next president and thousands of local council members. Among the demands: the call for women to fill at least 30 percent of ministerial positions and an end to all gender discrimination.

But that effort largely fell on deaf ears.

This is a sharp departure from the June 2009 presidential campaign when two reformist candidates backed women's rights. And, after winning the election that year, hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad nominated three women as ministers amid opposition from conservative MPs and some senior clerics.

One of his appointees, Marzieh Vahid-Dastjerdi, was approved and she became the countrys first post-revolutionary female minister, serving as minister of health and medical education.

After President Hassan Rouhani won the election, he claimed he would open up social and political opportunities for women.

One prominent appointee was Shahindokht Molaverdi, who became the vice president for women and family affairs. Despite her hands being tied as she came under huge pressure from hard-liners, Molaverdi contributed to the national gender debate by condemning those hard-liners who threatened female spectators at a men's volleyball match.

During her term, Molaverdi stated repeatedly that she did not have the executive power to advance her own projects. Her attempts to take measures in favor of womens rights were all met with such pressure she was forced to back down.

No 'executive status'

In an interview in August 2015, she revealed, Since we do not have an executive status, we have not yet found any desirable, effective relationship with other systems and provinces, and have faced serious obstacles from the beginning.

When Molaverdi was eventually removed from her post, she was replaced by Massoumeh Ebtekar, who was removed from her position as head of the Environmental Protection Agency, to be replaced by a man.

Rouhanis failure to appoint a single woman minister to his Cabinet was likely the result of the regime in Tehran, namely the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, who continued his campaign of the suppression of women. The ayatollah sought to reduce the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps power it gained when it quashed the protests after the 2009 election of Ahmadinejad. Khamenei found the ideal candidate in Rouhani, a respected cleric who appealed to moderates but was loyal to the system.

But, many who counted on Rouhanis election promises felt betrayed.

Parvaneh Salahshouri, who heads the womens faction in parliament, has criticized Rouhani.

The state-run ISNA news agency in August quoted her as saying, It is incredible and shocking that the president has ignored half of the Iranian society.

Creating equal opportunities for women and elimination of gender discrimination was among the promises made by the president (during his election campaign)," she added. "Unfortunately, not only women were not granted equal opportunities, but they were granted no opportunity!

Demonstrations

This disappointment fomented into the largest demonstrations to strike Iran since its disputed 2009 presidential election.

To date, at least least 21 people have been killed and hundreds of people have been arrested, including several women. Last week, police in Tehran announced they would no longer arrest women for failing to observe the Islamic dress code. They will be given counseling instead.

Several images will likely be iconic of this year's demonstrations including a young woman  reported to be a student  covering her face as she runs from tear gas just outside the University of Tehran, her fist raised defiantly in the air.

In another video, a woman is seen saying, "You raised your fists and ruined our lives. Now we raise our fists. Be men, join us. I, as a woman, will stand in front and protect you. Come represent your country.
@stevebousquet

Rick Scott rewrote the playbook of Florida politics, not once but twice, as a candidate and governor, in ways that will endure long after he leaves Tallahassee.

As Scott begins his eighth and final year as Floridas 45th governor, hes considering a bid for the U.S. Senate against three-term Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson. If he were to win, it would extend an improbable winning streak for a multi-millionaire who as recently as 2010 was a political novice and unknown.

But one cornerstone of his legacy is secure: Hes the tireless and nerdy CEO with a singular focus on jobs that bordered on an obsession while he was governor, wholl be remembered chiefly for leading his state out of the Great Recession.

The rest of Scotts legacy is less glowing.

He relegated Florida motorists and tourists to decades of gridlock by killing a high-speed rail system that would have linked Tampa to Orlando, and later to Miami.

His reversal on Medicaid expansion denied up to a million low-income Floridians access to affordable healthcare, left billions of federal dollars on the table and brought criticism from fellow Republicans that he was a flip-flopper.

Scott is the first governor who was sued successfully for violating state public records laws, including the failure to disclose emails involving public business sent from a private account, and was forced to spend $700,000 of taxpayers money to pay his opponents legal fees. He publicly apologized for mishandling the firing of a top state law enforcement official that cost taxpayers another $55,000 in legal fees to advocates for open government.

He has exercised the death penalty more than any governor in Florida history. More inmates have been put to death under his watch (26) than by any of his predecessors.

Read more here.
The Iranian government has taken a lesson from the Arab Spring in responding to the worst anti-government protests the country has seen in nearly a decade.

Heavy-handed tactics by Arab governments against popular uprisings in 2011 led to the overthrow of regimes in Egypt and Libya and sparked a civil war in Syria.

Iran had its own Arab Spring-inspired demonstrations in 2011, but police deployed in relatively small numbers and refrained from using deadly force, leading the protests to die down.

Calls for end to protests

Mohammad Ali Jafari, commander of the powerful Islamic Republic Revolutionary Corps, recalled the Arab governments experience as he declared an end to the protests Wednesday.

Our security preparation and public scrutiny allowed the enemy to be defeated again, because if our situation was like Egypt, Syria and Libya, the Islamic Republic of Iran would have suffered irreparable damage, Jafari said, in comments carried by the IRGCs news agency.

The Iranian government has been condemned for using harsh tactics to suppress the protests.

Still, its response is seen as relatively restrained, with analysts saying the regime is wary that taking harder measures could exacerbate the unrest to the point of threatening its existence.

Theyve seen what has happened elsewhere, when you go in heavy-handed as far as protests are concerned, said Alex Vatanka, senior fellow at the Middle East Institute in Washington.

In contrast to their violent crackdown on demonstrators during the 2009 green movement protests, Iranian security forces have been relatively restrained during the most recent anti-government demonstrations, Vatanka said.

This certainly has not been the bloodiest of events, he said.

At least 21 people have died in clashes between security forces and protesters over the past week. In 2009, hundreds of protesters were killed and thousands jailed.

The Revolutionary Guards

The Revolutionary Guards, which led the crackdown against protesters in 2009, have kept a relatively low profile over the past week.

The Guards, created in the aftermath of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, have a force of 150,000 enlisted fighters, according to one estimate.

Jafari said the Guards have deployed limited numbers of forces to three cities: Isfahan, Larestan and Hamadan.

A spokesman for the Guards said Tuesday that there had been no need to deploy forces in Tehran.

But behind the scenes, the Revolutionary Guards are at the heart of it, Vatanka said.

I havent seen a single instance of a senior Revolutionary Guards commander at the street level, Vatanka said. That tells me they want to keep a distance, they sort of want to give the image that theyre watching, but they dont think the time is right for them to move in.

Basij paramilitary force

With the Revolutionary Guards staying on the sidelines, they have left it to the Basij paramilitary force to crack down on protesters.

Just how many Basij militiamen have been deployed remains unclear. Videos circulating on social media show uniformed and plain clothes Basij forces clashing with protesters in several cities. But they often have been seen behind police lines.

Deploying the all-volunteer peoples militia allows the government to inoculate itself against criticism for using force against demonstrators, Vatanka said.

Because there is that distance between the Basij and the regime, the regime then likes to say, This is not really us doing anything, this is the people, this is the good Samaritans of this country, acting in defense of their values and so forth, he said.

Riot police

Iranian riot police have been deployed in larger numbers, most recently to escort pro-government demonstrations held Wednesday.

The riot police officers are part of the Iranian national polices Special Unit Forces and operate under the Ministry of the Interior.

National Police Commander Gen. Hossein Ashtari said Tuesday that all police forces nationwide have been ordered to seriously deal with those threatening the lives of people or looters of public assets, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency.

Videos on social media show confrontations between well-armed riot police officers and protesters in several cities. One police officer reportedly was killed in a confrontation in Isfahan on Monday.

But in other instances, police commanders have sought to engage protesters in dialogue. Protesters in turn have called on police to protect them against the Basij. In one video, protesters are heard chanting, Police, help us to get rid of the IRGC and its Basij force.
Iranian Americans are closely watching protests in Iran, where a government crackdown on demonstrators has led to the deaths of 21 people and the arrest of more than 400 over the past week. Thousands of counter demonstrators have marched to support the regime. Many in the Iranian community of Southern California, the largest outside Iran, are hoping for a peaceful resolution, and reform.

The largest concentration of Iranian immigrants in Los Angeles is found in the Little Persia neighborhood on the citys west side, where people criticize Irans clerical government, which they widely view as incompetent and corrupt.

WATCH: Iranian Americans react to protests

People are fed up with this, notes one immigrant as he leaves a Persian market. When you are mullah, he says of Irans religious rulers, and you want to manage a country like Iran, you destroy everything.

The Iranian regime, says an immigrant named Ali, has a history of repression. And the people are angry, he says, especially young people.

We are in fact very anxious that this might lead to even more violence, he adds.

Americans speak out

American officials have spoken out against the Iranian governments actions.

U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has called on the U.N. Security Council to hold an emergency session over the protests and crackdown. Iranian authorities have placed curbs on social media sites such as Instagram, and President Donald Trump has promised support from the United States at the appropriate time in messages posted on Twitter.

Some Iranian Americans say the United States should tread carefully because the anti-government protests are homegrown.

If the U.S. intervenes in any shape or form, or even supports some faction against another, warns Muhammad Sahimi, an engineering professor at the University of Southern California and political columnist, the hard-liners in Iran will use that as an excuse to crack down hard on demonstrations.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has already blamed what he calls enemies of Iran for sparking the protests. The secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council has accused the United States, Britain and Saudi Arabia of being behind the dissent.

The demonstrations started last week as laborers and workers in a number of cities rallied against corruption and high unemployment.

Sahimi does not believe that the protests are as broadly based as those of 2009, when students and members of the middle class denounced what they viewed as a rigged election in a movement that came to be known as the Green Revolution.

Others believe the current protests will spread, as the earlier ones did.

Los Angeles publisher Bijan Khalili blames mismanagement of the Iranian economy and says Iranian officials will not accept responsibility, and the only thing that is left is blaming on foreign countries and foreign people, he says.

Muhammad Sahimi says that U.S. sanctions against Iran also played a role, and notes that President Trump has promised to strengthen those sanctions by removing waivers on Iranian oil, in place since Iran agreed to curb its nuclear program in 2015. He says stronger sanctions will only worsen economic conditions in Iran.

Realtor Sam Kermanian says the nuclear agreement raised the hopes of Irans people, but when the benefits failed to materialize, disappointment gave way to anger over rampant corruption among the clerical elite.

Los Angeles grocer Todd Khodadadi says Iranians are expressing legitimate grievances, trying to get their rights, and they raised their voice, and hopefully, peacefully, they (will) get what they want, he says.

What they want is freedom, says travel agent Farhad Besharati. Its not too much, he argues. Were in the 21st century. The government killing them? This is not fair. Its not good, he says.

These Iranian Americans say the nations of the world should defend the right to peaceful protest, but leave these protests in the hands of Irans people to avoid giving the regime an excuse for a further violent crackdown.
The U.S. Treasury placed sanctions Thursday on five Iranian-based entities either owned or controlled by the company responsible for developing and producing Irans solid-propellant ballistic missiles.

These sanctions target key entities involved in Irans ballistic missile program, which the Iranian regime prioritizes over the economic well-being of the Iranian people, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement.

The five sanctioned entities -- all owned or controlled by Shahid Bakeri Industrial Group -- are the Shahid Eslami Research Center, Shahid Kharrazi Industries, Shahid Moghaddam Industries, Shahid Sanikhani Industries and Shahid Shustari Industries, according to the U.S. Treasury statement.

Meanwhile Thursday, anti-government protests appeared to slow down in Iran while the United States vowed not to forget the 21 people killed in the week of demonstrations.

The U.S. State Department issued a new statement Thursday, condemning the deaths so far and the arrests of what it numbered as at least 1,000 Iranians.

"We have ample authorities to hold accountable those who commit violence against protesters, contribute to censorship, or steal from the people of Iran. To the regimes victims, we say: You will not be forgotten," the statement said.

And a White House official said the U.S. would look for "actionable information" to try to impose new sanctions against those responsible for the crackdown on dissent. Iranian officials arrested hundreds of protesters in the last week.

In Iran, General Abdolrahim Mousavin, the head of the army, thanked security forces for "putting out the fire of sedition."

Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli said that across the nation 42,000 people had taken part in the protests.

State television on Thursday showed huge crowds in 10 cities marching in support of Iranian leaders, including in Isfahan, Ardebil and Mashhad, where the protests started.

An adviser to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said, "The revolutionary Iranian people have responded in time to the enemies and trouble-makers by coming out on the streets."

But the adviser, Ali Akbar Velayati, told the semi-official ISNA news agency, "The people's main demand now is for the government and officials to deal with the economic problems."

Critics of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani say he has abandoned the poor by trying to raise fuel prices, which he said was necessary to fight unemployment. But parliament appears likely to reject his fuel price hike.

Nasser Laregani, vice-president of the economic affairs commission, said, "The population can no longer support a hike in petrol prices. In the current situation, where people are confronted with such a range of daily, economic problems, such a raise is an error."

Meanwhile, in Washington, a White House official said the U.S. would look for "actionable information" to try to impose new sanctions against those responsible for the crackdown on dissent. Iranian officials arrested hundreds of protesters in the last week.

The U.S. State Department, in a new statement, said, "We condemn in the strongest possible terms the deaths to date and the arrests of at least one thousand Iranians. We have ample authorities to hold accountable those who commit violence against protestors, contribute to censorship, or steal from the people of Iran. To the regimes victims, we say: You will not be forgotten."

U.S. President Donald Trump several times tweeted his support for the demonstrators, saying Wednesday, "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!"



Trump is faced next week with a decision on whether to continue to waive sanctions against Iran that were suspended under the 2015 international agreement to curb Iran's nuclear weapons development. Trump has repeatedly attacked the agreement and assailed Tehran's military actions in Syria, Iran and Yemen.

Top Iranian leaders, including Khamenei, have blamed foreign governments for driving the protests.

Iran's U.N. ambassador, Gholamali Khoshroo, sent a letter Wednesday to the U.N. Security Council and U.N. chief Antonio Guterres saying that in "numerous absurd tweets" Trump and U.S. Vice President Mike Pence were "inciting Iranians to engage in disruptive acts."

"The current U.S. administration has crossed every limit in flouting rules and principles of international law governing the civilized conduct of international relations," Khoshroo wrote.

The U.S. delegation has asked the Security Council to hold an emergency meeting to discuss the protests, but so far none has been scheduled.

Meanwhile, Pence, in an interview with VOA, cited what he called Trump's "unapologetic willingness" to back the protesters.

"I know it is giving hope to the people on the streets of those cities across that country and were going to continue to support them in not just verbally, but as they bring about change in their country, I can assure you the United States and the wider world stands with the people of Iran who want a better and more prosperous and freer future," he said.

Germany, which along with the United States and four other world powers reached an agreement in 2015 with Iran to limit its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, expressed concern about the situation in Iran, while saying people must be given a chance to peacefully protest.

"The right to free speech must be upheld," German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said. "We strongly advise against the use of this inner-Iranian conflict -- which has its background partly in the economy, partly in politics, which we can understand -- to use this conflict internationally."

In Geneva, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein also emphasized the right of Iranians to have their complaints heard and called for all deaths and serious injuries to be investigated. He urged authorities to "handle the wave of protests that have taken place around the country with great care so as not to further inflame violence and unrest."

The protests are the biggest outpouring of public discontent with Iran's clerical leaders since 2009 protests against the results of a disputed presidential election.

James Jeffrey, a distinguished fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and a former diplomat, said the current unrest is not likely to result in an overthrow of the Iranian government but still amounts to a significant problem.

"The underlying sentiment is broadly shared in the population," Jeffrey told VOA. "They have no participation in the economic growth of the country, they see their country involved in all of these foreign adventures in Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, Afghanistan, you name it, and they dont see any benefit to them of that."
Iranians reacted dismissively to a series of pro-government rallies held in the country Wednesday, saying they appeared to have been coerced, in contrast to the spontaneity of a weeklong anti-government protest movement that has posed the biggest domestic challenge to Iran's ruling clerics in eight years.

In the Wednesday edition of VOA Persians Straight Talk program, callers in Iran who said they witnessed the pro-government rallies told the hosts they believed the participants had joined largely under pressure from powerful institutions.

The callers said many of the pro-government demonstrators were teenage students sent to the rallies by schools. They said many of the others were military personnel in plainclothes and government employees fearful of losing their jobs if they did not participate.

A man who gave his name as Ahura, calling from the central city of Isfahan, told Straight Talk that Iranian authorities had staged the demonstration that he saw.

They enticed people with cakes and sandwiches and threats that they would lose their jobs, he said. They brought in their puppets, the government mullahs, and called it a pro-government rally.

Several other callers to VOA Persian shared similar perceptions of the pro-government rallies as having been orchestrated by the Iranian government, but the claims could not be independently verified.

Western media reported that thousands of government supporters joined Wednesdays demonstrations. Iranian state media said the rallies were held in more than 10 cities around the country, including the Shiite religious center of Qom, and the western cities of Ahvaz and Kermanshah.

State television broadcast live footage of the daytime rallies, in which marchers waved Iranian flags and portraits of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and chanted slogans in support of Irans Islamist establishment. The state-run Press TV network said the marchers had gathered to condemn deadly violence that has erupted at some of the daily anti-government protests that began Dec. 28 and quickly spread nationwide.

The anti-government demonstrators mainly have been marching peacefully to protest the high cost of living and perceived government corruption. They also have called for an end to the rule of Irans Islamist clerics. Iranian state media have said at least 20 people have been killed in the protests, some of which escalated into street confrontations between demonstrators and security forces. But Iranian authorities have not publicly disclosed who or what caused the fatalities.

Messages sent by people in Iran to VOA Persian said anti-government activists rallied again in several towns on Wednesday, marking the seventh straight day of protests. One video sent from the northern Iranian town of Nowshahr showed demonstrators chanting, Death to the dictator  a common slogan of the recent protests, aimed at Khamenei. The messages also said Iranian security forces had increased their presence on the streets of various cities Wednesday, dissuading many people from joining further anti-government rallies.

In Wednesdays Straight Talk program, some callers complained of a double standard, with the Iranian government permitting its supporters to march, while blocking and confronting its opponents who sought to do the same. A man who identified himself as Yasir in Tehran said, Under the constitution, we have the right to demonstrate. Why is the government not letting people speak out.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has responded to the protests by acknowledging the right of people to demonstrate and criticize his government. But Iranian officials also have vowed to stop what they see as a wave of violent attacks by saboteurs against government institutions.

VOA Persian's Mohammad Naficy, Behrooz Samadbeygi and Afshar Sigarchi and VOA correspondent Masood Farivar contributed to this report.
FOR THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN FARSI: Please follow @VOAIran and ir.voanews.com.

1/4/2018 9:42 p.m. -- Despite the Iranian government's comments that said anti-government protests were dwindling, Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi said the protests were continuing, and she urged her countrymen to press on with their demonstrations in interviews published Thursday, RFE/RL reported.

"People are still in the streets. Even if they go home, their anger would remain, and the protests would resurface months or years later," Ebadi said in an interview with Reuters.

"People should stop paying electricity, water, and gas bills. They should not pay their tax. They should withdraw their money from banks," said Ebadi, a human rights lawyer who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003.

She told Reuters Iran's security forces should also ignore orders to repress the protesters.

"I call on my dear children in the police forces and the Revolutionary Guards to put down their guns and do not kill their own brothers and sisters. If the country's situation improves, you would also benefit from it," said Ebadi, who lives in exile in London.

1/4/2018 5:35 p.m. -- The U.N. Security Council is planning an emergency meeting about Iran on Friday, after U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley requested an emergency U.N. meeting Friday on the situation. But Russia and other members of the U.N Security Council are criticizing the U.S. call for a meeting, saying the protests are a domestic issue and do not involve threats to international peace and security.

However, Haley said in a statement late Thursday The world has witnessed the horrors that have taken place in Syria, that began with a murderous regime denying its peoples right to peacefully protest. We must not let that happen in Iran.

Haley added, It will be telling if any country tries to deny the Security Council from even having this discussion, just as the Iranian regime tries to deny its own people the ability to have their voices heard.

With council members divided in their views of the demonstrations that have roiled the Islamic Republic, its not yet clear how the discussion will take shape or what might come out of it.



Alma Konurbayeva, a spokeswoman for current council president Kazakhstan, confirmed that Friday afternoons meeting is about Iran. Council members could insist on a vote before taking up the topic, and it would take nine of the 15 votes to go forward.



1/4/18 1:07 p.m. -- The U.S. State Department says it is still closely monitoring the "protests and violence in Iran" and has condemned "in the strongest possible terms the deaths to date and the arrests of at least one thousand Iranians." "We have ample authorities to hold accountable those who commit violence against protestors, contribute to censorship, or steal from the people of Iran. To the regimes victims, we say: You will not be forgotten," said a statement issued Thursday.

1/4/18 - 11:45 a.m. -- Amnesty International says Iranian authorities "must ensure the right to peaceful protest, investigate reports that security forces have unlawfully used firearms against unarmed protesters and protect hundreds of detainees from torture and other ill-treatment." Law enforcement officials have the right to defend themselves, and a duty to protect the safety of the public. However, reports of the use of firearms against unarmed protesters by security forces are deeply troubling and would contravene Irans human rights obligations under international law, said Philip Luther, Amnesty Internationals Research and Advocacy Director for the Middle East and North Africa. At least 21 people have been killed during the protests.

1/4/18 10:31 a.m. -- A rally was held in London, near the prime minister office at Number 10 Downing Street, in solidarity with the anti-government protests in Iran. During the gathering in London, a request was handed to the police outside Downing street, for support of both the protesters and the aspirations of the Iranian people for democratic change in Iran.

1/4/18 10:25 a.m. -- Iran's interior minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli said that "based on precise statistics we have'' some 42,000 people took part in protests accross the country. The anti-regime demonstrations began last Thursday in Mashhad and spread to other cities. Protests have abated over the past day.

1/4/18 7:11 a.m. -- Russia has urged the United States not to interfere in Iran's "internal affairs" as the country has been rocked by days of protests. President Donald Trump has tweeted numerous messages of support to the protesters. "We warn the U.S. against any attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran," deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov told the Tass news agency.

1/4/18 5:55 a.m.  The Iranian government has taken a lesson from the Arab Spring in responding to the worst anti-government protests the country has seen in nearly a decade.

Heavy-handed tactics by Arab governments against popular uprisings in 2011 led to the overthrow of regimes in Egypt and Libya and sparked a civil war in Syria.

Iran had its own Arab Spring-inspired demonstrations in 2011, but police deployed in relatively small numbers and refrained from using deadly force, leading the protests to die down.

WATCH: In Little Persia, Immigrants Closely Watching Iranian Protests

1/4/18 3:30 a.m.  In Los Angeles, Iranian Americans are closely watching the protests in Iran. Many in the Iranian community of Southern California, the largest outside Iran, are hoping for a peaceful resolution, and reform.

The largest concentration of Iranian immigrants in Los Angeles is found in the Little Persia neighborhood on the citys west side, where people criticize Irans clerical government, which they widely view as incompetent and corrupt.

1/4/18 2:31 a.m.  Wednesday in Iran brought demonstrations both against and in support of the government, while the United States promised new support for the Iranian people and Irans representative to the United Nations accused the United States of flagrant acts of intervention.

A wrap-up of Wednesday's events.

1/4/18 2 a.m.  Iranian Nobel Peace laureate Shirin Ebadi has urged the people of Iran to engage in civil disobedience and press on with nationwide protests.

The pan-Arab daily Asharq Al-Awsat in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, quoted Irans most famous human rights lawyer as saying Iranians should stay on the street and that the constitution gives them the right to protest.

Ebadi called on Iranians to stop paying water, gas and electricity bills and taxes and to withdraw their money from state banks to exert economic pressure on the government and so force it to stop resorting to violence and meet their demands.

If the government has not listened to you for 38 years, your role has come to ignore what the government says to you now, Asharq Al-Awsat quoted Ebadi as saying in an interview.

Ebadi, awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003, is one of a number of exiled critics of Irans leadership.

More live blogs:

VOA Persian Service coverage of Iran Protests in Farsi



Follow @VOAIran breaking news coverage in Farsi on Twitter
French President Emmanuel Macron will head to China next week to strengthen commercial ties with the world's second-largest economy.

It will be Macron's first state visit to China since he won election last year.

According to the Elysee, Macron will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on January 9 after visiting the ancient imperial capital of Xi'an.

Talks also will focus on North Korea, the fight against terror financing and international efforts against climate change.

Macron's office on Thursday said a number of commercial deals are expected to be signed during the three-day visit but they have yet to be finalized. A Franco-Chinese investment fund worth more than a billion euros ($1.2 billion) also should be announced.

France says China has a major role to play in the North Korea nuclear crisis and Macron hopes that good cooperation between France and China could improve chances of a denuclearization agreement.

While in Xi'an, an eastern departure point of the ancient Silk Road, Macron will deliver a speech on the Franco-Chinese relationship from an historical standpoint.

The second day of his trip is expected to feature a visit to Beijing's Forbidden City. Macron also will meet with French and Chinese entrepreneurs and sign deals with Xi before a state dinner.

The Elysee said China is France's leading commercial partner in Asia, but France's trade deficit with China reaches about 30 billion euros ($36.2 billion). Macron, who will travel with representatives of large French companies, wants to secure new deals that would guarantee reciprocal market access.

In terms of agriculture exports, French authorities want to open a market for beef products and will ask China to abolish non-tariff barriers to trade on wine and spirits, which represent 50 percent of French exports.

The final day of Macron's visit will include talks on the fight against climate change and meetings with Chinese artists. France says China is committed to the Paris climate deal and wants to form a ``joint leadership'' on the issue, especially after President Donald Trump announced the United States' withdrawal from the agreement.
As winter cold sweeps over parts of Mexico, authorities there are issuing travel warnings and, they say, stepping up aid for migrants traversing dangerous routes.

With frost and snowfall reported in the country's northern and northeastern regions, the National Institute of Migration took to Twitter on Tuesday to warn travelers to take "extreme precautions to prevent respiratory diseases, hypothermia, injuries and falls when traveling along little-trafficked routes. Do not risk your life!"

The institute said that members of its Beta Groups for the Protection of Migrants, a humanitarian service, were being especially vigilant in the country's north.

"We are a transit country," Humberto Roque Villanueva, Mexico's undersecretary of population, migration and religious affairs, acknowledged at a December meeting with federal officials. "It is the most painful part. We're reminded every time we have to stop" a box truck crowded with migrants and "at risk of losing their lives."

The Beta Groups' members  usually clad in bright orange shirts or jackets and traveling in orange trucks or on orange all-terrain vehicles  scour desolate stretches of the country. When they find migrants, they dispense food, water, clothing, blankets and medicines. If necessary, the Beta Groups take migrants to Red Cross shelters or health centers to provide medical care.

Last year, the Beta Groups provided services to 134,252 migrants, the institute said. Its mandate is for humanitarian purposes, not law enforcement.

The International Committee of the Red Cross told VOA, in an email, that it supports "several mobile clinics entirely run by Red Cross volunteers along the migration route. They have doctors, free phone call services for migrants, food and basic medical assistance."

Separately, Mexico's National Center for Disaster Prevention said at least 400 shelters were open in the northern state of Chihuahua, the Spanish news agency EFE reported Tuesday.

This article originated in VOA's Spanish Service.
Prosecutors in South Korea have filed new charges against ousted President Park Geun-hye, accusing her of accepting millions of dollars in bribes from the nation's intelligence agency.

An official at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office told reporters Thursday they learned from three former chiefs of the National Intelligence Service they paid Park over $3 million between 2013, the year she first took office, and 2016. She allegedly used the money for a variety of purposes, such as maintenance fees on her private residence and paying incentives and bonuses for her presidential aides.

Two of the former NIS directors have been indicted in connection with the bribery case.

Park was impeached in December 2016 and forced from office last March by South Korea's Constitutional Court over allegations she colluded with longtime friend Choi Soon-sil to extort companies to donate $70 million to dubious foundations in exchange for favorable treatment. She has been on trial since last May on 18 charges related to the scandal, ranging from bribery, coercion and abuse of power.

Park has been in custody since her removal from office. Her original team of lawyers resigned en masse last October after the court extended her detention for an extra six months, until April of this year, accusing the judges of bias. She has since refused to cooperate with a team of court-appointed lawyers.

Park, South Korea's first female president, is the first elected leader to be removed from office since democracy was established in South Korea in 1987.
Pakistan is rife with uncertainty and speculation on steps the United States may possibly take in the wake of President Donald Trumps New Years Day tweet about slashing the countrys aid for treating U.S. leaders as fools and giving safe haven to the terrorists battling American forces in Afghanistan.



Islamabad denounced the comments as completely incomprehensible and has reiterated its resolve to work together with Washington to fight terrorism and stabilize Afghanistan. Pakistani leaders insist the United States is scapegoating their country for its Afghan failures.

However, Trumps twitter outburst has set off a war of words, fueling concerns about a breakdown in historically fragile relations between the United States and Pakistan.

Pakistani ambassador to Washington, Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, while speaking to VOA, called for the two countries to remain engaged with each other and avoid steps that could create tensions and destabilize the region.

We should not be on the collision course. Thats the point we want to make because, I think, if we move in that direction both countries will drift apart and I do not think that it is in the interest of either state to drift apart. I think we have got to find ways, more creative ways to build each others trust to work together. Thats the direction that we think that we should be going to, noted Chaudhry.

He said national security forces have cleared Pakistani soil of all terrorist groups and recalled Islamabads unmatched contribution in U.S.-led international efforts to stabilize Afghanistan and promote a peaceful settlement of the conflict there.

Pakistan has also facilitated the U.S and worked together with it to decimate al-Qaida. If you do not hear about al-Qaida today it is because we worked together to a successful end. Pakistan has been providing lines of communications to the U.S. for a long time. It is a partnership to us and it should be measured not in terms of money and monetary value but in terms of the results that we have achieved together, said Chaudhry.

He urged the U.S. administration to focus on addressing the issues of governance, corruption, deteriorating security, emergency of Islamic State in Afghanistan, saying ungoverned spaces in the neighboring country are threatening security in Pakistan and the region in general.

So, all these are matters of concern for us because we are suffering because of this and thats why we have been saying many a times that look you need to address those issues and not place the blame on Pakistans doorsteps for all the failure in Afghanistan, he said.

The Trump administration has promised to soon announce more punitive measures to follow up on the presidents twitter comments.

There is wide speculation that Pakistani security officials allegedly tied to terrorist groups could face sanctions and the U.S. military may undertake unilateral strikes deep inside Pakistan to target terrorists linked to the Taliban-allied Haqqan Network, or HQN. The network is allegedly tied to the ISI, the Pakistani spy agency.

In case of U.S. action against Pakistan, it will be responded to the aspiration of people of Pakistan, said army spokesman Major-General Asif Ghafoor.

The general was responding to widespread speculations the U.S. may stage a unilateral military strike against suspected terrorist sanctuaries linked to the HQN.

We have taken action against HQN. Effects of the action against HQN will be visible in due time, Ghafoor insisted.

The army spokesman complained the presence of around 2.7 million Afghan refugees in Pakistan hampers counterterrorism efforts because the displaced population serves as a hideout for insurgents fighting on the Afghan side.

Pakistani officials have been pressing the United States and its allies to arrange for the refugees to go back to their country as soon as possible.

On Wednesday, the federal cabinet granted only a one month extension to the legal residency status of 1.4 million documented Afghan refugees, saying Pakistan can no longer sustain their burden under the circumstances. The rest of the refugees are undocumented economic migrants. Analysts see the mere 30 day extensions a fallout of President Trumps criticism of Islamabad and an attempt to pressure Washington.

A national security committee of the parliament also held an urgent meeting Thursday, where leaders of major political parties were briefed by the foreign and defense ministers on the emerging situation following Trumps criticism.

Pakistani civilian and military leaders have also said Trumps figures of giving more than $33 billion to Islamabad since 2002 to help fight terrorism are wrong.

Officials say that almost $14 billon of the amount in question was part of the Coalition Support Fund (CSF), which was reimbursement for the money Pakistan was spending on security operations in support of coalition efforts in Afghanistan. The Pakistan government says the total amount billed under CSF has been about $22 billion and Washington still owes Islamabad $8 billion.

Pakistan also maintains it has lost around 70,000 lives, mostly civilians in terrorist attacks it has faced since joining the U.S. counter terrorism coalition and the national economy has also suffered losses of over $120 billion.
Last year was the deadliest since 2016 for journalists in Afghanistan, with 21 reporters being killed in the line of duty, a new report, released by Nai, a nongovernmental organization advocating for open media in Afghanistan, claims.

Abdul Mujib Khelwatgar, the chief executive officer of Nai told reporters last week that his organization had registered 141 cases of violence against reporters across Afghanistan.

Based on our new report, the Afghan government and those working in the government are responsible for 62 cases of violence against reporters, terror groups are responsible for 42 cases of violence, illegal armed groups are responsible for 26 case, Khelwatgar said.

Eleven cases involve violence by media sector employers, Khelwatgar added.

In 2017, 23 reporters were wounded and 21 others physically assaulted in Afghanistan, Khelwatgar added.

Afghan judiciary criticized

Khelwatgar stressed that the Afghan government is not responsible for any of the killings.

Taliban, ISIS and, in a few cases, unknown people are responsible for the killing of the media staff and journalists. The government of Afghanistan is not behind any of these killings, Khelwatgar told VOA, using an acronym for the militant group Islamic State.

But he did criticize the countrys judiciary for only pursuing and investigating 43 cases of violence against reporters.

Journalists have increasingly come under attack by terror groups in Afghanistan in recent years.

On Dec. 28, a suicide attack on a compound housing the Afghan Voice news agency and Tebyan cultural center, killed at least 40 people and wounded dozens more. Several among those wounded were reporters.

The Islamic State terror group claimed responsibility for the attack.

In early November, gunmen disguised as Afghan national police attacked the headquarters of the privately owned Shamshad TV in the capital, Kabul, killing one staff member and injuring several others.

Islamic State claimed responsibility for that attack as well.

Following the attack, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said in a tweet that journalists are civilians who should not be targeted.

In May, IS fighters targeted the Afghan state television building in Nangarhars provincial capital, Jalalabad, killing six people.

Also that month, two media workers, including a driver for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), were killed in the truck bomb attack on the German Embassy in Kabul. The offices of 1TV, another privately owned Afghan TV station, were also damaged.

IS also claimed responsibility for that attack.

2016 a deadly year

Before Nais recent report, the organization said 2016 was the deadliest year for reporters in Afghanistan since 2001.

Prior to [2017], 2016 was the deadliest year for media staff and journalists ... in which 14 media staff were killed, Khelwatgar said.

In January 2016, Taliban claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on a mini bus, carrying reporters working for Tolo television, the countrys most-watched television channel. Seven journalists were killed in that attack.

Following that attack, the insurgent group warned media organization in a statement to avoid promoting obscenity, irreligiousness, foreign culture and nudity.

Afghanistan remains one of the worlds most dangerous countries for journalists and media workers.

Afghanistan ranks 120th out of 180 countries on the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Press Freedom Index.

By sowing terror, the Taliban and Islamic State have created information black holes in many regions since 2015, RSF said on its website about the media environment in Afghanistan. Afghanistan struggles to protect its journalists in this increasingly violent civil war.

In addition to terror groups, government officials and Afghan security forces have also been accused of violence against journalists in the country.

 Many governors and local officials are unable to accept the principle of media independence, and the police and military are implicated in several cases of violence against journalists, RSF said.

Determination

Despite the security risks and danger, Afghan journalists seem determined to continue their work.

That determination was in full display in November when injured Parwaiz Safi, a journalist for Shamshad TV, in a sign of resilience appeared live on TV with news to his audience hours after the IS attack. His bandaged hands could be seen during the live broadcast.

The media sector in Afghanistan grew substantially following the fall of the Taliban. About three dozen TV stations reportedly operate in the country, and there are about 170 FM radio stations as well as hundreds of print media outlets.

The Afghan government has been citing the growth in the media sector as one of its achievements and vows that it will protect the media, but industry advocates are concerned that the government might be in the process of losing its grip on that achievement if it does not take the necessary steps to protect reporters from violence.

Khalid Mafton from Washington and Abdul Hai Warshan from Kabul contributed to this report.
Nearly 30 civilians, including children, have been killed by airstrikes in the rebel stronghold of Eastern Ghouta, outside the Syrian capital, Damascus.

The Britain-based watchdog Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which closely monitors the Syrian civil war, said most of the airstrikes were carried out by Russian jets.

There was no immediate confirmation by the Russian military, which is providing air support to government forces fighting rebels.

A government forces base, the only one in the region, was surrounded by rebels earlier this week. Syrian state television said "army units had launched an assault to break the siege."

Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory, said "violent clashes were taking place" Thursday close to the base, which is believed to hold some 250 government soldiers.

Eastern Ghouta, home to 400,000 residents, has been cut off from food and medical aid since 2013.

Last week, the Syrian government allowed Red Cross to evacuate 29 critically ill patients, including 18 children and four women suffering from heart disease, cancer, kidney failure and blood diseases, in addition to cases requiring surgery not available in the besieged area.

The United Nations had called for an emergency evacuation of nearly 500 patients and an end to the siege to allow access for humanitarian medical and food aid.
The Russian news agency Kommersant is reporting that at least seven Russian planes were damaged or destroyed by rebel shelling in Syria, in one of the worst attacks since Russia began its military operation there.

The Hmeymim air base in western Syria, near the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, was targeted for an attack that damaged  according to Kommersant  at least four Su-24 bombers, two Su-35S fighter jets, and an An-72 transport plane, as well as an ammunition depot, according to two military-diplomatic sources.

The Russian defense ministry has not commented yet on the attack, which reportedly injured at least 10 service members.

Russia began last month to establish a more permanent presence at Hmeymim, along with a naval base at Tartous, about 60 kilometers (37 miles) south on the coastline, despite President Vladimir Putin's announcement Dec. 11 that Russian troops were beginning a significant withdrawal from the Syria.

Kommersant reported that until Sunday, Russian air defense systems had been successful in warding off attacks to Hmeymim and Tartous.

Earlier Wednesday, the Russian defense ministry said two service members died Sunday when an Mi-24 helicopter crash-landed while en route to the Hama air base. The cause was deemed to be technical failure.

Meanwhile, Reuters news agency reported that the Syrian army, backed by Russian jets, escalated bombing of the last rebel bastion on the eastern outskirts of Damascus Wednesday. It said the army was amassing elite forces to prepare for a major assault on the rebel-controlled Military Vehicles Administration.

Reuters reported that since Sunday, rebels with the Ahrar Al Sham faction widened their control of parts of the Harasta army base in eastern Ghouta. Rebels stormed the base in November last year in an attempt to relieve pressure on nearby towns and villages, which are starved for supplies.

Russian state media reported that terrorists had fired mortars on residential areas in Harasta, and said the army responded in kind.

Civil defense sources told Reuters that in four days of heavy shelling, 38 civilians have been killed and at least 147 people injured.

Reuters reports more than 300,000 people in eastern Ghouta have been under siege by army troops since 2013.

Residents told Reuters at least 230 aerial strikes hit residential areas of Ghouta on Tuesday, killing five civilians.

Hamza Biriqdar, a spokesman for the rebel faction Jaish al Islam, told Reuters that the front lines of Ghouta are witnessing battles and clashes and big losses inflicted on (Syrian President) Assads forces and his militias.

The Syrian Red Crescent has reported that 29 critically ill people were evacuated from eastern Ghouta on Friday. It said the group included 17 children, six women and six men. The Red Crescent said the movement was the result of a deal to release 29 civilians captured by Jaish al Islam in 2013 in the industrial city of Adra, north of Damascus.

Also Friday, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told reporters that the United States is preparing to shift its approach to Syria and pledging to help with the initial recovery following the collapse of the Islamic States self-declared caliphate. Mattis described the measure as an attempt to move toward normalcy.

He said U.S. civilian personnel are expected to come to Syria to help with the restoration of services, removing debris and reopening schools.

Mattis also said about 2,000 U.S. troops in Syria will stay to provide security and aid in efforts to hunt down remaining IS fighters.

But questions remain about how the initial recovery efforts will work, given that much of Syria is now under the control of forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Mattis said the demarcation line set up in Syria by the U.S. and Russia has held, and he does not expect pro-regime forces to interfere with rebuilding efforts.

That would be a mistake, he said of any possible attempts by Syrian forces to cross over, adding, Theyve not even tried.
The Saudi Arabia-led coalition fighting against Houthi rebels in Yemen has cut off one of their major supply lines, the United Arab Emirates state news agency WAM reported.

The fighting Wednesday also killed dozens of rebels in the area northwest of Yemen's third largest city, Taiz.

WAM said Yemeni forces, backed by UAE troops, raided the area near the Red Sea to try and secure the gains made there last month by the coalition.

The Houthi rebels seized Yemens capital of Sanaa in 2014, forcing the country's internationally recognized president, Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, to temporarily flee to Saudi Arabia.

A Saudi-led coalition responded in March 2015 by launching airstrikes against the Houthis on behalf of Hadi's government. The airstrikes have killed thousands of civilians and wiped out entire neighborhoods, including hospitals.

The conflict is now widely seen as a proxy war between regional rivals Saudi Arabia, which backs the government, and Iran, which backs the Houthi rebels.

Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly called attention to the effect the conflict has had on civilians in Yemen, where the United Nations says 3 million people have been forced from their homes.

The International Red Cross said there are 1 million suspected cases of cholera in Yemen, and more than 80 percent of Yemenis lack food, fuel, clean water and access to health care.
A suicide bomber struck a convoy comprising Afghan security forces in Kabul Thursday night, killing at least 15 people, health ministry officials confirmed.

Participants of a demonstration reportedly wanted to set fire to a city police station, prompting authorities to dispatch Afghan police forces to secure the facility. The bomber detonated his explosives shortly after security forces arrived on the scene.

Kabul police spokesman Baser Mujahid told VOA police personnel were demolishing illegally constructed shops selling alcohol. The move sparked the angry demonstration.

Islamic State claimed responsibility for the deadly blast.

Kabul has suffered repeated suicide attacks in recent weeks. The deadliest bombing occurred last week, leaving more than 40 people dead and around 90 others wounded. The bomber blew himself up inside a Shi'ite Muslim cultural center in the city. IS claimed responsibility for the bloodshed.
Security researchers on Wednesday disclosed a set of security flaws that they said could let hackers steal sensitive information from nearly every modern computing device containing chips from Intel Corp., Advanced Micro Devices Inc. and ARM Holdings.

One of the bugs is specific to Intel but another affects laptops, desktop computers, smartphones, tablets and internet servers alike. Intel and ARM insisted that the issue was not a design flaw, but it will require users to download a patch and update their operating system to fix.

"Phones, PCs  everything is going to have some impact, but it'll vary from product to product," Intel CEO Brian Krzanich said in an interview with CNBC Wednesday afternoon.

Researchers with Alphabet Inc.'s Google Project Zero, in conjunction with academic and industry researchers from several countries, discovered two flaws.

The first, called Meltdown, affects Intel chips and lets hackers bypass the hardware barrier between applications run by users and the computer's memory, potentially letting hackers read a computer's memory and steal passwords.

The second, called Spectre, affects chips from Intel, AMD and ARM and lets hackers potentially trick otherwise error-free applications into giving up secret information.

The researchers said Apple Inc. and Microsoft Corp. had patches ready for users for desktop computers affected by Meltdown. Microsoft declined to comment and Apple did not immediately return requests for comment.

Daniel Gruss, one of the researchers at Graz University of Technology in Austria who discovered Meltdown, said in an interview with Reuters that the flaw was "probably one of the worst CPU bugs ever found."

Specter a long-term issue

Gruss said Meltdown was the more serious problem in the short term but could be decisively stopped with software patches. Specter, the broader bug that applies to nearly all computing devices, is harder for hackers to take advantage of but less easily patched and will be a bigger problem in the long

term, he said.

Speaking on CNBC, Intel's Krzanich said Google researchers told Intel of the flaws "a while ago" and that Intel had been testing fixes that device makers who use its chips will push out next week. Before the problems became public, Google on its blog said Intel and others planned to disclose the issues on January 9.

The flaws were first reported by The Register, a tech publication. It also reported that the updates to fix the problems could cause Intel chips to operate 5 percent to 30 percent more slowly.

Intel denied that the patches would bog down computers based on Intel chips.

"Intel has begun providing software and firmware updates to mitigate these exploits," Intel said in a statement. "Contrary to some reports, any performance impacts are workload-dependent, and, for the average computer user, should not be significant and will be mitigated over time."

ARM spokesman Phil Hughes said that patches had already been shared with the companies' partners, which include many smartphone manufacturers.

"This method only works if a certain type of malicious code is already running on a device and could at worst result in small pieces of data being accessed from privileged memory," Hughes said in an email.

AMD chips are also affected by at least one variant of a set of security flaws but that can be patched with a software update. The company said it believes there "is near zero risk to AMD products at this time."

Google's report

Google said in a blog post that Android phones running the latest security updates are protected, as are its own Nexus and Pixel phones with the latest security updates. Gmail users do not need to take any additional action to protect themselves, but users of its Chromebooks, Chrome web browser and many of its Google Cloud services will need to install updates.

The defect affects the so-called kernel memory on Intel x86 processor chips manufactured over the past decade, allowing users of normal applications to discern the layout or content of protected areas on the chips, The Register reported, citing unnamed programmers.

That could make it possible for hackers to exploit other security bugs or, worse, expose secure information such as passwords, thus compromising individual computers or even entire server networks.

Dan Guido, chief executive of cybersecurity consulting firm Trail of Bits, said that businesses should quickly move to update vulnerable systems, saying he expects hackers to quickly develop code they can use to launch attacks that exploit the vulnerabilities.

"Exploits for these bugs will be added to hackers' standard toolkits," said Guido.

Shares in Intel were down by 3.4 percent following the report but nudged back up 1.2 percent to $44.70 in after-hours trading, while shares in AMD were up 1 percent to $11.77, shedding many of the gains they had made earlier in the day when reports suggested its chips were not affected.

It was not immediately clear whether Intel would face any significant financial liability arising from the reported flaw.

"The current Intel problem, if true, would likely not require CPU replacement in our opinion. However the situation is fluid," Hans Mosesmann of Rosenblatt Securities in New York said in a note, adding it could hurt the company's reputation.
U.S. President Donald Trump called Thursday for stronger voter identification laws, a day after he disbanded a commission tasked with investigating his claims of massive voter fraud.

The president has not presented any evidence to back up his allegations that millions of people voted illegally in the 2016 election. He won the presidency by way of the Electoral College vote while losing the overall popular vote to Democrat Hillary Clinton by nearly 3 million votes.

In a series of Twitter posts Thursday, Trump blamed the commission's failures on "many mostly Democrat states" for refusing to hand over voter information.

"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!" Trump wrote.

State officials expressed concerns about the privacy of the data the commission requested, which included names, partial Social Security numbers, voting histories and people's party affiliations. Critics of the commission also cited fears that the commission was working both to justify Trump's fraud claims and to make it more difficult for poor and minority voters to participate in elections.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Wednesday that Trump had decided to disband the commission "rather than engage in endless legal battles at taxpayer expense." She added that the Department of Homeland Security would review the panel's work and "determine next courses of action."
U.S. President Donald Trump has disavowed granting White House access to Michael Wolff, author of a book to be published Friday, that portrays a chaotic initial year for the president. In a tweet late Thursday, the president also gave Steve Bannon, who ran Trumps presidential campaign in its final quarter, a new nickname.

Earlier Thursday, the White House press secretary had to field a barrage of questions for a second consecutive day from reporters about the book.

Most people in the United States could probably care less about a book full of lies, responded Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who characterized Fire and Fury as trash and something a fired employee wanted to peddle.

That fired employee is Bannon was also chief strategist in the White House for the initial seven months of Trumps presidency.

Bannon is quoted extensively by Wolff in the 336-page book.

Asked if Breitbart News should fire Bannon, who is executive chairman of the right-wing news and opinion website, Sanders replied, I certainly think its something they should look at and consider.

A lawyer for the president on Thursday sought to block publication of the book, contending it is defamatory and libelous, demanding Wolff and his publisher, Henry Holt and Co., stop the release of the book. It originally had been scheduled to be released Tuesday, but Wolff said Thursday it now would arrive in bookstores Friday  four days early.

Charles Harder said his legal team is investigating numerous false and/or baseless statements made about Trump in the book that Wolff said came from more than 200 interviews he conducted during Trumps successful election campaign and after the president took office a year ago.

Harder, the previous day, also sent a cease-and-desist letter to Bannon, demanding that he stop making defamatory remarks about Trump and his family.

On Thursday, Trump said, He [Bannon] called me a great man last night, so he obviously changed his tune pretty quick.

The White House says President Trump is not trying to block anyones constitutional protection of freedom of speech through the legal threats.

The president absolutely believes in the First Amendment, responded Huckabee Sanders to a reporters question at Thursdays media briefing. But as weve said before, the president also believes in making sure that information is accurate before pushing it out as fact when it certainly and clearly is not.

In the most controversial passage in the book, Bannon is quoted saying he thought it treasonous and unpatriotic that Trumps eldest son, Donald Trump, Jr., along with the presidents son-in-law, Jared Kushner, now a White House adviser, and then-campaign manager Paul Manafort, met with Russians in the midst of the campaign at Trump Tower in New York. The younger Trump had been promised by an intermediary for the Russians that he would be handed incriminatingdocuments about Trumps election challenger, Democrat Hillary Clinton, as part of Moscows effort to help Trump win, although Trump, Jr. subsequently said no such damaging evidence materialized.

Within hours of the surfacing of excerpt from the book, Trump said in a statement on Wednesday, Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind.

Trump said that Bannon was only in it for himself and spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was at the same time that he had declared war on the media.

Bannon also is quoted as saying that Trump, Jr. will crack like an egg under the pressure of the investigations into meddling by Russia in the last U.S. presidential election.

On Thursday, White House officials continued to attack Wolffs credibility, accusing him of having a record of misquoting interview subjects and inventing scenarios.

This is a practice he is used to doing, claimed Huckabee Sanders, describing Wolffs latest book as mistake after mistake after mistake.

Ken Bredemeier and Masood Farivar contributed to this report.
Turkey dismissed Thursday a U.S. court conviction of a Turkish banker in connection with a billion-dollar plot to evade U.S. sanctions against Iran.

The court in New York City convicted Mehmet Hakan Atilla on five counts of conspiracy, including conspiracy to defraud the United States, plus one count of bank fraud. The 47-year-old Turkish national was acquitted on a charge of money laundering.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry said Thursday the ruling was unfair and unfortunate, and also an unprecedented interference in Turkey's internal affairs.

Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag said on Twitter the jury's decision does not carry legal value in Turkey.

The case has strained relations between Turkey and the United States.

Atilla is a deputy general manager at Turkey's state-run Halkbank. U.S. prosecutors charged him with helping to facilitate a deal in which Iran traded oil and gas for gold, moving some of the transactions through U.S. banks without their knowledge.

Atilla was heard on telephone recordings setting up fake food and agriculture deals with Iran to disguise deals that were really sales of oil. Atilla's lawyer said his client was merely "a hapless pawn" in those deals, blaming Halkbank's client, Reza Zarrab, instead.

Zarrab, a Turkish-Iranian trader who has admitted arranging the deals, told the court he paid about $50 million in bribes in 2012 to the Turkish economy minister to push the deals through. Zarrab testified that he believed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was aware of the scheme.

Erdogan said the case is an American conspiracy to blackmail Turkey, a strategic partner with the United States in Middle East affairs.

Iran and the United States have had chilly relations since the Iran hostage crisis from 1979-1981, in which 52 Americans were held by student activists in Iran for 444 days until a release was negotiated. The United States now bans most financial dealings with Iran, which is a major oil-producing nation.

Editor's note: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated the business relationship between Reza Zarrab and Mehmet Hakan Atilla. It also misstated the title of the government official Zarrab admitted to bribing. We apologize for the error.
Ankara is slamming the conviction in the U.S. of a Turkish banker for violating U.S. sanctions on Iran.

Speaking to reporters Friday at Istanbul airport after the conviction of Mehmet Hakan Atilla, deputy chief executive of Turkish state-owned lender Halkbank, Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the case was part of a chain of serious plots against his nation.

Erdogan warned that bilateral legal accords with the United States were losing validity.

If this is the U.S. understanding of justice then the world is doomed. There can be no such understanding of justice, Erdogan said.

Earlier, Mahir Unal, the spokesman for Turkeys ruling AKP, also pointed the finger directly at Washington.

On Wednesday, Mehmet Hakan Atilla, who headed international banking at Halkbank, was convicted by a New York court on five of six charges of violating U.S. sanctions on Iran. With prosecutors presenting evidence of several Turkish banks involved in extensive laundering of money to avoid Iranian sanctions, analysts warn the door is open to a potential wide range of financial sanctions.

Such measures range from fines on Turkish banks to extensive restrictions on banks ability to borrow on U.S. financial markets. Turkey borrows on average about $16 billion a month to sustain existing loans and meet its financial obligations.

Joon Kim, the acting U.S. attorney in Manhattan, speaking after the conviction, made clear there would be consequences. Foreign banks and bankers have a choice: You can choose willfully to help Iran and other sanctioned nations evade U.S. law, or you can choose to be part of the international banking community transacting in U.S. dollars. But you cant do both.

Best case scenario is a couple of billion dollars in fines against Halkbank for violating sanctions and the American administration closing the file, and thats the end of it, said political consultant Atilla Yesilada of Global source partners.



The Turkish finance minister, Mehmet Simsek, already has guaranteed that any fines would be covered by the government.

Despite international investors reportedly closely watching the New York case, Turkish financial markets on Thursday were largely unaffected by Wednesdays verdict.

The experience of previous foreign banks caught violating U.S. sanctions suggests the repercussions could be severe for Turkish banks.

An economist specializing on financial matters relating to Turkey  working for an international bank and speaking anonymously  warned that given the scale of the violations outlined by prosecutors in the New York case, Halkbank could face fines of up to $40 billion. Last year Turkeys Haber Turk newspaper reported U.S. authorities were considering a similarly large fine.

Observers single out the Halkbank case from previous sanction-busting cases. During the New York trial, the prosecutor witness implicated Turkish government involvement in sanctions violations, including then-Prime Minister Erdogan.

If the Trump administration wants to portray this as a state crime, as Ankara systematically violating Iranian sanctions, I dont think anyone can stop them, said Yesilada.

Analysts suggest the price of leniency by Washington could be Ankara having to cool its warming relationships with Moscow and Tehran, as well as the toning down of its hostility toward the Syrian Kurdish militia, which has been backed by the U.S. in fighting Islamic State militants.
Wednesday in Iran brought demonstrations both against and in support of the government, while the United States promised new support for the Iranian people and Irans representative to the United Nations accused the United States of flagrant acts of intervention.

The unrest has been going on for a week with protesters rallying against economic problems and also calling for government reforms. At least 21 people have been killed and authorities have arrested hundreds of people.

Iranian state media showed video of the pro-government rallies Wednesday, while videos of protesters in multiple cities spread on social media.

Today we can announce the end of the 2018 sedition, Mohammad Ali Jafari, commander of the Revolutionary Guards, said on its website, adding that the number of protesters did not exceed 15,000 people nationwide. He said the Guard had deployed limited numbers of troops in Isfahan, Larestan and Hamadan.

Trump tweets; Iranians fume

U.S. President Donald Trump turned to Twitter to express his latest support for those unhappy with the Iranian government.

Such respect for the people of Iran as they try to take back their corrupt government, Trump said. You will see great support from the United States at the appropriate time! It was not immediately clear what assistance Trump had in mind.

Top Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have blamed foreign governments for driving the protests.

Irans U.N. ambassador, Gholamali Khoshroo, sent a letter Wednesday to the U.N. Security Council and U.N. chief Antonio Guterres saying that in numerous absurd tweets Trump and U.S. Vice President Mike Pence were inciting Iranians to engage in disruptive acts.

The current U.S. administration has crossed every limit in flouting rules and principles of international law governing the civilized conduct of international relations, Khoshroo wrote.

The U.S. delegation has asked the Security Council to hold an emergency meeting to discuss the protests, but so far none has been scheduled.

WATCH: Pence: People of the United States Want Iranians to Achieve Democratic Future

Meanwhile Pence, in an interview with VOA, cited what he called Trumps unapologetic willingness to back the protesters.

I know it is giving hope to the people on the streets of those cities across that country and were going to continue to support them in not just verbally, but as they bring about change in their country, I can assure you the United States and the wider world stands with the people of Iran who want a better and more prosperous and freer future, he said.

Germany, UN back free speech

Germany, which along with the United States and four other world powers reached an agreement in 2015 with Iran to limit its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, expressed concern about the situation in Iran, while saying people must be given a chance to peacefully protest.

The right to free speech must be upheld, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said. We strongly advise against the use of this inner-Iranian conflict  which has its background partly in the economy, partly in politics, which we can understand  to use this conflict internationally.

In Geneva, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad Al Hussein also emphasized the right of Iranians to have their complaints heard and called for all deaths and serious injuries to be investigated. He urged authorities to handle the wave of protests that have taken place around the country with great care so as not to further inflame violence and unrest.

The protests are the biggest outpouring of public discontent with Irans clerical leaders since 2009 protests against the results of a disputed presidential election.

James Jeffrey, a distinguished fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and a former diplomat, said the current unrest is not likely to result in an overthrow of the Iranian government but still amounts to a significant problem.

The underlying sentiment is broadly shared in the population, Jeffrey told VOA. They have no participated in the economic growth of the country, they see their country involved in all of these foreign adventures in Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, Afghanistan, you name it, and they dont see any benefit to them of that.


A Vietnamese property developer facing charges of disclosing state secrets has been arrested after being deported from Singapore.

Phan Van Anh Vu was arrested in Hanoi Thursday after arriving from the city-state, one week after he was detained as he tried to cross the border into Malaysia.

Immigration authorities in Singapore say the 42-year-old Vu said his client was deported after Vietnamese officials told them Vu's passport was fake.

His lawyers said their client, who has also identified himself as a senior officer in Vietnam's secret police, had applied for asylum in Germany.

Vu is one of many Vietnamese officials and business figures who have been swept up in massive anti-corruption crackdown by the government. He faces the possibility of the death penalty if he is convicted.

Among those arrested was Trinh Xuan Thanh, an executive of the state-owned energy company PetroVietnam. Vietnamese security agents seized him last July from Berlin's Tiergarten park a day before he was due to appear for a hearing on his request for political asylum in Germany.

The incident angered Berlin, which called it an "unprecedented and blatant violation" of German and international law.
VOA contributor Greta Van Susteren interviewed National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster at the White House on Tuesday.

Greta Van Susteren: General, nice to see you, sir.

H.R. McMaster: Its great to be with you, Greta. Thank you.

Van Susteren: Thank you for doing this interview.

McMaster: Its a privilege to do it, thanks.



Question: Well, lets start with Iran. A lots going on there. What are your reflections on it?

McMaster: Well, the Iranian people are expressing frustration  frustration about a regime that pays more attention to exporting terrorism than it does to meeting the needs of its own people. So, the president has been very strong in his support for the Iranian people and their rights to express themselves. And I think whats most important now is for the whole world to tell Iran that they have to respect the rights of their citizens and allow them to demonstrate peacefully and to not engage in the kind of violence against the demonstrators that we saw, remember, back in 2009 and that were starting to see now, as well.

WATCH: VOA Interview: National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster





Q: Well, in 1956, we had a similar situation in Hungary, and the West didnt support the protesters there. Weve seen it in the early 90s with the Kurds in Iraq, and again, the United States voiced its support but didnt do anything. And we, as you mentioned, 2009 when President (Barack) Obama was president, in the Green Movement after the election. Is this administration going to do anything more than voice verbal support for the protesters? Or can they?

McMaster: Well, well see what options are available. But I think what we need are strong voices across the world on behalf of the Iranian people. This is a dictatorial regime that is oppressing its own people, that is using the resources that this great nation with this rich culture and rich history needs, to foment hatred and violence across the greater Middle East. Theyre a driving force behind this fitna, behind this sectarian civil war, that has caused so much pain and suffering and death in Syria and Iraq and Yemen. They pose a continuing threat to Israel and within Lebanon to its stability, and this regime has to be held to account. And it seems as if the Iranian people are expressing their displeasure about the behavior of this regime and prioritizing this kind of violence over the benefit and the welfare of their own citizens.



Q: I was comparing and contrasting in my own mind 2009, which was provoked by an election that the people  they were unhappy with the election, they thought it was unfair. This one is a little bit different. Almost spontaneously, the number of cities that theres been a protest. At first, the suggestion was that it was as a result of an economic situation, that any sort of the economic benefits that they anticipated from the Iran deal didnt trickle down to them. Why do you think  do you think this  was this provoked by economics, or by Western influence? Why do you think the protests were sparked in the first place?

McMaster: I think whats key is to let the Iranian people speak for themselves on this. I think its dissatisfaction with this dictatorial regime. It was over economics to a certain extent, and the skyrocketing of prices, the very high rate of unemployment, especially among young Iranians. And these are people who know the great potential of their country, and theyre frustrated to not be able to take advantage of that potential. But its also been about the external behavior of the regime, and how  This is a regime that gives safe haven to al-Qaida terrorists who target Shi'ite, Christians, anybody who doesnt do  and any Muslim who doesnt adhere to their narrow and irreligious definition of Islam. And so, this is a regime that is dishonest fundamentally, and a regime that has helped drive violence and hatred across the whole region.



Q: I dont pretend to know what the solution is, its not my job. But even if it were my job, I dont know what the solution is. But if we do no more than to say Were with you, you know, with the protesters, how is the result going to be any different than 09, or even any of those other examples? I mean, arent we just going to expect that the Iranian  that it will probably be the protesters who would be put down, there would be more violence? How do we expect a different solution, if our reaction is the same?

McMaster: Well, were already doing more than that. As you know, in recent years, there was a hope  a hope that the pursuit of this nuclear deal thats fundamentally flawed would change the behavior of this regime, that it would moderate its violent behavior. And of course, that hasnt been the case at all. So, what the United States has been doing, along with allies and partners around the world, is sanctioning that violent, that maligned, Iranian behavior. And so, its important, I think, that this regime be denied the resources it needs to continue its murderous campaigns. And so, its diplomacy, but its also sanctions. And we see that actually the Iranian people are expressing their displeasure about the nature of this regime  how it treats them, but also how it treats the rest of the world.



Q: Is there  this interview is likely to be seen in Iran because of the Persian service of Voice of America. Is there a specific message that you want to get to the people of Iran? You know, that you want to tell the Iranian people what America is going to do if they do change the government?

McMaster: Well, I think the first thing to know is the American people  and this American government  has great respect for the Iranian people, the Iranian culture, their tremendous history and the tremendous potential they have. And it breaks our heart to see Iranians not be able to realize their dreams. Also, we have to recognize, though, its up to all of us across the world to confront Irans behavior that is causing so much suffering  their support for terrorist organizations and illegal militias that are perpetuating violence. And so, they have our emotional support, they have our sympathy, and were grateful, I think, to see them exercising their right to voice their displeasure with this dictatorial regime.



Q: President (Donald) Trump has said that hes not going to certify the agreement, the nuclear agreement. Whats the message to Americans, and as well to the Iranians? What can we expect on that nuclear agreement?

McMaster: Well, I think the main message is how can you trust this regime that treats its own people the way we see its treating its own people, that foments violence?

Q: So, is the agreement off? The agreements definitely to be decertified?

McMaster: Well, it might be. Well bring options to the president. The president declined to certify that the Iran nuclear deal was in the interest of the United States. And  but that doesnt mean he wouldnt continue to adhere to the agreement, in terms of extending waivers on sanctions. Hell make that decision, I think, in the next few weeks to the next month. And so, well see what the president decides, but its really hard  its really hard to trust this regime.



Q: Are the protests in any way linked to the presidents thinking on the nuclear deal?

McMaster: No, not that Ive been aware of. I mean, I dont think so. I think the world is watching very closely to see how this regime treats its own people. And I think that this Iran nuclear deal doesnt cover everything, right? It doesnt cover the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps destabilizing behavior in the region. It doesnt really fully cover their missile programs. And so, it doesnt cover their behavior and how theyre treating their own people in connection with these  in connection with these protests. And so, I think the United States, other nations, have to take action not just based on this very narrow and flawed nuclear agreement, but have to look at the broad range of Irans behavior.



Q: Theres a flawed agreement, and theres violating the agreement. And I know that the Republicans from the very beginning  or many of them  said it was a flawed agreement. What about a violation? Have the Iranians violated that agreement that the United States signed with them?

McMaster: Its really impossible to tell whether or not Iran is violating that agreement. What we have seen is them step up to the line and crossed the line on how many centrifuges that theyre spinning  how much heavy water they have in stock.

Q: Is there anything wrong with coming up to the line?



McMaster: And  no, but is the verification mechanism in place to make sure that this agreement doesnt just give this dictatorial regime cover for developing a nuclear capability that threatens the world? And so, thats what we have to be confident of, and we cant be confident of that right now because the monitoring and enforcement mechanisms are anemic  theyre not very strong. And so, those need to be strengthened. You know, there are sunset clauses to all this, and so, we have to block all paths to a nuclear weapon by this dictatorial regime, not just for the next few years, but we have to be able to do that in the long term. Because think about what happens  if Iran gets a nuclear weapon, who gets a nuclear weapon next? Is it Saudi Arabia? Is it United Arab Emirates? Think about the breakdown of the nonproliferation regime and how that places so many people at risk of the most destructive weapons on Earth.



Q: In the event that the Iranian government goes up to the line but doesnt cross it, and it is not recertified by the president, does that send a message around the world for decades about cutting a deal with the government, with the United States government? Does that indicate that we dont keep our word, recognizing that  obviously administrations change  but does that send a signal?

McMaster: I think it does send a powerful signal.

Q: Not an adverse one?

McMaster: No, its a powerful, positive signal. You know, what the adverse experience has been  or the negative experience has been  is the 1994 agreed framework with North Korea. How did that work out? It was a weak agreement that was not monitored effectively. It was not enforced. Where are we now? You know, were at the cusp of a North Korea  another rogue regime that might threaten the world with nuclear weapons. And of course, thats unacceptable now, and we cant let the situation with Iran get to that level, as well.



Q: All right. Speaking about North Korea, I think theres ample evidence that Pakistan, through A.Q. Khan, who is basically their architect of their nuclear weapons program, was very helpful to North Korea developing their program. Do you have any suspicion that Iran and North Korea have worked together, even with the development of missile technology? Anything at all?

McMaster: Yes, I mean, I think that 

Q: And are they doing it now?

McMaster: Well, Ill leave that to our intelligence professionals to answer that question. But if you look at North Koreas track record, North Korea has never met a weapon that it has not proliferated. I mean, it was building a nuclear reactor in a clandestine site in Syria, for example. North Korea is selling weapons across the world to all sorts of regimes and bad actors. And North Korea has stated that it would be willing to proliferate nuclear weapons for the right price. And so, you have a regime that could possess nuclear weapons that could engage in extortion, blackmail, and then sell those most destructive weapons on Earth to the highest bidder and anybody willing to meet their price.



Q: Well, its pretty evident that they have an aggressive program, and theyve been developing it for decades  both missile and nuclear warheads, as well. Is there  and the agreed framework, as you noted, didnt work because they cheated, and the program has gone on and on and on. Weve tried sanctions, weve engaged the world. Weve done a lot of different things to try to deter this nuclear program in North Korea. Is there anything short  do you see anything short of war at this point? And Im not saying Im advocating for war or anything against it, but what are the solutions? What are the possibilities?

McMaster: Well, the possibility is that the North Korean regime recognizes that the continued pursuit of these nuclear weapons and missiles is a dead end. And the only way to do that really, now, short of war, is through coercive economic power  power that rests mainly in the hands of China but with others, as well. And the trend has been extremely positive. The trend has been positive in that more and more countries are stopping all trade with North Korea. Vietnam, for example. The Philippines. The list really is quite a long one.



Q: But theres the illusive ... They just stopped  there were two ships with petroleum products in violation of sanctions that have been stopped in the last two weeks, so its getting in there some of it.

McMaster: Thats why everybody needs to do more. Youve seen South Korea just interdict two ships and impound two ships. And the new U.N. sanctions will allow even greater sanctions on shipping companies that allow this illicit trade to continue. But really, as everybody knows, China has the vast majority of the coercive economic power over the North, and its our hope that China will act in its interest, and we cant ask them to do more than act in their interest.



Q: The hope, but China hasnt. And the president, even long before he became president, I used to interview him when he was just a businessman in New York. He would talk about China and how they didnt deal fairly with the United States. What makes you think that China, now, is going to be  is going to change to use their economic muscle to try to get a result out of North Korea? Is it just the fear that therell be 26 million people over the borders into North Korea and that Japan and South Korea want to become nuclear powers? Is that the only thing thats going to change China?

McMaster: No. China recognizes that the situation has changed fundamentally, and China recognizes three fundamental shifts in their own thinking, and three fundamental shifts in what we all have to do together.

The first shift is that denuclearization of the peninsula is the only acceptable answer. It used to be that youd hear a lot of talk about freeze for freeze, or suspension for suspension. Theres a recognition that thats no good anymore because their programs have progressed too far.

The second thing is, China recognizes that this is a problem, really, between North Korea and the whole world, including a problem between North Korea and China. There used to be old talk about, Well, this is really a problem between the United States and North Korea. China recognizes that it is in Chinas interest to denuclearize the peninsula. And thats because of the threat of a breakdown in the nonproliferation regime. What if South Korea, what if Japan, conclude that they have to arm in similar ways to North Korea?

And the third thing is that China recognizes that it really does have the coercive economic power to resolve this situation. And itll be up to China, and if they make those decisions, as you know, the U.N. Security Council has come up with more and more restrictions on North Korea, more and more sanctions against North Korea. Those have to be rigorously enforced. But we also have to acknowledge thats not going to be enough. And I think youre right about this. I mean, North Korea, unless more pressures applied, will not conclude that its in its interest to denuclearize.



Q: I dont see North Korea because there really are two different people. Theres the leaders of North Korea, and theres the people. I dont  I cant  I dont have a crystal ball, but I dont see North Korea worried enough about  I dont see anything that makes them want to give up their nuclear weapons. I dont think theres enough care about feeding their people, about a famine or anything else.

McMaster: Well, you have different portions of the population in North Korea. Obviously, you have the elites in Pyongyang who live a very comfortable existence at the expense of the rest of the North Korean population who are part of 



Q: But theyre the ones who make the decisions.

McMaster: They are, but those are the people who have to be affected by these sanctions. These are the people who have to conclude that it is not in their interest to continue on this path. That it is a dead end for them. And of course, this regime hasnt been without dissent. I mean, this is a regime, this is a leader  Kim Jong Un  whos killed members of his own family in the most egregious ways with a bad nerve agent in a public airport in Malaysia, with anti-aircraft guns in front of their military academy in a stadium. And so 



Q: So, how do you get him to think like, OK, Ive changed my mind. I want to protect my people from war with the United States or economic sanctions from the world. And Im going to give up my nuclear weapons, when hes bragging about it?

McMaster: Well, I mean, you cant fire a missile without fuel, can you? And North Korea is wholly dependent on external sources for fuel. So, there are options available short of war if all nations conclude that its in their interest to act in a more aggressive manner, in terms of economic sanctions and to actually follow through.



Q: If we cut off visibility to launch a nuclear weapon, he doesnt have the fuel to do it. He still has all these artillery weapons on the southern part of North Korea pointed right at South Korea. How potent  or whats the strength that he has there?

McMaster: Well, of course, this is what North Korea has done, right? Over the years, it has held the South Korea population at risk. Also, its been clear since 1953 that the South  South Korea that the United States poses no threat to North Korea. Every provocation has come out of North Korea. And so, the only reason why North Korea could be pursuing this weapon is to do what? Its actually to coerce or blackmail or extort the United States to leave the peninsula and Northeast Asia. And to  what theyve been saying for years. I mean, how many times in his latest speech did Kim Jong Un use the word, unification? What kind of unification does he have in mind? He has unification under the domination of the North and its failed system. I mean, this is  So, whats important to recognize is that North Korea is pursuing this nuclear weapon, not for just defensive purposes that you hear some people argue about, but really for coercive purposes, for offensive purposes. And the world has to recognize that.



Q: You know, its interesting. I dont think  Ive been to North Korea three times. I dont have a sense  and its a random sampling, and its no way any scientific study I dont have any sense that the people of North Korea, themselves, dont think that they have the best place on earth to live, except for those who may get some sort of information from the West. But I think thats the problem, too, is that the people arent with us, you know? The people are not against their leadership, at least not right now.

McMaster: Well, its been three generations now of leadership whos systematically brainwashed their own population, who deny them access to outside information. Once information can penetrate that society, I mean, this is what he probably fears the most, right? So, theres some who argue, Well, what we really need to do is open the gates to this misunderstood regime in the North. Of course, thats one of the things that the North fears the most because it will expose all the lies. It will expose all of the hypocrisy.



Q: Which is why they prevent the information from coming in.

McMaster: Absolutely.



Q: Kim Jong Un in a recent speech talked about making a gesture to South Korea, said maybe theyll send athletes to participate in the Olympic Games, and maybe theyll have negotiations, and also threatened that he has a button. I think he says he has a button on his desk to launch a nuclear weapon against us. What are your thoughts about that, about his gesture to South Korea?

McMaster: Well, anybody who thought that that speech was reassuring was drinking too much Champagne over the holidays. And essentially, what he said is what you just summarized, that he is building a hair-trigger nuclear force that can place the world at risk. So, this is a great cause for concern. And I think the speech is pretty clear what the purpose was. It wasnt an unsophisticated approach to try to drive a wedge between South Korea and the United States. Of course, thats not going happen. His provocative actions, what hes been doing, is driving our alliances closer together.



Q: One last question on this. If the economic sanctions dont work, for whatever reason  either they do not respond to them, or China doesnt stiffen them, or the North Koreans can cheat around them  if those sanctions dont work, then what? And whats our timetable?

McMaster: Well, what we have to do is prepare for a broad range of options for the president. And those include military options, and weve made no secret about that. And well work closely with our allies as we develop and refine those options. And essentially, if we have to compel the denuclearization of North Korea without the cooperation of that regime, well bring those options and our assessment of risk and consequences to the president for a decision.



Q: Whats the range in military options? What do you see as the far end and the light end?

McMaster: Well, of course Im not going to discuss military plans. But those plans exist.



Q: Hypothetically. I know, but hypothetically, whats the 

McMaster: Im not in a hypothetical position, so I cant.



Q: OK, fair enough. All right, all right. OK. I said it was the last question, Ill make that the last question on that. All right. Let me turn now to Pakistan. And the president tweeted that the United States  this is from one of his first tweets of the new year  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! So, he has upped the pressure on Pakistan. Why? And to what end?

McMaster: Well, I think the tweet speaks for itself. I mean, the presidents frustrated, and he values what we hope would be a partnership with Pakistan. But hes frustrated at Pakistans behavior in that it continues to provide support for these groups, it goes after terrorist insurgent groups, really, very selectively, and uses others as an arm of their foreign policy. The president has great sympathy for the Pakistani people and in particular, how much theyve suffered at the hands of terrorists who have victimized so many Pakistanis with mass murders, with that horrible mass murder in a school a few years ago. I mean, so, he empathizes with the Pakistani people, and he wants to see the Pakistani government go after these groups less selectively.

This is not a blame game, as some would say. This is really our effort to communicate clearly to Pakistan that our relationship can no longer bear the weight of contradictions, and that we have to really begin now to work together to stabilize Afghanistan. And in a way, that would be a huge benefit to Pakistan, as well. Whats frustrating at times is we see Pakistan operating against the interests of its own people by going after these groups only selectively, by providing safe havens and support bases for Taliban and Haqqani network leadership that operate out of Pakistan as they perpetuate hell in portions of Pakistan and in Afghanistan.



Q: I traveled with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to Pakistan years ago when she was delivering news of an aid package  about $7 billion  a significant amount for the Pakistanis. And I remember that the Pakistanis were upset because we wanted to know how the money was going to be spent. They were very upset. So, you have that incredible sort of disconnect that did not seem to me to be outrageous that wed want to know how our money was going to be spent. On the other hand, when you dont give money to these countries, someone else steps in, so thats the risk.

McMaster: Well, I dont think  whos going to step in now, I think, and want Pakistan to continue its support for terrorist groups like the Haqqani network, for groups like the Taliban? I mean, certainly its not in Chinas interest. China has a terrorist problem on its southern border, a terrorist problem that does have connections back into Pakistan. Its not going to be any other country in the region, certainly, who will want Pakistan to continue this, really, pattern of behavior that weve seen, where it goes after these groups only selectively, while it sustains and supports others who act as an arm of its foreign policy. So, I think were confident that  I mean, Pakistan doesnt want to become a pariah state. Pakistan is a country with tremendous potential  human potential, economic potential. So, what we really would like to see is Pakistan act in its own interest and to stop going after these groups only selectively, and to stop providing safe havens and support bases and other forms of support for leadership.



Q: How do you put into the equation the fact that Pakistan is a nuclear country, and that they have also palled around, at least historically, with North Korea on nuclear weapons? Do they hold some sort of -- I dont want to use the term blackmail, its too strong  but they do have that as a lever.

McMaster: Well, I think it would just be unwise for any Pakistani leader  I cant imagine a Pakistani leader using nuclear weapons to extort or for blackmail. Thats the day when Pakistan 



Q: Thats what North Korea is doing.

McMaster: Well, I mean, does Pakistan want to become North Korea? Doesnt look too appealing a model to me. So, I think Pakistan could be on a path to increase security and prosperity, or it could be on a path to replicating North Korea. I think thats an easy choice for Pakistani leaders.



Q: You know, its obvious when you look at foreign policy, you move one little piece on this chess table, and it affects so many other parts of the world.

McMaster: None of these problems are disconnected from others. I mean, there are many connections between all these problems. Thats what weve discussed.



Q: Is there a way to describe the presidents foreign policy? Ive heard one quote where he said that, where it says, The way Trump handles foreign policy moves us out of our comfort zone, me included. First of all, what did he mean by that? And secondly, how do you describe the presidents foreign policy?

McMaster: Well, I would describe it as principled realism, and you can read more about this in the highly readable, page-turning, National Security Strategy, which is available now.



Q: Which I did read. Its a lot, too. It is quite long.

McMaster: But its clear. Its a succinct statement of his policy, his guidance to all the departments and agencies, and a clear description to our allies and partners and rivals of what we value as a nation and how we want to go about protecting and securing the vital interests of the American people, but to do so in a way that really emphasizes cooperation with others around the world.

Q: By out of the comfort zone, you werent saying that you were in any way disagreeing with the president?



McMaster: No. What the president does is, he challenges fundamental assumptions. He always says, Well, why do we have to do it this way? I mean, and so he makes a lot of our implicit assumptions explicit as we explain these to him. And I would say that hes made some very wise policy decisions across the last year and some very significant ones. And I would point to the August speech on the South Asia strategy. A very clear articulation of a winning strategy  not just for Afghanistan and Pakistan  but for the whole region, for the whole region of South Asia. The Indo-Pacific strategy, which he really laid out in terms of its security dimensions but really its economic dimensions, in two speeches  one in South Korea, and one in Danang during the APEC Summit. And of course, the Iran strategy, which is a fundamental shift from strategy in recent years and reflects a determination to confront Irans maligned behavior and to choke off the financing to this dictatorship that its using to destabilize the whole Middle East and to perpetuate violence and human suffering there.



Q: All right. (Russia President Vladimir) Putin, Russia and national security. First of all, do you believe that  you may have said this a million times, I know  that Russia interfered with our election?



McMaster: Yes, of course. The presidents been on the record on that, as well.



Q: OK. What do we do?



McMaster: Well, what we have to do is come up with a way to deal with this very sophisticated strategy, this new kind of threat that Russia has really perfected in a lot of ways, and thats the use of disinformation and propaganda and social media tools to really polarize societies and pit communities against each other. To weaken their resolve and their commitment. We cover this quite a bit in the National Security Strategy and talk about how important it is for every time we talk about what divides us as country, we have to talk about what unites us. And thats our  the common commitment to our values. We value individual rights and rule of law, and we value our democracy.



Q: Its so insidious when someone sort of creeps into your election, into the debate, or puts false information out there. I mean, it just permeates every community in the country.



McMaster: No, insidious is the right word. So, one of the most important remedies is to pull the curtain back on it to show this activity, to show what the source of this activity is, what the purpose of this activity is. And so doing, youre going to undercut a lot of their ability to exert that kind of negative influence on our society or others, you know? As you know, the Russians were very active in Europe, as well, in the French election recently, in the Spanish referendum in regards to Catalonia. You see them active in Mexico already. What they did in Montenegro and try to foment a coup, as well as this sort of sophisticated campaign. And so, pulling the curtain back on Russias destabilizing behavior, I think, is a very important first step, because once the people  once everybody sees what theyre up to, they lose a lot of their power to foment lack of confidence and to pit communities against each other.



Q: All right. I take it your counterpart in Russia denies this, denies doing this?



McMaster: Well, I think Russias moved from what you might call plausible deniability to implausible deniability. These are the same people who said, Oh no, we didnt shoot down that airliner or murder all those people. Oh no, we dont have soldiers in Crimea or in eastern Ukraine. I mean, its just not credible anymore. Were not providing cover for a Syrian regime that is committing mass murder of its own people with chemical weapons. And so, its just not credible anymore. And so, what we need to do, I think, with Russia, is confront their destabilizing behavior. As I mentioned, pull the curtain back on it.



Q: But doesnt Putin deny it?



McMaster: But we also have to deter further conflict with Russia, and what we want to do is find some areas of cooperation. What we have seen recently is, it seems as if Russia will actually act against its interest to spite the United States, the West, our European allies.



Q: Theyre saying if you dont have any self-preservation, its a terrible enemy, in some ways, our opponent.



McMaster: Well, what wed like to do is find areas where we can cooperate with Russia in areas where our interests overlap. One of those is an area weve been talking about, which is in North Korea, another is in Iran. I mean, how can it be in Russias interest to help empower Iran across the Middle East? Theyre going to pay a huge price for that.



Q: But Iran is helping in Syria, and so is Putin helping in Syria, (President Bashar al-)Assad. So, they both  they have a common goal there.



McMaster: So, every state  every Arab state certainly  should recognize what Russias been doing. And Russia should pay the price, in terms of its reputation, its access to the region, for what its doing to enable Iran and Irans very destructive activities perpetuating this fitna, or civil war, across the greater Middle East. And Russia shouldnt give cover and support to Iran so it can continue its nefarious designs across the region. I mean, not only has Iran continued to support terrorist groups like Hezbollah, all these other illegal armed groups  about 80 percent of the fighters on the side of the Assad regime in Syria are Iranian proxies and in Yemen. And what theyre doing is weaponizing these networks with long-range missiles, as well. And so again, I think pulling the curtain back on it, really asking Russia, How can this be in your interest to aid and abet this Iranian regime?



Q: I guess if I thought they responded a lot to shame. But I think the term thats been used by the Trump administration is theyre a strategic competitor. And in the past  and not just in the past year since President Trump took office  but in the years past is that Putin has gained in strength. This is not someone who seems to have been shamed away like, Oh, Im really sorry I was involved in the U.S. election, or Im ashamed. He seems to be emboldened by this.



McMaster: Well, hes also now become one of the most sanctioned countries on Earth. I mean, that cant be in Russian interest. So, I think its important for Russia to conclude that its in its interest  Russia is not going to act against its interest. We dont expect Russia to act against its interest or do the United States, or anybody else, a favor. What we want to do is to be able to find areas of cooperation, so we can help convince Russia that its in its interest to work together on some of these key priority threats to the world. I mean, how could it be in Russias interest to have the nonproliferation regime break down in Northeast Asia? To see other nations in Northeast Asia armed with nuclear weapons? Its not in Russias interest. You already see South Korea and Japan, and their alliance with us strengthened. You see South Korea and Japan arming at a breakneck pace. And so, this is not in Russias interest. And the way to resolve this is to resolve this problem with North Korea and really allow Northeast Asia to enjoy a new era of prosperity. Can you imagine without that threat from North Korea, how Russia, China  everyone  would benefit from that?



Q: What surprises you most about the job before you took it and now that youve been in the seat?



McMaster: Well, what surprised me the most is the high-quality people I get to work with. I mean, these extremely dedicated civil servants and officers from across our government on this National Security Council are tremendous. It is a great privilege to work with them. And then, I guess what surprised me, as well, is the degree to which we are working together based on our common interest with so many nations around the world. I mean, we have great relationships with our counterparts between National Security Councils, National Security Advisers. Its maybe part support group, but its also a group of like-minded nations. Theyre trying to advance and protect the interest of our citizens. And we have some  as you were talking about, a lot of problems that were working on, but were also working on opportunities  opportunities to increase the security and prosperity of all our peoples and of the world.



Van Susteren: General, thank you very much, and good luck. Well be watching, and I hope you come back.

McMaster: Thanks, Greta. Its was a pleasure to be with you. Thank you so much.
Questions about U.S. President Donald Trumps latest tweets about North Korea appear to be exposing some possible rifts between the White House and the U.S. intelligence community over how best to read North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders Wednesday suggested the North Korean leader was mentally unstable when asked about the most recent tweet, despite previous, public assessments from Central Intelligence Agency officials that for all the dangers, Kim is a very rational actor.

The president and the people of this country should be concerned about the mental fitness of the leader of North Korea, Sanders said. Hes made repeated threats. Hes tested missiles time and time again for years.

It is not the first time the U.S. president has disparaged Kim.

In the past, Trump has also referred to Kim Jong Un as Little Rocket Man, and in one tweet said he was obviously a madman.

CIA: Kim not crazy

Those assessments from the White House, though, seem to stand in contrast to what CIA officials have been saying for months, arguing that while the threat from North Korea is grave, Kim Jong Un is not crazy.

Instead, they have said the North Korean leader displays clarity of purpose even as he antagonizes and provokes on the world stage.

Kim Jong Un is a very rational actor, Yong Suk Lee, deputy assistant director of the CIAs Korea Mission Center, said at an agency-sponsored event this past October.

Bluster and rhetoric aside, Kim Jong Un has no desire to go toe to toe with [U.S. and South Koreas] combined forces command, Lee said. Kim Jong Un wants what all authoritarian rulers want ... to rule for a long time and die peacefully in his own bed.

Pyongyangs goal, according to Lee and other intelligence officials, is to gain recognition as a major nuclear power and eventually negotiate a deal with the United States that sees American forces leave the Korean Peninsula.

Other U.S. intelligence agencies have been in agreement.

We have long assessed that Pyongyangs nuclear capabilities are intended for deterrence, international prestige, and coercive diplomacy, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence wrote in its 2017 World Wide Threat Assessment, issued this past May.

Limits to rationality?

Asked about the apparent differences in the White House and CIA assessments of the North Korean leaders rationality, a U.S. intelligence official said, there is no daylight between the idea that Kim is someone who acts with clear goals of self-preservation and the fact that he uses brutal and abnormal methods to achieve these goals.

To some, testing nuclear weapons while your people are starving is not rational, the official added. But when you believe those weapons are critical to your survival, it is not so irrational.

There are also concerns that Kims ability to think and act rationally is limited.

We dont think he has an understanding about how tenuous his position is, CIA Director Mike Pompeo said at the Reagan National Defense Forum in California last month, suggesting, Those around him are not feeding him the truth about the place he finds himself and how precarious his position is in the world today.

Questions to the National Security Council about differences between the White House and the intelligence community went unanswered.But on Tuesday, U.S. National Security Adviser, Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, offered little hope that Kim Jong Un and North Korea would be willing to negotiate away its nuclear weapons program.

The only way to do that really now short of war is through coercive economic power, McMaster told VOA.

Whats important to recognize is that North Korea is pursuing this nuclear weapon, not for just defensive purposes that you hear some people argue about, but really for coercive purposes, for offensive purposes, and the world has to recognize that, he added.
A court in Zimbabwe set aside charges against a U.S. citizen accusing her of subversion and undermining the authority of former President Robert Mugabe. The court acted after prosecutors failed to provide her a trial date.

"No comment right now, guys. Thank you." That is all Martha O'Donovan said to reporters outside Harare Magistrates Court on Thursday. Just a bit earlier, Magistrate Rumbidzai Mugwagwa said had to the U.S. citizen "further remand is denied. The state can follow by way of summons."



She was arrested in early November last year on charges of subversion and undermining the authority of now ousted President Robert Mugabe after allegedly tweeting that the 93-year-old was a "a selfish and sick man."



She denied both charges.



She spent a week at Zimbabwe's maximum security prison before being released on $1,000 bail.



Obey Shava from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights is representing the 25-year-old American and spoke to reporters after the court ruling Thursday.

"In the first place, there was no case. So something which the state called a case has crumbled today and we are quite glad that the court honored its promise; it removed our client from remand and we are happy because of that outcome," said Shava.



When O'Donovan last appeared in court in December the judge promised to remove her from the court roll unless she was furnished with a trial date which prosecutors did not do Thursday.



However, under Zimbabwean laws, the state can summon her to court should it come up with a date for trial, but all her bail conditions have been removed.



O'Donovan works for Magamba TV, a small company that produces what it calls political satire and comedy programming.



Just a few weeks after she was arrested, the military took control of the government, leading Mugabe to resign. His former vice president, Emmerson Mnangagwa replaced him as president.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that any legislation that gives immigrants who entered the U.S. illegally as children the opportunity to become citizens must include funding for a border wall while ending the practice known as chain migration and the visa lottery program.

In September, Trump rescinded the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, which was instituted by former President Barack Obama. It protected nearly 800,000 immigrants from deportation, allowing them to legally live and work in the United States.

Trump gave Congress until March 5 to agree on legislation that would provide equivalent protections to those offered under DACA.

At a White House meeting on immigration with Republican senators, Trump said, "Our current immigration systems fails Americans," and he cited chain migration as an example. Chain migration is a community- or extended-family-based process by which immigrants from a particular area follow others from that area to specific U.S. cities or neighborhoods.

"Chain migration is a total disaster which threatens our security and our economy and provides a gateway for terrorism," Trump told the senators.

Trump also called for an end to the visa lottery program, which accepts applicants who have passed background checks and who have the equivalent of a high school education or experience in a job that requires a minimum of two years of training. Trump said the visa lottery "is bad for our economy and very bad for security."

'We're going to have a wall'

The president also said immigration reform would not be possible without more border security. "We need a physical border wall. We're going to have a wall, remember that, We're going to have a wall to keep out deadly drug dealers, dangerous traffickers and violent criminal cartels."

Trump expressed hope that his proposals would have the support of Democrats, who are struggling to agree on a unified immigration strategy. Democrats demanded, but were denied, a vote last month on a measure that would allow an estimated 1.2 million immigrants to remain legally in the U.S.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee-Sanders told reporters Thursday that Trump would meet with a bipartisan group of lawmakers next week to discuss "next steps on responsible immigration reform."

Liberal groups want Democratic lawmakers to find a way to force immigrant protections into a government spending bill that must be approved by January 19, even if it results in a government shutdown.

Democratic lawmakers who support the protection of DACA beneficiaries enjoy broad public support. An NBC/Wall Street Journal poll released December 19 found that 62 percent of those surveyed said Congress should approve protections for DACA immigrants, while 19 percent said Congress should allow DACA to lapse.
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American Martha O'Donovan left a Harare court looking happy Thursday, after a magistrate ordered her release from remand. The New Jersey born U.S. citizen was arrested in November following some tweets she sent out that insulted former President Robert Mugabe.
Rome's Palatine monuments floodlit after 13 years in the dark.

The archaeological monuments on Rome's Palatine hill are now illuminated at night, after 13 years of darkness, thanks to a new permanent lighting system.

The Palatine monuments are also floodlit internally but the illumination is most impressive on the exterior facing the Circus Maximus.

The new lighting system is the result of an initiative by the city and ACEA, the municipal authority in charge of supplying Rome with electricity and water.
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A showdown in Washington over government spending kicked off Wednesday with a high-level gathering between congressional leaders and the White House that previewed the broader fight likely to consume Washington for much of January. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight The meeting between the four highest-ranking members of Congress and White House budget director Mick Mulvaney marked the initial round in an effort by Democrats and Republicans to make sure their top priorities are funded.

Multiple lawmakers characterized Wednesday's hour-long meeting in the office of House Speaker Paul D. Ryan as a positive start to negotiations, while noting the parties still have disagreements on major issues.

Emboldened by the passage of a landmark tax law, Republicans and the White House are demanding a bump in military spending and funding for President Trump's promised wall on the Mexican border. Democrats  empowered because the GOP needs them to pass any spending bill  want protections for undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children and to keep funding in place for social programs.

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Unlike the tax law, which was designed to pass with a simple majority, the spending bill requires 60 votes in the Senate, meaning the GOP would need at least nine Democrats. But after a year of partisan acrimony and a tax bill that did not garner a single Democratic vote, negotiators on both sides face challenges to reach a bipartisan accord.

If Congress can't strike a deal before Jan. 19, the government would shut down, discontinuing all services not deemed essential, freezing research initiatives, closing National Park facilities and sending home nearly half of the massive federal workforce.

Lawmakers on Wednesday expressed optimism about the start of negotiations. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.), the chamber's second-ranking Republican, said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) described the earlier bipartisan leadership meeting as "surprisingly good."

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Cornyn is involved in the immigration negotiations and said he and other Republicans on the Judiciary Committee are meeting with Trump on Thursday to discuss the issue.

"As soon as the president will tell us, 'Okay this is something I can support,' then that gives us I think a lot of room to go talk to Democrats and say, 'Okay this is what our parameters are,'" Cornyn said.

Congress has cobbled together six short-term spending deals since Trump took office, staving off a shutdown and forestalling decisions on the larger budget and immigration questions. This time around, however, both parties face pressure to score policy concessions before agreeing to a funding extension.

The biggest push from Democrats, though, is a demand that the spending bill address the status of hundreds of thousands of young immigrants brought illegally to the country as children.

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These immigrants were granted temporary protections under the Obama administration, but Trump has said he will end the program in March if Congress doesn't come up with a solution first.

GOP leaders want talks about the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, to proceed separately from the spending talks. Democrats insist all the issues must be dealt with together, as the spending bill represents a rare moment of leverage for a party in the minority in both the House and Senate.

"I don't doubt we can reach an agreement on DACA that's acceptable to both sides," Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Wednesday.

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Wednesday the White House was open to reaching a DACA deal this month if Democrats agreed to fund construction of a wall along the Mexico border, end a visa-lottery system and terminate a program that allows family-based immigration.

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Democrats do not appear willing to do any of those things. Schumer said Democrats would approve more money for "border security" but called construction of a wall "absurdly expensive" and "ineffective."

Trump has threatened to veto spending bills if they failed to include some funding to begin construction of a border wall. And Republicans also face pressure to secure new funding for the military  GOP leaders want to bump up the military budget by roughly 10 percent.

"It also remains important that members of Congress do not hold funding for our troops hostage for immigration policy," Republican leaders said in a joint statement from the White House and the offices of Ryan and McConnell. "We've been clear about these budget priorities from the beginning and hope that further discussions will lead to an agreement soon."

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Lawmakers are also working on disaster relief for areas ravaged by hurricanes last year. The House passed an $81 billion funding bill in December, but the Senate didn't act on it. Instead, it punted that issue onto the pile of other urgent matters now confronting Congress.

"We keep getting the can kicked down the road. We need to get that addressed, and so that's why I'm still hoping for January 19, but obviously there are a lot of moving parts," said Cornyn, who is also involved in the disaster relief negotiations.

Democrats want any increase in military funding to be matched with more money for other domestic programs, such as housing and education. And they are calling for more spending to combat the opioid crisis, veteran programs, and to shore up pension funds.

Congressional aides from both parties say political dynamics have changed since the tax law passed in December and it is unclear how either the White House or Democrats will handle the current negotiations.

Still, despite failing to stop the tax law, Democrats say they are better positioned to thwart Trump's agenda and are emboldened after picking up a Senate seat in Alabama. Sen. Doug Jones (D) was sworn in Wednesday after an upset of Republican Roy Moore in December.

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In 1893 the young John Galsworthy booked passage on the clipper Torrens, then sailing from the South Seas to England. During this voyage the future author of "The Forsyte Saga" happened to become friendly with the ship's first mate. In a letter home he described this "capital chap" of Polish origin  as "a man of travel and experience in many parts of the world," with "a fund of yarns." Seven years after their shipboard conversations, Joseph Conrad  who else could it have been?  would dedicate his most famous novel, "Lord Jim," to Galsworthy. In 1932 Galsworthy would be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature; Conrad, of course, is now universally regarded as one of the greatest novelists of all time.

Both these writers counted themselves proteges of Edward Garnett (1868-1937), the subject of Helen Smith's prizeworthy literary biography, "An Uncommon Reader." No ordinary acquisitions editor or publisher's reader, Garnett devoted his life to fostering, with tough love, the work of many young, and now famous, authors. Besides Galsworthy and Conrad, who became his close friends, he championed Stephen Crane, helped D.H. Lawrence reconfigure "Sons and Lovers," urged T.E. Lawrence to publish "Seven Pillars of Wisdom," lent moral and financial support to Edward Thomas  "the finest poet of his generation"  and produced the first major essay on Thomas's American friend Robert Frost. Like Scribner's Max Perkins, Garnett was, in all senses of the phrase, an editor of genius.

But that name, Garnett, doesn't it ring a bell? Possibly more than one. Edward's wife, Constance, is still rightly honored as the pioneering translator of Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Turgenev and Chekhov. His father, Richard, was not just the Keeper of Printed Books at the British Museum, but also the author of that minor masterpiece "The Twilight of the Gods," a collection of learnedly witty fantasies in the style of Voltaire or Anatole France. (It's one of my favorite books.) Smith also regularly quotes from "The Golden Echo" and "The Flowers of the Forest," two exceptional memoirs by Edward and Constance's son, David, best known for that amusing, yet unsettling 1922 jeu d'esprit "Lady Into Fox," in which the protagonist's wife literally becomes a vixen, with all the impulses of a wild animal.

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Oddly enough, given the fantastic imaginations of his father and his son, Edward Garnett was staunchly, even narrowly, realistic in his approach to fiction: Literature, he felt, should focus on and reveal life as it is. Consequently, he turned down the chance to publish H.G. Wells's "The Time Machine" and would doubtless be surprised that his author May Sinclair is now mainly remembered for her uncanny stories, such as the harrowing "Where Their Fire Is Not Quenched."

Halfway through "An Uncommon Reader," Smith sums up what Garnett looked for in serious literary fiction: "The ability to suggest the intangible from the palpable, a willingness to shake the reader out of his or her settled perceptions, and the facility to make a small, apparently insignificant detail reveal the depths of a situation." She adds that he especially valued " 'veracity,' originality and an unflinching readiness to show people what they are." In particular, Garnett thoroughly scorned "commercialism, the insularity of the English, their demand that literature should merely endorse prevailing social norms and conformities, the expectation of 'healthy optimism' and a happy ending." A true artist, Garnett proclaimed, should "never give the public what it wants." Needless to say, his authors seldom earned out their advances.

In structure, "An Uncommon Reader" might be likened to a portrait gallery. As the book progresses, Smith  who teaches literature at Britain's University of East Anglia  introduces us to Garnett's various "discoveries" and literary confidants. Alas, too few readers these days will be able to identify W.H. Hudson ("Green Mansions"), R.B. Cunninghame Graham ("Mogreb-el-Acksa: A Journey in Morocco"), or Liam O'Flaherty ("The Informer"). In general, Garnett worked closely with his writers on their early books, but would gradually lose interest once their careers were successfully launched. Or might it be that his disciples felt that they needed to escape his somewhat restrictive view of what and how they should write? When breaking with her "literary godfather," the Scottish novelist Naomi Mitchison declared, "I must finally go my own way." Nonetheless, Garnett's stable of authors could always count on his unfailing moral support and would deeply revere his memory, even if most of them produced their greatest works without his help.

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As Smith writes, Garnett's general advice to aspiring novelists was always to be wary of anything flowery: "Don't overwrite, avoid laboured metaphors and too many adjectives, make sure dialogue sounds ordinary and natural, condense and cut." Good advice, yet some radically innovative works, such as James Joyce's "Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" and Henry Green's "Living," ignored it: As a result, Garnett turned down both these books, disliking their stylistic peculiarities (Green's sentences, for instance, avoid using the word "the"). Instead he regularly urged learning from the great Russians that Constance was busily translating, especially the more polished and Europeanized Turgenev.

While periodically strapped for cash, Edward Garnett never seems to have lacked for anything. He traveled widely in England and Europe, set up  without any fuss from Constance  a separate household with his mistress Nellie Heath and resolutely refused all honors from universities and the government. He also wrote some lackluster plays, but mainly supplemented his income through literary journalism, being properly enthusiastic about Arnold Bennett and the young E.M. Forster.

Though "An Uncommon Reader" is Helen Smith's first book, one would never know it: She delivers uncommonly good reading, and anyone interested in Edwardian fiction, the history of publishing or literary biography will find it a treat.

Michael Dirda reviews books every Thursday for The Washington Post.

By Helen Smith

Farrar Straus Giroux. 440 pp. $35

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The new Showtime drama "The Chi" begins with a body  a young black man gunned down outside a stash house on Chicago's South Side. It's not an unexpected image for anyone even casually acquainted with the gun violence that plagues that city. On the national scene, Chicago has emerged as a popular political talking point, often as a cudgel against liberals who push gun control as a solution to the country's mass shootings. If strict gun-control laws have done nothing to reduce the homicide rate in a major city, the argument goes, what can they do to stop the next Orlando or Las Vegas or Sutherland Springs?

Yet "The Chi" isn't interested in that argument, however much the show implies that Chicago's homicide rate is a deeper, more intractable problem than media caricature suggests. It's interested in the body. And the victim's family, which lost a son and a brother and a cousin. And the bystanders who happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. And the community that has to absorb the grief of another life cut short and the likelihood of retribution exacerbating the tragedy. The entire series radiates outward from a single loss, like the tremors and aftershocks of an earthquake.

For "Chi" creator Lena Waithe, a writer and actress who won an Emmy last year for co-writing the "Thanksgiving" episode of Netflix's "Master of None," the idea for the show came from watching a news report on violence in her native city. Waithe spent her early childhood in the South Side neighborhood of Chatham  also home to Chance the Rapper, she notes  and felt she understood the people being interviewed. But something was missing.

"Since I grew up here, I think there's an instinctive knowing of the people and a desire to tell their story," Waithe says in an interview at Chicago's Langham Hotel, shortly before a screening of the "Chi" pilot for a South Side audience. "The community gets the blame for a lot of issues in the city, but the truth is, some of these things are built in.

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"That's the thing I wanted to show  how people walk through the city, how they find joy, how they relate to each other. I think that's the thing that people often don't see or don't understand unless you're from here."

The death that opens the series leads to more violence, starting with the victim's father (played by Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine), who seeks justice by his own hand. All the characters are entangled by the incident in one way or another, but Waithe and show runner Elwood Reid (" The Bridge ") and their writing team aim to paint a fuller picture. Other story lines include a culinary prodigy (Jason Mitchell of "Mudbound") working his way up the line at an upscale restaurant, a carefree ladies man (Jacob Latimore) who has fatherhood thrust upon him, and a sensitive kid named Kevin (Alex Hibbert).

It was this element of the show, as much as any, that spoke to fellow South Side native Common, the hip-hop superstar, actor and activist who executive-produces the show through his company, Freedom Road Productions. Common and Waithe didn't know each other before he got his hands on the script, but he offered his support immediately. Settling in next to Waithe, Common says he recognized in characters such as Kevin a piece of his own turbulent upbringing, when he had to reconcile his proximity to violence with the more ordinary business of growing up.

"Kevin witnesses a murder, but the next day he's at school, still trying to be part of a play and get with a girl," he says. "I talk to young people whose friends got killed or brother got killed or cousin got killed, but they're still out there making it and finding fun in certain things. A darkness surrounds them, but there's a light, too."

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Finding a balance between the violence gripping these families and the rhythms of everyday life is an ongoing challenge for the show, but Waithe is careful not to gloss over the long-term ache of personal loss.

"It never goes away," she says. "The thing about television is that you kill a character and the next episode everything's fine. We want to show what grief looks like and the lasting effect it has on families."

As for the pervasiveness of gun culture in Chicago, Waithe offers the show as a corrective to what she calls "the false assumption that it's a bunch of dumb black males playing cowboys and Indians." She says there's a psychological component to consider beyond mere recklessness.

"I believe nothing can make a person feel more alive than having a deadly weapon in their hand," she says. "I think it's because they don't feel powerful. They don't feel human. A gun gives you the ability to end a person's life. What's more powerful than that? To me, it's equivalent to a black man in the civil rights movement holding up a sign that says, 'I am a man.' He feels validated."

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Common adds: "What people get wrong about guns is thinking it's a way of life and that people want to live that way. But at a certain point, it becomes part of the culture, part of survival, and, as Lena said, some people put value in themselves because they've got a gun. Sometimes it's just the only way they know how to react."

Common turns to his own story as proof that children can find their way through if they're given better options.

"I was around [violence], but I had something else in my mind that I wanted to achieve and be," he says. "If a kid sees that, if a kid has something positive to look for and value within themselves, I guarantee you the majority of the time, they're going to go the right way. The hope is missing, so the guns are there."

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A good takeout restaurant offers more than a warm meal. It comes to the rescue on nights when cooking or eating out feels too tiresome  especially when the temperature is frigid, and dinner must be had in pajamas. Maybe it's the mom-and-pop shop doling out cheesy pupusas around the corner, or the pizza spot that is absolutely worth driving to. Whatever it is, there's something comforting about a to-go place that's reliable and unfussy in its own special way. Here, we share our favorites.



Indigo

The secret is out about Indigo, which means that the tiny bungalow of a restaurant is usually uncomfortably cramped with bodies clambering for Indian classics done right. That's why I prefer to get my order to-go rather than vying for a seat. Although Indigo offers delivery through such apps as UberEats, picking up in person means I can shamelessly load up on gratis chutneys at the sauce bar. I was heartbroken to learn that plans for a second (closer-to-me) location in Brookland fell through this year, but I'm still happy to make the trek out to Northeast  the food is so filling, one order typically yields two days' worth of meals.

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My go-to order: The butter chicken ($12) may seem like an obvious choice, but Indigo's sauce is perfectly sumptuous without being oily, coating the tender chicken with a velvety blanket of ginger, garlic and cream.  Holley Simmons

243 K St. NE. 202-544-4777.

Ercilia's

When my husband and I were deciding where to live in the District, proximity to abundant takeout was a heavily weighted factor. It's no surprise we landed in Mount Pleasant, with its wealth of Thai, Lao, Peruvian, Vietnamese, Cuban, Mexican, Ethiopian and Salvadoran joints within a radius of a few blocks. But it's the latter that the neighborhood is most known for: There are several pupuserias on Mount Pleasant Street NW alone, and neighbors all have strong opinions about which one is best. For us, it's Ercilia's, the straightforward Salvadoran takeout spot at the corner of Mount Pleasant and Irving streets. The biggest perk? The food's still warm by the time we make it home and fire up our latest Netflix binge-watch.

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My go-to order: The pupusas are made to order with a zippy curtido. Add plantains or an order of crispy fried pork and yuca to a trio, and you'll have dinner for two that costs about $10.  Maura Judkis

3070 Mount Pleasant St. NW. 202-387-0909.

The nearly ubiquitous line at the counter  and in good weather, out the door  of pitmaster Rob Sonderman's Adams Morgan barbecue joint is kept moving with military precision, and a smile, by a staffer who circulates around the small dining room passing out paper menus. Carryout regulars like me know to check the list of rotating specials, as well as the updated tally of what's already run out that day, handwritten on a sheet of butcher paper by the register. That's your most important tip: If you want to make sure there are still pork spareribs or chicken on hand, get here early. Like all good things, the perfectly seasoned and smoked meats coming out of Sonderman's gas-enhanced, wood-burning chamber of mysteries don't last forever.

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My go-to order: The Texas Ranger ($12.50), a generous sandwich of sliced brisket and fried onions on Texas toast, and a side of crispy Brussels sprouts.  Michael O'Sullivan

1654 Columbia Rd. NW.

Everyone loves to feel like a rock star, rolling up to a hot nightclub and walking in while the crowds in line look on, wishing they could be so cool. In D.C., the takeout equivalent of that experience is at Toki Underground. Almost seven years after the tiny ramen joint opened on H Street NE, customers are still willing to wait an hour or more for seats at peak times. The faster  and easier  way to get your fix is to call ahead and place a to-go order. While others are cooling their heels, your food will be ready in about 20 minutes. Pro tip: If you can't wait to dive in, grab a bar stool downstairs at the Pug and enjoy the ramen with a cold beer.

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My go-to order: The hot, funky kimchi ramen ($15) ordered "kaedama" (with extra noodles) and with a blast of Toki Endorphin Sauce, which melds with the ramen's kick of pickled ginger.  Fritz Hahn

1234 H St. NE. 202-388-3086.

The term "Habesha" is an umbrella, a way to describe the various ethnic groups hailing from the northeast corner of Africa. Here in Washington, however, it's an insider's phrase, a badge of pride and kinship among Ethiopians and Eritreans. There is no better name for Shaw's forever-busy carryout Habesha, which seems to double as both restaurant and community center for the city's East Africans. Inevitably in line at the counter are cabdrivers, couples and young, second-generation Ethiopians with ombre hair (and, yes, a few culinary tourists, too). It's where I go when I want to be where the action is, at least while I wait the few minutes for food to emerge from the open kitchen. The market, thankfully, keeps late hours and buzzes with energy from morning late into the night.

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My go-to order: The deluxe veggie combo is delivered in a heaving tinfoil baking dish packed to the brim with two chickpea-based shiros, potatoes swimming in berbere spice, collard greens and tomato salad, plus a sack of pillowy injera. It's just $13.95 and can feed three.  Lavanya Ramanathan

1919 Ninth St. NW. 202-232-1919.

14th Street Cafe Asian Bistro

There's nothing Parisian or Bohemian about this place, but its bistro designation holds up when you consider the quality of the ingredients and the mastery of the wok-wielding cooks. Vegetables retain their crunch and color. Stir-fried meats are charred and tender, never tough and chewy. The food  mostly Chinese-American classics such as beef with broccoli and sweet-and-sour chicken  is always piping-hot. Before it opened two years ago, my wife and I were constantly experimenting with Chinese takeout spots near Logan Circle. Now the search has ended. We place an order, which never takes more than 20 minutes, about every other week.

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My go-to order: The Sichuan beef noodle stew ($10.95) is my favorite. The noodles are packaged separately, so you can control how many you add to the savory, crimson-colored beef broth spiked with chile oil.  Gabe Hiatt

1416 14th St. NW. 202-588-0695.

Just Jerk

Founded by a pair of reggae musicians who traded in their rock-steady beats for a charcoal grill, Just Jerk serves up a different slice of Jamaican life: wood-smoked chicken rubbed with a lusty blend of herbs and spices, a mixture better known on the island as jerk seasoning. Most D.C. jerk shops bake their birds in the oven. Just Jerk smokes its chickens over lump charcoal, adding a layer of flavor to dark meat already pulsating with allspice and Scotch bonnet peppers. The only thing better than this bird may be the accompanying rice and beans, which lounge at the bottom of a flimsy foil take-away container packed tight with food. The rice and beans absorb every last drop of the fragrant juices that manage to escape the chicken.

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My go-to order: Jerk chicken platter, dark meat (small for $9.25, large for $12.50.)  Tim Carman

9005 Lanham Severn Rd., Lanham. 301-459-5375.

Some food writers have 9-year-olds who eat anything. Where to go when your kid eats pizza but inherited an insistence on quality? Pete's Apizza may not be as sexy as, say, a ramen shop, but as a former New Yorker, it's become the go-to pizza joint for me and my son. It's my Platonic ideal of a neighborhood pizza place, serving pies available by the slice with a thin and blistered crust and a brush of bitingly tangy, fresh sauce. Bonus points for bold and flavorful salads and antipasti, locally sourced ingredients and house-made gelati.

My go-to order: The spicy Staven pie ($9-$26) with pepperoni, hot sausage, roasted garlic, caramelized onions and hot cherry peppers is my favorite. Even if you love cheese, try a loaded pie without  you'll be amazed.  Mary Beth Albright

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Various locations.

Growing up in the middle of Nowhere, Texas, I lived too far for even the local pizza chain to show up at our doorstep. Takeout wasn't much of an option, either. Moving to the U Street Corridor was an embarrassment of riches, and my constant companion has become DC Noodles  a carryout spot with a predominantly Thai menu that I call upon, sometimes twice a week. The wide range of offerings means it can please most palates, but it also has some interesting gems. Best of all, when I call ahead, the food's always ready by the time I arrive.

My go-to order: The drunken noodles ($13-$16) ordered with chicken, and which come with still-crunchy green beans, bell peppers and onions. Other standbys are the green curry noodles ($15-$16) and the stir-fry beef ragu ($16).  Savannah Stephens

1412 U St. NW. 202-232-8424.

The day after we moved to Brightwood Park, my husband and I stumbled upon Sunrise Caribbean, a cheery little spot tucked away on upper Georgia Avenue NW. What brought us back the very next day (and several times since) is the food from chef and co-owner Alisa Plaza. The menu features specialties of Trinidad and Tobago, plus Plaza's vegan takes on those classics. Sunrise has its devoted followers  you might find several dishes sold out on any given day  but ask what else you should try, then take comfort from whatever's dished up. Before you leave, be sure to grab a few bottles of the unlabeled house-made drinks from the refrigerator case. The red sorrel ($3) and cloudy yellow ginger beer ($4) are crowd-pleasers, but my favorite is the bracingly bitter mauby ($3). Once home, we usually spike them with a little rum  you know, for extra warmth.

My go-to order: The brown-stew chicken ($9) and curry goat ($13) with sides of rice and beans, mac-and-cheese, collard greens and cabbage.  Kara Elder

5329 Georgia Ave. NW. 202-291-2949.

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Brenda Stewart is struggling to come up with an inviting and cohesive design plan for the 14-by-16-foot living-dining area of her Owings Mills, Md., townhouse. The open space gets lots of natural light, but Stewart needs help selecting stylish furniture and placing it strategically to make the most of the small space. She prefers light, soothing colors such as gray and blue and a transitional, modern or Swedish style.

Designer Carrie Miller suggests swapping the living- and dining-focused portions of the room to open up the design and create smoother transitions between areas. The reorientation allows the spaces for dining, lounging, watching TV and entertaining to function independently but also work together as a unit.

Drapery panels soften the room and highlight the bay window. Add a bright, modern touch with a light, sleek, tulip-style dining table. The new dining chairs are functional but also bring color and sculptural interest to the space. Place the dining table and chairs by the bay window to make better use of the window seat. Dining chairs can be turned to face the sectional when additional seating is needed. Besides allowing the homeowner to put her feet up, a pair of leather ottomans act as tables or an alternative seating option. Moving the sofa to the opposite wall creates space for a sectional and orients the sofa in a way that makes the room feel inviting when people enter. Brighten and open up the space with wallpaper or paint. Try a soft gray with blue undertones, such as Gray Sky by Benjamin Moore.
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For our Reflection Issue, we gathered newsmakers who took part in seminal moments in Washington to revisit those events from the perspective of today. Almost all of the people who sat down with us were involved in pivotal elections or high-stakes congressional hearings. But we all need a break from politics sometimes. Since many of the political events discussed in the issue took place in the '90s, we made a detour into D.C.'s thriving indie rock scene at the time. Chris Richards, The Washington Post's pop music critic, chatted with one of that era's most beloved local acts, the now-defunct trio Unrest.

Ever listen to Unrest? Back in the early '90s, they were indie rock's most indomitable pinball  a band perpetually bouncing between weirdo love songs and lovely weirdo songs, delivering a gust of fresh air to the American underground. But to founder Mark Robinson, "It seemed like nothing was going on. Like nobody was paying attention."

Therein lies the unhappy truth about any rock band ahead of its time  the time itself wasn't nearly as fun as the music. And Unrest's music still sounds like a blast. Alongside bassist Bridget Cross and drummer Phil Krauth, Robinson, the trio's guitarist, wrote skittish ditties about tentative first smooches ("Make Out Club"), high-speed odes to unsung punk heroes ("Cath Carroll"), and plenty of awkward songs about sex that, among other things, did justice to the awkwardness of sex. This was a band that could cover Kiss or the Rutles without winking or blinking  which is all to say that Unrest took its absurdity quite seriously, whipping its freakiest influences and wildest impulses into a frothy anti-style. If you could get on that wavelength, the music sounded like pure freedom. If you couldn't, it sounded like an identity crisis.

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"But what's wrong with an identity crisis?" asks Cross. "I think we probably were in an identity crisis at that age."

Unrest split up more than two decades ago, but I sat down with its members at our offices in October to reflect on the band's atypical rise and precipitous fall. Robinson and Krauth formed the band in Arlington, Va., way back in 1983 when they were still teens, and once Cross came aboard in 1990, the band recorded its two most prismatic records: 1992's "Imperial f.f.r.r." (for Robinson's esteemed indie-pop label, Teen-Beat), and 1993's "Perfect Teeth" (for the big-deal British label 4AD).

"In Unrest, you could go in any direction you wanted to," Krauth says. "There was no style or image to uphold. If I wanted to play a swing beat  which would be something totally uncool to do at CBGB's  I could do that. ... So it was always invigorating because we never knew what we were going to be doing next."

The band's anything-goes approach to writing songs ran parallel to its everything-goes approach to listening in general. Robinson, Cross and Krauth loved switching one another on to stray strands of pop  the left-field funk of ESG, the ballads of Burt Bacharach, random novelty recordings, whatever. The more disparate the better. "Phil and Bridget were always listening to the cool new bands," Robinson says. "Where I would, like, bring tapes of Paul Williams into the van. And they'd bring Stereolab's first album."

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"And then we turned into Paul Williams fans," Krauth says.

Whatever allowed the members of Unrest to be curious around one another was the same thing that allowed them to be earnest, vulnerable and ridiculous together. The band also rehearsed doggedly, playing certain songs on a loop for 30 minutes at a time. This might explain why, despite all of the band's aesthetic zigzags, everything always sounded so bright, clear, fine and tight.

But many critics didn't know what to make of them. "Reviewers tore us apart," Krauth says. "They'd say how this band was all over the place and nonsensical."

In 1992, veteran rock critic Robert Christgau wrote that "Imperial f.f.r.r." embodied the worst practices of indie rock's golden age: "Cool people whose hobby is inept bands seem to think these whatchamacallems apotheosize self-consciously amateurish charm. If you're among them, call me when you get a life."

But bad reviews didn't kill the band. The road did. With one foot still planted in DIY indie culture, Unrest struggled to acquiesce to the demands of the '90s alterna-rock hype machine that followed the success of Nirvana. And no matter how devout the band's underground following became, it never felt big enough to qualify as a proper cult. "It really did become a job," Cross says. "Show up at this place and talk to these people who don't know who you are and don't care. It was exhausting, doing all of these interviews with people who didn't really like us."

After one particularly grueling road trip, Robinson decided that he wanted to quit the band, then promptly called Cross and Krauth on the phone to inform them that Unrest was kaput. "It's too bad," Robinson says of his hasty decision. "I think, retrospectively, I shouldn't have done that."

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There wasn't much of a mourning period. Robinson, Cross and Krauth quickly went on to play in other groups, and in the years that followed, the three spread out across the country. Today Robinson lives in Massachusetts, where he works as a designer. Cross is finishing a graduate degree in Alaska  she's studying to become a psychotherapist. Krauth teaches high school English in Northern Virginia. And while Unrest has done two reunions over the years  one in 2005 and another in 2010, both to relatively elated response  the trio has no plans to re-form again.

One reason is geography. "Alaska is far away," Robinson says. Another has to do with honoring the time they spent together turning their youthful confusion into music. "What we did together will always be ours," Cross says. "And it will always have its own way of being that's irreplaceable."

Chris Richards is The Post's pop music critic.

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This piece is part of our Jan. 7, 2018, Reflection Issue, in which we take a step back from the daily onslaught of news and controversy and try to get some perspective by reexamining the past. We gathered newsmakers who took part in pivotal Washington events over the past 30 years and asked them to talk about those experiences and possibly unearth new lessons and new ways of looking at the present. As part of this exercise, we sat down with former Vermont governor Howard Dean, political consultant Joe Trippi and blogger Markos Moulitsas to revisit what many consider the first Internet campaign: Dean's 2004 presidential bid.

In 2003, Dean was an obscure ex-governor of a small state when he confounded Beltway pundits by mounting a serious primary challenge to John Kerry, the front-runner for the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination. Part of Dean's success had to do with his unscripted style. Sen. Tom Harkin of Iowa hailed him as "the Harry Truman of our time" and "the kind of plain-spoken Democrat we need." (A sibling of his once used a different term: "radioactive.") By comparison, Forbes magazine has referred to Kerry as "profoundly boring." Another part of Dean's success was his ability to rally support, both financial and rhetorical, online, in a way that no presidential candidate had done before. Dean's champions included some of the earliest political bloggers, including Jerome Armstrong and Matthew Gross of MyDD, and Markos Moulitsas of Daily Kos.

For many, Dean's campaign marked the moment the Internet began reshaping American politics  a transformation that Americans learned in 2016 is far from over. The last presidential contest featured Russian Twitter bots, hacked emails and a frog meme hijacked by white supremacists. So, we invited Dean, Trippi (his 2004 campaign manager), Armstrong and Moulitsas to our offices to chat about that seminal campaign and the challenges the Democratic Party faces going forward.

The discussion was scheduled to take place Nov. 6. But like the former governor's presidential bid, the odds of it happening looked improbable at first. Armstrong could not make it. Then about four hours before it was to start, Dean emailed that his plane was delayed in Burlington, Vt. (One message read: "There is really no point in making alternate arrangements right now because this involves the airlines which as you know are among the least reliable and least truthful corporations in America.") Trippi had already set out on the two-hour drive from his house in Maryland to downtown Washington, and upon learning Dean's plane might not take off, he turned around and headed home. Dean's plane did take off, and Trippi then turned around again, back toward the District. When he finally arrived in our lobby, unsmiling, and was told Dean still had not arrived, he griped: "Howard Dean, still disrupting my life after all these years!" He perked up during the photo shoot, telling Moulitsas that Doug Jones, the Democrat whom Trippi was advising in the Alabama Senate race, had "a real shot" of winning. This was a few days before Jones's Republican opponent, Roy Moore, faced sexual assault allegations. Jones won on Dec. 12.

In the end, we had to settle for Dean's voice on speakerphone. While we waited for Dean's call, Trippi, Moulitsas and Washington Post reporter David Weigel took us back to the early aughts, when anger was building among liberals over the war in Iraq, which began in 2003. Some of that anger was directed at the 29 Senate Democrats who voted to authorize military force, including Kerry.

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"One of the things that sparked me to work for Dean is that it was so clear to me that most of this was happening out of fear," Trippi explained. "The Democrats thought they had made a mistake by voting against the first war in Iraq [in 1991, under President George H.W. Bush]. There were only one or two people in the party who had the guts [in 2003] to get up and say how crazy this was: Dean. [Retired Gen. Wesley] Clark. [Ohio Rep. Dennis] Kucinich, maybe "

"Yeah, but he didn't really count," Moulitsas said of the Ohio congressman with a penchant for conspiracy theories.

"The war vote was what created the energy inside to do something, to stand up to whatever was going on in the party," Trippi said.

"When did you first hear about Dean running?" Weigel asked Moulitsas.

"From Jerome Armstrong," he said. "I was like, 'Governor of Vermont. Really?' "

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Support for a Dean candidacy was already welling up by March 2003, when Dean gave a rousing speech at the California Democratic Party convention. "I was there. It was electric," Moulitsas said.

In June 2003, Dean formally joined a crowded primary field that included Kerry, Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina, Rep. Richard Gephardt of Missouri, Sen. Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut, the Rev. Al Sharpton, former U.S. senator Carol Moseley Braun, Clark and Kucinich. It was Dean's campaign, however, that Trippi called "the first rebellion within the party" against what they saw as the Democrats' drift rightward. "We had triangulated ourselves to irrelevance," Moulitsas said.

The party establishment was not impressed. Weigel asked Trippi what it was like to pitch Dean's candidacy to donors and party leaders: "Were there times when you had to convince people?"

"Just about everybody. All the way through that campaign," Trippi responded. "The most famous quote from the Kerry campaign was that the bar scene from 'Star Wars' was how most Democrats looked at the Dean campaign."

He offered an example: "Anytime there was a meeting among all the candidates about debates, or anything like that, the campaign managers would get together to go over the rules. It was like at Thanksgiving, there was a big kids' table and a little kids' table." The big kids included Kerry, Edwards, Gephardt and Sen. Bob Graham of Florida, even though he dropped out of the race before the primaries. The small kids' table, Trippi said, included Moseley Braun, Sharpton and Dean: "It didn't matter if all ... of us were for something." They were always overruled.

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But Dean didn't need them so much, it turned out. "The other thing that was going on was this blog thing was really starting to happen," Trippi said.

"To this day, Joe was the first person of any note to take us seriously," Moulitsas said.

"They were much more powerful than I realized," Trippi said. "And they rallied to people like Dean and Clark, and that gave them both a bigger boost," especially against Kerry and Gephardt, who had voted for the Iraq War.

When Dean finally called into our discussion, he said he was somewhat oblivious to the high-tech goings-on. "Running for president was a 27-hour-a-day job. Tons of people at headquarters were reading [MyDD and Daily Kos]. But you can't really keep up with blogs while you're running."

The depth of Dean's support became clear when he had a rocky appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press," the day before he formally announced. Tim Russert grilled him about his medical deferment during the Vietnam War, among other subjects. Some observers were not satisfied by Dean's answers. The ABC News online political report "The Note" panned Dean's performance, saying that Dean had "failed miserably ... in a key Beltway ritual," and came off as "thin-skinned, unprepared, stuttering."

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By contrast, his supporters were fuming. "We hated [Russert]," Moulitsas said. "It was like, 'These a--holes are really out of touch.' "

More important, despite Dean's inartfulness  or maybe because of it  money poured in. "I had two screens on my desk," Trippi recalled: one showing the interview, the other tracking the amount of online contributions. "You could see all the talking heads saying he's finished, he's done. Meanwhile, the dashboard kept spinning. And I thought, 'Oh these people are going to be in for a surprise.' "

"I revere Tim Russert," Trippi added, "but that was my first moment where I thought, 'Tim, you don't know what the f--- you're talking about.' "

It could also be that Dean's supporters were especially forgiving. Trippi said one of his favorite moments during the campaign was the first time Dean participated in a live blog. "Howard comes on and says, 'You're terrific.' And the bloggers are like, 'Uh, okay ...' " Trippi recalled. But it worked because to his supporters, "the most authentic moment in politics has just happened because this is really him, struggling and trying to blog. We didn't try to hide anything."

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"At events, people always lather me up: 'He did the first Internet campaign.' I didn't," Dean said. "We were a small operation" with a lot of young volunteers. (Deanie-Babies, they were called.) "We let the 23-year-olds do whatever they wanted."

"Was there chagrin on the part of the media from people who dismissed you before?" Weigel asked. Dean replied: "I think they were more outraged. They hate being wrong. It's like 13-year-olds have their own culture and they all believe each other's bulls---."

"What was the worst moment of the 2004 race?" Weigel asked.

"Hmmm. It wasn't the 'scream speech,' " Dean said, referring to his now-famous appearance after he came in third in the Iowa caucuses, when he screeched, "Yeah!" (At one point, I had trouble hearing Dean and almost said, "I know you can project," but thought the better of it.)

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The Dean Scream came to be seen as the unofficial end of his campaign, but Dean said the worst moment was three weeks earlier when he realized his momentum was "slipping away." "I was going to rallies, and I began to realize the same people are following me around," he said. "I felt like Phish or the Dead."

"I don't blame the scream speech. I don't blame anyone but me. I was from a small state. I didn't have the national experience," Dean went on. "But then again, if I had been as experienced at a national level, I wouldn't have been as exciting a candidate."

Time was running short, so we moved on to the present-day Democratic Party and its prospects. (Donna Brazile's memoir of the 2016 race, "Hacks," came out the day after we talked.) "One of the challenges we have when you go to the ballot box is you don't look at Candidate X. You look at the party," Moulitsas said. "We do a really good job of s----ing on our party brand. It is a problem we have to solve."

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Weigel asked whether young people would ever flock to the Democratic Party the way they have to the Labour Party in Britain or if they were too cynical. "Whatever young people want, Trump has stepped on," Dean said. "The future of our party [is bright]. ... Young people agree with Democrats. Our demographics are a lot better, but we're going to have to adjust. We're going to have to help them build an institution they care about."

Annys Shin is an articles editor for the magazine. Post staff writers David Weigel and Ed O'Keefe contributed to this report.

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This piece is part of our Jan. 7, 2018, Reflection Issue, in which we take a break from the daily onslaught of news and controversy and try to get some perspective by reexamining the past. Last fall, we gathered newsmakers who took part in pivotal moments in national politics over the past 30 years, had them talk about those events and possibly glean new lessons and insights. One of the moments we revisited was the 2010 Republican Senate primary in Kentucky, which heralded the arrival of the tea party in Washington. It was supposed to be a sleepy race. Trey Grayson  who, despite being in his 30s, was in his second term as Kentucky secretary of state  was considered a shoo-in, thanks to the backing of party leaders, including the state's most prominent politician, Senate minority leader (now majority leader) Mitch McConnell. Then, Rand Paul  an ophthalmologist and son of Texas congressman, well-known libertarian and former presidential hopeful Ron Paul  entered the race. Though he lived in Bowling Green, Rand Paul had not been involved much in Kentucky politics. But with the help of his dad's supporters around the country and the tea party movement, he defeated Grayson in the primary and went on to win the general election.

Paul's victory was widely seen as a rebuke to the GOP establishment and a sign of the tea party's strength. It would also prove to be a harbinger: Though Paul's libertarian politics differ significantly from Donald Trump's populism, both men benefited from growing divisions within the GOP and anti-Washington anger among the party's voters.

On Nov. 15, Grayson (now with the law firm Frost Brown Todd) and David Adams, Paul's campaign manager during the primary (now in the financial planning business), sat down with The Washington Post's Libby Casey to revisit that seminal race. (Paul declined our invitation to participate.) What follows is a transcript  condensed, edited, annotated and reordered for clarity  of the exchange. We start in April 2009, as then-Sen. Jim Bunning was considering whether to run again:

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Grayson: A lot of people were worried if Bunning retires, who's going to run to take his spot? Mutual friends of mine and Bunning came to me and said, "We've got to do something." I flew up to D.C. to see Bunning about forming an exploratory committee. He said, "Yeah, I'm okay with that." I walked out of the meeting and was like, "I'm running for Senate, I guess."

Meanwhile, David Adams, director of Kentucky Votes at the Bluegrass Institute, a libertarian think tank, started hearing that Rand Paul was considering running, too.

Adams: I'd never met Rand. I had heard his name a couple of times. One night my boss at the Bluegrass Institute called me and said, "You need to talk to this guy out here in Bowling Green. I think he's going to run for U.S. Senate." So I called Rand and I set up a couple of events for him in Lexington, and they went really well. I thought, Rand, if you're going to run for the Senate you need a campaign manager, you ought to hire me, and so he did.

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We had this fledgling campaign staff. We really felt at the very beginning we are going to get our butts kicked. But we didn't really care. We're going to go fight the good fight.

Casey: Going into the campaign, what did you think Rand's strengths were?

Adams: He is a super smart guy. He figured it out really fast. There at the very beginning, he wasn't electrifying crowds like he came to do later. But having his dad just having run for president and having a pretty decent following in Kentucky  that was a good start.

With pressure mounting from party leaders for Bunning to quit the race, he finally withdrew in July 2009.

Grayson: After Jim dropped out, he told me he was mad at me because he thought I had tried to run him out of the race by raising the most money. And I was like, "You told me to form an exploratory committee." He was like, "I'm not going to endorse Rand because he's never done anything for the party. I'm just going to stay out of it." But I think he was mad at me.

The first public poll that came out put Grayson ahead by 11 points. Adams said that was the first time he thought they had a shot at winning. Then in April 2010, Bunning endorsed Paul, after telling Grayson months earlier that he wouldn't.

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Casey: Trey, when did you find out Bunning endorsed Rand?

Grayson: I was probably at a Lincoln Day dinner. There are 5 million Lincoln Day dinners in Kentucky. Every Friday and Saturday night from like mid-January until like mid-April, David [Adams], Rand and I were together.

At these joint appearances, stylistic differences between Paul and Grayson became apparent.

Grayson: Rand was connecting with a very blunt message. He would just jump into his speech. He was not beginning with, you know, "It's so great to be here." None of that. He would go 

Adams: "I'm here for the tea party. We're here to take our country back."

One of Paul's key campaign issues was the Troubled Asset Relief Program, or TARP, the federal government's $700 billion bailout of Wall Street during the Great Recession in 2008. Rand Paul's ability to raise money from supporters of his father and the tea party who were angry about the bailout proved to be a huge advantage.

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Adams: What we were seeing at the tea party rallies, as sparse as they may have been in comparison to Republican events, the energy was palpable. It was the 2008 bailout that was a real energizer. And so, when Mitch [McConnell] did a fundraiser for Trey [in September], he had like 23 U.S. senators there. We went through and counted the ones that voted for the bank bailout and we called it the Bailout Ball.

Grayson: It was in Washington. Twenty-three senators put their names on the invitation. McConnell was obviously there. [Arizona's John] McCain was there. [Tennessee's Bob] Corker was there. [Alabama's Richard] Shelby was there. I raised a hundred-something thousand dollars at that event. It was kind of my coming-out party in Washington. It should've been an awesome day for me.

Back in Kentucky, Paul's campaign was busy sending out emails and messages on social media to supporters about the "Bailout Ball" and asking for contributions for a "money bomb," a short-term online fundraising drive that Ron Paul had used often in past campaigns. Rand Paul relied on several money bombs throughout the primary campaign.

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Adams: It was so much fun. We told people to tell people to tell people to tell people. We had money coming in like crazy, from Alaska! It was just a 24-hour period. We raised close to $200,000.

Grayson: I don't know this is going on because I'm at this event. I'm meeting all these people. I'm like, "This is cool. These are going to be my peers." I remember Shelby saying, "I can't wait to have you here."

After Grayson returned home, he got a call from his campaign staff about the "Bailout Ball" money bomb.

Grayson: I was in my car at Target in Lexington and they were like, "Pull over. You need to hear this." They told me the bad news. I think, "Okay, this race is very different than what we thought it would be." We knew there's something going on here. But in the end, we still felt on issues, with the support of McConnell and [Rep. Hal] Rogers and the party structure, that we would win this thing. It was just going to be a lot harder slog than we anticipated.

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Adams: Trey's greatest strength was that he had Mitch McConnell in his corner. And Rand's greatest strength was that Trey had Mitch McConnell in his corner. And it was a bigger strength for Rand than it was for Trey.

Quite a few outsiders also inserted themselves into the race, including 2008 GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, who endorsed Paul in February 2010.

Adams: That really was a major turning point for us. And the way that came about was an interesting story. You had a mailman in western Kentucky who was a Ron Paul fan, who became a Rand Paul fan. And he sent a letter to Sarah Palin and said, "We need you to support Rand Paul. We need you to endorse him and come here and help him." One day, he gets a letter mailed to his house from Sarah Palin saying, "How do I get ahold of Rand Paul?" And so, he calls me. He was completely freaked out. He said, "You're not going to believe it. Sarah Palin wants to help Rand Paul." And her name was just solid gold at that point.

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Grayson: She endorses Rand kind of out of the blue and we're like, "What's up with that?" We actually leaned on McCain, and she was quiet for a while. And then I made a mistake. I mean, I don't regret saying it, but the Courier-Journal in Louisville decided to live-stream their editorial-board meeting for their endorsement. And in the meeting, they asked me about Sarah Palin, and I said she wasn't qualified to be president. [Makes explosion noise. Adams laughs.]

Casey [to Adams]: When did you realize you had momentum?

Adams: We felt things were pretty in hand in March. Right before the May primary  I tend to drive very fast  I got pulled over by police twice in the same week. Both times the police officer walked around to the driver's side window, glanced in the back seat full of Rand Paul signs and said, "Son, I see what you are doing. Be careful." When it happened the first time, I thought, well, that was cool. And then the second time it happened, I thought, we're really onto something. And every time we hit Trey, I mean, bless his heart, every time he did something that was ordinarily a good move, we'd flip that around on him, too. So yeah, we were confident.

After the "Bailout Ball," Paul had pulled ahead of Grayson in public polls. But as primary day approached, Grayson thought the race was closer, and he made a fateful decision.

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Grayson: In our polls, we were basically even between the undecideds and the margin of error. We thought if McConnell and Hal Rogers publicly endorsed me, given their popularity in the party, that would put it over the top. So, on the Sunday after the Kentucky Derby, McConnell cut an ad where he looked right into the camera and said essentially this: I need Trey Grayson by my side in Washington to defeat Barack Obama. And then the other half of the ad was: I'm Trey Grayson, you know, I'm awesome. Vote for me, whatever. And that was our closing ad.

The primary was held on May 18, 2010.

Grayson: I ended up losing by over 20 points. I just got destroyed everywhere. And then I went back into the office and there were a couple of the younger staffers who were working for my campaign. And they'd just become unemployed. They weren't going to go to Washington. And I remember feeling terrible about that. And then that night I came back to our house, and my wife and I, we each took our campaign stickers off our cars, crying. And then I got back in my bedroom and there was a note from my older daughter. You know, like a note of encouragement. And then the next day, my younger daughter says, "I guess that means we're not going to the Taylor Swift concert in Washington "

Adams: Whoa, oh no!

Grayson: Taylor Swift was going to be at the Verizon Center in June. We got a suite there. They were going to come up and go to this Taylor Swift show, and we were going to raise money for the campaign for the fall. And I'm like, "No, we're not going to Taylor Swift." So I unemployed these people and broke my kid's heart. Then Saturday, I went down to Frankfort and we had a unity rally [to support Rand Paul's campaign]. I gave a speech. I get mad about people who want to be a party nominee and lose, and then they're a baby. I may never run again, but people are going to know I handled it gracefully and that's important.

Casey: How much of Rand's appeal was his last name?

Adams: He said many times that he could not have done it without his father being who his father was. Rand grew up the son of a congressman. So, it paved a lot of roads for him. It certainly didn't hurt. His dad did come in to Kentucky to campaign for him.

Grayson: If it was an ophthalmologist from Bowling Green named Dr. Adams, you couldn't have gotten the money to become credible. [Adams laughs.] That said, Rand really showed that he got it. He could speak. He could grow as a candidate.

Casey: Trey, what are the lessons you take from the 2010 campaign?

Grayson: The voters clearly wanted to give the finger to Washington, but it wasn't just the Obama administration. It was Republican leadership. And we didn't understand that in the race.

Casey: Talk to us about the way the country has shifted. And how you guys might have seen an early glimmer of that. Do you feel you saw what was coming on the horizon, nationally?

Adams: Yes. The opposition that the tea party presented really started about that time. Those fights continue.

Casey: And has Washington changed Rand Paul?

Adams: Has Rand developed an establishment bone in his body? No. I don't think that that's the case. Is he perhaps playing well with others in a way that he couldn't have done a decade ago? Probably. But me, too. Trey, too.

Libby Casey is a Washington Post video journalist, covering politics.

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This piece is part of our Jan. 7, 2018, Reflection Issue, in which we take a step back from the daily onslaught of news and controversy and try to get some perspective by reexamining the past. We gathered newsmakers who took part in pivotal Washington events over the past 30 years and asked them to talk about those experiences and possibly unearth new lessons and new ways of looking at the present. One of the periods we chose to revisit came in the wake of Ronald Reagan's triumphs in 1980 and 1984, when the Democratic Party faced a reckoning. Some Democrats, including Al From, then executive director of the House Democratic Caucus, felt the party's focus on identity politics and unyielding support for government programs were alienating voters. So From started the Democratic Leadership Council with a group of like-minded lawmakers including Virginia Gov. Charles Robb, Sen. Sam Nunn of Georgia, Arizona Gov. Bruce Babbitt, Rep. Richard Gephardt of Missouri, and later Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton and Sen. Al Gore of Tennessee. Clinton became chair of the DLC and the standard-bearer of the so-called New Democrats.

On Oct. 12, Washington Post reporter Paul Kane met with From, Robb, Nunn and former DLC staff members and strategists Elaine Kamarck (who recently wrote a piece for The Washington Post Magazine), Melissa Moss, Bruce Reed and Deborah Smulyan. (Babbitt and Gephardt could not make it. Clinton and Gore did not respond to our invitation. Former DLC policy director Will Marshall was unable to attend because he was at a retreat for a new DLC-style group that he is starting.)

During the hour-long conversation, the group reminisced about the DLC's ascent and discussed its legacy, including some of the criticism that was lobbed against it during the 2016 presidential race from both the left and the right. The transcript has been condensed, edited, annotated and reordered for clarity.

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From: The DLC actually started in the House Democratic Caucus in 1981 under Gillis Long [a congressman from Louisiana]. Gillis was head of the Democratic caucus. I had been working in the Carter White House. He hired me to run the caucus for him. And we decided that we were going to start to rebuild the party intellectually, because until we stood for things people wanted to support they probably weren't going to support us.

Robb: When I was chairman of the Democratic Governors' Association, I was asked to address the [Democratic National] Convention in 1984, and I basically laid out what became the basis for that whole DLC approach. Not everybody paid much attention at the time. But I got a call from Sam Nunn, who said, "I like what you're doing, and I've got about a dozen or so more senators and we'd like to meet with you." Sam offered an opportunity to broaden the discussion with a whole new group.

Robb and the group of lawmakers met after the 1984 election, in which Reagan won 49 states, to talk about what to do next.

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From: I did an analysis that Gillis was supposed to deliver at the meeting, and my argument was the Democrats were going in one direction and the country was going in another. And unless we did something about it we were never going to win the presidency back. The main problem the Democratic Party had in those days was we were selling a product nobody wanted to buy. I mean, 1984 was 49 states, but so was 1972, and then because of Watergate we got a reprieve, but there were a lot of us back in the late '70s who said, we're doing okay by the numbers, but because of Watergate, we hadn't changed anything.

Kane: Senator Nunn, do you think that was the problem: selling something that the rest of the country wasn't buying?

Nunn: It was a combination of a lot of different things. We were aware that the Democratic Party was wedded to the programs of the past rather than the principles of the past. I think the analogy to today is that as I see the Democratic Party today, it is really more around identity politics than around ideas. We needed ideas. The exercise of thinking through them would make us more relevant to the actual facts as we can find them rather than thinking everything was the New Deal. Chuck [Robb] and his group gave me confidence that there were a lot of people who were feeling the same way.

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Kamarck: During the time we were doing this, there were two big demographic changes going on. The South  every time an incumbent stepped down in the South, the Republicans picked up the seat. It was only incumbency that was letting us hold on to the South. And the private-sector labor unions were disappearing. So you have those two trends going on that are really weakening the party. But we knew we were not getting heard on any economic issues because of the cultural issues.

Kane: Bruce, you worked on the '92 Clinton campaign as policy director. The rap against Democrats is that they have 48-point plans that nobody really understands, and the Republicans everybody knows are for lower taxes, less government. Were there a couple of policies back then that broke through to turn the Democrats into the party of ideas that Senator Nunn was talking about?

Reed: Clinton came along and had concrete ideas on how to solve the problems that Republicans had been alarming voters about for decades, like crime. When he proposed to put 100,000 police on the street, that was history. That helped to redefine the Democrats, but more important it helped to solve the problem. It's always easy to forget here in Washington that what people look to politics for is answers to their problems. And that was the real key to Clinton's success.

Smulyan: It wasn't just a policy idea, but also the connection. It was that "Oh, that makes sense. Work is better than welfare." It created cognitive dissonance in people's minds so that they said, "There are different Democrats, so I'm willing to give it a try."

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Nunn: Bill Clinton is able to express things in ways that people can understand. There's a saying back home that [the late Sen. Herman] Talmadge [of Georgia] used to say: "You've got to throw the corn where the hogs can get to it." [Laughter.]

Kane: Your presidential candidate won the popular vote last year by nearly 3 million votes. It was nothing like the '84 election. But then all those governor's mansions have disappeared. The House seats have disappeared. Are you guys in a deeper hole today?

From: It's not as grave because Republicans are a lot worse off. Just by existing we'll get some benefit from that. [Laughter.] But one of the things we did was change the message of the Democratic Party from fairness to opportunity. Opportunity gives hope. Fairness means taking from me to give something to somebody else. The Democratic Party is falling back today into the fairness issue, and we have to figure out a way to expand hope and opportunity.

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Kane [to Reed]: You were there in both the Clinton and Obama White Houses. In 2016 you had two people on different ends of the political spectrum  one Bernie [Sanders], one Trump  who were against what came about from Bill Clinton's term with NAFTA, deregulation of Wall Street and other issues. Was that sort of critique off the mark?

Reed: It's easy to sell false answers to real problems. In this last election we saw an enormous amount of that from Trump and a shameless effort to convince people who are really hurting that a wall he's never going to build that the Mexicans are never going to pay for would bring back the promise of opportunity that they deserve. Bernie's agenda is a different story. It's more in the line of noble promises that can't be kept. One thing that the Democrats underestimated in this last election is the depth of frustration with Washington. If we're going to be the party with answers, we have to convince people that the government is going to be on their side. And that's hard to do when all they see in Washington is gridlock.

Besides trade policy, some have taken issue with Bill Clinton's support for the repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act, which deregulated the financial services industry. But the big banks wanted the repeal and spent hundreds of millions of dollars to lobby Congress, which passed it in 1999  contributing to the creation of giant financial institutions that roiled the U.S. economy when they failed, or came close to failing, during the Great Recession.

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Kamarck: The only thing that the Clinton administration got really wrong was the repeal of Glass-Steagall. But at the time nobody saw what that was going to do. So going all the way back to the Clinton administration and the DLC to blame all sorts of things on it is pretty far-fetched.

From: Some of the policies which were criticized in this campaign were essential elements of solving those problems. NAFTA was part of Clinton's economic policy, which in my simple terms was always: fiscal discipline, investment in people and technology, and expanding trade. In the '90s, incomes went up for everybody. Now, are the circumstances around trade different today? Of course, but re-litigating something that worked for the time it was proposed drives me crazy.

Kane: Melissa, Markos Moulitsas from Daily Kos was quoted in the New Republic in October talking about Joe Biden because Biden had just gone to Alabama to campaign for Doug Jones. Jones is running [in a special election to fill Attorney General Jeff Sessions' senate seat] pretty much as a centrist. And Biden went there and talked about bipartisanship. Markos said: "If Biden's solution to eight years of Republican obstruction and conservative slash-and-burn tactics against him and Barack Obama is to talk about 'bipartisanship' and 'consensus,' then he might as well pack up and go home. Because if he's that stupid to believe that" S-H-exclamation-T, "then he's no longer got any business being in the public face." How much more of this fight are we going to see in the years to come?

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Moss: I don't know, but I will say that part of the magic of what happened in the alchemy of the DLC was we had clear ideas with new voices and that broke through. Joe Biden is an incredible person who has done so much for our country. But there are a lot of people that would like to marry some new ideas with some new voices.

Kamarck: We used to laugh about this. Back then, the DLC was a counterweight for people who had to run in places like Alabama or Virginia or Georgia, when the party got defined by New York City or Los Angeles liberals who were way out there on some social issues, etc. Some of our politicians could say, "I'm a different kind of Democrat. I'm a DLC Democrat." And what many people have been saying to me lately is we need a DLC today. If we're going to pick up Senate seats and House seats in purple districts or even red districts, people need to be able to say, "Yeah, of course I'm a Democrat. And I'm not a crazy racist like Donald Trump. And I'm also not going to build big government, etc."

Kane [to Reed]: How does the party channel that anger among the far left to help people like Doug Jones win?

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Reed: When you're in opposition, you have to do everything you can to stop bad things from happening. But when you seek the White House you have an additional burden to show how you can make the country more successful as a result. People are going to be excited if you are talking about solving their problems. The danger is that if all you're doing is trying to outshout the other guy, then all but the party faithful will run screaming or change the channel. [Jones would go on to win by less than 2 percentage points.]

Kane: So, Al, we're going to give you the last word here. Imagine yourself 32 years younger today. What does Al From 32 years older tell his younger self to do now going forward?

From: I'd tell him to find Bill Clinton. [Laughter.] What I would tell him is if you have good ideas, and you can make an argument in terms that people can understand, and you stand for the right things, people will support you. Remember what we're all about at the core. And at the core we're the party of hope and opportunity. There have got to be ideas out there that Democrats can latch on to to become a party of opportunity. Americans want somebody who's going to give them hope and a belief that if they work hard they're going to get a chance to get ahead. If we do that, our party's going to be fine.

Paul Kane is a Washington Post staff writer.

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Hello! Good morning! Washington metropolitan area, you have woken and you are on your eighth day of being very cold. Which means, if you are originally from a place accustomed to lower temperatures  New Hampshire, say, or Ely, Minn.  you are on your eighth day of pompously explaining how you used to ice-pick your way to the office while riding the carcass of a frozen walrus.

And you know what? Just stuff it.

"I mean, I have dealt with cold weather," says Alexandra Palombo, current Washingtonian. "I went to college in central New York. But there's a certain smugness Northerners have about cold and their ability to handle it. We get it, you're from a tundra. But I just think, why are you here, if it was so great?"

Plus, as Palombo has considered while walking to her office near the currently frigid Union Station neighborhood, "a lot of the cold in those other places is lake effect. It's more snow than ice and wind. For those four years I was in Ithaca, did I have better coats? Was I just a dumb college kid? Or is it possible that it actually does feel more bitter here? Is this whole city a wind tunnel?"

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"I think it must be a wind tunnel," offers Mike Koschak, who has pondered this question on his own commute to work in Washington. "Look, if you are in one of those Midwestern states where everyone boasts that they're used to the weather  you are driving everywhere. Here, you are walking, or you're biking, or worst, you're just standing. You're waiting for the bus, and you're standing."

Koschak cycles to work, and his upper body is appropriately swathed in layers of Patagonia, but he has been wondering whether it would be possible to rig some sort of blanket situation for his lower half. "Like, the carriages that go through Central Park. Like, an elegant lap blanket."

The people who are from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan would have you believe that you are a ninny because you might wish for such a thing. The people from Michigan would love to tell you about the time they were frozen to their snowmobile for 70 hours until they were licked free by a domesticated elk  but frankly, that is what you sign up for when you live in Michigan. If you live in Michigan, you get cheap real estate, nice lake access and below-zero mornings.

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The Washington pact is that you get crap traffic, and you get certain annihilation in a nuclear attack  but you also get sufficient warmth via a coat from Target instead of requiring a leftover yak prop from the Night's Watch scenes on "Game of Thrones."

Of course we are not prepared for a bomb cyclone.

We are not supposed to have a bomb cyclone.

We braved the storm to ask kids to explain the bomb cyclone. (Video: The Washington Post)

The Washington pact is that you might have to be 20 minutes late to work because of Mike Pence's motorcade, but you never, ever have to wake up and see only a single digit on the thermometer.

"When I first moved here, I knew I was in for disgusting, muggy summers. That was clear to me," Palombo says.

Yes  yes! To be clear, we in Washington are so opposed to single-digit temperatures that we accepted the tradeoff of three-

digit temperatures in August. We should not have to do both.

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"I did not expect this," Palombo continues. "I'm not angry, I'm just baffled as to how it got this way."

Things that are currently frozen in the godforsaken Washington metropolitan area that are not supposed to be frozen:

Fountains.

Mailboxes.

The mulch in public playgrounds.

Those rivet things on jeans where your hipbones are.

Your face.

"I am going to go to the grocery store today, and I will need to have my face completely covered," says Shannon Stamey of Arbutus, Md. "I think I'm going to try a scarf? Just wrapping my head completely in a scarf. I am a little concerned that the people there are going to think I am trying to rob the store."

Stamey has a neurological disorder that causes facial nerve pain when the temperature gets too low. "I had an attack on Monday morning for the first time in a long time," she says. And now, to get between buildings, "I must run like there is a bear chasing me. . . . This is not the weather that I order  ow!" she breaks off, a victim of the weather.

You know whom we need here? We need Jim Cantore.

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Jim Cantore  the Weather Channel's mascot, the trustworthy meteorologist who appears at every significant hurricane or blizzard, who has experienced every possible temperature variation. We'll call up Jim and ask him to arbitrate, to tell us whether Washington is full of weenies or whether it is, in fact, actually cold.

We catch Jim in Massachusetts, where he's awaiting the northeastern arrival of the bomb cyclone and wondering whether he should have packed the waterproof diving suit he sometimes wears under his parka. ("Tomorrow's going to hurt; I won't lie," he says.)

So, Jim: How cold is cold?

"Cold is relative to sex, it's relative to age," he hedges.

Yes, sure.

"And if you want a number, you'd have to assume there was no wind  because if you throw wind into the mix, it's different  we all know there's a 'what it feels like' temperature."

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Of course, Jim, just give us a number.

"I'm not telling you in a scientific expert way," he cautions. "Just as a guy who has stood out in it for 30 years."

Jim.

"I'm going to say 22 degrees," he says finally. "At 22 degrees, whether you're Canadian or Floridian, averaging the whole thing out, I promise you, everyone is cold."

The predicted temperature in Washington for Friday morning is 11 degrees. And with wind it will feel like seven below.

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A woman has filed suit against George Washington University, alleging that the school mishandled a sexual harassment complaint against her that was filed by a student. University officials behaved in a sexist manner during their investigation, Catherine Woytowicz alleges in court documents. GWU is also accused of "expanding the coverage of their prohibitions so that they mean anything and everything and place all law-abiding faculty, staff and students at risk," her lawsuit states.

The Hatchet, GWU's student newspaper, reported that Woytowicz was a part-time professor. Her attorney, Richard Seymour, said she taught chemistry and also worked in the Elliott School of International Affairs. She is no longer teaching at the school, although school officials said they lacked evidence to support the student's harassment claims.

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"What my client is alleging is that there is a false complaint that was made against her by a male student, and the university agrees that there was no foundation to the complaint," Seymour said. "But rather than closing the proceedings, they then decided to continue proceedings against her, even though the complaint was false."

In doing that, Seymour said, the university developed new standards that would "harm just about everybody in the George Washington community" if they were applied to male professors, or applied more generally.

The lawsuit, initially filed in D.C. Superior Court and moved to federal court last month, names five defendants, including the school and Rory Muhammad, the university's Title IX coordinator.

"The university is deeply committed to fair treatment of its faculty as well as to safeguarding its students from inappropriate relationships with faculty," university spokeswoman Lindsay Hamilton said. "In this case, and as the university has stated in the motion it filed with the court to dismiss the lawsuit, the faculty member who brought the lawsuit was treated fairly and lawfully. The university will continue to defend its position in court."

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The matter began in March 2016, when Woytowicz was notified of the student's complaint via an email from Muhammad, according to the court filing. The email didn't detail the allegations against Woytowicz, and in a subsequent meeting, Muhammad described the accusations in "the vaguest of terms," according to the lawsuit.

At one point, court documents allege, Muhammad appeared to toy with Woytowicz, holding a notebook over her head when she asked to look at it.

"He seemed to delight in this, as if playing a child's game of keep away," the documents state.

During that meeting, Woytowicz also claims Muhammad "seemed to be gloating" and aggressively questioned her about her sex life.

According to the filing, Muhammad sent Woytowicz a document that carried snippets of text messages allegedly sent between the professor and the student, which Woytowicz claims were "cherry-picked" or taken out of context.

At a November meeting with Woytowicz and school officials, Muhammad said he didn't have evidence to support the complaint but did find inappropriate behavior, according to the court filings. He also expanded the phrase "consensual sexual relationship" to include verbal statements, the documents claim.

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In a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, filed in late December, the defendants argue that although there was not evidence to support a sexual harassment charge against Woytowicz, the investigation found evidence the university found "disturbing."

The professor and student sent "hundreds" of text messages, that motion states, many of which were "salacious and suggestive."

Woytowicz suffered a significant amount of stress during the process, according to her lawsuit, including weight loss, feeling isolated and suffering panic attacks.

"People trust institutions to do the right thing," Seymour said. "She trusted that she would be treated fairly by the university. When trust like that is betrayed, when it turns out that the institution was not trustworthy, that causes a real toll on people. It is very important for institutions  colleges, universities, employers and other bodies  to look at every situation with an open mind."

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Thomas S. Monson, who as president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for nearly a decade dramatically grew its missionary corps and upheld a long-standing opposition to same-sex marriage, despite the increasing acceptance of gay rights within and beyond the faith, died Jan. 2 at his home in Salt Lake City. He was 90.

The Mormon Church announced the death in a statement but did not cite a specific cause. The church said in May that because of his age, Mr. Monson had stopped attending regular leadership meetings.

A former advertising and printing executive at the church-owned Deseret News in Utah, Mr. Monson spent half a century as a top Mormon leader. He helped expand the church's reach through ecumenical charity work and through the construction of Mormon temples from Peru to what was then East Germany, where religious groups faced a frequently hostile communist government.

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Mr. Monson assumed leadership of the church in 2008 after the death of President Gordon B. Hinckley, whom Mr. Monson had advised as first counselor  effectively the No. 2 position. While Mr. Monson was president in name, Mormons commonly referred to him as "the prophet," the teacher who relayed messages from God to humanity.

Mr. Monson's messages, spiritual or secular, were relatively few. Unlike his predecessor, an energetic speaker who jetted around the world well into his 90s, he maintained a low profile, calling few news conferences and rarely holding forth on Mormon doctrine.

Instead, he filled his public addresses with folksy parables that emphasized humanitarian service and care for others, an outlook that he said was rooted in his Depression-era upbringing in Salt Lake City.

"Time and time again those who were riding the rails came to our home. I think they had it marked," he once told the Salt Lake Tribune, recalling the migrants who called upon his family asking if they could work for food. "My mother would say, 'You come right in and sit down; wash your hands over there in the sink.' And then she'd make a sandwich."

Notable deaths in 2017 Share Share Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Reddit Share on LinkedIn MailSolid Email this link View Photos View Photos Next Image WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 24: Mamie "Peanut" Johnson, the first woman player in the Negro baseball league, who pitched for the Indianapolis Clowns, poses at the new ball field named for her Wednesday April 24, 2013 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Katherine Frey/The Washington Post)

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Mr. Monson sought to spread a Mormon message of charity at a pivotal time in the faith's history. "He helped usher in the church's transformation from a Western, American institution to one that's more international," said Matthew Bowman, author of "The Mormon People: The Making of an American Faith."

The group grew from some half-million members at the time of Mr. Monson's birth to about 16 million at his death, with the majority located outside the United States. The growth was spurred in part by the church's missionary program, in which young Mormon men are heavily encouraged to spend two years abroad spreading the faith or performing humanitarian work. Young women are encouraged to serve 18-month missions.

Mr. Monson presided over a significant expansion in the program, announcing in 2012 that the church would lower the minimum age for missionaries from 19 to 18 for men and from 21 to 19 for women. The church subsequently expanded leadership opportunities for female missionaries, although it continued to bar women from the priesthood. Since the changes were enacted, the program has grown from about 58,000 missionaries to more than 70,000, by church estimates.

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Mr. Monson's tenure coincided with what some observers christened a "Mormon moment"  a period in which Mormonism was frequently at the center of national news with the presidential campaigns of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R), who is Mormon. Amid its growing prominence, the church became embroiled in controversy during the national debate over same-sex marriage.

In one of his first major acts, Mr. Monson oversaw a church lobbying effort in support of California's Proposition 8, a 2008 ballot measure that outlawed same-sex marriage in the state. The church encouraged members to work with groups such as Protect Marriage, a principal backer of the ban; according to a New York Times report, as many as 90 percent of the organization's early volunteers were Mormon, and about half of its $40 million funding was donated by Mormons.

Following a backlash, the church scaled back its efforts to oppose same-sex marriage rights, and threw its support behind legislation in Utah that combined anti-discrimination provisions for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people with protections for religious groups that oppose homosexuality.

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After a 2015 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, however, the church adopted new rules stating that Mormons in same-sex marriages would be considered apostates, and that the children of same-sex couples could not be blessed or baptized until age 18. Baptism could only occur, according to the new policies, once the individual no longer lived in a same-sex household and had disavowed the practice of same-sex marriage or cohabitation.

Mormons who supported gay rights reacted with dismay and confusion, prompting Mr. Monson to issue a tweet: "I plead with you to avoid anything that will deprive you of your happiness here in mortality and eternal life in the world to come."

One week later, more than 1,000 members gathered for a mass resignation ceremony in Salt Lake City.

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Thomas Spencer Monson was born on Aug. 21, 1927. His father worked in the printing industry, and as a young man Tom developed an interest in pigeons, which he raised and trained throughout his life.

He served in the Navy at the close of World War II and received a bachelor's degree in business management from the University of Utah in 1948, later graduating with a master's degree in business administration from Brigham Young University.

Mr. Monson joined the Deseret News after college as an advertising executive and went on to serve as chairman of the church-controlled Deseret News Publishing Co. He became a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, the church's second-highest governing body, in 1963 at 36, reportedly one of the youngest men to ever hold the position.

Mr. Monson also served on the board of the Boy Scouts of America and maintained its close link with the Mormon Church, which accounts for about 20 percent of the organization's members. The church distanced itself from the Scouts in May, withdrawing its participation in some programs for teenagers. It said the separation was unrelated to the Scouts' decision to admit gay and transgender Scouts and to allow gay men to serve as troop leaders.

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Mr. Monson's wife of 65 years, the former Frances Johnson, died in 2013. Survivors include three children, Thomas Monson, Ann M. Dibb and Clark Monson; eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Monson's successor is expected to be announced after Mr. Monson's funeral on Jan. 12, the church said. According to tradition, the longest-serving apostle is named president, making Russell M. Nelson, a 93-year-old former heart surgeon, Mr. Monson's presumptive successor.

In part, the process is aimed to avoid internecine politicking among church leaders.

"I've always followed the philosophy, 'Serve where you're called, not where you've been or where you might be,' " Mr. Monson told the church's news service in 2008, shortly after being named president. "I didn't know but what President Hinckley would outlive me. Some die young, some die older."

Read more Washington Post obituaries

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Police were called to the 12500 block of Cross Ridge Way for the report of a suspicious situation just before 4 p.m., police officials said in a statement. Once inside, authorities found the man dead and his body had suffered trauma.

Montgomery County detectives are investigating the killing of a man who was found Wednesday afternoon inside of a Germantown home, officials said.

Police did not describe the type of trauma, but said they are investigating the death as a homicide. Investigators sent the body to the state medical examiner's office to determine a cause and manner of death.
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He was a frail 66-year-old who spoke broken English and told his landlord he had come to the District after domestic problems in Atlanta. For seven years, Awlachew Ayele rented a one-bedroom apartment in a small red-brick building in Trinidad. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight Friends told police Ayele sometimes used cocaine, purchased from a dealer who worked the streets outside the Northeast Washington building, according to court documents. But Ayele was soon complaining about his supplier, who he said had turned menacing and had taken over his apartment to stash drugs and guns. Then, last January, Ayele was found dead.

It took nearly a year before police arrested a suspect, which court papers allege was the drug dealer. Police have charged Garrett R. Taylor, 40, of Northeast, with first-degree murder.

The recently filed court documents detail the victim's troubled history with the suspected dealer and police. Authorities said they tried to help Ayele but that he rebuffed their efforts. His landlords said police haven't done enough.

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Tensions between Ayele and the dealer came to a head one night last January, the documents say. Ayele and his landlord went to the 5th District police station and told authorities about his situation, saying he had been warned that "if he called the police, he would pay the price."

The next day, Ayele was found dead in his apartment, his body hidden under debris and furniture. He had been beaten and his apartment set on fire, and he died of a combination of trauma and smoke inhalation. Police found an ominous warning scrawled on the apartment wall: "You going down Ayele."

The scrawl was captured by a television camera person for Fox 5. But its apparent meaning wouldn't be understood until last month, when police arrested Taylor.

"The police department failed this man," the apartment owner said of Ayele. "I told them this was a tragedy waiting to happen. I did everything possible. . . . They didn't take it seriously."

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The owner spoke on the condition of anonymity out of concern for his safety. While Taylor is in custody, the owner said others affiliated with the suspect remain in the area and have returned to set up shop near the apartment building. Ayele's family, which appears to live or have lived in the Atlanta area and in Birmingham, Ala., did not respond to interview requests by phone and social media.

The landlord described his attempts to help Ayele by taking him to the police; those contacts are also detailed in the arrest affidavit outlining the allegations against Taylor.

D.C. police Capt. Anthony Haythe, who commands the homicide unit, said authorities offered Ayele assistance. "He declined to be relocated from his current residence," Haythe said.

The captain said he is not sure what, if anything, the suspected drug dealers knew about Ayele's interaction with law enforcement, but he urged those in Ayele's situation "to take advantage" of offers from police or other city officials. "I do understand that some circumstances may prevent some from leaving their residences abruptly," Haythe said. "But my advice is to do so, especially if you think the circumstances could impact your life or your life is in danger."

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Of Ayele's death, Haythe said, "It's definitely a tragic situation."

Taylor has been ordered detained until a preliminary hearing in D.C. Superior Court on Jan. 9. Court documents say he was known as "G." His attorney did not respond to requests for an interview.

Court documents say that Ayele and another man started using crack cocaine in early 2016 and allowed a man known as "G" into Ayele's apartment. But toward the end of 2016, the court documents state that "G" forced his way in and then started to "take it over." In January 2017, police said, a man with a gun kicked in Ayele's doors and windows.

On Jan. 25, the building owner said he helped arrange a meeting with police, which authorities confirmed. Police said in court documents it was too dangerous for the owner to get Ayele, so three uniformed officers went to the apartment and escorted Ayele to the meeting.

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After the meeting, the affidavit says, Ayele returned to his apartment, where police said he was beaten a short time later.

A friend stopped by and reported finding him on his mattress, bleeding from the mouth, "in pain, and unable to talk." The friend called 911, but he, too, was beaten before help arrived. The friend was taken to a hospital and needed surgery; Ayele declined medical attention.

On the morning of Jan. 26, firefighters responded to the fire and found Ayele's body. Police arrested and charged Taylor with assaulting the friend. Police said in the affidavit that his clothes smelled like soot. Police continued to investigate until filing the murder charge against Taylor in mid-December in connection with Ayele's death.

The Trinidad neighborhood is transforming as home values rise and crime drops, a marked shift from the mid-to-late 2000s, when the neighborhood off Florida and West Virginia avenues was notorious for shootings. In 2009, the former police chief installed military-style checkpoints, a decision a federal appeals court ruled unconstitutional.

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But as crime declines broadly, pockets remain. In August, a popular construction worker who was working to renovate rowhouses was fatally shot during a robbery. One of the arrested suspects was a 14-year-old boy.

Ayele was one of four homicide victims in Trinidad in 2017.

The apartment building's owner said the drug dealing all but stopped after Ayele was killed but is now "getting right back to how it was before. . . . Working-class people shouldn't have to fight drug dealers or people passing firearms in the alleys."

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Third District officers were called to the 14200 block of Ballinger Terrace about 3:30 p.m. for the report of a "suspicious situation," police said in a statement. Authorities found the body of a woman in a pond behind that location.

Police did not release information about the body, including age, identity or how the woman may have ended up in the water. Authorities did not describe the suspicious activity or why they searched the pond.
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Passengers riding in Ajmal Faqiri's Lyft sometimes catch his accent, peer over their smartphones and ask how an Afghan came to live in the United States. It's not a question of how, Faqiri says, but why. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight He served alongside American troops for seven years and survived brutal firefights, which he says makes him a U.S. war veteran  just one who happens to be from Kabul province.

Afghan and Iraqi citizens like Faqiri, who now lives in Sterling, Va., helped the U.S. wage costly counterinsurgencies. The United States needed cultural experts and native speakers of local languages. Faqiri, 31, who speaks Dari, Pashto, some Urdu and English, signed up to translate for American forces in 2006.

"We thought the war would be over in Afghanistan. We wanted to bring peace," Faqiri said as he drove his black Toyota Camry in downtown Washington, an ear tuned to a ping from the Lyft ride-hailing app announcing a new rider.

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Instead Faqiri joined 69,000 Iraqis and Afghans  translators, contractors and their families  who have fled since 2008, when the State Department began issuing special immigrant visas to those who risked their lives to translate for U.S. troops.

What followed has been a years-long clearance process and a backlog of applications.

"We have increased the resources dedicated to [special immigrant visa] processing, and have undertaken steps to streamline the process at every application stage," a State Department official said.

Still, nearly 14,000 applicants are waiting, not including family members, with only 3,500 spots allocated in 2018.

Poverty is the new threat for translators in the United States. Despite efforts by nonprofit groups to locate and subsidize housing for interpreters, translators often lack work history to land even basic jobs and have no credit history to obtain loans or apartments.

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Their migration has prompted a question yet to be fully answered: If the U.S. believes it is a sacred obligation to provide health and housing safety nets for veterans, what should be done for translators who sacrificed just as much, if not more?

"We have done something for the people of the United States and its military. We want some honor for it," Faqiri said.

New dangers for translators

Afghanistan was a deadly place for Faqiri's work.

When he was off-duty, icy stares and blunt comments from neighbors told him what he needed to know: The longer he stayed in Afghanistan, the more dangerous it was for his family.

But, he said, those were known dangers. Translators who arrive in the United States are blindsided by other issues.

"They don't know the problems like finding jobs. They can't pay rent," Faqiri said of fellow interpreters. He spent a combined $16,000 of his own and borrowed money on plane tickets for him, his wife and two children in a race to arrive at San Francisco International Airport before New Year's Day in 2014, the day their visas expired.

Faqiri's family arrived minutes before midnight, and even one delay would have invalidated their visas and sent them back to Kabul at a time of Taliban resurgence in the region. Militants closely track interpreters, offering rewards for their capture.

Sometimes interpreters have only enough to get themselves to safety, and like Faqiri in those early days, cram into apartments with other refugees to avoid living on the street.

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Nonprofit and business support has recently popped up to aid translators in their most vulnerable moments. Lyft, the ride-hailing company, launched a pilot program in Washington in October to provide translators with driving jobs. In some cases, the company supplies cars and ride credits to help them make appointments, like consular and doctor visits.

Washington is a crucial testing ground for the pilot program, said Steve Taylor, the general manager of the District's Lyft office. Nearly 10,000 special immigrant visa holders live in the metropolitan area, more than any other city.

The pilot is a joint effort with No One Left Behind, an advocacy group focused on getting more combat zone translators to the United States and providing guidance and financial assistance. It has helped about 5,000 translators and family members since it was founded in 2013 by Matt Zeller, a former Army officer. Zeller's interpreter Janis Shinwari saved Zeller's life in a firefight in 2008 by killing two Taliban militants, sparking a revenge campaign against him and an effort by Zeller to bring him to the United States.

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"The only difference between me and Janis is where we were born. Interpreters are more of a veteran than I am," Zeller said. "I only did one tour. Janis served nine years."

As he ferried passengers between Washington and Old Town Alexandria, Faqiri stressed translators should not be treated with pity.

"We just need support, then we're like a natural-born American. We can do anything we want," he said. Faqiri left San Francisco for Virginia in the weeks after his arrival, and he eventually landed a job selling cars then transitioned to real estate.

"Most people have never thought about translators. It's a very important element of the U.S. military," he said. Riders and home buyers who hear his story offer a sometimes heartfelt refrain familiar to veterans: Thank you for your service.

It's appreciated, Faqiri said, but he worries some Americans view translators with doubt, harboring suspicion they may be militants.

But he carried a weapon to defend U.S. troops against those insurgents. If translators aren't recognized for their service, he said, it will be difficult to find people like him in the next war.

"If other countries see the U.S. left behind their allies, they won't help them," Faqiri said. "It's very important for the United States to keep its word."

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Republican incumbent David E. Yancey's name was drawn from a bowl on Jan. 4, determining him the winner of a recount in Virginia's 94th District. (Video: WCVE)

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RICHMOND  A Virginia elections official reached into an artsy bowl, pulled out a name and named Republican David E. Yancey the winner of a House of Delegates race that could determine which political party controls the chamber. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight Triumphant Republicans declared that they would be in charge when the legislature reconvenes Wednesday. But Democrat Shelly Simonds did not concede, and she could request a second recount.

With that race in limbo and Democrats suing over another disputed Republican win, the GOP's hold on a chamber it has dominated since 2000 remains tenuous. In a hearing Friday in federal court in Alexandria, Democrats will ask a judge to order a new election for a Fredericksburg-area House seat because nearly 150 voters were given the wrong ballots.

Thursday's dramatic and rare election lottery, carried live on CNN, drew national attention as an odd way to decide a highly consequential contest. Simonds and a crowd of about 100 state officials, journalists and politicos crowded into the West Reading Room of the Patrick Henry Building for the event. Yancey was not present, although he sent a representative.

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The Democrat sat in the first row, between her husband, Paul, and her 15-year-old daughter, Georgia, holding both of their hands. "It's okay," she said softly to Georgia after State Board of Elections Chairman James Alcorn announced that Yancey had won.

She left the room for a few minutes, then returned to say she was not conceding  at least not yet. She said she was "reflecting" on whether to seek what would be the contest's second recount. She has 10 days to make the request.

"All options are on the table," she told a scrum of about 30 journalists, including a crew from HBO's "Vice News Tonight."

Yancey issued a statement praising Simonds's "great campaign" and saying he looked forward to returning to the House for a fourth term.

"This race could not have been any closer and when I return to the House of Delegates I want all residents of Newport News to know I am ready to serve as their Delegate and look forward to hearing how I can improve the lives of all," he said.

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Yancey will not be seated if a recount is pending, said House Majority Leader M. Kirkland Cox (R-Colonial Heights), who is in line to become speaker if Republicans control the chamber.

But even without Yancey, the GOP would enjoy a 50-49 majority on the first day, when delegates pick a speaker for the next two years.

Talking to reporters outside the House chamber just 90 minutes after the lottery, Cox was direct: "We will be in the majority on the first day."

Republicans boasted a seemingly insurmountable 66-34 majority heading into November elections. But as Democrats swept statewide offices for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general, they also picked up at least 15 House seats in a blue wave widely viewed as a rebuke to President Trump.

By early afternoon, Simonds released a statement that laid out the Democratic political priorities at stake.

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"When people asked me today if I felt lucky, the answer was and always will be 'yes,' " it said. "I have a wonderful life, family, career and community. I have health care. I had access to a quality education. I can see a doctor when I'm sick. Not everyone in this world, this country, and the 94th District is as lucky. There are nearly 400,000 Virginians who have been denied access to affordable health care through Medicaid expansion. I hope our lawmakers in the House of Delegates do not leave their fate to a game of chance."

One bright spot on an otherwise bleak day for Democrats came when Cox told reporters that he would support proportional representation on House committees, meaning that membership will reflect the near-parity between the parties.

Republicans had operated under those rules when they controlled the chamber by a two-thirds majority. Even with the paper-thin majority they expect to have on opening day, they could have muscled through rules allowing them to stack committees with Republicans.

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But that's small comfort to Democratic voters who turned out in droves in November, said Larry J. Sabato, a University of Virginia political scientist. He blames gerrymandering for allowing Republicans to cling to power in the House even though, when tallied as a whole, Democrats won 55 percent of the House votes.

"The voters, whether they were right or wrong, decided they wanted to move in a Democratic direction," Sabato said. "That was their choice. Is it any wonder why voters get disillusioned? The Republicans can now kill anything (Gov.-elect Ralph) Northam (D) proposes."

If Simonds seeks and wins a second recount, the 100-member House would be split right down the middle, ending the GOP's 18-year hold on the lower chamber.

On Election Day, Yancey appeared to beat Simonds by 10 votes in the 94th legislative district. Then a Dec. 19 recount left Simonds ahead by a single vote, prompting House Republicans to concede.

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The next day, the three-judge recount court decided that a ballot declared ineligible during the recount should be tallied for Yancey, tying the race at 11,608 votes apiece. The voter, whose identity is unknown, filled in bubbles on the paper ballot for Simonds and Yancey but also made a slanted mark across the Simonds bubble. That voter chose Republicans in other state-level offices but also made slash marks across a filled-in bubble for Republican Ed Gillespie in the gubernatorial race. Those marks were counted for Gillespie because the voter made no marks at all for the eventual winner, Northam.

The court ruled the extra mark in the delegate's race was an effort to strike out the vote for Simonds. Republicans agreed. But Democrats, contending the voter's intent was unclear, said the ballot should have been thrown out.

Simonds asked the recount court to reconsider, but the judges rejected that request on the eve of Thursday's drawing.

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The other remaining contested House race is the contest to represent the 28th District in the Fredericksburg area. In that election, Democrat Joshua Cole lost to Republican Bob Thomas by 73 votes in a recount. Voters filed a federal lawsuit seeking a new election after it was determined that 147 voters were incorrectly given ballots for a different district. A hearing on that complaint is scheduled for Friday in federal court in Alexandria.

If the judge grants the request for a new election, that would prevent Thomas from being seated. Without Thomas and Yancey, the chamber would be split 49 to 49, forcing the Democrats and Republicans to negotiate a power-sharing arrangement.

The last  and perhaps only  time Virginia decided an election by random drawing was in 1971, to settle a tie in a race in Fairfax for a House seat. Back then, a blindfolded Elections Board chairman plucked the winner's name from a silver loving cup.

This time, the vessel was a modern bowl  earthy red on the inside, gray-blue with creamy swirls outside  created by Steven Glass, resident ceramicist at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. It was big enough to hold a family-size salad or, in this case, the fate of the "oldest continuously lawmaking body in the New World," as the House refers to itself.

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As tensions in the room mounted, a museum representative offered a few words about the "wax resist process" used to create the swirls. Then paper slips printed with the names of each contender were tucked into separate black film canisters. Clara Belle Wheeler, the board's vice chair and lone Republican, gave them a stir. Then Alcorn, the chairman, pulled out one canister. Wheeler removed the other.

Alcorn popped the lid, unfurled the paper and announced Yancey had won. Wheeler opened hers as well and displayed the paper with Simonds's name, just to show it was all on the up and up.

The rare drawing attracted onlookers such as Brian Cannon, a self-professed "election-law nerd" and executive director of OneVirginia2021, which advocates for nonpartisan redistricting. He cleared a couple inches of snow from his truck to witness the latest twist in a race that's taken more odd turns than the meandering swirls on that stoneware bowl.

He declared: "Strangest election ever."

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The number of high-school-age teens who are having sex dropped markedly over a decade, a trend that includes substantial declines among younger students, African Americans and Hispanics, according to a new government report released Thursday. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight The survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed especially steep declines in the past two years. It adds to evidence about ongoing progress in reducing risky behavior by teenagers, who are becoming pregnant, smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol and using marijuana at rates lower than younger people before them, according to public health surveys.

"Early initiation of sexual activity is associated with having more sexual partners, not using condoms, sexually transmitted infection and pregnancy during adolescence," the report noted. It called the falling rate of sexual activity among 9th- and 10th-graders "especially encouraging."

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The researchers said they could not attribute the trend "directly to any specific intervention," but experts have previously cited a number of factors, most importantly access in school and online to straightforward information about sex and contraception.

Laura Lindberg, principal research scientist at the Guttmacher Institute, a nonprofit organization that studies reproductive rights and health, noted that the vast majority of the decline occurred between 2013 and 2015.

"So we need to see if this is a short-term blip or this is something that is going to continue," Lindberg said. "The drops are very large in 2015, and that raises questions of survey value."

The results differ from another national survey, conducted in teenagers' homes, that showed little change in sexual activity. The National Youth Risk Behavior Surveys cited in Thursday's report are conducted in schools.

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Still, she said, the finding that ninth- and 10th-graders are delaying sexual initiation is a welcome development that most likely results from the end of federally funded school programs that taught abstinence until marriage. In 2010, she said, the Obama administration replaced that curriculum with "medically accurate" information about sex and contraception.

In July, the Trump administration cut funding by more than $200 million for groups across the United States that work to prevent teenage pregnancy.

"The big takeaway for me here is that even with the observed delay in sex, by the time they graduate high school, it's still the case that more than half of students have had sex," Lindberg said. "So we need to do what we can to encourage delay and support healthy choices" when teens begin having sex, she said.

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One of the study's authors, Kathleen A. Ethier, director of the CDC's division of adolescent and school health, said in a statement that "we do know that sexual risk, substance use and other behaviors have common risk and protective factors, and that youth development approaches, parental monitoring and connectedness are protective across these behaviors and experiences."

She said more research is needed to understand which factors have contributed to the decline in teen sex and pregnancy.

Overall in 2015, 41.2 percent of high school students reported having had sexual intercourse, down from 46.8 percent two years earlier, the same rate found in 2005, according to the CDC's National Youth Risk Behavior Survey.

More strikingly, 48.5 percent of black students in the survey in 2015 said they'd had sex, a steep drop from 60.6 percent two years earlier and 67.6 percent in 2005. Over the same two years, sexual activity among Hispanic high-schoolers fell from 49.2 percent to 42.5 percent. Among whites, there was a smaller decrease, from 43.7 percent to 39.9 percent.

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Among ninth-grade boys, 27.3 percent said they'd had sex before, down from 32 percent in 2013 and 39.3 percent in 2005. For ninth-grade girls, 20.7 percent in the 2015 survey had begun having sex, a sharp decrease from 28.1 percent in 2013 and 29.3 percent in 2005.

The CDC report looked at data from 29 states that had conducted the survey and found some disparities among them. But only two  Wyoming and North Dakota  found no decline in high school sexual activity over the decade.

Other reports show that teenage pregnancy and smoking hit all-time lows in 2016, with just 11 percent of teens saying they had smoked a cigarette in the previous month. Alcohol and marijuana use has also declined in recent years, though not as sharply.

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Motel 6 accused of giving guest info to ICE Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight Washington's attorney general sued Motel 6 on Wednesday, alleging the national budget chain disclosed the private information of thousands of its guests to U.S. immigration authorities in violation of the state's consumer protection law. Attorney General Bob Ferguson said motel employees divulged the names, birth dates, driver's license numbers, license plate numbers and room numbers of at least 9,150 guests to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents without a warrant. At least six people were detained on or near motel property during a two-year period.

Motel 6 was aware that the agents used the registry information to single out guests based on their national origin in violation of Washington's anti-discrimination law, the state's lawsuit filed in King County Superior Court alleged.

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Ferguson said at least six Motel 6 locations in the state  all in the Puget Sound region and corporate-owned  provided the information without guests' knowledge or consent.

Motel 6, in a statement, said it has issued a directive to its motels against providing guest lists to immigration authorities.

 Associated Press

'Swatting' suspect to be extradited to Wichita

A Los Angeles man suspected of making a hoax emergency call that led to the fatal police shooting of a Kansas man told a judge Wednesday he would not fight efforts to send him to Wichita to face charges.

Tyler Barriss, 25, was held without bail after waiving his right to an extradition hearing in Los Angeles Superior Court.

He provided brief answers to a judge's questions, acknowledging he was the wanted man, and signed the waiver.

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Authorities suspect Barriss of "swatting," in which a caller falsely reports an emergency requiring a police response, usually by special weapons and tactics, or SWAT, teams.

Police have said Andrew Finch, 28, was shot after Barriss allegedly called 911 last week with a fake story about a shooting and kidnapping at Finch's Wichita home.

 From news services

Small fire breaks out on Clintons' property

Firefighters responded to Bill and Hillary Clinton's home outside New York City after a small fire in a building on the property.

New Castle Police said a call came in about 2:50 p.m. Wednesday about a fire in Chappaqua. The fire was out by 3:15 p.m.

Clinton spokesman Nick Merrill tweeted that the fire was in a building used by the Secret Service, not in the Clintons' residence. He said the Clintons were not home at the time, and "all is OK!"

 Associated Press

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Former hostage Boyle appears in court Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight Former hostage Joshua Boyle will remain in jail in his native Canada following a brief appearance via video link at a preliminary hearing Wednesday after he was charged with 15 offenses, including sexual assault. He is due in court again on Monday. Boyle, his American wife, Caitlan Coleman, and their three children were freed in October in Pakistan, five years after the couple were abducted by a Taliban-linked militant group during a backpacking trip in neighboring Afghanistan. The children were born in captivity.

All the offenses Boyle is accused of committing allegedly occurred between Oct. 14 and Dec. 30 after the family returned to Canada. A court order bars reporting information that could identify any victims. The charges include eight counts of assault, two counts of sexual assault and two counts of unlawful confinement.

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In a statement to the Toronto Star, Caitlan Coleman wrote, "I can say that ultimately it is the strain and trauma he was forced to endure for so many years and the effects that that had on his mental state that is most culpable for this."

 Associated Press

Study links young male migrants and violence

The recent influx of mostly young male migrants has led to an increase in violent crime in Germany, according to a government-funded study published Wednesday.

The study used figures from the northern state of Lower Saxony to examine the effect of refugee arrivals on crime in 2015 and 2016, a period when the number of violent crimes reported increased by 10.4 percent. The authors concluded that 92 percent of the additional crimes recorded could be attributed to the increase in refugee numbers.

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It noted that the demographic composition of the refugee population is a major factor. Young males  whether Germans or migrants  are generally more likely to commit crimes and more likely to become victims of crime.

The findings add to the debate in Germany about how to handle crimes committed by migrants. Parties on the right, including Chancellor Angela Merkel's bloc, want a tough response, while those on the left say more needs to be done to integrate refugees into German society.

The study notes that most of the refugees came from Muslim countries that are "characterized by male dominance" and an acceptance of a "macho culture" that can justify violence.

The lack of women among Germany's refugee population is also seen as an aggravating factor.

 Associated Press

1 dead, 23 injured as storm batters region

A violent storm with winds up to 100 mph battered parts of Western Europe on Wednesday, derailing trains, toppling trees and halting flights. Authorities said one person was killed and at least 23 were injured.

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The high winds played havoc on transport and left hundreds of thousands of homes across France, Switzerland, Britain and Ireland without power.

Officials said a falling tree killed a skier in the French Alps.

Eight people suffered mostly minor injuries when a train was blown off the tracks near Lenk, a Swiss town, according to police. In western Germany, a train derailed near Luenen after crashing into a tree that had fallen onto the tracks. No injuries were reported.

The storm forced the cancellation of flights at the Zurich and Basel airports in Switzerland.

In England, the storm brought hail and lightning. Overturned vehicles forced officials to close portions of three major highways. Some bridges were closed.

The storm battered northern France with winds surpassing 90 mph. About 200,000 households were left without electricity. In western Germany, highways were partly blocked by toppled trees and floodwaters.

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Sub-equipped ship to search for Flight 370: A U.S.-based company, Ocean Infinity, sent a ship to the Indian Ocean in hopes of resuming the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. The ship has unmanned submarines that can descend deep into the ocean. The Boeing 777 disappeared on March 8, 2014, with 239 people on board.

 From news services

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LEGISLATION THAT would allow a rape victim to terminate the parental rights of her attacker has been introduced into the Maryland General Assembly nine times. Nine times it has died  making Maryland one of the dwindling few states in the country that requires a woman who becomes pregnant as the result of rape to negotiate custody and adoption decisions with her assailant. As a result, Maryland has been reduced  rightly  to an object of national and international ridicule.

Leaders of the General Assembly are promising a different outcome when lawmakers reconvene next week. Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. (D-Calvert) and House Speaker Michael E. Busch (D-Anne Arundel) have signed on as co-sponsors of legislation that would establish a court process to terminate rapists' parental rights when a child is conceived through rape. "Senate Democratic leadership is going to make clear this is a priority," Mr. Miller explained in a posting on Facebook, noting "we can make sure victims of rape are protected and not forced to co-parent with their rapists."

It's good that the legislature's two most powerful lawmakers are pushing for change. But Lisae Jordan, executive director of the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault, is right to warn "it's not over until it's over." Optimism and vows for action before the start of session can fall victim to the byzantine ways of Annapolis and the enormous power of committee chairmen. Del. Joseph F. Vallario Jr. (D-Prince George's), long-standing chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, has managed to keep bills addressing the issue bottled up in committee despite widespread support. Sen. Robert A. Zirkin (D-Baltimore County), his Senate counterpart, gave lip service to the measure but was either unable or unwilling to get the bill past the finish line in the past two sessions.

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It was particularly painful last year when the legislation passed unanimously in both the House and Senate but died in the final hours of the session as the two chambers failed to reconcile differences in their versions of the bill. Neither Mr. Vallario nor Mr. Zirkin thought to name a woman to the conference committee, a fact that helped draw even more attention to the failure to act.

The bills prefiled for the upcoming session reflect the many years of study and debate about the issue, as well as the experiences of other states; Maryland is one of only about half a dozen that still grant parental rights to rapists. The bills provide for careful and balanced court adjudication with protections for all parties, including the accused. Mr. Miller and Mr. Busch should insist on early hearings and action  and an end to excuses about why this obvious reform has yet to become a reality.

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Opinion writers Jonathan Capehart, Molly Roberts, Dana Milbank and Ruth Marcus discuss the surreal reality of a president who threatens nuclear war on Twitter. (Video: The Washington Post)

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So the haters in the Fake News Media are again having a wild rumpus, this time because President Trump, threatening nuclear war via Twitter, taunted North Korea's Kim Jong Un by saying his "Nuclear Button" is "a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!" Opinions to start the day, in your inbox. Sign up. ArrowRight To those who say it is juvenile for the president of the United States to deliver playground taunts about nuclear annihilation, I offer this considered response: Your momma.

To those who say Trump is demeaning his high office, I have a ready rejoinder: Don't be a bunch of dork-faces.

To those who think it vulgar for the president to boast about the size and functionality of his nuclear button (after boasting during the campaign about the size and functionality of his, er, love button), I offer two thoughts: 1) You booger-munchers make me puke. And, 2) Suck it up, you snot-faced phlegm-wads.

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Opinion writer Dana Milbank hasnt always been a fan of former Gov. Mitt Romney, but that was before President Trump. (Video: Adriana Usero, Gillian Brockell/The Washington Post)

Not only does Trump have the biggest and most beautiful, well-functioning nuclear button, but he has the greatest and most beautiful taunts. North Korea simply can't compete. The best Kim has come up with was calling Trump a "dotard."

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Fail! I know I speak for all 320 million Americans when I say we did not know that word. Every one of us had to look it up. But Trump, Smarty McThinkalot that he is, knows how to talk to us. However else we may be divided, virtually all American voters have finished the third grade and therefore understand the language of playground insults. And nobody speaks it better than Trump.

If Kim knew his taunts better, he would have responded in kind. When Trump called him "short and fat," Kim would have replied with, "Oh, really, Das Gropenfuhrer?" or, "Bite me, Mango Mussolini."

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When Trump called Kim "Rocket Man," the North Korean could have said, "Shut it, Darth Hater," or, "Can it, you Talking Yam." Kim, when dubbed a "madman" by Trump, could have achieved deterrence by addressing Trump as Agent Orange, Adolf Twitler, Hair Fuhrer or perhaps the Angry Cheeto.

Countertaunted so forcefully, Trump would probably be reduced to saying: "Oh yeah? Well, 'madman' times infinity!"  thus opening himself up to the obvious but effective parry, "'Mango Mussolini' times infinity plus one!"

The two nuclear-armed leaders could go on firing ballistic missives across the Pacific:

Trump: "Idiot-hole!"

Kim: "Jerk-bucket!"

Trump: "Chunky McEats-a-Lot!"

Kim: "Pudgy McTrumpcake!"

Finally, Gen. Kelly would discover that Trump was tweeting and would take away his phone  and the nuclear standoff would end.

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The North Korean dictator could learn by watching the way two masters of the genre  Trump and his former top strategist, Steve Bannon  taunt each other.

Bannon: You made the dumbest political decision in modern political history, bar none.

Trump: You not only lost your job, you lost your mind.

Bannon: Treasonous. Unpatriotic. Bad sh--.

Trump: You're only in it for yourself.

Bannon: Your momma is so fat, when she walked in front of the TV, I missed three commercials.

Trump: Your momma is so fat that when she weighed herself the scale said, "One at a time, please."

But wait! Why am I advising that North Korean blowhole? As a patriotic American, I should be helping my country perfect the adolescent arts. And so, as gift to the president, I have composed a first draft of his State of the Union address:

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My fellow Americans, including all of my enemies and haters, you idiot-holes. There are those who say that I am unfit to hold this office and who are calling for my impeachment. But what they do not realize is this: I'm rubber, you're glue. Whatever you say bounces off me and sticks to you. Tag, no tag-backs. Yes, Democrat jerk-weeds kept us from repealing Obamacare, but we passed a huge tax cut for the rich. In your face! And after years of nothing from President Wimpy McSissypants, I told ISIS: Talk to the hand, because the face ain't listening.

Let the word go forth to all fatheads who say my administration stinks of corruption: He who smelt it dealt it. Let all dog-breath goobers who say I am dragging down Republicans know this: LALALALALALA! I can't hear you! And let everybody who thinks me a failure hear this: I know you are, but what am I? Your FACE is a failure.

The state of my union is bigger and more powerful than the state of your union. And your momma knows it.

Twitter: @Milbank

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Regarding the Dec. 31 editorial "Mr. Trump's vendetta": If the political leanings of investigators taint the results of investigations, then there should have been no investigations of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton by anti-Clinton legislators or their staff. And to be fair, all pro-Trump FBI agents and lawyers should also be excluded from special counsel Robert S. Mueller III's team along with anti-Trump investigators (though excluding both pro-Trump and anti-Trump personnel might leave few people who could do the work).

Facts are facts, whether they are discovered by Republican or Democratic investigators. In the case of Mr. Mueller's investigation, we might believe that Democrats would be a little more diligent, but there is no reason to suspect that investigators of either party would falsify evidence. Whatever Mr. Mueller's findings, we should accept them. Efforts to discredit him are blatantly partisan and highly hypocritical when made by people who have been supporting partisan investigations of Ms. Clinton for years.

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Glenn Ayres, Fairfax

President Trump's attempts to discredit the Mueller investigation are reminiscent of Mr. Trump's earlier demonizing of the directors of the FBI, CIA and national intelligence as political hacks. Mr. Trump called them that because these Obama-appointed leaders had the gall to investigate Russian hacking into our political system.

Republicans are infuriated by what they believe is evidence of political bias within the FBI and the Justice Department's special counsel's office. Many on special counsel Robert S. Mueller III's team made campaign donations to Democrats. Is that unusual? Attorneys and government employees depend on Democrats to defend policies beneficial to their professional interests.

Lawyers working for Mr. Mueller and the FBI certainly exhibit far less partisan bias than the Democratic and Republican senators and House members who sit on the committees investigating Russian meddling in our elections. Make no mistake: The Mueller and FBI teams and the members of Congress probing possible Trump campaign connections to Russia are professionals searching for the truth on behalf of all Americans.

Frank Richter, Clawson, Mich.

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Karen Hobert Flynn is president of Common Cause. Nearly 63 million Americans voted for Donald Trump in 2016, and nearly 66 million cast ballots for Hillary Clinton. But the votes for Trump and Clinton fell well short of the number cast for no one at all; more than 95 million eligible Americans just didn't vote.

Some of those nonvoters probably just didn't like Trump or Clinton or any of their minor-party challengers. Some were ill or disabled or out of the country or couldn't get away from work to vote. Some had no way to get to the registrar's office before the registration deadline or to the polls on Election Day. And, sad to say, some didn't vote because they've given up on politics and government.

Whatever their reasons, the nonvoters had the same right to vote  guaranteed by our Constitution  as the people who voted. But because they didn't vote, millions of Americans now face the loss of that right at the hands of state officials who ought to be protecting it.

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This is wrong, and the Supreme Court now has a chance to stop it. Next week, the court will hear a case giving the justices a chance to decide whether states can purge people from the voter rolls for not voting. Since 2011, Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted has wiped about 2 million Ohioans off the books; he wants the high court's blessing to purge even more.

Husted is among officials in more than a dozen states who  in the name of ballot security  have used purges, limits on early voting and voter registration, and other tactics to stop millions of qualified Americans from casting ballots.

None of those steps have made our elections more secure. Voter purges didn't protect Ohio's election systems last year when Russian hackers tried  with some success  to penetrate them. Purges don't help states buy modern, secure voting equipment, nor did they help implement auditing procedures that make sure votes are tallied accurately.

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Instead, Ohio's electoral system under Husted's leadership assumes that any voter who fails to vote for two years "may have moved" and mails a "confirmation notice" to his or her registered address. The notice is the state's only attempt to contact nonvoters; those who do not respond and fail to vote in the next four years are purged from the rolls.

A lower court has halted Husted's purges, but if he wins at the Supreme Court, they will resume and election administrators in other states will have license to follow Husted's example. At least one, Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp, already is running purges on the Ohio model; an appeals court is considering a challenge to the Georgia purges brought by Common Cause and the Georgia NAACP.

Husted argues that Ohio's purges are part of his responsibility to maintain accurate voter lists. But the National Voter Registration Act, signed in 1993 by President Bill Clinton with bipartisan support, specifically bars states from purging voters for not voting.

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Everyone agrees that having accurate voter records is important, but purge policies such as those used in Ohio deprive legally qualified voters of a fundamental right. Consider the case of Larry Harmon, who lives near Akron, Ohio, and a plaintiff in the case before the Supreme Court. After voting in the 2008 presidential race, Harmon missed several elections. When he went to his polling place in 2015 to vote on a ballot initiative, he learned he'd been removed from the rolls.

"You know, I pay my taxes every year, and I pay my property taxes, and I register my car. So the state had to know I'm still a voter," Harmon told PBS's "NewsHour" a few months later. He added: "I'm a veteran, my father's a veteran, my grandfather's a veteran. Now they aren't giving me my right to vote, the most fundamental right I have? I just can't believe it."

Harmon's case ought to be unbelievable. Several federal voting laws were enacted to ensure that every qualified citizen can cast a ballot. But thanks to misguided decisions by the Supreme Court, most notably on the Voting Rights Act, and partisan gridlock on Capitol Hill, the laws have lost some of their bite. Meanwhile, partisans have been emboldened to manipulate voting laws to swing elections in their favor.

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The Supreme Court has a chance to change its course. The justices must decide whether our democracy belongs to every citizen or if those entrusted with maintaining the levers of power can control who gets to pull them.

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Polluting runoff from farms is an issue in Maryland as it is in Iowa, but I have yet to read about a Maryland farmer who displays the selfishness shown by farmer Annette Sweeney in the Dec. 31 front-page article on rural Iowa voters, " 'Smothered' and 'shoved aside' in rural America ." Ms. Sweeney's own interests outweighed the interests of anyone else, not only with regard to a healthy environment but also with regard to the drinking water in her own state.

I was also struck by her dislike of the "Meatless Mondays" advocacy because she thought it negatively affected the meat industry. (Her bumper sticker, "EAT BEEF: The West Wasn't Won on Salad," is just plain nonsense. What about vegetable farmers?) Even if Ms. Sweeney lacks the moral sense to consider herself a citizen of the world, could she not also recognize the interests of the fishing industry in the Gulf of Mexico, where pollutants from the Midwest flow, as we in Maryland try to consider the Chesapeake Bay watermen? Do I assume correctly that Ms. Sweeney accepts no government farming subsidies because she doesn't want government regulation?
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Mike Pence is vice president of the United States. Eight-and-a-half years ago, Americans watched the people of Iran rise up to claim their birthright of freedom. In the "Green Revolution," millions of courageous young men and women filled the streets of Tehran and Tabriz, Qazvin and Karaj, and what seemed like every city and village in between. They denounced a fraudulent election, and as the days went on, they began to demand that the unelected ayatollahs end their decades of repression and release their iron-fisted grip on Iran and her people.

Those brave protesters looked to the leader of the free world for support. But as I saw first hand as a member of Congress, the president of the United States stayed silent.

In the wake of the demonstrations and the regime's brutal attempts to suppress them, President Barack Obama repeatedly failed to express America's solidarity with the Iranian protesters. As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I recognized the lack of action for what it was: an abdication of American leadership.

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The United States has long stood with those who yearn for freedom and a brighter future, and yet the president declined to stand with a proud people who sought to escape from under the heavy weight of a dictatorship, issuing only a delayed response condemning the regime's violence. At the same time, the United States was failing to confront the leading state sponsor of terrorism  a mistake that endangered the safety and security of the American people and our allies.

The last administration's refusal to act ultimately emboldened Iran's tyrannical rulers to crack down on the dissent. The Green Revolution was ruthlessly put down, and the deadly silence on the streets of Iran matched the deafening silence from the White House. To this day, many Iranians blame the United States for abandoning them in their hour of need.

Today, the Iranian people are once again rising up to demand freedom and opportunity, and under President Trump, the United States is standing with them. This time, we will not be silent.

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Months before the protests started in Iran, the president predicted that the days of the Iranian regime were numbered. Speaking at the United Nations in September, he said, "The good people of Iran want change, and, other than the vast military power of the United States, Iran's people are what their leaders fear the most." Much like another president who made similar predictions about the Soviet Union, the president was mocked.

These words now ring truer than ever. Where his predecessor stayed silent in 2009, Trump swiftly offered the Iranian people America's unwavering support. He has also committed to provide assistance in the days ahead.

More broadly, the president declined to certify the previous administration's nuclear deal with Iran, which flooded the regime's coffers with tens of billions of dollars in cash  money that it could use to repress its own people and support terrorism across the wider world. We have already issued new sanctions on Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and the president is weighing additional actions to punish the regime for its belligerent behavior and assault on its own citizens.

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The United States has spoken clearly and unequivocally. Unfortunately, many of our European partners, as well as the United Nations, have thus far failed to forcefully speak out on the growing crisis in Iran. It's time for them to stand up. The suppression of the Green Revolution in 2009 shows the disastrous price of silence. The president and I call on leaders of freedom-loving nations across the world to condemn Iran's unelected dictators and defend the Iranian people's unalienable right to chart their own future and determine their own destiny.

The president has said that "oppressive regimes cannot endure forever," and our administration will continue to support the protesters in their calls for freedom and demand that Iran's leaders cease their dangerous and destabilizing actions at home and abroad.

We stand with the proud people of Iran because it is right, and because the regime in Tehran threatens the peace and security of the world. That is the essence of American leadership, and as the people of Iran now know, the United States is leading on the world stage for freedom once again.

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IN LATE January 2017, President Trump's first travel ban made for a brash start to the young administration: an aggressive assertion of executive power in service of one of Mr. Trump's most incendiary campaign promises. Almost a year later, the president's promised ban on Muslim entry into the United States is more a story of weakness than of strength. Judge after judge blocked the order from going into effect after finding it likely unlawful. The administration is now battling in court to defend a third, watered-down version of the ban that bears little resemblance to Mr. Trump's original policy, though it remains equally useless and cruel.

The Supreme Court may finally weigh in on the ban's legality in the new year. The high court allowed the order to fully go into effect in early December while federal judges in the U.S. Courts of Appeal for the 4th and 9th Circuits considered whether to halt enforcement of the ban's third iteration. Just before Christmas, the 9th Circuit decided that the executive order went beyond the president's power to control the flow of immigration.

Earlier court rulings cited Mr. Trump's anti- Muslim comments as evidence that the travel ban violated constitutional guarantees against religious discrimination. As a matter of policy and morality, those judges were right  but the courts also moved out ahead of settled law by pointing to Mr. Trump's statements from the campaign trail. The 9th Circuit's recent decision takes a more cautious route by focusing instead on whether Congress granted Mr. Trump the authority to issue his latest travel ban.

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The third executive order indefinitely limits entry into the United States from five of the majority- Muslim countries included in the original ban, along with travel from two non-majority-Muslim countries (Venezuela and North Korea) and one country with a significant Christian minority (Chad). Ninth Circuit judges found that the potentially permanent nature of the barriers to entry went against the statutory scheme laid out by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act.

What's more, the court held that the president failed to meet the act's requirement of "finding" based on reason or evidence that travel from the eight countries would harm the United States  rather than simply declaring it to be so. The administration has presented nothing to suggest a connection between a person's nationality and the likelihood of his or her being a threat. In other words, even the weakest version of the travel ban is still vulnerable because Mr. Trump drafted an ideological order by fiat instead of going through the normal processes of governing.

Despite the Supreme Court's request that the 4th and 9th Circuits decide the case briskly, the former court has yet to issue an opinion. Once it does, that may open the door for the Supreme Court to hear arguments on the ban's legality. It's not clear how the justices might rule. What is clear is that the ban is bad policy made poorly. As the 9th Circuit wrote of the order's effect on American Muslims: "It cannot be in the public interest that a portion of this country be made to live in fear."

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Michael Waldman, president of the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law, is the author of "The Fight to Vote." On Wednesday night, President Trump abruptly announced he was disbanding his Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity. This was the panel charged with finding proof of Trump's absurd claim of millions of illegal voters, and it went downhill from the beginning. But while the panel has vanished, its spurious arguments remain widespread. Claims of voter fraud still form the basis of efforts to suppress the vote across the country. Now can we call a stop to that effort, too?

First, let's marvel at the curious story of the commission. On the campaign trail in 2016, Trump warned supporters, "The election is going to be rigged." Then as president-elect, he tweeted, "I won the popular vote if you deduct the millions of people who voted illegally." He told startled members of Congress that 3 million to 5 million had cast illegal ballots.

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This was widely recognized as false. Statistically, you are more likely to be struck by lightning than to commit in-person voter fraud. Law enforcement officials, election administrators from both parties and scholars all agree voter fraud is incredibly rare.

Challenged to back up his spurious claim, Trump launched the voting commission. In contrast with similar earlier panels, which strove for bipartisanship, this one was chaired by Vice President Pence and guided by vice chair Kris Kobach, the secretary of state of Kansas, both Republicans. The panel was crammed with members, including Kobach, well known for spurious warnings of fraud.

Immediately the panel began to flail. It first asked states to provide voters' individual data, including the last four digits of their Social Security numbers, illegal under the laws of many states. Twenty-one states declined to provide any data, citing legal restrictions, privacy concerns and uncertainty about how the information would be used.

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Things only got worse. Voting rights groups, including the Brennan Center for Justice, which I lead, pelted the panel with lawsuits. Ahead of a session in New Hampshire, Kobach claimed voter fraud there because voters used out-of-state driver's licenses as IDs. In fact, many were likely college students voting legally. By November, Maine Secretary of State Matt Dunlap, a commissioner, actually sued his own panel for violating open government rules and cutting him out of the flow of information. Perhaps the White House's announcement was an act of mercy.

It's tempting to shake our heads and move on. But the ideas that undergirded the commission in the first place, unfortunately, still have malevolent potency.

Bogus claims of misconduct remain a campaign-trail staple. Roy Moore claimed voter fraud in refusing to accept his defeat in the recent U.S. Senate race in Alabama, filing a suit that was quickly tossed out of court. Cynical voters are prone to credit allegations. After the 2016 election, one poll found that 62 percent of Trump voters believed his claims.

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Worse, states across the country still have laws that make it harder to vote specifically due to the supposed specter of voter fraud. In Wisconsin, the best recent study suggested that as many as 23,000 eligible voters could have been blocked by a harsh ID law that purported to deter fraud. Next Wednesday, the Supreme Court will hear a case challenging Ohio's practice of purging voters from the rolls who have not cast ballots in federal elections. One proffered rationale: to prevent fraud. The result, however, is to block many eligible citizens who simply choose not to vote. Watchdogs worry that improper purges will be the method of choice to prune minority, poor and Democratic voters from the rolls, often without the highly visible controversy that attends state legislative action.

The panel's overreaching may have had an unexpected positive consequence, though: State officials of both parties roundly denounced its premise.

That's good, because real problems mar the way we run elections in the United States, and those problems will need bipartisan solutions. Voter registration lists are, in fact, often rife with duplication and error, even as they omit tens of millions of eligible citizens. Happily, even amid partisan wrangling over voting, states have moved to enact "automatic registration." In nine states and the District , the government will automatically register voters (unless they choose to opt out) when they interact with the departments of motor vehicles or (in some cases) other agencies. Most recently, such a measure passed the Illinois legislature unanimously and was signed by Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner. Automatic registration adds citizens to the rolls, costs less and bolsters election security.

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We also cannot forget Russia's attempts to threaten the integrity of our elections. We now know that Moscow's interference in 2016 went well beyond stealing campaign emails. Hackers probed state databases and voting- machine software companies. There's no evidence that they switched tallies, but there's every reason to think Russia  or China, or North Korea, or a homegrown partisan  will be back in 2018. A bipartisan group of senators just introduced a bill to help states buy new secure machines and harden their systems from attack.

Yes, Trump's commission began as a tragedy and ended as a farce. But the "voter fraud" hoax really is not funny. The next federal effort should find ways to protect the right to vote, not spread scare stories.

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Can our government function normally when President Trump tweets about his "button" being bigger than that of an armed adversary? Can there be business as usual when the word "insane" is being applied with increasing frequency to his actions, and when one of his most loyal supporters has called a meeting between Russian operatives and Trump campaign officials "treasonous"?

Only a few days into the new year, there is a striking disconnect in the nation's capital between the ordinary and the mind-boggling  between the sorts of transactions politicians routinely make to keep the country running and displays of the irrational, the abusive and the menacing emanating from the White House.

There has been an inclination over the past year in both politics and journalism to separate Trump's tweets and other outbursts from the realities of governing. The idea is that his eruptions are either (a) largely irrelevant forms of his letting off steam or (b) signs of a brilliance beyond the comprehension of mere mortals. What looks to most of us like madness is cast as genius in setting up enemies, signaling his base or distracting us from one thing or another.

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Opinion writers Jonathan Capehart, Molly Roberts, Dana Milbank and Ruth Marcus discuss the surreal reality of a president who threatens nuclear war on Twitter. (Video: The Washington Post)

But we are past the time when we can believe any of this. Trump is, without question, doing enormous damage to the United States' standing in the world, and his strategy for political survival is rooted in a willingness to destroy our institutions.

While the news on Wednesday understandably focused on Stephen K. Bannon's treason comments in a new book by journalist Michael Wolff, 2018 has already produced two remarkable essays explaining the genuine threat the president poses to the nation's foreign policy interests.

Follow E.J. Dionne Jr. 's opinions Follow Add

Susan Glasser, writing in Politico, offers frightening detail about how Trump's stunning lack of knowledge and his indifference to his own obliviousness have led diplomats to label him "insane," "catastrophic," "terrifying," "incompetent" and "dangerous." Glasser concludes: "When it comes to Trump and the world, it's not better than you think. It's worse."

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And Evan Osnos's carefully reported and much-discussed article in the New Yorker demonstrates how Trump's policies  but also his pathological focus on himself, his ignorance, and his astonishing susceptibility to flattery  have profoundly weakened the United States' position in Asia and played into Chinese President Xi Jinping's reach for international power.

Osnos cites a Chinese think tank's observation that the Trump administration is a collection of hostile "cliques," the most powerful of which is the "Trump family clan." And its analysis uses a term from feudal China, "jiatianxia," to define Trump's approach. It means "to treat the state as your possession."

This insight cuts to the heart of the peril the president represents to our democracy and the rule of law.

On the second day of the year, Trump called on the Justice Department to "finally act" against Huma Abedin, a Hillary Clinton aide, and also against James B. Comey, the FBI director he fired. And by referring not to the Justice Department but to the "Deep State Justice Dept," Trump continued to push back against all others investigating him, treating them as if they were a band of spies and traitors.

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Directing the prosecution of political enemies is a habit of autocrats. As Benjamin Wittes, my Brookings Institution colleague, wrote recently, Trump is "normalizing for an entire political movement the politicization and weaponization of law enforcement and intelligence." Is this the legacy the Republican Party wants?

In the midst of all this, Republicans and Democrats in Congress go about their business, trying to negotiate a budget agreement to avoid a shutdown and, in the Democrats' case, trying to protect the " dreamers" and the Children's Health Insurance Program.

And, who knows, maybe we can manage with a kind of split-level politics. While we sit back and wait on special counsel Robert S. Mueller III to issue his findings, we pray that regular governance will be possible because there is no other choice.

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Yet doing so means continuing to absorb Trump's blows to our system and to our country's influence around the globe. It also requires great faith in our capacity for restoration despite the readiness of the president's allies to place his survival above the health of our polity.

The United States does have extraordinary gifts for self-correction. But we must face the fact that Trump is accelerating us toward the breaking point. No matter how confident we are in our resilience, we should not imagine otherwise. Not even Mueller has a button on his desk he can press to get us out of this without scars.

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The Star Wars franchise's latest evil government, the First Order, seems carefully crafted to send a shiver down contemporary spines. Based on an alpine-looking ice planet, run by crisp functionaries in sharply tailored uniforms and armed with world-destroying weaponry, the First Order hearkens back to fascist regimes of the 20th century. But the most frightening thing about the First Order, as far as real-world audiences ought to be concerned, is the radical inequality festering in the society it aims to rule.

In the world depicted in "The Last Jedi," the relationship between mass politics and the First Order is never made entirely clear; the regime seems to have manifested out of some dark energy conjured by its diabolical alien leader, and, this being a mass-market sci-fi flick, we can't fault it too much for that. (After the heat "Attack of the Clones " took for wasting time on mind-numbing political tick-tock, it's easy to understand why the writers behind "The Last Jedi" didn't want to make the same mistake.)

But the film does linger on the shape of its characters' economy: upside-down, one gathers. Wealthy arms dealers and other rich characters decked in haute couture throw money down and drinks back in glittering casinos while dirty-faced children muck out stalls for alien beasts roughly akin to terrestrial racehorses. This inequality is adduced as a source of strength for the Resistance. At the film's conclusion, a child laborer is seen using the Force to summon a broom for his chores, glancing at a Resistance emblem and gazing up hopefully toward the stars. Things simply can't go on this way, we're meant to conclude; the oppression of the many by the few will eventually be righted via popular uprising. Resistance, to borrow a trope from another star-franchise, is not futile.

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If only it were that easy: the bad guys openly callous and hostile to peace and prosperity, the good guys obviously and genuinely humane, and the citizenry alert and attuned to the difference. In reality, the economic conditions sketched in "The Last Jedi" are perfectly primed to give rise to the very sort of fascist regimes the film seems to think they're naturally antithetical to.

Filmic fascism may arise from the shadowy machinations of evil mystics, but in life, fascists neither arrive on the political scene ex nihilo nor present themselves as straightforwardly evil. On the contrary, fascists frequently lean into concerns about class struggles, rhetorically throwing in their lot with the downtrodden. Germany's Nazi Party was putatively socialist, though its commitment to addressing the interests of workers was never much more than empty verbiage. Hitler found the word "socialism" both useful and troublesome : It allowed him to tap into the frustration of dispossessed workers,but also obligated him and his party to pursue solutions they didn't actually favor and had no real intention of accomplishing. As scholar Tom Childers wrote for The Post, "Hitler understood that there are times when desperate, angry people want two and two to be five, and he swore that the Nazis would make it so," largely by making contradictory pledges to different groups of hurting people: "higher sale prices for farmers and lower food prices for workers in the cities," for example.

In their hands, fascists claim, capitalism can be tamed and the pain of workers reduced, thereby preserving the hierarchy of society by not allowing the divisions sown by mass inequality to collapse the entire system. German and Italian fascists both offered up such promises, as did Latin American variants on the same theme.

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The fascists of the First Order don't seem as politically adept as their real-world predecessors. In his speech on the eve of the destruction of the free New Republic, the First Order's General Hux referred to the Republic's alleged disorder and lawlessness, both common enough fascist complaints, but didn't spare a moment to meditate on the vast socioeconomic divisions causing desperation and discord in nearby provinces he ostensibly means to annex.

There are worse things for a movie to miss. But it's worth keeping in mind that inequality is no guarantee that a popular politics of democratic resistance will thrive. If history is instructive, in fact, inequality, social unrest and instability provide fertile ground for the rise of fascism. If today's resistance-minded folk are interested in preventing the rise of a less imaginary First Order, eliminating inequality  not just reconceptualizing it as an engine of popular opposition  should be a top priority.

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President Trump's dismissive description Wednesday of Stephen K. Bannon as "a staffer" who had "very little to do with our historic victory" marked his latest effort to cast his onetime confidant as a bit player who never had any real influence on the president's politics or policies. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight It was the kind of story-shaping statement that, not so long ago, Trump and Bannon might have written together.

In reality, Bannon has been a guiding figure for Trump for years as the New York developer began seriously to consider running for president, according to associates of both men.

Sam Nunberg, who said he arranged numerous telephone calls between Bannon and Trump dating to 2013, said it did not take long for the two to become ideological soul mates. At a time when Trump was widely dismissed as a credible candidate, Nunberg said, Bannon took him seriously and publicized him on the Breitbart News website, which Bannon oversaw.

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Stephen K. Bannon used to be a member of President Trump's inner circle, but now he's been ousted from Breitbart News after critical comments in a new book. (Video: Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post, Photo: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

From those earliest days, Bannon encouraged Trump to run for the White House, and then, in the race's final months, he effectively took over a campaign that appeared to have almost no chance of succeeding.

"The only candidate who could have won this past election on the message of populism and conservative nationalism is Donald J. Trump," said Nunberg, who worked for Trump as a political and public affairs adviser before he was fired in 2015. "However, at the time Steve took a formal role, the campaign was in dire straits, and I don't believe the president would have been able to pull off that upset at the end without Steve Bannon."

It is possible, if not likely, that Trump and Bannon will reunite again soon  the president has a long history of making up with associates against whom he has lashed out. But for now, at least, Trump and Bannon are on the outs, following revelations in a new book by Michael Wolff, "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House," in which Bannon is quoted as saying that Donald Trump Jr.'s meeting with a Russian lawyer at Trump Tower in June 2016 was "treasonous."

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The Fixs Callum Borchers lists three takeaways from the book Fire and Fury by Michael Wolff about President Trumps campaign and first year in office. (Video: Bastien Inzaurralde/The Washington Post, Photo: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

Bannon declined to comment Wednesday.

John Thornton  a former co-worker of Bannon's at Goldman Sachs whom Bannon has described as a "mentor"  saw Bannon work closely with Trump during the transition and the early months of the administration. He said in an interview Wednesday that he was impressed at how smoothly they got along and by how the president listened closely to Bannon's advice on issues ranging from the economy to China.

"It was a very healthy, highly engaged, intimate relationship that you would expect to see between the person who had just won the presidency and the person who had run the campaign," Thornton said. "There's no question he was clearly a central figure helping the president achieve his goals."

Bannon and Trump were introduced in 2010 by David Bossie, who rose as a hero on the right when as a congressional staffer in the 1990s he helped to investigate Bill Clinton and went on to become president of Citizens United, a conservative group whose work includes a movie pillorying Hillary Clinton. Bossie did not respond to a request for comment.

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Outwardly, the two did not seem to have much in common  one making his fame and fortune in front of the cameras, the other building a power base behind them.

Trump cared deeply about his looks, his clothing and his hair, and he promoted himself in his reality television show, "The Apprentice." He had toyed with the idea of running for the presidency since 1987, but had always backed down when he concluded he had no chance of winning.

Bannon had a wild-looking demeanor, often dressed shabbily, uncombed and unkempt, despite his background in the Navy, Harvard Business School and Goldman Sachs. He made millions of dollars working in Hollywood for his boutique firm, Bannon & Co., on a variety of investments, as well as the sale of television properties that wound up giving Bannon a payoff from Seinfeld reruns. He made deals around the world, profiting from the globalism he later demonized. He produced films that criticized Wall Street, the political establishment and "Islamic fascism," and he gave speeches around the country promoting the tea party agenda.

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The two men bonded over their rare ability to be members of the coastal elite while representing themselves as champions of the downtrodden working class  as well as over a shared anger at the Republican establishment.

That bond gelled shortly after Mitt Romney lost the presidential race in 2012. Trump began tweeting that Republicans had been robbed: "This election is a total sham and travesty. We can't let this happen. The world is laughing at us." Foreshadowing his campaign, Trump also tweeted: "We should march on Washington and stop this travesty. Our nation is totally divided."

During that same year, Bannon became executive chairman of Breitbart News and reshaped the website into one promoting more-nationalistic views, later declaring that it was "the platform for the alt-right." Bannon's Breitbart attracted white nationalists, although Bannon denied accusations that he was fomenting racist views.

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It was after the 2012 election, as Trump went through his quadrennial exercise of pondering a bid for the presidency, that he began talking to Bannon on the phone more regularly. By 2015, their conversations became public, as Trump took turns as a guest on a radio broadcast called the Breitbart News Daily. Bannon has said that he was "mocked and ridiculed" for talking about a Trump candidacy on the show but that he realized that Trump had an uncanny ability to attract support.

During the radio interviews, Bannon sometimes seemed to be tutoring Trump about how to frame issues. For instance, in one interview, Trump said he wanted to build a border wall but allow some immigrants who graduated from U.S. universities to stay in the country.

"I still want people to come in. But I want them to go through the process," Trump said.

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Bannon responded, "You got to remember, we're Breitbart. We're the know-nothing vulgarians. So we've always got to be to the right of you on this."

"Oh, that's okay," Trump said.

As Trump's presidential campaign unfolded, Bannon regularly advised Trump and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, while also pushing the candidacy on the Breitbart website. Then, as the campaign seemed headed for defeat, Trump in August 2016 hired Bannon as the campaign's chief executive, which gave him significant control over message and strategy. Just as he had on his radio show, Bannon pushed Trump to go further to the right and to hammer Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton mercilessly.

The strategy worked, and Trump rewarded Bannon by making him the White House chief strategist, a powerful role that put him in conflict with Kushner, who was named Trump's senior adviser. Bannon had worked well with Kushner during the campaign but often was at odds with him in the White House, as Bannon pushed policies such as pulling out of a global-warming treaty, which Kushner and his wife, Ivanka Trump, reportedly had supported.

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Bannon announced his arrival at the White House with an attack on the media.

"The media should be embarrassed and humiliated and keep its mouth shut and just listen for a while," Bannon said in an interview with the New York Times. "I want you to quote this: the media here is the opposition party. They don't understand this country. They still do not understand why Donald Trump is the president of the United States."

That pleased Trump. But then Bannon appeared on the cover of Time magazine, with the headline, "The Great Manipulator," a portrayal of him as the brains behind the president. Trump famously collects magazine covers of himself on the wall of his office at Trump Tower, and he takes offense when others take credit for his accomplishments. The Time cover prompted Bannon's enemies in the White House to attack him. Kushner privately joined in the criticism, according to a White House official familiar with the matter.

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Thornton said that while the relationship between Trump and Bannon may baffle some, there is a "larger picture" that makes sense to Bannon.

"Bannon sees himself as the head of a movement, and he sees Trump as the beneficiary of that movement at this point in time," Thornton said. "Bannon sees himself as helping Trump stay true to that movement. If Trump or his administration deviates from the movement, Bannon will go on the offense. If Trump stays true, Bannon is all in."

Another associate of both men, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that "no matter what the president says now, Steve during the transition and rolling forward was critically important. He was a very consistent voice of the far right . . . when others wanted to fade or fold."

The relationship seemed to have fallen apart in August, shortly after Bannon was quoted in an interview with the American Prospect saying "there's no military solution" to North Korea's nuclear capability, "they got us." Trump fired him, although Bannon said he resigned. In any case, Bannon later told the Weekly Standard, "The Trump presidency that we fought for, and won, is over. We still have a huge movement, and we will make something of this Trump presidency. But that presidency is over. And there'll be all kinds of fights, and there'll be good days and bad days, but that presidency is over."

Bannon then returned to running Breitbart News and, in effect, began laying the groundwork for the next phase of his war against the Republican establishment, of which he now viewed Trump as a captive. Still, the two remained in touch and had talked on the telephone at least five times since Bannon's departure, according to the White House. Bannon persuaded Trump to endorse Roy Moore, the failed U.S. Senate candidate from Alabama who was accused of inappropriate sexual contact with a 14-year-old girl when he was in his early 30s.

Then came the news Wednesday of Wolff's book, and the president, having played a crucial role in making Bannon one of the best-known political figures of the day, said that his former chief strategist had "lost his mind" and that he was done with him.

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President Trump announced Wednesday that he is disbanding a controversial panel studying alleged voter fraud that became mired in multiple federal lawsuits and faced resistance from states that accused it of overreach. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight The decision is a major setback for Trump, who created the commission last year in response to his claim, for which he provided no proof, that he lost the popular vote to Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016 because of millions of illegally cast ballots.

The commission met only twice amid the series of lawsuits seeking to curb its authority and claims by Democrats that it was stacked to recommend voting restrictions favorable to the president's party.

In a statement, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said there is "substantial evidence of voter fraud" and blamed the ending of the commission on the refusal of many states to provide voter data sought by the panel and the cost of ongoing lawsuits.

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The bipartisan panel, known as the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, had been nominally chaired by Vice President Pence and led by Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, a Republican who has aggressively sought to prosecute alleged voter fraud in his state. Pence in recent months had sought to distance himself from its work.

In the statement, Sanders said Trump had signed an executive order asking the Department of Homeland Security "to review its initial findings and determine next courses of action."

Critics of the commission hailed Trump's announcement, calling it long overdue.

President Trump claims that widespread voter fraud occurred in the 2016 election. Does the integrity of the ballot box depend on voter ID laws? (Video: Monica Akhtar/The Washington Post)

"The commission never had anything to do with election integrity," Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) said in a statement. "It was instead a front to suppress the vote, perpetrate dangerous and baseless claims, and was ridiculed from one end of the country to the other. This shows that ill-founded proposals that just appeal to a narrow group of people won't work, and we hope they'll learn this lesson elsewhere."

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Former Missouri secretary of state Jason Kander (D) also wished the panel "good riddance."

"President Trump created his sham voting commission to substantiate a lie he told about voter fraud in the 2016 election," said Kander, president of the advocacy group Let America Vote. "When he couldn't come up with any fake evidence, and under relentless pressure, he had no choice but to disband his un-American commission."

Trump, however, appeared to stand by the claims of voter fraud without offering any further evidence.

In tweets Thursday, he said the commission "fought hard" to investigation allegations of voter abuses "because they know that many people are voting illegally. System is rigged, must go to Voter I.D."

"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," Trump wrote in a separate tweet. "Push hard for Voter Identification!"

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The 11-member commission proved a magnet for controversy from the outset and was sued by one of its members, Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap (D), who alleged in November that he has been kept in the dark about its operations, rendering his participation "essentially meaningless."

Republicans on the commission accused Dunlap of paranoia, but a federal judge last month ruled partly in his favor.

In an interview Wednesday night, Dunlap said it may be premature to celebrate the demise of the commission, given Trump's announcement that Homeland Security would pick up the work. The department, he said, could angle to change regulations affecting voter identification and other matters affecting voting without as much public scrutiny.

"I think people who are saying 'the witch is dead' should be very alarmed by this move," he said. "I think that's very dangerous."

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The commission had been targeted in at least eight other lawsuits seeking to curb its operations or make its deliberations more transparent. Several of those stemmed from an early sweeping request to states for voter data that some, including those led by Republicans, deemed too intrusive. The panel sought all publicly available information about voter rolls in the states, such as names of registrants, addresses, dates of birth, partial Social Security numbers and other data.

The commission met publicly in Washington in July and in New Hampshire in September. Other meetings planned across the country never materialized.

At the meeting in New Hampshire, Kobach came under fire from that state's secretary of state for a piece he wrote for Breitbart News in which he speculated, without concrete evidence, that the result of New Hampshire's 2016 Senate election "likely" changed because of voter fraud. The episode only emboldened critics of the commission who argued that Kobach, who is running for governor in Kansas, and other Republican members were too eager to find fraud where it doesn't exist.

But after the meeting, Bill Gardner, the longtime New Hampshire secretary of state and a Democratic member of the commission, said he was still hopeful that the panel could overcome its rocky start.

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"Sometimes if you're tested severely at the beginning, you end up much stronger at the end," Gardner said.

In an interview with the Kansas City Star on Wednesdy, Kobach blamed a "barrage of meritless lawsuits" for the dissolution of the commission.

Kobach told the paper that he would remain in close contact with the White House and the Department of Homeland Security as that agency begins to investigate the issue instead of the commission.

"This is a tactical shift by the president, who remains very committed to finding the scope of voter fraud," Kobach said.

Even at the height of controversy surrounding the panel, some of the GOP members expressed hope that something positive could be accomplished.

"I think it's a good idea to actually try to work together and get something done," J. Christian Adams, a Republican on the commission, told The Washington Post in the fall. Adams leads an organization whose work has included a report titled "Alien Invasion II," which details the presence of noncitizens on the voter rolls in Virginia.

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In a statement Thursday, he said that with the shift to Homeland Security, "the important work of improving the integrity of the election process will be done by people who believe in election integrity, not by those who seek to preserve vulnerabilities in the system."

During the fall, the commission was also rattled by two unforeseen events: the arrest of a staff member on charges of possessing child pornography and the death of one of the commissioners, Democrat David Dunn, a former Arkansas state legislator.

The original executive order establishing the commission called for it to produce a report to Trump detailing laws and policies that either enhance or undermine "the American people's confidence in the integrity of the voting." It was expected to meet at least five times and had a budget of $500,000.

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Despite the accusations of bias, both Trump and Pence had said in opening remarks at the first commission meeting that it had no preordained agenda.

That did not reassure critics.

"This commission started as a tragedy and ended as a farce," said Michael Waldman, president of the Brennan Center for Justice, a fierce critic of the panel. "It was a colossal waste of taxpayer money from the very beginning."

Vanita Gupta, the former head of the civil rights division of the Justice Department during the Obama administration, said that "the abrupt abandonment of the commission makes clear that it had become a thoroughly discredited body that could not find evidence of mass voter fraud,"

"The commission itself was unable to justify its existence as a result," said Gupta, who is now president of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights.

A senior White House aide, however, said Democrats on the commission were to blame for refusing to work with the panel, as were states that refused to turn over public data.

The aide, who was not authorized to speak on behalf of the commission and spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that the Department of Homeland Security is "better equipped to take up the matter."

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The White House on Wednesday dismissed criticism of President Trump's taunt that his "Nuclear Button" is larger and more effective than North Korea's arsenal, arguing he will respond strongly to provocations from Pyongyang rather than "cower down." Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight Democrats and some security analysts warned that the tweet sent Tuesday night by Trump risked needlessly provoking North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at a time when concerns over a nuclear altercation, once seen as remote, have grown more plausible and as North and South Korea have engaged in talks to ease tensions on the peninsula.

"He's made repeated threats. He's tested missiles time and time again for years," White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said of Kim. "This is a president who is not going cower down and is not going to be weak and is going to make sure he does what he's promised to do, and that's stand up and protect the American people."

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President Trump seems to have an obsession with size. From nuclear weapons to hand size, here are some of his remarks that fixate on being "bigger." (Video: Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post, Photo: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

Trump's tweet Tuesday was highly unusual for its open reference to the vast U.S. nuclear arsenal at Trump's disposal and its playground allusion  critics said puerile  to the size and power of Trump's warfighting abilities.

"North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the 'Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times,'" Trump tweeted. "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!"

Trump was responding to a New Year's message from Kim that included an offer to talk with his enemy South Korea  a U.S. ally  and a threat that he has a "nuclear button" on his desk and could threaten the United States.

Democrats were quick to condemn Trump's tweet and called on him to stop ratcheting up tensions with the rogue nation.

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"A nuclear conflict on the Korean Peninsula would be a catastrophe, leading to the deaths of potentially millions of people, including American servicemembers and families stationed there," Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) said in a statement, adding that the tweet "borders on presidential malpractice."

"We cannot let this war of words result in an actual war," Markey said.

Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Wednesday that Trump's recent Twitter outbursts presented "a very poor representation of the United States" and may represent "a new low point."

The North Korea threat came on top of Trump tweets over the past few days levying threats of cutting aid to Palestinians and Pakistan, as well as tweets taking credit for civilian aviation safety, attacking the press and suggesting an aide to his Democratic former rival Hillary Clinton should be jailed.

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"President Trump's foreign-policy-by-tweet is doing serious damage to the country," Schumer said in an address on the Senate floor. "Where we have serious issues to address abroad, President Trump seems happy with macho boasts and belligerent threats that get us nowhere."

Schumer suggested that congressional Republicans are complicit if they do not speak up, but most Republican lawmakers remained silent or downplayed the seriousness of Trump's tweet.

"I just took it as him basically pushing back on Kim Jong Un and saying: 'You've been trying to have this bravado because you have a weapon that may be able to reach us. Understand we have a lot more force,' " said Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) "We should actually have some sort of negotiations on this rather than just have bravado on this."

Vice President Pence, interviewed Wednesday on Voice of America, touted Trump's record in encouraging greater cooperation from China, North Korea's most important ally and economic lifeline, to apply economic pressure on the isolated regime.

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"President Trump has provided the kind of clear leadership on the world stage that's made measurable progress," Pence argued.

"President Trump made it clear," Pence added. "America will not be bullied. America will not be threatened."

Reaction was muted overseas, with close U.S. allies South Korea and Japan making no public mention of the tweet.

A senior State Department official said Secretary of State Rex Tillerson had a routine diplomatic phone conversation with his South Korean counterpart late Tuesday.

"Diplomacy remains our preferred approach. That has not changed," the official said. "But we recognize that diplomacy has to be backed up by credible force."

South Korea and North Korea held their own call hours after Trump's message  the first such use of a cross-border hotline in two years.

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The State Department official, who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive diplomacy, welcomed the contact, perhaps as a means to ease tension ahead of South Korea's hosting of the Winter Olympics in a few weeks.

The North Korean offer of some kind of talks with Seoul has been widely interpreted as a play to drive a wedge between the United States and the new, less hawkish South Korean government.

"We are in close contact" with South Korea, the official said. "We are on the same page and coordinating closely," but "extremely skeptical" that North Korea is serious bout embarking on talks aimed at giving up its nuclear weapons, the official said.

Some foreign policy analysts and Trump critics said Trump's tweet raised questions about whether he is creating a foreign policy crisis  and about his fitness for the job.

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"If there are any adults at the WH: please disable the @realDonaldTrump smartphone immediately," tweeted Daryl G. Kimball, executive director of the nonprofit Arms Control Association. "Nuclear diplomacy shouldn't be conducted as if its a junior high school argument about penis size. Such reckless tweeting diminishes U.S. credibility and can lead to catastrophe."

Sanders rejected such criticisms.

"I think the people of this country should be concerned about the mental fitness of the leader of North Korea," she said at the White House daily briefing.

She also argued that the Trump administration is being forced to "clean up" former president Barack Obama's international messes.

"This is not a game. This is not about, can I puff my chest out bigger than your chest,'" former vice president Joe Biden told CNN when asked about Trump's tweet. "This is just not," Biden continued, his voice trailing off. "It's not presidential."

Karoun Demirjian contributed to this report.

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Top federal law enforcement officials huddled with House Speaker Paul D. Ryan on Wednesday afternoon to discuss a request from congressional investigators for documents related to a dossier alleging connections between President Trump and Russia, according to people familiar with the meeting, and hours later, a deal was apparently reached. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein and FBI Director Christopher A. Wray requested the meeting, according to Ryan spokeswoman AshLee Strong. A spokeswoman for the Justice Department declined to comment.

The meeting in Ryan's offices took place just hours before a deadline Wednesday that House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) set for the FBI and DOJ to turn over documents related to how the agencies used information in a now-famous dossier as part of an investigation into alleged ties between Trump's campaign and Russian officials. Nunes said in a statement Wednesday night, "After speaking to Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein this evening, I believe the House Intelligence Committee has reached an agreement with the Department of Justice that will provide the committee with access to all the documents and witnesses we have requested."

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How is Fusion GPS connected to the Trump dossier, Donald Trump Jr.'s Trump Tower meeting and the 2016 election? The Fact Checker explains. (Video: Meg Kelly/The Washington Post, Photo: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

The dossier, compiled by former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele, details Trump's alleged connections to Russian officials and financiers and exploits in Moscow.

House and Senate Republicans defensive of the president have pointed to the fact that the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton's campaign paid for research that ended up in the dossier as reason to discredit it. Scrutiny of the dossier and the government's reliance on it are also part of a wider GOP effort to look at whether political bias affected the FBI's and DOJ's conduct in a series of Obama-era investigations, including the Clinton email probe.

In the House, Nunes has threatened to issue contempt citations against Wray and Rosenstein for failing to produce documents related to the dossier, which he first subpoenaed in August. In a letter obtained by Fox News last week, Nunes wrote to Rosenstein that the DOJ's and FBI's "intransigence" on those subpoenas "can no longer be tolerated," accusing both agencies of being "disingenuous at best" with the intelligence committee about the existence of documents they had requested.

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Other Republicans have criticized Nunes's past threats to issue contempt citations. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.), whose panel is investigating whether allegations of bias at the FBI affected the Clinton email probe, said last month that he was "interested in getting access to the information and not the drama" when asked about Nunes's contempt threats. Gowdy strongly suggested that Ryan was also critical of Nunes's efforts.

In the Senate, South Carolina Republican Lindsey O. Graham last week reissued his call for a second special counsel to investigate the FBI's reliance on the dossier, telling Fox News that after reviewing "background" materials, he was "very disturbed about what the Department of Justice did with this dossier."

"After having looked at the history of the dossier and how it was used by the Department of Justice, I'm really very concerned," Graham said, stressing that Congress had to focus on the dossier because it was outside the purview of special counsel Robert S. Mueller III's probe.

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Graham is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, where Chairman Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa) has long expressed concern about how the dossier was compiled and the role it played in the FBI's investigation of alleged ties between Trump and Russian officials. Grassley and Graham jointly requested information in June about Steele's contacts with the FBI. Grassley has also said that his staff members are also in close touch with Nunes's staff about the progression of their parallel investigations.

Nunes and Grassley have also focused considerable scrutiny on Fusion GPS, the firm behind the dossier. Nunes has subpoenaed the firm's bank records  that demand is now caught up in a court battle.

On Tuesday, the founders of Fusion GPS penned an op-ed in the New York Times pushing back on accusations that the dossier had prompted the DOJ's and FBI's scrutiny of Trump's alleged Russia ties, and accusing Republicans in Congress of perpetuating "fake investigations" into their activities.

Grassley and Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr (R-N.C.) responded to the publication of that op-ed by inviting the founders to come back to Capitol Hill to testify publicly. Fusion officials have spoken to both committees behind closed doors.

Tom Hamburger and Josh Dawsey contributed to this report.

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President Trump on Thursday called on Congress to deliver a bipartisan deal protecting younger undocumented immigrants from deportation, but he maintained his demand for a border wall and cuts to legal immigration that Democrats have opposed. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight "I think it can be bipartisan," Trump said at the White House ahead of a meeting with Republican senators on immigration. "I hope it can be bipartisan. It can take care of a lot of problems; it would be really nice to do it in a bipartisan way."

Lawmakers are facing a March 5 deadline to pass legislation to help "dreamers," immigrants brought to the country illegally as children, after Trump announced in September he would terminate an Obama-era program called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) that has provided two-year work permits to hundreds of thousands of them. Nearly 700,000 DACA recipients are enrolled in the program; after March 5, nearly 1,000 per day will lose their work permits unless Congress acts.

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White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Trump would play host to a bipartisan group of Congress members next week to continue the negotiations. That gathering comes as a Jan. 19 deadline looms to enact a new spending bill to keep the government open. Democrats are pushing to complete a deal on DACA by then and add it to the spending legislation  an effort that, if it fails, could force a government shutdown.

"This must be done now," Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Thursday. He told reporters later that Democrats are continuing to push for "an agreement to enshrine DACA protections alongside additional border security" in the next spending agreement.

Republicans are resisting attempts to tie the two issues together.

"Our deadline is not two weeks from now. Our deadline wasn't Christmas. Our deadline is by the first week of March," said Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.), who attended the meeting with Trump on Thursday.

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While Lankford and others would prefer to take a slower approach, other Republicans including Sen. Jeff Flake (Ariz.) as well as dozens of moderate Republicans in the House insisted that the issue must be resolved quickly.

To earn his support for the GOP's tax reform plan, Flake said he was assured by Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) that a bill addressing the fate of DACA recipients would be given an up-or-down vote this month.

"The promise we have is for a bill on the floor by the end of January," Flake told reporters. He called ongoing meetings among Republicans "counterproductive" because any resolution to the issue "has to be a bipartisan bill."

Trump said Democratic support on a DACA fix "would be terrific." But he emphasized that "any legislation on DACA must secure our border with a wall. It must give our immigration officers the resources they need to stop illegal immigration."

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He also reiterated previous calls to end a diversity visa lottery that provides 50,000 green cards a year to immigrants from countries with low immigration rates to the United States. "The lottery system has to be laughed at by people outside our country," Trump said.

After the meeting at the White House, Lankford and Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said in a joint statement that the lawmakers and Trump are "on the same page" when it comes to striking a deal that would bolster border security and resolve the years-long fight over how to protect young immigrants from deportation.

Immigrant rights groups, including those representing DACA recipients, have called for a "clean" DACA bill that is not attached to the spending bill and does not contain other border security provisions.

Congressional Democrats have signaled that they are open to some security measures, but they have steadfastly refused to support Trump's border wall, saying such a barrier is costly and unnecessary at a time when illegal crossings at the Mexican border are at records lows. Some moderate Republicans are also wary of supporting a wall.

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In comments to reporters, Lankford, Tillis and Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.), who all attended the meeting, tried to redefine Trump's campaign commitment to build a border wall along the roughly 2,100-mile stretch between the United States and Mexico.

"People want to paint his definition  people want to paint that it's some 2,000-mile long, 30-foot high wall of concrete. That's not what he means and that's not what he's tried to say but I think that's what people are portraying it as," Lankford told reporters. "The issue has always been there's going to be border fencing in some areas, there's going to be vehicular barricades, there's going to be technology, there's going to be greater manpower in some areas."

Cornyn and Tillis said they expect any agreement to include language authorizing a years-long project to fortify the border with funding for the new security measures to be doled out in future appropriations bills.

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Ultimately, the plan would result in "probably a net increase of 600 miles of wall," Tillis said. "That will be varying barriers based on where you are along the border, but that's the long-term view."

Left unclear Thursday is how the GOP-controlled House might respond to an emerging bipartisan immigration deal crafted by senators. A bipartisan immigration reform plan passed the Senate in 2013 only to be shelved by the more conservative House amid growing political pressure to reject the idea.

Rep. Will Hurd (R-Tex.), who is helping to negotiate a potential immigration agreement in the House, warned Thursday in an interview with CBSN that any agreement coupling a solution to the fate of dreamers with changes in border security "needs to be narrow, because when you start adding on this other stuff, you start building coalitions of opposition."

"We need to solve this problem quickly and if we solve it this month, that'd be great," Hurd said.

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BRUSSELS  In an era of closing borders, European leaders are increasingly willing to go to extreme lengths to deport people. But a Belgian effort to partner with the Sudanese government has backfired after two men alleged they were tortured after being sent home, and the top Belgian migration official involved is now facing pressure to resign.

The Sudanese citizens' expulsions highlight new measures that might once have been seen as politically toxic. The men were repatriated after being identified by a delegation of Sudanese officials who had been invited to Belgium to screen migrants accused of being in the country illegally and to authorize the deportation of people from Sudan. Migrant advocates condemned the collaboration with Sudan, whose president, Omar al-Bashir, has been accused of war crimes and genocide.

Now the allegations of torture are roiling Belgium's complicated ruling coalition. Some politicians have suggested that the migration secretary, Theo Francken, the leader who invited the Sudanese officials to Belgium, should consider stepping down over his handling of the matter.

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"In the past, we have seen ministers . . . resign if they seem to have lied, even if that is not the case," said Wouter Beke, the leader of the political party Christian Democratic and Flemish, which is a member of the ruling coalition, in an interview with Belgian radio. "It's a question of personal ethics," he said.

Francken has said he has no plans to resign after appearing to mislead Parliament by telling lawmakers, incorrectly, after the allegations emerged that no further deportations were planned. He said he has not received any direct information about deportees being tortured, but "if it turns out that they have indeed been tortured, that's a big problem." He has called for a commission to investigate the allegations.

The Belgian effort follows a deal Italy struck this summer with Libya to halt migrant traffic. Rights groups warn that the agreement increases risks of slavery and abuse in Libya. And in 2016, E.U. leaders promised aid and concessions to Turkey to stop the migrant flow to Greece.

The accusations of torture emerged late last month, when Belgium's Het Laatste Nieuws newspaper published interviews with two of the expelled Sudanese men who said they had been beaten after returning to Sudan.

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"They picked me up immediately after landing in Sudan, interrogated me for hours and struck my feet with sticks. They only released me two days later," said one of the men according to the Belgian news account, which used a pseudonym for the man because he feared for his security. "I was so scared that I lay in bed at home for three days."

Another man said he was picked up by police and beaten for three hours during an interrogation, in which the officials accused him of being a political enemy.

Through an intermediary, both men declined a request for an interview, saying their communications were being monitored by the Sudanese government and that Sudanese security officials told them after the initial article was published not to speak to journalists.

The collaboration with the Sudanese officials brought representatives of that government, which has been cited for human rights abuses, into the nation that hosts the capital of the European Union. Although Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel later said the Belgian and Sudanese governments did not sign an agreement formally outlining the terms of the partnership, the Sudanese officials were granted access to detention facilities holding migrants who had been arrested for being in Belgium without the proper documents.

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Then the Sudanese officials were offered the chance to question the detainees. Belgian leaders have said that although representatives of the Belgian government were present, an Arabic translator was not always present so Belgian officials could not always understand what was being said.

Lawyers for some of the migrants said the Sudanese officials threatened the detainees they talked to, warning that if they applied for asylum in Belgium, they would be targeted for abuse in Sudan if they returned home. That alleged threat could have served to discourage asylum requests, since half of Sudanese asylum seekers are rejected in Belgium.

Belgian leaders say that the men had the opportunity to present reasons why they should not be deported. Migrant advocates say that it was a rushed process that failed to give the men the individual review guaranteed them under the law.

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The Sudanese Embassy in Belgium did not respond to a request for comment.

"This whole story was bound to end in disaster," said Koert Debeuf, the director of the European branch of the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy, who stayed in touch with some of the Sudanese men after they were deported and helped publicize the allegations of abuse. "These Sudanese guys are frightened to death."

Rights groups have condemned the collaboration.

"They did a lot of harm to these people for nothing. The disproportion between the goal they have and the harm they have created is enormous," said Alexis Deswaef, the head of the Belgian League of Human Rights who filed a suit to halt the deportations. The Belgian government won the case on appeal, after a judge ruled that the group had no standing to sue.

But Michel, the prime minister, has so far stood behind the actions of his migration secretary.

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"The government has been implementing a firm and humane migration policy," he wrote in a post on Facebook this week. "Belgium makes it a point of honor to respect European and international obligations."

A previous version of this story incorrectly identified the name of a think tank, it is the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy.

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More than a thousand people have been rounded up and detained in Iran over the past week, rights groups and the State Department said Thursday, as authorities try to quell the largest street protests in nearly a decade. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight Amnesty International warned that those being held risk torture and ill-treatment in the country's prisons, calling for the release of those arrested for demonstrating peacefully. Earlier this week, the head of Iran's Revolutionary Court warned that arrested demonstrators could face the death penalty.

"The Iranian authorities have an appalling track record of carrying out mass arbitrary arrests of peaceful demonstrators," said Philip Luther, the regional research and advocacy director at Amnesty. "Given the alarming scale of the current wave of arrests, it is highly likely that many of those held are peaceful protesters who have been detained arbitrarily and now find themselves in prisons where conditions are dire and torture is a common tool to extract confessions and punish dissidents."

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Anti-government protests spurred by economic woes hit Iran Share Share Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Reddit Share on LinkedIn MailSolid Email this link View Photos View Photos Next Image A pro-government demonstrator stands under an Iranian flag during a march in Irans southwestern city of Ahvaz. (Morteza Jaberian)

An unverified video circulating online claimed to show families of detainees waiting outside Tehran's notorious Evin prison. There, at least 423 detainees were registered in just two days over New Year's, Amnesty said, citing the Human Rights Activist News Agency. The site, which focuses on Iranian rights abuses, said the number of detentions across the country was likely "much higher" than the 1,000 reported.

Hundreds are being held in Evin prison's "quarantine section," Amnesty said, a screening area for new arrivals that has a capacity for only 180.

The demonstrations, fueled by economic grievances, unemployment and corruption, erupted a week ago in the northeastern city of Mashhad, fanning out across the country. The authorities banned popular messaging and social media apps, restricted cellphone networks and slowed Internet speeds in an attempt to prevent demonstrations from being organized or publicized.

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Iran's army chief Maj. Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi said Thursday that the demonstrations were so small that the police had managed to stamp them out and his troops remained on standby if needed, Iranian media said.

Reports of anti-government protests and unverified videos of demonstrations continued to trickle out Thursday. A number of large pro-government rallies were also held.

Holly Dagres, an Iran analyst and curator of the Iranist newsletter, said the crackdown by security forces hadn't been as brutal as in 2009, when Iranians held huge demonstrations to protest the results of national elections. This time, protests have been smaller but more widely dispersed across provincial cities and towns.

"The Iranian government has mostly relied on slowing the Internet and mobile phone services to stop the protests, and have done a good job as evident by the lower turnout," she said. "That isn't to say there hasn't been a crackdown."

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Iran has tried to blame the unrest, which has claimed at least 22 lives, on the meddling of outside powers, including the United States, and one Iranian official on Thursday accused the CIA of being an instigator.

The State Department on Thursday said it supports the "legitimate aspirations of the Iranian people" and condemned the mass arrests in the "strongest possible terms."

"We have ample authorities to hold accountable those who commit violence against protestors, contribute to censorship, or steal from the people of Iran," the statement said. "To the regime's victims, we say: You will not be forgotten."

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The Trump administration has until Monday to announce one of its most consequential immigration decisions  whether to extend a form of provisional residency known as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for about 200,000 Salvadorans who have been living in the United States since at least 2001. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight Both the Department of Homeland Security and the White House have signaled for months that they are determined to end the TPS protections as a matter of principle, potentially forcing the Salvadorans to leave or face deportation if they do not find another way to obtain legal residency.

A senior DHS official said Thursday that Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen has yet to make a determination but that the agency would have an announcement before Monday's deadline.

"The secretary has received advice from DHS staff and the State Department and is continuing to meet interested groups prior to making a decision," said the official, who was not authorized to discuss DHS deliberations.

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"The law is clear on the standards for TPS and she intends to follow the law based on the facts," the official said.

In November, DHS ended TPS for 60,000 Haitians who arrived after the 2010 earthquake, giving them an 18-month grace period. Nielsen is widely expected to do the same for the Salvadorans, though their sheer numbers  and the fact they have been in the United States for so long  makes the decision even more weighty.

Congress created TPS in 1990 to exempt foreigners from deportation if the executive branch determined that natural disasters or armed conflict made their countries too unstable or unsafe.

DHS officials say it is up to Congress to find a long-term solution. But experts say proposals to create a path for TPS recipients to obtain another form of long-term legal residency are likely to be subsumed into the rancorous debate over Trump's decision to cancel Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

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Salvadorans are by far the largest group of TPS recipients. They were allowed to stay after a pair of 2001 earthquakes, and their provisional residency has been renewed on an 18-month basis since then.

The largest number of Salvadoran TPS recipients live in the Washington area, followed by Los Angeles, New York and Houston, estimates show.

Trump officials have said that the "temporary" intent of TPS has been abused and that the program was never meant as a way for foreign migrants to earn long-term residency after coming illegally or overstaying their visas.

They say the decision to extend TPS must be made on the basis of whether initial justifications for protection still exist  noting the United States already sends tens of thousands of deportees back to El Salvador each year.

In November, the State Department told DHS that conditions in Central America and Haiti had improved and that TPS was no longer warranted. DHS ended TPS for 2,500 Nicaraguan migrants shortly after, but then-acting secretary Elaine Duke gave a six-month extension to 57,000 Hondurans, frustrating White House officials who wanted her to end the program.

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Other U.S. officials have signaled the administration is unlikely to extend Salvadorans' TPS. On Twitter, Jean Manes, the U.S. ambassador to El Salvador, called it "a tool for an emergency situation."

"Every year we have to justify that the current situation is the result of the 2001 earthquakes and it is becoming increasingly difficult to do so," Manes wrote in November.

Immigration advocates reject that claim, pointing to chronic gang violence and homicide rates in El Salvador that are among the world's highest. They also warn of the potentially destabilizing impact of 200,000 people returning home  an amount equal to approximately 3 percent of El Salvador's population.

The country depends heavily on cash sent home by Salvadorans living abroad  a record $4.5 billion in 2016, equal to 17.1 percent of the country's gross domestic product.

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El Salvador's minister of public works, Gerson Martinez, who is a presidential candidate for the country's ruling FMLN party, said the government has tried to warn of the potential harm from ending TPS.

"We have had very active diplomacy trying to make the authorities of the United States see the consequences that an eventual decision of this type could have," Martinez said in an interview.

Oscar Chacon, co-founder and executive director of Alianza Americas, a U.S. nonprofit that advocates for immigrants, said Salvadorans with temporary status "should be acknowledged for what they have become"  effectively permanent residents of the United States.

"They have become very strongly embedded in U.S. society," Chacon said in a news conference this week, noting Salvadoran TPS holders have work permits, pay taxes and are regularly vetted by DHS to ensure they remain law-abiding.

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Nearly one-third own their homes, according to a 2016 survey, and more than 60 percent have at least one child who is a U.S. citizen.

Losing TPS "would be catastrophic for my family," said Edwin Murillo, a 41-year-old father of two reached by phone at his home in Texas.

Murillo listed a cascade of hardships. His driver's license would expire. He would lose his job at a convention center outside Dallas. He won't be able to renew his technician's license for the air-conditioning repair business he runs on the side.

"My source of income practically would end," said Murillo. His parents and three older brothers in El Salvador have warned him it's not safe for his family to go back, he said. He hasn't seen them in nearly 20 years, but they depend on the $300 he sends home every month.

Murillo had studied business administration in El Salvador but left in 1999 because, he said, jobs were scarce. He entered the United States on a visa, which he overstayed, and in 2001, following the earthquakes back home, he and his wife jumped at the chance to apply for TPS.

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With their newfound stability, the couple bought a house outside Dallas and had two daughters, both U.S. citizens, now ages 10 and 4. TPS, he said, "gave us a chance to establish ourselves, and have the future we dreamed of."

Joshua Partlow in Mexico City contributed to this report.

Correction: This article incorrectly identified Gerson Martinez. He is El Salvador's former minister of public works, not the current minister.

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The United States will suspend most of its security assistance to Pakistan, the State Department said Thursday, signaling the Trump administration's intent to force the country to eliminate militant safe havens. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight The announcement came just days after President Trump lashed out in his first tweet of the new year, saying Pakistan had repaid years of generous U.S. aid with "nothing but lies & deceit," a claim that Pakistani leaders labeled "completely incomprehensible."

Unveiling the new measure in a news briefing, State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said the suspension would remain in effect until Pakistan takes "decisive action" against the Taliban and Haqqani network, militant groups blamed for stoking violence in Afghanistan and prolonging a conflict that has become America's longest war.

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Pakistan summoned the U.S. ambassador after President Trump tweeted about Pakistan's "lies and deceit" on Jan. 1. (Video: Reuters)

"No partnership can survive a country's harboring of militants and terrorists who target U.S. service members and officials," Nauert said.

Officials acknowledged that the suspension, which follows a previous decision to freeze $255 million in military aid, will have a mostly symbolic effect in the near term. But it is certain to accelerate a downward trajectory in a fragile anti-terror allegiance forged after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Even by the standard of the tumultuous U.S.-Pakistan relationship, the brewing feud is unusually serious, with the potential to trigger a breakdown in ties that could threaten cooperation on intelligence, nuclear safety and the war in Afghanistan.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley Jan. 2 addressed the Trump administration's stance on Pakistan. (Video: Reuters)

Also Thursday, the State Department announced that it had placed Pakistan on a "watch list" of countries seen as failing to protect religious freedom, a modest step that nevertheless symbolizes waning U.S. patience.

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Moeed Yusuf, a Pakistan scholar at the U.S. Institute of Peace, said Pakistani officials will be bracing for additional punitive measures from Washington but will be unlikely to take significant action against groups with deep ties in Pakistan.

"The problem is that Pakistan is more likely to call it quits than do what the U.S. wants," he said. "It is difficult to overstate just how deeply antithetical to its self-

perceived interests Pakistan sees the U.S. South Asia policy."

While Pakistan at times has figured as a valued counterterrorism partner, helping to detain key 9/11 suspects and enabling U.S. drone strikes, it also has been one of the most problematic for American policymakers.

U.S. officials say Pakistan has allowed the Taliban's reclusive leadership, along with members of the Haqqani network, an aggressive Taliban offshoot, to shelter within its borders, fueling a war that has claimed more than 2,000 American lives and consumed massive U.S. resources over 16 years.

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Pakistani leaders deny those claims, saying that militants in Afghanistan launch cross-border attacks of their own and chiding the United States for failing to recognize their efforts to curb militant groups. They blame poor governance and corruption in Afghanistan for a conflict that prompted Trump to authorize the sending of additional U.S. troops.

"We don't think you can explain away the whole Afghanistan imbroglio just by putting blame on Pakistan," Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Pakistan's ambassador in Washington, said in a recent interview.

Thursday's announcement follows months of deliberations  led by senior Trump administration officials known for taking a hard line on Pakistan  about a range of punitive measures, including cutting aid and potentially withdrawing Pakistan's status as a major non-NATO ally.

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"They know exactly what it is we've asked of them," a State Department official said, speaking to reporters on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly. "This is one step to indicate we cannot do business as usual."

The United States has provided Pakistan with more than $20 billion in security assistance and military reimbursements since fiscal 2002, much of that going to U.S.-manufactured hardware and funding for Pakistan's counterterrorism activities. But aid flows have subsided in recent years, suggesting that this week's decision  which eventually could result in Pakistan losing out on hundreds of millions of dollars  is unlikely to have the impact it once would have.

Speaking before Thursday's announcement, Maj. Gen. Asif Ghafoor, a Pakistani military spokesman, told the Geo News channel that while Pakistan still considers the United States an ally, "no amount of coercion can dictate us how to continue."

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Pakistan's increasingly close ties with China  including a new development deal worth more than $62 billion for infrastructure and energy projects  might help soften the blow of censure from the United States.

"Trusted, friendly countries will support us at this critical time," said Mahmood Shah, a Peshawar-based former army brigadier who is now a defense analyst.

Discussions about Pakistan are led by national security adviser H.R. McMaster, who appears to share the concerns of other senior officers who served in Afghanistan, and Lisa Curtis, a Pakistan expert who has argued that the United States should pressure Pakistan to curtail arms exports to Afghanistan, expel Taliban leaders and seize their assets.

If Pakistan does not act against militants, the Trump administration also could consider imposing sanctions, increasing the tempo of drone strikes outside of tribal areas or withholding backing for Pakistan at global financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and World Bank.

Experts have warned that additional U.S. measures might prompt Pakistan to take retaliatory action, possibly including closing road routes and airspace the United States relies on to support its campaign in landlocked Afghanistan.

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In 2011, Pakistan suspended access to those routes after U.S. aircraft killed more than two dozen Pakistani military personnel along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton later apologized for the incident.

It was one of several crises during a turbulent year in which Pakistan curtailed intelligence cooperation following the arrest of a CIA contractor, and the United States conducted a secret raid that killed al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.

According to Sameer Lalwani, a senior associate at the Stimson Center, Pakistan also might suspend cooperation on safeguarding its nuclear program or sharing intelligence regarding militants in Pakistan or the Pakistani diaspora in the West.

"They have a lot of arrows in their quiver, as well," Lalwani said. "The worry is if we start going in this tit-for-tat cycle."

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The nationalist instinct that characterized the response to Trump's tweet may grow stronger as Pakistani politicians react to the suspension of aid and position themselves ahead of elections expected this summer.

U.S. officials noted that the aid suspension could be reversed if they assess that Pakistan has taken sufficient action  for example, detaining militants. "Our hope is that Pakistan will understand our seriousnessness," the State Department official said. "That they appreciate the valued of this relationship . . . and look at what additional they can do to address our requests."

Laurel E. Miller, a senior political scientist at the Rand Corp. who was a top State Department official until last year, cautioned that the desire to squeeze Pakistan, while understandable, might backfire.

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"A punitive and shaming approach is unlikely to elicit greater cooperation from the Pakistanis because experience shows that when cornered, their inclination is to dig in rather than to find some new accommodation," she said.

Gowen reported from New Delhi. Shaiq Hussain in Islamabad, Pakistan, Haq Nawaz Khan in Peshawar, Pakistan, and Julie Tate and Karoun Demirjian in Washington contributed to this report.

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Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Thursday made it easier for U.S. prosecutors to enforce federal marijuana laws in states that had legalized the substance  drawing swift criticism from jurisdictions that have approved pot use and stirring confusion among entrepreneurs in the burgeoning billion-dollar industry. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight Whether Sessions's Justice Department actually busts dispensaries or others involved in state-approved pot production remains to be seen, but his decision to undo previous guidance and possibly put a federal crackdown on the table riled business people, legislators and civil liberties advocates across the country.

Though marijuana already was illegal under federal law, the Justice Department during the Obama administration had issued guidance  which Sessions revoked  discouraging enforcement of the law in states where it was legal.

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On Jan. 4, press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the president stance on marijuana is now to "enforce federal law." (Video: Reuters)

Eight states and the District have laws allowing for recreational marijuana consumption, according to NORML, a group that advocates legalization and tracks pot-related legislation. Many more permit the use of medical marijuana.

Those opposing federal pot laws said they felt Sessions was trying to stop the country's momentum toward full legalization of marijuana  which just days earlier had become legal to some fanfare in California. They warned that Sessions wants to impose his view that the country should return to the war on drugs. Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), a member of Sessions's political party, even threatened to hold up the confirmation of nominees for key Justice Department leadership posts in response.

Sessions countered that he was merely enforcing federal law, which prohibits marijuana use, and giving discretion to U.S. attorneys.

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"It is the mission of the Department of Justice to enforce the laws of the United States, and the previous issuance of guidance undermines the rule of law and the ability of our local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement partners to carry out this mission," the attorney general said in a statement. "Therefore, today's memo on federal marijuana enforcement simply directs all U.S. Attorneys to use previously established prosecutorial principles that provide them all the necessary tools to disrupt criminal organizations, tackle the growing drug crisis, and thwart violent crime across our country."

Sessions announced his decision in a memo sent to U.S. attorneys. He said prosecutors should disregard the old guidance and instead use their discretion  taking into consideration the department's limited resources, the seriousness of the crime and the deterrent effect that they could impose  in weighing whether charges were appropriate.

Soon after the decision became public, Gardner wrote on Twitter that the move "directly contradicts what Attorney General Sessions told me prior to his confirmation" and that he was "prepared to take all steps necessary, including holding DOJ nominees, until the Attorney General lives up to the commitment he made to me prior to his confirmation."

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The Justice Department still lacks leaders in several key spots, including heads of the national security, criminal and civil rights divisions. In an interview, Gardner said that while he personally opposed marijuana legalization, his state voted otherwise.

"I talked to Jeff Sessions today, and we are going to have a conversation next week," Gardner said. "Let's just say, there was no reconciliation of differences."

Even President Trump had said in 2016 that he would not use federal authority to shut down sales of recreational marijuana and instead believed the matter should be left "up to the states."

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Thursday, though, that Trump "strongly believes that we should enforce federal law" and that the Justice Department's move "simply gives prosecutors the tools to take on large-scale distributors."

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In a briefing with reporters, a senior Justice Department official said it was unclear whether the new directive would lead to more prosecutions, because that will be up to individual U.S. attorneys across the country. But the official said that previous guidance "created a safe harbor for the marijuana industry to operate in these states" and that that was inconsistent with federal law.

There are 93 U.S. attorney slots across the country, and so far, Trump has nominated 58 people, 46 of whom have been confirmed by the Senate. On Wednesday, Sessions picked 17 more to serve in interim posts, including in Nevada, California and Washington, where marijuana is legal.

The U.S. attorney in Colorado, where marijuana also is legal, issued a statement saying his prosecutors had already been guided by the principles Sessions outlined and would, "consistent with the Attorney General's latest guidance, continue to take this approach in all of our work with our law enforcement partners throughout Colorado."

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Cannabis entrepreneurs in the Mountain West and West Coast said they were left with even more uncertainty after waking up to the news that Sessions was changing the state of play.

"Everyone was calling and texting and asking for guidance. I think it certainly makes everyone insecure and adds a layer of confusion to an already complex landscape," said Krista Whitley, founder and chief executive of Las Vegas-based Altitude Products, which sells recreational and medicinal cannabis products. "What we're looking for in this industry is some level of confidence in where the future lies, and some level of security."

She said the Sessions decision could scare away some investors who had been eager to participate in what has been dubbed the "green rush."

Andrew Freedman, former director of marijuana coordination for the Colorado governor  he was known as the state's "marijuana czar"  said he wasn't surprised by the news from Washington because "Sessions always wanted to create chaos in the industry."

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He said that under the Obama-era guidance, there remained tension between federal and state law but that there was at least guidance about how states and the federal government could align their priorities.

Sessions's Justice Department has taken a hard line against marijuana. He has said in the past he did not believe marijuana should be legalized, suggesting at an appearance last year that medical marijuana had been "hyped, maybe too much." His department also has effectively blocked the Drug Enforcement Administration from taking action on more than two dozen requests to grow marijuana for use in research.

Sessions and top Justice Department officials had long been reviewing the 2013 guidance from then-Deputy Attorney General James Cole and related memos directing federal prosecutors to effectively back off marijuana enforcement in states that had legalized the substance and had a system in place to regulate it. His new directive also ostensibly affects medical marijuana, though other guidelines might dissuade prosecutors from actually bringing a case against someone using the substance for medical purposes.

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In practice, the previous guidance meant U.S. attorneys in jurisdictions that had legalized marijuana at the state level were often reluctant to bring marijuana cases. They might now be more willing to consider such prosecutions  though they will still potentially have to contend with jurors sympathetic to defendants whose conduct would not be illegal under state law.

John W. Moscow, a former New York county prosecutor, said, though, that they might have another option under laws that allow federal authorities to seize money or property apart from bringing criminal charges.

"Prosecutors may not want to bring criminal charges involving marijuana because juries are not necessarily sympathetic to the claim that this is a crime to which people should be prosecuted. But prosecutors can avoid the risk of loss by seeking to forfeit all the money and all the property involved in the sale of marijuana under civil forfeiture laws," he said.

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The DEA does not necessarily consider marijuana its highest priority in every jurisdiction, an official said, though agents do feel it is problematic in some areas, including in states where it is legal. The Fraternal Order of Police issued a news release praising the directive as good for public safety and health.

"Our members don't make law or policy  we enforce it," FOP National President Chuck Canterbury said. "If our citizens want to change the existing law, they should do so. As law enforcement officers, we cannot pick and choose what laws will be enforced."

Karen Tumulty contributed to this report.

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State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said Jan. 4 the administration was still calculating the types of aid affected by the decision. (Video: Reuters)

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The Trump administration will suspend most security assistance to Pakistan, the State Department said on Thursday, expanding its retribution over militant safe havens that U.S. officials blame for ongoing violence in Afghanistan. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert, speaking to reporters, said the suspension would allow the administration, which will freeze the aid payments but not allocate the money elsewhere, to reassess in the coming year.

Because the administration had previously said it would suspend $255 million in foreign military funding for Pakistan, the new announcement will have limited practical effect in the short term, as officials wait to see if Pakistan takes new action against militants.

But it sends as a strong signal to an on-again, off-again counterterrorism ally. The Trump administration is seeking to take a harder line against Pakistan as it expands military operations in Afghanistan, more than 16 years after that conflict began.

For years, U.S. officials have complained that Pakistan has allowed the Taliban and other extremists to operate within its borders. Taliban leaders are widely believed to reside in Pakistan, helping to direct insurgent operations in neighboring Afghanistan.

Pakistan denies those allegations and says the United States has failed to acknowledge the efforts it has taken against militant groups.

Also on Thursday, the State Department announced it would put Pakistan on a "watch list" for countries that fail to protect religious freedom.

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A New York jury convicted a Turkish banker Wednesday of helping Iran evade U.S. sanctions, ending a trial that has infuriated Turkey's leaders with testimony of alleged corruption at senior levels of that government. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight The federal prosecution of Mehmet Hakan Atilla, 47, was most notable for the testimony of Reza Zarrab, a Turkish-Iranian gold trader who pleaded guilty to participating in the scheme with hopes of securing leniency. Zarrab told the jury that he paid more than $60 million in bribes to keep the scheme going.

Zarrab said that he helped move billions of euros to accounts controlled by Iran. Atilla was a senior official at Halkbank who helped coordinate the scheme. Starting in 2012, Zarrab testified, he paid Turkey's then-economy minister Mehmet Zafer Caglayan a small fortune to help him hide the money transfers by making them look like gold purchases.

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The court plans to sentence Atilla in April. There is no sentencing date for Zarrab.

Zarrab said that when he appealed to Caglayan for help setting the scheme in motion, the minister said he would do it if they could split the profits evenly. He also testified that he was told Turkey's president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, knew about the plot.

Turkey's government has said Caglayan acted within the law, and accused the United States of taking Zarrab "hostage'' to damage the country's reputation.

Atilla's lawyer, Victor Rocco, has called him a "helpless pawn," but the jury was not swayed. He was convicted of five charges, including conspiracy, and acquitted of a money laundering charge.

Joon H. Kim, the acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, issued a warning to international bankers: "If you lie repeatedly to U.S. Treasury officials and fabricate documents  all as part of a secret scheme to smuggle billions of dollars in Iranian oil money past the U.S. sanctions net  as Atilla did, then you should be prepared for the consequences.''

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Shortly before the trial began in November, Zarrab, 34, pleaded guilty to seven charges. He said he agreed to cooperate after failed attempts to broker a prisoner swap between the United States and Turkey.

The trial also featured testimony from a former Turkish police official whose government corruption probe was quashed.

The investigator, Huseyin Korkmaz, said he was imprisoned for 18 months, then fled Turkey with evidence from the case. Some of that evidence helped convict Atilla.

Erdogan's government has charged that the original Turkish corruption probe  and the subsequent U.S. case  were part of a conspiracy against him by supporters of Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish cleric now living in Pennsylvania.

Ergogan has blamed Gulen for a failed 2016 coup attempt, and demanded that the United States extradite him. The United States has rejected those demands, escalating tensions between the two countries.

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The United States on Thursday placed sanctions on five subsidiaries of an Iranian industrial group that is considered key in the development and production of the country's ballistic missiles. The sanctions imposed by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, an arm of the Treasury Department, targeted companies that are owned or controlled by the Shahid Bakeri Industrial Group, an Iranian defense entity that already is under U.S. sanctions.

Last month, Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, showed reporters fragments from missiles that had been launched by Yemeni rebels into Saudi Arabia. One shredded fragment had the Shahid Bakeri logo on it, seeming proof that it was manufactured in Iran.

The latest sanctions were directed at Shahid Kharrazi Industries, Shahid Sanikhani Industries, Shahid Moghaddam Industries, Shahid Eslami Research Center and Shahid Shustari Industries, all linked to Shahid Bakeri. Each produces a specific component of ballistic missiles, such as guidance and control systems, motor cases or fiber materials.

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"These sanctions target key entities involved in Iran's ballistic missile program, which the Iranian regime prioritizes over the economic well-being of the Iranian people," said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. "As the Iranian people suffer, their government and the IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps] fund foreign militants, terrorist groups and human rights abuses."

The new sanctions come after a week of anti-government protests that have spread across Iran in towns and small cities that previously were considered bulwarks of government support. President Trump has tweeted his support for the protesters and criticism of the government, warning that "the world is watching."

With more than 20 people dead in the government response to the protests, the Trump administration is considering whether to impose new sanctions related to human rights abuses.

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In addition, Trump must decide by Jan. 15 whether to recertify Iran's compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, which he decided not to do in October. He also must decide whether to waive U.S. nuclear-related sanctions that were suspended under the landmark agreement. If he decides not to waive sanctions and to reimpose them, the United States would be violating the commitments it made and, in effect, walking away from the agreement.

The nuclear deal did not address contentious issues such as Iran's support for militant groups in the region or its ballistic missile activities. The Obama administration said it was better to deal with the other issues once Iran's ability to amass fissile material needed for nuclear weapons were kept in check. The Trump administration has accused the Obama administration of ignoring Iran's troubling behavior to keep the nuclear deal alive.

The sanctions prohibit all Americans from dealing with the named organizations, and any assets they have in the United States may be frozen. The most significant impact, however, is that any international bank doing business with the sanctioned firms can be heavily penalized because most international transactions are conducted at least partially in U.S. dollars.

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Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 03/01/2018 (1780 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Whether it was concerns about driver safety, an increase in bus fares or riders tweeting en masse about #sardinelife, Winnipeg Transit made major headlines in 2017.

In late December, the Free Press asked city council members if, as a New Years resolution, they would commit to riding the bus to and from work once per month, to get better acquainted with the service.

The only councillor who already buses to work daily is Coun. Ross Eadie (Mynarski). Eadie is legally blind and cant drive.

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS files Mayor Brian Bowman won't be taking part in the challenge because he 'already tries to take Winnipeg Transit as often as he is able,' his press secretary said.

Of the 16 councillors, 11 were on board, but three of those 11 councillors accepted conditionally.

Devi Sharma (Old Kildonan) and Janice Lukes (South Winnipeg-St. Norbert) said they would do their best to take the bus while juggling family and work obligations. Mike Pagtakhan (Point Douglas) lives about 850 metres from City Hall, therefore, he either walks, bikes or drives to work, according to his assistant, Vivian Armstrong Santos. The councillor said he will take the bus to other destinations.

Three councillors  John Orlikow (River Heights-Fort Garry), Jason Schreyer (Elmwood-East Kildonan) and Russ Wyatt (Transcona)  have yet to respond to the initial request or followup inquiries. (This story will be updated online when they do.)

Mayor Brian Bowman and Coun. Marty Morantz (Charleswood-Tuxedo-Whyte Ridge) said they wont participate directly.

The mayor already tries to take Winnipeg Transit as often as he is able to within the confines of a busy schedule and will continue to do so regardless of this challenge, said Jeremy Davis, Bowmans press secretary, in an email.

Morantz, who chairs the infrastructure and transit advisory committees, said he already uses transit occasionally, and has scheduled a ride-along with a Winnipeg Transit operator to learn more about bus issues.

Demands due to my Chairing the Infrastructure Committee require my having the ability to drive to different locations for meetings and announcements on a regular basis, he said in an email.

The Free Press will check in with councillors to see how their transit resolutions are going and whether their first-hand experiences affect their transit policy decisions. The councillors are encouraged to use #wfptransit on social media to document their rides.

Coun. Matt Allard (St. Boniface) set his own transit challenge this month. He pledged to ride to work every day in January and check out every bus route running through his ward.

I expect Ill learn quite a bit by being a user every day of the service. I plan to talk to residents and drivers and really just document anything that I think is interesting, he said.

Coun. Cindy Gilroy (Daniel McIntyre) said she hears transit complaints frequently from her constituents, including her 17-year-old daughter. She estimates her ward has more bus riders than any other, so she says keeping up to speed on transit is important to her.

I think thats the important part, is people want to know that were using the services that were putting money toward, that were making decisions on, Gilroy said.

She pointed to bus safety as one of her main focuses, highlighting the stop-request program thats available if riders want to get off between stops after 7 p.m. to feel more safe.

Transit advocates are eager to see how the councillors bus challenge pans out.

Theyll have the first-hand opportunity to see the issues that are surrounding the drivers for safety, said Aleem Chaudhary, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1505.

And at the same time, I think it will be a positive thing for the councillors themselves to be able to ride the bus with their fellow constituents and be able to interact with them.

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Coun. Ross Eadie (left) already buses to work every day, while Coun. Matt Allard set his own challenge for the month of January.

Joseph Kornelsen, chair of Functional Transit Winnipeg, encouraged the councillors to also try riding on a Sunday schedule when buses are much less frequent.

To and from work is certainly important, but there are lots of people in the city who use transit for all their trips, Kornelsen said.

There is a severe (transit) underfunding situation. While Im happy that theyre doing this (challenge), its also very important to hopefully realizing what that underfunding looks like.

Kornelsen pointed to other Canadian cities, like Edmonton and Ottawa, that fund their transit systems to the tune of about $220 million each  far more per capita than Winnipegs budget of $65 million.

Allard also cited Ottawas as a transit system to strive for.

I lived for close to a year in Ottawa, where it was faster to use transit than it was to use a private automobile, he said.

Eadie said Winnipeg Transit service is slipping as fare costs go up by 25 cents this year. An adult fare costs $2.95.

If the service doesnt improve, for the people who have a choice, its a great way to drive people off the bus, he said.

If you want mass transportation to be competitive to the single automobile  or with Uber now, for that matter  you have to provide a convenient service.

jessica.botelho@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @_jessbu

Update, Jan. 11, 2018: Includes new information about councillors participating.
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This article was published 04/01/2018 (1779 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

One by one, Canadian provinces are announcing plans to fully fund the medical abortion pill and Manitoba must follow suit, says the NDP critic for status of women.

Earlier this week, British Columbia became the sixth province to fund Mifegymiso, a long-awaited $350 drug regimen that removes a fetus using six pills instead of requiring surgery. In Manitoba, it is only available for free at three locations  one in Brandon, two in Winnipeg  that already offer surgical abortions.

That effectively shuts out women and girls in rural and northern Manitoba, said Nahanni Fontaine, for whom the drugs price tag proves prohibitive.

PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Mifegymiso is a drug regimen that removes a fetus using six pills.

This government really has to get on the side of Manitoba women and girls and fully support our right to reproductive health and to accessible access to the abortion pill, the St. Johns MLA told reporters Thursday.

There are no shortage of ways in which the provincial government could improve access, especially given Health Canadas move in November to ease restrictions on which health-care providers can dispense Mifegymiso and how far along people can take it during a pregnancy, she said.

If we look across Canada, there are some really good ideas for ensuring accessibility of Mifegymiso, Fontaine said, adding shes spoken to some midwives in Manitoba who say they share their Ontario counterparts interest in being able to offer the drug themselves.

Offering the drug through nursing stations in rural and northern communities along with better pharmacy distribution are also good options, she said.

The bottom line is you have to have the political will. You have to have a government that is actually willing to put a strategy in place province-wide to ensure that Mifegymiso is accessible to all Manitoba women and girls and, thus far, we havent seen that, Fontaine said.

After Fontaines news conference, Status of Women Minister Rochelle Squires released a statement saying the government would be going ahead shortly with the review it promised when it first announced Mifegymiso would be made available for free at select locations and to those people who qualified under employment and income assistance.

We are looking at all the factors to make decisions going forward, Squires said. We continue to offer access to Mifegymiso that we announced in July 2017.

While the government announced last summer the drug regime (comprised of two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol) would be available for free at Health Sciences Centre and Womens Health Clinic in Winnipeg, as well as at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, it took months for that to become reality.

Mifegymiso didnt become available for free at HSC until October, owing to an unexplained error in which the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority incorrectly billed people for the service for nearly three months. The authority has since apologized and offered refunds to those affected.

Both Brandon and the Womens Health Clinic only started offering the drug in November, partly due to a nationwide shortage in the drug but also, in the case of the Womens Health Clinic, due to confusion over how exactly the governments funding would work.

On Thursday, the clinics director of clinical programs echoed Fontaines concerns about access.

There are still inequities across Manitoba, Trina Larsen said. For those unable to travel to Winnipeg, and who do not have coverage, people must pay out of pocket for this option, which can be problematic and a barrier to the accessibility we had hoped medical abortion would achieve.

jane.gerster@freepress.mb.ca
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This article was published 03/01/2018 (1780 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A 19-year-old man is going to prison after he tried to kill his friend by stabbing him in the neck  a plan that went awry when the knife blade broke off as it was drawn against the victim.

Bachar Hassan Soueid was sentenced Wednesday to 3 years in a federal penitentiary after he pleaded guilty to attempted murder in an attack that didnt turn deadly by sheer fortuitous luck, Crown attorney Ari Millo told the court.

An act of fate, or an act of God, to use Mr. Soueids words, prevented any injury whatsoever to the victim, Millo said.

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Soueid, who was born in Beirut, was an international student at the University of Manitoba when he attacked his friend, another student, in an on-campus billiard hall on March 21.

The friends got in an argument a couple of days earlier, but the attack seemed to come out of nowhere for the intended victim. The accused later told police he carried the knife for protection and said the victim had previously tried to stab him.

The attack happened after Soueid approached the victim among his friends, smiled at him and pulled out a large knife. The blade broke as Soueid brought it down toward the victims neck, leaving the other man unharmed.

The accused continued to try to stab the victim, not noticing the blade had come off. The victim hadnt seen the knife, and he asked Soueid why he was trying to fight him. Soueid replied he was trying to kill him.

Later, the still-confused victim messaged Soueid asking what he had done.

Soueid told him he was blessed and had been saved by God, the court heard.

The attack was apparently prompted by some perceived disrespect, provincial court Judge Timothy Preston said.

That frenzy that you went into that morning could have been  and you intended it to be  deadly. So thats what Im sentencing you for, Preston said.

The Crown, along with defence lawyer James Wood, agreed on the 3-year sentence recommendation and Preston accepted it. With credit for time served, Soueid has a little more than 27 months left. Hes expected to be deported at the end of his prison sentence.

katie.may@freepress.mb.caTwitter: @thatkatiemay
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This article was published 04/01/2018 (1779 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Winnipeg couple is thinking of swearing off oatmeal cookies.

Twice in the span of nine months Randy and Barby Neumann have opened a package of oatmeal  Barby loves baking with it  only to find it crawling with grain beetles.

The first time they had to vacate their apartment for eight hours while their place was fumigated at an out-of-pocket cost of $120.

The latest incident was Thursday morning. I started screaming. Theyre back!' said Barby.

First she saw a few of the pests on the kitchen counter. She had a bag of oatmeal in the cupboard but thought they couldnt be from there because the bag was still sealed.

Well, apparently grain beetles  reddish-brown in colour, two-to-three millimetres in length and with disproportionately large eyes  have flattened bodies that allow them to squeeze through the tiniest crevices.

I opened up the bag and it just floored me. There were thousands of them crawling around in there, she said. I thought, Thats it for baking today.'

They got the bag from Randys 82-year-old mother, who unwittingly passed it on after receiving it in a food hamper from the Christmas Cheer Board. Randy shudders to think what might have happened had his mother opened it.

With her already having had a mild heart attack, she doesnt need that, he said.

Barby Neumann has twice in last year opened a pack of oatmeal to find it crawling with tiny grain beetles. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press)

Usually from the homeowner: packaging company

The brand is called Harvest Time and was packaged at W. H. Escott Co. Ltd. in Winnipeg.

Escott marketing manager Ed Neufeld said the company packaged the oats for the Christmas Cheer Board about a week before Christmas.

Theres nothing worse than pouring milk on your cereal and seeing bugs. They float to the top. Noel White, research scientist with Agri-Food and Agriculture Canada

The product was very fresh and we havent had any other complaints, he said.

Neufeld suggested people may unknowingly transport the grain beetle into their house and the grain beetle then finds its way into the pantry.

Its usually from the homeowner, he maintained.

Grain beetle eggs can come from a variety of sources, said Noel White, a research scientist with Agri-Food and Agriculture Canada. Eggs can get past the supplier and hatch inside the packaging, or a package can be infiltrated from another product in the retail chain.

Grain beetles can also be a problem in pet stores where they feed on dried cat and dog food, he said.

Once grain beetles find their way into a pantry, they can infest other grain-based products from cake-mixes to cereals to crackers, White said.

Its not uncommon. You especially see it in apartment buildings. If one person gets them, they tend to move through the walls along the pipes from one kitchen to the next, he said, noting it takes 25 to 28 days for a female to hatch a generation, or about 300-400 eggs.

Once they get going, they just soar.

Grain beetles attack stored grains, cereals, flour, spices, and other processed food products. They don't bite and this type don't fly. Ingesting the insect or its eggs is not harmful. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press)

Beetles dont bite, not harmful to eat

The pantry pests attack stored grains, cereals, flour, spices, and other processed food products. The biggest threat they pose is of infestation and spoiling food. They dont bite and the ones in the Neumann apartment didnt fly. Ingesting the insect or its eggs is not harmful.

White has had three infestations in his home and now puts grain-based foods such as cereals and cake mixes into air-tight containers.

Theres nothing worse than pouring milk on your cereal and seeing bugs. They float to the top, he said.

Freezing a cereal-based product for 24 hours will kill any grain beetles or eggs, he said.

White doesnt think people need to call an exterminator if they find grain beetles. Homeowners should empty their pantry completely and vacuum shelves, floors and corners. The area must then be washed with soapy water. People should not use bleach, ammonia or pesticides as they can be dangerous if in contact with food.

People should be aware of this, Randy said.

The Neumanns first infestation last spring was from a bag of Quaker Oats.

Randy phoned the Quaker headquarters in Chicago, which told him they would reimburse him the money for the oats, he said. He decided it wasnt worth the $5 to go through the process.

Instead, he took the bag back to Save-On-Foods in St. James where he purchased it. They provided him with a gift certificate for $50 and said they would remove the product from its shelves.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said consumers with a complaint should contact the agency either by email via its website, or by phone at 1-800-442-2342.

bill.redekop@freepress.mb.ca
Opinion

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This article was published 04/01/2018 (1779 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Most Canadians were stunned and dismayed to learn that the countrys leading grocer was caught up in a price-fixing scheme with bread-maker George Weston Ltd., which is owned by the same company.

The scheme lasted from 2001-15. As a result, Loblaw Companies Ltd. fired several people and is offering $25 gift cards to millions of Canadians who may have been affected. Then Loblaw applied for immunity from Competition Bureau prosecution. Thats a precious gift for a company for whom image and brand  think the trusted Presidents Choice products  is everything.

Any supply-chain-related issue is complicated. But in laymans terms, what happened between Loblaw and Weston was inexcusable. For 14 years, Westons bakery products pricing gave Loblaw an unfair advantage, while disadvantaging other food retailers. The strategy was not so much about getting more money out of consumers  at least not recently  as about managing margins.

FRED THORNHILL / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Galen G. Weston, executive president and chairman of Loblaw Ltd.

The scheme allegedly involved Loblaw and Weston joining other major grocery retailers and another bread wholesaler in a secret agreement to artificially inflate the retail and wholesale prices of some packaged breads.

Bread is often a loss leader, an item sold at a loss to increase traffic in a store. In fact, according to Statistics Canada, a standard loaf of bread is cheaper today than it was in 2013.

A decade ago, the price of some bakery items doubled in just a few months. In 2007 and 2008, commodity prices were driven up by the growth in ethanol production. The price of a bushel of wheat reached unprecedented levels.

Higher input costs were blamed for the enormous price hikes. Many countries were affected. But the market cooled and bread prices remained high. Loblaw did the right thing by coming forward, but questions have cropped up as details emerged.

The duration of the scheme: for 14 long years, two of the largest players in the business altered market conditions, just because they could. Many wonder why it took so long for the company to realize it had a problem. In the grocery industry, a week is an eternity, let alone 14 years.

Most food businesses are a recall away from closing. Quality assurance and ethics are central to most businesses, including Loblaw. So its difficult for Canadians to believe the company had only just become aware of the issue. The case for plausible deniability at Loblaw is weak at best.

The people involved: its likely that over several years, more than just a few employees were a part of this. Numerous employees have come and gone, moving on to other positions, probably in the food industry. So theres a possibility that the culture of collusion and price-fixing may have spread. The movement of human capital, over time, may have created an industry-wide problem. Thats scary.

So we can conclude that Loblaws coming-out is just the beginning. The Competition Bureau is also investigating Sobeys, Metro, Walmart, Giant Tiger and even bread producer Canada Bread.

Its quite conceivable that similar schemes could exist in other parts of the grocery store. This matters to all Canadians.

The $25 gift card is just window dressing. Whats at stake is consumer trust and how the industry can maintain its social licence.

Without this, growing revenues, supporting communities, innovating, partnerships, loyalty programs all become more challenging.

Independent grocers have the most to win out of this mess. They just cant do what Loblaw and Weston admitted to doing for 14 years. They dont have the market power.

But its doubtful that Canadians have the stamina or the discernment to punish the company by withholding their shopping dollars. Habits are hard to break, especially with food.

As surprising as Loblaws admission may be, the market is cruelly fickle. Despite breaking the law, most will have forgotten about Loblaws mea culpa within weeks  perhaps even days, given the time of year. These cases are inherently complicated. For example, most people have forgotten that Hershey admitted doing the same thing just a few years ago. And for Loblaw, this incident wont be as damaging as the Joe Fresh facility disaster in Bangladesh in 2013, when more than 1,100 people were killed. Not even close.

Now Canadians have reason to doubt the grocery industry. Nevertheless, the fact that a main food staple like bread was targeted by the bureau gives hope for change.

However complicated the situation may be, phrases like price-fixing bring some clarity. Canadians understand thats wrong, plain and simple. Lets hope the industry understands, too.

Sylvain Charlebois is senior fellow with the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies, dean of the faculty of management and a professor in the faculty of agriculture at Dalhousie University, and author of Food Safety, Risk Intelligence and Benchmarking.

 Troy Media
Opinion

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This article was published 04/01/2018 (1779 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

City councillors arent required to enter burning buildings to fight fires, or rush to vehicle crashes to save the lives of victims. But it is the responsibility of council to direct administration to improve an emergency response system that seems hindered by duplication of duties, turf disputes and unnecessarily high expenses.

When Winnipeg firefighters and paramedics merged in 1997 into the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, the combined service was supposed to be more efficient and cost-effective. That vision is not the reality.

On an average day in Winnipeg, there are more than 100 calls in which both a fire truck and an ambulance race to the rescue. Most of these calls are as minor as a cyclist falling off his bike or a pedestrian collapsing on a sidewalk, yet such calls typically garner both a fire truck and an ambulance, each well-staffed by highly-paid professionals.

TREVOR HAGAN / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS files Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service Chief John Lane

A recent Free Press investigation found no large city in Canada involves firefighters in emergency medical response to the extent that Winnipeg does. It makes Winnipegs 862 firefighters appear busy at a time when the number of fires has declined by almost half in recent years, presumably in large part because autobins were phased out and, encouragingly, because arson protection programs are working. Fires currently make up less than three per cent of the workload of Winnipeg firefighters.

Unfortunately, administrators of the WFPS cant be counted on to remedy the duplication of services on their own. Problems within the system include long-simmering animosity between Fire Paramedic Chief John Lane and the paramedics union. Their dirty laundry was aired in public recently during an arbitration hearing into paramedics complaints about a brochure promoting the chiefs presentation at an international firefighters conference, which included this observation: This fire-based model is continuously threatened by single-role EMS providers and misinformed leaders 

The overlap between firefighters and ambulance paramedics is becoming increasingly unaffordable. The province has frozen ambulance paramedic funding to the city at 2016 levels and the fire paramedic services overall budget has been reduced in the new year to $193.5 million from $199.2 million.

These financial constraints should force the city to explore less expensive ways to maintain the high quality of emergency services it needs.

One possibility is to champion community paramedicine, which was introduced in a successful pilot project called Emergency Paramedics in the Community that worked with frequent callers of 911 to address the health and social reasons behind their heavy usage of emergency services.

A second option is to reconsider the staffing of squad vans, which are used on many medical calls because theyre smaller than fire trucks. The new vans have no firefighting capabilities but are staffed by a firefighter primary care paramedic and high-salaried fire lieutenant. Perhaps they could be staffed by less costly ambulance paramedics.

The city has commissioned two separate reports on the issue. The Fire Underwriters Survey will assess the status of the citys firefighting capability and recommend improvements. And the U.S.-based firm Emergency Services Consulting International is assessing fire risk and medical calls in the city.

Information from those reports should help the city envision an ideal fire-paramedic service and make changes toward that ideal. The needs of patients and taxpayers should be the paramount priority. A much less pressing concern should be the us-versus-them lobbying of separate unions that represent firefighters and ambulance paramedics.
A Missoula man has been charged with a felony after allegedly calling 911 on New Years Day to tell police he had assaulted his girlfriend.

According to court documents, 39-year-old Cole Reich called back while officers were responding to the home on the 500 block of West Kent Avenue to say he was ready to go to jail.

Reich, who made his first court appearance Wednesday, is charged with Montanas recently-enacted felony strangulation charge, as well as misdemeanors for partner assault and tampering with a communication device.

Court records state that he is on probation for a prior conviction for assaulting the same woman. After his attorney Nate Holloway said Wednesday that Reich would live with his father in Missoula and that a GPS monitor would be sufficient to allay concerns that he would present a further danger, acting Justice of the Peace Tracy Rhodes released Reich on his own recognizance.

An affidavit filed along with Reichs charges stated that when officers got to the home Monday, the woman had multiple injuries to her face including a bruised and swollen eye. She told police Reich had been punching her, and that when she tried to protect herself he covered her nose and mouth until she couldnt breathe.

She said when she tried to call police Reich took her phone away, then gave her a handgun and told her to put it in her mouth, according to court documents.

When police spoke to Reich, he allegedly admitted to assaulting the woman and that she should be beat more.
The German Network Enforcement Law (NetzDG) went into effect on January 1. The law, drafted by Social Democratic Justice Minister Heiko Maas and passed by the outgoing Grand Coalition with the Christian Democrats, is a massive attack on free speech. Under the guise of fighting fake news and hate speech, it enables the state to regulate and censor the Internet.

The law requires operators of Internet platforms with more than two million users to remove or block access to obviously illegal content within 24 hours of receiving the complaint. For unlawful content, a period of seven days applies. If platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat violate the rules, they face fines of up to 50 million euros.

The law opens the door to censorship of the Internet by multi-billion-dollar corporations, which already work closely with the state. It uses 21 specific legal normsincluding slander, libel, blasphemy, sedition, violent images, use of symbols of unconstitutional organizations and violations of privacy through capturing imagesas the basis for determining whether content can be reported and its immediate deletion demanded.

The law has already had far-reaching consequences. According to its own data, even before the NetzDG came fully into force, Facebook deleted 15,000 so-called hate comments a month. The corporations will now take even more aggressive action to avoid possible fines. To deal with the law, Facebook set up a second deletion centre with 500 employees in Essen in November, and further expanded the already existing centre in Berlin.

Even those who appeared as experts at the hearings in the Bundestag (parliament) said that the NetzDG is unconstitutional. With the network law, the state is violating its duty of neutrality in the exchange of opinions. This affects a very fundamental basis of our democracy, said lawyer Simon Assion of the German Bar Association. It is quite possible that the leading figures of the state will exert a direct influence. The Federal Ministry of Justice has access to how social networks implement their deletion mechanisms.

The law is part of an international campaign to censor the Internet. In mid-December, the Trump administration abolished net neutrality in the United States, giving US Internet Service Providers the ability to throttle and block content. At the same time, the European Union is preparing to set up an anti-fake news agency to censor the Internet. These measures serve one purpose above all to suppress and censor left-wing news and views that contradict the official political line of the government and the establishment media.

At the last debate in the Bundestag on NetzDG in December, Tabea Roner, the spokeswoman for the Greens, justified the regulation of the Internet by declaring: Quality journalism is one of the bulwarks against irrationality and brutalization of public discourse. It deserves our critical but constructive supervision. Just as the state must ensure the fulfilment of the function of public service broadcasting, it is obliged to integrate social networks into the legal system of a free constitutional state.

The expansion of Internet censorship is also supported by the Left Party, which introduced its own bill in the Bundestag. In the debate, Left Party deputy Anke Domscheidt-Berg described the current version of NetzDG as ineffective, as it did not apply to the Russian platform Vkontakte and other platforms. She also found an initiative of the federal government to increase and train personnel at the investigating authorities to be lacking.

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which is now objecting after an anti-refugee tweet by deputy chair Beatrix von Storch was blocked by Twitter, is not against the censorship of the Internet. In the parliamentary debate, far-right deputy Markus Frohmaier said angrily: Again and again it is repeated here that the AfD wants law-free areas on the Internet. Thats not true. If you had listened to us, then you would have realized we are simply saying something like that should be heard in the courts and not transferred to private companies.

The agenda of the right-wing extremists is well known. While spreading their reactionary rhetoric using the cynical argument of freedom of expression, they work closely with the establishment parties and the state to suppress left-wing and anti-militarist views.

When the German government banned the Internet platform linksunten.indymedia in August last year, AfD chairman Jorg Meuthen cheered: The action against the left-wing extremist platform linksunten.indymedia was long overdue I have been calling for it for more than a year. Now that the election date is approaching, action is finally being taken. Very late and very predictable, but at least it shows: The AfD is effective.

While the ruling class is adopting the extreme right policies of the AfD, it is aggressively opposed to platforms exposing the crimes of capitalism and the return of German militarism and discussing left-wing and socialist perspectives. In close coordination with German government circles, Google has been censoring left-wing and progressive websites since last April, most notably the World Socialist Web Site.

The NetzDG will be used primarily to suppress left-wing and socialist opposition. Maas, who is responsible for the law, had already called for the establishment of a European database of left-wing radicals and for a rock against the left concert after the demonstrations against the G20 summit in Hamburg. Now he is using the alleged attacks on the security forces on New Years Eve to argue for a massive increase in police powers.

In the 200th anniversary year of Karl Marxs birth, the ruling class in Germany and around the world is once again confronted with the spectre of revolution. A recent comment on news platform Spiegel Online titled Welcome, Year of Upheavals! warns: The poor are getting poorer and the rich are getting richer: society has to change so that inequality does not tear it apartand so we have a turbulent year ahead of us. And further: There are now enough people who understand that this will not go on foreverthat inequality tears apart every society and eventually leads to struggles and revolutions.

The efforts of ruling classes internationally to control speech online are aimed at suppressing and blocking the growth of such a movement.
The Trump administration has begun the year with an open and reckless threat of nuclear war against North Koreaa conflict that would inevitably drag in other nuclear-armed powers, with catastrophic consequences for the world.

In a New Years speech, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un offered talks with South Korea to ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula but warned the US he was ready to defend North Korea. The entire US mainland, he declared, was within the range of our nuclear weapons and the nuclear button is always on the desk of my office.

US President Donald Trump fired off a derogatory and provocative tweet: 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!

The remarks further inflame an extremely tense situation and undermine the meeting between North and South Korea scheduled for next Tuesday. In an earlier tweet, Trump was decidedly cool toward the prospect of such talks, saying: Perhaps that is good news, perhaps notwe will see!

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders faced hostile questioning over Trumps tweet, with one journalist asking: Should Americans be concerned about the Presidents mental fitness that he appears to be speaking so lightly about threats regarding a nuclear button?

Sanders responded by questioning North Korean leader Kims mental fitness, then aggressively defending Trumps threat. This is a president, she declared, whos not going to cower down and hes not going to be weak, and is going to stand up and protect the American people.

Sanders attacked the previous Obama administration for failing to tackle North Korea and declared that the Trump administration was going to continue its strategy of maximum pressure on the Pyongyang regime. Trump has insisted he will not allow North Korea to build a nuclear missile capable of reaching continental America and will, if necessary, use military force to prevent it.

Trump came under fire from several congressional Democrats, with Ro Khanna calling for new legislation restricting the presidents ability to launch a pre-emptive nuclear strike without authorisation. Jim Himes expressed the fear that Trumps tweet could result in a fatal miscalculation with North Korea, warning: That would get real very quickly.

These reactions reflect sharp divisions in ruling circles in Washington over Trumps confrontational policies toward North Korea and China, which have produced mounting calls for the presidents removal.

This Tweet alone is grounds for removal from office under the 25th Amendment. This man should not have nukes, Richard Painter, a lawyer who worked for President George W. Bush, commented. Under the 25th amendment, the vice-president and a majority of the cabinet can dismiss a president deemed to be unfit to hold office.

The bitter factional disputes in Washington are tactical in character. The political establishment as a whole has backed a succession of criminal wars of aggression over the past 25 years and would not hesitate to back the use of nuclear weapons to defend US economic and strategic interests. Those opposed to Trump, however, view Russia rather than China as the most immediate threat to be dealt with.

Trumps bellicose threats to use the huge US nuclear arsenal are not just aimed at North Korea. They are designed to send a warning to any country that poses a challenge to American global hegemony. Trump has continued President Barack Obamas pivot to Asia against China that includes a huge military build-up in the Asia Pacific region in preparation for war.

The Trump administration has exploited the supposed North Korean threat to justify huge joint military exercises with South Korea and pressure China to impose crippling sanctions on the Pyongyang regime. The Chinese leadership is clearly concerned at the danger of war, including nuclear war, in its backyard, but also reluctant to provoke a crisis in North Korea that could be used to install a pro-US regime in Pyongyang.

An editorial in the state-owned Global Times yesterday expressed alarm at Trumps tweet, declaring that vying for who has a bigger, more powerful nuclear button is definitely not a solution to the confrontation.

The editorial warned that the standoff on the Korean Peninsula could not continue. It will get better, or get worse. If there is no major turnaround, a horrible situation might not be so far away, it stated. The Trump administration has repeatedly rejected Chinese proposals for negotiations with North Korea.

The terrible scale of destruction that even a limited war on the Korean Peninsula, or restricted nuclear exchange, was outlined in a lengthy essay entitled The Korean Missile Crisis: Why Deterrence Is Still the Best Option in the November/December issue of Foreign Affairs.

The author Scott Sagan, who is highly critical of Trump, warned that the current confrontation with North Korea was more dangerous than the 1962 Cuban missile crisis, during which the world teetered on the brink of nuclear war. He argued for a policy of containment and deterrence of a nuclear-armed North Korea, akin to US strategy during the Cold War.

The alternative, Sagan explained, would be horrendous. According to NUKEMAP, a single 100-kiloton nuclear weapon detonated above the port city of Busan, in South Korea would kill 440,000 people in seconds. A weapon of that size detonated over Seoul would kill 362,000; over San Francisco, the number would be 323,000. These estimates did not include deaths from fires and nuclear fallout.

A nuclear war would kill millions, even if it did not involve other nuclear-armed powers such as Russia and China. Yet that is exactly what Trump is threatening. Using the United Nations as a world stage last year, he belligerently declared he would totally destroy North Korea if it posed a threat to the US.

Sagans assessment was echoed this week by the former chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, who warned that the world was closer, in my view, to a nuclear war with North Korea and in that region than we have ever been. Mullen was pessimistic about any peaceful solution, saying: I dont see the opportunities to solve this diplomatically at this particular point.
New Zealands Labour Party-led coalition government, which includes the Greens and the right-wing NZ First, is preparing to slash foreign student numbers as part of a broader assault on immigrants and the countrys tertiary education system. It plans to cut immigration by 20,000 to 30,000 entrants per year, or up to 40 percent, mostly by targeting students.

International students would no longer be permitted to work while studying unless they are enrolled in a bachelors degree program, or the school provides work as part of their study. Graduates from lower-level courses will be barred from applying for a 12-month post-study visa.

According to Labours web site, its proposed changes will result in 6,000 to 10,000 fewer student visas and a reduction of 9,000 to 12,000 post-study work visas. New regionalised skills shortage lists will reduce the number of work visas by a further 5,000 to 8,000.

The web site asserts that immigration has contributed to the housing crisis, put pressure on hospitals and schools, and added to the congestion on roads. Working with the Trump-like NZ First, the Labour Party is scapegoating immigrants to divert attention from the real source of the social crisis. For decades, Labour and National Party governments alike have carried out pro-business restructuring and austerity measures, including cuts to health, education and housing. The lack of affordable housing is the result of rampant speculation by investors, of whom the overwhelming majority are privileged layers in New Zealand.

By whipping up anti-Chinese xenophobia, in particular, the government is also seeking to condition the population to support a US-led military conflict with China.

The tertiary education system has suffered decades of cuts and user-pays policies, beginning with the 1980s Labour governments introduction of student fees. Successive governments have encouraged ruthless, profit-driven business practices in major universities and smaller private training establishments (PTEs), resulting in hundreds of cuts to academic jobs and wages and the closure of departments and entire institutions.

Labour campaigned for the September 23 election with a fraudulent promise of free education. In fact, course fees will be abolished for one year, for first-time students only. This will not ease the pressure on tertiary institutions or reduce the $15 billion total student debt. International students, who frequently pay $20,000 to $40,000 in course fees annually, will not be eligible for any free courses. This includes Australians who have not lived in New Zealand for at least three years.

Labour will continue the National governments crackdown on training providers offering qualifications below a bachelors degree to international students, which Labour described as a back door for residency.

The partys web site states that, 10,000 fewer Private Training Establishment enrolments will reduce fee revenues by $70 million. This will force smaller PTEs, which often provide training in specialist trades such as IT, to shut down, making thousands of teachers and academic staff redundant.

When Labour announced its immigration policy in June, Independent Tertiary Education New Zealand representative Christine Clark warned it could cause 70 percent of the PTE sector to collapse. On October 31, she told Radio New Zealand the changes to student visas and rules for lower-level training establishments would result in up to 10,000 job losses.

There have been hundreds of job cuts in the tertiary education sector already in recent years.

Unitec, in Auckland, announced 300 job cuts in 2015. In April 2017, Waikato University cut 17 jobs in its Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Otago University confirmed in October that it would cut 160 equivalent full-time positions. Also in October, NorthTec announced a plan to axe 50 jobs and potentially close down its campuses in Kerikeri and Rawene.

The Labour government will preside over hundreds more job cuts.

In early December, Auckland-based Best Pacific Institute of Education announced its closure after a funding cut by the government, affecting 150 staff and 1,200 students.

In November, 1,000 staff throughout Massey Universitys Auckland, Wellington and Manawatu campuses were sent letters asking for voluntary resignations as the university sought to slash around 90 jobs as part of a drive to cut $15.7 million in costs. Over 70 staff accepted offers to resign, including several internationally sought-after scientists.

The governments Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) sets unrealistic passing and retention targets, often as high as 85 percent, for institutions to qualify for government funding. These targets increase annually. A Tertiary Education Union (TEU) survey in March 2017 found 63 percent of educators felt pressured to pass failing or cheating students so institutions could continue accepting their fees to offset reduced government funding.

University lecturers also complained of pressure to produce worthless research, at the expense of teaching time, so their institute would be eligible for the Performance Based Research Funding system, which Labour introduced in 2003.

Labour bears chief responsibility for the ongoing cuts to tertiary education. After introducing fees in 1989, Labour passed the Education Amendment Act in 1990, which made all tertiary institutes independent legal entities, dropped the exclusivity of bachelors degrees from universities, and encouraged competition between institutes. The act laid the foundation for PTEs to proliferate.

Government funding for PTEs began under the Clark Labour government in 2000, based on the number of students enrolled. Labour established the TEC in 2003, which determines the amount of funding an institute receives based on how successfully it can turn a profit.

Far from fighting the assault, the TEU has assisted the job cuts by keeping each dispute isolated and opposing any political and industrial campaign against austerity. The union sought to subordinate workers to Labours election campaign and issued a December 15 statement falsely declaring that the new government is committed to publicly funded and publicly controlled tertiary education.

Last June, the union endorsed Labours plan to cut foreign student numbers, claiming this would shield institutions from global market volatility. On September 28, the TEU also praised the right-wing populist NZ Firsts Tracey Martin as a passionate advocate of accessible education at all levels.

In opposition to the nationalist and pro-capitalist perspective of the unions and the political establishment, the Socialist Equality Group and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) insist that everyone must have the right to study and work in any country they choose, with full democratic rights.

Billions of dollars are needed to restore the education system, wipe out student debt and provide free, accessible education and decent living allowances for all students. Staff must be guaranteed job security, high wages and a manageable workload. Education must be made genuinely public and freed from the narrow interests of big business and the profit system.

We call on students who support these socialist demands to join the IYSSE and help us to establish branches at universities, polytechs, PTEs and high schools.
Mahdi Fleifel is a Danish-Palestinian filmmaker, whose feature film A World Not Ours premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2012. We commented on the remarkable work and interviewed Fleifel at the time.

His short film, A Drowning Man, was selected for the official competition at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival and was also screened in Toronto at last years festival.

Fleifels grandparents were driven out of their village by the Israelis in 1948, and eventually settled in the Ain El-Hilweh refugee camp in southern Lebanon. The future filmmaker was born in Dubai in 1979, where his father had moved for employment. The family moved to Denmark in 1988.

A World Not Ours is both a personal memoir and a tracing out of the Palestinian condition. In a lively and even entertaining fashion, the director edited and shaped an enormous quantity of film and video footage shot by his father and Fleifel himself over the course of several decades. The final product recounts his familys experience, the general experience of Ain El-Hilweh and the fate of three individuals in particular, Fleifels grandfather, his uncle Said (actually, his grandfathers half-brother) and his good friend, Abu Eyad (named after the murdered PLO intelligence chief), a former Fatah fighter.

A World Not Ours deservedly won more than 30 awards, including the Peace Film Prize at the 2013 Berlinale and the Edinburgh, Yamagata and DOC NYC Grand Jury Prizes.

Fleifels 12-minute film, Xenos ( Stranger, 2014), follows Abu Eyad and other young Palestinian men from Ain El-Hilweh who were smuggled through Syria and Turkey into Greece, where they struggle for some kind of a future. Like so many other migrants, they come looking for a way into Europe but found themselves trapped in a country undergoing economic, political, and social collapse, the filmmakers note.

Fleifel directed another strong, engaging work in A Man Returned, a 30-minute film about Reda, a young man who also tried to escape the Palestinian refugee camp by emigrating to Athens. After three years of economic and personal difficulty, Reda returns to Ain El-Hilweh with a heroin addiction, in the words of the films publicity, to life in a camp being torn apart by internal strife and the encroachment of war from Syria. Against all odds he decides to marry his childhood sweetheart; a love story, bittersweet as the camp itself. A Man Returned is a painful, sensitive film, which won the 2016 Silver Bear at the Berlin film festival.

In fictional form, A Drowning Man (15 minutes) treats the fate of a young refugee trapped in Greece.

I recently spoke to Mahdi Fleifel.

* * * * *

David Walsh: Ive now seen A World Not Ours, Xenos, A Man Returned and A Drowning Man. These are some of the important films currently being made. A Drowning Man covers some of the same territory as Xenos and A Man Returned. Why did you decide to do a fictional version of this story?

Mahdi Fleifel: Its a question I often get. You could say that A Drowning Man is a fictional adaptation of Xenos, the essay documentary.

My background is in fiction. When I started out, thats what I wanted to do, narrative cinema. I studied fiction in film school. But for some reason, since I graduated Ive only made documentary films, from 2009 until this year.

Id been working on a fictional story set in Greece, dealing with all the themes that came out of A World Not Ours. I followed Abu Eyad in Xenos, Reda in A Man Returned. Then there were some other guys who had stories Id heard, and I put them into a script Ive been trying to finance for the last four years.

Its been difficult. People say, youve been doing documentaries, youre good at that, but how can we trust you with a big budget and send you to Greece to make a film? And so I did A Drowning Man to test the waters, to try and work in fiction again, for the first time in almost ten years. I wanted to see what it was like to make that transition back to fiction, work with a bigger crew and have a sense of authority in regard to the material itself.

I wanted to try out the things you can do in fiction. For example, there is the dream sequence at the beginning, which was much more elaborate in my script. I wanted to try something different, and I think I failed to a certain degree.

A Drowning Manis the film Im least happy with. I came out of the process feeling disillusioned with filmmaking and the nature of the industry, all the bureaucracy. The more people you involve, the more money you involve, the less control you have.

A Drowning Man, which is 15 minutes long, cost ten times more than A Man Returned. For me, its the least satisfying of all my films. Despite the fact that it premiered in the official selection at Cannes, that it sold to television, that its still playing many festivals, and has already won two Academy Award-qualifying festivals (the Grand Prix at Cork and Dubai). For me, creatively, as the author of the piece, I feel like I made a safe film, it wasnt daring enough.

DW: Thats interesting, I think the issue is complicated. I would not underestimate A Drowning Man .

MF: Im at a place where I have to revise, to think about where I go next. Ive been labeled, for better or worse, the refugee director.

DW: Ive seen that reference. Since we spoke in 2012, a number of things have happened in the world. Without in any way relativizing or minimizing the Palestinian experience, one might almost say that experience has become a global one. In A Drowning Man, the undocumented refugee in Athens is Palestinian, but now he could be from Syria, Libya, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, the Central African Republic, or from any one of 20 different countries, and the story would be virtually the same.

I dont think youre the director of the Palestinian refugee crisis, youre the director of the global conditions of life crisis.

MF: I hear you, though I think I make niche films about a particular place: the camp in Lebanon, where I grew up, Ain El-Hilweh, and people from Ain El-Hilweh. So that world is where all my stories come from, all my characters come from there. Even the kid in A Drowning Man 

Of course, when you zoom in on a microcosm like the camp, or a day in the life of an undocumented guy in Greece, I always ask myself: what would you do in these conditions? What would I do if I didnt have any documents, and I was in a city where I didnt speak the language? What would I do to eat and survive? How would I operate if the world around me becomes a jungle full of predators? Thats why Im drawn to these characters.

Take Reda in A Man Returned, for instance. At first, I had no intention of making another film in Ain El-Hilweh. I went to spend a holiday with my grandfather, and Id made a deliberate choice not to film that time. Yet I was confronted with Reda. I had last seen him in Athens, but there he was again, back in the camp. The Greek authorities had sent him back, and now he was selling drugs in Ain El-Hilweh. Not just any drugs, but heroin.

I had never seen that before in the camp. It had become a serious problem. You could say that a lot of these kids caught the bug in Athens. There you see people shooting up in broad daylight. Reda found a way to bring heroin into the camp. Where theres a will, theres a way, I guess. With the situation in Syria, its no big deal bringing heroin in through Afghanistan, into Lebanon, into the camps.

Now how do you treat a drug addict in a refugee camp, with all the social constraints, shame, the family structures and so on? How do you treat a sick man in these conditions, a man suffering from the disease of addiction? There are no rehab facilities, no 12-step programs.

DW: One of the most moving lines in Xenos is when Abu Eyad steals a Greek womans purse in Athens, discovers it only has seven euros, and says, I found that she was starving too.

MF: Ive always seen myself as someone who zooms very tightly in on the human condition. All you see on the news are numbers, statistics, all the rhetoric of fear with which were hammered daily. Hundreds have drowned off the coast of Lampedusa, Thousands have crossed the borders of this country or that country, and so on.

But who are these people? Thats the story I want to know about and tell.

Were bombarded with the idea that refugees are these mysterious strangers, these aliens. But where are they coming from? Why are they here?

I remember a journalist in Berlin a couple of years ago asking me, But what do we do about all these coming into our country [i.e., Germany]? All I could say was that these people were fleeing because we were responsible for the fact that their homes were burning.

If my home in Berlin caught on fire, if I was under bomb attacks, I would pack my stuff and go somewhere safer. Simple. The refugees are not leaving their homes, their loved ones, on a whim. A lot of these guys leave their wives and kids behind, hoping to make it, so they can find a way to bring them over. Its not for an adventure.

DW: Wars led by the US, Germany, France and the other powers have created these unbearable conditions.

But in regard to what you were saying before, about investigating and picturing the particular, concrete human conditions, thats what art does, thats what fiction does.

MF: I understand as well the desire for escape. Cinema provides an escape from reality. The thing that I liked about A World Not Ours was that it played with the magic of memories, nostalgia, it had comedy and serious elements too. Thats a balance Ive been missing in my recent work. I do it well, and I love films that have this balance.

DW: Thats a real issue. First of all, in terms of your own situation and your filmmaking, there is also the state of the world to take into account. It became grimmer, even more deadly in recent years.

However, I do think, in the long run, that the great books, great films strike the balance you speak of. You know as well as I do that even very oppressed people are not always gloomy. Thats not how it works in the working class or among the poor. Theres laughter and humor too, sometimes in very difficult conditions, sometimes because of the very difficult conditions.

MF: There has to be hope.

DW: Yes, and people resist in their own ways, all the time. If I were to register a complaint about A Drowning Man, that would be it, that it has one tone, one grim tone. I think youre right in that sense, there are different elements of life to bring forward. I have no doubt you will find that.

MF: Im ready to press pause at the moment. I need to find another way. I just turned 38, Ive made a couple of films, Ive traveled around the world and seen the way the industry worksIm quite disillusioned with it, actually. I think I work more like a visual artist, someone who just picks up his camera and goes for it. With A World Not Ours, it was only three key people working on it.

I want to find a way to up my game, without having to sell my soul to the devil. I spent four years developing this project in Greece. I finished the script two years ago, and I was ready to go shoot it. I could have shot it for very little. But the producers were saying, No, there is a certain way to go about things, and they thought the budget could be a little bigger so everyone would get paid more, and they of course would get a bigger cut. I went along with it.

Naturally, I dont mind that everyone gets paid a decent salary. But Ive been waiting for two years, and now Ive reached the point where I look at the story, and I realize its changed, because Ive changed and the world has changed, and Im not sure I want to make this anymore. This is development hell. Its dragging on unnecessarily. Its disillusioning.

Filmmaking does not need to cost that much. You dont need a huge crew.

Some people see making films as work, but for me its not just work. If I dont burn inside to tell it, Id much rather not do it.

DW: I can understand your disillusionment, or disappointment, but the final word hasnt been spoken, either for your career or the world. Big things are going to happen. New possibilities will open up, unexpectedly perhaps.

MF: I hope youre right. Well see  I want to make work that stands the test of time. A film is like a historical document, it should be solid enough to endure.
The long-suppressed and brutally exploited Iranian working class has burst onto the scene, shaking Irans bourgeois-clerical regime.

Since Dec. 28, tens of thousands have defied the Islamic Republics repressive apparatus and taken to the streets in cities and towns across the country. They have done so to voice their anger over food price rises, mass unemployment, gaping social inequality, years of sweeping social spending cuts and a pseudo-democratic political system that is rigged on behalf of the ruling elite and utterly impervious to the needs of working people.

The scope and intensity of this movement and its rapid embrace of slogans challenging the government and the entire autocratic political system have stunned Iranian authorities and Western observers alike. Yet, it was preceded by months of worker protests against job cuts and plant closures and unpaid wages and benefits.

In the days immediately prior to the eruption of the antigovernment protests, discussion of the ever-deepening divide between Irans top 1 and 10 percent and the vast majority who live in poverty and economic insecurity raged on social media. The trigger for this explosion of popular discontent was the governments latest austerity budget. It will further slash income support for ordinary Iranians, raise gas prices by as much as 50 percent, and curtail development spending, while increasing the already huge sums under the control of the Shia clergy.

Yesterday, after days of an ever-widening mobilization of security forces, mass arrests, and bloody clashes that left at least 21 dead, General Mohammad Ali Jafari, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, declared the unrest over: Today we can announce the end of the sedition.

The rulers of the Islamic Republic are trying to justify their brutal crackdown with spurious claims that the protests are being manipulated by Washington and its principal regional allies, Israel and Saudi Arabia, as part of their incendiary drive for regime-change in Tehran.

The claim that the current protests are akin to those mounted by the Green Movement in 2009 is a base slander meant to justify a bigger crime. The Green challenge to the results of the 2009 Iranian presidential election was a long-prepared political operation that followed the script of similar US-orchestrated color revolutions in Ukraine, Georgia, Lebanon and elsewhere. It was aimed at bringing to power those elements of the Iranian elite most eager to reach a quick rapprochement with US and European imperialism. It drew its popular support almost exclusively from the most privileged layers of the upper-middle class, who were mobilized on the basis of neoliberal denunciations of the populist President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for squandering money on the poor.

The current challenge to the Iranian regime is of an entirely different character. It is rooted in the working class, including in smaller industrial cities and district towns; draws its greatest support from young people, who face an unemployment rate of 40 percent or more; and is driven by opposition to social inequality and capitalist austerity.

Whatever the immediate fate of the current wave of protests, a new stage in the class struggle has opened in Iran that will unfold over the coming weeks and months. What is certain is that the working class, having thrust itself onto center stage, will not be quickly or easily silenced.

The working class unrest in Iran has already upset the calculations not just of the Iranian elite, but of governments around the world. Trump, whose anti-Muslim travel ban targets Iranians, has hypocritically and fatuously claimed his support for the protests, with the hope that he can use them to demonize Tehran and thereby provide grist for US war preparations against Iran. The European powers have been more circumspect, and not only because the protests cut across their plans to cash in on the Iranian governments offers of oil concessions and cheap labor. They fear the destabilizing impact of mounting class struggle in Iran on the entire Middle East.

To understand the significance of the resurgence of the Iranian working class for Middle East and world politics, it is necessary to examine it in historical context.

The 1979 Iranian Revolution, which overthrew the tyrannical US-sponsored regime of the Shah four decades ago, was a massive, working class-led, anti-imperialist social explosion. It was a growing wave of political strikes that broke the back of the Shahs regime, and in the months that followed, workers seized factories, placing them under the control of workers councils.

But a social revolution expropriating the Iranian bourgeoisie and establishing a workers republic in alliance with the rural toilers was blocked by the nominally socialist organizations, above all the Stalinist Tudeh Party. The Tudeh party had deep roots in the working class, which had a long history of secularism and revolutionary socialism. But for decades it orientated to the impotent liberal wing of the national bourgeoisie and then in 1979 swung round to giving uncritical support to the Ayatollah Khomeini, on the grounds that he was the political leader of the progressive wing of the bourgeoisie and leading a national democratic (i.e., capitalist) revolution.

This aged Shia cleric had long been a politically marginal figure. But he was able to gain a mass following among the urban and rural poor by exploiting the political vacuum created by the Stalinists, and by drawing on the longstanding connections between the Shia clergy and the bazaar, the bastion of the traditional wing of the Iranian bourgeoisie.

With the working class politically neutralized by the Stalinists, Khomeini was able to reorganize the state machine following the Shahs overthrow, while manipulating and diverting the mass movement, and then restabilize bourgeois rule through savage repression of the political left, including the Tudeh party, and the destruction of all independent workers organizations.

These developments fed into and were part of a broader process in which, due to the betrayals of the Stalinists, Islamist forces were able to politically profit from the mounting crisis of the postcolonial bourgeois nationalist regimes and movements, including the Palestine Liberation Organization, and their inability to realize their bourgeois-democratic programs.

Before his death in 1989, Khomeini oversaw a further lurch to the right of the Islamic Republic, with a turn to the IMF and overtures to the Great Satan, US imperialism. This had been prepared the previous year in a further ferocious assault on the left, in which thousands of political prisoners were killed.

Over the course of the past three decades, Irans government has been led by different factions of the political elite, including so-called reformists and Shia populists like Ahmadinejad. All have further rolled back the social concessions made to working people in the wake of the 1979 revolution and savagely suppressed the working class.

The Western press has long sought to vilify Iranian politics and social life. But at its core, the experience of the working class in Iran mirrors that of workers around the world, who for decades have faced an unrelenting assault on their social rights and politically have been utterly disenfranchised.

In response to the 2008 financial crisis, the universal response of the bourgeoisie has been to drastically intensify this class war. Precarious employment, crumbling public services, unprecedented social inequality, exclusion from political life and the threat of imperialist warthis is the lot of workers the world over.

But the period in which the class struggle could be suppressed is coming to an end.

In country after country around the world, the parties, organizations and political mechanisms, including the establishment left parties and pro-capitalist unions, through which the bourgeoisie has managed its affairs and, above all, suppressed the class struggle are breaking down.

The events in Iran will resonate across the Middle East, where the working class has passed through decades of bitter experiences, not only with the secular bourgeois nationalist movements, but also with various forms of Islamist politics, including the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and Erdogans Justice and Development Party in Turkey.

And while the ignoramus Trump tweets about injustice in Iran, how different will American workers deem their circumstances from those of Iranian workers? Last month, as the Iranian government was presenting a budget that slashes social spending while funneling additional money to the mullahs, the US Congress rewarded the rich and super-rich with trillions in additional tax cuts. These tax cuts are now to be paid for through a massive assault on Social Security, health care and other core social rights.

The events in Iran must be recognized as a harbinger of a vast eruption of working class struggle around the world.

The task of revolutionary socialists is to turn into this movement and fight to arm the international working class with an understanding of the logic of its needs, aspirations and struggles. Capitalism is incompatible with the needs of society. Working people, the class that produces the worlds wealth, must unite their struggles across state borders and continents to establish workers political power, so as to undertake the socialist reorganization of society and put an end to want and imperialist war.
The new year began with the auto giant Ford seeking to impose a two-year labor agreement on 4,200 workers at its Craiova, Romania plant. Workers returned from their holiday break in a rebellious mood, however, with the WSWS Autoworker Newsletter receiving reports of sporadic work stoppages and a growing determination for collective resistance.

On December 21, an estimated 1,000 Craiova workers walked out of the southeastern Romanian plant in a wildcat strike after the Ford Craiova Automobile Union signed the sellout deal with Ford Romania. The agreement freezes the pay of senior workers and reduces new-hire wages to below the minimum salary or as little as 300 (US$358) a month, while cutting payments for overtime work and introducing flexible schedules whenever operational demands require it.

The US-based auto giant, which made $16.3 billion in gross profits in 2016 and $9.4 billion in the first three quarters of 2017, purchased the former Daewoo Motors facility from the Romanian government in 2008. Romanian wages can be as low as 2 (US$2.26) an hour or less than five percent of the overall labor costs of a German autoworker. Craiova workers churn out Fords compact SUV EcoSportstarting price $19,000 (15,777) or four times the annual wage of a new hirelargely for the western European market.

The workers have defied the blackmail by Ford management, which has threatened to withdraw plans for a second product and essentially throw them into the street if workers do not accede to the companys demands.

If workers reject the deal, company officials warned, Ford would not compensate workers for the large tax increases they face in the new year due to the new law passed by the Romanian government. The Social Democratic government has essentially eliminated the employers share of the costs for health care and other social benefits, and shifted them onto the backs of workers. Without Ford transferring any of its massive savings to workers, they would face a de facto 25 percent wage cut, reducing workers and their families to starvation.

According to a Craiova worker in contact with the WSWS Autoworker Newsletter, the difference between accepting and rejecting the deal would be 800 Romanian Lei (171.43 or $206) a month. It will climb to 1900 lei (407 or $490), but 1100 (236 or $284) if we do not accept the deal. But the wage increasewhich is entirely bonuses, not increases in base payis really no raise at all, since the added 800 lei will be deducted from workers paychecks for social contributions.

With workers steadfastly opposing the deal, Ford management struck a less aggressive tone this week, while insisting that the new contract would be put into effect regardless of their opposition. We all go through challenges, Ford Romania chief John Oldham said in an official statement issued Wednesday, but I want you to know that Fords management team will continue to maintain its commitment to the strong future of the Craiova plant. It is important to stay together and act like a SINGLE TEAM continuing to show that the Craiova factory is one of the best factories in Ford Europe.

Nevertheless, he insisted, management decided to apply all the provisions as they were negotiated on December 20, 2017 The Ford executive promised salary increases for all employees as a result of transferring contributions from Employer to Employee, raises for new employees, and an increase in six months for other workers, in line with those stipulated in the Negotiating Commission decisions. With false generosity, Oldham added that meal vouchers would increase by $0.77 (0.64) this month. He ended his remarks by insultingly wishing workers and their families a happy and prosperous New Year.

With anger reaching a boiling point, union officials from the Ford Craiova Automobile Union tried to distance themselves from the deal. In an unsigned statement the union issued to workers this week, which factory workers provided to the WSWS Autoworker Newsletter, the union declared, Following the discussions held today with the management, from the point of view of the trade union, negotiations on the CCM [Collective Bargaining Agreement] have not been finalized, as management has informed you. The CCM for the years 2018-2019 was not signed.

Workers should not sign additions to their Individual Labor Agreement (CIM), the union said, because this implies acceptance of the employers offer. The union would pursue legal steps to conclude a CCM agreed by all members, the statement added. In an effort to shore up its credibility with workers, union officials claimed that their signatures on the contract had been forged.

While details remain sketchy, workers informed the Autoworker Newsletter that the national trade union federation might be stepping in to negotiate a new deal. This has been met with a large amount of skepticism. Everyone is unhappy, the Ford worker told the newsletter. We are all saying we are not going to sign the agreement, but Ford is looking to blackmail us and has threatened to sue the union if it does not respect the deal. Starting today, he said, the union was resuming negotiations assisted by lawyers.

He added, There is a lot pressure being exerted on workers. They have been told that if they disagree with what Ford has proposed, money will be taken from them. Everyone is angry but confused. We have been deceived by Ford, the union and the Romanian government. Now the union seems to be on our side, but we have already been fooled so many times, we do not know who to trust.

Workers at the factory have been circulating the articles posted on their struggle by the World Socialist Web Site. More and more people have started distributing your posts, he said, adding that there was great interest in newsletters call to mobilize autoworkers internationally in defense of their struggle.

Describing conditions in the impoverished country, he said, We work for taxes. The hospitals have outbreaks of infections. When you go to the hospital you have to buy absolutely everything to be treated. If you are operated on you have to buy the pills and everything. Many factories have been closed and whole industries destroyed, and they force us to accept the minimum wage.

While Eastern Europe has long been used as a Mexican-style cheap labor platform and to extract wage concessions from workers in the West, over the last year there has been a rising tide of militant strikes, including Fiat workers in Serbia and VW workers in Slovakia.

Outside of the WSWS, there has been a news blackout on the Romanian struggle. The communications department at Fords global Headquarters in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, Michigan, did not return a call from WSWS about the dispute. Neither the IG Metall union in Germany or the United Auto Workers in the US has issued any statements.

The last thing these nationally based and pro-corporate unions want is a common struggle against their corporate partners, which began to reverse the union-backed concessions that have produced record corporate profits and boosted the stock holdings and bank accounts of the union apparatus.

Conditions for unifying the struggle of autoworkers, however, have never been so opportune. Some 3.9 million auto, steel and engineering workers in Germany are pressing for significant wage improvements and shorter workweeks during ongoing negotiations and hundreds of VW and Porsche workers are engaging in partial strikes and protests this week. In France, autoworkers are battling the Macron government, which is using its new labor reforms to push through American-style layoffs and casual labor at PSA and other corporations.

Autoworkers around the world must take matters into their own hands by building rank-and-file committees, and coordinating their struggles against the globally organized corporations and international capitalist system.

This is increasingly the conclusion that workers are drawing. In comments directed to his class brothers and sisters in Romania, a worker at Fords Chicago Assembly Plant said, Fight for what you deserve, not what they want to give you. The excuses the company and the unions give the workers are always the same. It may be in different languages and vary it a little from one place to another but in essence its the same excuse.

They say, Wethe company and the unionswant more, much more, for less. We the corporation and the union take all the profits while you, the worker, has to suffer. The corporation and the union are always the winners, and the losers are always the working class. Things need to change, he told the newsletter.

We need to use the same strategy as these corporations use against us. We must become global. A global working class united, fighting for what we all deserve. These corporations have gone global pitting the working class from one country against another. The only answer is to unite globally as a working class. We can no longer afford to think of ourselves as an isolated group in a particular nation. We must think and fight globally.
The Montana Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that the wife of a former W.R. Grace employee in Libby who died from asbestos-related disease isn't due any more money from the company's workers' compensation insurer because she already has been paid for all of his medical costs.

Christita Moreau, the wife of Edwin Moreau  who worked for W.R. Grace in Libby and died of lung cancer in 2009  filed a workers' compensation claim for occupational disease benefits after his death. Transportation Insurance Co., W.R. Grace's workers' compensation insurer, initially denied liability but eventually paid most of Moreau's medical expenses.

It did not reimburse her for roughly $95,000 in expenses, saying those had already been paid by a fund created by W.R. Grace to pay for medical expenses for Libby asbestos victims.

Moreau maintained that Transportation Insurance owed her husband's estate for the medical costs, even though they already had been paid by another source. The Montana Workers' Compensation Court sided with the insurer, finding it was not obligated to pay any more money to her, a decision Moreau appealed to the Montana Supreme Court last year.

In its Tuesday order, the high court affirmed the findings of the workers' compensation court.

"Edwin and his Estate were entitled only to the medical benefits provided by the workers compensation statutes ... and there is no dispute that those benefits were provided," Chief Justice Mike McGrath wrote in his opinion.

In November, the Montana Supreme Court established a special court to handle asbestos-related lawsuits arising from vermiculite mining in Libby.
A California father and his two young daughters were found dead on New Years Eve in what police say was an apparent murder-suicide.

Hamdy Rouin, 46, was found dead in the drivers seat of his car in West Sacramento, California. His daughters, Sara, 9, and Sophia, 12, were found unresponsive in the back seat. They were rushed to the hospital but did not survive.

According to police, Rouin was involved in a bitter custody battle with his ex-wife, Amy Hunter. The couple had split in December 2014, and the divorce became final in late 2016. Hunter received custody of the two girls.

 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.

The deaths came just days before Rouin faced a court date on January 2 for allegedly violating a protective order, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE.

Sophia (right) and Sara (left)

Police did not disclose the girls causes of death, but told the Sacramento Bee that the girls and their father did not have visible stab or gunshot wounds.

Police say an autopsy will be conducted to figure out how the three family members died.

 For more compelling true crime coverage, follow our Crime magazine on Flipboard.

Police said the girls mother was cooperating with investigators, and was not present at the time of the deaths.

Obviously, she is very distraught, West Sacramento police spokesman Sgt. Roger Kinney told reporters. But she is cooperating with investigators. She was not involved it. This is just sad, very, very sad.

A Gofundme page has been established to help the mother with funeral expenses.
Summer is over, but the dangers that come with leaving your pet alone in a parked car are still very real.

Each year there are news stories of dogs dying in horrifyingly hot parked cars after they are carelessly left there by their owners, but severe winter weather can be just as dangerous to pets abandoned in a vehicle.

On Saturday in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, as winter temperatures in the area fluctuated between 19 and 3 degrees Fahrenheit, the Dartmouth Police Department responded to a call from the North Dartmouth Mall about a puppy left unattended in a car parked in one of the malls outdoor lots, according to the departments release about the incident on Facebook.

When they arrived, officers spoke with the reporting party who informed them that the puppys owner had left it unattended in the vehicle for at least twenty (20) minutes without any heat, reads the release. Further investigation determined that the length of time that the puppy was left unattended was closer to one (1) hour.

The responding officers found the suffering puppy shivering and rolled up in a ball in one of the cars seats. Dartmouth Animal Control was brought in to safely seize the innocent animal and take the puppy to a local veterinary hospital for care.

Detective Kyle Costa of the Dartmouth Police Department told PEOPLE in an email that the puppy is still residing at a local veterinary hospital and is doing well.

In response to the incident, the puppys owner has been charged with cruelty to animals. Their identity will not be released until their arraignment.
President Donald Trump, in a remarkably vitriolic take-down of a former ally, friend and adviser, says Steve Bannon has lost his mind, pretends to be at war with the media, leaked false information during his time in the White House and seeks to burn down the country.

Trumps statement, released by press secretary Sarah Sanders, comes in response to revelations made in Michael Wolffs new book Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House. The book claims the former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon called the 2016 meeting between Trump campaign officials and a Russian lawyer treasonous.

Dismissing Bannon as a fired staffer who worked for me after I had already won the nomination, Trump claims Bannon had very little to do with our historic victory and is learning that winning isnt as easy as I make it look.

The president who routinely attacks the fake news  hes even announced a Dishonest Media Awards event for next week  says that his former strategist only pretends to be at war with the media while leaking false information to make himself seem far more important than he was.

Apparently referencing the Wolff book, Trump says Bannon only pretends to have had influence to fool a few people with no access and no clue, whom he helped write phony books.

In one of Fire and Furys more newsworthy passages about the investigation into the infamous Trump Tower meeting, Bannon is quoted as saying, Theyre going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV.

But the Bannon quote thats fueling cable news  and apparently Trumps ire  today is this: The three senior guys in the campaign thought it was a good idea to meet with a foreign government inside Trump Tower in the conference room on the 25th floor  with no lawyers. They didnt have any lawyers. Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad sh*t, and I happen to think its all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately.

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Here is the entire Trump statement:

Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my Presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind. Steve was a staffer who worked for me after I had already won the nomination by defeating seventeen candidates, often described as the most talented field ever assembled in the Republican party. Now that he is on his own, Steve is learning that winning isnt as easy as I make it look. Steve had very little to do with our historic victory, which was delivered by the forgotten men and women of this country. Yet Steve had everything to do with the loss of a Senate seat in Alabama held for more than thirty years by Republicans. Steve doesnt represent my basehes only in it for himself. Steve pretends to be at war with the media, which he calls the opposition party, yet he spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was. It is the only thing he does well. 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. We have many great Republican members of Congress and candidates who are very supportive of the Make America Great Again agenda. Like me, they love the United States of America and are helping to finally take our country back and build it up, rather than simply seeking to burn it all down.

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President Donald Trump is slamming onetime close ally Steve Bannon after an explosive new book claims the presidents former chief strategist called a Trump Tower meeting between Trump associates and a Russian lawyer treasonous.

According to a report in The Guardian, which received a copy of the upcoming book Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House by Michael Wolff that releases on Jan. 9., Bannon called the meeting between Donald Trump Jr. and a group of Russians during the 2016 presidential election unpatriotic and treasonous.

Special Counsel Robert Mueller is currently leading an investigation to determine if there was any illegal cooperation between the Trump team and Russia to disrupt the 2016 election. So far, four people tied to the Trump campaign have been charged.

Donald Trump and family

According to The Guardian, Bannon, who is the leader of the right-wing Breitbart News website, told the author that the Russia investigation will center around money laundering. Bannon also predicted: Theyre going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV.

President Trump swiftly responded to Bannons reported comments on Wednesday, stating that his former ally has nothing to do with me or my presidency.

When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind, Trump also said, per Politico.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders also slammed the book as false and misleading, while a spokesperson for First Lady Melania Trump dismissed it as fiction.

Sanders statement on Wolff book: This book is filled with false and misleading accounts from individuals who have no access or influence with the White House."  Jim Acosta (@Acosta) January 3, 2018

FLOTUS spox: The book is clearly going to be sold in the bargain fiction section. Mrs. Trump supported her husband's decision to run for President and in fact, encouraged him to do so. She was confident he would win and was very happy when he did.  Jim Acosta (@Acosta) January 3, 2018

The book delves into the incriminating June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower. Eight people have been identified as attendees, including Donald Trump Jr., Jared Kushner, then-campaign chairman Paul Manafort and Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya. The meeting occurred after a senior Russian government official promised to provide the Trump campaign with dirt on Hillary Clinton that could incriminate her. According to emails that were seen by The New York Times, Trump Jr. was ecstatic about the potential dirt.

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I love it, he replied in an email.

While Trump Jr. denies that any important information was revealed, Wolff writes that Bannon mocked the whole situation: The three senior guys in the campaign thought it was a good idea to meet with a foreign government inside Trump Tower in the conference room on the 25th floor  with no lawyers. They didnt have any lawyers.

Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad st, and I happen to think its all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately.

Steve Bannon

Wolff adds that Bannon thinks the meeting (if it had to take place) should have occurred in a Holiday Inn in Manchester, New Hampshire, with your lawyers who meet with these people.

While Donald Trump reportedly said that the investigation makes the country look very bad, he denied that any collusion has been discovered and insisted he will be treated fairly, according to The New York Times.

Bannon, meanwhile, reportedly said the Trump administration is fooling itself if they think the investigation will go away quickly, according to the book.

You realize where this is going, the book quotes Bannon as saying. This is all about money laundering. Mueller chose [senior prosecutor Andrew] Weissmann first and he is a money-laundering guy. Their path to fing Trump goes right through Paul Manafort, Don Jr and Jared Kushner  Its as plain as a hair on your face.

Trumps former chief strategist isnt the only one who reportedly made antagonistic comments about the Trump circle. The book also quotes Thomas Barrack Jr., a billionaire and longtime associate of Trumps, as allegedly telling an acquaintance that the president is not only crazy, hes stupid.

Barrack said he spoke to Wolffe once, says he never said the quote attributed to him to Wolffe or anyone. "Totally false," Barrack said by phone just now.  Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) January 3, 2018

Barrack has since denied the alleged comment.

Totally false, he told a NYT reporter.

The book also references Ivanka Trumps apparent interest in becoming the first woman president.

Jared & Ivanka had made an earnest deal between themselves: if sometime in the future the time came, shed be the one to run for president (or the first one of them to take the shot)  The first woman president, Ivanka entertained, would not be Hillary Clinton, it would be Ivanka Trump, NBC News National correspondent Peter Alexander tweeted Wednesday, explaining that reported information came from page 69 of the yet-to-be-released book.

NEW: Jared & Ivanka had made an earnest deal between themselves: if sometime in the future the time came, shed be the one to run for president (or the first one of them to take the shot)..." (1/2)  Peter Alexander (@PeterAlexander) January 3, 2018

NEW: "... The first woman president, Ivanka entertained, would not be Hillary Clinton, it would be Ivanka Trump. (2/2)



Source: Fire & Fury, by Michael Wolff (page 69)  Peter Alexander (@PeterAlexander) January 3, 2018

Fire and Fury by Michael Wolff releases on Jan. 9.
Hoda Kotb is making significantly less money than Matt Lauer was for co-anchoring the 'Today' show, according to multiple reports.

Hoda Kotb is making significantly less money than Matt Lauer was for co-anchoring the Today show, according to multiple reports.

On Tuesday, the NBC morning show officially announced Kotb was taking over Lauer's co-hosting duties alongside Savannah Guthrie, after Lauer was fired in November for "inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace." But according to Page Six, Kotb is making $7 million a year under her new deal, while Lauer was getting $25 million before he was fired.

The outlet quotes a source noting that Lauer's salary reflected the long time he was on the show -- 25 years. Meanwhile, Kotb has been co-hosting the fourth hour of the Today show alongside Kathie Lee Gifford since 2008.

The Hollywood Reporterechoes the reason why Kotb is reportedly making millions less than Lauer, citing Lauer's star presence and decades on the morning show.

"This is a symptom of the correct economic decision to downsize the role and not throw millions and millions of dollars at it," independent news analyst Andrew Tyndall also tells THR.

Meanwhile, a show insider tells Page Six that Kotb isn't contesting her salary, and could ask for more the next time she negotiates her contract.

"She has landed the big job she always dreamed of, and most definitely deserves," the insider tells Page Six. "... But the figures underline the huge wage disparity at NBC News.

On Wednesday, an NBC spokesperson told ET that the network doesn't comment on compensation.

Kotb has talked about her salary compared to Lauer's, and admitted she isn't making nearly the same amount.

"The answer is no -- thats not happening, Kotb told People about whether or not she's getting the same salary. "I think the whole money thing for me, Ive always been sort of -- I know it sounds ridiculous that Im going to say this, but I really have done jobs I liked for the job I liked because I never wanted to be happy every other Friday on pay day. Like, I didnt want that to be the happy day. I wanted to feel good throughout. So no, Im not making Matt Lauer money. Not even close."

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On Wednesday's show, Kotb said she was overwhelmed by the celebrity support she's received since landing the big promotion, which has included sweet messages from Reese Witherspoon, Ellen DeGeneres, Mindy Kaling, Rod Stewart and more. ET spoke to the 53-year-old newswoman on Tuesday in New York City, where she revealed Lauer also texted her congratulations.

"I did hear from him, yeah, he texted me and he said congratulations and some really nice words, and it meant the world when I saw the text pop up," Kotb said. "My heart just went like, you know, it meant the world to see that."

Watch below:

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Stephen Colbert wasnt the only late-night television host concerned about President Donald Trumps tweet about the nuclear button. The host of Jimmy Kimmel Live called POTUS one of two maniacs with nuclear warheads when discussing Trumps latest series of tweets on Tuesday.

On New Years Day, North Korean President Kim Jong-un gave a speech in which he said (via The New York Times), Its not a mere threat but a reality that I have a nuclear button on the desk in my office. All of the mainland United States is within the range of our nuclear strike.

In response, 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!

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

Happy New Year, everybody, Kimmel laughed after he read the tweet aloud to his audience. We have two maniacs with nuclear warheads bragging about who has the bigger button. But there was another tweet of Trumps that Kimmel said could very well be his tweet of the year.

Since taking office I have been very strict on Commercial Aviation, Trump wrote. Good news  it was just reported that there were Zero deaths in 2017, the best and safest year on record!

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

Not since Harrison Ford was president [in the 1997 film Air Force One] have you felt so protected on a plane, Kimmel said. Whats funny, he clearly didnt even read the report which was about commercial aviation around the world. I dont know if he thinks hes president of the world now, but if were talking about the United States, its true there were no deaths in commercial aviation in 2017, which is great.

Although, Kimmel pointed to what various media outlets have already reported, that the last fatality in the U.S. from commercial aviation long predated Trumps presidency  it was in 2009 when Colgan Air Flight 3407 crashed on its way to Buffalo, New York. Thank you, President Trump, for being so effective. You actually went back in time to approve flight safety, Kimmel mocked.
Jon Bernthal has two words for alt-right fans of his character The Punisher  and theyre not, Thanks, guys.

Bernthal, who plays the gun-brandishing character on Netflixs The Punisher, weighed in on the subject in a lengthy Esquire profile, delivering a blunt assessment of alt-righters embracing the character.

Asked how he felt about the fanged-skull Punisher symbol being worn on military helmets and on the shoulders of alt-right protesters at last years rally in Charlottesville, Bernthal first heaped praise on the military members.

Also Read: Everything You Need to Know About 'The Punisher' If You Can't Remember 'Daredevil'

I feel honored to play a guy who people putting their life on the line identify with, the actor offered.

As for the alt-right crowd, Bernthal said, F them.

On the topic of gun control, Bernthal, who identified himself as a gun owner, said that a dialogue about preventing mentally unstable people from acquiring firearms is required.

Also Read: 'Marvel's The Punisher' TV Review: It's Actually Pretty Great

I have a gun in my house to keep my family safe. Im trained in that guns use. I know how to keep it away from my kids, and I know how to use it if I need to, Bernthal said.Should there be a way that a guy with mental issues like the asshole in Texas cant get guns? Absolutely. We have to have a dialogue, and thats not happening.

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As far as Mira Sorvino is concerned, her father is a stand-up guy, even if  or perhaps especially if  he wants to lay Harvey Weinstein out flat.

Sorvino took to Twitter on Wednesday to heap praise on her dad, Goodfellas actor Paul Sorvino, after the elder Sorvino threatened to kill scandal-plagued producer Harvey Weinstein.

On Wednesday, TMZ published video of the elder Sorvino railing against Weinstein, who Sorvino has accused of damaging her career after she refused his advances.

Also Read: Paul Sorvino on Harvey Weinstein: 'I Will Kill the Motherf--er' (Video)

Hes gonna go to jail. Oh, yeah. That son of a bitch, Sorvino said. Good for him that he goes, because if not, he has to meet me, and I will kill the motherfer. Real simple.

Sorvinos praise for her protective papa came in a response to writer Yashar Alis recounting on Twitter of Paul Sorvinos comments to TMZ, as well as Mira Sorvinos words of admiration about her father when she won an Oscar for Mighty Aphrodite.

The younger Sorvino chose to focus on her Oscars speech, but made it clear that her love for her father has only continued to grow since then.

Also Read: 'Bad Santa' Director: The Weinsteins Blacklisted Mira Sorvino From My Movie Too

My love for my father has only continued to grow since this moment. All the love in my heart! Sorvino wrote. He is the most loving father, the most brilliant actor, the most beautiful operatic tenor, the most talented visual artist- the wisest and most human advice giver, & best Grandpa ever!!

In a December New Yorker article, the younger Sorvino said that she felt iced out after rejecting Weinsteins advances.

There may have been other factors, but I definitely felt iced out and that my rejection of Harvey had something to do with it, Sorvino said.

Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson seemed to confirm Sorvinos suspicion in an interview with New Zealands Stuff, saying that Weinstein told him that Sorvino and Ashley Judd were a nightmare to work with.

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Also Read: Harvey Weinstein Fires Back at Peter Jackson Over Ashley Judd, Mira Sorvino Blacklisting (Update)

At the time, we had no reason to question what these guys were telling us  but in hindsight, I realize that this was very likely the Miramax smear campaign in full swing, he said. I now suspect we were fed false information about both of these talented women  and as a direct result their names were removed from our casting list.

Weinstein denied the accusation in a statement from his spokesperson that read, in part, There was no indication that Mira Sorvino had any issues until Mr. Weinstein read about the complaints in the news  As recently as this year, Mira Sorvino called Mr. Weinstein and asked if her husband could be part of the SEAL television series [Six] he was producing and Mr. Weinstein cast him; when Christopher Backus received a better offer, Mr. Weinstein allowed him to amicably break his contact to pursue the opportunity.

Whats less deniable? Sorvinos admiration for her father.

My love for my father has only continued to grow since this moment. All the love in my heart! He is the most loving father, the most brilliant actor, the most beautiful operatic tenor, the most talented visual artist- the wisest and most human advice giver, & best Grandpa ever!! https://t.co/H1u1IYj6f8  Mira Sorvino (@MiraSorvino) January 3, 2018

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A Colorado woman reported missing days after receiving a protection order against a man she alleged was harassing her was found dead Saturday in a wooded area north of Denver, PEOPLE confirms.

Natalie Bollinger, 19, was last last seen leaving her familys home Thursday afternoon and reported missing later that evening, according to a Broomfield Police Department news release. On Saturday, a passerby discovered a body believed to belong to the teenager in a wooded area on the side of a road in Adams County.

In a statement released Tuesday, the Adams County Sheriffs Office confirmed the body was Bollingers. The cause of death is still under investigation.

 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.

Weeks before she was reported missing, Bollinger posted a warning on Facebook to family and friends of man she said was harassing her.

Hey yall, I have a public announcement there is a man Shawn Schwartz. I met this man when I was young. I ran into him about 2 years ago, Bollinger wrote on Dec. 13. Long story short, I became friends w him. I helped him out w rides and stuff. I moved to [Virginia]. He drove across country to see me.. slept behind my work for weeks.

Hes sent emails for over a year close to everyday, harassing me. Making numerous account until I block him again. Threatening my family, telling me hell kill himself in front of me, and sending my friends and family harassing messages as well, she further alleged.

 For more compelling true crime coverage, follow our Crime magazine on Flipboard.

A Bloomfield police spokesperson tells PEOPLE during their missing persons investigation they were made aware of a protection order filed by Bollinger against Schwartz. On Dec. 22, the order was granted by an Adams County judge, the Boulder Daily Camera reports.

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Schwartz cooperated with police at the time, the police spokesperson said. It is unclear whether Adams County deputies are in contact with Schwartz in connection with Bollingers death, a Sheriffs Office spokesperson tells PEOPLE.

No suspects have named at this time.

In a Facebook message to the Boulder Daily Camera, Schwartz said he was still trying to stay out of the way and let the cops do their jobs.

PEOPLE reached out to Schwartz via Facebook but did not hear back.

Anyone with information pertaining to Bollingers death is urged to call 303-654-1850 or 303-288-1535.
Patricia Arquette, More Stars Weigh in on Trump-Bannon Breakup: Who Gets Custody of the Nazis?

Hollywood is weighing in on the public feud between President Donald Trump and his former chief strategist Steve Bannon.

In the Trump/Bannon divorce who gets custody of the Nazis? asked actress Patricia Arquette on Twitter Wednesday afternoon.

Trump claims Bannon, who was his campaign manager for almost the entirety of the general election, had very little to do with our historic victory. Does this mean hes finally about to give credit to Putin as the true architect of his win? asked Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn in a tweet.

Also Read: Vox Co-Founder Compares Trump-Bannon Fight to Nazi Purge

On Wednesday, Trump said that Bannon lost his mind when he was fired from the White House. He issued the statement in response to comments made by Bannon to journalist Michael Wolff in the authors soon-to-be published book Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House.

Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind, Trump said in a statement. Steve was a staffer who worked for me after I had already won the nomination by defeating 17 candidates, often described as the most talented field ever assembled in the Republican Party.

The Guardian published portions of the book Wednesday after obtaining an advanced copy. In the book, Wolff purports that no one believed Trump would win, including Trump himself. In the book, Bannon also calls the now infamous meeting at Trump Tower between Donald Trump Jr. and Russian officials as unpatriotic and treasonous. (For more revelations from Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, head over here).

Also Read: Trump: Steve Bannon 'Lost His Mind'

Theyre going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV, Bannon is quoted as saying.

Other Hollywood figures found the news and subsequent feud enlightening.

The news today is awesome, tweeted Chelsea Handler. The constant verification of how dump [sic] and uninterested in govt. this president is is going to be the end of the Republican Party. They can suck it hard. Shame on you for allowing this man to do so much damage.

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Also Read: Steve Bannon Blasts Donald Trump Jr as 'Treasonous,' 'Unpatriotic' in New Book

See more star reactions below.

In the Trump/Bannon divorce who gets custody of the Nazi's?  Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) January 3, 2018

Woof, woof !!

Trump claims Bannon has lost his mind. Woof, woof !!

Bankers don't have to go to jail if their suits are really expensive. Woof, woof !!

Donald's button is bigger than Kim's. Woof, woof !!

My lawyer friends all tell me 'Stay away from the legal system' Woof, woof !! https://t.co/ybTeaTIFi6  John Cleese (@JohnCleese) January 3, 2018

Being thrown under the bus by Steve Bannon is Donald Trump, Jrs first experience with public transportation.  Frank Conniff (@FrankConniff) January 3, 2018

Also Read: Trump Strips His Own Bed at White House and 8 Other Surprises in Michael Wolff's Book Excerpt

There is now a book on Trumps Reading List.  Jeff Daniels (@Jeff_Daniels) January 3, 2018

Steve Bannon has lost his mind, unlike the President, who is hosting a fantasy Awards Show for journalists who have wronged him  Jason O. Gilbert (@gilbertjasono) January 3, 2018

Also Read: 'Morning Joe': Trump's Nuclear Button Tweet Suggests President Is 'Demented and Deranged'

Steve Bannon talking to Mueller right now. pic.twitter.com/flkbtRWGsn  Zach Braff (@zachbraff) January 3, 2018

Trump claims Bannon, who was his campaign manager for almost the entirety of the general election, "had very little to do with our historic victory." Does this mean he's finally about to give credit to Putin as the true architect of his win?  James Gunn (@JamesGunn) January 3, 2018

The news today is awesome. The constant verification of how dump and uninterested in govt. this president is is going to be the end of the Republican Party. They can suck it hard. Shame on you for allowing this man to do so much damage.  Chelsea Handler (@chelseahandler) January 3, 2018

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Goodfellas star Paul Sorvino seemingly channeled his tough-guy character from that mob film as he described meting out some street justice in defense of his daughter, actress Mira Sorvino.

Sorvino was approached by a TMZ reporter as he left Bristol Farms in West Hollywood on Tuesday night and asked for his reaction to claims that Weinstein had attempted to blacklist his daughter.

He better hope he goes to jail, Paul Sorvino said. Because if we come across [each other], I think hell be lying on the floor.

Asked to respond to reports that the Los Angeles County District Attorneys office is weighing two cases involving the once-prominent Hollywood mogul, Sorvino responded viscerally to the prospect of jail time.

That son of a bitch. Good for him if he goes, the actor said. If not, he has to meet me, and Ill kill [him].

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Paul Sorvino has a strong message for Harvey Weinstein, who has been accused of sexual misconduct by numerous women, including Sorvinos daughter, Mira Sorvino.

If I meet [Weinstein] on the street  he oughta hope that he goes to jail, because if we come across, I think hell be lying on the floor, somehow, magically, Paul Sorvino told TMZ. He later added, Hes going to go to jail. Oh yeah. That son of a bitch. Good for him if he goes, because if not, he has to meet me. And I will kill the motherfer. Real simple.

Last fall, Mira Sorvino claimed in an interview with The New Yorkers Ronan Farrow that Weinstein behaved inappropriately with her in the 1990s. He started massaging my shoulders, which made me very uncomfortable, and then tried to get more physical, sort of chasing me around, Sorvino claimed of an incident in a Toronto hotel room around the release of Mighty Aphrodite in 1995.

In addition to Mira Sorvinos allegations of sexual misconduct, director Peter Jackson alleged last month that Weinstein and his brother, Bob Weinstein, tried blacklisting the Oscar-winning actress by calling her a nightmare to work with; Bad Santa director Terry Zwigoff later made a similar claim, saying the Weinsteins would hang up the phone whenever he mentioned her in prep for his 2003 film.

In a statement provided to EW about Jacksons claim, representatives for Harvey Weinstein said, in part, Mr. Weinstein has nothing but the utmost respect for Peter Jackson. However, as Mr. Jackson will probably remember, because Disney would not finance the Lord of the Rings, Miramax lost the project and all casting was done by New Line. While Bob and Harvey Weinstein were executive producers of the film they had no input into the casting whatsoever.

The statement also directly referenced Mira Sorvino: As recently as this year, Mira Sorvino called Mr. Weinstein and asked if her husband could be part of the SEAL television series [Six] he was producing and Mr. Weinstein cast him; when Christopher Backus received a better offer, Mr. Weinstein allowed him to amicably break his contract to pursue the opportunity.

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Mira Sorvino is among the dozens of women to publicly accuse Harvey Weinstein of sexual misconduct. Weinstein has denied all allegations of non-consensual sex  as well as claims that he retaliated against women who rebuffed him. Any allegations of non-consensual sex are unequivocally denied by Mr. Weinstein, his representatives said in a statement released in October. Mr. Weinstein has further confirmed that there were never any acts of retaliation against any women for refusing his advances. Mr. Weinstein obviously cant speak to anonymous allegations, but with respect to any women who have made allegations on the record, Mr. Weinstein believes that all of these relationships were consensual. Mr. Weinstein has begun counseling, has listened to the community and is pursuing a better path. Mr. Weinstein is hoping that, if he makes enough progress, he will be given a second chance.

Speaking to TMZ, Paul Sorvino said he was completely unaware of his daughters alleged experience with Weinstein, as well as Weinsteins alleged attempt to derail her career. Sorvino described his reaction to learning about the allegations as furious, adding, If I had known it, he would not be walking. Hed be in a wheelchair.

Before the interview concluded, TMZ then asked Sorvino if he was proud of his daughter for speaking out. My daughters  a courageous and a wonderful human being, and doesnt deserve to have been treated that way by this pig, Sorvino responded. This pig will get his comeuppance. The law will get him. Hes going to go to jail and die in jail.
Mira Sorvinos dad is speaking out harshly against Harvey Weinstein.

Paul Sorvino threatened Weinstein after his daughter accused the former Hollywood mogul of sexual harassment.

If I meet [Weinstein] on the street  he oughta hope that he goes to jail, because if we come across, I think hell be lying on the floor, somehow, magically, Paul Sorvino told TMZ.

He added, Hes going to go to jail. Oh yeah. That son of a b-. Good for him if he goes, because if not, he has to meet me. And I will kill the motherfer. Real simple.

Paul said he was completely unaware of his daughters alleged experience with Weinstein and described his reaction to learning about the allegations as furious, adding, If I had known it, he would not be walking. Hed be in a wheelchair.

My daughters  a courageous and a wonderful human being, and doesnt deserve to have been treated that way by this pig, Sorvino added. This pig will get his comeuppance. The law will get him. Hes going to go to jail and die in jail.

The actress shared her story in a New Yorker expose about Weinstein, alleging that he sexually harassed her at the Toronto International Film Festival in 1995.

The Oscar winner claimed she was in a hotel room with Weinstein  who she was working with on movie Mighty Aphrodite at the time  when he started massaging my shoulders, which made me very uncomfortable, and then tried to get more physical, sort of chasing me around. Sorvino said she made multiple excuses to deflect Weinsteins advances, eventually leaving the room.

Sorvino won an Oscar for her work in Mighty Aphrodite.

The Oscar-winning producer has been accused of sexual misconduct by over 50 women since The New York Times and The New Yorker documented decades of alleged sexual misconduct and sexual assault involving a number of women in detailed articles in October.

Weinstein, through his lawyer, has denied all allegations of non-consensual sex against him.
Montana workers died on the job at a higher rate than those in all but two other states during 2016, according to an annual report from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.

For every 100,000 workers in Montana, the BLS Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries found that 7.9 died as a result of injuries sustained at work, a slight increase over the previous year. Only Wyoming and Alaska recorded higher rates of workplace deaths.

Montana also ranked No. 3 among all 50 states and the District of Columbia in 2015, with a rate of 7.5 deaths.

While the overall rates of non-fatal workplace injuries, both in Montana and nationwide, have been decreasing in recent years, the opposite was true of on-the-job deaths in 2016. Nationally, the rate has increased in each of the past three years for which data is available and most recently rose to 3.6 per 100,000 workers  the highest since 2010.

As with Montana's rate for workplace injuries, for which the state ranks in the top five nationally, the specific causes for the above-normal fatality rate are difficult for state officials to pin down.

Using a five-year grant awarded by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Montana's Department of Labor and Industry in 2015 hired epidemiologist Julia Brennan to begin parsing through the available data on workplace injuries and deaths in the state.

For the years 2004 through 2014, she said the rate of workplace fatalities has fluctuated, and recently appeared to be improving during the last five years of that period.

"When you look at rates, the specific causes might get lost. When you start to look at the (individual cases), that's when you can figure out more about the circumstances," Brennan said. "Rates created by small numbers are statistically fragile, so the changes in those rates might not be significant."

In 2016, Montana had 38 work-related deaths, according to the BLS data, far less than most states with higher populations. But Montana's rate of workplace injuries and fatalities has consistently ranked among the top in the nation. Brennan hopes that taking the time to look at individual cases and other data sources will allow the state to get to the root of the issue.

To even know where to prevent them you need to know where they're happening, she said. "Within our fatality data, it's hard to slice out exact reasons, but with our injury data and our claims data, it paints a bigger picture of Montana's workplace safety."

Transportation incidents  which refers to the manner of the death, and not the industry  accounted for more than 50 percent of the state's workplace fatalities from 2004 to 2014, and in 2016 were responsible for 45 percent, according to the BLS data.

Workers coming into contact with objects and equipment was the cause of 14 percent of workers deaths.

For reports generated by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administrations investigations into workplace fatalities, the circumstances of the deaths and the businesses at which they took place are publicly available. But Art Hazen, director of the agencys regional office in Billings, said that most workplace fatalities fall under other agencies jurisdictions, such as the Montana Highway Patrol.

To compile the annual workplace fatality census, the BLS relies on more than three dozen sources of information  from those OSHA reports to death certificates to employee questionnaires.

The lack of specifics in those reports present a challenge for state officials looking to improve the state's safety record, Brennan said.

For example, 21 percent of 2016's worker fatalities were due to "violence and other injuries caused by persons or animals." In agriculture, that might mean someone who was gored by a bull. But in the construction sector, which was responsible for two of those eight deaths, it was more likely attributable to a human.

Other trends have remained consistent in the data over the years, Brennan said, including the industries that tend to be responsible for a larger share of workplace injuries. The "Big Four" that typically top the charts, Brennan said, are agriculture, construction, manufacturing and health care.

In 2016, the natural resources, agriculture and mining sectors combined for eight of the 36 private-industry deaths in the workplace, BLS data show. Construction added another 10 fatalities to the total.

Despite its reputation for dangerous workplace conditions, mining has not contributed significantly to Montanas workplace fatalities in years past, Brennan noted.

Part of Brennans job under the CDC grant will be to help the state Department of Labor and Industry find ways to target higher-risk industries in Montana for training assistance. Complicating that is the prolific number of small businesses in the state, which means outreach needs to be tailored differently.

I think the manufacturing suggestions that you receive (from federal agencies) are for types of manufacturing that arent as relevant for Montana, she said. We don't have those big steel plants, (but) we may be able to provide really useful, specific information when we examine that more closely.

Complete manufacturing data weren't available from the federal report, but Brennan said she's been focused on that industry, given its historically above-average rates of worker injuries and deaths along with its status as one of Montana's fastest-growing sectors.

People like to have a silver bullet to implement across the board on worker health and safety, she said. But there are a lot of factors, and theres a lot going on that we need to pay attention to.
Steve Bannon is unchained. The former White House strategist and Trump presidential campaign manager has unloaded on first son Donald Trump Jr. in journalist Michael Wolffs upcoming book Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House.

According to an advance copy obtained by The Guardian, Wolff quotes Bannon blasting Trump Jr.s decision to meet with a Kremlin-connected Russian lawyer at Trump Tower during the campaign in 2016 as treasonous and unpatriotic.

Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad s, and I happen to think its all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately, Bannon told Wolff, per the Guardian. Theyre going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV.

Also Read: Steve Bannon Praises Democrats for Alabama Senate Win

According to the book passages, Bannon also offered his theories about the direction of special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into the Trump campaign and administrations ties to Russia.

You realize where this is going, he told Wolff. This is all about money laundering. Mueller chose [senior prosecutor Andrew] Weissmann first and he is a money-laundering guy. Their path to fing Trump goes right through [already indicted former campaign manager] Paul Manafort, Don Jr and Jared Kushner  Its as plain as a hair on your face.

Also Read: Eric Trump Suggests Ellen DeGeneres Is 'Deep State,' Internet Now in Deep State of Laughter

Trump and Bannon have had a turbulent history, and its unclear how close the two have remained since the latter left the White House in August to return to running the Breitbart News empire.

Bannon and White House officials did not immediately respond to request for comment from TheWrap.

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President Trumps attorneys have warned Steve Bannon that litigation is imminent.

The statement came in a cease-and-desist letter sent from lawyer Charles J. Harder to Trumps former top adviser after excerpts from an upcoming book by journalist Michael Wolff were made public Wednesday.

This law firm represents President Donald J. Trump and Donald J. Trump for President, Inc. On behalf of our clients, legal notice was issued today to Stephen K. Bannon, that his actions of communicating with author Michael Wolff regarding an upcoming book give rise to numerous legal claims including defamation by libel and slander, and breach of his written confidentiality and non-disparagement agreement with our clients. Legal action is imminent, the letter said, according to ABC News.

Also Read: Steve Bannon Blasts Donald Trump Jr as 'Treasonous,' 'Unpatriotic' in New Book

You [Bannon] have breached the Agreement by, among other things, communicating with author Michael Wolff about Mr. Trump, his family members, and the Company, disclosing Confidential Information to Mr. Wolff, and making disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements to Mr. Wolff about Mr. Trump, his family members, and the Company, knowing that they would be included in Mr. Wolffs book and publicity surrounding the marketing and sale of his book, Harder went on to state.

Also Read: Trump: Steve Bannon 'Lost His Mind'

Earlier on Wednesday, Trump didnt mince words in sharing his current opinion of Bannon, who served as White House chief strategist for the first seven months of his term.

Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind, Trump said in a statement. Steve was a staffer who worked for me after I had already won the nomination by defeating 17 candidates, often described as the most talented field ever assembled in the Republican Party.

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Trumps statement comes after The Guardian reported that the upcoming Michael Wolff book Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House quotes Bannon blasting Trump Jr.s decision to meet with a Kremlin-connected Russian lawyer at Trump Tower during the campaign in 2016 as treasonous and unpatriotic.

Bannon was fired as Trumps chief strategist in August and returned to leading Breitbart News, the organization he left in summer 2016 to lead Trumps presidential campaign.

Also Read: Trump Strips His Own Bed at White House and 8 Other Surprises in Michael Wolff's Book Excerpt

According to ABC News, during his presidential campaign, Trump had all campaign staff sign a non-disclosure agreement which required them to refrain from any disparaging comments against the candidate, his family or the Trump campaign and organization.

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Trump Didn't Want to Win and 8 Other Surprises in Michael Wolff's Explosive Book Excerpt
Watch NBC Nightly News on Yahoo View.

Donald Trump said his former top adviser, Steve Bannon, has lost his mind after Bannon criticized his son, Donald Trump Jr., in a soon-to-be published book.

Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind, Trump said in a statement. Steve was a staffer who worked for me after I had already won the nomination by defeating 17 candidates, often described as the most talented field ever assembled in the Republican Party.

Bannon was fired as Trumps chief strategist in August and returned to leading Breitbart News, the organization he left in summer 2016 to lead Trumps presidential campaign.

Also Read:Steve Bannon Blasts Donald Trump Jr as 'Treasonous,' 'Unpatriotic' in New Book

Now that hes on his own, Steve is learning that winning isnt as easy as I make it look, it continued. Steve had very little to do with our historic victory, which was delivered by the forgotten men and women of this country. Yet Steve had everything to do with the loss of a Senate seat in Alabama held for more than 30 years by Republicans. Steve doesnt represent my base  hes only in it for himself.

Trump added that Bannon pretends to be at war with the media, yet he spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was. This pretending, Trump said, is the only thing he does well.

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 added.

We have many great Republican members of Congress and candidates who are very supportive of the Make America Great Again agenda, Trump said. Like me, they love the United States of America and are helping to finally take our country back and build it up, rather than simply seeking to burn it all down.

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Also Read:Right-Wing Media Stars Lou Dobbs and Michael Savage Party at Trump's Mar-a-Lago (Photos)

Trumps statement comes after The Guardian reported that the upcoming Michael Wolff book Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House quotes Bannon blasting Trump Jr.s decision to meet with a Kremlin-connected Russian lawyer at Trump Tower during the campaign in 2016 as treasonous and unpatriotic.

Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad s, and I happen to think its all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately, Bannon is quoted as saying. Theyre going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV.

The Guardian said Bannon also offered his theories about the direction of special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into Trumps possible ties to Russia.

You realize where this is going, he told Wolff. This is all about money laundering. Mueller chose [senior prosecutor Andrew] Weissmann first and he is a money-laundering guy. Their path to fing Trump goes right through [indicted former campaign manager] Paul Manafort, Don Jr and Jared Kushner  Its as plain as a hair on your face.
Michael Wolffs book detailing the turmoil within the White House during the first year Donald Trumps presidency is set to be published on Monday, but explosive excerpts and the books juiciest details are already online.

From former White House chief strategist Steve Bannons criticism and mockery of the president  before and after his firing  to the political aspirations of Ivanka Trump, to Trumps fear of being poisoned, here are nine surprising details from excerpts and quotes of Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House published in New York magazine, The Guardian and The Washington Post.

Everyone thought Trump would lose the election, including Trump himself.

According to Wolff, Trump didnt want to become president. The ultimate goal of his bid for the White House was to become a martyr to Hillary Clinton and to become the most famous man in the world.

For those involved in his campaign, the goal was to lose by as small a margin as possible and then, after November, parlay their raised national profiles into bigger and better opportunities.

His daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared would be international celebrities, Wolff wrote. Steve Bannon would become the de facto head of the Tea Party movement. Kellyanne Conway would be a cable news star. Melania Trump, who had been assured by her husband that he wouldnt become president, could return to inconspicuously lunching. Losing would work out for everybody. Losing was winning.

Also Read: Trump: Steve Bannon 'Lost His Mind'

Roger Ailes turned down chance to manage the campaign.

Much of Wolffs book is dedicated to detailing how difficult it is for Trumps advisers to manage his attention and influence his decisions. Former deputy chief of staff Katie Walsh told Wolff that trying to follow Trumps decision-making process was like trying to figure out what a child wants.

Its for this reason why former Fox News executive Roger Ailes turned down an offer to take over the floundering campaign before his death.

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In early August [2016], less than a month after Ailes had been ousted from Fox News, Trump asked his old friend to take over the management of his calamitous campaign, Wolff wrote. Ailes, knowing Trumps disinclination to take advice, or even listen to it, turned him down.

Trump didnt know who John Boehner was.

With no desire to win the White House, Trump had little plan for how to proceed with his post-election transition. Ailes, a longtime friend and confidante, recommended former House Speaker John Boehner to serve as his chief of staff. To which Trump replied: Whos that?

Rupert Murdoch called Trump a fing idiot.

Murdoch had long disdained [Trump] as a charlatan and fool, but once he became president Trump frequently turned to the media mogul for counsel, according to Wolff.

After a pre-inauguration meeting with Silicon Valley executives, Trump called Murdoch to brag that the tech execs really need my help. Murdoch replied, Donald, for eight years these guys had Obama in their pocket. They practically ran the administration. They dont need your help.

What a fucking idiot, Murdoch said after they got off the phone.

Also Read: Steve Bannon Blasts Donald Trump Jr as 'Treasonous,' 'Unpatriotic' in New Book

Trump strips his own bed.

Compared to past presidents, Trump was unmoved by the palatial elements and large White House staff, Wolff wrote. In fact, the self-described billionaire preferred his own lavish lifestyle at Trump Tower, which was more tailored to his liking.

In order to accommodate his wishes, three TVs were installed in his bedroom (separate from First Lady Melania Trump) and staff were instructed to not clean up after him. If my shirt is on the floor, its because I want it on the floor, he told housekeeping staff. Trump also decides when his sheets will be cleaned, and strips them from the bed himself.

He eats McDonalds for fear of poison.

Another one of Trumps rules for housekeeping staff is the strict instruction that no one should ever touch his toothbrush. The president reportedly has a fear of being poisoned and will not let even his own staff touch something that goes in his mouth.

This is the same reason he so frequently eats McDonalds, Wolff wrote, nobody knew he was coming and the food was safely premade.

Ivanka Trump has her own political ambitions.

Bannon reportedly took to calling the First Daughter and her husband Jarvanka for the way the couple played off one another, according to Wolff. The couples influence over the president put them at odds with Bannon and chief of staff Reince Preibus during the early days of the administration, but Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner were thinking far beyond their fathers term in office.

Both Ivanka and Kushner accepted formal jobs in the White House, hoping that would boost their own future careers. The couple made a deal that if the chance should arise, Ivanka would be the one to run for president.

Also Read: Trump Becomes First President to Unveil 'Dishonest Media Awards'

Even Ivanka makes fun of his hair.

According to Wolff, even Trumps daughter has mocked his hair privately to friends and associates:

She often described the mechanics behind it to friends: an absolutely clean pate  a contained island after scalp-reduction surgery  surrounded by a furry circle of hair around the sides and front, from which all ends are drawn up to meet in the center and then swept back and secured by a stiffening spray. The color, she would point out to comical effect, was from a product called Just for Men  the longer it was left on, the darker it got. Impatience resulted in Trumps orange-blond hair color.

Bannon thinks Trump Tower meeting was treasonous.

A 2016 meeting between Donald Trump Jr. and Russian officials was described as treasonous and unpatriotic by Bannon in an on-the-record quote to Wolff. Theyre going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV, he said, referring to the ongoing investigation into the Trump campaigns ties to Russia.

Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad shit, and I happen to think its all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately, Bannon said, slamming Trump Jr. for failing to have lawyers at the meeting.

Trump issued a statement in response to Bannons quotes, insisting that his former chief strategist has nothing to do with his presidency and would not be in a position to speak authoritatively on the subject.

When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind, the president said, later adding, 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.

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Excerpts from an explosive tell-all book about Donald Trumps reluctant road to the presidency have hit the internet, alleging behind-the-scenes chaos in the White House, Melanias tearful acceptance of her new role  and Ivankas plans to be the first female president.

Does Ivanka Trump want to be the first woman president? A new tell-all book suggests yes. (Photo: Twitter/Ivanka Trump)

Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House by political writer Michael Wolff hits stores Jan. 9 but on Wednesday, New York magazine published a juicy preview titled Donald Trump Didnt Want to Be President.

The book, published by Henry Holt, is based on more than 200 interviews done over an 18-month period, from Election Day 2016 to October 2017, with White House senior staff members who allowed Wolff to assume something like a semi-permanent seat on a couch in the West Wing  an idea encouraged by the president himself.

On Election Day, when polls indicated he might win, Wolff paints the president as shell-shocked and looked as if he had seen a ghost, while Melania was in tears  and not of joy. Wolff also delved into the relationship between Trump and his former chief strategist Steve Bannon, one of the worlds most powerful men who he said took advantage of the administrations disorganization to push through his personal agenda.

Ivanka Trump participating in a roundtable discussion with world leaders in the Cabinet Room of the White House. (Photo: Getty Images)

But one of the more surprising revelations concerned Ivankas political aspirations.

Balancing risk against reward, both Jared and Ivanka decided to accept roles in the West Wing over the advice of almost everyone they knew, wrote Wolff. It was a joint decision by the couple, and, in some sense, a joint job. Between themselves, the two had made an earnest deal: If sometime in the future the opportunity arose, shed be the one to run for president. The first woman president, Ivanka entertained, would not be Hillary Clinton; it would be Ivanka Trump.

Ivanka Trump at the G-20 summit in Hamburg, Germany, last July. (Photo: Getty Images)

Wolff continued, Bannon, who had coined the term Jarvanka that was now in ever greater use in the White House, was horrified when the couples deal was reported to him. They didnt say that? he said. Stop. Oh, come on. They didnt actually say that? Please dont tell me that. Oh my God.

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On Wednesday, the White House dismissed the book.

Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency, The president said in a statement. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind. Steve was a staffer who worked for me after I had already won the nomination by defeating 17 candidates, often described as the most talented field ever assembled in the Republican Party.

Ivanka Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, November 2017. (Photo: Getty Images)

Press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders also said, This book is filled with false and misleading accounts from individuals who have no access or influence with the White House. Participating in a book that can only be described as trashy tabloid fiction exposes their sad desperate attempts at relevancy.

And Melanias spokesperson, Stephanie Grisham, added, The book is clearly going to be sold in the bargain fiction section. Mrs. Trump supported her husbands decision to run for president and in fact encouraged him to do so. She was confident he would win and was very happy when he did.

Twitter reacted to Ivankas reported political aspirations with disbelief.

Ivanka, president? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA good one. April Fools came early this year. Ivanka Trump Planned to Become First Female President https://t.co/XJq3xMnxjn  Kenneth Cole (@infosec202) January 4, 2018

Report: Ivanka wants to be President. My eyes just rolled so far back, I think they're stuck inside my head. Good grief!https://t.co/mswAuQQrhG  Mark Pantano (@TheMarkPantano) January 4, 2018

Hey, @IvankaTrump plans to be the first woman president. AHAHA! Oh, dahling, you need a brain first. The future is female but please!!!!!  Josh Hayden (@JoshHaydenJH) January 4, 2018

Let's be clear: Ivanka Trump will never be President, let alone the first female President.  Mike George (@georgmike19) January 4, 2018

Ivankas role at the White House has been vague. In April, during an interview with CBS News, she referred to her position as assistant to the president, as a very unique and unprecedented situation.

So I hope to make a positive impact.  I hope time will prove that I have done a good job, and much more importantly that my fathers administration is the success that I know it will be, she said.

A few months later, during an interview with Fox & Friends, when answering a question about the presidents tendency to tweet, she said, I try to stay out of politics. During the conversation, she also remarked I leave the politics to other people, and I dont profess to be a political savant.

However, Ivanka has raised questions about her role in various ways, pictured by her fathers side so often that the press began referring to her as the surrogate first lady.

She reportedly tried to influence her father on climate change policy (although shes called the prospect unrealistic). And she posed for a February photo sitting at her fathers desk flanked by him and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. A great discussion with two world leaders about the importance of women having a seat at the table! she tweeted.

A great discussion with two world leaders about the importance of women having a seat at the table! pic.twitter.com/AtiSiOoho0  Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) February 13, 2017

In July, when Ivanka briefly sat in for the president at the G-20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany, it caused an uproar on social media. However, a White House official dismissed the backlash by saying, Ivanka was sitting in the back and then briefly joined the main table when the president had to step out, and the president of the World Bank started talking as the topic involved areas such as African development  areas that will benefit from the facility just announced by the World Bank.

And shes been speaking for her father on subjects like the tax reform bill. In June, CNN declared Ivanka the most powerful Jewish woman in America today.

With more time and gumption, could Ivanka become the countrys first woman president who also happens to be Jewish?

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Photo: Getty.

Im pinching myself, Hoda Kotb gushed on air, just after 7 oclock on Tuesday morning, moments after she had been officially named as the co-anchor of Today, NBCs flagship news broadcast and perennial cash cow. The announcement concluded one of the more bizarre episodes in the networks history. Kotb, after all, had been filling in for Matt Lauer, whose historic and highly compensated 20-year tenure had recently come to a cataclysmic end amid allegations of sexual impropriety. Kotb, the endlessly approachable anchor who has toggled between a comically large glass of wine and the days political news in the franchises 10 A.M. hour since 2008, will join Savannah Guthrie as a permanent host in the 7 and 8 A.M. slots. This has to be the most popular decision NBC News has ever made, Guthrie told viewers on Tuesday.

That decision, perhaps unthinkable as of a month ago, is now essentially a no-brainer, and the mommy-daddy model of morning TV, thought to be an immutable industry truth ever since Barbara Walters was officially named the shows first female co-host in 1974 opposite Jim Hartz, looks more and more like an anachronistic prejudice. According to a handful of insiders and veterans of television news we spoke to in the course of reporting this story, because of a variety of factors, not least of which was Kotbs talent and connection with viewers, there was virtually no other option. Over the past several weeks, Hoda has seamlessly stepped into the co-anchor role alongside Savannah, and the two have quickly hit the ground running, NBC News chairman Andy Lack wrote in a memo sent around to staff not long before the show aired on Tuesday. They have an undeniable connection with each other and most importantly, with viewers. The shows ratings were initially buoyed by gapers tuning in after Lauers firing, but hung on throughout December. Network executives are aware that a lot of recent interest in the show might have been artificial, so they arent counting their chickens about ratings. They are realistic about the fact that it might settle back to where things were.

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But for now, the pair is hitting. Its not that complicated, one TV veteran said on Tuesday after the announcement. The two of them rated together. You dont touch something thats working. Another NBC insider said, Hadnt heard anyone talk about anyone else. As a third put it: There was no one else. At least part of this had to do with Lauers reign at Today and the fact that he left no male heir apparent waiting in the wings. (Willie Geist, who used to host the shows 9 A.M. hour, now hosts Sunday Today and three hours of Morning Joe on the networks cable arm, MSNBC. Billy Bush, who was briefly brought onto the show as a possible replacement was fired in 2016, when The Washington Post published old footage of Bush laughing at Donald Trumps jokes about being famous enough to grab women by their genitals.)

Another apparently immutable NBC verity was that Lauer was the franchise; it explained why he commanded a salary well into eight figures, outlasted several female co-hosts, and possessed enough sway and loyalty amongst both executives and staffers to have enough say about who ascended in the ranks and who didnt. (Though NBC has denied any knowledge of Lauers inappropriate behavior, several women alleged that the power he wielded within the halls of 30 Rock protected him for years). The image of Today has always been about a familythe notion is present in most of the language used to talk about the show, including Lacks announcement about Kotbs promotion on Tuesdayand Lauer was treated as the indispensable patriarch of its most profitable property. Though the idea of a four-hour live broadcast seems like a relic in 2018, Today is still a half-billion-dollar franchise for the network, and so it makes sense, then, that network brass wouldnt seek to jostle its crown jewel.

But the reality, which had been slowly dawning within the network, was that this may have been based on a false assumption about Lauers popularity. Internal research showed that over the past several years, in the wake of the controversy surrounding Ann Currys firing and Lauers role therein, Lauers popularity among viewers had dipped, according to sources familiar with the research, who said it was based on focus groups and questionnaires and the like. At the same time, the sources said, the apparent slippage wasnt something network executives were overly concerned about or focused on; even if Lauers popularity was slipping, replacing him was thought to be a much bigger risk.

Kotb and Guthrie is an experiment, one thats currently outperforming all expectations, but it may not be the last word. A veteran producer with experience in morning TV said the conventional thinking has always been that one of the hosts needs to be an attractive male that women would want to watch. Kotbs elevation could very well serve as a crucible for whether or not that still holds true, especially in an era where morning television is a franchise in decline as more and more people, especially younger ones, are getting their morning headlines from other media. (And, while two female anchors looks like empowerment from one viewpoint, it also arguably creates something of a female ghetto in the morning, where men still own the nightly news.)

At NBC, they are likely still wrestling with those assumptions. Having two women is a pretty big departure, the veteran producer said. Do you need a man? A longtime television executive, also with morning experience, countered: Its not always about a man and a woman. Sometimes it is. But it is always about a family. [Thats] what morning-show success is built on. That message was made explicit on air on Tuesday, when Guthrie called Kotb a partner and a friend and a sister with whom she is so happy to be doing this. A subsequent [People](http://people.com/tv/hoda-kotb-savannah-guthrie-are-todays-new-anchors/) interview out on Tuesday quoted Kotb saying, Were sort of like sisters, and everybody wants a sister.

So when [Guthrie] says, shes my co-anchor and shes my sister, and [Kotb] says that, the longtime executive added, theyre fulfilling that promise.

This story originally appeared on Vanity Fair.

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The 20 Most Satisfying TV Kisses of All Time

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Things got surprisingly philosophical when a teacher in California posed a riddle for his first-grade students.

Things got surprisingly philosophical when a teacher in California posed a riddle for his first-grade students.

Bret Turner said an awed, somber, reflective hush fell over his class at Head-Royce School in Oakland after one child responded to his Puzzle of the Week, below, with the answer death.

The first guess from one of my 1st graders was death and such an awed, somber, reflective hush fell over the class that I didnt want to tell them that actually the answer is the letter e, which just seemed so banal in the moment pic.twitter.com/7sYFxHNcZk  Bret Turner (@bretjturner) January 2, 2018

I didnt want to tell them that actually the answer is the letter e, which just seemed so banal in the moment, Turner wrote on Twitter on Tuesday. His post since has gone viral.

In a later tweet, Turner, the father of two, said the unidentified youngsters classmates continued along a similarly existential vein by suggesting all stuff, the end and nothingthing as follow-up guesses.

Before I finally revealed the "correct" answer to the riddle, to a largely unimpressed audience, I fielded other guesses that continued along a similarly existential vein. There was "NOT everything," "all stuff," "the end," and maybe my favorite, "nothingthing."  Bret Turner (@bretjturner) January 3, 2018

Turner didnt immediately answer HuffPosts request for details.

His posts did, however, prompt a flurry of debate on Twitter:

How is death the beginning of everything exactly?  Lonely Goomba (@LonelyGoomba) January 3, 2018

See, its things like this (as well as my own son's insights) that give me a lot of hope for the future. Honestly. :) https://t.co/hy91u55udT  fredrin (@fredrin) January 3, 2018

Existentialism grade 101  Nestor (@NestorRedux) January 3, 2018

Give that kid the A I expect a great screenplay from him/her some day.  Harrison Smith (@HarrisonSmith85) January 3, 2018

I once subbed for a 3rd gr class which was asked to write a letter to Washington for President's Day. One awesome kid, Bilal, wrote an entire letter asking what the afterlife was like, if GW could talk to living people, did he know ghosts. I hope that kid is a millionaire now. https://t.co/wCoOhGbssr  Patrick McDevitt (@pfmcdevitt) January 3, 2018

In practical terms, death leads to new life. Your remains become a part of everything. We are all made of ancient stardust. If you're religious death marks the beginning of everything. Life is merely a doorway into eternal life in paradise with god (whichever one you worship)  Sal-Robin (@Sal_Robins) January 3, 2018

Too late, but a cushion to the seeming banality of the final answer might be that Odin hung himself upside down for three days to gain the wisdom of letters... what magical things, that allow us to know another's words across time and space!   Helen South  (@helsouth) January 3, 2018

Best think thread in the abyss of stupid we're stuck in, awesome replys https://t.co/R51yDDxMPi  future primative (@futureprimativ1) January 3, 2018

Send this child to read a novel by the Franco-Polish writer Georges Perec, who wrote an entire book without the letter "e" in it! https://t.co/MDv7XSAigE  Mary Kenny (@MaryKenny4) January 3, 2018

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The case of Buckley v. Valeo was decided by the U.S. Supreme Court over 40 years ago. It allowed individuals to spend an unlimited amount of their own money on pursuing a public political office.

We have two carpetbaggers in the Republican primary trying to buy the U.S. Senate seat that is up for election in 2018. They are Troy Downing and Matt Rosendale.

Actually, Rosendale has had some success at his carpetbagging. After he moved into Montana with his out-of-state millions, he was able to buy some seats in the Montana legislature shortly after he arrived here. He spent a million dollars of his own money trying to buy Montana's lone house seat a few years ago, but was unsuccessful.

I have met him in person and listen to what he has to say a number of times. To me he sounds like the typical East Coast sophisticate who fancies himself an expert in about every thing he is talking about.

I urge all Montanans to vote in the Republican primary and try to stop what is going on. We have several homegrown candidates whom I believe are much more qualified to serve as our next junior senator from Montana.

W. David Herbert,

Billings
Fans of the Today show may be over the moon that 2018 started with longtime network darling Hoda Kotb being named co-host of the program, replacing embattled Matt Lauer. But folks may be less excited to know that according to reports, Kotbs salary is substantially less than that of her predecessor  as in, a reported $11 million a year less. In a year when Iceland has already made it illegal to pay women less than men for the same work, we should be equally intolerant when American women are paid a great deal less than their male counterparts  no matter what the job.

While it is definitely a plus to see that Kotb and her co-anchor Savannah Guthrie are making the same salary (unsubstantiated reports put that at around $7 million each per year), Kotb will remain in the co-host chair during the 10 AM slot with her pal, Kathie Lee Gifford, meaning, essentially, that Kotbs workday continues after Guthries ends. While its shocking enough that the womens combined salaries are still up to $11 million lower than Lauers estimated salary was, the fact that Kotbs doing more work for the same pay is surprising.

Whats more, is that 52-year-old Kotb has been working for NBC for two decades, while Guthries only been there for seven years. While Megyn Kellys reported salary is around $20 million, and Lauer was reportedly making between $20 and $25 million, people cant help but wonder why Kotb is being paid such a comparably small amount.

Hoda has been working at NBC for about 20 years now, Savannah has been there for just over 7 years and they are getting paid the same salary? I think tf not! The fact that Hoda is getting paid $18 million LESS than Matt speaks volumes. She needs to renegotiate her contract. pic.twitter.com/B3WOlNxt6E  text ''BATTLE'' to 384387 (@QBabyQ) January 3, 2018

Hold on a sec, Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie make $11 million less per year COMBINED than Matt Lauer did??? https://t.co/tNlmERUNBv  Matt Lindner (@mattlindner) January 3, 2018

Although the network tends not to make official statements on salary, some wonder if they realized they were paying Lauer far too much, and wanted to roll back how payouts happened at the network. And, as Vanity Fair points out, this may have less to do with sexism (or racism), and more to do with current trends in how people consume media. With television viewership lower than ever, and people getting their news from the internet more and more, television personalities are becoming less valuable their predecessors were.

Theres been a growing consensus in the industry in recent weeks that fewer are going to snare those figures in the future. The economics of the business no longer support it, said VFs Brian Steinberg. Regardless of trends, its important to remember that all women should get equal pay for equal work.

What do you think about Hota Kotbs salary? Let us know @BritandCo!

(Photo via Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)

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Perfection has officially become unappealing. Kids these days are more obsessed with perfection than many previous generations were, and this obsession is associated with increased depression and anxiety, according to a new study published in Psychological Bulletin.

The authors of the study reviewed prior research on perfectionism, which they broadly define as a combination of excessively high personal standards and overly critical self-evaluations. They also conducted their own study among 41,641 American, Canadian, and British college students between 1989 and 2016. They found that perfectionism increased over time. And its worst in the United States.

There are multiple dimensions to this cultural phenomenon, as the study refers to it, including self-oriented perfectionism, which is the pressure one puts on oneself to be perfect; socially prescribed perfectionism, the pressure one feels from society to be perfect, and other-oriented perfectionism, the pressure one puts on others to be perfect.

The research presents three reasons for this shift: the rise of neoliberalism, increasingly anxious and controlling parents, and the increasing power of meritocracy.

[N]eoliberalism and its doctrine of meritocracy have combined to shape a culture in which everybody is expected to perfect themselves and their lifestyles, by striving to meet unrealistic achievement standards, the study states. For parents, this new culture confers an additional burden. On top of their own duty to succeed, they are also responsible for the successes and failures of their children.

Dr. Barbara Greenberg, a clinical psychologist specializing in family and relationship issues, singles out another important factor: social media. These people grew up being constantly evaluated on social media, she points out.

So whats so bad about striving to be perfect? It can lead to increased depression and anxiety. Research among college students and young people, for example, has found self-oriented perfectionism to be positively associated with clinical depression, anorexia nervosa, and early death, the study authors point out. It is also associated with greater physiological reactivity (e.g., elevated blood pressure) and ill-being (e.g., negative affect) in response to life stress and failure. They even identified a link with suicidal ideation.

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Its not just the self-inflicted perfectionism that causes problems. Socially prescribed perfectionism predicted increases in depressive symptoms and suicide ideation over time, but to a much greater degree, says the study. Another analysis found socially prescribed perfectionism was positively related to a range of psychological disorders and symptoms of disorders, including social phobia, body dissatisfaction, bulimia nervosa, and suicide ideation, and had the greatest relationship between other dimensions of perfectionism and depression and anxiety.

When you are constantly under a literal and figurative microscope  the microscope being social media  of course you are going to become more self-conscious, says Dr. Greenberg. When self-consciousness and perfectionism increase, anxiety and depression increase as well. They go hand in hand, she says, supporting the study.

There has recently been a push for celebrities and influencers to appear less perfect and more relatable in their posts. But it will be a while before that catches on.

The things that kids post on Instagram and Snapchat are celebratory moments, Dr. Greenberg says. They post moments of when they are having fun or when they are looking good. They could take hundreds of selfies before they post one on Instagram. Guilty as charged. They dont post moments when theyre struggling, studying, or when their friends leave them out. They post pictures of themselves being happy at a party with friends or when they are on vacation looking good. Dr. Greenberg sees this misrepresentation as problematic because People look at it, and say Oh wow, their life looks so good! Cue the comparison.

There are two sides to every story, right? Wrong. Dr. Greenberg sees no benefits in perfectionism. Its in and of itself a problematic concept, she states. I think when young people are motivated, thats a wonderful thing. But motivation and perfectionism are not interchangeable. They are two very different concepts, and unrelated. She says shes never seen anything good come out of perfectionism. All I have seen come out of it is anxiety and depression. Perfectionism is laden with anxiety. Youre chasing after something very elusive, and of course it leads to problems, because nobody can be perfect and nobody should be perfect.

Of course, accepting ourselves as we are is a lot easier said than done, but the daunting conclusion is that so-called perfection isnt as good as it looks.

Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle




Photo credit: Hearst Communications, Inc. All rights reserved

From Harper's BAZAAR

Meghan Markle reportedly wants her mother, Doria Ragland, to accompany her to the altar when she weds Prince Harry in May. A source close to the couple told Us Weekly, "Ive heard that Meghan wants her mother to walk her down the aisle, which would be a sweet moment."

Though it's yet to be confirmed whether Markle will walk with her mom instead of her father, Thomas Markle, the move would break royal tradition. Kate Middleton walked arm-in-arm with her father, Michael, at her royal wedding to Prince William in 2011, and Princess Diana was joined by her dad, John Spencer, 8th Earl Spencer, when she tied the knot to Prince Charles in 1981.

However, Harry and Meghan are shaking things up. "While they will always be mindful of traditions and the views of their elders, the day is ultimately about them and what they want to do," the source added to Us. "The day of the wedding itself will certainly hold a few unconventional surprises. Dont expect a royal wedding by numbers. They want to involve their friends and family as much in as much as possible throughout the day."

"Their romance feels refreshingly modern and I think thats something that everyone at Kensington Palace has felt incredibly excited by," a Palace insider added.

Prince Harry has already spent plenty of time with Markle's mother, including his appearance with her and Markle at the Invictus Games in October, when he reportedly asked Ragland for her permission to marry her daughter. She's "amazing," the prince revealed of his future mother-in-law during his first interview with Markle. Harry also revealed he's only spoken to Meghan's father a few times and has yet to meet him.

Thomas Markle, however, previously expressed interest in walking his daughter down the aisle. In December, during an interview with a Mexican newspaper, he said he'd "love to" give his daughter away at the ceremony, Reuters reports.

Meghan was raised by both of her parents in LA, but they divorced when she was six years old. After they split, she lived with her mom, who is a yoga instructor and social worker.
When Jessica Boesmiller was 8 months pregnant with twins, she wasnt concerned when she started to experience blurry vision while driving one night. But within just days, she was told that she had a rare form of eye cancer  and that it might spread to her unborn babies.

Jessica, who originally thought her blurry vision could be a complication from her pregnancy, like preeclampsia, was diagnosed with ocular melanoma, a life-threatening form of cancer that develops in the cells that produce pigment, on November 7, 2017.

It was terrifying, says Jessica, 37, who also has two sons, 7 and 9, with her husband, Mark Boesmiller. I never thought this would ever happen to me. No one ever thinks it can.

What scared the devoted mom the most was the possibility that her unborn twins could be affected by her disease. After discussing her options with doctors, Jessica decided to have her eye removed to prevent the cancer from spreading and to protect the babies. She opted out of getting radiation therapy because it would have been too risky for her pregnancy.

On Nov. 30, Jessica, who is the healthy living director at a YMCA near her Cornelius, North Carolina, home, had the procedure to have her right eye taken out, and just weeks later, on December 21, she gave birth to twins: a boy and a girl.

To the parents relief, a test of the placenta one week after the twins birth revealed that they were healthy.

Jessica, Mark and their twins

There is nothing better than having healthy babies, she says. So its all been worth it.

While her newborns are okay, which she says is the most important thing, the status of her own health is still unknown.

Jessica is currently awaiting results from a recent MRI and CAT scan to see if the cancer has spread to other organs. Despite the many unknowns, she plans to return to work in February and hopes to get a prosthetic eye before then.

A GoFundMe page was created for the family to help with their growing medical bills.

The Bosemiller family

Since sharing her story, Jessica says she is grateful for her amazing support system, which includes thousands of strangers who have prayed for them, giving her endless comfort and helped in keeping her spirits high.

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Its also helped her find humor, which she says is much-needed. In their household, they lovingly call her Pirate Momma because of the patch on her eye.

Weve prayed a whole lot and we need to focus on the twins needs at this time, she says. We cant change anything by worrying, we just have to focus on the blessings that we have  and we have so many.

We pray for the patience and strength that only God can give us.
Netflix is making a sequel to their highest viewed original ever, but you probably havent watched it yet

Did you hear? Netflix recently released a brand new original movie starring Will Smith called Bright. Theres, like, a 110% chance you heard about this movie  Suicide Squads David Ayer directed it! And its about magic!  because Netflix went like, full-court press to make sure literally everyone on the planet watched this movie. I guess it worked, because now theyre making a sequel to the film.

But be honestdid you watch Bright?

The Netflix original dropped shortly before Christmas on December 22nd, and I politely forced my dad into watching it with me on December 23rd. He kept saying, I have never heard of this movie, what is it about? And I didnt want to give away the whole plot  Will Smith! Orcs! Los Angeles! Magic Wands!  so I just told him it was like Bad Boys but there are elves. He was like, Okay. About 20 minutes into the movie, he turned to me from the other couch and said, What the hell am I watching?

TBH, Im still trying to figure out the movie myself. But the gist of it is that Will Smith lives in an alternate Los Angeles where there are elves and orcs, but this isnt Lord of the Rings (unfortunately). Will Smith is a police officer, and his partner (a very heavily makeupd Joel Edgerton) is the first orc on the LAPD. The two find themselves caught in the crossfire of amagic wand. Because the magic wand (or, its an actual ~thing~ in this world, so lets call it Wand) was stolen, and now some dirty cops want it, and Will Smith and the orc have to keep it out of the hands of the bad guy or the evil warlord will rise again and take over the world orsomething like that. Its your age old good vs. evil story, and now add in some social commentary, fancy looking elves, an intense soundtrack, and Chance the Rappers commentary on it and well

Thats Bright.

While Netflix does not release their viewership data, in a press release sent out announcing the sequel, they write that, Bright is the highest viewed Netflix film ever on the service in its first week of release and one of the biggest originals (including sequels/additional seasons) Netflix has ever launched. Along with that, Bright is the #1 movie on Netflix in every country (190+ countries) since its release with more people viewing the film internationally than domestically.

Reading between the lines here, lots of people watched Bright, but a lot of them were not here in the United States. Honestly, makes sense. Sometimes these big, splashy blockbusters full of epic proportions just do better overseas than they do stateside.

So while I dont think my dad will agree to watch the sequel to Bright with me, Bright round two happening anyway. Also, Ayer is also taking over writing responsibilities for the film, and thats nice. The thing is, now my expectations for the sequel are higher, since the world of the film has already been set up and the narrative doesnt have to spend time establishing that. Bright 2 can hit the ground running! Hopefully this one makes a little bit more sense, and has another cool Wand in it! So heres to the Bright sequel, whether you watch it or not.




Getty Images

While the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are most definitely a modern family when it comes to their royal parenting, its easy to notice a common trend in their public appearances.

Princess Charlotte is often seen holding the hand of Kate Middleton, while Prince George is usually accompanied by Prince William.

This can also often be spotted in their including the annual Christmas card  with Charlotte in front of her mother, while George holds his fathers hand. One parenting expert told the Daily Mail that this is not a coincidence, and the four-year-old is most likely being prepared for future kingdom.

ALSO SEE: Will and Kates Christmas card is here, but theres one subtle change from previous years

The family dynamic isnt just spotted during public appearances.

Fathers are typically responsible for the disciplinary actions, redirection, protection and provision of the family, explained Jasmine Peters. It is not uncommon to see a father with his son to set the foundation of what his role and responsibilities will be in life with a family. It is often believed that it takes a man to raise a boy to be a man. If you look at the pictures it clearly reflects this common belief.

According to Peters, this traditional take on parenting also proves that the royal pair are loving and nurturing parents, rather than trying to enforce gender roles.

Although these pictures can look a bit traditional, William and Kate may also understand the importance of a son bonding with his father and a daughter bonding with her mother, she said. Any parent that understands how their bond will affect their child in the future when they become adults understands the importance of creating a strong bond early on in their childhood and youth.

Lucy Shrimpton also confirms Peterss explanation to the paper- and suggests that Prince George may gravitate toward his father solely based on the fact that hes the oldest child.

ALSO SEE: The one thing the new royal baby cant take away from Princess Charlotte

The royals on their 2016 Canadian tour. (Getty Images)

The children are close in age and when the new baby depends heavily on mum, it is natural for the toddler to gravitate towards dad who can provide more attention when mum is busy with the baby, said Shrimpton. If George has spent extra time with dad because mum has had her hands full with a new baby, they may have built a father-son bond that has stuck I believe the same would have happened even if they had a girl first and then a boy or even two girls. I imagine you would still see the older sibling with dad more and the younger with mum at this sort of age.

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Shrimpton also believes there may be a shift in the parenting duties when the Duchess gives birth again this coming April.

It will be interesting to see how the dynamic changes again with baby number three.

Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA!

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.




Meghan Markle has only been engaged to Prince Harry for around a month, but the Meghan Markle Effect is already in full swing. Royal watchers (and fashion watchers) everywhere are clamoring to know every brand she wears  and where to shop them. And the future princess bride (okay, not exactly princess, we know) is proving shes up to the challenge. From her gorgeous tailored coats and dresses to her laid-back jeans looks, Markle has all of us at attention. Ahead, all the labels shes stepped out in so far, and where to snag a little bit of that monarchy magic for yourself.

1. Mackage, Kurt Geiger, Strathberry

For her first appearance since announcing her engagement to the Prince, Markle marked World AIDS Day in a full-length coat from go-to outerwear brand, Mackage. She paired the sleek stunner with OTK boots from Kurt Geiger and a super polished tote from Strathberry. (Photo via Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty)

1. Mackage Elodie ($795): Elegant with a bit of an edge, this military-inspired topper is totally fit for a soon-to-be royal. Chic but not stuffy makes for simply brilliant.

2.KG Kurt Geiger Violet ($295): Over-the-knee boots may seem like a saucy choice for a princes future wife but under a maxi coat, they strike that just-right balance. There are only a handful of sizes left in this style, undoubtedly a result of Markles seal of approval.

3. Strathberry Midi Tote ($625): Can you say It Bag? This color-blocked beauty is currently sold out but will be restocked soon, so add your name to the notification list ASAP to get your hands on one when it arrives.



Line, P.A.R.O.S.H., Aquazurra

Her first official appearance as the future Mrs. included this crisp coat from Line, an emerald sheath from P.A.R.O.S.H., and ever-so-sexy heels by Aquazurra. It was the outfit choice heard round the world. The Markle Effect on sales swiftly followed. (Photo via Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein/WireImage)

4. Line Marion Cardigan ($275): Markles engagement coat may not be available online, but you can surely snag a little bit of wearable majesty with this creamy textured cardi. After all, knits are what this brand is known for. So snuggly!



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5. P.A.R.O.S.H The Meghan ($511): As evidenced by its name, this feminine frock garnered a ton of attention once Markle rocked it to debut her new betrothed status. There are still a few sizes left, so scoop yours up STAT to get in on the aristocratic action.

6. Aquazzura Matilde Crisscross Suede 105mm Pump ($415): We never met a lace-up heel we didnt like, this neutral ladylike style included. Its no wonder Markle chose these for her big announcement. Theyre sweet, sexy, and surprisingly versatile.

Misha Nonoo, Mother Denim

Sparking rumors of an impending engagement, Meghan accompanied Harry to the Invictus games and did her best Im totally unfazed by all of this, as evidenced by her ultra chill Misha Nonoo button-down and distressed Mother Denim combo. A potential royal in ripped jeans? The future is now. (Photo via Karwai Tang/WireImage)

7. Misha Nonoo The Husband Shirt ($185): Slightly oversized but still completely polished? Why yes, thats quite perfect if youre aiming for the relaxed royal vibe.

8. Mother Denim Looker Ankle Fray ($228): With a little bit of distressing but not too much, these make for the ideal jean for weekends. Or, you know, attending a public event with a member of the monarchy.



Wilfred, Mackage

At the opening ceremony for the Invictus Games, Markle mastered the monochromatic look in this burgundy dress from Aritzias in-house brand, Wilfred, along with another trusty Mackage topper. This girl knows what works for her. (Photo via Karwai Tang/WireImage)

9. Mackage Baya Leather Jacket ($690): Sizes are limited by now, but if youre one of the lucky few, you could potentially cop the whole Invictus look, including this Bordeaux beauty. Buckingham Palace, here you come!

10. Wilfred Beaune Dress ($185): Yes, this pretty pleated frock is still very much in-stock, so you can snag it to wear on its own or with the aforementioned moto.



Want more style advice? Follow us on Pinterest.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Trump says he has a bigger nuclear button than Kim Jong-un, and thats not how this works

New year, same president. Donald Trump is once again using his Twitter account to mock North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. On January 2nd, Trump took to the social media network to brag that he has a bigger nuclear button than Kims.

Trumps tweet was a response to the speech Kim made on New Years Day, in which the North Korean leader boasted that he had a nuclear button on his desk. In the same address, Kim said that the North Korean nuclear arsenal was complete, warning the U.S. that the entire country was within striking distance.

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 button than his, and my Button actually works! Trump wrote.

In his speech, Kim also indicated his willingness to make peace with South Korea, after decades of hostility between the two nations. Trump addressed this gesture on Twitter on the morning of January 2nd, prior to his button comment, saying that sanctions imposed on North Korea had caused Kims change of heart and writing that it was perhaps good news, perhaps not.

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

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

Its worth noting that Trump does not have access to a physical button that can launch a nuclear strike  thats a complex process that would require Department of Defense approval. And even if a nuclear button did exist, size wouldnt matter.

Trump attacking Kim on Twitter is nothing new. The president is famously fond of using the epithet Rocket Man to refer to the North Korean leader. And in August, he threatened Kims country with fire and fury. But while Trumps latest tweet isnt that surprising, social media should not be a platform to make nuclear threats. Lets hope that in 2018, the president learns to handle international policy offline.
Trump sent a cease-and-desist letter in a desperate attempt to silence Steve Bannon

Steve Bannon was once one of President Donald Trumps greatest allies. But now it appears that Trump wants nothing to do with the former White House chief strategist. On January 3rd, one of Trumps attorneys sent Bannon a cease-and-desist letter over comments he made in a new book.

The letter, issued by lawyer Charles J. Harder, stated that Bannon had made disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements about Trumps family. The letter ordered Bannon to stop speaking to journalists and other media personnel about the Trump family or their companies. Harder also accused Bannon of libel and slander  making false statements that can harm his reputation. If Bannon does not meet the demands of the letter, he could face legal action.

In excerpts released from Michael Wolffs book Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, Bannon is quoted as saying that Donald Trump Jr.s infamous meeting with a Russian attorney in June 2016 was treasonous and unpatriotic. Though Trump Jr. has denied that he received any information at this meeting, the lawyer he met with had promised him information about Hillary Clinton that could help the Trump campaign.

Trump issued a statement from the White House disavowing Bannon and stating that when he left the White House he not only lost his job, he lost his mind.

Wow this WH statement on Bannon. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind. pic.twitter.com/cjOn8vc98H  Natasha Bertrand (@NatashaBertrand) January 3, 2018

Trump Jr. tweeted on January 3rd that Bannon had turned his position as White House strategist into a nightmare of backstabbing, harassing, leaking, lying & undermining the President. Earlier the same day, he accused Bannon of spreading lies, saying the founder of Breitbart News, where Bannon is currently executive chairman, would be ashamed.

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Steve had the honor of working in the White House & serving the country. Unfortunately, he squandered that privilege & turned that opportunity into a nightmare of backstabbing, harassing, leaking, lying & undermining the President. Steve is not a strategist, he is an opportunist  Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) January 3, 2018

Andrew Breitbart would be ashamed of the division and lies Steve Bannon is spreading!  Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) January 3, 2018

In order for a libel suit to be successful, Bannons statements must be proven false and intentionally malicious. But because opinions cant be false, it would be difficult to prove that Bannon committed libel. Orly Lobel, a professor at the University of San Diego School of Law told The Washington Post that threatening legal action against Bannon was a desperate move on Trumps part. It remains to be seen whether Bannon really is defaming the Trumps. Regardless, we hope that the truth about Trump Jr.s Russia meeting is brought to light.
Montana has one congressman and we deserve two.

Montana has more people in its single congressional district than any other and is 121 times larger than Rhode Island  a state with nearly the same number of people but two congregational districts. The U.S. House of Representatives decides which states get districts and Montana was robbed of its long-held western district after the 1990 census.

The incontrovertible merits of returning a second district to Montana are dwarfed by the indignity of big states like Texas thumbing its nose at us as it loads up on government pork and stacks the deck against us.

No wonder Houston is bailed out while Montana burns.

Jerry McDonald,

Thompson Falls
Tyler Barriss is expected to Kansas where the man was killed.

By Latifah Muhammad

A California man was arrested over a swatting hoax that ended with police in Kansas gunning down an innocent unarmed man. Tyler Barriss has been charged with a felony over the deadly prank that occurred last week.

Barriss was arrested in Southern California, where he lives. He made a court appearance Wednesday (Jan. 3), and waived his right to an extradition hearing, the Associated Press reports.

He is being held without bail, and is expected to be expedited to Wichita to face charges.

On Thursday (Dec. 28), the 25-year-old gamer made a 911 call where he falsely claimed that he shot his father and was holding his mother and siblings hostage. Barriss also threatened to burn the house down.

A dispute over a Call of Duty video game reportedly prompted Barriss to carry out the prank. According to reports, another player dared Barriss to swat him and gave a random address that happened to be the residence of 28-year-old Andrew Finch.

Police arrived to Finchs home and shot him seconds after he opened the door. Officers have since said that Finch looked like he was reaching for a weapon, though he was found to be unarmed, and had no idea that his address was used in the joke.

A lawyer for Finchs family said in a statement that while they are pleased that an alleged swatter was detained, the swatter did not shoot an unarmed man stepping out onto his porch.

The statement points out that the Wichita Police officer shot and killed Finch. While the WPD has attempted to deflect the cause of death to a phone call- Andrew was killed by a bullet fired by an officer who clearly had no cause to fire. Prank or no prank- no officer claimed to have seen a weapon before firing, and that fact alone makes this shooting reckless at best.

The family remains hopeful that all responsible are brought to justice including the shooter.

Barriss, who has made swatting calls before, is currently charged with making a false alarm, but might face more serious charges like second-degree murder or involuntary manslaughter, according to AP.

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An apparent Twitter account attributed to Barriss, allegedly tweeted about the incident after he saw it on the news. I didnt get anyone killed because I didnt discharge a weapon and being a Swat member isnt my profession. read an alleged post on the account.

Barriss could face up to 20 years in prison for the more serious charges, or as little as 34 months for knowingly making a false claim to an emergency service.

This post California Man Charged With Felony After Swatting Hoax Ends With Police Killing Unarmed Victim first appeared on Vibe.
Journalist Michael Wolffs upcoming book about President Trumps first year in office, Fire and Fury, is sending shockwaves through the administration. On Wednesday, the White House released an extraordinary statement denouncing Steve Bannon for his devastating remarks about Trump in the book, saying the presidents former chief strategist had lost his mind.

It was one of three separate statements from the administration about Wolffs book, which will be published Jan. 9. White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said Trump was furious and disgusted by Bannons comments, and described the book as trashy tabloid fiction.

So what in the book has Trump so worked up? Excerpts published by the Hollywood Reporter and New York magazine and a separate report on the book posted by the Guardian paint the picture of a chaotic and dysfunctional administration filled with backstabbing and infighting, and led by a commander in chief compared by one confidant to a semiliterate child.

Below are 10 notable revelations from the excerpts released so far.

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Trumps public defenders privately lamented having to defend the president

According to the excerpt published by the Hollywood Reporter, former press secretary Sean Spicer reportedly couldnt believe he had to defend Trumps claim of having the biggest inaugural crowd in history.

You cant make this s*** up, Spicer is quoted by Wolff as saying shortly after giving his first press briefing. Soon enough, Wolff writes, Spicer adopted this as a personal mantra.

After his appointment as chief of staff, Reince Priebus wasnt sure hed last until the inauguration, according to Wolff. And Kellyanne Conway, Trumps campaign manager and special counselor, would put a finger-gun to her head in private about Trumps public comments.

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Rupert Murdoch walks with Donald Trump at Trumps golf course in Aberdeen, Scotland, June 25, 2016. (Photo: Carlo Allegri/Reuters)

Rupert Murdoch described Trump as a f***ing moron

During Trumps first year in office, the media mogul frequently placed calls to the president to offer him advice. But in private, Wolff writes, Murdoch continued to derisively ridicule Trump.

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What a f***ing moron, Murdoch reportedly said after one such call.

Trumps Cabinet held similarly low opinions of the president, according to Wolff.

To Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Wolff writes, Trump was a moron. (An even saltier version of that assessment was made public last year.) For chief economic adviser Gary Cohn, Trump was dumb as s***. For national security adviser H.R. McMaster, Trump was a hopeless idiot. For Bannon, Trump had lost his mind  coincidentally, the same thing Trump said about Bannon on Wednesday.

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Aides quickly became frustrated by Trumps inability to comprehend basic policy briefings

According to Wolff, White House aides noticed that President Trump, soon after taking office, didnt process information in any conventional sense.

He didnt read, Wolff writes. He didnt really even skim. Some believed that for all practical purposes he was no more than semiliterate. He trusted his own expertise  no matter how paltry or irrelevant  more than anyone elses. He was often confident, but he was just as often paralyzed, less a savant than a figure of sputtering and dangerous insecurities, whose instinctive response was to lash out and behave as if his gut, however confused, was in fact in some clear and forceful way telling him what to do. It was, said [deputy chief of staff Katie] Walsh, like trying to figure out what a child wants.

Trump campaign aide Sam Nunberg recalled his attempt to explain the Constitution to the candidate.

I got as far as the Fourth Amendment, Nunberg said, before his finger is pulling down on his lip and his eyes are rolling back in his head.

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Trump was increasingly repeating stories and could not recognize old friends

Before taking the chief of staff job, Priebus had been reportedly warned about Trumps penchant for constantly repeating himself.

Heres the deal, a close Trump associate told Priebus. In an hour meeting with him, youre going to hear 54 minutes of stories, and theyre going to be the same stories over and over again.

Everybody was painfully aware of the increasing pace of his repetitions, Wolff writes. It used to be inside of 30 minutes hed repeat, word-for-word and expression-for-expression, the same three stories  now it was within 10 minutes.

And at Mar-a-Lago late last month, Trump failed to recognize a succession of old friends.

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Donald Trump Jr. greets his father during a town hall debate in St. Louis, Oct. 9, 2016. (Photo: Rick Wilking-Pool/Getty Images)

Bannon thought the infamous Trump tower meeting was treasonous

In one excerpt, published by the Guardian, Bannon reportedly told Wolff that the June 2016 Trump Tower meeting between Donald Trump Jr., Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner and campaign chairman Paul Manafort with a Kremlin-connected lawyer who claimed to have compromising information on Hillary Clinton should have been reported to the FBI at the time.

The three senior guys in the campaign thought it was a good idea to meet with a foreign government inside Trump Tower in the conference room on the 25th floor  with no lawyers. They didnt have any lawyers, Bannon said, according to the excerpt published in the Guardian. Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad s***, and I happen to think its all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately.

And Bannon believes that Trump Jr. not only briefed his father on that meeting  he also introduced the participants to the candidate.

The chance that Don Jr. did not walk these jumos up to his fathers office on the twenty-sixth floor is zero, Bannon was quoted as saying.

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Bannon also believed that the Mueller investigation would crack Don Junior like an egg

The Breitbart chief predicted that the federal investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, led by special counsel Robert Mueller, would end badly for the presidents son.

Theyre going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV, Bannon said, according to the Guardian.

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Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner listen as President Trump holds a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Oct. 16, 2017. (Photo: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

Ivanka Trump has mused about becoming president

Wolff writes: Both Jared and Ivanka decided to accept roles in the West Wing over the advice of almost everyone they knew. It was a joint decision by the couple, and, in some sense, a joint job. Between themselves, the two had made an earnest deal: If sometime in the future the opportunity arose, shed be the one to run for president. The first woman president, Ivanka entertained, would not be Hillary Clinton; it would be Ivanka Trump.

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Ivanka was known to make fun of her fathers comb-over

She often described the mechanics behind it to friends: an absolutely clean pate  a contained island after scalp-reduction surgery  surrounded by a furry circle of hair around the sides and front, from which all ends are drawn up to meet in the center and then swept back and secured by a stiffening spray, Wolff writes. The color, she would point out to comical effect, was from a product called Just for Men  the longer it was left on, the darker it got. Impatience resulted in Trumps orange-blond hair color.

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Trumps eccentricities were on display when he moved into the White House

Wolff writes: In the first days, he ordered two television screens in addition to the one already there, and a lock on the door, precipitating a brief standoff with the Secret Service, who insisted they have access to the room. He reprimanded the housekeeping staff for picking up his shirt from the floor: If my shirt is on the floor, its because I want it on the floor. Then he imposed a set of new rules: Nobody touch anything, especially not his toothbrush.

And Trumps love of fast food has an unusual origin, according to Wolff: He had a longtime fear of being poisoned, one reason why he liked to eat at McDonalds  nobody knew he was coming and the food was safely premade.

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President-elect Trump arrives at his inauguration ceremony in Washington, D.C., Jan. 20, 2017. (Photo: Win McNamee/Pool/Reuters)

Donald Trump didnt even want to be president

In the excerpt published by New York magazine, Wolff wrote that even on Election Day, almost everyone in the Trump campaign was convinced he would not win.

Wolff writes: Even though the numbers in a few key states had appeared to be changing to Trumps advantage, neither Conway nor Trump himself nor his son-in-law, Jared Kushner  the effective head of the campaign  wavered in their certainty: Their unexpected adventure would soon be over. Not only would Trump not be president, almost everyone in the campaign agreed, he should probably not be. Conveniently, the former conviction meant nobody had to deal with the latter issue.

Once he lost, Trump would be both insanely famous and a martyr to Crooked Hillary, Wolff continues. His daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared would be international celebrities. Steve Bannon would become the de facto head of the tea-party movement. Kellyanne Conway would be a cable-news star. Melania Trump, who had been assured by her husband that he wouldnt become president, could return to inconspicuously lunching. Losing would work out for everybody. Losing was winning.

Shortly after 8 p.m. on Election Night, when the unexpected trend  Trump might actually win  seemed confirmed, Don Jr. told a friend that his father, or DJT, as he calls him, looked as if he had seen a ghost, Wolff adds. Melania was in tears  and not of joy.

According to Wolff, the unexpected victory set the stage for the chaos and dysfunction that have persisted throughout his first year in office.

The mistaken outcome trusted by everyone in Trumps inner circle  that they would lose the election  wound up exposing them for who they really were, Wolff says.

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Read more from Yahoo News:
President Trump notched a major legislative win at the end of 2017, delivering the tax reform package hed promised as a Christmas gift to the country. The White House now faces 2018 hoping to channel that momentum into a bold list of domestic priorities for the New Year, including revisiting two failures from his first year in office.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said Trumps major domestic priorities for reform in 2018 are health care, infrastructure, welfare and immigration.

The president was elected because of his ambitious agenda and his desire to get a lot of things done, Sanders said in a press briefing on Tuesday, calling those four items top priorities for the Administration this year.

But the White House faces strong headwinds to achieving any of these goals. While Republicans still maintain a slim majority in Congress, theyll need cooperation from Democrats to pass any major pieces of legislation  a fraught proposition, at best. And Republicans have some time pressure to deliver wins before the midterm elections this year.

Heres a look at Trumps major goals for 2018.

Health care

On repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act, Trump has already claimed a win. When the individual mandate is being repealed, that means Obamacare is being repealed, he said in a Cabinet meeting in December after Congress approved the tax bill. We have essentially repealed Obamacare, and we will come up with something that will be much better.

The tax plan repeals the individual mandate  a key part of Obamacare that penalizes people without health insurance  beginning in 2019. Its not true to say that the tax bill repeals the health care law, which congressional Republicans have repeatedly tried and failed to do. Experts say Republicans previous inability to repeal the full law probably presages a failure again this year.

I dont see anything thats changed in terms of the lack of support in the Senate, says Gerald Kominski, director of the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research. I think that it is fruitless to continue to bang your head against the wall if you are not going to get the outcome that you want.

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But Trump is correct that in certain ways hes already hobbled the ACA, even if he fell short of an outright repeal.

Their policies to date are destabilizing and damaging the ACA marketplace, says Kominski. Scrapping the individual mandate, he says, already represents significant damage to the law.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure is another one of Trumps campaign promises. Trump has long dangled a promise of $1 trillion in infrastructure spending, and his Administration is expected to unveil its plan in January. But while the tax bill moved forward on Trumps ambition to kneecap that Affordable Care Act, it could provide a setback here. The tax bill increases the deficit by more than $1 trillion, which makes a massive spending package trickier to wrangle financially and a harder sell for Republicans politically.

In the current environment thats going to lead to a lot of skepticism, simply because theyve been talking about tax cuts and entitlement reform. And then to say were going to turn around and have major spending on infrastructure reform, I dont know how they situate that, says Alan Auerbach, director of the Robert D. Burch Center for Tax Policy and Public Finance at Berkeley. Theres not any magic, it has to be real money, and they [made] that real money a lot less available.

The Administration had hoped that an infrastructure package could be a bipartisan win. I really believe infrastructure can be bipartisan, Trump said in December. People want it, Republicans and Democrats.

But again, tax reform may have made this more difficult to come by, with the party-lines vote pushing an already-strained sense of bipartisanship in Congress to the breaking point.

Welfare

Trump is expected to roll out an executive order mandating a review of federal safety net programs as soon as January. The Administration could include programs like food stamps, Medicaid and housing benefits in its targets for reform.

Looking at any of these programs one at a time doesnt tell you anything about the welfare system, in fact, it severely misleads you, says Robert Rector, senior research fellow at the conservative Heritage Foundation. I expect [the Trump Administration] to present the welfare [plan] and discuss the welfare system holistically.

In this holistic view of welfare reform, Rector expects, the Administration could promote principles such as work requirements, removing marriage penalties from benefits, paying programs for outcomes rather than services provided and moving the cost burden of welfare programs more to the states.

But there are ideological and political divisions even among congressional Republicans on changing the welfare system, and to significantly restructure it, the party would need to unite its most moderate and conservative members. Thats a tall order, especially when an inability to do just that helped sink hopes of health care reform in 2017. And the polling on Medicaid and Social Security demonstrates why changing such programs is notoriously difficult: in April 2017, just 12% of U.S. adults said they wanted cuts to Medicaid spending, according to a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation. In a 2017 Pew survey, 86% of Republicans and 95% of Democrats said they would like to maintain or increase spending for Social Security.

Immigration

Immigration is one of Trumps signature issues, and it remains at the forefront of his domestic agenda in his second year. Within the first days of 2018, Trump will meet with Congressional leaders to discuss an immigration deal. He predicted on Twitter that DACA activists and Hispanics will go hard against Dems, will start falling in love with Republicans and their President!

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

In any deal, Trump has said he wants his campaign-promise border wall, as well as an end to chain migration and the U.S. visa lottery system. Democrats have said they will push Trump hard to protect the Dreamers, and insist that any funding for a border wall is unacceptable.
Beatrix von Storch of the nationalist and anti-Islam Alternative for Germany party delivers a speech during a party congress in Hannover - dpa

A prominent German MP is facing a criminal investigation over a tweet in which she described Muslims as barbarian, gang-raping hordes.

Beatrix von Storch of the nationalist Alternative for Germany party (AfD) accused police in Cologne of seeking to appease Muslim migrants after they tweeted a New Year message in Arabic.

What the hell is going on in this country? Why is an official police site tweeting in Arabic? Are they trying to appease the barbarian, Muslim, gang-raping male hordes? Ms von Storch wrote. Her account was subsequently suspended.

The politician is being investigated under Germanys strict hate speech laws and could face up to five years in prison if charged and found guilty.

Cologne police said their New Year message contained a link to important public safety information and had been tweeted in several languages in order to reach as wide an audience as possible. In addition to German, it was tweeted in English, French and Arabic.

Where did the AfD get most support?

Ms von Storchs remarks were a reference to the Cologne New Year sex attacks of two years ago, in which more than 500 women were sexually assaulted in the area around the cathedral and main railway station. The overwhelming majority of suspects in the assaults were migrants of North African origin.

The politicians Twitter account was temporarily suspended over her tweet. The controversy comes months after Germany introduced new laws under which social media sites face heavy fines if they do not remove posts that contain hate speech.

Ms von Storch later tried to post the same remarks on Facebook, but the social media site blocked the post.

The AfD became the first nationalist party to sit in the German parliament since the 1960s last year after winning 92 seats in Septembers elections.

Cologne police said the investigation against Ms von Storch was standard procedure where hate speech was suspected.

This is a normal procedure and nothing special, Thomas Held, a police spokesman, said. If we suspect a criminal offense, we are legally obliged to investigate.

He defended the polices decision to post its New Year tweet in several languages. Our intention is to reach people, he said. Some people are wondering about it, but for us it's a normal way to spread information.
Astronomer Tabetha Boyajian discusses Tabbys Star, the most mysterious star in the universe, during a TED talk in February 2016 in Vancouver, B.C. (TED via YouTube)

The astronomers who once speculated that an alien megastructure might be responsible for the weirdly fluctuating light from a distant star have now fully ruled out that way-out explanation.

Their conclusion, reported in a paper published today by Astrophysical Journal Letters, is based on a crowdfunded analysis of the light patterns in a wide range of wavelengths.

The authors of the paper include Louisiana State Universitys Tabetha Boyajian, who led the discovery team for the star known as KIC 8462852 or Tabbys Star; and Penn States Jason Wright, who first proposed the alien-megastructure hypothesis.

Tabbys Star was discovered about 1,500 light-years away in the constellation Cygnus, thanks to an analysis of data from NASAs Kepler space telescope. Soon after the discovery was announced in 2015, it was dubbed the most mysterious star in the universe, because its brightness underwent dramatic dips over intervals ranging from five to 80 days.

Wright suggested that the variations in brightness might be due to the blocking effect of a huge structure that was built around the star. He acknowledged that the presence of an alien megastructure, such as a Dyson sphere, was highly unlikely. Nevertheless, he and his colleagues thought the hypothesis was worth checking out.

We were hoping that once we finally caught a dip happening in real time, we could see if the dips were the same depth at all wavelengths, he explained today in a news release. If they were nearly the same, this would suggest that the cause was something opaque, like an orbiting disk, planet, or star, or even large structures in space.

This chart shows variations in the brightness of the star KIC 8462852 between May 2017 and December 2017, as recorded by telescopes in Texas (ELP), Hawaii (OGG) and the Canary Islands (TFN). Significant dips have been nicknamed Elsie, Celeste, Skara Brae and Angkor. (Boyajian et al.)

To help pay for the observations and analysis, Wright and his colleagues raised more than $100,000 in a Kickstarter campaign.

A network of telescopes around the world, coordinated through the Las Cumbres Observatory in California, detected four sustained dips in the starlight between March 2016 and December 2017. The team went so far as to name each of the dips. The first two were called Elsie and Celeste, while the latter two were named after lost cities (Skara Brae in Scotland and Angkor in Cambodia).

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The authors wrote that as far as they were concerned, the dips in brightness had some things in common with those lost cities.

Theyre ancient; we are watching things that happened more than 1,000 years ago, they said. Theyre almost certainly caused by something ordinary, at least on a cosmic scale. And yet that makes them more interesting, not less. But most of all, theyre mysterious. What the heck was going on there, all those centuries ago?

When the light levels in various wavelengths were measured, Tabbys Star became a little less mysterious. The team found that the dimming was much less pronounced in some wavelengths than in others.

Dust is most likely the reason why the stars light appears to dim and brighten, Boyajian said. The new data shows that different colors of light are being blocked at different intensities. Therefore, whatever is passing between us and the star is not opaque, as would be expected from a planet or alien megastructure.

A healthy amount of mystery still remains.

The latest research rules out alien megastructures, but it raises the probability of other phenomena being behind the dimming, Wright said. There are models involving circumstellar material  like exocomets, which were Boyajians teams original hypothesis  which seem to be consistent with the data we have.

Theres also a chance that the dimming is being caused by an as-yet-unknown stellar phenomenon rather than a band of dust or a swarm of comets thats blocking the starlight.

Boyajian said the discovery and study of KIC 8462852 should be seen as a certifiable win for citizen-backed astronomy, even though it turns out aliens arent involved. She pointed out that the star would never have been studied if it werent for its discovery by volunteers in the Planet Hunters citizen-science campaign, the interest from more than 200 astronomers, and the support of more than 1,700 Kickstarter donors.

Its exciting, she said. I am so appreciative of all of the people who have contributed to this in the past year  the citizen scientists and professional astronomers. Its quite humbling to have all of these people contributing in various ways to help figure it out.

KIC 8462852 may be known as Tabbys Star, but it turned out to be a star the whole world could claim.

Boyajian is the principal author of the paper in Astrophysical Journal Letters, titled The First Post-Kepler Brightness Dips of KIC 8462852. Co-authors include James Davenport of Western Washington University, who is also a DIRAC Fellow at the University of Washington. To trace the history of the mystery (or donate to the cause), check out the project website, which is called KIC 8462852: Wheres the Flux?

More from GeekWire:
Tehran (AFP) - Violent demonstrations have rocked Iran since Thursday last week leaving at least 21 people dead, with protests that started over the economy turning against the Islamic regime as a whole.

The wave of demonstrations, that kicked off in second city Mashhad on December 28 and quickly spread, is the biggest in the tightly controlled country since unrest over a disputed election in 2009.

Here is a summary:

- First demonstrations -

A few hundred demonstrators gather in Mashhad and several other towns on December 28 to protest high living costs after a call reportedly goes out on the Telegram social messaging service.

Videos on reformist media show protesters focusing their ire on President Hassan Rouhani but there are also slogans lambasting the entire regime and Iran's involvement in conflicts around the Middle East.

- Protests spread -

The next day larger-scale protests flare up in more cities including the western Kermanshah and religious centre Qom, where footage shows hundreds of demonstrators chanting "Death to the dictator" and "Free political prisoners".

First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri suggests hardline opponents of Rouhani's government may be behind the demonstrations.

- Warnings, violence, marches -

On December 30, regime supporters rally around the country for officially sanctioned demonstrations to commemorate the defeat of the 2009 protest movement.

Interior Minister Abdolrahman Rahmani Fazli calls on the public to avoid "illegal gatherings".

But the protests grow. In Tehran, scuffles break out and videos show demonstrators attacking a town hall, overturning a police car and burning the Iranian flag.

- 10 die in one night -

On December 31, the authorities issue more warnings and officials say 200 people were arrested during the demonstrations in Tehran and another 80 in Arak, some 300 kilometres (190 miles) away.

In a bid to stall further demonstrations, the authorities block access to online messaging services, including Telegram.

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Rouhani insists people are "absolutely free" to express their anger but "criticism is different to violence and destroying public property".

But the unrest continues as videos on social media show demonstrations hitting areas across the country for a fourth night.

Iranian media and officials report 10 people died in protests overnight Sunday to Monday in different areas in the west of the country.

In a second statement on January 1, Rouhani plays down the protests as "nothing" and insists the Iranian people will "respond to rioters and lawbreakers".

US President Donald Trump says it is "time for change" in Iran.

As fresh protests break out in Tehran at nightfall Monday, state television says a policeman had been killed and three others wounded by fire from hunting rifles in the central city of Najafabad.

- More deaths, arrests -

State television says nine people, including the policeman, were killed in unrest overnight Monday to Tuesday.

Six died in the town of Qahderijan, in the central province of Isfahan, where protesters had tried to storm a police station, the state broadcaster reports.

- 'Enemies' -

Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei breaks his silence, saying on January 2 that Iran's "enemies have united and are using all their means" against the regime.

Trump denounces a "brutal and corrupt" Iranian regime.

The United Nations says it expects "the rights to peaceful assembly and expression of the Iranian people will be respected" and the United States demands Iran end social media blocks.

US envoy Nikki Haley calls for emergency sessions on Iran at the UN Security Council and the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Commission.

Rouhani phones his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron to demand action against a "terrorist" Iranian opposition group he accuses of fomenting the protests. He appears to be referring to an exiled Iranian opposition group based in Paris and called the Mujahedeen-e-Khalq.

The French president calls for "restraint and appeasement".

- Pro-regime defiance -

On January 3, after few reports of anti-regime protests overnight, tens of thousands gather across the country in a massive show of strength for the regime.

Chants of "Leader, we are ready" are heard as images show thousands rallying in the cities of Ahvaz, Kermanshah, Gorgan, and elsewhere.

In a telephone call, Rouhani tells his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan the protests will end in a few days.
Two Texas girls whose disappearance after their mother was found dead sparked a multi-state AMBER alert have been found safe 700 miles from home in Colorado.

The alert was issued Monday for 14-year-old Lilianais Victoria Cake Griffith and 7-year-old Luluvioletta Bandera-Margaret after their mother was found dead by police in their Round Rock, Texas home on Sunday.

Cops have not said how the mother, Tonya Bates, died but said the death is suspicious. The search for the girls centered around the mother's reported roommate and person of interest in her death, Terry Miles.

According to police in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, Miles was arrested there at least seven times between 2006 and 2015. Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso told reporters one of those arrests involved pornography that involved a juvenile.

"When we interviewed him for that it was a pretty disturbing interview," said Mancuso.

Miles is also being investigated for allegations of the rape of a juvenile teen in Sulphur, Louisiana, according to the town's chief of police, Lewis Coats.

Police in Louisiana said their investigation is ongoing but that Miles has since moved to Texas, where he was reportedly living with Tonya Bates when she was found dead.

The girls were found after CBS affiliate KKTV reports that a Las Animas County Deputy spotted the suspect's vehicle based on the AMBER Alert.

Miles was stopped by the Las Animas County deputy. The girls were reportedly found in the car and Miles was taken in without incident.

Round Rock police chief Allen Banks said they would be interviewing Miles and the girls and said their mother's death was being investigated as a homicide.

"CAUGHT!!!" Banks tweeted Wednesday. "Terry Allen Miles was caught in Colorado without incident. The girls are SAFE!!! Thank God!!"

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By Kane Wu and Jennifer Hughes

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Last January, Alibaba founder Jack Ma met with Donald Trump, then the U.S. president-elect, to discuss helping one million small U.S businesses access Chinese consumers through the e-commerce giant's online platform.

Trump told reporters that he and Ma had a "great meeting" and would do great things together.

One year on, however, U.S. security concerns have torpedoed Ma's plans for a $1.2 billion takeover of the Dallas-based MoneyGram International Inc (MGI.O) by Ant Financial, an Alibaba affiliate.

It was the most high-profile Chinese deal yet to fall foul of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) under the Trump administration.

The failure has prompted the question among dealmakers: If a Jack Ma-linked company cannot buy a U.S. company, is there hope for other Chinese companies - or should they turn their sights elsewhere?

"The regulatory uncertainty will certainly make Chinese buyers further head for other countries such as Germany, the UK and Israel for foreign assets," said one China-focused M&A lawyer at a global law firm, who did not wish to be named because he was not authorised to speak with the media.

Over the past decade, a quarter of all Chinese bids for U.S. companies by value have been withdrawn, according to Thomson Reuters data. That compares with 15 percent for Asia-Pacific-focused deals and 8 percent in Europe.

Not all of the withdrawals were due to regulatory factors.

The largest was the dropping by the Chinese insurer Anbang of a surprise $15 billion bid for Starwood Hotels in 2016.

But U.S. lawmakers - whose biggest rebuff to China was delivered in 2005, when congressional opposition derailed a $19.5 billion bid for Unocal by the Chinese state-owned oil major CNOOC - have once more become an increasing concern for dealmakers.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives introduced bills in November to broaden the government's power to stop foreign purchases of U.S. companies by strengthening CFIUS, amid growing concerns about Chinese efforts to buy U.S. high-tech companies.

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Lawmakers are expected to present a new draft of the bills in March or April and "people are pretty confident" that some form of the bills will be passed, according to a China-based lawyer familiar with CFIUS matters.

Rod Hunter, a partner with the Baker McKenzie law firm and a former official with oversight of CFIUS cases under the last Bush administration, said companies needed to take account of the evolving nature of security concerns and the increasing focus on personal data and emerging technologies.

"CFIUS, by statute, focuses only on national security when reviewing proposed foreign investments, but notions of national security have evolved substantially in recent years," he said.

He added: "From the U.S. government perspective, Chinese investment in the United States is made sensitive by the extensive involvement of the Chinese Communist Party and Chinese government in the economy."

Ant and MoneyGram terminated their deal after CFIUS rejected their proposals to address data safety concerns, according to sources familiar with the confidential discussions.

CHINA ADAPTS

The United States has typically attracted relatively little Chinese dealmaking due to a mix of regulatory factors and the fierce competition that foreign buyers face from local players.

Just 18 percent of Chinese cross-border deals by value over the past decade have had a U.S. target, compared with 36 percent for Europe and 46 percent for Asia-Pacific.

While China dealmakers acknowledged the signal sent by Ant's MoneyGram failure, most viewed it as a one-off situation.

"Lots of China's companies underestimate compliance risk and the complexity of operating in highly regulated U.S. markets, particularly in the finance and fin tech sectors," said Jeffrey Sun, partner at law firm Orrick, based in Shanghai.

Chinese groups have already begun adapting to the difficulty in getting deals passed. In November, the buyout firm Orient Hontai Capital dropped a $1.4 billion bid for AppLovin, a U.S. mobile marketing group, because of push back from CFIUS. Instead of equity, it opted to lend the group $841 million.

Still-pending deals include the $2.7 billion bid by Oceanwide Holdings for the insurer Genworth Financial Inc, first announced in October 2016. In November last year the pair agreed to extend the deadline for a second time to April 2018 to allow them to amend the deal terms further to satisfy CFIUS.

Another high-profile deal before CFIUS is the purchase by HNA Group of SkyBridge Capital LLC, a hedge fund of funds firm, from Anthony Scaramucci, the Trump administration's former communications director.

Others have begun to focus on smaller minority investments - a route taken by Tencent, Alibaba's fiercest Chinese rival. The Shenzhen-based group last year bought a 5 percent stake in the U.S. electric car maker Tesla for $1.8 billion.

(Reporting by Kane Wu and Jennifer Hughes in Hong Kong; additional reporting by Julie Zhu in Hong Kong and Matthew Miller in Beijing)
As California officially became a sanctuary state at the start of the new year, fake signs with anti-immigrant messages appeared near the states borders.

Official sanctuary state. Felons, Illegals and MS13 Welcome! the signs read. Democrats Need The Votes!

The messages had been papered over existing signs, California Department of Transportation spokesman Mark Dinger told HuffPost on Wednesday.

They referred to a new law, signed by Gov. Jerry Brown (D) in October and effective Jan. 1, that limits local law enforcements cooperation with federal immigration officials and prohibits police from generally inquiring into peoples immigration status. The California Values Act does not, however, bar police from working with immigration officials in the cases of people convicted of a wide range of felonies.

The signs suggested that undocumented immigrants are dangerous criminals.

OMG! Look at this sign someone put up on the 15 Freeway between LA and Las Vegas!



It reads :

Welcome to California. Official Sanctuary State.

Felons, Illegals and MS13 Welcome

Democrats need the Votes! #NewYearsDay pic.twitter.com/pc5xRnqZIB  Kambree Kawahine Koa (@KamVTV) January 1, 2018

Conservative leaders, including President Donald Trump, have repeatedly and falsely portrayed immigrants as more likely to commit criminal acts. Trump and others have pointed to MS-13  a gang started in Los Angeles that spread to other U.S. cities and to Central America  as a reason for stronger immigration enforcement.

Five of the prank signs were reported around the state, but Caltrans employees have found and taken down only two, spokesman Dinger said. One on I-15 near the Nevada border was removed on Monday, and another on I-40 near the Arizona border came down Tuesday. Caltrans was not able to locate at least three other signs reported near the Oregon and Arizona borders.

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Caltrans did not know who was behind the signs, Dinger said, and would not be investigating the incident as it is not a law enforcement agency.

Photos of the signs were circulated largely by conservative accounts on Twitter, with former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin tweeting about them and other apparent opponents of the sanctuary law appearing amused by the prank.

Oh, wow. Look what started appearing in California just hours after they officially became a 'sanctuary state.' https://t.co/RdQa6P2S4R  Sarah Palin (@SarahPalinUSA) January 2, 2018

California: The Sanctuary State.

Where Illegal Immigrants, Felons, & MS13 are always welcome. 

Afterall, Dem's need the votes! https://t.co/3ZjvEqqiTf  L.A. Conservative (@MarisaInCali) January 2, 2018

Whoever the culprit, I would love to thank them personally.



Signs show up all over California that just crack me up! https://t.co/v5G7clan7F  Kaby (@KSouth4trump) January 1, 2018

There are an estimated 2.3 million undocumented immigrants in California. Before the statewide law went into effect, several major cities there, including San Francisco, already had their own sanctuary policies.

Critics of sanctuary laws, including anti-immigration hard-liners like Trump, argue that limiting local law enforcements cooperation with federal immigration officials makes cities more dangerous. Supporters say that sanctuary laws make communities safer by encouraging undocumented residents to trust and cooperate with local police.

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April 2015

At an event hosted by Texas Patriots PAC: Everythings coming across the border: the illegals, the cars, the whole thing. Its like a big mess. Blah. Its like vomit.

June 2015

At a speech announcing his campaign: "When Mexico sends its people, theyre not sending their best. Theyre not sending you. Theyre not sending you. Theyre sending people that have lots of problems, and theyre bringing those problems with us. Theyre bringing drugs. Theyre bringing crime. Theyre rapists. And some, I assume, are good people."

August 2015

On NBC's "Meet the Press": Were going to keep the families together, we have to keep the families together, but they have to go."

September 2015

On CBS's "60 Minutes": Were rounding em up in a very humane way, in a very nice way. And theyre going to be happy because they want to be legalized. And, by the way, I know it doesnt sound nice. But not everything is nice.

November 2015

On MSNBC's "Morning Joe": You are going to have a deportation force, and you are going to do it humanely."

February 2016

At a GOP primary debate: We have at least 11 million people in this country that came in illegally. They will go out. They will come back  some will come back, the best, through a process.

March 2016

At a press conference when asked if he would consider allowing undocumented immigrants to stay: "We either have a country or we dont. We either have a country or we dont. We have borders or we dont have borders. And at this moment, the answer is absolutely not.

April 2016

At an event hosted by NBC's "Today Show": Theyre going to go, and were going to create a path where we can get them into this country legally, OK? But it has to be done legally. ... Theyre going to go, and then come back and come back legally.

July 2016

At the Republican National Convention: "Tonight, I want every American whose demands for immigration security have been denied  and every politician who has denied them  to listen very closely to the words I am about to say. On January 21st of 2017, the day after I take the oath of office, Americans will finally wake up in a country where the laws of the United States are enforced."

September 2016

At a rally: Anyone who has entered the United States illegally is subject to deportation. That is what it means to have laws and to have a country. Otherwise we dont have a country.

September 2016

On "The Dr. Oz Show": Well, under my plan the undocumented or, as you would say, illegal immigrant wouldnt be in the country. They only come in the country legally.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
By Sierra Brown

Less than 20 minutes before bringing in the New Year, an autistic New Jersey 16-year-old used a semiautomatic rifle to shoot and kill his mother, father, older sister, and grandfathers partner inside their Long Branch home, according to reports.

The teen, whose name has not been disclosed, will be charged with four counts of murder and a weapons offense, CBS reports. He was apprehended without issue Sunday (Dec. 31) and is expected to make a court appearance Tuesday (Jan. 2).

Prosecutors are considering whether to move the case to adult court, although the teen does not have a criminal history. The motive behind the shooting is still unknown. The gun used in the murder was legally registered to a resident of the house, reports say.

The victims were identified as the teens parents, Steven Kologi, 44, and Linda Kologi, 42; his sister who was a first-year student at Stockton University, 18; and 70-year-old Mary Schultz, who lived with the family. The teens grandfather and brother were not targeted and escaped unharmed.

A family friend launched a GoFundMe page to raise money for the familys funeral expenses.

This post Autistic Teenager Slays Family Members On New Years Eve first appeared on Vibe.
By Doina Chiacu WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon called a June 2016 meeting with a group of Russians attended by Donald Trump Jr. and his father's top campaign officials "treasonous" and "unpatriotic," according to excerpts of a new book seen by Reuters on Wednesday. The explosive comments from a former close aide and far-right architect of Donald Trump's November 2016 election victory roiled the White House and the Republican president, who famously values loyalty in associates and employees. Trump fired Bannon from his White House post in August and split with him on Wednesday in a highly personal public repudiation. "Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind," Trump said in a statement hours after Bannon's comments emerged. In the book, Bannon expressed derision and astonishment over the meeting at Trump Tower in New York in which a Russian lawyer was said to be offering damaging information about Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, according to the book "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House" by Michael Wolff. Bannon also was quoted as saying he was sure Trump Jr. would have taken the Russians who took part in the meeting to meet his father in Trump Tower. Trump Jr. arranged the meeting and Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and then-campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, also attended. The June 9, 2016, meeting has become part of federal special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation of possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia in the election. Trump has denied any such collusion. "The three senior guys in the campaign thought it was a good idea to meet with a foreign government inside Trump Tower in the conference room on the 25th floor - with no lawyers. They didn't have any lawyers," Bannon was quoted as saying in excerpts of the book seen by Reuters. "Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad shit, and I happen to think it's all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately." Bannon also was quoted as saying, "The chance that Don Jr. did not walk these jumos up to this father's office on the twenty-sixth floor is zero." Jumo is a word meaning drunk. 'BRAIN TRUST' When an intermediary proposed the meeting, saying the Russians were offering damaging information about Clinton, Trump Jr. responded in an email, "I love it." Bannon was incredulous about the meeting shortly after it was first revealed publicly, according to the book, concluding sarcastically, "That's the brain trust they had." The Trump Organization did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Trump Jr. on the Bannon comments, first reported by the Guardian. The book, due out next Tuesday, was based on more than 200 interviews with Trump, senior White House staffers and confidantes conducted by Wolff, a contributing editor for The Hollywood Reporter, according to publisher Henry Holt. In a New York magazine article on Wednesday adapted from the book, Wolff described a campaign team looking forward to losing, from Trump and his family to staffers angling for profitable jobs after the election. When it became clear on election night that Trump would win, Donald Trump Jr told a friend that his father "looked as if he had seen a ghost. Melania was in tears - and not of joy." U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to try to help Trump win in part by hacking and releasing emails embarrassing to Clinton. Moscow has denied the allegation. In the book, Bannon also said he believed the investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Moscow will focus on money laundering. "They're going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV," Bannon was quoted as saying. Manafort and business associate Rick Gates, who also worked on Trump's campaign, pleaded not guilty in November to federal charges brought by Mueller including conspiracy to launder money and failing to register as foreign agents of Ukraine's former pro-Russian government. Bannon was scheduled to appear in the near future before the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee and will likely be questioned about the Trump Tower meeting comments, a congressional official said. Bannon became Trump's campaign manager in the months before the November 2016 election, but after the Trump Tower meeting. He served as chief White House strategist during the first eight months of Trump's turbulent presidency. He was a driving force behind Trump's nationalist and anti-globalization agenda. After being fired in August, he returned to lead the far-right Breitbart News website. (Reporting by Doina Chiacu, Steve Holland, Mark Hosenball and Jim Oliphant; Writing by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Will Dunham)
Donald Trumps hair secrets revealed in new book, based on Ivankas descriptions

Its one of the most famous structures in the world, a painstakingly crafted golden nest seen by millions every day.

But now a new book has revealed the secrets of how Donald Trumps lovingly crafted combover actually works.

Author Michael Wolff claims in Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House that Trumps daughter Ivanka frequently spilled the beans to friends on the secrets of the unusual haircut.

Trumps head, she says, is a furry circle with a section of bald pate in the middle (left after scalp-reduction surgery), and that the President sweeps his hair up to cover the bald bit.

Wolff writes: She often described the mechanics behind it to friends: an absolutely clean pate  a contained island after scalp-reduction surgery  surrounded by a furry circle of hair around the sides and front, from which all ends are drawn up to meet in the center and then swept back and secured by a stiffening spray.

Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner struck a deal for Presidents daughter to run for White House

Wolffs bombshell book also claims that the orange tinge to the presidential barnet is due to anti-grey preparations, which give Trumps hair its distinctive flame-coloured hue.

Trump has defended his hair against accusations of fakery on numerous occasions  challenging people to touch it, and saying, I do not wear a rug. My hair is one hundred percent mine.

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The Presidents long-time doctor Harold Bornstein says that Trump takes finasteride  a drug which is used to treat hair loss in men.

Dr Bornstein told the New York Times that the drug works  and that he uses it himself.

He said, He has all his hair. I have all my hair.

Dr Bornstein came to public attention in 2015, with a well-publicised letter in which he said: If elected, Mr Trump, I can state unequivocally, will be the healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency.
By Mia Galuppo , Borys Kit

Netflix has taken a shine to Bright, the streamers fantasy cop drama that debuted this December.

The streaming giant has green-lighted a sequel that is expected to reunite stars Will Smith and Joel Edgerton, along with director David Ayer.

Bright takes place in a fictional Los Angeles filled with fairies, elves and magic wands while acting as an allegory for real-world race relations. It follows a veteran cop (Smith) who reluctantly takes on a new partner, an Orc played by Edgerton, and has to protect a magical wand from law enforcement, criminals and an array of supernatural characters.

Eric Newman and Bryan Unkeless are also returning as producers.

One key player who will not be returning for round two is writer Max Landis, who was paid a reported $3 million to $4 million for his screenplay in 2016 when the project ignited a bidding war before ultimately selling to Netflix.

Ayer will be taking over scripting duties. The director commonly takes on both writer and director responsibilities on his features, including the WWII film Fury and the cop drama End of Watch.

Bright had a reported budget of $90 million, making it Netflixs first big foray into tentpole filmmaking. Rumors of a follow-up have been swirling since before the features Dec. 22 premiere, but the streamer was waiting to see how the movie performed with audiences to make anything official.

While the film was largely panned by critics, with The Hollywood Reporters John DeFore calling it plenty embarrassing, Bright is currently the No. 1 movie on Netflix in over 190 countries, and is being streamed more by international users than domestic.

According to Nielsen, an average of 11 million U.S. Netflix users streamed Bright during its first three days of release. And this is an underestimation, since Nielsen only tracks users who watched the film through a TV, not those who streamed on a computer or mobile device.

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Netflix posted an announcement on their social media channels, which can be watched in the player above.

This story was originally published on The Hollywood Reporter.

This post A Bright Sequel Is Happening Whether You Like It Or Not first appeared on Vibe.
By Andrew MacAskill LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May apologized on Thursday to tens of thousands of patients whose operations were canceled to free up staff and beds to deal with emergency patients. Earlier this week, officials at the National Health Service (NHS) in England recommended that hospitals cancel all non-urgent appointments and operations until next month. May, during a visit to a hospital outside London, said she recognized it is frustrating for patients who had their operations postponed. "I know it is difficult, I know it is frustrating, I know it is disappointing for people and I apologize," she told Sky News. A flu outbreak, colder weather and high levels of respiratory illnesses have put hospitals in England under strain with many operating at or near full capacity. The issue is potentially damaging for May, already weakened after losing a parliamentary majority in last year's election and struggling to pacify her deeply divided party as she navigates the final year of Brexit negotiations. The NHS, which delivers free care for all and accounts for a third of government spending on public services, is typically one of the most important issues for voters during elections and one which is often regarded as a weakness for May's Conservative party. Opposition parties regularly accuse the government of failing to adequately fund the health service. "Ministers refused to provide the funding top NHS officials said was necessary and now patients are paying the price," said Vince Cable, leader of the Liberal Democrats. Founded in 1948 by the opposition Labour Party, the NHS is a source of huge pride for many Britons who are able to access free care from cradle to grave. But tight budgets, an aging population and increasingly complex medical needs have left many hospitals struggling during the winter in recent years. The pressure continues to grow, according to new data on Thursday. The number of patients stuck in ambulances for at least an hour almost doubled to more 4,700 cases during the Christmas week compared with the week before. Department of Health guidelines say ambulance crews should be able to hand patients over to hospital staff within 15 minutes of arrival at hospital. The average bed occupancy for the Christmas week was 91.7 percent. Doctors say that anything above 85 percent is unsafe. The conditions have led some doctors taking to Twitter to vent their frustrations. One London-based doctor wrote that conditions were so bad that he was practicing "battlefield medicine", while another apologized for the "3rd world conditions" caused by overcrowding. (Editing by Stephen Addison)
A cryptocurrency geared at professional use is making waves. On Tuesday, Ripple surged to a valuation of over $100 billion, briefly overtaking Ethereum as the worlds second-largest cryptocurrency. Its developers tout an easy-to-use global payment system, built on the blockchain, that allows banks and other major organizations to transfer money. A surging price has investors excited, and exchanges are taking orders to buy the XRP tokens with United States dollars.

Ripple has worked with over 100 companies to improve its payment processes, listing big name clients like American Express and Santander. Last week, three major Japanese credit cards agreed to try out Ripple in an announcement that sent markets skyrocketing. The price has surged from $0.26 per token on December 2, 2017, to a high of $2.47 on January 2, a near tenfold increase in value over the space of a month. Its high valuation places it among the most valuable tokens in the world, but it still pales in comparison to Bitcoins $231 billion market cap.

Ripple has done a good job of convincing big institutions to use their currency, Eddy Travia, chief executive of blockchain advisory firm Coinsilium, told the Financial Times.

Unfortunately, Coinbase does not support Ripple right now. The simple cryptocurrency wallet, which skyrocketed to the number one spot on the iTunes store last month, still only supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. Bitcoin Cash, which has suffered a rocky rollout on the platform, is expected to become available to more markets over the coming month.

With that in mind, youll have to use a more advanced exchange.

How to buy Ripple:

1. Create an account with a supported exchange. Bitstamp, Bittrex, Kraken, and GateHub all support the buying and selling of XRP. Be sure to read reviews and check for security features like two-factor authentication before diving headfirst.

2.Deposit money into the account. This will allow you to buy XRP on the exchange.

3. Once the money has been cleared place an order to buy XRP with your money. Not all exchanges will offer directly buying XRP with USD. Kraken, for example, will require you to buy XBT first, and then buy Ripple using those tokens.

4. When the buy order clears, youre all set.

And thats it! If you want to sell your tokens again at a later date, simply follow the above instructions by buying back dollars with the XRP tokens.

Photos via Ripple

Photos via Ripple

Written by Mike Brown

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Even when women make it to what seems like the top, theyre still slightly behind.

The drama of morning television news provides the latest example. On Wednesday, Hoda Kotb revealed that she wont be earning as much money as her predecessor, the now-disgraced Matt Lauer, as co-anchor of NBCs Today show. Before he was fired for sexual misconduct, the longtime host reportedly earned $25 million a year. Kotb and her co-host, Savannah Guthrie, will each get $7 million, according to the New York Post.

Im not making Matt Lauer money. Not even close, Kotb told People magazine.

For her part, Kotb seems perfectly fine with this pay gap, despite the expected internet outrage. And in truth, its hard to definitively attribute this to clear-cut gender bias. The TV news business is complicated, and there are any number of plausible reasons why Kotb might be earning less than Lauer, a man accused of showing his penis to a female colleague in an unwelcome attempt to woo her.

Thats the thing about the gender pay gap  there are always reasons. But at the end of the day, when a woman is getting paid just 28 percent of what her male predecessor made, its hard not to put some of the blame on sexism.

Indeed, if you look more broadly at the economy, the fact that Kotb will make less than Lauer isnt actually that unusual. The gender pay gap  i.e., the difference between what men and women earn  is actually most pronounced at the top of the income ladder.

Women in the 95th percentile of income earners in the U.S. make just 71 percent of what men in the same percentile earn, according to 2016 Census data analyzed by the Economic Policy Institute. Thats a gap of 29 percent. Women in the bottom 20th percentile face a gap of 15 percent compared to men in the same cohort.

The reason is that at the top of the income ladder, theres wider variation in pay. And the very highest-paying jobs  think Goldman Sachs banker or Silicon Valley big shot  are still going to mostly men. Take lawyers: A partner in a prestigious law firm could conceivably earn $1 million a year. Those jobs are still overwhelmingly held by men  and the reasons for that are inescapably gendered. Other types of lawyers, such as those who work inside companies, may make a quarter of that, and there are many more women doing this kind of work. Meanwhile, at the bottom of the income scale, theres just less room for variation. One janitor might make a few dollars more an hour than another, but youre unlikely to find a janitor whose pay is several times that of someone else doing the same job.

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Now, theres an important exception here. Female CEOs at the biggest companies do outearn their male peers, according to some research. Thats because mega-corporations are starting to put a premium on finding female talent. Its not clear thats the situation in television news, though.

The folks at EPI helpfully put together this chart, looking at hourly wages, to help illustrate the situation. Just look at the two bars on the right side.

(Photo: Economic Policy Institute)

Of course, Hoda and Matt arent a couple of corporate lawyers. Theyre entertainers in the news business, which comes with its own set of cultural norms and rules.

Paying a newcomer less than his or her predecessor is apparently not unusual in the TV business, where proven talent is rewarded. Stephen Colbert started out making less than David Letterman hosting the same show at CBS. Trevor Noah was offered less than Jon Stewart was making to host Comedy Centrals The Daily Show.

Anchors and hosts need to prove staying power and show they are a ratings draw, writes Varietys Brian Steinberg. Over time, that makes them more valuable and more difficult to let go.

That seems convincing  until you start to think about Kotbs star power. Kotb, 53, is hardly a unknown entity. Viewers really like her: Shes been charming them since 2007 as co-anchor of the fourth-hour Today show segment she co-hosts with Kathie Lee Gifford. Their cocktail-fueled chatter is legendary.

Since Kotb took over Lauers spot, Today has drawn higher ratings.

Her far lower salary could be a sign of the decline of blockbuster TV anchor payouts, as Vanity Fair and Variety both suggested on Wednesday. But then what do we make of NBC paying Megyn Kelly a reported $17 million to do her show?

You could also look at Kotbs situation as just another example of a woman getting pushed out onto the glass cliff, a phrase coined about a decade ago by a social psychologist to describe the practice of promoting a woman or a person of color into a prestigious position at a time of turmoil or decline.

Vanity Fair also argues that Lauers salary was the result of decades of negotiations for higher and higher pay, and that newcomers rarely make as much as their predecessors for this reason.

Thats a good excuse for the pay gap here. Companies will pay big money to attract outside talent like Kelly, but its cheaper to promote someone in-house like Kotb.

We also dont know how hard Kotb pushed for a big payday.

Negotiations are always an X-factor at the top of the pay scale. And for women, theyre a gendered minefield. While men are expected to be aggressive and ambitious and ask for lots of money, women are basically taught from birth to be nice. This means they can have a tougher time asking for more  and when they do ask, they often have lower odds than white men of succeeding.

In this case, we just dont know if Kotb, or her agent, pushed for a Lauer-sized check. Its possible she is biding her time and plans to ask for a major raise after logging some more hours in the morning-show hot seat.

All Kotb would say about it was that shes fine with earning far less than Lauer.

I think the whole money thing for me, Ive always been sort of  I know it sounds ridiculous that Im going to say this, but I really have done jobs I liked for the job I liked because I never wanted to be happy every other Friday on pay day, Kotb told People. Like, I didnt want that to be the happy day. I wanted to feel good throughout.

Certainly, $7 million a year is enough to feel good. Were hardly talking about the desperate struggles of a woman on povertys edge.

Still, NBC seems to be the real winner here. Its paying far less money for someone bringing in higher ratings  and doesnt need to worry about shelling out millions to settle embarrassing sexual misconduct claims.

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
Malabo (Equatorial Guinea) (AFP) - Chad's Foreign Minister Mahamat Zen Cherif, in a visit to Equatorial Guinea after a bid to overthrow long-time President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, condemned the attempted coup as a "major threat" to central Africa.

"The attempt at destabilisation is not just an affair that only concerns Equatorial Guinea, it is also a major threat of destabilisation that concerns the entire sub-region of central Africa," he said in remarks reported by state television TVGE.

On Wednesday, Security Minister Nicolas Obama Nchama said the authorities had thwarted an attempted coup, allegedly mounted on December 24 by foreign mercenaries recruited by political opponents.

Hours after his statement, TGVE reported clashes with "mercenaries" near the border with Cameroon.

Government troops shot dead one "mercenary" and "used gunfire to disperse (others) in the forests along the border", it said, without specifying how many fighters were involved or how long the clashes lasted.

Formerly a small Spanish colony, Equatorial Guinea has become one of sub-Sahara's biggest oil producers but a large proportion of its 1.2 million population lives in poverty.

Obiang, 75, is Africa's longest-serving leader, having seized power in 1979.

Critics accuse him of brutal repression of opponents, electoral fraud and corruption. He has faced a string of coup attempts in his more-than 38-year tenure.

- 'Opposition parties' -

Cherif, who was cited by state media after he spoke with Obiang on Wednesday, called on "all countries in the sub-region to unite their efforts to deepen inquiries, not just to understand what happened here but also to establish the cause of this attempt at destabilisation."

He said he would go to Cameroon for talks with leaders there.

According to Wednesday's statement, the mercenaries were Chadian, Sudanese and Centrafricans, as citizens of the Central African Republic are called.

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"They infiltrated Kye Ossi, Ebibeyin, Mongomo, Bata and Malabo to attack the head of state, who was in the Koete Mongomo presidential palace for the year-end holiday," it said.

The "mercenaries... were recruited by Equatorial Guinean militants from certain radical opposition parties with the support of certain powers", the minister said.

The attempted infiltration had been repelled with the help of the Cameroon security services, according to the authorities.

Sources told AFP that the country's ambassador to Chad, Enrique Nsue Anguesom, who was on holiday in Equatorial Guinea's Ebibeyin district, had been arrested and was being held in a military camp.

Cameroon says that on December 27 it arrested 38 heavily armed men on its border with Equatorial Guinea, which consists of mostly dense forest territory on the African mainland and an offshore island where the capital lies.

Cameroonian security sources on Thursday said those arrested included an ex-general in the Chadian army, Mahamat Kodo Bani, who was once a senior officer in the presidential guard.

He is being held in Yaounde, the Cameroonian capital, they said.

In Gabon, which also borders Equatorial Guinea, a senior government official said "security measures" had been taken on the border.

"We are working in coordination with Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea," the source said.

- Opacity -

Facebook, Whatsapp and VPNs in Equatorial Guinea have been blocked. "There is a real lack of transparency on what's really going on," a diplomat in the region said.

Obiang took power in a coup on August 3, 1979, ousting his own uncle, Francisco Macias Nguema, who was shot by firing squad.

He was re-elected to a fifth seven-year term in 2016, gaining more than 90 percent of the vote according to the official results.

Legislative elections on November 12 last year saw the ruling party win 92 percent of the vote, a result condemned as fraudulent by dissidents.

The Citizens for Innovation (CI) opposition group on Wednesday strongly denied it had played any part in the attempted coup.
Police reports

Partner or family member assault

 Police arrested John Peck, 34, of Butte at about 3 p.m. Wednesday at Porphyry and Washington for partner or family member assault with minor injury, a misdemeanor. Peck and a woman were fighting on the street, and Peck struck the woman, according to the report. She then tried to run and tripped on a snow berm, according to police. She was transported to St. James Healthcare with minor injuries.

 Police arrested Thomas Jessen, 26, of Butte at about 10:40 p.m. Wednesday on the 1800 block of Harrison Avenue on a charge of misdemeanor partner or family member assault with minor injury. A woman alleged Jessen pushed her down in the kitchen then threw a wine glass at her before leaving the residence on the 1700 block of Longfellow. Officers found Jessen within about an hour.

Drug paraphernalia

While assisting probation and parole, police arrested Alexander Montoya, 31, of Butte at about 3 p.m. Wednesday on a misdemeanor charge of possession of drug paraphernalia and a contempt warrant. Police allegedly found scales, syringes, and pipes on Montoya on the 600 block of South Idaho Street.

Theft of lost property

Police arrested Richard Girard, 38, of Butte at about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday for a misdemeanor charge of theft of lost or mislaid property. Police were called to the Rocker weigh station off Interstates 15-90 on a report of a man with a stolen identification card. Police said they found a purse that had been stolen from a woman in December in Girards possession.

Driving on suspended license

Police arrested Jeffrey Freund, 42, of Butte at about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday on three misdemeanors: no liability insurance in effect, operating without current registration, and driving with a suspended or revoked license. Officers said they recognized Freund from a previous incident in December. When the officer approached Freunds vehicle Wednesday, he drove away, but police stopped him on the 2400 block of Locust.

Ungovernable teen

Police cited a 13-year-old boy as an ungovernable juvenile at 3 a.m. Wednesday after he took his parents vehicle and ran into a snowbank at Sampson and Wynne.
By Maggie Serota

After quotes from Michael Wolffs forth-coming tell-all Fire & Fury: Inside the Trump White House surfaced featuring ousted White House chief strategist Steve Bannon roasting the ineptitude of various Trump campaign officials and/or relatives, NBC News correspondent Peter Alexander shared a previously unquoted passage from the book.

The chance that Don Jr. did not walk these Jumos up to his fathers office of the 26th floor is zero, Bannon reportedly told Wolff, referring to the infamous 2016 Trump Tower meeting where Paul Manafort, Jared Kushner and Donald Trump Jr. met with Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya under the premise that she had dirt on Hillary Clinton.

SIREN: Steve Bannon was certain that after the (July 2016 Trump Tower) meeting, Trump, Jr. had taken the participants to see his father, per excerpts from new Michael Wolff book, Fire & Fury.

Trump has claimed he was unaware any meeting with Russians took place.  Peter Alexander (@PeterAlexander) January 3, 2018

NEW: Heres the Bannon quote regarding the July 2016 Trump Tower meeting: The chance that Don Jr. did not walk these Jumos up to his fathers office of the 26th floor is zero, per Fire & Fury. (pg. 255)  Peter Alexander (@PeterAlexander) January 3, 2018

Putting aside the fact that one of President Trumps former advisers publicly disputes his old bosss claims that he never met with Russian operatives during the campaign, the real question here is: What the fuck is a Jumo?

The consensus among Spin staffers is that Bannon was probably referring to the Russians as Jamokes, which Urban Dictionary defines as a clumsy loser who is incapable of doing normal human tasks. The term probably got lost in translation when the interview recordings were transcribed, likely by someone other than Wolff. However, the Russians managed to finagle a highly sketchy meeting with three top Trump campaign staffers with little more than an email, so who are the real jamokes here?

Story continues

Urban Dictionary does contain an entry for Jumo, which it defines as a Dominican expression for when you are extremely drunk. That entry doesnt seem to apply to this situation. An alternative definition states that Jumo is an act of total awesome-ness, which doesnt seem to fit either.

The term jamoke sounds tame for Bannon, a self-described street-fighter who always looks like he woke up three hours late for a custody hearing. After all, he reportedly called Rep. Paul Ryan a limp-dick motherfucker who was born in a petri dish at the Heritage Foundation and Hillary Clinton a fucking bull dyke. Jamoke sounds like the edited-for-television version of an insult Bannon would reserve for the Russian interlopers who might just bring down the president he once referred to as a blunt instrument for his creepy, nativist agenda.

Knowing Bannons white nationalist tendencies, it could also just be a slur he invented. We reached out to both Michael Wolff and his publisher for verification and will update if we hear back.

UPDATE: After this post went live, a few tipsters suggested that Jumos is short for Junior Moscow Officers based on a post from the unreliable lefty blog Palmer Report. Although this purely conjecture coming from a flimsy source that provides constant Snopes fodder, the explanation makes about as much sense as anything else.

This post Did Steve Bannon Invent a New Slur? first appeared on SPIN.
Anxiety, as any pet owner will tell you, isnt limited to humans. Dogs can also feel stressed out and scared, and one company claims theyve found the solution in the form of  a new outfit.

California-based company Shed Defender is going viral on Twitter for itss genius invention: dog leotards.

Its a full-coverage spandex suit for pups. The snug fit is supposed to soothe overly anxious dogs. According to the site, the Shed Defender has a calming effect once put on. It also has been used to stop the constant, antagonizing barking of small dogs.

This full-coverage spandex suit for pups is touted to help with both barking and shedding. (Photo: The Shed Defender)

Its also helpful for anxious dog parents. CEO and founder Tyson Walters designed the suit to contain the shedding of his Saint Bernard, Harley. There were tumbleweeds of hair in my car and all over my apartment. I tried every product on the market and nothing worked, so I decided to come up with something completely different, he explains on the site. Full-coverage means it also protects against fleas and ticks and can keep your pup warm in the snowy weather.

The leotard (which costs $39.99) contains all the excess shedding that would normally end up all over your car, rug, food, and life. The company advises leaving the leotard on for a few hours to a day, and make sure to brush your dog upon removal. The onesie can even stay on during walks  just be sure to unzip before your dog heads to the curb.

Of course, the best part of the Shed Defender is the style points itll earn on the sidewalk. Check out these suited-up pups:

Story continues

So my wife thought our dog needed a shed-defender. She likes it WAY more than he does. pic.twitter.com/f30gqLrnEv  Andre Hutchens (@ac_hutchens) November 4, 2017

And before you even ask, yes, it comes in leopard print.

We new prints to make sure your pup looks on Halloween! All dogs look good in Leopard print onesies right https://t.co/Og1Q5nicGC pic.twitter.com/iI3beoz1aD  Shed Defender (@ShedDefender) September 19, 2017

Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.
The Department of Justices recent request to add a question about citizenship to the 2020 census has sparked concerns that such a move would lower response rates within immigrant communities.

An inaccurate Census would have severe consequences. The survey helps determine the allocation of nearly $700 billion each year in federal money, the number of representatives each state has in the U.S. House and how other electoral districts are drawn.

Even before ProPublica reported the Department of Justice request to the Census Bureau for the citizenship question, officials already faced significant challenges in getting people to respond. Among those is convincing people that the Census Bureau, which is overseen by the Commerce Department, wont share data on individuals with other government agencies, said Arturo Vargas, the executive director of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials Educational Fund.

What has happened in the past year or so, given the political environment, is that immigrants have become much more fearful of contact with the federal government, Vargas told HuffPost. These are not just undocumented immigrants. Theyre legal permanent residents, theyre U.S. citizens who have family members who are immigrants.

Vargas, who also is a member of the Census Bureaus National Advisory Committee on Racial, Ethnic, and Other Populations, said part of this fear arises from the policies and new tone of the Trump administration toward immigrants.

So adding the citizenship question to [the census] is going to exponentially increase that hurdle to convince everybody that nothings going to happen to you if you answer this survey, he said.

The U.S. Census Bureau is evaluating the request from the U.S. Department of Justice and will process it in the same way we have historically dealt with such requests. The final list of questions must be submitted to Congress by March 31, 2018. Secretary [Wilbur] Ross will then make a decision. Our top priority is a complete and accurate 2020 Census, the bureau said Thursday in a statement.

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The Justice Department, in its Dec. 12 letter to the Census Bureau, said it needs data on non-citizens to better enforce Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. That provision prohibits the drawing of electoral maps in such a way to dilute the influence of minority votes. DOJ said the data on non-citizens would ensure districts are drawn in a way that fairly represents minority citizens.

Voting rights lawyers question that rationale, noting that the Census Bureau already asks people if they are citizens through the American Community Survey (ACS), which every year goes out to about 3 million households and extrapolates information about the U.S. population. The Justice Department said in its letter the ACS data was insufficient for voting rights enforcement and that the citizenship question should be included on the formal census, something that has not been done since 1950.

John Yang, the president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC, told HuffPost that asking about citizenship on the census would hinder the government from collecting accurate data.

Putting it in the minds of the immigrant, they will have a certain paranoia, he said. Even if they are a citizen themselves, they will say, Well, does this mean that they are asking me about my relatives that are here? How will this information be used against me. Just by its nature, because this is something that goes to the core of someones presence in the United States, they are going to be fearful.

He added that among immigrants who are not English proficient, the citizenship question would raise in them a whole host of questions of I dont want to lie, I dont want to misstate anything, so its easiest just not to answer.

John Thompson, the former Census Bureau director who resigned in May, said he would not advise adding a question about citizenship because census officials hadnt had a chance to measure how it would affect the response rate.

From a census point of view ... you dont do things until you understand the effect, he told HuffPost. Census officials dont understand the effect (of adding the citizenship question. Without being able to measure it and trying to understand how this would affect the census and the census environment, for me, it would be hard to make that recommendation.

Some lawmakers have previously tried to pass legislation requiring a citizenship question on the census. Rep. Clay Higgins (R-La.) last year unsuccessfully sought to withhold funding for the Census Bureau unless it added such a question.

Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) said in December he wants the census to count citizens separately from non-citizens and then use only the count of citizens to determine the apportionment of congressional seats. The U.S. Constitution requires congressional seats to be apportioned based on a count of all persons, not just citizens.

Terri Ann Lowenthal, who worked as staff director of the House census oversight subcommittee from 1987-1994, said that adding a question about citizenship would produce inaccuracies that would have far-ranging consequences.

Asking about citizenship will depress response rates and just lead to a completely inaccurate census in many areas, she said. Those same data must be used for redistricting, as well as the allocation of hundreds of billions of dollars a year for federal funds for vital services, as well as state funds for community purposes.

Census researchers conducting tests in preparation for 2020 already have been raising concerns about the impact of harsh immigration rhetoric on response rates. In a September memo, the researchers said field representatives and supervisors were seeing an unprecedented amount of concern about the confidentiality of census data, particularly among immigrants. The officials observed test respondents falsifying names, dates of birth, and other information on household rosters. In focus groups conducted in several languages to test messages for the census, respondents expressed concern about opening their door for a census-taker out of fear they could be deported.

Spanish-speakers brought up immigration raids, fear of government, and fear of deportation. Respondents talked about having received advice not to open the door if they fear a visit from Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, the memo said.

The researchers called the responses eye-opening because many of the respondents had participated in previous census-related testing and not expressed similar nervousness or hesitation about sharing information.

This article has been updated with a statement from the Census Bureau.

Related Coverage

Experts Are Really, Really Worried About The State Of The 2020 Census

Also on HuffPost

The sun rises behind the U.S. Capitol Dome early in the morning before the ceremonial swearing-in of President Barack Obama during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

The Capitol dome is silhouetted as the sun rises in Washington, Monday, Oct. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

The moon rises behind the U.S. Capitol Dome in Washington as Congress worked into the late evening, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012 to resolve the stalemate over the pending "fiscal cliff." (AP Photo/J. David Ake)

Dark clouds surround the Capitol dome on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, June 1, 2012, as severe weather comes to the area. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

The U.S. Capitol dome is seen on December on 17, 2010 in Washington, D.C. (KAREN BLEIER/AFP/Getty Images)

The dome of the Capitol is reflected in a skylight of the Capitol Visitor's Center in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Storm clouds fill the sky over the U.S. Capitol Building, June 13, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

Law enforcement officers line up on the lawn on the east side of the U.S. Capitol during the 32nd annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service at the U.S. Capitol May 15, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Storm clouds fill the sky over the U.S. Capitol Building, June 13, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

A U.S. flag flies at half staff on the U.S. Capitol April 15, 2013 on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

The U.S. Capitol dome and Christmas tree are seen December 18, 2011 in Washington. (KAREN BLEIER/AFP/Getty Images)

A view of the U.S. Capitol's rotunda and a TV truck's satellite dish before the State of the Union address on Capitol Hill January 25, 2011 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images)

A flag flies at half-mast over the dome of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., January 10, 2011, in honor of the six people killed in the shooting in Tucson, Arizona, that also severely wounded Arizona Representative Gabrielle Giffords. SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)

A Christmas after being lit by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif, is pictured before the Capitol Hill dome in Washington on December 7, 2010. (JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)

The Capitol Dome is seen during a rehearsal for the Inauguration Ceremony January 11, 2009. (PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP/Getty Images)

The U.S. flag flies in front of the US Capitol dome on December 24, 2008 in Washington, D.C. (KAREN BLEIER/AFP/Getty Images)

The dome of the U.S. Capitol is seen at dusk on December 9, 2008 in Washington, D.C. (KAREN BLEIER/AFP/Getty Images)

The Capitol dome is seen silhouetted against the rising sun in Washington, DC, on February 1, 2010. (JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)

The illuminated Capitol Dome is pictured late November 21, 2008 in Washington, D.C. (PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP/Getty Images)

The dome of the U.S. Capitol is seen in Washington, D.C. on September 20, 2008. (KAREN BLEIER/AFP/Getty Images)

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Donald Trump's hair is seen at a 2015 rally in Washington: REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

The mechanics behind Donald Trumps hairstyle are illuminated by his daughter Ivanka Trump in a new book.

The Presidents orange-yellow crown is perhaps his best-recognised physical feature. And according to a new book plumbing the inner workings of his presidency, it was also a target of mockery for his daughter and top aide.

Ms Trump treated her father with a degree of detachment, even irony, going so far as to make fun of his comb-over to others, Michael Wolff writes in a new book that was excerpted in New York Magazine.

As it turns out, its hue may be influenced by Mr Trumps personality. Per Ms Trump, the colouring product the President uses darkens the longer it stays on.

Impatience resulted in Trumps orange-blonde hair colour, Mr Wolff writes in Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House.

Establishing the Presidents hairstyle is more than just a matter of colour, with Ms Trump reportedly described an elaborate process to friends.

Mr Trump starts with an absolutely clean pate  a contained island after scalp-reduction surgery  surrounded by a furry circle of hair around the sides and front, from which all ends are drawn up to meet in the centre and then swept back and secured by a stiffening spray, Mr Wolff writes.

The White House has already blasted other claims made in the book, lambasting former top campaign strategist and aide Steve Bannon - who is quoted describing a campaign meeting with Russian emissaries as treasonous - as someone who has nothing to do with me or my Presidency, who has lost his mind.

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US President Donald Trump (L) listens during a meeting with Republican Members of the Senate about immigration at the White House in Washington, DC, on January 4, 2018 - AFP

Donald Trump's closest advisers believe he is incapable of functioning in his job as president, a controversial new book about his White House has claimed.

The US president is said to repeat stories word-for-word within 10 minutes and struggle to recognise old friends, according to an account by journalist Michael Wolff.

Mr Trumps lawyers went into all-out attack on Thursday by writing a cease and desist letter demanding the publishers pull the book before its release next week.

They also announced legal action against Steve Bannon, the former Trump campaign chief and adviser, for defamation after he was quoted widely in extracts.

Mr Bannon attempted to soothe Mr Trumps fury over his involvement in the book, calling him a great man who he was supporting day in and day out.

In turn, Mr Trump told reporters it was a misnomer to say the pair still talked and noted that Mr Bannon had changed his tune pretty quickly after his criticism became public.

The spectacular row has been dubbed the most vicious falling out between a president and a former aide in modern history.

On Thursday, more revelations emerged from the book Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, which is based on interviews with more than 200 people.

Steve Bannon, the former White House chief strategist Credit: AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

Some of the most controversial claims were about the ability of Mr Trump, 71, to carry out the demands of the presidency.

Mr Wolff reported that Mr Trump was known to repeat the same three stories word-for-word and expression-for-expression in 10 minutes, down from 30 minutes in the past.

He also claimed that Mr Trump failed to recognise a succession of old friends while at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida for the new year break.

Mr Wolff wrote in The Holywood Reporter that having spent time with Trump aides and family members my indelible impression  is that they all - 100 percent - came to believe he was incapable of functioning in his job.

Story continues

Sarah Sanders, the White House press secretary, said questions about Mr Trumps suitability for office were disgraceful and laughable during a White House briefing.

She said: If he was unfit he probably wouldnt be sitting there having defeated the most qualified group of candidates the Republican Party has ever seen.

Ms Sanders has previously called the book "trashy tabloid fiction".

Questions were also raised about Mr Wolffs reporting, with some commentators raising eyebrows at sections of the book where whole chunks of conversations are quoted verbatim.

Steve Bannon, the White House chief strategist, on the Time Magazine front cover. The coverage was said to have infuriated Donald Trump, his boss at the time

Mr Trump's attorney Charles Harder sent a letter to Mr Wolff and publisher Henry Holt and Co demanding no further confidential information is disclosed. The book is due to be published on January 9.

"Your publication of the false/baseless statements about Mr. Trump gives rise to, among other claims, defamation by libel, defamation by libel per se, false light invasion of privacy, tortious interference with contractual relations, and inducement of breach of contract," the letter to Mr Wolff read.

Mr Bannon was also sent a letter informing him of coming legal action, citing disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements he is said to have made to Mr Wolff.

It also emerged that the White House has banned staff from using personal mobile phones in the West Wing in an apparent attempt to cut down on leaks.

Sarah Sanders, the White House Press Secretary, said: "Starting next week the use of all personal devices for both guests and staff will no longer be allowed in the West Wing.

"Staff will be able to conduct business on their government-issued devices and continue working hard on behalf of the American people."

Donald Trump, left, and Steve Bannon before their falling out Credit: MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images

In the book, Mr Bannon is quoted as calling a meeting Mr Trumps son Donald Jr had with the Russians treacherous and unpatriotic and saying his daughter Ivanka was as dumb as a brick.

Other claims in the book  which has been strongly rebutted by the White House  include that Mr Trump thought he would lose the election and dyes his hair.

Mr Bannon pledged his support to Mr Trump in his first public comments since the row erupted as he spoke on Breitbart News Tonight, broadcast on Sirius XM radio.

The president of the United States is a great man. You know I support him day in and day out, Mr Bannon said.

Mr Trump later said to reporters on Mr Bannon: "He called me a great man last night. So he obviously changed his tune pretty quick. I dont talk to him ... thats just a misnomer."

The legal action marks a new low point in the relationship between Mr Bannon, the man most credited with getting Mr Trump into the White House, and the president.

Mr Bannon joined the US administration alongside Mr Trump but left in August 2016 to campaign through his right-wing website Breitbart News after clashing with other aides.

The legal action comes the day after Mr Trump publicly disowned Mr Bannon after revelations from the book became public.

Mr Trump said Mr Bannon had lost his mind and has nothing to do with me or my presidency.

Other allegations have begun to emerge on Thursday from the book, which is not released until next week.

Donald Trump, the US president Credit: REUTERS/Carlos Barria

The book also claims that a string of senior Trump figures made disparaging remarks about the presidents intellect, often in the crudest terms.

Aides Steve Mnuchin and Reince Priebus allegedly believed he was an idiot, national security adviser HR McMaster thought he was a dope and economic aide Gary Cohn considered him dumb as s***, according to the book.

The White House hit back against the book in the strongest terms on Wednesday, issuing a blanket rebuttal and warning people not to believe the claims.

Wow, Just looked at the comments section on Breitbart. Wow. When Bannon has lost Breitbart, hes left with . . . umm, nothing.  Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) January 3, 2018

Sarah Sanders, the White House press secretary, said: This book is filled with false and misleading accounts from individuals who have no access or influence with the White House.

Participating in a book that can only be described as trashy tabloid fiction exposes their sad desperate attempts at relevancy.

There are also political consequences to the fallout between Mr Trump and Mr Bannon, who has been running a campaign to defeat mainstream Republicans since leaving office.

Firebrand Republican candidates who had been endorsed by Mr Bannon in their quest to defeat more mainstream candidates for Congress seats distanced themselves from him.

Michael Grimm, who is considering running for a New York seat, tweeted:

My statement on President Trumps comments and the remarks attributed to Steve Bannon in Michael Wolffs upcoming book: pic.twitter.com/LqtnRhD1I3  Michael Grimm (@RealMGrimm) January 3, 2018

Kelli Ward, who is seeking to defeat mainstream Republicans for the Arizona senate seat, said:
An afternoon listening session on the draft grizzly bear recovery plan brought a few opponents and no supporters to Missoula on Wednesday.

Several scheduled speakers didnt appear due to bad driving conditions on Wednesday. Attendance figures were not available for an evening listening session.

One who did make the trip was East Glacier resident Louis Bruno.

Im one of the few people who doesnt live next to grizzly habitat  I live in grizzly habitat, Bruno said. While hes never personally seen one on his property, his remote game cameras regularly captured images of them prowling around.

We laugh at comments about not letting children out at night or letting them play in the woods, Bruno said. The last thing a grizzly bear wants to be around is a bunch of screaming kids.

On the other hand, having grizzlies around may have been the only thing that saved the Badger-Two Medicine wedge of national forest that lies between Glacier Park and the Bob Marshall, Bruno said.

When he moved to East Glacier in 1975, the area regularly saw motocross races across its midsection, and energy companies were taking leases to drill there for oil and natural gas. The grizzly joined the Endangered Species list that year. Protecting its habitat, along with concerns by the Blackfeet Indian Reservation about the areas cultural significance were main arguments for limiting development in the 130,000-acre landscape.

This is one place where the situation has gotten better for the bear, Bruno said. If not for the Endangered Species Act, I have no doubt thered be oil fields on the Badger-Two Medicine today.

Delisting the grizzly would lead to state hunting seasons, Bruno argued, and the first bears killed likely would be the ones trying hardest to link the island populations of the Northern Continental Divide and Greater Yellowstone ecosystems.

And the draft plan lacks any mechanism to connect those habitats, critic Patricia Ames said. That was just one of the objections she raised.

It appears hastily put together and greatly lacks any science-based criteria, Ames said. The plan has no measuring criteria for changes in grizzly food sources, climate shifts, road activity, increasing human populations, agricultural pressures or recreation demands, she added.

All those things should have baseline observations so grizzly bear managers in the future can track how the habitat supports its bears.

The six-hour workshop sought ideas and information about characteristics of habitat necessary to support a recovered population of grizzly bears and habitat parameters that can be measured and directly related to grizzly bear population and health.

Ames, Bruno and three others raised objections to the plan that wildlife managers would use if grizzlies in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem get delisted from Endangered Species Act protection. No one spoke in favor during the Wednesday afternoon portion of the workshop.

When the Lewis and Clark expedition into the Rocky Mountain West first encountered grizzly bears in 1805, an estimated 50,000 bears inhabited the continental United States between the Great Plains and the Pacific Coast. In 1921, biologists recorded 37 separate populations of grizzlies in the Lower 48 states. By 1975, all but six were wiped out.

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke declared the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem grizzlies recovered on June 22. About 700 grizzlies are estimated to inhabit that three-state area surrounding Yellowstone National Park. If the delisting move survives several federal lawsuits, the bears would become the responsibility of wildlife agencies in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming.

Wednesdays meeting focused on recovery plans for the largest single population of grizzlies: the roughly 1,000 that occupy the Rocky Mountains from Glacier National Park south through the Bob Marshall Wilderness complex.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grizzly recovery coordinator Hillary Cooley said additional written comments will be accepted through Friday, Jan. 26. Then she will categorize, summarize and respond if necessary to any that affect the draft design.

The main point of putting this out there is to make sure we didnt miss anything, Cooley said. The listening session is not a poll or a majority rule. Its a check to see if we used the best available science and did we consider it.

The final plan could be available this summer, although Cooley said there was no definite deadline.

Additional comments can be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal: regulations.gov. In the search box, enter the docket number FWS-R6-ES-2017-0057. Then click on the Search button. Comments may be entered by clicking on Comment Now!

Comments also can be hand-delivered or mailed to Public Comments Processing, Attn: Docket No. FWS-R6-ES-2017-0057; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS: BPHC; 5257 Leesburg Pike; Falls Church, VA 22041-3803.
President Donald Trump on Wednesday offered a fiery response to bombshell reports that Steve Bannon, his former chief strategist, had accused the president of meeting with Russian operatives after Donald Trump Jr.s meeting with them at Trump Tower in June 2016.

Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my Presidency, Trump said Wednesday in a statement. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind.

The statement continued: Now that he is on his own, Steve is learning that winning isnt as easy as I make it look.

BREAKING: Trump drops new statement, ripping into Bannon, arguing his former Chief Strategist lost his mind. pic.twitter.com/ozusZeoB7f  Peter Alexander (@PeterAlexander) January 3, 2018

Bannon was quoted by author Michael Wolff  whose tell-all book about the White House is set for release on Jan. 9  as saying there was zero chance Trump didnt know about his eldest son and son-in-law Jared Kushner meeting with Russian operatives. Bannon also called the meeting treasonous and bad shit.

A preview of the new book published in New York magazine on Wednesday offered stunning details about the chaos that has reigned at the White House since Trump took office. In the piece, Wolff claims that many people in Trumps inner circle did not think he would win the 2016 election  and that, indeed, few even wanted him to.

Bannon returned to the far-right news outlet Breitbart as executive chairman in August after he was fired as White House chief strategist. Still, he has been credited with having significant influence over Trump and his administrations agenda, even after his own departure from the West Wing.

Responding to the Bannon bombshell on Wednesday, Trump accused him of only pretending to have influence in the White House. Trump claimed that Bannon, a former member of his inner circle, was rarely in one-on-one meetings with him.

Story continues

Trumps comments Wednesday were a stark contrast with the well wishes he tweeted at the time of Bannons departure from the White House in August. In his tweets, Trump thanked Bannon for his great involvement in his 2016 presidential campaign and predicted he would be a smart new voice when he returned to Breitbart.

I want to thank Steve Bannon for his service. He came to the campaign during my run against Crooked Hillary Clinton - it was great! Thanks S  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 19, 2017

Steve Bannon will be a tough and smart new voice at @BreitbartNews...maybe even better than ever before. Fake News needs the competition!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 19, 2017

Wolffs reporting was met with pushback from elsewhere in the White House. Stephanie Grisham, communications director for first lady Melania Trump, disputed Wolffs assertions.

The book is clearly going to be sold in the bargain fiction section, Grisham told reporters in the White House pool. Mrs. Trump supported her husbands decision to run for president and in fact, encouraged him to do so. She was confident he would win and was very happy when he did.

Meanwhile, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders claimed that Wolffs book is merely trashy tabloid fiction.

This book is filled with false and misleading accounts from individuals who have no access or influence with the White House, Sanders told reporters Wednesday.

During a news briefing Wednesday afternoon, Sanders claimed that Trump and Bannon last spoke in early December.

Trump Jr. accused Bannon of spreading division and lies, and appeared to suggest that Breitbarts readers want Bannon removed from the outlet.

Wow, Just looked at the comments section on Breitbart. Wow. When Bannon has lost Breitbart, hes left with . . . umm, nothing.  Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) January 3, 2018

At least one prominent Republican appeared to be enjoying Wednesdays war of words between Trump and Bannon. An official Twitter account connected to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), whose relationship with the president has been especially tumultuous, posted an uncaptioned GIF of the senator shortly after the Bannon bombshell dropped.

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Breitbart, for its part, seemed to take Trumps fiery dig at its executive chairman in stride.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
United States President Donald Trump - Copyright (c) 2017 Rex Features. No use without permission.

North Korea called South Korea on Wednesday on a hotline that had previously remained dormant for two years, in a major diplomatic breakthrough that could pave the way towards future peace talks.

Pyongyangs state-run TV station reported on Wednesday morning that the inter-Korean communications channel in the shared border village of Panmunjom would be opened at 3pm local time [6:30 am GMT].

This was confirmed by South Koreas unification ministry who said that the North made contact via the phone line at exactly the time ordered. We have checked the communication line and are contacting each other, it said.

The breakthrough came despite an astonishing tweet late on Tuesday by US President Donald Trump, boasting that his nuclear button was bigger than North Korean dictator Kim Jong-uns.

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! he wrote, to an aghast Twitter audience.

Kims olive branch to the South followed a New Years Day speech in which he said he was open to dialogue with Seoul and to sending a team to South Koreas Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Game in February.

Hotline: In this handout image provided by the South Korean Unification Ministry, a South Korean government official checks the direct communications hotline to talk with the North Korean side at the border village of Panmunjom Credit: South Korean Unification Ministry via Getty Images

His South Korea counterpart, President Moon Jae-in, responded positively to his overtures on Tuesday with a proposal for high level talks, calling it a ground-breaking chance to improve relations.

However, initial calls to the hotline, which was first established in 1972 and is maintained by the Red Cross, went unanswered for 48 hours, reported Seouls unification ministry.

The Norths silence was broken on Wednesday morning by Ri Son-gwon, the head of Pyongyangs agency handling inter-Korean affairs.

North Korean state television has carried an unscheduled recorded relay of an announcement about the decision to reopen a communication channel with South Korea. pic.twitter.com/MJEZNjr34W  BBC Monitoring (@BBCMonitoring) January 3, 2018

By upholding a decision by the leadership, we will make close contact with South Korea in a sincere and faithful manner, he said. We will discuss working-level issues over our potential dispatch of the delegation.

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He did not specify whether the North would accept Seouls offer for talks on January 9 but said that Kim highly appreciated and welcomed President Moons support of his peace offer.

The two nations, who are still technically on a war-footing, have not held a high-level dialogue since December 2015. Pyongyang then cut off the hotline in February 2016 in protest at Seouls closure of the Kaesong joint industrial complex following a North Korean nuclear test.

President Moons press secretary called the restoration of the hotline very significant.

In his New Years speech, Kim spoke of lowering tensions and melting frozen North-South relations.

US President Donald Trump appeared to take credit for early signs of a thaw in relations between the North and South, claiming that his pressure on Pyongyang with increased sanctions and threats of military actions was having a big impact".

Mr Trump tweeted on Tuesday that rocket man [Kim Jong-un] now wants to talk to South Korea for the first time. Perhaps that is good news, perhaps not  we will see!

North Korea | Kim Jong-uns fiery relationship with the US
The New York Daily News has branded President Donald Trumps feud with former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon a cuck fight.

The tabloid edited the warring pairs heads onto the bodies of fighting chickens for its Thursday cover:

August 2017: "I want to thank Steve Bannon for his service."



January 2018: "When (Steve Bannon) was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind."



Life comes at you fast: https://t.co/e3XLd4xDG9 pic.twitter.com/jP1rehvnoI  New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) January 3, 2018

Its headline played on the word cuck, a term often used by the alt-right to belittle liberals. It comes from cuckold, or a man whose wife is unfaithful.

The cover was published amid an escalation in tensions between the former colleagues. On Wednesday, Trump took aim at Bannon in a statement after the former staffer reportedly slammed his administration in Michael Wolffs upcoming book Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House.

The New York Post also riffed on the feud:

Tomorrow's cover: In a Shakespearean twist, Steve Bannon called Donald Trump Jr.'s meeting with Russians "treasonous," prompting President Trump to say his former chief strategist had "lost his mind" https://t.co/GYUYfMa07p pic.twitter.com/0oGv4rDjyW  New York Post (@nypost) January 4, 2018

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2017 was the safest year ever to fly anywhere in the world, according to a study released Monday. There were only two fatal commercial air accidents worldwide last year, which the report itself says was a combination of globally strong safety standards and a bit of a statistical fluke. Some welcome good fortune amid last years general awfulness.

Speaking of which, President Donald Trump has a pretty good idea who is responsible for this remarkable record: President Donald Trump.

Since taking office I have been very strict on Commercial Aviation, Trump tweeted Tuesday. Good news - it was just reported that there were Zero deaths in 2017, the best and safest year on record!

Its only by the standard of Trumps previous tweets that we say this isnt even that wrong, in that its only incorrect in about three fundamental ways as opposed to completely bullshit. Well, his bit about being very strict on commercial aviation probably fits in that category, given his only significant aviation-related move of 2017 was promising to privatize air traffic control, which would likely make things less strict for commercial airlines, not more, and his general push for deregulation includes some proposed changes to Federal Aviation Administration rules. In neither case has anything concrete happened yet, though.

But leaving aside that bit of depressingly routine presidential chest-thumping, lets consider the heart of the tweet, which is that it was just reported that there were Zero deaths in 2017, the best and safest year on record. There at least is recognizable citation for this particular presidential claim: The Netherlands-based aviation consultancy to70 published its annual review of air safety on Monday.

It found that there were just 111 accidents in 2017, only two of which  both involving smaller turbo-prop planes  resulted in deaths. Only 13 people died in commercial air travel in 2017, or about one fatal accident per 16 million flights.

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President Trump at an appearance at a Boeing plant in South Carolina in 2017.

You will probably notice 13 deaths is not the same thing as zero deaths. Here we need to disentangle two things Trump has conflated: Global air safety, which the to70 study considered, and American air safety, which Trump is claiming his strictness is responsible for. Last years two accidents happened in Angola and Russia respectively, meaning Trump is technically correct to say zero deaths occurred in 2017 in the context of American commercial air travel.

But thats missing a pretty basic bit of context: There hasnt been a fatal air crash in the United States since the first month of Barack Obamas first term. Colgan Air Flight 3407 crashed on February 12, 2009, while en route from Newark to Buffalo, killing all 50 people aboard.

The U.S. has since been accident-free. If Trumps self-proclaimed strictness was responsible for 2017s sterling safety record, then Obamas corresponding policies deserve at least equal credit for keeping the commercial skies safe for almost his entire eight-year term.

That, however, misses a key point of the to70 study, which is that the number of deaths or total fatal accidents isnt an especially good metric for judging air safety as a whole. Generally strong safety standards worldwide kept the accident rate low enough that it was within the bounds of random variation for just 13 people to die in crashes last year, but 2017 wouldnt have been meaningfully less safe if, say, 300 people had died in a few more crashes.

Statistically speaking, in a dataset that starts with over thirty million flights, there is little difference between two accidents and ten accidents, the group writes. That this years accidents only resulted in 13 fatalities is even greater fortune.

Take 2016, for instance: to70s review for that year found there were actually 40 fewer crashes than this past year, but 271 people died in seven fatal incidents among those 71 crashes. Again, in the context of millions of total flights, it isnt really statistically meaningful to say 2017 was more or less safe than 2016. Yes, 271 feels like a lot more than 13, but those are just variances of luck.

Still, both years speak to how constant improvements to aircraft technology and a global commitment to civil aviation safety have kept the number of crashes historically low, including almost nine years without a fatal accident in the United States. If Trump wants to keep it that way, he would probably do best to continue not doing any of the things he has promised to do with civil aviation.

Photos via Getty Images / Sean Rayford, Flickr / masak2_ukon

Photos via Getty Images / Sean Rayford, Flickr / masak2_ukon

Written by Alasdair Wilkins

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CAIRO (Reuters) - An Egyptian prosecutor has ordered the detention of 75 people following an investigation into suspected human trafficking, state media reported on Thursday. A 14-month investigation by the Administrative Control Authority, the country's anti-corruption body, found that the group was made of government officials, Egyptian citizens, and foreigners, state news agency MENA said. Authorities arrested the defendants in raids across the country, from the capital Cairo to the northern city of Kafr el-Sheikh. The probe showed that they were involved in "bribery, profiting from public office, forging official documents, and human trafficking" among a host of other offences. Egypt passed legislation in 2016 to crack down on a growing smuggling industry along its northern seaboard. The law imposes prison terms and fines on those found guilty of smuggling potential migrants or acting as brokers or middlemen. It also imposes prison sentences on those who provide shelter to trafficked migrants, and gather, transport or otherwise facilitate their journey. (Reporting by Ahmed Tolba and Haitham Ahmed; Writing by Nadine Awadalla, Editing by William Maclean)
A litter of newborn puppies died from prolonged exposure to the frigid outdoor temperatures in Knox County, Illinois, just one day after Christmas, according to WQAD.

The black lab mix's owner had apparently been keeping her outside in below-freezing temperatures and didn't even realize she was pregnant until she gave birth on Dec. 26.

After noticing the litter of puppies, the dog's owner called the Knox County Humane Society for assistance.

Sadly, eight of the pups froze to death before rescuers were able to transport them back to the shelter, and only one from the litter survived.

Photos of the mom and surviving puppy:

"I think it was just one of those unfortunate things where the dog just lived there and was just fed daily, and that was about it," said Curt Kramer, who works for the Knox County Humane Society.

"It is sad when you lose animals like that... to know they probably would have been saved if they would have been inside or somewhere where it was warmer, rather than outside."

Kramer also told WQAD that the mother dog was on the brink of dying from exposure, too.

"Her body temperature was very low. It was below 95, and that's when you start worrying about hypothermia in a dog. Her skin was cold to the touch, her ears were cold to the touch," he said.

Both the mother dog and her surviving puppy were surrendered to the humane society, where they will be treated and eventually put up for adoption.

"They're both doing really well, and we'll see what happens," said Kramer.
Malabo (Equatorial Guinea) (AFP) - Clashes were reported in Equatorial Guinea near the border with Cameroon on Wednesday, shortly after the West African state said it had thwarted a coup against President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, Africa's longest-serving leader.

Government troops had shot dead a "mercenary" and "used gunfire to disperse them in the forests along the border", state television TVGE said, without specifying how many "mercenaries" were involved or how long the clashes lasted.

Reports of the shooting came after Security Minister Nicolas Obama Nchama said in a statement on public radio that an attempted coup had been mounted on December 24, allegedly by foreign mercenaries recruited by political opponents.

"A group of Chadian, Sudanese and Centrafricans [citizens of the Central African Republic] infiltrated Kye Ossi, Ebibeyin, Mongomo, Bata and Malabo to attack the head of state, who was in the Koete Mongomo presidential palace for the year-end holiday," he said.

The "mercenaries... were recruited by Equatorial Guinean militants from certain radical opposition parties with the support of certain powers", the minister said.

The attempted infiltration had been repelled thanks to an operation carried out "in collaboration with the Cameroon security services", he said.

Sources told AFP that the country's ambassador to Chad had been arrested and was being held in a military camp.

Formerly a Spanish colony, Equatorial Guinea is one of sub-Sahara's biggest oil producers but a large proportion of its 1.2 million population lives in poverty.

Obiang, in power for more than 38 years, is accused by critics of brutal repression of opponents, electoral fraud and corruption.

- Ambassador arrested -

Wednesday's announcement came after Cameroon on December 27 arrested 38 heavily armed men on the border with the tiny state.

Two days later, Equatorial Guinea's ambassador to France, Miguel Oyono Ndong Mifumu, referred to the incident as an "invasion and destabilisation attempt".

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The suspects, taken into custody in a bus on the border, had rocket launchers, rifles and a stockpile of ammunition, according to his office.

On Saturday, the 75-year-old Obiang said "a war" was being prepared against his regime, "because they say I have spent a lot of time in power".

The same day, the country's ambassador to Chad, Enrique Nsue Anguesom, was arrested in the district of Ebibeyin, on Equatorial Guinea's border with Cameroon, one of his cousins and a senior police officer told AFP on Wednesday, speaking on condition of anonymity.

He was being held in a military camp in Bata, Equatorial Guinea's economic capital, "in connection with the investigation concerning the arrests" on December 27, said one of the sources.

Sources said Equatorial Guinea's borders with Gabon and Cameroon were closed on December 27. Other sources said reinforcements had been sent to the frontier with Cameroon. Officials could not be reached to confirm these accounts.

- Contested regime -

Obiang took power in a coup on August 3, 1979, ousting his own uncle, Francisco Macias Nguema, who was shot by firing squad.

He was re-elected to a fifth seven-year term in 2016, gaining more than 90 percent of the vote, according to the official results.

Legislative elections on November 12 last year saw the ruling party win 92 percent of the vote, a result condemned as fraudulent by dissidents.

The Citizens for Innovation (CI) opposition group, which secured one out of the 100 seats in the legislature, later reported that at least 50 of its members were detained after the ballot.

Its leader, Gabriel Nse Obiang, denied Wednesday that the CI had played any part in the attempted coup.

"I have no idea what they're talking about," Nse Obiang said, reached by phone from the capital Malabo. "The authorities are unable to come up with any proof."

"Is the real problem that we are a serious opposition party who does not want to play along with the regime?" he asked.

In 2004, mercenaries attempted to overthrow Obiang in a coup thought to be largely funded by British financiers.

Mark Thatcher, son of former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher, was reportedly involved in the funding and was convicted and fined in South Africa.

In October last year, a French court handed down a three-year suspended jail term to Obiang's son, Teodorin, who is also vice president, after convicting him of siphoning off public money to fund a jet-set lifestyle in Paris.

He was accused of spending more than 1,000 times his official annual salary on a six-storey mansion in a posh part of the French capital, a fleet of fast cars and artworks, among other assets. His lawyers said they would appeal the ruling.
Budapest (AFP) - Poland and Hungary are winning the battle against the EU over immigration, the two countries' premiers said Wednesday, with Hungary's Viktor Orban predicting "a year of great confrontations" with Brussels.

"The dial is turning in our direction," Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said in Budapest, showing a united front with Orban in his first bilateral trip since being appointed last month.

The European Union is taking Hungary, Poland and also the Czech Republic to court over their refusal to accept EU mandatory quotas for asylum-seekers decided by a majority of member states in 2015.

"Member states must decide who they what to let in," Morawiecki said, adding that there were signs in recent elections in Europe that immigration is becoming "an even hotter potato".

The vote in October in neighbouring Austria, that brought in a rightwing government hostile to immigration to power, showed that "Europe is a democratic continent", agreed Orban.

"People that don't want immigration elected a government that doesnt want immigration either," he said, referring to the win by Austria's new Chancellor Sebastian Kurz.

"This will happen (elsewhere) in Europe, it is only a matter of time... You can call it populism but what people want should happen," he said.

Some countries in western Europe are entering "post-Christian, post-national" eras, but it was "impossible" that Hungary would be "forced by anyone into that direction", Orban said.

- Souring relations -

But Brussels's relations with Hungary and Poland's nationalist governments have soured dramatically in other areas too, and Morawiecki's visit was seen as confirmation of their growing solidarity.

On December 20 the European Commission launched unprecedented disciplinary proceedings against Poland over judicial reforms which Brussels says threaten the rule of law.

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Poland's government says the reforms are needed to combat corruption and overhaul the judicial system still haunted by the communist era.

Never before used against an EU member state, the proceedings could lead to the "nuclear option" of the suspension of Poland's voting rights within the bloc.

However, any possible sanctions would need unanimous support of all EU members -- apart from Poland -- and Orban's government has said Budapest will use its veto.

- 'Attack on all' -

Last month Orban said during a Hungarian radio interview that "if someone attacks Poland, they attack the whole of Central Europe".

Brussels is however hoping the start of proceedings will have significant symbolic power.

The EU is also suing Hungary over Budapest's crackdown on universities and civil society groups that receive foreign funding.

The legislation is seen as targeting Hungarian-born financier and philanthropist George Soros, who funds non-governmental organisations throughout central and eastern Europe.

In power with a sweeping majority since 2010, 54-year-old Orban is tipped to easily win a third consecutive term in office at a general election expected in April.

In a campaign letter to supporters Tuesday he said the vote would decide whether Hungary would remain "a country of Hungarians...or a country of immigration".
Eva Longoria already has plenty to be grateful for in 2018.

The 42-year-old actress and producer, who will become a mother this year, celebrated New Years Day by sharing a photo on Instagram of family members caressing her pregnant belly.

New year, new adventures! Im so grateful to my beautiful family for giving this new baby so much love already! #HappyNewYear#2018, she wrote in the caption on Monday.

A post shared by Eva Longoria Baston (@evalongoria) on Jan 1, 2018 at 8:46am PST

Longorias reps confirmed the actress was four months pregnant with a baby boy late last month. The Desperate Housewives star married Televisa president Jose Antonio Baston in May 2016. This will be the couples first child together and Bastons fourth.

Actress Olivia Munn was the first to post a photo of a pregnant Longoria while the two friends celebrated Christmas Eve in Miami.

A post shared by Olivia Munn (@oliviamunn) on Dec 24, 2017 at 1:15pm PST
Anaconda entrepreneur Rick Tabish has told an Anaconda board that BitPower, LLC, has purchased the MSE Technology Applications site south of Butte.

According to the draft minutes of the Tax Increment Financing Industrial District board meeting late in December, Tabish told the board members, Bitcoin has also purchased MSE and will run 50 to 60 megawatts until the Anaconda facility is up and running.

Tabish did not return phone calls. MSE Technology Applications Chief Executive Officer Helen Joyce also did not return multiple calls. BitPower LLC Vice President Scott Mosebach did not return phone calls.

NorthWestern Energy spokesperson Butch Larcombe said NWE cant comment on existing or potential customers.

The meeting took place at 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 26. Tabish was there to speak on behalf of BitPower to request a lease agreement to build a server farm in Anacondas industrial area. (See related story.) Tabish has been the spokesperson for a separate deal in Anaconda's Mill Creek industrial district to construct a slag processing plant that's been in the works for a couple of years.

BitPower, LLC, reached an agreement with Anacondas school board last month to purchase the W.K. Dwyer Elementary School in the Smelter City to use as a training facility for the proposed Mill Creek server farm. The server farm will warehouse computers for bitcoin "mining."

Bitcoin, a cryptocurrency, was started in 2008 by an anonymous entity known only as Satoshi Nakamoto. The bitcoin is not something you hold in your hand. Bitcoins are "mined" when a computer solves a puzzle and is awarded bitcoin. The more computers working together to solve the puzzles, the greater the likelihood of winning the bitcoin. Bitcoin is becoming increasingly recognized. Wall Street has begun to trade against it. Some companies, such as Microsoft, have begun to accept it for purchases.

This week, the value of a Bitcoin is approximately $15,000.

Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Chief Executive Bill Everett also told the Anaconda Leader in mid-December that BitPower investors had purchased an industrial site in Butte in mid-December.

Everett said by phone Wednesday that he doesnt have any details on that.

Someone close to the situation speculated that there may be a nondisclosure agreement attached to the purchase agreement, and that is why no one is willing to talk on the record.

Mick Ringsak, an MSE supporter who oversaw the U.S. Small Business Administration for an eight-state region under President George W. Bush, said hes heard there is something happening, at the MSE site.

Butte Local Development Corp. President Joe Willauer said the BLDC is not involved but he said hes also heard somethings happening" with the site.

But according to the Department of Revenue, MSE Technology Applications still owns the site at 200 Technology Way.

The Butte-Silver Bow County land board did not have record of a sale as of Wednesday.

Calls to B-SB Chief Executive Dave Palmer and Director of Community Development Karen Byrnes were not returned. Emilie Ritter Saunders, public information officer for the Commerce Department, said her office is "not aware of a potential purchase of MSE Technology Applications by BitPower, LLC."

The 53-acre site, formally known as the Mike Mansfield Advanced Technology Center, fell on hard times in recent years and everything on it, down to the buildings themselves, went on the auction block late last year.

Built in the 1970s, MSE began as a federally funded operation to test clean coal technology. Its operations evolved to include other things over the years, but dependent on federal contracts, MSE struggled when those federal earmarks dried up a few years ago.

MSEs owners  the Montana Economic Revitalization and Development Institute (MERDI)  have tried to save the complex with various deals, but efforts to save the property never came to fruition.

A call to MERDI President and CEO Jim Kambich was not returned.

Ringsak said he doesnt know if the buildings, along with about 15 acres of land, sold or not. The property includes its own generating station, which could be attractive to an electricity-dependent operation such as a bitcoin server farm.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A former U.S. National Security Agency contractor has agreed to plead guilty to stealing classified information, according to court filings on Wednesday, in what may have been the largest heist of U.S. government secrets in history.

Harold Martin is scheduled to plead guilty to one count of willful retention of national defense information at a federal court in Baltimore on Jan. 22, according to the filings.

Prosecutors said Martin, who was indicted last February, spent up to 20 years stealing highly sensitive government material from the U.S. intelligence community related to national defense, collecting a trove of secrets he hoarded at his home in Glen Burnie, Maryland.

Authorities said they seized 50 terabytes of data from Martin's home, which officials said could be the biggest theft of classified information in U.S. history.

The government has not said what, if anything, Martin did with the stolen data.

He faces up to 10 years in prison on the single count. Martin has not struck a plea deal with prosecutors and could still be tried on the remaining 19 counts in the indictment, the court filings said.

A lawyer for Martin did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The NSA has been hit by a series of damaging data breaches in recent years.

In December, former NSA employee Nghia Hoang Pho pleaded guilty to illegally taking classified information that an intelligence official said was later stolen from his home computer by Russian hackers.

Martin worked for Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp when he was taken into custody in August 2016.

Booz Allen also employed Edward Snowden, who leaked a trove of secret files to news organizations in 2013 that exposed vast domestic and international surveillance operations carried out by the NSA.

Martin was employed as a private contractor by at least seven companies, working for several government agencies beginning in 1993 after serving in the U.S. Navy for four years, according to the indictment.

Story continues

His positions, which involved work on highly classified projects involving government computer systems, gave him various security clearances that routinely provided him access to top-secret information, it said.

The indictment also alleged that Martin stole documents from U.S. Cyber Command, the CIA and the National Reconnaissance Office.

(Reporting by Eric Beech; Editing by Peter Cooney)
An explosive new book claiming to have the inside scoop on Donald Trump's White House is going on sale early due to "unprecedented demand," the publisher has said.

Michael Wolff's Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House sparked outcry and threats of legal action from the administration after scandalous, advance excerpts were published in several different outlets.

Attorneys for Mr Trump sent cease and desist letters to Mr Wolff and his publisher, demanding that the book's release be halted. The letters also threatened possible libel charges.

The publisher, Henry Holt, appears not to have heeded the warnings.

"Due to unprecedented demand, we are moving the on-sale date for all formats of 'Fire and Fury,' by Michael Wolff, to Friday, January 5, at 9 am ET, from the current on-sale date of Tuesday, January 9," a Henry Holt spokeswoman told CNN on Thursday.

Mr Wolff also confirmed the book's early release, tweeting: "Here we go. You can buy it (and read it) tomorrow. Thank you, Mr. President."

The White House has repeatedly derided the book, which claims  among other things  that Melania Trump was unhappy when her husband was elected, and that Mr Trump was seen as "no more than semi-literate.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders slammed the book in a press conference, calling it "lies" from "some trash from an author no one has ever heard of before today."

This book is mistake after mistake after mistake, she said.

An excerpt from Mr Wolffs book claims the author conducted more than 200 interviews with the President, his senior staff, and others over an 18-month period.

Attorneys for Mr Trump have also sent a cease and desist letter to former presidential adviser Steve Bannon, who is quoted extensively in the book. Among other things, the former chief strategist is quoted as calling first daughter Ivanka Trump "dumb as a brick," and claiming a Trump campaign meeting with a Russian lawyer was "treasonous".

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The letter accuses Mr Bannon of breaking his employment agreement with the Trump Organisational and defaming the President, according to the Washington Post. It also orders him to stop communicating confidential or disparaging information, and to preserve all records in preparation for imminent legal action.

Mr Trump also issued a personal statement in which he claimed Mr Bannon had "lost his mind".

"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," he said.

Mr Bannon said in an interview that he still supports the President, and believes he is "a great man".
Four members of the Weiss family, from Belleair, Floridaalong with five members of the Steinberg family of New Yorkdied when their single-engine plane crashed into a hill while traveling to San Jose, Costa Ricas capital, on New Years Eve. The crash left no survivors, killing both families, two crew members and a 33-year-old tour guide.

Friends and colleagues are speaking out about the devastating loss, and say parents Mitchell Weiss, 52 and Leslie Weiss, 50, and their two teenage children, Hannah Weiss, 19, and Ari Weiss, 16, were a caring family who were passionate about their community and devoted to their Jewish faith.

The family was a group of caring, talented and smart people who all looked out for each other and cared so deeply about each other, one of Hannahs best friends, Jillian Axelrod, 20, tells PEOPLE. They were very involved in all of their communities, and especially the Jewish community.

The siblings were members of the southeastern chapter of United Synagogue Youth, where Hannah was involved in social justice projects and helped to give more than $100,000 to help those in need, while Ari was serving as the southeastern chapter president, according to a Facebook post from the organization. Axelrod says she met Hannah last year on their first day at List College in New York City, where they were both pursuing dual bachelors degrees in a program with Columbia University. Their bond led to them moving in together with another good friend.

Hannah Weiss

She was the most caring person that I have ever met in my life. She was unbelievably thoughtful, to the point where, if one of her friends was having a bad day, she would just go way out of her way to get them all of their favorite treats, she says. She loved writing people handwritten notes and leaving little surprises on peoples beds. She was the most deeply passionate person Ive ever met.

Axelrod says Hannah walked the walk and was dedicated to sustainable living, remaining conscious about the food and clothes she bought. But of all her passions, it seems her she was most dedicated to her younger brother, Ari.

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Mitchell and Ari Weiss

They were best friends, she was his biggest fan. He was really into singing and music. He wrote his own songs, and they brought us all to tears, Axelrod recalls. Hannah would have us all sit around in our common room and have us all be silent and she would play his songs on the speaker, and she would tear up by how proud of him she was.

Hannah loved her family, she adds, and would light up when any of them came to New York to visit.

Both of her parents were incredibly smart, funny people, she says. She and her dad would just text weird jokes back and forth and her dad just had an amazing sense of humor that she shared.

Both of her parents were doctors at Morton Plant Hospital, located in Clearwater, FloridaLeslie as a neonatal pediatrician, and Mitchell the head of interventional radiology.

Leslie Weiss

We were deeply grieved this morning to learn of the deaths of two beloved members of our teamDrs. Mitchell and Leslie Weiss, said Kris Hoce, president Morton Plant Hospital, in a statement to PEOPLE. Their lives and medical skills have touched so many in and around our community, and we are forever grateful to them. Our sympathies go out to their extended family and many friends who are also trying to process this tragic news.

Our @Shorecrest community grieves for the loss of the Weiss family; Ari, Hannah, and their parents Mitch and Leslie. We are so fortunate to have had the time we did with such remarkable people. Please pray for their extended family. pic.twitter.com/qCJkQ8JGV0  Thomas J Dillow (@ThomasDillow) January 1, 2018

In a statement, the Radiology Associates of Clearwater said Mitchell was a skilled interventional radiologist who will be sorely missed by his partners, his medical team and the patients whose lives he touched. Douglas Koppang, director of operations at the health solutions group, MEDNAX, says Leslie was a valued team member, and her loss has left the company grief-stricken.

No words will ever express how much we will miss her compassion and talent she displayed as she served others, Koppang said in a statement provided to PEOPLE.

As of Tuesday, funeral and memorial arrangements have not been finalized, according to the familys synagogue, Congregation Bnai Israel, in St. Petersburg, Florida.

This is a truly devastating loss to their families, our CBI family and the larger Pinellas County community, the synagogue said in a statement to PEOPLE.
Montreal (AFP) - A Canadian man who was held captive by a faction of the Afghan Taliban for five years has been arrested on 15 charges including sexual assault, illegal confinement and issuing death threats, according to reports on Tuesday.

Joshua Boyle was freed last October along with his American wife Caitlan Coleman and their three children born in captivity.

The identity of the alleged victim was being withheld by a court, according to Boyle's lawyer Eric Granger.

Granger added his client was "presumed innocent" and had never been in any form of legal trouble before.

"We look forward to receiving the evidence and defending him against these charges," he said, adding Boyle would appear before a court in Ottawa on Wednesday.

According to news channel CTV, Boyle is facing eight counts of assault, two counts of sexual assault and two counts of unlawful confinement, as well as one each of misleading police to "divert suspicion from himself," uttering a death threat, and administering a noxious substance, Trazodone.

In a statement to The Toronto Star and published on the newspaper's website, Boyle's wife would not comment on the specific charges "but I can say that ultimately it is the strain and trauma he was forced to endure for so many years and the effects that that had on his mental state that is most culpable for this."

She said "with compassion and forgiveness that I... hope help and healing can be found for him."

Coleman added that she and the children were healthy.

Boyle and Coleman, who have been married since 2011, were kidnapped by the Taliban during what they described as a backpacking trip through war-torn Afghanistan in 2012, and were later transferred to the custody of the Haqqani faction, known for its alleged ties to the Pakistani military.

They were freed on October 12, but refused to board a US military plane. Boyle, a Muslim convert and long-time advocate of freed Guantanamo inmate Omar Khadr, cited fears over his background.

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Upon his arrival in Toronto two days later Boyle accused his captors of raping his wife and killing his baby daughter, a fourth child -- allegations swiftly refuted by the Taliban's spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.

Mujahid admitted a baby had died but said it was a result of a natural miscarriage.

A month later Coleman also spoke of a sexual "assault" by two of her captors in an interview with ABC news.

Boyle has been an outspoken advocate for Omar Khadr, a Canadian captured at the age of 15 in 2002 in Afghanistan and held at Guantanamo Bay before being transferred to Canada and later released.

He married Khadr's sister in 2009.

Pakistan's military says the family was freed in a daring rescue operation.

But some US and Canadian officials have questioned that account, suggesting to news outlets it may have involved a "negotiated handover" with the Haqqani network which Islamabad is said to covertly back.
(OTTAWA, Ontario)  Canadian Joshua Boyle, his American wife and their children endured a long captivity in Afghanistan before they were rescued last fall and returned to Canada. Now hes facing 15 charges including sexual assault, forcible confinement and administering a noxious drug.

Boyle, his wife Caitlan and their three children were freed in October in Pakistan, five years after the couple was abducted by a Taliban-linked militant group while on a backpacking trip in neighboring Afghanistan. The children were born in captivity.

Court documents obtained Tuesday say the charges include eight counts of assault, two accounts of sexual assault, two counts of unlawful confinement and one count of causing someone to take a noxious thing, namely Trazodone, an antidepressant. There is also a charge of uttering a death threat and a charge of misleading a police officer. The purported acts allegedly occurred between Oct. 14 and Dec. 30 after Boyle returned to Canada.

A publication ban bars reporting any information that could identify the alleged victims.

A hearing on the case was scheduled for Wednesday in Ottawa, but Boyles lawyer told The Associated Press that Boyle would not attend in person. He said Boyle was in custody.

Ottawa police declined comment. Eric Granger, Boyles attorney, said he had not yet seen the court documents.

There are a number of charges, Granger said in an email. Mr. Boyle is presumed innocent. Hes never been in trouble before. No evidence has been provided yet, which is typical at this early stage. We look forward to receiving the evidence and defending him against these charges.

In a statement to the Toronto Star, Boyles wife wrote, I cant speak about the specific charges, but I can say that ultimately it is the strain and trauma he was forced to endure for so many years and the effects that that had on his mental state that is most culpable for this.

Obviously, he is responsible for his own actions, she added, but it is with compassion and forgiveness that I say I hope help and healing can be found for him. As to the rest of us, myself and the children, we are healthy and holding up as well as well we can.

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Boyle told The Associated Press in October that his wife had been hospitalized in Ottawa, but did not specify why she was taken to the hospital.

Boyle also told AP that week that he and his wife decided to have children even while held captive because they always planned to have a big family.

Were sitting as hostages with a lot of time on our hands, Boyle said. We always wanted as many as possible, and we didnt want to waste time. Caits in her 30s, the clock is ticking.

Boyle said then that their three children were 4, 2 and somewhere around 6 months.

Honestly weve always planned to have a family of 5, 10, 12 children  Were Irish, haha, he wrote in an email in October.

The parents of Caitlan Boyle, who is from Stewartstown, Pennsylvania, said after the rescue that they were elated she had been freed, but they also expressed anger at their son-in law for taking their pregnant daughter to Afghanistan.

Pakistani soldiers rescued the family in an operation Oct. 11 aimed at their captors from the Taliban-linked Haqqani group. The Pakistanis caught the Haqqani fighters at some point after they had moved with their captives across the border from Afghanistan. Pakistans Foreign Ministry said the operation was based on a tip from U.S. intelligence.

Boyle was once briefly married to Zaynab Khadr, the older sister of former Guantanamo Bay detainee Omar Khadr and the daughter of a senior al-Qaida financier who had contacts with Osama bin Laden.

The Canadian-born Omar Khadr was 15 when he was captured by U.S. troops following a firefight and was taken to the U.S. detention center at Guantanamo Bay. Officials had discounted any link between that background and Boyles capture, with one describing it in 2014 as a horrible coincidence.

Boyle and his family met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the leaders office last month.
By David Ljunggren

OTTAWA (Reuters) - A Canadian court on Wednesday postponed a bail hearing for former Taliban hostage Joshua Boyle, who was arrested on Saturday and faces criminal charges including assault, sexual assault and forcible confinement.

The charges, filed on Monday, are for crimes prosecutors said occurred in Canada after Boyle and his family returned to the country last October. Boyle and his wife Caitlan Coleman were kidnapped in October 2012 while backpacking in Afghanistan.

When they returned to Canada with three children born in captivity, Boyle said a fourth child had been murdered and his spouse raped after their capture by the Taliban-allied Haqqani network. The Taliban denied the accusations of rape and murder.

Boyle, 34, appeared in an Ottawa courtroom on Wednesday via video link dressed in an orange prison jumpsuit. He confirmed his name, but did not enter a plea to the charges.

He is due to appear again in court on Jan. 8.

The court imposed a publication ban that prevents media from reporting on information that could identify any victims or witnesses. The ban also prohibits reporting on the details of the bail hearing.

The charges include eight counts of assault, two counts of sexual assault, two counts of forcible confinement and one count of uttering death threats.

Boyle has retained the services of Lawrence Greenspon, one of Canada's leading criminal defence lawyers.

"Mr. Boyle is presumed innocent of all charges. He has no criminal record and has never been in trouble with the police," Greenspon said in an e-mailed statement.

"As Mr. Boyle has only just been charged, we are waiting to receive more information about these allegations so that we can respond to them appropriately in court," Greenspon said. He declined to comment further.

A sign attached to the door of the Boyle apartment in Ottawa said family members would not be speaking to the media and requested privacy. The Canadian Broadcasting Corp posted a picture of the notice on its website.

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U.S. officials said Boyle and his family spent almost all of their five years of confinement in neighbouring Pakistan, which is where they were freed by Pakistani troops.

The family met Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in his Parliament Hill office last month. Photos released on Twitter showed Trudeau holding the youngest child in his lap.

(Reporting by David Ljunggren and Anna Mehler Paperny; Editing by Jim Finkle, Andrew Hay and Grant McCool)
(In Jan. 2 story, corrects spelling of first name of Boyle's wife to Caitlan instead of Caitlin, 2nd paragraph.) By David Ljunggren OTTAWA (Reuters) - A Canadian man freed in 2017 nearly five years after being abducted in Afghanistan has been arrested in Ottawa and faces several charges, including assault and forcible confinement, his lawyer said on Tuesday. Joshua Boyle, his wife Caitlan Coleman and three children arrived back in Canada last October. At the time he said one of his children had been murdered and spouse was raped after their capture by the Taliban-allied Haqqani network. Police have laid 15 charges against Boyle, 34, including eight counts of assault, two counts of sexual assault, two counts of forcible confinement and one count of uttering death threats. A publication ban has been imposed, preventing the alleged victims from being identified. "Mr. Boyle is presumed innocent. He's never been in trouble before ... We look forward to receiving the evidence and defending him against these charges," Boyle's lawyer, Eric Granger, said in an email. Ottawa police laid the charges on Dec. 30, since when Boyle has been in jail. He is due to make a brief court appearance on Wednesday. Ottawa police declined to comment and referred questions to the attorney general of Ontario, which was not immediately able to comment. Boyle, his wife and their three children met Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in his Parliament Hill office last month. Photos that Boyle released at the time on Twitter showed Trudeau holding the youngest child in his lap. Trudeau had said in September he could not imagine what the family were going through. The Taliban denied the accusations of rape and murder. Boyle and Coleman were kidnapped in 2012 while backpacking in Afghanistan and their children were born in captivity. U.S. officials say the family spent almost all their confinement in neighboring Pakistan, which is where they were freed by Pakistani troops. (Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Tom Brown and Susan Thomas)
French President Emmanuel Macron plans to introduce legislation that will crack down on so-called fake news during French election campaigns, calling the spread of such misinformation a threat to democracy.

Speaking to journalists at an annual New Year reception on Wednesday, Macron said he intended to overhaul the countrys media laws in order to boost transparency and quash the spread of fake news on social media.

If we want to protect liberal democracies, we must have strong legislation, Macron said, per Reuters. At election time, on internet platforms, the rules applying to content wont be exactly the same.

The new legislation would empower Frances media watchdog, the CSA, to combat the dissemination of fake news during elections and mandate more transparency for sponsored content. There would also be an emergency provision that would allow a judge to delete content or block access to a website deemed to be propagating fake news.

Macron previously accused Russia and its state-owned media companies of spreading fake news in order to interfere with the French presidential campaign. The American intelligence community has also expressed high confidence that Russia used a similar influence campaign during the 2016 U.S. presidential election to undermine public faith in the U.S. democratic process.

Marine Le Pen, the far-right presidential candidate who was defeated by Macron last year, excoriated the president for his planned fake news ban.

France was muzzling its citizens, Le Pen said in a series of tweets on Wednesday, adding: Who will decide if a piece of news is fake? Judges? The government?

Macrons announcement came just days after Germany began enforcing its new anti-fake news law, the controversial Network Enforcement Act, also known as the NetzDG law. The German law, which took effect Jan. 1 after a grace period, requires all internet platforms with more than 2 million users to implement a system for reporting and scrubbing potentially illicit content, including fake news and hate speech.

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French President Emmanuel Macron delivers his New Year speech to members of the press at the Elysee Palace in Paris on January 3, 2018. (Photo: Reuters)

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Senior doctors warned that medical tests would not be reliable and risked harming asylum-seekers health - PA

Doctors in Germany on Tuesday spoke out against proposals for medical tests to check the age of asylum-seekers.

Leading politicians have called for compulsory tests amid allegations that migrants are lying about their age and posing as minors in order to avoid deportation and claim extra benefits.

But senior doctors warned that medical tests would not be reliable and risked harming asylum-seekers health.

The investigations are complex, expensive and laden with great uncertainty, Prof Frank Ulrich Montgomery, the president of the German Medical Association said. If you carried them out on every refugee, it could interfere with human wellbeing.

The demands for medical tests have intensified since the killing of a 15-year-old girl who was stabbed to death with a kitchen knife in the street in south-west Germany last week.

An Afghan refugee is accused of killing her in a jealous rage after she broke off their relationship. He claims he is also 15 but her family believes he is much older.

An Iranian asylum-seeker is already on trial for the rape and murder of a woman jogger in 2016. The accused initially claimed to be 16, but has since admitted he is in fact 33.

Asylum applications in Germany

Under German law minors face lighter sentences if they are convicted of crimes.

Joachim Herrmann, the Bavarian interior minister, at the weekend called for mandatory age-testing and said his Christian Social Union party (CSU) would demand it in coalition talks with Angela Merkel.

Too many asylum-seekers are still falsely posing as adolescents, Mr Herrmann said. I want everyone who comes to our country and claims to be a teenager to have their age be medically checked. Minors cost the state more money in special care and have a lower criminal liability. We cannot just leave it like that.

Thomas Strobl, a senior MP in Mrs Merkels Christian Democrat party (CDU), called for compulsory X-rays to measure asylum-seekers bone development.

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In cases of doubt, we should turn to medical examinations such as the X-ray of the carpal bones, he said.

But Prof Montgomery of the German Medical Association, a radiologist, said X-rays to test their age would expose migrants to unnecessary radiation.

X-rays without a medical indication are an invasion of physical integrity, he told Suddeutsche Zeitung newspaper.

In criminal cases such as the killing of the 15-year-old girl, the courts can already order medical tests to determine the suspects age.

But medical experts say the tests are unreliable and that stress and trauma can cause the human body to age faster.
HELENA  A Deer Lodge man on Wednesday was sentenced in federal court for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, according to a Department of Justice news release.

Chase Ryan Storlie, 33, was given 360 months in prison, five years supervised release, and a $100 surcharge. Storlie appeared before Judge Sam Haddon.

Storlie was part of a conspiracy to distribute up to 20 pounds of methamphetamine through Deer Lodge each month between January 2016 and January 2017. Members of the conspiracy, including Storlie, possessed firearms in connection with the drug trafficking crimes.

Other members of the conspiracy included Jeff Allen Trask, Hector Ricardo Gonzalez, and Christian Jesus Ruiz. The court previously sentenced Trask to 54 months imprisonment, Gonzalez to 260 months, and Ruiz to 60 months.

The conspiracy ended on January 24, 2017, when the authorities arrested Gonzalez and Ruiz in Mineral County in possession of 20 pounds of methamphetamine and two handguns. The methamphetamine was destined for Storlie in Deer Lodge.

The charges against Storlie and his co-defendants are the result of an investigation by the Montana Division of Criminal Investigations; the Missouri River Drug Task Force; the Helena Police Department; the Lewis and Clark County Sheriffs Office; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Mineral County Sheriffs Office; the Powell County Sheriffs Office; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Montana Highway Patrol; and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Tom Bartleson prosecuted the case.

United States Attorney Kurt Alme said, This case is an important part of our Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which is focused on reducing violent crime in Montana. Storlie and his co-defendants were distributing enormous amounts of drugs, enough to supply south central Montana with approximately 870,000 individual doses of methamphetamine. As with so many of our drug crimes, Storlie and his co-conspirators possessed firearms in connection with their drug trafficking. Any time you combine such large amounts of drugs with guns, violence and addiction will result.

Alme also praised the collaborative work of the law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in the case.
By Marcin Goclowski and Krisztina Than

BUDAPEST (Reuters) - The European Union's migration policy has failed, Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Wednesday, as he and his Polish counterpart demanded a bigger say in the bloc's future.

Orban and Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki lead conservative governments under fire from Brussels over their refusal to take in migrants under a quota system and over their efforts to tighten state control of their courts and media.

"In terms of migration and quotas that were to be imposed on (EU) member countries we strongly reject such an approach as it infringes on sovereign decisions of member states," Morawiecki told a joint news conference after talks with Orban in Budapest.

Echoing that line, Orban said: "The EU's migration policy... has failed."

"We want to have a strong say, as these countries (in Central Europe) have a vision about the future of Europe," added the Hungarian leader, who is expected to win a further four years in power in an election due in April.

Orban led criticism in ex-communist central and eastern Europe of German Chancellor Angela Merkel's decision in 2015 to open Germany's doors to more than one million, mostly Muslim migrants and refugees fleeing conflicts in Syria, Iraq and beyond.

"At times we feel as if someone was shooting us in the back for defending the interests of the entire Europe," Orban told Poland's public broadcaster TVP of Hungary's efforts, which included a barbed-wire fence on its southern border, to stop the flow of migrants through its territory towards western Europe.

Orban, addressing talks in Brussels over the EU's next seven-year budget that starts in 2021, said governments in central Europe had the economic might to negotiate effectively.

The ex-communist central European nations are all net recipients of EU funds, with Poland - the region's biggest economy - benefiting most. Wealthier western EU states such as Germany want to keep a firm lid on spending, especially with the planned departure of net donor Britain from the bloc in 2019.

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Poland could also see the money it receives dwindle if other EU governments agree to proposals set out by Berlin to freeze access to EU funds for countries that fail to meet EU rule of law standards.

Orban said trade between countries in central Europe and Germany was bigger than between Germany and France and therefore the region should "look to the future with optimism".

"We are not knocking on doors, we aren't begging ... we represent an economic force," he said in the TVP interview.

Morawiecki, a former finance minister who only became prime minister last month, said central European countries would present a common front in the talks.

CLOSE TIES

Morawiecki and Orban appeared to have struck up a good personal relationship, reinforcing their countries' diplomatic rapprochement within the EU.

When the EU's executive Commission launched an unprecedented legal action against Warsaw in December in an attempt to force it to reverse judicial reforms that Brussels says undermine democracy, Orban signaled he would use Hungary's right of veto to prevent any punitive sanctions against Poland.

Orban cited Austria's recent election - which resulted in a far-right party joining the conservatives in a new coalition - - as proof that concerns about immigration were not limited to the ex-communist east.

"(Democracy was) reinstalled as Austrians who do not want immigration elected a government which also opposes immigration. This will be the same everywhere in Europe, I believe this is only a matter of time," said Orban.

Both Orban's Fidesz and the ruling Law and Justice party (PiS) in Poland are riding high in national opinion polls, thanks to their strong economic record, their tough anti-migrant policies and their defiance of EU institutions.

Critics say reforms introduced by Fidesz in Hungary and by PiS in Poland undermine democracy and the rule of law, charges rejected by Budapest and Warsaw.

(Reporting by Marcin Goclowski and Krisztina Than; additional reporting by Justyna Pawlak; editing by Gareth Jones and Grant McCool)
In 2013, the remains of two ice age infants were found in the Upward Sun River archaeological site in central Alaska. Found in the same 11,500-year old grave, the two babies remain the oldest evidence of human remains ever found in North America. In a new Nature study, scientists sequenced the full genome of one of the infants  a girl named by the present-day local Native community as Xachiteeaanenh teede gay, or the Sunrise Child-Girl  and reveal her history-changing past.

Her genome revealed that she belonged to a previously unrecognized and distinct Native American population, which the study authors call the Ancient Beringians. In a paper released Wednesday, scientists from the Universities of Cambridge and Copenhagen explain that her genes are evidence that the Ancient Beringians came first: They were the initial offshoot of the ancestral population that led to the other Northern and Southern Native American groups historians already know about.

According to the team behind this study, North America was first settled by this shared, founding population, which then gradually split into the different sub-groups.

The location of the Upward Sun River site in Alaska.

This finding helps clarify when the two separate branches of Northern and Southern Native Americans split from each other. Previously, scientists debated whether that divide happened after people migrated from Asia to Alaska, or whether genomically different groups from Asia made the cross-continental journey separately. Comparing the genome of the Sunrise Child-girl to the genomes of present-day Native American populations, the scientists found that the Ancient Beringians became isolated from the common ancestral population 20,000 years ago.

That time period comes before the split that led to the Northern and Southern groups, which occurred between 17,000 and 14,000 years ago. This suggests that there was likely just one wave of migration into the Americas.

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Excavations at the Upward Sun River archaeological site in Alaska.

Archaeological evidence supports the idea that humans lived in the Americas south of the continental ice sheets as early as 14,600 years ago, but the overall timeline of how and when the peopling of the Americas occurred has been clouded with discrepancies.

This new study indicates that the founding population of Native Americans diverged from the ancestral Asian group in northeast Asia 36,000 years ago during the Late Pleistocene era and migrated via the Beringia land bridge connecting northeast Asia to northwestern North America. In that region, harsh weather and glacial barriers kept some of the populations  like the Ancient Beringians  in one place for extended periods of time. The scientists behind this study believe that the split between the North and South Native Americans only happened after some of their ancestors were able to pass through the thawing, giant glaciers that covered Canada and parts of the northern United States.

The Ancient Beringians diversified from other Native Americans before any ancient or living Native American populations sequenced to date, study co-author Eske Willerslev, Ph.D., an evolutionary geneticist at both the Universities of Cambridge and Copenhagen, said in a statement released Wednesday.

Its basically a relict population of an ancestral group which was common to all Native Americans, so the sequenced genetic data gave us enormous potential in terms of answering questions relating to the early peopling of the Americas.

Photos via Ben Potter (1, 2), Ben Porter

Photos via Ben Potter (1, 2), Ben Porter

Written by Sarah Sloat

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Some of Donald Trump's allies are disputing claims in the new book - REUTERS

As Sean Spicer, the incoming White House press secretary, said on the first day of the Trump presidency: "You can't make this s--- up."

The chaos that engulfed the White House over the ensuing months was recorded by journalist Michael Wolff, who had a front row seat to one of the greatest real-life soap of modern times.

Mr Wolff was Rupert Murdoch's biographer and first interviewed Mr Trump in June 2016 for The Hollywood Reporter. Mr Trump loved the magazine's cover, which showed him in mirrored sunglasses.

Mr Wolff proposed writing a fly-on-the-wall account of the Trump administration. Never publicity shy, Mr Trump allowed the author to "knock yourself out". He became part of the West Wing furniture, conducting 200 interviews with senior staff, asking them what they thought about each other - and the boss - with explosive results.

Trump talked about sleeping with friends' wives

According to Mr Wolff's book, the president said sleeping with friends' wives made "life worth living". He described an elaborate ruse involving Mr Trump telling a wife her husband was not what she thought, then inviting the husband to his office.

He would then reportedly engage in "constant sexual banter" with the husband while the wife listened on a speakerphone. "Do you still like having sex with your wife?" he would say, according to Mr Wolff. "I have girls coming in from Los Angeles at three o'clock. We can go upstairs and have a great time. I promise."

He never wanted to be president

Mr Trumps wife Melania was in tears when he won the election, while Mr Trump was "horrified" and looked like he had seen a ghost because they expected a defeat, it was claimed.

The billionaire had already been considering launching his own TV channel after he lost, and his campaign manager Kellyanne Conway spent election day interviewing for new jobs, according to Mr Wolff.

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Mrs Trump's spokeswoman furiously denied claims she had not wanted to be first lady.

The secret to Trump's hair: Just for Men

The presidents daughter Ivanka Trump said he used Just for Men dye in his hair, according to Mr Wolff's book Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House. The colour got darker the longer it was left on, and Mr Trump's impatience explained the orange-blonde tone he sometimes has.

Ms Trump was also said to have made fun of her father's comb-over hairstyle. Mr Wolff wrote: "She often described the mechanics behind it to friends: an absolutely clean pate - a contained island after scalp-reduction surgery - surrounded by a furry circle of hair around the sides and front, from which all ends are drawn up to meet in the center and then swept back and secured by a stiffening spray."

Trump's friends and staff called him an 'idiot' and 'child'

Treasury secretary Steve Mnuchin and former chief of staff Reince Priebus reportedly called Mr Trump an "idiot", his chief economic adviser Gary Cohn reportedly said he was "dumb as s---" and his national security adviser H.R. McMaster was said to have described the president as a "dope".

Sam Nunberg, a former Trump campaign aide, was said to have tried to teach Mr Trump basic details about the Constitution. "I got as far as the Fourth Amendment before his finger is pulling down on his lip and his eyes are rolling back in his head, Mr Nunberg was quoted as saying.

Katie Walsh, the former deputy chief of staff, was quoted as saying dealing with Mr Trump was like "trying to figure out what a child wants". She has denied the remark. Rupert Murdoch, Mr Trump's friend and fellow billionaire, was said to have called him "a f------ idiot" after a phone call in which they discussed immigration policy.

Billionaire Thomas Barrack Jr, one of Mr Trumps closest and oldest friends, was quoted telling a friend: "Hes not only crazy, hes stupid." Mr Barrack has called the claim "totally false". He had denied the comments.

Tom Barrack adds, "It's clear to anyone who knows me that those aren't my words and inconsistent with anything I've ever said." He says Wolffe never ran that quote by him to ask if it was accurate.  Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) January 3, 2018

Trump slammed his own advisers

Mr Trump was said to have called Steve Bannon, his former chief strategist, disloyal and scruffy, to have labeled Mr Priebus weak and a midget, his son-in-law Jared Kushner a "suck-up," while Mr Spicer was "stupid" and dressed terribly, and Mrs Conway was reportedly referred to as a "crybaby".

Steve Bannon (right) in the Oval Office with Donald Trump on January 28, 2017 Credit: AP

Mr Trump also reportedly called Hope Hicks, his communications director, a "piece of tail," and suggested Mr Kushner and his daughter Ivanka should never have come to Washington.

Ivanka Trump wants to be president

Mr Wolff wrote that Ms Trump and Mr Kushner made an agreement between themselves that, if the opportunity arose for one of them to run for president, it would be her, allowing her to become the first female president.

Ivanka Trump watches her father speak at the White House Credit: EPA

He says: "It was a joint decision by the couple, and, in some sense, a joint job. Between themselves, the two had made an earnest deal: If sometime in the future the opportunity arose, shed be the one to run for president. The first woman president, Ivanka entertained, would not be Hillary Clinton; it would be Ivanka Trump."

Mr Bannon was said to have called Ms Trump "dumb as a brick".

Trump sits in bed with cheeseburgers

Mr Trump was said to have banned people from touching his toothbrush, and would strip the bed sheets himself after entering the White House because of a fear of germs.

The book also claimed Mr Trump sleeps in a separate bedroom from his wife - the first time that had happened since the Kennedy presidency.

He was said to have installed three televisions in his bedroom and to retire there with a cheeseburger from 6.30pm. At one point he reportedly asked for locks on the door.

Tony Blair 'told Trump the British were spying on him'

According to the book Tony Blair told Mr Kushner that British intelligence agencies could have spied on Trump aides during the election campaign, and the former prime minister was said to have angled for a Middle East role with the administration.

Mr Blair told the BBC's Radio 4's Today programme the claims were a complete and total fabrication and denied he wanted a Middle East role.

Hope Hicks dated married campaign manager Corey Lewandowski

White House Communications Director Hope Hicks reportedly had an on-off relationship with Corey Lewandowski who was Mr Trump's first campaign manager, the book claims.

Hope Hicks Credit: AP

Mr Lewandowski, who is married, was fired by the then president-elect in June 2016 and Ms Hicks was reportedly upset about the media coverage surrounding his departure.

"Trump, who otherwise seemed to treat Hicks in a protective and even paternal way, looked up and said, 'Why? You've already done enough for him. You're the best piece of tail he'll ever have,' sending Hicks running from the room," an excerpt of the book said.

Trump called female acting attorney general a 'c***'

Mr Trump was reportedly furious with acting attorney general Sally Yates when she refused to enforce his immigration ban, calling her such a c*** for blocking his request.

Former acting attorney general Sally Yates

The order was one of the president's earliest and most controversial policies and was later met with a number of court battles ions, and would soon be the subject of court battles that continue.

In an except obtained by MSNBC Mr Trump was described as having an "early, obsessive antipathy" for Ms Yates who was fired just 10 days into her post.

Nine law firms refused to represent Trump

According to sources within the White House, no one expected Mr Trump to survive special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into possible Russian collusion in the presidential election.

His senior staff told Mr Wolff they believed the president did not have the "discipline" or the "credibility to attract the caliber of lawyers he would need to help him". At least nine major law firms were reportedly approached and decline an invitation to represent the president.

Trump 'can't recognise' old friends

Mr Wolff portrays the president as an ageing man who repeats stories and quotes some of Mr Trump's closest allies describing the president as incapable of functioning in his job. He describes a scene at Mr Trump's Florida Mar-a-Lago resort just before the new year, saying a heavily made-up Trump failed to recognise a succession of old friends.

Mr Wolff writes: It used to be inside of 30 minutes hed repeat, word-for-word and expression-for-expression, the same three storiesnow it was within 10 minutes.
Rome (AFP) - The man hailed a hero in Italy after ordering the captain of a stricken cruise ship to return aboard was on Thursday one of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement's parliamentary hopefuls.

Livorno port official Gregorio De Falco shot to fame for his orders to Francesco Schettino after the captain abandoned the Costa Concordia, which sank off Italy in 2012 in a disaster that killed 32 people.

Thousands of Italians have put themselves forward to run for the populist Five Stars (M5S) at the general election in March, according to Italian media reports, with De Falco the best known.

The movement's site crashed repeatedly Wednesday as the deadline fell. Candidates will be selected in an online vote.

De Falco, 51, hopes to be picked to run for a seat in the Senate, the Corriere della Sera daily said.

Schettino, dubbed "Captain Coward" by the media for abandoning ship, spent most of the evacuation on a rock as terrified passengers threw themselves off the tilting liner at night after it hit an outcrop off the island of Giglio.

A telephone call transcript later emerged of De Falco demanding the captain return to ship.

When Schettino resists, De Falco warns: "You may have managed to save yourself but there, it will really go badly... I will create a lot of trouble for you. Get on board, for fuck's sake!"

"But do you realise that it is dark and we can't see anything?" Schettino asks, leaving an incredulous De Falco to wonder: "What do you want to do, Schettino? Go home? It is dark so you want to go home?"

The conversation was seen in Italy as an allegory of the country's "two souls"; on one side the "hair-creamed godfather used to breaking the rules", on the other the military hero with rigorous ethics.

The movement did not confirm the number of aspiring M5S candidates, but Italian dailies estimated that between 2,000 and 10,000 people had uploaded bids to run.

The latest polls show the M5S pocketing some 28 percent of the vote, ahead of the ruling centre-left Democratic Party on 25 percent.

While the centre-right parties -- including former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi's Go Italy -- lag behind individually, they are expected to form a coalition which would hand them over 35 percent of the vote.
The brave new world of bitcoin took one step closer to gaining a foothold in Anaconda Tuesday night.

In a 5-0 decision, Anacondas county commission unanimously approved a lease agreement with BitPower LLC  the New Mexico-based company that plans to build a bitcoin mine along Mill Creek Highway, southeast of Anaconda.

According to the agreement, the company plans to lease from the county a nearly 40-acre site in the Mill Creek Tax Increment Financing Industrial District for $100 per year. The 40 acres reside across the street from Premier Industries slag processing site, about 1.3 miles southwest of Montana Highway 1 along Mill Creek Highway. There, BitPower representatives have said, the company wants to build a data center that its backers hope will turn a wealth of computing power into bitcoin gold.

In case you arent savvy on all things tech, bitcoin is a digital currency that has no physical form and exists only on the internet.

Bitcoins are "mined" using computers that verify transactions between bitcoin users. Computers that verify transactions are awarded bitcoin for the work they perform. The more computing power a person, entity or company has, the greater their chances are of being awarded bitcoin. One computer can "mine" for bitcoins, but large facilities housing many computers can also mine the currency and are called bitcoin "mines."

BitPowers intentions to bring a bitcoin mining facility to Anaconda first came to light during a set of December schoolboard meetings.

At the time, BitPower proposed to purchase Anacondas vacant W.K. Dwyer School, which the company said it wanted to turn into an 8-megawatt training facility to support a bitcoin-mining operation along Mill Creek Highway.

Trustees declined to vote on a buy-sell agreement with BitPower during the boards regular December meeting. But less than a week later, the board met for a special session and approved a second version of the agreement, which came with a purchase price of $205,000.

During both meetings, Scott Mosebach, vice president of BitPowers parent company Burrell Group, and Rick Tabish, contractor and consultant for Premier Industries, spoke on behalf of the New Mexico-based company. When asked by The Montana Standard if hes an investor in BitPower, Tabish declined to comment.

The company is also thought to be in the process of acquiring the MSE Technology site in Butte. (See related story on Page A1).

Meanwhile, the lease for the 40 acres of TIFID land the commission approved Tuesday is for a term for nine years, though its language says that Bit Power and the county can cancel or modify the lease should both parties agree to do so.

The lease leaves open the possibility of a new agreement coming to the table at a future date, including an agreement with an option to purchase the 40 acres. However, Anaconda Chief Executive Bill Everett said Wednesday that a new agreement would have to go through a public process and be approved by the county commission.

Tuesday Everett called the current agreement a simple lease as commissioners looked on.

Its just a simple lease, a simple short-term lease, he said. We will press the option to purchase at a later time.

County Attorney Ben Krakowka made comparisons between BitPower and Premier Industries respective leases.

I wrote this lease up. Our CEO told me we needed a lease, so I sat down and I spend an entire day working on it and then BitPower, their response was, okay, thats acceptable to us. It makes me a little bit nervous because the last one (with Premier Industries), we negotiated for about three months, said Krakowka.

But the lease has been written with the hope that  upon written agreement by both parties, we can both exit the lease whenever we want to and enter into another agreement, which could ultimately be a buy-sell agreement to sell the property, Krakowka said.

Jim Davison, chairman of the Mill Creek board, told The Montana Standard Tuesday that the TIFID board has given the project a conceptual thumbs up.

Board members met during a special session Dec. 26, at which time they voted to support the concept and proposal of the use of ADLC grounds for BitPower, LLC within the Mill Creek TIFID area, according to a draft of the minutes.

Davison said BitPower is not the first company to express interest in the Mill Creek TIFID in recent months.

In the past year, he said, about four companies, including another with a data center project, have called or sent correspondence inquiring about the land.

Davidson said the board has been making a push to market the district, which resides in a Superfund site, recently coming out with a website that advertises the lands proximity to potable water, the Silver Lake Waterline and the Dave Gates Generating Station, which the website says can provide highly stable electricity and the availability of large electrical and gas services.

These utilities, Davidson said, can be attractive to companies looking to open a data center, which need to keep their systems cool and have access to electricity. He added that fiber-optic cable also resides near the district, a relic from the days of Touch America.

As for Tabish, he told commissioners Tuesday that hes gone through the process of setting up a large project in the TIFID before and knows what hurdles BitPower will have to jump through.

Itll just kind-of be a mirror of what were going to do on that property, said Tabish.

Its going to be done first class. Its going to be done right, he said.
Shortly after news of protests in Iran began to be reported on social media late last week, the Iranian government moved quickly to limit the spread of information by cutting off access to multiple social media and messaging platforms within the country. In the days that followed, the amount of reliable information coming out of Iran decreased significantly, leaving many journalists at a loss for how to cover the ongoing story without access to sources on the ground. Watch as Joe Galvin, director of news at Storyful, an agency that verifies social media content for news outlets around the world, discusses how activists and journalists are working together to report the story.
TOKYO (Reuters) - The security situation facing Japan is the most perilous since World War Two because of North Korea's "unacceptable" provocations, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Thursday and he vowed to bolster defenses to protect the Japanese people. Tension in the region has been rising, particularly since North Korea conducted its sixth and largest nuclear test in September, and then in November, said it had successfully tested a new intercontinental ballistic missile that could reach all of the U.S. mainland. "It is not an exaggeration to say that the security environment surrounding Japan is at its severest since World War Two. I will protect the people's lives and peaceful living in any situation," Abe told a New Year news conference. Abe said Japan would take new steps to strengthen its defense posture but he did not go to specifics. The government approved a record military budget last month, with defense outlays due to rise for a sixth year, increasing by 1.3 percent to 5.19 trillion yen ($46 billion), with the biggest item 137 billion yen in reinforcing defenses against North Korean ballistic missiles. The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, said this week the United States was hearing reports that North Korea might be preparing to fire another missile, and she warned it not to. "It is absolutely unacceptable that North Korea is trampling the strong desire of Japan and the rest of the international community for peaceful resolutions and continuing with its provocative behavior," Abe said. Abe has said he wants to amend Japan's pacifist constitution with the aim of loosening constraints on the military, although the public is divided over changes to the charter imposed after Japan's World War Two defeat. War-renouncing Article 9 of the constitution, if read literally, bans the existence of standing armed forces, but has long been interpreted to allow a military for exclusively defensive purposes. Abe said he wanted more debate on the issue. "I would like this to be a year in which public debate over a constitutional revision will be deepened further," he said. Abe's Liberal Democratic Party-led coalition retained its two-thirds "super majority" in parliament's lower house in an Oct. 22 election, re-energizing his push to revise the constitution. (Reporting by Kiyoshi Takenaka; Editing by Chang-Ran Kim, Robert Birsel)
Vilnius (AFP) - For decades, a confessional in a church in Lithuania's capital Vilnius kept a precious secret: a trove of documents offering an unprecedented glimpse into Jewish life in Eastern Europe before and during the Holocaust.

The cache, with documents dating back to the mid-18th century, includes religious texts, Yiddish literature and poetry, testimonies about pogroms as well as autobiographies and photographs.

"The diversity of material is breathtaking," David Fishman, professor of Jewish History at New York's Jewish Theological Seminary, told AFP via telephone, describing the discovery as a "total surprise".

"It's almost like you could reconstruct Jewish life before the Holocaust based on these materials because there is no aspect and no region and no period that is missing," he added.

The trove was discovered earlier this year during a cleanout of the church that was used as a book repository during Soviet times.

The documents, together with a larger cache found in Vilnius nearly three decades ago, are "the most significant discovery for Jewish history since the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in the 1950s", Fishman said.

- 'Jerusalem of the North' -

Among the most treasured finds are several original manuscripts of poems written in the Vilnius ghetto by celebrated Yiddish poet Avrom Sutzkever, including the haunting "To My Brother".

"We had the versions that he reconstructed from memory and published right after the war," Fishman said of Sutzkever, who survived the Holocaust.

"Now we have the manuscripts that he actually wrote in the ghetto and there are differences -- that was a very powerful find."

An 1857 agreement between the Jewish water carriers in Vilnius and the city's famous Ramailes rabbinic Talmudic academy, or yeshiva, offers a telling insight into everyday life 160 years ago.

In exchange for copies of the Bible and Talmud, the yeshiva agreed to let the water carriers use a room for prayers on the Sabbath and holidays free of charge.

Story continues

A ledger of the patients of Zemach Shabad, a famous Jewish doctor and social and political activist whose monument stands in central Vilnius, was also among the documents seen by AFP.

Known as the "Jerusalem of the North" before World War II, Vilnius -- Vilna in Hebrew and Vilne in Yiddish -- was a hub of Jewish cultural and religious life and home to hundreds of Jewish social, religious, cultural and scientific organisations.

- 'Book Smugglers' -

Established in 1925, the YIVO Yiddish Scientific Institute was among the most important. Co-founded by Shabad, it documented and studied Jewish life in Eastern Europe.

Its New York branch was founded in 1926, and became the institute's headquarters in 1940 as Nazi Germany invaded Eastern Europe.

After occupying Vilnius in 1941, the Nazis destroyed the Jewish community and plundered its cultural wealth.

Jewish poets and intellectuals were coerced by the Nazis in the Vilnius ghetto into selecting Yiddish and Hebrew books and documents for a planned institute in Germany about the people they had slated for annihilation.

Their story has been chronicled in a book written by Professor Fishman entitled "The Book Smugglers".

The Germans sent a portion of the plundered texts to Frankfurt, but the Jewish archivists risked their lives to hide a vast array of precious documents from their tormentors.

- Then, the Soviets -

But that was not the end of the threat.

After the war, a Lithuanian librarian, Antanas Ulpis, intervened to save those documents that had survived the Nazis from the country's new Soviet occupiers, who were bent on destroying them as part of dictator Joseph Stalin's anti-Jewish purges.

Ulpis deftly hid some of the manuscripts "under a pile of Soviet journals -- that's why no one bothered to look, that's why they weren't discovered sooner," Renaldas Gudauskas, director of Lithuania's National Library told AFP.

There they remained untouched for decades in the confessional in St. George's Church that the Soviets used as a book repository after the war.

It was only earlier this year when any remaining papers were being cleared out in order to hand the building back to the Catholic Church that the pile of Jewish documents was stumbled upon.

They were transferred to Lithuania's newly renovated national library in Vilnius which already holds a larger archive of Jewish documents discovered in the capital after the collapse of the Soviet Union nearly three decades ago.

The entire collection includes roughly 170,000 pages, Lara Lempertiene, head of the national library's Judaica Research Centre, told AFP.

- History online -

Library archivists, who read Yiddish and Hebrew, pore over the newly-found documents that Fishman estimates will take five years to catalogue.

They are also preparing them to be accessible on the internet.

The New York-based YIVO Institute has spearheaded a bid to put the collection online along with Jewish documents from Vilnius that the US Army found in defeated Germany in 1946 and sent to New York.

Launched two years ago, the cyberspace history project aims to put the overall total of more than one million documents online in a digital archive highlighting Jewish life in Eastern Europe before and during the Holocaust.

Archives that were once scattered on both sides of the Atlantic "are now conceptually, intellectually and physically being reunited," says Lempertiene.

For Simonas Gurevicius, one of the city's few Jews who still speaks Yiddish, the newly discovered archive proves that Hitler and Stalin ultimately failed to wipe out his language and the civilisation built around it.

"The star of the Northern Jerusalem nearly burnt out, but its light is still shining," Gurevicius told AFP.

Some 195,000 Lithuanian Jews perished under the 1941-44 Nazi German occupation. Today, there are around 3,000 Jews living in the NATO and EU country of 2.8 million people.
Seoul (AFP) - Ousted South Korean president Park Geun-Hye was charged Thursday with accepting millions of dollars worth of bribes from the state spy agency, news reports said.

Park allegedly received between 50 and 200 million won (now $47,000 to $188,000) from the National Intelligence Service (NIS) every month from early 2013 -- soon after her swearing-in -- until mid-2016, prosecutors told South Korean media.

The cash -- said to total 3.65 billion won ($3.4 million) -- was reportedly delivered by NIS agents to Park's aides in uncrowded parking lots or in back alleys near the presidential Blue House.

The money came from the spy agency's "blind budget" -- millions of dollars of special funds that can be spent without receipts for anti-espionage activities -- Yonhap news agency said.

Park is said to have spent much of the funds for personal purposes, including Botox injections, clothes and illicit mobile phones used by her friends, including close confidante Choi Soon-Sil.

Prosecutors have demanded 25 years in prison for Choi, charged with colluding with Park to extort millions of dollars from conglomerates including Samsung.

Park is already on trial on 18 charges including bribery, coercion and abuse of power for offering governmental favours to tycoons.

Prosecutors will add two more counts -- bribery and embezzlement -- to the indictment regarding the payments, reports said.

South Korea's first female president was impeached by parliament after months of mass protests over a sprawling graft scandal, and the constitutional court upheld the decision in March last year, dismissing her from office.

She has been in custody since March 31.

Her trial began in May but she has refused to attend since October, infuriated by a court decision to extend her detention by six months. Her legal team also quit over the extension, accusing the judges of bias.

Park has since refused to cooperate with a team of state-sponsored defence lawyers appointed by the court.

Prosecutors sought to question Park in prison twice over the fresh allegations, but she refused to cooperate.

Two former NIS chiefs have been indicted over the bribery charges.
Washington (AFP) - The prolonged battle for control of Virginia's state legislature came down to a drawing of lots on Thursday, when a 313-year-old law was invoked to resolve an unusual tie-break.

Two months after the Virginia state elections, which saw Democrat Ralph Northam win the governorship, control of the hotly contested state House of Delegates was finally retained by Republicans.

The head of the state election board, James Alcorn, drew a film canister with the name of Republican incumbent David Yancey out of a stoneware bowl, declaring him the winner after he and his rival each received 11,608 votes.

Democrat candidate Shelly Simonds watched the draw, made from a decorative bowl borrowed from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, in the state capital Richmond but Yancey was not present.

Simonds had believed herself to be the winner by one vote after an initial recount, but the introduction of a disputed ballot paper allowed the Republicans to claim a tie, and opened the door to the unusual lottery draw.

It was the first time the drawing of lots -- set out in a 1705 law to settle such tie-breaks -- has been used in Virginia since 1971, although the method has been deployed more recently in other states.

The result allows the Republicans to retain control of the 100-seat assembly with a 51-49 majority, although Simonds has the right to demand a second recount.

She said Thursday that "all options are on the table" after she lost the draw.

In the November election, Republicans saw their seemingly unassailable 66-34 majority in the state assembly dwindle to the slimmest of margins, in what many analysts saw as a stinging rebuke to President Donald Trump.

Had Simonds been named the winner, the House of Delegates would have been evenly split between the two parties.

"Every vote counts," Alcorn said after the lots were drawn.
Light Watkins (Photo: Olivia Katz Photography)

Growing up in Montgomery, Ala., Light Watkins said he struggled  in a place that was both the birthplace of the civil rights movement and part of the Bible Belt  with never feeling connected to religion or Christianity but also with having really big questions like, What is God? and, What is the purpose of life?

It would take years before Watkins found the answers he was looking for, and those answers came through meditation. Now he is one of the most in-demand meditation teachers in the country, his approach resonating with the thousands of people who connect with his belief that not only is meditation good for us but it can be entirely personal. As Watkins puts it, you dont have to look at a sculpture of the Buddha for meditation to work.



Not that the path to enlightenment  or becoming a meditation author, teacher, and entrepreneur  was linear. After attending college in Washington, D.C., Watkins moved to Chicago and worked in advertising.

Story continues

It took about five minutes before I realized I wasnt comfortable working in an office, that I wanted to do something a little more free and travel the world, Watkins tells Yahoo Lifestyle. So he decided to trade his day job in for a focused effort to launch a career in modeling, and went on to work for seven years doing just that. But then the itch for more hit again.

At this point, I was in my late 20s and I wanted to contribute more to the world than standing in front of a camera, he explains.

When a friend moved to Los Angeles in 2003, it inspired Watkins to do the same  and with the move came an increased focus on yoga and a desire to train as a yoga teacher. Which is what Watkins was doing when, three months after his move, he met a meditation teacher, and just like that everything changed.

Meditation was always something I was interested in, but it always seemed like this difficult thing, something laborious, Watkins notes. Im 63  I am tall and have stiff hips, and even as a yoga teacher, sitting straight was just torture for me. But I saw the value in the mental experience. And then I met this guy, and he had been teaching meditation for 40 years around the world. He taught an approach that was easy and enjoyable. When I left the room with him for the first time, I knew being a meditation teacher was my calling.

Watkins devoted himself to studying, shadowing, and training with his teacher, ultimately going with him to India. There he spent time studying ancient Vedic texts, an experience that gave him the language about things I was curious about my entire life, he says. I could trace it straight back to those days in Alabama and asking questions and getting answers that didnt satisfy my curiosity  and then learning that there was this whole population of the world that had been asking these questions and studying to get to the answers for a very long time.

Watkins says the traditions of Eastern meditation reinforced his inherent beliefs that all of us are connected and that unlike the problems he had felt growing up surrounded by Christianity  that you have to take someone elses word for it, that there are no direct experiences  he immediately connected to the way meditation gave him unfettered access to the asking and the answering.

Its no surprise, then, that Watkins says his other biggest aha moment in dedicating his life and career to meditation was when his mom came to visit him in Los Angeles after he had started training with his meditation teacher and she had just finalized a divorce from Watkinss father. He took his mom with him to a meditation class, and even though she was never into any of this stuff  shes a Southern church lady, Watkins says his mom took to meditation like a fish in water.

The feeling was so revelatory, Watkins explains, that it became my whole thing  being the guy who makes meditation easy and accessible for others.

A self-published book three years ago  The Inner Gym: A 30-Day Workout for Strengthening Happiness  achieved viral fame, sending publishers knocking at Watkinss door. His first book with Random House, Bliss More: How to Succeed in Meditation Without Even Trying, hits shelves on Jan. 18.

Watkins describes his forthcoming book as the quintessential how-to guide for meditation for millennials  which largely is about keeping it simple so regular people like me can understand the practice simply enough to enjoy it.

Watkins says a big problem with meditation is that too many people who attempt it face a lack of joy as a result of thought-shaming themselves and position-shaming themselves.

They resist their mind, resist their thoughts, look at their thoughts as an obstacle to meditation instead of part of the process. And you can sit on your couch, in your car, in your bed, Watkins says. Remember that your mind is working on your behalf and not against you. When you start your meditation and then you start thinking about your to-do list and your mind then goes to your memories, your desires, and all those thoughts that dont seem meditative, instead of thinking about them as wrong and incorrect and your mind being mischievous, understand that this is part of the practice. Everything in meditation goes through your thinking mind.

Or as Watkins further explains, Your mind is like a swimming pool, and youre going to have to get wet to get to the bottom of the pool. If you go in resisting the water, you will drown. But if you go in and connect with the water, it will be a very enjoyable experience. If you resist thoughts, you will drown in thoughts  it will only create more thoughts. But if you work in concert with the thinking mind and embrace it and surrender to it, you will have a very deep meditation experience.

And Watkins says a deep meditative experience is something we could all benefit from right about now. There is so much information coming at us at all times, Watkins says, adding that its a dynamic that creates more anxiety.

You cant escape the information anymore; the information finds you. We are all overwhelmed with information and comparison and the belief that others are doing better than were doing and are happier than were able to be. It creates a sense of the pose of success based on acquiring more money, likes, friends, followers. The body is really resilient and can handle all of this  if you give it time to shut down and rest on a regular basis, Watkins says.

In other words: We all need to meditate.

Anxiety inhibits our ability to rest, Watkins says. We end up not being able to sleep well at night  were experiencing a sleep-deprivation epidemic. Some of us are waking up after seven, eight hours of sleep a night, and its like we didnt sleep at all. Our sleep didnt work. And this is bad for our work, bad for our health, bad for weight loss, bad for being equipped to make most of the choices we have to make. For those of us who are very busy and productive, we dont have a large enough margin of error in our lives  if we make a mistake, it impacts a lot of people. People think of meditation as being something for people with a lot of time on their hands, but meditation is really for people with not enough time, people who are running companies and decision-makers who constantly have all eyes on them.

But thats not the only way Watkins describes those who stand to be best served by meditation, including himself.

I think its important to distinguish myself from what people normally think of meditation teachers being, which is someone who is up on a pedestal somewhere, spiritually speaking. What we do as people is use those kinds of images of people who are so-called enlightened to get ourselves off the hook when committing to something that could benefit us in the same way, he says. Ive shaped my own position as someone relatable enough that someone who hasnt even considered themselves a candidate for meditation could look at me and say, If he can do it, I can do it. Our humanity is still present, even though we practice meditation.

That said, Watkins clarifies, Youre not going to become Gandhi or Mother Theresa next week because of meditation. Youre not going to stop having anger-management issues overnight. But it will evolve you in ways you cant even imagine right now. Its not about being calm and peaceful inside  thats just a caricature of someone who meditates. Meditation just makes you a better version of you. There are real work benefits, and its important to understand that those will look different for everybody.

And most significantly, Watkins says, those benefits are going to change how you feel.

When I first met my teacher, he was probably the happiest person I had ever seen. And I consider myself to be a very happy person! But he was emitting this rare quality of happiness I had never seen. I had been around a lot of wealthy people, a lot of people who were very successful  but I had never seen that. He gave me a point of reference for what someone could be like if they made this kind of practice their priority. 

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It's Meghan Markle as you've never seen her before, stealing the scene as an adorable 9-year-old girl in 1991.

The video was shared by her nephew Tyler Dooley and his mother, Tracy, exclusively with Inside Edition. In it, the future royal feeds ducks at Encino Park in Los Angeles.

Even then, she was full of spunk.

"She was the fun one, she was the one who just [said to] us, Hey, yeah you can stay up late,'" her nephew said. She was so cool; I wanted to be just like her."

Tracy, who used to be married to Markles half-brother, says she always knew there was something special about the woman who won the heart of Prince Harry.

"She is Meghan, who is the same Meghan as she was growing up  vivacious, smart, talented, Tracy said. She wanted to be a good woman and a woman that could help the world be a better place.

They say it will be a great honor if they are invited to the royal wedding in May, but if not, they will be supporting her and cheering her on.

Tyler says that if given the opportunity, he knows exactly what he would say to his now world-famous aunt.

"We love you and we're super proud and we're your biggest fans, he proclaimed.

Meanwhile, Markle is ready to shake things up for the upcoming royal wedding because she reportedly wants her mother, Doria, to walk her down the aisle  and not her father, Thomas Markle, who is leading a secluded life in Mexico.

Dooley says Thomas Markle wanted to be part of the ceremony.

"He loves his daughter probably more than anything in the whole world and of course he wants to be there and he wants to be part of that," Dooley told Inside Edition. "I don't think what he wants, though, is to be bombarded by everyone."

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Photo credit: Getty

From ELLE UK

Almost a month after her first royal engagement in Nottingham, Meghan Markle is gearing up to make yet another appearance in public with her fiance next week.

The Mail reports the 36-year-old will join her royal beau, Prince Harry, for a visit to Reprezent 107.3FM in Brixton, South London on Tuesday 9 January, making it her first official engagement of 2018.

Meghan and Harry will reportedly meet presenters, content producers, volunteers and staff involved in the station's training programme, which was set up in Peckham in 2008 in response to the rise in knife crime.

Photo credit: Getty

The programme has helped more than 4,000 young people develop and socialise by learning media and workplace skills at the radio station and offers support to young people suffering with mental health issues, a subject close to Prince Harry's heart.

The visit comes amid news Meghan has decided to shun tradition and asked her mother, Doria Ragland, to accompany her down the aisle on her wedding day in May.

Photo credit: Getty

Last month, Meghan made her first royal engagement during a visit to the Terrence Higgins Trust World AIDS Day charity fair in Nottingham, days after she and Harry announced their plans to wed.

Meghan also recently spent Christmas with the Royal Family in Sandringham, making her the first non-member of the Monarchy to be bestowed the honour.

Earlier this week, Harry told BBC 4's Today programme that Meghan's stay with the family had been a success, telling presenter Sarah Montague: 'It was fantastic, she really enjoyed it.'

Photo credit: Getty Images

'The family loved having her there.'

The newly-engaged couple just celebrated New Year's Eve in the French Riviera but it appears the pair will be straight back to their royal duties come next week.

Alas, there's no rest for the wicked even if you are a royal.

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WASHINGTON  Adding another wrinkle in the dramatic race that could decide control of the Virginia House of Delegates, a Virginia court on Wednesday rejected a legal challenge in the contested District 94 seat. The move paves the way for the race to be decided by a name-drawing on Thursday morning.

Last week, Democrat Shelly Simonds filed a motion arguing that the three-judge panel should not have considered a previously uncounted ballot in favor of her Republican opponent, David Yancey.

A recount completed in December determined that Simonds had won by just one vote. But Yancey, the incumbent, later sued, and the court ruled in his favor, bringing the race to a tie.

Simonds alleged that Yanceys disputed ballot should not have been counted, and Democrats argued that it was a desperate effort to change the outcome and steal the election from Simonds.

The judges on Wednesday defended their decision to consider the ballot.

The right of a citizen to cast a free vote has been secured to us by the blood of patriots shed from Lexington and Concord to Selma, Alabama, they wrote in their ruling. The manifest injustice against which we must always guard is the chance that a single vote may not be counted. It matters not the importance of the disposition of a ballot in a given election; it matters the dignity of the citizen, the integrity of the electoral process, and the destiny of our constitutional republic.

Virginia law indicates that state officials are supposed to break an electoral tie by lot. The Board of Elections originally scheduled a meeting to conduct a random name-drawing on Dec. 27 but postponed it because Simonds campaign filed the lawsuit just hours before the name-drawing.

Drawing names is an action of last resort, board Chairman James Alcorn said in a statement. Any substantive concerns regarding the election or recount should be resolved before a random drawing is conducted.

Some of the courts judges were out of town for the holidays, making it unlikely they would have considered Simonds motion before this week.

Story continues

If Simonds were to win the seat, Republicans would lose their majority in the House of Delegates for the first time in 17 years.

However, the matter may not be resolved when the legislature convenes on Jan. 10, as Virginia state law notes that the loser of Thursdays name-drawing can request another recount.

In a statement on Wednesdays ruling, Simonds asked Yancey to enter into a mutual agreement that the loser of tomorrows drawing will not request a second recount, contest the election in the House of Delegates, or pursue any other action challenging the result.

I am disappointed by the courts ruling, with which I disagree, Simonds said. However, I recognize that the people of the 94th District deserve to have representation on Jan. 10, and a second costly recount is not in their interest. I respectfully ask Delegate Yancey to enter into a mutual agreement that the loser of tomorrows drawing will not request a second recount, contest the election in the House of Delegates, or pursue any other action challenging the result. I have no interest in delaying this process, and I hope Delegate Yancey and House Republicans agree.

Simonds tweeted later Wednesday that Yancey had declined her offer.

I will continue to fight. Yancey has declined my offer to make the draw tomorrow final, so I guess the only sure thing is that this won't be settled tomorrow. I'm sorry that my district may not have representation Jan 10 because of this.  Shelly Simonds (@shelly_simonds) January 3, 2018

In a press call Wednesday evening, Simonds declined to say whether she would definitely ask for a recount if she lost the name-drawing. But since Yancey had declined her offer to make the drawing final, she said all legal options were on the table.

This article has been updated with further comment from Simonds about Yanceys declining her offer to not contest the results of Thursdays drawing and what happens after that.

Related Coverage

Name-Drawing Delayed In Tied Virginia Race After Democrat Launches Last-Minute Court Challenge

Battle Over Contested Virginia House Of Delegates Seat Will Drag On

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Reports suggested Netflix had been optimistic about a sequel to its blockbuster Bright, the fantasy/buddy cop genre mashup starring Will Smith with a budget of $90 million that seems to have gone down well with fans, despite hitting a sour note with critics. Now, Netflix has made that official.

Netflix will officially be making a follow-up, after reports that suggest up to 11 million people watched Bright over its first three days of availability on the streaming service. Variety reports that Will Smith and co-star Joel Edgerton are likely to return, as is director David Ayers.

Critics took issue mainly with Bright's attempts at using societal divisions between human, orc and other fairytale beings as a heavy-handed means for social commentary, but audiences didn't seem to have much of a problem with the narrative approach. The film scored a 28 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, but an 88 percent positive rating from general audiences.

It's a movie that represents Netflix's first real attempt to branch out not only into Hollywood blockbuster territory, but also into making a film series and potentially a cinematic universe. Given its critical reception and divisive fan response, the sequel will have a lot riding on it.
Pakistan will allow the Chinese yuan to be used for imports, exports and financing transactions for bilateral trade and investment activities, in a move economists said Wednesday would simplify a massive Chinese investment project.

Both public and private sector enterprises may use the yuan for bilateral trade and investment, the central State Bank of Pakistan said in a statement issued Tuesday.

"As per current foreign exchange regulations, Chinese Yuan (CNY) is an approved foreign currency for denominating foreign currency transactions in Pakistan," it said.

"In terms of regulations in Pakistan, CNY is at par with other international currencies such as USD, Euro and JPY," it added.

The bank said that in light of a massive Chinese infrastructure project in Pakistan, the move would "yield long-term benefits for both the countries".

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a $54 billion project launched in 2013 linking western China to the Indian Ocean via Pakistan, has been hailed as a "game changer" by Pakistani officials.

They hope the power stations and transmission lines built as part of the project will help ease Pakistan's chronic power crisis.

Economic analyst and former government adviser on finance Salman Shah welcomed the State Bank's move, saying that avoiding dollar transactions in the implementation of CPEC would "simplify matters very considerably".

The Chinese economy is now one of the biggest in the world, he said, justifying the use of the Chinese currency of choice.
On Jan. 1, President Donald Trump offered his maiden tweet of 2018:

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

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Pakistan responded as it has in the past for being called out for its mendacity and perfidy: It rallied its trolls; it summoned the U.S. ambassador in Islamabad for a demarche; and, in all forums possible, it denied the allegations of nefarious deeds with all of the sincerity and credibility of the wholesome human resources manager of the Chicken Ranch.

Even as the tweet continued to titillate Trump enthusiasts in India and at home, however, the responsible members of Trumps government were strategizing how to roll it back. Later that same day, a White House National Security Council spokesperson explained what, specifically, to expect: The United States does not plan to spend the $255 million in FY 2016 foreign military financing for Pakistan at this time. This is not the sweeping cutoff that Trump implied in his braggadocios tweet.

In fact, there is little that is, or ever will be, new in Trumps Pakistan policy. Thats true for two simple reasons: the logistics of staying the course in Afghanistan and the night terrors triggered by imagining how terrifying Pakistan could be without American money.

Obama did the same thing, too, and nothing changed

Trump is not the first U.S. president to express distaste for Pakistans actions. In August 2007, then-presidential candidate Barack Obama threatened to undertake unilateral military strikes against the terrorists harbored by Pakistan. Obama, upon being president, took the fight to Pakistan with his zealous use of airstrikes by remotely piloted aerial vehicles. Moreover, in March 2009, when Obama announced his so-called Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy, he specifically identified the latter as a terrorist safe haven. You know, eventually those snakes are going to turn on whoever has them in the backyard. And it was Obama who ordered U.S. Navy SEALs to unilaterally attack a compound near Pakistans famed military academy in which Osama bin Laden had been residing in plain sight for numerous years.

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The Obama administration also withheld funds from Pakistan for several years. It did so because the U.S. Congress passed legislation that authorized $1 billion in coalition support funds (CSF) but rendered $300 million hostage to Pakistan taking decisive action against the Haqqani Network and in later years against the Lashkar-e-Taiba. This money could only be paid if the administration certified that Pakistan had complied with the requirements. On several occasions, it demurred to do so.

It is also worth noting that Trumps tweet only reinforced what the New York Times reported on Dec. 29, that the Trump administration was going to withhold  wait for it  $255 million in foreign military financing (FMF). FMF funds enable partner countries to buy U.S. defense articles, services, and training and are provided either as a nonrepayable grant or on a loan basis. This is hardly a sweeping punishment that will persuade Pakistan to begin acting against terrorism. Historically, FMF funds have not been the mainstay of the American dole to Pakistan. Out of the more than $33 billion given to Pakistan since fiscal year 2002, FMF has accounted for less than $4 billion. The most lucrative payouts have been through the CSF program, which totals more than $14.5 billion.

Americas preferred roads to Afghanistan go through Pakistan

Why is it that the United States continues to make huge payouts to Pakistan even though it is widely recognized that the country continues to fund the very organizations  such as the Haqqani Network, the Taliban, and groups like the LeT  that are killing U.S. troops and allies in Afghanistan? Why cant the United States simply take its checkbook and let China take over paying Pakistans bills as Pakistan continually threatens will happen should the United States walk away from this abusive relationship for good? There are several important reasons, none of which are easily ignored.

First, Pakistan has the fastest growing nuclear program in the world, which includes efforts to develop so-called tactical nuclear weapons (I prefer to call them battlefield nuclear weapons, as even the smallest nuclear bomb will have strategic effects if used). Given Pakistans well-known reputation for black market nuclear trafficking, well-publicized reports of moving its warheads around in unescorted soft-skin vehicles (such as ordinary vans), and a petting zoo of every kind of domestic, regional, and transnational Islamist terrorist organization thriving under its protection, America and its allies are rightly concerned that any instability in Pakistan may result in terrorists getting their hands on Pakistans nuclear technology, fissile material, or a nuclear device. This is Washingtons worst nightmare. Ironically, Pakistan has invested in both its nuclear and terrorist arsenals on Washingtons time and dime. Yet, even as the continued payments to Pakistan intensify the countrys nuclear coercion, American officials in virtually all branches of government fear that a complete breakoff in aid will hasten the worst-case outcome.

Second and related to the first, the United States worries about Pakistans solvency. If it really wanted to bring Pakistans to its terrorism-loving knees, it would let the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cut the country off when it reneges on its own commitment to financial reform. Soon, international contributors to the IMF will essentially be subsidizing Pakistans exorbitant loan repayments to the Chinese. This alone should be adequate reasoning to let the IMF cut Pakistan off. However, this is unlikely to happen. Pakistan has essentially developed its bargaining power by threatening its own demise. With any economic collapse of Pakistan, Washington again fears that the specter of a nuclear-armed terrorist group rising up from Pakistan will materialize.

Finally, the United States has placed itself in an unwinnable position in the Afghan war. One can argue that the United States lost the war in Afghanistan when it went to war with Pakistan, one of the states most committed to undermining U.S. efforts there. Whereas the United States wants a stable Afghan government that can resist its predatory neighbors and keep Islamist militants out of the government and prevent these militants from using Afghanistan as a sanctuary to train, recruit, and plan terrorist attacks in the region and beyond, this is precisely the Afghanistan that Pakistan wants. The only way Washington could have had any hope of avoiding the situation in which it finds itself is if then-President Bush had capitalized on the opening with Iran that President Mohammad Khatami offered.

In 2001, Iran was incredibly supportive of the American effort in Afghanistan. U.S. Ambassador James Dobbins, who was present at the talks in Germany that led to the Bonn Agreement, has attested to Irans productive role in trying to secure a democratic future for Afghanistan. The United States instead spurned Iran and even labeled it a founding member of the Axis of Evil. The Bush administration was clueless about Pakistans interests and had believed that then-President Pervez Musharraf was sincere in offering his countrys help in defeating its own proxies in Afghanistan. We know now that this was a preposterous assumption. Yet the die had been cast. The United States became singularly reliant on using Pakistans air and land corridors to move supplies for the war effort. Its efforts to cultivate a so-called northern distribution route failed to materialize.

Over the years, I have offered reminders that Americans could work with Indian contractors to move goods from Chabahar to Afghanistan, thus providing an opportunity to further consolidate the two countries fast-growing ties with India. This would require using Irans port in Chabahar, which the Indians have helped to develop along with the road and rail lines connecting it to Afghanistan.

But most Americans recoil at the suggestion of cooperating with Iran, arguing that Tehran is a potential nuclear-proliferating sponsor of terrorism. Needless to say, Pakistan is an actual nuclear-proliferating sponsor of terrorism. Moreover, Pakistan is actually more dangerous than Iran: Tehrans terrorist proxies are regional menaces rather than the international, hydra-headed scourges cultivated by Islamabad.

Under the Obama administration, the United States made unprecedented progress in thawing relations with Iran with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal, which opened up at least the possibility of exploring the idea of moving supplies from the port in Chabahar. In fact, India just completed its first shipment of 1.1 million tons of wheat to Afghanistan that traveled through Chabahar. However, Trump has made it clear that he prefers to scrap the JCPOA entirely.

Without an alternative port, the United States will have no choice but to continue working with Pakistan if it wants to remain engaged in Afghanistan, as Trump intends to do. (The proposed troop surge is now complete with about 14,000 U.S. troops in the country.) While Trump can tweet whatever he wants about Pakistan or Iran, the professionals on his staff know the truth: U.S. policy in Afghanistan requires a port with road or rail access to Afghanistan. This administration  like each one before  has cast its lot with Pakistan. And this administration will confront the same failures as its predecessors. Logistics will beat strategy every time.
Candidate Downing combat in military questioned

I am a proud life member of the "Red River Rats." This organization was formed by individuals who had actually flown over the Red River Valley in North Vietnam to bomb Hanoi during the Vietnam conflict to end the communist aggression which was being orchestrated from the communist leadership in Hanoi. I happen to fly the F4 phantom jet in that conflict. Had the Johnson administration allowed us to use B52 bombers in this operation most of us who flew there are convinced the war would have been successfully concluded to our advantage years before.

We who flew in combat in Vietnam do not consider ourselves war heroes. The real heroes did not return or at least those who did were awarded a Silver Star, an Air Force cross or possibly a Medal of Honor. We have an out-of-state politician by the name of Troy Downing who according to his ads considers himself a war hero who flew in combat. He has not disclosed any combat awards that he personally received for his military service. I believe he is just another one of those fraudulent "heroes" attempting to buy a seat in Congress.
Lima (AFP) - Peru's defense minister resigned on Wednesday, becoming the second cabinet member to step down after President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski controversially pardoned former leader Alberto Fujimori, who had been incarcerated for murder and other rights abuses.

Diego Nieto's departure, confirmed to AFP by a ministry official, comes after the culture minister Salvador del Solar resigned. The head of the country's public broadcaster has also quit.

The political turmoil follows street protests triggered by Kuczynski's December 24 pardon.

Fujimori, 79, had been imprisoned for more than a decade, serving a 25-year sentence for commanding death squads and other brutality during his 1990-2000 rule.

He is currently in a clinic, where he was transferred after suffering low blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat. His family posted a video of him pleading for forgiveness from the Peruvian people.

The pardon is being viewed by many in Peru as a reward by Kuczynski to Fujimori's family, after Fujimori's son Kenji, a lawmaker, drained votes away from an impeachment vote in Congress against the president, who is being investigated for possible corruption.

Kuczynski barely survived the impeachment vote, but the center-right leader, a former Wall Street banker, remains weakened in power, with the opposition in charge of congress.

Nieto's resignation had been rumored for days, with he and Kuczynski said to be at odds over the pardon.

The defense minister was absent at the swearing-in of the country's new interior minister a week ago, with his explanation that we was unwell unconvincing to some.

Nieto, a leftwing politician, had previously been culture minister.

Lawmakers had scrutinized the president for allegedly lying to cover up his ties to Odebrecht, a giant Brazilian construction company that has admitted to paying bribes to officials across Latin America to secure public works contracts.

After initial denials, Kuczynski in December admitted he had taken money from Odebrecht for what he and the Brazilian company insisted were legitimate consulting fees. He denies any wrongdoing.

The money was received between 2004 and 2013, a period during part of which Kuczynski was economy minister and head of cabinet for then-president Alejandro Toledo.

The company has said it paid $20 million in kickbacks to Toledo, whom Peru wants extradited from the United States to face charges.
(Reuters) - The leader of the Mormon church, Thomas Monson, has died at his home in Salt Lake City, Utah, the church said on Wednesday. He was 90.

Monson became the 16th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as the religion is officially known, in 2008. As its leader, members of the faith considered him a prophet who received divine revelations.

The church said in a statement on its website that Monson died late on Tuesday.

President Donald Trump said in a statement that he and First Lady Melania Trump were "deeply saddened" by Monson's death.

"While serving for over half a century in the leadership of his church, President Monson demonstrated wisdom, inspired leadership, and great compassion," the statement said.

Mormons worship Jesus, believing in a "restored" church, with living apostles and prophets. They believe in the Bible and a book of scripture called the Book of Mormon.

The church, formally organized in 1830 in Upstate New York, has 15.9 million members worldwide, according to its website. They include the 2012 Republican presidential nominee and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

"President Monson had all the hallmarks of an unassuming servant of the Lord," the church said in the statement.

In May 2015, the LDS Church said Monson was "feeling the effects of advancing age," according to reports from the Salt Lake Tribune newspaper, and began cutting back public appearances and addresses.

Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Monson was appointed in 1963 to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the churchs second-highest governing body after the three-man First Presidency.

Upon death, a Mormon president is succeeded by the head of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, a post currently held by the 93-year-old Russell Nelson.

Monson's predecessor Gordon Hinckley died at 97 in 2007.

The church said on its website that Monson also had a "broad business background" and led a successful career in the publishing industry.

"Do something for someone else on that day to make his or her life better. Find someone who is having a hard time, or is ill, or lonely, and do something for them. Thats all I would ask," he said during an interview on his 81st birthday, according to the church.

(Reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky and Bernadette Baum)
WASHINGTON  Sen. Cory Gardner, R.-Colo., on Thursday threatened to block all nominees to Justice Department posts in response to Attorney General Jeff Sessionss decision to end Obama-era policies that let legal marijuana thrive. Gardner also warned that the looming Justice Department announcement would make things harder for 2018 Republican candidates in states where pot is legal.

It certainly lights up a new challenge for them, Gardner told Yahoo News in a telephone interview.

The Colorado lawmaker said Sessions had personally promised him prior to his confirmation that he would not take steps to tighten enforcement of federal pot laws.

Im prepared to hold every Justice Department nominee until Jeff Sessions lives up to what he told me, lives up to his commitment, Gardner said. A hold is a senatorial threat, frequently invoked to gain leverage over the executive branch, to filibuster nominees.

Jeff Sessions told me this wouldnt be a priority. Jeff Sessions told me the policy would not be reversed, and today Jeff Sessions went back on his word, the senator said.

Gardner said Sessions made the assurances in a call specifically set up because I would not release my vote [to confirm him as attorney general] until I got an answer.

He said, This is just not something that President Trump is focused on. And apparently, its not just a focus, its a primary initiative of the new year, Gardner fumed.

Cory Gardner, Jeff Sessions. (Photos: Alex Wong/Getty Images, Joshua Robert/Reuters)

The senators comments came after the Associated Press reported that Sessions would let federal prosecutors in states where marijuana is legal determine how tightly to enforce federal laws that prohibit growing, selling, buying and using pot. Eight states and the District of Columbia have passed laws legalizing marijuana for recreational use. In Gardners home state of Colorado, pot has become big business, though constrained by some federal laws that hamper the industrys ability to use U.S. banks.

What it means is uncertainty, instability and a thumbing of noses at the people of Colorado, where legalized marijuana is a $2 billion industry, supporting thousands of jobs and generating millions of dollars in tax revenue, Gardner said.

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During the 2016 campaign, Trump said its up to the states to decide whether marijuana is legal. Asked whether he would order a federal crackdown on pot, he replied: I wouldnt do that, no.

Pointing to that exchange, Gardner told Yahoo News: President Trump was right. Why does Jeff Sessions think he was wrong?

The announcement put the Trump administration at odds with an important ally: Gardner heads the National Republican Senatorial Committee  the party organization devoted to retaining the GOPs Senate majority. In that capacity, he withdrew NRSC support from Republican Senate nominee Roy Moore in the Alabama special election, which yielded a surprise Democratic upset victory. Trump had thrown his support to Moore, despite sexual misconduct allegations against the former judge.

A syringe loaded with a dose of CBD oil is shown in a research laboratory at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo. (Photo: David Zalubowski/AP)

The announcement could also complicate Republican fortunes in states like California, amid growing GOP concerns that the 2018 political climate could generate a Democratic wave that risks swamping their House majority.

Gardner noted that he himself had opposed legalizing marijuana but the people of Colorado felt otherwise.

If youre a Republican in Washington, if youre a Republican in California, if youre a Republican in other states that have legalized, then this becomes a significant barrier toward understanding this administrations policy, he said.

Read more from Yahoo News:
Tabby's Star, also known as KIC 8462852, is quite a mystery. Located about 1,280 light-years from Earth, the star puts on an interesting light show every now and then, dimming and brightening at unpredictable times. While many theories have been put forward as to what could be causing the changes in brightness, -- which can dip by up to 22 percent -- theories that include an alien megastructure, researchers haven't been able to get any solid data to explain the phenomenon. However, Louisiana State University researcher Tabetha Boyajian, who the star is named after, launched a Kickstarter campaign in May of 2016 with the goal of raising funds for a long-term observation of the star. The funds were raised and a new paper published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters presents the work of over 200 researchers who observed the star from 2015 through last year.

Last May, after beginning regular monitoring of the star in March of 2016, the researchers finally spotted the star's characteristic dipping in brightness and ultimately observed four major episodes of dimming. While they weren't able to determine what exactly is causing the dips, the researchers were able to rule out quite a few theories with the data they collected. And I'm sorry to disappoint those who were rooting for it to be an alien megastructure, but it's almost certainly not that. If a solid, opaque structure was causing the changes in brightness, those changes should be consistent across all wavelengths of light, but that wasn't the case. "Dust is most likely the reason why the star's light appears to dim and brighten. The new data shows that different colors of light are being blocked at different intensities. Therefore, whatever is passing between us and the star is not opaque, as would be expected from a planet or alien megastructure," Boyajian said in a statement.

Observations of the dimming events were made with a number of different telescopes around the world, resulting in a flood of data. "It's exciting. I am so appreciative of all of the people who have contributed to this in the past year -- the citizen scientists and professional astronomers. It's quite humbling to have all of these people contributing in various ways to help figure it out," said Boyajian.

Jason Wright, a Penn State assistant professor and a researcher on the project, says that though these findings narrow the possibilities of what's causing the dimming, there are still a few on the table. "This latest research rules out alien megastructures, but it raises the plausibility of other phenomena being behind the dimming," Wright said in a statement. "There are models involving circumstellar material -- like exocomets, which were Boyajian's team's original hypothesis -- which seem to be consistent with the data we have." He also says it's possible that the star isn't being blocked by anything but is itself getting dimmer at certain times.

This is just the first paper to come out of the observations and it focused on the first dimming event of the four. Future papers will discuss the findings of the other three dimming events. You can check out the study over at arXiv.
Steve Bannon and Roy Moore at a Moore campaign event Dec. 5. (Photo: Jonathan Bachman/Reuters)

Steve Bannon no doubt hoped that Roy Moores loss in the Alabama senate race would be no more than a speed bump in his political battle with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

But now, in the wake of President Trumps bone-rattling rebuke of Bannon on Wednesday (in response to Bannons provocative remarks about the Trump campaign, as quoted in a new book), the Moore debacle is taking on more the appearance of a train wreck. It weakened Bannons standing with Trumps base, giving McConnell an opportunity to redirect Trumps ire from himself to Bannon.

The label of Trumps enemy on the right has now been firmly planted on Bannons chest, after Trump denounced his former adviser on Wednesday in a 266-word statement that was unique in the annals of presidential history for its level of vindictive rage.

Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my Presidency, Trump said in the statement, which went on to proclaim that Trump and Republican members of Congress and candidates, but not Bannon, want to take our country back and build it up, rather than simply seeking to burn it all down.

McConnells personal campaign arm tweeted out an animated picture of the majority leader sitting behind his desk and breaking into a wide grin.

Immediately after Moores loss to Democrat Doug Jones in the special election for the U.S. Senate, McConnells allies moved to label Bannon  who supported Moore against Trumps candidate, Luther Strange, in the Republican primary  as the chief impediment to Trumps agenda.

Not only did Steve Bannon cost us a critical Senate seat in one of the most Republican states in the country, but he also dragged the President of the United States into his fiasco, wrote Steven Law, who runs a super-PAC aligned with McConnell, the Senate Leadership Fund.

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Former McConnell chief of staff Josh Holmes said that only a complete break from Bannonism in GOP primaries can reunite the party behind the Trump agenda and salvage the midterms.

This was just what Bannon said about McConnell in August. McConnell, R-Ky., and House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., do not want Donald Trumps populist, economic nationalist agenda to be implemented, Bannon said on 60 Minutes.

Im going to be his wingman outside for the entire time  to support Donald Trump, Bannon said.

After Moore lost, Bannon was on thin ice, with much less margin for error. He had already violated a red line laid down in October, when his allies said Bannon would only endorse Senate candidates who promised to oppose McConnell for majority leader. Of the candidates with Bannons backing, those who signed up for the anti-McConnell crusade tended to be lesser-quality candidates. Bannons picks in the most competitive races  such as Matt Rosendale in Montana and Attorney General Patrick Morrissey in West Virginia  were either openly supportive of McConnell or staying out of the fray.

The passage of a tax bill by Congress, which Trump signed into law at the end of December, also boosted McConnells standing in Trumps eyes, and thereby undercut Bannon.

And on Wednesday, in the aftermath of the Trump eruption, Republican candidates in contested primaries began to exploit Bannon as a wedge issue. Just a few months ago, Bannons support was sought after. But on Wednesday, it was treated as a liability.

President Trump congratulates Mitch McConnell as Paul Ryan looks on during a celebration of the passage of the tax bill Dec. 20. (Photo: Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP)

Rep. Evan Jenkins, who is running against Morrissey in the Republican primary to oppose Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., called on the attorney general to disavow Bannon for what Jenkins called vicious attacks on President Trump and his family.

Jenkins was referring to comments by Bannon to reporter Michael Wolff in a forthcoming book. In excerpts published Wednesday morning, Bannon called a meeting during the 2016 campaign between Donald Trump Jr., Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner and an informal representative of the Russian government treasonous.

Bannon said that Robert Muellers investigation into potential collusion between the Trump campaign and the Russian government would crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV.

According to the excerpts, Bannon went on to say he was certain that the Russians at the now-infamous meeting at Trump Tower were introduced to the candidate himself  directly contradicting Trumps numerous assertions that he had no contact with Russians during the campaign.

Read more from Yahoo News:
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia urged the United States not to interfere in what Moscow calls Iran's "domestic affairs", Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Thursday, according to the TASS news agency. Anti-government demonstrations erupted a week ago in Iran, and U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed support for the protesters. At least 21 people have died in the demonstrations, which began as protests against economic hardship. Iran's army chief said on Thursday that police forces had quelled the unrest, but his troops were ready to intervene if needed [nL8N1OZ0JO]. "I am certain that our neighbor, our friendly state will manage to overcome current difficulties and come from the current period as a strengthened country and reliable partner to solve various problems", Ryabkov said, according to TASS. Those problems included compliance with the agreement Iran reached with world powers in 2015 to curtail its nuclear-power program. Trump has long criticized that agreement. "The current situation, when Washington gives in to the temptation to raise more questions" on the nuclear agreement, Ryabkov said, is evidence that the United States is trying to undermine adherence to the deal. He also said Moscow is sticking to the position that the deal "is not to be corrected", playing down Washington's stance on the agreement. In October, Trump declined to certify that Iran was complying with the nuclear deal. He must decide in mid-January if he wants to continue to waive energy sanctions on Iran. (Writing by Denis Pinchuk, editing by Larry King)
Three days after California legalized the use of recreational marijuana, Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Thursday indicated he intends to reverse an Obama-era federal policy that discouraged federal prosecution of the drug in states where it was legal.

Lawmakers in states that have legalized the drug for medical and/or recreational purposes reacted negatively to the news, many of them calling out Sessions inconsistency on states rights.

Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), whose state legalized recreational use of the drug in 2012, called out the attorney general in a fiery speech on the Senate floor Thursday, claiming Sessions has gone back on a private assurance he gave before his confirmation at the Justice Department.

Gardner also railed against the Trump administrations habit of making drastic policy changes on a dime.

One tweet later, one policy later  a complete reversal of what many of us on the Hill were told before the confirmation, he said. Without any notification, conversation or dialogue with Congress, completely reversed.

Sen. Cory Gardner angrily responds to Attorney General Jeff Sessions' memo on marijuana policy. "One tweet later, one policy later, a complete reversal of what many of us on the Hill were told before the confirmation." https://t.co/NkJuIoh4fP pic.twitter.com/J4RZmkVM8U  ABC News (@ABC) January 4, 2018

This must be left up to the states, Gardner had tweeted earlier, adding that he is prepared to take all steps necessary, including holding up Justice Department nominees, until Sessions stands down.

This reported action directly contradicts what Attorney General Sessions told me prior to his confirmation. With no prior notice to Congress, the Justice Department has trampled on the will of the voters in CO and other states.  Cory Gardner (@SenCoryGardner) January 4, 2018

I am prepared to take all steps necessary, including holding DOJ nominees, until the Attorney General lives up to the commitment he made to me prior to his confirmation.  Cory Gardner (@SenCoryGardner) January 4, 2018

Colorado has so far collected over half a billion dollars in cannabis tax revenue. The funds have become essential for lawmakers as they seek to patch holes in the state budget.

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Other lawmakers  Democrats, Republicans and independents alike  also reacted negatively to Thursdays news. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) called Sessions act disruptive and regrettable:

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) called it a direct attack on patients:

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This reported decision is a direct attack on patients. Parents should be able to give their kids the medicine they need without fear of prosecution. Veterans should be able to come home from combat and use the medicine they need without fear of prosecution. https://t.co/ra43TqWsQE  Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) January 4, 2018

This is about public health. You can join me in fighting back by calling for support for my bill, the CARERS Act, which keeps the federal government out of the way when doctors and patients decide that medical marijuana is the best treatment for them.  Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) January 4, 2018

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) pledged to vigorously defend our states laws against undue federal infringement:

Make no mistake: As we have told the Department of Justice ever since I-502 was passed in 2012, we will vigorously defend our states laws against undue federal infringement. https://t.co/R3jJrncN9X pic.twitter.com/uM48hVH26q  Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) January 4, 2018

In Massachusetts, which only recently legalized the drug, the states Cannabis Control Commission said its role of fulfilling the will of the voters remains the same.

.@MA_Cannabis statement regarding anticipated repeal of @TheJusticeDept Cole memo which has allowed cannabis industry to go forward despite federal laws against it. #mapoli pic.twitter.com/LQnQP2UeCM  Steve Brown (@WBURSteve) January 4, 2018

In Vermont, where the state legislature is expected to vote early this year to legalize the drug, lawmakers declined Thursday to delay that decision in spite of the news from Washington.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) also called out Sessions on Twitter:

No, Attorney General Sessions. Marijuana is not the same as heroin. No one who has seriously studied the issue believes that. Quite the contrary. We should allow states the right to move toward the decriminalization of marijuana, not reverse the progress that has been made.  Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) January 4, 2018

Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) suggested the Trump administration would do better to focus on the opioid epidemic:

We have an opioids epidemic. But there is no such thing as a marijuana epidemic.  Brian Schatz (@brianschatz) January 4, 2018

Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) also angrily voiced his dissent.

Dear Attorney General Jeff Sessions and @TheJusticeDept: Let me give you a list of things more important for federal prosecutors and federal law enforcement to pursue other than marijuana:



1. Basically anything. https://t.co/ctyJui7g4c  Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) January 4, 2018

AG Jeff Sessions apparently wants to take America back to the 1920s. Prohibition didn't work then and it will not work now. Congress needs to pass sensible laws to prevent a monumental waste of precious federal resources chasing Americans who use #cannabis. #thursdaythoughts https://t.co/GP3qPyKIve  Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) January 4, 2018

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) also called out President Donald Trump for breaking his promise to uphold states rights.

Trump promised to let states set marijuana policies. Now he's breaking that promise so Jeff Sessions can pursue his extremist anti-marijuana crusade. https://t.co/EhxfVdC3so  Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) January 4, 2018

Wydens colleague, Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) went a step further, calling Sessions move perhaps one of the stupidest decisions the Attorney General has made and noting that it directly contradicts a Trump campaign promise:

This is outrageous. Going against the majority of Americansincluding a majority of Republican voterswho want the federal government to stay out of the way is perhaps one of the stupidest decisions the Attorney General has made. https://t.co/favJUDVBiA  Earl Blumenauer (@repblumenauer) January 4, 2018

One wonders if Trump was consultedit is Jeff Sessions after allbecause this would violate his campaign promise not to interfere with state marijuana laws. Its time for ANYONE who cares about this issue to mobilize and push back strongly against this decision. https://t.co/S0neITlP5q  Earl Blumenauer (@repblumenauer) January 4, 2018

Rep. Dina Titus (D-Nev.) also called out Sessions hypocrisy on states rights:

I will fight for businesses that are legally operating in states, contributing to tax bases, & creating jobs. We don't need a crackdown. We need to protect states' rights, respect the voice of voters, and pass laws to prevent this from happening again. https://t.co/0XBLrgf0iM  Dina Titus (@repdinatitus) January 4, 2018

As did Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.):

The war on drugs didnt stop drug usage; it just ruined a lot of lives. Jeff Sessions is reviving it because he believes in using the criminal justice system as an instrument of racial and economic control of poor people and brown people. https://t.co/XRd8OldE2N  Rep. Keith Ellison (@keithellison) January 4, 2018

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) used the moment to go on the offensive and push for the government to remove marijuana from the list of federally controlled substances.

RT if you think it's time Congress takes up my bill H.R. 1227, the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act to remove marijuana from the list of federally controlled substances. https://t.co/SbJjFcz05n  Tulsi Gabbard (@TulsiGabbard) January 4, 2018

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) also echoed the states rights line:

Statement from @RandPaul on Sessions rescinding Obama-era marijuana guidance to U.S. Attorneys: "I continue to believe that this is a states rights issue, and the federal government has better things to focus on."  CJ Ciaramella (@cjciaramella) January 4, 2018

As did Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.):

Sessions will end policy that allowed legalized marijuana to prosper https://t.co/Jrx50hRwme Sessions & Trump for states rights to secede and discriminate but not to innovate and be as Justice Brandeis said,the laboratories of democracy.

Opioid crisis and no action.Pot?Get real  Steve Cohen (@RepCohen) January 4, 2018

Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson (D) said he was taken aback that Sessions would make such a move after refusing multiple requests to meet with state officials there:

AG Ferguson response on reported action by US AG Jeff Sessions on federal marijuana policy. Read AG Ferguson and @GovInslee's letter to Sessions correcting Sessions' bad information on WA marijuana law here: https://t.co/z1DY0fbnsE pic.twitter.com/i68zhtHc9A  WA Attorney General (@AGOWA) January 4, 2018

And Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) reminded everyone that Sessions decision will ultimately hurt people of color the most:

Lets be clear: Trumps decision to prosecute marijuana use will hurt Black and Latino youth the most. Privileged kids who use these drugs in private schools rarely get prosecuted. This is a civil rights issue. Its not only bad policy. Its morally wrong. https://t.co/REIekeWCeY  Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) January 4, 2018

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
Singapore (AFP) - Singapore banned a documentary featuring a Palestinian teenager charged with assaulting Israeli security forces from being screened at a festival Thursday, warning the "inflammatory" work could stir hatred.

The city-state's media regulator said the film, "Radiance of Resistance", had a "skewed narrative" and could cause divisions among its ethnically diverse population.

Most of Singapore's 5.6 million inhabitants are ethnic Chinese but it is also home to substantial Muslim Malay and Indian minorities, as well as many expatriates. It has strict laws against anything seen as provoking disharmony.

The film was due to be shown Thursday at the Singapore Palestinian Film Festival, which showcases works by Palestinian filmmakers and artists and has been running since 2016.

Four other films will still be screened at the festival, according to its website.

The banned work looked at the lives of two young girls presented as the new faces of Palestinian resistance to the Israeli military occupation.

One of the girls, 16-year-old Ahed Tamimi, has been hailed as a hero by Palestinians who see her as bravely standing up to Israel's occupation but Israelis accuse her family of using her as a pawn in staged provocations.

She was charged in an Israeli military court Monday with several offences, including assault, after a video of her kicking and slapping two Israeli soldiers in the West Bank went viral.

The charges relate to the events in the video but also five other incidents.

"In holding up the girls as role models to be emulated in an ongoing conflict, the film incites activists to continue their resistance against the alleged oppressors," Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority said on its website.

"The skewed narrative of the film is inflammatory and has the potential to cause disharmony amongst the different races and religions in Singapore."

Film festival organiser Adela Foo told AFP she respected the decision and would not appeal.

"Naturally, I am a little sad and disappointed," said Foo, a 23-year-old student. A film was also banned at the 2016 edition of the festival, she said.

Singapore and Israel have a friendly relationship, unlike some of the city-state's Muslim-majority neighbours who have no diplomatic ties with the country.
Carrie Fisher as Leia in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. (Photo: Lucasfilm via AP)

For devoted fans of Princess Leia Organa, nothing could be more bittersweet than the knowledge that Star Wars: Episode IX was supposed to be her movie. After Carrie Fisher finished shooting The Last Jedi in July 2016, she told producer Kathleen Kennedy that she wanted Leia to be at the forefront of the next film, just like her fellow Galactic Civil War veterans Luke Skywalker in The Last Jedi and Han Solo in The Force Awakens. Kennedy told Vanity Fair that she agreed: Leia deserved her own chapter of the trilogy. Five months later, Fisher died, and The Last Jedi suddenly became General Leias swan song. (Or porg song, as it were.) Fortunately, Fisher makes a hell of an exit, claiming some of the films most emotional and dramatic moments as her own. Still, her story is open-ended. At the end of The Last Jedi, Leia is not only alive; shes the biggest celebrity the Resistance has to offer. Its going to be difficult for Episode IX writer-director J.J. Abrams to explain Leias absence, let alone give her the sendoff she deserves. But maybe its not impossible.

The first thing to consider, when contemplating an ending for Leia, is that Rian Johnson gifted her with a near-complete story arc in The Last Jedi. As the leader of the Resistance, Leia begins the movie attempting to hold on to hope even as her numbers dwindle and her estranged son personally tries to blow up her ship. By the films conclusion, she has shown the next generation of leaders how to move the rebellion forward with the same ingenuity and compassion that led to their triumph in Return of the Jedi. Along the way, Leia gets a few scenes that are particularly gratifying for original trilogy fans. The princess who watched helplessly while Lando betrayed her friends in The Empire Strikes Back takes down the mutinous Poe with a blaster set on stun. The princess who spent years ignorant of her own Force powers uses them to dramatic effect, manipulating not just a lightsaber or pile of rocks but her own body through space. And finally, the twin sister of Luke Skywalker is reunited with her brother in a funny and touching scene that proves theyve somehow managed to become a real family.

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Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia in The Empire Strikes Back (1980). (Photo: Mary Evans/LUCASFILM / Ronald Grant/Everett Collection)

Thats a lot of mileage for General Leia in The Last Jedi; now all Episode IX needs to do is stick the landing. Since Kennedy has said that Fisher wont appear in the film  through digital animation, reused footage, or any other technical wizardry  Abrams will have to do it without her. The most logical way to approach this would be to pick up the story several months or years after The Last Jedi, allowing Leia to pass away in the interim. (Johnsons decision to begin his movie immediately after the last one is actually an anomaly; all previous Star Wars films, with the exception of Rogue One, leave a gap for the passage of time.) Granted, she wouldnt necessarily have to die; she could go off on a diplomatic mission, or a long, well-deserved vacation. Yet Fishers loss is so palpably felt among Star Wars fans that its hard to imagine the film failing to honor her.

Regardless of how her absence is explained, theres one crucial, previously inevitable Leia moment that audiences will now be deprived of: her reunion with her son, Ben Solo, aka Kylo Ren. Were Ben to turn from the Dark Side, he and Leia might have had a tearful reconciliation in which he apologizes for doing the unthinkable. Alternately, mother and son may have been destined for a final showdown  a Force battle that pitted Leias hard-won strength and wisdom against Bens raw power and rage. Now, Abrams will have to find a way to wrap up the Solo family drama with its matriarch missing in action. Hopefully, Ben will get a chance to acknowledge his late parents; if any Star Wars actor can muster enough pathos to perform a moving scene at a galactic grave, its Adam Driver.

Theres just one more thing that Episode IX needs to do to bring Leias story to a proper conclusion  and that is make her a legend. The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi established that Luke Skywalkers heroics are known throughout the galaxy. His very name is enough to inspire hope in everyone from Resistance armies to stable boys. This is what Leia deserves, too. Shes the princess who gave up the throne to lead a rebellion. She watched everyone she loved die, over and over, and never stopped believing that good could triumph  even when Han and Luke did.

By the end of Last Jedi, Leia has reinvigorated the fight against the First Order, telling the handful of remaining Rebels, We have everything we need. In Episode IX, those words need to be whispered from Bespin to Jakku, bringing courage to the downtrodden and disheartened. As the Force moves through the star systems, let Leias bold spirit travel with it. And when the rebels rise up from every planet to take down the fascist First Order once and for all, Leia must be there  either as a literal Force ghost (the only honorable way to digitally resurrect her), or as a symbol of that struggle. (Think of all those Princess Leia signs at the Womens March. Now think of that a thousand times over.)

Carrie Fisher will never have as much Star Wars screen time as her male co-stars; its too late now to change that. Its not too late to cement her legacy as a franchise hero. George Lucas originally conceived Leia as a damsel in distress  the princess locked in a tower awaiting rescue. Now its Leias turn to rescue the rebellion. Episode IX owes her that much.

Watch The Last Jedi cast talk about Carrie Fishers final performance:

Read more from Yahoo Entertainment:
Butte-Silver Bows top official has decided not to reappoint former Montana economic development chief Evan Barrett to the board that oversees the countys industrial taxing district and business park.

Barrett played a key role in crafting the 1989 law that authorized special taxing districts for industrial areas in Montana and has served the past year-and-a-half on Buttes Tax Increment Finance Industrial District (TIFID) Board.

Dave Palmer, the countys chief executive, said Wednesday that his primary reason for the move was a Dec. 13 council meeting in which Barrett harshly criticized him for not naming a commissioner to secret negotiations on cleanup of the Butte Hill.

Palmer said he had decided to name Commissioner Dan Olsen to the environmental consent decree talks prior to Barretts public comments, but regardless, he said, the criticisms during the meeting went too far and too long.

I think its a two-way street, Palmer said. When the chief executive has authority to appoint board members, he has to have respect of the board members and I dont feel he had that after that little episode.

When told about the reasoning early Wednesday night, Barrett said Superfund and TIFID were completely separate matters.

If he wants to punish me for speaking out on the Superfund issue by not having me serve where I am of immense value, I guess thats his choice, Barrett said.

Commissioners concurred later Wednesday night with Palmer's new appointment of Andy Durkin, an accountant who works for NorthWestern Energy, to the TIFID Board. He also reappointed Todd Johnson to the board.

Barrett, during a public comment period at the Dec. 13 meeting, said he had urged Palmer to put a commissioner in the years-long talks because they were now moving quickly. But nothing had been done, he said, and he was suspicious that were being stalled out and nobody was addressing the issue.

Barrett spoke for several minutes and noted that Palmer himself was a commissioner in the consent-decree talks before he became chief executive. But after that, Barrett said, "suddenly it became not a good idea and we don't know why."

Barrett, through a written statement earlier Wednesday, noted Palmers authority to not reappoint him to the board but said, I personally dont think it is a good decision for Butte.

As a board member, he said he brought more than 25 years of economic development knowledge, experience and connections to help maximize the economic potential of that important industrial area of Butte.

The TIFID law is complex and the practice of creating economic development within that law is challenging, the statement said. I believe that as a board member I have made a positive difference in helping Butte to meet that challenge over the last year and a half.

He said he appreciated being appointed to the board by former Chief Executive Matt Vincent and was sorry he would no longer serve with other fine members" of the board who were very qualified and dedicated to the betterment of Butte.

I hope that Mr. Palmer will keep them in place for the good of Butte, he wrote.

Barrett said he only received a brief email from Palmer about his decision, which did not give reasons for the move. It only said that Barretts term was up and after talking with TIFID Administrator Kristen Rosa, he decided to appoint someone else.

Barrett was executive director of the Butte Local Development Corp. in 1989 when he said he and two others got the Legislature to put the concept of tax-increment financing (TIF) for industrial areas into state law.

Like other TIFs, they capture property taxes from new developments so they can be reinvested in new infrastructure and other improvements in those areas. Those in turn can lure new industries and businesses to town and help existing ones expand.

Buttes TIFID and its Montana Connections Business Park is now home to such companies as REC Silicon, Montana Precision Products, Seacast and a Fed Ex distribution facility.

Barrett, besides leading the BLDC for many years, was Brian Schweitzers economic development chief during his years as governor from 2005 to 2013.

Barrett supported Vincent during his re-election campaign for chief executive in 2016, but Palmer  a commissioner for 20 years  won the general election handily and became the countys top official in January 2017.

Barrett said Wednesday that although he backed Vincent in that race, he told Palmer after the election that he wanted to work with him for the betterment of Butte.

Palmer said the race had nothing to do with his decision and at first told the Standard he just wanted to change things up on the board. Then he brought up Barretts comments at the Dec. 13 meeting and said it was a key reason for the move.

Palmer said he didn't appoint a commissioner to the talks earlier because there had only been a few meetings and little progress. But the negotiations have picked up, he said, and he had already decided to appoint Olsen to the talks before the Dec. 13 council meeting.

Barrett said he told other members of the TIFID board by email Wednesday that they were free to call him for advice or insight. In his earlier statement, he said he would spend no time "looking in the rear view mirror."
Steve Bannon called Trump Jr.s meeting with Russia treasonous in a new book

The investigation into possible Russian collusion with Donald Trumps presidential campaign continues. And today, January 3rd, that controversy was reignited when The Guardian reported that Bannon called Donald Trump Jr.s meeting with Russian officials treasonous and unpatriotic in a new book.

The book, Michael Wolffs Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, is based on more than 200 interviews with the president and those in his administration. Bannon was a key source for the book, reportedly providing scathing criticisms of the Trump administration.

At the heart of the Russian investigation  and Bannons comments  is a meeting that occurred between Trump Jr. and a Russian attorney at Trump Tower on June 9th, 2016. The lawyer, Natalia Veselnitskaya, had promised that she could provide Trump Jr. with incriminating information about Hillary Clinton. Trump Jr. has denied that the presidential campaign was discussed during the meeting. Bannon referenced this meeting in Wolffs book, saying he felt Trump Jr. was in the wrong.

Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad sh-t, and I happen to think its all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately, Bannon reportedly told Wolff.

Trump Jr. responded to the reported quotes by tweeting that Bannon was lying.

Andrew Breitbart would be ashamed of the division and lies Steve Bannon is spreading!  Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) January 3, 2018

President Donald Trump also responded to Bannons accusations, denouncing Bannon entirely.

Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency, Trump said in a statement released by the White House. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind.

Bannons statements against Trump Jr. could be accurate, but they could also be motivated by spite. But between Bannons quotes and the recent revelation that Trump Jr. was exchanging messages with WikiLeaks (which has been linked to Russian involvement in the election), the Trump Tower meeting is looking more and more suspicious. Well be on the lookout for more developments in the Russia investigation.
By Maggie Serota

In Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, a new book by Michael Wolff, Steve Bannon reportedly spoke candidly on the infamous 2016 Trump Tower meeting between Donald Trump Jr., Jared Kushner, and then-Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort with Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya set up under the pretense that Veselnitskaya had damaging oppo on Hillary Clinton.

The three senior guys in the campaign thought it was a good idea to meet with a foreign government inside Trump Tower in the conference room on the 25th floor  with no lawyers, Bannon said, according the Guardian. They didnt have any lawyers.

Bannon, a Bretbart executive, and problematic dumbass who was bounced out of his role as White House chief strategist in under seven months, has been consistent in his distrust of Kushners judgement. In May, Bannon told Charlie Rose that Trumps dismissal of former FBI Director James Comey, a move reportedly championed by Kushner, was the biggest mistake in political history because it led to the appointment of special counsel Robert Mueller.

Bannon continues to roast the brain trust that comprised campaign leadership and basically admits that Breitbart, the hard-right news website he helms, is nothing more than propaganda. He also seems to admit that his main issue with Trumps inner circle isnt that they were doing something unlawful, but that they were bad at covering their tracks. His gripe is that the campaign officials were too dumb to be effectively corrupt. From the Guardian:

Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad shit, and I happen to think its all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately. Bannon went on, Wolff writes, to say that if any such meeting had to take place, it should have been set up in a Holiday Inn in Manchester, New Hampshire, with your lawyers who meet with these people. Any information, he said, could then be dump[ed]  down to Breitbart or something like that, or maybe some other more legitimate publication.

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Bannon told Wolff that Muellers probe was going to hinge on money laundering, which, to be fair, anyone following coverage of the investigation would know, and that didnt bode well for President Trump and his immediate family: Theyre going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV, he said.

Bannon also predicted that the presidents son-in-law would ultimately be his undoing, which, frankly doesnt take a so-called great manipulator to foresee. From the Guardian:

You realise where this is going, he is quoted as saying. This is all about money laundering. Mueller chose [senior prosecutor Andrew] Weissmann first and he is a money-laundering guy. Their path to fucking Trump goes right through Paul Manafort, Don Jr and Jared Kushner  Its as plain as a hair on your face. Last month it was reported that federal prosecutors had subpoenaed records from Deutsche Bank, the German financial institution that has lent hundreds of millions of dollars to the Kushner property empire. Bannon continues: It goes through Deutsche Bank and all the Kushner shit. The Kushner shit is greasy. Theyre going to go right through that. Theyre going to roll those two guys up and say play me or trade me. Scorning apparent White House insouciance, Bannon reaches for a hurricane metaphor: Theyre sitting on a beach trying to stop a Category Five.

Wolff is the same writer to whom Bannon said Darkness is goodDick Cheney. Darth Vader. Satan. Thats power. following Trumps 2016 election victory.

UPDATE: The White House released a statement on Wednesday afternoon responding to the claims Bannon made in Wolffs book.

Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency, Trump said. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind.

In statement, Trump says only thing Bannon does well is leak to the media:Steve pretends to be at war with the media, which he calls the opposition party, yet he spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important pic.twitter.com/vnGq0aT34t  Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) January 3, 2018

This post Steve Bannon on the Russia Probe: Theyre Going To Crack Don Jr Like an Egg on National TV first appeared on SPIN.
The galaxies of the universe grow up kind of like we do. When theyre young, theyre very active, producing new stars out of clouds of dust at a rapid rate. As they age, the churning slows down and eventually stops. No more new stars. The galaxies settle into some relative peace and quiet.

Astronomers have long sought to figure out what exactly leads to this halt in star formation, a phenomenon known as quenching. Most simulations show that supermassive black holes, the mysterious objects at the center of most galaxies, must play a major part. The only way the simulations workthe only way astronomers can explain what they see in galaxies through their telescopesis if black holes somehow contribute to the quenching.

Black holes are not picky eaters. They gobble up any materialcosmic dust or even starsthat wades into their gravitational grasp. When they feed, the material they devour heats up and glows brightly. Scientists give this stage in the life cycle of a black hole the very Star Treky name of active galactic nucleus, or AGN. The AGN, scientists believe, releases a bunch of energy, heating up gas in the galaxy and preventing it from cooling enough to condense into individual, brand-new stars. Eventually, this process extinguishes any new star formation.

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But scientists havent yet nailed down observational evidence for this effect. Theres a long battle within the community to try to understand the connection between black holes and star formation, said Ignacio Martin-Navarro, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California at Santa Cruz.

To investigate that connection, Martin-Navarro and his colleagues recently analyzed massive galaxies and the supermassive black holes that reside in their centers. They found that black holes are indeed responsible for the quenching of galaxies, and that the mass of a black hole influences how quickly that quenching occurs.

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Galaxies with more massive black holes became quenched earlier and faster than did galaxies with less massive black holes. The galaxies with bigger black holes experienced more intense rates of star formation in the beginning, during the early universe, than did the ones with smaller black holes. But galaxies with smaller black holes kept producing stars longer, presumably because their black holes werent powerful enough to blow away star-making gas and dust. For this reason, galaxies with smaller black holes tend to have a younger population of stars.

The findings were published Monday in a paper in Nature. Martin-Navarro and his team studied the light from a sample of galaxies by splitting it into different wavelengthsa frequently used method in astrophysics that can reveal important properties of astrophysical objects, like the ages of stars. This allowed them to trace the history of star formation in each galaxy, then compare this information with the masses of the black holes at the galaxies centers. The mass of a black hole served as a proxy for the amount of energy that gets spewed into the galaxy. The bigger the black hole, the more energy unleashed, the quicker the quenching.

The findings leave some mysteries untouched. Scientists still dont know how a hungry, feasting black hole spits out star-quenching energy, a process known as feedback. The new research does seem to give a firm indication of what the effect of black-hole feedback is, even if it doesnt fill in all the gaps in our knowledge of exactly how the quenching process works, said Caleb Scharf, the director of the Columbia Astrobiology Center in New York, in an email.

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Bottom line is that the relationship of black-hole mass to galactic stellar populations has been a problem staring us in the face for well over a decade, so any progress toward better quantifying the phenomenon is extremely welcome, Scharf said.

Martin-Navarro said other research has attempted to find a connection between star formation and the brightness of an AGN, but with little success, perhaps because star formation occurs over longer periods of time than do AGN bursts, which can turn on and off. Its really hard to compare things in really different timescales, Martin-Navarro said.

Although supermassive black holes measure more than 1 million times more massive than the sun, they are practically tiny compared to the galaxies they live in, Martin-Navarro said. Despite their small size, black holes influence how galaxies grow and evolve in big ways. Its as if a single cell in the human body determined the direction of an entire life. Thats what fascinates Martin-Navarro the mostthat something so small can dictate the future of something so much bigger.

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
Texas police are asking for the publics help in finding two young sisters believed to be with a person of interest in the suspicious death of their mother, PEOPLE confirms.

Round Rock, Texas, police announced on Sunday they are searching for Lilianais Griffith, 14, and Luluvioletta Bandera-magret, 7, a police spokesperson tells PEOPLE. The girls were reported missing after their mother was found dead under suspicious circumstances that day, according to a police spokesperson.

Police believe the girls are with 44-year-old Terry Miles, who was living with the girls and their mother, the spokesperson tells PEOPLE.

On Saturday, police responded to a welfare check at the girls home but the home appeared to be empty, Chief Allen Banks said at a press conference on Monday. The following day, authorities returned to the home, where upon entering they discovered the body of Tonya Bates, 44.

During their investigation, police learned that Bates two daughters and her roommate, Miles, were missing. A cause of death for Bates has not be released, pending an autopsy.

 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.

Police believe the girls were allegedly abducted by Miles but do not know of a motive, Banks said Monday. No charges have been filed.

Miles is believed to be driving a gray 2017 Hyundai Accent with Texas license plate JGH9845, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. There is also a white sticker on the upper right hand corner of the rear window, according to a police news release.

Terry Miles

Police initially believed Miles was allegedly heading to Louisiana. But on Monday, police said the last sighting of the group was in northern New Mexico and possibly southern Colorado, Banks said.

 For more compelling true crime coverage, follow our Crime magazine on Flipboard.

Lilianais is 5-feet 10-inches, weighs 100 pounds, has brown eyes, braces and a nose stud on her right nostril. Bandera-magret is 4-feet 5-inches, weighs 75 pounds, and has curly brown hair and brown eyes, according to authorities.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the three missing people is urged it call the Round Rock police tip line at (512) 670-5700, or call 911.
Thomas S. Monson, president of the Church of Jesus Christ and the Latter Day Saints, died on Jan. 2 at the age of 90, the Church announced.

President @ThomasSMonson, 90, has passed away peacefully surrounded by family. pic.twitter.com/66qoVrinIW  The LDS Church (@LDSchurch) January 3, 2018

Testimonials poured in praising the bear-hugging Monsons approachable and down-to-earth manner, which he retained even as he rose through the hierarchy of the 16-million-strong Church over the course of his 50 year career. Under Monsons aegis, the Churchs threefold mission  proclaim the gospel, perfect the saints, and redeem the dead  was bolstered by a fourth, outreach to the poor and less fortunate, Stuart Reid, a former state legislator, told The Salt Lake Tribune.

More than anything else during a lifetime of ministry, President Monson will be known for his charitable acts, Reid said.

The Mormon Church, as the LDS is also known, also faced some of the most intense public scrutiny in its history under Monsons decade-long tenure as the churchs senior figure, the Tribune wrote, including the rise of a Mormon president candidate  former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney  and a controversial decision on marriage equality that saw same-sex couples excommunicated from the Church.

President Monson was among the greatest men I have ever known. Service was his motto and humility his hallmark. Countless were the lives he touched as a prophet, father, and friend. Today, I join millions across the globe in mourning his passing. #LDSChurch #utpol  Senator Hatch Office (@senorrinhatch) January 3, 2018

My heart is filled with love for Pres. Monson. He touched countless lives, including my own, in a positive and sweet manner influencing good throughout the world. https://t.co/cXnZswmZP3  Jason Chaffetz (@jasoninthehouse) January 3, 2018

Remembering the life and legacy of President Thomas S. Monson (19272018). pic.twitter.com/j683yNQCDx  The LDS Church (@LDSchurch) January 3, 2018

Monsons failing health saw him cut back on public obligations in recent years. He delivered two brief sermons at the Churchs twice-annual General Conference in April 2017, according to the Tribune, and skipped the October conference.

Mormon public figures paid tribute to Monson on Twitter, including former Congressman Jason Chaffetz and Sen. Orrin Hatch, who called Monson among the greatest men I have ever known.
(Photo: HuffPost)

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INSIDE THE TRUMP-BANNON SCHISM The release of a book excerpt from journalist Michael Wolff in which Steve Bannon alleges President Donald Trump likely met with the Russians and insults the president and his family has resulted in a massive break between the president and his former chief strategist. Trump responded to the bombshells Wednesdayby saying, He lost his mind. A Trump lawyer has sent Bannon a cease-and-desist letter. The feud puts primary candidates backed by Bannon in a bit of a bind. And heres where to read the excerpt that started it all. [HuffPost] [Tweet | Share on Facebook]

THE NORTHEAST BUCKLES DOWN FOR WINTERS MIGHT Hundreds of schools have closed and power has been lost to the bomb cyclone, a winter storm stretching nearly the entire East Coast. By the end of the week, parts of the Northeast will be colder than Mars. Heres how to avoid disaster for your water pipes and insure your overall safety in this winter blast. These are a few of the shelters scrambling to offer refuge during the onslaught. And meet the man who gifted us with the term bomb cyclone. [Reuters]

THIS IS THE NEO-NAZI TWITTER ACCOUNT TIED TO A VIRGINIA DOUBLE HOMICIDE On Twitter, Nicholas Giampa wrote about race war, convincing transgender people to kill themselves, and using Jews as target practice. [HuffPost]

TRUMP VOTER FRAUD PANEL ABRUPTLY ENDS The controversial panel had been heavily criticized by voting rights advocates. The president tweeted this morning that he would push for Voter ID laws. [HuffPost]

HAPPY THURSDAY: RESEARCHERS HAVE DISCOVERED MAJOR FLAWS IN THE MICROPROCESSORS OF PRETTY MUCH THE ENTIRE WORLDS COMPUTERS The two problems, called Meltdown and Spectre, could allow hackers to steal the entire memory contents of computers, including mobile devices, personal computers, servers running in so-called cloud computer networks. [NYT]

MOTEL 6 REPORTEDLY GAVE IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT GUEST INFO Fergusons office found that Motel 6 locations in Washington were also providing ICE with customers names, room numbers, license plate numbers and dates of birth, in violation of consumer protection and discrimination laws, the attorney general said. [HuffPost]

Story continues

WHATS BREWING

ESSENCE IS AGAIN A 100-PERCENT BLACK-OWNED COMPANY The black womens magazine is no longer under Time Inc. [HuffPost]

WERE BRINGING THE RED For the long-awaited Scandal and How To Get Away With Murder crossover episode. [HuffPost]

MERYL STREEP OPENED UP ABOUT THE TIME DUSTIN HOFFMAN SLAPPED HER ON SET But this was my first movie, and it was my first take in my first movie, and he just slapped me. And you see it in the movie. It was overstepping. [HuffPost]

THIS VIRGINIA DELEGATE SEAT WILL BE DETERMINED BY A NAME-DRAWING Yes, actually. [HuffPost]

MAY YOU FIND AS MUCH JOY IN LIFE As this woman did after winning $11.30 in online trivia. [HuffPost]

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Philanthropist Tom Steyer stands in front of one of the billboards he funded in Times Square. (Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  If youve watched cable news recently, youre probably familiar with the $20 million ad campaign by California billionaire Tom Steyer urging the impeachment of President Trump. Perhaps you were even among the 4 million or so who signed his online Need To Impeach petition, showing your support for ousting Trump and, incidentally, adding your name to a mailing list that could be of great value to a progressive political candidate.

And in a possible clue who that candidate might be, Yahoo News has discovered that a policy adviser at a think tank indirectly funded by the outspoken progressive has registered a series of web domains for potential future campaigns, all involving Steyer.

Keeping all options open, the aide, Jeff Lyng, a senior policy advisor at Colorado State Universitys Center for the New Energy Economy, has registered 11 websites using combinations of Steyers name and various political offices, including TomSteyerForPresident.com, TomSteyerForGovernor.org, and Steyer4Senate.org.

No content was ever published on the sites.

Steyer, 60, is a leading political megadonor and has given millions to Democrats and to various liberal groups. He has been the subject of persistent rumors that he might run for office in his home state of California. Steyer, who lives in San Francisco, made his fortune as the founder of the hedge fund Farallon Capital Management. His October impeachment campaign fueled speculation that he might mount a White House bid, as did a television commercial that largely consisted of the billionaire speaking directly to camera. Last month, in a C-SPAN interview, Steyer confirmed his interest.

I havent ruled it out, and Im actually trying to determine what will have the most positive differential impact, Steyer said. Im absolutely ambitious  to try and be part of the group of people who gets America back on a just and prosperous course.

Asked about the campaign web addresses, Erik Olvera, head of communications for Need To Impeach, said Steyer was not aware of them.

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We didnt know about the domain name purchases. It goes to show the amount of growing interest and support for Tom and what hes doing, said Olvera.

A Times Square billboard funded by Tom Steyer calls for the impeachment of President Trump. (Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

In a conversation with Yahoo News on Tuesday evening, Lyng described the web addresses as his own personal guess. He called them an investment on my part based on public speculation that Steyer might be running for those roles.

Im not at all involved whatsoever in any sort of campaign, Lyng said.

Lyng said he has never met Steyer, although the think tank he works for, the Center for the New Energy Economy, was founded in 2011 with funding in part from the Energy Foundation, which in turn has received funding from charitable trusts operated by Steyer and his wife, Kat Taylor.

That funding isnt the only link between Lyng, the Center for the New Energy Economy and Steyer. The center is led by Bill Ritter, the former Democratic governor of Colorado, and Lyng served as an adviser on energy policy in Ritters administration from 2007 until 2011. Ritter, who is chair of the Energy Foundations board of directors, has also served on the board of Advanced Energy Economy, a group that was co-founded by Steyer in 2011. In 2014, Ritter moderated an event at Steyers home that included governors and major donors.

Ritter said he knew nothing about the domains. He also said the center is not involved in political activity and added that he has seen Steyer only two times in the past year.

For his part, Lyng insisted he registered the domains on his own and, in a follow-up phone call, claimed he relinquished them after hearing from Yahoo News.

It was a dumb thing I did and I regret it, said Lyng.

_____

Read more from Yahoo News:
(WASHINGTON)  The top American commander for the Middle East wants a more aggressive Afghan military pressuring Taliban and other insurgents over the normally quieter months of Afghanistans winter, and then quickly going on the offensive in the spring. Its all part of a plan the United States hopes will change the course of a war now entering its 17th year.

Gen. Joseph Votel of U.S. Central Command said an influx of new American trainers can help escalate the fight. Theyll be operating with Afghan units, closer to the front lines and at greater risk, but Votel said U.S. commanders will ensure American and allied forces have adequate protection.

The goal is to get the Afghan military moving on its military campaign sooner, rather than later.

The United States wants the focus on offensive operations and well look for a major effort to gain the initiative very quickly as we enter into the fighting season, Votel said in a recent interview with The Associated Press.

Afghan forces must keep the pressure on all the time and work to gain the upper hand as quickly as we can. So that as we get into this next fighting season we can build on the initiative, he said.

The Trump administrations Afghanistan strategy gives the U.S. military greater authority to launch offensive attacks against a resilient Taliban and an emerging Islamic State affiliate. The plan, announced in August, was designed to reverse a stalemate in Americas longest war. It specifically eliminates the Obama administrations scheduled plan to withdraw U.S. forces, but includes no dramatic changes in an approach that has failed to stabilize the country or snuff out extremist groups operating from Afghan territory.

As 2018 begins, Afghanistan appears to be high on President Donald Trumps agenda. On New Years Day, he slammed Afghanistans neighbor Pakistan in a tweet for lies & deceit, accusing the country of playing U.S. leaders for fools by not crushing militants in its territory. A major focus of Trumps Afghanistan strategy is to persuade Pakistan to eliminate havens for the Taliban and other fighters.

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Pakistan summoned the U.S. ambassador and Islamic groups held rallies in major Pakistani cities in response.

Pakistan has played a double game for years, Nikki Haley, Trumps U.N. envoy, said Tuesday, explaining that Washington was withholding $255 million in aid to Islamabad. They work with us at times and they also harbor the terrorists that attack our troops in Afghanistan. That game is not acceptable.

Pakistans Ambassador to the U.N. Maleeha Lodhi responded, We have contributed and sacrificed the most in fighting international terrorism and carried out the largest counter terrorism operation anywhere in the world.

Lodhi said the U.S. should not shift the blame for their own mistakes and failures onto others. We can review our cooperation if it is not appreciated.

On the Afghan side of the border, Washington is trying to build a tougher national military.

Votel said as the coalition builds up the Afghan Air Force and trains more security forces, the Afghans will become better fighters. By the time they get to the next fight, he said, they will be able to really present a significant offensive capability.

But its hardly the first time the American military has vowed to shape up the U.S.-backed army into a force that can defeat the Taliban, al-Qaida, IS and others. Nor does Trumps approach represent the first time a frustrated president has pumped troops into the country to turn the situation around. There are now as many as 16,000 U.S. forces in the country  roughly double what Trump inherited  and a special training unit is scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan early this year.

When then-President Barack Obama took office in 2009, he authorized a surge of U.S. forces to Afghanistan that took the total there to about 100,000. The goal was to tamp down a resurgent Taliban and train and expand Afghan security forces. The plan centered on forcing the Taliban to the peace table and ending the war by the time Obama left office.

The plan never worked, despite the mission meeting several celebrated benchmarks: Obama ended combat operations in 2014, curtailed offensive strikes and set deadlines for a full U.S. troop withdrawal. And as the U.S. and NATO forces pulled back, the Taliban stepped up attacks and regained ground, while an IS faction carved out its own foothold. Obama ended his presidency leaving more than 8,000 U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

Beyond boosting troop numbers, Trump has granted his generals wishes for fewer combat restrictions, greater authority for commanders and no withdrawal deadline.

Next year will be the first test of the policy. The Taliban currently controls as much as half of the country.

James Stavridis, a retired Navy admiral who served as the top U.S. commander for NATO from 2009 until 2013, said the ultimate goal in Afghanistan remains the same: Pushing the Taliban into seeking peace negotiations.

There is a slightly better than even chance that there are some new factors which move us toward the possibility of a successful outcome, said Stavridis, now dean of The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. Those changes, he said, include the elimination of troop withdrawal timelines and Taliban fatigue.

I think theyre tired, too. This is also a 17 year war for them, Stavridis said, but suggested any settlement will require compromise. Is this going to be a sweeping victory? No. But I think the odds are much higher of getting them to the negotiating table.

Votel, too, said he believes efforts are trending in the right direction, as Afghanistans military replaces older commanders with younger officers. Recruitment is being maintained at a rapid pace.

But as winter arrives, Votel said the Afghan army must stay on the offense and prepare for greater fighting when the weather improves.

We frequently talk about these fighting seasons, but as you know the fighting never actually ends, Votel said.
By Patricia Zengerle

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has been informing members of Congress that it will announce as soon as Wednesday plans to cut off "security assistance" to Pakistan, congressional aides said on Wednesday, a day after the White House warned Islamabad it would have to do more to maintain U.S. aid.

Aides in two congressional offices said the State Department called on Wednesday to inform them that it would announce on Wednesday or Thursday that aid was being cut off, although it was not clear how much, what type or for how long.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders declined to say whether an announcement was imminent. The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The calls to Capitol Hill came a day after Washington accused Pakistan of playing a "double game" on fighting terrorism and warned Islamabad it would have to do more if it wanted to maintain U.S. aid.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said on Tuesday that Washington would withhold $255 million in assistance to Pakistan. Her statement followed an angry tweet from Trump on Monday that the United States had been rewarded with "nothing but lies and deceit" for giving Pakistan billions in aid.

Pakistan civilian and military chiefs rejected what they termed "incomprehensible" U.S. comments and summoned U.S. Ambassador David Hale to explain Trump's tweet.

Relations between Islamabad and Washington have been strained for years over Islamabad's alleged support for Haqqani network militants, who are allied with the Afghan Taliban.

The United States also alleges that senior Afghan Taliban commanders live on Pakistani soil and has signalled it will cut aid and take other steps if Islamabad does not stop helping or turning a blind eye to Haqqani militants crossing the border to carry out attacks in Afghanistan.

Many members of the U.S. Congress, particularly Republicans, who control both houses of the legislature, have been critical of the Pakistani government and called for cuts in military and other aid.

(Reporting by Patricia Zengerle, additional reporting by Steve Holland and Jonathan Landay; Editing by Steve Orlofsky)
President says former strategist is learning that winning isnt as easy as I make it look as Bannon is quoted condemning Trump Tower meeting with Russians

Donald Trump said Steve Bannon spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem more important. Photograph: Carlos Barria/Reuters

Donald Trump lashed out at his former chief strategist Steve Bannon on Wednesday, accusing him of having lost his mind after the one-time aide made explosive accusations against the president and his family in a new book.

Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency, Trump said in a statement released by the White House.

When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind. Steve was a staffer who worked for me after I had already won the nomination by defeating 17 candidates, often described as the most talented field ever assembled in the Republican party.

Critics pointed, however, to a tweet issued on 17 August 2017, in which Trump wrote: I want to thank Steve Bannon for his service. He came to the campaign during my run against Crooked Hillary Clinton  it was great! Thanks S.

Bannon was chief executive officer of the Trump campaign in its final three months and then White House chief strategist for seven months before returning to the rightwing Breitbart News.

According to Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, Bannon told author Michael Wolff the Trump Tower meeting between the presidents son and a group of Russians during the 2016 election campaign was treasonous and unpatriotic. He also reportedly made a range of claims about the likely targets and results of the investigation into Russian election meddling by the special counsel Robert Mueller.

In the book, which was obtained by the Guardian ahead of publication from a bookseller in New England, Wolff paints a picture of a White House in chaos, locked in internecine warfare with even some of Trumps closest allies expressing contempt for him.

In his statement, which was issued after New York magazine published its own extensive excerpt of the Wolff book, the president said: Steve pretends to be at war with the media, which he calls the opposition party, yet he spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was. It is the only thing he does well.

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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.



Wolff, a former Guardian columnist, told the Guardian in November that he had no agenda in writing the book but wanted to find out what the insiders were really thinking and feeling. He enjoyed extraordinary access to Trump and senior officials and advisers, he said, sometimes at critical moments.

On Wednesday, one subject of conversations reported in Wolffs book, billionaire Trump ally Tom Barrack, told the New York Times he had not made a reported abusive remark about the president.

The White House press secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, said in a written statement to the presidential pool the book was filled with false and misleading accounts and was trashy tabloid fiction.

At her regular briefing to the media later, she said Trump was furious at and disgusted by Bannons remarks. Going after the presidents son in an absolutely outrageous way is probably not the best way to curry favour with anybody.

She described the claim of treason against Trump Jr as a ridiculous accusation and pointed to an interview on the TV programme 60 Minutes in which Bannon had referred to allegations of collusion with Russia as a farce. She told reporters: If anyones been inconsistent, its been him. It certainly hasnt been the president or this administration.

She claimed that Trump and Bannon last spoke in early December. Asked if the former chief strategist was off the list for social invitations to the White House, she replied dryly: Probably so.

Sanders claimed that Wolff had never actually sat down with the president while researching the book but just had one brief conversation of about five to seven minutes. She was also aware of just over a dozen interactions between Wolff and White House officials, 95% of which were at Bannons request. I know the book has a lot of things that are completely untrue, she claimed.

Stephanie Grisham, communications director for the first lady, rejected claims in the book that Melania Trump cried when her husband won the presidency.

Donald Trump Jr also jumped into the fray, blasting Bannon in a series of tweets that blamed him for the election of the first Alabama Democrat elected to the Senate in more than a generation.



Thanks Steve. Keep up the great work, Trump Jr said, replying to a reporters tweet about the swearing in ceremony of Doug Jones.

Bannon declared a season of war on the Republican establishment and has threatened to run disruptive primary challengers against incumbent senators. The Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell, said the Alabama special election, in which the controversial Republican Roy Moore, who was accused of sexual misconduct with teenage girls, lost to Jones, demonstrates that Bannons anti-establishment candidates are unelectable.

After Trump released his statement on Bannon, McConnells re-election campaign account tweeted a gif of the Kentucky Republican grinning.

Trump Jr added later: Steve had the honor of working in the White House & serving the country. Unfortunately, he squandered that privilege & turned that opportunity into a nightmare of backstabbing, harassing, leaking, lying & undermining the President. Steve is not a strategist, he is an opportunist.


Lawyers for Donald Trump moved on Thursday to try to shut down the explosive new book which has exposed chaos behind the scenes at the White House.

Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, by Michael Wolffe, is due to be released on Tuesday. But after extracts from the book were made public by the Guardian, the White House has been thrown into a frenzy.

First, Trump issued a remarkable personal statement denouncing Steve Bannon, his one-time confidant, whom he castigated as self-aggrandizing and not a critical figure.

Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency, Trump said. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said the president was furious and disgusted at Bannons attacks on his family, which included the claim that Donald Trump Jrs Trump Tower meeting with a group of Russians who had promised dirt on Hillary Clinton had been treasonous and unpatriotic.

Then on Thursday, as the White House struggled to contain the fallout from the book, a lawyer for Trump sent a letter demanding Wolff and his publisher, Henry Holt and Co, immediately cease and desist from any further publication, release or dissemination, or excerpts and summaries of its contents. The legal notice, sent by Beverly Hills-based attorney Charles Harder, also demanded a copy of the book.

Harder sent a similar letter to Bannon on Wednesday night, accusing the former chief strategist of violating an employee agreement and defaming the president.

The Guardian published details from the book on Wednesday after obtaining a copy from a bookseller in New England. New York magazine then rushed to publish a lengthy extract and more details began to emerge.

On Thursday, in a column for the Hollywood Reporter titled My Year Inside Trumps Insane White House, Wolff gave more insight into what he discovered as he sat day after day on a West Wing couch for a year.

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Administration officials, he suggested, do not believe Donald Trump is capable of fulfilling his role as president.

Everybody was painfully aware of the increasing pace of his repetitions, Wolff wrote. It used to be inside of 30 minutes hed repeat, word-for-word and expression-for-expression, the same three stories  now it was within 10 minutes. Indeed, many of his tweets were the product of his repetitions  he just couldnt stop saying something.

He added: Hoping for the best, with their personal futures as well as the countrys future depending on it, my indelible impression of talking to them and observing them through much of the first year of his presidency, is that they all  100%  came to believe he was incapable of functioning in his job.

In a final anecdote, Wolff wrote: At Mar-a-Lago, just before the new year, a heavily made-up Trump failed to recognize a succession of old friends.

Sanders said the book was filled with false and misleading accounts from individuals who have no access or influence with the White House.

Wolffs book soared from 48,449th on Amazons bestselling books list to No 1. Veteran political observers said they could not remember a falling out so public or rancorous as that between Trump and Bannon.

Wolff said in an authors note that his book was based on more than 200 interviews, including multiple conversations with the president and senior staff. Sanders claimed Wolff never actually sat down with the president and had spoken with him just once, briefly, after Trump took office. She dismissed the book as trashy tabloid fiction.

Aides thought they had more time to prepare for the books formal release, the Washington Post reported on Wednesday night. Trump spent much of the day raging about the book to top aides, officials and advisers said  As he fumed, some aides were still frantically searching for a copy of the book, and even senior aides like [Hope] Hicks had not seen it by the afternoon, officials said.

The furious controversy consumed time and energy in the West Wing as Trump prepared for a weekend retreat at Camp David. The president was due to meet Paul Ryan, the House speaker, and Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell to discuss Republican plans for 2018.

The presidents approval rating is at rock bottom and midterm elections loom in November. Bannon, now executive chairman of the conservative Breitbart News website, is known to be planning to throw his weight behind candidates that share his hardline nationalist agenda.

He could yet use Breitbart to hold Trumps feet to the fire on issues such as immigration, a wall on the Mexican border and a trade war with China.

Joshua Green, author of Devils Bargain: Steve Bannon, Donald Trump, and the Storming of the Presidency, said: I dont think Bannon is going anywhere  He speaks for a wing of the Republican party that is real and powerful. He reflects and amplifies a sentiment among grassroots Republican supporters on issues such as trade and immigration that is very real.

On Wednesday, Bannon hosted Breitbart News Tonight on Sirius XM radio as usual, making little reference to the public rupture with the president.

When a caller brought up the issue, Bannon replied: The president of the United States is a great man. You know I support him day in and day out.
An ICE agent documents a detained individual: Getty

State and local officials have called the Trump administrations sanctuary city rhetoric outrageous and unhinged after a top immigration official floated the idea of targeting local politicians in municipalities that seek to protect undocumented immigrants.

The harsh comments came after acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Thomas Homan told Fox News Neil Cavuto that he hoped the Justice Department would challenge sanctuary cities in the court, and that the department should hold these politicians personally accountable.

We gotta take [sanctuary cities] to court, and we gotta start charging some of these politicians with crimes, Mr Homan said.

Mr Homan continued on to say that California Governor Jerry Brown, who signed a state-wide sanctuary bill last year, should expect more immigration agents in his state.

If he thinks ICE is going away, we're not, Homan said. There's no sanctuary from federal law enforcement. As a matter of fact, we're in the process now  I'm going to significantly increase our enforcement presence in California. We're already doing it. We're going to detail additional enforcement assets to California. California better hold on tight  they're about to see a lot more special agents, a lot more deportation officers in the State of California. If the politicians in California don't want to protect their communities, then ICE will.

Officials and advocates say that those types of comments reflect a disrespect for the law shown by the Trump administration when it comes to immigration, and that the administration turns a blind eye to actual laws and court challenges currently on the books across the nation.

Wed encourage this individual to better educate himself on what laws in California do and dont do before frothing and fear mongering on Fox News, Evan Westrup, a spokesman for Mr Browns office, told The Independent in a statement.

The Trump administration has repeatedly criticised sanctuary city policies, which allow local police and authorities to exercise discretion in response to federal immigration detainer requests when it comes to non-violent offenders. President Donald Trump has himself criticised the programmes, threatening to pull funding from the cities  even though the legality of doing so has been questioned.

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The Trump administration has also been ramping up immigration detentions in a change in policy that has been criticised as increasingly indiscriminate. At the same time, however, Mr Trump has overseen less overall deportations than his predecessor.

Californias state sanctuary bill from last year does not prohibit ICE agents from doing their jobs, does not prohibit sheriffs from allowing ICE agents to visit California jails to conduct routine interviews, and does not prohibit cooperation with federal officials for deportations related to serious offences.

The Trump Administrations anti-immigrant policies have taken a turn from the inhumane to the comically absurd. Whats next - deporting anyone who didnt vote for Trump? Kevin de Leon, the California State Senate leader and author of the bill, told The Independent in an email.

These threats from Homan are proof positive that the Trump Administration and ICE are basing their immigration enforcement on fear and not fact, pure hate and no heart, Mr de Leon continued. This is why California wont help them tear our families apart.

Other states have taken the opposite tact compared to California, and have been met with legal challenges. In Texas, for instance, the passage of Senate Bill 4, which would have outlawed sanctuary city policies in the state, was met with fierce opposition that tied parts of the bill up in the courts.

In New York City, the largest sanctuary city in the United States, officials similarly said that attacks on their policies  and politicians  is an unfortunate hallmark of the Trump campaign.

These unhinged and misinformed comments are irresponsible even for the Trump Administration, Seth Stein, a spokesman for New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, told The Independent in an email. This is just another example of the Trump Administration twisting the facts about localities to stoke fear in an attempt to advance its deportation agenda.
Muscatine County Attorney Alan Ostergren issued a statement confirming that it is illegal to possess or distribute products containing cannabidiol or CBD as it's also called.

Ostergren said it all started back in the fall when police began hearing reports of retailers in the region selling products containing CBD. He explained that Muscatine Police Department found that some local retailers had a "significant inventory on hand." Police confiscated a number of these products and performed lab testing.

According to Ostergren, the test they used determined the products qualified as being marijuana under Iowa law.

"The purpose of the statement was to let the community know that these products are not legal," Ostergren said. "Rather than go out and start arresting people for the possession and distribution of these substances, I made the decision that the better move would be to inform people what the law was in this area."

He said such statement is to douse what he understands to be a spreading impression that such CBD products are legal in the State of Iowa.

"People have conflicting readings on what the law says," Ostergren said. So Ostergren said he appealed to the Iowa Department of Public Health and Iowa Board of Pharmacy. He said both institutions confirmed the CBD products are not a legal form.

"I think there has been a lot of assertions being made about what is and is not legal," Ostergren said. "I would encourage people to be careful about people taking legal advice and health advice from social media."

The degree of information surrounding CBD products has a lot to do with the amount of research available.

CBD is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis. A survey of research in the Journal of Schizophrenia Research shows that CBD's antipsychotic properties do have potential as "an effective, safe and well-tolerated antipsychotic compound." However, that survey points out that a large, randomized clinical trial has not been done and would be necessary before such new treatments could be introduced into clinical practice.

"Regardless of what I think the pros and cons are in this for medical conditions, its not Alan Ostergren and the Muscatine Police that decided this stuff isnt legal. Thats just what the law is," Ostergren said. "Our job is to enforce the law as it exists. If people want to live in a state where these products are legal, they should maybe communicate that to their lawmakers."
The White House plans to impose sanctions against Iranian regime forces responsible for a violent crackdown on protests, administration officials said Wednesday, as the president vowed to support Iranian demonstrators who have taken to the streets.

While U.S. officials struggled to grasp the scale and scope of the protests that blindsided Tehran when they erupted on Dec. 28, 2017, President Donald Trump offered an outspoken endorsement of the popular unrest via Twitter Wednesday, praising the Iranian demonstrators fight before deleting his tweet and replacing it with less strident language.

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! Trump tweeted.

But supporting the protesters risks discrediting them inside Iran, say experts and former officials, making overt U.S. support potentially counterproductive. Some lawmakers, including Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, have urged the administration to show solidarity with the Iranian population by considering lifting a ban that prevents Iranians from traveling to the United States.

Additionally, Trump faces a tough choice this month on the future of the Iran nuclear deal, which could have further political consequences in Iran. Within two weeks, the president will have to decide whether to reimpose sanctions that were lifted as part of the 2015 agreement. In October, the president warned lawmakers and European governments that if they did not amend the deals terms, the United States would withdraw from the agreement.

A return to sanctions would give the regime an excuse for the kind of economic difficulties that have helped spark the protests, thus channeling popular ire toward America.

In a briefing with reporters Wednesday, two administration officials played down the potential effect of the presidents decision on Irans political landscape, saying the protests were driven by widespread dissatisfaction with the regime and frustration over economic hardship. And they declined to say whether the president this month would reimpose the sanctions that were rescinded under the nuclear deal in 2016.

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But the officials also said the United States, working with its allies, could exert some constructive influence in favor of the protesters in the streets.

We think we do [exert influence] in making our moral position clear, said one senior administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The United States and other foreign governments can deliver important symbolic support to the protesters and help deter the regime from employing violent tactics if Tehran recognizes its response could jeopardize its international standing or trigger fresh sanctions, the officials said.

Theyre going to find, I think, that they cant be a repressive, violent dictatorship on the one hand, and expect to have normal relationships with the rest of the world, the civilized world, on the other, the official said. So theyre going to have to choose.

The White House is now looking into concrete steps to punish those suspected of human rights abuses in the regimes crackdown against the protesters. The administration is sifting through information about the unrest to identify individuals and organizations that are working to crush the protests, including security services and the Basij militia that have played that role in previous crackdowns, officials said.

The United States will use all the information sources at our disposal to be able to get actionable information about who is doing the crackdown, who is violating human rights, who is using violence against protesters and to feed that in to our sanctions designation machinery, the administration official said.

That requires information, but there is a lot of information out there, so we intend to start assembling that and see what we can do, the official said.

The Trump administration has also demanded an urgent United Nations Security Council meeting to discuss the protests that have reportedly killed 21 people and planned to push for condemnation of Iran at the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva.

In addition to lifting the travel ban, some experts have urged the administration, possibly with an assist from Silicon Valley, to make internet and social media access easier for Iranians; the regime has blocked access and many popular applications.

Former CIA Director John Brennan sharply criticized how the president has handled Iran, saying that Trumps bluster over the past year had undermined Washingtons potential influence.

With wholesale condemnation of Iran and nuclear deal over past year, Trump Admin squandered opportunity to bolster reformists in Tehran and prospects for peaceful political reform in Iran, Brennan said on Twitter.

Bluster is neither a strategy nor a mechanism for exercise of U.S. power and influence, he said.
ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey's Interior Ministry removed the opposition mayor of Istanbul's Besiktas municipality from office on Thursday, accusing him of links to the 2016 attempted coup and corruption. In a statement, it said police were investigating Murat Hazinedar's alleged links to the network of U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, who is accused of masterminding the plot. Hazinedar, a member of the secular main opposition Republic People Party (CHP), denies any link to Gulen. Gulen denies any involvement in the attempted coup. At a news conference, Hazinedar called on President Tayyip Erdogan to "get his hands off my family", after his wife and son were barred from travelling abroad due to the investigations. The ministry said it had also removed two other members of the council in Besiktas, one of the largest municipalities in Turkey's biggest city of Istanbul. The move against Hazinedar marked the second time the ministry has removed a CHP mayor from office since its chairman in November accused members of Erdogan's family of transferring $14 million to a company in the Isle of Man. [nL8N1NZ43I] Erdogan denied and dismissed the accusations as lies, and has since taken CHP leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu to court, saying he would "pay the price". [nL8N1O04ZR] Last year, Erdogan also called for the resignation of mayors in a purge of local politics leading six mayors to step down, including those of Istanbul and Ankara. [nL8N1N55GU] [nL8N1MY5MM] (Reporting by Gulsen Solaker; Writing by Tuvan Gumrukcu; Editing by Ece Toksabay and Alison Williams)
By Tulay Karadeniz ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey on Thursday condemned the U.S. conviction of a Turkish banker for evading Iran sanctions as unprecedented meddling in its internal affairs, pushing back against a case that President Tayyip Erdogan has cast as a political attack. Wednesday's court decision capped a trial that had strained diplomatic relations between the two countries and is likely to further aggravate tension between the NATO allies. The case has angered Erdogan and his ministers, some of whom accuse U.S. court officials of ties to a cleric blamed for a 2016 coup attempt. Some of the testimony at the trial implicated senior officials, including Erdogan. Ankara has said the case was based on fabricated evidence. Mehmet Hakan Atilla, an executive at Turkey's majority state-owned Halkbank , was convicted on five of six counts in a Manhattan federal court, including bank fraud and conspiracy to violate U.S. sanctions law. "The U.S. court, in a process carried out by relying on so-called 'evidence', which is fake and open to political exploitation, ... made an unprecedented interference in Turkey's internal affairs," Turkey's foreign ministry said. U.S. prosecutors have charged a total of nine people in the case, including a former economy minister, Zafer Caglayan. However, only Atilla and a wealthy Turkish-Iranian gold trader, Reza Zarrab, are in U.S. custody. Erdogan, who has yet to comment on the decision, has previously dismissed the trial as a politically motivated attack on his government, and has attempted to use it to tap into anti-American sentiment among his supporters. Ankara has not, however, threatened to take concrete measures. "POLITICAL PLOT" The U.S. case against Atilla was based on the testimony of the gold trader Zarrab, who cooperated with U.S. prosecutors and pleaded guilty to charges of leading a scheme to evade U.S. sanctions against Iran. In his testimony Zarrab implicated top Turkish politicians, including Erdogan. Zarrab said Erdogan, who has governed Turkey for nearly 15 years, personally authorized two Turkish banks to join the scheme when he was prime minister. "The Zarrab court case is a political plot", Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag tweeted on Thursday. Halkbank said Atilla had the right to appeal against the decision and said it had not been a party to the U.S. case. It noted there had been no financial or administrative decision taken against it by the court. The bank has denied any wrongdoing and said its transactions were in line with local and international regulations. Halkbank shares were flat by late afternoon, giving up gains after advancing more than 4 percent. The court decision is unlikely to damage Erdogan or his government at home, said Wolfango Piccoli of Teneo Intelligence, a London-based consultancy. "Domestically, I don't believe it will make any difference at all... The government has managed to cast a huge shadow on it by portraying it as a plot against Turkey and the government," Piccoli said. "I think it is much more important in terms of the bilateral relations with the United States. This is a relationship that has been difficult for some time." Less clear was the potential fall-out for the banking sector, with some analysts seeing the possibility that one or more Turkish lenders could be hit by fines over the case. "The whole thing is really about what the consequences will be for the relationship between Turkey and the U.S.," said Paul Fage of TD Securities in London. "Obviously, the U.S. will impose fines, and the question will be how Turkey is going to respond to that, and whether this is going to escalate into some tit-for-tat thing." Turkey has said it will take any necessary measures to protect its banks from the potential impact of the case. "If anything is going to happen, in this situation we will stand by the banks," Finance Minister Naci Agbal told Reuters last month. "We must not allow any eventuality that would weaken our banking system." (Additional reporting by Ali Kucukgocmen in Istanbul and Karin Strohecker in London; Writing by David Dolan; Editing by Nick Tattersall and Janet Lawrence)
(NEW YORK)  A banker accused of helping Iran evade economic sanctions was convicted Wednesday in a case that strained ties between the United States and Turkey with its testimony about corruption at the highest levels of the NATO allys government.

Mehmet Hakan Atilla, a 47-year-old deputy general manager at Turkeys state-run Halkbank, was charged by U.S. authorities with taking part in a complex scheme in which Iran traded its oil and gas for gold, with some of the proceeds moved through U.S. financial institutions without their knowledge.

He was convicted of four conspiracy counts, including conspiracy to defraud the United States, plus one bank fraud count. He was acquitted of a money laundering charge.

The prosecutions star witness, Reza Zarrab, a Turkish-Iranian gold trader who admitted orchestrating the deals with Iran, testified that he paid over $50 million in bribes to Turkeys finance minister in 2012 to advance the scheme and that he believed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan knew about the plot.

Turkeys leaders lashed out over the case throughout the trial, with Erdogan calling it an American conspiracy to blackmail and blemish his country. Turkey, a key strategic partner of the U.S. in the Mideast, has taken an increasingly authoritarian turn under Erdogan.

In the decades after the Iranian hostage crisis, in which 52 Americans were held captive from 1979 to 1981, the United States imposed increasingly stiffer sanctions prohibiting virtually all U.S. financial dealings with oil-rich Iran, including many bank transactions.

Atillas lawyer said his client was just a hapless and helpless pawn duped in a conspiracy hatched by his boss at Halkbank and Zarrab. Prosecutors, though, said phone recordings captured Atilla setting up bogus food and agricultural deals with Iran to disguise payments for oil sales.

Atilla was arrested after visiting the U.S. last March on a business trip. Zarrab, a celebrity of sorts in Turkey because of his wealth and marriage to Turkish pop star and TV personality Ebru Gundes, was arrested in 2016 when he flew to Florida to take his wife and child to Disney World.

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Before the trial, Turkey officials called Zarrab, 34, a hostage. Zarrab hired former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and ex-Attorney General Michael Mukasey to meet with Erdogan and U.S. officials and try to broker a diplomatic solution to the charges. When that effort failed, Zarrab agreed to cooperate with prosecutors.

On the witness stand, Zarrab said that in addition to the bribes he paid over the gold deals, he made even more payoffs to government officials after he was arrested in Turkey in a corruption case there in 2013.

A former Turkish police official, Huseyin Korkmaz, testified that the corruption investigation he had built against Zarrab and others in the gold-for-oil case was promptly quashed. Korkmaz said he was arrested and imprisoned for 18 months, then had to flee Turkey, taking the evidence with him. Some of that material, which included documents and recorded phone calls, was introduced at Atillas trial.

Turkish officials have portrayed the original corruption investigation and the U.S. prosecution as a conspiracy hatched by followers of Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish cleric living in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania.

Erdogan has accused Gulen of being behind a botched 2016 coup attempt and has sought his extradition. Gulen has denied the allegations, and U.S. officials have rebuffed Turkeys extradition demands, citing a lack of evidence.

As the trial unfolded in New York, Turkeys official media said prosecutors there had demanded the seizure of Zarrabs assets as part of an investigation into claims he spied for a foreign country. Turkish authorities also issued detention warrants for Korkmazs parents, wife and siblings.
(SEOUL)  North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reopened a key cross-border communication channel with South Korea for the first time in nearly two years Wednesday as the rivals explored the possibility of sitting down and talking after months of acrimony and fears of war.

Even among the sudden signs of easing animosity, however, President Donald Trump threatened Kim with nuclear war.

In his New Years address Monday, Kim said he was willing to send a delegation to next months Winter Olympics in South Korea. But he also said he has a nuclear button on his desk and that all U.S. territory is within striking distance of his nuclear weapons, comments Trump latched onto Tuesday when he boasted of a bigger and more powerful nuclear button than Kims.

The two leaders exchanged crude insults last year, after the North received new U.N. sanctions over its sixth and most powerful nuclear test explosion and a series of intercontinental ballistic launches.

The recent softening of contact between the rival Koreas may show a shared interest in improved ties, but theres no guarantee tensions will ease. There have been repeated attempts in recent years by the rivals to talk, but even when they do meet, the efforts often end in recriminations and stalemate.

Outside critics say Kim may be trying to use better ties with South Korea as a way to weaken the alliance between Washington and Seoul as the North grapples with toughened international sanctions over its nuclear and missile programs.

Kims latest announcement, which was read by a senior Pyongyang official on state TV, followed a South Korean offer on Tuesday of high-level talks with North Korea to find ways to cooperate on next months Winter Olympics in the South and discuss other inter-Korean issues.

Ri Son Gwon, chairman of the state-run Committee for the Peaceful Reunification, cited Kim as welcoming South Koreas overture and ordering officials to reopen a communication channel at the border village of Panmunjom. Ri also quoted Kim as ordering officials to promptly take substantial measures with South Korea out of a sincere stand and honest attitude, according to the Norths state TV and news agency.

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South Korea quickly welcomed Kims decision and later confirmed that the two Koreas began preliminary contacts on the channel.

Since taking office last May, South Koreas liberal President Moon Jae-in has pushed hard to improve ties and resume stalled cooperation projects with North Korea. Pyongyang had not responded to his outreach until Kims New Years address.

Relations between the Koreas soured under Moons conservative predecessors, who responded to the Norths expanding nuclear program with hard-line measures. All major rapprochement projects were put on hold one by one, and the Panmunjom communication channel has been suspended since February 2016.

Moon has pushed for more pressure and sanctions on North Korea, but he still favors dialogue as a way to resolve the nuclear standoff. The Trump administration says all options are on the table, including military measures against the North. Moon has repeatedly said he opposes any war on the Korean Peninsula.

Some observers believe these differences in views may have led Kim to think he could drive a wedge between Seoul and Washington as a way to weaken their alliance and international sanctions.

Talks could provide a temporary thaw in strained inter-Korean ties, but conservative critics worry that they may only earn the North time to perfect its nuclear weapons.

After the Olympics, inter-Korean ties could become frosty again because the North has made it clear it has no intention of accepting international calls for nuclear disarmament and instead wants to bolster its weapons arsenal in the face of what it considers increasing U.S. threats, analysts say.
Moscow (AFP) - Russia's defence ministry on Thursday said two servicemen were killed in a mortar attack by Islamist militants in Syria on New Year's Eve, but denied media reports seven military planes had been destroyed.

"As darkness fell, the Hmeimim air base was subjected to sudden mortar shelling from a mobile group of militants. As a result of the shelling, two servicemen were killed," the defence ministry said in a statement to Russian news agencies.

Security around the Hmeimim base was being stepped up after the mortar attack, the ministry added.

The Kommersant business daily reported seven military planes had been "practically destroyed" in the attack, citing two military-diplomatic sources, but the ministry said the report was "fake".

The news comes a day after the ministry announced a Russian helicopter crash in Syria that killed two pilots following a technical fault, also on 31 December.

Russian President Vladimir Putin made a surprise visit to Syria last month where he ordered the start of a pullout of Russian troops, saying their task in the war-torn country had been largely completed.

Three battalions of military police and officers from the Russian Center for Reconciliation would remain in Syria, as well as two Russian bases, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on a subsequent trip.

Russia became involved in the multi-front conflict in September 2015, when it began an aerial campaign in support of President Bashar al-Assad's military.

It acknowledged in recent months that its special forces are also active on the ground in the offensive against Islamic State jihadists.
By Karl Plume (Reuters) - Bone-chilling cold across the U.S. farm belt riled agriculture markets at midweek as concerns over crop damage and delayed export shipments sent prices of key food commodities soaring. Exporters along the Gulf Coast, the country's largest outlet for grains, scrambled for barge loads of corn and soybeans as two weeks of sub-freezing Midwest weather froze the Illinois River, a major grain barge shipping waterway. In the Plains, hard red winter wheat prices <0#KW:> hit the highest in six weeks on worries that crops sustained freeze damage, while cattle prices <0#LC:> hit seven-week peaks on concerns over slowed beef cattle production at feedlots. And although the harshest cold in the farm belt has likely passed, forecasters expect temperatures in the central United States to remain well below normal through at least the end of the week. "The worst may be over, but the damage is done," said Drew Lerner, chief agricultural meteorologist with World Weather Inc. "Ice accumulations will continue aggressively in the upper parts of the Mississippi and Illinois River basin over the next four days," he said. Prices for grain barges rallied for a second day on Wednesday as Gulf Coast exporters were forced to turn to shipments loaded along the Ohio River, which was not iced over. "Exporters are trying to get some insurance bushels in their hands. There's not going to be anything coming off the Illinois River for a couple of weeks," said a grain barge trader who asked not to be named because he is not authorized to speak to media. Soybean barges loaded in January and delivered to the Gulf traded as high as 50 cents over Chicago Board of Trade March futures, the highest since late September. January corn barges traded at 47 cents above CBOT March futures, a 10-month high. CME Group Inc, which owns the CBOT, said it is monitoring the icy conditions on the river, where its approved delivery stations are located. The exchange's January soybean contract is currently in delivery. "At present the majority of regular shipping stations are able to make/take deliveries," spokesman Chris Grams said in an email. WHEAT RALLY CONTINUES Benchmark HRW wheat prices on the Chicago Board of Trade on Wednesday climbed to the highest since Nov. 22 on worries over deteriorating crop conditions. Temperatures in central and southwest Kansas, eastern Colorado and northern Oklahoma were low enough for long enough on Monday to damage or kill some dormant hard red winter (HRW) wheat, which is milled for flour to make bread and pizza crust. How broad the damage was will not be clear until the crop breaks dormancy in late winter or spring. Crop conditions in Kansas, the top HRW producer, are already deteriorating. The U.S. Department of Agriculture rated just 37 percent of the crop in good to excellent condition at the end of December, down from 51 percent a month earlier. Colder air across the U.S. Plains lifted benchmark CME live cattle futures to a seven-week high late last week as beef packers rushed to secure livestock. Prices are expected to ramp higher this week as frigid weather may slow weight gains in cattle and make it difficult to sort and load livestock - which limits their availability to processors. "Late last week and this week on the cattle market there has been some difficulties in transporting animals and even meat in some areas of the Plains, Upper Midwest and in the Eastern United States," said Colorado-based Livestock Marketing Information Center Director Jim Robb. (Reporting by Karl Plume in Chicago; Additional reporting by Theopolis Waters in Chicago; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
Ms Haley sent a 'Save the Date' invitation to the 64 countries who did not lend their backing to the UN resolution: Getty

Donald Trump will hold an exclusive party for countries who did not vote to approve a United Nations resolution condemning his administration's decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israels capital.

Nikki Haley, the US Ambassador to the UN, said the US would be staging a reception for those nations who did not oppose Americas position on Jerusalem on Wednesday night.

"As I said in December, we won't forget the Jerusalem vote. To that end, tomorrow night, we are having a reception for the countries who chose not to oppose the US position [on Jerusalem], Ms Haley said at a news conference on Tuesday.

In December, Ms Haley sent a "Save the Date" invitation to the 64 countries who did not lend their backing to the resolution to thank them for their "friendship to the United States."

Last month, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution criticising Americas decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israels capital and launch the process of transporting its embassy there. The move radically reversed decades of US policy in the region and the majority of observers said it would hinder attempts to establish peace in the Middle East.

Although the resolution is not legally binding, it is part of a global effort to push the Trump team to rethink its decision.

In an embarrassing blow to the US president on the global stage, the UN General Assembly voted by 128 to nine to announce his controversial decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israels capital null and void.

Togo, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Micronesia, Palau, Honduras and Guatemala joined America and Israel in voting against the UN resolution so have all been invited to the special party.

Britain voted for the motion, as did India and Russia.

Thirty-five countries, many in Africa and Latin America, abstained from the vote. Rwanda, Uganda, South Sudan, Malawi, and several Caribbean and Pacific island nations all sat out of the vote.

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Canada, Poland, Australia, and Mexico also abstained in what was perhaps linked to other political pressures from the US.

Prior to the vote, the Trump administration threatened to take names of countries and cut off humanitarian aid funding.

Ms Haley issued a stern warning the US would be taking names of any countries who supported the resolution condemning the actions of the Trump administration. According to the Associated Press, Ms Haley wrote to most of the 193 UN members states warning of possible retaliation, saying Mr Trump was taking the issue personally.

For all these nations, they take our money and then vote against us. They take hundreds of millions of dollars, even billions of dollars and then they vote against us, Mr Trump said to members of his cabinet before the vote.

Were watching those votes. Let them vote against us. Well save a lot. We dont care.

Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbass spokesman Nabil Abu Rdainah hailed the UN vote as a victory for Palestine.

He said: We will continue our efforts in the United Nations and at all international forums to put an end to this occupation, and to establish our Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Just days before the vote, the US used its veto power at the UN Security Council to block a similar measure.



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Palestinian authorities have reacted with outrage and accused Donald Trump of blackmail after the US suggested it would temporarily stop funding humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees.

In a tweet, Mr Trump accused the Palestinians of being no longer willing to talk peace. The Palestinians previously said they rejected any US role as a mediator in the Middle East in protest over Mr Trumps decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israels capital.

The Palestinian Presidents office rebuffed Mr Trumps remarks, saying: Jerusalem is not for sale, neither for gold nor silver.

Mahmoud Abbass spokesman, Nabil Abu Rdeneh, said if the United States is keen on its interests in the Middle East, it must implement the international resolutions which call for a state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Without this, the United States will push the region to the abyss, Mr Abu Rdeneh added.

Mr Trumps tweets were presaged by comments from the US ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, who was asked about future US funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinian refugees.

The President has basically said he doesnt want to give any additional funding, or stop funding, until the Palestinians agree to come back to the negotiation table, Ms Haley said.

She added: We still very much want to have a peace process. Nothing changes with that. The Palestinians now have to show they want to come to the table.

As of now, theyre not coming to the table, but they ask for aid. Were not giving the aid. Were going to make sure that they come to the table.

Chris Gunness, a spokesman for UNRWA, said it had not been informed of any changes to US funding at this time.

Its 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

After Ms Haleys comments, Mr Trump tweeted: We pay the Palestinians HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS a year and get no appreciation or respect. They dont even want to negotiate a long overdue peace treaty with Israel.

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We have taken Jerusalem, the toughest part of the negotiation, off the table, he added, in reference to his decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

But with the Palestinians no longer willing to talk peace, why should we make any of these massive future payments to them?

Hanan Ashrawi, a senior Palestinian official, said the Palestinians will not be blackmailed by the US President, adding that Mr Trump single-handedly destroyed the very foundations of peace by recognising Jerusalem as Israels capital last month.

Trump has sabotaged our search for peace, freedom and justice, she said.

Culture minister Miri Regev, a senior member of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus cabinet, said she was very pleased by Mr Trumps call to cut funding to the Palestinians.

She said the Trump administrations call to cut aid to UNRWA was correct and important.

The United States is the largest donor to the agency, with a pledge of more than 270m as of 2016, according to UNRWAs website.

The site says there are 5.9 million UNRWA refugees and other registered persons eligible for its services, which include education and health care, in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

Additional reporting by agencies
Owner Victor Vallejo Sr, 40, said he was not staying at the house, but had been going back to feed the animals: KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP/Getty Images

Animal protection workers are investigating after a dog was found frozen solid on a porch in Toledo, Ohio.

The dead animal, believed to be a three-year-old American Bulldog, was found curled up outside a house in King Street in the city by the Toledo Area Humane Society, which works to prevent cruelty to animals.

I dont know how long she was out there, she was frozen solid, Megan Brown, an investigator for the organisation told local newspaper The Blade.

Another American Bulldog, reportedly a four-year-old male, was also found inside the house, which Ms Brown said was shivering. It was so malnourished its spine and ribs were prominent and neither dog had food or water, she added.

Owner Victor Vallejo Sr, 40, told the newspaper he was not staying at the house, but had been going back to feed the animals.

He last saw them two or three days previously and had left them with food and water, yet utilities to the house had been shut off, he said.

I kind of fell on some bad times, he said.

Mr Vallejo said the female dog was called Nanas, while the male was referred to as Haze, and he intended to breed them. He was not sure how Nanas could have got out of the house, which was locked, he said..

Ms Brown said Haze appeared to be in good health, apart from being underweight and dehydrated when he was found.

The Toledo Area Human Society was pursing pressing animal cruelty charges against Mr Vallejo.
ROCK ISLAND  Addressing a crowd of leaders and thinkers of the world, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., asked, Why should there be hunger and privation in any land, in any city, at any table when man has the resources and the scientific know-how to provide all mankind with the basic necessities of life?

King posed this question in his Nobel Lecture back in December of 1964.

In their 2015 breakdown of food insecurity by state, Feeding America, a domestic hunger-relief organization, found that of Iowas 3,123,899 people, 12 percent struggled with food insecurity. The same study found that of the almost 13 million people of Illinois, 11.7 percent struggled with food insecurity. Food insecurity can be defined simply as an economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate foods.

Food Insecurity is a really big problem for us nationally, said Sarah Wright, director of development and communications for The Arc, a nonprofit that promotes quality of life among individuals with disabilities. The Quad Cities is not exception. There is a lot of work to be done here.

In an effort to unite people in the United States in service for MLK Day of Service, The Arc received a federal grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service to help plan and execute volunteer projects that unite Americans in service for the MLK Day of Service. The Arc is hosting a mobile food pantry delivering food assistance to the community of Rock Island.

Wright explained that they are recruiting 40 volunteers with and without disabilities who will contribute a total of 400 hours. The plan is to deliver emergency food aid to at least 450 people in need.

(The Arcs) objective is to tear down the misperception that people with disabilities dont participate in community based activities, Wright said. Wed like to show to our communities that people with disabilities do give back to the community.

On the shelves will be both the staples and a few items some might not expect.

Its not all canned food, Wright said. Well have a good selection of canned food and boxed food. Anything you would find in your own pantry, you can find in our mobile food pantry.

Volunteer training will be between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12, at the Martin Luther King Center, 630 Martin Luther King Dr. Rock Island, Illinois.

The MLK Day of Service will run between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15 at Arc Industries, 610 37th Ave., Rock Island.
Terrifying footage shows the moment that a mans car exploded on New Years Eve after a lit firework fell on top of more than 600 packaged fireworks he had stored in the boot of the vehicle.

Hurara Hassans car was reportedly set ablaze after the incident occurred at a party in a car park in Houston, Texas, where people were setting off fireworks to welcome in 2018.

In the footage,Hassans Dodge Charger is seen engulfed in a huge fireball, while fireworks are also seen popping out of the vehicle and dark smoke billows from the windows.

Fireworks are seen exploding from within the car

His friend Issa Shams car reportedly suffered minor paint damage, although no one was injured in the potentially disastrous explosion.

Hassan has confirmed that the vehicle is repairable, but hes planning on being much more vigilant next time around.

Ill go do the fireworks again, he confirmed. But Ill make sure the trunk is closed next time.

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Jonathan Garza, who recorded the footage, said: You can tell there was chaos here. Its obvious.

The Charger, like the trunk, was popping fireworks left and right.
David Nelson, CFA, is the Chief Strategist of Belpointe Asset Management

2018 will likely be a defining year for cryptocurrencies. Since the introduction of bitcoin in 2009 by a seemingly mythical Satoshi Nakamoto the debate has raged between bulls and bears armed with both fact and fiction. Was blockchain technology and the cryptocurrencies it spawned a modern day alternative to sovereign fiat currencies or a digital fad whose mania would eventually bankrupt believers except for those quick enough to get out in time?

Look, you dont have to be a financial professional to look at a bitcoin chart and realize its gone parabolic. Any asset that goes vertical, rising over 1200% in a single year is at risk of 20%, 40% even 50% corrections as the urge to lock in profits collides with those terrified of losing everything. However, price appreciation alone does not make a bubble. Amazon was slapped with the same label during the dot.com bust but today is one of the most powerful companies on the planet.

There are knowledgeable people I respect on both sides of this debate. Some like Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Case, have come out and said bitcoin is a fraud and others like legendary investor Bill Miller have opted to put half their funds money in cryptocurrency. A couple of months after calling it a fad, Mr. Dimon seemed to be softening his comments: Im open-minded to uses of cryptocurrencies if properly controlled and regulated.

Trust in government falling

The rising mistrust of governments worldwide helped to accelerate the adoption of cryptocurrencies. As central banks following our own Federal Reserve printed money to avoid economic collapse, many sought out alternative stores of value. For some it was gold and for others it might be art or collectables. Gold of course has been with us for 5000 years and just a few weeks ago we saw Saudi prince Mohammed bin Salman pay $450 Million for Leonardo da Vincis painting Salvator Mundi.

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Beauty and value is in the eye of the beholder. Some look at a Picasso and see a masterpiece. I look and see a coloring book with three breasts. The point is, an asset that doesnt pay an income stream is worth what the next person is willing to pay for it. Its been that way since the beginning of time.

In the case of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies their value and usefulness as a payment system is only as good as the ecosystem that supports it. It wasnt that long ago Facebook and Myspace were competing for your attention. Facebook developed an ecosystem that today has billions of users. Myspace is, of course, no longer with us.

One of the biggest dangers for crypto investors are the endless wave of initial coin offerings. Today, there are close to 3600 cryptocurrencies. I could start the Davey Dave Coin tomorrow , but it would likely be worth nothing because no one is using it. Many of these coins will disappear and or become worthless. Some are likely frauds and even Ponzi schemes.

Bitcoin is the dominant cryptocurrency today and had first mover advantage in much the same way AOL did early in the dot.com era. Etherium, litecoin, ripple and others are all looking for attention. Ripple was up a staggering 34000% last year and today supports a market cap of $122 billion compared to bitcoins $250 billion. However, as a recent Forbes article points out, market cap alone can be misleading.

Venezuela to launch a petro cryptocurrency

Governments would love to shut down cryptocurrencies but cant. No government wants a competing currency with the possible exception of Venezuela whose economy and currency are close to collapse. Venezuela, is launching an oil backed cryptocurrency as early as this week to help dig its way out of financial distress. However, this could be part of an even bigger fraud in how a government wants to inflate its cash. The community of true holders frown upon government in blockchain. It goes against the philosophy of decentralized assets.

That decentralized system and chain of records sitting on thousands of computers around the world goes right to the heart of bitcoin and other true cryptocurrencies. The incentive to mine for bitcoin and or receive transaction fees keeps the system going. Governments have had success with shutting down exchanges but I see little ability to shut down a decentralized system.

The holder of coins has the advantage of not needing a vault or the challenges of transporting gold and other assets from one country to the next. It is particularly attractive in countries with capital controls limiting the ability of citizens to get their wealth out of the country.

The need for standardization

As the cryptocurrency world evolves, asset managers or anyone managing a diverse set of coins will need an index to benchmark performance and gauge value beyond market cap. This week Belpointe and Chance River launched the Belpointe Crypto Index (index symbol: CRYPTO). This new cryptocurrency benchmark indexes a diverse basket of cryptocurrencies. It includes and weights cryptocurrencies based on their market capitalization, trading volume, quality of blockchain as well as additional factors.

Based on the index, back in February the weight of bitcoin in CRYPTO would have come in at about 95%. As of December, with the rise of several other currencies the weight has fallen to just 38%.

Like it or not we have a new asset class. The CME and CBOEs launch of futures on bitcoin helps legitimize the process. Some coins will survive and others will fail. If history is any guide, funds and investors that choose to invest in cryptocurrencies will diversify across a number of coins and adjust their portfolios as conditions, technology and price change.
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump on Wednesday released a head-scratching statement in response to explosive comments by his former chief strategist Steve Bannon, detailed in a forthcoming book.

Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency, Trump said. He belittled his one-time close ally as a staffer who worked for me after I had already won the (Republican) nomination by defeating seventeen candidates, adding that Bannon had very little to do with our historic victory.

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders similarly diminished Bannon in comments to reporters on Wednesday, saying it was clear he didnt have a lot of influence on the president or the decision-making process during his time in the administration.

In fact, Bannon became a key figure in Trumps political braintrust when he joined the presidential campaign in August 2016, helping refine and focus the America First agenda that helped propel the businessman to his win. And until Bannon left the White House last August, he was the chief keeper of that message inside the administration.

But the effort to downgrade Bannons role in aiding Trump is a familiar refrain. The president and White House officials have deployed a similar approach to distance himself from former aides charged in Special Counsel Robert Muellers investigation into whether Trumps campaign colluded with Russia.

In October, Sanders argued that the indictments had nothing to do with the president or the activities of the campaign.

Paul Manafort, the former Trump campaign chairman who was among those indicted, was hired to manage the delegate process in the battle for the GOP nomination and was dismissed not long after that, Sanders said.

Earlier last year, when Manafort first became a reported target in the Russia investigation, Sanders predecessor, Sean Spicer, claimed that the former campaign chairman played a very limited role in Trumps White House race.

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Spicer similarly discounted Michael Flynn, who briefly served as Trumps national security adviser, describing him as just a campaign volunteer.

As part of Muellers probe, Flynn pleaded guilty to a felony count of lying to the FBI about his contacts with the Russian government during Trumps presidential transition.

Former campaign aide George Papadopoulos, who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his communications with Russian officials, was a young, low level volunteer, Trump tweeted in October.

Former Trump campaign adviser Michael Caputo scoffed that Papadopoulos was only a coffee boy.

Also on HuffPost

Trump throws rolls of paper towels into a crowd of Puerto Rico residents affected by Hurricane Maria as he visits Calgary Chapel in San Juan on Oct. 3.

Trump reacts as he sits in a truck on March 23 while welcoming truckers and CEOs to attend a meeting at the White House regarding health care.

Trump registers his surprise as he realizes other leaders, including Russia's Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte and Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, are crossing their arms for the traditional "ASEAN handshake" as he participates in the opening ceremony of the ASEAN Summit in Manila, Philippines, on Nov. 13.

Trump, along with first lady Melania Trump, Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, put their hands on an illuminated globe during the inauguration ceremony of the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on May 21.

Trump looks up toward the solar eclipse while standing on the Truman Balcony at the White House on Aug. 21.

Trump and British Prime Minister Theresa May are pictured ahead of a photo opportunity of leaders as they arrive for a NATO summit meeting in Brussels, Belgium, on May 25.

Trump boards Air Force One to depart for Vietnam from Beijing, China, on Nov. 10.

Trump holds up a pen after signing the HBCU executive order in the Oval Office of the White House on Feb. 28.

Trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel wait for reporters to enter the room before their meeting in the Oval Office on March 17.

Trump meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin during their bilateral meeting at the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany, on July 7.

Trump welcomes 11-year-old Frank Giaccio to the White House on Sept. 15. Frank, who wrote a letter to Trump offering to mow the White House lawn, was invited to work for a day along the National Park Service staff.

Trump and Putin shake hands as they take part in a family photo at the APEC summit in Danang, Vietnam, on Nov. 10.

Trump jokes with French President Emmanuel Macron about their handshakes at the start of the NATO summit at their new headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on May 25.

Trump holds a mechanical tool as he attends a Made in America roundtable in the East Room of the White House on July 19.

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
Besides withholding financial aid, some experts are suggesting the Trump administration impose sanctions and travel restrictions on Pakistan to pressure it stop providing a safe haven for terrorists. Yet such action comes with risks that it could raise the cost of the Afghanistan war and jeopardize the U.S.-led coalition's access to key Pakistani supply lines, according to national security analysts. In his first tweet of 2018, President Donald Trump on Monday vented that Pakistan has already received more than $33 billion in U.S. in the past 15 years and "given us nothing but lies & deceit." https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/947802588174577664Then, Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, announced Tuesday the U.S. will withhold $255 million in assistance to Pakistan. "They work with us at times, and they also harbor the terrorist that attack our troops in Afghanistan," she said. "That game is not acceptable to this administration.""We could actually recognize that Pakistan isn't a friend but is an enemy, and then calibrate our policies accordingly," said Bill Roggio, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington-based hawkish think tank.Roggio suggests Washington impose sanctions on Pakistan and unleash travel restrictions on some individuals as a way to get Islamabad to change course. Also, he said the U.S. could formally designate Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism. Reuters reported Wednesday that the administration has been letting members of Congress know it plans to cut "security assistance" to Pakistan.Analysts say calling out Pakistan's "games" is long overdue, but it still comes with risks."It will increase the violence in Afghanistan and make any U.S. progress in Afghanistan much more complicated and expensive," said Bharath Gopalaswamy, director of the South Asia Center at the Atlantic Council, a Washington think tank.Specifically, Gopalaswamy said the U.S. coalition's logistics supply to Afghanistan could suffer if Pakistan cuts access. Also, he said, the U.S. may ultimately "push Pakistan more into the Chinese orbit." Indeed, Pakistan's top diplomat this week threatened that Islamabad might shift policies away from the U.S. and establish closer ties with Russia and China . In addition, the Pakistan central bank plans to use the Chinese yuan for bilateral trade and investment activities with Beijing. "The administration is facing a set of questions that all previous U.S. administrations have faced in the last 18 years," said Alyssa Ayres, who served in the State Department during the Obama administration and now is a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, a nonpartisan think tank based in Washington.The U.S. has spent well over $800 billion fighting the Afghanistan conflict, and there have been more than 2,400 U.S. military fatalities and tens of thousands of soldiers wounded. On Monday, a U.S. Special Forces soldier was killed by enemy fire in an area where the coalition forces have been battling the Taliban and an affiliate of the Islamic State. It followed at least 15 deaths last year of U.S. service members in Afghanistan. Ayres said 2011 was one of the worst years of U.S.-Pakistani relations when U.S. forces killed Osama bin Laden in a raid on his compound in Pakistan. It led the Pakistanis to then shut supply routes for the U.S.-led coalition fighting in Afghanistan. However, those routes later got reopened but Ayres said there's a chance Pakistan could shut them again.If the supply lines do get cut, defense experts say, it could make the Afghanistan war costlier to wage from an economic standpoint. Even so, the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan today is far below the roughly 100,000 forces that were in the country during the peak in 2011 so presumably any impacts maybe lessened.There are approximately 14,000 U.S. forces in Afghanistan, according to the Pentagon.A Department of Defense spokesman was asked Wednesday about how critical the Pakistan supply routes are today for the U.S.-led troops in Afghanistan."Due to operational security, we won't be able to provide a specific percentage of U.S. supplies going into Afghanistan through multiple routes," he said. "While the U.S. favors shipping cargo via Pakistan because of cost, we have built flexibility and redundancy into our overall system of air, sea, and ground routes to transport cargo into and out of Afghanistan."Some believe the U.S. military in 2018 will accelerate the use of drone strikes against terrorist networks in tribal regions of Pakistan. This includes the U.S. targeting the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani terror network, which has conducted attacks in Afghanistan and has links to al-Qaeda.There were eight U.S. drone counter-terrorism strikes during 2017 in Pakistan compared with just three in 2016 and 117 strikes in 2010, according to figures from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies ."The Obama administration tried to wind it down," said Roggio. He said the Trump administration was "trying to be judicious" with just eight strikes in 2017, although given the president's frustration over Pakistan now "I don't expect the U.S. to pull punches this year." Besides withholding financial aid, some experts are suggesting the Trump administration impose sanctions and travel restrictions on Pakistan to pressure it stop providing a safe haven for terrorists. Yet such action comes with risks that it could raise the cost of the Afghanistan war and jeopardize the U.S.-led coalition's access to key Pakistani supply lines, according to national security analysts. In his first tweet of 2018, President Donald Trump on Monday vented that Pakistan has already received more than $33 billion in U.S. in the past 15 years and "given us nothing but lies & deceit." https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/947802588174577664 Then, Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, announced Tuesday the U.S. will withhold $255 million in assistance to Pakistan. "They work with us at times, and they also harbor the terrorist that attack our troops in Afghanistan," she said. "That game is not acceptable to this administration." "We could actually recognize that Pakistan isn't a friend but is an enemy, and then calibrate our policies accordingly," said Bill Roggio, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington-based hawkish think tank. Roggio suggests Washington impose sanctions on Pakistan and unleash travel restrictions on some individuals as a way to get Islamabad to change course. Also, he said the U.S. could formally designate Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism. Reuters reported Wednesday that the administration has been letting members of Congress know it plans to cut "security assistance" to Pakistan. Analysts say calling out Pakistan's "games" is long overdue, but it still comes with risks. "It will increase the violence in Afghanistan and make any U.S. progress in Afghanistan much more complicated and expensive," said Bharath Gopalaswamy, director of the South Asia Center at the Atlantic Council, a Washington think tank. Specifically, Gopalaswamy said the U.S. coalition's logistics supply to Afghanistan could suffer if Pakistan cuts access. Also, he said, the U.S. may ultimately "push Pakistan more into the Chinese orbit." Indeed, Pakistan's top diplomat this week threatened that Islamabad might shift policies away from the U.S. and establish closer ties with Russia and China . In addition, the Pakistan central bank plans to use the Chinese yuan for bilateral trade and investment activities with Beijing. "The administration is facing a set of questions that all previous U.S. administrations have faced in the last 18 years," said Alyssa Ayres, who served in the State Department during the Obama administration and now is a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, a nonpartisan think tank based in Washington. The U.S. has spent well over $800 billion fighting the Afghanistan conflict, and there have been more than 2,400 U.S. military fatalities and tens of thousands of soldiers wounded. On Monday, a U.S. Special Forces soldier was killed by enemy fire in an area where the coalition forces have been battling the Taliban and an affiliate of the Islamic State. It followed at least 15 deaths last year of U.S. service members in Afghanistan. Ayres said 2011 was one of the worst years of U.S.-Pakistani relations when U.S. forces killed Osama bin Laden in a raid on his compound in Pakistan. It led the Pakistanis to then shut supply routes for the U.S.-led coalition fighting in Afghanistan. However, those routes later got reopened but Ayres said there's a chance Pakistan could shut them again. If the supply lines do get cut, defense experts say, it could make the Afghanistan war costlier to wage from an economic standpoint. Even so, the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan today is far below the roughly 100,000 forces that were in the country during the peak in 2011 so presumably any impacts maybe lessened. There are approximately 14,000 U.S. forces in Afghanistan, according to the Pentagon. A Department of Defense spokesman was asked Wednesday about how critical the Pakistan supply routes are today for the U.S.-led troops in Afghanistan. "Due to operational security, we won't be able to provide a specific percentage of U.S. supplies going into Afghanistan through multiple routes," he said. "While the U.S. favors shipping cargo via Pakistan because of cost, we have built flexibility and redundancy into our overall system of air, sea, and ground routes to transport cargo into and out of Afghanistan." Some believe the U.S. military in 2018 will accelerate the use of drone strikes against terrorist networks in tribal regions of Pakistan. This includes the U.S. targeting the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani terror network, which has conducted attacks in Afghanistan and has links to al-Qaeda. There were eight U.S. drone counter-terrorism strikes during 2017 in Pakistan compared with just three in 2016 and 117 strikes in 2010, according to figures from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies . "The Obama administration tried to wind it down," said Roggio. He said the Trump administration was "trying to be judicious" with just eight strikes in 2017, although given the president's frustration over Pakistan now "I don't expect the U.S. to pull punches this year."



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London (AFP) - The leader of the local authority covering Windsor Castle has called for police action against "aggressive begging" ahead of Prince Harry's wedding there in May, it emerged on Wednesday.

Simon Dudley, the leader of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, wrote to the local police chief to warn that the beggars' possessions, sometimes left unattended on the streets, presented a security risk.

Harry is due to marry American actress Meghan Markle on May 19 at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, one of the residences of his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II.

"I write to set out my concerns regarding the policing response to anti-social behaviour, including aggressive begging and intimidation in Windsor," Dudley said in a letter published on the local authority's website.

He said that "bags and detritus that those begging are accumulating and leaving on our pavements, at times unattended" presented a security risk, and had raised concern among residents, businesses and visitors.

"Obviously, the level of tourist interest is set to multiply with the royal wedding in May 2018, and there are increased concerns from our residents about their safety," he wrote.

Dudley said that council powers to address the issue would "take considerable time, extending well beyond the royal wedding", and urged the police to act instead.

"I request that you give immediate attention to the issues facing Windsor, and ensure all necessary financial and human resources necessary to protect our local residents, businesses and visitors," he wrote.

Dudley said the council had "invested heavily" in support services for vulnerable people, including those who are homeless, citing several measures including an emergency shelter open every night of the year.

But he said that an outreach programme sparked by recent cold winter weather had revealed that many of those begging "are not in fact homeless, and if they are homeless they are choosing to reject all support services to beg on the streets of Windsor".

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"This is creating a concerning and hostile atmosphere for our residents and the seven million tourists who come to Windsor each year," he continued.

The letter was dated January 2 and addressed to Anthony Stansfeld, the police and crime commissioner for Thames Valley Police.

Harry, 33, announced his engagement to the 36-year-old Markle in November.
Harare (AFP) - A Zimbabwean court on Thursday set aside a case against an American journalist who was charged with insulting then-president Robert Mugabe on Twitter.

Martha O'Donovan was charged with subversion and undermining or insulting Mugabe in an alleged tweet in October that described the ageing leader as "selfish and sick".

Mugabe, 93, was toppled in November after a military takeover ended his 37-year rule.

The court dropped the case after prosecutors failed to meet a deadline to say when they would be ready to proceed with a trial.

"We are glad that the court has honoured its promise and removed our client from remand," O'Donovan's lawyer Obey Shava told journalists.

"I would not agree with the notion that there was any case in the first place."

The arrest of ODonovan and the seizure of her laptop in a dawn raid at her apartment came weeks after Mugabe appointed a cyber-security minister tasked with policing social media.

Mugabe's former deputy Emmerson Mnangagwa abolished the portfolio when he appointed his own cabinet, which included former members of the military.

O'Donovan, who was on bail, worked for Harare-based Magamba TV, which describes itself as a producer of political satire and comedy.
Three and a half years have passed since Oron Shaul was killed during Operation Protective Edge in Gaza. His mother, Zehava , chose to mark his 24th birthday in the closest place to where her sons body is being held by HamasKibbutz Kfar Aza on the Gaza border. And then suddenly, during the ceremony, Code Red alarms sounded and the many guests rushed to take cover as rockets were fired from the strip.

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I wasnt afraid, Zehava says, but I saw everyone running, and they grabbed me and started rushing me. As far as I was concerned, I would have remained seated, but people around me were afraid. I can understand them. I felt like I finally understood what the southern residents are going through, and the truth is, I really felt sorry for them at that moment. On the other hand, I know Oron went to defend the people who live there and suffer from rockets and Code Red alarms. He went and protected them with his body.

Zehava Shaul. I hope that next year we wont mark Orons birthday but rather celebrate his birthday together with him (Photo: Gil Nechushtan)

Deep down in Zehava Shauls heart, Oron is still alive. She wont let go of the hope he would one day come home, and that hope gives her the power to keep fighting.

As far as Im concerned, as long as Oron and the boys (Hadar Goldin, whose body is also held by Hamas, and Abera Mengistu, who went missing after crossing into Gaza) havent returned to Israeli territory, as long as they havent come homeOperation Protective Edge hasnt ended. I hope next year we wont mark his birthday but rather celebrate his birthday together with him.

Oron is being held by Hamas. We don't know what his condition is. We are living in complete uncertainty ... Up until a year and two months ago, we had one empty chair around our table, Orons chair. Now, unfortunately, we have two empty chairs. My husband Herzl took it very hard and died of cancer.

Zehava Shaul led away from the ceremony in honor of her son after rockets are fired from Gaza (Photo: Moti Lavton)

Last Friday, Aviram Shaul stood on the stage in Kfar Aza and addressed the many people who had come to pay their respects to his brother Oron, including public figures, artists and cultural figures, and complete strangers.

Standing there and speaking in front of the people who had arrived to honor this day, the family, and Oron, people who had come from far away, from all parts of the countrythat situation surprised me and strengthened me, he says.

Standing there on that stage, with Gaza and Sajaiyya behind me, knowing that a few years ago I had been there myself, in green IDF uniform, with a weapon hanging on my right side ... and thinking about what the Shalit family was going through. Its not that Im comparing Gilads story to Oron, but its the same feeling.

On Friday, when I stood there, I completely shuddered at that moment, especially when they fired mortar shells at us. And I wont let anyone convince me otherwisethey fired with the intention of disrupting our event. I have no doubt about it.

Did you consider that possibility before the event?

We knew they would provoke us, but I didnt know it would go that far. Afterwards, they organized a parade and a march with Orons pictures. I received videos and images from the army, which I didnt dare open, because I know its pointless. On his last birthday, I opened one video and regretted it that very moment. These are videos produced by Hamas with the goal of manipulating the family, so that we might surrender in some sense. So after the other side bombed and fired (rockets), and then everyone came back and sat down, it made me feel so good.

All I know is my brother has been kidnapped

It happened on Sunday, July 20, 2014. In an incident which was later referred to as "the APC disaster," Golani fightersincluding Oronentered Gaza's Sajaiyya neighborhood. The armored personnel carrier they were using was old and unfortified, and after it got stuck due to a technical malfunction, it was hit by an anti-tank missile and immediately caught fire.

Six of the fighters who were on the vehicle were pronounced dead after a complicated identification process: Staff Sergeant Max Steinberg, Sergeant Shahar Ta'aseh, Staff Sergeant Daniel Pomerantz, Sergeant Sean Mondshein, Sergeant Ben Vanunu and Staff Sergeant Oren Noach. Sergeant Oron Shaul was missing.

Aviram Shaul with his brothers picture in the background. If it happened today, I definitely wouldnt sit shiva (Photo: Avihu Shapira)

That same day, Aviram, Orons eldest brother, was preparing to enter Gaza after being called up for reserve duty.

I got the message on a WhatsApp group, and I saw Orons name there. I saw it, and I stopped breathing for several moments. I said to myself, Those are just words, just letters composing the name Oron Shaul. I couldnt comprehend it. Only when I got on the bus, on the way to Gaza, I realized I should perhaps tell someone, that if I went inthe way out would be much more complicated, and that I shouldnt keep repressing it. There was a lot of disinformation. Today we are in a completely different point from where we were when I came home that night.

Tell me about that night.

Before entering the house, I thought I was about to bury my brother within a few hours, but then I went into a situation in which I didn't know if my brother were alive or dead. All I knew was hes been kidnapped. Thats also a problem for the army to draw its own conclusions.

The family withdrew into their home and waited for a miracle, but the miracle failed to arrive. At the end of an unbearable week, the head of the IDF Manpower Directorate at the time, Maj.-Gen. Orna Barbivai, arrived at the house with the chief military rabbi. They gave the Shaul family the worst news of all: The IDF had determined that Oron was dead, and he was halachically considered a soldier killed in action whose place of burial is unknown.

The family spent Shabbat deliberating whether to accept the IDFs ruling. On Sunday, the family members agreed to accept the IDFs stance and began sitting shiva (the seven-day Jewish mourning period) for Oron. Today, however, the family members refuse to accept the unequivocal ruling about his fate.

Are you angry you were led to sit shiva for Oron?

Its hard for me to say I was angry. We were in a situation where everything was vague. We were simply shocked. Those days were difficult to get through. We just wanted it all to end, and someone on the other side apparently used it against us and to their advantage. I cant define it any other way. If it had happened today, and people asked me if I should sit shiva, I would say, Definitely not. I dont usually regret things Ive done, but this is something I regret.

You lost your father as well a little over a year ago.

Fathers death is 100 percent related to Orons loss. Father was a very introvert person who believed in the system. He had complete faith in the system, and especially in Bibi (Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu), and its no secret that he let us down. Father would come out of his conversations with Bibi with tears in his eyes.

Father was a great Zionist. The love of the land, which he instilled in Oron and in me, was engraved into his heart, and he was disappointed. The fact he didnt know what was going on with Oron penetrated deep into his body. At the very beginning of this whole nightmare, father was the dominant figure at home. He knew how to calm us down, lift our spirits when needed. It slowly faded away, and I found myself becoming the father of the house.

The government must come to its senses

I met the Shaul family three and a half years ago, during those horrible days of waiting at the family home in the northern community of Poria Illit. Even after they decided to sit shiva, the family members never stopped believing Oron had survived the APC explosion and was still alive.

We were very close, in age too, Aviram says. Oron matured in the army, and it brought us amazingly closer. Today, in my relationship with Ofek, our little brother, I feel as if hes already after his military service and university studies. Unfortunately, what he experienced made him grow up very quickly.

Time flies, and Oron is still there, Zehava adds painfully. The hole in my heart has become much bigger, because every day hes there the horrible questions keep building up: Is he in good condition? How are they treating him? Was he wounded? These thoughts are incredibly painful. For us, time has stood still. We keep thinking what to do to bring Oron back to us.

During the first few months, you conveyed full confidence in Israels leadership, in the government and in the army. Do you still have faith in them today?

That was Herzls line of thought. He trusted the state and the government. When he realized it wasnt so, it ate him up, he became ill with cancer and died. He left me alone. On his deathbed, he said to me: Zehava, dont let go. Do everything to bring Oron back. I promised him we would do that, and I intend to fulfill his wish.

Oron Shaul with his father Herzl, who died of cancer after his son went missing. He had complete faith in the system, and especially in Bibi, and its no secret that he let us down (Photo: Family album)

I expect the government to come to its senses, look into previous cases of POWs and MIAs in the not-so-distant past and see if there was any other case in which we had no clue for three years, like in Orons case, Aviram says. We have made no progress. Most Knesset members and most ministers no longer speak about Oron, and its sad. It shows how much lack of empathy and insensitivity there is towards this issue.

Do you think the government is responsible for this situation?

As soon as (POWs and MIAs coordinator) Lior Lotan quit , I realized that the rot starts at the top, that the problem is here in the State of Israel. The problem is at the top. If the POWs and MIAs coordinator resigns, something must really be wrong. When Yaron Blum was appointed , he brought a new spirit, and I hope he will solve this. I hope that next year, God willing, we wont just mark Orons birthday but celebrate his birthday.

What do you think about the

High Courts ruling

against holding terrorists' bodies as a bargaining chip?

The court handed the issue over to the Knesset to enact a law that would allow Israel to hold bodies. Lets see how much the Knesset really cares and how sensitive it really is to the issue.

Do you expect them to enact such a law?

I dont expect anything. I stopped expecting a long time ago. Id like to see what happens.
The attempt made by the defense establishmentfrom the defense minister through the chief of staff to the military PR systemto downplay the escalation process on the Israel-Gaza border presents a very partial picture, to say the least.

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This isnt just about counting the rockets and mortar shells fired at Israel in recent weeks, but a much more fundamental process Hamas is going through, which is raising the temperature on the border. And its only the beginning.

Hamas leaders in Gaza. A strategic decision to stop running the strip (Photo: AP)

Hamas has made a strategic decision to unilaterally stop running the Gaza Strip. Its leaders arent hiding it. The organizations leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, announced on December 18 that Hamas would not go back to governing or running the stip. Its a strategic decision, he stressed, and we wont back out of it.

According to Arab media reports, when the Egyptians appealed to Hamas to curb the rocket fire on Israel, the organization responded that it was no longer responsible for the strips affairs and that the authorities had been handed over to the national agreement government.

Hamas basically presented Israel, the Palestinian Authority and Egypt with a fait accompli: We are not responsible for rocket fire carried out by organizations that are not subject to our military wing.

One has to be naive to believe that Hamas has given up its control of the intensity of the flames, but the military wing in fact decided about a month ago that the force responsible for thwarting high-trajectory fire from the strip by the rebel opposition organizations, the Salafists and others, would no longer be active.

Israeli officials have been trying to tell us in recent weeks about Hamas efforts, about dozens of Salafists who have been arrested and tortured in prison, etc. These stories are aimed at justifying Israels proportional responses, which are failing to convince Hamas to take responsibility againand the rocket keep pouring. Caught in its own impassioned security rhetoric, Israels political echelon is incapable of telling the public: We accept the defense officials stance that a war isnt something we need right now.

At first, the drizzle of rockets was aimed at serving the negotiations for the internal Palestinian reconciliation and pressuring the PA to release funds. But since US President Donald Trumps Jerusalem announcement, this drizzle received further political volume and turned into a Hamas policy aimed at raising the level of escalation along the border with Israel.

Hamas isnt firing the rockets itself, but it is creating an atmosphere of resistance through protests along the Israel border, while operating a PR system and using aggressive moves to renew the intifada in the West Bank and Gaza. all this is joined by a move that burst into Israeli consciousness with a bang last week: The establishment of unprecedented relations between Hamas military wing and the Iranian Revolutionary Guards.

Cabinet meeting. Israel is supposed to make a choice between two evils, but Israel doesnt want to choose (Photo: Flash90/Hadas Parush)

Israel has realized that Hamas doesnt need Hezbollah to reach the heads of the Revolutionary Guards. The promise made by Qassem Suleimani, commander of the elite Iranian Quds Force, which was mentioned by Sinwar in public, was seen as a public confirmation of the new alliance, which Israel is so concerned about. The Revolutionary Guards can provide Hamas military wing with money, knowledge and military equipment. They can open new fronts for Hamas against Israel, from southern Lebanon or Syria.

For now, the operative relationship is still in its infancy, on the level of talks, experts and money. Sinwar turned to the Iranians having no other choice. A collapse of the reconciliation plan, which he has pinned all its hopes on, could exact a heavy toll on him and on Hamas.

Meanwhile, Gaza keeps deteriorating: The banks are running out of liquid assets; UNRWA, the second biggest employer after the PA, is facing a financial crisis and will be forced to dismiss workers and make aid cuts. If someone doesnt arrive with money, the strip will burn.

Israel is supposed to make a choice between two evils: Letting Hamas turn to Iran in its distress or helping the Palestinian reconciliation process, which will infuse money into Gaza but may turn Hamas into another Hezbollah. Israel doesnt want to choose.

Last weekend, Yedioth Ahronoth revealed Deputy Minister Michael Orens plan to improve the economic situation in Gaza, which was prepared at the prime ministers orders and then thwarted. No one here wants to make any decisions. Theyre waiting for a miracle. Perhaps there will be a revolution in Iran after all.
A total of 1,299 anti-Semitic incidents took place in the United States in the first nine months of 2017an increase of almost 70 percent from the previous year, according to figures released by the Anti Defamation League (ADL).

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The statistics include assaults, destruction of property and attacks against Jewish institutions. The report was revealed Monday at a Knesset session of the Committee for Immigration, Absorption and the Diaspora.

Hate vandalism (Phot: JCCNV)

The number of attacks on Jewish schools and community centers doubled, as incidents of harassment and destruction of Jewish property are experiencing a sharp rise on US college campuses under the guise of anti-Israel attacks.

Carol Nuriel, executive director of the ADL office in Israel, stressed that many incidents go unreported either due to the victim's fears or because identifying an incident as anti-Semitic is often problematic.

Nuriel reported that from January 1 to September 30, 2017, there were 703 incidents of harassment, 162 bomb threats against Jewish institutions, 584 incidents of destruction of propertyincluding 52 against institutions; and 12 physical assaults.

The incidents took place across the United States. New York, which has the largest Jewish community, witnessed 267 incidents; California witnessed 197; Florida69; and Pennsylvania58.

Only 12% did not experience anti-Semitism

The ADL refereed as well to the radical right wing march in Charlottesville Virginia last summer where anti-Semitic and racist slurs were hurled and swastika flags waved.

Immediately after the march, there was a sharp uptick in anti-Semitic incidents. Of the 306 incidents during the third quarter, 221 took place on the day of the march or immediately after. The Charlottesville march was only one of 33 radical right wing marches that took place in the US during the year.

Incidents at Jewish schools doubled in 2017 compared to the previous year: 269 compared to 130 in 2016. There were 142 assaults and 114 incidents of property destruction.

The ADL reported that there were 118 anti-Semitic incidents on college campuses up to September 2017, up from 74 the previous year an increase of 59 percent.

According to a recent poll by the World Zionist Organization, 70 percent of US Jews have experienced some form of anti-Semitism during the last year; only 12 percent claim to never have experienced such an incident. However, only 10 percent of victims have reported the incident according to Yaakov Hagoel, deputy director of the organization.
Israeli Air Force planes attacked terror infrastructure in the Gaza Strip early Thursday in retaliation for three mortar shells fired at Israel on Wednesday.

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"The IDF will continue using all measures at its disposal above and under ground to thwart attempts to hurt Israeli citizens. We are prepared and ready for a variety of scenarios, and we will act against any attempt to violate Israeli sovereignty," the IDF Spokesman's Office said.

Unlike previous statements, in which the IDF said it views Hamas as responsible for everything that happens in the strip, this time the press release made no mention of the Gaza rulers.

Rocket landing site in Eshkol (Photo: Barel Efraim)

Also unusual was the fact the IDF did not elaborate on the nature of the target hit in the strike beyond noting that "a central terror infrastructure" was attacked.

It is unlikely the attack was a targeted killing of a terror operative or a senior commander in one of the Gaza factions, as there would be a more pronounced response from the Palestinians if that were the case.

Nevertheless, it's likely the target of the strike was not another weapons depot or arms factory to produce mortar shells, and it is possible the target was yet another terror tunnel.

So far, the Palestinians haven't been forthcoming about the target of the strike either.

Three mortar shells were fired from the Gaza Strip at the Eshkol Regional Council on Wednesday afternoon just hours apart, all of which landing in open, uninhabited areas. No injuries or damage were reported.

The first mortar fell close to the Gaza border fence at around 2pm inside Israeli territory. Approximately one-and-a-half hours later, the IDF identified yet another mortar landing in the same area.

At around 5:30pm, another launch was identified, with residents of the regional council reporting a loud explosion nearby shortly after.

In all three cases, the Code Red siren was not sounded.

The IDF Spokesman reported that no explosions were heard following the first two falls, and after finding no shrapnel in Israeli territory the army now suspects they fell within Gaza borders.

The latest mortar attacks mark a continuation of a steady bombardment that has haunted Israels southern residents in recent weeks, and which have each time prompted the IDF to launch retaliatory strikes on Hamas positions.

In a similar incident on Tuesday, a rocket was fired from the Gaza Strip and exploded in open space near a community in the Eshkol Regional Council, catching nearby residents by surprise as no alarm was sounded to warn them ahead of time.

Israel Air Force aircrafts attacked a Hamas military compound in the southern Gaza Strip in retaliation.

On Friday, a rocket launched from the Gaza Strip at Israel during a ceremony for IDF soldier Oron Shaul hit a structure in the Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council, while the Iron Dome system intercepted two other rockets.

Following an investigation, the IDF determined that the Palestinian Islamic Jihad was likely behind the launches.
French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday said it was important to maintain dialogue with Iran, warning that the tone of comments adopted by the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia toward Tehran was virtually a path to war.

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The official line pursued by the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia, who are our allies in many ways, is almost one that would lead us to war, Macron told reporters.

French President Emmanuel Macron (Photo: AFP)

The line being taken was a deliberate strategy for some, he said.

France, he said, wanted to maintain some balance.

Otherwise, we end up surreptitiously rebuilding an axis of evil, he said, referring to a comment by former US President George W. Bush, who once used that term to describe countries including Iran, Iraq and North Korea.

Macron also said he would only visit Iran if there was a return to calm and respect for freedoms.

Iranian exiles rally in Jerusalem against Iranian regime (Photo: AFP)

On Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Iranian anti-government protesters on Monday, while denying as "laughable" Tehrans apparent accusations that Israel was behind the demonstrations.

"I wish the Iranian people success in their noble quest for freedom," Netanyahu said in a video posted on his Facebook page.

"Brave Iranians are pouring into the streets. They seek freedom. They seek justice. They seek the basic liberties that have been denied them for decades. Irans cruel regime wastes tens of billions of dollars spreading hate," he said in remarks that echoed similar praise from US President Donald Trump.
The Military Police Investigations Division will launch an investigation into the death of Ibrahim Abu Thuraya , a double amputee who was killed during a violent protest on the Gaza border in mid December, the IDF said Thursday.

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"In order to further examine the case, including information received from organizations operating in the Gaza Strip, it was decided that the circumstances of Thuraya's death will also be examined by a Military Police investigation," the army said in a statement.

An initial IDF investigation into the incident concluded that no live fire had been aimed at Abu Thuraya and that it was impossible to determine the cause of his death.

Abu Thuraya during the December 15 riots in Gaza (Photo: Reuters)

A statement issued by Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said wheelchair-bound Ibrahim Abu Thuraya was shot in the head by Israeli security forces close to the border fence with Israel on December 15.

Abu Thuraya, killed in the "day of rage" protests, was one of the regular protesters on the Gaza border. The Palestinians claim he was killed when a "sniper shot him in the head," while IDF officials said soldiers are instructed, according to the rules of engagement, to shoot main instigators only in the lower body area.

But the Israeli military later said its own investigation had found that it was not possible to say what had killed Abu Thuraya and that no live fire had been directed at him during the dispersal of the violent demonstration.

"No live fire was aimed at Abu Thuraya. It is impossible to determine whether Abu Thuraya was injured as a result of riot dispersal means, or what caused his death," part of the military statement said.

Abu Thuraya's funeral (Photo: AFP)

It added that protesters hurled explosive devices and rocks and rolled burning tires "with the aim of harming soldiers and destroying security infrastructure" and that non-lethal riot dispersal means were mainly used, although a few live rounds fired under supervision were aimed "towards main instigators."

New information received from the Gaza Strip has to do with the findings of Abu Thuraya's autopsy. According to fellow protestors, he was killed by crowd-dispersal methods.

IDF orders state that when a Palestinian who is not clearly identified a terrorist is (for instance, an unarmed protestor) is killed by Israeli fire, the Military Police Investigations Division immediately launched an investigation into the incident. In the current case, an investigation wasn't launched in light of the forces' reports in the initial operational probe. Now, in light of the official information received from Gaza, the IDF has decided to launch an investigation.
Palestinians petitioning to the High Court of Justice over land disputes with settlers in the West Bank might soon have to go through the Jerusalem District Court first under a new initiative by Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked.

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Concurrently, Shaked seeks to have Palestinians land dispute petitions handled by the Jerusalem District Attorney's Office rather than the High Court of Justice Department, which currently handles these cases. The High Court of Justice Department will only handle cases appealing District Court decisions to the High Court.

The move, Shaked claims, is meant to prevent the politicization of land disputes in the territories. She stressed that in some cases, Palestinians would still be able to go to the High Court.

Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg)

But detractors of the proposal say this is a "distinct political move," arguing the High Court rules based on professionalnot politicalstandards.

The initiative is part a broader move to transfer some authorities from the High Court of Justice to lower courts in an apparent effort to ease the caseload at the highest court in the land.

The justice minister, who is working on completing a draft of the legislation, seeks to achieve three goals with this move: Primarily, the normalization of Jewish settlement in the West Bank.

Additionally, Shaked wants to put an end to what she considers to be discrimination against settlers whose land disputes are not heard at magistrate's or district courts in regular civil and criminal procedures.

Shaked claims that at magistrate's and district courts, petitioners from the West Bankboth Jews and Palestinianswill get a regular factual and evidential hearing, which she says doesn't always happen at the High Court. She claims the tables have turned and rather than the burden of proof be on the plaintiff, it is put on the defendantmeaning the state. Shaked believes this is why settlers have been evacuated by High Court orders quite a few times in the past, for example in Amona and in Netiv Ha'Avot

Evacuation of settlers barricading themselves at Netiv Ha'Avot carpentry shop (Photo: Elisha Ben-Kimon)

The third objective of Shaked's bill proposal is to take some of the caseload off the High Court, which hears some 2,000 cases on this issue alone every year. Hundreds of these petitions are filed by Palestinians appealing demolition orders issued over illegal construction.

"The caseload the Supreme Court has is unique in the world," Shaked explained. "The High Court has to reject many of the petitions out of hand. The move I'm leading will help transfer the caseload to lower courts."

Shaked also seeks to move some other authorities from the High Court to administrative courts, including freedom of information petitions, petitions against decisions of denied entry or deportation from Israel, and orders barring entry to certain areas.

This would allow both Jewish settlers and Palestinians who were barred from entering some areas of the West Bank to appeal the matter to an administrative court and not just to the High Court.

Shaked also intends to issue an order moving additional authorities of the High Court to administrative courts. The orderwhich will have to be approved by the Supreme Court chief justice and the Knesset's Constitution, Law and Justice Committeeseeks to "spare" the High Court over 350 cases a year, which will be sent to a lower court.

Among the issues Shaked seeks to move to lower courts are: population and immigration, the Law of Return, humanitarian committees granting entry to Israel, and land allocation by the Israel Land Authority.

Shaked is also working to establish a magistrate's court for administrative affairs, once more in an effort to take some of the workload off the High Court and the administrative courts.

Nevertheless, the High Court will continue hearing particularly sensitive issues, including the decisions concerning IDF troops in the West Bank, petitions against ministers, the establishment of temporary educational facilities, and national zoning plans.
ANKARA - The US jury's decision to convict a Turkish banker for helping Iran evade sanctions does not carry any legal value for Turkey and is against international laws, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag said on Thursday.

Mehmet Hakan Atilla, an executive at Turkey's majority state-owned Halkbank, was convicted on five of six counts he faced, including bank fraud and conspiracy to violate US sanctions law, in Manhattan federal court on Wednesday.

In comments made on Twitter, Bozdag said the decision was clear evidence that the United States, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had cooperated with the network of Fethullah Gulen, blamed by Ankara for orchestrating a 2016 coup attempt.
Dozens of Palestinians hurled stones and Molotov cocktails on Israeli troops at the Dheisheh refugee camp near Bethlehem on Thursday.

The forces, who were leaving the refugee camp after operational duty, responded with crowd dispersal measures as well as live fire aimed at main instigators.

Several Palestinians were hurt. None were hurt among the Israeli soldiers.
Renowned Israeli author Aharon Appelfeld, one of the most prominent international figures on Holocaust literature, passed away in the small hours of Thursday morning at age 85. He is survived by his wife and three children.

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A prolific writer until his final days, Appelfeld was the author of dozens of books and novels, the last of which was published only three months ago.

Born in the former Kingdom of Romania in 1932, Appelfeld survived the Holocaust before eventually settling in Israel. At age nine, he was incarcerated in a Nazi concentration camp of Transnistria with his father after his mother was murdered by the Nazis.

At age 10, he escaped and spent three years hiding in forests in Ukraine.

(Photo: Alex Kolomoisky)

He was eventually separated from his father and forced to wonder what was then then Ukraine until he immigrated to Israel in 1946. There, he studied in an agricultural school in Ein Kerem and later fought in the 1948 War of Independence.

He was reunited with his father in 1957, who passed through the horrors of the Nazi Final Solution and followed in his sons tracks to settle in Israel.

Appelfelds career in writing had its genesis in his youth when he would write novels and songs which were first published in Israeli newspapers at the beginning of the fifties. In 1959, one of his novels appeared in widely-read newspapers and his first collection of stories Ashan (Smoke) made its debut on the bookshelves when it was published in 1962.

His published works were almost entirely centered around his experiences in the war, the first years of the burgeoning State of Israel and the Holocaust.

Another common motif of his writing also focused on difficulties and dilemmas facing young Jews at the beginning of the 20th century, torn between safeguarding the traditions of their parents and embracing the modernity of Europe.

(Photo: Alex Kolomoisky)

Appelfeld established his reputation as a literary giant before the completion of his grand total of 47 published books, all of which earned him his place in the world of Israeli literature as a pioneer of the modern Hebrew language.

While all his books contain a significant biographical component, in 1999 he published his autobiography in Hebrew, which was later translated into EnglishThe Story of a Life: A Memoir.

Appelfeld enrolled at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem at age 20 where he studied English and Yiddish literature, a language he learned from his grandfather. He continued in the world of academia, teaching as a professor at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev from 1979 until his retirement at 68 years old.

For the remainder of his life, Appelfeld, who was the recipient of numerous literary awards, lived in Jerusalem with his wife, Yehudit.

In addition to winning the prestigious Israel Prize for literature in 1983, Appelfeld was the laureate of an assortment of other honors and awards that officially secured his place as a venerated novelist.

In addition to twice being awarded the Anne Frank prize, he also received the Prime Ministers prize, along with the Brenner Prize for literature in 1975, and the Bialik Prize for literature in 1979.

(Photo: David Rubinger)

His literary feats were also recognized worldwide when he was conferred international awards for his seminal works that were translated into 35 languages.

Appelfeld's "Blooms of Darkness", the tale of an 11-year-old boy hidden from the Nazis by a prostitute, won the Independent Foreign Fiction Prize in London in 2012.

In 2013, he was among a list of authors to receive the prestigious Man Booker International Prize. Awards of reverence continued fall to be presented to Appelfeld until his final years and in 2016, he was also presented with a citation French Legion of Honor.

Moreover, he received an honorary degree from a myriad of universities, including his Alma mater in Jerusalem, Bar-Ilan University, the Jewish Theological Seminary of America and the Hebrew Union CollegeJewish Institute of Religion.

(Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg)

Speaking in an interview with Ynet in 2013, Appelfeld recalled his experiences in the wilderness in World War II when his lifes mission was dedicated to fleeing the grasp of the Nazis. In the forest I learned how to milk a cow and I learned to survive, he said.

I would play games with myself. If today I see a white horse, it is a sign that my mother is coming to take me. I knew that my mother was killed and my father was in some camp, but it helped me go on, he recalled.

After learning of Appelfelds passing, President Reuven Rivlin wrote a brief eulogy on his Twitter account. Nechama (his wife) and I are extremely saddened by departure of our cherished author Aharon Appelfeld. May his memory and works be blessed forever, he wrote.

Amos Oz, one of Israel's most prominent novelists, said on Army Radio that Appelfed shied away from graphic depictions of the Holocaust, choosing instead to describe its effect on the lives of his characters.

"Appelfeld never wrote about gas chambers, never wrote about executions, about mass graves, atrocities and experiments on human beings. He wrote about survivors before and after. He wrote about people who did not know what was about to happen to them and about people who already knew everything but hardly spoke about it," Oz said on Army Radio.

"He didn't want, or he was unable, to write depictions of the horrors - he said that too. They are beyond the ability of human language to express them. You have to approach them indirectly, tiptoeing from afar," said Oz, once Appelfeld's student in a kibbutz.
Two ultra-Orthodox youth say they were assaulted early Saturday by two young Arab men while they were making their way to the Pool of Siloam in Jerusalem.

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The two Haredim filed a complaint with the police, saying the two Arabs cursed at them in Hebrew and Arabic and punched them.

"It was terrible humiliation," said P., one of the Haredi youth. "They forced us to kiss their hands, say verses in Arabic, say derogatory things against the prime minister and say we recognize Hamas's rule. They documented all of it from up close with their phone cameras. We demand the police to investigate it."

File photo (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg)

The two ultra-Orthodox youth, who were able to flee the scene, did not require medical care.

The Honenu legal NGO, which is representing the two, said the Arab youth tied the Haredi boys' payot (sidelocks) together, forced them to say the Shahada (an Islamic declaration of belief), and forced them to say "Hamas is the best, Hamas needs to rule."

"This incident is reminiscent of darker days in which Jews were humiliated and mistreated," said a Honenu lawyer.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident and have since arrested two suspects from east Jerusalem, aged 18 and 19. The court extended their remand by four days.

"This is a grave incident, which was allegedly motivated by racism," police said.
The son of Richard Lakin, who was murdered in a terror attack in Jerusalem in October 2015, has been nominated to head a new government-backed organization to take on the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement.

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Micah Lakin-Avnis father was one of three people who were murdered in a terror attack in the East Talpiot in Jerusalem on October 13, 2015 at the height of the wave of terror.

Since his father was killed, Avni has waged a legal campaign against Facebook in a quest to wash out the incitement to terror that has flooded its virtual walls

Micah Avni and his father, the late Richard Lakin

The new non-profit organization, which was established at the behest of Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan (Likud), who also serves as minister of strategic affairs and information.

The most recent weapon in the ministrys arsenal against BDS will operate in the form of a public benefit company and will be charged with the task of assisting Israel in its public relations efforts and countering attempts to tarnish the countrys name on the international stage and calls to impose boycotts.

The group will be funded by the government, which has so far pumped NIS 128 million into its coffers. Jewish philanthropists in the Diaspora are also expected to fund the project, which is expected to boost its overall budget to ballpark figure of between NIS 256 million and NIS 512 million.

Both the lower and upper end of the estimate would constitute an unprecedented investment in any organization instituted to fight the BDS.

A well-known figure in the capital market world, Avni will lead the organization on a voluntary basis. He is the founder and CEO of the Peninsula company, which provides credit to small and medium-sized businesses in Israel. He also serves as the chairman of an Israeli credit card association.

Richard Lakin, the 76-year-old American Israeli, was murdered in a brutal attack when two Palestinian terroristsBaha Aliyan, 22, and Bilal Ranem, 23, both from Jabel Mukaberboarded the line 78 Egged bus on Olei HaGardom Street in East Talpiot, a neighborhood also known as Armon HaNatziv, one armed with a gun and the other with a knife.

(Left) Baha Alian (22) killed (Right) Bilal Ranem (23)

Beginning their bloodletting as the bus was still traveling, three died of their wounds and ten others were wounded. Haim Haviv, 78, and Alon Govberg, 51 were also killed in the attacks.

Immediately after the massacre, Avni began his personal struggle against incitement on social media, publishing articles in the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal on the subject.

The scene of the attack in Jerusalem's East Talpiot (Photo: Shlomi Cohen)

Avni also filed a billion-dollar lawsuit against Facebook for enabling Hamas, a terror organization, to utilize its network and for enabling incitement to terror. Following the legal battle, all pages affiliated with Hamas and its leaders were removed from the social media giant.

Our enemies understand that they cant beat us militarily so they try to conduct a war against us using calls for boycotts and delegitimization, Avni said on Wednesday. I welcome the initiative of the Ministry of Strategic Affairs as a model of cooperation between the Jewish people in the Diaspora and the Israeli government.
Attorney Yitzhak Molcho, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's former envoy on diplomatic affairs, was questioned for several hours Wednesday by Lahav 443, the police's national crime unit, in the submarine and vessel affair.

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Molcho was taken in for questioning about two months ago on suspicions of breach of trust. The police said he had worked to advance the submarine deal with Germany.

David Shimron, Molcho's partner and Netanyahu's attorney, was also detained at around the same time, and the two were confronted with state witness Miki Ganor.

Attorney Yitzhak Molcho after being questioned in November (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg)

The police are investigating suspicions of corruption surrounding the procurement of submarines and patrol ships for Israel's Navy from German conglomerate ThyssenKrupp, a deal mediated by Ganor, who was represented by Shimron. Molcho confirmed that he had met Ganor several times when the latter visited Shimron's office.

Molcho's lawyer, Zvi Agmon, said in response to the allegations against his client that "He was an envoy for many years, and never took care of his own interests, only those of the country. He has no connection to the submarine affair."

Molcho, 72, maintains he and Shimron are innocent and believe the allegations against them are another attempt to harm Netanyahu.

The two are among the senior partners in the E.S.Shimron, I.Molcho, Persky & Co. law firm, which has been representing the Netanyahu family for many years.

Molcho further maintains that he had no hand in the submarine deal, and that he and Shimron kept their affairs completely separate, with one not knowing about the other's sensitive missions on behalf of the prime minister.

Shimron has been serving as Netanyahu's personal consigliore and has been entrusted with the Netanyahu family's personal legal affairs.

Molcho has been Netanyahu's diplomatic envoy since his first term in 1996. He has negotiated on behalf of the prime minister, primarily with the Palestinians, the United States, Turkey and Egypt.

The two are close personal friends of the Netanyahu family and also have familial ties to the prime ministerShimron is Netanyahu's second cousin and Molcho is married to Shimron's sister.
Iran's army chief said on Thursday police forces had already quelled anti-government unrest that has killed 21 people but that his troops were ready to intervene if needed, official media reported, as new state-sponsored protests were held.

The anti-government demonstrations, which seem to be spontaneous and without a clear leader, erupted a week ago in Iran's second city of Mashhad over economic hardshipsmostly youth unemployment and alleged corruption.
Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked is in favor of imposing the death penalty on terrorists in extreme cases, but said Thursday she does not think there is need for new legislation, the likes of which Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman is currently promoting.

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"There is no need for legislation since there's capital punishment even now, it's just not being used," she told Ynet in an interview. "The military prosecution doesn't ask for the death penalty, and if it doesn't ask for itjudges don't give it."

"The last time a death sentence was handed down to a terrorist was in 1994. That terrorist appealed, his punishment was commuted to a life sentence, and he was released in the Shalit deal," Shaked went on to explain. "That deal was reckless and such deals should not be madeterrorists and killers should not be released."

Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg)

Since then, she said, the death sentence has not been given. "The problem is not with the law, but with the military prosecution. The defense minister can demand a discussion on the matter, a change in policy, so in extreme cases there will be capital punishment," she asserted.

Shaked gave the murder of the Fogel family in Itamar as an example of such an extreme case. "When there's a terrorist who slaughters children, then we should use the death penalty... when there are very extreme cases of the murder of several children, of families, then there's definitely room to consider it," she said.

When asked if she thinks the law should apply to Jews as well, the justice minister evaded the question, saying only that "I think there's no need to change the law, this is what I'm explaining."

The bill that passed a preliminary reading in the Knesset on Wednesday would change the existing legislation so instead of requiring a unanimous decision by the judges to sentence a terrorist to death, only a regular majority would be required.

Shaked insisted the bill would not change the existing situation insofar as military court would still be able to sentence terrorists to death.

'No sense for early elections'

Another controversial piece of legislation Shaked says doesn't change the existing situation is Aryeh Deri's supermarkets bill , which would give the interior minister the authority to strike down municipal bylaws, including ones that permit some businesses to operate on Shabbat.

"Contrary to all of the spins and the media hype, it doesn't really change the existing situation. There are convenience stores, and there are supermarkets opened on Shabbat, and it will stay that way. Wander around the different cities, and you'll see nothing has changed," she claimed.

Despite the many disagreements, the justice minister believes the coalition is functioning well. "In general, it's a stable and good coalition. There are a few bumps and hurdles to get past, and these are the things that get a lot of media coverage. A lot of good things being done in government ministries don't get coverage simply because they're less interesting," she said.

Shaked with former coalition head MK David Bitan at the Knesset (Photo: Alex Kolomoisky)

"There's a record number of tourists, the education minister is significantly improving achievements in math and sciences. We're doing a lot of good things," Shaked elaborated.

She insisted it "makes no sense to go to elections. This government works well."

Shaked criticized the fact members of Knesset in Moshe Kahlon's Kulanu party and in Lieberman's Yisrael Beytenu party do not support some bills being promoted by the coalition. "This is how a coalition falls apart. Even when there are laws I really don't like, I get over it and vote. It's part of the coalition. Those who want to be in politics need to know how to compromise too, there's nothing to be done about it."

She said her party, Bayit Yehudi, "is definitely the responsible partner in the coalition, which adheres to coalition discipline. I think all parties should do the same, if we want to keep having this government."

The justice minister praised the Likud Central Committee after its members voted last week in favor of a resolution calling on the government to apply Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank. "We definitely think this should be the solution eventually, and I'm very glad the Likud party has also adopted this view of annexing Area C. I'm glad at least the Likud Central Committee adopted the Bayit Yehudi platform."

Shaked said the move could start in Ma'ale Adumim and Gush Etzion. "Slowly but surely, more people are realizing this is the right thing to do, and I believe in the future it would be possible," she said.

Shaked noted Bayit Yehudi has a bill proposal to that end, and the party was waiting for the right time to table it.
After more than a year since a promise was made by Israels highest religious institutions to delineate criteria for the countrys recognition of the credentials of rabbis in the diaspora, many Orthodox rabbis have expressed dismay with the fact that the Joint Committee of the Chief Rabbinate and the Rabbinical Courts that was established to clarify and regulate the issue has met on only one occasion since.

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Last year, Ynet learned that the courts refused to recognize Rabbi Haskel Lookstein, the modern Orthodox rabbi who converted Ivanka Trump

Pressured into taking action on the matter by threats that the issue would be taken to the High Court of Justice (HCJ), the Israeli rabbinate pledged in December 2016 that it would discuss the issue. However, the execution of the special committees raison d'etre appears to have been brought to a complete stagnation since.

The Chief Rabbinate (:  )

Israels chief rabbis David Lau and Yitzhak Yosef announced the creation of the ad hoc committee for evaluating the matter and even declared that it would convene for the first time within a number of days.

However, more than a year has elapsed since the pledge was made and the committee has only ever met once in February 2017, a fact which has been a source of anger for the ITIM organization, which says it helps people navigate the religious authorities bureaucracy in Israel.

Moreover, much to the organizations chagrin, the committee refuses to publish the protocols and minutes of the sole meeting.

ITIM claims that the foot dragging by the rabbinate in formulating the criteria is deliberately intended to enable it to create an unofficial  blacklist  of senior rabbis with more liberal religious propensities that they do not recognize.

One of the rabbis that has not been recognized so far by the Israeli Rabbinate is Rabbi Adam Scheier, who leads the Orthodox congregation of Shaar Hashomayim in Montreal and has ties with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The synagogue which he leads is one of the largest in North America. Rabbi Scheier expressed his deep disappointment at the Rabbinates conduct, accusing it of lack of action and causing a rift between the State of Israel and diaspora Jewry.

He also warned that its actions do not contribute to the future relations of the two sides.

We called on the Rabbinate to act with complete transparency to improve communications and relations with diaspora Jewry, Scheier said, adding that the the Rabbinates ways have led the diaspora to the conclusion that it either doesnt have enough strength to deal with this serious problem or it simply simply doesnt find it urgent or interesting to deal with important problems that are related to the diaspora Jewry.

Ivanka Trump (Photo: AP)

The director of ITIM, which threatened to appeal to the HCJ, Rabbi Dr. Seth Farber also lamented the committees failure to take action.

This contempt and condescension of the Rabbinate toward rabbis in the Jewish community outside Israel has been going on for a number of years and is deepening the deep rift between Jews in Israel and Jews around the world, he argued.

This is behavior that is contrary to the fundamental principles of the Torah, that obligates us be extra cautious not to harm converts.

The Chief Rabbinate also issued a statement responding to the accusations, claiming that the matter was under discussion.

After a number of meetings, discussions and advisory sessions and a discussion in the Chief Rabbinate Council, together with the members of the Supreme Rabbinical Court, to determine recognition in the courts outside Israel, the Israeli Rabbinate Council nominated a joint staff of the Chief Rabbinate Council and members of the Supreme Rabbinical Court to submit recommendations to the Chief Rabbinical Council in order to determine criteria for recognition in foreign courts, the statement read.

The team held a meeting and in addition we convened an internal advisory meeting to determine the criteria, and as part of this, it even turned to the courts outside Israel to receive expert opinions. The team submitted its recommendations to the Israeli Chief Rabbinate Council that has held a number of meetings on the matter.
Former Shin Bet director Yoram Cohen said Thursday the agency's recommendation was not to provide Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's sons, Yair and Avner, with a permanent security detail, leading the PMO to cry foul.

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"If I remember it correctly, during my tenure our opinion was that there was no real need to provide them with a permanent security detail, but it was rejected. There were quite a few decisions in which my recommendations weren't accepted," Cohen told Army Radio.

The Prime Minister's Office rejected Cohen's claims, saying he "alerted the prime minister, following Protective Edge and other security incidents, to the fact there was need to bolster the security arrangements for the prime minister's sons. Cohen even asked the prime minister to examine the possibility of having Yair transfer from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem to another university."

According to the PMO, websites affiliated with Iran's Revolutionary Guards "posted photos of the prime minister's sons seen in the crosshairs of a rifle as explicit targets for assassination."

The prime minister's children in the crosshairs

A public committee headed by former Foreign Ministry director-general Joseph Ciechanover is tasked with examining the security situation and existing threats and determining the extent of security given to public officials and to their family members.

The committee determined that as long as the prime minister's children live in the official residence on Balfour Street in Jerusalem, they will have a security detail.

A ministerial committee headed by Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz has to approve the decisions of the public committee.

This is the first time the Shin Bet, an agency entrusted with the security of state officials, reveals there were objections to the security detail provided to the prime minister's children.

It also contradicts the Netanyahu family's regular response to criticism over the security detail and personal driver the prime minister's sons haveinsisting the decision on security arrangements is done by security officials, and the prime minister's sons have no say in it.

Before Netanyahu entered office, the Israeli prime minister's children did not receive a security detail, though they did not live in the official residence either.
OSLO - Last year was the second hottest worldwide on record, just behind a sweltering 2016 with signs of climate change ranging from wildfires to a thaw of Arctic ice, a European Union monitoring centre said on Thursday.

The Copernicus Climate Change Service, the first major international weather agency to report global 2017 temperatures, said they averaged 14.7 degrees Celsius (58.46F) or 1.2C (2.2F) above pre-industrial times.

Last year was slightly "cooler than the warmest year on record, 2016, and warmer than the previous second warmest year, 2015," the report said. Temperature records date back to the late 19th century.
A rebel-controlled Yemeni court has sentenced a local Baha'i man to death on charges of disseminating the beliefs of his faith and spying for Israel.

Hamid bin Haydara, detained since December 2013, received his sentence Tuesday. It was condemned by local and international rights groups, including Amnesty International, which slammed it as "cruel" and "degrading." It also called on Yemeni authorities to "immediately quash" the sentence.

The Iranian-backed Shiite rebels, known as Houthis, seized the capital Sanaa in 2014. They have been at war with a Saudi-led coalition backing an internationally recognized government since March 2015.

The Baha'i faith originated in Iran in 1844 but is currently banned there. Israel is home to some of its holy sites and administrative bodies.
A Turkish court on Thursday sentenced a lawmaker of the main pro-Kurdish opposition party to 16 years and 8 months in prison, courthouse sources said, nearly a year after his arrest on terrorism-related charges.

Idris Baluken, of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), was first jailed pending trial in a terrorism-related investigation in November 2016. He was later released in January 2017 and arrested again one month later.

Baluken and other detained HDP members, including the party's co-leaders, are mostly accused of links to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group, which has conducted a decades-old insurgency against the Turkish state. All of the accused have denied the charges.

"This sentence reflects anger against democracy and the fight for freedom. Justice is being used as a baton," said HDP co-leader Serpil Kemalbay following the court ruling.

The arrests in the HDP drew international condemnation and former co-leader Figen Yuksekdag has since been stripped of her parliamentary status and replaced as co-chairwoman.

"Devastating sentence and continuation of crackdown on opposition voices," the European Parliament's rapporteur on Turkey, Kati Piri, wrote on Twitter.

The third-largest party in the Turkish parliament, the HDP has been hammered by a crackdown that followed the July 2016 coup attempt, as several of its members have either been detained, jailed or stripped of their parliamentary status.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has said Iranian President Hassan Rouhani assured him that the situation in Iran, where protests have left 21 people dead, will stabilise in a day or two.

Erdogan also said in the interview, broadcast on Thursday by the French televisions stations LCI and TF1, that foreigners were acting as provocateurs in Iran, echoing comments by Iranian leaders after a week of unrest in towns across the country.

"I talked with Mr Rouhani on the phone and ... the situation will stabilise within a day or two, there's no need to be worried, that's what they told me," Erdogan said in comments dubbed into French, later adding that Rouhani had told him the situation "would be back to normal by the weekend".
Just hours after confirming Thursday that Minister of Religious Services David Azoulay (Shas) will leave his seat in the Knesset in order to ensure the approval of the Supermarkets Bill next week, Shas announced that the planned resignation has been canceled.

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Azoulay, who has been frequently hospitalized recently due to health issues, was forced to be absent from the Knesset and was one of the reasons for the coalition's difficulties in obtaining a majority in the vote for the bill and its postponement to next week.

Prior to the cancelation of his planned resignation, Azoulay was set to continue to serve as minister of religious services, while his son, Yinon Azoulay, was expected to take his seat in the Knesset.

Minister of Religious Services David Azulay (Photo: Amit Shabi)

Next in line after David Azoulay on the party list are veteran Shas activists David Seida and Avi Amsalem, both of whom were expected to waive the position in favor of Yinon.

Shas leaders also considered the possibility of letting Azoulay resign under the Norwegian Law, which would have allowed him to retain his position as minister and return to his seat once his health improves, though each party is limited to only one such resignation per Knesset assembly.

Though Shas confirmed the move, Azoulay's associates were surprised by the publication of his planned resignation, saying it was neither discussed nor coordinated with them.

The move has been brewing in recent days in coordination with Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri, David Azoulay and his son Yinon.

L to R: David Azulay, his son Yinon and Aryeh Deri (Photo: Yakov Cohen)

The Supermarkets Bill would give the interior minister authority to strike down city bylaws including ones allowing store openings on Shabbat, affectively giving Deri the power to shutter supermarkets and convenience stores on Saturdays.

It is set to go up for preliminary vote next week.
Egyptian authorities have arrested 75 people including government officials and foreigners over an array of corruption-related charges.

The country's anti-corruption Administrative Control Authority said in a Thursday statement that the arrests come in the wake of a 14-months-long investigation that revealed the defendants' involvement with several "organized gangs."

The statement, carried by state-run news agency MENA, says the defendants were found to be involved in acts of bribery, profiteering, forging official documents, facilitating illegal migration and human trafficking, as well as misappropriating private and public funds.

The statement didn't name officials or specify the nationalities of the foreigners involved.

It added that the arrests were carried out during raids across several provinces, including Cairo, Giza, Alexandria, Kafr el-Sheikh, Gharbiya and Daqahliyah.
Delta Airlines, the world's second largest carrier, is facing a discrimination suit by four of its flight attendants who accuse the company of discriminatory policies towards Jews.

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According to plaintiff Cynthia Fukelman who was fired after a decade of service, "Delta Airlines forced religious passengers to check their hats, Teffilin, Talit and other religious garment in the plane's undercarriage, and did not allow them to carry them aboard the plane so that they could pray. Sometimes, religious passengers were even denied boarding because they refused to do so."

Fukelman (Photo: Linkedin)

The suit, filed by Philadelphia attorney Brian Mildenberg, alleges that Delta discriminated against Jewish passengers and crew on flights to Israel "based on their ethnicity alone."

Another plaintiff, Tsipora Kuba, an Israeli residing in NY who has worked at the airline for 21 years, claimed her promotion was blocked because of her background.

A third plaintiff, Young Sook Sanchez, worked at Delta for more than 30 years and was fired for giving a flight voucher to her Israeli friend and the fourth, Anthony Panza, also an airline veteran, claims that managers harassed him because he sided with his Jewish co-workers.

Airline workers often receive flight vouchers that they can share with friends and family. The plaintiffs claim that the airline tried to prevent vouchers being given to Israelis or Jews.

"Delta only looked into incidents that involved Jewish or Israeli passengers flying to Tel Aviv," says Fukelman. "The airline did not want Israeli crew members to share their vouchers."

The claims relate to paying passengers as well. The airline allegedly posts extra overseeing staff during briefings before flights to Israel as well as during boarding and disembarking.

Delta profiled Israeli, Jewish passengers

Fukelman says that the airline would "Profile passengers," and that they "wrongly considered Israeli and Jewish passengers as especially problematic, loud and difficult to service." Flight attendants were also constantly at risk of being accused of "collaborating with the enemy," i.e. the passengers. Instead of working with the crew, she says, the airline viewed them "as part of the problem."

As opposed to her co-plaintiffs, Fukelman was fired by Delta. The airline claims that she missed a flight she was supposed to be working on but Fukelman claims that there were medical reasons and the airline fired her because of her race and connection to Israel. Currently, she works at a school and hopes to return to her old job.

Adv. Mildenberg who specializes in aviation litigation commented to Ynet that despite the fact that the above mentioned incidents are personal, the plaintiffs insist on outing Delta for the sake of all Jewish passengers and crew members.

"My clients are calling on Delta to do the right thing and cease its discriminatory policies against Jewish and Israelis on flights to Israel," he said.

A Delta spokesman said in response: "The company strongly rejects the charges of discrimination outlined in the lawsuit and will defend itself against them. As an international airline which connects people all over the world, Delta appreciates diversity in all its forms and has zero tolerance for discrimination."
Hundreds of Palestinians protested against unemployment and the erratic electricity supply Thursday in the Jabelia Refugee Camp in Gaza. The protesters accused the PA President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas of being responsible for their woes.

For the past six months, Gazans only received a few hours of electricity a day due to a financial dispute between Hamas and the PA.
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